that part of the City was filled with his armed enemies against whom whilest he opposed himself he was invironed by his adversaries and taken Prisoner who presently carried him away to Antwerp Whilst he was Prisoner there he fell dangerously sick and lay fourty daies tormented with a Fever and as soon as he began to recover he called for a Bible by reading whereof he much eased and refreshed his mind and body and by the diligent study thereof he began to embrace the reformed Religion and to have a tast of true Piety and the right manner of calling upon God Not long after he payed his Ransome which was fifty thousand Crowns and so returned home and being weary of the Factions and Affairs at Court and seriously thinking of his change of Religion he gat leave of the King to turn over his Regiment of Foot to his Brother Andelot and his Government of the Isle of France to his Brother-in law Marshall Monmorancy and shortly after he sent one of his intimate Friends to the King humbly to signifie to him that he intended also to lay down his Government of Picardy and therefore desired him to think of one to succeed him therein The King answered that he wondred at his resolution and scarce thought him wise to divest himself so suddainly of so many places of honour and profit and from that time he began generally to be suspected of his change in Religion shewing a minde so free from ambition and desire of rule Monsieur Andelot also discovering his resolution in Religion the Cardinall of Lorraine who hated the Family of Coligni with a deadly hatred as the greatest enemies to the greatnesse of his Family watched his opportunity and suggested to the King that all men took notice that many great men of France were infected with the poison of Calvinisme which they scattered amongst the inferiour sort of people and in particular that Monsieur Andelot had blabbed out many things to the dishonour of the solemn sacrifice of the Masse c. The King being incensed hereby commanded the Cardinall of Chattillion his Brother and Monmorancy his Cosen to send for Andelot and to admonish him to answer modestly to the questions which should be proposed to him When he came before the King he professed his great good will towarde him and spake many things of his great merits and then told him that he was sorry to hear that which was reported viz. that he thought ill of Religion and therefore he required him to tell him what he thought of the Mass which the Calvinists spake so much against Andelot being a man of great courage answered confidently according to the truth which the King being offended at exhorted him to look to himself and to prevent the danger before it were too late Whereunto Andelot with greater courage answered that he had hitherto shewed himself obedient in all things to his Majesty whom he had found alwaies bountifull to himself and his Family but in the cause of Religion he could neither daub nor dissemble with God That his Body Wealth and Dignity were in the Kings power of which he might dispose as he pleased but his Soul was subject to God only that gave it to whom therefore in this cause he must needs be obedient as to his greater Lord. At this the King was so inraged that snatching up a dish he therewith hurt his Son the Dolphin that sat next him and then he commanded one of his privy-chamber to carry Andelot to the City of Meaux where he remained a Prisoner in the Bishops house till he was removed to the Castle of Melodune Not long after King Henry the second dying his Son Francis succeeded him who was married to Mary Queen of Scotland the Daughter of the Duke of Guises Sister by which means the Guises ruled all at Court and they also boasted often of the Kingdom of England to which this Mary was Heir apparent as they said The Admirall knowing their cruel barbarous and bloody dispositions who would never be free from turbulent Counsels and especially from pesecuting those of the Religion he was now without further delay resolved to lay down his Government of Picardy and for that end acquainted Lewis of Bourbon Prince of Conde concerning his intention wishing him to beg that place of the King which accordingly he obtained Our Admirall being thus eased of these publique Burthens and the troubles of them which withdrew his mind from Religion he kept at home in his own Castle and the rather because of his Wife Carola Lavollia born of an Illustrious and Ancient Family which was wonderfully given to the study of Religion exhorting her Husband also that casting off the remainders of Idolatry and Superstition he should wholly betake himself to the true service of Christ. The Admirall having often heard her presse this upon him dealt seriously with her telling her that he never knew any either in France or Germany which embraced in truth this reformed Religion but that they were overwhelmed with manifold afflictions under which they almost perished He told her also that by the Laws of France which were confirmed by all the Parliaments Whosoever made profession of this Religion was to be burnt alive and all his estate to be forfeited to the King Yet saith he if you be so prepared with Faith and courage that you can be content to undergo the same lott with others you shall see that I will not be wanting to do my duty To this she answered That the condition of the Church at this day was no other then what it had been in former ages even from the beginning and she perswaded her self that it would be the same to the end of the world And thus each of them incouraging other the Admirall began to instruct his Family in the true knowledge and worship of God and gave them Bibles and other good Books to read for their furthtr edification Withall he stoutly forbad them those oaths and blasphemies which were common in France especially in the Court He provided also godly Governours and Schoolmasters for his Children so that in a short time there was a wonderfull change in his Family yea by his example his two Brethren Odet the Cardinall and Andelot were exceedingly stirred up to the study of Religion The Admirall from his childhood had been bred in the Court which did in those daies exceedingly abound with luxury and other vices from which he was not altogether free but so soon as he imbraced the true Religion there was such a strange alteration in his life and deportment that the powerfull work of Gods Spirit did wonderfully appear therein Before he durst come to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper he conferred with divers Godly Ministers both about Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation for the setling of his judgment in the truth and once being present in the Town of Vatevill at a private
offer and so Master Preston of Preston in Lancashire became a kind of Farmer in Northamptonshire where he afterwards lived and died and his Son succeeded him and so it came to Thomas Preston as we have said His Mothers name before she married was Marsh but she had an Uncle by the Mothers side whose name was Craswel a man of means and good esteem in Northampton where he lived and where he had been several times Maior This Uncle being rich and having no Child was very carefull of her and took this Sonne whilest he was young unto himself and sent him to the Free-School in Northampton where he was a Scholar under the Government of Master Sanderson then Master of the School and after under Master Wastel who succeeded him and when he had been there some time his Uncle was perswaded to remove him into Bedfordshire unto one Master Guest who had sometime taught a private School in Northampton and was accounted a better teacher of the Greek tongue from whence after he had perfected his Studies in the Greek he was sent to Cambridge and admitted of Kings Colledge under the tuition of Master Busse one of the Fellows Anno Dom. 1684. where he did as young Scholars use to do that is applied himself to that which was the genius of the Colledge and that was musick and finding that the Theory was short and soon attained he made account the practice would also be so and accordingly adventured on the Noblest but hardest Instrument the Lute but here he found that Art was long and was not willing to attend it he used to say within himself while he was fingering of his Instrument quantum hoc tempore legi potuit and whilest his fingers were thus distempered and foundred upon the Lute it fell out that his Tutor Master Busse was chosen Master of the School at Eaton and so removed from the Colledge about two years after he was admitted Coming not from Eaten School but from another he could not be of the foundation and was therefore uncapable of those preferments in the Colledge that were of most worth and the sooner perswaded also for to remove which he did unto Queens Colledge where he was received and admitted under the tuition of Master Oliver Bowles one of the Fellows of that House a very godly learned man and a noted and carefull Tutor under whose Government he setled to his Book and left his musick and by whose conduct and directions he grew in knowledge and was improved unto very thriving and undertakings in his Studies It is not nothing to be well descended fortes creantur fortibus bonis Sheep and Neat bred in Lancashire or on the Peak-hils and after driven into Northamptonshire and planted there produce a very gallant race These Prestons though removed from their native soil and much impaired in their Revenue retained yet the garb and mettal of their Ancestors they carried themselves and were accounted Gentlemen something there was in this young Prestons spirit that was not vulgar I have seen in a Book of his under his own hand when he was young such sparklings of aspiring ingenuity as argued in him something that was not common He was as yet but Junier Sophister but looked high and grew acquainted with those that were Gentile and fancied state-affairs and Courtship that had desires or dispositions to be Secretaries or Agents in Princes Courts thought it below him to be a Minister and the study of Divinity a kind of honest siliness and accordingly got in with a Merchant by whose means he did procure that he should live in Paris and learn the language and garb of France and another Gentleman in recompence should be received and entertained in London to learn our garb and language Master Creswel of Northampton was by this time dead and had bequeathed certain Lands in that Town to him after his Wives decease These Lands he sels to put himself into a posture fit for that design but here he now began to find that he had reckoned without his Host and that he should have said if the Lord will I shall live and do this or that Jam. 4.15 for the Merchant dies before the exchange could be accomplished and so these blooming hopes that had thus long held up his imagination died with the Merchant He was of an able firm well-tempered constitution brown comely visage vigorous and vivide eye but somewhat inclining to that kind of melancholly that ariseth from a dust and parched choler which now began a little to be discovered in him For being mated in his first design he grew discouraged went not so much abroad among the Gallants but struck sail to fortune and retired yet his appetite was rather dammed then dried up for after a very little pause and boyling over of his sullennesse he begins to steer again the same course although by more certain and domestick mediums and if he must be shut up and confined to the Muses resolves to be no ordinary Servant to them his genius led him unto natural Philosophy which by that time was become his proper task which he undertakes not as boyes use to do to serve their present use but with devotion resolves to leave no secret unattempted adoreth Aristotle as his Tutelary Saint and had a happinesse to enter often where others stuck and what broke others teeth was nuts to him no dark untrodden path in all his Physicks or Metaphysicks but he was perfect in it and so drowned and devoted was he that he seldom or never could be seen abroad to the wonder and amazement of his former brave companions so that no time passed sine linea not that between the ringing and tolling of the Bell to meals and for his sleep he made it short and whereas notwithstanding all endeavours there was one in the Colledge that would alwaies be up before him he would let the bed-cloths hang down so that in the night they might fall off and so the cold awaken him insomuch that his Tutor was constrained to read unto him moderation and to tell him as their might be intemperance in meats and drinks so also there might be in studies but the evil of it as yet he felt not the sweet and good he did came off with honour and applause in all his acts and was admired in the Regent House when he sate for his degree both by the Posers and all the Masters that examined him and from that time much observed throughout the University About this time his Tutor Master Bowles was called to the Rectory of Sutton in Bedfordshire and so left the Coledge and another of the Fellows then Master afterward Doctor Porter became his Tutor a very learned man and great Philosopher who never went about for to disswade him from his studies but gave him all assistance and encouragement The year following it came unto his Tutor to be Head-Lecturer in the Colledge and Sir Preston being to
rooted and so vehemently expressed yet in processe of time being enduced by some that were in credit and repute with her to visit her Son-in-law and Daughter and make stay for some time which they much desired in house with them and being withall informed and assured by them of Master Bradshaws mild and moderate demeanure and his meek kind and lowly carriage she was over-wrought by them contrary to that her former unnaturall and irreligious engagement to repair thither and take up her lodging with them where it pleased God withall not long after her accesse thither being now an eye-witnesse her self of what she had formerly heard by report of him from others so to alter that her former disaffection to Master Bradshaw and to cast it into a clean contrary mould that all that beheld and observed her carriage on all occasions towards him wondered exceedingly at it to see so strange an alteration and such not unexpected only but unusuall carriages in her For albeit she were otherwise a Gentlewoman as of very proper and personable presence and in that regard much admired by the Scottish Queen that suffered here whom she also much affected so of her self no lesse forward to take and keep state yet she used Master Bradshaw with very much courtesie and complement at table drinking to him and carving for him resorting twice a day constantly to prayer with him and the Family and speaking reverently of him yea whereas formerly she could not be induced to hear any of our Ministers preach howsoever for fashion sake and to escape penalty of Law she might sometime repair to hear the Liturgy read yet was she content to hear Master Bradshaw and commended his Sermons Which the better to work upon her he wisely framed to such subjects as he deemed would best serve to take off such false imputations as are wont by the adverse party to be cast upon our Profession and Preaching as if we were utter enemies to mortification and good works For first out of Matth. 5.16 he took occasion to speak of the necessity and nature of good works the ground from whence they spring and the end that must be aimed at in them and after that out of Psal. 51. of repentance and mortification with both which discourses she seemed to be very much affected What farther work these things had upon her after her departure thence we are not able to say but certain it is that while she abode there she seemed to be much better disposed not towards Master Bradshaw only but contrary to what was formerly feared and strongly suspected toward her Son-in-law and Daughter also For before she went thence she sealed them a Lease for three years of the Land they held from her with abatement of an Hundred pounds by the year of the rent formerly paid and a remission of thirty pounds by the year besides otherwise accruing to her God might blesse the House for his Josephs sake and her continued good opinion of and affection to Master Bradshaw she farther manifested by her free consent to have an House built for him and his Wife to live in on a parcell of land that she had interest in which was accordingly with as much speed as might be not long after effected Then which saith he so modest and moderate were his affections for the things of this life I desire no more worldly things then that I may be setled in that little House and rest there in quiet which these times give small hope of This he conceived the lesse hope of because the Bishop under whom he had hitherto lived quietly about this time deemed not like long to continue and indeed shortly after deceasing it was given out that Bishop Neal translated from Rochester was to succeed that which he much dreading in divers of his Letters had oft up Lord keep us from Rochester and so he did indeed though not immediately yet not long after For Doctor Abbots Dean of Winchester who came in between them sate not long there but before many moneths expired stept from Litchfield to London But Bishop Neal was the man whom all the pious as well private men as Ministers in these parts mis-doubted would do the most mischief And indeed presently upon his entrrnce that boisterous Prelate began in so fierce and furious a sort to bestir himself and kept such a busseling and blustering among them that howsoever one that then abode thereabout writing somewhat freely of him saith The more he shufflled in his Lions skin the more he made his Asses ears to appear and exposed himself to derision and contempt even with the meanest yet it was by the most feared that unlesse God in much mercy should put a ring into his Nose he would in likelihood root up all effectual means of piety within the precincts of his power And the rather had Master Bradshaw cause to expect little favour all rigour rather that might be from him in regard of some neighbouring loiterers that should have been labourers as he was in the Lords work who not enduring to see others affected and followed for doing that which they should have done but did not themselves were therefore bitter enemies to him and were in great grace with the Bishop Besides that it was reported that the Bishop was minded to reside some space of time at Drakelow a place not far distant from Newhall whose neighbourhood was like to prove no more beneficial to Master Bradshaw then the brass pots company in the Fable to the earthen pitcher But as dangers oft befall us where we least mis-doubt or suspect ought much lesse expect any so the Lord on that wise disposing things for the safety of his servants and the enuring of them to a constant dependance on his providence it falleth out sometime on the other side that we prove least assailed or annoyed from thence whence we have been most affrighted with the greatest expectation of much damage or sore distresse So it fell out with Master Bradshaw here For howsoever in one of his Letters he manifesteth his fears to that purpose that in regard of the considerations before-mentioned he much doubted that Zone would be too hot for him yet in another afterward he signifieth that he had not as yet heard ought from him or of any complaints that had been made to him against him Nor indeed doth it appear that he was at any time after molested or disturbed in the exercise of his Ministry by either of them by what means soever the Lord was pleased so either to represse or divert as well the malice of the one as the might of the other that neither of them should fasten to any purpose upon him untill the year before he died About this time Master Redich bestowed his eldest Daughter Mistress Grace Redich in marriage with Sir Robert Darcie Son and Heir to Sir Edward Darcie a Kentish Knight a very religious Gentleman in great favour and repute with
that Illustrious Prince Henry of rare parts and great hopes of whom this land was not worthy and one that highly esteemed Master Bradshaw as he justly deserved He making his abode most at Newhall untill his Fathers decease where his Lady a very gracious Gentlewoman according to her name not inferiour to her Husband either in piety or in sincerity of affection to Master Bradshaw was the second time delivered of twins and became Mother of four Children within compasse of a year Master Bradshaw by his company there received much comfort and encouragement in the work of his Ministry and furtherance also in his Studies For Sir Robert being a Scholar and studious had a Library furnishnd with many of the best Writers as well in Divinity as in other kindes of literature whereof Master Bradshaw had the free use and he brought also upon his motion divers other on purpose that might be usefull for him And this his affectionate and courteous carriage to Master Bradshaw toward whom he ever demeaned himself with much reverence and due respect was continued by him untill his decease which did not many weeks precede Master Bradshaws In the year 1613. it pleased God to take from him that worthy Gentleman Master Redich his Patron who in a very holy and Christian manner at Newhall departed this life His frequent removals from Newhall to Longford another house that had befallen him in those parts not long before his decease was occasion of much distraction to Master Bradshaw now setled with his Family at Stanton Ward near to Newhall but his decease much more Concerning which he thus writes among other things in a Letter to a Friend Master Rediches decease hath made an heavy alteration in this Family and for mine own estate Mistress Redich giving over house as she intendeth to do and to live somewhere hereabout as privately as she may for the better discharging of her Husbands debts it will be the lesse comfortable and more chargeable to me then it hath been But I am willing for her good to undergo any thing Master Redich on his death-bed was willing to have assured me of something during my life But the force of his disease did so grow upon him that he could do nothing If God lend Mistress Redish life till the debts be discharged or a sure course taken for them I hope she will if it lie in her power for she hath promised so to do and I assure me she will do her utter most to effect it But whatsoever fall out I trust I shall be content having been hitherto at the Lords finding who hath shewed himself at all times a loving Father to me his unworthy Child and our time here though it be full of wants is but short Thus it pleased the Lord to inure this his Servant to a dependance from day to day for provisions upon his Providence and as a grave man of God sometime said Whereas many other have and eat their bread stale to receive his bread and eat it daily new from his hand that which he also you see was very well content to do Mean while the good Gentlewomans incumbred and unsetled estate she was left in being to take course for the payment of her Husbands debts and to compound for the Wardship of her younger Daughter who was afterward matched to one of the Lord Chief Justice Cooks Sons could not but exceedingly distract Master Bradshaw as well as her self and drew him up to London together with her oftner then he had any mind of himself or desire thereunto But from that Family the main means of his maintenance accrued and to it therefore he constantly addicted himself as in duty he deemed himself obliged to do At Stanton Ward not far from Newhall as was before intimated his Family still abode in the little house there built for him Where while Mistresse Redich abode in those parts or when he had any liberty to get down from these parts while she was longer then usually detained in or about the City he went on constantly in his wonted course teaching freely at Stapenhill every Lords day as formerly he had done Only in the year 1617. coming down from London upon what occasion or through whose instigation uncertain he was welcomed home by the Bishops Chancellour a corrupt man with an inhibition to preach there till he heard further from him But by the mediation of a couple of good Angels the one from himself so willing and forward was he to redeem his liberty for the benefit of others without advantage to himself and the other from a Friend the Chancellour was soon pacified and the restraint removed whereby it appeared that the Prohibition proceeded principally from his own avarice rather then from mis-information from any thereabout or injunction from above Amidst this his restlesse and distracted condition and constant pursuit of his religious employments the Lord was preparing a place of setled rest for him and a royall reward in the highest Heavens for his faithfull service here upon earth drawing on apace now to its utmost period For in the year 1618. being come up from Stanton to attend Mistress Redich while he lodged with her at Chelsey not far from the City visiting a Friend at Rederith whose house he usually frequented when he was in these parts he complained of some malady that by his present distemper he mis-doubted might be growing upon him and though by his friend being earnestly urged to take some speedy course by the Physicians advice for preventing the farther growth of it yet being too regardlesse of himself while he neglected so to do he was suddainly surprized with a violent and as the Physician affirms malignant Fever which so fiercely set upon him that in its very first apparent encounter it cast him down upon his couch And notwithstanding all the means used that either were desired or could be procured no care being omitted or cost spared by that worthy Gentlewoman who most tenderly and intirely affected him for advice of Physician who constantly repaired to him assistance of Apothecary according to direction with all requisite necessaries supplying him and diligent attendance as well of those in the Family as of some other also for that end procured from abroad without intermission successively about him even the Gentlewoman her self though advised to forbear in regard of some malignity deemed to be in the disease frequently resorting to him sitting by him and with her own hands offering for his better ease to be helpfull unto him which yet he was very loath to admit in all which from the first to the last she expressed a very great measure of cordiall affection unto him and no lesse an earnest desire both of his present relief and future recovery also if God should see it so good yet the time being now come wherein the Lord had determined to put an end to his faithfull Servants labourious employments continued distractions and
russet cloak is reported by some that were then in company with him to have said to them Do you see the man that goeth yonder in that plain habit and in that self-neglecting garb and posture he hath more sound learning in his head then twenty of us have And that famous Professor Doctor Prideaux after his decease in some company hearing his Son yet surviving then present there named demanded of him whether that Master Bradshaw that wrote the Treatise of Justification were his Father and being informed that he was he professed himself heartly glad to see the Son of that man for the old acquaintance he had not with his Father himself but with that work of his for those were the Doctors own words Hereunto may be added the Verdict of that great and grave Counsellour of State so much esteemed for his judgment in Law-Cases the Lord Cook who visiting the Gentlewoman by the marriage of her daughter to his Sonne noe neerly linked to him at her house where Master Bradshaw then lay sick and finding the Book lying accidentally in a window after the perusall of some good part of it freely professed That he had seldome read a thing more pithily and pregnanly written Nor was this work of his in such esteem at home only but with other learned also abroad Among whom Master Lewis Cappel a man of speciall note for variety of learning and Professor of Divinity at Salmure in France having received the Book sent him from London by Master Aaron Cappel his kinsman then Minister of the French Church there returneth him many thanks for it requesting him withall to enquire after the Authors place of abode and convey from him unto him the Letter enclosed In the Superscription whereof he stileth him Doctissimum ornatissimun clarissimúmque virum and in the Subscription out of his respect to him and estimation yea admiration of him in regard of that piece alone thus writes of himself Tui non studiosus modò sed cultor admirator In the body of the Letter after signification how upon some occasion being to part with the Book he had taken pains before he would let it go out of his hands to translate it out of English into French he passeth this censure of it A little Book small for bulk but for learning wit and acutenesse a grand one To speak ingenuously I never hitherto read ought in any humane writing of Doctrinal Divinity that so exceedingly liked me so learnedly acutely soundly pithily plainly and yet with admirable brevity is this Argument so fully comprised and throughly handled therein I want words wherewith to commend and extoll it according to its due desert I have oft read it over and yet never have enough of it but the oftner I return to it and read it over again the more eagerly is mine appetite stirred up unto it so much light and brightness of learning wit and art shineth forth in it And whereas treading then precisely in Piscators steps he propounded his doubts withall concerning some particulars wherein Master Bradshaw seemed to swarve from Piscator Master Bradshaw to give him farther satisfaction therein and yet save much writing at large to and fro reviewed his own work and endeavoured to clear those things somewhat better wherein also he was farthered by some Exceptions from Master Wootton imparted unto himself unto which he had returned an Answer and having turned it so revised into Latine he sent a copy of it in writing unto Master Cappel who upon receit thereof wrote back at first briefly but not long after more fully in these words Right worthy Sir I wrote before to you that I had received your truly golden Book enlarged by you and turned into Latine and that presently I read it over but in haste so eager an appetite had I unto it by reading the other Edition of it in English before Since that I have read it over again not once but often and taking leasure thereunto Which the oftner I read over the more it pleaseth me and is approved of by me so accurately and exactly is it composed by you I hope this birth and issue of your mind will find approbation with peaceable and moderate dispositions on whether side soever albeit you condescend not unto them in all things that they require You so space in the middle between either opinion that neither of them ought to be displeased with you if they truly love peace and concord Thus that learned man word for word translated out of his Letters in Latine which in the same language have been represented also and published elsewhere Whereby may appear what entertainment approbation and estimation this Treatise which yet the Author speaks so meanly of himself in private Letters to his Friends found with the learned in forreign parts and he himself also where otherwise wholly unknown for it And whosoever shall with a regardfull eye read over the generally well approved and deservedly much esteemed writings of those worthy Servants of God now with the Lord Master William Pemble and Master Samuel Torsel concerning this subject collated with this of Master Bradshaw which came forth some good space before either of them had writ ought he shall easily discern on whose foundation they built in whose steps they trod with whose heifer they ploughed at what Torch they lighted their Tapers and from whence they received much of their light in that Argument For it may be with good ground of truth be averred that amids the extream opposition of Divines in this point dissenting this our Brother did herein beat out such a middle tract between them as appears not to have been formerly discovered by any wherein these two men of special note coming after him for the main matter of their principles have kept close to his footsteps in the path by him cut out and cleared to their hands Of this latter in Latine a Copy being sent over by him to Doctor Ames not long before his dicease was by him not long after it printed Unto this his purpose was to have added a Treatise of Justifying Faith the proper nature peculiar act and Office of it in that work and great pity it was that such and head as this one piece shews him to have had was not set apart for such like employments How many points of much difficulty might haply been clear if one of his parts had received encouragement and means of support to apply himself and his main studies unto so usefull an employment Surely what he saith of another might be well said of him That if such as he was had the handling of Controversies Questions would not be so infinite and intricate oft as they are and being aright stated some that now fight most eagerly one against another would be found to agree being brought at length aright to understand either other A second businesse whereunto he applied himself about which he took much pains was in the discussion of the matters then in
it where they might hear Buttolphs belongs unto Queens Colledge and is usually supplied by one of that House there he is willing to make a tryal how it would take and resolves the next Lords day to preach at three of the clock after Saint Maries Sermons should be ended which though but very little known occasioned such a throng and crowd as was incredible Men were not cloyed with preaching then nor waxed wanton There dwelt then in the Parish one Doctor Newcombe a Civilian and Commissary to the Chancellour of Ely who being in the Church and seeing the crowd commanded that evening Prayer only should be read but no Sermon the Minister intreated that for that time Master Preston might be allowed to preach so did the Earl of Lincolne and others in the Church but he was resolute and because he would not be further importuned went home with all his Family and left them to determine at their perill what they would do so upon advice it was concluded that the Sermon should go on and Master Preston preached a very favoury and holy Sermon upon 2 Pet. 3.17 18. There was so much time spent in debates about it and messages before the Commissary left the Congregation that it was too late to do both and therefore they adventured for that time to forbear Common-Prayer that so the Scholars might depart and be at Colledge-Prayers But this instructed Doctor Newcomb in his complaint The Court was then near hand that is at New-market thither the Commissary goes the next day and having the Bishop of Ely there and many other Clergy men assures them that Master Preston was in heart and would quickly be in practice a Non-conformist and was so followed and adored in the University that unlesse some speedy course were taken with him they might cast their caps at all Conformity and see their power troden underfoot and told them gentlenesse was not the way for he was cunning and would recover all if he were not seriously and throughly dealt with There was no Advocate for Master Preston but the Doctor being first in his own cause seemed just Prov. 18.17 And spake to those that were willing to believe The Puritans began to be considerable and they doubted he might come in time to head them It 's a great security to a man to be despised Contempto nullus diligenter nocet A Fellow that hath nothing in him nor is not owned may be exorbitant as he of one in his time Contemptu jam liber erat But David that hath a Party following him must have an Army to attend him And therefore he did wisely to professe himself to be a dead dog or a flea 1 Sam. 24.14 The King was made acquainted with this complaint and assured that Master Preston had as strong an influence into the Puritants as the principal of the Jesuites which was Aqua Viva had upon them and therefore it behoved him to consider what to do A word was enough to a wise and jealous King who did not love to play an after Game and therefore hears himself the Doctors information enquires whether the Bishops and Chancellors Jurisdiction extended unto Members of a Colledge and finally concludes to proceed against him by the power of the University A Letter is framed unto Doctor Scot Master of Clare-hall Vice-Chancellour at that time and to the Heads to call before them Master Preston to give a strict account of that notorious disobedience unto the Commissary he answers mildly that he was not guilty refers himself unto the Auditory that evening Prayer was omitted because the Scholars might depart in due time seeing the time alloted for it was spent in treating with the Commissary not out of any disrespect unto the service which he himself did usually attend at other times When the Wolf complained that the Lamb had fouled the water that he was to drink The Lamb answered that if he had defiled it yet that could not prejudice the Wolf who was above and the mud would certainly be carried downward but this answer did not fill the hungry belly of the Wolf Master Prestons innocency did aggravate his crime which was his popularity and therefore they told him they were engaged to support by all just meanes the Bishops Jurisdiction that the King had honoured him in leaving that affront to be examined by his proper Judges and that except he could take off the Court they must and would proceed to a very round and serious censure Musa mihi causas memora quo numine laeso Quidvè dolens regina deûm tot volvere casus Insignem pietate virum tot adire labores Impulerit tantaene animis coelestibus irae That a Fellow of a Colledge for preaching of an innocent and honest Sermon in a Church belonging to the Colledge by the consent and in the hearing of the Incumbent should be thus vigorously undertaken Among many other Gentlemen of quality that were Pupils unto Master Preston at this time there was one Sir Capel Bedels an Orphan of a very fair estate in Huntingtonshire a Daughters Sonne of old Sir Arthur Capel who being Guardian to his Grand-child had recommended him as he had done many of his own Sons unto his Government It was a great trust and Master Prestons care was answerable And because plus vident oculi he had his spies that gave him notice of all their carriages and correspondencies by one of these he was informed that Sir Capel haunted Doctor Newcombs house and was familiar with his Daughter Mistress Jane Newcomb a very proper well-bred Gentlewoman his Tutor asked if they were contracted he answered no but would be very shortly as he was told for he was resolved to have her Master Preston charged him to keep all secret that Sir Capel might not think he was acguainted with it and immediately appoints a journey unto Saffron-walden to take the aire and see that stately pyle at Audley-end and takes divers of his Fellow-Commoners along as he used to do at other times and among others this Sir Capel Bedels When they had dined and viewed the house it was propounded by one of them that they might go that night to Haddam and visit old Sir Arthur Capel seeing they were thus far on their way and it was late Master Preston seemed to be indifferent and so the Proposition took and with none more then with Sir Capel who knew his Grandfather would fill his pockets and that would sweeten his Newcomb Mistress next embraces and make him welcome to her The old Knight was glad to entertain such welcome guests and that night there was no discourse but of the stately Rooms and goodly Gallery at Audley-end and so the young men went to bed pleased that the Colledge-bell next morning would not awaken them but Master Preston slept not in utramque aurem but awakened betimes and acquaints Sir Arthur with all the businesse adviseth him by no means to permit the Gentlemans return unto the Colledge for
the Duke of Buckingham to peruse and give his sense upon it Master Shervil the Recorder of Salisbury was a Bencher of Lincolns-Inne and a very good friend of his he had divers Friends at Dorchester and was desirous to be sea-sick and was still enticed forward and at last resolved to wait upon the King and Duke at Plimmouth whether they were gone to see the Navy set sayl Whilest he was there the Rochel fleet was broken by those ships the King lent and Mounsieur Sabeeza came into Falmouth with the remainder and thence to Plimmouth with most lamentable out-cries against the Duke who seemed to be very much affected with it and made mighty Promises of wonderfull repairs but Doctor Preston failed not to set that businesse home he did believe the Duke was over-ruled to lend them and sorry when he saw the sad effects But whilest the Duke was thus detained in the West the Earl of Bristol and the Lord Keeper Williams combined against him and drew in many to their Party among others the Earl of Pembroke and divers great ones in the House of Commons and was so incouraged and heartned in it that the Earl of Bristol May 1. 1626. preferred in the House of Lords twelve Articles against the Duke of Buckingham tending to prove That the Duke had promised unto the Pope and Ministers of Spain to make the King a Papist and over-ruled him against the judgment of the Earl of Bristol to write unto the Pope with the title of Sanctissime Pater That his carriage in the matters of Religion was so offensive that he stuck not to kneel before the Host as often as he met it That he was so licentious and unchast in his behaviour that the Spanish Ministers resolved not to have any thing to do with him That when he could not bring about the Match to his own particular advantage he used means to obstruct it and break it off That he had informed King James of all these things who promised to hear him and leave the offender unto Justice and that not many daies before his sicknesse The Duke had now reason to look about him and was very able so to do and first he labours to divide the Party by drawing off the Earl of Pembroke by promising his Daughter to the Earl of Mountgomeries Sonne which afterward he did accomplish then he endeavoured to oblige the Puritans by gratifying Doctor Preston all the waies he could and particularly in the businesse of the Colledge-suit by depriving Bishop Williams of the Seal and giving it to Sir Thomas Coventry who was one of the Colledge-counsel yea he went so far as to nominate the Doctor to the King to be Lord Keeper and the King was so firm to him that the Earl of Bristol could do no good and so withdrew his Articles Doctor Prestons Friends were Newters all this while and looked on neither engaged for him nor against him which was sadly represented to the Duke by the Bishops and that Party who wondered he should dote upon a man that either could not or would not own him in his need bad him consider whether Puritans were like to be his Friends whose waies were toto coelo different and told him plainly he could not have them both If he adhered to those that sought their ruine they must adhere to such as would support them so that the Duke was in a great strait and knew not what to do Doctor Preston also was importuned to put it to an issue and if he would not leave the rotten and corrupted Clergy then to leave him and because there had been informations against that Book of Master Mountagues they propounded it might come to a debate and not remain as now it it did unsetled The Doctor and the Duke were both of them unwilling to an open breach loved for to temporise and wait upon events But Doctor Prestons friends would not be satisfied but urged a conference whereunto they were incouraged by some Orthodox and very learned Bishops and at last it was concluded by two religious Noble-men that a conference there should be the Bishop of Rochester and Doctor White then Dean of Carlisle on the one side and the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield and Doctor Preston on the other A day was set a Satturday in Hillary-Tearm at four of the clock in the afternoon the place was York-house and Doctor Preston sent to in the morning for to attend it The Noble-men came unto the Bishops lodgings about two of the clock and sent for Doctor Preston to them who gave many reasons why he could not go but they were resolute and taking the Bishop with them went without him but the Doctor considering and fearing his absence might betray the cause and give encouragement unto the other side went afterward himself unto the place and sate by as an hearer silent untill all was done but talking afterwards occasionally of falling from grace the Bishop shewed that a godly man might go far and yet return by the instance of the Prodigal Luk. 15. but Doctor White exclaimed against any that should think the Prodigal in acts of drunkennesse and whoredome not to be fallen from grace and urged that of the Apostle Rom. 1.32 That those that do such things are worthy of death that is said he in a state of everlasting death and therefore fallen from grace so 1 Cor. 6.9 10. shall not inherit the Kingdome of God that is are not sons for if sons then heirs Rom. 8.17 But Doctor Preston answered that these sins made indeed a forfeiture of all their interest into the hands of God and he might make the seisure if he pleased but did not unto those which were his children and in Covenant with him as two Tennants by not paying of their Rent or keeping Covenants forfeited their Leases yet the Lord might seize the one and not the other as he pleased But the Bishop and the Dean both cried out this was the way to all licentiousness and looseness To which the Doctor answered That the seed of God as the Apostle calls it 1 Joh. 3.9 remained in the sinning Saint or Sonne and would repair him as in water there remains a principle of cold even when it boyleth over that will undoubtedly reduce it when the heat and fire is removed as in Peter David Sampson and others was apparent so that they could not run out into all licentiousnesse for the spirit lusted against the flesh that they cannot do the things they would Gal. 5.17 and though he did not disinherit them and blot their names out of the Book of life Phil. 4.3 yet he might and would withdraw his favour imbitter all their comforts Mat. 26.75 raise trouble to them from their dearest interests 2 Sam. 12.11 fill them with anguish Psal. 38.3 4. which in reason will keep them from running out seeing the evil is commensurable unto that good of pleasure or profit their sinne afforded and if need be he can
and perish when their time is come as well errore medici as vi morbi Doctor Ashworth was perswaded that the Scorbute was his disease and that the London-Doctors had all mistook their mark and therefore pitcheth upon applications suitable A great errour for so experienced and grave a Doctor Desire of restitution into a state of health made shift to flatter him into belief it was so The old man upon this perswasion comes over unto Preston with him strains and steeps Scurvy-grass and gives him Drenches able to have weakned a stronger man then he was now and having stayed and tampered with him about three weeks and finding nothing answer his expectation he takes his last leave of him giving such order and direction as he thought good and so leaves him and returns to Oxford July 9. 1628. When this dream and fancy of the Scorbute failed and Dr. Ashworth was gone he resigned up himself to God alone and let all care of Physick and the Doctors go He had a Servant who had been laborious with him and whom he often used as a Friend he would say Servi sunt humiles amici was very true of him To him he therefore now unbosomed himself not only touching the vanity and emptinesse of all things here below but his own belief and expectation of a suddain change not of my company said he for I shall still converse with God and Saints but of my place and way of doing it His Will was made as we have said some years before but he was doubtfull if it come to proving it might be baffled and affronted and therefore purposed to wave it and make a Deed of Gift to him that was in that Will his Executor with such restrictions and limitations as he thought good all which he set down with his own hand wherein he carefully provided for his Mother during life and both his Brothers His Books and all the furniture and goods belonging to and in his lodgings at Emanuel-Colledge he gave one of his Pupils that was Fellow there whom he alwaies greatly favoured Some exhibitions he gave Scholars there to be disposed of from time to time by him that was Executor And as he truly valued so he liberally rewarded his Servants faithfulnesse who liveth yet in very good condition and reputation of whom is verified what is said Prov. 27.18 Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof so he that waiteth on his Master shall surely come to honour And having thus discumbred himself of worldly cares he took care for the places he now possessed prayed for the Colledge that it might continue a flourishing Nursery of Religon and Learning told those about him as David before his death 1 Chron. 29.2 3 c. what he had done towards that goodly building since erected and what care he had taken to get those Rectories in the Kings Letter mentioned whereof we spake before prayed God to furnish Lincolns-Inne from time to time with able preaching Ministers and so the Lecture at Cambride that had cost so much trouble in the procuring Then for his Sermons that they might not come into the world like Vagabonds but seeing the Father lived not to see them setled and provided for those would be carefull whom then he named and is long since intimated upon occasion In all which great things God hath so answered him as I think no man was since Elisha 2 King 2.9 10. The night before he died being Saturday he went to bed and lay about three hours desirous to sleep but slept not then said My dissolution is at hand let me go to my home and Jesus Christ who hath bought me with his precious blood And so lay still as in a slumber till about two of the clock in the morning then drinking and resting on his servants armes he fell into a cold and clammy sweat which he told them was the Messenger of death and so continued for about two hours very silent About four of the clock he said I feel death coming to my heart my pain shall now be quickly turned into joy And so his Friends were called that were present in the house who spake unto him but had no answer from him as they were used to have They kneeled all down and a Reverend Divine there present prayed When Prayer was ended he looked on them and turning away his head gave up the ghost It was about five a clock on the Lords day but to him an everlasting Sabbath He never by his good will rested that day since God was truly known unto him untill now God gave him therefore now an everlasting rest No man deserved better Funeral solemnities But Master Dod was much against it and his Friends at Cambridge who did highly honour him and desired nothing more then to have waited on his dust unto its long home were now obliged to attend the Election of another Master that they durst not so much as make it known or do any thing from which it might be gathered So he was buried decently but without state in Fawsley Church in the County of Northampton Old Master Dod the Minister of that place preached and a world of godly people came together July 20. 1628. being within a little of one and fourty years of age Dr. Preston just before his death asked what day it was and being answered that it was the Sabbath day A fit day said he to be sacrificed on I have accompanied Saints on earth and now I shall accompany Angels in Heaven Also Mrs. Chaterdon telling him of his preaching so profoundly on Gods Attributes he answered If it shall please God to prolong my life I will make all so plain that every one shall be able to understand it This Life was written by my Reverend Friend Master Thomas Ball of Northampton The Life of Master Arthur Hildersam who died Anno Christi 1631. ARthur Hildersam was born at Stetchworth near New-Market in Cambridgeshire Octob. 6. 1563 He was Sonne of Thomas Hildersam of the said Town a Gentleman of an antient Family and Anne Poole his second Wife daughter to Sir Jeffery Poole fourth Sonne to Sir Richard Poole who was Cousen Germane to King Henry the seventh and Margaret Countesse of Salisbury that was Daughter to George Duke of Clarence the second Brother to King Edward the fourth and Isabel the eldest daughter and Co-heir of Richard the great Earl of Warwick and Salisbury Thus much for his Birth For his Education In his childhood he was brought up in the Popish manner taught to say his Prayers in Latine both his Parents and their Kindred specially his Mother being zealous Papists When he was to be sent abroad to School his Fathers aim was only to send him to a good School where many Gentlemens Sons were taught but God so ordered it by his good Providence that his Father unawares placed him at Saffron-Walden School in Essex with one Master Desborough a godly man and a Religious Protestant who
of unbelief that I may not depart from thee the living God Deliver me from tentation Accept of Jesus Christ for me Teach me to improve all Providences To live upon the Promises Let Christ be my life O Lord let me never shrink from thee For the good of the publique Lord turn the heart of this Nation and all our hearts Turn the heart of the King Sanctifie the Parliament and make them faithfull Blesse the Assembly and make them faithful and upright with thee Let not the Army do unworthily but what thou would have them to do Blesse all the Ministers For other Nations Lord do good to Scotland and the Churches in France Blesse New-England and forrain plantations For the places to which he was related Lord provide a faithfull man for Queens-Colledge A faithfull man for this place New-Church in Westminster A faithfull Pastor for those in the Countrey For Friends and those about him Lord remember all those that have shewed kindnesse to me and have taken pains with me and recompence them Thou hast promised that he which giveth a Cup of water in the name of a Disciple and he that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet shall have a Prophets reward Afterwards having forgotten to crave a blessing upon somewhat given him to take he prayed Lord pardon my neglect and forgetfulnesse of thee and deliver from tentation and the evil of tentation Thou art holy if thou shouldst forsake us Our Fathers trusted in thee and were delivered Lord glorifie thy name in my poor spirit and let none of thy people ever see me shrink from thee for Jesus Christ his sake Being spoken to to cast the burden of his sicknesse and pain upon God he answered I should do very unworthily if when I have preached to others that they should cast their burdens upon God I should not do so my self In these and many other the like Christian expressions he did manifest the same savour of holinesse even to the time of his death which had been constantly discovered in the time of his life He departed this life Anno Christi 1647. and of his age 46. having served God faithfully and painfully in his generation being a very great Instrument of much good and an excellent pattern for imitation His body lieth interred in the New-Church at Westminster and his memory yet liveth in the minds of those that knew him The Life of Gaspar Colinius Great Admirall of France GAsppar Colinius or Coligni was descended of a very Ancient and Honourable Family his Predecessors had Kingly Priviledges in their own Country as the Power of Life and Death of Coining Money Imposing Taxes and Tributes c. His Father was Gaspar de Colonia or Colinius who lived under King Francis the first and had to Wife Ludovica Monmorancy the Sister of Annas Monmorancy Great Constable of France When in the year 1522. the Admirall Bonivet had taken Fontaraby in the Confines of Spain as soon as he was returned into France the Spaniards came and besieged it with a great Army The siege lasted twelve moneths whereby the Inhabitants suffered much extremity by reason of Famine King Francis hearing of it commanded this Gaspar to raise an Army and relieve Fontaraby which Army he presently Levied but in his march he fell sick and died at Ax August 4. Anno Christi 1522 leaving three Sons behind him Odet Gaspar and Francis Ludovica his Widow was made one of the Ladies of Honour to the Queen of France and was very carefull of the education of her Sons and lived a most chaste and vertuous life all the remainder of her daies dying in Paris Anno Christi 1547. Pope Clement the seventh seeking to increase his Authority in France made the elder Brother Odet a Cardinall knowing that by reason of the eminency of his Family he might be very usefull to him By which means the Inheritance fell to this our Gaspar the second Brother who was born Feb. 16. Anno Christi 1517. whose ingenuity and towardlinesse appearing in his childhood his Mother was very carefull of his education and for his Instruction in Learning she made choice of Nicholas Beraldus to be his Schoolmaster a man famous in those daies in France She also provided him Tutors to instruct him in Military Arts of such as were most skilfull therein This Gaspar being thus furnished both for Peace and Warre when he came to the age of twenty four the Dolphin of France the Kings eldest Son besieging Baion at that time Gaspar went to serve under him and to put in practice what he had before gotten in the Theory In which Service he shewed much alacrity and courage and in advancing near to the enemies Trenches he was wounded with a Bullet in his throat The same year also the King having intelligence that his and the enemies Army were ready to joyn battell in Insubria Gaspar obtaining leave hastened thither and in that battell gave great proof of his Valour and Prudence so that shortly after K. Francis dying and his Son Henry succeeding to the Crown he advanced him to great honour and whereas his Uncle Annas Monmorancy was Generall of the Horse he made this Gaspar Colonel of a Regiment of Foot In which Office he carried himself so well that in a little space he gat much repute for his Justice Valour and Prudence and thereby became very gratefull to the common people For whereas the Souldiers formerly by their rapines and plunderings used much to oppresse them this new Colonel kept them in awe by military Discipline especially he severely punished them for incontinency swearing and blasphemy and his Orders were so generally approved of that shortly after the King put them amongst his Military Laws The same King also advanced him to greater honour taking a great liking to him making him one of his own Horsemen which vulgarly are called of the Kings Order And whereas contention arose about that time between the King of France and King Henry the eighth of England about the Town of Bulloine which a little before upon conditions of peace had been pawned to the English the King of France distrusting the English made this Gaspar Governour of all that Countrey who presently going into Picardy whither King Henry of France had sent an Army to besiege Bulloine He with admirable art and diligence built a Castle near to it which was such a shelter to the French and did so hinder the Sallies of the English that in a short time they were forced to treat about surrendring of the City For the finishing of which Treaty the whole businesse was referred by the King of France to our Gaspar and his Uncle Rupipontius which being ended and the Town surrendred Gaspar returned to the King and was shortly after made the Great Admirall of France which amongst the French is counted the greatest honour in the Kingdom having the command of the Sea and
and scattered flying to Lusinian for safety leaving all their bag and baggage behind them so that the booty which the Admirall gat was estimated to be more worth then fifty thousand Crowns Two daies after they intercepted Letters from Fizius the Kings Secretary to the Queen-Mother much bewailing that losse Presently after the Admirall going to the Town of Jarnac fell into great danger and without a speciall providence had become a prey to his enemies For the enemy understanding that he purposed to transport his Forces over the River in that place by a bridge of boats they secretly laid an ambush on the other side and observing the Admirall where he was they let fly all their Harquebushes at him and others endeavoured to break the bridge of the Admirals side there was one Harquibushier that had often shot at the enemies and at last was by a bullet slain whereupon twelve more ran to his aid so that a tumult arising the Admirall ran with his naked Sword not having time to put on his arms and endeavoured to cut in sunder the cords wherewith the boats were fastened all which time the enemies ceased not continually to shoot at him yet God wonderfully preserved him and from that time forwards he resolved never to be without a Lifeguard for his assistance in such suddain accidents Two daies after the enemies having passed over the River Charenton the Prince of Conde feared lest they would compasse him about having lately joyned to them three thousand German horse and six thousand Swissers yet being of a very resolute and couragious mind he resolved to stop their course yet withall if possible to avoid a set Battell In the mean time word was brought to the Admirall that some of his Forces which were quartered in a neighbour village were circumvented by their enemies and yet valiantly defended themselves our Admirall hastened therefore upon the spur to their succour with some horse whom as soon as the enemies espied they compassed round about which being told to the Prince of Conde being more valiant then advised he brake into the midst of them where being oppressed with the multitude and his horse killed under him which also fell upon him he lifting up his beavour rendred himself to some of the Kings Captains who gave him their faith for his safety but presently after came Montisquius Captain of the Duke of Guise his guard not without the secret command of his Master as it was believed and setting upon Conde behinde his back as he was talking with the Captains dispatched him with a dagg shot into his neck He was a Prince inferiour to none that lived in that age for courage and courtesie he was eloquent in speech liberall affable to all and a most excellent Commander in Warre After his death his body was basely abused and at last in scorn laid upon a Shee-Asse and carried to Jarnac The Admirall being exceedingly grieved with this great losse and suspecting the issue made a retreat together with his Brother Andelot into the Town of St. Jan de Angeli and whereas he might have revenged the indignities done to the body of the Prince by shewing the like to the bodies of many of his great adversaries whom he had slain yet he would not do it but afforded them decent buriall which thing he also did during all the time of the Warres The Queen of Navarr being at Rochell and hearing of this great losse hastened to the Camp comforted the Captains and exhorted all the Souldiers not to be disheartned nor to forget their former valour telling them that she had brought her only Son Henry that was to succeed her in the Kingdom to be their Generall professing that she preferred the safety of the Army before the life of her Son To him was also Henry Prince of Conde Brother to Lewis that was lately slain adjoyned in this honour but the whole care for managing the Warre by the joynt consent of all the Commanders and Officers was wholly divolved upon the Admirall none having the like credit or authority amongst those of the Religion as he For it was well known that besides his singular skill in military affairs his justice and temperance there was none amongst all the Peers of France that had so openly embraced and professed the Religion as he He was the first that reformed his Family according to the Rule of Gods Word He was the man that presumed to prefer their Petition to King Francis the second that was nearly allied to the Guises by affinity He gave the first example to the Nobility of France of Piety who were grown extream loose by reason of the dissolutenesse of the Court and after he had once embraced the Reformed Religion he never gave the least occasion of scandall to the Churches And whereas many Delegates repaired often to him from the Churches he alwaies gave them wholsome and prudent counsell He first took up arms not to fight against the King as some misreported but at the request and Prayers of the Queen Mother Neither yet did he it either by his own private counsell or of the Queen Mother but by the Authority of the Parliament of Orleance the King being not yet twelve years old As also after the Kings Edict for Peace established and promulgated by the advice and consent of all the States of France because it was so notoriously violated by the Guises to the utter undoing of many honest Families and almost the ruine of many flourishing Cities and to the losse of the lives of many famous Captains to the great prejudice of the whole Kingdom and to the oppression of many flourishing Churches dispersed almost in every Town of France By all which that poor Kingdom was laid open to be a prey to any forreign Prince that should invade it After these things a grievous affliction befell the Admirall by the death of his Brother Andelot who in the City of Xantone died of a violent disease suddainly not without suspition of poison and the rather because it was a usuall saying of Biraguus shortly after made Chancellour That the War was not to be finished with so much hazard by armed men but rather by Cooks and Kitchin boyes Upon this occasion the Admirall wrote a Letter to his own and his Brother Andelot's sons who were with their Tutor at Rochel for comforting of them the tenour whereof was this Although I believe that the death of my Brother Andelot is very grievous unto you yet I thought fit to admonish you that you have great cause to rejoyce that you had so good a Father and Uncle of whom I dare affirm that he was truly Religious and eminent for his valour and skill in military affairs the remembrance of which vertues ought to be dear unto you that as much as may be you may be imitators of them yea I believe I may boldly affirm this of him that there is none in all