they humbly supplicate liberty to live according to that Rule as they be ready to give account of their Religion and to confess their errour if they shall be convinced from the Word of God they craved that it be enquired how their fathers through so many ages had behaved themselves toward their Governours and they protest that their mind is to render all obedience unto their chief Lord and if they do it not they submit themselves unto punishment Nevertheless the Duke goeth-on with Edicts against them and commandeth the Magistrats to execute them Upon a new promise of liberty he takes all weapons from them and then commandeth them to put away all their Ministers and to receive priests They said They would obey their Prince excepting Religion only wherein they should follow God Then the Duke sent an Army against them in the midst of winter An. 1560 burning houses spoiling all their goods with great cruelty The people fled into mountains and devised a sort of cross-bow throwing stones with great force at severall times and conflicts they killed a thousand souldiers and had slain more if they had not been persuaded by some Ministers so many of their own number were not slain Charles Truchet a Captain and most cruell enemy had had his thigh-bone broken by a stone the souldiers carried him away but when they were persued with stones they left him then a cow-herd slew him with his own sword The Baron Triniteus went against a village Prat del Torno to have killed all the people unawares but they who were in the fields put him to flight Thus Trinitaeus Captain general despairing to prevail by force certifieth the Duke of the difficulty and they sent unto the Dutchess Margarit a supplication entreating to interceed for them They were called to a parlee and besids other conditions it was agreed They should use their accustomed Religion they should not be accused for any thing done at this time they should have liberty to buy and sell throughout the Dukes dominions they shall render all obedience and live without offence French Commentar Ibid. 45. In the dayes of Charles IX brother of King Francis the condition The beginning of King Charles IX reigne of the French Church was diverse in the beginning the government of the realm was divided between the King of Navar as nearest in blood and the Queenmother The Prince of Condee was set at liberty and peace was granted unto the Reformed Church God gave this happiness after the frequent fasts and prayers of the Reformed in time of their appearing danger But the Queen was not content that the King of Navar had such power some seeking their own advancement by a change did augment her jealousy So the Nobles were divided into factions and present sedition was feared but the King of Navar puts away all their feare by giving up his power unto the Queen Peace continued for a time but the Queen with the Guises and others of that cruel faction sought to remove the granted liberty In the end of the above named December a Parliament of the Estates was at Orleance where the Chancellor declared that there was no less willingness in the King than was in his brother to have this Assembly for appeasing the seditions which seem to threaten the ruin of the realm this sedition said he is nothing but a separation of the subjects from the Commonwealth and it springs from diverse causes especially at this time it comes from Religion which is most wonderfull for on the one side as God is the only Anthor and preserver of Religion so he is an enemy of dissension and preserver of peace Christian Religion hath not need of Arms nor doth the beginning nor conservation thereof stand upon such defence nor is their answer sufficient who say They take arms not to offend any man but to defend themselves Seing it is not lawfull in any way to rise against the Prince as children should not resist their parents by patience did the godly Christians set forth the Religion and by ardent prayers even for heathenish Emperours On the other side if men were such as they should be strife should never arise for Religion But it is manifest that there is no greater force then the first conceived opinion whether it be good or evill no peace can be expected amongst those of contrary Religions nothing doth more violently distract the hearts of men nor is any affection more efficacious either to beget friendship or hatred than is Religion Therefore to salve this variety of Religion let us consider the matter diligently every man may not embrace what Religion he fancieth Thou sayst Thy Religion is better then mine and I defend mine Whether is more reasonable that I follow thy opinion or thou should follow mine Who shall end this controversy but a holy Councel as it was concluded at Fountain-bleaw and we have hope to attain one at the hands of the Pope In the mean while let us not alter any thing rashly thereby to bring confusion and warr into the kingdom and let the Prelates look better unto their office ..... If remedy can not be had by a general Councel the King and Queen will seek other remedies c. Then three men were chosen to speak for the States and had three orations the sum of which was Angelus a Counselor in the Senate of Burdeaux spake in the name of the Commons saying For removing trouble it seemes necessary unto the people first to take away the causes which are partly the corruptions of Church-men and amongst these corruptions three are most pernicious tow it covetousnes ignorance and luxury Their ignorance is so manifest that none doubteth of it and ignorance is the mother and nurse of all errours as both experience and testimonies of antient fathers declare evidently for remedy of this Canons or decrees shall be provided in vain for so great is the contempt of preaching that Bishops think it a discredite to feed the flock of Christ and Curates following their example despise that office and commit it unto hired and unlearned Vicars Likewise their luxury pride and pompe is scandalous to all men for they are painted so as if by outward shew they would represent the Majesty of God which they should rather express by godliness and sincerity How far have our Bishops of late degenerated from the moderate estate purity and piety of the antient and true Bishops ..... All those corruptions must be removed by a lawfull and godly Councel to be called by the Kings authority James Silly speaker for the Nobility spake in commendation of their Estate shewing how necessary it is for maintaining the honour of Royalty And concerning Religion it is necessary among many other miss-orders to restrain the usurpation of Church-men for they have usurped too much authority and have large revenues and have encroached upon the houses of Noble men all which they abuse wickedly in the end he petitioneth that
follow The King replieth Martin Luther and John Caluin professed to differ from the Church of Rome in fourty Articles and of these 40. they differed between themselves in one only wherefore both parties should bend their mind first against the Pope that when he is overcome they may seriously consider confer and come to agreement in that article and so at last the Church may enjoy the primitive purity XLVI In the end of August An. 1561. according to the Decree of The Conference at Possiac 1561. that great Counsel began the publick Conference in Possiac the Prelates brought their Clergy from all parts of France to dispute the Articles in controversy and a safe conduct was granted unto these for the Reformation There was the King and his mother and his brother the Duke of Orleance and his sister Margarit and the King of Navar and his Queen and the Prince of Condee with other Peers the Cardinals of Lorrain and Turnon with arch Bishops and Bishops about 50. besids many Deputies from other Prelates and a great number of Popish Doctors from the Reformed Churches were sent Peter Martyr then Minister at Zurik Theodore Beza Minister at Geneve Augustin Marlorat Mi. at Roan Nic. Gelasius Jo. Merlin and others about twenty The Ministers began with a Supplication unto the King that the disputation might have places hortly and those conditions be observed the Prelates sit not as Judges but the King and his Counsellors by his authority should rule and order the Conference 2. that the controversies be examined according to Gods Word only 3. what ever shall be determined it should be written by the Kings Notaries in his publick Commentaries After some dayes the Queen promised in the Kings name that these should be performed The Prelates complain and said Such liberty to dispute should not be granted unto such who are already condemned Thus the dispute was differred some dayes The first Session began September 9. The King in few words did shew his grief for the troubles of the realm and exhorted them to declare what things had need of Reformation and he promised to maintain their liberties with no less care then his Ancestours had done The Chancellor did more fully shew that the Kings will is according to the endeavours of his Ancestors to remove controversies of Religion and albeit their aimes was such yet the success was not as they wished but rather more troubles waxed wherefore he wisheth now that all men would diligently apply themselves to setle these troubles in time for this end he had called them and in his Royal person did accompany them that all things both of doctrine and manners may be reformed especially by this publick Conference And to look for remedy from a general Councel it is as vain as if a sick man having sufficient helps at home would travell into the Indies for it we may provide better for ourselves then others of forrein Countries can do they know not so well our cause nor condition of our people and greater profit hath often come by National Councels then by the general Wherefore let the Disputants on both sides joyntly aime at concord in the trueth let not the greater party despise the lesser neither let any man use curiosities but judge of every thing by the Word of God only Albeit the wished fruit do not follow yet this good shall ensue that all pretext shall be taken from those who complain that they are condemned unheard c. Osiand Lib. cit c. 46. ex Beuther The Cardinal Turnon in name of the Prelats gave thanks unto the King and Queen and Princes that it had pleased them to call this Conference and to honour it with their presence But at that time he was not ready to speak of the matter propounded nor would speak of it untill first he were advised with his Collegues the Cardinals Archbishops and other Prelates and seeing the Chancellor had at Royal command delivered such words he craves a coppy in writ to the end they may consider of them The Cardinal of Lorrain craved the same The French Commentar Lib. 3. Then the Ministers were bidden to speak Theodore Beza fell down on his knies and prayed publickly then after the preface for attention he spoke generally of Religion and nameth some particulares wherein both parties agree then the differences 1. in the matter of salvation which we said he in name of the Ministers ascribe wholly unto Jesus Christ 2. we differ not in the necessity of good works but in the original from whence we are able to do them and what are good works and to what use are they done 3. of the authority and perfection of Gods Word 4. of the nature and number of the sacraments so of transsubstantiation and Ecclesiastical discipline In the end he fell on his knees again before the King and presented the Confession of faith which the French Church had penned An. 1555 and had presented unto King Francis In this oration when he was speaking of the Lords Supper he said If we consider the distance of place the body of Christ is so far from the bread and wine as heaven is above the earth At these words the Prelats were so commoved that they began a-disturbance and were silenced untill he had come to an end Then Turnon with indignation said For reverence unto the Kings command they had consented that those new-Evangelists should speak but not without sting of conscience for it was no doubt but they would vent things unworthy of the Kings most Christian ears and scandalous unto many Therefore the Prelats beseech the king that he would not believe the words of that fellow and suspend his judgement untill the Prelats shall give a clear demonstration of the trueth if he will appoint the time And if it had not been for reverence unto his Majesty they would not have heard that mans blasphemy but have gone away And they beseech the king to continue in the faith of his forefathers the which he prayed the Virgin Mary and all the Saints in heaven to grant Lib. cit The Queen being desirous to appease the Prelats said No thing should be done without the advice of the King and his Councellors and Parliament of Paris neither do they intend a change of Religion but to abolish dissensions In the next Session September 17. the Cardinal of Lorrain spake in name of the Prelats he made choise of two articles of doctrine of the Church and the Masse of the Church he said The Church consists not of the elect only because in the Lords barn chaff is mixt with the wheat and nevertheless the Church can not err but if some part do err the body should be preferred before a corrupt member if any evill shall creep-in we should have recourse unto antiquity and the Mother Churches amongst which the Church of Rome always hath had the first place If any thing be amiss in any particular Church against the ignorance of
undique et ano Etpene erupit qui tibi Carle cruor Non tuus iste cruor sanctorum at caede cruorem Quem ferus hausisti concoquere haud poteras III. So soon as Henry king of Poland heard of his Brothers death he Troubles of Henry â— returned privily and quickly and was crowned King of France He renewed the warres against the Reformed Church he took Mons Monmorancy and quartered him for Religion Nevertheless they increased in number for the Duke Alanchon the Kings Brother and the Duke of Condee joyned with them so that a peace was granted and proclamed with liberty of Religion in the year 1576 but that peace endured not long Then Henry king of Navar joyned with the Reformed again yet they were all in great danger in the year 1586. The Pope Sixtus 5. excommunicated the King of Navar and the Prince of Condee and declared them uncapable of the crown of France and ordered King Henry 3. to persue them with arms The King of Navar sent unto Frederik king of Denmark and unto the Princes of Germany for aid They sent their Ambassadors unto the King of France to interceed for the Protestants He returned answer that they should medle with his subiects no more then he did with theirs Wherefore those Princes assembled at Luneburgh where were also the Ambassadors of Navar England Scotland of the Duke of Pomer c. They concluded that the King of Navar should not be forsaken Chytrae Lib. 28. So they sent 5000. horse-men and 20000. foot but unhappily for the Guises and other confoederats in Liga aurea gave them the foil in Lorrain An. 1587. The next year Henry III. understood of the presumption and intention of the Guises and he called a Parliament professing that he would give the chief Commande of his Army against the Hugonots unto Henry Duke of Guise The man doubted of the Kings favor and yet upon those fair words he went unto the Parliament he was killed in his bedchamber and his body was first burnt then his asshes were thrown into Ligeris His brother Lewes a Cardinal was hang'd and his son with some Bishops were imprisoned Within twelve dayes the Queen-mother died through sorow for the death of the Guises Ibid. Behold how God then brought peace unto his Church They who before favoured the Guises secretly do then profess open rebellion against the King the Parisians create Charles Duke of Mayen and Brother of the Duke of Guise to be Governor of Paris and of the Isle of Francia the Sorbonists deny the kings authority and absolve all men from the oath of allegiance Many cities joyn themselves unto Duke Charles to wit Lions Roan Orleance Ambian c. The King assembleth the Nobility he proclames unto all his subiects pardon of all former trespasses if now they shall return into obedience and he threatneth loss of Goods and life if they return not Henry king of Navar craves pardon obtaines it and is made General of the Army against the traitors the Dukes of Mayen and Aumale in Aprile An. 1589. And the same sommer he granted by edict at Nantes Liberty of the Religion liberty unto the Reformed to assemble not only for exercise of their Religion in their churches but also for holding their Synods yearly and so to be free from the jurisdiction of Bishops Which liberty no king of France hath impeded untill this present time and unto all who were under the former Edicts of exile he restored their honors and goods upon their submission Then the followers of Duke Charles called the king an enemy of the Apostolical Roman Church and August 1. new style a Jacobin Monk having purchased leave to deliver a Letter unto the king stabbed him as he was reading the Letter in the belly with a poisoned knife the villan said he was commanded by an Angel to kill the tyrant and his death would bring peace into France The king feared not death at the first and immediatly dispatched Posts to all the chief parts of the realm giving them notice of what was done and exhorting them to constancy and loyalty as is due unto their Soverain Before midnight he apprehendes death and the next day he caused proclaim Henry king of Navar to be his heir After the Henry 4 King of France kings death the Peers of the realm then in the lieger require an oath of the king of Navar to defend the Roman Religion and he swore to maintain even to hazert of his life the Catholick Apostolical and Roman Religion within the kingdom of France and that he will make no change in the exercise thereof and for his own person he will obey the decrees of a godly and lawfull general or National Councel and promiseth to procure it with all diligence and he swear to permit no other Religion but what is already allowed untill peace being restored it shall be otherwise provided and he confirmed all the Officers of State On the other side these and the Ptinces of the blood the other Peers and many others acknowledge Henry 4. king of France and Navar and swear lojalty and fidelity unto him Then both he and they swear that they shall revenge the villanous murder of the late king and the disturbance of the realm against all the rebels Then the Duke Mayen being at that time called Duke of Guise and the king of Spain dealt with the Pope that the king of Navar should not be absolved from the former Sentence and that faction declares Charles Duke de Mayen king of France but the Senat of Paris not admitting that any should be king who were not of the blood royal he was not proclamed there In the year 1593. Henry 4. took his oath to defend the Roman Religion he wrot an abiuration of the doctrine of the Reformed Church and sent it unto the Pope then he received a pardon and the Popes blessing and was absolved in the Church of S. Denis by the arch Bishop of Bourges upon condition to embrace the Acts of the Councel of Trent and to cause them to be observed within his realms to hear Masse to choose Mary for his advocate before God to breed the young Prince of Condee in the Romish religion c. But though for earthly peace he professed Popery yet in the Parliament at Roan An. 1597. he gave liberty of Religion within his dominions One day he said unto a Noble man I saw you tooday at the Masse Yes said the other I will follow your Majesty The King replied But you shall not have the Crown of France for it IV. Some variances arose amongst them of the Augustan Confession The causes of variance amongst the Lutherans 1. Whereas in the year 1547. theâ— were pressed by the book called Interim to accept that article Good works are necessary unto salvation the Divines of â—itteberg for peace sake did yeeld unto it but those of Iena as being more wary thought good to wave that phrase
neck and hath got it not by piety but And the Emperor being made subject in this maner returneth into Germany bewailing his misfortune ann 1177. In the year 1184. he A pretty contest betwixt a Bishop and an Abbot brought Constantia the onely childe of William King of Sicilies into Germany and married her to his Son Henry when they were Crowned at Mentz there was so great conflux of people that the City was not sufficient to contain them and the Emperor caused to be set up a spatious house for the time without the walls The Pentecost was the day of the solemnity When the Emperor was in the Church with many Princes of both Estates and had set the Bishop of Mentz on his right hand and the Bishop of Colein on the left the Abbot of Fulda demandeth the seat on the Emperor 's left hand where the Bishop of Colein was sitting Many saith Al. Crantz in Saxon. lib. 6. c. 46. do remember that this was done in that place The Elector thought it a disparagement to give place unto an Abbot The Emperor being required to determine the matter said We do approve as we should do the ancient customs of the Empire but for this purpose we think it indifferent The Elector hearing him riseth up and saith Seeing O Soveraign Majesty your will commandeth so I an Arch-Bishop give place unto an Abbot an Electoral Prince unto a Monk but by your leave I will be gone And when he had so said he went away The Count Palatin of Rhine the Emperor's Brother and the Count of Nassaw followed him but first said Soveraign Emperor by your leave we follow him and do acknowledge his benefits which we have received Lewes Prince of Thuringia said unto the Count of Nassaw because he held something of the Abbot You deserve well of your Lord who forsakest him to day and followest another He answered For the benefit which I hold of him I will give obeysance in due time and to day I will follow him with whom I came hither and is equally the Lord of a few which I have The same did the Duke of Brabant When so many seats were emptied King Henry was displeased and embracing the Arch-Bishop in his arms entreating him earnestly that he would not begin so solemn a day with sadness nor move a stir in so great a convention of the Princes that he would continue in his seat and not darken the joy of the Coronation with such a cloud of wrath Then said the Emperor Seeing one word doth so offend you I wish that I had not spoken it albeit I acknowledge not that I have spoken any thing otherwise then became my place but take heed lest by healing of a little ach you make a deeper wound in the body for such is your wisdom you know what it is to divide such an assembly Then the Arch-Bishop said chafingly Your Imperial Majesty would have rewarded me well to day for the many services that I have followed and performed for you I am become hoar-headed in your pitched pavilions I have vexed Italy I have fought against Lombardie I have caused Brunswick to sweat and bleed this is my great reward that in the assembly of the Princes I should be dashed for an Abbot who had not attempted such a thing if he knew not the secret favor of the Caesarean Majesty But if you O Caesar and the King will have me to remain let our seats be as they were if the Abbot will displace me let him climb up into the clouds and set his seat in the north and be like unto the most High But the Bishop having notice of what the Abbot intended to do brought with him 4000. armed men and more and certainly they had fallen to blows if the stir had continued Then said the Emperor Arch-Bishop seeing you have taxed me of secret correspondence in this business with the Abbot I am ready to give my oath that I am not accessory to this fault And when it appeared that he was ready to give his oath the Bishop said The word of your Caesarean Majesty is unto me sufficient for an oath Then the Emperor turning unto the Abbot because he saw that not a few Princes were ready to draw swords for him said Father you must have a little patience without prejudice of your right lest any more trouble do overcloud this solemn day The Abbot was a little ashamed and took the lower seat Then was the King and Queen Crowned About that time Saladin Sultan of Egypt prevailed mightily in the East and The affairs of the East ann 1187. he took Jerusalem The Christians kept the Title King of Jerusalem and some Towns in Asia the space of 100. years and more and many Princes went thither but never possessed Jerusalem except that short time when the Emperor Frederick II. was in it as followeth Barbarossa was moved to go thither he was hindered by Isaacius the Greek Emperor and therefore did sundry affronts unto him both in Thracia and Asia as also he conquered Iconium from the Turks and so great was his glory that his Army was called Invincible and none durst resist him saith Nicet as li. 2. de Isaac Who also testifieth that this Emperor did forbid the worship of Images and did use unleavened bread in the Sacrament for which causes and some other such things the Armenians did welcome the Almans into Asia as their friends On a day when he was hunting with the Lord of Armenia he went into an unknown river to water his horse he fell into the water to the irreparable loss of all Christendom saith Naucler for Saladan was so afraid of him that he left Syria and intended to retire with all the Turks into Egypt Thus saith he died that Emperor ann 1190. one so glorious and who had in his time enlarged the Empire that after Charles the Great none was to be compared unto him in honor of exploits His Son Conrade took the Government of the Army and recovered Antiochia Coelosyria Laodicea c. and died ann 1191. Manuel in the 38. year of his reign left his yong Son Alexius Emperor and recommended him unto his Cousin-German Andronicus at first he shewed himself a good Tutor of his Pupil then he carried equal sway and lastly like a shameless Traitor murthered him within three years after his Fathers death but the Princes took him and punished him many ways and Isaacius Angelus next in kindred was Emperor In the time of this Andronicus the Sicilians came into Greece without resistance they possessed Thessalie Amphipolis and made towards Constantinople Isaacius sent Branas against them and he came upon them unawares at first the Greeks were unwilling to fight but being encouraged by Branas they partly slew and fully chased all the Sicilians out of Greece Nicet Choni Likewise at that time the Turks had invaded the Eastern part of that Empire and the Mysi usurped liberty as also the Bulgarians and the
neck unto the sword nor do I think it expedient to advise any more with my Lords the Prelates nor if they will do otherwise do I consent unto them for it is more honest to deny quickly what is demanded unjustly then to drive off time by delays seeing he is the less deceived who is refused betimes When Gilbert had so made an end some English both Prelates and Nobles commend the yong Clerk that he had spoken so boldly for his Nation without flattering and not abashed at the gravity of such Authority but others because he spoke contrary unto their minde said A Scot is naturally violent and In naso Scoti piper But Roger Arch-Bishop of York which principally had moved this business to bring the Church of Scotland unto his See uttered a groan and then with a merry countenance laid his hand on Gilbert's head saying Ex tua phareta non exiit illae sagitta as if he had said When ye stand in a good cause do not forethink what ye shall say for in that hour it shall be given unto you This Gilbert was much respected at home after that And Pope Celestin put an end unto this debate for he sent his Bull unto King William granting that neither in Ecclesiastical nor Civil affairs the Nation should answer unto any forain Judge whatsoever except onely unto the Pope or his Legate specially constituted So far in that Register of Dunkel 5. The above named Henry II. was so admired thourgh the world for his Henry II. prudent and unfortunate prudence and prowess that Manuel Emperor of the Greeks Frederick Emperor of Germany the French King with many other famous Princes sent unto him as a School-Master of justice for determination of obscure doubts Alfonso King of Castile and Saucius King of Navar being at variance for some possessions did of their own accord submit themselves unto his judgement and he found an overture to both their good liking This is to be marked because the worshippers of Becket call him a vitious Prince In the year 1181. the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Master of the Templaries having no King and being distressed by Saladin did profer unto the same Henry the Kingdom of Jerusalem and brought unto him the keys of their Cities He refused because of his weighty affairs at home They were opprest by the Infidels and he had no more prosperity for his Son would have the Government as well as the Title of the Kingdom and the Father did the service of a Steward unto his Son yea and more disdainfully did the Son entreat his Father till he was taken away by death and his Brother Richard was also a grief unto his Father and so was the third Brother John The true cause of all his woes may be thought the oppression of some professors of truth for Pol. Virgil. in Hist Anglor lib. 13. testifieth that about the year 1160. thirty teachers came from Germany into England and taught the right use of Baptism of the Lord's Supper c. and were put to death It is true Virgil calleth them worshippers of Divels but we shall hear anon how all professors of truth were reviled and John of Sarisbuny at the same time wrote saying He who speaketh for the truth of faith or sincerity of maners according to the Law of God is called superstitious envious and which is capital an enemy of the King After four years others which were in contempt called Publicans and Waldenses taught in England that the Roman Church had left the faith of Christ and was become the whore of Babel the barren fig-tree no obedience should be given unto the Pope or his Bishops Monks were dead carion their vows frivolous their characters were the mark of the Beast Io. Bale Cent. 2. § 96. in Appen And in the year 1166. the same Henry drew some professors unto judgement at Oxford because they were said to dissent from the doctrine of the Roman Church he caused them to be burnt with an hot iron and banished them I. Fox in Act. Mon. 6. At that time were many married Priests in Britanny Ephleg left his Married Clerks Son Cedda to be his Successor in the Priesthood at Plinmouth Arnold Dunprust left his Son Robert likewise in the same County unto Robert did his Son succeed In Norfolk Wulkerel dimitted his Priest-hood at Dyssa unto his lawful Son William Hugh Howet in Sarisbury John in Exchester and Oliver in Nottingham all succeeded unto their Fathers Io. Bale Cent. 3. § 10. in Appen In Ireland fifteen Bishops of Lesmore succeeded lineally and hereditarily for the space of 200. years and of them eight Sons succeeded unto their fathers Bernard in Vita Malac. until the year 1121. when the Bishop Celsus having no Son did as by testament name Malachias Bishop of Connereth to be his Successor and his friends as heirs did resist for five years Malachias had correspondence with Bernard of Claraval and had two Monks sent from that Abbey to begin an Abbey of that Order in Ireland but they returned against the Bishops will wherefore Bernard wrote unto him his 317. Epistle exhorting that he would not leave off the purpose but rather be more vigilant in that new place and Land so unaccustomed with Monastical life and excusing the Monks that their returning was occasioned by the unto wardness of these brethren living in a Land without discipline and especially not accustomed to submit unto such counsels This Malchias did urge the single life of Priests in Ireland He went to Rome and became Legate but died in the way beside Bernard 7. John of Sarisbury Bishop of Carnotum was familiar with his Countrey-man Iohn Bishop of Sarisbury Pope Hadrian IV. when they were alone in a chamber at Benevento Hadrian asked him what the world thought and spake of him and of the Church After a little form of excuse he said I will tell what I hear spoken every where they say The Church of Rome which is the Mother of all Churches is become a step dame unto them and the Pope is called across and grief unto all men and intolerable for pride as the zeal of their Fathers had erected Churches so now they do decay and the Pope was glorious not onely in purple but in glancing gold the Cardinals and Bishops are called Scribes and Pharisees laying heavy burthens on mens shoulders which themselves will not touch with their finger their Palaces are glorious and the Churches of Christ are polluted by their hands they spoil the Nations as if they would scrape together the treasures of Croesus But the most High dealeth most wisely with them for they become often a prey unto others and I think so long as they stray out of the way they shall never want a scourge from God Then said the Pope What thinkest thou He answered There is danger on every side I fear the blame of flattering or lying if I alone do speak contrary unto the world and I
3. With common consent of the Princes and Bishops of Italy and Germany and assent of the Priests and People Pope John was condemned of irreligiousness and heresie and as Author of the Antichristian Empire Lastly They did chuse another Pope Nicolaus the V. as is written before John raged and deprived Lewis again When Benedict the XII was chosen Lewis sent Orators craving peace and the Pope answered that he and his Brethren would take care to restore that Noble branch which was cut off from the Church and he did commend Lewis as the most eminent Prince of the world He bewailed also that Italy was oppressed by Tyrants and the holy Land by the Saracens and all these evils had hapned for want of an Emperor The Orators hearing the Pope speak thus were assured that the absolution was granted But saith Naucler gener 45. the King of France and Robert King of Apulia turn all upside down for two Arch-Bishops and two Counts came and disswaded the Pope from making peace with Lewis lest he be called a friend of Hereticks Benedict said unto them Do your Masters wish that there be no Empire We speak not holy Father said they against the Empire but against the person of Lewis which is condemned for his practising against the Church Then said Benedict It is true we have done against him but he would have fallen at the feet of our Predecessor if he could have been accepted and what he hath done he hath been provoked thereunto But saith Naucler the Pope could not prevail And John King of Bohemia and Henry Duke of Bavier wrote that with the aid of the Kings of Hungary and Cracow they would set up another King of the Romans So the Cardinals did for that time hinder the absolution and the Orators were dismissed with fair words In the year 1336 Lewis assembled the Princes in Spira and from thence sent other Orators unto the Pope for absolution among these was Gerlak Count de Nassaw and the Bishop of Curia When they came Benedict weeping said He loved Prince Lewis but the King of France had written unto him that if he did absolve Lewis without his consent he should finde worse dealing then Boniface had found The next year Lewis and Philip de Valois King of France were agreed and they both sent together unto Benedict for absolution of Lewis Then said Benedict Shall I now judge Lewis an Heretick and then a most religious Christian at the King's nod and so did still refuse And it is thought saith Naucler Philip did pretend to desire what he would not and Benedict did profess what he would not though he would have done it and so nothing was done But it will appear that the Pope did dissemble at first and at this time began to shew himself In the year 1338 Lewis called another Diet to Frankford and there by advice of some Minorites he published a Declaration against the Sentence of Pope John where he proved out of the Canon Law and Ancient Customs that it appertained only unto the Electors to chuse the Emperor and the interest of the Pope is onely to anoint him being chosen which is but a ceremony and if the Pope will refuse any other Bishop may anoint wherefore when the Emperor giveth oath unto the Bishop of Rome it is not of homage or subjection but only of faithfulness and defense of the Bishop and the Church if necessity do require his furtherance so that it is against all Antiquity that the Pope restraineth the Authority of the Electors to the designing of the King of the Almains only and taketh unto himself alone to create the Emperor as also it is absurd that the Pope assumeth the managing of the Empire as lawful Emperor when the Imperial Throne is vacant which power belongeth unto the Palatine of Rhine likewise he did clear himself particularly of those things which Pope John had alledged against him And in the end by advise of all the Clergy and Princes of Almany there assembled declared the whole process that was laid against him to be null and of no force This Declaration is at length in Naucler loc cit At that time Benedict made Luchin the Viscount and his Brother John the Arch-Bishop to be Vicars of Millain and other Towns and he gave the same power unto Mascin Scala in Verona and Vincentia and unto others in other Cities and that he did by his own power as he said because when the Imperial Seat is vacant as for a time it was vacant all the Imperial power did belong unto him Naucler ibid. Then the Emperor seeing that now was no hope to be absolved and as the Pope was doing he created all hereditary Vicars in Italy who afterwards became absolute Lords lest they should revolt from him Pope Clemens was haughtier then all the other he summoned the Emperor to appear and satisfie God and the Church Lewis sent his Orators and promised to obey Clemens demanded that the Emperor should confess all his heresies and errors that he should resign the Empire and not reassume it but with the good leave of the Pope and that he should render himself and his Sons and his goods into the Pope's reverence All which the Orators did subscribe so that the Pope and the Cardinals did admire at it And then they propound harder conditions Naucler saith The Emperor would never have subscribed these Articles though he had been a prisoner When he saw them he sent Copies of them unto all the Princes and they did assemble at Frankford in September An. 1344 where after consideration of these Articles they did judge them derogatory unto the honor of the Empire they all with one voice did abhor them and they did intreat the Emperor to stand in defense of his honor as he had done before and they should not be deficient to the uttermost of their power Naucler ibid. Then Clemens did accurse the Emperor again for Heresie and Schism and he accursed all the Bishops and Princes that favored him and he sent a mandate unto the Electors to proceed unto a new election The Heresies were 1. He believed not the determination of Pope John the XXII concerning the poverty of Christ 2. He held that the Emperor may depose a Pope 3. He being accursed did contumaciously lie under the curse 4. He gave Bishopricks unto some and deposed some Bishopricks who would not do contrary unto the Papal interdiction 5. That he had deposed a Pope and set up an Anti-Pope Henry of Viernberg Arch-Bishop of Mentz would not consent unto the violation of his innocent Majesty therefore the Pope deposed him and sent Gerlak of Nassaw into his See Other Bishops and Electors being seduced by John King of Bohemia did consent unto the election of his Son Charls Waltram Bishop of Colein got 8000 marks Baldwin Bishop of Trevers was Uncle to King John the Duke of Saxony received 8000 marks c. P. Mexia The Pope without delay approved the
election Behold what a fire the Pope had kindled if the wisdom of Lewis had not been singularly patient He would not renounce his Imperial Title but he returned to Burgravia where by procurement of the Pope he was poisoned with a drink which the Dutchess of Austria presented unto him An. 1347. and therefore he was called a Martyr Clemens had sent his Bulls unto the Princes of Germany commanding them to accept the before named Charls as their lawful Emperor And he had obtained from Charls that from thenceforth none should be accounted Emperor until he be confirmed by the Pope and to believe otherwise is a pernicious heresie The Princes and other States understanding this thought Charls unworthy of the Diadem and they said Will that Servant of Servants rage always in pride and ambition that he dare with a shameless face more then manifestly surpass the wickedness of the most cruel Tyrants that ever was read of Wherefore after the death of Lewis they assembled to a new election The Bishop of Mentz and three Secular Electors the other Bishops came not chose Edward the III. King of England and Brother in law of Lewis the V. He gave them thanks but refused because he was troubled with wars in France Then they chose Frederick Marquess of Misnia Son in law of Lewis Charls gave him a sum of money that he should not accept Thirdly An. 1350. they chose Gunther Earl of Swarzenburgh they were so resolved not to accept an Emperor from the Pope and he was presently after poisoned by his Physician Findank who also died within three days having at his Master's command tasted first of the same potion Thus were they all made away who withstood the Pope Gunther knowing that he must die and being desirous to leave Germany in peace rendered his Title unto Charls And so after long contention the honor of the Emperor is brought to a meer Title nor could the most puissant Emperors prevail because the people were perswaded that they drew their swords against Heaven if they did resist the Pope as if they had presumed like the ancient Gaints to climb into the skies and pull God from his Throne and the thundering excommunications were judged not so much menaces of death which peradventure might have been avoided or contemned but of damnation which as it is most terrible so it was thought unavoidable 4. CHARLS the IV. was a weak Prince in courage and prudence through ambition he did extreamly weaken and debase the Empire he approved that form of Coronation of the Emperors which is kept in the Vatican and containeth many servile Ceremonies As The Emperor supplieth the office of a Sub-Deacon in ministring unto the Pope and saying Mass and Divine Service being ended he must hold the stirrup while the Pope mounteth on his horse and for a certain space must lead the Pope's horse by the bridle Also he obliged himself that he should stay no longer in Italy then while he were crowned so whereas many Emperors had for some ages displayed their forces to drive the Popes from Rome now the Popes without any forces have removed the Emperors from the Tower of the Empire and made themselves absolute Lords Hence also it appeareth that now the Emperors are but the images of the ancient Emperors and the Popes give spirit unto the image Naucler writeth that Charls entered into Rome on foot in derision whereof a Senator began an Oration before the people in these words Behold thy King cometh unto thee with meekness and lowliness He was crowned by two Cardinals deputed by the Pope and the next day took his journey into Germany At that time Petrarcha wrote many things between derision and disdain in his Epistles partly unto Charls and partly unto others In his second Book De vita solitar sect 4. cap. 2. he saith Caesar hath taken the Crown and is gone into Germany contenting himself with the lurking holes of his Country and the name of Emperor he embraceth the lowest members and forsaketh the head who we thought should have recovered hath lost it ...... I confess his oath bindeth him and he excuseth himself that he hath sworn to abide in Rome but a day Oh infamous day oh shameful covenant oh Heavens behold an oath behold Religion behold godliness the Bishop of Rome hath left Rome so that he will not suffer another to dwell in it c. P. Morn in Myster pag. 472. As Charls came to the Empire by miserable ambition so he may be called the first Emperor which ruined the Revenues thereof for he did first consent that the Viscount of Millain should be the perpetual Vicar of the Empire and the Viscount having once full Authority usurped liberty And to the end he might tie the Princes Electors unto him and his Son after him he promised to give them great sums of money and for payment thereof he gave them discharges of their taxes and tributes of their Lands unto the Empire which covenant being once made they cause the Emperor when he is at first chosen to swear that he shall never revoke So the tributes of many Lands and Towns of Germany which anciently was the Emperor's patrimony is dispersed among the Princes and free Cities Then also was the order of the Electors changed it was appointed that the Bishop of Mentz should ask the votes 1. Of the Bishop of Trevers 2. Of the Bishop of Colein 3. Of the King of Bohemia 4. Of Prince Palatine of Rhine 5. Of the Duke of Saxony 6. Of the Marquess of Brandenburgh And lastly give his own vote But in procession the three Bishops should go foremost and the Bishop of Trevers in the midst and the three Princes should follow them and the Duke of Saxony in the midst then the Emperor and immediately after him the King of Bohemia Bulla Aurea in Fascic rer expetend And they have a third order in serving the Emperor at his table on the solemn days In the year 1359. Charls had a conference at Mentz with the three Electoral Bishops and Pope Innocentius sent thither the Bishop Calvacen for a Subsidty unto his Treasury and gave him power to dispense with the Clergy who had not Canonically purchased Benefices either Curata vel sine cura There was also the Dukes of Saxony and Bavier The Emperor called the Legate and heard his Commission then said Charls Lord Legate the Pope hath sent you into Germany to require a great sum of money but you reform nothing among the Clergy Cuno a Canon of Mentz was standing by with a costly hat or cap and many golden and silken fantasies about it the Emperor said to him Lend me your cap then laying aside his own the Emperor put on the Canon's cap and said unto the Princes Am I not now more like a Soldier then a Clark and so he rendered the cap unto Cuno Then he said unto the Bishop of Mentz Lord Arch-Bishop We command you that with the fidelity wherewith you
the performing of certain conditions after his liberty and the rather because that Charles did aim with unsatiable lust at the Empire not of Italy only saith Onuphr in Clement VII but of whole Europe When Charles heard of a League made against him by the Pope and the Princes of Italy and King Francis he was not a little offended and making the more hast sent Charles Duke of Burbone Generall of his Army into Italy who did so prevaile as is hinted before Then in his Letters he challengeth Francis of the breach of his oath as he often spoke thereof unto the French Ambassadours The King sent his Letters by an Herauld dated at Paris March 28. An. 1528. saying By the talk which thou hadst with some of mine I understand that thou braggest of certain things sounding to my dishonour as if I had escaped thy hands against my fidelity now albeit he who after the compact hath left pledges is him selfe quitt from bonde so that I am thereby sufficiently excused nevertheless in defence of my honour I have written thus briefly unto thee therefore if thou doest blame this my fact and departing or sayst that I have at any time done contrary unto the duty of a Noble Prince I tell thee plainly Thou liest for I have determined to preserve my honour while I have a day to live therefore we need not many words if thou hast ought against mee thou shalt not need heerafter to write more but appoint the place and time where we may fight hand to hand If this thou darest not do and in the mean time revilest mee I protest that all the shame thereof belongs unto thee The Emperour receiveth the Letters and sent another Herauld appointing the place Francis would not accept the Letters but considering the danger of his children and his former misfortune sought peace it was concluded in August An. 1529. At the same time Solyman was besieging Vienna in Austria with 25000 Turks he assaulted it 20. times it was defended so viliantly by the Germanes under the conduct of the Palsgrave that the seege was raised after a moneth and Solyman returned many Turks being killed or taken Then Charles had peace everywhere and went to be crowned in Italy ere he came to Bononia where the Pope lay three Cardinals were sent to demand and take his oath of fidelity that he would never prejudge the liberties of the Church He answered He would not refuse that so far as it should not be prejudiciall unto his own right Meaning to recover Parma Placentia which the Church did then possesse but was a part of the Dutchy of Millane The Pope and Cardinalls loved not such conditions but they durst not resist So on Febr. 22. he was declared King of Lombardy and Febr. 24. he was crowned Emperour An. 1530. He restored the Dutchy of Millain to Francis Sfortia he created Frederik Gonzaga Duke of Mantua and by meanes of the Prince of Orange he conquered Florence and gave it to Alex. Medices Then he wentunto Germany in the Diet at Ausburg he caused his brother Ferdinand to be declared King of the Romanes not without opposition of the Duke of Bavier of the Protestants An. 1532. Solyman returned into Styria Charles waites him at Vienna yet sent some horse men against Cason a Turkish Captain with 15000. men plundering the Country Cason was taken and many souldiers were slain wherefore Solyman returned now the second time with shame Charles then goeth into Italy to talke with the Pope concerning the Generall Councell thence he sailed into Spain An. 1533. After two years he relieved 22000. Christian captives and wonne the Kingdom of Tunis from the Turks and rendered it to King Alzaten Muleasses who had been expelled by treason of his own sons He returnes into Italy and again talkes with Pope Paul concerning the Councell and went into Spain thence he returnes into Germany An. 1541. When he was at the Diet in Regensburgh he heard of the losse of Tunis again and went thether and lost a great part of his army to his discomfort and returned into Spain in November Of his business with France and with the Protestants in Germany it followes in the next Chapter His victory at Smalcald was his ruine for upon no condition would he grant liberty unto John-Frederick Electour of Saxony and the Landgrave therefore Maurice son of Henry successour of the Popish George Duke of Saxony and son-in-law to the Landgrave though a Protestant yet had followed the Emperour in and after these warrs and therefore was honoured with the title of Electour now seeing that the Emperour aimed not as he had oft professed at wonted and civill obedience only did entreat for liberty unto his father-in-law Charles dreameth of security as if Germany could not stirre any more and would not remitt any part of his will Wherefore Maurice by the advice and with the aid of Albert Duke of Brandeburg raiseth an army quietly and approacheth to Ispruc when Charles was informed of it he sets the Electour at liberty lest Duke should Maurice have the honour of his delivery and himselfe fleeth with his Court by night into Italy he climbeth the Alpes with torch-light After all his travels he had not a foot of ground in Germany but the Nederlands After his departure within few hours Maurice took Ispruc and was Master of all the baggage belonging to the Emperour and his court An. 1552. but touched nothing appertaining unto the burgesses It came to passe that King Ferdinand Duke Maurice concluded a peace at Passaw and ordained a Diet to be held at Ausburg It was delayed two years and albeit Maurice was killed by the before-named Albert yet all discords for religion were commodiously composed in Septemb. An. 1555. liberty was granted unto the Protestants the Landgrave was restored but liberty was not permitted unto bb and clerks to retain their Benefices if they left Popery Pe. Soave histo Conc. Trid. Charles would always hold up the Councell but when he saw that his fortune was changed and his hope of a new Monarchy was gone nor would his brother Ferdinand nor the Electours condescend to the succession of his son Philip in the Empire he laieth aside all care of the world he resignes his inheritance unto his sonne reserving 100000 crownes to himself and family and quiteth Austria and the title of Emperour unto his brother Ferdinand to use his own words as Pe. Mexia recordeth as if himself were dead he tetiereth into Spain lived in the monastery of S. Just two years and died as humbly as he had lived gloriously All that space he read diligently the Books of Bernard and with confidence would argue thus I am unworthy to attain the Kingdom of heaven by my merites but the Lord my God which hath a twofold right unto it by inheritance and by meritt of his suffering hath reserved the one title unto himself and hath given mee the other by this gift I will claime it
according to the articles of Ratisbone and that none be troubled for piety in religion or els he may feare the Turk will prevaile more This was referred unto the General Councel 34. In the beginning of the year 1542 King Ferdinand in name of the Ielousies contests between Cesar France 1542. Emperour calleth a Diet at Spira he sheweth what aid Boheme Austria and the Clergy of his Jurisdictions wil contribute to the warrs against the Turk and demandeth what the Princes will do The King of France by his Oratours shewes his opinion that it is not expedient to invade the Turke but if he invade Germany then the Princes should lay aside all other quarels and resist with one accord Moron the Popes Legate adviseth wars presently and offereth 5000. foot if the Emperour will go but if he go not half the number and he shewes that a Councel shall be called shortly but the Pope in respect of his old age can not come into Germany and therefore desireth them to make choise of Mantua Ferraria Bononia Placentia or Trent which is in the Jurisdiction of the King Ferdinand The King and some Popish Princes made choise of Trent The Protestants refuse both the place and that the Pope should be president Here the Princes consent unto the Warrs against the Turk and with common consent Joachim Elector of Brandeburgh is chosen Commander in chieff This meeting endeth Aprile 11. Then Luther publisheth a book shewing that howbeit before he had dissuaded from the wars against the Turk because it was undertaken under pretext of Christian religion but now seing Princes are better informed and the Turk pofsesseth himself of other Princes Landes it is all reason to resist him upon this account as a robber yet so that Ministers should earnestly exhort all men unto repentance and pious prayers and he exhorts all souldiers unto courage and if any be taken captives that they make not apostasy for fear of afflctions or for the hypocrisy of the Mahumetanes he added also a forme of prayer against the cruelty of the Turks But the supplee was not sent as the Princes had promised and they which went did no good May 22. Pope Paul calleth a councel to begin at Trent Novemb 1. and this he professeth to be of his proper motion He sent his Bull unto the Princes but very unseasonably saith Pe. Soave for Francis denounceth warrs against the Emperour in July and invaded fyve severall Provinces all at once with fyve armies The Emperour sent word unto the Pope that he could not be content with that Bull seing he had done so much for a Councel and Francis had always opposed it yet now he makes them equall then he shewes what iniuries he had suffered of the Pope especially by his Legate at Spira where he had promised alike favour unto both the dissenting parties in religion he submittes it to be considered in prudence whether the actions of that King be for healing the wounds of the Church who upon all occasions had hindered the Councel and now compelleth him to take another course wherefore if the councel shall not assemble it is not his fault but rather the Popes who if he made account of the common interest should declare Francis to be his enemy nor is there any other way of assembling a councel or of establishing peace On the other side Francis considering how his actions might be expounded will take away all suspicion of religion by making severe inquisition against the Lutheranes as he spoke in France and gave charge to the Masters of Sorbon to use all diligence against them and all book-sellers having any of their books So some were burnt and some did recant whereupon the Sorbonists made their processions of triumph and the King honoured them with his presence And when he heard what Charles had written against him he sent his apology unto the Pope upbraiding Charles with what he had done unto Pope Clemens and imputing unto him the cause of all the warrs betwixt them and alledging that he had never done so much for the Church as he had done in France and therefore the Pope should not believe the calumnies of his enemy The Pope sent his Commissioners to Trent but none others came but two Commissioners from the Emperour and some few bb from Naples the Pope gave them order at the first to proceed slowly and when none came he ordered them to proceed quickly but the Emperours Oratours hindered and in December left it So nothing was done This summer Henry a Duke of Brunswick troubled the people of Goslaria Brunswick confederates in the articles of Smalcald The Protestants complain into Ferdinand in name of the Emperour but Henry stood not in awe of Ferdinand's command Wherefore the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave sought leave to resist him and they caused him to flee into Baviere Otho one of the Princes Palatine embraced the Augustane Confession and so did the City Hildesheim XXXV In January 1543. was a Diet at Noribergh there the Prince Elector 1543. The Protetestants are debarred from the Diet. Palatin and the Bishop of Ausburgh were Commissioners for the Emperour and sought aid against the Turck and King of France and Duke of Cleve The Protestants complain unto King Ferdinand and the Commissioners that they were wronged by the Judges of the Chamber contrary unto the Decrees and they crave that that Court may be ordered to Judge justly or else they can not contribute After long disceptation the Protestants were debarred and the others made a decree for fortifiying the garisons nearest the Turk and to contribute unto the wars and these which had refused were condemned The Protestants declare that they can not consent unto this Decree seing they were debarred from the counsell and there was great inequality in the decreed contribution The Acts were not registred In January Ann. 1544. was another Diet at Spira where was the Emperour and King Ferdinand and all the Electors and very many Princes The Emperour declares his good affection towards Germany but was hindered from doing as he would by the Turk and the King of France which had a mutuall league Then the Protestants complain against Henry Duke of Brunswick that he had falsely accused them unto the Emperour in Italy and that he should not sit there nor do they acknowledge him a Prince of the Empire So altertacions were mutually for a long space In end the Elector of Saxony acknowledgeth Ferdinand King of the Romanes and the Emperour confirmeth a contract of marriage betwixt Saxony and Cleve both which he had refused before And a Decree was made that the Princes shall contribute to the warrs against France and furnish 4000. horse 24000 foot and to fortify the frontier towns against the Turk that no Germane shall beare armes with the French or if any shall do it the Magistrate is ordained to punish such And because the difference in Religion can not be treated now
churches may be granted unto the Reformed Religion Quintinus Heduus had a long oration in commendation of the King and Queen and of the immunities of the Clergie and petitioned that the new Religion should have no liberty closing with an invective against the Prince of Condee His speech was heard with scoffs and he was derided with ballets that he is said through impatience to have died of melancholy After these speeches a contest arose between the Peers and the Guises who would have been accounted the Kings neerest kinsmen The meeting was adiournied untill the first of May the Prelates were commanded to prepare themselves unto the Councel and all the Judges who were imprisoned in the cause of Religion were set at liberty In August An. 1561. they meet again at Pontoise in Picardy there at the first contention was between the Peers and the Cardinals for the order of sitting the Cardinals Turnon Lorrain and Guise went away malecontent because they were not preferred Then the Chancelor declared the causes of the meeting and exhorted every man to speak freely I touch not their Politik affairs The speaker of the Commons complained as before of the corruptions of the Church men and petitioned that these faults might be reformed and that the King would so attemperate the revenues of the Prelats that they live not licenciously And seeing it is the Royal priviledge to maintain Religion and all these troubles arise upon occasion of Religion the readiest remedy is to call a Councel whereunto all men may have free access as also that they who can not with safe conscience go unto the rites of the Romish Church may have liberty to assemble peaceably and publickly for hearing Gods Word in the vulgar language and because adversaries do calumniate their meetings he wisheth that the King would depute certain persons to be present and see what is done as neither should those be called hereticks who are condemned before their cause be heard and examined by Gods word The Speaker for the Nobility spoke much to the same purpose and the Clergy did oppose them both At that time the Pope sent Cardinal Ferrar to hinder the National Councel he would have observed the accustomed power of the Roman Legats in bestowing Benefices but he was stopped by a Decree and many rhymes were scattered against him he took those in ill part and went away French Comm. Lib. 2. So the Papal authority seemed to fall and it was talked abroad that Religion should not be swayed by authority of any man but by Trueth and reason and who did cleave unto their former rites were quiet for the time The most part of the Nobility seemed to affect the Reformation and the Queen whether to please the King of Navar or to serve the time I know not saith that author wrote unto the Pope August 4. in this manner First she lamenteth the wretched condition of France that many thousands cleaving as yet unto the Church of Rome perish in their souls because they are not instructed and many Nobles and most potent men have made secession whose power and number and concordis so strong that they can not be overmastered Therefore She implores his aid that the one sort may be retained and the other may be reduced and so the unity of the Church may be restored Which may the more easily be effectuated because there be no Anabaptists in all France nor any hereticks that speak against the Christian faith nor against the Acts of the first sixe general Councels And this is the opinion of learned men with whom she had conferred that the holy father may receive such men into fellowship of the Church albeit they be of different opinions as of old the diversity of observing the Easter and other rites and parts of Divine Service did not dissolve the Union of the Church Then for remedy she propoundeth the necessity of calling a general Councel or that he would provide another remedy especially to regain them who are separated it may be expedient to use frequent admonitions and to permit quiet Conferences likewise Bishops and priests should teach Gods word and exhort the people unto concord laying aside all reproaches as she hath commanded them who are separated and they have obeyed But many who have no mind to depart stand in doubt of these particulars especially first it is certainly known that the primitive Church had no images and God hath expressily forbidden to worship them therefore let it be considered whether it be expedient to remove them into places where they shall not give occasion to worship them 2. it seemes strange unto many good men that in baptisme exorcisme is used and many other rites which perhaps may profite them who understand them but seing the most part understand them not and they know that only water and the word are necessary it were better to omit them namely many are offended that an infected or diseased priest puts his unclean spittle into the infants mouth in the Masse many are offended with three things one that it is given under one kind only albeit Christ said Eat yee drink yee and such was the custom of the Church for a thousand years and more another it is ministred unto one alone or some few without prayers that may be understood by the vulgar people and the other party have shewed that they restore the manner of the primitive Church the third that the body of our Lord is carryed about the striets against the express institution Take yee eat yee and not Carry yee They say also that Christs body is in heaven only and therefore only spiritual worship is required fourthly the Masse is a scandal unto many because it is sold by ignorant and dissolute priests and none seeks to amend this yea and many of our fellowship doubt of the Masse both in the substance and form of it in the substance they observe that Church men affirm that they do offer Christ and they do esteem of their own sacrifice more than they do of Christs sacrifice In the manner they note four points it is done in an unknown tongue 2. the use of no part of the Masse is declared 3. some words are spoken as belonging unto the people especially concerning the communion and yet the priests communicate alone even when the people are standing there 4. the order of the Divine Service c. loc cit What answer was returned unto this Letter the reader may judge Among the Ambassadors of forrein Princes who went to congratulat the young King was George Gluch from Denmark The King of Navar envited him to his lodging and said He might shew his Master that he hoped the Gospell should be freely preached through out France ere one year went about Then said Gluch Oh I pray take heed that the doctrine of Caluin and the Swisers be not received but the doctrine of Martin Luther which the Kings of Denmark and Sweden and many Princes of large Dominions do
with greater audience than ever he had before There the Earles Marshall Glencairn and others advise him to write unto the Regent an exhortation unto the hearing of Gods word He obeâ—etâ— them but it was in vain He is called by his flock at Frankford to return he goeth against the mind of many but promiseth to return if they abide constant in the trueth Then the Bishops summon him again for no-compearance they burn him in effigie at the cross of Edinburgh in July An. 1556. He wrote his appeal and caused it to be printed and directed it unto the Nobility and Commons of Scotland William harlaw preaches publickly in Edinburgh so did John Douglas a Carmelite and sometimes in Lieth Paul meffin preacheth ordinarily in Dundy and many leaving the Cloisters preach in all parts of the Country and the number of professors of Reformation was multiplied When the priests saw that they were much deserted they complain unto the Bishops and the Bishops judge it vain to summon these Preachers for heresy therefore they complain unto the Regent and accuse the Preachers of mutiny and sedition The Regent knew that the multitude of all sorts were earnest that way and saith It is safer to delay for a time all contrary course let the hereticks have some way and wee shall wait our opportunity Buchan Hist Lib. 16. V. After the death of King Henry followes a blessed Reformation in Publik Reformation in England under King Edward England for he had caused his young son Edward to be well instructed by Do. Cox and Edward L. Herford who then was called Protectour of England and Duke of Somerset both loved the Reformation and did his endeavour that the true light of the Gospell might shine everywhere He had a good helper Tho. Cranmer archb of Canterbury The King also was of singulare gifts above his age one of the rarest Princes that had been in many ages yea it is doubted if ever he had an equall in prudence besides his knowledge of Sciences and languages Greek Latine and French So he as another Josias purgeth the temple of the Lord from Popish idolatry and false invocation and would have brought it to greater perfection if time and life had answered unto his godly purpose It may be easily conceived how difficult it was to Reform all things at the first when the greatest part of the Privy Counsell of the Bishops and Nobility were open or close Papists but his purpose was not to leave one hooâ—e of the Romish Beast and did forbid that the Masse should be permitted unto his sister In â— is first year by authority of Parliament the sacrament of the Lords supper was administred unto the people with both elements and Cranmer did translate and in some measure purge the Missal and Breviary In the second year that book under the name The book of common prayer and administration of Sacraments was by act of Parliament to be used in all churches and chappells and that none practize nor speak against it nor any part of it Providing also that they who are acquainted with other languages may use that which they understand best in chappells but not in parish-churches In this third year an Act was made against all books called Antiphoners Missals grailes processionals manuals legends pies portuisses paimers and other books whatsoever used before for service in the Church of England in English or Latine other than were then or after shal be set forth by the King Item against all images of stone timber alabaster or earth graven carved or painted in any church or chappell except only images or pictures upon any tombe for monument only of any person which had been of good reputation The book of Common prayer was some what amended in the year 1552. He put the Popish Bishops and priests to silence and removed them from their Benefices Boâ—er Bishop of London was removed and for contumacy was condemned to perpetuall prison in the Tower and Do. Ridley became Bishop of London Gardener was deposed from Winchester c. But he killed none yea when the Counsell would persuade him to burn a woman Joan butâ—her he said What will yee send her quick to the Devill in her errours When the Reformation was first intended a generall Visitation of the Bishopricks was made by certaine prudent and learned men which were appointed Commissioners for severall Diocies and unto every Company two or three preachers were adjoined to preach at every Session and dehort the people from their wonted superstition and inform them in the trueth And that they might proceed the more orderly in their Commâ—ssions or visitations 32 persons as in the time of King Henry VIII were appointed to prescribe certain instructions and orders of Visitation The troubles in Germany at that time did contribute by the gracious providence of God to the furtherance of the Gospell in England Tho. Cranmer by Letters brought Martin Bucer Paul Fagius Peter Martyr and other learned men in the year 1548 and 1549 their coming was most acceptable unto the King country Fagius an expert Hebrician and Bucer were sent to be Doctors in Cambridge and Martyr was designed Reader of Divinity in Oxford But as Theod. Beza in â—esp ad Fr. Balduin Vol. 1. Tractat. Pag. 322 edit An. 1570. hath observed in epist Buceri daâ—ed Cantabrig Januar. 12 An. 1550 concerning the purity of rites the advice of no forreiner was sought what they could do they did not fail both by word and write to advise the people to chuse good Pastours and to endeavour more purity both in doctrine and rites but some through mans wisdom and vanishing thoughts would glue God and Belial with the leaven of Antichrist And John à Lasco a Polonian was then a preacher of a Dutch congregation in London he in his preface before his book de Ecclesiastico ordine saith That most holy King was desirous to have the whole Religion so reformed throughout aâ—â— the king â—om that he was carefull of no other thing almost but because some Lawes of the country were in the way that the publick rites of Divine worship especially which had been in use under Popery could not be purged out as the King himself would and I was instant for the forrein Churches it pleased them at last that the publick rites should be purged out of the English churches by degrees so soon as they could by the lawes and in the mean time forreiners which in this respect were not so tied unto these lawes of the Country should order their churches freely and without any respect unto the rites of tâ—e Country if their doctrin were only Apostolicall for so it may come to passe that the English churches also might be moved by unanimous consent of the Estates to embrace the Apostolical purity and some tooke tâ— is so ill that they did strive against the Kâ— purpose So far he yea they did so strive and were so malicious that they did accuse the Duke of
obedience were to confesse himself a vassall This treaty continued a year and in end it was concluded that the Pope shall confirm the election without saying that obedience was demanded or not demanded promised or not promised Ibid. He lamented when he considered the renting of the Church with so many different opinions nevertheless he maintained peace and no way hindered the gospell and he maintained a Protestant Minister Phauserus in his Court for a space he was oft at Masse nor did abrogate papistry He said once to William Bishop Olovincensis There is no greater sin than to domineer over mens consciences At another time he said Who take on them to command mens consciences they climbe into the castle of heaven In the beginning of his reigne he refused to pay unto Solyman the acknowledgement which his father had covenanted to pay for the peaceable possession of his part of Hungary and in the year 1566. he had his first Diet at Ausburgh where he sought subsidy against the Turk The Protestants sought a confirmation of the peace in the cause of Religion and then it was established not only by universal consent but confirmed also by oath that the Catholicks should not trouble the Protestants in the exercise of their Religion nor in the possession of their goods moveable nor vnmoveable and that the Protestants should permit the like liberty unto the Papists within their dominions Under pain of Outlawry to the transgressors on both sides As also it should be free unto any person to turn from the one Religion unto the other if they do hold their lands of the Emperour immediatly but if any Archb. or other Prelat will embrace the Reformed Religion he should renounce his Benefice with all its revenues to be conferred on a Papist excepting those goods or Monasteries which belonged not unto them that are immediatly subject unto the Emperour and have been possessed by the Reformed since the year 1552 so that no plea of law should have any power against them c. This agreement is word for word in Geo. Schonbor Politic. Lib. 4. c. 6. After this Diet Maximilian inuaded Transsylvania and took Wesperin and Dodis Wherefore Solyman came with a hudge army to aid John Vaivoda Prince of Transsylvania and took some towns from the Emperour In the mean time Solyman dieth but his Captain Mahumet a Bassa conceiled his death untill Selim was created successor unto his father then they took mo towns that Maximilian sought peace and obtained it upon harder conditions than before The same year 1567. William à Grumbach a Noble man but a vassall of the Bishop of Wirtzburg took armes with the aid of the Marques of Brandeburg against his superior wherefore the Bishop outlawed him and brought him to poverty yet he found favour with John-Frederik Duke of Saxony and some others he with some horsemen inuades Writzburg and supriseth it ere the Bishop raised an army the surprisers were gone hither and thither They began another plot the Emperour sent Augustus Elector of Saxony against them he prevailed John-Frederik was sent prisoner into lower Austria Grumbach and his Chancelorr Duke Bruck were quartered Baron Baumgartner and some others were beheaded and the castle of Grimmenstain was made levell with the ground Such was the end of proud rebells Maximilian lived the rest of his dayes in peace An. 1470. the Turks wanne Nicosia a chief town of Cyprus and Famaugusta or Salamys after a years seege and contrary to the conditions of rendring Bragadin Governour of the town was excoriat quick at command of the Bassa Mustapha and others were most cruelly murdered So all Cyprus was taken from Crhistians Then the Venetians who had possessed it 200 years made a league with the Pope and King of Spain John Duke of Austria a sone of Charles V. was Generall of the Navy the battell was fought in the firth of Corinth alià s Golfo de Lepanto 25000. Turks were slain 4000. captive and almost all their Navy with rich spoile came into the handes of Christans 14000. captive Christians were delivered An. 1575. Maximilian sought by many meanes to have been chosen King of Poland and when Steven Prince of Transsylvania was preferred he was never seen to be jovaill again He caused his son Rodulph be chosen King of the Romanes in a Diet at Ratisbon and died in time of the Diet in Octob. 1576. Pet. Mexia II RODULPH II. immediatly after his coronation sent to Rome and sought not only confirmation but to be declared the eldest sonne of the Church He held his first Diet at Ausburg An 1582 where was no talk of Religion but only he urged the Gregorian Calendare and sought aid against the Turks He took armes against Gebhard Bishop of Colein because he forsook the Pope as followes An. 1584. Rodolph and Amurath III. Emperour of Turks made truce for 93 years but the same year in October 10000 Turks inuade the landes of Carniola they burnt and wasted sundry towns and villages and carried away Christians of both sexes in eaptivity within two dayes a company of Christians meet them in Croatia they deliver the Christians and routed the Turks Osiand In the year 1592. Amurath thought to have made conquest of all Hungary and entred into Croatia then followed continuall wars untill the year 1606 victory enclining now to the one hand and then to the other Rodulph had a league with the Duke of Muscove and received supplied both of men and money against Amurath Rodulph reigned 36. years CHAP. IIJ. Of Diverse COVNTRIES J. BY the preambulatory pieces before Ge. Cassanders consultation Consultatio Cassandri it is cleare 1. from the testimony of Ja. Thuan that the Emperour Ferdiâ—and was not satisfied with the Councel of Trent and though too late he perceived that he was deceived by Cardinal Moron wherefore he took another course to compose the controversies in Religion when he could not find remedy abroad he would do his best at home So with the advice of his son Maximilian he sent for George Cassander living then in Duisburg to shew some way of conciliating the controversies of the Augustan Confession His Letters were dated May 22. 1564. 2. The Emperours purpose was that if by the advice of prudent men he could effectuat no more yet he might have a setled form of Religion in Hungary Bohem and his other hereditary Dominions Cassander was not able to make travell because he was goutish But after another Letter from the Emperour and from King Ferdinand he wrot his Consultation for that effect before he sent it Ferdinand was gone and it was delivered unto Maximilian None hath written against the Consultatio it seemes Papists would not write against it because he holdeth that the Roman Church is a true Church albeit corrupt and it is a schism to depart from it The Reformed writ not against it because he maintaines the most and main articles of their doctrine The book is scarce to be had but in a big volume with
but serious for their antient liberties and therefore was hated by the Duke and Philip Montmerency Count of Horn a zealous Reformer compeared in the Parliament trusting to the proclamed safeconduct and both were beheaded at Brussels without any regard of their former services to the King French Common Lib. 7. It were longsom to repeat what cruelties d'Alva shewd in spoiling burning hanging heading hacking racking and most horribly torturing without respect of age sexe or condition In the space of sixe years he is said to have put to death 18600. persons by the hands of hangmen besides all other his Barbarity He despised all ordinary Judges and jurisdictions even howbeit many and earnest sollicitations were put up in that behalf He and his Spanish Shouldiers abused women young and old some to death He pulled the skins off some being alive and headed the drums with them He caused some bodies be taken out of their graves and caused bury them under gibets because as he said they had died without shriving to the end he might pretend rigâ—t unto their goods he compelled the wife 's of them who were fled to marry his Souldiers In a word what is there under heaven so holy or honest which he defiled not what barbarous cruelty practized he not as afterwards was published in a Supplication unto the King and is extant being printed at London An. 157â— with the French Commentaries For those causes the States of the Netherlands began to take Arms against that Duke in the year 1568. and they choosed William Prince of Orange to be their General he levied an Army of Germanes and Netherlanders Mons Genly brought unto him some Companies of Frenches out of Picardy then passing the River at Mentz he lingred some months only skirmishing now and then with the Duk 's souldiers yet taking some sâ—al towns In November he passed by the way of Liege to join with the Prince of Condee in Picardy with litle success Ibid. Lib. 8. Then d'Alva raised a great Army boasting to extinguish all the Reformed Lewes Count of Nassaw and Brother of William gaue battell unto the Spanjards near Groning in Friseland dispersed them and slew their Commander John Count oâ— Arnebergh Adolph a third Brother died in another fight Then d'Alva raged the more against the Reformers and most cruelly put to deatâ— Gisebert and Theodor Battemburges two Brothers of an antient family and other sixtien Gentle men with them he layd new tributes on the people he devised new torments and every where horrible murders were seen especially at Torna and Valentia Wherefore the people did flock unto the Prince of Orange Albeit at the first he had hard luck yet when d'Alva required of every Master of a family within the Provinces the tenth penny from each merchant the twenty penny and of all the landes and houses when they were sold the hundred penny to wit in the year 1570. the warrs seemed but to begin and more people joyned with the Prince especially all Holland and Zeeland and the Fâ—ssiners took the Spainish Navy coming from the West-Indies in the year 1572. d'Alva accuseth them of rebellion against the King and of blasphemy against God and did write so unto the King VVhen the Reformed knew of that Letter they wrote the Supplication whereof I spake before An. 1573. wherein they protest that whatsoever was done they had not attempted it for any disloyalty unto the King their lawfull Superior but to defend themselves against the cruell oppression of the bloody Tyrant d'Alva and they humbly beseech the King to call to minde how those Countries were formerly divided among so many Lords and Rulers and afterwards by marriages mutuall treaties and lawfull successions they came under one house of Burgundy and now they are come under Spain yet always with express condition that each of those Provinces and Republicks should still enjoy their former liberties and none of them should be burdened with the dominion of another but live joyntly together under one Prince as so many children in their fathers house under one father for verification of this they put him in mind of his own entrance among others how his Father Charles V. caused him according to the accustomed solemnization repeat and confirm by oath the same priviledges which he had also renewed in a common Assembly when he received the government but now say they they are robbed of their rights and liberties yea horribly oppressed by a stranger a Tyrant an Herod a Nero c. and they name many of his oppressions in the end they humbly beseech him for Gods sake to bowe his ears unto their just complaint and they profess that they desire not to be dissolved from the obedience of his Majesty but only that they may have consciences free unto God to hear his worde as they must give accounpt at the day of judgement and to suffer the Countries enjoy their former liberties customs as he had promised by oath and if he will be so gracious unto them they promise to lay down their weapons and to hazard their lifes and goods in his service by sea or lande c. This their Supplication they caused to be printed in Latine Dutch and English The same year Philip called home Duke d'Alva either because he did not allow his cruelty or because he did not prosper in the warres but he despised their supplication and made no accounpt of their power nor confederat help saying VVhat can those mice do So the States obtaining neither civil liberty nor of Religion did refuse all obedience unto the King of Spain they put down all the power of the Bishops and resolve to defend themselves At the first they stamped their coin with a leash about a lions neck and a mouse between his feet with this circumscription Rosis leonem loris mus liberat meaning that their poor power would set religion of the Tribe of Judah at liberty and alluding unto that contemptuous word of King Philip. The first Union of the Provinces for government was between Holland and Zeeland in the year 1576. Aprile 15. and concerning Religion the Article was thus His Excellence shall admit and maintain the exercise of the Reformed Euangelical Religion and shal cause the exercise of all other Religions that are contrary unto the Gospell to surcease and leave off excep that his Excellency should not permit any inquisition upon any mans belieff or conscience or that therefore any trouble injury or impediment should be done unto any Afterwards five other Provinces joyned with them and in the year 1579. at Utrecht was the Generall Union of the seven in which the Article concerning Religion is thus As for the permitting or not permitting the exercise of Religion unto them who are different from the Reformed let every Jurisdiction decern according to their own pleasure and custom but all should grant liberty of Religion and of conscience unto every man and for that cause persecute and trouble
prosperously be a note of the Antichrist the Pope cannot be called Antichrist seeing he wanteth so many Provinces I answer in the first part Bellarmine saith that the Pope hath lost what he never had and in the latter part he hath lost more for he might have added Scotland Ireland a great part of Poland Prussia c. But all these had given their power and Kingdom unto the Beast until the word of God was fullfilled and they do now hate the Whore and have made her naked as it is said Rev. 17. But it is no where written in Scripture nor do Protestants say that the Beast or Antichrist had or shall have dominion over all the earth although he make such a claim falsely yea the fourth part of the earth was never subject to the See of Rome at once or at one and the same time 4. As the Papishes do glory in vain of the Pope's Supremacy over the The Pope had no power to give Kingdomes Church so they pretend his power over all the Kingdomes of the earth this they do hold but with some difference amongst themselves for the â—anonists as they are called hold that all the Kingdomes of the earth do directly belong unto the Pope and the Jesuits say not directly but indirectly and these two sects write against one another in this matter as for life and death But whether directly or indirectly both do agree that the Pope may give any Kingdom of the earth to whom he pleaseth Satan did once say so And in the 9. Century Pope Nicolaus did not say so as followeth Let them shew any such practice before this eighth Century Did all the Bishops of Rome before this time give Kingdomes to whom they would Or were they ignorant of their power But say they at that time Pope Zachary gave the Kingdom of France unto Pipin and his line So unto this place belongeth neither gave he the Kâ—ngdome of France unto King Pipin that controversie which Bellarmine hath de Ro. Pont. lib. 2. cap. 17. lib. 5. cap. 8. By what means and by what persons Pipin obtained the Kingdom of France Gratian. caus 15. quest 6. cap. Alius saith Zachary deposed Childeric King of France and placed Pipin in his room And the gloss saith Deposuit idest deponentibus consensit he consented unto them who deposed him Platina in Zachary saith By his authority the Kingdom of France was adjudged unto Pipin The Jesuit Dion Petavius in Rationar temp par 1. lib. 8. saith Pipin by the authority of Pope Zachary and by consent of the French Peers did add a new Title of King unto his Royal Power which he had not before If we look to the more ancient Writers the story is thus About the year 663. Clotharius King of France gave himself to the lusts of the flesh and committed the government unto Ebroin Master of the Palace or as others call him Constable This example turneth into a custom and An. 694. Pipin Duke of Austrasia attained this charge under Clodoveus or Clovis the III. as Io. Serres calleth him and he keepeth it in the daies of King Childebert the II. and his son Dagobert so that then there was the Title of a King and all the power was in the hand of the Constable Abb. Vrsperg in Chron. pag. 170. Edit An. 1538. The King was seen once in the year publickly to wit the first day of May then he received and gave gifts without any other discharge of Royal power and all affairs of State were managed by the Constable After Pipin was great contention for so honourable a place his son Charls Martel prevaileth who in the daies of Theodoric or Therric the II. enlargeth the Kingdom of France and as the fore-named Petavius ex Gest Franc. Epit. lib. 1. sheweth he overthroweth Raginfred his Competitour or as he saith who was chosen Mayor and Eudo Duke of Aquitania An. 718. then he subdued the Saxons Alamanes Bavarians and Aquitans Eudo hath his refuge unto the Sarazens in Spain and perswadeth their King Abdirama to invade France Charls did slay in one Battel 375000. Sarazens with the loss of 1500. French at Towrs Fascic temp fol. 45. Edit Venet. An. 1484. and Io. Serres and others Thereafter he did take-in Burgundy and Lions An. 727. and the next year Eudo being dead he possessed Aquitania peaceably In the year 731. the Sarazens did come again into France Charls overthrew them and did gain Avenion and Narbon from them Therefore by a more honourable Title he was called Duke and Prince of France and under that name he governed the Kingdom 19. years and died An. 741. Platin. in Gregor II. He had four sons Carloman Pipin Egidius and Grypho some say Grypho was the son of his first wife a daughter of Bojaria Pipin made Egidius Bishop of Rotomayum and left his government unto Carloman and Pipin and they two divide the Kingdom and govern either his own part under the Title of their father as is apparent by the first words of the Councel under Carloman In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I Carloman Duke and Prince of the French in the year 742. from the Incarnation of Christ on the 11. of the Calends of March by the advice of the servants of God and of my Nobles I have assembled the Bishops in my Kingdom c. Note these words and see what power he had Within 7. years after this Synod he laid aside his Princely authority saith Bellarm. loc cit and entred into a Cloister at Sotacte and then all the authority was in Pipin alone Grypho rebelled against Carloman but at last Pipin took him in Italy and caused him to be beheaded An. 753. Pipin having the government alone and wanting no occasion did aim at a higher Title The Sarazens in Spain were preparing to make new Wars against France but Pipin did prevent the storm he seized on the passages of the Pyrene hills and forced those redoubted enemies to receive Laws from him Then he did help the Cities that had been spoiled he disburthened others of publick charges and established justice and dealt so valiantly and discreetly both in Wars and Peace that he gained the hearts of all the countries also it did not a little add unto his esteem what he had done against the Lombards and in other parts of â—taly Blondus dec 1. lib. 10. saith I find in Alcuinus Paulus and several others who have written the Acts of the French that the Nobility and Commonalty of that Nation duly considering the worthiness of Pipin and sottishness of Childeric consulted with Zachary Bishop of Rome whether they should tolerate so foolish a King any longer and defraud Pipin of his deserved Princely honour And when the Bishop made answer That he was best worthy to be King who could best discharge the Office of a King the French with the publick consent of the whole Nation did pronounce Pipin for their King and Childeric was
and Adoptive where they were not and on the contrary he produceth their testimonies where they do expressely deny that Christ is the Son of God by adoption and in this respect distinguish Christ's son-ship and the son-ship of the Elect. As for the testimonies of the Spanish Missal he toucheth them not as if that Missal were nothing Nevertheless hence we see that the Spanish Church at that time had a proper Missal and were not subject unto the Roman Church It is also worth the marking that whereas Elipant had alledged a testimony of the son of Sirach Alcwin lib. 1. saith When the testimonies of God's Prophets have failed unto thy perversness thou feignest a new Prophet speaking according to thy errour In Jesus the son of Sirach is that sentence which book blessed Jerom and Isidore do witness that without doubt it is reckoned amongst the Apocrypha that is dubious witness and it was not in the time of the Prophets but of the Priests when Ptolemeus Evergetes was King In lib. 2. neer the end he saith Holy Father raze raze quickly this opinion out of the Closet of thy heart lest the Lord who hath appointed thee to give Wheat unto his family find that written in the Table of thy heart and say unto thee I acknowledge not these Letters these words were not taught thee by the men to whom I said Go teach all Nations If we join these two testimonies we see that Alcwin did not acknowledge any book for Scripture nor any doctrine for truth which had not a warrant from the Prophets and Apostles In lib. 4. The original of these evils which begets the occasion of all impieties is this While the wisedom of the heavenly Teachers is weighed through the fault of miss-thinking men in their temerarious pride not according to the propriety of their meaning but is turned into other meanings after the will and pleasure of the reader and otherwise then the respect of truth carrieth and it is easie unto any who understandeth the Scripture rightly to find this by the Comments of all Hereticks that they are not afraid in their ungodly temerity and froward blindness to draw the most holy words of the Divine books into the similitude of their errour which kind of impiety and misery if thou Father Elipant hadst considered with a prudent mind and humble searching thou hadst never fallen from the unity of the Catholick peace into the pit of this errour In his book De virtut vitis which he writ at the intreaty of Wido a Count he exhorteth him to read the Scriptures diligently Ca. 5. saying The reading of the Holy Scriptures is the knowledge of divine blessedness for in them as in a glass a man may know himself what he is and whither he goeth Continual reading purifieth the soul breedeth fear of Hell and stirreth up the heart of the reader unto Heavenly joies He who desireth to be with God for ever should frequently read and pray for when we pray we speak with God and when we read God speaks with us The reading of the Holy Scriptures bringeth a twofold benefit because it instructeth the understanding and brinketh a man from the vanities of the World to the love of God Honest is the labour of reading and conduceth much to the purifying of the soul for as the body is nourished by fleshly meat so the inward man is nourished and fed by God's word as the Psalmist saith How sweet unto my tast are thy words O Lord even more then the honey and the honey-comb unto my mouth But he is blessed who reading the Holy Scriptures turneth the words into works Certainly all the Holy Scripture is written for our salvation to the end we may by them grow in the knowledge of the truth A blind man stumbleth oftner then he who seeth so he who knoweth not the Law of God sinneth through ignorance oftner then he who knoweth it Certainly this man would not have consented unto that Canon of the Councel of Trent which forbiddeth people to read the Scriptures But to the end that all should not be thought to be his which goeth under his name it is to be marked that in Par. II. is an Homily in festo omnium Sanctor which Quercitanus hath marked to be amongst the Sermons of Augustine but he had found it in a manuscript under the name of Albin but it can not be either Augustin's nor Albin's seeing that feast was afterwards appointed by Pope Gregory the IV. These books de Trinitate are written so clearly that Sixtus Senens in praefat Biblioth saith They were written by John Calvin and published in the name of Alcvine But Doctor James in The Corruption of the Fathers par 4. pag. 50. testifieth that antient copies thereof were in the Prince's Library at Saint James and they were Printed at Lions An. 1525. when Calvin had not begun to write Rich. Hoveden in The Continuation of Beda writeth That Charls the Great sent over into England the Acts of a Synod sent him from Constantinople for the adoration of images the which the Church of God utterly detesteth Against this adoration saith he Albinus writ an Epistle marvellously grounded on divine Scriptures and carried it with some Synodical Acts in name of the English Bishops and Princes unto the King of France 6. Ecbert King of the West-Saxons vanquished Merceland Kent Essex and Northumberland and then he commanded that land to be called Anglia and the inhabitants Angles or English men Tho. Cooper ad An. 796. CHAP. V. Of COUNCELS 1. FEw Councels were assembled in the beginning of this Century In France Carloman assembleth one which beginneth thus In the A Synod in France Name of our Lord Jesus Christ I Carloman Duke and Prince of France with the advice of the Servants of God and my Nobles in the fear of Christ have assembled An. 742. Febr. 19. the Bishops which are in my Kingdom with the Priests into a Councel and Synod these are Boniface Arch-Bishop of Mentz Burchard Bishop of Wirtzburg Reginfrid Guntharius and the rest of the Bishops with their Priests That they should give me counsel how the Law of God and religion of the Church many be restored Nota which in the daies of former Princes hath been shattered and fallen and how Christian people may attain the salvation of their souls and not perish being deceived by false Priests And by the advice of my Priests and Nobles We have ordained Bishops thorow Cities and set over them the Arch-Bishop Boniface who is the Legate of Saint Peter And we have ordained that Synods should be called every year that in Our presence the Decrees of Canons Rites and Laws of the Church may be restored and We restore unto the Churches the monies which hath been taken from them We have also discharged all the Servants of God from hunting and wandring in woods with Dogs and that they have no Hawks nor Falcons We have also Decrced according to the holy
if he had pursued his Victory Otho not daring to incounter him any more fled into a boat to escape by Sea and fell into the hands of a Pyrat who carried him into Sicily not knowing who he was he was ransomed and returned into Rome where he died An. 984. Then again was contention at Rome for a new Emperour The Romans would have had their Consul Crescentius chosen Henry Duke of Bavier and cousin of Otho the II did challenge the right of educating the late Emperour's son Otho and sought the Empire for himself The Princes of Germany for fear of Crescentius did with one consent speedily chuse Otho although but 12 years old 6. OTHO the III with natural fortitude was learned in Grecian wisedom The Emperour is great again and puts a Pope to death for his rare gifts he was accounted the wonder of the World He suppressed Crescentius and was received by all Italy He caused his Uncle Bruno to be chosen to the Papal Chair this was Pope Gregory the V. The Romans did hardly condescend unto his election and therefore when Otho was gone into Germany Crescentius caused Pope John the XVIII to be elected The Emperour returned with speed and forced the Romans to submit and deprived Pope John of life Aventinus writes that they threw his body over the Wall of the Capitol and since that day a Pope may not visit the Capitol Also he did set Crescentius upon a vile horse after he had cut off his nose and ears and caused him to be carried through the City and then hanged him The Romans were still discontented and feared lest the Empire might return to Constantinople because Otho was so neer in blood unto Basilius and so a new mutiny began So soon as the Emperour had intelligence he having no male children by advice of the German Princes saith Naucler The order for electing an Emperour chronogr vol. 2. gener 34. and of his Uncle Gregory the V would provide against insurrection in time coming Many do call this the work of Pope Gregory but if his power at that time be duly considered we may rather think with Naucler that Otho laid this foundation of electing an Emperour First That from henceforth none may challenge the Empire by right of inheritance but by election only 2. That the electers should all be Germans 3. That the Emperour should be a German 4. When the Seat is vacant the Empire shall be administred by the electers 5. That the Emperour should be chosen at Frankford and be called King of the Romans untill he be Crowned by the Pope and then be called Caesar Augustus 6. Some do add that the Emperour should be Crowned with three Crowns one of straw in Mentz another of iron at Millain and the third of gold at Rome He devised some of these conditions to satisfie the Italians and by the others he thought to establish the Empire in Germany the Articles thereafter were more particularly cleared Henry Duke of Bavier for the good service he did for the Emperour at Rome as followeth got the first place of the Civil Estate and was made Portitor ensis the Marquess of Brandeburg was designed Camerarius and the Count Palatine of Rhine was created Archidapifer Unto them were conjoined three Bishops of Mentz Colein and Trevers and if these could not agree the odd voice was to be given unto the Duke of Bohem. The Peers of France were not well pleased because their Kingdom was altogether excluded nevertheless because their Royal race was lately changed from the blood of Charls the Great to the house of Hugh le grand Earl of Paris they let it pass Platin. in Gregor 5. In the year 1001 the Sarazens invaded Italy and took Capua Otho did quickly overthrow them and returning into Rome said that he would reform some things that were amiss in the Kingdom and Church according to ancient custom Sigon de regn Ital. lib. 7. and some write that he purposed to fix his manure at Rome He begun to build a Palace in the place where Julian the Apostate had dwelt The Romans in a sudden uproar slue many Germans took Otho and had slain him in his chamber if Henry Duke of Bavier and Hugh an Italian Marquess had not feigned a capitulation with the Citizens and in the mean time Otho disguised himself and escaped their hands It was not without the Supream Providence saith Genebrard in Chronol lib. 3. about the year 315. that the Kingdom of the Church might have place as it was foretold by Daniel If he had said the Kingdom of Antichrist foretold by Paul and John he had hit the mark Otho returned into Germany and thereafter he went back to Rome where he was poisoned by a golden cup which the wife of Crescentius sent unto him and his body was carried into Germany An. 1002. Crantz in Saxon. lib. 4. cap. 26. CHAP. II. Of POPES CArdinal Baronius in tom 10. ad An. 903. § 1. forewarneth his Reader Popes were not Successours of Apostles that now he shall see the abomination of desolation in the Temple as it was fore-told by Daniel and by our Lord. What doth he insinuate in these words but that the Reader should flie out of Babel and leave her abominations and the rather because he continueth lamenting and crying Fie for shame alas for sorrow that so many Monsters horrible to be seen were thrust into the See which deserves reverence of Angels how many miseries how many tragedies have proceeded from them And Fascicul temp ad An. 894. saith Oh oh good God! how is the gold become so darkned how many scandals do we read that have been about these times in the Apostolical See which thou hast kept with so great zeal hitherto what contentions sects ambitions intrusions persecutions oh the baddest times when the godly man hath failed and truth is perished from the children of men alas what convention what congregation what man shall now be secure seeing primitive holiness hath so failed A little before An. 914. he saith There was presented unto Lewis a Monster with a dogs head and all the other members of a man which did resemble saith he the estate of that time for men without a head did wander hither and thither barking like dogs And Genebrard in Chronol ad An. 901. saith This age was unhappy for one thing that in the space of almost 150 years were about fifty Popes from John the VIII till Leo the IX which made defection from the truth of their Predecessours and they were Apotactici Apostataeve potius quà m Apostolici that is out of all order and Apostates rather then the followers of the Apostles And Naucler loc cit gener 31. speaking of Pope Romanus saith Behold how far these have degenerated from their Predecessours for these holy men did maintain the decrees of their Predecessours as their own but now they have forsaken the worship of God and do exerce enmity one against another no other
Princes and they will sit as Monarchs now they give Laws concerning Civil things they do raise seditions and depose Princes now they lead Armies and impose Taxes now they have no care of religion unless some witness of the Truth dare open his mouth against the waxing errours or unless some ceremonies serve for advancing the Papal grandure or seem expedient to draw money unto their See as will be manifest especially after the year 1070. 2. HENRY the II. Duke of Bavier and Nephew of Otho the I. was chosen Bishops are States-men Emperour by the Princes Electours according to their new authority An. 1002. This was the first time that Bishops had a voice in the election of the Emperour and hence it came that they sit in the Imperial Diet and in some other Nations Bishops are Parliamentary Lords Henry was so distracted with wars against Robert King of France and then against Bodislaus King of Bohemia for the space of 10. years that he could not go to Rome After his Coronation there he conquered Calabria and Pulia unto the Empire from the Calisti that is the Deputies of the Greek Empire Shortly thereafter the Normans entred into Pulia and were partners with the Greeks against the Germans and thereafter became Lords of both Sicilies Henry gave his sister in marriage unto Stephen King of Hungary on condition that he would be a Christian He held a Synod at Frankford of which Dithmar lib. 6. and after him Ph. Mornay in Myster say A general Synod is assembled at Frankford and visited by all the Bishops on this side of the Alps Willegisus was Moderator and no word of the Pope In the year 1024. Henry fell sick and intreated the Electours that they would chuse Conrade Duke of Suevia or Franconia to be his Successour The two brothers Basilius and Constantine had now reigned 50. years together but Basilius was the worthier and had the greatest sway and died three years before Constantine who then did reign vitiously and before his death he ordained his son-in-law Romanus Argyropolus to be his Successour 3. CONRADE the II. was pronepnoy of Conrade the I. He was called Emperour and was not chosen for two years thereafter because of discord among the Electours and then were sundry Competitours as Conon Uncle of the late Henry And many did claim liberty upon occasion of the interreign He calmed all these troubles by his prudence and without blood-shed He went into Italy with a great Army and subdued Millain and at Rome was Crowned by Pope John the XXI with great applause of the people When he returned into Germany he was necessitated to go back into Italy because several Cities did revolt he inflicted severe punishments on the offenders and arriving at Rome he releeved Pope Benedict as followeth Then he did visit all the Lands of Italy belonging unto the Empire or Church without resistance and returned with Triumph into Germany where he thought to live in Peace but within few daies he died An. 1040. Romanus proved a most valiant Prince at first but following the waies of covetousness he was hated in the sixth year of his Reign his wife Zoë procured his death that she might marry Michael Calaphatus he ruled the Empire 7. years and defended it valiantly against the Sarazens in Asia in Syria and on the frontiers of Phoenicia After him Zoë married a fourth husband Constantine Monomachus he was a vitious man and the Sarazens prevailed in Asia the less After him and the death of Zoë her sister Theodora reigned two years so happily that great lamentation was for her death After her within three years were three Emperours to wit Theodora had named an old man Michael Stratiotes Isaac Comnenus rebelled against him and the people receive him but he was taken away by death and when he was sick he named Constantine Duca 4. HENRY the III. called The Black was chosen Successour to his father not without difficulty for the Pope and some Electors did alledge it is dangerous if the son did succeed unto his father but they yeeld for his valour He purchased great honour in subduing the King of Bohemia the Duke of Lorain and in restoring Peter King of Hungary against an usurper Andrew In his time were many Popes of no authority and their lands were taken by others without resistance Henry had wars with Henry King of France to him the Emperour presented to decide the controversie hand to hand that no more innocent blood might be spilt at a parley they do agree In the end of his Reign God sent on the earth for the sins of men famine sword and pestilence The Emperour through heaviness contracts sickness and caused the Electours to swear unto his son not yet baptized as King of the Romans and he died An. 1057. In Greece Constantine was so hated for covetousness that the Subjects would not make resistance against the Infidels conquering many Towns in Asia he died in his 7. year His sons were young and the Empress Eudocia took upon her the government Because the Infidels prevailed the Princes caused her to take Romanus Diogenes for her husband he proclaimed himself Emperour and went against the Sarazens and after divers chances was taken An. 1072. Axan the Sultan laid him at the foot of his Throne and stepped up and down upon his body and thereafter sent him home with promises of mutual alliance between their children The Greeks judge him unworthy of the Empire and Crowned Michael son of Duca He picked out the eys of Diogenes and made him a Monk The Turks still do prevail in the Eastern parts of the Empire therefore Michael was deposed in the 7. year and Nicephorus an old man was chosen Alexius Comnenus Michael's brother thrust him forth and reigned 27. years 5. HENRY the IV. was chosen successour to his father because he was so young and there was peace in the Empire the government was committed unto his mother Agnes by consent But the Princes began to be weary of a How to deal with the Popes womans government and would have him to take the power into his own hand while he was but young and then all was done as the Princes would but when he came to riper years he ranversed many of their deeds Vita Henr. in fascic rer On the other side they were offended and began rebellious attempts so that he was forced to take up Arms and especially against the Saxons He was neither unlearned nor peevish yet had so bad luck that whosoever took up Arms against him was thought to do religiously Guil. Malmsb. de gest Angl. lib. 3. He was given to venery but otherwise was wife religious eloquent liberal to the poor and would not willingly be subject unto any power He had continual jars and wars with the Popes through the wicked pride of Hildebrand By the way Princes may learn how to deal with the Popes he that stands in aw of their curse shall be a slave to their
a disturber of the Christian Empire a sower of discord where peace was a most wicked man calling into question the Catholick faith a Necromancer infected with a Pythonical spirit c. For which crimes they declare him unworthy of the Roman See and unless he willingly leave the place they threaten him with an everlasting curse and they chose Gerebert or Wusbert Bishop of Ravenna to govern the Church him they call Clemens the III. Otho Frising and Pet. Mexia But think you that the Pope would obey No way Wherefore the Emperour made all speed with an Army towards Rome Mathildis hearing of his marching and fearing his power gave the Provinces of Liguria and Tuscia unto the Church of Rome Bellarm. de Rom. Pont. lib. 5. cap. 9. In the way the Emperour subdued her Lands and the Lands of the Marquess Esten and thereafter he came to Rome where An. Another Synod against the Pope 1083. thirty Bishops assembled in Councel and conclude against Gregory as they had done at Brixia and did subscribe the Decree The Romans stood up so long as the Pope abode with them but when he had brought them into the extreamest jeopardy he fled into Adrian's Tower and then the Gates of the City were set open but the Emperour would not enter untill a way was made for his Army thorow the Walls and Pope Clement was received into Saint Peters Gregory sent for Robert Guiscard the Norman Duke of Naples for aid and unto Mathildis but all in vain So he was glad to escape into Salerno where he died in exile and as may be read in Fascic rer expetend and in Matth. Paris and sundry others when he was sick before his Cardinals he bewailed his fault in his Pastoral charge and that by instinct of the Divel he had stirred up sedition and wars among men Benno testifieth that he sent this his Confession unto the Emperour and unto all the Church intreating that they would pray for pardon of his sins After his death and the death of them whom the Emperour had left Governours of the City the Romans set up Pope Urban the II. who insisting in the trace of his Predecessour did perswade the Emperour's eldest son Conrade the Father had left him Governour of Italy to take up Arms against his father and gave him in marriage Mathildis then the relict of the Duke of Naples He put Clemens from his Seat but when his father came against him Conrade was out-lawed with consent of all the Princes and the younger brother was declared heir of the Empire but first with an Oath given that during his fathers life he should not meddle with the Kingly power without his fathers consent Fascic rer Now many feared intestine Wars between the two brothers but Conrade died soon thereafter and Urban was made out of the way and the fore-named faction set up Paschalis the II. He would be inferiour unto the others in nothing and excommunicated the Emperour and dealt with his son though by nature and solemn Oath bound to the contrary to take the Scepter in his hand and bear himself as King rather then both his father and himself be dispossessed and suffer hazard by another The young man was inticed and The Son circumvenes the Father the Pope caused the Princes to elect Henry the V. Armies were levied by both parties and some skirmishes follow but the Father had the better yet seeing there could be no end of the Wars without ruining the Empire he consented unto a parley with his son who was advised to deceive his father by this means he came to him with feigned repentance the Father welcomed him as the Prodigal in the Gospel and dismissed the greatest part of his Army whereas his enemies gather at Mentz and appoint Binga for him to keep Christmas So soon as he was entred the City himself being the fourth person the gates were shut and all others were held out Then the son spoke fairly unto his father and promised all duty if the father would reconcile himself unto the Church The Father referred the whole matter unto the Diet of the Princes and they went together unto Mentz There at first the son said unto his Father Seeing the Bishops would admit no communion with him he would do well for peace sake to retire unto such a house near unto the place of the Diet and if he had refused he was able to force him But the Father doth it willingly and then the son kept him as in close prison permitting none to speak with him but his accustomed servants and he freely exerced the Imperial power untill the year 1106. In that Diet the Bishops of Alba and Constance the Pope's Legates spoke much against Henry the IV. for his simony and contumacy against the sentences of so many Popes and exhorted them all as obedient children to provide for the safety of their mother the Church by breaking the pride of one a contumacious person They all do consent to the deposition of the Emperour and they sent the Bishops of Mentz Colein and Worms to take the Imperial Ornaments from him against his will They declared unto him the sentence of the Diet. Henry asked For what cause had the Princes pronounced so severe Sentence against him before he was heard They answer For simony in bestowing Bishopricks and Abbocies He saith unto them one by one you Bishop of Mentz and you Bishop of Colein What have I got from you They answer Nothing Then saith the Emperour I thank God that in so far ye are honest men truly your Bishopricks might have brought much treasure into my Exchequer if I had sought it and my Lord of Worms knows neither is any of you ignorant whether I did advance you for gain or of meer favour wherefore I say unto you Fathers continue in loyalty I am now an old man and turn not Our glory into shame I appeal unto the general Court and if I must yeeld I will give the Crown unto my son with my own hands They refuse and speak menacingly Then he went aside and arayed himself with the Imperial Robes and returning saith These are the badges of my honour these hath the goodness of the eternal King and the election of the Princes bestowed on me and God is able to continue me in them and to restrain your hands from what you intend and We did not fear such violence nor have provided against it but if duty move you not stand in aw of God and if ye do not regard duty nor fear of God here We are and unable to resist violence The Bishops were astonished yet after a little pause they exhort one another they take the Crown off his head then draw him from his seat and pull off all his Royal Robes This was a Pastoral work The Emperour with deep groans saith The God of revenge look to it and avenge this iniquity of yours the like ignominy was never heard before I confess God is
Zona This heresie spread into Bulgaria as afterwards they were called Bulgari Slavonia Lombardie and France nor could it be restrained by Decrees of Popes nor power of Arms saith Sylvius in Europ c. 16. The Emperor Henry caused to be hanged a number of them ann 1062. and some of them were burnt in sundry places Their errors were They condemned marriage and eating of flesh they dispise the Old Testament and some parts of the New they held that there were two Creators one good Creator of things invisible and another ill of visible things they deny baptism and the resurrection from death Vsser de Ecles statu c. 8. ex Rad. Arden Homil. 8. post Trinit They were divided into divers Sects different in some other opinions and they had their own Bishops 15. All this time since the last mention of the Turks and Saracens the Of the Turks Turks as is said lived under the Saracens subject unto them and their Religion and living by pasturage without any Ruler of their own Nation In this age they became Princes of Babylon and Persia and within a short space they were Lords of all Asia unto Pontus and the Euxine Sea which is called Turcomannia untill this day When the Saracens were divided among themselves especially the Sultan of Persia Hircania or Sogdiana and Media fell at variance with the Calipha of Babylon he sent for the Turks by whose hand he prevailed and when he refused to pay them they robbed him of his Kingdom and were advanced more and more in both the Armenios Cappadocia Bithymia c. In the year 1009. the Turks conquered Jerusalem from the Saracens not long thereafter the Saracens of Egypt were Masters of it again and kept it till the coming of Godifrid About the year 1028. the Calipha of Egypt spoiled the Church of Jerusalem and after twenty years the Emperor of Constantinople made a league with Deber Calipha and by his permission he built the Church again ann 1051. The Turks compel the Calipha of Babylon to create their Prince Tangrolipex Zadok King of Asia Then they made a league with the Calipha of Egypt and reigned peaceably forty and six years At that time Peter an Eremite who was wont to say his Pater Noster by a role of Beads and from whom the Romans have their Gades Pol. Vergil de inven rer li. 5. c. 9. came The first Gades into Rome and reports the miseries of Christians under the Infidels Whereupon the Popes dealt with the Princes to go unto their aid And Pope Urban II. perswaded many Princes at Claremont to recover the Holy The Holy Wars Land as they called it out of the power of Turks and Saracens The Princes took the sign of the Cross for their cognisance and several Nations did vary the colour or situation or some circumstance of that badge to the end the Soldiers might know their own Prince when they had occasion to go into these wars and hence are so many sundry sorts of Crosses in Europe In the first interprise Godifrid Duke of Bullion Prince of Lorain was their General he sold his Dutchy unto the Bishop of Leodium that he might amass the more money with him were his two Brothers Baldwin and Eustachius Bohemund Duke of Apulia Raymond Earl of Tolouse Robert Earl of Flanders Robert Duke of Normandy and Son to William the Conqueror Hugh Brother of Philip King of France c. Two Armies went before Godifrid one under the conduct of Peter the Eremite and the other was commanded by Gotteschalk a Presbyter they were both spoiled for their plundering some in Hungaria and some in Bulgaria and some arriving into Bethynia went abroad without order and were killed by Solyman ann 1096. The Princes went by Sea from Venice and when they did meet with the remnants of the former Companies they were mustered about six hundered thousand of foot and one hundred thousand horse They did first assault Nicomedia and were repulsed by strong fortifications of the City and for want of victuals and the Turks and Saracens joyned against the Christians Alexius Emperor of the Greeks sent aid unto the Christians and then the Turks were forced to yield up Nice ann 1097. After that was an open fight wherein forty thousand Infidels were slain and the Christians with small loss took Iconium the head City of Lycaonia then they gained Heraclea and Tursus appointing the Government of these Cities unto Baldwin who thereafter subdued Antiochia Edessa Cilicia and Comagena c. After all this Ierusalem was taken on the thirty ninth day of the siege and Robert Duke of Normandy was chosen King of all the Conquest and Jerusalem was appointed the chief City of the Kingdom but Robert hearing that his Brother William King of England was dead would not accept it Then Godifrid was proclamed first King of Jerusalem ann 1099. This expedition was begun with a good intention that the Land might be purged from Idolatry and Christians might be freed from grievous tharldom but it was continued by the craft of Popes for enlarging their Dominion abroad and for weakening the Empire and the hinderers of their usurpation that themselves might promove their power with the more facility at home and often that they might gather great sums of money under this plausible pretext as follows very plainly and especially after the 1200. year At the first some did smell the vanity of the Expedition for Anselm of whom in the next Chapter writing unto one William intending thither said I admonish advise pray beseech and command thee as one whom I love that thou leave off thy going to Jerusalem which is not now The vision of peace but of tribulation and leave these treasures of Constantinople and Babylon unto the robbery of bloody hands and think upon heavenly Jerusalem and walk in the way unto it which truly is the vision of peace Lib. 2. Epist 19. Out of these few words appears what was his judgement and also what was the intention of many in that voyage 16. By degrees were the Legati à latere brought in Authority among the Legati à latere Nations and they did enlarge the Popes Phylacteries At first because Rome was the chief City of the Empire from thence as from a Seminary were Preachers sent to sundry Nations to preach and plant the Gospel or to confute Heresies thereafter to provide vacant Benefices and to supply the Bishop of Rome his absence in Synods in all which they did no other thing but as other Bishops might have done and also did But when the Bishops of Rome were made Patriarchs and became ambitious these Legates did the same offices at some times but therewith they began craftily to enjoyn unto Arch-Bishops and Metropolitans to execute some things which by the Word of God they were commanded to do and they would give them power within their own Diocies as if Bishops were Vicars of the Roman Patriarch or his Legate These Primates did gladly
Rome Matth. Paris loc ci and he sent unto Sifrid Bishop of Mentz commanding him to publish the sentence of the Roman Consistory against Otho throughout all Germany and charge all the Cities that they do not acknowledge him Sifrid delayed no time But immediately Henry Count Palatine of Rhene the Duke of Brabant and other Princes and Barons levy an Army against Sifrid and forced him to leave his Bishoprick and hide himself in Thuringia where the Count did as yet cleave unto the Pope When Otho understood of this stir in Germany he did return quickly and notwithstanding the Pope's curse was received as Emperor and calleth a Diet at Norinberg An. 1212. about Whitsunday where he declareth the manifold fraud of Innocentius and how unjustly he had accursed him and then said Be of courage you Princes unto you belongeth the charge of this Kingdom and the administration thereof I say unto you belongeth every disposition of the Teutonick Kingdom and to provide for every thing therein it is in your power and not in the power of the Pope to create or forsake an Emperor it is your part to calm the troubles if any shall arise within the Empire therefore ye Princes and Nobles maintain your rights and shew your power for your Nation and Imperial Laws lest if ye do it not ye be deprived of Empire and patrimony c. By these and such other words they resolve to levy immediately an Army and first to invade Thuringia Io. Naucler gener 41. In the year 1214. Innocentius causeth Frederick to be elected which now had been well bred in literature and Otho thought to have hindered the election but the Princes some for envy of his puissance and some for affection to the former Emperor and some addicted unto the Pope fell from him therefore he retired into Saxony until he gathered a new Army he made some attempts but in vain and died An. 1220. 3. FREDERICK the II. left Germany in peace and went to be confirmed at Rome He gave unto Pope Honorius the County of Funda and other great gifts even a rod to break his own head and he confirmed the Act Whosoever continued a year under excommunication shall be guilty of proscription and shall not be absolved until he make satisfaction unto the Pope In recompence of these gratitudes and obeysance when two Counts in Tuscia Thomas and Richard did rebel against the Emperor the Pope maintained them and absolved them from their allegiance and because Frederick did expostulate Honorius the Pope thundereth a curse against him Some Bishops conspired with the rebels and the Emperor accused and pursued them for treason They run to Honorius He sent a Nuntio unto the Emperor and commandeth to restore the Bishops and dischargeth him that he meddle not with Church-men The Emperor could not endure such imperiousness and said How long will the Bishop of Rome abuse my patience when will his covetous heart be satisfied go tell him that I have as great prerogatives as my Father Henry and Frederick my Grand-father and that I will rather hazard my Crown then suffer him to empair my authority seeing every Prince in France Spain England c. hath the nomination of their own Prelates Pe. Mexia But Platina saith The cause of this excommunication was when his Mother died which held him within bounds he began to vex the Church Lands But it is certain by sundry Histories that his Mother died in the beginning of Innocentius In his time came John de Bregna King of Jerusalem into Italy for aid against the Turks he made reconciliation betwixt the Pope and Emperor and gave his onely Daughter Jole unto the Emperor then a widower with the Title King of Jerusalem for this cause the Kings of Sicily were called Kings of Jerusalem for a long space Then Frederick did intend to go into Asia yet because he delayed Pe. Mexia saith the truce which John had made with the Sultan for ten years was not yet expired the Pope did intend some great thing against him but was taken away by death When Gregory was installed Jole was brought to Rome to be married and when the Pope held out his right foot unto the Emperor to kiss it he scarcely touched his knee but would not bow unto the foot P. Mexia The Pope was not well pleased he dissembleth for a time but intendeth to revenge So after some moneths he chargeth the Emperor to go into Asia according to his vow but intendeth to deprive him of the Empire Frederick suspecteth it and delayeth the longer till he heard that the Christians in Asia were utterly distressed then he assembleth his Nobles at Cremona and causeth his Son Henry to be created Caesar and sent him to perswade the Princes to send aid unto his expedition An. 1226. At this time the Lombards had made a league with other Cities of Italy by suggestion of Pope as is believed saith Naucler Honorius against the Emperor which league continued many years to the great prejudice of the Empire and manifest hindering of the expedition An. 1227. Pope Gregory again chargeth the Emperor to go into Asia Frederick writeth unto his Son to conveen the Princes again and nameth the time when they should make their rendezvous at Brundusio The Emperor becometh sickly nevertheless he sailed with his Army into Creta and there being hindered by sickness he sent his Army forward and returned himself into Pulia Then the Pope excommunicateth him the Papalines say because he had murthered Jole and others speak of other pretexts but P. Mexia and Blondus say that Jole died after this curse Immediately Frederick sent to Rome offering to clear himself but his Ambassade was not admitted Therefore the Emperor sent Letters throughout the Empire and to other Princes shewing how wonderously he was excommunicated and how presumptuous and covetous the Church of Rome was become even the mother of all mischief Unto Otho Duke of Bavier he wrote thus The high Priests of Rome do now affect not onely dominion but God-head for they will have all men to fear them more then God and it is sure that there be many Antichrists among them neither hath Christian Religion any such adversary that man which is called the Pope abounding in wealth to the great prejudice of piety thinketh after the maner of Tyrants that he may do as he listeth and is answerable to none as if he were God what is proper unto God he vaunteth of himself that he cannot err he requireth both impudently and imperiously all men to believe that he cannot be guilty of a lye Avent Annal. lib. 7. And unto Henry the III. King of England he wrote The Church of Rome is become so avaricious that they are not content with the goods of the Church but they will have the inheritance of Emperors Kings and Princes and make them all tributaries as Henry hath experience and the Earl of Tolouse whom the Popes binde with excommunication till they bring them into
sent them home again because they had not brought money enough with them He writ an Epistle to Mahumet which is the 396. in number where he affirms that the Empire of Greece depends on his See and his Predecessours had given the Empire of Germany unto Charls and he offered to give that Xingdom peaceably unto him if he would turn Christian and defend the Church He did sit six years Platina reckoneth these following Proverbs to be his There be three persons of one Deity and we may not consider by what reason it may be so but who hath said it When men attempt to measure the Heaven they may be called bold rather than true measures Fools and not wise men are moved with fair words The first places in Kings Courts are slippery As all Rivers run into the Sea so all vices into great Courts Men should be given to dignities and not dignities unto men Some men are in Office and deserve it not others deserve and have it not A wandring Monk is the Divel's slave For weighty causes marriage was taken from Priests but for weightier reasons it should be granted c. I have seen some Editions that have not this last Proverb but it is in the Edition at Venice An. 1562. Cum Privilegio Pontificis c. 10. PAUL the II. had been a Merchant in Venice when he heard that his Uncle Eugenius was Pope he would then learn Grammer but because of his age he made little progress Platin. Nevertheless Eugenius made him Arch-Deacon of Bononia then Bishop of Cervia and then a Cardinal but his ambition stayed not until he was Pope and then he was not so much void of all literature as an hater of all learned men for he deprived them of their Benefices without any just cause among them Platina was one These seeking to be restored craved that their cause might be heard before Auditores rotae but he said Ye would bring us before Judges as if ye were ignorant that all Laws are in our breast I have declared so and let them all go I am Pope and may approve or refuse the Acts of others at my pleasure He was the first Pope that spoke in this maner Io. Serres After three weeks when they saw no appearance to be restored Platina wrote unto him thus If thou may spoil us of that which we bought with our money we may also complain of the wrong and unjust ignominy since we have been rejected by thee and have received so notorious infamy we will go to Kings and Princes and exhort them for your cause to assemble a Councel where thou shalt be compelled to give account why thou hast spoiled us of our lawful possessions For this Letter Platina was laid in Iron fetters for the Pope could not hear of a Councel after some space Platina was loosed upon condition that he go not out of Rome Platin. Eugenius had founded some Canons in the Lateran Church which were Regulars Callistus expelled them and placed Seculars now Paul put out the Seculars and restored the Regulars to the great offence of the Romans Idem He exceeded all his Predecessors in gorgeous apparel his Mitre was set with all manner of precious stones he would be admired by all men and lest he were too singular he ordained by a publick Decree that none should have a scarlet hat but the Cardinals and those should always have their horses or mules covered with scarlet he would have given them more ornaments if some thinking well had not admonished that the pomp of the Church should not be augmented in prejudice of Religion Idem All offices were then sold at Rome he sold the richer Benefices to them who had the lesser that his Annates might be the more no respect was had of learning but only who will give most He called the Students of Humanity as Platina speaketh Hereticks and he exhorted the Citizens that they breed not their children with learning it is enough said he if they can read and write He devised new offices for his own gain he kindled wars in several places he stirred the Germans and Hungarians against the Bohemians he vexed the Poli in Aequitoli because they said Christ hath no Vicar He sate six years ten moneths and died of Apoplexy An. 1471. Agrippa de vanit scien cap. 6. calleth these Paul and his Successours Sixtus Alexander and Julius famous disturbers of Christendom 11. SIXTUS the IV. General of the Franciscans restored the Secular Canons whom Paul had ejected Onuphr in Addit to Platin. Paul sowed and Sixtus reaped a plentiful harvest for Paul did ordain that the Jubile should be kept every 25. year and Sixtus kept it An. 1475. In the next year he ordained that whosoever kept the feast of the conception of Mary as was ordained at Basil according to the order now prescribed by his Notary should have as large forgiveness as was decreed by Urban the IV. or Martin the V. unto the observers of Corp. Christi This constitution was annexed to the Acts of the Councel at Trent and by a constitution following there it is clear that many Preachers in their Sermons and Books maintained that Mary was conceived in sin and it is a deadly sin to hold the contrary wherefore the former constitution had need of a Bull of confirmation dated An. 1483. Onuphrius saith In the days of Paul Sixtus was so respected for learning that all the doubts of saith were committed unto him among all the Cardinals and now he made shew of great things he proclaimed a Councel to be at Lateran for reformation of the Church and for aid against the Turks The Emperor Frederick objected that no good was ever done at Rome for the Church therefore it were fitter to assemble at Constance or other City in the confines of Germany Constance where so many Popes were deposed was odious at Rome Frederick then named Utina in Carnia Then Sixtus perceived that he could not atcheive his designments and forgetting the Councel turned to the advancing of his kinred of whom he made some Dukes and Princes Onuphrius saith He loved his kinsmen greatly and was blamed for granting unto them some things contrary unto reason and equity to wit as Wesellus Groningensis who was an eye witness in his Book De indulgen Papali reporteth At the suit of P. Ruerius whom Sixtus made Cardinal of S. Sixto and of his own Brother Jerome he granted unto all the domesticks of Cardinal de S. Lucia a free licence to commit sodomy in the moneths of June July and August Onuphrius saith He devised new tributes but spared to shew the particulars Agrippa de van scient cap. 64. doth shew saying Pope Sixtus built a large Stews and was like to Heliogabulus who fed herds of whores to his friends and servants ..... and now each whore in Rome payeth dayly unto the Pope a Julian penny which tribute surmounteth to 20000. ducates yearly and this is the charge of the Exchequer of the
this Jerome who told him to his face that God had hitherto convoyed him but because he had not reformed the Church as he should have done and had not hindered his Soldiers from violence and rapine he should shortly suffer dammage but if yet he would repent and punish his Subjects according to their demerits and would tenderly help the oppressed God would shew mercy upon him Ph. Comin de bello Neapol lib. 3. He said also Charls shall come back into Italy and perform the work that God had appointed unto him or then most grievous plagues were hanging over his head and he writ the same unto King Charls and advertised him that if he return not to amend his omissions his Son shall die shortly and himself shall not live long after him The Florentines did expect his returning and would not partake in the league against France and others contemned the man as an Heretick and worthy to be cast into the river but he was so reverenced that none attempted any thing against him even although the Pope and Duke of Millain had by Letters dealt earnestly with the Florentines to put him to death and on that condition they promised to restore unto Florence the Towns that were taken from them Charls would not return into Italy but intended to reform the Realm and Church of France Then as it was foretold his Son died and himself was smitten with an apoplexy he recovered a little and called upon God and Mary and the Saints Claudius and Blasius and within nine hours he died After that the adversaries of Savonorola stirred up the people against him and vexed him grievously and slew his dearest companion Francis Valoris When the Pope heard of this he sent a Legate unto Florence and gave them liberty to judge him So he was examined with tortures saith Guicciardin Hist lib. 3. for speaking against the Clergy and Court of Rome Upon this examination a Process was published to this purpose That he was not moved thereunto out of any evil intent but this one thing he only respected that a General Councel might be called whereby the corrupt manners of the Clergy might be reformed and the degenerate estate of the Church so far as was possible might be reduced to that that was in time of the Apostles or those that were nearest unto them and if he could bring so profitable a work to effect he would think it a greater glory then to obtain the Popedom it self So Savonorola and Silvester a Dominican and Dominicus de Pisis a Franciscan which took part with him were burnt in the year 1499. Ph. Comin lib. 5. 41. Tileman Spangerberg the Father of John Spangerberg said unto his Sons and Neighbors This Religion shall shortly be despised and ye shall see the Priests and Monks cast out of the Churches and Cloisters contemptibly for their wickedness especially for their avarice and filthiness and ye will see a reformation of the Church for God will not suffer the abominable vices of these men since they teach not a word of the Gospel and their conversation is worse then heathenish And he said unto some Canons ye are called spiritual men and should teach the people but ye do far otherwise ye do what ye should hinder others from doing ye are authors of wars who should exhort others unto peace ye should save mens souls and ye destroy both souls and bodies At that time the Bishop of Hildissheim had wars with the Duke of Brunswick He died in the year 1499. Catalog test verit lib. 19. 42. Santes Pagnine a Dominican of Luca deserveth to be remembred at that time he Translated the Old Testament out of the Hebrew and left the old Latine Translation in many places cleaving unto the Original In his Thesaurus or Hebrew Dictionary he not only cleareth the signification of the words but declareth many dark sentences by conferring them with parallel texts and out of the Commentaries of the Rabbines 43. We have heard that from time to time the Empire of the Turks Of the Turks hath waxed through dissension of Christians and that it was seldom or little hindred by them After the death of mighty Tamerlane in January 1402. the Turks did prevail powerfully until the year 1460. when the valiant Scanderberg of the Countrey of old Achilles stayed their usurpation some years We touched before how Constantinople was lost in the year 1453. it is lamentable to hear or read the merciless cruelties of these Infidels against the Citizens without respect of sex or age as they are written by the Greeks The Emperour Constantine died in the crowd as they were flying out the enemy cut off his head and carried it on a spear through their Camps in token of their Triumph so did they with a Cross crying Here is the God of the Christians So from time to time the Church hath little rest on Earth partly being vexed by Heathenish Emperours partly by the proud Popes and partly by the cruel Turks These have been the three capital enemies of the Church whose malice hath been so great against God's people and it is hard to judge which of them hath exceeded in cruelty but for number and continuance of mischiefs the Turk surmounteth the others even so far that neither can a History be so perfect nor Writers so diligent and far less can this Compend express their manifold cruelties But for a general view consider what Dominions how many Countries Kingdoms and Provinces they have taken from Christians The yearly Revenues of their Emperour are reckoned 800â—000 or eight millions of golden crowns whereof two millions is laiâ—d up in treasure and the rest is for the entertainment of his family and servants Cumin Ventura in Thesoro polit Laon. Chalcocondylas an Athenian de reb Turc lib. 8. hath his Revenues in this manner his Tribute out of Europe is 90. Myriades aureor staterum of which no Turk paieth a penny for it is not lawfull that a Turk pay Tribute Mahumet the II. did first exact the Tithe of handy-work which the Governors of Towns must bring up and that is given to the Janizaries the flocks of Sheep pay a Tribute unto the Janizars also Moreover thirty millions of golden crowns is gathered ftom and for Horse Mules Camels and Oxen through Europe and Asia He sheweth other particulars and in the end he gives the sum 400. millions besides 20. millions which the Governors and Dukes must pay yearly in the Spring by way of gift and the Revenues of Princes Dukes and Timarati are valued to nine hundred millions all paied by Christians at that time The bounds of the Turks are from Dalmatia on the East-side of the Venetian Gulf unto Thracia the space of 1500. Italian miles and from the Euxine Sea unto Nilus and from thence unto the Strait and in Asia East ward unto Persia In Europe the Princes of Transilvania Bodogamia and Valachia are his Tributaries and he hath all the Provinces on both sides of
not the peace of God and so long an high priest hath not been in the Church as there hath not been peace ...... who were not content to kill the bodies of men cruelly for mantaining the truth but would destroy the souls beloved of God the spouse of Christ that noble spoile of hell that reward purchased by the blood of Christ have they trode under feet killed and devoured c. This he wrote from his castle Steckelberg Decemb. 1. 1517. There indeed he commends Pope Leo wishing as it seemes he were such an one but a little after that he speakes more freely for when Pope Leo sent unto Germany to extract tithes for preparation of warrs against the Turk the Princes of Germany assembled and there in presence of the Emperour one being demanded to give his advice had a large discourse Ort. Gratius writes it was said to be the Oration of Vlric Hutten Among other things he saith Yee would expell the Turk I commend your purpose but I fear that yee mistake the name seek him in Italy not in Asia our Kings are able to defend their own Dominions from him in Asia but all Christendom is not able to danton the other the one hath skirmished with his nighbours and as yet hath done us no harm but the other oppresseth every where and thirsteth after the blood of miserable people yee can not satiate this Cerberus with a flood of gold there is no need of armes nor an Army tithes will be more forcible then garrisons of souldiers When I doe weigh the matter seriously I see two wayes are propounded one at the command of superstition craves gold the other if wee refuse threatneth the Popes curse take either of the two as you will but ô fond and superstitious opinion of men who think him to be the God of heaven he who duely considereth seeth that all are carried at the becke of the Florentines Not to give is offensive and to give is gracious the thunder of Christs vicar is not to be despised but every bolt is not to be feared especially when it is directed by humane affections I feare the indignation of Christ but not of the Florentines This is the cause of the Florentines and not of Christ The last yeare upon no small charges were the wars carried on against Francis D. of Urbine who was expelled out of his Dominion that Laurence Medices might have it Lewes was not provident enough to leave more gold ..... When the Urbin Duke is away the lyke fortune is threatned against the Prince of Ferraria and then wee must salute Laurence Medices a Citizen of Florence King of Hetruria This shall be the effect of the tieths and this is the craft of the Italian Turk who by the convoy of superstition entreth into our bowels c. 23. About that time the study of learning was in a manner revived in many parts of Europe for Pope Leo X. erected some Colledges at Rome Cardinal Francis Ximenius Archbishop of Toledo caused the Bible called Complutensia to be printed An. 1515. in four languages the Hebrew with the Chaldaick Greek Latine translations Henry VIII did endowe the Universities of England Francis King of France did the lyke there so also did Charles in Low-Germany as we heard before of Wittenbergh and Frankford Because Sanctes Pagnin and Arias Montanus had translated the Bible word for word which did not so well agree with the Latine phrase Francis Vatablus the Kings Professor of the Hebrew tongue at Paris translates the old Testament in a clearer style And here Andrew Cratander the Printer then at Basile deserves to be remembred hee was both learned and wealthy and upon his charges set many learned men a worke to translate the books of John Chrysostom Cyrillus Alexandrinus Theophylactus and such other antient Greek Authours which then began to speak Latine in his house as the Emperour Charles V. testifies in Exemp privilegii before the works of Cyril After him a litle later in time was Robert Stephanus that learned and famous Printer at Paris it appeares in his Respons ad censuras Theolog. Paris that when he was Corrector in the shope of his father-in-law Simon Colen he caused to be printed a little New Testam corrected in sundry texts conforme unto the Greek for this cause the Sorbonists cried out against him as worthy to be burnt for saith he they called that corruption whatsoever was purged from the dregs of their common ignorance This was in the yeare 1522. I make mention of him in this place especially because of that which followes in that his Answer he saith I may speak this truely when I did ask them he is speaking of the Masters of Sorbone In what place of the New Testament is that written they did answer like shameless whores They had read it in Ierom. or in the Decrees but they knew not what the New Testament was Even so ignorant were they that they knew not the New Testament was wont to be printed with and after the old Testament This saith he will be though prodigious and yet most true and certain which I shall relate a few years agoe one of Coledge was wont to say dayly I wonder that these young men talk of a New testament I was above 50. years of age and knew not what a New Testament was Oh blindness and also desperate shamelesness So far he But how gross soever was the ignorance of many not only of the vulgar sort but of those which were called Rabbies nevertheless all Sciences and languages were polished every where as there were at that time many learned men and so by mercifull providence the world was prepared for a Reformation 24. And here Erasmus a Roterdamer deserves to be remembred about that time he was busy in translating some Greeke Fathers into Latine and in delivering some Latine Fathers from the moths and gathering from sundry Bibliotheks the dispersed Copies both of the one sort and the other so that by his diligence many Printers were held in worke and Europe was furnished with books more abundantly than ever before and in the year 1516. he published a translation of the New Testament out of the Greek by the permission of Pope Leo that worke as it was acceptable unto good men so it did provoke the implacable hatred of the idle Monks against him they had their quarells against him before that for in the year 1508. he had been in Italy and in his returning he wrote a part of what he had seen and heard in a little book under the title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the praise of folly and in a jocund way brings Folly as speaking what He thought among other things Folly speaking of the preachers saith They have devised a foolish faith but a pleasant persuasion to wit If one shall look upon a painted Polyphemus Chrystophorus he shall not perish that day or if one shall in the prescribed words pray unto Barbara he shall return safe from
Soaue When the See is vaking the Cardinals are wont to prescribe some articles of reforming the Papal power which they sweare to observe precisely if any of them shall be chosen albeit it is known by experience of all ages that none of them hath a purpose to observe that oath for so soon as they be invested they professe that they could not be tied and they are absolved by their assumption So at that time it was one of the articles that he who shall be chosen shall call a Councell within a year III. PAUL III. Had been Dean of the Colledge of Cardinals many years and would seem not to be afraid of a Councell as Clemens was but to be desirous of it and ere he was crowned he propoundeth in the first meeting that it is necessary to hold a Councell seing otherwise peace can not stand among Christian Princes nor can heresies be rooted out he appointeth three Cardinals to advise upon the place time and other circumstances and to give their Overtures in the first Consistory after his coronation and to lay the blame of opposition upon their side he saith Seing a Reformation must be of the Church it were most expedient that the Cardinals from that present time begin to reform themselves rather than be reformed by others neither can there fruit be expected by a Councell nor can the decrees have any authority unless they go before by their good example In the first Consistory Novemb. 12. he speaks of this purpose again They thought he spoke ingenuously but some did smell out his policy because he had appointed three the most unfit men of all the number to consult of this But in December he took away all fear from them for then he created a Cardinall Alexander Farnesius the son of his own bastard son and another Guido Ascanius Sforza the son of his bastard Daughter the one being 14. years old and the other 15 years Then the Cardinals had enough to object to wit their childhood January 16. An. 1535. he had a large speach in the Consistory that the Councell can be delaied no longer lest all men think themselves deceived with words and he sent his Nuntio's unto Princes shewing his resolution and that he judgeth Mantua the fittest place he sayd There were but two wayes of dealing with the Protestants force or allurements he judgeth the later the better and he will refuse no condition of accord saving his Papall dignity Vergerius goeth into Germany as followeth in Cha. 3. and returning the next year saith There is no hope to winne Luther and his followers they must be oppressed by arms For his service he is made a B. in Istria and immediatly dispatched unto the Emperour in Naples Charles heares his report and hasteneth unto Rome At this time Lewes Sfortia Duke of Millan was dead without children and the King of France professeth to recover it with a strong hand Charles telleth this unto the Pope who answereth It were better for him to subdue the Protestants in Germany and himself with the Venetians will perswade Francis to desist Pe. Soavesaith The Pope professeth the destruction of the Lutherans but his purpose was rather that an Italian should be Lord of Millain But Charles did understand what he meant and intending Cretizare cum Cretensi said he would do so yet thought it not expedient to raise up so many enemies at once and adviseth the Pope to call a Councell that so the world may see they had used all meanes of peace before arms The Pope seemes to be wel pleased because warrs were begun in Pymount and certainly will come into Italy and when the Councell is summoned he will have a faire pretence to guard the Councell under shew of custody So he calleth a Councell to assemble at Mantua May 27. in the year 1537. and also gives commission unto four Cardinals and some bb to Reforme the Paenitentiaria Dataria Court of Rome threatning his curse against all that shall disobey them But nothing was done and men of judgement said No better was to be expected of the Councell called so unseasonably in time of warre between the Emperour France Pe. Soave in Hist Conc. No Nation would consent unto this Councell nor the Duke of Mantua unless the Pope would give him money to hire a guard of souldiers The Pope was glad that others had refused when he had offered it and to shew his readiness he appoints to conveen against Novemb. 1. but he nameth no place Henry VIII King of England by a published Declaration shews that he is desirous of a Councell but he will neither go nor send unto any called by the Pope seing now he hath no correspondence with the Pope and it is not a new thing that the Pope deceives the world as now he blameth the Duke of Mantua but who seeth not that it is but to delude men as also that he calleth a Councell and nameth not the place and seing now there is no hope of a free Councell he judgeth it best that every Prince reforme Religion with in his own dominion Or if any will shew a better way he will not refuse it In Italy also many said boldly that albeit the Pope lay the blame on the Duke of Mantua yet it is the Popes only fault as appears by that nothing is done in Reformation of Rome albeit he had made a shew of it when the Councell at Mantua was proclaimed and none other had opposed that worke To wash himself of this imputation he gives a charge again unto four Cardinals and 5. Prelates to search out the maladies and apply remedies with all diligence Now these gather the heads of Reformation in write and do present them unto the Pope where in they shew a threefold cause of all the maladies the proneness of PP to heare flatterers their readiness to derogate from former lawes and the neglect of Christs command to take no gain for spirituall things Then more particularly they observe 24. abuses in the administration of Church affaires and 4. in the Romane Government In the ordination of Clerks collation of Benefices pensions permutations regressions reservations pluralities commenda's non-residences exemptions deformation of Regulares ignorance of Preachers and confessours .... then they came to dispensations first of them that were married then to marry within degrees forbidden dispensations of simony of granting confessionals and indulgences dispensation of vowes of changing testaments tolerating whoores neglect of almes-houses and many more such The Pope gives these Overtures unto the Consistory where somesaid it was not a time to reforme these things seing the Lutherans would boast that they had caused the Pope to enter upon a Reformation not only of abuses but of laudable rites John Peter Caraffa Cardinall of Theate said a Reformation is necessary nor can it be omitted without great offence as evill should not be done that good may come of it so necessary good works should not be omitted for feare
he heard that his books were burnt at Colen Lovan and Luik he assembleth the Professors of Wittembergh Decemb. 10. and in a solemne manner he causeth publickly to be burnt the last Bull of Leo the X. the Decrees of Gratian Decretals Extravagants Summa Angelica and some books of Eccius and then he publisheth unto the World the reasons why he had done so By this provocation of Luther saith P. Soave and for other just causes all men of sound judgement said A Councell is necessary not only to compose controversies but to provide against the abuses that have been for such à long time in the Church and the necessity was the more apparent because their mutuall writings did but kindle the strife more seing Martin saith he failed not to confirme his doctrin with much writing and the more earnest he was in the cause he advanceth the more he is the more enlightned and findeth the more matter of disputation and discovers more errours even beyond his own intention for howbeit he professeth to do all through the zeal of Gods house yet every one may perceive that he is driven thereunto by necessity When Duke Frederik was going to the Emperours coronation he meeteth with Erasmus at Colen and askes him What he thought of Luther Erasmus saith It is true what he teaches but I wish he were moderate Why saith the Prince doth the clergy hate him so Erasmus saith He hath committed two great faults he touches the Popes crown and the Monks bellies and therefore it is no maruell that all the Papall Kingdom be bitter against him The next day Erasmus writes unto Conrad Peutinger one of the Emperours Counsellers and adviseth to cause Luthers business to be examined by learned and indifferent men in the following Diet at Worms Luther was advised by many to teach and write more moderately and he excuseth himself in some Letters in one unto Spalatin he saith If I must continue in teaching I understand not your and others counsell to wit that Holy Divinity can be tought without offense the Scripture doth especially pursue the errours of Religion this the Pope can not endure I have given up my self unto God his will be done Who did entreat Him to make mee a Teacher Seing he hath made me let him have me or if he repent that he hath made me let Him undo me again I am so far from being afrayd for trouble that it filleth the sailes of my heart with an incredible gaile that now I understand why the Scripture compareth Devils unto the wind for while they blow forth in rage they carry others unto patience This is only my care that the Lord be my friend in these causes which are not so much mine as his and be you pleased to help here as you may And in another Letter dated unto the same Spalatin Febr. 15. he saith There will be a new great fire but who can resist the Counsel of God I intreat you let the business passe-on with it's own motions it is Gods cause only so far as I can see we are driven and moved rather than do move Abra. Schultet Annal. X. The same year Christiern King of Denmarck sent unto the Elector of Saxony for a Preacher of the truth and one M. Martin was sent he in Coppenhagen did preach upon the festivall dayes in the after-noon with great applause of the people the Chanons did not medle with his doctrine but they did deride his manner of delivery John Thurzo Bishop of Vratislavia was the first Bishop who hearkned unto these new preachers and maintained them and died August 2. Caspar Hedio being a Doctour of Divinity in Basile was called to be preacher in the chief Church of Mentz and by advise of Vlrick Hutten Albert Bishop there sent for Wolfgang Capito to be his preacher and Counseller Capito embraces the call to the end he might have the fairer occasion to sow the seed of the Gospell there The Senate of Zurik gave command unto all the Preachers within their jurisdiction to lay aside all the devices of men and freely to preach what they could confirme by the writings of the Prophets and Apostles and in time of Lent they despised the old ordinances for abstaining from flesh Hugh Bishop of Constance commandeth all men by his edict to continue in the faith of the Roman Church untill a Generall Councell be conveened and for the same purpose he sent his Commissioners unto Zurik Zuinglius maintaineth before the Commissioners what he had taught and the Senate entreates the Bishop to call a Synode and there let the learned examine and declare what the people should believe Then Zuinglius wrote of himself unto Myconius saying I have given up myself unto God and do wait all evill both from Church-men and laity praying for this one thing from Christ that he will enable me to suffer with a couragious heart and as he pleaseth either break me or preserve mee who am a pot in his hand If they shall excommunicate mee I will think on the very learned and godly Hilarius that was exiled from France into Africa and on Lucius who being beaten from Rome was brought again with great glory not that I compare my self unto them but I will comfort my self by their example which were better and suffered worse and if it were expedient to rejoice in any thing I would rejoice to suffer reproach for the name of Christ Abr. Schultet The same author saith The first Nation that was enlightned by the Gospell was East Friseland where the Prince Edsard reading diligently Luther's books and thereby receiving the light of knowledge did forsake the rites of superstition and permittes these books to be sold read yea by his example and exhortation did encourage the Nobility of the Land to read them and others also who could understand The first preachers there were Henry Brune unto the Auriaci Lubbert Cant at Leer Jo. Steven at Norda Jo. Sculto at Wenera albeit afterwards he fell away but the most eminent was George Aportan at Embden He had been a Monk at Zwoll and the Prince made choise of him to be Tutor unto his children then giving himself to search the truth he was ready to communicate unto others what God gave him to understand and at last became Preacher of Embden the priests oppose him but by permission of the Prince he preached in the open fields and afterwards he was brought by the people into the Church Bernard Campius maintaining him with a guard lest the priests or their followers should have made any disturbance Herman Henriks one of the Priests forsook the idolatry and became his Collegue the other priests were by degrees put from the altars some went to other places and they who stayd had liberty to exercise their blind devotion within the Cloister of the Franciscans The Prince did presse none but he did most aide those who were for the Reformation and the superstition had place within private walls
all the conditions but craves this as a favour only or at least that they will permit the Masse there before or after noon They answer They will never yeeld that the Masse enter there again or if violence shall be used they must suffer and use the next remedy Then another device was invented the French Captains and Souldiers made their walks in time of prayer and preaching and did laugh and talk all the time that the preachers could not be heard This was patiently disgested knowing that they sought an occasion of trouble In Lieth they cut the pulpite into pieces and set up the Masse and in the Abbey-church by force they hindred the Common prayers and wheresoever they came they made disturbance and withall they dispersed a rumor both in France and in the Country that the Congregation intends an open rebellion and to set up Lord James in place of the lawfull Queen At the same time letters were brought from the King and Queen unto L. James full of exprobrations and menacings Ere the Letters were delivered the Lords had drawn up a third band at Sterlin August 1. in this manner Wee foreseeing the craft A third bâ—nd and slight of our adversaries who try all wayes to circumveen us and by privy means intend to assault every one of us particularly by fair heights and proâ—â—ses thereby to separate us one from another to our utter ruin and destruction For remedy thereof wee faithfully and truly binde us in the presence of God and as wee tender the maintaining of true Religion that none of us shall in time coming pass to the Queen Dowager to talk or commune with her for any Letter or message sent by her unto us or yet to be sent without consent of the rest or common consultation thereupon and how soon either Writing or message shall come from her unto us with all diligence wee shall notify the same one to another so that nothing shall proceed there in without common consent of us all And because they had observed that the Regent and Bishops intend nothing but deceit they resolve to seek the aid of Christian Princes if they shall be any more pâ—rsued and first they would begin with Queen Elisabet as nearest and of the same Religion and sent two Messengers into England They appoint the next meeting at Sterlin September 10. and go to their own houses for the most part Now what were the contents of the Kings Letters which for brevity I omit may appear from the answer of Lord James which is L. Iames his Letter to the King thus SIR my most humble duty remembred Your Majesties Letters I received from Parise July 17. importing in effect that your Ma. doth marvell that I being forgetfull of the graces and favours shewed mee by the King of bl memory your Ma. self and the Queen my Soverain have declared myself head and one of the principall beginners of these alledged tumults and seditions in these parts deceiving heerby your Ma. expectation in all times had of mee with assurance that if I do not declare by contrary effect my repentance I with the rest that have put or yet put hand to this Work shall receive that reward which wee have deserved Sir It grieves mee very heavily that the crime of ingratitude is laid to my charge by your Ma. and the rather that I perceive the same to have proceeded of sinister information of them whose part it was not to have reported so if true service past had been regarded and as for repentance and declaration of the same by certain effects that your Ma. desireth I shew my conscience persuades mee in these proceedings to have done nothing against God nor the dutifull obedience toward your Ma. nor the Queen my Soverain Otherwise it should not have been to be repented and also it should have been repented already according to your Majesties expectation of mee But your Ma. being truly informed and persuaded that the thing which wee have done makes for the advancement of Gods glory without any manner of derogation to your Majes due obedience Wee doubt not but your Ma. shall be well contented with our proceedings which being grounded upon the commandement of the eternall God wee dare not leave the same unaccomplished only wishing and desiring your Ma. might know the same and the trueth thereof as wee are persuaded in our consciences and all them that are truly instructed in the eternall word of our God upon whom wee cast our care from all dangers that may follow the accomplishment of his eternall will and to whom wee commend your Ma. beseeching him to illuminate your heart with the gospell of his eternall truth to know your Majes duty toward your poor subiects Gods chosen people and what you ought to crave justly of them again for then wee should have no occasion to fear your Majes wrath and indignation nor your Majes have suspicion of our obedience The same God have your Ma. in his eternall safeguard At Dumbartan August 12. 1559. This Letter was delivered unto the Regent she opened it and having read it said So proud an answer was never given to King nor Princesse and Buchanan saith but contrarily many did judge it within the bounds of modesty especialy where he was upbraided with graces and favours whereof he had not received any but such as were common unto all strangers At that time came a thousand souldiers from France to Lieth and reporte that moe were coming and the Earle of Arran eldest son to Duke hamilton came thorough England having heard in France that the Cardinall of Lorrain the Qeen Regents brother had said in the Parliament of Paris as he was inveying against the Protestants that they shall shortly see punishment executed on some who is in honour equal to Princes and calling to minde that lately he had spoken freely with the Duke of Guise in the cause of Religion came away privately and after his departure his younger brother was apprehended and imprisoned And he dealeth with his father to forget old quarrells and joyn with the Lords of the Congregation and so both came to the meeting at Sterlin Where the Lords understand that the Queen was fortifying Lieth for a Magazin and a safe haven for receiving French ships as again 2000. men were landed under the command of Mon. de la Bross and with him the Bishop of Amiens under the colour of Ambassadours When these were come the Regent was heard say Now shall I be avenged on the enemies of the Saints and of Authority And the French men began to brag as if all were their own one was called Monsieur de Argile another Monsieur Le Prior c. and the indwellers of Lieth were put forth both Protestants and Papists And nevertheless the Regent caused to make a proclamation that she intendes not to violate the Appointment in the least point but only to preserve peace and dutifull obedience if the Congregation will likewise keep
But four Divines of Witteberg and two of Strawsburgh came to Trent they would not address themselves unto the Legat as others had done before lest it were called an acknowledging of the Pop's Presidency but they went unto the Emperours Ambassador and craved to begin the Conference He persuades the Divines to yield in some niceties Nevertheless nothing could be done the Legate opposing alwayes either concerning the manner of the Treaty or the matter at which to begin ot pretending his own infirmity of body and at last he was so passionat that many thought he was not right in his wits and departed as also the Protestants pretending difficulty of abiding because of new warrs in Germany Then the Nuntij fearing to be left alone sent to Rome for information in those straits After advice from Court a Session was held Aprile 28 and the Synod was suspended for two years The Spainish Prelats being 12. in number A Spanish Protestation against the adjournying of the Synode protested against this decree but the Pope had now accorded with France and therefore he made no account of the Imperialists XI The suspension for two years continued ten because the motives were changed The Pope was out of all hope to regain Germany And Ceâ—ar was so earnest before for the Synod because he intended to erect a fifth Monarchy and by means of Religion to immortalize his fame for he thought to subdue all Germany by treaties or Arms and then to make a new purchase of Italy and perhaps of France But when he â—aw Gods hand for the Protestants and a division of his own family he layd aside Various thoughts concerning the Synode all thought of the Councel and the Romans cared as little for it But after the death of Pope Marcel An. 1555. it was one of the Capitulations in the Conclave that the future Pope should by advice of the colledge call a Synod within two years to finish the begun Reformation to determin the other controversies of Religion and to endeavour the acceptation of the Tridentin Canons in Germany But when this was motioned unto Pope Paul IIII. he said with much indignation I have no need of a Synod I am above all Cardinall Bellai replied A Councel is necessary not to addauthority unto the Pope but to find meanes of procuring an uniformity in all places He answered If it were necessary it must be held at Rome and nowhere else I never consented to hold a Synod at Trent because it is among the Lutherans and a Synod should consist of Bishops only and no others should be admitted no not for advice unless Turks Nota who were the members of that Councell also be admitted it is a foolish thing to send unto the mountains 60 of the least able Bishops and 40 of the most insufficient Divines as hath been done twice and to believe that the world can be regulated by such better then by the Vicar of Christ and the colledge of Cardinals who are the pillares of Christendom and by the counsel of Prelars and Divines who are more in number at Rome then can be brought to Trent Nevertheless An. 1557. when he heard that the King of France had made Acts in Parliament concerning Religion he would have called a Synod but he was so perplexed with difficulties in Rome that he could not After his death the same Capitulation was renewed in the Conclave An. 1559 to restore a Synod upon account of the necessity in France and Belgio and the open defection of Germany and England So Pius 4. began to advise privatly with his trustiest friends whether a Synod were expedient for the Apostolical See if not whether it be safer to deny it absolutly or to make shew of readiness and to hinder it by impediments Or if it be expedient whether he shall wait untill he be entreated or call it as by his own motion It was resolved Because he can not eschue it he should prevent the petions of others and so he might have the fairer occasion to cover his own purpose in crossing the designes of others So far he goeth and no more he shewes unto the Cardinals and All Ambassadors that he is desirous of a Synod and he willeth them to advise what things have need to be reformed and of the place and time and of other preparations but he intended it not untill the Parliament of France had decreed to hold a Nationall Synod Then the Pope was advised by the Cardinals that it is safer to hasten the Generall then to permit a National Synod But then comes into consideration Where it must be seing a Synod is much after the mind of him who is strongest in the place Bolonia was named but Trent was judged fittest Both the Emperour and Francis King of France except against the place and they craved also that the former canons be reexamined and moreover the Emperour demanded other things to be granted to wit the communion of the cup the marriage of the clergy c. The Pope answered he was content where it may be if the Italians shall have free access and recess he will sooner quite his life then grant the second and the third can not be granted but in the Councel In his heart he was glad of those difficulties except that the affaires of France require hast for he had hope of France but despared of the others The mean while was the Counsel at Fountainbleaw as is above Pag. 154. When the Pope understood of the discourses there he resolves to call a generall Councell but then he questioneth Whether it shall be termed a new Councel or a resumption of the former The Emperour and Frances will have it called a new one because the Protestants will not accept that which hath condemned them The Pope and Philip King of Spain will not have the canons to be called into question that have been decided The Cardinals propound a midle course to terme it neither a new one nor a resumption and November 24. it was decreed in consistory to call it Indictio Concily Tridentini and to begin at Easter next But the words of the Bull gave satiâ—faction to no party The Pope said None should except against the word Continuare in the Bull because it hindereth not to examine former decrees And he sent his Breves to all the Princes of Germany assembled then in the Diet at Neumburgh with this inscription Vnto his beloved son the Duke or Count c. None of those Princes would open any of them but sent them back unto the Legat's lodging On the last day of their assembly this answer was given unto the Legates The most honourable Electors Princes Ambassadorsand Counselors of the most sacred Empire of Rome acknowledge that the Church hath need of Reformation and for this cause many godly learned and wise men of all ages and conditions have for a long time wished that the Church may be in a better estate and have prayd that
invest him in the kingdom and procuration given to the Lords Lindsay and Ruthuen to give up and resigne the rule of the realm in presence of the States together with another Commission ordaining the Earle of Murray Regent during Prince's minority if he will accept the Charge Or if he refuse to accept it upon his single person that he with the Duke the Earles of of Lennox Argyle Athol Morton Glencairn and Marre should Govern conjunctly These writes were published July 29. at the Market-cross of Edinburgh Then the Prince was crowned at Sterlin These two months the Earle of Mortay was not in the Country and being recalled returns in the beginning of August he visites the Queen and endeavors to joyn the Lords which had taken part with the Hamiltons or Neuters join them I say with these who had bound themselves for the Kings preservation but his travell was to litle purpose August 20. he accepteth the Regency and was proclamed Regent The other Lords seeing that all things grew strong on the Regents side sent unto the Counsell and by common advice it was decreed that a Parliament be called for setling the affaires of the realm at Edinburgh Decemb. 15. This Parliament was keept with such frequency as the like The Parliament Aâ— 1567. was not remembred to have been seen Beginning was made after the approbation of the Queens renunciation and Commission of Regency at the affaires of the Church and sundry Acts were unanimously concluded one abolishing the Popes jurisdiction another repealing all statutes made in former times for mantenance of idolatry and superstition contrary to the confession of faith that was approved in the Parliament 1560. and now again ratified 3. The Masse is abolished and punishment appointed against all hearers and sayers of it 4. Those are not to be esteemed members of the Church who refuse the participation of the sacraments as they are now ministrat 5. The examination and admission of Minist s is only in power of the Church now openly professed and presentations should be directed unto the Supertendents or commissioners of the Church within sixe months or els the Church shall have power to dispone the same to a qualified person for that time 6. An oath to be given by the King at his coronation 7. None may be a Judge proctor notary nor member of a Court who professeth noâ— the true religion 8. The thirds of all Benefices shall now instantly and in all time coming be first payd to the Ministers ay and whill the Church come to the full possession of their proper patrimony which is the tyths providing that the Collectors make yearly account in the Checker so that Ministers being first answered the superplus be applied unto the Kings use 9. All teachers of the youth should be tryed by the Superintendents or Uisitors of the Church 10. Provestries prebendaries and chaplanries are appointed The XIV Assembly for entertaining Students in Colledges Jem Acts were made for punishing fornication incest and marriages within degrees forbidden by Gods word Item that the Queen should be detained in perpetuall prison within the castle of Lochleuin The Assemblie conveeneth Decemb. 25. John row Ministers at Santiohnstoun is chosen Moderator 1. Commissioners are appointed to concurre at all times with such persons of Parliament or Secret Counsell as have been named by the Regent to confer concerning the offenses that appertain to the jurisdiction of the Church as also for decision of questions that may occurre these were two Superintendents and seven other Ministers 2. Whereas the Earle of Argyle had given offense in putting away his wife and some other particulares he submits himselfe to the discipline of the Church and the Assembly ordaines the Superintendent of Argyle to try these slanders and cause satisfaction bâ— made as Gods word appoints and report his diligence to the next Assembly 3. Because Adam called Bishop of Orknay had married the Queeâ— with the Earle of Bothuell and so had transgressed an Act in marrying Both well a divorced adulterer the Assembly deprives hin from all funâ—â—ion in the Ministry 4. John craig is accused for proclaming the bans twixt the Queen and the Earle of Bothâ—ell He gives his purgation in write after this manner To the end that they who fear God may understand my proceeding in this matter I shall shortly declare what I did and what moved mee to do it leaving the judgement of all unto the Church first at the request of Mr Thomas Hepburn in the Queen's name to proclame her with the Lord Bothuel I plainly refused because he had not her hand writ and because the constant bruit was that he had rauished her and keeped her in captivity On wednesday next the Justice-Clerk brought mee a writing subscribed with her hand bearing that she was neither ravished nor detained in captivity and therefore he charged mee to proclame My answer was I durst proclame no bans and chiefly such without consent of the Church On thurseday next the Church after long reasoning with the Justice Clerk concluded that the Q s mind should be published to her subjects three next preaching dayes but because the Gen. Assembly had prohibite all such marriages wee protested that they would neither solemnize nor approve that marriage but only would declaire the Queen's mind leaving all doubts dangers to the counsellers approvers and performers of the marriage Upon fridday next I declared the wholl progress and mind of the Church here he understands the Church-Session of Edinburgh desiring every man in Gods name to discharge his conscience before the Secret Counsell and to give boldness unto others I craved of the Lords there present time leave and place to speak my judgement before the parties Protesting if I were not heard I either would desist from proclaming or declare my mind publickly before the Church Therefore being admitted after noone before my L. in the Counsell I layd to his charge the law of adultery the ordinance of the Church the law of ravishing the suspicion of collusion betwixt him and his wife the suddain divorcement and proclaming within the space of four dayes and last the suspicion of the Kings death which his marriage would confirm But he answered nothing to my satisfaction Wherefore after many exhortations I protested that I could not but declare my mind publickly to the Church So on sunday after that I had declared what they had done and how they would proceed whither wee would or not I took heaven and earth to witnes that I abhorred and detested that marriage because it is odious and slanderous to the world and seeing the greatest part of the realm do approve it either by flattery or by silence I craved the faithfull to pray earnestly that God wold turn to the confort of this realm that which they intend against reason and good conscience Because I heard some persons grudging against mee I used these reasons for my defences first I had broken no law by proclaming
276 nor in Africa 280. nor in antient Britain 282. nor in Ireland 304. It is questioned whether at the first there were Bishops in Rome 283. The ground and first platform of Prelacy 285. m. their ordination at first 285. e. the rise of their Jurisdiction 286 289. their Election 15. m. 8â— b. The tendency of Episcopacy S. 338. m. a Supâ—lication of Scotland against it 350. another of England against Bishops and their Rites 461 462. Obj May not Bishops be good men Answ S. 459. Obâ— May not a good man take a Bishoprick Ans 460. They got the Power of the Sword in England and used it cruelly 556 Three sorts of Bishops S. 374. m. other three sorts of them S. 390. b. They were cast off in Scotland 402. e. 491. b. The first step of bringing them in agaâ—n S 540. the second step 541. Boniface Bishop of Mentz was opposed in Tyranny and Rites 99 100. The Insurrection of the Bowrs in Germany S 90. Bulgaria becometh Christian 184. Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper representeth his Body and Blood 92. m 98. e. and both were distributed 29. m. 566. b. 572. m. the mixing of the Wine with Waâ—er was a departing from the Institution 93. m. See the Supper of the Lord. Britain became Christian 283. b C The new Calender S. 282 m. The Greeks had espied an Error in the Calender but because of inconvenients would not change 411. m. Calo Johannes Greek Emperor his Oration before his death 307. False Calumnies aspersed on Professors of Truth 334. e. 350. e. 424. m. 472. e. S. 81. m. S 134. e 206. e. 227. Candles and Torches in Churches 93 m. The Canons that are called Apostolical are not such 266. e. the Canonical hours 251. e. The Canon of the Mass must be read with a low voice 143. m. The beginning of the Canons or Chanons 289 291. The Canonization of Saints 81 e. 328. b The beginning and rise of Cardinals 422. their Colledge hath power over all Men and all Causes 388. m. go in Scarlet 391. m. The Order of Carmelites 416. m Carolstad and Luther fell into variance S. 76. The unjust Censure of two Cardinals revenged by God 360. â— The indifferency of Ceremonies 304. they may be judged variously but not reinduced S. 351. â— Charls the Great his Authority in Rome 80. m. 81. b e sundry Articles of Doctrine which he held 112. Charls the Hard Duke of Burgundy 526. Charls Prince of Spain Martyred S. 156. m. The Church The Church is built on the Rock Christ 89. m. 97. m. 113. b. 131 e. 133. b. it consisteth of the Elect 176 m. 340. b. or of Believers 348. e. S. 25. b. Why called Catholick 97. m. 340. b. 348. e. S. 11. m. In what sense the Church cannot err 529. e. how it is led by the holy Ghost 551. b. It hath certainty from the Faith and not contrary 173. e. S. 20. m. sometimes lurketh 175. b. 210 211 231. e. In her worst times thousands bowed not their hearts unto Baal 541. m. 551. e. 558. b. Church-affairs should be judged in Ecclesia non in palatio nec ex authoritate humana S. 336. m. e. The main grounds of corruption in the Church 38. e. 412 b. 421. m. e. Satan sought to undo the Church first by Heathens and then by Heresies Schisms c. 267. b. m. 343. m. S. 16. e. The Discipline decaieth in the Church 105. b. 115. m 334. e The corruption of the Church was seen and bewailed 156 252. m. 266 267 268 324. e. 339. e. 334 m. 343 398 527. e. S. 19. e. 25. m. e. 26. The difference of the Church in several ages 482. e. 485. m. The division of the Christian Churches 22 23 102. m. The division of the East and West Churches 429. 430 483. Church-Men The dissolute lives of Church-men 190 191 210 325. e. 329. e. 330. m. 332. b. 335 342 345 358 359 360. Canons were made strict in favors of Church-men but it had been good these had not been so strict 259 260. The gross ignorance of Church men S. 26. e. 27. b. 29. e. They were exempted from taxations unto Princes 388. Churches for the Houses Churches were dedicated to Saints 15 e. were made places of refuge 16. e. Processions about them 17. b Chaplains 131. e Confession of sin unto men was not judged necessary 133. b. Auricular Confession was established 387. e. and pressed with new circumstances 418. m. and was opposed 499 e Confession of Faith in use about the year 840. 133 134. The Confession of Ausburgh S. 97. e Conrade Bishop of Utrecht his Oraâ—ion against the Pope 267 268. A Contention betwixt the Bishops and Friers 421. another between the Sorbonists and Friers 434. another between the two Arch-Bishops in Scotland for their titles 563. m. one between the Bishop of Mentz and the Abbot of Fulda for precedency 312. e. one between the Sorbonists and R. Stephanus S. 123. one in Scotland between the Noble men and the twenty three Bishops for the place 449. m The word Consecration is dangerous 145. e The Commandments of God imply not mans ability now to obey 28. m. All the commandments of God are turned into two words Give money 497. e Commenda's how begun and abused 560. No Comedy nor other Play should be made of the Sacred Scriptures S. 385. b The consultation of G. Cassander with the occasion and some heads of it S. 286. A rare example of religious Constancy in a Prince S. 108. e Constantinople taken by the Turk 525. b. 554. there the Christians were troubled contrary to their granted liberties S. 311. Councels or Synods General and National At Bracara An. 610. p. 62. in Bojaria 63. at Toledo 63. at Altiâ—idior 64. at Toledo 64. at Cabilon 64. at Herford in England 65. the sixth general Councel at Constantinople 65. at Toledo 66. at Rome 78. e. under Carloman 104. e. at Clonesho in England 105. at Constantinople about Images 105. another there 106. at Nice 106. at Frankford 106. e. at Paris 107. at Rome for Reformation 1. 8. b at Constantinople 123 124. at Carisiac 158 165. e. at Bonoil 166. at Saponaria 166 e. at Celicyth in England 185. at Mentz 188. at Worms 189. at Rhems 190. at Cabilon 190. at Aken 190. at Melda 191. at Rome 191. at Valentia 191. at Macra 193. a great Synod at Rome 198. c. at Worms 235 236. at Brixia against the Popes 238 as also at Rome 239. at Garstung and at Mentz both against the Popes 267 268. at Papia against the Popes 327. at Rhems for Reformation 345 at Lateran under Innocentius the III. 386. at Lions 391. at Pisa against the Popes 507. at Pisa called A General Councel 564. at Rome this was dissolved by an Owl 564. at Constance 565. at Papia and Sena 571. at Basile 571. at Ferraria and Florence 576. at Towrs against the Pope and another at Lions S 2. at Pisa against the Pope
tolerated that good may spring out of them as neither did the followers of Luther pretend these scandals grievances flowing from the Romane Court and though they had done it they should not forsake Catholick unity but rather in the highest patience have suffered the most grievous extremities and therefore they should even now put that Edict into execution as the Apostolicall See is ready to relieve Germany of their uniust oppressions by the Romane Court if there be any As for the Annates seing the Pope will give an answer in due time he hath nothing to say But concerning their petition of a Councell he thinks it will be accepted by the Pope if they will smooth their words which seem to be harsh to wit that they require the consent of the Emperour and that it be called into one place rather than in another if these words be not smoothed they seem to curb the Popes power and so can bring no good effect c. This reply in these and other particulars was not acceptable for they did measure good and evill by the rule of gain unto the Roman Court and in the mean time they would amend in nothing but only in words of vain promises Therefore after deliberation they resolue that they will not depart from their former answer but will rather expect what the Pope will do Then the Seculare Princes begin to consider the manifold Grievances of the Nation flowing not from the Court only but from the whole body of the clergy When the Legate heares of this purpose he will stay no longer Nevertheless they go on and gather them which afterwards were called The bundred grievances of Germany and sent them unto the Court of Rome with a protestation that they could endure them no longer Some of the Grievances were the vast sums of money for dispensations absolutions and indulgences advocations of pleas from Germany to Rome Reservation of Benefices corruptions of Commenda's Annates exemption of guilty Church-men from Civill Courts uniust excommunications and interdictions the bringing of severall pleas unto Church-consistories covered with many pretexts c. and they reduce all unto three chief heads the oppression of the people with most grievous bondage Germany is spoiled of wealth and they usurpe the power of the Magistrate The Diet was dissolved March 6. An. 1523. and all these the Popes Brieve and his instructions the answer of the Princes the Legat's reply and the Grievances were printed and spread When they were brought to Rome it did gall the Court that by the Popes confession they were called the fountain of all these evills and the Prelates could not endure that they were brought into contempt and that the people now had not only cause to revile them but the Lutherans had matter of joy exultation and they were brought into inevitable necessity to loose their power and gain else it were cleare that they were incorrigible Who did favour the Pope made excuse that he was ignorant of the policies whereby Papall power and the authority of the Court had stood so long Pope Leo was more wise when the Germanes had blamed the Court he said It was their ignorance and mistaking so that if Luther had been sent to Rome when it was required he had not seen abuses there But in Germany they said The Popes confession was but a trick of that Court to confesse a fault and promise amendement and never to think of amending and so deceive people for their own interest And where the Pope sayd All things can not be Reformed at once they said merrily he will proceed so slowly that an age may slip betwixt the first and next step And nevertheless saith Pe. Soave Hadrian professed freely and ingenuously that the Church was corrupted and he was solicitous of remedies as appeares by the issue he died September 13. In that Edict or Answer of Nurembergh were also other particulares which the Germans did expound diversly according to their affections as where it was said Preachers shall not speak of such things that may raise broils among the people The Papists said the meaning is These things should not be repeated that Luther had taught and especially the pretended errours of Church-men On the other side who where desirous of Reformation said The meaning of the Diet is Priests should not mantain these abuses which heretofore had provoked the people against Church-men Again where it was said They shall preach the Gospell according to the doctrine of Doctours approved by the Church the Papists said The meaning is they should preach nothing but according to the late Schoolmen and the Postillators But others said By such Writers were understood the Fathers of the Primitive Church as Hilarius Ambrose Augustin Hierome and such And so that Edict which was supposed to quench the fire of controversies did inflamme them more and all good men saw a necessity of calling a Councell and that parties should submit thereunto Pe. Soave in histo Concil The adversaries of truth devise another The wranglings of monks trick against the Reformation to wit they traduce the opposite doctrin with maligne interpretations as when Luther said Christ hath satisfied for our sins and our works are not satisfactory unto Divine justice the Monks say The new preachers are enemies of good works as if faith alone were necessary unto salvation and as if it were alike whether we live holily or not When Luther said None is tied necessarily to confesse all his sins unto a priest the Monks said They make no confession unto God nor man In a word as Erasmus writes in Epist in Pseude-Evangel dated Friburg An. 1529. the Monks and Divines through cruelty of nature or foolishnes or for gain or hope or honour or privat malice did most cruelly accuse them not only of frivolous things and which might be disputed on both sides but most perversly they did miss-interprete what was well spoken And this was another spurre to provoke their followers to execute the Edict of Worms the same year Therefore said Erasmus Io. cit Before this time was some licence to dispute of the Popes power of indulgences and of purgatory but now we dar not speak of things that are godly and true we are compelled to believe that man of himself worketh meritorious works and by his works deserves eternall life ex condigno that the Blessed Virgine may command her son to hear the prayers of this or that man and many other things horrible unto godly eares John Prince of Anhalt began to affect the truth and did advertise Luther by Do. Hierom and a Franciscan that he should purge him of that calumny which Ferdinand Duke of Austria had imputed unto him in Norinbergh that he had said Christ was not the seed of Abraham Charles Duke of Savoy was very desirous of truth and purity Luther understanding it by Annemund Coct a French Knight writes unto him a Confession of faith to confirme him in the
zeal of piety in the closure he saith Well Illustrious Prince stirr up that sparke which hath begun to kindle in thee and let fire come from the house of Savoy as from the house of Joseph and let all France be kindled by thee yea let that holy fire burn and increase that at last France may be truly called for the Gospel's sake the most Christian Kingdom as heretofore for that wicked service of Antichrist in shedding blood it was wickedly called most Christian Dated Septemb. 7. An. 1523. The particulare persecutions that were in that year I leave unto the Martyrologies XVII In the year 1525. Erasmus was persuaded by Henry VIII King The mutuall respect of Luther Erasmus of England and by Card. Wolsey Bishop of York to write against Luther which he did under that inscription diatribe de libero arbitrio Against that book Luther sent forth another de servo arbitrio The eyes of all men were then towards these two as if two bulls of Bashan were to rencounter But lyke two war-ships they were both sparing For Erasmus writing unto Melanchton saith You maruell why I have sent forth a book of free-will I had three sorts of enemies Divines and haters of learning were assaying every where to undo Erasmus both because I had hinted them in my books and because I had brought that most florishing Colledge into Lovan and that I had infected all that Country with tongues and good Letters as they speak These had persuaded all the Monarchs that I was asworne friend of Luther Therefore my friends seeing that I was in danger gave some hope unto the Pope and the Princes that I was to do some what against Luther and I did entertain this hope for the time and in the interim men not awaiting my book did provoke me with their pamphlets So I could not eschue but send forth what I had written or els I had offended all the Monarchs which would have thought that I had deluded them and these turbulent bodies would have cried that I keeped up for feare and looking for some what more sharpe would have raged more furiously Lastly because an epistle of Luther is in all mens hands where in he promiseth to hold his quill off me if I will also be silent men would have thought that here is a compact twixt us Moreover the Professors of heathnish letters at Rome themselves being more heathnish were wonderfully raging against me as it seemes envying the Germans Therefore if I had set forth nothing I had given occasion unto these Divines and Monkes and these clay-bakers at Rome whose Alpha if I be not deceived is N whereby to persuade the Pope and Monarchs what they were endeavoring Finally these furious Evangelicanes had been the more angry For I have handled the matter very modestly and yet what I writ it is according to my own mind albeit I will gladly quite it when I shall be persuaded of what is more right And what Luther thought of this book wee may understand by an epistle unto Spalatin dated Feriâ— 3. omnium Sanct saying It is incredible how I disdain thar book De libero arbitrio as yet I have reade but two shiets of it it is grievous to answer so learned a book of so learned a man This year by authority of Frederik King of Denmark notwithstanding all the opposition of the Bishops Copenhagen Malmoy and other towns especially the diocy of Vibergh forsook Popery and made open profession of Reformation So did George de Polentia Bishop of Sambia in Prussia and the town of Coningsberg there So did Henry Duke of Meklenburgh At Brunswik the Minorites held a Synode and setforth some propositions concerning prayer to Saints and the sacrifice of the Masse but not only the learned did impugne them but the people after much contention did expell the Minorites Jodoc Cownt of Hoia made a Reformation in his Land It began also at Anneberg and Cygnaea in Misnia at Gotha in Thuringia at Noribergh and Noerdling at Lichstall Scaphusen and some other places in Heluetia though at the same time some towns there made a combination against the Reformation Abr. Schultet Annal. XVIII The main business of that year was the work of Card. Campegius An example of Papal fraude Legate of Pope Clemens This Pope was altogether against the calling of a Councell and thought upon wayes to put it out of the thoughts of them who were desirous of it He considered the Grievances of Germany and resolves to give some satisfaction yet so that neither his authority nor gain of the Court may be abaited He findeth that these Grievances were not only against the Romane Court but against the bb and their officials against Curats and priests of Germany So he resolves to send an active man who may make some Reformation in these smaller things and he thinks if Germany be satisfied in these particulars concerning themselues they will not enquire further To this end he sends Campegius unto the Diet of the Princes at Norinbergh he had a long oration admiring that so many wise Princes would suffer any change in that Religion wherein they were born and their Ancestours had died and that they considered not how this change tendeth not only to condem all theit forefathers and the destruction of their souls but likewise to a rebellion against Civill Powers The Pope regardes not his own interest but in compassion toward Germany hath sent him to search out meanes of healing these maladies throughly It is not the purpose of his Blessednes to prescribe any thing unto them and far less expects he that they will prescribe any thing unto him but rather that they will think upon expedient salves And if this diligence of the Highpriest be now refused they can not blame him hereaâ—ter The Emperour was then in Spaine and the Princes give thankes for the Popes good affection they shew that they are sensible of their own calamities as they had represented unto Pope Hadrian both their maladies and what salves they thought expedient and as yet they had received no answer and if he had any commission in that matter they entreat him to deliver it Campegius answereth that he knowes not whether any thing in that kind was propounded unto the Pope or his Cardinalls but he knowes their good affection and he hath full commission to concurre with them in what they shall judge conducible and he knowes what Cesar and they had done in the Diet at Worms and some had obeyed that Edict but why others had not obeyed it he knowes not but it seemes expedient that chiefly they would take a course to prosecute that Edict As for that they speak of Propositions tendered unto the Pope Hadrian he knowes not whether the Pope hath heard of them but this much three Coppies were brought to Rome and the Pope had seen one of them but he and the Cardinals did judge that these things were not done by Order of