was so famous that many Princes Noblemen and young Gentlemen came from forreign Countries to see and hear him And this Grynaeus worthy was likewise That wee his Noble name should memorize Who was a rare Divine in Germany And made a Doctor in Divnity At Tubing and to Basil sent for thence To be Professour where with diligence And profitable pains and in that while The differance he did reconcile 'Twixt the Basilian Church and Tigurine At last his labour made his health decline And in his Pastorall Charge in Basil he Ended his dayes in sweet tranquility ROBERT ABBAT The Life and Death of Robert Abbot THis learned and humble man succeeded Doctor Holland in the Chaire at Oxford and herein exceeded him that although they were both of extraordinary sufficiency and vast if not immense reading yet as Augustus spake of Cassius ingeniâ—â— habet inâ—â—â—â—rato so it mâ—y be trâ—ly said of Abboâ— variam lectionem habuit in numerato he had the command of his learning and the sum of his readings upon any point which offered it selfe to his handling cast up to his hand the other had not so Whence it came to passe that the diligent hearers of the one received alwayes from him that which they expected the Auditors of the other seldome received what they expected or expected what they received from him yet alwayes went away well satisfied from his full table And I conceive the reason hereof may be this Abbot desired rather multum legere than multa Holland rather multa than multum the meditation of the one wrought upon his reading the reading of the other wrought upon his meditation and us it surcharged his memory so it over-ruled his invention also Let both have their due praises Et viridi cingantur tempora lavro For Abbot envy it selfe will afford him this testamoniall that if his tongue had been turned into the pen of a ready writer or all that hâ— wrote upon the History of Christs passion and the Prophet Esay and the Episâ—le to the Romans had seene the light he had come near unto if not over taken the three prime worthies of our Vniversity Iewel Bilson and Reynoldâ— for he gave to W m Bishop as great an overthrow as Iewell to Harding Bilson to Allen or Reynolds to Heart He was borne at Gilford in Surry of honest and industryouâ— Parents who lived fifty years together in wedlock and because they preserved that sacred bond so entire and kepâ— the marriage bed so undefiled God powred the dew of his blessing upon it and made them very happy in the fruit of their body especially in three of their children whereof the first was Bishop of Sarum the second Archbishop of Canterbury the third Lord Mayor of London In the Catalogue of all the Bishoâ—s of England onely Seffred sometimesâ— Bishop of Chichester was consecrated by his brother Archbishop of Canterbury Abbot had this happinesse and more for of two of his younger brethren one of them was advanced to the highest place in the Church and the other to the highest place in the City under his Majesty the youngest of them Maurice Abbot had the honour to be the first Knight who was dub'd by his Majesties royall sword the elder of them had yet a greater to annoynt his sacred Majesty and set the Crown upâ—n his royall head but I leave the two other to a better Herald to blazen their vertues Of this our Robert I will endeavour with my pensill to draw the lineaments whose silver pen I more highly esteeme then the silver Mace of the one or golden of the other He was not as Saint Ierome writeth of Hillarion a rose growing from a thorne but rather a province or double rose growing from a single for his Parents embraced the truth of the Gospell in King Edwards dayes and were persecuted for it in Queen Maries raigne by Dâ—ctor Story of infamous memory and notwithstanding all troubles and molestations continued constant in the profession of the truth till their death and all their children treading in their holy steps walked with a right foot to the Gospell and were zealous professors of the reformed Religion especially George and this our Robert whose zeale for the truth accompaned with indifatigable industry and choyce learning preferred him without any other friend or spokesman to all the dignities and promotions he held in the University and Church He was another Hortensius his eminent parts were seen and allowed yea and rewarded to upon the first glympse of them For upon an Oâ—ation made by him the seventeenth of November the day of Qâ—een Elizabeths inauguration he was chosen Schollar of Baliâ—l Colledge upon the first Sermon he Preached at Worster he was made Lecturer in that City and soon after Rector of All Saints there upon a Sermon Preached at Pauls Crosse Master Iohn Stannop one of his hearers having a benefice of great valew in his gift Bingham by name in Nottinghamshire tooke a resolution upon the next voydance of it to conferre it upon him and the Incombent not long after dying sent of his owne accord the Presentation to him upon a Sermon Preached before his Majesty King Iames in the month he waited at Court In the year 1612. newes being brought of Doctor Hollands death the King most gratiously nominated him his successour and lastly upon the â—ame of his incomparable Lectures read in the University de suprema potestate regia contra Bellarminum Suaâ—ezium and the perusall of his Antilogia adversus apolâ—giam Garnetti the See of Sarum falling voyd his Majesty sent his Congedelire for him to the Deane and Chapter Thus as he set forward one foot in the temple of vertue his other still advanced in the temple of honour A curious English Poet making use rather of licencea poetiâ—a than libertas grammatica deriveth Robertus our Divines Christan name from three Monesillibles ros ver â—hus though this etimoligy be affected and constrained yet I will make use of it to branch the History of his life into three parts and first I will consider him as he was ros in his Countries cure secondly as he was ver in his University preferment thirdly as he was thus in his episcopall See First I will speake of him as he was ros Ros signifieth dew which name very fitly agreed unto him whilst for twenty years he lived obscurely in the Country for as dew doth much good to the place where it fals and yet makes no noyse so his paines were very profitable in his private Cures yet was not his fame cryed up nor made any noise in the world secondly as dew dropping on mowen grasse refresheth it and maketh it spring anew so his labors in his Pastorall charge much refreshed the consciences of true converts which had felt the cythe of Gods judgements and made them spring up in hope and newnesse of life thirdly as dew distilling in silver drops mollifieth the parched ground so his heart melting into teares in many
ABEL REDEVIVUS or The dead yet speaking By T. Fuller and other Eminent Divines Mors vltima linea rerum est Nunc levior cippus non imprimit ossat Laudat yosteritas nunc non é manibus illis Nunc non é tumulo fortunague favilla Nascuntur viola Pers Sam 37 Sould by Iohn Stafford at the George at Fleete bridge 1652 Ro Vaughan Sculp THE EPISTLE To the READER SVch honour saith the a Psalme 149 9. Psalmist have all his Saints His Saints emphatically Divine ProvideÌ„ce foreseeing that in after ages some would usurp the title of Sainâ—ship to whom it did not belong His Saints exclusiuely casting out Saints traitors as Becket and Garnet Saint hyâ—ocrites and many others who in the same sence as Auri sacra fames may be termed Sacri or Sancti Saints 2. But what honour have all his Saints Marke what went before as it is written buâ— by whom and where Though Chapters and Verses be of later date the holy Spirit might have cited the Book O no! He to quicken our Industry referres us to the Word at large However Search the Scriptures and therein we shall meet with many honours afforded to the Saints both whilst they were living and when they were dead on which alone we shall insist 3 This honour also is twofold either what God or what Man bestoweth upon them the latter onely is proper for our present purpose and brancheth it selfe into Honour done to their Bodyes or to their Memories 4 Of the former is their Decent Interment according to their quality Thus Iehojadah was promoted to a Sepulcre amongst the Kings of Iudah b 2 Cron. 24.16 Hezechiah whose signall holinesse was Paramount whilst he was living had his Tombe advanced the c 2 Cron. 32.33 highest of all other Kings However this Honour hath not been universall to all Saints many have missed thereof especially in time of Persecution as appears by the complaint of the Psalmist 5 Honour to their Memories is more certaine being sometimes paid them very abundantly even from those who formerly were so niggardly and covetous as not to afford them a good word in their life time Defunctus amabitur idem Many are made Converts by the godly ends of good men as the d Matth. 27.54 Centurian himself who attended and ordered the crucifying of Christ after his expiring brake forth into that testimony of him Verily this was the Sonne of God So such as rail at revile curse condemne persecute execute pious People speake other language of them when such men have passed the Purgation of Death and confesse them faithfull and sincere servants of God 6 The last Honour is Imiâ—ation of their vertuous examples The Papists bâ—ag that Stapleton their great controversiall Divine was borne on that very day whereon Sir Thomas More was put to death but Providence so ordereth it that out of the ashes of dead Saints many living oneâ— doe spring and sprout by following the pious precedents of such godly persons deceased This was a maine motive of publishing the ensuing Treatise to furnish our present Age with a Magazeen of religious Patterns for their Imitation 7 There is a Monument in Palestine which at e Adricomius de terra sancta Modinum was erected for the Maccabees consisting of seven Pedestals and on them as many Pyramids under the bottoms whereof their Bodies lye buried whilest their tops serve even at this day for Sea-markes to direct Marrâ—ners sailing in the Mediterranean towards the Haven of Ioppa in the Hâ—ly Land Not unlike whereunto for the use and service thereof is this following Discourse mâ—de partly to doe right to the memory of these Heroes deceased and partly to guide and conduct us to arrive at the samâ— hâ—ppinesse by steering our course according to the purity of their lives and constancy of their deaths 8 Here may we finde many excellent Preachers who first reformed themselves that their Doctrine might take the better effect in others For as one who would most mannerly intimâ—te to another any spot or foulenesse in his face doth wipe hiâ— owne face in the same place that so the other beholding him may collect where and how to amend any thing that is amisse So these worthy Ministers gave others to understand how to rectifie their faults by exemplary clensing and clearing their owne lives and Conversations 9 But Most remarkable are many Confessors here briefly described for their constancy in persecution It was as Hegesippus reports an observation of Antonius the Emperour that the Christians were most couragious and confident alwayes in Earthquakes whilst his owne heathen Souldiers were at such accidents most fearfull and dis-spirited The same holds true here in many worthy Saints in such concussions and commotions of Church and State wherein all was almost turned upside-downe they acquited themselves most fearless and valiant still preferring a good conscience a grace very worthy of our Imitation especially in this Age when the very Foundations are shaken and most at a losse how to behave themselves God grant when men are at their wits end they may be at the beginning of their faith valiantly to hold out in the Truth 10 But the valour of some Martyrs shewed most exalted Patience The Roman Gladiators set â—orth and designed to Death when despairing to come off alive tooke all their care honeste decumbere to fall down in a decent posture so contriving their Bodies into a modest Method that no uncomlinesse might therein be discovered So was it in these Martyrs and ought to be in us if called into their condition all their sollicituousnesse was taking leave of life to entertain Death with so sweet a deportment that they might â—etray no unworthinesse or meannesse in minde in their latter end 11 So much for the occasion and matter of this worke As for the Makers thereof they are many some done by Doctor Featly now at rest with God viz. The lives of Iewell Reynolds Abbot and diverse others Some by that reverend and learned Divine Master Gataker viz. The Lives of Peter Martyr Bale Whitgiâ—t Ridley Whitaker d That pa 523. and not that pag. 328. which was printed before a mor exact Copy was procured Parker and others Doctor Willeâ—s life by Doctor Smith his Son in Law Erasmus his life by the reverend Bishop of Kilmore The life of Bishop Andrewes by the judicious and industrious my worthy friend Master Isaackson and my meannesse wrote all the lives of Berengarius Hus Hierom of Prague Archbishop Cranmer Master Fox Perkins Iunius c. Save the most part of the Poetry was done by Master Quarles Father and Son sufficiently known for their abilities therein The rest the Stationer got transcribed out of Mr. Holland and other Authors What remaines but to condole the sad condition of our dayes comming short of the former Age and daily wayning thinnesse in Eminent Divines caused from our present distractions We read Ioshuah 3.16 that the waters of Iordan
of the Elements being corporally transubstantiated against the very being and nature of a Sacrament 7 The first that effectâ—ally opposed this Errour was Leuthericus remarkâ—ble for his name confining on Lactherus Archbishop of Senes in France But the French King â—o kept him under with his heavy weight upon him that he never grew up to any generall notice in the world More active was the undertaking of our Belengarius who is challenged by Baronius for reviving the opinions of Leuthericus and would not be taken off by the smiles or frowns of any who endeavoured by all meanes possible to perswade him to desist in his opposition 8 There was one Adelmanus Bishop of Brixia schoole-fellow with Berengarius who by most loving letters perswaded him to be reconciled to the Romish Church he often in his Epistolary addresses intituled Berengarius even when little better than under the Popes curse sancte Frater holy Brother and addulced his discourse with all luscious expressions unto him Moreover he minded him of the counsell which Fulbertus their Master often gave him in horto in the Garden who suspecting the activity nick-named by him turbulency of Berengarius often forwarned him with teareâ— not to innovate any thing in matters of Religion and humbly to submit his judgement to the censure of the Church Nor were promises of preferment wanting on condition he would comply with the Court of Rome who on the revocation of his opinion might easily have turned his Arch-deaconry into a Bishopricke But all was in vaine he still persisted loyall to his first principles and no golden promises could bribe his judgement against his conscience 9 Here it is no part of our imployment much lesse of our purpose to be advocate for all the fauls of Berengarius It being madnesse in any man who is unable to pay the score of his owne faults utterly to breake himselfe by being surety for the offences of others Onely we submit the ensuing particulars to the judgement of the impartiall Reader that when he meets with the manifold charges drawne up against this party accused he would be pleased to take what followeth into his serious consideration 10 First that he was a man and so subject to errour And therefore he is no man who will not afford him a pardon of course for those failings proceeding from human infirmity Secondly that he lived in a darke age and therefore was more obnoxious to stumble So that we need not condemne him that his errours were â—o many but rather praise Gods goodnesse that they were no more yea this I dare bouldly affirme that if the morning grow so proud as to scorne the dawning of the day because mixed with darkenesse Midde day will revenge her Quarrell and may justly take occasion to conteme the Morning aâ— in lustre infiriour to her selfe Thirdly Berengarius was vexed with oposition which makes men reele into violence and no reason it is that the constant temper of his soule should be guessed from som ague-fits as I may terme them of his passion and that his positive opinion should be stated from his polemicall heate when he was chafed in disputation Lastly to render him whilest living and his memory when dead more odious his Adversaries have fastened many false accusations upon him 11 We that live in this distracted age know too well how ready men are to cast aspersions on thosâ— who differ from them in point of opinion which should make us more charitable in passing our verdicts on those in former ages which dissented from the received opionions Wherefore when we read Baronius calling him hominem mendacissimum impudentissimum with other epithets to the same sence we know how to defalce our credit accordingly True it is one fault he was guilty of which we are so far from excusing or extenuating that we would throw the first stone against him our selves but that consciousnesse to our owne frailtyes commands us to hold our hands lest hitting of him we wound our selves as subject without heavens especiall support to the same infirmitiâ—s However seeing God is gloryfied in his servants weaknesse and every stumble of man is a steppe to Gods throne we will plainly and simply set downe the unexcusable inconstancy of Berengarius 12 Being summoned to appeare before Pope Leo the ninth at first he refused to obey his command therein following the Councell of Peter de waldez from whom the Waldenses received their names but afterwards being otherwise advised and wearied with the importunity of his adversaries he not onely made his personall appearance before the Pope but also solemnely in the presence of the Councell at Rome retracted and abjured his opinions Indeed formerly he had set forth a worke in the nature of an Expedient wherein he did much qualifie and mitigate his expressions abating much of their edge and sharpnesse if possibly he might have made them comply with the Sence of Rome But this proving ineffectuall and not giving expected satisfaction to the Conclave he was last faine in terminis to renounce and recant his opinion in the presence of 113. Bishops 13 But having got out of the reach of his enemies pawes he reassumed his Tenents again remitting nothing of his former zeale but rather asserting them with more ardour and vehemency then before But alasse no sooner was he seazed on the second time but that he again abjured his opinions in the Lateran Councell under Pope Gregorie the seventh to the indeleblest staine of his name for his inconstancy 14 After his second Recantation we find little of the manner of his demeanour unto the day of his death And we easily conceive that clouded with shame for his former fact he affected obscurity and lived as invisible as might be in the World We find not that he excepted of any preferment in the Church or that any was offered him A presumption that he was not re-estated in the favour of the Popish party not confiding in him as thorow paced in their Religion Charity commands us to hope that at the crowing of the Cocke of his Conscience he might awake out of his former sleepe and weepe bitterly with him who on his repentance was received into Christs favour 15 Two especiall adversaries Berengarius had Guitmundus and Lanke Franke a Lumbard the latter of more learning than Piety more parts then learniâ—g more pride then both was well rewaâ—ded for his paines for disputing and wriâ—eing against Berengarius with the rich Arch bishopricke of Canterbuâ—y But Bâ—rengarius never mounted higher then his Arch Deaconry of Angiers where he died on Epiphanie or Twelfe day Anno 1088. Dâ—fferent is the judgement of learned men concerning his finall estate Heildebert bishop of Maine and our William of Malmesbury say that he died homo novus a reclaimed man and dandle him in the lappe of the Romish Church as a true childe thereof But Cardinall Baronius lookes upon him under the notion of a Hereticke accounting his Recantation but superficiall
indited rather from his Cowardise then Conscience Oâ—r Illyricus in His catalogue of the witnesses of the Truth affords him a principall place therein We leave him to stand or fall to his owne master according to that concluding Disticke which we find in an Aauthor Cum nihil ipse vides propria â—uin labe laboret Tu tua fac cures caetera mitte Deo Seeing nought thou seest but faults are in the best Looke Thou unto thy selfe leave God the rest 16 Remarkeable are his words wherewith he breathed out his last gaspe which Illyricus reporteth to this Effect now am I to goe and appeare before God either to be acquitted by him as I hope or condemned by him as I feare Which words as they savour not of that full assurance of Salvation which God vouchsafeth to many of his servants so they carry not with them any offensive Breath of Despaire And it is no contradiction in Christianity to rejoyce before God with trembling And in this Twilight we leave Berengarius to that mercifull God who knoweth whereof we are made and remembereth we are but dust Most worthily may this Divine Old Berengarius fairely shine Within this Skie of lustrious Starres Who 'gainst Romes errours fought Truths warres Confuting with high approbation Romes sigment Transubstantiation Which did that Hierarchie so vex And with such passion so perplex That they would never give him rest But did his Soule so much molest That at the last by fraud and force They made him with most sad remorse Two severall times his Cause recant Him of his Crown thus to supplant Thus O thus oft Sols raye most rare With duskie clouds ecclipsed are IOHâ—N WICKLIâ—â—â— The Life and Deth of John Wicklief AMongst many famous Writers in this Nation as Beda Alckvine Iohn Carnotenesis Nigellus Neckam Sevall Bacanthorpe Ockam Hampoole of Armach this Wicklief is not the least of worth he was famous both for Life and Learning he was brought up in the famous Vniversity of Oxford in Merton Collâ—dge he gave himselfe after he was Master of Arts to the study of Schoole Divinity wherein having an â—xcellent acute wit he became excellently well qualified and was admired of all for his singular Learning and sweâ—tnâ—sse of behavior in King Edward the thirds time who protested that his chiefe end and purpose was to call backe the Church from her Idolatry especially in the matter of the Sacrament He was much favoured by Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Henry Percy who defended and protected him from his raging adversaries and Bishops And when Pope Gregory the eleveeth sent his Bull to Oxford to require them to root out Wicklâ—ef's Tares as he called them the Proctors and Masters were in long debate whether they should receive it or reject it In the time of King Richard the second this Wicklief was brought before the Bishops at Lambeth and had many Articles put in against him but what by the meanes of some Courtiers and Citizens of London he was again released After this William Barton Vice-chancellor of Oxford wiâ—h some other Doctors set forth an Edict against him and his followers whereupon he published a confession of his Doctrine Anno Christi 1382. the Archbishop of Canterburie held a Convocation at London and condemned the Articles of Wicklief as Heretical and when the said Archbishop with many of his adherents were gathered together about this business just as they were readie to begin their debate there fell out a great and generall Earthquake which so affrighted manie of them that they desisted from their business yet all means were used for the suppressing of his opinions but through God's mercie they could never bee exstirpated to this daie He was a great enemie to the swarms of begging Friers with whom it was harder to make war then with the Pope himselfe He denied the Pope to be the Head of the Church and pronounc'd him to be Antichrist he confuted and condemned his Doctrine about Bulls Indulgences c. The Bishop of Rome lost by his Doctrine the power of making and ordaining Bishops in England and the Tenths of spirituall promotions also the gains of his Peter-pence Whereupon Polidore Virgil cals him an infamous Hereticke He affiâ—med the Scripture to be the supreme Judg of Controversies condemned Transubstantiation c. He was a painfull and faithfull preacher of the Gospell under that famous King Edward the thiâ—d who alwaies favored and protected him against the rage of his adversaries In the raign of Richard the second he was by the power of his adversaries banished yet in all his affliction he shewed an undanted spirit At last returning from Exile he died in the yeere of our Saviour Jesus Christ whom he had Preached 1387. and was buried the last day of December at his Parsonage of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire But in the yeer 1428. which was 41. yeeres from the time of his death his dead body was by the Decree of Pope Martin the fifth and Counsell of Sene dig'd up and burned with the Execreations of that fiery Pope thus he found the cruelty of them being dead whom he had being living taught to be so He writ as Pius Aenaeas testifies more then two hundred faire volumnes most of which were burned by Sùbinck Arch-bishop of Prague in Bohemia The Catalogue of his Works you may reade in the Centuries of Ioâ—n Bale somes of them I have here set downe 1 Of Christ and antichrist 2. Of Antichrist and his members 3. Of the truth of the Scriptures 4. Of the fountain of Eâ—rors 5. A booke of Conclusions 6. 7. Of Ecclesiasticall and Civill government 8 Of the Impostures of Hipocrites 9. Of Blasphemy 10. Lectures on Daniel 11. On the Apocalyps 12. Of the marriage of Priests 13. The Divels craft against Religion 14. His policy to overthrow faith 15. Of Apostacy 16. Two bookes of Metaphysickes one containing 12. Bookes 17. Glosses upon the Scripture 18. Of falling away from Christ. 19. Of truth and lying Besides these he writ many of Philosophy and translated the Bible into the English tongue making Prefaces and Arguments to every Booke he also translated the twelve Bookes of Clement the Parson of Lanthon containing the harmony of the Evangelists And thus went out this Lampe of England of whom one thus hath said With our old English writers rare John Wicklief justly might Compare For Learning Life and solid Witt And many Works he rarely Writt Contending stoutly 'gainst Romes Errours Nere daunted by their threats or terrours But to his death still fought faiths fight And thus went out this Lamp of Light But being dead Rome did so rave 'Gainst this Faiths Champion that from 's grave They digged-up his Bones with ire And burnt as Hereticks in fire Thus was Romes Folly Rage exprest To burn dead Bones of Soules at rest IOHANNES HVS The Life and Death of John Huss THE faire fruit of effects is vertually couched in the small seeds of their causes 1 Iohn Huss
be drowned When he came to the Earles of Mansfield he was entertained by a hundred horsemen or more of the Court and was brought into Isleben very honourable but very sick and almost past recovery which thing he said did often befall him when he had any great businesse to undertake But using some meanes for cure of his infirmity he sate at supper with the company and so continued to doe from the 29. of Ianuary to the 17. of February and treated of the dfferences for whose determination he came thither In this time he preached sometimes and twice received the Lords Supper and publickely received two Students into the sacred order of the Ministery And at his lodging used much godly conference at Table with his friends and every day devoutly prayed The day before his death though he was somewhat weake yet he dined and supped with his company and at supper spak of divers matters and among other passages asked Whether in heaven we should know one another when the rest desired to heare his judgement thereof He said What befell Adam he never saw Eve but was at rest in a deep sleep when God formed her yet when he awaked and saw her he asketh not what she was nor whence she came but saith that she was flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone Now how knew he that He being full of the Holy Ghost and endued with the knowledge of God thus spake After the same manner we also shall be in the other life renewed by Christ and shall know our parents our wives and children and all about us much more perfectly then Adam knew Eve at her bringing to him After supper when he went aside to pray as was his custome the paine in his breast began to increase whereupon by the advise of some there present he tooke a little Vnicornes horne in wine and after that slept quietly an houre or two on a pallat neer the fire When he awaked he betooke himselfe to his chamber went to bed bidding his friends good nght admonished them who were present to pray God for the propagation of the Gospell because the Councell of Trent and the Pope would attempt wonderfull devises against it Having thus said after a little silence he fell a sleep But was awaked by the violence of his disease after midnight Then complained he againe of the narrownesse of his breast and perceiving that his life was at an end he thus implored Gods mercy and said O heavenly father my gratioâ—s God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ thou God of Consolation I give the all hearty thanks that thou hast revealed to me thy Son Iesus Christ whom I beleeve whom I professe whom I love whom I glorifie whom the Pope of Rome and the rout of the wicked persecute aâ—d dishonour I beseech thee Lord Iesus Christ â—o receive my soul. O my gracious heavenly Father though I be taken out of this life though I must now lay downe this frailâ— body yet I certainely know that I shall live with with thee eternally and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands He added moreover God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son that every one who beleeveth in him should not perish but have life everlasting And that in the 68. Psalme Our God is the God of salvation and our Lord is the Lord who can deliver from death And here taking a medicine and drinking it he further said Lord I render up my spirit into thy hands and come to thee And againe Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit thou O God of truth hast redeemed me Here as one falling asleep and without any bodily pain that could be discerned he departed this life And when Doctor Ionas and Caelius said O reverend father doe you dye in the constant confession ofâ— that doctrine of Christ which you have hitherto preached He answered so as he might be heard yea which was the last word he spake Thus he in his native Country not having seen it many years before dyed much lamented by many This â—ell on the eighteen day of Febru on the day in the Calender ascribed to Concord about three a clock in the morning in the great climactericall year of his age Soon after his body put into a coffin of Lead was carried in funerall manner to the Temple of Isleben where Iustas Ionas preached Then the Earles of Mansfield desired that his body should be interred within their territories But the Elector of Saxony required that he should be brought bark to Wittenberge In the returne thereof which way so â—vâ—r it went it was honourably attended and with much griefe accompanied out of each Princes Dominion and at lengh upon the twenty two of February in the afternone was brought to Wittenberg and was carried into the Temple neare adjoyning to the Castle with such a troope of Princes Earles Nobles their living as students and other people that the like was seldome or never seâ—n in that towne When the funerall rites were perforned Pomeranus preached to an assâ—mbly of many thousands And after that Melancthon with many teares and â—igheâ— made a funerall Oration When this was don the coffin with his body was put by the hands of divers learned men into the tombe near to the Pulpit in which he had made many learned Sermonâ— before divers Princes Electors and the Congregation of many faithfull Christians In a brazen plate his picture lively deciphered was there set up with Verses by it to this effect This Sepulchre great Luthers Corpes contanes This might suâ—â—ice yet read these following strains HEre in this Vrne doth Martin Luther resâ— And sweetly sleep in hope to rise most blest By whose rare pains firme faith and Christs free Grace Which formerly thick Fogs of Error base And Duskie Clouds â—j Wâ—rks desert hid quite Were well reduced to their ancient Light For when blind Superstition ruled All And did fair Trnth long time suppresse and thrall He by Gods Word and Spirits inspiration The Gospels Light re-spred for every Nation And well-instructed by Pauls sacred voyce Scorning Romes Cheats to teach pure Truth made choyce And as John Baptist in the Wildernesse Did Gods Lamp who heals Sin Preach and expresse So O Sweet Christ did Luther cleare thy booke When all the World was caught with Errors â—ooke And what the difference was betwixt the Law Whose tables Moses brake though God he saw Vpon Mount-Sinai and the Gospell sweet Which heales Sin conscious hearts which Gods wrath meet This difference lost to th' World he did restore That so Christs gifts of Grace might shine the more He stoutly did oppose Romes Cheats and Charmes And Papall rule which wrought Gods Saints great harmes Exhorting all Romes idols for to flye He many souls wan to true piety And mauger all Romes threats and snares most slie Finisht in Faith his Course most valiantly Dying in peace his Soule with Christ doth rest Crown'd with immortall Glory
truely blest For which rare Doctor let both high and low Blesse God that they so clear Christs truth doe know And pray the Lord that these his Gospels rayes May to the World shine-forth for datelesse dayes Philip Melancthon Dead is grave Luther worthy all due praise Who set forth Christ in Faiths illustrious rayes His Death the Church laments with sighs sincere Who was her Pastour nay her Patron deare Our Israels Chariots and Horsemen rare Is dead with me let All sad Sables weare Let them their griefe in groaning verses sing For such sad Knells such Orphans best may ring Theodore Beza Rome tam'd the World the Pope tam'd Rome so great Rome rul'd by power the Pope by deep Deceit But how morâ— large than theirs was Luthers Fame Who with One Pen both Pope and Rome doth tame Goe fictious Greece goe tell Alcides then His Club is nothing to great Luthers Pen. John Major By Luthers labours Leo the tenth is slaine Not Hercles Club but Luthers Pen's his bane Joachim a Beuft When Luther dy'd then with him dy'd most sure A Crown and credit of Religion pure His Soul soar'd up to heaven on Concords day Which tended Luther thither on his way Deare Christ since Discord followed with Coats rent Give to thy Spouse Elijahs ornament Upon his Tomb-stone the University of Wittenberg as to her beloved father engraved MARTINI LVTHERIS THEOLOGIAE D. CORPVS H. L. S. E. QVI ANNO CHRISTI M. Dâ—XLVI.XII CAL. MARTII EISLEBII IN PATRIAS M. O. C. V. AN. LXIII M.III.D.X Luthers writing were published at Wittenberg and Iene in severall Towns both in Latine and German tongue Part of them were expositions of Scriptures part doctrinall part polemicall Of these this was his own judgement Aâ—ove all I beseech the godly Reader and I beseech him for our Lord Iesus Christs sake that he would read my writings judiciously and with much piâ—ying my case In Wedlock he lived chastly and godly above twenty yeers and when he dyed left three sons and Catharin de Bora a widdow who lived after his death seven years To her it was a great griefe that her husband died in a place far from her so that she could not be with him and performe the last conjugall offices to him in his sicknesse In the time of the war which presently followed she wandred up and down with her orphants and in banishment was exposed to many difficulties and dangers And besides the miseries of widowhood which are full many the ingratitude of many did much afflict her for where she hoped for kindenesse in regard of her husbands worthy and noble deserts of Gods Church often she was put of with great indignity When afterward her house at Wittenberg in time of pestilence was infected she for her childrens safety as became a godly mother betook her selfe to Torg where was also an University But in the way when the horses affrighted ran out and seemed to indanger the waggon she amazed not so much for her owne as her childrens preservation lept out of the Waggon whereby poore wretch she grievously bruised her body in the fall and being cast into a poole of cold water caught thereby a disease of which she lay sick three months in banishment and pining away at length dyed quietly in the year 1552. Welfare those gentle Quilâ— whose ere they be Whose meritorioâ—s labours shall set free The Urne imprisoned Dust of that renown'd Thrice famous Luther Let his head be crown'd With sacred Immortality and rais'd Much rather to be wondred at then prais'd Let Bâ—bes unborn like fruitfull plants bring forth To after dayes new Monumeâ—ts of his worth And time out lasting Name that Babels Whore And all his bald-paâ—e panders may ev'n rore For very anguish and then gnaw and bite Their tongues for malice and their nailes for spite Whilst men made perfect in his well know story May all turne Patrâ—os and protect his Glory ERASMVS ROTERDAMVS The life and Death of Desiderius Erasmuâ— HIs Sirnamâ— implyes the place of his birth Roterdam is a City of Holland Holland the seat of the ancient Batavi but now illustrious by the production of one pen then by all her former harvests of pykes Seaven Citâ—es no coâ—temptible portion of witty and work-like Greece accouâ—ted the Nativitie of Homer so great an access to their other glories that they seriously contested about it Although Homer because Antiquity will have it so be greater then Erasmus yet litle Roterdam hath more to boast of in him then great Athens Smyrna Rhodes Colophon Chios Salamis or Argos in the other For it is certaine Erasmus was born at Roterdam but pitch upon what City of those seven you please it is six to one whether Homer was born there or not But what talke we of Roterdam Rhenamus sticks not to impute his Nativity to the fortune of Emperors and felicity of the whole German Empire within the limits whereof he was born upon the vigil or Eve of Simon and Iude under Frederick the third But in what yeer of our Lord or that Emporors raigne is not remembred this is certaine in the yeer of grace 1519. he was either 50. or 52. his mothers name was Margaret daughter to one Peter a physitian of Zavenberg his father Gerard. These accompanied together secretly but not without promise of marriage untill the young woman proved with childe Gerards father was named Helias his wife Catherine each of them lived till past 95. They had ten Sonnes without any daughters all married except Gerard who was the youngest save one All of them much resented this Clandestine combination and commixture betwixt Gerard and Margaret wherefore to prevent their marriage to gaine his portion to themselves and yet not loose a brother able in time to feast them at his owne cost they resolve out of ten to give Gerard as the Tieth unto God that is to dedicate him to the Church whereby perceiving himselfe excluded from marriage and not yet resolved to enter into holy Orders he fled to Rome By the way he wrot back to his friends the reason of his journey he intimated by the impresse of his seal which had one hand infolded in another In the meane time Margaret was brought to bed and the child the subject of this discourse cheerfully received and carefully nourished by his grandâ—mother Gerard after his arrivall at Rome maintained himselfe by his Pen for he wrote an exellent hand and Printing was not then found out or but in the infancy In processe of time the Copying out of learned bookes begate in him a love to learning it selfe so that besides his knowledge in the Tongues both Greek and Latin he became a considerable proficient in the Lawes which he might the more easily doe Rome then abounding with many learned and able Schollers and he himselfe having the happinesse to be an Hearer of Guarinus His father and brethren having certaine intilligence both of his being and well being at Rome fraudulently advertise
Grunnium Ad Fratres Germaniae inferioris Spongia adversus aspergines Hutteni Pantalabus sine adversus fâ—bricitantem Adversus Mendacium obtrectationem Antibarbarorum liber 1. Ad quosdam Gracculos Epistola Responsio ad Petri curâ—ii defensionem De Termino De vita phrasi Operibus Originis Besides these you have in the University Library at Oxford not set forth by Frobenius De novo Evangelio novisque Evangelistis judicium Auris Batanaâ— Vita Coleti Duo Diplomata Papae Adriani â—um responsionibus Detestatio Belli Precatio ad Iesum cum aliis Ejaculationibus De Hollandis Translated out of Greeke Classis 5. Ex S. Chrysostomo Adversus Iudaeos Homiliae 5. De Lazaro Divite Hom. 4. De Visâ—one Hom. 5. De Philogone Martyre Hom. 1. De Orando Deum Libri 2. De Davide et Saul lib. 3. Quam Presbyter esset designatus Hom. 1 In psalm Cantate Domino Quam Sarionius et Aureliamus acti essent in exilium Hom. 1. De fide Annae Hom. 2. Commentariorum in Acta Apost Hom. 4 Commentariorum in 2. dam ad Cor. Hom. 7. In Epistolam ad Galatas In Epistol ad Philipp Hom. 2. Ex S. Athanasio De Spiritu Sancto Epistolae 2. Contra Eusebium de Nicaena Sinod Ep. 2 Apologetici Duo adversus eos qui Calumniabanter quod in Persequutio nefugisset Ex S. Athanasio De Passione Domini Hom. 1. De hoc quod Scriptum est in Evangelio Vicum q. Contra vos est De Virginitate De peccato in Spiritum De Spiritu Sancto Ex S. Basilio Principium Esaiae De Spiritu Sancto lib. 1. De laudibus Iejunii lib. 2. Fragmentum Originis in Evang. S. Matth. Euripidis Hecuba Iphigenia Theodori Gazae Grammatices lib. 2. Declamatio alia quaedam ex Libanio Ex Plutarcho De discrimine Adulatoris Amici Quo pacto capi possit utilitas ex inimico De Tuenda bona valetudine Principi maxime Philosophandum An graviores sint Animi morbi quam Corporis De Cupiditate divitiarum An recte dictum sit ab Epicuro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 De cohibenda iracundia De Curiositate De vitiosa verecundia Galeni exhortatio ad bonas literaâ— Isocrates de Regno administrando ad Nicodem Regem Tyrannus Zenophonius Luciani Saturnalia Cronosolon sive leges Saturnaliciae Epistolae Saturnales De Luctu Icoromenippus Toxaris Pseudomantis Somnium sive Gallus Timon Abdicatus Tyrannicida De mercede conductus Dialogus Cnemonis Damippi Dialogus Zenophantae Callidemi Dialogus Menippi Mercurii Dialogus Menippi Amphilochi Triphonie Dial. Charontis Menippi Dial. Cratetis ac Diogenis Dial. Mirei ac Thersitae Dial. Diogenis ac Mausoli Dial. simyli ac Polystrati Dial. Veneris ac Cupidinis Dial. Doridis ac Galateae Dial. Martis ac Mercurii Dial. Mercurii ac Maiae Dial. Diogenis ac Alexandri Dial. Menippi Chironis Dial. Menippi Cerberi Hercules Gallicus Eunuchus De Sacrificiis De Astrologia Lapithae sive convivium Fathers and other Authors set forth Corrected and Commented upon by Erasmus Classis 6. Augustini opera omnia 10. Tomis Hieronymi opera omnia 9. Tomis Cypriani opera omnia Irenaei opera Arnobius Ciceronis Officia De Amiciâ—ia De Senectute Paradoxa Quintus Curtius Suetoniâ—s Aelius Spartiaâ—us Iulius Capitolinus Aelius Lampridius Vulcâ—tius Galliâ—â—â—â—s Trebellius Pollio Flavius Vopiscus In Nucem Oâ—idii Commentarii In Catonem de Moribus Commentarii Notae in Plautum Notae in Terentium Notae in Quintilianum Notae in utrumque Senecam Two Bookes of his Antibarbarus was lost in England many of his most elaboâ—â—te Declamations at Rome two Books de Eucharistia he finished but supprest He left imperfect at his death a just Commentary upon S. Pauls Epistle to the Romans with many other Treatises since crept into other Mens Workes And it is to be noted that the Index Expurgatorius hath made more bold with no Mans Bookes then with his so that the first Impression are infinitely the best This famous and renowned Writer Erasmus Author and Inditer Of many learned Workes of Worth Which in his life time he set forth Was for his Learning and rare Parts His Wit his Wisedome skill in Arts And Languages and Uertues rare Wherein he justly might compare With his Contemporaries best In such esteeme and high request With all the Princes Potentates And learned Clerkes of all the States In Christendome which knew or saw him That they contended who should draw him To live with them Him to enjoy And with them his rare Parts t' employ Sending him many Gifts most great His presence with them to entreat But crown'd at last with honours Bayes In Basil He did end his dayes As full of yéeres as fragrant fame Leaving behinde an honoured Name HVLRICVS ZVINGLIVS The life and Death of Huldericus Zuinglius In the yeer of our Lord God one thousand four hundred eighty and seven Huldericus Zuinglius the Angel of the Church at Tigurum was borne and on the first of Ianuary in a little village which in the language of the Switzers is called Wild-house he was descended from pious vertuous and Religious Parents his Father also being a man advanced unto great dignity and authority amongst the Switzers in regard of his approved and well deserving parts He by daily observation without doubt to his great comfort seeing and perceiving more then an ordinary towardlinesse in his Sonne and beholding a future worth to discover it selfe even from his infancy and cradle not onely for the advancement of the glory of God but also for the benefit and profit of his native soyle and Countrey therein conferring a more charitable and friendly censure on him then that School-master on Thenistocles and causing others also to make triall of his ingenious disposition who beheld his naturall parts with astonishment and admiration he was very carefull to perfect nature by Art for that cause his age condescending thereunto he committed him unto the tuition of a certain School-master living not far from the place of his birth to be instructed trained up in the elements grounds of the Latin tongue with whom in short time by reason of the vigilancy and watchfulnesse of the one and the carefulnesse and industry of the other he attained not without great applease to that discretion and judgement that he esteemed those things which were read unto him as a subject fitter and more convenient for duller braines then for his quick and ready apprehension This proceeding therefore not answering his expectation he removed thence and being not yet fully ten yeeres old he was sent unto Basil a City in Germany situate upon the River of Rhine where he obtained for his Tutor Gregorius Biâ—â—zlius eminent in those daâ—es for the excellent endowments of learning and piety wherewith he was invested under whom this Huldericus attained unto that perfection both in civil behaviour and learning that he seemed alwaies to exceed out-strip go beyond and carry away the
most regenerate which made him almost abstaine from all such meetings or if he came he commonly brought with him some learned Second with whom he conferred in Latin Ne intelligerent Sacerdotes His custome was to begin and end dinner with the same dish to content himselfe with one glasse of Beer or two at the most and though he loved rich Wines yet he drank of the best but very sparingly knowing that all mens eyes then present were upon him He had a wonderfull happy wit himselfe and was much taken with it in others especially young Boyes and Maids with whose naturall purity softnesse and simplicity he seemed greatly effected and the rather because our Saviour himselfe commends in them those qualities to our imitation In many things he dissented from those who thought themselves learned in some from those who indeed were so to whom onely he unbosomed himselfe especially if they were his friends your Scotists who then seemed to monopolize and divide the whole stock of wit amongst themselves he eâ—teemed of all others the most dull barbarous stupid and insufferable dunces And yet of Acquinas I know not upon what grounds he had a worse opinion then of Scotus In whose defence when it was objected by Erasmus perhaps ironically for he was no great friend to either that of all the ancient Schoolmen Aquinas onely seemed to have read the Fathers witnesse his Aurea Catena and that some of his Workâ— were highly commended for stirring up mens affections to piety Colet answered what tell you me of his reading or stirrring up affections unlesse he had beene transported with the Spirit of Arrogance he had never so rashly and yet so magisterially peremptorily presumed to define all points of Religion and if he had not savored too much of the flesh he had not therewith mixed so much vaine and fruitlesse Phylosophy He was no great admirer of Monks not that he hated the Profession but because he saw the Professors lived not accordingly wherfore whilst he lived he gave them little when he dyed nothing And yet his intent and purpose was to end his dayes in a Monastery if he could have found one qualified to his minde This by many was censured in him that although he himselfe lived most chastly and as Erasmus verily beleeveth dyed a pure Virgin notwithstanding his naturall inclination to the Contrary yet he had a very charilable opinion of such Priests and Frierâ— whose greatest fault was their umcleannâ—sse For said he these out of the Conscience of their owne imperâ—ection are for the most part humble modeâ—t and tractable whereas the divell himselfe were he not what he is could hardly abide the pride avarice and hypocrisie of the other Not that he thought incontinence a light Sinne but intractability and pride far more incompatible with piety And therefore though it was his ill luck to live under a perverse and wrangling Diocesan of whom we shâ—ll say more anon yet he was a true friend to Episcopacy by being a mortal enemy to such Bishops as under an hypocriticall maske of sanctity proâ—tituted their sacred function to ambition and Luxury Relative worship he held no such spur to Devotion as some would make it And was not farre from their opinion who thinke a notoriously wicked Priest operates nothing by his consecration for he abominated irregularity especially in his owne order and could not but wiâ—h indignation looke upon those whose impure and contaminated lives gave the first rise and ground to this suspition whether true or false In his judgement concerning publike Schooles and Vniversities he was not onely heterodox but like the bird spoken of in the Proverb cleerly bewrayed diverse Symptoms of an exulcerated minde but let that passe amongst Moles in the most beautifull faces Secret Confession he generally approved as that whereby himselfe had received much comfort and benefit but as much disliked that which was too anxious and descended to a needlesse enumeration of what can no more be numbered then the starres in heaven or sand upon the Sea shore Priests here in his time Officiated once every day he contented himself with Sundayes and Holy-daies it may be to set the greater edge upon his Devotion which by these intervals was the more sharpned or perhaps to gaine the more time for his private studies the better to fit himselfe for his Cathedrall or Pulpit imployments Learning he really loved and laboured for onely that Encuclopedicall wisdome which cannot be attained but by knowledge of all Arts and devouring of all bookes he esteemed rather a learned sort of madnesse then any true provocation to Christian simplicity and charity He deferred much to the Apostolicall Epistles but when he compared them with that sweetnesse wisdome and majesty which is to be found in our Saviours owne sayings and Sermons he thought them saplesse and scarce to be named the same day which as one of his Paradoxes I leave to be sensured by the Reader for both proceede from the same Spirit Howsoever omitting the former the latter he intended to trichotomize or reduce unto Ternaries but was prevented by death Gods worship and Service as much as in him lay he performed with an equall decency and magnificence and was no great approver either of their zeale or wisdome who tyed Priests every day those wherein they travell not exceped to the private repetition of so many and long prayers which perhaps he knew by experience they rather mumbled over with their lips then considerately evaporated from their hearts He willingly and attentively read over many Hereticall bookes professing he sometimes bettered himselfe more by them then theirs who without dispute define what they please and as they please He indured not that any man should square his stile by the rules of Grammer or Grammarians but by reading and imitating the most approved Authors which opinion brought its owne punishmeat with it for though he was eloquent both by nature and erudition yet when he set himselfe to write in Latin he often tript even in things common and obvious to every School-boy which did so much discourage him that he never set forth any thing it were to be wished his modestey had not so much stumbled at this straw for certainly howsoever his expression had taken the eare his conceptions could not have disrellished the understanding but in this as in many things else he dissented from the common Tenets and practice both of his owne and former times yet so as his private opinions never troubled the publike peace his friends were as many as there were men of learning and Candor in the whole kingdome His greatest enemies were certaine illiterate and irregular Friers and amongst these his own Bishop of whose Sophisticall Scoâ—istry the Deane made no great account and the Bishop as little of his Ciceronian Divinity The heart burning went so farre that at last it broke forth into Articles wherein the Bishop assisted by two of his brethren almost as learned and Cordat
none But said he I will till thee newes being demandâ—d what it was he answered Brevi ero apud Christum Dominum I shall in short time be with Christ my Lord. In the morning before he died he repeated the 51. Psalme of David at the end whereof he addedâ— Salva me Christi Iesu being never heard afterwards to utter any word those who were present betooke themselves unto their prayers wherein they continued untill he had surrendered his Spirit unto his Creator which was willingly and cheerefully performed by him on the first of Dâ—cember in the yeer of our Lord 1531. and in the 49. yeer of his age and was buried with great lamentation in the sâ—me City He died intestâ—te quia unde conderet pauper Christi servas non habebat He was of a meeke and quiet disposition in the undertaking of any businesse he was very circumspect and nothing indeed was more pleasing unto him then to spent his time in reading and commenting the workes which he left behind him are these which follow 1 Annotations on Genesis 2 On Iob. 3 Isaiah 4 Ieremiah 5. Ezekill 6 Daniel 7 Hosea 8 Amos. 9 Ionas 10. Micah Cap. 2. 11. On the three last Prophets 12. On the Plasmes 13 Matthew 14 Romans 15 Hebrewes 16 1 Epistle of Iohn 17 Of the genuine sense of these words Hoc en corpus meum 18â— An exhortation to the reading of Gods word 19 Of the dignity of the Eucarist 20 Of the joy of tâ—e resurrection 21 A speech to the Senaâ— of Basil. 22 A Catectisme 23 Annotations on Chrisostome 24 Enchyidion to the Greeke tongue 25â— Aâ—ainst Anabaptists 26 Annotations upon the Aâ—ts and Corinthians 27 Of Almsdeeds 28 Against Julian the Apostata 29 Of truâ— faith in Christ. 30 Of the praises of Cyprian 31 Of the life of the Mâ—ses 32 Against Vsury Reader behold the rare-adorned Face Of him whose very lookes import a grace He was a Man whose constancy to truth Ripen'd in age and blossom'd in his youth He was a rocke whose daring front disdain'd Papisticke Waves he still oppos'd and gain'd The upper hand though threatning danger lin'd Each word he spoke yet would he speake his minde T was not their proffer'd wealth could make him bold To sin in Want and then repent in Gold Religion was the Starre by which he steer'd His well run-course his heart was still endeer'd Two sollid Principlâ— he lov'd to court The truth Love was his Ship and heav'n his port The life and death of JOHN FRITH Who suffered Martyrdome 1533. IOhn Frith was borne at Weâ—trame in Kent in whom being a child nature had planted a marvelous love unto learning he had also a wonderful Promptnesse of wit a ready capacity to receive understand any thing neither was there any thing wanting in him equall unto that towardness of dispsiâ—ion whereby it came to passe that he was not onely a lover of learning but also became an exquifite learned man He first begun his sâ—udy at Cambridge where he profited much in all sorts of learning At last he fell into knowledge of and acquaintance with William Tindall through whose pious instructions that seed of the Gospel and sincere godlinesse was first instilled into his heart At that time Cardinall Wolsey prepared to build a sumptious Colledge in Oxford now called Christs colledge And sought out for such as did excell in knowledge and learning to be Fellowes in the same and amongst others Iohn Frith was appointed one Now these choice yong men there placed conferâ—ing together upon the abuses of Religion which at that time were crept into the Church were therefore accused of heresie and cast into prison where many of them through the filthy stink thereof dyed Afterwards Iohn Frith with the others remaining alive being dismissed out of prison went beyond the seas and too yeeres after returning he was taken for a Vagabond at Reading and set in the stocks where he remained untill he was almost pined with hunger at lenght he desired that the Schoolmaster of the towne might be brought unto him which was Leoward Coxe a learned man assoone as he came in the Latin tongue he bewailed his captivity unto him The Schoolmaster being overcome with his eloquence did not onely take pity and compassion upon him but also begin to love embrace him especially when he spake unto him in the Greeke tongue and rehersed by heart diverse Verses out of Homer whereupon the Scholemaster went with all speed unto the Magistrates and procured his enlargment Yet this his safety continued not long through the deadly hatred of Sir Thomas Moore at that time chancellor of England who persecuted him both by Sea and land promising great rewards to any man that could bring tidings of him Thus this good man being beset with troubles round about wandred up and downe from place to place untill at the length being betrayed by a seeming friend he was apprehended and sent unto the Tower of London where he had many disputes with Sir Thomas Moore and others touching the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. In which quarrell he withstood the violence of three most obstinate enemies with the Bishop of Rochester Moore and Rastall but he fighting with them all three at once did so refute and confound them that he converted Rastall to his part But when neither Scripture nor reason would prevaile against the firce and crulty of of these furious foes the twentieth day of Iune 1533. he was brought before the Bishops sitting in Pauls Church where they ministred certaine interrogatives unto him touching the Sacrament Purgatory to w ch he answered according to his former disputation and subscribed unto his answer these words with his owne hand I Frith thus doe thinke and as I thinke so have I said written taught and affirmed and in any Bookes published So that when as by no meanes he could be perswaded to recant he was condmned by the Bishop of London to be burned and so being delivered over unto the Mayor and Sheriffes of London the forth day of Iuly he was by them carryed into Smithfield to be burned when he was tyed to the stake he shewed much constancy and courage for when as the fire and faggots were put unto him he willingly embraced the same thereby declaring with what uprightnesse of minde he suffered those torments for Christs and the truths sake whereof that day he gave with his blood a perfect and firme testimony The winde drove away the flame from him unto his fellow Martyr Andrew Hewet who was burned with him which made his death the longer and his paines the greater But God assisted him with such strength and fortifyed his soule with such patience that he seemed rather to rejoyce for his fellow then to be carefull for himselfe as if he had felt no paine in that long torment There is one thing more very observable concerning this constant Martyr Iohn Frith that whereas the Bishop of Canterbury
little as the others Anno Christi 1530. when the Diet was held at Augusta for quieting of the controversies about Religion the Duke of Brunswick coming thither by importunity prevailed with Regius to go to Luneburg in his Country to take care of the Church there in which journey at Gobuâ—g he met with Luther and spent a whole day in familiar confâ—rence with him about matters of great moment of which himselfe write's That he never had a more comfortable day in his life Erâ—nestus Duke of Brunswick loved him dearly and esteemed him as his father insomuch as when the City of Augusta sent to the Dâ—ke desiring him to returne Regius to them againe he answered that he would as soone part with his eyes as with him and presently after he made him Bishop and over-seer of all the Churches in his Country with an ample salary for the same afterwards going with his Prince to a meeting at Haganaw he fell sick by the way and within few dayes with much cheerfulnesse yeelded up his soule into the hands of God Anno Christi 1541 he often desired of God that he might dye a sudden and easie death wherein God answered his desires He was of an excellent wit holy of life and painfull in the worke of the Lord. Reader this serious Fathers well-spent dayes Were fill'd with love and love was fill'd with praise He was abjured by a Noble race Which made him onely debtor but not base Heav'n was his port to which he faild through tearsâ— Steer'd by his faith blowne by the winde of prayers Let his example teach us to invest Our hearts with wisdome and we shall be blest With him who now enjoyes the life of pleasure Whose comforts know no end whose joyes no measure He that shall choose true vertue for his guide May march on boldly and not feare a slide The Life and Death of CARALOSTADIUS Who died Anno Christi 1541. ANdreas Bodenstein Caralostadius was borne in France in a towne called Caralostadium by which he received hâ—s name he was brought up at Schoole there where afterwards he went to Rome and having spent sometime in the study of Divinity he went thence to Wittenberg where he commensed Doctor in Divinity and was a publicke Professor Anno Christi 1512. afterwards he became an earnest asâ—ertor of Lutheâ—'s doctrine and a defendor of it against Eccâ—us both by disputation and writing at the time of Luther's being in his Pathmos Caralostadius obtained of the Elector the abolishing of private Masse Auricular confession Images c. at Wittenberg which Luther being offended at returned presently thither and Peeached eagerly against that alteration whereupon Caralostadius wrote in justification of it which was the first beginning of greater differences betwixt them about the Sacrament whereupon he left Wittenberg 1524. and went to Orlamund being called to a Pastorall charge there but after a while he was called back to his place in Wittenberg yet before he went Luther being sent by the Elector of Iene and Orlamund in a Sermon where â—aralostadius was present he enveighed bitterly against the Anabaptists and said withall That the same spirit reignd in the Image-haters and Sacramentaries whereupon Caralostadius being much offended went to his lodging to confer with him about it afterwards Luâ—her coming to Orlamund went not to salute Caralostadius but in his Sermon quarrelled with their abolishing of Idols and shortly after he procured the Elector to banish Caralostadius whereof Caralostadius afterwards complained in a letter to his people in Wittenberg that unheard and unconvicted he was banished by Luther's procurement from thâ—nce he went to Basil where hâ— printed some bookâ— that he had written about the Lord's Supper for which the Magistrates being offended with the novelty of the Doctrine cast the Printers into prison and the Senate of Tigurine for bad thâ—ir people to read those books but Zuinglius in his Sermon exhorted them first to read aad then to passe judgement on them saying That Caralostadius knew the truth but had not well expressed it afterwards Caralostadiuâ— wandring up and downe in upper Germany when the sedition of the boorish Anabaptists brake out unto which they were stirred up by Muncer and for which many of them were brought to punishment Caralostadius also escaped very narrowly being let downe in a basket over the wallâ— of Rottenberg being in great streights he wrote to Luther and purged himselfe from having any hand in those uproars entreating him to print his book and undertake his defence which also Luther did desiring the Magistrates that he might be brought to his just triall before he waâ— condemned Caralostadius wrote againe to him a Letter wherein he said That for his opinion about the Sacrament he rather proposed it for disputation sake then that he positively affirmed any thing w ch many imputed to him for levity but Luther thereupon procured his return into Saxonie yet he finding little content there went to Tigurine and taught in that place till the death of Zuinglius and then he went to Basil where he taught ten yeers and An. 1541. he died there of the plague and was very honorably buried This grave Divine ceas'd not from taking paines More for the Churches good then his owne gaines Yet were his gaines as great as his desire He that obtaines true vertue need require No greater profit he that studies how To live here-after must not set his brow On Earths loe things the pleasure of the Earth Prov'd this grave Fathers sorrow not his mirth His thoughts were all divine he could not hide Within his Season'd breast the flames of pride He was an Image-hater and would not Let them be worshipp'd and his God forgot 'T was not a Prison could his heart apale He that has virtue needs no other baile The life and death of CAPITO Who died Anno Christi 1541. WOlfgangus Fabricius Capito was borne at Hagenaw in Alsatia his Father was of the Senatorian ranke who bred him in learning and sent him to Basil where he studied Physick and proceeded Doctor of it aftâ—r hiâ— Father's death he studied Divinity Anno Christi 1504 and under Zasias a great Lawyer he studied Law also and proceeded Doctor of â—t He was a great lovâ—r and admirer of godly Ministers at Heidleberg he grew into acquaintance with Oecolampadius and there was a neer tye of friendship betwixt them all their lives after with him also he studied Hebrew and became a Preacher first in Spire and thencâ— was câ—lled to Basil from thence he was sent for by the Elector Palatine who made him his Preacher and Counsellor and sent him of divers Embassies also by Charles the fifth he was made of the order of Knights from Mentz he followed Bucer to Argenâ—ine where he was called to a Pasâ—oral charge he was a very prudent and eloquent man a good Hebrician 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 illius pascendam Anno 1525. being called into his owne Country he Preached and administred the Lord's Supper to his owne Citizens and Baptized without the Popish Ceremonies he was present and disputed at Berne against the Popish Masse c. He was with others chosen by the Protestants to goe the to Diet at Ratisbone for the setling of Religion and returning home in a great and generall infection he died to the Plague An. Christi 1541 of his Age 63. Industrious Capito at first inclind Himselfe to cure the body next the minde Being endow'd with most excellent parts He did as t' were monopolize the Artâ— He lov'd Religion and was alwayes free T' extoll the worth of practis'd piety He honor'd peace his heart was fil'd with hope That he might live to contradict the Pope And so he did he labour'd to prevent The Ceremonâ—es of their Sacrament And to conclude he labour'd to confute Their babling Masse He 's blest without dispute The Life and Death of LEO JUDAE who died Anno Christi 1542. LEo Iudae was born Anno Christi 1482. brought up at Schoole and from thence sent to Basil where he joyned in study with Zuinglius was an hearer of Doctor Wittenbash by whom he was instructed in the knowledge of the Gospel â—here also he was made a Deacon and from thence he was called into Helvetia where he â—et himselfe to the study of the Orientall Tongues and to read the Fathers especially Hierom and Augustine as also he read diligently the books of Luther Eraâ—mus and Capito at length being called to a Pastorall charge at Tigure he opposed the Popish doctrine and Ceremonies both in the Pulpit and Presse thâ—re he continued eighteen yeeres and spent much of it in expounding the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein being growne very skilfull he set upon at the importunity of his breathren 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 but this worke proving very great he was so wasted with labor and old age that he died before he finished it Anno Christi 1542. and of his Age 60. leaving undone Iob the forty last Psalmes Proverbs Ecâ—lesiastes 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 Presse which he carefully performed Four dayes before his death sending for the Pastors and Professors of Tigure he made before them a Confession of his Faith concerning GOD the Scriptures the Person and Office of CHRIST concluding Huic Iesu Christo Domino liberatori meo c. To this my Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ my hope and my salvation I wholly offer up my soule and body I cast my selfe wholly upon his mercy and grace c. Heaven was the object where he fixt his eyes Truth was his Marke Religion was his Prise His studious heart was active to contrive How to keepe other pining Souls alive With heavenly Food he never lov'd to feed In secret Corners and let others need He never usâ—d to sweepe away the Crums From his poore Flock and feed their souls with Hums Like our new-babling Pastors which infuse Illiterate Words patch'd up with flattring News He would not blind them with the intising charms Of Falseties or bid them take up Armes Except for heaven within whose Tent he sings Anthems of Pleasure to the King of Kings The Life and Death of MYCONIUS who died Anno Christi 1546. Fâ—â—idericus Myconius was borne in Franconia of religious parents and bred up at Schoole till he was thirteen yeeres old and then he was sent to Annaeberg where he studied till he was twenty and then entred into a Monastery there without the knowledge of his parents the first night after his entrie he had a dream which proved propheticall In that place he read the Schoole-men and Augustine's Workes He read also at meal-time the Bible with Lyra's notes on it which he did seven yeeres together with so much exactnesse that he had it almost by heart but dispairing of attaining to learning he left his studieâ— and fell to Mechanicall Arts About which time Tecâ—liuâ— brought his Indulgences into Germany boasting of thâ— virtue of them and exhorting all as they loved their owne and their dead friends salvation that they should buy them c. Myconius had been taught by his fâ—ther the Lord's Prayer the Creed the Decalogue and to pray often and that the blood of Christ onely could cleanse uâ— from sin and that pardon of sin eternall life could not be bought with money c. Which caused him to be much tâ—oubled whether he should beleive his father or the Priests but understanding that there was a clause in the Indulgences that they should be given freely to the poore he went to Tecelius entreated him to give him one for he waâ— a poor sinner and one that needed a free remissions of sins and a participation of the merits of Christ Tecelius admired that he could speake Latine so well which few Priests could doâ— in those dayes aud therefore he advised with hiâ— Colleagues who perswaded him to give Myconius one but after much debate he returned him answer That the Pope wanted money without which he could not part with an Indulgence Myconius urged the aforenamed clause in the Indulgences whereupon Tecelius his Colleagues pressed againe that he might have one given him pleading his learning and ingenuity poverty c. And that it would be a dishonor both to God and the Pope to denie him one but still Tecelius refused whereupon some of them wispred Myconius in the eare to give a little money which he refused to doe and they fearing the event one of them profered to give him some to buy one with which he still refused saying That if he pleased he could sell a book to buy one but he desired one for Gods sake which if they denyed him he wished them to consider how they could answer it to God c. but prevailing nothing he went away rejoycing that there was yet a God in heaven to pardon sinners freely c. according to that promise As I live saith the Lord I desire not the death of a sinner c. Not long after he entred into Orders and read privately Luther's books which the other Friars tooke very haynously and threatned him for it From thence he was called to be a Preacher at Vinaria where at first he mixed some Popish errors with the truth but by the illumination of Gods Spirit and by his reading Luther he at last began to preach against Popery and to hold forth the truth clearly which spread so swiftly not onely through Saxonie but through all countries as if the Angels had been carryers of it Afterwards he was called
Sweet was his life and death his well spent dayes Began in goodnesse and expir'd with praise The Life and Death of CASPER HEDIO who died Anno Christi 1552. CAsper Hedio was born at Etling in the Marquisat of Baden of honest Parents and educated in learning at Friburge where also he Commensed Master of Arts and from thence went to Basil where he studied Divinity and Commensed Doctor whence he was called to Preach in the chiefe Church at Mentz but some not liking such plain Preaching and the Monkes raising a persecution against him he went thence to Argentine Anno Christi 1523. where he was a great assistent to Capito and Bucer in reforming of Religion by the command of the Senate there also he married a wife Anno Christi 1533. and though the Papists raised a great persecution in that City yet he Preached â—oldly against Masses Indulgences Auricular Confession c. and wrote against them also Anno Christi 1543. when Herman Archbishop of Collen began a Reformation he sent for Bucer and Hedio to assist him therein whence after he was driven by Caesar and his Spaniards escaping through many difficulties and danger he returned to Argentine what time he could spare from his Ministeriall employment he spent in writing Commentaries and Histories Anno Chrisâ—i 1552. he sickened and died T' was not the rage of Papist could remove The heart of Hedio from the reall love Of true Divinity he still enclin'd Himselfe to Preach with a resolved mind Let his example teach us to repose Our trust in God in spight of threating Foes The Life and Death of GEORGE PRINCE of Aâ—halt whâ— died Anno Christi 1553. GEorg Prince of Anhalt was born An. Chr. 1507. his Father was Prince Ernest who was carefull to bring him up in the fear of God and for that end he placed him with George Forcheme who was eminent for training up of youth under whom he profited exceedingly both in humane literature and in principâ—ls of Divinity then he was set to the study of the Law wherein he profited very much also having attained to the age of twenty two yeeres he was chosen by Albert Elector of Menâ—z to be one of his Councell wherein he carried himselfe with high commendations in managing the greatest State-affairs But the Controversies about Religions waxing hot at this time and Luthers books coming abroad he fell to reading of them and suspecting his owne injudiciousnesse he would often pray with tears to God to encline his heart to the Truth saying Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy and instruct mee in thy righteousnesse He was frequent in reading the Scriptures Ecclesiasticall Histories Augustine Hierom and Lombard he studied also Greek and Hebrew and discoursed with learned men about the Controversies and after all upon mature deliberation he embraced the Reformed Riligion and reformed the Churches with the counsell of his brethren within his owne jurisdiction Anno Christi 1545. he was called to the Government of the Churches within the Diocesse of Mersburge where he was carefull to have the Truth Preached to the people he lived with much continencie in a single life he took much pains both in writing and Preaching he was very charitable a great promoter of Peace amongst Princes very free from ambition hatred and revenge he used often to say Subdiâ—us esto Deo ora eum c. Submit thy selfe to God and pray unto him for he is near to those that are of a contrite heart and will save the humble in spirit He employed his time so well that he left none for pleasures and used to say That nothing refreshed him more in his sorrowes then conference with learned and godly men Falling sick of a most troublesome disease he was frequent in holy prayer for himselfe for all the Princes of that family for his country and for Germany he had some portions of holy Scriptures daily read to him he made his Will wherein he set downe the Confession of his Faith and commended the defense of his Churches to his brother he added something to the stipends of all the godly Ministers under his charge He often ruminated upon those texts God so loved the world that he gave c. No man shall take my sheep out of my hand Come unto mee all yee that are wearie c. and so in holy meditations and prayer hee resigned up his Spirit unto God Anno Christi 1543. and of his Age 47. A Prince by birth and of a Princely minde Full frought with vertues of each severall kinde Is here presented ornaments of grace Such as doe challenge not the second place But first by merit here you may behold One whose rare vertues no Pen can unfold In pious duties he did strive to be Transcendant who was by nature frée For to the Poore he reliefe did give During the time that he on earth did live Read but his life and then at large you le sée Monopoliz'd in him most vertues be The life and Death of Justus Jonas who dyed Anno Christi 1555. IVstus Ionas was born at Northusa Anno Christi 1493. where his Father was a Senator who falling sick of the Plague and having applyed an Onion to the Soare and taking it off and laid it by him this little Ionas coming tooke the Onion and eat it up yet without any prejudice to himself God miraculously preserving of him He was first brought up at Schoole afterwards he studied Law and made a good progresse therein But upon better thoughâ—s he studied Divinity and proceeded Doctor and embraced the Reformed Religion and was called Anno Christi 1521. to a Pastorall charge in Wittenberg he was present at most of the Disputations about Religion where he defended the truth strenuously and endevoured to promote peace he was also made a Professor in that Universitie He with Spalatine and Amsdorfius was imployed by the Elector of Saxonie to Reforme the Churches in Misnia and Thuringia From thence he was called unto Hale in Saxonie where he Preached and promoted Religion exceedingly Luther somtimes resorted thither to him and tooke him along with him in his last journey to Isleben where he dyed after whose death he remained a while in the Duke of Saxonies Court and was a constant companion of Iohn Frederickes sons in all their afflictions and lastly he was set over the Church in Eisfield where he ended his dayes in much peace and comfort Anno Christi 1555. and of his Age 63. Being once under temptations and in great agonie he shewed much despondencie but his servant partly by comforting of him and partly by chiding of him cheared him up and at last through Gods mercy the Spirit prevailed against the Flesh. Justius by name no poyson sure could kill God so protected him from what was ill The venome of the Plague did séeme to be No poyson unto him for he scap'd frée Although the Duyon he by chance did eat That poyson'd was by the Plagues
strong heat Nor was his body but his minde as frée From the contagion of hels leprosie For all his study was how to obtaine That happy treasure whereby he might gaine Heaven aâ— the last and sure unto that place He 's long since gone who was his Conntries grace The Life and Death of John Rogers who died Anno Christi 1555. IOhn Rogers was borne in England and brought up at the University of Cambridge where he profited very much in good learning and from thence was chosen by the Merchant Aâ—venturers to be their Chaplaine at Antwerpe to whom he Preached many yeeres and there falling into acquaintance with William Tindall and Miles Coverdal who were fled from persecution in England he by their meanes profited much in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and joyned with them in that painefull and profitable worke of Translating the Bible into English 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 there where he discharged his Office with diligence and faithfulnesse many yeeres but in King Edwards time he was sent for home by Bishop Ridley and was made a Prebend of Pauls in which place he Preached faithfully till Queen Maries days and in the beginning of her Reign in a Sermons at Pauls-Croâ—se he exhorted the people constantly to adhere to that Doctrine which they had been taught and to beware of pestilent Popery c. for which he was called before the Lords of the Councill where he made a stout witty and godly answer and was dismissed but after the Queens Proclamation against True-Preaching he was again called the Bishops thirsting for his blood and committed prisoner to his owne house whence he might have escaped and had many motives as his wife and ten children his friends in Germany where he could not want preferment c. But being once called to answer in Christs Cause he would not depart though to the hazard of his life from his own house he was removed by Bonner to Newgate amongst thieves and murtherers he was examined by the Lord Chancellor and the rest of the Councell and by them was re-committed to prison he was much pressed to recant but stoutly refusing was first excommunicated and degraded and then condemned after which he desired that his wife to whom he had been married eighteen yeeres and by whom he had ten children and she being a stranger might be admitted to come to him whilst he lived but Stephen Gardiner then Lord Chancellor would by no meanes suffer it February the fourth Anno Christi 1555. he was warned to prepare for death before he rose If it be so said he I need not tie my points and so he was presently had away to Bonner to be degraded of whom he earnestly requested to be admitted to speake with his wife but could not prevaile from thence he was carryed into Smithfield where scarce being permitted to speake to the people he briefly perswaded them to perseverance in that truth which he had taught them which also he was now ready to seale with his blood then was a pardon profered to him if he would recant but he utterly refused it his wife with nine small children and the tenth sucking at her brest came to him but this sorrowfull sight nothing moved him but in the flames he washed his hands and with wonderfull patience took his death all the people exceedingly rejoycing at his constancy praising God for it He was the Proto-martyr in Queene Maries dayes The Sabbath before his death he dranke to Master Hooper who lay in a chamber beneath him bidding the messenger to commend him to him and to tell him That there was never little fellow that would better stick to a man then he would to him supposing they should be both burned together although it happened otherwise Though this grave Father was enfor'd to flye His envious Countrey for security Yet his undâ—unted courage would not move That alwayes stood as Sentinell to love 'T was not a prison could affection swage He like a Bird sung swéetest in a cage When firâ—t the Bible with great paines and care He into English did translate so far That knowing men did admire the same And justly did extoll his lasting fame Who did contemne the fury of all those Who both to us and him were mortall foes The Life and Death of Laurence Saunders who died Anno Christi 1555. LAurence Saunders was borne of worshipfull Parents brought up in learning at Eaton Schoole and from thence chosen to Kings Colledge in Cambridge where he continued three yeers and profited in learning very much then by his Moâ—her who was very rich he was bound to a Merchant in London but not affecting that course of life his Master gave him his Indentures and he returned to his studies in Cambridge where also he studied Greeke and Hebrew but especially the holy Scriptures he was frequent and very fervent in Prayer and when assaulted by temptations he still found much support and comfort in prayer whereby he gained such experience that he became a great comforter of others he Commensed Master of Arts and stayed long after in the University In the beginning of King Edwards Raign he began to Preach being first Ordeined a Minister and that with such generall approbation that he was chosen to read a Divinity-Lecture at Fotheringay where by his Doctrine and life he drew many to God and stopped the mouths of the adversaries about which time he married a wife and from thence he was removed to the Minster of Leichfield where also he by his Life and Dâ—ctrine gat a good report even from his adversaries from thence he was removed to Church-Langton in Leicestershire and from thence to Alâ—allowes in Breadstreet London and after his admission there he went backe into the Country to resign his Benefice which fell out when Queen Mary raised stirs to get the Crown In his journey he preach'd at Northampton not medling with the State but boldly delivered his conscience against Popish Doctrine and errors which said he are like to spring up againe as a just plague for the little love which England hath borne to the true Word of God so plentifully offered to them And seeing the dreadfull day approaching inflâ—med with godly zeal he Preached diligently at both his Benifices not having opportunity to resign eâ—ther but into the hands of the Papists and notwithstanding the Proclamation to the contrary he taught diligently the Truth at his Country-place where he then was confirming thâ— people and arming them against false doctrine till by force he was resisted some counselled him to fly out oâ— the Kingdome which he refused and being hindred there from preaching he traveled towards London to visit his flock in that place coming near London Master Mordant one of the Qâ—eenes Counsell overtooke him asked him if he did not Preach such a
where he was prisoner he had nothing but a pad of straw for a bâ—d and a rotten covering till good people sent him a bed to lye on of one side his chamber was the sinke and filth of the house on the other the town-ditch enough to have choaked him After he had laien thus a while falling sick the doors bars hasps and chaines being all made fast he both mourned called and cryed for helpe yet the Warden hearing would suffer none to go to him saying Let him alone if he dye it were â— good riddance of him c. At last being degraded and condemned he was sent to Glocester to be burned the night before his death he did eat his meat quietly and slept soundly after his first sleep he spent the rest of the night in prayer the next day Sir Anthonie Kingston coming to him told him that life was sweet and death bitter to which he answered The death to come is more bitter and the life to come more sweet I am come hither to end this life and suffer death because I will not gain-say the former Truth that I have here taught unto you also a blinde Boy coming to him after he had examined him in the grounds of Religion he said Ah poor Boy God hath taken from thee thy outward sight but hath given thee another sight much more precious having endued thy soule with the eye of knowledge and faith Being delivered to the Sheriff he said to him My request to you Master Sheriff 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 thinke I doe amisse in any thing hold up your finger and I have done I might have had my liâ—e with much worldly gaine but I am willing to offer up my life for the Truth and trust to dye a faithfull servant to God and a true subject to the Queen when he saw the Sheriffs men with so many weapons he said This is morâ— then needs if you had willed me I would have gone alone to the stake and have troubled none of you all as he went to the stake he was forbid to speake to the people he looked chearfully and with a more ruddy countenance then ordinary being comâ— thâ—thâ—r he prayed about half an â—our and having a box with a pardon set before him he cryed 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 reeds were cast to him he embraced and kissed them putting them under his arm where he had bags of gun-power also when fire was first pâ—t to him the faggots being green and the winde blowing away the flâ—me he was but scorched more faggots being laid to him the fiâ—e was so supprest that his nâ—ther-parts were burned his upper being scarce touched he prayed O Iesus the son of David have mercy upon mâ— and receive my soule and wiping his eyes with his hands he said For Gods love let me have more fire A third fire being kindled it burned more violently yet was he alive a great while in it the last words which he uttered being Lord Iesus receive my spirit In one of his Letters he wrote Imprisonment is painfull but liberty upon evill conditions is worse the Prison stinkes yet noâ— so much as sweet houses where the feare of God is wanting I must be alone and solitary it s better to be so and have God with me then to be in company with the wicked Losse of goods is great but losse of grace and Gods favour is greater I cannot tell how to answer before great and learned men yet it is better to doe that then stand naked before Gods tribunall I shall dye by the hands of cruell men he is blessed that looseth this life and findeth life eternall there is neither felicitie nor adversitie of this world that is great if it be weighed with the joyes and pains of the world to come Reader behold and then admire Hoâ—pers most rich Seraphicke fire His constancâ— waâ— great his heart Balsoâ—'d by heav'n out-vi'd all smart Rare was his life rare was his death Whilst time remains his fame shall want no breath The Life and Death of Rowland Tailor who dyed Anno Christi 1555. ROwland Tailor was Doctor in both the Laws and Rector of Hadley in Suffolke where Master Thomas Bilney had formerly been a Preacher of the Word and in which place there were few either men or women that were not well learned in the holy Scriptures many having often read over the whole Bible and could say a great part of Paul's Epistles by heart Here this Doctor Tailor Preached constantly on Sabbaths Holy-dayes and at other times when he could get the People together His life also and conversation was very exemplary and full of holinesse he was meek and humble yet would stoutly rebuke sin in the greatest to the poore blinde lame sick bed-rid or that had many children he was a father causing the Parishioners to make good provision for them besides what of his owne bounty he gave them he brought up his children in the fear of God and good learning In the begining of Queen Maries reign two Popish persons suborned a Priest to come and say Masse in his Church he being at his study and hearing the Bell to toul went to Church and finding this Priest guarded with drawn swords in his Popish robes ready to begin the Masse he said unto him Thou Divell who made thee so bold to enter into this Church to prophane and defile it with this abominable Idolatrie I command thee thou Popish Wolfe in the name of God to avoid hence and not to presume thus to poyson Christs flock but the â—tanders by forcing Doctor Tailor out of the Church the Priest went on with his Masse and shortly after the Bishop being informed hereof sent his letters Missive for Doctor Tailor whereupon his friends earnestly entreated him to flye telling him that he could neither expect justice nor favour but imprisonment and cruell death to whom he answered I know my Cause to be so good and righteous and the Truth so strong upoâ— my side that I will by Gods grace appeare before them and to their beards resist their false doings for I beleeve that I shall never be able to doe God so good service as now and that I shall never have so glorions a calling nor so great mercie of God profered me as I have now wherefore pray for me and I doubt not but God will give me strength and his holy spirit that all my adversaries shal be ashamed of their doings and so preparing himselfe he went to London and presented himselfe to
Saunders at that time a prisoner in the Marshalsey Bishop Farrar he found in the Kings Bench before him where having indured a close and tedious imprisonment he began at length through humane infirmity to recoyle in the point of Transubstantiation in so much that he undertooke to Communicate under one Kinde at Easter following But Bradford dealt so effectually with him that he revok'd this promise and resumed his former principles His occasions of escape were as many as the dayes of his imprisonment whereby any man may see to save in life he wovld not break his word with his Keepers being asked what course he would take if God should deliver him out of prison he said he would not fly oâ—t of the Kingdome but there Preach though secretly as the times would perâ—it him During his long restraint he was oftentimes examined first by the Lords of the Councell at what time he was clapt up in the Tower which was in August 1553. but of that examination there is nothing now extant except onely one passage repealed in the second After that by the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellor of England and other select Commissioners Ianuary 22. 1555. The things laid to his charge were principally these That he was the Author of the tumult at Bournes Sermon because forsooth he so readily and dextrously appeased the same That he presumed to Preach without Licence though he had been a Divinity Lecturer at Pauls two yeeres before that tumult And that upon his first Committall to the Tower he had answered the Queens Councell peremptorily and saucily in the point of Religion As that he was now more then ever confirm'd in the same as it was reform'd and professed under Edward the sixt The first and last of these Articles he denyed saving the words last repeated the second he laboured to justifie as not requisite from them by any law at that time in force when he Preached in the conclusion they twitted him in the teeth with Heresie and accused him of writing from the Tower seditious letters into Lancaster whereto because they desended not to particulars he gave them onely generall answers The whole conference was larded with an often repealed tender of the Queens Mercy in case he would confesse his sedition acknowledge and abjure his Heresies and returne to the bosome of the Romish Church after their example To the first he said he could not acknowledge himselfe guilty of what he neither Committed nor intended To the second that he never Preached or Patronized any error to his knowledge being ready to abjure whatsoever he was not able to defend To the third that he willingly embraced the Queens Mercy though he neither needed not could accept thereof as they were pleased to Clog it with Conditions repugnant to the word of God the cleer light of his owne Conscience The 19. day of Ianuary following he was the third time convented in Saint Mary Overies before the same Winchester and diverse other Bishops his fellow Comnissioners where at first the same things were againe objected unto him and received the same Answers After much jangling and a second offer of mercy upon the former Condition they required a Peremptory positive accoumpt of his faith concerning Christs Corporall presence in the Eucharist To which he replyed that during a yeere and eight moneths imprisonment they had never prest him with that question but now that by altering the state of Religion they had made the Contrary opinion unto theirs Hereticall and all Heresie interpretatively and by consequence Capitall it is more then Evident what thereby they hunted after This drove the Lord Chancellor into a long Apologeticall Oration of his owne innocency and notorious lenity in that kind which ended without expecting what Bradford would reply upon some intelligence from the Kitchin he adjurend the Court and went home to dinner The day following which was the fourth last of his apparence he was brought to the same place and before the same judges where after many Interrogatories and answers concerning the corporall presence the Pope and Queenes authority and other Emergent questions which if here inserted would swell the processe of his death to thrice the length of his lif but may be found at large in the Martirologie he was finally condemned for worshiping the God of our fathers after that way which those bloud-suckers called Heresie excommunicated and delivered over to the Secular powers Ianuary 31. 1555. who first committed him to the Clinke and afterwards to the Counter where he remained to the first of Iuly following had many hot Disputes sharp Conflicts 1. with Bonner Bishop of London 2. with Master Wollerton the Bishops Chaplen 3. Percivall Creswell and Doctor Harding 4. Doctor Harpsfieled and Doctor Harding 5. with Hetâ—â— Archbishop of Yorke and Day Bishop of Chichester 6. with two Spanish Friers Alphonsus a Castro and King Philips Confessor 7. Doctor Weston and Master Coillier Warden of Manchester 8. Doctor Pendleton 9. with Doctor Weston and others 10. with Doctor Weston alone for many visited him after condemnation some as the Divell did our blessed Saviour to tempt and pervert him and some to receive instruction comfort by him for in his two last prisons he Preached constantly twice every Lords day freequently administred the Lords Supper to his fellow prisoners visiting them all almost every day even to the thieves and cutpurses in the Grate and almost if he had it as often relieving them At first they resolved to burn him at Manchesteâ— where he was borne but altered that resolution I know not upon what occasion The Saturday at night before he suffered he dream'd his chaine was brought to the Counter gate that the next day being Sunday he should be had to Newgate and burned at Smithfield the Munday ensuing which after many frightfull awakings still recurring to his troubled fancy he arose and communicating what he had dreamed to his Chamber-fellow fell to his old exercise of reading and praying The next day after dinner whilst he discoursed of the ripenesse of siâ—ne of death and the kingdome of heaven up came the Keepers wife halfe beside her selfe and said unto him with tears in her eyes O Master Bradford your chaine is now a hammering to night you will be removed to Newgate and to morrow burned at Smithfield having heard her out with hands and eyes lifted up unto heaven he blessed God who had thought him worthy and made him willing to suffer for his trâ—th thanked the good woman for her Compassion but more for her news and so went up to his Chamber where he spent some houres in prayer and then called up his Chamber-fellow to whom he gave som things privately in charge and dilivered certaine papers but of what concernment I cannot finde the rest of that afterâ—noon he spent in prayer and other heavenly exercises which he performed with admirable adhesion to God and obstraction from the world being often times so
transâ—ported and elevated in his raptures that he seemed already in possession of that Crowne which for the present through fire and faggots he but aspir'd to to the great admiration and comfort of as many of his friends as that day had the happinesse to visit him Having blest and distributed such things amongst the servants of the hous as he thought fit he made a most fervent pacheticall farwell-prayer in the company of his fellow prisoners w th such ravishment of Spirit and abundance of tears that the hardest hearted amongst them could not choose but Simpathize w th him In the midst of this prayers when he put on the shirt wherein he was to be burned he inlarged himselfe in a most sweet meditation of the Wedding Garment and after that about twelve a clock in the night came downe into the Court where the prisoners tooke their finall leave of him as he went from the Counter to Newgate though it was about midnight yet great multitudes of people were gathered together in the streets who much lamented and earnestly pray'd for him to whom he returned their curtesie in both kinds with interest About nine in the morning he was led forth to Smithfield with a very great Guard as he came downe the staires he espied an old friend whom he called unto him imbraced and after some private whisperings bestowed upon him his velvet night-cap handkershiefe and som other trifles And yet Roger Beswicke his brother in law had his head cruelly broken by Seriffe Woodrofe for but offering to speake to him for which and other his barbarous inhumanities committed against the Saints and faithfull witnesses of Iesus Christ at such times a heavy and visible judgment overtooke him within few yeeres thereafter for besides the Palsie which for eight yeers together disinabled him from riding walking or turning himselfe in his bed he fell into a most devouring and insatiable Bulimy As soone as he approached the stake he fell flat on the ground intending there to power forth hiâ— private prayers for he was not permitted to do it publickly unto almighty God But Woodrofe the Sheriffe commanded to him arise and dispatch for that the people increased and pressed upon him whereat eftsoone he got up and when he had imbraced the stake and kissed it he put off his Cloathes which he intreated might be given to his servant because he had nothing else to leave him being tyed to the stake he comforted the stripling that was burned with him and earnestly exhorted the people to repentance which so inraged the Sherieffe that which was not usuall he commanded his hands should be tyed His last audiable Words were those of our Saviours Strait is the way and narrow is the gate that leadeth to Salvation and few there be that finde it He indured the flame as a fresh gale of wind in a hot Summers day without any reluctancy confirming by his death the truth of that doctrine which he had so diligently and powerfully Preached during his life which ended Iuly the first 1556. in the prime though in what yeere of his age is not certainly knowne He was for his stature tall but slender of a faintish sanguine Complexion his heir and beard auburne his countenance was full of sweetnesse mix'd with reverence and austerity He spent the whole time of his inprisonment in reading Preaching and praying eating but once every day and that but sparingly scarcely ever rising from that meale wherein his tears did not largly bedew his trencher He slept not commonly above four hours a night from the time he went to bed till dead sleep lock'd up his senses his candle went not out nor his booke out of his hand Halfe an hour he sent usually after dinner in discourse which was all the recreation he used the rest of his time in his owne private devotions and studies His death was generally lamented by all who knew or bus heard of of him yea many Papists themselves being convicted with his innocency of his life or taken with the quicknesse and modisty of his answers but especially considering â—he implacable malice and cruelty of his enemies heartily wished his deliverance for all men observid how they had first committed him without law and then after a yeers imprisonment made one to take away his life He denyed indeed the Popes authority over the Church of England and so had his judges done but the yeere before And for Christs corporall presence in the Sacrament which was the Artickle wherupon they chiefly condemned him he never denyed it in the worthy Receiver as to the eye of Faith no man yet whether Papist or Protâ—stant could never discover it through the accidents of Bread and Wine by the eye of the body We are inform'd by Master Fox that he wrote many comfortable Treatises especially during his imprisonment oâ— which these onely have had the fortune to reach our times 1 Two Sermons the first of Repentance the second of the Lords Supper 2 Some leâ—ters to his fellow Marâ—yres 3 An answere to two letters desiring to know wheâ—her one might goe to Masâ— or not 4 The danger ensuing the hearing of Masse 5 Hiâ— examination before the officers 6 Godly Meditations made in Prison cald his short Prayers 7 Truths Complaints 8 Melancthon translated of Prayers See how undaunted Bradford hath display'd Truths golden Colours nothing could invade His heaven fild thoughts but heaven in whose just cause He liv'd though murther'd by Papistick lawes Relgion told him that his cause was good He need not feare to signe it with his blood And seal it with his heart Bradford agreed To signe whilst Heaven was witnesse to the deed Insulting Papists what can ye declare But this your foulnesse made our Bradford faire Your fire refin'd his heart and made it prove A perfect lover of the God of love NICOLAS RIDLY The Life and Death of Nicolas Ridly AN other Paul otherwise in diverse respects save that we finde not that he ever persecuted the flock or faith of Christ may this choise instrument of God Nicolas Ridley be not unfitly nor unworthily be stiled For he was for a long time a maintainer and practiser of Popish superstitions which his adversaries also twitâ—ng him with in the time of his troubles he denyed not but freely confeâ—sed yet withall profeâ—sing that he had since that time repented him thereof and God he trustâ—d had in mercy pardoned upon his repentance whaâ— in ignorance he then did But after it pleased God to reveale hiâ— truth to him more clearly he laboured as earnestly as any of his fellow labourers in the propagation of it being indowed with as eminent parts as any of them for that purpose and at length sealed it up as did some others of them also with his blood He was borne in Northumberland as some say or as others in the Bishopricke of Durham descended of a worshipfull Family bearing that name and trained up in the first rudiments of
they pleased they affirming that it contained words of blasphemy and he averring that a line or two excepted there was nothing in it but the sayings of the auncient Doctors confirming his assertions hardly could he have leave to utter a few words and that not without oft interruption and with telling on their fingers-ends how many words he had spoken Aâ— length they excomunicated him with the greater excomunication and haveing passed sentance of condemnation against him turned him over to the Secular power On the fifteenth day of the same moneth he was by Brookes Bishop of Glocester assisted by some other degraded at which time he requested the said Bishop to second his petition to the Queene that such Tenants as he had made Leases to while he was possessed of the Bishoprick of London his Sister among the rest might quietly enjoy the sam this he promised to do acknowledging it to be agreeable to equity and right but it seemes it could not be obtained for that cruell bloud-sucker whose Mother and Sister he had so kindly delt with thrust his Sister and her Husband against all Law and conscience out of the keeping of a Park which he had conferred upon them nor is it likely that the rest fared much better then they did The day following he suffred together with Master Latimer who much strengthned him as by conference before so at the Stake then The evening before he suffered he washed his Beard and his Feete and bad those at boord that supped with him to his wedding the next day demanded of his brother Master Shipside whether he thought his sister his wife could find in her heart to be there and he answering that he durst say she would with all her heart he professed to be thereof very glad At suppertime he was very cheerfull and merry desiring those there present that wept of w ch number M rs Irish his Hostesse tho a blind and eager Papist was one to quiet themselves affirming that tho his breakefast was like to be somwhat sharp and painfull yet his supper he was sure should be pleasant and sweet His brother offred to watch all night with him But he refused it telling him that he intended to go to bead hoping to sleepe as quietly that night as ever he did in his life So on the next day being the sixteenth of October this meeke Sheepe of Christ and yet a stout Bel-weather of his flock faithfull and constant to his blessed shepheard and soveraign owner unto death yea unto paines and torments worse then death was together with his copartner both in defence of the Faith and of afflictions for the defence of it brought out to the place of their Martyrdome in a Ditch or low parcell of ground lying on the North side of the City behind Baliol Colledge where Doctor Smith who had before in King Edwards time recanted instead of a Sermon made a bitter invective against them which they offred to answer but when they could not bâ— permitted to speâ—k they committed their cause to God commended their souls into his hands and with much readinesse and resolution yeelded their bodies to the mercilesse flames and such cruel torments therein as other their breathâ—rn and fellow-witnesses of Christ had bâ—fore thâ—m undeâ—gonâ— wherein this our worthy and valianâ— spirituall Champion through the iâ—discretâ—on oâ— those that composed â—he pile and managed the fewell about him hindring there where they thought to helpe and lengthening his torments by those meanes whereby they hoped to have shortened them endured a long time in grievous paines to the heart griefe of the behoulders burning in a manner by piece-meale till at lengâ—h having passed this fiery triall his soule was as in a flaming Chariot with Elias carried up into the highest Heaven Some works of his though not many remaine 1 A Protestation or Determination delivered in the Schooles at a Disputation in King Edwards dayes 2 His Disputations at Oxford in Qâ—eene Maries time 3 An assertion of the true faith concerning the Lords Supper against Transubstantiation translated after into Latine and Printed aâ— Geneva 4 A Treatise concerning the right forme of Administration of the Lords Supper 5 A Treatise against setting up and adoring of Imagis 6 A Conference betweene him and Master Latimer in Prison 7 A large Farewell to his faithfull friends together with a sharp Admonition to obstinate Papists 8 An other Farewell to the imprisoned and exiled for the Gospel 9 A Treatise conâ—aimning a Lamentation for the change of Religion and a comparison of the Romish doctrine with that of the Gospell 10 Divers pious Letters written to divers persons Read in the progresse of this blessed story Romes cursed â—ruelty and Ridlyes glory Romes Sâ—râ—ns song but Ridlyes carelesse eare Was deaf They â—hâ—rmd â—â—t Ridly would not hearâ— Rome sâ—â—g preferment but brave Ridleys tongue Condemn'd that fâ—lse Preferment which Rome â—ung Rome whisâ—red wealthâ— but Ridly whose great gaine Was godlinesse he wâ—v'd it with disdayâ—e Rome threatned Durance but great Ridleys mind Was too too strong for threats or Chaines to binde Româ— thundred death bâ—t Ridlyes dauntlâ—sse eye Star'd in deaths face and scornd death â—tanding by In spite of Rome for Englandâ— Faith he â—tood And in the flames he seald it with his Blood PETRVS MARTYR The Life and Death of Peter Martyr THe yeere from Christs birth 1500. â—s for many matters of much moment very remarkable Among others for the Jubilee that Pope Alexander the sixt whose hâ—â—lish life and dismall end the stories of those times relate held that yeere at Rome and the terrible tempest that ensued the same wherein the Angell that stood on the top of the Popâ— Church was overthrown and the Popâ— owne Chamber by the fall of a â—unnell so â—eaten downe upon him that diverse of those were slain that attended then upon him and he himselfe so buried in the rubish that he was hardly got out alive The same yeere amidâ—â—hiâ— height of Popish imposture together with these direfull presages of its downefall was born to Philip King of Spain his son Charles after Emperor the first of that name under whom the Gospell though much against his will gained good footing in Germany And the same yeer also came into this world that famous Scholler and Divine Peter Martyr Vermily one that much furthered the advancement thereof as well in those parts as else-where He came of that ancient and worshipfull family of Vermily born at Florence in Italie Stephen Vermily his father and Mary Fumantine his Mother His name was given him by his Parents from one Peter of Milaine a Martyr reported to have been slain sometime by the Arrian faction whose Church stood neere unto their house This Peter Martyr being the onely son of his Parents that attained to any yeeres was by them carefully trained up in good literature from a child his mother her selfe a prety scholler reading Terence to him in Latin After which domestick discipline
Reformation in the Churches he was informed by Melancthon that Ecclesiasticall government did consist 1. In the soundnesse and puritie of Doctrine 2. In the lawfull use of the Sacraments 3. In a conservation of the Minister of the Gospell and in obedience towards the Pastors of the Churches 4. In the preservation of an honest and godly Discipline which was to be upheld by an Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction 5. In the upholding of Schooles 6. In supplying such persons as are imployed in weightie matters with sufficient necessaries Which points he caused to be dispersed amongst the Churches but they wrought little or no Reformation the yeer following Germanie was oppressed with civill Warres which when it was greatly lamented by Melancthon some out of malice misinterpreting his words accused him unto the Emperour as one who laboured to hinder his proceedings in the Reformation of Religion for which cause the Emperour intended his death but he was defended and delivered by the intreaty of Mauritius the Prince Elector who possessed the Emperour with a contrary opinion Not long after it happened that there were great preparations for the Councill of Trent and safe going and returning being concluded on Melancthon was sent with the Letters of the foresaid Mauritius and taking Norimberge in his way he was commanded to stay there untill he received an answer concerning that faith which was generally to be embraced of all the Churches During his aboad at Noremberge he heard the newes of the Expedition of Mauritius against the Emperor in regard of the Lantgrave of Hassia who was detained captive Wherefore Melancthon lefâ— Noremburge returned again to Wittemberge Many are of opinion that if he had been present at the said Councill and had been suffred to declare his mind freely amongst them he would have redified many of their judgements concerning matters of religion Being come unto Wittenberge he constantly went forward in his exercise of teaching and preaching the word of God untill he fell into an irrecoverable disease whereby his vitall spirits grew so feeble that he was made unfit for the performance of his pastorall office and weaknesse increasing every day more and more upon him he was constrained at the last to yeeld unto death and in the midst of many heavenly prayers he surrendred his soul unto him that gave it in the yeer of our Lord 1560. in the 63. yeere of hiâ— age and after that he had preached the space of 42. yeeres unto the inhabitants of Wettemberge Where he was buried with great sorrow and lamentation being laid side by side with Luther For his excellent gifts he was not onely reverenced by Protestant Divines then living but he also gained a singular approbation of such as were his professed enemies He was of a meane stature not exceeding the common sort of men his forehead smooth and high his haire thin his neck long his eyes beautifull and peircing he was broad breasted and in generall there was a proportionable agreement betwixt all the parts of his body in his youth he stammered something in his speech but reaching unâ—o a maturity of age he so corrected that infirmity that it gave no offence unto his Auditors the learned treatises which he left unto the Church whose reformation both in doctrine and discipline he greatly laboured for in his life are here inserted Tome 1. 1. Commentaries on Genesis 2. Explications on some Psalms 3. Vpon the Proverbs Annotations on 4. Matthew 5. Iohn 6. 1 Corinthians 7. An Apologie for Luther against the Paritians 8. Anabaptistists 9. Sentences of Fathers 10. Of the qualification of Princes 11. Of the tree of consanguinity Tome 2. 1. A Comment on Paul to the Romans 2. School-notes on the Colossians 3. Common places of Divinity Tome 3. 1. A confession of Faith 2. A Catechisme 3. A method of Preaching 4. Theologicall Disputations 5. Of Vowes 6. Of the doctrine of the reformed Church 7. An Epistle to John Earle of Widae Tome 4. 1. Philosophicall workes 2. Commentaries on Aristot. Ethicks 3. Politicks 4. An Epitome of Morall Phylosophy Tome 5. 1. A Latin Grammer 2. A Greeke gram 3. Logicke 4. Rhetoricke 5. Enarrations on Hesiods workes 6. Arithmaticke 7. Epigrams These were printed by Hervagius but there are divers others set forth by Christopher Pezelius As 1. An admonition to those that read the Alcaron 2. A defence for the marriage of Priests 3. Commentaries on Daniel 4. A discourse on the Nicene Creed 5. Luthers Life and Death 6. Schoolâ—-notes on Cicero his Epistles 7. Translations of Demosthenes and Plutarch 8. Greeke and Latine Epigrams 9. Two Tomes of Epistles 10. Carion his Cronologie â—nlarged Would thy ingenious Fancy soare and flye Beyond the pitch of moderne Poesye Or wouldest thou learne to charme the conquerd eare With Reth'riks oyly Magik wouldest thou heareâ— The Majesty of language wouldest thou pry Into the Bowels of Philosophy Morall or Naturall Or wouldest thou sound The holy depth and touch the unfathom'd ground Of deepe Theology Nay wouldest thou need The Sisteme of all excellence and feed Thy empty soule with learning's full perfection Goe search Melancthons Tomes by whose direction Thou shalt be led to Fame if his rare story Can make thee emulous of so great a glory The Life and Death of John a Lasco who died Anno Christi 1560. IOhn Lascus was born of a noble family in Poland and brought up in learning afterwards travelling to Tygure in Helvetia he was by Zuinglius perswaded to betake himselfe to the study of Divinity and when he might have been preferred to great honor in his owne Country such was his love to Christ and his Church and such his hatred to Popery that he chose with Moses to suffer affliction with the people of God rather then to live in worldly honor and peace amongst his friends coming into Frisland Anno Christi 1542. he was called to be a Pastor at Embden where he fed and ruled his flock with great diligence the yeere after he was sent for by Ann the widdow of Count Oldenburg to reform the Churches in East-Frisland and the next yeer after by Albert Duke of Prussia but when he agreed not with him in judgement about the Lords Supper the worke remained unperfected about that time the Emerour persecuted the Protestants he was sent for by King Edward the sixth upon Cranmers motion into England where he gathered Preached unto and governed the Dutch-Church which remain's to this day In the dayes of Queen Mary he obtained leave to return beyond-Sea and went with a good part of his Congregation into Denmarke but there he found but cold entertainment by reason of his differing from them about the Lords Supper the Churches of Saxonie also rejected them not suffering them to live amongst them upon the like reason at length that poore Congregation found entertainment in Frisland under the Lady Anne Oldenburg and setled at Embdem Anno Christi 1555. he went thence to Francford upon Main where with the consent of
the Emperour had promulgated a book written concerning Religion called the Interim which he would have to be embraced and confirmed by the States and Cities of the Emprie which when he perceived that it was received by the Senate first he publikly opposed it in the Church and exhorted them to the constant profession of their former doctrine and secondly he told them that he must be compelled to depart from them in case they did refuse his motion but he perceiving no hopes of altering their opinions after that he had taken his supper he left the City being accompanied onely with one Citizen committing his wife and eight children which he left behind him unto the protection of the Almighty and being without the Ports he changâ—d his hablit least through the same he might be discovered by his enemies And having turned a Wagon he went toward Tiâ—urum where he remained a few dayes with Bullinger and from thence he departed and went unto Basil unto Iohanner Hervagius his wife followed immediatly after him not knowing where to find him unlesse at Basil wherefore when she came to Constance for her assuâ—aÌ„ce she sent letters by a trusty friend whom she desired to certifie her husband of her aboade at Constance the messenger finding Musculus at Basil delivered the letters and forthwith returned unto Constance where he found his wife and children upon the Lords day following he preached twice in the City taking for hiâ— text those words in Iohn the 6. ver 66. From that time many of the Disciples went back and walked no more with him Then said Iesus unto the twelve I will yet also goe away c. from which place of Scripture he shewed unto them how greatly those Cities did offend which did fall from the truth of Christ for the favour of mâ—n and withall he earnestly exhorted the people of Constance not to follow the examples of such but constantly to adhaere unto the truth taught by Christ in his Word and this was the last Sermon that was Preached in the peaceable state of the Commonwealth for the day following the Spanish Forces under the conduct of Alfonsus Vives beleagured the City during the Siedge by the perswasion of Ambrosius Blavrerus a reverend Pastor Musculuâ— with his wife and children were conveyed out of the City with safety and they escaped the fury of the enemies intending to goe for Tigurum but by reason of sicknesse which seized on his wife he was compelled to remain at Sangallum after her recovery he went unto Tigurum where he was joyfully received of the Inhabitants with whom he continued six months before he was called to performe his Ministeriall function in which vacancy he was called by Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury into England but in regard of his owne age as unfit for travell and in respect of the weaknesse of his wife and the many children which he had he modestly refused Not long after the Inhabitants of Berne were destitute of a Divinity Lecturer for their Schooles wherefore he was called by the Senate unto that profession which indeed was most welcome unto him partly for the excellency of that Church and Commonwealth and partly for the renewing of his acquaintance with his old friend Iohannes Hallerus He entred upon this Lecture in the year 1549. and constantly continued in it for the space of fourteen years to the exceeding benefit of the Church of Christ opening in that space unto his Auditours almost the whole Bible He naturally detested Contraversies and would write his minde without the injury or contempt of others so that his Workes were opposed by no man in publicke during his life onely those two Sermons excepted which he Preached before the Princes at Wormes which were opposed by Cochlaeus The great love which he carried towards the Inhabitants of Berne appeareth in this that he refused great honour and ample Revenues which were profered unto him during his Lectureship at Berne for he was thrice called into England seconded with large rewards also the Inhabitants of Auspurge having againe obtained their former liberty amongst other banished Ministers they first recalled Musculus He was againe desired by the Inhabitants of Strasburge invited by Otho Henricus and Fredericus Prince Elector Palatine and by the Land grave of Hassia many times but he modestly refused all these though honourable calings intending to performe his best service unto the end of his dayes unto that City who had shewed and vouchsafed him such kindnesse in his greatest extremity which indeed was truly performed Not long before his death he was sickly partly by reason of his years his body being spent with infinite cares and labours partly by reason of a vehement cold which did much afflict him whereby he gathered that he was to leave that house of clay and therefore setting all other things aside he entred into a heavenly meditation of death the sum of which he hath left unto the world being written by himselfe before his death Nil super est vitae frigus praecordia captat Sed in Christe mihi vita parennis ad es Quid crepidas anima ad sedes abitura quietis En tibi ductor adest Angelus ille tuus Lingua domum hanc miseram nunc in sua fata ruentem Quam tibi fida Dei dextera restituet Peccasti scio sed Christus ardentibus in se Peccata expurgaâ—sanguinâ— cuncta suo Horribilis mors est fateor sed proxima vita est Ad quam te Christi gratia câ—rta vocat Praesto est de Satana peccaâ—a est morte triumphâ—s Christus ad hunc igitur lâ—â—a alacrisque migra This life is done cold Death doth summon me A life eternall I expect from thée My Saviour Christ why dost thou fear my Dove He will conduct thée to his throne above Forsake this body this corrupted creature Thy God will change it to a better nature Dost thou abound with sin I do confesse That thou art guilty and dost oft transgresse But Christ his blood doth wash and cleanse all those That can themselves in him by Faith repose Doth Death appeare an object full of horror Both ugly ghastly and not wanting terror I do confesse it but that life againe Which followes death doth take away that paine Unto which life we called are by Christ Then do no longer O my soule resist But yéeld thou with all chéerfulnesse to dwell With him triumphing or'e Death Sin and Hell Afterwards the strength of his sicknesse did increase by the addition of an Ague wherby he was brought so weak that he was not able to sit up right in his bed wherefore he sâ—nt unto Master Iohannes Allerus and other Ministers unto whom he declared the Faith which he dyed in and withall committed the care of his Wife and Children unto thâ—m who told him that they would not bâ— deficient in any thing wherein they might shew themselves beneficiall and helpfull unto them As he was a man endewed with an
Ridley Latimer and afterwards Cranmer men of incomparable piety whereby the propagation of the truth was hindred There hapned also other causes of discontent as the faction of some neighbouring Pastors bewitched with the instigation of that Carmelite Bolsecus who bitterly inveighed against him concerning Predestination whereupon he obtained leave of the Senate to go unto Berne to be censured by the Church concerning that point in which censures the adversaries being found guilty they were expelled banished the Country and he found favor was in great estimation amongst the best In the year 1556. Calvin preaching in Geneva he was taken so strongly with an Ague that he was forst to leave in the midst of his Sermon and to come downe from the Pulpit upon this accident newes was spread abroad concerning his death which in short space came unto Rome and it was so ioyfully entertained by the Pope that he forthwith caused publicke prayers and thanksgivings to be dedicated unto God in all the Church for the same but the prayers of the faithfull prevailed more for he was so far from dying that being as it were endewed with another life he went unto France fuet ad Maenum being thereunto called for the removing the dissentions out of the Churches of France whence returning although somewhat sickly yet he ceased not to execute his constant course in his Ministery and also he carefully and timely confuted the hereticall opinion of Valentinus Gentilis touching three Gods and three Eternals lest by continuation it should take such root that it would hardly be plucked up And these were his actions untill the year 1558. wherein in pleased God to afflict him with a quartan Ague which caused great sorrow and lamentation in Geneva yet it continued with him but for the space of eight weeks in which time it weakned and so enfeebled his body that he was never sound untill the day of his death During this sicknesse he was advised by the Physitians and some of his friends to forbeare his usuall exercises and to cherish his body with a little ease but he would not declaring unto them that he could not endure an idle life In the year following Henry King of France intended to levell Geneva with the ground and to put the Inhabitants thereof to the sword but before he could effect that bloody project he was taken captive by a higher power and the City still flourished even in the midst of her enemies and that nothing might be wanting unto her prosperous and flourishâ—ng state Calvin caused a Schoole to be erected and consecrated unto the great God which should alwayes be furnished with learned Ministers and publicke Professours of the Arts and Tongues and especially of Divinity that so the City might enrich it selfe with its owne treasure In the year 1560. the Waldenses sent unto Calvin for his judgement concerning some points wherein he gave them aboundant satisfaction and exhorted them to joyne themselves with the other Protestant Churches And at the same season many Protestants in France hearing of â—he peace and quietnesse which the Church in England enjoyed at the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth many of them came into England and desired of Edmund Grindal 〈◊〉 Lord Bishop of London that they might have leave to sâ—â—d for a Preacher unto Geneva for the planting of the French Church in London who condiscended thereunto Galasâ—â—â— was sent Calvin having spent his dayes hitherto in extraordinary labours for his life may well be said to be a continued labour mixed with griefe as appeareth by the Works which he wrote being at Geneva The time was now at hand in which he must goe unto his eternall rest his diseases contracted by his indefatigable labours caused him to give over his Divine exercises for indeed how could he continue long when as his body was by nature weake and leane inclining to a consumption and because he slept very little spending almost all the year either in Preaching Teaching or Dictating for ten whole years he never Dined and after the set houre he would not receive his Supper He was subject unto the disease called the Migram for the curing of which he used nothing but fasting and that sometimes for the space of six and thirty houres After that his quartan Ague left him he was troubled with the Gout taking him in his left legge which to make it the more grievous was seconded with the Colick The Physitians applyed what remedies they could and he carefully followed their counsell He was armed against these afflictions with an admired patience no man ever hearing him uttering a word unworthy of himselfe in his greatest extremity but lifting up his eyes unto heaven he would chearfully utter the words of David How long O Lord. When he was exhorted by his friends to desist from reading or writing in the time of sicknesse he would reply What will you have the Lord finde me idle Not long before his death some of his fellow Pastors coming accordingly as they used to visit him they found him contrary to their expectation apparalled and fiâ—ting at his Table in that forme as he used to meditate resting his head on his hand he spake these words unto them I thanke you brethren for the care which you have over me but I hope that within these fifteen dayes the Lord will reveale how he intends to dispose of me and I thinke that I shall leave you and be received of him Growing weaker and weaker he was brought into the Senats Court by his command where after an humble manner he thanked the Senate for the curtesies formerly conferred on him and for the speciall care which they had of him in this his last sicknesse Not long after he received the Communion at the hands of Beza labouring the best that he could to joyne with the rest of the Congregation in singing of Psalmes unto God The day wherein he dyed he seemed to speake somewhat heartily but this was but the last strugling of nature for about eight of the clocke apparant signes of death were seen which being perceived of Beza he ran forth to acquaint his other Collegues with it but besure his returne he had quietly yeelded his soule into the hands of God leaving such a chearfull countenance unto the beholders that he seemed rather to be asleepe then dead Thus was that light taken away even at the seâ—ting of the Sun The day following there was great lamentation throughout the City the Church lamented for the death of her faithfull Pastor the Schoole sorrowed for the losse of so famous a Doctor and in generall all were filled with mourning because they were deprived of their onely comforter next unto God Many of the Citizens desired to behold him after that he was dead so great was their affection to him and some strangers also whom the fame of Calvin had drawne unto that place and amongst them the English Embassadour for France desired greatly to see him being
to keep private what he should tell them he imparted his Commission telling them how acceptable it would be to the Emperour if they would send to him Brentius but if they refused the Emperour would destroy their City c. It pleased God that whilest he was thus perswading the Magistrates there came in one later then his fellowes and the Commissary not minding it did not tender the Oath to him so when they were dismissed this man wrote to Brentius Fuge fuge Brenti cito citius citissime which note was brought him as he sate at supper having read it he told his Family that he must goe forth upon businesse but would return ere long As he was going out of the City he met the Commissary who asked him whither he went He answered To a sick friend in the Suburbs who had sent for him Well said the Commissary to morrow you must dine with me He replyed God willing and so they parted Being thus escaped he hid himselfe in a thick Wood and for some weeks together he lay in the Wood all day and every night came into a Villege to a friends house where he lodged he wrote also to the Magistrates of Hale that if they could and would protect him he was ready to come back and not to forsake his flock but if they could not he did not desire that they should indanger themselves for his sake They answered that they could not protect him and therefore left him free to goe whither he pleased Presently after Vlricus Prince of Wurtenburge invited him to him and ordered him to be so private that he himselfe might not know where he was that if he was asked he might safely deny his knowledge of him yet upon suspicion his Castle was searched but Brentius was in another place where in his retirement he wrote a Comment upon the ninety third Psalm afterwards he went to Basil as to a safer place where his wife dyed of a Consumption from thence he removed to the Castle of Horrenburge in the Hyrcinian Wood where he changed his name and gave out that he was the Keeper of the Castle and whilst he was there he frequented the Sermons in a neighbor towne where the Minister used to spin out his Sermons to a great length whereupon Brentius took occasion modestly to tell him of it to whom the Minister answered You Castle-keepers think all time too long at Church but no time too long that you spend in drinking Brentius smiling at it said no more Whilest he was there he perfected his Comment upon Isaiah and some other Works afterwards he had great profers made him by the Citizens of Magdeburge by Edward the sixth King of England and by the Duke of Broussia but he refused them all and thus continued in banishment for the space of two years Anno Christi 1550. Vlricus Duke of Wurtenburg dyed and his son Christopher succeeding he resolved to restore the Ministers which were driven away by the Interim to their Charges within his Dominions and to perfect the Worke of Reformation and for that end sent for Brentius and kept him in his Castle of Stutgard that he might have his advice and assistance in carrying on of that work neither was he discouraged by the admonitions of the Princes and Bishops nor by the threats of the Garrisons that were about him but caused Brentius to write a Confession of Faith and of the Doctrine of Christian Religion and â—bout the chiefe points in Controversie which he intended to send to the Councill of Trent about that time Brentius married againe one Catharine Isenmam a choise woman who was a great comfort to him all the rest of his life by whom also he had twelve children the year after the Pastor of Stutgard dying Brentius was chosen in his room in which place he continued all his life and carryed himselfe with much sedulity piety and prudence in the same Anno Christi 1557. he was sent by his Prince to the Conference at Worms which came to nothing because the Popish party would not suffer that the Scripture should be â—he Judge of their Controversies In his old age he wrot upon the Psalmes and whereas there were many Monasteries in Wurâ—enburge out of w ch the Fryars were driven he perswaded his Prince to turn them to Schools for the training up youth in learning which was accordingly don and once in two years Brentius visited those Schools and tooke notice how the Scholars profited in learning and encouraged them to make a daily progresse therein he had almost finished his Comment upon the Psalmes when as his old age worn out with studyes and labors put a period unto the same and his end was hastned by grief for the immature death of hiâ— Prince for whom he professed that he would willingly have sacrificed all his estate and his owne life also Falling inâ—o a Fevor whereby he perceived that his end approached he made his Will wherein he set downe a Confession of his Faith and sending for the Ministers of Stutgard he caused his Son to read it to them requested them to subscribe their hands as witnesses to it he also received the Sacrament and exhorted them to unity in Doctrine and love amongst themselves he was exceeding patient in all his sicknesse neither by word nor gesture shewing the least impatience alwayes saying That he longed for a better even an eternall life the night before his death he slept sweetly and when he awaked the Minister repeated the Apostles Creed and asked him whether he dyed in that Faith to whom he answered Yea which was his laâ—t word and so he quietly resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1570. and of his Age 71. He was buried with much honor â—nd had this Epitaph Voce stylo pietate fide candore probatus Johannes tali Brentius ore fuit With voice style piety faith candor grac'd In outward shape Iohn Brentius was thus fac'd Toss'd in the ship of fortune Bâ—entius sail'd From place to place his courage never fail'd But with resolved Constancy he bent His minde to suffer free from discontent The rage of Papists could not make him yeeld To their desires True vertue was his shield The strength of his afflictions added strength Unto his soul his suffrings had no length Except of dayes and them he knew to be Bâ—t servile Subjects to Mortality Thus like a patient sufferer he fled From earth to heaven and there repos'd his head The Life and Death of Peter Viretus who dyed Anno Christi 1571. PEtâ—r Viretus was born in the Country of the Bernates brought up in learning at Paris where he began to be acquainted with Farellus from thence he went to Lusanna where he was chosen Pastor and spent much of his time in teaching and writing there and when Calvin was sent to the Conference at Worms Anno Christi 1541. and from thence to Ratisbone he obtained of the Senate of Lusanna that Viretus should
his Bed in which after he was laid the Gentleman of his Bed-chamber red to him till wearied nature shut up the offices of hiâ— senses long after his Porter had lockt up the Gates of his Pallace This watchfull and laborious kind of life without any recreation at all save what his necessary refection at hiâ— meals and a very few hours of rest in the night aforded him spent the oyl of this sweet Lamp the faster and thereby hastened his extinction and death in this world Which as he foresaw by the spirit so he foretold by letters to the Bishop of Noâ—wich Yet upon record in the works of Doctor Humfrey and as he forefaw it and foretold it so accordingly he prepared for it as a Traveller who hath little day and much way left spurreth on faster that he may reach home by day-light so he desirous to finish his course before the night of death approached mended his pace and dispatched all sorts of businesse with more celerity and as he was visiting his Diocesse more severely then ever before God visited him and as he preached at Lacock upon the words of the Apostle Walk in the Spirit Death arested him in the Pulpit from whence he was carried to his bed where he still continued preached to all that came to visit him either by heavenly instructâ—ons or pious ejaculations or divine meditations and paraphrases upon the pâ—ssages of Scripture which were read unto him even till at one and the self-same instant he committed both his hearers and his soul to God Valerius Maximus writeth of Sylla that it was hard to say whether he or his anger were first extinct for he threatned his enemies dying and dyed threatning but on the contrary it may be said of this servant of Christ Jesus it is hard to determine whether his naturall heat or his zeal first was extinguished whether his Prayers or his soul first arrived at Heaven for he dyed praying and prayed dying His last words worthy to be written with a pen of Diamond never to be rased out were theseâ— A Crown of righteousnesse is laid up for me Christ is my righteousnesse this is my body this day quickly let me come â—nto theâ— this day let me see the Lord Iesu. He was buried in the midst of the Quire where after he had been interred two yeers Dr. Humfrey laid upon him a faire marble stone with an inscription upon it containing a brief Chronicle of his life of which monument of that religious Professor it may be truly said as it was of that which Iulius Caesar raised to Pompey Caesar dum Pompeii statuas erexti suas confirmavit In making this monument to continue the memory of Iewel he eternized his own but Iewel left himself a second monument more famous then that the Library he built in Salisbury and yet a third more lasting then either of the former his Works here ensuing whereof these were Manuscripts 1. A Paraphrasticall Exposition of the Epistles and Gospels through the whole yeer 2. A continuate Exposition of the Creed Lords Prayer and ten Commandements 3. A Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galathians 4. A Commentary upon the Epistle of Saint Peter The Printed are these 1. Anno Dom. 1550. A latine Sermon preached at Saint Maries upon 1 Pet. 4.11 2. An. Dom. 1558. Divers Sermons preached before Queen Elizabeth at Pauls Crosse. 3. An. Dom. 1559. Epistola ad Scipionem patritium veneâ—um de causis cur Episcopi Angliae ad Concilium Tridentinum non convenerint 4. Anno 1560. A Challenge to all Papists at Pauls Crosse with an Answer to Doctor Cole in defence of a Sermon preached before the Queens Majesty and her most honourable Councell 5. Anno 1561. Apologia Ecclesiae Anglicanae 6. Anno 1562. An Exposition upon the first Epistle to the Thessalonians 7. Anno 1563. An Exposition upon the second Epistle to the Thessalonians 8. An. 1564. A Reply to Master Hardings Answer concerning the seven and twenty Articles contained in Master Jewel his Challenge viz. 1. Of private Masse 2. Communion under both kinds 3. Of Prayer in a strange tongue 4. Of the Supremacy 5. Of the reall presence 6. Of Polytopue or being in many places at once 7. Of the Elevation 8. Of adoration of the Host. 9. Of carrying the Sacrament under a Canopy 10. Of accidents without subject 11. Of dividing the Sacrament 12. Of a figure in the Sacrament 13. Of plurality of Masses 14. Of adoration of Images 15. Of reading the Scripture in the mother tongue 16. Of Consecration under silence 17. Of the Sacrifice of the Masse 18. Of receiving the Communion for others 19. Of the application of Christâ— death by the Masse 20. Of Opus Operatum 21. Of the Title of the Sacrament Lord and God 22. Of remaining under accidents 23. Of Mice eating the body of Christ. 24. Of Individium Vagum 25. Of the form and shews of Bread and Wine 26. Of hiding and covering the Sacrament 27. Of Ignorance whether it be the mother of Devotion 9. Anno 1565. A Rejoynder to Mr. Hardings Reply 10. An. 1566. A defence of the Apology of the Church of England 11. An. 1567. An answer to Mr. Hardings Preface 12. An. 1568. A Treatise of the Sacraments 13 An. 1569. The view of a seditious Bull sent into England 14. An. 1570. A Treatise oâ— the holy Scriptures If any desire to be more familiarly acquainted with Iewels and to be particularly informed of his method and course of study his witty and learned Discourses at Table his Poems and penned Speeches in the Colledge his Exercises for his Degrees his holding the golden Ballances of Minerva before Vrania being Moderator in Divinity Disputations in the presence of Queen Elizabeth at an Act at Oxford as also how he attained to that admirable faculty of memory whereby he waâ— able on the sudden to repeat Chapters of names read to him backward and forward broken sentences and exutick words Welsh Irish or any other Language after once or twice reading at the most let him read the story of his life at large in Doâ—tor Humfrey or at least the abridgement thereof which I drew in the year of our Lord 1611. being then Student in Corpus Christi Colledge at the command of Archbishop Bancroft which as soon as it was sent up was suddenly printed and prefixed to Iewels Works before I had time to revise it and note the Errata which I entreat thee for thine own sake as well as for mine thus now to correct Page 5. line 30. The wisdome of God so ordered this matter adde For Jewel his greater honour and the advantage of the truth P. 7. l. 10. for the blessed Spouse of Christ r. the blessed husband of the Spouse of Christ. P. 8. l. 21. for Valerius r. Vellerius p. 9. l. 16. for his Apologie fell in the yeer 1566. r. the defence of his Apologie And l. 23. for cene r. scene p. 12. l. 17. which is his Church adde on
Prisoners he wonderfully refreshed and comforted them by his godly exhortations and consolations drawn from the Scriptures whereby they were much confirmed in the Christian Faith and whereas before they were almost pined through want of food God so stirred up the heartâ— of some to bring reliefe to Zegedine that all the rest of the prisoners were provided for plentifully thereby Remaining thus in prison he was not idle but wrote there his Common-places and some other Works thus he remained in Prison above a year in which time three of his children dyed which added much to his aâ—fliction and though his people had used the intercession of all their great men there about for his liberty yet all prevailed not till it pleased God that a Noble Baron and his Lady passing by that way saw this worthy man of God in so miserable a plight that the Lady much pitied him and afterwards being in Child bed and ready to dye she requested her Lord who loved her dearly for her sake to improve all his interest in the Bashaw to procure Zegedines liberty which he with an oath promised to perform and accordingly engaged himselfe to the Turk that he should pay 1200. Florens for his ransome thereupon he was released and went about to diverse Cities to gather his ransome and God so enlarged mens hearts towards hâ—m that in a short time he carried 800. Florns to this Baron and so returned to his people at Calmanâ—sem The year after being 1564. as he was going by coach to Buda when the horses came near the great river Danubius being very hot and dry thy ran violently into the river but behold the admirable providence of God when they had swam some twenty paces in the river they turned back again and drew the coach and him safely to the shore The same year by the Imposition of Hands he ordained three excellent men Ministers About that time there came a bragging Fryar and challenged him to a Disputation which he willingly accepting of the great Church was appointed for the place and many of both sides resorted thither and the Fryar came with much confidence his servants carrying a great sacke of Bookes after him but in the Disputation Zegedine did so baffle him that all his friends shrunk away with shame and the Fryar with his great sack was left all alone so that himselfe was fain to take it on his own shoulders and goe his way About that time the Vaivod who had before betrayed him coming to the place where Zegedine was desired to speake with him and requested him to forgive him professing that he could rest neither night nor day he was so haunted with apparitions and the Furies of his own conscience which Zegedine easily affented unto In the year 1566. Zegedine being very hot invited a friend to goe with him to the River of Danubius to bathe himself but as they were swiming his friend looking about him saw not Zegedine and wondering what was become of him so suddenly at last he spyed his hoarie hairs appearing above water and swimming swiftly to him Zegedine was sunk whereupon he diving to the bottome of the river caught hold of him and drew him forth carrying him to a Mill that was not far off where he laid him to bed about midnight Zegedine coming to himself enquired how he came there and who drew him out of the River hiâ— friend told him the whole story and kept him carefully till he recovered In the year 1572. he fell into a mortall dsease which so much the more afflicted him becausâ— he could not sleepe whereupon he sent for a Chirurgion who gave him a bitter potion which caused him to fall a sleepe but after a little while he quietly breathed forth his last being sixty seven years of age How full of patience how divine Was this our learned Zegedine Though cast in prison and restrain'd From food yet he the truth maintain'd His heart resolved from his youth Rather to starve then starve the truth For Disputations few there were That could with Zegedine compare His rare example lets us know Patience o'recomes the greatest woe The Life and Death of John Knox who dyed Anno Christi 1572. JOhn Knox was born at Gifford in Lothain in Scotland Anno 1505. of honest Parentage brought up first at School then sent to the University of Saint Andrews to study under Master Io. Maior who was famouâ— for learning in those dayes and under whom in a short time he profited exceedingly in Philosophy and School Divinity and took hiâ— Degrees and afâ—erwards was admitted very young into Orders then he betook himself to the reading of the Fathers especially Augustine's Works and lastly to the earnest study of the holy Scriptures by w ch being through God's mercy informed of the Truth he willingly embraced it and freely professed it and imparted it to others But when there was a persecution raised up by the Bishops against the Professours of the Truth he fled into England where he preached the Gospel with much zeal fruit both at Berwick Newcastle and London He was much esteemed â—y King Edward the sixt who proffered him a Bishoprick which he rejected as having Aliquid commune cum Antichristo something in it common with Antichrist King Edward being dead the pâ—rsecution raised by Queen Mary made him leave England and goe to Frankefort where for a time he preached the Gospel to the English Congregation but meeting with opposition there both from Papists and false brethren he went to Geneva Anno Christi 1559. and of his age 54. the Nobility of Scotland with some others beginning the Reformation of Religion sent for him home and shortly after he was setled Minister at Edinbrough where he preached many excellent Sermons Anno Christi 1566. the Earl of Murray being slain on the Saturday Knox preaching at Edinbrough the next day amongst the papers given of those that desired the prayers of the Church he found one with these words Take up the man whom yee accounted another God At the end of his Sermon he bemoaned the losse that the Church and State had by the death of that vertuous man adding further There is one in this company that makes this horrible murder the subject of his mirth for which all good men should be sorry but I tell him he shall dye where there shall be none to lament him The man that had written those words was one Thomaâ— Metellan a young Gentleman of excellent parts but bearing small affection to the Earl of Murray he hearing this commination of Iohn Knox went home to his Sister and saâ—d That Iohn Knox was raving to speak of he knew not whom His Sister replyed with tears If you had taken my advice you had not written those words saying further Thaâ— none of Iohn Knox his threatnings fell to the ground without effect And so indeed this came to passe for shortly after this Gentleman going to travell dyed in Italy having none to assist
much lesse to lament him Towards Knox his later end his body became very infirm and his voyce so weak that People could not hear him in the ordinary place wherefore he chose another place wherein he preached upon the History of Christs passion with which he said it was his desire to close his Ministry finding his end neer he importuned the Council of the City to provide themselves a worthy man to succeed in his place Master Iames Lawson Professor in Aberdene was the man pitched upon and Commissioners were sent from the Church of Edinborough to request him to accept of the place Iohn Knox also subscribed that request adding Accelera mi frater alioqui â—erò venies Haste my Brother otherwise you will come too late this made Master Lawson to hasten his journey and when he was come he preached twice to the good liking of the people whereupon order was taken by the rulers of the Church for his admission at which time Iohn Knox would needs preach though very wâ—ak which also he performed with such fervency of spiriâ— that he was never before heard to preach with so greaâ— power or more content to the hearers In the end of his Sermon he called God to witnesse that he had walked in a good conscience with them not seeking to please men nor serving either his owne or other mens affections but in all sincerity and truth had preached the Gospell of Christ. He exhorted them in most grave and pithy words to stand fast in the Faith they had received and so having prayed zealously for Gods blessing upon them and the multiplying of Gods spirit upon their new Pastor he gave them his last farewel Being conveyed to his lodging that afternoon he was forced to betake himselfe to his bed and was visited by all sorts of persons in his sicknesse to whom he spake most comfortably amongst others the Earle of Morton came to see him to whom he said My Lord God hath given you many blessings Wisdome Honor Nobility Riches many good and great friends and he is now about to prâ—fer you to the Government of the Realm the Earl of Marr the late Regent being newly dead In his name I charge you use these blessings better then formerly you have don seeking first the glory of God the furtheance of his Gospell the maintenance of his Church and Ministry and then be carâ—full of the King to procure his good and the welfare of the Realm Iâ— you doe thus God will be with you and honor you if otherwisâ— â—e will dâ—prive you of all these benefits and your end shall be shame and ignonminie These speeches the Earl called to minde about nine years after at the time of his Execution saying That he had found Iohn Knox to be a Prophet A day or two before Knox his death he sent for Master David Lindsey Master Lawson and the Elders and Deacons of the Church â—o whom he said The time is approaching which I have long thirsted for 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 Goâ—â—eâ—â— of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true sincâ—râ— Word of God and that the end that I proposed in my Mâ—nistry was To instruct the ignorant to confirm the weaâ— to comfort their consciences who were humbled under the sense of their sins and born down with the threatningâ— oâ— Gods judgments I am not ignorant that many have and doe blame my too great rigor and severity but God knoweth that in my heart I never hated those agaâ—nsâ— whom I thundered Gods judgments I did onely hate theiâ— sins and labored according to my power to gaine them to Christ That I did forbear none of what condition soever I did it out of the fear of my God who hatâ— placed me in the function of his Ministry and I know will bring me to an account Now bretheren for your selveâ— I have no more to say but to warn you that you â—ake heâ—d to the Flocke over which God hath placed you Over seers which 〈◊〉 hath redeemed by the blood of his onely begotten son and you Master Lawson fight a good fight doe the Worke of the Lord with courage and with a willing minde and God from heaven blesse you and the Church whereof you have the charge Against it so long as it continues in the Doctrâ—nâ— of the Truth the gates of hell shall not prevaâ—le having thus spoken and the Elders and Deacons being dismissed he called the two Preacher 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 himself away I pray you go 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 wisdome of that man whom he counteth halfe a god which was young Leshingâ—on shall yeeld him help but he shall be shamefully pulled out of that nest and his carcasse hung before the Sun meaning the Câ—stle which he kept against the Kings Authority for his soul it is dear to me and if it were possible I would fain have him saved accordingly they went to him conferred with him but could by no meanes divert him from his course But as Knox had fore-told so the year after his Castle was taken and his body was publickly there hanged before the Sun yet at his death he did expresse serious repentance The nex day 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 Iesus sweet Jesâ—s into thy hands I commend my spirit being ask'd 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 joyes Oft after some deep meditation he used to say Oh serve the Lord in fear and death shall not be troublesome to you Blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of Iesus The night before his death he slept some hours with great unquietnesse often fighing 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 assaulted with Tempâ—aâ—ionâ— from Satan and he hath oft cast my sinâ— 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 seek's to perswade me That all my labors in the Ministery 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 mee With which he is gon away ashamed and shall no more return and now I am sure that my battell â—s 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 don Adding Lord Iesus receive my spirit With which words without any motion of hands or feet as one falling a sleep rather then dying he ended his life Never was man more observant of the true just authority of Church-Rulers according to the Word of God and thâ— practise of the purest Primitive time he alwayes pressed due Obedience from the people to the faithfull Pastorâ— and Elders of the Church He dyed 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 Undaunted Knox would never fear to tell The bett their follyes if they did not well He was severe to those that would not Observant to his preach'd Divinity He lov'd the wayes of peace and would delight Himselfe in â—ods just Lawes both day and night His soul would be laborious to fullfill The sweet commands of his deare makers will In peace he liv'd and with a peacefull breath He call'd on God and yeelded unto deathâ— The Life and Death of Peter Ramus who dyed Anno Christi 1572. PEter Ramus was born in France Anno Christi 1515. His Grandfather was a Noble-man who having his estate plundered by Charles Duke of Burgundie Generall under the Emperour Charles the fifth was forced to leave his Country and to betake himselfe to the poore and painfull life of an husbandman and his father being left very poor by him was fain to live by making of Charcole Ramuâ— being from his Childhood of an excellent wit of an industrious nature and much addicted to learning was compelled for his subsistance to live as a servant with one of his Uncles but finding that by reason of his many Imployments he had no time to follow his book there he thought it better to betake himselfe to the service of some learned man so going to Paris and being admitted into the Colledge of Navar he laboured hard all day for his Masters and spent a great part of the night in study so that in a short time he was made Master of Arts and Laureat-Poet and the Professors in that Colledge every one taking much delight in his diligence each strove to forward him in learning and lent him such books as he needed then he betook himselfe to instructing of others and to exercise himselfe in private Lectures till thereby he had fitted himselfe for more publick employments then was he appointed publickly to read Logick and when he was twâ—nty one years old he published his Logick with some Animadversions upon Aristotile this procured him much love every one admiring such ripe parts in so young a man and envy being the usuall concomitant of vertue he had also many that envied and aspersed him especially the Sorbone Doctors who accused him of Heresie in Phylosopgy for that he being but a Novice dust take upon him to correct Aristotle the Prince of Phylosophers and by their authority they so far prevailed that Ramus was forbidden to read or write any morâ— of Phylosophy This being very griâ—vous to him it pleased God to stir up the heart of the Governour of another Colledge to send for him to assist him in restoring of that Colledge which was now empty the students being all fled by reason of the infection of the Plague aâ—â— it came to passe that in a short time Ramus being so famouâ— a man the Colledge was better stored with students then ever it was before the Sorbonists much raged at this and laboured to soâ— division betweene the Governour of the Colledge and him yet Ramus carried himselfe with so much candor and ingenuity that they lived together wâ—th much concord at last that Governour dying Ramâ—s succâ—eded him and by the Cardinall of Lorrain's meanes who who was a great favorer of Learning he was made the Regius Professor of Rhetorick and Phylosophy Anno Christâ— 1551. and of his Age thirty six His fame spreading into all the Universities of Christendome there were many Princes that strove to get him out of France profering him large stipends if he would come to them but he being now famous in France preferred his owne Country before all others and therefore rejected all their offers In Pariâ— he had so great esteem that though his enemies strongly opposed it yet he was made Dean of the whole University and so having obtained a more quiet kinde of life he betook himselfe to the study of the Mathematicks wherein he grew very exquisite But when the Civill Wars brake forth in France for Religion and that none could safely enjoy themselves or any thing that they had when under pretence of Religion every one revenged his owne private quarrels upon others Ramus to free himselfe from this tempest left Paris and went to Fontainblew where the Kings Library was yet neither there could he be in safety so that at last he was compelled to betake himselfe to the Camp of the Prince of Conde But when he saw that France was no fit place for him for the present to reside in he resolved to travell into Germany till God should restore peace to his Country againe and accordingly he went to Argentine Basil Lusanna Tâ—gâ—re Heidelbâ—rgeâ— Noreâ—berg and Auspurg and was entertained in all these Universities with great applause and with much joy by all learned men And when the Civill War was ended in France he returned to Pariâ— againe Then he remained in his College till thâ—t horrible Massacre happened on Saint Bâ—rtholomews Eve wherein so many thousands perished by the cruell hands of bloody Papists at which time the Colledge gates being fast shut he locked himselfe up in his owne house till those furious Papistâ— brake open his doorâ— and finding him 〈◊〉 him through and being halfe dead threw him out of his window and not â—â—â—â—â—fied therewith they cut off his head dragged his body about the streets in the channels and at last threw it into the river of Sâ—in Anno Christi 1572. and of his Age seven and fifty After which also they selâ—ed upon his Goods Library and Writings whereby many â—xcellent Commâ—ntaries and other Works not fully compleaâ— perished to the great losse of learned men Indâ—â—â—rious 〈◊〉 from his youth inclin'd Himselâ—e 〈…〉 a well composed minâ—e His hearâ— was serious and he tooke great
paines To sowe good seeds and after reape the gaâ—nes He was belov'd of all that lov'd the â—ame Of learning for he had a winged name His care his love his industry was such That in few yeaâ—s his heart attain'd to much But in conclusion Enviâ— that still crowds Into true Fame involv'd him in the clouds Of sudden ruine Pâ—â—istâ— thought it good To take a furfeit of his guiltlesse blood The Life and Death of Matthew Parker who dyed Anno Christi 1574. MAtthew Parker was born in the City of Norwich Annâ— Christi 1502. and having some years at Schoole hâ— went to Cambridge where he was admitted into Corpuâ— Christi Bennet Colledg in which place he profited so much that he was chosen Fellow and grew so famous thâ—t Queen Ann Bullen mother to Queen Elizabeth made him her Chaplain whereupon he Commensed Doctor in Divinity and after her death King Henry the eighth and after his death King Edward the sixth made him their Châ—plaines and preferred him to be Master of Bennet Colledge besides other Ecclesiasticall dignities which they advanced him to but in Queen Maries dayes he was despoiled of all and was compelled to live a poor and private life but so soon as Queen Elizabeth came to the Crown she made choyce of this Doctor Parker for his admirable learning and piety to be the Archbishop of Canterbury Anno Christi 1559. which place he supplyed with great commendation for above fifteen years His works of Charity were very eminent He gave to the Corporation of Norwich where he was born a Bason and Ewr double guilt weighing 173. ounces as also fifty shillings a year for ever to be destributed amongst the poor of that City and six anniversary Sermons in severall places of Norfolk to Bennet Colledge he gave thirty Scholarships built them a Library and bestowed many excellent books and ancient Manuscripts upon it besides three hundred ounces of silver and guilt-plate and the perpetuall Patronage of Saint Mary Ab-church-London He carefully collected and caused to be printed diverse ancient Histories of England which probably had otherwise been lost He dyed in peace An. Christi 1574. and of his Age 72. What Heav'n bestow'd upon him he was frée To give to others for his Charitie Was known to many whose impatient griefe Inforc'd them to implore his sure reliefe His worth was such that t' was disputed which Pray'd for him most either the poore or rich The poore they pray'd as they were bound to do Because he fild their soules and bodies too The rich destr'd his life because his store Sustain'd their soules and help'd maintain the poore Thus having spent his dayes in love he went In peace to Heav'ns high court of Parliament HENRICVS BVLLINGERVS The Life and Death of Henry Bullinger IN the year of our Lord 1504. Henricus Bullingerus was born at Bremogarta a Town in Switzerland he was descended from an ancient and a noble Family much esteemed and honoured in those parts Being an Infant he was twice in great danger of his life but preserved by the powerfull hand of God contrary to the expectation of his Parentâ— and friends first from the Pestilence wherewith those parts were at that time grievously punished and secondly from a wound which he received in his â—hrâ—at by reason of a fall whereby he was made unable to admit of any nourishment for the space of five dayes His Father being a man of great learning and bearing an extraordinary affection unto the Arts and their Professors he was very carefull to provide that the tender years of this his Son might be bathed in the Fountains of Learning and for that cause he being not fully five years old he was sent unto a Countrey School neer adjoyning where he continued seven years but by reason of the inability of his Master he profited not much yet he attained unto that perfection that he exceeded those which learned with him not without the approbation of his Master His Parents well perceiving the towardlinesse of the childe and finding that Schoolmaster not to be a sufficient Tutor for him they presently entred into a consideration of sending him unto some more eminent place where he might be instructed in the Arts for the better perfection of nature and therefore in the year 1516. he was sent unto Embrick a Town in the Dukedom of Clire then famous for the many learned Schollers wherewith it was adorned and here he was comitted unto the tuition of Casparus Glogoriensis and of Petrus Cochemensis Mosellanus and others being men beautified with excellent endowments and famous both for their Method of Teaching and severity of Discipline which latter was most acceptable unto this Bullinger and for that cause being yet a childe he had an intent to unite himself unto the Order of the Carthusians it being the stricâ—est and most severest In this place Bullinger concinued three years to the great perfection of his Studies and increasing of his knowledge in the Arts and Tongues During which time he received little maintenance from his Father He furnished himselfe with victuals sometimes by singing sometimes by begging from doore to doore Which action he performed not because his Father was poore and could not or covetous and would not confer a sufficient annuall pension on him but he did it because he desired to have some experience of the miserable and wretched condition of poore men that iu future times he might be the more willing and ready to relieve and succour them Afterwards he removed unto Colen where he studied Logick and notice being taken of his excellent qualities he proceeded Bachelor of Arts and because there was great controversies in the Churches then touching some points of Divinity he inclined unto the Study of Theologie and withall desired to know of those who were esteemed the best Schollars what Authors were fittest to be read to ground him in the knowledge thereof They all advise him to consult with Lombard his writings being of good account and authority in those times This counsell was embraced by Bullinger who not contenting himselfe with that Author he went unto Georgius Deinerus by whose procurement he obtained an admission into the publick Library at Colen where he studied the Homilies of Chrysostome on Matthew read over some chiefe parts of the Workes of Augustine Ambrose Origen the Workes of Luther he read privately in his own Chamber which indeed were the meanes of inlightning his understanding for by the reading of them he was induced to peruse and to search into the Scriptures and especially into the New Testament whereby he entred into a detestation of the Doctrine of the Church of Rome and into a constant and firme resolution of rejecting the austerâ— life of the Carthusian Monkes In this Academy he went forth Master of Arts and then he returned unto his Fathers house where he spent a whole year in his private studies and meditations at the end whereof he was called by Wolfangus Ionerus unto
Grindall WIlliam Grindall was born in Cumberland Anno Christi 1519. and carefully brought up in learning first 〈◊〉 School and then in the University of Cambridge where being admitted into Pembrooke-Hall he profited so exceedingly that he was chosen first Fellow and afterward Master of that house and Bishop Ridley taking notice of his piety and learning made him his Chaplain and commended him to that pious Prince King Edward the sixt who intended to prefer him but that he was prevented by an immature death In the bloody dayes of Queen Mary Grindal amoâ—gst many others fled into Germany where he continued alâ— her raign but coming back in the begining of Queen Elizabeth she preâ—erred him to that dignity which her brother King Edward entended him to making him Bishop of London wherein he carryed himselfe worthily for about eleven years and Anno Christi 1570. he was removed by the Queen to the Archbishoprick of Yorke where he continued about six years and then for his piety and learning she made him Archbishop of Cantâ—rbury wherein he lived about seven years more and then falling sick at Croydon he resigned up his spirit unto God that gave iâ— An. Christi 1583. and of his Age 64. Both in his life and at his death he did many excellent works of Charityâ— at Saint Bees in Cumberland where he was born he erected a Free-school and endowed it with 30 l. per Annum for ever To Pembrok Hall in Cambridg where he was educated he gave 22 l. a year in Lands for the maintaining of a Greek Lecturer one Fellow and two Schollars to be chosen out of the foresaid Schoole of Saint Bees he gave also much money to the said Colledge To Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge he gave lands for the maintenance of one Fellow from the said School To Christ's Colledge in Cambridg he gave forty five pounds To Queen'â— Colledge in Oxford he gave twenty pound per Annum in lands to maintain one Fellowâ— and two Scholars out of the aforesaid School and at his death he gave his Library which was a very great and good one to that Colledge besides a great sum of mony To eight Alms-houses in Croydon he gave fifty pounds per Annum and to Canterbury he gave an hundred pounds to set the poor on work True vertue rain'd in Grindals brest His Charity bespeakes him blest He loved peace and hated those That dar'd to prove Religioâ—s foesâ— Renowned Ridley took delight To see his vertue shine so bright He like a star gave light to all That sat in darknesse pinch'd with thrall And thus this glistring star went downe And set in Heav'n with much renowne Where now he beares his part and sings Blest hallalujahs to the Kng of Kings The Life and Death of Bernard â—ilpin who dyed Anno Christi 1583. BErnard Gilpin was born at Kentmire in the County of Westmoreland Anno Christi 1517. of an ancient and honorable family when he was but a child a Fryar pretending to be a zelous Preacher came on a Saturday night to his fathers house and at supper eat like a Glutton and drank himselfe drunk yet the next morning in his Sermon sharply reproved the sin of Drunkennesse whereupon yoâ—ng Gilpin sitting near his mother cryed out Oh mother do you heare how this fellow dar's speak against drunkennesse and yet himselfe was drunken last night but his mother stopped his mouth with her hand that he might speak no further it being a mortall sin in those times to speak against these men His parents perceiving his aptnesse were carefull to make him a Scholar and when he had with great approbation passed his time in the Grammer-School they senâ— him to Oxford Anno Christi 1533. where he was admitted into Queen's Colledge and profited wonderonsly in humane learning he was very conversant also in the writings of Erasmus which were much esteemed at that time Aud to the study of Logick and Philosophy he added that of Greek and Hebrew yea after som few years spent in these studyes he grew so famous that their was no place of preferment for a Scholar whereof the eminency of his vertues had not rendered him worthy whereupon he was one of the first that was chosen a member of Christ-Church by Cardinall Wolâ—ey At that time he was not fully instructed in the true Religion but held Disputations against Iohn Hooper afterwards Bishop of Worcester as also against Peter Martyr who was then Divinity Lecturer at Oxford upon the occasion of which dispute that he might defend his cause the better he examined the Scriptures and ancient Fathers But by how much the more he studyed to defend his Cause the lesse confidence he began to have therein and so whilst he was searching zealously for the Truth he began to discern his owne Errors Peter Martyr used to say That he cared not for his other â—dversaries but saith he I am much troubled for Gilpin for he doth and speaketh all things with an upright heart and therefore he often prayed That God would be pleased at last to convert to the Truth the heart of Gilpin being so inclinable to honesty and the Lord answered his prayer for Gilpin resolved more earnstly to apply himselfe both by study and prayer to search out the Truth and it pleased God accordingly to reveal it unto him as also the many Errors of Popery and the necessity of seperating from that Apostaticall Church In the mean while Cuthbert Tâ—nstal Bishop of Durham being his Unckle resolved to send him beyond Sea to visit the Churches in forrein parts and to allow him means for his travel but before his going he was called to preach before King Edward the sixt which he performed with good approbation Then resolving upon his journey he had a Parsonage given him which Tunstal perswaded him to keep to maintain him in his travels but he sending for a friend whom he knew to be learned and religious resigned his Parsonage to him for which when it came to the knowledge of Tunstal he chid him sharply and told him That he would dye a beggar but he excused it saying That he could not keepe it with the peace of his conscience but said the Bishop thou shalt have a dispensation to whom Gilpin answered That he feared when he came to stand before Christ's tribunall it would not serve his turne to plead a Dispensation c. When he came beyond Sea he went to Lovain Antwerp and Pariâ— and after a while Tunstal sent againe to him to perswade him to accept of a Parsonage which he would confer upon him to whom he wrote backe that he had discussed it with all the learned especially with the Prophets and best writers since Christ's time so that he was fully resolved not to burthen his conscience to accept of a Change which he could not live upon c. Whilest he was at Paris Tunstal sent him over a Book which himselfe had written about the Presence of Christ in the Sacrament to be
was made Batchelor of Arts at the years end Anno Christi 1569. he went to Wittenberg where he studyed Philosophy Law and Divinity with incredible pains so that at three yearâ— end with the approbation of the whole University he waâ— made Master of Arts he intended at first the study of Lawâ— But it pleased God on a sudden so to divert his heart from it and to incline him to the study of Divinity that he could have no rest in himselfe till he had resolved upon itâ— Anno Christi 1571. he returned to Marpurg and studyed Hâ—â—brew and the year after he read the Arts to many studentâ— privately and became Tutor to three Noblemen at twenty three years old he was so famous that by the consent of all the Divines in that University he was chosen into the number and order of Professors of Divinity the year after he married a wife a choyce maid by whom he had three sons and two daughters the same year also he was chosen the Professor of the Hebrew Tongue in that University Anno Christi 1578. he was made Doctor in Divinity and falling sick about that time he made an excellent confâ—ssion of his faith But it pleasâ—d God that he recovered and was not onely a constant preacher of the truth but a strong defender of it against errors confuting the Vbiquitarians and that so boldly that he chose rather to hazard banishment then to connive at errors His fame spread abroad â—xceedingly so that many sought for him especially Iohn of Nâ—ssaw and Iohn Cassimire the Elector Palatine the first desired him to come and begin his University at Herborn where he should have had greater honor and a larger stipend the other desired him to Heidleberg to be the Divinity Professor in that place His answer was That he was born rather for labours then honours and therefore chose to goe to Heidleberg being thirty three years old and was entertained lovingly of the Prince and his coming was most gratefull to the University where he tooke exceeding great paines and was eminent for Piety Humility Gravity Prudence Patience and Industry so that in the year 1588. he was chosen into the number of the Ecclesiasticall Senators for the government of the Church He was famous for Learning Eloquence Faithfulnesse and Diligence in his place and Holinesse and Integrity in his life In the year 1589. he fell sicke for which and his change he had been carefully fitting himselfe beforehand and therefore bore it with much patience and with fervent Prayer often repeated O Christ thou art my redeemer and I know that thou hast redeemed mee I wholly depend upon thy providence and mercy from the very bottome of my heart I commend my spirit into thy hands and so he slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1589. aâ—d of his Age 38. Industrious humble prudent patient grave What other vertues that a man could have Sohnius enjoyn'd with peacefulnesse his hand Was apt to write his heart to understand He tooke delight to meditate upon The love of God his owne salvation He study'd how to dye his wel-spent breath Was but a rare preparative to death And having ended his laborious dayes He dy'd in peace and now he lives in praise The Life and Death of Laurence Humfried who dyed Anno Christi 1589. LAurence Humfried was borne in the County of Buckingâ—am and brought up at School and then sent to Oxford where he was admitted into the Colledge of Mary Magdalen and followed his Studies hard all the dayes of King Edward the sixt But in the beginning of those bloudy Marian dayes wherein so many were forced to forsake their native soyle he amongst the rest went beyond Seâ— into Germany where he continued till the beginning of Queen Elizabeths reign whom God raised up to be a nursing Mother to his Church at which time he came backe and returned to Oxford where he was very famous both for his Learning and Preaching then also he commensed Doctor in Divinity and by reason of his excellent parts hâ— was very instrumentall in the advancement of Gods glory And whereas that wicked Sect of the Jesuits was lately risen up he by his learned writings did both from Scripture and Antiquity diâ—cover their impostures and Popish deceits Afterwards he was made the Master of Magdalâ—â— Colledge and the Regius Professor which places he discharged with singular commendations for many years together and at the last quietly resigned up his spirit into the hands of God in the year 1589. Though persecuting Times pursu'd and chast This pious Father yet he still embrac'd And hugg'd the Truth his heart remained frée From persecution and captivity Those weighty words which pleasantly persu'd Out of his mouthâ— soon conquer'd and subdu'd Inticing Iesuits he made them know Their errours by a fatall overthrow Thus having labour'd with a faithfell brest Heav'n thought it fit to crown his soul with rest The Life and Death of James Andreas who dyed Anno Christi 1578. JAmes Andreas was born in Waibling in Wittenberg Anno 1538. When his father had kept him three years at School being unable to maintain him any longer he intended to have placed him with a Carpenter but being disswaded by some friends and having obtained an exhibition out of the Church-stock he sent him to Stutgard to a choyce Schoolmaster under whom in â—wo years space he learned Grammer and Rhetorick and so An. Christi 1541. he went to Tubing where he so profited that at the end of â—wo years he was made Batchelor of Arts and two years after that Master of Arts there also he studyed Hebrew and Divinity Anno Christi 1546. and of his age eighteen he was called to Stutgard where Preaching in a great Auditory he was chosen and made Deacon which place he executed so well that he presently grew famous insomuch as the Duke of Wittenberg sent for him to Preach before him in his Castle which he did with much applause at Tubing also that year he married a wife by whom he had eighteen children nine sons and nine daughters about that time brake forth that fatall war betwixt Charles the fifth and the Protestant Princes wherein the Emperor being conquerour he seized upon the Dukecome of Wittenberg by reason whereof the Church there was in a sad condition yet Andreas with his wife remained in Stutgard and by Gods speciall providence was preserved in the middest of the Spanish Souldiers and yet preached constantly and faithfully all the while and so he continued till An. Christi 1548. at which time that accursed Inâ—eirm came forth which brought so much mischiefâ— to the Church of God Andreas amongst other godly Ministers that oppsed it was driven from his place yet it pleased God that the year after he was chosen to be Deacon at Tubing where by Catechising he did very much good Anno Christi 1550. Vlriâ—ke dying his son Christopher succeeding him in the Governâ—ment of Wittenberg and affected Andreas exceedingly and would needs have
committed any faultâ— that week whom he would so reprove and lay the wrath of God before them that he much râ—formed them thereby He tooke extraordinary paines to fit such for the worke oâ— the Ministery as were growne up to it so that the Church received very much benefit from thence hâ—ving so many able Pastors sent forth into it Besides this he Preached every Lords day in the Church and that with such fervency and evident demonstration of the spirit that he was the instâ—ument of converting very many unto God He wrote also many Commentaries upon the Scriptures which being Printed and going abroadâ— into other Countries Beza meeting with that upon the Romans and Ephesians he wrote to a friend concerning them that he had gotten a treasure of incomparable value and that he had not met with the like before for breviâ—ie elegancy and judâ—ciousnesse He was so humble that he prefered all others before himselfe and laboured after privacie from publicke businesse that he might the better apply himselfe to his studies yet in the two last years of his life he was so involved in Publicke affaires that it much weakned his health He was greatly tormented with the stone yet did he not intermit his labours He was made Moderator in a Synod and chosen for one of the Commissioners of the Church in the intervalâ— of Synods In the year 1589. his disease so increased upon him that he was confined to his house and being removed into the Countrey ayre he seemed at first to be better but presently his disease returned with more violence so that he was forced to keepe his bed whereupon he set his House in order and his Wiâ—e after ten years barrennesse being with childe he commended her to the care of his friends two Noblemen coming to visit him he requested them from him to goe to the King and to intreat him in his name to take care of Religion and to persevere in it to the end as hitherto he had done and to reverence and esteeme the Pastors of the Church as it was meet And when the Pastors of Edenbrough came to him he made an excellent exhortatioâ— to them and profession of his sincerity and integrity in â—is place that God called him toâ— death approaching he made such a divine and heavenly speech as astonished the hearers and when the Physitians were preparing Physick for him he said Tu Deus medeberis mihi thou Lord wilt heal mee then he prayed fervently that God would pardon his sins for Christ's sake and that he might have an happy departure enjoy God's presence which he often breathed after saying I have hitherto seen but darkely in the glasse of his word O Lord grant that I may enjoy the eternall fruition of thy countenance which I have so much desired and longed for the day after diverse of the Magistrates of Edenburg coming to him he spake to them to be very carefull of the University desiring them to choose into his room Henry Charter a man every way fit for that imployment he commended to their care also his wife professing that he had not laid up one penny of his stipend and therefore hoped they would provide for her when he had their promise for those things he said I blesse God I have all sences intire but my heart is in heaven and Lord Iesus why shouldest not thou have it it hath been my care all my life long to dedicate it to thee I pray thee take it that it may live with thee for ever C 〈…〉 Lord Iesus put an end to this miserable life hast Lord and tarry not Come Lord Iesus and give me that life for which thou hast redeemed me and when some told him that the next day was the Sabbath he said thy Sabbath O Lord shall begin my eternall Sabbath my eternall Sabbath shall take it's beginning from thy Sabbath The next morning feeling his approaching death he sent for Master Belcanqual to pray with him who in his prayer desired the Lord if he pleased to prolong his life for the good of his Church whereupon he said I am a weary of this life all my desire is that I may enjoy the celestiall life that is hid with Christ in God and thus continued he in such heavenly prayers and speeches till the evening and quietly resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1598. and of his Age forty three Renowned Rollock a most learned Scot Deserves also as his most worthy lot A Crown of Bayes his learned browes to dresse Who did such parts and piety expresse Such gravity mixt with sweet Clemency Such love to truth and spotlesse verity As that the Scottish States minding to make At Edenburg an Academ did take Especiall notice of him and then sent Desiring him to take that Government Which he perform'd with such diligence That Scotland reapt great benefit from thence He on the sacred Scriptures Comments wrote Wherof two were of such renowned note That Beza of them gave his witnesse fair That they were rich and prizelesse Trâ—asures rare This precious Saint thus piouâ—ly did spend His dayes on earth had heavens Crown in th' end The Life and Death of Nicolas Hemingius who dyed Anno Christi 1600. NIcolas Hemingius was born at Loland in Denmarke Anno Christi 1513. of honest Parents but his Father dying when he was young his Grandfather brought him up carefully in learning placing him forth in diverse Schools and when he had laid a good foundation of learning there he had an ardent desire to goe to Wittenberg which was made famous by Philip Melancthon's Lectures and having gotten some little mony in his purse he traveled thitherward but by the way some thieves met him and stripped him of all that he had yet when he came to Wittenberg he found thâ— people very charitable to him especially Melancthon there he remained five yeares and by his writing for and attending upon richer students and teaching some privately he maintained himselfe When he returned home he had an ample testimony from Melancthon for his excellent wit and learning and was there intertained by Olaus Nicholas to teach his daughters and from thence he was chosâ—n to be Pastor at Hafnia and accordingly ordained to itâ— which place he discharged with much diligence and faithfulnesâ— and many young students resorting to him he read privatly to them and afterwards was chosen Hebrew Professor in that University In the year 1557. he was made Doctor in Divinity and performed his place with much sedulity twenty six yâ—â—res Anno Christi 1579. when he was growne old and exhausted with his daily labors Frederick the second King of Dâ—nmark gave him a liberall Pension upon which he lived holily and comfortably all the remainder of his dayes som years before his death he grew blind and was troubled with severall diseases desiring nothing more then that he might be dissolved and be with Christ A little before his death he expounded the 103. Psalme with so
spent the rest of the after-noone even till Bed-time except some friend tooke him off to Supper and then did he eat but sparingly Of the fruit of this his seed-time the world especially this Land hath reaped a plentifull harvest in his Sermons and writings Never went any beyond him in the first of these his Preaching wherein he had such a dexterty that some would say of him that he was quicke againe as soone as delivered and in this faculty he hath left a patterne unimitable So that he was truly stiled Stella perdicantium and an Angell in the Pulpit And his late Majesty tooke especiall care in causing that volume of his Sermons to be divulged though but a handfull of those which he Preached by enjoying whereof this kingdome hath an inestimable treasure And for his acutenesse and profundity in writing against the Adversary he so excelled all others of his time that neither Bellarmine champion to the the Romanists nor any other of them was ever able to answere what he wrote So that as his Sermons were unimitable his writins were unanswerable To draw to an end of deciphering his vertues and endowments It may truly be said of him that he had those gifts and graces both of Art and Nature so fixed in him as that this age cannot paralell him for his profundity and abisse of learning was accompanied with wit memory judgment Languages gravity and humility insomuch that if he had bin Contemporary with the Ancient Fathers of the Primitive Church he would have bin and that worthily reputed not inferior to the chiefest among them He generally hated all vices but three which he ever repuâ—ed sinnes were most especially odious unto him First Usury from which he was so farre himselfe that when his friends had need of such money as he could spare he lent it to them freely without expectance of ought backe but the Principall Secondly The second was Simony which was so detestable to him as that for refusing to admit diverse men to livings whom he suspected to be Simonically preferd he suffered much by suits of Law choosing rather to be compelled against his will to admit them by Law then voluntarily to doe that which his conscience made scruple of And for the livings and other preferments which fell in his owne gift he ever bestowed them freely as you have seene before upon deserving men without suit So that we may say of him as was said long since concerning Roberâ— Winchelsey Archbishop of Canterbury Beneficia Ecclesiastica nunquam misi doctis conâ—ulit Precibus ac gracia Noliâ—ium fretos ambientes semper repulit Thirdly The last was Sacriledge which he did so much abhorre that when the Bishopricke of Sarum and that of Ely before it was so much deplumed were offered to him upon termes savoring that way he utterly rejected thâ—m Concerning that of Salisbury give leave to adde a particuler passage of his which happened many yeeres after his said refusall of it which was this At a Parliament under King Iames when an Act was to passe concerning Sherburne Castle it was observed that onely Bishop Andrewes and another gave their Votes against the same That the other should so doe was not much merveiled at but that Bishop Andrewes should doe it when none but that other Lord did so was so remarkeable as that he was demanded by a greaâ— Person what his reason was for it To which he most worthily replyed that it could not be well wondred why he should now vote against that which if he would have yeelded unto many yeeres before in the dayes of Queene Elizabeth he might have had this Bishopricke of Sarum which reason of his when his late Majesty being then Prince and present at the passing of the Act heard He be shrewed him that when he denyed his consent he did not declare the reason of his denyall also Professing that had he bin made acquainted with the state of that Case as now he was he would with the King his Fathers good leave have labored against the passing of the said Act. To close up this point This reverend Prelate went yet a degree further in refusing when he was Bishop of Winchester diverse large and considerable summes to renew some Leases because he conceived that the renewing of them might be prejudiciall to Succession Now let us lay all these together His Zeale and Piety His Charity and Compassion His Fidelity and Integrity His Gratitude and Thankfulnesse His Munificence and Bounty Hospitality Humanity Affability and Modesty aâ—d to these His Indefatigability in study and the fruits of his labours in his Sermons and Writings together with hes profundity in all kinde of Learning his wit memory judgement gravity and humility His detestation of all vices and sinne but especially of three All which by couching them onely in this Compend we have seen in him as ex ungue Leonem or by Hercules foot his whole body and consider whether the Chuech of God in generall and this in particular did not suffer an irreparable losse by his death Having taken a short survey of his Life let us now see him Dying He was not often sicke and but once till his last sicknesse in thirty yeers before the time he dyed which was at Downham in the Isle of Ely the ayre of that place not agreeing with the constitution of his body But there he seemed to be prepared for his dissolution saying oftentimes in that sicknesse It must come once and why not here And at other times before and since he would say The dayes must come when whether we will or nill we shall say with the Preacher I have no pleasure in them Eccles. 12.1 Of his Death he seemed to presage himselfe a yeere before he dyed and therefore prepared his oyle that he might be admitted in due time into the Bride Chamber That of qualis vita c. was truly verified in him for as he lived so dyed he As his fidelity in his health was great so encreased the strength of his Faith in his sicknesse His Gratitude to men was now changed into his Thankfulnesse to God His Affability to incessant and devout Prayers and speech with his Creator Redeemer and Sanctifier His laborious Studies to his restlesse groanes sighes cryes and teares his hands labouring his eyes lifted up and his heart beating and panting to see the living God even to the last of his breath And him no dobut he sees face to face his workes preceding and following him and he now following the Lambe crowned with that immortality which is reserved for every one that lives such a life as he lived He departed this life September 25. 1626. in the seventy one yeer of his age and lyeth buried in the upper Isle of the Parish Church of Saiâ—t Saviours in Southworke His Executors have erected to him a very faire Monument of Marble and Alablaster And one that formerly had beene his Houshold Chaplaine whom this honorable and reverend Prelate
loved most tenderly from his Childehood rather like a Father then a Lord or Patron but since his death a Successour to him in some of his Places in the Church for the duty and reverence which he ever bare to him while he lived hath most gratefully and cordially in his everlasting honorable memory added to it a most excellent significant and speaking Epitaph which followeth LECTOR Si Christianus es siste Morae praetium erit Non nescire Te Qui vir hîc siâ—us sit Ejusdem tecum Caâ—holicae Ecclesiae Membrum Sub eadem faelicis Resurrectioniâ— Spe Eandem D. Iesu praestolans Epiphaniam Sacratissimus Antistes Lancelotus Andrewes Londini oriundus educatus Cantabrigiae Aulae Pembroch Alumnorum Sociorum Prefectorum Vnus nemini secundus Linguarum Artium Scientiarum Humanorum Divinorum omnium Infinitus Thesaurus Stupendum Oraculum Orthodoxae Christi Ecclesiae Dictis Scriptis Precibus Exemplo Incomparabile Propugnaculum Regine Elizabethae a Sacris D. Pauli London Residentiarius D. Petri Westmonast Decanus Episcopus Cicestrensis Eliensis Wintoniensis Regique Jacobo â—um ab Eleemosyniâ— Tum ab uâ—riusque Regni Consiliis Decanus denique sacelli Regii Idem ex Indetessa opera in Studiis Summa sapientia in rebus Assidua pietate in Deum Profusa largitate in egenos Rara amoenitate in suos Spectata probitate in omnes Aeternum admirandus Annorum pariter publicae famae satur Sed bonorum passim omnium cum luctu denaâ—us Coelebs hinc migravit ad Aureolam coelestem Anno Regis Caroli II 0. Aetaâ—is suae LXXI 0. Christi MDCXXVI 0. Tantum est Lector Quod te moerentes Posteri Nunc volebant Atque ut ex voto tuo valeas Dicto Sit Deo Gloria His Workes In the volumne of his Sermons there are seventeen Sermons of the Nativity Preached upon Christmas day Eight Sermons upon Repentance and Fasting Preached upon Ash-wednesday Six Sermons Preached in Lent Three Sermons of the Passion Preached upon Goodfriday Eighteen Sermons of the Resurrection Preached upon Easter-day Fifteene Sermons of the sending of the Holy Ghost Preached upon Whit-sunday Eight Sermons Preached upon the fifth of August Ten Sermons Preached upon the fift of November Eleven Sermons Preached upon severall occasions A Manuall of private Devotions and Meditations for every day in the weeke A Manuall of Directions for the Visitation of the Sick His Opera Posthuma Concio ad Clerum pro gradu Doctoris Ad Clerum in Synodo Provinciali Coram Rege habita V 0. August 1606. In discessu Palatini XIII 0. April 1613. Theologica Determinatio de Iurejurando De Vsuris De Decimis Respontiones ad 3 Epistolas Petri Molinei An answer to the 18. and 20. cc. of Cardinall Perons reply A Speech in the Star-Chamber against Master Thraske Another there concerning Vowes in the Countesse of Shrewsburies case Respontio ad Forti librum Ad Apologiam Cardinalis Bellarmini Reader be serious let thy thoughts reflect On this grave Father with a large respect Peruse his well-spent life and thou shalt finde He had a rare and heav'n enamel'd minde He was our Kingdomes Star and shin'd most bright In sad afflictions darke and cloudyst night Let his example teach us how to live In love and charity that we may give To those whose wants inforce them to implore Our ayde and charity makes no man poore Andrewes was fill'd with goodnesse all his dayes Were crown'd and guilded with resounding praise The world shall be his Herald to proclaime The ample glories of his spreading Fame FINIS FRANCISCVS IVNIVS The Life and Death of Franciscus Juniuâ— EMblemes of honour derived from Ancestors are but rotten rags where their ignoble posterity degenerate from their Progenitors But they are both glorious and precioâ—s where the children both answer and exceed the vertues of their extraction Such here our Iunius William his Grandfather serving under Lewiâ— the twelfth in the warres of Navarre was rewarded for his valour with an Augmentation of Nobility to his Family Dennis his Father was a great practiser of the Civill Law and got both credit and profit by his profession But what needs this superfluous luster to be borrowed from Parentage to him who was inriched with plenty of light in himselfe 2. In the famons City of Bourges in France our Franciâ— was born An. 1545. Likely almost to have proved a Benjamin to his Mother and just cause had she to valew this Pearle for which she paid so dear His baptisme was hastned to prevent his death all looking on him as a weakling which would post to the grave whereas he not onely out-lived most of his brethren but even made his Parents to survive in him His soul was condemn'd to a bad body his infancy being a continued sicknesse and the small pox being struck into him when a child by negligence of the servants suffering him to take cold occasioned a sore in his leg and ever after even to the day of his death he felt the Admonition of that maladie for when there was any indisposion in his body that the malignant humours mustered themselves together hiâ— leg was made the Randevous for their meeting 3. Being sent to school he was unhappy in tirannicall Masters For though he was of that capacity to hold as much and more then they would poure into him and of that industry that he refused no labour for learning yet they were most cruell unto him One especially who as of whipping of boyes had been rather his recreation then their punishment and he willing to make faults where he could not find them so punished the naturall weaknesse of Iunius for an offence that it was familiar with him seven times a day to be corrected truely scoring the number of the Liberall Sciences upon him wherein afterwards he grâ—w to be most eminent yet such was Iunius his love of learning and his soul was so eagerly set upon it that he was not at leisure to complaine of hard usage or to confesse it to his mother and sister who suspâ—cted it 4. But afterwards Iunius growne to be a stripling in that age wherein youth and man doe meet together was sent by his father to Lions to study a dissolute place and full of all Licentiousnesse Sudden alterations to extreames commonly prove dangerous Iunius hath now neither Master to fright him nor father to awe him nor friend to direct him And as waters long curbed with flood gates and debarred their naturall course runne with more fury and fiercenesse when the dams and sluces are suddenly taken away so what wonder if this our youth formerly kept in constant durance with cruel education now flye out and give as I may say separation to his corrupt nature for the â—ormer wrong he had sustained 5. Two dangerous Rocks he was drawn upon narrowly scaping the one but dangerously hitting against the other The first was the allurements of wanton Women who sought to inveagle him the City of Lions being
is a better man then Austine the Bishop And howsoever others admired in Reynolds his knowledge lowlinesse of minde and incredible abstinence in all which he so excelled that he even exceeded wonder yet for my part I doe and ever shall admire at one thing in him chieflâ— even that he could so sleight and neglect all wayes of preferment of whom although I will not say as Illyricus and Wigandus spake of Luther That he was the Germane Prophet yet since neither Luther nor Calvin nor Beza nor Whitaker can challenge any honour which Reynolds hath not merited I cannot but exceedingly congratulate our Countrey where he was borne our Mother the University where he was educated and that most pregnant House of excellent wits wherein he sucked the first rudiments of exquisite Literature who that I may compare him with those of the same Colledge for vertue piety learning in the judgement of many is extolled above their Iewell Wotton Vines Hooker yea and above their Pole Let yet Westone that lewd and shamelesse Rabshake belch out what reproaches he pleaseth against him and charge him not onely with stupid dulnesse but also that he counterfeited sicknesse and pretended onely to a disease to preserve his credit Belike then all we University men were leaden witted who admired so dull a man we were besides our selves who beleeved that he was sicke whom to our great griefe we here see dead Notwithstanding this Weston himselfe so like his Unckle in his ill conditions and ignominious flight when he challenged all the Heads of the University and branded them for impure onely for that some of them had entred into the state of Matrimony could not finde any one Act of Doctor Reynolds in all his life to blemish him with all Let this runnagate Weston passe who was wandered too farre to looke into his life what report was given him by those that were neer Truely every one loved his person his demeanure his integrity If any object against him overmuch strictnesse and a resolution not to be diverted from just proceedings by any motives though never so powerfull If thiâ— or any thing else of this nature might be disliked in him I dare confidently affirme as Seneca doth of Cato that a man may with much more ease prove the fact which he chargeth Reynolds with to be faire then Reynolds to be any way foule But blessed Saint he'â— already in the caelestiall Quire As for us who now honour the remaines of this most excellent and learned man we shall never confidently pronounce Oxford bleâ—â—ed till she can boast of another Reynolds For though we may have men of singular eloquence infinite reading rare wits grave judgements studious courteous and very famous for their Workes to be left behinde them yet a Reynolds in all respects we shall never have But why doe I name this man of a thousand as if we still had him when we see the grave openeth her mouth wide to devoure these small reliques of him bâ—fore us which we now last see salute and musâ— take our farewell of â—or ever This minute is the last we can Behold thiâ— rare accomplisht man For my part I must stand dumbe when I should commend his remaines to their honorable interment for Nor tongue nor pen nor Poets bayes Can set forth hiâ— deserved praise I will therefore borrow part of an Epitaph from Sophocles Come friends and lend your helpe let 's now inter Truths noble champion and Romes conquerer And never let the best the chiefest dare To wrong his ashes by a proud compare Behold in lesse then halfe a span The lovely modell of that Man Whose worth a world as big againe Were all too little to containe That famous Reynolds at the stroke Of whose learn'd Quill Romes sturdy Oke Trembled whom had not early death Prevented thus his very breath Had made such winde fals round about In Babels forrestâ— that no doubt In some few dayes her savage Beasts Had found no covert nor her Uulters nests He was Times wonder vertâ—es story Truths champion and the Churches glory The Life and Death of Joseph Scaliger who dyed Anno Christi 1609. JOseph Scaliger the son of Iulius Caesar Scaliger was borne aâ— Aginum Anno Christi 1540. and at nine years old was sent by his father to School at Burdeaux but after three yeares stay there the Plague breaking forth he returned to his father againe who set him every day to make an Oration whereby he attained to such an exactnesse in the Latine tongue that not long after he composed that excellent Tragedy of Oedipus which caused his friends to admire such ripenesse of wit in such tender years At nineteen years old his father being dead he went to Paris to learne the Greâ—k tongue whâ—re for two months space he applyed himselfe to the Lectures of that learned man Adrian Turneby buâ— wanting other helps he lost most of that time which caused him to shut himselfe up in his study and there by extraordinary diligence joyned with his naturall aptnesse he began to suck in the first rudiments of the Greek tongue and before he had well learned all the coâ—jugatioâ—â—â— he gat him an Homer and in twenty one dayâ—s learned it all over framed for himselfe a Greek Grammer and never usâ—d the help of any other he learned thâ— other Greek Pâ—â—ts in four months more Havâ—ng thus bestowed two yearâ—â—n the study of the Greeke he grew very desirous to adde the knowledge of the Hebrew to it and though he knew not one letter of it yet he fell to the study of it without any other help He wrote much in verse both those languages but to avoid the repute of ambition would not suffer them to be Printed He read over many Greek and Hebrew Authors and spent much time in interpreting and clearing of them from errors Anno Christi 1563. he began to travell into diverse 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 yeares making the place famous both by his Lecâ—ures and Writings and at last dyed of a Dropsie Anno Christi 1609. and of his age sixty nine The aforâ—mentioned Turneby who was an excellently learned man himselfe called this Scâ—liger Portentosi ingenii juvenem a young man of a stupendious wit How can the worthy name and memory Of Scaliger in black oblivion dye Who by his pregnant wit and studious braines And indefatigable care and paines In Greek and Hebrew grew so excellent That being sent for he to Leidâ—n went Where he was made Professour and became A man of high renown and spreading fame And gracing much that University For fifteen years he there at last did dye The Life and Death of Amandus Polanus who dyed Anno Christi 1610. AMandus Polanus was borne in Silesia Anno Christi 1561. when his Parents had bred him up at School they sent him to Vratislavia
comon shore Untill it stunk and stunk him out of dore Twlve years he serv'd the Babilonian with Drank of her cup and wallowed in her ditch Untill the sunshine of diviner Truth Shot saving Beames into his hopefull youth And led him thence to serve another Saint Whose mirth was â—eares whose freedom was restraint Whose progresse was a banishment whose food Was want and Famine and whose drinke was blood His dayes were full of troubles and his nights Were sad exchanges stor'd with feares and frights His wealth was Poverty his peace was strife His life was death His death eternall life ANDREAS GERARDVS HYPERIVS The Life and Death of Andraeas Gerardus IN the yeare of our Lord 1511. this Andraeus Gerardus was born at Hyperiâ— a strong and populous Town situate within the Province of Flanders his Father was a man of great estimation amongst the inhabitants of the same town by reason of his singular knowledge in the Law his Mother was discended from one of the Noblest families of that Province both of them being carefull of the education of thâ—s Gerardus they sent him unto Iacobus Papa a famous and excellent Poet to be instructed in the knowledge of the tongues which he attained unto in short time partly by the care of this Iacobus and partly by the help of Iohannes Sepanus being an assistant unto Iacobus Papa a man excellently learned and very skilfull both in the Greek and in the Hebrew tongue where he continued untill he came unto the age of 13. years at which time he desired to be acquainted with the French tongue and for that cause he became an Auditor unto Iohannes Lactaeus a man learned and eloquent who publickly taught the French tongue in those parts here he remained for the space of one year and afterwards by the advice of his father he was sent unto Tovrney where a publick School was newly erected for the information of youth in the Latine Greek Hebrew tongus but the discipline of that School being not pleasing unto his father he took him from thence againe intending to have him instructed in manners aswell as in learning wherefore he intended to send his unto Lavan an Academy in Brabant but hearing that too much liberty was there given and granted unto youth whereby they came to be corrupted with many vices he altered his purpose and bethought himselfe of sending him unto Paris where he himselfe in his youth had studyed but that determination was also hindred by the continued warres betwixt Charles the fift Emperour of Germany and Francis King of France wherefore he resolved to keepe him at home for a space untill he could dispose of him according to his minde employing him in the writing of such thinks as pertaine to the office of a Lawyers Clarke in which action he continued so long that he had almost forgotten whatsoever he had learned before now in the yeare 1525. it pleased God to call for his fathâ—r out of this vale of misery who on his death bed streightly charged and commanded his Mother to send Gerardus unto Paris that so he might goe forward in his studyes as soone as the Warâ— were quieted in France betwixt the Emperour and the King which fell out in the year 1528. then went Gerardus unto Pariâ— being furnished with Commendatory letters unto Antonius Helhucius then Senator of the Pâ—rliament â—nd unto Iohannes Campis Licenciate in Divinity who were also intreated to furnish him with things necessary for his studyâ—s if hiâ— mother were hindred by the continuation of the Wars from the performance of the â—ame this Iohannes de Campiâ— seeing the hopefulnesse of the youth kept him in his owne house the space of one year where he attained unto great perfâ—ction in Logick the year following he wâ—nt unto Paris where he acquainted himselfe with Iâ—â—â—â—imus Bingelbiâ—guâ—â— Bâ—abanâ—er a man excellently qualified from whom Gerardâ—s received good instructions touching a methodicall manner of proceeding in his studies after that hâ— had continued here for the space of three years for the better retayning of tâ—at learning which he had gotten he privâ—tly read both Logick and Rhetorick unto others himselfe remaining still an Auditor unto the publick explanation of Aristotles Phisicks in the Schools In the year following he desired to see Flanders and to visit his friends and to know how much of that Portion was remaining which his Father had left him for the prosecution of his studyes which being done and finding a sufficient competency to remaine which would keep him â— long time at the University he returned unto Paris againe with and an intent to addict himselfe unto studyes of greater moment and so he forthwith entred upon the study of Divinity for which Paris at that time was famous and taking a great delight therein he daily frequented the Divinity Schooles so as he came to be of a singular judgement in matters of Controversies and at vacant times he would be take himselfe unto the Physick Lectures unto which hâ— had a naturall inclination he would also be familias with Cleonard Sâ—urmius Latomus then publick professors of the Tongues in the same University Having now well furnished himselfe with knowledge he desired to take a view of other Countries and Provinces lying within the Kinodome of France and that for two causes first that he might prrfect himselfe in the French Tongue and secondly that he might have a fuller understanding of the custome and disposition of that Nation and so leaving of the University he traveled through most parts of France where having given satisfaction unto himselfe he shaped his câ—urse towards Italie taking a full view of that part which lyeth betweene the Alpes and Bononia being now about the age of twenty four years he returned out of Italie into Flanders in the year 1535. From whence he went unto Lovan because he had sent his library from Paris unto the same place and having safely disposed of the same he betook himselfe againe to traâ—ell viewing almost all Lower Germany viz Gilderland Brabant Cleveland Vtrecht Freezland Holland and Zealand and from hence in the year of our Lord 1537. and in the twenty six year of his age he went into upper Germany to take view of such â—â—mous learned men as were to be found in those parts in which peregrination he saw Colen Marpurge Eâ—ford Lipsieâ— and Wittenberge and then returned againe into Flanders where he was set upon by some of his friends who advised him to betake himselfe unto some staid course of life seeing that his patrimony was all spent the gratesâ— part in the University the remainder in his travels unto which just demand and desire of his friends he was soone perswaded to subscribe and consent and forthwith began seriously to consider with himselfe how he might obtaine a place wherein he might exercise his gifts for the generall good of the Country whilst he was busie about that matter his friends had obtained by letters pattens from the Pope that
lesse as he grew great Five Kings and Queenes his dayes did see Enthron'd and septer'd The first three Did view his merit and enhaunc'd him The fourth destroy'd the fift advanc'd him To Lambeth Chayre where he the Church did guide In Peace and full of age and honor dyed The Life and Death of John Drusius who dyed Anno Christi 1616. IOhn Drusious was born at Aldenard Aâ—nn Christi 1550. was first brought up at School in the City of Gaunt and from thence went to the University of Lovain but whilst he was following his study hard there his father was prâ—scribed for Religion and thereby deprived of all his estate which caused him to flye into England taking this his son along with him when he came to London he met with Câ—valerius lately come thither that was exceeding skilfull in the Hebrew his Lectures he attended upon both in publick and private and when Cevalerius was sent to Cambrâ—ge to be the Professor there Drusius went along with him applying himselfe espcially to the study of Greek Afterwards when Cevalerius was called back into France Drusius still accompanied him fell hard to the study of the Hebrew he also privately read the same to two young English Gentlemâ—n After while he returned to London againe and when he was purposed to goe back into France he heard of that bloody Massacre at Paris which made him alter his mindâ— and having preferment prâ—fâ—â—ed to him â—ither in Oâ—ford or Cambridge he chose Oxford where for the space of four years he read Hebrew Chalde and Syriack with great commendation After which time he went back to Lâ—vain but not long enjoying peace there he returned to London againe where he continued till the peace was concluded at Gaunt and then went over into Flanders and from thence into Zealand where the States of Holland chose him to â—e the Professor in Hebrew Chalde and Syriack in the University of Leiden Anno Christi 1577. there he married a wife and the Statâ—s of Frisâ—and having newly erected a University at Franequer they called him thither In which place he continued taking great paines for the space of thirty one years and at length resiged up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1616. and of his age 66. John Drusius was a great Ebrician sound Most meritoriouâ—ly must here by Crown'd With Bayes to 's praise whom for 's ability In Hebrew Syriack Chalde worthily The States of Holland had Professour made Of him in Leiden where not long he stay'd Being call'd to Franquer Univerâ—â—ty By th'Friâ—â—and States where with great industry For thirty years he govern'd it with fame And then deceased with an honored Name The Lif and Death of John James Grynaeus who dyed Anno Christi 1617. JOhn Iames Grynaeus was born at Berne in Helvetâ—a Anno Christi 1540. his father was a Minister who dyed of the Plague Anno Christi 1547. he was brought up at School at Basil and An. 1551. was admitted into the University the next year he fell sick of the Plague but it pleased God to restore him againe and he followed his stâ—dy hard Anno Christi 1559. he began to Preach and was ordained Deacon Anno Christi 1563. he went to Tuâ—ing and the year after was made Doctor in Divinity and the next year after he was senâ— for to succeed his father in the Pastorall charg at Raetela where besides his ordinary â—abors he read privately to the Deacons twice a week and God blessed his labors exceedingly In the year 1569. he married a wife with whom he lived contentedly fourty years and had by her seven children Aboâ—t that time the form of Concord being much pressed he â—ell hard to the studies of the Scriptures and of ancient and modern Divines whereby it pleased God that the light began to appear to him for hitherto he was a Lutheran whereupon dâ—claring his judgement about the ubiquity of Christ's body he began to be hated of manyâ— Anno Christi 1575. he wâ—s sent for to Basil to be a Professor in interpreting the Old Testament there he expounded Genesis the Psalmes and the Prophets and God so blessed his labors that he healed the difference between the Tygurine and Basilian Churches he had many Noble and Gentlemen that came out of other countries to sojourn with him After the death of Lodweck Prince Elector Palatine Prince Cassimire sent for him to Heidleberge where he read Divinity and History almost two years at the end of which time he was called back to Basil Sculcer being dead to succeed him in the Pastorall office which place he discharged faithfully the remainder of his life at last after much pains spent in the Work of the Ministery in Readings in the University and overseeing of the Schools he began to grow weak and sickly and his eie-sight waxed very dim he lost also most of his friends with his wife and children all but one daughter and his son in Law Polanus he was much tormented with the Collick yet bore all with admirable patâ—ence and in the middest of his pains he said Vt nunc triste mori est sic dulce resurgere quondam Christus ut in vita sic quoque morte lucrum est In terris labor est requies sed suavis in urna In summo venient gaudia summa die As death's sad so to rise is sweet much more Christ as in life so be in death is store On earth are troubles sweet rest in the grave I' th last day we the lasting'st joyes shall have After that he fel sick of a Feaver which almost took away his senses but he betook himselfe wholly to Prayer and tasted the joyes of heaven in his soul continually wishing that he might be dissolved and be with Christ which desire God shortly after satisfied when he had lived seventy seven years Anno Christi 1617. the Ministers of Basil carred his corps to the grave A little before his death he professed to Doctor Meier that he dyed in the same Faith that he had taught others that he had earnestly besought God to provide his people of an able and faithfull Pastor c. conculding O praeclarum illum diem cum ad illum animarum concilium coelumque proficiscar cum ex hac turba colluuione discedam O happy day when I may depart out of this troubleâ—some and sinfull World and goe to heaven to those Blessed souls before departed He used to say Pontifici Romaâ—o Erasmum plus no â—uisse â—â—â—andoâ— quam Lutherum stomachando writing to Câ—yâ—raeus he saidâ— Si non amplius in his terris te visurus sum ibi tamen convenieâ—â—â— ubi Lutheâ—o cumâ— Zuinglio optime jam convenit If we never see one another again in this Worldâ— yet we shal meet in that place where Luther Zuinglius agree very well together He used to be up at his study Winter and Summer before Sunâ—â—â—sing and spent all the day in Prayer Writing Reading and visiting the sick He
Testimony of Salomon may be fitly given They are apples of gold in Pictures of silver For the silver brightnesse of his eloquent style expresses and gives a luster unto those goulden pieces of his accurate invention and rich materials furnished out of Scriptures Fathers and Councels Now although as elegantly say's Lactantius the cause of trueth may be defended without eloquence as it hath been often yet it ought to be illustrated by the Nitour any clarity of a perspicuous style so that it may sinke deeper into the minde by its owne strength and the helpe of the Oratory Thirdly this our Champion hath fought against both hereticks and schismaticks noâ— onely with strong but also as Quintilian advises with glâ—stering weapons Nor doth this present Worke of his though born after his death either for a fluent style or weighty matter come short of the others In which this godly Prelate burning with zeale both to defend the doctrine of truth and unity in the Reformed Churches not with Raâ—sâ—hornes as it were but with a silver trumpet hath demolished those wals of Hiericho that were first raised by Pelâ—giuâ— and then battered down by the holy Fathers but againe of late times begun to be repaired by the Jesuites and last of all by the Arminians For he hath so fortified the Catholick truth with the strongest Testimonies of the sacred Scriptures and the holy Fathers and with such powerfull reason against the chieâ—est arguments of the Semi Pelagians lately forbished over with the file of Arminius or Thomson that we doubt not but this very booke alone will abundantly satisfie all Persons of modest ingenuity whatsoever He fights with Arminius as with a forraign and more remote adversary at a kinde of distance but with Tomson he closed and grapels as with a Domestick fostered in the bowels of our Church of England and he hath so coreruated that Pamphlet of his which cuts off the grace of justification that for ever hereafter who so shalâ— fall upon Thomsons Diatriba he may justly make use of the censure of Diogenes upon Zeno's Diatriba This Thomsons Diatriba is truely Catatriba that this his passe-time as he tremes it sporting himselfe with the Precisians being himself one of the concision is a wast mine Courteous Reader farewell in the Lord make much of the Work for the Authors sake and of the Authors memory for the Works sake Surry Oxford Sarum clame Their severall intrests in our Abbots Name Surry bore him Oxford bred him Sarum ripe for high promotion led him To honors Chayre To whom he gave More lasting honor then he could receiveâ— This like a momentary Blaze Lent a faire light but vanisht with his dayes But that like Titans brighter flame Continues coeternall with his Name Nor is' t the least addition to his glory That learned Featlyes pen hath writ his story The Lif and Death of William Cowper who dyed Anno Christi 1619. WIlliam Cowper was born in Edenburgh and at eight years old was sent by his father to Dunbar School where in four years he learn'd the wholâ— course of Grammer and profited above his equals and at that time did God begin to reveale himselfe to him many times in the Schoole he lifted up his heart unto God begging of him knowledge and understanding and alwayes as he went to Church he sent up his ejaculation â—o heaven Lâ—rd how mine ear that I may hear thy Word At his entry into his â—hirteenth year his Father sent for him home to Edenburgh and presently after he went to Saint Andrews where he continued to his sixteenth year in the study of Phylosophy but made no great progressâ— theâ—ein yet the seed of grace was still working in him inclining him to a carefull hearing and penning of Sermons and other Theologicall Lectures During his abode there Satan working in corrupt nature sought oft to trap him in his snares but as himself testifies the Lord in mercy forgave the vanities and ignorances of his youth and preserved him from such fals as might have made him a shame to the Saints and a reproach to his enemies At the age of sixteen years he returned to his Parents at Edenburgh who propos'd to him sundry courses of life but his heart was still enclined to the study of the holy Scriptures whereupon he resolved to goe into England and the Lord provided him a place at Hoddesdon 18. mils from London just as he had spent all his mony which he brought with him out of Scotland where he was entertained by one Master Gutâ—ry a Scotch-man to assist him in teaching of a School There he remained three quarters of a year and then having occasion to goe to London he was unexpectedly called to the service of Master Hugh Broughton with whom he continued a year and a halfe and daily exercised himselfe in the study of Divinity At nineteen years old he returned againe to Edenburgh where he lived with his elder brother then one of the Ministers in that City who much furthered him in his former studyes at last he was required to give a proofe of his gifts privately which he did in the New Church before Master Robert Pont and Master Robert Rollock and some others by whom he was commanded to Preach in publick also Being twenty years old he was sent by the authority of the general Assembly which met at Edenburgh to be the Pastor at Bothkenner in Sterlingshire when he came thither he found in the Church besides ruinous wals neither roof nor doors nor Pulpit nor seats nor windows yet it pleased God to give such a blessing to his ministery that within halfe a year the Parishioners of their owne accord built and adorned the Church in as good a quality as any round about it There he continued seven or eight years yet subject to great bodily infirmities by reason of the wetnesse of the soyl and the moystnesse of the ayre and in that time did God begin to acquaint him with his terrors and with inward tentations so that his life was almost wasted with heavinesse yet thereby he learned more and more to know Christ Jesus About that time there was a Generall 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 comming to Sterling delivered to him the letters from the Assembly and the Town containing his calling to the Ministry of that place and shortly after the Towne sent their Commissioners to transport himselfe and family thither In that place he continued doing the work of the Lord for nineteen 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 preparation to the Sabbath upon which
dayes they had no Preaching in the morning concerning which meetings himselfe writes That it would have don 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 himselfe he saith My witnesse is in heaven that the love of Iesus and his people made continuall Preaching my pleasure and I had no such joy as in doing his worke and besides that he preached five times a week he penned also whatsoever he preached many of which holy and godly Sermons are extant in print All â—he time of his aboad there except some little intermissions and breathing times the Lord still exercised him with inward tentations and great variety of spirituall combats the end of all which thâ—ough God's mercy was joy unspeakable as himselfe testifie's Yea once saith he in greatest extremity 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 twinkeling of an eye the bright and lightsome countenance of God proclaming peace and confirming it with inviâ—cible reasons O what a change was there in a moment the silly soul that was even now at the brinke of the pit looking for nothing but to be swallowed up was instantly raised up to heaven to have fellowship with God in Christ Iesus and from this day forward my soul was never troubled with such extremity of terrors this confirmation was given unto mee on a Saturday in the morning there found I the power of Religion the certainty of the Word there was I touched with such a lively sence of a Divinity and power of a God-head in mercy reconciled with man and with mee 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 marvell to see Satan stir up his wicked instruments to molest him since he professed himselfe a disquieter of him and his Kingdome and 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 downe their pride that they were all of them at last brought to an acknowledgement of their evill wayes But at length as God turned the heart of Pharaoh and his people the Israelites when the time drew on fâ—r their remove so by little and litle did the zeal and love of most of that people fall away so that his last conflict was not with the prophane but with Justiciaries 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 thâ—n any of the former and which should have been his greatest comfort were his greatest crosse Presently hereupon God called him to the Government of the Churches in Galloway in the South-West parts of the Kingdome being chosen by the Assembly and presented by the King thereunto this was effected with out his privity or ambitious seeking after it yea he was so far from it that eightteen weeks passed betwixt the Kings Presentation and the Acceptation of it In that place he was very carefull to advance the Gospel to adorne his Ministery concerning the frame of his Spirit thus he writs My soul is alway in my hand ready to be offered to my God Where or what kinde of death God hath prepared for mee I know not But sure I am there can no evill death befall him that lives in Christ nor sudden death to a Christian Pilgrim who with Job waites every day for his change yea saith he many a day have I sought it with tears not out of impatience distrust or perâ—urbation but because I am weary of sin and fearfull to fall into it This faithfull servant of God who had alwayes beene faithfull and painfull in his Ministery when sicknesse grew daily upon him was no way deficient in the duty of his ordinary Preaching taking great pains also to perfect his worke upon the Revelations which he desired greatly to finish before his death he had also much griefe by reason of some that disturb'd the peace of the Church which he always sought to procure so that his infirmity encreasing he was compelled to keep home yet as his weaknesse permitted he applyed himselfe to revise his writings and to dispose of his worldly estate that he might be ready for his passage which every day he expected and some ten dayes before his decease he manifested to his friends what great contentment hâ— hâ—d in his approaching death Many repaired to him in his sicknesse whom he entâ—rtained 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 goe to bed in which also after he had most devoutly commended himselfe unto the Almighty God he took some quiet rest After which he spake not many words his speech failing though his memory and understanding were perfect and so about seven a clock at night he rendered his soul unto God in a most quiet and peaceable manner Anno 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 Piâ—ners to loose thee Head Feet Milt and Liver are fast failing yea the middle strength of the whole body the stomack is weakened long ago Arise make ready shake off thy fetters mount up from the body and go thy way I saw not my children when they were in the womb yet there the Lord fed them without my knowledge I shall not see them when I goe out of the body yet shall they not want a Father Death is somewhat driery and the streams of that Jordan between us and our Canaan run furiously but they stand still when the Ark comâ—s Let your Anchor be cast within the vail and fastened on the Rock Iesus Let the end of the threefold cord be buckled to the heart so shall yee go thorow Soli Deo Gloria Here also Cowper Scotlands Prelate grave A place of honour doth deserve to have Among these Honour'd Heroes whom the Lord Did many exc'llent Ornaments afford In piety and parts but specially Making him prosperous in the Ministry By 's constant and by 's consciencious Preaching And holy life which was a second teaching Famous for 's writings on the Revelation Piously thus persisting to 's tranatsâ—ion The Life
and Death of John Piscator who dyed Anno Christi 1625. JOhn Piscator was born at Argentine Anno Christi 1546. at which time Germany was on fire with civill Wars Yet that hindred not but he followed his studyes 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 labors were so gratefull to young Students that many flocked thither out of Germany France Hungary Poland and other Nothern Countries He wrote many things with great diligence and labor scarce affording any rest to himselfe He translâ—ted the whole Bible with great pains and faithfulnesse into the German Tongue besides his Logicall and Theologicall Analisis of the greatest part of it He dyed at Herborn Anno Christi 1625. and of his age 80. This Jâ—hn Piscator born at Argentine For his rare parts in Arts did fairly shine Iâ— Heâ—bâ—rn where Professor he became And exercis'd that place with so much fame That many Students out of Germany Fâ—â—nce Poland and from out of Hungary Came flocking thither for his grave direction Which he afforded them with sweet affection I' th Germane toâ—gue the Bible he translated And it with learn'd Analisis ornated And thus his dayes in pious pains being spent At fourscore years his soule to heaven he sent ANDREW WILLET The Life and Death oâ— Andrew Willet IT is not long since a large Relation was published a Ann. 1634 prefixed before the fift edition of his Synopsi Papi and written by the same hand with this of the life and death of that faithfull servant of Christ Dr. Andrew Willet yet least omitted in this honorable Catalogue he should lose his b Augu. Cenâ— lib. 10. câ— â—7 right of association in renowne and glory with these his Fellow-labourers in the service of the Gospell I though good not onely to abridge part of that former discours which alone were but c Syne episâ— 141. to bring forth the same birth againe but to d Id. ep 99. adde some remarkeable things then unremembered or undiscovered being such as may conduce both to the advancement of his memory e Terent. in Adelph and the encouragement of our imitation who often follow patterns more then precepts f Lips de Consâ— l. 2. c. 4. This learned prudent and pious man was born of worthy and religious Parents by whom he enjoyed that g Eâ—rip Cyâ—pr Epist. libâ— 4. Ep. 5. choyce blessing and happinesse of ingenuous godly education and example His Father Mr. Thomas Willet was in his yonger time Subalmoner unto King Edward the sixt while Doctor Coxe was chiefe Almoner and Schoolmaster to that royall Prince who was presented of God unto this Iland only ut spectaculi spiraculi res to use Tertullian's words a faire-flourishing and sweet-smelling flower soon withered and taken away The sad times of persecution under Queene Mary then succeeding King Edwards Almoner and Subalmoner with many more were not onely forced from Court but th' one from his Country the other from his comfort of his wife and family for the safety of their lives and consciences till that cloud was blowne over and Queene Mary dead Then roâ—e Englands Deborâ—h that mirrour of her sex and miracle of the World Queen Elizabeth Exiles returned home amongst them Doctor Coxe who was advanced to the Bishoprick of Ely and soon after preferred his old Chaplaine Master Willet this Doctors Father to a Prebend in that Church and to the Parsonage of Barley in Hertfordshire both which in his old age he resigned unto this his Son who lived and dyed in them h Ambros. li. 1. de Abrah cap. 8. never having ambitiously hunted after higher promotions i Aâ—ad Frans sâ—â—lour ch 21 which he rather studied to deserve then to obtaine observing how in ordinary courses some k Lips enjoy prefermentâ— others merit them yet he went on so cheerfully in his praise-worthy labours as if his pains had been his payment according to that reason given by some why they that bore the heat and burthen of the day had put equall pay with him that came at the last hour into the Vinyard Matth. 20.12 l Canâ— Mos 〈◊〉 3. epist. 4. Because say they their worke is reckoned into their wages it being no little honour to be so imployed of God This Doctor was both born and bred in the Towne or City of Ely lying within the Fens of Cambridgeshire a soyle not unlike the place of Augustines birth if we beleeve m In Aug. de Civit. Deâ— lib. 16. cap. â— Lud. Vives and others wherupon Erasmus n Praef. ad lib. Epi. D. Augu takes occasion to divine that had that Father been born and lived in Italy or France his wit though uncomparable had been much more refined and the fruits thereof much more abundant And Apollonius Tyaneus o Apâ—l Philostrat in vit A.T. li. 6. c. 6. ascribes the subtile inventions of the Indians unto the purer beames or cleerer ayre wherein they live Whereas the auncient heathen gave the attribute of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto their choysest wits as if they were men fallen from heaven as they said of p Antip. apud Pâ—uâ— in vit Hoâ— Homer q Tertius â— coelo cecidiâ— Cato Iuven Cato and the like And as Homer said of Aegypt so may we say of every Country r Sophoc l. in Ajac. There 's many good and bad things mixt together Neâ— refert quâ terrâ natus qui renatus it matters not where he was borne that 's new born For that which is of the earth is earthly Joh. 3.31 But every good giving every perfect gift is from above Iam. 1.17 which even the heathen Poet acknowledgeth speaking thus These and all gifts of the mind God I say workes in mankind From the Grammer Schoole in Ely where by reason of his industry unusuall in such years denying himselfe even s Iulian in Caesar. necessary recreation he had given many t Lips de Constat lib. 2. c. 5. Hom. rudiments of future hopes he was at thirteen years of age or thereabout sent to the University of Cambridge He was first admitted into Peter-house where he was well grounded and afterward removed to Christ's Colledge where he was preferred to a Fellowship every where he found Learnings doores open to him Being but nineteen years of age he under-tooke the defence of his Master Aristotle in a Latine Tractate against Tempell a lover of Peter Ramus whereof as I have heard divers Copyes were dispersed one of which not long since I saw with an Epistle deditatory to a Pralaâ—e of that age as if he had intended it for the presse But his first booke which came forth in print was that De animâ— natuâ—a viribus written by him at
the age of twenty and two years From which time u 〈…〉 de 〈◊〉 Gâ—â—â—ang Cic. oraâ— pro Arch. pâ—â—t repuâ—ing every hour as lost which was not spent in reading or writing something he never gave over till he had brought forth those numerous and voluminous labours whereof you have the Catalogue hereafter written It is the counsell of Ierome w Hiâ—ron ad Rustic put not on too soon in writing nor be transported with a kinde of light headednesse be long in learning that which thou intends to teach And as Philostratus saith x Vit. Apâ—ll Tyâ—n l. 4. c. 11 Palamedes found out letters that men might know not onely what to write but what not But his Works plainly show even those of youngest date that he had learned these grave lessons and that he ran not before he well understood his errand And although I beleeve he might truely say with learned Augustine z Proâ—m li. 3 de Trivit that even by writing for the profit of others he had much profited himselfe Yet I am well assured that he had learned over to good purpose many learned Authors ancient and moderne till he bâ—came himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a living Library I have not without astonishment seen his many large paper books written with his owne hand abundantly testifying how studiously and with singular judgement he had read over most of the old Fathers Councels Ecclesiastick Histories the Civill Code the Body of the Canon Law with many other Writers of all sorts out of which he was able 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 readily to produce apt sentences and observations for every purpose And as a Eccl. 7.25 he applyed his heart to know and so search and to seeke out wisdome and to that end according to that Apostolicall direction gave b 1 Tim. 4.13 attendance unto reading So likewise he followed that godly advice of Cyprian to c Epist. lib. 2. Epist. 2. Donatus willing him to mingle frequent prayer with diligent reading sometimes saith he speake thou to God and sometimes let God speake to thee and he professed to his friends how much he had thereby improved his talent Besides all these labors when once he had undertaken the care of souls he well considered what the Apostle Paul by the â—pirit of Godâ— requireth of every Bishop or Pastor of the Church in those his two Epistles to Timothy and â—hat other to Titus d Aug. de docâ— Châ—i li. 4. â— 5. which three Episâ—les Augustine exhorteth â—very Minister of the Word set alwayes before his eyes often lamenting the condition of those poore people who live under ignorant or idle Ministersâ— of whom it may be said in the Words of the Prophet Ieremiah e Lamâ—ntâ—câ— 4. vâ—r 4. The children cry for bread and there was none to breake it unto them and as much bewailing the estate of those proud Prelates who as f Espenc Digres in 1 Tim lib. 2. cap. 2. Espencae speaks of some in his time though able and learned yet hold themselves not learn'd to descend to that servility and basenesse of Preaching because when they have obtained fat Benefices iâ— is not the manner to stoope to such drâ—dgery whilest he like a faithfull and diligent steward of Christ was most paâ—nfull in the execution of his officeâ— Preaching in his Church of Barley for a long time thrice every weeke and diligently himselfe Caâ—echizing the younger sort of his Parish and many of the elder whom hâ— found to have need of g Cry Hieros Cateâ—i 4. such milke as being yet but babes in Christ. And although he had been Chaplaine to that Noble young Prince Henry and both during that time and sometimes since had Preached at Court and knew how to tune his tongue to the most elegant eares yet amongst his own people he taught 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after a most familiar way affecting h Vt dâ— Eâ—ip◠〈◊〉 a plaine phraise and humble style applying himâ—selfe i Aug. d◠〈◊〉 Chri. l. 4. c. 17 to the capacity of his Hearers reputing that Sermon k Vt Philest de epist. ad Aspâ—th Hier. ad Paâ— best adorned that was least set out with humane learning or eloquence or perplexed with curious questions whiâ—h l Hilar. helpe not towardâ— heaven He was a man of a most comely presence his complextion faire and ruddy even m Iul. in Caes. in age hiâ— countenance composed oâ— gravity and sweetnesse his disposition was pleasanâ— and cheerefull alwayes merry in the Lord whereby his conversation was most delightfull to good Christians that were acquainted with him And as Suidas speakes of Macariuâ— the Egyptian he drew his friends on in the wayes of God with a kind of smoothing perswasions and pleasant discourses upon all occasions And alâ—hough he knew how to râ—prove and to cut up roundly where there was just cause yet he o Chrysâ—st iâ— Tit. was most aptly fitted and enclined to bind up the broaken and wounded consciences and with heavenly consolationâ— drawne from the fountaine of living waters to refresh a wearied and fainting spirit p Iob 16.5 He strengthened them with his mouth and the moving of his lips did asswage their griefe q Cant. 4.11 While his lips dropped as the hony combe How joyfully was he entertained by such even as Ambrose by sick Valentinian whose visits seemed to him as the r Ambr. in Obit Valent. approaches of health He was a man of a most exemplary life both in his owne s Arâ—hi Tare apud Phil. family and abroad with others He was in fastings often and alwayes t Senec. epi 8 Cic. Offic. 1. temperate in his diet many dayes eating little or nothing untill night and that especially when he laboured most as on his Lecture-dayes professing that he v Hippoc. Epid l. 6. sect 4. found himselfe both in body and minde more active by it He was a constant and unwearied Student tying himselfe for the most part to eight houres a day and w Vt Eâ—enoâ— dividing every part of the day unto some peculiar work nor easily suffâ—ing any avocation though he had many secular cares lying upon him having a wife and fourteen children living at his death till as he was wont to speak x Iulian in Misopog ex Menandro he had finished his taske His conversation abroad was a perpetuall instruction to y Ibid. his people That true z Maca. â—o 15 character of a Christian man a Clem. de â—orr eccl stat ca. 22. that highest degree of perfection and most neer to Christ that b Basil. treasury of all graces humility was in him most eminent he was most just and upright in all his dealings and indeed so regardlesse of these earthly things that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 easily beguiled by such aâ— were dishonest yet he was well acquainted with the Laws but very carefull to keepe both himselfe
his death It is â—â—ported by f Orat. de vit Obit D. â—â—â—r Marâ—â—â— Iosias Simleâ—uâ— how that after Dâ—ctor Peter Martyr that famouâ— writer had published many of his Labours he began at the last â—b initio Bibliorum at the beginning of the Bible and after he had expounded the bookâ— of Genesis and Exodus bonam parâ—â—m Levitici and a good part of Liviticus prevented by the stroke of death he ended all his labourâ— So â—his his exact parâ—â—â—ed Dâ—ctâ—r Andrew Willâ—â— besides many other Works had written his sixfold Commentaâ—ieâ— upon the same books of Genesis and Exoduâ— and had made a good progresse in the like way upon Leviticus since fiâ—isâ—ed by â—nother here also God determined his travailâ— And leâ— me not omit this one thing it my poore judgement very remarkeable how God in his divine providence and gracious favour to him answered him in a solemne Vow which you may find expressed in a latine Epistle of his in words to this effect in English g Epist. Dâ—d Prefix before the second part of his second Book of Heâ—â—p upâ—on Exod. It is most honourable for a Souldier to dye fighting and for a Bishop or Pastor praying and if my mercifull God shall vouchsafe to grant me my request my earnest desire is that writing and commenting upon some part of the Scripture I might finish my dayes And accordingly God gave him his hearts desire and denyed him not the request of his lips Blessed is that Servant whom his Lord when he commeth shall find so doing Matth. 24.46 He departed this life December the fourth 1621. in the fifty nine yeare of his age of whom considering his strength and healthfull constitution varying a little the words of Virgil I may say Had not God said no He might have lived ten years or twenty more It pleased God who hath appointed to every man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his owne proper and peculiar kinde of death and without whose Providence i Tert. li. 1. ad uxorem not a leafe falling from the ground so to dispose of this godly mans death that as a Pilgrim here on earth he must dye in an Inne In a journey from London homewards he was forced to take up his Lodging in Hodsdon a town in Hertfordshire having not farre from thence by k Cic. de Fat a fall from his horse his right leg broken It is sweetly said of Gregory Nâ—ssen l Dâ—â—â—nt Hierosol Wheresoever thou art whether in thine owne house or in an Inne God will come to thee if thou makest thy soule a fit lodging for him And that saying of Augustine may stop the mouth of every rash unchristian Censurer m Aug. epist. 122. God regardeth not in his servants after what manner they depart this life but what manner of men they are when they depart Here in this place he continued as Gods prisoner confined to hiâ— bed for nine dayâ—s together spending the most part of them in meditating upon the Song of Ezekiel when he had been sicke recorded by the Prophet Esay chap. 38. which heavenly contemplations were written from hiâ— mouth by a Sonne of his then attending upon him And upon two Sabbaths following within that time observing the people of the houâ—e upon pretence of waiting upon him to stay from Church hâ— called them together and gave them some concionatory exhortations both forenoon and afternoone and this with such a spirit as if had been no wayes sensible of his paine which putteth me in minde of that saying of Tertullian n Tertull. ad Mart. The leg feeles nothing in the nerves when the minde is as it were rapt in heaven Upon the tenth day after his hurt received o Martia l. 6 Epigr. 152. having over night supped cheerfully and reposed himselfe to rest early in the morning upon occasion of the toling of a Bell for one then at the poynt of death he suddenly awoke and with him his wife who lay in the same chamber by him he then tooke occasion to discourse with her touching the joyes of heaven and touching the Saints mutuall acknowledgement of one another in that blessed estateâ— which discourse ended he with his wife sang an Hymne composed by himselfe wherewith they usually every morning praised God for their rest the night past and prayed his blessing for the day succeeding Their spirits being thus raised they continued their melody and sang the 146. Psalme he sometime stopped a little and glossing upon the words applyed divers things therein unto himselfe and to his present condition And on the sudden his p Gennad Conc. de morâ— hour being now come fetching a deep sigh or groan he sunke downe in his bed but helpe comming in upon meanes used he seemed to raise up himselfe a little and then said Let me alone I shall doe well Lord Iesus and with that word he gave up â—he ghost Soon after his body was carryed by coach to hiâ— Towne of Barley and was in his Chancell solemnly interred with decent Funerall rites and with many teares and there lyeth covered with a faire Graven stone of Marble But his more durable monuments are these The Workâ— of Andrew Willet Doctor of Divinity in Latin and English Printed and unprinted Printed books in Latine 1 De animae natura viribuâ— 2 Sâ—cra emblemata 3 De Universali vocatione Judaeorum 4 De conciliis 5 De Universali gratia 6 De Antichristo 7 Epithalamium 8 Funebres Conciones 9 Apologiae serenissimi Regis Jac defensio In English 14 Synopsis Papismi in five bookes 16 Hexapla upon Genesis in two books 18 Hexapla upon Exodus in two books 20 An Harmony upon the first and second bookes of Samuel 21 Hexapla upon Daniel 22 Hexapla upon the Epistle to the Romans 23 Vpon the twenty two Psalme 24 Vpon the sevenâ—eenth of Iohn 25 Vpon the Epistle of Iude. 26 Teâ—rastylon Papismi 27 A Catalogue of good workes 28 Limbomastix 29 Loedoremastiâ— 30 Epithalamium in English 31 Funerall Sermons in English 32 An English Catechisme 33 A Retection 34 An Antilâ—gy 35 Hexapla upon Leviâ—icus Not Printed In Latine 36 Defensio Aristotelis â— contra Tempellum 37 Catechismus Latinus 38 Gâ—mitus Columbae ceu Comment in Jnam 39 Sâ—cri paralleli 40 Haeptaphonon 41 Scala Coeli 42 Antithesis Pontificiae Evangelicae Doctrinae 43 Variae lectioneâ— in Penâ—aâ—euchion In English 44 An exposâ—â—on upon Genesis 45 Marginall Annotations upon the Petateuch 46 The Doctrine of the Christian Sabbath Abi tu fac similiter See here a true Nathaniel in whose bresâ— A carefull conscience kept her lasting feast Whose simple heart could never lodge a guile In a soft word nor malice in a smile He was a faithfull labourer whose pains Was pleasure and an others good his gaines The height of whose ambition was to growâ— More ripe in knowledge to make others know Whose Lamp was ever shining never hid And when his tongue preacht
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 wonderfull Providence that he light upon his feet and received no hurt by the fall which made him think of that promise Psalme 91. Hee will give his Angels charge over thee c. By his Doctrine and Councell he was admirably advantageous to the Church of God in many places He strongly asserted the truth of God against it's adversaries He was a great studyer and promoter of the Churches peace laboring that they which agree in the Fundamentals should not jar about matters of an inferior nature He wrote many â—xcellent Works whereof some were printed by himselfe others remained with his son Philip Pareus who hath since published them to the great benefit of the Church About that time the Spaniapds came into the Palatinate with their Army which brought great miseries upon that poor Country which Pareus fore-saw both by Prodigies and Dreames then did his friends both in Hiedleberge and other places pâ—rswaded him to retire himselfe 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 he cryed out O Hiedleberg O Hiedleberge but it 's better to fall into the hands of God then of man whose tender mercies are cruelty He went to Anvilla where he spent his time in Prayer Study and in Miditation waiting and longing for the time of his chang 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 ayre 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 return to Hiedleberg and lay his bones there He made his will also finding his former Catarrh to return upon him againe yet it pleased God by the help of Phisitians to recover him whereupon he resolved to goe to Hiedleberge and taking his Grand-son young Daniel Pareus with him whom he loved deerly he came safely to Hiedleberge where he was received with wonderfull acclamations of joy about which time Prince Frederick came also thither 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 owne losse amongst whom was Henry Altingus to whom he freely opened his minde both concerning God house and his owne and presently after quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1622. and of his age 73. Pareus also of high Germany A wreath of Bayes deserves most worthily A very learned godly grave Divine Whose precious labors made his fame to shine Chiefly those on the Romans And although At first he many straits did undergoe Both by his Father and his other friends Yet God who in deep straits assistance sends Made all for his best good t'operate And by them brought him to a blest estate For he became abroad at home renown'd And was with many honours justly crown'd Especially at Hiedleberge where hee From all earths feares was happily set free The Life and Death of Thomas Erpenius who dyed Anno Christi 1624. THomas Erpenius was borne at Gorcome in the Low-Countries Anno Christi 1584. of honest Parents In his childhood he was bred in the School at 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 fell to the study of Divinity and of the Orientall Languages under Ioseph Scaliger who observing his ingenuity and promptnesse often foretold what an eminent man he would prove in time to come From thence he travelled in England France Italy and Germany in which perâ—grinations he profited exceedingly both in learning and prudence At Paris he became intimately acquainted with Isaac Casaubone and went with him to Samure where he fell hard to the study of Arabick and profited so exceedingly therein that Casaubone 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 Turks he learned the Turkish Persian and Aethiopick Ianguages 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 travell and was famous every where for his learning at Paris and some other places he bought many Arabick books so returned to Leiden An. Ch. 1612. About which time there was a purpose to have called him into England to have allowed him an honorable stipend but the year after he was chosen Professor of the Orientall languages in Leiden and presently after he set up though with extraordinary charges a Presse for those Languages whereby he published many ancient monuments both of his own other mensâ— 1616. he married a wife by whom he left three children surviving him An. Christi 1619. he was made Professor of the Hebrew also and though he had so many and great imployments yet he went through each of them with so great exactnesse as if he had nothing else to attend upon In the year 1620. he was sent by the Prince of Orang 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 againe the year after to Andrew Rivet and the French-Church to obtain of them their consents for his coming which businesse he transacted with so great prudence that he brought Andrew Rivet along with him to Leiden His fame was so great that the King of Spaine wrote to him making him exceeding great promises if he would come into Spain to interpret some ancient writings which never man yet could doe The King of Morocco also did so exceedingly admire the purity of his Arabick style 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 Orang 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 fâ—ll sick of the Plague whâ—reof he dyed Anno Christi 1624. and of his age forty
the greatest I feel is your cold hand and then being layed downe againe no long after he yeelded up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1631. and of his age sixty He was one of a thousand for Piety and Courage which were so excellently mixed with wisdome that they who imagined mischiefe against his Ministry were never able by all their plottings to doe him any more hurt then onely to shew their teeth Laus Deo Of all the worthyes that deserv'd so well And did in parts and piety excell And Garlands therefore of just honour have None more did merit then this Past or grave Renowned Robert Bolton one well known For his divine rare parts second to None Who though in 's youth he seem'd a wicked Saul In 's riper years he prov'd a precious Paul A most renowed preaching Son of thunder Yet a sweet Barnabas even to deep wonder To sons of sorrow and for Gods blest cause Invincible in courage and from pawes Of Sathans power who pull'd afflicted spirits By comforts sweet herein being of high merits And as for 's preaching so for 's writings rare Extant in print even almost past compare One of ten thousand for his piety Constancy wisdome learning gravity Who as he liv'd belov'd so blestly dy'd And now his Sainted soul in heaven doth bide The Life and Death of William Whately who dyed Anno Christi 1639. WIlliam Whately was born in Banbury in Oxfordshire An. Christi 1583. of godly and religious Parents his father was oft Mayor of that Towne his mother carefully bred him up in the knowledge of the Scriptures from a child he was also trained up in learning in the best Schools in those parts and being of a quick apprehention a cleare judgement and a most happy memory he profited so much both in Latine Greek and Hebrew that at fourteen years old he went to Christs Colledge in Cambridge There he was an hard Student and qucikly became a good Logician and Phylosopher a strong Disputant and an excellent Orator He studyed also Poetry and Mathematicks He was a constant hearer of Doctor Chaderton and M r. Perkins And his Tutor calling his Pupils to an â—ccount what they had learned when any was at a stand he would say Whately what say you and he would repeat as readily as if had preached the Sermon himselfe being Batchelor of Arts his Father took him home yet there also he followed his study Afterwards he married a wife the Daughter of Master George Hunt an eminent Preacher who perswaded him to enter into the Minisâ—ery and therefore going to Oxford he commensed Master of Arts and presently after was called to be a Lecturer at Banbury w ch he performed with good approbation for four years and then was called to the Pastorall chargâ— there in which place he continued to his death He was naturally eloquent and had words at willâ— he was of an able body and â—ound lungs and of a strong and audible voyce He was a Bâ—nerges a son of Thunder and yet upon occasion a Barnabas a son of sweet Consolation His speech and preaching was not in the inticing words of man's wisdome but in the Demonstation of the Spirit of Power He was an Apolloâ— eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures he Catechized and Preached twice every Lords day and a weekly Lecture besides yet what he Preached was before well studyed and premeditated He usuall penned his Sermons at large and if he had but so much time as to read over what he had written and to gather it up into short heads he was able to deliver it well-near in the same words His Preaching was plain yet very much according to Scripture and the rules of Art He made good use of his Learning yet without affectation He used to read Books most swiftly yet not cursorily being able when he had don to give an account of the substance and most remarkable passages of what he had read And it pleased Gâ—d to put a Seal to his Minisâ—â—y in the câ—nverting confirming and building up many thousands in the course of his Ministery He was a diligent visitor of the â—ick under his charge without respâ—ct of peâ—sons he was a great Pâ—ace maker amoâ—gst any of hiâ— Flâ—â—k that were at variance he had an heavenly gift in prayer both for aptnâ—sse and fulnesse of Confessions Petitions Supplycations Intercessions and Praises together with fervency of spirit to power them out to God in the name of Christ. Wâ—en he had read a Psalme or Chap. in his Family in his prayer he would discover the scope meaning chiefe notes of observation and their use that his Prayer was an excellent Commentary thereupon and this not onely in the plainer but in the harder Texts of Scripture also His constant practiâ—e was besides Family-prayer twice a dâ—y and sometimes Catechizing to pray also with his wife and alone both morning and evening He set apart private dayes of Humiliation for his Family upon speciall occasions and oft for their preparation to the Lord's Supper at which times he would exceed himselfe in pouring out his soul to God with many tears He was much in dayes of private Fasting and humbling himself alone before God which impaired his health but made much for the health of his soul. He was very able and very ready to confer with and to resolve the doubts of such as came him He bare such a tender love to that great people over which God had set him that though his means was small and he had many offers of great preferment in the Church yet he would not leave them He was daily inquisitive afâ—er the affairs of Gods Church and sympathized with Gods people both in their weal and woe He was much grieved when he saw that difference in opinions bred strangnesse amongst Christians that agreed iâ— that same Fundamentall Truths He was judiciously charitable to such as shewed the power of godliness in their lives though they were not of his judgment in all things He was glad when any of the righteous smote him would tâ—ke it well not from his Superiours onely but from his Equals and far Inferiors and would really shew more testimonies of his love to such afterwards then ever he did before He abounded in works of Mercy he was a truly liberall man one that studyed liberall things seeking out to find objects of his mercy rather thâ—n staying till they were offered he did set apart and expend for many years together for good uses the tenth part of his yearly comings in both out of his Temporall and Ecclesiasticall meanes of maintenanceâ— he entertained somâ— poor Widows or necessitous persons weekly at the least at his Table and his estate prospered the better after he took this course and in his sicknesse he comforted himselfe with that promise Psal. 41.1 2. Blessed is he that considereth the poore the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble the Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing c. His last dayes were his best dayes for then he grew exceedingly in humility and in heavenly-mindednesse And a good while before his latter end God gave him victory over his greatest corruptions which for a long time kept him in continuall exercise About eight weeks before his death he was much troubled with a cough and shortnesse of breath which much weakned him yet he Preached divers times till his encreasing weaknesse disabled him In his sicknesse he gave heavenly and wholesome counsell to his people neighbours and friends that came to visit him exhorting them to labor to redeem the time to be much reading hearing and Meditating upon the Word of God much in prayer brotherly love and communion of Saints and that they would be carefull to hold that fast that he had taught them out of the Word of Truth and that whil'st the the meanes of Salvation was to be had they would neither spare pains nor cost to enjoy it His pains towards his end were very great yet he bore them patiently He was much in ejaculations and lifting up his heart to God in behalfe of the Church and State and for himselfe also wherein he was most frequent and earnest a little before his death A godly friend Minister praying with him that if his time were not expired God would be pleased to restore him for the good of his Church or if otherwise that he would put an end to his pains if he saw good he lifting up his eyes stedfastly towards heaven and one of his hands in the close of that prayer gave up the Ghost shutting his eyes himself as if he were fallen into a sweet sleep Anno 1639. and of his age 56. God tooke him away a little before the Civill Wars began and before the sad desolations that fell upon the Town of Banbury in particular Renowned William Whately also wins Like fame with Bolâ—on as two equall twins Of honour and renown for piety And admirable parts in 's Ministry In Latine Greek and Hebrew rarely able A Disputant also unconquerable Of apprehension quick of judgement clear Strong memory and that which was most dear Of a most holy life and Conversation Who many souls did win to Christs salvation And Divine-like in Scriptures eloquent In Prayer Preaching faithfull and fervent Much charity and love who still exprest Among his people a Peacemaking blest Pittifull patient full of courtesie His soul with Christ now raignes most gloriously FINIS