was observed that he was a sharp reprover of vice in his School-fellowes These were sufficient â—estifications unto his Father wherfore when he came to some maturity of age his father so wrought with the Bishop of Noviodunâ—m that he had a Canons place in the Cathedrall Church and also a Cure in a Parish neere adjoyning where it is thought that he Preached many Sermons although not advanced to the Ministeriall function but this proceeding continued not long partly by reason of his fathers desire who was earnest with him to addict himselfe unto the study of the civill Law a surer step unto wealth and preferment and partly by the perswasion of Roberâ—us Olivetanus a man well deserving of the Frâ—nch Churches for the doing of the Hebrew Bible into French who willed him to give himselfe wholy unto the reading of the sacred Scriptures and to seperate himselfe from those superstitions which were odious in the sight of God Being willing to testifie his obedience unto his father he therefore left his Cure and went to Orleans where hâ— became an Auditor unto Petrus Stella then publicke professor in that place and reputed to be the soundest Civilian then living in France by which meanes he attained unto great perfection in that Art so as he seemed in short time to be rather a teacher then â—n Auditor aud would many timeâ— supply the places of the professors themselves by which meanes he gained so great love in the Academy that at hiâ— departure from Orleance they profered to confer freely on him the dignity of Doctor in the Civill Law this is also remarkable in the prosecution of his Fathers Will he was not forgetfull of the counsell of his kinsman Olivetanus so as withall he diligently gave himselfe unto the study of Divinity in which also he attained unto such perfection that those Inhabitants of Orleans who were touched with a desire of a more pure religion would resort unto him to have private conference with him greatly admiring both his zeale and knowledge during his residence in that Academy besidâ— his daily exercises he used to spend halfe the night in reading the morning following he would meditate awhile in his bed on that w ch he had read by w ch constant watchfulness as it was a means of furnishing him w th solid learning w th a retentive memory so it was also a means of procuring unto him many diseases at the length untimely death About this time the Academy at Burdeaux was famous for the presence of that Prince of Lawirus Andraeas Alciaâ—â—â— who came out of Italy to be their publike Professor whereupon Calvin leâ—t Oâ—leance and came to Burdeaux where he acquainted himselfe with Alciatus and also with Melchior Volmarus then publicke Professor of the Greek tongue whose learning piety and other vertues together with his admirable dâ—xterity in the bringing up of youth cannot receive worthy commendations of this Wolmarus Calvin learned here the Greek tongue and a thankfull rememberance of which benefit he hath recorded unto future ages by dedicating unto him his Commentary on the second Epistle to the Corinthians Whilst he studied this tongue he laid not aside the study of Divinity but made it his onely ayme aâ— it aâ—peared by his actions for during his continuance in Burdeaux he would intreat Wolmarus to walk with him into the Country and to be an Auditor unto his Sermonâ— which were approved by him with no lesse then an asâ—onished admiration Here he continued earnestly prosecuting his Studies with all diligence untill such time as he was called home by his Fathers death where he continued no longer space but untill that he had put off the dayes of mourning and then he went againe unto Paris where at the age of twenty four yeers he wrote a Commentary upon that book of Seneca de clementia he had not continued long here but his worth procured him the favour and love of such zâ—alous persons as desired a Reformatâ—on especially the love of Stephanus Forgeuâ— an honorable Merchant who afterwards suffered Martyrdome for the truth of Christ In this Academy he forsook the study of humaine learning and betook himself wholy unto the study of Diviniâ—y to the exceeding joy of such godly persons who durst not to discover their profession to the world because of the strength of their enemies but kept their private assemblies in Paris During his residence here Nicalaus Copus the son of Gulielmus Copus of Basil the Kings Phisitian was designed Rector of Paris who bâ—ing to deliver his Oration according unto the Custom the same day that religious acts were celeberated by the Pops he requested Calvin to performe it for him who willingly condicended thereunto and in his Oâ—ation he discoursed more freely concerning the purity of Religion then others in that place had formerly done This act being not well brooked by the Senate they call a Parliament and the Rector is summoned to appeare in his journey thither he was admonished by some of his friends to take heed unto himselfe because he wanted neither many nor powerfull enemies He taking these words into a deepe consideration returnes backe againe departs out of the Kingdome and conveighs himselfe to Basil. Neither was Calvin free from danger in this act for some were sent into the School which is called Fortreâ—um where his lodging was but finding him not within they brake open the doores of his Study take such Papers as they finde and amongst them many Letters which were sent by zealous pâ—â—â—sons unto him whereby they also were brought into greâ—â— danger of their lives but they were all delivered by the meanes of the Queen of Navarre who honourably receivâ—â— and entertained Calvin in her house and became an Audiâ—oâ— unto his Sermons Having continued here a while under the protection of the Queen he shapes his course toward Neracum a City iâ— Aquitaine â— to visit Iacobus Stapulensis who was protected and defended by the Queene for the same cause and therefoâ—â— placed in that City under her Dominion This old man having a certaine relation from him how all things wenâ—â— he most courteously entertained him was right glad to conferre with him and withall spending this judgement on him that he would be an excellent instrument for the establishing of the Kingdom of Christ within the Kingdom of France Having continued a few dayes with this Iacobus he returnes again to Paris being led thereunto by the hand of God for the purging of the City of that damned haereâ—iâ— of Servetus concerning the Trinity but after long expectation and secret hiding of himself he was constrained again to leave the City without the effecting of any thing the enemies of the truth still labouring to take away his lifâ— In the year 1534. Gerardus Ruffus and Coraldus zealous professours of the truth of Christ and labouring to promote the Gospell in France were with great cruelty pulled downe out of their Pulpits and cast into prison
inde evocatus discedecet that amongst all the learned men in the City nonâ— could be found guilty of so much learning as to judge truely of that worth which was to be found in that man Presently after his comming unto Wittemberge he publikely began to read his Lctures where Luther being present he received an excellent approbation from him concerning his sufficiency so he proceeded in opening the Scriptures to the great benefit and instruction of his Auditors In the yeer 1519. he was present at the disputation betwxt Luther and Eccius at Leipsich where sometimes he uttered his opinion amongst them concerning the points in contraversie Eccius not well brooking his forwardnesse cryes out unto Luther Amove a te istam saccum distiâ—ctionum remove from thee that budget of distinctions and after a scornfull manner stiled him the Grammarian In the year 1520. he expounded the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans at Wittemberge which worke of his was so well approved by Luther that he caused it to be Printed for the generall benefit of the Church and in his Preface to the same Booke he useth these words unto Melancthon Ego quod impii Thomistae suo Thomae mendaciter arrogant viz. neminem scripsissi melius in sanctum Paulum tibi vere tribuo What the Thomists unjustly ascribed unto their Thomas viz. that none set forth a sounder Comentary on Paul I attribute it justly unto thee And in the year following having intelligence that the Divines of Paâ—is had condemned the Bookes and Doctrine of Luther he opposed by writing their heady Decree affirming his Doctrin to be sound and Orthodox In the year 1527. he was appointed by the Duke of Saxonie to visit all the Churches within his Dukedome in the performance whereof he wanted neither painfull labour nor envious backbiting And finding in them many disorders and corruptions he prescribed unto them a forme written in the German tongue which he willed them to embrace and to make use of in their Churches This action of his caused great contention and strife in the Countrey which by the wisdome and vertue of the same Duke was speedily quieted and taken away In the year 1529. an assembly of Divines was appointed at Spire where the Duke of Saxonie was present with Phillip Melancthon who espying his Mother went unto her and being demanded by her What she should beleeve amongst so many different opinions and controversies he answered that Pergeret hoc credere quod credidisset nec pateretur se turbari conflectibus disputationum That she should beleeve what she had hitherto beleeved and withall willed her not to â—ay to heart nor to be disquieted with those Scholasticke combats The Church being about this time in a troublesome state and so continuing for a season it pleased the Pope to promise the calling of a generall Councill for the extirpating of these differences out of the Church and for the establishing of an Uniforme manner of Doctrine and Discipline but his intent was onely to make triall how Melancthon stood affected for when his Legates requested of him to promise them that he would subscribe to all the Decrees of the Synod then shortly to be called he denyed their unjust request and withall telling them In concillo accusationes defensiones sententias liberas esse ô portêre in epâ—um de evenâ—u pacisci antiquam cognitio sit suscripta That in a generall Councill all occasions defendings opinions and judgements ought to be free and that it was a tying voyd of sence and reason to yeeld a subscription unto those things which as yet he did neither know nor understand And so remaining unmoveable in this resolution there was no generall Councill called because it lay not in the power of the Emperour to command it and because the Pope was unwilling to exercise his authority in that kinde least the event should have proved fatall unto the Apostolicall See About this time Comets were seen in the ayre for the space of three whole yeeres concerning which Melancthon wrote many learned observations unto his friends In the yeer 1535. the fame of Melancthon came into the Kingdome of England and France wherefore he was sent for by Henry the eight and invited by the King of France to settle a Reformation in their Churches but he went unto neither of them in regard the Duke of Saxonie would not consent thereunto In the year 1539. there was an Assembly of the Protestant Princes at Francfort ad Menum concerning a Reformation and Melancthon was commanded to make his personall appearance but being fearfull least any should offer violence unto his person he there published a worke intituled De Defensione Legitima In the year 1541. an Assembly was appointed at Wormes where there happened a sharpe Disputation betwixt Melancthon and Eccius touching Originall sinne but by the Commandement of the Emperour it was forthwith dissolved and both of them appointed to meet at Reinspurge where it fell out that Eccius in his disputation propounded a Sophisticall argument at the which Melancthon pausing a little space for the better untwisting of it said unto Eccius that the next day he would give him an answer whereupon Eccius presently replyed that it would be imputed as a great disgrace unto him to require so long a time unto which he presently answered Mi Doctor non quaero meam gloriam hoc in negotio sed veritatem Sir I seeke not my owne praise in this businesse but the truth within short time the Emperour came to Reispurge appointed certaine learned Persons on both sides for continuation of the conference of whom in the life of Bucer c. this Conference gave no satisfaction neither unto Eccius nor unto the Bishops there present nor unto William Duke of Bavaria and therefore the whol businesse was referred unto the judgement of a generall Councill and peace was injoyned unto both parties by the strict command of the Emperour together with a hope declared as touching the Reformation of the Churches In which Conference Mlancthon objected that axiome against the Papists Christus adest non propter panem sed propâ—er hominem Christ is present in the Sacrament not by reason of the bread but by reason of the receiver Which when Luther heard he joyfully uttered these words Mâ—câ—e Philippe tu eripuisti Pontificiis quod ego non ausus fuissem all happinesse attend thee Philâ—ip for thou hast overthrown the Papists in that Point which I dared not to attempt And wiâ—h that sentence Eccius was so confuted that he had not a word to speake yet at the last in a great rage he told Melancthon that he would dispute with him ad ignem usque even unto the very flames but the night following he drinking somthing beyond measure in regard of the predominancy of his chollar he fell into an Ague wherewith in few dayes he dyed Againe in the yeer 1545. Fredericke the Prince Elector Palatine successour unto Lodowick greatly desiring a
and Death of John Piscator who dyed Anno Christi 1625. JOhn Piscator was born at Argentine Anno Christi 1546. at which time Germany was on fire with civill Wars Yet that hindred not but he followed his studyes very hard and profited exceedingly in learning when he came to the study of Logick with great felicity he joyned Ramus and Aristotle together And afterwards having made a good progresse in the study of Divinity he was called to Herborn to be the Professor there and his labors were so gratefull to young Students that many flocked thither out of Germany France Hungary Poland and other Nothern Countries He wrote many things with great diligence and labor scarce affording any rest to himselfe He translâ—ted the whole Bible with great pains and faithfulnesse into the German Tongue besides his Logicall and Theologicall Analisis of the greatest part of it He dyed at Herborn Anno Christi 1625. and of his age 80. This Jâ—hn Piscator born at Argentine For his rare parts in Arts did fairly shine Iâ— Heâ—bâ—rn where Professor he became And exercis'd that place with so much fame That many Students out of Germany Fâ—â—nce Poland and from out of Hungary Came flocking thither for his grave direction Which he afforded them with sweet affection I' th Germane toâ—gue the Bible he translated And it with learn'd Analisis ornated And thus his dayes in pious pains being spent At fourscore years his soule to heaven he sent ANDREW WILLET The Life and Death oâ— Andrew Willet IT is not long since a large Relation was published a Ann. 1634 prefixed before the fift edition of his Synopsi Papi and written by the same hand with this of the life and death of that faithfull servant of Christ Dr. Andrew Willet yet least omitted in this honorable Catalogue he should lose his b Augu. Cenâ— lib. 10. câ— â—7 right of association in renowne and glory with these his Fellow-labourers in the service of the Gospell I though good not onely to abridge part of that former discours which alone were but c Syne episâ— 141. to bring forth the same birth againe but to d Id. ep 99. adde some remarkeable things then unremembered or undiscovered being such as may conduce both to the advancement of his memory e Terent. in Adelph and the encouragement of our imitation who often follow patterns more then precepts f Lips de Consâ— l. 2. c. 4. This learned prudent and pious man was born of worthy and religious Parents by whom he enjoyed that g Eâ—rip Cyâ—pr Epist. libâ— 4. Ep. 5. choyce blessing and happinesse of ingenuous godly education and example His Father Mr. Thomas Willet was in his yonger time Subalmoner unto King Edward the sixt while Doctor Coxe was chiefe Almoner and Schoolmaster to that royall Prince who was presented of God unto this Iland only ut spectaculi spiraculi res to use Tertullian's words a faire-flourishing and sweet-smelling flower soon withered and taken away The sad times of persecution under Queene Mary then succeeding King Edwards Almoner and Subalmoner with many more were not onely forced from Court but th' one from his Country the other from his comfort of his wife and family for the safety of their lives and consciences till that cloud was blowne over and Queene Mary dead Then roâ—e Englands Deborâ—h that mirrour of her sex and miracle of the World Queen Elizabeth Exiles returned home amongst them Doctor Coxe who was advanced to the Bishoprick of Ely and soon after preferred his old Chaplaine Master Willet this Doctors Father to a Prebend in that Church and to the Parsonage of Barley in Hertfordshire both which in his old age he resigned unto this his Son who lived and dyed in them h Ambros. li. 1. de Abrah cap. 8. never having ambitiously hunted after higher promotions i Aâ—ad Frans sâ—â—lour ch 21 which he rather studied to deserve then to obtaine observing how in ordinary courses some k Lips enjoy prefermentâ— others merit them yet he went on so cheerfully in his praise-worthy labours as if his pains had been his payment according to that reason given by some why they that bore the heat and burthen of the day had put equall pay with him that came at the last hour into the Vinyard Matth. 20.12 l Canâ— Mos 〈◊〉 3. epist. 4. Because say they their worke is reckoned into their wages it being no little honour to be so imployed of God This Doctor was both born and bred in the Towne or City of Ely lying within the Fens of Cambridgeshire a soyle not unlike the place of Augustines birth if we beleeve m In Aug. de Civit. Deâ— lib. 16. cap. â— Lud. Vives and others wherupon Erasmus n Praef. ad lib. Epi. D. Augu takes occasion to divine that had that Father been born and lived in Italy or France his wit though uncomparable had been much more refined and the fruits thereof much more abundant And Apollonius Tyaneus o Apâ—l Philostrat in vit A.T. li. 6. c. 6. ascribes the subtile inventions of the Indians unto the purer beames or cleerer ayre wherein they live Whereas the auncient heathen gave the attribute of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto their choysest wits as if they were men fallen from heaven as they said of p Antip. apud Pâ—uâ— in vit Hoâ— Homer q Tertius â— coelo cecidiâ— Cato Iuven Cato and the like And as Homer said of Aegypt so may we say of every Country r Sophoc l. in Ajac. There 's many good and bad things mixt together Neâ— refert quâ terrâ natus qui renatus it matters not where he was borne that 's new born For that which is of the earth is earthly Joh. 3.31 But every good giving every perfect gift is from above Iam. 1.17 which even the heathen Poet acknowledgeth speaking thus These and all gifts of the mind God I say workes in mankind From the Grammer Schoole in Ely where by reason of his industry unusuall in such years denying himselfe even s Iulian in Caesar. necessary recreation he had given many t Lips de Constat lib. 2. c. 5. Hom. rudiments of future hopes he was at thirteen years of age or thereabout sent to the University of Cambridge He was first admitted into Peter-house where he was well grounded and afterward removed to Christ's Colledge where he was preferred to a Fellowship every where he found Learnings doores open to him Being but nineteen years of age he under-tooke the defence of his Master Aristotle in a Latine Tractate against Tempell a lover of Peter Ramus whereof as I have heard divers Copyes were dispersed one of which not long since I saw with an Epistle deditatory to a Pralaâ—e of that age as if he had intended it for the presse But his first booke which came forth in print was that De animâ— natuâ—a viribus written by him at
the age of twenty and two years From which time u 〈…〉 de 〈◊〉 Gâ—â—â—ang Cic. oraâ— pro Arch. pâ—â—t repuâ—ing every hour as lost which was not spent in reading or writing something he never gave over till he had brought forth those numerous and voluminous labours whereof you have the Catalogue hereafter written It is the counsell of Ierome w Hiâ—ron ad Rustic put not on too soon in writing nor be transported with a kinde of light headednesse be long in learning that which thou intends to teach And as Philostratus saith x Vit. Apâ—ll Tyâ—n l. 4. c. 11 Palamedes found out letters that men might know not onely what to write but what not But his Works plainly show even those of youngest date that he had learned these grave lessons and that he ran not before he well understood his errand And although I beleeve he might truely say with learned Augustine z Proâ—m li. 3 de Trivit that even by writing for the profit of others he had much profited himselfe Yet I am well assured that he had learned over to good purpose many learned Authors ancient and moderne till he bâ—came himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a living Library I have not without astonishment seen his many large paper books written with his owne hand abundantly testifying how studiously and with singular judgement he had read over most of the old Fathers Councels Ecclesiastick Histories the Civill Code the Body of the Canon Law with many other Writers of all sorts out of which he was able 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 readily to produce apt sentences and observations for every purpose And as a Eccl. 7.25 he applyed his heart to know and so search and to seeke out wisdome and to that end according to that Apostolicall direction gave b 1 Tim. 4.13 attendance unto reading So likewise he followed that godly advice of Cyprian to c Epist. lib. 2. Epist. 2. Donatus willing him to mingle frequent prayer with diligent reading sometimes saith he speake thou to God and sometimes let God speake to thee and he professed to his friends how much he had thereby improved his talent Besides all these labors when once he had undertaken the care of souls he well considered what the Apostle Paul by the â—pirit of Godâ— requireth of every Bishop or Pastor of the Church in those his two Epistles to Timothy and â—hat other to Titus d Aug. de docâ— Châ—i li. 4. â— 5. which three Episâ—les Augustine exhorteth â—very Minister of the Word set alwayes before his eyes often lamenting the condition of those poore people who live under ignorant or idle Ministersâ— of whom it may be said in the Words of the Prophet Ieremiah e Lamâ—ntâ—câ— 4. vâ—r 4. The children cry for bread and there was none to breake it unto them and as much bewailing the estate of those proud Prelates who as f Espenc Digres in 1 Tim lib. 2. cap. 2. Espencae speaks of some in his time though able and learned yet hold themselves not learn'd to descend to that servility and basenesse of Preaching because when they have obtained fat Benefices iâ— is not the manner to stoope to such drâ—dgery whilest he like a faithfull and diligent steward of Christ was most paâ—nfull in the execution of his officeâ— Preaching in his Church of Barley for a long time thrice every weeke and diligently himselfe Caâ—echizing the younger sort of his Parish and many of the elder whom hâ— found to have need of g Cry Hieros Cateâ—i 4. such milke as being yet but babes in Christ. And although he had been Chaplaine to that Noble young Prince Henry and both during that time and sometimes since had Preached at Court and knew how to tune his tongue to the most elegant eares yet amongst his own people he taught 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after a most familiar way affecting h Vt dâ— Eâ—ip◠〈◊〉 a plaine phraise and humble style applying himâ—selfe i Aug. d◠〈◊〉 Chri. l. 4. c. 17 to the capacity of his Hearers reputing that Sermon k Vt Philest de epist. ad Aspâ—th Hier. ad Paâ— best adorned that was least set out with humane learning or eloquence or perplexed with curious questions whiâ—h l Hilar. helpe not towardâ— heaven He was a man of a most comely presence his complextion faire and ruddy even m Iul. in Caes. in age hiâ— countenance composed oâ— gravity and sweetnesse his disposition was pleasanâ— and cheerefull alwayes merry in the Lord whereby his conversation was most delightfull to good Christians that were acquainted with him And as Suidas speakes of Macariuâ— the Egyptian he drew his friends on in the wayes of God with a kind of smoothing perswasions and pleasant discourses upon all occasions And alâ—hough he knew how to râ—prove and to cut up roundly where there was just cause yet he o Chrysâ—st iâ— Tit. was most aptly fitted and enclined to bind up the broaken and wounded consciences and with heavenly consolationâ— drawne from the fountaine of living waters to refresh a wearied and fainting spirit p Iob 16.5 He strengthened them with his mouth and the moving of his lips did asswage their griefe q Cant. 4.11 While his lips dropped as the hony combe How joyfully was he entertained by such even as Ambrose by sick Valentinian whose visits seemed to him as the r Ambr. in Obit Valent. approaches of health He was a man of a most exemplary life both in his owne s Arâ—hi Tare apud Phil. family and abroad with others He was in fastings often and alwayes t Senec. epi 8 Cic. Offic. 1. temperate in his diet many dayes eating little or nothing untill night and that especially when he laboured most as on his Lecture-dayes professing that he v Hippoc. Epid l. 6. sect 4. found himselfe both in body and minde more active by it He was a constant and unwearied Student tying himselfe for the most part to eight houres a day and w Vt Eâ—enoâ— dividing every part of the day unto some peculiar work nor easily suffâ—ing any avocation though he had many secular cares lying upon him having a wife and fourteen children living at his death till as he was wont to speak x Iulian in Misopog ex Menandro he had finished his taske His conversation abroad was a perpetuall instruction to y Ibid. his people That true z Maca. â—o 15 character of a Christian man a Clem. de â—orr eccl stat ca. 22. that highest degree of perfection and most neer to Christ that b Basil. treasury of all graces humility was in him most eminent he was most just and upright in all his dealings and indeed so regardlesse of these earthly things that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 easily beguiled by such aâ— were dishonest yet he was well acquainted with the Laws but very carefull to keepe both himselfe
with his writings did subvert all Christendme did demand what manner a man Luther was when they answered that he was an unlearned Monke she replyed Why then sâ—e that all you learned men being a great multitude write aganst that one unlearned fellow and doubtlesse the world will give more credit to many of you being learned then to him being but one and unlearned Luther knowing what was don w th his writings An. 1520. Decemb. 10. called the Students of Wittenberg together and in a frequent assembly of learned men before the gate oâ— Elister near to the great Colledg where a fire was made caâ—t the Popes lawes and the Bull of Leo with some writings of Eckius Emser and others thereinto and said Because thou troublest Christ the holy one of God eternall fire will trouble thee The next day he expounded the Psalmes and earnestly charded his auditors that as they loved the salvation of their souls they should take heed of the Popes statutes And in writing gave a reason presently of this his action Here Frederick Prince Elector obtained of the Emrerour to call Luther â— to the Court held at Wormes in March An. 1521. Luther receiving the Emperours grant for his safety went from Wittenberg Here many did dehort Luther from going to Wormes â— Others said that by the burning of his books he might know what was the Popes censure concerning himselfe Others told him of the usage of Hus and Savâ—narola But Luther with a resolute courage lightly regarded their advise and said that these discâ—uragements were but cast into his way by Satan who knew that by the profession of of the Truth especially in so illustrious a place his kingdome would be shaken and indamaged He further brakâ— forth into thâ—se words If I knew that there were so many Devils at Wormes as tiles on the houses yet would I goe thither They say â—he Duke of Bavaria his Iester whether suborned by others or by some instinct met Luther at his enterance into the towne with a Crosse as is wont in funerals and sung with a loud voyce Wâ—lcome comâ—st thâ—â—â—ither and much desired of us who sate in darknesse On the twenty â—ix of Aprill Luther taking his leave departed from Wormes Casp. Sturmius a Messengâ—r some hours aâ—ter followed him and found him at Openheim Luther being in his journey sent Letters backe both to Caesar and the Pirinces Electorâ— Staâ—â—s of ther Empire commending himselfe and his cause to them aâ—d said he was ready to doe any thing which was meet except to revoke any thingâ— that he knew to be warranted by Gods word Frederick the Elector â— prudent Prince seeing Luther to have incurred the hatred of all that no danger might seize on him â—ommitted the buâ—iness of conveying Luther into some safe place where he might be free from accesse to some faithfull friends of the Nobility that there he shoâ—ld be kept privâ—te till Caesar was departed out of Germany They prâ—sently faithfully and secretly conveyed him to the Castle of Wartenburg neear Isâ—nack This place Luther afterward used to call his Paâ—mos At length not enduring further delay and innovations he returned from his Patmos to Wittenberg In this 2â—2 year the New Testament came forth as it was translated into the German tongue in his Pâ—â—mos afterward reviâ—ed some what by Melancthon He wrote also a letter to the Bohemians conceâ—ning matters of great moment and exhorted them to constancy in the truth whiâ—h they had received and that theâ— would noâ— fall back to Anâ—ichâ—ist for a vaine hope of peace He also disswaded them from making themsâ—lves gâ—ilty of the innocent blood of John Hus anâ— Jerome of Prague About this time also Luthâ—â— â—onfuted Nicolas Stork Thomas Muncer and other fanaticall ringleaders and Prophetâ— broaching new dâ—ctrines who pretended revelations Angilicall and conferences with God and denyed the Bâ—ptisme of infants and thereby sowed the seed of Anâ—baptisme These false prophets came from the Cygnâ—an Ciâ—y to Wittenberg in Luthers absence and molested Carâ—lâ—stâ—de and Melancthon Now also Luther answered Henry the eight King of 〈◊〉 who as other advâ—rsarieâ— also 〈◊〉 ouâ— a booke against Luther and had given him by Pope Leo â—he tiâ—le of Dâ—fender of the Faiâ—h of the Church Then Luther set forth the book concerning â—hâ— dignity and office of the Civill Magistrate He also set forth the five books of Moses in the German tongue â—hrâ—e thousand years since the death of Moses Hâ— published also a book to the Senate of Prague about ordaining of Ministâ—rs and another about avoyding the doctrine of men The year 1526. in October Luther laid aside his Monkishhood and declared his judgemâ—nt concâ—rning the Synod to be called for determination of the Ceremonies Now also Luther renewed the ordination of Ministers of the Gospell in the Church Of whom Geâ—rge Rorarius was the firstâ— Lutâ—er being forty two years old of a sudden and unexspectâ—dly mâ—rried Katherin a Boâ—a a noble Virgin late a Nun. Luthers adversariâ—s not onely observed the time of the marryage but proclaimed the marriage to be incâ—stuous in which a Monk married a Nun. Hereupon the King of England in his Answer to Luther stiles this marriage incestuouâ— and there saith among other opprobries put upon Luther that he could not have committed a â—in of higher natâ—re Against these disgraces Luther thus animated himselfe saying If my marriage bâ— a worke of God what wonder is there if the flesh be offended at it It is offended even at the flesh which God oâ—â— Creator took and gave to be a ransome and food for the salvation of the the world if the world was not offended with me I should be offended with the world and should feare that it was not of God which I have done Now seeing the world is vexea and troublâ—d at I am confirmed in my course and comforted in God Then Luther wrote a consolatory letter to Iohn Husse of Breslow a Teacher of the Gospell notwithstanding the scandall raised by the Hereticks and their fighting against the Articles of our Faith and in speciall manner he â—nimated him against Schwenfeld and Crâ—ntwald In the 27. year the Anabaptiâ—â—s broached their new doctrin about the not baptizing of infants were themselves rebaptised they also taught community of goods Both Luther and Zwinglius wrote against them and the Magistrates punished them in divers places About the beginning of the year 1527. Luther fell suddenly sick of a congealing of blood about his hears which almost kil'd him but the drinking of the water of Carduus Benedictus whose vertues then was not so commonly knowne he was presently helped This year also he put forth the Story of Leonard Keisar his friend who was burnt for the Gospels sake at the Command of William Duke of Bavaria In the beginning of the year 1529. Luther put fortâ— his greater and lesser Catecâ—ismes for the good of the undâ—r sort of people and admonished the Pastors and Ministers that they
would seriously attend their offices and teach carâ—fully in the Villages That they would preach still the same things 〈◊〉 the same points and often presse them upon the people Herâ— also Luther put forth a book against the Turk in the German tongue In this year was held that solemne and numerous assembly before the Emperour the States of the Empire w ch was printed made known to all the Nations of Europe Luther composed the seventeen Articles before the Divines of Saxony took their journey to Aâ—gusta In these Articles he omitted scholastick disputes and pointâ— unnecâ—ssary for the peoples instruction and comprised the summe of wholsome and necessary doctrin for the salvation of mens souls and true piety Afâ—er this the Confession written by Melancthon according to Luthers direction and advise was exhibited in the Latine and German tongues in Caesars palace Iune 25. at two a clock in the afternoone and was read by the Chancellor of Saxony before Charles the fifth Ferdinando and all the Elâ—ctors and Princes being assessors and that with so shrill and loud a voyce that not onely in that large Hall but also in the Court beneath and in the places adjoyning it was well heard They who subscribed to this Confâ—ssion were Iohn Duke of Saxony George Marquesse of Brandenbâ—ugh Ernest and Franciâ— brothers Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh Philip Landgrave of Hasâ—ia Wolfgang Prince of Anhalt and two Citiâ—s of the Empire Norinberg and Reutling In the year 1533. Luther comforted the Citizens of Oschatz by his letter who had been turned out for hiâ— confession of the Gospell In his letter hâ— saith The Devill iâ—â—he Host and the World is his Inne so that where ever yoâ— come you shall be sure to finde this ugly Hoste In the year 1534. the German Bible translated by him and brought into one body was first printed as the old priviledge dated at Bibliopolâ—â— under the Electors hands sheweth In the year 1535. this Bible was publishâ—d Thâ—n the fancies of the Anabaptists began to appeare in Westphalia and made a very great combustion This year Lutâ—er began publickly to preach on Genesis which taske â—e ended as himselfe was wont to ominate with his life six yeares after In February the year following the Duke Elâ—ctor of Saxony with the Confederate Princes and Cities and their Divines held an Assembly at Smalcald foâ— matters of Religion At this meeting Luther fell sick of a grievous disease so that there was no hope of his life He was pained of the stone and obstruction in the bladder eleven dayes Here he though most of his friends disliked and reasoned against it would be carried thence the event proved his resolution good George Sturk the Physitian being sâ—nt for from Erphord went along with him Luther as he was carried along made his Will in which he bequâ—athed his detestation of Popery to his friends and Pastors as before in the house of Spalatinus in the year 1530. where he made thiâ— Verse Pestis eram vivus moriens ero mors tua Papa I living stopt Romes breath And Dead will be Romes Death But the night after his departure thence he begen to be somewhat better He tooke delight to expresse some things in his owne tongue and in Ryme Of which some were to this sense and meaning Eaâ—e what is sodden well Drâ—â—ke what is pure and cleare That thâ—u the truth doth tell To all let it appeare Speake not to all what eâ—er thou doest knowâ— If thou â—e well keepe wisely were thou art Conserve with care what ever is thine â—â—â—ne Mischanâ—◠〈◊〉 â—ooted comes like th'nimbling â—art Be silent in â—ue time abstaine sustaine Hold up thy head Of need to none complâ—ine Dispaire not of Gods helpe thy state to â—â—sy Who sends asâ—â—stance to us every day He was in his private converse of such behaviour that his life was a patterene of vertue As he dined or supped oftentimes he would dictaâ—e matter to be preached sometimes corrected the faults of the presse sometimâ—s he would recreate himselfe and others with Musick He was by nature which Melancthon would often wonder at a moderate eater and drinker and yet had no small or weake body He hath beene seene for four dâ—yes together and being in health to eate and drinke nothing at set meale times and often at other times for many dayes to be content with a little bread and fish I will say nothing how in the Cloysters he macerated himselfe with watchings fasting labors Oftentimes being invited to Banquets he went not because he would not lose his time I said he lose too much time by invitations to Feasts here in the City I know Saâ—â—n hath such an hand in it that I may not deny it and yet it doth me harme to accept the courtisy In company he was familiar pleasent courteous yet grave as beseemed a man of his place He was â—ffable and studious of truth Melancthon affirmeth that he often found him â—t prayer with great ardency and tears imploring God for the whole Church He set apart every day a certaine time for the reading some Psalmes and intermixt his owne prayers and teares with them He often used to say that he was offended with them who either through Idlenesse or variety of imployment said that it was enough to pray with groanes onely And for that end said he formes of prayer are prescrâ—bed us by the will of God that reading might inâ—lâ—me our mindes yea that the voyce also might professe whaâ— God we call upon When â—e recreated his minde and took it of from study he delighted to play at Chesse and was skilfull at it He sometimes practised the art of Turning with his servâ—nt Wolfgang and would say if the world should denâ— us sâ—stenance for my paines in Gods word we would learne to get our livingâ— with our hands Sometimes he did play on an Instrument sometimes shoote He was carefull also of the neatnesse of his Garden and desired of his friends variety of plants to furnish it So that he had no vacant time Of his imployments thus he writeth I am very full of imployment preaching to the people might well require all my paines my course of worshiping God and prayer might wholly busie mâ— my paines bâ— expounding Scriptures by writing my writing Epistles my care of otheâ— mens affaires takâ—tâ— up my time my converse with my friends which I use to call a feeding of my corps doth very badly steale away a greaâ— part of my time It was his usuall course either to meditate or to read or preacâ— or to give good counsell to his friends so that hâ— was never idle He was very liberall to the poore On a time when a Stdents asked some money of him he bad his wife give him some thiâ—g and when she excused the matter in regard of their penury at that time he tooke up a silver cup and gave it to the Schollar and bid him sell it to the Gâ—ld-smith and keep the money
Monasticall life upon which perswasion he intended to forsake the Monâ—stery and to betake himselfe againe unto his former profession and for a preparation thereunto being as yet in the Monastery he set forth a booke of confession wherein in many things he opposed the doctrine of the Church of Rome whereby he brought himselfe not onely into danger of his life but the Monks also were greatly afraid lest any inconvenience might happen unto them by reason of his actions and therefore they greatly laboured to free their Monastery of him during their plodding he sharpely reprehended them for their errors perswadâ—ng them to embrace and lay hold on the truth whereby they came to be more and more incensed against him and privately laboured with his friends to be more earnest with him in the leaving of the Monaâ—stery Having beâ—n resident in this place not fully two yeeres he departed and went unto Franciscus Sickingen a man nobly descended by whom he was entertained and iâ— the same houâ—e he laboured to put downe the Masse affiâ—ming it to be an Idolatrous worship but Franciscus being at that time greatly distressed with an unhappy warre he left him and went to Basel in the yeer of our Lord 1522. to publish such things as he had at vacant times collected Here he was againe advanced by the Senats unto a Pastorall office an annuall stipend designed unto him which he performed with great zeale and constancy to the glory of God and good of his Church here he bouldly discovered unto his Auditors those errors which by continuance had got firme footing in the Church he opened unto them the perfection and sufficientcy of the Merits of Christ he declared unto them the true nature of faith he revealed unto them the true doctrine of Charity insomuch that the authority of the Poâ—ish religion began to stagger in the mindes of many Whilst he was totally occupied about these things some there were who laboured to draw him againe to the Pseudo Catholicke religion but more especially Iohannas Cachlaeus who in the yeere 1524. wrote letterâ— unto him wherein he testified himselfe to be deeply afflicted with sorrow to heare that a man so excellently learned should lay aside his coule and adhaere unto such haereticall opinions and withall exhorted him to revoke his opinion and to returne againe into the Monastery promising him a dispensation from the Pope and the favour of the Prior which he had formerly enjoyed but these and such like things were slighted by Oecolampadius who bringing them unto the word of God found that they would not endure the triall In the performance of his Pastorall office an assistanâ— was appointed unt him by publicke authority and he began to settle a more excellent Reformation in the Church commanding the Sacrament of Baptisme to be administred in the mother tongue and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to be received under both kinds he taught that the Masse was not a sacrifice for the living and the dead or for those who were tormented in their feigned Purgatory but that perfect satisfaction was obtained for all beleevers by the passion and Merits of Christ he disswaded them from sprinkling themselves with holy-water and from the consecration of Palmes and the like declaring unto them that they who did attribute vertue unto any such things did detract from the glory and power of God which doctrine of his tooke such deepe â—ooting in the hearts of his Auditors that it gave a period unto many superstitious actions amongst them The foundation of future reformation was no sooner laid but the old Dragon began to play his part and to discover his malicious â—nvy against such things as make for the glory of God either by hindâ—ing their proceedings or laying some foule aspersion on them for at that time broke forth that yet continued sacramentary dissention by meanes whereof that good worke begun in the Church was hindred Martin Luther at this time openly opposed and contradicting by writing the doctrine of Huldericus Zuinglius Pastor of the Church at Tigurum concerning the Euchiarist by reason whereof there was a great dissention betwixt the Churches of Helvetia and Saxony for the taking away of w ch Oecolampadius set forth a booke concerning the true understanding of these words Hoc est corpus meum and by many strong arguments he affirmed that a trope lay therein and yet his industry and labour therein tooke not away the contention betwixt the Churches This intended reformation was againe hindred by Eccius and his followers who taught 1 that the substantiall body and blood of Christ was in the Sacrament of the Altar 2 that they were truly offered up in the Masse both for the living and the dead 3 that the virgin Mary and the Saints were to be worshipped as intercessours 4 that the images of Iesus and the Saints were not to be abolished 5 that after this life there was a Purgatory These positions were vehemently opposed by Oecolampadius at the publicke dispuâ—ation held at Baden the event whereof was this some of the Helvetians subscribed unto Eccius some unto Oecolampadius and so there remained still a dissention amongst them which could by no meanes be taken away although attempted by many worthy instruments of Christ who have undergone many dangers for an effectuall performance of the same yet Oecolampadius wrought so with the Saints that liberty of conscience was granted unto the Citizens as touching religion In the yeer following there was a disputation held at Berne which continued for the space of twenty dayes wherein Oecolampadius labored so powerfully for a reformation that his acts there recorded give a sufficient testimony thereof unto the world In the yeer 1529. an assembly was appointed by the Lantgraw of Hassia at Marpurge touching a reformation in the Churches concerning which more in the life of Melancton After the painfull sustaining of so many labours at home and abroad he returned to Basil where he spent the residue of his life in Preaching reading writing setting forth of books visiting the sicke and having also a care of the adjacent Churches untill the yeer 1531. wherein it pleased God to visit him with sicknesse wherewith he was constrained to take his bed hourely exspecting death And forthwith sending for the Pastors of the same place he welcommed them with ashort pithy oration wherein he exhorted them to remaine constant and firme in the purity of the doctrine which they professed because it was conformable unto the word of God as for other things he willed them to be lesse carefull assuring them that the Al-sufficient God would care for them and that he would not be wanting unto his Church His Children standing before him he tooke them by their right hands and afterwards gently stroking their heads he advised them to love God who would be unto them in the place of a Father A little before his death one of his intimate friends comming unto him he asked him what newes he answered
fidem nostram pane vino Domini per memoriam carnis sanguinis illius pascendam Anno 1525. being called into his owne Country he Preached and administred the Lord's Supper to his owne Citizens and Baptized without the Popish Ceremonies he was present and disputed at Berne against the Popish Masse c. He was with others chosen by the Protestants to goe the to Diet at Ratisbone for the setling of Religion and returning home in a great and generall infection he died to the Plague An. Christi 1541 of his Age 63. Industrious Capito at first inclind Himselfe to cure the body next the minde Being endow'd with most excellent parts He did as t' were monopolize the Artâ— He lov'd Religion and was alwayes free T' extoll the worth of practis'd piety He honor'd peace his heart was fil'd with hope That he might live to contradict the Pope And so he did he labour'd to prevent The Ceremonâ—es of their Sacrament And to conclude he labour'd to confute Their babling Masse He 's blest without dispute The Life and Death of LEO JUDAE who died Anno Christi 1542. LEo Iudae was born Anno Christi 1482. brought up at Schoole and from thence sent to Basil where he joyned in study with Zuinglius was an hearer of Doctor Wittenbash by whom he was instructed in the knowledge of the Gospel â—here also he was made a Deacon and from thence he was called into Helvetia where he â—et himselfe to the study of the Orientall Tongues and to read the Fathers especially Hierom and Augustine as also he read diligently the books of Luther Eraâ—mus and Capito at length being called to a Pastorall charge at Tigure he opposed the Popish doctrine and Ceremonies both in the Pulpit and Presse thâ—re he continued eighteen yeeres and spent much of it in expounding the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein being growne very skilfull he set upon at the importunity of his breathren of the Ministry the translation of the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein also he was much holpen by the industry of other learned men but this worke proving very great he was so wasted with labor and old age that he died before he finished it Anno Christi 1542. and of his Age 60. leaving undone Iob the forty last Psalmes Proverbs Ecâ—lesiastes Canticles and the eight last Chapters of Ezekiel which he commended to Theodore Bibliander to finish who accordingly did it and he left all to Conradus Pellican to peruse and put to the Presse which he carefully performed Four dayes before his death sending for the Pastors and Professors of Tigure he made before them a Confession of his Faith concerning GOD the Scriptures the Person and Office of CHRIST concluding Huic Iesu Christo Domino liberatori meo c. To this my Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ my hope and my salvation I wholly offer up my soule and body I cast my selfe wholly upon his mercy and grace c. Heaven was the object where he fixt his eyes Truth was his Marke Religion was his Prise His studious heart was active to contrive How to keepe other pining Souls alive With heavenly Food he never lov'd to feed In secret Corners and let others need He never usâ—d to sweepe away the Crums From his poore Flock and feed their souls with Hums Like our new-babling Pastors which infuse Illiterate Words patch'd up with flattring News He would not blind them with the intising charms Of Falseties or bid them take up Armes Except for heaven within whose Tent he sings Anthems of Pleasure to the King of Kings The Life and Death of MYCONIUS who died Anno Christi 1546. Fâ—â—idericus Myconius was borne in Franconia of religious parents and bred up at Schoole till he was thirteen yeeres old and then he was sent to Annaeberg where he studied till he was twenty and then entred into a Monastery there without the knowledge of his parents the first night after his entrie he had a dream which proved propheticall In that place he read the Schoole-men and Augustine's Workes He read also at meal-time the Bible with Lyra's notes on it which he did seven yeeres together with so much exactnesse that he had it almost by heart but dispairing of attaining to learning he left his studieâ— and fell to Mechanicall Arts About which time Tecâ—liuâ— brought his Indulgences into Germany boasting of thâ— virtue of them and exhorting all as they loved their owne and their dead friends salvation that they should buy them c. Myconius had been taught by his fâ—ther the Lord's Prayer the Creed the Decalogue and to pray often and that the blood of Christ onely could cleanse uâ— from sin and that pardon of sin eternall life could not be bought with money c. Which caused him to be much tâ—oubled whether he should beleive his father or the Priests but understanding that there was a clause in the Indulgences that they should be given freely to the poore he went to Tecelius entreated him to give him one for he waâ— a poor sinner and one that needed a free remissions of sins and a participation of the merits of Christ Tecelius admired that he could speake Latine so well which few Priests could doâ— in those dayes aud therefore he advised with hiâ— Colleagues who perswaded him to give Myconius one but after much debate he returned him answer That the Pope wanted money without which he could not part with an Indulgence Myconius urged the aforenamed clause in the Indulgences whereupon Tecelius his Colleagues pressed againe that he might have one given him pleading his learning and ingenuity poverty c. And that it would be a dishonor both to God and the Pope to denie him one but still Tecelius refused whereupon some of them wispred Myconius in the eare to give a little money which he refused to doe and they fearing the event one of them profered to give him some to buy one with which he still refused saying That if he pleased he could sell a book to buy one but he desired one for Gods sake which if they denyed him he wished them to consider how they could answer it to God c. but prevailing nothing he went away rejoycing that there was yet a God in heaven to pardon sinners freely c. according to that promise As I live saith the Lord I desire not the death of a sinner c. Not long after he entred into Orders and read privately Luther's books which the other Friars tooke very haynously and threatned him for it From thence he was called to be a Preacher at Vinaria where at first he mixed some Popish errors with the truth but by the illumination of Gods Spirit and by his reading Luther he at last began to preach against Popery and to hold forth the truth clearly which spread so swiftly not onely through Saxonie but through all countries as if the Angels had been carryers of it Afterwards he was called
Sweet was his life and death his well spent dayes Began in goodnesse and expir'd with praise The Life and Death of CASPER HEDIO who died Anno Christi 1552. CAsper Hedio was born at Etling in the Marquisat of Baden of honest Parents and educated in learning at Friburge where also he Commensed Master of Arts and from thence went to Basil where he studied Divinity and Commensed Doctor whence he was called to Preach in the chiefe Church at Mentz but some not liking such plain Preaching and the Monkes raising a persecution against him he went thence to Argentine Anno Christi 1523. where he was a great assistent to Capito and Bucer in reforming of Religion by the command of the Senate there also he married a wife Anno Christi 1533. and though the Papists raised a great persecution in that City yet he Preached â—oldly against Masses Indulgences Auricular Confession c. and wrote against them also Anno Christi 1543. when Herman Archbishop of Collen began a Reformation he sent for Bucer and Hedio to assist him therein whence after he was driven by Caesar and his Spaniards escaping through many difficulties and danger he returned to Argentine what time he could spare from his Ministeriall employment he spent in writing Commentaries and Histories Anno Chrisâ—i 1552. he sickened and died T' was not the rage of Papist could remove The heart of Hedio from the reall love Of true Divinity he still enclin'd Himselfe to Preach with a resolved mind Let his example teach us to repose Our trust in God in spight of threating Foes The Life and Death of GEORGE PRINCE of Aâ—halt whâ— died Anno Christi 1553. GEorg Prince of Anhalt was born An. Chr. 1507. his Father was Prince Ernest who was carefull to bring him up in the fear of God and for that end he placed him with George Forcheme who was eminent for training up of youth under whom he profited exceedingly both in humane literature and in principâ—ls of Divinity then he was set to the study of the Law wherein he profited very much also having attained to the age of twenty two yeeres he was chosen by Albert Elector of Menâ—z to be one of his Councell wherein he carried himselfe with high commendations in managing the greatest State-affairs But the Controversies about Religions waxing hot at this time and Luthers books coming abroad he fell to reading of them and suspecting his owne injudiciousnesse he would often pray with tears to God to encline his heart to the Truth saying Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy and instruct mee in thy righteousnesse He was frequent in reading the Scriptures Ecclesiasticall Histories Augustine Hierom and Lombard he studied also Greek and Hebrew and discoursed with learned men about the Controversies and after all upon mature deliberation he embraced the Reformed Riligion and reformed the Churches with the counsell of his brethren within his owne jurisdiction Anno Christi 1545. he was called to the Government of the Churches within the Diocesse of Mersburge where he was carefull to have the Truth Preached to the people he lived with much continencie in a single life he took much pains both in writing and Preaching he was very charitable a great promoter of Peace amongst Princes very free from ambition hatred and revenge he used often to say Subdiâ—us esto Deo ora eum c. Submit thy selfe to God and pray unto him for he is near to those that are of a contrite heart and will save the humble in spirit He employed his time so well that he left none for pleasures and used to say That nothing refreshed him more in his sorrowes then conference with learned and godly men Falling sick of a most troublesome disease he was frequent in holy prayer for himselfe for all the Princes of that family for his country and for Germany he had some portions of holy Scriptures daily read to him he made his Will wherein he set downe the Confession of his Faith and commended the defense of his Churches to his brother he added something to the stipends of all the godly Ministers under his charge He often ruminated upon those texts God so loved the world that he gave c. No man shall take my sheep out of my hand Come unto mee all yee that are wearie c. and so in holy meditations and prayer hee resigned up his Spirit unto God Anno Christi 1543. and of his Age 47. A Prince by birth and of a Princely minde Full frought with vertues of each severall kinde Is here presented ornaments of grace Such as doe challenge not the second place But first by merit here you may behold One whose rare vertues no Pen can unfold In pious duties he did strive to be Transcendant who was by nature frée For to the Poore he reliefe did give During the time that he on earth did live Read but his life and then at large you le sée Monopoliz'd in him most vertues be The life and Death of Justus Jonas who dyed Anno Christi 1555. IVstus Ionas was born at Northusa Anno Christi 1493. where his Father was a Senator who falling sick of the Plague and having applyed an Onion to the Soare and taking it off and laid it by him this little Ionas coming tooke the Onion and eat it up yet without any prejudice to himself God miraculously preserving of him He was first brought up at Schoole afterwards he studied Law and made a good progresse therein But upon better thoughâ—s he studied Divinity and proceeded Doctor and embraced the Reformed Religion and was called Anno Christi 1521. to a Pastorall charge in Wittenberg he was present at most of the Disputations about Religion where he defended the truth strenuously and endevoured to promote peace he was also made a Professor in that Universitie He with Spalatine and Amsdorfius was imployed by the Elector of Saxonie to Reforme the Churches in Misnia and Thuringia From thence he was called unto Hale in Saxonie where he Preached and promoted Religion exceedingly Luther somtimes resorted thither to him and tooke him along with him in his last journey to Isleben where he dyed after whose death he remained a while in the Duke of Saxonies Court and was a constant companion of Iohn Frederickes sons in all their afflictions and lastly he was set over the Church in Eisfield where he ended his dayes in much peace and comfort Anno Christi 1555. and of his Age 63. Being once under temptations and in great agonie he shewed much despondencie but his servant partly by comforting of him and partly by chiding of him cheared him up and at last through Gods mercy the Spirit prevailed against the Flesh. Justius by name no poyson sure could kill God so protected him from what was ill The venome of the Plague did séeme to be No poyson unto him for he scap'd frée Although the Duyon he by chance did eat That poyson'd was by the Plagues
rage was spent Ye did him good though with an ill intent Pricke up your eares and hâ—are this fatall tone Those fires which made him screek wil make you groâ— The Life and Death of Conrade Pellican who dyed Anno Christi 1556. COnrade Pellican was born at Rubeac in Swedeland Anno 1478. and brought up in learning by his Parents at thirteen yeeres of age he went to Heidleberg after sixteen moneths study there he returned home where he entered into a Monastery yet afterwards returned to Heidleberg and from thence to Tubinge where he studied the Liberall Arts and was much admired for his quick wit he studied also School-Divinity and Cosmography wherein he profited exceedingly he tooke very great pains in the study of Hebrew and at Basil was made Doctor in Divinity afterwards the Popes Legat took him with him towards Rome being affected with his learning but falling sick of a Fever by the way he returned to Basil. Whilst he thus continued a Fryar he was of great esteeme amongst them because of his learning integrity but it pleased God at last that by reading Luthers bookes and conference with learned and godly men he began to dis-relish the Popish Errors and so far to declare his dislike of them that he was much hated and persecuted for a Lutheran but about the same time the Senate of Basil chose him Lecturer in Divinity in that City togeâ—her with Oecolampadius where he began first with reading upon Genesis then on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes An. Christi 1526. he was by the meanes of Zuinglius sent for to Tygure and being come was most courteously entertained by him there he laid downe his Monks Coul and married a wife by whom he had a son which he named Samuel being then preaching upon the history of Samuel that wife dying he married againe but had no children by his second wife he was present at the Disputation at Bern about Religion after Zuinglius his death there were chosen into his room Henry Bullinger and Theodor Bibliander who was an excellent Linguist and began to read upon Iâ—aie to the great astonishment of his hearers for that he was not above 23. yeers of age Pellican â— at the earnest request oâ— learned men Printed all his Lectures and Annotations which were upon the whole Bible excepting onely the Revelations which portion of Scripture he not intending to write upon caused the Commetaâ—y of Sebastian Meyter upon it to be bound with his to make the worke compleat He translated many bookes out of Hebrew which were printed by Robert Stevens and having been Hebrew Professor at Tygure for the space of thirty yeers wherein he was most acceptable to all not onâ—ly in regard of his excellent learning and indefatigable painâ— but also in regard of his sweet and holy Conversation At lasâ— falling into the pain of the stone other diseases he departed this life upon the day of Christs Resurrection 1556. of his Age 78. After our Pellican had wandred long In the worlds wide-wildernesse he grew so strong In grace and goodnesse that he soon became An ample Subject for the mouth of Fame He was admir'd by all that lov'd to be Serious proficients in Divinity He lives he lives although his body lyes Inshrin'd by earth True virtue never dyes The Life and Death of Bugenhagius who died Anno Christi 1558. IOhn Bugenhagius was born at Iulinum in Pomerania Anâ—â— christi 1485. His Parents were of the rank of Senators who bred him up carefully in Learning and sent him to the University of Grypswald where he profited in the study of the Arts and the Greek tongue Being twenty years old he taught School at Trepta and by his learning and diligence he made the School famous and had many Scholaâ—â— to whom also he red daily some portion of Scripture and pâ—â—yed with themâ— and meeting with Erasmus his booke againe the â—â—strâ—onicall carriage of the Fryarâ— the Idolatry of the times he gat so much light thereby that he was stirred up to instruct others therein and for that end in his Schoole he read Matthew the Epistles to Timothy and the Pâ—alms to which he added Catechising and also expounded the Creed and thâ— ten Commandements unto which exercises many â—entlemen Citizens and Priests resorted from the Schoole he was called to preach in the Church and was admitted into the Colledge of Presbyters many resorted to his Sermons of all ranks and his fame spred abroad insomuch as Bogeslauâ— the Prince of that Country employed him in writing an History of the same aud â—urnished him with mony books and records for the enabling of him thereto which History he compleated in two yeeres with much judgement and integrity Anno Christi 1520. one of the Citizens of Trepâ—a having Luthers booke of the Babylonish Captivitie sent him he gave it to Bugenhagius as he was at dinner with his Collegues who looking over some leaves of it told them that many Hereticks had disqâ—ieted the peace of the Church since Christs time yet there was never a more pestilent Hereticke then the Author of that book but after some few dayes having read it with more diligence and attention he made this publick Recantation before them all What shall I say of Luther All the world hath been blinde and in cimmeâ—ian darknesse onely this one man hath found out the Truth And further disputing of those questions with them he brought most of his Collegues to be of his judgement therein Hereupon Bugenhagius read Lutheâ—'s other Works diligently whereby he learned the difference between the Law and the Gospell Justification by Faith c. and taught these things also to his Hearers But the Divell envying the successe of the Gospell stirred up the Bishop to persecute the professours of it some of which he cast into Prison and caused others to flye away insomuch as Bugenhagius also being not safe and desirous to be acquainted and to confer with Luther went to Wittembourg Anno christi 1521. and of his 〈◊〉 36. and came thither a little before Luther's going to thâ— Diet at Worms In whose absence he opposed â—arolostadius who would have all Magistrates to rule by the Judicialâ— of Moses and Images to be cast out of Churches Upon Luther's return out of his Pathmos he was chosen Pastor of the Church of Wittembourg which he taught and governed with much felicity and in many changes of affairs for the space of thirty six years never leaving his station neitheâ— for War nor Pestilence and when he was profered Richeâ— and Preferment both in Denmark and Pomeron yet he would never leave his Charge though he lived but poorly in itâ— Anno christi 1522. he was sent for to Hamburg where hâ— prescribed to them a forme both of Doctrine Ceremonieâ— and Calling of Ministers where he erected a Schoole alsoâ— which afterwards grew very famous and Anno christi 1530 being sent for to Lubec he prescribed to them also an order both for Preaching and Discipline
meane time granted unto them liberty of Conscience which when it came to the eares of Paulus III. Pope of Rome he sharply reproved the Emperour saying That he esteemed of Hereticks as highly as of Catholicks and that he seemed to thrust in his sickle into another mans harvest The Emperour answered That he was perswaded that his act was just And Calvin perceiving the truth of the Gospell to be deeply wounded bâ— these Letters he sharply reprovâ—d the boldnesse of the Pope In this year also there was a Convocation at Spire whereupon Calvin tooke occasion of writing his Booke intituled De necessitate reformandae Ecclesiae And in the same year also he refuted the Anabaptists and Libertines and that with such invincible arguments that none reading and observing hiâ— Worke can unlesse wittingly and willingly be deceived and seduced by them But the Queen of Navarre was greatly offended with that Worke of his against the Libertines because he had particularly reproved Quintinus and Pocquetus two Ringleaders of that Sect and not of small account with her Majesty Calvin being informed of this he so wisely and discreetly behaved himselfe that he gained againe the favour of the Queen and withall caused that impious and blasphemous Sect to be banished out of France who afterwards seated themselves in Amsterlodam the prime town in Holland In the year 1545. by the conspiracy of some wicked and evilly disposed persons the thresholds and posts of the doores in Geneva were done over with an oyntment so strongly composed of poyson that whosoever touched it death imediately followed and from this also proceeded a raging Pestilence in the City whereby an infinite number of soules were swept away this accident procured great envie unto Calvin from all places yet at the last some of the authors of this inhumane act were discovered and suffered worthy punishment for the same In this year also he laboured to remove the false opinion of Osiander concerning the Lords Supper out of the Church and also the errours of the Nicodemites and many other grosse opinions which hindred the growth of the truth of Christ. In which proceedings he was abundantly blessed by the Lord who never permitted his enemies to have their pleasure of him by taking away his life which they intended and more especially he shelterd him from the fury of Amedenus Perinnus a Captaine of great authority in the City but deprived for that fact of his Office These continued dissentions and defamations in the Church at Geneva were motives which drew Farellus and Viretus unto the same place who in the year 1548. delivered before the Senate an eloquent and learned Oration concerning the suppression of Sedition and the taking away of differences out of the Church The motion was approved of all and Perinnus having hopes thereby to attaine againe unto his former preserment consented thereunto but he soone discovered his wicked intent for he was no sooner graced with his former dignitie but he and many others burst forth into reproachfull speeches against Calvin and after a disgracefull manner calling his Dog by the name of Calvin others stile him by the name of Cain and some by reason of that violent and fierce hatred which they conceived against him they would absent themselves from the Communion and so draw downe a double vengeance on themselves In the midst of these evils which were of force to have caused him to have forsaken the City he constantly performed his Ministeriall office and at vacant times he inlightned Pauls Epistles with learned Commentaries He also most learnedly laid open and discovered the falsity and vanity fo Judiciary Astrology He comforted Beratius living as a banished man at Basil and also Bucer in England And this is also remarkable that notwithstanding the daily increaâ—ing of these contentions the Church did wonderfully florish in Geneva and also it injoyed some peace and quietnesse In the year 1551. for then there sprung up a company of factious fellowes who denied the priviledges of the City unto such as were banished for the truth and fled to that place for succour And being perswaded by Calvin in a Sermon Preached for that purpose to grant the priviledges of the City unto them he was well beaten for his paines as soon as he came out of the Pulpit These stirred up also another Tumult in the Temple of St. Gervas because the Minister refused to Baptize a child by the name of Balthazar Calvin not forgetting his late kindnesse received was contented with patience to let it passe In this year the City was also much troubled with that blasphemous heresie of Servetus who by the means of Calvin was apprehended and convicted but remaining obstinate in his opinion he was buâ—nd alive in the same City The cause of Servetus being as yet in hand one of the factious company called Berâ—lerius an impudent and wicked fellow whom the Presbitery had foâ—bidden to come unto the Lords table by reason of his ill lead life and excomunicated came unto the Senate and desired his absolution which he perswaded himselfe was sufficient Calvin earnestly opposes this action of the Senate declaring unto him that he ought to be a defender and maintainer and not a violator of holy good lawes yet Berlterius prevailed with the Senate and he granted unto him his absolutory letters Perinnus by the imitation of Bertlerius thought to take Calvin in a trap and either to raise a tumult against him if he would not obey the Senate or if he consented then no disanull the authority of the Presbitery Calvin being fore-admonished of this intent in his Sermon before the Communion in the presence of both of them he uttered these words with great fervency But I imitating Chrisostome will rather suffer my selfe to be slain then that this hand shall reach the holy things of the Lord unto such as are apparently known to be the contemners and despisers of him which wrought such an impression in them that they durst not presume to come unto the Lords table nay it is probable that he was at that time fearfull of his life for he Preached as if they never afterwards should have heard him again In this troublesom state the Church of Geneva continued unto the yeere 1555. wherein a conspiracy was happily discovered by which meanes most of the factious persons were put to death and banished the City By which example of Divine vengeance others were delivered and kept in awe and that Common-wealtâ— freed from many inconveniences yet in the same yeer the errours of Servetus seemed to revive againe and to be nourished by Matthaeus Gibraldus an excellent Lawyer who came unto Geneva and would willingly have been familiar with Calvin which he most willingly would have had embraced so as he would have consented with him in the Article of the Trinity The same year also yeelded much sorrow unto Calvin in regard that persecution raged in many places and especially in England which tooke away Hooper
son in learning and at eleven years old sent him to Heidleberg to Schoole and at thirteeâ— yeers old he was admitted into the University and at fifteen he commensed Batchelor there also he studied Greek and Hebrew and was so studious that he usually rose â—t midnight to his Booke whereby he contracted such â—n hâ—bit that he could never after whilst he lived sleepe longer then till midnight the rest of the night he spent in holy Meditaâ—ions And in his old age he had a candle by hiâ— bedsidâ— and deceived the time by writing and meditation Partly by his diligence and partly by his acute wit and strong memory he profited so much both in the Artâ— and Tongues that at eighteen years old he was made Master of Arts. About this time Luthers Books coming abroad Brenâ—ius by reading of them came to the knowledge of the Truth which he willingly embraced And being desirous to pâ—opagate it to others he began to read upon Matthew firâ—t to some friends of his own Colledge but his Auditorâ— encreasing out of other Colledges he was fain to read in the publick Schoolâ— for which the Divines hated him because he grew so popular sayâ—ng That neiâ—her was the place fit for Divinity Lectures nor he fit for such a worke being not yet in Orders Whereforâ— to take away that objection he entered into Orders and Preached often for other men to the great delight of his Hearers From thence he was called to be at Pastor at Hale in Sweveland where his gravity gesture phrase voyce and Doctrine did so pleaâ—e the Senate that though he was but three and twenty years of age yet they chose him to that place and he carried himselfe with such gravity holinesse of life integrity of manners and diligence in his Calling that none could contemn his youth and the Lord so blessed his labours there that many were converted to the Truth yea amongst the very Popish Priests som of them were converted others lâ—ft their places for shame and went elsewhere He used much modesty and wisdome in his Sermons and when in the beginning of his Preaching there the Popish Priests railed exceedingly upon him and his Doctrine and the People expected that he would answer them accordingly he contrariwise went on in teaching the fundamentall points of Religion and as he had occasion he confuted their Errors without bitternesse from cleaâ—e Scripture arguments whereby in time he so wrought upon them that he brought them to a sight of their Errors and to a detestation of their Idolatry About this time Muncer and his companions rose up and stirred almost all the Boorâ— in Germany to take Armes against the Magistrates and rich men abusing Scripture to justifie their proceedings whereupon Brentius was in great danger for many cried out that his opposing of Popery and casting out the old Ceremonies was the Cause of these tumults and when as the Boors in Hale were risen up and threatned to besiege the City of Hale the Magistrates and Citizens were in such fear that they were ready to slye or to joyne with the Boors but Brentius encouraged them and told them That if they would take Armes and defend their City God would assist them c. And so it came to passe for six hundred Citizens beat away foure thouâ—and of those Boors He also published a Booke in confutation of their wicked opinions and shewed how dissonant they were to the Word of God Presently after rose up that unhappy contâ—nâ—ion between Luther and Zuinglius about Christ's presence in the Sacrament which continued divers years to the great disturbance of the Church scandall of the reformed Religion and hinderance of the successe of the Gospell and when a conference was appointed for the composing of that differance Luther Brentius and some others met with Zuingliâ—â— and some of his friends but after much debate they pâ—â—ted without an agreement Anno 1530. was the Diet held at Auspurg unto which the Protestant Princes brought their Divines with them and amongst others Brentius at which time George Marquessâ— of Brandenburg told the Emperour That he would rathâ—r shed his blood and lose his life or lay downe hiâ— necke to the heads-man then alter his Religion Here the Divineâ— drew up that famous Confession of Faith which from the place is â—alled the Augustine-Confession Brentius at his â—eturne home married a Wife famous for her chastity modesty and piety by whom he had six children Vlricâ—â— Prince of Wurtenburg intending to reform Religion in hiâ— Dominions thought it the best way first to reform the Universitie of Tubing and considering where he might have a fit man for so great and difficult a worke he at last resolved upon Brentius whom he sent for and who with much diligence prudence and fidelity accomplished the same In the year 1547. the Emperour with his Army coming to Hale Brentius hoping to prevail with the Captaine thâ—â— no Souldiers should be quartered in his House but when hâ— came home he found the souldiers beating at his door and ready to break it down and when they perceived that Brentius was Mâ—â—ter of that House one of them set an Halbert to his brest threatning to kill him if the doore was not presently opened Whereupon they were let in and he caused meat and drinke to be prepared for them and in the mean time conveyed away all his papers and when he saw the fury and rage of the souldiers he conveyed himselfe and family out at a back door The next day came a Spanish Bishop with his train and putting forth the souldiers he quartered in Brentius his house searched his study looked over his papers and letters and finding some letters to his friends wherein he justified the Protestant Princes in taking Armes against the Emperour he presently carried them to the Emperour whereby Brentius was in great danger and was fain to hide himselfe in a very high Tower and not being safe there he changed his apparell left his wife and children and with one onely companion passed through the Spaniards safely and wandred up and down the fields all that night But when the Emperor was removed with his Army he returned to Hale again In the year 1548. when Caesar had published his Booke called the Interim the Protestant Princes and Magistrates required the judgements of their Divines upon it and the Magistrates of Hale desired Brentius to tell them his judgement who when he had considered it told them That it was a wicked Booke and altogether contrary to the Scriptures and that he would lose his life before he would assent to it This coming to Caesar's eares he sent a Commissary to Hale charging him to bring Brentius to him either alive or dead when the Commissary came thither he insinuated himselfe into Brentius his acquaintance invited him to his Table perswaded him to walke abroad with â—im having prepared Horses to carry him away but that succeeding not he called the Senate together and having sworn them
earth and set it in a Crown of pure Gold upon her head in Heaven The Preface to the King before the life is not mine but D r. Overals then Dean of S t. Pauls the Appendix likewise iâ— not mine but Doctor Morton then Lord Bishop of Duresm the modell of the life drawn by me beginneth thus If rare and admirable qualities of our Ancestors deserve a â—hankefull acknowledgement of Posterity And endeth thus Lord adorn and enâ—ich continually thy Church with such Iewels deck her cheeks with rows of such Rubies and her neck with chains make her borders of gold with stâ—ds of silver Amen Holy Learning sacred Arts Gifts of Nature strength of Parts Fluent Grace an humble minde Worth reform'd and wit refinde Swéetnesse both in tongue and Pen Insight both in Bookes and Men Hopes in woe and feares in weals Humble knowledge sprightly zeale A liberall heartâ— and frée from Gall Close to friends and true to all Height of courage in Truths duell Are the stones that made this Jâ—well Let him that would be truly blest Weare this Jewell in his brest The Life and Death of Zegedine who dyed Anno Christi 1572. STeven Zegedine was borne in the lower Fanonia in the yeâ—r 1505. brought up in learning wherein he profited to admiration and became a Schoolmaster himself about which time hearing the fame of Luther and Melancthon he had a great minde to goe to Wittenberg but wanting opportunity in sundry regâ—rds he went to the Uâ—iversity at â—racovia where having studied a while he was made a Reader to others and grew very famous and having gotten some money there he then went to Wittenberg where he studied Logick and Divinity three years and then returned into hiâ— owâ— Coâ—ntrey And in the City of Thasniadine he instructed Youth in the knowledge of Arâ—s and Preached Jesus Christ also to the Peâ—â—le before uâ—knowâ—e unto them whereupon the Kingâ—â— Treasurer fell upon him beat him and drove â—im out of the City there he lost two hundred Books and was so barbarously kicked by this Tyrant with his iron Spurs that he was almost slaine Thus wandring up and downe as an exile Anno Chisti 1545. he was called to Iulia where he was made governour of an illustrious School and the year after he was sent for to Cegledine where he was hired to Preach publickly in the Church There also he married a wife and after three years stay he went thence and was sent for by the Governour of Temeswert to govern the School there where also he preached to the people but that Governour dying there succeeded him one that was a strong Papist who drove Zegedine from thence Being again an exâ—le he was called to govern the Schoole at Thurin where he also preached to the people who eagerly embraced the Truth and loved him exceedingly From thence he waâ— called to Bekenese where he also preached to the people and read in the Schools whilest he was there a Countrey man coming to him said Sir what doe you here when there are some souldiers coming upon you to slay you therefore flye hence speedily if you will save your life Whilest he was speaking the noyse of th souldiers was heard without whereupon he slipt into his chamber but the souldiers breaking in upon him plundered him of all he had and binding him carried him away with them but behold the gracious providence of God amongst those bloody Souldiers there was one that favoured him and conveyed him away so that swiming over a river he escaped and returned home again shortly after his fame spreading abroad he was called to Tholna to govern a School there and there also he preached to the people and his former wife being dead he married another and not long after he was chosen to Lascovia to be the Pastor there and was Ordained Minister by the Imposition of Hands and taught Schoole also about which time he was made Doctor and the Superintendent of all that Baronry he read also in private to many that repaired to him and intermitted not his pains no not in sickness if he had but strength to speak that his voycâ— might be heard Anno Christi 1558. he was removed thence by the authority of the Governour of the Castles to Calmantsem Anno Christi 1561. the Vayvod of Copasware with his souldiers being Turks came upon the inhâ—bitants of Calmantsem for neglecting to pay their Tribute as they were at Sermon and took many of them prisoners together with Zegedine and carryed them away to Copasware the rest that escaped gathered the Tribute carried it presently to the Vayvâ—d entreated his pardon and the restitution of the prisoners especially of Zegedine but he told them that if they would have them restored to liberty they must goe and pitition the Bashaw for their release which they doing the prisoners were presently releaâ—ed but when they afterwards accused the Vayvod to him of Tyranny and injustice he required that Zegedine and some of the chiefe Citizens should come and testifie those things before him but when Zegedine came he picked a quarrell with him and cast him into prison whereupon his people by rich presents endeavour'd to procure his release and when they had almost obtained their request one whispered the Bashaw in the ear and told him that he might have 1000. Florens for his ransome whereupon he still detained him and told them that he would not release him till they had paid him a 1000. Florens but when the money came in slower then he exspected the barbarous Tyrant chid his Keeper for using him too gently which as he said was the cause that his ransome was not yet paid whereupon his Keeper bound and whip't him with thongs till he was bloudy all over and almost kill'd him afterwards the Bashaw promised that iâ— they would procure the release of the daughter of the Major of Tolne who was prisoner with the Hungarians and bring her unto him he would release Zegedine her therefâ—re his people of Calmantsem redeemed for three hundred Florens and presented her to the Bashaw yet the Infidell falsified his promise and kept him still prisoner then the Prince of Transilvania sent Ambassadors and a rich present to the Bashaw requesting the release of Zegedine yet nothing would prevail many pittying his miserable captivitie came to visit him and gave him money but his cruell Keeper extorted most of it from him Bâ—ing loâ—den with heavy chains the Citizens with much importunity prevailed to get him leave once a day to come to the Christians to whom he preached and so returned to prison againe yet God stired up the hearts of some of the Courtiers to commiserate his deplorable condition During his imprisonment the Bashaw used all means both by threats and promises to draw him to abjure the Christian Religion and to turne Turk but he alwayes answered him stoutly That such arguments might prevaile with children but could not prevaile with him Having leave at last to lye amongst the other
thou hast not received And Not I but the grace of God in mee With which he is gon away ashamed and shall no more return and now I am sure that my battell â—s at an end and that without pain of body or trouble of spirit I shall shortly change this mortall and miserable life with that happy and immortall life that shall never have an end After which one praying by his bed having made an end asked him If he heard the Prayer Yea said he and would to God that all present had heard it with such an ear and heart as I have don Adding Lord Iesus receive my spirit With which words without any motion of hands or feet as one falling a sleep rather then dying he ended his life Never was man more observant of the true just authority of Church-Rulers according to the Word of God and thâ— practise of the purest Primitive time he alwayes pressed due Obedience from the people to the faithfull Pastorâ— and Elders of the Church He dyed Anno Christi 1572. and of his Age 62. Men of all ranks were present at his Buriall The Earl of Murray when the Corps was put into the ground said Here lies the body of him who in his life time never feared the face of any man Undaunted Knox would never fear to tell The bett their follyes if they did not well He was severe to those that would not Observant to his preach'd Divinity He lov'd the wayes of peace and would delight Himselfe in â—ods just Lawes both day and night His soul would be laborious to fullfill The sweet commands of his deare makers will In peace he liv'd and with a peacefull breath He call'd on God and yeelded unto deathâ— The Life and Death of Peter Ramus who dyed Anno Christi 1572. PEter Ramus was born in France Anno Christi 1515. His Grandfather was a Noble-man who having his estate plundered by Charles Duke of Burgundie Generall under the Emperour Charles the fifth was forced to leave his Country and to betake himselfe to the poore and painfull life of an husbandman and his father being left very poor by him was fain to live by making of Charcole Ramuâ— being from his Childhood of an excellent wit of an industrious nature and much addicted to learning was compelled for his subsistance to live as a servant with one of his Uncles but finding that by reason of his many Imployments he had no time to follow his book there he thought it better to betake himselfe to the service of some learned man so going to Paris and being admitted into the Colledge of Navar he laboured hard all day for his Masters and spent a great part of the night in study so that in a short time he was made Master of Arts and Laureat-Poet and the Professors in that Colledge every one taking much delight in his diligence each strove to forward him in learning and lent him such books as he needed then he betook himselfe to instructing of others and to exercise himselfe in private Lectures till thereby he had fitted himselfe for more publick employments then was he appointed publickly to read Logick and when he was twâ—nty one years old he published his Logick with some Animadversions upon Aristotile this procured him much love every one admiring such ripe parts in so young a man and envy being the usuall concomitant of vertue he had also many that envied and aspersed him especially the Sorbone Doctors who accused him of Heresie in Phylosopgy for that he being but a Novice dust take upon him to correct Aristotle the Prince of Phylosophers and by their authority they so far prevailed that Ramus was forbidden to read or write any morâ— of Phylosophy This being very griâ—vous to him it pleased God to stir up the heart of the Governour of another Colledge to send for him to assist him in restoring of that Colledge which was now empty the students being all fled by reason of the infection of the Plague aâ—â— it came to passe that in a short time Ramus being so famouâ— a man the Colledge was better stored with students then ever it was before the Sorbonists much raged at this and laboured to soâ— division betweene the Governour of the Colledge and him yet Ramus carried himselfe with so much candor and ingenuity that they lived together wâ—th much concord at last that Governour dying Ramâ—s succâ—eded him and by the Cardinall of Lorrain's meanes who who was a great favorer of Learning he was made the Regius Professor of Rhetorick and Phylosophy Anno Christâ— 1551. and of his Age thirty six His fame spreading into all the Universities of Christendome there were many Princes that strove to get him out of France profering him large stipends if he would come to them but he being now famous in France preferred his owne Country before all others and therefore rejected all their offers In Pariâ— he had so great esteem that though his enemies strongly opposed it yet he was made Dean of the whole University and so having obtained a more quiet kinde of life he betook himselfe to the study of the Mathematicks wherein he grew very exquisite But when the Civill Wars brake forth in France for Religion and that none could safely enjoy themselves or any thing that they had when under pretence of Religion every one revenged his owne private quarrels upon others Ramus to free himselfe from this tempest left Paris and went to Fontainblew where the Kings Library was yet neither there could he be in safety so that at last he was compelled to betake himselfe to the Camp of the Prince of Conde But when he saw that France was no fit place for him for the present to reside in he resolved to travell into Germany till God should restore peace to his Country againe and accordingly he went to Argentine Basil Lusanna Tâ—gâ—re Heidelbâ—rgeâ— Noreâ—berg and Auspurg and was entertained in all these Universities with great applause and with much joy by all learned men And when the Civill War was ended in France he returned to Pariâ— againe Then he remained in his College till thâ—t horrible Massacre happened on Saint Bâ—rtholomews Eve wherein so many thousands perished by the cruell hands of bloody Papists at which time the Colledge gates being fast shut he locked himselfe up in his owne house till those furious Papistâ— brake open his doorâ— and finding him 〈◊〉 him through and being halfe dead threw him out of his window and not â—â—â—â—â—fied therewith they cut off his head dragged his body about the streets in the channels and at last threw it into the river of Sâ—in Anno Christi 1572. and of his Age seven and fifty After which also they selâ—ed upon his Goods Library and Writings whereby many â—xcellent Commâ—ntaries and other Works not fully compleaâ— perished to the great losse of learned men Indâ—â—â—rious 〈◊〉 from his youth inclin'd Himselâ—e 〈…〉 a well composed minâ—e His hearâ— was serious and he tooke great
Grindall WIlliam Grindall was born in Cumberland Anno Christi 1519. and carefully brought up in learning first 〈◊〉 School and then in the University of Cambridge where being admitted into Pembrooke-Hall he profited so exceedingly that he was chosen first Fellow and afterward Master of that house and Bishop Ridley taking notice of his piety and learning made him his Chaplain and commended him to that pious Prince King Edward the sixt who intended to prefer him but that he was prevented by an immature death In the bloody dayes of Queen Mary Grindal amoâ—gst many others fled into Germany where he continued alâ— her raign but coming back in the begining of Queen Elizabeth she preâ—erred him to that dignity which her brother King Edward entended him to making him Bishop of London wherein he carryed himselfe worthily for about eleven years and Anno Christi 1570. he was removed by the Queen to the Archbishoprick of Yorke where he continued about six years and then for his piety and learning she made him Archbishop of Cantâ—rbury wherein he lived about seven years more and then falling sick at Croydon he resigned up his spirit unto God that gave iâ— An. Christi 1583. and of his Age 64. Both in his life and at his death he did many excellent works of Charityâ— at Saint Bees in Cumberland where he was born he erected a Free-school and endowed it with 30 l. per Annum for ever To Pembrok Hall in Cambridg where he was educated he gave 22 l. a year in Lands for the maintaining of a Greek Lecturer one Fellow and two Schollars to be chosen out of the foresaid Schoole of Saint Bees he gave also much money to the said Colledge To Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge he gave lands for the maintenance of one Fellow from the said School To Christ's Colledge in Cambridg he gave forty five pounds To Queen'â— Colledge in Oxford he gave twenty pound per Annum in lands to maintain one Fellowâ— and two Scholars out of the aforesaid School and at his death he gave his Library which was a very great and good one to that Colledge besides a great sum of mony To eight Alms-houses in Croydon he gave fifty pounds per Annum and to Canterbury he gave an hundred pounds to set the poor on work True vertue rain'd in Grindals brest His Charity bespeakes him blest He loved peace and hated those That dar'd to prove Religioâ—s foesâ— Renowned Ridley took delight To see his vertue shine so bright He like a star gave light to all That sat in darknesse pinch'd with thrall And thus this glistring star went downe And set in Heav'n with much renowne Where now he beares his part and sings Blest hallalujahs to the Kng of Kings The Life and Death of Bernard â—ilpin who dyed Anno Christi 1583. BErnard Gilpin was born at Kentmire in the County of Westmoreland Anno Christi 1517. of an ancient and honorable family when he was but a child a Fryar pretending to be a zelous Preacher came on a Saturday night to his fathers house and at supper eat like a Glutton and drank himselfe drunk yet the next morning in his Sermon sharply reproved the sin of Drunkennesse whereupon yoâ—ng Gilpin sitting near his mother cryed out Oh mother do you heare how this fellow dar's speak against drunkennesse and yet himselfe was drunken last night but his mother stopped his mouth with her hand that he might speak no further it being a mortall sin in those times to speak against these men His parents perceiving his aptnesse were carefull to make him a Scholar and when he had with great approbation passed his time in the Grammer-School they senâ— him to Oxford Anno Christi 1533. where he was admitted into Queen's Colledge and profited wonderonsly in humane learning he was very conversant also in the writings of Erasmus which were much esteemed at that time Aud to the study of Logick and Philosophy he added that of Greek and Hebrew yea after som few years spent in these studyes he grew so famous that their was no place of preferment for a Scholar whereof the eminency of his vertues had not rendered him worthy whereupon he was one of the first that was chosen a member of Christ-Church by Cardinall Wolâ—ey At that time he was not fully instructed in the true Religion but held Disputations against Iohn Hooper afterwards Bishop of Worcester as also against Peter Martyr who was then Divinity Lecturer at Oxford upon the occasion of which dispute that he might defend his cause the better he examined the Scriptures and ancient Fathers But by how much the more he studyed to defend his Cause the lesse confidence he began to have therein and so whilst he was searching zealously for the Truth he began to discern his owne Errors Peter Martyr used to say That he cared not for his other â—dversaries but saith he I am much troubled for Gilpin for he doth and speaketh all things with an upright heart and therefore he often prayed That God would be pleased at last to convert to the Truth the heart of Gilpin being so inclinable to honesty and the Lord answered his prayer for Gilpin resolved more earnstly to apply himselfe both by study and prayer to search out the Truth and it pleased God accordingly to reveal it unto him as also the many Errors of Popery and the necessity of seperating from that Apostaticall Church In the mean while Cuthbert Tâ—nstal Bishop of Durham being his Unckle resolved to send him beyond Sea to visit the Churches in forrein parts and to allow him means for his travel but before his going he was called to preach before King Edward the sixt which he performed with good approbation Then resolving upon his journey he had a Parsonage given him which Tunstal perswaded him to keep to maintain him in his travels but he sending for a friend whom he knew to be learned and religious resigned his Parsonage to him for which when it came to the knowledge of Tunstal he chid him sharply and told him That he would dye a beggar but he excused it saying That he could not keepe it with the peace of his conscience but said the Bishop thou shalt have a dispensation to whom Gilpin answered That he feared when he came to stand before Christ's tribunall it would not serve his turne to plead a Dispensation c. When he came beyond Sea he went to Lovain Antwerp and Pariâ— and after a while Tunstal sent againe to him to perswade him to accept of a Parsonage which he would confer upon him to whom he wrote backe that he had discussed it with all the learned especially with the Prophets and best writers since Christ's time so that he was fully resolved not to burthen his conscience to accept of a Change which he could not live upon c. Whilest he was at Paris Tunstal sent him over a Book which himselfe had written about the Presence of Christ in the Sacrament to be
and for three years exercised himselfe with much diligence in instructing youth but having an earnest desire to perfect his own studies he returned to Wittenberg again Luther being yet living there he commensed Master of Arts before he was two and twenty years old and applyed himself wholly to the study of Divinity but tht Wars waxing hot the Emperor placed a Garrison in the Castle and Towne of Wittenberg and the Students were driven away from thenceâ— at which time Wigand was called to Mansfield his owne Countrey to be an assistant to their ancient Pastor Martin Seligman where also he was ordained Minister by Prayer and imposition of hands by Iohn Spangâ—rberg the Superintendent there which place he discharged wiâ—h much â—â—delity and industry and read Logick and Phylosophie to the youth in the Schools there also he wrote a confutation of the Popish Catechisme and a confutation of George Mâ—jor who held That a man by Faith onely is justified but not saved c. He delighted exceedingly in a Garden and in observing the wisdome of God in the nature shape and various colours of Hearbs and Flowers for which end he gatt the greatest varietie of them that possibly he could into his Garden He was one of those that strongly opposed the Interim In the year 1553. he was chosen by them of Magdeburg to be their Superintendent but the Earl of Mansfield and thâ— People strongly opposed his remove from them yet at last by the meanes of the Prince of Anhalt they consented unto it At Magdeburg he tooke excessive paines in reading writing meditating and Preaching whereby he converted many Popish Priests in those parts to the Truth he also took great pains in writing the Magdeburgenses Centuries which he together with Matthew Iudex Flacius Illiricus Basil Faber Andrew Corvinus and Thomas Holthuterus finished to the great benefit of the Church Of which booke Sturmius gave his Testimony that it was necessary and profitable and had these four vertues in it viz. veritatem diligentiam ordinem perspicuitatem Truth diligence Order and perspicuity In the year 1560. the Elector of Saxonie having begun a University at Ienes sent earnestly to Wigand to come thither to be the Divinity Professor which for weighty reasons he assented unto and performed that office with much acceptance of all that heard him yet by the subtilty and malice of one Stosselius he was dismissed from that place and so returned to Magdebâ—rg againe but not staying there he was chosen to be the Superintendent at Wismare An. Cstristi 1562. where he imployed himselfe wholly in Preaâ—hing disputing expounding the Scripture and governing the Church Anno Christi 1563. he commenced Doctor of Divinity in the University of Rostoch he stayed at Wismare seven years at the end wherof Iohn William Duke of Saxony sent for him againe to Ienes but the Duke of Megapole would by no meanes part with him yet at last after severall embassies the Duke of Saxony prevailed that he should come for one year to Ienes His people parted with him very unwillingly with many sighs and tears and at the years end sent for him back againe but could by no means obtaine his return he was not onely made the Professor of Divinity at Ienes but the Superintendent also Anno Christi 1570. he went with his Prince to the Diet at Spire and at his returne to Ienes was received with great joy but after five years Duke Iohn William dying he was againe driven from thence and went to the Duke of Brunswick who entertained him kindly but presently after he was called into Borussia to be the Divinity Professor in the University of Regiomonâ—anum and after two years was chosen to be Bissiop there Anno Christi 1587. he fell sick especially upon griefe conceived for the afflicted condition of the Church in Poland and the death of his deare friend Iohn Wedman an excellent Divine this desease increasing and his strength decaying he prepared himselfe for death he made his own Epitaph In Christo vixi morior vivóque Wigandus Do sordes morti caetera Christe tibi In Christ I liv'd and dy'd through him I live again What 's bad to death I give my soul with Chist shal raign And so in the mid'st of fervent prayers and assured hope of eternall life he resigned up his spirit into the hands of God that gave it Anno Christi 1587. and of his Age 64. Rare-soul'd Wigandus bow'd his whole desires To warme his spirits by th'inlivning fires Of sacred fuell and he alwayes stood Engag'd to that which heav'ns blest mouth call'd good He was a man whose life and conversation Were well sufficient to adorne a Nation With good examples nothing could devorse His ready lips from the belov'd discourse Of heavenly matters till at last he cry'd My God receive my soul and so he dy'd MARTINVS CHEMNICIVS The Life and Death of Martin Chemnisius MArtin Chemnisius was born at Britâ—â—a in Old March Anno Christi 1522. his father being poor he met with many impediments to discourage and hinder him in Learning yet bearing a great love to it by his exceeding industry he overcame all and after some progresse at home he went to Magdeburg where he studyed the Tongues and Arts and from thence to Frankefurt upon Oder and after he had studyed there a while he went to Wittenberg where he studyed the Mathematickâ— and from thence to Sabinum in Borussia where he taught School and commensed Master of Arts and Anno Christi 1552. he wholly betook himselfe to the study of Divinity By his modest and sincere carriage he procured much favor from the Prince and all his Courtiers after three years stay there he went back to Wittenberg and by Melancthon was imployed publickly to read Common places from thence he was sent for to Brunople â—n Saxny by the Senate and made Pastor which place he discharged with singular fidelity and approbation for the space of thirty years and commensed Doctor in Divinity at Rostoch many Princes and Common-wealths made use of his advice and assistance in Ecclesiasticall affairs He took great pains in asserting the truth against the adversaries of it as his excellent Examen of the Tridentine Councill shews at last being worn out with study writing Preaching c. he resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1586. and of his age 63. He is said by one to be Philosophus Summus Theologus proâ—undissimus neque veritatis bonarumque artiâ—m studio neque laude officii facâ—le cuiquam secundus This Authour eminent Chemnisius grave Among these worthies a prime place may have Who by his most industrious pains ore came The many rubs which would have quentcht his fame And to such height of learning did arise As made great Princes him most highly prize Yea so transcendently his fame did shine That One him stil'd a most profound Divine A prime Philosopher one justly known For parts and pâ—ety second to none And thus he liv'd and dyed
the same year he was graced with the title of Doctor in Divinity in the presence of the Prince Elector and of his son Casimirus who being most desirous of propagating the truth of Christ injoyned him after his returne from Rhetia to the Palatinate to lay open the true doctrine concerâ—ing God and concerning the three Persons in the Diety and to confute the opinion and to overthrow the arguments of such adversaries as at that time opposed the Diety of Christ and of the holy Ghost in Poland and in Transilvania whereupon he wrote his treatises ful of learning and piety de natura Dei detribus Elohmi filio spiritu Sancto uno eodemque Iehovah In this Academie he professed Divinity ten years even unto the death of â—rederich the third Prince Elector afterwards he went unto Neostadt where he was entertained Divinity Lecturer in a School newly erected where he continued seven years after the death of Frederick the third he was called unto the Academy at Leyden in Holland then newly consecrated in the year 1578. and also unto Antwarp in Brabant in the year 1580. but because that School could not want him he was willed by the Prince to remain there where he continued untill such time as the School was translated unto Heidleberge and then by reason of his old age he was discharged of his office by Casimirus then Elector Palatine whereupon he went towards Heidleberg to visit some friends which he had there whom when he had seene and comforted in those perillous times he changed this life for a better and more durable in the year 1590. and in the 75. year of his age and lyes buried in S t. Peters Chappel at Heidelberg He was well read in the auncient Fathers and in the writings of the Philosophers he was of singular modesty he alwayas earnestly desired peace amongst the Churches and in his old age was afflicted with blindnesse His works are here inserted 1 Divine Miscillanies with the explication of the Augustâ—n Confession 2 His judgement of the Controversies about the Lords Supper 3 Of the Trinity bookes thirteen in two parts in the fiâ—st the Orthodox mystery of this Doctrine is proved and confirmed by Scripture in the latter the adversaries are confuted 4 A Câ—mpendium of the chiefe points of Christian Doctrine 5 A Perfect tretise of the sacred Scriptures 6 Of the Incarnation of Christ. 7 Of the Divine Nature and his Attributes 8. Of the Workes of God in six dayes 9â— Of Mans Redemption 10 A Commentary upon Hosea 11. A Commentary on the Ephesians 12. Colossian .. 13 Thessalonians 14 Iohn 15 Observations of Physicke 16 His answer to an Arrian He sought and found the truth and would not hide That light from others that did still abide Within his breast his soul was alwayes free T' advance the works of reall piety Uertue and gravity were both combin'd Within the ceture of his breast and shin'd With equall luster all that heard his voyce Were fil'd with raptures and would much rejoyce At his discourse for what his tongue exprest Alwayes proceeded from a reall breast Let his examples teach us how to stand Firmely obedient to our Gods command That at the last we may rejoyce and sing Praises with Zanchy to heav'ns glorious King The Life and Death of Anthony Sadeel who dyed Anno Christi 1591. ANthony Sadeel was born upon the confines of Savoy and France not far from Geneva Anno Christi 1534. and his father dying whilst he was young his mother brought him up in learning and sent him to Paris and having studyed a while there he went to Tholous where falling into the society of some godly students of the Law it pleased God that he left Popery and went from thence to Geneva where he was much holpen by Calvin and Beza afterwards being sent for home and some controversie arising about his inheritance he went to Paris and there joyned himselfe with the private Congregation of the Protestants there the Pastor Collongius called the young students that were of that congregation together perswaded them to apply themselves to the study of Divinity which afterwards turned to the great good of the French Churches and amongst others Sadeel faithfully promised to apply him self therto having profited much in those studyes being scarce twenty years old he was by the approbation of the whole Church chosen one of the Pastors the year after fell out that horrid violence offered to the Church at Paris when they were met together to hear the word and receive the Sacrament where above one hundred and fifty of them were laid hold of and cast into Prison but by a miracle of Gods mercy the Pastors escaped the year after Sadeel was delivered from a great danger for at midnight many Apparitors brake into his house searched every corner and at last brake into his chamber seized on his books and papers crying out they were Hereticall and so laid hold upon him and carryed him to Prison But it pleased God that Antony of Burbon King of Navar who knew him and had often heard him hearing of his imprisonment sent to the officers to release him as being one of his train and when they refused to doe it he went himselfe to the Prison complaining of the wrong that was don him by imprisoning one that belonged to him being neither a murtherer nor thief and withall bad Sadeel follow him and so tooke him away with him whereupon the day after he publickly before the King gave thanks to God for his deliverance expounding the 124 Psalm then it being judged the safest for him to absent himselfe for a while he went to viâ—it the Churches in other parts of the Kingdome and at Aurelia he continued some moneths Preaching to many Citizens and students in the night time to their great advantage then he returned to Paris againe where a Synod of Ministers and Elders the first that was there were assembled to draw up a confession of their Faith which afterwards was presented to the King by the Admirall Coligny But the King shortly after dying the Queen mother and the Guises drew all the Government of the Kingdom into their hands and raised a great persecution against the Church drawing many of all ranks to Prisons and punishment yet Sadeel intermitted not his office but was wholly imployed in Preaching comforting confirming the weak c. till the danger encreasing it was thought fit that the care of the Church should be committed to one Macradus a man lesse known and that Sadeel should retire himselfe and so he went into severall parts of the Kingdome and therâ—by much propagated the true faith The year after the persecution not being so violent at Papis Sadeel could not refraine from going to his flocke which he loved so dearly In the year 1561. he fell sicke of a quartan Ague and by the advice of his Physitians and friends he was perswaded to goe into his owne Countrey yet neither there did he
laid a sound foundation for a further firmer fairer future fabrick he betook himself to the study of Divinity Unto which now mainely addicting himselfe he began as was most need with the Scriptures the pure Well-spring of all divine truth the authority whereof as he alwayes maintained so he made them ever his Ground-worke for all matters of Faith and his Touchstone for the triall of all humane either writings or opinions From theÌ„ he proceeded a good course to be taken by young students in Divinity to the writings of our modern Divines of the best note and from these to the Monuments of the auncient Doctors all the works of whom whither Greek or Latine Fathers of any note being one as of a strong and able body so of pains and industry unweariable by night watches repairing what at any time by day he lost through emergent occasions he read over and dispatched within few years Herein he both so profited and made his proficienâ—y to appeare that nothing ordinary was now expected from him and being chosed when he took his first degree in Divinity to answer the Act at the Commencement in that solemn Assembly he therein so acquited himselfe that the place of the chiefe Professor of Divinity becoming shortly after even the very next year vacant by the removall of Doctor Chaderâ—on who then held it from the Headship of Queens Colledge to the Bishoprick of Chester notwithstanding his immaturity of years as might be deemed for such an employment his maturity of judgement and learning joyned with singular piety modesty gravity and discreete cariage prevailed so much as to procure him that placâ— though much laboured for by some others far auncienter then himselfe and of good darts and note otherâ— we see Being now brought upon a most eminent Stage wherein he lay open to all eyes to envious ones especially seldome wanting in such cases and of all other most curious and quick-sighted to pry narrowly into the defects and defaults of those whom they envie he therein so worthily demeaned himselfe beyond all expectation that he not onely surpassed the expectation of his wel-wishing friends but surpassed also the emulations of his ill-affected adversaries not unlike a prevailing pillar of fire that with iâ—s cleare and bright flames mounting up on high dispelleth and consumeth the smoake that would obscure and smother it He began with the opening in a dogmaticall way of sundry Bookes and parcels of Scripture the three first chapters of S. Lukes Gospell the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galatians his first Epistle to Timothy and Salomons Song of Songs all which he went through with in his publicke Lectures within the space of six years being attended continually with a constant concourse of the best and an auditory at all times well filled Neither was his Pen idle the whiles but was withall employed otherwise as well as his tongue For during this time he delt by writing with Campian that florishing Jesuite and refuted his ten frivolous and reasonlesse Reasons which he so much vaunted of he replyed upon Duraeus the Scot his scurrilous railings in defence of that his refutation and stopt his foule mouth He grapled with sedicious Sanders evicting his Arguments wherby he laboured to prove that the Pope is not Antichrist and with Rainolds his second who had bin nibling onely at the Preface to his eviction of Sanders his Demonstration but had no hart to meddle with the Worke it selfe After this considering the state and necessity of the times in his publicke Lectures he betooke himselfe to Controversies and singled out Bellarmine the Popes then greatest Champion and Romes Goliah to bicker with The Controversies he handled were concerning the Scriptures concerning the Church concerning Councels concerning the Bishop of Rome concerning the Ministers of the Church concerning the Saints deceased concerning the Church Triumphant concerning the Sacraments in generall the Sacrament of the Eucharist and of Baptisme in speciall whereof some small part he published in his life time some other part hath bin published since his death And as his Readings at home so his Writings both at home and abroad have for ingenuity perspicuity soundnesse succinctnesse received high commendations from the most judicious Divines that this age hath afforded yea it is credibly reported that Cardinall Bellarmine himselfe so esteemed of him that he procured hence his Portraiture and had it hanging in his Study among the Pictures of other men of prime note and that being demanded why he would keepe so near him the effigies of an Hereticke and one that had written against him and grace such an one so much he made answer that Though he were an Hereticke and an Advarsarie yet he was a learned Adversary nor is any testimony deemed more firme and credible then that that proceedeth from a professed enemy Onely while he lived Stapleton a peevish peece â—narled at some passages in one of his Controversies whom he so answered that the waspish dotard had little lust to reply Having some years sat in the Professors chaire and taken the degree of Doctor upon removall of Doctor Howland to the Bishopricke of Peterborough he was called by speciallâ— Mandate from the Queens Majesty to be Master of S. Iohns Colledg which Colledge by his accesse to it he much advanced For in his government thereof which with much moderation and singular discretion he carried himselfe in he had a speciall eye to the advancement as well of Religion as of Learning taking notice even of the lowest and the meanest and giving much encouragement every way to such as he observed to be forward in either By meanes whereof that Colledge during all the time of his continuance there greatly florished and was more frequented then any Colledge in the whole Universitie besides About his latter times som Controversie arising in the Universitie concerning certaine points of Doctrine he was together with some other of chiefe note and place called up to London for the composing of the same wherein having travelled and taken much paines to good purpose in his returne homeward from thence being well near mid-winter and sharpe weather he tooke by some cold in likelihood that sicknesse of which turning to a violent Feaver he not long after deceased During the short time of his sicknesse for he lay not many dayes he carried himselfe very comfortably and cheerfully and departed with much peace He was a man very personable of a goodly presence a body well compact tall of stature upright proportionally limmed blacke hayred of a grave aspect a ruddy complexion a strong constitution of a setled carriage a solid judgement a liberall minde an affable disposition a milde yet no remisse Governour a free disposer of Places a constant frequenter of the publicke service a generall Schollar a great Student to the last a lover of Learning and Learned a contemner of money of a moderate dyet a familiar demeanure a life generally unblameable and that which added a luster to all
a piece of it which when Chytraeus had done Melancthon enquiring hiâ— age and admiring his forwardnesse said unto him Thou dost worthily deserve thy Degree and hereafter thou shalt be as a Sonnâ— unto me Whilst he was there he heard Luther's Lectures upon 〈◊〉 ten last Chapters of Genesis And as Plato when he was â—eady to dye praised God for three things first that God had made him a man secondly that he was bron in Greeceâ— thirdly that he lived in the time of Socrates So did Câ—â—traeus also acknowledge it as a singular mercy first thaâ— God had made him a man secondly a Christian thirdly that he had his education under those excellent lights of the Church Luther and Melancthon He was very diligent in attending upon Melancthon studied in his study heard all his discourses publicke and private about matters of the weightiest concernment followed him when he walked abroad and endeavoured wholly to fashion his life by hiâ— example And Melancthon looked upon him as his owne Son and used to call him suum Davidem his David Presently after Luther's death the Wars in Germany breaking forth by Charles the fifth the University of Wittenberg was dissipated by reason of the same whereupon Chytraeus went to Heidleberg where he studied Hebrew and then went to Tubing where he applyed himselfe to the study of the Mathematicks But when Prince Maurice of Saxonie had restored the University and called back Melancthon he preâ—ently returned to Wittenberg where he buckled close to his former studies fearing the like interruption again and in the year 1548. he began privately to read to young Students by which meanes having gotten some money in his purse he resolved to travell into Italie and other parts that so he might see those famous places which he had often read of and grow into acquaintance with the eminent men of those times For which he having gotten a faâ—thfull companion Andrew Martin of Rostoch he tavelled through most parts of Italie and being returned to Wittenbern Melancthon was requested to send two learned men to Rostoch for the advancement of that University whereupon he commended Iohn Aurifabar and Chytraeus to them who accordingly went thither and began their Lectures to the great satisfaction of the Auditors and in a short time Chytraeus grâ—w so famous that Christian King of Denmarke and the Senate of Auspurg sent for him to come to them he was desired also by the University of Argentine to succeed Hediâ— lately dead also Fredericke the second Prince Elector Palatine sent earnestly for him to come to Heidleberg but his Prince Iohn Albert would by no meanes part with him two years after he travelled into Frisland Brabant Flanders and other of the Belgick Provinces upon his returne the Elector Palatine sent againe for him to Heidleberg and the King of Denmarke profered to double his sâ—ipend if he would come to him but his answer to them both was That his Prince had dealt so friendly with him that he could by no meanes leave him Some years after the Nobility of Magdeburg sent to request his presence and assistance in reforming of Religion and ejecting of Popery from amongst them but when he could not goe himselfe he wrote his minde fully to them about the same About that time he commenced Doctor in Divinity at the charges of his Prince In the year 1565. the Senate of Stralsund sent for him to be their Superintendent and the King of Sweden also desired him to come thither but nothing would prevaile to get him from Rostoch The year after his Prince tooke him with him to the Diet at Auspurg where matters of Religion were to be debated At which time Ambassadours came to him againe from Argentine to request his remove thither and he gave them some hope of aâ—senting if his Princes good will could be procured but he would by no meaneâ— part with him and to expresse his love he profered to enlarge his stipend but Chytraeus refused the same Two yearâ— after he was sent for into Austria to assist them in the Reformation which they intended thither he went and gave them such full satisfaction that they sent him backe with an ample testimony of his abilities and integrity Then he made a journey into Hungarie where he visited many of the chiefe Cities in that Kingdome In the year 1571. his Prince made him the chiefe Visiâ—or of all the Churches in his Dominions He assisted also in the worke of Reformation at Berline the Marquesse of Brandenburg sent for him also to be the Divinity Professor at Frankefurt but could not obtain him Two years after the States of Stiria sent for him to helpe them in reforming thâ—ir Churches whither he went for halfe a year and was exceeding usefull to them therein At his returne he was sent for by the Elector of Saxonie and the University of Wittenberg to be a Professor there but they could not prevaile The year after the Duke of Brunswicke being to erect an University at Iuliers sent to him to assist in making Lawes for the University choyce of Professors c. Which he dispatched to his great content Shortly after also he went to divers meetings of Divines in severall placâ—s about procuring and setling the peace of the Churches of Christ. Whilst he was at Rostoch he went over in his Lectures the greatest part both of the Old and New Testament and wrote divers other learned Bookes also Growing into years he began to be diseased and sometimes was confined to his bed yet neither there would he be idle but upon the least intermission of his pain he went on with his Exposition of the two and thirtyeth Psalme which he had begun before And after that in Commenting upon the Epistle to the Romans but his disease increasing wherby he discerned the approaching â—f his end he made a Confession of his Faith received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and not long after quietly slept in the Lord in the year 1600. and of his age seventy Whilst he lay sick in his bed if any present had discoursed about a controversall point raising himselfe up he would call to them to speak out for that he should dye with the more comfort if he could learn any new thing before his departure In fames large Catalogue of worthyes rare Chytraeus may impropriate ample share Of honour and renown who from a lad An even Connative disposition had To learning which his parents did promove And which in time he rarely did improve Commencing at but fifteen years of age Master of Acts and with Melancthon sage In his owne house was blestly educated And most profoundly by him doctrinated In whom Melancthon such profâ—ciency Found even unto admiration high That this his pregnant Pupill afterward He as his son did tenderly regard Chytraeus also in processe of time To such a highth of honour up did clime For 's excellency in all rare Literature As did from all that knew him love procure And favour
and counsels in his Sermons that as a changable taffaty where the wooffe and the warpe are of severall colours appeare now of one colour now of another according to the different standing of the beholders so one and the same Sermon of hiâ— seemed all Law and all Gospell all cordials and all corrasivts as the different necissities of people apprehended it 8. Amongst those his many vertues worthy our imitation his humility was eminent in condescending to the capacity of his meanest Auditors He had well read Saint Paul who calleth the people understanding him mine understanding in w ch sence he may be said to be the most intelligent Preacher who preacheth plainest to others apprehention And Ministers being turned Gods interpreters it is ill wheÌ„ their langvage is so high and hard that these Interpreters need others to interpret them to their Congregations But this may be said of Master Perkins that as Physitians order Infusions to be made by steeping ingredients in them and taking them out againe so that all their strength and vertue remaines yet none of the Bulke or Masse is visible therein he in like manner did distill soake much deep Scholarship into his Preaching yet so insensibly as nothing but familiar expressions did appeâ—râ— In a word his Church consisting of the University and Town the Scholar could heare no learneder the Townsmen plainer Sermons 9. He used alwayes before his Sermons as to this day is attested by many surviving witnesses a set form of prayer not that out of poverty he wanted variety and exchange of phraseâ— or that out of niggarliness he begrudged his Auditors the use of them but out of holy and heavenly Thriâ—t he found this the most profitable way for his people He would not that his soul should goe to Heaven alone but in his prayers would have the company of the meanest of his Congregation along with him and therefore alwayes used the same forme that others might keepe pace with him in his devotions 10. Commendable was his contentment with his Estate considering his income so small his charge of children so great and his Professors of removall so many so advantagious Yet he still was true to his first love continuing his paines in the Church of Saint Andrewes where â—he meanes inconsiderable in it selfe was made up to a competency not so much by the bountifull hands of others in giving as by the moderate mind of Master Perkins in takeingâ— yet wanted he not severall Patrons about the Towne who relieved him in a faire proportion amongst whom Master Wendey of Haslingfield must stand in the chiefe place Now if honourable mention be made in Scripture of Iohanna Susanna and other benefactors to our Saviour who Ministred unto him of their substance let not this worthy Esquires memory be forgotten with his singular Courtesy to this painfull Minister of Gods word 11. Many and most excellent are the books which Master Perkins left behind him His learning appeares most in his Problemes a difficult taske no lesse valiantly performed than venturously undertaken to assert the truth of the Protestant Religion by the testimony of the Fathers for the first five hundred years Which shews that his industry did not onely drive a retale trade in moderne Writers but that he fetched his learning and bought his wares from the best hands of the most ancient Authors 12. Herein excellent his judgement in fanning the Chaffe from the Corn the true from the forged writings of the Fathers The ancient Germanes are said to casâ— their new born children into the river of Rhine thereby to make an experiment whether they be true born or no accounting them legitimate if swimming but concluding themselves wronged by their wives dishonesty obtruding a bastard issue upon them if the infant sunk in the water Perkings had neater and more infallible touchstones to discerne the native and genuine from the spurious and adulterate workes of the Fathers by the manner of their stile strength of their matter time of their writing censure of other learned men upon them whereby many counterfeit Books are not onely denyed authenticke authority but also justly pillored for cheaters to all posterity I know it is layed to Perkins his chargâ— learned Whitaker is accuâ—ed for the same fault that he made all the Fathers Puritans but certainly in one sense they were Puritans of themselveâ— without his making I mean strict in their lives and conversations and how far he was from wresting their doctrines to the Countenancing of any error be it reported to men of unprejudiced judgement 13. In case Divinity he had an excellent dexterity to State controversies for the satisfaction of tender douting consciences to show what is lawfull and what unlawfull in mixt actions where good and bad are blinded together wherewith many are deceived like children swallowing the bones with the flesh to their great danger of choaking great was the fan and fire of his discretion and judgement to winnow the chaffe from the corn and separate the one from the other And sure in this case Divinity Protestantâ— are now defective for save that a smith or two of late have built them forges and set up shop we for the most part go downe to our adversaries to sharpen our instruments and are beholden to the Romanists the more our sham and their credit both for offensive and defensive weapons iâ— this kind Some object that his doctrine referring all to an absolute Decree cut off the sinnewes of mens endeavours towards salvation But were this the hardest objection against Master Perkins his doctrine his owne life was a sufficient answer thereunto So pious so spotlesse that malice was afraid to bite at his credit into whch she knew her teeth would never enter He lived Sermons and as his Preaching was a comment on his Text so his Practise was a comment on his Preaching 14. As for his Books it is a miracle almost to conceive how thick they lye and yet how far they over-spread all over Christendome When the Disciples were inspired with severall languages Acts 2.7 the strangers of Ierusalem were amazed and mervelled saying one to another Behold are not all these that speake Galileans And how heare we every man in our tongue wherein we were born Here I confesse was no inspiration but much industry much labour taken by others much honour done to Master Perkins when the Dutch Spaniards French and Italians stand wondring at his Workes who understood none of these tongues exactly speake them all being by severall pens translated into all these languages Thus good Ware never lyeth long on the Merchants hands but is ready money into what Country so ever it be brought 15. Thus for some years he constantly Preached to his people even to and above his strength It is observed of the birdâ— of Norway that they having in winter very short daies flye faster then any foul in other Countries as if principled by the instinct of nature thriftily to improve
with a more renowned Champion of the Româ—n Church then Iohn Heart namely father Robert Bellarmine for his subtile head afterwards graced with a Cardinals Cap. This Iesuite was then Reader to the English Seminary in Rome whose Dictates wonderfully favoured no sooner taken in writing by his Auditors but by some of Secrâ—tary Walsingams intelligencers residing at Rome they were sent by Post in Packets to the Court and from thence speeded to Doctor Reynolds who acquainting his Auditory with the very dayes in every moneth and weeke in which father Robert handled such a point addressing himselfe immediately to make a punctuall answer thereunto insomuch that what Saint Bernard speaketh to another purpose may be truely affirmed of Cardinall Bellarmines books of controversies that they were primes damnati quam nati branded before they were printed Never were any Lectures in our memory so frequented as these in that University nor any in Cambridge save those of Doctor Whitaker the great light of the other University as Reynolds was of this on these golden tapers were the eyes of all that loved the truth fixed and the Queen hearing of the good service they did to the Church preferred them both the one to a Headship in Cambridge the other to a dignity in the Church the Deanery of Lincolne Into which after Doctor Reynolds was invested and setled the â—ffaires of the Church therâ— but of an exceeding delight he tooke in an Academicall life he returned backe to Oxford and there lived some few yearâ— in Queens Colledge which place he made choice of for the infinite amity betwixt him and Doctor Robinson Bishop of Caâ—lile In which time besides many other he began a noble worke of very great importance de Romanae Ecclesiae idololutria this most learned and elaborate peece consisted of eight Bookes whereof two he put forth in the year 1596. and dedicated theâ— to the Earl of Essex Of his life and manner of conversation whilst he abode in Queens Colledge let D r. Cracanthorp then a Student in that Colledg speak ouâ— of his own knowledg When we were yong Students in Queenâ— Colledge Doctor Reynolds conversed with us so familiarly and so profitably that whatsoever how often soever how much soever any man desired to learne from him in any kinde of knowledge we daily drew it from his mouth as an ever-springing and never failing Well for he had turned over as I conceive all Writers prophane Ecclesiasticall and Divine all the Councels Fathers and Histories of the Church he was most excellent in all Tongues which might be any way of use or serve for ornament to a Divine he was of a sharpe and nimble wit of a grave and mature judgement of indefatigable industry exceeding therein Oregen surnamed Adamantius he was so well seene in all Arts and Sciences as if he had spent his whole time in each of them moreover for his vertue probaty integrity and which is above all piety and sanctity of life he was so eminent and conspicuous that as Nazianzen speaketh of Athanasius it might be said of him to name Reinolds is to commend vertue it selfe In a Word so modest courteous affable and sweete was his carryage that though he were to be ranked above the highest yet he made himselfe equall in a manner with the lowest In this Naioth he conversed after this manner with the Prophets and Prophets children till the 50 th year of his age when by the meanes of Archbishop Whitgift and the Earle of Essex he procured an exchange with Doctor Cole morâ— for his convenience then his profit the Deanry of Lincolne was conferred upon Doctor Cole and Doctor Reinolds was chosen President of Corpus Christi Colledge in which eminent place of preferment in the University though he continued not above eight years yet according to the distinction of Seneca betweene Vixit fuit Nâ—n ille diu fuit sed din vixit we may truely say that though he aboad not there long yet he lived therâ— long diu precedit licet non diu fediâ— he ruled there long though he sate but a short time hâ— did more good to that Society in eight years then any of his Predecessors in the like time trebled For he brought the Colledge much before hand which before through the covetousnesse of the Governours or negligence of inferiour officers was very much impoverished he procured an Act of Parliament for assuring some lands to it he caused diverse ambiguous Statutes to be expounded by the visitor Doctor Bilson Bishop of Winton and all the Statutes to be more duely observed then ever they had beene before He repaired and exceedingly beautified the Chappell Library and Hall he much improved the Schollars Chaplaines and Clarkes places to the Fellowships he added nothing partly becaus he found their maintenance very competent but especially because he conceived that the more he should encrease their maâ—ntenance the more he should take off their edge from seeking preferments abroad and taking on them the cure of soules and furnishing the Church with able and learned Pastors which he knew to be the chiefe end for which most if not all the Colledges in the University were built w ch as it appeareth by the Founders Statutes ought to be as nursers for choyce plants to be set nourished there for a while and after to be transplanted into the Spouse garden and not to wither in these beds It was said of Sparta that it was the best place in the world for men to grow old in because old age there was most respected and honouredâ— but the contrary may be said of Schollars and Fellowes places in the University for the lesse time they stay there after they are ripe for preferment the better they deserve of the Church and Common-wealth Carpite florem Qui nisi carpius erit turpiter ipse cadit During his Government in Corpus Christi Colledge though he were incumbered with multiplicity of other businesse and which was worse often visited with an ill guest the Gout which not onely keepes possession against the owners will but imprisons his landlord and claps such bolts upon his feet that he cannot stir Yet being moved thereunto by Archbishop Whitgift impurum impium sanderiue schismate Anglicano volumen ut refutarem rogusti he begun the refutation of Sander his impure and impious booke de Schismate Angli and proceeded so far therein that he cleared all matters of faith But wanting some records to clear diverse matters of fact objected in that scandalous Libell he was forced to make a pause and in the meane time he â—ramed an Apology of his Theses and unanswerably vindicated them against the Roman Elymases Stapleton Martine Bellarmine Baronius and Iustius Calvinus vetra Castrencus And lying in London to over-see the Presse and correct the proofes as he walked in Finsbuâ—y fields in the year of our Lord 1602. an Arrow whether shot purposely by some Jesuited Papist or at randome I know not fell upon his
had cast out concerning the nature of his disease and how they were confuted by Doctor Chennell his Physitian Master White his Apothecary and added withall that it was likely they might spreaâ— such a brute of him as they had of Beza that he recanted upon his death bed and therefore that it was earnestly desired by many of his deare friends in the University that he would give some testimony of his constancy in the truth before his departure at this he shookee his head and seemed much to be grieved because his speâ—ch was taken from him which the Vicechancellor perceiving with teares in his eyes besought him that he would give him leave to set downe a forme in writing to which if he liked it God might enable him to set his hand and thereby give satisfaction to all his friends which Doctor Reynolds expressed by sighes that he approved of the Vicechancellors advising with the rest of us there present wrote a few lines to this effect These are to testifie to all the world that I dye in the profession of that faith which I have taught all my life both in my Preaching and in my Writings with an assured hope of my salvation onely by the merits of Christ my saviour this forme being â—wise read unto him he seriously pondered every Word and after clapt his hand upon his nose whereby his servant Iohn Duhurst who attended him in his sicknesse told us that he desired a paire of spectacles which aâ—ter they were reached unto him and he had put them on he tooke the pen out of Doctor Aeries hand and subscribed his name not onely in legible but in very faire caracters at which we all admired the more because he had diverse times that morning assayed to write but could not through extreame weaknesse write one word or syllable in a legible hand whether the earnest intention of his minde at this time strengthned his hand or God extraordinarily assisted him I leave it to the judgement of all that are truely religious and take such things to heart The morrow after death seazing upon all parts of his body he expressed by signes that he would have the passing bell tole for him and as his friends runing in compassed his bâ—d all about and every one cast in his shot which was some choyce and comfortable text of holy Scripture he lifting up one of his hands which presently fell downe and stirâ—d no more and after his lifting up his eyes to heaven and fixing them there immovable without any trouble or signe of paine without so much as any sigh or groan he breathed out his soule into the hands of his redeemer the Thursday after Ascenâ—ion day betweene eleven and twelve of the clock the twenty one of May 1607. on Munday following he wâ—â— honorably interred the Vice-chancellor in close mourning the Noble mens sons heads of Celledges and Hals with all their companies in Academicall habits and the Mayor and Aldermen in their Scarlet gownes attending the Funerall the corps brought out of Corpus Christi Colledge was first carried to Saint Maries where a funerall Sermon was made by Doctor Aâ—rie then Vice-chancellour after the Sermon ended the body being removed to the Chancell M r. Isackâ— Wake then the University Oratour after Lord Embassador in Venice and France successively honoured the dead with â— short but elegant Panegyrick which followes after this 〈◊〉 body was carried back to the Colledge and their a secoâ—d Funerall Oration appointed to be made in the Chappâ—ll neare his grave but the Chappell being not capable of the fourth part of the Funerall troope a Desque was set up and covered with mourning in the quadrangle and there a briefe History of his life with the manner of his death sâ—t forth by Daniel Featley then fellow and deane of Arts in â—hat Colledge After his buriall a Monument and Statue in the Chappell was erected for him by Doctor Spencer his successour with an inscription in golden letterâ— as followeth Virtuti Sacrum JO. RAINOLâ—â— S. Theâ—l D. erudâ—tione Piâ—taâ—e Integritate incomparabili hujus Coll. Pes. qui obiâ—t Mai 21 0. Anno 1607 0. aetaâ— suae 5â— 0. JO. SPENâ—ER audâ—torâ— successor virtutum sanctitatis admirator b.m. amoris erâ—o posuit But these are darke and divine caracters in respect of those wherewith his fame is Printed in his Workes whereof some are come to light others may in good time His Printed Workes are these 1 Two Orations Printed in the year 1576. 2 His six Theses Printed in the year 1579. 3 His conference with Heart Prinâ—ed in English 1585. and afterwards translated into Latine by Henry Pary Bishop of Gloster and Printed by command of Archbishop Bancroft 1610. 4 De Romanae ecclesiae Idololatria Printed in the year 1596. 5. An Apologie of his Theses 1602. 6 Since his death certaine Epistles betweene him Doctor Gâ—gâ—r and Alberiâ—us Gentius concerning Stage playes 7 A Treatise of divorce amd marrying againe in case of adultery 8 A câ—nsure of the Apochrypha in two Tâ—mâ—s containâ—ng in them 250. of his Lectures in the Divinity Schooles 9 Cerâ—aine Epistles and Orations of his in Latine set forth by Henry Jackson 10 His Lectures upon Obediah in English with a Sermon of thanksgiving for the Queens Majesties deliverance from a dangerous treason set forth by Mr. Hinde His Works which remaine in Manuscript never yet printed areâ— 11 A commenâ—ary in Latine upon Aristotles three bookâ—s of Rheâ—oricke 12 The materials and first draught of six bookes de Idololatria Romanae ecclâ—siae 13 Sermons upon Aggi the Prophet Preached in Oxford 14 His learned answer to Sanders de scismate Anglicano in defence of our Reformation the regall supremacy and the booke of Ordination of Bishops Priests and Deacons 15 A defence of the English liturgie against Robert Browne the father of â—he separatists his scismaticall booke 16 A Treatise of the beginning and progesse of Popish errours and that for the first three hundred yeares after Christ Bishops ruled their owne diocesse without subjection to the Pope 17 A Treatise of Daniel Weekes against Hugh Braughton dedicated to Archbishop Whitgift A Funerall Oration delivered in St. MARIES Church in Oxon at the sad Interment of Doctor Iohn Reynols by Master Isacke Wake the University Orator May 25. 1607. Translated out of Latine HOw fraile and unconstant the condition of our life is and how fitly resembled to a dreame or a tale I could wish most honoured Doctors the rest of the sad troope all the children of our mother the University had it so pleased the highest wee might have learned by any other experiment rather then this sad spectacle doubtlesse we have seene but too many evidences of the decrepit age of the warld now drooping to ruine as the distemper of the Heavens the malignity of the Stars the boysterous gusts of the Windes the deluges of water from the Clouds the foming billoes of the Sea swelling with unheard of fury which sad presages terrifie
them and others since have made much use of wherin also by the way he hath inserted the lives Acts and carriages of the Romane Popes that the world might see and know what manner of men or monsters rather many of them have been and how far unlike unto Christ who yet have given themselves out to be Christs Vicars and the chiefe pillars of his Church Shorâ—ly after the happy entrance of that blessed Princess Q. Elizabeth when the storm raised by her sister Mary was now laid he returned over again into England as it semeth stept over from thence into Ireland to visit it may be his former flock if any faithfull of them were remaining yet there or to looke after his library if he might light upon any remaines of it in those places where it had been disor in the hands of those that had seazed upon it But he survived not long to enjoy either the peaceable times of Gods Church here re-established or the comfort of his people if he found any left there or the use and benefit of his books if he recovered any of them For it is by some reported that he dyed in Ireland at sixty and seven yeers of age in the year of our Lord 1558. which yet for the year of his decease may seeme not so to be since that his Catalogue or Centuries of our Brittin Writers Printed by him at Basile while he yet aboad in those parts is dedicated by himselfe to Queen Elizabeth then setled in the throne of this kingdome who began her raigne but in the latter part of that year besides that the latter part of that impression beareth date the Month of February 1559. as alâ—o some verses prefixed before the whole Worke wherein mention is made also of Queen Elizabeths reigne and of the Authors then taking leave of his friends in those parts and intendment of returne with his wife for England again bear date of March the same year which though they may be supposed to imply the close of the yeare 58. according to our computation who begin thâ— year at the latter end of March whereas they begin it at the first of Ianuary yet some space of time must be allowed for his travell out of Swiiâ—serland into England and from thence again into Ireland if there he deceased And it may well be deemed therefore that he survived if not to 1560. yet to 59. at least But this I leave to those that have more certaine records of it nor is the thing it selfe much materiall His Wokes for the most part as himselfe hath related and ranked them together with some few omitted by him and added by others are these First those that he compiled while he was yet a Papists 1 A Bundle of things worth the knowing 2 The Writers from Elias 3 The Writers from Berthold 4 Additions to Trithemius 5 Germane Collections 6 French Collections 7 English Collections 8 Divers writings of divers learned men 9 A Catalogue of Generals 10 The Spirituall War 11 The Castle of Peace 12 Sermons for Children 13 To the Synode at Hull 14 An answer to certaine Questions 15 Addition to Palaonydorus 16 The History of Patronage 17 The Story of Simon the Englishman 18 The Story of Franck of Sene in Italy 19 The Story of Saint Brocard 20 A Commentary on Mantuanis Preface to his Fasti. Secondly those that he wrote after that he had renounced Popery First in Latine 1 The Heliades of the English 2 The Brittish writers 3 Notes on the three Tomes of Walden 4 On his Bundle of Tares 5 On Polydore of the first invention of things 6 On Textors Officine 7 On Capgraves Catalogue 8 On Barnes his lives of Popes 9 The Acts of the Popes of Rome 10 A Translation of Thorps Examination into Latine 11 That of Brittish writers much enlarged with the lives and Acts of the Bishops of Rome inserted 12 An Additton of Scottish Irish and other writers 2 In English 1 In English Meeter and divers sorts of Verse 1 The life of John Baptist. 2 Of John Baptists Preaching 3 Of Christs Tentatinus 4 Two Comedies of Christs Baptisme and Tentations 5 A Comedie of Christ at twelve years old 6 A Comedie of the raising of Lazarus 7 A Comedie of the High Priests Councell 8 A Comedie of Simon the Leper 9 A Comedie of the Lords Supper and the washing of the Deisciples feet 10 Two Comedies or Tragedies rather of Christs Passion 11 Two Comedies of Christs buriall and Resurrection 12 A Poeme of Gods Promises 13 Against those that pervert Gods Word 14 Of the corrupting of God Lawes 15 Against Carpers and Traducers 16 A defence of King John 17 Of King Henries two Mariages 18 Of Popish Sects 19 Of Papists Trecheries 20 Of Thomas Beckets Impostures 21 The Image of love 22 Pammachius his Tâ—agedies translated into English 23 Christian Sonnets 2 In English Prose 1 A Commentarie on Saint Johns Apocalypse 2 A Locupletation of the pocalypse 3 Wicklefs War with the Papists 4 Sir John Oldcastles Trials 5 An Apologie for Bernes 6 A defence of Grey against Smith 7 John Lamberts Confession 8 Anne Askews Martyrdome 9 Of Luthirs Decease 10 The Bishops Alcaron 11 The man of Sinne. 12 The Mistery of Iniquity 13 Against Antichrists or false Christs 14 Against Baals Priests or Balaamites 15 Against the Clergies single life 16 A dispatch of Popish Vowes and Priesthood 17 The Acts of English Votaries in two parts 18 Of Heretickes indeede 19 Against the Popish Masse 20 The Drunkards Masse 21 Against Popish perswasions 22 Against Standish the Imposture 23 Against Bonners Articles 24 Certaine Dialogues 25 To Elizabeth the Kings daughter 26 Against customary swearing 27 On Mantuane of death 28 A Weeke before God 29 Of his Calling to a Bishoprick 30 Of Lelands Iournall or an Abridgement of Leland with Additions 31 A Translation of Sebald Heydens Apologie against Salâ—e Regina 32 A Translation of Gardiners Oration of true Obedience and Bonners Epistle before it with a Preface to it Notes on it and an Epilogue to the Reader Many other things he compiled translated and published which neither himselfe could sodainly call to minde nor others easily light on who yet have added to his recitall But it may well be admired how being so haunted hunted chased and hurried as he was from pillar to post and so oft stript both of bookes and other helps he could come to the sight and view of so many Authors much more how he should have time to surveigh such a multitude of them as by his writings it appeareth he did and most of all how he should be able to write so many volumes to goe no further as you see here related although some of them were but small His industry therefore is very remarkable which as it accompanied him to the last so it surviveth his decease in the fruit of it with us and in the reward of it to him Loe here the man who stir'd Romes
serious meditation of the reformation of Religion in the Churches he desired to conforme the Citizens of Hassia unto the example of the Primitive Church he desired to remove many reliques of superstition out of the Church he desired to establish that Ecclesiasticall discipline which was ready to fall unto the great detriment of the Church In the midst of these heavenly cogitations it pleased the Lord to send his messenger for him which he well perceiving by the continuall increasing of his paines he desired to have the Communion administred unto him afterwards he told his wife what he would have done after his death after that he had instructed his children how they should carry themselves towards God and how towards their mother and how towardâ— men and his yongest son standing amongst them hâ— laid his hand on his head uttering these Words discemi fili mandata domini ipse enaâ—riet te Keepe the commandaments of the Lord my son and he will provide for thee then â—urning himselfe to those who were present he declareâ— unto them that he dyed in that faith which he had constantly professed so many yeares in that City which words being spoken he fell asleepe and was buried at Marpurge in the year our Lord 1564. and in the 53. year of his life All things which are to be required in a Teacher are to be found in this Gerardus first he was learned and his learning was also joyned with experience secondly he had an excellent faculty and method of teaching thirdly he was laborious in his function fourthly he was gravâ— fiftly of an unspotted life and conversationâ— he was modest patient and constant all which sufficiently declare that he was set apart by the Lord for the converting of many souls unto Christ. His Works which he left unto the world as a rich legacy are here set downe 1 A Commentary on the twentieth Psalme 2 On the twelft Psalme 3 A method for a Preacher 4 On the Romans 5 Of reading and meditating the Scriptures 6. Method of Theologie 7 Theologicall Topicks 8 Catechisme Other Works in two Tomes First 1 Of the study of the Scripture 2 Of the institution of Colledges 3 A triall of students 4 Of Catechising 5 Of justification by faith 6 Of Benificence to the poor 7 Of Feasts Tome 2. 1 Of the duty of hearers 2 Of Providence 3 Of Selfe-examination 4 Of the marriage of Ministers 5 Of the Sacraments 6 Notes upon Aristotles Ethicks 7 Physicks 8 Logicke 9 Rhetoricke 10 Arithmaticke 11 Gromaticke 12 Cosmographik 13 Optics 14 Astronomy Set forth after his death 1 Annotations of Isaiah 2 Commentaries on the Galathians 3 Ephesians 4 Philippians 5 Colossians 6 Thessalonians 7 Timothy 8 Titus 9 Philemon 10 Iude. 11 Hebrewes You that desire to lead a life Free from th'incumbrances of strife Draw neare and with a carefull â—row Let brave Gerarduâ— teach you how Reader observe and thou shalt finde By trauell he inrtch'd his minde His active heart was alwayes free To Propagate true piety He alwayes studied to displace Errours from the Churches face He gain'd no envy but from those That were Religions chiefest foâ—â— He would perswade intreat advise His Fellow-preachers to dispise Those fruits of Idlenesse which he defy'd Thus liv'd Gerarduâ— thus Gerardus dy'd ARETIVS BENEDICTVS The Life and Death of Aretius Benedictus AS the Lord hath never been wanting unto his Church both in these and in forraine parts in the stirring up of painfull and â—ealous Watch-men for the Propagating of his truth and for the enlightning of the understanding of those whom he had elected unto salvation in Jesus Christ so he hath not been deficient in procuring the affection of eminent persons towards the same Professors by whose meanes they have been defended and sheltered against the inviterate malice both of the Divell and his members Malicious enemies unto the Word of truth amonst whom the Senate of Berna may justly receive worthy Commendations for the constant love shewed unto the zealous professors of the truth it being indeed the maine pillar which doth support the welfare of a Common-wealth and which doth draw downe a blessing from heaven upon their intended designes In this â—amous City was Benedictus Aretius borne a faithfull zealous professors of the truth of Christ being beautified with excellent endowments both of learning and piety which did sufficiently testifie that he was set apart by the Lord for the winning of many unto Christ. He spent his youth in his owne Country amongst the Switzers wherein he was instructed and trained up in the knowledge of the Arts but ayming at a greater perfection labouring â—or a sounder judgement in the works writings of other learned and Orthodox men he left his Country for a season and went unto Marpurg where by reason of his eminent gifts and qualities he gained the love of many learned Schollers and was designed and oppointed to read the Logick Lecture in the same place which after he had performed for the space of some years to the great profit of his Auditors to the never dying fame of himselfe and to the generall applause of all the City having also attained in some measure to that perfection which he had formerly desired he returned again unto Berne where he was joyfully received and by a generall consent appointed to open the Scriptures and to instruct the inhabitants in the way of life in which exercise he observed such an edifying method both in his publick reading and Preaching that he drew great multitudes of people unto him who beholding his proceedings with great admiration with one consent praised the Lord for sending so learned and so painfull an instrument among them for the plantâ—ng of the truth in their hearts So excellent was his forme of teaching that many Divines came unto his Lectures not onely for the information of their judgements in matters of Controversies but also to learne his method of teaching which being obtained by some they proved excellent instruments in the Church for the converting of the lost sheepe of Israel and many would not in publicke make triall of their owne parts before they had continued for a season to be his Auditors His writings were greatly in request and desired greatly of all that either knew him or heard of him but especially his labours in Divinity one of his bookes called Eramen Theologicâ—m came to the Presse twelve times within the space of three years which doth declare the excellency and how usefull and beneficiall it was unto the Church in those times and in these dayes also it is a Worke fit to be perused of all such as doe intend the study of Divinity After that he had continued this constant course of teaching in the City of Berne for the space of many years to the great furtherance of the glory of God and benefit of his Church it pleased the Lord to take him unto himselfe and to Crowne him with a diâ—dem of everlasting glory
Tossan was sent in his room February the second Anno Christi 1620. as Pareus was coming out of his study the steps being slippery with the frost his foot slipt and he fell down sixteen steps and yet it pleased God by a wonderfull Providence that he light upon his feet and received no hurt by the fall which made him think of that promise Psalme 91. Hee will give his Angels charge over thee c. By his Doctrine and Councell he was admirably advantageous to the Church of God in many places He strongly asserted the truth of God against it's adversaries He was a great studyer and promoter of the Churches peace laboring that they which agree in the Fundamentals should not jar about matters of an inferior nature He wrote many â—xcellent Works whereof some were printed by himselfe others remained with his son Philip Pareus who hath since published them to the great benefit of the Church About that time the Spaniapds came into the Palatinate with their Army which brought great miseries upon that poor Country which Pareus fore-saw both by Prodigies and Dreames then did his friends both in Hiedleberge and other places pâ—rswaded him to retire himselfe to some other place of safety to whom he yeelded that so he might not fall into the hands of those bloody Papists whom he had irritated by his writings against them At his departure he cryed out O Hiedleberg O Hiedleberge but it 's better to fall into the hands of God then of man whose tender mercies are cruelty He went to Anvilla where he spent his time in Prayer Study and in Miditation waiting and longing for the time of his chang there also he wrote his Corpus Doctrinae which when he had finished he said Lord now let thy servant depart in peace because he hath finished that which he desired Presently after he felt his strength much to decay and he fell into a feaver and finding that the ayre in that place agreed not with him he went thence to Neapolis earnestly begging of God that if it were his holy will he might yet return to Hiedleberg and lay his bones there He made his will also finding his former Catarrh to return upon him againe yet it pleased God by the help of Phisitians to recover him whereupon he resolved to goe to Hiedleberge and taking his Grand-son young Daniel Pareus with him whom he loved deerly he came safely to Hiedleberge where he was received with wonderfull acclamations of joy about which time Prince Frederick came also thither from his Exile and the Sabbath following they received the Sacrament of the Lords-Supper together with much comfort But three dayes after his former disease returning he was sensible of his approaching death the Professors and Ministers resorted to him much bewailing their owne losse amongst whom was Henry Altingus to whom he freely opened his minde both concerning God house and his owne and presently after quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1622. and of his age 73. Pareus also of high Germany A wreath of Bayes deserves most worthily A very learned godly grave Divine Whose precious labors made his fame to shine Chiefly those on the Romans And although At first he many straits did undergoe Both by his Father and his other friends Yet God who in deep straits assistance sends Made all for his best good t'operate And by them brought him to a blest estate For he became abroad at home renown'd And was with many honours justly crown'd Especially at Hiedleberge where hee From all earths feares was happily set free The Life and Death of Thomas Erpenius who dyed Anno Christi 1624. THomas Erpenius was borne at Gorcome in the Low-Countries Anno Christi 1584. of honest Parents In his childhood he was bred in the School at Leiden and admitted into that University at eighteen years old and in the twenty fifth year of his age he commenced Master of Arts then he fell to the study of Divinity and of the Orientall Languages under Ioseph Scaliger who observing his ingenuity and promptnesse often foretold what an eminent man he would prove in time to come From thence he travelled in England France Italy and Germany in which perâ—grinations he profited exceedingly both in learning and prudence At Paris he became intimately acquainted with Isaac Casaubone and went with him to Samure where he fell hard to the study of Arabick and profited so exceedingly therein that Casaubone had him in great admiration and estimation for the same From thence he went to Venice where by the help of some learned Jews and Turks he learned the Turkish Persian and Aethiopick Ianguages whereby he gat so great esteem in Italy that he was profered a Pension of five hundred Duckats by the year to imploy himself in the version of some Arabick books into Latine He spent four years in travell and was famous every where for his learning at Paris and some other places he bought many Arabick books so returned to Leiden An. Ch. 1612. About which time there was a purpose to have called him into England to have allowed him an honorable stipend but the year after he was chosen Professor of the Orientall languages in Leiden and presently after he set up though with extraordinary charges a Presse for those Languages whereby he published many ancient monuments both of his own other mensâ— 1616. he married a wife by whom he left three children surviving him An. Christi 1619. he was made Professor of the Hebrew also and though he had so many and great imployments yet he went through each of them with so great exactnesse as if he had nothing else to attend upon In the year 1620. he was sent by the Prince of Orang and the States of Holland into France to procure Peter Moulin or Andrew Rivet to come to Leiden to be the Divinity Professor and though he prevailed not at that journey yet they sent him againe the year after to Andrew Rivet and the French-Church to obtain of them their consents for his coming which businesse he transacted with so great prudence that he brought Andrew Rivet along with him to Leiden His fame was so great that the King of Spaine wrote to him making him exceeding great promises if he would come into Spain to interpret some ancient writings which never man yet could doe The King of Morocco also did so exceedingly admire the purity of his Arabick style in some of his Epistles that he shewed them to his Nobles and other learned men as some great Miracle He was also highly esteemed of by the Prince of Orang and the States of Holland who often made use of his labours in translating the letters which they received from Princes in Asia and Africa out of Arabick or other Languages But whilst he was thus busily imployed in Publick and private it pleased God that he fâ—ll sick of the Plague whâ—reof he dyed Anno Christi 1624. and of his age forty
printed there which Gilpin performed faithfully He returned into England after three years in Queen Maries raign and beheld to his griefe the Church oppressed with blood and fire and being placed by Tunstal in the Rectory of Essingdon he began sharply to tax the viceâ— which then raigned in the Church and propounded the Doctrine of Salvation plainly and soundly which procured him many enemies especially of the Clergy who accused hin often to the bishop for an Heretick but Tunstal could not endure to shed blood and therefore he deâ—lt mildly with him At a certain time the Bishops Châ—plainâ— discoursed with him about Luther and the Sacrament of the Altar whom he answered so judiciously that the Bishop hearing their discourse said to his Chaplains Lâ—thâ—â— alone for he hath more lâ—arning then you all The Archdeaconâ—â— of Durham being annexed to the Parsonage of Essingdon Master Gilpin for a â—ime supplyed both places but after a whâ—â—â— he wrote to the Bishop that he might have his good wâ—ll to resign one of them which the Bishop was very angry 〈◊〉 saying I told thee thou wouldst die a begger Not long after â—he Bishop conferred upon him instead of them the Rectory of Houghton which was a great Parish and a very fine sâ—â—t He took great care to performe the dutyeâ— of the Miniâ—â—ry â—mongst his people and seeing the miserable condition of many places in those parts where â—he Tiâ—hes being Improprâ—ated the Souls of the people were stâ—rved he preached often abroâ—d also and once a year he took a journy into Noâ—thumberland Riddesdale and Tindal usually abouâ— Câ—â—istmas because of the opportunity of so many holy dâ—ieâ— where he gat himselfe muâ—h â—steem by his prâ—achiâ—g to thosâ— barbarouâ— people and distributing money to the poor sometimes hâ— was forced to lodge in the snow all night in that jouâ—ny at which times he made his man to trot his horseâ— up and downe whilst he bestirred himselfe that he might not perish by the could Once as he returned home a husbandman as he was ploughing had a horse in hiâ— team that fell down and dyed for which he made great moan whereupon Master Gilpin caused his man to alight and take off his saddle and bridle and so to carry them to the next town and gave his horse to this husbandman when by chance hâ— met with any naked poor people he would pull off some of his own clothes and give them In the towne of Houghton there was a street of poor people for whose reliese every thursday he caused a great pot of meat to be boylâ—d and distributed amongst them yeâ— his charity was such that he was commonly called The Father of the Poor Yet had he many enemies who often accused him to Bishop Tunstal but he abhorring to shed blood was still a sweet defence to him At last they accused him to Bonner who sent a messenger to apprehend him whereof he had notice before hand and therefore prepared himselfe for Martyrdome commanding his Steward to provide him a long garment to goe to the stake in but it pleased God that by the sudden death of Queen Mary he was freed from thiâ— danger In the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's raign Master Gilpin was excâ—eding studious to doe all the good that possibly he could whereupon he erected a Grammer-School allowing maintenance for a Master and Usher divers of the Scholars he also instructed himselfe so that in that School were bred many that were exceedingly profitable to the Church afterwards for there was great resort to it some of which he tabled in his owne house others in the towne yea upon many poor mens sons he bestowed both meat drinke apparell and â—eaching out of this School were sent daily many to the University to diverse of which he allowed maintenance whereby his name was renowned and the Earl of Bedford much esteemed him and procured of the Queen the Bishoprick of Carlile for him and sent him his Congedeslier but Master Gilpin returned it back with many thanks alleging his own insufficiency for the discharge of so great a place Not long after also he was much importuned to take upon him the Provost's place of Queens Colledge in Oxford but he refused it being wholly unwilling to remove from the place where God had set him He was much given to Hospitality insomuch as William Cecill Lord Burghley returning out of Scotland drawn with the same of Master Gilpin came to Houghton where he was entertained with all due respect and when he had well observed Master Gilpin and the diligence and abundance of all things with so compleat service in the entertainment of so great and unlooked for a Guest he said at his parting That he had heard much of Master Gilpin but what he had now seen and tryed was much more then the report and thereupon taking his his leave of Master Gilpin he râ—quested him if he had any occasion or suit at the Court that he would make use of him to meditate it for him He still continued his yearly visit of Riddesdale and Tindale where he was esteemed a Prophet and little lesse then adored by that barbarous people Being once amongst them one had stoln his horses whereupon Hue and Cry was sent abroad for Master Gilpin's horses the fellow that had stoln them hearing that they were Master Gilpin's fell a trembleing and presently carryed them back againe humbly craving pardon and the benediction of Father Gilpin protesting that he feared that he should be thurst into hell if he should doe him any wrong Also he being to preach at a towne called Rothbury there was a deadly fewd between the Inhabitants so that the men of both sides never met at Church without blood-shed and therefore when one party came the other used to stay away but Master Gilpin being in the Pulpit both partyes came to Church one party going into the Chancell and the other into the body of â—he Church armed with Swords and Javelins Master Gilpin though somewhat moved with this uncouth spectacle yet went on in his Sermon but when their weapons began to make a clashing sound and the one side drew near to the other Master Gilpin came downe from the Pulpit and stepping to the ringleaders of either faction he laboured to establish a peace and when he could not prevaile in that yet he got a promise from them to continue the peace whilst he was in the Church afterwards whilst he was in those quarters and so going up againe he spent the rest of the time in discharging that barbarous and bloody custom At another time Master Gilpin coming to a Church in those parts before the people assembled and walking up and downe he espied a glove hanging up in the Church end enquiring of the Sexton the meaning of it he told him that it was a glove of one of the Parish who hung it up as a challenge to his enemy with whom he would fight hand to hand or with any else
To the better discharge of this part of the account he tooke order still before hand by continuall search and enquiry to know what hopefull young men were in the University his Chapleins and friends receiving a charge from him to certifie him what hopefull and towardly young wit they met with at any time and these till he could better provide for them were sure to taste of his bounty and goodnesse for their better encouragement Diverse eminent men in Learning that wanted preferment when any thing fell in his guift convenient for them though otherwise they had no dependance at all upon him nor interest in him he would send for before they knew why and entertaine them in his owne houseâ— and conferre the preferment upon them and also defray the very charges incident for a dispensation or a faculty yea of their very journey and all this that he might have his Diocesse in generall and his preferments in particular the better fitted So that that may fitly be applyed to him which was sometimes to Saint Chrysostome In administratione Epatus prebuit se fidelem constantem Vigilantem Ministerum Christi And if you looke upon him in those Temporales wherwith he was intrusted you shall find him no lesse faithfull and just As first diverse summes and many of them of good value were sent to him to be distributed among poore scholers and others at his discretion all which he disposed with great care and fidelity even according to the Donors minds and entents For his faithfulnesse in managing those places wherein he was entrusted for others joyntly with himselfe let Pembrooke Hâ—ll and Westminster Colledge speake for him for when he became Master of the first he found it in debt being of a very small endowment then espcially but by his faithful providence he left above eleven hundred pounds in the Treasury of that Colledge towards the bettering of the estate thereof And when he was made Deane of the other it is not unknowne to some yet living who will testfie that he left it for all orders aswell of the Church as of the Colledge and Schoole a place then truly exemplarily Collegiate in all respects both within and without free from debts and arrerages from encrochments evill Customes the Schoole-boyes in the foure yeeres he stayed there being much improved not by his care and oversight onely but by his owne personall and often labours also with them To these may be added that whereas by vertue of his Deanry of Westminster his Mastership aâ— Pembrooke Hall and his Bishopricke of Ely the elction of Scholers into the Schoole of Westminster and from thence to the two Universities as also of many Scholers and fellowes in Pembrook Hall some in Saint Peters Colledge and some in Iesus Colledge were in his power and disposall he was ever so faithâ—full and just that he waved all Letters from great Personages for unsufficient Scholers and cast aside all favor and affection and chose onely such as in his judgment were fittest And lastly which is not the least in this kind being many times desired to assist at the election of Scholers from the free Schooles of the Merchantaylors and from that at Saint Pauls of the Mercers and perceiving favour and affection and other by respects sometimes to oversway merit with those to whom the choyce belonged and that diverse good Scholers were omitted and others of lesse desert preferred he of his owne goodnesse diverse times tooke care for such as were so neglected and sent them to the University where he bestowed proâ—â—ment upon them To conclude this account of his take a view of his fidelity in that great place of trust the Almoâ—orship which was sufficiently evident especially to those who attended him neerly First in that he would never suffer one penny of that which accrewed to him by that place to be put or mingled with any of his own Rents or Revenewes and wherein he kept a more exact account then of his owne private Estate and secondly being so separated he was as faiâ—hfull in the disposing of it not onely in the generall trust of his Soveraigne in the daily charges incident to that place expended by the Sub-Almoner and other yeerly ordinary charges but when he perceived that he had a surplussage those charges defrayed he would not suffer it to lye by him but some of it he disposed to the reliefe of poore Housekeepers some in releasing of poore Prisoners and comforting them which lay in misery and iron and some in furnishing poore people with Gownes hose shooes and the like for all which many so bestowed by him had he reserved to his owne use his Patent being sine computo no man could have questioned him But he was a faithfull Steward in this as in the rest and expected that joyfull Euge Well done thou good and faithfull servant thou hast bin faithfull c. enter thou into the joy of thy Lord which no doubt but he possesseth The next is his Gratitude or thankfulnesse to all from whom he had received any benefit Of this vertue of his there are and were lately divers witnesses as Doctor Ward Son to his first Schoolemaster upon whom he bestowed the Living of Waltham in Hampshire and Master Mulcaster his other Schoolmaster whom he ever reverently respected during his life in all companies and placed him ever at the upper end of his Table and after his death caused his Picture having but few other in his House to be set over hiâ— Study door And not onely shewed he this outward thankfulnesse to him but supplyed his wants many times also privaâ—â—ly in a liberall and plentifull manner and at his owne death the Father being dead he bequeathed a Legacy to his Son of good valune who as is said before bestowed a full Scholarship on him in Pembrooke Hall Concerning the kinred of Doctor Watts after much enquiry he found onely one upon whom being a Scholar he bestowed prâ—ferments in Pembrooke Hall and he dying there hiâ— Lordship much grieved that he could heare of no more of that kinred to whom he might expresse his further thankfulnesse And yet he forgat not his Patron Doctor Watts at his end for by his Will he tooke order that out of the Scholarships of that Foundation the two Fellowships which he himselfe Founded as you shall see by and by in Pembrooke Hall should be supplyed if they should be found fit for them Lastly to Pembrooke Hall omitting the Legacies by him bequeathed to the Parishes of Saint Giles Saint Martin Ludgate where he had dwelt Saint Andrewes in Holborne Saint Saviours in Southwarke Allâ— Saints Barking where he was borne and others to that Colledge I say where he had beene a Schollar Fellow and Master he gave one thousand pounds to purchase Land for tâ—o Fellowships and for other uses in that Colledge expressed in his Will besides three hundred such Folio Books of his own to the encrease of that Colledg Library as
were not there before Together with a guilt Cut and a Bason and Ewer in all points as weight fashion inscription c. so like to the Cup Bason and Ewer given about 300. yeers since to that Colledge by the religious Foundresse thereof as that not Ovum Ovo â—imilius and these he profest he caused to be made and given not for the continuance of his owne memory but for feare that those which she had given so long since might miscarry and so her remembrance might decay The fift is his Munificence and Bounty To prove which little need be said more then that which hath bin touched in his bountifull Charity But besides that the two famous Universities and they which then were poore Scholars in them will witnesse for him in this point he never coming neer either of them after he was Bishop but that he sent to be distributed among poore Scholars sometimes one hundred poâ—nds and ever fifty pounds at the least One thing I cannot passe over in silence That when King Iames was pleased to grace the University of Cambridge with his presence in 1617. this reverend Father being present also at the Philosophy Act he sent at his departure to foure of the Disputants forty peeces of Gold of two and twenty shillings a peece to be equally divided among them Buâ— what speake I of these Was ever Prince better entertained and in moâ—e magnificent but orderly manner then was hiâ— said Majesty at Farneham Castle one of the Houses belonging to the Bishopricke of Winchester where in the space oâ— three dayes he spent three thousand pounds to the extraordinary contentment of his Majesty and the admiration of all his Followers The next is his Hospitality from the first time of his preferment to meanes of any considerable value even to his dying day he was ever Hospitable and free in entertainment to all people of quality and worthy of respect especially to Schollars and â—trangers his Table being ever bountifully and neatly fâ—rnished with provisions and attendants answerable to whom he committed the care of providing and expending in a plentifull yet orderly way himselfe seldome knowing what meat he had till he came from his Study to Dinner at which he would shew himselfe so noble in his entertainment and so gravely facecious that his guests would often professe they never came to any mans Table where they received better satisfaction in all points and that his Lordship kept Christmas all the yeer in respect of the plenty they ever found there And yet by the way take this that he ever strictly observed in his provisions of dyet the time of Lent Embers and other Fasting dayes according to the Lawes of this Kingdome and the orders of the Church I shall not need to speake of the extraordinary great Hospitality he kept and the large expence he was at in entertainment of all sorts of people in Scotland at what time he attended King Iames thither the Nobility Clergy Gentry and others of both Nations there present will as they often already have speake of it for me to his exceeding great honour So that I know not whether I have fitly couched it under this Head of Hospitality or whether it had more properly belonged to that of his Munificence and Bounty The seventh is his Humanity and affability not onely to the last mentioned his Guests but to every one that did converse with him for which not onely divers famous Scholars and others of this Kingdome but others of Forraigne parts as they had just cause have admired him As not to mention Natives Master Causabow Master Cluâ—vecius Master Vossius Master Grotius Master Moulm Master Barclay and besides many otherâ— Master Erpenius to whom he tendered an Annuall Sâ—ipend to have read and taught here the Orientall tongues wherein long before his death he himselfe had bin well versed as may appeare by his Commencement Verses the experienced Professors whereof he much delighted in and did much for them as Master Bedwell to whom he gave the Vicarage of Tottenham in Midd. if living among others would testifie And the reason for this a late reverend Father of this Church hath given Omnes quid in se amant in aliis venerantur loving and honoring those gifts in others which he had in himselfe for among the other parts of his profound Learning he by his industry had attained to the knowledge of fifteâ—ne tongues if not more To these former may be added his Modesty which was ever such that although the whole Christian world tooke especiall notice of his profound and deep learning yet was he so farre from acknowledging it in himselfe that he would often complaine of his defects even to the extenuating yea vilifying of his owne worth and abilities professing many times that he was but inutilis servas nay inutile pondus insomuch that being preferd by King Iames to the Bishopricke of Chicâ—ester and pretending his owne imperfections and insufficiency to undergoe such a charge as also that he might have not onely his Clergy but all others to take notice thereof he caused to be engraven about the Seale of his Bishopricke those words of Saint Paul Et ad haec quis idoneus and who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2.16 One note of his Modesty mixt with his last vertue of Humanity may be added that after his Chaplaines had Preached in his Chappell before him he would sometime privately request them that he might have a sight of their Notes with very good words and full of encouragement insomuch as they would professe of him that the would never desire a more candid Auditor So that what was said of Bede may as fitly be said of him A pietate modestia â—astitate nomen Venerabilis adeptus est His Indefatigability in Study cannot be paralleld if we consider him from his Childe hood to his old age Never any man tooke such paines or at least spent so much time in Study as this reverend Prelate for even in those dayes when it might have been supposed he would have taken some ease for his former paines then also from the houre he arose his private Devotions finished to the time he was called to Dinner which by his own order was not till twelve at noone at the soonest he kept close at his Booke and would not be interrupted by any that came to speake with him or upon any occasion publick Prayer excepted Insomuch that he would be so displeased with Scholars that attempted to speake with him in a morning that he would say He doubted they were no true Scholars that came to speake with him before noon After Dinner for two or three houres space he would willingly passe the time either in discourse with his guests or other friends or in dispatch of his own temporall affaires or of those who by reason of his Episcopall Jurisdiction attended him and being quit of these and the like occasions he would returne to his Study where he