his Pancrestum or Physick for all diseases which greatly comforted his heart in all his afflictions By his first Wife he had five Children He left alive Lewis his eldest Daughter married to Monsieur Teligni who was murthered the same night with his Father-in-law then Francis Odet and Charles the two elder survived that furious Massacre the third being not eight years old in whom he took much delight for his prettinesse was taken by his enemies and taught to bear the Crosse of Christ in his tender years He left his second Wife great with child who was brought to bed four moneths after of a girl and returning to her native Countrey in the borders of Savoy was not long after committed to prison by the command of P. Philibert D. of Savoy for marrying against his consent The Life of Joane Queen of Navarr who was poisoned at Paris a few daies before the bloody Massacre Anno Christi 1572. IOane of Albert was daughter to Henry the second King of Navarr and to Margueret of Orleance Sister to Francis the first of that name King of France and by her Parents was carefully trained up in the Protestant Religion from her childhood which she constantly adhered to all the daies of her life She was married to Anthony of Bourbon Son to Charles Duke of Vendosme by whom she had Henry the fourth of that name King of France by his Fathers right and the second of that name King of Navarr by his Mothers This Anthony King of Navarr in the minority of Charles the ninth being the first Prince of the blood was to be his Protector but the Queen-Mother and the Guises seeking to draw all the power and management of affairs into their own hands laboured by all means to withdraw the King of Navarr from the Protestants that so by weakening them thereby they might rule the rost as they listed For which end they employed the Ambassadour of Spain the Cardinall of Tournon Escars and some other houshold flatterers to him who perswaded him that carrying himself a Neuter and causing the Prince his Son to go once to the Masse the King of Spain would give him the Realm of Sardinia in recompence for that of Navarr which he had lately taken from him The Pope likewise confirms him in this hope which indeed was but to take from him all means of recovering his Kingdom of Navarr when he should attempt it Yet he being drawn by those Spanish and Lorrain practises estrangeth himself by little and little from the Protestants sollicited the Queen his Wife to return into the bosome of the Romish Church and to draw her children thereunto But she being better grounded in the truth then so easily to forsake it refuseth whereupon a breach grew betwixt them and the King her Husband falls in love with one of the Queen-Mothers Maids The forenamed Guisian instruments seeing this perswade him that Heresie is a sufficient cause of dissolving marriage and that therefore he might be divorced from Joane Albert his Wife as being infected with the poison of Heresie They tell him also that notwithstanding his divorce he should retain to himself the possession of and interest in all the Dominions and Kingdoms belonging to her of which she should be deprived as unworthy of them by reason of her Heresie And instead of her he should marry Mary Queen of Scots whose Dowry say they is the Kingdom of England and as soon as the marriage is contracted the Pope would strip Elizabeth of it as unworthy thereof for the same cause and settle it upon them c. But the King of Navarr abhorring to be divorced from his Wife it remained that he should accept the conditions about the Kingdom of Sardinia for the effecting whereof they left no means unassaied and at last prevailed so far that they gulled the King of Navarr and set him at odds with his Brother the Prince of Conde Coligni the Admirall and the other Protestants The Queen his Wife distasting his change of Religion and adhering to the Popish party retired into Podium in the Countrey of Bearne where she kept her Court But it pleased God that shortly after in the siege of Orleance the King of Navarr was shot into the shoulder whereof he died about three weeks after The next design was to seize upon the Queen together with her Son Henry and her Daughter Katherine and to bring them before the judgment seat of the Inquisition of Spain and the Conspirators doubted not but that Philip King of Spain would more willingly hearken to this counsell for that this exploit would make for the advantage of his Religion the rescuer whereof he proudly boasted himself to be As also the businesse about the Kingdom of Navarr which he unjustly detained would be hereby dispatched by the taking away of the unlawfull heirs thereof They conceived also that the businesse might easily be effected by the means of the King of Spain's Souldiers that lay at Bacinona ready to be transported into Africk who by the waies of the mountains might come upon and surprize the Queen of Navarr and her Children at Podium before they were aware One Dominik a Captain born in the territories of Bearne was singled out to go to the Court of Spain to communicate these counsels with the King and to receive further instructions from him But it pleased God that this Dominik falling sick by the way Annas Hespius an honest man that tended on him smelt out the occasion of his journey and by giving timely notice prevented the effecting of it by which deliverance God shewed his watchfull providence over his handmaid this Religious Queen of Navarr Not long after in the time of the third Civil Warre for Religion this Queen having raised great Troops led them to Rochel together with her Son Henry and her Daughter Katherine from whence she wrote Letters to the King the Queen-Mother the Duke of Anjou and the Cardinall of Bourbon To the King she wrote That in the common Cause of Religion in regard of the duty which she owed to the King and the necessity of blood whereby she was joyned to the Prince of Conde she could not be wanting to him upon such an occasion having alwaies rejected the bloody counsels of the Guisian faction and especially the Ambition of the Cardinall of Lorrain from whose friendship she earnestly dehorted the Duke of Anjou beseeching him that he would not yield up himself a minister of his wicked will in cutting up the Royal stock by the roots In her Letter to the Cardinall of Bourbon she sharply chideth him for not being warned by his former danger For how long saith she will you be the Suffragan of the Cardinall of Lorrain Have you forgotten the treacherous plots that were laid by him for your Head and are you so credulous as to believe his oaths when he sweareth that he minded no treachery c. But these
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
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
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
c. Having dispatched these things he resolved to march to Vivaret and to the bank of Rhodanus and understanding that some were up in Arms for him in the Delphinate who also had taken some Towns he sent part of his forces to them to assist them in taking in some Cities of greater consequence committing the government of them to Count Lodwick of Nassaw who arriving in the Delphinate struck such a terrour into the Inhabitants as caused them to fly into the Cities but he having no Guns for battery only wasted the enemies Countrey and so with honour returned within few daies to the Admirall Shortly after the Admirall worn out with cares watchings and incessant labours fell sick and though he was greatly afflicted with his disease yet conceiving that it was of great concernment for him to get to the River Liger he made no stay but in his Horselitter marched with his Army thitherward for he was informed that about La Charity and Sancerra there were about two hundred risen in Arms for him whom he thought to be of great concernment to adjoyn to his Army the rather because Cossaeus Marshall of the Kingdom after the Battell in Xantone by the King made Generall of the Army in the room of the Duke of Anjou as he understood advanced with his Army that way and began to approach near him And whereas there came a Trumpet from him to the Admirall about exchange of Prisoners the Admirall sent him word by his Trumpet that he should not need to be at so much pains to seek him for that he himself was hasting towards him so fast as he could When he was advanced so far as the Forrest behold new Ambassadors met him from the King about a Peace for when the Courtiers heard that the Admirall whom they thought to be utterly broken by his former overthrow had in so short a time gotten so gallant an Army together again they were extreamly terrified lest he should march directly towards Paris and there should plunder and destroy the brave Countrey Houses of the Courtiers Senators and rich Citizens of Paris the like whereunto they had heard that the Senators and Citizens of Tholouse had already felt The Admirall by his march though in his Horselitter had his disease much increased upon him and the Physicians gave their judgment that if he continued still to be pressed with so great cares and multiplicity of businesses he could not hold out long whereupon the Treaty with the Kings Ambassadours brake off for a time but some Nobles that were aweary of the Warres complained that there was no reason that the Treaty should cease because the Admirall could not be present at it affirming that though he should die yet there were men enough of honour and interest that could carry on the Treaty to the establishing of Peace The Ambassadors tnswered them We wonder thrt you do not consider of how great authority the Admirall is amongst you who if he should die to day we would not offer to any of you tomorrow so much as a cup of cold water What do you not yet know that the only name of the Admirall can prevail more for you then a great Army without him Within a few daies the Admirall being refreshed and in a good measure recovered the Treaty began again and at last it was concluded That certain Commissioners should go along with the Kings Ambassadours to signifie to his Majesty in the name of them all That they of the Religion desired nothing more then Peace neither was any thing more grievous to them then Warre yet was there none of them but would undergo greater miseries yea and death it self rather then to deny the truth which they had embraced That if the King pleased to grant them Peace and the exercise of their Religion upon the former conditions and to put some cautionary Towns into their power for their security they would willingly and for ever lay down their Arms. These Messengers being dispatched the Admirall advanced forward and in his way took in the Town of Reneducium to which some of the Vantcurriers of Cossaeus were come and from that day forwards there was no day passed without some skirmishes between the two Armies and one day the minds of the Souldiers on both parts were so far inflamed that it had near come to a generall Battell there being only a little Brook between the two Armies Monsieur Mongomry having already broken the first Battell of the adversaries wherein were Valetius and Vasco men of great authority amongst the Royalists But presently came new Messengers from the King desiring a cessation from arms till the Treaty was finished and after great debate an Edict was sent from the King by which certain places were allotted to the Protestants for the exercise of their Religion in for the performance whereof they had for two years four cautionary Towns put into their hands viz. Rochel Montalban Cognac and Charity and the Kings Proclamations hereof were sent all over the Kingdom and so an en end was put to the third Civil Warres The Admirall bringing the German Forces to the borders of their Countrey dismissed them courteously and so taking the two young Princes of Navarr and Conde he went with them to Rochel where the Queen of Navarr was purposing to stay there till the Peace was fully setled in every place and after a few Moneths trusting to the Kings promises and to the oaths of the Kings Brethren and Parliaments having been tired out with so many and great labours he betook himself to rest and at the intreaties and perswasions of his Friends inclined to dispose of himself again in Marriage the rather because he was earnestly solicited thereto by the kindred of Jacoba Monbella the widow of the L. Anthony Monbell who was Daughter of Count Intermontanus of whose modesty piety and wholly life he had heard much formerly She therefore being brought honourably to him to Rochel he solemnly married her and not long after he disposed his own Daughter Ludovica in Marriage to Monsieur Teligni a young man of great Nobility and vertue Of all the Nobility of France none seemed more acceptable and dearer to the King then this Teligni by reason of his admirall ingenuity and therefore being much about the King it was he that did afterwards perswade the Admirall of the great esteem and hearty good will of the King towards him But God quickly mixed sorrow with the joy of these Marriages news being brought about that time of the death of Odet Coligni Cardinall of Chattillion who had been some time in the Court of England as the Procurator for the cause of the Protestants with Queen Elizabeth who much favoured him for the amplitude of his Family and the opinion of his vertue and integrity But the Protestants affairs being composed in France his Brother Gaspar sent for him Whereupon coming to Queen Elizabeth he obtained leave for his departure
unto others There was one Master Chaplin a woollen Draper in Warwick who made a Profession of Religion but many times brake out into scandalous practices Master Cartwright on a time walking with him in his Garden dealt plainly and faithfully with him rebuking him for his miscarriages and shewing him the dishonour that he brought to God and the Gospel thereby This so wrought upon Chaplin that he presently sunk down and being carried home died within a few hours after In his old age he was much troubled with the stone and gout which much empaired his strength yet would he not intermit his labours but continued preaching when many times he could scarce creep up into the Pulpit The Sabbath before his death which was the last Sermon that he made December the 25. he preached upon Eccles. 12.7 Then shall the dust return to the earth and the spirit shall return to God who gave it The morning before his death which was the Tuesday following he was two hours on his knees in private Prayer In which as he told his Wife he found wonderfull and unutterable joy and comfort God giving him a glimpse of heaven before he came to it and within a few houres after he quietly resigned up his spirit unto God December the 27. Anno Christi 1603. And of his age sixty eight Master Dod preached his Funeral Sermon During his abode in the University he was of great power and credit in the Regent-house so that the Doctors feared lest the Precisians as they were then called should choose him Vice-Chancellour whereupon they procured the alteration of the Statute whereby the choice was formerly in the Regent-house and confined the Election of the Vice-Chancellour to one of those two whom the Heads should prick After long discontinuance Master Cartwright coming to Cambridge was importuned to preach on a week day in Saint Maries where there was a great confluence of all sorts to hear him grave men ran like boys in the streets to get places in the Church After Sermon he dined at Master Chaddertons and many went to the house to see and hear him speak The Life of Master Paul Baines who died Anno Christi 1617. PAul Baines was born in London and had his Education in his younger years at Withersfield in Essex under one Master Cosens his Schoolmaster from whence being fitted for it he was sent to the University of Cambridge and admitted into Christs Colledge where his conversation at first was so irregular that his Father being grieved at it before his death being intimately acquainted with one Master Wilson a Sailes-man in Birchin-lane he left with him forty pounds by the year desiring him that if his Sonne did forsake his evil courses and become an honest man he would then give him that fourty pounds per annum if not that he would never let him have it But it pleased God not long after his Fathers decease to shew him his sinnes and to work effectual repentance in him for the evil of his waies so that forsaking his former evil company and practices he became eminent for Piety and Holinesse and according to that of our Saviour Much being forgiven him he loved much After which gracious change wrought in him by the goodnesse of God it was not long before Master Wilson fell dangerously sick and hearing how God had dealt with his Master Baines he sent for him and desired him to pray with him by which as also by his savoury discourse finding that what he had heard of him rather came short of the truth then exceeded it according to that trust reposed in him perceiving himself to be upon his death-bed he told Master Baines of the fourty pounds per annum which his Father left with him and so faithfully delivered up to him those writings of the agreement which had passed betwixt his Father and him and being like to leave behind him a Wife and two Children he intreated Master Baines that as he had faithfully and carefully discharged his trust towards him so when God should take him away hence that he would have a care of his Wife and Children and be a Friend to them And Master Baines after Master Wilsons death that he might fully discharge that trust which was reposed in him and also by way of gratitude for that friendship and fidelity which he had found in Master Wilson married his widow But before this for his eminency in learning he was chosen Fellow in Christs Colledge where he so much through Gods blessing on his studies and endeavours improved his time and talents that he became inferiour to none for sharpnesse of wit variety of Reading depth of judgment aptnesse to teach holy and pleasant language wise carriage heavenly conversation and all other fulnesse of grace By his holy life and coversation also he did largely preach to all such as came neer unto him and for the heavenly frame of his spirit what it was his incomparable Writings will sufficiently demonstrate to all future generations When Master Perkins who was Lecturer at Saint Andrews in Cambridge had there for many years held forth a burning and shining light the sparkes whereof did flie abroad into all the corners of the Kingdom and after he had served in his generation was taken up into Heaven there was none found so meet to receive as it were the Torch out of his hand and succeed him in that great Office of bearing it before such a people as Master Baines upon whom also the spirit of that Elias was by experience found to be doubled In which station he so demeaned himself for some years that impiety only had cause to complain But all that favoured the wayes of God or savoured of Religion rejoyced and gloried in him and his Ministry as in a spiritual and heavenly treasure But at length the hour of darknesse came from Lambeth when Arch-bishop Bancroft sent Master Harsnet to visit in that Diocesse which was but a trick to suppresse those which were not friends to the Bishops Kingdom At which time though there were multitudes of unable and notoriously scandalous Ministers yet none were found worthy of censure but only Master Baines of whom indeed the world was not worthy and one other godly Minister like unto him It 's yet hard to say whether the silencing of this good man were more odious or the manner of it more shamelesse which was thus Their custome was for fashion sake at their visitations to have a Sermon and Master Baines was chosen out by the Visitor to preach it at this time not out of love and respect to him but from a designe either to ensnare him in his words if he did not apply himself to their humour or else to grace their ungracious courses if he did But it succeeded not handsomly either way for Master Baines delivered holy and wholesome Doctrine appertaining to the present audience in such a
length drawn unto and that the rather because Master Johnson had fetcht some Arguments from grounds laid by him in that Treatise against Conformity which it stood Master Bradshaw upon therefore to consider of and give satisfaction unto that which was drawn up by him after perusall and approbation of some on whose judgment he much relied was by their advice sent over to Master Ames who with an Epistle of his own prefixed caused it to be printed in those parts where he then abode Neither was there any Reply ever returned unto it in defence of Master Johnson either by himself while he lived or by any other in his behalf so long as Master Bradshaw survived only many years after Master Bradshaws decease an attempt was made against it by one Master Can of Amsterdam which was not long after returned back upon its Author by a Friend of the deceased And indeed to Separation he was ever very adverse and to withdrawing from the publick places of Assembly or from any part of Gods Worship there used To which purpose shall be related out of his papers in his own words the ensuing passages delivered by him in a Sermon at Longford on Matth. 5.1 It is the great mercy of God toward us that we have no cause to seek the word in deserts and wildernesses in woods and caves and desolate mountains but such worthy edifices as these to assemble in dedicated only to this use And where Gods people have by publick authority such places as these appointed and allowed ordinarily to assemble and meet in we are fouly at least to suspect those Assemblies and the worship done therein which forsake those places and fly into woods and deserts It is true that among the Jews at this time there was the Temple and besides sundry Synagogues answeriing to these Churches of ours and which is more the doors of the Pulpits were generally open to Christ himself and yet our Saviour often taught in other places but this was upon extraordinary occasions such as seldome or never fall out with us and so carried by our Saviour that there was no Schisme or Separation made by him or any of his speciall Disciples or followers from the Assemblies then established And after concerning the places of Assembly themselves It is indeed an honour that those which are in Authority and ability should do to the Worship of God to see that comely and seemly places be dedicated and separated from other common uses thereunto and it is a disgrace and contempt to Gods Worship when men that may remedy it care not how base and contemptible the place of Gods Worship is when men have not that care of the place where the holy Assembly of God meets as they have of their barns and stables As also concerning some circumstances of Gesture used in them From Christ sitting to teach we learn in such externall behaviour to follow our Saviours example that is in matters not doubtfull and controversal at least to conform our selves to such outward fashions as are generally used in those times and that Church wherein we live For example in the like case It is the general custom in our Church that the Ministers preach standing in a seat higher then the People and bare-headed and this gesture is no peculiar gesture but borrowed from the common practice of Orators and such persons as make speeches to solemn Assemblies It 's meet therefore in such cases that we should not be singular and odde but conform to the received fashion of the Church So that if we should sit and preach as Christ did we should not conform to Christ because we should cross that which was the ground why Christ sate Lastly concerning repair to all parts of Gods service from those words And his Disciples came to him c. This also is a matter of order that as much as may be divine Worship should begin when the Congregation is assembled and come together Therefore the Members of an Assembly should make more conscience then usually they do of coming together sooner I urge this the rather because it is a general fault in our Assemblies not committed only by them that care not which end of Religion goeth forward but generally of most that so they come to some part of Gods Worship it is well enough especially if they can come time enough to the beginning of the Sermon Hence many times the Minister with the Clerk are fain to perform a great part of the publick Worship of God alone or with one or two at the most and the rest of the Church come dropping in one after another at their own leasure as though the publick prayers of the Church and reading the Scriptures were a Worship that concerned the Minister and Clerk only and not the whole Church This is the rather related and here inserted because not published to manifest the moderation of the man notwithstanding so much hard measure as he sustained from the hands of those who so grievously abused the power they had in those times Thus have you a rude and crude delineation of this blessed and faithfull Servant of Gods course and race whose life was indeed as a continuall peregrination here upon earth extracted partly from Letters written to him by others communicated for the better making up of this module by Master Samuel Hildersham Pastor of the Church at West-Felton in Shropshire Sonne to that famous man of pious memory Master Arthur Hildersham and Master John Bradshaw at present Minister of the Word at Echingham in Sussex Sonne to this worthy Champion of Christ Jesus both genuine heirs of their Parents best parts and partly from relations of his own and others of good credit his Letters especially to a bosome Friend whom he was wont from time to time thereby to acquaint with most occurrents of note that befell him or did any way concern him while they lived at a distance It might have been more exactly and intirely performed had not some Letters of his been lost and a bundle of others to him miscarried torn by Rats in his absence from the place where they lay the losse whereof in a Letter he much laments and wishes that as many of his Books to save them had undergone the like ill-usage His death was much lamented as by all that knew his parts and how usefull he might farther have been to Gods Church had the Lord been pleased to lengthen out the line of his life so more especially by the well-affected of that Family whereunto he had adhered but in a degree farre above the rest by the head thereof Mistresse Katharine Redich the relict of Master Alexander Redich deprived now of a second stay and principal support for spiritual helps especially since her Husbands decease a very tender-hearted Gentlewoman much addicted to hospitality and of very remarkeable devotion and piety reported by those who were inwardly acquainted with her more retired courses to have been wont constantly to spend privately
alios sed prius ipse facis The rest of that Society rejoyced that their Lecturer was Master of Emanuel and took occasion to expresse it according to their several dispositions and relations when he came to them in the Tearm which shortly followed There was one thing in the Colledge-Statutes that greatly troubled him and that was that the Masters absence from the Colledge was confined to a moneth in every quarter and he saw not how he could attend at Court and preach at Lincolns-Inne in Tearm time but he should transgresse but the Fellows soon consented to an interpretation that absolved him from the rigid sense there being in the Statute a double liberty first that in case of violent detention it should not hold they resolved that not only a natural but also a moral violence was to be understood The other was that in case of Colledge-businesse he should not be esteemed absent Now the Colledge was at that time in suit for a Living in the West of good value with one Master Ewins a Gentleman in the Parish who had bred up a younger Sonne to be a Scholar in relation to that Living and therefore contended for it as it had been his own Inheritance and when he was worsted at Common-Law prefers a Bill in Chancery and thought by mony to carry it against the Colledge-right Bishop Williams the Lord-Keeper then was his great Friend and when after many delayes it came at last to hearing would not allow the Counsell for the Colledge to speak Master Preston being present craved leave to speak in the cause himself but was not only silenced but severely reprehended for it it was Trinity-Tearm and the plague was very hot in London so that Michaelmas Tearm was wholly adjourned and the next Tearm was proclaimed at Redding and the Records removed thither but before that the Lord-Keeper was removed from his Throne and Sir Thomas Coventry one of the Colledge-Council that were not permitted before to speak succeeded him by whose integrity and justice the Colledge was restored to their right which ever since they have enjoyed and so his following the Colledge businesse excused his absence all his time Being therefore now established and greatly minding the good thereof he observed that the Scholars kept Acts but seldome and accordingly when they came unto it performed it but meanly he therefore advised with the Fellows in it and after many consultations it was resolved that the number of Acts should be in a manner doubled of those under Masters of Art which was a great advancement to learning of all sorts in the Colledge About this time Sir Arthur Chichester afterward an Irish Baron was chosen to go Embassadour into Germany about the Palatinate affairs and Master Preston was by the Duke of Buckingham and other Friends designed to go along with him he did not greatly fancy the employment but would not contradict only it was considered that though he was the Prince his Chaplain and Master of a Colledge yet he was not Doctor which they thought might sound ill abroad and reflect upon his Master and there was not time to go unto it in the ordinary way of Acts and Exercises therefore a Mandate was addressed to the Vice-Chancellour and Heads that forasmuch as Master Preston was to wait upon my Lord Ambassadour and could not in so short a time perform his Acts he should be forthwith admitted Doctor in Divinity that he might be ready to attend the service which was done accordingly with all alacrity Being therefore thus engaged and not knowing what might befall him in the voyage he resolved to settle his temporal estate before he went He was not willing to be accounted rich would often say Manifestus thesaurus citò expenditur And therefore though he had great Incomes from his Pupils and was not Prodigal yet he was not Master of his money for he had been advised to adventure in the East-India Company then newly set up and because estates there were invisible he was the willinger but by that means wanted money for there was paying for many years but no returns yet there was hope it might at last come in and so it did without diminution of the principal but not in his life-time Therefore he thought it needfull to make a legall disposition of his estate by Will and so he did and named a very Honourable person his Executor who lived to enjoy that money as well as other by vertue of it But the voyage came to nothing for Sir Arthur did not go as he intended yet this was his last Will and according to it all was enjoyed though he made additions by way of request or direction which were accordingly performed It was ever his ambition not to be mercenary in his Ministry but at liberty to preach where he might do most good without relation or respect unto the wages and he considered that the Master of Emanuel could have no Living that had cure of souls annexed and therefore was willing to give ear unto the sollicitations of the Townsmen who greatly prest him to be their Lecturer at Trinity-Church for they had applied themselves to Doctor Andrews Bishop of Ely and propounded to him Master Jeffries one of the Fellows of Pembroke-Hall and he had given way and Master Jeffries did preach at Trinity some years but was desirous of a more setled condition and had desired Doctor Preston to procure him to be Chaplain unto some Noble-man that was like to help him to a Living which was a very easie thing for him to do having so much interest in many great ones so he pitched upon Marquesse Hamilton who presently admitted Master Jeffries Chaplain to him and shewed him much respect as well for Doctor Prestons sake as for his own and long it was not before a Living fell namely the Rectory of Dun-mow in Eessex which the Marquesse procured and bestowed upon his Chaplain Master Jeffries for he had not then commenced Doctor and by that means the Lecture at Trinity was shortly to be void The Townsmen made account that now they had what they desired namely an opportunity to settle Doctor Preston in the Lecture at Trinity and great care was taken to increase the stipend from fourty or fifty pounds per annuum unto fourscore that the Doctor might have twenty pounds a quarter paid him for they thought the former inconsiderable not knowing what principles the Doctor lived by and when they had effected that they employed some of the chief to propose the matter to the Doctor very solemnly who was easily perswaded to accept their offer without relation to the stipend but there was one of the Fellows of Sidney-Colledge Master Middlethwite that put in for it and though few or none of the Contributors or Townsmen sided with him yet he procured Letters from the Bishop of Ely and ingaged all his friends both in the Court and University that it came unto a very great contest Doctor Preston who was offered any
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-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
his child-hood he with two or three School-fellows were so religiously disposed that on play-daies they would pray together and repeat the heads of their Catechisme with the Sermons which they heard upon the last Lords day before they went unto their Lusory exercises Thus this Timothy grew acquainted with God and his Word and the waies of Religion while he was a Child Being very well fitted for the University he was sent unto Cambridge bout the fifteenth year of his age and admitted into Sidney Colledge where he was studious and a good Proficient in Academical Learning When he was Master of Arts coming home to his Father he preached often in Coventry with very good approbation amongst those who were best affected towards the waies of Godlinesse Here he had special encouragements in the study of Divinity from Master Humphrey Fen famous for his Ministry and Non-conformity at Coventry who in the Preface to his last Will and Testament made so full and so open a Protestation against the Hierarchy and Ceremonies that the Prelatical Party would not suffer it to be put among the Records of the Court when the Will was tendred to be proved and his conscience was unsatisfied to enter into the Ministry by Episcopal subscription but through a good Providence he with Master John Ball were made Ministers by an Irish Bishop without that subscription The first place of his setled Ministry was Cawk in Derbyshire a small village whither he was called by means of his much honoured good Friend Master Arthur Hildersam and where he had good incouragements from Master Bainbridge a Gentleman there of good estate and estimation for Religion In this place which was six miles from Derby and three from Ashby de la zouch his peace and liberty was the better preserved because it was a peculiar and so not subject unto Episcopal visitation Here God was pleased to set a broad Seal to his Ministry making him an happy Instrument to build up many who were brought to Christ by Master Hildersams labours and also to turn many others from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God At this time there was great scarcity of good Preachers in those parts whereupon people from twenty towns and villages flocked unto Cawk-Chappel as Doves to the windows every Sabbath day where more congregated especially in summer and in afternoons then the Chappel could contain yet standing at the windows without they might hear the Sermons preached and Scriptures read because Master Herrings voice was clear and strong Hither great companies came in the morning with joyfull expectation of wholesome soul-provisions here they continued all day with cheerfulnesse some bringing their victuals from home with them and others going to a third ordinary provided purposely for the refreshing of strangers and they went from hence in the evening in companies repeating the Sermons and singing Psalms in their return home Here amongst many others Master Simeon Ashe received some of his first impressions and bents towards Religion whom Master Herring loved from his childhood and who lived in his heart and Prayers unto his death And this is a matter considerable that few if any in those parts who were hopefully brought unto God and by the Ministry of Master Hildersam and Master Herring have been turned aside into the by-paths of errour and separation in these broken dividing times but they continue sound in their judgements and holy in their conversations well remembring the principles whereof they were well instructed and grounded by those two Worthies their Fathers in Christ. When he had continued at Cawke about the space of eight years he was forced from thence for Non-conformity by the Prelatical power being informed against by ill-affected men who maligned the great service which he did and envied the great respect which he had in those parts Before he removed from thence the Lord provided for him a most gracious yoak-fellow who was no discouragement but an encouragement rather unto him alwaies both in his services and sufferings for Christ and his cause His Wife was the third Daughter of Master Gellibrand sometimes Preacher to the English company at Flushing in Holland and Grand-child to that man of God Master John Oxenbridge Minister of Southam in Warwickshire and afterwards of Bablick in Coventry where he died and as she came out of a godly stock so she hath expressed and still doth expresse the power of godlinesse in every condition and relation of her life to Gods honour By her he had thirteen Children and as they were happily mutually helpfull in the waies of holinesse so it was their joynt care to educate their posterity in the nurture and fear of the Lord. They were taught the Principles of Religion from their childhood and their tender good Mother according to their Fathers appointment caused them to learn the Proverbs of Solomon by heart Neither was this gracious care in vain for the blossomes and fruits of grace sweetly appear in their lives to the comfort of their Parents and Christian Friends And here this one thing is notable and imitable in this worthy man in reference to his Children viz. That ever before he gave them correction he endeavoured to convince them of their sin against God and sought by tears and prayers for Gods blessing upon that means for their good When the course of his Ministry was interrupted at Cawk and there was no hope of his peaceable continuance there God by means of Master William Rowley a wise religious man and his faithfull Friend was pleased to open a door for the more publique exercise of his Ministry in Shrewsbury Here he preached at Alkmares Church every Tuesday morning and upon the Sabbath also so long as liberty was allowed which Sermon was at one a clock that neither the Ministers of the town might be offended nor other Congregations emptyed by the peoples flocking unto his Ministry The Sermon which he preached on the Lords day he repeated it the same night before Supper at the houses of Master Edward Jones Master George Wright and Master William Rowley by course and whereas some spies were usually sent thither crowding in with the company to pick quarrels he behaved himself so prudently and prayed alwaies so affectionately for the King and present Government that his adversaries gave this testimony of him viz. Though he be scrupulous in matter of Ceremony yet he is a loyal subject unto the King and a true Friend unto the State Beside the great good service which was now done in Salop by his Ministry and private conferences with Christians in reference unto him many other Ministers had the more frequent recourse unto the town Master Pierson Master Nicols c. who were put upon preaching once or oftner before they departed thence whereby knowledge was much increased and the power of Godlinesse much cherished and promoted there But Satan maligning those opportunities of service unto Christ some envious ill-affected
hang him Then he was brought to Sir Ralph Hopton who spake to him thus Master Balsom I little thought one day that you should have been my Prisoner and I cannot but wonder that such men as you should be engaged in a rebellion against the King To whom he replyed Sir I cannot but wonder that such men as you should call this rebellion Sir Ralph desired him to give him an account of the grounds upon which he and his party proceeded promising him that he should not suffer for any thing that he spake to him After about half an hours discourse he committed him to his own Marshall with this charge Keep this man safe but use him well The Marshall received him and after some little rough entertainment upon his entrance into his house he at length used him with great seeming respect Long he had not been there but a Gentlewoman came to him with a pottle of Sack urging him to preach a Recantation Sermon the next morning before the Lords promising that if he would so do the King would make him a Doctor He replyed Sure you do but mock me for should I preach upon such short warning the Lords would never hear such extempore stuff but if you be in good earnest and would make me a Doctor indeed then let me have the same Law ye use to give your Doctors viz. a quarter of a years time to make a Sermon and by that time you may know more of my mind The next morning an Order was brought for the conveying of him to Oxford whither he was accordingly carried He lighted first at the Blewbore whither they brought a company of the Queens followers who with much fury oftentimes swore that he should not go alive out of the room But the Musqueteers who were set as a guard upon him desired them to be quiet telling them that he was their Prisoner and should not suffer there but they would suffer with him Thence he was conveyed to the Castle where after two or three daies abode he enjoyed the same liberty with other Prisoners And a while after he set up an Exposition Lecture in the prison twice a day To which not only the Prisoners and some of the Souldiers but divers Courtiers and many out of the town often came Being prohibited once or twice to go on in this Exercise he answered if ye are weary of me I am not willing to trouble you any longer ye may turn me out of your doors when you will but while I have a tongue to speak and people to speak to I will not hold my peace After some moneths of imprisonment he was released by exchange As he was departing thence some Courtiers and others that had formerly shewed him some favour perswaded him to close with their party and to stay with them He utterly refusing divers of them accompanied him out of town and as they were parting one of them said Sir If any of us should fall into your hands we should desire no better entertainment then you have had amongst us He replyed Gentlemen I could wish that ten thousand of you might fall into our hands within this moneth that you might see how kindly we would deal with you Thence he was sent for by the Lord Generall Essex to be Chaplain in his Army with whom he continued during his command Then he went to Barwick where he was received with great affection of the people and saw in a short time great successe of his labours in the Ministry During his abode there two things were very remarkeable One whereas there was a Child that had been strangely visited with such a weaknesse as neither Physicians or Divines could guesse at the cause or find out the cure Hereupon Master Balsom moved some Christians there to seek God with him by Fasting and Prayer which accordingly they did and obtained a suddain and extraordinary answer For as the Mother of the Child came home from the Exercise her Child met her and told her she was very well who before had kept her bed of a long time The other thing remarkable was this A Scottish Lord by name the Lord of Granson took up his habitation for a time in Barwick and brought with him his Family In which amongst others was the Steward of his house formerly reputed a godly man who was very much afflicted in mind Master Balsom came to visit him and administred some comfort to him for that time But two or three daies after he being sorely afflicted again Master Balsom was sent for who finding him very much weakned and worn out by the violence of temptation began to speak comfortably to him But perceiving that no words of comfort would fasten on him he whispered to him in his ear to this purpose I doubt there is something within that you should do well to discover Whereupon immediately the mans tongue swelled out of his mouth insomuch that he was not able to speak Master Balsom continued speaking to him till at length to the astonishment of those in the room being many and some of them persons of quality a shrill voice was heard as from out of his throat having not any use of his tongue to this purpose What dost thou talking to him of Promises and free grace He is mine Master Balsom apprehending it to be the voice of the Devil replyed No Satan thou dost not know any man to be thine while there is life in him But this is a notorious wicked wretch and therefore is mine The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin If God would let me loose upon you I should find enough in the best of you to make you all mine But thou art bound Satan And so turning himself to the people with a smiling countenance he said What a gracious God have we that suffers not Satan to have his will upon us Then the Devil began to curse and swear and blaspheme the Trinity in a most fearfull and horrible manner The Lord rebuke thee But this man is mine for he hath given himself to me and sealed it with his blood I do not believe that the father of lies speaketh truth and I do believe how confident soever thou art that thou wilt lose thy hold before to morrow morning The Devil continued to curse and swear further saying How canst thou endure to hear thy God blasphemed I will never give over blaspheming so long as thou stayest in the room I will pray for him Wilt thou pray for a man that is damned I will go home and pray for him and get all the force I can in the town to joyn with me After this there being no more voice heard Mr. Balsom went home about eleven a clock at night where he found in his house divers Christians which he intended to have sent for waiting for him and upon the sight of them he
if she were a stranger but it redounded to the great hurt of France and was the cause of many Civil broils When the day of the publique Convention of the States came he which made the Speech in the behalf of the Nobility about the end of his Oration presented the King with a Supplication that they of the Reformed Religion might have publique places allowed them for the exercise of the service of God in To this one Quintin a Doctor of the Civil Law and Professor of Paris opposed himself and made a long Oration in the name of the Clergy which he rather read then pronounced by heart wherein he took the boldnesse to affirm That all they that moved for publique places for those of the Religion were guilty of Treason against the King and Kingdom the authors of sedition and bringers in of a new Religion and therefore ought severely to be punished Of which when the Admirall in the Kings Councel afterwards complained Quintin to excuse himself professed that he had spoken nothing of his own head but only had pronounced that Oration which was penned and put into his hand by the Clergy and that he was ready again in the Convention of States before the King and all the company to avow that in all that he had said he had no thoughts of hurt to the Admirall In conclusion there was an Edict sent forth in the Kings Name commanding and requiring all the Judges and Magistrates through France to release all those of the Religion that were in prison and it was forbidden them upon great penalties hereafter to meddle with or to trouble any for their Religion sake As for the businesse of allowing them publique places for worship that was put off to the next Generall meeting of the States which was appointed but held not to be at Ponthoise in Piccardy January following there was a meeting of all the Princes and Nobles of France appointed to be held at St. Germans whither also repaired the Deputies from all the Parliaments and there it was decreed that Churches should be allowed to the Protestants in the Suburbs belonging to each City Upon the publishing of which Edict the Peace of the Kingdom seemed to be setled and in the Suburbs of all the greater Cities yea of Paris it self those of the Religion met publiquely and had Sermons preached without the least disturbance But presently after was news brought that the D. of Guise in Campania had basely murthered about two hundred persons who were met together at Vassiac to hear a Sermon according to the power given them by the Kings Edict in a barn and it was conceived that the D. of Guise took this boldnesse relying upon the friendship of the K. of Navarr whose weak mind he had bowed and bound to himself by promising him the Kingdom of Sardinia and other favours and upon this confidence adjoyning his other Brethren to him with a great Army he went to the Court and there seized upon King and Queen Mother who seemed with many tears to bewail the violence profered to to them and carried them away to Paris Hereupon the Queen Mother sent divers messengers to the Admirall and writ with her own hand to the Prince of Conde requesting them to help her and to deliver the King out of this captivity This caused the Prince of Conde with many of the Nobility upon deliberation to resolve to raise an Army for the rescue of the King and to curb the insolency of the Guises often saying that he ought not to be deterred with reports as if he intended to propagate his Religion by arms or to offer violence to the Person of the young King For said he After such a publique Decree made by the King and all the States in favour of those of the Religion What had the D. of Guise who is a Lorrainer by extraction to do in France Or by what confidence doth he exercise such cruelty against the Kings faithfull Subjects And therefore he saw that there was no way left but to repell force with force and that he was not the author of the War but by War defended those that were unjustly oppressed by War There was also a publique report that the D. of Nemours had endeavoured by flatteries to perswade the young Prince Henry the Kings Brother who was afterwards chosen King of Poland to go with him out of the bounds of France which the young youth had declared to his Mother There was much speech also of the Massacre at Vassiac and of their leading the King and Queen Mother as their captives to Paris where they had a powerfull faction They had also sent to the German Princes desiring to be admitted into the league of the Protestants The Cardinall of Lorraine had also sent to Christopher Duke of Wirtzberge a prudent and valiant Prince pretending that both he and his Brethren would embrace the Protestant Religion and desired to be enrolled in the number of the Protestant Princes These things being publiquely divulged the resolution of the Prince of Conde to take Arms was generally approved of and in a few daies many Cities sided with and assisted him as Orleans Biturg Roan Lions Vienna Valentia Mont-alban c. And whereas by the common consent of all the Protestants in France the Prince of Conde was chosen Generall he prevailed so far with them that the managing of the War was conferred upon our Admirall to whom he also delegated his own power and interest for the opinion which he had of his excellent justice gravity and prudence This being generally taken notice of the Queen Mother interposeth as a Mediatrix for peace and sends for the Prince of Conde to come to their tents intreating him that for the convenient situation of it he would deliver up into their hands for a few daies as the fittest place for the Treaty the City of Boience where there is a bridge that passeth over the River Loir which bridge she affirmed to be the fittest of all other places for the Parlee The Prince of Conde upon the perswasions of his Brother the King of Navarr and of the Queen Mother and upon their faithfull promise that the Town should be delivered back to him again and that his person should be in safety during the Treaty without taking any further pledges delivers up Boience to them only desiring that whilst the Treaty lasted the Constable Guise and Saint Andrew who were called the Triumvirate for the ruine of France might be commanded to withdraw from the Camp When these things were done the Queen Mother and the Guises put a garrison into the Town of Bogener fortifie it strongly and keep the Prince of Conde prisoner The Admirall being justly incensed by this perfidiousnesse and resolving not to be wanting in his aid to the Prince of Conde he presently with all his Cavalry sets upon the enemies Camp which brought such a terrour amongst them
and scattered flying to Lusinian for safety leaving all their bag and baggage behind them so that the booty which the Admirall gat was estimated to be more worth then fifty thousand Crowns Two daies after they intercepted Letters from Fizius the Kings Secretary to the Queen-Mother much bewailing that losse Presently after the Admirall going to the Town of Jarnac fell into great danger and without a speciall providence had become a prey to his enemies For the enemy understanding that he purposed to transport his Forces over the River in that place by a bridge of boats they secretly laid an ambush on the other side and observing the Admirall where he was they let fly all their Harquebushes at him and others endeavoured to break the bridge of the Admirals side there was one Harquibushier that had often shot at the enemies and at last was by a bullet slain whereupon twelve more ran to his aid so that a tumult arising the Admirall ran with his naked Sword not having time to put on his arms and endeavoured to cut in sunder the cords wherewith the boats were fastened all which time the enemies ceased not continually to shoot at him yet God wonderfully preserved him and from that time forwards he resolved never to be without a Lifeguard for his assistance in such suddain accidents Two daies after the enemies having passed over the River Charenton the Prince of Conde feared lest they would compasse him about having lately joyned to them three thousand German horse and six thousand Swissers yet being of a very resolute and couragious mind he resolved to stop their course yet withall if possible to avoid a set Battell In the mean time word was brought to the Admirall that some of his Forces which were quartered in a neighbour village were circumvented by their enemies and yet valiantly defended themselves our Admirall hastened therefore upon the spur to their succour with some horse whom as soon as the enemies espied they compassed round about which being told to the Prince of Conde being more valiant then advised he brake into the midst of them where being oppressed with the multitude and his horse killed under him which also fell upon him he lifting up his beavour rendred himself to some of the Kings Captains who gave him their faith for his safety but presently after came Montisquius Captain of the Duke of Guise his guard not without the secret command of his Master as it was believed and setting upon Conde behinde his back as he was talking with the Captains dispatched him with a dagg shot into his neck He was a Prince inferiour to none that lived in that age for courage and courtesie he was eloquent in speech liberall affable to all and a most excellent Commander in Warre After his death his body was basely abused and at last in scorn laid upon a Shee-Asse and carried to Jarnac The Admirall being exceedingly grieved with this great losse and suspecting the issue made a retreat together with his Brother Andelot into the Town of St. Jan de Angeli and whereas he might have revenged the indignities done to the body of the Prince by shewing the like to the bodies of many of his great adversaries whom he had slain yet he would not do it but afforded them decent buriall which thing he also did during all the time of the Warres The Queen of Navarr being at Rochell and hearing of this great losse hastened to the Camp comforted the Captains and exhorted all the Souldiers not to be disheartned nor to forget their former valour telling them that she had brought her only Son Henry that was to succeed her in the Kingdom to be their Generall professing that she preferred the safety of the Army before the life of her Son To him was also Henry Prince of Conde Brother to Lewis that was lately slain adjoyned in this honour but the whole care for managing the Warre by the joynt consent of all the Commanders and Officers was wholly divolved upon the Admirall none having the like credit or authority amongst those of the Religion as he For it was well known that besides his singular skill in military affairs his justice and temperance there was none amongst all the Peers of France that had so openly embraced and professed the Religion as he He was the first that reformed his Family according to the Rule of Gods Word He was the man that presumed to prefer their Petition to King Francis the second that was nearly allied to the Guises by affinity He gave the first example to the Nobility of France of Piety who were grown extream loose by reason of the dissolutenesse of the Court and after he had once embraced the Reformed Religion he never gave the least occasion of scandall to the Churches And whereas many Delegates repaired often to him from the Churches he alwaies gave them wholsome and prudent counsell He first took up arms not to fight against the King as some misreported but at the request and Prayers of the Queen Mother Neither yet did he it either by his own private counsell or of the Queen Mother but by the Authority of the Parliament of Orleance the King being not yet twelve years old As also after the Kings Edict for Peace established and promulgated by the advice and consent of all the States of France because it was so notoriously violated by the Guises to the utter undoing of many honest Families and almost the ruine of many flourishing Cities and to the losse of the lives of many famous Captains to the great prejudice of the whole Kingdom and to the oppression of many flourishing Churches dispersed almost in every Town of France By all which that poor Kingdom was laid open to be a prey to any forreign Prince that should invade it After these things a grievous affliction befell the Admirall by the death of his Brother Andelot who in the City of Xantone died of a violent disease suddainly not without suspition of poison and the rather because it was a usuall saying of Biraguus shortly after made Chancellour That the War was not to be finished with so much hazard by armed men but rather by Cooks and Kitchin boyes Upon this occasion the Admirall wrote a Letter to his own and his Brother Andelot's sons who were with their Tutor at Rochel for comforting of them the tenour whereof was this Although I believe that the death of my Brother Andelot is very grievous unto you yet I thought fit to admonish you that you have great cause to rejoyce that you had so good a Father and Uncle of whom I dare affirm that he was truly Religious and eminent for his valour and skill in military affairs the remembrance of which vertues ought to be dear unto you that as much as may be you may be imitators of them yea I believe I may boldly affirm this of him that there is none in all
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
Letters prevailing nothing the Warre went on and in the Battell of Bassac the Protestants were worsted and the Prince of Conde slain which news being carried to Rochel the Queen of Navarr posted to the Protestant Army where before a great Assembly of Nobles and Souldiers she made an Oration to confirm their mindes praising the vertue and constancy of the Prince of Conde who had employed his faithfull endeavours even unto death in defence of so just a Cause and thereupon she exhorted the rest to imitate his example and to persevere in maintaining the truth of Christ and the Liberty of their Countrey For saith she the good Cause is not dead with the Prince of Conde neither ought godly men to give way to despondency in such cases God having so provided for his Cause that he gave Conde companions whilst he lived that may succeed him now he is dead I have brought with me mine only Son Henry and Conde's own Son who as he is Heir of his name so is he of his vertues These with other Nobles besides I trust will never be wanting to so good a Cause And having thus spoken to the Nobles and Army and many things privately to her Son whetting his youthfull spirit she returned again to Rochel to provide new succours In the mean time a Commission was granted to Terride Governour of Quercie to summon the Queen of Navarr and the Prince her Son to leave the party of the Protestants and in case of refusal to invade the Countreys of Bearne Foix and Navarr in which he so prevailed that he reduced all to the Kings obedience but only Navaren which he besieged as the only strong place that remained to the Queen Hereupon the Queen and the Princes sent the Earl of Montgomery to encounter him who with a small Army of five hundred Horse and four thousand Foot forced Terride to raise his siege and retire himself to Ortheze His men were dispersed and to prevent his gathering them together again the Earl besieged him forced the Town and to beat Terride with his own weapons he turned his Cannons which ht found in the Town against the Castle whereupon it was surrendred to him after which all other places were suddainly reduced to the obedience of the Queen and the Earl having garrisoned the Towns of his new conquest speedily returned to the Princes Not long after Peace being concluded betwixt the King and the Protestants the King published an Edict wherein amongst other things he hath this passage Let it be lawfull for the Queen of Navarr the Kings Aunt besides the benefit which is common to all those which have the highest jurisdiction to enjoy the free exercise of her Religion in the Dukedom of Albert in the Earldoms of Armigniac Foix and Bigorre in one place of all those Dominions which she holdeth in her own possession or which may be consigned to her by the King so that all that will come to that place though she her self be absent may enjoy it without danger Moreover lest any doubt should arise concerning the right meaning of the Queen of Navarr the Kings Aunt as also of the Princes of Conde both Father and Son the King doth declare That he acknowledgeth them all for his faithfull Cosens and Subjects and that they and all that have managed the Warres under them shall be free and not bound to render an account for monies received or taken c. The Peace being concluded the malice of the Popish party was no whit abated whereupon they sought by Policy to effect that which they could not by power and for this end Biron was sent to Rochel in the Kings name to treat with the Queen of Navarr about the marriage between her Son Henry and the Kings Sister the Lady Margaret for which end he invited them to come to the Court where businesses might be fully debated and concluded He added also that hereby a fair occasion was offered from God to settle their affairs in peace c. The Queen of Navarr having returned thanks in a set Oration answered that the matter was of that importance that she would take time to her self in deliberating of it and albeit she did professe and acknowledge that that affinity would be a great ornament and profit to her yet she was for the present doubtfull what to do in regard of the near kindred betwixt her Son and the Lady and the difference in their Religions Wherefore saith she I will consult with my Divines and what I shall find to make for Gods glory and the good of the Kingdom and that may stand with a good conscience that I will readily and willingly imbrace being desirous in all that I may to satisfie the pleasure of the King and Queen to whom I owe all due observance Yet there remained two scruples which troubled the King and the Queen of Navarr in respect of the place and manner of celebrating the marriage For the Queen would not have it done at Paris which City being extreamly addicted to the Popish Religion she feared was long since an enemy to the Family of Navarr and therefore she judged it not safe to have it celebrated there The King on the contrary said That it would make for a certain sign of sure Peace to have the celebrity of the marriage seen in the Metropolis of the Kingdom as it were on a publique Theater The other doubt was about the manner of the celebration For the Queen of Navarr being most addicted to the reformed Religion would never endure that it should be contracted after the Popish manner nor the Queen-Mother after the fashion of the Protestants But the King prayed the Queen of Navarr to pardon him in that matter for that it would tend to his great dishonour if he should suffer the marriage of his Sister to be solemnized in any other form then according to that ancient Religion which he had received from his fore-fathers therefore to resolve this doubt there was time taken on both sides In the mean time the Queen of Navarr consulted with the Ministers of the Reformed Religion what might be done in this matter Some of them insisting upon the simplicity of Gods Word said that it was utterly unlawfull for such marriages to be contracted especially by illustrious Personages in whom it is more dangerous because of more publique concernment Others judging that this marriage would be a sure and as it were an everlasting foundation of a most happy Peace assented to it The Queen of Navarr and the Protestant Nobles striving to find out remedies both for the Kingdom which was grievously afflicted and for their own bruised estates liked these mens judgments best and so the businesse proceeded and the conditions of marriage were agreed upon between the parties The King was to give his Sister for her Dowry three hundred thousand Crowns each Crown being valued at four and fifty Shillings About this time the