Life of Matthew Parker (Strype, 1821)/Book II/Chapter I

This is the enhanced reading edition of Book II, Chapter I, prepared according to the AnglicanWiki Editorial Guidelines for Historical Texts. It adds descriptive section headings, English translations of Latin passages (with the original preserved), verified internal links, and editorial notes clearly distinguished from Strype's text. Strype's wording, historical spelling, and substance are preserved.

The Archbishop's election, confirmation, and consecration. The rites used. The Nag's Head fable: and confutation thereof. The Act of Parliament, 8th Eliz. confirming the consecration. His enthronization: and temporalities restored. His oath.

The Investing of Dr. Parker

Now I shall proceed to the investing of Dr. Parker with his spiritual honour and charge in the metropolitical church of Canterbury: for this, being one of the great and primary acts of the Reformation, in the constituting of an orthodox and able Metropolitan, will require some more particular and careful relation; since it was the ground on which stood the validity of the rest of the consecrations and ordinations of the succeeding Bishops and Clergy of this church; and likewise since this very matter hath been, with so much ridicule, malice, and falsehood, represented by divers later Popish writers; as though the consecration of this Archbishop, and other his fellow Bishops, were performed at a tavern or inn in Cheapside, London, as we shall mention more particularly hereafter.

The See Vacant by Pole's Death

Several previous things were done in order to the instating our Divine in his high office. First, the said church having been now without a Pastor and Archbishop from the death of Cardinal Pole the last Archbishop, (who died in the night succeeding the day of Queen Mary's death,) the Dean, Dr. Nicolas Wotton, and the Chapter, had by their letters certified the Queen of the same, and humbly besought her to license them to elect a fit person to fill the said see. To which petition and request the Queen condescended; sending to them her letters patents (commonly called congé d'élire) dated at Westminster the 18th day of July, in the first year of her reign, granting them licence to go to election, without naming any person in the said letters, but only requiring them to elect such a person for their Archbishop and Pastor, " who should be devout to God, and useful and " faithful both to her and to her realm." The tenor of which letters of licence being short, I will here exemplify.

The Congé d'Élire

Elizabetha Dei gratia Angliæ, &c. dilectis nobis in Christo, Decano et Capitulo ecclesiæ metropolitanæ Cantuar. salutem.

Ex parte vestrá nobis est humiliter supplicatum, ut cum ecclesia predicta per mortem naturalem reverendissimi in Christo Patris et Domini, Domini Reginaldi Pole Cardinalis, ultimi Archiepiscopi ejusdem, jam vacat, et Pastoris sit solatio destituta, alium vobis eligendum in Archiepiscopum et Pastorem, licentiam nostram fundatriam vobis concedere dignaremur; Nos precibus vestris in hac parte favorabiliter inclinati, licentiam illam vobis duximus concedend. Rogantes quod talem vobis eligatis in Archiepiscopum et Pastorem, qui Deo devotus, nobisque et regno nostro utilis et fidelis existat: in cujus rei testimonium, &c.

The Chapter Meets

Then in consequence hereupon, the Dean and Chapter four days after, that is, on the 22d of July, being capitularly met in the chapter-house, and making a full Chapter, took notice of the Queen's said letters patents, and did in obedience agree upon, and appoint the first day of August

Citing the Canons

then next following, to meet again, and proceed to the said election. In the mean time Nicolas Sympson, Clerk, by an instrument made by the Dean and Chapter now met, was appointed their Mandatary, to cite all the Canons and Prebendaries, that had any right to vote in the election, to appear at the Chapter the said first day of August, by affixing citatory letters of schedules in their respective stalls, according to the custom of former times, and the statutes and laudable practice of that church. The day assigned being come, there appeared personally The Dean and Chap with the Dean these Canons, John Mills, Arthur Sentleger, ter elect, William Darrel, and John Butler.

The Election by Compromise

The rest were absent,

viz. Hugh Turnbul, Richard Fawcet, Ralph Jackson, Rob. Collins, John Knight, Tho. Wood, Nic. Harpsfield: all which were thrice preconized with a loud voice at the chapter-door. But after having been long expected, and not coming, they were for their absence pronounced contumacious by the Chapter, and decreed to incur the pain of contumacy. Then the Dean and Chapter nominated John In cent for their Public Notary, and John Armerar, Clerk, and Gilbert Hyde, Gent. to be witnesses of their said business of election, and what should be done therein by them: and so they went to the election. And considering, what anciently by the right and custom of the said church was to be observed, agreed unanimously, none gainsaying, that of the three ways of election the Dean had propounded to them, they would proceed by the way and form of compromise: and By comprodid own, and all assume and choose that way and manner mise, of electing.

And then fixing upon Nic. Wotton, LL. D.

their Dean for their Compromissary; and under certain laws and conditions, expressed in the process of the said election, promised him, that they would accept him for their and their church's Archbishop, whom he, under the same laws and conditions, should think fit to be chosen and provided: so that he should name him before he departed out of the chapter-house. Then he, taking upon him this compromission, after mature deliberation, directed his vote upon the venerable and eminent Matthew Parker, D. D. and chose the Dr. Mat. Parker.

same for Archbishop, according to the power and comproII. mission granted him in that behalf: reading publicly a sche dule to that purpose; viz.

"That the election being consented to, to proceed by way of compromise, and that the full and free power, authority, and special mandate, was yielded and granted to him by " the Chapter, to choose an able and fit person for their Archbishop, according to the tenor of the said compromise; " and that he taking the burden of the said compromise " upon him, directing his votes towards the said Master " Matthew Parker, a man provident and discreet, commended for his knowledge of letters, and for his life and " manners; a free man, and begotten of lawful matrimony, " of lawful age, and in priestly Orders, and both in spirituals and temporals very circumspect, knowing, willing " and able to protect and defend the rights and liberties of " the said church; for himself, and in place and name of " the whole Chapter, did choose in common the said Master " Matthew Parker, on account of his aforesaid merits, for " Archbishop and Pastor of the said cathedral and metropolitical church of Christ in Canterbury, and did provide " him to the same, by virtue of that writing." And then all and singular the Canons and Prebendaries present accepted and approved the said election so made and pronounced by the Dean, and declared the same ratified and accepted by them with all cheerfulness.

The Election Declared

The election being over, the Dean and Chapter went out of the chapter-house; and entering the choir, the hymn Te Deum ("Thee, O God, we praise") was sung solemnly in English by the ministers of the choir. Which being ended, Mr. Darrel, who was appointed by the Chapter for that purpose, did publicly declare and denounce the said election and person elected, before the Clergy and people then and there assembled in a convenient multitude.

Recorded.

The Election Recorded

All these acts of the election were exactly and particularly entered and recorded by John In cent with his own hand, (who was Public Notary of the diocese of Canterbury, by the supreme royal authority,) in these words: Et ego Johannes

Proxies for the Chapter

In cent, &c. i. e. " That he, John In cent, Public Notary, as 1. " abovesaid, being assumed and deputed in this present bu" siness of the election, for scribe of the acts, did witness and subscribe all the whole public decree or process of the elec“ tion, written with his own hand, and made and reduced " into that public and authentic form, [as it stands in the " register, ] and subscribed with the addition of his name " and surname, and signed with his own accustomed sign, " with the appension of the common seal of the Dean and Chapter; in faith and testimony of all and singular the " premises; being thereunto especially asked and required." In which express terms he concluded these acts. Two days after, the said Dean and Chapter by their let-Proxy for the Chapters, named and constituted William Darrel, M. A. one ofter. the Canons mentioned before; Anthony Huse, Esq.; John Clarke, and John In cent, Public Notaries, their Proctors, to act and perform all things for them in this present business. Which letters bore date the 3d of August. These matters thus far despatched, next follows the con- sent of Dr. Parker to this election; which was done after this manner.

On the 6th day of August, in a certain lower room

within the manor of the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth, and in the presence of a Notary Public, and witnesses, Mr. Darrel, one of the Canons of Canterbury, and Anthony Huse, Esq. exhibited a certain proxy under the common seal of the Chapter to the said Darrel and Huse, and likewise to John In cent, Notary Public; wherein they were made party to the said Dean and Chapter. These presented to the said Master Matthew Parker, there personally present, the process of the election of him made and celebrated, under the original forms of the same: and instantly prayed and required him, that he would please to consent to the said election. To which the said Elect made this answer: " That al" though he judged himself unworthy of so great trust, yet "that he might not seem to resist the Divine will, nor to " disobey her Majesty's good pleasure, who had thought fit "to recommend him, though unworthy, to the said Dean and

66 Chapter, he did consent to this election." And yielded his consent and assent to the same, in a writing by him read, in the tenor which follows.

By a scheIn nomine Domini, Amen, ("In the name of the Lord, Amen,") &c. i. e. " In the name of dule by him. God, Amen. I, Matthew Parker, Professor of Divinity, read. " being in priestly Orders, and of lawful age, and begotten " in lawful matrimony, rightly and lawfully nominated and " elected Archbishop and Pastor of the cathedral and metro" political church of Christ in Canterbury, being instantly pressed and required to consent to this election of me and my person, made and celebrated in this behalf, on the part, " and by the part of the venerable men, the Dean and Chapter of the said cathedral and metropolitical church; rely54 " ing upon the clemency of Almighty God the Father, the " Son, and the Holy Ghost, do consent; and to the same, " being once and again asked and required, I do yield my " consent and assent in this writing." And an instrument or instruments were made of all and singular the premises, at the desire of the said Elect, and the foresaid Darrel and Huse; and before these witnesses, being specially required also thereunto; viz. Richard Taverner, Esq. John Baker, Gent. Ralph Jackson, and Andrew Piers on, Clerks.

The Confirmation

The Queen The next work was the confirmation of the election. The certified of the elec-Dean and Chapter on the day of the election had certified tion. the Queen of the whole process of it; and withal, earnestly prayed and besought her Majesty to give her consent and assent to their election, and to cause it to be confirmed; and to command, that (the great and good God, the Giver of all good things, favouring and assisting) the said elected, being confirmed, might preside over them profitably; and that they, under him and his good government, might exercise their [spiritual] warfare to God in the same church. Her letters Now in pursuance of the Dean and Chapter's request, for for confirmation. the confirmation of the Archbishop elect, first the Queen issued out her letters patents, dated at Redgrave the 9th of September, to six Bishops; viz. Cutbert, Bishop of Durham; Gilbert, Bishop of Bath and Wells; David, Bishop of Peter-

་

The Second Letters Patents

borough; Anthony, Bishop of Landaff; William Barlow, Bishop; John Scory, Bishop; (without mentioning the sees of these two last;) commissionating them to proceed to the confirmation and consecration of the Elect; and commanding, that they should do all things requisite to the same, as had been accustomed according to the laws and customs of the realm. This is extant in the Rolls: and I have seen the first draught ofit (I suppose) in the Paper Office, where there is a blank left to be filled up with the names of the Bishops; only Cutbert Bishop of Durham's name is put in by Parker's own hand; thinking, as it seems, upon some good grounds, that he might be willing to assist at these acts; though he did not, whatever was the reason: perhaps inability by reason of age and sickness, for he died within two months after. But these first letters commissional from the Queen (which Bp. Bramhall's may be seen in Bishop Bramhall's Works) took not place, Works. whatever the reason was: whether it were that some of these p. 449.

Bishops, being Papists, refused to act in this business; or because of the omission of a clause; viz. Vos aut minus quatuor vestrum, as it ranin the Queen's second letters patents: which were executed, and bore date at Westminster, the 6th day of December. And these were directed to some other Bishops, more favourable to the Queen's proceedings; viz. Anthony, Bishop of Landaff; Barlow, formerly Bishop of Bath and Wells, now elect of Chichester; Scory, formerly Bishop of Chichester, now elect of Hereford; Coverdale, sometime Bishop of Exeter; Richard, [miswritten in the letters for John, ] Suffragan Bishop of Bedford; John, Suffragan Bishop of Thetford; and John Bale, Bishop of Ossery in Ireland. Wherein is specified her Majesty's consent to the election of Dr. Parker by the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury, setting out their proceeding therein; as appeared by their letters patents, signed with their common seal directed to her

and that she had accepted the election, and

had given her assent and favour thereunto. And so commanded them by the fealty and love whereby they were bound unto her, or four of them, to confirm the said Elect

The Supplentes Clause

to be Archbishop and Pastor of the said cathedral and meII. tropolitical church; and also to consecrate him Archbishop and Pastor of the said church; and to perform all and singular matters which were incumbent on their pastoral office in this behalf, according to the form of the statute set forth and provided. And lastly, she added in her said letters these words, to supply any defects: Supplentes nihilominus, supremâ authoritate nostrâ regiâ, ex mero motu et certâ scientia nostris, siquid aut in his, quæ juxta mandatum nostrum prædictum per vos fient, aut in vobis aut vestrúm aliquo, conditione, statu, facultate vestris, ad præmissa perficienda desit, aut deer it, eorum, quæ per statuta hujus regni nostri, aut per leges ecclesiastic as, in hac parte requiruntur, aut necessaria sunt, temporis ratione, et rerum necessitate id postulante. monium, &c. That is, in English: The clause Supplentes.

In cujus rei testi-

" Supplying nevertheless by our supreme authority royal, of our mere motion and certain knowledge, if any thing

55 " be or shall be wanting, either in the things, which according to our foresaid commandment shall by you be done, " or in you or any of you, by reason of your condition, state, " or power, to perform the premises; any thing, I say, re66 quired or necessary in this behalf, either by the statutes of " this our kingdom, or by the ecclesiastical laws, the circum" stance of time, or the necessity of things requiring it. In wit66 ness whereof we have made these our letters patents, &c."

ConsecraThese words were put in (I conjecture, by the wary tion of Protestant Bi-Archbishop elect himself) for the stopping of any illegality shops vinor uncanonicalness in the ordination or confirmation, or any dicated, p. 451. other objections that might be made to this present business, according to the custom of the Court of Rome; which had ordinarily such dispensatory clauses (as Archbishop Bramhall hath observed) in their instruments, for more abundant caution, (whether there were need of them or not,) to relax all sentences, censures, and penalties inflicted either by the law, or by the judge. Some thought this clause might have relation to Bishop Barlow and Bishop Scory; because they were not yet enthroned in the new

bishoprics.

The Civilians' Judgment

But this was but a mistake, since their episco-1. pal ordination sufficiently qualified them to consecrate. But the most probable ground of this clause was the exception, or cavil rather, (now whispered about,) that Boner afterwards made more openly against the legality of Bishop Horne's consecration; viz. that he was not ordained according to the prescript of our very statutes. And the statute in the 8. Elizab. as it hath a plain respect to this Cap. 1. clause, so it strengthens it, by declaring valid this consecration; having these words, " That the Queen in her let" ters patents had not only used such words as had been " accustomed to be used by King Henry VIII. and King " Edward VI. but also divers other general words; where66 by her Highness, by her supreme power and authority, " had dispensed with all causes and doubts of any imper" fection or disability that could be objected." For the further strengthening the abovesaid clause of the Registr. Supplentes, there was underwritten to it, in the Register of Park. the Archbishop, the judgment of the chiefest civilians for learning and eminence in those times, concerning the validity of the Queen's letters, as followeth:

"We, whose names be here under subscribed, think in " our judgments, that by this Commission in the form " penned, as well the Queen's Majesty may lawfully autho" rize the persons within named to the effect specified, as " the said persons may exercise the act of confirming and " consecrating, in the same to them committed. " William May, Henry Harvey, " Robert West on, Thomas Yale, " Edward Leeds, Nicolas Bullingham."

The Act of 8 Elizabeth

It may be noted, that the foregoing dispensing clause was inserted into all the Queen's letters patents for making her Bishops, for the first seven years of her reign, ad ma-8. Eliz. jorem cautelam, until the said act of Parliament anno 1566, cap. 1. declaring the manner of making and consecrating of Archbishops and Bishops of the realm, to be good, lawful, and

perfect. This dispensation, and this statute notwithstandII. ing, the papistical writers afterwards quarreled with these ordinations: which gave occasion to the learned Mr. Mason, to vindicate the same in his excellent book, in Latin, De Minist. of the English Ministry: and to the most reverend ArchAnglican.

The Confirmation at St. Mary le Bow

bishop Bramhall, about thirty years after, in his book of the Consecration of Protestant Bishops vindicated. When the day of the confirmation drew on, the Arch The Archbishop's bishop elect, by his letters bearing date the 7th of Decemproxies. ber, constituted William May, Dean of St. Paul's, London, and Nicolas Bullingham, Doctors of Laws, his Proctors, to William, heretofore Bishop of Bath and Wells, and the rest of the before-named Bishops, Commissioners from the Queen, to act and do all things for him before them. The confirmation was performed three days after the Queen's letters commissional abovesaid; that is, on the 9th day of December, in the church of St. Mary de Arcubus, [i. e. Mary le Bow in Cheapside, ] regularly, and according 56 to the usual custom: and that after this manner. First, John In cent, Public Notary, appeared personally, and presented to the right reverend the Commissaries, appointed by the Queen, her said letters to them directed in that behalf; humbly praying them to take upon them the execution of the said letters, and to proceed according to the contents thereof in the said business of confirmation. And the said Notary Public publicly read the Queen's commissional letters. Then, out of the reverence and honour these Bishops present (who were Barlow, Scory, Coverdale, and the Suffragan of Bedford) bore to her Majesty, they took upon them the commission, and accordingly resolved to proceed according to the force, power, and effect of the said letters. Next, the Notary exhibited his proxy for the Dean and Chapter of the metropolitical church, and made himself a party for them; and, in the procuratorial name of the said Dean and Chapter, presented the venerable Mr. Nicolas Bullingham, LL. D. and placed him before the said Commissioners: who then exhibited his proxy for the said elect of Canter Then the said

bury, and made himself a party for him.

Notary exhibited the original citatory mandate, together

with the certificate on the back side, concerning the execution of the same: and then required all and singular persons cited, to be publicly called. And consequently a three- fold proclamation was made, of all and singular opposers, at the door of the parochial church aforesaid; and so as is customary in these cases. Then, at the desire of the said Notary to go on in this Schedule business of confirmation, they the Commissioners decreed read by Bishop so to do, as was more fully contained in a schedule read by Barlow. Bishop Barlow, with the consent of his colleagues.

It is

Witnesses to the Elect's Fitness

too long to relate distinctly every formal proceeding in this business; which may be read more conveniently in the Register, and likewise in an exact transcript thereof in Archbishop Bramhall's Works, printed at Dublin anno 1677, at the end of the book. Only it may be necessary to add some few of the most material passages. There followed the deposition of witnesses, concerning The Archbishop the life and actions, learning and abilities of the said Elect; elect's wi this freedom, his legitimacy, his priesthood, and such like. nesses. One of these witnesses was John Baker, of thirty-nine years old, Gent. who is said to sojourn for the present with the said venerable Dr. Parker, and to be born in the parish of St. Clement's in Norwich. He among other things witnessed, " That the same reverend Father was and is a pru" dent man, commended for his knowledge of sacred Scrip“ ture, and for his life and manners. That he was a free" man, and born of lawful matrimony; that he was in law" ful age, and in Priests' Orders, and a faithful subject to " the Queen." And the said Baker, in giving the reason of his knowledge in this behalf, said, " that he was the " natural brother of the Lord elect, and that they were " born ex unis parentibus." [ Or rather surely ex una parente; i. e. " of one mother."] William Tolwyn, M. A. aged seventy years, and Rector of St. Anthony's, London, was another witness; who had known the said Elect thirty years, and knew his mother: and that he was still very well acquainted with him, and of his certain knowledge could testify all abovesaid.

The Commissioners' Decree

The Notary exhibited the process of the election by the Dean and Chapter; which the Commissioners did take a diligent view of. And at last, in the conclusion of this The Com-, affair, the Commissioners decreed the said most reverend missioners' decree. Lord elected and presently confirmed, should receive his consecration; and committed to him the care, rule, and administration, both of the temporals and spirituals of the said archbishopric; and decreed him to be inducted and installed into the real, actual, and corporal possession of the same archbishopric, and of all its rights, dignities, honours, preeminencies, and appertenancies, by the Dean and Chapter of the church of Canterbury, or by some other, to whom by right and custom that office is known to belong, according to the laudable custom of Christ's Church, Canterbury; not reclaiming or contradicting the modern laws and statutes of this famous realm of England. In fine, all the matters done at our Archbishop's confirmation, and in order to it, are particularly and punctually set down in his Register under this title, Acta, habita, et facta, &c. i. e. " Acts and things had and done in the busi66 ness of the confirmation of the venerable and eminent 57 " man, Master Matthew Parker, elected Archbishop of " Canterbury the 9th day of December, in the parochial " church of St. Mary Bow, London, &c. before the re" verend Fathers in Christ, the Queen's Commissioners in " this behalf, William elect of Chichester, John elect of " Hereford, &c. by virtue of letters patents commissional " from the Queen, &c. in the presence of Francis Clark, "Notary Public, taken for scribe of the acts in this behalf, " by reason of the absence of Anthony Huse, Register." This Huse had been Register a great while, and was now absent, I suppose, through age and infirmity; for about half a year after he died; that is, in June 1560: and then John In cent succeeded in his place; though I find the said Huse was present at the consecration. Thus the process being ended, with the sentence definitive, and final decree of the Bishops, Commissioners, confirming and ratifying the election, it is like the company

The Consecration

might part, and go from Bow church, to take a dinner together at the Nag's Head tavern hard by, according to the common custom formerly and usually before and since, even to our times, after the despatch of the confirmations of Bishops elect. Proceed we now to the consecration: which, as the con-The consefirmation was performed on Saturday, December 9, in St. cration of the Elect; Mary le Bow church, so this was on Sunday, December the and 17th, in Lambhith chapel. The which the Archbishop, in his parchment journal aforementioned, noted in these words: " The 17th of Decemb. 1559. I was consecrated Arch-His meditation there66 bishop of Canterbury." To which he subjoined this sen upon. tence; (whereby will appear what small joy he took in his honour, and how sensible he was of the mighty burden of his place;) Heu ! heu ! Domine Deus, &c. i. e. " Alas ! " alas ! O Lord God, for what times hast thou reserved " me? Now I am come into the deep waters, and the floods " overflow me. O Lord, I am in trouble: answer for me; " and establish me with thy free spirit.

For I am a man,

The Order of the Rites

" and of short time, and less," &c. The order of the rites and ceremonies in this consecration The order of the rites. was after this manner: " First of all, the chapel on the east Park. Re66 part was adorned with tapestry, and the floor was spread gist. " with red cloth, and the table used for the celebration of " the holy Sacrament, being adorned with a carpet and " cushion, was placed at the east. Moreover, four chairs were set to the south of the east part of the chapel for "the Bishops, to whom the office of consecrating the Arch" bishop was committed. There was also a bench placed " before the chairs, spread with a carpet and cushions, on. "which the Bishops kneeled. And in like manner a chair, " and a bench furnished with a carpet and a cushion, was " set for the Archbishop on the north side of the east part " of the same chapel. " These things being thus in their order prepared, about " five or six in the morning, the Archbishop entereth the " chapel by the west door, having on a long scarlet gown " and a hood, with four torches carried before him, and

The Consecrating Bishops

66 accompanied with four Bishops, who were to consecrate " him; to wit, William Barlow, John Scory, Miles Cover " dale, and John Hodgkin, Suffragan of Bedford. After each of them in their order had taken their seats pre66 pared for them, morning prayer was said with a loud

Scory preaches.

"voice by Andrew Piers on, the Archbishop's Chaplain. " Which being finished, Scory went up into the pulpit, " and taking for his text, The elders which are among "you I beseech, being also a fellow elder, &c. made an ele66 gant sermon," [admonishing the pastor of his office, care, and faithfulness towards his flock; and the flock, of the love, duty, and reverence they owed to their pastor. ] " Sermon being done, the Archbishop, together with the " other four Bishops, go out of the chapel to prepare them" selves for the holy Communion: and, without any stay, "they come in again at the north door thus clad: The

The Arch- " Archbishop had on a linen surplice, the Elect of Chibishop sented. pre- chester used a silk cope, being to administer the Sacrament. On whom attended and yielded their service the Archbishop's two Chaplains, Nicolas Bullingham and " Edmund Gest, the one Archdeacon of Lincoln, and the " other of Canterbury, having on likewise silk copes. The " Elect of Hereford and the Suffragan of Bedford wore 58 " linen surplices: but Miles Coverdale had nothing but a

long cloth gown. Being in this manner appareled and prepared, they proceed to celebrate the Communion, the

" Archbishop being on his bended knees at the lowest step " of the chapel. The Gospel being ended, the Elect of " Hereford, the Suffragan of Bedford, and Miles Cover" dale, brought the Archbishop before the Elect of Chi" chester, sitting in a chair at the table, with these words; " Reverend Father in God, we offer and present to you " this godly and learned man to be consecrated Archbishop. " This being spoken, forthwith was produced the royal in" strument or mandate for the Archbishop's consecration: " which being read through by Thomas Yale, Dr. of Laws, " the oath of the Queen's primacy, or of defending her su" preme authority, set forth and promulgated according to

" the statute in the first year of the reign of Queen Eliza- " beth, was required of the said Archbishop. Which when " he solemnly had performed verb is concept is, the Elect of " Chichester having exhorted the people to prayer, betook " himself to sing the Litany, the choir answering.

The New Archbishop Vested

Which The Litany sung. " being ended, after some questions propounded to the Archbishop by the Elect of Chichester, and the making " some prayers and suffrages to God, according to the form " of the book put forth by authority of Parliament, the The Archbishop con" Elects of Chichester and Hereford, the Suffragan of Bedsecrated. " ford, and Coverdale, laying their hands upon the Arch" bishop, said in English, Take the Holy Ghost; and re" member that thou stir up the grace of God which is in " thee by imposition of hands. For God hath not given " us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and sober66 ness. These words being said, they delivered the holy “ Bible into his hands, using these words to him; Give "heed unto thy reading, exhortation, and doctrine. Think upon these things contained in this book; be diligent in “ them, that the increase coming thereby may be manifest " unto all men. Take heed unto thyself, and unto thy "teaching, and be diligent in doing them. For in doing " this, thou shalt save thyself, and them that hear thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. After they had said " these things, the Elect of Chichester (delivering no pas" toral staff to the Archbishop) proceeded to the other solemnities of the Communion; with whom the Archbishop, They com" and the other Bishops before named, did communicate, municate. together with some others:" [when the Archbishop desired the prayers of them all, that the office now laid upon him by the hands of the Presbytery might above all tend to the glory of God, and salvation of the Christian flock, and the joyful testimony of his own conscience from his office faithfully performed, when it should happen that he should go to the Lord, to whom he had devoted himself.] " These things being finished and performed, the Arch66 bishop goeth out through the north door of the east part " of the chapel, accompanied with those four that had con12

" secrated him: and presently, being attended with the " same Bishops, returned by the same door, wearing an " episcopal white garment, and a chimere of black silk: " and about his neck he had a rich tippet of sable. In " like manner the Elects of Chichester and Hereford had 66 on their episcopal garments, surplice, and chimere: but

The Arch-

" Coverdale and the Suffragan of Bedford wore only their long gowns. The Archbishop then going forward toward

gives the west door, gave to Thomas Doyle, his Steward, John bishop his officers white " Baker, his Treasurer, and John March, his Comptroller, staves. " to each of them white staves; admitting them after this " manner into their places and offices.

These things there-

" fore thus performed in their order, as is already said, the " Archbishop goeth out of the chapel by the west door, the " gentlemen of his family of the better sort in blood going " before him, and the rest following behind. All and sin66 gular these things were acted and done in the presence " of the reverend Fathers in Christ, Edmund Grindal, " elect Bishop of London; Richard Cocks, elect of Ely; " Edwin Sandes, elect of Wigorn; Anthony Huse, Esq.

These things carefully recorded.

The Record Preserved

“ principal and primary Register of the said Archbishop; " Thomas Argal, Esq. Register of the Prerogative of the " Court of Canterbury; Thomas Willet and John In cent, " Public Notaries, and some others." An account of this order of the rites and ceremonies of this consecration, in the very words of the register, is preserved carefully in the MS. library of Bene't college, Cambridge, where I have seen it: and that I suppose by the peculiar appointment of Archbishop Parker himself. This,

59 and the whole course and history of the consecration, as it is largely and most exactly recorded in the Archbishop's register, and that, no question, by special care; so it is faithfully transcribed, and published in Archbishop Bramhal's Works aforementioned; as being serviceable to some of that learned man's writings in vindication of the Church of England, in respect of the Orders conferred upon her Bishops and Priests; and for the disproof of that idle story of the Nag's Head ordination, and to the perpetual shame of the inventors and upholders of it.

The Consecration Dinner

After the consecration was over at Lambhith, all were entertained there at a splendid dinner; and among the honourable guests was present Charles Lord Howard of The conseEffingham, afterward Lord High Admiral, and created cration dinEarl of Nottingham; who acknowledged Archbishop Parner. ker to be his kin. This the Earl spake of long after: and a friend of the Earl's told it to Mr. Mason, the author De Mason de Min. AnMinisterio Anglicano, while the Earl was alive; who lived glican. to a great age. Which the said Mason made use of, as a good testimony to confute the Nag's Head ordination. Which story give me leave to stay at a little, by the way. The Nag's For having given all this authentic account of Dr. Par-Head fable. ker's consecration, and of all particulars of it from indubitable records, I cannot but mention the notorious falsehoods and slanders that have by Papists been raised upon it: and the mentioning them is enough. The story, when it appeared first, was, " That when the Bishop of Landaff, Champneys. through Bishop Boner's threatening, would not be pre" vailed with to consecrate the Protestant Divines, having “ no other means to compass their desires, they resolved to use Mr. Scorie's help, an apostate religious Priest; who, " having bore the name of Bishop in King Edward the " VIth's time, was thought to have sufficient power to per" form that office, especially in such a streight necessity, as " they pretended: which he performed in this sort. Having the Bible in his hand, and they all kneeling before " him, he laid it upon every one of their heads or shoulders, 66 saying, ‘ Take thou authority to preach the word of God sincerely.' And so they rose up Bishops of the new Church " of England. Thus Champneys, and others of that sort." Francis Mason, B. D. Archdeacon of Norfolk, was the Confuted Mason first that confuted this idle improbable calumny, in an Engby and Archlish book in vindication of the English Ministry, written bishop Bramhal. And that he did so efin the reign of King James I.

fectually, that there was no more mention of it for thirty years after. The book was set forth again the second time in Latin, by the care of Nathaniel Brent, a learned Civilian, at the importunity of George Archbishop of Canterbury,

The Fable Revived

and then entitled, Vindicia Ecclesiæ Anglicanæ, sive de legitimo ejusdem Ministerio, id est, de Episcoporum Suc cessione, Consecratione, Electione et Confirmatione. Printed anno 1625. Legacy left After many years, as was mentioned before, the old story to Protestants. is ventured again into the world, in a book printed at Doway, anno 1654, wherein they thus tell their tale: " I know they [ i. e. the Protestants] have tried many ways, and feigned an old record [ meaning the authentic register of Archbishop Parker] to prove their ordination from Ca-Dr. Darbishire.

" tholic Bishops. But it was false, as I have received from two certain witnesses. The former of them was Dr. Dar" bishire, then Dean of St. Paul's, [ Canon there, perhaps, " but never Dean, ] and nephew to Dr. Boner, Bishop of " London: who almost sixty years since lived at Meuse

Died anno " Pont, then a holy, religious man, [a Jesuit, ] very aged, 1604. " but perfect in sense and memory. Who speaking what “ he knew, affirmed to myself and another with me, that " like good fellows they made themselves Bishops at an " inn, because they could get no true Bishops to consecrate "them. My other witness was a gentleman of known worth " and credit, dead not many years since; whose father, a " Chief Judge of this kingdom, visiting Archbishop Heath saw a letter, sent from Bishop Boner out of the " Marshalsea, by one of his Chaplains, to the Archbishop, " read, while they sat at dinner together: wherein he mer66 rily related the manner how these new Bishops (because " he had dissuaded Ogelthorp, Bishop of Carlisle, from 66 doing it in his diocese) ordained one another at an inn, "where they met together. And while others laughed at " this new manner of consecrating Bishops, the Archbishop " himself gravely, and not without tears, expressed his grief, to see such a ragged company of men, come poor " out of foreign parts, and appointed to succeed the old 60 " Clergy." Thus this story is improved by Jesuits: nay, they had the confidence to annex to it the pretended testimony of a Protestant Bishop, namely, Morton Bishop of Durham; as if he had owned in the House of Lords in the

Morton of Durham Vindicates

Long Parliament, the English Bishops' consecration at the 1. Nag's Head, and by speech of his there to vindicate the same. Which that learned good Bishop happening to be alive at the publishing this falsehood, (which they perhaps In a book little thought of,) and living at the house of Tho. Saunders Treat. of Cath. Faith. in Hertfordshire, Esq. did there publicly, under his hand and Rouan. seal, utterly declare to be false and most untrue; dated July 1657. the 17th, 1658, and was attested by a public notary. The P. 432. whole protestation of which pious Bishop is extant in Archbishop Bramhal's book of the Consecration of Protestant Bishops Vindicated. In which treatise that right learned Bishop confuted, and most effectually overthrew, the late attempts of the Jesuits against our Church, by this calumny of the consecration of Parker, and the other primary Bishops of Queen Elizabeth. Which forgery (when once invented) was so acceptable Hic liber to the Romanists, that it was most confidently repeated The Poliagain in another English book, printed. at Antwerp 1658, ticians Cathec. ] altero permissu superiorum: being a second edition, licensed by prelo dignus Gulielmo Bolognimo. Where the author sets down his story est, Martii 14, 1568. in these words: " The heretics, who were named to suc" ceed in the other Bishops' sees, could not prevail with " Landaff (whom he calls a little before an old simple "man) to consecrate them at the Nag's Head in Cheap" side, where they appointed to meet him. And therefore "they made use of Scory, who was never ordained Bishop, 66 though he bore the name in King Edward's reign. Kneel-Sacrobosco, Fitz Si"ing before him, he laid the Bible upon their heads or mons, Con" shoulders, and bid them rise up, and preach the word of stable, Champney; "God sincerely. This is," added he, " so evident a truth, Fitz Her " that for the space of fifty years no Protestant durst conbert in his Pref. to Fa" tradiet it: nothing being more common in England, as ther Par" hath been lately demonstrated in a book called, A Treasons; with Harding " tise ofthe Nature ofCatholick Faith and Heresy. [ The and Staple"book abovesaid exposed by the said excellent Bishop. ] To ton. " which I remit the reader, where he will see how the Pro" testant Ministers [or more truly Popish Priests ] abuse the

How Papists First Withstood the Consecration

" world with cheating tricks, and false records, to cry down " this most certain story." But before this fable came to light, (which was not heard of a great many years after Parker's consecration,) it was the old Papists' prime endeavour to invalidate his ordination. For they knew, if they could bring it about that he was no true Archbishop or Bishop, then as a sequel all the Bishops that he afterwards consecrated should be no Bishops, because he was none himself, and therefore could not consecrate nor give Orders to others.

And what argument could have better served their turn to prove this, than that mad manner of ordination, if it had been true ? But it How Pawas not then devised; their great argument in those days to prove our Archbishop's ordination to be null, was, that

The Statute Vindicated

pists at first he was made Archbishop by King Edward's Book of Ordiwithstood Parker's consecranation, which had been repealed under Queen Mary, and tion. not restored by authority of Parliament when he was consecrated; though that was false too. And even Boner, who is feigned to write that letter to Heath of Parker's ridiculous consecration, spake not one word of this, when it might have served his purpose admirably well. But when, in the year 1565, he was called upon by Horn, Bishop of Wint on, his Diocesan, to take the oath of allegiance, he went another way, and objected that Horn had nothing to do to administer it, because he was no Bishop of Winchester; no, nor no Bishop at all, because he was not ordained according to law: and that those that consecrated Parker were no Bishops, because they had been deprived. Cott. Li This cause, and the act of Parliament occasioned by it, brar. Cleo-I will set forth in the words of a MS. paper, which I have a patr, F. 4. met with; being a collection, shewing what jurisdiction the Clergy hath heretofore lawfully used, and may lawfully

use, in the realm of England. In this collection is this passage: " It appears in Dier's book, [of Reports, ] that at " the arraignment of Boner, he cavilled upon the point, " whether Horn, Bishop of Winchester, was a Bishop, or

66 no.

And it seems, that it was then resolved, that if he “ would, he should be received upon that issue; and the "jury should try it. And the cause was nothing else, " than that he was made Bishop according to the Book of " King Edward, not yet authorized in Parliament. Another " objection was against the consecration of Parker, Arch66 bishop of Canterbury; by whom the rest were afterwards " consecrated and invested.

For whereas by law three 61 " Bishops at the least ought to be at the consecrating of " an Archbishop, it was pretended that at his consecration " there was never a Bishop at all. For Barlow, Scory, “ Coverdale, and Bale, albeit in King Edward's days they were Bishops, yet were they deprived in the time of " Queen Mary, and not restored again. And the two Suf" fragans, of Bedford and Thetford, were in the same time " of Queen Mary deposed by act of Parliament. So, as it " is supposed, there was not any Bishop at the said Arch66 bishop's consecration. " Archbishop Parker, in the description of his own life, The statute for the " seems to pretend, that this consecration so passed lege secration of "quadam de hac re lata; i. e. by a law made concerning Parker. " it. Which cannot be understood of any other act of Par" liament than this, [ which shall be declared by and by. ] “ Which indeed was very necessary, both for the confirma" tion of his own consecration, and of all the Bishops be" side; and likewise the ordaining of all the Ministers that " were made from the beginning of her Majesty's reign, " unto the time of the making of said statute." A little backward this writer was speaking of this said statute or act, which was the 8. of the Queen, cap. primo, to take away all ambiguities and questions that might be objected against the lawful confirmations, investing, and consecrations of Bishops. And it shewed, that for the confirming, investing, and consecrating of persons elected, her Majesty had not only used such words and sentences as were accustomed to be used by King Henry VIII. and King Edward VI. but also had used and put in her said letters patents other general words and sentences; whereby

No Nag's Head Ordination

her Highness, by her supreme power, had dispensed with all cases and doubts that could or might in any wise be obAn no 1559.jected against the same. And by the same statute it appeared what was the cause of the making thereof; viz. that when the Book of Common Prayer was only established in the first year of her Majesty's reign, and not the Book of King Edward for making of Ministers and consecrating of Bishops: and yet nevertheless the Bishops and. Ministers were made according to the same Book, not yet authorized by Parliament, seeing the statute of the 25, of Henry VIII. touching the making of Bishops, was revived only anno primo, it was thought that the consecration of them should have been according to the form used 25. Hen. VIII. and not according to the Book of King Edward repealed in Queen Mary's time. So that (to return whence we came) this was all the flaw found in Archbishop Parker's consecration in the times next after it, and all the advantage that Boner, or any other adversaries, took against it: and not one word in those days of a Nag's Head ordination.

But enough and

Parker on His Own Consecration

enough hath been said by our writers against this fancy. Parker the Indeed the Archbishop took a pleasure sometimes to refirst Archcollect how he was consecrated; and that he was the first bishop conof all the Archbishops of Canterbury that came into that secrated without superstition. see without any spot or stain of Popish superstitions and Matthæus. vain ceremonies, required of all before him; without any bull of approbation from the Pope of Rome: that he was consecrated without any old idle ceremony of Aaronical garments; nor with gloves nor rings, nor sandals nor slippers, nor mitre nor pall; but more chastely and religiously, according to the purity of the Gospel; by four Bishops, according to the law in this case; who placed him in his chair; and such godly stipulation by him interposed, as was equal to be required of an evangelical pastor. And yet that the consecration was not celebrated without the becoming garments of a Bishop, nor without the godly prayers, as well of ecclesiastical Ministers, as of the people, and a pious sermon preached by a Bishop to all present;

The Enthronization

and all christianly concluded with the reception of the holy Communion. But to proceed in the Acts: There is an instrument, being Instrument a mandate, dated from London the last day of December, for ment directed from the four Bishops that consecrated the Archthronization, to the bishop, to Edmund Gest, Archdeacon of Canterbury, for Archdeathe inducting, installing, and enthronizing of the said Archcon. bishop.

Then the said Archdeacon sent his mandate, dated

January 1.

Which is also in the said acts set down, being

Restitution of the Temporalities

the deputation of the Archdeacon to certain of the Chapters unnamed, to perform every thing relating to the Archbishop's enthronization, which he himself should have done, 62 to whom of long and prescribed custom the right appertained to induct, install, and enthronize all Bishops within the province of Canterbury, being hindered from doing it in person by certain weighty and urgent affairs. Next after follows the Archbishop's procuration, dated from Lambeth, January 2, to Edward Leeds, and some others his Chaplains; that because of his necessary absence from Canterbury, they should excuse his personal appearance, and to be his proctors to obtain his enthronization, and to induct, invest, and install him into the real, actual, and corporal possession of his archbishopric of Canterbury, with all and singular the honours, privileges, prerogatives, preeminencies, and rights thereof, temporal and spiritual, according to the statutes, ordinances, and customs of the said cathedral and metropolitical church, not repugning to the present laws, statutes, and provisions of this realm. And lastly, the restitution of his temporalities was done Restitution March the 1st. To all which I will subjoin his oath of of the temporalities. allegiance and homage, transcribed from the very original: viz.

" I MATTHEW PARKER, Doctor of Divinity, do utter, His oath of

testify, and declare in my conscience, that your Majesty MS allegiance. S. penes " is the only supreme governor of this realm, and of all me. " other your Highness' dominions and countries, as well in " all spiritual and ecclesiastical things or causes, as tem66 poral: and that no foreign person, prelate, state, or po-

" tentate hath, or ought to have, any jurisdiction, power, superiority, preeminence, or authority ecclesiastical or spi " ritual within this realm. And therefore I do utterly re" nounce and forsake all foreign jurisdictions, powers, su" periorities, and authorities. And do promise, that from " henceforth I shall bear faith and true allegiance to your Majesty, your heirs and lawful successors: and to my power shall assist and defend all jurisdictions, privileges, " preeminencies, and authorities granted and belonging to " your Highness, your heirs and successors, or united and " annexed to the imperial crown of this realm. And fur" ther, I acknowledge and confess to have and to hold the " said archbishopric of Canterbury, and the possessions of " the same entirely, as well the spiritualities as temporal" ties thereof, only of your Majesty, and crown royal of " this your realm. And for the said possessions, I do mine " homage presently unto your Highness: and to the same, " and to your heirs and lawful successors, shall be faithful " and true. So help me God; and by the contents of this " book.

" Matthue Cantuar."

The oaths of other Bishops.

The Oaths of the Other Bishops

At this very day these several Bishops took their oaths also, and did their homage; viz. Edmond, Bishop of London; Richard, Bishop of Ely; William, Bishop of Chichester; John, Bishop of Hereford; Edwin, Bishop of Worcester; Roland, Bishop of Bang or; Nicolas, Bishop of Lincoln; John, Bishop of Salisbury; Thomas, Bishop of St. David's; and Richard, Bishop of St. Asaph: subscribing their own names under these words: " And we " whose names be under-written, being Bishops of several sees within this your Majesty's realm, do acknowledge " all manner of things, respectively of our parts, for our" selves, and our bishoprics above specified, to be done and knowledged towards your Majesty, your heirs and suc66 cessors, in as large manner as the right reverend Father " in God, Matthew, Archbishop of Canterbury, hath at "this present acknowledged and confessed: and according

" to this instrument signed with the hand of the said Arch- " bishop. " Edm. London. Edwinus Wigorn. Thomas Meneven. " Richard Ely. Rolandus Bang or. Richardus Assaphen. " William Cistren. Nicholas Lincoln. " John Hereford.

Johannes Sarisberien."

Editorial Notes

---

Source: John Strype, The Life and Acts of Matthew Parker, the First Archbishop of Canterbury in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1821), Vol. I, Book II. Enhanced reading edition: section headings, Latin translations, verified internal links, and editorial notes added per the AnglicanWiki Editorial Guidelines for Historical Texts. Strype's text faithfully transcribed from the Google Books scan; spelling and substance as in the original.