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Life of Iohn Whitgift
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Religious Biography
Date
1612
Full Title
The life of the most reverend and religiovs prelate Iohn Whitgift, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.
Source
STC 19484
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Sample 1
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94 His gift that way was excellent, as if you had
heard Saint Augustine himselfe, or some of the ancient
Bishops in the primitiue Church. His gesture,
and action in the Pulpit, so graue, and decent, his
words comming from him so fatherly, and comely,
and though plainely for the most part and without
affectation, yet alwayes elegantly, with special choise,
and substantiall matter, full of good and sound learning,
plentifull in authorities out of Scripture, Fathers,
and Schoole-men, so singularly applied, that
he much affected his Auditorie therewith. Thus he
oftentimes stirred, and moued mens mindes, and affections;
and that not by the force of eloquence onely,
but by his pious life, answerable to his religious
sentences; the opinion, and confidence which the
people had of his integritie, being very great, because
he did liue vnspotted of the world, and would not any
way be corrupted.
95 He neuer preached, but he first wrote his notes
in Latine, and afterwards kept them during his life.
For he would say, that whosoeuer tooke that paines
before his preaching, the elder he waxed, the better
he should discharge that dutie; but if he trusted onely
to his memorie, his preaching in time would become
pratling. Wherein out of a true religious care,
prudent counsell that Demosthenes held in his Orations,
and pleadings in the Court. For as Plutarch
saith Hee would neuer offer to speake vnto the people,
before he had made briefes of that, which he had to deliuer,
alleadging that he loued the people well, that would
be carefull before hand what to say vnto them. And
this preparation saith he doth shew that a man honoureth
and reuerenceth them to. Contrariwise, he that
passeth not how the people taketh his words, it is a plaine
token, that he despiseth them, and their authoritie, and
that he lacketh no good will, to vse force against them, if
he could, rather then reason, or perswasion.
96 When he was Bishop of Worcester, and Vice-president
of the Marches, he did exceeding good by
that his continuall preaching, as also by his often
conference, and conuenting of the Papists, whom he
vsed with milde, and temperate speeches, and thereby
got many of them to conforme themselues, both
Gentlemen, and others, whereby, as at his first comming
vnto the See of Worcester, he found many Recusants,
so he left very few at his comming thence.
97 Immediately after hee came to be Archbishop,
he conuented before him the chiefest, and most
learned Recusants throughout all England. He also
wrote Letters to the Bishops, his brethren, within the
Prouince of Canterburie, to proceede with the Recusants
by their authoritie Ecclesiasticall, and censures
of the Church, and called yeerely vpon them
for an account of their doings. Hee sent forth also
for causes Ecclesiasticall, and thereby had
daily brought before him both Recusants & Priests;
who according to the qualitie of their offences were
restrained, and proceeded against, or deliuered ouer
vnto the ciuill Magistrate to be dealt with all, as to
Iustice appertained, after the Lawes were enacted
against Recusants and Seminarie Priests.
98 Thus this graue, and prudent Archbishop alwaies
carried a most vigilant eye, and straight hand
ouer the subtle headed Papists; as fearing least they
conceiued an hope of aduancing their cause and
quarrell by help of the afore-said contentions betwixt
the Bishops, and these Sectaries, and so soone as they
should haue found the forces on both sides sufficiently
weakned, and enfeebled by a long continuance
of the conflict, to haue destroyed the vanquished with
the vanquishers, whereby to re-establish their papall
Iurisdiction, and superstitious impieties; as not long
after this Archbishops death, they attempted to doe,
by the diuellish deuise of that damnable Powder-Treason;
which if it had succeeded, their intendment
then was, to haue put both alike to the sword.
99 You may perceiue by the premisses, how vntruely
some of the vncharitable, and precipitate Sectaries
traduced him for a Papist, and called him
The Pope of Lambehith in their Libels, and Conuenticles,
and most vniustly reproached him with the
title of Doctor Pearnes seruant, whom they likewise
taxed with Poperie, and falsly charged him to haue
affection and loue vnto him, for the reasons specified
before. The truth is; as the Archbishop was of his
owne nature a very louing kinde man, so he did hate
ingratitude in any, and could neuer be taxed with
that fault. Hee was likewise as the Gentlemen of
Worcestershire and Kent, had daily experience very
firme, and meruailous constant, where hee affected,
and professed loue, which brought him in great displeasure
in the cause of the late Earle of Essex; with
whose life, and actions, though I haue nothing to doe
hauing onely taken vpon mee to report another
mans yet thus much I may truly say, that his misfortune
drew vpon the Archbishop the greatest discontentment,
and seuerest reprehension from her
Maiestie, that he had euer before vnder-gone in all
his life.
100 For after that the Earle began to fall vpon
courses displeasing, & distastfull vnto her Maiesty, neuerthelesse
such was the confidence the Archbishop
had in the Earles loyaltie, and his owne stedfastnesse
in that friendship, which he had formerly professed
vnto him, that he could not be drawne from being
a continuall intercessour for him; wherewith her Maiestie
was so highly displeased, and so sharply rebuked
him for the same, that the good olde Archbishop
came sometimes home much grieued and perplexed.
101 Within a while after, the Earle forgetting
that vnto Princes the highest iudgement of things is
out indeede. The Archbishop being that Sunday
morning at the Court whether by direction, or of
his owne accord, I know not hastned home without
any attendant, and commanded as many men as he
then had in the house, to be presently armed, and
sent them ouer vnto the Court, but not to goe within
the gates, vntill Maister Secretarie Cecill, or some
other by his instruction, should appoint them a leader.
There were immediately presented vnto him
threescore men well armed, and appointed, who with
a message from the Archbishop, shewed themselues
before the Court, of whose arriuall there, Maister Secretarie
Cecill, with the rest of the Lords of the Counsell
were right glad, and said he was a most worthie
Prelate. They had speedily a leader appointed vnto
them, and marched presently, and were the first that
entered into the gates of Essex house; and in the first
Court made good the place vntill the Earle yeelded
himselfe, and was by the Lord Admirall brought to
Lambehith house, where hee remained an houre or
two, and was from thence conueyed to the Tower.
The Archbishop had likewise in readinesse that afternoone
forty horsmen wel appointed, & expected directions
from the Court, how to dispose of them. The
next morning, he sent a Gentleman to know how the
Queene did, and how she rested all night. To whom
she made answere, that she rested, and slept the better
for his care the day before; but I beshrew his
heart said she he would not beleeue this of Essex,
come to passe.
102 After this, when her Maiestie vnderstood
that her owne recommendation of the Earle had
wrought that good opinion of him in the Archbishop,
and that shee now found his readinesse for her
defence, with horse, and men, and the neerenesse
thereof vnto the Court to stand her at that time in
great steed, she began to entertaine him in her wonted
fauour, and grace againe, and euer after continued
her good opinion of him vnto her dying day.
103 Towards which time, though by reason of
her melancholy disease, she was impatient of others
speeches with her, yet was shee well pleased to heare
the Archbishop, the then Bishops of London, & Chichester,
and the now Bishop of Worcester, with some
other Deuines giue her comfort, and counsell to
prepare her selfe to God ward, and most deuoutly
prayed with them, making signes and tokens vnto
her last remembrance of the sweet comfort which
she tooke in their presence, especially when towards
her end, they put her in minde of the vnspeakeable
ioyes she was now going vnto; where no doubt shee
remaineth a glorious Saint of God, and as a most
religious Prince, rewarded with a Crowne of immortalitie,
and blisse.
104 NOw the much lamented death of this noble
Queene, gaue great hope to the factious,
of challenging forth-with all exemption from
but how vaine their hopes were, the issue hath
declared; And although the Archbishop was much
deiected, and greeued for the losse of his deere Soueraigne
and Mistresse, who had so highly aduanced
him, yet he, with the rest of the Lords, repaired immediately
to White-Hall, and after two houres sitting
in Counsell, about the penning of the Proclamation,
he principally as his place required with a
cheerefull countenance, and the rest of the Lords in
like sort, accompanying him, first at the Court gate,
at White-Hall, with the applause, and vnspeakeable
comfort of all the people, proclaimed her most rightfull
Successour, Iames then King of Scotland
King of England, Fraunce, and Ireland. Afterwards
in like cheerefull sort, the Archbishop with the rest
of the Lords, trouped vp to the Crosse in Cheapeside,
and there with like acclamation of the Lord
Maior, and Citizens proclaimed him againe.
105 I am doubtfull to speake least I might seeme
to detract from others of the great comfort which the
common people, and Citizens tooke in the presence
of the Archbishop, and how hartily they prayed for
him at his returne, as if they nothing doubted, but
that all went well for the State in that Counsell,
among whom he was present.
106 He was, indeede, beloued of all sorts of people,
yea euen of some of them, who were the most
feruent Reprehenders themselues, as they haue confessed
since his death. And well worthie was he so to
hand ouer them. A more particular loue also he deserued
of many, for his affection vnto liberall, and ingenious
Arts, whereof his domestick gouernment,
and care, was no lesse argument, then his publique;
which I haue formerly spoken of. For besides the
paines, which he tooke himselfe after he was Bishop
of Worcester, and Archbishop of Canterburie manie
yeeres, with a number of worthie young Gentlemen,
in reading vnto them thrice a day, he tooke into
his house, besides his Chaplaines, diuers of qualitie
to instruct them in the Mathematicks, and other
Lectures of sundry Arts and Languages; giuing them
good allowance, and preferments otherwise, as occasion
was offered. And besides the many poore Schollers,
whom hee kept in his house till he could prouide
for them, and preferre them as he did sundrie
to good estates hee also maintained diuers in the
Vniuersitie, at his owne charge, and gaue liberally to
them, and others of any towardlinesse, as he heard of
their necessitie, and wants.
107 He kept likewise for the exercise of militarie
discipline a goodly armorie, and a faire stable of
great horses; insomuch as hee was able to arme at
all points both horse and foote, and diuers times had
one hundred foote, and fiftie horse of his owne seruants
mustered, and trayned; for which purpose hee
entertained Captaines. Hee had also skilfull Riders,
who taught them to manage their horses, and instructed
them in warlike exercises, all whom he rewarded
his owne Gentlemen, that afterwards proued good
Souldiers; many whereof became Captaines and
Commanders, and some for their valour, and seruice
were Knighted in the field. There were also diuers
others, that for learning, languages, and qualities
were fit to be employed by any Prince in Christendome.
Insomuch as his house, for the Lectures
and scholasticall exercises therein performed, might
iustly be accounted a little Academie, and in some
respects superiour, and more profitable; viz. for
martiall affaires, and the experience that Deuines,
and other Schollers had, being neere, and often at
the Court, and chiefe seates of iustice, from whence
they continually had the passages, and intelligences
both for matters of state, and gouernment in causes
Ecclesiasticall and ciuill. By which their continuall
experience, many of his domesticall Chaplaines,
both before, and since his death, attayned vnto the
chiefest honours, and dignities in our Church, and
Common wealth.
108 And here I may not forget his religious care
and prouident order for the due execution of his
charge, and determination of all such causes, as belonged
vnto his proper cognizance, and place. To
which end and purpose, he appointed euery Thursday,
in terme, a solemne, and set Commission day;
vpon which he had a Sermon in his Chappell, by one
of his household Chaplaines, and entertayned the
Commissioners, and their attendants, though to his
the well guiding, and ordering the affaires, then by
him vndertaken. That day you should haue had a
Senate of the worthiest and greatest Counsellors of
State, with the assistance of the chiefe Prelates, Iustices,
Iudges, and sufficientest Lawyers of both professions,
that those times afforded.
109 You may then hereby obserue the Archbishops
exceeding care and singular wisedome in proceeding
with the aduise of so many worthie, prudent,
and learned men of seuerall faculties; whereby the
subiects came cheerefully to the hearing of their
causes, and without feare of partiality in any perticular
person. And howsoeuer the cause went, the
Archbishop could not be impeached of rash or inconsiderate
proceeding, seeing he had the consent
and approbation of all professions. For the Archbishop
alwayes gaue sentence, and ordered matters
as the greater part of the Court did encline, beginning
at the Iunior first, although himselfe would
sometimes dissent from them in opinion, and so he
would tell them, but without tartnesse, yea in such
kinde and louing manner, as no man was hindered
in deliuering his minde. By which meanes hee was
sure alwayes to haue the cause fully debated, and
euery mans opinion fully knowne; which when hee
found concurring with his owne, and the proceedings
ordered according to the Rules of Iustice, hee
would goe on to sentence and determine the cause.
110 Wherein he carried himselfe with great resolution,
that were interested in the same, as you may perceiue
by one instance amongst many when himselfe was
yet no Counsellour of State. A Gentleman of good
note seeing how the Court was enclined to order his
cause not according to his desire tolde the Archbishop
that vpon another occasion, there grew some
speech of that cause before the Lords of the Counsell,
and their Lordships were of another opinion then
his Grace, and the rest of the Commissioners, seemed
to be; what tellest thou me said the Archbishop of
the Lords of the Counsell? I tell thee, they are in
these cases, to be aduised by vs, and not we by them.
Hee would vpon such like occasions oftentimes say
vnto his priuate friends towards his latter time when
they talked familiarly with him, and obserued his
courage and stoutnesse That two things did helpe much
to make a man confident in good causes, namely, Orbitas,
et senectus; and said he they steed me both.
111 This orderly proceeding, and course, vpheld
the reputation, and dignitie of the Commission
Court; which albeit it be of great authoritie, and
dealeth, for the most part, in matters of great waight,
and importance, yet the want of worthie assistants,
and Counsell if the like care should not be continued
may make it grow to be of little reputation, as
experience hath somewhat taught vs since the decease
of this good Archbishop: Whereunto not vnaptly
may be applied that which Plutarch reporteth
of Cato Vtican, When hee was Prætor: For hee would
Gowne, vnto his Prætorian chayre, and there giue sentence
of life and death, whereby he rather defaced, and
impaired the Maiestie and dignitie of his Office, then gaue
it countenance by his manner of proceeding; although
otherwise he were a good Common-wealthes man, and
ministred iustice vprightly vnto all.
112 But I returne vnto our Archbishop againe.
He gaue audience vnto suitors twice a day, and afforded
them set houres for their dispatch, at which
time he would so courteously entreate them, giuing
them so milde, and gentle answeres, that euen they,
that sped not of their suites, did depart without discontentment.
Wherein I may iustly compare him
vnto Titus, qui neminem vnquam a se tristem dimisit;
He dismissed no man sorrowfull from his presence.
Wherefore hee gaue also expresse commandement
vnto his Officers, that suitors and strangers should
euer be courteously entertained, as well for expedition
of their suits, as for hospitalitie sake.
113 He had a desire alwayes to keepe a great and
bountifull house; and so he did, hauing the same
well ordered and gouerned by his head Officers
therein, and all things in plentifull manner, both for
his owne seruice and entertainment of strangers, according
to their seuerall qualities and degrees. He
often feasted the Cleargie, Nobilitie, and Gentrie, of
his Diocesse, and neighbourhood. And at Christmasse,
especially, his gates were alwayes open, and
his Hall set twice or thrice ouer with strangers: vpon
solemnitie, sometime vpon the knee, as well for the
vpholding of the state that belonged vnto his place,
as for the better education, and practise of his Gentlemen,
and attendants in point of seruice.
114 Euery yeere hee entertained the Queene at
one of his houses, so long as he was Archbishop: and
some yeeres twice or thrice, where all things were
performed in so seemely an order, that shee went
thence alwayes exceedingly well pleased. And beside
many publique, and gracious fauours done vnto
him, she would salute him, and bid him farewell by
the name of blacke husband; calling also his men her
seruants, as a token of her good contentment with
their attendance and paines.
115 Euery third yeere he went into Kent vnlesse
great occasions hindered him where hee was so honourably
attended vpon by his owne traine consisting
of two hundred persons and with the Gentlemen
of the Country, that he did sometimes ride into
the Citie of Canterburie, and into other Townes with
eight hundred or a thousand horse. And surely
the entertainement which he gaue them, and they
him, was so great, that, as I am verily perswaded, no
shiere in England did, or could, giue greater, or with
more cheerefull mindes, each vnto other. The fatherly
care, which he had of his Cleargie, whom he
neuer charged with visitation, but once in twentie
yeeres his affabilitie amongst the Gentlemen, and
courteous vsage of his Tennants, gayned him so
them; yea, they neuer denied him any request, that
he made vnto them.
116 At his first iourney into Kent, he rode to Douer,
being attended with an hundred of his owne seruants,
at least, in liuerie, whereof there were fortie
Gentlemen in chaines of gold. The traine of Cleargie,
and Gentlemen in the Country, and their followers,
was aboue fiue hundred horse. At his enterance
into the Towne, there happily landed an Intelligencer
from Rome, of good parts, & account, who wondred
to see an Archbishop, or Cleargie man in England,
so reuerenced, and attended: but seeing him
vpon the next Sabaoth day after in the Cathedrall
Church of Canterburie, attended vpon by his Gentlemen,
and seruants as is aforesaid also by the
Deane, Prebendaries, and Preachers in their Surplesses,
and scarlet Hoods, and heard the solemne
Musicke with the voyces, and Organs, Cornets, and
Sagbutts, hee was ouertaken with admiration, and
tolde an English Gentleman of very good qualitie
who then accompanied him That they were led in
great blindenesse at Rome, by our owne Nation, who made
the people there beleeue, that there was not in England,
either Archbishop, or Bishop, or Cathedrall, or any
Church or Ecclesiasticall gouernement; but that all was
pulled downe to the ground, and that the people heard
their Ministers in Woods, and Fields, amongst Trees,
and bruite beasts: But, for his owne part, he protested,
that vnlesse it were in the Popes Chappell hee neuer
sound. Well, said the English Gentleman; I am glad
of this your so luckie, and first sight, ere long you
will be of another minde, and, I hope worke miracles
when you returne to Rome, in making those, that
are led in this blindnesse to see and vnderstand the
truth. It is said the Intelligencer the chiefe cause of
my comming, to see with mine owne eyes, and truly to
enforme others. Whereupon the said English Gentleman
accompanied him to London, and so to the
Court, where he saw, and heard many things to confirme
the Gentlemans report, for the gouernement
of the Church, and ciuill carriage of the people, in
their obedience to the Cleargie, and Magistrates in
the Common-wealth. Afterwards this Intelligencer
had priuate speech with Sir Frauncis Walsingham then
principall Secretarie to her Maiestie who related all
this to the Archbishop with due approbation of his
Kentish iourney; confessing that hee should reuerence
and honour him therefore while he liued. And
although hee were one of the honourable Counsellours,
before mentioned, that seemed to fauour the
precise faction, yet, vndoubtedly, he was, after this
time a kinde friend to the Archbishop, and did him
many good Offices with the Queene.
117 Howbeit, some of neere alliance vnto Sir
Frauncis, bearing themselues very boldly vpon his
fauour, would oftentimes handle the Archbishop
verie roughly, and much prouoke him by vaine
speeches, and bragges of their owne worth, and
vnmannerly compare themselues with the best conformable
Deuines, for true knowledge, and vnderstanding
of the Scriptures. But the Archbishop smiling
at their vanities, would notwithstanding courteously
handle and entreate them in his owne house,
according to the true rule of hospitalitie; not vnlike
vnto Pericles, who being reuiled by a leud fellow in the
Market-place, all the day long, returned no bad language,
but dispatched his affaires, in hearing the Suppliants,
and determining their causes, and when night came on,
the partie followed him still, railing vpon him, till hee
came to his owne house: It being now darke, Pericles,
as he entered in, commanded one of his seruants to light
him home.
118 You see now of what an excellent nature this
Archbishop was, how farre from giuing offence,
how readie to forgiue a wrong, mercifull, compassionate,
and tender-hearted. Yet was he not voide as
no man is of infirmities. The holy Scripture noteth
of Elias, that he was a man subiect to the like passions,
as we are. But, as Horace saith,
Optimus ille qui minimis vrgetur; so may
it be confessed of this Archbishop, that the greatest,
or rather onely fault knowne in him was choler;
and yet in him so corrected, not by Philosophie
alone as Socrates confessed of his faults but by the
word, and grace of God, as it rather serued for a
Whetstone of his courage in iust causes, then any
weapon whetted against the person, goods, or good
perswaded be rightfully said of him, that hee was
such a Magistrate, as Iethro aduised Moyses, to take in
iudging the people of God, and such a Bishop as
Saint Paul requireth in the Church of Christ, Prouide
saith Iethro among all the people, men of courage,
fearing God, dealing truly, hating couetousnesse,
and appoint such ouer them to be rulers.
And a Bishop
saith Saint Paul must be vnreproueable, the husband
of one wife, watching, temperate, modest, harbarous,
apt to teach, not giuen to wine, no striker, not giuen to
filthie lucre, but gentle, no fighter, not couetous, one
that can rule his owne house honestly. Hee may not be
a young scholler, least he, being puffed vp, fall into the
condemnation of the Diuell. Hee must also be well reported
of, euen of them which are without, least he fall
into rebuke, and the snare of the Diuell.
119 And now what is there that the Diuell himselfe,
with all his Impes, Popish, or Schismaticall Libellers,
can rebuke or condemne, in this good Archbishops
Saintly life? Let them examine his actions,
in all his carriage and course, if so they can conuince
him in any thing, that was not agreeable to the directions
of Iethro for a Magistrate, and answerable
vnto the rule of Saint Paul for a Bishop.
120 As for good workes whereof the Papists so
vainely bragge; as particular effects of their superstitious
doctrines, yea, for which, heauen it selfe is a
due reward by condignity many Townes, Cities, and
Countyes can yeelde a plentifull testimonie for him
Marches of Wales, Kent and Surrie, wherein hee
liued, and, in particuler, that notable monument of
our time, his hospitall of the blessed Trinitie in Croydon,
which he built very faire, and colledge-wise, for
a warden, and eight and twenty Brothers, and sisters.
He builded also neere vnto it a goodly free schoole,
with a schoolemaisters house, allowing vnto the
schoolemaister twenty pounds by yeere for euer. All
which hee performed with such allacrity, and good
successe, that he hath beene heard diuers times to professe
with great comfort, that, notwithstanding the
charge of the purchase, and building was not small
vnto him, in comparison of his estate who neither
impaired house-keeping, nor retinue at that time yet
when he had finished and done that whole worke, he
found himselfe no worse in his estate then when hee
first began, which he ascribed vnto the extraordinary
blessing, and goodnesse of God.
121 After the finishing of this hospitall, among
many other his good deeds, the French leiger Embassadour
in England, called Boys Sisi, enquired what
workes the Archbishop had published, for that he
would willingly reade his bookes, who was reputed
The Peerelesse Prelate for Pietie and Learning in
our dayes, and whom in conference, hee found so graue,
godly, and iudicious; when it was answered that
hee onely published certaine bookes in the English
tongue, in defence of the Ecclesiasticall gouernment
although it be very well knowne to many, who were
in written hand, well worthy the printing and that
it was, thereupon incidently tould the Embassadour
that he had founded an Hospitall, and a Schoole, he
vsed these words; Profectô Hospitale, ad subleuandam
paupertatem, et schola, ad instruendam iuuentutem, sunt
optimi libri, quos Archiepiscopus conscribere potuit;
Truely an Hospitall to sustaine the poore, and a
schoole to trayne vp youth, are the worthiest bookes
that an Archbishop could set forth.
122 And albeit the Archbishop had euer a great
affection to lie at his mansion house at Croydon, for
the sweetenesse of the place, especially in Summer
time; whereby also he might some times retyre himselfe
from the multiplicity of businesses, and suitors
in the vacations; yet, after he had builded his hospitall,
and his schoole, he was farther in loue with the
place, then before. The chiefe comfort of repose, or
solace that he tooke, was in often dyning at the hospitall
among his poore bretheren, as hee called them;
There hee was often visited by his entire, and
honourable friends, the Earle of Shrewsbury, Worcester,
and Cumberland, the Lord Zouch, the
Bishop of London, and others of neere place about
her Maiestie, in whose company hee chiefly delighted.
123 In the absence of his friends, he would be exceeding
cheereful & affable, with his owne gentlemen,
and seruants, though his bounty towards them; & the
poore, did not consist in words, but in deeds, for hee
offices, and otherwise with supplies, as their occasions
required, out of his purse; and would, I make no question,
haue done much more for them out of his owne
estate, if hee had had ability, and time after his sicknesse
first seized vpon him to dispose of his worldly
affaires.
124 As his bountie was very great towards his
owne for in that number likewise he alwaies accounted
the poore societie of his hospitall so were his hands
euery where reached out to the necessities of all sorts.
Yea such was his charity, that if he had seene poore
men addicted to labour, he would haue giuen them
mony, and waste ground, to employ in gardening, or
some such vse, as might be for their reliefe. Or if hee
heard that any of his poore neighbors were decrepit,
or destitute of meanes to follow their trade, he would
supply their needs either with mony or fewel, & somtimes
poore Watermens wants with boats, and such
like; wherein he dealt no worse with them then that famous
Bishop of Lincolne Robert Grosthead, dealt with
his poore kinsman; in whose behalfe when he was solicited
to aduaunce him, and thereupon enquiring
what course of life he followed, and receiuing answere
that he was an husbandman; Why then quoth he if his
plough be broken, I will repaire it, or rather then faile
bestow a new vpon him, whereby hee may goe on in his
course of life; but so to aduance him, as to make him forsake
his trade, or condition, in which hee was brought vp,
that meane I not to doe.
in these priuate matters; therefore I will for breuity
sake, omit to speake of the faire Librarie which hee
left behinde him, with many other memorable things
worthie the obseruation and returne againe vnto
his publique affaires.
126 THe Archbishop respecting the welfare of
the Church, and publique cause albeit he
was very confident of the Kings Princely wisedome,
by the experience he had thereof being now an auncient
Counsellour and well vnderstanding the passages
of matters betwixt his Maiestie, and state of our
Country, whereby he did conceiue that it was not
probable so wise, & learned a Prince could be ouercome
with the conceits of such innouatours, whose
fancies could not stand but with hazard of the State
yet he held it most expedient to send that Reuerend
Gentleman, Maister Doctor Neuill, Deane of Canterburie
into Scotland to his Maiestie, in the name of
the Bishops, and Cleargie of England, to tender their
bounden duties, and to vnderstand his Highnesse
pleasure for the ordering and guiding of Cleargie
causes. The Deane brought a most gracious answere
of his Highnesse purpose; which was, to vpholde,
and maintaine the gouernment of the late
Queene; as shee left it setled. Which answere did
much comfort the Archbishop: and the rather, because
it did yeeld full satisfaction vnto some others,
who peraduenture might conceiue some doubt of
their affections vnto the Presbiteriall gouernment in
Scotland.
127 In this meane while, the preparations were
great for solemnization of the late Queenes funerall;
which being performed very sumptuously, as became
the dignitie of so great a Prince, the Archbishop,
as he was the principall in the custodie of the
Kingdome, and chiefe in all Counsels of State, vnder
his Maiestie in his absence for there is no interregnum
in England, as Watson the Priest, did trayterously
pretend so in this last solemnitie of obsequie
vnto his euer honoured Soueraigne, and Mistresse, he
was the most eminent person of the whole land, and
principall mourner; who receiued the offering, and
had the banners presented vnto him.
128 After this, when at his Maiesties first enterance
into England, the King had spoken with him
at Theobalds, whereby he more fully conceiued his religious
pleasure touching the affaires of this Common-wealth,
he was therewith put into heart, especially,
when after his comming to London, hee did
againe perceiue his resolution, for the continuance
of the well setled state of the Church, which made
him more cheerefully prepare himselfe for performance
of his dutie as a thing belonging vnto his
place, against the day of Coronation, Iuly 25. 1603.
heard Saint Augustine himselfe, or some of the ancient
Bishops in the primitiue Church. His gesture,
and action in the Pulpit, so graue, and decent, his
words comming from him so fatherly, and comely,
and though plainely for the most part and without
affectation, yet alwayes elegantly, with special choise,
and substantiall matter, full of good and sound learning,
plentifull in authorities out of Scripture, Fathers,
and Schoole-men, so singularly applied, that
he much affected his Auditorie therewith. Thus he
oftentimes stirred, and moued mens mindes, and affections;
and that not by the force of eloquence onely,
but by his pious life, answerable to his religious
sentences; the opinion, and confidence which the
people had of his integritie, being very great, because
he did liue vnspotted of the world, and would not any
way be corrupted.
95 He neuer preached, but he first wrote his notes
in Latine, and afterwards kept them during his life.
For he would say, that whosoeuer tooke that paines
before his preaching, the elder he waxed, the better
he should discharge that dutie; but if he trusted onely
to his memorie, his preaching in time would become
pratling. Wherein out of a true religious care,
1
and diuine wisedome he did expresse the graue andprudent counsell that Demosthenes held in his Orations,
and pleadings in the Court. For as Plutarch
saith Hee would neuer offer to speake vnto the people,
before he had made briefes of that, which he had to deliuer,
alleadging that he loued the people well, that would
be carefull before hand what to say vnto them. And
this preparation saith he doth shew that a man honoureth
and reuerenceth them to. Contrariwise, he that
passeth not how the people taketh his words, it is a plaine
token, that he despiseth them, and their authoritie, and
that he lacketh no good will, to vse force against them, if
he could, rather then reason, or perswasion.
96 When he was Bishop of Worcester, and Vice-president
of the Marches, he did exceeding good by
that his continuall preaching, as also by his often
conference, and conuenting of the Papists, whom he
vsed with milde, and temperate speeches, and thereby
got many of them to conforme themselues, both
Gentlemen, and others, whereby, as at his first comming
vnto the See of Worcester, he found many Recusants,
so he left very few at his comming thence.
97 Immediately after hee came to be Archbishop,
he conuented before him the chiefest, and most
learned Recusants throughout all England. He also
wrote Letters to the Bishops, his brethren, within the
Prouince of Canterburie, to proceede with the Recusants
by their authoritie Ecclesiasticall, and censures
of the Church, and called yeerely vpon them
for an account of their doings. Hee sent forth also
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2
many Warrants, by vertue of her Highnesse Commissionfor causes Ecclesiasticall, and thereby had
daily brought before him both Recusants & Priests;
who according to the qualitie of their offences were
restrained, and proceeded against, or deliuered ouer
vnto the ciuill Magistrate to be dealt with all, as to
Iustice appertained, after the Lawes were enacted
against Recusants and Seminarie Priests.
98 Thus this graue, and prudent Archbishop alwaies
carried a most vigilant eye, and straight hand
ouer the subtle headed Papists; as fearing least they
conceiued an hope of aduancing their cause and
quarrell by help of the afore-said contentions betwixt
the Bishops, and these Sectaries, and so soone as they
should haue found the forces on both sides sufficiently
weakned, and enfeebled by a long continuance
of the conflict, to haue destroyed the vanquished with
the vanquishers, whereby to re-establish their papall
Iurisdiction, and superstitious impieties; as not long
after this Archbishops death, they attempted to doe,
by the diuellish deuise of that damnable Powder-Treason;
which if it had succeeded, their intendment
then was, to haue put both alike to the sword.
99 You may perceiue by the premisses, how vntruely
some of the vncharitable, and precipitate Sectaries
traduced him for a Papist, and called him
The Pope of Lambehith in their Libels, and Conuenticles,
and most vniustly reproached him with the
title of Doctor Pearnes seruant, whom they likewise
taxed with Poperie, and falsly charged him to haue
3
infected the Archbishop therewith, because of hisaffection and loue vnto him, for the reasons specified
before. The truth is; as the Archbishop was of his
owne nature a very louing kinde man, so he did hate
ingratitude in any, and could neuer be taxed with
that fault. Hee was likewise as the Gentlemen of
Worcestershire and Kent, had daily experience very
firme, and meruailous constant, where hee affected,
and professed loue, which brought him in great displeasure
in the cause of the late Earle of Essex; with
whose life, and actions, though I haue nothing to doe
hauing onely taken vpon mee to report another
mans yet thus much I may truly say, that his misfortune
drew vpon the Archbishop the greatest discontentment,
and seuerest reprehension from her
Maiestie, that he had euer before vnder-gone in all
his life.
100 For after that the Earle began to fall vpon
courses displeasing, & distastfull vnto her Maiesty, neuerthelesse
such was the confidence the Archbishop
had in the Earles loyaltie, and his owne stedfastnesse
in that friendship, which he had formerly professed
vnto him, that he could not be drawne from being
a continuall intercessour for him; wherewith her Maiestie
was so highly displeased, and so sharply rebuked
him for the same, that the good olde Archbishop
came sometimes home much grieued and perplexed.
101 Within a while after, the Earle forgetting
that vnto Princes the highest iudgement of things is
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giuen, and vnto vs the glory of obedience is left wentout indeede. The Archbishop being that Sunday
morning at the Court whether by direction, or of
his owne accord, I know not hastned home without
any attendant, and commanded as many men as he
then had in the house, to be presently armed, and
sent them ouer vnto the Court, but not to goe within
the gates, vntill Maister Secretarie Cecill, or some
other by his instruction, should appoint them a leader.
There were immediately presented vnto him
threescore men well armed, and appointed, who with
a message from the Archbishop, shewed themselues
before the Court, of whose arriuall there, Maister Secretarie
Cecill, with the rest of the Lords of the Counsell
were right glad, and said he was a most worthie
Prelate. They had speedily a leader appointed vnto
them, and marched presently, and were the first that
entered into the gates of Essex house; and in the first
Court made good the place vntill the Earle yeelded
himselfe, and was by the Lord Admirall brought to
Lambehith house, where hee remained an houre or
two, and was from thence conueyed to the Tower.
The Archbishop had likewise in readinesse that afternoone
forty horsmen wel appointed, & expected directions
from the Court, how to dispose of them. The
next morning, he sent a Gentleman to know how the
Queene did, and how she rested all night. To whom
she made answere, that she rested, and slept the better
for his care the day before; but I beshrew his
heart said she he would not beleeue this of Essex,
5
though I had often tolde him it would, one day, thuscome to passe.
102 After this, when her Maiestie vnderstood
that her owne recommendation of the Earle had
wrought that good opinion of him in the Archbishop,
and that shee now found his readinesse for her
defence, with horse, and men, and the neerenesse
thereof vnto the Court to stand her at that time in
great steed, she began to entertaine him in her wonted
fauour, and grace againe, and euer after continued
her good opinion of him vnto her dying day.
103 Towards which time, though by reason of
her melancholy disease, she was impatient of others
speeches with her, yet was shee well pleased to heare
the Archbishop, the then Bishops of London, & Chichester,
and the now Bishop of Worcester, with some
other Deuines giue her comfort, and counsell to
prepare her selfe to God ward, and most deuoutly
prayed with them, making signes and tokens vnto
her last remembrance of the sweet comfort which
she tooke in their presence, especially when towards
her end, they put her in minde of the vnspeakeable
ioyes she was now going vnto; where no doubt shee
remaineth a glorious Saint of God, and as a most
religious Prince, rewarded with a Crowne of immortalitie,
and blisse.
104 NOw the much lamented death of this noble
Queene, gaue great hope to the factious,
of challenging forth-with all exemption from
6
the censures, and subiection of Ecclesiasticall authoritie:but how vaine their hopes were, the issue hath
declared; And although the Archbishop was much
deiected, and greeued for the losse of his deere Soueraigne
and Mistresse, who had so highly aduanced
him, yet he, with the rest of the Lords, repaired immediately
to White-Hall, and after two houres sitting
in Counsell, about the penning of the Proclamation,
he principally as his place required with a
cheerefull countenance, and the rest of the Lords in
like sort, accompanying him, first at the Court gate,
at White-Hall, with the applause, and vnspeakeable
comfort of all the people, proclaimed her most rightfull
Successour, Iames then King of Scotland
King of England, Fraunce, and Ireland. Afterwards
in like cheerefull sort, the Archbishop with the rest
of the Lords, trouped vp to the Crosse in Cheapeside,
and there with like acclamation of the Lord
Maior, and Citizens proclaimed him againe.
105 I am doubtfull to speake least I might seeme
to detract from others of the great comfort which the
common people, and Citizens tooke in the presence
of the Archbishop, and how hartily they prayed for
him at his returne, as if they nothing doubted, but
that all went well for the State in that Counsell,
among whom he was present.
106 He was, indeede, beloued of all sorts of people,
yea euen of some of them, who were the most
feruent Reprehenders themselues, as they haue confessed
since his death. And well worthie was he so to
7
be, for that he carried a most milde, and moderatehand ouer them. A more particular loue also he deserued
of many, for his affection vnto liberall, and ingenious
Arts, whereof his domestick gouernment,
and care, was no lesse argument, then his publique;
which I haue formerly spoken of. For besides the
paines, which he tooke himselfe after he was Bishop
of Worcester, and Archbishop of Canterburie manie
yeeres, with a number of worthie young Gentlemen,
in reading vnto them thrice a day, he tooke into
his house, besides his Chaplaines, diuers of qualitie
to instruct them in the Mathematicks, and other
Lectures of sundry Arts and Languages; giuing them
good allowance, and preferments otherwise, as occasion
was offered. And besides the many poore Schollers,
whom hee kept in his house till he could prouide
for them, and preferre them as he did sundrie
to good estates hee also maintained diuers in the
Vniuersitie, at his owne charge, and gaue liberally to
them, and others of any towardlinesse, as he heard of
their necessitie, and wants.
107 He kept likewise for the exercise of militarie
discipline a goodly armorie, and a faire stable of
great horses; insomuch as hee was able to arme at
all points both horse and foote, and diuers times had
one hundred foote, and fiftie horse of his owne seruants
mustered, and trayned; for which purpose hee
entertained Captaines. Hee had also skilfull Riders,
who taught them to manage their horses, and instructed
them in warlike exercises, all whom he rewarded
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8
in liberall manner. By this meanes, he had diuers ofhis owne Gentlemen, that afterwards proued good
Souldiers; many whereof became Captaines and
Commanders, and some for their valour, and seruice
were Knighted in the field. There were also diuers
others, that for learning, languages, and qualities
were fit to be employed by any Prince in Christendome.
Insomuch as his house, for the Lectures
and scholasticall exercises therein performed, might
iustly be accounted a little Academie, and in some
respects superiour, and more profitable; viz. for
martiall affaires, and the experience that Deuines,
and other Schollers had, being neere, and often at
the Court, and chiefe seates of iustice, from whence
they continually had the passages, and intelligences
both for matters of state, and gouernment in causes
Ecclesiasticall and ciuill. By which their continuall
experience, many of his domesticall Chaplaines,
both before, and since his death, attayned vnto the
chiefest honours, and dignities in our Church, and
Common wealth.
108 And here I may not forget his religious care
and prouident order for the due execution of his
charge, and determination of all such causes, as belonged
vnto his proper cognizance, and place. To
which end and purpose, he appointed euery Thursday,
in terme, a solemne, and set Commission day;
vpon which he had a Sermon in his Chappell, by one
of his household Chaplaines, and entertayned the
Commissioners, and their attendants, though to his
9
great expence, which he little esteemed in regard ofthe well guiding, and ordering the affaires, then by
him vndertaken. That day you should haue had a
Senate of the worthiest and greatest Counsellors of
State, with the assistance of the chiefe Prelates, Iustices,
Iudges, and sufficientest Lawyers of both professions,
that those times afforded.
109 You may then hereby obserue the Archbishops
exceeding care and singular wisedome in proceeding
with the aduise of so many worthie, prudent,
and learned men of seuerall faculties; whereby the
subiects came cheerefully to the hearing of their
causes, and without feare of partiality in any perticular
person. And howsoeuer the cause went, the
Archbishop could not be impeached of rash or inconsiderate
proceeding, seeing he had the consent
and approbation of all professions. For the Archbishop
alwayes gaue sentence, and ordered matters
as the greater part of the Court did encline, beginning
at the Iunior first, although himselfe would
sometimes dissent from them in opinion, and so he
would tell them, but without tartnesse, yea in such
kinde and louing manner, as no man was hindered
in deliuering his minde. By which meanes hee was
sure alwayes to haue the cause fully debated, and
euery mans opinion fully knowne; which when hee
found concurring with his owne, and the proceedings
ordered according to the Rules of Iustice, hee
would goe on to sentence and determine the cause.
110 Wherein he carried himselfe with great resolution,
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and courage, were the persons neuer so great,that were interested in the same, as you may perceiue
by one instance amongst many when himselfe was
yet no Counsellour of State. A Gentleman of good
note seeing how the Court was enclined to order his
cause not according to his desire tolde the Archbishop
that vpon another occasion, there grew some
speech of that cause before the Lords of the Counsell,
and their Lordships were of another opinion then
his Grace, and the rest of the Commissioners, seemed
to be; what tellest thou me said the Archbishop of
the Lords of the Counsell? I tell thee, they are in
these cases, to be aduised by vs, and not we by them.
Hee would vpon such like occasions oftentimes say
vnto his priuate friends towards his latter time when
they talked familiarly with him, and obserued his
courage and stoutnesse That two things did helpe much
to make a man confident in good causes, namely, Orbitas,
et senectus; and said he they steed me both.
111 This orderly proceeding, and course, vpheld
the reputation, and dignitie of the Commission
Court; which albeit it be of great authoritie, and
dealeth, for the most part, in matters of great waight,
and importance, yet the want of worthie assistants,
and Counsell if the like care should not be continued
may make it grow to be of little reputation, as
experience hath somewhat taught vs since the decease
of this good Archbishop: Whereunto not vnaptly
may be applied that which Plutarch reporteth
of Cato Vtican, When hee was Prætor: For hee would
11
oftentimes goe on foote, bare legged, and without hisGowne, vnto his Prætorian chayre, and there giue sentence
of life and death, whereby he rather defaced, and
impaired the Maiestie and dignitie of his Office, then gaue
it countenance by his manner of proceeding; although
otherwise he were a good Common-wealthes man, and
ministred iustice vprightly vnto all.
112 But I returne vnto our Archbishop againe.
He gaue audience vnto suitors twice a day, and afforded
them set houres for their dispatch, at which
time he would so courteously entreate them, giuing
them so milde, and gentle answeres, that euen they,
that sped not of their suites, did depart without discontentment.
Wherein I may iustly compare him
vnto Titus, qui neminem vnquam a se tristem dimisit;
He dismissed no man sorrowfull from his presence.
Wherefore hee gaue also expresse commandement
vnto his Officers, that suitors and strangers should
euer be courteously entertained, as well for expedition
of their suits, as for hospitalitie sake.
113 He had a desire alwayes to keepe a great and
bountifull house; and so he did, hauing the same
well ordered and gouerned by his head Officers
therein, and all things in plentifull manner, both for
his owne seruice and entertainment of strangers, according
to their seuerall qualities and degrees. He
often feasted the Cleargie, Nobilitie, and Gentrie, of
his Diocesse, and neighbourhood. And at Christmasse,
especially, his gates were alwayes open, and
his Hall set twice or thrice ouer with strangers: vpon
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some chiefe feastiuall dayes, he was serued with greatsolemnitie, sometime vpon the knee, as well for the
vpholding of the state that belonged vnto his place,
as for the better education, and practise of his Gentlemen,
and attendants in point of seruice.
114 Euery yeere hee entertained the Queene at
one of his houses, so long as he was Archbishop: and
some yeeres twice or thrice, where all things were
performed in so seemely an order, that shee went
thence alwayes exceedingly well pleased. And beside
many publique, and gracious fauours done vnto
him, she would salute him, and bid him farewell by
the name of blacke husband; calling also his men her
seruants, as a token of her good contentment with
their attendance and paines.
115 Euery third yeere he went into Kent vnlesse
great occasions hindered him where hee was so honourably
attended vpon by his owne traine consisting
of two hundred persons and with the Gentlemen
of the Country, that he did sometimes ride into
the Citie of Canterburie, and into other Townes with
eight hundred or a thousand horse. And surely
the entertainement which he gaue them, and they
him, was so great, that, as I am verily perswaded, no
shiere in England did, or could, giue greater, or with
more cheerefull mindes, each vnto other. The fatherly
care, which he had of his Cleargie, whom he
neuer charged with visitation, but once in twentie
yeeres his affabilitie amongst the Gentlemen, and
courteous vsage of his Tennants, gayned him so
13
great loue, that hee might very farre preuaile withthem; yea, they neuer denied him any request, that
he made vnto them.
116 At his first iourney into Kent, he rode to Douer,
being attended with an hundred of his owne seruants,
at least, in liuerie, whereof there were fortie
Gentlemen in chaines of gold. The traine of Cleargie,
and Gentlemen in the Country, and their followers,
was aboue fiue hundred horse. At his enterance
into the Towne, there happily landed an Intelligencer
from Rome, of good parts, & account, who wondred
to see an Archbishop, or Cleargie man in England,
so reuerenced, and attended: but seeing him
vpon the next Sabaoth day after in the Cathedrall
Church of Canterburie, attended vpon by his Gentlemen,
and seruants as is aforesaid also by the
Deane, Prebendaries, and Preachers in their Surplesses,
and scarlet Hoods, and heard the solemne
Musicke with the voyces, and Organs, Cornets, and
Sagbutts, hee was ouertaken with admiration, and
tolde an English Gentleman of very good qualitie
who then accompanied him That they were led in
great blindenesse at Rome, by our owne Nation, who made
the people there beleeue, that there was not in England,
either Archbishop, or Bishop, or Cathedrall, or any
Church or Ecclesiasticall gouernement; but that all was
pulled downe to the ground, and that the people heard
their Ministers in Woods, and Fields, amongst Trees,
and bruite beasts: But, for his owne part, he protested,
that vnlesse it were in the Popes Chappell hee neuer
14
saw a more solemne sight, or heard a more heauenlysound. Well, said the English Gentleman; I am glad
of this your so luckie, and first sight, ere long you
will be of another minde, and, I hope worke miracles
when you returne to Rome, in making those, that
are led in this blindnesse to see and vnderstand the
truth. It is said the Intelligencer the chiefe cause of
my comming, to see with mine owne eyes, and truly to
enforme others. Whereupon the said English Gentleman
accompanied him to London, and so to the
Court, where he saw, and heard many things to confirme
the Gentlemans report, for the gouernement
of the Church, and ciuill carriage of the people, in
their obedience to the Cleargie, and Magistrates in
the Common-wealth. Afterwards this Intelligencer
had priuate speech with Sir Frauncis Walsingham then
principall Secretarie to her Maiestie who related all
this to the Archbishop with due approbation of his
Kentish iourney; confessing that hee should reuerence
and honour him therefore while he liued. And
although hee were one of the honourable Counsellours,
before mentioned, that seemed to fauour the
precise faction, yet, vndoubtedly, he was, after this
time a kinde friend to the Archbishop, and did him
many good Offices with the Queene.
117 Howbeit, some of neere alliance vnto Sir
Frauncis, bearing themselues very boldly vpon his
fauour, would oftentimes handle the Archbishop
verie roughly, and much prouoke him by vaine
speeches, and bragges of their owne worth, and
15
scholarship; and being meere lay men would veryvnmannerly compare themselues with the best conformable
Deuines, for true knowledge, and vnderstanding
of the Scriptures. But the Archbishop smiling
at their vanities, would notwithstanding courteously
handle and entreate them in his owne house,
according to the true rule of hospitalitie; not vnlike
vnto Pericles, who being reuiled by a leud fellow in the
Market-place, all the day long, returned no bad language,
but dispatched his affaires, in hearing the Suppliants,
and determining their causes, and when night came on,
the partie followed him still, railing vpon him, till hee
came to his owne house: It being now darke, Pericles,
as he entered in, commanded one of his seruants to light
him home.
118 You see now of what an excellent nature this
Archbishop was, how farre from giuing offence,
how readie to forgiue a wrong, mercifull, compassionate,
and tender-hearted. Yet was he not voide as
no man is of infirmities. The holy Scripture noteth
of Elias, that he was a man subiect to the like passions,
as we are. But, as Horace saith,
Optimus ille qui minimis vrgetur; so may
it be confessed of this Archbishop, that the greatest,
or rather onely fault knowne in him was choler;
and yet in him so corrected, not by Philosophie
alone as Socrates confessed of his faults but by the
word, and grace of God, as it rather serued for a
Whetstone of his courage in iust causes, then any
weapon whetted against the person, goods, or good
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name of any other. So that it may as I am verilyperswaded be rightfully said of him, that hee was
such a Magistrate, as Iethro aduised Moyses, to take in
iudging the people of God, and such a Bishop as
Saint Paul requireth in the Church of Christ, Prouide
saith Iethro among all the people, men of courage,
fearing God, dealing truly, hating couetousnesse,
and appoint such ouer them to be rulers.
And a Bishop
saith Saint Paul must be vnreproueable, the husband
of one wife, watching, temperate, modest, harbarous,
apt to teach, not giuen to wine, no striker, not giuen to
filthie lucre, but gentle, no fighter, not couetous, one
that can rule his owne house honestly. Hee may not be
a young scholler, least he, being puffed vp, fall into the
condemnation of the Diuell. Hee must also be well reported
of, euen of them which are without, least he fall
into rebuke, and the snare of the Diuell.
119 And now what is there that the Diuell himselfe,
with all his Impes, Popish, or Schismaticall Libellers,
can rebuke or condemne, in this good Archbishops
Saintly life? Let them examine his actions,
in all his carriage and course, if so they can conuince
him in any thing, that was not agreeable to the directions
of Iethro for a Magistrate, and answerable
vnto the rule of Saint Paul for a Bishop.
120 As for good workes whereof the Papists so
vainely bragge; as particular effects of their superstitious
doctrines, yea, for which, heauen it selfe is a
due reward by condignity many Townes, Cities, and
Countyes can yeelde a plentifull testimonie for him
17
in this behalfe; namely, Lincolne, Worcester, theMarches of Wales, Kent and Surrie, wherein hee
liued, and, in particuler, that notable monument of
our time, his hospitall of the blessed Trinitie in Croydon,
which he built very faire, and colledge-wise, for
a warden, and eight and twenty Brothers, and sisters.
He builded also neere vnto it a goodly free schoole,
with a schoolemaisters house, allowing vnto the
schoolemaister twenty pounds by yeere for euer. All
which hee performed with such allacrity, and good
successe, that he hath beene heard diuers times to professe
with great comfort, that, notwithstanding the
charge of the purchase, and building was not small
vnto him, in comparison of his estate who neither
impaired house-keeping, nor retinue at that time yet
when he had finished and done that whole worke, he
found himselfe no worse in his estate then when hee
first began, which he ascribed vnto the extraordinary
blessing, and goodnesse of God.
121 After the finishing of this hospitall, among
many other his good deeds, the French leiger Embassadour
in England, called Boys Sisi, enquired what
workes the Archbishop had published, for that he
would willingly reade his bookes, who was reputed
The Peerelesse Prelate for Pietie and Learning in
our dayes, and whom in conference, hee found so graue,
godly, and iudicious; when it was answered that
hee onely published certaine bookes in the English
tongue, in defence of the Ecclesiasticall gouernment
although it be very well knowne to many, who were
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neere vnto him, that he left diuers learned Treatisesin written hand, well worthy the printing and that
it was, thereupon incidently tould the Embassadour
that he had founded an Hospitall, and a Schoole, he
vsed these words; Profectô Hospitale, ad subleuandam
paupertatem, et schola, ad instruendam iuuentutem, sunt
optimi libri, quos Archiepiscopus conscribere potuit;
Truely an Hospitall to sustaine the poore, and a
schoole to trayne vp youth, are the worthiest bookes
that an Archbishop could set forth.
122 And albeit the Archbishop had euer a great
affection to lie at his mansion house at Croydon, for
the sweetenesse of the place, especially in Summer
time; whereby also he might some times retyre himselfe
from the multiplicity of businesses, and suitors
in the vacations; yet, after he had builded his hospitall,
and his schoole, he was farther in loue with the
place, then before. The chiefe comfort of repose, or
solace that he tooke, was in often dyning at the hospitall
among his poore bretheren, as hee called them;
There hee was often visited by his entire, and
honourable friends, the Earle of Shrewsbury, Worcester,
and Cumberland, the Lord Zouch, the
Bishop of London, and others of neere place about
her Maiestie, in whose company hee chiefly delighted.
123 In the absence of his friends, he would be exceeding
cheereful & affable, with his owne gentlemen,
and seruants, though his bounty towards them; & the
poore, did not consist in words, but in deeds, for hee
19
was very liberall in rewarding them, both with leases,offices, and otherwise with supplies, as their occasions
required, out of his purse; and would, I make no question,
haue done much more for them out of his owne
estate, if hee had had ability, and time after his sicknesse
first seized vpon him to dispose of his worldly
affaires.
124 As his bountie was very great towards his
owne for in that number likewise he alwaies accounted
the poore societie of his hospitall so were his hands
euery where reached out to the necessities of all sorts.
Yea such was his charity, that if he had seene poore
men addicted to labour, he would haue giuen them
mony, and waste ground, to employ in gardening, or
some such vse, as might be for their reliefe. Or if hee
heard that any of his poore neighbors were decrepit,
or destitute of meanes to follow their trade, he would
supply their needs either with mony or fewel, & somtimes
poore Watermens wants with boats, and such
like; wherein he dealt no worse with them then that famous
Bishop of Lincolne Robert Grosthead, dealt with
his poore kinsman; in whose behalfe when he was solicited
to aduaunce him, and thereupon enquiring
what course of life he followed, and receiuing answere
that he was an husbandman; Why then quoth he if his
plough be broken, I will repaire it, or rather then faile
bestow a new vpon him, whereby hee may goe on in his
course of life; but so to aduance him, as to make him forsake
his trade, or condition, in which hee was brought vp,
that meane I not to doe.
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125 I feare least I haue held the Reader too longin these priuate matters; therefore I will for breuity
sake, omit to speake of the faire Librarie which hee
left behinde him, with many other memorable things
worthie the obseruation and returne againe vnto
his publique affaires.
126 THe Archbishop respecting the welfare of
the Church, and publique cause albeit he
was very confident of the Kings Princely wisedome,
by the experience he had thereof being now an auncient
Counsellour and well vnderstanding the passages
of matters betwixt his Maiestie, and state of our
Country, whereby he did conceiue that it was not
probable so wise, & learned a Prince could be ouercome
with the conceits of such innouatours, whose
fancies could not stand but with hazard of the State
yet he held it most expedient to send that Reuerend
Gentleman, Maister Doctor Neuill, Deane of Canterburie
into Scotland to his Maiestie, in the name of
the Bishops, and Cleargie of England, to tender their
bounden duties, and to vnderstand his Highnesse
pleasure for the ordering and guiding of Cleargie
causes. The Deane brought a most gracious answere
of his Highnesse purpose; which was, to vpholde,
and maintaine the gouernment of the late
Queene; as shee left it setled. Which answere did
much comfort the Archbishop: and the rather, because
it did yeeld full satisfaction vnto some others,
who peraduenture might conceiue some doubt of
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alteration, by reason of the Puritane bragges, andtheir affections vnto the Presbiteriall gouernment in
Scotland.
127 In this meane while, the preparations were
great for solemnization of the late Queenes funerall;
which being performed very sumptuously, as became
the dignitie of so great a Prince, the Archbishop,
as he was the principall in the custodie of the
Kingdome, and chiefe in all Counsels of State, vnder
his Maiestie in his absence for there is no interregnum
in England, as Watson the Priest, did trayterously
pretend so in this last solemnitie of obsequie
vnto his euer honoured Soueraigne, and Mistresse, he
was the most eminent person of the whole land, and
principall mourner; who receiued the offering, and
had the banners presented vnto him.
128 After this, when at his Maiesties first enterance
into England, the King had spoken with him
at Theobalds, whereby he more fully conceiued his religious
pleasure touching the affaires of this Common-wealth,
he was therewith put into heart, especially,
when after his comming to London, hee did
againe perceiue his resolution, for the continuance
of the well setled state of the Church, which made
him more cheerefully prepare himselfe for performance
of his dutie as a thing belonging vnto his
place, against the day of Coronation, Iuly 25. 1603.