with his own blood and delivered to the Devil But presently after the man began to decay in his health so that the thing being suspected he was brought to Luther who examined him about it but he through fear and shame long denyed to confess any thing yet at last through Gods mercy he revealed the whole matter to him whereâ—â—â—n Luther much pitying his lamentable condition called the whole Congregation together where he prayed with so much earnestness and affection that the Devil was at last compelled to throw in his Obligation at the window And as he was mighty in Prayer so in his Sermons God giving him such a grace that when he preached they which heard him thought every one his own temptations severally to be noted and touched whereupon some of his friends asking him the cause of it Mine own manifold temptations and experiences said he are the cause of it Wellerus also a Disciple of Luthers recordeth that he oft heard his Master thus report of himself That he had been often assaulted and vexed with all kinde of Temptations save only unto the sin of câ—vetousness Lutherus multa Latino vernaculo sermone scripsit quae diversis locis temporibus separatim primum edita postea collecta in plures Tomos distributa There is also lately printed in English his Colloquia mensalia of which one thus writes Praestitisset hos Sermones convivales in lucem nunquam emissos Fortè adversariis procurantibus illi editi Sin minus videant ii qui Lutheranorum nomine superbiunâ— quomodo modestiam judicium existimationem authoritatem Lutheri defendere queant Sunt enim in iis non dico multa sed plurima quae piae castigataeque aures non solùm in conviviis Theologorum sedetiam in lndis atque theatris Comicorum non ferrent c. Concerning his works he thus writes Above all things I request the pious Reader and beseech him for our Lord Christ Jesus sake that he read my Books with judgement yea with much pitty and let him remember that I was sometime a Fryar and a mad Papist and when I first undertook this cause so drunken and drowned in Popish Doctrines that I was ready if I could to have killed all men or to have assisted others in doing of it who withdrew their obedience from the Pope but in one syllable Such a Saul was I as there are many at this day neither was I so cold and frigid in defending the Pope as Eccius and some like him are who seem to me to defend the Papacy rather for their bellies sake then in good earnest Yea like Epicures they seem to me to deride the Pope whereas I was serious in his cause as one that trembled at the thoughts of the day of Judgement and from my very heart desired to be saved He would by no means endure that any should be called after his name For saith he the Doctrine which I teach is none of mine neither did I dye for any man neither would Paul 1 Cor. 3. 4 c. endure such terms Besides we are all Christians and profess the Doctrine of Christ And lastly because the Papists use to do so calling themselves Pontificians whom we ought not to imitate Melancthon gave this testimony of him Pomeran saith he is a Grammarâ—an and explains the force of the words I am a Logician shewing the context and arguments of things Justus Jonas is an Orator and speaks copiously and eloquently but Luther is all even a miracle amongst men whatsoever he saith whatsoveer he writes peirceth into the soul and leaveth wonderful stings in the hearts of men Many Epitaphs were made of him amongst which these were some Roma orbem domuit Romam sibi Papa subegit Viribus illasuis fraudibus istâ— sâ—is Quantò isto major Lutherus major illâ Istum illamque uno qui domâ—it calamo I nunc Alciden memorato Graecia mendax Lutheri ad calamum ferrea clava nihil Theod. Beza Lutherus decimum confecit strage Leonem De clava noli quaerere penna fuit Jo. Major He used often to say That through Gods goodness there should be no Wars in Germany in his life time but saith he let the survivors look to it after my death Concerning the Doctrine of the Gospel he used to say that three things would destroy Christian Religion First Forgetfulness of the blessings received by the Gospel Secondly Security which reigns everywhere Lastly Worldly wisdom which will seek to bring all things into order and to support the publick peace by wicked Counsels He was of a sharp and quick wit Of a great and invincible minde Constant in the known Truth from the Confession whereof he could not be withdrawn either by threats or promises Many false reports were raised of him by the Papists insomuch as King Ferdinands Ambassador went to see what a manner of man he was telling him that it was reported in his Kings Court that he never went abroad but armed and attended with his guard that he spent all his time with Whores at Dice and Taverns But saith he I am well accustomed to such lyes He had a very sharp and Satyrical stile so that Eralmus used to say Deus dedit hâ—ic postremae aetati propter morborum magnitudinem acrem medicum God hath given to this latter Age by reason of the greatness of its diseases a sharp Physitian And Charles the Emperour used to say Si sacrificuli frugi essent nullo indigerent Luthero If Priests were not so dissolute they would not need a Luther When this Emperour had taken Wittenberg some of his Spanish souldiers would have digged up Luthers body and burned it but he said to them Sinite ipsum quiescere usque ad diem resurrectionis judicii omnium Let him rest till the day of Resurrection and of the Judgement of all things HVLRI ZVINGLIVS The Life of Zuinglius who dyed Anno Christi 1531. HVldericus Zuinglius was born in Switzerland of godly Parents and by them brought up in Learning Being about ten years old was sent to School to Basil to George Bintzlius where he profited so much that in all Disputations he went away with the victory He excelled all in Musick From Basil he was sent to Bern to Henry Lupulus a most learned man and an excellent Poet under whom he learned Rhetorick and became a good Poet. After two years he went to Vienna in Austria where he studyed Philosophy and proâ—itted much therein After a while he was called back into his own Country and at Basil he taught others what himself had learned where also he commenced Master of Arts and fell to the study of School-Divinity and being called to a Pastoral charge he entred into the Ministry and studied Divinity very hard and to furnish himself with examples he gat Valerius Maximus by heart He especially addicted himself to the study of the Bible and
c. help me with your Prayers By the way as he went he gave much Alms and at the place of Execution he spake to the people confessing his Faith by rehearsing the Articles of the Creed and afterwards prayed privately with earnest elevation of his Eyes and Hands to Heaven Being tyed to the stake the Fryars desired him to declare his charity to them by assuring the people that they were not the causers of his death for said they they think that we have procured it and thereupon will withdraw their charitable alms from us whereupon he said I pray you good people be never the worse to these men for my sake for they were not the Authors of my death The fire being kindled the winde drove away the flame from him so that he was the longer a burning holding up his hands crying sometimes Jesus sometimes Credo and so at last yeelded up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1531. WILLIAM TINDALL The Life of William Tindal who dyed Anno Christi 1536 WIlliam Tindal was born about the borders of Wales and brought up from a childe in the University of Oxford where he grew up and encreased in the knowledge of the Tongues and the Liberal Arts but especially in the Scriptures whereunto his minde was singularly addicted insomuch as being in Magdalen-Hall he read privately to some Fellows and Students some parts of Divinity instructing them in the knowledge and truth of the Scriptures His â—ife also was so blameless that he acquired much love and esteem thereby After he had profited exceedingly and taken his degrees there he remoued to Cambridge and being well ripened in the knowledge of Gods Word he went to live with one Mr. Welch in Glocestershire where he was Tutor to his children and many Abbots and Doctors resorting thither Mr. Tindal discoursing with them of Luther Erasmus c. shewed them plainly his judgement in Religion proving the same by the Word of God and confuting their Errors which caused them to bear a secret grudge in their hearts against him Not long after it happened that some of these great Doctors invited Master Welch and his Lady to a banquet where they had talk at will uttering their blinde Superstitions without gainsaying Then Master Welch and his Lady coming home and calling for Master Tindal began to reason with him about those matters whereof they had talked before with the Priests Mr. Tindal answering by the Scriptures maintained the Truth and confuted their Errors whereupon the â—ady Welch said There was such a Doctor as may expend 100 l. per annum and such an one as may spend 200 l. per annum and such another as may spend 300 l. per annum and is it reason think you that we should believe you before them Mr. Tindal gave her no answer at that time and talked but little afterwards of those matters because he saw it was in vain But fell upon translating a book called Enchiridion miliâ—s Christiani and having finished it he gave it to the Knight and his Lady who after they had well read and perused the same did not more so often invite the Doctorly Prelates to their house as before neither had they that chear and countenance when they came as formerly which they well perceiving supposed that it was by the means of Mr. Tindal whereupon they utterly withdrew themselves and came no more thither Then did the Country Priests cluster together storming and railing against Mr. Tindal in their Alehouse-meetings concerning whom himself writes thus I was saith he in that Country much molested by a company of unlearnnd Priests that had never seen more Latine then in their Portesses and Missals which yet many of them can â—carcely read and if they be but sorrily learned they get Albertus Magnus de secretis mulierum which they pore night and day upon making notes therein c. These men railed and raged against him affirming that he held heretical opinions and thereupon accused him to the Bishop and Chancellor whereupon the Chancellor appointed those Priests and Mr. Tindal also to appear before him and Mr. Tindal suspecting the matter as he went prayed heartily unto God to give him strength to stand fast to the Truth When he came the Chancellor threatned him grievously reviling and rating him as though he had been a Dog accusing him of many things whereof no proof could be brought and so dismissed him for the present Not long after Mr. Tindal happening into the company of one that was esteemed a learned Doctor in disputing with him he drave him to that issue that the Doctor burst out into these blasphemous words We had better be without Gods Laws then the Popes Mr. Tindal hearing this full of godly zeal replyed I defie the Pope and all his Laws and if God spare me life ere many years I will cause a boy that drives the Plough to know more of the Scripture then you do The rage of the Priests encreasing Mr. Tindal told Mr. Welch that he well perceived that he could stay there no longer with safety and that his stay might be prejudicial to his Family and therefore with his good leave he departed and went to London where he preached a while as he had done in the Country before And then hearing a great commendation of Cuthbert Tonstal Bishop of London he endeavored to get into his service but the Lord saw that it was not good for him and therefore he found little favor in the Bishops sight Remaining thus in London about the space of a year and being desirous for the good of his Country to translate the New Testament into English he found that there was no place for him to do it in England and therefore being assisted by Master Humphry Manmouth a godly Citizen and other good men he left the land and went into Germany where this good man being inflamed with a tender care of and zeal for his Country refused no travel nor pains if by any means possible he might reduce his Brethren and Countrymen of England to the same taste and understanding of Gods holy Word and Truth which the Lord had endued him withall Then conferring with Master John Frith he thought in his minde that no way would more conduce thereunto then if the Scriptures were translated into their vulgar language that so the people might fee the plain text before them for he well perceived that one great cause of Error was because the knowledge of the Scriptures was hidden from the peoples Eyes upon these considerations he there set upon this work Translating the New Testament Anno Christi 1527. and then setting upon the Old he finished the five Books of Moses with sundry most learned and godly Prologues prefixed before every one of them the like also he did upon the New Testament Besides divers other godly Treatises which he wrote there
THE MARROW OF Ecclesiastical History CONTAINED IN The LIVES of one hundred forty eight FATHERS SCHOOLMEN first REFORMERS and MODERN DIVINES which have flourished in the Church since Christ's time to this present Age Faithfully collected and orderly disposed according to the CENTURIES wherein they lived Together With the Lively Effigies of most of the eminentest of them cut in COPPER The second Edition enlarged in most of the Lives with the addition of nine Lives which were not in the Former By SAMUEL CLARK Pastor of Bennet Fink London Vt qui praeceptis non accendimur saltem exemplis incitemur atque in appetitu Rectitudinis nil sibi mens nostra difficile astimet quod perfectè peragi ab aliis videt Greg. Mag. l. 9. c 43. Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race which is set before us Heb. 12. 1. London Printed for T. V. and are to be sold by William Roybould at the Vnicorn in Pauls-Church-yard 1654. To the Christian Reader CHRISTIAN READER THe nature of man is more apt to be guided by Examples then by Precepts especially by the the examples of men eminently learned and of great repute for Pietie and Godliness Such men are as Looking-glasses to the places where they live by which most people dress themselves and when they fall into sin they fall like men in a croud many falling with them The bodies of men are not so subject to be infected by the illness of the ayr as the souls of men by the ill examples of godly learned Ministers When Peter at Antioch dissembled many of the Jews dissembled likewise with him and Barnâ—ibas was brought into their dissimulation also It is very remarkable that this example of Peter is said to be a constraining of the Gentiles to Judaize Why constrainest thou the Gentiles to do as the Jews Gal. 2 14. There is a compulsive power in the ill examples of godly men to constrain others to do the evil that they do and therefore let godly Ministers especially in these days take heed least by any wicked compliance they build men up in sin and bring destruction upon themselves as the two sons of old Ely did who by their wicked examples made the people of Israel to transgress and thereby brought ruine upon their old Father and themselves 1 Sam. 2. 24. And so on the contrary there is a heavenly power and efficacy in the good examples of men eminent in place and godliness to draw others to Pietie and Holiness As long as Joshua lived and the Elders that had seen all the great works of the Lord that he did for Israel the children of Israel served the Lord. The religious cariage of Theodosius the Emperour in his family made not only his family but his whole Court to be a nourcery of Religion Pezel Mel Hist. in vita Theodo 2. But this is most especially seen in the godly Lives of godly and learned Ministers Herod the King reverenced John Baptist observed him and when he heard him did many things and heard him gladly not so much for the love of his doctrine as because he was a just and holy man and as Jesus Christ saith of him a burning and shining light burning in holy zeal for God as well as shining in Orthodox Doctrine He is called by the Prophet The voyce of him that cryeth in the wilderness And as Nazianzen saith of him he cryed louder by the holiness of his life then the sincerity of his doctrine He was Tota vox All voyce his apparel his diet and his conversation did Preach holiness as well as his doctrine Mar. 6 20. John 5. 35. Isay 40. 3. And therefore is cannot but be a work very profitable to the Church of Christ for any man to write a History of the Lives of the eminently learned and godly Ministers of former times as a fair Copy for Posterity to write after and a Patten for them to imitate This Reverend religious and learned Author hath undertaken this work in this ensuing Treatise and effected it so well as that I thought it not sufficient to give a naked Imprimatur unto it without this additional commendation both of the Author and of his work The Apostle having in the eleventh Chapter to the Hebrews given us a littleâ—Book of Martyrs in the beginning of the twelfth Chapter he calls them A cloud of witnesses Such a cloud of witnesses is contained in this Book And as the childreu of Israel were directed in their journeys by the Pillar of a Cloud that went before them as long as they were in the Wilderness so let us make this cloud of Witnesses so far as it followeth Christ a Pillar of Cloud to guide us while we are in the Wilderness of this World till we come to enjoy that unexpressible happiness of which they are now made partakers So prayeth your servant in Christ Jesus EDMUND CALAMY TO THE Christian Reader Christian Reader THE right improvement of good Examples doth reach the highest ends of man viz. Gods honor and the souls welfare It was an honor unto King David to have so many men of valor under his command And doubtless the wisdom faith love Zeal courage and humility which Gods faithful servants in the several ages of the Church have expressed in their attendance upon him do publish the high praises of his blessed Majesty For if there appear so much worth in small drops what is there in the Seas of Divine Al-sufficiencie He that seeth the Sun-beams bright will see cause to admire the brightness of the Sun it self The luster left upon Moses his face by the reflection of the glory of Gods back parts was a full demonstration of the incomparable infinite glory of his face When we read of me raised above the World despising promises and scorning threatnings whereby they have been assaulted to desert the Truth of the Gospel and to make shipwrack of a good conscience how can we do less then glorifie God in them For can any power on this side Omnipotencie enable sinful men to deny themselves their dearest relations and the greatest earthly advantages for Jesus Christ How much of Deity shines in their Lives who could trample upon preferments laugh at imprisonment and banishment yea with smiles and joys embrace stakes and endure flames in love unto the Lord Jesus Oh what abundant occasion is administred of adoring the most High God in his rich perfections faithfulness and unchangeableness when we consider how even to admiration he hath furnished many of his Ambassadors with raised parts and graces to defend his cause and edifie his Church in the several corners of the World from generation to generation Histories hold forth the acknowledgements extorted from Heathens to the honor of the true God upon the notice taken of Christians gracious carriage both
to Athens Act. 17. and espying an Altar there with this inscription Ignoto Deo took occasion from thence to Preach of the true God of the Resurrection and Judgement to come whereupon by the great Philosophers of that City he was accounted a wicked and sacrilegious person for which he was carryed by them to Mars his hill where the Court of the Areopagites sat which was the chiefest Judicatory in that City But before those Judges he preached with such Divine eloquence and forcible arguments that through Gods mercy he converted this Dionysius the chief President of the Judges with Damaris his wife who used Paul very courteously and were instructed by him in the knowledg of our Lord Jesus Christ. At which the whole City was much amazed for all men accounted Dionysius a very wise and judicious man But now he was not ashamed of a Master to become a Scholar so that within 3 years space he became an admirable instrument to propagate the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Then was he by Paul ordained Pastor of the Church at Athens where for a good while he preached the Word of God with great wisdom zeal and diligence and as a wife Harvest-man brought in many Sheaves of Corn into Gods Barn Afterwards he went to Ephesus to visit S. John and S. Paul by whose perswasion leaving one Publius to look to his flock at Athens he went to Rome at which time Clemens governed that Church And having conversed a while with Clemens he intreated him to go into France to preach the Gospel there and to give knowledge of Salvation to that Nation This he willingly undertook and judging Paris to be the fittest place to reside in he so laboured amongst them that in a short space through Gods blessing he brought many Sheep into the fold of Christ and that not only of the meaner sort but many Rich Noble and Great Persons who overthrowing the Temples of their false gods erected new places for the service of the true God But this progress of the Gospel being envied by Satan the enemie of Christs Church he stirred up the Idolatrous Priests who suborned many to dispatch Dionysius but there was such a gracious lustre and radiancy in his countenance that when they beheld him some of their hearts failed them others were so affrighted that they fled away Shortly after Sisinius the Praefect gave command that Dionysius with his fellows should be apprehended and when he was brought before him he sharply reproved him for that he had preached against the Worship of their gods who by reason of his Sermons had lost their former honour and esteem He therefore required him to confess his error and to stop up that breach which he had made leaving off those novelties and unheard of Doctrines that by his recantation the people might see how vainly they had been seduced and so return to their antient Rites and Customs again To this Dionysius with great zeal wisdom and eloquence answered That they were no gods whom they worshipped but Idols and the works of mens hands and that it was through meer Ignorance Folly and Idolatry that they adored them Adding that there was but one true God according as he had preached At which words Sisinius was exceedingly incensed commanding him to be laid upon an hurdle and a gentle fire to be made under him to roast him Some others relate that he was thrown to hungry wild Beasts which yet would not tear him Then that he was put into an hot Oven which would not burn him Whereupon he was the second time brought before Sisinius who caused him publikely to be beaten with many and cruel blows by his Officers and when this prevailed not he standing up said Seeing thou hast contemned our gods derided the Emperors Edicts and by Magick hast wrought many Miracles to delude the people whereby thou hast seduced them from the obedience of the Emperor I will therefore that thou shalt be forthwith beheaded Dionysius nothing terrified herewith told him that he worshipped such gods as would perish like dung upon the Earth but as for my self said he Come life come death I will worship none but the God of Heaven and Earth This so enraged the Praefect that he commanded him presently to be executed whereupon he was haled out of the City to the top of an high Mountain and delivered to the Officers to be tormented which was accomplished with all the cruelty that could be Then lifting up his eyes and hands to heaven he said O Lord God Almighty thou only begotten Son and Holy Spirit O sacred Trinty which art without beginning and in whom is no division Receive the soul of thy servant in peace who is put to death for thâ— Cause and Gospel Which Prayer being ended he was beheaded with a sword which was made dull on purpose that his pain might be the greater He suffered Martyrdom in the reign of Hadrianus Anno Christi 96. and of his own Age 110. He used to say that he desired these two things of God first that be might know the truth himself Secondly that he might preach it as he ought unto others He wrote sundry Epistles as some affirm and some other works all which Scultetus for very good reasons rendred by him judgeth to be spurious JVSTIN MARTYR The Life of Justin Martyr who dyed Anno Christi 139. IVstin Martyr was born at Neapolis in the Country of Palestine His father was Priscus Bachius by whom in his youth he was set to schole where he profited so much that in time he became a famous Philosopher For being exceedingly inflamed with a desire of knowledge he would not be satisfied in his minde till he had gotten Instructors singularly seen in all kinds of Philosophy First he applyed himself to be a Scholar to a certain Stoick but finding that by his help he nothing profited in Divine knowledge after a time he left him and went to one of the Sect of the Peripateticks with whom after he had been a while he demanded of him a stipend for his teaching whereupon Justin accounting him no Philosopher left him and departed And being not yet satisfied in minde but desirous to hear of further learning he adjoined himself to one that professed the Pythagorean Sect a man of great â—ame and one that highly esteemed of himself whom after he had followed a time his Master asked him whether he had any skill in Musick Astronomy and Geometry without the knowledge whereof he said he could not be apt to receive the knowledge of virtue and felicity for that his minde must be drawn from the knowledge of sensible matters to the contemplation of things intelligible He spake much in commendation of these Sciences how profitable and necessary they were and because Justin declared himself to have no skill therein he turned him away which much grieved Justin who
menaces let all such know that the Church of the Lord will oppose them and that the Tents of Christ will prove immovable and not to be conquered by them His fidelity will notably appear by his Epistles wherein he excellently comforts the afflicted recalls such as were faln or commends the care of them to other Bishops of the Church vigorously opposeth the Hereticks and Schismaticks Neither was he only a Spectator of the Martyrdom of others but suffered himself to be proscribed yea chose death rather then to betray the truth of the Gospel or to approve of the least defection to the impious worship of the Gentiles By these means his fame increased so exceedingly that he was not so much the Bishop of Carthage as of all Africk yea of Spain the East West and Northern Churches Yea he was judged the Father of all Christians And to the further setting forth to the praise of Gods grace of his glorious vertues wherewith he was endued appearing as well in his own works as described by other worthy Writers he was courteous and gentle loving and full of patience and therewithal severe and impartial in his Office Furthermore he was most affable and kinde towards his Brethren and took much pains in helping and releiving the Martyrs Yea he wrote Letters to the Elders and Deacons of his Bishopwrick that with all study and endeavour they should gently entertain and do all the Offices of love that possibly they could to the Martyrs in his absence He was very prudent and circumspect Of a marvellous liberal disposition towards the Brethren that fled for refuge from other Countries and so often as he had cause of absence he committed the care of those poor men to his fellow Officers writing to them that of their own proper goods they should help their banished Brethren to that which was necessary for them He had also great skill in the fore-knowledge of future events He was of so communicative a disposition that he concealed nothing which he knew but with meekness and willingness uttered it to others He maintained Ecclesiastical Peace and Concord with those that differed from him in smaller matters Lastly he neither circumvented nor did prejudice to any man but did that which always seemed good in his judgement He much addicted himself to reading and would let no day pass wherein he read not some part of Tertullians Works and when he called for him he used to say Da Magistrum Give me my Master He chiefly studied to keep his body continent and clean from fleshly lusts saying That then his heart would be truly sit to attain to the full capacity and understanding of the Truth if once he could trample down Concupiscence A great Persecution being raised against the Church of Christ by Aemilianus President of Egypt Paternus and Galerius Maximus Proconsuls of Africk Cyprian sheweth the true causes thereof in his fourth Book Epist the fourth in these words We saith he must acknowledge and confess that this turbulent oppression and calamity which hath wasted for the most part all our Church and doth dayly more and more consume it ariseth chiefly from our own wickedness and sins whilst we walk not in the way of the Lord nor observe his Precepts left unto us for our instruction Our Lord Christ observed the will of his Father in all points but we observe not the will of the Lord having all our minde and study set upon lucre and possessions we are given to pride full of emulation and dissention void of simplicity and faithful dealing renouncing this World in word only but not in deed every man pleasing himself and displeasing all others and therefore are we thus scourged and that worthily for what stripes and scourges do we not deserve when as the Confessors themselves who formerly enaured the trial of their Faith and ought to be an example to the rest in well doing do now observe no Discipline And therefore for their sakes who proudly brag with swelling words of their former Confession and Sufferings these torments come even such as do not easily send us to the Crown except by the mercy of God some being taken away by a quick death do prevent the tediousnes of punishment These things do we suffer for our sins and deserts as by the Lords threatning we have been forewarned where he saith If they shall forsake my Law and will not walk in my Judgements If they shall prophane my Institutions and will not observe my Precepts I will visit their iniquities with the rod and their transgressions with scourges These rods and scourges we justly feel who neither please God with our good deeds nor repent of the evil wherefore saith he let us pray from the bottom of our hearts and with our whole minde and let us intreat his mercy who promiseth that his loving kindness shall not be wholly taken away Let us ask and we shall obtain and though we be delayed yet seeing we have grievously offended let us continue knocking for he hath promised that to them that knock it shall be opened therefore with our Prayers sighs and tears let us still knock and we shall be sure to speed c. And in another part of his Epistle he shews what vices were principally reigning amongst the Christians viz. grievous divisions and dissentions amongst the Brethren For when these words were spoken to them in a Vision Petite impetrabitis Pray and ye shall obtain afterwards when it was required of the Congregation to direct their Prayers unto God in the behalf of certain persons assigned to them by name they could not agree about the persons that were to be prayed for but disagreed in their Petitions which thing did greatly displease God that spake unto them Pray and ye shall obtain because they were not uniform in voice and heart neither was there one joint consent amongst the Brethren Upon which occasion Cyprian moveth them to Prayer with mutual agreement For saith he if it be promised in the Gospel that whatsoever two or three shall agree upon to ask upon Earth it shall be granted in Heaven what shall then be done when the whole Church agree together Or what if this Unanimity were amongst the whole Fraternity which Unanimity if it had been amongst the Brethren Non venissent fratribus haec mala si in unum fraternitas fuisset animata i. e. These evils had not befaln the Brethren if they had joined together in brotherly Unanimity Cyprian having thus described the causes of this Persecution sets down a Vision wherein was shewed unto him by the Lord before the Presecution came what should happen The Vision saith he was this There was a certain aged Father sitting at whose right hand sat a young man very sad and pensive as one that with indignation is sorrowful with his hand upon his breast and an heavie countenance On the other hand sat a person having a Net in
worse sense and thereby much exasperated him beseeching him to give credit to this their Testimony They wrote also to Charles Miltitius a Germane who was Chamberlain to the Pope highly commending Luther and desiring him to procure of the Pope that indifferent Judges might be appointed to hear his cause in Germany presuming that he being a German would favour his Country-man who was oppressed with slanders and in danger of his life in an honest cause Prince Frederick also the Elector of Saxony treated with Cardinal Cajetan and so prevailed with him that Luther should be called to Auspurg there to plead his cause before the Cardinal About this time the Bohemians sent a Book to him written by John Huss encouraging him to constancy and patience confesting that what he taught was sound and right In a Letter to Spalatinus he thus writes In what matter soever I have not so roughly dealt with the Romanists let them not ascribe it to my modesty nor to their deserts but to my respect to my Prince and his Authority and to the common good of the Students of Wittenberg As for my self Contemptus à me est Romanus favor furor I contemn Romes favour and fury Let them censure and burn all my books I will do the like by theirs and will put an end to all my humble observance of them which doth but incense them more and more The Elector of Saxony telling Erasmus that he wondred at the Monks and Popes extreme hatred of Luther Erasmus answered Your Highness needs not wonder at it seeing he deals against the Monks Bellies and the Popes Crown And the same Erasmus being profered a great Bishoprick if he would write against Luther answered That Luther was too great a man for him to deal with and that he learned more from one short page of Luthers writings then from all Thomas Aquinas ' s great Books Erasmus also in a Letter to the Archbishop of Mentz saith That many things were in the Books of Luther condemned by Monks and Divines for Heresie which in the Books of Bernard and Augustine are reputed sound and godly About the same time Margaret Caesars Aunt who governed the Low-Countries when the Masters of Lovan complained to her that the writings of Luther overthrew the whole Christian Common-wealth she asked them what kinde of man that Luther was To whom they answered An unlearned Monk whereupon she replyed Therefore do you who are many learned men write against that one unlearned fellow For sure the World will sooner beleive many learned before one unlearned man Luther being cited as we said before to appear before Cardinal Cajetan at Auspurg went thither and having obtained a safe conduct from the Emperour Maximilian he appeared before the Cardinal where he justified his Doctrine and profered to maintain the same either by Disputation or Writing The Cardinal being much offended with him for his bold speech would not suffer him to come before him any more Hereupon Luther after five or six days stay when he heard no more from him appealeth to the Pope and so departeth home But the Cardinal wrote after him to the Duke of Saxony That as he tendered his own honor and safety he should expel Luther out of his Dominions This Letter the Duke sent to Luther who wrote back again that rather then he would any way indanger his Prince he would depart thence and go whitheresoever it should please the Lord to lead him But the whole University of Wittenberg seeing the cause of God in danger by this means to decline wrote to the Prince humbly beseeching him that of his Princely Honor he would not suffer Innocency to be thus oppressed by meer violence but that the Error might first be shewed and Luther be convicted of it before he be pronounced guilty Hereupon the Duke hearing Luther Sermons and reading his Books with more diligence began to favour his quarrel more then he did before and thereupon wrote back to the Cardinal to this purpose That whereas he had promised that Luther should come to Ausparg that being done he could do no more That the Legat had also promised him that he would dismiss Luther in a friendly manner But that it seemed a wonder to him that he would have forced Luther to a recantation before he had pleaded his cause That there were many not only in his Jurisdiction but in other places also that were learned and vertuous persons which did not condemn Luthers Doctrine but they which opposed him were men drawn thereto through filthy covetousness But if they would shew him his Error he would then do therein the Office of a Christian Prince as one that respected the glory of God and desired to provide for the peace of his Conscience and that whereas beyond his expectation he wrote that Luther should be prosecuted at Rome and therefore required that either he should be sent to Rome or banished his Dominions he answered that he could not agree thereto First because his Error is not yet shewed him Secondly because it would be an intolerable loss to the University of Wittenberg which he had lately founded wherein were many Students and Learned men which loved Luther exceedingly who had deserved so well of them That Luther is still willing to come to a Disputation in a place not suspected and to submit to the judgements of such as can bring any thing more right or to answer by writing That he thinketh it just that this be granted him and requesteth that it may be so done that so it may appear why he is counted an Heretick and what himself ought chiefly to follow assuring him that he will maintain no Error And as he is unwilling to depart from the observance of the Church of Rome so neither can he condemn Luther till his Errors and Crimes be detected After the death of Maximilian and the Coronation of Charles the fifth the Pope sent to the Duke of Saxony by some Cardinals requesting him that he would cause all Luthers Books to be burnt and that he would see Luther either to be executed in Saxony or else that he would secure him and send him to Rome To which the Duke answered That he was ready to shew his obedience to the Pope but yet he could not send Luther to him till his cause was heard before the Emperour and till he was convicted of Error and then if he recanted not he should finde no favour at his hands About this time many Adversaries being risen up against Luther there was a Disputation appointed a Lipsick to which Luther came accompanyed with Phil. Melancthon who was come to Wittenberg the year before On the adverse party came John Eckius a bold and confident Divine This Disputation lasted fourteen days which was after published in print by Luther and Petrus Mossellanus Presently after the Fryars grievously charged the Pope with neglect of his duty in
saying Let him alone if he die it were a good riddance of him c. Concerning his base usage himself thus writes I paid alwaies saith he to the Warden of the Fleet as a Baron paid as well in Fees as for my board viz. 20 s. per week till I was wrongfully deprived of my Bishoprick and after that time I paide as the best Gentleman in the house yet he alwaies used me worse and more vilely then a very slave Thus I suffered inprisonment almost eighteen monthes my goods living friends and comforts taken from me â—he Queen owing me above 80 pound yet hath she cast me into prâ—soâ— alâ—owes me nothing neither are any suffered to come at me whereby I may be relieved I am under a wicked man and woman and see no remedy but in Gods help But I commit my just cause to him whose will be done whether it be by life or death When he was brought to examination before Winchester and the other Commissioners there was such a tumult whensoever he began to speak that he was forced to keep silence Yet did they proceed to Degrade and condemne him and so delivered him over to the secular Power As they were leading him from the Counter in Southwark to Newgate one of the Sheriffe said to him I wonder that you was so hasty and quick with my Lord Chancellor and used no more patience to him To which he answered Mr. Sheriffe I was nothing at all impatient though I was earnest in my Masters cause and it stands me in hand so to be for it goeth upon life and death not in this World onely but in the World to come Sixe daies he lay close prisoner in Newgate none being suffered to come to him during which time Bonner Harpsfield and diverse others came to him leaving no meanes untried to reduce him to their Antichristian Church sometimes making many great profers and promises to him of worldly riches and promotion other sometimes using grievous threatnings to affright him But they found him alwaies the same man steadfast and unmoveable February the 4 th at night his Keeper gave him some inkling that he should be sent to Gloucester to be burned which he rejoiced very much at lifting up his eyes and hands to Heaven and praising God for sending him amongst his people over whom he had been Pastor there to confirme with his blood the truth that before he had taught unto them not doubting but the Lord would give him strength to perform it to his glory And immediately he sent for his boots spurrs and cloke that he might be ready to ride when they should call for him The day following he was delivered to some of the Queens Guard who conveied him to Glocester and when he came neer the City much people met him who cryed and bewailed his condition exceedingly The night before his heath he did eatâ— his meat quietly and slept soundly After his first sleepe â—ee spent the rest of the night in praier The next day Sr Anthonie Kingston coming to him told him that life was swâ—ete and death bitter to which he answered The death to come is more bitter and the life to come more sweet I am come hiâ—her to end this life and suffer death because I will not gainesay the former Truth that I have here taught unto you Also a blinde boie coming to him after he had examined him in the Grounds of Religion he said Ah poor boy God hâ—th taken from thee thy outward sight but hath given thee anotâ—er sight much more pretious having endued thy soul with the eie of knowledge and faith God give thee grace continually to pray uâ—to him that thou lose not that sight for then shouldest thou â—e blind both in body and soul. Being delivered to the Sheriffe he said to him My request to you Master Sheriffe is onely that there may be a quick fire shortly to make an end of me and in the mean time I will be as obedient to you as you can desire if you think I doe amisse in any thing hold up your finger and I have done I might have had my life with much worldly gaine but I am willing to offer up my life for the Truth and trust to die a faithfull servant to God and a true subject to the Queen When he saw the Sheriff's men with so many weapons he said This is more then needs if you had willed me I would have gone alone to the stake and have troubled none of you all As hee went to the stake he was forbid to speak to the people Hee looked chearfully and with a more ruddy countenance then ordinary Being come to the place of Execution hee prayed about halfe an hour whereof this was a part Lord said he I am Hell but thou art Heaven I am swill and a sinke of sinne but thou art a gracious and mercifull Redeemer Have mercy therfore upon me most miserable wretched offender after thy great mercy and according to thine inestimable goodnesse Thou art ascended into Heaven receive me Hell to be partaker of thy joyes where thou sittest in equall glory with thy Father For will knowest thou Lord wherefore I am come hither to suffer and why the wicked doe persecute thy poor servant Not for my sins and transgressions committed against thee but because I will not allow their wicked doings to the contaminating of thy blood and to the deniall of the knowledge of thy truth wherewith it did please thee by thy holy spirit to instruct me with as much diligence as a poor wretch might being thereto called I have set forth thy glory Thou well seest O Lord my God what terrible torments and cruell paines are prepared for thy poor creature Even such Lord as without thy strength none is able to beare or patiently to passe But that which is impossible with man is possible with thee therefore strengthen me of thy goodnes that in the fire I break not the rules of patience Or else asswage the terror of the paines as shall seeme fittest to thy glory Having a box with a pardon set before him he cried If you love my soul away with it if you love my soul away with it Three Irons being prepared to fasten him to the stake he onely put on an Iron-hoop about his middle bidding them take away the rest saying I doubt not but God will give me strength to abide the extremity of the fire without binding When reedes were cast to him he embraced and kissed them putting them under his arme where he had bags of gun-powder also When fire was first put to him the fagots being green and the winde blowing away the flame he was but scorched more faggots being laied to him the fire was so supprest that his nether-parts were burn'd his upper being scarce touched He praied mildly as one that felt no paine O Jesus the Sonne of
give mee strength and his holy spirit that all my adversaries shal be asham'd of their doings Then said his friends Master Dr. we think it not best so to do you have sufficiently done your duty and borne witness to the truth both in your Sermons and in resisting this Popish Priest and therfore seeing our Savior Christ bids us when we are persecuted in one City to flee to another we think that by flying at this time you should doe best reserving your selfe for better times O said D. Tailor I am now old and have already lived too long to see these terrible and wicked dayes You may doe as your consciences serve you but I am resolved not to fly God shall hereafter raise up Teachers which shall with much more diligence and fruit teach then I have done for God will not forsake his Church though for a time he tryeth and correcteth us and that not without just cause His friends seeing his constancy and resolution with weeping eyes commended him to God and so preparing himself he went to London and presented himself to Steven Gardiner Lord Chancellor of England who railed upon him calling him Knave Traitor Heretick asking him if he knew him not c. To whom he answered Yea I know you and all your greatness yetâ— you are but a mortall man and if I should be affraid of your Lordly looks why fear you not God the Lord of us all How dare you for shame look any Christian in the face seeing you have forsaken the truth denyed our Saviour Christ and his word done contrary to your own oath and writing with what countenance can you appear before the judgement seat of Christ and answer for your oath first made to King Henry the eighth and afterwards to King Edward the sixth Gardiner Tush tush that was Herods oath unlawfull and therefore fit to be broken I did well in breaking it and thanke God that I am come home to our Mother the Church of Rome and so I would thou shouldest doe Tailor Should I forsake the Church of Christ which is founded upon the true foundation of the Prophets and Apostles to approve those lyes errors superstitions and idolatries that are approved of most blasphemously by you God forbid Remember that you wrote truly against the Pope and were sworne against him Gardin I tell thee that was Herods oath and our holy Father the Pope hath discharged me of it Tailor But you shall not be so discharged before Christ who doubtlesse will require it at your hands as a lawful oath made to your King from which no man can assoile you Gardiner I see that thou art an arrogant Knave and a very fool Tailor My Lord leave your railing which is unseemly in one that is in your place I am a Christian man and you know that he that call's his brother Fool is in danger of Hell fire Gardiner Yee are false and liers all the sort of you Tailor We are true men and know that God will destroy all them that speak lies and therefore we abide by the truth of Gods word which ye contrary to your own consciences deny and forsake Gardiner Thou art a married man Tailor Yea and I thanke God that I am and have had nine children and all in lawfuâ— matrimony and blessed be God that ordained matrimoâ—y and commanded that all that had not the gift of continency should marry and not live in whoredom and a dultery After some other discourse the Bishop called hi men commanding them to carry him to the Kings Bench requiring his Keeper to keep him strictly Then Doctoâ— Tailor kneeling down and holding up his hands said Good Lord I thanke thee and from the Tyranny of the Bishop of Rome and all his detestable errors and abominations good Lord deliver us So they carried him away to prison where he lay almost two years In Prison he spent his time in praier reading the Scriptures preaching to the prisoners and to other that resorted to him And it pleased God that he found in that prison holy Master Bradford whom he began to exhort to Faith strength and patience and to persevere constantly unto the end Master Bradford hearing this thanked God who had provided him so comfortable a prison-fellow and so they both together praised God and continued in praier reading and exhorting one another Insomuch as Doctor Tailor told his friends that God had provided graciously for him to send him to that prison where he found such an Angell of God to be in his company to comfort him He was diverse times examined of his faith and witnessed a good Confession before his adversaries for which at last he was condemned to die When his sentence was read he told them that God the righteous Judge would require his blood at their hands and that the proudest of them all should repent their receiving againe of Antichrist and their Tyranny against the flock of Christ. He also thus wrote to his friends God be praised since my condemnation I was never affraid to die Gods will be done If I shrinke from Gods truth I am sure of an other manner of death then had Judge Hales But God be praised even from the bottome of my heart I am unmovably setled upon the Rock nothing doubting but that my dear God will performe and finish the work that he hath begun in me and others To him be all honor both now and ever through Christ our onely Saviour Amen After his condemnation Bishop Bonner came to the prison to degrade him bringing all the Massing Garments with him which he commanded him to put on No quoth Doctor Tailor I will not Bonner Wilt thou not I shall make thee ere I go Tailor You shall not by the grace of God Bonner I charge thee on thy obedience to do it Tailor I will not Then the Bishop bad his owne man to put them on his back which when it was done setting his hands by his side he walked up and down and said How say you my Lord am I not a goodly fool If I were in Cheap-side would not all the boies laugh at these apishtoies The Bishop having dispoiled him of all would have given him a stroke on his breast with his Crosier But his Chaplain said My Lord strike him not for he will sure strike again Yea by Saint Peter will I quoth Doctor Tailor The cause is Christs and I were no good Christian if I would not fight in my masters quarrell Then the Bishop cursed him but durst not strike him To whom Doctor Tailor answered Though you curse yet God doth blesse me The next night his Wife Son and Servant came to him where before supper they kneeled down and praied saying the Letany He was sent down to Hadley to be burn'd and all the way as he went he was very merry as one that went to a banquet or Bridal In his
was never more knowledge so never lesse godly living It was counted a foolish thing to serve our God truly and fervent prayer was not passed upon Preaching was but a pastime the Communion was counted too common Fasting to subdue the flesh was far out of use Almes were almost nothiâ—g Maâ—ice Covetousness and Uncleanness were common every where with Swearing Drunkenness and Idlenesse and therefore all this evill is come upon us c. Yea I my selfe loved not his Truth as I should therefore God thus punisheth me nay in punishing blesseth mee And I thanke him more for this prison than for any parlour yea than for any pleasure that ever I had for in it I finde God my sweet good God alwaies And in another place Let us repent and be heartily sorry that wee have so carnally so hypocritically so covetously so vain-gloriously professed the Gospel Let the anger and plagues of God most iustly fallen upon us bee applied â—o our 〈◊〉 that from the bottome of our hearts every one of us may say It 's â— lord that have sinned against thee it 's my hypocrisie my vain-glory my covetousnesse uncleanness carnality security idlenesse unthankfulnesse self love c. that hath deserved the taking away our good King â—of thy Word and true Religion of thy good Ministers by exile imprisonment and death It 's my wickednesse that cause hâ—â—ccesse and encrase of authority and peace to thine enemies O be mercifull be mercifull unto us c. NICHOL RIDLEY The Life of Nicolas Ridley who died A no Christi 1555. NIcholas Ridley was borne in Northumberland of worshipfull parents and bred at School in Newcastle and from thence sent to Cambridge where he grew so famous for his learning that after diverse other offices whereunto he was called in the University hee was chosen Master of Pembroke-Hall and made Doctor in Divinity From thence he was called by Arch-Bishop Cranmer to be Vicar of Herne in East-Kent where he was a fruitfull and painful Preacher at which time it pleased God to reveal to him the true doctrine concerning the Lords Supper and amongst others to convert by his Ministry the Lady Phines who proved an eminent instrument of Gods glory After a while he was made a Prebend of the Cathedral Church of Canterbury but not liking his society there he travelled into France and at his returne was made Chaplaine to King Henry the Eighth and Bishop of Rochester and from thence in Edward the sixth dayes he was removed to be Bishop of London In which places hee took so great pains in preaching that he was dearly beloved of his flock to whom also he was singularly exemplary in his life so that his very enemies had nothing to say against him Every Sabbath and holiday he preached in one place or other except extraordinary occasions hindred him and to his Sermons multitudes of people resorted swarming about him like bees to gather the sweet flowers and wholsom juice of his fruitfull doctrine He was passingly well learned and of such reading that he deserved to be numbred amongst the greatest Schollars that these latter ages produced as appeared by his notable works pithie Sermons and sundry disputations in boâ— Universities which drew an acknowledgment of his learning from his very adversaries He was of a strong memory and of great reading of a deep wit very judicious anâ— very mercifull He was of person right comely and well proportioned in all points both in complexion and lineâ—ments of his body He was free from malice and soon forgat all injuries and offences done against him very kinde to his kindred yet withall telling them that if they did evill they should look for nothing from him buâ— should be as strangers to him He used all meanes to mortifie his flesh being much in prayer and contemplation was sober in discourse and sometimes merry at meals after which he used to play at Chess about an hour and then returned to his study till five a clock at night when coming down he had prayers in his family then went to Supper then plaid a game at Chess and so returned to his study till eleven a clock at night His manner was daily to read a Lecture to his Family at prayer-time giving to every one that could read a new Testament and hiring them with mony to learn Chapters by heart being marvellous carefull that his family might give an example of godliness and virtue to others He called Bishop Bonners mother his Mother and when he was at Fulham had her constantly at meals with him setting her at the upper-end of the Table who ever was present And as he was godly himself so nothing appeared in his family but vertue and godliness He was first converted by reading Bertrams Book of the Sacrament and much confirmed by conference with D. Cranmer Peter martyr In the beginning of Q. Marie's days he was imprisoned with the first first in the Tower and from thence he was sent to Oxford with Cranmer and Latimer and there kept in the common Goal till at length being severed from his brethren he was committed to the custodie of one Irish with whom he remained till the day of his death which was Octob. 16. an Christi 1555. Writing to Latimer in prison he saith I pray you good father let me have something more from you to comfort my stomach for except the Lord assist me in his service I shall pâ—ay but the part of a white-liver'd Knight but he can make a coward in his cause to fight like a man In a Leter to M. Bradford he saith As far as London is from Oxford yet thence we have received both meat mony and shirts not onely from our acquaintance but from some strangers also I know for whole sake they doe it c. And again Ever since I heard of our dear brother Rogers his stout confession and departing blessed be God for it I never felt any â—â—mpish heavines in my heart as sometimes I did before And again Sir Blessed be God notwithstanding our hard restraint and the evil reports raised of us we are mâ—rry in God and all our care is and shall be by Gods grace to please and serve him from whom wâ— expect after these temporary and moment any miseries to have eterâ—al â—oy and perpetual felicity with Abraham Isaac and Jacob c. As yet never a learned man scholer or other hath visited us since our coming to Bocardo which now may be called the Colledge of Quondâ—ms for we be no fewer then three and I dare say every one well contented with his portion which is our heavenly fathers good and gracious gift Farewell We shall by the grace of God one day meet and be merry together which day assuredly approacheth the Lord grant it may shortly come Writing to Master Grindal who was now in exile he thus gives him an account of his
condition I was saith he about two months close Prisoâ—er in the Tower after that without my sâ—eking I had the liberty of the Tower granted me and so I continued about halfe a year till refusing to be present at Mass I was shut up close prisoner again The last Lent but one by reason of the rising in Kent the Tower was so full of prisoners that my Lord Arch Bish. of Canterbury Master Latimer Master Bradford and my selfe were all put into one Prison where we remained till almost Easter and then Doctor Cranmer Master Latimer and my selfe were sent down to Oxford and were suffered to have nothing with us but what we carried upon us Aâ—bout Whitsuntide following was our disputations at Oxford after which we had Pen Ink and all things taken from us yea and our own servants were removed from us and strangers set in their steads and all of us kept apart as we are unto this daâ— God be blessed we are all three in health and of good cheer and have looked long agoe to have been dispatched for within a 〈◊〉 or two after our disputations we wâ—re condemned for Hereticâ—s The Lords wil be fulfilled in us c When he was brought before the Popes Dâ—legate the Bishop of Lincoln in the Divinity School in Oxford whilst the Commission was reading he stood â—are till he heard the Cardinall named and the Popes holiness and then he put on his Cap and being aâ—monished by the Bishop to pull it off he answered I do not put it on in contempt to your Lordship c. but that by this my behaviour I may make it appear that I acknowledg in 〈◊〉 point the usurped Supremacy of Rome and therfore I utterlâ— contemne and despise all Authority coming from the Pope Then the Bishop commanding the Bedle to pull off his Cap he bowing his head suffered him quietly to do it After diverse examinations he was at last degraded condemned and delivered to the Bailisss to be kept till the nâ—xt day when he should be burned The night before he suffered he caused his beard to be shaven and his feet washed and bad his Hostess and the rest at the board to his wedding He asked his brother also whether his sister could finde in her heâ—r to bâ—e present at it Yea said hee I dare say with all her heart His Hostess Mistris Irish weeping he said O Mistris Irish I see now that you love me not for in that you weep it appears that you will not be at my marriage nor are therewith content I see you are not so much my friend as I thought but quiet your self though my break-fast be somewhat sharpe and painâ—ull yet I am sure my Supper shall be more pleasant and sweet His brother proffering to watch with him he refused it saying I intend to goe to bed and sleep as quietly as ever I did in my life In the morning he came forth in a fair black gowne faced with foins and tippet of velvet c. and looking behind him he spied Master Latimer coming after to whom he said O! bee you there Yea said Latimer have-after as fast as I can follow Coming to the stake he lift up his hands and eyes stedfastly to heaven and espying Master Latimer he ran with a cheerfull countenance to him embraced and kissed him and comforted him saying Be of good heart brother for God will either asswage the fury of the flame or give us strength to abide it So he went to the stake kneeled by it kissed it and prayed earnestly and being about to speak to the people some ran to him and stopped his mouth with their hands Afterwards being stripped he stood upon a stone by the stake saying O heavenly father I give thee hearty thanks for that thou hast called me to be a professor of thee even unto death I beseech thee Lord God have mercy upon this Realm of England and deliver it from all its enemies As a Smith was knocking in the staple which held the chain he said to him Good fellow knock it in hard for the flesh will have his course Then his brother brought a bag of gunpowder and would have tyed it about his neck Doctor Ridley asked what it was His Brother answered gunpowder then said he I take it as being sent of God therefore I will receive it as sent from him And when he saw the flame a coming up to him he cryed with a loud voice In manus tuas c. Into thy hands Lord I commend my spirit Lord receive my soul But the fire being kept down by the wood he desired them for Christs sake to let the fire come to him which his brother in law mis-understanding still heaped on faggots whereby his nether parts were burned before his upper parts were touched At last his upper parts fell down into the fire also and so he slept in the Lord. Bishop Ridley upon a time crossing the Thames there rose on a sudden such a Tempest that all in the boat were astonished looking for nothing but to be drowned Take heart said he for this boat carrieth a Bishop that must be burned and not drowned He suffered martyrdome Anno Christi 1555. He was a man so reverenced for his learning and knowledge in the sacred Scriptures that his very enemies were enforced to acknowledge that he was an excellent Clerk and if his life might have been redeemed with monie the Lord Dacres of the North being his Kinsman would have given 10000l for the same rather then that he should be burned But so unmercifull and cruel was Q. Mary that notwithstanding D. Ridleys gentleness towards her in King Edward the sixth days she would by no intreaties nor other means be perswaded to spare his life The tender mercies of the wicked are cruelty In a Letter which he wrote to his friends he hath this passage I warne you my friends that ye be not astonished at the manner of my dissolution for I assure you I think it the greatest honor that ever I was called to in all my life and therefore I thank the Lord God heartily for it that it hath pleased him of his great mercy to cal me to this high honor to suffer death willingly for his sake and in his cause wherefore all you that be my true lovers and friends rejoyce and rejoyce with me again and render with me hearty thanks to God our heavenly Father that for his sons sake my Saviour and Redeemer Christ he hath vouchsafed to call me being else without his gracious goodness in my selfe but a sinful and vile wretch to cal me I say to this high dignity of his true Prophets faithfull Apostles and of his holy and chosen Martyrs to dye and to spend this temporall life in the defence and maintenance of his eternall and everlasting truth Whist he was Mr. of Pembrook-hall he used to walk much in the Orchard
where he learned without book almost all Pauls Epistles and the Epistles of James Peter John and Jude concerning which himself said Though in time I did forget much of them againe yet the sweet smel thereof I trust I shall carry with me into heaven and the profit thereof I have felt in all my life time hitherto HVGH LATIMER The Life of Hugh Latimer who dyed A no Christi 1555. HUgh Latimer born at Thirkesson in the County of Leicester being of a prompt and sharp wit was by his parents brought up in learning and at the age of fourteene he went to Cambridge where after he had profited in other studies he gave himself to the study of School-Divinity Commenced Batchelor in Divinity and was a very zealous Papist made an Oration against Philip Melancthon Railed against Master Stafford Divinity-Lecturer and willed the Scholars in no wise to believe him He was so zealous in his Popish Religion and therewith so scrupilous that being a Priest and using to say Mass he was so servile an observer of the Romish Decrees that he thought he had never sufficiently mixed his Massing-wine with water and that he should never be damned if once he were a professed Frier He used to carry the Crosse before the Procession Master Thomas Bilney seeing Mr. Latimer to have a zeal in his wayes although without knowledge was stricken with a brotherly pitty towards him thinking by what meanes he might best win this ignorantly zealous brother to the true knowledge of Christ And thereupon going to his study he desired him to hear him make a Confession of his Faith which Latimer consenting to was so touched thereby that he gave over School Divinity and studied more Orthodox Divines So that whereas before he was an enemy and almost a persecutor of Christ he was now a zealous seeker after him changing his old manner of cavilling and railing into diligent conferring with Mr. Bilney and others And asked Mr. Stafford forgivenesse before he died Being thus wonne to Christ he was not satisfied with his own conversion but pittying the misery of others he became a powerfull publick Preacher and an instructor of many in private also whereupon the Devill raised up many Doctors and Fryers against him and the Bishop of Ely forbade him to preach Anno Christi 1529 yet he continued three years preaching with much applause yea the Bishop himself hearing him upon a time commended him and wished that he had the like gifts himself He used often to visit the Prisoners to relieve the needy and feed the hungry Amongst the Adversaries which the Devill raised against him one was Doctor â—edman who wrote to him to divert him from the Truth To which he madâ— this short answer Reverend Mr. Redman It 's enough for me that Christs shâ—ep hear no mans voice but Christs and as for you you have no voice of Christ against me whereas for my part I have an heart ready to hearken to any voice of Christ that you can produce Thus fare you well and trouble me no more from talking with the Lord my God But shortly after complaint was made against him to the Cardinal who sent for him but by the meanes of Dr. buts the Kings Physitian a favourer of good men he was chosen into the number of those which laboured in the cause of the Kings Supremacy whereupon he went to the Court and lodged in Doctor Buts his chamber preaching many times in London At last being weary of the Court by the Lord Cromwel's means he had a living given him in Wiltshire whither he presently removed The place was called West-Kingstone near Sarum where with much diligence he instructed his flock and preached zealously many times abroad in the Country Whereupon some Popish Priests drew up Articles against him and he was much molested by the Bishop of London and Warham Archbishâ—p of Canterburie by whom he was cited to appear before him and the Bishop of London These malicious persons detained him for a long space from his cure at home calling him three times every week before them which much troubled him seeing they would neither preach themselves nor suffer him to doe his duty Hereupon hee wrote to the Archbishop expostulating with him for so detaining him from his charge and that for no just cause but onely for preaching the truth against sundry abuses which were crept into the Church Yet this nothing prevailed till the King rescued him out of their hands and at the request of the Lord Cromwell made him Bishop of Worcester In which place he busily employed himself in instructing his flock and giving them a good example by his holy life He spent all his time in study teaching preaching exhorting visiting correcting and reforming to the utmost of his power and as the times could bear and though he could not utterly extinguish the reliques of Popery yet he so wrought that they should be used with as little hurt and with as much profit as might be Yet neither there was he quiet for one of great place accused him to the King for preaching Sedition but the King rested satisfi'd with his answer At New-years-tide the Bishops us'd to present the King with a New-years gift and Bishop Latimer amongst the rest presented him with the New Testament wrapped up in a Napkin with this Posie about it Fornicatores adulteros judicabit Dominus Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge But the six Articles coming out and he seeing that he could not retain his Office with a good conscience of his own accord he resigned his Bishoprick And when he put off his Rochet in his chamber amongst his friends he gave a skip in the floor for joy feeling his shoulders lighter and being as he said discharged of so heavy a burthen This was Anno Christi 1539 after which he betooke himself again to his mean Parsonage at West-Kingston in VViltshire not farre from Bristow Yet by the malice of certain Popish Priests who slandered his Doctrine he was much endangered whereupon he had recourse to Mr. Ralph Morrice who was Doctor Cranmers right hand by whose intreatie the Archbishop so prevailed with the King for him that for the present he was freed out of his troubles yet neither then would the Bishops suffer him to be quiet till he was layd up in the Tower where he remained till Edward the sixth's Reign At which time being restored to his liberty he continued a faithfull and painfull preacher all that Kings dayes preaching twice every Sabbath though 67 yeares of age He rose to his Study Winter and Summer at two a clock in the morning He evidently fore-saw and fore-told aâ—l those plagues which England afterwards felt under Queen Mary and fore-told concerning himself that his preaching of the Gospel would cost him his life and that Winchester was
and zeal of mine if it be worthy so to be called hath been so remisse and languishing that I confesse innumerable things have been wanting to me to the well performing of my duty and unlesse the immeasurable bounty of God had been present my studies had been vaine and vanishing away Moreover I acknowledge that unlesse the same bounty had been present unto me the goods of the minde which God hath given me would have made me guilty of the greater sinne and slothfulnesse before his judgement seat For which causes I witnesse and profess that I hope for no other help for salvation but this onely that seeing God is a Father of mercy hee shewed himself a Father unto me who acknowledge my self a miserable sinner As for other things After my departure out of this life I would have my body committed to the earth in that order and manâ—er which is usuall in this Church and City till the blessed day of Resurrection cometh As touching that slender Patrimony which God hath given me concerning which I have determined thus to dispose Let Anthony Calvin my most dear Brother be mine heire but only for honour sake let him take before hand and have to himself the silver Charger which was given me by Varannius for a gift wherewith I desire him to be contented For whatsoever things remaine in mine â—â—heritance I request and commit them to his faith that he returne them to his children when he shall dye I bequeath tenne gâ—â—den Scutes to the School of boyes from the same my brother and heire Also so much to poore strangers So much to Joane the daughter of Charles Costan and of my Kinswoman But to Samuel and John the sonnes of my said Brother I desire to have given to them forty golden Scutes by mine heir when he dieth To Anne Susâ—â— and Dorothy his daughters thirty Scutes of gold But to David their brother because of his lightnesse and miscarriages but five and twenty Scutes of gold This is the summe of the whole Patrimony and goods which God hath given me so neare as I can estimate it setting a price upon my Library my moveables and all my houshold goods with all other my faculties If there bee found any thing above I would have it to be distributed to all those children the sons and daughters of my brother Neither doe I exclude that David if hee prove a good husband If there shall be any surplusage above that summe I beleeve there will be no great matter especially when my debts are paid the care whereof I have committed to my said brother upon whose love and fideâ—ity I relye For which cause I will and appoint him to be the Executor of my Testament and together with him the worshipfull man Laurence Normendie giving them power to take an Inventory of my goods without any more accurate diligence of the Court I also permit them to sell my moveables that out of the money made thereof they may execute my Will above written Dated this 25. of April Anno Christi 1554. When this Will was made and confirmed Mr. Calvin sent to the four Syndiâ—s and all the Aldermen desiring to speak with them all yet once more in the Court before his death whither he hoped to be carried the next day The Senators answered that they would rather come to him dâ—siring him to have a regard to his 〈◊〉 And the day after when they came all to him from 〈◊〉 Court after mutuall salutations and pardon craved for their comming to him whereas he rather would have come to them and pâ—ofessing that he had long desired to speak with them though he had deferred it till now even till he found the approaching of his departure out of this world he said Honoured Masters I give you great thanks that ye have honoured me thus far having not deserved it from you and for that you have so often borne with mine infirmities which to me hath alwaies been an argument of your singular good will towards me And albeit in performance of mine office it could not be but that I must undergoe many bickerings and divers assaults because every good man must be exercised therewith yet I know and acknowledge that none of these things have falne out through your default and I earnestly beseech you that if I have not alwaies done that which behoved me you rather would have regard of my will then of my ability For I can truly testifie that I have been heartily studious of the welfare of your Commonwealth and howsoever I have not fully performed mine office yet surely I have studied the publick good according to mine ability and except I should acknowledge that the Lord hath used my service sometimes not unprofitably I could not avoyd the crime of dissembling But this I requst of you again and again that I may be excused by you for that the things are so little that I have publickly and privately performed in comparison of those things which it behoved me to have done Certainly of mine own accord I acknowledge that I am much indebted to you for this cause also that yee have patiently born with my too much vehemencie sometimes which sinne also I trust God that he hath forgiven me But as touching the Doctrin that you have heard from me I take God to witness that I have not rashly and uncertainly but purely and sincerely taught the Word of God intrusted unto me whose wrath I should otherwise have felt now hanging over me as I am certainly assured that my labours in teaching it hath not been displeasing to him And I testifie this the more willingly both before God and you because I doubt not but that the devill according to his custom wil raise wicked light and giddy-headed people to corrupt the sincere Doctrine which you have heard from me Then considering the unmeasurable benefits which God had conferred on that City hee said I am a very good witnesse out of how many great dangers the hand of the great and best God hath delivered you Morâ—over you see in what estate you now are therefore whether your affairs be prosperous or adverse let that be alwaies conversant before your eyes that God is he alone that establisheth Kingdomes and Cities and therefore will be woâ—shipâ—ed by mortall men Remember what that great David doth testifie that when he enjoyed a deep peace he fell soulest and should never have risen again if God of his singular goodnesse had not reached out his hand to him What then shall become of such punies if he fell being so strong and powerfull a man Yee had need of great humility of mind that yee may walk circumspectly and with great reverence before God and trust upon him onely being sure that it will alwaies be as ye have often found that by his aid you may stand sure although your safety and welfare may be hung as it wereâ— upon a very slender thread Wherefore if prosperity befall you take heed
of Life where he first drew the Breath of Life After this he was made Bishop of Salisbury though with much reluctancy looking upon it as a great burthen In that office he took much paines both by Preaching and Governing and was very careful in providing faithfull Pastors and in reforming abuses Anno Christi 1560 he was called to preach at Pauls Cross where he took that Text 1 Cor. 11. 23. For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you c. In which Sermon he confirmed largely the Protestants Doctrine concerning the Sacrament of the Lords Supper by Scriptures and Fathers adding this solemn Protestation That if any Learned man of all our adversaries or if all the Learned men that be alive are able to shew any one sufficient sentence out of any old Catholick Doctor or Father or out of any old Generall Council or out of the holy Scriptures of God or any one example of the Primitive Church whereby it may be clearly and plainly proved That there was any private Masses in the world at that time for the space of six hundred years after Christ or that the Sacrament of the Lords Supper was ever administred to the people under one kind or that the people then had their Common Prayers in a strange tongue that they understood not or that the Bishop of Rome was then called a Universall Bishop or the Head of the Universall Church or that the people were taught to beleeve that Christs Body is really substantially corporeally carnally or naturally in the Sacrament or that his Body is or may be in above a thousand places at one time or that the Priest did then hold up the Sacrament over his head or that the people did then fall down and worship it with divine honour or that then the Sacrament was hanged up under a Canopy or that in the Sacrament after the words of consecration there remained onely the accidents or shews without the substance of Bread and Wine or that the Priest then divided the Sacrament in three parts and after received all alone himself or that whosoever had then said that the Sacrament is a figure pledge token or remembrance of Christs body had therefore been judged for an Heretick or that it was then lawfull to have thirty twenty fifteen or five Masses said in one Church in one day or that Images were then set up in Churches that the people might worship them or that the Lay-people were then forbidden to read the Word of God in their own language If any man alive can prove any one of these Articles by any one clear or plain clause or sentence of Scripture ancient Fathers or any one Generall Councill or any example of the Primitive Church I here promise that I will give over my opinion and subscribe to him Yea I further promise that if any of all our Adversaries be able clearly and plainly to prove in manner aforesaid that it was then lawfull for a Priest to pronounce the words of consecration closely and in silence to himself or that the Priest had then authority to offer up Christ unto his Father or to receive the Sacrament for another as they now do or apply the virtue of Christs death and passion to any man by means of the Mass or that then it was thought a sound doctrine to teach the people that the Mass ex opere operato is able to remove our sinnes or that any Christian man called the Sacrament his Lord and God or that the people were then taught to beleeve that the Body of Christ remaineth in the Sacranent so long as that bread remaineth without corruption or that a Mouse Worm or other creature may eat the Body of Christ or that Ignorance is the Mother of Devotion As I said before so say I new again if any of them can clearly prove any of these things in the manner aforesaid I promise to yeeld and subscribe unto him Indeed they have long boasted of Antiquity c. but when they are put to their proofs they can produce nothing I speake not this out of arrogancy thou Lord knowest it that knowest all things but because it is in the cause of God and for asserting his Truth I should doe God great injury if I should conceal it He was very bountifull in relieving the poor and wise in composing litigious strifes Besides his publick employments he read much and wrote much scarce any yeare in all the time of his Bishoprick passed wherein he published not some famous work or other Diu vixit licet non diâ— fuit He lived long in that short scantling of his life At Meales a Chapter being first read he recreated himself with Scholastical combats between young Scholars whom he maintained at his table the conquerors were bountifully rewarded After Meals his doors and eares were open to all suits and causes and then he retired to his study At nine a clock at night he called all his servants to an account how they had spent that day and after prayer admonished them accordingly Then he returned to his study where often he sate till after midnight When he was layd in bed one that waited upon him read some part of an Author to him which done commending himself to the protection of his Saviour he took his rest His memory was raised by art to the highest pitch of humane possibility for he could readily repeat any thing that he had penned after once reading it And therefore usually at the ringing of the bell he beganne to commit his Sermons to heart and kept what he learned so firmely that he used to say That if he were to make a speech premeditated before a thousand Auditors shouting of fighting all the while yet could he say all that he had provided to speak Many barbarous and hard names out of a Callender and forty strange words VVelsh Irish c. after once or twice reading at the most and short meditation he could repeat both forwards and backwards without hesitation And Sir Francis Bacon reading onely to him the last clauses of tenne lines in Erasmus his Paraphrase in a confused and dismembred manner he sitting silent a while on a sudden rehearsed all those broken parcels of sentences the right way and the contrary without stumbling Long before his sickness he fore-told the approaching and in his sicknesse the precise day of his death And hee was so farre from declining it that by fasting labour and watching he seemed rather to accelerate it that he might be the readier to entertain death and meet his Saviour Being very weak as he was going to preach at Lacock in Wiltshâ—re a Gentleman meeting him friendly admonished him to returne home for his healths sake telling him that it was better the people should want one Sermon then be altogether deprived of such a Preacher To whom he replyed That it best became a Bishop to die preaching in a