was faln asleep then dead So that that day at Sun-setting that great bright light was taken out of this world That night and the day following there was great weeping and wailing all over the City Many Citizens and Strangers desired to see him after he was dead and amongst the rest Queen Elizabeths Ambassadors who being sent into France were then there The next day after being the Sabbath his body was coffined and in the afternoon hee was carried forth the Senators Pastors and Professors of the School and almost the whole City following the corse not without abundance of tears He was buried in the common Church-yard without much pomp no Tombstone being added as himself had commanded whereupon Master Beza made these verses Romae ruentis terror ille maximus Quem moâ—tuum lugem boni horr scunt mali Ipsa à quo potuit virtutem discere virtus Cur adâ—o exiâ—â—io ignot oâ— in cespite clausus Calvinus 〈◊〉 â—ogas Calviâ—â—n assidue comitat Modestia vivum Hoc turmulo mambâ—s cendidâ— ipsa suis. Ote beatum cespitem tanto hospite O cuâ— invidere possunt cuncta Marmora He was a man of an incredible and most ready memory in the middest of almost infinite distractions and of a most exact judgement He was very regardless of means and preferment even when it was often offered He eat little meat took very little sleep was wholly compounded of sweetness and gravity Discreet and mild he was in bearing with mens infirmities yet would he severely without dissimulation reprove their vices which freedom he alwayes used from a child Such a Preacher he was that like another Or pheus he drew England Spain and Italy to him filling Geneva with strangers Such a voluminous writer that as it was said of Saint Augustine he wrote more then another can well read His writings were so eagerly received that as most rare and precious peeces they were forthwith translated into all Languages What shall I speak of his indefatigable industry even beyond the power of nature which being parallelled with our loitring I feare will exceed all creedit and may be a true object of admiration how his leane worne spent and wearyish body could possibly hold out He read every week in the year three Divinity Lectures and every other week over and above he preached every day so that as Erasmus saith of Chrysostome I doe not know whether more to admire the indefatigableness of the man or his hearers Yea some have reckoned up that his Lectures were yearâ—ly one hundred eighty six his Sermons two hundred eighty six besides every Thursday he sat in the Presbytery Every Friday when the Ministers met in conference to expound hard Texts he made as good as a Lecture Yea besides there was scarce a day wherein he spent not some part either by word or writing in answering the questions and doubts of sundry Pastors and Churches that sought unto him for advice and câ—â—â—sell Over and above which there was no year passed wherin came not forth from him some great volume or other in Folio so that in few years besides many golden Tractats and sundry exquisite answers which upon short warning he made to principall adversaries his huge explications upon the five books of Moses Joshua Job Psalms all the Prophets and upon the whole new Testament came forth into the world fuller of pithy sententious matter then of Paper These things considered what breathing time could he find for idleness or loose thoughts In his last grievous sickness procured by his intollerable labours he could scarce be compelled by his friends to pretermit his daily task of preaching and reading his Divinity Lectures and at home when he could not goe abroad he rather wearied others with continuall dictating to them then himself Nothing was more frequent in his mouth then this Of all things an idle life is most irkesome to me and when his friends used all their endeavours to perswade him to favour and respect himself Why saith he will yee have God to finde me idle at his coming Yea such conscience did he make of mispending a minute that he was loath to detaine the Ministers that came to visit him from their publick exercises What wonder then is it that he scarce attained to the age of 56. Yea rather its a wonder that he lived so long Indeed he lived but 54. years ten months and seventeen dayes the half of which time he spent in the holy Ministry of the Gospel Many slanders were cast upon him As that he was Ambitious But how could that be whereas he preferred his abode in the Common-wealth and Church of Geneva before all other places which he called the Shop of poverty Others charge him that he studied to heap up riches whereas his last Testament shews that he was a very poor man for all his goods yea and his Library being sold very dear saith Master Beza scarcely amounted to three hundred crowns And Calvin himself in his life time hearing of this impudent slander answered If I cannot perswade men whilst I am alive that I am no great monied man yet my death will shew it And the Senat at Geneva can testifie that his stipend being very small he was so far from being not contented therewith that when they offered to enlarge his pensions he utterly refused the same and by the small estate which he left at his death it appears also that either his gifts were not great or else that he spent as God sent Some reproached him for his brother A. Calvin because he was divorced from his wife who was proved an adulteresse What would these men have said if he had kept an adulteresse in his house May they not as well reproach Jacob David yea and Christ himselfe for that one of his Disciples was a Divel as himselfe told them Some said that he was given to delights and luxury His many great books easily confute this slander Some gave out impudently that he ruled in Geneva both in Church and Common-wealth so that he sometimes face upon the Tribunall But for these things neither they which knew him nor ensuing ages who may collect his manners out of his writing will give any credit to them But it s far more easie to calumniate then to imitate him Omnia Calvini opera quae diversis chartarum formis edita si uno formae genere imprimerentur justae magnitudinis Tomos 20. in Folio efficerent Most of them are mentioned particularly in his life The Life of William Farellus who died A no Christi 1555. WIlliam Farellus was borne in the Delphinate of a Noble Family Anno Christi 1589. and sent to Paris to be brought up in learning and was one of the first that made a publick Profession of the Gospel in France But when persecution arose he fled into Helvetia the better to propagate the Gospel where he grew into familiarity with Zuinglius Occolampadius
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
Malefactors but judged them to death not convicted but out of an hatred to their name Other men saith he which are appeached in judgement are not condemned till they are first convicted But for us you take the name for a sufficient crime whereas indeed you ought to see justice done rather upon our accusers So that if a Christian that is accused deny his name him you release being not able to charge him with any other offence But if he stand to his name you condemn him Whereas it were your duty rather to examine their manner of life and so according to their demerits to see justice done upon them And in another place You examine not the Causes but hurried on with rash affections as with the spur of fury you slay and murther the innocent without any respect of justice And if any will say some of them have been taken in evil doings I answer that you use not to enquire after those things but condemn them before due examination of their offences for the cause above mentioned Hereby it appears that you degenerate from the goodness of your predecessors whose examples you follow not For your Father Adrian of famous memory caused to be proclaimed that Christians accused before the Judge should not be condemned unless they were found guilty of some notorious crime c. In the same Apologie he also proves by firm and strong arguments that Christians ought not at the sole will and command of the Emperor and Senate to offer Sacrifice to Idols for which if they be condemned they suffer open wrong He affirms moreover that the only true Religion is the Religion of Christians whose Doctrine and Conversation hath no fault And although by these and such like perswasions he could not prevail with the Emperour to love their Religion and to become a Christian yet thus much he obtained that the Emperour wrote to his Officers in Asia in the behalf of the Christians requiring and commanding them that those Christians only that were found guilty of other crimes should suffer and that none for the bare name of a Christian should be punished as hitherto they had been By this it is apparent with what zeal and â—aith Justine strove against the persecutors of his time who as he used to say could kill but could not hurt At last he went to Rome where he had many open disputations and publique conferences with some Philosophers especially with one Crescens who was of the Sect of the Câ—nikes from whom he alwayes bore away the Bell which tended to the shortning of his life as himself foresaw and foretold in these words I look for no other end then this that I be betrayed by some one of them called Philosophers or knocked on the head with a club by Crescens no Philosopher indeed but a proud boaster For it is not meet to call him a Philosopher which ignorantly reporteth that the Christians are impious and irreligious to the end that he may flatter and please such as are over-shadowed with the mist of error and ignorance For if he impugn the Doctrine of the Christians having never read nor known the same then is he full of malice and far worse then Idiots that sometimes fear to reason of unknown matters least they speak falsely Or if he hath read them yet he understands not the Mysterie and Majestical meaning thereof Or if in any thing he understands them yet is he afraid to confess the Truth least he should be taken for one of them and then he is far more wicked and malitious yea the bondslave of vain glory and brutish fear I desire that you may understand the Truth I have proposed certain Questions and Interrogatories to him whereby I have found that he knows nothing So that if you knew what I propounded and what answer he made thereto you would certainly give sentence that he is altogether ignorant in our Doctrine c. And according to this his prediction he was slain by the procurement of Crescens being beheaded An. Christi 139. Suffering Martyrdom with much cheerfulness under Verus the Emperor or as Epiphanius saith under Adrian Tatianus a learned man writeth thus of it Crescens saith he being in Rome passed all men in that filthy and unnatural sin of Sodomie defiling himself with mankinde inferiour also he was to no man in covetousness He taught that death was not to be feared yet himself was so extreamly fearful of it that he procured Justins death as it were for a great evill Because that he Preaching the Truth reprehended the Philosophers as gluttonous and deceitful persons He confuted Marcion the Heretick and the Valentinians He complain'd to the Emperor Antoninus Pius of the cruelty of the Proconsul in Asia against the Christians who forbad them to read any Books that spake of Christ. His usual saying was That which the Soul is in the Body that are Christians in the World for as the Soul is in but not of the Body so Christians are in but no part of the World Also It is best of all not to sin and next to that to amend upon the punishment Again That it is the greatest slavery in the World to be subject to ones own passions He was one that did not only suffer in his Saviours Cause but took great pains in defending it against all oppositions in his times He gat much repute for his constant zeal against Idolatry and Superstition and perswading the Gentiles to leave it as a vain and unprofitable service declaring unto them the excellency and benefit of the true Worship of God So that he was a blessed Instrument to bring many out of that miserable condition cheerfully to imbrace the Faith of Christ crucified His works are these A Dialogue with Triphon the Jew An Apology to the Senate of Rome Another to Antoninus Pius An Oration to the Gentiles with some Epistles One Ad Zenam Serenum Altera ad Diognetum Paraenetica Oratio ad Graecos IRENAEVS The Life of Irenaeus who dyed An. Chrsti 182. IRenaeus was born in Asia of Greek Parents as both his name and writings do declare In his younger years he was scholar to and a constant hearer of Polycarp Bishop of Smyrna In his riper years he went into France and was Ordained Minister by Photinus Bishop of Lyons and some other Presbyters At this time the Church of Christ was in great trouble both by reason of the Persecution raised by foraign Enemies but especially by reason of Errors and Sects which then sprung up in that time against which he diligently laboured and wrote much His Nature did well agree with his Name for he was a great lover of Peace and endeavoured to the uttermost to procure Unity when Controversies arose in the Church And therefore when the great controversie about keeping Easter day was renewed and Victor the Bishop of Rome would have excommunicated the Eastern Churches as
them so that every one looked upon him as a Tyrant Yea he grew into such hatred of the multitude that on a time they rose up against him whilst he was in the Church and he hardly escaped being torn in peices by them which so affrighted him that he immediately fled to the Emperour Hereupon the friends of Athanasius recovered their Churches again but they kept them but a while for the Praefect of the Egyptian Souldiers drave them out and restored the Churches to the followers of Georgius The Emperour also sending his Secretary to Alexandria he grievously punished many of the people whipping and scourging them in a cruel manner and shortly after him came Georgius and for the aforementioned causes was far more terrible to them then formerly he had been which procured him their implacable hatred both for incensing the Emperour against them and for his Heretical opinions and cruel usage of them But not long after in a tumult raised by the Gentiles Georgius was pulled out of the Church by the Ears tyed to a Camel torn in peices and burned to ashes together with the Beast Constantius the Emperour also dyed and Julian the Apostate succeeded him about which time Athanasius returned to Alexandria and was lovingly and chearfully entertained by his people the Arians were banished and the Church was restored to the Government of Athanasius But the Arians took occasion from his former flight exceedingly to reproach and traduce him whereupon he made this Apology Behold saith Athanasius the lewd practises of wicked persons although they are privy to the hainous offences committed against me yet are they nothing ashamed of them but charge me with a foul spot in their opinion and blemish of infamy for escaping the hands of cut-throats and blood-suckers yea they beshrew themselves that they dispatched me not out of the way Moreover that they may stain my credit and estimation they fall to accuse me of faint-heartedness and a timorous disposition being forgetful that whilest they blaze these things to my dispraise they cause the shame to light upon their own pates For if it be a discredit to fly the hands of a Tyrant how much more for them to persecute a man to death He that flyeth seeks means to save his life But he that persecuteth goeth about to procure anothers death That we should fly in such cases the Scripture doth warrant us but in thirsting after the blood of our brother the command is broken and the author thereof is found the chief cause of the flight If they blame me for giving them the slipt they are worthy of far greater shame and reprehension themselves For let them cease from persecuting and threatning with death and then will I cease from running away But their spite and malice hath no end they do nought else but devise snares to bring men to destruction Yea though they know full well that the slight of the persecuted is a foul shame to the Persecutors For no man flieth from the gentle and meek but from the cruel and wicked man They that were far indebted to others gave Saul the slip and fled unto David Wherefore these men go about to dispatch such as convey themselves out of their way least the lewdness of their Bishops should be manifestly known Herein also they seem to be stark blinde For look how evident the slight is far more apparent wil their slaughter and banishment seem unto the World If they murther men death no doubt lifteth up her voice and soundeth out their cruelty If they banish them therein they set up monuments for the remembrance of their wicked doings Had they been in their right wits they might have perceived their own folly and seen themselves overthrown in their own devices If they reproachfully charge them with hiding themselves from such as seek their lives and accuse them for flying from the hands of their Persecutors what have they to say when they read that Jacob fled from the face of his brother Esau and that Moses for fear of Pharaoh conveyed himself to Madian what have these contentious quarrellers to say unto David who fled from Saul which sent some of his Guard to slay him who hid himself in a Cave counterfeited his person untill he had subtilly past Abimelech the Priest and avoided their laying of wait for him what answer can these rash bablers give when they see that the great Prophet Elias who so devoutly called upon the name of God and raised the dead was fain to flie from and hide himself from Ahab and run away because of the threats of Jezebel The sons of the Prophets also in those days being sought for hid themselves and through the help of good Obadiah were sustained in Caves Have they not read these ancient stories Are they ignorant also of what the Evangelists have written For the Disciples fearing the Jews fled and were scattered abroad in divers Countries Paul also being at Damascus and sought for by the Governor of that country was let down over the wall in a basket and so escaped the danger The Scripture therefore having shewed us these things what colour can they finde to cloak their impudent cavils If they charge them with timerousness and fear the fault recoils and lights upon their own distempered brains If they say it is contrary to the Will of God then are they found altogether ignorant of the Word of God For it s commanded in the Law that Sanctuaries and Cities of Refuge should be appointed for such as were pursued to death where they might live in safety Yea what saith Christ When they shall persecute you in one City fly into another And again saith Christ When you shall see the abomination of desolation mentioned by the Prophet Daniel standing in the Holy place then let them that be in Judaea flie into the Mountains He that is on the House top let him not come down to take ought out of the House and let not him that is in the Field return home for his rayment Holy men having learned these things framed their lives thereafter Yea the Word of God being made man sticked not to hide himself as we commonly do when he was sought for he fled to avoid the conspiracies of Herod and afterwards of the Pharisees which persecuted him For as by his patient suffering of hunger and thirst and such miseries he shewed himself to be true man so also by flying away from the face of his Adversaries And as in his childhood he fled into Egypt from Herod so when he heard that Archelaus reigned in his Fathers stead it pleased him to go aside into the parts of Nazareth Afterwards when he manifested himself to be God and healed the withered hand the Pharisees went out and took counsel how they might dispatch him but Jesus perceiving their conspiracy conveyed himself from amongst them Again when he restored Lazarus to life they took counsel how they might put him to death Jesus therefore
after that time shewed himself no more openly amongst the Jews but departed into a solitary place neer to the Wilderness Again when our Saviour avouched Before Abraham was I am the Jews took up stones to throw at him but our Lord hid himself and went out of the Temple and passing through the midst of the throng escaped away When they see these examples and bethink themselves of these presidents are they not inwardly pricked in their consciences when they presume thus to sit in judgement upon the sayings and doings of our Saviour So also when Jesus heard of the beheading of John the Baptist the Text saith that he took Shipping and went aside into a Desert place I would to God that these men would now at length be ashamed of their doings and presently cease from slandering true Professors and proceed no further in their furious dealings charging even our Saviour himself with timerousness and fear thereby blaspheming the Majesty of his blessed Name But no man can away with such persons as are wholly given over to all manner of ungracious behaviour It may easily be proved that they are altogether ignorant of what the Evangelists have left us in writing The cause that moved our Saviour to fly and go aside being laid down in the Gospel was most agreeable unto reason and was therefore an example for all his Saints For whatsoever things are written to have happened unto him after the manner of men the same is to be referred unto all mankinde insomuch as he took our nature upon him and lively expressed in himself the humane affections of our frail constitutions He suffered not himself to be taken before his hour came neither yet hid himself when his hour was come but yielded himself to the Enemy In like sort the blessed Martyrs in the great heat and troublesome storms of Persecution which often fell out being pursued by men sted away and hid themselves in secret and solitary places but being taken they valiantly encountred with their Adversaries and ended the combat with Martyrdom Though this violent Champion of Christ Athanasius in the begining of Julians Reign returned to Alexandria yet long could he not rest in quiet For his Adversaries forged salfe accusations against him complaining unto the Emperour that he had subverted Egypt and the whole City of Alexandria so that it stood with the Emperours interest to banish him the City Upon these suggestions the Emperour wrote to the Governor of Egypt and greatly incensed him against Athanasius which he being informed of said to some of his familiar friends My friends let us go aside for a season Nubecula est cito transibit this is but a little cloud which will quickly vanish away and accordingly taking Ship he fled away into other parts of Egypt The Enemy hearing of it made haste to overtake him But when they approached God revealing the danger to him as was said before his friends in the Ship gave him counsel to haste to the shore and to fly into the Desart but he on the contrary required the Pilot to sail back to Alexandria and when they met the Pursuers they enquired of them if they had not seen Athanasius to whom the other answered that if they made haste they might overtake him and so let them go But Athanasius returning to Alexandria hid himself amongst his friends till the storm of Persecution was blown over and indeed most of that time he lay hid in the house of a most beautiful chaste and godly Virgin who was very careful to supply him with all necessaries and to borrow such Books for him as he stood in need of and when news came of Julians death Athanasius that very night appeared in his Church to the great rejoycing of his Friends and the astonishment of his Adversaries who wondred how he could so suddenly be there when he had been so diligently sought after by the Magistrates and could not be found Not long after hearing that Jovianus the Christian Emperour was come to Antioch Athanasius consulting with his friends thought good to visit him Some say that this good Emperour sent for him craving his advice for the establishing of the true Orthodox Religion which when he had done he was to return to Alexandria But Euzoius the Arian Bishop of Antioch joining with him Probatius an Arian Eunuch and some others of that Faction went to the Emperour and made grievous complaints against Athanasius as that all the time since he was made a Bishop he lay under great scandals for which by the former Emperours he had been often condemned and exiled as also that he had been the Author of much discord in Religion and of great tumults amongst the people whereupon they prayed that another Bishop might be appointed for Alexandria But the good Emperour knowing that these were malicious forgeries would by no means hearken to them commanding Probatius and the rest as they loved their own ease and good to give over such malicious proceedings adding threatnings in case they obeyed not And as for Athanasius whom he highly esteemed for that worth which he found in him he sent him back into Egypt bidding him Govern his Church as he saw best Commending him highly for the Vertue Piety and Prudence which he found in him Not long after it pleased God to take away this good Emperour by an immature death in Bythinia as he was going to Constantinople having reigned only eight moneths and the Army coming to Nice in Bithynia chose Valentinian a good and worthy man for their Emperour who when he came to Constantinople chose his Brother Valence for his Companion in the Empire These though they were Brethren yet did they differ in their Religion For Valentinian was Orthodox and Valence an Arian Valence Raigning in the East sent his Mandate to the Magistrates that such Bishops as had been deposed in the time of Constantius and returned to their Seats under Julian should be again banished and expelled from their Churches Hereupon the Magistrates of Egypt took occasion to endeavour the expulsion of Athanasius out of Alexandria For the Emperours Letters grievously threatned such Magistrates with great mulcts and corporal punishments that should neglect to observe them But the multitude of Christians meeting together in Alexandria desired the President that he should not rashly nor inconsiderately go about to drive away their Bishop Athanasius from them but rather seriously to consider what the scope of the Emperours Letter was For say they they extend only to such as were banished by Constantius and returned under Julian But Athanasius though he was banished by Constantius yet was he by him called back again and restored to his place and Julian whereas he called from Exile all the other Bishops yet Athanasius alone was by him driven into Exile whom Jovian again restored to his Seat When the President would not be perswaded by these arguments the people resisted him and would
not suffer their Bishop to have any violence done to him Hereupon the people being assembled from all parts a great tumult was raised so that every one expected a Sedition to ensue the President sent presently to the Emperour to acquaint him with these proceedings and in the mean time suffered Athanasius to remain in the City Many days after when the Sedition was well appeased Athanasius privily stole out of the City and went and hid himself in a certain secret place The night after the President and Colonel of the Souldiers went to his house which joined to the Church and there sought every corner for him but not finding him they lost their labours For they thought that now the people were quieted and feared no such matter they might easily apprehend him and so execute the Emperours command But when Athanasius could not be found every one much wondered at it believing that God had discovered the danger to him and thereby preserved him from it Others say that Athanasius mistrusting the heady and rash motion of the common people fearing that if any mischief were wrought by them it would be laid to his charge retired privily and hid himself for the space of four months in his Fathers Monument But in the mean time the Emperour Valence considering how many friends Athanasius had which by reason of his absence might happily raise commotions to the great prejudice of the Empire and withall considering that Valentinian who was an earnest Defender of the Nicene Faith might take the banishment of Athanasius very hainously hereupon he wrote very loving Letters to the people of Alexandria signifying that his pleasure was that Athanasius should quietly according to their hearts desire enjoy his Bishoprick Yet in other places a great Persecution was raised against the Orthodox who were driven out of their Churches and Arians placed in their rooms only the Churches of Egypt enjoyed Peace all the life time of Athanasius whose death fell out not long after when having endured many skirmishes in the quarrel of the Church and having been Bishop 46 years in which time he had often been in great hazard of his life yet at the length through the goodness and mercy of God he dyed in peace in his own City of Alexandria leaving behinde him Peter a godly and zealous man to succeed him Anno Christi 375. It was said of him Non solùm Episcopi c. Not only Bishops but Emperours Kingdoms Nations and Armies opposed him whereupon he used to say Though an Army should encamp about me yet would I not fear In the time of Julian the Apostate who made much use of Conjurers the Magicians and Southsayers in Alexandria cryed out that they could do nothing in their Art except Athanasius were removed out of the City It was said of him Vnus Athanasius contra totum mundum One Athanasius stood firm against all the world Gregory Nazianzen stiles him Tubam ingentem Columnam Ecclesiae The great Trumpet and Pillar of the Church Theodoret stiles him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Bulwark of Truth His Works are commonly printed in two Tomes which Scultetus distinguisheth into Germana Dubia Supposita Germana sunt Oratio adversus Gentes Oratio de incarnatione verbi Expositio Fides Respons ad Liberium Epistola de fide ad Jovinianum Sermo de incarnatione Orationes quinque contra Arianos Tractat in illud dictum Omnia mihi sunt tradita à Patre Epistolae and Adelphinum fratrem and Maximum Philosophum de sententia Dionysii Refutatio hypocriseos Miletii Eusebii Pauli Samosetani Sermo de humana natura suscepta Epistolae ad Epictetum de Incarnatione Christi contra Apolinarium Oratio contra Apolinarium Oratio contra gregales Sabellii Epistolae duae ad Scrapionem de spiritu sancto Epistola de Incarnatione Verbi Dei. Apologiae ad Imperatorem Constantinum De fuga sua prima secunda Ad Africà nos Narratio de Concilio Nicaeno Epistola Catholica Epistolae ad Antiochenses ad Serapionem de morte Arii ad omnes solitariam vitam agentes De Synodis Arimini Seleuciae ad omnes ubique Orthodoxos Ad Joan. Antiochum Ad Palladium Ad Dracontium Ad Ruffianum De Sabbato Circumcisione De peccato in S. Sanctum Synopsis Scripturae sanctae Dubia sunt Orationes de Semente De Ascensione Christi Symbolum Athanasii Epistola ad Aremùn Fragmentum Epistolae festalis Vita S. Antonii De Virginitate sive de meditatione Omnia reliqua sunt supposititia The Life of Hilarie who flourished An. Chri. 355. HIlarie Bishop of Poictiers was nobly descended and of excellent gifts He was frequent in Preaching exemplary in Life a great opposer of the Arian Heresie whereupon the Bishops Valence and Vrsacius procured the Emperour to banish him into Phâ—ygia Afterwards the Emperour commanding many Bishops to assemble at Seleucia to give their opinions about the Arian Heresie Hilarie carried himself so well there that he was restored to Poictiers After which he travelled over Italy and France diligently instructing the Bishops of both those countries in the Canons of the Catholick Faith He was a very Eloquent man and wrote many things in the Latine tongue amongst which he wrote 12 Books of the Trinity expounded the Canon containing the clause Of One Substance proved it sufficiently and confuted the arguments of the Arians He was a very Heavenly man both in his Life and Doctrine and by his means especially the Faith confirmed in the Nicene Council was propagated and defended in these Western parts of the World all his life time He wrote also against the Emperour Constantius one Book Two Books to the Emperour against Auxentius the Arian Commentaries on Matthew Epistles to S. Augustine c. He dyed in peace under Valentinian and Valence CYRIL The Life of Cyril who dyed Anno Christi 365. Cyrillus Bishop of Jerusalem was at the first an Arian and therefore by that faction was made Bishop of Hierusalem but shortly after he was accused in a Council for certain hainous crimes by whom he was deposed from his Bishoprick and being often called by them to purge himself from those crimes he still absented himself for the space of 2 years thinking thereby to escape and the crime to be forgotten as soon as he was deposed he sent an appellation in writing to his Deposers appealing from them to the Judges of the Higher Court. Constantius the Emperour admitted his appellation so that Cyril was the first and the only man that brought in this president so prejudicial to the Ecclesiastical constitutions At length he came to Seleucia to have his cause heard where his Deposition was confirmed for his communicating with certain heretical Bishops and Herennius was substituted in his room Bishop of Hierusalem and after him Heraclius and after him Hilarius These continued the Government of that Church till the reign of Theodosius senior At which
the Famine out of the Villages to seek relief in the City And thus he continued till the Famine being ceased he returned into his retired house again and not long after he quietly slept in the Lord Anno Christi 404. He was a great opposer of Sabellius Arius Apollinarius and other Hereticks so chaste that he repelled the shameless behaviour of a lewd woman which being instigated by the Devil thought to have enticed him to lust but with his grave Exhortations Admonitions and Divine speeches he caught and overcame the tempter so that by his Fatherly advice she proved a grave modest and religious Matron In his Will he commanded that they should sing no verses in his commendation bury him in no fine linnens nor with ointments raise no monuments for him for saich he I am a stranger and so journey c. He was very merciful to the poor as in part we have heard before and having not of his own to give by his sweet and attractive Sermons he stirred up the hearts of others to relieve them He used to say That the resolute Traveller knows that his journey is long and the may dirty yet goes on in hope to come to his house so let a Christian though the way to Heaven be narrow though it be set With troubles and persecutions yet let him go on till be bath finished his course With Joy for Heaven is his home And again He that feasts his body and starves his soul is like him that feasts his slave and starves his wife He dyed under Valence His Works are contained in three Tomes upon several Subjects BASIL The Life of Basil who flourished An. Chr. 370. BAsil was born in Pontus of noble and religious Parents his Grand-Father and great Grand-Father suffered Martyrdom under Galerius Maximus He was called Basilius Magnus for as one saith of him he was great in wit great in eloquence great in wisdom great in defending great in propagating Gods glory great in convincing Hereticks c. When he was grown up to years of discretion he went to Caesarea of Cappadocia which was then the most famous City of Asia for learning In which place in a short time he made such a proficiency in his studies that he excelled all his equals in all sorts of Learning From thence he went to Constantinople where having studyed a while he went to Athens where he heard those famous Rhetoricians Hymerius and Proaeresius at which place also he fell into acquaintance with Gregory Nazianzen and joining studies together they continued in firm amity all their life after He was of an excellent constitution but by much watching praying fasting reading and spare dyet he much weakned his body Afterwards he went to Antioch in Syria where he frequented the School of Libanius and became an excellent Orator So that he was thought worthy to deliver to the World the Precepts of Philosophy and was much solicited thereunto by many excellent men Others perswaded him to become an Orator but neither of these imployments suted with his purpose wherefore having sufficiently profited in Philosophy under Libanius he provided for himself the Commentaries of Origen who then was famous throughout the World and learned out of them to interpret and expound the Sacred Scriptures Then did he valiantly encounter with the Arians and when as they alleadged Origens Books for the confirmation of their Heretical opinions he refuted their ignorance and shewed by plain demonstrations that they understood not the minde and meaning of Origen Yea Eunomius a favourer of that Sect and as many Arians as were of greatest reputation and accounted the profoundest Scholars when they disputed with him and Gregory Nazianzen proved themselves fools and unlearned persons He was at first Ordained Deacon by Aliletius Bishop of Antioch afterwards Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia where he was born after which he gave himself wholly to benefit and profit the Church And when he greatly feared that the new device of Arius his brain would creep throughout the Province of Pontus in all haste he gat him into those parts instructing the ignorant and confirming the wavering minds of weaklings in the Faith A little before some difference arose betwixt Eusebius Bishop of Caesarea and Basil about their different opinions which Valence the Arian Emperour hearing of hasted thitherward and when he came into Cappadocia according to his usual manner he grievously afflicted the Orthodox thrusting them out of their Churches and placing Arians in their rooms and he hoped easily to do the like when he came to Caesarea because of the enmity that was betwixt Eusebius and Basil But it fell out far otherwaies for Basil in Pontus hearing of the Emperours proceedings in Cappadocia hasted to Caesarea and presently was reconciled to Eusebius and by his Ministry seasonably strengthen the Church So that when Valence came thither finding his hopes frustrated he returned without effecting what he came about Not long after Eusebius dyed and Basil was chosen and ordained Bishop in his room where he performed the Office of a worthy Shepheard to his flock as well by duly and truly feeding them with the sincere milk of Gods Word as by driving away all Hereticks that like Wolves sought to devour his Sheep At last came back the Emperour Valence into Cappadocia fully purposing to drive Basil out of Caesarea but the Lord prevented him by this means The very night after he attempted this wickedness his Wife was grievously troubled with dreadful dreams about him and his only Son Gallates fell sick of a sharp and violent Feaver so that the physitians despairing of his recovery gave him up for dead His Wife also told him of those ugly shapes and fearful visions of Devils and wicked Spirits which she had seen in her sleep adding that their childe also was visited with that sickness because of the evil and mischief which he had purposed against Basil. The Emperour marking diligently the words of his Wife and musing with himself cast in his minde what to do and at length resolved to send for Basil and when he came spake thus unto him If thy Faith and Opinion be true pray that my Son dye not of this disease To whom Basil answered If thou wilt promise me to believe as I do and if thou wilt bring the Church into unity and concord thy childe no doubt shall live But the Emperour would by no means agree unto this Then said Basil Let the Lord deal with the childe as pleaseth him and so departed and immediately after the childe dyed He was very charitable insomuch as in a great Famine he sold his lands and all his other goods to relieve the Poor and stirred up other rich Merchants by Scripture and sweet speeches to contribute to their necessities He was also careful to see the sick provided for and caused publick places to be erected for their maintenance and would often not only
friends and said to them Salvi estote filii c. God bless you my children for Epiphanius shall see your faces no more in this life and â—hortly after he dyed aged 115 years having been Bishop 55 years his loss was exceedingly lamented at Salamine He used to say That he never let his adversary sleep not that he disturbed him in his sleep but because he agreed with him presently and would not let the Sun go down upon his wrath His Works are printed together being most of them against the Heresies of his time the names are Opus contra Octuaginta Haereses Panarium Appellatum Compendium Fidei Christianae Anchoratus docens de Fide Christiana Anacephalaeosis sive summa totius operis Panarii appellatum Libellus de mensuris ponderibus Historia de Prophetarum vita interitu Epistola ad Johannem Episc Constantinopolitanum AMBROSE The Life of Ambrose who dyed An. Christi 397. A Mbrose Bishop of Millain his Father was a Praefect in France when Ambrose was an Infant a swarm of Bees as he lay in his Cradle setled on his Face and flew away without hurting of him whereupon his Father said Si vixerit infantulus iste aliquid magni erit if this childe live he will be some great man Afterwards he went to Rome and gained great knowledge in the Liberal Arts and was excellently accomplished with Eloquence and sweet behaviour whereupon he was made Governor of Insubria and so went to Millain where he was made Lieutenant and being made Lieutenant thereof about the same time this strange act happened When Auxentius whom the Arians had chosen to be Bishop of that Sea dyed all was there on an uprore about the Election of another Bishop and great strife there was whilst some would prefer this man and some others that man unto the Bishoprick The tumult being raised Ambrose the Lieutenant of the City who also was a Consul fearing greatly lest that Schism would breed mischief in the City came purposely into the Church to appease the Sedition And his presence prevailing very much with the people after he had given them many notable exhortations and thereby mitigated the rage of the heady and rash multitude All on a sudden with one voice and as it were with one mouth nominated Ambrose for their Bishop hoping hereby that all things would be reconciled and that all would embrace one Faith and Opinion The Bishops that were present thought verily that the uniform voice of the people was the voice of God himself wherefore without any further deliberation they took Ambrose who was but a Catechumenist and baptized him purposing also to enstal him in the Bishoprick Ambrose came willingly to Baptism yet denyed utterly to be a Bishop whereupon the Bishops made the Emperour Valentinian privy to their doings He wondering at the consent and agreement of the people judged that which was done to be the work of God himself he signified therefore to the Bishops that they should obey the Will of God and create Ambrose Bishop saying that God rather then men preferred him to this dignity Thus Ambrose being made Bishop the Citizens of Millain who aforetime were at discord amongst themselves thenceforth imbraced Peace and Unity Whereupon the good Emperour publickly returned thanks unto God in these words I give thee humble thanks O Omnipotent God and our Saviour Jesus Christ that whereas I had committed the Government of their Bodies to this man thou hast also committed their Souls to his care and thereby hast declared that my sentence was just in appointing him to such a place Not long after Ambrose spake very freely to the Emperour complaining of divers things which were ill administred by sundry of the Magistrates To whom that worthy Emperour answered I knew long ago that thou wast a free-spoken man for which cause I was so far from resisting thine Ordination to the Bishoprick as that I gave my free and full consent to it wherefore according to the rule of Gods Holy Word do thou prepare a medicine for our erring mindes This good Emperour a while after dying Justina his Wife being infected with the â—ilth of Arianism yet whilest her husband lived she could no kinde of way molest those that embraced the Faith of One Substance but after his decease removing to Millain together with her young son she raised such tumults against Ambrose the Bishop that in the end she prevailed for his banishment But the people who bore singular love and affection to Ambrose withstood her Act and hindred their force that went about to convey him into exile and it pleased God that just at the same time news came that Maximus a Britain had rebelled and that Gratian the Emperour was slain in France by Andâ—agathius the Captain of Maximus Which news so cooled the heat of Justina's spleen that she was content to let Ambrose alone Yet did she proceed to work upon the tender and flexible minde of her young son Valentinian junior and to instil into him the Principles of Arianism and the young man deceived by the enticements of his Mother too greedily drank in the poison thereof whereupon at length he began to communicate his minde to Ambrose supposing that if he could but draw him to his opinion he could easily overcome the rest But Ambrose began to minde him of the Piety and Sincerity of his Father exhorting him to defend the Truth which he had received from him as he would defend his Empire He also opened to him the difference between those two opinions shewing him how that of the Arians was directly contrary to the Doctrine of Christ and his holy Apostles and that of the Orthodox was most consonant thereunto But the young man as a young man that was blinded with the Error of his Mother was so far from hearkening to the good counsel of Ambrose that on the contrary being inflamed with wrath he compassed the Church where Ambrose was with a great number of armed Souldiers thinking thereby to terrifie him But when he saw that this valiant Champion and Souldier of Christ was no whit affrighted he grew into such a rage that he commanded him to come forth of the Temple To whom Ambrose answered That will I never willingly do neither will I betray the Sheepfold of my Sheep to the Wolves nor deliver up this Temple of God to the Authors of blasphemy but if thou pleasest to kill me here is my breast peirce it either with thy sword or spear as thou pleasest for I desire and am willing to embrace such a death This his resolute answer made the Emperour to withdraw About this time Theodosius the great reigning in the East there fell out a great Sedition in the City of Thessalonica which some of the Magistrates coming to quiet by the furious people they were not only greatly reproached but stoned to death The news hereof being carried to
sent his Spirits to kill Ambrose but they returned answer that God had hedged him in as he did Job Another came with a sword to his bedside to have killed him but he could not stir his hand till repenting he was by the prayer of Ambrose restored to the use of his hands again When Eugenius was Emperour Flavianus the Praefect desired leave of him to build the Altar of Victory at Millain which Ambrose hearing of departed from thence to Bononia but after a while Eugenius and Flavianus going to war against Theodosius he returned to Millain again But before they went they sent word that when they returned Conquerours they would make the great Church in Millain a Stable for Horses but God prevented them for Eugenius was slain by his own Souldiers and Theodosius got the victory This Ambrose was very abstinent full of watchings and prayer diligent in writing never dining but on the Sabbaths he was very couragious for the Truth and merciful to the Poor and Captives he would weep when he heard of the death of any godly Minister Falling sick he appointed Simplicianus a godly old man to succeed him and continuing instant in Prayer he departed this life the third year after Theodosius Anno Christi 397. He used to say When gold is offered to thee thou usest not to say I will come again to morrow and take it but art glad of present possession But Salvation being profered to our Souls few men haste to embrace it And again It is not so much to be enquired how much thou givest as with what heart It 's not liberality when thou takest by oppression from one and givest it to another And again A clear Conscience should not regard slanderous speeches nor think that they have more power to condemn him then his own Conscience hath to clear him And again Death is the burial of all vices for it is the progress and accomplishment of the full mortification of all our Earthly members wherein that filthy flux of sin is dryed up in an instant It is a voluntary sacrificing of the whole man Soul and Body to the Lord the greatest and highest service we can do him on Earth His works are printed in five Tomes The Life of Gregory Nissen who flourished Anno Christi 480. GRegory was sirnamed Nissenus from the City whereof he was Bishop He was born in Cappadocia in the fourth age after Christ. His Fathers name was Basil his Mothers Emmelia His Brothers names were Basil Bishop of Caesarea and Peter Bishop of Sebastia He had a Sister called Macrina From his childhood he was much affected with the study of Rhetorick wherein he grew as famous as any of the ancient Fathers He affected not that solitary life which his Brother Basil did but imployed himself in instructing others First he was a Professor in a School of Rhetorick Afterwards he became a Reader of Divinity in the Church Yet after a while returning to his Rhetorick School again he was reduced to his former work of reading Divinity by Gregory Nazianzen Suidas saith that he was Vir insignis omnique Doctrina exuberans A famous man abounding with all manner of Learning Neither was he less signal for his Piety and Holiness of Life as Nicephorus testifies For his great worth he was preferred to the Bishoprick of Nyssa a chief City in Cappadocia He was banished by the Arian Emperour Valence and from the seventh to the fifteenth year of his Reign he wandred up and down yet still went to such places where the necessity of the Church required his presence and where he might do most good In which godly imployment he was much encouraged by Gregory Nazianzen He lived under Constantius Julian Jovian Valentinian and Valence Gratian and Theodosius the Great and in his time together with Gregory Nazianzen was President in the Universal Council of Constontiple against the Macedonian Hereticks Anno Christi 492. When Hierom wrote his Catalogue of Illustrious men he was alive but the year of his death is not expressed by any Author He was admired for his Eloquence and one calleth him pervigilem Antistitem the faithful and vigilant Prelate He used to read the Scriptures with all diligence reverence and strictness having a special regard to the genuine sense of them He was a strong opposer of Eunomius his Heresie By the Oecumenical Council of Constantinople he was appointed as a man most fit to visit the Churches planted in Arabia After the decease of his brother Basil he finished his Commentaries which he had left imperfect upon the Six Days Works He also preached at Constantinople a Funeral Sermon upon the death of Miletius Bishop of Antioch He wrote an admirable book against Eunomius and another no less famous of the Creation of Man besides many Excellent Sermons which he made But the Treatise Of the Soul which he wrote to his sister Macrina deserves the praise of Learned men in all succeeding Ages Many things are fathered upon him but judicious Scultetus owneth only these Exegetica Scripta in Ecclesiasten In Cantica Canticorum In Psalmos De Occursu Domini De Deo Trinitate De Creatione De Providentia De Christo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 De Baptismo De cultus Dei in genere De cultu Dei in specie viz. De Peregrinatione ad loca sancta De Oratione De Pauperum Amore. De Beatitudinibus De Fornicatione fugienda De iis qui aegrè ferunt reprehensiones De iis qui temerè alios damnant De Vsurariis Funebres Orationes sive de morte piorum De Resurrectione mortuorum De Theologia Vniversa in Oratione Catechetica magna He compared the Vsurer to a man giving water to one in a Burning-Feaver which doth him no good but a great deal of mischief so the Vsurer though he seem for the present to relieve his brothers want yet afterwards he doth greatly torment him He gave this Character of an Vsurer He loves no labour but a sedentary life the Pen is his plough Parchment his Field Ink his Seed Time is the Rain to ripen his greedy Desires his Sickle is calling in of Forfeitures his House the Barn where he winnows the Fortunes of his Clients He follows his Debtors as Eagles and Vultures do Armies to Prey upon the dead Corps And again Men come to Vsurers as Birds to an heap of Corn they desire the Corn but are destroyed in the Nets And again There is no excuse for hard-heartedness for where can a rich man cast his eyes but he may behold objects of his charity c. He dyed under Valentinian and Valence The Life of Theodoret who flourished Anno Christi 420. THeodoret Bishop of Cyrus was born at Antioch of Noble and Religious Parents His Mother before she had him was much grieved in minde because she was barren and without hope of issue to inherit
of Hâ—erom who saw and yet connived at his secret devices and clancular detractations But when Ruffin began to charge the Truth with Heresie and to make Hierom a partner in his impious Opinions the Holy man could bear no longer but breaking the bands of friendship they wrote most bitterly one against another Hierom thinking that all forbearance towards a Heretick was impiety not a vertue Many were stirred up by Ruffinus means to write against Hierom and to charge him with many and foul aspersions both in his Life and Doctrine but he like to an old and well rooted Oke brake the windes that assaulted him on every side He remained in all these storms unbroken and unconquered and was so far from departing from that which was honest That the more his Enemies barked against him the more he was provoked to the study of Piety And against the violence and fraud of Hereticks he was somewhat holpen by Epiphanius and Theophilus Bishops of Alexandria At Rome he had Pammatius and Chromatius to take his part By reason of these troubles his Life was a continual Martyrdom He spent whole 30 years in the study of the sacred Scriptures and Divinity and to extream old age continued in Teaching and Writing He was of a very weak constitution and conflicted with many painful diseases before old Age came upon him which diseases he procured by the great austerity of life and his nightly studies But especially by his indefatigable labours in writing so many great Volumes for which cause it was that sometimes he was forced to make use of Notaries And at last having worn out himself with his great pains and continual labours he quietly slept in the Lord in the ninty first year of his Age Anno Christi 422. Honorius and Constantine being Emperours His holy Life and his Books stuffed with so much Learning and Eloquence procured him so much credit and authority that learned Greece which used to undervalue the Learning of all Nations but their own took care that his Commentaries should be translated into Greek He was so famous in his Life time that if any difficulty did occur in Expounding Scriptures all men had recourse to him as to the Oracle of the Christian World Frequent Letters and Messengers were sent to him out of Italy Spain France Germany and Africa He was consulted with by Bishops by Noble men by Matrons and by the chiefest of all sorts Many from all parts repaired to Bethlehem not so much for Religion sake as to see and confer with Hierom. Augustine held a strict bond of friendship with him and was willing to learn of him as of his Master Paulus Orosius the Historiographer learned many things by conference with him His Industry was admirable whence Erasmus saith of him Minima pars vitae dabatur somno minor cibo nulla otio Et Sacras literas ad verbum ediscebat His usual Prayer was Lord let me know my self that I may the better know thee the Saviour of the World He used this excellent saying If my Father stood weeping on his knees before me and my Mother hanging on my neck behinde and all my Brethren Sisters Children and Kinsfolk bowling on every side to retain me in a sinful life I would fling my Mother to the ground run over my Father despise all my Kinred and tread them under my feet that I might run to Christ. Erasmus saith of him Quis docet aptiùs quis delectat urbani ùs c. Who teacheth more distinctly who delights more modestly who moves more effectually who praises more candidly who perswades more gravely and who exhorts more ardently Trithemius saith Vir in secularibus valdè eruditus c. He was a man well seen in Secular Learning but in Divinity he was inferiour to none of the Doctors of the Church and famous for his skill in the Languages a rooter out of Hereticks and a defender of the Truth He used to say Dead flesh is to be cut off for fear of a Gangrene Arius at first was but a spark but being not suppressed betimes he proved the Incendiarie of the whole Church And again You must be a Dove and a Serpent one not to do hurt to others the other not to be hurt by others And again That woman is truly chaste that hath liberty and opportunity to sin and will not What ever he did he still thought that that voice was in his Ears Surgite mortui venite ad judicium Arise you dead and come to judgement And again All vertues are so linked together that he that hath one hath all and he that wants one wants all He translated the Bible out of the Originals into Latine His Works were printed in nine Tomes at Paris Anno Christi 1534. with Erasmus his Scholia upon them where he also shews which of them are genuine which doubtful and which spurious CHRYSOSTOM The Life of Chrysostom who flourished Anno Christi 400. IOhn Chrysostom was born in Antioch a City of Caelosyria his Father was called Secundus his Mother was Anthusa he descended of the Noble Race of Senators He was the Disciple of Libanius the Sophist and the Auditor of Androgathius the Philosopher His first purpose was to apply himself to the study and practice of the Law and to handle the publick affairs of the Common-wealth but when he perceived how lewd and unrighteous a trade of life they led which busied themselves therein he left that troublesome and dangerous course and betook himself to a quiet and more retired manner of life and so changing both his habit and behaviour he addicted himself wholly to the study of the Sacred Scriptures devising with himself how he might be most useful and profitable to the Church of Christ. He perswaded Theodorus and Maximus his fellow-Students who together with him had frequented the School of Libanius to forsake that trade of life which was wholly set on lucre and gain and to follow that which was contented with a little He also associated himself with Basil and was a partner in his studies After which he was made Reader in the Church of Antioch by Zeno Bishop of Hierusalem and a while after was made Deacon by Meletius and afterwards for three years space he lived a retired life severed from all the troublesome affairs of the World at the end whereof he was made a Presbyter by Evagrius then Bishop of Antioch He was a man of marvellous great temperance very austere in life and rather harsh then curteous in his deportment He had no great forecast made no account of the World and because of his plain and simple meaning was soon deceived He was very copious and free of speech with all such as had any conference with him In his Ministry he was very diligent and painful endeavoring all that possibly he could to reform the lives and manners of his Auditors and he had
this present evil World and I believe that God will answer my desire And indeed accordingly in the third moneth of the siege he fell sick of a Feaver which proved his last sickness neither would God defraud his servant of the fruit of his Prayers And indeed he was very powerful in Prayers so that sometimes thereby he hath cast out Devils and restored sick men to their health His Feaver proved so violent that he dyed in the same third moneth of the siege In his sickness he breathed forth most pious ejaculations He made no Will having nothing to bestow but only Books upon several Libraries He dyed Aged 76. Anno Christi 430. having been a Minister 40 years It 's written of him that after his first Conversion to the Faith he was grievously vexed with inward conflicts against his corrupt affections complaining of his inward hereditary habitual inveterate vices and after long strugling with them by purposes vows strong resolutions watching fasting self-revenge and other good means finding still his own weakness and the encreasing violence of his corruptions as he was intentively musing and meditating what to do more he heard a voice saying In te stas non stas whereupon rightly apprehending that his own strength of wit carnal reason and other powers and helps of nature could not serve the turn for the effecting of that which was the proper and peculiar work of Grace he betook himself to his Saviour by humble faithful and fervent Prayer and at last found such assistance from the Holy Spirit of Grace as strengthned him to stand and make good his resolutions with more comfort then before His usual with was that Christ when he came might finde him aut Precantem aut Praedicantem either Praying or Preaching When the Donatists upbraided him unworthily with the impiety and impurity of his former Life Look said he how much they blame my former fault by so much the more I commend and praise my Physitian He used to say Holy Marriage is better then proud Virginity And again Prayer that is pure and holy pierceth Heaven and returns not empty It 's a shelter to the Soul a sacrifice to God and a scourge to the Divel And again There is nothing that more abateth sin then the frequent meditation of Death He cannot die ill that lived well aud seldom doth he die well that lived ill A Christian at home in his house must think himself a stranger and that his Country is above where he shall be no stranger And again If men want wealth it is not to be unjustly gotten if they have it they ought by good works to lay it up in Heaven He that hath tasted the sweetness of Divine love will not care for temporal sweetness The reasonable Soul made in the likeness of God may here finde much careful distraction but no full satisfaction for it being capable of God can be satisfied with nothing but God Not to be without affliction but to overcome affliction is blessedness Love is strong as death for as death kils the body so love of eternal life kils worldly desires and affections He called Ingratitude the Devils Sponge wherewith he wipes out all the favors of the Almighty He so admired and loved the seven Penitential Psalms that he caused them to be written in great letters and hung within the curtains of his Death-bed that so he might give up the Ghost in the contemplation and meditation of them His Prayer was Lord give first what thou requirest and then require of me what thou wilt And He that prays well cannot chuse but live well His Works are printed in nine Tomes at Basil by Froben The Life of Cyril of Alexandria who flourished Anno Christi 430. THeophilus Bishop of Alexandria falling into a Lethargy shortly after dyed whereupon a great contention arose about the Election of a new Bishop some standing for Timotheus the Archdeacon and others for Cyrillus Abudatius the Captain of the Garrison laboured all that he could to prefer Timothy but the other party prevailed and so Cyril was chosen and setled in the Bishoprick About this time Nestorius the Heretick vented his blasphemous opinions against the Deitie of our Saviour Christ whom Cyril answered and confuted Upon this the Emperour Theodosius minor summoned a Council at Ephesus in which Cyril was chosen President and where with much learning and judgement he confuted Nestorius and Pelagius So that the Council after serious examination and deliberation pronounced this sentence To omit the other abominable wickednesses of Nestorius because being sent for by us he hath refused to appear neither would he receive those godly and religious Bishops whom we sent to confer with him being therefore forced by necessity we proceeded to the examniation of his wicked opinions and finding partly by the Epistles and Books that he hath written and partly by his words which in this famous City he hath lately spoken which by sufficient witness have been proved before us that he holds and publisheth Heretical opinions contrary to the Word of God and the Canons of the holy Councils we therefore not without many tears are forced to pass this severe sentence against him and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom he hath so grosly and grievously blasphemed doth by us Decree that Nestorious be deposed from his Rishoprick and excommunicated from the holy Assemblies of the Ministers of God Which sentence the Emperour Theodosius did also approve of and confirm and withall banished him to Oasis and God to shew the severity of his justice against blasphemers strake him with an incurable disease whereby his tongue rotted and breeding many Worms was devoured by them so that he ended his wretched life after a most miserable manner This Cyril was by birth a Grecian and as one testifies of him was Vir doctus sanctus a learned and holy man He was President in the Council at Ephesus where with much learning and judgement he confuted Nestorius and Pelagius He was admirably experienced in the holy Scriptures flourished under Theodosius junior he was so famous for piety eloquence and wit that the Grecian Bishops gat some of his Homilies by heart and recited them to their people After twenty two years labor in the Government of that Church he quietly yeelded up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 448. under Theodosius junior He used to say It 's the best way for a rich man to make the Bellies of the Poor his Barn to succour the fatherless and needy and thereby to lay up treasure in Heaven that he may be received into everlasting habitations And Where the Scripture wants a tongue of expression we need not lend an ear of attention we may safely knock at the Council door of Gods secrets but if we go further we may be more bold then welcome And again The Devil runs
foreseen to be a likely consequent yet was contemned in respect of the Churches necessity and want which was that the Arian King enraged by this act banished about 60 Bishops into Sardinia amongst whom Fulgentius was one who joyfully ascended the Ship being heartily glad that he had a share in such a glorious confession Divers of his Clergy and Friends followed him and being arrived at Calaris in Sardinia he there lived with them at the same Table and by his Sermons converted many Not long after King Thrasamund amongst the crafty fetches and persecutory drifts whereby he endeavoured to allure the Catholicks to the Arian Heresie used this Policy He feigned a desire to become a Catholick and setting down divers captious and deceitful questions pretended that he could not finde any that could sufficiently answer those questions whereupon hearing the fame of Fulgentius he hastily sent for him who with an undaunted courage came to Carthage and not being presently called to the King endeavoured seriously to confirm the Catholicks in their Faith and with much curtesie and affability answered all questions rejecting no man whereby he reclaimed many from their Errors admonishing them to repent of and to bewail their fall others he exhorted not to hazard the damnation of their Souls for temporal advantages and whom he saw in danger of perdition with milde yet effectual words he stayed and encouraged to a noble and generous resolution animating them to suffer any dangers or torments rather then to deny the Truth and it pleased God so to bless his labors that some who before were staggering were now by his means imboldned plainly to reprove the weak-grounded impudence of the Arian party And thus the Omnipotent God turned the Enemies device to the advancement of his own glory Then did the King send for him and questioned with him and met with such solid and judicious answers that he was forced to acknowledge that he found him every way to answer the report which he had heard of his Wisdom and Learning and withall he proposed sundry difficult questions to which he required his answer in writing Fulgentius having drawn up his Answer communicated it to the most learned Catholicks and after their approbation to the people before it was delivered to the King Thrasamund having with great diligence perused it praised his Wisdom wondred at his Eloquence commended his Humility yet had his heart so hardened that he could not understand and submit to the Truth Fulgentius could not be suffered to stay long at Carthage for the Arians with their clamors incensed the King complaining that he had already gained from them some of their Ministers and that the people fell apace to him so that their whole Religion stood in great hazard by his means Then the King to quiet them sent him back into Sardinia Late in the night was he carryed aboard the Ship that his departure might be the better concealed from the people but it pleased God by contrary windes long to detain the Ship in the harbor so that for many days almost the whole City flocked to him to take their farewel and many communicated at his hands And when great lamentation was made for his departure he took one Juliates a very godly man apart and told him he should shortly again return and that the Church should enjoy peace which also came to pass When he was requested to pray for any that were sick or in misery he commonly used this Petition Thou O Lord knowest best what will make for our Souls health Grant of thy mercy a supply unto our necessities so far forth as shall not hinder our spiritual profit And when God graciously answed his Prayers in their behalf he used to say That God did it for their sakes not for his He commonly said that Miracles make not a man just or righteous but famous When he was come back to Sardinia he returned to his former strict course of life with his Associates who had all things in common and when he distributed more to one then to another by reason of sickness or weakness he used thus to say to them Who taketh of the common so much becometh debtor to all which debt he can only pay by humility It was very pleasing to him when any of the Brethren proposed any hard question and gladly he hearkened to the doubts of any though they were never so simple neither would he through weariness or tediousness cease to give them answers until they confessed them selves to be satisfied Though he was sometimes severe towards the obstinate yet he remained even when he seemed most displeased and angry nothing at all in minde troubled or disquieted Thrasamund the King being shortly after taken away by death Hilderick succeeded him who restored peace and liberty to the Catholicks recalling their Bishops from Exile and amongst the rest Fulgentius who was received with great devotion by the Africans no less in every City then if he had been their peculiar Bishop Everywhere they met him with tokens of joy with whom now rejoycing he rejoyced as before with them lamenting he had lamented Yea their love was so great to him that a showre of rain falling they held their garments over his head to keep him dry Then did he return to his proper seat where he would do nothing without the advice of his Clergy In the Council of Vincensa he was by the common suffrage of the Bishops chosen President Though Bishop Quodvultdeus claimed that preheminence as belonging to his Sea and though Fulgentius for the present would not oppose this choice yet at the next Sessions he procured that the Bishop Quodvultdeus was restored to his right A year before his death he retired with some Brethren into the Island of Circina and there lived a most strict life But the necessities of his people requiring and their importunity prevailing he returned to them and shortly after fell into grievous pangs of sickness wherein he continued sixty days often crying out O Lord give me patience and pardon Physitians perswading him to make use of a Bath he answered Can Baths make that man who hath accomplished the course of Nature that he shall not dye Why then do you go about to perswade me now at my last end to remit of that rigor which I have always used Lastly calling together the Brethren about him he thus spake to them Dear Brethren having been careful of your Souls health perhaps I have been austere and harsh towards you If any one be offended I beseech him to pardon me and if my severity have possibly passed measure and due moderation pray ye to God that he may impute it not to me They all kneeling down acknowledged him to have been always loving gentle and milde towards them Then did he pray for his people that God would provide for them a Pastor after his own heart After
cause on both sides read over diligently the Book writ by Eutychius and being convinced of the Error by that which he had heard from Gregory he adjudged the Book to be burned Shortly after Eutychius fell very sick and a little before his death retracted his Error and acknowledged the Resurrection of our flesh Gregory having dispatched the business about which he was sent to Constantinople returned to Rome about which time the River Tiber swelled to such an unmeasurable height that it ran over the Wals of the City and drowned a great part of it and break into many great houses overthrew divers ancient Monuments it overthrew also the Granaries belonging to the Church and carried away many thousand measures of Wheat Presently after which inundation of Tiber there came down the River an innumerable company of Serpents with one monstrous great one as big as a Beam which when they had swum into the Sea were there choaked and their carkasses being all cast upon the shore there rotted which caused such an Infection of the Ayr that presently a great Plague followed in Rome so that many thousands dyed of it Yea Arrows were visibly seen to be shot from Heaven and whosoever was stricken with them presently dyed amongst whom Pelagius Bishop of Rome was one and this judgement so raged in the City that many houses were emptyed of their Inhabitants After the death of Pelagius the Clergy Senate and People of Rome made choice of Gregory to be their Bishop though he opposed it all that possibly he could crying out that he was altogether unworthy of such honour fearing least the splendor of worldly glory which he had formerly layd aside should in such an Office creep upon and infect him But the importunity of the People being so great he seemed to consent to them but privately under-hand wrote to the Emperour Mauritius earnestly requesting him that he would not consent to the Election but that by his Authority he would free him from it But Germanus the Praefect of the City meeting with the messenger took his Letters from him and reading them detained them sending word to the Emperour of the unanimous consent of all in the Election of Gregory Whereupon the Emperour returning thanks to God for that they had made so good a choice confirmed the Election so that Gregory could no longer evade it In the mean time the Pestilence raging exceedingly Gregory called the people together and shewed them the justice of God in his Judgements who used not to punish till by sin he is provoked thereunto telling them that they might read the greatness of their sins in the greatness of the Plague and thereupon exhorted them to repentance by the Precepts of God and by the example of Ninâ—veh appointing them to lay all their worldly businesses aside and to meet together the next day to spend it in Fasting and Prayer which accordingly they did yet whilst they were together Gods hand was out against them so that fourscore of them fell down dead in the place But Gregory being not discouraged hereby continued his Sermon telling them that God would at length be found of them if they would forsake their wicked ways and turn unto him with all their hearts and with all their souls and accordingly not long after the Pestilence ceased Gregory observing that many customs were lately crept into the Church which were not warranted by the holy Apostles he first extirpated them out of the Church of Rome and then calling a Council of many Bishops he endeavoured to root them out of the whole Church Then removing from about him all secular persons he chose Presbyters and other Learned men in their stead whereby Learning was much advanced in his days He was very charitable and much given to hospitality insomuch as when very many Inhabitants from divers parts flying from the barbarous cruelty of the Longobards came to him he entertained and relieved them inviting dayly to his house many of those Exiles He made also large distributions unto others giving them Corn Wine Flesh Fish Cheese and many other refreshings in their several seasons Many times also he sent large relief to the sick lame and impotent persons not only in Rome but in many other Towns and Villages round about insomuch as all that he had seemed to be the common Granary of the Church In the fourth year of his Bishoprick having in some good measure setled the affairs of the Church he now began to think how he might advance the Conversion of the English which he had formerly been so sollicitous for had never since been forgotten by him For which end he sent Austin and some other Ministers from about him to Preach the Gospel unto them But they had not gone many days journey before they began to be a weary of undertaking so difficult and dangerous a task as to go to Preach to a fierce barbarous and unbelieving Nation whole Language they did not understand whereupon they stopped and sent Austin back to Gregory desiring that they might have leave to return that they might be freed from so laborious difficult and dangerous a work Gregory having received this message wrote thus back to them again Beloved Brethren seeing it had been better that you had never begun a good work then that you should recede from it it behoves you through the assistance of Almighty God to go forwards with it Neither let the labor of the journey nor the tongues of wicked men deterre you from it I have sent back Austin whom I would have you to obey knowing that he will counsel you nothing but what shall be for the good of your souls Almighty God give you his grace and grant that I may see of the fruit of your labors though I cannot join with you therein With this Exhortation Austin did so encourage his Companions that passing through France where they found kinde entertainment by the good Bishops in every place they at last arrived in Britain and came to Ethelburg the King of Kent where through Gods mercy they did not only obtain leave to Preach but had habitations and maintenance allowed them in Canterbury his chief City Whosoever desires to see the success of this business may read it in my English Martyrologie Pag. 11. c. Gregory dyed Anno Christi 605. having been Bishop of Rome 13 years 6 moneths and 10 days He lived under the Emperour Mauritius and dyed in the second year of Phocas Johannes Trithemius gives him this testimony Gregorius Vir in Divinis Scripturis eruditissimus in secularibus literis utique doctissimus Theologorum Princeps splendor Philosophorum Rhetorum lumen vita conversatione integer atque sanctissimus He was of an acute wit whereby he overthrew Eutiches Pelagius who dyed in his time of the Plague at Rome and divers other Hereticks He severely reproved the Bishop of Constantinople who would
he profited exceedingly so that he attained to the knowledg of all the Liberal Sciences After which going to Jerusalem he studied the Scripture and Divinity where he was made a Presbyter Preached diligently and much propagated the Faith by his Sermons and Writings A great opposer of Hereticks he was He flourished under Leo and dyed in peace He was a very Eloquent man and second to none of that Age in Learning He wrote three Books of Parallels of the Sacred Scriptures four Books of the Orthodox Faith besides many other Works which are printed at Paris Anno Christi 1619. The Life of Theophylact who flourished Anno Christi 880. THeophylact born in Constantinople and afterwards Archbishop of the same was much imployed in visiting and reforming the Churches in Bulgarie and when he had proved himself a painful laborer in the dangerous persecutions there he yielded up his spirit to his Maker He used to say Be not troubled if this man lives in tranquillity and thou in tribulation God will have it so he puts thee into the combat thou must therefore sweat hard before thou com'st off with the victory whereas he that comes forward in the World goes back in Grace his estate is miserable that goes laughing to destruction as a Fool to the stocks for correction He wrote in Greek Commentaries upon the four Evangelists which are translated into Latine by Charles Morell and printed at Paris Anno Christi 1631. The Life of Anselm who flourished Anno Christi 1080. ANselm Archbishop of Canterbury was born at Aosta or Augusta Praetoriana at the foot of the Alps in Italy and therefore as an Italian he always favoured the cause of the Romane Bishop He was carefully brought up in Learning by his Mother Ermerburga till he was fourteen years old when she dying he gave himself awhile to vain pleasures and his Father being severe to him he resolved to travel in which he met with wants spent three years in Burgundie and France and then became Scholar to Lanfrancus Abbot of Beck where being held hard to his study he entred into a Monasterie and by his strict carriage there his fame spread abroad and the old Abbot dying he succeeded him and after the death of Lanfrank he was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury He received such honours and uncouragements from Pope Vrbane as never Bishop received greater from a Pope For at the Council of Barum in Apulia the Pope placed him at his right foot above al others which was ever since the place of the Archbishops of Canterbury in all General Councils Much contention was between William Rufus King of England and him which caused him to leave the Kingdom till Henry the First his time when he was reinvested again but lived not long after his return into England before he dyed which was Anno Christi 1109. and in the 9. year of the Reign of King Henry the First and of his Age 76. He was indeed the Popes Factor in England for denyal of Investures to the King and Marriages to the Ministers but otherwise he was found in the main points of our Religion and taught many things contrary to the corrupt Tenents of the Church of Rome He used to say That if he should see the shame of sin on the one hand and the pains of Hell on the other and must of necessitie chuse one he would rather be thrust into Hell withoute sin then go into Heaven with sin And again O durus casus c. Oh hard-hap Alas what did man lost what did he finde He lost the blessedness to which he was made and found death to which he was not made The Life of Nicephorus who flourished Anno Christi 1110. NIcephorus a man of profound Judgment and Learning both in Humanity and Divinity flourished under Andrenicus senior the Emperour Anno Christi 1110. He was a great light when the World was in great darkness and both by his Life and Doctrine illuminated many He wrote his Ecclesiastical History in eighteen Books in Greek and Dedicated them to the Emperour Andronicus and not long after exchanged this Life for Eternal glory He said God beholds and moderates our actions using the scourge of affliction for our castigation and conversion and after due correction shews his Fatherly affection to those that trust in hâ—m for Salvation And Christ asked Peter three times if he loved him not for his own information but that by his threefold profession he might help and heal his threefold negation of him BERNARD The Life of Bernard who dyed An. Christi 1153. BErnard was born in Burgundie in the Town of Fontane His Fathers name was Tecelinus of an ancient Family and a brave Souldier but that which most commended him was that he feared God and loved Justice and following the counsel of John the Baptist he did wrong to no man and was content with his wages His Mothers name was Aleth of the Castle called Mont-Barr a woman eminent for Piety Chastity and Charity bringing up her children in the fear of God She had seven children six sons and one daughter all which she nursed with her own breasts Bernard was her third son whom from his Infancy with Hannah she devoted to the Service of God and therefore brought him not up tenderly and delicately but inured him to course fare and hardship and as soon as he was of capacity instilled into him the knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures and instructed him in the Principles of Religion and finding him to be of an acute wit ready apprehension firm memory comly feature courteous and meek deportment and much addicted to Learning she set him to Schole betimes to Castillion under the care and tuition of able Scholemasters and the boy being piously addicted studious of a quick apprehension easily answered his Mothers desire and expectation profiting in Learning above his age and out-stripping all his school-fellows and shewed withall a great contempt of all Earthly things and indeed he was very simple in all worldly affairs He shunned company and affected retiredness was much in meditation obedient to his Parents grateful and curteous to all He was exceeding shamefac't and modest loved not to speak much Towards God very devout that he might keep himself pure in his childhood And amongst other Learning he was frequent in reading the holy Scriptures that from thence he might learn to know and serve God So that it cannot be imagined how much he profited in a short time Whilst he was yet a boy he was much troubled with a pain in his head and lying upon his bed there was brought to him a woman who had undertaken to cure him with certain verses and charms but as soon as he heard her begin to utter her verses wherewith she used to deceive the simple he cryed out with great indignation
a little more it s most grievous to me my feet and thighes be swoln as theirs Who are troubled with a Dropsie And in all these things that I may conceal nothing from my friend who desires to know the state of his friend the Spirit is Willing but the Flesh is weak Pray unto my Saviour who desireth not the death of a sinner not that he will defer but that he will guard my departure by his blessed Angels Take ye care that my heel which is naked of merits be strengthened and defended by your Prayers that he which lyeth in wait may not finde where to fasten his tooth and inslict a wound Farewel A little before his death all the Monks came and asked him whether he did not take pity on them and their Monastery To which he answered that he was in a great straight not knowing which to choose Life or Death but left all to the Will of God For faith he my Fatherly love moves me to pity you my children so as to desire to remain here but on the other side my desire to be with Christ draws me to long to depart hence His humility was such that he called himself an unprofitable servant a dry tree from whom no good had come either to himself or others He dyed Aug. 20. Anno Christi 1153. and in the 63 year of his age He accompanyed the Bishop of Hostin the Popes Legat to Tholouse purposely to root out those whom he called Hereticks but indeed were the true servants of Christ and being too facile and misinsormed himself he misreported their Opinions and Doctrines shewing himself the Grand Factor for two Popes viz. Innocent the second and Eugenius the third One Adm a Canon Regular made this Epitaph on him Clare sunt valles sed claris vallibus Abbas Clarior his clarum women in orbe deait Clarus avis clarus meritis clarus honore Clarnt ingenio â—t Religione magis Mors est clars cius clarus clarumg sepulchrum Clarior exutat spirtus ante Deum He had many opinions differing from the Church of Rome As that there were but two Sacraments Denyed Transubslantiation That the wicked receive not Christs Flesh. That we are justified by the imputation of Christs Righteousness That mans Righteousness justifieth not before God That we might be assured of our Salvation Denyed works of Supererogation I ree-will Would not have Traditions obstinately defended nor superstitiously observed Complained that Popes and Bishops were the greatest Perfecutors of Christ c. He used to say Ambtion is a gilded miserie a secret poyson a hidden plague the eagineer of diccit the mother of hypocrisie the parent of envy the original of vices the moth of holiness the blinder of hearts turning medicines into maladies and remedies into diseases Ever when he came to the Church-door he used to say thus to himself Stay here all my worldly thoughts and all vanity that I may entertain he wents meditations His Works are well known being bound up together in one Volume The life of Peter Lombard who flourished Anno Christi 1196. PEter Lombard was born at Navaria afterwards made Bishop of Paris was contemporary with Gratian and as Gratian gathered Canons and was Master of the Canons so this Peter collected sentences out of Ambrose Hilarie Augustine Cassiodore and Remigius and out of them with some addition of his own compiled his Books He wrote Commentaries on the Psalms and Pauls Epistles but the chiefest of his Works were four books of Sentences the first concerning the Trinity and Unity of God the second of the Creation of the World especially of Angles and Men and of the grace of God the third of the Incarnation of the word and of Vertues and Vices the fourth of the Sacraments of the Resurrection and Judgement for which he was called the Master of Sentences Some of his sayings were There can no good dwell in us that cannot will good nor can we perfect good that cannot desire good There are in us evill concupiscences and desires which are the Divels Weapons whereby when God forsakes us he over-throws us and gives our souls a deadly wound God condemns none before he sins nor crowns any before he overcomes Let none glory in the gifts of Preachers in that they edisie more by them for they are not Authors of Grace but Ministers The instruction of words is not so powerful as the exhortation of Works for if they that teach well neglect to do well they shall hardly profit their Audience The Life of Alexander Hales who dyed Anno Christi 1270. ALexander of Hales was born at Hales in Gloucester shire carefully educated of an excllent wit and very industrious He travelled into other Countries Read a long time in Paris he made there the Sum of Divinity divided into four parts A great School-Divine and was called Docter irresragabilis He was master to Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas He writ a most copious and notable sum of Theology by the command of Pope Innocent the fourth He wrote Marginal Notes upon the Old and New Testament and Commented on most of the Bible His life was full of charity and labor He dyed Anno Christi 1245. His sayings A soul patient when wrongs we offered is like a man with a sword in one hand and salve in the other could wound but will bed What the Eye is to the Body Faith is to Soulâ— it 's good for direction if it be kept well and as Flies hurt the Eye so little sins and ill thoughts the Soul Covâ—tousness deserves the hate of all for six reasons 1. It 's a sin against Nature making the Soul Terrene which should be Celestial 2. For the many curses against it in the word Wo to them that join house to house c. 3. For the many evils it subjects us to it 's the root of all evil 4. It makes a man a Fool O Fool this night c. 5. It causes striseâ— From whence are strifes c. 6. It brings men into snares which drown in perdition Every lye is odious but that most which is against points of Faith as to say Christ was not born of the Virgin c. Faith must be defended not opposed An humble man is like a good tree the more full of fruits the branches are the lower they bend themselves The Life of Bonaventure who dyed Anno Christi 1274. BOnaventure born in Etruria in Italie of Noble and devout Parents was of a winning countenance very studious and a great follower of Alexender Hales He engraved in his study that saying of our Lord Learn of me for I am meek c. and to keep his minde from swelling he would sweep rooms wash vessels make beds c. He was very cheerful in ministring to the Poor and when he met with any persons that were troubled in minde he would not leave them
knows that they be lye us God convert them that are to be converted that they may repent and overwhelm the rest with eternal woe But to return to the matter I could wish with all my heart that a free and Christian Council were assembled that provision might be made for many things that are amiss Not that we have need of a Council for our Churches are so enlightned taught and confirmed by the grace of God with the pure Word of God and true use of the Sacraments that we need not a Council neither can a Council shew us a truer or better way But there is need of one in many other regards In many Bishopricks divers Parishes are destitute of spiritual food yet the Bishops and Canons regard not the life of those poor men for whom yet Christ dyed so that they cannot hear the true Shepherd speaking to his Sheep I fear Christ for this will call a Council of Angels to destroy Germany as he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah Besides these affairs of the Church many things need Reformation in the Civil State Great discords are amongst Princes usury and covetousness overflow like a deluge wantonness pride riot garishness in apparrel bellycheer dicing pomp malice stubornness of subjects oppression c. so over-flow that they cannot be amended by ten Councils and twenty Diets c. Our sins weigh us down and suffer not God to be gracious to us because instead of repenting we defend our abominations O Lord Iesus Christ do thou summon and hold a Council and redeem thy servants by thy glorious coming The Pope and Popâ—lings are pâ—st cure therefore help us poor and distressed men who groan unto thee and seek thee with our hearts according to the grace that thou hast given us by thy holy Spirit which liveth and reigneth with thee and the Father for ever Amen Luther least he should seem to have yeilded any thing to the temperament of Bucer which we spake of before wrote to Albert of Brandenburg Duke of Borussia exhorting him to shun the Sacramentaries and their Doctrine and not to suffer it to crâ—ep anywhere into his Dominions least he should thereby so burthen his conscience with so great wickedness that perhaps he should never be able to pacific it again They of Zurick took this very ill and they wrote also to the Duke of Borussia requesting him not to Decree any thing against the Professors of their Faith A while after Luther wrote an Epistle to the Aldermen of Francfurt wherein he called the Zinglians Archdevils and said they were to be driven out of Pulpits and cast out of the Country He used to be very fervent in Prayer Vitus Theodorus thus writeth of him No day passeth wherein Luther spendeth not three hours at least in Prayer Once it fell out saith he that I heard him Good God! what a spirit what a confidence was in his very expression with such a reverence he sueth for any thing as one begging of God and yet with such hope and assurance as if he spake with a loving father or friend c. When the Papists charged him for a lyer a promise-breaker and an Apostate Luther denying the former yielded himself to be an Apostate but a blessed and holy one who had not kept his promise made to the Devil saying That he was no otherwise a revolter then a Mamaluke turning Christian or a Magician renouncing his Covenant made with the Devil and betaking himself to Christ. When Philip Duke of Pomerania marryed Mary daughter to the Elector of Saxony Luther being present prayed for a blessing and taking Philip by the hand said The Lord God be with you and keep your posterity from failing But his wife continuing barren four years all his male-stock was like to be extinct yet at length by Gods blessing according to Luthers Prayer he had seven sons by her which wonderfully enlarged that Noble Family Luther falling sick of the Stone made his Will in which he bequeathed his detestation of Popery to his friends and to the Pastors of the Church He also beforehand made this verse Pestis eram vivus moriens ero mors tua Papa I living stopt Romes breath And dead will be Romes death Yet it pleased God in a short space to give him ease and to restore him to his former health which brought great joy to all his friends and especially to Melancthon who in an Epistle to him congratulated his recovery Anno Christi 1537. The Pope appointed a Council at Vincentia for reforming the Church of which Luther wrote a book and by a picture in the Frontispiece shewed the Argument of it wherein the Pope was pictured sitting in a high Throne with some Cardinals standing by with Fox-tails on the end of long poles as with brushes pretending to sweep the room but presently after the dust setled again as before About this time the new Sect of the Antinomians did start up The chief ring-leader was Joannes Agricola of Isleben a familiar friend of Luthers They held That repentance was not to be taught from the Decalogue they opposed such as taught that the Gospel was not to be preached to any but to such as were humbled by the Law and they taught that whatsoever a mans life was though impure c. yet he was justified so that he beleived the Gospel Luther confuted these Anno Christi 1540. there was a meeting appointed at Haganaw upon the Rhine where the Divines were to meet and in a friendly manner to debate their differences But as Melancthon was going thitherward he fell sick at Vinaria made his Will and prepared for death whereupon Luther and Cruciger by long journeys hastened to him and as soon as Luther saw how miserably he was wasted with his disease with sighes and tears he brake out into this speech Alass how pretious and profitable an instrument of the Church is miserably weakened and ready to perish and there withall falling upon his knees he prayed most earnestly for him and Melancthon confessed that if Luther had not come he had dyed Anno Christi 1541. Luther wrote a consolatory Letter to Frederick Myconius almost quite spent with a Consumption affirming that he could have no joy to live if he dyed and therefore wished that himself might first lay down his Earthly Tabernacle concluding that he was verily perswaded that his Prayers should be granted as indeed it came to pass for Myconius out-lived him fix years and would often say That Luther obtained this for him by his Prayers Luther afterwards wrote his minde concerning Ceremonies which he desired might be few and tending to edification and Excommunication which he wished might be brought into the Church as a profitable Discipline but could scarce hope to see it Anno Christi 1544. Novemb. 17. he finished his Explication of Genesis which was his last publick reading in the University which he thus concluded Thus
end I my Explication of Genesis God grant that others may more rightly expound it then I have done I cannot proceed further my strength faileth pray for me that I may have a quiet and comfortable departure out of this life This year in Italy was spread a most impudent lye about Luthers death which they called Horrendum inâ—ud tum miraculum quod in aeternum laudandus Dâ—us in foedamâ—te Mart. Lutheri corpore anima damnati exhibuit in gloriam Jesu Christi atque in emendationem consolationem piorum The substance of it was this That when he saw he must die he requested that his body should be set upon the Altar and worshipped with Divine Worship but when his body was laid in the grave suddainly so great a stir and terror arose as if the foundations of the Earth were shaken together whereupon all that were present trembling and astonished lift up their Eyes and saw the sacred Host appear in the Air whereupon they placed that upon the Altar But the night following a loud noise and ratling shriller then the former was heard about Luthers sepulchre which terrified all the City and almost killed them with astonishment in the morning when they opened the sepulchre they found neither bodie bones nor clothes but a sulphureous stink came out thereof which almost overcame the standers by c. This Lye coming printed into Germany Luther subscribed with his own hand I Martin Luther do profess and witness under my own hand that receiving this figment full of anger and fury concerning my death I read it with a joyful mind and cheerful countenance And but that I detest the blasphemy which ascribeth an impudent lye to the Divine Majesty for the other passages I cannot but laugh at Satans the Popes and their complices hatred against me God turn their hearts from their Diabolical malice but if he Decree not to hear my Prayer for their sin unto death then God grant that they may fill up the measure of their sins and solace themselves with their libels full fraught with such like lyes Anno Christi 1546. Luther taking Melancthon and some others along with him went into his own country and returned in safety to Wittenberg again And not long after he was sent for back by the Counts of Mansfield to compose a difference amongst them about the borders of their Countries and their inheritances Luther did not use to meddle with such businesses having all his life been accustomed only to deal in Ecclesiastical affairs yet because he was born in that Country he would not be wanting to promote the peace of it And therefore having preached his last Sermon at Wittenberg January the 17. upon the 23. day he began his journey and at Hall in Saxony he lodged at Justus Jonas his house and passing over the River with Jonas and his own three sons they were in danger of drowning whereupon he said to Justus Jonas Think you not that it would rejoyce the Devil very much if I and you and my three sons should be drowned He was honorably entertained by the Earl of Mansfield who sent an hundred Horse that conveyed him to Isleben being very weak whereupon he said that he never undertook any great business but he was attended with such sickness yet after the use of some Fomentations he was pretily well and attended the business about which he came from the 29. of Ianuary to the 17. of February During which time he preached some times in the Church and twice administred the Lords Supper and Ordained two to the work of the Ministry At his Table he used holy conference and was dayly very fervent in his Prayers The day before his death he dined and supped with his friends discoursing of divers matters and amongst the rest gave his opinion that in heaven we shall know one another because Adam knew Eve at first sight c. After supper his pain in his breast increasing he went aside and prayed then went to bed and slept but about midnight being awakened with the pain and perceiving that his life was at an end he said I pray God to preserve the Doctrine of his Gospel amongst us For the Pope and the Council of Trent have grievous things in hand After which he thus prayed O heavenly Father my gracious God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ thou God of all consolation I give thee hearty thanks that thou hast revealed unto me thy Son Iesus Christ whom I believe whom I profess whom I love whom I glorifie whom the Pope and the rout of the wicked persecute and dishonour I beseech thee Lord Iesus Christ receive my soul O my heavenly Father though I be taken out of this life and must lay down this frail body yet I certainly know that I shall live with thee eternally and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands God so loved the world c. Lord I render up my spirit into thy hands and come to thee And again Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit thou O God of Truth hast redeemed me and so as one falling asleep and without any bodily pain that could be discerned he departed this life February 18. Anno 1546. and in the great Climaâ—terial year of his life This was the Will which he made concerning his Wife with childe and his young son O Lord God I thank thee that thou wouldst have me live a poor and indigent person upon Earth I have neither house nor Land nor possessions nor money to leave Thou Lord hast given me wife and children them Lord I give back to thee nourish instruct and keep them O thou the Father of Orphans and Iudge of the Widow as thou hast done to me so do to them When he was ready to dye Iustus Ionas and Caelius said to him O Reverend Father do you dye in the constant confession of that Doctrine of Christ which you have hitherto preached To which he answered Yea which was the last word that he spake He was ever constant in the known Truth from the confession whereof he could never be removed neither by promises nor threats In the dismal Wars which followed when Wittenberg was yeilded to the Emperour Charles and he came to see Luthers Tomb some of his Spaniards perswaded him that the body of Luther should be taken up and burned the Emperour said Suffer him to rest till the day of the Resurrection and Iudgement of all men When he was fitting himself for his journey to Isleben he confessed to Melancthon that he had gone too far in the Sacramentary Controversie hereupon Melancthon perswaded him to explicate his minde by publishing some Book but he answered hereby I shall bring a suspition upon all my Doctrine as faulty but when I am dead you may do as you see cause He was full of affections towards his children gave them liberal education
by keeping a Schoolmaster in his house to train them up in learning and godliness When he saw his daughter Magdalen ready to dye he read to her Isay 26. 19. Thy dead men shall live together with my dead body shall they arise c. Adding My daughter enter thou into thy chamber in peace I shall ere long be with thee For God will not permit me to see the punishment which hangs over the head of Germany whereupon he wept plentifully but when he followed the Corps he so restrained his affection that he shed not a tear He used to say that three things make a Divine Meditation Prayer Tentation and that three things were to be done by a Minister 1. To read the Bible over and over 2. To pray earnestly 3. Always to be a learner And that they were the best Preachers who spake as to babes in Christ in an ordinary strain popularly and most plainly He said That in the cause of God he was content totius mundi odium impetum sustinere to undergo the hatred and violence of the whole world He was very liberal to the poor A poor Student asking him some money he bade his wife give him some but she pleading penury he took up a silver cup and gave it him Also a friend sending him two hundred angels of gold he bestowed them all on poor Students and when the Elector gave him a new gown he said That he mas made too much of for saith he if here we receive a full recompence of our labors we shall hope for none in another life And again he said turning my self to God Valdè protestatus sum me nolle sic satiari ab eo I said flatly that God should not put me off with these low things And having a vein of metal offered him he refused it least he should incur the temptation of the Devil who is Lord of treasure under the Earth He never took any thing of Printers for his Copies On a time one brought him a stone that was found in the Mines in Mansfield which had upon it the Image of the Pope with his tripple Crown whereupon he said Hem oportet Papam revelari etiam per metalla metallicos The Pope must be revealed even by metals and metal-diggers His private life was very exemplary At dinner and supper-time he used often to dictate Sermons unto others Sometimes to correct sheets from the Press Sometimes with Musick to refresh his friends He was very temperate both in meat and drink Sometimes he used to fast four days together and other sometimes to eat only a little bread and an herring As much as he could he avoided Feasts that he might not spend time In his converse with his friends he was pleasant courteous and sociable mixed with gravity He sometimes used recreations and amongst the rest turning in a Lathe He would never be idle He was very loving to and tender of his children maintaining a Schoolmaster in his house to instruct them in Piety and Learning He was very passionate but soon appeased Melancthon seeing him once in a passion said Vince animos iramque tuam qui caetera vincis whereupon he smiling said we will no longer dispute of these matters and so he discoursed pleasantly of other things He foretold many things which afterwards came to pass He was very healthful but that sometimes he was troubled with the Headach especially towards his latter end whereupon he feared an Apoplexy and when his head was so out of order he used to say Feri Domine ferâ—â—lementer ego paratus sum quia verbo tuo à peccatis absolutus corpore sarguine tuo pastus He was troubled with frequent tentations whereupon he used to write Valemus omnes praeter Lutherum ipsum qui corpore sanus foris a toto mundo intus à Diabolo patitur omnibus Angelis ejus He was big of stature strong and had such a sharp sight that few could endure stedfastly to look upon him Upon a time one was sent under pretence of private conference to pistol him Luther entertained him friendly but withall stedfastly looking upon him the man was so terrified that he took care for nothing but how he might run away He had a gentle and clear voice He lived chastly and holily in Wedlock above twenty years and after his death left three sons and his Widdow who lived seven years after him who was much grieved that she was absent at his death whereby she could not perform her last duty of love to him as she desired Presently after his death the wars breaking forth she wandred up and down with her children as an Exile through many difficulties and dangers and besides the inconveniences of her widdowhood which were many she met with great ingratitude from many from whom she expected better considering how much her husband had deserved from the Church At length being returned to Wittenberg after a while the Plague brake forth wherefore removing with her children to Fergaw as she was passing in a Wagon the Horses affrighted at some thing ran away whereupon leaping out of the Wagon she bruised her self and falling into a Lake of water she caught a disease whereof she dyed three Months after Anno Christi 1552. One saith of him That Luther a poor Fryar should be able to stand against the Pope was a great miracle That he should prevail against the Pope was a greater and after all to die in peace having so many Enemies was the greatest of all Again it was no less miraculous that he should escape so many dangers for when a certain Jew was suborned to kill him by poyson Luther had warning of it before hand and the picture of the Jew sent him whereby he knew him and avoided the danger concerning which himself thus writes There is saith he here with us a certain Polonish Jew that is hired with two thousand Crowns to poyson me this is discovered to me by Letters from my friends He is a Doctor of Physick and one that dare undertake and is ready to perform any villany of incredible subtilty and dexterity One a time as Luther was walking in his Garden the Devil appeared to him in the shape of a black Boar but he slighted him after which he vanished Another time as he was sitting in a certain place on his stool there was a great stone over his head in the vault which being stayed up miraculously so long as he sate there so soon as he was up immediately it fell upon the place where he sate being able to have crushed him in peices if it had light upon him And again a young man about Wittenberg being kept bare and needy by his Father was tempted by the Devil to yeild himself body and soul to him upon condition to have his wish sastisfied with money and thereupon an Obligation was made by the young man written
to heaven whereupon they asked him whether he would have a Priest to confess to which he denyed then they willed him to call upon S. Mary which he also refused ever looking up to Heaven whereupon one gave him his deaths wound and when his body was known the Enemies condemned him to be cut into four parts and burned This fell out Anno Christi 1531 and of his age 44. after he had been Pastor at Zurick twelve years Three days after his death some of friends coming to the place found his heart untouched by the fire He began to preach at Glarona Anno Christi 1516. against many of the Popish Errors and abuses before the name of Luther was so much as heard of in those parts Beza made this Epitaph on him Zuinglius arderet gemino cùm sanctus amore Nempe Dei imprimis deinde suae patriae Dicitur in solidum se devâ—v â—sse duobus Nempe Deo imprimis deinde suae patriae Quam bene persolvit simul istis votâ— duobus Pro Patra examinis pro Pietate câ—nis He had a wit fitted for great matters honest candid sound and vehement yet not cruel or bloody but heroical and cheerfull His Doctrine and judgment were sound His study of Piety and reforming Religion from Popish superstitions is seen in his Works In his Sermons he was very Methodical teaching the Truth with great Perspicuity He was very sharp in reproving Vices especially the Pentions of the Switzers oppression of the Poor and Prodigality He used to say that it was a wicked warfare and nothing more hateful to God then for the hire of forreign Princes to spill blood When he thundred most against sin least the Innocent should be affrighted he used to say Bone vir haec te non moveant nihil ad te quad dico ne cures igitur Honest man be not affrighted at these things I speak not to thee therefore care not for it He used to study standing and tyed himself to certain hours which he would not omit except necessity compelled him From his first rising till ten a clock he imployed himself in reading writing interpreting the Scripture and making his Sermons After dinner till two a clock he conferred with his friends or gave counsel to such as sought it and so to his study till supper after which having walked awhile he busied himself in writing Letters which many times held him till midnight Monumenta ingenii eruditionis reliquit multa quae in quatuor tomos digesta typisque excusa extant JOHN OECVLAMPADIVS The Life of Oecolampadius who dyed Anno Christi 1531. OEcolampadius was born at Winsperg Anno Christi 1482. of rich and religious Parents especially his Mother for Wisdom Charity and Sanctity was very eminent in the place where she lived They brought up this their son in Religion and Learning His Father intending to make him a Merchant but his Mother by her earnest entreaties prevailed with him still to keep him at School where he profited exceedingly At twelve years of age he was sent to the University of Heidleberg and so profited there that at two years end he was made Batchelor of Art In that place he continued till he was Master of Arts and then went by the will of his Father to Bononia to study the Law But the ayr of Italy not argeeing with him he quickly returned to Heidleberg and betook himself to the study of Divinity read the School-men and profited much thereby He grew so famous both for Piety and Learning that Philip Prince Elector Palatine chose him for a Tutor to his sons But growing weary of a Court-life he left that charge and returned to the study of Divinity Not long after his Parents having no other childe gave all their Estate for the maintenance of a Minister in their own Town and chose this their Son to be the first that should undertake that charge which caused his return from Heidleberg to his own Country but finding himself as yet not throughly furnished for such a work he quickly left it and went to Tubing and from thence to Stutgard where under John Capnio he studyed Greek and from thence he went to Heidleberg where he began to study Hebrew And being by this means better furnished he returned into his own Country to his former Charge and became a severe Preacher and very grave in his carriage He associated himself but with a few and those the best But especially he contracted a strict bond of love with Capito which continued betwixt them so long as they lived From this place he was at last called to be a Preacher at Basil and there also he commenced Doctor in Divinity about which time Erasmus Roteradamus coming thither to print his Annotations on the New Testament he chose Oecolampadius as his assistant in that work and confessed that he was much holpen by him Shortly after he was called to Auspurg to be a Preacher there but finding some timorousness in himself in so great a work he thought that a retired life wherein he might betake himself to Prayer and study would be better for him for the present and therefore he entred into a Monastery near to that City in which also he thought to continue but all his friends especially Capito disswaded him from it which advice he at last hearkning unto and taking occasion to declare his judgement in several things against the Popish Doctrine he began to be much hated and threatned with Prison and death yet he daily encreasing in courage contemned their threats But after awhile the danger growing greater at the importunity of his friends he departed and not long after came to Basil to Print some Works which in his retiredness he had made During his abode there having no other means of subsistence he was maintained by Andrew Cratander the Printer where also to finde himself imployment he translated Chrysostom upon Genesis and preached Christ freely to some that resorted to him Anno Christi 1522. Sir Francis Sickengen sent for him concerning which himself thus writeth Because saith he Sir Francis Sickengen that most famous Knight of Germany and Captain of the Emperours Army hath sent for me to instruct his Family yea rather to feed it with spiritual Sermons being long since instructed I thought it my duty to endeavor that the Law of God should be made familiar in it whereby it might grow in the true and sincere study of Christianity whereupon I dayly read the Gospel and expounded it to those that were present familiarly exhorting them to the study of Piety and whereas they had been accustomed to hear Sermons only upon the Sabbaths and to have Masses all the Week after I so prevailed that Masses were laid aside and some part of the Epistles and Gospels was read and expounded every day to them Shortly after the Senate of Basil chose him to be a
Collen where he applyed himself to the study of the Arts and Tongues and afterwards betook himself to the study of Divinity and commenced Batchelor in Divinity Then returned he into his own Country and at Bern was chosen first a Canon and after that a publick Preacher For indeed he excelled all his Colleagues in Piety Learning and Eloquence About this time Hulderick Zuinglius began to Preach at Glorana and afterwards at Zurick the Gospel of Christ purely by whose Ministry it pleased God to enlighten our Haller who not consulting with flesh and blood presently adjoined himself to Zuinglius and endeavoured to propagate the Truth both publickly and privately Anno Christi 1526. the twelve Pages of the Helvetians appointed a Disputation at Baden about matters of Religion whither when Zuinglius could not go with safety Oecolampadius and Haller went thither where they had a great dispute with John Eccius the Pontificians Champion The year after the Bernates which is the most potent Canton of the Switzers desired a Copy of that Disputation and when they could not obtain it and the differences about Religion began to encrease by a publick writing set forth Decemb. the seventeenth they appointed another Disputation in their City to which they invited their neighbor Bishops intreating them also to bring their Divines along with them which if they refused they threatened to lay a fine upon their possessions which were within their Jurisdiction They also invited any other Divines out of other parts to come to the Disputation promising them safety upon the Publick Faith They also agreed upon Laws for the Disputation and published the Questions which were to be handled which were That the Church hath but one head viz. Christ and that she knows not the voice of any other That the Church can make no Laws besides the Word of God and therefore no man is bound by Traditions That Christ hath satisfied for the sins of the World and therefore they which seek out any other way of Salvation or expiating their sins deny Christ. That the body and blood of Christ are not received corporally in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper That the Mass wherein Christ is offered up to his Father for the quick and dead is blasphemy and an abomination before God That Christ alone is our Mediator and Advocate to his Father and that no other is to be sought out or invocated That after this Life there is no Purgatory That Images are not to be worshipped and therefore that all that are set up in Churches for that end ought to be taken away That Matrimony is not prohibited to any order of men January the seventh Anno Christi 1528. this Disputation was held and the issue of it was the most were satisfied in all these points so that presently after Popery was cast out of the City and all the large Territories of the Bernates by the unanimous consent of all though the Pontificians did all that possibly they could to hinder it and by their example some of their neighbors did the like and in particular the City of Geneva When thus our Haller had been a great instrument of Reformation in this Country and had set things in good order in the Church so that his fame began much to spread abroad it pleased God to take him away by an immature death Anno Christi 1536. and of his Age 44. to the great grief of all his friends The Life of Urbanus Regius who dyed Anno Christi 1541. VRbanus Regius was born in Argalonga in the Territories of Count Montfort of honest Parents who bred him up in Learning and when his childhood was over they sent him to Lindau where was a School famous both for the Masters and store of Scholars here he profited much in Grammer Learning so that from thence he was sent to Friburg where he was a diligent Auditor of sundry men excelling in all kinde of Learning Then was he entertained in the house of Zasius an Excellent Lawyer who loved him dearly for his diligence and industry Zasius also allowed him the use of his Library in which Regius did as it were hide himself diligently reading over all such Authors as were fit for his studies and therein especially observed such Notes as Zasius in his younger days had written in the Margins of them which Notes Regius in the night time used to write out so that when Zasius arose sometimes in the night because he could not sleep he still found Regius writing out those Annotations whereupon he used softly to pull him by the Ear saying Thou wilt get all my Art and Learning from me And when at any time he had found him asleep with his head leaning on the table he used to lay one or two great Law-books upon his shoulders and so leave him till he waked Zasius loved him as his son both for the sweetness of his nature and carriage as also for his diligence and industrie in his studies When thus at Friburg he had informed his judgement and stored his minde with Learning he went to Basil that by hearing the Professors of the Arts and Tongues he might enrich himself with more Polite Learning At this time of all the Universities of Germany Ingolstade was the most famous which was governed by John Eccius a most learned man in Philosophy whose fame coming to the Ears of Regius he left Basil and went to Ingolst ade In that place where there was a great confluence of Students besides the publick Lectures there were many which read privately amongst whom Regius also set to reading private Lectures having many that resorted to hear him At last divers Noblemen sent their sons to him to be educated desiring him to furnish their children with books and all other necessaries for which they would take care to pay him again quarterly but when he had run into debt for them they neglected to return their money which caused him to think of departing being tired out with the importunity of his Creditors and having an opportunity he listed himself a Souldier under a Captain that went against the Turks leaving his books and other furniture to be divided amongst the Creditors Being now amongst the Souldiers it happened that John Eccius who was Governor of the University coming forth to see the Souldiers espyed Regius amongst them and enquiring the cause of his so sudden a change he told him how those Noble men had served him whereupon Eccius got him released from his Captain and by his Authority procured the Debts to be paid by the Parents of those Youths which had been with him whereupon he returned to his studies again and growing famous for his wit and learning Maximilian the Emperour passing through Ingolstade made him his Laureat-Poet and Orator After the departure of Maximilian he grew so grateful to Ernest Duke of Bavaria and Leonard Eccius a Noble man
Anno Christi 1516. Anno Christi 1520. through the favor of Sir Vlrick Hutten he was called to Ments by the Archbishop thereof to be the Preacher and Counsellor to the Prince at which time also Gasper Hedeo was made Preacher and chief Governor over the highest Church in Ments Capito did the more willingly embrace this call that he might plant the reformed Religion in Ments Concerning his commencing Doctor he thus writes in an Epistle to Hutten Juris Pontificii ut vocant Doctoratum suscepi propter authoritatem videlicet comparandam scopam subolescis Licet interim sint aliqui qui vitio vertunt Theologum esse unà simul Civilem quasi Theologus necesse habet omnem exuere humanitatem Anno Christi 1521. Tecelius the Merchant of Indulgences being dead by the order of the Archbishop of Ments Letters Patents for the renewing of them were set to sale at Hale in Saxony whereupon Luther wrote to the Archbishop and Melancthon to Capito his Counsellor to disswade them from such Merchandize Capito therefore secretly favouring the Gospel so far prevailed with his Master that he wrote mildly and humbly to Luther And Capito also wrote to him to advise him that in writing against the vices of Prelates he should not name them For saith he Exasperantur potius animi insectatione quà m curantur mens mindes by such bitterness are rather exasperated then cured Capito thus continuing with the Elector of Ments was very dear unto him for his rare Wisdom joined with Piety his happy Eloquence and mild Nature so that by him he was sent upon many Embassies And February the 7. Anno Christi 1523. he was by the Emperour Charles the Fifth endowed for himself and posterity with the Ensignes of Nobility under the Imperial Seal But not much esteeming these things when he saw that he could not accomplish his purpose at Ments to the wonder of the Archbishop and astonishment of the Courtiers he left it and followed Bucer to Strasborough where he was called to a Pastoral charge The fame of Capito and Bucer did so spred abroad that James Faber Stapulensis and Gerard Ruâ—us came privily out of France to them being sent by Margaret Queen of Navar and sister to Francis King of France where they discoursed largely with them of all the heads of Divinity So that France oweth the beginning of her embracing the reformed Religion as to other godly Ministers so especially to Capito and Bucer Capito was a very Prudent and Eloquent man a good Hâ—brician and studious of Peace Concerning the Sacrament he said Mittendas esse contentiones cogitandum de usu ipsius coenae fidem nostram pane vino Domini per memoriam carnis sanguinis illìus pascendam Anno 1525 he was called into his own Country where he instructed his Brethren in the Doctrine of the Gospel preached and administred the Lords Supper to his own Citizens and Baptized without the Popish Ceremonies and whereas in Helvetia many seemed to incline to the reformed Religion Capito often went amongst them confirming them in the Faith And in a Disputation at Bern in Helvetia Anno Christi 1528. Capito with many other Divines was present at it defending the Truth against the Adversaries so that he with the rest prevailed for the abolishing of the Mass and setting up a faithful Ministry in that place The rest of his time he spent in Preaching at Strasborough and giving wholsome counsel to the Churches Anno Christi 1541. when a Diet was appointed at Ratisbone especially for the cause of Religion Capito amongst other Divines was sent by the Protestants to it where he gave an excellent demonstration of his wit and judgement But when nothing could be effected returning home in a great and general infection he dyed of the Plague Anno Christi 1541. of his Age 63. He was a man of an excellent wit and judgement constant in Religion A great lover of the Schools and Learning wherefore he exhorted to the repairing of Schools and keeping up Scholastical Titles that the studious might be distinguished from the slothful the Seniors from the Juniors and that diligence might be spurred on by hope of honest glory When Erasmus halted between two opinions he continually called upon him to put off that Nicodemus-like temper His first wife was Agnes a learned woman after whose death he marryed the Widdow of Oecolampadius his intire friend He left to posterity these excellent works Institutionum Hebraicarum libriduo Enarrationes in Habacuc Hoseans Prophetas Vita Johannis Oecolampadii De formando puro Theologo Explicatio doctissima in Hexameron opus Dei LEO JVDAE The Life of Leo Iudae who dyed An. Chri. 1542. LEO Judae was born An. Chr. 1482. his fathers name was John Judae his mothers name was Elizabeth By the care of his Father he was brought up at School in Slestadia where having learned Grammer he went to Basil An. Chr. 1502. There he joined in study with Zuinglius was an hearer of Dr. Wittenbash by whom he was instructed in the knowledg of the Gospel There also he continued in his studies till he commenced Master of Arts Anno Christi 1512. after which he was made a Deacon and from thence he was called into Helvetia where he set himself to the study of the Oriental Tongues and to read the Fathers especially Hierom and Augustine as also he read diligently the Books of Luther Erasmus and Capito At length being called to a Pastoral charge at Zurick he opposed the Popish Doctrine and Ceremonies both in the Pulpit and Press so that his fame spread far and near there he continned eighteen years and spent much of it in expounding the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein being grown very skilful he set upon at the importunity of his Brethren of the Ministry the translation of the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein also he was much holpen by the industry of other learned men His care was to get the most exact Hebrew copy that he could which also he compared with others neither did he neglect to examine the Greek and Latine versions that by all he might the better finde out the genuine signification of the words and minde of the Holy Ghost But this work proving very great he was so wasted with labor and old age that he dyed before he finished it Anno Christi 1542. and of his Age 60. leaving undone Job the forty last Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Canticles and the eight last Chapters of Ezekiel which he commended to Theodore Bibliander to finish who accordingly did it and he left all to Conradus Pellican to peruse and put to the Press which he carefully performed Four days before his death sending for the Pastors and Professors of Zurick he made before them a Confession of his Faith concerning God the Scriptures the Person and Offices of Christ concluding Huic
Consolation to his Brother Wolphgang in his Sicknesse Two Sermons against False Prophets Sermons containing an assertion of the true Doctrine in the Reformed Churches A Tractate about the Apostolical Rite of Ordination used in the Reformed Churches His opinion about the controverted Articles published by Selneccerus He was of such constancy of Life and Manners that it might truly be said of him which Dion said of the Emperor Marcus Antonniuus In omni vitâ sui similis nec ullâ unquam in re mutatus fuit Itaque verè fuit vir bonus nec fictum aut simulatum quicquam habuit The Life of Justus Jonas who died A no Christi 1555. JUstus Jonas was born at Northusa Anno Christi 1493 where his Father was a Senator who falling sick of the Plague having applyed an Onion to the Soar and taken it off he layd it by him presently after this little Jonas coming took the Onion and eat it up yet without any prejudice to himself God miraculously preserving him from that danger He was at first brought up at School in his own Country Afterwards being sent to a publick School he studied Law and made a good progress therein but upon better thoughts he studied Divinity and proceeded Doctor and embraced the Reformed Religion and was called an Christi 1521 to a Pastoral Charge in Wittenberg And when sundry Controversies arose especially about abrogating private Masse and the Prince Elector of Saxony feared lest the abolishing of it should cause great tumults Jonas with his Colleagues went to him and rendred such reasons for it that the Prince acquiesced therein He was present at most of the Disputations about Religion where he defended the Truth strenuously and endeavoured to promote Peace He was also made a Professor in that University where he publickly read Divinity Lectures and bore all Offices in the Schooles Anno Christi 1533 he created sundry Doctors of Divinity as Gasper Cruciger John Bugenhag Pomâ—ranus and John Aepinus Pastor of the Church of Haâ—borough At which Commencement John Frederick Elector of Saxony was present and was much delighted with the Eloquent Speeches made by Justus Jonas Anno Christi 1539 when Henry Duke of Saxony who had embraced the Reformed Religion and was admitted into the League of Smalcald succeeded his Brother George in the Government of Misnia and Thuringia he presently by the advice of Luther and his Colleagues Reformed his Churches Luther himself beginning that Reformation but the carrying on and perfecting that work was left to the care of Justus Jonas with Spalatine and Ampersdorf From thence he was called unto Hale in Saxony where he preached and promoted Religion exceedingly And whilst he was imployed there he was not only very useful to those Churches but was sent to from divers others for advice and counsel and being a man of a publick spirit he was never wanting to those that craved his help Luther sometimes resorted thither to him and took him along with him in his last journey to Isâ—eben anno Christi 1546 where he dyed After whose death he remained a while in the Duke of Saxony's Court and was a constant companion of Frederick's Sonnes in all their afflictions And lastly he was set over the Church in Eisfield and was made Superintendent of the Franconian Churches within the Principality of Coburg where he ended his daies in much peace and comfort Anno Christi 1555 and of his age 63. He was a man of an excellent Wit of great Industry of much Integrity of life joyned with Piety Whilst Luther lived he was his faithful friend and most dear to him Most of the famous men of that age were his great friends On a time Luther coming to his house drank to him out of a curious glass adding this Distich ex tempore Dat vitrum vitrâ—â— Jonae vitrum ipse Lutherus Ut vitro fragili similem se noscat uterque Being once under Temptations and in great Agony he shewed much despondencie but his servant partly by comforting him partly by chiding him cheared him up and at last through God's mercy the Spirit prevailed against the flesh He published a Defence of the mariage of Ministers against John Faber the patron of whoredoms An Oration about the study of Divinity Annotations upon the Acts About privat Masse and the Unction of Priests He turned some of Luthers works into Latin The Life of John Rogers who died A no Christi 1555. JOhn Rogers was born in England and brought up at the Universitie of Cambridg where he profited very much in good learning and from thence was chosen by the Merchant Adventurers to be their Chaplain at Antwerp to whom hee preached many years and there falling into acquaintance with Will Tindal and Miles Coverdal who were fled thither from persecution in England he by heir means profited much in the knowledg of Jesus Christ and joyned with them in that painful and profitable work of Translating the Bible into English and being much enlightened thereby in the saveing knowledge of Jesus Christ he cast off the heavy yoake of Popery perceiving it to be impure and filthy Idolatry There he married a wife and from thence he went to Wittenberg where he much profited in learning and grew so skilfull in the Dutch-tongue that he was chosen pastor to a Congregation and discharged his office with diligence and faithfulness for many years But in King Edward's time hee was sent for home by Bishop Ridley and was made a Prebend of Pauls and the Deane and Chapter chose him to read a Divinity Lecture in that Church in which place hee preached faithfully till Queen Mart's dayes And in the beginning of her Reign in a Sermon at Paul's Cross he exhorted the people constantly to adhere to thaâ— Doctrine which they had been taught and to beware of pestilent Poperie Idolatrie and superstition for which he was called before the Lords of the Council where he made a stout wittie and godly answer yet withall carried himself so prudently that for that time he was dismissed But after the Queen's Proclamation against True Preaching came forth he was again called the Bishops thirsting for his blood and committed Prisoner to his own house whence he might have escaped and had many motives as his wife and ten children his friends in Germanie where he could not want preferment c. But being once called to answer in Christ's Cause he would not depart though to the hazard of his life From his owne house he was removed by Bonner to Newgate amongst thieves and murtherers for a great space At length he was againe carried before the Lords of the Councill where the Lord Chancellor Steven Gardener taunted reviled and checked him not suffering him to speak his mind and so remanded him to prison whereupon he wrote thus I was compelled to leave off what I would have most gladly spoken and
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
depended his innocencie being known he might come out with greater credit But said the King I will not have Cranmer so handled nor any that are dear to me But I perceive some crooked and cankred hearts raise these Tragedies which unlesse they bee quiet I will interpose my authority to restrain them and so he departed in a chafe and all the Counsellors shook hands with Cranmer desiring to be reconciled to him And hee being of a most sweet and mild disposition easily forgave all offences blotting them utterly out of his mind and from that time forward he lived secure from all treacheries being in such high favour with the King But when Doctor Cox and Hussey lay loitering at Canterbury not without suspition and did nothing in the inquisition the King secretly sent Doctor Lee to search out what was done in Cranmers behalf who going speedily to Canterbury acquainted himself with some godly persons by whose directions he searched the houses of some Popish Priests at midnight where hee found Letters written from Gardiner which opened the whole plot against Cranmer These he immediately carryed to the King who viewing of them from that time forwards began to withdraw his affections from those Popelings and withall acquainted Cranmer with those Letters bidding him beware of his enemies now hee knew them Amongst the Letters that were found in Kent one was written by the Suffragan of Dover another by Doctor Barber a Civilian which two men were well esteemed of by the Archbishop and promoted by him and he alwayes shewed them great favour When the Archbishop had their Letters he called these two men into his study and said unto them You two are men in whom I have alwaies put most confidence and to whom I have alwaies communicated all my secrets you must now give me some good counsell for I am shamefully abused by one or two whom I have trusted as my self but these persons have not onely disclosed my secrets but also have taken upon them to accuse me of Heresie and are become witnesses against me I require you therefore to give me faithfull advice how I shall behave my self towards them c. Marry quoth Doctor Barber such villains and knaves deserve to be presently hanged without further tryall Hanging is too good saith the Suffragan and if there want an Executioner I would be the Hangman my self At these words the Archbishop lifting up his eyes to heaven said O Lord and most mercifull God whom may a man trust in these dayes It 's true which is said Cursed be he that trusts in man and makes flesh his arme There was never man used as I am but Lord thou hast evermore defended me and lent mee one good Master meaning the King without whose protection I could not be safe for one day I praise thy holy name for it Then did he pull out of his bosome those two Letters saying Know you these Letters my Masters With that they fell down on their knees asking forgivenesse with many tears Well said the gentle Archbishop God make you both good men I never deserved this at your haâ—ds But ask God forgivenesse against whom you have highly offended Thus we see how his enemies from time to time endeavouâ—ed by all meanâ— to have brought him into displeasure with the King Yet it pleased God so to over-rule the King's heart that hee would never be alienated from him which favour the King continued to him so long as he lived and in King Edward the sixth's daies he continued in his place and much holp forward the work of Reformation But in the beginning of Queen Maries Reign he was a principal man whom she maligned Manet altâmentâ— repôstum Judicium Cleri spretaeque injuria Matris Her Mothers wrong was déeply laid to heart And Clergies dooâ— for which they now must smart and therefore she appointed Commissioners to examin him who commanded him to bring to them an Inventory of all his goods which they seized upon and shortly after he was sent prisoner to the Tower for Treason as was pretended but for Religion indeed Before he was committed to the Tower some of his friends perswaded him to fly and to reserve himself for better times but he answered stoutly If I were accused of Theft Murther or any other wickedness perhaps I could more easily be perswaded to fly but now I â—ee that I must be questioned not for my faithfulnesse towards men but for my faith towards God and concerning the truth of the holy Scriptures against Papists and therefore I will rather lose my life in the defence of the truth then by flying out of the Kingdome to desert such a cause From thence he was removed to Oxford where again he was called before the Pope's Delegate and the Queens Commissioners to the latter he did obeisance but to the Pope's Delegate hee would doe none Before them he made a worthy Confession of his Faith When they proceeded to Degrade him he pull'd forth an appeale from the Pope to the next general Councill but his death being determined his appeal was rejected and he Degraded When he came back into prison he desired to eat for he had eaten nothing that day before for said he I was before somewhat troubled but now I thank God my heart is quiet He had not one penny in his purse to help himself but the Lord stirred up a Gentleman's heart to give him some mony for which he had like to have come into great trouble He was kept in prison almost three years and the Doctors in Oxford laboured by many subtle tricks to draw him to a Recantation removing him to the Dean's house of Christ-Church where hee had dainty fare recreations and what else might entice him from Christ to the world they promised him life the Queens favour his former dignity and what not if hee would but with his hands subscribe to a few words by way of Recantation which if he refused there was no hope of pardon With many such provocations and flatteries they at last prevailed with him to subscribe it After which hee neither had inward quietnesse in his own conscience nor any outward help from his adversities For the Queen being glad of his Recantation yet presently resolved his death appointed the time when he least expected it and the persons that should see it performed He had no notice of his death till the very morning a little before he was to suffer At which time there was a great concourse of people some expecting that he should make his publick Recantation at his death others hoping better of him From prison he was brought to St. Maries Church where Doctor Cole by the Queens order preached and in his Sermon affirmed that God was so incensed for the slaughter of Sir Thomas Moore and Doctor Fisher bishop of Rochester who were beheaded in the Reign of K.
Raymund the Popes Legate he was made first Licentiat then D of Divinity and afterwards the Popes Legat took him with him towards Rome being affected with his learning but falling sick of a Fever by the way he returned to Basil. Whilst he thus continued a Frier hee was of great esteem amongst them because of his learning and integrity But it pleased God at last that by reading Luthers Bookes and conference with learned and godly men hee began to dis-rellish the Popish errors and so far to declare his dislike of them that he was much hated and persecuted for a Lutheran But about the same time the Senate of Basil chose him Lecturer in Divinity in that City together with Oecolampadius where he began to read first upon Genesis then on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes Anno Christi 1526. he was by the means of Zuinglius sent for to Zurick and being come was most courteously entertained by him There he laid downe his Monks Coul and married a wife by whom he had a Son which he named Samuel being then preaching upon the History of Samuel That wife dying he married again but had no children by his second wife He was present at the Disputation at Bern about Religion After Zuinglius his death there were chosen into his room Henry Bullinger for Pastor and Theodore Bibliander for Divinity-Reader who was an excellent Linguist and began to read upon Isaie to the great astonishment of his hearers for that he was not above 23 years old Pellican at the earnest request of learned men Printed all his Lectures and Annotations which were upon the whole Bible excepting â—nely the Revelations which portion of Scripture he not intending to write upon caused the Commentary of Sebastian Meyer upon it to be bound with his to make the work complete He translated many books out of Hebrew which were printed by Robert Stevens as also the Chaldee Bible he translated into Latine He wrote also an exposition in Dutch upon the â—eutateuch Joshua Judges Ruth Samuel Kings Isay and Jeremy to convice the Jews for which end also he translated the learned disputation of Ludovicus Vives with the Jewes into Dutch As also many books of Aristotle and Tully that so ingenious persons might learne Philosophy in their own language as the Grecians and Romans in former times were wont to doe He judged it also necessary to learne the Turkish language who were now growne their neer neighbours that by the helpe thereof he might be the better able to bring them to the Christian Faith Then with extraordinary labour hee made Indexes to divers books He also compared the Bible of Munster printed at Zurick and that other of Leo Judae and Bibliander with the Hebrew text word by word lest any thing should be omitted And thus having been Hebrew Professor at Zurick for the space of thirty years wherein he was most acceptable to all not onely in regard of his excellent learning and indefatigable pains but also in regard of his sweet and holy Conversation At last falling into the pain of the stone and other diseases he departed this life upon the day of Christs Resurrection Anno Christi 1556 and of his Age 78. Lavater saith that he heard this Conrade Pellican often say that when he first beganne to study the Tongues there was not one Greek Testament to be gotten in all Germany and that the first which hee saw was brought out of Italy and that though a man would have given a great sum of gold for a Coppy of it it could not be obtained How happy are we in these latter Ages that have them at so easie rates He was a candid sincere and upright man free from falshood and ostentation The Life of John Bugenhagius who died A no Christi 1558. JOhn Bugenhagius was born at Julin near to Stetin in Pomerania Anno Christi 1485. His parents were of the rank of Senators who bred him up carefully in learning till he had learned the Grammar and Musick Instructing him also in the principles of Religion and so sent him to the University of Grypswald where he profited in the study of the Arts and the Greek tongue Being twenty years old he taught School at Trepta and by his learning and diligence made the School famous and had many Scholars to whom also hee read daily some portion of Scripture and prayed with them and meeting with Erasmus his book against the Histrionical carriage of the Friars and the Idolatry of the times he gat so much light thereby that he was stirred up to instruct others therein and for that end in his Schoole he read Matthew The Epistles to Timothy and the Psalmes to which he added Catechising and also expounded the Creed and the ten Commandements unto which exercises many Gentlemen Citizens and Priests reforced From the School he was called to preach in the Church and was admitted into the Colledge of Presbyters Many resorted to his Sermons of all ranks and his same spread abroad Insomuch as Bogeslans the Prince of that Country employed him in writing an History of the same and furnished him with money books and records for the enabling him thereto Which History he compleated in two years with much judgement and integrity Anno Christi 1520 one of the Citizens of Trepta called Otho Slutovius having Luther's book of the Babylonish Captivity sent him gave it to Bugenhagius as he was at dinner with his Colleagues who looking over some leaves of it told them that many Hereticks had disquieted the peace of the Church since Christ's time yet there was never a more pestilent Heretick then the Author of that book shewing in divers particulars how hee dissented from the received Doctrine of the Church But after some few daies having read it with more diligence and attention hee made this publick Râ—cantation before them all What shall I say of Luther All the world hath been blinde and in â—immerian darknesse only this one man hath found out the Truth And further disputing of those questions with them he brought most of his Colleagues to be of his judgement therein Insomuch as the Abbaâ— two antient Pastors of the Church and some other of the Friers began zealously to discover the deceits of the Papacy and to preach against the superstitions and abuses of humane Traditions and to perswade their auditors wholly to trust to the merits of Christ. After this Bugenhagius read Luther's other works diligently whereby he learned the difference between the Law and the Gospel Justification by Faith c. and taught these things also to his hearers perceiving that the opinions of Augustine and Luther agreed together about all those matters But the Devill envying the successe of the Gospel alienated the minde of the Prince from them and stirred up the Bishop to persecute many of the Ministers Citizens and Students of Trepta for speaking
against the Masse-Priest and privily removing the Images out of the Church some of which he cast into prison and caused others to fly away insomuch as Bugenhagius also being not safe and desiâ—ous to be acquainted and to confer with Luther the rather being invited thereto by Letters from Peter Suavenius a man excellently learned who signified to him that his converse with Luther would be exceeding profitable to him he left â—repta and went to Wittenberg Anno Christi 1521 and of his Age 36 and came there a little before Luther's going to the Diet at Worms with whom he had presently some converse and began to make himself known by reading the Psalter privately in the Schooles In Luthers absence Berthoâ—mew Bernhard Pastor of Kemberg married a Wife whereupon much controversie arose whether the Marriage of Ministers was forbidden onely by the Popes Law and how farre the Monks vows of Chastity did binde Luther hereupon being sent to for his judgement easily cut insunder the snares of those Laws and of the impious vows as Alexander did the Gordian knot with his sword At this time Suavenius and Bugenhag sojouâ—ned with Melancthon whereupon when those Propositions oâ— Luther were sent to him Bugenhag read them with much diligence and afterwards having seriously thought of them â—e said This businesse will cause a great mutation in the publick state of things About the same â— time also Carolastadiusâ—aiâ—ed â—aiâ—ed a controversieâ— about bringing in the Judicials of Moses into the Civill State and removing Images out of the Churches Against these Bugenhag with some others opposed themselves declaring that the overthrowing of Images was sâ—ditious and that Christian Commonwealths ought not to be governed by the Jewish Judicials Whereupon at Luthers returne out of his Pathmos by the Suffrages both of the University and Senate Bugenhag was chosen Pastor of the Church of Wittenberg which he taught and governed with much â—elicity and in many changes of Affaires for the pâ—ce of thirty six years never leaving his station neither for war nor pestilence and when he was proffered riches and preferment both in Denmark by the good King and in Pomeren by the good Prince yet he would never leave his charge though he lived but poorly in it Anno Christi 1522 he was sent for to Hamburg where hee prescribed to them a form both of Doctrine Ceremonies and Calling of Ministers where he erected a School also in the Monastery of St. John which afterwards grew very famous And Anno Christi 1530 being sent for to Lubec hee prescribed to them also an order both for Preaching and Discipline and set up a School in the Monastery of St Katheâ—â—ne Anno Christi 1537 he was sent for by Christian King of Denmark and Duke of Holsatia to reform Religion in his Dominions and to erect Schooles at which time he set forth a book about the Ordination of Ministers formerly agreed upon by Luther and his Colleagues to which he added some Prayers and a Form or Directory for holy Administrations And about fourteen daies after the Coronation of King Christian Bugenhag instead of the seven Bishops of Denmark ordained seven Superintendents who for the time to come should supply the office of the Bishops and should take care of all Ecclesiastical affaires These he ordained in the presence of the King and his Councill in the chief Church of Hafnia He also prescribed what Lectures should be read in the Hafnian Academy He appointed Ministers in the Kingdomes of Denmark and Norway to the number of four and twenty thousand Anno Christi 1540 Henry Duke of Brunswick being expelled his Country by the Elector of Saxony and the confederate Princes imployed Bugenhag Anthony Corvinus and Martin Gorlicius adding some of the Nobility to them to visit the Churches and Monasteries in that Dukedome and to see them reformed At which time they set forth a Form of Ordination for the Country The year following the Senate of Hildesia sent for him to Reformâ— their Churches where he with Corvinus and Henrie Winckle wrote them a Form of Ordination and placed Pastors and Ministers in their six Churches the oversight of whom was committed to Iodicus Iferman and the Church of the Canons was shut up Anno Christi 1533 he proceeded Doctor at the instigation of John Friderik Elector of Saxonie himself with his Counsellors being present to hear the publick disputations of Luther Cruciger Bugenhag and Aepine The questions were De Justitia De Ecclesia De discrimine Ministerii Evangelici Potestatis Politicae and Bugenhag making an Oration about the last of these the Prince was exceedingly well pleased with it Thus far we have the happier part of Bugenhags life but shortly after followed many confusions and warres both of the Princes and Divines in which the Princes were taken prisoners Wittenberg was besieged and other miseries and mischiefs of war brought exceeding much grief to this good old man as the death of that godly King Josiah did to the Prophet Jeremiah yet did he not give way to despondencie so as either to fly or change his mind but he kept up his spirits by fervent and frequent prayer to God which yeelded him great consolation the rather considering that in so great tempests the poor Ship of Christ's Church was not swallowed up and devoured For Prince Maurice who was made Elector of Saxony changed nothing in Religion as soâ—e feared and others hoped that hee would but sending fâ—â— Melancthon Bugenhag and Crucigir from Wittenberg to Lâ—â—sâ—â—h he desired them to take care of the Church and Univâ—rsity and so gratifying them bountifully dismissed them The Controversies and Quarrels which sprung up in â—â—e Church by Flacius Illericus were the greatest grief to hâ—m For it was well known that he neither in the time of War nor afterwards altered any thing either in the Doctrine 〈◊〉 Discipline of the Church often urging that Text Giâ—â— to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods He was alwaies very averse to seditious Counsels and most constant in retaining the true Doctrine of Christ and though many aspersions were cast abroad of him yet would he never omit the necessary labours belonging to his Office The last act of his life through Gods goodness was quiet and peaceable for when his strength was so wasted that hee could no longer preach yet he resorted daily to Church where he poured forth fervent praiers both for himself and the afflicted condition of the Church of God at that time Afterwards fallâ—ng sick though without much pain he continued instant in prayer and holy conference with his friends and drawing near to his end he often repeated This is life eternall to know thee the onely true God and him whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ and so quietly dâ—parted in the Lord Anno Christ 1558 and of his Age 73. He was a faithfull Pâ—stor just mercifulâ—
This request he himself opposed with all his might as judging himself unfit unable thereunto had not Bucer and the Senate interposed their authority to require his acceptance When he came thither he preached six years before the dregs of Popery where wholly purged out of that City yea the state of it was very troublesome not onely by reason of the Popish partie who with all their might opposed the Reformation but also by reason of some Anabaptists who like serpents had crept in to disturbe the growth of the Gospel and the peace of the Church Yea they carried themselves very impudently and tumultuously coming into the Church at Sermon-time stepping up into the Pulpit and labouring to diffuse their errors and to poyson the people therewith insomuch as the Magistrates were forced for the publick peace sake to cast them into prison Thither Musculus went daily to them and though they called him a Viper a false Prophet a Wolfe in Sheep's cloathing c. yet he bore all with patience and carried them food and other necessaries not speaking a word about their opinions till he had so far insinuated into their affections that they began to love him exceedingly Then began he to confer familiarly with them to hear them with patience and with solid arguments to convince their errors whereupon by degrees he converted them all and brought them to make publick recantations which by more rugged dealings they would never have yeelded to He had also many conflicts with the Popish party and wrought so far with the Senate that Anno Christi 1834. they cast out the Mass and Idolatry out of most of the Churches onely allowing to the Papists eight to say Mass but not to preach in And afterwards Anno Christi 1537. he so prevailed that Popery was cast out of those Churches also and the City wholly imbraced the reformed Religion There he studied the Greek Tongue and profited so much therein that he translated diverse parts of Chrysostome Basil Cyril Athanasius c. At that time also by his owne industâ—y he learned Arabick not having so much as a Grammer to help him onely by observing the proper names which are the same in all languages he found out the Letters and so attained to the reading and understanding of that tongue He taught at Ausburg eighteen years with much diligence and profit His Sermons were very piercing like a two-edged sword both in comforting the afflicted and convincing the obstinate Anno Christi 1536. there was a Synod appointed at Isenac in Thuringia to which Luther and many other Divines out of upper and lower Germany resorted about composing the difference concerning the Lords Supper to which Musculus was sent by the Senate of Strasborough as also to a Diet at Wormes and Ratisbone where he was Scribe at the Disputation between Melancthon and Eccius which afterwards he published Anno Christi 1544. the Inhabitants of Donavert embracing the Gospel sent to the Senate at Ausburg for one their Ministers to assist and further them in their Reformation who thereupon sent Musculus to them and when he came thither he preached every day for a quarter of a year together and so returned to Ausburg Anno Christi 1547. Charls the fifth having ended the Smalcaldian war called a Diet at Auspurg whither himself his brother Ferdinand the Electors Cardinals and Bishops came Then was Musculus put out of his Church yet did he not cease to preach in another during that Diet with as much zeal and freedom of speech as formerly which procured him much hatred from the Popish party who set spies to intrap him They also accused him to the Emperor as one that stirred up the people against the Clergie by reason whereof he was in such danger that the Senate was fain to appoint three men to guard him to and from the Pulpit Tumults were raised before his door his windows broken and himself rail'd upon yet he bore all with a stout courage and sent the Senate word That if they would stick close to the cause of God he would venture his life with them The year after the Senate embraced the Interim which he wrote and preached boldly against insomuch that he was hated and lived in great danger hereupon he resolved to leave the City and acquainting the Consul with his purpose one evening with one only Citizen in his company he left his wife and eight children and departed out of the City and changing his apparel at a friend's house that he might pass unknown he went to Zurick where he stayed a while with Bullinger and from thence to Busil his wife and children following him within a few days but they staying at Constance he went thither to them and the Sabbath following he preached to the Citizens of Constance upon that Text Joh. 6. 66 67 68 69. From that time many of his Disciples went back and walked no more with him c. Out of which words he shewed how grievously those Cities had sinned which to please men had basely deserted the Gospel of Christ. Then he exhorted them of Constance not to follow such examples but rather after the examples of the Apostles in this Text constantly to adhere unto Christ who onely hath the words of eternall life The very next day the Spaniards coming to besiege Constance he with his family removed to Zurick Thither Cranmer sent for him to come into England but being grown aged and his wife sickly he excused his going thither After six months stay there he was called to Berne to be the Divinity Professor in their Schools whither he went and where he discharged his place for fourtâ—en years together with much diligence and praise He Printed many works all which he wrote out with his own hands wherby his great labour and sedulity may easiâ—y be discerned He so loved his present imployment and place of habitation that though he had many invitations to places of more eminency and profit yet he wouâ—d never imbrace the same but continued at Bern till his death He lived in much peace and concord with his fellow Ministers and Professors and was very loving to his wife and children in domestical troubles most patient very mercifull to the poor especially to exiles and strangers of a sparing and temperate dier whereby he lived in health to his latter end He used much walking and holy meditation therein He went very upright had a fresh colour sharp sight admirable strong teeth and lastly his hands and feet well performing their office But the year before his death he beganne to be crasie partly by reason of his great age but especially being worne out with infinite cares and labours as also by reason of a great cough which of a long time had been troublesome to him By these means he had many fits of
what profit came to the people thereby Another decree for the abolishing of Christmas-day and that no holy day should be observed but the Sabbath onely which did so offend some loose persons that they bruited abroad that Master Calvin had abolished the Sabbaths to bring the greater odium upon him This offence taken by some occasionâ—â— Calvin to write his book of Scandals dedicated to Laurenâ—â— Normendius his intimate friend Anno Christi 1551. great contentions brake out in the Church and this year was begun with the death of Bucer to the great grief of the whole Church and of Master Calvin especially who alwayes highly prised him About the same time dyed Joachim Vadian a Senator of Geneva a man endowed with singular learning and piety Whereupon the wickedness of the factious persons brake forth again which had slept a great while These men would by no means suffer the exiles which fled thither for Religion to injoy the priviledges of the City and not content therewith Mast. Calvin having been forth to Preach beyond the Rhodanus as he came home they entertained him with scorns and one Raimund his Colleague having occasion one evening to pass the bridge over the Rhodanus they had almost cast him into the River and lastly they raised a great tumult in the Church of Saint Gervase because a child being brought to be baptized the Minister refused to give him the name of Balthazar which name had beenf or some reason forbidden by their Law Neither could Master Calvin tel how to cure these evils but by his invincible patience About the same time another mischief invaded the Church of Geneva which was occasioned by one Jerome Bolsec a Frier Carmelite of Paris who had indeed laid aside his Coul but not his Monkish mind This man first fled to the Dutchess of Ferrara whom he deceived till being found out he was driven from thence Then pretending to be a Physician he came to Geneva but the learned Physicians there rejecting him that he might manifest himselfe a Divine he vented some false and absurd opinions about Predestination first in private and then in the publick Congregation Him therefore did Master Calvin confute first with a moderate reproof only then sending for him to him he laboured to instruct him better but he either puffed up with his Monkish pride or provoked by the seditious persons seeking by him to provoke Master Calvin took the boldness upon the sixteenth of October to preach upon this Text He that is of God heareth the words of God and they which hear them not are not of God whence he took occasion to preach up Freewill and that Predestination was out of works foreseen withall reproaching the true doctrine and shewing himself seditiously proud and he became the more bold because seeing Master Calvins seat empty he judged him to be absent But indeed Master Calvin coming late sate behind some others and when the Frier had done Master Calvin suddenly standing up though he had thought of no such thing before then truly if at any time he shewed what a man he was confuting the Frier with so many testimonies of Scripture with so many places out of Saint Augustine and lastly with so many weighty arguments that all were ashamed of what he had taught but only the impudent fellow himself Insomuch that one of the Magistrates of the City apprehended him and committed him to prison for a seditious person and after hearing and examining his cause the judgement of the Senat of the Helvetian Churches being also requested upon the 23th day of Decemb. he was publickly condemned for sedition and Pelagianisme and banished the City being rhreatned with severe punishment if he were afterwards found either in the City or territories belonging to it After this going into a neighbour Town he was the cause of many and great stirs there till he was twice expelled the Country of the Bernates From thence going into France he sought to get into the Ministry in the Reformed Churches which he found in a peaceable condition first in Paris then in Orleans pretending great penetency for his former miscarriages and of his own accord seeking reconciliation with the Church at Geneva But presently after when he saw the Churches under affliction he fell back to his Popery loading the reformed Churches with many reproaches At the same time the Colledge of Ministers at Geneva in a publick meeting asserted the true Doctrine of Predestination which Calvin put into writing So that all the Divel gat by these contentions was that that head of Christian Religion which before which was very obscure was now very clearly opened to the understanding of all that were not contentious The year following which was 1551. it further appeared what a flame this wicked Varlet had kindled though condemned by the common judgement of so many Chuâ—ches For the difficulty of the question having not been sufficiently explicated by the Ancients did stir up especially curious wits to make inquiry into the same By which means the factious persons supposing that they had gotten an excellent advantage against Master Calvin thought that by removing him they might subvert all things So that it cannot be imagined what stirs arose not onely in the City but also in other places as if the Divell had set all his engines on work to raise contentions For though there was a sweet agreement amongst the chief Pastors of the Churches yet there were not some wanting in the Country of the Bernates which accused Calvin as if he had made God the Author of sin Being forgetful how far he had professedly opposed that cursed Tenet when he had confuted the Libertines At Basil Castalio a good and simple man though he did all things closely yet it was discerned that he defended Pelagianisme and Melancâ—â—hon had so bâ—gun to write of these things that though he had formerly subscribed Calvins book against Pighius yet he seemed to brand the Genevians as if thâ—y held the Fate of the Stoicks The Pontificians also though they had been a thousand times confuted yet renewed their old slanders These things did much trouble Master Calvins mind and so much the rather because the efficacy of error was so great at this time that thâ— mouth of truth in some places seemed to be stopt by publick Authority Neither was this a controversie of a few years This same year that good Hermite whom we mentioned before appeared publickly to dispute with Calvin who had suffered a repulse when some years before he had sought tâ— creep into the ministry whereupon he turned Lawyer and the Patron of the factious persons Their cause came to be heard before the Senate with a great contention on both sides the first fighting with impudâ—ncy and the favour of the wicked but M Calvin defending his Doctrine only with the authority of truth And the truth prevailed M. Calvins writings being judged pious and
where he might do more good And accordingly from thence he went to Lipsich where he spent his time in writing upon the Psalmes and afterwards having it left to his choice whether to stay at Lipsich or to goe to Wittenberg being sent for thither he chose to stay where he was and was chosen professor of Divinity in that University Where he continued his Lectures till Anno Christi 1566. at which time he came to deliver his judgement about the Lords Supper Whereupon by the command of the Rector of the University the doors of the Colledge were shut against him and he not suffered to read any more yet they would have restored him to his place if he would have promised to meddle with that point no more But he refused to make any such promise and withall complained to the Elector of Saxonie of the wrong done unto him from whom he received a sharpe answer and therefore leaving Lipsich he went to Amberg in the upper Palatinate where after a short stay he received Letters from the Elector Palatine and the University inviting him to Heidleberg whether he presently went and was made Professor of Ethicks In which place he took very great paines both in reading his Lectures and Writing But his body having contracted some diseases by his former imprisonment An. Christi 1569. he fell very sick whereupon he said Sperare se finem vita suae adesse c. That he hoped that his life was at an end whereby he should be delivered from the fraud and miseries of this evill world and injoy the blessed presence of God and his Saints to all eternity and accordingly presently after he quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1569. and of his age 44. Having taught the Churches both by voice and writing in many great changes above twenty three years attaining that which he had often desired viz. That he might not dye a lingring death He was an excellent Divine and Philosopher Eloquent and framed by nature to train up youth Scripsit Commentarios in varias Philosophiae partes Orationum Epistolarum libros Hypomâ—emata in utriusque Testamenti libros JO BRENTIVS The Life of Iohn Brentius who died A no Christi 1570. JOhn Brentius was borne at Wile in the Imperiall Snevia Anno Christi 1499. His Father was Major of that City twenty four years who carefully brought up his Son in learning and at eleven years old sent him to Heidleberg to School and at thirteen years old he was admitted into the Universitie and at 15 years old he Commenced Bachelor There also he studied Greek and Hebrew and was so studious that he usually rose at midnight to his book whereby he contracted such a habit that he could never after whilst he lived sleep longer then till midnight the rest of the night he spent in holy meditations and in his old age he had a candle by his bed-side and deceived the time by writing and meditation Partly by his diligence and partly by his acute wit and strong memory he profited so much both in the Arts and Tongues that at eighteen years old he was made Master of Arts. About this time Luthers books coming abroad Brentius by reading of them came to the knowledge of the Truth which he willingly imbraced And being desirous to propagate it to others he began to read upon Matthew first to som friends of his own colledges but his auditors increasing out of other Colledges he was fain to read in the publick Schools for which the Divines hated him because he grew so popular saying That neither was the place fit for Divinity Lectures nor he fit for such a work being not yet in orders wherefore to take away that objection he entred into orders and preached often for other men to the great delight of his hearers From thence he was called to be a Pastor at Hale in Sweveland where his gravity gesture phrase voice and doctrine did so please the Senat that though he was but twenty three years old yet they chose him to that place and he carried himself with such gravity holiness of life integrity of manners and diligence in his calling that none could contemn his youth And the Lord so blessed his labours there that many were converted to the Truth yea amongst the very Popish Priests some of them were converted others left their places for shame and went elsewhere He used much modesty and wisedome in his Sermons and when in the beginning of his preaching there the Popish Priests railed exceedingly upon him and his doctrine and the people exspected that he would answer them accordingly he contrariwise went on in teaching the fundamentall points of Religion and as he had occasion confuted their errors without bitterness from clear Scripture arguments whereby in time he so wrought upon them that he brought them to a sight of their errors and to a detestation of their Idolatry About this time Muncer and his companions rose up and stirred almost all the Boors in Germany to take Arms against the Magistrates and rich men abusing Scripture to justifie their proceedings Whereupon Brentius was in great danger for many cryed out that his opposing Popery and casting out the old Ceremonies was the cause of these Tumults Yet when as the boors in Hale were risen up and threatned to besiege the City of Hale and the Magistrates and Citizens were in such fear that they were ready to fly or to joyne with the Boors Brentius encouraged them and told them that if they would take Arms and defend their City God would assist them c. and so it came to passe for six hundred Citizens beat away four thousand of those Boors He also published a booke in confutation of their wicked opinions and shewed how dissonant they were to the Word of God Presently after rose up that unhappy contention between Luther and Zuinglius about Christs presence in the Sacrament which continued divers years to the great disturbance of the Church scandal of the Reformed Religion and hinderance of the success of the Gospel And when a conference was appointed for the composing of that difference Luther Brentius and some others met with Zuinglius and some of his friends but after much debate they departed without an agreement Anno 1530. was the Diet held at Auspurg unto which the Protestant Princes brought their Divines with them and amongst others Brentius at which time George Marquesse of Brandenburg told the Emperor That he would rather shed his blood and lose his life or lay downe his neck to the headsman then alter his Religion Here the Divines drew up that famous Confession of Faith which from the place is called the Augustane Confession Brentius at his return home married a wife Margaret Graetenna famous for her chastity modesty and piety by whom he had six children
Pulpit alluding to that of Vespasian Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori And thinking upon that of his Master Happy art thou my servant if when I come I find thee so doing His text whereon he preached at Lacock was Walk in the Spirit and presently after Sermon his disease growing more and more upon him hee was forced to take his bed In the beginning of his sicknesse he made his Will and gave most of his estate to his servants to scholars and to the poor of Sarum The Saturday following calling all his houshold about him he expounded the Lords Prayer Cantater â—ygnus funeris ipse sui Wherein hee said It hath alwaies been my desire that I might glorifie God and honour his name by sacrificing my life unto death for the defence of his Truth But seeing God hath not granted my desire yet I rejoice that my body is exhausted and worn away in the labours of my holy calling c. And now that my hour is at hand I earnestly desire you to pray for me and to help me with the ardencie of your affections when you perceive me through the infirmitie of the â—esh to languish in my prayers Hitherto I have taught you but now the time is come wherein I may and desire to be taught and strengthened by every one of you Then hee desired them to sing the 71 Psalm himself also joyning as well as he could somtimes also interposing some words of particular application to himself in the end he said Lord now let thy servant depart in peace Break off all delaies Lord receive my spirit c. Then one standing by prayed with tears that if the Lord pleased he would restore him to his former health Juel over-hearing him seemed to be offended and said I have not lived so that I am ashamed to live longer neither do I fear to die because we have a mercifull Lord. A crown of righteousness is laid up for me Christ is my righteousnesse Father let thy will be done thy will I say and not mine which is imperfect and depraved This day quickly let me see the Lord Jesus c. And so after a few fervent inward prayers and sighs of longing desire the soul returned to him that gave it Anno Christi 1571 and of his Age 50. Concerning his Apology for the Church of England Peter Martyr thus wrote to him Tua Apologia frater charissimè non tantùm mihi omnibus modis numeris satisfecit verùm etiam Bulingero ejusque filiis generis nec non Gualthero Wolphio tam sapiens mirabilis eloquens visâ— est ut ejus laudandae nullum modum faciant nec arbitrantuâ— quicquam hoc tempore perfectius editum fuisse c. i. e. Thy Apology dear brother hath not onely fully satisfied mee but it seems also so wise admirable and eloquent to Bullinger and his sonnes as also to Gualter and Wolphius that they can never make an end of praising it and they believe that there hath not been so compleate a book published in this Age c. The Life of Zegedine who died A no Christi 1572. STeven Kis sirnamed Zegedine from the place where hee was born which was a Town in the lower Pannonia was born Anno Christi 1505 brought up in learning first in the School of Zegedine under the eye of his Parents then was sent to Lippain and after a while to Julia in all which places he made an excellent progresse in Learning and profited to admiration And his parents being dead he betooke himself to teaching a School and for his admirable dexterity therein he procured to himselfe great favour and authority amongst all sorts of persons About which time hearing the fame of Luther and Melancthon he had a great mind to goe to Wittenberg but wanting opportunity in sundry regards he went to the University at Cracovia where having studied a while he was made a Reader to others and grew very famous and having gotten some money there Anno Christi 1541 hee went to Wittenberg where hee studied Logick and Divinity three years being a diligent hearer of the Lectures of Luther and Melancthon all that while and so at the end of that terme returned into his own country where hee was received by the Hungarian youths with great applause in every place And being hired in the City of Thasniadine he not only instructed youth in the knowledge of the Arts but he preached Jesus Christ also to the people before unknown unto them This comming to the ears of the Kings Treasurer he sent for him fell upon him beat him and drove him out of the City There he lost two hundred books and was so barbarously kicked by this Tyrant with his Iron spurs that he was almost slain Thus wandring up and down as an exile Anno Christi 1545 hee was called to Julia where he was made Governour of an illustrious Schoole and hee began to live comfortably but on a sudden came news to him of the death of Luther which was a very great grief to him The year after hee was sent for to Cegledine where he was hired to preach publickly in the Church and with the leave of the Schoolmaster he read Melancthons Common places in the Schooles discovering many of the Popish errors to his hearers and God was pleased so to blesse his labours that many learned young men went out of those Schooles Having continued there about two yeares and an half Anno Christi 1548 hee married his first Wife called Ursula after which leaving Cegledine hee was earnestly sent for by the Governour of Temeswert to govern the School there which indeed was the most famous School in all those parts where he not onely performed the office wherewith he was intrusted but preached weekely to the people But that Governour dying there succeeded him one that was of a most rugged disposition being a souldier and a strong Papist who drove Zegedine from thence togegether with divers other Protestants Being again an exile he wandered up and down till hee was called to govern the School at Thurin where he was received with great honour Anno Christi 1551 and according to his former custome preached to the people who eagerly embraced the Truth and loved him exceedingly From thence Anno Christi 1553 he was called to Bekenese where he preached to the people and read Lectures in the Schools Whilst he was there some Italian souldiers were commanded by their Captain to kill Zegedine out of an hatred to his Religion but it pleased God that a Country man who heard the command running hastily to Zegedine said to him Sir what doe you here when there are some souldiers comming upon you to slay you therefore flie hence speedily if you will save your life and if you have any thing of worth commit it to my custodie who promise faithfully to keep it
wherein I shall be released from all my cares and be with my Saviour Christ for ever And now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true and sincere word of God and that the end that I proposed in my Ministry was To instruct the ignorant to confirm the weak to comfort their consciences who were humbled under the sense of their sins and born down with the threatings of Gods judgements I am not ignorant that many have and doe blame my too great rigour and severity but God knoweth that in my heart I never hated those against whom I thundered Gods judgements I did onely hate their sins and laboured according to my power to gain them to Christ. That I did forbear none of what condition soever I did it out of the fear of my God who hath placed me in the function of his Ministry and I know will bring me to an account Now brethren for your selves I have no more to say but to warn you that you take heed of the Flock over which God hath placed you Over-seers which he hath redeemed by the blood of his onely begotten Son And you Mr. Lawson sight a good fight do the worke of the Lord with courage and with a willing mind and God from Heaven blesse you and the Church whereof you have the Charge Against it so long as it continues in the Doctrine of the Truth the gates of hell shall not prevail Having thus spoken and the Elders and Deacons being dismissed he called the two Preachers to him and said There is one thing that grieveth me exceedingly you have sometimes seen the courage and constancy of the Laird of Grang in the cause of God and now that unhappy man is casting himselfe away I pray you goe to him from me and tell him That unlesse he forsake that wicked course that he is in the rock wherein he confideth shall not defend him nor the carnall wisdom of that man whom he counteth halfe a god which was young Leshington shall yeeld him help but he shall be shamefully pulled out of that nest and his carcass hung before the Sun meaning the Castle which he kept against the Kings Authority for his soul it is dear to me and if it were possible I would faine have him saved Accordingly they went to him conferred with him but could by no means divert him from his course but as Knox had foretold so the year after his Castle was taken and his body was publickly there hanged before the Sun Yet at his death he did express serious repentance The next day M. Knox gave order for the making of his coffin Continuing all the day as he did also through all his sicknesse in fervent prayer crying Come Lord Jesus Sweet Jesus into thy hands I commend my spirit Being asked whether his pains were great he answered That he did not esteem that a pain which would be to him the end of all troubles and the beginning of eternall joys Oft after some deep meditation he used to say Oh serve the Lord in fear and death shall not be trouble some to you blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of Jesus The night before his death he slept some hours with great unquietnesse often sighing and groaning whereupon when he awakened the standers by asked him how he did and what it was that made him mourn so heavily to whom he answered In my life time I have been assulted with Temptations from Sathan and he hath oft cast my sins into my teeth to drive me to despair yet God gave me strength to overcome all his Temptations But now the subtill serpent takes another course and seeks to perswade me that all my labours in the Ministry and the fidelity that I have shewed in that service hath merited heaven and immortality But blessed be God that brought to my minde these Scriptures What hast thou that thou hast not received And Not I but the grace of God in me with which he is gone away ashamed and shall no more return And now I am sure that my battel is at an end and that without pain of body or trouble of spirit I shall shortly change this mortall and miserable life with that happy and immortall life that shall never have an end After which one praying by his bed having made an end asked him if he heard the prayer Yea said he and would to God that all present had heard it with such an ear and heart as I have done Adding Lord Jesus receive my spirit With which words without any motion of hands or feet as one falling asleep rather then dying he ended his life Never was man more observant of the ture and just authority of Church-Rulers according to the word of God and the practise of the purest Primitive times He alwayes pressed due Obedience from the People to the faithfull Pastors and Elders of the Church He died Anno Christi 1572. and of his age 62. Men of all ranks were present at his Buriall The Earl of Murray when the Corps was put into the ground said Here lies the body of him who in his life time never feared the face of any man Script a reliquit ad Londinenses alios Ad Evangeliâ— professores Qualiter sit Orandum In Psalmum ad matrem Contra missam Papisticam Doctrinale Missaticum De fide Eucharistiae Ad Ecclesias afflictas Ad Scotiae Reginam Mariam Consilium in Angustiis Buccinae afflatum primum Appellationem a sententia Cleri Ad populares Scotiae In Genesin consciones et alia quaedam He was a man not lesse learned then endued with vertue a constant Preacher of the Truth and a valiant defendor of the same through his whole life His zeal learning and courage did notably appeare in this example Anno Christi 1550 he was called before Tonstal Bishop of Durham and his Doctors to give an account of his opinion about the Masse where preaching before them he did so sharply taxe their Idolatries and Blasphemies and by such solid arguments confute the same that his adversaries were silenced and had not wherewithall to reply against him P. RAMVS The Life of Peter Ramus who died A no Christi 1572. PEter Ramus was born in France Anno Christi 1515. His Grandfather was a Nobleman who having his estate plundered by Charls Duke of Burgundy Generall under the Emperor Charls the fifth was forced to leave his Country and to betake himselfe to the poor and painfull life of an husbandman And his father being left very poor by him was fain to live by making of Charcoal Ramus being from his childhood of an excellent wit of an industrious nature and much addicted to learning was compelled for his subsistence to live as a servant with one of his Unkles but finding that by
to accuse Bullinger and Calvin whereupon Nicholas Radzivil Palatine of Vilna sent Martin Secovitius with his Letters to Bullinger about Blandrata's business to which Bullinger answered that when Blandrata came to Zurick he onely spake once with him yet at that time he easily discerned that he was corrupt in his judgement about the Son of God as also that he threatned to write against Calvin whereunto he answered That there were contentions already too many in the Church which if he increased God would be avenged on him for it Yet he departed cursing and threatning grievous things That such men should be taken heed of who laboured to revive Arianisme and other Heresies and cunningly to sow them abroad Calvin also wrote the History of Blandrata and sent it to the Polonian Church but his hypocrisie had so far prevailed with them that it did no good but afterward both in Poland and Transilvania he taught openly That Christ our Saviour was a meer man About the same time came forth Brentius his book about the personall union of two natures in Christ c. wherein he laboured to prove the substantiall presence of Christs body in the Supper And whereas Bullinger had published a Tractat upon those words In my Fathers house are many mansions Brentius published another Book wherein he manifested his dislike of Bullingers book saying That his conscience urged him to declare it This many marveiled at that he should quarrell with Bullinger being not provoked by him Bullinger least he should betray the truth answered him and Brentius again replyed charging the Tigurines with debasing the Majesty of Christ and denying the omnipotency of God Anno 1562. the Helvetians Ministers were again summoned to the Councill of Trent having the publick faith sent them but Bullinger againe wrote the reasons of their refusall Anno Christi 1563 Bullinger answered the book of Brentius de Christi Majestate About which time Ber. Ochin was banished by the Senat of Zurick for writing in defence of Polygamy contrary to his promise and oath and refusing to retract it Before his departure he desired Master Bull. to give him Letters testimoniall which he told him that he could not doe with a safe conscience yet was grieved for him and his children From thence Ochin went to Basil but finding no entertainment there he went into Poland where he publickly denyed the Deity of the Holy-Ghost but not staying long there he went into Moravia where he joyned himself to the Conventicles of the Anabaptists and shortly after dyed Anno Christi 1564. A great plague brake out in Zurick of which Bullinger fell so sick that all despaired of his life and himself also whereupon he sent for the Ministers of the Church and took his leave of them But it pleased God at the earnest prayers of the Church to restore him to health againe yet his wife and one of his daughters dyed of it And the year after the plague continuing two other of his daughters dyed also and himselfe began to be exceedingly tormented with the stone yet did not he intermit his labours but preached constantly and finished his Homilies upon Daniel Anno Christi 1566. when some turbulent spirits published that the Helvetian Churches were divided amongst themselves and held many unfound doctrines Bullinger published Confession of Faith which was consented to and subscribed by the Church of Geneva Berne Scaphusen Neocom St. Galli Mulhusen and Bipennium attested by the English Scottish and French Churches the Hungarian brethren also detesting and disclaiming the blasphemies of Blandrata and of Francis David published their assent to it Anno Christi 1567. Bullinger published his Homilies upon Isay and the year after he confuted Osius who denyed the deity of Christ and the Holy Ghost Anno Christi 1569 a great persecution arising in France many godly persons fled to Geneva and Helvetia who being in great want Bullinger took much paines to raise money by collections for them He was much troubled with the Sciatica and the Stone yet in the midst of those pains he wrote the Lives of the Popes and a confutation of the Popes Bull whereby he had excommunicated our Queen Elizabeth and absolved her subjects from the oath of Allegiance which was afterwards translated into English Anno Chr. 1570 there was a Synod of the French Churches held at Rochel to which because the Helvetians could not send Delegates they wrote Letters signifying their agreement with them in Doctrine and their good will to them Anno Christi 1571 by reason of the extreame hard winter there was a very great dearth in which Bullinger and the other Ministers obtained of the Senate that there should bee frequent Fasting and Prayer in publick and that provision should bee made for the Poor which was done accordingly Anno Christi 1572 was that bloody Massacre at Paris and in other places of France whereupon Bullinger the year after wrote his book of Persecution and God's judgements upon the Persecutors and to exhort the persecuted to patience and constancie That new Starre also in Cassiopeia appeared at that time Anno Christi 1574 Bullinger fell into a grievous disease which much tormented him from October to December at which time it pleased God to give him ease whereupon he exercised his publick Ministry again The year after he relapsed into his disease and though the pain was almost intolerable yet he never brake forth either in word or gesture into the least impatience but prayed the more fervently and when he had any ease he used to discourse pleasantly with his friends saying If the Lord will make any further use of me and my Ministry in his Church I will willingly obey him â—t if he please as I much desire to take me out of this miserble life I shall exceedingly rejoyce that he pleases to take meut of this wretched and corrupt age to goe to my Saviour Chri. Socraters was glad when his death approached because as he thought he should goe to Homer Hesiod and other Learned men whom he thought he should meet with in the other world How much more doe I joy who am sure that I shall see my Saviour Christ the Saints Patriarks Prophets Apostles and all the holy men which have lived from the beginning of the world These I say when I am sure to see them and to partake of their joyes why should I not willingly dye to enjoy their perpetual society and glory When he found some ease he sent for all the Ministers and Professors of the Universitie to him into his study to whom he gave thanks for their coming to him took his farewell of them with tears which he said proceeded not from his fear of death but as Paul's from his great love to them Hee made before them a Confession of his Faith forgave his enemies exhorted them to concord
admonished them especially to take heed of Drunkennesse which was so common amongst the Germans and lastly that they should be very observant to the Senate which had so excellently maintained Religion He wrote also his fare well to the Magistrates exhorting them to continue their care of the Church and Schooles thanked them for their kindnesse to him and entreated them to chuse Ralph Gualter to be his successor The day of his death he continued in prayer repeating the one and fiftieth the sixteenth and the forty second Psalms and the Lords Prayer and so gave up his soul unto God An. Chr. 1575 and of his Age 71. He was one of the chiefest of the Helvetian Divines and after Zuinglius and Oecolampadius a strong assertor of their Confession of Faith Of a mild nature clear in his Ministry and one that hated crabbed and unprofitable questions which many delighted in to shew their wit affable in speech courteous of behaviour both towards his own and strangers An excellent Governour of the Church frugall and temâ—rate in his diet merry and pleasant with those that lived wâ—â—h him He was so industrious that he would never be idle He had one Wife by whom he had six sonnes and five daughters of whom he married one to Zuinglius another to Lavate and a third to Simler all Ministers in Zurick He wrote Commentaries upon all the New Testament His Workes are contained in tenne Tomes besides which hee wrote Contra Anabaptistas lib. 4. De annuis Reditibus De Hebdomadibus Danielis De Sacramentis The Life of Edward Deering who died A no Christi 1576. EDward Deering was borne of a very ancient Family in Kent and carefully brought up both in Religion and Learning From School he went to Cambridge and was admitted into Christs Colledge where he profited exceedingly and became a very famous Preacher as may appear by his most learned and holy Sermons and Tractates full of heavenly consolation He never affected nor sought after great titles or preferments and therefore rested content with his Fellowship in that Colledge and onely Commenced Batchelor of Divinity yet afterwards hee was made a Preacher in Saint Paul's Church in London and having worn out himself with his labours in the Work of the Lord hee fell sick and discerning his approaching death hee said in the presence of his friends that came to visit him The good Lord pardon my great negligence that whilst I had time I used not his precious gifts to the advancement of his glory as I might have done Yet I blesse God withall that I have not abused these gifts to ambition and vain studies When I am once dead my enemies shall be reconciled to me except they be such as either knew me not or have no sence of goodnesse in them for I have faithfully and with a good conscience served the Lord my God A Minister standing by said unto him It 's a great happinesse to you that you die in peace and thereby are freed from those troubles which many of your brethren are like to meet with To whom he answered If God hath decreed that I shall sup together with the Saints in Heaven why doe I not goe to them but if there be any doubt or hesitation resting upon my spirit the Lord will reveal the truth unto me When he had layen still a while a friend said unto him that hee hoped that his minde was employed in holy meditation whilst hee lay so silent To whom he answered Poor wretch and miserable man that I am the least of all Saints and the greatest of Sinners yet by the eye of Faith I beleeve in and look upon Christ my Saviour Yet a little while and we shall see our hope The end of the world is come upon us and we shall quickly receive the end of our hope which we have so much looked for Afflictions diseases sicknesse grief are nothing but part of that portion which God hath allotted to us in this world It s not enough to beginne for a little while except we persevere in the fear of the Lord all the daies of our lives for in a moment we shall be taken away Take heed therefore that you doe not make a pastime of nor dis-esteem the Word of God blessed are they that whilst they have tongues use them to Gods glory When he drew near to his end being set up in his bed some of his friends requested him to speake something to them that might bee for their edification and comfort Whereupon the Sun shining in his face hee tooke occasion from thence to say thus unto them There is but one Sunne in the world nor but one Righteousnesse one Communion of Saints If I were the most excellent of all creatures in the world If I were equall in righteousnesse to Abraham Isaac and Jacob yet had I reason to confâ—sse my selfe to bee a sinner and that I could expect no salvation but in the righteousnesse of Jesus Christ For we all stand in need of the grace of God And as for my death I blesse God I feel and finde so much inward joy and comfort in my soul that if I were put to my choice whether to dye or live I would a thousand times rather choose death then life if it may stand with the holy will of God And accordingly shortly after he slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1576. The Life of Flacius Illiricus who died A no Christi 1575. MAtthias Flacius Illiricus was borne in Albona in Sclavonia Anno Christi 1520 of an ancient and numerous Family His Father being learned himself and discerning a good ingeny in his Sonne began in his tender years to instill into him the first Rudiments of Learning But after his death his Masters so neglected him that he almost forgot all Yet when he began to have discretion he desired much to attaine to Learning and returned to his studies and to further him therein went to Venice and after some progress made at seventeen years old hee beganne to study Divinity but wanting means to maintaine him in the University he profered halfe his estate to be admitted into a Monastery either at Bononia or Padua but a friend called Baldus a godly man who afterwards suffered Martyrdom for the Truth disswaded him from that kinde of life and advised him rather to goe into Germany where were store of Learned men Hereupon having read over some of the Protestants bookes and liking Baldus his advice hee went into Germany which he had never before seen and first staying at Basil he studied under Simon Grynaeus who did not only entertain him being very poor but provided for him and instructed him in the Truth which was An. 1539. And about the end of the ear he went from thence to Tubing where also he studied a while under Matthias Garbicius then went to Wittenberg An. Chr. 1541 where he privately
was freed Anno Christi 1557. he went from thence to Heidleberg being sent for by Otho Henry Prince Elector Palatine who was about to reforme his Churches There hee was made the Publick Professor of Theologie and met with much opposition and manifold contentions in that alteration which yet he bore with much prudence Anno Christi 1564. there was a disputation appointed at Malbourn for composing the great controversie about the ubiquity of Christs body This was appointed by Frederick the third Elector Palatine and Christopher Duke of Wertemberg To this meeting the Elector sent Boquine Diller Olevian Dathen and Ursin but very little fruit appeared of their labours as the event shewed Boquin continued in Heidleberg about twenty years under Otho and Frederick the third But after that Princes death An. Christi 1576 by reason of the prevalency of the Hetorodox party he with other Professorr and Divines was driven thence and it pleased God that immediately hee was called to Lausanna where he performed the part of a faithfull Pastor so long as he lived Anno Christi 1582 on a Lords day he preached twice and in the evening heard another Sermon then supped chearfully and after supper refreshed himself by walking abroad then went to visit a sick friend and whll'st he was conforting of him he found his spirits to begin to sink in him and running to his servant he said unto him Pray adding further Lord receive my soul and so he quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1582. The workes which he left behind him were these Defensio ad calumnias Doctoris cujusdam Avii in Evangelii professores Examen libri quem Heshusius inscripsit De praesentia corporis Christi in caena domini Theses de coena Domini Exegesis divinae communicationis Adsertio veteris ac veri Christianismi adversus novum fictum Jesuitismum Notatio praecipuarum causarum diuturnitatis controversiae de Coena Domini Adsertio ritus frangendi in manus sumendi panis Eucharistici E. GRINDALL The Life of Edmund Grindall who dyed A no Christi 1583. EDmund Grindal was borne in Cumberland Anno Christi 1519. and carefully brought up in learning first at school and then in the University of Cambridg where being admitted into Pembrook Hall he profited so exceedingly that he was chosen first Fellow and afterward Master of that house And Bishop Ridley taking notice of his piety and learning made him his Chaplain and commended him to that pious Prince King Edward the sixth who intended to prefer him but that he was prevented by an immature death In the bloody daies of Queen Mary Grindal amongst many others fled into Germany where he continued all her Reigne But comming back in the beginning of Queen Elisabeth she preferred him to that dignity which her brother King Edward intended him to making him Bishop of London wherein hee carried himself worthily for about eleven years Anno Christi 1570 hee was removed by the Queen to the Archbishoprick of York where he continued about six years and then for his piety and learning she made him Archbishop of Canterbury wherein he lived about seven years more and then falling sick at Croidon hee resigned up his spirit unto God that gave it Anno Christi 1583 and of his Age sixtie four Both in his life and at his death he did many excellent works of Charity At St. Beighs in Cumberland where he was born he erected a Free-schoole and endowed it with thirty pound per annum for ever To Pembroke Hall in Cambridge where he was educated he gave twenty two pounds a yeare in lands for the maintaining of a Greek Lecturer one Fellow and two Scholars to be chosen out of the aforesaid School of St. Beighs He gave also much mony to the said Colledge To Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge hee gave lands for the maintainance of one Fellow from the said School To Christs Colledge in Cambridge he gave forty five pounds To Queens Colledge in Oxford he gave twenty pound per annum in lands to maintain one Fellow and two Scholars out of the aforesaid Schoole And at his death he gave his Library which was a very great and good one to that Colledge besides a great sum of money To eight Alms-houses in Croidon he gave fifty pounds per annum and to Canterbury he gave an hundred pounds to set the poor on work The Life of Bernard Gilpin who died A no Christi 1583. BErnard Gilpin was born at Kentmire in the County of Westmoreland Anno Christi 1517 of an ancient and honourable Family When he was but a child a Friar pretending to be a zealous Preacher came on a Saturday night to his Fathers house and at Supper eat like a Glutton and drunke himself drunk yet the next morning in his Sermon sharply reproved the sinne of Drunkennesse whereupon young Gilpin sitting near his mother cryed out Oh Mother doe you hear how this fellow dares speak against Drunkenness and yet himself was drunken last night But his Mother stopped his mouth with her hand that he might speake no further it being a mortall sinne in those times to speak against these men His Parents perceiving his aptnesse were carefull to make him a Scholar and when hee had with great approbation passed his time in the Grammar-School they sent him to Oxford Anno Christi 1533 where he was admitted into Queens Colledge and profited wondrously in Humane Learning Hee was very conversant also in the writings of Erasmus which were in much esteem at that time And to the studie of Logick and Philosophie hee added that of Greek and Hebrew yea after some few years spent in these studies hee grew so famous that there was no place of preferment for a Scholar whereof the eminency of his virtues had not rendered him worthy Whereupon he was one of the first that was chosen a member of Christ-Church by Cardinall Wolsey At that time he was not fully instructed in the true Religion but held disputations against John Hooper afterwards Bishop of Worcester as also against Peter Martyr who was then Divinity Lecturer at Oxford upon the occasion of which dispute that he might defend his cause the better he examined the Scriptures ancient Fathers But by how much the more he studied to defend his Cause the lesse confidence hee began to have therein and so whilst he was searching zealously for Truth he beganne to discernâ— his own Errors Peter Martyr used to say That he cared not for his other adversaries but saith he I am troubled for Gilpin for he doth and speaketh all things with an upright heart and therefore he often prayed That God would be pleased at last to convert to the Truth the heart of Gilpin being so inclinable to honesty And the Lord answered his prayer for presently Gilpin resolved more earnestly to apply himself both by study and
Letters to Zurick from Thomas Erastus signifying that there wanted a Divinity Professor at Heidleberg and that they desired supply from thence whereupon the aforenamed Divines knowing Ursines fitnesse presently sent him with their Letters of ample commendation both to the Elector Palatine and to the University Where he was made governour of the Colledge of Sapience and by his diligence faithfulnesse and ability got such credit that at twenty eight years of age they graced him with the title of a Doctor in Divinity and so hee supplyed the place of publick Professor to the year 1568 at which time Zanchy succeeded him He had for his Colleagues Peter Boquin and Immanuel Tremelius the latter Professor of the Old Testament and the former of the New Five years Ursin continued reading upon his Common places and certainâ—y if he had finished it it had been exceeding usefull to the Church And besides his ordinary Lectures both in the University and Colledge the godly Prince Otho Frederick seeing severall Ministers using severall Catechisms to the prejudice of the Church he employed Ursin in the writing a Catechism for the Palatinate which might be of general use and accordingly he did to the great satisfaction of all Anno 1563 there brake forth a grievous Pestilence that scattered both the Court and University yet Ursin remained at home and wrote his tractates of Mortality and Christian Consolations for the benefit of Gods people The same year presently after Ursins Catechism was printed Flacius Illiricus Heshusius and some others beganne to quarrel at some passages in it about the Ascension of Christ his Presence in the Sacrament c. As also to traduce the Reformation carried on in the Palatinate but at the command of the Palatine Ursin did excellently justifie his Catechism and defend the Truth to the great satisfaction of all that read it Anno Christi 1564 hee was sent by the Elector to Malbrun to dispute with Brentius and Smidlin about the Ubiquity of Christs body which he confuted with such clear and strong arguments as that many both Papists and Lutherans were converted thereby He was so dear to the Elector Palatine that when the Bernates Anno 1578 sent Aretius to Heidleberg to crave leave that Ursine might goe to Lausanna to be the Divinity Professor there he would by no means part with him but for his ease and encouragement to stay gave him leave to choose an assistant that so his body might not bee worne out with his daily and excessive labours Anno Christi 1572 he married a Wife by whom he had one sonne that was afterwards a Minister and inherited his Fathers virtues Anno Christi 1574 at the command of the Elector Frederick he made a Confession of Faith about God the Person of Christ and the Supper of the Lord which was to stop the mouths of some malitious wicked men who had scattered abroad that in Heidleberg they had sowed the seeds of Arianism from which error both the Elector and the Church under him were most free In these employments was Ursin busied and both Religion and Learning prospered exceedingly under him so that he sent forth many excellent men who proved admirable instruments of Gods glory and the Chuches good and this continued till the year 1577 at which time it pleased God to take away that excellent Prince Frederick whereupon ensued that unhappy change when none were suffered to stay in the Palatinate except they held the opinions of Luther in all things So that Ursin with his Colleague Kimedontius were forced to leave the University But hee could not live a private life long for hee was sent for by Prince John Cassimire sonne to Frederick who knew how usefull and profitable he would be both to himself and the Churches under him About the same time also the Senate of Berne sent imporâ—unately for him to succeed A etius or Basil â—arquard in their University Hee was also earnestly solicited by Musculus Gualter Lavater and Hortinus to accept of this call but Prince Cassimire would by no meanes part with him having erected a University at Newstad and chosen Ursin and Zanchy to be the Divinity Professors thereof Whilst hee was thus employed by his excessive studies and neglect of exercise he fell into a sicknesse which held him above a year together After which he returned to his labours again and besides his Divinity Lectures read Logick in the Schools desiring his Auditors to give him what doubts and objections they met with which upon study at his next Lecture hee returned answers to But his continual watchings care meditations and writings cast him into a Consumption and other diseases yet would he not be perswaded to intermit his imployments till at last he was confined to his bed Yet therein also he was never idle but alwayes dictating something that might conduce to the publick good of the Church The hour of death being come his friends standing by he quietly slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1583 and of his Age fifty one He was very pious and grave in his carriage and one that sought not after great things in this world refusing many gifts from Princes and himself was liberall according to his ability He was alwaies like himself very sparing of timeâ— as appeared by these verses set over his study door Amice quisquis huc venis Aut agito paucis aut abi Aut me laborantem adjuva He wrote Commentarium do mortalitate consolationibus Christianis Admonitionem Neustadianam Epigrammata ad Jo. Frisium After his death his Son and Doctor Pareus and Quirinus his Scholars published divers other of his Workes which are printed in three Tomes The Life of Abraham Bucholtzer who died A no Christi 1584. ABraham Bucholtzer was born at Schovavium of a very ancient and honourable Family Anno Christi 1529 and from his infancy was brought up by his Parents in Religion and Learning When he was first set forth to School he profited to admiration outstripping all his Schoolfellowes by his acute wit and industry And being well principled at School he went to the Universities first of Franckfurt then of Wittenberg Accounting it his great happinesse that he was born after the light of the Gospel brake forth and bred up under Melancthon upon whose Lectures he attended diligently and sucked in from him not onely the principles of Learning but of Religion also He was exceeding industrious in seeking Learning attent in hearing Lectures diligent and swift in writing what was spoken by Melancthon About that time there sprang up many errors and much contention was raised in the Church of God about things indifferent the necessity of Good Works Essentiall Righteousness c. But by the help of Melanethon he was able both to discover and confute them There also he studied Greek and Hebrew When hee was six and twenty years
Latine and sent beyond sea where to this day they are highly prized and much set by yea some of them are translated into French High-Dutch and Low-Dutch and his Reformed Catholick was translated into Spanish also yet no Spaniard ever since durst take up the Gantlet of Defiance cast down by this Champion He died in the forty fourth year of his age of a violent fit of the Stone Anno Christi 1602 being born the first and dying the last year of Queen Elizabeth He was of a ruddy complexion fat and corpulent Lame of his right hand yet this Ehud with a left-handed pen did stab the Romish cause as one saith Dextera quantumvis fuerat tibi manca docendi Pollebas mirâ dexteritate tamen Though nature thee of thy right hand bereft Right-well thou writest with thy hand that 's left He was buried with great solemnity at the sole charges of Christs Colledge the University and Town striving which should expresse more sorrow at his Funeral Doctor Montague Preached his Funeral Sermon upon that Text Moses my servant is dead Master Perkins his manner was to go with the Prisoners to the plaâ—â— of execution when they were condemned and what 〈◊〉 his labours were crowned with may appeare by this example A young lusty fellow going up the ladder discovered an extraordinary lumpishnesse and dejection of spirit and when he turned himselfe at the upper round to speak to the people he looked with a rueful and heavy countenance as if he had been half dead already whereupon Master Perkins laboured to chear up his spirits and finding him still in an Agony and distresse of minde he said unto him What man what is the matter with thee art thou afraid of death Ah no said the Prisoner shaking his head but of a worser thing Saist thou so said Master Perkins come down again man and thou shalt see what Gods grace will doe to strengthen thee Whereupon the prisoner coming down Master Perkins took him by the hand made him kneel down with himself at the ladder foot hand in hand when that blessed man of God made such an effectuall prayer in confession of sinnes and aggravating thereof in all circumstances with the horrible and eternal punishment due to the same by Gods justice as made the poor prisoner burst out into abundance of tears and Master Perkins finding that he had brought him low enough even to hell gates he proceeded to the second part of his prayer and therein to shew him the Lord Jesus the Saviour of all penitent and believing sinners stretching forth his blessed hand of mercy and power to save him in that distressed estate and to deliver him from all the powers of darkness which he did so sweetly press with such heavenly art and powerfull words of grace upon the soul of the poor prisoner as cheared him up again to look beyond death with the eyes of Faith to see how the black lines of all his sinnes were crossed and cancelled with the red lines of his crucified Saviours precious blood so graciously applying it to his wounded conscience as made him break out into new showres of tears for joy of the inward consolation which he found and gave such expression of it to the beholders as made them life up their hands and praise God to see such a blessed change in him who the prayer being ended rose from his knees chearfully and went up the Ladder again so comforted and tooke his death with such patience and alacrity as if he actually saw himself delivered from the hell which he feared before and heaven opened for the receiving of his soul to the great rejoycing of the beholders His works are printed in three volumes F. JVNIVS The Life of Francis Junius who died A no Christi 1602. FRancis Junius was born in France of a Noble Family An. Christi 1545. His Grandfather was William Lord of Boffardineria who for his valiant service in the wars of Navar was rewarded by King Lewis the twelfth with that honour His Father was Denis who in his youth studied Law in the most famous Universities of France His Mother was Jacoba Hugalda which bore nine children four sons and five daughters amongst which this our Francis was born in Biturg His Mother being sickly the child was very weak not likely to live one houâ— and therefore was hastily baptised And during his childhood this weakness continued which falling into his left legge caused a soare which was difficultly healed When hee was five yeares old his Father beganne to teach him to read as his leisure would permit At six yeares old he began to write and to discover his ingenuity being of a pleasant disposition very desirous of honour quickly angry and for his age of a grave judgement Hee did eat his meat eagerly was very shame-fac'd which continued with him all his life after Hee had the publick Schoolmasters for his instructers besides others that privately taught him at home At twelve years old he attended the publick Lectures and began to study the Civill Law and his Father much encouraged and assisted him therein Yet one thing much impeded him in his first studies For being put forth to School hee met with harsh and severe Masters which used to beat him in a most cruel and barbarous manner yet his love to learning made him conceal it from his friends When he had studied Law about two years he was sent to Lions to have gone with the French Ambassador to Constantinople but coming too late after the Ambassadors departure he staid and studied there turning over many bookes whereof in that place were great plenty But there he met with great temptations to evill a woman and a young mayd labouring upon every opportunity to draw him to lewdnesse This much troubled him having been brought up religiously by his parents whereupon he thought of returning home but his fathers authority who commanded his stay there altered those thoughts and so through Gods assistance he resisted that temptation But presently fell into another For as he was reading over Tully de Legibus there came a certain man to him using the words of the Epicure nihil cur are Deum nec alieni that God cares for nothing And he so pressed it with such subtile arguments that hee prevailed with him to suck in that damnable principle and so he gave up himself to vile pleasures for a year and somewhat more But the Lord suffered him not to continue longer therein For first in a tumult in Lions the Lord wonderfully delivered him from imminent death so that he was compelled to acknowledge a divine providence therein And his Father hearing the dangerous waies that his son was misled into sent for him home where he carefully and holily instructed him and caused him to read over the new Testament of wich himselfe writes thus novum Testamentum aperio exhibet se mihi
of York he was chosen Master of Pembrok-Hall in his room and Doctor Cox Bishop of Elie made him his Chaplain Afterwards he was chosen the Margaret-Professor which place he discharged with such high commendations that not long after he was made the Queens Professor and preaching before Queen Elizabeth she liked him so well that she made him her Chaplain and Master of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge Anno Christi 1567. In which place he remained for ten years with the good approbation of all men The Queen also made him Dean of Lincoln He had many Noblemen which were his pupils and bred up also many learned men which afterwards proved famous lights in the Church Anno Christi 1577 the Queen made him Bishop of Worcester and after the death of Grâ—ndal Anno Christi 1583 she removed him to the Archbishoprick of Canterburie Shee had alwaies a very high esteem of him and used him so familiarly that she called him her black husband He was present with and a great comfort to her at her death And when King James came to the Crown he also much reverenced Archbishop Whitgift But he had laid the death of Queen Elizabeth So deeply to heart that within some few moneths hee fell sick which when King James heard of he went to him and laboured to chear him up but within a few daies after hee quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1603 and of his age seventy three having been Archbishop about twenty years He did many and great works of Charity wheresoever he lived viz. at Lincoln Worcester Wales Kent and Surrey One act of Justice done by him is scarce to be parallel'd and may be read at large in the life of Mr. Hugh Clark at the end of my Generall Martyrologie Much Controversie there was between Mr. Tho. Cartwright and him about Ceremonies as appears by the books extant betwixt them T. BEZA The Life of Theodore Beza who died A no Christi 1605. THeodore Beza was born at Veselia Anno Christi 1519. His Father was Peter Beza Praefect of that Town his Mother was Mary Burdolet both of them nobly born As soon as he was weaned he was sent for by his Uncle Nicolas Beza to Paris who was a Counsellor in the Parliament and by him was tenderly and carefully educated and at five years old he placed him with Wolmarus a famous Schoolmaster at Orleance with whom he lived seven years and in that time learned Latine Greek and all the Liberal Arts so that there was no worthy author either in Greek or Latine which hee had not turned over Yea Wolmarus had also read Law to him But that which was principal he instructed him in the true Religion drawn out of the Fountain of Gods Word Afterwards when Wolmarus was returned into his native Country of Germany by the advice of his friends Beza was placed in Orleance to study the Civil Law but disliking their baibarous language he left those and betook himself to more Polite Studies He also affected Poetry very much and made all his Poems before he was twenty years old and imitating Catullus and Ovid therein he writ more wantonly then afterwards he approved of and indeed endeavoured to have suppressed his Poems but the Papists hating him for his Religion often printed them seeking thereby his disgrace all that possibly they could Anno Christi 1539 he went to Paris where he was entertain'd by his kindred and friends with all the expressions of love and respect that might be but above all hee was most welcome to another of his Uncles for the former was now dead who was Abbat of Frigidmont and who designed him for his Successor the profits of which place were worth above five thousand crowns perâ—in besides two Benefices belonging to the same worth seven hundred crowns more Beza by this Uncles means abounding with ease money and all things but good counsell began to find himself compassed about with infinite snares of Sathan For though he hated those vices which discovered open impiety and were disgracefull yet hee squandred away precious houres in pastimes and began to be puffed up with that applause which he gat by his forementioned Poems and by his hopes of the great preferments which his Uncle reserved for him Yet it pleased God that those seeds of piety that were sown in him in his childhood began to appear afresh so that discerning his danger and the Snares of Satan he made a vow to renounce the errors of Popery and lest hee should be overcome by fleshly lusts he privately married a wife having only two of his fast friends present at his marriage yet at the same time he faithfully promised that within a certain space of time breaking through all impediments he would have her to the true Church of God and there publickly confirm the Marriage and that in the mean time he would take none of the Popish Orders Both which he religiously performed afterwards And yet the world heaping more honours and profits upon him by the death of his elder brother and the Abbat his Uncle giving him all his goods hee was long in resolving what to do and slower in performing his Vow then he should have been But whilst he thus delayed the Lord struck him with a sore disease that he almost despaired of life and it continuing long upon him he was at last humbled by it and abhorred himself for his delayes and with many tears begged pardon of God for the same saying Lord bring my soul out of prison that I may praise thy name And the Lord heard and restored him And as soon as ever he had recovered his health according to his former engagements he took his wife and leaving friends honours riches and country hee went to Geneva Anno Christi 1548 where according to his former vow he publickly solemnized his marriage About the same time also there came to Geneva one John Crispin an antient and intimate friend of Beza's and so both of them consulted together what course of life to betake themselves to purposing to set upon the Art of Printing which their excellent learning and industry did much fit them for But God had appointed Beza to another imployment for before they could bring their purpose to maturity Beza would needs take a journey to Tubing where his old Master Wolmarus lived being now a Counsellor to the Prince of Wirtemberg and as soon as hee was returned to Geneva dreaming of no such matter he was called to be the Greek Professor in the University of Lausanna and by the Senate of Bern admitting that election was brought into that society Beza therefore looking upon it as a call from God embraced it and went to Lausanna In which place hee found many excellent men as Peter Viret the Pastor John Ribbit the Divinity Professor John Raimund Merlin the Hebrew Professor
diligentissimus in Pontificios scriptor The Light of the University the Glory of Europe the Trumpeter of Gods glory an admirable example of holyness and a diligent writer against the Papists Indeed what he wrote against them is altogether unanswerable He was withall so humble that he would never accept of any great preferment in the Church only being much importuned he took the Deanry of Lincoln which he quickly grew weary of and therefore passed it away to another He was chosen President of Corpus Christi Coâ—ledge and made the Professor of Divinity which places he discharged with admirable learning and sedulity to the end of his life Gods great providence in watching over him doth excellently appear by this example Being at London An. Christi 1602 he desired to refresh himself by walking abroad into the open air and for that end went into Finsbury fields where many Archers were shooting with their long bows and it so fell out that one of their arrows met him and stroke him upon the very breast which in all probability would have pierced through his body but behold the admirable providence of God the arrow piercing the outside stopped against the quilted lining and so leaped back without doing him the least hurt But the ingratefull world being unworthy of such a star it pleased God that he fell sick and was taken away by an immature death Anno Christi 1607 and of his Age 58. When the Heads of the Houses in Oxford came to visit him in his last sickness which he had contracted meerly by his exceeding great pains in his study whereby hee brought his body to be a very Sceleton they earnestly perswaded him â—hat he would not perdere substantiam propter accidentia lose his life for learning He with a smile answered them with this verse of the Poet Nec propter vitam vivendi perdere causas JOS SCALIGER The Life of Joseph Scaliger who died A no Christi 1609. JOseph Scaliger the son of Julius Caesar Scaliger was born at Aginum Anno Christi 1540 and at nine years old was sent by his father to School at Burdeaux but after three years stay there the Plague breaking forth he returned to his Father again who set him every day to make an Oration whereby hee attained to such an exactness in the Latine tongue that not long after he composed that excellent Tragedy of Oedipus which caused his friends to admire such ripeness of wit in such tender years At nineteen years old his father being dead he went to Paris to learn the Greeke tongue where for two moneths space he applyed himselfe to the Lectures of that learned man Adrian Turneby but wanting other helps he lost most of that time which caused him to shut himself up in his study and there by extraordinary diligence joyned with his naturall aptness hee began to suck in the first rudiments of the Greek tongue and before he had well learned all the conjugations he gat him an Homer and in one and twenty dayes he learned it all over framed for himself a Greek Grammar and never used the help of any other He learned the other Greek Poets in four moneths more Having thus bestowed two years in the study of the Greek he grew very desirous to adde the knowledge of the Hebrew to it and though he knew not one letter of it yet he attained to the knowledge of it without any other help He wrote much in verse in both those languages but to avoid the repute of ambition would not suffer them to be printed Hee read over many Hebrew and Greek Authors and spent much time in interpreting them and clearing of them from errors Anno Christi 1563 he began to travel into divers countries and made little stay any where till he was called to the University of Leiden Anno Christi 1593 to be Professor there in which place he spent sixteen years making the place famous both by his Lectures and Writings and at last dyed of a Dropsie Anno Christi 1609 and of his age sixty nine The aforementioned Turneby who was an excellently learned man himself called this Scaliger Portentosi ingenii juvenem A young man of a stupendious wit The Life of Amandus Polanus who died A no Christi 1610. AMandus Polanus was born at Oppavia in Silesia of honest parents An. Chr. 1561. In his childhood he was brought up by the care of his parents in the Free-school belonging to that place where he learned the grounds of the Liberal Arts And from thence Anno Christi 1577 he was sent to Uratislavia where he spent six years and where his ingenuity and excellent wit quickly discovered themselves to the great satisfaction of his Masters and then for his farther instruction he went to Tubing and reaped much benefit by the Lectures of Theod. Snepsius But afterwards in a publick Disputation wherein Doctor Andreas was Moderator being invited to confer about Election he constantly adhered to that of the Apostle Rom. 9. 11. The children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of works but of him that calleth c. And afterwards being conferred with in private about it adhering to his former opinion many began to bee angry and to withdraw themselves from him Whereupon by the advice of a Doctor of Physick his special friend he left Tubing and went to Basil carrying Letters of commendation from that Doctor to James Grynaeus An. Chr. 1583 where being admitted into the University he wholly applyed himself to the study of Divinity And after a while he visited Geneva and Heidleberg and in Moravia and some other places he was Tutor to divers young Noblemen especially to one Zerotinius Anno Christi 1590 at the importunity of some Noblemen he commenced Doctor in Divinity at Basil and six years after he was made Professor for interpreting the Old Testament in that University which place he faithfully discharged for fourteen years space expounding Daniel Ezekiel and a good part of the Psalms besides his extraordinary Lectures which he read every Thursday and Saturday and his publick Disputations and other exercises Thus Polanus was an excellent ornament to the University of Basil adding a great lustre to it by his wit and writings Afterwards falling sick of a Feaver he wholly resigned up himself to the will of God comforted himself with divers pregnant texts of Scriptures and so departed quietly in the Lord Anno 1610 and of his age 49. There met in this man true piety and solid learning He had both a good wit and sound judgement Was well skilled both in the Tongues and Ecclesiastical Antiquities In his office he was very diligens He twice bore the chiefest office in the University of Basil and that to his own credit and the profit of the Schooles He kept correspondence with
with his terrors and with inward tentations so that his life was almost wasted with heaviness yet thereby he learned more and more to know Christ Jesus About that time there was a General Assembly of the Church at Perth unto which some that lived in the North of Scotland sent to desire that a Minister might be sent unto them whereupon the Assembly appointed Master Cowper for that place and accordingly wrote to him by Master Patrick Simpson who coming to Sterling delivered to him the Letters from the Assembly and those from the Town containing his calling to the work of the Ministry in that place And so shortly after the Town sent their Commissioners to transport him and his family thither In that place he continued doing the work of the Lord for ninteen years together where he was a comfort to the best and a wound to the worser sort Besides the Sabbath dayes he chose thrice a week to convene the people together in the Evenings viz. Wednesdayes Fridayes and Saturdayes for a preparation to the Sabbath upon which daies they had no preaching in the morning concerning which meetings himself writes That it would have done a Christians heart good to have seen those glorious and joyfull assemblies to have heard the zealous cryings to God amongst that people with sighings and tears and melting hearts and mourning eyes And concerning himself he saith My witnsse is in heaven that the love of Jesus and his people made continual preaching my pleasure and I had no such joy as in doing his work And besides that he preached five times a week he penned also whatsoever hee preached many of which holy and godly Sermons are extant in print All the time of his abode there except some little intermissions and breathing times the Lord still exercised him with inward tentation and great variety of spiritual combats the end of all which through Gods mercy was Ioy unspeakable as himself testifies Yea once saith he in greatest extreamitie of horror and anguish of spirit when I had utterly given over and looked for nothing but confusion suddenly there did shine in the very twinkling of an eye the bright and lightsome countenance of God proclaming peace and confirming it with invincible reasons O what a change was there in a moment the silly soul that was even now at the brink of the pit looking for nothing but to be swallowed up was instantly raised up to heaven to have fellowship with God in Christ Jesus and from this day forward my soul was never troubled with such extremity of terrors This confirmation was given unto me on a Saturday in the morning there found I the power of Religion the certaintie of the word there was I touched with such a lively sense of a Divinitie and power of a Godhead in mercy reconciled with man and with me in Christ as I trust my soul shall never forget Glory glory glory be to the joyfull deliverer of my soul out of all adversities for ever In the middest of these wrestlings with God he wanted not combats with wicked men also but the greatnesse of his inward conflicts made him lightly regard all their outward contradictions and to esteem them but as the bitings of a Flea It was no marvel to see Satan stir up his wicked instruments to molest him since he professed himself a disquieter of him and his Kingdom Yet this much supported him that he never had a controversie with any of them but for their sins And the Lord assisting him the power of the Word did so hammer down their pride that they were all of them at last brought to an acknowledgement of their evil wayes But at length as God turned the heart of Pharoah and his people from the Israelites when the time drew on for their remove so by little and little did the zeal and love of most of that people fall away so that his last conflict was not with the prophane but with Justitiaries and such as were unrebukeable in their lives These men were stuffed with such pride self-conceit disdain and intolerable contempt that thereby they were carried further from their duty then any of the former and they which should have been his greatest comfort were his greatest cross Presently hereupon God called him to the Government of the Churches in Galloway in the South-West parts of the kingdom being chosen by the Assembly and presented by the King thereunto This was done without his privity or ambitious us seeking after it yea he was so far from it that eighteen weeks passed betwixt the Kings Presentation and his Acceptation of â—t In that place he was very carefull to advance the Gospel and to adorn his Ministery Concerning the frame of his spirit thus he writes My soul is alway in my hand ready to be offered to my God Where or what kind of death God hath prepared for me I know not But sure I am there can no evil death befall him that lives in Christ nor sudden death to a Christian Pilgrim who with Job waits very hour for his change Yea saith he many a daie have I sought it with teaâ—es not out of impatience distrust or perturbation â—ut because I am weary of sin and fearful to fall into it This faithful servant of God who had alwaies been faithful and painful in his Ministery when sickness grew daily upon him was no way deficient in the duty of his ordinary preaching Taking great pains also to perfect his work upon the Revelations which he desired greatly to finish before his death He had also much grief by reason of some that disturb'd the peace of the Church which he alwaies sought to procure so that his infirmity encreasing he was compelled to keep home yet as his weakness permitted he applyed himself to revise his writings and to dispose of his worldly estate that he might be ready for his passage which every day he exspected some ten daies before his decease he manifested to his friends what great contentment he had in his approaching death Many repaired to him in his sickness whom he entertained with most holy and divine conferences expressing a great willingnesse to exchange this life for a better and at last feeling his strength and spirits to decay after he had conceived a most heavenly prayer in the company of those that were by he desired to you to bed in which also after he had most devoutly commended himself unto Almighty God hee tooke som◠〈◊〉 rest After which time he spake not many words 〈…〉 failing though his memory and understanding 〈…〉 and so about seven a clock at night he rendred 〈…〉 most quiet and peaceable manner An Christi 1619. Some of his private meditations were these Now my soul be glad for at all parts of this prison the Lord hath set to his Pioners to loose thee Head feet milt and liver are
exiles Tossan was chosen Moderator and Pareus the Scribe of it In that Synod Pareus gat leave to goe visit his country and friends and so in three weeks space came safely to them where he was received with much joy and at the request of the Senate he preached the Sabbath following upon John 3. 16. And that with great applause and general approbation His Father also was so well pleased with him that presently after the Sermon he cancelled the writing whereby he had disinherited him The Senate also desired him to undertake a Pastoral charge in that place but he chose rather to return into the Palatinate again and coming to Neostad he was appointed to preach in a village hard by where he continued til Prince Casimire as Guardian to the young Prince Elector Palatine sent for him to be a Preacher in the great Church in Heidleberg and not long after he was made Master of the Colledge of Sapience in that University Anno Christi 1587 according to the Statutes of the Colledge he Commenced Master of Arts and a fterwards by the perswasion of his friends Doctor of Divinitie also Anno Christi 1594 at a Convention of States at Ratisbone the Divines of the Palatinate were accused by the Lutherans as holding opinions neither consonant to the Scriptures Augustane Confession nor to their own Catechiâ—m But Pareus at he appointment of the Palatine easily wiped off those aspersions and vindicated the innocencie of them Anno Christi 1596 there brake forth a great Plague in the University of Heidleberg whereof the learned James Kimedontius Pareus his intimate friend died and some other Professors also and the Students by reason of it were driven away yet Pareus stayd and it pleased God to preserve his Colledge free from the infection Not long after he was chosen Professor of the Old Testament in the room of Kimedontius and presently after Rector of the whole University Anno Christi 1596 he was extremely troubled with a Catarrh insomuch as he despaired of life yet it pleased God after a while to restore him Anno Christi 1602 upon the death of Daniel Tossan he was made Professor of the New Testament and grew so famous that many resorted out of Hungarie Borussia France England Scotland Ireland and Germany to see and hear him Anno Christi 1615 his Wife sicken'd and died which was a great grief to him An Chr. 1618 the Low-Countries being exceedingly indangered by the growth of Arminianism the States appointed a Synod at Dort for the curing of that disease and amongst other famous Divines Pareus was chosen by the Elector Palatine to goe to it but he being grown very old and infirm desired to be excused and so Paul Tossan was sent in his room February the second Anno Christi 1620 as Pareus was coming out of his study the steps being slippery with the frost his foot slipt and he fell down sixteen steps and yet it pleased God by a wonderful providence that â—he light upon his feet and received no hurt by the fall which made him think of that promise Psal. 91 He will give his Angels charge over thee c. By his Doctrine and Counsel he was admirably advantageous to the Church of God in many places He strongly asserted the truth of God against its adversaries He was a great studier and promoter of the Churches peace labouring that they which agree in the Fundamentals should not jar about matters of an inferiour nature He wrote many excellent Works whereof some were printed by himself others remained with his son Philip Pareus who hath since published them to the great benefit of the Church About that time the Spaniards came into the Palatinate with their Army which brought great miseries upon that poor Country which Pareus foresaw both by Prodigies and Dreams Then did his friends both in Heidleberg and other places perswade him to retire himself to some other place of safety to whom he yeelded that so he might not fall into the hands of those bloody Papists whom he had irritated by his writings against them At his departure hee cried out O Heidleberg O Heidleberg but it 's better to fall into the hands of God then of men whose tender mercies are cruelty He went to Anvilla where he spent his time in Prayer Study and Meditation waiting and longing for the time of his change There also he wrote his Corpus Doctrinae which when he had finished he said Lord now let thy servant depart in peace because he hath finished that which he desired Presently after he felt his strength much to decay and he fell into a Feaver and finding that the air in that place agreed not with him he went thence to Neapolis earnestly begging of God that if it were his holy will he might yet returne to Heidleberg and lay his bones there He made his Will also finding his former Catarrh to return upon him again yet through Gods mercy and by the help of Physicians he recovered whereupon he resolved to goe to Heidleberg and taking his Grand-son young Daniel Pareus with him whom he loved dearly he came safely to Heidleberg where hee was received with wonderfull acclamations of joy about which time Prince Frederick came thither also from his Exile and the Sabbath following they received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper together with much comfort But three dayes after his former disease returning he was sensible of his approaching death The Professors and Ministers resorted to him much bewailing their own loss amongst whom was Henry Alting to whom he freely opened his mind both concerning Gods house and his own and presently after quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1622 and of his age 73. His Works are bound up together in three volumes The Life of Thomas Erpenius who died A no Christi 1624. THomas Erpenius was born at Gâ—rcome in the Low Countries Anno Christi 1584 of honest Parents In his childhood he was bred in the School of Leiden and admitted into that University at eighteen years old and in the twenty fifth year of his age he commenced Master of Arts. Then he fel to the studies of Divinity and of the Oriental Languages under Joseph Scaliger who observing his ingenuity and promptnesse often foretold what an eminent man he would prove in time to come From thence he travelled into England France Italy and Germany in which peregrinations he profited exceedingly both in learning and prudence At Paris he became intimately acquainted with Isaac Causabon and went with him to Samure where he fel hard to the study of Arabick and profited so exceedingly therein that Causabone had him in great admiration and estimation for the same From thence he went to Venice where by the help of some learned Jews and Tâ—rks he learned the Turkish Persian and Aethiopick languageâ— whereby
he gat so great esteem in Italy that he was profered a Pension of five hundred Duckats by the year to imploy himself in the version of some Arabick books into Latine He spent four years in travel and was famous every where for his learning At Paris and some other places he bought many Arabick books and so returned to Leiden Anno Christi 1612. About which time there was a purpose to have called him into England and to have allowed him an honourable stipend but the year after he was chosen Professor of the Oriental languages in Leiden and presently after he set up though with extraordinary charges a Press for those Languages whereby he published many antient Monuments both of his own and other mens Anno Christi 1616 he married a Wife by whom he left three children surviving him Anno Christi 1619 he was made Professoâ— of the Hebrew also and though he had so many and great employments yet he went through each of them with so great exactnesse as if he had nothing else to attend upon Anno Christi 1620 he was sent by the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland into France to procure Peter Moulin or Andrew Rivet to come to Leiden to be the Divinity Professor and though he prevailed not at that journey yet they sent him again the year after to Andr. Rivet and the French-Church to obtain of them their consents for his comming which businesse he transacted with so great prudence that he brought Andrew Rivet along with him to Leiden Erpenius his fame was so great that the King of Spain wrote to him making him exceeding great promises if he would come into Spain to interpret some antient writings which never man yet could doe The King of Morocco also did so exceedingly admire the purity of his Arabick stile in some of his Epistles that he shewed them to his Nobles and other learned men as some great Miracle He was also highly esteemed of by the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland who often made use of his labours in translating the letters which they received from Princes in Asia and Africa out of Arabick or other Languages But whilst he was thus busily imployed in publick and private it pleased God that he fell sick of the Plague whereof he dyed Anno Christi 1624 and of his age forty A. SCVLTETVS The Life of Abraham Scultetus who dyed A no Christi 1624. ABraham Scultetus was born at Grunberg in Silesia Anno Christi 1566. His Parents were of good rank who carefully brought him up at School where he profited exceedingly and Anno Christi 1582 he went to Uratislavia where he had for his fellow-Students Pitiscus Polanus and Pelargus men who after proved eminent in the Church of God Having studied there some time he went thence to Freistade to hear Melancthon Bucâ—lzer and some others But his active spirit could not long be contained within the bounds of his own country and therefore being assisted by the bounty of a Noble Knight he went to Wittenberg and from thence to Dessavia to acquaint himself with Peter Martyr and Caspar Pucer Anno Christi 1590 he went to Heidleberg where hee heard Dâ—niel Tossan and Francis Junius There also he read Lectures of Logick Oratory and Astronomy to divers young Noblemen and the year after Commenced Master of Arts. Then he betook himself to the study of Divinity thereby to fit himself for the Ministry which from his childhood he had devoted himself to And preaching before the Elector Palatine he so flowed with eloquence and sweetnesse of speech that the Prince and all his Courtiers were much delighted in him which caused the Elector to make him Visitor both of the Schools and Churches Yea many other Princes made use of his help in reforming their Churches in Juliers Brandenburg and Hannovia He was also sent to the Synod of Dort Anno Christi 1612 the Prince Elector Palatine tooke him into England with him where he was much esteemed and respected by King James and other learned men At his retuâ—n to Heidleberg he was made Professor in the University and Doctor in Divinity Anno Christi 1618 But about that time grievous Wars breaking forth the miseries whereof were dispersed afterwards over all Germany he was forced to leave Heidleberg and travelled into Bohemia yet there also he met with many afflictions and dangers so that having been long tossed up and down in several countries the Lord at last provided him a quiet station at Embden where he was chosen a Preacher of the Gospel But being thus worn out with travels sorrows and pains in the work of the Ministry hee quietly there slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1624 and of his age 58. What admirable endowments he had his works do sufficiently declare especially his Medulla Patrum which is so much esteemed by learned men The Life of John Piscator who died A no Christi 1625. JOhn Piscator was born at Strasborough Anno Christi 1546 at which time Germany was on fire with Civill Wars Yet that hindred not but he followed his studies very hard and profited exceedingly in learning When he came to the study of Logick with great felicity he joyned Ramus and Aristotle together And afterwards having made a good progresse in the study of Divinity he was called to Herborn to be the Professor there and his labours were so gratefull to young Students that many flocked thither out of Germany France Hungary Poland and other Northern Countries He wrote many things with great diligence and labour scarce affording any rest to himself He translated the whole Bible with great pains and faithfulnesse into the German Tongue besides his Logical and Theological Analysis of the greatest part of it He died at Herborn Anno Christi 1625 and of his age 80. R BOLTON The Life of Robert Bolton who died A no Christi 1631. RObert Bolton was born at Blackborn in Lancashire Anno Christi 1572. His Parents finding in him a great prompâ—nesse to learning though they had no great means yet they intended him for a Scholar the rather having an opportunity of a good Schoolmaster in the town where he profited exceedingly and at twenty years old he went to Lincoln Colledge in Oxford and was Master Randal's Pupil afterwards a famous Preacher there in a short time being wel grounded before and industrious he became an excellent Logician and Philosopher But about that time his father dying and his meanes failing hee took excessive paines and wanting bookes he borrowed of his Tutor and others read them over and abridged them and to perfect his knowledge in the Greek he wrote out all Homer with intollerable pains so that he could with as much facility dispute in the Schools in Greek as in Latine or English From thence he removed to
praise but in Disputations he deserved a Triumph Because these Candidates in Divinity could not be sufficiently exercised in publick he did twice a week in private explain to them his Enchiridion of the Reformed Religion he examined it and appointed them to dispute upon it yea he set up divers private Lectures wherein he confuted the Anabaptists Socinians and Papists He caused these Candidates also often to Preach in private wherein he directed them to the most profitable subjects and taught them how they should prosecute the same Neither would he ever take any thing for these his private imployments This course of training up young Students he continued for twenty years even till his death so that innumerable Pastors were sent forth by him into the Church amongst which many were admirable Lights which were a great comfort and rejoycing to him In the Government of the University he neither made nor nourished parties but when any differences arose he always sought to compose them as he did betwixt Polyander and Thysius between Cunaeus and Burgersditius amongst whom some emulation was sprung up Wallaeus himself had no Enemy but only Daniel Heinsius who was also a Gantois and seemed somewhat to emulate him Yet would not Wallaeus do any thing that might offend Heinsius neither would he mingle himself in the contention between Salmatius and Heinsius about precedency Wallaeus his next care was that all the Honors of the University so far as might be should be equally divided amongst his Colleagues that so they might live together the more sweetly and might labor together in their several imployments with the better concord So that when he should have been chosen Rector of the University he sought it for his Colleague but honour followed him whilst he fled from it so that he was often Deputy of the University and thrice Rector He would never give to Candidates his testimony for their lives and proficiency in their Studies of Divinity except they deserved it Judging it better to offend them and their friends then to deceive the Church by advancing unworthy persons to the Ministry which faithfulness of his was taken notice of so that many were rejected till they could get the testimony of Wallaeus He with his Colleagues would never prefer any to the title of Doctors except they were conspicuous for their Piety and eminent for Learning He had more Books brought to him to License then he could possibly read over for which cause he sent many of them to the Classes of Pastors to be read over by them reserving to himself only such as handled Controversies of greater moment These Professors would meddle with no cases of Conscience but such as concerned Matrimony as for all others that came to them they sent them to their own Pastors whereby they much eased themselves and took off people from undervaluing their own Ministers And in cases of Matrimony they always determined them with such sound judgement that so long as Wallaeus lived there was never any Church or Magistrate that had cause to alter what they had determined He was dayly sought to for advice in cases of Conscience In Controversies of Religion and about Church Government by Churches Classes Synods Cities States and Princes to all whom he freely imparted his counsel The States General and the States of Holland would never suffer any Divinity Book to be Dedicated to them till Wallaeus had perused and set his â—merimatur to it They would never suffer any Petitions about Controversies in Religion or about reforming the peoples lives to be presented to them till he had approved of them Frederick King of Bohemia would give no answer to the great â—urk who proffered him assistance against the Emperour till he had consulted with Wallaeus The Prince of Orange in giving Laws to Cities conquered by him would always consult with these men He called Polyander and Wallaeus to compose a difference between the Magistrates and Ministers of Roterdam that had tired three Synods and fifteen Classes Wallaeus with his Colleagues were appointed to publish the Acts of the Synod of Dort because it was very necessary for all the Reformed Churches yea for all the World to know in what way and order the cause of the Remonstrants had been examined and what seemed good to any and what was concluded by all the Fathers in that assembly and herein they were much holpen by Festus Hommius who was the Scribe of the Synod Presently after the Publication of these Synodal Acts the Remonstrants set forth another wherein in some particulars they sought to invalidate those Acts but their cheif design was to confirm their own opinion by Arguments the confuting whereof was committed to VVallaeus who presently answered their Acts and Corvinus though he pretended a Reply yet quickly gave over and was silent But presently a quarrel sprang up between the Remonstrants themselves For Vtenbogard Corvinus and the greatest part of the Remonstrants adhered to Arminius and would depart no further from the Orthodox Episcopius and his followers joined with the Socinians Error is fruitful and is ever declining from bad to worse Shortly after this some rose up that endeavoured a Union between the Contra-Remonstrants and the Remonstrants On the Contra-Remonstrants side were Cornelius Dunganus of Vtrich Godschalcus Arlius of Arnheim and James Testardus Pastor of Blesa On the Remonstrants side was only Anthony Hornhovius who yet lurked amongst the Orthodox Pastors But it was impossible to unite those that held such contrary opinions There was more hope of an attempt made between Wallaeus and Vtenbogardus which was to consider how the Remonstrants might be admitted into the Reformed Churches and how far forth they might be tolerated therein And it was concluded that such of them might be admitted as members as were free from the Socinian Errors and would acknowledge that all spiritual and saving gifts were of the free Grace of God through Christ if they would promise that in other things they would not disturb the Peace of the Church The greatest difficulty was about their Pastors who would not be quiet except they might exercise their Ministry and enjoy their stipends neither would they be tyed to silence in Controversies But the Remonstrants setting forth a Confession of their Faith brake all in sunder For thereby it appeared that they differed from the Reformed not only in five Articles but in many other things Whilst Wallaeus was at Middleborough he had read Ethicks in the Schools and had begun to make a Compendium of it for the use of his Scholars but finished it not by reason of his remove to Leiden wherefore now the Curators of the School prevailed with him to compleat that Work and to publish it for the use of that School And it found such acceptance abroad that it was often printed and by Theod. Schrevelâ—us Master of the School of 〈◊〉 it was turned into Jambick verse
them he desired him to speak it whereupon Wallaeus exhorted them to sear God to reverence their Mother so God would bless and provide for them that every one should take care of all the rest but especially that every one should take care of himself then he bade his son Iohn to have a speciall care of his Mother and so kissing them took his leave of them all and then turning his face from them he again fell asleep out of which he never awaked only sometimes when his pains came upon him he stirred a little and so on the Sabbath about eleven a clock he quietly resigned up his spirit unto God that gave it An. Christi 1639. and of his age 66. How excellent a Divine he was his Common places testifie How Orthodox and solid a disputer he was his fourteen Disputations shew in the Synopsis purioris Theologiae How strong a defender of the Truth against Error will appear by his answer to Corvinus in defence of Du Mollines Anatomy of Arminianism As also his Censura confessionis Remonstrantium How careful he was of Order both Civil and Sacred is manifest by his tractate de Authoritate Magistratus in rebus Ecclesiasticis How a religious observer of the Sabbath his dissertation De Sabbatho declares How desirous he was to reform the Ethnick practical Philosophy appears by his Compendium Ethicae Aristotelicae ad normam veritatis Christianae revocatum His countenance was mixed with gravity His pronunciation was modest and masculine free from dissimulation not without elegancy neither by brevity did he procure obscurity nor by prolixity tediousness Sometimes he was more vehement when the zeal of Gods glory the love of the Truth or the heat of Disputation excited him Against the Adversaries of the Truth he contended not by reproaches or railings but by strong arguments drawn out of the sacred Scriptures As oft as he was called by the Prince of Orange or the States to compose Ecclesiastical differences he never spared his pains therein As oft as he was sent either by Magistrate or Presbyterie to the Camp or about any other difficult businesses no trouble nor danger made him decline the work His conversation both at home and abroad was holy and blameless He was Hospitable to his friends charitable to the poor pleasing to all Not given to wine but sober just temperate and free from covetousness His Works are named before and are bound up together in one Volume The Life of Henry Alting who dyed Anno Christi 1644. HEnry Alting was born at Embden in Frisland Anno Christi 1583. of a very antient and honorable Family His Father Menso Alting was Pastor of Embden his Mother was Mary Biscof a choice Matron In his childhood he was very sickly and weak so that he was four years old before he could go His Parents devoted him to the service of God and his Church from the very Womb and therefore Anno Chri. 1590. when he was seven years old they set him to School in their own City of Embden where he quickly discovered a prompt and ready wit so that in the space of seven years he went through all the forms in that School and being fitted for it at fourteen years old his Father sent him to the University of Groning where he studyed the first year under Buningius and three other years under Vbbo Emmiuâ— the first Rector of that University a man famous through the World for his Learning By his diligence under such Tutors he profited exceedingly writing an excellent Latine stile and being well grounded in the knowledge of the Arts. From thence his Father sent him into Germany for the advancement of his Learning and having saluted Marpurg he went to Herborn Anno Christi 1602. where that famous Divine Iohn Piscator was Professor under whom our Henry applyed himself to his studyes and by his great industry and excellency of his wit was so far approved of that he was imployed in reading Philosophical and Theological Lectures So that after three years abode there he began to think of entring into the Ministry for which end he resolved to go into Helvetia and France to receive Orders in some of those Churches But God for the present intended him to another imployment For upon the commendations of the Professors of Herborn Piscator Zepper and Martinius he was appointed by Count Iohn of Nassau to be Tutor to three young Counts viz. William of Nassau Conrade Lodowick of Solmes and Phil. Ernest of Isenburg who at this time were Students in the University of Sedan together with the young Prince Frederick son to Frederick the fourth Elector Palatine who afterwards was chosen King of Bohemia But before our Henry went to Sedan he went to Heidleberg to Iohn Albert Count of Solmes and from thence to Friedelsheim to the Prince Elector himself by whom he was courteously entertained and being furnished with Letters and necessaries for his journey he went to Sedan where he arrived in the beginning of September An. Christi 1605. and undertook his Office He had continued but awhile in that place before it was requisite for him to withdraw with his charge from that City for fear of a siege which was threatned by Henry the fourth King of France and therefore they all went to Heidleberg and our Henry in the Princes Court attended his former imployments having a fourth added to the former three Noblemen viz. Iohn Conrade the Rheingrave Yea the very same Summer Prince Frederick himself was committed to his tuition to be by him instructed in History and Geography And at last viz. 1608. he was wholly left to the instruction of our Henry and Zachary Collius who went back with him to Sedan the storm being now over where he so carefully attended his charge all day that he was fain to get time out of his sleep for the study of Divinity The University of Sedan had at this time famous Divines in it as Daniel Talenus and Iames Capellus with whom he entred into a strict bond of familiarity Anno Christi 1610. the Prince Elector dying he returned with the young Prince to Heidleberg where he attended his daily imployment Anno Christi 161â— the Prince Elector being to go into England to marry the Lady Elizabeth daughter to King Iames would needs have our Henry to go along in his train In which journey he escaped death very narrowly himself with Scultetus and some other of the Princes company being surprized with a storm upon the Lake of Harlem so that with great difficulty and half drowned they gat to the further shore This was October the seventh in the afternoon just at which time his Father dyed leaving this life for a better Alting having escaped this danger with a better voyage arrived safely in England where he was kindely entertained and became familiar with George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury John King Bishop
of London and Doctor Hackwell Tutor to the Prince of Wales yea and King James himself conferred familiarly with him February following An. Christi 1613. the Prince Elector being marryed sent Henry Alting with his Scholars before him into the Palatinate who in their journey travelled through Zeland Flanders Brabant Limburg Julâ—ers and Collen and so at last arrived at Heidleberg in April the new marryed couple being not long behinde them About four moneths after our Alting was called to be a Professor of Divinity to read Common places in the University of Heidleberg Into which he was admitted August the 16. which was the Princes birth day And because by the Statutes of the University none could be Moderator of the Disputations but a Doctor he was solemnly inaugurated into that degree November the 18. by Paraeus Dean of the University and Bartholomew Coppenius Doctor of Divinity And this was very remarkable that amongst all the tumults and pleasures of the Court his minde was never taken off from the study of Divinity But Gods Providence intended him to some further imployment then a Professors place For there was in Heidleberg an excellent Seminary of the Church endowed with large revenues called the Colledge of Wisdom The Prince therefore chose him Master thereof October the 15. An. Chri. 1616. together with two Colleagues to instruct and train up young Divines for the work of the Ministry and how much good he did therein they are able to relate who gratefully acknowledge what profit they reaped by his care and culture Whilst he was thus laboring in his double imployment Coppenius another Professor dyed whose place was divolved upon our Alting but by a rare and great example of modesty he chose rather to continue in his former imployments and by his favour and authority in the Princes Court prevailed that Abraham Scultetus should have that Professors place transferred upon him About this time a National Synod was called at Dort for the composing of the differences in the Belgick Churches by reason of the Arminians and when grave learned and godly men were chosen out of all the Reformed Churches to be present at it which was Anno Christi 1618 and 1619 our Altingius with two others was sent from Heidleberg to assist in that work where he approved himself to all that were present both for his excellent Learning in Divinity and his dexterity in explicating cases of greater difficulty Thus far we have heard the happier and more comfortable part of his life now follows the more sad and afflicted part of it For scarcely was the Synod ended wherein the Arminians were condemned and the Orthodox Truths established but Alting with his Colleagues returned to Heidleberg and at the same time the tumults in Bohemia began The Prince Elector is chosen King of Bohemia and Crowned Spinola breaks into the Palatinate the great battel was fought nere Prague the Bohemians are beaten which was An. Chri. 1620. And the year following the University of Heidleberg was dissipated the Students flying for fear and the Professors having liberty granted them to go whether they pleased Yet our Alting sending his family into a place of safety stays still in the Colledge of Wisdom keeping the Students in good order remaining unterrified in the midst of emminent dangers whilst he was serviceable to the Church satisfied his own Conscience and the earnest desire of the King who from the Hâ—gue had written to him desiring him not to depart from Heidleberg An 〈…〉 in the moneth of â—â—â—gust Heidleberg was besieged by 〈◊〉 and â—eptember the 6. was taken by storm at which time it suffered whatsoever Military licentâ—ousness could inflict by plunderings murthers and ravishing of Matrons and Virgins all being heightened by the hatred of Religion and the brutishness of the Croâ—â—s At this time our Alting was in his study who hearing of the surprize of the City bolted his door and betook himself to Prayer looking every moment when the bloudy Souldiers would break in to sacrifice him to God But the great Arbiter of life and death took care for his safety For Monsieur Behusius Rector of the School and his dear friend hiring two souldiers called him forth and conveyed him through a back dore into the Lord Chancellors house which Tilly had commanded to be preserved from plundering by reason of the Publick Monuments of the Commonwealth that were kept in that place This house was commanded to be guarded by a Lieutenant Colonel that was under the Count of Hohenzollem a man greedy of prey who least he should lose his share in the booty by his attendance upon that place sent forth his Souldiers as it were a hunting commanding them that if they met with any Citizens of note that under pretence of safe-guarding them they should bring them to him purposing by their ransom to enrich himself To this man Alting was brought who with his naked sword reeking with blood said to him This day with this hand I have slain ten men to whom Doctor Alting shall be added as the eleventh if I knew where to finde him But who art thou Truly such a countenance and such a speech in such a juncture of time might have affrighted the most constant minde But our Alting by a witty answer neither denying himself to be Alting nor unseasonably discovering himself answered as sometimes Athanasius in the like case I was saith he a Schoolmaster in the Colleâ—ge of Wisdom Hereupon the Leiutenant Colonel promised him safety who if he had known him to be Alting would surely have slain him Oh what a sad time had he that night which he passed without sleep hearing the continual shrikes and groans which filled the ayr of Women ravished Virgins defloured men some drawn to torments others immediately slain But when he saw that many fled to this house as to their only refuge fearing lest he should be discovered by some of them either through imprudence or malice he retired into a Cockloft where whilst he hid himself this Leiutenant Colonel was by the authority of Tilly presently commanded away not giving him so much time as to seek out his Schoolmaster that the house might be resigned to the Iesuites for whom it was appointed Yet under these new inhabitants our Alting should not have been one jot safer if God had not by a special providence provided for his safety For the kitchin of this house was reserved for Tillies own use and one of the Palatines Cooks was appointed over it who closely fed and maintained him and whilst the Iesuites were providing all things in a readiness in the Church for the Mass he hired three Bavarian Souldiers that kept guards in the streets to guard him to his own house When he came thither he found all things broken plundred and carryed away and in his study he found a Captain boasting that all things therein were his own yet saith
was most gratefully and heartily welcomed by them and so soon as he came thither it was observed that there ensued a great alteration both in his stile conceptions phrases and manner of life so that he lived amongst the Hollanders as if he had been born amongst them In his Oration which he made at his Inauguration he shewed himself a learned pious prudent and peaceable Divine In his Disputations he was earnest quick and altogether insuperable as one that knew all the lurking holes of Sâ—phâ—â—iers and withall knew how to overthrow them in their own Artifices He was so acute that at the first word he understood the meaning of his Antagonists and many times did so happily enucleate it that expressing it better then themselves could he taught them thereby and when any difficulty arose he could easily by the light of reason discuss and make it clear But when he handled the cause of God and was to assert his truth and honor against the impudence of adversaries you might have seen him go beyond himself rising up with a great spirit and unusual zeal to dispel the objections of his adversaries Many times also in Disputations least they should be jejune and frigid he would furnish the Oppâ—nent with Arguments and arm him against himself least an hour should pass without profit to the Hearers His care was not only to learn the first grounds of some of the Arts but he rested not till he had gained the exact knowledge of all the Arts and had dived into the profundity of Philosophy For it s the sign of an ignoble and slothful minde to retain and conclude it self with in narrow bounds yet rested he not in the knowledge of humane Arts but only made them Handmaids and Servants to Divinity For that indeed he prized above all other studies and therein he spent most of his time endeavouring throughly to understand the Sacred Scriptures and to vindicate the same from all the false glosses put upon them by Hereticks He if ever any man was studious of the Truth to the defence whereof he consecrated all his studies and indeed was then in his Paradice when he had attained to the knowledge of obscure Truths or had brought light to difficult Texts or had â—reed them from the wrestings or cavils of Hereticks He was truly a Scribe taught to the Kingdom of Heaven who out of his treasury brought forth things new and old And although his minde was estranged from contentions yet was he so great a lover of Truth that no bonds of friendship or acquaintance nor fear could divert him from the defence thereof he alwayes preferred the cause of God before all other relations and respects And though he often professed that his chiefest desire was to grapple with the open Adversaries of the Church yet withall he declared that he could not be silent towards those Brethren who through ignorance or infirmity sought to undermine the Truth for many times a little spark neglected at first proves a dangerous fire When men have once undertaken the Patronage of an opinion they begin to cling close unto it and the Error of it being not timely discovered to them begins to please them and at last shame of detracting what they have published makes them incorrigible A great wit sound judgement and strong memory seldom meet in one man by reason of the different tempers whence they proceed but they did all so concur in our Spanheim that it was hard to say in which he most excelled He was somewhat cholerick by nature yet so suppressed the same that he brake not forth at any time into sinful anger He was a man so addicted to his study and the Schools that its a wonder how he could understand any thing else But God had made him a man both for contemplation and action as may appear by the use which Noble men and women made of him for advice in civil affairs When he wrote of Politicks you would have thought that he had studyed nothing else in the whole course of his life Before he grew old he was an old man for wisdom and intentness upon businesses His whole life was an Idaea of wisdom whereby as occasion required he could accommodate himself to affairs of all sorts He was a wary estimator of humane affairs In his friendships he observed this rule that though he did not admit all promiscuously yet did he admit not a few into his familiarity He was very ready to do good to and to deserve well of all and whereas many had daily occasion to make use of him he rather numbred then weighed the good turns he did them He had almost so many friends as acquaintance especially of those that excelled in Learning In England Vsher Selden Prideaux Morton and Twisse who a little before death would trust no body but our Spanheim with sundry writings which he had prepared for the press In France besides many Noble men who were in great places of dignity he had Molinaeus Troâ—chinus William Rivet Garissolius Beaumontius Mestrezatius Drelincourtius Bouteroviusâ— Muratus Blondellus Ferrius Petitus Croius Vincentius Bochartus almost all of them famous for their writings Iâ— Germany he had Zuingerus Vlricus Buxtorsius Crocius with some others yea out of Sweden the Queen her self the mâ—racle of her sexe did lately salute him very kindely by her Bishop and by her Letters signified how much she esteemed him and how much she was delighted with his Works In Transylvania Bisterfield a very learned man kept constant correspondence with him by frequent Letters But we must not forget Andrew Rivet who was inferior to none of the Divines that then lived with whom he had a most strict bond of friendship so that they seemed to have but one soul in two bodies they willed and nilled the same thing their opinions and judgements never differing But as he was always an acute observer of wit and learning so he never desired more intimacy with any then with such as by an unusual kinde of Learning excelled all others whereupon seeing Salmatius as the bright Sun obscuring all other Stars acknowledging the immensity of his Learning and the magnitude of his Heroick motions he often professed that he delighted in nothing more then in his friendship and Salmatius also willingly imbraced the same insomuch as when Spanheim lay sick hearing that he desired to speak with him though at that time he lay sick of the Gout Salmatius hasted to him where with many tears and sighs they imbraced each other conferring of such things as became Christians and such great men to speak of to their mutual satisfaction He lived also most friendly with his other Colleagues weighing prudently what each of them deserved But amongst all observing Bernard Schot to excel for his skill in the Law and dexterity in dispatching businesses as also for his obsequious minde towards him he made choice of him especially to impart his secrets to
conversion His Baptism His zeal and courage His Apology for the Christians to the Senate His Apologie to the Emperour Injustice used to the Christians He prevails for favour to the Christians He goes to Rome A prediction His Martyrdom His zeal against Heresies His sayings His zeal His works His birth and education Ordained Minister His zeal against Heresies He was studious of peace He is made Bishop of â—yâ—ons in France Satans malice His zeal against Heresies He is sent to Rome His writings The prophaneness of Hereâ—icks The immutability of Cerdon Miracles continued in the Church His courage and painfulness A great Persecution His martyrdom His sayings His works His birth and education His excellent learning He is Ordained a Presbyter His zeal against Heresies He defends the Christians Persecution increaseth Religion His learned works This was counted an unparalleld crime in Mr. Thomas Edwards A Souldiers humility His frequency in prayer The manner of his conversion His study of the Scriptures The danger of envy His death His sayings His works His Learning and Ordination His zeal against heresies His writings His sayings His works His birrth His parentage and education The reasons of his names His early desire of Martyrdom He encourages his Father His studies God provides for him His hatred of Heresie His early Preaching He inconrageth the Martyrs Gods Providence over him The Gentiles hated him extreamly The fruit of his Ministry His Chastity He gelded himself He is ordained a Presbyter He is envyed by his great friend He is forced to leave Alexandria He instructs the Emperours Mother He reclaimed Ambrose His Persecutions He is ensnared He is Excommunicated A special Providence Psal. 50. 16. His torments of Conscience His Lamentation He means the living Saints His studiousness His converts many He wrote the first Commentaries on the Scriptures He goeth into Arabia His works He reclaims Hereticks He is persecuted His death His sayings His works His birth and education His Conversion His charity He is made Bishop His modesty His humility His charity His magnanimity His Fidelity His Courage His Charity to Exiles His studiousness His Chastity â—in the fore â—unner of Persecution The sins of Professors A Vision Another Vision He vindicates the Christians from scandals He goes into exile A faithful Pastor He is again banished His apprehension His martyrdom His courage His charity His charity His sayings His works Persecution His works His commendations Constantines esteem of Eusebius A sedition in Antioch A Synod Eusebius reproved His birth and education His works A great persecution Gods Pâ—ovidence His Câ—â—tentatiâ—n His birth and education He goes to the Council of Nice His zeal against Heresies He is made Bishop of Alexandria He is persecuted by the Arians He is accused to the Emperour He is cleared by Constantine He is again accused The falsehood and subtilty of Hereticks His prudence He is again cleared by the Emperour The Church prospers under him He is again accused and cited to a Council of Arians His charge Forgeries against him His answer Gods providence He goes from the Council He is unjustly deposed And complained of to the Emperour Dissenters in the Council Athanasius banished by the Emperour Seditions raised by Arius Alexander prays against Arius Arius his equl vocation and prejury Gods just judgement upon Arius His wretched death Heretical lyes Athanasius his judgement of Ariâ—â—'s death Constantines death Heretical subtlety The danger of suffering hereticks amongst great persons The danger of heresie Athanasius returns to Alexandria Constantines Letâ—er to the people of Alexandria The Arians raise tumults against Athanasius The cruelty of Hereticks A special providence 〈◊〉 flies to 〈◊〉 His return to Alexandria Hereticks falsâ—hood 〈◊〉 flyeth Constance defendeth him Constantius his letter to Athanasius His second letter to Athanasius His third letter to Athanasius Julius his Letter in the behalf of Athanasius Athanasius goeth into the East His prudence Constantius his Letter to the Alexandrians in the behalf of Athanasius His Letter to the Governor of Alexandria Athanasius is restored by a Council He is again accused by the Aâ—ians Bishop Paulus murthered Others persecuted Athanasius flyeth His Apology for it Their wicked practises of the Arians Their cruetly against the Orthodox A Council summoned in â—word â— Athanasius condemned by a Conventicle His prudence He is sent for to the Emperour He is again banished A special providence The cruelty of the Arians Georgius slain by the Gentiles Athanasius 〈…〉 His return to Alexandria He is banished by Julian Gods providence over him Athanasius in Alexandria He is again complained of to Jovianus He returns to Alexandria See the Life of Jovian in my second Part. Athanasius flyeth again He is again restored The cruelty of the Arian Hereticks His death His works His works He is deposed His appeal His reformation His patience His charity Gods judgement on the Jews Testimonies of him His death His sayings The benefit of hearing His works His birth and education His excellent learning His Chastity His patience His humility His charity His care for the poor in a Famine His death An enemy to Hereticks His chastity His humility His charity His savings The bought of perseverance His works His birth His education His zeal against Heresie A good Pastor A special providence His zeal His courage and constancy His zeal His courage An excellent speech His zeal Death desired for Christs cause His courage and constancy A Miracle His death His sayings Love Scriptures Erasmus his Testinonie of Basil. His works His Character His education His zeal against Heresie He is made Bishop of Nazianzum His judgment on Julian A description of Julian His excellent parts His modesty His excellent gifts His desire of Martyrdom Eloquence His saying Preaching His birth and education His Conversion Hereticks seek to ensnare him His commendations Made Bishop of Salamine Preachers pattern His zeal against Heresies Epiphanius abused by Theophilus Origens books condemned Epiphanius his weakness His contests with Chrysostom Two Pâ—edictions His death His sayings Hatred cured His works His birth A Prodigy His education A special providence Ambrose baptized He is made Bishop His fidelity and courage Justina's malice The people resist her The Emperour enraged against Ambrose His courage and constancy A passionate act of Theodosius Ambrose his speech to Theodosius He excommunicates Theodosius Theodosius his humility He seeks for absolution The Emperours mâ—dness How to prevent sinful anger Theodosius absolved Special providences Profaness punished His charity His death Repentance not to be delayed True charity Conscience Death His works His parentage His learning He is made Bishop He is banished His zeal to do good Scriptures His works His sayings Usury His parentage His birth His learning His zeal against Heresie His charity His works Theodisius his wisdom His death His saying His works His birth and parentage His education He goes to Rome His studies His travels 〈…〉 choose Hierom goes into Syria His sickness His troubles by the Arians His
retreat into the wilderness His carriage there His industry His study of the Scriptures His study of the Hebrew and other Eastern languages 〈…〉 His imployment He is envyed by some The subtilty of the Arians Their dissimulation His return into Syria His travels and studies Asphaltites His labors at Bethlehem His zeal against Heresie The increase of Arianism His great troubles His death His great esteem His saying Christian fortitude Love of Christ. The danger of Heresie Chastity Iudgement Vertue His works His parentage His studâ—es His Ordination His diligence in his Ministry He is chosen Bishop of Constantinople He reforms his Clergy He endeavours the peace of the Church The great success of his Ministry His 〈◊〉 He is hâ—â—ed for it The subtilty of the Arians Chysostom counter-plots them The danger of riches Ignorant Monks Epiphanius his weakness A Council called Origens books condemned Johns meekness Epiphanius reproved Two Predictions John condemned by the Council unjustly He is banished And recalled His sharp reproof A Council summoned He is condemned Banished Gods judgements on his 〈◊〉 His charity His death Why so called Lying abhorred Preachers pattern His Zeal His zeal against Heresie His magnanimity His Courage Love to the Ministry His sayings Meditations Danger of riches His love His faith His Tentaâ—ion His works His birth and parentage He is reclaimed by Ambrose Preachers pattern His zeal His humility He is made a Presbyter in Hippo. His diligence He disputes with a Donatist The success of it His zeal against Heresies He disputes in a Synod He is made Bishop of Hippo. The malice of the Schismaticks The Circumcellians They persecute the Orthodox especially Ministers The malice of Schismaticks A special providence The cruelty of Schismaticks The Donatists condemned for Hereticks A Council at Carthage A Council at Caesarea Manichees converted The craft of an Arian Hereticks Lyars Augustine conâ—utes an Arian His zeal aginst Pelagians The success of his Ministry His patience His great labors His humility A special Providence His humility His prudence His charity Oaths His Retractations His works The coming of the Goths into Africk Their horrible cruelties See more of it in my General Martyrology Augustine dies before the taking of Hippo. His faith The power of his prayers His death His poverty An excellent speech His sayings Prayer Death Christians are pilgrims Ingratitude His works He is chosen Bishop of Alexandria A Council Nestorius deposed and excommunicated Banished by the Emperour His fearful death His knowledg in the Scriptures His learning His death His sayings Charity Modesty Tentation His birth and education Preachers pattern Prayer His sayings Charity Mercy Faith and works Drunkeness and gluttony His works His birth and education Scriptures delighted in His charity A peace-maker His speech at death His death His character His works His sayings Pride His parentage His education His prudence in governing a family His Conversion His Speech His prudence He retires himself from the world His mothers impatiency at it Tentation resisted His abstinence His sickness and recovery He gives away his inheritance The Arians renew their persecution His remove to Sicca Heretical mallice Cruelty of Hereticks He is cruelly beaten Rejoyceth in sufferings for Christ. He seeks not revenge He sails into Sicily He goes to Rome Heaven more glorious His return into Africk He obscures himself His great industry He is ordained a Presbyter His humility He is made a Bishop His moderation He is banished He converts many Hereticks subtilty He comes to Carthage Doth good He is sent for to the King He is envyed and complained of Is sent back into Sardinia He prophesies His humility His meekness He is restored to his place His humility His sickness His deportment A good Pastor His charity His death Prayer prevâ—lent His works His sayings Covecousness His works His birth and education His charity He turns Monk His studiousness His humility Frugal of his time His charity to souls He desires to have England converted He is sent to Constantinople He writes upon Job Confutes heresies His return to Rome Gods judgements on Rome He is chosen Bishop of Rome His humility He is confirmed by the Emperour He appoints a Fast to remove the judgments He reforms the Church His charity He sends Austin and some others into England Encourages them by this Letter They arrive in England His death His character His sayings Spiritual poverty His works His birth and education His death His sayings Holiness Sinful thoughts Guilty conscience Danger of pride His birth and education He is made Deacon And Presbyter His humility Scriptures read with devotion Pleasures to be avoided His death His sayings Anger His virtue His character His works His birth and education His death His works His birth and imployments His death His sayings Submission to Gods will His Contentation His works His birth and education Given to pleasures His travels and want Enters into a Monastery Is made Archbishop of Canterbury His contention with our Kings His death His sayings Sin hateful Mans fall His learning His works His death His sayings Afflictions His birth and parentage His education His modesty He refuses cure by a charm His zeal His charity He is tempted to uncleanness How he cures 〈◊〉 He enters into a Monastery with his brethren Heaven better then the Earth His diligence His great labors His love to the Scriptures Is made Abbot of Claraval His zeal He is ordained a Presbyter What was blame worthy in him His sickness His Letter to the Abbot of Benâ—val His death His blinde zeal His opinions differing from the Church of Rome His sayings How to hear His works His birth His works His sayings Sin inherent His birth and education His sayings Patience Faith Covetousness Iyes Humility His birth His humility His charity Preachers pattern His Industry His employment His birth and breeding His character His studiousness Meditation His humility Preachers pattern A good conscience Time to be well imployed Death Repentance His works His birth and education His preferments in Oxford His zeal His prudence His adversaries His friends Popish lyes and slanders John of gaunt Favers Wicklies The Bishop banished And restored Wicklies hated by the Bishops Cited to appear before them Is encouraged by the Duke Appears before the Bishop The Bishops pride Great contention A Bill in Parliament against the Londoners The Citizens make a tumult Their rage Articles against Wicklief Condemned at Rome Persecuted The Bishops resolve to proceed against Wicklief A special providence His zeal and diligence Other providences Wicklief again persecuted His weakness He is again persecuted A great Earthquake The kings Letters against him The Kings Letter to Oxford Wicklief returns to Lutterworth His death His works Gods providence in preserving his books His works King Edwayd the third favored him His body condemned and burned His birth and education He goes to Prague Chosen Pastor of Bethlehem His faithfulness therein He is cited to Rome Is excommunicated He is banished Gods mercy A
schism at Rome He is cited to the Council His intimations as he went His kinde entertainment as he went Gods judgement on his adversary His courage Popish cruelty His writings in prison Popish cruelty The Nobles of Bohemia petition In his behalf The Councils incivility A prodigy His appeal to Christ. He is condemned His charity Popish cruelty A wicked Decree His works condemned His ornaments His patience Popish malice His books burnt His deportment at his death His prayer His martyrdom Inhumane cruelty A prophesie Gods judgement on his persecutors His petition to the King His request to the Bishop And to the Barons His works His birth His zeal His retreat to Iberling A safe Conduct denyed him His intimations set up at Constance His return towards Bohemia He is apprehended Carryed to Constance His answer to the Bishops He is accused His answer He is imprisoned He is encouraged Popish cruelty He fals sick His weakness He is brought before the Council He retracts his recantation Back-sliding repented of His condemnation His short answer His ornaments His deportment at death His martyrdom His courage His last words His works His birth His parentage His education Gods providence Schola Illustris He goes to Erford His great proficiency He is Master of Arts. Means of his conversion The ignorance of those times His study of the Scriptures A prediction His studiousness His ordination His remove to Wittenberg He goes to Rome Anno Christi 1511. Popish profaneness He is made Doctor of Divinity An. chr 1512. He studies the Languages Popish blasphemy He opposeth Indulgences His protestation Many defend Luthers Doctrine The Emperor is against him The Pope against him The Pope writes to the Duke of Saxony The Pope further persecutes him Luther cited to Rome The University pleads for him The Bohemians encourage Luther Luthers resolution His courage The cause why Luther was so hated Erasmus's testimony of him Luther cited to Ausburg Luther goes from Ausburg The University of Wittenberg stands for him The Duke of Saxony pleads for him Popes malice The Dukes answer Luther disputes at Lipsick Fryars and Bishops stir up the Pope against him Luther intends a retreat The Popes Bull against him The Bull answered The Bull excommunicated Luthers books burnt He burns the Bull. Luther sent for to Worms His friends disswade him His courage He goes to Worms His answer to Eccius His constancy The Emperour intends to proscribe him The Princes divided about it Lutherâ— courage He is proscribed And seâ—â—way His Patmos Witchcraft frustrated Reformation in his absence He translates the Bible His return to Wittenberg He is displeased with the reformation His faith The rising of the Anabaptists Luther unmasks them He deals more sharply with them Muncer and Pseiffer the Incendiaries The Anabaptists beaten Muncer and Pseiffer beheaded Luthers marriage Melancthon excuses it His sickness His Tentation How he recovered Melancthons fears Luther encourageth him An excellent speech His faith Luthers courage Erasmus censures him He defends his Book against King Henry the Eighth Wâ—y Luther was not punished His writings He will not be bâ—â—bed He publisheth his Catechisms The Confession of Auspurg Luther perswades to peace A Diet at Auspurg Peace endeavoured between Luther and Zuinglius Yet frustâ—ated Luthers preface to the Smalcaldian Articles His violence against the Sacramentaries His power in prayer He justifies his turn from Popery Power of prayer Luther falâ— sick His recovery A Council of the Popes What it was like 1538. Antinomians Their opinions He prays Melancthon well 1541. He comforts Myconius Power of prayer 1543. His judgment about Ceremonies His Exposition upon Genesis 1545. A Popish lye about Luthers death Luthers answer to it He is sent for into his own Country He is in danger of drowning He comes to Isleben His imployments His last sickness Luthers last Prayer His faiâ—h His 〈◊〉 His last will His last word His constancy He in part retracts consubstantiation His daughters death His sayings His charity His private life His recreations His care of his children His diseases His tentations His character His wifes afflictions Miracles Special providences One gives himself to the Devil 〈…〉 〈…〉 His works His speech about his works He would have none called Lutherans Melancthons testimony of him A prediction His character His stile Notâ— His birth and education His learning He commenced Master of Arts. His study of the Scrlptures Preachers pattern He is chosen to a place His zeal He opposeth Indulgences Popish impostures A Reformation in Zurick The Bishop opposeth it Zuinglius admonisheth the Bishop He would have Ministers marry Luthers Books come abroad He studies the Hebrew Lambertus converted His constâ—ncy Popery abolished The revenues of Monasteries turned to charitable uses He presseth a further reformation A Disputation A further Reformation An Abbess converted Note His marriage A controversie about the Mass. Luk. 8. Mat. 13. The Mass abolished He is instructed in a dream Eccius his rage Zuinglius defends himself A disputation fruitless Reformation at Bern. It s written in golden letters Quarels amongst the Switzers Peace made A Disputation Luthers violence The Disputation ends Some good effects of it Catabaptists Their wickedness They are punished Popish malice He is in danger New quarrels amongst the Switzers Wars begun They of Zurick beaten Zuinglius dislikes the war He is slain Popish cruelty He preached against Popery before Luther His character His works His birth His education He goes to Heidleberg Then to Bononia His study of Divinity He enters into the Ministry He studies Greek and Hebrew He is made a Preacher His friendship with Capito He is chosen to Basil. He is chosen to Auspurg Popish malice His call to Sir Fr. Sickengen He is Professor at Basil. Popish malice Reformation in Basil. Idols burnt Discipline erected Preachers pattern Vlm reformed 1529. A Disputation It s dissolved His imployments His sickness Hi industry He prepares for death His speech to his colleagues A prediction His perseverance His poverty His care for his children He foretels his death Joy unspeakable His death Popish lyes His character His works His birth His learning His Conversion His imprisonment His release Manifold afflictious He is set in the stocks His inlargement Popish malice His imprisonment Rastal converted by him Popish malice The King commands Frith to be tryed He is sent for to Croydon His conference with the Bishops men His courage and constancy A Prophesie His escape contrived He refuseth to fly and why His examination and learning His unjust condemnation His patience Gods mercy His death Popish malice His works A strange Providence His birth and education His zeal Mr. Latimer converted by him His zeal in preaching Popish malice His apprehension The Articles against him A Prophesie His condemnation His fall His penance His letter to Tonstal His first conversion His inward joy Without Faith nothing pleases God His desire to convert others The danger of Apostacy Great comfort after great troubles Prevalency of the truth
His conference with a Fryar The Fryars rage against him His constancy His comfort before death An excellent speech He puts his finger into the candle His faith An excellent speech His charity His martyrdom His patience His death His birth and education His zeal His remove into Glocestershire Blindeness of Papists Mr. Tindals wisdom The fruits of it Popish malice and ignorance He is accused He prayeth for strength He is railed at Popish blasphemy Mr. Tindals zeal He departs from Master Welch Gods providence He goes into Germany His zeal The Bible translated first into English His conference with Luther His excellent works The benefit come by them His prudence Satans malice against the truth His great afflictions Mr. Coverdal assists him A widows charity Popish lyes The Bible prohibited to be read Popish malice He is betraâ—â—d A Judas Cast into prison Means used for his release His martyrdom A jalor converted Gods judgment on a persecutor A Conjuâ—er prevented by Mr. Tindals presence His sincerity His works His birth and education His preferments His conversion A disputation Another disputation The questions A refâ—rmation His death His birth His education His studiousness His remove to Basil. And thâ—n to Ingolstade He is ill dealtxs with He turns souldier He is freed by â—â—cius He is made a Professor in Ingolstade Erasmus testimony of him He goes to Auspurg He joins with Zuinglius Anabaptists disturb the peace of the Church He disputes with a she-Anabaptist He is driven away by Papists His return His marriage His constancy His comfortable conference with Luther The Dukes love unfeigned to him He is made superintendent His sickness His death He desired a sudden death His works His birth His education He settles at Wittenberg A disputation He reforms Wittenberg His remove to Orlamund Luthers infirmities He is bannished by Luthers means His great afflictions He writes to Luther His return into Saxony His death His birth His education He studyes Physick And Divinity Love unfeigned He is chosen Pastor at Basil He is chosen to Ments He favours the Gospel His advice to Luther He goes to Strasborough He is sent to by the Queen of Navar. He affects peace A disputation at Bern. His death His character His birth His education His study of Divinity He is made Pastor at Zurick He translates the Bible His death The confession of his faith His works His birth and education His preferments Luther directs him in his studies His imployments His tentations Luthers counsel therein His death His works His birth His education He enters into a Monastery His bodily exercises His diligence in reading Indulgences brought into Germany Popish blasphemies Myconius well educated Popish covetousness The means of his Conversion The Gospels swift progress Love unfeigned He endeavors 〈◊〉 quiet the Anabaptists His marriagâ— His zeal in preaching He is sent into England King Henry the Eight his hypocrisie His return into Germany An heroical resolution Reformation in Misna and Thuringia Luthers prayer for Myconius A prophetical prayer His recovery Power of Prayer His character His death His works His birth His education His Conversion He goes to Geneva From thence to Strasborough So to Ratisbone He is tempted His conference with Malvenda Popish treachery He is tempted Devillish hypocrisie He is advised not to go with his brother He is basely murthered The murtherers apprehended Escape unpunished Gods judgement upon Alphonsus His birth His fathers plety His education He studies Hebrew He is called back to Wittenberg His delight in simples He assists in translating the Bible His learning His works The preachers pattern He studyes the Mathematicks His last sickness Prayer of Faith His carriage in sickness A wonder His death His character His works His birth and education He is ordained a Minister and Paster in Strasborough His conversion Articles against him His constancy Reformation in Strasborough His assistants His death His character His works His birth and education His works His birth His education He teaches School He studies the Tongues His poverty His diligence He is made Pastor at Isna He is an excellent Hebrician He sets up a Press His carriage in a Plague-time His remove to Strasborough His remove to Heidleberg Religion goes to ruine His constancy The Bible translated His death Popish malice His character His works His birth His education He is made Preacher at Heidleberg His Conversion His zeal Popish malice An. Chr. 1521. He goes with Luther to Worms His troubles He goes to Strasborough Reformation in Strasborough A disputation at Marpurg He disputes with the Papists A blessed peace-maker He reforms Vlm. His Apology at Zurick His imployments Hermannus sends for him The Interim made Bucer disowns it A persecution about the Interim He is sent for into England His imployment there His sickness His indefatâ—gableness His sickness His faith His death Popish malice The Cardinals testimony of him His works His birth and education His conversion He goes to Strasborough Reformation at Strasborough His marriage He is sent for to 〈◊〉 His danger and return His diligence His death His works His birth and education He is made a Schoolmaster Removes to Zurick From thence to Lucern His conversion Goes back to Zurick Thence to Basil He is made a Deacon And a Pastor He adheres to Luther His death His works His Birth His Education His first preferment He professeth the reformed religion He reforms his Country He is ordained His holy life His industry His prudence to improve his parts Synods His works His Constancy His Birth A miracle of mercy His Conversion His call to Wittenburg His employmentâ— in the Schoolâ—â— He reforms some Churches He is called to Hale His death His Character His Tâ—â—tation His works His birth and education He goes to Antwerp His conversion His mariage He goes to Wittenberg His returm to England His zeale and courage His courage and constancy His usage before the Councell His condemnation His speech upon iâ— Gardners cruelty He is warned to preâ—are for death He is degraded â—is constancy His Patience and Martyrdom 〈…〉 A speciall providence His prophesies His cheerfulnes charity His birth and Education He is bound an Apprentice He is released His return to Cambridg Frequent in prayer He commenceth Master of Arts. He is Ordained Minister The success of his Ministry He maâ—ieth a wife His remove to Liâ—hfield Then into Lecestershire Then to London Queen Maâ—ies coming in His zeal He is taken prisoner His faithfulnes Preacher's pattern A faithful Pastor His courage constancy Popish malice Bonner ignâ—â—ance His courage His conference with Gardiner Holy charity Comfort in affliction The best Legacy His zeal A good conscience better then life A brave speech His Martyrdâ—â—e Popish cruelty His admirable patience His Letter to his Wife Doctor Pendleton a turn-coat Proud presumption 〈◊〉 His Education His conversion He leaves the University His conference with Gardiner Flight in persecution He flies into Germany His marriage He returns to England Bullingers
speech to him His answer A Prophesie His painful preaching His constancie His character Note He is made a Bishop A painful Bishop His Family Government His Charity He is sent for to London A good Shepheard Stephen Gardâ—ner Popish malice His patience Popish cruelty Popish rage Tentations resisted Gods providence He is sent to Glocester The benefit of inward peace Benefit of a good conscience Constancie Note His request to the Sheriffe His meeknesse and constancy He goes cheerfully to the stake His praier at the stake He is tempted His confidence in God His cruel burning His praier in the fire His death His heavenly speeches Contention about ceremonies They agree in prison His admirable patience His imployment Scriptures well studied Preachers pattern His character His charity The Ma'ss brought into his Church His zeal Popish malice He is accused and sent for He is perswaded to fly Flight refused His courage A Prediction He goes to S. Gardiner His stout answer His conference with Gardiner His imprisonment His holy employments in prison He meeres with Mr. Bradford in prison His examinations His condemnation His courage Death not feared His conference with Bishop Bonner He is sent to Hadley Benefit of a good conscience His courage and constancy His comfort in affliction His death bewailed His charity Popish cruelty His Martyrdome His Birth and Education His fidelity He goes to Cambridge His preferment in the Vniversity Note He enters into the Ministry He defends Bourn from death He is ill requiâ—ed for it He Preacheth in Prison A soft heart His Character Studious Note His charity He was well eâ—â—â—med of all Flight refused A dream prophetical He rejoyceth at the news of his death His fervent prayeâ—s His departure out of Newgate Tentation resisted His behaviour at his death Note His Martyrdom His Charity His Humility His conference with Gardiner His godly Letters Sin the forerunner of persecution His birth and education His preferment in Cambridge His remove into Kent His preferments Preachers pattern His Character Note His recreation His Family government His conversion His imprisonment He is sent to Oxford Note Charity to Christ's prisoners Note In his Letter to Mr. Grindall His courage His condâ—mnation His cheerfulâ—ess â—efore his death A good conscience a continual feast His carriage at his Martyrdome His faith His prayer at the stake Note His cruel martyrdom His Death His Prophecy Q. Maries unmercifulnesse In a Letter He learned the Scripturer by heart His Birth and Education He went to Cambridge A zealous Papist Mr Bilny's prudent charity His conversion Sathans malice The fruit of grace His Charity His Letter to Dr. Redman Gods providence He goes into Wiltshire Popish maliâ—e He writes to the Archbish. He is made bishop of Worcester A good bishop Sathans malice His faithful boldness Whereof the King was very guilty He resignes his Bishoprick Note He is againe troubled and freed by the King His imprisonment in the Tower His painfulnes in his Ministry His studiousnes His prophesies Steph. Gardiner He is sent for Flighâ— refused His Courage He is tempted A prediction Comfâ—rt in affliction His imprisonment He is sent to Oxford His fervent prayers Prayer He encourageth Dr. Ridley A special providence His death In a Letter to King Hen. 8. His birth and education His Character His travels His return A Convocation Mr. Philpots zeal The Queen dissolves the Convocation He is cast into prison Danger of Apostacy Popish cruelty Joy after sorrow His conference with B. Bonner A prison a palace His conference with the bishops His prayer Popish ignorance His conference with Doctor Morgan Popish prophanesse Mr. Philpots zeal He is set in the stocks His condemnation He prepaâ—â—â— for death He is carried intoâ—mit field His martyrdom His wonderful joy in prison He defends Infant baptsim His Birth and Education His Marriage He is again chosen Fellow His prudence Gods providence D. Cranmers advice about the Kings divorce S. Gardiners pridâ— He writes his judgement He is sent to Rome An unmannerly dog The Popeâ— evasion All learned men for the divorce His industry Hâ—s prudence His second marriage His humility He is made Arch-Bishop His â—udiousness His character He opposed the 6 Articles His Charity Cranmer hated by the Papists His disputatiâ—nâ— with Gardiner Popish malice His conference with the King His prudent answer The Kings great favour to him He is betrayed by his own servant A design to have committed him to the Tower The King reveals it to him The King secures him He is basely abused The King is informed of it He appeales to the King The King checks his Counsellors He is reconciled to them The King provides for his 〈◊〉 Two Judasses ex ore 〈◊〉 c. Gods providence He is hâ—â—â—d by Queen Mary He is committed to the Tower He refuseth to fly He is removed to Oxford He appeals He is degraded A good conscience His poverty Popish subâ—iltie His tentations Humane infirmity The danger of Apostacy His death appointed Doctor Cole preacheth Vanity of worldly glory His Apostasie repented of He is pulled down rudely Holy revenge His patienco His death His birth and education He enters into a Monastery Recovers of the plague He goes to Tubing He studies the Hebrew He buyes an hebrew Bible His industry He ordained a Presbyter He is preferred at Basil. He goes towards Rome His conveâ—sion He is chosen Lecturer at Basill He is sent for to Zurick He marrieth a wife His second marriage Annotations on the Bible His works His death His Character His birth and education He goes to the University He teacheth School His conversion He is made a Presbyter He is imployed in writing a History A rash censure His recâ—ntation Divers converted by him He studies Luther Sathans malice He removes to Wittenberg A good Pastor His Humility He is sent for to Hamburg And to Lubeck And to Denmark He is sent into Brunswick He proceeds Doctor His constancy Hâ—â— peaceable dâ—â—position His constancy in prayer His death Preachers pattern His Works His birth and education He goes to Heidleberge He goes to Tubinge His imployments Mr. of Arts. He goes to Wittenberg His great learning His Lectures Luthers Testimony of him His great pains His disputation with Eccius He defends Luther His works He is sent for into England He refuseth to goe Gods mercy His great imployments Note A Prediction Power of prayer His humility A prophetical dream His wife dieth His patience His sicknesse A Prodigy His deportment in his sicknesse Note His Prayer His death His industry His humiliâ—y His great afflictions Why he desired death His opinion about the Lords Supper He is in great danger The Flacians hate him His Character His small means His contentedness therewith Three difficulties His birth and education He comes to Zurick His conversion Christ best of all Chosen Pastor at Embden Reformation in East Frisland He is sent for into England He goes into Denmark He is driven 〈◊〉 His afflictions He removes
1555. Gods judgements on the wicked He conforts the English in persecution And the persecuted French Gribaldus favours Servetus Gods judgment on him Calvin accused bâ—â—some Ministers They are punished for it 1556. He falls sick of an Ague He recovers Faction and Famine Westphalus confuted And Castalio Persecution in Paris Christians slandlered Lies confuâ—ed Calvins care for them Gentilis an Heretick He infects some Is confuted Transylvania infected He is punished with death Calvin falls sick He hâ—tes idleneâ—se 1559. A persecution in France The King of France â—â—â—in A School built at Genevâ— Sancarus his heresies Confuted The Bohemian Waldenses Q. Elizabeth in England A French Ch. erected in England K. Charls in France Geneva threatned Defended by Calvin Heshusius answered Ecebolius his errors Confuâ—ed Gods judgements on him 1562. Civil war in France A prodigy 1563. His sickness increaseth His indefatigable pains 1564. His laâ—t Sermon The causes of his sickness His great patience He wil not intermit his labours His speech to the Ministers He goes to the Senate He receives the Sacrament He makes his Will Mr. Calvins Will. His speech to the Senators His speech to the Ministers Hiâ— Letter to Mâ— Viret Viret comes to him His Death Pezâ—s verses on him His Character 〈…〉 〈◊〉 admirable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Slandâ—â—s answered His coâ—â—entation His works His birth and education Flight â—n persecutioâ— He challengeth tâ—e Papists His Theses He is driven from Basil. His Labors He goes to Geneva Popish malice Popish rage His zeal and courage The High Priests charge Popish malice Gods mercy He is driven from Geneva A speciall providence He goes to Metis He goes to Neocome His Friendship His death Sathans malice The great effects of his Ministery His Character His Works His great Learning Sent Legate into Germany His Policy He is sent for â—o Rome He is sent back inâ—o Germany Popish subtilty He bestirs himselfe in Germany He gives an account to the Pope He is sent to the Emperour The Emperor deals with the Pope about a Council Another Legat in vain He is well beloved He is suspected for a Lutheran His wonderfull conversion He retires to his brother Bishop of Pola is converted Gods mercy Sathans malice They are accused to the Inquisitors Popish malice A lying Prophet He goes to Manâ—ua And to Trent And to Venice Spira is a warning to him He goes into Rhetia His Death His Works His Birth His Education He goes to Friburg And to Wittenberg He commenceth Mr. of Arts. He goes to Madgeburg And to Jenes His Marriage He disputes with Menius And with Flacius His imprisonment His sickness His release His Flight in times of danger He goes to Lipsich He is made Professor of Divinity He is stâ—ut out of the Schools His courage He goes to Amberg Aâ—d to Heidleberg His sicknesse His death His works His Birth His Education His studiousnesse His conversion His zeal He is made Minister Preachers patterne power of the word His prudence Anabaptists madnesse Saâ—ans policy Gods mercy Another contention Division dangerous Brandenburgs courage and zeal Augustane Confession His marriage He goes to Tubing His trouble at Hale Unruly souldiers His Policy Popish malice His â—â—ight Gods mercy The Interim His Courage His danger A mâ—racle of mercy His flight A good Pastor He goes to Wirtemberg God preserves him He goes to â—asil Aâ—d to Hornburg He is invited to severall places The Dukes courage Reformation 〈◊〉 courage He goes to Trent His second marriage He is chosen to Stutgard He defends hâ—s Confession of Faiâ—h He goes to Worms Monasteries turned to schooles His sickness He makes his Will His patience His Death His Character His Works His birth and education He goes to Lions He goes to Bern. His death Popish malice His Character His eloquence The great fruit of his Ministry His Birth and Education He goes to Oxford He is chosen Huâ—anity Lectâ—rer His studiousnes His esteem of Peter Martyr He is expâ—lâ— tâ—e Colledge â—rought into the 〈◊〉 Humane infirmity A speciall providence His Recanâ—ation Gods providence Flight in persecution He goes to Frankfurt His Repentance He goes to Strasborough From thence to Zurick Charity to the Exiles Popish malice Gods mercy A blessed Peace-maker A Prediction Qu. Mary dyes Qu. Elizabeth succeedâ— A disputation appointed His paines in Reforming the Church He is made Bishop He preachâ—s at Pauls Crosse. His challenge to the Papists Hiâ— Charity His greaâ— painâ— A good Bishop His Family government He had heart of memory His death foreseen by him His preparation for death Preachâ—rs pattern Gal. 5. 16. Hiâ— speech to his family in his sicknesse Death desired Ambrose His faith His Death Martyrs testimony of his Apology His birth and education He goes to Wittenberg His diligence and zeal His first imployments Inhumane cruelty He is called to Julia. And to Ceglâ—dine He goes to Temeswert His many sold afflictions He is called to Thurin And from thence to Becknese A speciall providence He is taken prisoner Gods mercy He is called to Tholna His second marriage He is ordained His industry and zeal He goes to Calmantsem He is taken prisoner He is taken prisoner Turkish injustice He is again imprisoned Barbarous cruelty He is beaten cruelly Breach of promise Charity to him His Keepers cruelty Gods providence He is favoured by the Courtiers He is solicited to turn Renegado His courage He encourageth the Christian captives Gods mercy What he wrote in prison Three of his children die The meanes of his deliverance His release A great danger Gods providence Foolish pride The Friar baffled Gods judgment on a persecutor His Charity Another danger Gods providence His Death His zeal against Hereticks His Works His Birth and Education 〈…〉 His Conversion His zeal Sathans malice He flies to Berwick His Humility He goes to Frankfort And to Geneva He is sent for into Scotland His zeal The Mass abhorred The effect of his Ministry The Papists rage against him His great pains He writes to the Queen She scoffs at it He is called back to Geneva He leaves Scotland He is condemned His appeal He is sent for into Scotland His return into Scotland The Ministers summonâ—d The peoples zeal They are proscribed Imâ—ges demolished The Queens malice The Protestants write to the Queen Their zeal The Earl of Glencarns courage and zeale Mr. Knox his speech to the Lordâ— The Queens subtilty Her perfidiousnesse The Bishoâ— opposed Kâ—ox 〈◊〉 A Preâ—iction His Courage 〈◊〉 destroyed The peoples zeal The Queens policy St Johnstons rescued Idols destroyed Noâ—e Popish uncâ—eannesse The Qu. flies They write to the Queen The French match to Edâ—nborough Mr. Willock Minister of Edenborough Civil Wars about Religion The Queens blasphemy Qu. Eliz. assists the Protestants The Queens pride cruelty A speciall providence The Qu. dies Peace concluded M. Knox setled at Edneb Earl of Murray slain His losse bewailed A Prophesie Gods judgment on a scoffer Preachers pattern M. Lawson chosen to succeed him His last Sarmon His sincerity His
last sicknes His speech to the Lord of Morton A Prophecy His speech to the Ministers and Elders Death desired His Message to the Laird of Crang A Prophesy His preparation for death His sayings His tentations His faith His death His care for Church-Discipline Murrays speech His works His character His courage His Parentage His pain His poverty He goes to Paris His industry His diligence His imployments He is envied He is forbidden Philosophy He is called to another Colledge He is preferred in the University He is sought for by other Princes Is â—ade Dean of the University Flight in persecution He goes to the camp of Conde He travels into Germany His returne to Paris Popish cruelty He is murthered And basely abused His Works His birth and education He is made Chaplain to the Queen And to two Kings And Master of Bennet Colledge â—is sufferings in Queen Maries time He is made Archbishop of Canterbury The Bishops that consecrateâ— him His Charity His 〈◊〉 His Birth and Parentage Gods speciall providence over him His education He is sent to Embric His disposition He goes to Collen He commendeth Batchelor of Arts. He studies the Schoolmen And Fathers And Luther His conversion â—e commenâ—eth Mr. of Arts His paines in reading Lectures He studies the Tongues Reformation in the Monastery Power of the Word Anabaptists Tithes defended He confutes the Anabaptists His endeavours for peace He is banished He comes to Zurick He is chosen Pastor Preachers pattern Synods preserve peace He writes a Confession of Faith He confuâ—es Hereticks A Colledge erected A School erected Schwenfield's Error Confuted by Bullinger A Plague Luthers violence Melancthon grieved for it Bullinger answereth Luther His defence of the Tigurines Why the Helvetians refused to assist the Protestants Mr. Hooper lives with him The Interim Bullingers curtesie Ingratitude Calvin concurs with the Helvetian Divines Hee withdraws them from being mercenaries He encourageth the Reformation in England He writes against the Council of Trent He disclaimes Bolsecus His holy zeal He favours the English exilâ—s His zeal Blandrata's Heresies The infection of heresie Brentius contest with Bullinger Helvetiansagaine summoned to Trent Ochines errors and heresies And death A plague Bullingers sicknesse Power of prayer Manisold afflictions A confession of Faith Persecution in France His Charity His pains A dearth Fasting and Prayers The Massacre in France 1573. A new Statre His sicknesse 1574 He patience Death desired His Faith Why he desired death He taketh his farewel of the Ministers And of the Magistrates His death His Character His birth and education His humility His sicknesse His â—â—eech in his 〈◊〉 An excellenâ— speech Comfort at death His Death His Birth and Parentage His education He goes to Venice He goes to Venice His Poverty His Tentation His Marriage The Interim opposed by him He goes to Magdeburg And from thence to Jeans And to Ratisbone And to Suasborough His Death His Works His birth and education He goes to Basil. And Strasborough He is maâ—e Profeâ—â—or in Zuâ—â—â— He is made 〈◊〉 He is dear to Peter Martyr His Industry His excellent memory His manner of reading His excellent parts His diseases His death His Character His Birth and education His conversion His frequents remoâ—es Bible translated His death His birth and education His Conversion Christ best of all He goes to Basil. He comes to Wittenburg He goes to Strasborough His returnâ— into France He is made the Q. of Navars Chaplain Popish malice Gods providence His return to Strasborough His troubles He goes to Heidleberg His patience He is driven from thence He is called to Lausanna His sudden death His Works His Birth and education His preferment in Cambridge Flight in persecution He is made Bish. of Lond. Arch bishop of York Arch-bishop of Canterbury His death His Charity His birth and Parentage His education He goes to Oxford His great proficiency Power of Prayer His conversion He preaches before the K. His piety Tender conscience He goes beyond sea His return into England His faithfulnes He is accused His great learning Made Parson of Houghton His charity to souls His journies into the North. His charity His enemies Flight in persecution refused Gods providence His conâ—inued charity His humility He refuseâ—h presermâ—â—t His hospitality His esteem in the North. Note A barbarous custom He converts theeves A Rebellion in the North. His house is plundered Inpratitude H. B. oughton Ingratitude The Bishop suspends him Requires him to preach on a sudden His modest answer He preaches boldly His zeal His pions resolution Gods mercy The Bishop askeâ—h him forgivenâ—e Preparâ—tion so death His death His Character His birth and parentage He goes to Wittenberg A plague His return to Wittenberg His travels He is sent for into his own country His enemies Melancthon encourages him He is dismissed His Resolution He goes to Zurick He goes to Heidleberg He commencerh Doctor His imployment there A plague His adversaries He defends the truth The Palatines great love to him His marriage He writes a Confession of Faith A change in the Palatinate He is sent for by P. Cassimite His imployment His sicknesse His industry Incessant labors His death His Character His Works His birth and education He goes to Wittenberg His travels He goes to Grunberg He made excellent scholars His marriage He is chosen Pastor of Sprottavia Preachers pattern His Contentation His humility His excellent virtues He is an enemy to contentions He is a great historiâ—n His sicknesse His death His great care to prepare for death His last Sermon His Works His birth and Parentage His industry He goes to Witâ—enberg He is much beloved He is made Pastor in Brunople His zeal against he eticks His death His commendation His Works His Birâ—h His proficiency He is Pastor in Zurick His diligence His Death His Birâ—h and Education He is chosen Pastor in Zurick His death His Works His birth and education He studies Law He is made Doctor A heavy judgement A vow Gods mercy Hestudies Divinity He goes to Zurick His return to Trevir He is called to teach a School His faithfulnes Sathans malice He preaches in an hospitall The peoples zeal The Arch-bishops malice The prisoners release He goes to Heidleberg His marriage He is chosen Pastor He is called to Berleburg And to Herborn His sicknesse Preparatâ—on for death A sweat dream Ioy unspeakable His death His Works His birth and education He goes to Wittenberg His diligence He goes to Noâ—enberg His return to Witâ—enberg He is called to Mansfield He is ordained Minister He answers a Papist His great pains He delights in a Garden His remove to Madgeburg Conversion of Priests The Authors of the Madgeburgenses His remove to Jenes His return to Magdeburg His remove to Wismare His commenceth Doctor Peoples love to their Pastor He is called into Borussia His sicknesse Preparatâ—on for death His death His Character His Works His Birth His Education He is choseâ— Fellow He studies the Church history He is
very studious Snares laid for him He is expelled the Colledge Gods 〈◊〉 His marriage An harsh Father in Law His poverty A speciall providence He is sent for by the Dutchess of Richmond Persecution in Qu. Maries daies A notable resolution Stephen Gardiner Flight in persecuâ—ion A great storm God providence He arrives at Newport He goes to Basil. A prophesie His return into England His humility His Indfatigable pains His body weakned thereby His excellent endowâ—eâ—ts His feâ—vâ—ncy in prayer His Charity His Prophesies Mrs. Honywood A Prophesie A Miracle Another observable story His many friends Deaâ—h foreseen His Death His Charity Vain glory reproved He reproves his son His Birâ—h and Education He goes to Marpurg His industry He goes to Wittenberg He is Master of Arts. Why he left the study of the Law A speciall Providence His return to Marpurg He is made a Professor His marriage He is made Doctor Preachers pattern His humility He goes to Heidleberg His sicknesse Preparation for death His death His Works His birth and education Flight in persecuâ—ion His return to England He confutes the lesuits His death His birth and education His parents poverty Snepâ—ius provides for him He goes to Tubing He is made Deacon He preaches before the Duke His marriage Gods providence The accursed Interim He is Deacon at Tubing He commenceth Doctor He is made Superintendent Note Sacrilege abhorred A strange story of a Jew He helps forward Reformation Gods providence He is made Chancellour of the University His great pains about the Concord Death foretold and desired His â—icknesse The Confession of his Faith What he gives thanks for His death His Works His birth and education He becomes a Fryar His conversion He flies into Germany He stayes at Strasborough He meets with troubles New opposition Gods providence He goes to Clavenna A great Pestilence 1564. He goes to Heidleberg He is made Doctor Zeal against heresies Hereticks confuted rejected He goes to Neostade His death His Works His Birth and Education He goes to Paris His conversion He goes to Geneva And to Paris He is chosen a Pastor Christ preferred before all Popish cruelty Gods providence The Protestants slandered Vindicated by Sadeel He is imprisoned Delivered by the King of Navaâ— His return to Paris A Synod A persecution raiâ—ed Sadeels faithfulneâ—â—e The Church thrives by persecution His sicknesse His painfulnes A Synod Independents error confuted He is againe driven from Paris He is driven out of France His return into France He goes to the K. of Navar. Gods providence He goes to Geneva 〈◊〉 sent into Germany His sicknesse Death sore old Comfort in death His death His Character His works His birth aâ—d Parentage His education He goes to Cambridge His preferment in the University His gratitude He is made Father at the Commencement He studies Divinity His Inâ—ustry His Temperance He Recreatâ—ons His excellent parts He is chosen Professor His Lectures He confutes the Papists As Campian Dury Sanders Rainolds His marriage Stapleton reproaches him for his marriage He is chosen Master of St. Johns He confutes Bellarmine His fidelity therein Stapleton tails Whitaker answereth His sicknesse His death Bellarmine admired him His carriage in his sicknesse His Character His great charity His piety to his parents His humility His Works His birth and education He goes to Geneva His admirable Learning He is called to Leiden From thence to Gaunt And thence to Navar. His death His Works His Birth and Parentage His Education He goes to St. Andrews A Vniversity erected at Edenborough He is sent for to Edenborough He goes thither He doth much good Four Professors chosen His piety and diligence A lâ—rge increase of Ministers Conversion wrought by his Ministry Beza's testimony His humility His sicknesse He moderates in a Synod Preparation for death His message to the King His exhortation to the Ministers Christ preferred before all things Death desired His exhortation to the Ministers His poverty His heavenly speech His death His Works His birth and Parentage His education He studies Greek He is robbed Charity His Industry His return home He is Pastor of Hafnia He is Hebrew Professor And Doctor Death desired His Death His birth and Parentage His Education He goes to Ulm. 〈◊〉 to Witâ—enberg Mâ—rabilis 〈◊〉 A Predigy His studiousnes He is Master of Arts. His return home He is made Deacon His diligence His marriage He is banished His return He is Doctor Reformation His prefermenâ—s 〈◊〉 self-denial His wives death His sicknesse His patience His death His humility and charity His prudence A good father His works His birth and education He is sent to Tubing His great proficiency He goes to Wittenberg Plato praises God for three things He goes to Heidleberg His travels He goes to Rostoch He is desiâ—ed in divers places His travels He is Doctor He goes to Augsburgh His contentation 1569. He goes into Austria His travels He goes into Stiria His sicknesse His Industry Preparation for death His death His Character Injuries to be born His wishes â—is Works His Birth and Parentage His Education His flight in persecution He is made Dean of Pauls His Charity His Works His death His birth and education He goes to Basil. 〈…〉 Tibing He is Master of Arts. He goes to Paris Thence to Orleance A famous Church at Orleance His marriage Wars in France Duke of Guise slain Gods mercy Popish malice Popish malice He is in great danger A miracle of mercy He is taken prisoner His release Gods mercy The Kâ—â—gs malice He goes to Sancerra Gods mercy He goes to Mombelgart His new troubles He preaches in a Caâ—â—le Popish rage The Massacre at Paris A special providence Popish cruelty Gods mercy He goes to the Dutches of Ferrara He goes into the Palatinate His faithfulnesse He is dismised He is called to Neostade His painfulnesse He is much esteemed He is sent for to Heidâ—eberg His opposition He is made Professor Commenceth Doctor His manifold â—fflictions P. Casimire dyeth A great plague His constancy His weaknesse His faith His Death Hiâ— character His workâ— His birth and education His conversion He preaches to the prisoners He converts many of them He is chosen pastor Preachers pattern His Character Note The powerfulnesse of his ministry His 〈◊〉 in â—â—â—ding His painfulnes His death He was same of his right hand Iosh. 1. 2. A thief converted at his death Power of Prayer His Works His Birth and Parentage His weaknes in his childhood His Education His Masters harshnesse He goes to Lions His Tentations Gods mercys He is drawn to Atheism Gods mercy Iohn 1. He is reclaimed He goes to Geneva His travels His poverty A speciall providence He weakens his body by abstinence His Father murthered His Industry He is chosen to Antwerp The inquisition brought into the Ne herlands Popish malice Miracles of mercy to him An other danger He goes to Limburg Strange tentations A strange example Gods mercy Anabaptists disturb the Church Popish malice Flight
in peâ—secution He goes to Heidleberg A great plague He returnes to Heidleberg Bible translated He is made Professor in Leiden His death His Works His birth and education He goes to Paris He goes to Orleance He comes into England His several imploymentâ— His Death His parentage His birth A prediction His education He goes to Caâ—bridge He is Fellow of Peter-house The Pope is Antichrist He is Mr. of Pembrok-hall And Margaret Professor His prefermâ—nts His esteem with the Qu. His sicknesse His death His charity His birth and Parentage His Education He studies the Law His Poems Popish malice His tentations His conversion His marriage New tenâ—atâ—ons Gods mercy to him by sicknes Affliction sanctified He leaves all for Christ. A speciall providence His remove to Lausanna His prudence He turnes the Psalms inâ—o French metre His expâ—sitions He falls sick of the Plague Gods goodness His works Persecution in France Popish malice Friendship His remove to Geneva He is chosen Paâ—â—or â—earning advanced in troublesomâ— times He deals with the King of Navar. Persecution stopped A confâ—rence about Religion Who repaâ—r to it The French Ministers Beza's speech His conference Cardinal of Lorrains speech to Beza The first meeting Beza's Oration A Confession of faith presented to the King The second meeting The third meeting The several conferences Popish â—â—â—â—lty Beza's aâ—swer The fâ—â—rth meâ—ting A way of reconciliation propounded The Form of the Agreement The form rejected by the Pontificians The conference ends The Church increaseth Carnal policy The King of Navar falls to the Papists 〈…〉 The Protestants murdered Beza stayes in France A Synod A Plague The protetants beaten Beza comforts he Prince His return to Geneva His imployments He relates the miseries of the French Churches He confutes Hereticks and Lutherans Civil wars in France Geneva a refuge to the godly He is sent for into France Moderates in a Synod 1572. The Massacre at Paris He provides for the afflicted Charity His great imployments A Plague Friendship amongst the Pastors Anabaptists converted A Disputation No good comes of it His Wife dyes His second marriage His great labours Prayer in danger His weaknesse His diligence His last sermon He invites his Colleagues Friendship amongst brethren Popish lyes Confuted Death desired He visits the Kings His request for the Church at Lions His meditations He is visited by many Preparation for death Ephes. 2 10. His sicknesse His death His Character Thanksgiving for five things His small means His works His birth and education His brothers are Papists His excellent parts His humility His preferments Gods providence His death His birth and education He goes to Paris His Industry He studies Hebrew His humility His travels He is made Professor at Leiden His Death His birth and education He goes to Tubing He goes to Basil. He commenceth Doctor in Divinity Is made Professor His death His works His birth and education His preferments His great learnâ—ng His zeal Preparation for death His death His birth and Education He goes into England He studies Hebrew Greek He goes into Fâ—ance He is Professor in Oxford He is Professor in Leiden His marriage His death His Birth Parentage and Education Gods Providence He is ordained Deacon His remove to Tubing He doubts of the Ubiquity He is chosen Pastor of Raetela His marriage He denies the Ubiquity He is sent for to Basil. His remove to Basil. His friends He removes to Heidleberg The Lutherans removed His return to Basil. His greaâ—ains His imployments abroad He growâ— weak His patiencâ— His sicknesses Prayer Death desired His death His speech to Meier His sayings His diligence and Indusâ—â—y His Character His Works His birth and education His degrees His works His patience His sicknesse His Death His birth and education His conversion He goes to St. Andrews His tentations Gods mercy He goes into England Gods providence He serves Mr. H. Broughton His return to Edenborough He preaches privately His calling to the Ministry Power of the Word He is sickly Assaulted with â—eâ—â—ations His remove His painfulnes in the Ministry The success of his Ministry His zeal His works His tentations Joy unspeakable His outward troubles Power of the word The apostasie of his people He is made Bishop of Gaâ—loway His humâ—lity His desire of deâ—â—h Death why desired He grows sickly Preparation for death His sicknesse His death A sweet speech His works His birth and education He goes to Cambridge His proficiency He is ordained Minister He is Prebend â—f Ely His marriage His studiousness His piety His recreations His great â—eading His Works His Ministry He is made Pastor Preachers pattern His holy life His family wel governed His charity His justice He was a Peace maker His hospitality He breaks his 〈◊〉 His preparation for death He faints His death His birth parentage and education Hee is made a Prentice He returnes to school His Masâ—er is driven away Malice His poverty He goes into the Palatinate He enters into the Ministry He is driven from Heidleberg He returns home His return into the Palatinate His preferment there He commenceth Doctor in divinity Lutherans malice A great plague He is made Professor Gods mercy His fame His wife dies He is chosen to the Synod at Dort Gods providence Peace maker His works The Spaniards come into the Palatinate He goes to Anvilla Death desired His sicknesse His returne to Heidleberg His death His workes His birth and ducation He goes to Leiden His travels His great learning His returne to Leiden He is made Professor at Leiden His marriâ—ge Dr. Rivet brought to Leiden His great esteem His death His birth and education He goes to Friestade His travels He studies divinity His eloquence His employments He goes into England He is made Dr. and Professor His afflictions He is called to Embden His death His works His birth and education He is Professor at Herborn His works Bible translated His death His birth and education He goes to Oxford His poverty His Industry He is made a Fellow His Prophanesse His judgement of Mr. Perkins His tentation A special providence His conversion His 〈◊〉 His comfort He is ordained Minister Gods providence His marriage His great labours The success of his Ministry Preachers pattern His holy life His frequent prayers Christ preferred before health His humility His Charity His sicknesse Preparation for death His patience Death desired His submission to God His Thanksgiving His admonition to his children His joy unspeakable His speech to his friends His death His works His birth parentage and education He goes to Cambridge His excellent memory His marriage He is called to Banbury His character His eloquence Preachers paâ—teâ—n His great labours The method in Sermons His manner of Reading Conversion wrought by him Peace-maker His excellency in pâ—ayer His family duties His prudence His fasting His humility His charity He gained by his falls His sicknesse His exhortation to his friends His patience His death Note His works His
parentage His birth His education A persecution in Flanders He goes to school His proficiency He goes to Leiden The method of his studies The Authors which he read He studies Divinity He learns the Scriptures by heart He studies the body of Divinity He studies Commentaries His publick Disputations His first sermon His travels into France He goes to Geneva He studies the Art of Memory The mountain of Jura above the clouds He goes up the mountain Their descent A special providence His further travels He goes to Basil. His exercises at Basil. His travels in Germany His travels in the Low-countries His return to Leiden He studies the Fathers He is called to the Ministry Refuseth it He returns home His deportment His industry His Ordination He is called to another charge Refuseth it He is chosen to Koukerk He is imployed in the Army His return He is chosen to Middleborough His marriage His parents dye A good child His first son He is envyed He wins his adversaries His faithfulness in his Ministry His charity A Popish lye He confutes his adversaries Note He confutes a Jesuite He confutes a Blasphemer His contests with the Remonstrants Their rise in the Low-countries Arminius his education He is chosen professor in Leiden Arminius his policy Barnevelt his patron Did not our late Parliament do so Hereticks subtilty Waellaeus labors to regain him Arminius dies through fear and grief His faction continues A Synod desired Preachers pattern Whence called Remonstrants King James opposeth Vorstius The Ministers oppressed Gomarus leaves Leiden An Illustrious School begun at Middleborough Wallaeus his Lectures Gomarus his ingratitude Wallaeus his modesty Hâ— is called to 〈◊〉 Returns â—o 〈◊〉 He answereth Bagaâ—d Bogards brag Wallaeus endeavors peace Remonstrants persecute the Orthodox Bagards subtilty Rosaeus opposeth him The people stand for the tâ—uth Prince Morice sides with the Ortâ—odox They get a Church in the Hague Wallaeus sent for to the Hague His Disputations It s broken off The truth prevailes His prudence made much use of His integrity His candor His return to Middleborough Heresie like a Gangrene He is sent for to Sedan He refuses to go thither Division dangerous A Synod called The Remonstrants imprisoned The Synod begins How the affairs of it were carryed on Wallaeus highly esteemed The Remonstrants condemned Wallaeus is sâ—nt to prepare them for death He comes to Barnevelt Barnevelt beheaded Wallaeus returns to Middleborough New Professors at Leiden Wallaeus sent for He inclines to go Peoples love to their Pastor His diseâ—ses His children He comes to 〈◊〉 He is made a Doctor His Oraâ—ion The other Professors come Thâ—ir several excellencies Their Prudence Their care to train up youth Their adversaries to be answered Wallaeus his part His imployment in the University His great Audâ—tory His care of Candidates His great pains He is a great Peace-maker His self denial Honors follow him His caâ—â— in giving testimonials He is much â—â—ught to for advice The Acts of the Synod of Port. The Remonstrants Acts. Wallaeus answers them The Remonstrants divâ—ded An attempt for peace Another attempt The 〈◊〉 Confession of Faith He publishes his Ethicks He reforms the Schooles And the schoâ—ars in Zâ—land A 〈…〉 Wallaeus promotes it Contention about the Sabbath Wallaeus puts an end to it The translation of the Bible The Bible begun The Synod carries it on The translators The supervisors The translation finished A special providence The Bible printed It s excellency Wallaeus his further Imployments His strength decayes His character His humillty His modesty His zeal His friends His meekness His love to his wife and children His children well disposed of He is troubled with the Stone His sickness His last Sermon He sâ—â—les peace in a Synod His prudent advice His farewel to his family His death His works His industry and fidelity His birth and parentage His education He goes to Groning His proficiency He goes to Herborn He is made Tutor to three Noble men He goes to Sedan Returns to Heidleberg Is made Tutor to Prince Frederick Returns to Sedan Returns to Heidleberg Goes for England Escapes danger His friends in England His return to Heidleberg Is made a Professor And Doctor in Divinity And Master of the Colledge of Wisdom His modesty The Synod of Dort He is sent thither His return to Heidleberg He stays in dangers Heidleberg taken by storm He prepares for death Yâ—t is preserved His prudence A special providence His house plundered He gets a safe conduct The Lutherans spleen He goes to Embden A special providence He goes to Leiden He goes to Groning His works His care of the University His imployments His care to provide for Exiles Charity His fidelity His Call to Leiden And into the Palatinate His care of the University His marriage His character His zeal He studâ—es the Churches peace His prudence His family government His sickness His wife dies Death foreseen His disease encreasâ—th A good Pastor His faith His death His works His birth His parentage His education His sickness His vow A great plague He goes to Heidleberg His industry His proficiency His disputations He is made Master of Arts. Goes to Geneva His disputations He goes to Ebrodune He disputes with Papists He goes to Paris He is dear to Camero He comes to England His return to Paris He is called to Geneva A special Providence He is chosen Professor His marriage A good Wife Family Government His children His Ordination He is made Professor of Divinity He is desired in several places Leyden obtains him He Commences Doctor He comes to Leyden His great Learning His study of the Scriptures His love to the truth The danger of Schism His excellent parts His prudence in civil affairs His prudence in chusing friends His many friends His high esteem of Salmatius His great friends His great correspondence His great labours His sickness His last Sermon and Lecture He goes to a Synod His preparation for death His ardent Prayer His Faith and Hope His commends his Wife What he gives thanks for His death His works