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
that behalfe sent over letters unto him wherein he perswaded him with Paulus Fagius to come into England assuring them both of kinde entertainment and a sufficient stipend if it would please them to continue amongst them These Letters comming to their hands because they saw little or no hopes of doing any good in Germanie they resolved to visit England and Bucer taking his leave of the Senate of Strasburge after he had supplyed a Pastorall office amongst them the space of twenty yeeres he with Fagius went for England in the yeer of grace 1549. where they arrived in good health and were most courteously entertained and a place provided for them in the University of Cambridge for the expounding of the holy Scriptures and a large Stipend allotted unto them for the maintenance of their Families the University conferring one priviledge on him which was not given unto any before him being this that according to his desire he was inaugurated into his Office without any publicke Ceremony He was much admiâ—ed of in the University for his learning for the integrity of his life and conversation for his plainenesse in his apparell for his temperatenâ—sse in his dyet for his constancy in his labours and for his patience in his sicknesse Within short time after they came hither they both fell into an irrecoverable sicknesse by reason of the change of the ayre and dyet Fagius was the first that yeelded his soul into the hands of God Bucer followed shortly after who before his death prayed unto almighty God that he would not suffer England to fall into those sinnes which had brought Germany unto great misery and withall desired that those things which he had written unto the King concerning the discipline of the Church might take firme footing in the Kingdome Master Iohn Bradford coming to him in the time of his sicknesse and telling him that he would remember him in his prayers being that day to Preach he uttered these words Ne abiicias me Domine in tompore senectutis meae cum defecerit virtus mea forsake me not O Lord in the time of my age and when my strength faileth me Being admonished in his sicknesse that he should arme himselfe against the assaults of the Divell he answered that he had nothing to doe with the Divell because he was wholly in Christ and God forbid God forbid but that I should have some experience of his heavenly comfort After Sermon Bradford came to him againe and after some words declared unto him the great feare which the Physitians had to prescribe any thing unto him by reason of the weaknesse of his body which he apprehending with his eyes fixed towards heaven he uttered these words ille ille regit moderatar omnia he he it is that ruleth and governeth all thiâ—gs and so in the midst of many godly prayers he quietly yeelded his soul unto the hands of God on the 27. of February in the yeere of our Lord 1551. being 61. yeeres of his age he was buried with great solemnity in Saint Maâ—ies in Cambridge to the griefe of many students before his buriall a Funerall Sermon was delivered by Gualterus Haddon at his buriall by Doctor Parker After the death of Edward the sixt his sister the Lady Mary comming to the crowne she restored the doctrine of the Church of Rome and in her dayes Cardinall Poole the Popes Legate being a man of great Authority laboured with might and maine for the rooting out of haeresie and haeretick for so he termed the Gospell and the professors thereof and for that cause he appointed five Inquisitors for the reformation of the University of Cambridge these obtained that the bones of both these faithfull Ministers of Christ should be digged up condemned of haerisie and delivered to the Magistrate to be burnt together with all the bookes of theirs which were extant in the kingdome but in the raine of Queene Elizabeth this sentence was not approved but rejected and they were reckoned amongst the number of Martyrs which had suffered for the truth of Christ. The labours which he left behind him as so many witnesses of his sufficiency and worth are these which follow 1 The Psalmes done out of Latine into Hebrew 2 Enarrations on the four Evangelists 3 Metaphrases one the Epistle of St. Paul 4 A reconciling of hard places of Scripture 5 Commentaries of the Romans and the Ephesians 6 A Commentarie on Sophonuâ— done out of Hebrew 7 A preface to the fourth Tome of Luthers postils 8 Of the true doctrine discipline and Ceremonies of Chuâ—ches 9 A Graâ—ulaâ—orie letter unto the Church of England 10 An answer to the two Epistles of Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester concerning the single life of Priests 11 Of the best way to have Counsels 12 A treatise of restoring Church good 13 An Epistle to the Vniversity aâ— Marpurge 14 To those of East Friezland 15 The confession of the foure Cities Strasburge Constance Menning and Lindare 16 An Apologie against Brentius that jmages are not to be had in Churches 17 Of the Baptisme of Infants 18 Of the Euchâ—rist 19 Of a Nationrall Synead 20 Of a Councell against Coceleius and Gropperus 21 Of the false and true administration 22 Of the Lords Supper 23 Of offering Masses 24 Of care for â—he dead 25 Of Purgatorie 26 Causes of the absence of Divines from the councell of Trent 27 Of the kingdome of Christ unto Edward the sixt King of England 28 Lectuers at Cambridge upon the Ephesians 29 Of the power and use of the ministery 30 An admonition to the Ministers at Switzerland 31 Psalâ—er translated into Dutch 32 An admoniâ—ion to the Ministers at Strasburge 33 Of the true office of a Pastor 34 Of the Iewes how for to be suffered amongst Christians 35 A Confutation of the new faith set forth at Loran 36 A defence of the Colenish reformation 37 A defence against Gropperus 38 An anâ—wer to a dialogue against Protestants 39 Of Church-goods and who are the right possessors of them 40 Against the Bul of Paulus the third and his Legates demands 41 A godly admonition to the Emperour Princes and other states of the Empire assembled at Wormes 42 Against the restoring of the Masse 43 Impediments of Reformation 44 Against the Sophistes of Colen 45 Of the conference at Reinsburge 46 An exposition of the 120. Psalme 47 A treatise of Afflictions 48 A refutation of Calumnies 49 A Sermon at Berne 50 Of the Ministers and Sacraments 51 Luthers commentaries on the two Epistles of Peter 52 Some writings of Sturmius 53 Retractations with Commentaries on the Gospell 54 A treaâ—ise that none ought to live to themselves That light of truth which shin'd in Bucers brest Inlightned others and restor'd much rest To many whose unquiet souls did lye Under the burthen of Idolatry He was laborious striving every houre To sucke some hony from each pleaâ—â—ng flowre He was belov'd of all that lov'd to pry Into the bosome of Divinity
and the King was so enraged by reason of certain writings opposing the Masse which were scattered up and down the Câ—ty and fastned unto the door of his Bed chamber that aftâ—â— publick Prayers he commanded at the which he himselfâ— was present together with his three Sonnes being barâ—-headed and holding a burning Torch for expiations sake eight persons supposing to be guilty of that act to be burned alive and in the presence of the People he bound himsâ—lfe with a solemn Oath that he would not spare his own châ—â—dren â—f he should but know that they were infected with that most horrible and damned heresie Calvin beholding the miserable state and condition of things resolved to leave France revealing his intent unto an intimate friend of his with whom he was formerly acquainted during his residence with the Queen of Navarre Who out of his singular affection unto Calvin promised to accompany him in his journey wherefore they forthwith prepare for Basil committing their money unto the custody of one of their servants who being well horst and espying an opportunity answering his wicked intent leavs them to shift and to provide for themselves and doubtlesse they had been driven into great distresse had not the other servant furnished them with ten Crownes which he hâ—d about him by means whereof they came at length to Basil. Here he found Symones Grinaeus and Wolfangus Capito who received him with great joy where he continued and gave himself unto the study of the Hebrew tongu here he also set forth his Institutions a laborious learned worke and well worthy of the Author with a Preface most excellent unto the King of France which if he had read it had without doubt given a great wound unto the Popish religion bâ—t the sins of that King and of that Nation were so great and vengeance so near at hand that leave was not given unto them by the Lord to peruse the same Having set forth this book and in some sort performed his duty to his Country he left Basil and went into Italy to visit the daughter of the King of France a vertuous and a godly Princesse whom he there confirmed and strenthned in her religiouâ— course of life whereby she greatly affected him during the time of his life and also made a kind testiâ—â—â—tion of the same unto the world after his death Hence he returned againe into France with an intent to goe for Germany but in regard of the Wars passages were shut up that he could not travell and therefore he turned into Geâ—eva not thinking to mak any residence at all in that place but by the observation of future actions it is evident that he was guided thither by the hand of God into this City not long before his comming the Gospell of Christ was wonderfully brought and that by the labour and industry of two famous Divines viz. Gulielmus Farellus somtimeâ— Scholer unto Iacobus Stapulensis and Petrus Viretus whose labours were aboundently blessed by the Lord Calvin going for to visit these Genevan lights he was entertained by Farellus with a long discourse and thereby discovering the excellency of his parts desiring him to remaine at Geneva and to be an assâ—ant to him in that place for the advancing of the truth of Christ but when he saw that Calvin could not easily be drawn and perswaded thereunto and being a man of a bould spirit he said unto him after a vehement manner I pronounce unto thee in the name of the living and alpowerfull God that unlesse thou joyne with us in this worke of the Lord it will come to passe that he will curse thee as one that seeketh more his owne then the glory of Christ. Calvin being astonished with this terrible sentence and speech of Farellus he forthwith submitted himselfe unto the pleasure of the Presbytery and Magistrates by whose voyces and consent of the People he was not onely chosen to be a Preacher but was also designed to be their Divinity Lecturer and graced with the title of Doctor in the year 1536. which year also is remarkeable for that League concluded betwixt the Cities of Brene and â—eneva touching Divine Worship and also for the conversion of the Inhabitants of Lausanna unto Christ. The first thing which he attempted after his admission into this City was a more exact reformation in the Church for that cause drew a compendium of Christian Religion and forme of Doctrine unto which he laboured to have the Inhabitants to subscribe and to binde themselves by an Oath to abjure the supersticious Doctrine of Rome and to defend the same with their lives This motion was refused by many at the first yet not long after God so disposing even in the year 1537. the Senate and people of Geneva took their Oathes for the defence of the same The ground being thus laid there wanted not enemies and those bitter ones to oppose him in his proceedings for first the Anabaptists began to sow their erronious opinions in the hearts of many to the great detriment of the Church but these were so confuted by Calvin in publick disputation appointed by the Senate that scarcely any one of them appeared afterwards in the City The other disturber of the peace and happinesse of that Church was Petrus Caroli born at Sarbona who as she brought him forth an impudent Sophister so she cast him out againe as a more wicked haeretick being thence cast out he came to Geneva accompanied w th the spirit of the Divel when he saw himself to be sharply reproved of the Inhabitants he went unto their enâ—mies and from thence he returned unto Geneva againe intending to leave behind him some expressions of his worse then diabolicall opinions and for that cause he first began openly to accuse Farell Calvin and Viret of a misconceived opinion concerning the Trinity wherupon a Synad was called at Berne wherein that calumny of Petrus Caroli was condemned But that which strooke the greatest strok for the crushing of these hopefull beginnings was the intestine dissentions and seditions in the City who would not endure this new forme of Government these Farell and Calvin began first to correct with mild admonitions and when they saw that would not prevaile they used more severe and sharper reprehensions which many not brooking the City came to be divided and many renounced that Oath which they had formerly made in respect of w ch actions Calvin Farell with an undaunted courage openly protested that they could not lawfully administer the Sacrament of the Lords Supper unto them by reason of the disagreements amongst themselves and by reason of their alienation from all Ecclesiasticall discipline There also happened unto this another evill viz. a difference betwixt the Churches of Geneva and Berne about some ceremonies which because it could not presently be concluded on by the Synod at Lausanna but was referred unto another appointed at Tigurum the Commissioners unpatient of delay assembled the people together and
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
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
Reformation in the Churches he was informed by Melancthon that Ecclesiasticall government did consist 1. In the soundnesse and puritie of Doctrine 2. In the lawfull use of the Sacraments 3. In a conservation of the Minister of the Gospell and in obedience towards the Pastors of the Churches 4. In the preservation of an honest and godly Discipline which was to be upheld by an Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction 5. In the upholding of Schooles 6. In supplying such persons as are imployed in weightie matters with sufficient necessaries Which points he caused to be dispersed amongst the Churches but they wrought little or no Reformation the yeer following Germanie was oppressed with civill Warres which when it was greatly lamented by Melancthon some out of malice misinterpreting his words accused him unto the Emperour as one who laboured to hinder his proceedings in the Reformation of Religion for which cause the Emperour intended his death but he was defended and delivered by the intreaty of Mauritius the Prince Elector who possessed the Emperour with a contrary opinion Not long after it happened that there were great preparations for the Councill of Trent and safe going and returning being concluded on Melancthon was sent with the Letters of the foresaid Mauritius and taking Norimberge in his way he was commanded to stay there untill he received an answer concerning that faith which was generally to be embraced of all the Churches During his aboad at Noremberge he heard the newes of the Expedition of Mauritius against the Emperor in regard of the Lantgrave of Hassia who was detained captive Wherefore Melancthon lefâ— Noremburge returned again to Wittemberge Many are of opinion that if he had been present at the said Councill and had been suffred to declare his mind freely amongst them he would have redified many of their judgements concerning matters of religion Being come unto Wittenberge he constantly went forward in his exercise of teaching and preaching the word of God untill he fell into an irrecoverable disease whereby his vitall spirits grew so feeble that he was made unfit for the performance of his pastorall office and weaknesse increasing every day more and more upon him he was constrained at the last to yeeld unto death and in the midst of many heavenly prayers he surrendred his soul unto him that gave it in the yeer of our Lord 1560. in the 63. yeere of hiâ— age and after that he had preached the space of 42. yeeres unto the inhabitants of Wettemberge Where he was buried with great sorrow and lamentation being laid side by side with Luther For his excellent gifts he was not onely reverenced by Protestant Divines then living but he also gained a singular approbation of such as were his professed enemies He was of a meane stature not exceeding the common sort of men his forehead smooth and high his haire thin his neck long his eyes beautifull and peircing he was broad breasted and in generall there was a proportionable agreement betwixt all the parts of his body in his youth he stammered something in his speech but reaching unâ—o a maturity of age he so corrected that infirmity that it gave no offence unto his Auditors the learned treatises which he left unto the Church whose reformation both in doctrine and discipline he greatly laboured for in his life are here inserted Tome 1. 1. Commentaries on Genesis 2. Explications on some Psalms 3. Vpon the Proverbs Annotations on 4. Matthew 5. Iohn 6. 1 Corinthians 7. An Apologie for Luther against the Paritians 8. Anabaptistists 9. Sentences of Fathers 10. Of the qualification of Princes 11. Of the tree of consanguinity Tome 2. 1. A Comment on Paul to the Romans 2. School-notes on the Colossians 3. Common places of Divinity Tome 3. 1. A confession of Faith 2. A Catechisme 3. A method of Preaching 4. Theologicall Disputations 5. Of Vowes 6. Of the doctrine of the reformed Church 7. An Epistle to John Earle of Widae Tome 4. 1. Philosophicall workes 2. Commentaries on Aristot. Ethicks 3. Politicks 4. An Epitome of Morall Phylosophy Tome 5. 1. A Latin Grammer 2. A Greeke gram 3. Logicke 4. Rhetoricke 5. Enarrations on Hesiods workes 6. Arithmaticke 7. Epigrams These were printed by Hervagius but there are divers others set forth by Christopher Pezelius As 1. An admonition to those that read the Alcaron 2. A defence for the marriage of Priests 3. Commentaries on Daniel 4. A discourse on the Nicene Creed 5. Luthers Life and Death 6. Schoolâ—-notes on Cicero his Epistles 7. Translations of Demosthenes and Plutarch 8. Greeke and Latine Epigrams 9. Two Tomes of Epistles 10. Carion his Cronologie â—nlarged Would thy ingenious Fancy soare and flye Beyond the pitch of moderne Poesye Or wouldest thou learne to charme the conquerd eare With Reth'riks oyly Magik wouldest thou heareâ— The Majesty of language wouldest thou pry Into the Bowels of Philosophy Morall or Naturall Or wouldest thou sound The holy depth and touch the unfathom'd ground Of deepe Theology Nay wouldest thou need The Sisteme of all excellence and feed Thy empty soule with learning's full perfection Goe search Melancthons Tomes by whose direction Thou shalt be led to Fame if his rare story Can make thee emulous of so great a glory The Life and Death of John a Lasco who died Anno Christi 1560. IOhn Lascus was born of a noble family in Poland and brought up in learning afterwards travelling to Tygure in Helvetia he was by Zuinglius perswaded to betake himselfe to the study of Divinity and when he might have been preferred to great honor in his owne Country such was his love to Christ and his Church and such his hatred to Popery that he chose with Moses to suffer affliction with the people of God rather then to live in worldly honor and peace amongst his friends coming into Frisland Anno Christi 1542. he was called to be a Pastor at Embden where he fed and ruled his flock with great diligence the yeere after he was sent for by Ann the widdow of Count Oldenburg to reform the Churches in East-Frisland and the next yeer after by Albert Duke of Prussia but when he agreed not with him in judgement about the Lords Supper the worke remained unperfected about that time the Emerour persecuted the Protestants he was sent for by King Edward the sixth upon Cranmers motion into England where he gathered Preached unto and governed the Dutch-Church which remain's to this day In the dayes of Queen Mary he obtained leave to return beyond-Sea and went with a good part of his Congregation into Denmarke but there he found but cold entertainment by reason of his differing from them about the Lords Supper the Churches of Saxonie also rejected them not suffering them to live amongst them upon the like reason at length that poore Congregation found entertainment in Frisland under the Lady Anne Oldenburg and setled at Embdem Anno Christi 1555. he went thence to Francford upon Main where with the consent of
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