The History of the Worthies of England, Part 1 · Chapter 11

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 1 · Chapter 11

p. 33CHAP. XI. Of Benefactors to the Publick, wherein also Choise Charities are recommended to men of Estates.

These are reducible to several Heads, and we will begin with them who have been Builders of

CHURCHES.

SUch Centurions who have erected us Synagogues, places for Gods publick VVorship, seem to me to have given good testimony of their Love to our nation. Bitter was the Brave which railing Rabsheca sent to holy Hezekiah proffering him **Isaiah 36. 8.Isa 36:82000 Horses on Condition that the other were but able to find Riders for them. But it grieves me to see the Superstition of the former insult over the religion of this present age, bragging that she left us ten thousand Churches and Chappels more or lesse ready built, if we can find but repairers to keep them up: It is in my opinion both dishonorable to God, and scandalous to all good men to see such houses daily decay: But there is a generation of people who to prevent the verifying of the old proverb, Pater noster built Churches, and our Father plucks them down; endevour to pluck down both Churches and Our Father together, neglecting, yea despising the use both of the one and the other. Be it here remembred, that it is not only equal but just, that such as have been Founders of Churches or Grand Benefactors unto them, should have due Respect in preserving their Monuments from Violation or Incroachment of others. I urge this the rather, because abuses have been frequent in this kind, even to those that have deserved best. I cannot with patience remember the Story of Henry Keble Lord Maior of London 1511. who, besides other Benefactions in his Life time, rebuilded Alder-Mary-Church run to very Ruines, and bequeathed at his Death a thousand pounds for the finishing thereof. Yet within sixty years after, his Bones were unkindly yea inhumanely cast **Stows Survey of London, pag. 89.out of the Vaute wherein they were buried, his Monument plucked down for some Wealthy Person of the* Idem p. 267. present times, to be buried therein, I could not but on this Occasion rub up my old Poetry;

Facit Indignatio Versus.

The Author to Alder-Mary Church.

Ungrateful Church, orerun with rust,

Lately buried in the dust;

Utterly thou hadst been lost,

If not preserv'd by Keble's cost:

A Thousand Pounds might it not buy,

Six foot in length for him to lie:

But outed of his quiet Tombe,

For later Corps he must make Roome:

Tell me where his Dust is cast,

Though't be late, yet now at last;

All his Bones with Scorne ejected,

I will see them recollected:

VVho faine my self would Kinsman prove

To all that did God's Temples love.

Alder-Mary Churches Answer.

Alas! my Innocence excuse,

My Wardens they did me abuse,

VVhose Avarice his Ashes sold,

That Goodness might give place to Gold;

As for his Reliques, all the Town,

They are scattered, up and down;

See'st a Church repaired well,

There a Sprinkling of them fell;

See'st a new Church lately built?

Thicker there his Ashes spilt:

O that all the Land throughout,

Kebles Dust were throwne about

Places scattered with that seed,

VVould a Crop of Churches breed.

I could wish this was the last Barbarisme in this kind, and am sorry that upon small Inquiry, I could insist on later Instances.

p. 34Free-Schools and Colledges.

I place Schools before Colledges, because they are introductory thereunto, intended for the b…eeding of Children and Youth, as the other for youth and men. And seeing much of Truth is contained in our English Proverb, It is as good to be unborn as unbred, such may in some sort seem their Second-Parents, who have provided for their Education.

These Schools are of two kinds. First, those wherein only a Salary is given to the School-master to teach Children gratis, and these I confess are good. Secondly, such wherein a select number of Scholars have competent maintenance allowed towards their Living in the University, and these all will acknowledge are better. Some do suspect a surfet in our Land of the multitude of Schools, because the Nursery is bigger then the Orchard, the one breeding more Plants then the other can maintain Trees, and the Land not affording sufficient preferment for them, Learning is forced to stoop to mean Courses to make a Livelihood. But I conceive that Store in this kind is no sore▪ and if we must not do evil that good may come thereof, we must not forbear doing that which is good, for fear of accidental Evils which may arise from the same.

Bridges.

Builders of Bridges (which are high-waies over water) and makers of Caused-waies, or Causways (which are Bridges over dirt) though last in order, are not least in benefit to the Commmon-wealth. Such conveniences save the lives of many, ease the labour of moe painful travellers, and may be said in some sort to lengthen the day, and shorten the way to men in their journeys; yea, Bridges make and keep this our Island a Continent to it self. How great the care of the ancient Romans to repair them, for the safety of passengers, appears by the origination of Pontifex, having the inspection over bridges, by his primitive institution.

Indeed the word bridge appears not in all Scripture, whereof this the reason; the rivers of Palestine were either so shallow, that they were passable by foords, as of**Gen. 32. 22.Gen 32:22 Jabbok, **Isaiah 16. 2.Isa 16:2Arnon and**Judges 3. 28.Judg 3:28 Jordan, before it grew navigable; or else so deep, that they were ferried **2 Sam. 19. 182 Sam 19:18over, as Jordan, when neer his fall into the Dead Sea: but most of ours in England are of a middle size; so deep, that they cannot be foorded; so narrow, that they need not to be ferried over. Hence come our so eminent bridges, in so much that such structures are accounted amongst our English **Anglia, mons, pons, &c.Excellencies.

However Palestine was subject with England to the same inconveniences of bad highwaies, and there…ore in the List of Charitable Actours reckoned up by the**Isaiah 48. 12.Isa 48:12 Prophet, he is accounted as a principal, The restorer of paths to dwell in; for indeed some waies may be said not-habitable, being so …eep and dirty that they cut off all intercourse, the End general of all mens dwelling together.

I will conclude this Topick of Bridges with this memo…able accident. Mawd Q▪ to King Henry the first being to pass the River Ley about Stratford, near the falling of the said River into the Thames, was almost**Cambd. Brit. in Essex. drowned in riding over it. But this proved the bad cause of a good effect; For hereupon she built the Beautiful Bridge there, for the benefit of Travellers: and the Village probably from a fair Arch or Bow therein, received (as some conceive) the addition of Stratford Bow. Far be it from me to wish the least ill to any who willingly would not have their fingers to ake, or an hair of their heads lessned. Yet this I could desire, that some Covetous churls who otherwise will not be melted into works of charity, may in their passing over Waters be put into Peril without Peril. Understand me, might be en…angered to fright but not …urt, that others might fare the better for their fears; Such Misers being minded thereby to make or repair Bridges for publick Safety and convenience.

Alms-houses.

Because we live in an age, wherein men begin to be out of charity with charity it self; and there be many covetous (not to say sacrilegious) people, whose Fingers itch p. 35to be Nimming the patrimony of the poor; we will here present the Cavils of this against the charity of former ages herein.

Cavil. 1. Show us the foundation of such Structures in Scripture, either in the Old or New Testament. As for the place with fiue porches, wherein the**John. 5. 2.John 5:2 impotent poor lay, near the Pool of Bethesda, it was of another Nature. Alsmhouses therefore not being Jure Divino may lawfully be abolished.

Answer. The Constitution of the Jewish was far different from our English Commonwealth, wherein every one originally was a Freeholder of some proportion of land, which, though aliened, reverted to the Owner at the year of Jubilee. There needs not an express or particular precept for all our actions, that general one,**Prov. 19. 17.Prov 19:17 He that hath pity upon the Poor lenaeth unto the Lord, is bottome broad enough to build more Almshouses on, than all ages will afford. Besides this precept, we have the practice of the primitive Christians in the time of the Apostles,**Acts 4. 34.Acts 4:34 parting with the propriety of all their estate, and well then may we appropriate a part of ours, for the releif of the Poor.

Cavil. 2. The builders of them for the most part, have been people formerly guilty of oppression, who, having lived like Wolves, turn Lambs on their deathbeds, and part with their Fleece to people in want. Having ground the faces of the poor, they give the Toll thereof to build an Alms-house, though too little to hold half the beggars which they have made.

Answer. The aspersion cannot be fastned on many Founders, so free from the same, that malice may sooner break her own Teeth and Jawes too, th…n make impression on their reputation. But, grant the charge true, in this sense, Beatum est fuisse, Blessed are they that have been BAD;**1 Cor. 6. 11.1 Cor 6:11 Aud such were some of you: Let not envious man repine at that, whereat the blessed Angels rejoyce, the conversion of sinners, and their testifying thereof by such publique expressions.

Cavil. 3. Such Builders generally have a Pope in their Belly, puffed up with a proud opinion to merit by their performances.

Answer. When did the Caviller steal the Touch-stone of hearts? (for, God, I am sure would not lend it him, who saith,**Isaiah 42. 8.Isa 42:8 My Glory will I not give to another) that he is so well acquainted with mens thoughts and intentions. Charity, saith the**1 Cor. 13. 5.1 Cor 13:5 Apostle, thinketh no evil, whereas this Caviller thinks little good. We are bound to believe the best of such Founders, especially of such who lived Since the Reformation, whereby the dangerous Error of merit was exploded.

Cavil. 4. Grant them guiltlesse of Superstition, they are guilty of Vain-glory. Witness the building of such houses commonly by high▪way sides, whenas our Saviour saith, Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth.

Answer. The Objecter shall have leave to build his Alms▪house, in what private place he please; in the middle of a Wood, if he shall think fitting, (But we know* Matth. 5. 16.Matt 5:16 who saith) Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorifie your Father which is in heaven. That they may see yours good works, though not as finis operis, yet as modus operandi thereby to provoke others to imitation.

Cavil. 5. As some affirm of Tobacco, that it causeth as much Rheume as it bringeth away: Alms-houses do breed as many Poor as they relieve. People in such places, presume to be idle, beholding Hospitals as their Inheritance, wherein their old age shall be provided for.

Answer. What is good per se, ought not to be waved for what is ill per a dens This calleth aloud, to the care and integrity of Feoffees intrusted, to be wary in their elections. Besides, I must stick to mine old Maxime, It is better that Ten Drones be fed then one Bee be famished.

Cavil. 6. Such places are generally abused against the will of the Founders. Statutes are neglected. What is said of the Laws in Poland, that they last but three dayes, is as true of the short lived orders in Alms-houses. Not the most indigent, or who have been the most laborious, but the best befriended reap the benefit thereof.

Answer. I could wish that Alms-houses were the only places, wherein Laws were broken. But grant too much truth in the Cavil, all will say from the beginning it was not so, and I will hope, Unto the end it shall not be so.

p. 36Cavil. 7. Hospitals generally have the Rickets, whose heads, their Masters, grow over great and rich, whilest their poor bodies pine away and consume.

Answer. Surely there is some other cure for a Ricketish body, than to kill it, viz. by opening obstructions and deriving the Nutriment to all parts of the same. But, enough of this unwelcome Subject, whereof what is spoken, is not to put new Cavils into the heads of any, but to pluck old ones out of the hearts of too many, who have entertained them. If these our Answers seem not satisfactory to any; Know, that as a left handed man hath great odds in Fencing, against one that is right handed: So in Controversies of this kind, Cavillers with their sinister inferences from mens frailties, have a vast advantage over those, who are of candid and ingenuous dispositions. Many faults must be confessed in such Foundations, which for the future may be amended.

But, grant corruptions should continue in such foundations, it is not plea enough for their abolition. If the sentence of condemnation was pronounced on those, who saw Christ naked, and would not* cloth him; how heavy a doome will fall on such,Mat. 25. 43.Matt 25:43 who found Christ clothed, and stript him in his poor Members of endowments given to their maintenance?

Here let me recommend some choice Charity to bountiful Hearts and plentiful Estates.

It were arrant presumption for any to imprison freedome it self, and confine anothers Bounty by his own [pretended] Discretion. Let the charitably minded do what, when, where, how, to whom, and how much, God and their own goodnesse shall direct them. However it will not be amisse humbly to represent unto them the following considerations: The rather because many well affected to the publick good, have lately been disheartned with the frustrations of former Charity.

First, for the time: it is best to do it whilest they are living, to prevent all suspicions that their intentions should be misimployed. Sem will not be angry with me for saying Cham was a Mocker of his Father. Peter will not be offended if I call Judas a betrayer of his Master: Honest Executors will take no exception if I justly bemoan that too many dishonest ones have a…used the good intents of the Testators. How many Legacies sound and whole in themselves have proved before they were payed, as maimed as the Cripples in the Hospitalls, to whom they were bequeathed? Yea as the blinded Syrians (desiring to go, and beleiving they went to **2 King. 6. 20.2 Kgs 6:20Damascus) were led to their Enemies, and into the midst of Samaria, so is it more then suspicious, that many blind and concealed Legacies, intended for the Temple of God, have been imployed against the God of the Temple.

Next for the objects of well doing. Surely a vigilant Charity must take the Alarum from the Groans of the Prisoners.

The Schoolmen reduce all Corporal Charity to seven principal heads,

See here how these 7. kinds of good Works are placed like the Planets, whilst to Redeem Captives, stands like the Sun in the midst of all the rest.

Indeed it may be sadly presumed; that such Captives oft times want Visiting, Meat, Drink, Clothes, Dressing, and all things but burying (except any will say, that they are buryed alive; Liberty being the Life of mans life) so that the Redeeming of Captives is eminently comprehensive of all these outward acts of Charity. Yea this Act may extend it self to a Spiritual Concernment; to save many Souls from Damnation; seeing it may be feared that many dispairing of Ransome, may put their Souls in Thraldome p. 37to purchase the Liberty of their Bodies, and renounce their Religion.

could therefore wish, That there were in London, a Corporation of able and honest Merchants (whereof that City affordeth a plentiful choice) legally impowered to receive and imploy the charity of well affected people for a General Goale Delivery, of all English Captives, in Tunis, Tripoli, Algier, Salli, &c. And our Countrymen first discharged, if there were any Surplusage running over, that it might be disposed for the ransoming of Christians of what Country soever. This were a Heroick Act indeed, whereby Christians endevour to be like Christ himself, who was the Grand Redeemer.

Oh, that I might be but instrumental (in the least degree) to advance their Enlargement; I should behold it as an advancement to my self. Two Reasons make me the more importunate therein; One, because the Papists had a Company of Fryers in England, of the Order of the Holy Trinity, De Redimendis Captivis, which being now extinct, I humbly conceive that we are bound in Conscience, as to quench the Superstition, so to continue the Charity of so good a design. Secondly, because whilst other Beggars can tell their own Tale, we must plead for them who cannot plead for themselves; There being so great a Gulf of distance betwixt us and them; And God grant, That we may never passe over to theirs, but they return to our Condition.

Objection, 1. It maketh Marriners Cowards, who presuming on good mens charity, that they shall be ransomed, do not fight it out valiantly against the Turks, as they ought and might, but surrender themselves on such expectations.

Answer. I see not but the same Objection lies with equal force against the Redeeming of Souldiers taken in land Fights, by what Foe soever, by exchange, or otherwise. Secondly, accidentall and sinister miscarriages, ought not to discourage any sincere intention. Lastly, let those, who have given the best testimonies of their Valour, be first redeemed, and let them lye longer, to suffer bad usage, till the feeling thereof, shall convert them into more valour, if (after their Liberty procured) ingaging again on the same occasion.

Objection, 2. The late Long Parliament made an Act, since (after some intermission) renewed, charging a Taxe on Merchants Goods (known by the name of Algier Dutie) for the Redemption of Captives in Turkey.

Answer. The blessing of God light on the hearts of those (if living) who first moved, and since revived it, as I doubt not but those departed this life, have found their Reward. I could heartily wish, that yearly a Catalogue were printed of the names of such prisoners thereby redeemed, not knowing whether it would be more honourable for, or Satisfactory to this Nation. But seeing such provisions fall short of doing the Work, and cannot strike home to break off the Fetters of all Prisoners, It will not be amiss to implore the auxiliary Charity of others.

Next I desire them to reflect upon aged sequestred Ministers; whom with theirReader, this passage being written some 3. years since, I could not command my own right hand to cross it out, but it must stand as it did. charge, the (generally ill paid) fifth part will not maintain, say not it will be interpreted an affront to the State to Releive them, which it hath adjudged Offenders. If the best of beings should observe this Rule, all the World would be starved. Secondly, some of them, abateing only that their Conscience inclined them to the Royal Cause, were otherwise unblameable both in Life and Doctrine. Thirdly, the better Divines they were, the worse they are able to shift for themselves, having formerly no excursion into secular affairs, so that applying themselves only to, and now debarred the exercise of the Ministry, they are left in a sad condition. Lastly, allow them faulty, yet quid teneri infantes? &c. It is pity their Wives and Children should be ruined for their offence, but enough hereof, seeing in motions of this Nature, a word is enough to the wise, and half a word too much for others.

Lastly, I recommend unto their Charity, such Servants who have nothing save what they have gained by their industry, and have lived seven years and upwards, with the same Master, I mean not Apprentices, but such Covenant Servants, which are bound to their Masters (their year being ended) with no other Indentures then their own discretion, and are sensible that they must run a hazard, and may loose with their alteration. Especially such Females, who prefer a good Master in certain, before a good Husband in hopes, and had rather serve in plenty, then wed and adventure Poverty.

p. 38I confess such is the cruelty of some Masters, no Servant can, and such the ficklenesse of others, no Servant may stay long with them. Such a Master was he, who being Suitor to a Gentlewoman, came every time he visited her, waited on by a new man (though keeping but one at once) such was his unconstancy and delight in Change. Whereupon when taking leave of his Mistresse, he proferred to salute her spare your Complements (said she unto him) for probably I shall shortly see you again, but let me, I pray you, salute your Servant, whom I shall never behold any more.

However though sometimes the …ault may be in the Masters, or Mistresses, yet generally Servants are to be blamed in our Age, shifting their places so often without cause. The truth is, the Age that makes good Soldiers, marrs good Servants, cancelling their obedience, and allowing them too much Liberty. What Nabal applied falsely and spitfully to David (There be many Servants now a dayes which break away every 1 Sam. 25. 101 Sam 25:10man from his Master) was never more true then now. Yea, what Tully said of the Roman **Habemus vigilem consulem qui in consulatu suo nunqu…m dormivit.Consull (chose in the morning and put out before night) some Servants have been so vigilant, they never slept in their Masters houses, so short their stay, so soon their Departure.

The Ficklenesse and Fugitivenesse of such Servants, justly addeth a valuation to their Constancy, who are Standards in a Family, and know when they have met with a good Master, as it appears, their Masters know when they have met with a good Servant. It is pity but such Properties of a Houshold should be incouraged, and Bounty bestowed upon them, may be an occasion to fixe other Servants to stay the longer in their places, to the general good of our Nation.

I desire these my Suggestions should be as inoffensively taken, as they are innocently tendred. … I know there was in the water of**John 6:John 6 Bethesda after the Angell had troubled it, a medicinal power. I know also that such impotent folk as lay in the five porches, were the proper Subjects to be cured: But alas! they wanted one at the critical instant, to bring their wounds and the Cure together, and to put them seasonably into the water. I am as confident that there be hundreds in England, really willing and able to Releive, as that there are Thousands that do desire, and in some sort deserve their charity. But there wanteth one in the pr…per juncture of time, to present such poor objects, to their liberality, and if these my weak endevours may be in any degree instrumentall to promote the same, it will be a great comfort unto me.

I will conclude this Subject with a motive to Charity, out of the Road of, besides, if not against the ordinary Logick of Men.

**Eccles. 11. ….Eccl 11Give a portion to Seven and to Eight, for thou knowest not what evill shall be upon the Earth.

To Seven and to Eight, that is, extend thy Bounty to as high a Proportion of deserving persons, as can consist with thy Estate, for thou knowest not what evill will be upon the Earth, Matters are mutable, and thou mayest need the relief of others.

Ergo, saith the Miser, part with nothing, but keep all against a Wet day, not so, Solomon, advising to secure somewhat in a safe bank, the backs and bowels of the Poor. Never Evil more likely to, never People less knowing of the same then our selves. And therefore the Counsell never out of, is now most in season.

Why Benefactors Since, are distinguished from them, Before the Reformation.

I conceive it not fit to mingle both together, for these two Reasons▪ First, because of the difference of their Charity Since the Reformation, as not parched up by the Fear of the Fire of Purgatory, but kindly ripened by the Sun, viz. A Clear Apprehension by the Light of the Scripture, that they were bound to do good Works.

Secondly, because a Romish**Mr. Knot the Jesuite. Goliah hath defied our English Israel, taxing our Church Since the Reformation, as able to shew few considerable pieces of Charity, in comparison of those beyond the Seas, who may hence be easily confuted.

p. 39Indeed when I read the emulations between Peninna and Hanna, it mindeth me of the contests betwixt the Church of Rome and us, such the conformity between them.

Her **1 Sam. 1. 6.1 Sam 1:6Adversary provoked Hanna sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord hath shut up her Womb.

But how did Hanna rejoyce afterwards? The **See the Life of Mr. William Lambert in Kent.Barren hath born seven, and she that hath many Children, is waxed feeble.

It is confessed immediately after the Reformation, Protestant Religion stood for a while in amaze (scarcely recovered from the Marian Persecutitn) and was but**1 Sam. 2. 5.1 Sam 2:5 barren in good works. But since her beginning to bear fruit, she hath overtaken her Roman Corrival, and left her fairly behind.

Let the extent of time, and content of ground be proportionably stated, and England cannot be matched for Deeds of Charity in any part of Spain, France, and Italy, as by the ensuing Catalogue of Benefactors to the Publick will appear.

Objection. You had better omitted them, leaving them modestly to multiply and increase in their own silence and secresie. You know how dear David paid for**2 Sam. 24. 152 Sam 24:15 numbring the people.

Answer. David did not offend in meer numbring the people, but in not paying the Poll-money, appointed by**Exod. 30. 12.Exod 30:12 God in such cases (purposely to decline the Plague) which omission argued his Pride of heart. It is lawful for Protestants, without any just suspicion of Vain▪ glory and Ostentation, to make a list, and take the number of Benefactors in this kind, provided the Quit-rent of praise, be principally paid to the Lord of Heaven. Besides we are not Challengers, but Defenders of our selves herein, against the challenge of another, desiring to do it in all humility, in confidence of our good cause.

And here I can hold no longer, but must break forth into a deserved commendation of good works. Glorious things in Scripture are spoken of you, yea fruits of the spirit. By them the Gospel is graced, wicked men amazed, some of them converted, the rest of them confounded, weak Christians confirmed, poor Christians relieved, our faith justified, our reward in Heaven by Gods free grace amplified; Angels rejoyce for them, Devils repine at them, God himself is glorified in them. Oh therefore! That it were in my power, to exhort my Countrymen, to pursue good works with all earnestnesse, which will add so much to their account.

Some will say, if the English be so forward in deeds of Charity, as appeareth by what you said before, any exhortation thereunto is altogether supers…uous.

I answer, the best disposed to Bounty may need a Remembrancer; and I am sure that Nightingale, which would wake, will not be angry with the Thorn which pricketh her Breast when she noddeth. Besides, it is a Truth what the Poet saith,

Qui monet ut facias quod jam facis, ipse monendo

Laudat, & hortatu comprobat acta suo.

Who, what thou dost, thee for to do doth move,

Doth praise thy Practice, and thy Deeds approve.

Thus the exhortations of the Apostles at Jerusalem, were commendations of St. Paul, Only they would that we should remember the poor, the same which I also was forward to do.

Lastly, though many of our Nation be free in this kind, there want not those, who instead of being Zealous are Jealous of good works, being so far from shining themselves, that they enviously endevour to extinguish the light of others; whose Judgements I have laboured to rectifie herein.

The Stating of the Word REFORMATION, with the Extensiveness thereof.

No word occurs oftner in this our Book then REFORMATION: It is as it were the Aequator, or that remarkable Line, dividing betwixt Eminent Prelates, Leaed Writers, and Benefactors to the Publick, who lived Before or After It.

Know then that this Word in Relation to the Church of England, is of above twenty years extent. For the Reformation was not advanced here, as in some Forraign FreeStates, p. 40suddenly not to say (rapidly) with popular Violence, but Leisurely and treatably as became a matter of so great importance, besides the meeting with much opposition, retarded the proceedings of the Reformers.

We may observe that the Jews returned from the Captivity of Babylon at three distinct times, under the Conduct of several persons.

1. When the main Body of the Captives was brought home by **E…ra. 2. 2.Zorobabel, by whom the second Temple was built.

2. When a considerable Company returned with **Ezra 8. 5.Ezra 8:5Ezra, by whom the Church part (as I may tearm it) was setled in that Nation.

3. When **Nehem. 2 6.Neh 2:6Nehemiah (no doubt with suitable attendance) came home and ordered the State moiety repairing the VValls of Jerusalem.

In like manner we may take notice of three distinct Dates and different degrees of our English Reformation, though in relation to the Jewish, I confess the method was altogether inverted. For,

1. The Civil part thereof, when the Popes Supremacy was banished in the Reign of King Henry the Eight.

2. VVhen the Church Service was reformed, as far as that Age would admit, in the first year of King Edward the Sixth.

3. VVhen the same (after the Marian interruption) was resumed and more refined in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.

The first of these I may call the morning Star. The second the dawning of the day. The third the Rising of the Sun; and I deny not but that since that time his light and heat hath been increased.

But now the Question will be, what is to be thought of those Prelates, Writers, and Benefactors, which lived in the aforesaid Interval betwixt the Beginning and Perfecting of this Reformation. For these appear unto us like unto the Batable ground lying betwixt England and Scotland (whilest as yet two distinct Kingdomes) in so dubious a posture it is hard to say to which side they do belong.

It is Answered the only way to decide this difference is to observe the Inclinations of the said persons so far forth as they are discovered in their Writings and actions: such as appear in some good degree favourers of the Gospel are reputed to be since whilest those who are otherwise, are adjudged to be Before the Reformation.