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

This is the enhanced reading edition of 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.

Proceedings with Sampson and Humfrey. Sampson deprived, and confined. The Archbishop's kindness to him in letters wrote in his behalf. His grave advice to him. Other recusants silenced. Among the rest, Withers of Bury. His letter to the Archbishop of compliance. Some are winked at.

The Archbishop's Uneasy Work

THE Archbishop was now arrived to the sixty-first year of his age; and all the remainder of his days from hence to his grave was imbittered by the labours and pains he had with such as would not comply with the established rites and orders of the Church. The former part of this year was taken up in very uneasy work to the Archbishop and his Fellows, viz. in pressing conformity to the ceremonies, and to the habits chiefly; and in citing and censuring those that yielded not due obedience.

Sampson and Humfrey Refuse Conformity

We come now to pursue the proceedings with Sampson and Humfrey; who, being the heads of this party, had been summoned up from Oxford before the Archbishop and the Commissioners ecclesiastical, with whom we left them earnestly debating the last year. With these they did not only contend about the points in controversy both in words and writings, but they appealed to the learnedest foreign Divines of the reformed Churches, whose judgments they themselves had sent over in their letters, that there might be a means of allaying these contests, as we shall hear more of by and by: but nothing could move them. No, though Bishop Grindal prayed Sampson even with tears that he would but now and then, in the public meetings of the University, put on the square cap, but could not prevail with him to do so. So they, utterly refusing to conform themselves, were both confined.

Sampson Deprived of His Deanery

But the storm fell upon Sampson chiefly, who, being in so eminent a place in the University, and for fear his example might have too great an influence among the students, was, by a special order from the Queen, deprived of his deanery by the Archbishop and Commissioners.

Humfrey Retires to Mrs. Warcup's House

Humphrey, after confinement in London for some time, got leave to depart home; retiring for a time to the house of the pious widow Mrs. Warcup, dwelling in Oxfordshire or Berks; the same that was so remarkably charitable to the poor afflicted under Queen Mary. Being here, he wrote a letter May 24. to his friend John Fox, lamenting the present condition of their affairs; and knowing what an interest Fox had in the Duke of Norfolk, whose tutor he had been, and for whom the Duke had expressed a long time a very great respect, Humphrey excited him to use all his influence with the said Duke; that he, by letter or by word of mouth, would procure a forbearance of these impositions. And the Duke indeed seemed well inclined hereunto. For when Humphrey was at Norwich not long before, the Duke promised him his endeavour in many kind words. But if we desire to see the earnest concern this learned man had for this cause, I shall here set down a part of his letter.

Nostræ res quo in statu sint, in quo lubrico et scopuloso loco versentur, non ignoras, audis, vides, ingemiscis. ("In what state our affairs are, in what slippery and rocky place they stand, thou knowest not, thou hearest, thou seest, thou groanest over.") Quibus autem modis tantæ miseriæ sublevari possint, quo tot malis salutaris medicina adhiberi queat, non reperio, non invenio, nescio. Tu siquid nosti, communica; ne desis causæ bonæ, officio tuo, laboranti Ecclesiæ. ("But by what means so great a misery may be relieved, by what means a wholesome remedy may be applied to so many evils, I find not, I discover not, I know not. If thou knowest anything, impart it; fail not the good cause, thy duty, the labouring Church.") Siquid Ducis Nor. literæ, opera, gratia, authoritas valere possunt, age, effice, ut vel scribat ad suos serio et sæpe, vel præsens cum aliis instet, urgeat. ("If the letters, pains, favour, authority of the Duke of Norfolk can avail anything, come, bring it to pass, that he either write to his friends seriously and often, or, being present, press and urge with others.") Miseret me fratrum; aliorum qui summi et primi esse volunt, pudet. ("I pity the brethren; I am ashamed of others, who wish to be highest and first.") Dux, cum essem Norwici, longè et prolixè pollicitus est omnia. ("The Duke, when I was at Norwich, promised all things at large and abundantly.") Deus sic illi dux sit, sic regat et flectat alios, ut congruentibus animis et studiis in causam honestissimam, sed deploratissimam, incumbant. ("So may God be his guide, so may He rule and bend others, that with agreeing minds and endeavours they may apply themselves to a most honourable, but most deplorable, cause.") Ultimum ac præstantissimum refugium est, ardens ad Deum hominum bonorum comprecatio, pro Regina serenissima, pro consiliariis honoratissimis, pro Episcopis, pro Ecclesia. ("The last and most excellent refuge is the fervent joint prayer of good men unto God, for the most serene Queen, for the most honourable counsellors, for the Bishops, for the Church.") Tu, mi Foxe, ora, intercede, clama, ac vale in Domino, qui tuos omnes labores sanctificet ac fortunet, uxorem et liberos conservet. ("Thou, my Foxe, pray, intercede, cry aloud, and farewell in the Lord, who sanctify and prosper all thy labours, and preserve thy wife and children.") Angliæ ex ædibus D. Warcoppæ, piæ et lectissimæ viduæ. Maii 20. ("In England, from the house of Mrs. Warcup, the pious and most excellent widow. May 20.") T. totus Laur. Humfredus. ("Thine wholly, Laurence Humfrey.")

Humfrey Presented to a Living

Notwithstanding, Humphrey, for his usefulness in the University, had a toleration till ten or eleven years after, when he complied, and wore the habits. But even this present year 1565. he was presented to a benefice in the diocese of Sarum, by the Bishop of Winton, with the mild Archbishop's consent, as it seemed, though Jewel, the Bishop of the diocese, made some stop to it. Humphrey had a little before felt the pulse of these Bishops assembled in the ecclesiastical commission; and found the Bishop of Winton contented to pleasure him, and had the Archbishop's favour too; but Bishop Jewel seemed more difficult. Yet Humphrey thought he would not refuse to admit him at last; which was the cause that he had not spared his purse nor travail about this living. That Bishop objected to him St. Paul's ἀκαταστασία ("instability, disorder, tumult"); meaning either that confusion spoken of by him, 1 Cor. xiv. 33. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace; or those tumults, (the same word in the Greek,) 2 Cor. xii. 20. whisperings, swellings, tumults, which the Apostle layeth to the charge of the same Corinthians. The Bishop also told him, that diversities in God's worship was deformity; and that it was a sufficient cause of deprivation.

What Humfrey's answers were, he gave in a letter to the Bishop, dated Decemb. 20, from Oxon, to this purport: "That his Lordship's stay hung upon a small point. That he never was author of confusion: for that was, he said, a horrible crime. But that he had studied to live in peace and concord with his brethren, and in due obedience towards his betters; and that so he purposed, by the grace of God, to do. But that he took this matter far otherwise than his Lordship did signify it to be, both in nature and substance; and in all circumstances, as appeared by the word ἀκαταστασία in St. Paul. And that if diversity in outward ceremonies were deformity, if it were any confusion, if it were a sufficient cause of deprivation, if it were a necessary parcel and essential piece of the ministry, that none might be without it; if this congruity and prescription came not directly from the Pope, and if it were before the Popedom; then I am, said he, much deceived. But that whatever it were, light or great, order or disorder, it forced not. And that, as he writ before, so he again assured his Lordship, that his desire was not to innovate any thing that way, or to violate their ecclesiastical ordinances by example, thought, or counsel. He added, that the man that then served the cure, he heard was conformable enough, and that he himself, when he preached, should not transgress. That therefore if he offended not in his diocese, he trusted the Bishop would not be offended out of his diocese. In short, that this was the first living or benefice that ever was granted him: and for that he had passed the Scillis and Syrtis of Popish Proctors by the Archbishop of Canterbury's favour, and the Bishop of Winton's patronage, now it rested upon his friendship; and in portu ("in harbour," i.e. so near safety) to make shipwreck, it would grieve him, and to take a repulse by him [the Bishop] would comfort Mr. Saye, whose prophecy of his not having it would by the Bishop's means be verified." What effect and issue this earnest letter had with the Bishop, I do not find. But in five years after he became Dean of Gloucester. And so we leave Dr. Humfrey.

The Legality of Sampson's Deprivation Disputed

But concerning Sampson we have something more to say. Some of the common lawyers disputed the legality of his deprivation, and would have those that inflicted this punishment on him to be involved in a premunire for so doing. In a volume in the Cotton library there is a discourse of some great common lawyer for prohibitions: where he hath this passage; "That Justice Brook, in his Abridgment, titulo Premunire, num. 21. reported that Barlow, Bishop in the time of Edward VI. for that he had deprived the Dean of Wells, that deanery being a donative, was in a premunire, and was constrained to sue for a pardon. And if it be so, said this lawyer, in all donatives, I would fain know by what authority Mr. Thomas Sampson was deprived from the donative deanery of Christ's Church in Oxford, which he had pro termino vitæ ("for term of life") under the Great Seal of England. If in law it be a lay thing, and the ecclesiastical commission is only to exercise ecclesiastical jurisdiction in ecclesiastical causes, it must needs follow, that the fault in the one was as great as in the other." These are the words taken out of that MS.

Sampson Confined; the Archbishop Intercedes

But however, Sampson was not only deprived of his deanery, but of his liberty too, being confined by the Queen's special commandment; who was very angry with these men, and thought good to make Sampson an example to the rest: yet not committed to a common prison, though that was feared to follow.

And lying in this condition, he had two things to do for his better ease under his calamities. The one was, to obtain some favour from the Chapter of Oxon, and the other to prevent a closer imprisonment, and to get a full liberty from his present confinement. For both which he applied to the Archbishop by letter: who very gently and readily, out of his tender and compassionate disposition to all men, wrote two letters from Canterbury, where he now was; the one to the Dean and Chapter of Oxon, praying them to shew Dr. Sampson all favour, and particularly in what he had, or should request at their hands; especially having been a man that had, for his government, well deserved of them and the college. The other to the Secretary on this occasion. The Earl of Huntingdon, a great favourer of these men, had moved the Secretary to intercede with the Queen, that Sampson might have his liberty to go whither he would, in order to provide for the future subsistence of himself and family. The Secretary soon yielded thereunto, but required a letter from the Archbishop to him first for that purpose, thereupon the better to build his mediation with the Queen. For this end the Earl had sent a messenger to the Archbishop, and Sampson sent his own letter withal; thanking him also therein for the favour he had done him with the college. Sampson's letter ran thus:

"Reverendissime, S. ("Most Reverend, greeting,") My humble thanks to your Grace premised. By these letters enclosed, your favourable commending of my case to the Chapter of Christ Church in Oxon is well witnessed to have had with them just regard. And now as my necessity compelleth me to crave further aid, so your facility to grant my last encourageth me to make this second request for the same. The honourable Earl of Huntingdon hath moved at my suit Mr. Secretary, that, without assignment of place, I might go and abide at mine own liberty; where I may by seeking find some commodious settling for me and my poor family. He hath promised to become for me a favourable mediator herein to the Queen's Majesty, if that in this behalf he might receive from your Grace some letter of commending this my humble suit to him, whereupon, as upon a meet ground, he might the better build his mediation to her Highness. I think my said Lord of Huntingdon doth certify your Grace of the truth hereof by this bearer. The equity of the thing and my urgent necessity considered, of their own condition, will move I trust your goodness to add this second salve to my misery, which I do humbly desire. The Lord Jesus direct you by his mighty Spirit to do in your calling that best pleaseth him. Lond. 3. Jun. 1565.

"Yours to command,

"Tho. Sampson."

The Archbishop Writes to the Secretary

The gentle and good nature of the Archbishop was such, that he presently wrote to the Secretary, the very next day after he received Sampson's letter, recommending Sampson's case most heartily, and praying the Secretary to use his interest with the Queen: and that upon the account of her clemency, which she was wont to shew indifferently to all her subjects. Which letter being so expressive of the mild and Christian spirit of this grave Father, even to such as did not altogether agree with him in all points, I do here set down as a testimony hereof.

"After my hearty commendation to your Honour. Where I understand that Mr. Sampson lieth still at suit for his favourable placing out at his own liberty, without note of committing him as prisoner to any place, your Honour should do a right good deed in mine opinion to be suitor to the Queen's Highness for favour therein; her pleasure being thus executed upon him for example to the terror of others, might yet be mollified to the commendation of her clemency; whereunto her Highness is inclined both godly and naturally to all persons indifferently. And as your Honour is the common refuge, to be a solicitor to the Queen's Majesty in our causes, so ye shall do a good act to continue herein. Which favour shewed, if it should be abused by the wilfulness of some fond heads, yet God's cause in reasonable men may be pitied. And thus, with the offer of my prayer, and most humble recommendation to the Queen's Highness, I take my leave of your Honour. From my house at Canterbury, this 4th of June 1565."

The Archbishop's Grave Advice to Sampson

And to Sampson also he wrote the same day a most humane letter; and with much gravity and sweetness persuaded him to unite himself with the practice enjoined the Church.

"Mr. Sampson, After my hearty commendations; I am glad that my letters written in your behalf to the Church took such effect as ye desired. And as ye have not deserved to the same in your government the contrary, to my understanding, so again I have written my letter to obtain your other request: praying you in Jesus Christ to salve against this great offendicle risen by your dissent from the course of the Gospel. Remember what obedience so great liberty of the whole doctrine of Christ granted, requireth at your hands. I am persuaded that time, and indifferent reading on your party, will give cause to join together in our communion. I mean not in doctrine, but in matter of ecclesiastical policy. And thus wishing you, and all other, well as myself, I end my letter. Written at Canterbury this 4th of June, 1565."

Withers of Bury Silenced

As Samson was thus deprived, so other recusants of the habits, and that would not enter bonds to wear the square cap, at that time were silenced, and forbade preaching in their places for some months; and remaining incompliant, after the space fixed, to be deprived. Of this number was George Withers, a man of good learning, preacher at Bury of St. Edmond's in Suffolk. When he went down to his flock with this censure upon him, the people were moved that they should be deprived of his ministry and preaching for want of wearing a cap, which they made no great matter of; and they knowing that he had refused it, that he might not give them offence, nor cast a stumblingblock before them, (as he told the Commissioners,) they presently assured him, that it should be no offence to them; and prayed him rather to wear the cap than to forsake them.

And so Withers, finding that his departing should more offend them than his wearing the apparel, and that the departure of preachers would so rejoice the enemy, he sent a letter to the Archbishop, to let him know that he would rather strain his conscience a little, as he expressed it, than to discourage the godly, or let the wicked have their mind. And knowing the Archbishop would allow him to preach, and to enjoy his place, upon the notice of his compliance, he sent him word thereof in this letter following, dated May 24, from Bury,

"Right honourable and my singular good Lord: Whereas at my late being with you at London, I refused to enter bonds for wearing of the cornered cap; for the which you did then inhibit and restrain me from preaching; the townsmen of Bury, whose offence I chiefly feared, have been earnest in hand with me rather to wear a cap than to forsake them; promising moreover never the more to regard it or mind it for my wearing of it. I thereupon, who greatly feared lest the wearing of it here should be a stumblingblock, and an occasion of falling to a great number, who should discredit me, and by that means the Gospel by me preached, seeing my expectation deceived, have also altered my mind. I was afraid to have been an offence unto the godly, considering the wo pronounced upon them by whom offences come: but seeing my departure should more offend them, than the wearing any apparel, and also more rejoice the enemy, who seeketh nothing so much as to banish preachers from them, I will rather strain my conscience somewhat, than altogether to discourage the godly, or to let the wicked have their minds. Wherefore after talk had with Mr. Badly immediately after his return home, understanding that your Lordship is content that I should have, use, and enjoy my room and office of preaching, so that I do signify unto you by my letter, that I am content to wear the cornered cap at Bury, I thought good to write these few lines to your Grace, to signify I am content to accept it: but yet so as to avoid a greater inconvenience, as Væ mihi, si non evangelizavero, &c." ("Woe unto me, if I preach not the Gospel," 1 Cor. ix. 16.) "We shall have more of this man hereafter."

Dissenters Winked At; Fox's Letter to the Queen

But notwithstanding those severe orders of the Queen before mentioned, and this prosecution of the same, yet she and her Commissioners did dispense or wink at many Divines who could not comply, and yet had and retained still dignities in the Church. There is a letter of Father Fox, the Martyrologist, writ in Latin to the Queen about this time, wherein he exalted her in his praises, as for restoring learning and religion, so particularly for her regard and gracious answer to a petition of certain Divines concerning the habits.

Editorial Notes

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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. Enhanced reading edition: proofread against the 1821 scan, with section headings, Latin translations, and editorial notes per the AnglicanWiki Editorial Guidelines for Historical Texts.