No More Learning

And the master diuinitie said than
hym thus, Certeyn that leyeth his hande
upon booke this wyse, and makyth there
the worse is; and the more that amende him, the waiwarder shrewde kynde, that
shamyth not onely hymself soule neste, but without
shame he besieth him make his neste fouler. ”
And the Archebishop said his clerke, ‘Suffer ed, obliged there booke othe than fulfill
while, for am an ende with him for charge. For doute that chargeth hym
there one other poynte certified ageynst hym, and will heare what he saith thereto. ” -
And than he said me, Lo here certified ageinst the, that thou preachidst openly
lay his hande thus upon booke towching the booke and swearing and kyssing
promisying this fourme doo this thyng
that, will say and witnesse that that towcheth
thus booke and kysseth hath sworne upon that booke and all other men that see that
man thus doo, and also tho that heare hereof the same wyse, will saye and witnesse, that
thys man hath sworne upon boke: wherfore the master diuinite sayde, was not lefull nother gyue nor take ony soche charge
Shrewisbury, that ony case. "——And
neuer openly, nor
wise ony place.
Shrewisbury with my protestacion say you now here; that the authoritic the Gospel and Seynt Jaines, and witnesse diuerse Seyntis and doctours, haue preachid openly one place other, that not lefull ony case sweare ony creature. And ouer this, sir, haue also preachid and tauchte the forsaid authorities, that body sholde sweare
ony case; that without othe ony wyse that charged sweare myght cycuse hym
them that haue power compell hym sweare lefull thyng and laufull. But man may not excuse hym without othe them that haue power compell hym sweare, than
not lefull sweare said, Sir, preached
haue not tauchte this But sir, preachid
our firste purpose,
onys gentill mannis house, and there war than two Clerkes there, master of diuinite, and man lawe, which man lawe was also communing diuinite; and among other thinges thes men spake othes, and the man lawe said, At the bidding his souereign which hadde power charge hym sweare, wold lay hand upon booke, and heare his charge:
promosse doo that thing that commaund
upon boke, euery boke
dinersecreatures whiche fore sweare upon boke, creatures, and this swearinge
nothing els but
made There sweare
euer unlefull. This sentence witnesseth Chrisostome, plainly blaming them greatly that bring forthe boke
for sweare upon, charginge Clerkes that wise they constrayne ony body sweare,
whether they think man sweare true, false. —And the Archebishop and his Clerkes scorned me, and blamyd me greatly for this
to if to
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TRIALS, o, Thorpe, 209] STATE 8 HENRY IV. 1407. —Master William
Than the Archebishop badde a Clercke rede bishop said “Ye. ' And sayde, Yf Chrisos the Homely of Chrisostome, which homely thys tome proueth hym woorthy great blame that clerke helde in his hande written in a Roll, bryngeth forthe boke swere npou, muste which rolle the archebishope caused to be nedes folowe that he more blame that taken fro my felow at Canterbury; and so sweareth on that boke. And the Archebishop than this clerke redde this Roll till he came to said, ‘Yf Chrysostome
a clause, wher Chrisostome saithe, that it is the ordinaunce holy chirche, we will ac
saiyng. And the Archebishop manassed mc boke, and sweare
with great punishement and except I Archebishop said, “There no master diui lefte this opinion of swearinge. And I saide, nitie Englond great, that hold this Sir, this is not myne opinion, but it is the opinion opinion before me, but shall punishe him
of Christe our Sauyour, and of Seynt Jamis and shall the, except thou sweare shall of Chrisostome, and other diuerse Seyntes and charge the. ’ And said, Sir, not Chrisos doctours. tome ententyfe doctour? And the Arche
accordingly (Malueren, as I gesse) said to the Archebishop, And than said Clerke me, ‘Ys not the
synne to sweare well. And than a clerke cepte him. ’
* Sir, I pray you wete of him, how that he vil worde derstondeth Chrisostome here, saing it to be that
Than
God and God himself equipollent, one authorite And saide, Ye. said me, ‘Why wilt thou not swere
synne to swere well. ’–And so the Archebishop asked me how I vnderstode here Chrisostome.
the gospell God, that one sweare
answere hereto, for I had not besyed me to God, and
Gods worde,
the worde And said,
study
my mynde to God, I prayed him of grace. leued but swearynge, perceyue (as Augus
than And certeyne I was somewhat afraide to syns
God himselfe
may not nowe otherwyse be
thereof;
lysting up Sir, syns
i.
his Apostles, ‘Whan for my name ye shall be shold my brothern sholde not beleue ine:
about the sense
but
And as faste as I thought
Christe said to tine saithe) that not spedefull that that
ment
Heresy.
for [210
boke And the
“brought before Judges, I shall gyue into your therefore am redy the worde
mouth wisdome, that your aduersearyes shall the Lorde commaunded me
not ageynst saye ;' and trusting feithfully in the sweare. —Than the Clerke said
worde of Gode, I said, Sir, I know well that than thyne hande upon the boke, touching the many men and women haue now swearing so in Holy Gospell God, and take thy charge. ” custome, that thei know not nor will not knowe And said, Sir, vnderstonde that the hol that they do euell for to sweare as they do ; gospell God Inay not touched wit
that they sweare vntruely. For they saye, they this Clerke, whether wer more reade the may by their swearing (though it be false) voide gospell, touche the gospell. And said, blame or temporall harme, which they sholde was more reade the gospell.
haue yf they sweare not thus. And, Sir, many Than said, Sir, authorite Seynt Je men and women maynteyne strongly that they rome the gospell not the gospell for reding sweare well, whan that thing is sothe that they of the letter; but for the beleue that men sweare for. Also full many men and women haue the worde God, that the gospell now say, that it is well done to swear by crea that we beleue, and not the letter that we tures, whan they may not (as they saye) other rede: for because the letter that touched wise he beleued. And also full many men and with mannes hande not the gospell, but the women now say, that it is well done to sweare sentence that verely beleued mannis hart
by God, and by our Ladye, and by other the gospell. For Seynt Jerome saith, the seyntes, for to haue them in mynde. But syns gospell that the vertue Goddes worde
all these saiynges are but excusations and synne, not the leauys the boke, but the root me thinketh, sir, that this sentence of Chrisos reason. Nother the gospell (he saith)
tome may be alleged welle ageinste soch the writing aboue the letters; but the gos swerers, witnessing that thes synne greuous pell the marking the sentence scrip ly, though they thinke themself for swear tures. This sentence approueth Seynt Paule, this forsaid wyse well. For euyll done and saiynge thus, the kingdome God not great synne for sweare-trewthe, whan ony worde, but vertue. And after Dauid saith,
manner man may excuse him without othe. the voice the Lorde, that his worde,
And the Archebishop said, that Chrisostome vertue. And after l)auid saith, thorow the might thus vnderstonde. And than Clerke worde God, the Heauens were fourmed, and
said me, ‘Wilt thou tarye my lorde the spirite his mouth the vertue lenger, but submit the here mekely the ordi them. And pray you, syr, understonde
but they thinke and say that they do well for mannes hande. And the Clerke saide, fond to sweare as they do, though they know well ed, and that sayde not trewthe. And asked
the spirite the the vertue angells
me, “Thou woldest
saye
that soche case all one touche And sayde, Syr, though men use save thus, Vol.
naunce holy chirche, and laye thyne hande well how Dauid saith, that upon booke touching the holy gospell God, mouthe the Lorde promysinge not onely with thyne mouth, but also and of men
with thyne harte stande my lordes ordi And the Clerke said
naunce And said, Sir, hane
Y.
make fonde with thee:
you
here, how that herde master diuinitie say the gospellis are written the masse-boke”
told
we not that
God, (as
his worde) me, “Laye
I.
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2[1] STATE TRIALS, 8 IIENRY IV. I 107. —Trial and Examination of [212
yet it is unpersyte speche. For the principall
sene here, nor touched with ony sensible thing, properly man. And the vertue
tree the roote thereof, that maye not be sene; for awaye the roote, and the tree destroyed. And, syr, sayde me right nowe, God and hys worde are one
authoritie; and, syr, Seynte Jerome witnesseth
that Christe, very Godde and very man,
hidde the letter his lawe; thus also, syr, the gospell hidde the letter. For, syr, full likely many diuerse men and women here the erthe touched Christe, and sawe
hym and knewe his bodeley persone, which
nother touched nor sawe, nor knewe ghostely his Godhede; right thus, syr, many men now
touche and see, and write and rede the scrip
thus, said this clerke, Sir, pray you that
will reherse nowe here before you all, and before hym.
And (as gesse) the Archebishop said than me, “They that are nowe here suffyse re
pete them how saidest thou him And said, Sir, that man came and asked me of di uerse thinges; and after his askynge answered hym (as vnderstoode) that goode was and
shewed me his wordes, was sory his lyuynge courte, and right heny
for his owne vicious lyuynge; and also for the viciousnesse other men, and speciallye priestes euyll lyuynge and herefore sayde
me with sorrowfull harte gessed) that purposed fully within shorte tyme for
thynge : for İnanues soule, that may not now
hither;
parte of a thinge is properlye the
and all the
. .
tures Goddis lawe, whiche nother touche, leatie the court, and besy him know Gods
see nor rede effectuallye the gospell. For lawe, and conforme his lyfe thereafter. the Godhede Christe, that the vertue of And whan he hadde said me thes wordis
God, knowen the vertue thorowe belefe, the gospell, that Christes worde.
And Clerke said me, “Thes full mystic matters, and unsauery, that thou shew
est here vs. ’ And said, Sir, that masters know, not playnly this sentence,
may sore drede that the kingdome Heuene taken fro you, was fro the princes priestes, and fro the elders the Jewes. —And
and mo other, which woulde reherse and he wer present, praid me heate confes sion. And said hym, Sir, wherefore come
me confessed me? wote well that the archebishop puttith and holdeth me here one unworthy, other gyue take any sacrament holy chirche. And said
me, “Brother wote well, and wote many mo other, that you and soche other
wolde fetche this man
wordes nere can repete them, which that spake hym Fridaye the pryson,
than Clerke (as gesse Malueren) sayde wrongfully vexed, and herefore will comon me, “Thou knowest not thyne equiuocacyons, with you the more gladly. ” And said hym,
for the kyngdome Heuene hathe dinerse vn Certeyn wote well that many men this
derstondinges. What callest thou the king court, and specially the priestis this hous
dome Heauene, this sentence that thou holde, wolde full euyll payde, both with
shewest here And said, Sir, good you and with me, they wiste that wer reason and sentence doctours, the realme confessed ofme. And he said that he cared
Heuene called here the vinderstonding Godes worde. —And Clerke said me, “Frome whome thinkest thou that this vnder
stondinge taken awaye And said, Sir,
not therefore, for hadde full little affection them and (as me thought) spake thes wordis, and many other, goode will, and
hye desire, for haue knowen and done authorite Christe himselfe, the effectuall the pleasant will God. And said than
vnderstondinge Christes worde taken awaye from them chefely, whiche are greate
desyre mastershippe and hye state and dignite;
but they will not conforme them the lyuyng and teaching Christe and his apostles.
Than the Archebishop said, “Well, well, thou wilt judge thy souereyns. God the kyng doeth not his deutie, but suffer the
condempned. ’ And than another Clerke said me, ‘Why Friday that last was, coun
seldest thou man my lordes, that sholde not shriue him man, but only God? '— And with this asking was abusshed, and than
and knewe that was suitely betrayed
man that came me presone Friday before, comunynge with me
hym, with my foresaid protestacion say you now here; Sir, counsell you for ab
sente you frome euyll company, and thynges: and will holden wise men, and drawe you them that looue and besy them
lettered men, and presume vnderstonde high
confessyon and certayn
thoughte) that this man came than knowledgyng
matter wordes
me
now knowe came tempt me, and ac cuse me (God forgyve him, his will). And with myne harte what hadde thoughte
truste stedfastely
full feruent and charitable will; but
yng, praying
the thys his
them and sorrowyng hartely for them,
ye, sir, the holy Goste will than put your
harte good will, and feruent desyre for
take and holde good purpose hate euer, and flie (after your connyng and power)
occasion synne and than wysdome shall come you frome aboue, lightenyng with di uerse beamis grace, and heuenly desyre,
your wittes, enfourmyng you how shall
knowe and keape the preceptis God:
and than the good Spirite you for occupie besily gathering gither
God will mooue your wittes,
your synnes, far can bethinke you, shamyuge greatly
the mercie the Lorde, him onely your vicious yu
him euer deuoutely charit able counsell and continuance, hoping without doute, that contynew thus besiyng you
feithfully knowe and kepe his bidding
to ofby tobe by be as Ia it
is
a
of a (Iofby is of
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toaso allI is is
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I II (as to I
213] STATE TRIALS, 8 HENRY IV. 1407. -Master William Thorpe, for Heresy. [214
that he will (for he only may) forgyue you your harde monke Feuersham, that men called
synnes. And this man said than me, Though Moredon, preache Canterbury the crosse
God forgyue men their synues, yet behoueth within Christe-Church abbey, saiyng thus
men be assoyled priestis, and doo the confession As thorow the suggestion the
penaunce that they enjoyne them. And said fende, without counsell any other body, that
him, Sir, synnes, and
one assoyle men their themself many men and women can yna forgyue men their synnes: where gine, and fynde meanys and wayes inough
fore syns synne,
perteinyth onely God forgive suffisith this case counsell men
come pride, thefte, lecheie, and other diuerse vyces: contrarie wyse this monke said, syns the Lorde God more redy
forgyue synne, than the fende may power mooue ony body synne, than
who eucr will shame and sorow hartely for their synnes, knouledging them feithfully
God, amending them after their power and contyng, without counsell any other body than God and hymself, thorow the grace God, soche men and women may synde sufficient meanys come Goddis mercie,
and women for leave their synne, and comforte them that besye them thus doo, for hope steadfastely the mercie God.
And ageynward, priestis owght tell sharpely customable synners, that they will not
make ende their synne, but contynew dinerse synnes while that they may synne,
soche deserue peyn without any ende. And
herfore priestis shoulde euer besy them live
well and holily, and teache the people besel
and trewly the worde God, shewing and cleane assolid their syunes. folke open preaching, and preuy counsel This sentence said, Sir, this man yours, yng, that the Lorde God onely forgeuyth synne.
And therfore those priestis that take upon
them assoylve men their synnes, blas
pheme God: syns that perteinyth only the Sir, Holy Chirche which Christ hed Lorde assoyle men their synnes. For heuen and erthe, must medys approne this sen no doubte thousande yeare after that Christe
was man, prieste Christe durste take upon
hyin teach the people nother priuely nor
apertely, that they behoouyd nedis come
assoilid them, priestis now doo. But authoritie Christis worde, priestis bound
rently.
God, nor keape them. And ageyn, they ony inan here now this lyfe; and certeyn,
syns Jesu Christe dyed upon the crosse wil fully make men fre, men the chirche
bolde besy make men thrall, bynding continually, women, priestis o peyne
them seithfully know the biddinges
And more the Lorde askith not
that would occupie their wittes, hate and flie occasion synne, dreding over things offend God, and loouyng for please him
thes men and
shewid how the Lorde assoileth them of all
them under the endlesse curse (as
their synnes. And thus Christe promysed
they say) doo many observaunces and ordi nauncis, which nother the lyuyng nor teaching
Christe, nor his Apostles approueth.
that priestis authorite his worde bynde And Clerke said than me, “Thou shew
conferme heuen the binding and loosyng,
men synne that indured therein, loose them out synne here upon erthe that ve rely repentaunt. And this man hearing thes
ist here thy disceite which thou haste
wordis said, that myght well conscience consent this sentence; but said, not needful the lay people that cannot thus doo,
among wheate. But counsell the away clene frome this learning, and . . . }. the lowly my lorde, and thou shalt fynde hym yet
gracious the. ’ And faste than another Clerke said me. ‘How wast thou so bolde
Paulis Crosse London, stonde there harde with thi tippet hounden about thyne hedde, and repreue his sermonne the woorthy clerke Aleerton, draw. yng away that thou myghtist; and the same day, after none thou metyng that woorthy doctour Watlyng-strete, callidst hym false flaterer and ypocrite. "—And said, Sir, thynk certainly
shriue them priestis? And said, Yf man feale himself distrobled with ony sinne that cannot his owne witte auoide this synne without counsell them that herein wyser than he,
soche case the counsell full necessarie. And
goode prieste
good prieste faile, they now commonly,
soche case seynt Augustine saith that
man nuay lefully comon and take counsell
verteuous seculer man but certeyn that man that there was no man nor wooman that lated
woman ouer laden and bestely, which verely synne, and loouyd vertues, hearing the cannot brynge their own synnes into their sermonne the clerke Oxforde, and also mynde, besiyng them night and day for hate Alkerton's sermonne; but they sayd night and forsake their synnes, doyng sighe for justely say, that Alkerton reproouyd the them aster their connyng and power. And, clerke untrewly, and sclaundered hym wrong sir, full accordingly this sentence, upon Mid fully and uncharitably. For doute the lenton Sonday two yeare (as gesse) now agone, lyuyng and teaching Christe chefely, and
and the selfe wordis mere can gesse.
And the Archebishop said, “Holy Chirche approueth not this learnyng. ' And said,
indured customable sinners
Fowhich tyme their lyuyng worde
euerlasting
his mercy stedfastly, and come per fite charitie, and contynew therein perseue
tence. For hereby men and women may,
they will, sufficiently tauchte
know and God, and
kepe the commaundementis hate and flie continewally
cocasion synne, and looue and seke vertues besely, and beleue God stably, and truste
learn
yd them that trauell sowe popill
of
all
in
of
of
in
to
ar of
ofto
of to be toto
of
no
to go
all
of
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to
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to
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to
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at beto
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215]
STATE TRIALs, s isosty 1407–Trial and Eramination [216
his postles trewe, body that looueth counsell, obeiyng meekly and wilfully myne
God and his law will blame any sentence that the clerke than preachid there, syns autho rite Goddis worde, and approved seyntis
ordinautice, thou shalt fynde moste profitable and best the for doo thus. Therefore tary thou me lenger, graunte doo this
and doctours, and open reason, this clerke that haue said the now here shortly,
approued thiugis clerly that preached there.
deny utterly. ” And said the abp. , Sir, owe we beleue that Jesu Christe was, and very God and very man And the abp. said, Ye. And said, Sir, owe we beleue, that all
And Clerke the Archebishops said
me, “His sermonne was false, and that
slewith openly, syns dare not stande forthe, Christis lyuyng and his teaching trewe and defende his preaching that then preach euery poynte And said, Ye. And said,
there. ' And said, Sir, thinke that Sir, owe we beleue, that the lyuying the purposith standestedfastely thereby, els apostles, and the teaching Christe, and all
sclaundereth foully hym self, and also many the prophetes, are true, which are written the other that haue great truste, that will stande Bible for the health and saluacion of Goddes
the trewith the gospell. For wote well
people? And said, Ye. And said, Syr, owe all Christen men and women after their
his sermonne written both Engly sch, and many man haue
Latyne and and they sett
clerke denyed not there his sermonne? but two days maynteinyd before the Archebishop
and his clerkis. --And than the Archebishop, one his clerkis said, wote not which them, that hallot shall met with for that ser
monne. For man but and thou, and soche other false hallotis praisith ony soche preaching.
And than the Archebishop said, ‘Your cur sed secte besy, and joiethe right greately
And said, Ye.
And said, Sir, ought the doctrine, the bid
ding the councell ony body accepted obeid unto, excepte this doctrine, thes bid dinges this counsell may graunted and
aftermed Christes lyuying and his teaching specially, the lyuyng and teaching his apostles and prophetes And the Archebishop said me, “Other doctrine ought not accepted, nor we owe not obey any
connyng and power for conforme their wer pre lyuyng the teaching specially Christe, and
great pryse thereby. And sir,
sent with the Archebishop
his clerke apered, and was
fore the Archebishop, wote well that this saunt God, and edification his churche
Lambeth when also the teaching and lyuynge apostles, his answer be and prophetes, thinges that are ple
contrarie, and destroye the priuilege and mannes bidding councell, except we can
perceyue that this bidding counsell accord eth with the bidding and teaching Christe, and his apostles and prophets. ” And said,
fredome holy chirche. ’—And said, Sir
knowe man that trauell besely this
secte dothe (which you repreue) make rest
and peace holy chirche. For pride, coue Sir, not the learninge and biddinges and tousness and simony which distrooble moste counsellis holy chirche meanes and healfull holy chirche, this secte hatith and fliethe, and remedies know and withstond the preuy
trauellith besely mooue other men lyke maner unto meaknesse and wilfull pouerte and charite, and fre, ministryng the sacramentis, this secte louyth and vsith, and
suggestions, and the aperte temptacions the
fende and also wayes and healfull remedies flee pride, and other dedely synnes, and the
braunches them, and souereyn meanes full besy mooue other folkis thus doo. purchese grace, for withstonde and ouercome
For thes vertues owe membres holy chirche their hedde Christe.
Than Clerke said the Archebishop, “Sir, ferre daies, and haue ferre ryde nyght: therefore make ende with him, will none make. But the more, sir, that
thereto. And the Archebishop sayde me, more contumax made, and the ferder from ‘Submitt the than now here mekely and wil ou. ’ And than Malueren said me, ‘Wil fully the ordinaunce holy churche, which
besy you for drawe hym toward you, the
the fleschly lustes and mouynges And the abp. said, Ye. And said, Sir, whatsoeuer
thing ony other body bid counsell me do, accordingly this foresaid learning, after
my connynge and power throwe the helpe
God will mekely with myne harte obey
i.
said, Sir,
ingly haue here nowe before you rehersed,
knele down and
and leaue thy fantasies, and become
praye my
grace,
shall shewe the. ’ And
accord
childe holy chirche. ' And said, Sir, have praied
lorde
will now redy obey full gladly Christe the Archebishop ofte, and yet pray hym for the hede holy churche, and the learn
the loue Christe, that will leaue his in
dignacion that hathe ageinst me; and that
he will suffer me after my connyng and power,
for doo myne office priestebode, am
chargid God For couete nought
els but serve my God his pleasing, the leaue soche addicions obliging the now here, state that stand in, and haue taken me to. without ony excepcion myne ordinaunce,
And the Archebishop said me, “Yf that out this place, shall make the good harte thou wilt submyt the now here sure ony these that the pryson Lan inckely reulid this tyme forthe my term. Aduyse the now what thou wilt do:' and
ynge and biddynges and counselles euery pleas ynge membre hym.
Than the Archebishop striking with his honde ferseylye upon cupborde, spake me with greate spyrite, saying, “By Jesu, but thou
fro
do is it. I
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217] STATE TRIALS, 8 HENRY IV. 1407. —Master William Thorpe, for Heresy. [218
than as if he had ben angered, he went fro the treuthe, ought not, nor maye not priuely cupborde where he stode to a wyndowe. amended dewly. Wherefore, sirs, praye you And than Malueren and another clerke that besye you not for mooue me for
came merer me, and they spake to me many lowe these these men reuokynge and forsak wordes full plesently : and another while they ynge the trew the and sothefastenesse they manased me, and counselled full besily to sub laue done and yet doo, wherein open euy myt me, or they sayde, shoulde not es dence they steire God great wrothe, and not
:ape ponishing ouer mesure; for they saide onely ageynst them selfe but also ageynste shoulde degraded, cursed and burned, and them that fauoure them consente them
than dampned. But now they said, thou herein, that comoneth with them, except maiste eschewe these mischeues, thou be for their amendement. For whereas thes
wilt submit the wilfully and mekely thys men firste were persued enemyes, now they worthy prelate that hath cure the soule. haue obliged them othe for slaunder and And for the pytie Christe (said they) be persue Christe his members. Wherfor thinke the, howe great clerkes the bishop truste stedfastely the goodnes God, the Lincoln, Herford, and Purney, wer and yet are, worldly couetousnesse, and the lustie lyuyng, and also that well vinderstondinge man, and the slyding fro the treuth these runa which also haue forsaken and reuoked all the gates, shall me and many other men learnynge and opinions, that thou and soche and women example, and euidence other holde. Wherefore syns eche them stonde the more stifly the trewith
Christe. mekill wyser than thou arte, we counsell the For certeyn, right many men and women doo for the beste, that the example thes four marke and abhorre the foulnesse and coward
clerkes thou folowe them, submyttynge the nesse these forsaide untrewe men, howe that they did. —And one the bishopes clerkes they are ouercome and stopped with benefyces, said than there, that he herde Nicoll Herforde and withdrawen fro the treuth Goddes say, that syns forsoke and reuoked the worde, forsaking vtterly suffer therfore bodel learning and Lolardes opinions, hathe had persecucyon. For, this vinfeithfull doynge mekill greater favour, and more delyte holde and apostasie them, specially that great ageinst them, than euer hadde holde with lettered men and haue knowledged openly the them while he helde with them. —And therefore treuth, and now other pleasure displea Malueren said me, vnderstonde and thou sure
wilt take the forsake
priest, and shryue the clene; wages soch opinions, and take thy pe against
tyrantes haue taken hyer and temporal forsake the trewthe, and holde slaundering and persewing them that
naunce teaching
shalt And
solowe Christ the waye righte greatly conforted this doing. ’ nowe moued; but many mo, thorow the grace
said counselled me
the Clerkes that thus besyly God, shall moued hereby for learne the solow these forsaide men, treuth God, and doo thereafter, and
my lord here, for the holding and couete
them, with shorte tyme thou ousnesse, many men and women therforo are
Sirs, thes men,
take example, had forsaked benefyces tem
porall profyte, and worldly worshippe,
that they had absented them and eschewed
frome occasyons couetousnesse, and
fleschely lustes, and had taken them symple
lyuynge, and wilfull pouerte, they hadde herein geuen goode example me, and many other
stond boldely thereby.
Than the Archebishoppe sayde Clerkes, “Besy you lenger aboute hym; for and
other soche are confedered gither, that they will not sweare obedient, and submytte them prelates holy chirche.
For nowe syns stode here, his felowe sente
whome counsell me
me worde that will not sweare, and that haue folowed them. But now, syns thes counselled hym that sholde not sweare
foure men haue slaunderovsly and shamefully me. And, losell, that thynge that the done the contrarye, consentyng receyue and thou haste besyed the loose thys yonge man; haue and holde temporall benefyces, but blessed God, thou shalt not haue thy
lyuynge now more worldly and more fleschely than they did before, conformyng them the
purpose hym: hath forsaken thy learnynge, submyttyng him buxum and obedient the ordinaunce holy churche, and wepeth full bitterly, and curseth the full hartely for the venemous teachynge whiche thou
this worlde; forsake them herein, their forsaid slaunderous doynge. purpose with the help God into re
maners
and
For
mission
iyuying, hate and flye prively and apertly,
my synnes and my foule cursed haste shewed hym, counsellying him doo
folow thes men, teaching and counsellying
whomesoeuer that may for flye and eschewe
the waye that they haue chosen whiche
will lede them the worste ende, conue est; therfore many deathes thou arte wor nient tyme they repente them not, verely for thy thou hast geuen euell councelles. sakynge and reuokynge openly the slaunder that And therefore Jesu thou shalt thyther, they haue, put and euery daye yet put where Nicoll Harforde and Tom Purnay were Christes Churche. For certeyn open blas herbered. And vindertake, thys daye pheunye and slaunder they have spoken and eighte dayes thou shalt righte gladde for done their reuokyng and forsakyng the doo what thynge that euer bydde the doo.
thereafter. And for thy false counsellynge many other and hym, thou haste greate cause righte sory. For long tyme thou haste
besied the peruert whom euer thou might
in
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219) STATE TRIALS, 10 HENRY IV. 1409–Proceedings against [220
And, losell, I shall assaye if I can make the drounde me the sea, for near hande there. there as soroufull (as it was tolde me) thou And Clerke standyng besyde me there, kne
waste gladie of my laste going out of England;
by seynt Thomas I shall tourne thy joye into sorowe. ’—And I sayde, Sir, there can no body preue laufully that I ioyed euer of the manner
of youre goynge out of this lande. But, sir, to saye the sothe, I was joyfull whan ye were gone; for the bishop of London, in whos pry son ye lefte me, founde in me no cause for to holde me lenger in hys pryson, but at the re queste of my frendes, he delivered me to them, asking of me no manner of submittyng.
Than the Archebishoppe said to me, ‘Wher fore that I yede out of England is vnknowen to the ; but be this thinge well knowen to the, that God (as I wote well) hath called me ageyne, and broughte me into this lande for to destroye the and the false secte that thou arte of, as by God I shall persue you so naroulye, that I shall not leave a steppe of you in thys lande. ’ And I said to the abp. Sir, the holy prophete Jeremy said to the false prophet Anany, ‘Whan the “worde that is the prophecye of a prophete is * knowen or fulfilled, than it shall knowen “ that the Lorde sent the prophete in treuthe. '
Archebishop,
—And the as if he hadde not
been pleasid with my saiynge, turned hym without
awaye warde hyther and thyther, and sayde, “By God I shall sette upon thy shynnes a pair of perlis, that thou shalt be gladde to chaunge thy voice. ’ -
Thes and many mo wonderous and convicious wordes were spoken to me, manassing me and
addicions submit hym. And than
other the same secte for punished
and destroyed vnto the vttermoste. And the Than while after the Archebishop said me, abp. called than hym Clerke, and rowned ‘Wilt thou not submit the the ordinance of
with him; and that Clerke went forthe, and holy Chirche? ' And said, Sir, will full gladly sone brought the constable Saltwoole submit me, haue shewid you before. And Castell, and the abp. rowned good while with than the Archebishop badde the constable hym, and than the constable went forthe, and haue me forthe thens haste; and then than cam diuerse seculers, and they scorned was led forth, and brought into foul unhonest me euery syde, and manassed me greatly; prison, where came never before
and some counselled the abp. burne me After this, not known what became and by, and some other counselled hym him; but most probably died prison.
19. Proceedings against John BADBy, for Heresy: Henry IV. 1409. [Fox's Acts and Monuments, 679. ]
examination following one John Badby, tailor, being lay man, was made certaine
house hail within the precinct the preach
IN the yeere our Lord 1409, Sunday be ber other lords both spirituall and tem ing the 1st day March, the afternoone, the porall, being then the selfe same time
contained the instrument read the ing friers London, vtter cloister, vpon foresaid master Morgan, the tenor whereof
the crime heresie, and other articles repug nant the determination of the erroneous
followeth, and effect such. -In the name God, Amen. Be manifest men
Church Rome, before Thomas Arundell,
archbishop Canterbury, and others his as
sistants, the archbishop Yorke, London, ing the course and computation the
. . .
}
burie, Bath, Bangor, Mencuensis Epis
copi, and also Edmund duke Yorke, Thomas Bewford the chancellor England, lord Roos the clerke the roles, and great num
the yeere after the incarnation our Lord, accord
Winchester, Norwich, England,
lede downe the abp. , praiyng hym that wolde delyuer me hym for saye matenes with hym, and wolde vndertake that within thre dayes sholde not resiste any thynge that were commaunded me doo my prelate. And the abp. said, that would ordeine for me himselfe. And than after came ageyn the constable, and spake priuely the abp. And than the abp. commaunded the constable lede me forthe thens with hym, and did; and whan we wer gone forthe thens, we wer sent after ageyn. And whan came ageyne before the abp. Clerke badde me knele downe, and aske grace, and submit me lowly, and sholde synde for the beste,
And said than the abp. “Sir, hane
will wilfully
syde; and yet after this diuerse persones cried vpon me knele down and submit me, but stood still and spake worde and than there was spokyn me, and me many greate wordis and stoode and herde them manase, curse, and scorne me; but said nothing. —
said you diuerse tymes to-day, and lowly obey and submit me euer after my connyng and power
ordenid God, and holy
his lawe, and to, euery membre
Chirche, ferre forth can perceyue that thes membres accorde with their hedde Christe, and will teach me, rule me, chastyse me authority specially ‘I Goddis lawe. And the Archebishop said, wiste well wolde not
of.
was rebukyd, scornyd, and manasyd euery
|. . . ; master Morgan read the articles opinions the hearers, according
this present publike instrument, that
Salis Church otherwise
yeere the yeere
1409, the second indiction,
the popedome the most holy father Christ
and Lord, lord Gregorie the the diuine permission pope, the second day Januarie,
the
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221]
STATE TRIALS, 10 HENRY IV. 1409. -John Badly, for Heresy. [222
the chapell Caruariae, of Saint Thomas martyr, pronounced the said Iohn before this time nigh voto the cathedrall church of Worcester, coullicted such an heresie, and that he hath being situate in the said diocesse, in the pre bin and heretike, and the end declared sence of me the publike notarie, and of the these words:
witnesses vinder written, the aforesaid John “In the name God, Amen. We Thomas Badby a layman, of the said diocesse of Wor bishop Worcester doe accuse thee Iohn Bad
cester, appearing personally before the reuerend by, being lay man our diocesse, and father in Christ and Lord, lord Thomas, by the vpon the crime heresie, before sitting for grace of God bishop of Worcester, sitting in the chiefe iudge, being oftentimes confessed and said chappell for chiefe iudge, was detected of conuicted and vpon that, that thou hast and vpon the crime of heresie being heretically taught, and openly affirmed, hitherto thou taught, and openly maintained by the foresaid dost teach, boldly affirme, and defend; that the John Badby: that that the sacrament the sacrament the body Christ, consecrated body Christ, consecrated the priest vpon vpon the altar the priest, not the true body the altar, not the true bodie Christ the Christ; but after the sacramental words,
that, body vertue the words the sacrament. But make the
i.
writings. ”—These things were done accordingly aboue written, and are recited the ing examined, and diligently demanded the yeere, indiction, popedome, inoneth, day, and foresaid reuerend father concerning the pre place aforesaid, being present the same time
misses, the end did answere; that was im John Malune prior the cathedrall church possible that any priest should make the body Worcester, John Dudle monke, and Haule the
Christ, and that beleuved firmely that sub-prior the said church, Thomas Penings no priest could make the body Christ, the order the Carmelites, Thomas Feken such words sacramentally spoken such sort. haim the order the preaching Friers, Wil And also said expressely that hee would liam Pomfret the order the Minorites, be neuer while liued beleeue that any priest ing professors and masters diuinitie, William could make the body Christ handled Hales, Gualter London, John Swippedew
the hands the priest vpon the altar, being publike Notaries, and William Beu
his corporall forme. And furthermore said that John Raker of Bristoll had as much
Christ vertue after the sacramentall words spoken the the said sacramentall words pronounced,
Christ, the materiall the altar the beginning, neither turned into the very body Christ after the sacramentall words spoken the priest. Which John Badby be
haue been the crime heresie; and we doe pronounce thee both hatre beene and bee heretike, and doe declare finally these
riest make the body
doth remaine
vpon
power and authoritie Christ, any priest
make the like body
had. Moreouer supper with
Hembury, Iohn Westen sons churches, and
that when Christ
ples, hee had not his body his hand,
said,
disci master saint Wolston
intent distribute his disciples; and morton and William Wasseborne, esquires said expressely, that did not this thing. And the diocesse Worcester and Norwich, and also spake many other words teaching and many other worshipfull and honest men being fortifying the heresie the same place, both witnesses and called specially the things grieuous, and also out order, and horrible aforesaid. —And Iohn Chew Clerke, the the eares the hearers, sounding against the dioces Bathe and Welles, and the autho Catholike faith. -Upon which occasion the rity apostolicall, publicque notarie the said same reuerend father admonished and requested bishop, haue testimonie the premisses put the said John Badby ostentimes, and very in iny hand and seale the examination, inter stantly charitie; for much would rogation, monition, and answer the same willingly that should haue forsaken such Iohn Badby, and his obstinacie, and also heresie and opinion holden, taught, and main the proceedings and singular other doings
tained by him, such sort against the sacra aforesaid, which against him before the ment, renounce, and vtterly abiure them, said bishop were handled and done, the
and beleeue other things which the holy mother the Church doth beleeue. And he in
formed the said Iohn on that behalfe both
gently, and also laudably. Yet the said Iohn Badby, although were admonished and re quested both often and instantly the said reuerend father, said and answered expressely, that hee would neuer beleeue otherwise than before had said, taught, and answered. Whereupon the foresaid reuerend father bishop
yeere, indiction, popedome, moneth, day, and
Worcester seeing, vinderstanding, and per
ceiuing the foresaid Iohn Badby maintaine
and fortifie the said heresse, being stubborne,
and proceeding the same stubbornenesse, and, the authoritie apostolicall, publike no
champe and Thomas Cerbris being knights, Richard Wish Tredington, Thomas Wilbe
Yewley, being par Thomas Baleinges, the Worcester, and also the Henry Haggely, Iohn Pemerell, Thomas Trog
place aforesaid,
witnesses was personally present: and the same, euen heard them and saw them bee done (being occupied with other matters) caused bee written and published, and into this publike forme haue compiled the same.
the foresaid notarie am also priuie vnto the words and examinations interlined between seuen eight lines the beginning this in strument, which lines also the foresaid notarie doe approue and make good. —And Walter London clerke, the diocesse Worcester,
which with the forenamed
in
he
it sat ofin heto at to
is of he it of
is,
by
to as
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ofof
of
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of
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of
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in in
of
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of
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to
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by in by
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inof
is
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oftoofof of of
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of
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it
as
vs
223]
tarie, to
STATE TRIALS, 10 HENRY IV. 1409. -Proceedings against [224
and singular the foresaid things all the said conclusions were often read the foresaid notarie recited, and vulgar tongue; the foresaid archbishop de
afore the
the yeere, indiction, popedome, moneth, day, manded him, whether hee would renounce
and place aforesaid handled and done, being and forsake his opinions and such like conclu with other the forerecited witnesses personally sions not, and adhere the doctrine
present, and and euery the same (as saw and heard them done, being there
faithfully ". required):
unto desired and testi
mony the premisses haue signed and sub scribed according the accustomed manner. Haec Reg. Cant. And when the articles,
the foresaid instrument contained, were the archbishop of publikely and vul
fessed and affirmed, that hee had both said and maintained the same. And then the archbishop
ued;
garly read and publikely con
faith; thing
which doe the audience
the lords and others that were present, hee ex presly denyed and refused. —After this, when the aforesaid archbishop Canturbury,
appro
conuince the constant purpose the said
Iohn Badby, commanded the same articles and the bishop London had consulted toge againe read, often instructing him both ther, what safe keeping the said Iohn Badby
Christ and Catholike faith? He answered, that, according that had said before, would adhere and stand those words, which before he had made answere vnto. Then the arch bishop oftentimes required the said John,
the bowels of Jesus Christ that hee would for sake those opinions and conclusions, and that henceforth he would cleaue the Christian
words and examples, informing and exhort (vntill the Wednesday next) might com
ing him that thereby might bee brought the mitted; was concluded, that hee should bee
sooner the religion that was And put into certaine chamber safe house with furthermore the said archbishop said and af the mansion the Friers preachers, and firmed there openly the same Iohn, that was: and then the archbishop Canturbury would (if would liue according the doc said, that hee himselfe would keepe the keye trine Christ) gage his soule for him the thereof the meane time. And when
foresaid Wednesday was expired, being the day March, and that the foresaid archbisho
the liuing God. —Also, when the second article England, and the lord Beamond with other
iudgement day. And after that againe caused those articles the said instrument ex
pressed read the foresaid Philip
Morgan, and the said archbishop himselfe ex
pounded the same English before: where
unto Iohn Badby answered: As touching the
first article concerning the body Christ, hee archbishop Yorke, Richard London, Henry expresly said, that after the consecration Winchcster, Robert Chichester, Alexander the altar, there remaineth materiall bread, and Norwich, and the noble prince Famund the the same bread which was before notwith duke Yorke, Rafe earle Westmerland, standing (said he) signe sacrament Thomas Beaufort knight, lord chancellour
was expounded vnto him, that impossible
for any priest, &c. To this article answered and said, that could not sinke into his mind
noble men well spirituall, temporall, that stoode and sate by, whom name would bee
long. Before whom the said Iohn Badby was called personally answere vnto the articles premised the foresaid instrument. Who when hee came personally before them, the articles were read the officiall the court
Canterbury and the archbishop (in the
vulgar tongue) expounded publikely and ex
presly: and the same articles, had before
they literally lie, vinlesse should denie the incarnation
that the words are taken
Christ. —Also being examined the third arti ele concerning Iacke Raker, hee said, that Iacke Raker were man good liuing, and
did loue and feare God, hath much power doe, hath the priest and said further,
that hath heard diuinitie, that
consecrated bread,
damned, and were damned doing. —Fur specially bee noted, that the lord duke thermore hee said that he would beleeve the Yorke personally there present, aforesaid, omnipotent God trinitie; and said moreouer, and euery man else for the time being,
that enery host being consecrated the altar more estimation and reputation, than the Sa were the Lord's body, that then there crament the altar, the priest due forme 20,000 gods England. But beleeued (he consecrated. And whilest they were thus his said) one God omnipotent, which thing the examination, the archbishop considering and foresaid archbishop Canterbury denied not. weighing that hee would wise bee altered,
—And when the other conclusion was ex
pounded, ositting disciples supper, That Christ with said,
&c. To this answered and
that would greatly maruell, that any man
and seeing moreouer his countenance stout and heart confirmed, that began perswade
bread, and should breake the every man mouth-full, that
the
his ailurements
when hee saw that was not his power, reasons, arguments,
had loafe
same and giue
the same loafe
When these things were thus finished, and truth his Catholike faith (executing and do
afterwards be
whole
erher exhortations,
bring the said Iohn Badby from his constant
Canterbury, with his fellow brethren and suf fragans, were assembled the church Saint Paul London; the archbishop Canturbury taking the episcopall seat called vnto him the
spoken and deposed, hee still held and defended, should receiue any such and said, whilest liued, would neuer re were worthy bee tract the same. And furthermore, he said
spoken some doctors
other considered,
appeared the same: these things
archprelat,
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£25] STATE TRIALS, I HENRY V. 1413. —Sir John Oldcastle, for Heresy. [226
ing the office of his great master) proceeded to counselled him, that hauing respect vnto him confirme and ratifie the former sentence giuen selfe hee should speedily withdraw himselfe out before by the bishop of Worcester against the of these dangerous labyrinths of opinions, add said Iohn Badby, pronouncing him for an open ing oftentimes threatnings, the which might and publike heretike. And thus shifting their
hands of him, they deliuered him to the secular
power; and desired the said temporall lords,
then and there present very instantly, that they
would not put the same Iohn Badby to death
for that his offence, nor deliver him to be pu brought with solemnity the Sacrament nished or put to death, in the presence of all
the lords aboue recited. —These things thus
done and concluded by the bishops in the fore
noone: in the afternoone, the king's writ was
not farre behind. By the force wherof Iohn
Badby, still perseuering in his constancie vnto God's body. And then was the tunne put ouer the death, was brought into Smithfield, and, him, and fire put vinto him. And when hee felt there being put in an empty barrell, was bound the fire, hee cried, Mercy (calling belike upon with iron chaines fastened to a stake having the Lord) and the prince immediatly com drie wood put about him. —And as he was thus manded take away the tunne, and quench standing in the pipe or tunne (for as yet Peril the fire. The prince, his commandement being lus bull was not in vse among the bishops) it done, asked him he would forsake heresie happened that the prince, the king's eldest take him the faith holy Church; which sonne, was there present. Who, shewing some thing hee would doe, should haue goods part of the good Samaritane, began to ende enough, promising also vnto him yeerely
uour and assay how to saue the life of him, stipend [of three-pence a-day out the king's whom the hypocriticall Leuites and Pharisies treasury long lived. This offer re sought to put to death. Hee admonished and jected, and was then burnt death. ]
20. The Trial and Examination Sir John OLDCASTLE, Lord Cobham, for Heresy, before the Archbishop Canterbury:
hauc daunted any man's stomacke. Also Courtney, at that time chancellor of Oxford, preached vnto him, and enformed him of the faith of holy Church. -In this meane season the prior of Saint Bartlemewes in Smithfield
God's body, with twelue torches borne before, and shewed the Sacrament the poore man being the stake. And they demanding
him how beleeued answered, that
knew well was hallowed bread, and not
Hen. V. Chron. 544.
Hale's
1413.
Hall's Chron. 24. Stow's Annals, 344.
AFTER that the true seruaunte
Chryst, Johan Wycleue, man
lent lyfe and learning, had for the space more than yeares mooste valeauntly battell
with the great antichrist Europa, the Pope Rome, and his diuersly disgysed host
C. 141.
very excel
Collected John Bale. [Holin.
Fox's Acts and Monuments, 726, 845. ] Jesus prelates with their pharysees and scribes were
thus gathered thys pestilent councell against the Lorde and his Woorde, fyrst there re
sorted vnto them the Inquisitours Here syes (whom they had appointed Oxford the ere afore, serche out heretikes with all Wic anoynted, hypocrites, restore the Church eues bookes) and they brought 266 faithfull again the pure estate that Chryst left her Conclusyons whome they had collected here hys ascensyon, departed hens most syes the seyd bokes. The names the seid
christely into the handes God, the yeare
Inquisitours where these; Johan Witnam
our Lord 1387, and was buried
parrish-church Lutterworth
shere. No small nombre godly
the New-college, Johan Languedon Chry-Church Conterbury, Wilyam regent the Carmelytes, Thomas Claxton, regent the Dominikes, Robert Gyl
left that good man behynd hym
defend the
his owne
Lecester dysciples
master monke Ufforde
lowlynesse the gospell against the exceading bert, Rycharde Earthysdale, John Lucke, Ry
pryde, ambition, symony, auarice, ipocrysye, charde Smedisham, Richarde Flemming, Tho
whoredom, sacrylege, tyrannye, ydolatrouse mas Rottborne, Robert Rondbery, and Richard
worshipinges, and other fylthy frutes those Grafdale. the meane season caused they
stifnecked pharyses. Agaynst whome Thomas their hyred seruantes to blowe forth abroade
Arundel, than Archebishop Caunterbury, ferce was Pharao, Antiochus, Herodes,
throughout the hole realme, that they were there congregated for wholsome unite and reformacion the church Ingland, stoppe
Cayphas, collected Pauls church London
anunyuersallSynode thepapisticall themouthesthecomenpeople. . Su. ch
clergye England, the yere our Lord 1413 always the comen practise these subtile sor
to with
than made for theyr hande-As these hygh After certain communication they con WOL. Q
he had done diuerse other afore, withstand cerers, whyls they are doing their moost godly enterpryse. And thys was blere the eyes the vulearned multy the syrst yere king Henry whom they had one false craft or other.
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227]
STATE TRIALS, I HENRY V. 1413. —Trial and Eramination of [223
cluded among themselves, that it was not pos ter God, bearing the sworde the punish sible for them to make whole Christes cote ment Yll-doers, and for the sauegarde of
without seme (meaning thereby their patched them that vertuous. Unto you next my popysh synagoge) onlesse certeyne great men acternal God, owe my whole obedience, and were brought out of the way, which semed to submit my thervnto, haue done euer, all be the chere mainteners of the seyd disciples of that have eyther fortune nature, redy
Wicleue : among w home the most noble knight times fulfill what euer sir Johan Oldcastell, the lord Cobham (a) was lorde commaund me; but complained of by the generall proctours, yea pope and hys spiritualty, truly rather betrayers of Christ in his faithful mem ney ther sute nor scruice; for bers, to be the chefe principal. 1 they knowe hym the Scriptures
the open preachers in the dioceses of London, Roches adversary God, and the abominacyon stand ter, and Hereforde, contrary to the mindes of ing the holy place. ” Whan the king had
their ordynaries: not only they affirmed him hearde this, with sochclyke sentences more, he
in ac
cused first for a mighty maintener of suspected antichryste, the sonne perdicyon,
to have sent thyder the seid preachers, but also
to haue assisted them ther by force of armes,
notwithstanding their sinodall constitucion
made afore to the contrarye. Last of all, they
accused him, that he was firre other wise in rite cyte hym, examine hym, and punyshe
beleue of the Sacrament of the Altre, or Pe him according the deuelishe decrees, whehe
naunce, of Pilgrymage, or Ymage-worshipping, and of the Ecclesiastycall power, than the holy churche of Rome had taught many years afore.
In the ende it was concluded among them, that wythoute anye farther delaye, processe
shuide oute agaynst hym, as agaynst a moost pernycyous Heretike. —Som of that felloushyp, whyche were of more craftye experyence than the other, wold in no case haue that matter so rashlye handeled, but thought thys waye moche
better. Consydering the seid lord Cobham was
a man of great byrth, and in fauer at that tyme
with the king, theyr counsell was to knowe first
the kinges mynde, to saue thynges right vp. done. Than called the archebishop one John
This counsell was well accepted, and ther vpon Butler unto him, whych was than the dorekeper the archbishop Thomas Arundeil, wythe his the kynges prive chamber, and with him
other shoppes, and great part the cler couenaunted through promises and rewards
gy, went strayght wayes vinto the kyng, than haue this matter craftely brought passe vinder remayninge Kenyngton; and there layed the king's name. Wherevpon the seyd John forth most greuous complaynies against thesāied Butler toke the archebyshops sommener with lord Cobham, great infamy and blemysh, hym, and went vinto the sayd lord Cobham being man most godly. The king gentilly shewing him that was the king's pleasure harde those bloud thurstyrauenours; and farre that shuld obeye that citacyon, and cyted
otherwise than became his princelye dignitie, him fraudulently. Than said vnto them instauntly desyred them, that respect few woordes, that no case wold he consent
noble stock and knighthode, they shuld yet those moost deuelish practices the priestes. fauourably deale with him; and that they As they had informed the abp. the Answere, wold, were possible, without rigour and that was mete for man priuately extreme handeling, reduce him again the cyte him after that without parell lyfe, churches unite. IIe promised them also, that decreed and haue him cyted pub
case they were not contented take some licke processe open commaundment. And
wolde talke vtterly.
And him for
Archebishop resorted again vnto Answere, gone him his full aucto
the
longer with him, but lefte hym -
they call the lawes holy church. Than the seid abp. the councell hys other bishoppes and clergy, appointed call before him syrJohn Oldcasteli, the lord Cobham, and cause him personally appeare answere suche sus pect Articles they shuld lay against him. So sent forth his chefe sommener, with very sharp citacion, vnto the castell Cow ling, where that tyme dwelt for his so
shall that touching the
owe them moch
the great
the hast possible. uppot, the Wednysday before the natiuite oure Ladye September,
Anon after the kyng sent for the styd lord
Cobham and was come, called him
sccretly, admonishing him betwixt him and chester, (which was but English myles from him, submit him selfe hys mother the theirs) charging him apere personally before holy church, and obedient chyld ac him Ledys, the 11th daye the same knowledge bin scise culpable. Vnto whom the moneth and yeare, excuses the contrary Christen knight made this answere, ‘You most set apart. Those letters were taken downe
deliberacion, his selfe wold serously common the matter with him.
worthy prince,' saith he, “am always prompt anon after, such bare fauer vnto the lorde and ling obeye, for moche knowe Cobham, and conueyed asyde. After that
jo
grand-daughter and heir lord Cobhan. Than moche did not apeare
you Christen kinge, and the appointed minis caused the archebishoppe newe letters set
the natiuitie day our Ladye, which (a) called right his wife, who was also were rent downe and vtterly consumed.
lace. And the scyd sommener was thether comen, durste case entre the gates
noble man without his lycens; and there fore returned home agayne, hys message pot
commaunded letters citatory set vpon the great gates the Cathedral Church Ro
for so
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220) STATE TRIALS, I HENry V. 1413. −Sir John Oldcastle, for Heresy. [230
the day appoynted at Ledys (where as he sate God Almyghtyes. beleue also that the
in consistory, as cruell as euer was Cayphas, with his court of hipocrites aboute him) he
seconde parsonne this most blessed Tri nite, most conuenient tyme appointed there unto afore, toke flesh and bloud the most
judged hym, denounced him, and condemned
him of most depe contumacy: after that whan blessed Virgyn Mary, for the sauegard and re
he had bene falsely infourmed by his hierd spyes, and other glosing glauerers, that the sayd
dempcion the uniuersall kynd man, which was afore lost Adam's offence. Moreouer, beleue that the same Jesus Christ our Lord
lord Cobham had lawghed him to scorne, dis
dayned his doings, mainteined his old opi thus being both God and man, the onely nions, contemned the churches power, the dig head the whole Christen Churche, and that nitie bishop, and the ordre presthode all those that hath bene, shal saued, be
hys mody membres this most holy church and this madnes, without just profe, dyd openly ex holy church think diuided into sortes
(for all these was than accused)
communicate him. Yet was he not for all this,
companyes. —Wherof the first sort now heauen, and they are the sayinctes from hens departed. These, they were here conuer saunt, conformed alwayes theyre lyues the with these cruell threatinges added therunto: most holye lawes and pure examples Chryste,
That did not obey that day, wold renouncyng Sathan, the worlde, and the flesh, more extremely handle him: and make him wythe their concupicences and euels. The
selfe more strong towardes the perfourmance second sort are purgatory (ys any such thereof, compelled the lay-power, most ter the scriptures) abydying the mercy God,
ferce tiranny qualifyed, but commaunded him cited fresh, apere afore him the Saturday
before the feast Saint Mathew the apostle,
rible menacinges curses and interdictions, a-syst him against that cedicious apostate schismatike, that heretike, that troubler the
and full delyuerance Payne. The thyrde sorte are here uppon the earth, and called the Church Mylytaunt. For daye and nyght they contend agaynst the crafty assaultes
publycke peace, that enemye the realme,
and greate adversarye holy chirche; for the deuel, the slattering prosperities thys
these hateful names dyd gue him.
This most constaunt seruant of the lord and
worlde, and the rebellyouse fylthynes the fleshe. . . —Thys latter congregation the juste ordinaunce of God also seuered into three diuerse estates, that say into priesthode, knighthode, and the comens. Amonge whom the wyll God that the one shuld ayde the other, but not destroye the other. The priestes
worthy knight Johan Oldcastell, the lord Cobham, beholding the vnpacable fury Anti christ this kindeled against him, perceiuing him self also compased every side with deadly daungers, toke paper and penne hand, and wrote Christen confession Rekening
worldlynesse shuld the examples Euermore shūlde Wherein he also answereth the chefest they occupied preaching and teaching
fyrst secluded from
his Faith (which fooweth here after) and conforme theyr lyues vtterly
both signed and sealed with his own hande Chryst and his Apostles.
Articles that the Archebishop layed against the Scriptures purely, and geuing whol him. That doone, toke the copye with him, som counsels good liuing the other and wente therwith the kyng, trustinge two degrees men. More modest also, fynd mercy and fauer
other was that Confession mon beleue somme called the Apostles Crede, than vsed: As thus.
his, than the com the churches faith, christen men
shuld they than any other sortes people. —In knighthode are they whych beare
sword lawe office. These shuld defende Gods lawes, and see that the gospell were purely taught, conforming their lyues the
same, and secludynge, false preachers yea these ought rather hasard their lyues than suffer such wycked decrees eyther blemisheth the eternal Testament God, yet letteth the fre passage thereof, whereby heresies and schismes might spring the church. For of none other ryse they suppose, than erro nyous constitucions, craftely fyrst creping
The Christen Beleue the Lord Cobham.
“I
maker heuen and earth; and Jesu Christ his only. Soone our Lord, which was conceyued
the Holy Gost, borne the Virgin Mary, suffred vnder Ponte Pilate, crucified, dead, and
buried, went doun helle, the third daye rose againe from death, ascended Heuen,
beleue God the Father Almighty,
his hande. None more louing, gentyll, and lowleye spirite
sitteth on the right hand God the Father under hypocrites lyes for auauntage. They Almightye, and from thens shall come agayne ought also preserue Gods peple from oppres
judge the quicke and the dead. beleue sors, tirauntes, and theues, and the clergy the Holy Gost, the vniversall holy churche, the supported long they teache purely, pray communion sainctes, the forgeuenes sinnes, rightly, and minister the Sacraments frely. And the vprising
Amen. —And
this my Faith
fastly beleue that there but one God Almighty, cording Gods prescript ordinaunce. —The
and whose godhead are these parsonnés, latter fellouship this church are the common the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Gost, people, whose dewtye beare their good
and that those parsonnes are the same selfe mindes and true obedience the aforescyd
the flesh, and everlasting life. they them for more large Declaracion lav. office the Catholick Church, sted doinges, and
otherwise, they are bound compell them chaunge their thinges performed ac
iii.
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oTRIALS,
231] STATE I HENRY V. 1413. −Trial and Eramination of [232
ministers of God, their kinges, cyuile gouern
ours and priestes. The right office of these is justly to occupy euery man in faculte,
or the tilthe of the grounde. And one of them be an helper another, followynge waves theyr sortes the just commaundeinentes theyr Lord God. —Ouer and besydes thys, moost faith
fully beleue that the sacramentes Chrystes
church are necessary Chrysteu beleuers,
thys always sene to, that they truly minis
tred according Christes fyrst institucion judge. And hauyng hys Appeale there
and ordinaunce. And for so moch am hande redye written, shewed wyth malyciously and most falsely accused mis reuerence the kyng. Wherwith the kyng beleue the sacrament the aulter, the was than moche more displeased than afore,
hurtfull slaundre many; signifye here unto and sayd angerlye unto him, that shuld not men, that this my fayth concerning that. pursue his Appeal: but rather shuld tarry
beleue that sacrament contayned
very Christes body and bloude under the simi
lytudes breade and wyne, yea, the same body
that was conceyued the Holy Gost, born
Mary the Virgin, done the crosse, dyed, that
was buried, arose the thyrd day from the death, moch o wold not sworn things
and now glorified Heauen. also beleue
the vniuersal lawe of God be moost true and what penaunce the archbishoppe would en
perfight, and they which not followe theyr fayth and workes one time other, can neuer be saued. Where as he that seketh
faith, accepteth
therein, and perfourmeth
for the felicity euerlasting innocency. — Than caused the aforesayd Confession
Finally, this
axe more but only
my faith also, that God wyll
bis Faith coppyed againe, and the An swere also (which had made the iiij. Ar ticles proponed agaynst him) wryten
maner Indenture two shetes paper; that whan shuld come his Answere, might geue the one copy vnto the archebishop,
Christen beleuer obey the preceptes
this lyse, that most the churche
any prelates
elsse anye other kynd obe
blessed law.
require more,
dience, than thys
Christ, exalting himself aboue God, and
becometh open Anti-Christe. All these
premisses belieue particularlye, and generally xxiii. day Septembre, the Saturday before
that God hath lest his holy scryptures
the feast saint Mathewe, Thomas Arundell the archebyshop, sytting Cayphas Roume, the Chapterhouse Paules, wyth Richard Clyfforde bisshop London, and Henry Bol ingbroke bisshop Winchester, Robert
instauntly desiring you, my lyege Lord and most worthy king, that thys
that shuld beleue
vsed, contemneth
and reserue the other himselfe. As the day Examination was comen, whyche was the
confession mine may justly examined
the most godly, wise, and learned men your
realme. And found pointes Morley knight and lefetenaunt the Towr, agreying the verite, than allowed, brought personally before him the seid Lord
and thervppon holden for none other than
Cobham, and there left hym for the time, vnto whom the archebishop sayd these wordes:
The fyrst Eramination the Lord Cobham, September 23. -
“Sir John, the last general Conuocation the clergye thys our prouynce, were
detected certain Heresyes, and sufficient witnesses founde culpable; whervppon were fourme spirituall lawe cyted, and wolde case appeare conclusion, vppon your rebellyous contumacie, were both priuatelye
and openlye excommunicated. Notwythstand
ing we neuer yet shewed oure selfe unreadye haue geugn you youre absolucion (nor yet
proued otherwise, viterly condemned prouided
taught better releue the word God, and shall most reuerently
times obey therunto. ”
Thys brefe confessyon hys fayth, the lorde
Cobham wrote, and toke wyth hym the court, offeryng wyth mekenesse vnto the
true christiane.