EVROPE .

THe vniversall Globe of the Earth our moderne better experienced times haue found distinguished into fiue greater devisions , whervnto all the rest belong , & are parts : the New-found Lands of America , and Magellanica , detected by late discoueries , and those of Asia , Africa , and Europe , lying in one Continent , and onely known vnto ancient ages . Of these the least , but most noble part , is Europe , the seate of Christianity , and of the Church of God , and the nurse of victorious , and famous nations , the glorious Conquerours of the World ; wherein , banished from all other countryes , mastered by tyrannie , basenes , ignorance , and barbarisme , religion , civility , arts , knowledge , libertie , and valour , at this day rest confined , the subiect of this discourse . The Etymologie hereof is altogether a a Europa autem , neque an fit mari circumflua , neque vnde hoc nomen acceperit , neque quis nominis author , ab aliquo mortalium compertum est : nisi dicat aliquis ab Europa Tyria nomen accepisse regionem , neque ante à sicut caeteras , nomen habuisse . Tamen illam ex Asia fuisse constat , neque in hanc comme asse terram , quae à Graecis vocatur Europa , sed è Phoenice tantum in Cretam , & è Creta in Africam . He●odoti Melpomene . vncertaine . The more exact bounds are vpon the North the Frozen Seas of Lapland , and Norwey ; vpon the West the Vergiuian , and Atlantique Oceans ; vpon the South the Straights of Gibraltar , and the Sea Mediterranean from Africa ; and vpon the East from b b Ideo quae in Europâ sunt prius Collocavimus , eamque nos à Libya Herculeo devisimus freto , ab Asia verò pelago interjacenti , ac palude Moeoti , flumineque Tanai , ac eo Meridiano qui ad terram pretonditur incognitam C. Ptolemei Geog. lib. 2. c. 1. vid. etiam Srab . Georg. lib. 2. C. Ptolem. Geog. l. 2. c. 1. Asia the Archi-pelago , the Seas Maggiore , and Zabache , the riuer Don , and a line continued from thence vnto the White Sea , or Baye of S. Nicholas . It is situated betwixt the 36 and 71 1/2 degrees of Northerne latitude , and the 5 , and 59 degrees of Longitude , accompting from the Meridian by the Azores . The longest day at the towne of Gibraltar in Spaine , which is the most Southerne point , containeth about 14 houres , and a quarter . At Wardhuis , the point most Northerly , the greatest continuance of the Sunne aboue the Horizon lasteth 2 whole moneths , 22 dayes , & some 7 houres . It containeth the distinct Provinces , and names of Spaine , France , Germanie , the Low-Countries , Switzerland , Denmarke , Norwey , Sweathland , Prussen , Leifland , Poland , Lithuania , Podolia , part of the Tartars , and Russes , Hungarie , Transsylvania , Walachia , Moldavia , Bulgaria , Bosna , Servia , Rascia , Windish-land , Italy , and Greece , seated in the maine land , and of Ilands , lying in the Ocean , beside some lesser , those of Island , Freisland , Great Brittaine , Ireland , Cadiz , Mallorca , Menorca , Sardinia , Corsica , Sicilie , and Candia , with those many of the Archi-pelago , devided amongst 9 greater Monarchs , the Emperours of the Romans , or Germans , Russes , and Turkes , and the Kings of Great Brittaine , France , Spaine , Denmarke , Sweathland , & Poland , together with the free Common-wealths , and inferiour Princes of the Netherlands , Italy , the Switzers , and Grisons . Ptolemie in his 2 Booke sorteth these into the ( c ) more Westerne , and the more Easterne Provinces , whose methode I haue here obserued . In the more Westerne devision he comprehendeth the Brittish Ilands , Iberia , or Spaine , Celto-galatia , or Gaule , Germany , Rhaetia , Vindelicia , Noricum , Pannonia , Illyris , and Dalmatia , contayning now the Kingdomes of Great Brittaine , and Ireland , Spaine , France , Germany , the Switzers , Netherland , Denmarke , Norwey , Sweathland , Hungary , Windischland , Krabbaten , Bosna , Contado di Zara , Dalmatia , & Albania , with their Ilands , whose descriptions , state , and sundry fortunes follow in order .

GREAT BRITAINE .

THE Country hath beene thus distinguished from Britaine in France , in regard of the lesser extension thereof named the Lesser Britaine . It is a famous Iland seated in the Ocean to the North-west of the Continent of Europe some 30 Italian miles ( where the passage is the narrowest ) from France , or the next maine land , the Great Iland ( as Aristides a a Aristides . calleth it ) another world after b b Solini Polyhist . c. 25. Solinus , the Worke of sporting Nature after c c Gerard Mercat . in Britannia . Mercator , made more gracefully to adorne the Vniverse , the glory of Ilands , the Queene , and mistresse of the seas , and the beauty of the West . The bounds are vpon the West part of the Westerne Ocean , with S. George his Channell from Ireland ; vpon the North , the open and spacious Northerne seas ; vpon the East , the German Ocean from Denmarke , Germany , and the Netherlands ; and vpon the South the English Channell from France .

The figure hereof is Triangular , or Three-square , whose Basis might be the Sea-coast towards France .

It lyeth in the Northern halfe-part of the temperate Zone , extended from the 16⅚ vnto the 21 degree of Longitude , accompted from the first Meridian by the Azores Ilands ; and from the 50⅙ degree vnto the 60½ of Northerne Latitude , or from beyond the 18 Paralel , or the beginning of the eight Clime vnto beyond the 27 Paralel , or beginning of the 13 Clime . The longest day at the Lizard point in Cornwall ( the most Southerly part ) contayneth about 16 houres , and a quarter . At Straithy head in Scotland ( which is the point lying farthest to the North ) the same containeth 18 houres , and 3 quarters . The length of the Iland from South to North after this accompt is some 620 Italian miles . The greatest Breadth betwixt East and West according to a right line is about 250 of the same miles . Camden reckoneth 320 miles , bending with the crookes , and turnings of the Sea-coast . The whole circumference he accompteth at 1836 miles . A Paralel drawne ouer the middle hereof hath ( after Ptolemy ) almost that proportion to a Meridian , Ptol. Geog. lib. 8. c. 3. or Greater Circle , as hath eleven to twenty . It comprehendeth two Kingdomes of England , and Scotland , of late yeares vnited vnder one Prince , of which seuerally with their Ilands .

ENGLAND .

The bounds hereof are vpon the South , West , and East the same with those of great Brittaine , & vpon the North from Scotland the Tweede , and Solway Frith , with the riuer of Eske , running into the Solway .

It is situated betwixt the 50⅙ , and 55 48/60 degrees of Northern Latititude , and is subiect to the 8 , 9 , and 10 Climes . The longest day in the most Southerly point hereof is 16 houres and a quarter . At Berwicke ( the point most Northerly ) it contayneth 17 houres , and 48 minutes . It hath in length after this computation 340 Italian miles .

The Aire is close , thicke , moyst , and much subiect to winds and stormy weather , yet very healthfull , sweet , and exceedingly temperate , not molested with those vehement , and piercing colds of Winter , or scorching heats of Summer , vsuall to regions of the same Clime , or of more Northerly Latitudes . In regard hereof the people ordinarily here liue very long ( if not broken with surfeits , and bad diets ) healthie , and not much encombred with diseases . The Country is plaine for the most part , or rising with easie downes , seeming plaines a farre of ( Wales , and the English Apennine excepted ) pleasant , and most fruitfull , flourishing with a perpetuall greenesse of meadowes , corne-fields , woods , and grassie hills , and stored with all varieties both for necessitie , and ornament , which the colder Clime can bring forth . The cloath , and wools hereof for quantity , and finenesse exceed those of all other parts , much desired abroad , and cloying forreine markets with an ouer great abundance . No Countrey yeeldeth such plenty of beeues , sheepe , and cattell . Corne serueth here for both vses of bread , and drinke ; yet not with that superfluity that much can be spared , through the luxurie of the Nation , or their neglect of tillage , and the iniury of the great ones turning arable to green swarths , ouermuch addicted to pasturage and feeding . The hilly , and more barren parts swell with profitable , and rich minerals of silver , copper , iron , sea-coale , & allom , but more especially of tinne , and lead . The seas swarme with fish , but not much regarded by the Natiues through their inexcusable slouth , or glutted with their flesh , and store of land provision .

The Inhabitants most commonly are tall , and bigge of stature ( compared with Southerne Nations ) fayre ( especially the women commended for their lasting beauties ) proper , well proportioned , and surpassing others in a more apt posture , and gracefull carriage of their bodies , graue , witty , pleasant , well spoken , generous , bountifull , or rather prodigall , spending aboue their ranke and meanes , lavish , and vnconstant in their apparrell , and liberall , dainty , and neate feeders . In war they are accompted valiant ( but not so hardie ) feirce , vndaunted , fearelesse of danger , not accustomed to fly , resolute , constant , and quickly disciplined . No nation hath afforded more braue and expert Sea-men , with stout , and swiftships failing in all weathers , Seas and Oceans . The Learned in all ages haue beene much deseruing , and no lesse esteemed , Beda , Alensis , Scotus , Occam , the two Bacons , Bradwardine , other auncients , to omit those of latter times . From hence Germany , a a Poet. Germ. Citat . á Camdeno ( de Anglo : Saxonibus ) v. etiam Comment. loachimi Vadiani in Pompon . Melae lib. 3. ( de Hispan . & Septent . I●●sulis . and the Westerne parts were first recouered from ignorance , and barbarisme , overwhelmed with a deluge of the rude Northerne Natitions . From hence more especially France at two severall times , by the Brittish b b v. Caesaris Com. Bell. Gal. lib. 6. Druides vnder the Gaules , and by Alcuinus c c v. Trithemium de Ecclesiasticis Scriptoribus . Annal. Gallicos . &c. vnder Charles the Great , and the French , the first publicke reader at Paris , the occasion , and Authour of that most auncient , and flourishing Vniversity . At this day in the iudgment of vnpartiall relaters amongst other learning they not so much equall as exceed all others in Poetry , Oratory , close , deepe , and substantiall penning , and composing of those subiects , which they vndertake , sermons & practique Devinity ; but whose most & best writings being English are not so well knowne abroad .

The Vulgar languages here spoken are the Welsh and Cornish , remanders ( as are the people ) of the ancient Brittish ; and the English , originally Dutch , brought hither by the Saxons , although now much differing from the present Dutch or German , through a long disunion of the 2 nations , & the mixture hereof with the Norman or French , & Latine .

The religion of the Pagan Britons was the same with the auncient Gaules d d v. Caes. Com. Bell. Gall. lib. 6. & Taciti Iulij Agricolae vitam . . who first planted the Christian , it is vncertaine . The Magdeburgenses in their 1 Century , and 2 booke and Chapter bring in S. Paule heare preaching the Gospel out of the 9 sermon of Theodoret ad Groecos Infideles ▪ Surius S. Peter in his 29 of Iune out of Simeon Metaphrastes . The second of these their authorities I haue not yet seene . The first of them ( in the place recited ) relateth no such matter .

An old manuscript in the Vatican remembred by Baronius maketh otherwise Ioseph e e v. Annal. Eccl. Baronij . Anno Christi . 35. of Aramathaea to haue beene the first , confirmed by Malmesburiensis in his Antiquities f f Malmesbur . de antiq. Glaftoniae . of the monastery of Glastenbury . Higher proofes in this wee haue none . Of something better authority Nicephorus Callistus g g Nicephori Callisti Eccles. Histor. lib. 2 c. 4. , Dorotheus h h Dorothei Synops. de vità , & morte prophetarum . , and the Menologie i i Menologium Graecorum 10 die Maij. of the Greekes mention Simon Zelotes , who here should suffer martyrdome ( the time they set not downe ) contradicted by the Roman k k Martyrologium Romanum 28 Octob. Martyrologie , and l l Martyrologium Bedae . S. Calend . Novemb. that of Beda , both which affirme that he dyed in Persia. Besids these , Dorotheus m m Dorothei Synopsis , de vita & morte prophetarum . nameth Aristobulus ( remembred by S. Paule in the last Chapter of his Epistle to the Romans ) whom he entitleth Bishop of the Britons . Eusebius , Socrates and all the more approued Ecclesiasticall writers are wholy silent in this argument . In the raigne of the Emperours Antoninus Verus , & Aurelius Commodus n n Bedae Eccles. Histor. Anglorum . lib. 1. c. 4. after Beda ( or more rightly of Commodus ) vnder king Lucius Eleutherius being then Bishop of Rome , the Gospell in Britaine is first publikly receiued , continuing from that time in full rest , and without molestation vntill the tenth persecution vnder Dioclesian , and the holy Martyrdome of o o ib. lib. 1 c. 6. & 7. S. Alban , a Citizen p p v. Geldae Epistolam de excidio , & conquestu Brittanniae . of Verolamium , amongst others put to death neare vnto that citty in the place where afterwards was built ( by great Offa ) the famous Monastery of S. Alban , in time occasioning the towne , thus named . In what manner this Lucius was King of the Britons , Nennius and Beda , who first tell the story mention not . Baronius m m v. Annales Eccl. Coes. Baronij Anno Christi 183. in his Annalls seemeth to stand doubtfull betwixt three opinions . I either that he commaunded amongst the Britons beyond the Roman pale . 2 , or that he was some substitute king in the Province vnder the Romans . 3 , or newly elected by the seditious Roman Britons , rebelling then against Commodus . The second opinion is the most probable ( the custome of the Romans n n quaedam civitates Cogiduno regi donatae vetere , & iam pridem recepta populi Romani consuetudine , vt haberet instrumenta servitutis & reges . Corn. Tacit vita Iulij Agricolae . being considered , hauing aunciently kings for their subjects , ) and that he ruled ouer only a part of the Roman Province . That about , or before this tyme the Britons had receiued the Christian faith , the words of Tertullian , liuing in the raigne of Commodus , and Severus , doe o o Britanorum inaccessa Romanis loca Christo sunt subdita . Tertullian . adversus Iudaeos cap. 7. vide etiam Theodoret. ad Graecos Infideles Serm. 9 & Nicephori Callisti Histor. Eccl. lib. 3. c. 1. sufficiently witnesse . Under the Emperour Constantine the Great , borne in this Iland p p Bedae Ec. His Anglorum lib. 1. c. 8. of Helena a Brittish woman , religion here is first generally authorized , as in all other places subiect to the Roman Empire , clouded soone after with a blacke darkenesse of Arian q q ibidem . infection , begun in the raigne hereof , and condemned by the first Nicene councell , but resuming greater strength vnder his son Constantius , who next succeded ; and with a generall plague spreading over this Province , together with the whole Christian world . This tempest blowne ouer , the Orthodox faith is againe endangered in the raigne of Arcadius , & Honorius r r ibidem lib. 1. c. 10. 17. & 21. by the heresie of Pelagius , a natiue of this Country , vndertaking a proud warre ( to vse the words of my Author ) against the sauing grace of God : in whose refutation S Austine much laboured , who then liued ; here routed out by the authority , and religious , and learned endeavours of S. German , and S. Lupus , Bishops of Auxerre , and Trois in France , at the request of the Britons sent hither by the French Churcb ; and lastly after sundry relapses , by S. David s s v. Balaei Cent. 1. nu. 55 &c. Bishop of Meneva , or Menew ( since from hence called S. Davids ) in the raigne of Arthur king of the Britons . About those tymes flourished ( amongst others of that nature here , and amongst the Scots in Ireland ) the famous Monastery of Banchor , erected long before the time of S. Benedict , or of anyknowne order , Bedae eccl. Histor. Anglorum lib. 2. 2. and rule of Monkes , consisting after my author of seauen parts , or devisions vnder their seuerall heads , each whereof conteined at the least 300 persons , maintained by the labour of their hands without salary , or revenue . The ruines hereof are yet seene vpon both sides of the Dee in Flintshire in Wales , the course of the riuer hauing since beene altered . v. infrà In the yeare of Christ 449 , Valentinian the third then succeeding in the Westerne Roman Empire , the Saxons , or Dutch , at that time Pagans vnder their Prince Hengist arriue in Kent , followed by fresh Colonies of the same Religion , & Nation , seazing vpon other parts of the Ilands ; by which meanes Christianity is here againe almost totally obscured , if not fully extinguished , driuen out with the natiue Britons , and confined onely with in Wales , Cornwall , and the Westerne Mountaines . Their prophane gods ( if it be worth the noting ) were Tuisto t t v. Corn. Tacitum de mo●ibus Germ●●orum . mentioned by Tacitus , and woden v v Malmesbur . de Gestis Anglorum lib. 1. c. 1. &c. and Frea by Malmesburiensis , in whose honour the second , third , and fift dayes of the weeke were named Tuesday , Wednesday , and Friday continued since in the flourishing time of the Gospell , and vnto this present . The neighbouring vncharitable Welsh , a a Sicut è ●ntrá Britones , qui nolebant An●lis eam , quam . habebant , fidei Christianae notitiam pandere . &c. Bedae Eccl. Histor. lib. 5. c. 23. v. etiam e●usdem Ec. Hist. lib 2. c. 2. & 20. et lib. 5. cap 24. or Britons not vouchsafing their aide , and disdaining all commerce herewith , offended with their iniurie , and intrusion , S. b b Ibidem lib. ● c. ●3 . c. et lib. 2. c. 1. 5. et 6. Austine , a Monke of c c F●or . Histor. per Matth ●um Westmon . Rome , is sent hither from Gregorie the Great , then Bishop of that sea , at whose hands Ethelbert chiefe King of the English , & his Kentish Saxons receiue baptisme ; the first Archbishop of Durovernia , or Canterburie , arriving here in the raigne of Mauritius , Emperour of the East , and some 150 yeares after the first comming of Hengist . Kent by diuine grace being thus illuminated , the other kingdomes of the English Heptarchy follow not long after : The East-Saxons , vnder their King d d Bedae Eccl. Histor. Anglorum , l. 2. c. 3. et 5. et l. 3. c. 22. Sebert through the authority of King Ethelbert , and by the preaching of Mellitus , first Bishop of London vnder the Saxons , relapsing soone after vnder Selred , Seward , and the first and second Sigeberts , idolatrous princes ; and recouered to the faith vnder Sigebert the third , through the perswasions of Oswy king of Northumberland , and the pious labours of S. Cedde the second Apostle , and Bishop hereof after S. Mellitus : the Northumbrians e e Ibidem l. 2. c. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. et 14. &c. v. etiam Eiusdem l. 3. c. 1 et 3. vnder their kings Edwin , and Oswald , and by the preachings of Paulinus , and Aidan , the first bishops of Yorke , and Lindisfarne : the East-Angles f f Ibidem lib. 2 c. 15. et l. 3. c. 18. vnder their King Erpenwald by the instigation of Edwin King of Northumberland , after three yeares apostacy ( Erpenwald deceased , ) confirmed in the Orthodoxe religion through the industry , and holy raigne of King Sigebert : the West-Saxons g g Ibidem lib. 3. c. 7. vnder their King Kingils by the preaching of S. Birinus , the first bishoppe of Dorchester in Oxford-shire , and through the godly zeale of Oswald , king of Northumberland : The Mercians vnder their king h h Ibidem lib. 3 ▪ c. 21. 23. et 24. et lib. 4. c. 3. Penda , and Peada , and Wulsfhere , sonnes to Penda , by the preachings amongst others i i Cedda , Adda , Be●ti , et Diuma permittente Rege Penda . Bedae Eccles. Histor. Aug. l. 3. c. 21. et Cellach Trumhere , ●aromano , et Ceadda sub P●ada , et Wulfhere . ib. l. 3. c. 24. of S. Ceadda , an Apostle of the Mercians , and the first k k Habuit autem ( Ceadda ) sedem Episcopalem in loco , qui vocatur Liccid feld , in quo et defunctus est , et sepultus , vbi vsque hodiè se quentium quoque provinciae illius Episcapor● sedes est ib. l. 4. c. 3. bishop of Lichfield , brother to Cedde , the second bishop of the East-Saxons , and by the meanes of Oswy King of Northumberland : and the South-Saxons l l Ib : l. 4 ● . 13. vnder their King Edilwalch by the preaching of S. Wilfrid , Arch-bishoppe of Yorke , liuing then here exiled , thrust out of his bishoppricke by Egfrid , King of the Northumbrians , sonne , and successour to Oswy . The last Countrey converted vnder the English , was the I le of m m Ib. l. 4 ▪ c. 16. Wight , subdued , and forced to the Christian beleife by Ceadwalla , King of the West-Saxons . Great was the heate , and devotion of that first more good , plaine , and simple age , Churches , and Oratories builded , Bishopprickes erected , Monasteries founded ; then the onely nurseries of learning , and reliligion , and painefull ministers euery-where planted , sincere , n n Ib. l. 3. c. 26. v etiam Eiusdem l. 3. c. 5 et 28. iust , exemplary , without hypocrisie , faction , pride , ambition , and desire of worldly gaine , couetous only of the glory of God , and the promotion of his Church , by whose holy endeavours ( England then being too strait to containe so earnest , and immense a Zeale ) the neighbouring Germans not long after tooke flame , and were wonne vnto the faith , in regard thereof , and of their common o o Bedae Eccl. Histor. Anglorum . l. 5. c. ●1 . et●2 . Alberti Krantzij Metrop . l. 1. c. 6. 7. et 8 ▪ Magdeburg . Cent. 8. c ▪ 2 ▪ Baron Annal. Eccles. Anno Christi 697. et 710. language ( which then was the same with the Dutch ) chiefely aboue others imployed in this sacred worke by the Bishops of Rome and the French Kings , to whom the Countrey was then subiect . Amongst these of more honourable memory were S. Willebrord the first bishop of Vtreicht , S. Weiro bishop of Deira , S. q q Pectheimus Bedae Ec. Hist. lib. 5. c. 24. Plechelmus , bishop of Wit-herne , or Candida Casa , S. Swibert bishop of Werden , S. Acca bishop of Hagustald , S. Marcelline , and others , the Apostles of the Thuringians , Frisons , and the Lower Germans in the Regency of Pepin the Fat , Maiour of the Palace of the French kings , S. Willebald the Apostle of East-france , and first bishop of Eystet at the same time , and S. Willehade the Apostle of the Saxons , and first bishop of Bremen , but more especially Saint Boniface , or Winifride , the first Arch-bishoppe of Mentz , and the generall Apostle of the Nation ( acknowledged thus by the vnpartiall Dutch , and Popish Relaters ) about the yeare 710 , and Papacie of Gregorie the second , after many relapses the establisher here of religion , and meanes of their more perfect , and full conuersion . The English we finde not as yet enthralled to the Church of Rome , although not without their errours , and much reverencing the authority of that sea , from whence had proceeded their conuersion , following r r quod vt facilius , & maiore authoritate perficeret ▪ Naitanus rex Pictorum ) quaesivit auxilia de gente Anglorum , quos iamdudum ad exempium sanctae Romanae , & Apostolicae Ecclesiae suam religionem instituisse cognovit Bedae Eccles. Histor. Anglo●um . l. 5. c. 22. their doctrine , & honouring the same with their frequent pilgrimages , their pension of Peter pence s s Flores Hist. per Mat. West . Monaster . An. 727. & 794. and with the coule , and religious habits t t vid. infra . of sundry of their Kings . The Welch then , or v v v. Bedae Eccl. Hist. l. 2. c. 2. Britons were altogether averse from all acknowledgment hereof , neither obeying the Legates of the Popes , neither yeelding to their decisions , or conforming to their rule , differing from them in sundry points . A maine controuersie betwixt them was the x x Ibid. l. 2. c. 2. & l. 5. c. 24. celebration of Easter , of whom the Britons ( from whom the Picts , and Scots y y Ibid. l. 3. c. 29. did not much differ ) observed the 14 day after the New-moone in March , or the first Moneth , following the custome of the Church of Asia , and pretending the practice of Saint Iohn the Evangelist , and the Romans with the English , and others , the Sunday after the 14 day , alleadging an Apostolicall tradition , a scruple then much disturbing the peace of Christendome , and a a Concili . R● . Palestin . Pontic . Gall●● . Osroen . et Ephesin habit . circa , An D : 198 ; Victore Pontifice Rom. & Severo Imperat. et Concil. Nicen : ● : sub Imperat. Constantino magno : v. Binij Concil: Tom: 1 et Eusebij Ec : Histor: l : 5 : c : 22 : disputed of in sundry Synods . No lesse was the controversie ( but long afterwards , and amongst the English themselues , betwixt the married , ) & vnmarried b b v Hoveden : Partem priorom in Rege Edgaro : ib: Rege Guilielmo Primo : et Hen: Huntingdon : l : 7 : Rege Henrico Primo : Priests in the raignes of Edwy , Edgar , Edward the Martyr , & Etheldred , Monarches of the English-Saxons ; as likewise after the conquest ▪ of the Normans ( for vntill this time Priests were married , ) adiudged against the married Priests through the pretended miracles of S. Dunstan ( a great vpholder of the Monkish faction , ) & the sentence of Pope Hildebrand in the yeare 1074 , and raigne of William the Conquerour , and lastly ( for yet notwithstanding the Popes interdict the Priests still kept their wiues ) by Anselmus Arch-bishoppe of Canterbury , and a Synod then held at London in the raigne of King Henry the first . In the raigne of c c vid: infrà . great Egbert , and about the yeare 829 breake in the merciles , and Pagan Danes , through whom , and the many Popish errours , which already had crept in , religion is againe eclypsed . Their Idol was Thur , d d Adam Bremensis : giuing afterwards the name of Thursday to the fourth day of the weeke . By holy e e vid: Infrà : Alfred , Edward the Seniour , and Athelstan the second , they are at length subdued , and for the time either expulsed the Country , or brought vnder the English , and Christian yoake . By this time the long aspiring Papacy had gotten the vpper hand ouer the rest of the Churches of the West , and princes , people , divine , and humane Lawes here , as in all other places , are made subject to the sole will , and free arbitration hereof . By Pope Alexander a a v. Infr. the second , the Normans are authorized to vsurpe the Crowne of England , Edgar , and the Saxon line ( the right heires ) excluded , and the oppressed English disabled for making resistance , terrified , and kept in by Papall cursings . By Innocent the third King Iohn is made vassall b b v. Infrà . to the pretended Apostolique sea , surrendring his Crowne , and resuming the same againe to be held vnder the fee , and tribute of the Popes . The Christian world hauing beene long abused , Iohn Wiclef , c c Walsingham Hist. Regibus Edvardo Tertio , & Richa●do secundo . a soecular Diuine of the Vniversity d d Oxoniensis Borealis . ib. of Oxford , and Rectour of Lutterworth in Leicester shire in the raignes of Edward the third , and Richard the second first to any effect opposeth against the tyranny hereof , and those errours , and impostures , which antiquity , superstitious , and improvident zeale , and their ambition , and avarice had obtruded vpon religion , fauoured by Iohn of Gaunt , Duke of Lancaster , Henry Lord Percy , the Chancelour c c Walsingham Hist. Regibus Edvardo Tertio , & Richa●do secundo . and body of the Vniuersity , sundry Regulars , and Priests , the Londoners , and multitudes of the Common , and Lay people , & besides England spreading his opinions ouer the neighbouring Germany , the authour of the reformation of the e e Aenaeae Sylvij Histor. Bohemicam . Ioachimum Camerarium de Fratrum Orthodoxorum Ecclesijs in Bohemia . Hussits amongst the Bohemians , withstood by the Praelates , and Monkes , thundred against by Bulls , of the Pope sent to the King , the Bishops , and Vniversity , and condemned by the Councell of Constance , the liue bodies of Husse , and Hierome of Prage , and the bones of Wicleffe in detestation of their pretended heresie being burnt by the order of that Synod . The positions hereof are to be read in the history of Walsingham , but f f v. supra . mingled with many falsities , and vntruthes , through the malice of that relater a Monke , and of those times no friends to his cause . What more rightly they were , is better seene in the confession of the Hussits , or Bohemians , arising from hence , & moulded after his doctrine . Now begun the ancient , holy , and grand-esteeme of the Church to asswage , and coole , superstition to be vnmasked , the Papall power to grow suspected , his censures to become more vile , the wealth , and great reuenues of the Monks , and Cleargie to be envyed , and their liues , and actions to be scanned , and looked into by a more narrow , & censorious eye . In the raigne of King Richard the second , g g Parliament : habit . Glocestriae v. Hist. Walsingham . rege Richard . 2. a petition is exhibited by Parliament for the taking away of all their temporall possessions , not assented vnto , and reiected by that plaine , and well meaning prince . The like is attempted by h h Parliament . habit . apud Westmon . 11. Reg. Henrici 4. & Lecestriae an. 2 Henrici 5. v. Fabia n. Chro. an . D. 1410 , & Hen. 4. 11. & an . D. 1414 , & 2● Henr. 5. et . 8. two other Parliaments in the raigne of Henry the fourth , and Henry the fift , pretending their abuse , and better imployment in the reliefe of the poore , the maintenance of Esquires , Knights , and Lords , and the seruice of the King , lastly diuerted ( the suppression of Monasteries excepted , belonging vnto strangers ) through the wisedome of Henry Chichlie Arch-bishop of Canterbury , proposing the more honourable French warres , and declaring the vndoubted right of the Prince to that Crowne . By king Henry the eight , provoaked by the excommunication , and rash censures of Pope Clement the seaventh , the Papall i i An. 28. Hen. ● authority is abolished through the Realme , and the power , and title of supreame head of the English Church assumed , and entayled vpon his successours , some abuses about images , and the Scriptures , and prayers in an vnknowne tongue in part reformed , and Monasteries , and religious houses ( stiffe abetters of the Romish Hierarchie ) to the great astonishment of the world vtterly razed , and demolished , and their whole possessions , whether Temporalties , or tithes , & offerings ( the vndoubted rights of the Church ) escheated to the Crowne , and fold , or giuen to lay persons through passion , avarice , or his zeale against the many vices , and enormities of the Monkes , or to engage the laity ( without which possibly he could not haue withstood so great a danger ) in his warre against the Papacy , and Cleargie , partakers with him of their spoyles . Vnder Edward the sixt , religion is more fully m m An. 5 & 6 Edvardi . 6. established , and the Church purged from errours , and superstition , the Masse , and the rest of the 6 bloudy articles of his father abrogated , images pulled downe , the holy Eucharist administred vnder both kinds , and the Scripture , and deuine seruice read in the vulgar language , yet done not without much rapine , and iniurie , committed vnder pretence of reformation , the sacred monuments of the dead in Churches defaced , and Bishoppricks , Collegiate Churches , Hospitalls , and Almes-houses being robbed of their reuenewes by sacrilegious greatnes during the licentious raigne of that most hopefull , but young , & pupill king , By Queene Mary ( a great strength , to whose title was the dispensatition , and authority hereof ) Religion is againe made vassall to the sea of Rome , and n n An. 1 & 2. Phil. & Mariae , the power and iurisdiction of the Pope restored , with condition notwithstanding that the lands , and goods lately taken from the Cleargy , should remaine to their lay possessours ; without which caution , the Nobility , and Commons in Parliament , ( whose ioynt interest this was ) would not giue their consent , persecution raging soone after with fresh furie , and the whole kingdome flaming with fires , and gashly sights of burning Martyrs . Queene Elizabeth of famous memory gaue an end to these o o An. 1. Elizabethae . long afflictions and vnsetled state of the Church , the Gospell reestblished with mature and graue aduice , and confirmed by her many victories , and long and prosperous raigne , continued since by her glorious successour King Iames , maintained by the authority of his royall pen , the faiths vndoubted defender , the Churches patron , and the true Cleargies friend ; & with no lesse zeale , and constancie by Charles , our gracious soueraigne now raigning , heire of his Fathers Crowne , and Prin●ly vertues .

The Religion then here publiquely allowed , is the Reformed , or Protestant , whose briefe p p The booke of Articles . summe is set downe in the 39 Articles , agreed vpon in a Convocation holden at London in the yeare 1562 , and confirmed by the Cleargie of both Provinces . The supreame head hereof is the prince by a common right , and prerogatiue of Kings , and by decree q q An. 26. Henr. 8. & 1 Elizabeth of Parliament enacted in the yeare 1534 , & 26 of the raign of King Henry the eight . The Cleargie are Arch-bishops , Bishops , and inferiour ranks , all Regulars , or Monks excluded .

The Arch-bishops , r r v Bedae Histor. Eccl. Anglorum Malmesbur . de Gestis Pontifi . Anglorum . Francis . Godwin Epis. Landaven . de Praesul●bus Angliae . or Metropolitane seas follow . Canterbury s s Cantuatiensis idem Dorovernonsis . Bed . whose Diocesse with that of Rochester is Kent , and whose Province in a manner is the whole South-part of England , on this side Trent , and Humber , begunne about the yeare 596 by Ethelbert , the first Christian King of the Kentish Saxons in the person of Saint Austine , the first Apostle of the English . The Bishops hereof are named Primates , and Metropolitans of all England by order of Convocation in the yeare 1534. Formerly during the Romish Hierarchy , Redit . 2816l . 17s. 9d . they assumed the title of Legats of the Popes , and Primates of all Britaine .

Yorke , Eboracensis . idem Nordanhumbrorum . Bed . whose Diocesse is Nottinghamshire , and Yorkeshire , and Province the part of England vpon the North of Humber , Dee , and Trent , founded about the yeare 652 by Edwin King of Northumberland in the person of Paulinus , Redit . 1609l . 19s . 2d . Chaplaine to his Queene Ethelburga , and the Apostle of these Northerne parts of the English .

The Bishopricks may thus be ranked vnder their seas Metropolitane . Londinensis . idem Orientalium Saxonum . Bed . vnder Canterbury , London , whose Diocesse is Essex , Middlesex , and part of Hartfordshire , founded about the yeare 606 by Sebert , and Ethelbert , Kings of the East , and Kentish Saxons in the person of Mell●●us , the Apostle of the East-Saxons , and continued after a long apostacy by Sigebert , the second Christian king hereof in the person of S. Cedde the second Apostle , and Bishop , brother to Saint Ceadda , ( for thus are the names distinguished , ) the Apostle , and Bishop of Lichfield , and the Mercians . The Bishops hereof are otherwise in Beda named of the East-Saxons . Redit . 1119l . 8s. 4d . The extent of their iurisdiction hath not any thing beene altered since the time of their institution .

Winchester , Wintoniensis . idem Occidentalium Saxonum . Bed . Dorcestrensis . founded by Kenwald king of the West-Saxons in the person of Wina a Frenchman , taken out of the large Diocesse of Dorcester by Oxford in the time of Agilbert , the second Bishop of that sea , founded by King Kingills , father to Kenwald in the person of Berinus an Italian , the Apostle of the West-Saxons . Agilbert forsaking England , discontented with this division , and the promotion of Wina , the voyde Bishopricke of Dorcester became vnited to Wina , & to the sea hereof . By king Ina the South-Saxons are likewise herevnto added vpon his conquest of that Countrey . The great Bishoprick of Winchester contained then by this meanes both kingdomes of the South , and West-Saxons . By Ina about the yeare 704 ▪ the Bishopricke of Sherborne is taken out . Sherburnensis . Selseiensis . idem Australium Saxonum . Bed . Not long after , in the yeare 711 , the Bishopricke of Selsey for the South-Saxons . The Diocesse after so many loppings , comprehendeth now the countries onely of Surrey , and Hantshire , with the Iles of Wight , Iersay , Garnsay , and Alderney . In the yeare 733 , Dorcester was againe made a Bishops see , but for the Province of the Mercians , taken out of the Diocesse of Lichfield . Out of Sherborne by Edward , surnamed the Elder , were devided the Bishoprickes of Wells for Sommersetshire , of Ramesbury for Wiltshire , Ramesburiensis . and of Kirton , and Bodman for Devonshire , and Cornwall . Of these Ramesbury became vnited againe with Sherborne in bishop Herman , Cridiensis . Bodmin . and the raigne of Edward the Confessour . Bodman during the Danish warres , was translated to S. Germans , and lastly vnited with Kirton by the authority of king Canutus . Of Kirton , and Wells hereafter . Red. 249●l . 9s. 8d . ob . The Bishops of Winchester were otherwise in Beda named of the West-Saxons .

Lincolne , Lincolniensis . begunne at Dorcester by Oxford in the yeares aforesaid , & brought hither by Bishop Remigius in the raigne of the Conquer●ur , according to the order of a Synod at London , that the Sees of bishops in obscure and decayed townes should be remoued to the chiefe citties of each Diocesse . It conteined then the middle of England betwixt the riuer of Thames , and Humber . By king Henry the first , the bishoppricke of Elie is taken out . By Henry the eight those of Oxford , and Peterborough . Red. 894l . 18s. 1d . ob . It extendeth yet over Lincolneshire , Leicestershire , Huntingdonshire , Bedfordshire , and Buckinghamshire , with part of Hartfordshire , the largest of all the English bishopricks .

Sarisburie , Sarisburiensis . begunne at Sherborne by Ina king of the West-Saxons in the person of Adelmus about the yeare 704 , and remoued hither by bishop H●man in the raigne of the Conquerour . Red. 1385l . 5s . ob . It conteineth now Wiltshire , and Barkshire .

Excester , Exoniensis . begunne at Kirton in Devonshire in the person of Adulfus , by Edward , surnamed the Elder , Monarch of the English , and remoued hither vnder bishop Leofricus in the raigne of Edward the Confessour . Red. 500l .

Wells , Bath . & Wellensis . tooke out of the Diocesse of Sherborne , and founded in the person of Athelmus by Edward the Elder , Monarch of the English-Saxons . By Iohn de Villula vnder king William Rufus the See was remoued to Bath . Vnder bishop Robert in the raigne of king Stephen the two Churches ( of Bath , and Wells ) after much contention are agreed , and the Bishoppes are to assume the title of both places , Redit . 533l . 1s. 3d. continuing euer since . The Diocesse hereof is onely Somersetshire .

Chichester , Cicestrensis , idem Australium Saxonum . Bed . begun in Selsey by Edilwalch the first Christian king of the South-saxons , in the person of S. Wilfride , the exiled bishop of Yorke , or of Northumberland : the Apostle hereof ; after Wilfride , and the conquest of the country by the West-Saxons , vnited to Winchester ; about the yeare 711 in bishop Edbrith devided againe from Winchester , and restored to Selsey ; and lastly from Selsey remoued hither , Red. 677l . 1s. 3d. the chiefe towne of the Diocesse , by bishop Stigand in the time of William the Conquerour . Eliensis . It conteineth onely Sussex .

Elye tooke of Lincolne , and conteyning only Cambridgeshire , founded by king Henry the first in the person of Harvaeus , Red. 2134l . 18s. 5d . q. 31 qa . sometime Bishop of Bangor in Wales .

Norwich , Norwicensis . idem Orientalium Anglorum Bed . begun at Dunwich about the yeare 630 , by Sigebert king of the East-Angles , in the person of Faelix a Burgundian ; vnder Bisus the fourth bishop diuided into two Bishopricks , of Dunwich , and North-Elmham ; Domuc . Bed . Elmanensis . in the yeare 955 after a long vacancy during the Danish tyranny , and vsurpation in the person of Athulfus restored , and vnited in one bishoppricke of North-Elmham by Edwy king of the English-Saxons , by bishop Herfast remoued from North-Elmham to Thetford in the time of the Conquerour ; and lastly hither from Thetford by bishop Herebert , about the yeare 1086 toward the latter end of the same raigne , or the beginning of William Rufus . The bishops hereof are otherwise by Beda named of the East-Angles . Their Diocese is extended ouer the Countreyes of Norfolke , Red. 899l . 8s. 7d . qa . and Suffolke .

Lichfield , Coventrensis , & Lichfeldensis idem Merciorum . Bed . begun amongst the Mercians about the yeare 656 , in the person of Diuma a Scottishman , by Oswy king of Northumberland , and Monarch of the English , after his great victory obtained against Penda ; and in the yeare 669 , fixed here by holy Ceadda , or Chad , in the raigne of Wulferus king of the Mercians . In Adulphus about the yeare 793 , it was raised to an Arch-bishoprick by king Offa , but which dignity lasted not beyond his time . By bishop Peter in the yeare 1075 , and time of the Conquerour , the sea is remoued to Chester ; by Robert de Limesey in the yeare 1095 , to Coventry , the residence of many of the succeeding Bishops . In regard hereof these now vse the title of both cities of Coventry , and Lichfield . Their Diocese contained more anciently the whole Kingdome of the Mercians , whereof they are otherwise named by Beda . Sidnacestrensis By King Ethelred , brother and successour to Wulferus , the Bishopricks of Worcester , Leicestrensis . and Sidnacester , are taken out ; not ●●ng after about the yeare 733 , those of Leicester , and Dorcester ; and lastly by Henry the eight , the Bishoprick of Chester , whereof Worcester , and Chester remaine at this present ; Dorchester was ( as before ) translated to Lincolne ; and Sidnacester , and Leicester , became vnited with Dorcester . Vnto the jurisdiction hereof appertaineth at this day all Staffordshire , Red. 550l . 17s. 2d , ob . qa . and Darbyshire , with parts of Warwickshire , and Shropshire .

Worcester , Vigorniensis . idem Wicciorum . Bed . containing Worcestershire , and part of Warwickshire , taken out of Lichfied , and founded about the yeare 679 , in the person of Boselus , by Ethelred King of the Mercians , brother to Wulferus . The Bishop hereof is otherwise named of the Wiccij by Beda , the more proper name of the inhabitants of the countrey in the time of my Authour . Red 1049l . 17s. 3d. ob . qa .

Hereford , Herefordensis . containing Herefordshire , and part of Shropshire , founded in Bishop Putta about the yeare 680. Red. 768l . 10s. 10d . ob . qa .

Rochester , Rhosfensis , & Castelli Cantuariorum Bed . containing part of Kent , founded in the yeare 606 by Ethelbert , the first Christian king of Kent , in the person of Saint Iustus . Red. 358l . 3s. 7d . qa .

Oxford , Oxoniensis . containing Oxfordshire , taken out of Lincolne in the yeare 1541 , by Henry the eight , whose first bishop was Robert King , the last Abbot of the Monastery of Ousney . Red. 354l . 16s. 3d. qa .

Peterborough , Petroburgensis containing Northamptonshire , and Rutlandshire , taken out of Lincolne by Henry the eight , whose first bishop was Iohn Chambers , Red. 414l . 19s . 1●d . the last Abbot of that Monastery .

Glocester , Glocestrensis . containing Glocestershire , founded by Henry the eight , and taken out of Worcester , Red. 315l . 17s. 2d . whose first bishop was Iohn Wakeman Abbot of Teuxbury .

Bristoll , Bristoliensis , containing that City , and Dorsetshire , founded by Henry the eight , Red. 383l . 8s. 4d . whose first bishop was Paul Bush , a Batchelour of Divinity of the Vniversity of Oxford .

S. Davids , Menevensis . begun at Isca Silurum , now Caer-Leon in Monmouthshire by Dubritius , formerly bishop of Landaff , in the time of Aurelius Ambrosius King of the Britons , and remoued hether to Meneva , or Menew , named afterwards S. Davids , in the raigne of King Arthur by David , next successour to Dubritius , renowned amongst the Welsh for his stout opposition against the Pelagian heresie , returning with fresh rage after the departure of S. German , and S. Lupus , and lastly in those parts extinguished through the great industry , and authority hereof , canonized a Saint long afterwards by Pope Calixtus . In S. Dauid , or Dubritius it was made a sea Metropolitane for the Britons , accompted thus vntill the Norman conquest of Wales , although the Paule lost , carryed to Dole in France , during a fierce pestilence by bishop Sampson . Vnder King Henry the first , it became subject to the sea of Canterbury . It containeth now Pembrokeshire , Redit . 426l . 22s . 2d ob . Cardiganshire , and Caermardenshire in Wales .

Landaff , Landauensis . containing Glamorganshire , Monmouthshire , Brecknockshire , and Radnorshire , whose first bishop ( whereof we read in approued authours ) was Dubritius , before-mentioned , a great oppugner of the Pelagians , Redit . 145l . 14s. 1d . consecrated by S. German bishop of Auxerre , and after his remoue to Caer Leon , here succeeded vnto by Teliaus , continuing the sea .

Bangor , Bangorensis . containing Caernarvonshire , Merionethshire , Denbighshire , & Anglesey . When the sea begun , we finde not . The first knowne bishop was Hervaeus , afterwards bishop of Elye , appointed by king Henry the first .

S. Asaph , Asaphensis . containing Denbighshire , & Flintshire , named thus from S. Asaph , the second bishop , and called otherwise Lhan-Elwy by the Welsh , founded by Malgo king of the Britons about the yeare 560. in the person of Kentigerne , Redit . 131l . 16s. 4d . a Scottish bishop of Glasco , liuing exiled in those parts , and beginning the Church , and Monasterie thus named .

Vnder Yorke Durham , Dunelmensis . Lindisfarnensis . Bed . begun at Lindisfarne , or the Holy Iland , by Oswald king of the Northumbrian Saxons in the person of Aidan a Scottishman , the Apostle of those parts after Paulinus , and remoued hither with the body of S Cutbert , sometimes likewise bishop of Lindisfarne , by bishop Edmund in the raigne of Ethelred , Monarch of the English Saxons . The three first bishops of Lindisfarne , Aidan , Finnan , and Colman , all three Scottishmen , are otherwise by Malmesburiensis accompted amongst the bishops of Yorke , governing the Ecclesiastical affaires of the Northumbrians after Paulinus during the invasions and cruelty of the Mercians , and Welsh vnder Penda , and Cadwallo their kings , but not vsing the Paule , Redit . 1821l . 17d . qa . or assuming the title of Metropolitans , or of Yorke . The Diocese hereof is now onely Durham and Northumberland . Carleolensis .

Carlile , containing Westmoreland , with part of Cumberland , founded in the person of Athaulphus by king Henry the first , Redit . 531l . 4s. 11d . ob . taken out of Durham . Cestrensis .

Chester , taken out of Lichfield and Coventry , founded by king Henry the eight . The first bishop was Iohn Bird , Provinciall of the Frier Carmelites . It containeth Cheshire , Lancashire , and Richmondshire in Yorkeshire , with parts of Cumberland , Redit . 420l . 1s. 8d . and Flintshire .

Man , Sodorensis . containing that Iland , appointed by Pope Gregory the fourth . The bishop hereof hath no place , or suffrage in the English Parliaments .

Besides these there were Hagustald , Hagustaldensis . whose first bishop after Malmesburiensis was S. Wilfrid before-mentioned , or Eata , or Tumbert , according to Beda after the expulsion of S. Wilfrid , and the division of the sea of Yorke by king Ecgfrid , extinguished in the time of the Danish warres .

Lindissi , Lindisfarorum . v. Bed . Eccl. Histor. Anglorum lib. 4. c 12. videtur hic idem esse cum Sidnacestrensi . taken out of the great Diocese of Lichfield , and founded after Beda by Ecgfrid King of Northumberland , vpon his conquest of that country from Wulferus of the Mercians , vnder bishop Leouinus after Malmesburiensis , vnited with the sea of Leicester in the raigne of Edgar Monarch of the English Saxons ; & Wit-herne a a Candidae Casae . begun vnder Pecthelmus in the time of Beda ; and continuing certaine yeares after . The towne yet standeth in Galloway , a part then of the English kingdome of Northumberland , since belonging to the Scots . Amongst the bishops next vnto the Arch-bishops , the first place b b Act. Parl , an. 3● . Henrici 8. v. Pulton . c. ●0 . hath London , next to whom are Durham and Winchester . The others are ranked according to the time of their consecration . What were the seats of the bishops before S. Austine , v. Malmesbur . de gestis Pont. Angl. Prolog . lib. 1. and the conversion of the English , we cannot certainely determine . Geffrey of Monmouth mentioneth three Archbishops ( of London , Yorke , and Isca Silurum , or Caer Leon , ) and 28 bishops , founded in the place of so many Arch-Flamins , Galfrid . Monumeth . Hist. lib. 4. c. 19. and Flamins ( gentilisme abolished ) in the raigne of King Lucius , by Faganus , and Duvanus , Legates of Pope Eleutherius , and the Apostles of the Britons . The authority , and truth of the author hath alwayes bin suspected . More c c Bed . Hist. Eccl. Angloru● lib. ● c. 2. certainly Beda in a conference of the Welsh with S. Austine the first Arch-bishop of Canterbury maketh mention of 7 bishops of the Britons , but without naming them or their seates . Ex provinciâ Britanniae , civitate Londinensi , Restitutus Episcopus . The first Councell of Arles , held in the yeare 326 , and the raigne of the Emperour Constantine the Great , nameth one Restitutus , a Brittish bishop of London , amongst the Fathers assisting in that Synod . Other names during these more primatiue times wee haue not yet found in the subscriptions of Councels , v. Binij Conciliorum Tom. t. or any ancient and good authority Vnder Honorius , v. Binium . the 4 Arch-bishop of Canterbury , the English are divided into Parishes , encreased through continuall subdivisions , and additions of new Churches . The number hereof are at this day 9284 in both Prouinces . Hereof 3845. are Churches impropriate , by Papall authority , annexed aunciently vnto Monasteries , and places of Religion , and at the fall of Monasteries for the greatest part of their revenues escheated to the Crowne , and made Lay possessions . These againe are of two forts . 1 with Vicarages , 2 & without , all whose rights as well tithes , as offerings are detained by their Lay purchasers without any allotment to the Priest by the Parliament , or the King in their sale , and conveyances ( which hapned to such whose immediate Pastours had beene the Monkes ) maintained now by miserable , yet arbitrary pensions . My selfe haue heard foure pound by the yeare offered to a Minister for seruing together two pastorall cures of this nature . The number of the Episcopall and Collegiate Churches ( including Westminster , and Winsore ) are 26 , besides some others restored of late yeares through the favour , and bounty of King Iames of happy memory . They containe together almost so many Deanes , 60 Arch-Deacons , and 544 Dignities , or Prebendaries . The suppressed Monasteries , ( let it be lawfull to remember those dead ruines , sad spectacles of humane mutability ) amounted to 645 , besides 96 Colledges , 110 Hospitals , and 2374 Chanteries , and Free Chappels . Such hath been the affaires of the Church , and Religion .

The State is Monarchicall , commaunded by a King .

The Law whereby it is governed , is the Municipall , or Common , a Law proper to the Nation .

The Prince is Haereditary , and independent , not euer invested by , or acknowledging the Roman Emperours , or any superiour earthly power , holding immediatly of God , absolute , and supreame ouer all persons , in all causes both Civill and Ecclesiasticall . King Iohn distressed by a threefold warre against the Pope , the French , and his rebellious subjects , to appease the first , enthralled the kingdome to the tribute , and vassalage hereof : but a a The Common-wealth of England by St Thomas Smith knight . lib. 1. c. 9. which art being forced , neither euer approued by the Parliament , or people , was euer held as voide . He is stiled the Defendour of the faith , which title b b v. Polydor. Virgilij Angl. Hist. lib. 27. &c. was first giuen to king Henry the eight , by Pope Leo the tenth , zealous in his cause against the pretended haeresie of Luther , opposed by the authority of his kingly Pen , maintained since vpon better right by his noble successours , the chiefe patrons , and defendours of the Orthodoxe , and truely Catholique Religion .

The body , or Common-wealth subject to this Head , may be distinguished c c The Common-wealth of England by S Thomas Smith knight lib. 1. c. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 22. 23. 24. into a twofold order . 1 Artificers , tradesmen , daylabourers , and poore husbandmen without land , who haue no rule , and whose part is onely to obey , 2. and those who in the right , and vnder the authority of the Prince haue their parts in the gouernment , judging , and determining causes , punishing faults , electing officers , granting subsidies , and making Lawes , of whom , and their delegates assembled together , with the King , and Bishops , representing the Cleargie , the Parliament , or grand Councell of the Realme consisteth . These likewise are of two different rankes . 1 The Nobility , 2 and those vnder the degree hereof . The Nobility are divided into the greater Nobility , containing the Barony , or estate of Lords , and the Lesser Nobility , consisting of Knights , Esquires , and Gentlemen , ( the first whereof are not borne thus , but made by the especiall grace of the Prince for their good demerits , or hopes ) whose Deputies , and of the Burgesses , and Yeomen , ( the rankes vnder the Nobility ) compose the house of Commons . These last , the Yeomen , or Free-holders ( the auncient wealth , and d d ib. chap. 23. support of the kingdome , the strength , and substance of our warres , our sometimes victorious infantery , the Conquerours of the French ) are now much decayed since the fal of Monasteries , whose tenants they were vpon easie rents , but more especially through the present depopulations , rackings , and injuries of the Gentry , pulling downe Townes , and farme-houses , and converting all to pasturage , or their proper demaine , to the much impairing of the Princes subsidies , and revenues , the wonted store of people , and riches of the Land , the most important grievance of the times .

The Nation hath alwayes beene much dreaded , and powerfull in Armes , whilest vnited , and in peace at home . King Henry the second by marriage , and warre , enlarged the English dominions ouer Ireland , and Aquitaine , and Guienne in France . Richard the first advanced their glorious ensignes in Syria , Palestine , and the East , and conquered Cyprus , exchaunged for the title of Hierusalem . By Edward the first all Wales , and Scotland for the time are subdued . By Edward the third the Scots and French in sundry memorable battailes , holding captiue at the same time the persons of both their kings . Under the same Prince the hautie Spaniards , through the high courage , and adventures of his son Prince Edward , forced to the obedience of Don Peter their naturall Lord . By Henry the fift all France on this side the Loire , left to his successour Henry the sixt , crowned French king at Paris . Queene Elizabeth of famous memory , relieued all her distressed neighbours , the Scots , France , and the Netherlands , oppressed by forraine power , or through domestique broyles , got the dominion of the sea , and by continuall victories gaue first check to the greatnes , and aspiring ambition of the house of Austria , and Spaine . But as their happy atchieuements , and victories haue beene many , so their errours , and misfortunes no lesse , most commonly loosing that through ciuill broyles , and contentions ( a mischiefe incident to all flourishing estates , but most fatall to ours ) what by true valour , and honour they haue gotten .

King Iohn lost Normandy , and other English conquests , and possessions in France , through the onely malice , and treason of his disloyall Barons , vnseasonably quarrelling about their liberties , forsaking him in his warres , and siding with his enemies .

Edward the second , Scotland ( wonne by his victorious father ) through a like despight , and wilfulnes of his seditious Nobles , opposing against his gouernment , and withdrawing their service , and ayde , too eager revengers of his childish , and weake raigne . Henry the sixt irrecoverably France , through the faction of the house of Yorke , abusing the people with pretenses for their private ends , and lastly challenging the Kingdome , and turning our conquering swords into our owne bosomes .

The Land is divided into Shires , Hundreds , ( which are the divisions of Shires , and are in some places otherwise called Weapontakes , and Lathes ) and Tithings , the divisions of Hundreds . King a a quos cupiens compescere , & de huiusmodi excessibus cohibere , totius Angliae pagos , & provincia● in Comitatus primusomnium commutavit ( Alfredus ; ) comitatus in Centurias , i. Hundredas , & in Decimas , i. Trithingas devisit . Praefectos vero Provinciarum ( qui ante vice-domini ) in duo officia divisit , i. in indices , quos nunc Iusticiarios vocamus , & in Vice-Comites qui adhuc iidem nomen retinent . Ingulphi Abbat . Crowland . histor. v. etiam Malmesb. de Gestis . Regum Anglorum lib. 2. c. 4. Alfred was the Author of these divisions , as likewise of the name , and office of the Vice-Comites , or Sheriffs , ordained for the more peaceable gouernment of the Countrey , and the more easie restraint of theeues , and robbers , much encreasing then through the occasion of the Danish warres . The word ( Shire ) signifieth with the auncient Saxons , a part , or division ; as doth the word ( Share ) with the present English . What number hereof were first instituted by Alfred , we finde not . Malmesburiensis accompteth 32 of them in the raigne of Etheldred , Monarch of the English-Saxons , succeeding not long after : Kent , Essex , Middlesex , Surrey , Sussex , Hantshire , Dorsetshire , Wiltshire , Somersetshire , Devonshire , Cornwall , Hartfordshire , Oxfordshire , Buckinghamshire , Barkeshire , Glocestershire , Suffolke , Norfolke , Northamptonshire , Huntingdonshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire , Warwickshire , Leicestershire , Staffordshire , Worcestershire , Shropshire , Herefordshire , Lincolneshire , Nottinghamshire , Darbyshire , and Cheshire . Doomesday Booke addeth Yorkeshire , in the raigne of William the Conquerour . Afterwards were added Lancashire , and the Bishoprick of Durham ( most probably sometimes parts of Yorkeshire ; ) and Cumberland , Westmoreland , and Northumberland beyond the Tine , ( the part now onely retaining the name of the ancient Kingdome thus called , ) after their revnion to the English Crowne , formerly possessed by the Scots . The last were the 13 Welsh Shires , added by Edward the first , and Henry the eight . Their whole number are at this present 52 in both Countreyes of England , and Wales . 1 Surrey , Kent , Sussex , Hantshire , Barkeshire , Wiltshire , Somersetshire , Dorsetshire , Devonshire , and Cornewall , lying vpon the South of the riuer Thames , along the shore of the English Channel . 2 Glocestershire , Oxfordshire , Buckinghamshire , Middlesex , Essex , Hartfordshire , Norfolke , Suffolke , Cambridgeshire , Huntingdonshire , Bedfordshire , Northamptonshire , Rutlandshire , Warwickeshire , Worcestershire , Herefordshire , Shropshire , Cheshire , Staffordshire , Darbyshire , Nottinghamshire , Lei-cestershire , and Lincolneshire , containing the middle part of the Kingdome , and included within the riuers Thames , Trent , Merseye , Dee , and Wye , Humber , Offaes Ditch , and the German Ocean . 3 Yorkeshire , the Bishopricke of Durham , Northumberland , Cumberland , Westmoreland , and Lancashire , the parts vpon the North of Humber , Trent , and Mersey . 4. and Monmouthshire , Glamorganshire , Radnorshire , Brecknockeshire , Cardiganshire , Caermarthenshire , Penbrokshire , Montgomeryshire , Merionethshire , Denbighshire , Flintshire , Caernarvonshire , and the I le of Anglesey , containing Wales , or the westerne parts within the Dee , Wye , and the sea of Severne . Their descriptions follow after that I haue first related the auncient estate of the Country , with the many chaunges , and successions of people , and Kingdomes in their turnes comming vpon the stage hereof , and occasioning the present names , state , and divisions .