The life of the 70. Archbishopp of Canterbury presently sitting Englished/ and to be added to the 69. lately Set forth in Latin. This numbered off seventy is so complete a number as it is great pity there should be one more: but that as Augustin was the first/ so Matthew might be the last.  
Imprinted/ M.D.LXXIIII.   

HISTORIOLA, A little storne of the acts and life of Matthew now/ Archbishop of Canterb.  
Now sithence we have declared many things which we thought specially worthy of rehearsal concerning thestate of corpus Christi coll. and the acts of certain masters thereof▪ it remaineth that we draw out the narration a little longer for the fore said Matthew Parker his sake of whom we have hitherto spoken those things which he only did for the amplifying and commodity of the said college of the which he was master. But his praise was not shut up only within those walls/ but he being called from thence to other functions in the common wealth/ at the last did bear the highest office of the Ecclesiastical ministery. for he was the archbischoppe of Canterbury Therefore in his history (because his fame was more renowned than any of the masters of whom we have made mention) we will stay a little longer/ and repeat the course of his life even from his cradle. He was borne in that famous city of theft Angles which is called Norwitche in the year of the incarnation of our lord a thousand five hundredth four/ the sixth day of the month of August/ of honest parent's citizens/ his father called willian/ and his mother Alice/ who caused his childhood to be instructed in thelements of grammar (as the custom was then in the city to frame the wits of children) within their own house till he was xviij. years old. At wihich time being Passed his childhood/ his mother riddeth him of her house/ his father being dead/ and sent him to Cambridge/ to th'intent that the foundation of learning being already laid by the knowledge of grammar/ he might finish the rest of the building in learning the arts. Therefore in corpus Christi coll. he was sustained at the first/ wholly by his mother's charges/ of the which after a few months she being eased/ he was chosen into the number of those scholars which are called bibleclarkes of the especial duty which they execute. He travailed in logic and Philosophy first in S· Mary's hostel/ the title and government whereof partained then to corpus Christi coll. until it ceased to be an house of learning for scholars. In these kinds of study when he had spent three years and a little more/ before the fourth was fully complete/ he was made bachelor of art/ and three years after that master of Art and fellow beside of corpus coll. being first entered in all the rites of 
* poop holy.  holy orders. But now he being very well and perfectly instructed in the liberal sciences/ 
As the course of his life hath declared. for he got thereby a benefice or two.  he applied all his mind to the study of divinity/ and to the reading of the volunes of th'ecclesiastical father's/ and that so earnestly/ that in short space of time he bestowed his labour not unprofitably in this behalf. for after the space of four or five years he issuing from his secret and solitary study into open practice in the common wealth preached every 
* He that Preacheth every where preach●▪ no where.  where unto the people with great commendation/ and that in the most famons cities and places of this realm, by the authority of king Henry the viii. by whose letters patents this was granted unto him together with the licence of the. Archb. of Canterbury. In executing of this function of preaching he gained this commodity/ that the fame of him came unto the ears of king Henry. whereupon he being called into the king's court/ was there/ first made chaplain to Queen Anne while she lived/ afterward to king Henry the viii. and last of all to Edward the vj. when he Ruled the common wealth. All which princes bestowed on him very large/ and plentiful Rewards for his diligence. for by favour of Queen Anne/ he was made 
* Charges livings enough for one man. But he showed betimes, what game he loved. Paul sayeth they seek there own not the things which belong to Christ jesus. Philip. ●. 21.  deane of Stoke/ near unto Clare in suffolk. by the liberality of king Henrye/ theridamas was given unto him a Prebend of the new erection in the church off Elye/ when he was now Bachelor of divinity: after when he had climbed to the degree of doctorshippe/ by the king's letters of commendation he was made master of corpus Christi college where he had spent his youth in learning. Edward the sixth not interior to his father in bountiful and liberal nature/ in rewarding with free gifts the service off such as partained unto him gave him also his desert in the second year of his reign/ the 
* A good conscience.  deanery of Lincoln and the prebend off coringhan in the same church. He had beside by the gift of the coll. where he was master/ 
* what is to glory in their shame which. Paul speaketh off if this he not.  a benefice in the diocese off Elye/ called Landbeache near unto cambridge: further at this time he retained and safely held the deanery of Stoke/ against all the importunate suit and complaints off divers that laboured for it/ until the first year of Edward the sixth/ when by a statute made at that time/ he was constrained to leave that preferment/ receiving notwithstanding in recompense/ a yearly sum of 40. pounds out off the king's common treasury. But the case was so/ that at his first coming thither he was the author off building a school within the coll. off Stoke/ and off the appointing a yearly stipend unto the schoolmaster/ to the end that the youth might be there instructed in grammar and in the whole study of humanity: whereupon by and by there repaired thither on heaps/ the sons aswell off noble/ as mean men/ so that it grieved him above all things/ 
* Worldly 〈…〉 & c?  either himself to forsake that goodly company of youths/ or that it should be severed and dispersed again/ although that by his travail he had provided before/ that the school should have some assurance although weak and unsteadfast. But concerning the promotions wherwih the bounty (as I have said▪ of H●nrye the father/ and Edward the son/ had largely enriched him he reaped of them very 
* To 〈…〉 unto him to be profitable unto others  pleasant fruit/ until the hard and troublesome times of Queen Mari●. In the second year of whose reign he was dispossessed off all his goods/ not enjoying any either commodity or yearly stipend. The which extreme calamity was common unto him with almost all the Bishops of England and other ministers off the church for many causes and points of Religion/ and especially for that one: that they had married wives/ the which was lawful to the ministers off the church by the statutes of king Edward the sixth? established in two several parliaments/ and by the eternal word of God above which for any mortal man to presume/ it is both extreme madness intolerable pride ● permitteed/ and specially for avoiding off whoredom commanded by S· Paul. for this cause therefore he being deprived off all things which he had attained to by the bounty of his lords/ he lurked secretly for those years wherein Queen Marie reigned/ within the house off one of his friends leading a poor life without any man's aid or secure/ and yet so well contented with his lot/ that in that pleasant rest and laisure of his study/ he would never in respect off himself have desired any other kind of life the extreme fear of danger only excepted/ wherein he lived with all good men/ and tha● not without some cause▪ for from the beginning off the reign of Queen marry until the end there off very many Good men were burned/ not for murder ● theft/ whoredom/ or any other crime/ But only for their manifest constancy in the Religion of Christ and their open professing off the name of Christ against the Pope and all his confederates. Whose death very gloriously to their praise willbe remembered together with the cruelty of that time of all posterity for ever. But that saynig off the Prophet is full of comfort/ that God chideth not always neither keepeth his wrath for ever/ and that off the Philosophers also is true that nothing violent is perpetual. For at this time queen marry died when she had reigned almost six years/ at which time God showed his justice to all that were afflicted/ and his judgements to those which had suffered wrong/ for Elizabeth the sister of Marry/ a lady off singular wisdom and mildness/ expelled out of her realm the bondage of Rome/ restored the pure doctrine of the gospel/ licensing the people to read the scriptures/ and calleth them all home into their country/ which had willingly banished themselves before. At which time she preferre● him 
* You shot at a Good mar●●e.  for whose praise this history is compiled to the dignity of tharchbishopric of Canterbury wh●●/ he a little before had crept out of his lurking hole into the open sight off the world with his wife whom he would not dismiss all the time of Queen mary/ a woman very chaste and well mannered and that did greatly reverence her husband of whom he begatt three children whereof those two which are only alive his care is to have them instructed in all liberal learning/ partly in th'university/ and sometimes at home in his house. 
* The bear that cometh unwillingly to the stake is willingly carried from it.  But how unwillingly ●e took upon him this whither you call it burden or dignity of the Archbishopric/ refusing it often times when it was proffered/ there conscience can witness which have not lest to do in the government of the common wealth and such as are in especial favour with the Queen's highness. But when he had once taken upon him this chief cure and charge off the Christian flock/ how wisely he behaved him therein for those years that are passed/ with general allowance/ consent/ and favour off all Good men/ how discretely also in so great diversity and dissension of judgements/ how uprighly and sincerely in other men's matters and controversies/ with how great gentleness and patience in other men's wrath and displeasure/ with what forbearing and sufferance towards the evil that he might win them/ with what godliness in reconciling the stomachs of gentlemen and determining their controversies/ how loath he was that contumeliously they should draw each other into the law/ 
* men may easily tell how often where the number is but small.  lastly how often his voice was hard to sound out of the holy pulpits/ as well off his cathedral church/ as the churches of other mean towns and villages/ especially in this his old age/ in his weak and crazed state of body/ in the midst off so great business/ and in these contagious and pestilent times▪ all these things I will leave as matters untouched/ because there are very many which without me by the view off his manners/ and tried trade off his life/ be able to report these and many things more: 
* What greater adversary than a man's own conscience.  But it is impossible that I an household witness/ occupying myself in the setting forth off so great praises/ should obtain credit what soever I am: notwithstanding that I speak the truth in differently / and would not apply myself to gain the favour off men by flattery. Therefore I will pass to the declaration of those things/ wherein I may easily avoid the infamous blemish of flattery/ for that there are many which can witness with me/ that he deserved no small commendation because that after he had visited his diocese through out by him self/ and not by any substitute/ and which was more of his own charges/ for that he 
* Antony thought he had greatly pleasured Tully because he killed him not unjustly.  freely remitted to all the parishes the sums off their procurations which they should have pa●d him for visiting the diocese: that noble and famous palace of his sea of Canterbury by long continuance of time decayed/ rotten/ consumed with fire and almost laid even with the ground in all the buildings thereof/ he reuned/ builded ● fully 
* Is it time to build your seeled houses and not time to build the house off God. Ag●.  restored and beautified it with this fair and glorious show wherein it now flourisheth/ not feared from this enterprise either by the infinite labour and travail/ neither dissuaded by the want off necessary things which should have been left him off his predecessors/ nor by the dearth of the time nor by the wages of the labourers which were merueiloussly increased/ nor by any other lets or hindrances/ But ●at he fully finished it in the year of the incarnation of our lord 1564. the sixth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth and in the 6●. year off his age/ and the fift off his consecration. In the which year he also endeavoured to repair the quires of those churches which were lately come into his possession/ off which sort he had very many in his diocese/ partly by the exchange off ancient possessions of the Archbishopric/ made between king Henry the eight and Tho. Archbishopp of Canterbury his predesessor/ partly for an other exchange off the possessions of the Archbishopric by a statute established for the same purpose/ in the first year of Queen Elizabeth before he obtained the Sea. The charges off which building/ beside the yearly reparations of other houses/ grew to the sum of a thousand four ●undreth pounds and somewhat more. The which he did the rather 
* Turn mine eyes from 〈…〉▪  for that/ he had heard that hall of the palace within his remembrance singular and famous for the largeness thereof/ to have been honoured in the year of our salvation 1519. by the presence as well off Charles the fifft emperor/ as of Henry the eight king of that name/ with his wife Katherine whom the Emperor came then to see being his aunt. This hall those princes then occupied with all the troop of their guard and retinue/ so that for all the princes affairs/ for triumphs and feasts the upper part thereof was appointed for the Emperor Charles/ and the neither part for Henry the King. But the chiefest cause that he coveted to preserve the magnificence of that hall was/ for the memory of the coronation of kings and Queens very often times celebrated in that place/ and the installing off Archbishopps his predecessors (which they commonly call inthronization) to whose sumptuous feasts there hath been very great resort as well off lords/ as gentlemen/ with an infinite troop of others to celebrated and honour that feast with their presence. At which feast in his predecessors times/ certain 
with much ado the king was excepted from the Archbishop's service.  dukes and earls were high stewards by custom/ receiving an yearly pension and a reward ●it for so great personages: as off late the duke of Bukinghan in the inthronization of william warham Archbishopp/ in the year of our lord 1504 The which solemnity though the foresaid Matthew used not at his entrance to the Archbishoprik (as also did not Reginald Pole Cardinal his next predecessor/ and some other of those that were before him/ partly because they were not able/ partly for that the revenues of the Archbishopric were much diminished/ if comparison be made with the former times) yet remembering that his forefathers in building a place so large and stately/ had no other respect or consideration but feasting and hospitality/ 
* A worthy study for a bishop might ●e not well have said o quanta patimur?  he deviseth by him self by what means he might best entertain/ with this kind of courtesy in sumptuous feasting a multitude sufficient for that place/ both of the communality/ and off the great estates of Kent. For this purpose therefore he taketh the opportunity of time in this sort. In the year of Christ 1565. which was the next year after the restoring off the hall/ he prepared a feast very magnifically and sumptuoussly/ where unto when they flocked from every place in great companies/ he placed them all at diverse tables through out the hall/ which was garnished with tapistery and other things very comely and beautiful/ brought out off flanders and Holland. and because he would want no guests/ he provided that the judges (which by an usual term are called in that place jorneyinge/ and then only at Canterbury and no where else kept there judicial sessions) sshould repair thither. At the which time also he bad all them to this feast which were gathered together out of the whole province/ for the trial of the law/ aswell gentlemen as mean persons. At that time there sat as judges/ master john Southcotes/ one off those judges whose authority is to hear men's pleas and controversies in the common place: and Gilbert Gerard esquire general attorney of the Queen's highness/ which together with Tho: Kemp Knight that year Sheriff/ and with all their train were present at the feast off the Archbishop. which feast how bountiful it was in daintiekates/ how well and orderly all things were served by the Archbishop's household/ how well this his courtesy was accepted/ how oftentimes the tables in the hall were freshly furnished with new guests the same day/ I coue●ing to be short will not here declare/ but I leave it to the memory of those which then were present out off the whole conntrye. And 
* whose God is their belly. Phil. 3.19.  this courtesy in feasting was not at that time only showed by that occasion but before also he used in the same hall the like solemnity at other times: partly at whitsuntide the Archbishopp himself both preaching and celebrating the holy communion/ first in the cathedral church/ at which time the prebendaries of the church/ and the Mayor of the city with his brethren/ and others inferior citizens together with many gentlemen of that country bringing him home/ dined in the same hall/ the places being so ordered/ that the Archbishopp sat in the midst of the high table/ on his left hand the mayor and all the other men as every man excelled in dignity and countenance/ and so on one side off the hall a continual row of men followed to other tables/ set in order and severed by a little space between/ through out the length of the hall. On his right hand sat only some noble women and the honourable wives of other men/ leading from every side off his table a course and right line of woomen through out the length of the hall altogether like and correspondent to that row off men whereof we spoke before The which order off placing was observed in honour of the Quemees highness/ for that under her being governor of the realm/ the said Matthew obtained his place. And this first furnishing off tables thus ended/ there were others partly off the Arschhishops' family/ partly off the country there about which straight way sat down in their places which rose/ in the same order as before. And this manner off feasting continued by the space of two days namely monday and tewesdai. Besides this/ the day of the holy and inseparable trinity following (for ●e thought that that day ougt especially to be solennlye cebrated for the famous memory of king Henrye th'eighteight who was the last restorer of the church and an excellent reformer off evil ceremones and customs) he spent in the like courtesy of entertaining off guests the accustomed prayers in the cathedral church being first finished. At which time/ one off the chief ministers off the church/ made a sermon and Matthew tharchbishop himself/ was minister off the blessed communion and supper of our Lord unto the people/ standing in the upper end/ or corner of the church. The administration of which comfortable banquett after he had ended he went home accompanied with the whole number and congregation of the cathedral church/ which sat down to the festival dinner the said hall/ and in the same manner as before/ with other chief men both off the city and country. Again the three and twentieth day of july following/ was the day of assize and public meetings of the judges/ and other of the province/ either to understand/ men's causes/ or to punish manifest offenders/ as we have before declared the said hall was likewise replenished/ only excepted/ that the guests wear only gentlemen/ and off the best of the woomen being placed at very exquisite far/ within the inner parlours. But amongst things which happened/ unto him in his life worthy of memory. I rejoice especially for this his felicity/ that whereas after Augustine the first Archbishop/ he was the seventy/ yet he was both the first/ and only man/ that attained unto tharchbishoplike dignity with out any blemish or spot off old wives superstitions and unprofitable ceremonies of the romish Pope. for as every one of them entered first hereunto by buils/ off approbation sent from the Pope: so he was consecrated neither with these/ nor any other old/ and idle ceremonies of Aaron's ornaments/ neither with gloves/ nor sandales/ nor sslippers/ nor mitre/ nor pall/ but more chastely and religioussly/ according to the purity of the gospelie/ four bishops being appointed according to a law made in that behalf which placed him in his chair with so godly promises protested by him/ as it is meet should of a gospellike pastor. And yet this his (that I may so term it) joyful and solemn day he spent not negligently/ but with garments comely for a bishop with godly prayers/ off th'ecclesiastical ministers/ and peopell/ unto whom a sermon was made by a learned religious and a professed bishop in divinity/ chief to 
* He that knoweth the will off his Master and doth it not shall be beaten with many stripes.  admonish the pastor of his duty/ and faithfulness toward his flock/ and contrariwise/ the flock off love/ obedience and reverence which they ougthe to yield to their pastor. The sermon ended when the company present/ had refreshed themselves/ by partaking the spiritual banquett: they make an end with earnest prayers unto god/ that that function which was laid on him/ by the clergy/ migthe chief tend to the glory of god/ to the salvation of Christian flock/ and the joyful testimony of his own conscience/ by faithful executinge of his office/ when it shall happen him to depart unto his lord/ to whom he vowed himself. And the very same solemnity/ and manner of consecration/ he used toward his brethren bishops upon whom afterward he laid his hand/ of the which this is not to be let sslipped by/ that where we read in histories/ that sun one of his predecessors hath consecrated unto god in one year 5.3. or 4. brethren/ or at the most 6. which them was thought very strange: to him it chanced that in the first year of his government/ he consecrated 11. he confirmed 2. and the 2. years following he placed in their seas the whole number of the bishops of Engeland (save only the bishop of Landoffe) namely/ 
Paul rejoiced not off those whom he had baptized but the false apostles, as for him ●e saye●h you are my glory and my joy to the. Thesalonians whom he won to the Gosp.  the first year he placed bishop in London sea Edmond Gryndall/ in Elye Richard Cocks/ in worcester Edwine Sands/ in Bangor Roland Meri●k/ in Lincoln Nycolas Bullinghan/ in Salisburye john jevell/ in S. david's/ Thomas young/ in S. Asaph Richard David/ in Rochester Edmond/ Gest/ in Bath and wells Gilbert Barkley/ at Lichfeld and Coventry john Benram. And in the same year he confirmed william Barlowe sometimes bishop of Bath and wells in chichester and john Scorie before bispope of chichester in Herforde: And in the second year next follownge he created william Alley bishop off Exeter/ john Parkhurst of Norwich/ Robart Horn of winchester/ Edmund Scamler of Peterboroughe Thomas David of Saint Asaphe/ and Richard Cheyney of Gloucester. Besides that/ the same year he confirmed Archbishop off york/ Thomas young/ transslated from Saint david's/ and confirmed also Thomas David bishop off saint david's/ translated from saint Asaphe. And in the year of our Lord 1564. when Antony bishop of Landoffe died (who only remained in his sea/ and agreed to the religion/ whereas tother bishops created in the time of Queen Marie/ withheld their consent from the Religion established in the general assembly of all estates and orders/ whearat they wear present/ in the which assembly this law was made that who so refused to profess the received Religion should be deprived off their authority/ offices and promotions/ as obstinate/ in the number of whom as their wear many off the ecclesiastical order/ so wear there as many which retained their dignities and places/ professing with us the restored religion by A public oath ministered unto them) in the room of him being dead/ he consecrated in the year of our Lord 1565. Hugh david's Doctor of Law. And in the year 1566. he consecrated Nicolas Robinson Doctor of divinity into the bishopric of Bangor/ and in the year 1567. he confirmed Henry Curwin Doctor of Law in the bishopric of Oxford. The which pastors and fathers/ although diversslye professed in the Scoles of universities/ yet all wear/ so well learned/ that they knew how to distribute the lively word of the scriptures to the people of God/ with due respect of time place and person the which every one of them very often or rather continually doth in the cures committed unto them the testimony whereof. 
* Aes you have set your bias so runneth your bowl. The day willtri.   
But that we may speak sumwhate of his manners and life/ off whom we presently entreat/ I can say thus much that he was so thrifty an husband by that frugal way/ which he took in disposing the yearly revenues of tharchbishopric/ that by his prudent sparing the rents sufficed for those great charges/ which he was at by reason off his first fruits/ and subsidies paid unto the Queen/ and other necessary expenses/ which he laid out in the begininge off his government/ for the provision of household stuff/ and inplementes/ and by reason of hospitality. And yet he so liberally ordered the fruits/ which he reaped/ and received off his archiepiscopal dignity/ that withwhome soever he del●e/ in buying necessary things for the use off his family/ either wecklye he ●endered their money unto them/ or at the most/ he differred it not to the end off three months/ so that never any man s●ed him for debt. And it seemeth that his greatest 
By his heaping up of living by having of charges without doing of duty by sumptuous feasting by great cost in brauiti● and Lordly pomp as is before declared.  care thorough aught his whole life/ was that in every estate of life/ he might live from day to day with A good testimony of conscience/ before god/ and out off the debt of every man/ the which he especially abhorred/ whearin he wisely considered both the sshortnes of man's life/ and the profit of his creditors/ who he was unwillinge should suffer any loss for his sake/ for that they trusted him so friendly for all the furniture of his house: which loss perchance should have happened unto them if for the most part of those things which he bought of them he had not paid them their money before his death.  
He therefore leading his life so upprightlye and in differently/ although by reason off the possessions of his lands diminished/ he could not benefit his 
* you shall be better considered no doubt.  servants with any great preferments/ or rewards: yet their are very few amongst them on whom/ he hath not bestowed somewhat/ that may succour their necessities. Which if it wear all together gathered in one sum/ it would come to no small deal/ considering the short time of his administration. Besides that all things are so dear/ that the stipend which he yearly giveth to his servants/ is greater than off any his predecessors. He also often times bestoweth on them more than covenant/ especially to his needy servants/ in whom he hath perceived honesty/ diligence and trustiness in his affairs. By which wise government/ he seemed unto me to remember the mortality of man/ the inconstancy both of life/ and death/ which often times taketh A man a way unawares/ and to be mindful also to lessen and diminish his charges/ so that if he had longer to live/ he might have whearwith to maintain his great costs and expenses. And it cannot be otherwise/ but that this was his mind and meaning/ because that off all the sentences of the scripture/ he especially chose that one/ out of john th'apostle/ the which/ as he oftentimes used in his daily talk/ so he caused it to be written on the walls of his house and the glass of his windows (the 
* The pharisees did the like in the hem of their garments The world laughethe at it.  world passeth and the concupiscence thereof) whereby he was wont to call into his mind/ the brittleness of man's life/ and the vanity thereof/ learning thereby/ to repose his trust upon God alone/ and wholly to apply himself to his will/ commandment / that when he should give an account off his stewardship/ God might not 
* God be merciful unto him if it be possible: jest he find him beating his fellow servants.  find him unprovided/ nor se●t upon him unarmed. And to the end that his mind might more vehemently be stirred to the meditation hereof/ he caused to be graven in tharchbishops s●ale/ the manner of the last judgement/ where Christ sitteh gloriusslye/ and with majesty/ to judge the quick/ and the dead/ uttering this voice full of comfort to his chosen/ come ye blissed/ etc. and that other woeful voice to the reprobate/ go ye cursed. Besides A man may there see the images of the dead/ graven/ coming out of there graves to judgement. And that he might signify/ that men of his estate/ seldom found such counsellors/ as would boldly/ and freely tell them off there duty/ it happened by wise advice off the herald/ that such arms wear allotted him (as the use for noble personages) which both might express th'ancient arms of the stock from whence he issued/ and might admonish him also of his honour/ and office in the church/ in that/ that stars wear added to his arms. Whearunto Gualther Haddon Doctor of law/ a man off singular learning/ and authority (whom our most noble Queen Elizabeth appointed to be one of the Masters off the requests/ and Matthew himself had made him chief judge off his prerogative court) very finely alluded in these verses.  
The Keys of ancient parent's tokens are.  
Fron sovereign prince doth come the tripell star.  
So virtue, learning, power, conspire best,  
And sow the pleasant seeds, of quiet rest  
But yet the joys of life to end do haste,  
And man but dust before, to dust shall waste.  
Whearupon/ as he aknowledgeth the Keys to pertain unto him by the law of nature/ and inheritance/ as left him off his fore father's 
His Father was an honest poor man a succourer or Calendar of worsteddes of Norwich so Known and taken. / from whom he descended/ yet he thinketh them especially to agreed with him/ by reason off his spiriatuall function/ which is wisely to open and shut the Kingdom of heaven to the Christian congregation/ in the which meaning/ the Keys wear delivered unto Peter/ and to all that execute that spiritual office in church of preaching the gospel.  
But whearas we see the key thrice in his arms/ that hath respect to Peter's convenant made with Christ under that word (feed) 
* O deep divinity, tharchbishop hath three keys because Christ said pas●●, pas●● Nay rather because he locketh up the kingdom of heaven so fast by holding out of ministers that might preach the word, and keeping in of idle and ignorant that can do nothing, that hardly doth any man enter thearin.  thrice repeated.  
Lastly the stars represent that of Danyell: The learned shall shine as the brightness of the firmament/ and they which instruct many in the way of righteousness as stars for ever and ever.  
As therefore the stars bring him into the remembrance of his spiritual authority/ and office/ so also by the star/ he learneth to remember what is required of him/ that by the pureness of his light/ he should shine to other/ and by the heavenly doctrine of the word/ should bring again into the light the congregation of Christ/ which now a great while hath miserably lain hidden/ and overwhelmed in gross darkness/ by the traditions of men. And that he might not altogether forget himself (as they are wont to do which are set up aloft in the ●yest rooms of the world) he was wont to rub his mind/ with the memory of that sentence/ that all fame/ estimation/ honour/ all magistratshippes'/ be they of never so ample authority/ all titles and names how glorious soever they seem in the eyes of men for a time/ yet at the last/ as the whole world itself/ and all brittle and transitory things/ they shall perish/ and decay. And in this sort reasoning with himself/ he passed by all the enticements/ off the world neither stayed at them/ as at the rocks of the sirens. Therefore agreeing unto Paul/ that he had not here an abiding city/ according to his meaning/ he sought that which was to come. The which as it hath in itself/ the greatest certainty/ and safety/ so this life is unconstant and corruptible/ for as much as all flesh is grass/ and all the glory of man is as the flover of the grass/ which quickly is cut down and withereth. In the which frail/ and transitory life/ he was carried forward with a continual desiere/ to profit the church of god/ for that he thought/ he could not bestow his labour better on any thing (considering the place wh●●h he occupied) then in the busy searchis of the opinion of Doctores of his time and conferring them with the writers of all ages. Besides he was very careful/ and not without some charges/ to seek out the monuments/ off foremer times/ to know the religion off th'ancient fathers/ and those especially which were/ off the English church. Therefore in seeking up the chronicles of the Brittones and English Saxons/ which lay hidden every where contemned and buried in forgetfulness/ and through the ignorance of the Languages not well understanded/ his owen especially/ and his men's diligence wanted not.  
And to the end/ that these antiquities might last long/ and be carefully kept ● he caused them/ being brought into one place to be well bound and trimly covered. A●d yet not so contented/ he devoured to set out in print/ certain off those ancient monuments/ whearoff he knew very few examples to be extante/ and which he thought would be most profitable for the posterity/ to instruct them/ in the faith the and religion of the elders.  
Hear upon/ he caused the perpetual histories of the inglishe affairs/ by Mathaeus Paris●ensis once a Monk of Saint A●banes/ and Mathaeus Florilegus/ a Monk of Saint Peter'S in westminster/ written in latin/ to be printed/ after he had diligently conferred them with th'examples▪/ which he could get in any place/ to the end/ that as sincerely as might be/ as thauthors'authors first left them/ he might deliver them into men's hands.  
lastly that he might not be unmindful of those monuments which both in antiquity/ worthiness/ and authority excelled all other/ or rather where with none are to be compared (I mean the holy scriptures) here be thougthe to do great good/ if by his number/ he increased the holy Bible's/ which shortlis would be wanting unto many Church's/ ●ff this discommodity wear not provided for in time. Therefore it seemed good unto him first with his learned servants to examine thorowghlye thenglish translation/ whearin he partly used the help off his brethren Bishops/ and other Doctores/ with whom he dealt so diligently in this matter/ that they disdained not to be partners and fellows with him of his labour.  
And now all 
The chaplains traviled, and the bishops brought forth▪  there work is set out in very fair forms/ and letters off print/ and that not without great 
* Let men judge whether he did so much good by br●gīge in that translation, as harm by staying the Gene●●●  fruit (we hope) to all them/ which desire according to the prescript word of God/ to worship God/ to yield there dutiful obedience to there Prince/ and to profit there country to there power: and lastly/ to all those/ that by the mercy of God in Christ/ do thirst for the health off there souls/ and the enjoying off the life to come.  
But it happened unto him/ when he saw the happy finishing/ and end of the foresaid work/ that he was so affected in mind/ as that holy man Simeon of whom Luke thevangelist maketh mention. Therefore in the same sort as he/ he spoke within 
* And you hard it being without him: else how knew you it.  himself. Now letest thou thy servant oh Lord departed in peace/ for mine eyes have seen thy salvation/ etc. Finally/ the mortal condition of man coming into his mind (with the memory whearoff/ he was wont offtentimes in his sermons/ to rub other means minds/ jest death sshoulde find them unprepared/ at any time) he thought/ that for him being now an old man/ it was especially requisite/ to bend his whole mind/ and study/ upon the meditation of man's frailty. Therefore he carfullie provided/ lest at any time the remembrance heeroff/ sshoulde be driven out of his mind: first fitly and conveniently disposing his worldly substance: and then by discribinge the manner of his burial: thirdly by apointinge his Tomb off black Marble/ to the end he might have it ready and furnisshed for every occasion of death. And this Tomb of purpose he caused to be made of no exquisite work/ but smooth/ straight/ and plain/ thinking it enough if being represented to the eye/ it might serve either for himself/ while he lived/ as a token/ or monument off his uncertain estate/ or when he was dead/ as a testimony to his posterity/ what principal place by the bounty of his Prince he obtained in Christ h●s common 
And that he was a black bishopbe to the church of England.  wealth. The which commodity/ and profit he received not rather of his tomb/ then off the inscription of his epitaph/ th'author whearoff was a friend of his/ and one that bore office under him/ Doctor Gualther Haddon. In which epitaph/ although he acknowledgeth that Haddon speaketh more of him then he deserveth yet he thinketh him self to be forewarned by that friendly commendation/ that while he liveth/ and occupieth the hieste Rome of the spiritual authority/ he should endeavour to his power/ to come as near as he may to those things which are attributed unto him.  
Matthew Parker lived sober and wise,  
Learned by study and continual practice  
Loving, true, of life uncontrolled  
The court did foster him, both young, and old.  
Orderly he dealt, the right he did defend,  
He lived unto god to god he ma● his end.  
So continually waightinge/ when god shall call him/ and willingly content at the pleasure of god/ e●h●r to live longer in this his estate/ and to continue his life/ or by and by to leave it/ and to say down all things pertaining unto him/ that the wisdom of god may dispose and order them/ how and to what use soever it shall please him/ he yieldeth and commendeth himself wholly into the tuition of God the father/ god/ the son/ and God the holy ghost to whom be honour and glory for ever Amen. 
Glory unto god, and confusion to his enemies which persever in their wickedness.    

To the Cbristian reader/ peace in christ/ and war with antichrist.  
IF upon the tomb of that Assyrian Queen of Babylon/ in stead off that description (Hear lieth hid great treasure) there had been graven in golden letters: under this tomb/ thou shalt find a precious library off excellent books/ for all kind of learning/ and a storehouse of knowledge/ surely it had been no such sacrilege/ for Darius to have ransacked the dead woman's grave: nor he himself so worthily noted off foul covetousness/ that would violate such sacred places/ through a most unholy hunger of gold.  
But rather it had turned all the contrary to his praise/ who even in the earth/ and a 'mong dead men/ would have fought/ and digged for such a mine of knowledge/ as surpasseth all treasure. yea though he had found nothing but a woman's bones/ as he did not in deed/ yet his commendable and Prince worthy thirst off knowledge/ had excused his ignorance/ off seeking Musas inter Manes/ and the blot had been justly returned to herself/ for taking pleasure in provoking any man/ by false promises to rake in her ashes.  
But this Queen was a woman/ a heathen/ and a stranger from god/ yea without god/ and there withal had no meaning to deceive/ for hurt/ but only to chastise such extreme avarice/ and to teach their by/ and make more religious/ wise/ and wary Darius/ or any other/ that sshoulde come to disquiet her dead sleeping bones. She is not only therefore to be excused/ for this disguisinge her grave/ but much more praise worthy is sshe/ then he whosoever it was that off late hath set forth/ to the hurt of Christian men/ certain/ Rhapsodies/ and shredes off old forworne stories/ almost forgotten/ had he notnowe latlye awakened them out off a dead sleep/ and newly sewed them together in one book/ printed/ whose glorius title promiseth not mountains of gold/ as that silly heathen woman's tomb/ but beareth Christ in the brow/ and is honested with this title in the front. De antiquitate Britannicae Ecclesiae & privilegijs Ecclesiae Cantuariensis cum Archiepiscopiscopis eiusdem septuaginta. As though it were some worthy monument/ and rich hoard/ whearin had been honourably buried/ great heaps of the knowledge/ and acts off the first Christian infancy of this church of England. And yet having rolled a way that glorious grave-stone/ off that counterfeit title/ and seeking further into it/ appeareth a very painted sepulchre/ gorgeousslye decked with that outward only name/ and within full off broken shankebones/ and relics off dead carcases/ yea nothing/ but a very charnel house/ off brainsslesse unlearned ss●ulles/ off such men as wear wicked in their life/ and not worthy any memory being dead. whose rotten bones/ yet if they had been closed in lead/ and well spiced/ feared/ and handsomely laid up together/ peradventure they might have been kept from savouring yet a while: but they are so hurled together/ with out embalming/ or other preservative/ that the matter being off it self most unclean/ is yet by the manner of handling (if it be possible) made more unclean and filthy.  
The title/ as it is said/ De antiquitate, & caetera. Only a few things are said for preface/ touching the first preaching off Christ in this our Island: but the whole body of the book is/ bombasted with the swelling pomps of the Archprelates of Canterbury. wherein/ as there is no such clerkly handling/ as is to be wondered at (for there is such confused shuffling together as though h●s method had been Take it among you) so there is no such chaste dealing/ as wear to be wished. For many bastard tales/ off thadulterous synagogue of Rome/ are intermingled: so that the greatest care of the workman seemed to be/ perhaps a little for that first part of the treatise/ de antiquitate Ecclesiae Brittannicae: and much more for the second part de Privilegijs Ecclesiae Cantuariensis: ●ut most of all for this third part▪ De Archiepiscopis eiusdem septu●ginta, & caetera.  
For after two or three and 〈◊〉 leaves spent superficially in that 〈◊〉 (of th'antiquity I mean off the English Church) and two or thr●e tables (whearoff one very foolish at the least) there beginneth as it wear a new stately work/ continued in two hundredth And odd leaves (and yet Apex is not added) of the lives first of the primative fathers off that Church/ the foundation whearoff is luckily laid/ in that Apostate/ not apostle Augustine (for he made this Church Apostatare (as they call it) finding Religion here more sincere/ and Christian/ then he left it: having brought in nothing but uniformity in singing/ sitting/ and such other seemly orders of Rome) and then descending in a row to all his successors in that sea/ or rather arm off the main sea of Rome/ even to him that presently sites/ and takes his case therein. Whearin who so ever will but consume a little time shall find that/ to set forth th'antiquity of the sincere knowledge of jesus christ/ and the first preaching thereof in this land/ though it be first in title/ yet is it least/ and last/ in treaty/ set rather for a commendation to the book/ then that it was in any recommendation to the author: yea used only for a pretence and colour to insinuate into the magnifienge off that magnifical signiory and Archipiscopall territory of Canterbury/ and by all means possible to van●e the preheminece/ and supereminence of that princely Archpastor and pastoral Archprince/ the first father and Peter (as I may say) of which succession/ he maketh that superstitious monk/ and wicked man/ romish Austen. Who as he obtruded himself universal Archbishop to all England/ and wan it not by the word/ and spirit/ but by the sword and blood (for he was the firebrand of a fray whearin one and twenty hundredth monks/ 
This hellish Austen is he that in a preface to an english Bible lately printed is forsooth called sa●●te Austen.  good men (as good men went in those days) and in comparison of him in deed holy saints besides other men of war were all innocently slain and murdered only because they refused to submit their necks to his archiepiscopal yoke which they saw him so ambitiously seek) so he the same Austen having thus gotten by conquest this universal vicepapaci over England because his procedings should be like his entry/ with like apostolic humility/ and meekness he justled for a place/ where to fasten his chair/ and by plain wrong (as wrong may be said between wrongdoers) wrang from the Archbishop of London (for there had been before the archiepiscopal sea as also saith that book) all archiepiscopal jurisdiction/ pall/ and cross/ cum pertinentijs/ and contrary even to the pope his holy father's commandment/ translated the same to canterbury. Where it was set and settled to have and to hold● / to him and to his successors there/ 〈◊〉/ under pain off the great excommunication/ and many a black curse/ thundered by divers pope's/ after which a●●ther recited for the greater terror/ 〈◊〉 them/ that should at any time attempt against that holy sacred sea.  
And because it might not seem to be placed there lyghlye/ nor without the consent off the gods/ or decree off the destinies he reciteth once or twice a profound vaticination of Prophet Merline/ a worthy Prophet/ for su●●e a church/ and his Prophetical words are pointed out in great capital letters Dignitas London●e adornate Doroberniam/ that as the church of God/ hath her holy apostles/ and long before Prophets Proph●cynge by the 〈◊〉 of God/ and hath them for foundations: so also that degenerate church/ might be founded in her proud/ and nothing less than Apostle Augustine/ and established by such conjuring witches/ and coleprophetes/ seduced by the lying spirit as was Merline.  
The tree of this succession nourished with the sape of the crabstock whearon it was unhappily graffed/ not unlike to the manner of conquerors/ and tyrants/ sought by all means to advance/ and enlarge this there newly won domination. For they devoured up quite an Archbischoprike off wales and drowned it in the bottomless sea of Canterbury. Somewhat they strained at the underbishoprikes/ there making a conscience to swallow such gnates/ and therefore off there great Good grace/ were content they should not utterly loose their being/ but remain to increase the number off their subjects. By which shameful struglinge they obtained to sit upon their fellow Archbishop off york/ and to tread upon the rest their brother bishops in England.  
And having thus prevailed in England and conquered (for so he termeth it) york/ whom he could neither bear superiore with pompey nor suffer equal with Caesar/ For he plainly challengeth a superiority and fealty of him. Then boasteth he what a motherly estimation it retained with the churches in Scottland/ even then/ when he knoweth no milk was to be sucked from her/ but poison.  
From Scotland he takes shiping and popelike steps over into Ireland/ and thence over again into france/ Gasconie/ Normandy/ Aquetaine/ and there (saith he) it overcame all the churches in jurisdiction also. Iff this be to watch over one province in a realm/ like an Archbishop/ and not rather aspiringlye/ to affect a popedom over many realms/ judge ye. It willbe no answer/ to say that the king of England/ being then sovereign of Ireland/ and france in possession/ might aswell appoint one Archbisshope over all those regions/ as over Ingland/ or on province therein. for if the Archbishopes nose must be so long/ and that he must have such elbow Rome/ then let us hear what the Pope/ who is next above the Archbishop will say. Surely/ he will sing the very same song for himself. The emperor of Rome sovereign over all these parts off the world/ made me general Bishop above my brethren.  
But this Argument/ and such like/ is the principal content off those two or three and twenty leaves/ yea off that ●itle which he entreareth in those few first leaves. De antiquitate Britannicae Ecclesi●●, the very first chapter showeth what is the chief subject. For the title of ●hat first chapter being/ De v●tustate Britannicae Ecclesiae testimonia▪ the very f●rst words being ●ractaturi de Cantuariensibus Archiepiscopis, and the last chapter of these few leaves/ a description of the town of Canterbury/ who seeth not that neither in begining/ midst/ nor end/ he cou●d dissemble his meaning/ and that thancienty off th'English Church is but a vizard for that worm-eaten Church of Caunterbury/ to mask under/ the bolder to boast her off her lovers/ and to whisper such uncleanly speeches/ as she durst not have uttered barefaced impudent though she be/ and past all grace. Else durst she not affirm/ in tempore praesenti, that Archiepiscopi Cantuariens authoritas no 〈…〉 definitis Archiepiscopalis 〈…〉 jurisdictionis 〈◊〉 contin●tur, 
〈…〉 Archiepis●opaller 〈…〉 and almost as it w●ll i● self, 〈…〉 broad 〈…〉 province.  s●d ordinary l●bera 〈…〉 per sua 〈…〉. I wee●e this passeth the besides off the new testament.  
The process of th●s● two or three 〈…〉 leaves is answerable to ●he beg●n●nge. For a gr●at 〈◊〉 is spent in 〈◊〉 how many tributary bishops 〈…〉 him/ and them be calleth 〈…〉 and their dioceses his entire province and but their several parishes yea the Archbishop off york himself hath been and executed the p●a off a suffragan to the Archbishop of Canterbury at the consecration of an inferior Bishop.  
another great part is in the honours 〈…〉 other bishops/ to their Ar●● prelate of Canterbury what big the place be hath above the rest: ●owe honourable a Rome it is to sit on his right hand/ and next him on his left hand how all the bishops must swear Canonical profession/ obedience/ and subjection/ to ●he jurisdiction power/ and ●mpire of Canterbury privileges/ and libe●●●●s: what a prerogative it was for the Bishop of London/ to s●ye t●e 〈…〉 before h●m/ and to be his 〈◊〉/ the Bishop off 〈…〉 the Bishop of Ro●besier 〈…〉 Pontifical 〈◊〉: w●at a w●r●●●● reputation th● Bis●●●p● 〈…〉 thought it to 〈…〉 from the Bishop off 〈…〉 and at 〈…〉  
T●●n followeth the ●●rde suffragans/ which 〈…〉 have under him because 〈…〉 the better be non re●●●ē● from his charge/ and all this without any taxing/ so that at last the poor minister that watcheth in deed/ is but the man's man off the Lord suffragan/ who is the man's man off the Archbishop. There is discoursed at large the ambitious/ and tragical Hie●●●●achie/ between the two H●erarches of Canterbury and york/ for the papacy in England and by the way of a petye broad/ and subquarel● between york/ and duresme/ for archiepiscopal jurisdiction in that province.  
In all these things/ is there to be noted/ a marvelous carnal/ and worldly affection borne to Canterbury sea. For besides you shall see divers very odious and proud comparisons/ with the Archbishop off york/ both for the bargeines off Imperial precinct/ and also For courteous usage towards his subject Parishes. For with these names/ he is content to debase his vassel B●shoprikes. And this is a taste of the church honours/ and spiritual subjection which the sea of Canterburye challengeth.  
The end off that three and twenty leaf is a preface of his temporal principalities privileges/ and prerogatives/ which is begun with a worthy sentence out of john Capgra●e off Pope urbin/ who with his own vnho●ye mouth pronounced Archbis. Austyne of Canterbury/ worthy to be an other Apostolical Bishop/ and Patriarch of an other world yea almost his fellow to the great honour (no● doubt) of h●s successors of Canterbury. In this par●e is it somewhat traviled. For very substantially/ he beginneth with his division of the rigthes/ and prerogatives of that sea. Some sayeth he are set out in the laws and be common with other Archbishoprickes ● some are absolute and peculiar unto himself/ without al● laws/ or not expressed in the laws. H●s rihgtes prescribed/ and circumscribed in the laws are confirmation of his provincial bishops/ which without great impiety/ may● be done no whea●e lawfully but in Christ's church at Canterbury.  
The next is what great tr●butes every made Bishop paid him. How they 〈◊〉 his who●e household 〈…〉 it is very much for one brother ●●o 〈◊〉 of an other/ for that which should be bestowed fran●●lye/〈…〉 common wealde.  
〈◊〉 followeth his right off 〈…〉 Dioceses 〈…〉 other inferior Bi●●op● 〈…〉 what they have done● to call synods in the●e Diocese/ to 〈…〉/ and that without any 〈…〉  
And that the same Earl must be his 〈◊〉/ and chief cupbearer the day off h●s Inthro●ziation: This is 〈◊〉 to be called gracious Lords as the Lords of the earth are/ but this is to be beyond all grace/ and to be served off these gracious lords/ and to be there Lord paramount. In this ro●e of his noble Tenaun●es/ the next are the Lord Si●anguais/ the Earl of Oxford/ the Lord Darcye/ a●l which (sayeth he) own service to that Archbishopp. where cometh in to be remembered/ one v●rye regal prerogative in deed. For it encounters hand to hand/ even with The kings prerogative. That is/ that whereas in others common persons cases/ ●ff there tenant hold any land of the King/ he shall have the custody of both on and other/ the Archbishop shall yet against the King retain the land of his infant tenant/ though ●e hold of the king by knights service/ or in capi●e. which he proveth by a presidence in the minorytye of this earl of Oxford in the time of the now Archbishop. Many other immunities very princlicke/ are recited both for himself/ for his/ and for his church. Over Rochester Bishopric/ beside that he was a superior Archbishop/ he was also patron and giver off ●t.  
From this step he climbeth up an other/ yet higher/ that the kings of this realm are crowned/ and made by him/ as that which of right/ is properly due unto him/ and thereupon telleth how the bishop off Salisburye for his malapert intruding himself/ to marry the king once/ under colour that it was in Salisbury diocese/ was shrewdly reproved/ and to his reproach rejected/ and the Archbishop taken to do it. That the king/ and Queen be his domestical/ and special parishioners/ wheresoever they be in England/ yea that all England/ distinct in divers dioceses/ is by reason off his primacy/ his parish.  
All this is recited/ not as one that telleth what other say/ but their are added arguments and reasons to prove it. for saith he (the author off that book I mean) that these things be true/ it appareth because all offerings of the king/ and Queen/ or other noblemen/ either in the kings chapel/ or other Church cathedral/ contientuall/ or parochial/ offered in the presence of the Archbishop/ be his own and sha●● not 〈◊〉 either to the bishop of the 〈◊〉 no● to the co●●ent and 〈…〉 to the deane off the Chapel of the King/ much less to the poor priest of the parish.  
His second part of his subdivision/ off his peculiar rights/ that is his church superiority/ and privileges is pursued first with this Archhonor/ that the Archbishop off york with all humility requires to be consecrated of him off Canterbury/ and prof●ss●th 〈◊〉 in the consecration of Canterbury. The Archbishop of Ireland and 〈…〉 take their rights off 〈…〉 themselves to the service and attendance of Ca●terbury sea. Th●● descendeth he to the gifts/ that every 〈…〉 Bishop best●weth 〈…〉 in their life/ and at their 〈…〉/wi●h saddle 〈…〉 there rings/ and 〈…〉 seals ● Among the  
 
There is not left out/ so much as the privilege that he hath/ of dealing with the goods/ in divers dioceses: for which/ the book sayeth/ that the other bishops/ did strive with him/ but there/ saith the book/ did the power off the Canterbury Archbishop shine/ and show forth itself/ which will not be p●nched/ with the strait laws/ off an Archbishop/ or Metropolitan/ which being not on ye primate of all England/ saith the book/ but also ordinary/ and Bishop of all England and so being first instituted/ will still/ saith the book/ fit over them as his suffragans. And once again I say all this is not bare●ye reported but collected to the gereat praise off that sea/ and w●th allowance/ and without contrary censure/ set down.  
To make up all his goodly glory the 〈◊〉 of this treatise/ is with that usurped power of dispensation/ which the Pope held against/ the laws/ off the king of Eng●ande/ and against the et●rna●l law/ off the king of kinge● jesus Christ: and that this d●spens●nge power/ is translated to Canterbury. In the Law of which transs●ation though there be a god ye caution/ that nothing should be dispensed with/ against the express will of God/ yet so unruly/ is the vn●ained and unbridled Arch●●p●scopall Iur●ssdiction/ that neither Law/ no● proviso/ can provide/ to keep him under laws.  
As a perfection to all these/ is added his four archiepiscopal courts or (fora) which name I think/ is therefore equinocke/ to A Marke●/ and cour●e/ because in both/ a●l things are to be sold even as in Rome. These courts are set forth/ in there majesty/ there judges/ Advocates/ Proctor's ● R●g●sters/ there seats off tribunal/ there Privileges/ and there powers/ all the solemnity of pleading and installing any n●we Doctor/ not so much omitted/ as there sitting down/ and rising up But above all this/ must come often/ and ever in/ what a rule and absolute dominion Tharchbis. beareth among them. The ancientest of these is the mother court of Bow Church/ next her/ that off the audience/ but not so noble/ as the first. The third is the court off prerogatives/ which thought it be not so worthi●● as the other two yet it bring●th more to the Kitchin. The fourth 〈◊〉 that upstart court of faculties/ 〈◊〉 translated to that sea. 〈◊〉 court/ saith the b●oke hath no mo●●tall f●are/bel●ke b●cause it neither executeth 〈…〉 in the Archishops own how●e/ as the bo●ke sayeth. An other 〈…〉 peculiar court there is for his own Diocese wheare●s 〈◊〉 that book/ that the manner and custom of the 〈◊〉 off 〈…〉 is that 〈…〉 things and divine/ ●halbe 〈…〉 disposition.  
〈…〉 you (sayeth that book●) all th● pr●●minences/priui●edges priui●edges/pr●rogatiues/ Immunites/ judgement s●ates/ and courts/ whearhy that 〈…〉 in all points perfected/ and 〈◊〉 And so far is it of that/ th'author thereof wou●de have it/ read as A probable report off times past/ that jest saye●h 〈◊〉/ these things might be to you doubtful or uncertain/ I had my profess from such/ and such records which sayeth he/ be of such force in law that no● only in reading/ but even in 〈…〉 (as ●noughe he took 〈…〉/ he maketh a 〈…〉 between that 〈…〉/ and victories 〈…〉 had against his suffrages 〈…〉 at his pleasure the poor vnd●● bishops six times (It ti●e) together/ in that 〈◊〉 conclusion not once da●●●nge them the name off bishops. and in the end lappeth up all/ wi●h these 〈…〉/ and draweth up again/ 〈…〉 licentious rains/ off his vnbride●ed jurisdiction/ as though be●●ke he wou●de make all England 〈…〉 for him to ride on/ and 〈…〉 his ambitious pleasure.  
If in fifteen years this haughtiness 〈…〉 and put in private prince/ to fly with the ow●e by night/ there is no doubt but in fifteen hundredth years more/ it would grow to be well feathered and perfectly s●●dge/ ready to fly abroad in the day time/ with the other Birds in public writings avowed/ and challenged. Th●ye therefore/ that will not provide the medicine all to late/ must resist the beginnings/ least as it already vaunteth it self above all Ecclesiastical degree/ so by creeping up/ in time/ it will assay in an other age/ to go in the steps/ off some off the forefathers/ off that sea/ and to tread on the necks/ or to offer the stiroppe/ to the temporal Lord/ her natural/ sovereign Princes. We have had to good experience in our Chronicles/ how fast that ill weed/ Ambition/ groweth in there garden/ especially if it be dunged/ with to much/ off that golden carthe. And even heirby may somewhat appear how needful/ it is to prevent such mischiefs. For who would have believed/ that any man/ not in the behalf of himself/ but in the favour off any though never/ so arch a Prelate/ would wright such things/ as you have heard here. Whearin truly I have so kept me/ to his words almost/ as if I had been his transslatour/ especially in the words that are most proud/ ambitious/ and that do arrogate most.  
Neither may the author off that book say that he receiteth the bore history/ for with all/ I say again/ he alloweth plainly of it/ and even in his transition from his said pretended preface/ off the ancienty off true religion/ in this land/ to his intended trety of Austen/ and his fellows/ he speaketh as if he wear in a matter off great earnest/ that for this cause/ he had more respect to the Author's words alleged thorough out that volume of lives/ then to thelegaucie of his own style/ for that he would not swerver from the truth forsooth) of the story. And beside to what end else wort he that book/ the whole purpose whearoff/ is to prove thancienty of that sea together with the dignity of them that sat therein/ as apeereth by the title or sums off each chapter. To prove which auncientye off the one/ and dignity of thee/ other these many other like popish presumptions/ and presumptuous poperies/ are the best/ and only arguments. Which though they wear all gleaned/ or rather mowed by handfuls/ and severed a part from that which is spoken directly and to the purpose/ for thancientye off the poor Christian church in England/ theridamas would be but a poor harvest of that matter/ which is so gailie pretended/ even scarce enough to make a story of two leaves.  
This title therefore of antiquity of the whole body of the general Christian church in this our English Land is but a bore title/ nothing less meant/ then to be entreated of/ but only to make his way therthoroughe to the extolling/ and hoisting up/ even upon mens shoulders/ that particular member/ or chapel of Canterbury. The which is more manifest in the solemn legend which followeth off Idolatrous Archiflamines/ the which were every one all their life long/ so far as man may judge by that that is left of them even sitting in that throne professed Baalites/ and sworn Ronanistes/ except that only most truly gracious bishop/ and blessed martyr/ holy Cranmer/ and this man that now occupieth the Rome. All I say except these two were even while they sat superstitious Archsacrificers/ and principal bread worshippers.  
Now I pray you what good can come to the church of god by taking together out of w. of Coventrie/ Simion of Dumelme/ H. of Huntingdon/ the story of Rochester and such authentic writer's/ the wicked lives/ and gross blindness of Dunstan/ Cu●bert/ Becket/ and other their fellows of later times: or what godly estimation to the Christian church of England to have the lives of such not men/ but monsters recorded in this time/ as though they wear to be reckoned good workmen in the church: Or rather is not this to uncover the shame/ and privities of Canterbury church/ to stanpe in printed letters such a succession of Idolaters/ conjurers/ canonised traitor's/ and rebels as that sea hath yielded. But if once to name than/ be to much/ and to bestow that labour in peacing together the rags of their stories be a work of small edifying/ especially for an architect/ and master builder of the church of God▪ what is it to reckon up so many of their popish tales/ uncontrolled/ their enthronizations/ and consecrations/ there glutting feasts/ and other pomps/ theridamas mock miracles/ and wicked profession●/ their deaths/ entermentes/ en●ōbinges/transla●ions/ and shryninge/ with a mass of there intolerable superstitions deeds and sayings uncensured. What an offence to the good Christian man/ and what a feeding off the humour off the sick Papist/ to see it feet forth in tables in that book/ as it wear for an honour off this English church/ to have had many cardinals/ wherewith that siege of Canterbury/ and others have been defiled.  
truly to be able to recount a catalogue/ off red caps/ bloody gowns/ golden crosses and succession of the world (for by that name are cardinals created it) may well seem a gay/ glittering thing in the worldly wise eye: but the wisdom of God treadeth them under/ as childish ●oyes/ and most unpure vanities. The true Christian taketh no pride/ nor conceit in them/ but rather bursteth out in tears/ when upon such occasion he seeth the p●ague off ignorance/ and heavy judgement of God upon those our father's/ and former times/ and than he singeth ye praises off the mercies of our loving God/ with thanks giving/ for that inestimable benefit of knowledge/ which he bestoweth upon us/ who yet for our sins deserve with the worst. yea if● the heathen poet/ ca●●eth it a vain vaunt off many grand father's/ and great graundsiers/ though they were ner●uous how unfitting is it for him/ that sites in the arches of the English Hierarchy/ professing to be a minister off the simple gospel/ off poor jesus Christ/ whose Kingdom and glory is spiritual/ thus like/ a poor blind zebediste to ask he knoweth not what with such a stir to make suit for the retaining off his place/ to sit on the right-hand/ or left hand of jesus Christ in this world. He I say that should be a bright light/ and savoury salt to all England/ profanely to boast him off such temporal homages/ and lordships over other and to esteem so glorious the show off so many proud Pontifical antecessors/ whose only names are not clean enough for Christian mouths.  
A number off things there are fit/ for matter off nine lessons or ●ouble feasts / or more double/ then for Christian Chronicles/ or Ecclesiastical stories/ off the which though I wot well/ divers have there gentle corrections and soft censures/ yet are they generally told/ so confidently/ and without any judgement showed upon them/ that it is great danger jest the poor blind papist be by them made stark blind/ and obstinate/ The weak brother by them take a fall/ and the good Christian zealously grieved/ to see such unlikely tales of Robin hood/ so impudently peep forth in this broad day/ which even then/ when they could see to do nothing without candles light at high noon/ hardly durst be so hardy/ as to show there bald heads/ but in monkish Cronickels and libraries of the dark monasteries.  
Jest therefore/ the sowishe papist of England/ might walter him wanton in this little lump/ off his miry popish trumpery/ which now perhaps he begins to think dainty/ or like a dog/ greedily swallow up/ this little vomited gobett off written unuerities/ from which he hath been waned now a great while (the lord god be thanked/ for the blessed and happy instrument thereof his handmaid our Queen Elizabeth/ whose faith and zeal he more and more increase/ and whose holy and healthful life/ he long prolong) I persuade myself that this little preface/ or any other more large treatise/ being specially bend against such monkish collections/ would not only be suffered/ to pass freely/ without calling in or inhibition: but also auctorized/ and not so soene seen/ but allowed/ that so the open mouth off the Lewd Papist/ might be stopped from slandering these times of the gospel/ with the approving of such ungospellike legends/ when he shall see this and such like publicly approved/ whereby those old wives tales/ be with all earnestness reproved.  
To set forth to the in English all that vain collection/ is neither my purpose/ nor to any purpose: thou shalt be left to the latin printed book/ for somuch theroff as is already set forth. But because this worthy work seems not yet licked to the lovely shape nor grown to the just number (for the first leaf in the title promiseth full seventy Archbishops/ and the last leaf performeth up but sixty nine) it is like enough/ it will not be unpleasant unto the nor against the author/ favior of that book/ iff while he busieth himself in monuments off more edification/ and matters off more moment/ some other of lower calling and less business add unto those 69. one other story/ that came to light containing the life of this present Matthew Archbishop/ and so absolve that work/ and make up even the number off 70 Archbishopes as in that latin book is only promised. It is very like (I say) that though perhaps this devise may prevent him/ for the circumstance of time/ and make that borne before the time which the father/ ment should have been borne after his death: yet in substance it will not be against his mind/ because when he traveleth with 70. Archbishops in the rule off his book and when all comes to all bringeth forth but 60. doubiles his meaning was to perfect that muster off dead men with a quick pay even with the life of him that yet sitteth.  
And because you shall not think/ that you have hear/ a horses neke joined to any other than horses body understand you. that this seventithe came out off the very same shop that other 69. did/ perhaps it was but rough hewn/ by one of the prentices and wan●ed sum polishing by the formam. But quite to remove from thee/ all suspicion off being abused with any coined or counterfeit merchandise/ you shallbe thus plaintly dealt with. The very latin original hereof/ came from the Archbishops own hands whose conscience can best inform us the truth of his own story. It was couched in such order/ as you see it/ by a P●atina of his own/ and domestical Chronicler for so the text sayeth. The copy whereout this is turned/ was written by a man off his own/ I think his secretary. another badge it hath of his/ that never fails/ but makes it his perfect will/ and his undoubted deed/ that is/ the stamp off h●s own arms/ descended as he saith off his ancient house/ entermaried with those of his sea/ which is a superstitious pall all double croised/ or pierced thorough/ with that Archpastorall/ or archpapistical staff. Hearwith he marketh any thing that passeth his hands/ so that though perhaps/ he will now so renounce/ and revoke it/ as it shall not be his will/ after his death: yet having seal/ and being by him delivered/ it must needs take effect by his life time/ as his deed. And if his handwriting/ could give any strength unto it/ that is also not wanting. for this word (historiola) is written with his own hand/ in red ochre letters/ upon the brow of the book/ that by this ochre marking/ he may know his own sheep. and as for the translation/ though perhaps tharchbishop set him not a work/ that did it yet assure thyself/ it is as faithfully done/ as he cold. And if thou be'st at any time troubled/ to make sense of the English in some places/ think that he was worse troubled/ to make any reason off the latin in many places. This rule is kept thorough out/ to go as near the Latin as may be/ and if he will have it better done by some other/ the translator will not be discontented. But if you demand in very good earnest/ why it is put in print/ being so fond a thing/ it must be confessed even in as good earnest/ that it wea●e to be wished/ dead and buried/ never to rise again with 6●. off those 69 Canterbury tales/ and narrations. But yet jest it might perhaps by many written copies/ come into divers hands/ or hereafter when matter of greater volumes is given by his life or death/ be all moulden up in one lump/ and printed again together/ and this added to the rest/ as a substantial tale to make up the tale of those 70. promised tales (for so his meaning is else would he not have set down seventy Archbishopes having but 69 predecessors) perhaps this may be some good mean/ either to let that idle labour/ or else to blaze the credit it deserveth before it entereth into the world. And if it be not possible/ to deliver this time from the blemish/ which is to suffer such a legend of Canterbury tales/ to be printed/ with gracious countenance of the greatest church man: yet at lest/ this might be done) to wipe away this blot/ that sha●l not suffer them go undisgraced/ and untaxed by one of the meanest of the Laity. I shall not nead to protest myself voided off all affection towards his parson/ woe privately never offended me. and that it is only the public offence/ that grieveth me. which yet (if it need) lo here Idoe/ and solemptye before you/ with my pen take god to witness off my heart/ that he never harmed me/ in word nor deed that I wot privately. for why my lot is so low/ that I dare say he knoweth me not/ it is only therefore/ the common ill/ that may come by publishing such idle dreams in these days/ that maketh me do that Idoe. The things therein described/ being in part/ not all so true/ and in greatest part/ to to toyish/ do sufficiently disclose the value of it/ to the wise/ and that it is no precious stone/ yet jest the see●est/ might happen to esteem/ it but worth ● barley corn/ he shall have two or three marginal notes for the truer understanding off the story.  
I have hereunto set/ which is more than I thought to have done/ at the first/ one off his tables/ printed in the said book of 70. Archbishopes/ which table if it had contained nothing but folly/ it should have lain still for all me: But hauuing matter of impiety (as me thought) I thought it very necessary to detect it.  
The effect is to show what a creator of bishops he hath been/ and howmany he hath consecrated/ in his days/ their university/ their age/ profession/ degree off learning/ diocese/ and natural country/ a matter (I warrant) it off great profit. And in the fifth column thereof/ you see noted the order/ that every. off these bishops were off/ which is either presbyter secular or presbyter regular/ and one or two he calleth minister secular: belike because he thought (for I will not think that he would have us think (that only there were not anointed/ with those fulsome orders. If this be set down as an honour unto them/ I dare pronounce for a great sort of them/ whereof many be godly men/ they think themselves dishonoured by this honour. And if the putting on off fac●lothe/ or casting ashes on their crowns/ would scour a way that mark/ they would do it with ready hearts. But the blood of Christ washeth clea●er than ashes can scour/ and who lived in those pitchy times/ and was not bepitched. Iff these titles of orders/ be set down/ to tell the troth/ first what was that to the purpose/ or to what good? For though nothing is to be said at any time But the troth/ yet I see not that all the truth is to be said at all times. Had not the book been perfect without such an unnecessary table/ or the table perfect without such unnecessary column?  
And if the simple plains/ and singleness of the writer/ were such as he must needs tell all the truth/ why did he not at lest/ in the behalf of those godly men/ and preachers of the truth/ set out withal/ this truth also/ that is/ how sort they are/ and ashamed of that their former priesthood and how loathsome these disorderly orders are to them? for iff in our familiar talk/ one to an other/ even very honest humanity / and good manner forbiddeth to name any unclean word/ not having first regarded the reverence off the he●arers: how can it but provoke vomit/ to any good spiritual stomach/ iff we in matters of divinity/ speak off such sluttish things/ as (saving of spiritual reverence) that beastly mark of the Roman sacrificing priesthood without showing by some little word before/ or after/ what we think off it. I would be glad to interpret well of it/ this I like not that in the same table/ next after the Archbishopp/ who must needs be first/ though he had been but benet and collect/ Theridamas are placed the regular priests. I can not think/ he honoured those above the other/ and yet me thinks/ as in the Romanist Church/ they have the higher place/ in so much that the other/ though after a sort/ and in regard off the lay men/ were called spiritual/ or men of the Church rather (for all other were counted worldly) yet even those men off holy Church were also called secular/ in respect of the only simply and wholly spiritual professed regulars. Contrariwise (I say) with a zealous professed gospeler/ they should have been the more detested/ and therefore placed in the ay●e. I speak not of the men/ 〈…〉 order which orders. I am 〈…〉 mislike in them/ they them 〈…〉 abhor in themselves.  
But that which is worse/ though tha● there be divers wrongly named/ who as I ●hinke having never been priest/ are yet named priests secular/ there is in the midst of them only two/ where of one in the one province/ and one in the other/ be set down ministers. And they forsooth because they must ●ee diffigured/ like the other are also termed ministri s●culares first you did wrong/ so to nyckname all the other Christ an men/ or bishops/ as to miscall them priests either secular/ or regular/ who have put out that character/ and c●●●ue put off those unclean orders by repentance/ as if they had never been/ and are become preachers of the glorious gospel of jesus Christ.  
Item/ now you do great wrong/ to those other/ by giving them a name/ in any part common with Idolatrous priests/ them I say/ who even at the first/ were called immediately/ to the holy ministry/ off the glad tidings/ off our salvation/ revealed now again/ more cleerlie in these last days especially: the profession/ and institution of that priesthood being so contrary to the calling of this ministry/ as Antichrist to Christ/ and Baal to the living god.  
Besides this epithet (secular) how contrary is it/ to the function of a spiritual pastor/ a minister/ off the word of God/ and breaker of the bread of life? where out off the Roman clergy/ shall a man find/ such a title for the minister off the word/ as to call him a minister secular. What else did cause Demas to step from the ministry/ but presence seculum? And what an heap off injuries/ are done to the ministers off the glorious gospel of jesus christ/ to call them Regular Priests/ or secular priests/ still/ that have shaken it off/ and have happily disgraded themselves/ by taking upon them/ a far better degree: then thereof to call them priests secular/ which wear never other/ then ministers off the word off God. And even he/ whom he himself calleth minister yet because he should not disgrace (whearin me thinks/ the violence is offered/ rather to the Gospel/ then to the minister) that ignomimous Priesthood of Baal/ and shame there stained garments/ with his fater garment/ that therefore/ he must also/ be disguised with this Popish addition/ and profaned epithet off secular. Perhaps th● spirit which was in Caiphas his month and made him prophecy unware/ was also in his pen/ that wrote this book/ in calling them secular/ whom indeade th●s presence seculum/ and the honours thereof hath made to worldly/ and bewitched/ to the great ruth/ off many good Christian hearts. I beseech God/ with his so●rte/ to open their eyes/ that they may see/ and be heartily sorry so to have made/ so many so sorry. Which I yet hoop for/ and then/ we shall be glad togithere. I am almost carried a way.  
There lurkeeh yet/ a further danger/ under these words/ Minister secular. For though in the dark days/ or off those men/ that wear consecrated/ or rather execrate/ to that most vile unholy sacrifice/ it had some reason/ to call the massing Priest/ a priest secular thereby/ to make distinction between him/ and the only spiritual regular: yet/ in this time of the Gospel/ to call one/ that was godly called/ to the blissed/ and high office/ in Gods Church of preaching the Gospel/ off the Lord jesus/ who also did never vow/ to sacrifice that blasphemous oblation/ and Idol/ but was moved only/ to advance the kingdom of God/ by preaching his word/ to call such one (I say) and in these days a Minister secular/ beside the other open evils this also lurketh dangerouslye/ that it may be probably thought/ there is nourished some reverent estimation of the regular/ and easily to be implied that it might be lawful/ enough even in the Church of God/ to have Ministers also regulars. Else/ what need this distinction off secular Minister now/ the other being justly gone/ and banished?  
And this Church of England/ allowing no man devised order/ off regular ministery: The very entertayninge/ off these bad names/ off Popery/ is not good/ and it is strange/ that any gospeler/ should delight in them/ and here/ they are not used without further peril. For though the times be such/ and so enriched with knowledge/ as A numbered off children/ would not vouchsafe to laugh/ at many of these doting toys: yet there be also to many/ that cannot/ and to to many that will not discern/ between counterfeited dross/ and right drugs/ but so it be in gilded box/ and have the name off some wholesome spice/ written on it: all is one with them/ even to the loss off there healths everlasting/ and death/ both off body/ and soul. Where against/ though I be not so learned a Physician/ as to prescribe any excellent receit/ or sovereign treacle/ but leave that/ to be done by some Galene: ye thought I neverthe less/ to do the part of an honest Apothecarye who/ being not able to tell the remedy/ will yet warn off the poison.  
The Lord of all health/ preserve the sound/ from all infections/ and restore the infected/ to there soundness again/ giving them patience/ in the mean time/ like good patients/ to suffer such medicine/ as shallbe applied to remedy off there contagious disease/ with the remembrance of this/ that no medicine is so wholesome/ as that/ which bringeth greatest sorrow/ and that the wounds of a brother/ or friend/ are sweeter/ then the soft pillows of an enemy.