Cathedral News from Canterbury, Floating text
To the Honorable Houſe of Commons aſſembled in Parliament; The humble Petition of the Inhabitants in, and about the Citie of Canterbury.
Shewing,
THat whereas under the Tyrannous government of Archbiſhops, Biſhops, Epiſcopall government tyrannous.Deanes, Archdeacons, &c. the ſaid Inhabitants are preſſed with grievances, as followeth.
1. The Canons, or Deane and Prebendaries, beſides their rich Prelacies, Cathedrall Canons, Deane, Prebends.bold (each of them) divers Benefices with Cures of ſoules, which Cures they caſt off to poore Curates, allowing them a ſmall ſtipend, and living themſelves in eaſe, and exceſſe, to the hinderance of Gods Word, and the great prejudice of painefull Miniſters, and their Families.
2. The Pettie Canons, and Singingmen there, ſing their Cathedrall Cathedrall Peticanous, Singingmen, Prickſong-Service.Service in Prick-ſong after the Romiſh faſhion, chaunting the Lords Prayer, and other Prayers in an unfit manner, in the Chancell or Quire of that Cathedrall; at the Eaſt end whereof they have placed an Altar (as they call it) dreſſed after the Romiſh faſhion, with Candleſticks and Tapers, &c. for which Altar they have lately provided a moſt Idolatrous coſtly Cathedrall High Altar dreſſed, crouched to.GLORY-CLOTH or Back-Cloth; towards which Altar they crouch and duck three times at their going up to it, to reade there part of their Service apart from the Aſſembly.
3. The Cathedrall Prelates to maintaine their Quire Conſort, doe get their Singingmen into the Miniſtery, and provide them Benefices with Cathedrallmeete-Service-booke-Prieſt,; Weavers, Tobaccopipe-makers, Taylors, Butlers, Servingmen.Cures of ſoules in divers Pariſhes, in and about the ſaid citie, they being many of them only reading-Prieſts, as Mr. &c. late Weaver, now reading-Prieſt, and Parſon of St. Mary Bredman, and Peticanon of that Cathedrall, Mr. &c. late Tobaccopipe-maker, and reprieved from the Gallowes, now reading-Prieſt and Parſon of St. Martins, and Peticanon of that Cathedrall. Mr. &c. late Taylor, Servingman and Butler to the Deane of that Cathedrall, now reading Prieſt and Curate of St. Mary Bredin, and alſo of St. Mary Magdalen, and Peticanon of that Cathedra'l. Mr. &c. late Serving-man, now reading-Prieſt, and curate of St. Johns, and Parſon ſine cura, and Peticanon of that Cathedrall; Beſides Seldomepreaching Prieſts.divers ſeldome-preaching Prieſts Peticanons of that Cathedrall, which to give their attendance upon their Cathedrall Service, doe huddle over Prayers and Sermons (if any be) in their Pariſhes at unſeaſonable houres; Huddle-Service, and currycure a Cathedrall Prieſt.whereby the people (far the moſt part reſting themſelves content with what they find at their owne Pariſh Church) are kept in wofull ignorance, and profane the Lords day, to the prejudice of their ſoules, ſcandall of our Religion, diſhonour of God, and the diſgrace of the Miniſtery, and Churches of England.The Cathedrall Sermon removed from the Sermon-houſe to the Popiſh Quire, and why? to get people to their Altar-worſhip, and Piping-Service.
4. Whereas neare that Cathedrall there is a large, warme, and welſeated Sermon-houſe, where (time out of mind) Sermons have beene made upon Lords dayes, and Feſtivall dayes: Of late there hath beene a Pulpit ſet up in the Quire of that Cathedrall, which is a very cold and inconvenient place, and there onelyonly the Sermon is preached on thoſe dayes, and hemd in with their Quire Service, that all that will partake of the Sermon, ſhould of neceſſitie partake of their Cathedrall-Ceremonious-Altar-Service, whereby many are driven away from hearing the Word of God, as alſo for want of ſeats, that roome not being capable of halfe that Auditory, which might, and did heare in the Sermon-Houſe.
5. All the Communion Tables in the ſaid City, have lately beene removed, Communion Tables turned into Altars.and ſet up to the Eaſt end of the Chancells, and railed in. And whereas in the two chiefe Churches of that City, there were decent and ancient Seats for the Maior and Aldermen; of late thoſe ſeates have been pulled downe to make Roome for the Altars on the Eaſt of thoſe Churches; to the Seats and Galleries pul'd down to ſet up Altars.great hinderance of the Aſſemblies; and all this was done at the command of Doctor &c.—Parſon of Hithe, Parſon of Ickham, Parſon of W…ll, Parſon of Saltwood, Prebend of Canterbury, Arch-Deacon, &c.
6. In that Cathedrall there hath been lately erected a Superſtitious Font, with three Ascents to it, paled about with high guilded and painted A new Cathedrall Font adorned with Images, and conſecrated by a Lord Biſhop, who went round about it, reading in a Booke, and went up the three ſteps, and put his head into the Font.iron bars, having under the Cover of it, a carved Image of the Holy Ghoſt, in the forme of a Dove, and round about it are placed carved Images of the twelve Apoſtles, and foure Evangeliſts, and of Angels, and over it a Carved Image of Chriſt; ſo that none can looke up in prayer there, but hee ſhall behold thoſe tempting Images in the place of Divine Worſhip; againſt the Law of God, and the Doctrine of the Church of England. And all this is done at the coſts of Doctor &c.—late Prebend there, now Parſon of Back-Church in London; Parſon of Barham in Eaſt-Kent, neere Dover; Parſon of Biſhops Bourn; Lord Biſhop of Rocheſter, &c. And that Font was conſecrated by the Lord Biſhop of Oxford; as it teſtified by a Proctor of the Arch-Biſhops Eccleſiaſtical Court in Canterbury; in a Booke lately Printed and dedicated to the Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury, and adorned A Book called the Antiquities of Canterbury.with the Pictures of his Miter, and Coat-Armes, and of many Altars, and Idolatrons Monuments, and of that New Cathedrall Font.
7. From the over-awing greatneſſe of thoſe Cathedrall Prelates, and of the Arch-Biſhops Eccleſiaſticall Courts there, Preaching and Lectures are much decayed in that City; ſo, that two Publique Lectures are put downe; and divers able (though conformable) Miniſters, have beene hindred from Preaching there: And many ſcandalous and unable Prieſts, have been, and now are beneficed and upheld there, by the Arch-Biſhop and Prelates are Enemies to Preaching.Cathedrall Prelates; and lewd perſons admitted to the Lords Table; to the great diſhonour of God, and Offence of the Godly. Beſides many other heavy grievances in matters of Religion, common to the whole Kingdome.
The moſt humble and hearty Petition of the ſaid Inhabitants, is, that the premiſed ſoule-preſſing grievances, may bee taken into the comideration of this Honourable Aſſembly.
And your Petitioners ſhall ever pray, &c.
This Petition confirmeth this Character, or deſcription of a Cathedrall Corporation. A Cathedrall is a neſt of Non-Reſidents; an Epicurean A Character, or deſcription of a Cathedrall.Colledge of ryot and voluptuauſneſſe; A Schoole for Complement in Religion; but a ſcourge upon the life and practice thereof; A refuge for ſuperſtition; but the bane of true peity: The ſhame of the Clergy, and the ſcorne of the Laity.
But this Petition, and Character is no Cathedrall newes, to thoſe that live neere the Canterburian Cathedrall; the vaſt revenues whereof Cathedrall Revenues groſſely abuſed.(which might advance Religion, Learning, and an able Miniſtry) have been ſo long time abuſed, to the maintenance of Ignorance, Superſtition, Pride, Luxurie, &c. Cathedrall carding, dicing, dancing, ſwearing, drunkenneſſe, and drabbing too, are no newes: No wonder to ſee the Sacke-bottles keepe ranke, and file in their Studies; beſides Taverne toſpotting, and ſmoaking.
It is no newes to tell you, that Prince Ruperts health was drunke A Cathedrall Health drunke to Prince Rupert.lately in that Cathedrall. It is atteſted to the Honourable Committee concerning plundred Miniſters; that Mr. &c.—upon the Faſt day in the afternoone, at the Taverne with other Gentlemen, drunke about ten healths, and continued there untill night, where he was left with the Deane of Canterbury. A Tavern-haunting Cathedrall Doctor, is no wonder; reeling after a Malignant meeting, and being beholding to a ſupporter.
How did the Cathedrall Prelates beſtirre themſelves for their brave female Cathedraliſt; who was lately delivered of a childe alone, A Cathedrall Laſſe beguiled by a Singing Man.ſecretly in a vault in that Cathedrall, calling no help; & a few daies after, ſhe being diſcovered to have had a Child; (after ſearch) the childe was found dead in the Vault; there wanted Pope Gregories Fiſh-pond. Shee was arraigned at the Seſſions for the murder; but Malignant and She is Arraigned for the dea h of her Childe.Prelaticall Juſtices (left the Cathedrall ſhould ſuffer with her, at the gallowes) ſo beſtirred themſelves, that ſhee was acquitted; though the Learned, and well-affected Judge ſaid in open Seſſions; that nothing but the Kings pardon could ſave her: And another Noble and valiant Patriot then ſitting on the Bench, openly proteſted againſt that verdict, at her Tryall. How flaunting is the garbe of thoſe Cathedrall Prelates, and Prelateſſes, all Lady-like (at leaſt) in all accoutrements of Houſe, Cathedrall' flaunting pride.habits, &c. So that I have heard it often averred upon experience, that the Cathedrall pride and bravery, hath infected Citie, and Countrey, by marriages, and otherwiſe.
A moſt proud Cathedrall Dame there, being to goe to a great meeting, her Maid could not pleaſe her, in Starching her Ruffe, though ſhe did it often in one day: The Maid brought it to her againe at night, but ſhe, in a rage, threw it downe, and ſtampt it under her feet, and beate her Maid; charging her to ſit up and ſtarch it; but it being late, and the Maid out of hope to pleaſe her, went to bed, leaving the Ruffe flapt together, as her Miſtris had ſtampt it: The next morning the Ruffe was found ſtarch't, none knew how; ſhee then brought it to her The Devill the Cathedrall Landreſſe.Miſtreſſe; who ſaid, I marry! could you not have done it ſo before? This matter was moſt ſtrictly examined, and it could not bee found that any knew of the ſtarching of it; though her husband beſtir'd himſelf much to find out the truth: whereupon, in concluſion, he threw the Ruffe into the Fire, out of which itleap'd; untill hee held it in the Fire, with the Tonges, and ſo conſumed it in the flame; ſo that it is famous in City and Country, that the Devil was the Cathedrall Landreſſe.
On All-Saints day, 1639. a Cathedral Prelate, being at a Feaſt there, was asked if hee would eate of ſuch a diſh? Tuſh ſaid he, doe you No Butchers meat will goe downe with a Cathedrall Prelate on All-Saints Day-Many Cathedrall Praachers, but few Sermons.think Ile eate any Butchers meat on All-Saintsday?
How often have Miniſters left whole Pariſhes unprovided, on Sabbath dayes, and Faſt dayes to preach in that Cathedrall, for Lazy Prelates, who were ſleepy Auditors, when they ſhould have been the Preachers themſelves? The Sabbath injoyed but one Sermon in that Cathedrall, amongſt all thoſe Cathedrall preachers.
An able Orthodox Divine could not have a Living in thoſe parts, untill every Cathedrall Canon or Prebend, had two or three, and every The Prelates Tyrannous Patronage of Livings, maintaines their Kingdome of darkneſſe.Petti-Cannon one, though a meer-Reading-Service-Booke-Prieſt: This is one fruit of the Prelates Tyrannous Patronage of Livings; wherby they ſo much advanced Popery and Prelacy, and their Kingdom of darknes. There are but ſeven Pariſhes in the fruitful & pleaſant Iſle of Thanet, in Kent; and three of theſe ſeven, the now Arch-Biſhop beſtowed upon His Graces young Chaplaine, beſide a Prebendſhip of Canterbury: And all this, (no queſtion) for his profeſſed forwardneſſe in the Arch-Biſhops pious deſignes, which hee put in execution with what ſpeed hee could: But his Pariſhioners at Mynſter couragiouſly oppoſed his Innovations there; yet he cut and defaced the Seats, and Cathedrall Prelates ſtrive to ſhew the Arch-biſhop their forwardueſſe in Popiſh Innovations.ſet up his Altar and Railes, and fell to Ducking; and threatned them with the Arch-Biſhop, and High-Commiſſion, if they would not come up and receive the Communion, kneeling before the Altar, at the Raile; and when they told him it grieved them that hee ſhould make their Parith a Preſident to all others, of Popiſh Innovations: the Young Cathedrall Doctor replyed, and ſaid, that he was the Arch-Biſhop of Canterburies Chiefe Chaplaine; and therefore would ſhew his GRACE his forwardneſſe in thoſe things. All which, (and more too) divers Witneſſes have teſtified to the Honourable Committee of Parliament for Plundered Miniſters.
In the Yeere 1633. The Romiſh dreſſing, and bowing towards the High Altar, began in that Cathedrall; and a while after, the Plague was The Prelates uſher in Idolatry. Idolatry uſhers in the Plague.very bot there, in many Cathedrall Houſes; ſo that the Prelates were driven from their Altar, and Cathedrall too, which was left (in a manner) deſolate.
Their Cathedrall-Altar-Glory-cloth, before mentioned, was lately found out, where they had laid it in that Cathedrall, and is now The Cathedrall Altar-Glory, which is then ſhame.in the hands of the Honorable Committte, of Parliament for demoliſhing of Idolatrous monuments. That Glory, which is the ſhame of their Cathedrall, is made of very rich Imbroydery of Gold and Silver, the name Jehovah on the top, in Gold, upon a cloth of Silver, and below it a ſemicircle of Gold, and from thence glorious rayes and clouds, and gleames and points of rayes, direct and waved, ſtreame downewards upon the Altar, as if Jehovah (God himſelfe) were there preſent in glory, in that Cathedrall at the Altar; and all this to draw the people to looke and worſhip towards the Altar, and thereby to uſher in the breaden god of Rome, and Idolatry. The large patterne of that ſuperſtitious GLORY (being made of papers paſted together, wch is now kept with the Glory) Cathedrall Prelates conſultabout erecting Monuments of ſuperſtition, and Idolatry.hath written on it, thus; Is not this circle too large? if ſo, it may beſt bee mended (as wee conceive) by inlarging the golden circle at the extremities of it, and by inlarging it inward. What thinke you of working the rayes without clouds? If you can conceive it fitting, it will much leſſen the charge: our feare is, the Clouds will not bee well wrought, and then the rayes will ſhew far better without them. W. B. This was written on the patterne at London by a Cathedrall Doctor of Canterbury, as John Rowell the Imbroiderer that made that Glory, hath lately teſtified upon his examination taken before the truely religious Sir Robert Harley, who, being in the Chaire of that Committee, hath (beſide that Glory) ſuch Idolatrous Popiſh Pictures, and other Popiſh trinkets taken out of the Kings Chappell, and from the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and elſe-where, that a true Proteſtant would be aſtoniſhed to behold them, they are ſo abominable; but they are all appointed to the fire. And the ſaid John Rowel teſtifieth that after the patterne was ſo written on, at London, it was carried to the Cathedrall at Canterbury, and there the Prebendaries met and conſulted about that Glory, and then the patterne was written on there, in anſwer to the former writing, thus: Wee conceive this Ovall-forme would doe better in a ſemicircle, and extend the Glory more on either ſide: Theſe Clouds well ſhadowed, and well wrought, and pierced with raies will be moſt proper. We conceive alſo, that the Field ſhould be more Azure, then Silver, which will ſoone tarniſh. And the Imbroiderer further teſtifieth, that all the Prebendaries did approve of the making of that Glory for the Altar.
It is not long ſince our Queenes Mother was led by theſe Prelates, to Our Queenes mother led to Traitor Arch-biſhop Beckets ſtone in that Cathedrall.Arch-Biſhop Thomas Beckets ſtone, in that Cathedrall (the ſtone on which hee fell when hee was caſt downe headlong in that Cathedrall, when hee was executed for his treaſon and rebellion) and ſhee came out of her Sedan, and bowed towards it; ſome ſay ſhe kiſt it, as thouſands of Papiſts have done before her, and it was then ſaid to her, looke on the cracke in that ſtone, that mouth calls to heaven for vengeance on thoſe that ſhed this holy Martyrs blood (a Traytour Martyr, I wis) a Saint fit for a Roman Calender, and a Cathedrall ſhrine. When Queen Mary (her daughter) came to that Cathedrall in her late A Cathedrall Orator tels out Queene Mary that that Cathedrall is the gate of Heavenjourney to Dovor, when ſhe went beyond Sea into Holland, ſhee being entertained in that Cathedrall, a Cathedrall Prelate there ſaid in his courting Oration to her, that that Cathedrall Church (whatſoever ſome ſaid to the contrary) was the gate of beaven. I ſaw the Deane and Prebendaries, (then the Arch-Biſhops Commiſſioners) ſitting in plena curia, in the Arch-Biſhops Conſiſtory Court in that Cathedrall; when divers Cathedral Prelates perſecutors of their Brethren.Kentiſh Miniſters were brought to the Bar before them, and ſentenced for refuſing to publiſh the Prophane Book for Sabbath Sports and Dancings, which is now juſtly contradicted, and condemned to the fire, by a late Sacred Ordinance of Parliament, for the better Obſervation of that Day.They urged the reading of the prophane Book for Sabbath Sports.
The Nimrod of that Cathedrall, a mighty Hunter, and Hawker too, was wont (very often) to hunt Hares, and Foxes on weeke dayes; but he hunted the GRAY, or Badger, on the Sabbath Day, about five yeers ſince. In plaine termes thus: The Deane of Canterbury hearing that one Mr. GRAY, (a Godly and able Miniſter, now living in A Cathedrall Nunrod hunting the GRAY on the Lords Day.Effex) had Preached againſt the Prelates Popiſh proceedings, then on foot; and being informed that hee was to Preach againe (being a Stranger in thoſe parts) the next Sabbath: the Deane, that Sabbath morning, rode out to find him, and Hunted from Shoulden to Ham, from Pariſh to Pariſh, at laſt (towards night) he came to Sandwich, where he had almoſt caught the Game hee purſued, and perſecuted: but the GRAY was crept through a ſecret Muſe; whereupon the Deane cauſed the Towne Gates to be ſhut, and Watchmen were ſet with Halbards at every corner; but the Preacher eſcaped them all: The perſecuted Preacher went beyond the Bridge by the Wind-Mill, and eſcaped the wrath of that Cathedrall Levi, who had a Simeon with him, in that Spaniſh Inquiſition; The Preacher may ſay, Curſed be their anger, for it was fierce, and their wrath, for it was cruell. But the Prelate cauſed divers Godly men to bee brought into the Towne Hall at Sandwich, where they were queſtioned, and ſpoken againſt by him, in his Prelaticall outragious fury. Mr. Thomas Foach was bound over to the High Commiſſion: Becauſe the GRAY tooke earth or burrow in his Ground: But the Miniſter (having on a coloured Suite of Mr. John Foaches now living neer Magnes Church at London-Bridge) eſcaped along the Sea Coaſt, by the conduct of Mr. Anthony Oldfield, to Lid, and ſo to Tenterden, and ſo to London.
Many other Miniſters have (within few yeeres) been perſecuted in that Cathedrall, or by ſome of thoſe Cathedrall Prelates; as, Mr. Huntley, Mr. Gardener, Mr. Partridge, Mr. Player, Mr. Hieron, and others; both Miniſters and People, and eſpecially Religious Churchwardens.
How often was the Biſhops railing prayer, (or rather execration) againſt the Scots (when they ſtood up for their Religion, & Liberties, Cathedrall prayers againſt the Scots.againſt the Tyrannous Prelates) read in that Cathedrall, with a hundred Cathedrall Bellowing and Bawling A-A-Amens, after that Prelaticall Prayer? Some Souldiers being Liſted to ſerve in the Biſhops Warres againſt the Scots, they being Muſtered at Barham-downe in Eaſt-Kent, neere Canterbury, on the fifth of Aprill, 1639. I heard the Grandee, or Deane of that Cathedrall incourage them in the open Field, at the Muſter; and (amongſt the reſt) he ſaid to them, Ha Blades! Cathedraliſts foment the Prelaticall War againſt the Scots.I hope to ſee you returne every Man bravely, with Blew Scots Caps on your Heads, &c. And their Colonell ſaid, you ſhall not need to …ht a ſtroake; but onelyonly to ſhew your ſelves a little: hee ſaid alſo, that the King would make the Scots glad to take Biſhops, and Arch-Biſhops, and Popes too; at which the Cathedraliſt laught exceedingly.
Their Cathedrall Sermons, what have they been (for the moſt part) theſe many yeers, but kickings againſt the power of Godlines, and Religion, and the advancing of Popery, Prelacy, Superſtition, Prophaneneſſe, &c? So Cathedrall Sermons.that good Men have long ſince, altogether abhorred, and deſerted their Cathedrall Preachments; and thereby we are deprived of much evidence againſt their ſtrange Cathedrall Sermonizings. And had it not been for one of that Society, (who though miſ-led, yet now returned) hath been a conſtant Preacher, and (in that reſpect) their Cathedrall Salt; that Cathedrall Neſt of Prelates had wholly ſtunke and ſunke long before this time.
A Religious and well-affected Alderman of Canterbury, gave mee lately a Tranſcript of a paſſage written with his owne hand, in a ſpare leafe in his great Bible, which paſſage I have often read, its this: Chriſt-tide, 1633. was the firſt day of the High Altar, and Candleſtickes on it, and Candles in them, and other dreſſings very brave, in Chriſt-Church, Canterbury: Doctor, &c.—did preach us ſuch a conjuring Sermon, as I never heard before; his Text was, Mat. 2. 2. For wee have The reall preſence Preached for there.ſeene his Starre in the Eaſt, and are come to worſhip him: Hee told us the Names of the Wiſe Men, and their profeſſion, Conjuring: And in the end told the people, that if they would find Chriſt, they muſt come to the ALTAR, and there they ſhould find him really preſent, if any where. This is written in the Aldermans Bible; but in the Tranſcript he writ further to me, thus; But the Cathedrall Doctor did ſo conjure, that I went away with my haire an end, and came no more to the Cathedrall in eight yeares after, and I never could be in tune, till the comming of the Noble Scots: And the Parliament comming on, ſet mee right againe.
Another of thoſe Cathedrall Doctors, Preaching there, in the Quire, The Scots and Gun-powdertraytours compared together in a Cathedrall Sermon.on the fifth of November 1639. compared the Scots to the Gun-Powder Traytors, becauſe (as I conceive) they had blowne the Biſhops, and Popery out of Scotland: Hee ſaid, The Gun-powder-Traytors had their powder in the barrels, but theſe in the Bandeleers; thoſe would blow up, theſe would blow out, &c. Theſe were the fire-hot fumes of a Cathedrall Oven, yet their cake is dough.
The perſecuting Speech of the Arch-biſhop of Canterbury, made at Weſtminſter, in Starre-chamber, againſt Englands three Worthies, Mr. The Arch biſhops Speech in Star-chamber, ecchoed in the Cathedrall at Canterbury.Burton, Dr. Baſtwicke, and Mr. Prynne, did preſently eccho very many paſſages of it, in the Cathedrall at Canterbury, where they were called in a Cathedrall Sermon, black-mouth'd-railing-Rabſhakes, &c.
An ordinary Cathedrall-turne-Preacher, who in his morning ſervice (as is directed in the Maſſe Booke) uſed to ſing, Pſal. 43. And when they ſung, Then will I to thine Altar goe, hee preſently went out of his ſeat, and did goe up, ducking, to the Altar, to read Service there. This Altar-Prieſt Preacht in that Cathedrall (which I heard) word for word thus: His name Jeſus was given him by an Cathedrall Doctrine, that a Pope gave Chriſt his nameAngell, his name Chriſt was given him by a Biſhop, an Arch-biſhop, Pontiſex Maximus, as wee ſay in Engliſh, a Pope, the firſt of all Popes, Saint Peter; thou art Chriſt: Its no marvel, if ſuch men now malignantly ſide with Cavaleeres, Bapiſts, and Prelates, againſt the proceedings of Parliament.
Another Cathedrall-turne-Preacher, who being queſtioned why hee Altar Railes made of Conſecrated wood.made not new Chancell railes for the Communion-Table, he replied, that thoſe Railes were made of old Church wood, and Seats, which was conſecrated ſtuffe. This Cathedrall Preacher, in his Viſitation Biſhops Viſitations ſtuffe.Sermon, Preached on the three and twentyeth day of April 1639. Added to the Arch-biſhops uſuall titles, calling him Our Good Lord, and Maſter, as they of old ſaid of the Pope, Dominus Deus noſter Papa; hee then Preached in Folio Dioceſan Biſhops to bee jure divine, affirming the Presbyterian government to be a Gemmy, a toy, or Gu-gaw; by Gemmy The Scots tailed on at the Arch-biſhops Viſitation.meaning the Scots (as was conceived) againſt whom he expreſly inveyed, and (amongſt the reſt) ſaid, Regi inimica meo, gens inimica Deo, A Nation at enmity with my King, a Nation at enmity with my God. The Buſitaking-Sermon being ended, the Arch-deacon (being Prebend of that Cathedrall) made an Oration to the Church-wardens, and then I heard him ſay, Is your Communion Table ſet up to the Eaſt end of the Chancell, and rayled in? Let it beſet up in the higheſt place in the Church, its fit Almighty An Arch deacons Viſitation ſpeech, for Altars, as Gods ſent at ChurchGod ſhould have the higheſt room there; as if one invite a great man to his houſe, he will give him the chiefeſt room or ſeat.
One of thoſe Cathedrall Doctors, (Preaching there before the Kings Majeſty, when he went with the Queen to Dovor) in his Sermon, curſed all thoſe that went about to take away the Epiſcopall Government, and to bring in the Presbyterian; he affirmed then the Epiſcopall Government to Cathedral cutting in the Kings preſencebe from Heaven, as was that of old, by the High Prieſts, &c. but (ſaid he) I know not from whence the Presbyterian is, unleſſe from Corah, Dathan, & Abiram.
Another Cathedrall Doctor Preaching there, ſaid, that there was now in this Land, a conſpiracy againſt the King, to take away his life: and hee compared thoſe whom he called conſpirators to Corah, Dathan, and Abiram: affirming that thoſe that dyed at Keinton Battle, being of this Conſpiracy, were the children of the Devill, and their blood was on their own heads; and that he hoped the people of the Land (though the City would not) would riſe up and ſtay thoſe Conſpirators: But the People of the Land Cathedrall Incendiaries.preſently roſe up (out of zeale to God, the King, Parliament, and Kingdome) againſt that Cathedrall Incendiary: And although the Cathedrall-gates were ſhut a day or two for his reſcue, and defence againſt the Magiſtrate, and people; yet forces ſo increaſed round about the Cathedrall, and did Peake and watch ſo cloſely; and the Poſterne Bridge between the Cathedrall, and he Abbey of Auſtin the Monke, being broken downe; the Cathedraliſts themſelves, (for feare of their own ruine) did in the night by Torch-light, deliver up their moſt Malignant Cathedrall Brother, Into the hands of Juſtice, where hee yet remaines. This Prelate before that time Preach't there, a whole Cathedrall Prelates plead for Tyranny, and blind obedience.Sermon, for abſolute and blind Obedience; which Sermon began with Odi profanum Vulgus, that is, I hate the prophane common People: He then publiſhed, that if the King command it, wee muſt put to Sea in a Tempeſt, in a rotten Ship, without Maſts, Sailes, or Anchors: this was Preacht at the Arch-biſhops of Canterburies firſt Metropoliticall Viſitation. If that, and all other Prelaticall and Cathedrall Sermons were extant, all England would ſee (though now … enough) how little our Laws and Liberties are beholding to Tyrannous Prelacy, and Cathedralls; which may be ſeene alſo in a Printed Prelaticall Sermons, Preacht by a Grandee of that Cathedrall at Weſtminſter, not long before the long ſad Eclipſe of Parliaments, Laws, and Liberties in England.
On Aſcenſion Thurſday (as they call it) 1642. Another Cathedrall Doctor Preacht there, that it was a duty of the Text, that all that have Knees ſhould bow them at the Name of Jeſus. This Prelate that pleaded ſo for bowing, (hearing that ſome of the Pariſhioners of Andrews in Canterbury did not kneele at the Communion) came and adminiſtred it there himſelfe, and was ſo punctuall for their Kneeling, that hee lookt very low, to ſee if the Females kneeled. That Learned, Religious, Good Society (as they ſtile their Cathedrall in their Prelaticall Prayer) had a Sermon Preached on Trinity Sunday (as they call it) 1642. The Text was, and the Seraphinis cryed one Prelaticall pleading for Cathedrall piping and Quiretoſſed Service.to another, Holy, &c. Upon which the Grandee, or Prior of that Cathedrall Covent Preached, ſaying, hence is juſtified our Cathedrall ſinging of Pſalmes from one ſide of the Quire to the other: And then hee proceeded, upon that occaſion, to a large Diſcourſe in the behalfe of Church Muſicke and Organs: I never heard more pleading for Cathedrall Piping; he was ſo vehement in his Diſcourſe for Organes, that he was almoſt out of breath: It ſeemes he feared the fall of Cathedrall Quire-Service, and Organs, he was ſo earneſt to uphold them, but in vaine, as the event proves.
And this puts me in minde of a very little witty Girle in that Cathedrall: The Cathedrall Collicke, or belliach.who being with her mother lately, where a ſicke man lay groaning very loud: Mother, ſaid ſhe, why groanes this man ſo? It was anſwered, It is becauſe he hath a paine in his belly: This Girle being a little after with her mother, at their Cathedrall-Quire-Service: and hearing the Deane roaring out the Baſe, in the Quire-Conſort: Mother (ſaid ſhee) Hath Mr. Deane a paine in his belly he roares ſo? It was a few moneths ſince preached in that Cathedrall, That all were revolted from the King, and muſt come, as Benhadads ſervants did, with ropes about their neckes. A volume would not containe the Malignant paſſages preached in that Cathedrall, More ſtrange Malignant Cathedrall preaching.ſince the Parliament began. Theſe following paſſages have beene vented there after laſt Michael-tide 1643. O Lord give the King more hands to fight for him, Uriah was a generous Cavalier: Another preached there ſince; Men will excuſe their ſinnes; ſo pride is called handſomneſſe; ſo an impious and raſh vow, is called a holy Covenant; dethroning of Majeſty, is called ſetting up Chriſt in his Throne; Fomenting of an unnaturall civill Warre, is called advancing of the true Religion. Another ſince that, Bad zeale is a worke of the fleſh; ſuch zeale have they who would pull downe Biſhops, Becauſe (like the Hereticke of old) they cannot attaine to that place themſelves: Like that of the Anabaptiſticall Reformers in Germany, who under pretence of Reformation, robbed and plundered. This (ſaid he) is but a Jeſuiticall Prelates allow conſecrated Snuffers, but no Extinguiſhers, for bad Church Lights.tricke of thoſe, who pretend to be moſt contrary to Jeſuites. Another ſince that, preached there: ſaying, Prieſts are lights: If the Candle burne dimme, men uſe to ſnuffe it, not to put it out; thoſe that are intoxicated, uſe to put out the Candle while they go about to ſnuffe it: and the ſnuffs were conſecrated too. And ſince that, a Cathedrall Doctor preached there, of counterfeiting the Kings Great Seale, when the New great Seale legally came forth by authority of the Parliament, for the good of the Kingdome. And when ſome notorious Malignants and Incendiaries, both Prieſts and others, were ſecured in Canterbury. the ſame Cathedrall Prelate preached at that time of ſome that were great Profeſſors of Religion, yet were moſt forward to perſecute their Brethren, and hale them to priſon. And ſince that, when the Images in that Cathedrall began to be demoliſhed, the ſame Cathedraliſt preached the next Sabbath of Rifling, and Pillaging Churches, telling the people that ſuch were worſe then Jewes and Turkes, or Infidels, which (as is conceived) More Incendiary Cathedral preaching, and malignant ſtuffe.was a cauſe of the mutiny in Canterbury the next day. This man preached to his Pariſhioners after the Communion, ſaying, Thoſe that came up to the Railes, ſhould meet Chriſt in the Clouds; but thoſe that came not up, Chriſt would ſay to them, Depart from me ye curſed &c.
And another paſſage of a Cathedrall Sermon there, was this: There is a people come on ſhore, which thinke their owne fancies to be the holy Spirit, and doubtleſſe they will plead at the laſt day, We have defaced Churches and Chappels, O God, in thy name, we have robbed, and plundered in thy name, we have kept Conventicles in thy name, wee have undervalued Superiorities and dignities in thy name.
The laſt vapour vented in that Cathedrall, was, that it is Intemperate zeale, and fiery fury to reforme before the enemy be ſubdued: The Prayer was, that God A Cathedrall Cooler.would make us ſober Proteſtants. It ſeemes the view of the Reformed Idolatrous Windowes of the Sermon-houſe did offend, or ſtrange-cooling came in by the breaches in them. But it's hoped the burning of that rich Altar-Glory, will produce a reſult, that will begin the reparations there, to keepe out ſuch chilling vapours. To which may be added the (now diſcovered) rich ſilver Baſin and Ewer, and other ſumptuous common Plate of that Cathedrall Corporation, uſed at Cathedrall Feaſts: and the Altar-Baſin, and Candleſticks (if they be not conveyed to Oxford) will helpe that worke. And as the Cathedrall Sermons were none of the beſt, ſo thoſe Cathedrall Prelates kept godly Preachers farre from them, A good preacher neere a Cathedrall, a Miracle.by combined caution. The famous Rogers of Eſſex was wont to ſay; You talke of miracles: Is it not a miracle that Maſter Thomas Wilſon of Canterbury ſhould continue preaching ſo neere the Throne of the Beaſt there? but all know they perſecuted him, and railed on him, and accuſed him, but God found great meanes for his ſupport in the Lions denne.
But this is no Cathedrall newes; and if they be ſuch now, being under a cloud, what were they in their High Cathedrall ſplendor, when they ſwayed all by their PRELATIC ALL WILL? And if they be ſo malignant in publique againſt the King and Parliament, and Kingdom, joyning with Papiſts, bloody Iriſh Rebels, Damnee Ruffians, and plundering Cavaliers, and other common enemies of our Religion, Laws, and Liberties, what have beene the private Counſels, and Actions of thoſe Cathedrall Prelates, to ſupport Popery, Prelacy, and Tyranny?
Why then ſhould any ſtomack the fall of Prelacy and Cathedrals? After the Cathedral Babels ſins, follow her plagues.eſpecially of the Canterburian Cathedrall Babell? of whoſe ſinnes you have heard a little, (and may ſee ten times more upon Record in this preſent Parliament) you ſhall now heare the Beginning of her plagues.
And here I ſhall begin with ſtrange Cathedrall newes: yet ſuch as is moſt true, and well known to all that live in, or neer Canterburie: And, wch the Cathedralliſts themſelves cannot deny: though living like boares in a paddock, or ſtie, they may grunt at the noyſe of it.
The Cathedrall Prelats at Canterbury, hearing a rumour (though falſe) Cathedrall joy at falſe newes for Prelacy.that the Scots had yielded to entertaine Biſhops, at the Pacification in the North, in the yeare 1639. they were overjoyed at that newes, being before in a quaking feare, that having on each ſhoulder a ſteeple or two, and a Cathedrall on their head, they ſhould be eaſed of their beloved burden, by a Reformation, which they feared might reach from Edenborough in Scotland, to Canterburie in England: well knowing, that Prelacy and Cathedralls Prelacy built on a ſandy foundation.were built upon the ſandy foundation of Ignorance, Superſtition, Ambition, and Covetouſneſſe, and had only cuſtome, and humane power to uphold them.
And to expreſſe their great triumph, at that newes, they did then, in the Summer time, in the height of their Prelaticall glory, ſet up, upon the foure Flags of tryumph on the Cathedral ſteeple.Pinacles of their higheſt Cathedrall ſteeple, called Bell-harry ſteeple, 4 great iron fanes, or flags, on which the Coate-Arms of the King, Prince, Church, and Archbiſhop of Canterburie were ſeverally guilded, and painted: But in the end of December following, in the midſt of their Cathedral Iovialities, and Chriſtmas Gamballs, there was a Gamball plaid by the flag, which A Prelaticall fall at Canterburie.had the Archbiſhops armes on it, which had a tumbling caſt from the top of the ſteeple, being ſtrucken downe by a ſtroake from heaven, in a fearefull tempeſt, on Innocents day early in the morning: And the Archbiſhops arms Heaven points at Innocents, at the blood of Innocents, when it Prikes at Biſhops and Cathedralls,pulld down the top of the pinacle, which upheld them, and were carryed (partly againſt the wind) a good diſtance from the ſteeple, on which they ſtood, and fell upon the roofe of the Cloyſter, in which Cloyſter, the Armes of the Arch-Biſhoprick of Cant. were carved, & painted on the lower ſide, or concave of the Arch, or ſeeling of the Cloyſter; which Armes in the Cloyſter, were daſhed in peices by the Armes which fell from the pinacle of the ſteeple; The Arms of the preſent Arch-Biſhop of Canterburie, brake downe Prelates pull down their upholders. The Arch-Biſhop ruins his Arch-Biſhoprick. The Biſh. new canons ſhot againſt heaven, the bullet falls back on his own head.the Armes of the Arch-Biſhoprick, or Sea of Canterburie: The fall was ſo violent, that it brake through the leads, plancks, timbers, and ſtone-Arch of the Cloyſter, and made an impreſſion in the pavement of the Cloyſter, as if it had been done with Canon ſhot, which impreſſion is partly to be ſeene at this day, though repayred. And this prodigious fall of the Arch-Biſhops Armes, was very neer the place, where that proud Prelate, Thomas Becket, Arch-Biſhop of Canterburie. and Arch Traytor, was caſt down headlong in that Cathedrall, for his Treaſon and Rebellion; And very neere the unparallel'd Idolatrous window in that Cathedrall. But the Prelats beſtir'd themſelves in the morning, and tooke away, in all ſmoaking haſt, the broken Armes, and rabbiſh, and ſwept all cleane, that leſſe notice might be taken of that lamentable ruine; And to hide the deformity of the crop-ear'd ſteeple, and to take away the obſervation, and remembrance of that downfall, which concerned their gracious Dioceſan, and great Cathedral ſo much; they would not ſuffer the Armes of the King Prince, and Church to ſtand any Prelates. pull downe King, Prince, and Church.longer, on the other three pinacles, but tooke them all three downe inſtantly: Thoſe Armes of King, Prince, and Church, being untouched with the tempeſt, and ſtanding all three firme, and glorious, on the other pinacles of the ſteeple, without the help, or company of that tottering Prelate, who had The King and Church can ſtand without a Biſhop.left them at a pinch of need.
And the Cathedrall men repaited the broken Cloyſter, gilding, & painting the Arch over head, as it was before: but they have made other Coate-Armes in the roome of the Armes of the Arch-Biſhoprick, becauſe they would conceale that ſtrange ruine of thoſe Armes.Cathedrall Quire rent and broken at a Conſecration
And they have repaired the roofe of their Idolatrous Quire, which, a little before the Arch-Biſhops Armes fell downe, was terribly rent, and broken alſo, in a wondrous tempeſt: That very night the Biſhop of Oxford came to that Cathedrall, to conſecrate their new, brave, Cathadrall Font: And they mended the top of the broken pinacle, but never hunge out their flaggs any The Prelates hang out no more flags.more ſince. Alas poore Cathedrall.
And becauſe the new repaired pinacle was white, diffring in colour from the other three, they were at great coſt to raiſe a huge Scaffold, only to white over the top of one other pinacle: that their Arch-Prelate might not be pointed at, as ſingular, but they were deceived for the two new whited Pinacles Prelates abhor ſingularity. Lawn ſleeves.were ſeene, and pointed at a far off, and were ſaid to have a paire of white lawne ſleeves drawne over them, as a perpetuall monument of their Arch-Prelates two broken Armes, and downfall. And it was then obſerved, as The Arch Biſhops ominous fall noted.wonderfully ominous, foreſhewing the utter downfal: and ruine of Prelicie, as theſe verſes, then made thereupon, declare;
Cathedrall Church at Canterbury,
Hath taken mortall harmes:
The Quire and Cloyſter do want a plaiſter,
And ſo doe the Arch-Biſhops Armes.
The heavens juſt ſtroake, the Prelates Armes broke
And did Cathedrall maule;
2. 6. 3. 9. Brought forth this ſigne,
Heaven foretells Prelates fall.
I have lately ſeene the Arch Biſhop of Canterburies diary written with More falls neer the Arch-Biſhop in that tempeſt He notes them in his Diary.his own hand, as he, and his Secretary have confeſt in the Lords houſe in Parliament, which booke Mr. Prynno found in his pocket in the Tower of London, ſome months ſince, and hath been often read in that Houſe, ſince the Biſhops tryall, in which booke the Arch-Biſhop writes verbatins thus;
1639. Decemb. 27. Friday, being St. Johns day at night, between 12. and 2. of the clock the next morning, the greateſt winde that ever I heard blow: many of the watermen at Lambeth had their boates tumbled up and Lambeth fall.downe, and broken to pieces as they lay on the land: out of my ſervants went to London, and durſt not come home that evening the weather was ſo foule: that night the ſhafts of two chimneyes as Lambath were beat down upon the roofe of his chamber, and beat downe both the lead and the rafters upon his bed, where had he been that night, he muſt have periſhed.
At Croydon one of the pinacles fell from the ſteeple, and burſt downe the Croydon fall.lead, and roofe of the Church, … 20. foote ſquare.
1633. Septemb. 19. Thurſday, I was tranſlated to the Arch-Biſhopprick of Canterburie. 18. The day before, when I went to Lambeth, my Coach-horſes and men ſuncke to the bottome of the Thames in the Ferryboat, which was overladen.
1639. Tueſday Simon and Judes Eve, I went into my upper Study to ſee ſome Manuſcripts, which I was ſending to Oxford: in that Study hung my picture, taken by the life, and comming in, I found it fallen downe upon the face, The Arch-Biſhops hanged picture falls.and lying on the floore, the ſtring being broken by which it was hanged againſt the wall: I am almoſt everyday threatned with my ruine, in Parliament, God grant this be no Omen. This the Archbiſhop hath written, and if any He feares his owne ruine.doubt of it, he may ſee the Book, which is now in Mr. Prin's cuſtody. I read in Dupleſſis Miſtery of iniquity, that when the Prelacie of Rome began to be …aken, by Luther's thundring, and ſome Princes joyning with him againſt the Pope, the Image of St. Peter (whoſe Succeſſor the Pope falſly pretends to be) ſtanding aloft with keyes in his hand, the keyes were ſtruck out of the Images hand in a Tempeſt. And Sir Francis Bacon in his Hiſtory of Henry the 7th, tels us, that Philip the young King of Spaine, who bare the Spread-Eagle in his Armes, being in London, the Gilded Eagle (a lane in forme of an Eagle, ſtanding on the (then) Spired Steeple of the Cathedrall, called Pauls in London) fell downe in a Tempeſt, and in the fall brake downe the ſigne of the Eagle, hanging at a doore in Pauls Church-yard, which was then much noted, as Ominous to that Prince, who not many dayes after fell from his Life and Kingdome: And not long after this Parallell fall of the Arch-Biſhops Armes, the Arch-Biſhop himſelfe fell from as high as Lambeth, nay The Arch-Biſhop fals as low as the Tower of London. 12. Biſhops fal after him.from the Lords Houſe in Parliament, as low as the Tower of London, for no leſſe crime, then High Treaſon. And twelve other Biſhops being high flowne, above the high Court of Parliament, in their proud Proteſtation, did fall as low as that Tower alſo for their juſt deſerts. And a litle after that, Epiſcopacie it ſelfe began to fall, by that noble Act of Parliament againſt the High Commiſſion Court, by which Act the iron teeth of the Beaſt were The high Commiſſion Court felts.knockt out, and the Sting of abuſed Excommunication was pluckt out of his Tayle. And ſince that (which makes the fore recited fall at Canterbury more obſervable, as predigious, and betokening the ruine of Prelacie, as Prelaticall excommunication falls.proud Welſey, Cardinall, and Arch-Biſhop ſaid of the fall of his Croſier ſtaffe at Yorke, a litle before his owne fall, and deſerved death, malum omen, that is, ani'l token.) The Kings Majeſty caſually paſſing through Canterbury, The firſt fall of Epiſcopacy was at Canterburie, there the Bill againſt the votes of Biſhops in Parliament was ſigned.in his Journey with the Queene to Dover, ſtaying a litle at Canterbury, did at Canterbury, and no where elſe in all England, ſigne the Bill againſt the Votes of Biſhops in Parliament, which Act threw downe our Lofty Lordly Prelates from the Pinacle of their ambition.
And this Bill was not onelyonly ſigned at Canterbury, where the Armes of the Primat, or prime Prelat of al England were ſo demoliſhed, in the Metropolitan Cathredral, or prime Seat, or Throne of the Beaſt, called a Cathedrall; but (which is moſt obſervable) it was ſigned at arained Abbey adjoyning to that Cathredrall. And that Abbey, in which the very firſt Bill, and And ſigned at arained Abby. Signed at the houſe of the firſt Arch-Biſhop of Canterburie that ever was, and where hee was buried.Act of Parliament againſt Biſhops was ſigned by his Majeſty, was the Abbey of Auſtin the Monke, who was the very firſt Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury that ever was, and a moſt ſuperſtitious perſecutor, and bloudy Incendiary of Church, and State; which is Recorded to his Litle LAUD; and was buried at Canterbury, in that Abbey, where Epiſcopacy it ſelf hath now received a deadly wound, by the Royall aſſent to that Bill. And ſince that Bill was ſigned, another Bill hath paſſed Both Houſes of Parliament, whereby all that curſed prelaticall Hierarchy of Arch-Biſhops, Biſhops, Deanes, The finall fall, and ruine of Prelacie.Arch-Deacons &c. is cut downe root and branch, and hath its finall Doome and Down-fall: Prelate remember the Pincale. And as for the Canterburian Arch-Prelate, whoſe Coate-Armes, (Badges of Honour) were ſo caſt downe, his charge & Impeachment of high Treaſon now brings him to a diſhonourable low poſture, at the Bar of the higheſt Court of Juſtice, where it will ſhortly appeare what theſe prodigious falls portended: a ſparrow not falling to the ground without the divine providence.
I find in the recited Diary, or day-booke written with the Arch-Biſhops The Arch-Biſhips ominous dreames. The Biſhops Rochet is loſt.own hand, word for word, thus.
1628. Ian. 31. Saturday night, I lay in Court, I dreamed that I put off my Rochet all ſave one ſteeve, and when I would have put it on againe I could not find it.
1638. Feb. 12. Tueſday night, I dreamed that K. C. was to be married to a Miniſters Widow, and that I was called up to doe it: no Service-booke could be found, and in mine owne booke, which I had, I could not find the order The service-booke is loſt.for Marriage.
1639. Ianu: 24. Friday at night, I dreamed that my father, (who dyed The Arch-Biſhops dead Father comes for him.46. years ſince) came to me, and to my thinking he was as wel, as ever I ſaw him: he asked me what I did here, and after ſome ſpeech, I asked him how long he would ſtay with me, hee anſwered, he would ſtay till he had me away with him: I am not moved with dreames, yet I thought fit to remember this.
All this may now be ſeene written with the Arch-Biſhops owne hand, in that book of his, now in Mr. Prinns cuſtodie. And the Arch-Biſhop himſelfe being at White-Hall in his jollity, and Ruffe, about 5. years ſince, told the Right Honourable the Earl of Pembrocks, and Earle of Monmouth, that when he was in Oxford, he dreamed that he ſhould come to the higheſt, and greateſt preferment in Church and State, that ever any Clergy man did, & The Arch Biſhop dreames how hee ſhould live, & what death he ſhould dye.that he ſhould be in great favour, power, and authority, and make great changes and alterations in the Church, for ſundry years, but yet, after al this, he ſhould be hang'd at laſt. At which the ſaid Lords falling into a great laughter: His Majeſty that now is, hearing it, came into the room & demanded of them the cauſe of their mirth, that he might have a ſhare of it: whereunto the truly noble Earle of Pembrooke anſwered, that the reaſon of their laughter was, at a dream wch the Arch-Biſhop of Canterburie had newly told them; Whereupon the King demanded what the dream was, to which the Earle replyed, that it was the Arch-Biſhops own dream, & he was beſt able to relate it to his Majeſty; upon which, the King (calling the Arch-Biſhop to him) cauſed him in their preſence, to tel the dream over again to the King himſelfe.
But to returne to my Cathedrall newes, to tell you what hath followed thoſe obſervable alarums in that Cathedrall. On their Candlemas day at Cathedrall Images fall.night, 1641. Thoſe Conſecrated Images about their new Cathedral Font were all demoliſhed, & taken away, they knew not how, nor by whom that purification was obſerved, without Candles: But a few days after, ſome of Images put into a cathedral pulpit, and why.thoſe Idols were found in that Cathedral, in a Pulpit, where a Sermon had not bin preached neer 20. years before: But were not thoſe Images put into that Pulpit, to preach in that Cathedral, touching wooden Prieſts, and Idol-Shepheards? but of that buſines, the Prelats made no dumb complaint to the King himſelfe, when he was laſt there, in his Journey with the Q… to Dovor: they carryed him to the Font, and ſhewed him the lamentable condition, The Prelates complain to the King for their Idols.and ruine of their new conſecrated Font, and where thoſe Images had ſtood about it. And indeed they could better endure the late felling of about 300. Epiſcopall and Cathedrall Oakes in one yeare, for their owne gaine: then they could endure the pulling down of thoſe 18. Idols of wood & ſtone: But the truth is, the Citizens of Canterburie had firſt complained of them in the rehearſed Petition, which lyes heavier on their ſtomacks, then 3. Pariſh Churches, and a Cathedrall. And beſides that Petition, and pulling downe their puppets: thoſe Cathedralliſts have been much croſſed in their Popiſh, and idolatrous deſignes, (the Prelats pions worke in hand) when ſome welaffected The godly cros the Prelats of Canterburie in their Popiſh deſignes.Citizens of Canterburie beheld, how thoſe Cathedrall Prieſts bowed, and crowched towards their Altar, although they did not ſerve the Prieſt, as he deſerved, as the Arch Prelate of St. Andrews in Scotland was ſerved, when they hurled creckets, and ſtooles and ſticks at him, when he firſt read the new Scots Service-booke in his Pontificabilus; But they cryed out aloud in the time of the Cathedrall Service, many Sabbath dayes; Leave your idolatry, leave your idolatry there. And one Sabbath day, when after the Sermon was ended in that Cathedrall Quire, and the Pſalme after Sermon was begun: the High Prieſt or Canon went before, and the low Prieſt, or Petti-canon behind him, & the Vergerer, or Vſher before both: all three ducking, The Cathedrall popiſh progres to the Alter in Service …ducking, ducking, like wilde-geeſe, head to raile, as they went from their ſeates in the Quire, up to the High Altar, where the Prieſts ſtood untill the Organs, and Quire had ceaſed: and then the Altar-Prieſt began to reade out of the Service-booke, the Cathedrall third Service, or Alter-Sermon-ſervice: But the people ſung on ſtill, (the Organiſt having caſually called the firſt part of the 119. Pſalm:) Whereupon the Altar-Prieſt called the Petti-canon, a Prieſted Weaver that waited on him at the Altar, him the grand Prieſt ſent downe drom the Altar to bid the people leave A heavy ſtir about Altar ſervice.ſinging. The Petti-canon called out aloud, leave your ſinging, leave your ſinging: but they ſung on: then the Petti-canon called out to the Prieſt at the Altar, Sir they do't for the nonce, they do't for the nonce; then one pull'd the Petti-canon by the Surplice behinde, and cryed out, you are a Weaver; another cryed out, leave your Idolatry: but ſtill the people ſung on: All this time the Prieſt ſtood dumb at the Altar, with his Service-booke, in his Surplice, Hood, and Tippet, and had loſt his dinner, if he had not come down from the Altar, and gone home without reading any more The Altar-prieſt like to loſe his dinner.Altar Service at that time, and left the people ſinging, who when the Prieſt was gone from the Altar, and the Quire riſen, did all depart home quietly: and after that time the Cathedralliſts would preach no more in the Quire, but in the Sermon-houſe, as before.
One of the great Canons, or Prebends, in the very act of his low congying towards the Altar, as he went up to it, in Prayer time, was (not long ſince) reſaluted A huge Maſſif reſalutes a congying Altar Prieſt before the Altar.by a huge maſtiffe dog, which leapt upright on him, once & againe, & pawed him, in his ducking ſaluting progreſſe, & poſture to the Altar, ſo that he was fain to call out aloud, take away the dog, take away the dog.
At the election of Burgeſſes for Canterburie, upon the ſummons of the Parliament, in the yeare 1639. The Proctors, Fidlers, Papſters, and other friends of the Cathedrall, and Prelaticall party, at Canterburie, were for the Arch-Biſhops Secretary to be Burgeſſe there, who came downe before the day of election for that purpoſe, and prepared his foreſaid friends to vote for him: and at the day of election, he came into the Guild-Hall of Canterburie, and there produced to the Citizens, letters written to them in his behalf, The Prelates ſtickle for Burgeſſes in Parliament of their own chuſing. The Arch Biſhops Secretary no Burgeſſe.from his Lord and Maſter the Arch Biſhop, and from the then Lord Keeper: and then the Secretary made a Speech to the Citizens to chuſe him Burgeſſe; in which Oration he ſaid, there is a picture hanging before you, of a great Benefactor to this Citie, the ſame man was the founder of the Colledg in Oxford where I lived. The Citizens (heating this) cryed out aloud: no pictures, no Images, no Papiſts, no Arch-biſhops Secretary, we have too many Images and pictures in the Cathedrall already: and after that they would not heare him ſpeake a word more, but hiſt him downe: and preſently cryed up others, whom they then choſe Burgeſſes for that Citie. And a Petti canon of that Cathedrall, being voting there, for the Arch-Biſhops A Prieſted Cathedral Weaver votirg with Proctots, and Fidlers, &c. for the Arch-Biſhops Secretary to be Purges in Parliament.Secretarie, one told him he was no Free man, and therefore could have no Vote there: He replyed, I am a Free-man, I have my coppie in my pocket; then one ſaid, 'tis true indeed, he is a Weaver, he is free of that trade: Then there aroſe a loud cry amongſt them, a Weaver, a Weaver, a Weaver, a Prieſted Weaver, in a Canonicall coate.
The Grandes of that Cathedrall, about two yeares ſince, having feaſted ſome Malignants that came from the Downes, at Deale, where they would have ſeazed on the Parliaments ſhips: after dinner, he, having accompanied them out of Towne, in his Coach: at his returne, his Coach overthrew into the Cōmon ſewer, or broad ſtinking ditch, between the three Kings Tavern, A ſoule Prelaticall fall, though Kings be neere.and Kings bridge, in Canterburie: the great Cathedralliſt crying out, helpe me, helpe me; The people laughing at their Land Shipwrack, and filthy pickle, and bedaub'd white Sattin gowne of the Famale Cathedralliſt: The people ſaid alſo, that the Prelates would have a greater fall, they hoped.
And ſince that, there was Cathedrall newes from Canterburie in print, in a letter, written by a Maſter of a Colledge, an Arch-Deacon, two Pretends, & three Parſons, and yet but one man, a Canterburian Cathedralliſt: which printed newes ſome called the Cathedrall lamentation for Dagon's downfall. The newes was, that the Troopers ſought with God himſelfe in the Cathedrall Quite at Canterburie. But the trueth is, that on the 26. of Auguſt, 1642. Some zealous Troopers, after they had (by command) Cathedrall Gods, Altars, Images, Service-bookes, Prick-ſongbookes, Surplices.taken the powder and ammunition out of that Malignant Cathedrall, they fought (it ſeemes) with the Cathedrall Gods, named in that printed letter: namely Altars, Images, Service-booke, Prickeſong-booke, Surpliſſe, and Organs; for they hewed the Altar-ratles all to pieces, and threw their Altar ever, and ever, and ever, downe the three Altar-ſtops, and left it lying with the heeks upward: they ſlaſht ſome Images, Crucifixes, and Prickeſong bookes, and one greaſie Service-book, and a ragged ſmock of the where of Rome, called a Surpliſſe, and began to play the tune of the zealous ſouldier, on the Organs, or caſe of whiſtles, which never were in tune ſince: But the Cathedralliſts cryed out for their great Diana & ran to the Commander in chiefe with all ſpeed, who preſently cal'd off the S…uldiers, who afterwards Pipes and Cathedrall prick-ſong keep conſort.ſung Cathodrall Prick-ſong, as they rode over Barham-downe towards Dover, with Prick-ſong leaves in their hands, and lighted their tobacco-pipes with them: ſuch pipes, and Cathedrall Prick-ſong did conſort well together. But after this Cathedrall Camiſado, their Quire, which before had all the Pipes, both Service and Sermon, hath never ſince that time had once Service, or Sermon in it to this day. There are no Cathedrall Seraphims heard toſſing their Quire Service from one ſide of the Quire to the other, onelyonly plaine Service-booke Service is read in the Sermon-Houſe. And they have never ſet up their Altar any more ſince that diſmall overthrow. They had removed it of themſelves, not long after the Parliament began, according to the pious Order of Parliament; but they ſet it up againe Altarwiſe that day the Sermon was preach't there, before the King, when hee ſtaid at Canterbury in his late journey with the Queen to Dover: and ſo their Altar ſtood untill thoſe Reforming Troopers removed it with a vengeance. The Cathedrall high Altar removed with a vengea…ce.And as for their Altar-trinkets, their ſilver Baſin and Candleſticks, the Prelates had hid them from the Troopers, but afterwards ſold them to a Merchant in Canterbury, for feare they ſhould be ſeized on for the publique defence of the Kingdome. But when they heard that a ſack poſſet was eaten A Sacke poſſet in a conſec…aetd Cathedrall Baſin.out of their Cathredrall Altar-Baſin, they were much offended, that a conſecrated Baſin ſhould be ſo prophaned, and thereupon bought againe their Baſin and Candleſticks, which ſome affirme, had tallow-candles in them while the ſack-poſſet was in eating. But this was but a forerunner of a more orderly and through Reformation in that Cathedral, which (according An orderly Reformation begun in the Cathedral o… Canterburie.to another pious Ordinance of Parliament for demoliſhing of Monuments of Idolatry) began upon the thirteenth day of December laſt, that very day in which the neck of the Hoptonians advance into Kent was broken, by that utter defeat given the Lord Crafords whole Regiment, at Alton, by the Religious Idolls pulled downe & enemie vanquſhed the ſame day.and Valiant Sir William Waller, which defeat given on that day, made way for his taking of Arundel Caſtle, & for the abſolute repulſe of the enemy. Gods providence fitted that day to begin that Deliverance, when that moſt idolatrous Cathedrall firſt began to be purged of thoſe abhominable Images of jealouſie. The Cathedrall men would not execute that Ordinance themſelves, they loved their Cathedrall Jezabel, the better becauſe ſhe was painted, which painted Cathedrall Jezabel the recited Proctours Cathedrall painted Ieſabell Mother of Harlots.Booke calls Mother Church. But the worthy Major, and Recorder of Canterburie put on that bleſſed worke of Reformation with their ſpeedy warrant, according to that ORDINANCE. When the Commiſſioners entred upon the execution of that Ordinance, in that Cathedrall, they knew not where to begin, the Images and Pictures were ſo numerous, as if that Superſtitious Cathedrall had beene built for no other end, but to be a ſtable for Idolls, At laſt they reſolved to begin with the window on the Eaſt, of the high Altar, beyond that Sainted-Traytor, Arch-Biſhop Beckets ſhrine, at which ſhrine to this day may be ſeen, how the ſtones of the pavement on the ſides, and ends of that ſhrine, were worn with the kneeling of the Idolatrous people, which came on Pilgrimage, to offer there, to that Pope-holy Saint. But the Commiſſioners knew not what pictures were in that Eaſtmoſt window of that Cathedrall and comming to it, the firſt picture they found there, was of Auſtin the Monke, who (as is ſaid before) was the firſt Arch-Biſhop of Canterburie that ever was, & The firſt Arch-Biſhop of Canterburie his Image firſt caſually demoliſhed.ſo it caſually fell out, that the Image of this Arch-Prelate of Canterburie was the firſt that was demoliſhed in that Cathedral; many window-Images or pictures in glaſſe were demoliſhed that day, and many Idolls of ſtone, thirteen repreſenting Chriſt, and his twelve Apoſtles, ſtanding over the Weſt doore of the Quire, were all hewed down, and 12. more at the North doore of the Quire, and 12. Mytred-Saints ſate aloft over the Weſt doore of the Quire, which were all caſt downe headlong, and The Biſhops Myter breakes his neck.ſome fell on their heads, and their Myters brake their necks: While this worke was in hand, in comes a Prebends wife, and pleaded for the Images there, and jeered the Commiſſioners viraginously: but when ſhee A viraginous Shee Cathedralliſt.ſaw a picture of Chriſt demoliſhed, ſhe ſkreekt out, and ran to her husband, who (after ſhee was gone) came in, and asked for their Authoritie to doe thoſe things: and being anſwered that there was the Ordinance of the KING and PARLIAMENT, he replyed, not of the King, but of the Parliament if you wil, he alſo pleaded for the Images Prelates plead for Baal.there, and ſpake in juſtification of his bowing towards the Altar, yea he would maintain his bowing three times that way, becauſe there were three Perſons in the Trinity; a poor argument for a Cathedrall Doctor, he might as wel have argued, becauſe he did give thanks for the three pariſhes or ſteeples he enjoyed. But after he had diſputed a while with the A Cathedrall qualme.Miniſters, that aſſiſted the Commiſſioners in that worke: the grand Prieſt complained for want of breath, ſaying he was ready to faint, and deſired to be let out: And indeed he looked very ill; 'tis true, he ſtood very neere the place where Arch-Biſhop Becket was caſt over headlong; but this man had no cauſe of fear, not a diſtaſtfull, or diſrepective word: and was quietly let out, as he deſired. And then that work of Reformation went on; the Commiſſioners fell preſently to work on the great Idolatrous The grand Idolatrous Cathedrall window defaced.window, ſtanding on the left hand, as you goe up into the Quire: for which window (ſome affirm) many thouſand pounds have been offered by Out-landiſh Papiſts. In that window was now the picture of God the Father, and of Chriſt, beſides a large Crucifixe, and the picture of the Holy Ghoſt, in the form of a Dove, and of the 12. Apoſtles; and in that window were ſeven large pictures of the Virgin Marie, in ſeven ſeverall glorious appearances, as of the Angells liſting her into heaven, and the Sun, Moon, and Stars under her feet, and every picture had an inſcription under it, beginning with gaude Maria: as, gaude Maria ſponſa dei, that is, Rejoyce Mary thou Spouſe of God. There were in this window, many other pictures of Popiſh Saints, as of St. George, &c. But their prime Cathedrall Saint-Arch-Biſhop Thomas Becket, was moſt rarely pictured in that window, in full proportion, with Cope, Rochet, Miter, Croſier, and all his Pontificalibus. And in the foot of that huge window, was a title, intimating that window to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In laudem & honorem beatiſſimae Virginis Mariae matris dei, &c. But you have a regiſter of the Cathedrall Idolls in a late book mentioned in the recited Canterburie Petition: In that Prelaticall book, thanks are given to the piety of theſe times, that the Altar in that Cathedrall was ſo richly adorned, The Proctors book a helpe to diſcover demoliſht Images againſt his Wil.there is a project for a diſcovery to what Saint every pariſh Church is dedicated: that Church-Ales, & wakes, and pariſh-feaſts may be better kept: This book was a card and compaſſe to ſail by, in that Cathedral Ocean of Images: by it many a Popiſh picture was diſcovered, and demoliſhed. It's ſure working by the booke: But here is the wonder, that this booke ſhould be a means to pull down Idols, which ſo much advanceth Idolatry. But as that window was the ſuperſtitious glory of that Cathedrall; as it was wholy ſuperſtitious, ſo now it is more defaced then any window in that Cathedrall. Whilſt judgment was executing on the Idols in that window: the Cathedralliſts cryed out againe for their great Diana, The Cathedralliſts cry out for their great Diana.hold your handss, holt, holt, heers Sir, &c. A Miniſter being then on the top of the Citie ladder, neer 60. ſteps high, with a whole pike in his hand ratling down proud Beckets glaſſy bones, (others then preſent, would not adventer ſo high) to him it was ſaid, 'tis a ſhame for a Miniſter to be ſeene there; the Miniſter replyed, Sir, I count it no ſhame, but an honour, My Mr. whipt the living buyers & ſellers out of the Temple; theſe are dead Idolls, which defile the worſhip of God here, being the fruits and occaſions of Idolatry: Some wiſht he might breake his neck, others ſaid it ſhould coſt bloud. But he finiſhed the worke, and came downe well, and was in very good health when this was written. Many other Images were defaced in other windows there, ſeverall pictures of God the Father, of Crucifixes More abhomina…le monuments of Idolalatry.and men praying to Crucifixes, and to the Virgin Marie, and Images lay on the tombs, with eyes and hands lifted up, and right over them was pictured God the Father, imbracing a Crucifix, to which the Image ſeemed to pray. There was a Cardinall's hat as red as blood, painted in the higheſt window in that Cathedrall within Bell-Harry ſteeple, over the Quire doore, covering the Arch-Biſhops Armes, which Hat had not ſo much reſpect ſhewed it, as Cardinall Wolſeys hat had at Court, A Cardinalls Hat.it was not bowed too, but ratled downe: There were alſo many huge Croſſes demoliſhed, which ſtood without the Cathedrall, four on Bell-Arundell Croſſes did Images, without the Cathedrall, demolliſhed.ſteeple: and a great Idoll of ſtone, which ſtood on the top of the roofe of that Cathedrall, over the South dore, under Bell-Harry ſteeple, was pulled down by 100. men with a rope: in the fall it buried it ſelfe in the ground, it was ſo heavy, and fell ſo high. This Image held a great brazen Croſſe in his hand: it was the Satue of Michael the Arch-Angel, looking ſtraight to a lane right over againſt it, in Cantrrburie, called Angell-lane. There was demoliſhed alſo, a very large ſtone Image of Chriſt, over which was the Image of the holy Ghoſt, in the forme of a Dove: this Idoll ſtood right over the great Cathedrall South-gate next the Bull ſtake: this Image was pull'd down with ropes: at firſt the head began to ſhake and nod to and fro, a good while: at laſt it fell off two houres before the body, which was rivetted to the wall with iron barres. The Papiſts report it was a miracle, that the Image nodded the head to A ſuppoſed miracle of an … nodding at … demoliſhers.reprove thoſe that pull'd it downe, one ſaid then, it was a ſhame they ſhould pull it downe in ſuch a baſe manner. This Image (amongſt the reſt) was the meanes of much Idolatry; men, now living, teſtifie, that they have ſeen travellers kneele to it in the ſtreet, as they entred the Cathedrall, Idolatry da… committed in that Cathedrall.which is continually viſited by Outlandiſh Papiſts, who daily commit Idolatry in that Cathedrall; And yet how many that profeſſe love to true Religion, and hatred of Idolatry are now zealous for theſe Images, which are Monuments, and inſtruments, and occaſions of Idolatry, the continuance whereof hath bin our great ſin, ſhame, and miſery.
But (ſay ſome) the Windows and Monuments are precious: but we read, Deut. 13. 6. If any, (though never ſo neer or dear unto us) move us to Idolatry, A caveat to thoſe ignorant and ſuperſtitious people that cry out againſt the defacing of monuments of Iolatry.we are commanded by God himſelfe, to ſtone them to death, our eye muſt not pity them: Muſt we not ſpare a living man, made little inferiour to the Angels, but muſt rend, and maul him with ſtones, and ſhall wee ſtomack the battering and defacing of dead Images, that are not only monuments of, but inticements to Idolatry? ſhall we glamour and clamour as they, that ſhall lament the finall fall of Babilon, Rev. 18. 16. Alas, alas, that great Citie, that was cloathed in fine linnen, purple, & ſcarlet, & decked with gold & precious ſtones, ſhal we ſay alas that great Cathedrall, oh the goodly painted windowes, oh the golden Tabernacle work, oh the Glorious Glory cloth, oh the coſtly Copes, Baſins, and Candleſticks, oh the rich Hangings, oh the Arch-Biſhops conſecrated Chaire; Such clamours were heard when the Abbyes were defaced, but wee read, Acts 19. 19. That they which beleeved, did quite aboliſh their ſuperſtitious devices, how curious and coſtly ſoever, though they were worth 50000. pieces of ſilver: let thoſe that cry out againſt this Reformation, read theſe (and the like) places of Scripture, Exod. 24. 24. Num. 33. 52. Deut. 7. 5. 1 Kings 15. 12. 2 King. 18. 4. Iſa 30. 22. 1 Joh. 5. 21. The laſt execution againſt the Idols in that Cathedral, was done in the Cloyſter, divers Crucifixes & Mytred Saints were ſlattered in pieces there: St. Dunſtans Image pulling the Divel by the noſe with a pair of tongs, was pulled down. Devill and all. When the Cathedrall men heard that Ordinance of Parliament, againſt Idolatrous The Divell & St. Dunſtan demoliſhed.Monuments, was to be put in execution, they covered a compleat Crucifixe in the Sernion-houſe windows, with thin boords, and painted them, to preſerve the Crucifix, but their jugling was found out, and the Crucifix demoliſht. And as the monuments of Idolatry are in great part taken out of that Romiſh Cathedrall. So that Cathedrall neſt of Prelaticall Hornets, is almoſt diſperſed and gone; God hath ſcattered the proud. Their old Deane is dead above a year ſince, and their new Dean (choſen at Oxford) dyed at Cathedrall ceveat diſperſedOxford; And a young Cathedrall Doctor too, who firſt recanted here, & went to Oxford and dyed lately there: and many other of thoſe Prelars being Incendiaries, and Delinquents, are kept in ſafe cuſtodie. Thus a viall is now powred out upon this Cathedra, or ſeate, or Throne of the Beaſt, and though they gnaw their tongues for paine, yet I do not heare that they Cathedra ſignifies a ſeate or chiar: A Cathadrall Church is a ſeat-Church or a chaire-Church: it being a ſeate, or, throne of a Romiſh-Beaſt: called a Dioceſan Biſhop, with his Prelaticall crew.repent them of their Prelaticall and Malignant wayes, to give God the glory, Revel. 16. 10.
And now to end (with very good Cathedrall news from Canterburie) the Honourable Houſe of Commens hath begun to ſettle an able & Orthodox Miniſtry in that Cathedral, where 2 Sermens are now preached every Lords day, beſides the week dayes preaching there: light comes in there through the windows, where the painted Images ſtood, and kept it out: now there is no ſuch heterodex, and Malignant Cathedral ſtuff heard there, as before this bleſſed Reformation, now ſo happily begun there, by the care and labour of the Parliment, amidſt ſo many difficulties: they remove the old rubbiſh, and build the Temple apace, though with the ſword in one hand, & the Good Cathedrall news from Canterburie.Trowell in the other. And now the godly flock to that Cathedrall againe, in ſuch numbers, that had not the Idolatrous windows in the Sermon-houſe bin demoliſhed as they are, the numerous Cathedrall auditors would be much annoyed with extreamity of heat. Thus we ſee the Canterburian Babel falls a pace: and Chriſt-Church Cathedrall in Canterburie begins to be Chriſt-Church indeed: as that bleſſed Martyr Ridley wiſhed (or rather propheſied) long agoe, in a letter of his, which is recorded in the book of Martyrs.Cathedralliſts may be packing, … Babell is fallen, … fallen, Alleluya.
And now leaſt that Cathedral Abbey ſhould prove another Lichfield, or Lincolne Cathedrall-Cloſe: for the enemy to fortifie, and rooſt in: The huge Citie-like gates of that Cathedrall Corporation are all taken down & laid aſide, which was done when the Kentiſh Malignants began to riſe againſt the King, Parliament and Kingdom: So that now when an act, or Ordinance of Parliament, or the Bill for the extirpation of Prelacy already paſſed both Houſes of Parliament, being ſigned by the King, (which God grant) ſhall ſhortly root out all Prelacy, and Cathedrall Covents, then all the Cathedrall rabble at Canterbury, may (without knocking up their Cathedrall Porter) pack away with all their Cathedrall Bagg and Baggage, and Prelaticll Popiſh Trinkets, to Lambeth Faire.
FINIS.
End of the text · Richard Culmer, Cathedral News from Canterbury (1644)