instruct the ignorant to satisfie the doubtfull to settle the wavering to comfort the dejected and to encourage all sorts in the exercises of Religion He was much in the house of Mistresse Katherine Redich of Newhall in Derbyshire widdow to Alexander Redich of Redich in Lancashire Esquire his bosome Friend his antient acquaintance and constant dear Friend to his death who survived him not above eight daies the grief for his death hastening as it was supposed her end In her house at Hamstead near London August 21. 1624. he fell sick of a violent Feaver which put him into such danger that the Physicians doubted of his Recovery he over-hearing some intimation of it when he thought none were in the room the Curtains being drawn about his bed he was over-heard by one in the room to speak audibly those words of Psal. 118.17 I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord. At that time there was as little hope of his preaching as of his recovery But God in great mercy soon after restored him both to health and liberty The next year viz. June 20. 1625. he was licensed by Doctor Ridley then Vicar-general to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury to preach in the Diocesse of London Lincoln and Coventry and Lichfield under the Seal of that office By vertue of which License he began to preach August 3. 1625. in Ashby Church aforesaid those eight Sermons on Psal. 35.13 concerning Fasting Prayer and Humiliation for sinne which were published since his death viz. 1632. according to his own Copy left under his hand by his Son Master Samuel Hildersam September 28. 1625. he began his one hundred and fifty two Lectures on Psal. 51. published in the like nature 1635. After the last forementioned licensing he was silenced again March 25. 1630. by notice given him from the Court at Leicester of the Kings instructions for every Lecturer to read service in Surplice and Hood and he began to preach again Aug. 2. 1631. and so continued till December 27. 1631. which was the last Sermon that he preached Soon after he fell sick of his last sickness and discerning it to increase he sent for his forenamed Sonne dwelling at West-Felton in Shropshire fourty nine miles from Ashby He with his Wife came to him withall convenient speed January 13. and stayed with him till his death Their company and attendance at that time as alwaies formerly was very contenting and comfortable And of his Daughter-in-law who was by himself propounded as a meet Wife for his dearest Son and in whom he ever took much delight he was heard with affection to ingeminate these words Never man had a kinder Daughter-in-law His disease though not discerned to be so at the first proved the Scorbute the which being a dull and melancholick distemper indisposed him to speak much yet as he shewed wonderfull patience through his whole sicknesse so he used many holy and heavenly expressions to those that attended him or came to visit him who he being so much beloved and honoured in the Countrey were not a few He suggested unto some dear Friends his fears that Wolves would ere long come in amongst them and thereupon earnestly exhorted them to continue stedfast in the truth which they had received And occasion being given to mention those words 1 Tim. 3.5 How shall he take care of the Church of God looking to his Son he said Oh Son Son that care of the Flock is the main thing The most godly people in those parts his constant hearers who had been either converted to Christ or edified and confirmed in grace by his Ministry being very sensible of the great losse which not themselves only but the whole Church of God also would sustain by his death that they might not seem negligent in the use of any means within their reach to prolong his life and their own comfort did resolve amongst themselves to set apart a day that they might solemnly in publique seek the Lord by fasting and Prayer in his behalf wherein they had the hearty help of Master Simeon Ashe both in the morning and afternoon by Sermons and Supplications who did more owe himself unto Master Hildersam then to any other man having been first placed in the University under the tuition of famous Master Thomas Hooker fellow of Emanuel Colledge and afterwards directed and encouraged in his Ministry by his great care and love March 4. being the Lords day he grew very weak and was prayed for in the Congregation in Ashby Church both at the morning and evening exercise His Sonne prayed with him divers times that day and whilest he was praying the last time he departed and slept in the Lord between nine and ten of the clock that night viz. March 4. 1631. Thus he who had diligently heretofore kept the holy rest of the Sabbath did in the close of the Sabbath rest from his labours and having glorified God often both in publique and private on that day before was at last on that day received into glory Master Herring his dear and familiar friend being then at Coventry was sent for the next day and came and preached the Lecture in Ashby Church on Tuesday March 6. in the morning Master Hhildersam having taken order in his Will that there should be no Funeral-Sermon at his Burial and then spake like himself holily discreetly learnedly and affectionately concerning the losse that that Congregation the Countrey and whole Church had sustained by the death of him that was lately dead In the afternoon of that day his body was born by neighbour-Ministers to the grave accompanied by a great multitude both of Ministers and others who expressed much sorrow and lamentation He lived in Ashby aforesaid for the most part yet being often forced to remove his dwelling of fourty three years and six moneths with great successe in his Ministry love and reverence of all sorts He was very charitable to the poor himself and in exciting of his auditors to contribute towards their relief In few Countrey-Congregations in England the Collections for the poor were so large as they were at the quarter-Quarter-daies at his Lectures The losse of poor Ashby by his death was exceeding great for he was the Peace-maker amongst neighbours and the Patron of the poor wickednesse was checked and godlinesse cherished by his great care and wisdome He was a Friend to every one in a good cause and it was his unwearied delight to be Christianly seviceable in any kind He lived to a great age considering that his pains in preaching did ordinarily weaken him so much sixty eight years and five moneths yet this happinesse God vouchsafed to him which was more then ordinary that he out-lived not his parts but as his graces increased towards his end so his abilities of invention judgement memory elocution decayed not in his age He left a precious memory behind him had Letters of commendation written in the
though the wound might seem quite cured and he never so much engage forbearance yet frequent apparitions would redintegrate Et nihil facilius quam amor recrudescit Sir Arthur was a very wise man and had experience of the world thanks Master Preston for his faithfulnesse pretends Sir Capel wanted something and desires his Tutor to give him leave to stay a little while untill he could be furnished and then he should be sent to which the Tutor easily consented and so the rest went home and after a while the old man tels Sir Capel he grew in bignesse and it would be fit for him to travell before he setled and he prevails with him to be content But what saies Mistresse Newcomb who is robb'd by this means of her vowed and resolved servant and her crafty Father that beholds so good a morsell snatched from between his teeth do ye think he had forgotten this when Master Preston came to preach within his Jurisdiction Pulvere qui laedunt sed laesi marmore scribunt other injuries perhaps may be forgotten but losse of money is not ploratur lachrymâ—s amissa pecunia veris. Master Preston was not altogether a stranger at the Court however now there was no remedy when he came to New-market he found that Bishop Andrews then Bishop of Ely was chief and that his Jurisdiction in the Commissary was it that was pretended to be affronted and therefore applied himself to him and told him that he did not purpose to offend but being ingaged for to preach at that time could not with honour disappoint the Auditory if he suspected him for any thing desired he would examine him and satisfie himself The Bishop told him the King was told he was an enemy to Formes of Prayer and held no Prayer lawful but conceived and therefore being popular his judgment and opinion might do hurt Master Preston answered that it was a slander for he thought Set Formes lawfull and refused not on all occasions to be present at the Colledge-Prayers and when it was his turn to read them The Bishop answered that he was glad and would inform the King and do him all the good he could and bad him wait a while and then repair again to him for satisfaction in it and so time passed on and there was nothing done There were some at Court that wished well to Master Preston Sed lapsuro assistere formidant were loth to undertake a drooping cause only there was one Doctor Young an honest Scotchman that was Dean of Winchester and he told Master Preston plainly that Bishop Andrews was his greatest adversary and though he gave him good words yet had assured the King that if Master Preston were not for this expeld the University Lord Bishops would not long continue but because Master Preston was accounted and not without cause a learned man he was not willing to appear against him but desired the punishment might be inflicted where the fact was done and that was in the University Master Preston saw now that the Bishop was a Courtier and could give words where deeds were not intended and therefore goes again unto the Bishop and tels him plainly that he or none must put a period to his attendance and that either he would speak unto the King in his behalf or tell him plainly that he would not that he might know whence all this trouble flowed The Bishop paused a while on this bold carriage and at the last bad him come to him such a time again and he would deal with the King in his behalf So he goes unto the King and tels him that however Master Preston was very dangerous and it would be a very great security if he were handsomely expelled yet he doubted it would not hear well if it should be done for this offence for he would be absolved in the opinions and minds of men and be owned and applauded as their Martyr and might perhaps recover and live to be revenged and therefore thought it would be better for to enjoyn him to declare his judgment about Forms of Prayer for that would be accounted a recantation and however would weaken his reputation with the Puritans which would be enough for if they could divide him from his Party they should not fear him for he said his carriage argued confidence in some assistance which when they had removed they should be strong enough at single hand All that the Bishop spake was as if ex tripode and order presently was drawn and sent to the Vice-Chancellor that Master Preston should in Buttolphs Church declare his judgment concerning Formes of Prayer on such a Sunday or else they should immediately proceed against him according to their first instructions Master Preston was glad there was a way out but sensible of the hard hand that had been carried towards him but now there was no remedy and it was vain to strive against the stream but before he could come home the news was all about the Town that Master Preston was to preach a Recantation Sermon at Buttolphs Church on such a day This was good sport to the brave blades who now came crowding as fast as any for to hear and it was no sin now for any body to be from Prayers and indeed there was a very great Assembly though he did all he could to have concealed it So he went on upon his former text and preached a very profitable Sermon concerning growing in grace and directed Prayer as a speciall meanes to make men grow in grace Now that he said was of two sorts either that which was suddain extemporary and conceived or set enjoyned and prescribed before not only for the sense and scope but also words and phrases And whereas some thought this was to stint the spirit he said there was a liberty to use conceived Prayer at other times wherein the spirit might expatiate and inlarge it self and also the intention of the mind though not in extension and variety of language The Blades that came to laugh had no great cause to do it for this passage was at the very close and the Sermon all along before was sharp and searching both sides were silent and went home not without some prints of good upon their spirits Optimus Orator censendus non qui meruit auditorum judicium sed qui abstulit He makes the best speech that binds his Hearers rather to think what was said then who said it The good fellows were nothing so merry at the end as at the beginning of the Sermon Indifferent Hearers praised all and were confirmed in a good opinion of the Preacher Good men were glad he came so well off and was at liberty to preach again where they might hear him himself was troubled lest any thing he said should be mistaken or mis-interpreted as he was apt to be But there were many eyes upon this action and all men waited to see the issue The Courtiers did not like it that after all
meeting of the godly where there was a Sermon and the Sacrament to be administred after Sermon he requested those that were present that they would not be offended at his weaknesse but that they would pray to the Lord for him and then requested the Minister that he would a little more explain himself about the Sacrament which he willingly did and having by sundry texts of Scripture shewed that Christ is received only Spiritually and Sacramentally therein he concluded with that of St. Augustine Manducare cibum qui non perit sed permanent ad vitam est credere in Christum Et Quid paras dentem ventrem crede manducasti Item Nolite parare fauces sed cor Christ is to be fed upon not with our mouths but with our faith c. Our Admirall being much satisfied with this discourse gave thanks first to God then to that Minister and Congregation and shortly after was himself partaker of that holy Sacrament the same whereof when it was once spread abroad in France it cannot be believed what joy and consolation it brought to the Churches of Christ for though till that time the true worshippers of God had many Laws made against them by the Kings and Parliaments though they were daily dragged to prisons torments and death so that they were forced to hold all their meetings in secret yet was true Religion after a wonderfull manner dispersed through all the Provinces of France and the Popish party found by experience that the more they sought to suppresse and extinguish the light of Gods Word and the Professors of it the more it daily encreased Not long after fell out the tumult at Amboise and the conspiracy of the Nobility against the Guises whose pride and insolency the Princes of France could no longer bear with Of this number was the Prince of Conde and the King of Navarre his Brother Whereupon the Guises procured an Edict from the King whereby a meeting of the Nobility was appointed at Fontainbleau especially to treat about matters of Religion and when the day came which was Aug. 24. 1560. the King requested those that were present to deliver their opinions Whereupon the Admirall rising out of his seat humbly presented the King with two Supplications under this title The humble Supplications of those who in severall parts of your Majesties Kingdom do truly and purely serve God These Supplications were delivered to Albespine the Kings Secretary who publiquely read them This bold fact of the Admirall was much wondered at considering the Kings bitter enmity against that Religion and the great power of the Guises The summe of those Petitions was this They which purely and sincerely serve God taking this fit opportunity do humbly beseech your Majesty that of your clemency you will be pleased to pity a great number of our Subjects who unto this day are miserably afflicted tormented and wasted for the cause of Religion in all your Provinces We humbly beg of you that you will not be grieved to take cognisance of our cause and to appoint that the Scripture may be the judge in these great controversies whereby it will easily appear how much we do abhor heresie which hitherto hath been laid to our charge as also how falsly we have been charged with sedition when we never used force or arms to defend our selves but ever thought it our duty in our greatest extremities only to have recourse to your Majesties clemency Our humble request therefore to your Majesty is that you would be pleased to restrain our persecutors by whose means there is no part of your Majesties Kingdom which in these late years hath not been defiled with the blood of your innocent Subjects Our case hath been miserable when we have been forced to plead our cause before the Popes Clients and Pensioners rather then before equall and indifferent Judges Our humble request therefore is that you would be pleased favourably to look upon so many Families who have alwaies acknowledged you for our gracious Lord and King and according to Gods command have honoured and obeyed you and shall be ready if occasion be offered to spend our lives for your dignity and service and therefore we think it but equal that our lives and welfare should be protected against the rage of our cruel and bloody adversaries We further pray that some publique places may be allowed us where our Ministers may Preach the Word of God sincerely and Administer the Sacraments truly that our Religion being no longer concealed we may be freed from those false calumnies which our adversaries have hitherto cast upon us And we shall ever pray c. After these Supplications were read there were great debates but little about Religion great complaints being made of the Kings debts and consideration had how the same might be discharged Hereupon our Admirall spake freely and boldly against the Forces raised by the Guises under the pretence of a guard for the King as if he needed such a guard in the heart of his own Kingdom whereas the Authority of the Kings name in France is so sacred and powerfull that thereby the meanest Constable is able to suppresse any tumult whatsoever This free speech of his extreamly vexed the Guises who hated him so much the more for it Some others propounded that there might be a publique Convention of the States called as the only means to cure the distempers of France which though some had laboured to discredit and so had caused an intermission of it for eighty seven years yet it had alwaies been exceeding advantagious to the Kingdom as the Parliaments in England consisting of three States had alwaies been there whereby the English Kings had been enabled to make such powerfull Invasions of France Shortly after King Francis the second dying his younger Brother Charles the ninth succeeded and thereupon the former request was renewed for calling a Convention of all the States At this time Catherine of Medice was the Queen Mother a Florentine by birth to whom the education of the young King and the care of his person was committed according to the ancient custom of France but she was not suffered to have any thing to do with the Government of the Kingdom and hereupon the Guises who for a long time had been powerfull at Court intruded themselves into that Office And at that time many of the Nobility proceeded cruelly to torment and afflict those of the Religion whereupon there was great fear lest some new Commotions should be raised in the Kingdom But the Queen Mother pretended favour towards them for which cause our Admirall endeavoured and at last effected that she should be joyned in Commission with Anthony King of Navarr who was made Protector during the Kings Minority This many wise men disliked and opposed saying that in the stories of former times it did appear that the Government was never committed to the Queen Mother especially
the matter meant requiring them to wait upon him to the Schools according to their duty which they did and Dr. Sands took the Chair Mr. Mitch and a rable of unlearned Papists seeing this withdrew and conspired amongst themselves to pull him out of the Chair In the mean time Dr. Sands began his Oration expostulating with the University about their dealings and charging them with great ingratitude towards him affirming that he had said nothing in his Sermon but what he was ready to justifie and that if he were faulty they were as deeply guilty in concealing and consenting to that which he had spoken In the midst of his speech in came Mitch with his associates some laid hands on him to pull him out of the Chair telling him it was not his place others called him traytor c. Dr. Sands seeing that they used violence being of a great courage felt for his dagger to have dispatched some of them as Gods enemies but Dr. Bell and Dr. Blith prayed him for Gods sake to hold his hands and patiently to bear that great wrong to which he assented and so the tumult ending he went on and finished his Oration and having some money of the Universities in his hand he delivered it up together with all other things belonging to the University and then resigned his Office praying to God to substitute a better in his room and to give them better and more thankfull hearts and so he repaired to his own Colledge On the morrow came to him Mr. Germingham and Mr. Tho. Mildmay Mr. Germingham told him that it was the Queens pleasure that by two of the guard he should be conveyed to the Tower together with the Duke Mr. Mildmay told him that he wondered that so learned a man as he should speak so unadvisedly against so good a Prince Dr. Sands answered I shall not be ashamed of bonds but if I could do as Mr. Mildmay can I need not to fear them for you came down in armes against the Queen and now you are in arms for her I cannot thus blow hot and cold with one mouth Presently Dr. Sands his stable was robbed of four excellent Geldings and an Inventory was taken of all his goods and he was set upon a lame jade that halted to the ground whereupon a friend of his desired that he might lend him a Nagg to ride upon As he went out at the end of the Town some Papists assembled to jeer and some of his Friends to mourn for him He was carried through London in scorn and as he entred in at Bishops-gate a base woman threw a stone at him and hit him so full on the breast that he was near falling from his Horse To whom he mildly said Woman I pray God forgive thee As he went through Tower street a woman in her door said to him Fie on thee thou Knave thou Knave thou Traytor thou Heretick At this he smiled whereupon she said Look the desperate Heretick laughs at it Another woman on the other side of the street said Fie neighbour thou art not worthy to be called a woman railing thus upon this Gentleman whom thou knowest not nor yet the cause why he is thus used and turning to the Doctor she said Good Gentleman God be thy comfort and give thee strength to stand in Gods cause even to the death and thus he was carried Prisoner to the Tower where the Yeoman of the Guard took from him his borrowed Nagg and whatsoever else he had and whereas his man brought some linen after him that also was taken from him The first three weeks he was in a very bad prison at the end whereof he was removed to another where was put to him Mr. John Bradford On the day of the Queens Coronation his prison door was left open and there came to him one Mr. Mitchell a special friend of his and said Dr. Sands there is such a stir in the Tower that neither gates doors nor Prisoners are looked after this day therefore take my cloak hat and rapier and get you gon save your self and let me do as I may The Doctor refused his offer saying I know no just cause of my imprisonment and if I should do this I should make my self guilty I will expect Gods good will yet am I much bound to you for your love Mr. Mitchell not prevailing departed Dr. Sands and Mr. Bradford continued in prison twenty nine weeks one Bowler a perverse Papist being their Keeper yet by their affable and loving carriage and converse he began to mislike Popery and to favour the Gospel yea he was so far at last wrought upon that on a Sabbath when others went to Masse he carried up to them a Service-Book a manchet and some wine at which time Dr. Sands administred the Sacrament to Mr. Bradford and him and so Bowler became their son begotten in their bonds When Wyat was up in Arms that room might be made for him and his in the Tower Dr. Cranmer Dr. Ridley and Mr. Bradford were put into one prison and Dr. Sands with nine other godly Ministers were removed to the Marshalsey As they went the people every where prayed God to comfort them and to strengthen them in his truth whereupon the Keeper of the Marshalsey said to Dr. Sands I perceive that the vain people would set you forward to the fire but I hope you will not prefer your own knowledg before the judgment of so many worthy and learned Prelates if so you shall find me as strait a Keeper as one that utterly mislikes your Religion Dr. Sands answered I know my self young and my learning small it s enough to know Christ crucified and he hath learned nothing that sees not the great blasphemy that is in Popery I have read in Scripture of some godly and courteous Keepers God may make you one if not I trust he will give me strength and patience to bear your hard dealing with me The Keeper replied Do you then minde to stand to your Religion Yea said the Doctor by Gods grace I do Truly said the Keeper I love you the better for it I did but try you before and what favour I can shew you you shall be sure of it and I shall think my self happy if I may die at the stake with you and ever after he shewed the Doctor much favour suffering him to walk into the fields alone where sometimes he met with Mr. Bradford who being removed to the Kings Bench found the like favour with his Keeper He also lodged him in the best Chamber and would not suffer irons to be put on him as other Prisoners had and suffered his Wife a beautifull Gentlewoman both in body and soul to resort to him He lodged also Mr. Sanders with him To these two holy men there was much resort and much Money was profered to them but they would receive none Three or four times they celebrated the Sacrament and
Christ in the work of the Ministry and to restrain and reduce not a few from errours and schisme striving by all meanes to retain them in obedience to the Lawes of the land and to provoke them highly to prize and preciously to esteem the peace of the Church and people of God Having continued at Dry-Drayton about the space of twenty or one and twenty years he left it and went from thence to London about the year 1588 or 89. Yet was very carefull before his remove to get an honest and able man to succeed him in that place The causes of his removal were partly the untractablenesse and unteachablenesse of that people amongst whom he had taken such exceeding great paines For besides his publick Preaching and Catechizing his manner was to walk out into the fields and to conferre with his Neighbours as they were at plough And partly he did it upon supposall that he might do farre more good in a more publick place by comforting afflicted consciences wherein the Lord had given him such an admirable dexterity He wholly spent himself in the service of God and his Church and therefore often made use of that saying of the Prophet David The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up He was a little man of stature and usually indifferent well in health but when at any time he was sick he would suffer no body to sit up and watch with him that so he might more freely converse with God He continued not in London above the space of two years but being quite worn out he comfortably and quietly resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1591. and about the sixtieth year of his age He hath a Volume of Sermons and Treatises of Divinity in Print Mr. THO CARTWRIGHT The Life of Master Thomas Cartwright who died Anno Christi 1603. THomas Cartwright was born in Hertfordshire about the year 1535. and being by his Parents kept at School till he was fit for the University He went to Cambridge and was admitted into Saint Johns Colledge Anno 1550. He there followed his Studies exceeding hard and being a man of excellent natural parts he profited in learning more then ordinary He never used to sleep above five houres in a night which custom he continued to his dying day Three years after at the death of King Edward the sixt he left the University and betook himself to the service of a Counsellor yet followed his studies very hard as taking more pleasures therein then in the study of the Law Thus he continued till the beginning of Queen Elizabeths Reign at which time his Master meeting with Doctor Pilkinton Master of Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge he told him of his mans learning and studious disposition the Doctor desired to speak with him and thereby perceiving his great abilities and hopefulnesse with his Masters consent he took him again to Saint Johns Colledge where his proficiency and Progresse both in the Arts and Tongues was so eminent that Anno 1560. he was chosen Fellow in that Colledge and about three years after he was removed to a fellowship in Trinity-Colledge where for his great worth he was ere-long made one of the eight Senior-fellows Anno 1564. Queen Elizabeth coming to Cambridge great Preparation was made for her entertainment and four of the eminentest men in the University being chosen to keep a Philosophy act before her he was one of them who performed it with extraordinary abilities to the great content and satisfaction both of the Queen and his other auditors Anno 1567. He commenced Batchelor of Divinity and three years after he was chosen to be the Lady Margarets Divinity-Reader He read upon the first and second Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles and performed it with such acutenesse of wit and solidity of judgment as caused admiration in his hearers and even at that time he was so famous for his Ministry that when his turn came to preach at Saint Maries the Sextone was fain to take down the windows by reason of the multitudes that came to hear him In his Lectures he was occasioned to discover his judgment about Church-discipline which the Doctors and Heads in the University took very hainously as being dangerous and destructive to the present Hierarchy whereupon he was convented before the Vice-Chancellour Doctor May and other Doctors and examined upon sundry Articles or Propositions of Doctrine delivered by him publickly in his Lectures and elsewhere which they affirmed to be contrary to Religion received and allowed by publick authority in this Realm and thereupon they demanded whether he would stand to or revoke the said Opinions and Doctrines delivered by him Master Cartwright upon deliberation desired that he might have leave to set down in writing what his judgment in those things was and what he would stand to which being granted he drew up in six Propositions what his judgment was and setting his hand to it delivered it to the Vice-Chancellor who thereupon admonished him to revoke the same and upon his refusal punished him by the substraction of his stipend and so he continued in his Lecture that year But the year after Doctor Whitgift being chosen Vice-Chancellour he again convented him before him requiring his absolute answer whether he did mind to teach his Auditors otherwise revoking that he had before taught or whether he would abide in the maintenance of the same Unto this Master Cartwright answered that for the Propositions delivered by him under his hand to Doctor May and now shewed to him they were his own hand writing such as he had openly taught and still continued fully determined to maintain and defend as Truths Hereupon after Master Cartwright had a while withdrawn and the Vice-Chancllor had conferred with the other Doctors Master Cartwright was again called for and this definitive sentence was pronounced against him by the Vice-Chancellour Doctor Whitgift that perceiving that no admonition would help but that he still persisted in the same mind he did therefore pronounce him the said Master Cartwright to be removed from his said Lecture and by his finall decree or sentence did then and there remove him and declare the said Lecture to be void and that he minded according to the foundation thereof to proceed to the Election of a new Reader And further he did then and there by vertue of his Office inhibit the said Master Cartwright from preaching within the University and the Jurisdiction of the same Now that the Reader may be better satisfied what the Arricles were which Master Cartwright drew up and signed with his hand and for which this sentence was passed upon him I shall here set them down in his own words as I have them transcribed out of the Original standing upon Record in the Registry of the University of Cambridge 1. Archiepiscoporum Archidiaconorum nomina simul cum muneribus officiis sunt abolenda 2.
of the Queen and State wrote to Master Cartwright earnestly requesting him to undertake the work assuring him also of such aid as should further him in the finishing thereof for which end he sent him one hundred pounds towards the charges of buying Books and procuring Writers which were to be employed by him therein This was Anno 1583. The same year also he was earnestly sollicited by the most learned men of the University of Cambridge by a solemn Epistle with joynt consent written to him to undertake the answer wherein amongst other passages they have these expressions With you we are earnest most Reverend Cartwright that you would set your self against the unhallowed endeavours of these mischievous men either by refuting the whole Book or at least some part thereof It is not for every man Work-man-like to frame Gods Tabernacle but for Bazaleel and Aholiab neither is every one rashly to be thrust forth into the Lords battels but such Captains are to be chosen from amongst Davids Worthies Of which as we acknowledge you to be one by the former battels undergone for the wals of our City the Church we doubt not if you will enter this War which truly you ought to 〈◊〉 according to the Zeal and Piety you bear to your Countrey and Religion but that you fighting for Conscience and Countrey yea even for the very inmost holy place of the Temple will be able to tread underfoot the forces of the Jebusites which set themselves to assault the Tower of David Moreover which may marvellously sharpen the edge of your courage you are not now to fight with a Brother or fellow of the same Religion which maketh the Conflict more faint but with the most inveterate enemies of Jesus Christ c. Then they thus conclude You see to what an honourable fight we invite you Christs business shall be undertaken against Satans Champions We stir you up to fight the battels of our Lord where the Victory is certain which the triumph and applause of the Angels will ensue Our Prayers shall never be wanting unto you Christ without doubt whose cause is defended will be preset with you The Lord Jesus much increase your courage and strength and keep you very long in safety for his Churches good Vale. This was subscribed by Roger Goad William Whittaker Thomas Crook John Ireton William Fulk John Field Nicholas Crane Giles Seintler Richard Gardener William Charke c. But besides these the Reverend Ministers of London and Suffolk did by their several letters earnestly exhort him to this work and Master Cartwright was at last by these importunities drawn to undertake it and neither diligence nor constancy was wanting in him to have carried it on to perfection but he met with such great discouragements and hinderances from Potent Adversaries that he was forced often to lay pen aside yea Arch-Bishop Whitgift sent him a positive command that he should deal no further in it yet afterwards by an Earl and privy Counsellor of great note and some other noble Personages he was at last drawn to take pen in hand again But receiving new discouragements and having such continual employment in the Ministry he lived not to perfect that work Whilst he was at Warwick being silenced by the Bishops he was requested by the Lord Zouch Governour of Gernsey to go with him into that Island with whom he continued some time and in the mean space he substituted one Master Lord a godly and holy Minister then living at Woolstone in his room at the Hospital in Warwick allowing him the greatest part of the profits of the place during his abode there and the rest he caused to be distributed amongst the poor He was far from seeking after great places or great things in the world and for riches he sought them not yea he rejected many opportunities whereby he might have enriched himself His usual manner was when he had good summes of gold sent him to take only one piece lest he should seem to slight his Friends kindnesse and to send back the rest with a thankfull acknowledgement of their love and his acceptance of it professing that for that condition wherein God had set him he was as well furnished as they for their high and great places His manner was not to keep any more money in his purse but what might serve for charitable uses He was very bountifull to poor Schollers He distributed money every Sabbath-day amongst the poor of the Town of Warwick besides what he gave to the Prisoners and upon other occasions both at home and abroad For his Houshold affairs he never troubled himself with them but wholly left them to be ordered and managed by the Prudence of his Wife He was very carefull to regulate and order the businesses of the Hospital for the best advantage of the poor Brethren He continued his diligence and assiduity in his studies even in his old age and his usual manner was to rise at two three and four a clock in the morning at the latest both summer and winter notwithstanding that his bodily infirmities were such that he was forced to study continually kneeling upon his knees He was of a very meek and quiet spirit as appears in those conflicts which he had with Doctor Whitgift and Doctor Sutcliffe wherein he used soft words and hard arguments he could not endure so much as in private to hear his adversaries reproached and if any in his presence used disgracefull speeches of them he would sharply reprove them for it saying That it 's a Christians duty to pray for and not to reproach his adversaries and when Martin Mar-Prelates Book came forth he shewed much dislike of the Satyrical and tart language used therein He was also very humble not enduring to hear any thing spoken in his own commendation or any titles given him which in the least measure savoured of ambition He affected not popularity but avoided it as much as possibly he could Indeed all his ambition was to advance the Kingdom and cause of our Lord Jesus Christ and to promote Gods glory It was the great joy and rejoycing of his heart to hear of the welfare and prosperity of the Churches at home and abroad for this he earnestly and daily prayed and when he heard any ill tydings with Nehemiah he sate down and mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven so that all that conversed with him might easily discern that nothing did affect him in any degree like the good or ill tydings of the Churches state He was frequent in Prayer every day and in his younger years hath risen many times in the night to seek our private places to pray in And as his labours were very great in the work of the Ministry so it pleased the Lord to make them very successefull for the conversion and confirmation of many and for terrour and restraint
controvesie for which he so much suffered about Subscription the Ceremonies then pressed the Civil Power and the Prelatical in affairs of that nature Of this kind discourses penned by him were underhand printed and published as they could be secretly got out and dispersed these folowing A Protestation of Supremacy The English Puritanism A Treatise of True and False Worship Twelve Arguments against the Ceremonies and conformity thereunto Of the Nature of things Indifferent Of which Argument also he wrote in Latine an Answer to Master Gabriel Powel which yet was not published And it is well known to some yet surviving that the greatest part of that which was done in that grand Controversie with Doctor Downham concerning Episcopacy for the main matter of it came forth of his forge howsoever of his labour and paines therein taken another bare the name and received the reward of the work the tart and bitter language only wherewith it was rather pickled then seasoned proceeding from another pen somewhat too much steeped in Vineger and Gall that which he complaineth of as much misliking in a Letter to a Friend for he was a man of a very mild and meek spirit and of a moderate disposition and how farre forth in his judgment and practice he could have acknowledged submitted unto and complied with some kind of Superintendency or Episcopacy as it is commonly stiled may appear by his demands propounded to Master Francis Johnson in his Answer to his Reasons for Seperation of which more anon Divers other subjects he had set upon and made entrance into but afterward laid aside whether for want of time and opportunity or for what other causes uncertain among others of the former sort was a Refutation in Latine of Dutch Thomsons Diatribae de amissione intercisione justificationis gratiae which upon notice given him of Doctor Abbots undertaking of that task he surceased of this latter sort in English An Answer to Master Hookers Ecclesiasticall Polity a work so much cried up and admired by the most and it were greatly to be wished that he had had life and leasure had the Lord seen it good to have gone through with it but the Lord had otherwise disposed In the third and last place amids these his labours about and suffering for those controversed matters he bent his forces as much also another way to wit against Sectaries and Separatists To this purpose he had divers bickerings with them and with some of the chief leaders among them both by Conferences with them and by writings against them and the courses taken by them whereby many were stayed from going those wayes and some also reclaimed and brought back again Among other at the request of a Gentleman of Lincolns-Inne for the stay of some that were staggering and warping that way that one Master Clifton had gone before them seduced by Master Smith sometime Fellow of Christs Colledge who had thrice been baptized having imparted to him a Relation in writing of what had past between Smith and Clifton who by that their mutuall Collation pretended as upon good and just grounds being convict in conscience to have past over to him he wrote a large Discourse wherein he discovered a great deal of weaknesse as well in the Arguments of the one as in the Answers of the other thereby making it manifestly to appear by what slight and ill-wrought twine rather then twist that might have easily been snapt asunder Master Clifton had been drawn away and induced to leave his former station and abandon his wonted profession nor was his labour herein without its desired successe with those for whom it was undertaken As also thereby he took occasion to write A Defence of the Baptism of Infants against the same parties Against Master Francis Johnsons Reasons for Separation he wrote a Book entituled The Unreasonablness of Separation and that upon this occasion One that was deemed to be a man of an ingenuous disposition was earnestly solicited by some with whom he conversed to withdraw from our Congregations and seeming to be much perplexed with Master Johnsons Arguments was yet perswaded by some of his discreet Friends to do nothing inconsiderately in a businesse of that concernment and consequence but to consider seriously first of it and have conference with some grave and godly Ministers such as he deemed as well judicious as consciencious whereby it might be descried whether the grounds that he was in this course intended to go upon were such as would endure triall or no this advice of theirs was hearkened unto and choice made by himself of Master Bradshaw and another whom he conceived to be both understanding and moderate men The place for conference was agreed upon to be in a common Friends house and the meeting intended to be very private not above two or three of that party besides himself the two Ministers and those of the house but such of them whose presence alone he desired having acquainted divers others of their complices therewith a multitude of them intruded themselves Now in regard of such an unexpected company it was deemed meet to proceed the more warily And the party in the conference principally concerned being put to his choice whether he would Argue or Answer was willing rather to Argue and to make use of Master Johnsons Arguments then to frame others of his own that which very well pleased those of the separating side as deeming Master Johnsons Arguments unanswerable To prevent mis-reports it was mutually agreed that two persons one of either side should write down each Argument as it was propounded and each Answer as it was returned thereunto and should read audibly what had passed in the prosecution of any Argument at the close of it before entry upon a new which was accordingly done and so many of Master Johnsons Reasons discussed as the straits of time would permit in pursuit whereof was so evidently shewed how grossely Master Johnson had abused divers passages of Scripture quoted for proof of those propositions whereunto he had affixed them that the whole company of them were exceedingly puzled with it and some of them to save their Champions credit would fain have fastned some fault upon the Printers but could not well find how to do it The evening coming on the debate ceased for that day and Copies on either side taken being read collated and interchangeably delivered the conference was adjourned till afternoon the next day what time the other Arguments were to be scanned But the party whom the businesse concerned being perswaded by the rest of them as it seemed to desist did the next morning make known his unwillingnesse for some pretended causes to go on and so it brake off Howbeit Master Bradshaw having waded so farre in examination of Master Johnsons Reasons was much importuned to proceed on therein and to go through with the rest considering how needfull a work it was and how usefull it might prove Which being at
it where they might hear Buttolphs belongs unto Queens Colledge and is usually supplied by one of that House there he is willing to make a tryal how it would take and resolves the next Lords day to preach at three of the clock after Saint Maries Sermons should be ended which though but very little known occasioned such a throng and crowd as was incredible Men were not cloyed with preaching then nor waxed wanton There dwelt then in the Parish one Doctor Newcombe a Civilian and Commissary to the Chancellour of Ely who being in the Church and seeing the crowd commanded that evening Prayer only should be read but no Sermon the Minister intreated that for that time Master Preston might be allowed to preach so did the Earl of Lincolne and others in the Church but he was resolute and because he would not be further importuned went home with all his Family and left them to determine at their perill what they would do so upon advice it was concluded that the Sermon should go on and Master Preston preached a very favoury and holy Sermon upon 2 Pet. 3.17 18. There was so much time spent in debates about it and messages before the Commissary left the Congregation that it was too late to do both and therefore they adventured for that time to forbear Common-Prayer that so the Scholars might depart and be at Colledge-Prayers But this instructed Doctor Newcomb in his complaint The Court was then near hand that is at New-market thither the Commissary goes the next day and having the Bishop of Ely there and many other Clergy men assures them that Master Preston was in heart and would quickly be in practice a Non-conformist and was so followed and adored in the University that unlesse some speedy course were taken with him they might cast their caps at all Conformity and see their power troden underfoot and told them gentlenesse was not the way for he was cunning and would recover all if he were not seriously and throughly dealt with There was no Advocate for Master Preston but the Doctor being first in his own cause seemed just Prov. 18.17 And spake to those that were willing to believe The Puritans began to be considerable and they doubted he might come in time to head them It 's a great security to a man to be despised Contempto nullus diligenter nocet A Fellow that hath nothing in him nor is not owned may be exorbitant as he of one in his time Contemptu jam liber erat But David that hath a Party following him must have an Army to attend him And therefore he did wisely to professe himself to be a dead dog or a flea 1 Sam. 24.14 The King was made acquainted with this complaint and assured that Master Preston had as strong an influence into the Puritants as the principal of the Jesuites which was Aqua Viva had upon them and therefore it behoved him to consider what to do A word was enough to a wise and jealous King who did not love to play an after Game and therefore hears himself the Doctors information enquires whether the Bishops and Chancellors Jurisdiction extended unto Members of a Colledge and finally concludes to proceed against him by the power of the University A Letter is framed unto Doctor Scot Master of Clare-hall Vice-Chancellour at that time and to the Heads to call before them Master Preston to give a strict account of that notorious disobedience unto the Commissary he answers mildly that he was not guilty refers himself unto the Auditory that evening Prayer was omitted because the Scholars might depart in due time seeing the time alloted for it was spent in treating with the Commissary not out of any disrespect unto the service which he himself did usually attend at other times When the Wolf complained that the Lamb had fouled the water that he was to drink The Lamb answered that if he had defiled it yet that could not prejudice the Wolf who was above and the mud would certainly be carried downward but this answer did not fill the hungry belly of the Wolf Master Prestons innocency did aggravate his crime which was his popularity and therefore they told him they were engaged to support by all just meanes the Bishops Jurisdiction that the King had honoured him in leaving that affront to be examined by his proper Judges and that except he could take off the Court they must and would proceed to a very round and serious censure Musa mihi causas memora quo numine laeso Quidvè dolens regina deûm tot volvere casus Insignem pietate virum tot adire labores Impulerit tantaene animis coelestibus irae That a Fellow of a Colledge for preaching of an innocent and honest Sermon in a Church belonging to the Colledge by the consent and in the hearing of the Incumbent should be thus vigorously undertaken Among many other Gentlemen of quality that were Pupils unto Master Preston at this time there was one Sir Capel Bedels an Orphan of a very fair estate in Huntingtonshire a Daughters Sonne of old Sir Arthur Capel who being Guardian to his Grand-child had recommended him as he had done many of his own Sons unto his Government It was a great trust and Master Prestons care was answerable And because plus vident oculi he had his spies that gave him notice of all their carriages and correspondencies by one of these he was informed that Sir Capel haunted Doctor Newcombs house and was familiar with his Daughter Mistress Jane Newcomb a very proper well-bred Gentlewoman his Tutor asked if they were contracted he answered no but would be very shortly as he was told for he was resolved to have her Master Preston charged him to keep all secret that Sir Capel might not think he was acguainted with it and immediately appoints a journey unto Saffron-walden to take the aire and see that stately pyle at Audley-end and takes divers of his Fellow-Commoners along as he used to do at other times and among others this Sir Capel Bedels When they had dined and viewed the house it was propounded by one of them that they might go that night to Haddam and visit old Sir Arthur Capel seeing they were thus far on their way and it was late Master Preston seemed to be indifferent and so the Proposition took and with none more then with Sir Capel who knew his Grandfather would fill his pockets and that would sweeten his Newcomb Mistress next embraces and make him welcome to her The old Knight was glad to entertain such welcome guests and that night there was no discourse but of the stately Rooms and goodly Gallery at Audley-end and so the young men went to bed pleased that the Colledge-bell next morning would not awaken them but Master Preston slept not in utramque aurem but awakened betimes and acquaints Sir Arthur with all the businesse adviseth him by no means to permit the Gentlemans return unto the Colledge for
hearts of many of which some live here some in glory His Books will prove more durable Monuments of his name then that his Sonne erected for him in Ashby Church And yet his Name with the lively picture of his Person lives in his worthy Son Master Samuel Hildersam whose learning Cambridge knew while he was Fellow of Emanuel Colledge and whose present ministerial labours and pious conversation at West-Felton in Shropshire do perpetuate the honour of his reverend Father whose very memory he doth much reverence and whose rich Vertues both personal and ministerial he doth happily imitate And his good help from his Fathers Papers and other waies hath most conduced to the drawing up of this faithfull relation that God may be glorified and many souls may be edified by this famous example thus presented unto publick view Dr. TAYLOR The Life of Doctor Thomas Taylor sometimes Pastor of Aldermanbury London who died Anno Christi 1632. THomas Taylor was born at Richmond in Yorkshire of worthy and godly Parents His Father was Recorder of that Town and a very Gaius or Onesiphorus to the silenced Ministers of England and to the exiled Ministers of Scotland He brought up divers Sonnes into the Ministry This Sonne of his as the other was of a Child trained up in the holy Scriptures which are able to make wise to salvation Afterward as age came on he was well grounded in other Learning and was sent to Cambridge where he became Fellow of Christs Colledge as one that should do the Lord Christ abundance of good service He was there most painfull and unweariable in the study of Tongues Arts Sciences all sorts of Exercises about them and especially for Divinity which was his Profession One while he was Hebrew Reader to the Colledge Being soon ripe he entred into the Ministry at the age of one and twenty years In Queen Elizabeths time he was called to preach at Pauls Crosse and preached the Sermon in King James his time In the course and work of his Ministry he spent thirty five years with all diligence and painfulnesse even to the very end when by right he might have spared himself living in all sincerity and godly purenesse with entire love of souls with all watchfulnesse with meeknesse wonderfully quickned with zeal He was an utter enemy of Popery Arminianisme Antinomianisme and other Sects which crept up in those times as appeareth partly by his writings Amidst all his pithy Discourses he was also an excellent and nimble Orator and wound up his matter with a good farewell even when at times it was but ordinary And from this course he would scarce suffer himself to be withdrawn at any time to refresh his spirits by a little freedom Yea sometimes when he was drawn forth into the Countrey for recreation by the solicitation of Gods people he escaped not without his usuall burden Or he spent his vacant time in preparing Books for the Presse which were both many and very usefull and will be to posterity who have cause to blesse God who giveth gifts to men and publique mindes that they may profit farre and near both hearers and strangers all debtors to him And men of understanding observed a great Seal put to his Ministry in several places whereto he was called Some converted others confirmed others comforted in the way of God And in these times of division wherein many Professors have turned into by-waies those that were his constant Hearers continue in that way stedfast and unshaken in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus Yea at Reding there was a generation of young Preachers who under his Ministry grew up in knowledge and holinesse and some eminency of gifts profiting by him and his pains there and some professe it at this day Perhaps also in the great City of London and at Cambridge Neither was he altogether for the publick but pious in private and not only in the course of his Family but in keeping Fasts among the godly of the place which in those daies was something a dangerous exercise And to make them solid Professors indeed he put them upon a weekly way of handling Chatecheticall points of Divinity that is every week to conferre of one of the heads of Religion according to the Catechisme subjoyned to Mr. Dods Treatise on the Commandments still proving the Doctrines by Testimonies of Scripture For other personall qualifications he was a man full of love alms-deeds and mercifull consideration of the needy though not with a Trumpet And he was a man blest of God with all the blessings of wisdome Prov. 3.16 Length of daies riches and honour He had every where both godly and great Friends and is likely still to have among those that shall converse in his worthy works In that his holy and blessed course he drew on toward his end It was his Clymacterical year of 56. Having over-laboured himself with preaching in the City he betook himself to his Countrey-house at Isleworth to be a little refreshed But having inflamed and corrupted his blood by preaching he soon fell into his mortall disease a Pleurisie for curing whereof though no meanes were wanting yet the desired effect through the Counsel of God followed not In the beginning of his sicknesse he set his house in order most holily and as became so worthy a Father and then bad farewell to all as one throughly prepared for his departure full of Faith and Patience and joy in the holy Ghost a great help in that acute disease Carefull of the welfare of the Church at home then in danger to be corrupted grieved for the evils he knew in some mens dealings Rejoycing greatly in the midst of the apprehension of death for the happy proceedings of the heroicall King of Sweden then victorious in Bavaria And once when he was told he must a little help himself by cheerfulnesse he fell into a most contentfull discourse of those noble deliverances and victories and more would have spoken if weaknesse had permitted But especially his joy in God and in the conquest of Christ Oh said he we serve a good Lord who covers all imperfections and gives great wages for little work and in mercy he hath provided for me some of the greatest With other holy speeches full of faith and joy which his infirmity would not suffer him to utter perfectly In which manner he languished by degrees and at last on the Lords day being the usuall day of his principall labours he was dismissed of all and went to keep a perpetuall Sabbath in heaven where now he resteth from his labours and his works follow him even a full reward in endlesse glory which eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither can enter into the heart of man to conceive what things those are which God hath prepared for them that love him The Life of Master Hugh Clark who died Anno Christi 1634. HUgh Clark was born at Burton
home and abroad so was he particular in minding his special Friends before the Lord and the spirituall welfare of his children was so much upon his heart that he daily desired to lodge them in Gods bosome yea he seldome gave thanks either before or after meat especially towards the end of his life without some touch of tendency towards his children in reference unto whom this was one constant Petition That they might never seek great things for themselves in this world And his own practice from his youth proved the sincerity of his heart in this suit because he never looked after nor would entertain any motion of removing for wealth or worldly promotion though his charge was great and his eminency both in ministerial and scholastical gifts with the power of godlinesse which did shine in his whole conversation gained him many Friends and rendred him in their account a man more meet for a place of publique note and resort then the village where he dwelt When the Prelatical opposition against the Non-conformists was hot and high he spake thus unto a Neighbour-Brother Be confident that although all who are now known Non-conformists were dead and gone yet God would rather raise some out of our ashes to protest against Episcopacy and the Ceremonies then suffer that cause to fall unto the ground He would say The Fathers wanted some of our light but we want more of their heat He was exemplarily carefull to preserve Gods Ordinances from pollution and contempt and therefore did alwaies take great pains with his people to prepare them for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper In his Sermons he was wont to tell his Auditours that their persecuting impoverishing imprisoning and thrusting daggers into their Ministers bodies would not be more grievous then their unworthy communicating at the Lords Table and their unanswerable walking unto the Ordinances of grace dispenced amongst them And when Parents presented their children in the Congregation to be baptized he would very affectionately lay open their duty pressing Sacramental ingagements home to their hearts with strong Arguments and authority ministerial Though no man was known by his Friends who more dis-relished the corruptions in Church-Government and in administrations of holy worship yet he hath sufficiently published unto the world his great dislike of the way of separation from our Church-Assemblies upon such pretences Thus he spake unto a Friend who had moved him to maintain our Church-communion against the Separatists How little am I beholding unto you who drew me from more profitable studies to peruse those sapless speculations He much lamented in his Prayers before God the first breakin gs out of Independency in England both in respect of the present offence and the wofull consequences thereof whereof he was much afraid yea he did very often tell his Friends both in the time of his health and last sicknesse that if God should give opportunity and hopes of Church-reformation that we might be eased of our present grievances the Brethren of the new separation would be found the greatest obstructers thereof His remembrance of the History of former Separations with which he was fully acquainted and his prudential fore-sight of the diducts which would necessarily follow from their Principles viz. Anabaptisme c. together with his wise insight into the dispositions of some persons who then appeared therein these were the grounds of his foretelling the confusions the spreading of pernicious errours and hinderances of Reformation which we since have sadly suffered under These Reasons of his Prediction which is noised abroad are expressed lest any should imagine him to have inclined to regard injections and impulsions of spirit which some cry up as prophetical His distaste whereof may be evidenced by this one instance viz. Being asked by one who much pretended unto immediate inspirations besides Scripture whether he at any time had experience thereof in his own heart His answer was this No I blesse God and if I should ever have such phantasies I hope God would give me grace to resist them When there was discourse concerning the new or rather the renewed errours which were broached he would ordinarily say A good Treatise of the sufficiency of the Scriptures would put an end unto these matters His exceeding love to study and his great modesty caused unwillingnesse to go far from home or to appear publique in any kind And if the extraordinary importunity of some much esteemed Friends had not conquered this aversnesse he would in probability never have printed any thing in his own name or have come into the company of persons of chief place and quality yea God was pleased in both these waies to make him serviceable For besides the profit which many have received from his printed Books he was happily instrumentall by conference to preserve some men of chief esteem in regard of their Piety Parts and places of command in the Countries where they lived from warping towards the waies of new separation upon the sollicitation of such who were busie sticklers therein Upon the calling of the Parliament in the year 1640. some hopes being conceived that he might be an instrument of publique benefit to the Church by dealing with some Parliament-men that if further Reformation of things wofully out of order could not be procured men unconformable to the Ceremonies might not be thrust out and kept out of the Ministry in that regard He thereupon took a journey into London with his neighbour and endeared Brother Master Langley but receiving small encouragement to his hopes and endeavours in that kind he returned home with sorrow upon his heart complaining of the many symptomes of Gods displeasure which he saw ready to break out against poor England and resolved to do what service he could in any other way And being convinced that his labours might be profitable to the Church both in the present and succeeding ages he was resolved to lay forth himself for publique service in any kind as his good Friends should advise and in pursuance hereof he designed these three works viz. 1. A Treatise of the Church 2. An Exposition of obscure Scriptures out of all the original Languages 3. A more full Systeme of Divinity by the enlarging of his Catechism For all which he had much good Provision under hand when the Lord saw cause to put an end to his labours And here all those must silence their hearts who knowing him may be apt to judge his removall at this time to be unseasonable with these words which were much in his mouth when God checked hopes by crosse Providences The Lord is wisest God is most wise Many conflicts he had with men of greatest strength as was imagined to maintain the new pathes into which divers had stepped aside But the truth is never was any of them able to stand up under his Arguments Though God was pleased to take him away whom some in scorn called
directions and encouragements in the waies of God And particularly the Noble Family of Thomas late Earl of Winchelsey then Vicount Maidstone whose abode at that time was at the Mote a place near Canterbury the exemplary Piety of whose Family and the several Noble Branches thereof was by him in a special manner promoted The like assistance he afforded also to those of the French Congregation in Canterbury whom by reason of his exact knowledge in the French language he was able to edifie very much And at the request of their Eldership he did twice preach to them in that language upon most solemn daies to the great ashonishment and edification of the whole Congregation It is memorable that an ancient French Gentlewoman when she saw him the first time coming into the Pulpit being startled at the smallnesse of his personal appearance and the weaknesse of his look cryed out in the hearing of those that sate by her Hola que nous dira cest enfant ioy Alas what should this Child say to us But having heard him pray and preach with so much spiritual strength and vigour she lift her hands to heaven with admiration and joy blessing God for what she had heard Yet this his faithfull discharge of the Ministry was not without some opposition On the one hand those of the Separation and such as were inclineable thereunto were somewhat troublesome to him but could get no advantage upon him nor did prevail any thing while he remained there upon his hearers On the other side the Cathedralists and their favourers did oppose him fearing it's like lest his godly courses and exact walking might be a blemish to their loose and carnal waies And therefore though the greatnesse of his birth and friends hindered them somewhat from prosecuting of him as probably they would otherwise have done yet once some of the chiefest of them adventured to exhibit Articles against him But his cause and answers proved such as that they were not able to hurt him After three years or thereabouts his Lecture there was put down by the Dean and Arch-Dean upon certain instructions then on foot concerning Afternoon Sermons to the great grief of his godly hearers But not long after upon the petition of great numbers of the Gentry and Citizens to the then Arch-bishop by whose License and authority he had been before established accompanied with the laudable testimony of divers Ministers concerning his Orthodox doctrine and unblamable conversation together with the concurrent testimony of ten Knights and divers others of the Gentry and chief Citizens he was again restored During his continuance here he was twice by the procurement of his Friends at Court likely to be made one of the Prebendaries of Canterbury But he often admired and praised that Providence of God that his Friends endeavours therein succeeded not seeing himself by this means delivered from many temptations and dangers which had been incident if he had been one of that company they being afterward by the succeeding Arch-bishop mainly set on work for the setting up and promoting superstitious innovations After some years he was removed from Canterbury to the Vicaridge of Ashwel in Hartfordshire whereunto he was presented by William Laud the late Arch-bishop of Canterbury which in his defence before the House of Peers in Parliament was by the Arch-bishop insisted upon as one of his good deeds to which he received institution Febr. 7. 1632. where he continued the same zeal diligence and care which he had before discovered in seeking the good of those souls that were committed to his charge Beside his constant preaching there twice every Lords day he did also very frequently preach to them occasionally as any opportunity was offered not willing to let passe any advantage offered of doing them good Wherein notwithstanding the excellency of his learning whereby if he had sought it he might have attained great applause and admiration even from knowing men in the ostentation thereof yet he chose alwaies to condescend to the capacities of his hearers with so much plainnesse as that if possible he might be understood by all even those of the meanest capacities as being most studious both for the matter and manner of his preaching how he might be able most of all to profit those that heard him And on this ground upon any emergent occasions he endeavoured as much as might be to sute his matter thereunto that so the Word of God and the Providence of God might one adde edge unto the other and both joyntly become the more effectuall And for the same reason he did the more approve of Funeral Sermons for that at such times the minds of men especially those more immediately concerned are thereby rendred the more pensive and serious and so the more fit to take impression by the Word On the same ground also was he carefull to observe the advantages of sicknesse or any other considerable afflictions because his Admonitions and Christian Aavice were like to be at such a time the more effectuall when God had as it were softned their heart and opened their ear to hear He was also carefull by Catechizing both in publique and at his own house to instruct in the Principles of Religion not only the Children and youth but even those that were more aged in case he discerned them ignorant and such as stood in need thereof and yet not so as might expose them to scorn and reproach but so as might most conduce to their edfication in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. To which end he had prevailed with those of his Parish at lest the farre greater number of them and those the most considerable persons to concurre with him in it by sending their Children and Servants constantly to be catechized on the Lords day before the Afternoon-Sermon some of whom he catechized publiquely in the Congregation and others more privately in his own house either by himself or his assistant that so that the publique Catechizing might neither be too tedious nor intrench upon the time allotted for other exercises as Praying Reading Expounding Preaching c. nor yet the examination of others for want of time be wholly omitted as also by their own endeavours at home to help on this work and likewise to contribute their assistance in perswading others to the same willingnesse As for those who were more eminent but yet needed instruction he laboured both by his own perswasion and the perswasion of others to work in them a willingnesse to repair to him in private at convenient times that by conferences with them and friendly discourse in a familiar and gentle manner he might bring them to such a sufficiency of knowledge as was necessary for their own salvation And the better to perswade people to a willingnesse thus to receive instruction he used by way of encouragement especially to those of the meaner sort to give Bibles to such as could
that part of the City was filled with his armed enemies against whom whilest he opposed himself he was invironed by his adversaries and taken Prisoner who presently carried him away to Antwerp Whilst he was Prisoner there he fell dangerously sick and lay fourty daies tormented with a Fever and as soon as he began to recover he called for a Bible by reading whereof he much eased and refreshed his mind and body and by the diligent study thereof he began to embrace the reformed Religion and to have a tast of true Piety and the right manner of calling upon God Not long after he payed his Ransome which was fifty thousand Crowns and so returned home and being weary of the Factions and Affairs at Court and seriously thinking of his change of Religion he gat leave of the King to turn over his Regiment of Foot to his Brother Andelot and his Government of the Isle of France to his Brother-in law Marshall Monmorancy and shortly after he sent one of his intimate Friends to the King humbly to signifie to him that he intended also to lay down his Government of Picardy and therefore desired him to think of one to succeed him therein The King answered that he wondred at his resolution and scarce thought him wise to divest himself so suddainly of so many places of honour and profit and from that time he began generally to be suspected of his change in Religion shewing a minde so free from ambition and desire of rule Monsieur Andelot also discovering his resolution in Religion the Cardinall of Lorraine who hated the Family of Coligni with a deadly hatred as the greatest enemies to the greatnesse of his Family watched his opportunity and suggested to the King that all men took notice that many great men of France were infected with the poison of Calvinisme which they scattered amongst the inferiour sort of people and in particular that Monsieur Andelot had blabbed out many things to the dishonour of the solemn sacrifice of the Masse c. The King being incensed hereby commanded the Cardinall of Chattillion his Brother and Monmorancy his Cosen to send for Andelot and to admonish him to answer modestly to the questions which should be proposed to him When he came before the King he professed his great good will towarde him and spake many things of his great merits and then told him that he was sorry to hear that which was reported viz. that he thought ill of Religion and therefore he required him to tell him what he thought of the Mass which the Calvinists spake so much against Andelot being a man of great courage answered confidently according to the truth which the King being offended at exhorted him to look to himself and to prevent the danger before it were too late Whereunto Andelot with greater courage answered that he had hitherto shewed himself obedient in all things to his Majesty whom he had found alwaies bountifull to himself and his Family but in the cause of Religion he could neither daub nor dissemble with God That his Body Wealth and Dignity were in the Kings power of which he might dispose as he pleased but his Soul was subject to God only that gave it to whom therefore in this cause he must needs be obedient as to his greater Lord. At this the King was so inraged that snatching up a dish he therewith hurt his Son the Dolphin that sat next him and then he commanded one of his privy-chamber to carry Andelot to the City of Meaux where he remained a Prisoner in the Bishops house till he was removed to the Castle of Melodune Not long after King Henry the second dying his Son Francis succeeded him who was married to Mary Queen of Scotland the Daughter of the Duke of Guises Sister by which means the Guises ruled all at Court and they also boasted often of the Kingdom of England to which this Mary was Heir apparent as they said The Admirall knowing their cruel barbarous and bloody dispositions who would never be free from turbulent Counsels and especially from pesecuting those of the Religion he was now without further delay resolved to lay down his Government of Picardy and for that end acquainted Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Conde concerning his intention wishing him to beg that place of the King which accordingly he obtained Our Admirall being thus eased of these publique Burthens and the troubles of them which withdrew his mind from Religion he kept at home in his own Castle and the rather because of his Wife Carola Lavollia born of an Illustrious and Ancient Family which was wonderfully given to the study of Religion exhorting her Husband also that casting off the remainders of Idolatry and Superstition he should wholly betake himself to the true service of Christ. The Admirall having often heard her presse this upon him dealt seriously with her telling her that he never knew any either in France or Germany which embraced in truth this reformed Religion but that they were overwhelmed with manifold afflictions under which they almost perished He told her also that by the Laws of France which were confirmed by all the Parliaments Whosoever made profession of this Religion was to be burnt alive and all his estate to be forfeited to the King Yet saith he if you be so prepared with Faith and courage that you can be content to undergo the same lott with others you shall see that I will not be wanting to do my duty To this she answered That the condition of the Church at this day was no other then what it had been in former ages even from the beginning and she perswaded her self that it would be the same to the end of the world And thus each of them incouraging other the Admirall began to instruct his Family in the true knowledge and worship of God and gave them Bibles and other good Books to read for their furthtr edification Withall he stoutly forbad them those oaths and blasphemies which were common in France especially in the Court He provided also godly Governours and Schoolmasters for his Children so that in a short time there was a wonderfull change in his Family yea by his example his two Brethren Odet the Cardinall and Andelot were exceedingly stirred up to the study of Religion The Admirall from his childhood had been bred in the Court which did in those daies exceedingly abound with luxury and other vices from which he was not altogether free but so soon as he imbraced the true Religion there was such a strange alteration in his life and deportment that the powerfull work of Gods Spirit did wonderfully appear therein Before he durst come to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper he conferred with divers Godly Ministers both about Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation for the setling of his judgment in the truth and once being present in the Town of Vatevill at a private
Christ 1566. the King passed this sentence That having heard both parties and consulted with his Nobles and Counsellours who were all unanimously agreed in the same sentence he pronounced the Admirall clear and innocent from the murther of the Duke of Guise and therefore absolved him from that crime commanding his Proctor and all others that they should never dare hereafter accuse him for the same He commanded also that neither his present accusers nor any other of his Subjects should dare hereafter to make any mention of it Nor that any of his Judges or Parliaments should ever admit any plea against him for it He declared also that seeing both parties had freely referred themselves to him his will was that they should live lovingly and peaceably together never contriving any thing against each other and that if any of them their Friends Kindred of Partakers should violate this Decree that they should be held contemners of the Kings Majesty as guilty of Treason as disturbers of the publique peace and lastly that this his definitive sentence should be recorded in all the Parliaments of his Kingdom But to return to something that hapned before this the Admirall had in his Family one Hambervilleries born of a Noble house whom he made use of in his most weighty and honest affairs and it pleased God that some Letters of his being intercepted came to the Admirals hands wherein he wrote to some great Courtiers that he was ready to obey their commands in giving the Admirall a Soporiferous Potion Our Admirall having read these Letters called the man to him commanding him to write some verses in a paper that lay by which when he had done comparing both the writings together he asked him whether he would acknowledge his hand in those Letters which he looking upon being stricken with guilt for his wickednesse he presently fell upon the ground and begged his Masters pardon The Admirall told him that he was willing to pardon him but upon condition that he should presently depart out of his house nor should ever come into his sight again Not long after the aforementioned Edict of Peace was published the Queen Mother took counsell to go to Baion to meet her Son-in-law the King of Spain and to take her Children with her This afterwards proved the cause of many tragicall events though for the present things were kept very secret and first she ordered her journey to Lyons which hitherto had been in possession of those of the Religion because of the great number of them there and as soon as she came thither she presently set her Italian Artificers to work to build a Citadell upon a neighbouring hill which commanded all the City A little before this the plague began to be very hot and now it had seized upon the Court it self yet could not the Queen Mother be perswaded to remove her self and children from the danger till she had seen the foundations of the Castle laid At last making Lossius Governour of that City a cruel and barbarous man and and an implacable enemy to those of the Religion and adjoyning to him some insolent Souldiers that might daily vex the godly inhabitants she departed But this is very remarkable that whithersoever she removed the Court in Cities Towns Castles c. the plague still followed her so that for three moneths together the King was in continuall danger and was still forced to remove from place to place by reason of the infection At last they came to Baion where the Queen Mother met her Daughter the Q. of Spain and Embassadors from the King with whom she communicated her counsels In the mean time the Marshall Monmorancy whom the King had made Governour of Paris in his absence had certain intelligence brought him that the Guises had imployed their Agents to the common people of Paris to stir them up against those of the Religion in that City he heard also that the Cardinall of Lorraine intended suddainly to be there with a great number of armed attendants though the King by several Edicts had commanded that none in their journeys should carry Harquebushes or Pistols about them Therefore so soon as Monsieur Monmorancy heard that the Cardinall was entred Paris with his followers thus armed he presently taking his guard went to them commanding them to deliver up their Arms This the Cardinall and his Nephew the young Duke of Guise took as an intollerable affront to them and were often heard to say that that fact should cost Monmorancy his life The Cardinall was very potent in this City and could easily have raised sixty thousand armed men to have slain the Governour whereupon he resolved to call in some of his Friends to his aid and in the first place he wrote to the Admirall to hasten to him who accompanied with three hundred Horse entred Paris Jan. 22. which did so terrifie the multitude especially the Priests Monks and Canons of the great Church that they began to think of flying thence The day after Monsieur Monmorancy sent for the Presidents of the Parliament and the chief Magistrates of the City to come to his house to whom he complained before the Admirall of the audaciousnesse and factious counsels of the Cardinall of Lorrain as also of the seditious speeches cast abroad in the City as if the Admirall taking advantage of the Kings absence at so great a distance consulted about plundering that rich City and therefore he thought fit to call the Admirall before them that so he might clear himself from that aspersion Then said the Admirall I have long since found out what my malicious and implacable adversaries have aspersed me withall as if I intended to seize upon this City which is the Bullwark and Eye of France But such counsels as these are fit for those that claim an interest I know not how it comes in in the succession of the Kingdom and contend to have certain Dukedomes and Countries restored to them For my own part I neither challenge any right to the Kingdom nor to any part of it which yet if I should do I think there hath not been a Noble man in France these five hundred years which had the like opportunity to disturb the publique Peace as I. Ye remember after the Duke of Guise was slain that I had the Constable Prisoner in Orleans and what a great occasion I had thereby of doing greater things if I would have embraced it But on the contrary I was never more earnest with the King and Queen Mother for peace then at that time when our affairs prospered best Who can be ignorant how sollicitous and importunate I was for peace at that very time when many potent and flourishing Cities had delivered up themselves into my hands and divers other great Cities both of Normandy and Brittany sought my favour and protection Who knows not that after Peace was concluded instead of begging Honours and
or ten hours and now by the same mercy I am wholly freed from them I promise thee that in these great Feasts and Pastimes I will trouble none Once again Farewell Thy most loving Husband Chattillion About the same time their Counsels for the Massacre being not yet ripened the King with the greatest demonstrations of good will that might be thus accosts the Admirall My Father Remember what you have undertaken to me that you will be injurious to none of the Guises whilst you are in the Court they also have interchangeably given their faith that they will carry themselves honourably and modestly towards you And truly I put as great trust as may be in your words but I have not the same confidence in their promises For besides that I know that the Guises seek occasion of revenge I know their disposition to be bold and haughty and with what great favour and affection the people of Paris do follow them It would be a great grief to me if they who have brought into the City many men of Warre notably furnished with arms under colour of coming to the marriage solemnity should go about any thing for your destruction which would extreamly reflect upon me and therefore I think it fit if you be of the same minde to bring a Regiment of Praetorian Souldiers into the City under the command of such men meaning some that were least suspected who may not only be ready for the publique securiry but upon all emergencies if turbulent spirits should attempt any thing against you This friendly speech so prevailed with the Admirall that he gave his consent and so a Regiment was brought in without the suspition of the Protestants which afterwards helped to cut their throats Five daies after as the Admirall came from the Court where he had been all that morning accompanied with twelve or fifteen Gentlemen being on foot about a hundred paces from the Louure walking softly and reading a Petition just over-against the house of one Villemure a Canon and Tutor to the young Duke of Guise one shot with an Harquebush at him through a lattice window the Gun was laden with three brasse bullets one whereof brake his forefinger of his right hand the other two pierced his left arm He that shot it had a horse ready at the back door whereon being mounted he escaped through St. Anthonies gate where finding a Spanish Jennet held ready for him he posted away to the place appointed for his retreat The door of the house being burst open the Harquebush was found with a Lacquey and another servant who belonged to Challey Steward of the Kings house and a great dealer in the Duke of Guises affairs who also the day before had brought this Harquibushier to that house desiring that he might be well intertained the Lacquey also was sent that morning by this Harquebushier whose name was Maurevel to the Duke of Guises Groom of his Stable requiring that the Horse should be ready that was promised him The Admirall being brought to his lodging shewed singular piety and patience Chyrurgions were sent for and amongst the rest Ambrose Pareus the Kings Chyrurgion who began first with his finger which he cut off but his pincers not being keen he opened and pressed them three times before he could cut it off Then he lanced both those places in his arm which the bullets had pierced all which the Admirall bore not only with a couragious heart but with a constant countenance insomuch as seeing his Friends to weep which held his arm whilst the incisions were made he said unto them My Friends why do you weep I judge my self happy that bear these wounds for the cause of my God And withall looking upon Monsieur Merlin his Minister he said These wounds my Friends are Gods blessings the smart indeed of them is troublesome but I acknowledge the will of my Lord God therein and I bless his Majesty who hath been pleased thus to honour me and to lay any pain upon me for his holy name sake let us beg of him that he will enable me to presevere unto the end And seeing Monsieur Merlin to weep and lament he said to him My Merlin you should rather comfort me To whom he answered Indeed there can be no greater comfort then to think upon the honour which God hath done you in judging you worthy for his Name and Religions sake to suffer these pains My Merlin answered the Admirall if God should have dealt with me aâ—cording to my deserts or have used his power over me he must have deâ—â— far more severely with me but blessed be his Name who hath dealt so mildly and lovingly with me his unworthy Servant Then said another that stood by Go on with this your piety foâ— God ought to be praised by you who hath left the greatest part saâ— and untouched for which cause you have greater reason to admire hâ—â— mercy in these wounds then to complain of his justice especialâ—â— considering that neither your head nor your mind are wounded Thâ—â— said Merlin You do very well Sir that you turn your thoughts froâ— these murtherers to God for truly it was his hand that inflicted theiâ— wounds neither ought you at all to think upon the blâ—ody-mindednesse of your adversaries Truly said the Admirall I freely and from my heart forgive both him that shot at me and those also that set him on for I know assuredly that it is not in their power to hurt me no though they should kill me for my death is a most certain passage to eternal life Thâ— same words he shortly after spake to Marshall Danvill when he came to visit him And whereas Monsieur Merlin told him that the afflictions and calamities which happen to Gods Children use to quicken theâ— more in Prayer The Admirall thereupon with an audible voice and fervent soul poured out this Prayer unto God O Lord God and my heavenly Father have mercy upon me for thy tender mercies sake Remember not against me my former iniquities neither charge me with the sins of my youth If thou Lord shouldst strictly mark what is done amiss or shouldst impute to us our breach of Covenant what flesh could stand before thee or endure thine anger As for me disclaiming all false gods and worship I only call upon thee the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and worship thee alone for Christ his sake I beseech thee to bestow thy holy Spirit upon me and give me the grace of patience I only trust in thy mercies all my hope and confidence is placed on that alone whether thou pleasest to inflict present death upon me or to spare my life to do thee further service Behold Lord I am prepared to submit to thy will in either nothing doubting but if thou pleasest to inflict death upon me thou wilt presently admit me into thine everlasting Kingdom But if Lord thou sufferest me to live longer here grant O
benefit of night some escaped By this time Cossen with some Swissers of the Duke of Anjou's guard had removed the chests and were come up the stairs One Beheme a German was the first that entred the chamber who seeing the Admirall sitting there said Are not you the Admirall I am quoth he but you young man should have regard to my hoary head and old age But Beheme exchanging no more words struck him with his Sword and first embrued himself in the Admirals blood then Cossen Atinius and the rest followed and slew him with many wounds This Atinius reported afterwards that he never saw a man in so present a danger to have born out death with so great a constancy Then did the Duke of Guise from below ask if the businesse were done answer was made that it was But said he the Duke of Engolisme will not believe it except he see him himself therefore cast down his body out at the window with that they hurled it down headlong into the Court all defiled with gore blood whereupon the bastard of Engolisme wiping the blood from his face with his handkerchief and thereby knowing him kicked him in a scornfull manner Some say it was the Duke of Guise that did it Then one of the Duke of Nevers servants cut off his head and carried it to the King and Queen-Mother who caused it to be embalmed and sent it as a present to the Pope and the Cardinall of Lorrain to assure them of the death of their capitall enemy The people fell upon his Corps as mad men one cuts off his hands another his feet another his privy members and for three daies space drag his poor carcasse about the streets with all indignity Then some boyes would have thrown it into the River Seine but others dragged it to the gallows at Mountfaucon where they hung it up by the thighs and the shoulders downward but within few daies Francis Monmorency who had seasonably withdrawn himself from the danger caused some trusty persons to take it down by night and bury it in the Chappell at Contilia This was the end of this brave man who was the very first Noble man in all France that durst professe himself a Protestant and a helper of them He was marvellous zealous in performance of the exercises of Religion He used to rise very early and then putting on his night-gown and calling his Servants about him he went to prayer with them Then he set time apart to hear the Deputies of the Churches which were sent to him or for such like publique businesses Each other day in the forenoon he had a Sermon preached before him after which he returned to his businesse till dinner which being ready his Servants came in and there the Admirall standing by the Table and his Wife by his side one of David's Psalms were sung and a blessing craved upon the meat which course he did not only observe at his own house but every day in his Camp without intermission When the cloth was taken away he presently arose and standing with his Wife by him either himself or his Chaplain returned thanks At supper-time the same was done both with Prayers and Psalms And because he found it difficult to get all his Servants together at bed-time in regard of their various employments he caused them all to come in presently after supper where after a Psalm he went to prayer with them By this his excellent example very many of the French Nobility were enduced and encouraged to use the same discipline in their Families the Admirall often admonishing them that if they would embrace godlinesse in the life and power of it it was not enough for the Master of the Family to hear Sermons and to order his life in an holy and religious manner unlesse by his authority and example he brought all his houshold to joyn with him in the same When the time for receiving the Lords Supper approached he used to call his Friends and all his Family to him and shewed them that he must render an account to God for them as well as for himself If any discord was between them he reconciled it If any were ignorant he took care that they should be better instructed If any were obstinate he plainly gave them notice that it was better for them to remain at their own homes then for him to maintain such ungodly persons in his retinue He alwaies esteemed the carefull education of Children in good Schools a singular benefit of God and he called it the Seminary of the Church saying that ignorance of good letters was the cause of errour both in Church and State and that Popery crept in and kept in by that means Hereupon he erected a fair School at Chattilion under his Castle in a pleasant and wholesome place and bestowed great cost on it where he maintained Learned Interpreters of the Hebrew Greek and Latine tongues he maintained also many poor boyes and young men in that School He was modest and moderate in his desires after the world for though he had great Honours and Offices conferred upon him whereby he might much have enriched himself yet he added not so much as one Lordship or plough-land to the Inheritance left him by his Fathers He husbanded his estate and houshold affairs frugally yet having very many Noblemen and Gentlemen that resorted to him upon publique business he gave them free and hearty entertainment whereby he spent all that he saved at other times by his frugality Yea his extraordinary expences were so great that he left his Heir in debt no lesse then fourty thousand Crowns paying to his creditors yearly use-money no less then six thousand Crowns There was such incredible love and concord betwixt him and his two Brethren that all three seemed but to have one mind betwixt them He lived fifty three years six moneths and eight daies and was slain Aug. 24. 1572. He was of a middle stature of a ruddy colour his members equall and well compacted of a mild and cheerfull countenance of a small and pleasant voice yet somewhat slow and gentle of a healthy constitution of a comely gate and gesture abstemious in the use of Wine of a moderate diet and sleep for he never used to sleep above seven hours at the most After the Edict for Pacification he suffered no day to passe but before he went to bed he set down the things in his journall which fell out in the Civil Warres and were of any moment which being found after his death was carried to the King and admired by his very adversaries who thereby saw his quiet constant and composed mind in the midst of his greatest businesses When the Warre was finished and he was retired to Rochel no day passed over his head wherein he did not morning and evening read over one of Calvin's Sermons upon Job which History he used to call
special Providence His humility His death His Birth His education His love of the Scriptures His remove to Cambridge His call to Cawk The education of her children His call to Shrewsbury Satans malice His suspension His judgment against separation His studiousnesse His painfulnesse His humility and charity His servent Prayers His remove to Wrenbury A character of Mr. Nicholls Mr. Herrings character His call to Amsterdam The reason of his remove His Letter martyrdome The Lady Bromleys love to Christs Ministers His arrival in Holland His entertainment there His first Sermon Return of prayers His fear of Independency His death His birth and education His first going to Cambridge His conversion His disputation at the Commencement Note He preached a Lecture at Ely His removall to Hanwel His great pains there His frequency in fasting and prayer His hospitality His second marriage The great successe of his Ministry His deprivation His preaching at Fenni-Compton His removall to Cannons-Ashby He is again silenced He had an excellent gift in conference His comforting of afflicted consciences Joy unspeakable Note He is placed at Fausley His hospitality His charity The benefit of afflictions Troubles to be expected His frequency in Fasting and Prayer His diseases His desire of death The reasons of his desire His taking occasions to do good How he prevented swearing His delight in the Law of God His mercifulnesse His love and charity Dr. Prestons love to him He comforts Mr. Throgmorton His weanednesse from the world What wicked men are like Note Afflictions Gods potions The power of his Ministry His excellency for similitudes Benefits of death Benefit of Prayer Benefit of Faith We should not be weary of hearing Sinfull recreations Promises great riches His humility Love better then Law The benefit of turning to God betimes A special Providence His Faith How afflictions may be lessened Meeknesse Comfort in dangers His Faith Cavaliers cruelty His patience Death not feared Passionate rebukes unprofitable What contention should be amongst married persons His manner of preaching The Scope of his Prayers His exposition of Scripture His custom in preaching What preaching is unprofitable True humiliation His preaching by signes Christians should be cheerfull His indefatigablenesse The benefit of plain preach-king His holy life His peace-maing His acutenesse His humility His modesty What Wise should be chosen How we may alwaies have comfort What will make us willing to suffer Assurance to be laboured foâ— Thankfulness in afflictions Prayer His tentation and victory His faith and patience His death His call to Stoke The great successe of his Ministry His flight to Warder Castle Special providences His remove to Sarum He is condemned to be hanged His courage and constancy A special Providence His remove to Winchester He is urged to recant His remove to Oxford His Release He is sent for by the Earl of Essex His going to Barwick A special Providence Possession Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom A special Providence The great successe of his Ministry His death His Parentage His birth and education He was sanctified from the Womb. His frequent reading of the Scriptures His natural endowments His skill in the French His industry His observance of his Parents Despisers of Parents usually punished by God His admission into the University He is made Fellow of Queens Colledge His care over his Pupils He is ordained Minister His call to Canterbury The occasion of it Friendship His self-denial He was a burning and shining light His opposition to innovations His humility He doth good abroad He is opposed by Sectaries and Cathedralists His Lecture put down He is again restored Tentations prevented His remove to Ashwel His great pains His humility and sincerity His prudence His diligent catechizing His prudent charity His Cathechism His manner of reforming disorders His Family-Government His care for sanctifying the Sabbath His secret duties His Fasting and Prayer His frequency in reading the Scriptures His holy and exact walking He is made University-Preacher He is made a Member of the Assembly His conscientiousnesse therein His fitnesse for it His care for Ashwel in his absence His choice to Dukes-place His self-denial His great pains The success of his Ministry His call to the new Church His temperance The reasons of his removall His great pains A faithfull Pastor His amiable and affable disposition His care about the Lords Supper He is made Master of Queens Colledge His Government of the Colledge His care to promote Religion there His care to advance learning His charity His prudence A true Nathaniel His zeal His courage and faithfulnesse His vindication of the Sabbath A special Providence His faithfulnesse His judgment about the King His temperance and sobriety His liberality and charity His last sicknesse His Prayer before death His death His Parentage His Fathers death His Mothers death Popes Policy His Birth His education His valour He is wounded His advancement His military discipline His military service He is made Admirall He is made Generall He makes Peace with the Emperour His distast of perjury The cause of the feud betwixt him and the Guises His courage St Quintan besieged His fidelity to his Countrey His industry The French Army routed The City battered St Quintan taken The Admirall taken His sicknesse a means of health to his soul. He devests himself of his Offices His temperance Andelot questioned for Religion His stout Answer His imprisonment The cause why he left his Offices His godly wife encourages him Persecution attends the Gospel He instructs and reforms the Family The power of Religion His prudent humility How Christ is received in the Sacrament He partakes of the Sacrament to the great joy of the Churches Persecution the bellows of the Gospel A meeting of the Nobility His zeal and courage The Protestants Petition His boldnesse A Parliament desired The Protestants persecuted The Admirals oversight A general convention of the States A petition for the Protestants The malice of the Clergy The Protestants freed from persecution Churches allowed them A massacre by the Duke of Guise The King seized on by the D. of Guise Why the Protestants first took arms Prince of Conde made Generall The Admirall made Lieutenant Generall P. of Condees facility The Q Mothers perfidiousnesse P. of Conde prisoner The Admirall releases him His eldest Son dieth The Guises call in forraign help And so do the Protestants The Admirall taketh their ammunition A Battell Conde taken prisoner The Admirals valour John Poltrot slew the Duke of Guise A wicked brag A peace concluded The Admirall accused He clears himself The controversie determined by the King The Admirall cleared Treachery against the Admirall He forgives the Traitor The Q. Mothers mischievous counsels Her subtilty God follows her with the plague The Guises attempts against the Protestants frustrated by the Admirall Lies raised of him His speech to the Parisians His speech to the Parliament New treachery against him