No More Learning

and the 7th yere the reigne the pope; find, moreouer, the said story two other Letters the pope concerning the saine matter, but differing forme, sent vnto the same bishops
and damnable heresies.
defile the faithfull sort, and bring them from
giue any credit
right path headlong perdi
the said Iohn any wise. —Be Bull the Pope, sent vnto the
the into the
tion, ouerthrow the state the and
his doctrine
Canturbury and the bishop
church,
ytterly subuert the secular policie. Of which
agree (only certaine names and termes changed) with the peruerse opinions, and vnlearned doctrine
Marsilius Padua, and Iohn Gandune, vnworthie memory, whose bookes were vt
the realine England, happy memory Iehn 22.
more glorious and shining purenesse faith;
his mischiefuous heresies some seeme
terly abolished our predecessour
and all bearing the same date both yeere, and moneth the reigne pope Gregory. Whereby
the day,
the said supposed,
id:
kingdome
onely
doth not
power, and abundance faculties, but much
Where*
by might
the nobles them, not
England should be admonished
flourish
that the pope either was very exquisite and so licitous about the matter, haue Wickliffe
apprehended, which wrote three diuers let ters one person, and one day, about scriptures, ripe grauity maners, men nota one businesse; else that did suspect the
Accustomed alwaies bring forth men excel lently learned the true knowledge the holy
ble deuotion, and defenders the catholike faith. Wherefore we will and command you
bearers thereof; the scruple whereof leaue the iudgment the reader. —Furthermore,
our writing apostolicall the name your besides these Letters written the vniuensity, obedience, and vpon paine priuation our and the bishops, directeth also another fauour, indulgences and priuiledges granted Epistle bearing the same date vnto king Ed wnto your and your vniuersity from the said see ward; one my stories saith, but ano apostolicall that hereafter suffer not those ther saith, king Richard, which soundeth pestilent heresies, and those subtill and false more neere the truth, forasmuch the
conclusions and propositions, misconstruing 7th yeere pope Gregory the which was the right sense faith and good workes (how the yeere our Lord 1378, king Edward was
soeuer they tearme what curious implica tion words soeuer they vse) any longer disputed of, brought question: Lest
bee not withstood the first, and plucked
not aliue. The copy his Letters the king here followeth:
the roots, might perhaps
after prepare medicines
number infected with the
further that apprehend immediatly
greater And cause
too late here
The copy the Epistle sent
Rome Richard king secute Iohn Wickliffe.
the bishop England, per
when contagion.
“Vnto his well-beloued sonne Christ, Richard the most noble king England, health, apprehended the said Iohn Wickliffe, and &c. —The kingdome England, which the
deliuer him detained the safe custody most highest hath put vnder your power and our well-beloued brethren, the archbishop gouernance, being famous and renoumed
Canturbury, and the bishop London, valiancy and strength, abundant and flowing
either them. And you shall find any gainesayers, corrupted with the said doctrine (which God forbid) your said vniuersity within your iurisdiction, that shall obstinately stand the said errours; that then like maner apprehend them, and commit them
safe custody, and otherwise doe this
case shall appertaine vnto you
your carefull proceedings herein, your negligence past concerning the premisses may now fully supplied and recompensed with present dili gence. Whereby you shall not onely purchase
all kind wealth and riches, but mu. ch more glorious, resplendent and shining through the brightnesse and cleerenesse godlinesse and faith, hath accustomed alwaies brin forth men endued with the true knowledge vnderstanding the holy scriptures, graue yeeres, feruent deuotion, and defenders
the catholike faith: the which haue not only directed and instructed their owne people through their wholesome doctrine and precepts into the true path God's commandements;
but also we haue heard the report and in wnto you the fauour and beneuolence the formation many credible persons (to our seate apostolicall, but also great reward and great grief and heart sorrow) that Iohn Wick
merit almighty God. Yeuen
Maries the greater, Kalend.
the yeere our consecration. ”
Besides this bull sent the vniuersity Ox into such
Rome Iune, and
diocesse would
ford, the said pope Gregory directed moreouer nesse, that
letters the same time the archbishop diuers and sundry conclusions full errours,
liffe parson Lutterworth, the Lincolne, professor diuinitie
author heresie)
detestable and abominable mad
God were
fallen
hath propounded and set forth
his
inS. to of to by by be
ofof
lyof
to
in
ye ofin of in of
of of
to ofhe
is
of
be
by
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if to vpit be
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of
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7ofasin toof it ye of is
in
of
of be of inin in of
to xj.
in
ofat
:
of
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Soin in as
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to
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of
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of
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to ye it or ;
of
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of
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so he
of of by
of
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toit of
of of to hein is 11 in to of
to
as
inin or
of oforto of
of byxi, to totobe
to (I
betotoinas I
toof ofin in of to of of to
of
a
of of
71] STATE TRIALS, 6 Richard 1383. -Proceedings against [72
and containing most mainfest beresie, the and consent, neither the consent of his col
which doe tend viterly subuert and ouer ledge, either make able disable any man. throw the state of the whole church. Of the man cannot be excommunicated his
which, some them (albeit vnder coloured hurt vndoing, except first and princi phrase and speech) seeme smell and sauor pally excommunicate himselfe. No man peruerse opinions, and the foolish doctrine ought, but Gods cause alone, excommuni
coondemned memory Marsilius Padua, and Iohn Ganduno, whose bookes were pope Iohn the 22, our predecessor, man
cate, suspend, forbid, otherwise pro
ceede reuenge any ecclesiasticall censure. 10. curse or excommunication doth not
simply binde, but case pronounced and giuen against aduersary
c. ”
happy memory, reproued and condemned,
out Hitherto gentle reader, thou hast heard how 11. There
the Gods law. power giuen any example,
Wickliffe was accused the bishop. Now either Christ
apostle, excom: you shall also heare the pope's mighty reasons municate any subject, specially for denying
and arguments, the which did confute any temporalties, but rather contrariwise. 12. him, the king. followeth The disciples Christ haue power exact, Therefore, forsomuch our reuerend bre any ciuill authority, temporalties by cen thren the archbishop Canturbury, and the sures. 13. not possible the absolute
bishop London haue receiued speciall commandement from vs, our authority
power God, that the pope
christian doe pretend any meanes loose, that thereby hee doth
any other bind bind and
apprehend and commit the forenamed Iohn
Wickliffe vinto prison, and transport his con loose. 14. We ought beleeue that the vicar
fession vnto vs; they shall seeme the pro Christ deth
secution this their businesse lacke your loose, when
fauour helpe, we require and most earnestly law and ordinance
desire your maiesty, euen your most noble vniuersally bee beleeued, that euery priest predecessors haue alwayes beene most earnest rightly and duly ordered, according vnto the law louers the catholike faith (whose case grace, hath power according his vocation, quarrell this matter chiefly handled) that whereby may minister the sacraments, and you would vouchsafe (euen for the reuer consequently absolue any man confessing his ence God, and the faith aforesaid, and also fault, being contrite and penitent for the same.
the apostolike seate, and our person) with 16. lawfull for kings (in causes licensed }. helpe and fauour assist the said arch the law take away the temporalties from the ishop and other that shal goe about exe spiritualty, sinning habitualiter, that which cute the said businesse. Whereby besides the continue the custome sinne, and will not
praise men, you shal obtaine heauenly re amend. 17. Whether they temporall lords,
ward and great fauor and good will our hand, and of the see aforesaid. Dated Rone
Mary the greater, the cal. Iune, the 7th yeere our bishoprike, an. 1378. ”
any other men whatsoeuer they be, which haue endowed any church with temporalties; lawfull for them take away the same
temporalties, were way medicine, The Articles included the pope's letters, auoid sinne notwithstanding any excommuni
of against Wickliffe, were these which
censure;
which sent the bishops, doe follow.
cation
forso
The Conclusions Iohn Wickliffe, exhibited
tion.
the bishop Rome, may lawfully bee rebuked
the Conuocation Lambeth.
certaine bishops
his subjects, and for the profit the church accused either the clergie the laitie. ” These Letters with the Articles inclosed being
“1. All the whole race earth, besides Christ, hath ordaine that Peter and
mankinde here on
power sim
offspring should with themselues, and that open profession
F.
thus receiued from the pope, the bishops tooke little heart, thinking and fully determining
the
king
order much
other ecclesiasticall
they are not giuen but vnder condi
rule ouer the world for euer. before their prouinciall councell, that man łod cannot giue any man for him and his ner respects feare fauour set apart,
heires any ciuill dominion for euer. All person neither high nor low should let them, writings inuented men, touching perpetu neither would they bee seduced the intreaty heritage, are impossible. Euery man, any man, nor any threatenings rewards,
being grace iustifying, hath not only right but that this cause they would execute most ynto the thing, but also time hath right surely vpright iustice and equitie: yea albeit
indeede aboue the good things God.
man cannot onely ministratoriously giue any But these fierce bragges, and stout proomis:es,
temporall continuall gift; either well his naturall sonne, sonne imitation.
an and meritoriously take away the riches from preuaile) small occasion did lightly confound the church when they doe offend habitualiter. and ouerthrow. For the day the examination
We know that Christs vicar cannot, neither being come; certaine personage the princes able his bulls, neither owne will court, and yet great noble birth, named
thought them sure before: the Lord God be, the temporall lords may lawfully whom no determination of man's couns
ell c
such times onely binde and worketh conformably the
Christ. 15. This ought
18. An ecclesiasticall minister, and also
present danger life should follow thereupon. with the subtill practices these bishops, which
is7. 6. A all S. of “ *: Ifin to
by
in he of of of or of
his
byasof to 5.
to atat in
aof
of
of
of
in
be
be be or
as to
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if Itby
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all of hisno of
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of
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to
in 11
4. ofa to he
as
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3.
»ly
of
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at
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8. II.
by or of ofof
to
no
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in
to
isIt, AorA as or to is of by to
bysoin
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of so no
of
as it
in he is
heat is of no or to
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of or
of
of
or in by by
to byof
to byif
by by hisitorhe
so or
or a is, tototo 9.
all by to to no to by or of
:
73] STATE TRIALS, 6 Richard
Lewes Clifford, entering among the bishops,
commanded them that they should not pro
ceede with any definitiue sentence against Iohn
Wickliffe. With which words they were
anazed and their combes cut, that (as the Peter, &c. —This conclusion story mentioned) they became mute and
speechlesse, men hauing not one word their mouthes answere. And thus the
wonderous worke God his prouidence, escaped the article our Creed, iudge both the Iohn Wickliffe the second time out of the bi quicke and the dead. And then (as the Scri
shops hands; and was them clearely dis ture teacheth) shall surcease missed vpon his declaration made his arti tike rule here; vnderstand cles, anon shall follow. —Moreouer, here secular dominion pertaining
ciuill and poli the temporall and
1383. −John Wickliffe, for Heresy. [74
men here dwell not passed ouer, how the same time, ing this mortall life. For doth the philo and the said chappell the archbishop sophers speake ciuill dominion. And al Lambeth, where the bishops were sitting vpon though the thing which terminable, and hath
Iohn Wickliffe, the story writing the doing end, called sometimes perpetuall: yet be thereof, addeth these words, saying: “Non cause holy Scripture, and vse the Church,
dico ciues tantüm Londinenses, sed viles ipsius and the bookes philosophers most com. ciuitatis impudenter ingerere presumpserunt monly that taken bee perpetuall, which
eandem capellam verba facere pro eodem, bath no end time hereafter come accord istud negotium impedire, confisi, reor, ip ing the which sense the Church singeth Gloria
sorum premissa negligentia praelatorum, &c. ” patri, &c. Nunc, That say not onely, that the citizens the same signification London, but also the vile abiects the citie (perpetually) and
perpetuum also after take here this word this conclusion conso
the Scripture, that ordaine the course and
so
offered and exhibited vnto the bishops writ ere euer: Secondly, absolute power
here not forgotten, how the said Iohn And hold, that God first ordinate Wickliffe, the same time his examination, cannot giue any person ciuill dominion
ing protestation, with declaration expo not probable that will doe: forso sition his owne minde, vpon the said his arti much hee cannot euer detain his spouse
cles, the effect hereof followeth:
The Protestation of Iohn Wickliffe.
“1. protest Ihage often before done) that
perpetuall prison this life, nor alwaiés deferre the finall beatitude of his Church.
To the third conclusion. Many writings
charts inuented doe minde and intend with my whole heart (by tuall heritage ciuill,
men, touching perpe vnpossible. —The vesity incident. For we must not
the grace God)
harts whatsoeuer,
for then were not take away seques
true Christian, and
this conclusion
long breath shall remaine me, pro canonize manner co
Christ. And ignorance other
catholike, vniuersall
tion; most humbly submitting my sclfe vnder Church, great occasion
the correction our holy mother the Church. nistred men chartered,
And forsomuch the sentence my faith, temporall charts; and might
which have holden the schooles and else much liberty and licence sinne. For like
fesse and defend the law
shall happen that through
wise shall faile therein
pardon and forgiuenesse. And now againe doth vniustly occupy the same. And that before also, doe reuoke and make retracta stand confirmed and ratified the faith the
desire my Lord God
lawfull any meanes things giuen chart
charter, when
where, reported euen children, and more
ouer carried children euen vnto Rome:
therefore lest my deare beloued brethren should
take any offence me, will set forth writ Scripture, and
ing the sentence and articles, for the which cessity things
am now accused and impeached: the which Euery man being grace iustifying final also euen vnto the death will defend As lie, hath not onelie right vnto the thing, but beleeue Christians ought doe, and specially also for his time hath right indeede ouer the
the bishop Rome and other priests and good things God. —The veritie hereof eui
ministers of the Church. For doe vnderstand the conclusions after the sense and manner of speaking the Scriptures and holy doctors, the which am ready expound: And they shall
found contrary vnto the faith, am ready reuoke, and speedily call them backe againe. ”
dent, holy Scripture, Mat. 24. Where verity promiseth euery man entering into ioy', verily (saith he, tell you, shall set and place him ouer the goods hath. For the right and title belonging the communion saints their country (hee meanethin the king
An Exposition vpon the conclusions Iolin
Wickliffe, exhibited him “All the race mankinde here
the bishop. earth beside ordaine, that selfe eui
Christ, hath power simply
dent, forasmuch stoppe the comming ment, but must
not
mans power finalliudge
Christ
needs come, according
med bee bold the same chappell beth, where the bishops were sitting vpon
Iohn Wickliffe, both intreat for him, and also let and stop the same matter; trusting,
nant the principles
suppose, . . " the negligence which they saw the second conclusion answere, ynderstanding
&c. —Ouer, dominion,
before the bishops, and beside, ciuill the conclusion before.
not mans yoyage the
Chu
rch, God cannot giue
here
perpetually
any man, &c. —To
§.
some supposition euery truth necessary: the same supposition euery false thing
possible,
plaine the testimony the holy doctors speaking ne
come.
should be mi trust their grow thereby
last.
to
byof(as so of to by as to to &
be
asof as
I
to in
to
I I a is
I isI ofin is, be
ofall is asof to toIse
of I be
to as
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in : be
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: in orto orin if
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II.
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of
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it his : to
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is of
in
so
he
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an as in
to by
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so to
all
to
to in ofto hisitinto
intoas
is
75] STATE TRIALS, 6 Richard o1333. —Proceedings against [70
giue any temporall dominion gift perpetuall, such excommunication
well his owne naturall sonne, his proceede and begin originally his owne sonne imitation. —It euident. For euery sin which damnified whereupon Augustin
dome heauen). Fundatur obiectiue super vicar Christ,
wniversitatem bonorum Dei that hath his from aboue.
relation, vnto his obiect, the goods and man cannot be excommunicate to his possession God. hurt vndoing, except excommunicate
commeth him another way man can but onely ministratoriousl first and principally himselfe. —It euident,
man ought recognise himselfe his saith, De verbis Domini Sermone 51. Doe not workes and doings, humble seruant and thou conculcate thy selfe, and man ouercom
Scripture meth thee not. And moreouer the faith of the doe teach vs. Let man so esteeme of vs as Church doth teach, quod nulla nocebit aduer
minister God. As the words
the ministers Christ. Yea, Christ him sitas, nulla dominetur iniquitas: that
selfe did teach his chiefe apostles minister; say No aduersitie shall hurt, iniquitie
but their country the saints shall giue vnto hath the vpperhand. And yet notwithstanding, their fellow bretheren the dominion of their euery excommunication for many causes also
goods, inferioribus
They shall giue you, and put into your bosomes good measure and perfect, well filled and heaped vp, and running ouer.
Luke
patet suis corporibus bonis natura,” according the words
feared, although that the excommunication the Church, the humble man being ex
communicated, not damnable but wholsome.
No man ought but God's cause alone excommunicate, suspend, &c. —It cleare,
God bee, temporall lords may lawfully
and meritoriously take away the goods for God, whose respect ought chiefly
tune from the Church when they doe offend habitualiter. —This conclusion correlatiue with the first article of our faith beleeue
God the Father Almighty, &c. Where vn
derstand this word (may) this conclusion
forasmuch euery iust cause and pondred. Yea, the loue
the cause bee weigh the person
saith and granteth, that God able these
stones raise children Abraham for
otherwise Christian princes were heretikes. For this conclusion thus standeth the reason:
doe: and may com
thority their pleasure: but onely the au 11. There example Christ, which thority the Church they may doe, giueth power his disciples excommunicat
cases and forme limited We know that
the law. any subject (especially for denying any tem not possible that the but contrary. —Which thus declared
faith, whereby
his pure bulls, &c. — the wee beleeue that God
omnipotent: and hee able command the lords
his God, appeareth 13. Quast. relas.
7.
que
God be, hee
Almighty, hee
temporall
mand, then may they lawfully take away
such goods, &c. And the vertue the
same principle, Christian princes haue practised
the said sentence upon the churchmen heereto
fore, did William Rufus, &c. But God for unto consonant notwithstanding, that the bid that any should beleeue heereby my inten coensure the Church doth not binde simply, tion haue beene, that secular lords may but secondarily that case and respect, lawfully take away what goods soeuer, and denounced against the aduersary the mem what meanes soeuer, their owne naked au bers of the Church.
vicar Christ able
This manifest the catholike faith; foras beloued aboue things, and our neigh
much the Church doth fully beleeue that the enabling any man ought first proceede and
come God; wherefore his vicar, hath any power
onely vicar the name
forth hee enabled
wnto the Church whom God hath enabled. the Scripture, Luke 23. Where Christ did for Wherefore any man doe any thing, not bid his Apostles ciuilly raigne beare any vicar the name the Lord, whom ought lordship. The kings (saith hee) the Gentiles
beare rule ouer them; but you not so. And after this sense expounded Bernard,
Chrysostome, and other holy men: which conclusion notwithstanding, yet may they exact
forethinke his author and head;
resumption Lucifer, forsomuch Christ
Apostle saith, Cor. All our abilitie sufficiencie commeth of God. And conse
man being Christ this matter, but the Lord, farre
bour and enemy are bee beloued aboue temporall goods this world necessarily for
the Lord, notifie
any ciuil coaction their censures. —This
Christ haue exact temporal appeareth
power things the faith
temporall things ecclesiastical censures inci ablenesse vnablenesse him, being the uengement their God.
quently, commeth not purely the ministery
his vicarship, that enabled; but the dently, case that appertaine the re
gruent, that prelate may excommunicate
the cause also man, that his principall re spect doing bee had the iniury done
10. No curse or excommunication can bind simply, but case giuen out against the aduersarie Christ's law. —And appeareth
thus, because that God doth binde simply euery one that bound, who cannot excommunicate but onely for transgression his law. Where
the law God cannot 12. The disciples
contrary vinto itselfe.
ought
after the manner autentike Scripture, which this conclusion notwithstanding con
excommunicate, ought
reuengement, and the desire temporall
goods whatsoeuer; for otherwise that doth excommunicate, doth damnifie himselfe. To
surmount the zeale
or
if
so all
of
he ofis
3.
of
it by byis by
so to
as
an is
of
ofin
ofa as
is
as all
of
;to
If of as 6.
if
of
si
it
of ofat
to
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ofas
of to 1 be
is in
is by
to is
a
of de a
to
7.
in asasofasisof toas
If
6. “ in Vt
in
5. A
of
of
is vpof
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by to heis: sooral
is
be it of to in
be
to
to
of it no is
byisto no
of toall it to be
it
of
of ofor by
S. to no
is toof of is if ei be
of by by
all
it
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of
;
as
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be
it
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ofed to ofto
9. be ;
3. orAof
II.
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be so to
of it 4. heall ofto of
is
is
77]
STATE TRIALS, 6 Richard 1383. -John Wickliffe, for Heresy. [78 13. not possible the absolute power charitie necessarily, because euery action
God, that the pope any other Christian and worke man pretend binde loose their pleasure condition necessary what meanes soeuer, that thereby doth curring withall,
viderstood priuie God, his good will con
so binde and loose. —The contrary of this Conradicap.
conclusion will destroy the whole Catholike forbid, that these words occasion should bee
faith, importing blasphemer which power the Lord.
intend not pe,
accused, either binde and loose: But doe vnderstand the con The proofe
that
may the vertue the head
the laitie. — this manifest hereby, because Rome subiect fall into
lesse but him
vsurpeth such absolute
18. An ecclesiasticall minister, yea, the bi
And yet this conclusion derogate from the power the any other prelate the Church,
shop Rome may lawfully subjects, and for the profit
rebuked his the church
ditionall this negatiue (to impossible) after the said bishop
this sense, that cannot that the pope the sinne against the Holy Ghost, may any other prelate the Church can pretend supposed, sauing the sanctitude, humilitie and himselfe binde loose (how and after what reuerence due such father. For long
manner hee list himselfe) except such sort, that hee doe indeede so binde and loose before
God, hee doth pretend doe.
14. We ought beleeue, that the vicar
Christ doth such times onely binde and loose,
when worketh conformably the law Church apparent that the residue the and ordinance Christ, &c. —The reason body the Church, which possibly may stand thereof this, because otherwise vnlawfull most lay men, may wholesomely correct the for him doe, except should the same, accuse and bring him better way. vertue that law; and consequently, vn The possibilitie this case touched, Dist. lesse be conformable the law and ordinance 40. Papa. the pope doe erre from the of Christ.
correcting him the Lord. The practice more lesse. And yet notwithstanding, which conclusion also testified many Chro the power inferiour priests these dayes, nicles. Farre bee from the Church Christ,
vpon due consideration restrained, and some that veritie should be condemned which sound
times againe, time extreeme necessitie,
eth euil transgressors and other slothfull per sons, for then the whole faith the Scripture were damnable case. —Thus Iohn Wick
liffe giuing his Exposition vnto his foresaid propositions and conclusions, aboue pre fixed, through the fauour and diligence the Londoners, either shifted off the bishops,
the doctors, wit, the
power order, and the power
regiment. And according this second power,
the prelats are higher maiesty, and regi inent.
released. And thus according prelate hath double power,
iurisdiction
16. lawfull for princes and kings (in else satisfied them so, that for that time was cases the law limited) withdraw temporall dismissed and scaped clearely away, onely being
the cutti law
fine collat.
And yet God
giuen the lords temporall take away the goods fortune from the Church.
the clergie,
our brother subiect voto the infirmitie of fall ing, hee lyeth vnder the law brotherly cor
such great fall
the lord pope againe, such
rection. And when the whole colledge car dinals may slothfull ministring due cor rection for the necessary prosperitie the
15. To this conclusion, this ought vniuersally beleeued, that euery priest rightly and duely ordered hath power according his vo cation, &c. —The reason hereof this, because that the order priesthood his owne nature and substance receiueth such degrees, either
ought not supposed
without manifest euidence:
right faith, &c. For like
obstinacie ought not bee supposed him,
possibly being fallen, but that hee will humbly
receiue the wholesome medicine his superior,
churchmen, abusing charged and commanded the said bishops, the
i.
great fruite, than corporall almes the case
commodities from
same habitualiter. The reason thereof that hee should not teach preach any such
doctrine any more, for the offence the lay people. ”
About the same time also, about yeeres standing, that sometime were necessary after, there fell cruell dissention England,
worke spirituall almes, chastise such betweene the common people and the nobility,
laine, for that temporall lords ought rather
spirituall
almes, which bringeth with
clerks taking from them their temporall liu the which did not
ings, which vse abuse the same the dam the commonwealth.
nifying both their soule and body. The Sudbury archbishop
cases which the law doth limit this matter, the rusticall and rude people, and was be were the defect correcting his spirituall headed. In whose place after succeeded Wil head, else for lacke correcting the faith liam Courtney, which was lesse diligent than the clerke which offendeth, appeareth, 16. his predecessor had beene before him, doing
filijs Dist. 40. cap. Sipapa. his diligence roote out heretikes. Notwith 17. Whether they temporall lords, any standing the meane season Wickliffe's sect other men whatsoeuer, which haue endued any increased priuily, and dayly grew greater church with temporalties, &c. —The truth, force, vntill the time that William Barton
thereof euidently seene, that nothing vicechancellor Oxford, about the yeere wught stop man from the principall works our Lord 1380, had the whole rule that Vni
little disturbe and trouble In this tumult Simon of
Canturbury, was taken
for
of to to
it
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at
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in
3 of
of so asto
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in
it
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it
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79] STATE TRIALS, 6 Richard 1383–Proceedings against [80 uersitie: who calling together eight monasticall After that the said conclusions (the tenor
doctors, other,
and four with the consent the
É. openly pro whereof hereunder ensueth) were
and distinctly and plainly read: "We rthened our foresaid fellow brethren, doc an edict, declaring vnto euery man, and threat tors, and bachelers, the faith wherein they
rest affinitie, putting the common seale the Vniuersitie vnto certaine writings, set forth
ning them vnder grieuous penaltie, that man stood bound our Lord Jesus Christ, and
should hardy, hereafter associate them they would answer before the high Judge the
selves with any Wickliffe's fautors fauou day Judgement, that they should speake their rers: and vnto Wickliffe himselfe he threatned opinions touching the said conclusions, and
the greater excommunication, and further im what euery them thinketh therein. prisonment, and fautors, vnlesse that And length, after good deliberation had they after three dayes canonicall admonition vpon the premisses, the foresaid our brethren
warning, they call peremptorie, did the bishops, doctors and bachelers, reassembled repent and amend. The which thing when before vs. the day the same moneth Wickliffe vnderstood, forsaking the pope and the foresaid chamber, the foresaid Conclusions all the clergy, hee thought appeale vnto the being againe and againe repeated and plainly kings maiesty; but the duke Lancaster com read; by and the common consents
ming between, forbade him that should not remaineth published and declared, that
hereafter attempt begin any such matters, some the said conclusions are hereticall, and but rather submit himselfe vnto the censure othersome erroneous and contrary the de
and iudgement his ordinary. Whereby Wick termination the Church, hereafter most liffe being beset with troubles and vexations, manifestly shall appeare. And forasmuch
were the middest the waues, was for sufficient information we find and perceiue,
tigate and asswage the rigor his enemies. — The next yeere after, which was 1382, the
heresie vehemently and notoriously sus pected: wee haue thought good, well gene rally specially, send out this processe vn derwritten.
The names the Iurers were these. —Im primis, Bishops, Canturbury, Winchester, Durham, Exceter, Hereford, Sarum, Rochester, and Frier Botlesham, —Item, friers preachers, Siward, Paris, Langley. —Item, minorites, Foluile, Carlel, Frisly, Bernwel. —
commandement
turbury, there was London, where
William archbishop Can conuocation holden Iohn Wickliffe was also
commanded there appeared
present. But whether personally not, finde
not
his doc that the said conclusions many places auoide our said prouince haue beene, said, both afore taught and preached; and that diuers other
ced once againe make confession
trine the which his confession,
the rigor things, hee answered
said, making his declaration, and qualifying persons doe hold and maintaine the same, and his assertions after such sort, that he did mi
story certainly affirmed. The mandate
the archbishop William Courtney (sent abroad
for the conuenting together this councell) Item, Augustine friers foure, Ashborne, Bow here followeth vnder written, truely copied out kin, Woldley, Hornington. —Item, Carmelites
his owne registers. -Memorandum, that Glanuile, Dis, Loney, Kiningham. —Item, where well amongst the nobles commons Monkes Wels, Ramsey, Bloxam, Maxton. —
this realme England, there hath cer Item, doctors the canon and ciuill law 14, taine brute bin spread diuers conclusions Appelby, Waltrom, Baketon, Chadesen, Tre
both erroneous, and also repugnant
the de gision, Stow, Blanchard, Rocombey, Lidford, the Welbourne, Flaineburgh, Motrum, Brandon our and Prophet. —Item, Bachelers Diuinitie
the Church, which tend the whole Church, and
termination subuersion prouince uersion
diuers and sundrie places our said pro here aboue specified, whereof there were 10, uince, generally, commonly, and publikely: which were these friers condemned here Wee William Gods permission Archbishop ticall, the rest erroneous, here order fol
Canturburie, and also the sub Humbleton, Pickwech, Lindlow, Wich, Chisel the whole realme, being preached den, Tomson. —The articles John Wickliffe
Canturbury, Primate England, and low, and are these. Although may bee Legate the Sea Apostolicall, being minded thought, that some them were made worse execute our office and duty herein; haue their sinister collecting, than meant conuocated called together certaine our fel them his owne workes and writings.
low brethren and others great many, well doctors and batchelers diuinity, doctors the canon and ciuill law, and those whom we
The Articles Iohn Wickliffe, condemned hereticall. The substance of materiall bread and wine, doth remaine the Sacrament
thought the most famous men, skilfullest of the Altar after the consecration. The
men, and men soundestiudgement religion, accidents doe not remaine without the subject
realme, the same sacrament, after the consecration. that were all the whose names here o
under ensue. And the same being (the day That Christ not the sacrament of the the moneth May) the yeere our Lord altar truely and really, his proper and cor 1882, certaine chamber within the territo person. That bishop priest ories the priorie the friers preachers Lon deadly sin, hee doth not order, conse don, before and our foresaid fellow brethren crate, nor baptize. That man duly assembled, then and there personally present: and truely contrite and penitent, exteriour
all
a of
itin as is
vs
in be of of
of by
of
be his so
5.
in
of in of
:
of
ofofofin ofofin a to of of as
it or inin
of
of 17
in
as
to
as toto a
is toofhe it ofby
or
no of
or
of of
to beasof
or
asto ofa
in ofa of of
allof of of
3. in in
4,
be by all as of it
II.
to as by
of he at
as
of
of
to of a of
or
to as I as he
ofto it,
to
of . by ofofto
4. is
1. of as of of
of
21 by
in
7 ofat vs
if in in
a B. in
of
ifinof asas
or he 3 to be a 2. as
4,
a
or
all his
to
in 6, 4 ofasvsin as
of
s1] STATE TRIALS, 6 RfchARD II. 1383. —John Wickliffe, for Heresy. [82
and outer confession is but superfluous and their hands, and not begging. 23. That unprofitable unto him. 6. That it is not found whosoeuer doth giue any almes vinto friers,
or stablished by the Gospell, that Christ did any begging obseruant, accursed,
make or ordaine masse. 7. Ifthe pope be a danger thereof.
reprobate and euill man, and consequently a The letter the Archbishop directed the member of the Diuell; hee hath no power by Bishop London, against Iohn Wickliffe and any manner of meanes giuen unto him ouer his adherents. --William Gods permission faithfull Christians, except peraduenture it be Archbishop Canturburie, Metropolitane of given him from the emperour. 8. That since England, and the apostolicall Sea legate; the time of Urban the 6, there is none to be To our reuerend brother the grace God receiued for pope, but euery' man is to liue bishop London, salutation. The prelats
ter the manner the Greeks, vnder his own the Church ought bee much the more vi
law. That against the Scripture, that ilant and attentiue about the charge the
ecclesiasticall Ministers should haue any tem- #". flocke committed vnto them: how much
porall possessions.
The other Articles Iohn Wickliffe, con ing clothed sheepes apparell, fraudulently
demned erroneous. 10. That prelate about worrie and scatter the sheepe. ought excominunicate any man, czcept hee Truely the continuall crie and bruted fame knew him first be excommunicate God. (which grieueth me report) come our
11. That he, which doth excommunicate any knowledge that although the canonicall man, thereby himselfe either heretike sanctions, man being forbidden not ad
prelate bishop unitted, should either publicly priuily without excommunicating any the clergy, which hath the authoritie the apostolicall Sea bishop
excommunicated. 12. That
PPPealed the king the councell, there that place, vsurpe take vpon him the himselfe traitor the king and realme. office preacher: Some notwithstanding,
the more they shall vinderstand the Wolues, be
13. That such, which doe leaue off preach such are the children damnation, being vn ing hearing the Word God preaching der the vale blinde ignorance, are brought the Gospell, for feare excommunication; into such doting minde, that they take vpon
they are already excommunicated, and the them preach, and are not affraid affirme
day iudgement shall voto God. 14. That
either deacon priest,
God without the authoritie licence of the
counted traitors and teache diuers and sundrie propositions and lawfull sor any man, conclusions here vnder recited, both hereticall,
preach the Word
erroneous and false, condemned the Church God, and repuguant the decree holy Church, which tend the subuerting the
Apostolike Sea any other his catholickes.
15. (a) That long man deadly sin, whole state the same, our prouince
hee neither bishop nor prelat the Church Canturburie, and the destruction and weak
God. 16. (b) Also that the temporall lords ning the tranquilitie the same; and that may, according their own will and discretion well the churches, the streets, take away the temporall goods from the church also manie other prophane places our said men whensoeuer they doe offend. 17. That prouince, generaly, comonly and publikly, tenths are pure alones, and that the parishioners preach the same, infecting very many good may, for offence their Curats, detaine and christians, causing them lamentably wander keepe them back, and bestow them vpon others, out the way, and from the catholike Church,
speciall prayers applyed any priuate therefore, considering that pernicious mis particular person, any prelat religious chiefe, which may creepe amongst manie, we
man, doe more profit the same person, than ought not suffer, and dissimulation generall vniuersall prayers doe profit others, passe ouer, which may with deadly contagion which lee like case state vnto him. 19. slay the soules men, lest their blood re Moreouer, that any man doth enter into any uired our hands; are willing much priuate religion, whatsoeucrit bee, hee there God will permit doe, extirpate the
made the more vnapt and vnable obserue same. Wherefore, the counsell and con
and keepe the Commandeinents God. 20. sent many our bretheren and Suffragans, That holy men which haue instituted priuate wee haue comuented diuers and sundie doctors
religions, whatsoeuer they (as well such diuinitie, also professors and other clerks are indued and possessed, also the order the canon and ciull lawes, the best learned begging friers hauing possessions) do within the realme, and the most soundest ing. haue grieucusly offended. 21. That religi opinion and iudgement the catholike faith, ous men, being their priuate religions, are giue their opinions and iudgements concern not of the Christian religion. 22. That friers ing the foresaid conclusions. But forasmuch
that
their owne will and pleasures. 18. Also without which there no saluation. We
are bounden get their liuing the labour (a) This article peraduenture was not
the said conclusions and assertions, being the presence vs, and our fellow brethren and other conuocates, openly expounded, and dili
gently examined, were the cnd found common counsell and consent as well of them
vs, and declared that some those
conclusions were hereticall, and some them G
straitly ment him was gathered as aforesaid.
(b) This article expoundeth the aboue. -
WOL.
them, article
I.
is
to a
9.
of of
be
as to
a
of of of
ix
of
in so
to or is
as
as
go
to
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of
of no toin of
of of
so by by is
is
by
or at of all
of of or
by
is to
of
soor or asittoorofof
by
to
in
is
in inof
by so
by
by in
doas of
to
to or inor
in
of to
to
itof is
as itnoorby
a
toisbe of of or
so of
asto ofof
as be
of
so a
of
in or as
an
isor ofno
by to
is to to ofto ofor
vs
to
to
of
to
as of in
or by it
ininorno
all to
as
ofas
of of ofinof toas
at
in of
it by
so
is ofof to
of
in
of or of of
af.
of
to aa of
by
toof to oror
all
83] STATE TRIALS, 6 Richard
erroneous, and repugnant the determination the Church, hereunder are described.
1383. —Proceedings against '[S4
great company babling friers, and religious persons were gathered together consult
We will and command your brotherhood and touching Iohn Wicklities books, and that whole vertue holy obedience straitly imioine sect; when say, they were gathered to and singular our brethren, and suffragans our gether the gray friers London, begin
bodie and Church Canturburie, that with all their businesse, vpon saint Dunstans day after
speedie diligence you possibly can you like dinner, about two the clocke, the very houre
wise entoine them (as wee haue enioined you) and instant that they should goe forwald with and eucrie of them. And that euerie one of their businesse, wonderfull and terrible earth them their Churches and other places quake fell throughout England whereupon their citie and diocesse, doe admonish and diuers the suffragans, being feared the warne, and that you, your Church and strange and wonderfull demonstration, doubting other Churches your citie and dioces doe what should meane, thought good leaue admonish and warne, we the tenor off from their determinate purpose. But the these presents doe admonish and warne the archbishop (as chiefe captaine that army, first time, the second time, and the third time; more rash and bold than wise) interpreting the and yet luore straitly doe warne, assigning for chance which had happened cleane contrary the first admonition one day, for the second another meaning purpose, did confirme and admonition another day, and for the third ad strengthen their hearts and minds, which were monition canonicall and peremptorie, another almost daunted with feare, stoutly proceede day; That no man from henceforth what and goe forward their attempted enterprise. estate condition soeuer, doe hold, preach, Who then discoursing Wicklistes articles, nut or defend the foresaid heresies and errors or according vnto the Sacred Canons the holy any them; nor that admit preach any Scripture, but vnto their owne priuste affec one that prohibited not sent preach, tions and traditions, pronounced and gaue sen nor that he heare or hearken the heresies or tence, that some them were simply and plainely errors him any them, that hee fauour hereticall, other some halfe erroneous, other
leane vinto him either publikely priuily; irreligious, some seditious, and not consonaut but that immediately hee shun him, would the Church Rome. —Item, the twelfth day auoid serpent putting forth most pestiferous June, the yeere aforesaid, the chamber
poison, vinder paine the greater curse, the the sriers preachers, the foresaid master Robert
which wee command bee thundered against Rigge, Chancellor the Vniuersitie Oxford, . . all and euerie one which shall disobedient and Thomas Brightwell professors diuinitie this behalfc, and not regarding these our (being appointed the same day and place, monitions, after that those three daies past the foresaid reuerend father God archbishop
which are assigned for the canonicall moni Canturburie) appeared before him the pre tion, and that their delay, fault offence sence the reuerend father God, lord William
committed require the same: And then accord the grace God bishop Winchester and ing the tenour these writings, we com diuers other doctors and bachelors of diuinitie
mand both euerie one our fellow bre and the canon ciuill and law, whose names are theren and our suffragans their cities and before recited. And first the said Chancellor dioces, and you your citie and diocesse the said lord Archbishop Canturbury, (so much belongeth both you and them) being examined what his opinion was touching
that the vttermost both and they cause
the foresaid articles, publikely affirmed and de clared, that certain of those conclusions were hereticall, and certaine erroneous, the other doctors and clerkes afore mentioned had de
clared. And then immediately next aster him, the foresaid Thomas Brightwell was examined, which vpon soune the conclusions first somewhat staggered, but the end, being the said Archbishop diligently examined vpon the same, did affirme and repute the same
pronounced. And furthermore wee will and command our
the same excommunications
foresaid fellow bretheren, and and singular you apart your selues, bee admonished
and the aspersion the blood Iesus Christ wee likewise admonish you; that according
the institution the Sacred Canons, eueryone
them their cities and dioces, bee diligent
inquisitor this hereticall prauitie; and that
euery one you also your cities and dioces bee hereticall and erroneous, the foresaid bec the like inquisitor the foresaid hereticall Chancellor had done. Another Bachelor
Prauitie: And that such like presumption Diuinitie also there was named N. staminering they and you carefully, and diligently inquire, also some those conclusions, but the
ligion.
the other doctors diuinitie, and lawyers with William the grace God archbishop -
and that both they and you (according your end affirmed that his opinion therein was, duties and office this behalfe) with effect doe was the iudgement the foresaid Chancellor proceede against the same, the honour and and Thomas aboue declared. Whereupon, praise his name that was crucified, and for the said lord Archbishop Canturbury, will the preseruation
the Christian faith and re ing and hinder the perill such herestes and errours, deliuered vnto the foresaid Chan passed ouer the great mira cellour, there being publikely read, his letters
IIere not
cle Gods diuine admonition warning; for patents executed, the tenor whereof when the archbishop and suffragans, with these words doth follow.
of
of
in
ofin in in
in of: to
ofin
to
in or
of bytoto aofof in
by of
as is of
in
ofof as is
or
to
of be of in
of by by by or
of as in
of
of
as
to or
to to yeto of all be
in of
or to
to
to at let
in
it at of
of of
of of in of toof of ofin
orhe
to
be
to be of
a
or
asor to he
of
to
of
of
all
a
by
by ofof
of ofto
II.
bybeasof ofof as is ofaI
of
of of of inor of all
of as of as
in
it to
in
as oftoby
at
by
to
as
ofof
by of
of
to
to
by
. . .
85] STATE TRIALS, 6 Rich ARD
Canturburie, primate Fngland, and legate the apostolicall Sea: To our welbeloued
1383. −John Wickliffe, for Heresy. [86
shall incurre the sentence this instrument sent forth (which God forbid) wee specially
sonne Christ the Chancellor the Vminer rescrue vinto our sellies: exhorting you the sitie Oxford, within the diocesse Lincolne, Chancellor the aspersion the blood greeting, grace, and benediction. The prelats Iesus Christ, that the vttermost your
the Church, about the Lords flocke commit power hereafter you doe your endeauour, that ted their charge, ought much more the clergie and people being subject vinto you, vigilant that they see the Woolfe, clothed there bee any which haue straied from the sheeps attire, fraudulently about worrie catholike faith such errours, may bee brought and scatter the sheepe. Doubtlesse, the com home againe the laud and honour his mon fame and brute come vnto our eares, name that was crucified, and preseruation
&c. mandato praecedenti. Wee will therefore and command, straitly inioyning you, that the Church of our blessed Ladie Ox
the true faith. And further our will that whatsoeuer you shall doe the premises, manner and forme our processe this be halfe had and done and that you for your
ford, vpon those daies the which accustoma
be the sermon made, also the schooles part, when you shall required thereunto,
the said Vniuersitie vpon those daies the lainely and distinctly doe certifie your Lectures bee read, yee publish and cause etters patents, hauing the tenour hereof.
others bee published the clergie and peo The archbishop not yet contented with this, ple, well their vulgar tongue, the La doth moreouer meanes possible solicite time tongue, manifestly and plainely without the king ioyne withall the power his tem any curious implication, the same hereticall and porall sword; for that hee well perceiued, that erroneous conclusions, repugnant the de hitherto yet the popish clergie had not au termination holy Church, aforesaid;
haue beene and condemned which conclu sions wee also declare these our letters bee vtterly condemned. And that furthermore you forbid, and canonically admonish and cause
bee admonished, wee the tenour these presents doe forbid and admonish you, once, twice, and thrice, and that perenptorily
that none hereafter hold, teach, and preach, defend the heresies and errors abouesaid, any
the either schoole out schoole any sophisticall cauillation otherwise: that any admit preach, here hearken vnto Iohn Wickliffe, Nicholas Herford, Philip Rep
ington, canon regular, Iohn Ashton,
thoritie sufficient, any publike law statute this land, proceede vnto death against any person whatsoeuer, case religion, but onely
Poe
notoriously suspected heresie, else any
doe their realmes what they will) else per
Redman,
vehemently which and
haps inticed gathered
clergy,
was content
adioyne
other whatsoeuer,
that either priuately
aide fauour them
incontinently they shun and auoide the same
the
his priuat assent (such was) the setting
downe an ordinance, which was indeed the
very first law that bee found made against
religion and the professours thereof, bearing the
name act made the parliament holden Westminster, anno Rich. where among
sundry other statutes then published, and yet remaining the printed bookes statutes, this supposed statute bee found, cap. vlti
suspected defamed publikely they either any them, but that
Serpent which putteth forth most pestiferous poyson. And furthermore we suspend the said suspected persons from scholasticall act, till such time they shall purge themselues before
that behalfe: and that you denounce the mo, followeth.
same publikely haue beene and sus pended; and that yec diligently and faithfully
enquire their fautors and fauourers, and cause bee enquired throughout the halls
Item, forsomuch openly known that there diuers euill persons within the realin, going from county county, and from towne
towne, certaine habits vinder dissimulation
great holinesse, and without the licence
the ordinarics the places, other sufficient au thoritie, preaching daily not onely Churches and Church-yards, but also markets, faires, and other open places where great congrega
tion people diuers sermons containing heresies and notorious errors, the great emi blennishing Christian faith and destruction
the said Vniuersitie. And that when you
shall haue intelligence
sons, that compell
absure their outrages
and other paines canonicall whatsoeuer, vinder paine the greater curse, the which against
and singular the rebellious this behalfe, and disobeying our monitions, wee pronounce
that their fault, deceit, and offence
halfe deserue thc sanie (the said monition
their names and per and euerie them
ecclesiasticall censures
this be ours esteeme
lHoly Church, the people, and more plainely found, and sufficiently prooned before the
being first sent) which this behaise
and allow canonicall, that then and againe
according the effect these our letters, &c.
The absolution and singular such, which turbury, and the bishops and other prelats,
the vsurped tyranny and example the
court Rome. Where note (gentle reader) for thy better vnderstanding, the practice the Ronnish prelats seeking the king's helpe further their bloody purpose against the good saints God. Which king being but young, and vnder yeeres ripe iudgement, partly in duced, rather seduced importune sute
the foresaid archbishop, partly also either for feare the bishops (for kings cannot alwayes
some hope subsidie be
the lawes, and the great perill
the estate
the soules England,
the realme
reuerend father God the alchbishop Can
of all
by vs to
to in
be
is
to
ye of as all
of
in
in
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so oror of
as
so
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5. 3
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masters diuinitie, and doctors canon and ciuill law, and great part the clergy
the said realine, specially assembled for this
great cause which persons doe also preach di them.
[ss
uers matters slander, ingender discord and dissention betwixt diuers estates of the said
Besides also, what manner law this was, whom deuised, and what authority the same was first made and established, iudge by
that that followeth viz. following, the Utas Saint Michael next
well spirituall temporall, exci the people the great perill the which preachers being cited sum
realme,
ting
realme
moned before the ordinaries the places, there
parliament summoned and holden West minster, the sixth yeere the said king, among
answer that wherof they impeached,
they will not obey their summons and com
mandeinents, nor care not for their monitions mons, whereunto hee assented, there none nor censures the Holy Church, but expresly
despise them and moreouer, their subtile
and ingenious words, doe draw the people
heare their sermons, and doe maintaine them words: ordained this present parliament,
their errors strong hand, and great that commissions from the king bee directed routs: ordained and assented this pre the shirisfies and other ministers of the king,
other sufficient persons skilfull, and according the certificats the prelats thereof, bee
made vnto the Chancery from time time, other sufficient persons learned, and according arrest such preachers, and their fautors,
sent parliament, that the king's commissions bee made and directed the sheriffs and other
ministers our soueraigne lord the king,
the certifications the prelats thereof,
bee made the Chancery from time time, arrest such preachers, and also their fau tors, maintainers and abetters, and hold them arrest and strong prison, till they will iustifie
themselues according the law and reason Holy Chu, ch. And the king willeth and com mandeth, that the Chancellor make such com
1383–Proceeding against
further without either the words, meaning the said statute,
reasonable imprison, then their owne houses, where else pleased
sundery petitions inade the king coin
this forme, article 52.
Item, prayen the commons, that whereas
estatute was made the last parlament these
maintainers and abetters; and them detaine
strong prison, vintill they will iustifie them selues according reason, and law Holy
Church; and the king willeth and commandeth that the Chancellor make such commissions
times, shall the prelats any them certified, and thereof required, afore said. The which was neuer agreed nor granted
the commons; but whatsoeuer was mooued and thereof re therein, was without their assent: that the said statute be therefore disannulled. For not
missions times, that hee any then shall certific quired, aforesaid.
the prelats,
An Examination the foresaid supposed Statute, and the inualidity thereof—Which
any wise their meaning, that either themselues, such shall succeede them, shall bee further iustified bound the prelats, than were
supposed statute forasmuch was the prin
cipall ground whereupon proceeded the per their ancestors former times, whereunto
secution that time; therefore not im pertinent examine the same more particularly, whereby shal appeare, that the same was fraudulently and vnduely deuised the prelats only, was like inaner most imiuriously
and vnorderly executed them. For imme diately vpon the publishing this law, without
answered, plaist Roy. the king pleased. Hereby notwithstanding the former vniust law an. was repealed, and the fraud the framers thereof sushciently discouered: yet such
meanes was there made the prelats, that this act repeale was neuer published, nor euer sithence imprinted with the rest the statutes
that parliament. Insomuch the said re peale being concealed, like commissions and
other processe were made from time time, vertue the said bastard stotute, well during
the raigne this king, euer sithence against the professors religion.
further warrant either from the king
councel, commissions vinder the great seale
England were made this forine Richard the grace God, &c. , patet act. pag.
his
Witnesse my selle Westminster the day Iune, the sixth yeare our raigue. With
out more words warrant vinder written, such Meane while what became of Wickliffe
like cases are both vsuall and requisite; viz. per ipsum regem per rege concilium
per brewe priuato sigillo. All any which words being voterly wanting this place, may bee scene the king's records that tine; must therefore
not certainly knowne. Albeit,
may bee gathered out Walden,
that he was banished and diluca
the meane time not hee doubted, but was aliue during this while, wheresoguer
rant this foresaid statute,
els without any noted,
about this time wrote the which letter
warrant all.
Whereupon
that whereas the said statute appointed the commissions be directed the shiride,
being commanded
exile. done either war was, his letter may appeare, which
pope Urbate the sixth. doth purge himselfe, that appeare before the popc Rome, cane not; declaring also the other ninisters the king's, other sulfici same bricse confession his faith. The
ent persons learned for the arresting such capie which epi-tie here followerh.
persons; the said commissions are directed The epistle John Wickliffe sent vinto pope the archbishop and his suffragans, being Vrbane the sixth. Anno 1332,-Verily doe appeareth parties the case, authorizing them reiosce open and declare vuto cuery man
farre appeareth
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89] STATE TRIALS, 11 Richard 1388. —Archbishop York, and others. [00 the faith which doe hold, and specially vnto will nost humbly submit my selfe vnto correc
the bishop Rome; the which forsomuch
doe suppose bee sound and true, will most willingly confirme my said faith, or,
bee erroneous, amend the same. First. sup pose, that the Gospell Christ the whole body Gods law; and that Christ, which did giue the same law himselfe, beleeue
tion, euen death necessitie and could labour according
require
my will would surely
very man, and that point, exceeed the wnto our pope inst and true euangelicall instinc law the Gospell, and other parts the tions: we ought pray that those motions Scripture. Againe, doe giue and hold the bi not extinguished any subtle crafty de
shop Rome, forsomuch the vicar uice. —And that the pope and cardinals not
Christ, here earth, bound most moued doe any thing contrary vinto the law
other men vnto that law the Gospell. For the Lord. Wherefore pray vnto our
bane the sixth, began, that with his clergy may follow the Lord Jesus Christ life
and manners: and that they may teach the
people effectually, and that they likewise may
faithfully follow then the same. And let specially pray that our pope may preseruca from all maligne and euill counsell, which we
the greatnesse amongst Christs disciples did not God, that hee will stirre our pope Vr
consist worldly dignitie, honours, but the neere and exact following Christ his life and manners: whereupon doe gather out
the heart the law the Lord, that Christ the time his pilgrimage here was most
poore man, abiecting and casting worldly rule and honour, appeareth the Gospell
desire mine owne person, present myselfe before the bishop the Lord hath otherwise visited me
Rome; but the con obey God than men. Forsomuch then God hath giuen
trarie, and hath taught me rather
Matth. the and the Cor. chap.