the Monks of the same Monastery who afterwards forsooke that Cloyster life and constantly professed the Gospell of Christ unto their lives end He also converted many Noble men and amongst them Reinhardus a Rottenburge Governour of the Castle at Lutzelstein a man in great favour with the Pâ—ince Elector Palatine In these proceedings he wanted not mighty and bitter enemies for in the Monastery the Senior Monkes who were deeply rooted in superstition sharply opposed him doing him all the mischiefe that they could as for outward enemies they were not wanting for the Bishops and Ments and Strasburge had many times surprized him had he not beene carefully protected by the foresaid Governour This Governour being willing to make triall of his constancy in the cause of Religion on a time during his abode under his protection came to the Church where he waâ— Preaching guarded with some few Horsemen and having altered his habit that he might not be known he cals unto him after a bold threatning manner and commands him to come forth out of the Church Musculus supposing that they had been some sent from the Bishop to appâ—ehend him he desired of them that they would give him leave to finish his Sermon and then he would go with them whether soever they pleased which being granted he went forward in his Sermon without making any shew of the least fear his Sermon being ended and he supposing that he should dye he exhorted his Auditors uâ—to constancy faith and piety and withall desired them to poure out their prayers unto God for him who was then ready to lay down his life for Christ and so committed them all unto Almighty God who were wonderfully astonished with this action he came downe and yeelded himselfe into the hands of thoâ—â— who expected his coming Reinhardus admiring the undaunted courage of the man discovered himselfe and embracing him in his armes exhorted him alwayes to retaine the same constancy promising him sure defence as long as he continued and resided within his liberties But Musculus perceiving danger to increase daily so that he could not have liberty to make profession of the Gospell in that place he resolved to forsake the Monastery and to betake himself unto some place where he might with more freedome and lesse danger professe the same He acquainted some of the Monkes which were his intimate friends with this resolution they by reason of the death of the Prior at that time desired him to stay and would willingly have conferred the government of the Monastery on him but he knowing that that dignity would prove a hinderance unto that which he most aymed at refused it and willed them to bestow it on Brisacius Before he departed he betroathed himselfe unto a Kinswoman of the said Brisacius who also went together with him unto Strasburge in the year 1527. and in the thirtieth year of his age where according to the manner of that Church he was publickly married the Minister bestowing a Wedding dinner on them in his owne house Here misery began to creepe more and more upon him partly because of that little money wherewith he was furnished to sustaine both himselfe and his wife and partly because there was no hope left unto him of getting any thing by Preaching because many eminent persons were Silenced in the same City Wherefore for the avoyding of further poverty his wife turned servant and he covenanted with a Weaver to doe him service for the space of two Moneths Which action although that it ministred griefe unto him yet casting himselfe upon God he comforted himselfe with this distick Est Deus in coelo qui providus omnia curat Credentes nunquam deservisse potest God by his foresight hath such order taken That true Beléevers cannot be forsaken This Weaver with whom he had Covenanted was an Anabaptist who nourished in his house a teacher of that sect Musculus perceiving his great hypocrisie idlenesse would sometimes object unto him those words of Paul He that will not worke let him not eaâ— At which saying the Weaver was greatly offended so as at the end of two Moneths he gave him his wages and bad him be gone Musculus was now compelled to seeke him a new Master and it happened at that time that the Inhabitants of Strasburge imployed many labourers about the scouring of the Ditch which invironed the City and about the repairing of the breaches in the Wals. He agrees with the Master of the Worke and towards night he walkes about the wals to view what place might please him best to worke in which being done he returned unto his wife who certified him of better newes and as God so disposed of a better work and that was this that a Messenger was in the house who willed him to meet the Senate and Bucer in the Cathedrall Church He much admired at the first what this should meane yet forthwith he went Bucer having notice of him cals him unto him he being no sooner come the Councill commanded him to goe unto the Village called Dorlâ—ckzein distant three miles from Sâ—rasburge and there to Preach the Gospell of Christ unto the People and to exhort them unto Humility and Obedience At his first entrance upon this Cure Bucer tooke him into his owne House and made use of him for the writing of such things as he intended for the Presse Afterwards by the advice of the Ministers of Strasburge he setled himselfe with his wife in the Village The Inhabitants received him with all courtesie freely offering him all things necessary for his house Here he continued Preaching for the space of twelve moneths receiving not any thing for his paineâ— which notwithstanding he performed without grudging the reason was because the Abbot of Hoâ—enforst who received the tithes of the Parish refused to give him any money Which being understood by those of Strasburge he was bountifully relieved out of the common treasury Unto his preaching he also added the teaching â—nd instructing of youth whereby he gained the entire love of his parishoners so that they received him as a grave father Not far from this Villiage there was a Monastery dedicated unto St. Iohn pertaining unto the Dioces of the Bishop of Strasburg wherin an annâ—al feast of dedication was celebrated at which a Monke or some Masse Priest used to preach Musculus at the entreaty of his neighbors went along with them to here the Sermon the Monke discoursed on that saying of Saint Paul to the Hâ—brews that without faith it was impossible to please â—od having delivered many things as touching the excellency of faith at â—he last he bitterly enveighed against the Lutherans and especially those of Strasburg caling them deserters of the Catholick Faith This railing act as it was pleasing unto the Monkes and Priests there present so it grieved Musculus to hear the true professors thus scandalized Wherefore at the comming downe of the Monke from the Pulpit he goeth unto him and uttereth these
victory from those who were his contemporanean School-fellowes and that nothing might seem to be wanting to the perfection of so hopefull a Plant he reached unto the knowledge of the Scince of Mâ—sicke wherein he shewed himselfe so excellent and so compleat an Artist that his judgement compared with the tendernesse of his yeeres enforced his spectators to the greater admiration and his Master Bintzlius well perceiving that his Sâ—udies and learning were incongruous and too mean for so apt and so vertuous a disposition sent him back againe unto his Father together with his judicious opinion concerning him advising him to provide otherwise for him and to search out for such a Master whose learning might be correspondent unto the promptnesse of his naturall disposition His Father being joyfull with this approbation of his Master and also fearfull least these springing vertues should suffer an Eclipse by the interposition of that odious vice of Idlenesse he forthwith sent him unto Berna a famouâ— City in Switzerland to be instructed and brought up by Henricus Lupulus a man well learned and excelling in Poâ—try from whom through the reading of Classiâ— Writers he became a good Orator got some knowledg in the art of Logickes having now spent at Berna almost two yeers and longing after the knowledge of Phylosophy whose ground and Basis was already laid he removed unto Vienna a famous City of Austria situate on the river Danubius where he not onely attained to the knowledge of Phylosophy but he also augmented and perfitted those things which in former time he had learned and having spent here some few yeeres he returned againe to Basil where he first began to imploy that talent which God had bestowed on him for here he began first to teach others that which he himselfe had learned and having spent some time in the instructing of others and in furnishing himselfe with the knowledge of the Liberall Arts he waâ— advanced unto the title of Master which being obtained hâ— forthwith addicted himselfe being guided thereunto by the spirit of God unto the study of Schoole Divinity wherein he remained silent for a while being rather a spectator then an Actor untill he was called by the Glareanes to the discharge of a Pastorall function office amongst them where with all alacrity and cheerfulnessâ— he finished that which had beene formerly begun by others And by this meanes having received holy Orders he gave himselfe wholy to the study of Divinity spent all his time in searching into the old and new Tâ—stament â—hat so he might be able not onely to speake but also to judge of the Scriptures as for the writings of the Ethnicks he did not greâ—tly esteeme and accompt onely he made use of Vâ—lerius Maximus who by reason of the variety of his examples he perceived it would be beneficiall unto him But becâ—use he well understood that he could have no sound judgement concerning the Scriptures nor concerning the writings of pious and learned men unlesse that he were wel skild in the tongues he forthwith betook himself to the study of the Greek tongue wherin in short time he so well profited that the Greek seemed more easier unto him then the Latin and he better able to judge of a Greek then of a Latin Author and for the better understanding of the tongue he used help of the best Lexicons and translations and with them translated Saint Pauls Epistles committing them all to Memory and other bookes of the New Testament But when he had found it written in Saint Peter that the Scripture was not of private interpretation he lifted up his eyes to heaven beseeching the holy Ghost and earnestly wrestling with him by prayer that he would be pleased so to illuminate his understanding that he might rightly and truely understand the sense and meaning of the holy Scriptures so that he might neither decieve himselfe nor lead away others with a false image of the spirit Having thus in some measure fitted himselfe for the beating down of sin advancing furthering of the truth he then first began to condemne the Helvetian Pensions labouring to overthrow them and to reduce and bring backe againe former sanctity and worship into the Countrey and hence hatred and reproachfull speeches had and took their beginning against this good pious and laborious man who notwithsâ—anding this affront at the first shewing of himselfe for the glory of God and that in his owne Country chearfully proceeded Preaching the Gospel and endeavouring rather as yet to plant truth in the hearts of his Auditors and to cause them fully to understand it rather then to open and to discover unto them the vices and wickednesses of the whore of Babilon Not long after occasion being offered and D. Theobaldus Gerolzeggius desiring or rather earnestly intreating the sam he departed from Glarona and went to Eremus there intending to continue for a time but indeed the chiefest cause of his reparing unto that place was the happy opportunity of preaching Christ and his truth unto diverse remote and forreine Nations being at that time gathered togethered unto that place from all parts of the world In the meane time it fell out that the Church of Tigurum was destitute of a Curate or Priest many there were which greatly laboured to bring in Zuinglius he being altogether ignorant of this matter comes to Tigurum where being demanded by a certaine Canon who accidentally met him Whether he could preach the word of the Lord unto those of Tigurum he presently answered that he could upon which answer he is called unto the Church of Tigurum not without the great joy of many godly minded persons and that which he promised he began with happy successe to performe the Lord being with him and giving a blessing unto his labours in the yeer of grace one thousand five hundred twenty and one During the time of this happy proceeding of his at Tigurum the Switzers had taken great notice of the name of Martin Luther by reason many of his writings which in all places came unto their hands these he exhorted them to read and to peruse that so they might perceive the vnity of the spirit drawne out of those holy writings in them both and so by that meanes nothing doubting but that they would be the more willing to consent and to give place unto the truth This is also remarkable in the godly man that notwithstanding his continued paines in the discharging of his Pastorall office he omitted not his reading of the difficultest Greek Authors for the preserving of that knowledg w ch he had formerly gotten not ceaâ—ing here he adventured on the Hebrew wherein by the helpe assistance of some who were his associates he profited so much that he was able aptly to expound the two major Prophets Isaiah and Ieremiah About the same time Franciscus Lamberius a Frier Minorite forsaking his Monastry came to Tigurum who disputed publiquely with Zuinglius concerning the
where he was prisoner he had nothing but a pad of straw for a bâ—d and a rotten covering till good people sent him a bed to lye on of one side his chamber was the sinke and filth of the house on the other the town-ditch enough to have choaked him After he had laien thus a while falling sick the doors bars hasps and chaines being all made fast he both mourned called and cryed for helpe yet the Warden hearing would suffer none to go to him saying Let him alone if he dye it were â— good riddance of him c. At last being degraded and condemned he was sent to Glocester to be burned the night before his death he did eat his meat quietly and slept soundly after his first sleep he spent the rest of the night in prayer the next day Sir Anthonie Kingston coming to him told him that life was sweet and death bitter to which he answered The death to come is more bitter and the life to come more sweet I am come hither to end this life and suffer death because I will not gain-say the former Truth that I have here taught unto you also a blinde Boy coming to him after he had examined him in the grounds of Religion he said Ah poor Boy God hath taken from thee thy outward sight but hath given thee another sight much more precious having endued thy soule with the eye of knowledge and faith Being delivered to the Sheriff he said to him My request to you Master Sheriff is onely that there may be a quick fire shortly to make an end of me and in the mean time I will be as obedient to you as you can desire if you thinke I doe amisse in any thing hold up your finger and I have done I might have had my liâ—e with much worldly gaine but I am willing to offer up my life for the Truth and trust to dye a faithfull servant to God and a true subject to the Queen when he saw the Sheriffs men with so many weapons he said This is morâ— then needs if you had willed me I would have gone alone to the stake and have troubled none of you all as he went to the stake he was forbid to speake to the people he looked chearfully and with a more ruddy countenance then ordinary being comâ— thâ—thâ—r he prayed about half an â—our and having a box with a pardon set before him he cryed If you love my soul away with it if you love my soul away with it Three Irons being prepared to fasten him to the stake he onely put on an Iron-hoop about his middle bidding them take away the rest saying I doubt not but God will give me strength to abide the extremity of the fire without binding When reeds were cast to him he embraced and kissed them putting them under his arm where he had bags of gun-power also when fire was first pâ—t to him the faggots being green and the winde blowing away the flâ—me he was but scorched more faggots being laid to him the fiâ—e was so supprest that his nâ—ther-parts were burned his upper being scarce touched he prayed O Iesus the son of David have mercy upon mâ— and receive my soule and wiping his eyes with his hands he said For Gods love let me have more fire A third fire being kindled it burned more violently yet was he alive a great while in it the last words which he uttered being Lord Iesus receive my spirit In one of his Letters he wrote Imprisonment is painfull but liberty upon evill conditions is worse the Prison stinkes yet noâ— so much as sweet houses where the feare of God is wanting I must be alone and solitary it s better to be so and have God with me then to be in company with the wicked Losse of goods is great but losse of grace and Gods favour is greater I cannot tell how to answer before great and learned men yet it is better to doe that then stand naked before Gods tribunall I shall dye by the hands of cruell men he is blessed that looseth this life and findeth life eternall there is neither felicitie nor adversitie of this world that is great if it be weighed with the joyes and pains of the world to come Reader behold and then admire Hoâ—pers most rich Seraphicke fire His constancâ— waâ— great his heart Balsoâ—'d by heav'n out-vi'd all smart Rare was his life rare was his death Whilst time remains his fame shall want no breath The Life and Death of Rowland Tailor who dyed Anno Christi 1555. ROwland Tailor was Doctor in both the Laws and Rector of Hadley in Suffolke where Master Thomas Bilney had formerly been a Preacher of the Word and in which place there were few either men or women that were not well learned in the holy Scriptures many having often read over the whole Bible and could say a great part of Paul's Epistles by heart Here this Doctor Tailor Preached constantly on Sabbaths Holy-dayes and at other times when he could get the People together His life also and conversation was very exemplary and full of holinesse he was meek and humble yet would stoutly rebuke sin in the greatest to the poore blinde lame sick bed-rid or that had many children he was a father causing the Parishioners to make good provision for them besides what of his owne bounty he gave them he brought up his children in the fear of God and good learning In the begining of Queen Maries reign two Popish persons suborned a Priest to come and say Masse in his Church he being at his study and hearing the Bell to toul went to Church and finding this Priest guarded with drawn swords in his Popish robes ready to begin the Masse he said unto him Thou Divell who made thee so bold to enter into this Church to prophane and defile it with this abominable Idolatrie I command thee thou Popish Wolfe in the name of God to avoid hence and not to presume thus to poyson Christs flock but the â—tanders by forcing Doctor Tailor out of the Church the Priest went on with his Masse and shortly after the Bishop being informed hereof sent his letters Missive for Doctor Tailor whereupon his friends earnestly entreated him to flye telling him that he could neither expect justice nor favour but imprisonment and cruell death to whom he answered I know my Cause to be so good and righteous and the Truth so strong upoâ— my side that I will by Gods grace appeare before them and to their beards resist their false doings for I beleeve that I shall never be able to doe God so good service as now and that I shall never have so glorions a calling nor so great mercie of God profered me as I have now wherefore pray for me and I doubt not but God will give me strength and his holy spirit that all my adversaries shal be ashamed of their doings and so preparing himselfe he went to London and presented himselfe to
dead but it could not be granted least it might raise a scandall on him amongst the Papists He was buried in the common Church-yard without any extraordinary pompe and without any Grave-stone laid over him for which cause Beza wrote these Funerall Verses Romae â—uentis terroâ— ille maximus Quem mortuum lugent boni horrescunt mali Ipsa a quo potuit virtutem discere virtus Cur adeo exiguo ignotoque in cespite clausus Calvinus lateat rogas Calvinum assidue comitata modestia vivum Hoc tumulo manibus condidit ipsa suis. O te beatum cespitem tanto hospite O cui invidere cuncta possunt marmorae How happens it that this is Calvins share To lye under this little unknowne pareâ— Is not this he who living did appeare Decaying Romes continued dread and feare Whose death the godly doth with sorrow fill And at whose name the wicked tremble still Whose life was knowne to be so holy cleare That vertue might have learn'd a lesson here 'T is true but know that humble modesty Which in his life did him accompany That hath ordained this green and turfie cover On his deceased Corpes to be laid over But since thou coverest such an one as hee How can the Marbles all but envy thee A little before his death he delivered an excellent Oration unto the Senate unto which was also added a serious exhortation unto all the Pastors of Geneva His Workes which he hath set forth for the generall good of the Church which are sufficient declarations of his worth are these which follow Commentaries upon the old Testament 1. Vpon Genesis 2. An Harmony upon the four bookes of Moses 3. Vpon Iosuah 4. Vpon the Psalmes Lectures 1. Vpon Ieremiah 2. Vpon the twenty one of Ezekiell 3. Vpon Daniel 4. Vpon the lesser Prophets Upon the new Testament 1. His Harmony on the Evangelists 2. His Coment on the Acts. 3. On all Pauls Epistles 4. On the Hebrews 5. On Peter Iames Iohn Iude. His Sermons 1. Vupon Deuteronomy 2. Vpon the Decalogue 3. Vpon Iob. 4. Vpon 119. Psalme 5. Vpon the Canticles 6. Upon 38. Chapters of Isaiah 7. Vpon the eight last Chapters of Daniel 8. Vpon the Nativity Passion Death Resurrection Ascention of Christ. 9. Vpon Gods Election and Providince 10. Vpon the first of Kings 11. Vpon Iosuah Other Works 1. His institutions 2. Vpon the Eucarist 3. Vpon the victory of Iesus 4. Genevaes Catechisme 5. Of Reforming Churches 6. Of Scandals 7. Of Free-will 8. Against Anabaptists 9. Libertines 10. Sorbonists 11. Against Iudiciall Astrology 12. Of Predestination 13. Of a true Communicant 14. Part of Seneca enlightened with a Commentary 15. His answer unto Sadolets Epistle Had we but such Reformers in our dayes As Calvin was we should have cause to praise Their bless endeavours but alas our Times Are daily acting not Reforming Crimes Heroick Calvins heart was alwayes true To truth and still would give the Church her due His soul was truely willing to take paines More for the publicke good then private gaines His life was fil'd with troubles yet his mind Even like the glistring Glow-worme alwayes shin'd Brightest when most surrounded with the night Of sad afflicâ—ions Calvins whole delight Was in the law of God from which his heart Being steelâ—d with truth could not be mov'd to start The Life and Death of William Farellus who dyed Anno Christi 1565. WIilliam Farellus was born in the Delphinate of a Noble family Anno Christi 1589. and senâ— to Paris to be brought up in learning and was one of the first that madâ— a Publick Profession of the Gospell in France but wâ—en persecution arose he fled into Helvetia where he grew inâ—o â—amiliarity with Zuinglius â—ecâ—lampâ—diusâ— and Hallâ—rus Anno Christi 1524. he went to Basil where he profâ—rred a publick Disputation with the Popish Divines of that place but the Masters of the University would not suffer it till the Senate interposing their autohrity and then Farellus set up his Theses publickly which he also maintained by desputation but the Bishop and his Associates drove him from Basil from thence he went to Mont-pelier and to some other places where he Preached the Gospell with so much fervor and zeal that all might see that he was called of God thereunto He coming to Metin Preached in the Chuch-yâ—rd belonging to the Dominicans who by ringing their beâ—lâ— thought to have drowned his voice but having a strong voyce he did so thunder it out that he went on audably to the end of his Sermon Anno Christi 1528. he with Virete went to Geneva where they planted the Church and propagated the Gospell and where by his earnest obtâ—station Calvin was forced to make his aboad Anno christi 1553. the Genevians though they owed themselves to him yet were carried on with such fury that they would have condemned Farell to death And afterwards they did such things against him that Calvin wished that he might have expiated their anger with his blood And from thence he went to Neocome where he discharged his Pastorall office with singular diligence and zeal When he heard of Calvins sicknesse he could not satisfie himselfe though he was seventy years of age but he must goe to Geneva to visit him He survived Calvin one yeare and odd Moneth and dyed age 76. years anno christi 1565. He was very godly learned innocent in life exceeding modest stout and sharp of wit and of such a strong voyce that he seemed to thunder in his speech and so fervent in Prayer that he carried his Hearers into heaven with him Renowned Farell liv'd a life Not spotted with the staines of strife He lov'd the thoughts the name of Peace His vertues had a large encrease Earth was his scorn and Heav'n his pride In Peace he liv'd in Peace he dy'd The Life and Deoth of Vergerius who dyed Anno Christi 1565. PEter Paul Vergerius excellently learned both in the Law and Popish Divinity he was sent by Pope Clement the seventh as his Legate into Germany to improve his uttermost abilities to hinder a Nationall Councill where accordingly he bestirred himselfe to hinder and endamage the Lutherans and to encourage the Popish Divines in opposing of them Anno Christi 1534. Paul the third sent for him to Rome to give him an account of the state affairs in Germany after which he sent him back into Germany to promise the Princes a Generall Councill to be held at Mantua but withall to perscribe such rules about coming to it as he knew the Protestant Divines would not accept of he had in charge also to stir up the Princes mindes against the King of England and to profer his Kingdome to whosoever would conquer it and to try if by any meanes he could take off Luther and Melancthon from prosecuting what they had begun Anno Christi 1535. he was called home againe by the Pope and when he had given him an account of his Legation he was sent presently
Grindall WIlliam Grindall was born in Cumberland Anno Christi 1519. and carefully brought up in learning first 〈◊〉 School and then in the University of Cambridge where being admitted into Pembrooke-Hall he profited so exceedingly that he was chosen first Fellow and afterward Master of that house and Bishop Ridley taking notice of his piety and learning made him his Chaplain and commended him to that pious Prince King Edward the sixt who intended to prefer him but that he was prevented by an immature death In the bloody dayes of Queen Mary Grindal amoâ—gst many others fled into Germany where he continued alâ— her raign but coming back in the begining of Queen Elizabeth she preâ—erred him to that dignity which her brother King Edward entended him to making him Bishop of London wherein he carryed himselfe worthily for about eleven years and Anno Christi 1570. he was removed by the Queen to the Archbishoprick of Yorke where he continued about six years and then for his piety and learning she made him Archbishop of Cantâ—rbury wherein he lived about seven years more and then falling sick at Croydon he resigned up his spirit unto God that gave iâ— An. Christi 1583. and of his Age 64. Both in his life and at his death he did many excellent works of Charityâ— at Saint Bees in Cumberland where he was born he erected a Free-school and endowed it with 30 l. per Annum for ever To Pembrok Hall in Cambridg where he was educated he gave 22 l. a year in Lands for the maintaining of a Greek Lecturer one Fellow and two Schollars to be chosen out of the foresaid Schoole of Saint Bees he gave also much money to the said Colledge To Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge he gave lands for the maintenance of one Fellow from the said School To Christ's Colledge in Cambridg he gave forty five pounds To Queen'â— Colledge in Oxford he gave twenty pound per Annum in lands to maintain one Fellowâ— and two Scholars out of the aforesaid School and at his death he gave his Library which was a very great and good one to that Colledge besides a great sum of mony To eight Alms-houses in Croydon he gave fifty pounds per Annum and to Canterbury he gave an hundred pounds to set the poor on work True vertue rain'd in Grindals brest His Charity bespeakes him blest He loved peace and hated those That dar'd to prove Religioâ—s foesâ— Renowned Ridley took delight To see his vertue shine so bright He like a star gave light to all That sat in darknesse pinch'd with thrall And thus this glistring star went downe And set in Heav'n with much renowne Where now he beares his part and sings Blest hallalujahs to the Kng of Kings The Life and Death of Bernard â—ilpin who dyed Anno Christi 1583. BErnard Gilpin was born at Kentmire in the County of Westmoreland Anno Christi 1517. of an ancient and honorable family when he was but a child a Fryar pretending to be a zelous Preacher came on a Saturday night to his fathers house and at supper eat like a Glutton and drank himselfe drunk yet the next morning in his Sermon sharply reproved the sin of Drunkennesse whereupon yoâ—ng Gilpin sitting near his mother cryed out Oh mother do you heare how this fellow dar's speak against drunkennesse and yet himselfe was drunken last night but his mother stopped his mouth with her hand that he might speak no further it being a mortall sin in those times to speak against these men His parents perceiving his aptnesse were carefull to make him a Scholar and when he had with great approbation passed his time in the Grammer-School they senâ— him to Oxford Anno Christi 1533. where he was admitted into Queen's Colledge and profited wonderonsly in humane learning he was very conversant also in the writings of Erasmus which were much esteemed at that time Aud to the study of Logick and Philosophy he added that of Greek and Hebrew yea after som few years spent in these studyes he grew so famous that their was no place of preferment for a Scholar whereof the eminency of his vertues had not rendered him worthy whereupon he was one of the first that was chosen a member of christ-Christ-Church by Cardinall Wolâ—ey At that time he was not fully instructed in the true Religion but held Disputations against Iohn Hooper afterwards Bishop of Worcester as also against Peter Martyr who was then Divinity Lecturer at Oxford upon the occasion of which dispute that he might defend his cause the better he examined the Scriptures and ancient Fathers But by how much the more he studyed to defend his Cause the lesse confidence he began to have therein and so whilst he was searching zealously for the Truth he began to discern his owne Errors Peter Martyr used to say That he cared not for his other â—dversaries but saith he I am much troubled for Gilpin for he doth and speaketh all things with an upright heart and therefore he often prayed That God would be pleased at last to convert to the Truth the heart of Gilpin being so inclinable to honesty and the Lord answered his prayer for Gilpin resolved more earnstly to apply himselfe both by study and prayer to search out the Truth and it pleased God accordingly to reveal it unto him as also the many Errors of Popery and the necessity of seperating from that Apostaticall Church In the mean while Cuthbert Tâ—nstal Bishop of Durham being his Unckle resolved to send him beyond Sea to visit the Churches in forrein parts and to allow him means for his travel but before his going he was called to preach before King Edward the sixt which he performed with good approbation Then resolving upon his journey he had a Parsonage given him which Tunstal perswaded him to keep to maintain him in his travels but he sending for a friend whom he knew to be learned and religious resigned his Parsonage to him for which when it came to the knowledge of Tunstal he chid him sharply and told him That he would dye a beggar but he excused it saying That he could not keepe it with the peace of his conscience but said the Bishop thou shalt have a dispensation to whom Gilpin answered That he feared when he came to stand before Christ's tribunall it would not serve his turne to plead a Dispensation c. When he came beyond Sea he went to Lovain Antwerp and Pariâ— and after a while Tunstal sent againe to him to perswade him to accept of a Parsonage which he would confer upon him to whom he wrote backe that he had discussed it with all the learned especially with the Prophets and best writers since Christ's time so that he was fully resolved not to burthen his conscience to accept of a Change which he could not live upon c. Whilest he was at Paris Tunstal sent him over a Book which himselfe had written about the Presence of Christ in the Sacrament to be
conscience amongst them Yet here he continued not fully nine months but he left them and went unto Geneva and after that he had spent other nine Moneths in that place by the meanes of Peter Martyr he was called into England to performe the place of the Divinity Lecturer unto which motion he willingly condescended and having taken his leave of his friends and acquaintance he sets forward in his journey he was detained by the Inhabitants of Strarburge because their Pastor Casper Hedio was then dead and because it was decreed by the Magistrates that an Italian following the Doctrine of Peter Martyr should be called unto the Citieâ— and therfore they first used meanes to bring in the gravâ— Martinengus but he refused to leave his Flocke in Geneva wherefore seing they could not prevaile that way They kindely intreated Zanchy to stay amongst them hither he came in the yeare 1553. and in this place he performed a Pastorall office almost eleven years and at vacant times he expounded Aristotle unto such as were desirous to attain unto some understanding in the Arts. Here he was commanded by the Magistrates if he intended to teach in that City to subscribe unto that Confession of Faith concluded on and set forth at Auspurge called the Augustines Confession unto which he consented with this caution modo Orthodoxe intilligatur now because his opinion about the Sacrament waâ— the chiefest cause which did urge this Subscription he wrote a Treatise concerning the Lords Supper wherein he delivered his opinion thus First that the true body of Christ which was given for us and his true blood which was shed for the remission of â—innes was truely eaten and drunken in the Supper Secondly that it was not eaten with the mouth and teeth of the body but with true faith Thirdly and therefore received of none but of those which were elected And this his opinion was generally answered unto and approved in the City so that when they had made a triall of the sufficiency of his parts for the space of two years and had approved of that method and order which he had observed both in teaching and disputing he was admitted and chosen into the Society of the Thomists where he lived a Canon for the space of nine years in which time he was beloved of all good men that knew him a detester of Contraversies as cauâ—es of strife and he was also a lover and a favourer and a furtherer of peare and quietnesse Yet notwithstanding diverse Controversies and accusations were afterwards instituted and moved against him during his residence here and that by some of the Divines and Professors of the same Common-wealth concerning the Sacrament and concerning the Ubiquity of the humain nature concerning the setting of â—mages in Churches and Chappels concerning Antichrist and the end of the world coâ—cerning Praedestination concerning the perseverance of the Saints in Faith wherein his opinions were condemned by them as haereticall this flame also was increased by the addition of the fuell of a Tractate of the Lords Supper printed by Hestrusius in the same Citie and it came also unto that height that he must either voluntarily depart or else be forced thereunto by the Colledg although meanes were used for a reconciliation and the cause referred unto thirteen men and although he offered publickly to dispute with his adversaries touching the same points and had obtained the judgements of all the Churches and Academies throughout Germanie concerning the same and had presented them in writing unto the Senate yet no conclusion could be effected untill the Senate had procured learned Divines and Lawyers from Tubinge Bipont and Basil who were appointed as Judges to hear both parties and to establish an agreement These Judges after the hearing of the matters controverted privately withdrew themselves and composed câ—rtaine arcicles unto which they desired that the disagreeing partyes would subscribe for the setling of peace and quiâ—tnesse in the City To this request Zanchy used delay in the performance and declared unto them that there were two especiall things which detayned him that he couly not subscribe first because in so doing he should give an occasion of offence unto the godly and secondly it would come to passe that by his subscription those who were seduced from the truth would be confirmed in their errours yet notwithstanding when he perceived that his subscription might be done without any prejudice unto his doctrine for quietnesse sake he subscribâ—d with this Caveat Hanc doctrinâ— formulam ut piam agnosco ita etiam recipio this subscription was so joyful unto his adversaries that after a boasting and tryumphant manner they dispersed the tidings by letters unto their friends in Saxonie in other adjacent Regioâ—s whereas if they had truely understood it they could noâ— have hâ—d received from it such matter and cause of glory But it happily fell out at that time during these actionâ— that the Church at Clavenna by reason of the death of Augustinus Moynardus was dâ—stitute of a Pastor and the inhabitants of that place had with one consent made choyce of Zanchy assoone as he had notice hereof and perceiving little hope of quietnessâ— in the City he forthwith repaires unto the Senate obtaines leave to depart and thereupon resignes his Cannonship and leaves Strasburge and makes towards Clavenna a famous Towne situate in Rhetia During this controversie and contention in Strsburge he was called by the Tigurines to succeed Peter Martyr but he refused to go because he would not be seene to betray and give over the truth and that good cause which he had in hand he was also desired by the Italian Church at Geneva to be their Pastor he was sought for by the Inhabitants of Heidleberg and Marpurge he was invited also unto Lausanna but from these latter he was detayned by the Senate Immediately after his comming unto Clavenna a vehement and heavy pestilence invaded the City which was the cause of great sorrow and lamentation in that place for within the space of seven months three dyed 1200. persons yet Zanchy continued his course of teaching so long as any Auditor came unto him afterwards he removed himselfe out of the towne unto the top of an high Mountaine with his family where he spent three months in reading meditation and prayers and at the end thereof it pleased God to remove his scourge from the City and he returned and performed his ordinary function for the space of four years to the great benefit of that Church but not without many afflictions and crosses unto himself Hence then he was called by that incomparable vertuous and religious Prince Frederick the third Elector Palatine unto that famous Academie at Heidleberge and by him most courteously entertained and constituted successor unto Zachary Vrsin at his entrance into his office which was in the year 1568. he delivered an excellent and learned speech concerning the conservation of the purity of doctrine in the Church and in
bread thou shalt remaine Wine thou art and wine thou shalt remaine He further addeth that the Priests celeberated the Masses so hastily and perfunctorily that he left of saying Masse before he betook himselfe to the Gospell And cryed out A way with it a way with it In talke with his familiar friends he would often rejoyce at this his journey to Rome and say that he would not for 1000. florens have been without it After his returne from Rome Staupicious so advising he was made Doctor in Divinity after the manner of the Schools and at the charge of Duke Fredrick Elector of Saxony For the Prince heard him Preach and admired the soundnesse of his invention the strength of his arguments and the excellence of the things which he dilivered Now was Luther thirty years old and had attained a maturity of Judgement Luther himselfe used to professe that he would have refused this honour and that Sâ—aupicius would have him permit himselfe to be gracâ—d with this degree saying pleasently That there were many businesses in Gods Church wherein he would use Luthers helpe Thiâ— speech then spoken in a complementall way at length proved true by the event Thus many presageâ— goe before great changes Soon after he began as the place required to explaine the Epistle to the Romans and some Psalmes which he so cleared that after a long and darke night there seemed a new day to arise in the judgement of all pious and prudent men Here he shewed the difference of the Law and Gospell and refuted an errour then most frequent both in the Schools and Sermons namâ—ly that men bâ— their workes can deserve remission of their sinnes and that menare just before God by observing the discipline commanded as the Pharisees taught Luther therefore recal'd mens mindes to the son of God and as Iohn Baptist shewed them the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world And taught them that for Christâ— sake their sins are forgiven and that this benefit is received by faith He cleared also other points of Ecclesiasticall truth This beginning made him of great authority and that much the more because his demeanor was sutable to his doctrine so that his speech seemed to come from his heart not from his lippes onely For the saying is as true as old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A mans pious carriage makes his speech perswasive Hence it was that men easily assented to him when afterward he changed some of their rites As yet he attempted not to doe it but was a rigid observer of good order and addâ—d something more strict then usuall With the sweetnesse of this doctrine all godly minded men were inamoured and much it affected the learned that Châ—ist the Prophets and Apostles were brought out of darkenesse and prison and that the diffâ—rence of â—he Law and the Gospell of Gods Word and Phylosophy of which they read nothing in Thomâ—s Scotus and their fellowes now was manifested Now also Luther betook himselfe to the study of the Greek and Hebrew tongues that upon his knowledge oâ— the phraise and propriety of the Originall he might more exactly judge of Doctrines grounded thereupon Luther being thus busied into Misnia and Saxonie Iohn Tecelius a Domanican Fryer brought Indulgences to be sold. This Tecelius arrived as other matters so especially that he had so large a commission from the Pope that though a man should have defloured the blessed Virgin for money he could pardon the sin And further he did not onely give Pardonâ— for sins past but for sins to come Luthers godly zeale being inflamed with these proceedings set forth certaine propositions concerning Indulgences These he publickly affixed at the Church next to the Castle of Wittenberge on All-Saintâ— Eve Anno 1517. When Luther perceived that the Positions were very well liked of and entertained as sound and Orthodox which he at first propounded to be discussed by Disputation till the Church defined what was to be thought concerning Indulgences he wrote to Ierom Bishop of Brandenburg under whose Jurisdiction he was and submitted what he had written to the Bishops judgement and intreated him thaâ— he would dash out with his pen or consume with the fire what he thought unsound The Bishop answered Luther and declared that his desire was that the setting forth of his arguments about those matters should a little while be deferred and that he wished that the common talke about Indulgences had never been Luther answered I am content so â—o doe and had rather obey then worke Miracles if I could well do them In the year 1518â— Luther though most men disswaded him yet to shew his observance of authority went for the most part on foot to the Colledge of Hidleberg In the Colledge of the Augustinians now cal'd the Colledge of Sapience he disputed about Justification by Faith Upon Luthers reâ—urne he wrote an Epiâ—â—le to Iudocus a Divine and Phylosopher of Isenac once his Tutour Where he hath this speech All the Doctors of Wittenberge in the doctrine concerning grace and good workes are of my Iudgement yea the whole Vniversity except one licentiat Doctor Sebastian even the Prince himself and our Ordinary Bishop and many of the Chieftains and all the Ingenious Citizens with joynt consent affirme that before they neither knew nor heard of the Gospell nor of Christ. The Pope by Thomas Cajetan Cardinall cited Luther to Rome Luther having notice hereof mainly endeavoured that the cause might be handled in Germany under competent Judges and at length he prevailed by the mediation of Wittenberge University to the Pope and by Charles Multitius a German the Popes Chamberlain and the mediation of the Elector of Saxony to Cajetan then the Popes Legate that at Auspurg before the Legate himselfe Luther might plead his owne cause About the beginning of October Luther came on foot to Auspurg and upon assurance of his safety was admitted to the Cardinals presence Who admonished him first To become a sound member of the Church and to recant the errours which he had divulged secondly to promise that he would not againe teach his former doctrines thirdly that he would abstain from other Doctrines which would disturb the Peace of the Church Here also it was objected to him that he denyed the Merit of Christ to be a treasure of Indulgences and that he taught that Faith was necessary for all which should come to the Sacrament Luther intreated some time to deliberate thereon and returned the next day and in the presence of some witnesses and a Scribe and four of the Empeours Counsellors professed that he gave the Church of Rome all due observance and if he had spoken any thing dissenting from the judgement of the Church he would reverse it but could revoke no errour being not yet convicted by Scripture of any and did appeale to the judgement of the Church But Luther not convinced as yet by Scripture persisted in the truth Yet at length fearing least the Cardinall should
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
strong heat Nor was his body but his minde as frée From the contagion of hels leprosie For all his study was how to obtaine That happy treasure whereby he might gaine Heaven aâ— the last and sure unto that place He 's long since gone who was his Conntries grace The Life and Death of John Rogers who died Anno Christi 1555. IOhn Rogers was borne in England and brought up at the University of Cambridge where he profited very much in good learning and from thence was chosen by the Merchant Aâ—venturers to be their Chaplaine at Antwerpe to whom he Preached many yeeres and there falling into acquaintance with William Tindall and Miles Coverdal who were fled from persecution in England he by their meanes profited much in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and joyned with them in that painefull and profitable worke of Translating the Bible into English there he married a wife and from thence he went to Wittenberg where he much profited in learning and grew so skilfull in the Dutch tongue that he was chosen Pastor to a Congregation there where he discharged his Office with diligence and faithfulnesse many yeeres but in King Edwards time he was sent for home by Bishop Ridley and was made a Prebend of Pauls in which place he Preached faithfully till Queen Maries days and in the beginning of her Reign in a Sermons at Pauls-Croâ—se he exhorted the people constantly to adhere to that Doctrine which they had been taught and to beware of pestilent Popery c. for which he was called before the Lords of the Councill where he made a stout witty and godly answer and was dismissed but after the Queens Proclamation against True-Preaching he was again called the Bishops thirsting for his blood and committed prisoner to his owne house whence he might have escaped and had many motives as his wife and ten children his friends in Germany where he could not want preferment c. But being once called to answer in Christs Cause he would not depart though to the hazard of his life from his own house he was removed by Bonner to Newgate amongst thieves and murtherers he was examined by the Lord Chancellor and the rest of the Councell and by them was re-committed to prison he was much pressed to recant but stoutly refusing was first excommunicated and degraded and then condemned after which he desired that his wife to whom he had been married eighteen yeeres and by whom he had ten children and she being a stranger might be admitted to come to him whilst he lived but Stephen Gardiner then Lord Chancellor would by no meanes suffer it February the fourth Anno Christi 1555. he was warned to prepare for death before he rose If it be so said he I need not tie my points and so he was presently had away to Bonner to be degraded of whom he earnestly requested to be admitted to speake with his wife but could not prevaile from thence he was carryed into Smithfield where scarce being permitted to speake to the people he briefly perswaded them to perseverance in that truth which he had taught them which also he was now ready to seale with his blood then was a pardon profered to him if he would recant but he utterly refused it his wife with nine small children and the tenth sucking at her brest came to him but this sorrowfull sight nothing moved him but in the flames he washed his hands and with wonderfull patience took his death all the people exceedingly rejoycing at his constancy praising God for it He was the Proto-martyr in Queene Maries dayes The Sabbath before his death he dranke to Master Hooper who lay in a chamber beneath him bidding the messenger to commend him to him and to tell him That there was never little fellow that would better stick to a man then he would to him supposing they should be both burned together although it happened otherwise Though this grave Father was enfor'd to flye His envious Countrey for security Yet his undâ—unted courage would not move That alwayes stood as Sentinell to love 'T was not a prison could affection swage He like a Bird sung swéetest in a cage When firâ—t the Bible with great paines and care He into English did translate so far That knowing men did admire the same And justly did extoll his lasting fame Who did contemne the fury of all those Who both to us and him were mortall foes The Life and Death of Laurence Saunders who died Anno Christi 1555. LAurence Saunders was borne of worshipfull Parents brought up in learning at Eaton Schoole and from thence chosen to Kings Colledge in Cambridge where he continued three yeers and profited in learning very much then by his Moâ—her who was very rich he was bound to a Merchant in London but not affecting that course of life his Master gave him his Indentures and he returned to his studies in Cambridge where also he studied Greeke and Hebrew but especially the holy Scriptures he was frequent and very fervent in Prayer and when assaulted by temptations he still found much support and comfort in prayer whereby he gained such experience that he became a great comforter of others he Commensed Master of Arts and stayed long after in the University In the beginning of King Edwards Raign he began to Preach being first Ordeined a Minister and that with such generall approbation that he was chosen to read a Divinity-Lecture at Fotheringay where by his Doctrine and life he drew many to God and stopped the mouths of the adversaries about which time he married a wife and from thence he was removed to the Minster of Leichfield where also he by his Life and Dâ—ctrine gat a good report even from his adversaries from thence he was removed to Church-Langton in Leicestershire and from thence to Alâ—allowes in Breadstreet London and after his admission there he went backe into the Country to resign his Benefice which fell out when Queen Mary raised stirs to get the Crown In his journey he preach'd at Northampton not medling with the State but boldly delivered his conscience against Popish Doctrine and errors which said he are like to spring up againe as a just plague for the little love which England hath borne to the true Word of God so plentifully offered to them And seeing the dreadfull day approaching inflâ—med with godly zeal he Preached diligently at both his Benifices not having opportunity to resign eâ—ther but into the hands of the Papists and notwithstanding the Proclamation to the contrary he taught diligently the Truth at his Country-place where he then was confirming thâ— people and arming them against false doctrine till by force he was resisted some counselled him to fly out oâ— the Kingdome which he refused and being hindred there from preaching he traveled towards London to visit his flock in that place coming near London Master Mordant one of the Qâ—eenes Counsell overtooke him asked him if he did not Preach such a
of Bishops for Iewels sake for he was a carefull overlooker and strickt observer not onely of all the flocks but the Pastors also in his Diocesse according to the Apostles prescription first he attended to himselfe and his owne doctrine and then to all the doctrine which as he heard was Preached in his See first he examined his owne actions and then the proceedings of all his inferiour officers The Chauncellour and Archdeacons are in the count of the law the Bishops eyes and his Collectours and receivers and his hands therefore he had a continuall eye upon these his eyes and held a strickt hand over these his hands and if these his eyes caused him to offend or raised any scandall in his Diocesse by winking at foule abuses and enormities or these hands by exaction and scraping or taking bribes he pluckt out the one and cut off the other And if other Bishops take not the like course though in their owne persons they be never so innocent and uncorrupt yet they will never free their See from foule and scandalous aspertions Iniquity will be committed even in the seat of justice and carnall vices winked at in spirituall Courts and one corruption be borne out by another corporall by pecuniary the heaviest censures of the Church will be inflicted upon the lightest offenders if they offer not to the Officiate shrine and the foulest delinquents will escape away by the Posterne gate of Iuno Moneta's temple Poore gnats if they be taken in their nets will be straigned to death and a camell laden with gold swallowed up and it will be said that Churches are visited before they be sick nay that they are sick of their Visitations and that all the Processes and Citations are ad collegendum not ad corregendum for collection of moneyes not for correction of manners To prevent these and the like abuses for which the court Christians heare ill abroad the good Bishop sate often in his Consistory and saw that all things were carried straight there neither did he onely sit as judge in the Consistory but also oftentimes as assiâ—tant on the bench of justice informing the Judges in such causes where the law of God and of the land seemed to clash and exhorting the prisoners willingly and patiently to subject themselves to the stroak of justice but especially to prostrate themselves before the throne of mercy in heaven and though they were cast by the Jury and condemned by the last yet they might be justified by grace and saved by mercy at the tribunall of Christ. What shall I speake of his peaceable ending for the most part at his Table litigious strifes and contentions of which it is hard to say whether they more nourished the Law or the Law them So was he thrice happy by the judgement of truth it selfe because a threefold peace-maker in his Consistory on the Bench and at his Table as a Judge Justice and an Arbitratour Yet did he no way forget that unum necessarium which Saint Paul so deeply chargeth Timothy before God and his Angels to be carefull of to wit to Preach in season and out of season 1 Cor. 9.16 I have heard of the Hetrurian goddesse that whilest she was clad in a Counâ—rey habit and worshipped under a shed in the field she delivered many Oracles but after she was brought into a Temple and cloathed with Purple and fine linnen she became mute and gave no answer at all So it falleth out with many whose office it is to publish and interpret the Oracles of God like Saul when they come to the high places they make an end of Prophecying Iewell did not so but the more eminent he was in dignity the more diligent in the worke of the Ministery not so much in frequent as in exqâ—isite Teaching for though his Sermons were very frequent yet they were alwayes rare for the matter and manner of his delivery he never Preached quicquit in buccam but as Abraham offered to Melchisedecke as St. Ierome renders it de prenpuis or summiâ—ate a ceri of the top and best of the heape The Roman Orator tels us of negligentia quedam diligens a certaine diligent negligence and learned ignorance when the speaker carefully shunneth all affectation of Art and laboureth that his speech may not seem elaborate But the sober and discreet hearer hath often cause to complaine of diligentia quedam negligens a negligent kinde of diligence in many popular Preachers who ascend frequently into the Pulpit but with extemporaâ—y provision are often in travile but without paine and delivered of nothing for the most part but empty words and idle tautalogies as if Sermons were to be valued by the number and not by the weight These mens Sermons though they exceed the houre in lenâ—th and the dayes of the week in number yet they themselves lye open to the curse of the Prophet denounced against all those that doe the work of the Lord negligently From the danger of which malediction Iewell was freest of all of his parts and place for though he might best of any presume in this kinde upon his multiplicity of reading and continuall practice of Preaching yet never would he Preach in the meanest Village without precedent meditation and writing also the chiefe heads of his Sermons And as his tongue was the pen of a ready writer so was his pen the tongue of a living speaker to all posterity When I perused the catologue of his Sermons I wonder what time he had to write agane when I number and weigh his writing I wonder what time he had to provide for Preaching and when I compare both I wonder how he could doe any thing els Yet did not his constant preaching take him off from his aceurate writing nor both from his discharging each part of his Episcopall function in his owne Person Which that it may not seeme incredible I will open his day booke and read out of it how he spent every houre Rising at four of the clock after praiers with his family at five and in the Cathederall about six he was so affixed to his studies all the morning thâ—â— he could not without great violence be drawne from itâ— after dinner his doores and eares were open to all Suterâ— and it was observed of him as it was of Titus who was stiled amor delitiae humane generae that he never sent any sed from him Suters being thus dismissed he heard wiâ—h great indifferency and patience such causes debuted before him as either were devolved to him as a Judge or referâ—â—d to him as an Arbitrator and if he could spare any tâ—me from thâ—se troublesome businesses he reckoned as cleare gaine to his Study About nine of the clocke at night he called all his sâ—rvants to an account how they had spent the day and then offered up his enening sacrifice together with them to God from his Chappell he withâ—â—ew himselfe againe to hiâ— Study till neer midnight and from thence to
paines To sowe good seeds and after reape the gaâ—nes He was belov'd of all that lov'd the â—ame Of learning for he had a winged name His care his love his industry was such That in few yeaâ—s his heart attain'd to much But in conclusion Enviâ— that still crowds Into true Fame involv'd him in the clouds Of sudden ruine Pâ—â—istâ— thought it good To take a furfeit of his guiltlesse blood The Life and Death of Matthew Parker who dyed Anno Christi 1574. MAtthew Parker was born in the City of Norwich Annâ— Christi 1502. and having some years at Schoole hâ— went to Cambridge where he was admitted into Corpuâ— Christi Bennet Colledg in which place he profited so much that he was chosen Fellow and grew so famous thâ—t Queen Ann Bullen mother to Queen Elizabeth made him her Chaplain whereupon he Commensed Doctor in Divinity and after her death King Henry the eighth and after his death King Edward the sixth made him their Châ—plaines and preferred him to be Master of Bennet Colledge besides other Ecclesiasticall dignities which they advanced him to but in Queen Maries dayes he was despoiled of all and was compelled to live a poor and private life but so soon as Queen Elizabeth came to the Crown she made choyce of this Doctor Parker for his admirable learning and piety to be the Archbishop of Canterbury Anno Christi 1559. which place he supplyed with great commendation for above fifteen years His works of Charity were very eminent He gave to the Corporation of Norwich where he was born a Bason and Ewr double guilt weighing 173. ounces as also fifty shillings a year for ever to be destributed amongst the poor of that City and six anniversary Sermons in severall places of Norfolk to Bennet Colledge he gave thirty Scholarships built them a Library and bestowed many excellent books and ancient Manuscripts upon it besides three hundred ounces of silver and guilt-plate and the perpetuall Patronage of Saint Mary Ab-church-London He carefully collected and caused to be printed diverse ancient Histories of England which probably had otherwise been lost He dyed in peace An. Christi 1574. and of his Age 72. What Heav'n bestow'd upon him he was frée To give to others for his Charitie Was known to many whose impatient griefe Inforc'd them to implore his sure reliefe His worth was such that t' was disputed which Pray'd for him most either the poore or rich The poore they pray'd as they were bound to do Because he fild their soules and bodies too The rich destr'd his life because his store Sustain'd their soules and help'd maintain the poore Thus having spent his dayes in love he went In peace to Heav'ns high court of Parliament HENRICVS BVLLINGERVS The Life and Death of Henry Bullinger IN the year of our Lord 1504. Henricus Bullingerus was born at Bremogarta a Town in Switzerland he was descended from an ancient and a noble Family much esteemed and honoured in those parts Being an Infant he was twice in great danger of his life but preserved by the powerfull hand of God contrary to the expectation of his Parentâ— and friends first from the Pestilence wherewith those parts were at that time grievously punished and secondly from a wound which he received in his â—hrâ—at by reason of a fall whereby he was made unable to admit of any nourishment for the space of five dayes His Father being a man of great learning and bearing an extraordinary affection unto the Arts and their Professors he was very carefull to provide that the tender years of this his Son might be bathed in the Fountains of Learning and for that cause he being not fully five years old he was sent unto a Countrey School neer adjoyning where he continued seven years but by reason of the inability of his Master he profited not much yet he attained unto that perfection that he exceeded those which learned with him not without the approbation of his Master His Parents well perceiving the towardlinesse of the childe and finding that Schoolmaster not to be a sufficient Tutor for him they presently entred into a consideration of sending him unto some more eminent place where he might be instructed in the Arts for the better perfection of nature and therefore in the year 1516. he was sent unto Embrick a Town in the Dukedom of Clire then famous for the many learned Schollers wherewith it was adorned and here he was comitted unto the tuition of Casparus Glogoriensis and of Petrus Cochemensis Mosellanus and others being men beautified with excellent endowments and famous both for their Method of Teaching and severity of Discipline which latter was most acceptable unto this Bullinger and for that cause being yet a childe he had an intent to unite himself unto the Order of the Carthusians it being the stricâ—est and most severest In this place Bullinger concinued three years to the great perfection of his Studies and increasing of his knowledge in the Arts and Tongues During which time he received little maintenance from his Father He furnished himselfe with victuals sometimes by singing sometimes by begging from doore to doore Which action he performed not because his Father was poore and could not or covetous and would not confer a sufficient annuall pension on him but he did it because he desired to have some experience of the miserable and wretched condition of poore men that iu future times he might be the more willing and ready to relieve and succour them Afterwards he removed unto Colen where he studied Logick and notice being taken of his excellent qualities he proceeded Bachelor of Arts and because there was great controversies in the Churches then touching some points of Divinity he inclined unto the Study of Theologie and withall desired to know of those who were esteemed the best Schollars what Authors were fittest to be read to ground him in the knowledge thereof They all advise him to consult with Lombard his writings being of good account and authority in those times This counsell was embraced by Bullinger who not contenting himselfe with that Author he went unto Georgius Deinerus by whose procurement he obtained an admission into the publick Library at Colen where he studied the Homilies of Chrysostome on Matthew read over some chiefe parts of the Workes of Augustine Ambrose Origen the Workes of Luther he read privately in his own Chamber which indeed were the meanes of inlightning his understanding for by the reading of them he was induced to peruse and to search into the Scriptures and especially into the New Testament whereby he entred into a detestation of the Doctrine of the Church of Rome and into a constant and firme resolution of rejecting the austerâ— life of the Carthusian Monkes In this Academy he went forth Master of Arts and then he returned unto his Fathers house where he spent a whole year in his private studies and meditations at the end whereof he was called by Wolfangus Ionerus unto
grievous sinnes For the Lord had prepared him for better things and opening his eyes gave him to understand that these were but so many snares laid to intangle him and to draw him into everlasting ruine and perdition wherefore he fully resolved to forsake them all and to adhere and sticke fast unto that Truth whose sweetnesse he had tasted in his youth which that he might the better performe he was fully determined to undergoe any labour and to remove any obstacle and for that cause he vowed a vow that he would never embrace nor countenance the errours of the Church of Rome And purposing a constancy in his intended course and that he might be the better fitted thereunto he resolved to free himselfe from that affection which useth to be predominate in his youth and for that cause he betroathed himselfe unto a vertuous woman acquainting onely two of his intimate friends with the same action and that for two causes First that he might give no occasion of offence unto others Secondly because that mony which he received for the discharging of his offices could not handsomely be avoyded which within short time after was by him performed for his propounded honour and preferment was sâ—ifly rejected not without the great admiration and sharpe reprehension of many of his friends who therefore stiled him after a â—cornfull manner Philosophum novum the new Philosopher These checks and reprehensions of his friends being seconded with the considerations of the great riches wherewith he was endewed and these two being strengthned with the temptation of of the Divell yeelded to many doubts and oppositions unto Beza notwithstanding his former resolutions sometimes intending to embrace God and his truth somtimes casting an eye of love on his present preferments being taken up with this various disposition it pleased the Lord to settle his inconstant minde by afflicting him with sicknesse which indeed was the cause of his spirituall welfare and health for he well perceiving that it was the powerfull hand of the Lord Almighty against which there was no contending after the suffering of many torments both inward and outward he fell into a detestation and loathing hatred of his owne backwardnesse and turning himselfe unto the Lord with teares he renewed that vow which he had formerly made concerning the embracing of the true worship of God promising unfainedly that he would never start from it but consecrate himselfe wholly unto him and unto the furtherance of his glory if it would please him to restore him to his former health during the time of this sicknesse he was often heard to utter those Words of David in his 142. Psalme v. 7. Educ de carcere animam meam ut celebrem nomen tuum Bring my soul out of prison O Lord that I may praise thy name indeed the Lord which cannot withstand the prayers of the faithfull condiscending unto him and he obtayned his desire of the Lord. And being recovered he forthwith forsooke Countrey Parents and friends to follow Christ he forsooke all his preferments preferring the glory of God and the hope of his Kingdome before all the transitory glory of the world which action of his is very remarkable if we consider but the circumstance of time which was presently upon his recovery being fearfull that his remaining there should be offensive unto God or that his familiarity with his friends might draw him into the like inconveniences who without doubt would labour with might and maine to reduce him to his former profession Wherefoâ—e taking the Woman unto whom he was betrothed with him they went unto Geneva in the year of Grace 1548. where openly in the Church after a solemne mâ—nner he was married unto her and there he remained for a season Where he intended to make profession of the Art of Printing but the Lord who knew well that he would be otherwise more advantagious unto his Church hindered this proceeding by calling him to Lausanna an Academy pertaining to the Lords of Berna where he publickly professed the Greek tongue which Beza himselfe acknowledged in his Confession of Christian Religion Dedicated by him unto his Master Walmatius At that time in Lausanna were famous for Learning and Piety Petrus Viretus Pastor of the Church Iohannes Ribbilus Professor of Divinity Iohannes Racmundus Merlinus Professor of the Hebrew tongue with many other excellently well gifted all of which seemed as it were to be ravished with the society of this worthy member of Christ. During his Lectureship at Lausanna a great company of godly minded persons thirsting after Christ and his truth resorted unto the same place Here Beza perceiving a good occasion offered unto him by God not onely for his owne saâ—isfaction concerning Teaching but also for the satisfaction of the desire of these people concerning their instruction in the word of truth He began publickly and in the French tongue to expound the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans and both the Epistles of S. Peter opening unto them the great mysteries of godlinesse and informing their judgments with such Doctrines wherby the scales of ignorance being rubbed away the truth did manifestly appeare unto them whereby without doubt many were drawn neerer and neerer unto Christ. Amongst these his imployments in this place whensoever any leasure was given unto him he would spend that time with Master Calvin at Geneva from whom he received great benefit both for Gods glory and the edification of the Church and by his perswasion he was induced to finish that excellent and Divine Commentary on the Psalms first begun by Marotus which was also Printed and published by authority in France 1561. About this time there happened a persecution in Paris â— wherein many Christians suffered some death some imprisonment wherupon Farellus Beza and Calvin were chosen Embassadours unto the Protestant Princes of Germany â— to intreat them that they would be pleased to intercede for them unto Henry the second then King of France that they might be more kindly deabt withall But little or no peacâ— came unto the Church in respect of this act because of thâ— implacable hatred which great men attending the person of the King did bear unto the truth of Christ. Yet in this journey it was Bezaes good hap to have â— sight of that godly and learned Melanchton who as they exceeding joyfull of the presence of each other so they were also exceeding sorrowfull for the present afflicted and dâ—stressed state of the Church Beza having now remained ten years in Lausanna he left it and not without the good leave and love of the Senate of Berne and came to Geneva where teaching a publicke Schoole he expounded the Orations of Demosthenes together with some Bookes of Aristotle and had daily and familiar conference with Calvin touching things pertaining unto Doctrine and Ecclesiasticall Discipline where in short time he was appointed to succeed Claudius Pontanus a faithfull Minister in the Church of Geneva for the discharging of a