intercession of the Saints and concerning the sacrifice of the Masse but being easily confuted he recanted confessed his error and gave thankes unto Almighty God that had prepared so excellent an instrument to open his eyes and to shew unto him cleerly the knowledge of the truth This his deniall of the intercession of the Saints and sacrifice of the Masse Stirred up Hugh Bishop of Constance to make an opposition against him insomuch that Zuinglius was inforced to declare publikly unto the world that which he beleeved concerning those and other differences betwixt himselfe and the Church of Rome by reason wherof his report and â—ame was brought unto Adrian the sixt then Pope of Rome who forthwith wrote unto him afâ—â—r this manner Beloved Sonne greâ—ting and Apostolicall Benediction We send our venerable brother Ennius Bishop of Verulan our Domistick Praelate and Apostolicall Nuntio a man wise and trusty unto that strenuous and warlike moâ—ion which hath beene friendly and faithfull unto us and to our Apostolicall Sea that he may treat with them about serious affaires which concerne not onely us and our Sea but also the whole Christian Common-wealth now although we have streightly commanded him that he shall relate those things in publicke before all in generall yet neverthelesse seeing that speciall notice is given unto us of those excellent vertues wherewith thou art endewed we cannot but entirely love and greatly rejoyce in thy zeale reposing a spiciall kind of Confidence in thee wherefore we have commanded the same Bishop our Legate that he deliver these our letters unto thee in particular and withall to declare our great affection towards thee finally we exhort you to be zealous in the Lord and to repose all your confidence in him and looke with what affection we tender your honour and preferment we desire the same from you in respect of our and the affaires of the sea Apostolicall and for which you shall finde no small favour aâ— our hands Given at Rome 23. Januvary 1523. and in the first yeer of our Popedome Letters were also written by the same Pope unto Franciscus Zinggius to this intent that he should not be wanting to use all meanes to draw and to allure this godly man to the prefession of the doctrine of the Church of Reme which Francisâ—us being damanded by Mysconius what reward the Pope had promised unto him on condition that he could perswade Zâ—inglius to revoke his opinion he seriously answered that Peters Chaire excepted he had promised him all things else Whence it is evident that the Divell and his members laboured as much as in them lied to hinder the knowledge of the truth of Christ and to detaine men in blindnesse and ignorance And hence we may observe the constancy of this holy man who could not be allured to forsake and fall from the truth of God and of his word no noâ—â—or all the preferments of the world â—steeming with Saint Paul all things as dung in respect of Christ. The Gospel now with the blessing of God being received and embraced of the Zigurins and gathering strength every day more and more Zuingliâ—s began to enter into a serious consideration of changing the forme of things present into a better state and condition reducing the Monks and Priests unto three orders some for labour some for Marrage some for learning because the number of them seeme greater then might seâ—ve for the use of Religion Being busied about this Reformation there crept in the Heiresie of the Catabaptists who forbad the Baptizing of Infants and did rebaptize themselves with these Zuinglius dealt friendly at the first disputing with them and convincing them of their errors but they being obstinate in their opinions he caused the Senate severely to punish them some with imprisonment some with death But to returne againe his alteration of the state at Tigurum concerning Priests and Mâ—nks and the decree against Pensioners being by his meanes sealed and confirmed caused him to be every way surrounded with enemies who waited daily and hourely to take away his life and also in the night season insomuch that he durst not walke abroad without a strong guard to defend him from his enemies who used openly in the streets all reproachfull speeches against him and these wicked and ungratious villaines when they saw that they could neither prevaile against the Gospel nor against this good Preacher of the Gospel then they bent all their forces against those who were obedient to the word of God imagining nothing but mischiefe towards them alwaies intending their destruction and ruine Hence it was concluded and resolved on to take up Armes for the deâ—ence of the truth of the doctrin of Christ and they all enter into a new League the old being notwithstanding no way violated but remaine firme and that by the great labour and industry of Zuinglius not that he intended any thing hurtfull unto his Countrey but to extirpate and to roote out their vices and to plant in it firmely the doctrine of the Gospel both for the glory of God and also for the good of all Switzerland for he deâ—ired nothing more then that all Nations might confesse the Lord Jesus and therefore he exhorted those that were his friends and which stood up for the truth of Christ to undergoe the hazard of their lives in so good a cause with these expresse words following That whith heretofore I have written unto you I exhort you unto it still beâ—eeching you to remaine constant and immovable and not to be afraid of your enimies for that peace which some so greatly urge and presse is open warre and not peace and that warre which we are to undertake is peace and not open warre for we doe not thirst after any mans blood neither do we desire to spill it by such tuâ—multuous actions but this we maintaine and defend that the nerves and sinewes of an Oligarchy are to be cut off and unlesse it be the truth of the Gospell and the Ministers thereof will never have any safe and quiet residence and dwelling amongst us Alas it is not cruelty that we thinke of but our actions are both fatherly and friendly we desire to be a meanes to save those who are like to perish through ignorance our greatest ambition is to preserve our liberty therefore doe not so much estrange your selves from our determinations you shall find them more peaceable and more just then some have related unto you you are apt to beleeve those which speake false of us who notwithstanding hitherto have had good and sufficient triall of our truth and of their inconstancy I will not say lies In this shew your selves to be men that ye remaine Constant and immovable as we doe for our faith towards God and men In a word let not feare dismay you for through the goodnesse of God we shall so behave our selves in this League that it shall neither purchase shame nor griefe to your selves Thus did he cheerefully
is a pregnant instance thereof whose inconsiderable yea contemptable beginning improved it selfe to give a blow under the fift rib in Scripture alwaies observed mortall to the man of sin 2 It would have given much satisfaction to the reader and more to our selves could we present him with exact Particulars of Huss his birth and extraction But alas we are so far from having a starre going before us to direct us to the place of his nativitie that we finde not the least candle-light to guide us to the notice thereof In or neere Prague we conceive him to be borne in which University he had his education 3. Now the learning of that age moved in a very narrow circle in Case and Controversiall Divinity The Schoolmen wanting the wings of the learned tongues therewith to mount into the meaning of the Scriptures in their originall onely employed themselves in running round in the beaten path of common questions whilst such amonst them as were of extraordinary parts impatient to be confined within yet unable to exceed the foresaid compasse let out their soules and made roome for the activitie of their mindes by digging deepe into curious inquiries where their best results are either unnecessarie or certaine or both Wherefore Iohn Huss declining such intricate labyrinthes betooke himselfe to finde out the right way to heaven describ'd in Gods word 4 It happened about this time that Richard the second of England married Anne sister to Wencelaus King of Bohemia and although he had no children by her yet the conversion of Bohemia may fitly be stiled the issue of this their mariage Indeed this Queene Anne taught our English women modestie in riding on Side-saddles in exchange whereof the English taught the Bohemians true religion first discovâ—ring the Romish superstitions unto them For her Courtiers here did light on the bookes of Iohn Wicklief and carried them into their owne Country where Huss had the happinesse to read approve and disperse the same See here the pedegree of the Reformation wherein Germany may be counted the Son Bohemia the Father and England the Grand-father 5. Huss hereupon began zealously to preach and propagate the truth which for the soundnesse thereof was welcome to many for the novelty to more But as the Jewes Acts 22.22 heard Saint Paul patiâ—ntly untill that passage That he was sent to the Gentiles which inraged them beyond all modesty and measure crying out away with such a fellow from the earth for it is not fit that he should live so even some Friers lent attentive eares to Huss his Sermons till their profit began to be concerned in his confuting the gainefull errours of Rome and their malice mustred all opposition against him First by order from his holinesse the Arch-bishop of Suinco was commanded to suppresse him but all in vaine his commands prevailing no more with Huss than the peoples prohibitions to Bartimeus commâ—nding him silence Marke 10.48 which onely made him cry out the more a great deale In so much that the Pope himselfe was faine to take the matter in hand 6 Here happined a most remarkable Accident very advantagious for the propagating of Husses doctrine A Scisme happened in the Church of Rome betwext three Popes at the same time so that Peters chaire was like to be broken betwixt so many sitting downe together This conduced much to the benefit of Huss who hereupon took advantage to decline so good a witt having an usefull Theame would loose nothing in handling it against the Chuch of Rome Pleading that having three it had no leagall head That this monstrous apparition of the Man of â—in presaged his life was â—hort that these three Anti-Popes made up one Antichrist In a word there was opened unto â—im a great doore of utterance made out of that cracke or cleft which now happened in this seasonable schisme at Rome 7 It was now high time a generall Councell should be called The Church was growne fowle with long want of scowring however the vicious Court of Rome declined it wonder not if theeves be unwilling to heare of an Assises expecting that there their faults would be discovered and censured All the world stood on the Tiptoes of Expectation what the Councell would produce Where for a while we leave them with the three Popes tugging one against the other where all Three at last were deposed and Pope Martin substituted in the roome of them 8 Huss during the beginning of this Counsell remained at Pargue constantly preaching in his Church of Bethlehem Where his adversaries chose out of his bookes and preaching severall Articles which they charged against him for Hereticall And it may seeme wonderfull how variously the number of them is rekoned up some times eight errours sometimes nine sometimes one and twenty sometimes five and fourty which numbers the doctors and Masters of the University of Prague collected and objected against him Yet none need justly admire at this difference as if Huss his opinions were like the stones on Salsbury plain falsely reported that no two can count them alike The variety ariseth first because some count onely his primitive Tenets which were breeders whilest others count all the yong Frye of Consequences derived from them Secondly some were more industrous to seeke capatious to expound malicious to deduce far distant Consequences Excellent at the inflaming of a Reckoning and to discover an infant or Embryo errours which others over looked Thirdly It is possible that in processe of time Huss might delate himselfe in additionall and supplementall opinions more than what he maintained at first His principall accusations were that he maintained the Sacrament was to be ministred to the peoplâ— under both Kings Secondly That Priests in a mortall sinne might not minister the Sacrament Thirdly That the Popes power above other Priests was onely invented for covetousnesse Fourthly That Priests once ordained are not to be forbidden preaching c. 9 For these Tenets Huss was excommunicated by Cardinall Delâ—hunna a sure prop of the Romish Church But all in vaine seeing the Gentry and Nobility of Bohemia did highly favour him Whereupon he was brought to the Counsell of Constance under the Safeguard of the whole Empire and a solemne Conduct of the Emperour Sigâ—smunâ—'s double written both in Latine and Almane that whether learned or unlearned might pretend ignorance thereof drawne in a most favourable Latitude for him and strongest legall forme given at Spire the eighteenth of October Anno Dom. 1414. Yea when the Pope waâ— informed by a Bohemian Gentleman what liberty Huss had granted him to remaine in Constance without any trouble vexation or interruption his Holinesse replied that if Huss had killed his brother no violence should be offered unto him during his abode in this City 10 But as the man possessed with a Divell Mark 5.3 None could binde him no not with chaines So strong was the uncleane Spirit of Cruelty in the Romish Court that no duplicates or double cords of safe Conducts
most worthily succeed And as two Twins for their heroick Spirit The one the others honour may inherit For by John Huss Jerom was blestly ayded Where by the Romish rout he was invaded And Jerom hearing Huss was wrong'd by Rome To vindicate his quarrell did presume But in the tryall found his heeles tript up Fearfull by Romish rage to taste his Cup Yet at the last that tempting blast ore blown His doubled and redoubled Zeal was shown Stoutly recanting his forc'd recantation To th' Death he hated Romes abomination Which did their Romish furie so enflame That torturing him they Tygers fierce became His head like Huss with painted Divels arrayd His Soule to Heaven outragious flames convayd MARTINVS LVTHERVS The Life and Death of Martin Luther MArtin Luther was born at Isleben Ann. Dom. 1483. November 10. at 9. a clock at night on Saint Martins day and was calâ—'d Martin His parents brought him up in knowledge and feare of God according to the capacitie of his tender yeeres and taught him to read at home and accustomed him to vertuous demeanour The father of George Aemilius as Luther often hath related first put him to Schoole where though the trueth was much darkned by clouds of Popery yet God preserved still the heads of Catechisme the Elements of the Cistoian Grammer some Psalmes and formes of prayer At fourteene yeeres of age he with Iohn Reineck who proved a man of especiall vertue and authority in those parts were sent to Magdeburg thence by his Parents he was removed to Isenak where was a Schoole of great fame There he prefected his Grammer learning and being of a very quick wit and by nature fitted for eloquence he soone surpassed his School fellowes in copiousnesse of speech and matter and excelled in expression of his minde both in profe and verse He went to Erford Anno 1501. Where he fell upon the crabbed and thorny Logick of that age which he soone attained as one who by the sagacitie of his wit was better able to dive into causes and other places of Arguments then others Here out of a desire of better learning he read over Cicero Livy Virgil and other monuments of ancient latine Authors When at Erphord he was graced with the degree of Master of Aarts at twinty yeeres of age he read as Professor Aristotes Phisicks Ethicks and other parts of Philosophy Afterward his kindred seeing it fit that so worthy indowments of wit and eloquence should be cherishsd for the publque good by their advise he betooke himselfe to the study of the Law But not long after when he was 21. yeeres old of a sudden besides the purpose of his parents and kindered upon an affright from his faithfull mates violent death he betooke himselfe to the Augustine Monks Colledge in Erphord But before he entred the Monastry he entertained his fellow studients with a cheerefull banquet and thereupon sent them letters of valedictory and sending to his parents the Ring gown of his degree of Master of Arts unfolded to them the reason of the change of his course of life It much grieved his parents that so excillent parts should be spent in a life little differing from death But for a moneths space no man could be admitted to speake with him running over the Bookes thereof in order he met with a copie of the Lanine Bible which he never saw before there with admiration he observed that there were moe Evangelicall and Apostolicall Texts then what were read to the people in Churches In the Old Testamenâ— with great â—ttention he read the story of Samuel and Anna hiâ— mother and began to wish that he was the owner of the like book which not long after he obtained Hereupon he spent his time on the Propheticall and Apostolicall writings the fountaines of all heavenly doctrine seeking thence to enforme his minde with Gods will and to nourish in himselfe the feare of God and true faith in Christ from true and undoubted grounds Some sicknesse and feare whet him on to attempt these studyes more earnestly It is said that in this Colledge Luther in his younger years fell into a most violent disease in so much that there was no hope of life and that an ancient Preast came to him and with these words comforted him Sir Be of good courage for your disease is not mortall God will raise you up â—o be a man who shall afford comfort to many other He was often cheered up by conference with the ancient Priest to whom he revealed his feares and scruples of minde Then he began to read Augustinâ— Works where both in his Comment on the Psalmes and in the book Of the Spirit and letter he found many evident places which confirmed this doctrin concerning faith the comfort which was before kindled in his breast Yet did he not utterly cast of the reading of Gabriel and Camaracensis writers on the Sentences but was able to recite them by heart in a manner He spent much time in often reading Occam and esteemed him for acutenesse of wit before Thomas Acquinas and Scotâ—s also he studiously perused Gerson But chiefly he read often Austines Workes and kept them well in memory This earnest prosecution of his studyes he began at Erphord and spent there five years in the Colledge In the year 1507. he put on the priests hood The first Masse which he celebrated was May 2. Domini Cantate Then was he 24. years old In this course he continued 15. years to the year of our Lord 1527. At that time Iohn Staupicius who endeavoured to promote the University of Wittenberg lately begun desired that the study of Theology should there flourish and well knew the wit and learning of Luther and removed him to Wittenberg An. 1508. when he was 26. years old Here in regard of his daily exercises in the Schools his Sermons the eminency of his good parts did more and more shew themselves And among other learned men who attentively heard him Martinus Mellurstad commonly cal'd Lux mundi the light of the world often said of Luther that there was in him so Noble a straine of wit that he did verily presage that he would change the vulger course of Studyes which at that time was usuall in Schooles and prevailed At Wittenberg Luther first explained Aristotles Logick and Physicks yet intermitted not his study of Divinity Three years after that is Anno 1510. he was sent into Italy and to Rome in the behalfe of his Covent for the deciding of some controversies among the Monkes There he saw the Pope and the Popes palace and the manners of the Roman Clergy Concerning which he saith I was not long at Rome There I said and heard others say Masse but in that manner that so often as I call them to minde I detest them For at the tabe I heard among other matters some Curtisans laugh and boast and some concerning the bread and wine on the Altar to say Bread thou art and
he was turned over for further institution to Marcellus Virgilius then Town-cleark or Secretary of State to that City a man of much learning as may appeare by his edition and translation of Dioscorides with his Commentaries thereupon He was willing to take paines notwithstanding his imployments in the State otherwise with many young Gentlemens sons whereof diverse also proved famous for their learning and learned writings and this our Martyr among the rest who albeit he surmounted the most of his fellow-students in sharpnesse and readinesse of wit to apprehend and strength of memory to retaine what was taught joyned with an insatiable ardor and unweariable endeavorour of continuall either hearing or reading and a measure of proficiency much more then ordinary proceeding necessarily from the the same yet such was his modesty and amiable demeanour that he drew to him the affections of all his consorts and there grew no emulation betweene him and them Being now grown up to riper yeeres and affecting such courseâ— as might both further his studies and keep him within compasse he grew into liking of a Monkish life and because the Regular Canons of Saint Augustines order were at that time in greatest fame throughout all Italie for the study of Divinity and for severity of Discipline he betooke himselfe to their society and being sixteen yeeres old was admitted into the Fessulane Colledge neer to Florence which fact of his was not greatly pleasing to his father whether in regard of some dislike of the profession it selfe or because he desired by him the propagation of his family and disposing therefore at his decease his maine estate to an Hospitall he left his son onely out of it a small yeerly pension howbeit his â—ister his Parents onely daughter liking so well of it that she followed him therein and became a vailed Nun. In that Colledge wherein the younger sort were trained up for the most part in the Rules of Retoricke and the reading of Scripture which they used to get by heart having past over three yeeres with great goodâ—liking of the whole Society he was from thence sent over to the University of Padua and there entred into the Monastery of Saint Iohn of Verdera whereof albeit a man not unlearned himselfe and a lover of learning in others was Abbot There he gave himselfe to the study of Phylosophy freequenting the Lectures of diverse of prime note that then red the same in that University under whom also in disputations he frequently exercised himselfe so acquiting himselfe in the same that the Readers themselves tooke speciall notice of him in so much that Branda a chiefe man among them would oft call him out to dispute stiling him his Florentine as â—rinaeus sometimes Arminius his Hollander For his better furtherance in these his studies he spent sometime in getting skill of the Greek tongue that he might read Aristotle in his owne langvageâ— and in the study of that tongue he so profited aâ— one apt to take ought that he bent himselfe to that in a short time he was able to read any Greek Author Historianâ— Orator or Poet witâ—out help of a translation And withal he so followed the study 〈◊〉 Divinity hearing diligently and constantly those that read the same there adjoyning also his owne private â—ndvourâ— thereunto that being of six and twenty yeeres a thing among them then not usuall he was by the Fellows of the Colledg he lived in made a publike Preacher and partakeâ— of those priviledges that to such of their orders were aâ—â—nexed His first preaching was at â—rixia in the Church of 〈◊〉 after that he preached at Rome Venis Mantua Moâ—nâ—ferâ—â—â— â— and in others the Cities of Italy and the confines of Frâ—â—câ— â— besides that in the Colledg of his own society he read 〈◊〉 Philosophy and Divinity and Homer in Geek and hitherto haveing studied most Schoole-divinity Thomâ—s of Aquinâ— especially and Gregory of Rimino he now began in more speciall manner to addict himselfe to the study of the Scriptures and to this purpose laboured with much sedulity using the help of one Isaak a Iew that professed Physick to get the knowledge of the Hebrew tongue His constant paines in Preaching and teaching gained him that singular esteme that he was by generall conseâ—t chosen Abbot of Spoleto in which place he so wisely and worthily carried himselfe that it was much admired how a man so bookish and so much adicted to his studieâ— should attaine such abilities for dexterity of government For he not onely reduced the Colledg and two Nunneâ—iâ—â— belonging to it that had bin very loose and scandalous in their courses before to a more regular and orderly demeâ—nour but so also by his authority good perswasions and discreet ordering the matter prevailed with two poâ—â—â—t factions that had long desturbed the State there that â—â—composed their differences and wrought concord between them which they also continued in so long as he continued there with them Three yeere he aboad there and at three 〈…〉 a solemne assembly of the whole Order 〈◊〉 was made â—â—vernor of Saint Peters at the Altar in Naples a place of very pleasant situation greate dignity and rich and large revenew Here addicting himselfe more diligently and seriously to search into the Scriptures the light began daily to appeare more and more to him and to discover to him the errours and superstitious conceits that he had formerly bin possest with And now he fell to read some of our menâ— writings Bucers commentaries upon the Psalmes and the Evanglists Zuinglius his Treatise of true and false Religion and another of Gods Providence with some pieces of Erasmus whence having gained more insight into these things he communicated therein with some others likewise piously disposed to wit Benedyct Cusane Anthony Flaminy and Ioâ—n Valdesie a Spaniord by whose joynt endevour a pretty Chuch of pious people was now gathered at Naples Nor did this our Peter forbear publikely to Preach that truth that God had now reveiled unto him For handling the first to the Corinthians to which his Lectures among others divers Noble men whom that City never wanteth and some Bishops also resorted when he came to the third Chapter the 13. and 14. verses he affirmed that place not to be ment of Purgatory since that the fire there spoken of is such a fire as both good and bad all must passe This seeming to shake a maine piller of Purgatory the Popes furnace the fire whereof like the Prilosophers stone melteth all his leaden Bulls into pure gold his under Chymists some of them like Demetrius and his consorts bâ—gan to bestir themselves and so wrought that from above he was inhibited to proceed in his reading Which inhibiâ—ion he yet refused to obey appealing to the Pope by help of some Cardinals of better sort among whom our Poole was one some other learned men in grace with the Pope he gat the interdict revoked Howbeit he continued not long his readings
there afterwards for falling not long after into a very dangerous sicknesse whereof he hardly recovered the Fathers of his Order in a generall Assembly shortly after his recovery supposing that the ayre of that City did not so well agree with him made him their Generall Viâ—iter when he had been yet but three yeeres at Naples In which imployment supported by the Cardinall Gonzagâ— the Protector of their Order he so carryed himselfe suppressing some that carryed themselves tyrannously in their places severely chastising others that lived loosly leudly that though he gained much grace and credit to the Order no lesse love and affection to himselfe from the better minded among them yet incurred he withall much envy ill-will from those that were otherwise disposed It is a point of divellish policy too oft practised under a sembleance of honour to prefer men to such places as may prove prejudiciall to them and become a meanes of their overthrow Some of these Machiavilians therefore in a generall meeting of the Fathers of the Order at Manâ—ua knowing a deadly fewd and inveterate hatred to intercede betweene the Inhabitants of Luca and those of Florence our Martyrs Country move to have him made Pryor of Saint Fridian in Luca a place of great esteem for that the Pryor of that House hath Episcopall Jurisdiction over the one moity of the City hoping that for Countries sake he should there find opposition and molestation more then enough The motion was on all hands soon assented unto but the event answered not their expectation For by his wise kind and discreet carryage among them he gained so much good will and esteeme with them that they affected him no otherwise then as if he had been a native and by a solemn embassage made suite to the Principall of the Order that Peter Martyr might not be removed againe from them Here to advance both Religion and Learning among them he procured learned men of great note to read to the younger sort the tongues one Latine and the other Greeke and a third which was Emmanuell Tremellius the Hebrew He himselfe daily read to them some part of Saint Pauls Epistles in Greek and examined them in the same to the whole Company before supper he expounded some Psalme to which exercise diverse learned of the Nobility and Gentry did also usually resort and every Lords day he preached publikly to the People By which his godly labours many attained to much knowledge as appeared afterward by the number of those who after his departure thence sustained exilement for the truth among whom that famous Zanchie one These his good proceedings his adversaries much maligning held a meeting at Genoa and convented him thither But he having intellidence of their complotment and taking warning by their late dealings with a godly Eremite of the same Order resolved to decline them and to betake himselfe to some place of better safety Having therefore committed to his Deputy the charge of the Monastery and his Library his onely wealth to a trusty friend in Luca to be sent after him into Germany he left the City secretly and from thence travelled first toward his owne Country to Pisa where meeting with certaine religious Noble men he celebrated together with them in due manner the Lords Supper and from thence by letters both to Cardinall Poole and to those of Luca he rendred a reason of his departure from them After that coming to Florence but making no long stay there he departed from thence for Germany and passing the Alpes came into Switzerland wher he arrived first at Zurick and passing thence to Basil was by Bucers procurement called over to Strasbourge where for the spâ—c of five yeers with much amity and agreement they joyned together in the Lords worke during which time he expounded the Lamentations of Ieremy the twelve lesser Prophets Genesis Exodus and a good part of Leviticus Here he tooke him a wife one of a religious disposition and in all respects a meete match for one of his ranke and profession who lived with him eight yeeres died in England at Oxford where she had lived in great repute with the best for her singular piety and with the most for he charity corrrespondent thereunto though after her decease in Queen Maries dayes her remaines were inhumanely digged up againe and buried in a dunghill but in Queen Elizabeths dayes restored to their former place of Sepulture againe For after that our Martyr had spent those five yeeres at Strasbourge he was through the procurement of Archbishop Cranmer sent for by letters from King Edward into England and made Reader of Divinity in the University of Oxford There in his readings to which those of the Popish faction also resorted he expounded the first of Saint Paul to the Corinthians and though much envying and stomaking him yet with some patience they his Popish hearers endured him untill he came to handle the Doctrine of the Lords Supper but then they began to breake forth into some outrage to disturbe him in his Lectures to set up mâ—licious and scandalouâ— schedules against him to challing him to disputes which he waved not but maintained first in private in Doctor Cox the Vice chancellors house and afâ—er in publike before his Majesties Commissioners deputed to that purpose where with what strength of Argument and authorty of Scripture he convinced his Antagonists the Acts yet extant may evidently shew This way little prevailing they stirred up the seditious multitude against him by reason whereof he was compelled to retirâ— him to London untill that tumult was supprest Then returning againe for his better security the King made him a Canon of Christs Chuâ—ch by meanes whereof he had convenient housing within the Colledge with more safety Thus setled the second time he proceeded in his wonted employmâ—nt opening now also the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans and being in times of vacation called up to London by the Archbishop for his aid and advice in Ecclesiasticall affaires and in composing of Ordinances for the government of the Church And in this course he continued being never out of action untill by the decease of thâ—t our English Phaenix so much admired in his life and bewailed at his death not with ours at home but by others also and that of a divers religion abroad upon the succession of his sister Queen Mary one of a contrary disposition his employment surceased and with somewhat adoe he gat liberty and departed the land and though being way-laid which he had notice of both on this side and beyond the seas yet by Gods good providence and protection he passed unknown and undiscovered through Brabant and other Popish territories and gat in safety to Strasbourge Thither returning he was received with the greater joy in regard of the dangers he had past and escaped and was restored to his professors place againe Therein being resetled he read upon the booke of Iudges and because the Senate
the Monks of the same Monastery who afterwards forsooke that Cloyster life and constantly professed the Gospell of Christ unto their lives end He also converted many Noble men and amongst them Reinhardus a Rottenburge Governour of the Castle at Lutzelstein a man in great favour with the Pâ—ince Elector Palatine In these proceedings he wanted not mighty and bitter enemies for in the Monastery the Senior Monkes who were deeply rooted in superstition sharply opposed him doing him all the mischiefe that they could as for outward enemies they were not wanting for the Bishops and Ments and Strasburge had many times surprized him had he not beene carefully protected by the foresaid Governour This Governour being willing to make triall of his constancy in the cause of Religion on a time during his abode under his protection came to the Church where he waâ— Preaching guarded with some few Horsemen and having altered his habit that he might not be known he cals unto him after a bold threatning manner and commands him to come forth out of the Church Musculus supposing that they had been some sent from the Bishop to appâ—ehend him he desired of them that they would give him leave to finish his Sermon and then he would go with them whether soever they pleased which being granted he went forward in his Sermon without making any shew of the least fear his Sermon being ended and he supposing that he should dye he exhorted his Auditors uâ—to constancy faith and piety and withall desired them to poure out their prayers unto God for him who was then ready to lay down his life for Christ and so committed them all unto Almighty God who were wonderfully astonished with this action he came downe and yeelded himselfe into the hands of thoâ—â— who expected his coming Reinhardus admiring the undaunted courage of the man discovered himselfe and embracing him in his armes exhorted him alwayes to retaine the same constancy promising him sure defence as long as he continued and resided within his liberties But Musculus perceiving danger to increase daily so that he could not have liberty to make profession of the Gospell in that place he resolved to forsake the Monastery and to betake himself unto some place where he might with more freedome and lesse danger professe the same He acquainted some of the Monkes which were his intimate friends with this resolution they by reason of the death of the Prior at that time desired him to stay and would willingly have conferred the government of the Monastery on him but he knowing that that dignity would prove a hinderance unto that which he most aymed at refused it and willed them to bestow it on Brisacius Before he departed he betroathed himselfe unto a Kinswoman of the said Brisacius who also went together with him unto Strasburge in the year 1527. and in the thirtieth year of his age where according to the manner of that Church he was publickly married the Minister bestowing a Wedding dinner on them in his owne house Here misery began to creepe more and more upon him partly because of that little money wherewith he was furnished to sustaine both himselfe and his wife and partly because there was no hope left unto him of getting any thing by Preaching because many eminent persons were Silenced in the same City Wherefore for the avoyding of further poverty his wife turned servant and he covenanted with a Weaver to doe him service for the space of two Moneths Which action although that it ministred griefe unto him yet casting himselfe upon God he comforted himselfe with this distick Est Deus in coelo qui providus omnia curat Credentes nunquam deservisse potest God by his foresight hath such order taken That true Beléevers cannot be forsaken This Weaver with whom he had Covenanted was an Anabaptist who nourished in his house a teacher of that sect Musculus perceiving his great hypocrisie idlenesse would sometimes object unto him those words of Paul He that will not worke let him not eaâ— At which saying the Weaver was greatly offended so as at the end of two Moneths he gave him his wages and bad him be gone Musculus was now compelled to seeke him a new Master and it happened at that time that the Inhabitants of Strasburge imployed many labourers about the scouring of the Ditch which invironed the City and about the repairing of the breaches in the Wals. He agrees with the Master of the Worke and towards night he walkes about the wals to view what place might please him best to worke in which being done he returned unto his wife who certified him of better newes and as God so disposed of a better work and that was this that a Messenger was in the house who willed him to meet the Senate and Bucer in the Cathedrall Church He much admired at the first what this should meane yet forthwith he went Bucer having notice of him cals him unto him he being no sooner come the Councill commanded him to goe unto the Village called Dorlâ—ckzein distant three miles from Sâ—rasburge and there to Preach the Gospell of Christ unto the People and to exhort them unto Humility and Obedience At his first entrance upon this Cure Bucer tooke him into his owne House and made use of him for the writing of such things as he intended for the Presse Afterwards by the advice of the Ministers of Strasburge he setled himselfe with his wife in the Village The Inhabitants received him with all courtesie freely offering him all things necessary for his house Here he continued Preaching for the space of twelve moneths receiving not any thing for his paineâ— which notwithstanding he performed without grudging the reason was because the Abbot of Hoâ—enforst who received the tithes of the Parish refused to give him any money Which being understood by those of Strasburge he was bountifully relieved out of the common treasury Unto his preaching he also added the teaching â—nd instructing of youth whereby he gained the entire love of his parishoners so that they received him as a grave father Not far from this Villiage there was a Monastery dedicated unto St. Iohn pertaining unto the Dioces of the Bishop of Strasburg wherin an annâ—al feast of dedication was celebrated at which a Monke or some Masse Priest used to preach Musculus at the entreaty of his neighbors went along with them to here the Sermon the Monke discoursed on that saying of Saint Paul to the Hâ—brews that without faith it was impossible to please â—od having delivered many things as touching the excellency of faith at â—he last he bitterly enveighed against the Lutherans and especially those of Strasburg caling them deserters of the Catholick Faith This railing act as it was pleasing unto the Monkes and Priests there present so it grieved Musculus to hear the true professors thus scandalized Wherefore at the comming downe of the Monke from the Pulpit he goeth unto him and uttereth these
son in learning and at eleven years old sent him to Heidleberg to Schoole and at thirteeâ— yeers old he was admitted into the University and at fifteen he commensed Batchelor there also he studied Greek and Hebrew and was so studious that he usually rose â—t midnight to his Booke whereby he contracted such â—n hâ—bit that he could never after whilst he lived sleepe longer then till midnight the rest of the night he spent in holy Meditaâ—ions And in his old age he had a candle by hiâ— bedsidâ— and deceived the time by writing and meditation Partly by his diligence and partly by his acute wit and strong memory he profited so much both in the Artâ— and Tongues that at eighteen years old he was made Master of Arts. About this time Luthers Books coming abroad Brenâ—ius by reading of them came to the knowledge of the Truth which he willingly embraced And being desirous to pâ—opagate it to others he began to read upon Matthew firâ—t to some friends of his own Colledge but his Auditorâ— encreasing out of other Colledges he was fain to read in the publick Schoolâ— for which the Divines hated him because he grew so popular sayâ—ng That neiâ—her was the place fit for Divinity Lectures nor he fit for such a worke being not yet in Orders Whereforâ— to take away that objection he entered into Orders and Preached often for other men to the great delight of his Hearers From thence he was called to be at Pastor at Hale in Sweveland where his gravity gesture phrase voyce and Doctrine did so pleaâ—e the Senate that though he was but three and twenty years of age yet they chose him to that place and he carried himselfe with such gravity holinesse of life integrity of manners and diligence in his Calling that none could contemn his youth and the Lord so blessed his labours there that many were converted to the Truth yea amongst the very Popish Priests som of them were converted others lâ—ft their places for shame and went elsewhere He used much modesty and wisdome in his Sermons and when in the beginning of his Preaching there the Popish Priests railed exceedingly upon him and his Doctrine and the People expected that he would answer them accordingly he contrariwise went on in teaching the fundamentall points of Religion and as he had occasion he confuted their Errors without bitternesse from cleaâ—e Scripture arguments whereby in time he so wrought upon them that he brought them to a sight of their Errors and to a detestation of their Idolatry About this time Muncer and his companions rose up and stirred almost all the Boorâ— in Germany to take Armes against the Magistrates and rich men abusing Scripture to justifie their proceedings whereupon Brentius was in great danger for many cried out that his opposing of Popery and casting out the old Ceremonies was the Cause of these tumults and when as the Boors in Hale were risen up and threatned to besiege the City of Hale the Magistrates and Citizens were in such fear that they were ready to slye or to joyne with the Boors but Brentius encouraged them and told them That if they would take Armes and defend their City God would assist them c. And so it came to passe for six hundred Citizens beat away foure thouâ—and of those Boors He also published a Booke in confutation of their wicked opinions and shewed how dissonant they were to the Word of God Presently after rose up that unhappy contâ—nâ—ion between Luther and Zuinglius about Christ's presence in the Sacrament which continued divers years to the great disturbance of the Church scandall of the reformed Religion and hinderance of the successe of the Gospell and when a conference was appointed for the composing of that differance Luther Brentius and some others met with Zuingliâ—â— and some of his friends but after much debate they pâ—â—ted without an agreement Anno 1530. was the Diet held at Auspurg unto which the Protestant Princes brought their Divines with them and amongst others Brentius at which time George Marquessâ— of Brandenburg told the Emperour That he would rathâ—r shed his blood and lose his life or lay downe hiâ— necke to the heads-man then alter his Religion Here the Divineâ— drew up that famous Confession of Faith which from the place is â—alled the Augustine-Confession Brentius at his â—eturne home married a Wife famous for her chastity modesty and piety by whom he had six children Vlricâ—â— Prince of Wurtenburg intending to reform Religion in hiâ— Dominions thought it the best way first to reform the Universitie of Tubing and considering where he might have a fit man for so great and difficult a worke he at last resolved upon Brentius whom he sent for and who with much diligence prudence and fidelity accomplished the same In the year 1547. the Emperour with his Army coming to Hale Brentius hoping to prevail with the Captaine thâ—â— no Souldiers should be quartered in his House but when hâ— came home he found the souldiers beating at his door and ready to break it down and when they perceived that Brentius was Mâ—â—ter of that House one of them set an Halbert to his brest threatning to kill him if the doore was not presently opened Whereupon they were let in and he caused meat and drinke to be prepared for them and in the mean time conveyed away all his papers and when he saw the fury and rage of the souldiers he conveyed himselfe and family out at a back door The next day came a Spanish Bishop with his train and putting forth the souldiers he quartered in Brentius his house searched his study looked over his papers and letters and finding some letters to his friends wherein he justified the Protestant Princes in taking Armes against the Emperour he presently carried them to the Emperour whereby Brentius was in great danger and was fain to hide himselfe in a very high Tower and not being safe there he changed his apparell left his wife and children and with one onely companion passed through the Spaniards safely and wandred up and down the fields all that night But when the Emperor was removed with his Army he returned to Hale again In the year 1548. when Caesar had published his Booke called the Interim the Protestant Princes and Magistrates required the judgements of their Divines upon it and the Magistrates of Hale desired Brentius to tell them his judgement who when he had considered it told them That it was a wicked Booke and altogether contrary to the Scriptures and that he would lose his life before he would assent to it This coming to Caesar's eares he sent a Commissary to Hale charging him to bring Brentius to him either alive or dead when the Commissary came thither he insinuated himselfe into Brentius his acquaintance invited him to his Table perswaded him to walke abroad with â—im having prepared Horses to carry him away but that succeeding not he called the Senate together and having sworn them
much lesse to lament him Towards Knox his later end his body became very infirm and his voyce so weak that People could not hear him in the ordinary place wherefore he chose another place wherein he preached upon the History of Christs passion with which he said it was his desire to close his Ministry finding his end neer he importuned the Council of the City to provide themselves a worthy man to succeed in his place Master Iames Lawson Professor in Aberdene was the man pitched upon and Commissioners were sent from the Church of Edinborough to request him to accept of the place Iohn Knox also subscribed that request adding Accelera mi frater alioqui â—erò venies Haste my Brother otherwise you will come too late this made Master Lawson to hasten his journey and when he was come he preached twice to the good liking of the people whereupon order was taken by the rulers of the Church for his admission at which time Iohn Knox would needs preach though very wâ—ak which also he performed with such fervency of spiriâ— that he was never before heard to preach with so greaâ— power or more content to the hearers In the end of his Sermon he called God to witnesse that he had walked in a good conscience with them not seeking to please men nor serving either his owne or other mens affections but in all sincerity and truth had preached the Gospell of Christ. He exhorted them in most grave and pithy words to stand fast in the Faith they had received and so having prayed zealously for Gods blessing upon them and the multiplying of Gods spirit upon their new Pastor he gave them his last farewel Being conveyed to his lodging that afternoon he was forced to betake himselfe to his bed and was visited by all sorts of persons in his sicknesse to whom he spake most comfortably amongst others the Earle of Morton came to see him to whom he said My Lord God hath given you many blessings Wisdome Honor Nobility Riches many good and great friends and he is now about to prâ—fer you to the Government of the Realm the Earl of Marr the late Regent being newly dead In his name I charge you use these blessings better then formerly you have don seeking first the glory of God the furtheance of his Gospell the maintenance of his Church and Ministry and then be carâ—full of the King to procure his good and the welfare of the Realm Iâ— you doe thus God will be with you and honor you if otherwisâ— â—e will dâ—prive you of all these benefits and your end shall be shame and ignonminie These speeches the Earl called to minde about nine years after at the time of his Execution saying That he had found Iohn Knox to be a Prophet A day or two before Knox his death he sent for Master David Lindsey Master Lawson and the Elders and Deacons of the Church â—o whom he said The time is approaching which I have long thirsted for wherein I shall be released from all my cares and be with my Saviour Christ for ever and now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Goâ—â—eâ—â— of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true sincâ—râ— Word of God and that the end that I proposed in my Mâ—nistry was To instruct the ignorant to confirm the weaâ— to comfort their consciences who were humbled under the sense of their sins and born down with the threatningâ— oâ— Gods judgments I am not ignorant that many have and doe blame my too great rigor and severity but God knoweth that in my heart I never hated those agaâ—nsâ— whom I thundered Gods judgments I did onely hate theiâ— sins and labored according to my power to gaine them to Christ That I did forbear none of what condition soever I did it out of the fear of my God who hatâ— placed me in the function of his Ministry and I know will bring me to an account Now bretheren for your selveâ— I have no more to say but to warn you that you â—ake heâ—d to the Flocke over which God hath placed you Over seers which 〈◊〉 hath redeemed by the blood of his onely begotten son and you Master Lawson fight a good fight doe the Worke of the Lord with courage and with a willing minde and God from heaven blesse you and the Church whereof you have the charge Against it so long as it continues in the Doctrâ—nâ— of the Truth the gates of hell shall not prevaâ—le having thus spoken and the Elders and Deacons being dismissed he called the two Preacher to him and said There is one thing that grieveth me exceedingly you have sometimes seen the Courage and Constancy of the Laird of Grang in the Cause of God and now that unhappy man is casting himself away I pray you go to him from me and tell him That unlesse he forsake that wicked course that he is in the Rock wherein he confideth shall not defend him nor the carnall wisdome of that man whom he counteth halfe a god which was young Leshingâ—on shall yeeld him help but he shall be shamefully pulled out of that nest and his carcasse hung before the Sun meaning the Câ—stle which he kept against the Kings Authority for his soul it is dear to me and if it were possible I would fain have him saved accordingly they went to him conferred with him but could by no meanes divert him from his course But as Knox had fore-told so the year after his Castle was taken and his body was publickly there hanged before the Sun yet at his death he did expresse serious repentance The nex day Knox gave order for the making of his Coffin continuing all the day as he did also through all his sicknesse in fervent prayer crying Come Lord Iesus sweet Jesâ—s into thy hands I commend my spirit being ask'd whether his pains were great he answered That he did not esteem that a pain which would be to him the end of all troubles and the beginning of eternall joyes Oft after some deep meditation he used to say Oh serve the Lord in fear and death shall not be troublesome to you Blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of Iesus The night before his death he slept some hours with great unquietnesse often fighing and groaning whereupon when he awakened the standers by asked him how he did and what it was that made him mourn so heavily to whom he answered In my life time I have been assaulted with Tempâ—aâ—ionâ— from Satan and he hath oft cast my sinâ— into my teeth to drive me to despair yet God gave me strength to overcome all his Temptations but now the subtill serpent takes another course and seek's to perswade me That all my labors in the Ministery the fidelity that I have shewed in that service hath merited heaven and immortality but blessed be God that brought to my minde these Scriptures What hast thou that
paines To sowe good seeds and after reape the gaâ—nes He was belov'd of all that lov'd the â—ame Of learning for he had a winged name His care his love his industry was such That in few yeaâ—s his heart attain'd to much But in conclusion Enviâ— that still crowds Into true Fame involv'd him in the clouds Of sudden ruine Pâ—â—istâ— thought it good To take a furfeit of his guiltlesse blood The Life and Death of Matthew Parker who dyed Anno Christi 1574. MAtthew Parker was born in the City of Norwich Annâ— Christi 1502. and having some years at Schoole hâ— went to Cambridge where he was admitted into Corpuâ— Christi Bennet Colledg in which place he profited so much that he was chosen Fellow and grew so famous thâ—t Queen Ann Bullen mother to Queen Elizabeth made him her Chaplain whereupon he Commensed Doctor in Divinity and after her death King Henry the eighth and after his death King Edward the sixth made him their Châ—plaines and preferred him to be Master of Bennet Colledge besides other Ecclesiasticall dignities which they advanced him to but in Queen Maries dayes he was despoiled of all and was compelled to live a poor and private life but so soon as Queen Elizabeth came to the Crown she made choyce of this Doctor Parker for his admirable learning and piety to be the Archbishop of Canterbury Anno Christi 1559. which place he supplyed with great commendation for above fifteen years His works of Charity were very eminent He gave to the Corporation of Norwich where he was born a Bason and Ewr double guilt weighing 173. ounces as also fifty shillings a year for ever to be destributed amongst the poor of that City and six anniversary Sermons in severall places of Norfolk to Bennet Colledge he gave thirty Scholarships built them a Library and bestowed many excellent books and ancient Manuscripts upon it besides three hundred ounces of silver and guilt-plate and the perpetuall Patronage of Saint Mary Ab-church-London He carefully collected and caused to be printed diverse ancient Histories of England which probably had otherwise been lost He dyed in peace An. Christi 1574. and of his Age 72. What Heav'n bestow'd upon him he was frée To give to others for his Charitie Was known to many whose impatient griefe Inforc'd them to implore his sure reliefe His worth was such that t' was disputed which Pray'd for him most either the poore or rich The poore they pray'd as they were bound to do Because he fild their soules and bodies too The rich destr'd his life because his store Sustain'd their soules and help'd maintain the poore Thus having spent his dayes in love he went In peace to Heav'ns high court of Parliament HENRICVS BVLLINGERVS The Life and Death of Henry Bullinger IN the year of our Lord 1504. Henricus Bullingerus was born at Bremogarta a Town in Switzerland he was descended from an ancient and a noble Family much esteemed and honoured in those parts Being an Infant he was twice in great danger of his life but preserved by the powerfull hand of God contrary to the expectation of his Parentâ— and friends first from the Pestilence wherewith those parts were at that time grievously punished and secondly from a wound which he received in his â—hrâ—at by reason of a fall whereby he was made unable to admit of any nourishment for the space of five dayes His Father being a man of great learning and bearing an extraordinary affection unto the Arts and their Professors he was very carefull to provide that the tender years of this his Son might be bathed in the Fountains of Learning and for that cause he being not fully five years old he was sent unto a Countrey School neer adjoyning where he continued seven years but by reason of the inability of his Master he profited not much yet he attained unto that perfection that he exceeded those which learned with him not without the approbation of his Master His Parents well perceiving the towardlinesse of the childe and finding that Schoolmaster not to be a sufficient Tutor for him they presently entred into a consideration of sending him unto some more eminent place where he might be instructed in the Arts for the better perfection of nature and therefore in the year 1516. he was sent unto Embrick a Town in the Dukedom of Clire then famous for the many learned Schollers wherewith it was adorned and here he was comitted unto the tuition of Casparus Glogoriensis and of Petrus Cochemensis Mosellanus and others being men beautified with excellent endowments and famous both for their Method of Teaching and severity of Discipline which latter was most acceptable unto this Bullinger and for that cause being yet a childe he had an intent to unite himself unto the Order of the Carthusians it being the stricâ—est and most severest In this place Bullinger concinued three years to the great perfection of his Studies and increasing of his knowledge in the Arts and Tongues During which time he received little maintenance from his Father He furnished himselfe with victuals sometimes by singing sometimes by begging from doore to doore Which action he performed not because his Father was poore and could not or covetous and would not confer a sufficient annuall pension on him but he did it because he desired to have some experience of the miserable and wretched condition of poore men that iu future times he might be the more willing and ready to relieve and succour them Afterwards he removed unto Colen where he studied Logick and notice being taken of his excellent qualities he proceeded Bachelor of Arts and because there was great controversies in the Churches then touching some points of Divinity he inclined unto the Study of Theologie and withall desired to know of those who were esteemed the best Schollars what Authors were fittest to be read to ground him in the knowledge thereof They all advise him to consult with Lombard his writings being of good account and authority in those times This counsell was embraced by Bullinger who not contenting himselfe with that Author he went unto Georgius Deinerus by whose procurement he obtained an admission into the publick Library at Colen where he studied the Homilies of Chrysostome on Matthew read over some chiefe parts of the Workes of Augustine Ambrose Origen the Workes of Luther he read privately in his own Chamber which indeed were the meanes of inlightning his understanding for by the reading of them he was induced to peruse and to search into the Scriptures and especially into the New Testament whereby he entred into a detestation of the Doctrine of the Church of Rome and into a constant and firme resolution of rejecting the austerâ— life of the Carthusian Monkes In this Academy he went forth Master of Arts and then he returned unto his Fathers house where he spent a whole year in his private studies and meditations at the end whereof he was called by Wolfangus Ionerus unto
after Prince Casâ—â—mire dyed which much turned his griefe but Frederick the fourth being now come to hiâ— age was admitted into the number of the Electors â—nd was very carefull of the good both of the Chuâ—â—â— University An. Christi 1594. Tossan was choosen Rector of the University of Heidleberg and the year after there brake out a grievous Pestilence in that City which drove away the students but Tossan remained Preaching comfortably to his people and expounding the Penitentiall Psalmes to those few students that yet remained Anno Christi 1601. he bâ—ing grown very old and infirm laid down his Professors place though the University much opposed it and earnestly sollicited him to retain it still bâ—â— God purposed to give him a better rest after all his labors and â—orrowes for having in his Lectures expounded the booke of Iob to the end of the 31. Chapter he concluded with those words The words of Iob are ended Presently after falling sick he comforted himself with these texts of Scripture I have fought the good fight of Faith c. Bee thou faithfull unto the death and I will give thee the Crown of life Wee have a City not made with hands eternall in the heavens and many other such like he also made his Wâ—ll and set down therein a good confession of his Faith and so departed quietly in the Lord Anno Christi 1602. and of his age sixty one He was a very holy man exemplary in his life had an excellent witâ— strong memory eloquent â—n speech was very charitable and cheaâ—full in his conversation and kept correspondence with all the choycest Dâ—â—vines in those times Germane Tossanus doth deserve likewise That we his honoured name should memorize Who notwithstand all th' afflictions great Which furious faithlesse Popish Foes did threat And prosecute him with from place to place And him and his dear wife with terrours chace In danger oft of death yet mightily The Lord preserv'd them from Romes cruelty He was a learned and laborious Preacher And alwayes 'gainst Romes errors a Truth teacherâ— Eloquent witty holy humble wise And now his soul blest Heaven â—eateâ—â—es The Life and Death of William Perkins IF the Mountainâ— of â—ilboahâ— 2 Samuâ—l 1. were condâ—mned and cursed by King David that nâ— dew nor râ—in should fall â—pon them because valiant Saul and piouâ— Ionathan were there unhappily slain then by rules of opposition such places deserve to be praised and blessed where godly men have had their happy Nativity Amongst which let Mâ—rston in Warwickeshire com in for his just share of commendation where Master William Perkiâ—s was born and brâ—d in his infancy 2. How he passed his childhood is â— mattâ—r befoâ—â— daâ—â—d in the Register of my Intilligence whereof I can receivâ— no instructions Onely I dare be bold to conclude that with Saint Paul 1. Cor. 13. 11. When he was a childe he spake 〈◊〉 a childe he understood as a childe he thought as a childe whose infancy as he with simplicity so we passe it over with silence 3. But no sooner 〈◊〉 he admitted 〈◊〉 Christs Colledge in Cambridge but quiâ—â—ly the wilde firâ— of his youth began to break out An age which one may termâ—â—he Midsommer Moone and dog-dayes of mans life It is not certaine whether his owne disposition or the bad company of others chiefly betrayed him to thesâ— extravagancies Sure it is he tooke such wild libâ—â—â—â—es to himselfe 〈◊〉 cost him many a sigh in his reduced â—geâ— Probably 〈…〉 Providence permitted him to ruâ— himselfe with the prodigall Son out of breath that so he might be the better enabled experimentally to reprâ—â—â— others of their vanity 〈◊〉 simpathizing with their sad condition and be th◠〈…〉 skil'd how to comfort and counsell them on their â—â—pentance Why should Godâ— arme which afterwards grâ—â—â—ously overtook Master Perkins be too short to reach others in the same condition 4. When firâ—◠〈…〉 mucâ—â—ddicted to the study of naturall Magicke digging so deepe in natures mine to know the hidden causes and sacred quallities of things that some conceive that he bordered on Hell it â—â—â—fe in his curiosity Beginning to be a practitioner in that black Art the blacknesse did not affright him but name of Art lured him to admit himselfe as â—â—â—dent thereof Howeveâ— herein we afford no certaine beliefe the rather because other mens ignorance might cast this aspersion upon him Who knowes not that many things as pretty as strangâ— may really be effected by a skilfull hand lawfull and laudable meanes which some out of a charitable errour will interpret a Miracle and others out of uncharitable ignorance will nickname Sorcery A very Load-stone in some Scholars hand before a silly Townsmans eye is enough to make the former a Conjurer 5. The happy houre was now come wherein the stragling sheep was brought home to the fold and his vanity and mildnesse corrected into temperance and gravity It is certainly known and beleeved that if Quick-silver could be fired which all confesse difficult and most conclude impossible it would amount to an infinite treasure so when the roving parts the giddy and unstable conceits of this young Scholar began to be setled his extravagant studyes to be confined and centered to Divinity in a very short time he arrived at an incredable improvement 6. He began first to preach to the prisoners in Cambridge Castle being then himselfe Fellow of Christ Colledge Here he truely preached Christs precepts Freely you have received freely give And with Saint Paul made the Gospell of Christ of no expence yea he followed Christs example to preach deliverance to the Captives whose bodies were in a prison and souls in a dungeon such generally their ignorant and desperate condition Here though free himselfe he begot sons to God in fetters Many an Onesimus in bonds was converted to Christ Mock not at this good mans meane imployment neither terme him with such as sit in the seate of the scornfull the Goale-birds Chaplaine But know nothing is base which in it selfe is lawfull and done in order to the glory of God yea better it is to be a true preacher in a prison then a flatterer in a Princes pallace 7. But so great a star could not move alwayes in so small a sphear His merits promoted him to a Cangregation of greater credit in the Town of Cambridge where he was most constant in preaching Wherein as no man did with more vehemency remove sin so none either with more passionate affection bemone the condition of obstinate siners or with sounder judgment give them directions for their future amendment Luther did observe that Thunder without rain doth more harme then good wherof he maks this application that Ministers who are alwaies threatning of legall terrors to offenders except also they seasonably drop the dew of direction giving them orders and instructions to better their estates are noâ— wise Master builders but pluck downe and build nothing up againe Whereas Master Perkins so cunningly interweaved terrours
having no Folioes The Life and Death of the late reverend and worthy Prelate LANCELOT ANDREWES late Bishop of WINCHESTER THis grave and honorable Prelate was borne in the City of London in the Parish of All-Saints Barking of honest and Religious Parents his Father having most part of his life used the Seas in his latter time became one of the society and Master of the Holy Triniâ—y comonly called the Trinity house and was descended from the ancient family of the Andrewes in Suffolke From his tender yeeres he was totally addicted to the study of good letters and in his youth there appeared in him such aptnesse to learne answerable to his endeavours that his two first Schoolmasters Master Ward and Master Mulcaster conceiving or foreseeing that he would prove a rare scholer contended who should have the honor of his breeding From Master Ward Master of the Coopers Free-Schoole in Radcliffe he was sent to Master Mulcaster Master of the Mercantaylors free schoole in London where he answered the former opinion conceived of him for by his extraordinary industry and admirable capacity he soone outstript all the scholers under Master Mulcasters tuition being become an excellent Grecian and Hebrecian Insomuch as Thomas Wattes Doctor of Divinity Prebend and Residentiary of Saint Pauls and Archdeacon of Middle-sex who had newly Founded som Scholerships in Pembrook Hall in Cambridge sent him thither and bestowed the first of his said Scholarships upon his which places aâ—e sincâ— comonly called the Greeke Scholarships As soone as he was a Bachelour of Arâ—s and so capable of a fellowship there being then but one place void in the said Colledge and Thomas Dove late Lord Bishop of Peterburgh being then a scholer also in the said Colledge and very well approved of by many of the Society The Masters and Fellowes put these two young men to a Tryall before them by some Scholasticall exercises upon performance whereof they preferred Sir Andrewes and chose him into the fellowship then void though they liked Sir Dove so well also that being loth to loose him they made him some allowance for his present maintenance under the title of a Tanquam Socius In the meane while Hugh Price having built Iesus Colledge in Oxford had heard so much of this young man Sir Andrewes that without his privity he named him in hiâ— foundation of that Colledge to be one of his first Fellowes there His Custome was after he had been three yeeres in the University to come up to London once a yeer to visit his Parents and that ever about a fortnight before Easter staying till a fortnight after and against the time he should comâ— up hâ—s Father directed by letters from his Son before he came prepared one that should read to him and be his guide in the attaining of some Language or Art which he had not attained before So that within few yeeres he had laid the foundations of all Arts and Sciences and had gotten skill in most of the Modern Languages And it is to be observed that in his journeys betwixt London and Cambridge to and fro he ever used to walke on foot till he was a Baâ—chelour of Divinity and professed that he would not then have ridden on horse-backe but that diverse friends began to finde fault with him and misinterpret him as if he had forborne riding onely to save charges What he did when he was a Child and a schoole-boy is not now knowne But he hath beene sometimes heard to say that when he was a young scholer in the Universiâ—y and so all his time onward he never loved or used any games or ordinary recreations either within doores as Cards Dice Tables Chesse or the like or abroad as Buts Coyts Bowles or any such but his ordinary exercise and recreation was walking either alone by himselfe or with some other selected Companion with whom he might conferre and argue and recount their studies and he would often professe that to observe the grasse herbs corne trees cattle earth waters heavens any of the Creatures and to contemplate their Natures orders qualities vertues uses c. was ever to him the greatest mirth content and recreation that could be and this he held to his dying day After he had been some while a Master of Arts in the University he applied himselfe to the study of Divinity wherein he so profited that his fame began to be spread farre and neare Insomuch as being chosen Catechist in the Colledgâ— and purposing to read the ten Commandements every Saturday and Sunday at three of clocke afternoone which was the hour of Catechizing not onely out of other Colledges in the University but diverse also out of the Country did duely resort unto the Colledge Chappell as a publique Divinity Lecture Before I proceed to his life after he left the University give me leave to relate a story of him while he yet remained there and that as near as I can from his owne mouth and in his owne words Upon his first shewing himselfe at Cambridge in his Divinity studies especiall notice was soone taken of him among his abilities and eminencies as a man deeply seene in all cases of Conscience and he was much sought to in that respect To proceed with his owne particular His worth made him so famous that Henry Early of Huntingdon hearing of it sent for him and thought himselfe much honoured by his accompanying him into the North whereof he was President and whâ—re God so blessed his painfull Preachings and moderate private conference that he converted Recusants Priests and others to the Protestant Religion Sir Francis Walsingham Secretary of State to Queene Elizabeth tooke also especiall notice of his abilities and highly affected him and being loath that he should not be better known to the world wrought meanes to make him Vicar of Saint Giles without Criplegate London then Prebend and Residentiary of Saint Pauls and afterwards Prebend of the Collegiate Church of Southwell Being thus preferred to his owne contentment he lived not idlely but continued a painfull labourer in the Lordâ— vineyard witnesse Saint Giles Pulpit and that in Saint Pauls Church where he read the Lecture thrice a weeke in the Terme time And indeed what by his often Preaching at St. Giles and his no lesse often reading in St. Paâ—ls he became so infirme that his friends despaired of his life Upon the death of Doctor Fulke he was elected to the Mastership of Pembrooke Hall whereof he had been a Schollar and Fellow a place of credit but of little benefit for he ever spent more upon it then he received by it Afterwards he was made Chaplaine in ordinary attendance of which kinde there were then but twelve to Queen Elizabeth who tooke such delight in his Preaching and grave deportment that first she bestowed a Prebend at Westminster upon him and not long after the Deanry of that place and what she intended further to him her death prevented He soone grew into far greater esteem
were not there before Together with a guilt Cut and a Bason and Ewer in all points as weight fashion inscription c. so like to the Cup Bason and Ewer given about 300. yeers since to that Colledge by the religious Foundresse thereof as that not Ovum Ovo â—imilius and these he profest he caused to be made and given not for the continuance of his owne memory but for feare that those which she had given so long since might miscarry and so her remembrance might decay The fift is his Munificence and Bounty To prove which little need be said more then that which hath bin touched in his bountifull Charity But besides that the two famous Universities and they which then were poore Scholars in them will witnesse for him in this point he never coming neer either of them after he was Bishop but that he sent to be distributed among poore Scholars sometimes one hundred poâ—nds and ever fifty pounds at the least One thing I cannot passe over in silence That when King Iames was pleased to grace the University of Cambridge with his presence in 1617. this reverend Father being present also at the Philosophy Act he sent at his departure to foure of the Disputants forty peeces of Gold of two and twenty shillings a peece to be equally divided among them Buâ— what speake I of these Was ever Prince better entertained and in moâ—e magnificent but orderly manner then was hiâ— said Majesty at Farneham Castle one of the Houses belonging to the Bishopricke of Winchester where in the space oâ— three dayes he spent three thousand pounds to the extraordinary contentment of his Majesty and the admiration of all his Followers The next is his Hospitality from the first time of his preferment to meanes of any considerable value even to his dying day he was ever Hospitable and free in entertainment to all people of quality and worthy of respect especially to Schollars and â—trangers his Table being ever bountifully and neatly fâ—rnished with provisions and attendants answerable to whom he committed the care of providing and expending in a plentifull yet orderly way himselfe seldome knowing what meat he had till he came from his Study to Dinner at which he would shew himselfe so noble in his entertainment and so gravely facecious that his guests would often professe they never came to any mans Table where they received better satisfaction in all points and that his Lordship kept Christmas all the yeer in respect of the plenty they ever found there And yet by the way take this that he ever strictly observed in his provisions of dyet the time of Lent Embers and other Fasting dayes according to the Lawes of this Kingdome and the orders of the Church I shall not need to speake of the extraordinary great Hospitality he kept and the large expence he was at in entertainment of all sorts of people in Scotland at what time he attended King Iames thither the Nobility Clergy Gentry and others of both Nations there present will as they often already have speake of it for me to his exceeding great honour So that I know not whether I have fitly couched it under this Head of Hospitality or whether it had more properly belonged to that of his Munificence and Bounty The seventh is his Humanity and affability not onely to the last mentioned his Guests but to every one that did converse with him for which not onely divers famous Scholars and others of this Kingdome but others of Forraigne parts as they had just cause have admired him As not to mention Natives Master Causabow Master Cluâ—vecius Master Vossius Master Grotius Master Moulm Master Barclay and besides many otherâ— Master Erpenius to whom he tendered an Annuall Sâ—ipend to have read and taught here the Orientall tongues wherein long before his death he himselfe had bin well versed as may appeare by his Commencement Verses the experienced Professors whereof he much delighted in and did much for them as Master Bedwell to whom he gave the Vicarage of Tottenham in Midd. if living among others would testifie And the reason for this a late reverend Father of this Church hath given Omnes quid in se amant in aliis venerantur loving and honoring those gifts in others which he had in himselfe for among the other parts of his profound Learning he by his industry had attained to the knowledge of fifteâ—ne tongues if not more To these former may be added his Modesty which was ever such that although the whole Christian world tooke especiall notice of his profound and deep learning yet was he so farre from acknowledging it in himselfe that he would often complaine of his defects even to the extenuating yea vilifying of his owne worth and abilities professing many times that he was but inutilis servas nay inutile pondus insomuch that being preferd by King Iames to the Bishopricke of Chicâ—ester and pretending his owne imperfections and insufficiency to undergoe such a charge as also that he might have not onely his Clergy but all others to take notice thereof he caused to be engraven about the Seale of his Bishopricke those words of Saint Paul Et ad haec quis idoneus and who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2.16 One note of his Modesty mixt with his last vertue of Humanity may be added that after his Chaplaines had Preached in his Chappell before him he would sometime privately request them that he might have a sight of their Notes with very good words and full of encouragement insomuch as they would professe of him that the would never desire a more candid Auditor So that what was said of Bede may as fitly be said of him A pietate modestia â—astitate nomen Venerabilis adeptus est His Indefatigability in Study cannot be paralleld if we consider him from his Childe hood to his old age Never any man tooke such paines or at least spent so much time in Study as this reverend Prelate for even in those dayes when it might have been supposed he would have taken some ease for his former paines then also from the houre he arose his private Devotions finished to the time he was called to Dinner which by his own order was not till twelve at noone at the soonest he kept close at his Booke and would not be interrupted by any that came to speake with him or upon any occasion publick Prayer excepted Insomuch that he would be so displeased with Scholars that attempted to speake with him in a morning that he would say He doubted they were no true Scholars that came to speake with him before noon After Dinner for two or three houres space he would willingly passe the time either in discourse with his guests or other friends or in dispatch of his own temporall affaires or of those who by reason of his Episcopall Jurisdiction attended him and being quit of these and the like occasions he would returne to his Study where he
a Common which is sufficiently stockt with such Cattell Say not that Iâ—nius his weake body was a preservation for his chastity for besides that the heart of a Stallion may be in the body of an Eunuch age in him now had out-grown the infirmities of his childe-hood But by Gods providence he was protected from this temptation and by Satans suggestions solicited to another who finding his corporall baits not to succeed did try by a more spirituall way to entice him 6. Here I stand still and demur with my selfe whether speech or silence be better Tell it not in Gath c. It is pity that so great sinnes of afterwards good men should be committed to memory But againe considering that his shipwrack may be a seamarke for others it must not be concealed He turned neither better nor worse then flat Atheist Certainly flyes as they are ingenuous to doe mischiefe on Grapes so they are judicious tasters to choose the ripest and sweetest for their palate And Satan is so subtile that he pitcheth on the most fruitfull yea rankest wits as best for his purposâ— and a dunce is no dish for the Divels tooth 7. Full twelve moneths did Iunius live in and lye under this dolefull and damnable condition when first it pleased God to save his life in a Tumult in the City of Lions that so signall a deliverance in the appehension of Iunius did point at a Deity and awakened his drowsie soule to the consideration of divine Providence Afterwards his Parents being by improbable and unsuspected intelligencerâ— informed of their Sons Atheisme sent for him home took order that he was better instructed and enjoyned him the constant reading of the New Testament Iunius lighting on the first chapter of the Gospell of Saint Iohn was by Gods spirit moving his heart so highly affected therewith that he fell on a sudden both into an acknowledgement and admiration of God in his Word I have heard that supersticious Exorcistes who most serve the Divel when they pretend most to command him use or rather abuse this chapter to conjure out evill spirits out of persons possessed What collusion or confederacy may passe betwixt Sathan and his playmates I neither doe nor desire to know This sure I am that that parcell of Scripture was so sanctified by God to Iunius that it dispossessed his soule and ejected thence that Atheisticall Fin formerly lodged therein And now Iunius begins to prefer Salomons Proverbs before Seneca his Sentences the Psalmes of David before the Odes of Horace Ieremies Lamentations before Ovid de Tristibus in a word he grew sensible of the majesty in the meanest of the rich matter in the plaine stile of the Scripture 8. Afterwards his Parents sent him to Geneva to the University furnishing him with sufficient money for the present and promising to send him supplies for the future when alas presently began the wofull Wars in France so that the French Lillies fairely flourishing before began now to be parched and scorched in Civill Combustions insomuch that the Parents of Iunius could not performe their promise Surely War is a cursed thing were it onely for this that it makes men unwillingly unnaturall unable to discharge those relative offices which otherwise they desire Iunius begins to want and resolves with himselfe Cleanthes like to worke evâ—ry other day with a Spade or Mattock about the Town Ditch so to provide himselfe maintainance Gods children making many hard but ever honest shifts 9. But a Countriman of his accidentally finding him out whose Mother when a Widdow had beene relieved by the Parents of Iunius tooke him home and freely bestowed both lodging and dyet upon him It is good spirituall husbandry to sow good workes if not our persons our posterity may reape them as now did Iunius But he good man was perplext for being as he conceived it a burden to his friend for there is no greater racke to an ingenuous nature then to receive kindnesses in despaire to requite them Iunius weighing in â—he ballance of his minde every morcell of meat and for foure moneths together pretending Study dyned onely on Ayre and supped with two Egges and a small draught of Wine fearing he should be too chargable thus he was a Lessâ—an before Lessius yea he exceeded him in his Abstinence till nature as I may say was over pressed with too little weight of victuals which brought him into a Consumption But afterwards receving mony from his Father he not only plentifully repaid his Host but by compitent food and corediall Phisicke repared the detriments and decayes in his body 10. The Father of Iunius who formerly was affraid that his Sonne would have to little Religion began now to suspect that he would have to much and make Divinity his profession whereas he intended him for the practice of the civil Law Like to many now adayes who begrutch their pregnant children to Gods service reserving strait Timber to be Beâ—mes in other buildings only condemnning crooked peeces for the Temple so that what is found unfit for City Camp or Court not to adde ship and shop is valued of worth enough for the Church 11. But here hapned a sad and sudden accident the Father of Iunius was most barbarously butchered by a companion of Hacks Iers Here let me beg and borrow of the courteous reader the help of his imagination to piece out the shortnesse of my expression in considering the great sorrow Iunius conceived hereat but no sooner was he come to shore out of the sea of sarrow but presently he dispatcht a letter to his Mother full of pitty and piety religion and affection He counselled her to submit to Divine providence seeing she was made a Bride the same minute wherin she was made a Widdow married to God himselfe the Husband of the Widdoâ— and Father of the fatherlesse he desired her to be carefull of the rest of the childeren but take no thought for him who was reâ—olved to hew out a way for his livelihood out of the Rockes of all difficulties 12. Leaving Geneva where he had lived a Schoole-master teaching Hebrew for a time he came into the Low countryes to be Minister to the French Church at Antwerp then began the civill Warres there wherin halfe of the seventeen Provinces opposed the King of Spaine whether willingly falling from him for lacke of Royalty or violently cast away by him through his owne cruelty the Chronicles of those parts are best able to informe Here Iunius had a finger yea a whole hand in writing some publicke Remonstrances in behalfe of the People which being knowne discovered by the sharpnesse of his owne Pen such was the activenesse quicknesse and vigor of his stile he was sought after and four hundred Florens promised to him more by half then his estate was ever worth which would bring him dead or a live to the Regent of that County yea a curious Limnner was employed to draw his picture to the life that thereby he