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
Monasticall life upon which perswasion he intended to forsake the Monâ—stery and to betake himselfe againe unto his former profession and for a preparation thereunto being as yet in the Monastery he set forth a booke of confession wherein in many things he opposed the doctrine of the Church of Rome whereby he brought himselfe not onely into danger of his life but the Monks also were greatly afraid lest any inconvenience might happen unto them by reason of his actions and therefore they greatly laboured to free their Monastery of him during their plodding he sharpely reprehended them for their errors perswadâ—ng them to embrace and lay hold on the truth whereby they came to be more and more incensed against him and privately laboured with his friends to be more earnest with him in the leaving of the Monaâ—stery Having beâ—n resident in this place not fully two yeeres he departed and went unto Franciscus Sickingen a man nobly descended by whom he was entertained and iâ— the same houâ—e he laboured to put downe the Masse affiâ—ming it to be an Idolatrous worship but Franciscus being at that time greatly distressed with an unhappy warre he left him and went to Basel in the yeer of our Lord 1522. to publish such things as he had at vacant times collected Here he was againe advanced by the Senats unto a Pastorall office an annuall stipend designed unto him which he performed with great zeale and constancy to the glory of God and good of his Church here he bouldly discovered unto his Auditors those errors which by continuance had got firme footing in the Church he opened unto them the perfection and sufficientcy of the Merits of Christ he declared unto them the true nature of faith he revealed unto them the true doctrine of Charity insomuch that the authority of the Poâ—ish religion began to stagger in the mindes of many Whilst he was totally occupied about these things some there were who laboured to draw him againe to the Pseudo Catholicke religion but more especially Iohannas Cachlaeus who in the yeere 1524. wrote letterâ— unto him wherein he testified himselfe to be deeply afflicted with sorrow to heare that a man so excellently learned should lay aside his coule and adhaere unto such haereticall opinions and withall exhorted him to revoke his opinion and to returne againe into the Monastery promising him a dispensation from the Pope and the favour of the Prior which he had formerly enjoyed but these and such like things were slighted by Oecolampadius who bringing them unto the word of God found that they would not endure the triall In the performance of his Pastorall office an assistanâ— was appointed unt him by publicke authority and he began to settle a more excellent Reformation in the Church commanding the Sacrament of Baptisme to be administred in the mother tongue and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to be received under both kinds he taught that the Masse was not a sacrifice for the living and the dead or for those who were tormented in their feigned Purgatory but that perfect satisfaction was obtained for all beleevers by the passion and Merits of Christ he disswaded them from sprinkling themselves with holy-water and from the consecration of Palmes and the like declaring unto them that they who did attribute vertue unto any such things did detract from the glory and power of God which doctrine of his tooke such deepe â—ooting in the hearts of his Auditors that it gave a period unto many superstitious actions amongst them The foundation of future reformation was no sooner laid but the old Dragon began to play his part and to discover his malicious â—nvy against such things as make for the glory of God either by hindâ—ing their proceedings or laying some foule aspersion on them for at that time broke forth that yet continued sacramentary dissention by meanes whereof that good worke begun in the Church was hindred Martin Luther at this time openly opposed and contradicting by writing the doctrine of Huldericus Zuinglius Pastor of the Church at Tigurum concerning the Euchiarist by reason whereof there was a great dissention betwixt the Churches of Helvetia and Saxony for the taking away of w ch Oecolampadius set forth a booke concerning the true understanding of these words Hoc est corpus meum and by many strong arguments he affirmed that a trope lay therein and yet his industry and labour therein tooke not away the contention betwixt the Churches This intended reformation was againe hindred by Eccius and his followers who taught 1 that the substantiall body and blood of Christ was in the Sacrament of the Altar 2 that they were truly offered up in the Masse both for the living and the dead 3 that the virgin Mary and the Saints were to be worshipped as intercessours 4 that the images of Iesus and the Saints were not to be abolished 5 that after this life there was a Purgatory These positions were vehemently opposed by Oecolampadius at the publicke dispuâ—ation held at Baden the event whereof was this some of the Helvetians subscribed unto Eccius some unto Oecolampadius and so there remained still a dissention amongst them which could by no meanes be taken away although attempted by many worthy instruments of Christ who have undergone many dangers for an effectuall performance of the same yet Oecolampadius wrought so with the Saints that liberty of conscience was granted unto the Citizens as touching religion In the yeer following there was a disputation held at Berne which continued for the space of twenty dayes wherein Oecolampadius labored so powerfully for a reformation that his acts there recorded give a sufficient testimony thereof unto the world In the yeer 1529. an assembly was appointed by the Lantgraw of Hassia at Marpurge touching a reformation in the Churches concerning which more in the life of Melancton After the painfull sustaining of so many labours at home and abroad he returned to Basil where he spent the residue of his life in Preaching reading writing setting forth of books visiting the sicke and having also a care of the adjacent Churches untill the yeer 1531. wherein it pleased God to visit him with sicknesse wherewith he was constrained to take his bed hourely exspecting death And forthwith sending for the Pastors of the same place he welcommed them with ashort pithy oration wherein he exhorted them to remaine constant and firme in the purity of the doctrine which they professed because it was conformable unto the word of God as for other things he willed them to be lesse carefull assuring them that the Al-sufficient God would care for them and that he would not be wanting unto his Church His Children standing before him he tooke them by their right hands and afterwards gently stroking their heads he advised them to love God who would be unto them in the place of a Father A little before his death one of his intimate friends comming unto him he asked him what newes he answered
was bâ— them with all joyfulnesse received as one who laboured with them for the converting and wining of Soules unto Christ and for the propagation of his truth and was by them appointed to Preach publickly in â—he Church and to teach openly in the schoole so that within short time the doctrine of the Gospâ—ll tooke firme rooting in many plâ—ces of the City and they altered many things in the Church concerning Masse the Sacraments holy dayes jmages and the like rendring strong reasons for what they did in a booke set forth by them and dedicated unto Frederick the Prince Elector Palatine Now because â—here was a difference betwixt the professors of the Gospell concerning some important matters therefore a meeting was appointed at Marpurge where Bucer and Hedio had conference with Luther and Zuinglius where they agreed in all points the Sacrament of the Lords Lupper onely excepted wherein Consubstantiation was affirmed on the part of Luther yet they departed each from the other friendly intending to abstaine altogether on both sides from strife and contention and to pray unfainedly unto the Lord that he would vouchsafe to instruct and guide them with his holy Spirit in the way of truth But Bucer hearing that this dissention amongst them concâ—rning the Supper of the Lord was very gratefull unto the Papists he went unto Luther againe to urge him to a reconciliation in that point from whom he received such an answer that forthwith he went to Zuinglius and the Switzers to perswade them to adhere unto the same Doctrine for well he foresaw what great hurt that Sacramentary dissention would â—ring unto thâ— Church if it were not quickly cut off and taken away In the yeere of our Lord 1531. it pleased God to open the eyes of the Inhabitants of Vlmes so that they greatly desired a reformation in their Churches and for that cause they requested the Senâ—te of Strasburge thâ—t Bucer might be sent over unto them to lay the ground of so happy a building which was faithfully performed by Bucer together with the helpe and assistance of Oecolampadius and a forme of Divine worship prescribed unto them but perceiving still the course of the truth to be hindred and stopped by this difference about the Sacrament with the consent of the Electâ—r he repaired againe to Luther being resident at Wittenberge where afâ—er some discourse conclusions concerning the Sacrament were agreed on betwixt the Divines of Wittenberge and Highec Gumanie in the yeere 1536. yet after some consideration Bucer renounced the opinion of Luther concerning Consubstantiation although he had subscribed unto it at Wittenberge and taught the Contrary wherefore Bucer with many others were there deteined by the Lantgrave of Hassia untill they came to an agreement amongst themselves the chiefe heads whereof were sent unto Basil which were not approved of by the Senate then Bucer returned to Strasburge went forward in his exercise of Preaching and Teaching not only in the Church but also in a publick schoole w ch had been newly erected at the proper cost and charges of the Senate where he remained unto the yeere 1541. about which time the Emperor Carolus Augustus retâ—rned into Germany and commanded a publick conference at Reinspurge a City in Bavaria concerning the reformation of Religion and through the meanes nnd intreaty of Frederick Prince Elector Palatime and other Protestants and Princes he appointed Iulius Alugius Iohannes Eccius Iohannes Gropperus Papists and Phillip Melancâ—hon Martinus Bucer and Iohannes Pistorius Protestants for the performance thereof the Emperor himselfe greatly charged them in so weighty a matter to have respect onely to the glory of God and of his truth and not to be carryed away w th any other favour or affection whatsoever but in their conferences such disagreements were found amongst them that by no meanes their opinions could be reconciled because also that Germany at that time feared the approching of the Turkes the assembly was dissolved In this Assembly Gropperus tooke great notice of Bucer much applauding him for his lenity conjoyned with a comely gravity and withall commended him unto Heirmannas then Arâ—h-bishop of Colen who at that time endeavoured also a reformation in the Churches and told him that he was a man most fit for such a purpose being excellently learned a lover of peace and a man of an unspotted life and conversation wher upon Hermannus sends for Bucer who in the yeer 1542. came unto him who w th exceeding joy received and entertained him where together with Melancthon he wrote the manner of reforming Churches which they dedicated unto the same Archbishop many of the inhabitants approved of the worke and willingly yeelded unto a reformation but the Clergy and those of the Colledge were mightily incensed against Bncer greatly reproaching and reviling him affirming that they had rather lead their lives under the Turk then under a Magistrate who intended to settle that reformation and thereforâ— they desired that Bucer and all those new Doctors as they termed them might be far removed from that City shuting as it were the gates of mercy against their owne soules and Gropperus who formerly had shewed and professed much love unto him came now to be his greatest enemy and the Archbishop for his desire of a reformation was excommunicated by the Pope and deprived of his functioâ— and gâ—vernment by the Emperor and all those partâ— returned againe like dogs unto their vomit In the yeere 1546. there was another assâ—mbly appointed by the Emperour at Renispurge unto which also Bucer was called who at that time had a great conflict with Petrus Malvanda a Spaniard touching the justification of a sinner before God but in regard of diverse troubles which did accompany these times nothing could be concluded In the yeere 1548. Iulius Pflugius Michael Heldingus and Iohannes Agricola by the commandemâ—nt of the Emperour wrote a forme of Ecclesiasticall reformation little or no way differing from the opinions of the Church of Rome which worke was approved by the Emperour and Bucer was craftily called by a Magistrate of Brandenburge unto Auspurge to subscribe unto the same worke perswading him that it was collected out of the most learned writers but Bucer uderstanding the matter fully told him after a freindly manner that he could not approve of it because it savored too much of the doctrine of the Church of Rome neither would he be drawne thereunto although the same party promised to confer large benefits upon him This Booke by the command of the Emperour was thrust upon the Reformed Churches and those who withstood it were severely punished either with imprisonment or banishment and as it happily fell out the fame of Bucer and hard fortune of his painfull contemporaneans came into England in the reigne of that vertuous Prince of blessed memory Edward the sixt even when a Reformation began to be established in the Church wherefore Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury perceiving that he would be advantagious in
rage was spent Ye did him good though with an ill intent Pricke up your eares and hâ—are this fatall tone Those fires which made him screek wil make you groâ— The Life and Death of Conrade Pellican who dyed Anno Christi 1556. COnrade Pellican was born at Rubeac in Swedeland Anno 1478. and brought up in learning by his Parents at thirteen yeeres of age he went to Heidleberg after sixteen moneths study there he returned home where he entered into a Monastery yet afterwards returned to Heidleberg and from thence to Tubinge where he studied the Liberall Arts and was much admired for his quick wit he studied also School-Divinity and Cosmography wherein he profited exceedingly he tooke very great pains in the study of Hebrew and at Basil was made Doctor in Divinity afterwards the Popes Legat took him with him towards Rome being affected with his learning but falling sick of a Fever by the way he returned to Basil. Whilst he thus continued a Fryar he was of great esteeme amongst them because of his learning integrity but it pleased God at last that by reading Luthers bookes and conference with learned and godly men he began to dis-relish the Popish Errors and so far to declare his dislike of them that he was much hated and persecuted for a Lutheran but about the same time the Senate of Basil chose him Lecturer in Divinity in that City togeâ—her with Oecolampadius where he began first with reading upon Genesis then on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes An. Christi 1526. he was by the meanes of Zuinglius sent for to Tygure and being come was most courteously entertained by him there he laid downe his Monks Coul and married a wife by whom he had a son which he named Samuel being then preaching upon the history of Samuel that wife dying he married againe but had no children by his second wife he was present at the Disputation at Bern about Religion after Zuinglius his death there were chosen into his room Henry Bullinger and Theodor Bibliander who was an excellent Linguist and began to read upon Iâ—aie to the great astonishment of his hearers for that he was not above 23. yeers of age Pellican â— at the earnest request oâ— learned men Printed all his Lectures and Annotations which were upon the whole Bible excepting onely the Revelations which portion of Scripture he not intending to write upon caused the Commetaâ—y of Sebastian Meyter upon it to be bound with his to make the worke compleat He translated many bookes out of Hebrew which were printed by Robert Stevens and having been Hebrew Professor at Tygure for the space of thirty yeers wherein he was most acceptable to all not onâ—ly in regard of his excellent learning and indefatigable painâ— but also in regard of his sweet and holy Conversation At lasâ— falling into the pain of the stone other diseases he departed this life upon the day of Christs Resurrection 1556. of his Age 78. After our Pellican had wandred long In the worlds wide-wildernesse he grew so strong In grace and goodnesse that he soon became An ample Subject for the mouth of Fame He was admir'd by all that lov'd to be Serious proficients in Divinity He lives he lives although his body lyes Inshrin'd by earth True virtue never dyes The Life and Death of Bugenhagius who died Anno Christi 1558. IOhn Bugenhagius was born at Iulinum in Pomerania Anâ—â— christi 1485. His Parents were of the rank of Senators who bred him up carefully in Learning and sent him to the University of Grypswald where he profited in the study of the Arts and the Greek tongue Being twenty years old he taught School at Trepta and by his learning and diligence he made the School famous and had many Scholaâ—â— to whom also he red daily some portion of Scripture and pâ—â—yed with themâ— and meeting with Erasmus his booke againe the â—â—strâ—onicall carriage of the Fryarâ— the Idolatry of the times he gat so much light thereby that he was stirred up to instruct others therein and for that end in his Schoole he read Matthew the Epistles to Timothy and the Pâ—alms to which he added Catechising and also expounded the Creed and thâ— ten Commandements unto which exercises many â—entlemen Citizens and Priests resorted from the Schoole he was called to preach in the Church and was admitted into the Colledge of Presbyters many resorted to his Sermons of all ranks and his fame spred abroad insomuch as Bogeslauâ— the Prince of that Country employed him in writing an History of the same aud â—urnished him with mony books and records for the enabling of him thereto which History he compleated in two yeeres with much judgement and integrity Anno Christi 1520. one of the Citizens of Trepâ—a having Luthers booke of the Babylonish Captivitie sent him he gave it to Bugenhagius as he was at dinner with his Collegues who looking over some leaves of it told them that many Hereticks had disqâ—ieted the peace of the Church since Christs time yet there was never a more pestilent Hereticke then the Author of that book but after some few dayes having read it with more diligence and attention he made this publick Recantation before them all What shall I say of Luther All the world hath been blinde and in cimmeâ—ian darknesse onely this one man hath found out the Truth And further disputing of those questions with them he brought most of his Collegues to be of his judgement therein Hereupon Bugenhagius read Lutheâ—'s other Works diligently whereby he learned the difference between the Law and the Gospell Justification by Faith c. and taught these things also to his Hearers But the Divell envying the successe of the Gospell stirred up the Bishop to persecute the professours of it some of which he cast into Prison and caused others to flye away insomuch as Bugenhagius also being not safe and desirous to be acquainted and to confer with Luther went to Wittembourg Anno christi 1521. and of his 〈◊〉 36. and came thither a little before Luther's going to thâ— Diet at Worms In whose absence he opposed â—arolostadius who would have all Magistrates to rule by the Judicialâ— of Moses and Images to be cast out of Churches Upon Luther's return out of his Pathmos he was chosen Pastor of the Church of Wittembourg which he taught and governed with much felicity and in many changes of affairs for the space of thirty six years never leaving his station neitheâ— for War nor Pestilence and when he was profered Richeâ— and Preferment both in Denmark and Pomeron yet he would never leave his Charge though he lived but poorly in itâ— Anno christi 1522. he was sent for to Hamburg where hâ— prescribed to them a forme both of Doctrine Ceremonieâ— and Calling of Ministers where he erected a Schoole alsoâ— which afterwards grew very famous and Anno christi 1530 being sent for to Lubec he prescribed to them also an order both for Preaching and Discipline
a Cooper he was religiously given but of a meane estate his mother was named Angela Sartoria descended from an honest and well esteemed Parentage a woman endewed with zeale towards religion with unspotted Chastity and also with a singular wisedome they were blessed with two sons Hammanus and this Wolfangus The former was brought up in his Fathers professions the other appearing more ingenuous and more fit for learning he was set apart thereunto which he prosecuted with such an ardent affection that even in his tender yeeres he would exercise himselfe continually in reading or writing unlesse he were violently withdrawne from and as it were with rains restrained from those actions Reaching unto that maturity of age wherein he appeared fit for more solid studies his father furnishing him with some necessaries for the journey sent him away unto other Schooles wherein according to his owne desire he might attaine unto greater perfection the reason why he sent him so slenderly furnished was because he would have him to get his victuals by singing and beging from doore to doore according to the custome of those times who used although rich to thrust out their sons into the world after that manner that by that meanes they might joyne patience temperance and humility with their learning fearing that if they should be tenderly and delicatly brought up they would be more addicted unto and sooner follow and imbrace Idelnesse and lust then their studies Being sent away after this manner he went into Alsatia and taking a vew of some certaine towns in that Country at the length he came unto Rappersâ—ill where a well disposed widdow fixed her eyes upon him and inwardly lamenting his outward misery whose chearfull countenance promised a more favourable fortune received him into her house and according unto her ability sustained him he frequented the School untill such time as a generall and noble Gentleman living in the same place had notice of him who conferred extraordinary curtesies on him for his maintenance at the Schoole as he himselfe freely confessed Having continued here a certain space he shaped his cours unto Selestadt where he addicted himselfe unto the study of Poetry wherein he proved excellent to the great approbation of his Master and in this course of study he continued unâ—â—l he reached unto the age of 15. yeers Then having a desire to returne unto Dusa to visit his Parents he directed his course unto a Monastery and lying in the Palatinate founded by the Lords of Luzelstein and consecrated to Sâ—int Benedict because he intended to visit his Aunt Sophia living at Westreich neere adjoyning unto the said Monastery where he was lovingly entertained by her who brought him the evening following with her into the Monastery to behold the formes and customs of the place in the performance of their divine exercises where he adjoyned himselfe unto the Choristers and sung his part with them with such a comlinesse of gesture and pleasanâ—nesse of voyce that the Prior was greatly affected towards him intending to allure him if possible he could to be â— member of the said Monastery and for that cause he diligently observes his going out at the end of prayers and withall followes him close at the heeles accompanying his Aunt of whom he demanded whose son he was and fâ—om whence he came she forthwith replied that he wâ—â— her sisters son and that he was returning from School unto Dusa unto his Parents The Prior then turning himselfe unto Musculus he demanded of him how he liked a Monasterical life and withall told him that if he would frame himself thereunto he would use meanes that he should be admitted gratis into the Colledge which favour had as yet been conferred on none and that he should be sufficiently provided of apparrell and lodging and that he would esteeme him as hiâ— owne son His Aunt returned many thanks unto the Prior for thiâ— unexpected favour promising that she would forthwith acquaint his Parents with the motion and would also returne a speedy answer unto him how they stood affectedâ— so taking their leave of the Prior they provided for Dusa where arriving she declared the kinde motions of the Prior his Parents were exceeding joyfull of the news perswaded themselves that it was a blessing proceeded from God and therefore they hasted again to return him to the Pâ—ior who lovingly entertained and received him into the number of his owne family cloathed him wiâ—h an habit sutable to the Monastery sent him unto the Bishop to be admitted according to the custome into his office and lovingly esteemed him as if he had been his owne sonne unill he died In this Monastery he continued for the space of fifteen yeers which time he spent not aâ— lazie and idle Monks commonly doe but in the increasing and perfecting of his learning sometimes perusing the works of Tully somtimes reading the books of Ovid and contracting them into a briefer volume which worke was much applauded by Claudius Cantiuncula a learned Lawyer in those times Somtimes spending time in the Art of musick wherein also he attained unto excellent knowledge neither did he confine himselfe onely unto those studies but passed from them unto Divinity into which he entred about the twentieth yeer of his age and being told by an old devout Monke â—hat if he intended to become a good Preacher he must endeavour to be familiar with the Bible he forthwith gave himselfe unto the reading of the Scriptures reposing and laying up those things in his memory which seemed unto him most usefull for future occasions Aâ—d notice being taken of his knowledge therein and of the ability of his parts the office of a Preacher was imposed on him and he was first designed unto the Church at Leixheim belonging unto the jurisdiction of the Monastery where his Auditors perceiving his excellent gifâ—s â—hey dispersed his fame whereby he came to be called to the exercising of his gifts in many other Churches During his continuance in this exercise many of Luthers books were dispersed through Germany some of which were conveyed to him by an intimate friend of his these he diligently perused and read day and night and not with lesse benefit then labour embracing the purest doctrin that he found therein with great zeale and would confer with his Colleagus many times about the same stifly defending and maintaining that doctrin against their Culumnes disdaining that aspersion of haeresie which was by some of them fastned upon him affirming that although Luther as he was a man might erre in some points yet he was not therefore to be pronounced an haeretick neither did he vindicate this in the Monastery onely but publickly he delivered the same for true and undoubted doctrine unto hiâ— Auditors that for the same he was by many evill disposed persons stiled the Lutheran Monke But his desire of propagating the truth wanted not by the blessing of God good successe for besides many of his Auditors he converted some of
and his neighborâ— from making use of them as alwayes studyous of peace And last for that divine vertue of charity c Synâ—s ep 57 wherein alonâ— saith Synesius God and man communicates read but that Paragraph in that more large relation of his life first mentiâ—ned and you will acknowledge him d Aâ—i c. 2.0.7 Zealous of good workes Yet let me adde one thing there omitted Phylostratus reported of a miraculous stone in India which he calleth Pantarbe e Vit. Apoâ—â— â—aâ— l. 3. c. 14 having the vertue attractive of the Load stone and likewise giving light by the bright-shining of it This reverend Doctor as by his workes of charity he gave much light to others so by his arguments he was very powerful to draw them forward f 1 Tim. 6.17 18 19. â— whom God had enabled for such performances Read to this purpose his large g Synop. Pap. p. 2220. of the fift edition Catalogue of charitable works done since the times of the Gospell within the space of sixty years under the happy raign of King Edward the sixt Queen Elizabeth and part of King Iames and that onely within the City of London or by the Citizens thereof and within the two famous Universities Cambridge and Oxford confining himselfe to these Places onely for want of means to travel further in the search By which examples he hath not onely incited all h Tit. 3.8 Cyr. Hieros Caâ—ech 15. ibid Cat. 1. that beleeve God to study to goe before others in good workes as hereby discovering the life of their Faith and laying up to themselves treasures in heaven But withall invincibly confuting that calumny of the Romanists charging our doctrine of justification by Faith onely as a great adversary to good works For he hath made this challenge to all the Champions of that party to produce and proove if possibly they can the i Amounting in the totall to almost 1000000 1. like acts of piety and charity to have been done within the same compasse of yeares under Popery and within these places or within twice so many years immediately preceding the date whence his account commenceth And to â—his day I heare of none that undertakes to enter the lists with him upon this challenge I know there have been some even amongst us who either out of k Terem Adelph Tim. Sillagr ignorance envy or l Iuâ—i Mosop proud disdaine or because in some things they accord not with him in opinion have cast out flirting censures against this Catalogue which King Iames highly applauded and against all other of his labors Some such he met with in his owne life time who like the Indians preferre m Phiâ—â— vit Apoll. Tyan l. 2. c. 9. blach before white being their owne naturall hue whose cavilâ— he no morâ— regarded n Iul. Mis. then the croaking of so many Frogs o Hieroâ— ad â—ustic he knew he must offend some who while they take offence at him discover their owne consciences Many have carpt at his large book of Controversies before mentioned as if p Gregâ— Naz. contr Eâ—nom upon every sparkle he had raised a flame and mâ—de more difference betweene the Church of Rome and us then others have done and that these things were sufficiently if not too much exagitated before his time These and such like things I have sometimes heard but I must needs say onely from those of that sect or cut whom a Jesuite q Church â—â—nquera against Chillingwort chap. 6. cals Moderate Protestants such as least exoribitate from the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of Rome Or such squinting Protestants r Aug. de 〈◊〉 Orig. l. 2. c. 22 as willing to retaine their corrupt opinions and to decline the odious name of Hereticks dares to affirme s R. M. Gagg pag. 14. that there is no Controversie between the Romish party and us that eiâ—ther concerneth Faith or good Life but that the diffâ—rences are of an inferiour alloy of which a man may be ignorant without any danger of his soule at all And therefore in his defence against these I will say no more but praejudicium tollit judicium prejudice takes away right judgement and male rerum examinat omnis corruptas judex a corrupt Judge never well examineth the truth And for his handling things often handled by others Prosper t Epi. Pros. ad Aug. de reliâ— Pelâ—g â—er thinkes it both necessary and profitable so to doe least the matters be reputed of small moment which are not often argued As for those who have slighted his laborious Commentaries upon divers parts of Scripture pretending them to be but Scraps and Fragments gathered from the Fâ—asts of others I know not whether they discover more malice or more folly If with Socrates u Apud Pâ—at in Pâ—â—â—do he filled himselfe as a vessell at the Wels or springs of others and yet could say as Lipsius of his Politickes Omnia mea sunt nihil all is minâ— and nothing at all w Hier. adve Vigil If he gathered many Flowers together and put them as a Posie into our hands if he hath x Amb. Proeâ—â—â— in Luc. read many things to spare us thâ— reading of them iâ—â—e hath collected the judgements of most Writers ancient and moderne upon those Bookes and disposed them by a most exquisite method and fitted them for all necessary use â—s plainly appeareth to every unpartiall and judicious â—yeâ— Then have we just cause to praise God for his profiâ—able paines and to desire that some other would follow him in that way y Opâ— wherein no man hath gone beforâ— him It cannot be denyed but that aâ— Bâ—aâ—us Rhenacâ—â— truely observeth in z 〈…〉 Teriuâ— the most beautifull body som blemish may be found and we are men a Lips praef ad polit subject to errours and consâ—quently in the great and many labors of this learned man someting may be found that may require a râ—vâ—z ill some thing may admit the sponge Bâ—t when like unto Momus who could finde nothing else amisse in Venus but b Philo. ep ad 〈◊〉 onely that her shooe creakt men will pretend errours wherâ— there are none I must tell such in the words of Ieromâ— c Ad Domin when they come to write themselves and to set foot to foot thâ—y will tug and sweat and find great difference between pubâ—lick writing and private carping Or let thiâ— blessed Doctor speake to them though dead and say d Marâ—ial ad Lâ—lium Carpere vel noli nosâ—ra vel edeâ—ua Snarle not at mine or seâ— forth thinâ— And on the other side where something may be blame worthy pardon it e Theod. de Curaâ—d Greac affect in Prolo and doe not despise the Works because of this but reape profit by that which is well written and give God the glory who found folly in hiâ— Angelâ— â—nd â—s alone impeccable To come neare to
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
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
truely blest For which rare Doctor let both high and low Blesse God that they so clear Christs truth doe know And pray the Lord that these his Gospels rayes May to the World shine-forth for datelesse dayes Philip Melancthon Dead is grave Luther worthy all due praise Who set forth Christ in Faiths illustrious rayes His Death the Church laments with sighs sincere Who was her Pastour nay her Patron deare Our Israels Chariots and Horsemen rare Is dead with me let All sad Sables weare Let them their griefe in groaning verses sing For such sad Knells such Orphans best may ring Theodore Beza Rome tam'd the World the Pope tam'd Rome so great Rome rul'd by power the Pope by deep Deceit But how morâ— large than theirs was Luthers Fame Who with One Pen both Pope and Rome doth tame Goe fictious Greece goe tell Alcides then His Club is nothing to great Luthers Pen. John Major By Luthers labours Leo the tenth is slaine Not Hercles Club but Luthers Pen's his bane Joachim a Beuft When Luther dy'd then with him dy'd most sure A Crown and credit of Religion pure His Soul soar'd up to heaven on Concords day Which tended Luther thither on his way Deare Christ since Discord followed with Coats rent Give to thy Spouse Elijahs ornament Upon his Tomb-stone the University of Wittenberg as to her beloved father engraved MARTINI LVTHERIS THEOLOGIAE D. CORPVS H. L. S. E. QVI ANNO CHRISTI M. Dâ—XLVI.XII CAL. MARTII EISLEBII IN PATRIAS M. O. C. V. AN. LXIII M.III.D.X Luthers writing were published at Wittenberg and Iene in severall Towns both in Latine and German tongue Part of them were expositions of Scriptures part doctrinall part polemicall Of these this was his own judgement Aâ—ove all I beseech the godly Reader and I beseech him for our Lord Iesus Christs sake that he would read my writings judiciously and with much piâ—ying my case In Wedlock he lived chastly and godly above twenty yeers and when he dyed left three sons and Catharin de Bora a widdow who lived after his death seven years To her it was a great griefe that her husband died in a place far from her so that she could not be with him and performe the last conjugall offices to him in his sicknesse In the time of the war which presently followed she wandred up and down with her orphants and in banishment was exposed to many difficulties and dangers And besides the miseries of widowhood which are full many the ingratitude of many did much afflict her for where she hoped for kindenesse in regard of her husbands worthy and noble deserts of Gods Church often she was put of with great indignity When afterward her house at Wittenberg in time of pestilence was infected she for her childrens safety as became a godly mother betook her selfe to Torg where was also an University But in the way when the horses affrighted ran out and seemed to indanger the waggon she amazed not so much for her owne as her childrens preservation lept out of the Waggon whereby poore wretch she grievously bruised her body in the fall and being cast into a poole of cold water caught thereby a disease of which she lay sick three months in banishment and pining away at length dyed quietly in the year 1552. Welfare those gentle Quilâ— whose ere they be Whose meritorioâ—s labours shall set free The Urne imprisoned Dust of that renown'd Thrice famous Luther Let his head be crown'd With sacred Immortality and rais'd Much rather to be wondred at then prais'd Let Bâ—bes unborn like fruitfull plants bring forth To after dayes new Monumeâ—ts of his worth And time out lasting Name that Babels Whore And all his bald-paâ—e panders may ev'n rore For very anguish and then gnaw and bite Their tongues for malice and their nailes for spite Whilst men made perfect in his well know story May all turne Patrâ—os and protect his Glory ERASMVS ROTERDAMVS The life and Death of Desiderius Erasmuâ— HIs Sirnamâ— implyes the place of his birth Roterdam is a City of Holland Holland the seat of the ancient Batavi but now illustrious by the production of one pen then by all her former harvests of pykes Seaven Citâ—es no coâ—temptible portion of witty and work-like Greece accouâ—ted the Nativitie of Homer so great an access to their other glories that they seriously contested about it Although Homer because Antiquity will have it so be greater then Erasmus yet litle Roterdam hath more to boast of in him then great Athens Smyrna Rhodes Colophon Chios Salamis or Argos in the other For it is certaine Erasmus was born at Roterdam but pitch upon what City of those seven you please it is six to one whether Homer was born there or not But what talke we of Roterdam Rhenamus sticks not to impute his Nativity to the fortune of Emperors and felicity of the whole German Empire within the limits whereof he was born upon the vigil or Eve of Simon and Iude under Frederick the third But in what yeer of our Lord or that Emporors raigne is not remembred this is certaine in the yeer of grace 1519. he was either 50. or 52. his mothers name was Margaret daughter to one Peter a physitian of Zavenberg his father Gerard. These accompanied together secretly but not without promise of marriage untill the young woman proved with childe Gerards father was named Helias his wife Catherine each of them lived till past 95. They had ten Sonnes without any daughters all married except Gerard who was the youngest save one All of them much resented this Clandestine combination and commixture betwixt Gerard and Margaret wherefore to prevent their marriage to gaine his portion to themselves and yet not loose a brother able in time to feast them at his owne cost they resolve out of ten to give Gerard as the Tieth unto God that is to dedicate him to the Church whereby perceiving himselfe excluded from marriage and not yet resolved to enter into holy Orders he fled to Rome By the way he wrot back to his friends the reason of his journey he intimated by the impresse of his seal which had one hand infolded in another In the meane time Margaret was brought to bed and the child the subject of this discourse cheerfully received and carefully nourished by his grandâ—mother Gerard after his arrivall at Rome maintained himselfe by his Pen for he wrote an exellent hand and Printing was not then found out or but in the infancy In processe of time the Copying out of learned bookes begate in him a love to learning it selfe so that besides his knowledge in the Tongues both Greek and Latin he became a considerable proficient in the Lawes which he might the more easily doe Rome then abounding with many learned and able Schollers and he himselfe having the happinesse to be an Hearer of Guarinus His father and brethren having certaine intilligence both of his being and well being at Rome fraudulently advertise
Grunnium Ad Fratres Germaniae inferioris Spongia adversus aspergines Hutteni Pantalabus sine adversus fâ—bricitantem Adversus Mendacium obtrectationem Antibarbarorum liber 1. Ad quosdam Gracculos Epistola Responsio ad Petri curâ—ii defensionem De Termino De vita phrasi Operibus Originis Besides these you have in the University Library at Oxford not set forth by Frobenius De novo Evangelio novisque Evangelistis judicium Auris Batanaâ— Vita Coleti Duo Diplomata Papae Adriani â—um responsionibus Detestatio Belli Precatio ad Iesum cum aliis Ejaculationibus De Hollandis Translated out of Greeke Classis 5. Ex S. Chrysostomo Adversus Iudaeos Homiliae 5. De Lazaro Divite Hom. 4. De Visâ—one Hom. 5. De Philogone Martyre Hom. 1. De Orando Deum Libri 2. De Davide et Saul lib. 3. Quam Presbyter esset designatus Hom. 1 In psalm Cantate Domino Quam Sarionius et Aureliamus acti essent in exilium Hom. 1. De fide Annae Hom. 2. Commentariorum in Acta Apost Hom. 4 Commentariorum in 2. dam ad Cor. Hom. 7. In Epistolam ad Galatas In Epistol ad Philipp Hom. 2. Ex S. Athanasio De Spiritu Sancto Epistolae 2. Contra Eusebium de Nicaena Sinod Ep. 2 Apologetici Duo adversus eos qui Calumniabanter quod in Persequutio nefugisset Ex S. Athanasio De Passione Domini Hom. 1. De hoc quod Scriptum est in Evangelio Vicum q. Contra vos est De Virginitate De peccato in Spiritum De Spiritu Sancto Ex S. Basilio Principium Esaiae De Spiritu Sancto lib. 1. De laudibus Iejunii lib. 2. Fragmentum Originis in Evang. S. Matth. Euripidis Hecuba Iphigenia Theodori Gazae Grammatices lib. 2. Declamatio alia quaedam ex Libanio Ex Plutarcho De discrimine Adulatoris Amici Quo pacto capi possit utilitas ex inimico De Tuenda bona valetudine Principi maxime Philosophandum An graviores sint Animi morbi quam Corporis De Cupiditate divitiarum An recte dictum sit ab Epicuro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 De cohibenda iracundia De Curiositate De vitiosa verecundia Galeni exhortatio ad bonas literaâ— Isocrates de Regno administrando ad Nicodem Regem Tyrannus Zenophonius Luciani Saturnalia Cronosolon sive leges Saturnaliciae Epistolae Saturnales De Luctu Icoromenippus Toxaris Pseudomantis Somnium sive Gallus Timon Abdicatus Tyrannicida De mercede conductus Dialogus Cnemonis Damippi Dialogus Zenophantae Callidemi Dialogus Menippi Mercurii Dialogus Menippi Amphilochi Triphonie Dial. Charontis Menippi Dial. Cratetis ac Diogenis Dial. Mirei ac Thersitae Dial. Diogenis ac Mausoli Dial. simyli ac Polystrati Dial. Veneris ac Cupidinis Dial. Doridis ac Galateae Dial. Martis ac Mercurii Dial. Mercurii ac Maiae Dial. Diogenis ac Alexandri Dial. Menippi Chironis Dial. Menippi Cerberi Hercules Gallicus Eunuchus De Sacrificiis De Astrologia Lapithae sive convivium Fathers and other Authors set forth Corrected and Commented upon by Erasmus Classis 6. Augustini opera omnia 10. Tomis Hieronymi opera omnia 9. Tomis Cypriani opera omnia Irenaei opera Arnobius Ciceronis Officia De Amiciâ—ia De Senectute Paradoxa Quintus Curtius Suetoniâ—s Aelius Spartiaâ—us Iulius Capitolinus Aelius Lampridius Vulcâ—tius Galliâ—â—â—â—s Trebellius Pollio Flavius Vopiscus In Nucem Oâ—idii Commentarii In Catonem de Moribus Commentarii Notae in Plautum Notae in Terentium Notae in Quintilianum Notae in utrumque Senecam Two Bookes of his Antibarbarus was lost in England many of his most elaboâ—â—te Declamations at Rome two Books de Eucharistia he finished but supprest He left imperfect at his death a just Commentary upon S. Pauls Epistle to the Romans with many other Treatises since crept into other Mens Workes And it is to be noted that the Index Expurgatorius hath made more bold with no Mans Bookes then with his so that the first Impression are infinitely the best This famous and renowned Writer Erasmus Author and Inditer Of many learned Workes of Worth Which in his life time he set forth Was for his Learning and rare Parts His Wit his Wisedome skill in Arts And Languages and Uertues rare Wherein he justly might compare With his Contemporaries best In such esteeme and high request With all the Princes Potentates And learned Clerkes of all the States In Christendome which knew or saw him That they contended who should draw him To live with them Him to enjoy And with them his rare Parts t' employ Sending him many Gifts most great His presence with them to entreat But crown'd at last with honours Bayes In Basil He did end his dayes As full of yéeres as fragrant fame Leaving behinde an honoured Name HVLRICVS ZVINGLIVS The life and Death of Huldericus Zuinglius In the yeer of our Lord God one thousand four hundred eighty and seven Huldericus Zuinglius the Angel of the Church at Tigurum was borne and on the first of Ianuary in a little village which in the language of the Switzers is called Wild-house he was descended from pious vertuous and Religious Parents his Father also being a man advanced unto great dignity and authority amongst the Switzers in regard of his approved and well deserving parts He by daily observation without doubt to his great comfort seeing and perceiving more then an ordinary towardlinesse in his Sonne and beholding a future worth to discover it selfe even from his infancy and cradle not onely for the advancement of the glory of God but also for the benefit and profit of his native soyle and Countrey therein conferring a more charitable and friendly censure on him then that School-master on Thenistocles and causing others also to make triall of his ingenious disposition who beheld his naturall parts with astonishment and admiration he was very carefull to perfect nature by Art for that cause his age condescending thereunto he committed him unto the tuition of a certain School-master living not far from the place of his birth to be instructed trained up in the elements grounds of the Latin tongue with whom in short time by reason of the vigilancy and watchfulnesse of the one and the carefulnesse and industry of the other he attained not without great applease to that discretion and judgement that he esteemed those things which were read unto him as a subject fitter and more convenient for duller braines then for his quick and ready apprehension This proceeding therefore not answering his expectation he removed thence and being not yet fully ten yeeres old he was sent unto Basil a City in Germany situate upon the River of Rhine where he obtained for his Tutor Gregorius Biâ—â—zlius eminent in those daâ—es for the excellent endowments of learning and piety wherewith he was invested under whom this Huldericus attained unto that perfection both in civil behaviour and learning that he seemed alwaies to exceed out-strip go beyond and carry away the
fidem nostram pane vino Domini per memoriam carnis sanguinis illius pascendam Anno 1525. being called into his owne Country he Preached and administred the Lord's Supper to his owne Citizens and Baptized without the Popish Ceremonies he was present and disputed at Berne against the Popish Masse c. He was with others chosen by the Protestants to goe the to Diet at Ratisbone for the setling of Religion and returning home in a great and generall infection he died to the Plague An. Christi 1541 of his Age 63. Industrious Capito at first inclind Himselfe to cure the body next the minde Being endow'd with most excellent parts He did as t' were monopolize the Artâ— He lov'd Religion and was alwayes free T' extoll the worth of practis'd piety He honor'd peace his heart was fil'd with hope That he might live to contradict the Pope And so he did he labour'd to prevent The Ceremonâ—es of their Sacrament And to conclude he labour'd to confute Their babling Masse He 's blest without dispute The Life and Death of LEO JUDAE who died Anno Christi 1542. LEo Iudae was born Anno Christi 1482. brought up at Schoole and from thence sent to Basil where he joyned in study with Zuinglius was an hearer of Doctor Wittenbash by whom he was instructed in the knowledge of the Gospel â—here also he was made a Deacon and from thence he was called into Helvetia where he â—et himselfe to the study of the Orientall Tongues and to read the Fathers especially Hierom and Augustine as also he read diligently the books of Luther Eraâ—mus and Capito at length being called to a Pastorall charge at Tigure he opposed the Popish doctrine and Ceremonies both in the Pulpit and Presse thâ—re he continued eighteen yeeres and spent much of it in expounding the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein being growne very skilfull he set upon at the importunity of his breathren of the Ministry the translation of the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein also he was much holpen by the industry of other learned men but this worke proving very great he was so wasted with labor and old age that he died before he finished it Anno Christi 1542. and of his Age 60. leaving undone Iob the forty last Psalmes Proverbs Ecâ—lesiastes Canticles and the eight last Chapters of Ezekiel which he commended to Theodore Bibliander to finish who accordingly did it and he left all to Conradus Pellican to peruse and put to the Presse which he carefully performed Four dayes before his death sending for the Pastors and Professors of Tigure he made before them a Confession of his Faith concerning GOD the Scriptures the Person and Office of CHRIST concluding Huic Iesu Christo Domino liberatori meo c. To this my Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ my hope and my salvation I wholly offer up my soule and body I cast my selfe wholly upon his mercy and grace c. Heaven was the object where he fixt his eyes Truth was his Marke Religion was his Prise His studious heart was active to contrive How to keepe other pining Souls alive With heavenly Food he never lov'd to feed In secret Corners and let others need He never usâ—d to sweepe away the Crums From his poore Flock and feed their souls with Hums Like our new-babling Pastors which infuse Illiterate Words patch'd up with flattring News He would not blind them with the intising charms Of Falseties or bid them take up Armes Except for heaven within whose Tent he sings Anthems of Pleasure to the King of Kings The Life and Death of MYCONIUS who died Anno Christi 1546. Fâ—â—idericus Myconius was borne in Franconia of religious parents and bred up at Schoole till he was thirteen yeeres old and then he was sent to Annaeberg where he studied till he was twenty and then entred into a Monastery there without the knowledge of his parents the first night after his entrie he had a dream which proved propheticall In that place he read the Schoole-men and Augustine's Workes He read also at meal-time the Bible with Lyra's notes on it which he did seven yeeres together with so much exactnesse that he had it almost by heart but dispairing of attaining to learning he left his studieâ— and fell to Mechanicall Arts About which time Tecâ—liuâ— brought his Indulgences into Germany boasting of thâ— virtue of them and exhorting all as they loved their owne and their dead friends salvation that they should buy them c. Myconius had been taught by his fâ—ther the Lord's Prayer the Creed the Decalogue and to pray often and that the blood of Christ onely could cleanse uâ— from sin and that pardon of sin eternall life could not be bought with money c. Which caused him to be much tâ—oubled whether he should beleive his father or the Priests but understanding that there was a clause in the Indulgences that they should be given freely to the poore he went to Tecelius entreated him to give him one for he waâ— a poor sinner and one that needed a free remissions of sins and a participation of the merits of Christ Tecelius admired that he could speake Latine so well which few Priests could doâ— in those dayes aud therefore he advised with hiâ— Colleagues who perswaded him to give Myconius one but after much debate he returned him answer That the Pope wanted money without which he could not part with an Indulgence Myconius urged the aforenamed clause in the Indulgences whereupon Tecelius his Colleagues pressed againe that he might have one given him pleading his learning and ingenuity poverty c. And that it would be a dishonor both to God and the Pope to denie him one but still Tecelius refused whereupon some of them wispred Myconius in the eare to give a little money which he refused to doe and they fearing the event one of them profered to give him some to buy one with which he still refused saying That if he pleased he could sell a book to buy one but he desired one for Gods sake which if they denyed him he wished them to consider how they could answer it to God c. but prevailing nothing he went away rejoycing that there was yet a God in heaven to pardon sinners freely c. according to that promise As I live saith the Lord I desire not the death of a sinner c. Not long after he entred into Orders and read privately Luther's books which the other Friars tooke very haynously and threatned him for it From thence he was called to be a Preacher at Vinaria where at first he mixed some Popish errors with the truth but by the illumination of Gods Spirit and by his reading Luther he at last began to preach against Popery and to hold forth the truth clearly which spread so swiftly not onely through Saxonie but through all countries as if the Angels had been carryers of it Afterwards he was called
both having beene used by the Popes Agent nor he by perswasion nor love could perswade him to returne to Popery he feigned himselfe friendly to take his leave of him and so deparâ—â—d â—ut shortly after he returned againe with this ruffianly murtherer and by the way they bought an Hatchet of a Carpinter and Alphonsus sending this man disguised with letters to his Brother he himselfe following after as Iohn Diazius was reading the letters this bloudy murtherer cleft his head with the Hatchet and taking Horse they both rode away Anno Christi 1546. and this inhumane Cain was highly commended by the Papists for it But the Lord would not suffer such an unnaturall villanie to goe unpunished for not long after he was so doggâ—d and haunted by the Furies of his own Conscience that being at Trent when the Council was held there he hanged himsâ—lf about the neck of his own Mule Diazius in his youthfull dayes had cloath'd His heart with Popery and after loath'd What he had done for when he was inspir'd By Heaven he searcht for truth and soon untyrâ—d Himselfe and having found the pathes of truth He hated what he acted in his youth Thus being turn'd from those wayes that lead To utter ruine Fame began to spread Her wings abroad and hover in the eare Of the distasted Pope who could not heare Goodnesse without impatience but strove To win him with reward of promis'd love But finding â—'was in vaine he chang'd his minde From Love to Murther and with spéed inclin'd Himselfe to mischiefe being voyd of grace Put out that light which shin'd so much in 's face The Life and Death of CRUCIGER Who died Anno Christi 1548. GAsper Cruciger was born at Lipsich in Misnia Anno 1504. of religious Parents who carefully brought him up in the knowledge of God and in learning He was melancholy by nature and of a retired disposition much in meditation and of few words being principled in the Latine he learned Greek and profited much therein and so went to the University of Wittenberg that having studyed Divinity there he might be more usefull to the Church he studyed also the Hebrew tongue and grew very exquisite therein from thence was called to govern the School at Magdeburg where he taught with much profit and applause till 1527. and then being called back to Wittenberg he preached and â—xpounded the Scriptures with so much dexterity that he was graced with the degree of a Doctor in that University he studyed and practised Physick also He was very helpfull to Luther in his Translation of the Bible He wrote so swiftly that he was chosen Scribe at the disputation at Worms and yet withall suggested to Melancthon many things for answer to Eccius his subtilties insomuch that Glanvell who supplyed the Enperors room said of him That the Lutherans had a Scribe that was more learned then all the Pontificians He alwayes opposed the Anabaptisticall errors and was very careful to preserve the Truch from corruptions he alwayes hated new and ambiguous expressions which often caused much troubles in the Church he often contemplated the foot-steps of God in Nature saying with Paul That God was so near unto us that he might be almost felt with our hands He studyed the Mathematicks in his later time and grew so skilfull therein that few excelled him he was excellent also in the Opticks but with excessive pains and incessant studyes night and day he contracted to himselfe a mortall disease whereby he wasted away and yet his intellectuals decayed not he lay sick for above three moneths all which time he gave forth cleer notable demonstrations of his Faith Patâ—ence and Piety he called up his two young daughters and caused them to repeate their prayers before him and then himselfe prayed with great fervency for himselfe the Church and those his Orphans concluding Invoco te quanquam languida imbecillâ— fide sed fide tamen credo promissioni tuae quam sanguine tuo resurrections obsignasti c. I call upon thee with a weak yet with a true Faith I beleele thy promises which thou hast sealed to mee with thy blood and resurrection c. In his sicknesse he intermitted not his studies for during the same he turned into Latine Luthers books concerning the last words of David he read the Psalms and other Autors his ordinary discourse with his friends was about the Principles of Religion the admirable government of the Church Immortality and our sweet Communion in heaven Upon the sixth of November there was a great Chasm or opening in the heavens and in some places fire fell to the earth and flew up into the ayre againe this Cruciger saw as he lay in his bed in the night and thereupon much bewayled the great commotions and dissipations in the Church which he foresaw by this Prodigie He spent the few dayes which remained in prayer and repentance and so quietly ended his dayes November 16. Anno Christi 1548. and of his Age 45. Considering the mutabilitie of all earthly things he used often to say Omnia praetereunt praeter amare Deum Besides God's love nothing is sure And that for evâ—r doth endure Grave Cruciger was in his life A hater of corroding strife His soule was â—â—l'd with Heaven and he Was alwayes constant alwayes free In his devotions all his dayes He spent to give his maker praise Religions stocke did still encrease Within his heart and crown'd his peace He was a wonder to all Nations For Piety and disputations The Anabaptists felt the force Of his patheticall discourse Truth alwayes shined in his brest All men speake truth that speake him blest PAVLVS FAGIVS The Life and Death of Pauluâ— Fagius IN the yeer of our Lord God 1504. Paulus Fagius alias Buchlin was borne in a Town situate in the Palatinate not farre from Bretta which in the Germain language is called Rhein-taberne his Father was called by the name of Peter Buchlin being chiefe Schoole-master of that Towne his Mother by the name of Margaretta Iager daughter unto Henricus Iazger of Heidelberge who was much beloved of Fredericke the Prince Elector Palatine by reason of his excellent knowledge in the art of War He was first acquainted with the grounds of Leaenrng in the same Towne and that through the carefulnesse and paines of his Father which indeed seemed pleasing unto him because of the sharpenesse of wit and quicknesse of apprehension which he saw in the childe and therefore for the better perfection of his naturall parts when he had reached unto the age of eleven yeares he sent him unto Heidelberge and committed him unto the tuition of Iohannes Brentius and Martinus Frechtus two learned men by whose meanes he was furnished with an excellent insight in humaine Learning When he had continued with these learned men for the space of seven yeers and being now eighteene yeers of age and longing for a greater perfection of learning he left Heidelberge and went unto
was observed that he was a sharp reprover of vice in his School-fellowes These were sufficient â—estifications unto his Father wherfore when he came to some maturity of age his father so wrought with the Bishop of Noviodunâ—m that he had a Canons place in the Cathedrall Church and also a Cure in a Parish neere adjoyning where it is thought that he Preached many Sermons although not advanced to the Ministeriall function but this proceeding continued not long partly by reason of his fathers desire who was earnest with him to addict himselfe unto the study of the civill Law a surer step unto wealth and preferment and partly by the perswasion of Roberâ—us Olivetanus a man well deserving of the Frâ—nch Churches for the doing of the Hebrew Bible into French who willed him to give himselfe wholy unto the reading of the sacred Scriptures and to seperate himselfe from those superstitions which were odious in the sight of God Being willing to testifie his obedience unto his father he therefore left his Cure and went to Orleans where hâ— became an Auditor unto Petrus Stella then publicke professor in that place and reputed to be the soundest Civilian then living in France by which meanes he attained unto great perfection in that Art so as he seemed in short time to be rather a teacher then â—n Auditor aud would many timeâ— supply the places of the professors themselves by which meanes he gained so great love in the Academy that at hiâ— departure from Orleance they profered to confer freely on him the dignity of Doctor in the Civill Law this is also remarkable in the prosecution of his Fathers Will he was not forgetfull of the counsell of his kinsman Olivetanus so as withall he diligently gave himselfe unto the study of Divinity in which also he attained unto such perfection that those Inhabitants of Orleans who were touched with a desire of a more pure religion would resort unto him to have private conference with him greatly admiring both his zeale and knowledge during his residence in that Academy besidâ— his daily exercises he used to spend halfe the night in reading the morning following he would meditate awhile in his bed on that w ch he had read by w ch constant watchfulness as it was a means of furnishing him w th solid learning w th a retentive memory so it was also a means of procuring unto him many diseases at the length untimely death About this time the Academy at Burdeaux was famous for the presence of that Prince of Lawirus Andraeas Alciaâ—â—â— who came out of Italy to be their publike Professor whereupon Calvin leâ—t Oâ—leance and came to Burdeaux where he acquainted himselfe with Alciatus and also with Melchior Volmarus then publicke Professor of the Greek tongue whose learning piety and other vertues together with his admirable dâ—xterity in the bringing up of youth cannot receive worthy commendations of this Wolmarus Calvin learned here the Greek tongue and a thankfull rememberance of which benefit he hath recorded unto future ages by dedicating unto him his Commentary on the second Epistle to the Corinthians Whilst he studied this tongue he laid not aside the study of Divinity but made it his onely ayme aâ— it aâ—peared by his actions for during his continuance in Burdeaux he would intreat Wolmarus to walk with him into the Country and to be an Auditor unto his Sermonâ— which were approved by him with no lesse then an asâ—onished admiration Here he continued earnestly prosecuting his Studies with all diligence untill such time as he was called home by his Fathers death where he continued no longer space but untill that he had put off the dayes of mourning and then he went againe unto Paris where at the age of twenty four yeers he wrote a Commentary upon that book of Seneca de clementia he had not continued long here but his worth procured him the favour and love of such zâ—alous persons as desired a Reformatâ—on especially the love of Stephanus Forgeuâ— an honorable Merchant who afterwards suffered Martyrdome for the truth of Christ In this Academy he forsook the study of humaine learning and betook himself wholy unto the study of Diviniâ—y to the exceeding joy of such godly persons who durst not to discover their profession to the world because of the strength of their enemies but kept their private assemblies in Paris During his residence here Nicalaus Copus the son of Gulielmus Copus of Basil the Kings Phisitian was designed Rector of Paris who bâ—ing to deliver his Oration according unto the Custom the same day that religious acts were celeberated by the Pops he requested Calvin to performe it for him who willingly condicended thereunto and in his Oâ—ation he discoursed more freely concerning the purity of Religion then others in that place had formerly done This act being not well brooked by the Senate they call a Parliament and the Rector is summoned to appeare in his journey thither he was admonished by some of his friends to take heed unto himselfe because he wanted neither many nor powerfull enemies He taking these words into a deepe consideration returnes backe againe departs out of the Kingdome and conveighs himselfe to Basil. Neither was Calvin free from danger in this act for some were sent into the School which is called Fortreâ—um where his lodging was but finding him not within they brake open the doores of his Study take such Papers as they finde and amongst them many Letters which were sent by zealous pâ—â—â—sons unto him whereby they also were brought into greâ—â— danger of their lives but they were all delivered by the meanes of the Queen of Navarre who honourably receivâ—â— and entertained Calvin in her house and became an Audiâ—oâ— unto his Sermons Having continued here a while under the protection of the Queen he shapes his course toward Neracum a City iâ— Aquitaine â— to visit Iacobus Stapulensis who was protected and defended by the Queene for the same cause and therefoâ—â— placed in that City under her Dominion This old man having a certaine relation from him how all things wenâ—â— he most courteously entertained him was right glad to conferre with him and withall spending this judgement on him that he would be an excellent instrument for the establishing of the Kingdom of Christ within the Kingdom of France Having continued a few dayes with this Iacobus he returnes again to Paris being led thereunto by the hand of God for the purging of the City of that damned haereâ—iâ— of Servetus concerning the Trinity but after long expectation and secret hiding of himself he was constrained again to leave the City without the effecting of any thing the enemies of the truth still labouring to take away his lifâ— In the year 1534. Gerardus Ruffus and Coraldus zealous professours of the truth of Christ and labouring to promote the Gospell in France were with great cruelty pulled downe out of their Pulpits and cast into prison
son in learning and at eleven years old sent him to Heidleberg to Schoole and at thirteeâ— yeers old he was admitted into the University and at fifteen he commensed Batchelor there also he studied Greek and Hebrew and was so studious that he usually rose â—t midnight to his Booke whereby he contracted such â—n hâ—bit that he could never after whilst he lived sleepe longer then till midnight the rest of the night he spent in holy Meditaâ—ions And in his old age he had a candle by hiâ— bedsidâ— and deceived the time by writing and meditation Partly by his diligence and partly by his acute wit and strong memory he profited so much both in the Artâ— and Tongues that at eighteen years old he was made Master of Arts. About this time Luthers Books coming abroad Brenâ—ius by reading of them came to the knowledge of the Truth which he willingly embraced And being desirous to pâ—opagate it to others he began to read upon Matthew firâ—t to some friends of his own Colledge but his Auditorâ— encreasing out of other Colledges he was fain to read in the publick Schoolâ— for which the Divines hated him because he grew so popular sayâ—ng That neiâ—her was the place fit for Divinity Lectures nor he fit for such a worke being not yet in Orders Whereforâ— to take away that objection he entered into Orders and Preached often for other men to the great delight of his Hearers From thence he was called to be at Pastor at Hale in Sweveland where his gravity gesture phrase voyce and Doctrine did so pleaâ—e the Senate that though he was but three and twenty years of age yet they chose him to that place and he carried himselfe with such gravity holinesse of life integrity of manners and diligence in his Calling that none could contemn his youth and the Lord so blessed his labours there that many were converted to the Truth yea amongst the very Popish Priests som of them were converted others lâ—ft their places for shame and went elsewhere He used much modesty and wisdome in his Sermons and when in the beginning of his Preaching there the Popish Priests railed exceedingly upon him and his Doctrine and the People expected that he would answer them accordingly he contrariwise went on in teaching the fundamentall points of Religion and as he had occasion he confuted their Errors without bitternesse from cleaâ—e Scripture arguments whereby in time he so wrought upon them that he brought them to a sight of their Errors and to a detestation of their Idolatry About this time Muncer and his companions rose up and stirred almost all the Boorâ— in Germany to take Armes against the Magistrates and rich men abusing Scripture to justifie their proceedings whereupon Brentius was in great danger for many cried out that his opposing of Popery and casting out the old Ceremonies was the Cause of these tumults and when as the Boors in Hale were risen up and threatned to besiege the City of Hale the Magistrates and Citizens were in such fear that they were ready to slye or to joyne with the Boors but Brentius encouraged them and told them That if they would take Armes and defend their City God would assist them c. And so it came to passe for six hundred Citizens beat away foure thouâ—and of those Boors He also published a Booke in confutation of their wicked opinions and shewed how dissonant they were to the Word of God Presently after rose up that unhappy contâ—nâ—ion between Luther and Zuinglius about Christ's presence in the Sacrament which continued divers years to the great disturbance of the Church scandall of the reformed Religion and hinderance of the successe of the Gospell and when a conference was appointed for the composing of that differance Luther Brentius and some others met with Zuingliâ—â— and some of his friends but after much debate they pâ—â—ted without an agreement Anno 1530. was the Diet held at Auspurg unto which the Protestant Princes brought their Divines with them and amongst others Brentius at which time George Marquessâ— of Brandenburg told the Emperour That he would rathâ—r shed his blood and lose his life or lay downe hiâ— necke to the heads-man then alter his Religion Here the Divineâ— drew up that famous Confession of Faith which from the place is â—alled the Augustine-Confession Brentius at his â—eturne home married a Wife famous for her chastity modesty and piety by whom he had six children Vlricâ—â— Prince of Wurtenburg intending to reform Religion in hiâ— Dominions thought it the best way first to reform the Universitie of Tubing and considering where he might have a fit man for so great and difficult a worke he at last resolved upon Brentius whom he sent for and who with much diligence prudence and fidelity accomplished the same In the year 1547. the Emperour with his Army coming to Hale Brentius hoping to prevail with the Captaine thâ—â— no Souldiers should be quartered in his House but when hâ— came home he found the souldiers beating at his door and ready to break it down and when they perceived that Brentius was Mâ—â—ter of that House one of them set an Halbert to his brest threatning to kill him if the doore was not presently opened Whereupon they were let in and he caused meat and drinke to be prepared for them and in the mean time conveyed away all his papers and when he saw the fury and rage of the souldiers he conveyed himselfe and family out at a back door The next day came a Spanish Bishop with his train and putting forth the souldiers he quartered in Brentius his house searched his study looked over his papers and letters and finding some letters to his friends wherein he justified the Protestant Princes in taking Armes against the Emperour he presently carried them to the Emperour whereby Brentius was in great danger and was fain to hide himselfe in a very high Tower and not being safe there he changed his apparell left his wife and children and with one onely companion passed through the Spaniards safely and wandred up and down the fields all that night But when the Emperor was removed with his Army he returned to Hale again In the year 1548. when Caesar had published his Booke called the Interim the Protestant Princes and Magistrates required the judgements of their Divines upon it and the Magistrates of Hale desired Brentius to tell them his judgement who when he had considered it told them That it was a wicked Booke and altogether contrary to the Scriptures and that he would lose his life before he would assent to it This coming to Caesar's eares he sent a Commissary to Hale charging him to bring Brentius to him either alive or dead when the Commissary came thither he insinuated himselfe into Brentius his acquaintance invited him to his Table perswaded him to walke abroad with â—im having prepared Horses to carry him away but that succeeding not he called the Senate together and having sworn them
were not there before Together with a guilt Cut and a Bason and Ewer in all points as weight fashion inscription c. so like to the Cup Bason and Ewer given about 300. yeers since to that Colledge by the religious Foundresse thereof as that not Ovum Ovo â—imilius and these he profest he caused to be made and given not for the continuance of his owne memory but for feare that those which she had given so long since might miscarry and so her remembrance might decay The fift is his Munificence and Bounty To prove which little need be said more then that which hath bin touched in his bountifull Charity But besides that the two famous Universities and they which then were poore Scholars in them will witnesse for him in this point he never coming neer either of them after he was Bishop but that he sent to be distributed among poore Scholars sometimes one hundred poâ—nds and ever fifty pounds at the least One thing I cannot passe over in silence That when King Iames was pleased to grace the University of Cambridge with his presence in 1617. this reverend Father being present also at the Philosophy Act he sent at his departure to foure of the Disputants forty peeces of Gold of two and twenty shillings a peece to be equally divided among them Buâ— what speake I of these Was ever Prince better entertained and in moâ—e magnificent but orderly manner then was hiâ— said Majesty at Farneham Castle one of the Houses belonging to the Bishopricke of Winchester where in the space oâ— three dayes he spent three thousand pounds to the extraordinary contentment of his Majesty and the admiration of all his Followers The next is his Hospitality from the first time of his preferment to meanes of any considerable value even to his dying day he was ever Hospitable and free in entertainment to all people of quality and worthy of respect especially to Schollars and â—trangers his Table being ever bountifully and neatly fâ—rnished with provisions and attendants answerable to whom he committed the care of providing and expending in a plentifull yet orderly way himselfe seldome knowing what meat he had till he came from his Study to Dinner at which he would shew himselfe so noble in his entertainment and so gravely facecious that his guests would often professe they never came to any mans Table where they received better satisfaction in all points and that his Lordship kept Christmas all the yeer in respect of the plenty they ever found there And yet by the way take this that he ever strictly observed in his provisions of dyet the time of Lent Embers and other Fasting dayes according to the Lawes of this Kingdome and the orders of the Church I shall not need to speake of the extraordinary great Hospitality he kept and the large expence he was at in entertainment of all sorts of people in Scotland at what time he attended King Iames thither the Nobility Clergy Gentry and others of both Nations there present will as they often already have speake of it for me to his exceeding great honour So that I know not whether I have fitly couched it under this Head of Hospitality or whether it had more properly belonged to that of his Munificence and Bounty The seventh is his Humanity and affability not onely to the last mentioned his Guests but to every one that did converse with him for which not onely divers famous Scholars and others of this Kingdome but others of Forraigne parts as they had just cause have admired him As not to mention Natives Master Causabow Master Cluâ—vecius Master Vossius Master Grotius Master Moulm Master Barclay and besides many otherâ— Master Erpenius to whom he tendered an Annuall Sâ—ipend to have read and taught here the Orientall tongues wherein long before his death he himselfe had bin well versed as may appeare by his Commencement Verses the experienced Professors whereof he much delighted in and did much for them as Master Bedwell to whom he gave the Vicarage of Tottenham in Midd. if living among others would testifie And the reason for this a late reverend Father of this Church hath given Omnes quid in se amant in aliis venerantur loving and honoring those gifts in others which he had in himselfe for among the other parts of his profound Learning he by his industry had attained to the knowledge of fifteâ—ne tongues if not more To these former may be added his Modesty which was ever such that although the whole Christian world tooke especiall notice of his profound and deep learning yet was he so farre from acknowledging it in himselfe that he would often complaine of his defects even to the extenuating yea vilifying of his owne worth and abilities professing many times that he was but inutilis servas nay inutile pondus insomuch that being preferd by King Iames to the Bishopricke of Chicâ—ester and pretending his owne imperfections and insufficiency to undergoe such a charge as also that he might have not onely his Clergy but all others to take notice thereof he caused to be engraven about the Seale of his Bishopricke those words of Saint Paul Et ad haec quis idoneus and who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2.16 One note of his Modesty mixt with his last vertue of Humanity may be added that after his Chaplaines had Preached in his Chappell before him he would sometime privately request them that he might have a sight of their Notes with very good words and full of encouragement insomuch as they would professe of him that the would never desire a more candid Auditor So that what was said of Bede may as fitly be said of him A pietate modestia â—astitate nomen Venerabilis adeptus est His Indefatigability in Study cannot be paralleld if we consider him from his Childe hood to his old age Never any man tooke such paines or at least spent so much time in Study as this reverend Prelate for even in those dayes when it might have been supposed he would have taken some ease for his former paines then also from the houre he arose his private Devotions finished to the time he was called to Dinner which by his own order was not till twelve at noone at the soonest he kept close at his Booke and would not be interrupted by any that came to speake with him or upon any occasion publick Prayer excepted Insomuch that he would be so displeased with Scholars that attempted to speake with him in a morning that he would say He doubted they were no true Scholars that came to speake with him before noon After Dinner for two or three houres space he would willingly passe the time either in discourse with his guests or other friends or in dispatch of his own temporall affaires or of those who by reason of his Episcopall Jurisdiction attended him and being quit of these and the like occasions he would returne to his Study where he
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
sed deficere That he which went forward in Learning without having respect unto an orderly carriage of himselfe would prove to be retrograde in his motion Not long after he was graced with the title of Master of Arts in the same Academie after which dignity conferred by the advice of his Parents he went unto Bonnonia with an intent to apply himself unto the study of the Civil Law but because the alteration of the ayre proved adverse unto his former health after that he had made triall for the space of halfe a yeere and in that time finding no amendment he returned againe unto his Father with whom he remained until that he had recovered his former hâ—alth and â—hen he went unto Heidelberge againe where contrary to the will of his Father he left the study of thâ— Civill Law and gave himselfe wholly unto the study of Theologie being thereunto led and guided by the spirit of God In the performance of which Act he imitated the example of that burning Lampe of the Church Iohn Chrysostome the same act being also approved and embraced by Martin Luther Iohn Calvin Peter Martyr Theodore Beza Lambertus Danaeus and others Here he began to acquaint himselfe with such Schoolemen whose judgements in points of Controversie were most approved of in that Academie as Thomas Aquinas Gerson and others these he prosecuted with an indefatigable labour studying them day and night desiring the explanation of such distinctions which he could not understand c. This more then ordinary industry procured unto him a geâ—erall approbation together with a certaine demonstration of his future worth not onely in Heidelberge but also in the adjacent places insomuch that he was recommended unto that illustrious Prince Phillip Elector Palatine who sent for him and committed his yongest Sons unto his tuition bearing alwayes a reverend respect unto him for the excellency of those parts where with he saw he was endewed After that he had continued a season in this employment and perceiving that Courtly life to disagree with his naturall inclination he left it and returned againe as one that had been long captivated unto the study of Divinity Hiâ— Parentâ— perceiving that his minde was altogther set on that study and having no other child but onely him they made use of that meanes wherewith God had bleâ—sed them for the procuring of a Priesthood for him in the towne wherein he was borne unto which was also added the authority of Preaching unto this place he was called but finding himselfe after a fortnights performance to be unable to undergoe so laborious an office he desired leave to returne againe unto Heildelbirge for the furnishing of himselfe with a greater measure of knowledge that then he might returne from thence better fitted for the discharging of that sacred Function Having obtained leave he alters his resolution shapes his course towards Tubinga and from thence unto Stutgardia where Reachiling lived a man famous for his excellent knowledge in the tongues here he stayed for a short space during which time he received from him some light concerning the Greeke which being increased by daily exercise he so well profited himselfe that he did set forth a Greeke Grammer at his returne againe to Heidelbirge where he also learned the Hebrew of a Spanish Schoolâ—master whose evill nature was to envy that knowledge of that holy tongue in those that were his Schollers Finding himselfe somwhat better provided by the addition of the tongues he returnes unto his native place and cheerfully underwent his Pastorall office Preaching Christ so powerfully unto them that he was greatly admired of his Auditors neither was he onely excellent for doctrine but also for his life and conversation giving good example unto those unto whom he Preached being familiar alwayes with the better sort and especially with Wolfangus Capito with whom he was acquainted during his residence at Heidilbirge their friendship being here renewed it continued firme untill â—hey were seperated each from the other by death During his discharge of his Pastorall office in his native place Wolfangus Capito was called unto Basel to be their publick Lecturer which advancement caused him not to forgit his old friend Oecolampadius but rather moved him unto a â—onsideration how he might be a meanes of promoting him unto a more eminent place Pitying that so bâ—ight a lampe of piety should obscure it selfe by being shut up and conâ—ined unto such a narrow and unregarded angle of the countrey Wherefore he used all meanes to perswade the inhabitants of Basel unto whom he commended the worth of the man to invite him unto this City and to conferre a dignity on him correspondent unto his desert which was no sooner uttered but they condiscented thereunto and he was called unto the discharge of a Pastorall office in that City in the yeer of grace 1515. Where after that he had received that Function for the space of a yeer with great applause he was honoured in the same Academy with the title of Doctor about the same time that Erasmus Rotherodamus came to Basel to set forth his annotations on the New Testament for the perfecting whereof he used the assistance of this Oecolampadius in regard of the eminency of his parts as he himselfe freely confesseth Which worke being finished he left Basel and went unto Auspurge being called by the Comons of the Cathedrall Church to Preach in that place unto the people but herâ— he remained not long partly because he feared and had a distrust in himselfe that he was not fit for so eminent a place and partly by reason of that melancholy humor which was praedominate in him insomuch that he esteemed not the society of men but would remove himselfe from them into some solitary place but departed from them and entered into a Monastry lying without the City of Auspurge and consecrated unto Saint Bridget yet making his covenant so with the Monks that he would have liberty to study to beleeve what he would and to depart from them when he pleased for said he Etiamsi sexcentis juramentis me obstenixero nequaquam ea servare potero si quando utilis ministerio verbi sum futurus Although I should bind my selfe by the vertue of six hundred oaths I shall not be able by any meanes to keepe them if at any time I shall perceive that any profit will come unto the Church by my Ministery The Monkes perceiving his worth joyfully received him into their society bestowing all things liberally on him that he desired and also acquainted him with all their priviledges and in generall he found such content amongst them for the space of a few months that he intended to spend all the rest of his dayes in that lazy manner of life but it pleased God to call him from this manner of life and for that cause he stirred up his friends amongst theÌ„ more especially Capiâ—o who seriously perswaded earnestly exhorted him to give over that