that the Popes excommunication is not to bee feared and diuers things to the like effect for which he was persecuted by Pope Eugenius and in the end degraded and burnt at Rome Ex Antonin 3. part fol. 165. Nicholaus Clemangis an Arch deacon De annot non soluend In Italy Laurentius Valla a Roman Patrician Cannon of S. Iohn of Lateran Ex eius tractat contra Ementit Donat constat Petrus de Aliâ—â—â— Cardinall of Cambray Tract de reform eccles Leonardus Aretinus Ex eius libello in Hypocrit Nicholaus Pycennius an Italian Captaine Ex orat Arelacens in Concil Basil In Germany Antonius Cornelius Lynnichanus Ex orat ad cler Colon. de lubricitat sacerd Martyrs Henricus Grunfielder Henricus Ratgeber Iohannes Dracndersius Petrus Thoraw Matheus Hager of whom and the doctrine for which they suffered we may reade in Bali cent Martyrol p. 614. In Bohemia Iohn Hus Bachelor of Diuinity maintained as Articles in Prague against the Church of Rome in effect the same that we doe for which hee was called to the Councell of Constance where for persisting therein he was condemned and afterwards burnt Concil Constant Choclaeus Huss Hierome of Prague Mr of Arts seconded Iohn Hus in defence of the same doctrine and followed him in martyrdome Cocl ibid. 54 Noblemen of Morauia wrote to the Councell of Constance in defence of Iohn Hus and Hierome of Prague whose names together with their Letter are recorded Martyrol p. 587. A great part of the Kingdome of Bohemia forsooke the Pope claue to the doctrine which they had learned from Hus and Hierom. Cocle. ibid. Zisca a noble Bohemian with a great multitude of associates wage warre against the Papists and throw Images and Idols out of their Churches Coch. ibid. Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1350 and. 1400. In England ROger VVimbleton whose learned Sermon against diuers points of Popery preached at Pauls Crosse Anno 1389 is extant Martyrolog pag. 503. Iohn VVickliffe publique Reader of Diuinitie in the Vniuersitie of Oxford a famous learned man whose doctrine agreeing with ours may bee seene in his propositions recorded Martyrol pag. 414. This VVickliffe had many fauorites at that time especially Iohn of Gant and Henry Lord Percie the one of Duke of Lancaster the other Marshall of England Ibid. The Vniuersitie of Oxford pag. 408 and many in the Parliament Anno 43 of Edward 3 did adhere vnto him Ibid. The Letters of King Richard the third and the Acts of Parliament then declare that this doctrine was dayly preached in Churches and Churchyards at which were present great multitudes of people Anno 5. Rich. 2. c. 5. Martyrs VVilliam Santree Iohn Badbic Persecuted for the same Doctrine Philip Repington Nicholas Hartford William Thorpe Iohn Puruie Iohn Edwards William Swinderby diuers others Act. Mon in vit Rich Walter Brâ—â—â— Iohn Asâ—â—n Iohn â—eeker Iohn Seyâ—â—â— Dauid Cotray In France Gerardus a Deacon Henricus de Iota Henricus de Hassia 140 of those who adhered to the doctrine of the Albigenses were about this time put to death in the Prouince of Narbone Massae hist A great number more about this time were burnt in France for the like cause and were nicknamed Publicans Puritans Paterines Houedom hist Martyrol pag. 387. In Germany Taulerus a preacher of Argentine Iohannes Montziger Rector of the Vniuersitie of Vlme who openly in the schooles impugned the doctrine of Transubstanciation Martyrol p. 386. Conradus Hager Rhider About the yeare of our Lord 1390 thirty six Citizens of Mentz were burnt for the doctrine of the VValdenses and holding the Pope to be Antichrist and relying vpon the Scriptures and not vpon the traditions of the Church of Rome Bras Anal St. Martyrol p. 587. In Italy Nicholas Orem whose Sermon before the Pope and his Cardinals Anno 1546 fauoureth of our doctrine Extat Martyrol p. 382. Iohannes de Ganduno Andreas à Castro Dante 's Florentinus Franciscus Petrarcha Iohannes de rupe Scissa Iohannes de Castellione Iohannes de Poliaco In Bohemia Matthias Parisiensis a Bohemian by birth about the yeare 1370 wrote a booke of Antichrist prouing him already to bee come and that the Pope is the same Martyrol p. 586. Iacobus Milnensis Miletius The Vniuersitie of Prague in defence of VVickliffe ibid. 420 Peter Paine a Scholler of VVickliffe came into Bohemia brought with him VVickliffs bookes which were in quantitie as great as Saint Augustines workes Histor de Hus lib. 1. In Spaine Petrus de Corbaria Franciscus de Arcatara Florelog Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1300 and 1350. In England ARmachanus sometimes a Student in Oxford afterward Bishop of Armach and Primate of Ireland who before Pope Innocent the 8 his Cardinals disputed nine conclusions against the Friers Wickliffe in Trid. Besides that hee contested against diuers other abuses in the Popish Church Martyrol p. 378 for which he sustained diuers troubles by meanes of the Pope and his Cardinals Martyrol page 375. That there were diuers others about this time of that Religion here in England may appeare out of a book then compiled and entituled The complaint of the Ploughman Extat Martyrol p. 366. In France Philip the French King wrote a Letter of defiance against Boniface the 8. Nichol. Triuet William Nagaretta William Plesiano in the French Kings name solemnly protected against the Pope Martyr p. 314. The Nobles Prelates and Parliament of France censure the abuses of the Papacy ibid. p. 315. 318. 324. Rudo Duke of Bourgundy about the yeare 1348 disswadeth the French King from permitting in his Realme the Popes Decrees and Decretals whose sage counsell then giuen as yet remaineth among the French Kings Records Testatur Carol Molinaeus In Germany Gulielmus Ockam about the yeare 1326 wrote in defence of the Emperour Ludouicus against the Pope who wrote also diuers other Books in which he confuteth the vsurped Supremacie of the Pope and entring into mention of the Popes Decrees extrauagant declareth how little regard is to bee giuen thereto Iohn Sleid. lib. 4. Vlricus Hangenor Treasurer to the Emperor Ludouicus publiquely opposed himselfe against the Popes proceedings Martyrol p 358. Gregorius Ariminensis about the yeare of our Lord 1346 maintained the same doctrine of grace and free will which the Protestants at this day doe and dissented from the Papists and Sophisters counting them worse then Pelagians Ex Trithemio Petrus de Bruis who laid the Axe to the root of Popery and in set-Treatises opposed most of his documents Pap. Mess in Bonif. Luitpoldus Andreas Landensis In Italy Marsilius Patauinus in his booke entituled Defensor pacis held these conclusions 1 That the Pope hath none authority ouer other Bishops much lesse ouer the Emperour 2. That the Word of God ought to bee iudge in causes Ecclesiasticall 3 The Clergie and Pope ought to be subiect to Magistrates 4 That Christ is the
sanguine Domini for the which and other of his Positions contrarie to the opinion of the popish Church he was accused of the Pope for an Hereticke and at the last was murthered Iornal c. 171. Martyrol p. 130. Noetus and Werefrithus at the same time here in England were of the same opinions Ibid. In Germanie Huldericke Bishop of Ausburgh about the yeare 867. wrote an Epistle to Pope Nicholas the 1. prouing by substantiall reasons that Priests ought not to bee restrained from Marriage Ex tat haec Epist Martyrol p. 125. Illyric in Catal. Meminit etiam huius Epistolae Aeneas Siluius in sua perigr Germaniae descriptione The Bishop of Rauenna also about this time wrote against the Supremacie of the Bishp of Rome Anast in vit Nich. In Constantinople Michael the Emperour and Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople stoutly resisted the Popes supremacie in opposition of whom the Embassadors of Pope Adrian the 2. came to Constantinople where a Councell being gathered by Basilius against Photius great policie was vsed in that Councell to haue all things framed to the content of the Romish Bishop Michael was slaine Photius deposed and to his place Taratius a great defender of the adoration of Images is preferred Exopist Nich. ann Mich. Anastas in vit Nich. 1. Betweene the yeares 800. and 850. In England Iohn Mailros Claudius Clemens Two learned men of Scotlan sent by King Achaius to Charles King of France and the first professors of Learning in the Vniuersity founded in Paris These two were much disliked by the Prelates of the Romish Church because they would not assent to all the superstitions of that Church in an age so miserably deformed Patrick Symps hist of the Ch. 2. Booke cent 8. p. 386. In France Claudius Bishop of Tours opposed himselfe against the adoration of Images Inuocation of Saints Pilgrimage c. Ionas Aurel. de Cult Imag. Albertus Ballus a Bishop in France was Excommunicated by Pope Zacharie because hee held diuers things contrary to the Romish superstitions Hist Magd. cent 8. cap. 10. In Germanie Lotharius the Emperour reduced the Pope to the obedience of the Empire and sent three Arch-Bishops twenty Bishops and diuers noble men to Rome who disputed against the Pope and confuted him Anastas vit Poâ—t 〈◊〉 Serg. 2. Betweene the yeares 750. and 800. Bertram that famous learned man very skilfull in the Scriptures and of a life vnblamable as Trithemius testifieth of him wrote a Bâ—oke about this time against Transubstantiation which booke is now extant Trithem Catul. script Alcwinus and the Bishops of England wrote an Epistle substantially grounded out of holy Scripture about this time to the French King against setting vp of Images and other popish practises Continuatio Bedae in ann 792. In Germanie Charles the great assembled a Counsell at Franckeford about the yeare 794. wherein was condemned the worshipping of Images Concil Fr. The same Charles also caused a booke to be made against the 2 Nicene Counsell where the worshipping of Images was decreed with another set forth by Ludouicus his Son to the same effect Both which are to bee seene at this day Rhegino Chron. 2. In Constantinople In the yeare of our Lord 755. and in the 13. yeare of the Raigne of Constantinus Copronymus a generall Councell of 338. Bishops were assembled at Constantinople in which Councell the worshipping of Images is condemned and the placing of them in Oratories and Temples was forbidden Zonar Tem. 3. p. 88. Betweene the yeares 700. and 750. In England Beda translated St. Iohns Gospel into English Malmsh Adelbartus Clemens These two here in England about this time preached against the Popes Supremacie Traditions Images Purgatorie Masses for the dead and in defence of Priests marriage Illyr Catal. test tom 1. p. 633. In Constantinople Philipicus Leo Isaurus Two Emperours of Constantinople opposed themselues against the Popes supremacie and the worshipping of Images Zon. tom 3. p. 84. Betweene the yeares 650. and 700. In England AIdan Finian Coleman Three Scottish Bishops Also Cutbertus Iurummanus Cedda Wilfridus of whom it is testified that they gaue themselues wholly to the preaching of the word and followed that life which they preached giuing good example to others that they abhorred the papall pompe and had many bitter controuersies with the Court of Rome Bed lib. 2.23 lib. 4 c. 3. Martyrol p. 110. In Constantinople About the yeare 681. and in the 12. yeare of Constantius Pagonatus a generall Counsell was held at Constantinople where was disanulled the Doctrine of the Church of Rome concerning prohibition of Marriage to men in spirituall offices as also it was ordained that the Patriarch of Constantinople should bee equall in authority with the Pope of Rome Sext. Synod Can. 13. Also it was forbidden to make the holy Ghost in likenesse of a Doue Caxanc in can 82. In Portugall In the Councell of Bracara there held about this time the Cup was appointed to bee ministred to the Laietie as well as the Bread in the Administration of the Sacrament against the practise of some who then vsed to dip the Bread and so to giue it which was one beginning of the halfe Communion Concil Bracaz 3.1 Betweene the yeares 600. and 650. In England MEllitus Brockmaile 1100. Monkes of Bangor not Monkes after the Popish order but liuing by the sweat of their browes and labour of their owne hands who were miserably slaine because they withstood the proceedings of Austin the Monke who from the Pope was sent ouer into England Polychus 20. Martyrol p. 107. In France Serenus Bishop of Marsils in France about this time opposed the popish bringing in of Images into the Churches and brake downe all the Images that that were set vp in his Diocesse Alphons v. Imago In Greece The whole Greeke Church complained at Phocas when first he gaue the Supremacie to Boniface Plat. Bonif. 3. Gregorie Bishop of Rome no lesse contesting against that Supremacie taxing the desire thereof as a Character of Antichrist Greg. Epist 32.34.38 39. Thus haue we traced the foot-steps of the Protestant Church 400. yeares and vpward before the Conquest of England by William Duke of Normandy a thousand yeares before Luthers time or the daies of Henry the eight and haue found our Religion professed and maintained by diuers persons and in sundrie places not only here in England but also in most parts of Christendome euen to the time when Poperie began to shew it selfe in her colours in the daies of Boniface the 3. of that name Bishop of Rome and Phocas the Emperour 2 Thes 2.7 At what time as that mysterie of iniquitie which began to worke in the Apostles dayes did gather head and display it selfe how easie it will bee for vs to deriue the succession hereof from an higher discent and to shew the continuance thereof from the Apostles time shall hereafter be made manifest In the meane while we will for a while looke backe vnto our
Catalogus Protestantium Or THE PROTESTANTS KALENDER Containing A SVRVIEW OF THE PROTESTANTS Religion long before Luthers dayes euen to the time of the Apostles and in the Primitiue Church BY GEORGE WEB D. of Diuinity and Preacher of the Word of God at the Bathe LONDON Printed for Nathanael Butter 1624. An Epistle written by a Friend to the Author in his absence CHristian and discreet Reader It were a great defrauding the Store-house of Religion to conceale that for any priuate respect which concernes a publike benefit Aug. Confess lib. 12. Veritatem celare est aurum sepelire To conceale the Truth saith St. Augustine is to bury Gold and to smother any ancient Sacred testimony of Antiquitie were to hide that treasurie in the bowels of the earth which is the inestimable Dowre of Gods Church Now of all truth and of all testimonies deriued from the roote and record of Antiquitie none ought to bee more sought after then the retayned puritie of Apostolique Doctrine resplendent in all Ages since our Sauiours plantation euen in the gloomie and darke dayes before Luther Our Priests and Jesuites for their vnpleasant clamorous and obstriperous sound not vnfitly resembling Frogs and Locusts haue of late dayes beene croaking and throtling out this harsh note and noyse to euery Protestant passenger Where was your Church before LVTHER Thinking belike so to choake vs with this Question as that not giuing vs leaue to fetch breath wee should not possibly bee able to deriue our Religion from any ancienter Author But alasse poore Romanists Though it would serue our turnes to answer with Ignatius the Martyr Jgnat Epist ad Philad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IESVS CHRIST is my Antiquitie Yet it shall appeare vnto you that Almightie GOD hath not left his Truth howsoeuer opposed by your impious rabble and malice 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to bee without sufficient witnesse in all Ages as may appeare by the Writings of many Christian Antiquaries who haue deliuered the Lampe of knowledge and direction to vs and for the future benefit of the Christian World is now more plainly expressed by the Learned labour of this Reuerend Diuine out of whose large field of obseruation and Reading hee hath affoorded you so faire a Kalender and plentifull Catalogue of Names as may suffice to point out a Protestant successiue Church from Age to Age. Yea it is hereby easily seene that the Church of England hath not wanted multitudes of well disposed hearts at all times howsoeuer the publike authority at some time lacked to maintayne the open Preaching of the Gospell As for the worthinesse of this worke worthyest these times let the goodnesse of God bee duely glorified and the Authors paines-taking therein acknowledged so shall the doubtfull bee better informed the weake confirmed and many a soule benefited Thy welwiller in Christ IOHN GEE THE PROTESTANTS KALENDER Deuteronomie 32.7 Remember the daies of old consider the yeares of many generations aske thy father and he will shew thee thine elders and they will tell thee WHen the Athenians had consulted the oracle of Apollo Pythius what Religion it were fittest for them to professe Xenophon They receiued this answer That they should follow the religion of their Ancestors and when they againe had replyed that their ancestors had often changed their religion and therefore they knew not in such an often alteration which to follow the Oracle resolued them M. Tull. Cleere de natura Deorum Illud optimum quod primum That is best which was at the first The maine controuersie at this day in the world is about religioÌ„ in the great variety whereof among Iewes Pagans Turks and Infidels yea among those who call themselues by the name of Christians many weake and vnstable soules stand as in a maze and know not where to settle themselues Augustine Arnobius Now albeit as both Augustin Arnobius well obserue Religion is not so much to be weighed by time as by truth neither is it so much to be enquired after wheÌ„ it began as how it is to be followed yea it cannot be denied which Tertullian doth auerre that the Antiquity of Religion doth much serue to testifie the verity therof â—â—enul and the longer time it hath had of continuance the more it claimes our obseruance and ties vs to obedience The Heathen Hesiod could say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The old law is best Hesâ—od And the best and most diuine of all the Philosophers Plato Plato 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Ancients are best as comming neerest vnto God And it is a rule among Lawyers Qui prior est tempore potior est iure He that is first in time hath the chiefest right Iob 8.8 9 10. hence is it that Bildad thus aduiseth Iob 8.8 9. Inquire I pray thee of the former age prepare thy selfe to the search of their fathers for we are but of yesterday and know nothing because our daies vpon the earth are but a shadow shall not they teach thee and tell thee And Iere. 6.16 Thus saith the Lord Stand ye in the waies and see aske for the old paths where is the good way and walke therein and ye shall find rest for your soules Deut. 32.7 And in the song of Moses Deut. 32.7 Remember the daies of old consider the yeares of many generations aske thy father and he shall shew thee thine elders and they will tel thee This tryall of our Religion by Antiquity I vndertake in the following discourse not so much against the Athiest who shaketh off all religion Philip Mornie treatise of the truth of religioÌ„ as if there were no vse of it at all for I could shew him that religion had a being so soone as there was any being and that before men were tyed to any obedience by humane Lawes before they furnished their mindes with any Arts before they wore cloathes on their backs Religion was in vse Neither against the Turks Pagans for I could shew them the Antiquity of true Religion long before their new deuised superstitions Clem. Aleâ— that whatsoeuer light they had of Religion Campian Greg. de Valeâ— Fisher in conference with D. Feally whatsoeuer shew of goodnes they haue in their seuerall Religions they haue borrowed or rather like theeues filched it from hence but my tryall Apologie is framed against the Papists who exclaime against vs as Nouelists and condemne our religion as a late vpstart challenging vs to shew where our Church where our religion was in former times which challenge of theirs howsoeuer it hath been answered to the full at diuers times by diuers learned Worthies in our Church D. Field of the Church D. Morton Cathol Ap. D. Vsher de contin flat eccles Archb. of Canterb treatise of perpet visib of the Church Patrick Symson Richard Bernard August de Trin. lib. 1. c. 3. de mendac c. 6. of late hath receiued a full satisfaction
where at the age of 29 he commenced Doctor At the first he was a Monke of the Augustine Order and he beganne to distast Popish religion about the yeare of our Lord 1516 by occasion of his looking into first the Pardons and Indulgences which Pope Leo the tenth set to sale in Germany by Frier Tecellius and afterwards by prying into other stuffe of Popish superstitions so that the time of his separation from the Church of Rome must be reckoned to be about the yere of our Lord 1516 or 1517. King Henry the eight shoke off the Popish yoake about the 25 yeare of his reigne Chronic. Angâ—ic in vita Hen. 8. Statut. ann regni 25. Acts and Monum p. 96â— viz. Anno Domini 1534 Before which time he wrote against Luther and was an earnest defender of the Papacy Before either of these two times and whilst both Henry the eight and Luther were Papists wee can produce professors of our Religion betweene the yeare of our Lord 1500 and 1516. In England Doctors and learned men D. Iohn Colet Deane of Paules who was a great labourer for reformation in the Church and in his Sermons bitterly inueighed against inhibition of Priests mariage pilgrimages and diuers other abuses in the popish Church for which hee was much persecuted by Richard Fitz-Iames Bishop of London Paâ—etex Registr Fitz Erasm ep ad Iodoc. Ion. Gulielmus Lillius Gulielm Grocinus Gulielm Latimer Thomas Lynacre Whole Congregations persecuted for it In the Diocesse of Lancolne to the number of 437 persons Martyrol p. 751 752. c. In London 68 persons p. 734. 745. Martyrs put to death for it VVill Sweeting Iohn Brewster Iohn Browne Iokime Norman Iohn Stileman Thomas Man Robert Cosin Christop Shoomaker Robert Rane Iohn Seriuener In France Doctors and learned men Iacobus Pauanus Iohannes de Cadurco Laurentius Crucens Patet ex Crisp pantal Congregations Whole villages of them in the tract where the Alpes are ioyned with the Pyrenies Peir de Soan in hist Concil Trident. p. 3. Whole villages about Merindol and the Country of Prouence Martyrol p. 859. Martyrs Dionysius de Reaux Iacobus Pauanus Bartholomaeus Millen Henricus Poile Iohannes Chastellanus In Germany Doctors and learned men Leo Iuda Iohannes Oxlinus Vldericus Zuinglius Congregations Tigurines Bernates Lucernates Suicenses Vnderualii Basilienses Martyrol p. 791. Martyrs Petrus Spengler Wolgangus Schurch Leonardus Heilar Wendelmuta Vidua In Bohemia There were diuers about this time professing the Protestants religion who were by the Papists tearmed Pycards Calystini and Subutraques Pier de Soau in his Historie of the Trent Councill p. 3. Before this time and before Luther was borne there were professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares of our Lord 1450 and 1500. In England REynold Peacocke Bishop of Chichester who publikely preached against the Pope Fryers transubstantiation and the whole leauen of popery Thomas Gasgorgu lib. de dict Theol. p. 3. Martyrs William Tilsworth Lawrence Ghest Thomas Barnard Babram Iames Mordon Ioane Boughton Mother to the Lady Young Acts and Monum in regu Henric. 7. Persecuted for the same Iohn Blomeston Richard Hegham Robert Crowther Iohn Smith Roger Browne Thomas Butler Iohn Falkes Richard Hilmin Margery Goit With diuers others in Kent Couentrie and London ibid. p. 713 714. In France Philippus Comineas a French Historiagrapher who spared not to reproue the vices in Popery and to extol those who opposed the same Martyrol p. 672. Iohannes Selestadiensis Vide â—iuâ— Epist ad Maximil Imper. contra Pontificios Antonius Mancinellus who wrote an eloquent oration against the filthie life and wicked manners of the Pope and his Clergy and for that cause had his tongue and hands cut off by the commandement of the Pope Martyrol p. 674. Charles the eight was at often defiance with the Pope Ibid. p. 675. In Germany The Germanes in generall exhibited their complaints against the Pope to the Emperor Maximilian Martyrol p. 672. Rodulphus Agricolae Pontanus Philippus Baroaldus Georgius Valla. Iohannes Ostenderpius Doctor Keiserspergius Doctor Andreas Proles Ex Luc. Osiand lib. 1. c. 8. VVeselus Groningensis wrote against popish penance indulgences purgatory workes of supererrogation abuses of the Masse prayers for the dead vowes precepts of the Pope and Prelates c. Hee was a man so famous and notable for his great learning and good life that hee was commonly called Lux mundi The light of the world Ex Noviomag Martyrol p. 670. In Bohemia Georgius Pogiebrachius Gouernor of that Kingdome vnder the young King Ladislaus Rochezana and diuers other Preachers more of whose conformity with vs in Religion and separation from the Church of Rome wee may reade Cocl lib. de Hus Martyrol p. 662. Item ex Aene. Sylv. in Histor Bohem. In Italy Iohannes Baptista Mantuanus Angelus Politianus Hermolaus Barbarus Iohannes Picus Mirandula This Picus Earle of Mirandula being but a young man went to Rome and there set vp 90 conclusions to be disputed on of which diuers were about the Sacrament Iustification c. quite contrary to the tenent of the Church of Rome for which hee was persecuted by the Pope and his Clergy Luc. Osiand lib. 1. c. 8. Martyrol p. 740. Hieronimus Sauanorola an Italian Monke sorely inueighed against the corruption in Popery maintained iustification by faith that the communion ought to bee administred in both kinds that indulgences and pardons of the Pope were of no effect against auricular confession and the Popes Supremacy for which cause he with two more who taught and preached the same together with him were hanged at Florence and afterwards burnt to ashes Illiric Catal. test Martyrol pag. 450. Before that time there are to be found professors of the Protestant Religion betweene the yeares 1400 1450. In England THe name of Lollards about this time was commonly knowne in England That they and wee doe agree in the substance of our Religion may appeare ex descript sect Lollard William Bishop of Norwich complaineth how the number of them did here encrease Martyrol pag. 609. Martyrs Rich. Houerden Iohn Goose Paul Craw. William White Iohn Claidon Richard Turning Sr Iohn Oldcastle Lord Cobham Persecuted and put to penance for that profession Iohn Burrell Thomas Moone Iohn Finch Nicholas Belward Thomas Grimar Iohn Beuerley Thomas Pye Iohn Mendham Robert Shiruing Iohn Terrie Hugh Pie Iohn Parker Iohn Skilly Iohn Cooper Bartholmew Thatcher Thomas Iames. Alane Andrew William VVright Richard Fletcher Iohn Aberee Iohn Middleton Iohn Waid Richard Clerke Robert Beet Richard Page Iohn Warden Iohn Kinget Thomas Albeck William Bates VVill Osbourne Robert Briggs VVilliam Marsh Iohn Goodwin Henry Bood Richard Horne Iohn Spire Richard King with diuers others as wee may finde them named and recorded Martyrolog pag. 608. In France Thomas Redonensit a Frenchman by birth came into Italy about the yeare 1433 and there seeing the corruptions of the Church of Rome inueighed exceedingly against the same preaching that the Church did lack reformation
head of the Church and that hee neuer appointed any Pope to be his general Vicar 5 That the mariage of Priests is lawfull 6 That S. Peter was neuer at Rome 7 That the Clergie of Rome is a den of theeues 8 That the Popes doctrine leadeth to eternall damnation Defens pac Aligerius Andreas de Castro Iohannes Rochetaylada Henrici de Erford nameth him Haybalus preached openly that the Church of Rome was the whore of Babylon and the Pope with his Cardinals to bee the very Antichrist And being for the same brought before the Popes face constantly did perseuere in the same saying that hee was commanded by God to publish the same Froysard Volum 1. chap. 211. Martyrol pag. 360. Before that time there may bee seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1250 1300. In England PEter the sonne of Cassiodore wrote a zealous Epistle to the Church of England dehorting it from the tyranny of the Church of Rome Ex vetust Chron. Alban extat Martyrol 323. The Popes inhibition was despised in England Anno Domini 1294. Diuers also about this time were accused here in England for adhering to the opinion of the Waldenses Turris Lond. in record reconcil inter regem Baron In Germany Gulielmus Altissiodorensis an ancient Schoolman in whose summes many points of popish doctrine are strongly opposed and confuted Naucler vol. 2. Gen. 45. Iohannes Semeca Prouost of Halberstat was about this time excommunicated and depriued of his office for resisting Pope Clement the fourth gathering certain exactions in Germanie who therefore appealed from the Pope to a generall Councell and had many great fauourers of his side Martyrol pag. 287. In France Gulielmus de S. Amore Master in Paris and chiefe ruler in that Vniuersitie hee wrote a booke de periculis Ecclesiae wherein he maintaineth 39 conclusions against the Papists but especially against the Friers Magdeb. cent 13. c. 5. Robertus Gallus borne of a Noble parentage about the yeare 1290 wrote diuers prophesies against the Pope church of Rome in a booke of visions In the first Chap. whereof hee painteth forth the Pope like an Idol In the twelfth Chapter like a Serpent In the thirteenth he resembleth the state of the Church of Rome to a body whose head is dry leane and withered like a logge of wood In another place hee compareth the Schoole-men in their subtill questions and distinctions to a man who hauing fine Manchet bread and pure Wine set before him doth notwithstanding chuse rather to gnaw vpon an hard and flinty stone Martyrol pag. 292. In Italy Petrus Iohannes a Minorite about the yeare 1290 taught and maintained many things against the Pope prouing that he was Antichrist and the Synagogue of Rome the great whore of Babylon Nichol. Emer in lib. inquisit In Spaine Arnoldus de Villa noua a Spaniard by birth about the yeare 1252 was by the Pope condemned for an Hereticke because hee wrote against the corruptions of the Romish Church his preaching was to this effect First that the Pope and his Clergie seduce the world like Satan from the truth of Christ Secondly Faith as the Papists require it is no better then the Deuils faith Thirdly that the Pope leadeth men to Hell Fourthly that Cloisterers are void of charitie Fiftly that Masses are not to be celebrated and that they ought not to sacrifice for the dead with many other propositions to the like effect Magdeb. cent 13. c. 5. Hâ—siad cent 13. c. 10. Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1200 and 1250 In England RObert Grosthead Bishop of Lincolne a man of great learning and godlinesse who liued in the daies of Pope Innocentius the fourth and constantly resisted his vnlawfull demands as by name the inuesting of a young Italian boy whom the Pope had recommended vnto him to be admitted into the next vacant Prebend in his Diocesse for his sharp reprouing the Pope of Rome and powerful preaching against the corruptions in that Sea hee was commonly called Malleus Romanorum The Hammer of the Romanes for his courage and doctrine the Pope was much incensed against him and sware that he would hurle him downe to such a confusion that he should be made a gazing stocke to all the world notwithstanding all which this good Bishop died peaceably And when as after his death the Pope would haue cast his bones out of Christian buriall in the night following the said Bishop seemed in a vision to appeare before â—â—m and smiting him with his Crozier-staffe on his right side with a sterne looke and terrible voice to say vnto him O thou scuruie lazy bald doting Pope hast thou purposed to cast my bones out of the Church God will not suffer thee to preuaile woe to thee that despisest for thou shalt be despised And so seeming to depart the Pope was found the next morning in a manner halfe dead Math. Paris Martyrol p. 295 296. In France Laurentius Anglicus an Englishman borne but Student in Paris of prime esteeme in that Vniuersity wrote against the Pope affirming that in him and his Prelates Antichrist was already come Martyrol p. 292. Almaricus a Doctor of Paris was burnt for withstanding altars images inuocation of Saints transubstantiation Car. Chron. 1202. In Sweden About the yeare of our Lord 1240 there were in Sweden many Preachers who in their Sermons inueyed against the Pope affirming the Pope and his Bishops to bee hereticks and Symoniacks and that popish priests were meere seducers that the Popes curse was not to bee dreaded and his indulgences were meere fopperies Ex Chronic. Abbat Vsperg Crantz lib. 8. c. 10. In Germany Frederick the second resisted the Popes vsurpations exiled his authoritie out of Germany and fought against him prosperously Mat. Paris p. 71. Sygefridus Seginoburgensit Rudicenus Rhathenicensis Conradus Frisingensis Bishops of Boiora ioyne with the Emperour against the Pope Auent lib. 5. Euarardus Inuanensis an Archbishop in Germany spake thus of the Pope in an Assembly of Bishops at Regenspurg He vnder the colour of religion layeth the foundatioÌ„ of the kingdome of Antichrist These priests of Babylon will reigne alone they can endure no equall they will neuer rest vntill they haue trampled all things vnder their feet he sitteth in the Temple of God and is exalted aboue all that is worshipped Thus doth that child of perdition whom they vse to call Antichrist in whose forehead is written the name of blasphemy I am a god and cannot erre Auent lib. 7. p. 546. Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1150 and 1200. In England GErhardus and Dulcinus Nauarrensis about this time preached against the Church of Rome defending and maintaining first That prayer was not more holy in one place then another secondly That the Pope was Antichrist and Rome the very Whoore of Babylon prefigured in the Apocalyps These two about
the yeare 1158 brought 30 other of their own opinion with them ouer into England who by the commandement of the King Prelates were burnt in the forehead so driuen out of the Realm Rob. Gisburn Illiricus saith they were afterwards slaine by the Pope Illir Catol Martyrol p. 83. In France The Waldenses or Pauperes de Lugduno so called from one Waldus a man of great substance in the City of Lyons who about the yeare 1160 taking occasion by the sudden death of one with whom hee was walking beganne with a carefull studie to reforme his life and to this end studied the Scriptures diligently and taught the true knowledge of Gods word to as many as resorted vnto him In short space the number of those who ioyned with him came to thousands who were dispersed abroad into diuers parts of the world These were miserably persecuted by the Pope and his faction Hist de Waldens Raymund Earle of Tholouse for taking part with them was wrongfully vexed and disinherited by the Pope Mat. Paris In France The Religion of the Waldenses 1 They held that the Pope is not greater then another Bishop 2 That there is no purgatory 3 That it is in vaine to pray for the dead 4 That Masses for the dead are the inuentions of couetous priests 5 That images hallowing of waters and other creatures are superstitious 6 That the word of God should be truly preached vnto all men 7 That Fryers shrift and the vse of the oile in Baptisme are the inuentions of men 8 They contemned the Masse all that appertained to it 9 They misliked the single life of votaries and the distinction of daies and meats 10 They defended the reading of Scripture by the Laitie 11 They had but two sacraments 12 That the Communion should be administred in both kinds Nauc vol. 2. g. 900. Hildebertus Archbishop of Tours about this time taxed the pride of the Pope and being an excellent Poet made this distich of Rome Vrbs foelix si vel dominis vrbs illa careret Vel dominis esset turpe carere fide Happy would this City be If wanting lords her selfe were free Or hauing Lords in dignitie These wanted not true honesty In Germany Fredericke Barbarossa the Emperour about the yeare 1150 opposed himselfe against the Pope forbidding appeales to Rome the comming of Legates from thence into Germany and other trickes of the papall pride A great part of Germanie tooke part with him Naucl. vol. 2. p. 836. gen 39. In Constantinople About this time Anselme Bishop of Haremburg being sent from Lotharius to Calo Iohannes Emperor of Constātinople among other things he disputed much of the supremacy of the Romane Bishop Nichetes Bishop of Nicodemia excellently contested against him and confuted his arguments maintaining that the pride of the Romish Church was the cause of so many schismes and heresies which were then abroad in the world Ext. in Naucl. vol. 2. p. 900 in Patr. Symps hist of the Church p. 433. Before that time there may bee seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeeres 1100. and 1150. In England THeobald Archbishop of Canterbury with the Prelates of England in a Councell held at London anno 16. Regni Stephani regis decreed that Bishops should liue more discreetly that Priests should not bee Rulers ouer worldly matters that they should teach their flockes more diligently and that the people should read the Scriptures and learne the Lords Prayer the Creed in English Malsmb Chron. King Henry the first and his Nobles were euen at the point to forsake the Romish Church Patet ex Epist Anselm ad Pascal Pap. Martyrol pag. 177. Liucolniensis gaue this description of a Frier A Frier is a dead Carkasse risen out of his Graue wrap'd in a winding-sheet and carried among men by the Diuell Wichleif in Trialog lib. 4. cap. 26. pag. 143. In Almaine HIldegard a Nunne and a Prophetesse liuing about the yeere 1146. most bitterly reprehended the abhominable life of the Pope and his Clergie inueighing against the greedie subtill proceeding of Friers denouncing woe vnto those who suffer themselues to be seduced by them and foretelling the horrible destruction of the Church of Rome Histor Iornal Martyrol p. 182. 237. In France BErnard Abbot of Cluxaval born in Burgundy liued about this time who although liuing in a most corrupt age hee was exceeding superstitious in some points yet freely reproued diuers corruptions then comming on hee is cleare with vs against the conceipt of the Virgin Maries Conception free from sinne as appeareth Ex Epist 179. ad Cam. Lugdon Against Merites Ser. 1. de Annunciat Against Iustification by workes Serm. 22. in Cantic Against Free will Lib. de Grana lib. Arb. Against the seuenfold number of Sacraments Ser. 1. de coen Dom Against the vncertaintie of Saluation Epist 107. Against the Popes Greatnesse in Temporalities Lib. 2. consid ad Eugen Also hee admonished Count Theobald who bestowed great matters in building of Abbies and Churches that he should rather support them which are of the houshold of Faith and bee carefull to build the euerlasting Tabernacle Epist 107. In Flanders ABout this time was one burnt in Antwerp for Preaching against the reall presence in the Sacrament Massan Chron. lib. 16. anno 1124. In Germanie HEnry the fifth Emperor against Paschalis then Pope maintayned his owne right of making Bishops and other Priuiledges that belonged to his Ancestors which the Pope vsurped Nauder vol. 2. p. 807. Segon anno 1111. In Italie Arnulphus an eloquent Preacher came to Rome about this time and in his Preaching reproues the vicious life of the Popish Clergie hee is supposed to bee the Author of the Booke called Opus Tripartitum which containeth a great complaint of the enormities and abuses in the Church of the number of their Holidayes of the curious singing in Cathedrall Churches of the rabble of begging Friers of the vnchast voluptuous behauiour of Churchmen and finally wisheth reformation to begin at the Sanctuary for the which the hatred of the Pope and his Clergie was so much incensed against him that they layd priuie wait for him tooke him and drowned him Martyrol pag. 181. Sabellius and Platina say they hanged him Platin. in vit Honor. 2. Before that time there may bee seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1050. and 1100. In England ABout this time saith Mathew Paris The King of England fauored not much the See of Rome because of their impudent and vnsatiable exactions neither would he suffer any of his Subiects to goe to Rome alledging these wordes in the Author thus expressed Quod Petri non inhaerent vestigijs praemijs inhiantes non eius potestatem retinent cuius sanctitatem probantur non imitari Math. Paris In France BErengarius Archdeacon of Angeow about the yeare 1060. withstood the Doctrine of Transubstantiation newly hatched in the Councell of Lateran And although by the violence of
the Pope and his Clergie hee was driuen to recantation yet after his Death many adhered to his opinion Malsmb In Germanie HEnry the third Emperour withstood Hildebrand the Pope and his vsurped Supremacie Sigeb Chron. in anno 1077. Walenam Bishop of Mergburg Merian Scot. Sigefridus Archbishop of Mentz Martyrol pag. 161. The Councell of Wormes Aventin Anal. lib. 5. The Councell of Brixia about the yeare 1083. pronounced the Pope to bee deposed and withdrew themselues from his Authoritie Abbas vsb Martyrol pag. 164. In Italie NIcetus an Italian Abbot Benno Vgobaldus Leo. Iohannes Petrus Natro Theodinus Cardinals with diuers other Bishops Priests of Italie forsooke the Pope and adhered to the Emperour Auent Anal. lib. 5. Sygebert a Chronicle writer of those times taxeth the Popes Excommunication of Princes and absoluing their Subiects from obedience of noueltie and heresie Sygeb in anno 1088. And thus through Gods assistance wee haue traced out the footsteps of the Protestants Religion from Luther to Berengarius from the dayes of Henry the eight vnto the comming in of King William the Conqueror And wee haue found a cloud of witnesses in England France Germanie Italie Spaine Bohemia and diuers other Countries for the space almost of Fiue hundred yeeres successiuely professing and maintayning the same whereby wee may plainly see that our Religion was long before Luther and that they were not all Papists that liued in the Christian world before Luthers dayes as the Papists foolishly doe traduce Now let vs follow the same tract a little higher and make enquirie whether we may not finde the same in the Elder dayes and in the yeares of former Generations euen to the time in which Poperie first began and before the hatching of the same which by the like assistance of Almighty God I doubt not to performe in that which followeth But now for a while in the next ensuing Centuries we shall I confesse behold the Church of Christ like the Sunne obscured in a cloud Popery being about this time in the height of her Pride Reuel 17.2.14 When the Kings of the earth gaue their power and strength vnto the Beast and the Nations were drunken with the Cup of that Babilonish Strumpet Besides that euen as our Aduersaries themselues acknowledge those times were barren and obscure times because there were few good Writers in those times which did Record the occurrents of the times And therefore there cannot be expected so large Catologue in these as wee haue either in the dayes before or in these latter Times Yet blessed be the name of the Lord he hath not left himselfe without witnessesse euen in these most obscure times But there we may meet with diuers who followed the same way and professed the same Truth which we Protestants now doe as may appeare by the Induction following Betweene the yeares 1000. and 1050. In England Marianus Scotus an Historiographer who liued in the daies of King Edward the Confessor and spared not in his writings to reproue the practise of Papists in those daies Maxian Scot. hist Martyrol p. 149. Vnder the raigne of King Canutus although superstition did in this land wonderfully abound yet diuers points of the Protestants religion as Iustification by Faith obedience in all sorts of people to Magistrates in the same manner as we now hold them was then professed as may appeare by Canutus his Lawes Martyrol p. 148. ex Iornal hist In France Luthericus an Archbishop in France about this time denied the reall presence in the Sacrament Baron Ann. 1004. n. 5. Glaber Rodulphus wrote how that the Bishop of Rome should haue nothing to doe in another mans Diocesse The which he also saith was the opinion of all the French Prelats Hesp lib. 2. c. 9. Quem refert Baronius In Germanie Rodulphus Ardens Preached against the popish opinion of Merits as appeareth out of his Homilie Dominic in Septuagint and in his 1. Hom. in Dominic Trin. The same Rodulphus Ardens also taught that there is no abilitie in vs to keepe the Law As may appeare out of his 2. Hom. in 18. dom Trinit Betweene the yeares 950. and 1000. In England The Cleargie of England in a Councell held 975. withstood Dunstans prohibition of Priests Marriage Hen. lib. 5. Fatholdus whom some call Ethreredus a learned man of Scotland so euidently by Scriptures and Fathers proued that Marriage was lawfull to men in spirituall offices that Dunstans Miracle was reputed an illusion of the Deuill Hist Magdeb. cent 10. c. 9. Aelfricus Archbishop of Canterburie about the yeare 996. wrote an Epistle to Wolfine Bishop of Shirburne against the housling of the Sacrament And another Epistle to Wolstan Archbishop of Yorke against Transubstantiation Which with a Sermon of his in the Saxon tongue are extant Martyrol p. 1040. 1401. 1042. In France Fulco Archbishop of Rhemes vttering his minde freely in a Councell held at Rhemes vnder the Raigne of Carolus Simplex against the abuses of the Court of Rome and for seeking reformation of the Church was slaine in that Counsell by Vinemarus Ex Rhem. Concil Luitprandus a famous Historiographer in the daies of Otho the 1. wrote against the Pope Epist Luitpr ad Reginomundus Episc Hisp In Germanie Otho the Great Deposed Pope Iohn the 13. and assumed into his owne hands the nomination and making of Popes which was a manifest resistance against the growth of the primacie Sigon lib. 7. ann 963. Theophilact is thought to haue liued about this time he was Bishop of Bulgaria and wrote Greeke Commentaries vpon the Euangelists c. Hee said Antichrist should spring in the decay of the Roman Empire and of Marriage that it was honourable and a step to the Chaire of a Bishop Theophilact Betweene the yeares 900. and 950. In England The English Clergie about this time were very peremptorie against the Reall presence Osbernun vit St. Oden Martyrol p. 1029. The Lawes of King Athelstan and of King Edward the Elder doe plainely shew that the Kings of England at that time gouerned as well in causes Ecclesiasticall as ciuill Extract è legibus Rex Athelst Martyrol p. 1039. In France Reynerus confesseth that about this time there were in France diuers of the Predecessors of the Abbigenses which euen in those daies held their opinions Illyr tom 2. c. 5. p. 548. In Germanie The booke entituled Fasciculus temporum complaineth of the manifold abuses which about this time were in the Church of Rome which caused diuers of the Germans to write and to inueigh against the same Fascic temp p. 68. Betweene the yeares 850. and 900. In England KIng Alfred caused the Psalter and diuers other parcels of holy Scripture to be translated into the English tongue that the English might be the better acquainted with the same Gulielm de Regiby Angl. Iohannes Scotus a great learned man was famous about this time he wrote a Booke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and an other De corpore