Popish religion about the yeare of our Lord 1516 by occasion of his looking into first the Pardons and Indulgences which Pope Leo the tenth set to sale in Germany by Frier Tecellius and afterwards by p ying into other stuffe of Popish superstitions so that the time of hiâ— separation from the Church of Rome must be reckoned to be about the yere of our Lord 1516 or 1517. King Henry the eight shoke off the Popish yoake about the 25 yeare of his reignâ— viz. Chronic. Angâ—â—â— in vita Hâ—â—â— 8. Statut. ann regâ—â— 25. Acts and Monum p. 963. Anno Domini 1534 Before which time he wrote against Luther and was an earnest defender of the Papacy Before either of these two times and whilst both Henry the eight and Luther were Papists wee can produce professâ—rs of ou Religion betweene the yeare of our Lord 1500 and 1516. In England Doctors and learned men D. Iohn Colet Deane of Paules who was a great labourer for reformation in the Church and in his Sermons bitterly inueighed against inhibition of Priests marâ—age pilgrimages and diuâ—rs other abuses in the popish Church for which hee was much persecuted by Richard Fitz-Iames Bishop of London Paâ—et ex Registr Fitz. Erasm ep ad Iodoc. Ion. Gulielmus Lillius Gulielm Grocinus Gulielm Latimer Thomas Lynacre Whole Congregations persecuted for it In the Diocesse of Lincolne to the number of 437 persons Martyrol p. 751 752. c. In London 68 persons p. 734. 745. Martyrs put to death for it VVill Sweeting Iohn Brewster Iohn Browne Iokime Norman Iohn Stileman Thomas Man Robert Cosin Christop Shoâ—â—â—â—â—â—â— Robert Rane Iohn Scriuener In France Doctors and learned men Iacobus Pauanus Iohannes de Cadurco Laurentius Crucens Patet ex Crisp pantal Congregations Whole villages of them in the tract where the Alpes are ioyned with the Pyrenies Pâ—ir de Soau in hist Concil Trident. p. 3. Whole villages about Merindol and the Country of Prouence Martyrol p. 859. Martyrs Dionysius de Reaux Iacobus Pauanus Bartholomaeus Millen Henricus Poile Iohannes Chastellanus In Germany Doctors and learned men Leo Iuda Iohannes Oxlinus Vldericus Zuinglius Congregations Tigurines Bernates Lucernates Suicenses Vnderualii Basilienses Martyrol p. 791. Martyrs Petrus Spengler Wolgangus Schurch Leonardus Heilar Wendelmuta Vidua In Bohemia There were diuers about this time professing the Protestants religion who were by the Papists tearmed Pycards Calystini and Subutraques Pier de Soau in his Historie of the Trent Councill p. 3. Before this time and before Luther was borne there were professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares of our Lord 1450 and 1500. In England REynold Peacocke Bishop of Chichester who publikely preached against the Pope Fryers transubstantiation and the whole leauen of popery Thomas Gasgorgu lib. de dict Theol. p. 3. Martyrs William Tilsworth Thomas Barnard Iames Mordon Lawrence Ghâ—st Babram Ieane Boughton Mother to the Lady Young Acts and Monum in regn Henric. 7. Persecuted for the same Iohn Blomeston Richard Hegham Robert Crowther Iohn Smith Roger Browne Thomas Butler Iohn Falkes Richard Hilmin Margery Goit With diuers others in Kent Couentrie and London ibid. p. 713. 714. In France Philippus Comineas a French Historiagrapher who spared not to reproue the vices in Popery and to extol those who opposed the same Martyrol p. 672. Iohannes Selestadiensis Vide eius Epist ad Maximil Imper. contra Ponâ—ificios Antonius Mancinellus who wrote an eloquent oration against the filthie lâ—fe and wicked manners of the Pope and his Clergy and for that cause had his tongue and hands cut off by the commandement of the Pope Marâ—yrol p. 674. Charles the eâ—gh was at often defiance with the Pope Ibid. p. 675. In Germany The Germanes in generall exhibited their complaints against the Pope to the Emperor Maximilian Martyrol p. 672. Rodulphus Agriâ—â—la Pontanus Philippus Bâ—roaldus Georgius Valla. Iohannes Ostendorpius Doctor Keiserspâ—rgius Doctor Andreas Proles Ex Luc. Ostand lib. 1. c. 8. VVeselus Groningensis wrote against popish penance indulgences purgatory workes of supererrogation abuses of the Masse prayers for the dead vowes precepts of the Pope and Prelates c. Hee was a man so famous and notable for his great learning and good life that hee was commonly called Lux mundi The light of the world Ex Noviomag Martyrol p. 670. In Bohemia Georgius Pogiebrachius Gouernor of that Kingdome vnder the young King Ladislaus Rochezana and diuers other Preachers more of whose conformity with vs in Religion and separation from the Church of Rome wee may reade Cocl lib. de Hus Martyrol p. 662. Item ex Aene. Sylv. in Histor Bohem. In Italy Iohannes Baptista Maâ—â—uanus Angelus Politianus Hermolaus Barbarus Iohannes Picus Mirandula This Picus Earle of Mirandula being but a young man went to Rome and there set vp 90 conclusions to be disputed on of which diuers were about the Sacrament Iustification c. quite contrary to the tenent of the Church of Rome for which hee was persecuted by the Pope and his Clergy Luc. Osiand lib. 1. c. 8. Martyrol p. 740. Hieronimus Sananorola an Italian Monke sorely inueighed against the corruption in Popery maintained iustification by faith that the communion ought to bee administred in both kinds that indulgences and pardons of the Pope were of no effect against auricular confession and the Popes Supremacy so which cause he with two more who taught and preached the same together with him were hanged at Florence and afterwards burnt to ashes Illiric Catal. test Martyrol pag. 450. Before that time there are to be found professors oâ— the Protestant Religion betweene the yeares 1400 1450. In England THe name of Lollards about this time was commonly knowne in England That they and wee doe agree in the substance of our Religion may appeare ex descript sect Lollard William Bishop of Norwich complaineth how the number of them did here encrease Martyrol pag. 609. Martyrs Rich. Houerden Iohn Goose Paul Craw. William Woite Iohn Claidon Richard Tuâ—ning Sr Iohn Oldcastle Lord Cobham Persecuted and put to penance for that profession Iohn Burrell Thomas Moone Iohn Finch Nicholas Belward Thomas Grimar Iohn Beuerley Thomas Pye Iohn Mendham Robert Shiruing Iohn Terrio Iohn Aberee Iohn Middleton Iohn Waid Richard Clerke Robert Beet Richard Page Iohn Warden Iohn Kinget Thomas Albeck William Bates Hugh Pie Iohn Parker Iohn Skilly Iohn Cooper Bartholmew Thatcher Thomas Iames. Alane Andrew William VVright Richard Fletcher VVill. Osbourne Robert Briggs VVilliam Marsh Iohn Goodwiâ— Henry Bood Richard Horne Iohn Spire Richard King with diuers others as wee may finde them named and recorded Mar. yrolog pag. 608. In France Thomas Redonensis a Frenchman by birth came into Italy about the yeare 1433 and there seeing the corruptions of the Church of Rome inueighed exceedingly against the same preaching that the Church did lack reformation that the Popes excommunication is not to bee feared and diuers things to the like effect for which he was persecuted
by Pope Eugenius and in the end degraded and burnt at Rome Ex Antonin 3. part fol. 165. Nicholaus Clemangis an Archdeacon De annot non soluend In Italy Laurentius Valla a Roman Patrician Cannon of S. Iohn of Lateran Ex eius tractat contra Eâ—entit Donat constat Petrus de Aliaco Cardinall of Cambray Tract de reform eccles Leonardus Aretinus Ex eius libello in Hypocrit Nicholaus Pycennius an Italian Captaine Ex orat Arclacens in Concil Basil In Germany Antonius Cornelius Lynaichanus Ex orat ad cler Colon. de lubricitat sacerd Martyrs Henricus Grunfielder Henricus Ratgeber Iohannes Draeandorfius Petrus Thoraw Matheus Hager of whom and the doctrine for which they suffered we may reade in Bali cent Martyrol p. 614. In Bohemia Iohn Hus Bachelor of Diuinity maintained 45 Articles in Prague against the Church of Rome in effect the same that we doe for which hee was called to the Councell of Constance where for persisting therein he was condemned and afterwards burnt Concil Constant Choclaus Huss Hierome of Prague Mr of Arts seconded Iohn Hus in defence of the same doctrine and followed him in martyrdome Cocl ibid. 54 Noblemen of Morauia wrote to the Councell of Constance in defence of Iohn Hus and Hierome of Prague whose names together with their Letter are recorded Martyrol p. 587. A great part of the Kingdome of Bohemia forsooke the Pope claue to the doctrine which they had learned from Hus and Hierom. Coch. ibid. Zisca a noble Bohemian with a great multitude of associates wage warre against the Papists and throw Images and Idols out of their Churches Coch. ibid. Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1350 and 1400. In England ROger VVimbleton whose learned Sermon against diuers points of Popery preached at Pauls Crosse Anno 1389 is extant Martyrolog pag. 503. Iohn VVickliffe publique Reader of Diuinitie in the Vniuersitie of Oxford a famous learned man whose doctrine agreeing with ours may bee seene in his propositions recorded Martyrol pag. 414. This VVickliffe had many fauorites at that time especially Iohn of Gant and Henry Lord Percie the one Duke of Lancaster the other Marshall of England Ibid. The Vniuersitie of Oxford pag. 408 and many in the Parliament Anno 43 of Edward 3 did adhere vnto him Ibid. The Letters of King Richard the third and the Acts of Parliament then declare that this doctrine was dayly preached in Churches and Churchyards at which were present great multitudes of people Anno 5. Rich. 2. c. 5. Martyrs VVilliam Santree Iohn Badâ—ie Persecuted for the same Doctrine Philip Repington Nicholas Hertford William Thorpe Iohn Puruie Iohn Edwards Walter Brute Iohn Ashton Iohn Becket Iohn Seynonds Dauid Cotray William Swinderby diuers others Act. Mon. in vit Rich. 2. In France Gerardus a Deacon Henricus de Iota Henricus de Hassia 140 of those who adhered to the doctrine of the Albigenses were about this time put to death in the Prouince of Narbone Massae hist A great number more about this time were burnt in France for the like cause and were nicknamed Publicans Puritans Paterines Houedom hist Martyrol pag. 387. In Germany Taulerus a preacher of Argentine Iohannes Montzigor Rector of the Vniuersitie of Vime who openly in the schooles impugned the doctrine of Transubstantiation Martyrol p. 386. Conradus Hager Rhider About the yeare of our Lord 1390 thirty six Citizens of Mentz were burnt for the doctrine of the VValdenses and holding the Pope to be Antichrist and relying vpon the Scriptures and not vpon the traditions of the Church of Rome Brus Anal Et Martyrol p. 587. In Italy Nicholas Orem whose Sermon before the Pope and his Cardinals Anno 1546 sauoureth of our doctrine Extat Martyrol p. 382. Iohannes de Ganduno Andreas à Castro Dante 's Florentinus Franciscus Petrarcha Iohannes de rupe Scissa Iohannes de Castellione Iohannes de Poliaco In Bohemia Matthias Parisiensis a Bohemian by birth about the yeare 1370 wrote a booke of Antichrist prouing him already to bee come and that the Pope is the same Martyrol p. 386. Iacobus Milnensis Miletius The Vniuersitie of Prague in defence of VVickliffe ibid. 4â—0 Peter Painâ— a Scholleâ— of VVickliffe came inâ—o Bâ—hemia brought with him VVickliffs bookes which were in quantitie as great as Saint Augustines workes Histor de Hus lib. 1. In Spaine Petrus de Corbaria Franciscus de Areatara Floreleg Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1300 and 1350. In England ARmachanus sometimes a Student in Oxford afterward Bishop of Armach and Primate of Ireland who before Pope Innocent the 8 his Cardinals disputed nine conclusions against the Friers Wickliffe in Trid. Besides that hee contested against diuers other abuses in the Popish Church Martyrol p. 378 for which he sustained diuers troubles by meanes of the Pope and his Cardinals Martyrol page 375. That there were diuers others about this time of that Religion here in England may appeare out of a book then compiled and entituled The complaint of the Ploughman Extat Martyrol p. 366. In France Philip the French King wrote a Letter of defiance against Boniface the 8. Nichol. Triuet William Nagaretta William Plesiano in the French Kings name solemnly protested against the Pope Martyr p. 314. The Nobles Prelates and Parliament of France censure the abuses of the Papacy ibid. p. 315. 318. 324. Rude Duke of Bourgundy about the yeare 1348 disswadeth the French King from permitting in his Realme the Popes Decrees and Decrerals whose sage counsell then giuen as yet remaineth among the French Kings Records Testatur Carol Molinaus In Germany Gulielmus Ockam about the yeare 1326 wrote in defence of the Emperour Ludouicus against the Pope who wrote also diuers other Books in which he confuteth the vsurped Supremacie of the Pope and entring into mention of the Popes Decrees extrauagant declareth how little regard is to bee giuen thereto Iohn Sleid. lib. 4. Vlricus Hangenor Treasurer to the Empeâ—or Ludâ—uicus publiquely opposed himselfe against the Popes proceedings Martyrol p 358. Gregorius Ariminensis about the yeare of our Lord 1346 maintained the same doctrine of grace and free will which the Protestants at this day doe and dissented from the Papists and Sophisters counting them worse then Pelagians Ex Tritheâ—io Petrus de Bruis who laid the Axe to the root of Popery and in set-Treatises opposed most of his documents Pap. Mess in Bonif. Luitpoldus Andreas Landensis In Italy Marsilius Patauinus in his booke entituled Defensor pacis held these conclusions 1 That the Pope hath none authority ouer other Bishops much lesse ouer the Emperour 2 That the Word of God ought to bee iudge in causes Ecclesiasticall 3 The Clergie and Pope ought to be subiect to Magistrates 4 That Christ is the head of the Church and that hee neuer appointed any Pope to be his general Vicar 5 That the mariage of Priests is
Prelates were burnt in the forehead so driuen out of the Realm Rob. Gisburn Illiricus saith they were afterwards slaine by the Pope Illâ—r Catol Martyrol p. 83. In France The Waldenses or Pauperes de Lugdâ—â—â— so called from one Waldus a man of great substance in the City of Lyons who about the yeare 1160 taking occasion by the sudden death of one with whom hee was walking beganne with a carefull studie to reforme his life and to this end studied the Scriptures diligently and taught the true knowledge of Gods word to as many as resorted vnto him In short space the number of those who ioyned with him came to thousands who were dispersed abroad into diuers parts of the world These were miserably persecuted by the Pope and his faction Hist de Waldeâ—s Raymund Earle of Tholouse for taking part with them was wrongfully vexed and disinherited by the Pope Mat. Paris In France The Religion of the Waldenses 1 They held that the Pope is not greater then another Bishop 2 That there is no purgatory 3 That it is in vaine to pray for the dead 4 That Masses for the dead are the inuentions of couetous priests 5 That images hallowing of waters and other creatures are superstitious 6 That the word of God should be truly preached vnto all men 7 That Fryers shrift and the vse of the oile in Baptisme are the inuentions of men 8 They contemned the Masse all that appertained to it 9 They misliked the single life of votaries and the distinction of daies and meats 10 They defended the reading of Scripture by the Laitie 11 They had but two sacraments 12 That the Communion should be administred in both kinds Nauc vol. 2. g. 900. Hildebertus Archbishop of Tours about this time taxed the pride of the Pope and being an excellent Poet made this distich of Rome Vrbs foelix si vel dominis vrbs illa careret Vel dominis esset turpe carere fide Happy would this City be If wanting lords her selfe were free Or hauing Lords in dignitie These wanted not true honesty In Germany Fredericke Barbarossa the Emperour about the yeare 1150 opposed himselfe against the Pope forbidding appeales to Rome the comming of Legates from thence into Germany and other trickes of the papall pride A great part of Germanie tooke part with him Nancl. vol. 2. p. 836. gen 39. In Constantinople About this time Anselme Bishop of Haremburg being sent from Lotharius to Calo Iohannes Emperor of ConstaÌ„tinople among other things he disputed much of the supremacy of the Romane Bishop Nichetes Bishop of Nicodemia excellently contested against him and confuted his arguments maintaining that the pride of the Romish Church was the cause of so many schismes and heresies which were then abroad in the world Ext. in Nancl. vol. 2. p. 900 in Patr. Symps hist of the Church p. 433. Before that time there may bee seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeeres 1100. and 1150. In England THeobald Archbishop of Canterbury with the Prelates of England in a Councell held at London anno 16. Regni Stephani regis decreed that Bishops should liue more discreetly that Priests should not bee Rulers ouer worldly matters that they should teach their flockes more diligently and that the people should read the Scriptures and learne the Lords Prayer the Creed in English Malsmb Chron. King Henry the first and his Nobles were euen at the point to forsake the Romish Church Patet ex Epist Anselm ad Pascal Pap. Martyrol pag. 177. Lincolniensis gaue this description of a Frier A Frier is a dead Carkasse risen out of his Graue wrap'd in a winding-sheet and carried among men by the Diuell Wichleis in Trialog lib. 4. cap. 26. pag. 143. In Almaine HIldegard a Nunne and a Prophetesse liuing about the yeere 1146. most bitterly reprehended the abhominable life of the Pope and his Clergie inueighing against the greedie subtill proceeding of Friers denouncing woe vnto those who suffer themselues to be seduced by them and foretelling the horrible destruction of the Church of Rome Histor Iornal Martyrol p. 182. 237. In France BErnard Abbot of Châ—xâ—â—val born in Burgundy liued about this time who although liuing in a most corrupt age hee was exceeding superstitious in some points yet freely reproued diuers corruptions then comming on hee is cleare with vs against the conceipt of the Virgin Maries Conception free from sinne as appeareth Ex Epist 179. ad Cam. Lugdon Against Merites Ser. 1. de Annunciat Against Iustification by workes Serm. 22. in Cantic Against Free will Lib. de Grana lib. Arb. Against the seuenfold number of Sacraments Ser. 1. de coen Dâ—m Against the vncertaintie of Saluation Epist 107. Against the Popes Greatnesse in Temporalities Lib. 2. consid ad Eugen Also hee admonished Count Theobald who bestowed great matters in building of Abbies and Churches that he should rather support them which are of the houshold of Faith and bee carefull to build the euerlasting Tabernacle Epist 107. In Flanders ABout this time was one burnt in Antwerp for Preaching against the reall presence in the Sacrament Massan Chron. lib. 16. anno 1124. In Germanie HEnry the fifth Emperor against Paschalis then Pope maintayned his owne right of making Bishops and other Priuiledges that belonged to his Ancestors which the Pope vsurped Nauder vol. 2. p. 807. Segon anno 1111. In Italie Arnulphus an eloquent Preacher came to Rome about this time and in his Preaching reproues the vicious life of the Popish Clergie hee is supposed to bee the Author of the Booke called Opus Tripartitum which containeth a great complaint of the enormities and abuses in the Church of the number of their Holidayes of the curious singing in Cathedrall Churches of the rabble of begging Friers of the vnchast voluptuous behauiour of Churchmen and finally wisheth reformation to begin at the Sanctuary for the which the hatred of the Pope and his Clergie was so much incensed against him that they layd priuie wait for him tooke him and drowned him Martyrol pag. 181. Sabellius and Platina say they hanged him Platin. in vit Honor. 2. Before that time there may bee seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1050. and 1100. In England ABout this time saith Mathew Paris The King of England fauored not much the See of Rome because of their impudent and vnsatiable exactions neither would he suffer any of his Subiects to goe to Rome alledging these wordes in the Author thus expressed Quod Petri non inhaerent vestigijs praemijs inhiantes non eius potestatem retinent cuius sanctitatem probantur non imitari Math. Paris In France BErengarius Archdeacon of Angeow about the yeare 1060. withstood the Doctrine of Transubstantiation newly hatched in the Councell of Lateran And although by the violence of the Pope and his Clergie hee was driuen to recantation yet after his Death many adhered to his opinion Malsmb In Germanie
then to burne Whether is it not more Clerke-like to haue a wife of his owne 1 Cor. 7.9 Rubrio qui non habet vxorem habet Concubinam then which is common among them to haue dispensation to keepe a Concubine It is a ruled case in their Schooles and vsuall in the popish practise in this kinde to dispense with vowes was this Martin Luthers fault that hee married without their papall dispensations Leonic Theal p. 246. But what is it which our Papists haue to say of the death of this worthy man An horrible miracle saith one of them and such as before was neuer heard of that God shewed in the soule death of Martin Luther damned in body and soule when Martin Luther sell into his disease Hee desired the body of our Lord Iesus Christ to bee giuen vnto him which hauing receaued hee died soone after Being dead and his body laid in the graue on the sudden such a tumult and terror arose as if the foundations of the earth had been shaken the next night after was heard a noise and cracking about Lutherâ— Tombe much lowder then before which waked all that were in the Citie out of their sleepe trembling and almost dead for feare wherefore in the morning opening the Sepulchre where Luthers detestable bodie was laid they found neither bodie nor bones nor clothes but a stinke of Brimstone comming out of the graue had well-nigh killed all the standers by An horrible and dreadfull example indeed if it were true But when I pray was this report raised when was it written surely long before Luthers death And this merry conceite being diuulged abroad suckt in greedily by the Papall saction at length a coppie thereof came to Luthers hands D. â—hite his way to the true Church p. 430. to the which Libell he writ an Answer beginning in these words I Martin Luther by this mine hand writing confesse and testifie that vpon the 21. of March I receaued this fiction concerning my death as it was full of mallice madnesse and I read it with a glad minde and cheerfull countenance c. What my masters the Papists are you not ashamed of these iuggling impostures Are you growne so impudent that you will not conceale your false Tales and forgeries which you inuent against holy men of God till they be dead but publish them in Print in their liues time that they themselues as Luther and Beza did may conuince you of slaunder and of mallice 〈◊〉 â—pist ad stâ—ckâ—â—m No wonder then that you blush not to traduce Caluin Iewell King and other worthy instruments of Gods glorie when they are dead But you will say you haue a true relation of Luthers fearefull end and that set forth after he was dead indeed I et vs heare what it is Marry this say they Martin Luther going to bed Coccâ—viâ— Cuth Caluin â—urcism p. 957. Defence of the Cens p. 66 merry and drunken was found the next morning dead in his bed his body being blacke and his tongue swelling forth as if hee had beene strangled which some thinke was done by the Deuill some by his wife And that as they bare him to Church to burie him his body so smelt that they were faine to throw it into a ditch and goe their waies Thyrraus de Daemoniac part 1. Thes 99. And that a seruant of Luthers being in the Chamber when he died opening a Casement to take in the ayre saw neere vnto him a great number of blacke spirits hopping and dancing wonderfull But did they who relate this see it were they then present or vpon whose relation doe they deliuer it Nay herein they are altogether silent Therefore let vs heare what they who were present with Luther at the time of his death and saw him dying and accompanied his body to the Funerall bee rather belieued then these rayling lying Papists And who were these Albert Earle of Mansfield and other noble men Iustus Ionas Ioh. Sleidan Com. lib. c. 16. Hierem in Weller Martyrol p. 789 Michael Coelius Iohannes Aurisaber Ambrose his his childrens Schoolemaster and many more And what testifie they of his manner of dying euen this That in the yeare of our Lord 1546. the 17. of Februarie D. Martin Luther sickened a little before supper of his accustomed maladie to wit the oppression of humours in the crifice or opening of his stomacke which sicknesse seasoning vpon him hee was had to bed where hee rested two houres where his paines encreasing he called vp D. Ionas and Ambrose his childrens Schoole-master and by their helpe remâ—ued into an other Chamber Into which being newly entred Albert Earle of Mansfield with diuers other came into his Chamber with whom he learnedly discoursed of our knowledge in the life to come of the labours in the Trent Counsell to suppresse the truth of the care which euery good Christian should take to maintaine the truth Giuing himselfe many times to his priuate prayers and soliloquies with God And feeling his fatall houre to approch he commended himselfe to God with this deuout prayer Heauenly Father who art God and the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ the God of all comfort I giue thee thankes for that thou hast reuealed thy Sonne Christ vnto me in whom I haue beleeued whom I haue professed loued and preached and whom the Bishop of Rome and the rest of the wicked persecute and reproach I beseech thee my Lord Iesus Christ receiue my poore soule And Heauenly father though I bee taken out of this life and shall lay downe this my body yet I beleeue assuredly that I shall remaine foreuer with thee and that none shall bee able to plucke mee out of thine hands And hauing ended this prayer hee repeated the 16. verse of the 3. chapter of the Gospell by S. Iohn and then the 20. verse of the 68. Psalme and not lâ—ng after this hee commended his soule into the hands of God two or three times ouer with shew of much comfort as a man falling asleepe by little and little he departed this life the standers by perceiuing no paine to vexe him his Funerals were solemnly performed at Wittenberge where by the appointment of the Prince Elector hee was honourably buried in the tower Church with great lamentation of many Bugenhagius making the Funerall Sermon and Melancton the Oration This was the end of that good man whose memorie shall euer be precious in the Church of Christ and flourish as the rod of Aaron laid vp in the Tabernacle Thus much for the Popish exceptions against Luther The next whom they except against are Iohn Husse and Hierome of Prage the two famous Bohemian Martyrs and learned professors of our religion And what is it which they can say against them Iohn Husse say they was a very Goose so it pleaseth them to descant vpon his name Stephen Paletz Stanisiaâ—s de Znoymar Concil Constan which in that tongue doth so signifie Hierome of Prage
a meere Sophister both of them Arch heretickes turbulent and pernitious persons ambitiously desiring vaine-glorie Cochleus lib. 2. Histor Hussit p. 88. Dico igitur Iohanneâ—â— Husse neque sanctum neque beatum habendum sed impium petius c. maintainers of damnable and detestable opinions Cochleus thus writeth of them I say therefore that Iohn Husse is neither to bee accounted holy nor blessed but rather wicked and eternally wretched insomuch that at the day of Iudgement it shall be more easie not only with the Infidell Pagans Turkes Tartarians and Iewes but also with the most sinfull Sodomites and the abominable Persians yea also with most impious Cain killer of his owne brother with Thyestes killer of his owne mother and the Lestrigones and other Anthropaphagi which deuâ—ure mans flesh yea more easie with those infamous murtherers of Infants Pharaoh and Herod then it shall be with him c. Dura verba A rash and harsh sentence yet Michael the Archangell when he contended with the Deuill Iude 9.10 disputing about the Body of Moses durst not bring against him a railing accusation but said The Lord rebuke thee But these speake euill of things they know not They condemne these two worthy Diuines for Heretikes their doctrine for heresie and burne them damne them to hell raile against their memorie before they proue either them or their doctâ—ine Hereticall Aenaeas Siluius Antoninâ—s Laziardus True indeed it is that Aeneas Siluius knowne afterwards by the name of Pope Pius the 2. and Antoninus and Laziardus doe falsly father many erronious Articles vpon them which they neuer maintained Recognitio ciuitatis Vâ—iuers Prag August 30. 1414. neither came it into their heart to maintaine as both themselues doe professe and the Citie of Prage witnesse with them And in the Councell of Constance besides many false accusations suggested against them and their doctrine their true opinions were censured as haereticall But how were they proued so to be how were they confuted did not he plead his cause before the whole Councell did hee not promise to reuoke his opinions if by the word of God it might be proued that he had erred did they goe about by the Scriptures and not rather by clamours outrages and reproaches to answer him I appeale to the Acts of the Councell Nay more heare the testimonie of one who was deputed Inquisitor to enquire into the doctrine of Iohn Husse by the Sea of Rome and that is the Bishop of Nazareth Inquisitor of heresie in the Citie and Diocesse of Prage who by his Letters written doth cleere him from any hereticall position The coppie of whose Letter is to this effect WEE Nicholas by the grace of God Martyrolog p. 549. Bishop of Nazareth and Inquisitor specially deputed by the Apostolike Seat for heresies both of the Citie and Diocesse of Prage by these presents make it knowne to all men that wee haue often communed and talked with that honourable man Master Iohn Husse Bachelor of Diuinitie of the famous Vniuersitie of Prage and haue had diuers and sundry Conferences with him both of the Scriptures and diuers other matters And in all his sayings doings and behauiour wee haue proued and found him to be a faithfull and a catholicke man finding no manner of euill sinister or by any meanes erronious doings in him to this present we doe witnesse and protest moreouer how the said Iohn Husse of late in the Cathedrall Church of Prage c. hath set vp his Letters written both in the Latine and Bohemian tongue containing sententially in effect that hee the aforesaid Iohn Husse would appeare before the reuerend Father Conrade Arch-Bishop of Prage and all the Prelates and Clergie of the Kingdome of Boheme c. and there be ready to satisfie euery man that shall require him to shew a reason of his faith and hope that he holdeth and to see and heare all and euery one which could proue any obstinacie of error or heresie lawfully against him vnder paine to receiue the like punishment also that he would be at the Councell of Constance now at hand there before all the Prelates and holy Fathers to declare and shew forth his innocencie After the which Letters as is aforesaid by the said Master Iohn Husse openly set vp There did no man appeare before vs which would accuse the said Iohn Husse of any error or heresie whatsoeuer For euident witnesse of all which thinges wee haue commanded these present Letters to bee made and confirmed the same with the setting to of our Seale Dated in Prague 30. of August Anno Dom. 1414. As for that aspersion of Ambition or vaine glory Ioh. Huss de Sacrâ—d Mâ—nachâ— abhominat pag. 84. Nam istâ— scribeus fateâ—â— quod nihil 〈…〉 in illis â—rget nifi dilectiâ— Domini Iesâ—â— crucifixi c. which the Pope-Catholikes would fasten vpon this holy man let vs heare his owne Apologie In writing these thinges saith hee I confesse that nothing else hath moued mee hereunto but onely the loue of our Lord IESVS Crucified whose prints and stripes according to the measure of my weaknesse and vilenesse I couet to beare in my selfe beseeching him so to assist mee with his Grace that I may neuer seeke to glory in my selfe or in any thing else but onely in his Crosse and in the inestimable ignominie of his Passion which hee suffered for mee And therefore I write and speake these thinges which I doubt not but will like all such as vnfainedly loue the Lord IESVS CHRIST and contrariwise will dislike not a little all such as bee of Antichrist Also againe I confesse before the mâ—st mercifull Lâ—rd IESVS CHRIST Cruâ—ified that these thinges which I doe now write and those which I haue written before neither I could haue written nor knew how nor durst so to haue written vnlesse hee by his inward vnction had so commaunded mee Neither yet doe I write these thinges as of authoritie to get mee a name for as Saint Augustine and Hierome doe say that is onely to bee giuen to the Scriptures and writings of the Apostles Euangelists and Prophets which doe abound in the fulnesse of the Spirit of IESVS and whatsoeuer is there said is full of veritie and wholsome vtilitie As concerning the life and conuersation both of Iohn Husse and Hierome of Prague which the Papists labour to traduce let vs heare the testimonie not of Plebians but of the Nobles of Morauia not a few but 54. of them written to the Councell of Constance in their defence The Copie of it beginneth thus Extat Martyrol p. 386. 387. TO the right Reuerend Fathers and Lords in Christ the Lords Cardinals Patriarchs Primates Arch-bishops Bishops Embassadours Doctors Masters and to the whole Councell of Constance We the Nobles Lords Knights Esquires of the famous Marquesdome of Morauia wish the desire of all Goodnesse and the obseruation of the Commandements of our Lord IESVS CHRIST For asmuch
as long as the Apostles liued but when that generation was past the conspiracie of wicked Heresie through the seducing of those who taught other Doctrine tooke beginning Hereof the Apostles gaue warning Act. 20.28 Philip. 3.18 Basil Ep. 70. and the auncient Fathers complayned and that with teares It is our Taske now to prooue that all those faithfull Christians who liued either in the primitiue purest times or afterwards kept themselues orthodoxe vnspotted from then-broached heresies till the heresie of heresies Poperie was set on foote were of the same faith and religion with vs and were of our side for the triall whereof as we haue already looked into the dayes of olde Deut. 32.7 and considered the yeares of many generations which are past and gone so now let vs aske our Fathers and they will shew vs let vs aske our Elders and they will tell vs. And here as the Papists challenge vs to shew where our Church was before Luthers time wee will shew our Church before the time of Pope Boniface the 3. who was the first that tooke vpon him the name of the vniuersall Bishop and at whom and not before the Popish Church as now it is doth take her beginning This Boniface about thâ— yeare of our Lord 507. with much adoe obtained of Phocas the Emperour that he might be made the vniuersall Bishop of the world Otho Frisingen Chron. lib. 5. c. 8. Marian Scot. in ann 608. Vsperg in Phoca The which authority say the Romane Chroniclers his successours haue not onely held fast with their teeth but also wonderfully encreased Before this time or before there was euer any who vsurped any such Ecclesiasticall Supremacie wee haue many that tooke our part as may appeare by this Induction Betweene the yeares 450. and 500. In Rome GRegory the 1. who albeit hee did much decline from the sincerity of his pious predecessours and was a patron of many superstitions yet was an earnest opposite against the papall Supremacie calling it vaine proud profane blasphemous mischieuous Antichristian against the commandements of God and the decrees of Councels lib. 4. Epist 32.34 affirming him to be a follower of Sathan fore-runner of Antichrist who assumeth that title Epist 38.39 24. Bishops and 34. Presbiters in a Councell at Rome Anno Dom. 595. Jn Constantinople Euphemius who was so firme and constant in his Religion that he would not annoint Anastasius Emperour before he had sealed a writing that he would make no innouation in Religion Theod. lib. 2. Jn Alexandria Iohn called Tabenesiota who kept the true faith and was banished by Anastasius because hee would not damne the counsell of Chalcedon Magdeb. cent 6. In Antiochia Gregorius who ministred in Antiochia 25. yeares how he adhaered to our Religion see Euagr. li. 6. c. 18. Betweene the yeares 400. and 450. Jn Rome LEo at the first a Deacon afterwards Bishop of Rome among whose constitutions there is a sharpe decree against the ambition which euen then beganne in that sea Hist Magd. cent 5. c. 10. Jn Constantinople Iohn Chrysostome Bishop of Constantinople who liued in the dayes of Arcadius Honorius In whose writings we may find most part of those points wherein wee differ from the Papists confirmed As for example Attieus another Bishop of Constantinople who next saue one succeeded Chrysostome in that sea was a bitter enemie to superstition for perceauing that diuers of the people of Constantinople sorted to the Sepulchre of Sabbatius to pray to do some worship to your defunct he caused that body in the night season to be raised and to be buried in another place vnknowne to the said superstitious people that so they might leaue off then Idolatrous praying Hist Magd. cent 5. c. 10. Accatius another Bishop of Constantinople succeeded Gennadius and gouerned that sea 17. yeares In his time the Roman Church contended for superiority This Acatius resisted the fame and little regarding the pride of the Romane Bishop excommunicated Foelix and razed his name out of the roll of Bishops Histor Magd. Ibid. Jn Syria Theodoret Bishop of Cyrus a Towne in Syria liued vnder the Emperours Theodosius Vâ—tlentâ—â— aâ— Martian Among other things wherein hee agreeth with vs hee is directly against transubstantiation Theod. dial 1. c. 8. Jn Affrica Augustine B shop of Hippo one of the most learned of all the auncient Fathers his Religion was the same with vs as may appeare in these ensuing articles about 1. The sufficiencie of Scripture lib. 2. de peâ— merâ— c. 36. lib. 2. de â—o 1. Christ 2. The Laities reading the Scripture confes lib. 6. c. 5. 〈◊〉 Psal 33. sess 2. 3. The markes of the Church 〈◊〉 â—â—itat c. 〈◊〉 c. 2. 4. Oâ—â—ginall sinne â—â—â—â—â—rict act 〈◊〉 c. 92. 5. Good works in Psal 102. 6. The Sacraments tract 15. in Ioh. de â—ymboâ— ad catech tract 30. in Ioh. contra Aclamant c. 12. traâ—t 30. in Joh. de ciuit dei lib. 21. c. 25. 7. The authority of Bishops and Councels Ser. 2. epist 162. 8. Inuocation of Saints tract 19. in Iohn contr Faust Manich. lib. 20. See farther S. Augustines agreement with vs in the maine points of faith and doâ—trinâ— in a Treatise lately set foâ—th to this purpose entituled S. Auâ—uâ—â—ines Religion wherein are proued 62. points of our 〈◊〉 his concordance Jn France Eleutherius Bish of Lions Saluianus Bish of Maâ—sell Hilarius first Bishop of Arles afterwards of Vienne opposed himselfe directly against Leo Bishop of Rome and would acknowledge no iurisdiction of that Sea ouer the Churches of France he came to Rome and withstood the Pope to his face Leo ad Gal. Episc epist 77. 89. Vincentius Lirinensis Magd. cent 5. c. 10. Prosper Aquitanicus Magd. cent 5. c. 10. Martinus Turenensis Magd. cent 5. c. 10. Betweene the yeeres 350. and 400. In Jtaly AMbrose Bishop of Millane whose accord with vs in the maine points of our Religion may appeare out of his writings viz. Hierome borne in Stridon a Towne of Dalmatia brought vp in learning at Rome who although hee wanted not his errours and enclined much to diuers superstitions which began about those times yet accorded in many things with vs as may appeare by his writings Jn Antiochia Flauianus against whom Damasus Syricius and Anastasius Bishops of Rome were mighty opposites who misinformed the good Emperour Theodosius against him before whom when Flauianus had appeared he freely and wisely spake to this effect O Emperour if any man blame my faith as peruerse or my life as vnworthy I am content to bee iudged by my very Aduersaries But if the Disputation be onely concerning Principalitie and eminent places I will not contend with any man but denude my selfe of all Superioritie and commit the charge of Antiochia to whom yee like best Theodor lib. 5. c. 23. In Jerusalem Cyrillus who was an enemie to the Pompe of the Clergie and had more regard to feede the Poore and to the Preaching of
of our Religion haue beene neyther so frequent nor so publike as now it is eyther in place or persons was the persecution of Poperie and the generall corruption of the Papacie which as a Leprosie infected and as a Myst obscured the Times so that sometimes not the true beleeuers themselues such I meane as are come to our knowledge were void of error in euery point though they firmely held the foundation And if it pleased God in processe of time to giue more libertie to the persons and more puritie to the Doctrine why are wee vnthankfull and why should any enuie if the Truth hath growne more ripe in our Age And if there be any yet among vs I would to God there were not too many such who stand as Newters and lookers on not regarding any Religion nor caring to ioyne themselues to either side vntill they see the sequell and issue whether the Protestant or Popish Church is likeliest to be most praeualent To such I say as Elias said to the people of Israel How long halt yee betweene two opinions 1. King 18.21 If the Lord be God follow him But if Baall then follow him Let them consider and call to minde whither of the two Religions sauour more of grace and of the spirit of God whether doth attribute most to God whether hath beene most fauoured by God Let them consider the damnable positions the horrible combustions and hellish proiects of Poperie and the sauing counsels peaceable prosperity and heauenly blessings which haue accompanied ours let them as the Apostle counselleth proue all things 1. Thess 5.21 and hold fast what is good If they doubt whether of them carrieth greatest shew of either veritie or Antiquitie I say vnto them as it was said to St. Augustine at the time of his conuersion Tolle lege Take vp this booke and reade or rather as the Lord speaketh by his Prophet Ieremie stand in the waies and see Ierem. 6.16 Aske for the old paths where is the good way and walke therein and yee shall finde rest for your soules Lastly to the true members and vnseduced Protestants of our Church I say with the Apostle to the Corinthians Brethren you see your calling 1 Cor. 1 26.27â—â— albeit not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and weake things to confound the mightie c. yet some noble some learned some Worthies haue embraced the same Religion together with vs and that in all ages and times of the world What would wee haue what can wee desire more we haue Verity and Antiquitie for vs we haue the Patriarkes the Prophets and Apostles on our side we haue the company of innumerable Martyres who haue sealed the Truth thereof with their blood we haue the fellowship of many Churches in diuers Nations Being therefore Compassed about with so great a cloude of Witnesses Heb. 12.1 let vs follow the footsteps of those who haue walked before vs in this way of righteousnesse and runne with patience the race that is set before vs. What though Papists raue and rage and plot and seeke by all meanes to bring our Religion into disgrace yea If it were possible to cut of the name of Israel Psal 83.4 that it might be no more in remembrance Psal 81.12 Yet these aduersaries of the Lord shall be found lyers but the true Church of God shall endure for euer Consider what great things God hath done for vs and how mightily alwaies he hath defended and approued our Religion how miraculously did he preserue it manger all the furie of the Lyon and the wilde Boare of the Deuill and Antichrist euen in the time of their greatest persecutions how wonderfully hath he from time to time detected and defeated all plots and proiects conspiracies and trecheries of the enemies what strange deliuerances hath he giuen vnto vs By this wee may know that God fauoureth vs because our enemies preuaile not against vs. Psal 41.11 Psal 46.11 The God of Iacob is with vs the God of Hoasts is our refuge he hath giuen vnto vs a Dauid a man after his owne heart to rule ouer vs a Iehosophat whose heart is set to seeke the Lord a Iosias whose chiefest studie is to build vp Gods house and whose chiefest Title is to be the Defender of the Faith he hath taken away our feares by the happie returne of our most hopefull Prince redoubled our ioyes in his forward zeale for the furthering of true Religion he hath blessed vs with an Honourable assemblie of States in the high Court of Parliament and vnited their hearts and mindes to seâ—ke the promotion of his glory and the publike welfare of the Common-weale he hath stirred vp the hearts of all faithfull Subiects within this Iland to pray and cry Grace Zech. 4.7 Grace to that Parliamentarie assembly What now remaineth but that as the Apostle counselleth Wee stand fast in that libertie wherewith Christ hath made vs free Gal. 5.1 and as our Sauiour doth admonish vs that wee be faithfull to the death Reuel 2.10 constantly professing and religiously perseuering in that Religion which we haue learned out of the Scriptures and which hath beene practised so long agone in all Ages by so many Patriarkes Prophets Apostles Bishops Confessors and holy Martyrs That so wee may glorifie God and stop the mouth of the aduersarie and both by life and doctrine confound Poperie till that misterie of Iniquitie bee fully reuealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and destroy with the brightnesse of his comming which we beseech the Lord to hasten Euen so Come Lord Iesus come quickly Amen FJNIS