none But said he I will till thee newes being demandâ—d what it was he answered Brevi ero apud Christum Dominum I shall in short time be with Christ my Lord. In the morning before he died he repeated the 51. Psalme of David at the end whereof he addedâ— Salva me Christi Iesu being never heard afterwards to utter any word those who were present betooke themselves unto their prayers wherein they continued untill he had surrendered his Spirit unto his Creator which was willingly and cheerefully performed by him on the first of Dâ—cember in the yeer of our Lord 1531. and in the 49. yeer of his age and was buried with great lamentation in the sâ—me City He died intestâ—te quia unde conderet pauper Christi servas non habebat He was of a meeke and quiet disposition in the undertaking of any businesse he was very circumspect and nothing indeed was more pleasing unto him then to spent his time in reading and commenting the workes which he left behind him are these which follow 1 Annotations on Genesis 2 On Iob. 3 Isaiah 4 Ieremiah 5. Ezekill 6 Daniel 7 Hosea 8 Amos. 9 Ionas 10. Micah Cap. 2. 11. On the three last Prophets 12. On the Plasmes 13 Matthew 14 Romans 15 Hebrewes 16 1 Epistle of Iohn 17 Of the genuine sense of these words Hoc en corpus meum 18â— An exhortation to the reading of Gods word 19 Of the dignity of the Eucarist 20 Of the joy of tâ—e resurrection 21 A speech to the Senaâ— of Basil. 22 A Catectisme 23 Annotations on Chrisostome 24 Enchyidion to the Greeke tongue 25â— Aâ—ainst Anabaptists 26 Annotations upon the Aâ—ts and Corinthians 27 Of Almsdeeds 28 Against Julian the Apostata 29 Of truâ— faith in Christ. 30 Of the praises of Cyprian 31 Of the life of the Mâ—ses 32 Against Vsury Reader behold the rare-adorned Face Of him whose very lookes import a grace He was a Man whose constancy to truth Ripen'd in age and blossom'd in his youth He was a rocke whose daring front disdain'd Papisticke Waves he still oppos'd and gain'd The upper hand though threatning danger lin'd Each word he spoke yet would he speake his minde T was not their proffer'd wealth could make him bold To sin in Want and then repent in Gold Religion was the Starre by which he steer'd His well run-course his heart was still endeer'd Two sollid Principlâ— he lov'd to court The truth Love was his Ship and heav'n his port The life and death of JOHN FRITH Who suffered Martyrdome 1533. IOhn Frith was borne at Weâ—trame in Kent in whom being a child nature had planted a marvelous love unto learning he had also a wonderful Promptnesse of wit a ready capacity to receive understand any thing neither was there any thing wanting in him equall unto that towardness of dispsiâ—ion whereby it came to passe that he was not onely a lover of learning but also became an exquifite learned man He first begun his sâ—udy at Cambridge where he profited much in all sorts of learning At last he fell into knowledge of and acquaintance with William Tindall through whose pious instructions that seed of the Gospel and sincere godlinesse was first instilled into his heart At that time Cardinall Wolsey prepared to build a sumptious Colledge in Oxford now called Christs colledge And sought out for such as did excell in knowledge and learning to be Fellowes in the same and amongst others Iohn Frith was appointed one Now these choice yong men there placed conferâ—ing together upon the abuses of Religion which at that time were crept into the Church were therefore accused of heresie and cast into prison where many of them through the filthy stink thereof dyed Afterwards Iohn Frith with the others remaining alive being dismissed out of prison went beyond the seas and too yeeres after returning he was taken for a Vagabond at Reading and set in the stocks where he remained untill he was almost pined with hunger at lenght he desired that the Schoolmaster of the towne might be brought unto him which was Leoward Coxe a learned man assoone as he came in the Latin tongue he bewailed his captivity unto him The Schoolmaster being overcome with his eloquence did not onely take pity and compassion upon him but also begin to love embrace him especially when he spake unto him in the Greeke tongue and rehersed by heart diverse Verses out of Homer whereupon the Scholemaster went with all speed unto the Magistrates and procured his enlargment Yet this his safety continued not long through the deadly hatred of Sir Thomas Moore at that time chancellor of England who persecuted him both by Sea and land promising great rewards to any man that could bring tidings of him Thus this good man being beset with troubles round about wandred up and downe from place to place untill at the length being betrayed by a seeming friend he was apprehended and sent unto the Tower of London where he had many disputes with Sir Thomas Moore and others touching the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. In which quarrell he withstood the violence of three most obstinate enemies with the Bishop of Rochester Moore and Rastall but he fighting with them all three at once did so refute and confound them that he converted Rastall to his part But when neither Scripture nor reason would prevaile against the firce and crulty of of these furious foes the twentieth day of Iune 1533. he was brought before the Bishops sitting in Pauls Church where they ministred certaine interrogatives unto him touching the Sacrament Purgatory to w ch he answered according to his former disputation and subscribed unto his answer these words with his owne hand I Frith thus doe thinke and as I thinke so have I said written taught and affirmed and in any Bookes published So that when as by no meanes he could be perswaded to recant he was condmned by the Bishop of London to be burned and so being delivered over unto the Mayor and Sheriffes of London the forth day of Iuly he was by them carryed into Smithfield to be burned when he was tyed to the stake he shewed much constancy and courage for when as the fire and faggots were put unto him he willingly embraced the same thereby declaring with what uprightnesse of minde he suffered those torments for Christs and the truths sake whereof that day he gave with his blood a perfect and firme testimony The winde drove away the flame from him unto his fellow Martyr Andrew Hewet who was burned with him which made his death the longer and his paines the greater But God assisted him with such strength and fortifyed his soule with such patience that he seemed rather to rejoyce for his fellow then to be carefull for himselfe as if he had felt no paine in that long torment There is one thing more very observable concerning this constant Martyr Iohn Frith that whereas the Bishop of Canterbury
his death It is â—â—ported by f Orat. de vit Obit D. â—â—â—r Marâ—â—â— Iosias Simleâ—uâ— how that after Dâ—ctor Peter Martyr that famouâ— writer had published many of his Labours he began at the last â—b initio Bibliorum at the beginning of the Bible and after he had expounded the bookâ— of Genesis and Exodus bonam parâ—â—m Levitici and a good part of Liviticus prevented by the stroke of death he ended all his labourâ— So â—his his exact parâ—â—â—ed Dâ—ctâ—r Andrew Willâ—â— besides many other Works had written his sixfold Commentaâ—ieâ— upon the same books of Genesis and Exoduâ— and had made a good progresse in the like way upon Leviticus since fiâ—isâ—ed by â—nother here also God determined his travailâ— And leâ— me not omit this one thing it my poore judgement very remarkeable how God in his divine providence and gracious favour to him answered him in a solemne Vow which you may find expressed in a latine Epistle of his in words to this effect in English g Epist. Dâ—d Prefix before the second part of his second Book of Heâ—â—p upâ—on Exod. It is most honourable for a Souldier to dye fighting and for a Bishop or Pastor praying and if my mercifull God shall vouchsafe to grant me my request my earnest desire is that writing and commenting upon some part of the Scripture I might finish my dayes And accordingly God gave him his hearts desire and denyed him not the request of his lips Blessed is that Servant whom his Lord when he commeth shall find so doing Matth. 24.46 He departed this life December the fourth 1621. in the fifty nine yeare of his age of whom considering his strength and healthfull constitution varying a little the words of Virgil I may say Had not God said no He might have lived ten years or twenty more It pleased God who hath appointed to every man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his owne proper and peculiar kinde of death and without whose Providence i Tert. li. 1. ad uxorem not a leafe falling from the ground so to dispose of this godly mans death that as a Pilgrim here on earth he must dye in an Inne In a journey from London homewards he was forced to take up his Lodging in Hodsdon a town in Hertfordshire having not farre from thence by k Cic. de Fat a fall from his horse his right leg broken It is sweetly said of Gregory Nâ—ssen l Dâ—â—â—nt Hierosol Wheresoever thou art whether in thine owne house or in an Inne God will come to thee if thou makest thy soule a fit lodging for him And that saying of Augustine may stop the mouth of every rash unchristian Censurer m Aug. epist. 122. God regardeth not in his servants after what manner they depart this life but what manner of men they are when they depart Here in this place he continued as Gods prisoner confined to hiâ— bed for nine dayâ—s together spending the most part of them in meditating upon the Song of Ezekiel when he had been sicke recorded by the Prophet Esay chap. 38. which heavenly contemplations were written from hiâ— mouth by a Sonne of his then attending upon him And upon two Sabbaths following within that time observing the people of the houâ—e upon pretence of waiting upon him to stay from Church hâ— called them together and gave them some concionatory exhortations both forenoon and afternoone and this with such a spirit as if had been no wayes sensible of his paine which putteth me in minde of that saying of Tertullian n Tertull. ad Mart. The leg feeles nothing in the nerves when the minde is as it were rapt in heaven Upon the tenth day after his hurt received o Martia l. 6 Epigr. 152. having over night supped cheerfully and reposed himselfe to rest early in the morning upon occasion of the toling of a Bell for one then at the poynt of death he suddenly awoke and with him his wife who lay in the same chamber by him he then tooke occasion to discourse with her touching the joyes of heaven and touching the Saints mutuall acknowledgement of one another in that blessed estateâ— which discourse ended he with his wife sang an Hymne composed by himselfe wherewith they usually every morning praised God for their rest the night past and prayed his blessing for the day succeeding Their spirits being thus raised they continued their melody and sang the 146. Psalme he sometime stopped a little and glossing upon the words applyed divers things therein unto himselfe and to his present condition And on the sudden his p Gennad Conc. de morâ— hour being now come fetching a deep sigh or groan he sunke downe in his bed but helpe comming in upon meanes used he seemed to raise up himselfe a little and then said Let me alone I shall doe well Lord Iesus and with that word he gave up â—he ghost Soon after his body was carryed by coach to hiâ— Towne of Barley and was in his Chancell solemnly interred with decent Funerall rites and with many teares and there lyeth covered with a faire Graven stone of Marble But his more durable monuments are these The Workâ— of Andrew Willet Doctor of Divinity in Latin and English Printed and unprinted Printed books in Latine 1 De animae natura viribuâ— 2 Sâ—cra emblemata 3 De Universali vocatione Judaeorum 4 De conciliis 5 De Universali gratia 6 De Antichristo 7 Epithalamium 8 Funebres Conciones 9 Apologiae serenissimi Regis Jac defensio In English 14 Synopsis Papismi in five bookes 16 Hexapla upon Genesis in two books 18 Hexapla upon Exodus in two books 20 An Harmony upon the first and second bookes of Samuel 21 Hexapla upon Daniel 22 Hexapla upon the Epistle to the Romans 23 Vpon the twenty two Psalme 24 Vpon the sevenâ—eenth of Iohn 25 Vpon the Epistle of Iude. 26 Teâ—rastylon Papismi 27 A Catalogue of good workes 28 Limbomastix 29 Loedoremastiâ— 30 Epithalamium in English 31 Funerall Sermons in English 32 An English Catechisme 33 A Retection 34 An Antilâ—gy 35 Hexapla upon Leviâ—icus Not Printed In Latine 36 Defensio Aristotelis â— contra Tempellum 37 Catechismus Latinus 38 Gâ—mitus Columbae ceu Comment in Jnam 39 Sâ—cri paralleli 40 Haeptaphonon 41 Scala Coeli 42 Antithesis Pontificiae Evangelicae Doctrinae 43 Variae lectioneâ— in Penâ—aâ—euchion In English 44 An exposâ—â—on upon Genesis 45 Marginall Annotations upon the Petateuch 46 The Doctrine of the Christian Sabbath Abi tu fac similiter See here a true Nathaniel in whose bresâ— A carefull conscience kept her lasting feast Whose simple heart could never lodge a guile In a soft word nor malice in a smile He was a faithfull labourer whose pains Was pleasure and an others good his gaines The height of whose ambition was to growâ— More ripe in knowledge to make others know Whose Lamp was ever shining never hid And when his tongue preacht
make more use of his power and greatnesse then Scholarlike disputations he appealed to Rome and departed from Auspurg October 20. Because the Cardinal charged him not to com into his presence unlesse he would recant Yet Luther left behind him an Epistle to the Cardinall and affixed thereunto a formall appeale unto the Pope Cajetan tooke Luthers departure in ill part and wrote to the Duke of Saxony that he would either send Luther to Rome or banish him out of his territories and intreated him not to give credit to Luthers defâ—ndersâ— and to take heed of staining the illâ—strioâ—â—s Family whence he was discended The Elector returned answer That now it was not in his power to doe this because Luther was not convicted of any errour and did much good service in the Vniversity and did offer his cause to triall and disputation The resolution of the Duke was more confirmed by an Epistle of Eraâ—mus and the intercession and vote of the Vniversity of Wittenberg Here I may not passe over a notable proofâ— of Lutherâ— Heroike courage When Luther came to Auspurg he by the counsel of such as the Prince Elector sent with him waited three dayes for to have the Emperours Letters for his safety In the meane time the Cardinall sent one for Luther but he denyed to come untill the Emperour granted what he desired At this the messenger was offended and said Do you think that Prince Frederick wil take up armes in your behalfe I desire it not said Luther in any wise Then the Partyâ— Where then will you abide Luther answered Vnder the cope of Heaven The Italian replyed Had you the Pope and the Cardinals in your power what would you doe I would said Luther give them all due honor and reverence At this the Messenger after the Italian manner biting his thumbs went away Upon these dealingâ— Luthers spirit fainted not yet least he should cause detriment or danger to any one or derive suspition on his Prince and that he might more freely deale with the Papall cure would have gone into France or some other Country But his friends on the contrary counselled him to sticke firmely to Saxony and that the Popes Legate should be certiâ—ied that was ready in any safe place appointed him to make his answer But Luther having seâ—led his resolution to depart took his leave of the Prince Elector and by a letter sent to him November 29. thanked his Highnesse for all friendly offices of his love The Prince sent that letter to the Legate and appointed Luther to abide at Wittenberg Of this Luther thus wrote The Prince was fully minded that I should stay but what his minde now is since the Royall proceedings are published and I have appealed to the Councell I know not For he understanding by the Cardinalâ— Letter that Judgement should passe on him at Rome he made a new Appeale saying that he was forced of necessity to appeal from the Pope to the Councell ensuing which was in many respects to be prefeâ—red before the Pope About the same time towards the end of the 18. yeare the Pope sent Charles Multitius a Misnian Knight and bestowed on Prince Frederick a golden Rose according to custome consecrated by the Pope on the fourth Sundâ—y in Lenâ— and exhorted him to continuâ— in the faith of his ancestours He was earnest with Luther to be reconciled to the Pope and had seventy Briefes Apostolicall as they call them to shew that if the Prince would deliver him out of his custody for which cause the Pope sent him the Roâ—e in seventy Townes the seventy Briefes should be set up and so he should be brought safe to Rome He further required of Luther that he would have a regard to the Churches peacâ— and promised to endeavous that the Pope should doe the like Luther freely promised most readily to doe what ever â—e could with a safâ— conscience in regard of Gods Truth and affirmed that himselfe was dâ—sâ—rous and studious of peace and thaâ— iâ— was noâ— his fault that these stirres arose for nâ—cessity had urged him to doe what he had done Frederick the Electoâ— a prudent and Religioâ—â— Prince neither yeelded to the Popes desire nor vouchsafed his â—ose any respect though Multitius wornderfully boasted of it at Dresa and said Doctor Mâ—rtin is in my power About this time the Bohemians sending a book writen by Iohn Huâ— to Luther encouraged him to constancy and patienceâ— and confessed that the Divinity taught by Luther was sound and right Matters bâ—ing growne to this height of dispute and Luther having many adversaries at Leipsick a towne in Misniâ— belongâ—ng to George Duke of Saxony Cosen-german to Prince Frederick in the 19. year a Disputation was held Thither câ—me Andreâ—â— Carolostadius accompanied with Luther Melancthon and Barninus Duke of Pomerania He at that time was in office in the University of Wittenberg Thither came also Iohn Eckius a Diâ—ine of Ingolstad Hereupon Iâ—ne the 17. Iohn Eckius and Carolastodius began the Disputation about Free-will Namely whether there be in man any free will to doe good as of himselfe that is as they say whether in congruity we deserve grace when we doe what is in us to doe Eckius granted that there is not in man a genuine and naturall power and ability to doe a good worke but an acquired On this poynt eight dayes were spent by his playing the Sophester Lutâ—er could by no meanes obtaine leave of Duke George freely with his safety to dispute and thereupon came not as a Disputer but as an Auditor to Leipsick under the protection granted to Carolâ—stadius In the year 1520. upon Multitius advise Luther wrote to the Pope and sent him his booke lately written concerning Christian liberty and offered conditions of peace About this time Frederick the Elector fell into a grievous â—icknesse Whereupon Luther moved by some of his friends and out of Christian charity wrote the book called Tesseradecas to comfort him Then also he wrote the book Of Confession of sins in which he took occasion to speak of Vowes and deplored their torturing of mens conscâ—ences Charles the Emperour requested to hear Erasmus judgement concerning Luther and wondred that so great extream hatred should be raised by some Monks and the Pope against Luther whose life and carriage he conceived to be commendablâ— and his doctrine not impious Erasmus answered in a pleasant manner That his Highnesse needed not wonder at that for Luther had in his disputations dealt against the Monks bellies and the Popes crowne It is reported that these advocates of the Pope did promise Erasmus a Bishoprick of rich revenew if he would write against Luther But he answered That Luther was a man too great for him to write against and that he learnâ—d more from one short page of Luthers writings then from all Thomas Aquinas bookes It is also said that Margaret the Emperors Aunt who ruled all Belgium when the Magistri nâ—stri of Lovan complained that Luther
propitiatory for the quick and dead which refusing to subcrsibe to and affirming them to be false and such as sprung from a soure and bitter rooe he was willing to deliver in writing his mind of them the night following and being withall demanded whither he were willing to dispute of them or no he made answer very roundly that so long as God gave him life he should have not his heart onely but his tongue and his pen to defend his truth but required as was meete and equall to have time and books Howbeit no further respit could be obtained then to write his mind against the next day and to prepare for disputation against Tuesday following it being then Saturday at even meane space it was told him he should have what books he pleased but could not be suffered to have any of his owne books or notes Howbeit notwithstanding all disadvantages neither few nor small and the dispute it selfe most partially tumultuouslâ— carryed many baiting him at once interrupting him ever anone in his speeches and answers reviling and railing insteed of reasoning and arguing and enciting the rude multitude to hisse and clap their hands at him How well and worthily he quieted himselfe in the same may to any indifferently and unpartially affected appeare by the Acts of it so much as for clamor and confusion could be taken of it yet extant It is no unfiting censure that a reverend Prelate gives of the three disputants that Cranmer answered very learnedly and gravely Ridley very readily and acutely Latimer merrily and yet solidly beyond the expectation of his age Yet if taking somewhat from his sentence concerning either of the other not as denied unto them but imparted and applyed unto him I should say that he answered very readily learnedly acutely and yet solidly I should neither wrong them at all and doe him but right for he was a man of sharp wit a sound judgement a strong memory well versed in Schoole learning and indeed seemed to have been one of the learnedst of those that then maintained Christs cause against the malicious enemies and oppugners of the maintainers of it and of it in them That which themselves were not ignorant of but in a manner acknowledged when they openly gave out in their exâ—mination of him that Latimer leaned to Cranmer Cranmer to Ridley and Ridley to the singularity of his owne wit whom therefore if they could prevaile against they hoped to have removed a principall prop that the other party relyed upon But they were herein deceived both he and they being both built upon a firmer and sounder foundation then they were able to undermine much lesse to blow up After this disputation thus had for a shew that they might seeme to have don somewhat for the satisfaction of such as had little need of any save that they would have somewhat to say for themselves and their owne turning from the truth and against those that stuck to it and stood in the defence of it on the Friday following together with the other two his copartners therein he was againe convented before the Commissioners and upon refusall to recant being condemned for an heretike was returned to the Majors house where he was more strictly kept and restrained then either of the other two in the places of their restraint That which he imputeth most to the wayward and superstitious and disposition of his keepers wife being a woman as naturally very waspish so withall extreamely Popish and perswaded therefore that she pleased God the better the worse she dealt with such a one as she deemed him to be her husband otherwise a man mildly disposed yet durst not doe what he otherwise desired over-awed either by his wife who ruled him as he the town or els by authority and charge from the Commissioners whose power there was so dreadfull that not one of the University had the courage to repaire to the prisoners even then when accesse was more free But all the strict and hard usage shewed him he endâ—red with much patience comfort contentment and cheerfulnesse as by his letters then written may evidently appeare In the custodie of this Iâ—â—sh he aboad from the time of the disputation in April Aâ—â—â— 1554. unto the thirtyeth of September 1555. â—t which time being agaiâ—e convented together with these two other before-mentioned before some other Commissioners authorised by Cardinall Pâ—â—le the Popes Legate and haveing stood uncovered in theiâ— presence till he heard the Legaâ—e and Pope named he then put on his Cap professing withall that he so did not in dâ—rogation any way from the person and worth of the Cardinall whom he honoured and reverenced as one of the bloud Royall and aâ— a personage endâ—wed with excellent parts both of learning and vertue but in regard of his Legateship and deputation for the Pope whose usurped supremacy and abused authority he reâ—used and renounced â—nd therâ—by defied the same But his â—ap being takeâ— from him after some dispute about the See of Roâ—e and the Poâ—es power thâ—re were certaine Articles propounded to him much in effect with those that had formerly bin disputed of concerning the Sacrament of Eucharist and the Sacrifice of the Masse unto which he was required to give in answer the next day by eight of clock in the morning haveing Pen Inke and Paper with such bookes as he pleased to require for the accomplishment of the same but withall they required from him an answer by word of mouth at present who thereupon tould them that hee presumed of their gentlenesse that they would have given him time as they had before said untill the morrow that upon good adviâ—ement he might make a determinite answer And they replying that his answer then should not be prejudiâ—iall to ought that he should after give in but he should have liberty to adde detract alter and change whaâ— he pleased he tho withall challenging them with former breach of promise concerning the disputation that he should have a copie of what was there done see what the notaries had taken have liberty within a certaine time to alter what he would in his answers or to adde thereunto whereof no part was performed yet condescended to answer by word of mouth at present and so did according to thâ—t which formerly he had done maintaining dispute with them about the same for some good space of time untill he was committed againe to the Major and Master Latimer called in to be baited by them as he had bin The next day appearing againe before them with such gesture as before and so againe entertained he delivered uâ— his answer in writing concerning a protestation against their autority and jurisdiction as delogated and derived from the Pope and his judgement concerning the Articles exhibited explained and confirmed not by Scripture alone but by the testimonies also of the Fathers which he required to have read but could not obtaine it save a line or two here and there as
indited rather from his Cowardise then Conscience Oâ—r Illyricus in His catalogue of the witnesses of the Truth affords him a principall place therein We leave him to stand or fall to his owne master according to that concluding Disticke which we find in an Aauthor Cum nihil ipse vides propria â—uin labe laboret Tu tua fac cures caetera mitte Deo Seeing nought thou seest but faults are in the best Looke Thou unto thy selfe leave God the rest 16 Remarkeable are his words wherewith he breathed out his last gaspe which Illyricus reporteth to this Effect now am I to goe and appeare before God either to be acquitted by him as I hope or condemned by him as I feare Which words as they savour not of that full assurance of Salvation which God vouchsafeth to many of his servants so they carry not with them any offensive Breath of Despaire And it is no contradiction in Christianity to rejoyce before God with trembling And in this Twilight we leave Berengarius to that mercifull God who knoweth whereof we are made and remembereth we are but dust Most worthily may this Divine Old Berengarius fairely shine Within this Skie of lustrious Starres Who 'gainst Romes errours fought Truths warres Confuting with high approbation Romes sigment Transubstantiation Which did that Hierarchie so vex And with such passion so perplex That they would never give him rest But did his Soule so much molest That at the last by fraud and force They made him with most sad remorse Two severall times his Cause recant Him of his Crown thus to supplant Thus O thus oft Sols raye most rare With duskie clouds ecclipsed are IOHâ—N WICKLIâ—â—â— The Life and Deth of John Wicklief AMongst many famous Writers in this Nation as Beda Alckvine Iohn Carnotenesis Nigellus Neckam Sevall Bacanthorpe Ockam Hampoole of Armach this Wicklief is not the least of worth he was famous both for Life and Learning he was brought up in the famous Vniversity of Oxford in Merton Collâ—dge he gave himselfe after he was Master of Arts to the study of Schoole Divinity wherein having an â—xcellent acute wit he became excellently well qualified and was admired of all for his singular Learning and sweâ—tnâ—sse of behavior in King Edward the thirds time who protested that his chiefe end and purpose was to call backe the Church from her Idolatry especially in the matter of the Sacrament He was much favoured by Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Henry Percy who defended and protected him from his raging adversaries and Bishops And when Pope Gregory the eleveeth sent his Bull to Oxford to require them to root out Wicklâ—ef's Tares as he called them the Proctors and Masters were in long debate whether they should receive it or reject it In the time of King Richard the second this Wicklief was brought before the Bishops at Lambeth and had many Articles put in against him but what by the meanes of some Courtiers and Citizens of London he was again released After this William Barton Vice-chancellor of Oxford wiâ—h some other Doctors set forth an Edict against him and his followers whereupon he published a confession of his Doctrine Anno Christi 1382. the Archbishop of Canterburie held a Convocation at London and condemned the Articles of Wicklief as Heretical and when the said Archbishop with many of his adherents were gathered together about this business just as they were readie to begin their debate there fell out a great and generall Earthquake which so affrighted manie of them that they desisted from their business yet all means were used for the suppressing of his opinions but through God's mercie they could never bee exstirpated to this daie He was a great enemie to the swarms of begging Friers with whom it was harder to make war then with the Pope himselfe He denied the Pope to be the Head of the Church and pronounc'd him to be Antichrist he confuted and condemned his Doctrine about Bulls Indulgences c. The Bishop of Rome lost by his Doctrine the power of making and ordaining Bishops in England and the Tenths of spirituall promotions also the gains of his Peter-pence Whereupon Polidore Virgil cals him an infamous Hereticke He affiâ—med the Scripture to be the supreme Judg of Controversies condemned Transubstantiation c. He was a painfull and faithfull preacher of the Gospell under that famous King Edward the thiâ—d who alwaies favored and protected him against the rage of his adversaries In the raign of Richard the second he was by the power of his adversaries banished yet in all his affliction he shewed an undanted spirit At last returning from Exile he died in the yeere of our Saviour Jesus Christ whom he had Preached 1387. and was buried the last day of December at his Parsonage of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire But in the yeer 1428. which was 41. yeeres from the time of his death his dead body was by the Decree of Pope Martin the fifth and Counsell of Sene dig'd up and burned with the Execreations of that fiery Pope thus he found the cruelty of them being dead whom he had being living taught to be so He writ as Pius Aenaeas testifies more then two hundred faire volumnes most of which were burned by Sùbinck Arch-bishop of Prague in Bohemia The Catalogue of his Works you may reade in the Centuries of Ioâ—n Bale somes of them I have here set downe 1 Of Christ and antichrist 2. Of Antichrist and his members 3. Of the truth of the Scriptures 4. Of the fountain of Eâ—rors 5. A booke of Conclusions 6. 7. Of Ecclesiasticall and Civill government 8 Of the Impostures of Hipocrites 9. Of Blasphemy 10. Lectures on Daniel 11. On the Apocalyps 12. Of the marriage of Priests 13. The Divels craft against Religion 14. His policy to overthrow faith 15. Of Apostacy 16. Two bookes of Metaphysickes one containing 12. Bookes 17. Glosses upon the Scripture 18. Of falling away from Christ. 19. Of truth and lying Besides these he writ many of Philosophy and translated the Bible into the English tongue making Prefaces and Arguments to every Booke he also translated the twelve Bookes of Clement the Parson of Lanthon containing the harmony of the Evangelists And thus went out this Lampe of England of whom one thus hath said With our old English writers rare John Wicklief justly might Compare For Learning Life and solid Witt And many Works he rarely Writt Contending stoutly 'gainst Romes Errours Nere daunted by their threats or terrours But to his death still fought faiths fight And thus went out this Lamp of Light But being dead Rome did so rave 'Gainst this Faiths Champion that from 's grave They digged-up his Bones with ire And burnt as Hereticks in fire Thus was Romes Folly Rage exprest To burn dead Bones of Soules at rest IOHANNES HVS The Life and Death of John Huss THE faire fruit of effects is vertually couched in the small seeds of their causes 1 Iohn Huss
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
Church is most benefited Curates are indeed instructers within their particular Charge but Erasmus instructeth the Instructers to expresse his thankfulnesse for this and many other favours received in this Kingdom he honored Doctâ—r Coleâ— Deane of Pauls and founder of the Schoole caled Catechizatiquis with the Inscription of his Bookes De Copia Verborum et Rerum whereupon he said merrilie that he was turn'd Bankrupt and had no more to part with His Adages the thiâ—â—d tâ—me revised and inlarged with divers Treatises translated out of Plutarch he dedicated to his old Mâ—caoenas the Lord Monâ—joy his Emendations and Censures upon S. Hieroms Epistles an unparalled work to his unparralleld benefactor the Lord Archbishop of Canterburie Longer he intended to have stayed but hearing that Frobenius at the request of many French and Germane Universities had undertaken to reprint his Adages at Basil and having both them and S. Hieroms Epistles ready for the Presse at which he was desirous to be present setting all other businesse aside he took the most compendious way thither Frobenius he found in his grave yet was not disappointed of his welcome that was abundantly supplyed by his Sons Bruno and Basilius and Iohn Frobenius his kinsman in whom the old man still survived both for his skill and honestie they quartered him under the same rooff with Amerbachius whom after S. Ambrose and S. Augustin he found wholly imployed in the restitution of S. Hierom wherin at first he vsed the help of Iohn Reuclin a civilian but afterwards fell upon a more happie Critick Iohannus Conâ—n Norimbergensis the Dominican who out of worm-eaten Manuscrips supplied what he found wanting corrected many places depraved and replaced not a few formerly disioynted Thâ— worke was brought to such perfection before his arrivall that leaving the rest to Amerbachius except when his judgement was required in the variation of Manuscripts he appropriation unto himselfe the only volumn of his Epistles whereunto he prefixed Arguments and added briefe but judicious â—llustrations many are of opinion that it cost Erasmus more oyle and want of sleep in repairing such breaches as time and ignorance had made in them then it did the Author in penning them To this great worke succeeded a greater and much more profitable his Edition of and Annotations upon the whole new Testament which as the chiefe instrument of our Salvation he dedicated to the chiefe Bishop as he supposed Leo the 10. From Basil his private affairs drew him into the Low Countries he arrived at Aquisgrane at what time Charles the fift was inaugurated Emperor and was present at the Diet of Wormâ—s as one of his Councell being thereto admitted before the death of Silvagius the Chancellor The Diet ended and Tourney surrendred to the Emperor he made what hast he could back againe unto Basil from whence the world first saw and admired his Paraphrase upon the foure Evangelists and Saint Pauls Epistles a work uncertaine whether undertaken or received with greater alacrity in composing whereof he applyed himselfe amongst the Latines to Ambrosse Augustin Hierom and Hilary amongst the Greekes to Saint Chrisostom and his follower Theophylact the contexture and style were his owne The whole he dedicated by parts to Charles the 5. and Ferdinand his Brother by both he was highly esteemed and might if he pleased have been as richly rewarded But since preferment and he ran on not by chance but choise like Parallels some may wonder how he supported so vast a charge as the setting forth of so many Bookes of his owne the Emendation of so many written by others And which was an antecedent to both the purchase or transcription of so many Manuscipts to say nothing of his frequent and expensive travels must needs draw upon him There is no better way to cleer this doubt then before we go any further to measure his great esteem with the greatest of his Contemporaries by the Correspondence he held with them and their munificence towards him When he was scarce crept out of the shell he pronounced a Panegirick of his owne Composure before Philip father to Charles 5. as he came out of Spaine into Germany for which he honored him with a yeerly pension during Life King Henry the 8. of England wrot to him with his oâ—ne hand offered him a goodly house belike some dissolâ—ed Abbey worth six hundred Florenes yeerly and besidâ—s gave him severall tastes rather then surfeits of his prâ—â—cely bounty Francis the French King wrote likewise unto him after the same manner as appears by his letter yet extant offered him a Bishoprick and one thousand Florenes pre annum to set up his rest in France Charles the 5. offered him a Bishoprick in Sicily made him of his Councell and besides many of his expressions of his liberality bestowed upon him a yeerly pension of two hundred Florenes Ferdinand his brother King of Hungary made him a tender of four hundred Florenes yeerly with promise to make them up five hundred to professe at Vienna Sigismond as much to come into Poland and further with a Royall and liberall hand supplyed his present necessities Mary Queene of Hungary wrote to him often and ever with her owne Hand her bounty without question eqâ—alled her exceeding Humanity Anne Princess Veriana gave him a yeerly pension of one hundred Florenes Frederick Duke of Saxony presented him with two Medals the one Gold the other silver which in a letter to Spalatinus he prefers before two Attick Talents George Duke of Saxony with diverse Ingots of silver digged out of his owne Mines and a great drinking Bole of the same William Duke of Gulick imitated him in the latter but outstript him in the Capacity Adrian the 6. to whom he consecrateth Arnobius wrot to him thrice which grand respects from the Pope much abated the fury of the Friers his enemies and there is no doubt but he largly contributed towards the charge of that worke undertaken especially for his owne honor He congratulated the Papacie to Clement the 7. who in requitall sent him five hundred Florenes and by his Apostoticall letters invited him to Rome Paul the 3. had brought him into the Colledge of Cardinals but that he was prevented by death in the interim he sent him a Collation to the Prepositure of Daventry which he refused saying he was now neer the end of his journey and hoped to get thither without it William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury changed his Prebend into a pension and scarce ever wrote to him but in letters of Gold his last token was a Gelding of whom he used to say that though he wanted originall sin he was guilty of two mortall ones Sloath and Gluttony Cardinall Wolsey a stately Prelate and not easie of accesse yet wrot unto him letters full of singular humanity and besides other remembrances bestowed on him a Pension out of a Prebend in York The Bishop of Lincolne and Rochester bountifully supplyed him upon all occasiones Hammond and
victory from those who were his contemporanean School-fellowes and that nothing might seem to be wanting to the perfection of so hopefull a Plant he reached unto the knowledge of the Scince of Mâ—sicke wherein he shewed himselfe so excellent and so compleat an Artist that his judgement compared with the tendernesse of his yeeres enforced his spectators to the greater admiration and his Master Bintzlius well perceiving that his Sâ—udies and learning were incongruous and too mean for so apt and so vertuous a disposition sent him back againe unto his Father together with his judicious opinion concerning him advising him to provide otherwise for him and to search out for such a Master whose learning might be correspondent unto the promptnesse of his naturall disposition His Father being joyfull with this approbation of his Master and also fearfull least these springing vertues should suffer an Eclipse by the interposition of that odious vice of Idlenesse he forthwith sent him unto Berna a famouâ— City in Switzerland to be instructed and brought up by Henricus Lupulus a man well learned and excelling in Poâ—try from whom through the reading of Classiâ— Writers he became a good Orator got some knowledg in the art of Logickes having now spent at Berna almost two yeers and longing after the knowledge of Phylosophy whose ground and Basis was already laid he removed unto Vienna a famous City of Austria situate on the river Danubius where he not onely attained to the knowledge of Phylosophy but he also augmented and perfitted those things which in former time he had learned and having spent here some few yeeres he returned againe to Basil where he first began to imploy that talent which God had bestowed on him for here he began first to teach others that which he himselfe had learned and having spent some time in the instructing of others and in furnishing himselfe with the knowledge of the Liberall Arts he waâ— advanced unto the title of Master which being obtained hâ— forthwith addicted himselfe being guided thereunto by the spirit of God unto the study of Schoole Divinity wherein he remained silent for a while being rather a spectator then an Actor untill he was called by the Glareanes to the discharge of a Pastorall function office amongst them where with all alacrity and cheerfulnessâ— he finished that which had beene formerly begun by others And by this meanes having received holy Orders he gave himselfe wholy to the study of Divinity spent all his time in searching into the old and new Tâ—stament â—hat so he might be able not onely to speake but also to judge of the Scriptures as for the writings of the Ethnicks he did not greâ—tly esteeme and accompt onely he made use of Vâ—lerius Maximus who by reason of the variety of his examples he perceived it would be beneficiall unto him But becâ—use he well understood that he could have no sound judgement concerning the Scriptures nor concerning the writings of pious and learned men unlesse that he were wel skild in the tongues he forthwith betook himself to the study of the Greek tongue wherin in short time he so well profited that the Greek seemed more easier unto him then the Latin and he better able to judge of a Greek then of a Latin Author and for the better understanding of the tongue he used help of the best Lexicons and translations and with them translated Saint Pauls Epistles committing them all to Memory and other bookes of the New Testament But when he had found it written in Saint Peter that the Scripture was not of private interpretation he lifted up his eyes to heaven beseeching the holy Ghost and earnestly wrestling with him by prayer that he would be pleased so to illuminate his understanding that he might rightly and truely understand the sense and meaning of the holy Scriptures so that he might neither decieve himselfe nor lead away others with a false image of the spirit Having thus in some measure fitted himselfe for the beating down of sin advancing furthering of the truth he then first began to condemne the Helvetian Pensions labouring to overthrow them and to reduce and bring backe againe former sanctity and worship into the Countrey and hence hatred and reproachfull speeches had and took their beginning against this good pious and laborious man who notwithsâ—anding this affront at the first shewing of himselfe for the glory of God and that in his owne Country chearfully proceeded Preaching the Gospel and endeavouring rather as yet to plant truth in the hearts of his Auditors and to cause them fully to understand it rather then to open and to discover unto them the vices and wickednesses of the whore of Babilon Not long after occasion being offered and D. Theobaldus Gerolzeggius desiring or rather earnestly intreating the sam he departed from Glarona and went to Eremus there intending to continue for a time but indeed the chiefest cause of his reparing unto that place was the happy opportunity of preaching Christ and his truth unto diverse remote and forreine Nations being at that time gathered togethered unto that place from all parts of the world In the meane time it fell out that the Church of Tigurum was destitute of a Curate or Priest many there were which greatly laboured to bring in Zuinglius he being altogether ignorant of this matter comes to Tigurum where being demanded by a certaine Canon who accidentally met him Whether he could preach the word of the Lord unto those of Tigurum he presently answered that he could upon which answer he is called unto the Church of Tigurum not without the great joy of many godly minded persons and that which he promised he began with happy successe to performe the Lord being with him and giving a blessing unto his labours in the yeer of grace one thousand five hundred twenty and one During the time of this happy proceeding of his at Tigurum the Switzers had taken great notice of the name of Martin Luther by reason many of his writings which in all places came unto their hands these he exhorted them to read and to peruse that so they might perceive the vnity of the spirit drawne out of those holy writings in them both and so by that meanes nothing doubting but that they would be the more willing to consent and to give place unto the truth This is also remarkable in the godly man that notwithstanding his continued paines in the discharging of his Pastorall office he omitted not his reading of the difficultest Greek Authors for the preserving of that knowledg w ch he had formerly gotten not ceaâ—ing here he adventured on the Hebrew wherein by the helpe assistance of some who were his associates he profited so much that he was able aptly to expound the two major Prophets Isaiah and Ieremiah About the same time Franciscus Lamberius a Frier Minorite forsaking his Monastry came to Tigurum who disputed publiquely with Zuinglius concerning the
refresh and coole his soule with everlasting comfort At these words Master Bilney put his finger into the flame of the candle then burning before them and feeling the heat thereof said I finde by experience and have knowne it long by Philosophy that fire is naturally hot yet I am perswaded by Gods holy word and by the experience of some Saints of God therein recorded that in the flame we may feele no heat and I constantly beleeve that however the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by the fire yet my Soule and Spirit shal be purged thereby and although it may be somewhat painfull for a time yet joy unspakeâ—ble followeth there-upon As he was led forth to the place of execution one of his freinds spake unto him and desired him to be constant and to take his death as patiently as he could to whom Master Bilney answered with a quiet and milde countenance When the Marriner undertakes a voyage he is tossed on the billowes of the troubled Seas yet in the midst of all perils he heareth up his spirit with this consideration that ere long he should come unto his quiet Harbour so saith he I am now sayling upon the troubled Sea but ere long my Ship shall be in a quiet Harbour and I doubt not but through the grace of God I shall endure the Storme only I would entreat you to help me with your prayers As he went along the streets he gave much almes to the poore by the hands of one of his friends Being come to the Stake he there openly made a long confession of his faith in an exellent manner and gave many sweet exhortations to the people and then earnstly called upon God by prayer and at the end rehearsed the 143. Psalme Then turning to the Officers he asked them if they were ready whereupon the fire was kindled he holding up his hands and crying sometimes Jesus sometimes Credo but the winde did blow away the flame from him which made his paine the longer yet he patiently endured it continuing to call upon God untill he gave up the ghost Iust such another Saint-like singing Swan Was blessed Bilney born an English-man Brought up in Cambridge University Famous for Arts and Parts and Piety Where by powerfull preaching he converted Holy Hugh Latimâ—r then much perverted To Popery made many a proselyte Of 's fellow-Students by the Gospels light At last by Card'nall Wolsey prosecuted Who and his shavelings with him oft disputed They by their subtill treats and threats at length Tript up his heeles and foyld his humain strength And caus'd him to recant In which sad case This blessed Saint abote a twelve moneths space In bitter anguish and perplexity Of Soul in danger in despaire to dye At last again by Gods all-guarding grace Recovered comfort did despair quite chace And fill his Soul with such redoubled joy As all his former preciovs parts t' imploy In constant and courageous preaching down The odious errours of Romes tripple Crown For which our tongues may never cease t' expresse That Bilney's Crowned with true happinesse WILLIAM TINDALL The Life and Death of William Tindal WIlliam Tindal was borne about the borders of Wales and brought up from a child in the Universitie of Oxford where he grew up and encreased in the knowledge of the Tongues and the Liberall Arts but especially in the Scriptures whereunto his minde was singularly addicted insomuch as being in Magdalen-Hall he read privately to som Fellows Students som parts of Divinitie instructing them in the knowledge and truth of the Scriptures his life also was so blamelesse that he acquired much love and esteem thereby After he had profited exceedingly and taken his degrees there he removed to Cambridg and being well ripened in the knowledge of God's Word he went to live with one Master Welch in Glocestershire where he was Tutor to his children and many Abbats and Doctors resorting thither Master Tindal discoursing with them of Luther Erasmus c. shewing them plainly his â—udgement in Religion proving the same by the Word of God confuting their errors which caused them to bear a secret grudg in their hearts against him and afterwards they took occasion to rail and rage against him charging him with Heresie and accusing him to the Bishop and Chancellor whereupon the Chancellor appointed those Priests and Master Tindal also to appear before him and Master Tindal suspecting the matter as he went prayed heartily unto God to give him strength to stand fast to the truth when he came the Chancellor threatned him grievously reviling rating of him as though he had been a Dog accusing him of many things whereof no proof could be brought and so dismissed him for the present not long after Master Tindal happening into the company of one that was esteeâ—ed a learned Doctor in disputing with him he drave him to that issue that the Doctor burst out into these blasphemous words Wee had better be without God's Lawes then the Pope's Maste Tindal hearing this full of Godly zeal replied I defie the Pope and all his Lawes and if God spare me life ere many yeers I will cause a Boy that drives the plough to know more of the Scriptures then you do The rage of the Priests encreasing Master Tindal told Master Welch that he well perceived that he could stay there no longer with safetie and that his stay might be prejudicial to that Family also and therfore with his good leave he departed and went to London where he preached a while as he had done in Countrie before and then hearing a great commendation of Cuthbert Tonstal Bishop of London he endevored to get into his servicâ— but the Lord saw that it was not good for him and therfore he found little favour in the Bishop's â—ight remaining thus in London about the space of a yeer and being desirous for the good of his Countrie to translate the New Testament into English he found that there was no place for him to do it in England and therefore being assisted by Master Humphrie Munmoth and other good men he leftt the land and went into Germany and there set upon that work translating the New Testament Anno. Christi 1527. and then setting upon the Old First Bible translâ—ted he finished the five books of Moses with sundry most learned and godly Prologues perfixed before every one of them the like also he did upon the Nâ—w Testament besides divers other godly Treatises which he wrote there which being published and sent over into England became exceeding profitable to the whole English Nation At his first going over into Germany he went into Saxony and had much conference with Luther other learned men in those quarters and then returning into the Netherlands made his greatest abode at Anâ—werp when he had finished his translation of Deuteronomy minding to print it at Hamborouth he sailed thitherward but by the way upon the coast of Holland he suffered shipwrack
little as the others Anno Christi 1530. when the Diet was held at Augusta for quieting of the controversies about Religion the Duke of Brunswick coming thither by importunity prevailed with Regius to go to Luneburg in his Country to take care of the Church there in which journey at Gobuâ—g he met with Luther and spent a whole day in familiar confâ—rence with him about matters of great moment of which himselfe write's That he never had a more comfortable day in his life Erâ—nestus Duke of Brunswick loved him dearly and esteemed him as his father insomuch as when the City of Augusta sent to the Dâ—ke desiring him to returne Regius to them againe he answered that he would as soone part with his eyes as with him and presently after he made him Bishop and over-seer of all the Churches in his Country with an ample salary for the same afterwards going with his Prince to a meeting at Haganaw he fell sick by the way and within few dayes with much cheerfulnesse yeelded up his soule into the hands of God Anno Christi 1541 he often desired of God that he might dye a sudden and easie death wherein God answered his desires He was of an excellent wit holy of life and painfull in the worke of the Lord. Reader this serious Fathers well-spent dayes Were fill'd with love and love was fill'd with praise He was abjured by a Noble race Which made him onely debtor but not base Heav'n was his port to which he faild through tearsâ— Steer'd by his faith blowne by the winde of prayers Let his example teach us to invest Our hearts with wisdome and we shall be blest With him who now enjoyes the life of pleasure Whose comforts know no end whose joyes no measure He that shall choose true vertue for his guide May march on boldly and not feare a slide The Life and Death of CARALOSTADIUS Who died Anno Christi 1541. ANdreas Bodenstein Caralostadius was borne in France in a towne called Caralostadium by which he received hâ—s name he was brought up at Schoole there where afterwards he went to Rome and having spent sometime in the study of Divinity he went thence to Wittenberg where he commensed Doctor in Divinity and was a publicke Professor Anno Christi 1512. afterwards he became an earnest asâ—ertor of Lutheâ—'s doctrine and a defendor of it against Eccâ—us both by disputation and writing at the time of Luther's being in his Pathmos Caralostadius obtained of the Elector the abolishing of private Masse Auricular confession Images c. at Wittenberg which Luther being offended at returned presently thither and Peeached eagerly against that alteration whereupon Caralostadius wrote in justification of it which was the first beginning of greater differences betwixt them about the Sacrament whereupon he left Wittenberg 1524. and went to Orlamund being called to a Pastorall charge there but after a while he was called back to his place in Wittenberg yet before he went Luther being sent by the Elector of Iene and Orlamund in a Sermon where â—aralostadius was present he enveighed bitterly against the Anabaptists and said withall That the same spirit reignd in the Image-haters and Sacramentaries whereupon Caralostadius being much offended went to his lodging to confer with him about it afterwards Luâ—her coming to Orlamund went not to salute Caralostadius but in his Sermon quarrelled with their abolishing of Idols and shortly after he procured the Elector to banish Caralostadius whereof Caralostadius afterwards complained in a letter to his people in Wittenberg that unheard and unconvicted he was banished by Luther's procurement from thâ—nce he went to Basil where hâ— printed some bookâ— that he had written about the Lord's Supper for which the Magistrates being offended with the novelty of the Doctrine cast the Printers into prison and the Senate of Tigurine for bad thâ—ir people to read those books but Zuinglius in his Sermon exhorted them first to read aad then to passe judgement on them saying That Caralostadius knew the truth but had not well expressed it afterwards Caralostadiuâ— wandring up and downe in upper Germany when the sedition of the boorish Anabaptists brake out unto which they were stirred up by Muncer and for which many of them were brought to punishment Caralostadius also escaped very narrowly being let downe in a basket over the wallâ— of Rottenberg being in great streights he wrote to Luther and purged himselfe from having any hand in those uproars entreating him to print his book and undertake his defence which also Luther did desiring the Magistrates that he might be brought to his just triall before he waâ— condemned Caralostadius wrote againe to him a Letter wherein he said That for his opinion about the Sacrament he rather proposed it for disputation sake then that he positively affirmed any thing w ch many imputed to him for levity but Luther thereupon procured his return into Saxonie yet he finding little content there went to Tigurine and taught in that place till the death of Zuinglius and then he went to Basil where he taught ten yeers and An. 1541. he died there of the plague and was very honorably buried This grave Divine ceas'd not from taking paines More for the Churches good then his owne gaines Yet were his gaines as great as his desire He that obtaines true vertue need require No greater profit he that studies how To live here-after must not set his brow On Earths loe things the pleasure of the Earth Prov'd this grave Fathers sorrow not his mirth His thoughts were all divine he could not hide Within his Season'd breast the flames of pride He was an Image-hater and would not Let them be worshipp'd and his God forgot 'T was not a Prison could his heart apale He that has virtue needs no other baile The life and death of CAPITO Who died Anno Christi 1541. WOlfgangus Fabricius Capito was borne at Hagenaw in Alsatia his Father was of the Senatorian ranke who bred him in learning and sent him to Basil where he studied Physick and proceeded Doctor of it aftâ—r hiâ— Father's death he studied Divinity Anno Christi 1504 and under Zasias a great Lawyer he studied Law also and proceeded Doctor of â—t He was a great lovâ—r and admirer of godly Ministers at Heidleberg he grew into acquaintance with Oecolampadius and there was a neer tye of friendship betwixt them all their lives after with him also he studied Hebrew and became a Preacher first in Spire and thencâ— was câ—lled to Basil from thence he was sent for by the Elector Palatine who made him his Preacher and Counsellor and sent him of divers Embassies also by Charles the fifth he was made of the order of Knights from Mentz he followed Bucer to Argenâ—ine where he was called to a Pasâ—oral charge he was a very prudent and eloquent man a good Hebrician and studious of Peace concerning the Sacrament he said Mittendas esse contentiones cogitandum de usu ipsius coenae
required that the Readers of Divinity should withall at certaine times read Lectures also of Philosophy it was agreed betweene him and Zanchie his fellow-professor that the one of them should read Morall Philosophy which fell to his lot and the other Naturall which Zanchie undertooke Howbeit here he was not long quiet for some factious ones began to complaine of him to the Magistrates as not concurring with the Augustine confession in the Doctrine of the Lords Supper wherein albeit he gave those in authority good satisfaction yet he perceived much heart-burning in other-some and that manifested oft times as well by scandalous libels scattred abroad as also by open opposition Whereupon supposing that he should not live quâ—etly there and do the good that he desired he began to entertaine thoughts of departure and as God in his holy providence pleased to dispose it a fit and faire occasion thereof offred it selfe to him For they at Zurick whereat first he desired to have setled wanting one to succeede Pellicane lately deceased in the Divinity Lecture invite Peter Martyr to come over to them and supply that place thither he came tho with much griefe and unwillingnesse dismissed by the Magistrates and other godly of Strasbourge his fellow-professors especially accompanied with our worthy Iewel after Bishop of Salisbury then exile in those parts who ever entirely affected and reverenced him as his Father At Zuricke with much gratulation was he most lovingly and respectively received by the Magistrates Ministers Bullinger especially and the maine body of the people and notwithstanding an Order before made to the contrary denying such admittance for some yeeres unto any enrolled instantly for a free Denison There he taught about seven yeers expounding the books of Samuel and a good part of the Kings and writing divers polemicall discoursâ—s against the adversaries of the truth Nor would he remove thence albeit he were with much importunity invited to other places where the meanes were larger as first to Geneva upon the decease of that every way noble Count Maximilian Celsus Pastor of the Italian Church there and after in Queen Elizabeths dayes when Religion was againe here setled Bishop Iewell labouring with him in it to returne into these parts but continued teaching there till he died howbeit being earnestly required by letters as well from the Queen mother of France the King of Navarre the Prince of Condee and other Peeres of that Realm as also from Beza and the rest of the Ministers of the reformed Churches in those parts he obtained leave of the Senate to goe over into France to the solemn Conference at Poysâ—i where how wisely and worthily he demeaned himselfe by the Acts of it may appeare Not long after his accesse to Zuricke desirous to continue the race and name of the Virmilii he tooke him a second wife a Virgin of good note and name commended to him from the Iâ—alian Church at Geneva where she lived an Exile for Religion by whom he had two children a son and a daughter who died both very young before him and left her great with a third that proved a daughter He departed this life quietly after some seven dayes sicknesse sitting in his chaire in the presence of his wife and Religious friends on the twelfth day of Novâ—m in the yeer of grace 1562. and of his owne age the sixty third He was of an able healthy big-boned and well limmed body of a countenance expressing an inward grave and setled disposition of extraordinary parts of learnng as well for humanity as for divinity excellent for disputation much admired wheresoever he came for his discreet and moderate though constant and incorrupt carriage never seen in heat of dispute to breake forth into chollour very painfull and industrious endevouring to doe all the good he could for Gods Church either in the places where he was resiant or elsewhere Nor may be omitted here the speech used of him to those of Zuricke by that learned man Iosias Simler that made the Funerall Oration at his Buriall and hath described his life at large that Another they might have in Martyrs roome but another Martyr they should not have But what he was and how laborious his Workes extant besides many other never published will soon shew which are these 1. A Catechisme or Exposition of the Creed in Italian 2. A Prayeâ—-booke composed out of the Psalmes 3. His Commentaries upon Genesis 4. His Commentaries upon the Booke of Iudges 5. His Commentaries upon the two Books of Samuel 6. His Commentaries upon the first Booke of Kings and eleven chapters of the second 7. His Commentaries upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans 8. His Commentaries upon the first Epistle to the Corinthians 9. His Disputations at Oxford about the Lords Supper 10. His Defence about the orthodox Doctrine of the Lords Supper against Stephâ—n Gâ—rdiner 11. An abridgement of the said Defence made by him afterward 12. His Confession exhibited to the Senate of Strasbourg concerning the supper of the Lord. 13. His judgement concerning the presence of Christs Body in the Sacrament delivered at the Conference of Poyssi 14. A Discourse concerning the Masse 15. A Dialogue concerning the place of Christs Body against the Ubiquitaries 16. His refutation of Richand Smiths two bookes concerning single life and Monkish Vows 17. In his commentaries on the first and second bookes of Aristatle Ethicks and part of the third 18. His Common-Places gathered out of his Commentaries by others and digested into Heads 19. Certain Treatises of Free-wil Gods Providence Predestination and the cause of Sin 20. Propositions some necessary some probable out of Genesis Exodus Leviticus and Judges together with Solutions of a Question or two concerning some Mosaicall Laws and Oathes 21. Divers Sermons and Orations of severall Subjecâ—s and made upon severall occasions 22. His letters to sundry Persons concerning much variety of usefull Discourse Behold this Star which séem'd at the first view Eccâ—ipst with Romish fogs but after grew So bright that his Refulgence did display Truths Banner beaming like the Sun of day His sunshine was not visible alone In true Religions reform'd Horizon But cast his foraign influence as far As th'Artick's distant from th'Antartick star Uext Romes iugenious Malice did compact To quench this flame but failed in the Acts. The seven-crown'd dragons star confronting traine Lasht at this Starâ— but lasht and lasht in vaine Thus he remains sustain'd by higher powers A Saint in heau'ns bright Orbe a Star in Onrs. HVGH LATYMER The Life and Death of Hugh Latimer HVgh Latimer born at Thirkesson in the County of Leicester being of a prompt and sharp wit was by his Parents brought up in learning and at the age of 14. he went to Cambridge where after he had profited in other studies he gave himself to the study of School-Divinity commensed Batchelor in Divinity and was a very zealous Papist made an Oration against Philip Melancâ—hon railed against Master Stafford
he no entertaine the time with more safety and privacy became a teacher to some Gentlemans sonnes in the Country where we leave him for a time requesting the Reader to accompany uâ— to some matters of higher Concernement About this time the Divorse betwixt King Henry Katherine his wife was agitated in the Court of Rome Queen Katherines age was above her Husbands her Gravity above her age more pious at her Beades then pleasant in her Bed a better woman then a wife and a fitter wife for any Prince then King Henry No wonder then if he were impatient to be delayed in his Divorce by the Dilatory tricks of the Romish Court intending first to divorce all the Gold from England kept the Cause some yeers in suspention so torturing King Henâ—y on the racke betwixt hope and feare not to have his dâ—sire effected It hapned that a Courtier came into Cranmers Company who familiarly conversing together amongst other discourse light on this matter of Divorse Cranmer informes the Gentleman that the readiest way for the King to attaine his desire was no longer to trace the Labirinths of the Popes proceedings where Clyents loose themselves in the endlesse Multiplication of affected intricacies but directly to be take himselfe to the Word of God according to which the Kings marriage unlawfull at the first might lawfully be anulled This being brought to the Kings Eare where welcom news would quickly arrive Cranmer is sent for afterwards imployed to the most principal Universities in Europe there publickly to maintain the truth of his aforesaid Assertions and after his returne was rewarded for his undertaking no lesse learned then Laborious with the Archbishopricke of Canterbury Here I have no leisure to listen to much lesse faith to beleeve those false Aspersions which Doctor Sanders castâ—th on this reverend Prelate bottoming the beginning of his Court Advancement on the Basest Employments performed by him Sufficeth it is to know that as the Herneshaw when unable by maine strength to grapple with the Hawke doth Slice upon her bespattering the Hawkes wings with dung or ordure so to conquer with her taile which she cannot doe with her bill and beake So Papists finding themselves unable to encounter the Proâ—estants by force of Argument out of the Scripture cast the dung of foule langvage and filthy railing upon them wherein Sanders exceedeth all of his Sociâ—ty Yea God may seeme to have vindicated the innocence of the one and punished the slanderous mouth of the other in that the foresaid Sanders was afterwards famished in Ireland that mouth being starved for want of food it surfetted with superfluity of Falsehood Cranmer now Archbishop so became the Place with his Piety and Gravity that he indeared himselfe to all conditions of People This was the greatest fault he was guilty of That his nature was bad in being too good he was of too easie and flexible a disposition which made him cowardly to comply with the Church of Rome For although he never did any harme to the Protestants yet he did not unto them so mâ—ch good as he might and ought Some may conceive this passage might well be omitted but the truth of our love to this good mans memory must not make us to forget our love to Truth besides this recording of such slips doth read to us in him a Lecture of our owne Infirmities if Gods grace be not more Active in our Hearts Oh there is more required to make us Valiant then barely to be able to call another Coward During the Reigne of Henry the eight and Edward the sixth our Cranmer flourished in favour But no sooner came Queen Mary to the Crowne but he was scorched with the heat of her Anger As an earnest that his whole Body should afterwards be burnt by her cruelty Indeed he well deserved of Queen Mary in this particular because he with Justice Hales would never consent to the dissinheriting of Queen Mary and refused to subscribe the Will shall I say of Edward the sixt or the Duke of Northumberland translating the Crowne on the Lady Iane But all this would not advance him into the Queenes favour no nor reconâ—ile to hâ—r good Will shee being still troubled with the fit of the mother and meditating revenge against him because Cranmer had been the principall promoter of Queen Kaâ—herines Divorse Or which is more probable being the Queen of her selfe was not cruelly minded some under her which did bite where she did not barke Gardiner the Spanniell Bonner the Bloudhound projected his destruction For being pardoned of Treason of which he stood guilty with the rest of the Privie Council he was châ—rged with Heresie and sent to Oxford there to dispute upon certaine Controversies being nothing else but a plausible contrivance of his Death which was concluded on before any Sylogisme in that Disputation was propounded However his Adversaries improved themselves so much on his facile nature and love of life that their large promisâ—s prevailed on him so far as to make him subscribe to Popery though presently after he recanted his recantation and was burned to ashes for the profession of the Truth first thrusting his owne right Hand faulty for his former subscription into the fire so that his Hand died a Malefactor and the rest of his body a Martyr All which passages are so largely reported by Mâ—ster Fox who in his Hiâ—tory hath so carefully gathered in the Harvest thâ—t his diligence hath left no gleanings for Posterity to picke having omitted nothing in his life remarkeable for such as succeed him to observe He writ many things which are here to his eternall praise truely registred 1. A catechisme of christian Doctrine 2. Ordinations of churhes reformed 3. Of ordaining Priests 4. Of the Eucharist with Luther 5. Of defence of catholicke doctrine 6. To the professors of the Truth 7 Ecclesiasticall Laws in Edward the sixt his reign 8. Against Gardners Sermon 9. Doctrine of the Lords Supper 10. Twelv Books of common places out of the Doctors of the church 11. Christian Homilies 12. To Richard Smiths calumnies 13. Confuâ—aâ—ions of unwritten truths 14. Of not marrying ones sister two Books 15. Against the Popes primacy two books 16. Against Popish purgatory two books 17. Of Iustification two books 18. Epistles to learned men Out of Prison he writ these 1. Against the sacrifice of the Masse 2. Against adoring the Host. 3. To Queen Mary with others 4. Emendations of the Translation of the English Bible and added Prefaces to it 'T was not inticing Honour could remove The constant heart of Cranmer from the love Of sound Divinity he alwayes stood Firme to God's Causâ— and dy'd it with his blood A true Seraphicke and Tyrannicke fire Prov'd as it were ambitious to aspire And both prevail'd being willing to controule Th' one burnt his Body th' other cur'd his Soule Image adoring Papists boast your fils Ye sent a Soule to Heav'n against your wils What can ye say but this your
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
the Emperour had promulgated a book written concerning Religion called the Interim which he would have to be embraced and confirmed by the States and Cities of the Emprie which when he perceived that it was received by the Senate first he publikly opposed it in the Church and exhorted them to the constant profession of their former doctrine and secondly he told them that he must be compelled to depart from them in case they did refuse his motion but he perceiving no hopes of altering their opinions after that he had taken his supper he left the City being accompanied onely with one Citizen committing his wife and eight children which he left behind him unto the protection of the Almighty and being without the Ports he changâ—d his hablit least through the same he might be discovered by his enemies And having turned a Wagon he went toward Tiâ—urum where he remained a few dayes with Bullinger and from thence he departed and went unto Basil unto Iohanner Hervagius his wife followed immediatly after him not knowing where to find him unlesse at Basil wherefore when she came to Constance for her assuâ—aÌ„ce she sent letters by a trusty friend whom she desired to certifie her husband of her aboade at Constance the messenger finding Musculus at Basil delivered the letters and forthwith returned unto Constance where he found his wife and children upon the Lords day following he preached twice in the City taking for hiâ— text those words in Iohn the 6. ver 66. From that time many of the Disciples went back and walked no more with him Then said Iesus unto the twelve I will yet also goe away c. from which place of Scripture he shewed unto them how greatly those Cities did offend which did fall from the truth of Christ for the favour of mâ—n and withall he earnestly exhorted the people of Constance not to follow the examples of such but constantly to adhaere unto the truth taught by Christ in his Word and this was the last Sermon that was Preached in the peaceable state of the Commonwealth for the day following the Spanish Forces under the conduct of Alfonsus Vives beleagured the City during the Siedge by the perswasion of Ambrosius Blavrerus a reverend Pastor Musculuâ— with his wife and children were conveyed out of the City with safety and they escaped the fury of the enemies intending to goe for Tigurum but by reason of sicknesse which seized on his wife he was compelled to remain at Sangallum after her recovery he went unto Tigurum where he was joyfully received of the Inhabitants with whom he continued six months before he was called to performe his Ministeriall function in which vacancy he was called by Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury into England but in regard of his owne age as unfit for travell and in respect of the weaknesse of his wife and the many children which he had he modestly refused Not long after the Inhabitants of Berne were destitute of a Divinity Lecturer for their Schooles wherefore he was called by the Senate unto that profession which indeed was most welcome unto him partly for the excellency of that Church and Commonwealth and partly for the renewing of his acquaintance with his old friend Iohannes Hallerus He entred upon this Lecture in the year 1549. and constantly continued in it for the space of fourteen years to the exceeding benefit of the Church of Christ opening in that space unto his Auditours almost the whole Bible He naturally detested Contraversies and would write his minde without the injury or contempt of others so that his Workes were opposed by no man in publicke during his life onely those two Sermons excepted which he Preached before the Princes at Wormes which were opposed by Cochlaeus The great love which he carried towards the Inhabitants of Berne appeareth in this that he refused great honour and ample Revenues which were profered unto him during his Lectureship at Berne for he was thrice called into England seconded with large rewards also the Inhabitants of Auspurge having againe obtained their former liberty amongst other banished Ministers they first recalled Musculus He was againe desired by the Inhabitants of Strasburge invited by Otho Henricus and Fredericus Prince Elector Palatine and by the Land grave of Hassia many times but he modestly refused all these though honourable calings intending to performe his best service unto the end of his dayes unto that City who had shewed and vouchsafed him such kindnesse in his greatest extremity which indeed was truly performed Not long before his death he was sickly partly by reason of his years his body being spent with infinite cares and labours partly by reason of a vehement cold which did much afflict him whereby he gathered that he was to leave that house of clay and therefore setting all other things aside he entred into a heavenly meditation of death the sum of which he hath left unto the world being written by himselfe before his death Nil super est vitae frigus praecordia captat Sed in Christe mihi vita parennis ad es Quid crepidas anima ad sedes abitura quietis En tibi ductor adest Angelus ille tuus Lingua domum hanc miseram nunc in sua fata ruentem Quam tibi fida Dei dextera restituet Peccasti scio sed Christus ardentibus in se Peccata expurgaâ—sanguinâ— cuncta suo Horribilis mors est fateor sed proxima vita est Ad quam te Christi gratia câ—rta vocat Praesto est de Satana peccaâ—a est morte triumphâ—s Christus ad hunc igitur lâ—â—a alacrisque migra This life is done cold Death doth summon me A life eternall I expect from thée My Saviour Christ why dost thou fear my Dove He will conduct thée to his throne above Forsake this body this corrupted creature Thy God will change it to a better nature Dost thou abound with sin I do confesse That thou art guilty and dost oft transgresse But Christ his blood doth wash and cleanse all those That can themselves in him by Faith repose Doth Death appeare an object full of horror Both ugly ghastly and not wanting terror I do confesse it but that life againe Which followes death doth take away that paine Unto which life we called are by Christ Then do no longer O my soule resist But yéeld thou with all chéerfulnesse to dwell With him triumphing or'e Death Sin and Hell Afterwards the strength of his sicknesse did increase by the addition of an Ague wherby he was brought so weak that he was not able to sit up right in his bed wherefore he sâ—nt unto Master Iohannes Allerus and other Ministers unto whom he declared the Faith which he dyed in and withall committed the care of his Wife and Children unto thâ—m who told him that they would not bâ— deficient in any thing wherein they might shew themselves beneficiall and helpfull unto them As he was a man endewed with an
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
to Caesar to Naples to stir him up to take Armes against the Lutherans Anno Christi 1537. he was againe sent into Germany and also Anno Christi 1541. to the Convention at Wormes after which he was called back to Rome and the Pope being to make some Cardinals intended to make Vergeriâ—â— one but some suggested that he had been so long in Germany that he smelled of a Lutheran which made the Pope to alter his purpose which when Vergerius heard of he went into his owne Country purposing to clear himselfe by answering some of Luthers books but it pleased God that whilst he read them with an intent to confute them himselfe was converted by them whereupon he retired himself to his brother the Bishop of Pole and communicated his thoughts to him his brother at first was much asâ—onished but after a while was perswaded by him to read and study the Scriptures especially in the point of Justification by Faith whereby it pleased God that he also saw the Popish Doctrines to be false and so they both became zealous Preachers of Christ to the people of Istria but the Divell stirred up many adversaries against them especially the Fryars who accused them to the Inquisitors whereupon Vergerius went to Mantua to his old friend Cardinall Gonzaga but there he could not stay in safety whereupon he went to the Councill of Trent to purge himselfe but the Pope by his Legate stopt him from being heard there from thence he went to Venice and so to Padua where he was a spectator of the miserable condition of Francis Spira which so wrought upon him that he resoved to leave his Country and all his outward comforts and to goe into voluntary exile where he might freely professe Christ and accordingly he went into Rhetia where he Preached the Gospel sincerely til he was called from thence to Tubing by Christopher Duke of Wurtenburge where he ended his dayes Auno Christi 1565. Those Popish errours which at first bore sway In our Vergerious heart were chast away By the encreasing sun of truth his minde Which was before all drosse was refin'd And from a cruell enemy became A perfect friend and boldly would proclaime The reall truth fear'd not to be withstood Thus brave Vergerius turn'd from bad to good The Life and Death of Strigelius who dyed Anno Christi 1569. VIctorine Strigelius was born at Kausbita in Switzerland Anno Christi 1524. his fathâ—r was Doctor of Physiâ—k who died in his sons infancy when this Sâ—igelius was fit for it his friends finding him of a prompt and ready wit they set him to School in his owne Country where he quickly drunk in the first rudiments of learning and so Anno Christi 1538. he went to the University of Friburg and having studied the Arts there for a while An. Christi 1542. he went to Wittenberge where he was inflamed by God with an ardent desire to know the Doctrin of the Reformed Churches for which end he diligently attended on Luthers and Melancthons Lectures and wholly framed himselâ—â— to the imitation of Melancthom Anno Christi 1544. he Commensed Master of Arts and by the perswasion of Melancthâ—â— he taught a private Schoole at Winâ—â—enberg where he did much good and gat himselfe great repute But when thâ— Wars in Germany waxed hot he left Wittenberg and went to Magdeburge and from thence to Erphurd where he published some Orations being about twenty two years old Anno Christ 1548. he went thence to Ienes and their hâ— Preached and the year after married a wife which lived with him but two years Anno 1553. he maried againe whilst he continued there he had diverse disputations with Major about Good Works and with Flacius but An. 1559. the Flacians prevâ—iled so far that he and Aquila the Pastor of Ienes were both cast into prison the marks whereof he carryed to his grave In Prison he fell very sick insomuch as the Prince suffered him to goe unto his owne housâ— but yet made him â— Prisoner there Christopher Duke of Wurtenburg and Philip Lantgrave of Hâ—sse mediated for his release and yet could not obtaine it but at last the Emperor Maximillian interposing his authority procured it after he had been a prisoner abovâ— three yearâ— But perceiving that he could not be in sâ—fâ—ty in that place hâ— resolved to depart which the University understanding wrote to him earnestly importuning his stay to whom he returned thanks for their love but told them withall That his life was in conâ—inuall danger by reason oâ— false brethren and therefore he waâ— resolved to goâ— where he might do more good and accoâ—dingly from thence he went to Lipswich where he spâ—nt his time in writing upon the Psalmes and having it lefâ— to his choyce whether to stay at Lipswich or to go to Wittenberg being sent for thither he chose to stay where he was and was chosen Professor of Divinity in that University There he continued his Lectures till An. Christi 1566. at which â—imâ— he came to deliver his judgement about the Lords Supper wherâ—upon by the command of the Rector of the University the doors of the Colledge were shut against him and he not suffered to read anâ— more yet they would have restored him to his place if hâ— would have promised to meddle with that point no more but refused to make any such promise and withall comâ—plained to the Elector of Saxonie of the wrong don unto him from whom he received a sharp answer and therefore leaving Lipswich and went to Amberg in the upper Palaâ—inate where after a short stay he recâ—ived letters from the Elector Palatine and the University inviting of him to Heidleberge whither he presently went and was made Professor of Ethicks in which place he took very great pains both in reading his Lectures and Writing But his body having contracted some diseases by his former imprisonment Anno Christi 1569. he fell very sick whereupon he said Sperare se finem vitae suâ— adesse c. That he hoped that his life was at an end whereby he should be delivered from the fraud and miseries of thiâ— evill world and enjoy the blessed presence of God and his Saints to all Eternity and acordingly presently after he quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1569. and of his Age 44. When a resolved heart is once inflam'd With heavenly motions t' will not be reclam'd By easie termes because a faithfull breast Is fil'd with Heaven Heaven is crown'd with restâ— And had not stout Strigelius his heart Been steel'd with courage he had felt the smart Of a bad conscience but he still persisted In what was good and would not be resisted Those wrongs and iniuries which he endur'd On earth was by Heav'ns grand Phisitian cur'd The Life and Death of John Brentius who dyed Anno Christi 1570. IOhn Brentius was born at Wile in Sweveland Anno Christi 1499. his father was Mayor of that City 24. years who carefully brought up his
to confesse my selfe to be a sinner and that I could expect 〈◊〉 salvation but in the righteousnesse of Jesus Christâ— For we all staâ—d in need of the Grace of God And as for my death I blesse God I feel and find so much inward joy and comfort to my soul that if I were put to my choyse whether to die or live I would a thousand times rather chuse death then life if it may stand with the holy wiâ—â— of God and accordingly shortly after the slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1576. What greater Simptomes can there be of grace Then to be penitent the greatest race A Christian can desire to run is this Fron earths base centre to eternall blisse This race our Deering run he spent his time Whilest here he liv'd in studying how to clime To Heav'ns high Court true vâ—â—tue was his prize And God the object where he fixt his eyes Faith Hope and Charity did sweetly rest Within the Councell Chamber of his brest And to conclude the graces did agree To make a happy soul and that was he The Life and Death of Flacius Jlliricus who dyed Anno Christi 1575. MAtthias Flacicus Illiricus was born in Albona in Sclavoâ—a Anno Christi 1520. his Father whil'st he lived broâ—ght him up in learning careâ—ully but after his dâ—ath his Masters so neglected him that he almost forgot all but when he began to have discretion he desired much to attaine to learning and for that end he went to Venice and after some progresse made at seventeen years old he began to â—tudy Divinity but wanting meanes to maintain him in the University he profered halfe his estate to be admitted into a Monastery either at Bononia or Padua but a friend diâ—swading him from that kinde of life advised him rather to goe into Germany where were store of learned men He went therefore to Basil where he studied under Grynaeus and from thence to Tubing where also he studied a while and then went to Wiâ—tenbâ—rg Anno Christi 1541. where he privately taught Greek and Hebrew for hiâ— maintenance and heard Luther and Melancthon He was much troubled there with temptations about sin God's wrath and Predestination but by the good councell of Pomeâ—â—ne and Luther and the publick prayers of the Church for him it pleased God that he overcame them Melancthon loved him much for his wit and learning there he was made Master of Arts married a wife and had a stipend allowed him by the Prince 〈◊〉 But when by reason of the Wars that University was dissipated he went to Bâ—â—nswiâ—ke got much credit by his publick teaching but the Wars being ended he return'd to Wittenberg Anno 1547. But when the Interâ—m came forth and Melancthon thought that for peace-sake som thing should be yeelded to in things indifferent Flacius with many other Divines strongly opposed it as opening a gap to the retnrne of Popery whereupon he removed from thence to Magdeburg where he strongly opposed whatsoever was contrary to the Augustine Confession there alsâ— he assisted in writing the Magdeburgenses Centuries And wheâ— the Duke of Saxony had erected an University at Ieans he sent for him thither Anno Christi 1556. but after five years a great contention arising between Strigelius and him about Free-will he left that place and went to Ratisbone â— anâ— Anno Christi 1567. the Citizens of Anâ—werp having proâ—â—â—â—â— liberty for the free exercise of the Reformed Religion sent for Flacius amongst others thither but Religion being quickly expelled thence he went to Argentine and from thence to Franckefurt upon the Main where after a while falling out with the Ministers about the Essence of Originall Sin he fell into great disgrace and not long after dyed Anno Christi 1575. and of his age 55. He was of an unquiet wit alwayes contending with some or other and brought much griefe to Melancthon yet wrote some excellent works for the benefit of the Church and amongst oothers his Catalogus Testium Veritatis He was a man as some reported fit To be the Master of unquiet wit He was contentious which brought discontent To rare Melancthon yet some time he spent In serious studyes leaving at his death Rare workes behind to give his fame a breath The Life and Death of Josias Simlerus who dyed Anno Christi 1576. IOsias Simlerus was born in Helvetia Anno Christi 1530. his father was a godly learned and prudent man by whom he was carefully brought up in learning and at fourteen years of age he was sent to Tygure where he lived in Bullingeâ—'s family who was his godfather almost two years from thence he went to the University of Basil where he studied the Arts and Tongues one year and from thence he went to Argentine where he made a further progresse in those studies and at the end of three yeares he returned to his fathers with whom he spent his time in study and teaching a School and sometimes also preaching Anno Christi 1552. he began publickly to expound the New Testamâ—nt beginning in Matthew in Tygure being twenty two yeares old which worke he performed with great judgement fidelity and diligence having not onely many of that City to be his hearers but many Exiles especially of the English also four years after he was made Deacon and went on in his former worke with admiration so that he was highly prized by all Bibliander being grown very old Simler supplyed his place and was Collegue to Peter Martyr who fore-told that Simler was like to prove a great ornament to the Church who also when he dyed expressed much joy that he should leav so able a man to succeed him Simler besides his publick labours instructed many also in private and amongst them some Noblemen both in sacred and humain learning he had such an acute wit and strong memory that he was able Extempore to speak of any subject and to answer his friends questions out of any author and to give an account of their wrintings to the great admiraâ—tion of the hearers and though in reading of bookes he seemed to run over them very superficially yet when he had don he was able to give an exact account of any thing that was in them and being so troubled with the gout that many times he was confined to his bed and had the use of none of his members but his tongue onely yet in the mid'st of his pains he used to dictate to his amanuensis such things as were presently printed to the great admiration of learned men besides the gout he was much troubled with the stone so that the pains of these diseases together with his excessive labors in his Ministry hastened his immature death which he also fore-saw yet without any consternation or feare but by his frequent and fervent prayers to God he endeavored to fit himselfe for it and accordingly Anno Christi 1576. he resigned up his spirit unto God being forty five years old and was buried in
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
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
right he did defend He lived unto God to God he made his end The reason why he desired to have his remaines these reposed in a vault for the receipt thereof purposely framed was aâ— by some is reported for that a great Noble man in higâ—st favour in those times having laboured earnestly to get that housâ— from the Sea this our Archbishop therein stiffely and stoutly withstood him and by earnest solicitâ—tion obtained from the Qâ—eens Majesty this promise that he should never have it so long as the Archbishop aboad there which he therefore to adde the stronger obligation to that promise took order it should be as well after his decease as before He was a man of a grave aspect and of a staid and setled carryage of a mild dispoâ—ition and courteous demeanure a favoureâ— of learned men and a lover and promoter aâ— well of learning as of Religon and as in other thinâ—â— so â—â—pâ—ially in his disposition concerning these outwâ—â—d thingâ— of a marvâ—ilous wise and discreet temper as provident and frugall without any taint of base courses wherewith many use to to supplâ— and support their prodigality making in that â—e hook and crook with the one hand that wickedly and wastfully they fling as fast away with the other otherwise the revenewes of his Seâ— being by some sinister courses formerly much impaired could never have enabled him to doe as he did so yet withall very bountifull yea magnificentâ— much addicted to hospiâ—ality and very reâ—ardfull both of his owne credit and of the honour and dignity of his place For first he was carefull â—o repaire the Palace at Canterbury being almost wholly ruined and ready to fall to the ground the restavration whereof performed not in necessary onely but in beavtifull and stately manner stood him in 1400 â— The like care charge he was at with the Palace of Lambeth bâ—ing much out of repaire which he also much enlarged and with the Quires of the Churches annexed to his See being many and the most of them much decayed And whâ—reas for the repaire and furniture of those and other his houses he was faine to take many materials and commodities on trust very carefull was he to see in due time all such debts discharged that no danger or damage might accrew unto those who perceiving his disposition this way and how much he abhorred to run long behind hand with any were right willing and ready upon all occasions to supply him with whatsoever he required Besides that in his entertainments he was very free yea magnificent upon speciall occasions as in that sumptuous and well ordered Feast made by him at the time of the Aâ—sizes upon the finishing of that stately Hall reedified at Canterbury and the like at some other solemn times to say nothing of a liberall table constantly maintained with him for the ordinary entertainment of his owne Retinue and such company as commonly repaired to him and the reliefe of the poorer sort Nor did his liberality and bounty dye with him but survived him in many monuments and fruits of it remarkable For he founded a free School at Rochdale in Lancashire In the diocesse of Norwich he took order for six Sermons to be Preached yearly at certaine times in five severall parishes with consideration for the same To the City of Norwich where he was born he gave a Bason Ewer of silver gelt of 173. ounces and fifty shillings by the year to be constantly distributed among the poor there To Corpus Christi Colledge in Cambridge where he had been trained up he gave lands for the maintainance of two Fellowes and thirteen Schollers three hundred and ten ounces of plate the perpetuall Advowson of Saint Mary Ab-Church in London a lease for seventeen years of fourteen pounds eight shillings by the year and an hundred pounds to purchase lands for the mainetainance of a â—ire in the Common hall there from the first of November to the last of Fabruary besides all this he built for them their inner Library with two Chambers adjoyning to it and furnished it with no small number of Bookes some printed ones some Manuscripts of no small valew To Gâ—nwell and Cajus Colledge he gâ—ve likewise a silver and gelt cup of fifty and six ounces besides three other of lesser size and diverse books To Trinity Hall a Schollership and the like quantity of Plate and bookes And lastly over and besides many other sums and gifts for other the like pious uses to the University Library an hundred choyce books fifty printed fifty written very precious and rare ones His care and study indeed was spaâ—ing therein no expence to gather together and preserve such monuments of antiquity as might give light to the stories of former times or be usefull otherwise And here because the booke of God justly claimeth the chiefe respect as for antiquity and authority so for use and necessity as containing in it that one necessary thing on which mans eternall welfare dependeth considering the great want of Bibles in many places and through neglâ—ct the decay of them in others he took much paines with the assistance of other godly learned in mending the English Translation and caused the same so amended to be in a large paper and faire Character imprinted and dispersed abroad through the whole Realme And for the Works of other writers those of our owne Nation especially such as were hard to be gotten likely to perish as remaining only in a few old Manuscripts unlesse some course were taken for the preservation of them he gathered together so many of them as he could light on and disposed them in such places where they might both be in safe keeping lye ready at hand for the learned upon all occasions to make use of withall culling out som of them to be made more publick which with much travell paines therein taken having by collation of sundry Copies together corrected and much amended he caused to be imprinted as well for the benefit of strangers abroad as for the use of our owne at home Of this sort were 1 Matthew of Paris his History 2 Matthew of Westminster hiâ— Historicall Flowers 3 After Bishop of Shireborn his Story of King Alfred printed in a Saxon letter with the Archbishops Preface before it He caused also to be compiled and published a learned and large volumne concerning 4 The Antiquities of the Brittish Church together with a Story of the Priviledges of the Church of Canterbury and seventy Archbishops of that See At the Funerall of that famous Divine Marâ—ine Bucer he Preached 5 A Sermon out of the Booke of Wisedome Chap. 4. vers 6.9 Which was afterward also published in print Love learning wisedome and true zeale Patience in want and bounty in weale Were the chiefe flowers in that Crown Which gave this Man of men Renowne The Crosiar did not supersede His Cure of souls nor did he pleade Affaires at Court His past'rall heate Grew nere the
violet wheâ—her it be set lower or higher in the banke retaineth still the same scent so whether he were â—â—t lower or higher in the Church he kept close to the earth and retained his sweet meeke and humble disposition As for Hospitality besides his extraornary entertainment of the Earles of Pembrooke Harford Mungumry â— the Lord Arundall of Warder the Judges of Assâ—â—es the Justices at the Sessions the Mayor and his brethren and Deane and Cheapter he feasted all the poore at Christmas there being in the City of Salisbury three parishes he bid a hundred coupels every day at the leaâ—t so that besides the poorest of all which were his guests on Christmas day all the rest of the needy in the City filled up the other three spare Holy-dayes What should I speake of his Charity to the Prisoners whose Bowles he refreshed three times every weeke at least their lamentable cryes piercing as deep into his heart as the Iron entered into their souls Lastly for his diligence in his Pastorall charge and his fâ—ithfull continuall dispencing the mysteries of salvaâ—ion I might here raise a cloud of witnesses not onely his thronged Auditories at Oxford Abington Worster and Bingham but his numerous Sermons Commentaries and other Tractates of Divinity which he hath left behind him some in Manuscripts some Printed The Manuscripâ—s are these 1 A Sermon Preached at Saint Mâ—ries concerâ—ing the vindicating of Geneva Bibles from judaisme and Aâ—ianisme 2 Three Sermons in English one Preached at Pauls â—â—â—sse intiâ—â—led the Fruiâ—lesse Fig-tree the other two in the Cathedrall Church of Worcester upon the second of Tim. 4.7.8 3 Diverse latin Sermons 4 Lectures upon the 26.27.28 Chapters of Saint Matthew containing the storie of Christs Passion death and resurrection 5 A Commentary upon the Prophet Eâ—ay from the first Chapter to the fifâ—eenth verse of the thirâ—ieth 6 A Commentary in Latine upon the whole Epistle to the Romans 7 A briefe examination of M r Bishops reproofe of the Epistle Dedicatoâ—y and Preface to the Answer of his Epistle to the King 8 A Preface to the Reader to â—e interposed betweene the Epistle Dedicatory of his booke de Anti-christo and the first Chapter of the same book The Printed are these A mirrour of Popish subtilties written against a cavelling Papist in the behalfe of one Paul Spence dedicated to Bishop Whitgift London 1594. 2 The Exaltation of the Kingdome and Priesthood of Christ being a Commentary upon the 110. Psalme dedicated to Gervaâ— Babington Bishop of Worcester London 1601. 3 Antichristi Demonstratio dedicated to King James Printed at London first 1602. and after 1608. 4 A Defence of the reformed Catholicke of Master Willian Perkins lately decâ—ased against the bastard counter Catholicke of Doctor Bishop Seminary Priest dedicated to King James the first part Printed 1606. the second 1607. the third 1609. 5 The true ancient Roman Catholicke dedicated tâ— Prince Henry Printed London 1611. 6 The old way a Sermon Preached at Oxford the eigth of July being Act Sunday dedicated to Archbishop Bancroft Printed at London 1610. 7 Antilogia adversus Apologiam Audreae Eudemon Johannis Jesuitae pro Henrico Gâ—rnetto proditore dedicated to King Jameâ— Printed at London 1613. 8 De suprema potestate Regia exercitationes habitae in Academia Oxoniensi Printed after his death and dedicated by his Sonne to George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury Printed at London 1619. 9 De gratia perseverantia sanctorum exercitationes habitae in Academia Oxoniensi dedicated to Prince Charles Printed London 1618. 10 In Richardi Thopsoni Anglo belg diatribam de amissione intercisione justificationis gratiae animadversio brevis Printed London 1618. As he perfected this last March 2. 1617. Work he finished his course upon earth which the Archbishop his brother hearing commanded me then his Chaplaine in house to affix the Attestation here ensuing which I drew according to briefe notes written in English under his Graces own hand of which I may say as the Orator doth of his Oration De haruspicum responsis Oratio omnis fuit non authoritatis meae sed publicae religioâ—is mea fuerunt verba fortasse plura sententiae quidem omnes Archiepiscopi A Testatio EN tihi Christiane lector viri absit verbo invidia supra omnem invidiae aliam positi cantionem cygneam cum qua animam exhalavit Quod si ut esse Phaebi dulcius lumen solet jam jam cadentis ita chariora sint illustrium virorum jam abeuntium scripta hunc libellum summo in pretio habeas oportet quem scias eximii doctoris ejusdemque Amistites reverende postrema cura elucubratum Etenim dum opus hoc ad umbilicum ab ipso authore productium jam exit in lucem ipse ex hac luce ad caelestem migrat nempe commodissima ecclesiae militanti jam modo praestita opera ad triumphantem evocatur ecclesiam ac a gratioe divinae defensione confestim ad divinae gloria fruitionem tranâ—uolat satur magis studiis lucubrationum suarum fama quam amnis dinque non tam fuisse quam vixisse credendus Vita enim definiente Plinio Vigilia est quam prâ—sul hic noster propetuam sacrae theologiae studiis videtur impeÌ„diâ—se Nam posteaquam in celeberima Academia Oxoniensi pectus penitus imbuisset optimarum artium cognitione linguam stilumque sciâ—e procudisset utrumque deo dedicavit reliquam aetatis tempus transmisit partim sacris concionibus ad populum habendis quibâ—s suggestum partim praelectionibus dictandis quibus Cathedram Doctoralem partim scriptis suis limandis quibus praelium plurimum locupletavit Concedit clarisâ—imi Theologi diu nomen industria ac nitra aâ—gustos privatae parochiae limites aluit eam gloriam quam haud ita multi nostro saeculo sunt assequuti Tandem viginti annos officio pastoris ecclesiasticae munere egregie perfunctus a serenissima regia Majestate in arenam protractus est ut in religionis reformatâ— caâ—sa de gravissimis saeculi nostri controversiis cum praecipuis pontificis Romani pugilibus dimicaret Qua quidem in arena non tantum adversarios suos Bishoppium Eudaemonem Joannem sed hominum de se opinionem superavit Non multo post ab eodem Seremissimo Rege Iacobo Cathedrae Theologicae in Alma Academia Oxoniensi preficitur quam quidem dignitatem cum suâ—ma dignitate quinque annis sustinuit Ad extremum fidelissimi pastoris eximii professoris laude cumulatus ad apicem Episcopalem evehiâ—ur diocesi Sarisburiensi ei demandata quam annis non amplius duobus tribus mensibus administravit Dum vero â—on solum publicis cutae Episcopalis occupationibus implicatur sed priuatis studiis Theologicis penitus pertinaciusquâ— adhaeret ex sedentaria vitae ratione calculo intra renes concepâ—o gravissime laborat ac annum jam agens quinquagessimum octavum cum ejusdem morbi paroxismo ultimo per aliquot dies
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
Here may we not without much wrong deny To this Erpenius honoured memory Who was most famous in his generation A man of exc'llent parts to admiration And in the Orientall tongues so rare That few or none with him deserv'd compare For th'Arabick and Hebrew tongues likewise The Kings of France and Spain did him so prize Yea England Holland Germany Italy Proffer'd great summes t' enjoy his company And rare eudowments deep experience At forty years of age death took him hence The Life and Death of Abraham Scultetuâ— who dyed Anno Christi 1624. ABraham Scultetus was born at Grunberge in Silesia Anno Christi 1566. his Parents were of good rank who carefully brought him up at School where he profited exceedingly and Anno Christi 1582. he went to Vraâ—islavia where he for had his fellow-students Pitiscus Polanus Pelargus men who after proved eminent in the Church of God Having studyed there sometime he went thence to Freistade to hear Melancthon Bucolzer and some others But his active spirit could not long be continued within the bounds of his owne Couny and therefore being assisted by the bounty of a Noble Knight he went to Wittenberg and from thence to Dessavia to acquaint himselfe with Peter Martyr and Casper Pucer Anno Christi 1590. he went to Hiedleberg where he heard Daniel Tossan and Francis Iunius there also he read Lectures of Logick Oratory and Astronomy to diverse young Noblemen and the year after Commenced Master of Arts then he betook himselfe to the study of Divinity thereby to fit himselfe for the Ministery which from his childhood he had devoted himselfe to and Preaching before the Elector Palatinâ— he so flowed with elâ—quencâ— and 〈◊〉 that the Prince and all his Courtiers were 〈◊〉 delightâ—d in himâ— which caused the Elâ—â—toâ— to mâ—kâ— hiâ— visitor both of the Schoolâ—â—nd Churches Yea many other Princes made use of his help in reforming their Churches in Iuliâ—rs Brandenburg and Hanovia he was also sent to the Synod of Dort Anno Christi 1612. the Prince Elector Palatine took him into England with him where he was much esteemed respected by King Iames and other learned men at his returne to Hiedleberg he was made Professor in the University and Doctor in Divinity Anno Christi 1618. But about that time grievous Wars breaking forth the miseries whereof were dispersed afterwards oveâ— all 〈…〉 Hiedleberg and travelled 〈…〉 met with many affliction◠〈…〉 long tossed up and down in 〈…〉 the Lord at last provided him a quiet 〈…〉 â—here he was choâ—sen a Preacher 〈…〉 orn out wiâ—h travels 〈…〉 Ministery he quietly 〈…〉 1624. and of his age 58. What admiâ—able endowments he had his Works do sufficiently declare especially his Medulla Patrum which is so much esteemâ—d by learned men Most worthy also is Scultetus grave The Palme and prize of praise and fame to have Wâ—â—â—â—r â—is 〈◊〉 wit â—nd worthâ— His learned labours rare in print put forth Chiefly Medulla Patrum that choyce piece Preferred far to Jasons golden fleece By all the learned Had in high request For 's eloquence and diligence exprest By our King Jamâ—s and other Princes great Who with most high applause obtain'd the seat In Hiedlebergâ— brâ—ve University Of the Professour there and worthily Made Doctor of Divinity At last Having much trouble with his comforts past At Embdâ—n God him gave a quiet Statioâ— And there by death crown'd him with heav'ns salvation Robert Bolton Batchelour in diuinity minister of Gods word att Broughton in Northamton shire The Life and Death of Robert Bolton RObert Bolton was born at Blackborn in Lancashire Anno Christi 1572. his Parents finding in him a great promptnesse to learning though they had no great means yet they intended him for a Scholar the rather having an opportunity of a good Schoolmaster in the town where he profited exceedingly and at twenty years old he went to Lincoln Colledge in Oxford and was Master Randaâ—'s Pupil afterwards a famous Preacher there in a short time being well grounded before and industrious he beâ—ame an excellent Logician and Phylosopher at which time his father dying and his meanes failing he took excessive pains and wanting books he borrowed of his Tutor and others read them over and abridged them and to perfect his knowledge in the Greek he wrote out all Homer with intolerable pains so that he could with as much facility dispute in the Schools in Greek as in Latine or English From thence he removed to Brasen-nose Colledge the Fellowships there belonged to Lancashire and Cheshire men yet for want of acquaintance he stayed long without a Fellowship which made him to languish through want but his deserts being known Doctor Bret and some others together with some small stipends he had for his Lectures in that House supported him till he gat a Fellowship about the thirtieth year of his Age then also he Commenced M r. of Arts and being chosen Lecturer he performed it with such exactness that he grew very famous his Disputations in the University were performed with such acutenesse of wit and profound learning that he was chosen by the Vice chancellor at King Iames his first coming to the University to be one of the Disputants before him and to read naturall Phyloâ—sophy in the Publick Sâ—hools he was also well studyed in Metaphysicks Mathamaticks and Schoolâ—Divinity yet all this while he had nothing in him for Religion he loved Stage-playes Cards Dice was a horrible swearer Sabbathâ—breaker and boon-companion he neither loved goodnesse nor good men He hearing the fame of Master Perkins went to Cambridge at a Commencement that he might hear him Preach and hâ—ving heard him said That he was a barren empty fellow and a passing meane Scholar but when God changed his heart he changed his tune and said That Master Perkins was aâ— learned and godly a Divine aâ— our Church hath in many years enjoyed in so young a man He had familiar acquaintance with one Master Anderton a good scholer his Country man and formerly his Schoolfellow but a strong Papist yea a Priest he knowing Master Boulton's good parts and oâ—tward wants took that advantage to perswadeâ— him to go over with him to the English Seminary at Rome where he should be furnished with all necessaries and have gold enough this motion he excepted of and a day and place was appointed in Lanâ—ashire to take shipping from thence and be gone Thither Master Bolton repaired at the time prefixed but Anderton came not whereby escaping that snare he returned to Oxford where he fell into acquaintance with Master Peacock a learned and godly man whereby it pleased God to bring him to repentance but by â—uch a way as the Lord seldome useth but upon such strong vessels as he intendeth for strong encounters and rare employments for the Lord ran upon him as a Giant taking him by the neck and shaking him to pâ—eces as he did Iob beating him to the ground as he did Paul by laying before