England's OLD RELIGION Faithfully gathered out of the HISTORY OF THE church of ENGLAND.  
As it was written by Venerable BEDE, almost a Thousand years ago, (that is) in the year 698. after the Passion of our SAVIOUR.  
BEDE saith he ended this History in the year 731. after the Incarnation.  
We have not altered any part of this Fathers own words in any Point concerning Faith; only here and there is omitted what belongeth not to that purpose.  
By H. B.  It was needful for me to exhort you, that you should earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered. Jude, v. 5. 
At Antwerp, With Permission. 1658.   

THE PREFACE TO HIS Dear countrymen.  
THat the faith first delivered was the true faith no man can deny, but he that will accuse Christ, and his Apostles of falsehood. All the difficulty is how assuredly to know this faith. To come to know it by force of argument and disputation surpasseth the capacity of most, wearieth many, brings many to despair lulling them at last into a total neglect of that whereof they ought to be most diligent. It would doubtless be a very ready and easy way even to the most unlearned to find this faith out most assuredly (if it were possible) with small expenses and little labour, by travelling into some country where all men confess this true faith to be still uncorruptedly practised. For there without any noise of disputation, we shall stand viewing with our own eyes, what is practised in that happy country, so that though a thousand crafty sophisters and subtle disputants should go about by words to persuade me who am unlearned that the practices of that country, were not the same that my own eyes most att●ntively and frequently see again and again, it will not be possible for me prudently to give the least credit to these captious disputants: but I would ever credit more my own eyes then their arguments.  
Now than all the difficulty is how to make us witnesses of what is practised in such a country as undoubtedly holdeth and practised the true faith, and to do this with small expense and little labour. I hope (dearest country man) thou canst not say that the price of this little hook can either put thee to any considerable expense, or the labour of some three or at the most four hours required for the reading thereof put thee to much labour. Yet if this be done by thee thou wilt be as good as an eye witness of the faith practised in our country in that age wherein it is very easy to prove the true faith to have undoubtedly flourished in this our country. First because this faith was confirmed by the Preachers thereof with a number of miracles related in this short book written by as worthy a man as ever was known to have handled Pen in England, in a book which no man ever judged corrupted or written by any other pen then Venerable Bede's a person not to be paralleled by any other of our nation. Secondly This faith here described as practised in England immediately upon her conversion under Pope Gregory was not found one jot differing from that faith which the Scots before us had received by Palladius their Apostle sent by Pope Celestine Anno. 423. as we show here out of Bede li. 1. c. 13. Only the Scots fell to celebrate Easter at a wrong time not using likewise the same manner of shaving their crowns in their clergy either Religious or Secular. They differed not about any one of these points in which Protestants differ from Roman Catholics as we note l. 4. c. 4. whence being at last brought viz. to keep Easter, and to use the same manner of shaving the crowns of their Priests and Monks, which the English did, they disagreed from them in nothing at all, as is clear out of the three last chapters of Bede. The Faith therefore which thou here seest practised in England, is the very same which was held forth and practised in Scotland from the first conversion thereof, which was not four hundred years after Christ's passion, it being but four hundred and twenty three years after his Incarnation as hath been said; yea this Faith thus practised in England, is the very self same which was taught the old Britan's a little more than a hundred years after Christ's Passion. For it was in the hundred fifty sixth year after his Incarnation that holy pope Eluetherius sent those Apostolic preachers, who baptised King Lucius and his people as you shall see l. 1. c. 4. The old Britains being by the English (who subdued this land being as yet heathens) driven into Wales still kept the faith they received, and at the time that the English were converted they were not found to differ, from what S. Austin taught the English, in any one point, in which the Protestants or any of our other Religions differ from Roman Catholics, in so much that as Bede relateth l. 2. c. 2. they were ready to join with Austin if he had but risen up unto them when their seven Bishops entered the synod where he was, and in this synod all their controversy then was about keeping Easter at a several time, and about some difference in baptism: neither was there any point hindering Austin to hold communion with them but these two. They remaining obstinate in defending these against the Roman and universal Church became schismatics, were confuted by miracle, and their ruin miraculously foretold to be at hand for this their division, and schism, God presently fulfilling the prophes●e. The faith then, which thou in this History beholdest practised in our English Church in all points now in contr●versie, is the very same with that saith, which the old Britains received a very little more than a hundred years after Christ's passion, in which Age all agree the true faith of Christ to have been uncorruptedly delivered; it being not a full hundred years after the finishing of the Scripture.  
Behold then according to the reach of thy capacity without carrying thee out of thy own country or parish I have brought thee into one in which all men must needs confess the true faith to ●e most uncorruptedly practised as well at that time in which this History was written, as at the fo●rth Age when this faith was practised in Scotland, as also at the entrance of the second Age in which this faith was practised by our old Britains. Begin then to travel through this country as it was in that Age by the benefit of this book, which is no new one but written in the very words in which I give it thee (For as much as concerns all points of faith therein delivered) almost a thousand years ago and when these things were but just done and even upon the place, in which they were done, that so thou mightst 〈◊〉 be assured that neither distance of time, or place, hindered our most learned and holy Historian from telling the very truth; spend but a few hours I pray thee in travelling over this book, and it will make thee though thou best unlearned as good as an eye witness of the faith which was first delivered by Christ and his Apostles and their immediate successors, so that I hope in God a thousand crafty sophisters shall not be able to make thee deny that thou hast seen, what thine own eyes most assuredly testify to have attentively beheld, viz. that is, the true Old Religion as it was in her best age.  
And because travellers desire to have Card or Map, of all the countries and towns which they are to see in their Travels. I will also, as in a short Map give thee a brief sum of all that thou art to see practised in this Old Church of England when she was in her greatest purity, that is when she was agreeing wholly with the faith practised in the beginning of the second age after Christ. Come then along with me where thou shalt see First among the old Britains, before ever Austen entr●d England such swarms of Monks that even that one Abbey or Monastery of Bangor contained above one and twenty hundred Monks. Scotland also which received her Faith in the fourth Age after Christ's Passion, sends forth her Monks to join with those Apostles sent us by St. Gregory and his Successors. But now in this our new English Church to be a Monk is to be a Traitor: then they were our Apostles.  
Secondly, These Apostles of ours did Miracles so frequently, that the Pope thought it necessary to write to them to be mindful of humility, for fear the multitude of Miracles they wrought might by pride endanger them.  
Thirdly, our English, both high and low, eagerly then embraced Monastical Vows. This course of life was accounted the most ready way to Heaven. Our Kings left their Thrones, and shaving the crowns of their heads, put on the habit of poor Monks. Everywhere in your travels you shall meet with abbeys and Abbots, and Abbesses, with Monasteries and Monks, with Nuns, and Nunneries.  
Fourthly, These Monks and Nuns, shine frequently with extraordinary sanctity of life, are endowed with the gift of Prophecy, very often made partakers of Heavenly Visions and Apparitions, and graced with many Miracles.  
Fifthly, The vowed Virginity of these Nuns is approved from Heaven; and by reason of these vows they are called Virgins consecrated to Christ, Spouses of Christ, true Queens espoused to the Heavenly Bridegroom.  
Sixthly, In the very desert thou shalt meet with Hermits, with Anchorets, with men leading a perfect solitary life, using extraordinary austerity in fasting, watching, and other penal rigours, and these men graced from Heaven with Miracles.  
If thou hadst rather look upon the laity, thou shalt find  
Seventhly, That among them it is a point of great sanctity to join perpetual Virginity with Wedlock, and God approveth also this by Miracle.  
Eighthly, Thou shalt find good works done by all for hope of reward, and these good works held to be the golden cords lifting them up to Heaven: Moreover, they are judged according to their Works, and not accounted justified by faith only.  
Ninthly, Sins believed to be redeemed by good Works, and satisfaction to be made by our patient sufferings.  
Tenthly, They confess to Priests the secret sins of their heart most openly and plainly, doing the pennances enjoyn●d them for satisfaction.  
11. They rigorously fast all Fridays and the 40. days in Lent, and the transgressors are punished by Law.  
12. They go on Pilgrimage even as far as Rome, both King and people practise this as a thing of great virtue.  
13. They everywhere worship relics, God confirming it by many Miracles: Hence relics were esteemed presents for Kings.  
14. They use Invocation of Saints, holding their unworthiness to be supplied by their Merits, and therefore desiring to have them for Patrons in Heaven: And God approveth this their devotion by a world of Miraculous Graces given at the devout Invocation of these Saints.  
15. They daily pray for the Dead, and it was a common Proverb then to say, God have mercy on their souls, as Oswald said when he died himself.  
16. Hence that party found credit among the most understanding and most virtuous of those Times, who reported bimself in a miraculous Vision to have been an eye-witness of Purgatory-paines, and to have been told by an Angel that very thing which the Papists in these days say, that many souls are delivered from Purgatory before the day of judgement,  
17. That this deliverance is effected by Alms and other good deeds done for them, especially by offering the Sacrifice of the Mass, both which last poin●s as well the Greeks as the Latins defined in the council of Florence in these words: These souls who are purged as abovesaid (that is, by the Prayers, Alms, and other pious works, and by the Sacrifice of the Mass) are forthwith received into Heaven, and behold God clearly; In coelum mox recipi & intueri clare Deum.  
18. Hence also he fin●s the like Credit, who recounted of himself, that, when in a battle it was reported he was slain (whereas he was not slain but only kept prisoner in fetters) his Brother, who was a Priest & tho●ght so, saying often Moss for his soul's release, his fetters always fell off on their own accord, God testifying what should have befallen his soul, had he been prisoner in Purgatory.  
19 Hence also they make Vows of practising extraordinary Austerities to satisfy in this world for their sins; which Vows are here approved from Heaven.  
But because I know thou longest most to view attentively their Churches, their Church-Service and their Clergy, and the manner of the Government instituted by Christ shining in the Primitive practice of his Church for. The 20. Point, That thou shalt everywhere see their Churches dedicated to the Virgin-Queen of Heaven, to the Apostles and Holy Martyr●.  
21. In this de●ication Holy Water is used, as also ●oly oy●: b● both which Miracles at several occasions ar● wrought.  
22. Their Altars also of Stone are consecrated; so also their Chalices, which are sometimes ma●e of pure gold; they have rich Church-stuf●e, Altar-clothes: They have man● Altars of s●one in one Church: these they also dedicate to Saints.  
23. The Sacrifice of the Mass is offered upon these Altars. And because in journeys among Heathens, Altars of stone cannot be found, they carry with them portable Altars.  
24. By these Altars the bodies of Saints are richly enshrined, and upon the Altars are placed relics brought from other places even as far as Rome.  
25. A number of lights both day and night burn in these holy places.  
26. They use Pictures of our Saviour, and of our Lady, and place in their church's Crosses of gold and silver.  
27. Their Priests who are ordained for the ministry of the Altar, and to offer Satrifices are commanded to live a single life.  
28. These Priests wear shaven crowns in honour of our Saviou●s Crown of Thorns, whose ignominy they glory to carry in the highest part of their body, and profess that by it they are tending to a crown of glory.  
29. These Priests hear Confessions, and either presently give absolution, or defer it for a time, as they see cause.  
30. They reserve the Sacrament, which consequently they often administer in that one kind in which it is reserved.  
31. They use Exorcisms against the Devils, who are cast out at their command many times.  
32. The people flock to them to crave their blessing.  
33. They give this Blessing with their hand [making the sign of the Cross] God sometimes miraculously curing the sick by the blessing of holy Priests and Bishops.  
34. The Bishops who ordain and govern these Priests, are themselves governed by their Metropolitans and primates. These primates are placed in this Authority by the Pope, and always invested by him, giving them their Pall to use only at solemn Mass.  
35. The primacy of the Bishop of Canterbury is not instituted by any King, but by the Pope, giving that Bishop full power over all English Bishops, though living then under several Kings.  
36. These Bishops, when they suffer any grievances from their Metropolitans, or primates in England, do make their Appeal immediately unto the Pope, as to their highest Superior on Earth: their Accusers prosecute their Accusation not in England, but in the Pope's Court at Rome: they being there cast, obey humbly in their own Kingdom, and by the sentence of the Pope, English Bishops deposed, are acknowledged to be legally restored, and this even in a public Synod of the English Church. And this Appeal used by their most holy Bishops.  
37. The most holy also and most Apostolic Bishops, ask the Pope's licence and blessing to preach to Heathens.  
38. They have evermore recourse to the Pope in the most important Ecclesiastical causes.  
39 They admit the use of such privileges as the Pope granteth to any in England.  
40. They admit of more counsels than the four General counsels.  
41. The Pope, in these Ages, is styled Bishop of the whole World. He is said to exercise this his Supremacy in place of S. Peter, who is called the first Pastor of the Church; and Prince of the Apostles is the ordinary name by which then at every word they called S. Peter. S. Peter also owneth the deeds of his Successors, who also give the blessing of S. Peter to Kings as to inferiors: for without all contradiction the less is blessed by the better, as S. Paul saith, Heb. 7. v. 7. Hence also as a father he calleth Kings his sons.  
42. He sends Apostolic Preachers over the world.  
43. Those who divide from prelates commissioned by him, are accounted schismatics, and God bringeth ruin upon them, as is miraculously by such prelates prophesied unto them. They also by manifest Miracle are convicted to follow falsity.  
44. The Tradition of the Church is to be held, and that of the Church of Rome is preferred before all other.  
45. The Church of Rome held at this time Catholic and Apostolic.  
46. The yearly Feasts kept by us after the custom of the Roman Church.  
47. Conformity to be held with that Church which is spread over the face of the Earth.  
48. Decrees of counsels to be observed, and that it is a damnable sin to hold against the Church, when we are fully certified that she teacheth such or such a point contrary unto us.  
49. All these things were believed and practised by the English Church at that Age, in which she in all things followed the Catholic Rule. As here Bede testifieth.  
Behold (dear Countrymen) near half a hundred things, all to be seen by thee in that old English Church, of which not any one can be seen in the present English Church. This thou beholding attentively with thy own eyes, without any noise of disputation, or intanglement of captious arguments, wilt be able manifestly to conclude, that all these half hundred points so opposed and scoffed at by all Protestants, show those ancient English not to have been Protestants. And to see this thou canst not but have learning enough, if thou canst but read. It is also here as clearly to be seen, that no one of those Religions with which England doth now so abound, was the Religion of those days. And that all that you most scoff at in the Religion which you call Popery, was then most in use. Now lest thou shouldest not observe these thing, as thou readest this little book I have everywhere in the margin noted down for thee all the places where every one of these half hundred points may be beheld by thee in the short passage through this Book.  
In less than a quarter of an hour thou (by casting an eye upon these Marginal notes) Mayest take a sufficient proof of any point here mentioned, and see if what I say be not as clearly to be seen in the practice of this old pure Church, as it is here set down by me in this Summary of such things as are in this Book to be viewed. Whence the Reader cannot but see either the gross ignorance or over-lashing boldness of Dr. Henry Ferne, who durst lately say, that the faith which England cast off in Hen. the 8. his days (or rather in the days of Q. Fliz.) was not the same faith which was brought into England at our conversion under S. Gregory; and thac if we had kept that faith, the English Church could not justly have in this Age divided from the former English Church: And yet neither he, nor any though never so learned a Protestant Dr. is able to show the time when, or the place where, or the persons who, or the means ●y which, or any one single point in which all England changed the faith received under S. Gregory. That faith (as we proved in the beginning of this Preface) was the same which the Scots had received in the fourth Age, and which the old Britains received even in the beginning of the 2d. Age after Christ's Passion, not full 100 years after the Scripture was finished. At that t●me then undoubtedly the faith of England was uncorrupt: You have east off the faith agreeing in all points now in controversy with that faith; therefore you have 〈◊〉 off the true faith. And this very faith is the only faith which England cannot now endure, but forceth us point by point to abjure in her new coined oath of Abjuration: so unlike is this present English Church to the Old English Church. If this short Work makes thee not to see this with thy eyes, I desire no kind of credit with thee; but if with thy own eyes thou seest all this, than I beseech thee as thou lovest thy own soul, not to let those find credit with thee, who would persuade thee that to be false, which thy eyes tell thee to be most true.  
I know there is no way to answer this so palpable a conviction, but by finding some shift to detract from this history: what shift this will be I cannot devise. First, Thou canst not say that the History saith not what we make it say: For we speak in this most Ancient Authors own Words, tmost faithfuly translated, as often as we come to touch upon any Point of Faith. Secondly, Thou canst not say that the Words of this Author deserve not all credit: For this were both to discredit our whole Nation, which never yet from the beginning of the World is kno●n to have brought forth an Historian of greater credit. (For I beseech thee tell me, if thou canst, who that Historian was.) And this also were to gainsay all antiquity, which even when Bede lived did read his Works in the Church by the Title of Venerable: For they could not call him Saint, ●e being yet living. And hence this Title still remains, though Antiquity after death ever held him for a Saint. Whence Polidore Virgil alleging Bede, saith. Bede an Englishman, than whom, none more chaste, none more true. And your own Cambden treating of the bishopric of Durham, saith. Here our Bede was bo●n, the singular Glory and Ornament of England, who for his Piety and Learning got the surname of Venerable. He bestowed all his diligence (as himself saith) in Meditation of the Scripture, and amidst the surging waves of barbarism wrote many most Learned Volumes: So He. And indeed Bede was the St. Austin of our Nation. The time he lived in, made him a most near borderer unto the very things which he wrote, and he lived upon the very place where they were done: In which place, at that time no man of any Conscience or Credit wo●ld so much as venture to write things then notoriously known to be contrary to truth by all intelligent persons, especially very often citing eye-witnesses still living, as he doth. There was then no Jesuit at his elbow to prompt him how to set forth his history to the advantage of such Papists as should be in their days, that is, some eight or nine hundred years after. Thirdly, Thou can●t not say that the Faith of this Age was corrupted in any point, in which Roman Catholics differ from Protestants, or from any of our many Religions in England. For I have already showed (N. i.) that the Faith of this Age in all those points agreed with the Faith not only of the Fourth Age, in which the Scots received this very Faith, but also with the Faith which was not a hundred years after the finishing of the Scripture: at which time our old Britains received this very selfsame Faith. That Faith was not corrupted: This was that very Faith, this therefore was not corrupted. Fourthly, That all we have taken out of Bede his Latin or English Copies, is wholly conformable to the Saxon Translation of Bede, made so long ago by King Alfride, and lately set forth by Abraham Welock a prime Protestant Doctor. For it was in all these places diligently conferred with that Translation. Lastly, If thou sayest this history is incredible, because it relates so many (to thee) incredible Histories: I must tell thee, that either all ancient Historians and Fathers, who wrote any part of Ecclesiastical History, did notoriously lie, or else the like things happened also in all other countries at the times, and near to the times of their first conversion. St. Gregory did write a great while after the conversion of Italy, and yet his Dialogues speak of great wonders. Read also St. Austin's most undoubted and most ●minent Work of the City of God, in which l. 22. c. 28. he recounts above twenty Miracles done by the intercession of Saints; and addeth, that many Books would not contain their number. Read St. Jerome, St. Ambrose, St. Greg. Nazian. St. Athanasius. Read Eusebius, or the Tripartite History of Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodoret: Read Euagrius, Palladius, or Nicephorus, and they all both in East and West tell as incredbile Histories and Miracles as any be in Bede. And though possibly some of these things should be false (for to many he adds such proofs as make them undeniable) yet we are hence assured what kind of Stories were then held forth as probable, and never rejected by any as containing a confirmation of any doctrine different from the present Faith of that Age. And I would have my Reader know that I relate them so plentifully for this end: and that it may appear what kind of Stories such men as Bede (that is, such as England cannot match) believed to be true in that pure Age, and related to have them believed by Posterity, which Bede and the chiefest of the Fathers would not have done, were they not conformable to the Faith of that Age. And against this Argument, thus taken from these Histories, no Protestant can give so much as any thing like an Answer, for it strikes them dumb. I will no further detain thee (Dear Countreym●n) from making that short Journey through this book which may be of so great benefit unto thee, a Journey of a very few hours which may bring thee to the knowledge of or ●ering thy ways so that by God's grace (which I desire thee in the beginning most earnestly to implore) thou mayst be conducted safely to the never ending Jo●es of the Heavenly country.  
Dear Reader, the benefit of this Preface will chiefly be found if thou readest it again after thou hast read the Book itself   

Book. 1. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 4.  
England's old Religion.  
FAITHFULLY Set forth by Venerable Bede, in his History of the Church of England: Omitting only such things as make not to this purpose.  

The first Book.  

Chap. 1, 2, 3. In these Chapters there is nothing to our present purpose: They only contain the State of civil affairs in Britain.   

Chap. 4.  
IN the year of our Lord's Incarnation 156. Lucius King 
The old Britains receive their Faith from the Pope 156.  of the Britains, wrote to Eleutherius a holy man, than Pope of the Church of Rome, desiring, that by his appointment he might be made a Christian. Which request being granted him, the Britains received the Faith and kept it sound and undefiled until Dioclesian's time.   

In the 5. Chapter, nothing to our purpose: It describes only the Wall made between England and Scotland.   

Chap. 6.  
Dioclesian and Maximian raising the Tenth Persecution against the Christians, caused the Churches to be spoiled, the Christians to be tormented and killed: For ten years it continued burning of Churches, banishing Innocents, murdering of Martyrs: Among other places Britain was at this time honoured with the glory of many holy Martyrs, who constantly died in Confession of their Faith.   

Chap. 7.  
Among others suffered, St. Alban, of whom Fortunatus Priest in his Book of the Praise of Virgins, reckoning up the Martyrs which from all coasts came unto God, saith,  
The fertile Land of Britain brings forth,  
Her Proto-Martyr Alban of great worth.  
This Alban being yet a Pagan, when the cruel Edicts of the 
England's first Martyr for entertaining a Priest in his house.  wicked Princes were set forth against the Christians, received into his house one of the Clergy, who had fled from the persecutors, and observing him night and day, to continue in Prayer and Watching, suddenly touched with the grace of God, he began to follow the example of his Faith and virtue, and instructed by his wholesome Exhortations, forsaking Idolatry, became a Christian. It came to the ears of the Prince, that this holy confessor of Christ (whose 
Amph●bal this holy priest's Name.  time was not come that God had assigned for him to suffer) lay hid in Alban's house: Whereupon soldiers were sent to apprehend him, but St. Alban apparelled in his guests and Master's garments, presented himself unto them. When they brought Alban, it happened that the Judge was doing sacrifice unto the Devils, who beholding him, and incensed with anger for that he feared not to offer himself unto death for his guest; he commanded him to be brought before the Idols. For as much (quoth he) as thou hadst rather convey away the rebel and traitor 
Christian priesthood treason under Dioclesian.  to our gods, than to deliver him up to deserved punishment, what pains he should have suffered, if he had been taken, the same shalt thou undergo, if thou refusest to practise the rites of our Religion. But St. Alban, who had voluntarily declared himself a Christian, little heeded the menaces of the Prince, but being throughly guarded with the spiritual armour of Grace, plainly told him, he would not obey his command. I am a Christian (saith he) and I apply myself to Christian duties and exercises. I honour and worship the true and living God. These sacrifices which thou offerest to the Devils help not the offerer, but purchase them eternal pains. The Judge hereupon commanded the holy Confessor of God, to be beaten by the Tormentors, but Alban in his sufferings was patient and courageous. Then the Judge sentenced him to be beheaded. As he was led to execution, he came to a flood which swiftly ran betwixt him and the place where he was to suffer. The company was great, and the bridge narrow, so that it was likely to be Evening before they could all pass; Alban desirous of death, coming to the river side, made his Prayer, and saw forth with 
A Miracle.  the bottom dry, the water giving place to him, and to the people to pass over: Which the Executioner seeing (not without the holy inspiration of God) fell down at his feet, and casting from him his sword ready drawn, desired rather to suffer himself than do the Execution. Then came they to a very pleasant hill, worthy to be dedicated by the blood of the blessed Martyr. At the top whereof, Alban begged of God to give him water, and straight there arose a Spring at his Feet, whereby all 
A Miracle.  perceived that as the River before in obedience to him was dried up, so water was now given at his entreaty. Here this most valiant Martyr being beheaded, received the Crown of life, which God promiseth to those that love him. But he who did the Execution had short joy: for his eyes fell upon the ground with the Head of the holy Martyr. 
A Miracle.  There also was beheaded the soldier, who being called of God, refused to strike the holy Confessor, of whom 'tis manifest, though he was not christened in the Font, yet was he baptised in his own blood; and so made worthy to enter heaven. The Judge seeing so many strange and heavenly miracles wrought by this holy martyr, commanded the persecution should cease, beginning to honour in the Saints of God their constant and patient suffering death, whereby he thought at first to draw them from the devotion of their Faith. St. Alban suffered martyrdom the 20th. day of June near the City Verulam (now called St. Albans in Hartfordshire) where (after the Christian Church was calmed) a Church was built of exceeding rich work, and worthy of such a Martyrdom: In which 
Daily Miracles at St. Albans about the middle of the third Age until the seventh Age.  place eve● to this day are sick persons cured, and many Miracles wrought: Many more suffered in sundry places, who by perfect victory yielded their Souls to Heaven.   

CHAP. 8.  
After the storm of this persecution was blown over, the Christians, who in time of danger lay hid in dens and deserts, came forth and showed themselves abroad, renewed Churches which were overthrown: founded, built, and dressed up new in honour of the holy Martyrs, celebrated holy 
Churches erected to Martyrs about the year, 400.  days, consecrated the divine Mysteries, and everywhere displayed their ensigns in sign of Victory. This peace 
holidays in their Honour.  continued in the Church of Christ in Britain until the Arian heresy, running through the world, corrupted also with venomous errors this Island. When by this means heresy had found an open vent to press over the Ocean into the said Island, soon after all manner of Heresies flowed, in and were received 
England prone to novelties.  by the Inhabitants, they being men delighting ever to hear novelties, and steadfastly retaining nothing as certain. This heresy of the Arians being discovered and condemned in the council of Nice, did nevertheless infect not only other parts of the world, but even the very Churches of the Islands with poisonous Infidelity.   

In the 9 Chap. nothing but civil Affairs.   

CHAP. 10. The year of our Lord, 394. 
This heretic had the great St. Augustine his adversary whilst he lived.  Arcadius reigning, Pelagius a Britan, dispersed the Venom of his faithless Doctrine; holding that a man might live well without the help of God's grace.   

In the 11. and 12. Chapters nothing but civil Affairs.   

Chap. 13.  
In the year 423. the 8th. of the Emperor Theodosius the 
The Apostle of Scotland sent by the Pope of Rome, an. 423.  younger, Palladius was sent by Celestine Bishop of the Roman Church to the Scots (who had received the Faith of Christ) to be their Bishop.   

In the 14. Chapter nothing.   

Chap. 15.  
The English (Than Heathens) sent for out of Germany over run Britain. The Priests are everywhere slain at the Altars. The Bishops with 
Altars, an. 429  their flock were murdered with fire and sword, without regard unto their dignity.   

In the 16. Chapter, nothing but civil affairs.   

Chap. 17.  
A few years before the arrival of the Saxons & English, the Pelagian heresy brought in by Agricola, greatly corrupted the Faith of the Britains. But they being unwilling to receive this lewd doctrine (blasphemous against the grace of God) and yet unable to resist the crafty and wicked persuasions of their Adversaries, took this wholesome Counsel to seek for aid from the Bishops of France. A council being called, the French consulted among themselves whom they should send. By the judgement of all the Apostolical Bishops Germanus and Lupus were chosen to pass over into Britain: 
Germanus Bishop of Auxerre Lupus was first a Monk in the Abbey os Lirine, and thence made Bishop of Troy's.  Who with great alacrity, receiving the Orders and Commands of the holy Church, put to Sea. Whilst they were under sail, the devil envying such men should go to the recovery of that People, raised a dangerous tempest. Germanus Bishop, feeble of body, through weariness fell a sleep, than Lupus and the rest called upon him. Germanus more constant in the greatness of the danger, invoketh Christ, and taking in the name of the holy Trinity a 
The miraculous use of Holy water, about 430.  few sprinkles of water, casteth i● into the Sea: Forth with the rage of the storm breaketh; God being called upon defered not his help; the enemy is chased away, and they set on land where they desired. A multitude of People assembling received the Priests of God; of whose coming the wicked spirits gave notice, and afterward being expelled out of the obsessed bodies, at the command of priests, they declared 
devil's cast out at the command of Priests about 430.  both the manner of the tempest they raised, and the danger like to have ensued, confessing they were overcome by their merits and command. Upon their arrival, they filled the Island with their good name, preaching and virtues, and the word of God was taught by them as well in Churches, as in the open streets, and in the country; so that in all places, the found and Faithful Catholics were confirmed, and they that before swarved from truth were reduced. Thus in short time, through their authority, virtue and learning, the whole Country was brought under obedience to their Doctrine. The Authors of Heretical error lay lurking all this while, and like the wicked spirits were vexed to see the people daily fall from them. At length they undertook to try the matter by open disputation, which being consented to, they come forth richly and sumptuously apparelled, attended by a number of flatterers, choosing rather to commit their cause to open contest, than seem to the People, whom they had subverted, to have nothing to say in defence thereof. Thither flocked a great number of people with their wives and children. The blessed Priests German and Lupus gave their Adversaries leave to speak first, who vainly entertained the people with naked words. Then the reverend Bishops poured forth their Eloquence, confirmed with sacred Texts from the Gospel and Apostles. Thus vanity was convinced, falsehood confuted, and in effect at every objection, their Adversaries were forced to confess their error, not being able to answer. The people could hardly hold their hands from them, yet showed they their judgement by their acclamations.   

Chap. 18.  
This done, a certain Colonel cometh forth, offering them his daughter of ten years old to be cured, who was blind. They bade him carry her to their Adversaries: but they (their own conscience frighting them from such an enterprise) join with the girls Parents, desiring the Priests to do the cure; who seeing their Adversaries dismayed, made their Prayer. Then Germanus full of the holy Ghost, 
custom of wearing holy relics.  calling upon the blessed Trinity, loseth from his neck a little bag full of relics of the holy Saints, and in the sight of them all, applied it to the eyes of the Maid: whereupon she straight received 
These relics work miracles.  her sight, to the great joy of her parents, and the amazement of the people at the Miracle. From that day, the said errors were so rooted out, that with most earnest desire, they all embraced the doctrine of the Bishops. Thus damned falsehood being suppressed, the Authors confuted, and all men's minds instructed in purity of Faith, they went to St. Albans, to give God praise and thanks by him. Where Germanus having relics of the 
Pilgrimages to Saints bodies Ann. 430.  Apostles and divers Martyrs, making his prayer, commanded the Tomb to be opened, with intent there to deposit those precious treasures, thinking it good, that the 
In shrining of Rolicks.  members of the Saints gotten in divers Countries might be shrined together in one Tomb, who like in Merits rejoiced with God in Heaven. Which being done with much honour, 
Veneration of relics.  he took some of the dust of the place, where the holy martyr's blood was shed, and carried it away with him, and a great number were that day converted.   

Chap. 19  
As they were returning back, it happened (by the devil's procurement) that Saint German by a fall broke his leg, that so by the affliction of the body, the merits of the holy man might be more increased, whilst by reason of his weakness he was fain to tarry still in one place, the next house to his lodging was by 
A Miracle.  chance set on fire, which having consumed all near it, drew nigh where this good man lay. But that the power of God might appear, the fire spoiled whatsoever the people sought to save, except what the sick man lying in his bed preserved: for in the midst of the raging flames the house, which this weak man kept, remained untouched, all wondering at the Miracle. Before the Cottage of this poor Prelate lay a multitude of people, without number, some 
Multitude of Miracles.  to be cured of the maladies of their souls, others of their bodies. It cannot be expressed what Miracles Christ wrought by his Servant, and what cures this sick man did. In the mean time, suffering no remedy to be applied unto himself, one night he saw a beautiful young man all in White at his bed side, who stretching forth his hand seemed to lift him up and bid him stand, and from that hour his pains were assuaged, and he restored to health.   

Chap. 20.  
About this time the Saxons and picts waged war against the Britains, who fearing they should not be able to match them, implored the help of the holy Bishops, who coming to the Camp, filled their hearts with such confidence, as if a mighty Army had been come to aid them. This happened about the holy time of Lent, which was more devoutly observed, through the presence 
Lent religiously observed at the beginning of the fourth Age.  of the Priest●: In so much as being instructed by continual preaching, many of the country were daily christened, and the greatest part of the Army required Baptism. On Easter-day, they made in the camp, the form of a Church, adorning it with boughs, where they were solemnly baptised; by virtue whereof, they became fervent in Faith, and bold in hope of God's strength. The Enemy having intelligence of their sober demeanour and order of their camp, thinking to surprise them (being unarmed) and obtain the victory, Marched in great speed towards them. Now the holy-days of Easter being past, the Army goeth fresh from Baptism 
A miraeulous Victory.  to their weapons. S. German making himself their Captain, picked forth a choice Troup of soldiers, placing them covertly in a Valley, where it was thought the enemy would pass, giving them all warning, that as they heard him say, they should all answer the same: Thus suddenly breaking out of Ambush where they lay, the enemy being not aware of them, the Priest of God cried aloud, thrice together Alleluja, all the Troop repeating, answered the same. The echo from the hills resounded, as though they had been thrice as many: whereat the Enemy was so amazed, as though heaven had fought against them: Whereupon with all speed they fled, casting away their weapons, thinking it enough if they could escape with life. The British soldiers gathered up the spoils, and with great joy acknowledged God only to be the giver of that overthrow. The Island being thus set in good order, the Bishops returned home, to whom God gave a prosperous passage both for their own virtue's sake, as also at the Intercession of the blessed Martyr Alban. 
Intercession of Saints.    

CHAP. 21.  
Not long after word was brought out of the same Island that the Pelagian heresy was revived. Again therefore are directed to the Bishop, the entreaty of all the Priests, that he would go through with the Cause of God, which he had taken in hand. So he returned again (into Britain) with Severus, who was disciple of the most blessed Father Lupus, ordained Bishop of Trevers, preaching first unto that part of Germany the word of God. In the mean while, the wicked spirits flying about the Island, foretold everywhere (forced thereunto) that St. German was returning: in so much as Elafius one of the chief among 
A Miracle.  them, without report of any messenger, hastened to meet the holy men at their arrival, having with him his son, who in the flower of his youth had lost the use of his leg, which was so shrunk, that he could not set his foot upon the ground. The whole Country flocked thither to meet them, 
Bishops and Priests give their blessing.  where their blessing and divine Doctrine was bestowed upon the people. They found them as for their Faith as they had left them, only they found the fault to remain in 
Bishops punish heretics  some few, those they sought after, and finding them, condemned them. This done Elafius fell down at the feet of the Bishops, offering them his son, whose sad case needed no prayers to crave relief. Forthwith St. German taking the young man to him, felt his knee, and with his blessed hand searched through all the affected place, and at his touch each part received health, and the sinews returned to their natural course, so that in sight of them all he was restored to his Father. The people were all astonished at the strangeness of 
Catholic Faith confirmed by miracle.  the miracle, and the Catholic Faith thereby confirmed. After this, he preached to the people to exterminate the said heresy, and all assenting, the authors were expelled the Island, and delivered unto the Priests to be carried thence, that by this punishment the country might be rid of them and their Heresies. Hence it came to pass, that in those places, the Faith for a long time remained sound. Not long after Germanus deceased at Ravenna; his corpse was conveyed to his own Church with an honourable train, not without 
Miracles at St. Germans body see this holy Bishop's life in Surius July 30.  miracles wrought by the way.   

In the 22. Chapter nothing but civil affairs.   

Chap. 23.  
In the year of our Lord, 582 the 10. of the Emperor Maurice; 
The English receive the Faith from Monks sent from the Pope An. 582.  Gregory, a man most renowned for deeds and learning, was made Bishop of the Roman & Apostolic see, which he governed 13. years seven months and ten days. The Year 150. after the coming of the English into Britain, this Pope being moved by divine inspiration thereunto, sent the servant of God Augustine with many other Monks, fearing God, to preach to the English Nation. But being on the way, and terrified with the apprehension of the journey, they sent Augustine back to the Pope (whom he had there appointed Bishop, if they were received) humbly entreating him that they might not proceed: but he exhorted them by letters, that putting their trust in God, they would go on in their good purpose.  
Gregory, the servant of the servants of God, &c. Let not the hardship of the journey daunt you, &c. Assuring yourselves, 
Good works for hope of reward.  that after your great labour, eternal reward shall follow. Be in all points obedient unto Augustine, whom I have sent back unto you, and appointed to be your Abbot, 
abbot's  knowing it shall much profit your souls, what you do in obedience to him. God defend you with his grace, and grant me to see the fruit of your labours in Heaven; as also that since I cannot work myself with you, I may enjoy part of your reward, for the good will I have to labour, God keep you in health my dearly beloved children.   

In the 24. Chapter, nothing but a letter of the Popes recommending Augustine to the Bishop of Arles in his going for Britain.   

Chap. 25.  
Augustine being thus encouraged by St. Gregory, returned to preach the word of God with the servants of Christ, which were with him, and arrived in Britain. He and his company in number about forty, landing in the Isle of Thanet in Kent, sent word to King Ethelbert, that they came from Rome, and brought him very good news, viz. that such as followed and obeyed their Doctrine, should enjoy an everlasting kingdom in Heaven. The King hearing this, gave command they should abide there, and have all things necessary afforded them, until they heard further from him. Now the knowledge of Christian Religion was come before unto him, he having married a Christian Lady out of France, called Bertha; upon condition that it should be lawful for her and the Bishop that came to assist her to keep their Faith and Religion. A few days after, the King came into the Island, and seating himself without in the open air, sent for Augustine and his companions: He would not suffer them to come unto him in any house, lest if he or his were skilful in Sorcery, they might prevail against him. But they came to him not with weapons of the Devil, but endowed with the strength of God, carrying before them in lieu of a Banner, a cross of silver, and the Image of our Saviour painted in a Table: and singing of Lytanies, they 
Crosses, images enter with our Faith and destroy Idolatry.  prayed both for themselves and those for whose sake they came. And sitting down (as the King commanded them) they preached unto him and his attendants the word of life. The King replied. Your words and promises are fair, yet because strange and unknown to me, I cannot assent unto them, leaving the Religion wherein both I and my people have been so long bred up; but seeing you are come so far to impart unto us such knowledge as you hold to be good and true, we will receive you, and minister to you all such things as be necessary for to maintain you: and we are consenting, that you gain by your Preaching as many as you can to your Profession. Then he allowed them a place in the City of Canterbury, the head City of his Dominions, providing them what was needful, and freely permitting them to Preach. It is said as they drew nigh the City, having the Cross and Image of our Saviour, carried (as the 
The manner of Processions.  manner was) they sung all in one tune, this Prayer following. We beseech thee, O Lord, for thy great mercy, that thy fury and anger may be taken from this City, and from thy holy house, because we have sinned, 
The ancient custom of Allelujah in the Church.  Allelujah.   

CHAP. 26.  
Being entered, they began to hold forth the very Apostolic order of living, as in the Primitive Church, serving God in continual Prayer, Watching and Fasting, Preaching the Word of Life, despising the allurements of this world, as things none of theirs, taking 
Our Apostles addicted to watching, fasting, voluntary poverty.  of them whom they instructed so much only as might supply their wants, living according as they taught, and being ready to suffer death in the defence of the Truth they published. Hence it came to pass, that many believed, and were baptised, marveling much at the simplicity of their innocent life, and sweetness of heavenly Doctrine. There was at the East end of the City a Church built in honour of St. Martin, made whilst the Romans were in Britain, in 
A Church dedicated to St. Martin, where they say Mass.  which the Queen, a Christian, used to pray: Thither they went to Church, and began there first to sing Service, say Mass, Pray, Teach and christian, till the King being converted to the Faith, they received ample licence to Preach where they would, and either to build new or repair old Churches. And it was not long before the King himself much delighted with their purity of life, and example of godly conversation, and by their sweet promises, which they proved to be true by working many Miracles, believed 
Our Apostles workers of many Miracles in proof of their doctrine.  and were baptised. Then the People daily more and more resorted to their Sermons, and renouncing Heathenish Rites, joined themselves to the unity 
S. Gregory in a letter to the Bishop of Alexandria, writes how above ten thousand were there christened on christmas-day.  of the Holy Church. The King also appointed them a place and Seat befitting their Calling, in his head City of Canterbury, giving them necessary possessions for their maintenance.   

Chap. 27.  
After this, the man of God Augustine, came to Arles, where by Etherius Archbishop of that City, he was ordained Archbishop of the English, according as St. Gregory had commanded, and returning into Britain, he sent Laurence, Priest, and Peter, Monk, to Rome, to make relation to St. Gregory, that the English had received the Faith, and he made their Bishop; he also required his Answer to certain Queries. Pope Gregory's answer to Augustine's first demand. For as much as you being brought up 
Our Apostle a Monk.  under monastical rule, must not live apart from your Clergy, in the Church of the English, which is but newly entered upon the Faith of Christ; you must follow the prescript and form of life which was used in the Primitive Church among the Fathers, for there was none among them that 
First Christian Clergy Regular.  said, that to be his own which he possessed, but all was in common. And if there be any of the Clergy, who having not yet received holy Orders, cannot 
Chastity of them that took orders.  live chaste; they may take Wives and have their stipend allowed▪ them apart from the rest. Augustine's second Demand: Whereas there is but one Faith, why be there so many sundry customs of the Churches; and one custom of Masses observed in the 
Mass in chief parts of Christendom.  holy Roman Church, and another in France. Gregory's Answer: You knew the custom of the Church of Rome, wherein you were brought up; but if you have found any thing, be it in the Church of Rome, France, or elsewhere, that may please God more, I am content that you choose it, planting in the English Church (which is but lately come to the Faith) the best orders you can gather from them all. Augustine's ninth question concerns illusions in Dreams, whither such things happening, a layman may receive the body of Christ, or a Priest say Mass. Another of his questions is 
Mass  whether and when Children are to be baptised. Gregory's Answer is, that in necessity they are presently to be baptised. 
baptising Infants.    

Chapter 28.  
nothing but a Letter from the Pope to the Archbishop of Arles to assist Augustine.   

Chap. 29.  
The same Pope (for as much as Augustine had advertized him that there was a great harvest and but few labourers) sent him more Preachers, of which the chiefest were Mellitus, Rufinianus, Justus, Paulinus. By these he sent such things as were necessary for the Purniture and Ministry of the Church, as holy Vessels, altar-clothes, 
〈…〉  Church stuff, apparel for Priests and clergy, with relics of the holy Apostles and Martyrs, and Books. He sent him a Pall, and by letters instructed him 
The use of the Pall.  what order to hold in making Bishops throughout Britain. Gregory's Letter. To his most Reverend and holy Brother, Augustine, the servant of the servants of God. Since by the goodness of God, and your industry, the new Church of the English is brought unto the Faith of Christ, we grant unto you, the use of the Pall, to wear when you say Mass, 
Saying of Mass  and we give way, that you ordain Twelve Bishops under your jurisdiction, but so, that the Bishop of London be henceforth consecrated by his own Synod, and receive his Pal● from this holy and 
How our Bishops depended on Rome in their investiture.  Apostolic See; wherein I by the Authority of God do now serve. Also our will is, that you send a Bishop to York, to whom we intend to give a Pall: To you shall be subject, not only the Bishops you make, or he of York, 
The primacy of Canterbury in England instituted by the Pope, and not by the King. Ann. 600.  but all the Priests of Britain, to the end that by your manner of life, they may receive a pattern both to believe and live well.  

Note, that the Pall (wherewith the Pope invests Metropolitans) is a shoulder-piece embroidered with Crosses made not of fine linen, a● the High-Priests was, Exod. 28. but of fine sheep's wool, to mind them of Christ's carrying the lost sheep on his Shoulders. It was first laid on St. Peter's shrine, and given to them thence.    

Chap. 30.  
The holy Father, Gregory, sent letters to Mellitus, showing how earnestly he thirsted the good of our country. unto his dearly beloved Son, Mellitus, Abbot. Gregory, the 
abbot's  servant of the servants of God. When God shall bring you to our Brother, Augustine, tell him with serious deliberation, I thought fit, that not the Temples, but the Idols in them be broken, that holy Water be 
Holy Water, Altars, relics birthdays of Martyrs.  made and sprinkled about the said Temples, Altars erected, relics placed. It may be allowed, that in Dedications or birthdays of Martyrs, whose relics are there reserved, the people make them bowers, Feasting together after a good religious sort.   

Chap. 31.  
About this time, Gregory, 
Our Apostle endowed with the grace of Miracles.  wrote to Augustine concerning such Miracles as he knew done by him, wishing him not to run hazard of vain glory, by the great number of them. I know (saith he) dear brother, it hath pleased God to show by thee great Miracles among the people, whom by thee he hath called to the Faith. Thou hast cause to joy that by the means thereof, the English men's souls are won to the Faith: but thou oughtest to fear, lest by the said Miracles, thou by outward praise be puffed up, &c.   

Chap. 32.  
Contains the Letter of Pope 
The Pope imparts the blessing of S. Peter  Gregory to King Ethelbert, with Presents, and the blessing of St. Peter.   

Chap. 33.  
Augustine being now Bishop, 
Christchurch in Canterbury  obtained an old Church, anciently of the Romans, and Dedicated it to the Name of our Saviour, making it a perpetual 
Monasteries and Churches in honour of Saints.  Seat for him and his Successors. Not far Eastward of the City, he built a Monastery, to the which King Ethelbert (through his advice) new built a Church to the honour of the 
Churches consecrated.  Sts. Peter and Paul, enriching it with sundry gifts. Laurence his Successor consecrated it. The first Abbot thereof, was one Peter a Priest, who being cast away at Sea, and by the Inhabitants buried after a homely manner: Our Lord intending 
The first Abbot shines with Miracles.  to have it known, how worthy a man he was, caused to appear every night a light from Heaven over the place where he was buried: The Inhabitants gathering hereby that he was some holy man, removed his body thence, burying it honourably in the town of Bullen in France.   

In the 34. Chapter, nothing but civil affairs.    

The Second Book.  

Chap. 1.  
IN the year 605. holy Pope Gregory having governed 
An. 605.  most gloriously the See of the Roman & Apostolic Church, departed this life, to an everlasting seat in Heaven. He converted our English Nation from the power of Satan, to the Faith of Christ; whom we may well, & also must call our Apostle. For as soon as he was High Bishop over the whole 
The Pope styled Bishop of the whole world.  world, and appointed governor of the Churches newly converted; he made our Nation the Church of Christ, 
This Pop● ou● Apostle.  which till then had been the bondslave of Idols: so that we may truly make good the saying of the Apostle, that although he were not an Apostle to others, yet to us he was, for 
2 Cor. v. 2.  the seal of his Apostleship we are in the Lord. Laying aside his worldly Nobility by special grace from God, he turned it 
First a Monk of Eminent Sanctity.  to the purchasing of eternal glory in Heaven. Putting off his secular habit, he betook himself unto a Monastery, where he lived in that perfection, that (as he was wont to witness with tears) all transitory things became subject to him, undervaluing the world, and thinking on nothing but heavenly things; and though immured in an earthly body, by contemplation, he surpassed the natural bounds of flesh, loving death as an entrance unto life. All this he telleth of himself, not boasting of his increase in virtue, but rather lamenting the want and decay thereof. He swarved not from Monastical perfection, by any occasion or trouble of his Ecclesiastical charge. His House was like a well ordered Monastery; for although he was taken thence, and made Bishop, and ordained to the ministry of the Altar, and sent legate from the See Apostolic to Constantinople; yet he never intermitted his wonted course 
Then made Priest and the Pope's legate at Constantinople.  of life, but had with him Religious of the Monastery, for the better keeping regular observance, that by their example, he might be fastened as with a strong Anchor to the pleasant port of prayer, strengthening his soul by daily reading and conferring with them. Whereas other Bishops took pains in building Churches and beautifying the same with gold and silver, he altogether was employed in gaining souls. What money he had he carefully distributed among the poor: He made our Nation by Preachers sent hither, partakers of eternal liberty. This holy Pope, ordained that in the chapel of the blessed 
Masses at the bodies of Saints  Apostles Peter and Paul, Masses should be said at their Bodies. 
The least addition of the Mass, observed by Antiquity, but the first use of the Mass itself is too ancient to be observed, as begun by the Apostles.  To the Canon of the mass, he added these words (which still appear in our Mass) dispose our days in peace; free us from eternal damnation, and number us in the stock of thine Elect. He was buried in S. Peter's Church before the vestry. 'tis reported that seeing, British children sold at Rome, he inquired what was the name of that nation, they told him, they were called Angels or English, with good reason (quoth he) for they have an angel's face, and it is fitting they should be inheritors with the Angels in Heaven. Then he asked the Name of the Province, the Merchants said, they were called Deires, they may so (quoth he) for they shall be delivered from the Ire (or anger) of God, and called to the mercy of Jesus Christ. Then he asked the King's Name; they answered, his Name was Awl, St. Gregory alluding to his Name said, Alleluja must be sung in that Prince's Dominions. Hereupon he besought the Bishop of the Roman Apostolic See (for 
S. Gregory his zeal for our conversion.  he was not then Bishop thereof) to send into Britain Ministers of the Word for their conversion, offering himself ready for that work, if so it had pleased the Apostolic Pope: but the Citizens of Rome, would not let him go so far from them. Afterwards being Pope, he accomplished this good work, so long desired, sending thither divers Preachers, he himself helping at home by Prayer and wholesome instructions.   

Chap. 2.  
About this time Augustine called together the Bishops and doctors of the greatest Province, 
This Synod was held in Worcestershire, at a place called Augustine's oak.  which was of the Britains, persuading them (as a Brother) to Catholic unity, and to hold communion with him: For as yet they kept not Easter Sunday in due time, but from the 14. to the 20. Moon. They used also many other things contrary to the Unity of the Church: which being showed unto them, and that neither for entreaty, nor rebukes of Augustine, they would assent, preferring their own traditions before all other Churches, which through the whole world agreed with 
The Roman Tradition confirmed by miracle.  them: This Father said unto them; let us pray to God that he will vouchsafe to signify unto us by some heavenly sign, which tradition is to be followed: Let some sick body be brought, and by whose prayers he shall be healed, let his Faith be believed. His Adversaries granting unto it, there was brought forth a blind man, who first presented to the British Priests, when by them he was not cured, Saint Augustine on his knees besought our Lord to restore sight unto him, that so his grace might be enkindled in the hearts of many; and forthwith the blindman saw, and Augustine was held of the people as the true Teacher. For all this, they assembled a second, and greater Synod, to which ('tis said) seven British or Welsh Bishops carne with many learned men, especially from the chiefest Monastery of Bangor, whereof Dinoch was Abbot. All these openly refusing 
abbot's  subjection to Augustine, he said to them. Although (dear brethren) in many points you do contrary to us, or rather contrary to the custom of the universal Church; yet if you will in these things agree with us, viz. To celebrate Easter in due time, to administer baptism according to the manner of the holy Roman and Apostolic Church, preaching with us the word of the Lord, to this English Nation: All your other Ceremonies, Rites, Observances and Customs, though contrary to ours, we will willingly bear with. But they replied, they would do none of these things, nor hold him for their Archbishop: Whereupon the 
Division from the Church of Rome.  man of God, Augustine, threateningly prophesied, that since they waved peace with their brethren, they should have war from their enemies; and since they refused 
The ruin of the Authors thereof prophesied.  to preach the word of Life to the English Nation, by their hands they should suffer death. Which in all points came to pass (as he had foretold). For Edilfrid, that valiant King of the English, raising a mighty Army, made a great slaughter 
The prophecy made good from heaven.  of this wicked people: For being about to give battle, perceiving their Priests met together, to pray for their soldiers: he asked, who they were, and to what end they met there. Most of them were 
Multitude of Monks among the Britains, though converted 156.  of the Monastery of Bangor (in Wales) where such a number of Monks are said to have been, that their Monastery divided into seven parts with their prelates; no one of them had fewer than 300. Most of these having fasted three days, met at the Camp to pray. King Edilfrid understanding the 
After Schism, their Faith and Prayers availed not.  cause of their convening, If (quoth he) they invoke their God against us, they fight against us, though they bear no Arms. Whereupon he commanded the charge to be made upon them, and in the end, though with loss, he quite ruined the other Troops of this wicked Army. They say there perished in that battle about 1200 of those that were assembled to pray; and so was accomplished the prophecy of Augustine, the holy Bishop.  

Note, That these Welsh Bishops, living in the Faith, received from Pope Eleutherius, An. 156. (as was said B. 1. c. 4.) did not pretend any cause of division from Augustine's Doctrine, about Mass, use of the cross, and Images; worship of Saints and relics, or any other point wherein we and Protestants differ. A demonstrative argument, that none of these things brought in by Augustine were contrary to what was delivered to the Britains, not a full hundred years after the Apostles time: So that as long as Augustine's Religion was kept in England, the Apostles Religion was kept.    

Chap. 3.  
Augustine ordained two Bishops, Mellitus & Justus; Mellitus 
An. 904  he sent to preach to the Province of the East Saxons, whose chief City is London: As soon as the Province by Mellitus preaching had received the word of Truth, King Ethelbert 
The Antiquity of St. Paul's in London.  built St. Paul's Church in London, where Mellitus and his successors ever after were to hold their Bishop's Seat. Justus was ordained by him Bishop of Rochester in Kent, where Ethelbert built St. Andrew the Apostles Church. After this, the dearly beloved Father in God, 
Also of St. Andrews at Rochester.  Augustine died, and his body was laid by the Church of the Apostles, Peter and Paul in Canterbury, which (after it was finished) was brought in and honourably buried in the North-part thereof, where also were interred the bodies of all the Archbishops following, as long as there was room. This Church hath an Altar in it, dedicated to the honour of St. Gregory Pope, at which Altar, 
Dedication of Altars to Saints  every Saturday the Commemoration of these departed Bishops is celebrated by the Priest of the place.  
Upon St. Augustine's Tomb 
Commemoration of the dead at the Altar.  is written,  
Here resteth Augustine the first Archbishop of Canterbury, who being sent hither, by blessed Gregory, Bishop; and by working of Miracles, supported by 
Our Apostles gift of miracles, witnessed in his very Epitaph.  God, brought King Ethelbert and his People from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ: He died the 26. of May.   

CHAP. 4.  
Laurence succeeded him in the bishopric, whom Augustine, yet living, ordained, lest after his death the State of the Church rude as yet, and newly converted, might have wavered and fallen, if it had lacked a pastor and guide never so little. Wherein he followed the example of the first pastor of the Church, the most blessed Prince of the Apostles, Peter; who having laid at Rome, the 
St. Peter first Pastor of the Church and Prince of the Apostles.  foundation of Christ's Church, consecrated Clement his Coadjutor and Successor. Laurence seeing the groundwork of his Church to enlarge, which was well and throughly laid, endeavoured to raise the same to a perfect height, by frequent exhortations and continual example of pious works: He earnestly laboured as a true shepherd, not only for the modern Church of the English, but also for the Church of the old Inhabitants of Britain and Scots in Ireland, whose profession as soon as h● knew to be less Ecclesiastical, and not well ordered in many points, especially about Easter, they not celebrating it in due time: He wrote unto them, beseeching them to receive and keep the society of Catholic observance with the Church of Christ, spread over 
Conformity to be held with that Church which is spread over the whole world.  the whole world.  
To our dearest brethren the Bishops and Abbots in Scotland Laurence, Mellitus, &c. When the See Apostolic (according to the usual manner of sending to all parts of the world) directed 
Apostles sent all the world over by the Pope.  us hither to preach the word of God. We, &c. About this time Mellitus Bishop of London went to Rome for advice of the Apostolic Pope Boniface, and for necessary causes of the English Church. This Pope called a council of Bishops to appoint some order concerning the life of Monks. Mellitus sat among 
Recourse to the Pope in Ecclesiastical affairs.  them, to the end, that what there was legally decreed, he confirming, might bring with him to the English 
Our English Authors say Mellitus his going was to obtain privileges for Westminster Abbey then built.  Church, as precepts and rules to be observed. He brought also letters from the Pope to Laurence Archbishop, to the Clergy and the King. This Pope cleansed the Temple Pantheon, converting it into a 
Decrees of counsels to be followed as sure rules. A Church dedicated to our Lady, and all Martyrs, which yet is to be seen at Rome, and whether were brought (saith Spondan) the relics of many Martyrs, from places without the City.  Church in honour of our Lady and the Martyrs.   

Chap. 5.  
In the year 613. Ethelbert, King of Kent, after he had reigned six and fifty years, entered into eternal bliss, the one and twentieth year, after he had received the Faith, and was interred in St. Martin's Porch, within the Church of the blessed Apostles Peter and 
Persecutors of this Faith punished.  Paul. Edbald his son much harmed the tender sprigs of the Church: but God's scourge was not wanting, for both an unclean spirit, and a fr●nzie possessed him: Moreover the death of Sabereth, King of the East Saxons and Nephew to Ethelbert much increased the persecution of the Church, who going hence, to the everlasting kingdom left three sons, who all fell to Idolatry. These Princes seeing the Bishop in the Church, after he 
Saying of Mass  had said Mass, giving to the people the Sacrament, said unto him: Why dost thou not give us also of that white bread? To whom he answered. If you 
Communion under one kind.  will be washed in that wholesome Font wherein your Father was, you may also eat of this blessed bread, but if you contemn the laver of life, you may not tast● the bread of life. Hereupon the King commanded Mellitus and all his company to depart the Realm: so he and Justus went over into France.   

Chap. 6.  
Laurence the Archbishop being now ready to forsake Britain, and follow Mellitus and Justus, commanded the night before he was to go, that his bed should be laid in the Saints Peter and Paul● Church, where after many prayers and tears poured out to God for the State of the Church, the blessed Prince of the Apostles 
S. Peter prince of the Apostles. He owns his Successors (the Popes) deeds.  appearing in his sleep unto him, scourged him a good while; and with apostolical Authority, asked him, Why he meant to forsake the flock which he himself had committed unto him? and to what shepherd running now away, he would leave the sheep of Christ beset with ravening Wolves? By these stripes and the words of St. Peter, Laurence, the servant of God, emboldened, came and presented himself to the King, and throwing open his garment, showed him how pitifully he had been beaten. When the King (all amazed) demanded, who durst inflict such stripes upon a man of his dignity; when he understood it was for his salvation, and that by the Apostle of Christ, he became afraid, and abandoning 
The miraculous effect of St. Peter's apparition.  the worship of Idols, and his unlawful wedlock, embraced the Faith of Christ, and was baptised, promoting the good of the Church to the utmost of his power. He called home Mellitus and Justus, commanding them to return to their Churches, and instruct their flock. Thus the King with all his Subjects from that day that he was converted, submitted himself to the Precepts 
A Church in honour of our Lady.  of God. He built a Church in honour of our Lady the blessed Mother of God, within the Abbey of St. Peter 
St. Peter Prince of the Apostles.  Prince of the Apostles, which Mellitus hollowed.   

Chap. 7.  
Relates, How the holy Archbishop Laurence departing hence to heaven, his body was buried in the Abbey-Church of St. Peter, the Apostle. Mellitus (of London) succeeded in the See of Canterbury, the third after Augustine, who by birth was noble, but nobler by his singular virtue. It chanced that the City of Canterbury was set on fire, and great part consumed, and the raging flames drew nigh to the house, where Mellitus lay sick of the Gout; but putting his confidence in God, he commanded them to carry him out to meet 
Our primates of England still work miracles.  the flames. Now where it most raged was at the crowned martyrs; The sick man being brought thither, repressed with his prayers those flames, which 
A place (it seems) dedicated to the crowned Martyrs.  no power of man could quench: Having governed the Church five years, he passed to Heaven.   

Chap. 8.  
Justus succeeded Mellitus in 
Authority of 〈◊〉 Bishops from the Pope.  the bishopric; who having received authority from Pope Bonifacius to ordain Bishops, consecrated Romanus Bishop.  
The Pope's Letter to Justus.  
To our dearest beloved brother, Justus: How piously and earnestly you have laboured for the Gospel of Christ, the perfection 
No●e, Mr. Ba●ter, how unlike the Pope then seemed to An●ichrist.  and end of your actings fully declare, &c. We understand you have brought the King to the belief, and instructed him in the undoubted Faith. We have sent you a Pall, which we give you leave to use only in celebrating 
Our primates invested with the Pall by the Pope.  the holy mysteries granting you the ordaining of Bishops, as occasion shall require, that so the Gospel of Christ may by the preaching of many be dilated, &c. Having regard to the Authority received from the See Apostolic, use this our reward towards the gaining of souls.   

Chap. 9  
About this time, the King and People of Northumberland received the Faith, by the preaching of Paulinus. The occasion was this. King Edwin desirous to marry Edilburge the King of Kent's Daughter, sent his ambassadors to effect it: but they made answer, that it was not lawful for a Christian to be married to a Pagan, lest the Faith and Sacrament of the King of Heaven might become profaned. Hereupon the King entered covenant, to do nothing contrary to the Christian Faith this Virgin professed; but gave way that she and all the Priests and servants with her, should keep and observe after the Christian manner their Faith and Religion. Paulinus Bishop came along with her, to confirm her and her attendants, whom, that they might not be polluted by conversing with Pagans, he daily strengthened by exhortations, and administering the blessed Sacrament unto them, labouring earnestly to keep them that came with him from falling, and endeavouring by preaching to reconcile others. In the same Chapter is mentioned how Paulinus obtained by his Prayers that the Queen was safely delivered, 
The N●●thumbers miraculously converted.  and that the King might obtain a victory against the West Saxons: Whereupon renouncing Idols, he granted that Bishop Paulin should christian his Daughter, who born at Faster was christened at Whitsuntide with twelve others of the King's Court: yet for himself 
baptising Intants.  the King took longer time to deliberate.   

Chap. 10.  
Relates, How Edwin received letters from Bonifacins Bishop 
Note, Mr. Ba●ter how unlike the Pope then seemed to Antichri●t.  of the See Apostolic, exhorting him to the Faith: wherein are these words; We have thought good to extend our Priestly care and duty in proposing unto you the rich magazine of our Christian belief, &c. We exhort you in all affection, to abandon 
The Pope an enemy to Idol worship.  Idols, and to detest the worship of them, &c. Knowing how great an offence they commit that worship them, &c. It behooves you to receive the sign of that cross, by which mankind 
St. Peter styled Prince of the Apostles and our Protector. His blessing sent from the Pope.  was redeemed. I send you the blessing of St. Peter, your Protector, Prince of the Apostles.   

Chap. 11.  
The holy and Apostolic Pope, Bonifacius, sent letters from Rome to Queen Edilburge wife to King Edwin. 
The Pope still solicitous to further our conversion▪   
To Queen Edilburge his dear daughter, &c. My heart rejoiceth for the benefit of the Lord unto you, having vouchsafed to enkindle in you the right Religion, &c. We understand you shine forth in good works. Wherefore as it becometh a Father, we send unto you as our Daughter in Christ, exhorting you not to delay calling upon your Husband, till he also be conjoined with you in the number of Christians: And our Fatherly love requires that you declare unto us, what the power of God shall work in his and his subjects conversion, that so we may render 
St. Peter styled chiefest and Prince of the Apostles, and our Protector.  due thanks to God, and to St. Peter, chiefest of the Apostles. We send you the blessing of St. Peter your Protector, and prince of the Apostles.   

Chap. 12.  
The sum of this Chapter briefly is, That by a vision from Heaven King Edwin is forced to receive the Faith: for being put to flight by King Edilfrid, after a world of shifts, he finds entertainment with King Redwall, who notwithstanding at the threats of Edelfrid resolved to deliver him up to his enemies. Edwin, having secret intelligence thereof, and being greatly perplexed in mind, in the depth of the night, saw an unknown man come to him, telling him, that he knew well the cause of his grief; and that he would ease him of it, and make him King and conqueror of his Enemies, and that in power he should surpass all his progenitors, 
The Faith then taught commended from Heaven.  and all the Kings of the English. Lastly, He told him, that he would give him more profitable Counsel for his soul's health, than any of his predecessors ever had, so that he would promise to harken thereunto. All which he joyfully promised. Then this stranger laid his right hand upon Edwins head, saying: When these things shall happen remember this our discourse, and perform your promise; so he vanished that Edwin perceived it was no man. In the morning he understood that King Redwall had changed his mind of betraying him into a purpose of giving him an Army to restore him, whereby he conquered King Edilfrid. In this battle King Redwals' son was slain, and so besides the recovery of his own kingdom, he was made Heir apparent to King Redwall. For all this, he still remained slack to embrace our Faith, though Paulin earnestly preached the word of God unto him. Yet he used to retire himself, to think what 
I would those of our Country would imitate this Prince.  Religion was best: Once as he was in this retirement, Paulin entering the Palace, and (as if he had known in spirit what vision the King in his banishment had received) coming to him, he laid his right hand upon his Head, asking him, Whether he remembered that sign or no? The King trembling for 
Paul●● knows what is in the King's br●ast.  fear, would have fallen down at Paulins feet; but he lifting him up, said: You have escape the hands of your Enemies, you have obtained the height of sovereignty, be now mindful of the last thing you promised, and defer it no longer.   

Chap. 13.  
The King hearing these words, answered, he was bound to receive the Faith, which Paulin preached: But yet he desired to confer thereof with the Nobility and Peers of his Realm: whereunto Paulin assenting: the Assembly is called, the abandoning of Idolatry resolved upon; Coify, Chief Priest of the false gods offers himself to be the first to demolish them: so clad in Armour, and mounted on the King's horse, he casts a spear at the Idol, commanding the Idolatrous Altars to be fired; which was performed.   

Chap. 14.  
King Edwin with all the Nobility and most of the Commons received the Faith, and were baptised on Easter-day, An. 627, in Saint Peter's Church at York, which he had set up of wood, whilst he was catechised. Here the King assigned a Bishops See for Paulin, at whose request he built a large Cathedral, enclosing that of Wood, where he had been baptised. Paulin henceforth preached the word of God continually, and they believed him, and were christened: And the fervour of Faith, and desire of holy Baptism was so great, that he was stayed at Court 36. days, busied in catechising, and instructing the people in the Faith of Christ. In the country of the Deiri, he baptised in the flood small, for as yet, there could not be built Oratories, Fonts, or Baptisteries: Yet was there built a great Church in the planes called Downs, which the Pagans that slew King Edwin 
Altars of stone.  burnt; but the Altar escaped the fire, being of stone, and is kept in the Monastery of the reverend Abbot Trumvulse. 
Monasteries, Abbots.    

Chap. 15.  
King Edwins zeal and devotion was so great towards the Christian Faith, that he persuaded Carpwell, King of the East English, to leave the vain superstition of Idols, and with his whole Realm to embrace the true Faith, and receive the Sacrament of Christ's Church. King Redwalls Carpwels Father was christened before in Kent, but he was quickly seduced again by his Wife. He seemed to serve both Christ and his false Gods; for in one Temple, he erected an Altar for the Sacrifice of Christ, and another for his Idols. Felix Bishop, and a holy Preacher, being sent by 
Altars, sacrifice  Honorius Archbishop, to preach the Word of God to the East-English, found plenty of fruit, and increase of Believers; for he brought the whole Province unto the Faith.   

Chap. 16.  
Relates, How Paulin the Bishop preaching the word of God in the Province of Lindesi, bulit a Church in the chief City, where every year some miraculous Cures were 
Miracles wrought at certain places▪  wrought.   

Chap. 17.  
Relates, How Honorius (Bonifacius his Successor) was Bishop of Rome, and sat in the See Apostolic: who understanding that 
A Pall sent by the Pope, who still investeth our Archbishops.  the King of Northumberland and all his Subjects were converted to the Faith by Paulinus his preaching, sent him a Pall and Letters also to King Edwin, exhorting him to go forward in the true Faith.  
To the most Puissant and his most virtuous Son in our Lord, 
The Pope a true Father even to Kings.  Edwin King: Honorius servant of the servants of God. What are we better able to offer to God than by persisting in good works, to worship and render him deserved praises. We exhort you (dearly beloved Son) with Fatherly affection, &c. (A little after he writeth) Read St. Gregorie's your Apostles works, and set his doctrine ever before your 
Efficacy of Saints Prayers.  eyes, that his prayers may advance your kingdom and people, and represent you irreprehensible unto the Almighty. We have provided those things, which you wished might be ordained for your Priests. We have two Palls for the primates, Honorius and Paulinus, commanding 
The Pope exerciseth his Supremacy in England.  that when one of them is called out of this life, the survivor substitute by this our Authority another in his place▪   

Chap. 18.  
About this time died Justus, Archbishop, and Honorius succeeding was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury by Pauline: He was the Fifth after St. Augustine, to whom Pope Honorius sent a Pall, ordaining that when either the Bishop of Canterbury or York died, the survivor should have power to Consecrate another in the place of the deceased, that so they should not need to travel and toil by Sea and Land to Rome, as often as an Archbishop was to be ordained.  
The Copy of the Pope's letter to Honorius.  
Labour in preaching the Gospel, and follow the rule and steps of your Head and Master, blessed Gregory, &c. As for the privileges of your Churches, we have not delayed to grant you such 
The Pope doth this in the place of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles.  things as We thought fit. And now We in the place of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, grant unto you Authority, &c. Here followeth the grant specified in the beginning of this Chapter, Dated, An. 633.   

Chap. 19  
Pope Honorius sent letters to the Scots (whom he understood to err in the observation 
Decrees of the Church to be followed.  of Easter) exhorting them that they would not esteem their small number wiser than the Churches of Christ, either ancient or newly converted, in celebrating any other Easter than after the common account, and according to the Uniform Decrees of all the Bishops of the world assembled in council.   

Chap. 20.  
Relates, How King Edwin was slain, his Army defeated, his kingdoms overrun by Penda the Idolater, and Carduëlla; so that there was no safety but in flight. Then Bishop Paulin returned to Kent, bringing with him a fair golden 
Golden crosses and Chalices consecrated to the use of the Altar, yet to be seen.  Cross and Chalice consecrated to the use of the Altar, which are to be seen in the Cathedral of Canterbury. There he governed the See of Rochester, and left his Pall, which he had received from the Pope of Rome. James the Deacon left by Paulin at York; set up a School for Church music, according to 
Our Church music from Rome.  the fashion of Rome, and diocese of Canterbury.    

The Third Book.  

Chap. 1.  
RElates, how the Kings Osrich and Eandfrid, fell to 
Yet Idolatry highly hated.  Idolatry, whereupon they deserved not to be accounted to our Kings, but their years are numbered to holy King Oswald next following.   

Chap. 2.  
The place is showed until 
An. 642. Veneration of holy places and crosses.  this day, and had in great veneration, where Oswald who slew Carduëlla, before the battle, set up the sign of the holy Cross, beseeching God humbly on his knees to succour 
Miracles hence ensuing.  them in their distress: Having with his own hands set up the cross, he said to the Army: Let us all kne●l down and pray the Almighty to help us. In the place where he made his prayer, many miraculous Cures are known to be done, in token of 
The very chips of that cross, work miracles until this day.  his Faith. Until this day, many do usually cut chips from the wood of that holy Cross, which casting into water, and giving the sick thereof, both men and beasts to drink, or sprinkling them therewith, they are restored to health. The place is called Heavenfield, signifying, that in that place, a heavenly memorial should be set up, and heavenly miracles be wrought even till our days. The Religious of Hagulsden Church for a long time have used to come every year, upon 
Prayers and sacrifice for the Dead.  the Eve and Day that King Oswald was slain, to keep Dirges for his soul; and in the morning after Psalms, solemnly to offer for him the Sacrifice of the holy Oblation: By continuance of this custom, the place is become more holy, and is now honoured by all, for the Church dedicated in the same place. We shall relate one of many miracles, wrought at this cross. One of the Religious of Hagulsden, by name Bothelmus (who liveth yet) when by chance, going on the Ice, by a fall broke his Arm, in so much that he could not lift it to his mouth, prayed one of the brethren to bring him a piece of that blessed wood, saying, that by God's grace he might find help thereby. He did so, giving the party some of the Moss wherewith 
The Moss of the Cross works miracles upon one as yet living.  the wood was covered, which putting into his bosom in the night, he found himself (soon after) whole and sound.   

Chap. 3.  
Relates, how Aidan the Bishop being sent from the Scots to King Oswald, the King himself became interpreter to his Nobles, whilst the Bishop preached to them. Possessions were given by the King towards the founding of Religious Houses. The little Children and Ancienter sort, were by the Scots trained up in observance of Regular Discipline, for they were for the most part Monks as Aidan was, whose House was for no small time, the head of all the Monasteries 
Monks, Monasteries.  of the Northern parts, and of the abbeys of the Redshanks, which was bestowed upon the Monks in consideration of their Sermons and preaching.   

Chap. 4.  
In the year 565. A Priest and Abbot, venerable both in Habit and Religious life called 
Religious different in habit.  Columban came from Ireland into Britain to preach the word of God, in the North. The Southern Redshanks had long before received the Faith, the word of God being preached 
Purity of d●ctrine from Rome.  unto them by the reverend and blessed Bishop Ninia, who was at Rome, perfectly taught Martin, the Faith; whose See the English hold to this day famous for the name and Church of St. Martin, where his and many 
Churches dedicated to Saints.  other Saints bodies are. An Island was given Columban by the King towards erecting of a Monastery. Moreover he had a renowned Monastery in Ireland, out of both which, very 
Monasteries.  many Monasteries were after founded by means of his scholars. These in observing the high Feast of Easter, trusted to uncertain computes, and no marvel, since none sent them the Decrees made in general counsels, for the keeping thereof: yet they diligently observed all such works of devotion, and chaste demeanour, as they could learn in the Prophets, 
Strict followers of only scripture err, for many years together.  Gospels, and the Apostles writings. This erroneous observance of Easter, lasted 150 years. At last the reverend Father and Priest Ecbert reform them, causing them to keep the same in due time.   

Chap. 5.  
From this Convent of Monks founded by St. Columban, Aidan was sent, and consecrated Bishop, to instruct England in the Faith. His life 
Shaving of Monks.  so far surmounted the lukewarmness of our times; that all his companions, as well shaved Monks, as laics, gave themselves to continual Meditation. Every devout person (except between Easter and 
Strict Fast on Wednesday and Friday among the Laity.  Whitsuntide) took up a custom to continue Fasting every Wednesday and Friday, until three of the clock in the afternoon. See many excellent things of Aidan in Bede.   

Chap. 6.  
Relates, oswald's rare Piety, for which God gave him all the Dominions of four several languages, the Britains, Picts, Scots and English. It is also related, how King Oswald bestowed a Silver dish with dainties on the poor, who begged at dinner time. The Bishop delighted with such a work of mercy, took him by the right hand, saying; I pray God this hand may never be consumed. Which came to pass, for being slain, and his hands cut off, that hand to this day remains 
Miraculous reward of Alms:  uncorrupt, and is reserved in a silver Shrine in St. Peter's 
Veneration of relics miraculously uncorrupt to this day.  Church, where with due honour it is worshipped by all.   

Chap. 7.  
Relates, How the tumultuous with their King, received 
The Apostle of the tumultuous, sent from the Pope.  the Faith, by Bishop Birinus his preaching, who came into Britain by Pope Honorius his appointment, promising to sow the seeds of the holy Faith in the remotest parts of England. By the same Pope's command, the Bishop of Genua consecrated him.   

Chap. 8.  
In the year 640. Erconbert was King of Kent, and the first of the Kings of England, who by Princely Authority commanded the Idols throughout 
Transgressors of the Fast of forty days punished.  his Realm should be destroyed, and that the Fast of forty days should be kept, appointing due punishment for the transgressors thereof. Eartongarth, this King's daughter was a Virgin of rare virtue, serving God in a Monastery in France all the days of her life. For in those days, when many Monasteries were not yet built in England, divers for the love to Religious life were wont to go to the Religious Houses of France, sending also their daughters thither to be 
Vowed Nuns espoused to the heavenly bridegroom.  brought up, and espoused to the heavenly bridegroom. The Inhabitants thereabout, even at this day, relate many virtuous deeds and miraculous signs wrought by this 
Such Nuns graced with the gift of Miracl●●.  Virgin dedicated to God. The time of her departure being at hand, she began to visit the Cel● of the sick in the Monastery, unto whose Prayers commending herself, she signified her approaching hour, as she had understood it by revelation. 
The Habitation of men separated from Women.  Many brethren of the Monastery in the other house, reported, how at the same time they heard the melody of Angels singing, and a noise as it were of a great multitude coming into the Monastery: and going forth, they beheld an exceeding bright light sent down from Heaven. Which conducted her soul to the joys of Heaven They report other miracles showed by the Hand of God in the same Monastery. The honourable body of Christ's Virgin and Spouse was buried in the Church of St. Stephen. Three days after, they removed it, rearing the grave-stone higher: at the doing whereof, so sweet a smell came from the 
vowed 〈◊〉 dear 〈…〉  Earth, that to all the Brethren and Sisters, there seemed to be opened Cellars of natural balm. ●delburge also Aunt to 
〈…〉 by 〈◊〉.  Eartongath, preserved the glory of perpetual Virginity (which is so dear to God) in great chastity of body. How great her virtue was, appeared more fully after death: for seven years after, her body was found as uncorrupt, as it had been free from stain of carnal concupiscence, and was translated into the Church of St. Stephen.   

Chap. 9  
Relates, How Oswald the most Christian King was slain, 
Ou● histories say he was slain at Oswistry in Sh●opshire.  at a place called Maserfield. How great the Faith of this King was, and how servant his devotion appeared after his death, by sundry Miracles: for to this day Cures both of men and beasts are daily wrought 
the very ●ligh test 〈…〉 wo●k 〈…〉  in the place where he was slain. Many carried away the dust where his body fell, and casting it into water, cured thereby many infirmities. This was so often done, that (by taking away the Earth) so deep a pit is now made, that a man may stand upright in it. And no marvel that sick persons are recovered in the place where he died, who all his life time bestowed his time in giving Alms, and comforting the Needy. Very many miracles are reported to be done by the dust of that place. The Horse of a passenger, hard by this place falling down, became so ill that he gave him for lost. The horse tumbling himself about, at last, lighted on the the place where Oswald fell, and suddenly starting up was whole. The Passenger quickly understood what it meant, and marking the place, came to his Inn, where he found a young maid who had been a long time molested with the palsy. He told them what had happened, whereupon they carried her in a Cart to the place, where being laid down, she slept awhile, and soon after 
Strange Miracles by R●liks.  waking, she found herself cured, and returned on foot home with those that had brought her thither.   

Chap. 10.  
Relates, How a little linen bag full of the earth where King Oswald fell dead, being casually hung upon a post in a 
Miracles by Reliks.  house, that was quite burnt down: this only post remained untouched by the fire, upon which occasion, many resorting to that place where King Oswald shed his blood, were there cured.   

Chap. 11.  
Among other miracles I cannot omit to relate, what 
Translation of Reliks.  happened when King oswald's bones were translated to the Church where they now are. When towards Evening the chariot was come, wherein the bones were, they of the Monastery of Beandaman were unwilling to receive them: for although they had known him for a blessed man, yet by reason he was a foreigner born, and had subdued them by Conquest, they hated his memory. So it fell out that the relics remained abroad all night: yet was there a great Pavilion extended over the Chariot, where the relics were. But a Miracle from heaven declared with how 
〈◊〉 to be held in 〈◊〉 v●neration by all faithfu●l.  great reverence those Bones were to be received of all faithful people: for all night long a pillar of light stood reaching from the Chariot (wherein they were) unto Heaven, clearly beheld almost in all places of the Province: which made the Brethren of the Monastery now earnestly desire, that those holy relics might be laid up in their House. They were therefore enclosed in a shrine, and placed with honour in the Church. The water wherewith his bones were washed being poured out in a corner of the Vestry, from that 
This confirmed from Heaven, as is testi●ied by witnesses yet living.  day forward, the earth which received it, had a special virtue in driving Devils out of possessed bodies. An abbess (who is yet alive) desired some of the Earth to be given her, upon which this water was poured out, and with it returned 
Abbesses.  home. It happened that a stranger came to her Monastery, who was wont to be vexed with an unclean Spirit, and at night began to foam, gnash his teeth, and rage, nobody being able to hold him. The Abbess repairs to that quarter 
The ●odgings of men apart from the Nunnery.  where the Men lodged, and calling the Priest, went with him to the Patient: Where the Priest began to say the exorcism; That not sufficing, the Abbess commanded her Maid to go bring her the little cabinet, wherein that Earth 
Exorcisms.  (we spoke of) was reserved. As soon as the Maid was come with it (from the nuns quarter) into the Court of that House where the possessed Person was, he grew silent and began to rest, and as it were, sleep; and soon after rising up, he said; I feel myself whole. They asked him how this came to pass: And he answered: As soon as this Virgin with the Cabinet which she brought, approached the Court of the House, all the wicked Spirits that molested me departed. Then the Abbess gave him of that dust, and the Priest saying some Prayers, he 
Relik●chase away the devil  passed over the night most quietly, and was perfectly freed.   

Chap. 12.  
In the same monastery, a little Boy had been long sick of 
Miracles at Saints Tombs.  an ague, and was expecting his fit, when one of the brethren coming in said: My Son I'll tell thee how thou mayest be cured: rise and go sit thee down at the tomb of Oswald and be sure thou stirrest not thence till the hour be over, in which thy fit useth to leave thee: then I will come and bring thee forth. The Boy did so, and his Ague durst 
The person yet alive (saith Bede) on whom the Miracle was d●●e.  not presume to seize upon him at the tomb of the Saint. That this happened thus, a Brother, who came from thence, told me, adding how at that very hour the youth was living in that Monastery, who was thus cured by Miracle. It is not to be wondered that the Prayers of that King now in Heaven, may obtain 
Power of Saints Prayers.  much of God, who having a temporal kingdom accustomed himself to continual Prayer, & even died praying; for as he was slain, he prayed to God for the souls of his soldiers; whereupon arose that old proverb: God have 
That speech, God have mercy on their souls, of what Antiquity.  mercy on their souls, quoth Oswald, when he died himself.   

Chap. 13.  
The Reverend Bishop Acca, used to tell how he heard Willebrord that holy Bishop of Frizeland report what, had been done abroad by the wondrous relics of this virtuous King. A certain scholar careless in his life, being at the point of death, with great remorse of his sins, made a purpose if he recovered to amend, saying; If God of his mercy grant me to escape death, I resolve to mend my life, yet I know I have deserved no truce, except by the help of such as have faithfully served God, he of his mercy will pardon me. We have heard there hath been a King of wonderful holiness called Oswald, 
Our unworthiness supplied by intercession of Saints.  the Excellency of whose Faith and virtue, even after his death was well known by working frequent Miracles. I beseech you (speaking to the standers by) if you have any of his relics, bring me them: It may be God will have mercy on me through his Merits; to whom I made answer, (saith Willebrord) I have of the tree, whereupon his head was stuck after he was slain, and if thou wilt believe assuredly; God by the Merits 
Cures wrought by relics  of so worthy a Person may grant thee longer life: Who answering he did believe; I blessed (saith Willebrord) some water, 
Water hallowed.  casting into it a shiver of the said oak, giving it the sick man to drink, and forthwith he recovered, and reformed his life, and living long after, declared to all men the favour of our Maker, and the glory of his servant.   

Chap. 14.  
Relates how Oswin was slain by Osway, where afterward in 
An. 644. Good works Satisfactory. Daily prayers for the dead.  satisfaction for the sin, there was a Monastery built, wherein daily Prayers were offered up to God for Redemption of both the King's souls, the Murderer and murdered. It Relates also the admirable virtue of King Oswin how Aidan the Bishop foretold his death and twelve days after died himself.   

Chap. 15.  
Relates, How God by many Miracles declared to the world how worthy a Man Aidan the Bishop was, and how Vtta a Priest being sent into Kent to fetch Eansled, King Edwins Daughter, the Bishop at his setting forth blessing him, gave him hallowed oil, saying, I know that at your taking ship you will have a Tempest: 
Hallowed oil doth Miracles  But remember to cast into the sea this oil that I give you. All which happening as Aidan had foretold: the Priest taking the oil, cast of it into the sea and immediately there ensued a calm. This I had (saith Bede) from the faithful relation of Cinimond Priest 
How authentical this is.  of our Church, who said, he had it from Vtta himself to whom this happened.   

Chap. 16.  
Relates, How by the Prayers of Aidan Bishop, the fire, 
A Miracle.  which the Enemy had defigned to burn a town besieged, returned upon themselves, making them quit the siege.   

Chap. 17.  
Relates, How the virtuous Bishop Aidan departed this life the 17th, year of his bishopric. Not long after a Church being dedicated to the honour of the most blessed Prince of the Apostles, his bones were translated thither, and placced on the right side of the Altar, with much honour as he deserved. When King Penda set 
Translation of Reliks, Altars, Churches dedicated in the honour of the Prince of the Apostles, Thus than they called St. Peter.  fire on the Church, that Post only, whereunto this holy Bishop leaned at his death, could by no force of fire be consumed. The Miracle being known and spread abroad, the Church was again built: but the like happened the second time: Whereupon at the re-edifying of the Church 
Miracles:  the third time in memory of the Miracle, the Post was laid as a thrashold for people to kneel on, and make their prayers to God. And 'tis well known that, divers in that place have been cured of diseases, and by the water where in chips cut from the Post have been dipped, many have had their health restored 
By relics.  them.   

Chap. 18.  
Relates, How King Sigibert was so inflamed with the love of God, that leaving his Realm he entered into a Monastery, where being shaven he addicted 
Our Kings became Monks.  himself to a heavenly warfare.   

Chap. 19  
Relates, How Furseus encouraged by a Vision, built the Monastery, the King had 
Monks graced with Visions.  given him, planting therein Regular discipline. Also how from his childhood he gave himself to the reading of holy Scripture, and monastical observance, building another Monastery, wherein he might wholly attend to watching and praying, where being sick he was rapt in spirit, and saw the blessed company of Heaven and great conflicts he had with the wicked spirits, who prevailed not, the holy Angels guarding and defending him. Moreover in a number of strange visions he saw the evil spirits tormenting men in fire, and they did fling one of them at him, whom the Angel flung back, which nevertheless did so burn Furseus, that when he was restored again to his body 
How authentical this is.  the tokens of the scorching remained visible to all in his shoulder and cheek all the days of his life after. His 
Altars  body being removed to the High Altar, was found uncorrupt. And the year following the same happened, being to be 
Miracles at Saints Tombs.  translated to the east side of the Altar. In which place it is well known that his Merits have been much renowned by many Miracles wrought by the Power of God.   

Chap. 20.  
Tells the death of Honorius, Archbishop of Canterbury and how Deus-dedit succeeded.   

Chap. 21.  
Relates, How the Middle-English with Penda their King (Son to Penda the ●erfecutor) and his Nobles were converted by Finan first a monk and after Bishop of Lindesferne.   

Chap. 22.  
Relates, How the East-Saxons, after their apostasy were converted. Sigibert their King having one in his Court that lived in unlawful wedlock, 
A prophecy of the ruin of such as converse with those who are excommunicated.  and being excommunicated and all that kept him company by the Bishop, the King neglecting this sentence, for the evil example, and because he would not refrain from going to the house of that wicked man, was told by him, that in that house he should die. And the event proved true, for he was there slain by Penda King of the Mercians. Yet it is to be presumed that the cause of his death (which was for observing Christ's command) did not only wipe away this fault but increase his his merit. Swidhelm succeeded Sigibert, who was baptised by Cedde. Edilwald King of the East-English, being his Godfather. 
Ant●quity of Godfathers.    

Chap. 23.  
Edilwald, Son to King Oswald, perceiving Cedde to be a wise and virtuous man, granted him a plat of ground, for the building a Monastery, where he and his people might pray and hear the word of God: For he believed he should be much furthered by the prayers of those that served God there. Cedde's brother 
Kings confide in the Prayers of religious men.  preached and ministered the Sacraments to him and all his Court. The holy Bishop chose out a place for a Monastery and desiring by prayer and fasting to cleanse it, remained there all the forty days of Lent fasting and praying. All these days (excepting Sundays) 
Lents forty days fast.  he fasted until Evening: for he said the custom of them, from whom he learned monastical life, was that in erecting of any new Monastery the place should be first consecrated 
The laudable custom of fasting.  to God by fasting and prayer. He ordained in the Monastery of Lesting, the same Rules and constitutions of Religion, which the Monks of the Holy Island had. As he 
Monks, Monasteries, Religious rules,  visited the Monastery in the time of the Plague he died 
Churches in honou● of our Lady.  thereof. A Church being after built in honour of our Lady, his body was taken up and 
Altars.  placed on the right side of the Altar. A while after thirty brethren of the monastery of the East Saxons came to the place where he died, desiring either to live by the body of their Father, or (if it so pleased God to die there) Who being received, by the Brethren in time of the Plague, were all taken 
Intercession of Saints.  out of this life, except one youth who (as 'tis well known) was saved by the prayers 〈◊〉 this holy Father. For afterwards we understood that he had not been christened, whence it was believed that he was without doubt preserved by the intercession of the Father, whose corpse he so piously visited.   

Chap. 24.  
Relates, How virtuous King Oswin of Northumberland, called 
Vows made to God.  for the help of God against Penda, who threatened to destroy little and great in his kingdom. He tried to appease him by gifts, that not succeeding, he said, Since this Infidel regardeth not my Presents, let us offer presents to our Lord, who will receive them; so he vowed that if he vanquished 
Nuns, Monasteries, perpetual Virginity.  him, his daughter should be consecrated to God in perpetual Virginity, and that twelve Farms with Lands should be converted. to the founding of Monasteries. Thus 
God approveth this coutses of life.  with a very small Army, he offered him battle, though the Enemy was reported to have thirty times as many men. The victory being by God's help miraculously obtained, Oswin instantly performed his Vow, giving his daughter Elfled, not yet a year old, to be brought up, and consecrated to perpetual virginity, as also the twelve Possessions towards the founding of Monasteries; where, instead of worldly Tillage, 
Prayers of religious men in what esteem.  Religious Monks by continual devotion might labour to purchase eternal rest for him and his country. She entered first the Monastery of Horstherland (now Hartsey) to be brought up under Hilda abbess in Religion, and perpetual Virginity. But afterwards she built a Monastery, called Stranshalt, in which she was first a scholar, but after a Teacher of monastical life, until at the age of threescore, she passed to the blessed marriage of her Heavenly Spouse, being buried in the Church of 
daily prayer for the dead.  St. Peter, the Apostle. Eanfled required of Osway (who killed Oswin) in part of satisfaction to erect a Monastery, called Ingelith, whereof Trumher was Abbot, to the intent, that there might be daily prayer made for the salvation both of him that was slain, and him that slew him.   

Chap. 25.  
About this time arose a great controversy touching the observation of Easter. By this variance it happened often, that in one year two Easters were kept, the King ending his Fast, and solemnising the Feast 
The Fast of Lent.  of Easter, the Queen with her company, continuing in fasting kept Palm-sunday, yet this diversity as long as Aidan lived was by all tolerated, for though in observing Easter, he followed the custom of those, with whom he was brought up, yet he believed as all others did, and kept unity with all. Alfred the King's son, being instructed by the learned Wilfrid, preferred his judgement before 
Bishop Wilfrid instructed at Rome.  all the traditions of the Scots. This Wilfrid for better instruction, had traveled to Rome, and lived long with Delphinus Archbishop of Lions, under whom he shaved his crown, according to the custom of the Clergy. Alfred gave him a 
Clergy men wear shaven Crowns.  Monastery in a place which is called Humpud, one for learning & virtue worthy thereof. A Synod is called in the Monastery of Strensalt, for the deciding of this question. Wilfrid, commanded by the King and Bishop, spoke thus in answer to the Scots, and to Colman their chief Bishop. The Easter 
This Synod was at Whitby in Yorkshire.  by us observed, we have seen so observed at Rome, where the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul 
St. Peter and Paul lived, preached, and suffered at Rome.  lived, preached, suffered and are buried. This manner we have seen in all Italy and France. This we know to be observed, in Africa, Asia, Egypt and 
The strong plea of Tradition.  Greece, and throughout all Nations, and tongues of the world, where the Church of Christ taketh place, except these few, and others of like obstinacy, the Picts & Britains, with whom these men do fondly contend against the whole world. God forbid, said Wilfrid that we should charge St. John, For he, in his observation kept the decrees of Moses law literally, according as the whole Church followed yet in many things after the Jewish manner. For the Apostles were not able upon the sudden to blot out all customs, and rites of the law, instituted by God himself. This they were forced to bear for a time, lest the Jews that lived among the Gentiles might be offended: Upon this consideration, St. Paul did circumcise Timothy. Now the light of the Gospel shining through the world, it is not lawful for any Christian to be circumcised. Peter preaching his Gospel at Rome, remembering that our Lord rose the first day after the Sabath, understood the observation of Easter in such sort, that he looked for the rising of the Moon at Evening in the 14th. day of her Age, in the first month; at the rising whereof at Evening, if the morrow after were Sunday, he began in that very Evening to observe the Feast of Easter, as all we do to this day: but if Sunday were not the next morrow after the 14day of the Change of the Moon, but the 16, 17, or any other until the 21. he tarried for the Sunday, and that Saturday before he began the holy solemnity of Easter. And it was by the Nicene council not newly decreed, but confirmed, that this is the true observation of Easter, and so of all Christians to be celebrated. As for your Father and his followers; I do not think it was much prejudicial against them, as long as they had yet received no instruction to the contrary; but I rather 
error then damnable when the Authority of the Church is rejected.  suppose (seeing they willingly followed such commands as they knew) they would also have conformed themselves to the Catholic judgement, if they had been so informed. But you & your companions, if hearing the decrees of the See Apostolic, or rather of the universal Church, and that also confirmed in holy Writ, follow not the same, you offend and sin undoubtedly. For though your Fathers were holy men, could these few prejudice the whole Church of Christ spread through the World; and if your Father Columban were holy and mighty in miracles, yet may he not be preferred before the most blessed Prince of the Apostles, to whom our Lord said, Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock 
By the Prince of the Apostles Peter still understood Mat. 16. 18.  I will build my Church, and Hell gates shall not prevail against her; And to thee I will give the Keys of the kingdom of Heaven. The King hearing this, said, Agree ye both in this, that these words were principally spoken unto Peter, and that unto him the Keys of the kingdom of Heaven were given? When both answered yes, the King concluded, saying; I tell you I will not gainsay, such a Porter as this is, but as far as I know, and am able I will endeavour in all points to obey his Ordinances, lest perhaps when I come to the doors of Heaven; I find none to open them to me, having his displeasure, who is so clearly 
The Roman Tradition preferred.  proved to bear the Keys thereof. Thus they all embraced the more perfect observance.   

Chap. 26.  
Colman the Scottish Bishop, seeing his Doctrine disproved, 
The Clergy wear shaven Crowns.  departed for Scotland, taking with him, such as refused to accept of the Catholic observation of Easter, and of the carrying of a round shaved Crown. Cedda embraced the Catholic Tradition, and Tuda was made Bishop of the Northern men, wearing after the manner of that country a shaved Crown, and observing Easter after the Catholic manner. In holy Island Eata a reverend Father, once Abbot of Mailrose, was made Abbot over the Monks. Colman departing 
Abbo●●, Monasteri●●  took with him some of the bones of Bishop Aidan, part also he left in the Church, where he was Bishop, laying them up in the Vestry.  
The same Chapter, further Relates of the Monks of this Monastery, how greatly they abstained from all pleasure; if they took any money of rich men, they presently gave it to the poor, and the eminent and wealthy never came but to pray and hear the Word of God: and those that came contented themselves with the religious men's simple fare, looking for nothing above the ordinary. The Rulers of the Church sought not to pamper 
The distinct Habit of R●ligious and clergy men.  the body, but to save the soul; whence it came to pass, that even the Habit of Religious men was had in great Veneration: so that when any of the Clergy or Religious came forth, he was joyfully received of all, as the Servant of God. And if any were going a journey, the people ran to them, and with great reverence, desired to have their blessing either by hand or mouth. And when they made any Exhortation, as they passed by, every man gladly harkened unto them. Upon Sundays 
I'heir blessings craved, given by hand, that is by the sign of the cross.  ordinarily the people went to Church or Cloisters, not to eat and drink, but to hear the Word of God, and if any Priest came abroad into the Villages, the Inhabitants would flock about him, desiring of him some lesson or instruction. The Clergy in those days seldom went abroad, but to Preach, to christian, to visit the sick, or for the cure of Souls: Neither would they in those days take territories or possessiosn towards building of Monasteries, but through earnest suit, and almost forced thereto.  

Note here, upon the departure of Colman, that the Scots converted by Palladius, An. 422. as was said, B. 1. C. 13. did not disagree in Faith from those sent by St. Gregory, and later Popes into England in any one of those points, in which the Protestants now differ from the Roman Faith. They disagreed not about the Mass, about Prayer for the dead, Prayer to Saints, about the real Presence, or any such point. All the disagreement was about the time of keeping Easter, and the manner of Tonsure. Whence it is evident that Rome, in the points now in controversy, taught the very same this year 664 which it had taught the Scots by Palladius, An. 423. And what it taught then, it taught the Britains, An. 156. as I noted above B. 2. C. 2. see that place: see also the Preface. Number 1.    

Chap. 27.  
Relates, how divers English young men undertook a stricter course of Religious observance in Ireland, and how Egbert lying sick, vowed never 
Works of supererogation vowed.  to return home to his Country, but to live as a Pilgrim all his life. Besides the ordinary 
canonical hours.  service of canonical hours, he vowed to say every day the whole Psalter, and fast once every week one whole day. His request upon his Vow was heard, as by revelation Edelthun his companion told him; for recovering of his sickness, 
Vows of Austerity, approved from heaven.  he was made Priest, and lived worthy of that Vocation. Besides his Vows mentioned, he made and kept others, as that of Fasting the whole Lent: never eating but once a day, 
Lent.  and then nothing but bread and thin milk, and that sparingly. This kind of Fast, he kept forty days together before 
The antiquity of the holy Feast of Christmas.  Christmas, and as long after Whitsuntide all his life.   

Chap. 28.  
Relates, Wilfrid's being consecrated Bishop, how returning into England, he instructed much the Church of England, and reduced it to Catholic unity, touching external rites, and observances: whereby it came to pass, that Catholic Ordinances taking place, and being daily more and more embraced; the Scots either yielded or returned whence they came. Ceadda also is made Bishop of the West Saxons, renowned for Chastity, Humility and abstinence.   

Chap. 29.  
The most renowned Kings of England, Oswin of Northumberland, and Ecbert of Kent, deliberated about the peaceable government of the Church. For Oswin though bred among 
The Church of Rome, the Catholic and Apostolic Church.  the Scots, now understood that the Church of Rome was the Catholic and apostolical Church. They both by choice and consent of the Clergy sent Wigheard a Priest of great virtue to Rome, to be consecrated 
Still recourse unto Rome, concerning 〈◊〉 Prima●●.  Archbishop, to the end he might consecrate other Bishops, for the Catholic Church of the English throughout Britain. But before his Consecration, he departed this life, which gave occasion of Pope Vitalians letter to Oswi, as followeth.  
To our most Honourable Son, 
The Pope Father even to Kings.  Oswi, King.  
We perceive your Excellencies pious devotion, hoping assuredly, that, as you now reign over your people, so in the life to come, you shall reign with Christ, &c. It behooveth you, being 
Peter twice here understood by the Prin●● of the Apostles.  now a part of Christ, to follow in all things the rule of the Prince of the Apostles, as well in observing Easter, as in all other things delivered by the Apostles Peter and Paul. As touching one endowed with learning and other qualities, fit to be your Bishop, we cannot so suddenly have one ready, as soon as we shall find one worthy of that vocation we shall direct him to you. The presents your highness sent to the blessed Prince of the Apostles, for his perpetual memory, we have received; beseeching with all our clergy, the goodness of God for 
〈…〉 King's.  you. We have sent you the favours, that is the relics of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of the holy Martyrs, Laurence, 
Crosses, relics.  John and Paul, of Gregory and Pancratius, all to be delivered to your Excellency. To your Lady our spiritual daughter, 
An Indulgence granted thereunto as to Medals say our Divines.  we have sent a Cross, having in it a golden Key, made out of the holy Chains of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul.   

Chap. 30.  
Relates, How the East Saxons, in time of the Plague, fell to worship Idols, but were soon reclaimed,    

The Fourth Book.  

Chap. 1.  
RElates, how upon Wighards' death before mentioned, the Pope inquired whom he might send for Archbishop to the Church of England: In the Monastery of Niridan, not far from Naples there was an Abbot called Adrian, 
Abbot●  well learned in the Scriptures, throughly instructed in Monastical government, and very skilful in the Greek and Latin tongue. This man was commanded by the Pope, to take upon him the bishopric; but he answered, that he was not fit for so high a Degree, yet promising to produce one worthy of that Vocation; he offered to the Pope a certain Monk, called Andrew belonging to a Nunnery, but he being sickly could not perform it. There was at 
Monks, Nuns.  that time in Rome a Monk named Theodore, very learned; him Adrian presented to the Pope, to be consecrated Bishop by him; yet Adrian was to accompany him into England, to have a diligent eye, that Theodore being a Grecian, introduced not after the manner of the Greeks, any doctrine contrary to the Faith received. 
The Pope still invests our Primates.  This man being made Subdeacon, stayed a while in Rome, till his hair was grown, to take the round Ecclesiastical tonsure, which before he had taken, 
Shaving of Clergy men.  according to the East Church, after the manner of St. Paul. The King sends Ridfrid his lieutenant into France to conduct 
Shaving of Clergy men.  him. At his arrival Theodore gave Adrian the Monastery of St. Peter the Apostle where he was Abbot thirty nine years.   

Chap. 2.  
Relates, How Theodore accompanied by Adrian, visited all the country; and how all men did most gladly receive and hear him. He taught the right way of good life, with the canonical rites and orders of Easter; for he was the first Archbishop unto whom all the whole Church of the English did consent unto; from their entrance into Britain, never was known happier times.   

Chap. 3.  
Relates, How the most blessed Bishop Chad, who of a Monk of Lesting, was made Bishop, was used to go preach 
Our Bishop's Monks and of great sanctity.  the gospel more on foot than on horseback. He governed after the example of the ancient Fathers in great perfection of life. King Wulpher gave him land to build the Monastery of Etbere, where until this day the steps of Monastical life, which he began, still remain. 
The Cathedral at Lei●chfield now dedicated to St. Chad.  His chief residence was at Lichfield, where he died, and was buried; and where his fear continueth to this day. He made himself a private Mansion, whether as often as he was at leisure from the ministry of the Gospel, he was wont to repair to pray and read with seven or eight of the brethren. It happened, when his hour was come to pass out of this world, he was in the said Closet with one brother only, whose name was Owen; all the rest being returned to Church, as the hour required: This Owen was a Monk of great perfection, 
Good works done out of hope of reward done with pure intention.  and had forsaken the world, with a pure intention and hope of reward in heaven, a man worthy to whom God should reveal his secrets; and of credit in what he saith: For being governor of Queen Edildreds' Court, he despoiled himself of all, and came clothed 
A prophetical vision.  in poor apparel to the Monastery of the said Father. One day, as he was employed abroad, the rest being gone to Church, the Bishop being alone in the Oratory of the House, Owen heard suddenly (as he after told) a most sweet consort of voices singing and rejoicing, coming down from heaven to earth, drawing nearer until it came to the roof of the Oratory where the Bishop was, where entering it filled it, and compassed it round about. An hour after, he heard the same joyful song ascend from the same Oratory to heaven. He being astonished, the Bishop opened the Oratory window, beckening with his hand, whereupon Owen came to him; to whom the Bishop said, Go quickly to the Church, and call those seven br●thren hither. Being come, he admonished them to keep among themselves, and towards all Charity, to follow the rule● and orders of Monastical discipline, which they had either learned of him, or of their forefathers. Then he told them that his departure was nigh, For the most lovely guest (quoth he) that was wont to visit our brethren (many had died 
Good works a preparation to death.  of the Plague out of the Monastery) hath vouchsafed this day to come to me, and call me out of this world. Go ye to Church again, and speak to the brethren, That with their Prayers, they both commend unto our Lord my departure, and remember with watching, prayers, and 
The blessing of men.  good works to prepare also for their own. When the Brethren had taken his blessing and were gone; Owen casting himself on the ground, said, I pray you good Father what song was that I heard of that I heard of that joyful company descending from heaven upon this Oratory, and again returning. He answered if you heard the singing, and understood the coming of the heavenly Companies; I charge you to tell no man thereof before my death. They were indeed Angels who came to call me to the heavenly rewards, which I always loved and longed for, and after seven days, they promised they would return and take me with them. The seventh day (as it was promised) after he had received the body and blood of our Lord, his holy Soul was carried (as we may well believe) by Angels to everlasting joy. Among his manifold merits, he was renowned for Chastity, Abstinence, Preaching, Prayer, voluntary Poverty. Agreeable to this Revelation is that which I now add. Ecbert a Monk in Ireland, whom Higball Abbot went to see, said, He knew one yet alive, who when Chad passed out of this world beheld a company of Angels descend, and carry up his soul with them. St. Chad was buried first near St. Mary's Church, but afterwards 
St. Peter still ●alled Prince of the Apostles  his bones were removed to the Church of the most blessed St. Peter Prince of the Apostles, in both which places, in token of his virtue, frequent miracles in healing of 
Translation of relics.  the sick are wont to be wrought. One that had a frenzy, lying by his tomb all night, the next morning came out 
Miracles by them.  well, and in his perfect senses, declaring to the great joy of all, that there he had by God's goodness got his health. The place is covered over with a wooden tomb like a house, having a little hole on the side, wherein they that come thither for devotion, are wont to put in their hand, and take of the dust, which putting into water, they give to sick beasts, or men to drink; whereby they forthwith become whole.   

Chap. 4.  
Relates, How the Bishop Colman leaving England, took with him some thirty English Monks, and afterwards founded a Monastery for them in 
Monks▪  Ireland, after the example of the Venerable Fathers, living under rule, and under a regular Abbot in great continency, getting their living with the labour of their hands.   

Chap. 5.  
The year 670. 2. King Oswi of Northumberland died, he bore such affection to the See Apostolic of Rome, that, had he lived, he purposed to have 
Pilgrimages to Rome.  gone thither for to end his life in those holy places, having for that purpose entreated Bishop Wilfrid to be his guide. This Chapter further relates, how Theodore called a Synod of Bishops at Hertford.  

The result of this Synod was, that they maintained the Ancient Canons of the Church: Theodore at the beginning thereof, said; I 
The See Apostolic appoints out primates  Theodore, though unworthy, appointed by the see Apostolic Archbishop of Canterbury, &c.    

Chap. 6.  
Theodore the Archbishop being offended with Winfrid Bishop of the Mercians, for a crime of disobedience, deposed him, appointing in his place Sexwolph, who was founder 
Our Bishops still Monks.  and Abbot of the Monastery of Medshamsted, now called Peterborough: Winfrid returning to his Monastery, Artbear, there piously ended his life: Theodore also appointed Erconwald Bishop of London, whose life and conversation was counted most holy, as to this 
Erconwald was first Abb●● of Chertsey in Surrey.  day his heavenly virtues and miracles do well declare: for his Horse-litter wherein he was wont to be carried, when he was sick, being yet kept by his disciples, doth daily cure such as have Agues, or are otherwise diseased. The very 
Miracles.  chips also, that are cut off from it, and brought to the sick, are wont to give them speedy remedy. He built two goodly 
relics.  Monasteries for himself and his Sister Edilburge, furnishing them with good Rules: that for his Sister at Berring (in 
Nuns.  Essex) where she was Mother of the Nuns; behaving herself in all virtuous conversation, as was showed by Miracles 
They do Miracles.  from Heaven.   

Chap. 7.  
In this Monastery many wonderful signs and Miracles were showed, which for the benefit of posterity are written by many who knew them: when the Plague raging thorough the Island came to this Monastery, and had entered upon that part where the men lived, so that daily one or other was taken out of the 
Their habitation seemed from men.  world; This good Mother being careful of her company (at such a time as the visitation of God, touched that part of the Monastery, in the which the Handmaids of God dwelled by themselves apart from the men) asked the Sisters In what place of the Monastery they would have their bodies buried when God should visit them? When she could get no certain answer from them; she and all the rest received a most certain one and from God. For one night as these Handmaids of Christ went forth of the chapel after matins, to the graves of the Brethren that were dead, singing accustomed prayers to our Lord; behold suddenly a light sent down from Heaven in manner of a Sheet came over them, which struck them with such fear, that they ceased from singing; which brightness (whereunto the midday seemed night) being again lifted up went to the south part of the Monastery, and there staying awhile, withdrew to heaven; so that none of them doubted, but that the very light which should receive their souls into heaven, did also show a place for their bodies to rest in.   

Chap. 8.  
There was a child about three years old, brought up in this House of Virgins, dedicated to God, to be employed in Meditation among them. This child being strucken with the plague, coming to the 
Virgins consecrared to Chr●st.  pangs of death, spoke to one of those consecrated Virgins of Christ, calling her by her name Fadgit. This Virgin being suddenly taken with the sickness departed this life, following the voice that called her. Another of the Handmaids of God, taken with the same disease, and brought to the last, told them that a certain holy man appeared to her, 
A prophetical Vision.  who died the same year, bringing her word, that when the morning drew near, she should depart to everlasting light. The Truth was proved by the death of the Maid.   

Chap. 9  
When Ediburge the pious Mother of this devout congregation was to depart this world, a wonderful vision was seen by one of the Sisters, whose name was Thorithgid, who had lived long in that Monastery, and was always diligently employed in serving of God in great humility; she had been tried in sickness by the sweet hand of God, for the space of nine years, to the end that the spot of sin by ignorance 
By patience we satisfy for our sins.  or negligence contracted might be purged by the fire of tribulation. This woman towards break of day saw plainly as it were a corpse brighter than the Sun, carried up in a winding sheet from the Dormitory, where the Sister lay, and diligently observing what it was, that drew up the 
Good works, the golden cords which life usup to heaven.  glorious body, she saw, as it were, certain cords, brighter than gold, which drew it so high, till it vanished away. By this she understood that some of them should shortly die, whose soul should be lifted up to heaven by good works, as by golden cords, which happened so; for not long after, the Mother of the Covent was delivered out of the prison of 
Holy Nuns.  this flesh, whose life was such, that no man can doubt, but that the entrance to heaven lay open to her. There was in the Monastery a holy Nun, noble by birth, noble for the love she had of the world to come, who for many years was so bereft of all use of her limbs that she was wholly unable to move herself. This Nun when she knew that the body of the reverend Abbess was brought to the Church to be buried, desired she might be carried thither, and laid down in the posture of one praying. Which 
We pray to Saints as to these who hear us.  done, she spoke to the Abbess, as if she had been alive, desiring her to obtain (of God) that she might be loosed from her torments: The Petition was soon granted, for twelve days after, she received everlasting reward, in lieu of those temporal afflictions. Thorithgid the handmaid of Christ, lived three years after the abbess, worn out with sickness. The time of her departing being come, she was speechless three days and nights; but having her speech restored in 
Visions  a Vision, and being demanded of them, that were about her, to whom she spoke; To my most dear Mother Edilburge (quoth she.) By these words, they understood that the holy abbess came to bring her word, that the time of her departure was at hand, for soon after she died.   

Chap. 10.  
Hildehid a devout handmaid of God succeeded abbess, who many years governed the Monastery very carefully 
Abbesses.  in regular discipline and order. She caused the bones of Edilburge, the holy servant of Christ to be taken up and removed to the Church of the blessed Mother of God, in which place, how often the brightness of heavenly light 
Miracles.  appeared, how often fragrant odours of mervelous sweetness were felt, with other Miracles appeareth in that book; whence we have taken these things. By no means, I think fit to overpass one miracle which happened there. An Earls wife had a darkness suddenly came over her eyes, which in the end made her stark blind: 
Nuns.  It came into her mind, that if she were but brought to the Monastery of the Virgin-Nuns, and there prayed at the relics of the Saints, she 
Efficacy of prayers to Saints at their relics.  might be cured. Being led by her maid to the Monastery, as she prayed there, her Petition was heard. For rising from her prayers, she received her sight, so that it seemed she had lost the light of this world, only to this end; that she might show by her recovery what, & how great the light is, that Christ's Saints have in Heaven, & what their power & virtue is.   

Chap. 11.  
At that time Sebby a most devout and holy man, reigned over the East-Saxons: He was 
Monastical life preferred before kingdoms.  much addicted to the exercise of Religion and Virtue, to Prayer and Charity, esteeming a solitary and Monastical life above the riches and honour of a kingdom: Which life he would long before (leaving his kingdom) have embraced, but that his wife would not consent. After thirty years being molested with a very great infirmity; he counselled his wife that now at least they should betake themselves 
Religious habit different from Sceular.  to God: which she assenting to. He by the Bishop of London Waldhers hand and blessing received the Habit of Religion. He bestowed much money on the poor, reserving nothing for himself; choosing 
This King became a Monk in the Monastery of St. Peter and St Paul in London.  rather to remain poor in spirit for the kingdom of Heaven. When he perceived death at hand, he sent for the Bishop, desiring that at his passing out of this world, he and two of his chaplains only should be present. Then falling asleep, he was comforted by a Vision, which showing him his end, took from him all fear. He saw (as is reported) three men 
A prophetic Vision.  coming to him clad in bright garments, and one of them sitting by his bedside, told him his soul, in great light and salvation, should depart without pain; and that he should die the third day after. All which came to pass. 'tis further related, how the body being longer than the stone Coffin by a hand-breadth, the said 
A Miracle very public.  Coffin by a miracle (wrought in the presence of a multitude of people) was so enlarged, that at the head they could put a pillow, and at the feet was space longer by four finger's breadth than the corpse.   

Chap. 12.  
Ceadwal, having been King 
Our Kings turn Pilgrims.  of the West Saxons two years, for the love of Heaven, left his kingdom; and went to Rome, where he ended his days. Two Bishops are appointed in Wilfrid's place over Northumberland, both taken out of the 
Our Bishop's Monks.  cloisters of Monks.   

Chap. 13.  
Wilfrid the Bishop forced to leave his diocese, through the displeasure of the King; yet could not be kept from preaching the Gospel; for he ministered to the South Saxons the Faith and Baptism. King Edilwach was christened not 
Godfathers.  long before, King Wulpher being his Godfather at the Font. He christened also the principal Lords of the country, the Queen with the rest soon after following. The whole Province had never before heard of God, nor of the Faith: yet was there in the country one Dicull a Monk, who lived in the Monastery of Bosanhun, with five or six brethren, serving 
Monks  God in an humble and pure life; but the people would not follow them nor hear them. In the end Wilfrid by preaching the Gospel to them, not only delivered them from eternal damnation, but also from temporal death: For in three years before his 
Our Faith confirmed from heaven.  coming, it had not reigned one drop in all those quarters, whereby a very sore famine ensued, which pitifully wasted them. But on the very self same day that the people received their baptism, and Faith, there fell a most plentiful shower, wherewith the Earth flourished again, and brought in a most fruitful year. The King gave Wilfrid and his companions a place called Scoleycen. There he founded an Abbey, which he 
Monks.  bound to monastical discipline, placing Monks there whose successors hold it to this day.   

Chap. 14.  
At the same time in this Monastery, were showed divers gifts of Heavenly grace. When first this Province received the name of Christ a sore Plague reigned in many places of England, which coming in to this Monastery, (which the virtuous Priest Eappa governed,) where many daily died, it seemed good to the Brethren, to appoint a fast of three days, humbly to implore God's mercy. There was in the house at that time a little Boy, lately converted; who was taken with the sickness: When the second day of Fasting and Prayer was come, it happened that in the morning, there appeared unto him, the two most blessed and chief Apostles, 
A prophetical Vision.  St. Peter and Paul; (for the boy was innocent, and endowed with the Sacrament of Faith:) The Apostles saluted him, saying, Son fear not death, for we will this day bring thee to Heaven: but thou shalt stay till the Masses be said, and after thou 
Masses.  hast received the Viaticum or journey-earnest, of the body and blood of our Lord, thou shalt be conveyed to everlasting joys: Call Eappa the Priest, and tell him thus; Our Lord hath heard your prayers, and looked mercifully upon your fasting, there shall not one more die of the plague in this Monastery; and they that are sick shall recover. But thou alone (said they) shalt be set free, and go unto the Lord, whom thou haft served. Tell them it hath pleased God to do thus for them, through the intercession of the dear servant of God King Oswald: For on this day 
Intercession of Saints approved from heaven.  was he Martyred by the Infidels, and taken up to Heaven. Let them look their Book, wherein are registered the departed, and they shall find it so: Let them therefore say Masses through all the Oratories of the Monastery, giving thanks, as well that their prayer is heard, as also in the memory 
Masses commanded by the Apostles.  of the said King, who formerly was their King, and therefore earnestly prayed for them, as for those of his Nation. And when all the brethren are come together to Church, let them be partakers of the heavenly sacrifice 
Intercession of Saints avouched by the Apostles.  and so end their fast. All this being related by the boy, the Priest inquired after what manner they appeared: He answered, They were comely and resplendent in habit, and countenance above any he had ever seen, 
St. Peter's ecclesiastical Tonsure.  the one with the celestial Tonsure, the other with a long Beard, and they said, they were Peter and Paul, servants of Christ, sent for the defence of the Monastery. The Priest believing the words by the Boy, seeking in the Records, found that Oswald was slain that day: calling therefore together the brethren, he commanded Masses to be said, and that all should communicate after the accustomed manner, and also caused a particle of the same sacrifice of the Lord's Oblation 
Sacrifice. Communion under one kind.  to be brought to the sick Boy, which done, he died the same day; confirming by his death the truth of the Apostles words; for no more but he died out of the Monastery. By this Vision many were stirred up to pray, and call for mercy in adversity, as also to use the wholesome help and medicine of fasting. And from that time, as well in the Monasteries, as in very many other places, the birthday of the said King, began yearly to be 
Masses Yearly Feasts of Martyrs.  kept holy with celebration of Masses.   

The 15. Chapter nothing but Civil Affairs.   

Chap. 16.  
Relates, How King Cedwall, 
The Isle of Wight last converted.  though not yet christened, bound himself by Vow, that if he took the Isle of Wight, he would give unto God the fourth part thereof, which he performed. He gave it Wilfrid 
Wilfrid their Apostle.  for the service of our Lord. Thus this Island after all the Provinces of Britain was converted.   

Chap. 17.  
At this time, Theodore, the Archbishop, hearing that the Faith was much opposed at Constantinople, by the heresy of Eutichus, and desiring that the English Church, which he governed might continue free from any such spot; gathered an Assembly of many Reverend Priests and doctors, where he found an uniform consent of them in the Catholic Faith. Theodore, By the grace of God, Archbishop of the Isle of Britain, and with him sitting the other Bishops at Hetfield, &c. After debate and conference, We have set forth the 
The faith of all the Bishops and Doctors of England.  true Catholic Faith in such sort as our Lord delivered it, &c. We have received the five holy and 
The ancient English blessed Church received more than the first four counsels.  general Synods of the blessed and beloved Fathers of God, viz. of 318. assembled at Nice against the wicked Arius and his opinions: and of 150. at Constantinople against the fond Sect of Macedonins, and that at Ephesus the first time of 200. against wicked Nestorius, and that of Chalcedon of a 130. against Eutichus; and at Constantinople the second time, where was assembled the fifth council against Theodore and others. Also we receive the Synod held at Rome, in the time of the most holy Pope Martin: We worship and glorify our Lord as those men have done, neither adding nor diminishing; and we excommunicate with heart and mouth, those whom they excommunicate; and whom they have received, we receive.   

Chap. 18.  
At this Synod was present, 
Abbots and Monks.  and confirmed the Catholic Faith, a Reverend man, named John, the chief chantor of St. Peter's, and Abbot of the Monastery of St. martin's, who was come from Rome, by command of Pope Agatho, having for his guide the Reverend Abbot 
By prince of the Apostles still St. Peter understood.  Benedict. For having built a Monastery in England, in honour of the Prince of the Apostles, he came to Rome (as often before) with Ceolfrid his companion in the same work (after Abbot) and was received most honourably by the Pope, of whom he obtained Letters of 
privileges of Popes admitted in England.  privilege by Apostolic Authority, as he knew King Egfrid's will was by whose liberal 
Abbi●s.  gift he had erected it. He brought this John with him into England, to teach the abbeys the yearly course and order of singing, as it was taught at St. Peter's in Rome, which he did, teaching the Chantours 
How ancient our Church music is above that of the Protestants  and Choristers of the Abbey, the order and form of singing and reading; committing to writing thosethings which appertained to the celebration of the 
Celebration of Feasts according to the practice of Rome.  high Feasts and holidays through the year: which have been hither kept in the same Abbey, and are now in all places copied out. They came to hear him from all the Monasteries of the Province, and many invited him to come unto them: He had in charge from the Apostolic Pope, diligently to observe what Faith the Church of England professed, and bring him word thereof to Rome: So the Copy of the foresaid Synod was given to him to carry to Rome, wherein the Catholic Faith was found sound and uncorrupt; but in his return he died: His body for the love he bore to St. Martin (whose Monastery he governed) was honourably buried at Towers. nevertheless, the Copy of the Catholic Faith was brought to Rome, and joyfully received by the See Apostolic.   

Chap. 19  
King Egfrid took to wife Ediltrude daughter of the King of the East-Saxons; yet she remained twelve years a Virgin, as Bishop Wilfrid a man of holy memory did inform me, enquiring purposely thereof, because some doubted it▪ And that such things may be done in our time, as formerly, (as Histories 
P●rpetuall Virginity in Wedlock.  witness) we may not question. This also was a sign of the divine Wonder, that the body of the same Virgin, being buried, remained uncorrupt, which shows she ever lived 
This approved by Miracles.  untouched. And 'tis well known, she long besought the King, that she might forsake the cares of the world, and go into a Monastery to serve 
Nuns.  Christ: Which having obtained, she chose the Monastery of abbess Ebba; Bishop Wilfrid, giving her the veil and 
nun's Habit.  clothing of a Nun. A year after, she was made abbess in the Isle of Ely; where was built a Monastery of Virgins dedicated to God, to whom she proved a good mother, living a Virgin in example and heavenly life. 'tis said, that 
Their Holy life.  from the time she entered, she never wore linen, but woollen only; very seldom, but on high feasts, or for necessity, did she eat more than once a day. From the time of her first settling to prayer until day light, she continued in the Church. They say, she prophesied, she should die of the plague, and declared the number that should die out of the Monastery. Sexburge her sister succeeded abbess, who placed her sister's bones in the Church, the Grave being opened, and the body of the holy Virgin and spouse of Christ, taken up, it was found as free from corruption (though buried sixteen years) as if she had died 
Approved by Mirades.  the same day, as Bishop Wilfrid and others witness; and the clothes wherein her body was wrapped, appeared whole, and so new, that they seemed but then to be put on: It is further related, How being molested in her life time, with a swelling and pain of her cheek and neck; she rejoiced and was wont to say; I know I deservedly undergo this pain, for when I was a girl, I wore the superfluous burden of precious Pearls and necklaces, and I believe God doth therefore send this pain in my ne●k, that he may so absolve me from the guilt of vaenity, whilst in lein of Gold and precious stones the fiery heat annoyeth me. It happened also that by the touching of the said clothes wherein the corpse lay 
Miracles by relics.  Spirits were expelled out of possessed bodies and diseases healed. And 'tis said that the tomb in which she was first laid, cured those that had sore 
We commonly call Ihiss Virgin St. Audery.  eyes, who making their prayyer, and applying their head to the Coffin, forthwith were freed. The body of the Virgin is kept to this day, and had in great veneration: The Tomb ready made, was not without miracle found fit for the virgin's body   

Chap. 20.  
I add (saith Bede) a hymn of this Queen and Spouse of 
nun's Spouses of Christ and therefore Queens.  Christ, and therefore truly Queen because Christ's Spouse. then followeth the hymn.   

Chap. 21.  
Nothing but a battle, in which King Elbuine was slain; peace ensued.   

Chap. 22.  
In the foresaid battle, a thing famous and well known to many happened, which we may not omit, both for the profit of the Reader and glory of God. Among the soldiers 
A story profitable to the Reader and glorious to God.  that were slain, a young man called Imma was left for dead, who at last reviving and binding up his wounds, was taken, and brought before the Commander, he fearing to confess he was a soldier, said he was a Farmer of the Country, and had brought victuals to the camp. The Commander (for all that) at night, commanded he should be kept in Irons; yet none would hold him: for as soon as they were gone that bound him, his Fetters fell off. For he had a Brother, whose name was Tunna a Priest, and Abbot of a Monastery in the City, called this day Tunnacester, who hearing his Brother was slain, came to seek his body, where finding one like him, he brought him 
mass proved by Miracle to be propitiatory for the living and dead Ano. 679.  to the Abbey and buried him; and after caused Masses to be said, to obtain Absolution for his soul; by the saying of which Masses it came to pass, that nothing could bind him, but that he was instantly loosed. The Earl that kept him wondered thereat, and inquired of him the cause I have (quoth he) a brother that is a Priest, I know he thinks that I am slain, and therefore doth often say mass for me. And if I now were in another world, my soul should be loosed from pains, through his Intercession and Prayers, as my body is hear from fetters. Being recovered, the Earl sent him to London, and sold him to a merchant of Frizeland, but neither he, nor any else could bind him by any means. The Merchant seeing this, took a ransom for him: For about the third hour in the morning, when Masses began to be said, very often were his Fetters loosed. Imma returning to his country, declared to his brother all that happened, and he knew by what his brother told him, that his bonds were loosed at those times chiefly, in which Masses were said for him. He understood also, that the other great helps that befell him, came from Heaven, through his brother's Intercession and offering of the saving Host and Sacrifice. Many that heard this, were devoutly inflamed in faith, imployjng themselves in Prayer, alms and Charitable deeds, offering to our Lord Hosts of Sacred Oblations, and Sacrifices for the delivery of their friends, that were departed this world. For they understood thereby, 
Note how sure this story is.  and knew that the saving sacrifice was effectual to the everlasting Redemption of body and soul. This story was told me by them that heard it from the man on whom it was done: and therefore knowing it to be undoubtedly true, I insert it here.   

Chap. 23.  
The year following, the devout and Religious servant 
Holy Nuns.  of Christ Hilda abbess of Streanshal, after many heavenly deeds, past out of this world to the rewards of heaven: 
Religious life the more ready way to heaven.  Three and thirty years she lived in a secular life, and as many did she dedicate more nobly to our Lord in monastical life, she was Daughter to the Nephew of King Edwin. Yet she quitted her secular habit, desiring to go into France, and there in a Monastery, to lead a pilgrims life, that so more easily she might enjoy an everlasting Country▪ There lived in that Monastery at the same time Herewid her sister, Mother to Aldulf, King of the East-English; under the rule and discipline of Religion, and after the example of her sister she lived as a stranger out of her own Country: A year after Hilda being called home by Aidan the Bishop, had a Lordship given her, where she lived a Monastical life with her company. Then was she made abbess of a Monastery, called He●rthew which was built by the devout Handmaid of Christ Heiu who is said to have been the first in Northumberland, that took upon her the state and habit of a Nun, being consecrated by Aidan. This handmaid of Christ goveining this Monastery, ordered the 〈◊〉 excellently in regular life and discipline: Having ruled, there for some years in great observance and strictness of Regular life, she took upon her the building of Streanshal, which she furnished with the same Rules and Orders. She admirably taught 
Monasteries.  the works of righteousness, Devotion, and Chastity, after the example of the Primitive Church. There was none rich none poor, all was in common, nothing peculiar, or singular, in any one; she made the Religious men that lived under her, bestow their time in reading of holy Scripture, and practise of virtue, that thence might be found men worthy 
Altars. Our Bishop's Monks of singular sanctity.  to serve the Altar, whereof five were Bishops of eminent sanctity. One of them called Ostfor, when he had in both Monasteries diligently followed the reading of Scripture, desirous of further perfection came into Kent, to Archbishop 
Pilgrimage to Rome a thing of great virtue An 680.  Theodore: he went also to Rome, which at that time was counted a thing of great virtue: As for Hilda, after seven years extraordinary patience in sickness, she died. Her death was revealed by a manifest vision in another Monastery. There was a certain Nun called 
Nuns graced With heavenly visions.  ●egu, who had served our Lord in monastical conversation and virginity thirty years and more. This Nun taking her rest in the dormitary, heard suddenly the bell ring, which was wont to call them up to prayers, when any of them departed this world; and opening her eyes she saw the roof, and all above full of lights, and the soul of the said handmaid of God in that light carried into heaven, accompanied by Angels. Hereupon she rose and went to the Virgin that was governess of the Monastery and told her that the Mother of them all, Hilda was departed, and with a great company of Angels ascended to Heaven; then she made the Sisters rise and go to Church, willing then to say prayers & Psalms for the soul of their Mother. At break of day came the Brethren to bring word of her departure, but they showed they knew it before. It is reported that in the same Monastery where the Handmaid of Christ died, one of these vowed Virgins had her departing showed her in a vision, beholding her 
Years of noviship or probation of Religious.  sonl going with the Angels to heaven, whilst she was at that time with other handmaids of Christ in the remote places of the Monastery, were such as were newly come to Religion were wont to be tried in a place a part the time of their probation, till instructed in the rule and order, they were admitted to the fellowship of the rest.   

Chap. 24.  
Contains the virtues of one 
Holy Monks.  Cednom, and relates how he became a Monk, and how the night before he died, he desired him who served the sick, to 
Reservation of the Sacrament  prepare him a lodging in that place where those, who lay a-dying, used to be lodged, (commonly called the infirmery) who wondering thereat he not seeming near death, did notwithstanding what he desired. About midnight he inquired, 

Communion under one kind.  
The custom of singing matins and Laud's in the night.  
The sign of the cross.   whether they had the Eucharist within? And receiving it, he asked, How nigh the hour was that the brethren should rise to perform their nightly Laudes? they answered not far off. Then quoth he, let us expect. that hour, being come, signing himself with the sign of the holy Cross sleeping a while he died, becoming a Prophet of his own death.   

Chap. 25.  
Relates, How the Monastery of Virgins in Colloden (now called Coldingham in the marches 
Strange Austerity of the ancient Monks.  of Scotland) was burnt, How also in the same Monastery, one named Adaman led a very devout life in chastity, abstinence, and prayer, so that he did neither eat nor drink except on Sunday and Thursday, and often times past over whole nights in Watching and prayer. Having in his youth committed a 
Confession. Absolution for a time deferred.  grievous sin, it often occurring to him, he resorted unto a Priest, confessed his sin unto him, and desired his counsel, how to escape the wrath of God. The Priest when he heard his offence, said, A great wound requires a greater cure, give thy 
Satisfaction.  self to Fasting and Prayer, to the end thou mayest find God merciful to thee. But he out of excessive grief, desiring forth with to be absolved from his sins, said, I am young and strong, therefore whatsoever you impose, I will perform to be saved, although it be to pass the whole night in Prayer, and the whole week in abstinence. 'tis too much said the Priest; it sufficeth you to fast two or three days at once; do this a while then returning unto me, I will declare unto thee, how thou mayest persist in doing penance. Some unexpected cause calling this Priest into Ireland, he departed this life. But Adaman ever after kept this manner of fasting. The latter part of this Chapter, recounts the vision of one who appearing 
Sins redeemed by good works.  to Adaman, said, Thou and many others have need to redeem your sins by good works: foretelling him the ruin was to befall that Monastery for neglect of due observance which after happened. This Giles a most Reverend Priest told me, who 
How assured all this is.  then lived in that Monastery.   

Chap. 26.  
Relates, chiefly the Revolution of civil affairs, and some few other passages little to our purpose.   

Chap. 27.  
Relates, How Cuthbert, a Holy man being consecrated Bishop of lindis-fern, lived a solitary life many years in great continency, and how first 
Solitary life. Our chief holy Bishops Monks.  in the Monastery of Mailrose he was an humble scholar to Boisel a man of great virtue and of a prophetic Spirit. He learned of him the Scriptures and example of good works His Master dying Cuthbert was made Head of the Monastery, and brought many to a regular life. He often went out into the villages to preach the 
They shine with the gift of prophecy.  way of truth to them that went astray. For it was the custom of England at that time, that when any clergyman or Priest came forth, they all flock about him to hear the Word, diligently harkening, and more willingly following in works what they heard. None hid the secrets of his heart from him, but all plainly declared in Confession what they had done, because they imagined, these things were not concealed from him & as 
Confession, Satisfaction.  he commanded, so did they blot out their sins confessed with worthy fruits of penance. He was removed from the Monastery of Mailrose (after he had many years excelled there in great signs of virtue) to Lindisfern, to teach the Brethren the observance of regular discipline. Aidan first Bishop of that place was a Monk, and did there place and begin Monastical life and conversation, joining it with his Episcopal Function, even as the blessed Father Augustine had done in Kent.   

Chap. 28.  
After this Cuthbert increasing in merits past further, and 
Anchorets graced with Mi●acles.  led an Anachorets' life: The place he made choice of being haunted with spirits, and destitute of Water, Corn and Trees; he, by his prayers, chasing them away, made habitable. He commanded the brethren to dig, where the earth was hardest and stoniest, and by his prayers obtained such plenty of water, that it sufficeth all to this very day. He commanded also Barley to be sown in a season most improper; and yet he reaped a plentiful crop. 'tis related further, How at the Synod of Atwiford he was compelled to take the Office of a Bishop, and that which forced him, was that the servant of God Boisell (who with a prophetic spirit foretold many things) had prophesied, that he should be 
Sacrifice.  Bishop. He was famous for abstinence and strictness of life. When he offered the wholesome Sacrifice to God, it was 
Gift of Pr●phesie,  with tears from the bottom of his heart. Having spent two years in his Episcopal Function, he returned to his Monastery, admonished from God of the day of his death, which he declared to some in obscure words, though afterward plainly understood: To others he openly manifested the same.   

Chap. 29.  
Relates How Herebert a Priest of great perfection and friend to Cuthbert, led a solitary life, to whom Cuthbert revealing his 
Solitary life.  own death, he fell down at his feet, requesting him to obtain that he might pass to Heaven with him. Cuthbert having 
A proph●si●.  made his prayer, told him his request was granted. The event confirmed the prophecy, for they died both upon one day.   

Chap. 30.  
God being pleased to manifest in how great glory Cuthbert lived after his death, 
Miracles.  whose godly life cxcelled in many Miracles, inspired the 
relics▪  Brethren, a eleven years after to remove his bones. Opening the tomb, they found the body all whole, as if it were alive, 
A Miracle.  the 〈◊〉, joints, sinews pliable, the garments also seemed fresh, and resplendent. They went to the Bishop, who was then in a solitary place encompassed with the sea. For there was he wont always to 
Lents forty days fast.  keep the time of Lent, and forty days also before Christmas, in devotion, abstinence and tears: They brought him part of the Clothes that were about the Holy body, which he received as an acceptable present, and kissing them with great affection rejoiceth to hear of such Miracles. His successor of great virtue Eadbert was laid in Cuthbert's grave, in which place Miracles done in restoring the sick, do witness the virtuous lives of them both.   

Chap. 31.  
Relates, How one was cured 
Miraculous relics.  of a palsy at Cuthbert's tomb. The Clothes also wherewith the Holy body was clad, either in his life or after his death, did not want the gifts of healing the sick.   

Chap. 32.  
Relates, How another was cured at St. Cuthbert's relics 
Miraculous relics.  of a great sore in his eye. The Monks had taken some of Cuthburts' hair of his head for relics to show and give: And as soon as part thereof was applied to thesore, the party was healed.    

The Fifth Book.  

Chap. 1.  
Relate●, How Edilwald, Cuthbert's successor in a solitary 
Solitary life.  life, alaid, by prayer, a great tempest at Sea, wherein some of his Brethren were in danger. Gutfrid (saith Bede) a faithful servant of Christ who was one of the Company, and after Abbot of Lindesferne declared 
Monks of miraculous sanctity.  it to me. When we had (said Gutfrid) talked with him much to our comfort, having asked blessing, we hastened home. Soon after a great tempest arose: Edilwald falling on his knees prayed to God to deliver us, and suddenly the storm ceased, and we came safe to land. As soon as we were ashore, the Tempest and storm began again, and lasted all that day, to give us to understand that the calm was given us by God, at the prayers of the Holy man. After his decease, he was buried in St. Peter the Apostles Church.   

Chap. 2.  
John, Famous for integrity, and purity of life was made Bishop of Hagulstad, of whom his familiar acquaintance were wont to report many strange 
Miracles how authentical.  Miracles wrought at several times, chiefly Berethun (who is now Abbot) a man most Reverend and faithful in his relations, of which I thought fit to record some. There is a private abode near a churchyard of St. Michael the archangel, hither this holy man was wont to retire himself to pray especially in time of Lent. The time being now at hand, he gave command to seek out some beggar, towards whom he might exercise his charity. They brought him one who was dumb: One week of Lent being past, he called the dumb 
Lents fast of 40. days.  beggar to him, and bidding him put out his tongue made the sign of the cross upon it, and then bade him speak, 
Miracles by the sign of the cross.  whereupon he spoke after the Bishop all that he suggested, and so perfectly recovered his speech.  

Note that this John is he who was called John of Beverlay, 
How assured this and the Miracles in the next five chapters be▪  whence Godwin saith Bede was much to blame if these things be not true. For he knew him, and took holy Orders of him, and lived in his diocese.    

Chap. 3.  
Relates, How the said Bishop, coming to a Monastery in a Town called Vetade, where 
Nuns.  Hereburge was abbess, she told him that one of the Nuns of the Convent was very sick, and lay pining, and languishing away: And she besought the Bishop to go in and bless her, which he did, saying prayers over her, and departing blessed her: As we were taking our leave, (saith Abbot 
A Miracle by the blessing of the Bishop testified by an eye-witness.  Berecht) the swelling went away, and the maid was delivered from danger:   

Chap. 4.  
Relates, How an Earl sent his sick Lady some of the water 
A Miracle by Holy Water related by an eye-witness.  which the said Bishop had hollowed, in the dedication of a Church, willing her to drink of it, and wash the 
Churches dedicated therewith.  grieved part, which done, saith Abbot Berecht, she rose so whole and sound, that she served us at the table.   

Chap. 5.  
Another time when the holy Bishop had dedicated a 
Dedication of Church●s.  Church, an Earl called Addi entreated him to come to his House, where one of his family lay so desperately sick, that his Coffin was already prepared, hoping that if he had but laid his hands upon him and blessed him, he should be better. The Bishop enters, 
A Miracle of the Holy Bishop's blessing.  makes his prayer, blesses him, saying, God send you whole, son; Then sitting down at Table, the party sent for a Cup of wine, which the Bishop blessed and sent him. As soon as he drank it, he arose a sound man, put on his apparel, came to the Table, saying, that he desired to eat and drink with them, he sat down, eat, drank, and was as merry as any at the Table, and lived many years after a sound man. This Miracle the Abbot Berecht said, he had 
How sure this is.  from those who were present.   

Chap. 6.  
Herebald, A faithful servant of Christ now Abbot of a monastery 
A Miracle related by him on whom it was done.  was heard to say as touching John the Bishop's worth: I have had experience in many others, but especially in myself, as whom he in a manner forced from death to life by his prayer and benediction: for having been sore bruised with a fall, I was healed by the Bishop's intercession. When for age the Bishop could not preach, he consecrated his chaplain Wilfrid Archbishop of York; and himself retiring into a Monastery there ended his days.   

Chap. 7.  
Cedwell King of the tumultuous 
Good works for hope of reward.  (after he had reigned two years) for hope of an eternal kingdom forsook his own, and went to Rome. He thought it a singular glory to be regenerated at the holy Apostles 
Our King's pilgrims to Rome.  tombs by the Sacrament of baptism, hoping soon after to pass to eternal life; which happened as he desired. He was baptised on Easter eve, An. 689, and wearing yet the robes of Innocency fell sick, and died. Whom the Pope at his baptism named Peter, that he might bear the 
By Prince of the Apostles Peter understood.  holy name of the Prince of the Apostles, whose tomb he came to see with great devotion many hundred miles: Hun succeeded him, who having been King seven and thirty years, leaving his kingdom, 
Our King's pilgrims to Rome.  went to the tombs of the Apostles in Rome, having an earnest desire to live a pilgrim on Earth for a time near those Holy places, that so he might 
Good works for hope of reward.  deserve the better to be received of the Saints in heaven; Which practice in those days many English, both of Nobles and Commons, spiritual and temporal, Men and Women, 
Pilgrimages t●Rome most frequent. An. 639  were wont to perform with exceeding emulation.   

Chap. 8.  
Relates, How Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, departed this life very aged, and how the number of years he lived, were signified unto him by revelation. He was buried in St. Peter's Church. A man worthy of perpetual remembrance, 
How worthy men the Pope sent still to England.  for his singular virtues, of whom with his companions it may be said: That their names shall live in glory from generation to generation. Then the Church of England 
Eccle. c. 44. v 14.  received such comfort and increase in spiritual matters, that it never received the like before nor after.   

Chap. 9  
Berechwald, succeedeth Theodore in Canterbury, who was 
Monks made Prima●s.  Abbot of. Rashwulfe, now called Reculver in Kent, a man well knowing in the holy Scripture, skilful in ecclesiastical and monastical orders and discipline. He consecrated Toby Bishop of Rochester, one expert in the Latin and Greek Tongue.   

Chap. 10.  
Relates, How Egbert, a Reverend Priest and servant of God, to obtain Heaven, led a pilgrim's life in Ireland. He 
Good Works in hope of reward.  took upon him the office of an Apostle, desirous to preach the word of God to the German provinces, which had not yet received it, or if this could not be, to travel to Rome, to 
Visiting and worshipping Saints bodie●▪  see and worship the tombs of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs. But by revelation from Heaven neither of these was effected. For Boisell once Abbot of Mailrose, appearing after matins to a Religious Man, bade him go tell Egbert, that he must not perform that Journey; but that it was God's will that he should go and instruct Columbe's Monastery. This Columbe was the first Preacher of the Faith to the Picts, and the first Founder of a Monastery in the Isle of Husband, which was had in great estimation. Egbert neglecting for awhile to go to the Monastery, as he was commanded 
Heavenly Apparitions.  of God, Boisell appeared again to that Religious man, telling him that he should say to Egbert, that whether he would or no he should go to Columb's Monastery. Which so fell out; For by tempest he was drive thither: yet one of his companions, Wigbert by 
Anchorets of great perfection.  name, excelling in contempt of the world, and profound knowledge, for he had led an Anacorrites life in great perfection many years arrived in Frizland, but without success. So he returned to his former solitary life.   

Chap. 11.  
Egbert, By Revelation from God, not being suffered to preach in Germany, he sent other holy and virtuous men, of whom that notable and excellent man Willibrord Priest was chief: They converted Frizeland from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ, two other English Priests, who had voluntarily lived in banishment in Ireland, for hope of eternal life, whose names were Henwald, 
Good works for hope of r●ward.  came into Saxony to win souls to Christ. The barbarous observing them to be of another Religion (for they sung Hymns, Psalms and devout Prayers, and daily offered 
Sacrifice upon a portable Altar.  the sacrifice of the holy Host, having with them holy Vessels, a little Table hollowed, instead of an Altar) suspecting they came to withdraw their Land from worshipping 
Miracles at Saints bodies.  their gods, murdered them; and to witness their martyrdom, there appeared Miracles from Heaven. For their bodies being cast into the river of Rhine, were carried almost forty mile against the main stream to their companions, and a great bright beam of light, reaching up to heaven, shined every night over the place where their bodies were. One of them appeared in the night, to a companion of his, named Tilmon, (who of a soldier was become a Monk) telling him, that he should find their bodies where he should see a light shine from heaven: which happened accordingly: 
Feasts of Martyrs.  The day of their martyrdom or Invention is in those places celebrated with due veneration. King Pipin with great glory entombed them at Collen. 'tis reported, that in the place in which they were killed, a Spring bubbled up, which to this day affordeth plenty of water▪   

Chap. 12.  
Willebrord with these Holy men his companions, having licence of the Prince to preach in Frizland, went first to Rome, where Sergius sat in the See Apostolic, that by his approbation and benediction he might settle to the Apostolic 
apostolical Preachers resort to the Pope for his licence and benediction.  office of preaching to the Heathens, hoping withal to receive of him some relics of Christ's holy Apostles and Martyrs, that when casting out Idols he erected Churches, he might have in readiness some 
They premote the worship of relics.  holy Saints relics to bring in their place, and to dedicate them in their honour, whose relics he had received. All things succeeding to his desire Swibert is chosen their Bishop, and consecrated in England by Wilfred, and returning, converteth a great number. At last 
The apostolical men, monks.  building a Monastery, in an Isle of the Rhine, leading there a very austere and continent life he died. His successors possess the same to this day. Pepin sent that virtuous and worthy Prelate Wilbrord to Rome, by consent of all, that he might be made Archbishop of Frizland, upon Saint Cicilyes day Anno 690. and in her Church he was consecrated 
A● Archbishop appointed in Frezland by the Pope.  and named Clement by the Pope and sent to his Bishopri●k of Vtreckt in Holland. He erected many Churches and Monasteries through the country. This Willebrord otherwise Clement liveth yet a Reverend Father   

Chap. 13.  
At the same time was wrought in Britain, a Miracle worthy of perpetual remembrance, and not unlike to the ancient Miracles of 
An. 696. A miraculous vision and conversion thence enswing.  times past. A certain man in Northumberland, dead for a time, rose again to life, and told many things worthy the relating, of which we touch some few. I am, saith he, truly risen again from the death, but henceforth my conversation must be far unlike my former life. Rising up, he went to Church, and continued there 
Shaving of Monks.  in prayer until day. Then he divided all his goods into three parts, one he gave to his wife, another to his children, the third he gave in alms to the poor. Then he entered into the Monastery of Maitrose, and being shaven he made his abode in a secret habitation, assigned him by the Abbot, where he lived, until his dying day in such austerity of body, that, though his tongue had said nothing, 
Note the best kind of witness.  yet his life spoke that he had seen many terrible things. He related what he hath seen in this manner. The Countenance & apparel of my guide was full of light, we came to one great broad valley of infinite length, all full of terrible fire, there was also another valley intolerable with hail and snow. Both places were full of souls tossed, as with a whirlwind, out of one into the other. I began to think, that this was Hell, but my guide said, Think not so: Then having mentioned all the rest of the visions, he relates, how his guide told him, That this valley, so full of horrible flames, and so bitterly cold, was the place where their 
Confession. An eye witness of Purgatory.  souls remain to be tried, who deferring the Confession of their sins and amendment, had recourse to penance at the point of death: yet because they made humble confession of their sins and repented, they shall all come 
Souls s●t ●r●e before the day of Judgement, and by what means See this as a point of saith de●in●d in the beginning of the 〈…〉.  to Heaven at the day of judgement. Many (quoth he) shall come to Heaven before the day of judgement, for the good Prayers, Alms, and Fasting of the living, and especially by the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. only they which are perfect in all their thoughts, words and deeds, are carried straight to Heaven. The effect of this vision was the change of his life into strange Austerity. When any one said unto him, brother Dirthelm, (for that was his name) It is a 
〈◊〉 a Sacrifice 〈◊〉 for the ●●ad.  wonder you can endure so much cold? He would answer, I have seen more cold endured than this: And when they said, 'tis a wonder you can endure 
Change of li●e into great austerity for fear of to●ment●.  such austerity? He answered, I have seen more rigorous sufferings than this. This Chapter intermingleth in this Relation, how that hard by this man's Cell, there lived a 
〈…〉.  Monk called Genigids, who was living at the very time that Bede did write this, leading a solitary life in Ireland, sustaining his aged body with brown bread and cold water, who often entering into the 
How ●ssured Authority this 〈◊〉 hath.  foresaid Monks Cell, heard him many times repeat this whole relation; and from him I came to the knowledge of it, saith Bede.   

Chap. 14.  
There was a layman in great favour with King Coenred, but negligent concerning the state of his soul: The King warned him often to confess and forsake his former life, whilst it was time. But he slighting the King's admonition, said, He would do penance hereafter. It chanced he fell sick, the King coming to him, exhorted him, that now 
Confession.  at least he would do penance, nay, (quoth he) I will not now confess my sins, but when I am recovered I will: lest my companions think I did it for fear of death. The King after a while, returning again, this Courtier told him, now it was too late, and that he had seen all that ever he had committed written in two Books, and that he should straight ways die and be carried into Hell. The first book (said 
We are judged according to our works and not only faith.  he) showed me by an Angel contained all the good works, which ever I had done, but the book was very little. Then the wicked spirits brought before me, a book of a mighty bigness, in which I read all the sins I had committed in thought, word and deed. Then he related, how he heard his Condemnation. Thus in despair he died. This I thought fit to relate, as I received it from the reverend Bishop Pechtelm.   

Chap. 15.  
I myself knew a Brother (whom I would I had not known,) who being admonished by his brethren to amend his life, brought unto desperation by a vision he had of his place in Hell, said, There is no time for me to amend my former life. Thus he died without receiving the Sacrament: None of all the Convent durst say Mass, sing psalms, say the least Prayer for 
Masses and prayers used so● the dead.  his soul. This stirred up many to do penance for their sins, which effect God grant, it may work in those who shall read this.   

Chap. 16.  
About this time, many of the Scots in Ireland, as also of the Britains, admitted of the manner of celebrating Easter, taught by the Catholic Church. For Adamon, a virtuous Priest, Abbot of the Monks, and Religious in the Isle of Hue, seeing the canonical Rites and Ceremonies of England; and admonished by the learned, not to live contrary to the Universal Church, neither in Easter, nor any other decrees, changed his mind, and preferred what he saw, in the 
We must not live contrary to the un●versall Church.  English before his own. He wrote a ●ook of holy places, as he had been informed by Arculfe Bishop, who 〈◊〉 traveled to see them. Some ●ede relates in the next Chapter.   

Chap. 17.  
Relates, Out of the foresaid book of holy ●laces, how over 
Ch●●ches to our La●y in the East, relics honoured there as well as in the West.  the place where Christ was born, there is built a Church of the blessed Virgin; and how the in ward grot in which our Saviour was born, is covered with precious marble. C●nstantine built a Church, where the cross of Christ was found by Helena. A Church also was 
The●e also Croses' lights.  built in Golgotha, where the rock is seen, which bore Christ's cross and his blessed body. Now in that place, there is a mighty Cross of silver with a brazen wheel over it, full of Lamps. An Altar is cut out where the cross stood, where 
There Altars also, and sacrifice▪ upon them for the dead.  Sacrifice is wont to be offered for honourable men that die. There is also a round chapel of Christ's Resurrection, which 
There many Altars in one Church.  hath three Altars. In the middle of this chapel, is the tomb of our Saviour, where 
There also lights burnt by day light.  day and night twelve Lamps burn. The top of the chapel is guilt, bearing a great golden cross upon it. Part of Christ's 
Crosses.  grave-stone standeth at the door of the sepulchre Altarwise: 
Altars of stone.  the other part also makes another Altar▪   

Chap. 18.  
The same Author relates, how in the place of our saviour's 
Altars.  Ascension on the top of Mount Olive; there standeth 
A perpetual Miracle▪  a great round Church. The inner chapel having an Altar towards the East, could not be vaulted, nor covered over, by reason that it was the place by which Christ's body passed to Heaven. In the middle of which Church the last print of Christ's feet are to be seen, and although the earth be fetched away daily by the Christians, yet▪ it remaineth and keepeth the print of his holy feet. A great lamp burneth there day and 
relics. Lights burning day and night at holy places.  night. In the westside be eight windows, and as many Lamps, shining through the glass to Jerusalem, and their lights stir up the Hearts of all that behold them: Upon Christ's Ascension-day every year, when mass is done, there cometh from Heaven a gale of wind, which maketh all in the Church prostrate themselves.   

Chap. 19  
In the year of our Lord, 
This Hedda was B●shop of Winchester in Hampshire.  705. Hedda Bishop of the Westsaxons died, of whom the Reverend Prelate Pechthelm (Than a Monk) was wont to tell us, that in the place, where be died, many great Miracles and cures were done, and that they used commonly to carry away dust from thence, and mingle it with water, for such to drink as were sick, and that the 
Miracles relics.  sprinkling & drinking thereof, did cure many sick: so that a great pit was made by the often carrying away the dust.   

Chap. 20.  
Coenred, King of the 
Our Kings become Pilgrims and shaved Monks.  Mercians, having Reigned most Nobly, at last forsook his kingdom and went to Rome, where at the tomb of the Apostles, receiving the Tonsure, he became a Monk, continuing in Prayer, Fasting and alms, until his death. There went with him Offa, the Son of Sigher King of the East-Saxons, a most gallant youth, whose whole kingdom much desired that he would sway the sceptre, but he moved with like devotion, forsook Wife, 
Good works for hope of reward.  Lands, Kindred, and country, that he might receive a hundred fold in this world, 
Habit of Monks distinct.  and life everlasting in the next: coming to the Holy places at Rome, he took the Tonsure and Habit of a Monk, the same year Wilfrid, that excellent and worthy Prelate died and was buried in St. Peter's Church at Rippon in Yorkshire: He being but fourteen years old, he esteemed more a monastical and Solitary life, than all worldly wealth▪ After some years spent in a Monastery, he made a Voyage to Rome, to see what rights and ceremonies were observed there, as well of Seculars as Religious. He told the Queen the desire he had to visit the Monuments of the Holy Apostles which she approved: At Rome he became acquainted with a Holy & learned archdeacon called Boniface, one of the Apostolic Pope's councillors, by whose instructions he learned the four Books of the gospel and Easter, and many other things concerning the discipline of the Church, which he could not attain to in his Country. Returning into England, he was favoured by King Alfrid, who had learned to follow in all things the Catholic Rules of the Church. This King finding Wilfrid Catholic, gave him Stamford and Rippon (which the Scots had before) to build abbeys. He was made Priest, and followed the the King's Court as Preacher, and not long after, was made Bishop by Agilbert Bishop of Paris. In King Egfrid's reign he was deprived of his bishopric of York, and another ordained in his place. Wilfrid going to Rome to plead his cause before the Apostolic Pope, was driven into Frizland, where he preached unto them Christ. And where many thousands being converted and baptised: by him, he was the first began this Evangelical work, which the most Reverend Bishop, Willebrord afterwards finished. Wilfrid 
Holy Wi●f●id appealeth from England to the Pope.  having past the winter with his new Converts, reassumed his journey to Rome, where his cause was debated in presence of Pope Agatho & many Bishops. He was found by all their judgements to be without any fault, and worthy of the bishopric. The Pope gathered 
His appeal admitted to the Pope.  a synod at Rome of 125, Bishops against those who held but one will and operation in Christ. Wilfrid sat among them where he was to declare his Faith, and the Faith of his country, which was found to be Catholic. This was thus registered in the Acts. Wilfrid the virtuous Bishop of York appealing to the See Apostolic 
His appeal and Absolution ratified in a council.  for his cause, and by that Authority absolved and placed in Judgement Seat in the synod together with 125. other Bishops hath declared for all the Northern parts of Britain, the true and Catholic Faith confirming the same with subscription. 
This semence is obeyed in England.  Wilfrid at his return converted the South-Saxons, and in the second year of King Aldefrid was restored to his bishopric. After five 
He appeals again and his accusers plead before the Pope as their lawful Judge.  years being again turned out, he followed his appeal at Rome, and his accusers being present, he again was acquitted. Returning through France, he fell sick to death, and told Acca how in that sickness one appeared to him in a white habit, telling him that he was St Michael, who said to him; I am sent by God 
A prophetical vision.  to recall thee from death: For our Lord hath given thee life by the intercession of our Lady, Mother of God, but remain prepared, for after four years I will 
The intercession of the Mother of God most effectual.  come again to visit thee. Thou shalt be restored to the greatest part of thy possessions, and end thy life in peace. Recovering he came into England, where King Aldefrid refusing to restore him, shortly dyeth. Then a Synod is called, & by the votes 
The senten●● given by the Pope obeyed in an English Synod.  of all he is reestablisht. After four years of Peace he died in a Monastery of Abbot Cudbalds, but entered in his own 
Altars.  Monastery at Rippon in the Blessed Apostle St. Peter's Church by the Altar.  
These Verses are in his Epitaph. 
Wilfrid, that worthy Prelate  
lieth buried in this grave,  
Who moved with Godly zeal,  
To Christ this Temple gave.  
And of the Apostle Peter's name,  
St. Peter's Church did call▪ Christ gave,  
To whom the keys of Heaven  
chief governor of all.  
He guilded it with finest gold, 
The Power of the keys given to St. Peter   
With Scarlet hung it round  
And set up there a Crucifix,  
Of Gold, even from the ground. 
Crosses of Gold     

Chap. 21.  
Acca succeeded Wilfrid in 
Churches dedicated to Saints  the bishopric of York, a man for his courage and gallant deeds, gracious in the sight of God and Man. He enlarged the Church dedicated to St. Andrew, and adorned it with many exquisite works. He did both then, and doth at this very day, endeavour to gather together the Holy Apostles and Martyrs relics, that 
Altars, relics.  he may in their honour build Altars. He provided Holy Vessels, lights and other necessaries appertaining to the better adorning the Church of God   

Chap. 22.  
Naitan, King of the Picts, abandoning the errors which he and his. Country had long kept, touching Easter, brought them all to the Catholic observation, 
The customs of Rome pref●rred.  which that he might effect, he required aid of the English, whom he knew to have framed their Religion according to the Church of Rome and See Apostolic. He sent ambassadors to that end to Reverend Abbot Ceolfrid of the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul. He requested further to be instructed what manner 
The custom of the Clergy on shaving their Crown●▪  of Tonsure the Clergy than should use. He desired to have some cunning workmen sent him to build a Church after the manner of Rome, promising to dedicate it in the honour of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles, and to follow ever 
Peter still understood by the Prince of the Apostles.  more the order and faith of the Church of Rome and See Apostolic.  
In Ceolfrids' letter to the King, be these words.  
We exhort you most humbly to take care that your 
The sha●ing of the crown used by the Clergy in honour of the crown of Thornes.  Clergy may bear the same Tonsure which the Church doth receive. For as all congregations of the faithful are accustomed to carry the sign of the cross in the forehead, that by the power thereof they may be defended from the assaults of the Devil; and by often remembrance of it be instructed; so it behooveth them who being made by vow Monks, or by profession of the Clergy, bind themselves 
The sign of the cross.  more strictly with the bridle of continency, to bear on the Head, by shaving, the shape of a Crown as our Saviour did, 
Vowed Monks  a crown of Thornes, at his Passion, as well to express their ready mind to suffer mockeries for Christ, as strengthen their hope for a crown of glory. In the same letter he Relateth what, concerning this point, he said to the Scotish Abbot Adaman, I said (quoth he) Brother if you seek the fellowship of St. Peter, why do you follow the manner of shaving which he used, whom St. Peter did excommunicate, and why rather show you not that you desire with your heart his character, with whom you desire to live in bliss: If you desire to follow his steps and counsel whom you took to have as a Patron with God the Father, than he commands thus. It beseemeth 
Patronage of St Peter.  you, most puissant Prince to observe all that agreeth with the unity of Christ's Catholic and Apostolic Church. So it will come to pass that 
Prince of the Apostles still signifies St. Peter.  the Prince of the Apostles will open to you and yours the gates of Heaven. By this advice in short time, this Prince with all his dominions, was brought to the true observation of Easter, all the Ministers of the Altar and Monks had their heads shaven round in form of a crown, and the whole Nation being reformed did rejoice to see themselves disciples of the most blessed 
Again styled Prince of the Apostles.  Prince of the Apostles Peter, & committed to his protection and patronage   

Chap 23.  
Relates, How the rest of the Scots admitted the Apostolic manner of keeping Faster, and shaving their crowns by the means of Egbert a worthy 
Bede.  Priest. Only the Britons (saith Bede) remain still hardened in blindness, whereas all Englishmen are in all points throughly instructed in the Rule of the Catholic Faith. Egbert on Easter day after he 
England in all points Catholic An. 716.  had said solemn mass in remembrance of our Lord's Resurrection, departed this life: 
Saying of solemn mass  The brethren rejoicing to see their Master pass to God to be their Patron and Intercessor.   

Chap. 24.  
Relates, Who were the Bishops at this time through all 
Saints our patrons and Intercessors.  England; and how, all things now being brought to unity, many, as well Noble, as Private, laying aside their arms, earnestly strove to get both themselves and their Children to be shaven, and tied with monastical vows, rather than to exercise themselves in warlike 
In what esteem Religious life was at the writing of these.  affairs. This is at the present the state of Britain this year of our Lord, 731.   
The end of the History of the Church of England.   

The words of venerable Bede in the 3 Tome of his works.  
THus much touching the Ecclesiastical History of the Britains, especially of the English nation, as I could learn by the writings of my Ancestors, by tradition of my elders, or my own knowledge I Bede, the servant of God, and Priest of the Monastery of the BB. Apostles Peter and Paul at wire-mouth, have brought to an end. When I was seven years old I was delivered by the hands of my friends to be brought up of the Rd. Abbot Benedic●, and afterward to C●●lfrid. In which Monastery spending all the days of my life I applied my whole study to the meditation of holy Scripture, observeing regular discipline, and daily singing service in the Church. In the 19 year of my age I was made Deacon, and at 30 Priest; which orders I received by the hands of the Rd. Bishop 
Of this John see B. 5. c. 2.  John of Beverley.   

DEar Reader I doubt not but in perusing of this book many thoughts will arise in thy mind touching the author thereof, the authority of the copy, and the sincerity of our true dealing therein; now then is the proper time to read again the preface where I am confident thou wilt find full satisfaction in all.  
FINIS.    

Faults escaped.  
IN the Preface, page 1. line ult. dele s in disputants. Leaf 3 l. 1. dele it 1  
Page 26. line 13. for legs read leg. page 36. l. 15. for were r. was. p. 5●. l. 3. for Angels r. angel's p. 53. l. 13. for them r. him p. 58. l. 17. in the margin for 904 r. 604. p. 81. l. 2 for redwals r. redwal. p. 81. l. 20. for buli r. built. p, 116. l. 10. for plat r. plot p. 132. in the margin supererogation r. supererogation p 135. l. 2. for pecaple r. peaceable p, 136. read relics gift for King's p. 150. l. 12. for berring r. Berking p. 151. in the margin r. habitation separate from men. p. 153. in the margin r. consecrated p. 154, l. 5. for ediburge r. edilburge. p. 155. l. 5. for sister r. sisters. P. 161. l. 3 for salvation r. splendour. p. 167. l. 12. for celestial r. clerical p. 167. l. 18. for by the boy r. of the Boy. Entichus r. Eutichus. p. 137. l. r. hitherto p 192. l. 9 dele punctum at prophetic p. 193. l. 1 for flock r. flocked. p. p. 197. l. 20. for rejoice r. rejoiced p. 123. l. 12. r. lieth for dyeth. the marginal note p. 240. saints our patrons and intercessors must be placed at the end of the cap. 23. p. 239.