Stephen Gardiner Lord Chancellor of England who railed upon him asked him if he knew him not c. to whom he answered Yea I know you and all your greatnesse yet you are but a mortall man and if I should be affraid of your Lordly looks why feare you not God the Lord of us all c. But after other discourse he sent him to the Kings Bench commanding his Keeper to keep him strictly In Prison he spent his time in prayer reading the Scriptures Preaching to the prisoners and to others that resorted to him he was diverse times examined of his Faith and witnessed a good Confession before his adversaries for which at last he was condemned to dye when his sentence was read he told them that God the righteous Judge would require his blood at their hands and that the proudest of them all should repent their receiving againe of Antichrist and their tyranny against the flocke of Christ. He was sent down to Hadley to be burn'd and all the way as he went he was very merrie as one that went to a banquet or Bridall In his journey the Sheriff of Essex perswaded him much to return to the Popish Religion c. to whom at last he answered I well perceive now that I have been deceived my sâ—lfe and shall deceive many in Hadley of their expectation when the Sheriff desired him to explain his meaning hoping that he would recant he said I am a man of a very great carkasse which I had hoped should have been buried in Hadley Churchyard but I see I am deceived there are a great number of worms there which should have had jollie feeding upon this carryon but now both I and they shall be deceived of our expectation when he came within two miles of Hadley he desired to alight and being downe he leap't and fet a frisk or two saying God be praised I am now almost at home and have not past a mile or two and I am even at my fathers house at Hadley towns-end a poore man with five children met him crying O dear father and good shepheard God help and succour thee as thou hast many a time succouâ—'d me and my poore children The streets were full of people weeping and bewailing their losse to whom he said I have preached to you Gods Word and Truth and am come to seal it with my blood He gave all his money to the poore for whom he was wont thus to provide formerly once a fortnight at least he used to call upon Sir Henry Doil and other rich Clothiers to goe with him to the Alms houses to see what the poore lacked in meat dâ—ink apparell bedding and other necessaries withall â—xhorting comforting and rebuking as he saw occasion Comming to the plâ—ce of execution he was not suffered to speak to the people who much lamented his death yet he was very chearfull saying Thanks be to God I am even at home and when he had prayed and made himselfe ready he went to the stake and kissed it the fire being kindled he held up his hands called upon God saying Mercifull father of heaven for Iesus Christ my Saviours sake receive my soul into thy hands and so stood still without moving till one with an halberd strook out his brains Among the many Champions of the Lord Who with their blood to Truth did beare record And feared not in furious flames to fry That they Christs Gospels light might magnifie Was pious precious Doctor Tailor stout Who did the fight of Faith to th' death fight out A very learned painfull Pastor grave Who to his Flock full testimony gave Of his great wisdomeâ— charity and love And all Soul saving graces from above Who for opposing Romes impiety Being apprehended and condemnâ—d to dye He kist his Stake being bound to it in chaines Burning a Popish wretch beat out his braines And thus this blessed Martyr chéerfully Went to his heavenly home triumphantly IOHN BRADEFORD The Life and Death of John Bradford NExt to this last mad Septenary of unchristian liberty and unparalled distractions the Devill never seem'd to injoy more chaine in this Kiâ—gdome then in the time of Queene Mary wherein laying hold on the weaknesse and superâ—ticion of a silly woman bred up in Popery and by reason of the bar interpos'd betwixt her and the Crowne by her Royall Brother Edward the sixt wholly subjected to the violent and bloody counsels of that faction which finally prevailed in her restitution and establishment he kindled more Bonefires in the space of three or four yeerâ—s in England then the world had at any time beheld in so few yeeres and in one Kingdome since the last of the first â—en Persecutions I dare not upon Master Foxes bare report who was somtimes and perhaps of purpose by the adversaries themselves miserably abus'd in hiâ— informations acknowledge all for Martyrs whom I finde in his Catalogue But what will Stapleton or any other Papist get by that The Church of Englaâ—d as it was of late reformed the Reformation by Law established hath produced added as many genuine knowing valiant Champions to that Noble Army as wiâ—hin these thousand yeers any Church in Christendome which is glory enough without hooking in either Heretique or Schismatique or any other who suffered for nothing lesse then well doing And from a chiefe place amongst those holy men and witnesseâ— to the truth of the Gospell of Iesus Christ all Stapletons exceptions bitter rayling and intemperat scoffes can not ought not exclude this blessed Saint and servant of God Iohn Bradford as shall evidently appeare to as many as wiâ—hout prejudice shall peruse and pondor his insuing History which God willing we will drive throuh the whole Course of his life from his Birth to his Martyrdome But to take our rise from his Birth He was borne in Manchester the quality of his Parentâ— though their meanes be not recorded may be easily gathered by his Education which was the best that either that place or those times could â—fford for he arrived very early at the knowledge of the Latin Tongue and for Ariâ—hmaticke he had few equals in those parts both which bâ—ing adorn'd and helped forward by a faire and speedy hand he became fit for imployment abroad before any great notice was taken of him at home which moved Sir Iohn Harrington a noble Knight and in good esteem both with King Henry the eight and his Son Edward the sixt to assume him into the number of his fellowes and imploy him in his most private and and urgent affaires both at home and abroad For at Bulloigne he was Treasurer at warres and here he had the charge and oversight of all his Majesties buildings In both imployments he found the service of young Bradford who besides his honesty and diligence had a notable dexterity in casting up and Auditing accoumpts of such importance that where ever he imploy'd him he committed all to his trust and own'd whatsoever he did
he no entertaine the time with more safety and privacy became a teacher to some Gentlemans sonnes in the Country where we leave him for a time requesting the Reader to accompany uâ— to some matters of higher Concernement About this time the Divorse betwixt King Henry Katherine his wife was agitated in the Court of Rome Queen Katherines age was above her Husbands her Gravity above her age more pious at her Beades then pleasant in her Bed a better woman then a wife and a fitter wife for any Prince then King Henry No wonder then if he were impatient to be delayed in his Divorce by the Dilatory tricks of the Romish Court intending first to divorce all the Gold from England kept the Cause some yeers in suspention so torturing King Henâ—y on the racke betwixt hope and feare not to have his dâ—sire effected It hapned that a Courtier came into Cranmers Company who familiarly conversing together amongst other discourse light on this matter of Divorse Cranmer informes the Gentleman that the readiest way for the King to attaine his desire was no longer to trace the Labirinths of the Popes proceedings where Clyents loose themselves in the endlesse Multiplication of affected intricacies but directly to be take himselfe to the Word of God according to which the Kings marriage unlawfull at the first might lawfully be anulled This being brought to the Kings Eare where welcom news would quickly arrive Cranmer is sent for afterwards imployed to the most principal Universities in Europe there publickly to maintain the truth of his aforesaid Assertions and after his returne was rewarded for his undertaking no lesse learned then Laborious with the Archbishopricke of Canterbury Here I have no leisure to listen to much lesse faith to beleeve those false Aspersions which Doctor Sanders castâ—th on this reverend Prelate bottoming the beginning of his Court Advancement on the Basest Employments performed by him Sufficeth it is to know that as the Herneshaw when unable by maine strength to grapple with the Hawke doth Slice upon her bespattering the Hawkes wings with dung or ordure so to conquer with her taile which she cannot doe with her bill and beake So Papists finding themselves unable to encounter the Proâ—estants by force of Argument out of the Scripture cast the dung of foule langvage and filthy railing upon them wherein Sanders exceedeth all of his Sociâ—ty Yea God may seeme to have vindicated the innocence of the one and punished the slanderous mouth of the other in that the foresaid Sanders was afterwards famished in Ireland that mouth being starved for want of food it surfetted with superfluity of Falsehood Cranmer now Archbishop so became the Place with his Piety and Gravity that he indeared himselfe to all conditions of People This was the greatest fault he was guilty of That his nature was bad in being too good he was of too easie and flexible a disposition which made him cowardly to comply with the Church of Rome For although he never did any harme to the Protestants yet he did not unto them so mâ—ch good as he might and ought Some may conceive this passage might well be omitted but the truth of our love to this good mans memory must not make us to forget our love to Truth besides this recording of such slips doth read to us in him a Lecture of our owne Infirmities if Gods grace be not more Active in our Hearts Oh there is more required to make us Valiant then barely to be able to call another Coward During the Reigne of Henry the eight and Edward the sixth our Cranmer flourished in favour But no sooner came Queen Mary to the Crowne but he was scorched with the heat of her Anger As an earnest that his whole Body should afterwards be burnt by her cruelty Indeed he well deserved of Queen Mary in this particular because he with Justice Hales would never consent to the dissinheriting of Queen Mary and refused to subscribe the Will shall I say of Edward the sixt or the Duke of Northumberland translating the Crowne on the Lady Iane But all this would not advance him into the Queenes favour no nor reconâ—ile to hâ—r good Will shee being still troubled with the fit of the mother and meditating revenge against him because Cranmer had been the principall promoter of Queen Kaâ—herines Divorse Or which is more probable being the Queen of her selfe was not cruelly minded some under her which did bite where she did not barke Gardiner the Spanniell Bonner the Bloudhound projected his destruction For being pardoned of Treason of which he stood guilty with the rest of the Privie Council he was châ—rged with Heresie and sent to Oxford there to dispute upon certaine Controversies being nothing else but a plausible contrivance of his Death which was concluded on before any Sylogisme in that Disputation was propounded However his Adversaries improved themselves so much on his facile nature and love of life that their large promisâ—s prevailed on him so far as to make him subscribe to Popery though presently after he recanted his recantation and was burned to ashes for the profession of the Truth first thrusting his owne right Hand faulty for his former subscription into the fire so that his Hand died a Malefactor and the rest of his body a Martyr All which passages are so largely reported by Mâ—ster Fox who in his Hiâ—tory hath so carefully gathered in the Harvest thâ—t his diligence hath left no gleanings for Posterity to picke having omitted nothing in his life remarkeable for such as succeed him to observe He writ many things which are here to his eternall praise truely registred 1. A catechisme of christian Doctrine 2. Ordinations of churhes reformed 3. Of ordaining Priests 4. Of the Eucharist with Luther 5. Of defence of catholicke doctrine 6. To the professors of the Truth 7 Ecclesiasticall Laws in Edward the sixt his reign 8. Against Gardners Sermon 9. Doctrine of the Lords Supper 10. Twelv Books of common places out of the Doctors of the church 11. Christian Homilies 12. To Richard Smiths calumnies 13. Confuâ—aâ—ions of unwritten truths 14. Of not marrying ones sister two Books 15. Against the Popes primacy two books 16. Against Popish purgatory two books 17. Of Iustification two books 18. Epistles to learned men Out of Prison he writ these 1. Against the sacrifice of the Masse 2. Against adoring the Host. 3. To Queen Mary with others 4. Emendations of the Translation of the English Bible and added Prefaces to it 'T was not inticing Honour could remove The constant heart of Cranmer from the love Of sound Divinity he alwayes stood Firme to God's Causâ— and dy'd it with his blood A true Seraphicke and Tyrannicke fire Prov'd as it were ambitious to aspire And both prevail'd being willing to controule Th' one burnt his Body th' other cur'd his Soule Image adoring Papists boast your fils Ye sent a Soule to Heav'n against your wils What can ye say but this your
Great afflictions by which he lost all his bookes and writings and so was compelled to begin all againe to his great hinderance and doubling of his labours yet afterwards he went in another ship to Hamborough where he met Master Coverdal who assisted him in the translation of â—ive the books of Moses the sweating sicknesse being in the towne all the while which was Anno Christi 1529. and during their imploiment in that work they were entertained by a religious Widow Charity Mistresse Margaret Van Emerson when his English Testament came abroad Satans and the Popes instruments raged exceedingly some saying that there were a thousand Heresies in it others that it was impossible to translate the Scriptuâ—es into Euglish Popish lies others that it was not lawful for the Lay-people to have it in their owne language c. and at last the Bishops and Priests procured of King Henry the eight a Proclamation prohibiting the buying or reading of it yet not satisfied herewith they suborned one Henry Philips to go over to Antwerp to betraie him who when he came thither inâ—inuated himselfe into Master Tindal's company and pretended great friednship to him and haveing learned where his abode was he went to Bruxels and there prevailed so far that he brought with him the Emperors Atturney to Antwerp and pretending to visit Master Tindal he betraied him to two Catchpoles which presently carried him to the Atturny who after examination sent him to prison in the Castle of Filford 18. miles off and seized upon all his writings and what else he had at his lodging the English Merchants at Antwerp who loved Tindal very well did what they could to procure his release also letters were sent by the Lord Cromwell and others out of England in his behalf but Philips so bestirred himselfe that all their endeavours came to nothing and Tindal was at last brough to his answere and after much reasoning although he deserved not death yet they codemned him to die being brough forth to the place of execution whilest he was tying to the stake hee cryed with a servent and loud voice Lord open the King of Englands eies And so he was first strangled by the hangman and then burn't Anno Christi 1536. The power of his Doctrine and the sencerity of his life was such that during his imprisonment which was about a yeare and an halfe hee converted his keeper and his daughter and some others of his houshold and Philips that betraied him long enjoyed not the price of innocent blood but by God's just judgment he was devoured by lice Master Foxe in his History of Martyers sayes he might be called Englands Apostle The Workes which he writ besides the translation of the Scriptures are these that follow 1. A Christians obedience 2. The unrighteous Mammon 3. The practice of the Papists 4. Commentaries on the seventh Chapter of Saint Matthew 5. A discourse of the last will and testament of Tracij 6. An answer to Sir Thomas Mores Dialogues 7. The Doctrine of the Lords Supper against More 8. Of the Sacrament of the Altar 9. Of the Saâ—cramentall signes 10. A foote-path leading to the Scriptures 11. Two letters to John Frith All these are extant together with the workes of two Martyâ—s Barnes and Frith in English in Folio and thus after much labour and persecution this worthy member of Christ yeelded to the flaâ—es expecting a joyfull reresurrection Zeale crown'd his heartâ— and made him to out vie Papisticke stocks of Hell-bred Tyranny He feard them not but boldly would dispute Against their swelling Errours and confute Their Principles with a most dexterous art His tongue was never Traytor to his heart Truth was the hand that pointed to the way Where full content and rich Salvations lay T' was not a loathsome prison â—ould devorse His ready lipps from the profound discourse Of true Religion nothing could prevent His iust endeavours Time he thought mispent If not imploy'd to good Readerâ— admire His body flam'd to make his soule a fire The life and Death of URBANUS REGIUS who died Anno Christi 1541. URbanus Regius was borne in Arga Longa â—n the territories of Count Montfort of honest parents who principl'd him in the rudiments of Learning from school sent him to Friburg where he lived with Zasius an excellent Lawyer who loved him dearly for his diligence and industry from thence he went to Basil to study other Arts and from thence to Ingolstad where after a while he read privately to divers Noble-men's-sons whose parents desired him to furnish their children with books and all other necessaries for which they would take care to pay him againe quarterly but when he had run into debt for them they neglected to returne their money which caused him to thinke of departing and having an opportunity he listed himselfe a souldier under a Captaine that went against the Turkes leaving his books and oher furniture to be divided amongst the Creditors being now amongst the souldiers it happened that Iohn Eccius who was Govâ—rnor of the University coming forth to see the souldiers he espied Regius amongst them and enquired the cause of his so sudden a change he told them how those Noble-men had served him whereupon Eccius got him released from his Captain and by his authority procured the Debts to be paid by the parents of those youths which had been with him wherupon he returned to his studies againe wherein he growing famous for his wit and learning Maximilian the Emperor passing through Ingolstade made him his Laureat-Poet and Orator afterwards he was made Professor in that University Then he fell hard to the study of Divinity and a while after the controversie growing hot between Luther and Eccius Rhegius favoring Luther's doctrine because he would not offend Eccius to whom he was many wayes bound he left Ingolstade and went to Augusta and there at the importunity of the Magistrates and Citizens he undertooke the Government of the Church and being offended at the grosse Idolatry of the Papists he joyned with Luther and Preached against the same and having written to Zuinglius to know his judgement about the Sâ—crament and Originall Sin he received such satisfaction that he joyned in opinion with him about the same At that time the Anabaptists crept into Augusta and held private conventicles to the disturbance of the publicke peace for which the Magistrates imprisoned the chiefest of them and afterwards for their obstinacy punished them Râ—egius Preaching against Purgatory and Indulgences the malice and cruelty of the Papists prevailed at length to â—he driving of him out of that City buâ—â—fâ—eâ— a while by the earnest prayer of the Citizens he was called back 〈◊〉 to his former Charge where also he married a wife by whom he had thirteen children Eccius also came thither and sought by all meanes to turne him from the truth but in vain he sent also Faber and Cochlaeus with flatteries and lage promises who prevailed as
Stratsburge and because poverty twharted the good will of his Parents so that they could not afford him â—uch maintenance as they were willing he framed himselfe unto the teaching of Youth during his abode in that place by which meanes he defended himselfe from that miserablâ— condition which was likely to ensue and also furnished himselfe with money for the procuring of such Bookes as he had most use of for his Studies About this time the study and profession of the tongues began to appeare and to shew it selfe in Germanie and Wolfangus Capito set forth two Bookes containing solid instructions for the obtaining of knowledge in the Hebrew language a thing worthy of admiration in those times and there were also some Iewes who wandring up and downe did impart the grounds of that knowledge unto many in Germanie Fagius laying hold upon this opportunity gave himselfe wholly unto the study of this tongue and for that cause he happily insinuated himselfe into the familiarity of Capito Hedio Bucer Zellius and other learned Professours who were the first planters of the Church of Christ in those places Having here indifferently furnished himselfe with learning and with the knowledge of the tongues in the yeere 1527. he left Strasburge and betooke himselfe unto Isna a towne in Algaria being thereunto constrained with his poverty and also with the small regard that those people had of learned men where by the intreaty and furtherance of his friends he underwent the painfull office again of a Schoolemaster wherein he used such diligence that he gained the love of all that knew him but finding within himselfe a naturall inclination unto the Ministery he left his Schoole and returned againe unto Strasburge to furnish himselfe with sufficient knowledge for the discharge of that function here he continued for the space of two yeeres spending them altogether in the study of Divinity at the end whereof he was called from Ssasburge by the Senate of Isna to undergoe a Pastorall office in the same towne which he performed for the space of five yeers with the great approbation of his Auditors when he gave himselfe again unto the study of the Holy tongues wherin in short time he proceeded beyond expectation so that he was adjudged to be the most absolutest in those dayes for the attayning unto this perfection he used the helpe of Elias Livita a most learned Jew Petrus Buflerus one of the Senators of Isna having notice of his perfection in the holy tongue and of his naturall inclination unto the Arts at his owne cost and charge he erected a Printing house to the end that Fagius might publish som works for the futur good of that Nation for the credit and good fame of himself but the event not answering their expectation Fagius came at last to be deeply indebted unto his friend Petrus whereby he was dishartned and kept from proceeding any further which being perceived by Buflerus he incouraged him againe to goe forward and for that cause he lovingly forgave him all the debt which amounted unto the summe of one thousand Crownes and more But he finding by experience that Isna was not a place for his purpose he resolved to remove and opening the same unto the Inhabitants they seemed unwilling yet afterwards they consented receiving Iohannes Marbachius into his roome Before his departure the towne was greatly afflicted with the Pestilence and he understanding that many of the wealthiest of the Inhabitants intended to forsake the place without having any respect or care of such as laboured with that disease and that the houses of such as were infected were commanded to be shut up by the Magistrate he openly admonished them either to continue in the towne or liberally to bestow their almes before their departure for the reliefe of such as were sicke and during the time of the visitation he himselfe in person would visâ—â— those that were siâ—ke he would administer Spirituall comfort unto them pray for them and would be present with them day and night and yet by the providence of God he remayned untouched and was preserved by the alpowerfull hand of God At the same season the Pestilence was hot in Strasburge and with many others it tooke away Wolfangus Capito by reason whereof he was called by the Senate and designed to be his successour in the same City where he continued Preaching untill the beginning of the Germain warres for then Fredecicus Secundus the Prince Elector Palatnie intending a reformation in those Churches which were subject to him he called Fagius from Strasburge unto Heidelberge being then reputed to be a most eloquent and learned man and constituted him the publicke Professor in the same place but the Emperour prevailing against the Elector triumphing in Germany that which was begun in Germany touching reformation fell againe to the ground and became extinct during his residence here he set forth many books but more especially such as he adjudged would be most profitable for such as intended to study the Hebrew tongue which were so approved of by Bucer Martyr and Hedio then ordinary professors of Divinity that he was advanced to the reading of a Divinity Lecture on the week dayes and designed to discharge their Pastorall functions in case they were restrained either with sicknesse or any other serious imployments and in this course he remained for the space of six yeeres At the end of which time the Church was greatly afflicted in Germany and banishment was threatned unto such as would not adhaere unto the doctrine of the Church of Rome and in the beginning of these troubles it pleased God to stirre up Thomas Cranmer Arch-bishop of Canterbury and Metrapolitan of England to call for him out of Germany who together with Bucer was honorably entertained by the said Arch-bishop and disposed of c. vide Bucer He died in Cambridge in the yeere 1550. and was honorably buried in the Church of Saint Michael his bones together with Bucers in the dayes of Queene Mary were diged up and burned because he was condemned of haeriâ—ie Amongst many Epitaphs which were set forth in the commending of this man that of Gulielmus Day deserveth impression that his worth might be manifested unto future times Bucero primas dedimus tibi Paule secunda damur Haebreae gloria prima scholae Hoc uno inferior Bucero Paule fuisti Quod prior extremum cernis adesse diem Verum illo major Bucero Paule fuisti Quod prior aeterno jussus adesse Deo In reliquo similem duxisti tempor vitam Ambo salutiferi buccina fida dei Ambo stilliferi sparfistis semina regni Semina proventu non caritura suo Vnde utrumque Deus mogno dignatus honore Vâ—rumque ad superi transtulit astra poli Felices animae superas licet iistis ad oras A nobis vestrum nomen abrie negint Eximia semper viretis laude perennes Quam canit Aoniis nostra Thalia modis Our first applauses unto
that behalfe sent over letters unto him wherein he perswaded him with Paulus Fagius to come into England assuring them both of kinde entertainment and a sufficient stipend if it would please them to continue amongst them These Letters comming to their hands because they saw little or no hopes of doing any good in Germanie they resolved to visit England and Bucer taking his leave of the Senate of Strasburge after he had supplyed a Pastorall office amongst them the space of twenty yeeres he with Fagius went for England in the yeer of grace 1549. where they arrived in good health and were most courteously entertained and a place provided for them in the University of Cambridge for the expounding of the holy Scriptures and a large Stipend allotted unto them for the maintenance of their Families the University conferring one priviledge on him which was not given unto any before him being this that according to his desire he was inaugurated into his Office without any publicke Ceremony He was much admiâ—ed of in the University for his learning for the integrity of his life and conversation for his plainenesse in his apparell for his temperatenâ—sse in his dyet for his constancy in his labours and for his patience in his sicknesse Within short time after they came hither they both fell into an irrecoverable sicknesse by reason of the change of the ayre and dyet Fagius was the first that yeelded his soul into the hands of God Bucer followed shortly after who before his death prayed unto almighty God that he would not suffer England to fall into those sinnes which had brought Germany unto great misery and withall desired that those things which he had written unto the King concerning the discipline of the Church might take firme footing in the Kingdome Master Iohn Bradford coming to him in the time of his sicknesse and telling him that he would remember him in his prayers being that day to Preach he uttered these words Ne abiicias me Domine in tompore senectutis meae cum defecerit virtus mea forsake me not O Lord in the time of my age and when my strength faileth me Being admonished in his sicknesse that he should arme himselfe against the assaults of the Divell he answered that he had nothing to doe with the Divell because he was wholly in Christ and God forbid God forbid but that I should have some experience of his heavenly comfort After Sermon Bradford came to him againe and after some words declared unto him the great feare which the Physitians had to prescribe any thing unto him by reason of the weaknesse of his body which he apprehending with his eyes fixed towards heaven he uttered these words ille ille regit moderatar omnia he he it is that ruleth and governeth all thiâ—gs and so in the midst of many godly prayers he quietly yeelded his soul unto the hands of God on the 27. of February in the yeere of our Lord 1551. being 61. yeeres of his age he was buried with great solemnity in Saint Maâ—ies in Cambridge to the griefe of many students before his buriall a Funerall Sermon was delivered by Gualterus Haddon at his buriall by Doctor Parker After the death of Edward the sixt his sister the Lady Mary comming to the crowne she restored the doctrine of the Church of Rome and in her dayes Cardinall Poole the Popes Legate being a man of great Authority laboured with might and maine for the rooting out of haeresie and haeretick for so he termed the Gospell and the professors thereof and for that cause he appointed five Inquisitors for the reformation of the University of Cambridge these obtained that the bones of both these faithfull Ministers of Christ should be digged up condemned of haerisie and delivered to the Magistrate to be burnt together with all the bookes of theirs which were extant in the kingdome but in the raine of Queene Elizabeth this sentence was not approved but rejected and they were reckoned amongst the number of Martyrs which had suffered for the truth of Christ. The labours which he left behind him as so many witnesses of his sufficiency and worth are these which follow 1 The Psalmes done out of Latine into Hebrew 2 Enarrations on the four Evangelists 3 Metaphrases one the Epistle of St. Paul 4 A reconciling of hard places of Scripture 5 Commentaries of the Romans and the Ephesians 6 A Commentarie on Sophonuâ— done out of Hebrew 7 A preface to the fourth Tome of Luthers postils 8 Of the true doctrine discipline and Ceremonies of Chuâ—ches 9 A Graâ—ulaâ—orie letter unto the Church of England 10 An answer to the two Epistles of Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester concerning the single life of Priests 11 Of the best way to have Counsels 12 A treatise of restoring Church good 13 An Epistle to the Vniversity aâ— Marpurge 14 To those of East Friezland 15 The confession of the foure Cities Strasburge Constance Menning and Lindare 16 An Apologie against Brentius that jmages are not to be had in Churches 17 Of the Baptisme of Infants 18 Of the Euchâ—rist 19 Of a Nationrall Synead 20 Of a Councell against Coceleius and Gropperus 21 Of the false and true administration 22 Of the Lords Supper 23 Of offering Masses 24 Of care for â—he dead 25 Of Purgatorie 26 Causes of the absence of Divines from the councell of Trent 27 Of the kingdome of Christ unto Edward the sixt King of England 28 Lectuers at Cambridge upon the Ephesians 29 Of the power and use of the ministery 30 An admonition to the Ministers at Switzerland 31 Psalâ—er translated into Dutch 32 An admoniâ—ion to the Ministers at Strasburge 33 Of the true office of a Pastor 34 Of the Iewes how for to be suffered amongst Christians 35 A Confutation of the new faith set forth at Loran 36 A defence of the Colenish reformation 37 A defence against Gropperus 38 An anâ—wer to a dialogue against Protestants 39 Of Church-goods and who are the right possessors of them 40 Against the Bul of Paulus the third and his Legates demands 41 A godly admonition to the Emperour Princes and other states of the Empire assembled at Wormes 42 Against the restoring of the Masse 43 Impediments of Reformation 44 Against the Sophistes of Colen 45 Of the conference at Reinsburge 46 An exposition of the 120. Psalme 47 A treatise of Afflictions 48 A refutation of Calumnies 49 A Sermon at Berne 50 Of the Ministers and Sacraments 51 Luthers commentaries on the two Epistles of Peter 52 Some writings of Sturmius 53 Retractations with Commentaries on the Gospell 54 A treaâ—ise that none ought to live to themselves That light of truth which shin'd in Bucers brest Inlightned others and restor'd much rest To many whose unquiet souls did lye Under the burthen of Idolatry He was laborious striving every houre To sucke some hony from each pleaâ—â—ng flowre He was belov'd of all that lov'd to pry Into the bosome of Divinity
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
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
Hampshire brought up at Schoole and sent from thence to New Colledge in Oxford where he stuied the Liberall Arts and the Tongues and afterwards the Civil-law He was of a pregnat wit and singular courage zâ—alous in Religion of nature apert and far from flattery hypocrisie and dissimulation from Oxford he travelled into Italie where he was in some danger for his Religion In King â—dward the sixth dayes he returned into England againe and had many conflicts with Bishop Gardiner He did much good in Hampshire being Archdeacon of Winchester all King Edwards dayes but in the beginning of Queene Maries Reign he was cast into Prison where he lay a yeer and a halfe before he was examined then he was sent for by Doctor Story and after some captious questions proposed to him he was committed Prisoner to the Bishop of Londons Cole-house unto which was adjoyned a little Blind house with a great pair of Stocks both for hand and foot but thanks be to God saith he I have not played of those Organs yet there hâ— found a godly Minister of Essex who desiring to speake with him did greatly lament his infirmity for through extremity of imprisonment he had yeelded to the Bishop of London and was seâ— at libertyâ— whereupon he left such an hell in his conscience that he could scarce refrain from destroying himselfe and could have no peace till going to the Bishops Register and desiring to see his Recantation he tore it in pieces whereupon the Bishop sending for him buffeted him pluckt off a great part of his beard and sent him to his Cole-house where Master Philpot found him very joyfull under the Crosse. Philpot being afterwardâ— sent for to the Bishop he asked him amongst other things why they were so merry in Prison to whom he answered We are in a dark comfortlesse place and therefore we solace our selves with singing of Psalmes after other discourse saith he I was carryed to my Lords Cole-house againe where I with my six fellow-prisoners doe rouse together in the straw as chearfully we thank God as others doe in their beds of down After sundry examinations he was by the Bishop set in thâ— stocks in a house alone of which he writes God be praised that he thought me worthy to suffer any thing for his names sake Better it is to sit in the stocks in this world then to sit in the stocks of a damnaple conscience at last he was condemned for an Heretick whereupon he said I thanke God I am an Hereticke out of your cursed Church but I am no Hereticke before God Being sent to Newgate he spake to the People as he went saying Ah good people blessed be God for this day having notice given over-night that the next day he should be burn'd he said I am ready God grant me strength and a joyfull resurrection and so he went to his chamber pouring out his spirit unto the Lord in Prayer and giving him most hearty thanks for accounting him worthy to suffer for his Truth Going into Smithfield the way was very foul whereupon two Officers took him up and bare him to the stake then said he merrily What will you make me a Pope coming into Smithfield he kneeled downe saying I will pay my Vowes in thee O Smithfield he kissed the stake saying Shall I disdain to suffer at thiâ— stake when my Lord and Saviour refused not to suffer a most vile death for me when the fire was hindled with much meekness and comfort he resigned up his spirit unto God An. Christi 1555. Couragious Philpot with a dauntlesse brow March'd to his death and would not once allow The least Submittance to erronious powers But Scorn'd to smell on their impoysn'd flowers And when he labour'd in the most distresse He was most chearfull and would still addresse Himselfe to Heaven where he was sure to find A healing Balsome to confirme his minde He prayed to God and having done he cry'd I thank I thanke thée Father and so dy'd THOMAS CRANMER The Life and Death of Thomas Cranmer THomas Cranmer was extracted from an ancient family in Lincolnshire as that derived it selfe from one of more antiquity still retaining the said name and Armes in â—â—rmandy Of his infancy and childhood we can give no other account then what is common to others of the same age as not capable of any extraordinary Actions but silently shaddowed under the â—nnocency and simplicity thereof Afterwards he was admitted into Iesus Colledge in Cambridge where he proceeded Master of Arts with generall applause for his learning and manners Here he happened to marry the Inkeepers wives kinswoman at the sign of the Dolphin An act beheld by some as destructive to his future preferment and deepely condemned by those who preferred height before holinesse and a rich and plentifull before a chaste and comfortable life Malicious tongues on this foundation built many foule and false Scandals against him some slandering him for to be an Ostler because of his often repairing to that Inne which causelesse report confuting it selfe with its own improbability his weeknesse and Patience overcame by contemning it Thus worthy Saint Helen Mother to Constantine the great was scoffed at to have been a Stable-groomes Daughter for her Zeale in searching the monuments of Christs nativity in Bethleham of whom Saint Ambrosse Bona Statularia quaedici maluit Stercoraria ut Christum lucrifaceret But Gods Providence who orders all things to the best some yeere after tooke Cranmers wife away which losseâ— proved a great gaine unto him For resuming his Studieâ— thereby to allay his sorrow and solitarinesse he became so eminent that the Society of Iesus Colledge chose him again into his Fellowship Indeed it was against the Fundamentall Law of the Vniversitie which provides Nolimus socios nostros esse mariâ—os vel maritatos yet seeing a Widdower is the second part of a Bachelor and Cranmers extraordinary learning a dispensation for himselfe by peculiar favour he waâ— reelected into that House How excellently he behaved himselfe therein one Instance for many At that time many unworthy Schollars scambled up into the highest degrees whose scarlet Gowns might seeme to blush the wearers Ignorance To prevent the dangerous consequences thereof and to render Degrees more considerable for the future Cranmer by generall consent was chosen Publicke Examiner of the sufficiency of such candidates for Degrees Herein he carried himselfe with such remarkeâ—ble moderation neither over remisse to incourage any unworthinesse to presume nor too riged to dishearten the endeavours of the ingenious that it is questionable whether his Carriage brought more profit to private Persons or credit to the University Some whose Graces for the present were stopt by him returned afterwards to thanke him because prefering rather to displease then hurt them the gentle Checke he gave them occasioned their greater diligence in the race of learning Here Cranmer lived till the infection of the Plague forced the students to leave their Colledges and
inde evocatus discedecet that amongst all the learned men in the City nonâ— could be found guilty of so much learning as to judge truely of that worth which was to be found in that man Presently after his comming unto Wittemberge he publikely began to read his Lctures where Luther being present he received an excellent approbation from him concerning his sufficiency so he proceeded in opening the Scriptures to the great benefit and instruction of his Auditors In the yeer 1519. he was present at the disputation betwxt Luther and Eccius at Leipsich where sometimes he uttered his opinion amongst them concerning the points in contraversie Eccius not well brooking his forwardnesse cryes out unto Luther Amove a te istam saccum distiâ—ctionum remove from thee that budget of distinctions and after a scornfull manner stiled him the Grammarian In the year 1520. he expounded the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans at Wittemberge which worke of his was so well approved by Luther that he caused it to be Printed for the generall benefit of the Church and in his Preface to the same Booke he useth these words unto Melancthon Ego quod impii Thomistae suo Thomae mendaciter arrogant viz. neminem scripsissi melius in sanctum Paulum tibi vere tribuo What the Thomists unjustly ascribed unto their Thomas viz. that none set forth a sounder Comentary on Paul I attribute it justly unto thee And in the year following having intelligence that the Divines of Paâ—is had condemned the Bookes and Doctrine of Luther he opposed by writing their heady Decree affirming his Doctrin to be sound and Orthodox In the year 1527. he was appointed by the Duke of Saxonie to visit all the Churches within his Dukedome in the performance whereof he wanted neither painfull labour nor envious backbiting And finding in them many disorders and corruptions he prescribed unto them a forme written in the German tongue which he willed them to embrace and to make use of in their Churches This action of his caused great contention and strife in the Countrey which by the wisdome and vertue of the same Duke was speedily quieted and taken away In the year 1529. an assembly of Divines was appointed at Spire where the Duke of Saxonie was present with Phillip Melancthon who espying his Mother went unto her and being demanded by her What she should beleeve amongst so many different opinions and controversies he answered that Pergeret hoc credere quod credidisset nec pateretur se turbari conflectibus disputationum That she should beleeve what she had hitherto beleeved and withall willed her not to â—ay to heart nor to be disquieted with those Scholasticke combats The Church being about this time in a troublesome state and so continuing for a season it pleased the Pope to promise the calling of a generall Councill for the extirpating of these differences out of the Church and for the establishing of an Uniforme manner of Doctrine and Discipline but his intent was onely to make triall how Melancthon stood affected for when his Legates requested of him to promise them that he would subscribe to all the Decrees of the Synod then shortly to be called he denyed their unjust request and withall telling them In concillo accusationes defensiones sententias liberas esse ô portêre in epâ—um de evenâ—u pacisci antiquam cognitio sit suscripta That in a generall Councill all occasions defendings opinions and judgements ought to be free and that it was a tying voyd of sence and reason to yeeld a subscription unto those things which as yet he did neither know nor understand And so remaining unmoveable in this resolution there was no generall Councill called because it lay not in the power of the Emperour to command it and because the Pope was unwilling to exercise his authority in that kinde least the event should have proved fatall unto the Apostolicall See About this time Comets were seen in the ayre for the space of three whole yeeres concerning which Melancthon wrote many learned observations unto his friends In the yeer 1535. the fame of Melancthon came into the Kingdome of England and France wherefore he was sent for by Henry the eight and invited by the King of France to settle a Reformation in their Churches but he went unto neither of them in regard the Duke of Saxonie would not consent thereunto In the year 1539. there was an Assembly of the Protestant Princes at Francfort ad Menum concerning a Reformation and Melancthon was commanded to make his personall appearance but being fearfull least any should offer violence unto his person he there published a worke intituled De Defensione Legitima In the year 1541. an Assembly was appointed at Wormes where there happened a sharpe Disputation betwixt Melancthon and Eccius touching Originall sinne but by the Commandement of the Emperour it was forthwith dissolved and both of them appointed to meet at Reinspurge where it fell out that Eccius in his disputation propounded a Sophisticall argument at the which Melancthon pausing a little space for the better untwisting of it said unto Eccius that the next day he would give him an answer whereupon Eccius presently replyed that it would be imputed as a great disgrace unto him to require so long a time unto which he presently answered Mi Doctor non quaero meam gloriam hoc in negotio sed veritatem Sir I seeke not my owne praise in this businesse but the truth within short time the Emperour came to Reispurge appointed certaine learned Persons on both sides for continuation of the conference of whom in the life of Bucer c. this Conference gave no satisfaction neither unto Eccius nor unto the Bishops there present nor unto William Duke of Bavaria and therefore the whol businesse was referred unto the judgement of a generall Councill and peace was injoyned unto both parties by the strict command of the Emperour together with a hope declared as touching the Reformation of the Churches In which Conference Mlancthon objected that axiome against the Papists Christus adest non propter panem sed propâ—er hominem Christ is present in the Sacrament not by reason of the bread but by reason of the receiver Which when Luther heard he joyfully uttered these words Mâ—câ—e Philippe tu eripuisti Pontificiis quod ego non ausus fuissem all happinesse attend thee Philâ—ip for thou hast overthrown the Papists in that Point which I dared not to attempt And wiâ—h that sentence Eccius was so confuted that he had not a word to speake yet at the last in a great rage he told Melancthon that he would dispute with him ad ignem usque even unto the very flames but the night following he drinking somthing beyond measure in regard of the predominancy of his chollar he fell into an Ague wherewith in few dayes he dyed Againe in the yeer 1545. Fredericke the Prince Elector Palatine successour unto Lodowick greatly desiring a
the Senate he gathered a Church of strangers especially out of Belgia from thence he wrote a Letter to the King of Poland and his Council vindicating his Doctrin from some aspersions cast upon it by his adversaries many enemies also rose up against him and his Congregation for differing from them about Christ's presence in the Sacrament especially oâ—e Westphalus who wrote bitterly against them calling them Zuinglians and affirming that all those which had suffered about that point in Belgia England or Francâ— were the Divel's Martyrs At last Lascus returning into his own Country from which he had been absent twenty years there he found God's harvest to be great and the labourers to be very few His coming was very unwelcome to the Popish Clergy who sought by all meanes to destroy him or to get him banished and therefore they accused him to the King for an Hereticke beseeching him not to suffer him to stay in the Kingdome to whom the King answered That though they pronounced him an Hereticke yet the Sâ—ates of the Kingdome did not so esteeme him and that he was ready to clear himselfe from those aspersions When they thus prevailed not they cast abroad reproaches and all manner of lyes as if he would stir up a civill War in the Kingdome but it pleased God when he had spent a little time in instructing his friends that he sickned and dyed anno christi 1569. He was of an excellent wit and judgement and tooke much paines to have composed that difference in the Churches about Christ's presence in the Sacrament though it succeeded not The King of Poland had him in such esteem that he made use of his advice and help in many great and difficult businesses Wisdome and goodnesse both conjoyn'd To beautifâ—e Alascos mind He was laborious to fulfill And prosecute his makers will His heart was proud to undertake To doe or suffer for Gods sake Therefore no question but hée 's blest And rests in peace and endlesse rest AVGVSTINVS MARLORATVS The Life and Death of Augustine Marlorat AVgustine Marlorat was born in the Dukedome of Lorrain anno christi 1506. His Parents dyed whil'st he was young and his kindred gaping after his estate thrust him at eight years of age into a Monastery of Augustine Fryers by which meanes God so ordering of it he was brought up in learning and having studied the body of Divinity in France came to the University of Lasanna which is a famous Towne of the Lords and States of the Countrey of Bern scituated hard by the Lake of Lemon and is a place famous for Divinity where he profited much in learned and came to the knowledge of the Truth and from thence he was chosen to be Pastor at Vivia and from thence he was sent for to Rottomag where he behaved himselfe with much piety and wisdome Anno Christi 1561. he was present at the conference at Posiah between the Cardinall of Lorrain and Theodore Beza where he acquitted himselfe with much courage The year following when the Civil Wars brakâ— forth in France the City of Rotomag was besieged and after a hard siege was taken where Marlorat and foure other chiefe Citizens by the malice of Mont-Morenzie and Francis Duke of Guize were hanged though some of his adversaries would have saved him This was done the thirtieth of October anno chris 1562. and of his Age six and fifty whose Workes being ever living Monuments are preserved to the benefit of the Church of God and are here set down 1. A Catholicke and Ecclesiasticall Exposition of the new Testament 2. An Exposition upon Genesis 3. An Exposition on the Psalmes of David 4. An Exposition upon the Prophecie of Jsaiah 5. His Thesaurus or Treasure-house of the whole Canonicall Scripture digested into common places Also the hard Phrases Alphabetically Printed which usully are met withall in the Scriptures by the care and industry of William Feugerius of Rohan professor of Divinity to whom Marlorat left this Worke being not altogether perfected at the time of his Dissolution Renowned Marlorat did breath to give A breath to worth which worth shall make him live Uertue shall be his Heravl'd and his name Shall stand recorded in roules of fame The trumpet of his praise shall sound the bolder Because true vertue neede crave no upholder The Life and Death of Amsdorfius who died Anno Christi 1563. NIcolas Amsdorfius was born in Misnia of noble Parents Anno Christi 1483. and brought up in learning From School he went to the University of Wittenberge about that time that Luther began to preach against Indulgence in Anno Christi 1504. he Commensed Master of Arts and aftewards Licentiary in Divinity he embraced the Truth â—hat brake forth in those times and preached it to others he accompanied Luther to Worms in the time of Luthers recesse into his Pathmos he with Melancthon and Iustus Ionas being sent to by the Elector of Saxonie for their judgement about the Masse declared that it was an horrible profanation of the Lords Supper whence ensued the abolishing of it out of all Churches in Wittenberg he wrote also that the Pope was Antichrist Anno Christ 1524. Luther being sent for to Magdenburg he went thither and having preached to them he commended to them and afterwards sent Amsdorfius to gather and instruct the Churches there who faithfully laboured eighteen yeeres in that place Anno Christi 1541. he was sent by the Elector of Saxonie to govern the Church at Naumberg in the Palatinate where also the yeere after he was ordained Bishop by Luther three other Pastors also imposing of their hands upon him but six yeers after he was driven away from thence by the Emperor Charles the fifth whence he fled to Magdenberg and was there during the siege of it Anno Christi 1550. and the yeere after George Major having Published this propositioâ— That good Works were necessary to Salvation Amsdorfius in heat of contention wrote That good Works were hurtfull and dangerous to Salvation he died about the four score and eight yeer of his age Anno Christi 1563. Amsdorfius was the life of worth his dayes Were fil'd with trouble yet perpetuall praise Waited upon him for he did oppose The Errours of the Pope in spight of those That were his enemies he did maintaine The Pope was Antichrist the Masse prophane He fear'd them not but boldly did professe The truth and now is Crown'd with happinesse WOLFGANGVS MVSCVLVS The Life and Death of Wolfangus Musculus IN the yeer of our Lord God 1497. and on the sixt of the Ides of September a day much observed by our Ancestors for the birth of the Virgin Mary and also for the destruction of Ierusalem by Titus the son of Vespasian was Wolfangâ—â— Musculus that faithfull servant of Christ born at Dusa a little towne situate in Litharingia famous onely for the aboundance of Salt-pits wherewith it is richly stored His father was called Antonius Musculus who by his profession was
extraordiry patience in his life so he also testified the same during his sicknesse for he 〈◊〉 that afflâ—â—â—ion with admired patience still calling upon and praying unto almighty God relying onely upon him as appeared by that Speech of his unto his Son who standing by his Bed-side weeping he turned to him and told him that he need not doubt of his Fathers Faith which indeed were the last words which he uttered and not long after he yeelded up his soule with all quietnesse into the hands of God in the year of Christ 1563. and in the sixty six year of his age and was buried at Berne He was a man learned and grave affable and courteous sparing in hiâ— dyet he was something tall in stature having a body straight a face red eyes clear and quick-sighted in generall there was a proportionable agreement betwixt all his parts His Works are these 1. Commentaries on Genesis 2. Psalmes 3. Matthew 4. Iohn 5. Romans 6. Corinthians 7. Philippians 8. Colossians 9. Thessalonians 10. 1 Timothy 11. His common places 12. Vpon the Commandements 13. Of Oathes 14. Of the Germane Wars Translations of Greek Authors 1. Commentaries of Chrysostome on Sainâ— Pauls Epistles 2. Epistles of Saint Basil. 3. Ethicks of Basil. 4. Of solitary life 5. Homilies 6. School-notes of Basil on the Psalter 7. Thirty nine Epistles of Cyril 8. A Declaration of the twelue Anathemos in the Ephesnick Councill 9. Opinions of Nestorius conâ—iâ—ed 10. Synopsis of the Scriptures out of Athanaâ—iuâ— 11. 140. questions out of the old and new Testament 12. A Synopsis of Theodore Bishop of Tyre Ecclesiastiâ—all Histories 1. Ten bookes of Eusebius of Ecclesiasticall affaires 2. Five â—ookes of Eusebius of the life of Constantine 3. Eight bookes of Socrates 4. Nine bookes of Zozomen 5. Two bookes of Theodore 6. Six of Evagrâ—us 7. Five of Polybius 'T was neither fear nor danger could estrange Undaunted Musculus or make him change His resolutions nothing could prevaile Against the bulwarkes of his Fort or scale His wel arm'd thought he would in spight of those That were so barbarous to be his Foes â— Proclaim the Truth and would not let it rest Untill discover'd in his serious brestâ— He liv'd Gods faithfull Factor here below To send him souls to heav'n and to bestow That talent he had gave him that he might When 's Master call'd cast his accounts aright The Life and Death of Hyperius who dyed Anno Christi 1564. ANdreas Gerardus Hyperius was born at Ipres in Flanders Anno Christi 1511. his Father was a Counsellour who brought him up carefully in learning At 13. years old he travelled through the Islands of Flanders and learned the French tongue afterwards he went to Paris where he studied in that University the Arts for three years and then went home to visit his friends but after a short stay he returned to Paris and studied Divinity and Physick and every year in the vacation time he traveled abroad into France so that in three years he had seen most part of France and part of Italy and visited the chiefest Universities in both then he went to Lovain and into most parts of the lower Germany â— and at twenty six years old he traveled into upper Germanie then he sailed into England where faling into the company of Charles Montjoy Baron Montjoy's Son he tooke such affection to him that he desired him to live with him where he lived four years with much content and then he visited Cambridge and the Lord Cromwel being beheaded about that time and the six Articles pressed with rigor he thought of returning into his own Countrey fiâ—st visiting Oxford and from thence he went to London and so sailed to Antwarp and from thence he went home but hearing the fame of the University of Argentine and of Bucer there he travelled thither also but in the way he went to Marpurg where Noviomagus was Divinity-professor who importuned him to stay there and to give some taste of his learning and to be his assistant when he had prevailed with him he shortly after dying Hyperius was chosen in his room and after two yeers stay he married a wife one Catharine Orthia with whom he lived with much comfort and had by her six sons and four daughters he taught there with much diligence and faithfulnesse 22. yeers he directed young students in the composing of their Sermons and heard them first Preach in private that if any thing were amisse either in their voyce or gesture he might rectifie them in it he was never idle but alwayes either writing reading or meditating so that he much weakned his body thereby at last falling sick of a Fever he gave diverse instructions to his wife for the education of his children and to his children whom he exhorted to serve God and to obey their mother and when his friends visited him he requested them to bear witness That in that Faith wherin he had lived and which he had taught he now dyed and so continued making a profession of the same till he yeelded up his spirit unto God being about 53. yeers old Anno Christi 1564. having been Pastor of the Church and professor in the University 22. yeers Studious Hyperius alwayes lov'd to be In consultation with Divinity He loâ—'d the truth and alwayes striv'd to fly Upon the wings of true sollidity Religion was his guide he alwayes stood Firmely obedient unto what was good IOHANNES CALVINVS The Life and Death of John Calvin IN the yeer of our Lord God 1509. this reverend and faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ Iohn Calvin was born at Noviodunum a famous towne fituate in that part of Aquitane which borders upon Picardy he may well be termed the Luster of the French Nation for his excellent endewments of learning and piety he was descended from vertuous Parents blessed onely with a competency of worldly riches sufficient to preserve an honest report amongst their neighbours their greatest blessing appeared in the gift of this gratious infant His Fathers name was Gerard Calvin â— man much esteemed of the Nobility inhabiâ—ing Aquitane because he was a singular Politician approving his judgment and advice touching the administration of the Common-wealth desiring his presence wheâ—soever that they consulted about serious affairs and important matters of State whereby it came to passe that his son Calvin was brought up in his youth with the sons of the eminentest persons in that Country His mother was called Ioanna Franca These children he accompanied unto Paris for the increasing of his learning where he had Maturinus Corderius for his Tutor a man much reverenced for his internall and externall qualities and esteemed the best for the instruction and bringing up of youth within the Relme of France The reason why his father brought him up in learning was because he perceived a voluntary inclination in his sonne thereunto which appeared two manner of wayes first because in his youth he was religiously given and secondly because it
meane time granted unto them liberty of Conscience which when it came to the eares of Paulus III. Pope of Rome he sharply reproved the Emperour saying That he esteemed of Hereticks as highly as of Catholicks and that he seemed to thrust in his sickle into another mans harvest The Emperour answered That he was perswaded that his act was just And Calvin perceiving the truth of the Gospell to be deeply wounded bâ— these Letters he sharply reprovâ—d the boldnesse of the Pope In this year also there was a Convocation at Spire whereupon Calvin tooke occasion of writing his Booke intituled De necessitate reformandae Ecclesiae And in the same year also he refuted the Anabaptists and Libertines and that with such invincible arguments that none reading and observing hiâ— Worke can unlesse wittingly and willingly be deceived and seduced by them But the Queen of Navarre was greatly offended with that Worke of his against the Libertines because he had particularly reproved Quintinus and Pocquetus two Ringleaders of that Sect and not of small account with her Majesty Calvin being informed of this he so wisely and discreetly behaved himselfe that he gained againe the favour of the Queen and withall caused that impious and blasphemous Sect to be banished out of France who afterwards seated themselves in Amsterlodam the prime town in Holland In the year 1545. by the conspiracy of some wicked and evilly disposed persons the thresholds and posts of the doores in Geneva were done over with an oyntment so strongly composed of poyson that whosoever touched it death imediately followed and from this also proceeded a raging Pestilence in the City whereby an infinite number of soules were swept away this accident procured great envie unto Calvin from all places yet at the last some of the authors of this inhumane act were discovered and suffered worthy punishment for the same In this year also he laboured to remove the false opinion of Osiander concerning the Lords Supper out of the Church and also the errours of the Nicodemites and many other grosse opinions which hindred the growth of the truth of Christ. In which proceedings he was abundantly blessed by the Lord who never permitted his enemies to have their pleasure of him by taking away his life which they intended and more especially he shelterd him from the fury of Amedenus Perinnus a Captaine of great authority in the City but deprived for that fact of his Office These continued dissentions and defamations in the Church at Geneva were motives which drew Farellus and Viretus unto the same place who in the year 1548. delivered before the Senate an eloquent and learned Oration concerning the suppression of Sedition and the taking away of differences out of the Church The motion was approved of all and Perinnus having hopes thereby to attaine againe unto his former preserment consented thereunto but he soone discovered his wicked intent for he was no sooner graced with his former dignitie but he and many others burst forth into reproachfull speeches against Calvin and after a disgracefull manner calling his Dog by the name of Calvin others stile him by the name of Cain and some by reason of that violent and fierce hatred which they conceived against him they would absent themselves from the Communion and so draw downe a double vengeance on themselves In the midst of these evils which were of force to have caused him to have forsaken the City he constantly performed his Ministeriall office and at vacant times he inlightned Pauls Epistles with learned Commentaries He also most learnedly laid open and discovered the falsity and vanity fo Judiciary Astrology He comforted Beratius living as a banished man at Basil and also Bucer in England And this is also remarkable that notwithstanding the daily increaâ—ing of these contentions the Church did wonderfully florish in Geneva and also it injoyed some peace and quietnesse In the year 1551. for then there sprung up a company of factious fellowes who denied the priviledges of the City unto such as were banished for the truth and fled to that place for succour And being perswaded by Calvin in a Sermon Preached for that purpose to grant the priviledges of the City unto them he was well beaten for his paines as soon as he came out of the Pulpit These stirred up also another Tumult in the Temple of St. Gervas because the Minister refused to Baptize a child by the name of Balthazar Calvin not forgetting his late kindnesse received was contented with patience to let it passe In this year the City was also much troubled with that blasphemous heresie of Servetus who by the means of Calvin was apprehended and convicted but remaining obstinate in his opinion he was buâ—nd alive in the same City The cause of Servetus being as yet in hand one of the factious company called Berâ—lerius an impudent and wicked fellow whom the Presbitery had foâ—bidden to come unto the Lords table by reason of his ill lead life and excomunicated came unto the Senate and desired his absolution which he perswaded himselfe was sufficient Calvin earnestly opposes this action of the Senate declaring unto him that he ought to be a defender and maintainer and not a violator of holy good lawes yet Berlterius prevailed with the Senate and he granted unto him his absolutory letters Perinnus by the imitation of Bertlerius thought to take Calvin in a trap and either to raise a tumult against him if he would not obey the Senate or if he consented then no disanull the authority of the Presbitery Calvin being fore-admonished of this intent in his Sermon before the Communion in the presence of both of them he uttered these words with great fervency But I imitating Chrisostome will rather suffer my selfe to be slain then that this hand shall reach the holy things of the Lord unto such as are apparently known to be the contemners and despisers of him which wrought such an impression in them that they durst not presume to come unto the Lords table nay it is probable that he was at that time fearfull of his life for he Preached as if they never afterwards should have heard him again In this troublesom state the Church of Geneva continued unto the yeere 1555. wherein a conspiracy was happily discovered by which meanes most of the factious persons were put to death and banished the City By which example of Divine vengeance others were delivered and kept in awe and that Common-wealtâ— freed from many inconveniences yet in the same yeer the errours of Servetus seemed to revive againe and to be nourished by Matthaeus Gibraldus an excellent Lawyer who came unto Geneva and would willingly have been familiar with Calvin which he most willingly would have had embraced so as he would have consented with him in the Article of the Trinity The same year also yeelded much sorrow unto Calvin in regard that persecution raged in many places and especially in England which tooke away Hooper
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
printed there which Gilpin performed faithfully He returned into England after three years in Queen Maries raign and beheld to his griefe the Church oppressed with blood and fire and being placed by Tunstal in the Rectory of Essingdon he began sharply to tax the viceâ— which then raigned in the Church and propounded the Doctrine of Salvation plainly and soundly which procured him many enemies especially of the Clergy who accused hin often to the bishop for an Heretick but Tunstal could not endure to shed blood and therefore he deâ—lt mildly with him At a certain time the Bishops Châ—plainâ— discoursed with him about Luther and the Sacrament of the Altar whom he answered so judiciously that the Bishop hearing their discourse said to his Chaplains Lâ—thâ—â— alone for he hath more lâ—arning then you all The Archdeaconâ—â— of Durham being annexed to the Parsonage of Essingdon Master Gilpin for a â—ime supplyed both places but after a whâ—â—â— he wrote to the Bishop that he might have his good wâ—ll to resign one of them which the Bishop was very angry 〈◊〉 saying I told thee thou wouldst die a begger Not long after â—he Bishop conferred upon him instead of them the Rectory of Houghton which was a great Parish and a very fine sâ—â—t He took great care to performe the dutyeâ— of the Miniâ—â—ry â—mongst his people and seeing the miserable condition of many places in those parts where â—he Tiâ—hes being Improprâ—ated the Souls of the people were stâ—rved he preached often abroâ—d also and once a year he took a journy into Noâ—thumberland Riddesdale and Tindal usually abouâ— Câ—â—istmas because of the opportunity of so many holy dâ—ieâ— where he gat himselfe muâ—h â—steem by his prâ—achiâ—g to thosâ— barbarouâ— people and distributing money to the poor sometimes hâ— was forced to lodge in the snow all night in that jouâ—ny at which times he made his man to trot his horseâ— up and downe whilst he bestirred himselfe that he might not perish by the could Once as he returned home a husbandman as he was ploughing had a horse in hiâ— team that fell down and dyed for which he made great moan whereupon Master Gilpin caused his man to alight and take off his saddle and bridle and so to carry them to the next town and gave his horse to this husbandman when by chance hâ— met with any naked poor people he would pull off some of his own clothes and give them In the towne of Houghton there was a street of poor people for whose reliese every thursday he caused a great pot of meat to be boylâ—d and distributed amongst them yeâ— his charity was such that he was commonly called The Father of the Poor Yet had he many enemies who often accused him to Bishop Tunstal but he abhorring to shed blood was still a sweet defence to him At last they accused him to Bonner who sent a messenger to apprehend him whereof he had notice before hand and therefore prepared himselfe for Martyrdome commanding his Steward to provide him a long garment to goe to the stake in but it pleased God that by the sudden death of Queen Mary he was freed from thiâ— danger In the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's raign Master Gilpin was excâ—eding studious to doe all the good that possibly he could whereupon he erected a Grammer-School allowing maintenance for a Master and Usher divers of the Scholars he also instructed himselfe so that in that School were bred many that were exceedingly profitable to the Church afterwards for there was great resort to it some of which he tabled in his owne house others in the towne yea upon many poor mens sons he bestowed both meat drinke apparell and â—eaching out of this School were sent daily many to the University to diverse of which he allowed maintenance whereby his name was renowned and the Earl of Bedford much esteemed him and procured of the Queen the Bishoprick of Carlile for him and sent him his Congedeslier but Master Gilpin returned it back with many thanks alleging his own insufficiency for the discharge of so great a place Not long after also he was much importuned to take upon him the Provost's place of Queens Colledge in Oxford but he refused it being wholly unwilling to remove from the place where God had set him He was much given to Hospitality insomuch as William Cecill Lord Burghley returning out of Scotland drawn with the same of Master Gilpin came to Houghton where he was entertained with all due respect and when he had well observed Master Gilpin and the diligence and abundance of all things with so compleat service in the entertainment of so great and unlooked for a Guest he said at his parting That he had heard much of Master Gilpin but what he had now seen and tryed was much more then the report and thereupon taking his his leave of Master Gilpin he râ—quested him if he had any occasion or suit at the Court that he would make use of him to meditate it for him He still continued his yearly visit of Riddesdale and Tindale where he was esteemed a Prophet and little lesse then adored by that barbarous people Being once amongst them one had stoln his horses whereupon Hue and Cry was sent abroad for Master Gilpin's horses the fellow that had stoln them hearing that they were Master Gilpin's fell a trembleing and presently carryed them back againe humbly craving pardon and the benediction of Father Gilpin protesting that he feared that he should be thurst into hell if he should doe him any wrong Also he being to preach at a towne called Rothbury there was a deadly fewd between the Inhabitants so that the men of both sides never met at Church without blood-shed and therefore when one party came the other used to stay away but Master Gilpin being in the Pulpit both partyes came to Church one party going into the Chancell and the other into the body of â—he Church armed with Swords and Javelins Master Gilpin though somewhat moved with this uncouth spectacle yet went on in his Sermon but when their weapons began to make a clashing sound and the one side drew near to the other Master Gilpin came downe from the Pulpit and stepping to the ringleaders of either faction he laboured to establish a peace and when he could not prevaile in that yet he got a promise from them to continue the peace whilst he was in the Church afterwards whilst he was in those quarters and so going up againe he spent the rest of the time in discharging that barbarous and bloody custom At another time Master Gilpin coming to a Church in those parts before the people assembled and walking up and downe he espied a glove hanging up in the Church end enquiring of the Sexton the meaning of it he told him that it was a glove of one of the Parish who hung it up as a challenge to his enemy with whom he would fight hand to hand or with any else
with her successor the most learned King Iames who to say but truth admired him beyond all other Divines not onely for his transcendant gift in Preaching but for the excellency and sollidity in all kinde of Learning selecting him at his choysest peece to vindicate his Regality against his foule-mouthed adversaries His Majesty not long after his happy entrance to this Crowne bestowed upon him the Bishopricke of Chichester which he held about foure yeeres and withall made him Lord Almoner and because of the exility of that Bishopricke soon after added the Parsonage of Cheyham in Surrey to his commendam Upon the vacancy of the Bishopricke of Ely his Majesty made him Bishop thereof and there he sate about nine yeers In which time he was made a Privie Councellor first of England then of Scotland in his attendance of the King thither He was afterwards preferred to the Bishopricke of Winchester and the Deanry of the Kings Chappell which two last preferments he held to his death which hapned about eight yeeres after in the third yeer of the raigne of our late King Charlse with whom he held no lesse reputation then he had done with his Father before him It is worth the observation that having bin preferd to many and those no small dignities yet he never used any meanes to obtaine the least of them but they were all conferd upon him without the least suit on his part For he was so farre from ambition or covetousnesse as that when the Bishopricks of Salisbury and Ely were at severall times tendred unto him upon some propositions prejudiciall to the state of those Churches he utterly refused them The vertues and good parts oâ— this honorable Prelate were so many and those so transcendent that to doe him right a large volumn would be but sufficient which I shall leave to some of better abilities to performe which I shall by way of an Epitome onely point a finger at in these heads which follow His first and principall vertue was his singular zeale and piety which shewed it selfe not onely in his private and secret Devotions betweene God and himselfe in which they that were about him well perceived that he daily spent many houres yea and the greatest part of his life in holy prayers and abundant teares the signes whereof they often discovered but also in his exemplary publicke prayers with his Family in his Chappell wherein he behaved himselfe so humbly devoutly and reverently that it could not but move others to follow his example His Chappell in which he had Monthly Communions was so decently and reverently adorned and God served there with so holy and reverend behaviour of himselfe and his Family by his patâ—erne that the soules of many that obiter came thither in time of Divine Service were very much elevated and they stirred up to the like reverend deportment yea some that had bin there were so taken with it that they desired to end their dayes in the Bishop of Elyes Châ—ppell The next is his Charity and compassion which he practized even before he came to great preferments for while he was yet in private estate he extended his Charity in liberall manner to the reliefe of poore Parishioners prisons and prisoners besides his constant Sundayes Almes at his Parish of Saint Giles But when his Meanes became greater his Charity encreased to a large proportion releasing many prisoners of all sorts that were detained either for petty Debts or keepers fees And one thing in his Charity is remarkable that whereas he sent much money at severall times to the reliefe of poore Parishes Prisons Prisoners and the like he gave strict charge to his servants whom he entrusted therewith that they should not acknowledge whence this reliefe came but directed that the acquittances which they to make the discharge of their trust appeare to him desired from them that received such reliefe should be taken in the name of a Benefactor unknown Other large sums he bestowed yeerly and oftner in clothing the poore and naked in relieving the sicke and needy in succouring Families in time of infection besides his Almes to poore house-keepers at his gate insomuch that his private Almes in his last six yeeres besides those publique amounted to the sum of 1300 l. and upwards Lastly though it might well have beene supposed by that which is said already that he had bin in his life time his own Almoner yet as he lived a pattern of compassion and worke of mercy so he dyed also for it appeareth by his Will that his chief care was to provide that his pious workes should never have end leaving 4000 l. to purchase 200 l. Land per annum for ever to be distributed by 50 l. quarterly thus To aged poore men and decayed with an especiall eye to Sea faring men wherin he reflected upon his Fathers Profession 50 l. To poor Widowes the wives of one Husband fifty pounds To the binding of poor Orphans Apprentices fifty pounds And to the reliefe of poore Prisoners fiâ—ty pounds Besides among other too many to be comprehended in an Epitome he left to be distributed presently after his decease among Mayd-servants of honest report and who had served one Mâ—ster or Mistris seven yeers the sum of two hundred pounds Lastly a great part of his Estate which remained after his Funerall and Legacies discharged he left to be distributed among his poore Servants The third is his fidelity and integrity faithfull upright and just he ever was whether you respect him in his ordinary transactions in which no man could ever justly taxe him with the least aspersion of injustice or whether you looke upon him as entrusted with those great Offices and Places which he did undergoe and they were either his Spirituall preferments or Temporall Office besides some other matters committed to his fidelity In the first of which he declared evidently to the world that he reputed himself but Gods Steward and that he must give an account to his Lord and Master for them To begin then with the lowest account He was ever faithfull provident and carefull to keepe in good repaire the Houses of all his Spirituall preferments and spent much money that way as upon the Vicarage house of Saint Giles the Prebends and Deanes houses of Westminster and the Residentiaries house of Saint Pauls Upon the House belonging to the Bishopricke of Chichester he expended above 420 l. Of Elye above 2440 l. Of Winchesters besides a Pention of 400 l. per annum from which he freed his See at his owne charge he spent two thousand pounds But in that part of the Account which concerned him more neerly to perfect which was his Pastorall and Episcopall charge the cure of Soules and the well ordering of the severall Diocesse committed to his trust never any made a more just and exact account Some particulars of this account was the promoting of sufficient able and good men to Livings and preferments which fell within his owne gift
man Drusius Renicherus and others he most courteously entertained and very liberally relieved a diligent preacher as well after his preferments as before seldome failing any Lords day while he was Bishop of Worcester notwithstanding his important and incessant emploiments otherwise but that he preached in some of the Parish Churches thereabouts and no lesse freqâ—ently when he was Archbishop visiting the Church and Pulpit at Crâ—ydon during the time of his residence there in the Vacations from attendance at Court He departed this world on the last of February being Wednesday in the year of grace 1603. and of his age 73. having bin Bishop of Worcester six years and five moneths and Archbishop of Canterbury 20. years and five moneths and lyeth enterred on the South side of the Church of Croydon with a faire Monument in memory of him His laâ—â— words to his Majesty who in person visited him the day before he dyed when he could hardly be understood are reported to have been Pro Ecclesiâ Dei pro Ecclesiâ Dei for the Church of God for the Church of God thereby intimating his care thereof even to the last The principall Monuments of his Charity are an Hospitall builded Colledge-wise at Croydon for a Warden and twenty eight Brothers and Sisters and a Free-School neer â—nto it with a convenient House for the School-Master and a standing stipend of twenty pounds by the year His Workes in writing published are onely these 1. His Answer to the Admonition to the Parliament 2. His Defence of the Answer to the Admonition 3. A Sermon on John 6. ver 25 26 27. Preached before Queene Elizabeth on March the 24. 1574. You courtly Prelats you that feare To loose your honors look ye here Make him your president and then You shall have honor spite of men He bred not but compos'd debateâ— Nor mov'd he in the Orbe of State By whose example Churchmen stood Lesse for the stile of great then good If factions chanc'd or diffence fell He would perswade and not compell To him our Phenix-Queen did share Proud Lambeths patriarchall chayre Where he remain'd the Churches Nurse Ten years twice told without a Curse The Life and Death of Lucas Trelcatius who dyed Anno Christi 1602. LVke Trelcatius was born at Erinum Anno Christi 1542. and brought up by his Aunt who was Abbesse of â— Nunnery his first education was in the School at Dowaiâ— where being of an acute wit he profited exceedingly in the knowledge of the humane Arts from thence he went to Paris and whil'st he studyed there he fell into acquaintance with Iohn Mercer the Hebrew Professor and Peter Ramus and being exceedingly affected with the love of the reformed Religion he forsook his Aunt and was maintained by the bounty of some Merchants of Flanders From thence he went to Aurelia and from thence to Sancerra in the twenty eight year of his age and being driven from thence by the tempest of Civill Wars he came into England and at London he taught a School by which he maintained himself eight years Then was he called by some Merchantâ— into Flanders to be their Pastor but enjoying little peace there he went to Bruxels where he continued in the exercise of his Ministery six yearâ—s and then meeting with opposition he went to Anâ—werp and that City being presently after besieged he was forced to stay there eight moneths after which being sent for to diverse places at length he was by the consent of his bretheren in the Ministery fixt at Leiden where he was made Pastor of the French Church which place he supplyed faithfully for the space of seventeen years He had scarce been there two years when for his excellent parts and learning he was chosen Divinity-Professor in that University also and at last having acquired much honor in both his offices he dyed of the Plague Anno Christi 1602. and of his age 60. Where vertue lives there need not be A question of sufficiency Trelcatius was a man whose worth Few men are able to set forth They that desire to know him well Must first know what it is t' excell THEODORVS BEZA The Life and Death of Theodorus Beza IN the year of our Lord God 1519. and on the foure and twentieth day oâ— Iune this faithfull Minister of the Church of Christ Theodorus Beza came into the world being borne at Vezelia an ancient Town in the Kingdome of France he was descended from Petrus a Beza being Governour of the same Town and Maria Burdoletia both of them being beautified with a lineall proceeding from a Noble and renowned Family His name imposed on him by his Parents imports the gift of God by which act they declared themselves to be vertuous and religious and let the Lord evermore blesse his Church with such gifts with such painfull labourers for the gathering in of his great harvest to his endlesse glory and to the eternall peace of such as seek salvation through Jesus Christ. This Beza being yet an infant not fully two years old was taken by his Unckle Nicholas Beza being a Councellor pertaining to the Senate of Paris where he was carefully and tenderly brought up for the space of three years being in that time acquainted with the knowledge of the Letters Being now five years old he was committed through the carefulnesse of his said Unckle unto the tuition of Melchior Walmarius a German who at that time taught the Greek tongue at Aurelia under whom he continued for the space of seven years in which time he attained unto great perfection both in the Greeke and Latine tongues and also which is more commendable his tender yeares were seasoned with the true knowledge of Christian Piety being drawn from the pure fountain of the Word of God by the same man His Master upon some occasions leaving France and returning into Germany Beza not without the advice of his friends went unto Orleans fully intending and resolving with himselfe to apply his minde unto the study of the Civill Law wherein at the age of twenty years he was advanced to be Licentiate Not long after leaving Orleans he tooke his journâ—y unto Paris to visit those friends and acquaintance which he had there living by whom he was entertained with great joy and received with much gladnesse and friendly courtesie but more espcially by his other Uâ—ckle Abbâ—t Trigidimonâ—an who to testifie his affection how greatly he loved him designed and appointed him to be his next successor in the Goverment of that Abbey whose revenweâ— were yeerely valued at five thousand French Crownes annexing also unto this the profits of two other places amounting yearely unto seven hundred Crownes intending also to confer other preferments upon him Beza being as it were in an earthly Paradise and abounding with those things which might seeme necessary for the prosecution of vice wherewith indeed he was for a time detained but not captivated as who is he that liveth and sinneth not nay and falleth not sometimes into
them and others since have made much use of wherin also by the way he hath inserted the lives Acts and carriages of the Romane Popes that the world might see and know what manner of men or monsters rather many of them have been and how far unlike unto Christ who yet have given themselves out to be Christs Vicars and the chiefe pillars of his Church Shorâ—ly after the happy entrance of that blessed Princess Q. Elizabeth when the storm raised by her sister Mary was now laid he returned over again into England as it semeth stept over from thence into Ireland to visit it may be his former flock if any faithfull of them were remaining yet there or to looke after his library if he might light upon any remaines of it in those places where it had been disor in the hands of those that had seazed upon it But he survived not long to enjoy either the peaceable times of Gods Church here re-established or the comfort of his people if he found any left there or the use and benefit of his books if he recovered any of them For it is by some reported that he dyed in Ireland at sixty and seven yeers of age in the year of our Lord 1558. which yet for the year of his decease may seeme not so to be since that his Catalogue or Centuries of our Brittin Writers Printed by him at Basile while he yet aboad in those parts is dedicated by himselfe to Queen Elizabeth then setled in the throne of this kingdome who began her raigne but in the latter part of that year besides that the latter part of that impression beareth date the Month of February 1559. as alâ—o some verses prefixed before the whole Worke wherein mention is made also of Queen Elizabeths reigne and of the Authors then taking leave of his friends in those parts and intendment of returne with his wife for England again bear date of March the same year which though they may be supposed to imply the close of the yeare 58. according to our computation who begin thâ— year at the latter end of March whereas they begin it at the first of Ianuary yet some space of time must be allowed for his travell out of Swiiâ—serland into England and from thence again into Ireland if there he deceased And it may well be deemed therefore that he survived if not to 1560. yet to 59. at least But this I leave to those that have more certaine records of it nor is the thing it selfe much materiall His Wokes for the most part as himselfe hath related and ranked them together with some few omitted by him and added by others are these First those that he compiled while he was yet a Papists 1 A Bundle of things worth the knowing 2 The Writers from Elias 3 The Writers from Berthold 4 Additions to Trithemius 5 Germane Collections 6 French Collections 7 English Collections 8 Divers writings of divers learned men 9 A Catalogue of Generals 10 The Spirituall War 11 The Castle of Peace 12 Sermons for Children 13 To the Synode at Hull 14 An answer to certaine Questions 15 Addition to Palaonydorus 16 The History of Patronage 17 The Story of Simon the Englishman 18 The Story of Franck of Sene in Italy 19 The Story of Saint Brocard 20 A Commentary on Mantuanis Preface to his Fasti. Secondly those that he wrote after that he had renounced Popery First in Latine 1 The Heliades of the English 2 The Brittish writers 3 Notes on the three Tomes of Walden 4 On his Bundle of Tares 5 On Polydore of the first invention of things 6 On Textors Officine 7 On Capgraves Catalogue 8 On Barnes his lives of Popes 9 The Acts of the Popes of Rome 10 A Translation of Thorps Examination into Latine 11 That of Brittish writers much enlarged with the lives and Acts of the Bishops of Rome inserted 12 An Additton of Scottish Irish and other writers 2 In English 1 In English Meeter and divers sorts of Verse 1 The life of John Baptist. 2 Of John Baptists Preaching 3 Of Christs Tentatinus 4 Two Comedies of Christs Baptisme and Tentations 5 A Comedie of Christ at twelve years old 6 A Comedie of the raising of Lazarus 7 A Comedie of the High Priests Councell 8 A Comedie of Simon the Leper 9 A Comedie of the Lords Supper and the washing of the Deisciples feet 10 Two Comedies or Tragedies rather of Christs Passion 11 Two Comedies of Christs buriall and Resurrection 12 A Poeme of Gods Promises 13 Against those that pervert Gods Word 14 Of the corrupting of God Lawes 15 Against Carpers and Traducers 16 A defence of King John 17 Of King Henries two Mariages 18 Of Popish Sects 19 Of Papists Trecheries 20 Of Thomas Beckets Impostures 21 The Image of love 22 Pammachius his Tâ—agedies translated into English 23 Christian Sonnets 2 In English Prose 1 A Commentarie on Saint Johns Apocalypse 2 A Locupletation of the pocalypse 3 Wicklefs War with the Papists 4 Sir John Oldcastles Trials 5 An Apologie for Bernes 6 A defence of Grey against Smith 7 John Lamberts Confession 8 Anne Askews Martyrdome 9 Of Luthirs Decease 10 The Bishops Alcaron 11 The man of Sinne. 12 The Mistery of Iniquity 13 Against Antichrists or false Christs 14 Against Baals Priests or Balaamites 15 Against the Clergies single life 16 A dispatch of Popish Vowes and Priesthood 17 The Acts of English Votaries in two parts 18 Of Heretickes indeede 19 Against the Popish Masse 20 The Drunkards Masse 21 Against Popish perswasions 22 Against Standish the Imposture 23 Against Bonners Articles 24 Certaine Dialogues 25 To Elizabeth the Kings daughter 26 Against customary swearing 27 On Mantuane of death 28 A Weeke before God 29 Of his Calling to a Bishoprick 30 Of Lelands Iournall or an Abridgement of Leland with Additions 31 A Translation of Sebald Heydens Apologie against Salâ—e Regina 32 A Translation of Gardiners Oration of true Obedience and Bonners Epistle before it with a Preface to it Notes on it and an Epilogue to the Reader Many other things he compiled translated and published which neither himselfe could sodainly call to minde nor others easily light on who yet have added to his recitall But it may well be admired how being so haunted hunted chased and hurried as he was from pillar to post and so oft stript both of bookes and other helps he could come to the sight and view of so many Authors much more how he should have time to surveigh such a multitude of them as by his writings it appeareth he did and most of all how he should be able to write so many volumes to goe no further as you see here related although some of them were but small His industry therefore is very remarkable which as it accompanied him to the last so it surviveth his decease in the fruit of it with us and in the reward of it to him Loe here the man who stir'd Romes
not his actions did The world was least his care he sought for heaven And what he had he held not earnd but given The dearest wealth he own'd the worlâ— near gave Nor owes her ought but houseâ—rent for a grave The Lif and Death of David Pareus who dyed Anno Christi 1622. DAvid Pareus was born in Silesia Anno Christi 1548. His Parents were Citizens of good rank when he was about three years old he fell sick of the small pox whereof he was like to dye and though it pleased God that he recovered yet he had thereby a blemish in one of his eyes which continued so long as he lived about that time his Mother dyed when he grew up to riper years his Father perceiving a naturall promptnesse in him to learning set him to School in his owne City where one of his Mâ—sters was very rigid and severe in his carriage unto him and there he learned Grammer Musick and Arithmetick But when he was fourteen years old by the instigation of his step-mother his father placed him with an Apothecary at â—raâ—islavia which course of life he could not well relish and therefore after a months stay he returned home again which his step mother wâ—s much offended with yet his tender father resolved to keep him at School and â—hen he disliked the severity of his former Master he sent him to Hirschberg to one Christopher Schillingus who was much affected with his ingenuity and towardlinesse the chiefe Magistrate also of that City took a great liking to him for som Verses which he made at his sons Funerall so that he gave him his dyet in his Family when he had been there about two years the Pastor of that place who was a Lutheran fell out with his Schoolmaster for that in Catechising of his Schollars he had taught them that Christs body being ascended into heaven was there to remaine till his coming to judgement and that in the Sacrament we feed upon it onely spiritually by faith c. And his spleen was so great that he would not be satisfied till he had driven him away from the City Pareus having to hiâ— great griefe lost his Master returned home yet neither there was he in quiet some tale-bearers suggesting to his Father that his Schoolmaster had infected him with his errors and so far they prevailed that his father intended to disinherit him hereupon Pareus intended to goe into the Palatinate which his father much disliked and sought by all meanes to hinder yet at last through Gods mercy by importunity he gat his fathers consent who sent him away with little mony in his purse Thus forsaking his friends and fathers house he went to Hirschberge where he met with his Master and some of his School-fellowes and so they travelled together towards the Palatinate through Bohemia by the way his mony failing â—e went to a Monastery to beg an Alms and the Abbat pittying of him relieved him going from thence to another Monastery he met with an ignorant Fryar and asked an Alms of him in Latine he returned this answer Nos pauperi fratres nos nihil habemus an piscimus an caro an panis an misericordia habemus Thus at length it pleased God to bring him safely to Amberg in the upper Palatinate there his Schoolmaster stayed and sent Pareus with ten more of his Schollars to Heidelberg where they were admitted into the Colledge of Sapience there he was a diligent hearer of Vrsin Boquin Tremelius Zanchy and the other Professors under whom he profited both in the Arts and Tongues to admiration Then he betook himselfe to the study of Divinity and having fitted himselfe for the worke of the Ministery he was chosen by the Elector to Preach in a Village within his jurisdiction which he was then about to reforme not long after he was called back to Heidleberg and made a Publick Lecturer where he continued till the death of Frederick the third and then by the Heterodox party he with the other Professors was driven from thence but most of them were entertained by Prince Casimire who erected a University an Newstade appointing Vrsin Zanchâ— Iunius Piscator and others to be the Professors in it he appointed also a Synod therein to coÌ„sider how to provide for the other exiles Tossan was chosen Moderator Pareus the Scribe of it in that Synod Pareus gat â—eave to goe visit his Country and friends and so in three weeks space came safely to them where he was received with much joy and at the request of the Senate he Preached the Sabbath following upon Iohn 3.16 And that with great applause and generall approbation his father also was so well pleased with him that presently after Sermon he cancelled the writing whereby he had diâ—inherited him the Senate also dâ—sired him to undertake a Pastorall charge in that place but he chose rather to return into the Palatinate againâ—â— coming to Newstad he was appointed to Preach in a Village hard by where he continued till Prince Casimire as Gâ—ardian to the young Prince Elector Palatine sent for him to be a Preacher in the great Church in Hiedleberge and not long after he was made Master of the Colledge of Sapience in that University Anno Christi 1587. according to the Statutes of the Colledge he Commenced Master of Arts and afterwards by the perswasion of his friends Doctor of Divinity also In the year 1594. at a Convention of States at Raâ—isbone the Divines of the Palatinate were accused by the Lutherans as holding opinions neither consonate to the Scriptures Augustines Confession nor to their owne Catechisme but Pareus at the appointment of the Palatine easily wiped of those aspersions and vindicating the innocency of them Anno Christi 1596. there brake forth a great Plague in the University of Heidleberg whereof the learned Iames Kimedontiâ—s Pareus his intimate friend dyed somâ— other Professors also and the Students by reason of it were driven away yet Pareus stayed it pleased God to preserve his Colledge free from the infection not long after he was chosen Professor of the Old Testament in the room of Kimedontius and presently after Rector of the whole University Aâ—no Christi 1596. he was extreamely troubled with a Catarrh insomuch as he dispaired of life yet it pleased God after a while to restore him Anno Christi 1602. upon the death of Daniel Tossan he was made Professor of the New Testament and grew so famous that many resorted out of Hungary Borusia France England Scotland Ireland and Germany to see and hear him In the year 1615. his wife sickened and dyed which was a great griefe to him Anno Christi 1618. the Low-Countries being exceedingly indangered by the growth of Arminianism the States appointed a Synod at Dort for the curing of that diâ—ease and amongst other famous Divines Pareus was chosen by the Elector Palatine to goe to it but he being grown very old and infirm desired to be excused and so Paul
Tossan was sent in his room February the second Anno Christi 1620. as Pareus was coming out of his study the steps being slippery with the frost his foot slipt and he fell down sixteen steps and yet it pleased God by a 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
Here may we not without much wrong deny To this Erpenius honoured memory Who was most famous in his generation A man of exc'llent parts to admiration And in the Orientall tongues so rare That few or none with him deserv'd compare For th'Arabick and Hebrew tongues likewise The Kings of France and Spain did him so prize Yea England Holland Germany Italy Proffer'd great summes t' enjoy his company And rare eudowments deep experience At forty years of age death took him hence The Life and Death of Abraham Scultetuâ— who dyed Anno Christi 1624. ABraham Scultetus was born at Grunberge in Silesia Anno Christi 1566. his Parents were of good rank who carefully brought him up at School where he profited exceedingly and Anno Christi 1582. he went to Vraâ—islavia where he for had his fellow-students Pitiscus Polanus Pelargus men who after proved eminent in the Church of God Having studyed there sometime he went thence to Freistade to hear Melancthon Bucolzer and some others But his active spirit could not long be continued within the bounds of his owne Couny and therefore being assisted by the bounty of a Noble Knight he went to Wittenberg and from thence to Dessavia to acquaint himselfe with Peter Martyr and Casper Pucer Anno Christi 1590. he went to Hiedleberg where he heard Daniel Tossan and Francis Iunius there also he read Lectures of Logick Oratory and Astronomy to diverse young Noblemen and the year after Commenced Master of Arts then he betook himselfe to the study of Divinity thereby to fit himselfe for the Ministery which from his childhood he had devoted himselfe to and Preaching before the Elector Palatinâ— he so flowed with elâ—quencâ— and 〈◊〉 that the Prince and all his Courtiers were 〈◊〉 delightâ—d in himâ— which caused the Elâ—â—toâ— to mâ—kâ— hiâ— visitor both of the Schoolâ—â—nd Churches Yea many other Princes made use of his help in reforming their Churches in Iuliâ—rs Brandenburg and Hanovia he was also sent to the Synod of Dort Anno Christi 1612. the Prince Elector Palatine took him into England with him where he was much esteemed respected by King Iames and other learned men at his returne to Hiedleberg he was made Professor in the University and Doctor in Divinity Anno Christi 1618. But about that time grievous Wars breaking forth the miseries whereof were dispersed afterwards oveâ— all 〈…〉 Hiedleberg and travelled 〈…〉 met with many affliction◠〈…〉 long tossed up and down in 〈…〉 the Lord at last provided him a quiet 〈…〉 â—here he was choâ—sen a Preacher 〈…〉 orn out wiâ—h travels 〈…〉 Ministery he quietly 〈…〉 1624. and of his age 58. What admiâ—able endowments he had his Works do sufficiently declare especially his Medulla Patrum which is so much esteemâ—d by learned men Most worthy also is Scultetus grave The Palme and prize of praise and fame to have Wâ—â—â—â—r â—is 〈◊〉 wit â—nd worthâ— His learned labours rare in print put forth Chiefly Medulla Patrum that choyce piece Preferred far to Jasons golden fleece By all the learned Had in high request For 's eloquence and diligence exprest By our King Jamâ—s and other Princes great Who with most high applause obtain'd the seat In Hiedlebergâ— brâ—ve University Of the Professour there and worthily Made Doctor of Divinity At last Having much trouble with his comforts past At Embdâ—n God him gave a quiet Statioâ— And there by death crown'd him with heav'ns salvation Robert Bolton Batchelour in diuinity minister of Gods word att Broughton in Northamton shire The Life and Death of Robert Bolton RObert Bolton was born at Blackborn in Lancashire Anno Christi 1572. his Parents finding in him a great promptnesse to learning though they had no great means yet they intended him for a Scholar the rather having an opportunity of a good Schoolmaster in the town where he profited exceedingly and at twenty years old he went to Lincoln Colledge in Oxford and was Master Randaâ—'s Pupil afterwards a famous Preacher there in a short time being well grounded before and industrious he beâ—ame an excellent Logician and Phylosopher at which time his father dying and his meanes failing he took excessive pains and wanting books he borrowed of his Tutor and others read them over and abridged them and to perfect his knowledge in the Greek he wrote out all Homer with intolerable pains so that he could with as much facility dispute in the Schools in Greek as in Latine or English From thence he removed to Brasen-nose Colledge the Fellowships there belonged to Lancashire and Cheshire men yet for want of acquaintance he stayed long without a Fellowship which made him to languish through want but his deserts being known Doctor Bret and some others together with some small stipends he had for his Lectures in that House supported him till he gat a Fellowship about the thirtieth year of his Age then also he Commenced M r. of Arts and being chosen Lecturer he performed it with such exactness that he grew very famous his Disputations in the University were performed with such acutenesse of wit and profound learning that he was chosen by the Vice chancellor at King Iames his first coming to the University to be one of the Disputants before him and to read naturall Phyloâ—sophy in the Publick Sâ—hools he was also well studyed in Metaphysicks Mathamaticks and Schoolâ—Divinity yet all this while he had nothing in him for Religion he loved Stage-playes Cards Dice was a horrible swearer Sabbathâ—breaker and boon-companion he neither loved goodnesse nor good men He hearing the fame of Master Perkins went to Cambridge at a Commencement that he might hear him Preach and hâ—ving heard him said That he was a barren empty fellow and a passing meane Scholar but when God changed his heart he changed his tune and said That Master Perkins was aâ— learned and godly a Divine aâ— our Church hath in many years enjoyed in so young a man He had familiar acquaintance with one Master Anderton a good scholer his Country man and formerly his Schoolfellow but a strong Papist yea a Priest he knowing Master Boulton's good parts and oâ—tward wants took that advantage to perswadeâ— him to go over with him to the English Seminary at Rome where he should be furnished with all necessaries and have gold enough this motion he excepted of and a day and place was appointed in Lanâ—ashire to take shipping from thence and be gone Thither Master Bolton repaired at the time prefixed but Anderton came not whereby escaping that snare he returned to Oxford where he fell into acquaintance with Master Peacock a learned and godly man whereby it pleased God to bring him to repentance but by â—uch a way as the Lord seldome useth but upon such strong vessels as he intendeth for strong encounters and rare employments for the Lord ran upon him as a Giant taking him by the neck and shaking him to pâ—eces as he did Iob beating him to the ground as he did Paul by laying before