knows that they be lye us God convert them that are to be converted that they may repent and overwhelm the rest with eternal woe But to return to the matter I could wish with all my heart that a free and Christian Council were assembled that provision might be made for many things that are amiss Not that we have need of a Council for our Churches are so enlightned taught and confirmed by the grace of God with the pure Word of God and true use of the Sacraments that we need not a Council neither can a Council shew us a truer or better way But there is need of one in many other regards In many Bishopricks divers Parishes are destitute of spiritual food yet the Bishops and Canons regard not the life of those poor men for whom yet Christ dyed so that they cannot hear the true Shepherd speaking to his Sheep I fear Christ for this will call a Council of Angels to destroy Germany as he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah Besides these affairs of the Church many things need Reformation in the Civil State Great discords are amongst Princes usury and covetousness overflow like a deluge wantonness pride riot garishness in apparrel bellycheer dicing pomp malice stubornness of subjects oppression c. so over-flow that they cannot be amended by ten Councils and twenty Diets c. Our sins weigh us down and suffer not God to be gracious to us because instead of repenting we defend our abominations O Lord Iesus Christ do thou summon and hold a Council and redeem thy servants by thy glorious coming The Pope and Popâ—lings are pâ—st cure therefore help us poor and distressed men who groan unto thee and seek thee with our hearts according to the grace that thou hast given us by thy holy Spirit which liveth and reigneth with thee and the Father for ever Amen Luther least he should seem to have yeilded any thing to the temperament of Bucer which we spake of before wrote to Albert of Brandenburg Duke of Borussia exhorting him to shun the Sacramentaries and their Doctrine and not to suffer it to crâ—ep anywhere into his Dominions least he should thereby so burthen his conscience with so great wickedness that perhaps he should never be able to pacific it again They of Zurick took this very ill and they wrote also to the Duke of Borussia requesting him not to Decree any thing against the Professors of their Faith A while after Luther wrote an Epistle to the Aldermen of Francfurt wherein he called the Zinglians Archdevils and said they were to be driven out of Pulpits and cast out of the Country He used to be very fervent in Prayer Vitus Theodorus thus writeth of him No day passeth wherein Luther spendeth not three hours at least in Prayer Once it fell out saith he that I heard him Good God! what a spirit what a confidence was in his very expression with such a reverence he sueth for any thing as one begging of God and yet with such hope and assurance as if he spake with a loving father or friend c. When the Papists charged him for a lyer a promise-breaker and an Apostate Luther denying the former yielded himself to be an Apostate but a blessed and holy one who had not kept his promise made to the Devil saying That he was no otherwise a revolter then a Mamaluke turning Christian or a Magician renouncing his Covenant made with the Devil and betaking himself to Christ. When Philip Duke of Pomerania marryed Mary daughter to the Elector of Saxony Luther being present prayed for a blessing and taking Philip by the hand said The Lord God be with you and keep your posterity from failing But his wife continuing barren four years all his male-stock was like to be extinct yet at length by Gods blessing according to Luthers Prayer he had seven sons by her which wonderfully enlarged that Noble Family Luther falling sick of the Stone made his Will in which he bequeathed his detestation of Popery to his friends and to the Pastors of the Church He also beforehand made this verse Pestis eram vivus moriens ero mors tua Papa I living stopt Romes breath And dead will be Romes death Yet it pleased God in a short space to give him ease and to restore him to his former health which brought great joy to all his friends and especially to Melancthon who in an Epistle to him congratulated his recovery Anno Christi 1537. The Pope appointed a Council at Vincentia for reforming the Church of which Luther wrote a book and by a picture in the Frontispiece shewed the Argument of it wherein the Pope was pictured sitting in a high Throne with some Cardinals standing by with Fox-tails on the end of long poles as with brushes pretending to sweep the room but presently after the dust setled again as before About this time the new Sect of the Antinomians did start up The chief ring-leader was Joannes Agricola of Isleben a familiar friend of Luthers They held That repentance was not to be taught from the Decalogue they opposed such as taught that the Gospel was not to be preached to any but to such as were humbled by the Law and they taught that whatsoever a mans life was though impure c. yet he was justified so that he beleived the Gospel Luther confuted these Anno Christi 1540. there was a meeting appointed at Haganaw upon the Rhine where the Divines were to meet and in a friendly manner to debate their differences But as Melancthon was going thitherward he fell sick at Vinaria made his Will and prepared for death whereupon Luther and Cruciger by long journeys hastened to him and as soon as Luther saw how miserably he was wasted with his disease with sighes and tears he brake out into this speech Alass how pretious and profitable an instrument of the Church is miserably weakened and ready to perish and there withall falling upon his knees he prayed most earnestly for him and Melancthon confessed that if Luther had not come he had dyed Anno Christi 1541. Luther wrote a consolatory Letter to Frederick Myconius almost quite spent with a Consumption affirming that he could have no joy to live if he dyed and therefore wished that himself might first lay down his Earthly Tabernacle concluding that he was verily perswaded that his Prayers should be granted as indeed it came to pass for Myconius out-lived him fix years and would often say That Luther obtained this for him by his Prayers Luther afterwards wrote his minde concerning Ceremonies which he desired might be few and tending to edification and Excommunication which he wished might be brought into the Church as a profitable Discipline but could scarce hope to see it Anno Christi 1544. Novemb. 17. he finished his Explication of Genesis which was his last publick reading in the University which he thus concluded Thus
of the everlasting fire at the Day of Judgment and of those endless torments which are reserved for the wicked But why make you all these delays appoint me to what death you please Whilest he spake these things he was replenished with joy and boldness and his countenance appeared so full of grace and gravity that it was evident that he was nothing troubled with the cruel threats of the Proconsul but on the contrary the Proconsul himself began to be amazed and sent for the Cryer commanding him in the midst of the Theater to cry three times Polycarp hath confessed himself to be a Christian Hereupon the multitude both of Jews and Gentiles inhabiting Smyrna cryed out in a great rage Iste Asiae Doctor c. This is that Doctor of Asia the Father of the Christians the Overthrower of our gods who hath taught many that our gods are not to be adored and thereupon they cryed to the Proconsul that a Lyon might be let loose to devour him But he told them that he might not do it for that the game of Beasts was now finished Then they cryed with one voice that Polycarp should be burned alive To which when the Proconsul had assented the multitude forthwith carryed logs and wood out of their Shops and Booths especially the Jews after their wonted manner were very forward herein The pile being prepared Polycarp put off his apparrel the faithful assisting and contending amongst themselves who should touch his body at his farewell Being thus made ready when they would have nailed him to the stake he said Nay suffer me even as I am for he that hath given me strength to come to this fire will also give me patience to persevere therein without your fastning of my body with nails Then they bound his hands behind him which done he prayed thus O Father of thy Wel. Beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ through whom we have known thee O God of Angels Powers and of every living creature and of just men which live in thy presence I thank thee that thou hast graciously vouchsafed this day and this hour to allot me a portions amongst the number of Martyrs to drink of the Cup of Christ unto the Resurrection of everlasting life both of Body and Soul through the operation of the Holy Spirit amongst whom I shall this day be received into thy sight for an acceptable Sacrifice And as thou hast prepared and revealed this before hand so thou hast now accomplished and fulfilled the same O thou most true God which canst not lye wherefore for all these things I praise thee I bless thee I glorifie thee through the everlasting Bishop and Shepherd of our Souls Christ Jesus to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all Honour and Glory world without end Amen Having ended his Prayer the tormentors kindled the fire The flame vehemently flashed about which was terrible to the beholders But the slame framing it self after the manner of a vault or sail of a Ship with the blustering blasts of wind touched not the holy Martyrs Body which sent forth a fragrant and sweet smell like unto Frankincense or such like pretious Perfume But the cruel Persecutors perceiving that the fire touched not his body called for a tormentor charging him to thrust him into the side with a spear which being done there issued our such abundance of blood as quenched the fire to the great astonishment of the beholders Then did the Jews stir up Nicetes the Father of Herod and his Brother Dalces to move the Proconsul that his body might not be delivered to the Christians least say they leaving Christ they fall to worship him This they said through their ignorance not knowing that we can never forsake Christ which dyed for our Salvation to worship any other For we worship Christ as the Son of God the Martyrs we love as the Disciples and followers of the Lord and that worthily for the invincible love which they bear to their King and Master c. Hereupon the Proconsul caused his body to satisfie the Jews to be laid upon a pile of wood and burned Irenaeus being young was acquainted with him and writeth of him that Anicetus being Bishop of Rome Polycarp went thither and questioned with him about the celebration of Easter He saith also that there is extant an Epistle of Polycarps unto the Philippians very profitable for such as are careful for their Salvation where they may know the true character of Faith and the right rule of Doctrine It is said of him that he was testis fidelis constansque veritatis A faithful and constant witness to the Truth Nay by his Wisdom Zeal and Piety he recalled many from Heresies and Errors He so detested Hereticks that when Marcion of his former acquaintance met him at Rome and wondering that he took no notice of him said Dost thou not know me Polycarp Yea said he I know thee wel thou art the eldest son to the Divel His manner was to stop his ears if at any time he heard the wicked speeches of Hereticks and to shun those very places where such speeches had been uttered He suffered Martyrdom in the seventh year of Verus Anno Christi 170. of his Age 86. In the midst of the flames he made this excellent Prayer O God the Father of thy Beloved Son Jesus Christ through whom we have received the knowledge of thee O God the Creator of all things upon thee I call thee I confess to be the true God Thee I glorifie O Lord receive me and make me a companion of the resurrection of thy Saints through the merits of our great High Priest thy Beloved Son Jesus Christ to whom with the Father and God the Holy Ghost be honour and glory for ever Amen He was a Bishop about 63 years Herom writing of him saith that he was in great esteem through all Asia for that he was Scholar to the Apostles and to them that did see and were conversant with Christ himself and therefore his authority was of great credit not only with his own Church but with all other Churches about him There is extant an Epistle of his to the Philippians but Scultetus judgeth it spurious The Life of Dionysius Areopagita who dyed Anno Christi 96. DIonysius Areopagita was born at Athens of eminent Parents he was very studious He travelled into Egypt to get skill in Astronomie At the age of 25 years at Heliopolis whilest he lived with Apollophanes the Philosopher he saw that general Eclipse of the Sun at our Saviours passion and as one amazed said Aut Deus naturae patitur aut mundi machina dissolvetur Either the God of Nature now suffers or the frame of the World shall be dissolved And to another Ignotus in carne patitur Deus c. God unknown in the flesh doth suffer for whose sake the Universe is covered with this thick darkness Saint Paul coming
to Athens Act. 17. and espying an Altar there with this inscription Ignoto Deo took occasion from thence to Preach of the true God of the Resurrection and Judgement to come whereupon by the great Philosophers of that City he was accounted a wicked and sacrilegious person for which he was carryed by them to Mars his hill where the Court of the Areopagites sat which was the chiefest Judicatory in that City But before those Judges he preached with such Divine eloquence and forcible arguments that through Gods mercy he converted this Dionysius the chief President of the Judges with Damaris his wife who used Paul very courteously and were instructed by him in the knowledg of our Lord Jesus Christ. At which the whole City was much amazed for all men accounted Dionysius a very wise and judicious man But now he was not ashamed of a Master to become a Scholar so that within 3 years space he became an admirable instrument to propagate the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Then was he by Paul ordained Pastor of the Church at Athens where for a good while he preached the Word of God with great wisdom zeal and diligence and as a wife Harvest-man brought in many Sheaves of Corn into Gods Barn Afterwards he went to Ephesus to visit S. John and S. Paul by whose perswasion leaving one Publius to look to his flock at Athens he went to Rome at which time Clemens governed that Church And having conversed a while with Clemens he intreated him to go into France to preach the Gospel there and to give knowledge of Salvation to that Nation This he willingly undertook and judging Paris to be the fittest place to reside in he so laboured amongst them that in a short space through Gods blessing he brought many Sheep into the fold of Christ and that not only of the meaner sort but many Rich Noble and Great Persons who overthrowing the Temples of their false gods erected new places for the service of the true God But this progress of the Gospel being envied by Satan the enemie of Christs Church he stirred up the Idolatrous Priests who suborned many to dispatch Dionysius but there was such a gracious lustre and radiancy in his countenance that when they beheld him some of their hearts failed them others were so affrighted that they fled away Shortly after Sisinius the Praefect gave command that Dionysius with his fellows should be apprehended and when he was brought before him he sharply reproved him for that he had preached against the Worship of their gods who by reason of his Sermons had lost their former honour and esteem He therefore required him to confess his error and to stop up that breach which he had made leaving off those novelties and unheard of Doctrines that by his recantation the people might see how vainly they had been seduced and so return to their antient Rites and Customs again To this Dionysius with great zeal wisdom and eloquence answered That they were no gods whom they worshipped but Idols and the works of mens hands and that it was through meer Ignorance Folly and Idolatry that they adored them Adding that there was but one true God according as he had preached At which words Sisinius was exceedingly incensed commanding him to be laid upon an hurdle and a gentle fire to be made under him to roast him Some others relate that he was thrown to hungry wild Beasts which yet would not tear him Then that he was put into an hot Oven which would not burn him Whereupon he was the second time brought before Sisinius who caused him publikely to be beaten with many and cruel blows by his Officers and when this prevailed not he standing up said Seeing thou hast contemned our gods derided the Emperors Edicts and by Magick hast wrought many Miracles to delude the people whereby thou hast seduced them from the obedience of the Emperor I will therefore that thou shalt be forthwith beheaded Dionysius nothing terrified herewith told him that he worshipped such gods as would perish like dung upon the Earth but as for my self said he Come life come death I will worship none but the God of Heaven and Earth This so enraged the Praefect that he commanded him presently to be executed whereupon he was haled out of the City to the top of an high Mountain and delivered to the Officers to be tormented which was accomplished with all the cruelty that could be Then lifting up his eyes and hands to heaven he said O Lord God Almighty thou only begotten Son and Holy Spirit O sacred Trinty which art without beginning and in whom is no division Receive the soul of thy servant in peace who is put to death for thâ— Cause and Gospel Which Prayer being ended he was beheaded with a sword which was made dull on purpose that his pain might be the greater He suffered Martyrdom in the reign of Hadrianus Anno Christi 96. and of his own Age 110. He used to say that he desired these two things of God first that be might know the truth himself Secondly that he might preach it as he ought unto others He wrote sundry Epistles as some affirm and some other works all which Scultetus for very good reasons rendred by him judgeth to be spurious JVSTIN MARTYR The Life of Justin Martyr who dyed Anno Christi 139. IVstin Martyr was born at Neapolis in the Country of Palestine His father was Priscus Bachius by whom in his youth he was set to schole where he profited so much that in time he became a famous Philosopher For being exceedingly inflamed with a desire of knowledge he would not be satisfied in his minde till he had gotten Instructors singularly seen in all kinds of Philosophy First he applyed himself to be a Scholar to a certain Stoick but finding that by his help he nothing profited in Divine knowledge after a time he left him and went to one of the Sect of the Peripateticks with whom after he had been a while he demanded of him a stipend for his teaching whereupon Justin accounting him no Philosopher left him and departed And being not yet satisfied in minde but desirous to hear of further learning he adjoined himself to one that professed the Pythagorean Sect a man of great â—ame and one that highly esteemed of himself whom after he had followed a time his Master asked him whether he had any skill in Musick Astronomy and Geometry without the knowledge whereof he said he could not be apt to receive the knowledge of virtue and felicity for that his minde must be drawn from the knowledge of sensible matters to the contemplation of things intelligible He spake much in commendation of these Sciences how profitable and necessary they were and because Justin declared himself to have no skill therein he turned him away which much grieved Justin who
the Famine out of the Villages to seek relief in the City And thus he continued till the Famine being ceased he returned into his retired house again and not long after he quietly slept in the Lord Anno Christi 404. He was a great opposer of Sabellius Arius Apollinarius and other Hereticks so chaste that he repelled the shameless behaviour of a lewd woman which being instigated by the Devil thought to have enticed him to lust but with his grave Exhortations Admonitions and Divine speeches he caught and overcame the tempter so that by his Fatherly advice she proved a grave modest and religious Matron In his Will he commanded that they should sing no verses in his commendation bury him in no fine linnens nor with ointments raise no monuments for him for saich he I am a stranger and so journey c. He was very merciful to the poor as in part we have heard before and having not of his own to give by his sweet and attractive Sermons he stirred up the hearts of others to relieve them He used to say That the resolute Traveller knows that his journey is long and the may dirty yet goes on in hope to come to his house so let a Christian though the way to Heaven be narrow though it be set With troubles and persecutions yet let him go on till be bath finished his course With Joy for Heaven is his home And again He that feasts his body and starves his soul is like him that feasts his slave and starves his wife He dyed under Valence His Works are contained in three Tomes upon several Subjects BASIL The Life of Basil who flourished An. Chr. 370. BAsil was born in Pontus of noble and religious Parents his Grand-Father and great Grand-Father suffered Martyrdom under Galerius Maximus He was called Basilius Magnus for as one saith of him he was great in wit great in eloquence great in wisdom great in defending great in propagating Gods glory great in convincing Hereticks c. When he was grown up to years of discretion he went to Caesarea of Cappadocia which was then the most famous City of Asia for learning In which place in a short time he made such a proficiency in his studies that he excelled all his equals in all sorts of Learning From thence he went to Constantinople where having studyed a while he went to Athens where he heard those famous Rhetoricians Hymerius and Proaeresius at which place also he fell into acquaintance with Gregory Nazianzen and joining studies together they continued in firm amity all their life after He was of an excellent constitution but by much watching praying fasting reading and spare dyet he much weakned his body Afterwards he went to Antioch in Syria where he frequented the School of Libanius and became an excellent Orator So that he was thought worthy to deliver to the World the Precepts of Philosophy and was much solicited thereunto by many excellent men Others perswaded him to become an Orator but neither of these imployments suted with his purpose wherefore having sufficiently profited in Philosophy under Libanius he provided for himself the Commentaries of Origen who then was famous throughout the World and learned out of them to interpret and expound the Sacred Scriptures Then did he valiantly encounter with the Arians and when as they alleadged Origens Books for the confirmation of their Heretical opinions he refuted their ignorance and shewed by plain demonstrations that they understood not the minde and meaning of Origen Yea Eunomius a favourer of that Sect and as many Arians as were of greatest reputation and accounted the profoundest Scholars when they disputed with him and Gregory Nazianzen proved themselves fools and unlearned persons He was at first Ordained Deacon by Aliletius Bishop of Antioch afterwards Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia where he was born after which he gave himself wholly to benefit and profit the Church And when he greatly feared that the new device of Arius his brain would creep throughout the Province of Pontus in all haste he gat him into those parts instructing the ignorant and confirming the wavering minds of weaklings in the Faith A little before some difference arose betwixt Eusebius Bishop of Caesarea and Basil about their different opinions which Valence the Arian Emperour hearing of hasted thitherward and when he came into Cappadocia according to his usual manner he grievously afflicted the Orthodox thrusting them out of their Churches and placing Arians in their rooms and he hoped easily to do the like when he came to Caesarea because of the enmity that was betwixt Eusebius and Basil But it fell out far otherwaies for Basil in Pontus hearing of the Emperours proceedings in Cappadocia hasted to Caesarea and presently was reconciled to Eusebius and by his Ministry seasonably strengthen the Church So that when Valence came thither finding his hopes frustrated he returned without effecting what he came about Not long after Eusebius dyed and Basil was chosen and ordained Bishop in his room where he performed the Office of a worthy Shepheard to his flock as well by duly and truly feeding them with the sincere milk of Gods Word as by driving away all Hereticks that like Wolves sought to devour his Sheep At last came back the Emperour Valence into Cappadocia fully purposing to drive Basil out of Caesarea but the Lord prevented him by this means The very night after he attempted this wickedness his Wife was grievously troubled with dreadful dreams about him and his only Son Gallates fell sick of a sharp and violent Feaver so that the physitians despairing of his recovery gave him up for dead His Wife also told him of those ugly shapes and fearful visions of Devils and wicked Spirits which she had seen in her sleep adding that their childe also was visited with that sickness because of the evil and mischief which he had purposed against Basil. The Emperour marking diligently the words of his Wife and musing with himself cast in his minde what to do and at length resolved to send for Basil and when he came spake thus unto him If thy Faith and Opinion be true pray that my Son dye not of this disease To whom Basil answered If thou wilt promise me to believe as I do and if thou wilt bring the Church into unity and concord thy childe no doubt shall live But the Emperour would by no means agree unto this Then said Basil Let the Lord deal with the childe as pleaseth him and so departed and immediately after the childe dyed He was very charitable insomuch as in a great Famine he sold his lands and all his other goods to relieve the Poor and stirred up other rich Merchants by Scripture and sweet speeches to contribute to their necessities He was also careful to see the sick provided for and caused publick places to be erected for their maintenance and would often not only
to bring the glad tidings of the Gospel to them And whereas some of the Marcionites had infected the parts about Ancyra with their Errors he procured an Edict from the Emperour which he sent to the Bishop of Ancyra to expel them out of their places Also whereas one Gainas a great man in Scytia of an Insolent and Tyrannical spirit had importuned the Emperour for a Church for himself and his followers being Arians the Emperour acquainted Chrysostom with it telling him that he durst not say him nay He desired to speak with this Gainas before the Emperour where in his presence he so daunted the proud Tyrant with his stout and resolute speeches that he caused him to be ashamed of his request and to be content without it Yea he afterwards so prevailed with Gainas that when he had invaded some parts of the Empire he brought him not only to make peace with the Emperour Arcadius but also to set his Prisoners free He stoutly told Eudoxia the Empress that for her covetousness she would be called a second Jezabel she thereupon sent him a threatning message to which he answered Go tell her Nil◠nisi peccatum timeo I fear nothing but sin yet when she confederating with some others his Enemies had procured his banishment into Hieron as he went forth of the City he said None of these things trouble me but I said within my self If the Queen will let her banish me The Earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof if she will let her saw me a sunder Isaiah suffered the same if she will let her cast me into the Sea I will remember Ionah if she will let her cast me into a burning fiery Fornace or amongst wilde Beasts the three Children and Daniel were so dealt with if she will let her stone me or cut off my head I have S. Steven and the Baptist my blessed companions if she will let her take away all my substance Naked came I out of my mothers womb and naked shall I return thither again He was so beloved that on a time when he was like to be silenced the people cryed out Satius est ut Sol non luceat quà m ut non doceat Chrysostomus We had better want the shining of the Sun then the Preaching of Chrysostom He used to say As a great showr of rain extinguisheth the force of fire so meditation of Gods Word puts out the fire of lust in the soul And as a Boat over-laden sinks so much wealth drowns men in perdition And a bulwark of Adamant is not more impregnable then the Love of Brethrer And as a rock though windes and waves beat against it is unmovable so Faith grounded on the Rock Christ holds out in all temptations and spiritual combats And the Divels first assault is violent resist that and his second will be weaker and that being resisted he proves a coward His Works were printed very acurately in Greek by Sir Henry Savill at Eaton Colledge Anno Christi 1613. in eight Volumes AVGVSTINVS The Life of Augustine who dyed An. Christi 430. AVgustine was an African by birth of Thagasta of pious parents Patricius and Monica who by breeding their son in Learning much weakned their estate He attained to singular skill in the liberal Arts wherein he was much holpen by the bountiful contribution of Romanian a Noble Gentleman In his youth he was vitious in manners and erroneous in judgement tainted with the Error of the Manichees He first taught Grammer in his own City where he was born Then Rhetorick in the Regal City of Carthage Afterwards he went to Rome and from thence to Millain where he was Tutor to Valentinian the Fifth And by the Doctrine and Wisdom of Ambrose he was reduced from his Error and Baptized after which he wholly set his heart to seek the Lord regarding neither honour nor riches being then about thirty years old This much rejoyced Monica his Mother then a Widdow who was more glad that her son devoted himself to the Service of God then she would have been of having Grand-children by him He also gave over reading of Rhetorick leaving his Scholars to seek them a new Master After this he returned into Africa spent his time in Watchings Fastings and Prayer serveing God both day and night and at last was chosen Minister in Hippo where he Preached both by Life and Doctrine diligently But before this it fell out that a certain Great man at Hippo hearing the fame of Augustine both for his Life and Learning was very desirous to see and speak with him promising to himself that he should easily be perswaded to forsake the World with the allurements of it and all the lusts of the flesh if he could but once hear the Word of God taught by him which when Augustine was informed of by faithful witnesses being desirous to deliver a soul from the perils of this life and eternal death hereafter he hasted to Hippo where he visited and often preached to the man exhorting him to remember his promise and to perform his Vows to God yet he deferred the performance of it from day to day neither did Augustine at that time see his desires accomplished At this time one Valerius was Bishop of Hippo who the necessity of the Church requiring it was very solicitous to procure a Minister for that place whereupon when the Congregation was assembled he exhorted and perswaded them seeing they now had experience of the Life and Doctrine of Augustine to make choice of him Augustine not suspecting any such matter was present amongst them Hereupon the people laid hold of him and presented him to the Bishop all of them with one heart and mouth earnestly desirng that he might be their Minister At this Augustine wept very much which some of them misinterpreting laboured to comfort him saying that though he deserved a better place yet being called to the Ministry he was in the next degree to a Bishop whereas indeed the cause of his weeping was because he foresaw how many and great perils hung over his head by undertaking the Government of that Church Thus being made a Presbyter for that place he associated to himself some others which might live with him according to the example of the Primitive Church having all things in common Valerius the Bishop being a very godly man rejoyced exceedingly and gave thanks to God for answering his Prayers by such a special Providence sending him one so able by his Doctrine to edifie the Church of Christ and this he did the rather because himself being by Nation a Grecian was not so fit nor able to instruct that people as was Augustine and contrary to the use and custom of the African Churches he permitted yea urged Augustine often to Preach in his own presence for which some other Bishops reproached him But this Venerable and good man knowing that it was usual in
time the Duke of Lancaster sent for Wicklief from Oxford who had now proceeded so far as to teach that in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper the accidents of Bread and Wine remained not without the substance proving his Assertion by the Authority of Scriptures and the Ancient Fathers and withall rejecting such as had written upon that Argument since Anno 1000 saying that after that time Satan was loosed and men were led into many Errors These things the Bishops hated him for exceedingly yet by the favor of the Duke of Lancaster and of Henry Lord Percy he was preserved from their rage and sury till Anno Christi 1376. at which time they had prevailed with their Archibishop Simon Sudbury who had before deprived him and prohibited him to meddle any more in those matters to send forth his Citation to have him brought before them The Duke having notice hereof and fearing that he being but one should be too weak for such a multitude sent for four Batchelors of Divinity to joyn with him and for more surety when the day of his appearance was come himself with the Lord Percy Marshal of England went along with him As they went along they enconraged him not to fear the faces of the Bishops who say they are all unlearned in comparison of you neither be you troubled at the concourse of the people for we will defend you from them Being thus encouraged Wicklief approached Pauls Church where multitudes of persons were assembled to hear what should be spoken and done insomuch as the Lord Marshal could searce make way in the crowd whereupon Courtney the Bishop of London seeing what stir he made amongst the people said to him if I had known what masteries you would have plaid amongst the people I would have kept you out of this place at which speech the Duke being offended said that he would keep such mastery there though he said nay When they came to the place where the Archbishop and Bishops sate Wicklief presented himself before them to know what should be laid to his charge Then the Lord Percie speaking to him bade him sit down for that having many things to answer to he had need have a soft seat whereupon the Bishop of London growing into a great fume said he should not sit there neither said he is it according to Law or Reason that he that is cited to appear before his Ordinary should sit down during the time of his Answer but should stand This kindled such a fire betwixt them the one rating and reviling the other that the people began all to be on a hurry Then the Duke taking the Lord Percies part gave some hasty words to the Bishop but neither did the Bishop spare him one jot returning rebukes for rebukes so that the Duke was ashamed that the Bishop should out-rail him telling him that he would take a course to bring down his pride and of all the Prelates in England Hereupon the Londoners cryed out that they would rather lose their lives then suffer their Bishop to be abused So that all things being in a confusion the Assembly was dissolved for that time and the Duke with the Lord Pertie returning to the Parliament that day a Bill was put up in the name of the King by the Lord Thomas of Woodstock another of the Kings sons and the Lord Percie that London should be no more governed by a Major but by a Captain a formerly it had been and that the Marshal of England should have all the power in taking the arrests in the City as he had in other Cities This Bill one John Philpot a Burgess for London stoutly opposed and the next day the Londoners assembled themselves together in Council to consider what to do about it and whilst they were in consultation came in two Lords the Lord Fitz-Walter and the Lord Guy Brian whom the Vulgar sort taking to be Spies were ready to flye upon them till they were enforced to swear that they came for no harm towards them and that if it proved otherwise they would be content to forfeit all their Goods and Possessions in the City Then did the Lord Fitz-Walter tell them of his love to them and of his care to preserve their Liberties which said he If you do not speedily look to and prevent you will lose the same for at this time the Lord Marshal hath one of your Citizens in prison in his house c. This was no sooner spoken but the rash Citizens ran to their houses armed themselves and going to the Lord Percies house brake open his gates rescued the Prisoner took the Stocks and burned them in the midst of the City searched and ransaked his house for the Lord himself whom if they had found they would certainly have slain and when they found him not they tore and cut his rich Beds and Hangings in pieces and then supposing him to be with the Duke they ran to the Savoy where though they were disappointed of their cruel purpose yet they took the Dukes Arms and hung them up in a reproachful manner in the midst of the City as if he had been a Traitor They also so wounded a Priest that spake in his defence that he dyed within a few days after and meeting one of the Dukes men with his Arms hanging in a Plate on his Breast they pulled him off his Horse pulled the Arms from him and had slain the man but that he was speedily rescued by the Maior But these out rages created much trouble to the Londoners which being beside my purpose I shall leave the Reader to search them out in the Chronicles of those times Shortly after the old King Edward dyed and his Grand-son Richard the second succeeded him upon which change the Bishops taking notice that the Duke and the Lord Percie had given over their Offices living privately at their own houses without medling with State affairs they thought it a fit time to revenge themselves upon John Wicklief whereupon they caused these Articles to be gathered and drawn up out of his Sermons against him 1. That the holy Eucharist after the Consecration is not the very body and blood of Christ but figuratively 2. That the Church of Rome is not the head of all other Churches in the World nor that Peter had any more power given him by Christ then any other of the Apostles 3. That the Pope of Rome hath no more power of the Keys then any 〈…〉 4. That the Lords Tomporal may lawfully take away the Temporalties of the Church men offending habitualiter 5. That the Gospel is of it self a sufficient rule both of Faith and Manners without any other rule 6. That neither the Pope nor any other Prelate ought to have Prisons of their own wherein to punish offenders c. These with some others the Bishops gathered out of his Sermons and Writings which they sent to Pope Gregory who
end I my Explication of Genesis God grant that others may more rightly expound it then I have done I cannot proceed further my strength faileth pray for me that I may have a quiet and comfortable departure out of this life This year in Italy was spread a most impudent lye about Luthers death which they called Horrendum inâ—ud tum miraculum quod in aeternum laudandus Dâ—us in foedamâ—te Mart. Lutheri corpore anima damnati exhibuit in gloriam Jesu Christi atque in emendationem consolationem piorum The substance of it was this That when he saw he must die he requested that his body should be set upon the Altar and worshipped with Divine Worship but when his body was laid in the grave suddainly so great a stir and terror arose as if the foundations of the Earth were shaken together whereupon all that were present trembling and astonished lift up their Eyes and saw the sacred Host appear in the Air whereupon they placed that upon the Altar But the night following a loud noise and ratling shriller then the former was heard about Luthers sepulchre which terrified all the City and almost killed them with astonishment in the morning when they opened the sepulchre they found neither bodie bones nor clothes but a sulphureous stink came out thereof which almost overcame the standers by c. This Lye coming printed into Germany Luther subscribed with his own hand I Martin Luther do profess and witness under my own hand that receiving this figment full of anger and fury concerning my death I read it with a joyful mind and cheerful countenance And but that I detest the blasphemy which ascribeth an impudent lye to the Divine Majesty for the other passages I cannot but laugh at Satans the Popes and their complices hatred against me God turn their hearts from their Diabolical malice but if he Decree not to hear my Prayer for their sin unto death then God grant that they may fill up the measure of their sins and solace themselves with their libels full fraught with such like lyes Anno Christi 1546. Luther taking Melancthon and some others along with him went into his own country and returned in safety to Wittenberg again And not long after he was sent for back by the Counts of Mansfield to compose a difference amongst them about the borders of their Countries and their inheritances Luther did not use to meddle with such businesses having all his life been accustomed only to deal in Ecclesiastical affairs yet because he was born in that Country he would not be wanting to promote the peace of it And therefore having preached his last Sermon at Wittenberg January the 17. upon the 23. day he began his journey and at Hall in Saxony he lodged at Justus Jonas his house and passing over the River with Jonas and his own three sons they were in danger of drowning whereupon he said to Justus Jonas Think you not that it would rejoyce the Devil very much if I and you and my three sons should be drowned He was honorably entertained by the Earl of Mansfield who sent an hundred Horse that conveyed him to Isleben being very weak whereupon he said that he never undertook any great business but he was attended with such sickness yet after the use of some Fomentations he was pretily well and attended the business about which he came from the 29. of Ianuary to the 17. of February During which time he preached some times in the Church and twice administred the Lords Supper and Ordained two to the work of the Ministry At his Table he used holy conference and was dayly very fervent in his Prayers The day before his death he dined and supped with his friends discoursing of divers matters and amongst the rest gave his opinion that in heaven we shall know one another because Adam knew Eve at first sight c. After supper his pain in his breast increasing he went aside and prayed then went to bed and slept but about midnight being awakened with the pain and perceiving that his life was at an end he said I pray God to preserve the Doctrine of his Gospel amongst us For the Pope and the Council of Trent have grievous things in hand After which he thus prayed O heavenly Father my gracious God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ thou God of all consolation I give thee hearty thanks that thou hast revealed unto me thy Son Iesus Christ whom I believe whom I profess whom I love whom I glorifie whom the Pope and the rout of the wicked persecute and dishonour I beseech thee Lord Iesus Christ receive my soul O my heavenly Father though I be taken out of this life and must lay down this frail body yet I certainly know that I shall live with thee eternally and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands God so loved the world c. Lord I render up my spirit into thy hands and come to thee And again Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit thou O God of Truth hast redeemed me and so as one falling asleep and without any bodily pain that could be discerned he departed this life February 18. Anno 1546. and in the great Climaâ—terial year of his life This was the Will which he made concerning his Wife with childe and his young son O Lord God I thank thee that thou wouldst have me live a poor and indigent person upon Earth I have neither house nor Land nor possessions nor money to leave Thou Lord hast given me wife and children them Lord I give back to thee nourish instruct and keep them O thou the Father of Orphans and Iudge of the Widow as thou hast done to me so do to them When he was ready to dye Iustus Ionas and Caelius said to him O Reverend Father do you dye in the constant confession of that Doctrine of Christ which you have hitherto preached To which he answered Yea which was the last word that he spake He was ever constant in the known Truth from the confession whereof he could never be removed neither by promises nor threats In the dismal Wars which followed when Wittenberg was yeilded to the Emperour Charles and he came to see Luthers Tomb some of his Spaniards perswaded him that the body of Luther should be taken up and burned the Emperour said Suffer him to rest till the day of the Resurrection and Iudgement of all men When he was fitting himself for his journey to Isleben he confessed to Melancthon that he had gone too far in the Sacramentary Controversie hereupon Melancthon perswaded him to explicate his minde by publishing some Book but he answered hereby I shall bring a suspition upon all my Doctrine as faulty but when I am dead you may do as you see cause He was full of affections towards his children gave them liberal education
that he was made one of the Professors in the University of Ingolstade And Anno Christi 1516 by the order of his Prince he dealt effectually with Erasmus Roterodamus to draw him to Ingolstade And though he could not prevail yet he had this Testimony given him by Erasmus that he was vir candidus prudens facundus eruditus in summa omnibus omnium Gratiarum ac Musarum dotibus praeditus A candid wise eloquent and learned man c. Then Regius falling to the study of Divinity preferred that before all other Learning applying himself wholly to the searching out of the Divine Mysteries therein contained and a while after the controversie growing hot between Luther and Eccius Regius favouring Luthers Doctrine because he would not offend Eccius to whom he was many ways bound left Ingolstade and went to Auspurg and there at the importunity of the Magistrates and Citizens he undertook the Government of the Church and being offended at the gross Idolatry of the Papists he joyned with Luther and preached against the same and having written to Zuinglius to know his judgement about the Sacrament and Original Sin he received such satisfaction that he joined in opinion with him about the same At that time the Anabaptists crept into Auspurg and held private Conventicles to the disturbance of the Publick Peace for which the Magistrates imprisoned the chiefest of them Amongst which there was a woman of good quality cast into Prison who boasted that she could defend her opinion against Regius if she might but have liberty to confer with him hereupon she was called before the Senate where Regius also was appointed to meet with her There she produced divers Texts of Scripture to confirm her Errors But Regius did so clearly and fully open the genuine sense of them that every one which was not wilfully blinde might easily discern the truth But this wilful woman was so far from submitting to it that she impudently spake thus unto Regius Egregia enimvero Vrbane frater haec disputandi ratio inter me te Tu â—n molli culcitra ad later Consulum adsidens quasi ex Apollinis â—â—ipode proloqueris ego misera humi prostrata â—ex duris vinculis causam dicâ—re cogor â—o this Vrbanus answered Nec vero inâ—urin soâ—or ut quae seâ—el è servitute Diaboli per Christum in libertatem adserta tua spâ—â—te iterum cervicem turpi jugo submisisti istiâ— te ornamentis â—esanus ostentat genius aliâ— iâ— exemplum The Senate perceiving that they labored in vain whilst they sought to reclaim them by a Decree banished them the City Regius Preaching against Purgatory and Indulgences the malice and cruelty of the Papists prevailed at length to the driving him out of that City but after a while by the earnest prayer of the Citizens he was called back again to his former Charge where also he marryed a wife by whom he had thirteen children About the same time Eccius came thither and sought by all means to turn him from the Truth but in vain He sent also Fâ—ber and Cochlaeus with flatteries and large promises who prevailed as little as the other Anno Christi 1530. when the Dâ—et was held at Auspurg for quieting the controversies about Religion the Duke of Brunswick coming thither by importunity prevailed with Regius to go to Luneburg in his Country to take care of the Church there In which journey at Coburg he met with Luther and spent a whole day in familiar conference with him about matters of great moment of which himself writes That he never had a more comfortable day in his life As these words of his in a Letter to one of his friends in Auspurg do testifie wherein he writes thus Cum Saxoniam peterem Coburgi integrum diem solus cum Luthero viro Dei transegeram quo die nullus mihi in vita fuit jucundior Talis enim tantus est Theologus Lutherus ut nulla secula habuerint similem Semper mihi magnus fuit Lutherus at jam mihi Maximus est Vidi enim praesens audivi quae nullo calamo tradi possunt absentibus Ernestus Duke of Brunswick loved him dearly and esteemed him as his Father insomuch as when the City of Auspurg Anno Christi 1535. sent to the Duke desiring him to return Regius to them again he answered That be would as soon part with his Eyes as with him Also at his return from Auspurg when divers of his Nobles asked him what new and pretious ware after the example of other Princes he had brought home with him He answered that he had brought home incomparable treasure for the good of his whole Dukedom which he preferred before all his delights And presently after he made him Bishop and Over-seer of all the Churches in his Country with an ample salary for the same Afterwards going with his Prince to a meeting at Haganaw he had a humor fell into his right Leg which arising in a Pustle brake and caused an issue which the Physitians advised to keep still open but not long after he stopped the same whereupon many presaged his death whereof indeed this was a cause For when on the Sabbath day he had been at Church and received the Sacrament in the Evening rubbing his Forehead he complained of some obstructions and pain in his Head yet was he still cheerful and not troubled at it and so went to bed with his wife and slept till almost day when rising out of his bed he fell along in the floor and with the fall awaked his wife who leaping our of her bed cryed out and endeavoured to lift him into his bed again but all in vain till help came to her A while after seeing his wife and friends heavy and mourning he comâ—orted them and commended himself wholly unto God and so about two or three hours after quietly and comfortably resigned up his soul into the hands of his heavenly Father Anno Christi 1541. and May the 23. He often desired God that he might dye a sudden and easie death wherein God answered his desires He was of an excellent wit holy of life and painful in the work of the Lord. His son Ernest collected all his works together and digested them into several Tomes printed them at Norinberg Afterwards came forth another Book called Loci Theologici ex Patribus Scholasticis Neotericisque collecti per V. Regium The Life of Caralostadius who dyed Anno Christi 1541. ANdreas Bodenstein Caralostadius was born in France in a town called Caralostadium by which he received his name He was brought up at School there and for the improvement of his Learning he went â—o divers Countries and publick Schools such as those times afforded at last he went to Rome to study Divinity such as was then taught there and having spent some time in those
length of your daies to whom we commend you but if we look at naturall causes your disease is dangerous for your weaknesse is great and encreaseth every moment I think the same quoth he and an sensible of my weaknesse A while after he made them search for some sheets of paper wherein he had begunne to write his Will purposing to declare his judgement about all the heads of Religion and to testifie it to posterity which was the chief use of Testaments amongst the antient Fathers but they could not be found whereupon he beganne to frame it a new sitting at a table but through weakness was not able to proceed therein Onely he wrote that he had twice formerly set down a Confession of his Faith and a thanksgiving to God and to our Lord Jesus Christ But saith he my papers are intercepted and therefore I will have my Confession to be my answers concerning the Bavarian Articles against Papists Anabapists Flacians c. His minde was sincere and sound to his last gasp his brain never more firm Then he conferred with his Son-in-law about the affairs of the University About six a clock Letters were brought him from his friends at Frankford Mart concerning the persecution of some godly men in France whereupon he said That his bodily disease was not comparable to the grief of his mind for his godly friends and for the miseries of the Church That night he had very litâ—le rest About two a clock in the morning he raised himself up in his bed saying that God had brought into his minde againe that speech of Paul If God be for us who can be against us After which he returned to his former complaints of the calamities of the Church Yet saith he my hopes are very great for the Doctrine of our Church is explained And so he proceeded to earnest prayers and groanings for the Church and then betook himself to some rest About eight in the morning in the presence of divers Pastors and Deacons he made three Prayers whereof this was one O almighty eternall ever-living and true God creator of heaven a dearth together with thy coâ—tâ—rnall Son our Lord Jesus Christ crucified for us and raised again together with thy holy Spirit c. Who hast faid thou de firest not the death of a sinner but that he may be converted and lâ—ve As also Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will deliver thee I confess unto thee that I am a most miserable sinneâ— that I have many sinnes and have been faulty many waies But I am sorry with all my heart that I have offended thee I pray thee for our Lord Jesus Christs sake who was crucified and rose again for us to have pitty upon me and to forgive all my sinnes and to justifiâ— me by and through Jesus Christ thy Sonne thine eternall Word and Image whom by thy unspeakable counsell and unmeasurable wisdome and goodnesse thou wouldst have to be for us a Sacrifice Mediator and Intercessoâ— Sanctifie me also by thy holy lively and true â—pirit that I may truly acknowledge thee firmly believe in thee truly obey thee give thanks unto thee rightly invocate thy name serve thee and see thee gracious to all eternity and the almighty true God creator of heaven and earth and men the eternall Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ thy Son thy eternall Word and Image and the Holy Ghost the comforter In thee O Lord have I trusted let me never be confounded Thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of Truth Keep O Lord and governe our Church and Common wealths and this School and give them wholsom peace and wholsom goverment Rule and defend our Princes nourish thy Church gather and preserve thy Church in these Countries and sanctifie it and conjoyne it with thy holy spirit that it may be one in thee in the knowledge and invocation of thy Son Jesus Christ by and for the sake of this thine eternal Son our Lord Jesus Christ c. After this he rested a while Then the Pastors and Deacons by turnes read unto him Psalme 24 25 26. Isa. 53. John 17. Rom. 5. and divers other Psalmes and Chapters After which he said I often thinke upon that saying of St. John The world received him not but to those â—hat received him to them he gave power to be made the Sons of God even them that belieeve in his name After this he seemed to pray secretly for a quarter of an hour yea for an hoar or two he seemed to doe little other then pray and being at length asked by his Son in Law whether he would have any thing he answered Nothing but heaven thereforâ— trouble me no more with speaking to me Then the Pastor prayed with him and the others â—ead again and so about haâ—f an hour after six he quietly and peaceably gave up the Ghâ—st having lived 63. yeares 63. dayes After hee had spent in Preaching and writing 42 years Anno Christi 1560. He was buried close by Luther they having been faithfull and intimate friends in their lives He took much pains in the Vniversitie of Wittenberg reading three or four Lectures every day unto which many resorted He was never idâ—e but spent all his time in reading writing disputing or giving counsell He neither sought after great titles nor richâ—â— He could not be perswaded to take the degree of a Doctor saying That such honour was a great burden He had many and great enemies who often thâ—eatned to banish him Germany of which himselfe writes â— go jam sum hic Dei beneficio quadraginta anâ—os nunquam potuidicere aut certus esse me per unam 〈◊〉 mansurum esse I have through Gods mercy been here theâ—e fourty years and yet I could never say or besure that I should remain here one week to an end A little before his death he said Cupio ex hac vita migrare propâ—er duas causas primum ut fruar desiderato conspectu filii Dei coelestis Ecclesiae deinde ut liberer ab immanibus implacabilibus Theologorum odiis Amongst all his writings and disputations he would never meddle with the controversie about the Sacrament leaving that to Luther and being loth publickly to manifest his dissent from him Yet it is certaine that as they went to the Colloquie of Ratisbon together anno 1541. he communicated his opinion to Luther confirmed by the Testimonies of the ancient Fathers both Greek and Latine and when Luther had made some Annotations upon those sentences which contradicted his opinion Melancthon said Mr. Dr. I could make the like Annotations but sure they are not strong enough After all his great labours in the Church and Vniversity he carried away the usuall reward of the world reproof accusations injuries and reproaches Anno Christi 1555. a tumult being raised amongst the students he went forth to perswade them to peace when one of them ran
of that worthy main James Sime where he beganne privately to instruct such as resorted to him amongst whom was the Laird of Dun David Forresse and Elizabeth Adamson the Wife of James Baranne Burgesse of Edenborough and some others After a while Master Knox perceiving that divers who willingly entertained the Doctrine of Christ yet made no scruple to goe to Masse and to communicate in the abused Sacraments after the Papisticall manner he beganne as well in private conference as in his Ministery to shew the impiety of the Masse and the great danger of communicating with Idolatry wherewith some being terrified in conscience the businesse beganne to be agitated from one to another Hereupon the Laird of Dun invited Master Knox to supper where were present David Forresse Master Kobert Lockart John Willock and William Matland at which meeting the question was proposed and debated and Mr. Knox did so fully and learnedly answer whatsoever was objected against his Doctrine that William Matland concluded in these words I see very well that all our shifts will serve nothing before God seeing they stand us in so small stead before men After these reasonings the Mass beganne to be abhorred and Mr. Knox at the request of the Laird of Dun went with him to Dun where he remained a moneth preaching every day to the people the principall men of that country resorting to his Ministery At the moneths end he went to Calder whether resorted to him the Lord Erskin afterwards Earl of Argile Lord James the Prior of St. Andrews afterwards Earl of Murrey where they heard and so approved his Ministry that they wished it had been more publick A while after the Earl of Glencarne sent for Master Knox to his place of Finlaston where after he had preached to them he administred the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to the Earl his Lady two of his sons and some others and so he went back to Calder to which place many resorted to him from Edenborough and the country round about not onely to hear his Doctrine but also to partake of the holy Sacrament which before they had never received From thence he departed the second time to the Laird of Duns where he preached the Gospel with more liberty and boldnesse then he had before and many of the Gentlemen of the Country after they had heard his Doctrine desired also to be made partakers of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and through Gods mercy his Minâ—stry had such an impression upon their hearts that they presently refused all society with Idolatry and bent themselves to the uttermost of their powers to maintain the truth of Christ. This so vexed the Friers that from all quarters they flocked to their Bishops to complain of Master Knox so that he was summoned to appear in the black-Fryers Church in Edenborough the fifteenth of May following and accordingly he appeared Thither came also Iohn Erskin of Dun with divers other Gentlemen which the Bishops taking notice of durst not proceed against him Insomuch that Master Knox the same day that he should have appeared before them preached in Edenborough in a greater Audience then ever he had before The place where he preached was in the Bishop of Dunkellins great lodging in which place he preached ten days together both forenoon and afternoon Then did the Earl of Glencarne solicit the Earl Marshall to hear Master Knox which he with his Counsellor Drummoâ—d did and so liked his Doctrine that he willed Master Knox to write unto the Queen Regent somewhat that might move her to hear the word of God This M. Knox was willing to do and wrote that which was afterwards printed called A Letter to the Queen Dowager which was delivered by the Earl of Glencarne into her own hands The Queen after she had read the Letter delivered it to that proud Prelate Becon Bishop of Glascow saying in scorne Please you my Lord to read a Pasquill Whilst Master Knox was thus occupied in Scotland there came a Letter to him from the English Congregation which was setled at Geneva Anno Christi 1555. being separated from the contentious and superstitious company at Frankefort requiring him in the name of God that as he was their chosen Pastor so he should repair to them for their comfort Upon this he took his leave in every Congregation where before he had preached exhorting them to fervent prayer frequent reading oâ— the Scriptures and mutuall conference till God should give them greater liberty and then he sent before him to Diep his Mother in law Elizabeth Bowes and his wife but himselfe by the importunity of Robert Campbel stayed a while in Scotland going to the Earl of Argile then in Campbel Castle where he taught certain dayes the Laird of Glenurquaire being one of his Auditors who intreated the Earl of Argile to retain him in Scotland But he was resolved upon his journey and would by no means stay at that time yet promising that if the Lord blessed those small beginnings whensoever they pleased to command him they should find him obedient to their call Shortly after he passed over into France and from thence went to Geneva whereupon the Bishops of Scotland summoned him and for non-appearance condemned him and burnt his effigies at the Crosse at Edenborough From which unjust sentence when Master Knox heard of it he â—ent an appellation which he directed to the Nobility and Commons of Scotland March the tenth Anno Christi 1556. certain of the Nobility of Scotland sent this ensuing Letter to Master Knox at Geneva Grace mercy and peace for salvation Dearly bâ—loved in the Lord the faithfull that are of your acquaintance in these parts thanks be to God are stedfast in the beliefe wherein you left them and have a godly thirst and desire from day to day to injoy your presence againe which if God so move your heart and give you life we desire you in the name of the Lord that you returne to us again into this place where you shall finde all faithfull that you left behind you who will not only be glad to hear your Doctrine but ready to jeopard their estates for the setting forth of the glory of God as he will permit time And albeit the Magistrates of this Country be as yet but in the state you left them yet at the writing hereof we have no experience of any more cruelty used then was before but rather beleeve that God will augment his flock because we see daily the Friers enemies to Christs Gospel in lesse estimation both with the Queens Grace and the rest of the Nobility of the Realme This in few words is the mind of the faithfull here present and of others absent The rest of our minds this faithfull messenger wil shew you when he comes to you Fare you well in the Lord. Subscribed Glencarne Erskin Argile James Steward Master Knox upon the receipt of this
six anniversarie Sermons in several places of Norfolk To Bennet Colledge he gave thirty Scholarships built them a Library and bestowed many excellent bookes and ancient Manuscripts upon it besides 300 ounces of silver and gilt-plate and the perpetual Patronage of St. Mary-Abchurch London Hee carefully collected and caused to be printed divers ancient Histories of England which probably had otherwise been lost He died in peace Anno Christi 1574 and of his Age 72. H. BVLLINGER The Life of Henry Bullinger who dyed Aâ—â— Christi 1575. HEnry Bullinger was born at Bremogart in Hâ—lvetia Anno Christi 1504 of an ancient and honourable family which had flourished in that town for about two hundred years Twice in his childhood he escaped death very narrowly First being sick of the Plague his funerall was prepared yet it pleased God that beyond expectation he recovered Secondly playing on a Pipe as hee was running hee fell down and struck the Pipe so far into his throat that hee was taken up for dead and for five daies could eat nothing yet the Lord againe restored him His Father being learned himself was a great lover of it and therefore very careful to breed up this his son in learning So that at five years old he â—et him to School in that place where he was born and this young boy quickly discovered an excellent wit but his Master being himself but a weak scholar he made not such a progresse in Learning as otherwise hee might have done Hereupon Anno Christi 1516 when he was twelve years old his Father sent him to Embric where under severall Schoolmasters he was instructed in Grammar and other Elements of Learning was kept under a strict government for his 〈◊〉 and was trained up in the knowledge and feare of God Thiâ— strict discipline was not grievous to Bullinger for having been formerly brought up by his Parents religiously and being endued with a virtuous disposition he did those things willingly which others were forced to by stripes Yea he was then of such an austere carâ—iage that of himself he beganne to entertaine thoughts of entering into a Monastery of the Carthusians which of all others was accounted the strictest Sect yet would he doe nothing rashly therein till he had first cousulted with his parents and procured their consents Having thus continued three years at Embric he went to Collen Anno Christi 1519 being but slenderly provided for by his Father so that according to the custome of those times he procured victuals by singing and begging from door to door not that his father wanted wherewith to supply his necessities or that he withheld it from him out of a covetous mind but he did it that he might enure his Son to patience and hardship and that he might make him more meercifull â—o those that were in want all his life after Aâ— Callen he studied Logick and â—ommenâ—ed Batchelor of Arts at sixteen years old Afterwards betaking himself to the study of Divinity there being at this time many Theological controversies he had recourse to his Tutors for direction what to study and Peter Lombard being at this time most in request they advised him to the study thereof but meeting with many quotations out of the ancient Fathers he thought fit to read the Authors themselves And the Monastery of the Frier Predicants having a good Library belonging to it he by some friends gat leave to make use of it where lighting upon Chrysostomes Homilies upon Matthew he read them over together with divers parts of Augustine Origen and Ambrose and in the meane time read privately at home Luther De captivitate Babylonica and De bonis operibus Yet could he not for the present deliver himself from the errors of the times though hee saw that Luther came nearer to the opinions of the Antients then Lombard did Hee observed also that whereas the Schoolmen quoted the Fathers the Fathers they quoted the Scriptures Hereupon he betook himself to the reading of the Scriptures especially of the New Testament with St. Hierom and some other Commentaries upon it By which at the last through Gods mercy he beganne to abhorre the Popish Errors laying aside his former thoughts of turning Carthusian diligently applyed himself to read over Melancthons Common-places wherewith hee was wonderfully delighted Anno Christi 1522 hee Commenced Master of Arts and so returning home lived a year in his fathers house wholly imploying himself in his studies and private exercises The year after he was called by Wolfgang Joner Abbat of Capella near Zurick to teach a Schoole where hee was to instruct some Friers and other young men both in Divine and Humane Learning There he read to them in Dutch by reason of many that resorted to his Lectures some peeces of Erasmus Melancthons Common-places and a great part of the New Testament and some other Authors and so hee spent six years partly in his private studies and partly in instructing others Anno Christi 1527 hee was sent by his Abbat to Zurick where for five moneths space he heard Zuinglius preaching and reading his Lectures in the Schools and by the help of Pellican he began to study Hebrew and to perfect his knowledge in the Greek There also he gained acquaintance with sundry Learned men and wrote many things some whereof were afterwards printed He also by his preaching at the Monastery of Capella so far prevailed with the Abbat and Friers that the Masse and other Superstitions were cast out and the Lords Supper truly administred and such Friers as were unfit for the Ministry betooke themselves to other trades Anno Christi 1528 He went with Zuinglius to the Disputation at Bern. Anno Christi 1529 he was called to his native place of Bremogart where God so prospered his Ministry that presently after his comming the Magistrates banished Popery and set out a severe Decree against Adultery and Drunkennesse and being chosen Pastor of that place he preached every Sabbath in the afternoon and the three daies following in the morning Besides every day at the time of Evening prayers hee expounded a part of the New Testament But the Divell raised up some Anabaptists which disturbed the peace of that Church With these Bullinger disputed publickly and thereby in a great measure restrained them He wrote also in the defence of Tythes which as those Anabaptists said should be abolished under the New Testament And when afterwards the number of Anabaptists did exceedingly increase in Germany he set forth 6 books against â—hem wherein he shewed the originall progress the various Sects and the chiefe opinions of the Anabaptists which also hee confuted Anno Christi 1529 there arose great commotions in Helvetia and the Bernates sent some souldiers to Bremogart and for the composing of the differences there was a meeting of the chiefest persons at Bremogart where Bullinger preached at
Latine and sent beyond sea where to this day they are highly prized and much set by yea some of them are translated into French High-Dutch and Low-Dutch and his Reformed Catholick was translated into Spanish also yet no Spaniard ever since durst take up the Gantlet of Defiance cast down by this Champion He died in the forty fourth year of his age of a violent fit of the Stone Anno Christi 1602 being born the first and dying the last year of Queen Elizabeth He was of a ruddy complexion fat and corpulent Lame of his right hand yet this Ehud with a left-handed pen did stab the Romish cause as one saith Dextera quantumvis fuerat tibi manca docendi Pollebas mirâ dexteritate tamen Though nature thee of thy right hand bereft Right-well thou writest with thy hand that 's left He was buried with great solemnity at the sole charges of Christs Colledge the University and Town striving which should expresse more sorrow at his Funeral Doctor Montague Preached his Funeral Sermon upon that Text Moses my servant is dead Master Perkins his manner was to go with the Prisoners to the plaâ—â— of execution when they were condemned and what 〈◊〉 his labours were crowned with may appeare by this example A young lusty fellow going up the ladder discovered an extraordinary lumpishnesse and dejection of spirit and when he turned himselfe at the upper round to speak to the people he looked with a rueful and heavy countenance as if he had been half dead already whereupon Master Perkins laboured to chear up his spirits and finding him still in an Agony and distresse of minde he said unto him What man what is the matter with thee art thou afraid of death Ah no said the Prisoner shaking his head but of a worser thing Saist thou so said Master Perkins come down again man and thou shalt see what Gods grace will doe to strengthen thee Whereupon the prisoner coming down Master Perkins took him by the hand made him kneel down with himself at the ladder foot hand in hand when that blessed man of God made such an effectuall prayer in confession of sinnes and aggravating thereof in all circumstances with the horrible and eternal punishment due to the same by Gods justice as made the poor prisoner burst out into abundance of tears and Master Perkins finding that he had brought him low enough even to hell gates he proceeded to the second part of his prayer and therein to shew him the Lord Jesus the Saviour of all penitent and believing sinners stretching forth his blessed hand of mercy and power to save him in that distressed estate and to deliver him from all the powers of darkness which he did so sweetly press with such heavenly art and powerfull words of grace upon the soul of the poor prisoner as cheared him up again to look beyond death with the eyes of Faith to see how the black lines of all his sinnes were crossed and cancelled with the red lines of his crucified Saviours precious blood so graciously applying it to his wounded conscience as made him break out into new showres of tears for joy of the inward consolation which he found and gave such expression of it to the beholders as made them life up their hands and praise God to see such a blessed change in him who the prayer being ended rose from his knees chearfully and went up the Ladder again so comforted and tooke his death with such patience and alacrity as if he actually saw himself delivered from the hell which he feared before and heaven opened for the receiving of his soul to the great rejoycing of the beholders His works are printed in three volumes F. JVNIVS The Life of Francis Junius who died A no Christi 1602. FRancis Junius was born in France of a Noble Family An. Christi 1545. His Grandfather was William Lord of Boffardineria who for his valiant service in the wars of Navar was rewarded by King Lewis the twelfth with that honour His Father was Denis who in his youth studied Law in the most famous Universities of France His Mother was Jacoba Hugalda which bore nine children four sons and five daughters amongst which this our Francis was born in Biturg His Mother being sickly the child was very weak not likely to live one houâ— and therefore was hastily baptised And during his childhood this weakness continued which falling into his left legge caused a soare which was difficultly healed When hee was five yeares old his Father beganne to teach him to read as his leisure would permit At six yeares old he began to write and to discover his ingenuity being of a pleasant disposition very desirous of honour quickly angry and for his age of a grave judgement Hee did eat his meat eagerly was very shame-fac'd which continued with him all his life after Hee had the publick Schoolmasters for his instructers besides others that privately taught him at home At twelve years old he attended the publick Lectures and began to study the Civill Law and his Father much encouraged and assisted him therein Yet one thing much impeded him in his first studies For being put forth to School hee met with harsh and severe Masters which used to beat him in a most cruel and barbarous manner yet his love to learning made him conceal it from his friends When he had studied Law about two years he was sent to Lions to have gone with the French Ambassador to Constantinople but coming too late after the Ambassadors departure he staid and studied there turning over many bookes whereof in that place were great plenty But there he met with great temptations to evill a woman and a young mayd labouring upon every opportunity to draw him to lewdnesse This much troubled him having been brought up religiously by his parents whereupon he thought of returning home but his fathers authority who commanded his stay there altered those thoughts and so through Gods assistance he resisted that temptation But presently fell into another For as he was reading over Tully de Legibus there came a certain man to him using the words of the Epicure nihil cur are Deum nec alieni that God cares for nothing And he so pressed it with such subtile arguments that hee prevailed with him to suck in that damnable principle and so he gave up himself to vile pleasures for a year and somewhat more But the Lord suffered him not to continue longer therein For first in a tumult in Lions the Lord wonderfully delivered him from imminent death so that he was compelled to acknowledge a divine providence therein And his Father hearing the dangerous waies that his son was misled into sent for him home where he carefully and holily instructed him and caused him to read over the new Testament of wich himselfe writes thus novum Testamentum aperio exhibet se mihi
he to Alting I give thee leave to take any one book and to carry it away with thee This proffer our generous Alting refused saying Sir If all these things be yours I pray God that you may enjoy them longer then their last Master did This was with Iob to say The Lord hath given and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. Fortiter ille facit qui miser esse potest Thuâ— returning to his former refuge not without very great danger three days after Tilly who had taken up Altings son in Laws house for his Quarters was prevailed with to grant him a safe conduct to go to Heilbron to bring back his family from thence Thus escaping out of Heidleberg he passed through a thousand dangers and deaths till it pleased God at last to bring him safely to Heilbron from whence after a short stay he went to Schomdorf where he found his family In which place he stayed till Frebruary following having obtained leave so to do of the Duke of Wirtemberg by the mediation of his Dutches whom otherwise the Lutheran Divines would not have endured and indeed they fretted exceedingly at it having no other reason for their spleen but only because he was a Professor of Heidleberg The year following being 1623. the King of Bohemia sent for him into the Low-countries and at last through Gods mercy after a long difficult dangerous and chargable journey both by Water and Land he arrived safely with his Family at Embden and after a short stay there went into Holland presenting himself to his King who presently made him Tutor to his Eldest son Frederick Neither would the King suffer him to imbrace a frequent call which he had to a Pastoraâ— charge in Embden Yet neither did he pass over that year without great danger For as he was passing in a sled upon the ice nere Purmerend the ice breaking he fell into the water and was very neer drowning But by Gods mercy being pulled out he fell into a dangerous disease of which though he recovered yet he felt a continual pain in his left shoulder all his life after A while after taking all his Family with him he removed to Leiden to oversee the Kings sons in their studies Anno Christi 1625. Sibrand Lubbertus dying at Franekâ—r he was called by the States of Frisland to supply that place and they sent again and again to the King to desire his consent thereto But the King not consenting he modestly excused it Anno Christi 1626. he was called to Groning to supply the place of Ravensâ—erg one of the Professors of Divinity lately dead And though the King would by no means at first hear of it yet at the importunity of the Senate and University he at last consented and furnishing him with necessaries dismissed him So that he removed to Groning and the Easter following began his work in the University Anno Christi 1627. yet once a year he used to visit the King who always highly prized him and used him very familiarly He supplyed that Professors place at Groning for the space of eighteen years with admirable fidelity diligence and industry as not only his hearers but his works testifie As his Body of Divinity His Explication of Vrsins Catechism and the Belgick Confession His Disputations and Lectures against the Manual of Becanus His Tractates concerning the Plague Predestination and the Term of Life His Vindication and Explication of the Canons of the Synod of Dort Besides some other of his Works not yet printed He was three times Rector of the Academy in Groning In the years 1628. 1636 and 1641. At all which times he brought some great profit or other to the University In his first Rectorship he procured an encrease of Fellowships For whereas there were but forty before he encreased them to sixty In his second Rectorship he procured a great augmentation to the University Library In his third he obtained that one of the Doctors was sent at the Publick charge to Leiden to buy the choicest Books out of Gomarus his Library He was seven years Pastor of the Church of Groning At the request of Count Benthemius he visited the County of Steinfurt purged it from Socinianism and setled peace in the Churches He together with some other learned men was imployed in perusing and correcting the new Version of the New Testament and the Apocrypha Books wherein he attended it with great diligence and danger at Leiden the Plague being very rife amongst them at the same time He always had a singular care of the Churches of Germany and especially of the Pallatinate improving his interest in procuring liberal contributions in all the Reformed Churches for their maintenance that they might not perish through want The Collections which were made in England were committed to his distribution with two others by the Elector Charles Lodowick The contribution of that Noble and Munisicent man Lodowick de Geer was put into his hand for the training up of young German Students in Divinity which might when God should restore peace furnish the Churches of the Palatinate again which trust he discharged with great diligence and fidelity He refused the Cals which he had to Vtrick and Leiden For though he condescended to the latter when it was brought him Anno Christi 1633. by the Syndic of Leiden yet it was upon condition that the Provincial States of Groning would give their consents But he was too dear to them to be dismissed though several requests were made to them by the States of Holland for the obtaining thereof He was once calleâ— back by the Administrator of the Palatinate Prince Lodowick Philip to be Professor of Heidleberg and to restore the Churches in the Palatinate and for that end he went through many dangers as far as Franckfurt but by reason of the overthrow at Norlingen a new tempest hung over the Palatinate which hindred his prosecution of that work How much he watched over the good of the University of Groning how careful he was for the choice of able Professors in case of vacancy and how prevalent he was therein by reason of his favour and authority with the States is known to all that were his Contemporaries there He was very careful for the training up of young Students to the work of the Ministry that they should not be sent forth raw and unprovided to so great and difficult imployments for which end he caused Ecclesiastes Bucani to be printed for their use He marryed a wife whilst he was at Heidleberg Anno Christi 1614. a little before he was called to his Professors place Not rashly as many do marrying and getting children before they have means to maintain them She was a very religious Matron Susanna Belieria the daughter of Charles Belierius then Consul of Heidleberg with whom he lived lovingly without domestick quarrels for
the space of neer thirty years by whom he had seven children He was tall of stature and well set He had quick eyes and lively senses a loud and pleasing voice A sound constitution only by reason of his many occasions of grief somewhat inclining to Melancholy so as he was prone to such diseases wherein that humor did abound In his old age he was somewhat slow of gate not through unwealdiness of body but by reason of the speedy growth of old age upon him He was very pious and learned and adorned with all graces If he set himself to reprove vice he performed it with great gravity If he comforted his friends he did it with admirable dexterity If he admonished any of their duty he did it with much lenity His Ministry was full of Majesty his stile eloquent his matter clear and solid He was very sociable pleasant and loving in his converse with his friends By his practice converse experience and reading both of ancient and modern Ecclesiastical Histories he attained to a great measure of wisdom He was very zealous in defending the Orthodox Religion Very far from busying himself in other mens matters Could not endure strife and contentions Shunned those vain distinctions and fooleries of Sophisters whereby they rather darken then explicate the mysteries of Salvation He could not endure novelties in Divinity holding that of Tertullian Primum quodque verissimum That which is most ancient is most true His profession was without dissimulation his Divinity solid and substantial not that which is fetched out of the puddles of the Schoolmen though he was no stranger to them but out of the pure Fountain of the Sacred Scriptures He was a constant studier of the Peace of the Church yet always so as not to hazard the loss of truth which he ever preferred before the former He was of a constant minde always the same valiant in adversity moderate in prosperity having well learned 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to sustain and abstain In reproofs he was affectionate without bitterness In admonishing and counselling prudent without passion In choosing his friends of a quick judgement and constant in retaining them When he was to deliver his judgement either in the Academical Senate or in the Ecclesiastick Presbyterie he so went before others with his prudent counsel as not to neglect to hear others judgements neither would he take it ill if they dissented from him If any question of great difficulty happened he would never rest till he had searched out and made plain the truth If any resorted to him in private to ask his advice in Sacred Civil Academical or Oeconomical affairs his answer was instead of an Oracle to them His prudence did futher discover it self by the government of his Family where he kept all in peace order and concord and concerning which this only was known that no body knâ—w what was done therein Anno Christi 1639. he buryed one of his daughters called Mary a beautiful and virtuous young maid which caused so great grief to him that he fell into a Quartane Ague which Physitians hold to be mortal in old men and though at last he was cured of it yet it lest ill reliques in his weakened boâ—y which in the year 1641. brake forth into a far more grievous disease viz. a Lethâ—rgy which threatned an Apoplexie and which the Physitians did foretel to be fatal Yet neither by this sharp affliction could his stedfast minde be cast down For after a while contrary to all mens expectations he began to recover strength though indeed he was never perfectly cured A third affliction which befel him was the death of his dear wife which fell out the year after upon October the 15 the same day upon which formerly he had been chosen Master of the College of Wisdom From that very time of the loss of his wife he was discerned to decay his solitude encreasing his melancholy which afterwards he could never get the mastery over Yea he often foretold that he should not long survive his wife and though the Easter after he went as far as â—â—mbden to visit his friends and recreate himself with their society yet thereby he did but increase his destempers For he was detained there for the space of twenty days by reason of a Catharr and Feaver after which he returned to Groning but much weakned and troubled with obstructions which Physick could not remove nor any Medicines cure Yet it pleased God that he had some lucid intervals at which times he would attend upon his Professorship and the affairs of the University and his friends August following those obstructions so far prevailed that they took away his stomach and thence ensued a sensible decay of his strength which afterwards was accompanied with great pains in his Back and Loins that caused often faintings In his sickness Doctor Maretius visiting him with a firm voice and friendly minde he congratulated him for that he was designed for his successor For saith he it much rejoyceth me that I shall leave to the Vniversity and Church one that is studious of peace Orthodox in judgement and averse from novelties and I require you that as you have ever maintained friendship with me so do the like with mine whom I shall leave behinde me The day before his death he sang the 130 Psalm with a sweet voice and fervent zeal to the Lord and spent the rest of his time in hearty Prayers and holy meditations In the Evening he blessed his children and then commanded his son Doctor James Alting to pray with him and in his Prayers to remember the Church and University The next day which was Sabbath day in the morning he found himself somewhat better yet presently after he fell into a swound After the Morning Exercise his old friends Doctor Camerarius and Doctor Strasbergerus Agents for the Crown of Sweden came to visit him by whose conference he was somewhat refreshed but no sooner were they gone when feeling that his disease had conquered Nature he told those about him that before Sunset he should depart to the Lord and so acting his faith upon the death and merits of Christ upon the promises of the Gospel and cheared up with the comforts of the Holy Ghost he expected death without fear and presently after with a constant voice he bade them all farewel as being ready to depart to Christ which he much longed for Then causing himself to be somewhat raised up they perceived that he was ready to depart wherefore hastily sending for the Reverend Pastor of the Church Wesselus Emmius his old friend he prayed with him and as long as he perceived that he understood him he cheered him up with the sweet promises of the Gospel valiantly to go through that last combate and so about three a clock in the afternoon in the presence of his friends and the Professors of the University without the least