The Signal Loyalty and Devotion of Gods True Saints Part 1 and 2, Part 2 · Chapter 6

The Signal Loyalty and Devotion of Gods True Saints Part 1 and 2 · Part 2 · Chapter 6

p. 2CHAP. VI.

THe very first Christian King, professing the Christian Religion under the Gospel, mentioned in History, is Lucius, King of the Britons, reigning in this our Island; this King (aa… De Britan. Ecclesiarum Primordils, p. 49. and the Authors there quoted.) Anno Christi 156. (as Radulphus Baldoc, theAnno 156. Chronicle of Gisburn, the antient Manuscript D. primo statu Landavensis Ecclesiae, and Bishop Usher out of them relate) sending two Embassadors to Pope Elutherius, most earnestly and devoutly intreating him, That by his command and will he might be made a Christian; This Pope thereupon granting his request, Gratias agens Deo suo, &c. giving thanks to his God, and singing, Glory be to p. 3God on high, for joy that this King and Nation, who had continued Gentiles from the first peopling of the Island by Brute, did so ardently hasten to the faith of Christ, sending Eluan, and Meduin to convert them. After which this (bbLambardi A…chaion. …. Eccl. B…. p. 5, 6. …pelman. Concil. p. 32, to 38. Bishop Jewels Reply against Harding, Art. 3. divis. 24. p. 141, 142. Fox Acts and Monuments, vol. 1. Harrisons Description of England, l. 1. c. 9. Bishop Ushe… De Eccl. Bri…. Primord…is, p. 3. 4, 5.) King Lucius in the year 179. or sooner, as some, or in the year 185. or later, as others think it; writing a Letter to Pope Elutherius, to send him a Copy of the Imperial Laws to govern his Nation by them; this Pope in the conclusion of his Epistle (in Answer to the Kings Letter) inserted this devout Prayer unto God in his behalf. Det vobis omnipotens Deus, &c. Almighty God grant you so to rule the Kingdom of Britain, that you may reign for ever with him, whose …car you are in the Realm aforesaid. If this Pope, (though a forein Prelate) thus prayed to God for this first Christian King, no doubt his own Christian Bishops & Ministers, (whom he endowed with ample possessions and maintenance) and his Christian Subjects, in their private and publick Prayers, and Devotions to God, and in their Epistles and Addresses to him, did much more imitate his example, in pursuit of the Apostles precept, 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. as all the Primitive Christians did even for their Pagan Kings and Emperors, (as I have evidenced in the precedent Chapters) though we find no expresse mention thereof in our British Histories.

ccEutropius, Hist. l. 10. Orosius, l. 7. c. 25, 28. socrat. Eccl. Hist. l. 1. c. …. Eumenius Panegyr. 9. Cambdens Brit. Essex, p. 325. Vsserius De Brit. Eccl. Primordiis, c. 8.The first Christian Queen in the world was Helena, Daughter of King Coel; whose Son Constantine the Great, born and first created Emperor in our Island of Britain, was the first Roman Emperor, who publickly professed the Christian faith, and instituted publick Prayers to be made unto God by his Souldiers, People and Subjects, whether Christians or Ethnicks, for himself, his Sons, and his Posterity; who constantly powred forth their Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions and Thanksgivings unto God for his life, health, safety, victories, and successes, as well in this our Island, as in all other places of his Empire; as these passages of Eusebius, who lived in his Court, and flourished under him, will aboundantly evidence.

p. 4This Godly Christian Emperor (ccEusebius de vita Constantini, l. 2. c. 12, 13, 14, 19.) Constantine, before his Battel with the persecuting Tyrant Licinius, dedicated a certain vacant time to powr forth Prayers to our Saviour Christ in the taberna…le of the Crosse, which he fixed far remote from his Camp: where afflicting his body with fasting and abstinence, he powred out Prayers & Supplications to God to reconcile him to himself, and become his gracious Protector: In which Duty he imployed certain Persons, whom he reputed eminent both for faith and piety, to joyn with and assist him in the performance thereof, as he usually did upon other occasions before every battel with the enemy. After which having vanquished Licinius, and by his death obtained the sole power, and government over the Roman Empire; Omnes ubique victorem hymnis celebrabant, Tum choreis & hymnis primum Deum, summum omnium regem esse praedicarunt: deindè victorem Constantinum, ejusque f…os modestissimos, Deoque charos Caesares, acclamationibus continuis extulerunt. After which this Godly Emperor to excite his Subjects to Prayers, was ddEuseb. de vita Constantini, l. 4. c 14, 15.portrayed in all his Coyns & Statues standing upright with his eyes looking up, and his hands stretched forth and elevated towards Heaven, as if he were praying, & prescribed all his Legions, and Soldiers, as well Pagans as Christians, this set form of Prayer in the Roman tongue, which they were to use and recite every Lords day, & in their daily prayers, with their hands and eyes lifted up to Heaven unto God the Giver o… all good thi…gs, and Author of victory. eeEuseb. de vita Consta…. l. 4. c. 19, 20.Te solum Deum agnoscimus, &c. We acknowledge thee to be God alone; we professe thee to be King; we invocate thee our helper: by thee we have obtained victories; by thee we have overcome Enemies: from thee we conf…sse we have received present, & hope that we shall obtain future felicity. Tui omnes supplices sumus, abs te petimus, ut Constantinum Imperatorem nostrum, unà cum piis ejus liberis quàm diutissime nobis salvum & victorem conserves: We are a…l Supplicants unto thee. We all request from thee, that thou wouldest conserve our Emperor Constantine together with his pious Children, safe and victorious to us, p. 5for many generations, or, as long as possible may be, or for ever. Ejusmodi ferè Sanciebat a Militibus solis die fieri, talesque ab eis voces in diurnis Precibus adhiber…. Which prayers no doubt were used in this our Island of Britain, (where he was born and crowned) by his Soldiers, and other Subjects, for him and his royal posterity, as well as in other places: the Churches and Christians then in Britain, concurring both in their Doctrine and Practice, with the Churches in Rome, Italy, Aphrick, Aegypt, Spain, France, Lybia, Greece, Asia, Pontus and Cilicia, as ffNicephorus Eccles. Hist. l. 8. c. 25. Spelman. Concil. p. 43, 44. 45. Anno 313.Constantine himself records in his Epistle to all Churches concerning the affairs of the Council of Nice, Anno 330. But of this more in the next Chapter.

It is the Observation of Thomas Rudburne, the History of Winton Church, and Bishop Usher out of them, (ggMa…e Chronico, l. 1. c. 6. Wintoiensis Ecclesiae, Hist, c. 7, 8. Usserius De Brit. E…cles. primordiis, c… 8. p. 19….) Orationes ac deprecationes justorum assiduae cum multum valeant apud justum judicem Deum; ascenderunt lacrymae suorum fidelium in conspectu conditoris altissimi; & sedatum est gravissimae persecutoris ac percussionis jaculum fulminosum, completo videlicet spatio viginti duorum annorum: undè Christiani qui priùs in sylvis opacissimisque locis se posuerant (within this our Island of Britain, as well as in other places, during the reigns of Dioclesian, Maximinian and Licinius, who grievously persecuted them) in publicum se ostendentes (under Constantine the Great) renovant Ecclesias quae usque ad solum undique erant destructae. Quo in tempore aedificata est Ecclesia Wintoniensis secundò ab Christi fidelium oblationibus. The Christians daily Prayers and tears to God in this our Island, being the principal means to cease their former persecutions under their cruel Pagan Emperours, and to procure them peace and prosperity under this first Christian Emperor Constantine, for whose long life, and prosperous reign they daily Prayed unto God in the Churches they re-edified and repaired during his pious Reign.Anno 435.

**…at. Westm, A no 435 p…,. 148, 149.Guithelin, Archbishop of London, in the the year of our Lord 455. being …ent by the Christian Britons of our Island, into Britain in France, to crave ayde against p. 6the barbarous Nations, who invaded, murdered, spoyled, and miserably oppressed them; thereupon Androenus King of the French Britons sent his Brother Constantine with 2000. men unto them, upon condition they should elect and crown him for their King. Which expedition Constantine undertaking, Guithelin thereupon brake out into these gratulatory Acclamations and Prayers unto Christ for him. Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat. Assit igitur gratia Christi Regi Britanniae qui est defensio nostra, ut insulam miserimam ad pristinam reducat libertatem. Christ overcommeth, Christ reigneth, Christ commandeth. Therefore let the grace of Christ be present and assistant to the King of Britain who is our defence, that he may reduce the miserable Island to its pristine liberty. A Prayer as suitable for our miserable exiled King and Island now, as for this their new British King, and Island in that Age, wherein the other Bishops, and Christian Britons made the like Prayers for him both at and after his Coronation, as Guithelin did before it.Anno 488.

Our famous B…itish King Aurelius Ambrosius, after he… Ma…. Westm. An. 488. p. …73, 174. had destroyed and burnt the bloody Regicide and Usurper Vortigern, and conquered and exiled the Pagan Saxons, in the year of Ch…ist 488. repaired and new built the Churches they had demolished, placed P…iests and Clerks in them, restored divine service to its due state, conserred many Gifts, Rents and Revenues upon Churchmen; Et orare pro Regno et Ecclesiae statu omnibus imperavit: And he commanded all men, to pray for the Realm, and state of the Church; which no doubt they performed accordingly in their Churches, not fo…getting to pray likewise for this good King, who repaired them, and restored Christianity.Anno 490.

To pretermit Saint kkMa…. Westm. Anno 491. p. 177. Usserius De Brit. Eccl. Primordiis, p. 864, 865.Patricks Prayers and Petitions to God, for the seven Kings he baptized, and the Irish he converted to the Faith, with his ascending into a Mount, and there fasting forty daies, ut orarct pro cis, that he might pray for them.

p. 7**Epist. l. 9. … … …. … …, …. ….Pope Gregory the 1. in his Epistle to Aldeberga (or ratherAnno 600. B…ha) wife to King Edilbert before his conversion to the faith of Christ, (who after her conversion was very instrumental to help convert the King and his subjects to the faith;) useth this thanksgiving, and prayer to God on her behalf. Omnipotentem Deum Benediximus, qui conversionem Gentis Anglorum mercedi vestrae dignatus est propitius reservare, &c. Bona vestra non soli m jam apud Romanos qui pro vita vestra fortius oraverunt; s…d etiam per diversa loca, et usque Constantinopolim, ad Serenissimum Principem pervenerunt: ut sicut nobis de Christianitatis vestrae solatiis laetitia facta est, ita quoque de perfecta operatione vestra Angelis fiat gaudium in coelis, &c. Ut et hîc foelicitèr cum glorioso filio nostro conjuge vestro regnetis, et post longa Annorum tempora futurae quoque vitae gaudia, quae finem habere nesciunt, capiatis. Oramus autem Omni potentem Deum, ut gloriae vestrae cor, et ad operanda quae diximus gratiae suae ig…e succendat, et aeternae mercedis fructum vobis de placita sibi operatione concedat.

The same Pope Gregory in his **Epist. l. 9. Epist. 60. Beda Eccles. Hist. l. 1. c. 32. Spelmanni Concilia, p. 86.Epistle to Edilbert KingAnno 60…. of Kent, exhorted him, willingly to hear, devoutly to perform, and studiously to keep in memory what Augustin, then his Bishop should admonish him, for this reason, Quia si vos eum in eo quod pro omnipotenti Deo loquitur auditis, idem Omnipotens Deus hunc pro vobis exorantem celerius exaudiet. Si- enim (quod absit) verba ejus postponitis, quomodo eum omnipotens Deus poterit audire pro vobis, quem vos negligitis audire pro Deo? (A clear evidence, that Augustin and other Bishops and Christians in that age devoutly and constantly prayed to God for King Edilbert) Tota igitur mente cum eo vos in fervore fidei stringite, atque adnisum illius virtute quam vobis divi…tas tribuit adjuvate, ut regni sui vos ipse faciat participes, cujus vos fidem in regno vestro recipi facitis, et cus…odiri. After which he concludes his Epistle with this prayer for this Kings spiritual, temporal, and eternal safety, long life, felicity and salvation. Omnipotens itaque De…s in vobis gratiam quam coepit, p…rficiat, atque vitam p. 8**Hen…ici Huntindon, Hist. …. 3 p. 323.vestram et hic per multorum annorum curricula extendat, et post longa tempora in caelestis ves Patriae congregatione recipiat. Incolumem excellentiam vestram gra…ia suprema custodiat Domine fili, 10 Julii, Anno 19. Mauritii Tiberii A…sti.Anno 615.

**will. …, De G…stis Po…tif. Angl. …. …. …, 208.Pope Boniface in his Epistle to King Ethelbert (sent by … Bishop of Lond…n) Anno Dom. 615. p…ayes thus for him, In Christo valeas Domine ….

Edwin King of Northumberland promi ed to renounce hi… Idolatry, and to serve Christ, because Edelb…rga his…uno …. Q…een (being a Christian) by the p…ayers of Paulinus Bishop of the Nor…humberlanders was delivered without much pain of a child; Wherupon mm… … … H…st l. 2. …. 9. …. Mat. West. …. 6…6. … id…m, l. 2. …. ….E…iscopus gratias caepit agere Domino Christo, Regique astruere, Q…od …lle precibus suis a…ud illum ob…nuerit, ut Regina sospes absque dolore gravi, sobolem procrearet. But this King deferring his Conversion to Christianity contrary to his promise; Thereupon Pope Boniface writ to Queen Edelburga to use all possible means for her Kings conversion, and amongst others, to make fervent Prayers to God for his illumination and salvation, Unde orationi continuò insistens, a longanimitate coeleftis clementiae illuminationis illius beneficia impetrare non desinas. Ut videlicet quos copulatio carnalis affectus unum quodammodo corpus exhibuisse ministratur, hos quoque unitas fidei etiam post hujus vitae transitum in perpetua societate conservet. A… hoc enim misericordiam Dominicae pietatis consecuta es, ut fructum fidei, creditorumque tibi beneficiorum redemptori tuo multiplicem resignares. Quod equidem suffragante praefidi… benignitatis ipsius, ut exple…e valeas, a…duis non desistimus precivus postular…. AfterAuno 628. this (nnB…da Eccl. Hist.. 2 c. 17. … Con cil p. …37, 13…. Hen Huntindon. Hist. l 3. P. 327. King Edwin being … the Ch…istian Faith, Pope Honorius Successor to Boni…ace w…it an Epistle to thi… King, in the close whereof there is this Prayer for his safety, Incolumem exc…llentiam vest…am gratia superna ….

Some few years aft…r cruel King Penda invading Northumberland, and besieging Be…ba the royal City; when p. 9he could neither take it by arms nor fiege, he resolved to fire it, and laying great store of combustible matter to the walls set it on fire, the flames mounting above the walls, being carried into the City with furious winds, (nn… Eccl. Hist. l. 3. c 16.) BishopAnno 635. Aidan beholding it from the Island of Farne, whether he retired secretly to pray, fertur elevatis ad coelum oc…lis manibusque cum lacrymis dixisse, Domine, quanta mala facit Penda! Quo dicto …tatim mutati ab urbe venti, in eos qui accenderant flammam incendia retorserunt, ita ut aliqui laesi, omnes territi, impugnare ultra urbem cessarunt, quam divinitus juvari cognoverunt. (ooMat. Westm. P. 221.) About the same time (Anno 635.) Penda King of Mercians being sent by Cadwallin Anno 635.King of the Britons with a great army into Northumberland, to slay Oswald King thereof; hee assaulted him in a place called Hetenfield: whereupon King swald erecting the sign of the Crosse with his own hands, commanded all his Souldiers with a loud voyce to cry unto God for him, and themselves in these words. Flectamus genua ad Deum universi, Ipsumque in communi deprecemus, ut Nos ab Exercitu superbi Regis Britanni et … …ephandt Dueis Pendae defendat. Scit enim ipse quia justa pro salute gentis nostrae bella suscipi…mus. Fecerunt ergo omnes ut jusserat, & sic in hostes progressi juxt à fidei s…ae meritum victoria potiti sunt.

(ppBeda Eccl. Hist. l. 3 c. 2. After King Oswald his murder in the year 642. theAnno 650. Freers of the Church of Hexam every year, the day before the said King was slain, used for a long time, Vigilias pro salute animae ejus facere, plurimaqne Psaimorum laude celebra…a, v…imam pro eo manè sacrae oblationis offerre. And if they were thus devout in keēping annual Vigils, and offering Prayers, Psalms, and Sacrifices to God for the salvation of this King and his soul, after his death: (according to the superstition of that and after ages) no doubt they were as loyal and devout in praying and praysing God for him during his life.Anno 655.

(qqBed… Eccl. H…st. l. 3. c. 24.) King Oswi after his great victory over Penda, and his 30. old Colonels and Army, (all slain in battel) in performance of his vow, consecrated his daughter … (scarce one year old) to perpetual vi…ginity, donatis ins…per d…odecim p. 10possessiunculis terrarum, in quibus ablato studio militiae terrestris, ad exercendam militiam coelestem, supplicandumque pro pace Gentis ejus …terna, devotioni sedulae Monachorum locus facultasque suppeteret. About which year & time (after the unjust martyrdom of K. Oswi by the P…ans) Q…. Eanfled ob castigationem necis ejus injustae … à Reg… Oswi ut donaret ibi locum quod dicitur Ingethling, mon…terio construendo Deifamulo Tumhere, quia propinquus ipse erat Regis occisi. In quo videlicet Monasterio orationes assid… pro utrinsque …egis, id est, occisi, …f ejus qui occidere …ussit, aeterna …rent sierent. A clear evidence, that Monaste…ies were then purposely instituted to make daily praye…s and supplications for the Kings safety, and ete…nal salvation, and the peace of the Nation.

aaGu…elmus Malm. DeGest. …ontif. Ang…. …. 1. p. 265.Theodorus Archbishop of Canterbury about the year ofAnno 680. Christ 680. thus inscribes his Epistle to E…helred King of …, touching Wil…rid, Archbishop of York. Ethelredo glori… mo & excellentissim… Regi Merciorum, Theodorus, &c. In Domino perennem salutem, &c. Then subjoyns; Oc…li mei jucundam faciem tuam videant, & Benedicat tibi anima m…a antequam moriar, &c. P…aying for his perpetual health in the Lord; and blessing him with his Soul before his death.

bb… Concil. p. 164.Pope Agatho begins his Epistle to Aethelred King ofAnno 680. M…rcians, Anno 680. thus. Agath…, &c. Ae…helredo glorioso Merciorum Regi, salutem a Deo, et Benedictionem nostram. And this King the very same and the next year inccMo…asticon A…gl …. P. 51. Londi…i 1655. his Charters of Land to the Church of St. Peter of Canterbury, gives Lands; tàm pro salute animae meae, ac pro oratione Fratrum; that the … therein might pray for him, and for the …vation of his soul.

TheddSpelmanni Concil. p. 194. Synod of Bergham…d under Withred King ofAnno 697. Kent, Anno 697. Can. 1. made this de…ree. Pro Kege preces fiant, mandatisque ejus non urgente necessitate, sed ex sponte obediunto. Let prayers be made for the King, and let his commands be obeyed, not from compelling necessity,Anno 704. but from a voluntary minde.

eeMonast. Ang. pars 1. P. 12.King Ina in his Charter, Anno 704. by the Decree and p. 11Counsel of his Prelat Adelm, the suggestion of all his Priests, and upon the Petition of all the Monks in the Province of the West-Saxons granted this Privilege to the Monks of Gla…onbury Abby, ut sine impedimento secularium rerum absque tributo fiscalium negotiorum, liberis mentibus sub Deo serviant, & monasticam disciplinam, Christo suffragium largiente, regulariter exerceant, e… pro statu et prosperitate …egni nostri, et Indu…gentia commissorum criminum ante conspectum Divinae Majesta…s Pr…s fundere di…nentur, et orationum officia frequentan…, in Ercle…s pro nostri fragilitate interpellars …: Most antient Monasteries, as well as this, being Specia…y founded and endowed by our Kings and their S…cessors for this purpose, that they mig…t p…ay for them and their Realms, their Parent…, Child…en, and Success… tempor…l, spiritual, and ete…nal …; as the Cha…ters of their foundations and endowmen…, …n M…asticon Anglicanum, pars 1. & 2. and ot…er Authors attest.

About the year 714. Abbot**Beda Eccl. Hist l. 5. c. 22. Spelmanni Concil. p. 220, 226. Ceolfrid writ a large EpistieAnno 714. to Naiton King of Picts, conc…ning Easter and the Tonsure of Clerks, beginning thus, D…mino excellentissimo & glorio…imo Regi Naitano, Ceolfridus Abbas, In Domino… …: and ending with this Prayer for him; Gratia … … longiori tempore regna…em ad nostram … … custodiat incolumem, dilectissime in Christo fili. And … Abbot & Clergy-men then thus prayed for their …, …, …-…, and the publike peace of the Nation, in thei Epistle… to Kings: muc… mo…e d…d t…ey …hus pray for them in … private and publike Devoti….

**Ingulph: Hist. P. 851, 852, 853.Eth…red … … … in the year of Christ, 716. inAnno 716. the presence of … Bish ps and Nobles, by his Charte… gave and granted the whole Island of Croyland to God, the Vi…gin Mary, and St. Barthollomew, to found an Abby therein for the black Monks, submitting himself wholy to the me…cy and piety of Christ, and commending himself, Sanctae matris Eccl…siae precibus, to the …rayers of his holy Mother the Church: and particularly to the Pray…s of St. G…blac the Confessor and Anchorite.

p. 12Whence a Poet'thus writ of him. Ethelbaldus, &c.

Dret pro nobis sanctissimus iste Sacerdos, (Guthlacus.) Ad tumbam cujus haec mea dona dedi.

A c…ear evidence that the Churches and Ministers of Christ in England did then constantly pray for their Christian Kings, who specially recommended themselves to their prayers.

Our venerable and most learned Beda, doth very muchAnno 720. p esse this Duty of Prayer for Kings, (though Pagans and Persecutors,) from sundry Texts of Scripture, on which he comments. In his**Operum Coloniae Agrip. 1612. Tom 5. Col. 379, 380. Expositiones allegoricae in Ezram, l. 2. c. 7. Et offerant oblationes Deo Coeli, Oren…que pro vita Regis et Filiorum ejus; He thus comments, Offerunt autem ea Sacer dotes iidem pro vita Regis, et Filiorum ejus, j…xta illud Ap…stoli, 1 Tim. 2. Obsecro igitur primò omnium fieri obsecrationes, orationes, postulationes, & gratiarum actiones pro omnibus hominibus, pro Regi…ns & omnibus qui in sublimitate sunt, ut quietam & tranquillam vitam agamus, &c. And in his Fxposition on the 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. Tom. 7. p. 708, 709, 710. he recites and approves the passages of St. A…gustin at large (recited in the next Chapter) commanding Prayers, Supplications, Intercessions and Thanksgivings to be made, not only for Christian and pious Kings, but even for …agans and Idolaters, though vitious, though Persecutors of the Gospel and fincere Professors thereof.

Our famous**Spelmanni Concil p. 143, 254, 255. Council of Clov…sho under ArchbishopAnno 747. Cuthbert, Anno Dom. 747. cap. 30. De orando pro Rege, decreed; … deinceps per …anonic as Orationum hor… non solum pro se Ecclesiastici, sive Monasteriales, sed etiam pro Regibus ac Ducibus, totiusque populi Christiani incolumitate, Divinam incessan…èr exorent clementiam, quatenus Duictam et Tranquillam Uitam sub corum pia defensione mereantur agere. Et ut ita post haec unanimes existerent in Deum, fide, spe & caritate, & seipsos invicem diligerent, & etiam post hujus peregrinationis pericula, ad supernam p. 13pervenire pariter mereanter patriam.

The reason of making this Canon for incessant Prayers for Kings, Dukes and Princes, is thus expressed in the preceding part thereof, that there was a scandal and suspition raised amongst the Priests of God & inferiour Clergy, that they had an ill opinion of Kings, Dukes and Princes (as too many have now.) Hoc est, quod Reges cum Ducibus & Principibus suis, ac deind… minoris potetestatis, persuasi plurimi de eis dicere soleant, quod non tantum sincero eos non diligant affectu, sed insuper eorum bonis prae…entibus, ac prosperitatibus quibusque foelicioribus magis invideant, animo nimis infesto quàm devoto satis congaudeant corde, eorum que conversationis statum Odibili quadam detractatione dilacerare non desinant. A very good ground to revive and re-enforce this Duty both on Ministers and people now; Ut horis canonicis Pr…ces fiant pro Regibus, as the Margin of this Canon prescribes, as well as the body thereof.

Boniface Archbishop of Mentz, an Englishman by birth,Anno 750. thus inscribes and begins his 19. Epistle to our King Ethilbald.Biblioth…ca …trum. Tom. 8. p. 74, 83. Mal…. De Gestis Regum Angl. l. 1. c. 4. p. 28. Domino charissimo & in Christi amore caeteris Regilus praeferendo inclyta Anglorum imperii sceptra gu…ernanti Ethilbaldo Regi, Bonifacius, &c. & Wera, & Burckart, & Warbeth, & Abel, & Wilibald Coepiscopi, Perennem in Christo charitatis salutem. Confitemur coram Deo & sanctis Angelis, quia quamcumque prosperitatem vestram video, & opera bona, Dee coram & homini…us, per nuncios fideles audivimus, quod inter gaudentes, et pro vobis orantes, gratias agimus Deo; postulantes et obsecrantes Salvatorem nostrum, ut vos sospites et in side stabiles, et in operibus coram Deo rectos in Principatu Christiani populi longo tempore custodiat. And King Ethilbert thus closeth his Epistle to Boniface the Archbishop, who prayed for him in those times, Orantem pro Nobis, beatitudinem tuam longaevam divina pietas faciat. **Bibl. Patrum, Tom. 8. p. 111.His 14. Epistle to Pippin King of France, begins thus. C…lsitudinis vestrae clementiae magnas gratias agamus et Dominum Iesum Christum precantes ut vobis in regno p. 14Coelorum aeternam merced…m retribuat. Most of his and Lu…us (his Successors) Epistles conclude with Prayers.

**Bibl. …atrum Tom. 8. p. 114, 115.Cenewlphus King of the East-Saxons, with his BishopsAnno 760. and Nobles in their Epistle to L…llus, Successor to this Boniface, as they pray for him, so they likewise entreat him, and his Clerks to pray to God for them in thei… Congregation, Ut pro nostra parvitate, proque …ace congregationis nostrae Domino supplicare cum eis qui tecum invocant nomen Domini Iesu, memineris. Omnipotens Deus, qui dispersa congregat & congregata …stodit, ipse vos sua gratia prot… gat, et v…stri laboris fructum in aeterna patria nos … concedat.

The renowned Council of Calchuth held in the yearAnno 787. 787. under Alfwold King of Northum …, and Offa * Spelmanni Concil. p. 296, 297.King of Mercians, their Prelates and Nobles, and P…pe Adrians two Legates, Gr…gory and Th…ophylact, c. 12. De Ordinatione & honore Regum, amongst other things, prescribed constant Prayers for, and subjection to Kings, prohibiting all Treasons and Conspiracies against them, in these words, and from these Scriptures. (aaDan. 2. 21. c. …. 25. …. 5. 21.Dan 2:21) Scitore quia Dominus dominator est in regno hominum, & ipsius est regnum, & cuicu…que voluerit, dabit illud. Ideo Omnes generaliter admonuimus, ut consona voce et corde Dominum rogent, ut qui eum eligit in Regnum, ipse ei tribuat regimen Disciplinae sanctae suae ad regendam plebem suam. Honor quoque eis ab omnibus impendatur, dicente Apostolo; (bb1 Pet. 2. 17, 13.1 Pet 2:171 Pet 2:13) Regem …onoroficate: & alibi; sive Regi qua…i praecellenti, five Ducibus, tanquam ab co missis ad vindictam male…actorum, laudem verò bonorum. Item Apostolus, (ccRom. 13. 1, 2, 3.Rom 13:1Rom 13:2Rom 13:3) Omnis anima sublimioribus potestatious subdita sit, quia non est potestas data nisi … Deo. Q…ae autem sunt, à Deo ordinata sunt. Igitur qui … potestati, Dei ordinationi resistit, qui autem resist…nt, ipsi …ibi damnationem acquirunt. Nulius Regi detrahat, dicente (ddEccle…. 10. 20.) Salomone, in ore tuo ne detraxeris Regi, & in corde tuo ne maledixe… … Principi… quia aves Coeli portant illud, & p. 15qui habet pennam a…ntiabit verbum. In necem Regis Nemo communicare audeat, quia Christus Domini est. Et si quis tali sceleri adhaeserit, si Episcopus est, aut ullus ex Sacerdotali gradu, ex ipso detrudatur, et â sancta haereditate dejiciatur sieut Judas ex Apostolico gradu ejectus est: & omnis quisquis tali sacrilegio assenserit, aeterno anathematis vinculo interibit, & Judae traditori sociatus, sempiternis cremabitur incendiis, ut scriptum est; (aaRom. 1. 32.Rom 1:32) Non solum qui faciunt, s…d & qui consentiunt facientibus, judicium Dei non effugiunt. (bbEsther 2. 21, 22, 23. c. 6. 2.Esth 2:21Esth 2:22Esth 2:23 Duo namque Eunuchi A…rum Regem interficere cupientes, in patibulum suspensi sunt. Animadvertite quid fecerit David prae ecto, cum ei Dominus dixerit, (cc1 Kings 24. 5, 7.) … … Saul in manus tuas; dum inveniet dormientem. Et hortatus à milite ut occideret eum, dixit: Absit à me hoc pe…catum, ut extendam manum meam in Ch…istum Domini. Illum autem militem qui post mortem ejus venit ad eum, protestans, (dd2 Sam. …. &c. 4. 10.) quod ipse occiderat Saul, capite truncavit; & reputatum est ei ad justitiam, et semini ejus post e…m. Exemplis namque apud … probatum est, quod quicunque internecionis Dominorum suêre (culpabiles) in spacio vitam inierunt, et utroque … ca…uerunt. This was the Practise, Doctrine, and Loyalty of our Ancestors in this National Great Council and primitive age, fit to be revived by our present Generation.

Our famous Country-man Flaccus Alchuvinus, (eeSee Balaeus Scriptornm Brit. …. 2. c. 17. ScholarAnno 790. to our venerable Bed…, Tutor to the Emperor Charles the Great, and the learnedest English-man in that age) hath many memorable rare passages and prayers for Kings and Emperors in his Works and Epistles, not vulgarly known, which I shall transcribe at large. In his Book De … usu. Operum Lutetiae Paris. 1617. col. 152. d. he writes thus, Septem praeterea sunt Psalmi ex quibus, si unum corpus efficimus, pro omni prorsus corpore oramus Ecclesiae; in his namque memoria Sacerdotum, REGUMque et Potentatum; populi quoque et plebis simul. Memento Domine David, &c. O…t of which Psalms he frames a Prayer, col. 153. Propitiare Domine, quaeso univer… p. 16tuae Cacholicae Ecclesiae toto orbe terrarum diffu…ae, &c. Propitiare famulo suo, N Regi, cunctisque Christianis Principibus, & universo exercitui eorum. In his 31. Epistle to Offa King of Mercians, col. 1554. he concludes with this P…ayer, for Gods Grace and Benediction upon him and his Realm. Divina te, tuumque Regnum coelesti benedictione, comitetur gratia, Domine excellentissime. And Epistle 84. (written by him to Offa in the name of Charles the Emperor) he thus closeth it, col. 1614. Uita, salus, & prosperitas tibi tuisque fide libuss a Deo Christo detur in aeternum. In his 29. Epistle to Aedilred King of Northumberland, (describing at large t…e Office of good Kings and Princes) col. 1540. he hath this passage. Ecclesiarum Christi sint defensores & tutores, ut Servorum Dei orationibus, longa vivant prosperitate: And he closeth his 79. Epistle to King Aedilred, with this prayer for him, col. 1554. Deus omnipotens Regni felicitate, morum dignitate, longaeva prosperitate te florere faciat, dilectissime fili. His 48. Epistle to most noble King Egfrid King of M…rcians concludes thus, col. 1562. E. Divina te in omni bonitate pietas florere faciat, fili charissime. But of all his Prayers and Thanksgivings, those in his Epistles to the Christian Emperor Charles the Great, his Scholar, written to him for the most part, under the name of David Rex) are most observable. I shall instance in some of the chiefest. In his Epistle to him, De Ratione Septuagesimae, &c. col. 1142. he begins thus, Benedictus sit Deus Pater omnipotens, qui te creavit & honoravit: & benedictus sit Dominus noster Jesus Christus filius Dei ve…i, qui te redemit & elegit. Benedictus sit Spiritus sanctus paracletus qui te illuminavit, & dilatavit cor tuum in omni sapientia & scientia charitatis dilectissime D. D. & dulcissime Domine. Et benedicta sit sancta Trinitas, unus Deus omnipotens, Pater & Filius & Spiritus sanctus, qui mini serviculo suo, licet indigno, ta…em concessit Dominum, amicum, & adjutorem gratiae ri…ae. Et benedicta sit potestas et Regnum tuum, e… Fi. ii …, et Filii Filiorum tuorum, usque in generationes … sempiternas: p. 17et veniat super te et super tuam Generationem benedictio sanctorum in die Domini nostri Iesu Christi; utque sanctissima sua voluntas vigeat …loreat & crescat in corde tuo, clarissime Ecclesiae Christi rector & defensor.

His 2d. Epistle to him Col. 1465. runs in the same words. His first Epistle to him is thus directed, Col. 1462.

Domino piissimo, & praestantissimo & omni honore dignissimo David Regi, Fiaccus Albinus, ve…ae beatitudinis aeternam in Christo salutem: After his particular Thanksgiving to God for him, he thus proceeds, Non solum ego ultimus servulus Salvatoris nostri, congaudere debeo prosperitati & exaltatione clariss… ae potestatis vesti ae, sed tota sancta Dei Eccles… unanimo caritatis concentu gratias agere Domino Deo omnipotenti …; qui tam pium, prudentem & justum his novissimis mundi & periculosissimis tem…oribus populo Christiano perdonavit elementissimo munere Rectorem atque Defensorem; qui prava corrigere, & recta corrobora…, & sancta sublimare omni intentione studeat, & nomen Domini Dei eccelsi per multa terrarum spacia dilatere gaudeat, & Catholicae fide… lumen in extremis mundi partibus incendere conetur, &c. In qua Dominus noster Jesus Christus, qui est virtus & sapientia Dei, te custodiat & exaltet, et ad gloriam perennis visionis suae pervenire faciat.

His**Fpist. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, to 24. & … Epistles to this Emperor, begin for the most part with wishing him perpetuae pacis & gloriae salutem, perpetu am salutem, &c. His 4. Epistle to him, col. 1476. ends thus, Deprecantes quoque Domini D…i nostri clementiam, qui te undique regat et custodiat, et victorem faciat omnium Inimicorum tuorum, seu visibilsum seu invisib…um, quatenus cum co…ona gloriae, multis feliciter regnaturum annis, ad regnum perpetuae beatitudinis pervenire, cum sidelibus suis concedat. In his 6. Epistle, col. 1480 he and his Monks prayed thus for him, Totum cordis mei aff…ctum, in gratiarum actiones Christo clementissimo Regi effudi; illius Sedula oratione deprecans …, cum omnibus nostrae Devotionis cooperatorib…, p. 18quatenus vestram Pacificam & amabilem potentiam, ad exaltationem sanctae suae Ecclesiae, & sacratissimi gub…rnacula Impe…ii, longaeva prosperitate custodire, reg…re et dila…are vignetur. His 7. Epistle to him begins thus, col. 1487. Gloria & laus …eo Patri, & Dom. nostro Jesu Christo, quia in gr…tia sancti Spiritus, per devotionem et ministerium sanctae fidei, & bonae voluntatis vestrae, Christianitatis Regnum atque agnitionem veri Dei dilatavit, & plurimos longè laté…ue populos ab errori…us impiet…tis in viam … deduxit, &c. His 9. Epistle ends with Prayers and Thanksgivings; His 10. to …im begins thus, col. 1499.

D…t tibi perpetuam Clemens in sede salutem,

Et D…us Imperii, David amate, Deus.

Tot…m me in gratiarum actiones Domino Deo … Christo … selicia Christiano populo tempora in vestra felicitate, exaltatione & sal…te cer…simè sciens; pro qua semp…r Dominum deprecari gaudeo, eandem semper audire d…sidero, & quasi optatum, à Deoque destinatum munus, omni gaudio vestram incolumitatem cupiens semper audire. …is enim est qui non gaudeat sui capitis perfecta integritate, nisi forte furibundus, vel insanus, quem arct…ssimis Hippocratis vinculis allegandum esse censero? Et si juxta A ostoli sententiam **Ephes. 5.Eph 5N…mo carn…m suam odio habet; … etiam fovet & nutrit: Quanto magis n capitis sanitate, in quo est totius corporis perf…tio et gloria, omnis …mbrorum compage gaudere debet? which Epistle he concludes thus,

Vest…a pr…cor, Christus … us inclyta donis

…, … … … …,

… … …itae, duleis …, glo…ia dulcis,

Sit tibi …, David amate, salus,

Epistola 11. col. 1502. he writes, Continuis precibus Domini n…stri Jesu Christi cl…mentiam d…precor, …uantenus tibi optima quaeque in terrena felicitate conc…ssit, longè meliora … … is regna tibi … concedere dignetur. Concluding it thus,

p. 19Mit is ab aethereo clementer Christus Olympo,

Te regat, exaltet, protegat, ornat, amet, &c.

He concludes his 12. Epistle to him thus, col. 1505.

Det tibi consilium pacis, simul atque salutis

David, amor populi, Christus ubique piu…

Omnipotens cujus defendat … a semper,

Victorem faciens, teque tuosque simul, &c.

In his 13. Epistle to him, col. 1507. he assures him, Nos precibus iter vestrum continuis prosequ…mar, divinam humiliter obsecrantes clementiam, quatenus vos, Vestrosque simul cum omni prosperitate sanos du…at & reducat gaudentes: closing it with this distick,

T…mpora concedat Christus felicia Regni

Hujus & aeterni, David amate, tibi.

In his 14. Epistle to him, col. 1508. he writes, Felin populus qui tali Principe gaudet, in cujus …rosperitate salus …, … consistit, &c. concluding it with a Prayer, and these Verses,

Augeat, exaltet vestram benedictio vitam

Aeternae Regis, David amate Deo.

He …loseth his 15. Epistle to him thus, col. 1511.

Floreat aeternis tecum sapientia donis,

Ut tibi permaneat laus, honor, imperium, &c.

The front of his 17. Epistle to him, col. 1513. begins with an option of perpetuam aeternae gloriae salutem; and ends thus,

Alma Dei Christi tribuat tibi regna potestas

Aurea, cum sanctis, David, in arce poli.

p. 20In his 18. Epistle to him, he hath this clause, col. 1514. Nec meas Preces pro veftra stabilitate et salute cassatas in conspectu Dei credo, quia libenter divina suscipit gratia Lacrymas quae ex charitatis fonte profluunt. He thus concludes it.

Perpetuam Christi tribuat tibi gratia lucem,

Cum sanctis pariter, David amate Deo.

In his 19. Epistle, excusing his non-visiting the Emperor by reason of his infirmity, he intreats him; pia compassione fessum concedat requiescere, orationibusque pro vobis instare, clofing it with these verses.

David in aeternum tecum sit gratia Christi,

Ut vigeas, valeas, victor in orbe potens;

Post haec, et teneas coelestia regna beatus

Cum sanctis pariter semper in arce poli, &c,

Inclytus aeternis David feliciter annis,

In Christi meritis vivat ubique sa…

In his 20. Epistle to him, col. 1517. he informs him. Sed & lacrymarum munuscula mearum in orationibus apud S. Martinum, pro desiderantissima authoritatis vestrae prosperitate vobis fideli transmitto sponsione. Ego orabo pro Domino dilectissimo, quomodo sancti spiritus visitatio cor meum inluminare dignabitur.

He winds up his 22. Epistle to him thus, col. 1521. Ad …ujus verò summae beatudinis, & indeficientis gloriae, post labores hujus vitae felicitatem, Deus Jesus te pervenire faciat Domine desiderantissime, & omni honore dignissime.

Diuitias tribuat veras tibi, David amate,

Cum sanctis pariter Christus in arce poli.

In the Inscription of his 23. Epistle to him, col. 1512. he prayeth for and wisheth to him praesentis & futurae beatitudinis salutem: and begins it with this Thanksgiving. Benedictus Dominus Deus, et benedicta perpetua illius misericordia super p. 21servos suos: pro quorum prosperitate et salute vos, dulcissime David, prosperè duxit, et pacificè reduxit, conservavit, honoravit et exaltavit, atque in omni loco adventus vestri lumen justitiae pietatisque ante faciem vestrae beatitudinis splendescere fecit, &c. Which he thus concludes, Hocque Deum … prectbus obsecro, ut praesens vita Excellentiae vestrae ejusdem sancti intercessionibus adjuvetur, protegatur & consistat. Et post hanc aeterna cum eodem beatitudine perfrui merearis Domine … & desideratissime David. His 90. Epistle to him, col. 1618. begins thus. Domine mi dilect ssime, et dulcissime, et omnium desider antissime mi David, tristis est Flaccus vester propter infirmit atem vestram. Opto et toto corde Deum deprecor, ut cito convaleatis, ut gaudium nostrum sit … in vobis, et sanitas vestra sit plena anima et corpore, I shall close with his 24. Epistle to him, which hath this Exordium. Gloria & laus D…o omnipotenti, pro salute et prosperitate vestra, dulcissime mi David, atque pro omni honore et saptentia in quibus te speciali gratia omnibus supercellere fecit. Perpetua gratiarum actio resoner, et assidua sanctarum Intercessio orationum ad Deum dirigatur, quatenus longaeva prosperitate feliciter vivas, valeas et Regnes ad correctionem et exaltationem sanctae suae …, ut sub protectione tuae venerandae potestatis secura … Deo deserviat, &c. And this memorable conclusion. …, prosperitas Regni. Tu salus populi. Tu decus Ecclesiae. Tu omnium protectio fidelium Christi, Nobis igitur sub umbra potentiae, et sub regimine pietatis tuae, divina concesset gratia Religiosam ducere vitam, atque summa quiete Deo Christo deservire. Ideo solicita mente, et pia intentione, pro tua prosperitate et salute curam habere et intercedere justum et necestarium habemus, Domine desiderantissime, atque omni honore dignissime David Rex. I have at large transcribed these salutations, options, supplications, Prayers, Intercessions and thanksgivings of our famous English-man. Abbot Alchuvinus for 6. reasons. 1. Because they are a most full pregnant evidence of his conscientious observation of the Apostles Exhortation and precept, 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. and of all other Abbots, Prelates, p. 22and Clergy-men in that age. 2ly. Because they are a mo… exact practical commentary upon that Text. 3ly. An excellent president for our imitation, and notable censure of the Apostacy, Disloyalty, and Indevotion of sundry Antimonarchical new Saints, in this degenerate age. 4ly. A most clear demonstration of the Excellency of Kingly Government, of the happiness that Christian Churches, Realms, Subjects in joy under Pious, Religious Kings & Emperors; and what extraordinary cause they have to pray unto, and to praise and ble…e God for them. 5ly. Because they are full of Excellent variety, unknown to most, and little taken notice of even by our learnedest Divines. 6ly. Because they contain the substance of most other Abbots, Bishops and Clergy-mens salutations, Benedictions, Prayers, Thanksgivings of this kind in their Epistles to our own and other Kings and Emperors, in that and succeeding ages, most of which I shall for brevity pretermit, since presidented in and by these Epistles.

About the year of Christ 794.**Mat. Pa…is in Vita Of…. secundi, p. 16. Mat. Westm. An. 794. K. Offa praying to GodA…o 794. to give him Grace, according to his former Vow, to find out a place wherein, and a Saint to whom he might dedicate a M… nastery; thereupon turning about to Archbishop Humbert, of Canterbury, Unwona Bishop of Winton, and other … & wise men by whom he was governed, he intreated the… with tears, and hands joyned together, with all earne… nesse, quatenus sincer a mente, totaque …evotione Deum … … deprecemini, ut ad beneplacitum suum, honore… et gloriam ad effectum meum perducat d…siderium. Et … omnes hoc gaudentes concessiss…nt, they with other Clerks whom they had called together, entred into an Oratory that was near, Super hoc propensius Oraturi. Et praemisso hymno, Veni Creator Spiritus, Oraverunt de devoti… mi ut Dominus Iuttum Regis desiderium ad effectum duceret gloriosum. Et cum prolixius orassent, eccè … … caelitus totam cellulam illam à summo tecti fastigio … ad pavimentum perlustravit. In qua favor Dei manifestè significabatur. After which by the revelation of an angel, whiles this King lodged in the City of Ba…h, the place p. 23of St. Alban the Martyr his interment was revealed unto him; where he built a Monastery to him.

Pope (aaWil. …. de Gestis Regum, l. 1. c. 4.) Leo the 3d. in his Epistle to Kenulphus King ofAnno 802. M…cians, concerning the restitution of the see of Canterb. to its antient Metropolitical Jurisdiction, hath this thansgiving to God for him; Omnipotenti Deo referimus grates qui vestram prudentissimam Excellenciam in omnibus exornavit et decoravit, &c

(bbEx Registro de Abendon cap. 23. Monasticon Angl. p. 100.) Cenulsus King of the Mercians Anno 821. by hisAnno 821. Charter granted and confirmed sundry Privileges to the Abby of Abbend…ne; Maximè ut ipsi diebus Dominicis 7. … … Nobis … offerant, et armis Spiritu…bus … Psal…rus contra invisibiles hostes dimicare … c…ssant.

(ccIngulphi Hist. p. 855.) W…lasius King of M…rcians being enforced to hideAnno 833. him e…f 4. months space from King Egberts Captains, who sought his life, in St. Ethildritha the Anchorites cell wit … the Abby of Croyland till by the mediation of Abbot Siward he had made hi… peace with Egbert; the… eupon in the year 833. of our saviours inca…nation, he by his Charter confirmed and enla…ged the Lands and Privileges of this Monastery, and most …oly Church of Croyland; wherein he stiles it; Turris ad coelum ascendens, quae viligiis et orationibus Psalmis & …, disciplinis & affictionibus, lachrymis et singulti…us, eleemosynis et innumeris aliis Devotionibus, pietatisque operibus pro seculo peccatore fortissimam violentium pi…tatisque coelorum ingerit Die et Nocte. And by whose Prayers and tears, God who had in his wrath humbled him for his S…ns even to the earth, and levelled him to the dust, iterum in misericordia sua suscitans de pulvere egenum, & de stercore erigens pauperem, ut sedeam cum Princi…bus et solium gloriae t…neam.

As King (ddMonasticon Angl. p. 214.) Offa King of Mercians in the year 780.Anno 841. by his Charter gave sundry Lands to St. Peters Church of W…rcester built by his G…andfather, (as he did to other Monasteries) Sciens cum his transitoriis aeterna mercari …, …, …; priorum & propinquiorum perpetua animae s…lute, So King … his Successor in the year 841. by p. 24his Charter, exempting this Monastery as long as the Catholick faith and baptism of Christ should continue in Britain, from some secular services; thereupon Abbot Edmond and his Congregation of Breodune (by way of retaliation) decantaverunt duodecim vicibus C. Psalteria, & 120. Missas pro Rege Bertwolfo, et pro illius charis amicis, et pro omni Gente Merciorum, ut eorum libertas firmior ac stabilior permanea… in aevum, et ut illius Regis memoria et amicorum ejus, qui hanc pietatem in eleemosynam sempiternam omnibus Mercits illis, in Congregatione Breodune donaverat, in eorum sacris Orationibus jugiter permaneat usque in a vum.

Pope … Sergius the 2. closeth his Epistle to Ethelred, Alfred Anno 844.and Adulfus, Kings of the English, with this option and* … M…lm …ury de G…st. Pon…if. Angl. l. 1. p. 209. prayer. Optamus ergo, quo misericordia solita Dominus noster Iesus Christus faciat Uos ineffabiliter Ministerii ac Regi culminis Honore sublimari, et in examine futuri Iudicii reservari.

‖ King Aethelulph, Anno 854. granted the Tenth part of Anno 854.his Realm (that is, the Tithe of the profits of all Lands, as… Mat. …. Ann. 854. p. 306, 307. … … de … …, …. 2. c. 2 Ingulp…, p 86…. … …, p. 3…0. 351. Mr. Seldens History of Tithes, c. …. p. 204. &c. Mr. Selden rightly expounds it) to God, the Clergy and Monks, free from all exactions, tributes and secular services: ut …o diligentius pro Nobis preces ad Deum sine cessatione fundant; that thereupon they might the more diligently powre forth prayers unto God for him without ceasing. Whereupon E…stan Bishop of Salisbury, and Swithin Bishop of Winchester, with the Abbots, Priests, Monks and Nonns under them, deereed; Omni Hebdomade die Mercurii in unaquaque Ecclesia cantent Psalm…s 50. et unusquisque Presbyter duas Missas pro Rege, et aliam pro Ducibus ejus, in …unc modum consentientibus, pro salute et refrigerio Delictorum suorum; (whiles they lived:) postquàm aute… defuncti fuerimus, pro Rege defuncto singulariter, & pro Du…bus communiter. Et hoc sit firmiter consti…utum omnibus diebus Christianitatis, quemadmodum libert… constituta est, quamdiu fides creseit in gente Anglorum: The end of this gift being thus expressed by the King in the (hhMr Seldens History of Ti…hes, c. 8. p. 209.) Ch…laries of the Abbot of Abingdon, Ut Deus omnipotens p. 25nobis, et nostris posteris propitiari dignetur, by the Bishops, Priests, and Monks Prayers and Intercessions for him in every Church.

Burgred King of Mercians confirmed all the Lands givenAnno. 298 Ch on. G…ocestr. Caenob…, Monast. Angl. p. 110. by former Kings to the Church of Glocester: Et c…m consensu, Concilio, et licentia omnium Optimatum suorum, fecit eandem Ecclesiam liberam & quiet am, et omnia Monasteria et loca quae eidem Ecclesiae obediunt, et pertinent, ab omni terreno negocio et servicio, ea duntaxat conditione statuta, ut orationes illorum, deprecationesque pro ipso, et pro justis haeredibus suis, jugiter in illa Ecclesia nocte et die memoriter servarentur. This being the principal end of our Kings in founding and endowing Churches and Monasteries, and exempting them from all secular businesses and services, that they might continually powre out Prayers, Supplications, Deprecations and Intercessions unto God for themselves, their just Heirs, Posterities, Queens, Successors and Realms, day and night without ceasing.

To pretermit the Charter of.**Monast. Angl. pars 1. King Edward the elderAnno 906. of …usbourn to the Church of Peter, and Paul in Winchester, pro aeterna libertate animae meae, et omnis successive posteritatis meae, Adulfi Regis, et Alfredi Regis, ue…non et Antecessorum suorum, by the Prayers of the Monks and Clergy of that Church.

At the Coronation of King Aethelston Anno 924. theAnno 924. Malmesbur. l. 2. c. 6. p. 49, 50. joyes, acclamations, prayers and well-wishes of the Nobles, Prelates and People towards him, are thus poetically expressed

Tunc juvenis nomen, regno clamatur in omen,

Ut fausto patrias titulo moderetur habenas.

Conveniunt Proceres, et componunt Diadema,

Pontifices pariter dant infidis Anathema;

Emicat in populis solito festivior ignis,

Et produnt variis animi penetralia signis.

Ardot quisque suum Regt monstrare favorem.

Ille strepit Cythera, decertat plausibus iste,

p. 18In commune sonat, tibi laus, tibi Gloria Christe.

The (aaChron. Ioh. Brompt. col. 850. Spelman. Concil. P. 405.) Council of Exeter under King Aethelston, and his Laws made Anno 928. c. 12. prescribed in pursuance of theAnno 928. Clergies recited decree An. 854. Singulis quoque diebus Veneris decantent Omnes Dei Ministri in omnibus Caenobiis, 50. Psalmos pro ipso Rege: which was accordingly executed.

King (bbMo…sticon Angl. 214.) Edmund by his Charter An. 941. gave to Aedr… and his Successors, two tenements in Stocke, Q…aienus Anno 941.temporali…m rerum mobili praesentia utens, Fidelem obedien… tiam ac pacem laudabilem erga Regni sceptra nostri et regale nostrum solium ae…ernabiliter impetret et benigniter servet: et post praesentis vitae excessum illis quibuscunque voluerit subsequentibus hoc donum commendet, ut in omnibus Paternae obedientiae exemplis c…rca Regiam dignitatem fideles inveniantur.

The (ccMonast. Angl. P. 996, 997.) Abby of Tavistoc founded in time of the Danish wars, which long interrupted it, in the Regn of K. Edgar, Anno 981.was finished & confirmed in the reign of K. Ethelred, Anno Christi 981. Quando omnipotentis gratia et misericordia Angl. patria, Sanctorum in ea degentium meritis et precibus pacificata est, qui die et nocte clamaverunt ad Dominum in prosperis et in adversis cum tribularentur et de necessitatibus eorum libertavit eos, The Abbot and Monks of this Monastery of Tavistoc giving themselves to reading and prayer for the safety of the Souls, and Bodies of our Kings, and good of the Kingdom, as their Charters enjoyned them.

(ddMatthaei Parisiensis Au… ctuarium Additamentor…, P. 240.) King Ethelred, Anno 996. by his Charter gave certainAnno 996. Lands to the Monastery of St. Alban, and confirmed the Lands and Privileges formerly granted them by King Offa, ut inibi Deo famulantes, tàm pro meis, quàm pro omnibus Praedecessorum meorum deliquiis fine ulla terreni potestatis molestia, Quotidie saluberrima Missarum solennia omnipotenti Deo celebrent, et dulcissimas Psalmorum modulationes ore et corde decantantes, armis spiritualibus, contra visibiles et invisibiles hostes pro Nobis et pro omni Populo… Christiano dimicare non cessent, Quatenus ejusdem p. 19beati Martyris intereedentibus meritis, five in praesenti, sive in futura, sive in utraque vita, Christo pro Nobis virtutem facienti, Anno 1009victoriam quandoque de Inimicis nostris, voti compotes adipisci mereamur.

aaMonasticon Angl. p. 228 287.King Cnute in the year 1009. by his Charter, exemptedAnno 1012 the Church of St. Mary and All Saints in Excester, and the Lands thereof: Ab omni regali et seculari gravedine majori aut minori, exceptis assiduis orationibus (which they were daily to make for him and his Realm) nisi sola expeditione et pontis constructione. This King about the same year by his Charter, granted to the Monks of the Monastery of St.Anno 1030. Edmunds, that they should be exempted from all Episcopal domination, Ut in eo Domino servientes Monachi sine u…ae inquietudine pro statn Regni Dominum prevaleant precari: and that he by their and St Edmunds prayers, might obtain a portion of his beatitude after this life was ended.

The bb…. Johannis … Col. 902. Spelm. Con, … P. 541.Council of Habam, An. Dom. 1012. decreed, Ut in …mni Congregatione eantetur quotidie communiter pro Rege una missa, ad matutinalem missam, quae inscripta est, contra… Paganos. Et in omni caenobie celebret omnis Presbyter Sigillatim 30. Missas pro Rege et Populo, et omnis Monachus dicat 30. Psalmos: By virtue whereof in every Monastery there were Masses, and Psalms s…ng, and prayers made both commonly and specially for our Kings, which every Priest and Monk used every day, without Inte…mission throughout the Realm, and in all parish Churches, during the times of Popery and Monasteries, by vertue of these recited Canons; as all our antient Missals and Psalters evidence.

ccAilredus Abbas, de vita & miraculis Edwardi Confessoris, Col. 373. Malmeso. De gestis Reg…, l. 2. c. 13. de Gestis Pontif. Angl. l. 2. P. 294. Mat. Westm. Anno 105…. P. 422. Hen. … don Hist. 1. 6. Simeon Dunelmensis Hist. Col. 836. Chron. John Brompton, Col 909. 955. Hen. Knyghton de eventibus Angl. l. 1. c. 3. Antiq. Eccles. Brit. P. 88, 89. Ribadenira & Capgrave in the lffe of Edward the Confessor, Speed… Hist. P. 410.Our Historians record, that about the year 1030. Bryghtwold a monk of Glastonbury, (first Bishop of Wilton) when King Cnute had banished and almost extirpated the whole royal Progeny of the English race, to establish himself and his pos…erity in the Throne, so as there seemed little probability of their restitution; this Bishop falling into a serious meditation of the forlorn condition of the Royal race, and the English Nation under the Danish usurpers, entred into Glastenbury Abby, where (as Abbot Ailred relates) p. 28for the restitution os the exiled King and royal issue, and deliverance of his Native Country from Danish Tyranny, maerens et tristis, orationibus vacabat et Psalmis. Qui cum aliquando pro Regis, plebisque liberatione preces lacrymasque profunderet, quasi in haec verba prorumpens. Et tu, inquit, Domine usque quo? usque quo avertis faciem tuam, obliviscens inopiae nostrae & tribulationis nostrae? Sanctos tuos occiderunt, altaria tua suffoderunt, & non est qui redimat, neque qui salvum faciat. Scio Domine, scio, quia omnia quae fecisti nobis, in vero judicio fecisti: sed nunquid in aeternum projiciet Deu…, & non opponet & complacitus sit adhuc? erit ne Domine Deus meus, erit ne finis horum mirabilium? aut in aeternum tuus in nos mucro desaeviet, & percutias usque ad internecionem? Inter preces tandem & lachrymas fatigatum sopor suavis excepit; viditque per somnium caelestem chorum cum lumine, beatissimumque Petrum in eminenti loco constitutum, dignum tantae majestati habitum praeferentem. Videbatur ante eum vir praeclari vultus in forma decenti, regalibus amictus insigniis, quem cum propriis manibus Apostolus consecrasset & unxisset in Regem, monita salutis adjecit, praecipuèque caelibem vitam commendans, quot esset annos regnaturus aperuit. Obstupefactus Praesul tanti novitate miraculi, petit sibi à sancto visionis hujus mysterium revelari: de statu insuper regni & instantis fine periculi apostolicum exegit oraculum. Tune sanctus vultu placido intuens intuentem. Domini, inquit, o Praesul, Domini est regnum, ipse dominatur in filiis hominum. Ipse transfert regna, & mutat imperia, & propter peccata populi regnare facit hypocritam. Peccatum pecca vit populus tuus Domino, & tradidit eos in manus Gentium & dominati sunt etiam qui oderunt eos. Sed non obliviscitur misereri Deus, nec continebit in ira sua misericordias suas. Erit enim, cum dormis cum patribus tuis sepultus in senectute bona, visitabit Dominus populum suum, & faciet redemtionem plebis suae. Eliget enim sibi virum secundum cor suum qui faciet omnes voluntates suas… qui me opitulante regnum adeptus Anglorum, Danico furor… finem imponet. Erit enim acceptus Deo & gratus p. 29hominibus, amabilis civibus, terribilis hostibus, utilis Ecclesiae. Qui cum praescriptum terminum regnandi in justicia & pace compleverit, laudabilem vitam sancto fine concludet. Quae omnia in beato Edwardo completa rei exitus comprobavit; Expergefactus Pontifex rursus ad preces lacrymasque convertitur, et licet faelicit a tem suae gentis non esset ipse visurus, de malorum tamen fine certus effectus, gratias agens Deo plurimum gratulabitur: Factus igitur animaequior, populis paenitentiam praedicabat, quibus Deus misericordiam non defutur am constantissimè pollicebatur.

Most of our Historians record, That St. Peter in this vision shewed Edward the Confessor to Bryghtwold whiles he was an exile in Normandy, and anointed him King in his sight, declaring to him the honesty of his life and peaceablenesse of his Reign, which should continne for 22. years space. After which he inquiring of St. Peter who should succeed him? received this comfortable Answer from him worthy our confideration, REGNUM ANGLIAe EST REGNUM DEI, & IPSE SIBI REGES PROVIDEBIT: as he hath done ever since; and that especially by the constant Prayers, Supplications and Intercessions of the Ministers, Clergy, and people of the Realm in all Ages.

**Antiqu. Ec… clesiae Brit. p. 74, 75, 76. Monast. Angl. p. 35.Queen Emma (Mother of King Edward the Confessor)Anno 1050. being falsly accused of Incontinency with Aldwin Bishop of Winchester, and other crimes, and enforced to make her purgation in Winchester Church, by going barefoot over 9. plough-shares red hot; the King her Son, Nobles, Bishops, and People resorting thither upon this occasion. When the Queen was led to this torment between 2. Bishops only, Totius populi, clerique quasi una voce ululantis, S. Swithinum invocantis & exclamantis, S. Swithine libera eam: maximus fletus paene ad …oelos elatus est, tantusque clamoris sonitus vocibus viribusque omnium factus est, ut S. Swithinus vel ilico sine mora, vel nunquam occurreret, ut tonitrua reboantia superavit, credebant enim illa sua vociferatione Deum ipsum vim pati, coactumque servum suum Suithinum qua… violenter extractum à coelo, ad liberandam Reginam p. 22dimissurum. After which strong fervent united Prayers and cries of the People and Clergy to God for her, the Queen miraculously passed over all these Plough-shares, which she pressed with the weight of her whole Body, without seeing the Iron, or feeling the burning, or receiving the least hurt thereby.

**Spelmanni Concilia, p. 630, 632, 633. Ailred…s devira & miraculis Edw. Confess. col. …dw, 388.King Edw. the …onfessor, having founded and endowedAnno 1066. the Church of St. Peter of Westminster with sundry Lands and privileges amongst other ends, pro animabus Regum tam Successorum quam Praedecessorum meorum, & omnium parentum meorum, et pro pace ae tranquillitate Regni mei, et prosperitate totius Anglorum Popult; for all which the Monks thereof were to make contiuual Prayers, Supplications, and Intercessions unto God: Pope Nicholas thereupon confirmed by his Bull, the privileges which the King had granted to this Church by his Charters; which Bull begins with this Salutation, and proceeds with this Thanksgiving and Prayer for him unto God.

Nic…olaus Episcopus, servus servorum Dei, gloriosissimo & piissimo, omnique honore dignissimo, speciali quoque filio nostro Edwardo Anglorum Regi, visitationem omnimodam, salutem mellifluam, et benedictionem Apostolicam. Omnipotenti Deo referrimus grates, qui vestram prudentissimam Excellentiam in omnibus ornavit ac decoravit erga beatum Petrum, &c. Orantes misericordiam illius qui est Dominus omnium ef Rex super omnia solus, ut ipse participem vos faciat ex omnibus si qua sunt coram Deo bonis operibus nostris, & fratres nos & so…ios in dilectione constituat in omni tempore amplius, acnon minorem partem nostri obsequii reconsignet in suo regno quàm nobismetipsis provenire optamus. Erimus ettam deinceps pro vobis sine dubio orantes assidue, ut ipse Deus vobis subjiciat Hostes et Inimicos qui contra vos voluerint insurgere, et confirmet vos in paterno solio ac propria Haereditate (a most seasonable Prayer for our present exiled hereditary King, as well as for King Edward the Confessor, who after above (bbSpelm. Concil. p. 628. Ailredus Abbas: De vita et miraculis Edw. Confess. p. 379, &c. The 3d. part of my Sea sonable and Legal Historical Vindication, p. 265, 266, &c. 281, to 291. Ibid. p. 387.) 25. years dispossession of the Crown by the p. 23tyrannical invading Danish …, was by their deaths restored to the …rown in peace by his Subjects, without the least eff…sion of blood, for which mercy herepaired and re-founded this Abby, as his first Charter to it recites) Uestro desiderio & voluntati Omnipotens Deus praestet effectum, et con…met vobis paterni Regni Imperium, et tribuat Inc…ementum, et post praesentis vitae Decursum, perduca… ad aeternum permanentis Gloriae Imperium.

This King in his Epistle to this Pope, to confirm these privileges (recorded by**Col. 378. Ailredus) hath this passage concerning Peterpence, which engaged the Pope particularly to pray for him and his Realm. Ego quoque pro modulo meo, augeo & confi…mo donationes & consuetudines pe…uniarum quas sanctus Petrus habet in Anglia, & ipsas pecunias collectas cum Regalibus donis mitto vobis, ut oretis pro me, et pro pace Regni mei, et continuam e… sollempnem memoriam instituatis totius Gentis Anglicae coram corporibus sanctorum Apostolorum: And if the Pope thus prayed continually for this King, his Realm and People, upon this account, no doubt his own Bishops, Clergy, and other Subjects did much more do it.

(rrMonast. Angl. p. 547.) King William the first in his Charter of confirmationAnno 1096. of Lands and Liberties to the Church of Derherst, Anno 1069. granted them by King Edward the Confessor his Predecessor, that they might pray, pro salute animae meae, omniumque liberorum nostrorum, Quatenus Nos & Soboles nostri ipsius sancti (Dionysii) precibus, sociorumque ejus, Anno 1096, &c.adipisci mereamur prosperum praesentis vitaestatum & aeternae stationis portum.

King (ssMonasticon Angl. p. 642, 997, 1024. Anno 1100, &c.) William Rufus by several Charters granted and confirmed Lands and Liberties to the Abbies and Priories of Bermondesey, Tavystock, and Saint Mary Magdalen in Barnestable, pro salute animae meae, et Antecessorum meorum, pro anima Patris mei Willielmi Regis, et matris meae, ipsiusque mei; to be obtained by the Prayers of the Monks, and religious persons in these Houses.

King (ttIbid. p. 366, 437, 642, 643, 648, 666, 669, 670, 682, 684, 645, 646.) Henry the first by sundry Charters during his p. 32reign granted and confirmed sundry Lands and Liberties to the Abbies, Priories, and Churches of Malverne, Colum, Bermondsey, Lenton, Thetford, Mountacute, St. Andrews, Northampton, Barnstaple, and others besides, to pray, pro salute & r…demptione animae meae, pro animabus Patris mei Willielmi Regis Anglorum, matris et fratris mei, Willielmi Regis, et pro Successorum meorum salute, pro pace et stabtli…ate Regni, et pro salute et incolumitate filii mei Gulielmi, pro salute et incolumitate mei ipsius, et statu Regni mei; pro animabus Antecessorū meorum. To which end they constantly made Prayers for them. And W…lliam Peverel, one of his Subjects, pro divini cultus am…re & communi remedio animarum Dominorum meorum Willielmi …egis, et uxoris ejus Matildis Reginae, et filii eorum Willielmi Regis, et omnium parentum suorum et meorum; Necnon e… pro salute Domini mei Henrici Regis, et uxoris ejus Matildae Reginae, et filii eorum Willielmi, et filiae eorum Ma…ildis, pro statu quo que Regni sui; Necnon et pro salute animae meae et uxoris meae, et filii mei Willielmi, et omnium liberorum meorum, pia devotione et devota largitione, offero Deo et Ecclesiae Gluniacensi, &c. It being usual both in that and succeeding Ages for Subjects and Officers to our Kings, to endow Monasteries and Churches with Lands, to pray for the spiritual and temporal prosperity of the Persons, Souls, and Realms of their Kings, Queens, their Sons, Children and Successors in the first place, as well as for their own Souls, Wives, Childr…ns, and Posterities, mentioned only in the second and last place in their Charters and Endowments, of which there are many Presidents in the first and second parts of Monasticon Anglicanum, collected by Mr. Roger Dodsworth and Mr. William Dugdale, to whom I refer the Reader for fuller satisfaction.

* Pope Pascal the first, in his Epistle to K. Henry the … Anno 1108.Hist. Elienfis Eccl. lib. 3. f. 1, 2. Monast. Angl. p. 91.touching the Liberties of the Church of Ely, as he begins his Epistle with, Salutem et Apostolicam benedic. so he thus ends it, Omnipotens Deus Apostolorum suorum precibus et vos et prolem vestram custodiat, et caelest… post terrenum p. 33vobis regnum concedat. The like he doth in his **…dmerus Hist. Novo…um, l. 2. p. 49, 51, 69, 72, 9… 113, 114, 7 121.Epistles to him concerning Archbishop Anselme: concluding one of them in these words, Ipse Omnipotens Deus in cujus manu corda sunt Regum, assit hortatui nostro, assit auditui tuo; ut juxta praecepta ejus tuas disposueris actiones, ipse Regnum tuum pacis et honoris sui stabilitate ac subliminatione disponant. Amen. He closeth other of his Epistle to him thus, Dominus te misericordia sua in potentia et probitate custodiat, et a terrena ad coeleste (regnum) perducat. Amen. Again, Haec si feceris, pro te Dominum, ipso adjuvante exorar… curabimus, et de peccatis tam tui, quàm conjugis tuae sanctorum Apostolorum meritis absolvimus.

Goffridus Abbas Vindocinensis in France, in his Epistola…umAnno 1100. l. 5. Epist. 17. to King Henry the 1. of England, hath this prayer for, and profession of his constant fidelity to him. hhBibliotheca Patrum, Tom. 1…. pars 1. p. 264.Clarissimo Duci Normannorum, et praecellentissimo Regi Anglorum Henrico, carissimo Domino & praecordiali amico, Frater Goffridus Vindocinensis Abbas, in presenti prospere semper et feliciter vivere, et in futuro manere cum Rege Angelorum. V…strae magnitudini, dul…issime Pater et Domine, significavi iter nostrum; Et quia vobis sensi esse contrarium, itineris statim mutavi propositum. Vester itaque servus, testis est mihi Deus, in vestra Fidelitate remaneo; in qua, quandiu vixero, Indesinenter permanebo. Quod quando et quomodo Exce…entiae vestrae placuerit, secundum meum posse, operibus comprobabo. Ualeat Dominus meus Rex et vigeat; quem omnipotens Deus ab omni adver…tate defendat, et tribuat ei quod bene desiderat.Eadmerus Hist. Nov. l. 3… p. 76, 85, 86…

Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury begins his Epistles to this King Henry during his exile thus, Suo reverendo Domino Henrico Regi Anglorum Anselm. Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus, fidele Servicium, cum orationibus: & fideles orationes cum fideli sevicio. And concludes them thus; Omnipotens Deus sic regnet in …orde vestro ut vos per eundem regnetis in gratia ejus. Omnipotens Deus sic in hoc et in aliis actibus vestris dirigv ac vestrum secundum voluntatem suam, ut post hanc vitam perducat Vos ad gloriam suam. Amen. In his Commentary and Exposition on p. 34the 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. He presseth the Duty of praying for Kings, though Pagans and Persecutors in these words, Hujusmodi preces siant pro omnibus hominibus, &c. Et pro illis etiam de quibus minus videbatur, id est, Pro Regibus, licet sint mali et sanctis infesti: pro omnibus qui in sublimitate secularium potestatum positi sunt, sicut Consules et D…ces, quia de omni genere hominum convertentur ad religionem, et perveniant ad salutem, et de eis qui fastu et elatione secularis potentiae fidem et humilitatem videntur abhorrere; …cut cernimus, Quod ipst Reges, desertis Idolis, pro quibus persequebantur Christianos, unum verum Deum cognoverunt et colunt, et ideo pro illis orandum fuit, cum etiam persequerentur Ecclestam; ad hoc etiam orandum est pro Principibus, ut nos qui sub illis sumus vitam agamus quietam a persecutione, ut conversis Principibus Gentiles non audeant inquietare nos movendo persecutiones pro impietate idolatriae, nec haeretici tranquillitatem nostram turbare praesumant volentes corrumpere castitatem fidei quorundam. In pace Principum quies et regnum servatur Ecclesiarum. Nam in bellis et discordiis eorum dissipatur tranquillitas, tepefcit pietas, solvitur Disciplina vel districtio. Qua soluta, infirmiorum castitas violatur. Et ideo pro his orandum est, ne eveniant haec per dissentionem Principum: Unde et per Jeremiam Dominus. Judaeis qui in Babylone captivitenebantur, praecepit dicens, Quaerite pacem civitatis ad quam transmigrare …os fecit, et orate pro ea ad Dom. quia in pace illius erit par v…bis. Babylon vero (quae dicitur confusio) Societatē iniquorum significat, Judaei autē cives supernae Jerusalem qui in hoc seculo pe…egrinantur inter malos, et Regibus atque Principibus tributa xeddant, et …aetera quae salvo Dei cultu constitutio secularis exigit. Idcirco debet orare pro pace eorum, quia in pace eorum erit illis pax: …tique interim temporalis, quae bonis malisque communis est. Utimur ergo et nos pace Babylonis, ex qua per fidem et coe…stis patriae d…siderium ità populus Dei laetabitur, ut apud hanc interim peregrinetur. Pax autem nostra propria et b…um p. 35Deo est per fidem, & in aeternum cum illo per speciem. Orate (inquit) pro pace Principum, et pro salute omnium, quia hoc agere est bonum, id est, utile Ecclesiae, & acceptum, id est, gratum atque placitum coram Deo salvatore nostro: qui-s…ut nos salvat, ita & omnes homines vult salvos fieri, & ad agnitionem veritatis venire, &c. Omne genus hominum intelligan…us per quascunque differentias distributum, Reges Principes, Nobiles, ignobiles, sublimes, humiles, &c. Hoc enim bonum est coram Salvatore, id est, ut pro talibus …. Hoc quippe Deus bonum judicavit, ut oratione humilium dignaretur salutem praestare sublimibus. This was the received Doctrine of this great learned Arch-bishop of Canterbury, Anselme, both under King W…ll. Rufus, and H. the I.

Queen Maud his daughter and heir to the Crown, byAnno 1140. her aaMonas…con Angl. p. 803, 812, 820, 8…. 984. Pat. 12. R. 2. …ars 2. n. 2 …. Ch. 19 E. 2. …. 20. Pat. 5. H. 5. m. 3.Charter, founded and granted to the Abby of Bardesley, sundry Lands, Pro Dei amore, & pro anima H. Regis Patris mei, Et M. Reginae, Matris meae, & parentum & antecessorum meorum; & pro salute G. Comitis Andegaviae Domini mei, & mea, & H. Haeredis mei, et aliorum filiorum meorum; et pro pace et stabilitate Regni Angliae. In her Charters of confirmation and grant to the Abbyes of Kingeswood, Stoneley, Cogeshale, and St. Frideswide in Oxford, she hath the like expressions: for all which the Monks there were obliged to pray.

King Stephen by his respective bbMonasticon Angl. p. 687, 688, 7…9, 866, 868. c. 9. E. 2. n. 48.Charters, of grant andAnno 1142. con…mation to the Monasteries of Feversham, Billewas, Sibeton and other Abbies, gave and confirmed Land… and Liberties to them, pro salute animae meae, & Mathi…dis Re ginae … …, & E. filii mei, et aliorum puerorum meorum, et … meorum Regum Angliae, et nominatim pro anima Regi… Hen…ici et fratr…m meorum; by prayers to be madeAnno 1154. in t…em by the Monks therein …or that purpose.

King Henry the II. by his ccMo…ticon Angl. p. 387, 519, 605, 687, 689, 760, 773, 774, 782, 830, 884, 914, 959, 1002. ch. 10. E… 2. n. 47. Ch. 15. H. 3. m. 9. Ch. 10. R. 2. n. 48. Ch. 19…. 2. n. ….Charters of grant and confirmation of Lands and Liberties to the Abbies and Monasteries of St. Maryes in York, Eton, Abberbury, Feversham, Q…arrera, St. Maryes near Dublin in Ireland, Mir…val, Flexley, Croxd…n, W…teham and Tavystock, granted sundry Lands and Franchises to them, Pro Dei amore, pro salute animae meae et reginae meae, et haeredum meorum, et pro anima Regis Henrici avi, & pro animabus antecessorum nostrorum, et omnium p. 36parentum, majorum, et antecessorum meorum Regum Angliae, et Successorum nostrorum, et matris meae Imperatricis, et puerorum meorum: to be obtained by their Prayers, inserting this Clause into his Charter of Confirmation to St. Maries in York, Ne aliquis haeres vel successor quaerat relevamen vel aliquod Dominium praeter orationes et preces, et eleemosynam animae suae de beneficiis vel eleemosynis quas aliquis dedit praedictae Abbathiae.

King (aaHuntingdon Hist. l. 6. p. 398, 399.) Henry the 2d. comming into England to beAnno 1154. crowned after King Stephens death, ut decebat tantum & tàm beatum virum, cum summa laetitia et multis prae gaudio lachrymantibus, in Regem benedictus est, in throno Regni splendidissimè collocatus est. De cujus temporis beatitudine sic diximus heroicè: writes Henry Huntingdon.

Anglia lethali jamdudum frigore torpens,

Nunc solis fervore novi rediviva calescens,

Erigis impressum terrae caput, & vacuatis

Tristitiae lachrymis, pro laetitia lachrymaris

Cum lachrymis haec verba tuo profundis alumno,

Spiritus es, caro sum: Tu nunc intrante revixi.

Anno 1166. (ttRoger Hoveden, Annal po sterior pars, p. 500, 501, 503, 504, 515.) there falling out a difference betweenAnno 1166. this King and Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Alexander thus begins all his Epistles to the King on Beckets behalf. Alexander, &c. Dilecto filio Henrico illustri Regi Anglorum, Salutem et Apostolicam benedictionem. Advising him so to govern his Realm to the honour of God, and tranquillity and peace of his Church, Ut Regnum temporale conservet, et p…st illud det tibi Deus …ine fine mansuram. And Archbishop Becket, though in exile, begins his Epistle to the King the same year in these words: Reverendissimo Domino suo Henrico Dei gratia, illustri Anglorum Regi, &c. Salutem, et utinam per omnia benefacere. And ends it thus, Bene valeat semel et semper Dominus meus, Anno 1171. **Hoveden, p. 526, 527, 538, 53…, 628, 643, 645, 647Robert Abbot of Wallatia, Anno 1171and 4. other Ambassadors of King Henry sent to Rome about Reckets Businesse, began their Epistle to the King with Charissimo Domino Henrico illustr. Angliae Regi, &c. Salutem, & facile in omnibus et ubique servitium. Closing it thus, Ualeat et vigeat sublimitas vestra, confortamini in Domino, & exultet cor vestrum. Reginald elect p. 37Bishop of Bath begins his Epistle from Rome to this King, with Salutem in eo qui dat salutem Regibus. And Manuel Emperor of Constantinople, thus salutes him in the beginning of his Epistle to him. Salutem et omne bonum. Pope Lucius in his Epistle to him, Anno 1185. wisheth him, Salutem et Apostolicam benedictionem. The Patriark of Antioch begins his Epistle to him with this option, in illo regnare per quam Reges regnant. The Master of the Temple Tricius, in his Epistle wisheth him, Salutem in eo q…i dat salutem Regibus. (bb… Patrum. Tom. 12. pars 2. p. 512. c.) Stephanus Tornacensis Episcopus inscribes his first Epistle to this King, thus. Henrico R…gi Anglorum cum omni prosperitate gloriam sempiternam. (ccIbidem p. 701, 702, 733, 737, 754, 779, 827, 828.) Petrus Blesensis Arch-deacon of Bath, thus begins his 12, 41, 42, 62, and 153. Epistles to him. Henrico Dei gratia, illustrissimo Anglorum Regi, &c. Salutem in eo per quem Regesregnant. His 41. Epistle to him is thus concluded. Bene valeat charissimus Dominus meus, diuqueAnno 1189, &c. ac faeliciter vivat et regnet Richard Archbishop of Canterbury his Epistle to him begins with Salutem, et in* Monast. Angl. p. 443, 531, 571, 759, 804, 824, 827, 885. ch. 12 E 3. n. 22. Pat 9 R 2. pat. 2. m. 25. ch. 37 H. 3 n 9. Regno temporali, …egni Coelestis memoriam et amorem. And the Archbishop of Rhoane (the 153. Epistle of Petrus Blesensis beginning with the Salutation used in his 1. Epistle) ends with this Prayer. Bene valeat altissimus Dominus, et Deus qui se contra eum in superbia et abusione erigunt, reportet in virtute altissimi gloriam et triumphum.Anno 1200. &c.

King Richard the 1. by his respective Charters granted and confirmed several Lands, Liberties, and Privileges to the Monasteries and Churches of Stratford, Halwiel, Frampton, Wells, Budesley, Revesly, Boxele and Homecoltram, pro amore Dei, et pro salute nostra, et A. Reginae matris nostrae, in liberam et perpetuam elemosynam; for which the Monks were to pray.

King (aaMonast Angl, p. 502, 503, 529. 719, 863, 926, 983, 992, ch. 1 Joh. m. 2 n. 60. ch. 5. Ioh. m. 12. n. 98. pat. 1 E. 1. m. 20. ch 9. Ioh. m. 2 n. 30. ch 10 E. 3. n. 42. ch. 53 H. 3. m. 13. ch. 7. Ioh. n. 115. ch. 6. Ioh n. 100.) John by several Charters granted and confirmed several Lands and Liberties to the respective Monasteries of F…ssa, St. Katherine near Exeter, Thikehued, St. Neth D…re, Farendon, Shaftesbury, and Wolfraughauton, pro salute animae H. Regis avi Patris nostri, pro salute nostra et … nostrorum et omnium ancecessorum et successorum nostrorum, & pro salute animo H. Regis patris nostri, et matris sui Imperatricis, et antecessorum et … nostrorum: p. 38Which the Monks in all these Monsteries were obligedAnno 1218, &c. constantly to pray for, in all their publike and private Masses and Devotions.

King‖‖Monasticon Angl. p. 501, 502, 503, 51…. 525, 529, 5…9, 587, 801, 805, 826, 879, 880, 88…, 8…7, 911, 933, 960. …h 9 H. 3. m. 5. Pat. 5. E.. …. m. …. part. 1. m. …. Ch. 12. H. 3. m. 6 Ch. 12. H. 3. m. 12. Pat 50. H. 3. m. 25. Ch. 16. H. 3. m. 6. Ch. 12. H. 3. m. 9, 10. R…t. Fin. 50. H. 3. m. 8. Henry the 3d. granted and confirmed several Lands and Privileges to the Abbies and Monasteries of Danington, F…ssa, Flamsted, Cesthont, Wilburt…sse, Lillichurch, Wotton, New-Minster near Morpeth, Parcolude, Kemmer, Jorevall, Holmcoltram, Bynedone, Leiselege, Lenton and Tarente, pro salute animae nostrae, et H. Regis et …aeredam nostrorum et omnium …egum Angliae, et omnium fidelium, et animarum ante…rum nostrorum, et patris mei, et matris meae, et pro totius nostri progen. in remissionem peccatorum et salvationem, et pro statu Regni mei, Which the Abbots, Priors and Monks in these respective Churches, we… constantly to pray for both in publike and private.

The Prior and Covent of(aaMat. Paris virae 23. sanct…. Albani Abbat. p. 136, 137.) St. Alba…, in their Letters to King Henry the 3d. touching the Election and presentation of a New Abbot, Anno 1235. used this …tile and prayer. Excellentissimo Domino suo & in Christo Reverendissimo, Anno 1235.Henrico Dei gratia Regi Angliae, &c. E. Prior Sancti Albani & ejusdem loci Conventus, cum omni humilitate & devotione, aeternam in Domino salutem.

The Prior and Covent of Bath,(bbIn the Leger Book of the Priory of Bath.) Anno 1242. beginAnno 1242. and end their Letters to King Henry the 3d. and his Queen, concerning the Election of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, in this form, and with these Prayers for them. Serenissimo Domino Henrico Dei gratia Regi Angliae, &c. devoti sui …umilis Th. Prior & conventus Ba…honiae, Salutem et debitam cum orationibus … reverentiam et fidelitatem, &c. In omnibus quae nostrae erunt possibilitatis vestris pa…ati sumus affec…uose parere mandatis. …alvat et vigeat Dominatio vestra per tempora longa. … Regia … …estra semper in Domino. Conservet vos … et populo suo Altissimus per …pora longiora. Ualeat et tigeat Serenitas vestra et …liorum vestrorum per tempora longa. Ualeat Serenitas vestra semper in Domino. Which were their daily prayers for thē, in their publike and private Devotions, in their Churches and Cells as well as in their Letters. And likewise for King Adelstan, Edwar…, Edgar, Ethelred, Kenulphus, Henry the I. and King p. 39Stephen, Benefactors to the Priory of B…th, whose Anni…rsaries they solemnized every year, with Solemn prayers and Alms, as the Leger book records.

In the Vigil o. ‖‖Mat. Pa. … Hist. Angl. p. 735. Edit. Londi….St. Matthew, Anno 1247. when PrinceAnno 1247. Edward eldest son and heir of King Henry the 3. was sick, the said King writ to all the religious persons remaining within the circuit of London, where the said Edward lay sick, ut … orarent pro Pueri incolumitate… that they should devoutly pray for the recovery and health of the child. Whereupon, amongst others, he writ specially to the Abbot and Covent of St. Alban, ut pro ipso orantes, that praying for him, all the Monks should solemnly sing a Masse, whose first Collect should be of St. Alban, but the second for the sick Prince: namely, Omnipotens & sempiternè Deus salus aeterna credentium, &c Which being done, per Dei gratiam, puero sanitas est restituta. Haec idcircò dixerim (writes the Historian) propter murmur populi dicentis, ecce laici orant Dominum et exaudiuntur; et quare non orat Papa & facit pro causa sua, imò nostra & universalis Ecclefiae Orare: imò rapinis inhiat pecuniae indefessus. Dictumque est & affirmatum, quod non sine lac…rymis scribo; plus confidit in pecuniae thesauris, quam fidelium precibus vel Eleemosy…is.

The **Mat. westm. Anno 1249. p. 239.Abbots of the Order of Black Monks, assemblingAnno 1249. at the Abby of Bermond…shie, in the year 1249. Ordained by Common-Council, Quod ipse Dominus Rex ab ipsis omnibus impetravit, ut pro ipso et Regina dicatur quotidie in missa quae in veneratione beatae Virginis canitur in eorum Ecclesiis, Collecta celebis, Deus in cujus manu; For the preservation and welfare of the King and Queen.

King ‖‖Mat. We…tm. p. 350, 351.Henry the 3d. being very sick at Westminster inAnno 1270. the Lent, Anno 1270. and despairing of his recovery, se orationibus Ecclesiae commendavit, recommended himself to the Prayers of the Church. Whereupon the Monks of Westminster fearing to lose such a Patriot, went in Pilgrimage bare-foot, in a rainy season to the new Temple, and there singing a Masse for the King, and returning thence in the same manner as they went, it was told them, that the King had recovered of his sicknesse. Whereupon he commanded the Monks by his Mandates, that they should …ing Gaude at in coelis, quod convaluit precibus monachorum.

p. 40George Cassandar in his h Preces Ecclesiasticae, hath sundry forms ofGeorgii Cassandr… Opera, …, 1616. Prayers for Christian King…, Emperors, Princes, and Kingdoms, collected out of several antient Liturgies, Missals, Letanies, and Canonical Houres (used antiently in most Monasteries and Churches as well.373, 374. Pro …. Rege, vel Principe. in England as in other Kingdoms, during the reign of King Henry the 3^d. and in the Kings reigns preceding and succeeding him) which I shall here insert.

Deus qui populis tuis virtute consulis, & amore dominaris, da huic f…mule tuo spiritum sapientiae cum regimine disciplinae, ut tibi toto corde devotus, in Regni regimine maneat semper idoneus; tuoque munere ipsius temporibus securitas Ecclesiae dirigatur, ut in tranquillitate devotio Christiana permaneat. ut in bonis operibus perseverans, ad aeternum Regnum te duce valeat pervenire, per eundem Dominum.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus qui famulum tuum Regni fastigis dignatus es sublimare, tribue ei quaesumus ut ita in hujus seculi cursu in commune salutem disponat, quatenus a tuae veritatis tramite non recedat. Per eundem Dominum nostrum.

Deus qui scis humanum genus nulla virtute posse subsistere, concede propicius, Ut famulus tuus N quem populo tuo voluisti praeferri, ita tue fulciatur adjutorio quatenus quibus potui praeesse, valeat & prodesse Per Dominum.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus coelestium terrestriumque moderator, qui famutuum N. ad Regni fastigium dignatus es provehere, concede propitius, ut a cunctis adversitatibus libertatus, & Ecclesiasticae pacis dono muniatur, & ad aeternae pacis gaudia te donante pervenire mereatur. Per Dominum nostrum.

Quaesumus Omnipotens Deus, ut famulus tuus N. qui tua miseratione suscepti Regni gubernacula, virtutum etiam omnium à te percipiat incrementa, quibus decenter armatus, & vitiorum monstra devitare, & hostem superare, & ad te qui via, veritas & vita es, gratiosus valeat pervenire. Per Dominum nostrum.

Deus in cujus manu corda sunt Regum, inclina ad preces humilitatis nostrae aures misericordiae tuae, & f…mulo tuo Imperatori nostro regimen tuae appone sapientiae, ut haustis de tuo fonte eonsiliis, & tibi placeat, & super omnia Regna praecellat. Per Dominum nostrum.

Deus cujus Regnum est omnium seculorum, supplicationes nostras clementer exaudi, & Christianorum Regnum tibi subditum protege, ut in tua virtute fidentes, & tibi placeaut, & super omnia Regna praecellant. Per eundem Dominum nostrum.

Deus qui providentia tua coelestia simul & terrena moderaris, propiciare Christianorum rebus & Regibus; ut omnis hostium fortitudo te pro nobis pugnante frangatur. Per eundem Domiuum nostrum.

Propiciare Domine precibus famulorum tuorum: & propter Nomen tuum Christiani nominis defende Rectores: ut falus servientium tibi Principum, pax tuorum possit esse populorum. Per eundem Dominum.

Deus Regnorum omnium Regumque Dominator, qui nos & percutiendo …, & ignoscendo conservas, praetende misericordiam tuam, ut tranquillitate pacis tua potestate firmata, ad remedia correctionis utamur. Per Dom. nostrum.

These were the constant publick and private prayers and Devotions of the Clergy and people for their Kings, Princes, and their Kingdoms heretofore, not unseasonable for our present times.

p. 41In my perusal of the Clause Rolls in the Tower of London, I have observed sundry Memorable Writs and Mandates issued by King Edward the 1, 2, 3. …ichard the 2. and other of our Kings, to their Bishops, Clergy, Abbots, Freers Predicants, Minors, and other Religious Orders, upon sundry emergent occasions, requiring and commanding them, to make frequent and fervent Supplications, Prayers, I…tercessions, and Thanksgivings unto God alone, (not Saints, or Angels) in times of War, danger, Treaties, and the like, for his special assistance, direction, protection, blessing, and favour, upon the King, Queen, Prince of Wales, the Royal issue, kingdom, Nobles, Armies, the Kings Counsels, Treaties, affairs of all sorts, and for publike peace and prosperity: Which Writs, because very rare, pious, pertinent to my present Theme, suitable to the state of our affairs, and never hitherto published in print, I shall here insert the chiefest of them at large, pretermitting all others of like nature for brevitie sake, those here transcribed comprehending in them the form and substance of the residue, except only Writs for Masses, Dirgees, and Prayers for deceased Kings, Queens, and Princes, of which there are (aaCl. 19 E. 1. dors. 1. 0. Cl. 24 E. 1 dors. 8. Cl. 28 E. 1. dors. 4. Cl. 29. E. 1. d. 16. Cl. 32 E. 1. dors. 6. Cl. 33. E 1. dors. 11. Cl. 25 E. 1. dors. 9.) many Presidents (heterogeneal to my Subject matter) which I shall totally passe by.

Claus. 22 E. 1. m. 11. dorso. Rex Archiepiscopo Eborum, Pro Rege de precibus.&c. salutem. Cum inter magnificum Principem Dominum Regem Franciae illustrem Consanguineum nostrum, et Nos, aliqua sint exorta propter quae ad partes intendimus transmarinas personaliter Nos conferre, cum dicto Rege super hiis habituri colloquium et tractatum. Credentes firmiter et sper…tes, quod felicior votis nostris effectus adveniret si devotorum intercessionibus …djuvemur, Paternitatem vestram aff…ctuosè requirimus et rogamus, quatenus apud Deum preces devotas suppliciter effundatis, et à vestris Subditis illud idem fieri injungatis, ut in hujusmodi negotio prosequendo, tractando ac etiam ordinando, sic Deus & Dominus regat et dirigat actus nostros, quod cooperante unigenito Dei filio Jesu Christo, labor noster in hac parte ita possit fructuosus haberi, quod cedat ad laudem sui nominis, ac statum quietum & prosperum Regni nostri pariter & honorem, necnon ad totius Christianitatis commodum p. 42& profectum. T. R. apud Sanctum Albanum, decimo die Febr.

Consimiles literae diriguntur A. Dunolm. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur I. Epo. Karliel.

Consimiles literae diriguntur O. Line. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur W. Elyen. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur R. Norwyc. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur I. Wynton. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur G. Cic…str. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur I. Roffen. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Th. Exon. Epo.

Consimilies literae diriguntur N. Sarum. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur R. London. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur W. Bath. & Well. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur R. Coventr. & Lichf. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur G. Wygorn. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur. Assav…n. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Th. Heref. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Bangor. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Custod. Spiritualitatis Archiepiscopatus Cant. sede vacante, mutatis tamen mutandis, viz. ubi paternitatem, &c. ibi devotionem, &c.

Consimiles lite…ae Custodi Episcopatus Landaven. sede vacante diriguntur.

Consimiles literae diriguntur M. Meneven. electo.

Claus. 24 E. 1. dorso m. 10. Rex Venerabili in Christo Patri R. eadem gratia Cant. Archiepo. totius Angliae Primati salutem. Evidentem Causae nost…ae justiciam quam vos latere non credimus, ferventi studio hactenus prosecuti, et adhuc summo opere prosequentes, pro recuperatione et prosecuti terrae nostrae Vascon. tanquam Coronae Regiae et honori Regni nostri Angliae hereditario jure annexae, de qua Rex …rancia nos injustè exhae…edare conatur, ad partes ips…s Ducatus, gentes nostras nupe… cum potentia quam tunc commode potuimus, et nunc demum Edmundum fratrem nostrum cum honorabili comitiva Nobilium dicti Regni duximus destinand. Sanè …um in …omine non …it auxilium sed è coele, ac propter hoc, …porteat p. 43impotentiam nostram divinae manus praesidiis sustentari, Paternitatem vestram requirimus & rog…mus, quatenus non solum nostram set vestram justitiam intuentes, & corda vestra sursum habentes ad Dominum, apud eum, ut haec & alia quae neg…tic expedire cognoveritis antedi…to, procedant salubriter & in ma… us nostris prosperè dirigantur, devotis supplicationibus insistatis. Cumque ob reverentiam …edis Apostolicae, et ad ve…erabilium Patrum S. Albanem & S. Penestren. Episcoporum Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalium requisitionem instantem, ad tractandum de treugis et pace cum Rege praedicto super guerris, dissensionibus & discordiis quibuscun que inter ipsum & Nos exortis & motis, sollempnes Nuncios nostros ad partes miserimus transmarinas ad praesentiam Cardinalium praedictorum, piam affectionem vestram excitet quaesumus debitum caritatis, ad divinam mi…ericordiam vestris intercessionibus implor, ut praesentis temporis tempestuoso procellarum turbine quiescente, uberior a tempora sub tranquillioris aurae serenitate succedant, quod que ad felicite… h… & alia peragenda, quae cepimus, dextera Regis Regum … adjuti, ea ad laudem ipsius et honorem nostrum, ac commodum regni nostri ad optatum effectum deducere valeamus, Praemissa vero omnibus vestris Subditis in vestra Dioc. constitutis specialibus orationibus facienda, per vos injungi petimus & mandari. T. R. apud Sanctum Albanum primo die Ja…arii.

Consimiles literae diriguntur I. E…rum, Archiepo. Archiepo. Primati, et Episcopis subscriptis, videlicet,

J. Episcopo Roffen.

R. Epo. London.

O. Epo. Lincoln.

R. Epo. Norwycen.

W. Epo. Elyen.

G Epo. Cicestr.

J. Epo. Wynton.

Th. Exon. Epo.

N. Epo. Sarum.

W. Bathon. & Wellen. Epo.

G. Wygorn. Epo.

R. Hereford. Epo.

A. Epo. Bangor.. Assaven. Epo.

J. Electo Landaven.

J. Karleolen. Epo.

A. Epo. Dunolmen.

Custod. Spiritualit. Covent. & Lychf. sede vacante.

Electo Meneven. vel ejus Vices gerenti, ipso agente in partibus transmarinis.

p. 44Claus. 24 E. 1. m. 10. dorso. Rex dilecto sibi in Christo Abbati sancti Augustini Cantuar. salutem. Evidentem Causae nostrae justiciam, &c. ut supra usque ibi praesidiis sustentari: et tunc dicitur, Vos requirimus & rogamus quatenus, &c. ut supra. Praemissa vero omnibus vestris subditis specialibus orationibus facienda, per vos injungi petimus & mandari. T. Rege apud Crucem Roes vij. die Januar.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Abbatibus subscriptis, videlicet,

Exempti.

Abbati de sancto Albano.

Abbati de Waltham.

Exempti.

Abbati de sancto Edmundo.

Abbati de Evesham.

Cisterc.

Abbati de Furneys.

Abbati de Salley.

Abbati de novo Monasterio.

Abbati de Jeroval.

Abbati de Fontibus.

Abbati de Bella landa.

Abbati de Melsa.

Premostrat.

Abbati de Neuhous.

Abbati de Croxton.

Abbati de Alnewyck.

Abbati de Eyleston.

Abbati de sancta Agatha.

Magistro ordinis de Sempingham

Fratri Williemo de …otham Priori provinciali de ordine Fratrum Praedicatorum in Angl.

Ministro o…dinis fratrum Min or in Angl. &c.

Quod ipsi in singulis domibus specialibus orationibus, &c.

Claus. 27 E. 1. m. 7 dors. Rex religioso viro in Christo sibi dilecto. Priori principiali ordinis fratrum Praedi…atorum De orando … …ge.in An…l. salute…. Qualiter pro tranquillitate & pace regni nostri, ad proterviam & maliciam Scotorum reprimendam qui regnū nostrum hostiliter invaserunt, hactenus sumus Nos ipsi in periculis expositi, & jam ad partes p. 45praedictas cum comitiva Nobilium dicti regni nostri, ad praesens proponimus Deo dante, dirigere gressus nostros, non credimus vos latere. Et quia in h omine non est auxilium sine Deo, … propter hoc oportet impotentiam nostram divinae manus praefidiis sustentari, vos affectuosè requirimus & rogamus, quatenus consratribus vestris singularum domorum vob is subditarum dare velit is in mandatis, ut Deum & Dominum nostrum Protectorem pro Nobis suppliciter exorent. Ita q…od per ipsorum orationum devotarum suffragia, gratiam Nobis …, Nosque ac Liberos nostros & Regnum nostrum sua … ab omnibus adversitatibus tueatur. Dat. apud Langele XXX die Octobr.

Confimiles literae diriguntur pro Rege Generali Ministro fratrum Minorum in Angl. T. ut supra.

Claus. 32 E. 1. dorso. m. 7. Rex religiosis viris inDe orando pro …ge & Reg…na ac eorum liberis. Christo sibi dilectis fratribus de ordine Minorum ad generale Capitulum apud Notingham proximo conventuris salutem, & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Attendentes beneficia saera orationumque devotarum suffragia ad divinam misericordiam impetrandam multum humanae conditionis fragilitati prodesse inter alia opera pietatis; considerantesque Nos pro curis & rebus mundialibus quibus circa Regni nostri regimen involuti sumus, saluti nostrae spirituali prout Nobis expediret intendere non valere; devotionem vestram requirimus & rogamus quatenus Nos, Margaretam Reginam Angl. consortem nostram carissimam, Edwardum Principem Walliae, primogenitum nostrum, caeterosque Liberos nostros, ac populum Nobis commissum beneficiorum & suffragiorum vestrorum fore participes concedentes, proNobis, & ipsis, ac statu regni, expeditioneque negotiorum Nobis incumbencium supplicationes assiduas & orationes devotas altissimo offeratis, ut hic sua pietate Nos & ipsos dirigat per suorum semitam mandatorum, & post diem extremum salvationis locum Nobis & ipsis dignetur misericorditer indulgere, statum que regni nostri conservare prosperum & tranquillum. T. Rege apud Strivelyn xxix. die Julii. Per breve de privato sigillo.

p. 46Ibid. m. 16. Rex religiosis viris & in Christo sibiDe orando p…o Rege & R…gina ac … liberis. dilectis, Magistro ordinis fratrum Praedicatorum, ac diffinitoribus & fratribus universis in generali Capitulo suo apud Tolosam proximo congregandis salutem & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Dum conditionem humanae fragilitatis attendimus, & qualiter omni Creaturae tam sublimi quàm humili, praetereuntibus suo cursu diebus, praesentis vitae finis apropriat, attenta consideratione pensamus, sic praevenire cupimus quantum Nobis ex alto permittitur diem mortis, ut aeterni clemencia Judicis dignetur nostri de suae gratiae plenitudine misereri. Verum cum devotorum orationum suff…agia, inter alia pietatis opera multum prosint ad divinam misericordiam impetrandam, de vobis quorum ordinem benevolentiae specialis savore prosequimur, ut salutem nostram zelemini, & pro Nobis, Margareta Regina Angl. consorte nostra carissima, Edward… Principe Wall. primogenito nostro, & caeteris liberis nostris, ac statu prospero regni nost…i, preces devotas Domino offeratis, plenam fiduciam optinentes, devotionem vestram requirimus & rogamus quatenus nunc & in futurum dignam sollicitudinem impendatis & infi…tis assiduis supplicationibus & intercessionibus apud Deum, ut hîc sua pietate Nos dirigat per suorum semitam mandatorum, & post diem extremum salvationis locum Nobis dignetur misericorditer indulgere, …atumque praedicti regni nostri conservare prosperum & tranquillam universitatem vestram religiosam diu conservet altissimus in caritate continua & perfecta. Dat. apud Dumfermelyn primodie Januarii.

Eadem m. 16. Rex religiosis viris & sibi in ChristoDe orar orard… pro Rege & Regina & liberis sui… carissimis Magistro ordinis fratrum Minorum, & diffinitoribus ac … universis in generali capitulo suo apud As…sium prox. conventuris, salutem & bravium pro lab…re perenniter duraturum. Nos qui curis sumus & r…bus … involuti, & circa regimen regni nostri incessantibus actibus & continuis meditationibus occupati, pro animae animae n…strae salute contemplationi p. 47prout haberemus necesse intendere nequeunte…, ac advertentes quod beneficia vestra sacra, orationumque vestrarum suffragia Nobis in praesenti & etiam in futuro esse poterunt plurimum fructuosa, Religiosum cetum vestrum & singulos frarres adunatos in co requirimus & rogamus, quate…s Nos, Margaretam Rrginam Angliae, consortem nostram karissimam, Edwardum Nota.Principem Walliae primogenitum nostrum, caeterosque liberos nostros, ac populum nobis commissum suffragiorum & beneficiorum vestrorum fore participes coneedentes, pro Nobis, statu regninostri, & expeditione negotiorum Nobis incumbeneium hiis diebus pia precamina apud altissimum aff…ndatis, ut sic regnum temporale regere valeamus quod in regno coelesti partem haereditariam consequan…r. Conservet vos altisfimus in caritate continua & perfecta. Dat apud Dumfermelyn xi. die Decembr.

Claus. 34 E. 1. m. 16. Rex Religiosis viris & fibi inDe orando pro Rege. Christo dilectis magistro ordinis fratrum praedicatorum ac diffinitoribus fratribus universis in generali Capitulo suo Paris proximo conventur. salutem & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Dum conditionem humanae fragilitatis attendimu, & qualiter omni creaturae quam sublimi quàm humili, praetereuntibus suo …ursu diebus praesentis vitae finis appropriat, attenta consideratione pensamus, sic praevenire cupimus quantum Nobis ex alto permittitur, diem mortis, ut aeterni clemencia Iudicis dignetur nostri de suae gratiae plenitudine misereri. Verum cum devotarum orationum suffragia inter alia pietatis opera multum prosint ad divinam misericordiam impetrandam, de vob… quorum ordinem benevolentiae specialis favore prosequimur, Not …ut salutem nostram zelemini, & pro Nobis, consorte nostr…, et liberis nostris, ac statu prospero regni nostri preces denotas offeratis, plenam fiduciam optinentes, devotion…m vestram requirimus & rogamus quatenus nunc & in futurum dignam sollicitudinem impendatis, et insistatis assiduis supplicationibus et inter cessionibus apud Deum, ut hîc suapietate no dirigat per suorum semitam mand atorum, et post diem extre mum, salvationis …ocum Nobis dignetur misericorditer ind… p. 48gere, statumque regni nostri conservare prosperum et tranquillum. Vniversitatem vestram religiosam diu conservet altis simus in c…e continua et perfecta. Dat. apud Wolnesey… viii. die Aprilis.

Claus. 35 E. 1. m. 9. dorso. Rex religiosis viris & inDe orando pro Rege & Regina … eorum liberis. Christo sibi dilectis Priori Provinciali ac fratribus universis ordinis sancti Augustini in generali Capitulo suo apud Lincoln proximo conventuris, salutem, & spiritu sacro dirigi in agendis. Fidelium devotio ad Religiosorum s…ffragia imploranda eo f…rventius excitatur, quo speratur preces … religiosorum apud altissimum gratiosius exaudiri, et exinde fidelibus sic implorantibus de supernis majora commoda provenire. Considerantes itaque Nos rebus mundialibus quorum disp…tioni vacare Nos oportet undique involutos, quominus saluti animae nostrae prout nobis expediret intendere valeamu…, firmaque credulitate tenentes, per preces et orationes vestras summum bonum gratiae coelestis posse facilius impretrari, devotionem vestram attentis precibus requirimus et rogamus, … Nos, Reginam consortem nostram & liberos nostros,Nota. ac statum Regni nostri ei qui mensurae termino non arctatur sedulis intercessionib us commendet is, ipsius clemenciam suppliciter implorantes, ut Nobis concedat sic regnum temporale regere, negociaque Nos et statum regni et aliarum terrarum nostro dominio subjectarum sua mediante ineffabili gratia ordinare, quod in regno coelesti partem haereditariam consequamur, quodque actus nostri ad laudem sui nominis, et ad noctrum, regnique nostri et terrarum praedictarum cedere valeant commodum et honorem. T. R. apud Carliolum xx. die Maij. Per breve de privato sigillo.

Claus. 35 E. 1. m. 15. dorso. Rex religiosis viris inDe orando pro Rege. Christo sibi dilectis fratribus de ordine Minorum ad generale Capitulum suum apud Toles conventur. salutem, & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Attendentes beneficia sancta, orationumque devotarum suffragia, ad divinam misericordiam impet… andam multum humanae conditionis fragilitati prodesse inter alia opera pietatis, Consider antesque Nos pro curis et rebus mundialibus quibus … regni nostri regimen … …, saluti nostrae spirituali prout nobis expediret intendere p. 41non valere, devotionem vestram requirimus et rogamus quatinus Nos, Margaretam Reginam Angliae consortem nostram carissimam, Edwardum Principem Walliae primogenitum nostrum, caeterosque liberos nostros, ac populum Nobis commissum beneficiorum et suffragiorum vestrorū fore parti…ipes concedentes, pro Nobis & ipsis, ac statu regni nostri, expeditioneque negociorum Nobis incumbentium supplicationes assiduas et or ationes devotas Alti… offeratis, ut hîc sua pietate Nos et ipsos dirigat per suorum semitam mandatorum, et post diem extremum salvationis locum Nobis et ipsis dignetur misericorditer indulgere, statumque regni nostri conservare prosperum et tranquillum. T. R. apud Lauretost. 4to die Febr.

Claus. 35 E. 1. m. 17. dorso. Rex dilectis sibi inDe orando pro Rege & Regina ac eorum liberis… Christo Magistro ordinis fratrum praedicatorum, ac diffinitoribus & fratribus universis in generali Capitulo suo apud Argentem in Aleman. in festo Pentecostes proximo futur. conventuris salutem, & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Inter caetera quae fructum salutis repromittere credimus, hoc praecipuè in spei nostrae fulcimentum accedit, quod Nos assi…uarum deprecationum justorum fulti praesidio divinam propitiationem facilius consequemur. De vobis itaque ut Nostram ac Reginae Consortis nostrae liberorumque nostrorum salutem, necnon statum prosperum Regni nostri & expeditionem felicem negotiorum nobis incumbentium hiis diebus zelemini, plenam in Domino fiduciam optinentes, devotionem ve…ram affectuo è requirimus & rogamus, quatinus apud illum qui est vera salus et qui temporalitatis et perpetuae felicitatis tribuit la… gitatem, Nos, Reginam, Consortem nostram, et liberos nostros, a… statum Nota.regni nostri devotè supplicationis studio commendetis, ipsius clemenciam qui mensurae termino non artatur suppliciter exorantes ut sic regnum temporale regere, negociaque nostra praedicta expeditioni felici pro suae subventionis dexteram mancipare possimus, quod hoc ad laudem sui nominis, et ad nostrum regnique nostri commodum cedere valeat & honorem: quodque Nos post supremum vitae nostrae exitum in regno coelesti partem haereditariam p. 42consequamur. Dat. apud Lauretost. primo die Decembris.

To pretermit the Charter of King Edward the first toCh. 12 E. 1. n. 3. ch. 21 E. 1. n. 27. Monast. Angl. p. 9… 1, 930. the Abby of Abe…, pro salute animae nostrae & animar… omnium Antecessorum & Haeredum, seu aliorum nostroRum Successorum. And his Charter of Translation of Demhall to the Abby of Valle-royal, pro salute animae nostrae, & pro salute animae celebris memoriae Domini Henrici Patris nostri, & animarum Haeredum & Successorum nostrorum. Which the Monks in these Houses were constantly to pray for.

Claus. 1. Edw. 2. m. 17. dorso. Rex Venerabili in Christo De orando prꝰ statu Regis & Regni.Patri W. eadem gratia Eborum Archiepiscopo, Angliae Primati salutem. Quanto in magnis …t arduis peragendis negotiis divinum praesidium instanciùs & devotiùs imploratur, tanto exinde speratur successus prosperior & felicior provenire. Hinc est, quod cum inclytae memoriae Domino Edwardo nuper Rege Angl. patre nostro viam universae carnis ingresso, de quo mentis amaritudine intimè premim…r et tur…r, onus regiminis Regni Angl. Nobis iucumba… ‖‖Nota.Jure haereditario, si…t scitis, …ires nostras ad on…s hujusmodi portand. absoue de…otarum orationum suffragiis cernimus penitus impotentes: Vestramigitur paternitatem affectuosis precibus requirimus et rogamus, quatinus apud eum per quem Reges regnant, & Principes dominantur preces devotas suppliciter effundatis, & illud idem à Religiofis et aliis vestris Subditis universis fieri injungatis, ut regnum nostrum et alias terras Nobis subditas, semper in statu prospero & pacifico conservare; Nosque ea sub ipso fic regere & tueri per suorum semitas mandatorum ad nostri et ip…us regni dictarum que terrarum honorem, commodum et quietem con…edere dignetur, quod pro temporali regno in regno caelesti partem haereditariam consequamur, &c. Tefte Rege apud …. xxviij. die Octobr.

Eodem modo scribitur subscriptis, viz.

J. Karl. Episcopo.

T. …ff. Episcopo.

A. …. Episcopo, & Pa…. ….

J. Cistercien. Episcopo.

H. Winton. Episcopo.

p. 43J. Lincoln. Episcopo.

W. Bath. & Well. Episcopo.

R. Elien. Episcopo.

R. Hereford. Episcopo.

J. Norwych. Episcopo.

W. Coventr. & Lych. Episcopo.

R. London. Episcopo.

Custodi spiritualitatis Episcopatus Wigorn. sede vac

Custodi spiritualitatis Episcopatus Exon. sede vac.

Vestram igitur D…votionem, &c. & illud idem toti Conventui, & subditis vestris universis, &c.

Abbati sancti Augustini Cantar.

Abbati West….

Abbati de sancto Albano.

Abbati de sancto Edmundo.

Abbati de Evesham.

Magistr. ordinis de Sempringham.

Ministro generali ordinisfratrum Minorum in Angl. quod, &c. & à gardianis fratribus & subditis suis, &c.

Priori Pro…li … fratrum praedicatorum in Angl. &c. & à sing…s Prioribus fratribus et subitis, &c.

Ibid. Rex venerabili in Christo patri W. eadem gratiaDe exequi… pro anima R. E. fa… & orando pro anima …. …. Archiepiscopo Angliae Primati salutem. Deus redempto… omnium et creator, qui hominem ad imaginem et simi…em suam fecit, cla…ae memoriae Dominum … dudum Regem Angliae progenitorem nostrum paci… et justiciae fe…idum zelatorem, quem aliàs constat magnis …isse …tum insigniis et meritorum praeconiis decoratum, …per ab hac … prout sibi plac… evocavit, de quo cordis amaritudinem, angustias et dolores intrinsecus non immeritò …nemus. Cum itaque opus sanctum et salubre apud Altissimum censeatur pro defunctis ut a suorum mole peccaminum liberentur, … et suppliciter exorare; Paternitatem vestram affectuosè requirimus et rogamus, quatinus ipsius Patris nostri exequias sollempniter celebrantes, animam ejus cum M…rum decantatione et aliis … suff… Deo vivo et vero qui aufert Spiritum Principum specialiter p. 44commendetis, ac ab omnibus Religiosis et aliis subditis vestris in Dioc. vestra per Missarum decantationes et alia hujusmodi suffragia faciatis similiter commendari, ut vestris et ipsorum patrociniis et precibus adjuta, coelestis Regni solium ingredi et in … beatitudine citius valeat collocari. T. Rege apud Westm. XXX. die Octobr. anno, &c. primo.

Eodem modo scribitur Episcopis, Abbatibus, Magistro de ordinis Sempryngham, Ministro generali ordinis fratrum Minorum in Angl. Priori Provinciali Ordinis fratrum Praedicatorum in Angl. superius nominatis.De orando pro Rege & Regina.

Claus. 9 E. 2. m. 15. dorso. Rex Religiosis viris et in Christo sibi dilectis Magistro Ordinis fratrum praedicatorum ac diffinitoribus et fratribus universis in Capitulo suo generali ad Tholosam in proximo celebrand. salutem et spiritus sancti gratia in favore caritatis dirigi in agendis. Quanto in…ffabilis divinae miser…is praesidium in urge… necessitatibus seu agendis quibuslibet humilius et devotius imploratur, tanto ut nostra tenet fiducia, successus prosperior et eventus felicior subsequuntur. Quamobrem de vestra devotione et sincera in Domino caritate specialiter confidentes, ac sperantes quod eo Nostram ac Isabellae Reginae Angliae consortis nostrae, necnon et Edwardi primogeniti nostri salutem, statumque prosperum et tranquillum Regni nostri Angliae, aliorumque terrarum nobis subditarum, ac felicem expeditione… negotiorum nobis incumbentium hiis diebus tenerius diligatis, quo Nos ad vestram praecipue ordinem nostros affectus hactenus direximus, & devotione fratrum ejusdem ordinis fiduciam gessimus ampliorem, firma etiam credulitate tenentes per orationum … strarum suffragia Nobis inestimabile bonum coel… munificentiae in nostris dirigendis et peragendis negotiis uberius affuturum; caritatem vestram sinceris affectibus requirimus et rogamus, quatinus Domino nostro … Christo qui est omnium vera salus, et per qu…m Reges regnant et Principes dominantur, Nos, Reginam consortem nostram, et Dominum Primogenitum nostrum sedulis precibus et devotis Orationibus commendetis; ipsius clementiam suppliciter …antes, ut … p. 45Regni temporalis regimen, quod ipso disponente suscepimus, dictaque negotia nostra prosperè expedire per suae suventionis potentiam valeamus, quod ad laudem sui nominis, nostrique ac Regni, et aliarum terrarum nostrarum utilitatem cedere valeant et honorem. Dat. apud Westminst. xxiiii. die Aprilis.De o…ando pro Rege & statu Regni.

Claus. Anno 20 E. 2. m. 10. dors. Rex dilectis sibi in Christo Cancellario, magistris & scholaribus Universitatis Oxon salutem. Benè novit, ut credimus, vestra discretio, qualiter pro bono pacis & reformatione concordiae inter nos & Regem Franc. de consilio & assensu Praelatorum & Aliorum Magnatum regni nostri, Uxorem nostram sub magna amoris confidentia ad ipsum Regem nuper transmisimus, sperantes ficut Nobis certitudinaliter per nuncios domini summi Pontificis, qui tam ad ipsum Regem quam ad Nos pro tractatu concordiae fuerant destinati, & etiam per nostros nuncios tunc in partibus Franciae existentes promissum extitit, quod ipsa à praefato Rege fratre suo posset quaecumque peteret impetrare, & quod ejus interventu firma pax & amoris integritas inter Nos & ipsum Regem, absque amissione juris seu patrimonii nostri, seu alicujus personae de nostris reformari debuissent, Et post haec dicto negocio non secundum promissa, set alium totaliter exitum, sicut nostis, sortiente, cum parati essemus in portu Dover. ad transfretandum versus partes Franc. de consilio Praelatorum & Magnatum praedictorum ac dictorum nunciorum, …ato etiam Rege ad hoc assensum praebente, dictum Ducatum no…rum & omnes terras nostras quas habuimus in regno Franc. Edwardo filio nostro primogenito donavimus, sub certa forma habendum, ipsumque ad dictum Regem Franc. transmisimus pro homagio suo pro Ducatu & terris praedictis faciendo. Et … quae amoris dulce dine pro pace egimus ut guerrarū discrimina vitarentur, Nobis in felle conversa sunt amaritudinis & guerrae materias habundantius administrant. Detinuit siquidem idem Rex & adhuc detinet dictos nost… … uxorem & filium, ac magnam partem Ducatus praedicti, quanquā homagiū ipsius filii nostri pro integro receperit, p. 46& jam refiduum missis exercitibus satagit occupare. Receptat insuper inimicos & rebelles nostros & eos fovet, & quasdam naves quorundam mercatorum nostrorum nuper per gentes suas supra mare cepit hostiliter, & interfectis mercatoribus & marinariis in eis inventis infra Regnum Franc. abduci fecit, aliasque nos de guerra multipliciter persequitur tam per teriam quàm per mare. Propter quod Nos pro defensione Regni nostri navigium nostrum mi…mus supra mare, ad refraenand. maliciam gentium ipsius Regis si qui fortè ingredi vellent Regnum nostrum. Ver…m quia Nobis relatum est, quod aliqui fautores, ut credimus, dictorum inimicorum veritatem nostram in praemissis fal…s relationibus satagentes depravare, sinistra de Nobis & aliquibus …delibus nostris praedicare non verentur, ut avertant … Nobis corda subditorum nostrorum, qui ex simplicitate frequenter falsis narratoribus fidem praebent. Nos ipsorum maliciis obviare & veritatem rei gestae cunctis patefieri cupientes, vobis in fide & dilectione quibus Nobis tenemini firmiter injungen do …, quod ad confuta…dam hujusmodi malevolorum …, pr… missa omnia & singula in publicis sermonibus & … … onibus vestris recitari, & palam exponi faciatis, ut … … rerum universis & singulis nota fiat. … … vos quatinus vos et qu… vestrum pro … … … statu regni nostri mi… …, … largitionibus, et aliis operibus pi… ac jugis et devotis precibus jugiter …atis apud Altissimum creatorem, quatinus … sua pietate Nos regat et … in mundi … turbinibus per suorum semitam ma… rum, …tu … regni nostri conservet …olumem, et sua in…ili potentia a malignorum … tueatur. Teste Rege apud Porcester. v. die Septemb.

Eodem modo mandatum est Cancellar. magistris & scolaribus Universitatis Cantebrig.

Ibid. eadem m. 11. do…. Rex venerabili in Christo patri… … pro … & statu … …. W. eadem g…atia Archiepiscopo Cantur. totius Angliae Primati salutem. Benè novit vestra discretio, nec potest vobis ut credimus in memoriam non venire, qualiter pro p. 47bono pacis & reformatione concordiae inter Nos & Regem Franc. de vestro & aliorum Praelatorum ac Magnatum consilio & assensu, uxorem nostram sub magna amoris confidentia ad ipsum Regem nuper transmisimus, sperantes …ut nobis certitudinaliter per nuncios Domini summi Pontificis, qui tam ad ipsum Regem quàm ad Nos pro tra… tatu concordiae fuerant destinati, ac etiam per nostros nuncios tunc in partibus Franc. exi…entes promissum extitit quod ipsa à praefato Rege fratre suo posset quaecumque peteret impetrare, & quod ejus interventu firma pax & amoris integritas inter Nos et ipsum Regem absque amissione juris seu Patrimonii nostri, seu alicujus personae de No…ris reformari debuissent: & post haec dicto negotio non secundum promissa, sed alium totaliter exitum sicut nostis sortiente, cum parati essemus in portu Dovor. ad transfretandum versus parte… Franciae, de consilio vestro ac aliorum Praelatorum & Magnatum praedictorum ac dictorum …, praefato etiam Rege ad hoc assensum praebente, dictum Ducatum nostrum & omnes terras nostras quas habuimus in Regno Franciae Edwardo filio nostro primogenito donavimus sub certa forma habendum, ipsumque ad dictum Regem Franciae transmisimus pro Homagio suo pro Ducatu & terris praedictis faciendo. Et ecce quae amoris dulcedine pro pace egimus, ut guerrarum discrimina vitarentur, Nobis in felle conversa sunt amaritudinis, et guerris materias habundantius administrant. Detinuit siquidem idem Rex et adhuc detinet dictos nostros Uxorem et Filium, ac magnam partem Ducatus praedicti, quamquam homagium ipsius filii nostri pro integro recipe…it, & jam residuum missis exercitibus satagit occupare. Receptat insuper inimicos et rebelles nostros et eos fovet, et quasdam naves quorundam mercatorum nostrorum nuper per gentes suas supra mare cepit hoftiliter, et interfectis mercatoribus et marinariis in eis inventis, infra Regnum Franc. abduci fecit, aliasque Nos de guerra multipliciter prosequitur tam per terram quàm per mare. Propter quod Nos pro defensione Regni nostri, navagi… p. 48nostrum misimus supra mare ad refraenandam maliciam gentium ipsius Regis, si quae fortè ingredi vellent Regnum nostrum. Verum quia Nobis relatum est, quod aliqui fautores, ut credimus, dictorum inimicorum, veritatem nostram in praemissis falsis relationibus satagentes depravare, sinistra de Nobis et aliquibus fidelibus nostris praedicare no… verentur, ut avertent à Nobis corda subditorum nostrorum, qui ex simplicitate frequenter falsis narra…oribus fidem praebent. Nos ipsorum maliciis obviare, et veritatem rei gestae cunctis patefieri cupientes, vobis in fide et dilectione quibus Nobis tenemini firmiter injungendo mandamus, quod ad confutandam hujusmodi malevolorum audaciam, praemissa omnia prout gesta fuerunt in publicis sermonibus et aliis congregationibus per totam Dioc. vestram recitari et palam exponi faciatis, ut series gestarum rerum universis et singulis nota fiat, et contra hujusmodi falsa et sinistra de Nobis et fidelibus nostris praedicantes tales et tam rigidas censuras promulgare studeatis, ut hujusmodi saltim timore à suis temeritatibus compescantur. Rogamus insuper vos quatinus clerum et populum vestrae diocae…s salubribus exhortationibus commoneatis, ipsosque Praelatos inferiores, Religiosos et alios, ac Rectores Ecclesiarum in fingulis Ecclesiis per totam Dioces. vestram commoneri et exhortari faciatis, ut ipsi pro Nobis et prospero statu Regni nostri missarum solempniis, eleemosynarum largitionibus et aliis operibus pietatis, ac jugis et devotis precibus jugiter insistant apud altissimum crea…em, quatinus ipse sua pietate Nos rega… et dirigat … mundi hujus turbinibus per suorum semitam man…atorum statum Regni nostri conservet incolume…, et sua ineffabili potentia a malignorum incursibus …tur. … universis et singulis vestris suffraganeis injungatis, quod …psi et eorum quilibet praemissa omnia et singula per singulas Ecclesias suorum Dioces. praedicari et exponi …, et clerum et populum ut orati…nibus et aliis pietatis operibus, ut praemittitur, iugiter insistant, studeant salubriter exhortari. Et Nos de eo quod inde duxeritis faciendum p. 57per vestras literas distincte et aperte cum celeritate qua poteritis certificare curetis. T. R. apud Claryndon xii. die Augusti.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Archiepiscopo Eborum Angliae Primati.

Claus. 20 E. 2. m. 11. dorso. Rex religiosis viris et sibiDe … … Rege & … … …. in Christo dilectis Priori et fratribus ordinis fiatrum praedicatorum ad Capitulum generale apud Oxon cele braudum conventuris, salutem et Spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Dum conditionem humanae fragilitatis at…endimus, et qualiter omni creaturae tam sublimi quàm humili praetereuntibus suo cursu diebus praesentis vitae finis apropriat, attenta consideratione pensamus, sic praevenire cupimus quant… Nobis ex alto permittitur, diem mortis, ut aeterni clementia Judicis dignetur nostri de suae gratiae plenitudine misereri. Uerum cum devotarum orationum suffragia inter alia pietatis opera multum prosint ad divinam misericordiam impetrandam, de …is, quorum ordinem benevolentiae specialis favore prosequimur, ut salutem Nostram zelemini, et pro Nobis ac statu prospero Regni nostri preces devotas Domino offeratis, plenam fiduciam optinentes, … vestram requirimus et rogamus, qua…inus … et in futurum dignam sollicitudinem impendatis, et insistatis assiduis supplicationibus et intercessionibus apud Drum, ut hic sua pietate Nos dirigat per suorum semitam mandatorum et post diem extremum salvationis locum Nobis dignetur misericorditer elargiri, statumque praedicti Regni nostri conservare prosperum et tranquillum. …itatem vestram religiosam diu conservet …issimus in caritate continua et perfecta. T. R. apud Porcestr. vi. die Septembr.

King **Monast. Aug. p. 493, 516, 579, 927, 961, 962. P…t. 16E. 3. part 1. m. 35. Pat. 19 …. 3. pa. … …. m. 5. Pat. 35 E 3. pa…t 2. m. 39. Pat. 45 E. 3. pa…t 1. 3. m. 3Edward the 3d. granted and confirmed by his Charters to the respective Abbyes and Monasteries of St. Denny, Lyllye, Gratia D…i, St. Julian, Charter-House London, sundry Lands and Revenues, ad missas, orationes, & … divina servicia facienda …ro anima nostra, et matris nostrae et pro animalus Antecessorum & Successorum nostrorum, Primogenito p. 58nostro & Haeredum suorum, &c. which the Abl ots and Monks were daily and constantly to perform in these Abbyes and Monasteries without intermission. … Cl. 7 E. 3. part 1. m. 4. dors. he issued his W…its for a publick Thanksgiving and victory over the Scots.

Rex venerabili in Christo, Patri S. eadem gratia ArchiepiscopoDe devotis laudibus clemen…. summi Salvaroris at…ollend. pro victoria Scotorum prope. Berewicum nuper concessa. Cantuarien…i, totius Angliae Primati salutem. Sedens in trono gloriae qui sui dispositione non sallitur, dilectos suos in oportunitatibus visitat uberius quàm creatae rationis intentio sciat aut valeat invenire: ipse quidem dominantium Dominus misericordiam suam nobiscum licet inmeritis magnificè mirificans hiis diebus, funestam Scotorum inimicorum nostrorum rabiem et ipsorum perfidam feritatem qui partes Regni nostri boreales nuper coad…atis viribus hostiliter invadentes, depraedationes, strages et incendia, necnon & alia mala quae poterant crudeliter perpetrarunt, ordini, aetati vel sexui non parcentes, & demum contra Nos et Nostrum exercitum propè Berewycum die Lunae prox. …nte festum sanctae Margaretae Virginis proximo praeterit. videlicet decimo nono die Julii, in induratae spiritu superbiae & antiquatae suae maliciae ad Praeliū se parantes virtutis suae potentia mirabiliter dissipavit, ipsos in manu n…stra victori …so praesidio concludendo; quos in eo qui dat salutem Regibus, ac de nostra justicia confidentes in timo…e Domini, licet in perdicione hominum non laetemur, in campo certaminis devi…s absque laefione magna, l…ur altissimus, gentis nostrae, et Castrum ac Uillam Berewici Nobis reddi a … Domino …am habemus, de quibus gratiarum omnium largitori laudes exsolvimus, ut possimus humiles et devotas, ineffabilem ipsius clemen…iam …, ut signum quod nobiscum fecit in bonum incrementis faciat felicibus faecundare, pacis firmantae … spem conceptam, quae …bis ad vestri recreationem et publicam Regni nostri laeti…iam divina contemplando magnalia nunciamus. Et quia inter … humanae reparationis remedia humilem apud Deum … instantiam … vinae gratiae credimus multipliciter p. 59inductivam, Paternitatem vestram affectuose requirimus et rogamus, quatinus Salvatoris nostri clementiam pro concessa Nobis caelitus victoria, devotis laudibus attollatis, et a vestris subditis faciatis ut convenit, devotione celebri venerari; ipsos salutaribus monitis inducentes, ut intentis orat…onum suffragiis Nos miserationi divinae sedulo recommendent, recommendareque velitis vosmetipsi, quod commissum Nobis Regimen ad Dei beneplacitum, defensionem Ecclesiae, Regni nostri honorem, commodum et quietem, conservationem, augmentum ac redintegrationem jurium nostrorum Regalium, ac Nostri et subditorum nostrorum salutem animarum agere, et in justicia roborari nostris temporibus feliciter valeamus. T. R. apud Berewicum super Twedam xxii. die Julii.

Confimiles literae diriguntur Archiepiscopo Eborum & singulis Episcopis Angliae & Walliae, ac Episcopis subscriptis, videlicet

Archiepiscopo Burdegal.

Episcopo Aquen.

Episcopo Agenen.

Episcopo Brion.

Episcopo Basaten.

Episcopo Adduren.

Rot. Parl. An. 37 Ed. 3. n. 9. Entre les peticions des Comones & les respons sur les ainsi ensint.

Premerement priant les dites Comones, que pleze a lour dite Seigneur lige prier as Ercevesqes Euesqes, et a toute la Clergie pur prier pur son estat, et la pees et bon government de la terre, et pur la continuance de sa bone volente diverse ses dites Comones.

R. Il plest au Roi de les prier.

Clause 8. R. 2. m. 33. dorso. Rex venerabili in Christo De orando pro pace.Patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati, salutem. Ut praevisa jacula minus laedant, et gravissimis nostri & nostrorum periculis salubrius obvietur, inimicorum fallaces insidias, & malicias mortiferas satis expedit esse notas. Super quo vos scire volumus, quod ab annis teneris quibus Deo volente Regni gubernacula suscepimus, semper in p. 60votis gessimus preecipuis ut subditi nostri in quorum uti que quiete quiescimus, in pace firma sub nostro regimine ponorentur; et propterea tractatus per inclitae memoriae Dominum E. nuper Regem Angliae avum nostrum, … tunc adversario suo Franciae inchoatos, continuare fecimus, facientes adversario nostro Franciae jam praesenti diversas … pacis multociens offerri, cum detrimento non modico juris nostri, ad finem evitandi subditorum nostrorum gravamina, ac justificandi coram Rege Regum cui nihil est absconditum, causam nostram, et finaliter ut nihil in nobis deesset, quin praedicta pace habenda poneremus ultimum posse nostrum, Johannem Regem Castellae et I egionis, Ducem Lancastr. primo per se, et d…inde ipsum et Thomam Comitem Buk. Patruos nostros carissimos ad diversos tractatus pacis cum nonnullis aliis Praelatis, Proceribus et Consiliariis nostris, cum potestate plenaria fecimus destinari. Set pars Adversarii praedicti videns praefatos patruos nostros ad omnem pacem rationabilem prout eis injunximus inclinatos, dictum tractatum pacis et quamplures ipsius articulos quibus antea consenserant, per cavillationes et subterfugia declinarunt, et tanquam aspides surdae obtur antes aures suas nolentes intelligere ut benè agerent, ca quae pacis er ant audire adeò contempserunt, quod patrui dicti adversarii, … viz. Butricen. et Burgundiae qui soli potestatem tractandi … eodem receperant, cum praefatis patruis nostris in … medio inter Cales et Boloniam ubi partes extiterant primitus conventuri **Exet promisso, pro praedicto tractatu, licet multociens requisiti, convenire penitus recusabant; jactantes se, ut dicitur, nedum haereditatem nostram ultramarinam, set R…gnum nostrum Angliae se velle hostiliter in…dere, et Nobis locum et gentem auferre, ac totam linguam Anglicanam absque consideratione status, aetatis, sexus, aut personae destruere, ipsumque Regnum (quod a…t) imbuere nova lingua: set non placeat pietati divinae quod ea Nobis accidant quae minantur, … meritè dicere possumus, quod quaesivimus pacem, et ecce turbacio, et pro tanto dile…nem vestram atttentè requirimus et rogamus, quatinus praefatas inimicorum malicias induratas clero et populo vestrae Dioc. exemptis et non exemptis, clarè intimari et inter eos publicari debitè fariatis, p. 61ipsos vobis quantum ex alto permittitur inducentes, ut ad propulsandam tantam inimicorum proterviam in causa Regni communi et justissima spir… …nis assumant, et pro nostri nostrorumque fidelium, totiusque Regni salvatione et tutela, pits apud Deum orationum suffragiis intercedant. T. Rege apud Westm. xxi. die Octobr.

Confimilia Brevia diriguntur Episcopis subscriptis sub eadem dat. videlicet,

A. Archipiscopo Eborum Angliae Primati.

R. Episcopo London.

W. Episcopo Wynton.

Tho. Episcopo Elien.

H. Episcopo Norwycen.

W. Episcopo Cicesir.

J. Episcopo Bathou & Wellen.

R. Episcopo Coventr. & Lich.

Joh. Episcopo Dunolm.

Tho. Episcopo Karliol.

R. Episcopo Sarum.

Tho. Episcopo Exon.

J. Episcopo Hereford.

Tho. Episcopo ….

H. Episcopo W….

J. Episcopo Lincoln.

A. Episcopo M….

J. Episcopo Bangoren.

Tho. Episcopo Landaven.

L Episcopo Assaven.

Claus. 10. R. 2. m. 11. dors. Rex venerabili in Christo De … pro Rege.patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantur. totius Angliae …rimati, salutem. Cum nuper considerantes qualiter inimici nostri Franc. & alii quamplures sibi adhaerentes, regnum nostrum Angliae pluribus locis saepius invaserunt, mal… intolerabilia tam per terram quàm per mare perpetrantes, & insuper de hoc minimè conte…ti Ecclesiam sanctam populumque, & ligeos … s…bvertere, & penitus destruere de die in diem totis viribus …is se parant, & conantur; de …nsu Consilii nostri ordinaverimus dilectum Consanguineum & fidelem nostrum Ricardum Comitem Arundel Admiralum nostrum Angliae, ad proficiscendum in obsequium nostrū super mare, una cum nonnullis Magnatibus & aliis fidelibus nostr… in Comitiva sua, ad maliciam & proterviam praedictorum hostium nostrorum (gratia mediante divina) propulsandam, ac Ecclesiam & Regnum praedicta p. 62protegenda & salvanda. Verum quia ad praemissa peragenda & complenda absque devotarum orationum suffragiis vires nostras cernimus penitus impotente…; Ac sperantes indubiè quod quantò in magnis & peragendis negociis divinum praesidium instantius & devotius imploratur, tantò exinde successus prosperior & felicior proveniat & sequatur; Vestram Paternitatem & devotionem affectuosis precibus requirimus & rogamus, quatinus tam grandibus periculis quae Ecclesiae & Regno praedictis oculata fide indies suo jure conspicitis debite consideratis, … vestros ac Religiosos & alios subditos vestros unive…s ve…ae provinciae, ad devotionem suam erga summum Regem elevandam, eò specialius quò magis sciveritis vel poteritis juxta possibilitatem tanta necessitate causante indicatis cum effectu, ut ipsi apud Altissimum de quo omnis gratia procedit, tota mentis solicitudine preces & orationes devotissimas effundant & devotis precibus & intercessionibus ac processionibus & missarum celebrationibus ad gratiam Dei impetrandam pro Nobis statuque Ecclesiae & Regni praedictorum, & specialiter praedicto consang…ineo nostro ac aliis Magnatibus & fidelibus nostris praedictis qui corpora sua propter salvationem Ecclesiae sanctae ac Regni & totius populi praedictorum periculis exponere non evitant assiduè insistant apud Deum ut ipse Deus statum nostri Ecclesiaeque & regni praedictorum conservare dignetur prosperum & tranquillum dictoque Consanguineo nostro ac aliis Magnatibus & fidelibus nostris praedictis in actibus suis expeditionem felicem pro sua magna misericordia gratiosius tribuat & concedat. Teste Rege apud Westm xx. die Martii.

Consimilis breve dirigitur A. Archiepiscopo Ebor. Angliae Primati … eadem data.

Rex venerabili in Christo patri R. eadem gratia Episcopo London salutem. Cum nuper, &c. ut semper usque ibi debitè considerantes; Et tunc sic universos & singulos clericos & …bditos vestros tam regulares quam seculares vestra dioc. ad devotionem, &c. ut supra T. ut supra.

Consimilia b…ia diriguntur Episcopis subscriptis sub …dem data, viz.

p. 63W. Episcopo Wynton.

Th. Episcopo Elien.

H. Episcopo Norwicen.

Th. Episcopo Cicestr.

I. Episcopo Dunolm.

Th. Episcopo Karliol.

R. Episcopo Sarum.

Th. Episcopo Exon.

I. Episcopo Hereford.

Th. Episcopo Roffen.

H. Episcopo Wigorn.

I. Episcopo Lincoln.

A. Episcopo Meneven.

I. Episcopo Bangoren.

W. Episcopo Landaven.

L. Episcopo Assaven.

W. Episcopo Bathon & Well.

R. Episcopo Covent. & Lich.

Claus. 15. R. 2. m. 36. dors. Rex venerabili in Christo De or… p…o ….patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati salutem. Cum Ecclesia Catholica seu populus Regni nostri cujus regimen…nobis à Domino prae…, in pace & prosperitate absque devotarum orationum suff… giis altissimo reddendis, aliquandiu persistere non valeat. Et quia speramus indubiè quod quantò divinum praesidium instantius et devocius imploretur, tantò exinde successus prosperior & felicior proveniet & succedet. Vestram paternitatem & devotionem affectuosis precibus requirimus & rogamus, quatinus praemissis devotè & condign… consideratis, universos & singulos clericos & subditos vestros tam regulares quàm seculares vestrae dioc, ad devotionem suam erga summum Regem elevandam … …pecialius quò magis sciveritis vel poteritis juxta possibilitatem inducatis cum effectu, ut ipsi apud Altissimum de quo omnis gratia procedit, tota mentis solicitudine preces & orationes devotissim… eff…ndant, & devotis precibus & inte…cessionibus ac processionibus & Missarum celebrationibus ad gratiam Dei impetrandam pro Nobis, ac statu Ecclesiae sanctae, paceque & tranquillitate Regni praedicti assid è insistant apud Deum: Ut ipse Deus, statum Ecclesiae nostrique & Regni praedicti con…vare dignetur prosperum & tranquillum, & Nobis ac populo nostro regni praedicti actibus nostris gratiam & expeditionem felicem pro sua magna misericordia gratiosius tribuat & concedat. Teste Rege apud Westm. xxvii. die Aug. Per Ipsum Reg…m.

Consimilia brevia diriguntur subscriptis sub eadem data, viz.

p. 64Th. Archiepiscopo Ebor. Angliae Prim.

R. Episcopo London.

W. Episcopo Wynton.

I. Episcopo …lien.

H. Episcopo Norwicen.

R. Episcopo …icestr.

W. Episcopo Dunolm.

Th. Episcopo Karliol.

I. Episcopo Sarvm.

Th. Episcopo Exon.

I. Episcopo Hereford.

W. Episcopo Roffen.

H. Episcopo Wygorn.

I. Episcopo Lincoln.

I. Episcopo Meneven.

I. Episcopo Bangoren.

E. Episcopo Landaven.

A. Episcopo Assaven.

R. Episcopo Bath. & W…llen.

R. Episcopo Covent. & Lich;

Claus. Anno 18. R. 2. m. 35. dors. Rex venerabili in De … pro Rege.Christo patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Can…. totius Angliae Primati, salutem. Cum propter bonum regimen ac prosperam & felicem gubernationem terrae nostrae Hiberniae ac fidelium ligeorum nostrorum ibidem, nec…on propter castigationem & j…stificationem inobedientium & … contra ligeanciam suam in terra nostra praedicta, si qui fuerint, simus ad partes illas personaliter jam profecti. Et quia ad onus regiminis regni nostri Angliae & terrae nostrae praedictae quod Nobis ab alto committitur supportandum, & ad Ecclesiam sanctam ac Regnum & terram nostra praedicta, nec non legeos nostros corundem protegendos, & debite gubernandos absque summo Dei praesidio ac devotarum orationum, suffragiis pro Nobis effluentius Altissimo reddendis, vires …as ce…nimus penitus impotentes; ac sperantes indu…, quod quantò in magnis & peragendis negotiis nostris divinum adminiculum instantius & devotius imploratur, tantò exinde successus prosperior & felicior proveniat & sequatur. Vestram paternitatem & devotionem affe…uosis precibus requirimus & rog… quatinus praemissis condignè & devotè consideratis, suffraganeos vestros ac religiosos, & alios subditos vestros universos vest…ae provinciae ad devotionem suam erga summum Regem elevandam, eò … quò magis scive…itis ve… pot…itis juxta possibilita…em tanta necessitate causante inducatis cum effectu, ut ipsi apud Altissimum de quo omnis gratia procedit, tota p. 57mentis solicitudine preces & orationes devotissimè infundant, & devotis precibus & intercessionibus ac Processionibus & Mi…arum celebrationibus ad specialem gratiam Dei impetrandam pro expeditione Nostra ac aliorum Magnatum & fidelium nobiseum in excereitu nostro in partibus p…aedictis existentium, qui corpora nostra propter salvation terrae illius pericusis**Exponere… ponere non evitamus, assiduè insistant a pud Deum, ut ipse Deus statum nostrum Ecclesiaeque & Regni, ac terrae praedictorum conservare dignetur prosperum & tranquillum, Nobisque & fidelibus nostris in actibus nostris in terra nostra praedicta & alibi expeditionem felicem pro sua magna pietate misericorditer tribuat & concedat. Teste Edmundo Duce Eboru… Custode Angliae apud Westm. xv. die Octob.

Consimile breve dirigitur Th. Episcopo …borum Angliae Primati sub eadem Data.

Rex venerabili in Christo patri R. eadem gratia Episcopo London salutem. Cum propter bonum regimen, &c. ut supr… usque ibi consideratis, et tunc sic; universos & singulos clericos & subditos vestros tam regulares quam seculares vestrae dioc. ad devotionem suam erga summum Regem, &c. ut super, Teste ut supra.

Consimilia brevia diriguntur subscriptis sub eadem data, viz.

W. Episcopo Wynton.

I. Episcopo Lincoln.

I. Episcopo Sarum.

R. Episcopo Bath. & W…ll.

R. Episcopo Covent. & Lich.

I. Episcopo Elien.

W. Episcopo Dunolm.

Th. Epi…copo Karliol.

R. Episcopo ….

W. Episcopo Roffen.

I. Episcopo Hereford.

H. Episcopo Wygorn.

Th. Episcopo Exon.

I. Episcopo Meneven.

H. Episcopo Norwicen.

I Episcopo Bangoren.

T. Episcopo Landaven.

Custodi …. EpiscopatusPat. 22. R. 2. part 1. m. 26. Monost. Angl. p. 943, 945. 966, 967. Cl. … R. 2. m. 18. dorso. ….

King Richard the 2d. in the 22. year of his reign, confirmed by his Charter to the Abby of Graces near the p. 58Tower of London, founded by King Edward his GrandFather, sundry Lands and Tenements, in respect of the various dangers to which he and the Kingdom were in humane reason exposed to, by Land and Sea, beyond recovery. Ad Missas et alia divina officia singulis diebus ce…ebrandas et faciendas in Abbatia praedicta pro salubri statu et prosperitate Nostra dum vixerimus, Et pro anima nostra dum ab hac luce migraverimus, & pro anima ejusdem A…i nostri specialiter, & animabus omnium aliorum Progenitorum Haeredum & Successorum nostrorum & omnium fideli… defunctorum in perpetuum. And Michael de la Poole, founded the Monastery at Kingston upon Hull, confirmed by King Richard the 2d. granting sundry Lands to the Prior, Monks and their successors upon this condition; Volumus itaque & ordinamus, quod praefati Prior & Monachi & eorum successores habeant specialiter in Missis, orationibus, & aliis divi… serviciis recommendatum, statum nobilistimi Domini Regis Ricardi praedicti. & nostrum, (and of several others particularly mentioned) dum vixerimus, & cum ab hac luce migraverimus, orent, celebrent & celebrari facient pro animabus nostris, ac specialiter et continuè pro anima dicti Domini nostri Regis Edwardi defuncti, and of several others particularly mentioned, & pro quibus orare tenemur, et omnium fidelium defunctorum.

I could adde many more Writs and Mandates, of the former nature, upon extraordinary Occasions, out of the Clause Rolls of King John, Hen. the 3d. Edw. the 3d. Henry the 4, 5, & 6. Edward 4. H. 7, 8. Edward 6. Queen Elizabeth, King James, and King Charles; which because they would rather surfit than delight or instruct the Readers, I shall wholy pretermit.

King Henry the 5th. founded a Monaste…ie at Shene, the grounds and ends whereof he thus expressed in hisPat. 3. & 4 H. 5. m. 8 Pat. 2. H 6. pa… 4. m. 27. Monast. Angl p. 974. 975. Charter. Cum excelsae Majestatis exennia quae gloriam nostri regiminis de die in diem ubertim, ut ipsi videmus, extollant, ritè à Nobis gratiarum vendicant actiones, justissimum credimus ut eo medio in auctorem tendant quo nobis ab auctore fluxerunt, nomine Salvatoris; ut sicut per Mediatorem Dei et hominum p. 59Dominum Jesum ad Nos indignos, de paetre luminum, bona cuncta procedunt, ità nostrae laudes quamvis inutiles per cundem Jesum Christum et datorem gratiarum, & omnis boni principium revertantur. Whereupon he granted and confirmed for him and his Heirs sundry Lands to this Monastery free from all secular exaction and service, Pro … et aliis divinis Offictis inibi faciendis pro salubri statu nostro dum vixerimus, ac anima nostra cum ab hac luce migraverimus, & animabus parentum & progenitorum nostrorum & omnium fidelium defunctorum: Necnon pro pace, tranqutilitate et qutete populi et Regni nostri: ac insuper pro aliis pietatis operibus ibidem sustinendis, ministrandis, et supportandis juxta ordinationem nostram, haereredum et executorum nostrorum in hac parte plenius faciendam; which was accordingly executed.

King Edward the 4th. by his Charter of 17 Febr. in the‖ Monasticon Angl. p. 179. first year of his Reign, granted the Priory of Shirburn to the Hospital of St. Julian called Domus Dei in the Town of Southampton, In augmentationem divinae cultus infra hospitale nostrum sancti Juliani, &c Necnon ut dilecti Nobis in Christo Magister Jahannes Pereson, nunc Custos Hospitalis praedicti, acnunc Capellani et Fratres ejusdem Hospitalis, ac successores sui, pro salubri statu nostri et Haeredum et Successorum nostrorum dum agimus in humanis, Necnon pro animabus nostris cum universae carnis viam ing…essi fuerimus, necnon pro animabus recolendae memoriae Principis Ricardi …uper Ducis Eborici Patris nostri, &c. Et omnium aliorum Primogenitorum nostrorum Imperpetuum specialiter exorare tene….

King Henry the 7th. appropriated the Churches ofPat. 10 H. 7. m. 3. Monast. Angl. P. 966. Potte… spiry and Eggemond to the Priory and Covent of St. Anne by Coventre founded by his Ancestors, Ut iidem Prior & Conventus, Pro bono statu nostro, ac Consortis nostrae, liberorumque nostrorum, ac … matris n…strae, Deum altissimum deprecen… indies et exorent; … missam de Spiritu sancto pro Nobis semel in ebdomade duran…e vita nostra faciant celebrari, et quendam solempnem p. 60annualem obitum pro anima nostra cum ab hac luce migraverimus, custodiant et observent.

In the Book entituled Horae beatissimae Mariae, ad ligituum Anno 1519.Ecclesiae … ritum, printed Parisiis, 1519. (the 10.Anno 10 H. 8. year of King Henry the 8th but generally used throughout England some hundreds of years before) f. 12. there is this set form of Prayer for the King of England for the time being.

Deus regnorum et Christiani maximè Protector Imperii, Da Servo tuo H. Regi nostro de Hoste triumphum, ut qui tua providentia extitit Coronatus, tuo semper munimine tutus sit et securus, per Christum Dominum nostrum.

And in Processinale ad usus insignis Ecclesiae Sarum, Parisiis Anno 1545.1545. f. 6. 124, 208. … meet with these short Prayers & ejaculations then and formerly publickly used in all Processions for our successive Kings. Domine salvum sac Regem. Regem nostrum ac Principes, &c. in omni sanctitate custodi. Salvum fac Regem n stram Famulum tuum: Et exaudi nos in die quo … … te. All our antient Missals, Offices, Howers, Primers, in times of Popery, containing the like Prayers, and such as I have formerly recited out of**Here p. 40. Cassander his Preces Eeclesiasticae, together with Prayers for their Souls after their deaths: which according to the modern use of the Church of Rome are popish, vain, sinfull, superstitious, implying and presupposing a Purgatory: but according to their primitive use and institution, pious and religious, importing no purgatory at all, as learned Bishop Usher proves at large in his Answer to the Jesuites Challenge, of Prayers for the Dead, p. 194 to 264. to which I refer the Reader …or fuller satisfaction herein, and concerning the forementioned Prayers for, and Charters of our Kings to Monasteries to pray for their own, their Ancestors, Saccessors, Heirs, and others Souls when departed out of this World.

I could adde many Prayers made for King Henry the …th. in sundry Epistles and Dedications of Books unto p. 61him, but for brevity I shall omit all but 3. The 1. is Pope Leo the 10th. his Bull to him in the 22. year of his Reign, sub…cribed with all the Cardinals Hands; wherein he conferred on him the Title of Defender of the Faith, for w…iting a Book against Luther, in defence of Pardous, the Papacy, and 7. Sacraments, which Bull begins thus.

**Laertius Cherubinus de Nor…ia Bullarium, Tom. 1. p. 545. Petri Matchaei. Sum. Constit. Pontif. in Leone, 10. p. 227.Leo Episcopus, Servus servorum Dei. Charissimo in Christo filio, Henrico Angliae Regi, Fidei defensori, salutem et … benedictionem; And is closed with this Benediction and Prayer for him and his Posterity Perpetuum hoc & immortale gloriae tuae monumentum Posteris tuis relinquere, illisque viam ostendere, ut si tali titulo ipsi quoque ins…gniri optabunt, talia etiam opera efficere, praeclaraq…e Majestatis … vestigia sequi studeant, quam prout de Nobis & dicta sede optim… merita est, unâ cum uxore & filiis, ac Speeds History, An. 1521. Seldens Titles of Honour, p. 55, 56.omnibus qui à te & ab illis nascentur Nostra Benedictione in nomine illi…s à quo illam concedendi potestas Nobis data est, larga & liberali manu benedicentes, Altissimum illum qui dixit; Per me Reges regnant, & Principes imperant, & in manu sua corda sunt Regum, rogamus et obsecramus, ut eam in suo sancto proposito confirmet, ejusque devotionem multiplicet, ac praeclaris pro sancta fide gestis ita illustret, ac toti Orbi terrarum conspicuam reddat, ut judicium quod de ipsa fecimus eam tam insigni titulo decorantes, à nemine falsum aut vanum judicari possit. Demum mortatis bujus vitae finito curriculo sempiternae illius gloriae consortem atque participem reddat.

The 2 is William Wraghton (an acute Protestant Writer) who in his Epistles to King Henry the 8th. before his two Books, intituled, The Hunting of the Romish Fox, printed at Basyl, 1543. And his Reseuing of the Romish Fox, against Stephen Gardner, printed 1545. Wisheth him prosperity both of Body and Soul, closing his last Epistle to him with this Prayer. God grant you health both of Body and Soul, victory over your Enemies, and Grace to do in this our matter of Religion as shall be most to the Glory of God, and the profit of the Common-wealth, Amen; And he closeth his last Treatise with this Prayer, God save the King.

p. 62The third is our learned Protestant Divine, Thomas Beacon, who in his**In his work; in Folio, London 1564. v…l. 1. p. 96. Path-way unto Prayer (dedicated to the Lady Anne Grey) ch. 55. hath this Godly exhortation to all private Christians. Let u… flee to God at all times with h…mble Obsecrations and hearty Requests Let our Prayers be continual. Let us in all our Prayers seek the glory of God, the advancement of his most blessed word, and the health of our own Souls. Let us pray for the preservation of the Kings most excellent Majesty (H. 8.) and for the prosp…rous successe of his …ntirely-beloved Son, Edward, our Prince, that most Angel-like Impe. Let us pray for all the Lords Spiritual and Temporal: specially for those that have the regiment of the Publick-weal under the Kings Graces Highness. Let us pray for the Ministers of Gods Word, that they may freely speak the truth of Christs Gospel, as it becommeth them. Let us pray for all men universally, chiefly for the Inhabitants of this Realm of England, That they may all bear a faithfull heart both towards God and our King.

Upon the Reformation of Religion, and abolishing ofAnno 1557. Popish Missals, Psalters, Howers, …, and Portuasses by King Edward the sixth in his Parliament 2 & 3 Edw. 6. ch. 10. the King by advice of his Convocation and Parliament, commanded A Book of Common-prayer and Administration of the Sacraments in the English Tongue, to be used in all Churches and Chapels throughout the Realm, by the Statutes of 2 E. 6 c. 1. & 5, & 6 E. 6. c. 1. Wherein there was not only a Prayer for the King in the Letany, but in a special Collect, agreeing in substance with those in our later Books of Common-Prayer, hereafter cited. In this pious Kings reign, the Bishops and Ministers in their Epistles and Dedications to him, and in their Prayers before & after their Sermons, usually prayed most heartily and particularly for his long life, religious and prosperous reign, and spiritual, temporal, and eternal felicity. And John Bale Bishop of Ossery, in his Image of both Churches, or Paraphrase upon St. Johns Revelation, printed 1550. in the Iast page thereof, exhorts all Gods meek-spirited Servants p. 63in their daily Prayer, afore all other to remember that most worthy Minister of God, King Edward the sixth, which hath so sore wounded the Beast, that he may throw all his Superstition into the bottomlesse lake again, (from whence they have comen) to the comfort of his People.

Our learned aaIn his works vol 2. f. 63, 67.Thomas Beacon in his Preface to The Flower of Godly Prayers, dedicated to Anne Dutchesse of Somerset, as he doth exceedingly blesse God for the extraordinary zeal and piety of King Edward the 6th. in delivering his Realm from Antichristian Tyranny and Popery, reforming the Church, propagating true religion, and in giving us this most worthy Prince to be our King: So he hath this particular bbIbid. sol. 173.Prayer for the King, to be used by all private Christians daily in their respective Families and Closets with zeal and devotion.

Almighty God, cc1 Tim. 6. Apoc. 18. 19. Deut. 17. Josh. 1. Rom. 13 … Tim. 2. Tit. 3. … Pet. 2. cap. 6, & 9.1 Tim 6Rev 18:19Deut 17Josh 1Rom 13Titus 3King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, which by thy divine ordinance hast appointed Temporal Rulers to govern thy People, according to equity and justice, and to live among them as a loving Father among his natural Children, unto the advancement of the good, and punishment of the evil, we most humbly beseech thee favourably to behold Edward thy Servant, our King and Governour, and to breath into his heart through thy holy Spirit, that Wisdom, that is ever about the Throne of thy Majesty, whereby he may be provoked, moved, and stirred to love, fear and serve thee, to seek thy glory, to banish Idolatry, Superstition, and Hypocrisy out of this his Realm, and unfeignedly to avance thy holy and pure Religion among us his Subjects, unto the example of other forein Nations. O Lord defend him from his enemies, send him long and prosperous life among us, and give him grace not only in his own Person, godly and justly to rule, but also to appoint such Magistrates under him, as may be likewise affected both toward thy holy Word, and toward the Common-we…l; that his Subjects living under p. 64his Dominion in all godlinesse, peace and wealth, may passe the time of this our short pilgrimage in thy fear and service, unto the glory of thy blessed name, which alone is worthy all honour for ever and ever. Amen.

Next after this, follow… one Prayer for the Kings Council. And after that, (ddIbid. f. 188, 189.) a Prayer for the common peace and quietnesse of all Realms: very seasonable for our times. And in his (eeIbid. f. …11.) Pomaunder of Prayer, he hath this Prayer of Subjects or Commons.

As it is thy godly appointment, O Lord God, (ffS…p. 6. Rom. 13. 1 Tim. 6 Tit. 2. 1 Pet. 2. Acts 10. Rom, 11.Rom 131 Tim 6Titus 21 Pet 2Acts 10) That some should bear rule in the world to see thy Glory set forth, and the common peace kept, so is it thy pleasure again, that some should be Subjects and Inferiours to others in their vocation, although before thee there is no respect of Persons. And for as much as it is thy good will, to appoint me in the number of Subjects, I beseech thee to give me a faithfull and an obedient heart unto the High Powers, that there may be found in me no Disobedience, no Unfaithfullnesse, no Treason, no Falsehood, no Dissimulation, no Insurrection, no Commotion, no Conspiracy, nor any kind of Rebellion in Word or Deed against the Civil Magistrates: But all Faithfulnesse, Quietnesse, Subjection, Humility, and whatsoever else becommeth a Subject; That I living here (ggMat. 24. Luc. 18. Mar. 10…Matt 24Luke 18Mark 10) in all lowlynesse of mind, may at the last day, through thy favour be lifted up into everlasting Glory, wh…re …hou, with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest very God for ever. Amen.

These were the Godly, Loyal, fervent, daily publick and private Prayers of Protestant Ministers and Subjects for King Edward the 6th. in that Age.

Queen Mary, a Popish Prince, succeeding King Edward, Anno 1554.set aside the Book of Common-prayer, and introduced Popish Missals, Proc…ssionals, Howers, Primers, and Popery again, wherein they publickly prayed for her in the forecited manner under our Popish King…; her zealous Protestant Bishops, Ministers, and Subjects likewise making fervent constant Prayers for her: But some over-zealous, Anabaptistical Fanaticks using some unchristian expressions p. 65in their Prayers against her, (hhFox Acts and Monuments, vol. 3. p. 114.) That God would cut her off, and shorten her daies, of which there was complaint made in Parliament; Whereupon there was this special Act made against such Prayers, Anno 1555. 1, & 2 Phil. & Mar. ch 9.

Forasmuch as now of late diverse noughty, seditious,Anno 1555. malicious, and heretical persons, not having the fear of God before their eyes; who in a divellish sort, contrary to the duty of their Allegiance, congregated themselves together in Conventicles, in divers and sundry prophane places within the City of London, esteeming themselves to be in the true Faith, where indeed they are in Errors and Heresies, and out of the true trade of Christs Catholick Religion, and in the same places at several times using their phantastical and schismatical services, have of their most malicious and wicked Stomachs prayed against the Queens Majesty, That God would turn her Heart from Idolatry to the true Faith (which was good and Christian) or else to shorten her daies, or take her quickly out of the way. Which Prayer was never heard or read to have been used by any good Christian man, against any Prince, though he were a Pagan and Infidel, and much lesse against any Christian Prince, and especially so virtuous a Princess as our Soveraign Lady that now is, is known to be, &c. For reformation whereof it is enacted, That every such person and persons which since the beginning of this Parliament have by expresse words and sayings, prayed, required or desired, or hereafter shall pray by express words or sayings, That God would shorten her daies, or take her out of the way (whose life Almighty God long preserve) or any such like malicious Prayer, amounting to the same effect, their Promoters & Abetters therein, shall be taken, reputed and judged Traytors, and every such praying, requiring and desiring, shall be judged, taken and reputed High Treason. And the Offendors therein, their Procurours and Abetters being thereof lawfully convict, according to the Laws of p. 66this Realm, shall have, suffer and forfeit as in Cases of High Treason.

Provided alwaies, and be it enacted, that if any Person or Persons shall be indicted for any the offences aforesaid, done and perpetrated during this Session of this present Parliament, and upon his or their arraignment, shall shew him or themselves penitent for their offence, and submit him or themselves to the Kings and Queens mercy, and humbly desire the same, before such Justices or Commissioners before whom he or they shall be arraigned, that then no judgement of conviction, or attaindour of Treason, shall be given against any such Person or Persons, so being penitent and submitting themselves. And in every such case, the Justices or Commissioners before whom such Person or Persons shall be arraigned, shall have authority by virtue of this Act, to prescribe, adjudge and appoint such corporal punishment, other than death, to such offender and offenders, as to them by their discretion shall seem convenient; and upon that penance prescribed and done, to be discharged of the said Treason, comprised in that Judgement.

These prayers were much against and directly contrary to the Judgement of (iiSee Arch bishop …ranmers life, in Antiq. Eccles. Brit. Godwin, and before his Answer to Stephe… …a …. Fox Acts and Monu. ments …ol. 3. p. 101 102.) Archbishop Cranmer, Bishop Farrer, Bishop Hooper, Rowland Taylor, John Philpot, John Bradford, Edward Crome, John Rogers, Laurence Saunders, Edward Laurence, Miles Coverdale Bishop of …xon, and other of our godly Protestant Bishops and Ministers, who soon after suffered as Martyrs; they in their Letter the 8. of May Anno Dom. 1554. professing, That as obedient Subjects we shall behave our selves towards Queen Mary, and all that be in Authority, and not cease to pray to God for them, that he would govern them all, generally and particularly, with the spirit of wisdom and grace, and so we heartily desire, and humbly pray all men to do, in no point consenting to any kind of rebellion or sedition against our Soveraign Lady the Queens Highnesse: but where they cannot obey, but they must disobey God, there to submit themselves with all patience and p. 67humility, to suffer as the will and pleasure of the higher powers shall adjudge: as we are ready through the goodness of the Lord, to suffer whatsoever they shall adjudge us unto. And Bishop Hooper writ an Apolo…y against the slanderous Report made of him, that he should encourage and maintain such as cursed Qu. Mary, printed 1552. wherein his innocency and loyalty to the Queen, in praying for her, are vindicated at large.

In this ParliamentkkFox Act… & Monuments. vol. …. p. 11…. 115. 11…. there being a general opinion that Queen Mary was with child by King Philip her husband, there was a special Act made, that in case Queen Mary should die, during her childs Minority, that King Philip should have the education and protection of him: In which Act. The Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons assembled in Parliament, have firm hopes and confidence by the goodnesse of Almighty God, that he will of his infinite goodnesse give the Queens Majesty and Highnesse strength, the rather by our continual prayers, so passe well the danger of deliverance of Child, &c. Upon this occasion, the Popish Bishops, Clergy, and Churchmen, made many Processions, Masses, Collects and Prayers, to be daily said in all Churches for Qu. Maryes safe deliverance and her issue, recorded at large by Mr. Fox, where you may peruse them: in one of which prayers there were these expressions. Give unto our Queen thy servant, a little infant in fashion and body, comely and beautifull, in pregnant wit, notable and excellent. Grant the same to be in obedience like Abraham, in chastity and Brotherly love like Joseph, in meeknesse and mildnesse like Moses, in strength and valour like Sampson: let him be found faithfull as David, after thy heart; let him be wise among Kings, as the most wise Solomon; let him be like Job, a simple and an upright man, fearing God and eschewing evil; let him finally be garnished with the comlinesse of all virtuous conditions, and in the same let him wax old and live, that he may see his Childrens Children to the third and fourth generation. And give …nto our Soveraign Lord and Lady King Philip, and Queen Mary, thy blessings, and long-life upon earth, and grant that of them may come kings and Queens, which may stedfastly continue in faith, love and holinesse. And blessed p. 68be their seed of our God, that all Nations may know, thou art only God in all the earth, which art bl…ssed for ev…r and ever. Amen.

After Queen Maries decease, Anno 1558. Masses andAnno 1550. Popish Prayers being again abolished, and the Book of Common Prayer restored by the Parliament of 1 Eliz. ch. 2. there were the same prayers publickly used for the Queen, both in the Letany and Collects, as were formerly used for King Edward; and in sundry Books dedicated to her Majesty, and Prayers published during Her reign, there were many loyal and zealous P…ayers, Supplications and Intercessions, made to God for her long life and Prosperous reign, over-tedious to recite at large, and vulgarly known; and in all or most Prayers, Morning and Evening, for Private Families and Christians, there were special Petitions to God for her Majesty, some of them being Printed with the Bibles themselves, then in use; and likewise at the end of most Quarto Bibles under King James, and King Charles. I shall touch only upon some few presidents of many.

In the 2. year of her reign, John Veron, (Divinity LecturerAn…o 1564. at Pauls) in the close of his Dedicatory Epistle to Her Majestie, before his Fruitfull Treatise of Predestination, prayes thus. Christ Jesus of his tender mercy and goodnesse, vouchsafe to defend and preserve your most Gracious Highnesse, from all your Enemies, and with his holy Spirit, so to fill, strengthen and comfort your Princely heart, that ye may at all times boldly set forth his glory, and maintain it to your lives end. Which the Lord long continue to his Honor.

In the 7th. year of Queen Elizabeth, there was a CollectionAnno 1569. of Prayers in Latin, intituled Preces privatae, printed by William Seres, and published by the Q…eens special Privilege and Authority; wherein not only the Duty of Subjects is set down, out of Mat. 22. 17. Rom. 13. 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. Tit. 3. 1. & 1 Pet. 2. but these special Prayers, Psalms and Hymnes made to God, to be used daily in private Closets and Families for the Queen.

Domine Pater coelestis, Rex Regum & Dominus Dominantium, p. 69omnium Principum gubernator & rector, intimis votis te suppliciter quaesumus Reginam nostram Elizabetham, benigno vultu …, eique singulari gratia & …piritu sancto ità semper …ssistere digneris, ut voluntatem tuam ubique exequatur, & secundum saluberimam normam mandatorum tuorum, omnem vitam transigat. Accumula in illam coelestia tua dona, ut diu feliciter Nobis imperet, Hostes fortiter devincat, tandemque in C…lesti gloria vivat in aeternum, qui vivis & regnas Deu…, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. After which follow the same Prayers for her in Latin in the Letany, as in the English Letany in the Book of Common-prayer: And the same Collects for her in Latin, as for her and the King in English. Then there ensue, Psalmi selecti & peculiares pro Rege vel Regina, to wit, Psalm 20, & 21, & 72. applyed to the King and Queen litterally, with Domine salvum fac Regem, & exaudi nos in die in qua invocaverimus. After that Precatio d exemplum orationis Salomonis, pro Regina.

Domine Deus qui serenissimam nostram Reginam super nos regnare fecisti, eamque in medio populi tui, ut in aequitate Nos regat & in cordis integritate subditos suos judicet constituisti: Mitte illi quaeso de coelis sanctis tui…, & à sede majestatis tuae assistricem tuam sapientiam, ut ei semper adsit, & apud eam perpetuò resideat, ut sciat quod tibi acceptum sit. Dies praetereà super Dies ejus adj…cito, eique tàm benignè Principali tua gratia adesto, ut & in hac vita grata sint tibi opera ejus, & in futuro tecum regnet in omnem aeternitatem, per Christum Dominum et Servatorem nostrum. Amen.

Salvam fac Domine Reginam, nec unquam avertas faciem faciem ab ea. Uitam longaevam tribu… illi: et sub umbra …uarum alarum protege eam. Amen.

After these follow this Prayer, Pro Christianis Magistratibus.

Misericors Deus ac Coelestis pater, in cujus manu est omnis terrena potestas & Magistratus, per te constitutos, ad supplicium malorum, & defensionem bonorum; in eujus potenti dextera …ita sunt omnia jura & leges imperatorum, p. 70Te supplices oramus pro Principe nostro, proque eis qui sunt ei à consiliis, & qui rempublicam administrant, ut gladium ipsis per te commissum, in fide vera & timore Dei rectè gerant, eoque pro tua voluntate & jussu utantur. Obumbret eos virtus & sapientia Altissimi. Illuminet & conservet eos in amore Dei divina tua gratia. Da illis ô Domine sapientiam & intellectum. Concede quietam gubernationem, ut omnes subditos in veritate sidei, dilectione & justitia, quae tibi cordi sit, regant, & dicto audientes conservent. Proroga ipsis Dies vilae suae, et annos multos largire, ut prospera & laudata ipsorum functione, nomen tuum & sanctificetur & laudetur in omne aevum. Amen.

Towards the end of the Book follow certain Latin Prayers and Graces to be used before and after meals, to which there is this Conclusion added. Gratiarum actiones à Cibo, semper concludantur hac precatiuncula: Deus … Ecclesiam, Regem vel Reginam custodiat, Consiliarios ejus regat, populum universum tueatur, & pacem Nobis donet perpetuam. Amen. In imitation whereof this Prayer was commonly used in all Colleges, Schools, Hospitals, Families throughout the Realm, in their Graces after every Meal. GOD SAVE his Church, our King, Queen, (Prince, the rest of the Royal Issue, when there were such living) and Realms. God send us Peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The like Prayers in English for the Queen to be used in in Christian Families, we…e published by John Field, in his Prayers and Meditations for the use of private Families, 1581. The Kings Psalms, and Queens Prayers, 1590. in Christian private prayers by Edw. Deering 1590. in the … of …rayers, set o…t …y Iohn Rogers, Anno 1591. in … Prayers set out by Henry Bull, Anno 1592. in Tho. Sampsons Prayers 1592. with sundry others. But I shall close up all with Bishop Iewels Prayer for the Quee…s Majesty, in his Epistle to her prefixed to his p. 71Apology of the Church of England, printed 1570. and after re-printed. God evermore enflame and direct your Majesty with his holy Spirit, that the zeal of his House may sincerely devour your Gracious heart, that you may safely walk in the wayes of your Father David, that you may utterly abandon all Groves and HillAltars, That you may live an old Mother in Israel, that you may see an end of all Distractions, and stablisht Peace and Unity in the Church of God. Amen. And with the Prayer of Doctor Thomas Bilson, in the close of his Epistle to her Majesty before his Books of, The true difference between Christian Subjection and Unchristian Rebellion, (A very learned and seasonable Treatise, wherein he produceth **Page 378.some Testimonies of Fathers praying for Heretical and persecuting Emperors.) The King of Kings and Lord of Lords bless and preserve your Majesty; and as he hath begun a good and glorious work in you, and in the Realm by you, so continue the same by lightening you with his holy Spirit, and defending you with his mighty Arm, as he hath done from the day that he chose you to be the Leader and Guider of his People, that you may long keep them in truth and peace by the assi…tance of his Grace, to the prayse of his glory, increase of the Godly, and grief of his and your Subjects. Even so … Iesus.

The Clergy of England assembled in Convocation, Anno 1603. the first year of King Iames his Reign, in their Constitations and Canons Ecclesiastical then agreed upon by them, ratified and published by the Kings Authority under his Great Seal, did thus evidence to the wor…d their loyalty to the King and his Royal posterity. Can. 1.

As our Duty to the Kings Most excellent Majesty requireth, we first decree and ordain, That the Archbishop of Canterbury, (from time to time) all Bishops of this Province, or Deans, Archdeacons, Vicars, and all other Ecclesiastical persons, shall faithfully keep p. 72and observe, and (as much as in them lyeth) shall cause, to be observed and kept of others, all and singular Laws and Statutes made for the restoring to the Crown of this Kingdom, the antient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclefiastical, and abolishing of all forein power repugant to the same. Furthermore, all Ecclesiastical persons having cure of Souls, and all other Preachers, and Readers of Divinity Lectures, shall to the uttermost of their wit, knowledge and learning, purely and sincerely (without any colour or dissimulation) teach, manifest, open, and declare four times every year (at the least) in their Sermons and other Collations and Lectures, That all usurped and forein power, (forasmuch as the same hath no establishment nor ground by the Law of God) is for most just causes taken away and abolished: and that therefore no manner of obedience and subjection within his Majesties Realms and Dominions, is due unto any such forein power: but that the Kings power within his Realms of England, Scotland and Ireland, and other his Dominions and Countries, IS THE HIGHEST POWER UNDER GOD, to whom all men as well Inhabitants as born within the same, do by Gods Laws owe most loyalty and obedience, afore and above all other Powers and Potentates in the earth.