he no entertaine the time with more safety and privacy became a teacher to some Gentlemans sonnes in the Country where we leave him for a time requesting the Reader to accompany uâ— to some matters of higher Concernement About this time the Divorse betwixt King Henry Katherine his wife was agitated in the Court of Rome Queen Katherines age was above her Husbands her Gravity above her age more pious at her Beades then pleasant in her Bed a better woman then a wife and a fitter wife for any Prince then King Henry No wonder then if he were impatient to be delayed in his Divorce by the Dilatory tricks of the Romish Court intending first to divorce all the Gold from England kept the Cause some yeers in suspention so torturing King Henâ—y on the racke betwixt hope and feare not to have his dâ—sire effected It hapned that a Courtier came into Cranmers Company who familiarly conversing together amongst other discourse light on this matter of Divorse Cranmer informes the Gentleman that the readiest way for the King to attaine his desire was no longer to trace the Labirinths of the Popes proceedings where Clyents loose themselves in the endlesse Multiplication of affected intricacies but directly to be take himselfe to the Word of God according to which the Kings marriage unlawfull at the first might lawfully be anulled This being brought to the Kings Eare where welcom news would quickly arrive Cranmer is sent for afterwards imployed to the most principal Universities in Europe there publickly to maintain the truth of his aforesaid Assertions and after his returne was rewarded for his undertaking no lesse learned then Laborious with the Archbishopricke of Canterbury Here I have no leisure to listen to much lesse faith to beleeve those false Aspersions which Doctor Sanders castâ—th on this reverend Prelate bottoming the beginning of his Court Advancement on the Basest Employments performed by him Sufficeth it is to know that as the Herneshaw when unable by maine strength to grapple with the Hawke doth Slice upon her bespattering the Hawkes wings with dung or ordure so to conquer with her taile which she cannot doe with her bill and beake So Papists finding themselves unable to encounter the Proâ—estants by force of Argument out of the Scripture cast the dung of foule langvage and filthy railing upon them wherein Sanders exceedeth all of his Sociâ—ty Yea God may seeme to have vindicated the innocence of the one and punished the slanderous mouth of the other in that the foresaid Sanders was afterwards famished in Ireland that mouth being starved for want of food it surfetted with superfluity of Falsehood Cranmer now Archbishop so became the Place with his Piety and Gravity that he indeared himselfe to all conditions of People This was the greatest fault he was guilty of That his nature was bad in being too good he was of too easie and flexible a disposition which made him cowardly to comply with the Church of Rome For although he never did any harme to the Protestants yet he did not unto them so mâ—ch good as he might and ought Some may conceive this passage might well be omitted but the truth of our love to this good mans memory must not make us to forget our love to Truth besides this recording of such slips doth read to us in him a Lecture of our owne Infirmities if Gods grace be not more Active in our Hearts Oh there is more required to make us Valiant then barely to be able to call another Coward During the Reigne of Henry the eight and Edward the sixth our Cranmer flourished in favour But no sooner came Queen Mary to the Crowne but he was scorched with the heat of her Anger As an earnest that his whole Body should afterwards be burnt by her cruelty Indeed he well deserved of Queen Mary in this particular because he with Justice Hales would never consent to the dissinheriting of Queen Mary and refused to subscribe the Will shall I say of Edward the sixt or the Duke of Northumberland translating the Crowne on the Lady Iane But all this would not advance him into the Queenes favour no nor reconâ—ile to hâ—r good Will shee being still troubled with the fit of the mother and meditating revenge against him because Cranmer had been the principall promoter of Queen Kaâ—herines Divorse Or which is more probable being the Queen of her selfe was not cruelly minded some under her which did bite where she did not barke Gardiner the Spanniell Bonner the Bloudhound projected his destruction For being pardoned of Treason of which he stood guilty with the rest of the Privie Council he was châ—rged with Heresie and sent to Oxford there to dispute upon certaine Controversies being nothing else but a plausible contrivance of his Death which was concluded on before any Sylogisme in that Disputation was propounded However his Adversaries improved themselves so much on his facile nature and love of life that their large promisâ—s prevailed on him so far as to make him subscribe to Popery though presently after he recanted his recantation and was burned to ashes for the profession of the Truth first thrusting his owne right Hand faulty for his former subscription into the fire so that his Hand died a Malefactor and the rest of his body a Martyr All which passages are so largely reported by Mâ—ster Fox who in his Hiâ—tory hath so carefully gathered in the Harvest thâ—t his diligence hath left no gleanings for Posterity to picke having omitted nothing in his life remarkeable for such as succeed him to observe He writ many things which are here to his eternall praise truely registred 1. A catechisme of christian Doctrine 2. Ordinations of churhes reformed 3. Of ordaining Priests 4. Of the Eucharist with Luther 5. Of defence of catholicke doctrine 6. To the professors of the Truth 7 Ecclesiasticall Laws in Edward the sixt his reign 8. Against Gardners Sermon 9. Doctrine of the Lords Supper 10. Twelv Books of common places out of the Doctors of the church 11. Christian Homilies 12. To Richard Smiths calumnies 13. Confuâ—aâ—ions of unwritten truths 14. Of not marrying ones sister two Books 15. Against the Popes primacy two books 16. Against Popish purgatory two books 17. Of Iustification two books 18. Epistles to learned men Out of Prison he writ these 1. Against the sacrifice of the Masse 2. Against adoring the Host. 3. To Queen Mary with others 4. Emendations of the Translation of the English Bible and added Prefaces to it 'T was not inticing Honour could remove The constant heart of Cranmer from the love Of sound Divinity he alwayes stood Firme to God's Causâ— and dy'd it with his blood A true Seraphicke and Tyrannicke fire Prov'd as it were ambitious to aspire And both prevail'd being willing to controule Th' one burnt his Body th' other cur'd his Soule Image adoring Papists boast your fils Ye sent a Soule to Heav'n against your wils What can ye say but this your
perswaded then to command Farell Calvin and Coraldus to depart the City within two dayes because they had refused to administer the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to them which message when it was delivered unto Calvin he replyed Indeed if I had served men I had been evilly rewarded but now it shall goe well with me because I have served him who will truely pay unto his servants that which he hath once promised Who could otherwise have thought but that this action would have proved fatall unto the Church of Geneva yet the event manifested the contrary shewed that it came to passe by Divine providence partly because that by exercising him with these trials he might be the more fitter for weightier matters and partly because he might purge that Church againe from many grosse and wicked errours When that sedition had overthrown and sunk it selfe with its owne weight so wonderfully doth the Lord appeare in all his workes but more especally in the Governing and protection of his Church Some there were who greatly bewailed the departure of these faithfull Pastors who also inwardly asmuch lamented the the miserable and wretched State of that City From Geneva they went unto Tigurum where a Synod was called to effect a reconciliation betwixt the Churches and those of Geneva being willed by an Embassadour sent from Berne to subscribe unto the decrees thereof they would not condiscend thereunâ—o whereupon Calvin left Tigurum and went unto Basil where after that he had remained two or three dayes he directed his course unto Strasburge where he was called by the Senate Bucer Hedio Capito and many other reverend Pastors to be the Divinity Lecturer in that City which he did not only perform with the applause of all the learned but also with the consent of the Senat he planted the French Church in that City Here Calvin remained untill the year 1541. in which year a Convocation was enacted by the Emperor at Wormes and Reinspurge for the taking away of differences out of those Churches concerning Religion at which Convocation Calvin was present and unto this Assembly came also the Commissioners before mentioned who perswaded and prevailed with the Inhabitants of Geneva for the casting out of Calvin out of the City upon one of them God shewed a terrible example of vengeance in the same place for being censured guilty of sedition as he was about to save himselfe by escaping through a window he fell downe headlong and with the weight of his body he so crushed himselfe that within few dayes after he dyed Another of them being found guilty of murther he had his head stricken off the other two by reason of their ill carriage in the affaires of that Commonwealth were in their absence condemned and ejected by the Citizens During his abode at Strasburge untill this Assembly called by the Emperour the Church at Geneva was greatly afflicted with sundry opinions which were brought into the City in the year 1539. by Iacobus Sadoletus which notwithstanding tooke no deep rooting Calvin by his letters in his banishment perswaded the contrary These Commissioners being thus taken away as the fountaines of all sedition in the City it pleased the Lord to worke a desire in the hearts of the Inhabitants of recaling Farel and Calvin into the City but when they saw that they could not possibly recall Farel from Neocum they send Embassadours with all speed unto Strasburge making the Tigurines also their intercessours for the obtaining of Calvin The Inhabitants of Strasburge appeared unwilling to grant their desire and Calvin himselfe because he saw his actions to prosper and to be blessed of God in that City refused also himselfe to goe unto Geneva fearing least his proceedings should be again hindered by the like sedicious uproares The Embassadours were urgent and followed their matter â—o close that at the last it was concluded that Calvin should againe to Geneva but because he was to accompany Bucâ—r unto Reinspurge his journey was deferred for a space and they of Geneva procured Viret from Lausanna to Preach unto them untill the returne of Calvin from Reinspurge which fell out in the year 1541. where he was received with exceeding joy and gladnesse not onely by the Senate but also by all the Inhabitants and he was again restored unto his Church But at his entrance againe he told them that he could not truly discharge his Ministeriall function unlesse they would also entertain a Presbytery strengthned with Ecclesiasticall discipline together with his Doctrin unto which motion they consented whereupon a Presbytery was chosen their Offices were declared unto each of them and unto this forme of Government they all subscribed The joyfull newes of Calvins comming unto Geneva again being spread abroad it caused many godly minded persons to resort some out of Italy some out of England some out of Spaine unto the same place to be Auditors unto him these increased unto that number that there waâ— not roome in the City to entertain them and Calvin perceiving that ordering of all things in the City would be a labour too weighty for him he deâ—ired that he might have Farel and Viret adjoyned unto him but it could not be granted for Viret was returned againe unto Lausanna and Farell was detained at Neocum so as Calvin alone carries away the glory of that reformed Church It was Bezaes opinion concerning these three that a compleat Pastor might be composed of them taking boldnesse from Farel eloquence from Viret and solid substance from Calvin every word appearing a grave sentence In the year 1542. Calvin was exercised with many laborious imployments not onely concerning the affaires of Geneva but also about the comforting and relieving of such as were banished their Countrey for the profession of the Gospell and also by writing consolatory Letters unto them for their confirmation and strengthning in the extremity of their afflictions unto these also were added first a Famine secondly a Pestilence both being predominant at one and the same time in Geneva Now because the custome of the City was to place such as were infected in a Pesthouse for that cause erected without the City one Blanchetus tooke upon him the charge of visiting the sicke and Calvin by the command of the Senate was delivered from that action Then he turned himselfe unto the suppressing of such false Doctrine as crept into the Church for the eclypsing of the truth And first he confuted that opinion of Petrus Tossanus concerning the Sacrament of the Lords Supper Then he confuted the Articles set forth at Sorbon He overthrew Albertus Pighius concerning Free-will refuted the opinion of Sebastianus Castellio concerning the Song of Salomon and caused him to be banished the City of Geneva In the year 1544. Carolus the fith intending to make War against the French King commanded a peace amongst the Churches in Germanie untill such time as a generall Councell was called which he promised should shortly be effected and in the
much lesse to lament him Towards Knox his later end his body became very infirm and his voyce so weak that People could not hear him in the ordinary place wherefore he chose another place wherein he preached upon the History of Christs passion with which he said it was his desire to close his Ministry finding his end neer he importuned the Council of the City to provide themselves a worthy man to succeed in his place Master Iames Lawson Professor in Aberdene was the man pitched upon and Commissioners were sent from the Church of Edinborough to request him to accept of the place Iohn Knox also subscribed that request adding Accelera mi frater alioqui â—erò venies Haste my Brother otherwise you will come too late this made Master Lawson to hasten his journey and when he was come he preached twice to the good liking of the people whereupon order was taken by the rulers of the Church for his admission at which time Iohn Knox would needs preach though very wâ—ak which also he performed with such fervency of spiriâ— that he was never before heard to preach with so greaâ— power or more content to the hearers In the end of his Sermon he called God to witnesse that he had walked in a good conscience with them not seeking to please men nor serving either his owne or other mens affections but in all sincerity and truth had preached the Gospell of Christ. He exhorted them in most grave and pithy words to stand fast in the Faith they had received and so having prayed zealously for Gods blessing upon them and the multiplying of Gods spirit upon their new Pastor he gave them his last farewel Being conveyed to his lodging that afternoon he was forced to betake himselfe to his bed and was visited by all sorts of persons in his sicknesse to whom he spake most comfortably amongst others the Earle of Morton came to see him to whom he said My Lord God hath given you many blessings Wisdome Honor Nobility Riches many good and great friends and he is now about to prâ—fer you to the Government of the Realm the Earl of Marr the late Regent being newly dead In his name I charge you use these blessings better then formerly you have don seeking first the glory of God the furtheance of his Gospell the maintenance of his Church and Ministry and then be carâ—full of the King to procure his good and the welfare of the Realm Iâ— you doe thus God will be with you and honor you if otherwisâ— â—e will dâ—prive you of all these benefits and your end shall be shame and ignonminie These speeches the Earl called to minde about nine years after at the time of his Execution saying That he had found Iohn Knox to be a Prophet A day or two before Knox his death he sent for Master David Lindsey Master Lawson and the Elders and Deacons of the Church â—o whom he said The time is approaching which I have long thirsted for wherein I shall be released from all my cares and be with my Saviour Christ for ever and now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Goâ—â—eâ—â— of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true sincâ—râ— Word of God and that the end that I proposed in my Mâ—nistry was To instruct the ignorant to confirm the weaâ— to comfort their consciences who were humbled under the sense of their sins and born down with the threatningâ— oâ— Gods judgments I am not ignorant that many have and doe blame my too great rigor and severity but God knoweth that in my heart I never hated those agaâ—nsâ— whom I thundered Gods judgments I did onely hate theiâ— sins and labored according to my power to gaine them to Christ That I did forbear none of what condition soever I did it out of the fear of my God who hatâ— placed me in the function of his Ministry and I know will bring me to an account Now bretheren for your selveâ— I have no more to say but to warn you that you â—ake heâ—d to the Flocke over which God hath placed you Over seers which 〈◊〉 hath redeemed by the blood of his onely begotten son and you Master Lawson fight a good fight doe the Worke of the Lord with courage and with a willing minde and God from heaven blesse you and the Church whereof you have the charge Against it so long as it continues in the Doctrâ—nâ— of the Truth the gates of hell shall not prevaâ—le having thus spoken and the Elders and Deacons being dismissed he called the two Preacher to him and said There is one thing that grieveth me exceedingly you have sometimes seen the Courage and Constancy of the Laird of Grang in the Cause of God and now that unhappy man is casting himself away I pray you go to him from me and tell him That unlesse he forsake that wicked course that he is in the Rock wherein he confideth shall not defend him nor the carnall wisdome of that man whom he counteth halfe a god which was young Leshingâ—on shall yeeld him help but he shall be shamefully pulled out of that nest and his carcasse hung before the Sun meaning the Câ—stle which he kept against the Kings Authority for his soul it is dear to me and if it were possible I would fain have him saved accordingly they went to him conferred with him but could by no meanes divert him from his course But as Knox had fore-told so the year after his Castle was taken and his body was publickly there hanged before the Sun yet at his death he did expresse serious repentance The nex day Knox gave order for the making of his Coffin continuing all the day as he did also through all his sicknesse in fervent prayer crying Come Lord Iesus sweet Jesâ—s into thy hands I commend my spirit being ask'd whether his pains were great he answered That he did not esteem that a pain which would be to him the end of all troubles and the beginning of eternall joyes Oft after some deep meditation he used to say Oh serve the Lord in fear and death shall not be troublesome to you Blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of Iesus The night before his death he slept some hours with great unquietnesse often fighing and groaning whereupon when he awakened the standers by asked him how he did and what it was that made him mourn so heavily to whom he answered In my life time I have been assaulted with Tempâ—aâ—ionâ— from Satan and he hath oft cast my sinâ— into my teeth to drive me to despair yet God gave me strength to overcome all his Temptations but now the subtill serpent takes another course and seek's to perswade me That all my labors in the Ministery the fidelity that I have shewed in that service hath merited heaven and immortality but blessed be God that brought to my minde these Scriptures What hast thou that
Capella he being Abbot there a Monastery situate in the fields of Tigurum and advanced by him to be Head-schoolmaster during his residence he was entirely beloved not onely of the Abbot but also of Simler Zuinglius Oâ—colampadius and of other excellent and reverend personages for those excellent parts wherewith he was endewed About this time he joyned with Zuinglius as touching a reformation in the Church the labouring to produce it at Tigurum and the other endeavouring to effect it at Capella which in short time took good effect for they cleared both places of Masses and Idoles and of many other things which appeared superstitious in the Church this he did during his residence at Capella and with so much the more happy success because he was appointed to read the publick Divinity Lecture in the same school In the year 1529. he was called unto Bremogart the place of his birth to Preach the Word of truth unto them here he began openly to condemne the errours of the Papists stoutly defending his Fathers doctrine who had formerly discovered and confuted their errors but some of the more eminent Citizens not well brooking his doctrine exercised their authority in expelling him the City placing in his office a godly and learned Theologue named Gervasius Scholasticus but his name being famous amongst the Switzers and many of them having a great desire to hear him he was called unto his owne Country to preach the Gospel of Christ wherein he was so powerfull that he caused them to rectifie many abuses in the Church and so well approved of that the Senate kindly intreated him to remaine there and to goe forward in his teaching he answered them that he was so strictly bound by promise unto the Senate of Tigurum and to the Abbot of Capella that he could doe nothing without their leave and consent Wherefore they presently dispatched an Embassador unto Cahella who wrought so effectually with the Senate that they willed Bullinger to remaine in his owne Country where he continued Preaching the Gospell together with Gervasius three years with the Unanimous consent of all the Citizens and the Gospell by the industry of these two learned and vigilant watchmen flourished in the same place which although it weare opposed by the Anabaptists who laboured to hinder the growth of the Church was preferred by God who stirred up this Bullinger to confute with invincible arguments in the presence of the whole Church their erronious opinions But as one misery seldome comes alone without the addition of another even so it happened at this present for the Church of Bremogart was not onely troubled with the erronious opinions of these Anabaptists but also vexed with intestine discords where in the Papists having the upper hand Bullinger with his father and brother and his faithfull colleague Gervasâ—ius were banished their Country in the yeare of our Lord 1531. whence departed they went unto Tigurum and were kindly entertained by Wernerus Striner who together with them greatly lamented the troublesome State of the Church In the same yeere the Church of Basil was destitute of a Pastor by reason of the death of Oecolampadius whereupon he was called by them unto the discharging of a Pastorall office amongst them but the Senate of Tigurum detained him and appointed him in the place of Zuinglius according to his owne desire for when he went forth with the Tigurines to Battell he desired of them if any misfortune came unto him that they would be pleased to Nominate Bullinger to be his successour And unto this office he was called in a time full of danger even to build up and to confirme and strengthen a Church greatly shaken and afflicted Which he performed with such patience and modesty that false Doctrine began againe to be discovered and the truth to be firmly planted in the hearts of many which he well perceiving ceased not to proceed and go forward praising almighty God for ordaining and esteeming him a worthy instrument for the advancing and propagating of his Truth and for that cause he wrote a Confession of his Faith sending it unto Constance to Bucer and other learned Divines there assembled for the establishing of an agreement amongst the Churches which worke of his was approved of by Bucer and by the whole Assembly esteeming it worthy to be embraced of the adjacent Churches In the year 1536. he was present at Basel with Bucer and others about the reconciling of different points which did great hurt unto the Church and especially about the reconciliation betwixt Luther and the Hevetian Churches where it being declared against him that he laboured for a defection unto Luther and all his opinions he cleared himselfe of that asperâ—ion but departed unsatisfied concerning his desire to his great griefe who notwithstanding so brideled his affection that in the midst of their contentions he abstained from all bitternesse of speech In the year 1538. some of our English Nobility came unto â—igurum to be instructed in the grounds of Religion and to have his judgement concerning the publicke rites and Ceremonies of the Church This happened about the time that Henry the eight had disburdened himself of the weight of the Pope the English being greatly inflamed to imbrace a pure worship of the Lord which had not yet been conversant amongst them these men were kindely entertained by Bullinger who also gave them full satisfaction concerning the things demanded before their departure they intreated him that he would write some short Treatise concerning Religion unto their Soveraigne whereby he might be egged forward in his resolution touching the reformation of the Church Unto which he willingly condiscended and wrote unto the King two learned Treatises exhorting him to set aside the inventions of men and to give himselfe wholly unto the Word of God and to have all things in his Dominion regulated and squared according unto the Canonicall Scripture In the year following he laboured to purge the Church of that grosse errour of Casparus Schroenckfeldius a Silesian concerning the Humane nature of Christ who taught that after his ascention into heaven and sitting at the right hand of his Father it was so Deified and made coequall unto the Word that it was no more a creature which errour received strength and was fostered by the approbation of great persons in Suevia but quickly overthrowne by the laborious Preaching and writing of Bullinger Within short time after there â—ell out a hot and irreconcileable contention betwixt Luther and the other Protestant Pastors insomuch that he openly stiled them damned Hereticks and enemies unto the Sacrament insomuch that Melancthon said unto Bullinger desino sperare ecclesiarum pacem I despaire of a setled peace amongst the Churches and again privato periculo quod nunc mihi impendet etsi non est Leve tamen tantum non movear quanâ—â—m Ecclesiarum distractionibus I am not so much grieved with that private danger which on all sides threatens my ruine as I am with
Ministeriall function and also to joyn with Calvin in the reading of the Divinity Lecture Where he was also againe advanced to be head Master of a Free-schoole which was set up by the perswasion of Calvin for the future benefit of the same City Notice being taken in France of his Confession of the Christian Faith which without question wrought deepe impression in the hearts of many he was intreated by Letters sent from some Peeres of France that he would be pleased to visit Anthony King of Navarre then residing in Aquitaine and to confer with him concerning matters of importance but especially concerning such things which might be of force to beget true knowledge in the groundâ— of Christian Religion for there was some hopes that if he could be brought thereunto that the Church of God would not be so cruelly inhumanely dealt withall within the Kingdome of France Which enterprize God giving a blessing thereunto wanted not its fortunate and happy successe though not in the dayes of Aâ—thony yet in the dayes of Charles the ninth for he not onely entring into a consideration of the truth of the Doctrinâ— of the Church of Rome but also into the truth of the Doctrine of the reformed Church and with many of his Nobles adhered unto the same and foâ—thwith sâ—nt both Embassadours and Letters to the Senate of Geneva to intreaâ— the presence of reverend Beza concerning the dâ—sciding of those Controversies which were at that time on foot betwixâ— the Papists and the Reformed Churches This request was with great joy condiscended unto by the Senate of Geneva who sent Beza with many prayers for the advancemâ—nt of Gods glory Peter Martyr was also called from Tigurum by the Mother Queen who with all speed came to Paris Great was the conflict which Beza had at that time in the â—resence of the King with Cardinall Lotharingus concerning the Reall Presence â— wherein he confuted the erronious opinion of the Cardinall affirming that the viâ—ible signes were touched with the hands eaten and drunken with the mouth but that the thing signified viz. thâ— Body and Blood of Christ was offered and received by Faith Which judgement of his the Cardinall approved of at the last as he himselfe testified unto the Queene and was also embraced by her selfe The conference being ended with happy successe to the glory of God and furtherance of his truth Martyr returned to Tigurum and Beza intended to goe unto Geneva but he was hindred by the Authority of the Queen who plainly told him that seeing he was a French man he might be the Author of much good unto his own Nation Beza being thus detained contrary to his expectation spent not the time unprofitably but betook himselfe unto the preaching of the Word sometimes in the Pallace of the King of Navarre sometimes in the house of the Prince Cordaeus and sometimes in the suburbes of the City of Paris for then it was by publick Proclamation decreed that the use of the reformed Religion should be tolerated in the suburbes without any Molestation but they enjoyed not that benefit long by reason of a conspiracy performed by Guisius and other wicked persons for the utter extinguishing of the truth who urging the King with the example of Balderinus that Religion was but a thing indifferent and that he might condemne and renounce the day after that which he approved and allowed the day before they received this answer from him That he would never put hiâ— fooâ— so far into the Sea but that he would be able to pluck it back againe when he listed and so he departed and forsooke the truth of Christ and never after sent for Beza to have any conference with him Whereupon a hot persecution entred into the bowels of France against the Protestants forty five of them being put to the sword in the same place where they were gathered together to heare the Word of God preacht whereupon Beza was sent to complaine unto the King of their inhumane cruelty but found no redresse whereupon preparation was made to defend themselves by force of Armes the Prince Condaeus desired Beza to remaine with him in so dangerous and necessary a season who althoughâ— it grieved him greatly to be absent from his flock at Geneva yet he consents unto the request of this religious Prince and remained with him preaching and exhorting Christians privately to a patient wayting of the Lords leasure The Protestants betook themselves unto Orleans to which place the enemies marching in the fields thereof was fought a terrible battle wherein Condaeus was taken prisoner and the Protestants lost the day who notwithstanding this sorrowfull accident were much comforted by those divine letters which were sent unto them by Beza and they still remaining firme in that doctrine which they had received Not long after a peace being concluded and the prisoners restored to their former liberty Beza obtained leave of the same Prince to returne unto Geneva after he had spent two and twenty monthes with great labour and manifest dangers of his life Comming to Geneva not without the great joy of the Inhabitants he went forward in his ordinary course of teaching both in the Church and Schoole continued with Master Calvin in reading the Divinity Lecture untill his death then he performed it onely himselfe appointing Calladonus Danaeus and Fayus to be the Humanity Lecturers in the same City And in this godly couse he laboriously continued untill the time that he was called unto Rupella by the generall intreaty and request of the French Churches and earnest desire of the Queen of Navarre and of other Peeres of France where the confession of the faith of the French Churches was repeated and confirmed and strenthned with the approbation of the Queen of Navarre and the Prince Condaeus and so he returned to Geneva againe and indefatigably continued his constant course of teaching and then he corrected his Annotations on the New Testament From thence he was cealld againe to Berna for the confutation of the error of Albâ—rius concerning justification who taught that our righteousnesse before God was a meere pasive quality inhaerent in our selves w ch opnion with other errorâ— of his hindring the growth of the truth of Christ were there condemned and the reading of his books forbidden by the Senate of Berne which being ended he returned unto Geneva againe and having notice of the great troubles to ensue not onely in France in generall but also in Geneva it selfe in particular he cauâ—ed publick prayers to be sent up unto God twice every weeke extraordinary for the turning away of his wrath and for the peace and flourishing state of the Church and so he continued preaching and praying for the advancement of the Gospell of Christ untill such time as age made him unfit for the performance of these duties Yet here by the way we may observe the great malice of the Romish Jesuites who before the payment of his debt to nature
of Eteocles and Polynices wherein both conquered one the other yet neither enjoyed the victory nor kept his prisoner for Iohn Reinolds who before was a Papist by these bickerings became a zealous Protestant and William Reinolds who before had been a zealous Protestant became a Iesuited Papist and wrote most pestilent Bookes against the Church and State and as after the death of Eteocles and Polynices when their corps were burnt the flames are said to have parted so the contention of these Brethren expired not with their death for the writings which they have left behinde them enflamed with contrary fires of zeale hold the quarrell on foot to this day Of these Bella plusquam civilia among Brethren W. A. a learned Divine thus elegantly discourseth in English and Latine Verses Bella inter geminos plâ—squam civilia Fratres Traxerat ambiguas Religionis apex Ille reformandae fidei pro partibus instat Ille reformandam denegâ—â— esse fidem Propositus causae rationibus inter vtruomque Concurrere pares cecidere pures Quod fuit in vatis fratrem capiâ— alter uâ—rumque Quod fuit in fates perdit uterque fidem Captivi gemini sine captivanâ—â— fuerunt Et victor victi transfugor castra petit Quod genus hoc pugnae est ubi victus gaudet uterque Et simul alteruâ—eâ— se superasse dolet Englished by the Author Between two Brethren civill warre and worse The nice point of Religion long did nurse For reformation of the Faith he plyes That Faith should be reformed this denies The reasons of each cause a part propounded Both met alike both fell alike confounded As heart would wish each one his brother takes As fate would have each one his faith forsakes Without captiver both are captive led And to the vanguisht camp the victor fled What war is this when conquer'd both are glad And either to have conquered other sad Iohn Râ—inolds might truely have said to his brother aâ— Caecillius sometimes spake to Octavius in that most exquisit dialogue of Minutius Faelix Vtrique vicimâ—â— tui victor mei ego triumphator erâ—eres thou hast conquered me and I triumph over my foâ—mer errours but William Reinolds might one the contrary side have said we are both loosers for thou hast lâ—st me thy brother and I have lost my mother the Church of England and the true Religion As soone as our Iohn Reinolds according to thâ— manner of Massie bodies after some quavering was fix'd unmoveably upon the grounds of the Protestant Religion the Statutes of the Colledge called upon him to enter into holy Orders after which he wholly addicted himselfe to the study of the holy Scriptures and because an excellent textuary and very often exercised his sweete gift in preaching a tast whereof we have in his Lectures upon Obadiâ—â— published after his death by Master Hindâ— When the time drew neare that by the Founders Statutes he was upon necessity to take his degree in Divinity he was chosen out by the University to answer the Boctovers in the Actâ— Iuly the 13. 1579. and the same year November the third he answered for his degree in the Divinity Schooles the Theses maintained by him in the Act were these 1. The holy Scriptures teacheth the Church all things necessary to salvation 2. The Church militant upon earth is subject to error both in faith and manners 3 The Authority of the Scriptures is greater then that oâ— the Church The Theses propounded by him in the Divinity Sbhool 〈◊〉 thâ— third were these 1. The holy Catholike Church which we beleeve is the whole number of Gods elect 2. The Roman Church is neither the Catholike Church nor a sound member thereof 3. The reformed Churches in England Scotland France Germany and other Kingdomâ— and Common-wealths have lawfully severed themselveâ— from the Church of Rome The handling of these questions gave so good contentment to the whole University that his suppositions as they call them that is the Speeches he made in the explication and confirmation of these Positions were extorted from him to the Presse by the Printing whereof when he understood how he had netled all the Romanists who in diverse virilent pamphlets disparaged them and threatened by a speedy refutation to ecclipse the fame thereof he â—he better to arme himselfe against these Romish locusts with indifatigable paines in a short space read all the Greek and Latine Fathers and perused all auncient records of the Church that he could come by and grew so perfect in themâ— that as Livie conceiveth that if Alexander had turned his progresse Westward towards Italy as he did Eastwards towards the territories of the Persian Empire the Noble Commander of the Romans Paperius surnamend Curser or the raser would have matched him if not out stript him so if Reinolds his owne inclination or Authority had put upon him the taske of examining Caesar Baronius his Annals he would not onely every way have matched that so much admired Cardinall but in such sort have detected his Romish friends in postures and forgeries that any man whose eyes were not darkned with mist of prejudicate affection should have clearly seene that the doctrine of the reformed Churches hath as great a share in true antiquity as in auncient truth But Reinolds was drawn into the Lists with another one Iohn Heart who tooke the heart and boldnesse to challenge the learnedest of both Universities to try the Doctrine of our Church by the touchstone of Scripture and Faith c. To encoâ—nter him Master Reinolds is sent for by a greaâ— Councellour of Estate and many combats lingua calamo he had with this antagonist in all which Master Hearâ— gave ground and in the end quite quiâ—ted the fieldâ— as appeareth by a Letter wriâ—ten with his owne hand whâ—ch I have seene sent from the Tower of London In which Letter prefixt to the Conference he hath words to this effectâ— I acknowledge that the Narration of the conference set forth beâ—weene Master Reinolds and me is true and whereas he somewhere affirmeâ—h namely chap. 7. Sect. 7. that I should grant that it is not lawfull for the Pope to depose Princes it 〈◊〉 trâ—e I said as much and am still of this judgementâ— that howsoever the spirituall power be more excellent and noble then the temporall yet they both are from God and neitheâ— dependeth of the oâ—her Whence I inferre this undoubâ—ed conclusion That their opinion who make the Pope a temporoll Lord over Kings and Princes hath no ground at all nor so much as prâ—bability nor shew of reason This conference confirmed by the â—ubscription of both parties was shortly after printed by authority and it gave such satisfaction to all indifferent readers that thereby the fame of Master Reynolds was cryed up as well at the Court as the University and it pleased Queen Elizabeth after he had taken his degree of Doctor to appoint him to read an extraordinary Divinity Lecture in Oxford in which he grapled
Tossan was sent in his room February the second Anno Christi 1620. as Pareus was coming out of his study the steps being slippery with the frost his foot slipt and he fell down sixteen steps and yet it pleased God by a wonderfull Providence that he light upon his feet and received no hurt by the fall which made him think of that promise Psalme 91. Hee will give his Angels charge over thee c. By his Doctrine and Councell he was admirably advantageous to the Church of God in many places He strongly asserted the truth of God against it's adversaries He was a great studyer and promoter of the Churches peace laboring that they which agree in the Fundamentals should not jar about matters of an inferior nature He wrote many â—xcellent Works whereof some were printed by himselfe others remained with his son Philip Pareus who hath since published them to the great benefit of the Church About that time the Spaniapds came into the Palatinate with their Army which brought great miseries upon that poor Country which Pareus fore-saw both by Prodigies and Dreames then did his friends both in Hiedleberge and other places pâ—rswaded him to retire himselfe to some other place of safety to whom he yeelded that so he might not fall into the hands of those bloody Papists whom he had irritated by his writings against them At his departure he cryed out O Hiedleberg O Hiedleberge but it 's better to fall into the hands of God then of man whose tender mercies are cruelty He went to Anvilla where he spent his time in Prayer Study and in Miditation waiting and longing for the time of his chang there also he wrote his Corpus Doctrinae which when he had finished he said Lord now let thy servant depart in peace because he hath finished that which he desired Presently after he felt his strength much to decay and he fell into a feaver and finding that the ayre in that place agreed not with him he went thence to Neapolis earnestly begging of God that if it were his holy will he might yet return to Hiedleberg and lay his bones there He made his will also finding his former Catarrh to return upon him againe yet it pleased God by the help of Phisitians to recover him whereupon he resolved to goe to Hiedleberge and taking his Grand-son young Daniel Pareus with him whom he loved deerly he came safely to Hiedleberge where he was received with wonderfull acclamations of joy about which time Prince Frederick came also thither from his Exile and the Sabbath following they received the Sacrament of the Lords-Supper together with much comfort But three dayes after his former disease returning he was sensible of his approaching death the Professors and Ministers resorted to him much bewailing their owne losse amongst whom was Henry Altingus to whom he freely opened his minde both concerning God house and his owne and presently after quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1622. and of his age 73. Pareus also of high Germany A wreath of Bayes deserves most worthily A very learned godly grave Divine Whose precious labors made his fame to shine Chiefly those on the Romans And although At first he many straits did undergoe Both by his Father and his other friends Yet God who in deep straits assistance sends Made all for his best good t'operate And by them brought him to a blest estate For he became abroad at home renown'd And was with many honours justly crown'd Especially at Hiedleberge where hee From all earths feares was happily set free The Life and Death of Thomas Erpenius who dyed Anno Christi 1624. THomas Erpenius was borne at Gorcome in the Low-Countries Anno Christi 1584. of honest Parents In his childhood he was bred in the School at Leiden and admitted into that University at eighteen years old and in the twenty fifth year of his age he commenced Master of Arts then he fell to the study of Divinity and of the Orientall Languages under Ioseph Scaliger who observing his ingenuity and promptnesse often foretold what an eminent man he would prove in time to come From thence he travelled in England France Italy and Germany in which perâ—grinations he profited exceedingly both in learning and prudence At Paris he became intimately acquainted with Isaac Casaubone and went with him to Samure where he fell hard to the study of Arabick and profited so exceedingly therein that Casaubone had him in great admiration and estimation for the same From thence he went to Venice where by the help of some learned Jews and Turks he learned the Turkish Persian and Aethiopick Ianguages whereby he gat so great esteem in Italy that he was profered a Pension of five hundred Duckats by the year to imploy himself in the version of some Arabick books into Latine He spent four years in travell and was famous every where for his learning at Paris and some other places he bought many Arabick books so returned to Leiden An. Ch. 1612. About which time there was a purpose to have called him into England to have allowed him an honorable stipend but the year after he was chosen Professor of the Orientall languages in Leiden and presently after he set up though with extraordinary charges a Presse for those Languages whereby he published many ancient monuments both of his own other mensâ— 1616. he married a wife by whom he left three children surviving him An. Christi 1619. he was made Professor of the Hebrew also and though he had so many and great imployments yet he went through each of them with so great exactnesse as if he had nothing else to attend upon In the year 1620. he was sent by the Prince of Orang and the States of Holland into France to procure Peter Moulin or Andrew Rivet to come to Leiden to be the Divinity Professor and though he prevailed not at that journey yet they sent him againe the year after to Andrew Rivet and the French-Church to obtain of them their consents for his coming which businesse he transacted with so great prudence that he brought Andrew Rivet along with him to Leiden His fame was so great that the King of Spaine wrote to him making him exceeding great promises if he would come into Spain to interpret some ancient writings which never man yet could doe The King of Morocco also did so exceedingly admire the purity of his Arabick style in some of his Epistles that he shewed them to his Nobles and other learned men as some great Miracle He was also highly esteemed of by the Prince of Orang and the States of Holland who often made use of his labours in translating the letters which they received from Princes in Asia and Africa out of Arabick or other Languages But whilst he was thus busily imployed in Publick and private it pleased God that he fâ—ll sick of the Plague whâ—reof he dyed Anno Christi 1624. and of his age forty
which came downe from above namely from the two Springs of Ior and Dan stood still and the rest failed and were cut off running into the the Sea of the Plaine otherwise called the DEAD SEA so that betwixt both the river of Iordan was dryed up into a faire passage over it I feare whilst the streame of a new supply from the two Fountaines of Learning and Religion in this Kingdome is much disturbed and partly obstructed in these tumultuous times and whilst the present Generation of eminent Divines maketh haste to their graves able Ministers will almost be drayned dry in the Kingdome The rather because as the arrow mortally wounded Ahab betwixt the joynts of his Armour so in the interstitium betwixt two Disciplines and give me leave to tearme Discipline the Armour of the Church Episcopacy put off and another Government not as yet close buckled on Prophanenesse and Licenciousnesse have given a great grievous wound to the Church of God for the speedy cure whereof joyn thy Prayers with his who is Thy servont in any Christian office THO. FULLER Walth Abbey THE TABLE A page Amsdorsius 246 Andreas 387. Andrewes 440. Abbat 538. B Berengarius 1. Bilney 121. Buâ—re 153. Bradford 179. Bugenhagius 280. Brentius 292. Bullenger 329. Boquine 347. Bucolizer 364. Babington 455. Beza 465. Bale 502. Benedictus 520. Bolton 586. C Colet 97. Caralostadius 113. Capito 135. Cruciger 144. Cranmer 223. Calvin 266. Câ—emnisius 307. Chytraeus 417. Cowper 558. D Diazeus 142. Deering 341. Danaeus 408. Drusius 533. E Erasmus 57. Erpenius 582. F Frith 118. Farellus 286. Fox 377. Fagius 146. G George Prince of Anhalt 164. Grindall 350. Gilpin 352. Gulterus 372. Gerardus 511. Grynaeus 535. H Husse â—2 Hooper 172. Hesperius 264. Humfried 386. Hemingius 413. Heerbrand 415. Holland 500. Hedio 163. I Ierom of Prague 21. Iustas Ionas 165. Iohn a Lasco 243. Iewell 301. Illiricus 343. Iunius 441. K Knox. 319. L Luther 31. Leo Iudae 136. Latimer 217. M Myconius 138. Melancthon 234. Marlorat 245. Musculus 248. N Nowell 422. O Oecolampadius 109. Olevian 373. P Peter Martyr 205. Philpot. 221. Pellican 229. Parker 328 and 523. Perkins 431. Polanus 499. Piscator 564. Pareus 577. R Rogers 167. Ridley 191. Ramâ—â— 325. Rollâ—â—k 410. Reynolds 477. S Saunders 169. Strigelius 290. Simlerus 344. Sohinus 384. Sadeel 397. Sands 452. Scaliger 498. Scultetus 584. T Tindall 126. Taylor 176. Tremelius 346. Tossanus 424. Trelcaâ—ius 464. V Vrbanius Regius 130. Vergerius 288. Viretus 299. Vrsin 361. W Wicklief 8. Wigandus 367. Whitaker 401. Whitgift 457. Willet 565. Whatley 592. Z Zuinglius 85 Zegedine 314. Zanchius 390. BERENGARIVS The Life and Death of Berengarius WE read Acts 27.20 when Saint Paul was tossed with the Tempest that neither Sunne nor Starres for many dayes appeared This may passe for the dolefull Embleme of the dismall darkenesse in the depth of Popery wherein Berengarius lived the subject of our ensuing discourse and before whom from the expiring of the Primative Age till his entrance into the Church little considerable light of knowledge shined amongst many Errours and much ignorance 2 We have not been idle in seeking but unsuccesfull in the finding the date of Berengarius birth and can likewise give no account of his Parentage and extraction Herein he was not unlike the River Nilus unknown and obscure for its Fountaine but famous and renowned for his Streames and his birth may seeme to be eclipsâ—d by the resplendant lustre of his life And Towres in France seated on the river Loyer was his native City wherein he was borne about tâ—e yeâ—r of our Lord 1020. as by proportion of Cronologie may probably be collected And it is observable that as the City of Towres gave the first being to Berengarius so â— Gate of that City called Saint Hues gate in at and neere which they used to meet gave the denomination to the Huâ—anites or modern French Protestants which in the point of Transubstantiation sâ—cceed to the opinion of Berengarius or rather to the truth of the doctrine it selfe 3 Here we must not omit that some have mâ—intained that this Berengarius came over with William the Conquerour into England and by his bounty received the Castle of a Camb. Brittan in Northhampton Barnewell in Northamptonshire for his possession But the mistake ariseth by confounding him with another Berengarius his namesake surnamed Le Mâ—igne or the Monke which also added countenance to their first error though indeed he was a Martiall man and no Ecclesiasticall person on whom the King conferred that Castle Thus though we should have â—eene right glad to have had this worthy Schollar our Countryâ—man though not by birth yet by habitation accounting it Englands honour that he was infeofted with faire demeynes therein yet because all is grounded upon an Errour no counterfeit credit nor false favours shall be assumed by us on others mistakes 4 Having profited in the Schoole above his equals under Fulbertus his Master the World began to take notice of his abilities and at last he was preferred to be Archdeacon of Aâ—giers a man of a bold spirit and daring resolution as God alwayes suits men for the worke they undertake We may observe in Bâ—ttels that they set those who are best arm'd â—o charge in the first ranke and order them to follow who are not so compleatly weaponed God in like manner in his wisdome appointed that sucâ— Confessours of the Truth who were to make the firsâ— Breach into the Armies of Antichrist should be accoutred Cappaâ—pae with undaunted courages such as this Berengarius and Luther were though men of meeker mindes and milder dispositions may afterwards be well used in the same service 5 For his life and conversation it was so blamelesse that therein he starved the malice of all his adversaries the long teeth of whose spight could finde nothing to feede upon He is reported not to have suffered any woman to come in his sight not because he was a hater of their sex but because he was to deale with dangerous adversaries he would warily cut off all occasions of suspition and in some cases we may say that over-much wariÌ„nesse is but even measure and caution if it be not too much will be too little 6 The maine matter wherein he dissented from the current of the Roman Church and is honoured for a Champion of the Truth was in the point of Transubstantiation an Errour which crept one of the last into the Church and was the first that was most vigorously opposed It took the rise from some extravagant expressions of Damascene and Theophilact who endeavouring to shew the reality of Christs presence in the Sacrament scattered such florishing language to that purpose flowers though they cannot feede may sometimes infect that though well intending yet ill interpreted gave occasion to their unskilfull Râ—â—ders who more minded the words then the matter from such Rhetoricall premises to conclude a Dogmaticall point
on the intermediate fals and failings to which the best Saints of God in this life are Subject but lift up their eyes to the ultimate and finall victories of Gods servants who at last through Christ prove more then Conquerours 14 But Ieromes Condition was rather impar'd then improu'd by his recantation Great is the Differance betwixt deliverance out of dangers oâ— Gods giving in his due time and forcible escapes by sinister courses which men rashly snatch to themselves The former is ever attended with inward joy and quiet of Conscience the Soule Solaâ—cing it selfe not onely in the end attained but also in the lawfulnsse of the means used therunto wheras when men doe not ishue out of a danger by a doore of Gods opening unto them but breake through the wall as Ierome by perjury by violent and unwarrantable wayes their minds are daily haunted with scruples and perplexities even sometimes to dolefull distraction besides such escapes never â—row prosperous rather easing then curing and the comfort got by them unraueleth againe as it hapned in Ierome of Prague By whose objuration his conscience was wounded God offended truth betrayed good mâ—n made to grieve and bad men to insult the malice of his Adversariâ—s being no what abated in violence but increased in subtilty For conceiving his recantation as indeed â—t was rather indited from his Tongue then his Heart these Spanels resolved to Retrive the game and to put him a fresh on the triall 15 No fewer then 107. Articles were frâ—med against him and he brought to his purgation before the Councell neere the titular Patriarch of Constantinople who formerly had condemned Huss was appointed his judge Happy had it beene if this pragmaticall persecutor had had no more power in Constance then he received profit from Constantinople whence he was onely qualified and dignified with an Aeriall title Ierom most valiently and elequently assessed the truth recanting his recantation And protesting that nothing more troubled him in his life then his former cowardize Thus as the well levelled Canon though at the discharging by the force of the powder it recoyleth some paces backward yet it â—endeth the Bullet to the right marke So Ierom now hit home notwithstanging his former fearfull failing and became the more couragious in Gods cause yea bashfull blushing for their former faults so becometh the faces of good men that it maketh them looke the more beautifull 16 Sentence of condemnation was presently passed upon him and a paper Mite was made for him to weare wherein red divels with monstrous visageâ— were depainted done to affright the vulgar who commonly carry their soules in their eyes much affected w th such representations the heatheÌ„ Romans had a custome that at the Apotheosis or Pagan Canonizing of an Emperor for a god when his body was solemnly burned an artificial Eagle was curiously made at the top of the Rogus or funerall pile and people perswaded that that soaring Eagle did withall carry and convey the Emperors soule into heaven Or at leastwise was an Embleme of his mounting up into happinesse Thus this pageant of painted divels was presented to the people to possesse them with an opinion that in the same sort the Fiends of hell did arrest and seaze on the soule of Ierom who notwithstanding would have done well enough if the divels in flesh their present had not done more to him then the divels in paper This Saint rather smiling at the folly then angry at the malice of his enemies cheerfully put the Miter on his head Did my Savour said he weare a Crowne of thornes for me and shall not I as willingly weare this foolish Cap for his sake 17 He was fastened to the stacke which was an â—mage of wood made to resemble Iohn Huss sometimes deepe malice expresseth it selfe but in shallow fancies and singing all the while suffered as I may say many Marterdomes It was almost quarter of an houre before he gave up the ghosâ— rather roasted then burnt so as blisters as big as Egs were raised upon his skin the fire tormented him at distance being made round about him Here my soule being to be sent on two severall errands knoweth not which first to dispatch whether I should enveigh on the cruelty of his Murderers who had martired all humanity in themselves artificially skilfull to descant on the dolefull plain â—ong of death that the poore man might feele himself dye whilest their revengefull eyes plaid the Epicures on his torment or shall I first admire the patience of Ierom who standing as stiffe as the stake to which he was fastened like Eliah went up to heaven in a Chariot of fire But to omit both I had best adore the goodnesse of God which gave such strength unto men conquering the cruelty of their tormentors by their sufferings 18 The ashes of Ierom were cast into the river of Rhine so that he might say with David Psalm 66.12 We went through fire and water what the Poets fain of â—he river Tayns carâ—ying golden sand in the streame thereof is herein mistically verified of Rhine now the chanell was enriched with the precious dust of this Saint that river long since hath perchance scattered their reliquâ—s to the German sea as that to the mayne Ocean though his memory fame is more dispersed abroad on the Continent All this separations of his dâ—â—t shall noâ— pose an omnipotent power but that at the last day he shall have a glorious resurrection Wicked men said of St. Paul Away with such a fellow from the Earth for it is not fit that he should live God saith of his soule of whom the world was not worthy Both agree in this though grounding their agreement on contray wayes that men of great piety are not to be long lived in this world 19 I had almost forgot a perpetuall speech of this Ierom I summon you all said he a hundred yeers hence to appeare before God and give an account of my innosent blood severall coments are made of this text his enemies derided his words as the fantasticall issue of an idle prayer onely wise and wary in taking the safe terme of a hundred yeers thâ—t none then present might have the advantage to confute him of falshood Others conceived the expression a generall commination using a certaine time for an uncertaine amounting to this efect that the longest lived of them all should one day be called to a sad reckoning for their cruelty But maâ—ny Protestants not content to have his words an arrow shot at rovers but ayming at and hitting a marke interpret them of Martin Luther who in oriticall computation at the end of that Century as herein to Ieromes opinions Executer of his will herein gave that deadly wound to that man of sin which hath brought him to an incurable consumption attended with an hectique Fever the infallible forerunner of the speedy approching of his finall destruction This brave Bohemian worthy may indeed His brother Huss
bread thou shalt remaine Wine thou art and wine thou shalt remaine He further addeth that the Priests celeberated the Masses so hastily and perfunctorily that he left of saying Masse before he betook himselfe to the Gospell And cryed out A way with it a way with it In talke with his familiar friends he would often rejoyce at this his journey to Rome and say that he would not for 1000. florens have been without it After his returne from Rome Staupicious so advising he was made Doctor in Divinity after the manner of the Schools and at the charge of Duke Fredrick Elector of Saxony For the Prince heard him Preach and admired the soundnesse of his invention the strength of his arguments and the excellence of the things which he dilivered Now was Luther thirty years old and had attained a maturity of Judgement Luther himselfe used to professe that he would have refused this honour and that Sâ—aupicius would have him permit himselfe to be gracâ—d with this degree saying pleasently That there were many businesses in Gods Church wherein he would use Luthers helpe Thiâ— speech then spoken in a complementall way at length proved true by the event Thus many presageâ— goe before great changes Soon after he began as the place required to explaine the Epistle to the Romans and some Psalmes which he so cleared that after a long and darke night there seemed a new day to arise in the judgement of all pious and prudent men Here he shewed the difference of the Law and Gospell and refuted an errour then most frequent both in the Schools and Sermons namâ—ly that men bâ— their workes can deserve remission of their sinnes and that menare just before God by observing the discipline commanded as the Pharisees taught Luther therefore recal'd mens mindes to the son of God and as Iohn Baptist shewed them the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world And taught them that for Christâ— sake their sins are forgiven and that this benefit is received by faith He cleared also other points of Ecclesiasticall truth This beginning made him of great authority and that much the more because his demeanor was sutable to his doctrine so that his speech seemed to come from his heart not from his lippes onely For the saying is as true as old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A mans pious carriage makes his speech perswasive Hence it was that men easily assented to him when afterward he changed some of their rites As yet he attempted not to doe it but was a rigid observer of good order and addâ—d something more strict then usuall With the sweetnesse of this doctrine all godly minded men were inamoured and much it affected the learned that Châ—ist the Prophets and Apostles were brought out of darkenesse and prison and that the diffâ—rence of â—he Law and the Gospell of Gods Word and Phylosophy of which they read nothing in Thomâ—s Scotus and their fellowes now was manifested Now also Luther betook himselfe to the study of the Greek and Hebrew tongues that upon his knowledge oâ— the phraise and propriety of the Originall he might more exactly judge of Doctrines grounded thereupon Luther being thus busied into Misnia and Saxonie Iohn Tecelius a Domanican Fryer brought Indulgences to be sold. This Tecelius arrived as other matters so especially that he had so large a commission from the Pope that though a man should have defloured the blessed Virgin for money he could pardon the sin And further he did not onely give Pardonâ— for sins past but for sins to come Luthers godly zeale being inflamed with these proceedings set forth certaine propositions concerning Indulgences These he publickly affixed at the Church next to the Castle of Wittenberge on All-Saintâ— Eve Anno 1517. When Luther perceived that the Positions were very well liked of and entertained as sound and Orthodox which he at first propounded to be discussed by Disputation till the Church defined what was to be thought concerning Indulgences he wrote to Ierom Bishop of Brandenburg under whose Jurisdiction he was and submitted what he had written to the Bishops judgement and intreated him thaâ— he would dash out with his pen or consume with the fire what he thought unsound The Bishop answered Luther and declared that his desire was that the setting forth of his arguments about those matters should a little while be deferred and that he wished that the common talke about Indulgences had never been Luther answered I am content so â—o doe and had rather obey then worke Miracles if I could well do them In the year 1518â— Luther though most men disswaded him yet to shew his observance of authority went for the most part on foot to the Colledge of Hidleberg In the Colledge of the Augustinians now cal'd the Colledge of Sapience he disputed about Justification by Faith Upon Luthers reâ—urne he wrote an Epiâ—â—le to Iudocus a Divine and Phylosopher of Isenac once his Tutour Where he hath this speech All the Doctors of Wittenberge in the doctrine concerning grace and good workes are of my Iudgement yea the whole Vniversity except one licentiat Doctor Sebastian even the Prince himself and our Ordinary Bishop and many of the Chieftains and all the Ingenious Citizens with joynt consent affirme that before they neither knew nor heard of the Gospell nor of Christ. The Pope by Thomas Cajetan Cardinall cited Luther to Rome Luther having notice hereof mainly endeavoured that the cause might be handled in Germany under competent Judges and at length he prevailed by the mediation of Wittenberge University to the Pope and by Charles Multitius a German the Popes Chamberlain and the mediation of the Elector of Saxony to Cajetan then the Popes Legate that at Auspurg before the Legate himselfe Luther might plead his owne cause About the beginning of October Luther came on foot to Auspurg and upon assurance of his safety was admitted to the Cardinals presence Who admonished him first To become a sound member of the Church and to recant the errours which he had divulged secondly to promise that he would not againe teach his former doctrines thirdly that he would abstain from other Doctrines which would disturb the Peace of the Church Here also it was objected to him that he denyed the Merit of Christ to be a treasure of Indulgences and that he taught that Faith was necessary for all which should come to the Sacrament Luther intreated some time to deliberate thereon and returned the next day and in the presence of some witnesses and a Scribe and four of the Empeours Counsellors professed that he gave the Church of Rome all due observance and if he had spoken any thing dissenting from the judgement of the Church he would reverse it but could revoke no errour being not yet convicted by Scripture of any and did appeale to the judgement of the Church But Luther not convinced as yet by Scripture persisted in the truth Yet at length fearing least the Cardinall should
make more use of his power and greatnesse then Scholarlike disputations he appealed to Rome and departed from Auspurg October 20. Because the Cardinal charged him not to com into his presence unlesse he would recant Yet Luther left behind him an Epistle to the Cardinall and affixed thereunto a formall appeale unto the Pope Cajetan tooke Luthers departure in ill part and wrote to the Duke of Saxony that he would either send Luther to Rome or banish him out of his territories and intreated him not to give credit to Luthers defâ—ndersâ— and to take heed of staining the illâ—strioâ—â—s Family whence he was discended The Elector returned answer That now it was not in his power to doe this because Luther was not convicted of any errour and did much good service in the Vniversity and did offer his cause to triall and disputation The resolution of the Duke was more confirmed by an Epistle of Eraâ—mus and the intercession and vote of the Vniversity of Wittenberg Here I may not passe over a notable proofâ— of Lutherâ— Heroike courage When Luther came to Auspurg he by the counsel of such as the Prince Elector sent with him waited three dayes for to have the Emperours Letters for his safety In the meane time the Cardinall sent one for Luther but he denyed to come untill the Emperour granted what he desired At this the messenger was offended and said Do you think that Prince Frederick wil take up armes in your behalfe I desire it not said Luther in any wise Then the Partyâ— Where then will you abide Luther answered Vnder the cope of Heaven The Italian replyed Had you the Pope and the Cardinals in your power what would you doe I would said Luther give them all due honor and reverence At this the Messenger after the Italian manner biting his thumbs went away Upon these dealingâ— Luthers spirit fainted not yet least he should cause detriment or danger to any one or derive suspition on his Prince and that he might more freely deale with the Papall cure would have gone into France or some other Country But his friends on the contrary counselled him to sticke firmely to Saxony and that the Popes Legate should be certiâ—ied that was ready in any safe place appointed him to make his answer But Luther having seâ—led his resolution to depart took his leave of the Prince Elector and by a letter sent to him November 29. thanked his Highnesse for all friendly offices of his love The Prince sent that letter to the Legate and appointed Luther to abide at Wittenberg Of this Luther thus wrote The Prince was fully minded that I should stay but what his minde now is since the Royall proceedings are published and I have appealed to the Councell I know not For he understanding by the Cardinalâ— Letter that Judgement should passe on him at Rome he made a new Appeale saying that he was forced of necessity to appeal from the Pope to the Councell ensuing which was in many respects to be prefeâ—red before the Pope About the same time towards the end of the 18. yeare the Pope sent Charles Multitius a Misnian Knight and bestowed on Prince Frederick a golden Rose according to custome consecrated by the Pope on the fourth Sundâ—y in Lenâ— and exhorted him to continuâ— in the faith of his ancestours He was earnest with Luther to be reconciled to the Pope and had seventy Briefes Apostolicall as they call them to shew that if the Prince would deliver him out of his custody for which cause the Pope sent him the Roâ—e in seventy Townes the seventy Briefes should be set up and so he should be brought safe to Rome He further required of Luther that he would have a regard to the Churches peacâ— and promised to endeavous that the Pope should doe the like Luther freely promised most readily to doe what ever â—e could with a safâ— conscience in regard of Gods Truth and affirmed that himselfe was dâ—sâ—rous and studious of peace and thaâ— iâ— was noâ— his fault that these stirres arose for nâ—cessity had urged him to doe what he had done Frederick the Electoâ— a prudent and Religioâ—â— Prince neither yeelded to the Popes desire nor vouchsafed his â—ose any respect though Multitius wornderfully boasted of it at Dresa and said Doctor Mâ—rtin is in my power About this time the Bohemians sending a book writen by Iohn Huâ— to Luther encouraged him to constancy and patienceâ— and confessed that the Divinity taught by Luther was sound and right Matters bâ—ing growne to this height of dispute and Luther having many adversaries at Leipsick a towne in Misniâ— belongâ—ng to George Duke of Saxony Cosen-german to Prince Frederick in the 19. year a Disputation was held Thither câ—me Andreâ—â— Carolostadius accompanied with Luther Melancthon and Barninus Duke of Pomerania He at that time was in office in the University of Wittenberg Thither came also Iohn Eckius a Diâ—ine of Ingolstad Hereupon Iâ—ne the 17. Iohn Eckius and Carolastodius began the Disputation about Free-will Namely whether there be in man any free will to doe good as of himselfe that is as they say whether in congruity we deserve grace when we doe what is in us to doe Eckius granted that there is not in man a genuine and naturall power and ability to doe a good worke but an acquired On this poynt eight dayes were spent by his playing the Sophester Lutâ—er could by no meanes obtaine leave of Duke George freely with his safety to dispute and thereupon came not as a Disputer but as an Auditor to Leipsick under the protection granted to Carolâ—stadius In the year 1520. upon Multitius advise Luther wrote to the Pope and sent him his booke lately written concerning Christian liberty and offered conditions of peace About this time Frederick the Elector fell into a grievous â—icknesse Whereupon Luther moved by some of his friends and out of Christian charity wrote the book called Tesseradecas to comfort him Then also he wrote the book Of Confession of sins in which he took occasion to speak of Vowes and deplored their torturing of mens conscâ—ences Charles the Emperour requested to hear Erasmus judgement concerning Luther and wondred that so great extream hatred should be raised by some Monks and the Pope against Luther whose life and carriage he conceived to be commendablâ— and his doctrine not impious Erasmus answered in a pleasant manner That his Highnesse needed not wonder at that for Luther had in his disputations dealt against the Monks bellies and the Popes crowne It is reported that these advocates of the Pope did promise Erasmus a Bishoprick of rich revenew if he would write against Luther But he answered That Luther was a man too great for him to write against and that he learnâ—d more from one short page of Luthers writings then from all Thomas Aquinas bookes It is also said that Margaret the Emperors Aunt who ruled all Belgium when the Magistri nâ—stri of Lovan complained that Luther
fidem nostram pane vino Domini per memoriam carnis sanguinis illius pascendam Anno 1525. being called into his owne Country he Preached and administred the Lord's Supper to his owne Citizens and Baptized without the Popish Ceremonies he was present and disputed at Berne against the Popish Masse c. He was with others chosen by the Protestants to goe the to Diet at Ratisbone for the setling of Religion and returning home in a great and generall infection he died to the Plague An. Christi 1541 of his Age 63. Industrious Capito at first inclind Himselfe to cure the body next the minde Being endow'd with most excellent parts He did as t' were monopolize the Artâ— He lov'd Religion and was alwayes free T' extoll the worth of practis'd piety He honor'd peace his heart was fil'd with hope That he might live to contradict the Pope And so he did he labour'd to prevent The Ceremonâ—es of their Sacrament And to conclude he labour'd to confute Their babling Masse He 's blest without dispute The Life and Death of LEO JUDAE who died Anno Christi 1542. LEo Iudae was born Anno Christi 1482. brought up at Schoole and from thence sent to Basil where he joyned in study with Zuinglius was an hearer of Doctor Wittenbash by whom he was instructed in the knowledge of the Gospel â—here also he was made a Deacon and from thence he was called into Helvetia where he â—et himselfe to the study of the Orientall Tongues and to read the Fathers especially Hierom and Augustine as also he read diligently the books of Luther Eraâ—mus and Capito at length being called to a Pastorall charge at Tigure he opposed the Popish doctrine and Ceremonies both in the Pulpit and Presse thâ—re he continued eighteen yeeres and spent much of it in expounding the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein being growne very skilfull he set upon at the importunity of his breathren of the Ministry the translation of the Old Testament out of the Hebrew wherein also he was much holpen by the industry of other learned men but this worke proving very great he was so wasted with labor and old age that he died before he finished it Anno Christi 1542. and of his Age 60. leaving undone Iob the forty last Psalmes Proverbs Ecâ—lesiastes Canticles and the eight last Chapters of Ezekiel which he commended to Theodore Bibliander to finish who accordingly did it and he left all to Conradus Pellican to peruse and put to the Presse which he carefully performed Four dayes before his death sending for the Pastors and Professors of Tigure he made before them a Confession of his Faith concerning GOD the Scriptures the Person and Office of CHRIST concluding Huic Iesu Christo Domino liberatori meo c. To this my Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ my hope and my salvation I wholly offer up my soule and body I cast my selfe wholly upon his mercy and grace c. Heaven was the object where he fixt his eyes Truth was his Marke Religion was his Prise His studious heart was active to contrive How to keepe other pining Souls alive With heavenly Food he never lov'd to feed In secret Corners and let others need He never usâ—d to sweepe away the Crums From his poore Flock and feed their souls with Hums Like our new-babling Pastors which infuse Illiterate Words patch'd up with flattring News He would not blind them with the intising charms Of Falseties or bid them take up Armes Except for heaven within whose Tent he sings Anthems of Pleasure to the King of Kings The Life and Death of MYCONIUS who died Anno Christi 1546. Fâ—â—idericus Myconius was borne in Franconia of religious parents and bred up at Schoole till he was thirteen yeeres old and then he was sent to Annaeberg where he studied till he was twenty and then entred into a Monastery there without the knowledge of his parents the first night after his entrie he had a dream which proved propheticall In that place he read the Schoole-men and Augustine's Workes He read also at meal-time the Bible with Lyra's notes on it which he did seven yeeres together with so much exactnesse that he had it almost by heart but dispairing of attaining to learning he left his studieâ— and fell to Mechanicall Arts About which time Tecâ—liuâ— brought his Indulgences into Germany boasting of thâ— virtue of them and exhorting all as they loved their owne and their dead friends salvation that they should buy them c. Myconius had been taught by his fâ—ther the Lord's Prayer the Creed the Decalogue and to pray often and that the blood of Christ onely could cleanse uâ— from sin and that pardon of sin eternall life could not be bought with money c. Which caused him to be much tâ—oubled whether he should beleive his father or the Priests but understanding that there was a clause in the Indulgences that they should be given freely to the poore he went to Tecelius entreated him to give him one for he waâ— a poor sinner and one that needed a free remissions of sins and a participation of the merits of Christ Tecelius admired that he could speake Latine so well which few Priests could doâ— in those dayes aud therefore he advised with hiâ— Colleagues who perswaded him to give Myconius one but after much debate he returned him answer That the Pope wanted money without which he could not part with an Indulgence Myconius urged the aforenamed clause in the Indulgences whereupon Tecelius his Colleagues pressed againe that he might have one given him pleading his learning and ingenuity poverty c. And that it would be a dishonor both to God and the Pope to denie him one but still Tecelius refused whereupon some of them wispred Myconius in the eare to give a little money which he refused to doe and they fearing the event one of them profered to give him some to buy one with which he still refused saying That if he pleased he could sell a book to buy one but he desired one for Gods sake which if they denyed him he wished them to consider how they could answer it to God c. but prevailing nothing he went away rejoycing that there was yet a God in heaven to pardon sinners freely c. according to that promise As I live saith the Lord I desire not the death of a sinner c. Not long after he entred into Orders and read privately Luther's books which the other Friars tooke very haynously and threatned him for it From thence he was called to be a Preacher at Vinaria where at first he mixed some Popish errors with the truth but by the illumination of Gods Spirit and by his reading Luther he at last began to preach against Popery and to hold forth the truth clearly which spread so swiftly not onely through Saxonie but through all countries as if the Angels had been carryers of it Afterwards he was called
to Gotha to teach and govern the Thuringian Churches where he lived with his Collegues twenty yeeres in much peace and concord of which himselfe saith Cucurrimus certavimus laboravimus pugnavimus vicimus viximus semper convinctissime c. In the tumult of the Boores he tooke much pains to pacifie their mindes and to keepe them quiet Yea he so quieted with an Oration some that were pulling downe some Noble mens houses that they went away in peace that yeere also he married a wife by whom through Gods blessing he had a numerous posterity He accompanied the Elector of Saxonie in many of his journyes into the Low-Countries and other places where he preached the Gospel sincerely though sometimes to the hazard of his life About this time Henry the eighth King of England fell out with the Pope for not divorcing of him from his wife Katharine of Spain sister to Charles the fifth by reason of whose greatnesse the Pope durst not doe it whereupon the King of England sent over to the Germane Princes especially to the Duke of Saxonie to confederate against the Pope and to joyn with them in an agreement about Religion upon which occasion Myconius was sent over into England partly about matters of Religion but especially about a match between Henry the eighth and Anne of Cleve but coming thither he discovered the Kings hypocrisie about Religion not onely by the six Articles about that time established but also by his imprisoning of Latimer and cutting off the Lord Cromwell'â— head and burning of Master Barnes c. and by his seizing upon all the Abby-lands whereupon he left England and being come home he was called by Henry of Saxonie to visit and reforme the Churches of Misnia together with Luther Ionas Cruciger c. Which fell out upon this occasion George Duke of Saxonie lying on his death-bed sent to his brother Henry all his owne sons being dead before desiring him that succeeding him he should innovate nothing in Religion and withall promised him golden mountains by his Ambassadors if he would assent thereto to whom Henry answered This Embassie of yours is just like the Divels dealing with Christ when he promised him all the world if he would fall downe and worship him but for my owne part I am resolved not to depart from the Truth which God hath revealed unto me but before the returne of the Ambassadour Duke George was dead whereupon this Henry nothwithstanding all the oppositions of the Papists made this Reformation in the Churches which worke being finished Myconius visited all the Churches in Thuringia and with the help of Melancthon and some otheâ— he provided them Pastors and Schoolmasters and procured stipends to be setled upon them for their maintenance Anno Christi 1541. he fell into a Consumption whereof he wrote to Luther That he was sicke not to death but to life which interpretation of the text pleased Luther excellently well unto whom he wrote back I pray Christ our Lord our salvation our health c. that I may live to see thee and some others of our Colleagues to die and goe to heaven and to leave me here amongst the Divels alone I pray God that I may first lay down thiâ— drie exhausted and unprofitable tabernacle farewell and God forbid that I should heare of thy death whiâ—st I live Sed te superstitem faciat mihi Deus hâ—c peto volo fiat voluntas mea Amen quia haec voluntas gloriam nominis Dei crete non meam voluptatem nec copiam quaerit A while after Myconius recovered according to this prayer though his disease seemed to be desperate out-lived it six yeers even till after Luthers death whereupon Iustus Ionas speaking of Luther saith of him Iste vir potuit quod voluit That man could have of God what he pleased A little before Myconius his death he wrote an excellent Epistle to Ioan. Fredericke Elector of Saxonie wherein he praiseth God for raising up three successively in that Family viz. Fredericke Iohn and Iohn Fredericke to undertake the patronage of Luâ—her c. He was a man of singular piety of solid learning of a dextrous judgement of a burning zeal and of an admirable candor and gravity He died of a relapse into his former disease Anno Christi 1546. and of his Age 55. Myconius was a man that lov'd to pry Into the bosome of Divinity His heart was alwayes flexively inclind To what was good he had a golden minde That would not bend to drosse but still aspire To heaven and faith gave wings to his desire He was belov'd of all that lov'd Gods name The trumpet of his voyce would still proclaime The word of God to those that would indure To have their wounds be brought unto a cure By whose examples we may learne to thrive In grace His present worth is still alive The life and Death of John Diazius Who dyed Anno Christi 1546. IOhn Diazius was borne in Spaine brought up at Schoole afterwards he went to Paris to study the Arts where he continued thirteen yeers but it pleased God that whilest he read over the holy Scriptures and some of Luthers bookes and other Protestant Divines he began to see and abominate the errours of Popery and therefore to further himselfe in the knowledge and study of the Truth he went to Geneva where he spake with Calvin and was very dear unto him From thence he went to Argentine where Martin Bucer observed his learning piety and diligence in his studie obtained of the Senate that he should be joyned with him to goe to the Disputation at Ratisbâ—ne and when he came thither he went to Peter Malvinda a Spaniard the Popes Agent in Germanie who when he knew that he camâ— in the company with Bucer and the other Protestant Divines he was much aâ—tonished and admired how he was so much changed from that which he knew him to be at Paris and withall he fretted exceedingly that they had gotten a Spaniard amongst them presuming that they would triumph more in him then in many Germans whereupon he left no meanes untried to draw him backe againe to the Church of Rome sometimes making large proffers and promises to him other-sometimes threatning severe punishments and mixing both with earnest entreaties but when by no meanes he could prevaile to divert him from the Truth he sent for his brother Alphonsus Diazius one of the Popes Lawyers from Rome who hearing that his Brother was turned Protestant came speedily into Germanie bringing a notorious cut-throat with him resolving either to divert or destroy him when he came to Ratisbone Diazius was departed to Neoberg about the Printing of Bucers Booke which Alphonsus hearing of followed him thither where after long debating of matters of Religion between the two Brothers Alphonsus seeing the heart of his Brother Iohn to be so constantly planted â—n thâ— sure rocke of Gods Truth that neither Preferments could allure him nor threats terrifie him
Bucer wee Ascribe the second we bequeath to thee Whose knowledge in the holy dialect A fame eternall will to thee erect In that thou first didst bid the world godnight Thou seem'st inferior to that burning light But being first with heavens glory cround Thou dost appeare a Saint more worthy found In other things both fitly did agree Both faithfull preachers of his veritie Both painfull Sowers of the heavenly graine Both blest with good successe it sprung againe Wherefore God blest you both with honor high And cloath'd you both with immortality O happy soules though heaven keepe you there Your fame shall ever be intombed here Your worthy praises all the earth shall know Divulged by our Muses here below He was of a tall stature somewhat blacke-visaged his countenance appeared outwardly severe extorting reverence but he was inwardly of an affable and courteous disposition loving meeke and lowly he was an excellent Orator a great Student as appeares by his Workes here inserted 1 A worke called Thysby 2 Apothegmes of the Fathers 3 Morall Sentences ef Ben Syra alphabetically digested 4 The translation of Tobias the Hebrew 5 Hebrew Prayers 6 A literall exposition of the Hebrew sayings on the foure first chapters of Genesis with a Chalde Paraphrase 7 Of the truth of Faith 8 Commentaries on certaine Psalmes by Kirachi 9 An Hebrew Preface to Elias Levila his Chalde Lexicon 10 Thargum 11 An Introduction to the Hebrew tongue Reader behold here stands before thine eye The perfect â—mbleme of true gravity Turne from his face then read and thou shalt finde The rare endeavours of a serious minde He was a man whose ever-active heart Was alwayes digging in the Mines of Art And like a Bée he labour'd every houre To sucke some Hony from each spreading Flowre T was not the face of poverty could fright His soule from goodnesse Heaven was his delight And earth his scorne he study'd how to give A life to Language and make Uertue live It is not unfit that he whose Workes affords So many Languages should want for words MARTINVS BVCERVS The Life and Death of MARTIN BUCER IN the yeer of our Lord 1491. Martinus Bucerus was born at Selestadt a towne in Germanie famous for many learned Schollars which it hath afforded unto the World in these latter times amongst which this Bucer deserveth not the meanest approbation if we shall but consider those excellent vertues wherewith he was endewed or his learned and laborious acts for the propagation of the truth of Christ. In his youth he was trained up in the knowledge of the liberall Arts and Sciences in his owne Countrey wherein he profited beyond expectation to the great credit of his Maâ—â—er and to the unspeakable comfort of his friends About the yeer of our Lord 1506. and about the fifteenth yeer of his age through the advice and perswasion of his friends he adjoyned himselfe unto the order of the Dominicans where he manifested and gave them so singular a glympse of his industry and towardnesse that the most judicious and best eye-sighted Fryers conceived him to be set apart for the performance of more â—hen ordinary Acts. Being now a Dâ—minican he greatly desired to take a view oâ— Heidelberge which was granted unto him by the Pryor here he earnestly gave himselfe to the study of Rhetoricke and Phylosophie and not to these Arts onely but also to Divinity but when he found by experience that the knowledge of the Tongues was so necessary unto the study therof that without them it could not by any meanes possible be attained to any perfection he forthwith bent all his forces for the gaining of the knowledge of the Greeke and Hebrew tongues About that time came forth the Workes of Erasmus Roterodamus in the reading whereof Bucer greatly delighted and was by them first instructed God opening his eyes in the grounds of Evangelicall truth and happening also on some of Luthers Workes newly published and comparing the Doctrine therein delivered and taught with the holy Scripturâ—s he fell into a suspâ—tion of the truth of the doctrine of the Church of Rome Bucer having now attained unto some perfection of learning and notice being taken of those excellent qualities wherewith he was adorned upon the commendation and approbation of Franciscus Sickingen he was entertained by Fredericke Prince Elector Palatine to be his Chaplaine and forsaking that profession which he had formerly taken he professed himselfe to be a Protestant and Preached the word both privatly and publickly as occasions were offered and given unto him being much strengthened and animated thereunto by hearinâ— the disputation of Luther at Heidelberge concerning Free-will whereby he became better satisfied in the point of justification And thiâ— waâ— the first acquaintance which he had with that burning light of the Church by whom it pleased God to worke an alteration in his heart and an earnest intent to beat downe the sinnes of the times to dispell the foggie mists of darkenesse and ignorance that the glorious light of Christs Gospel might the better appear For the Prince Elector having urgent occasions to goe into Belgiuno and taking him with him as his associate he sharpely reproved in his Sermons and Exercises the supersticious impieties of those places wherein he proceeded with that eagernesse of spirit that the Monkes and Fryers there living were much offended at his Doctrine as a thing prejudiciall to their lazie manner of life Wherefore to prevent his proceeding they intended secretly to take away his life an old practise of that hellish brood but the providence of God would not suffer this light to be thus extinguished for he having notice of the snares which were laid for him secretly fled away and went unto Franciscus Sickingem of whom he was kindely and lovingly entertained promising him safety untill that the times were better quieted as touching Religion with whom he remained untill such such time as Luther was called unto Wormes unto whom he went and having spâ—nt many dayes in conference with him he departed from him not without he embracing of his Doctrine with an intent to make publicke profession of the same for the glory of God untill he had finished that time which was alotted unto him here in earth and resolving to take his journey for Wittemberge he was stayed by the intreaty of the faithfull Pasâ—ors of the Church at Wissenburge where he continued Preaching for the space of halfe a yeere not without the great benefit of the Church untill that he with Henricus Mothererus were with great sorrow compelled to depart that place through the means of the Vicar of Spire which at that time was a great enemy and an opposer of the truth of Christ. Now although the Word of God had no good successe in this place yet it pleased God that it florished in Strasburge by the pains of Matthias Lellius and Casper Hedio faithfull labourers in the Lords Vineyard hither came Bucer in the yeere of our Lord 1523. and
Sweet was his life and death his well spent dayes Began in goodnesse and expir'd with praise The Life and Death of CASPER HEDIO who died Anno Christi 1552. CAsper Hedio was born at Etling in the Marquisat of Baden of honest Parents and educated in learning at Friburge where also he Commensed Master of Arts and from thence went to Basil where he studied Divinity and Commensed Doctor whence he was called to Preach in the chiefe Church at Mentz but some not liking such plain Preaching and the Monkes raising a persecution against him he went thence to Argentine Anno Christi 1523. where he was a great assistent to Capito and Bucer in reforming of Religion by the command of the Senate there also he married a wife Anno Christi 1533. and though the Papists raised a great persecution in that City yet he Preached â—oldly against Masses Indulgences Auricular Confession c. and wrote against them also Anno Christi 1543. when Herman Archbishop of Collen began a Reformation he sent for Bucer and Hedio to assist him therein whence after he was driven by Caesar and his Spaniards escaping through many difficulties and danger he returned to Argentine what time he could spare from his Ministeriall employment he spent in writing Commentaries and Histories Anno Chrisâ—i 1552. he sickened and died T' was not the rage of Papist could remove The heart of Hedio from the reall love Of true Divinity he still enclin'd Himselfe to Preach with a resolved mind Let his example teach us to repose Our trust in God in spight of threating Foes The Life and Death of GEORGE PRINCE of Aâ—halt whâ— died Anno Christi 1553. GEorg Prince of Anhalt was born An. Chr. 1507. his Father was Prince Ernest who was carefull to bring him up in the fear of God and for that end he placed him with George Forcheme who was eminent for training up of youth under whom he profited exceedingly both in humane literature and in principâ—ls of Divinity then he was set to the study of the Law wherein he profited very much also having attained to the age of twenty two yeeres he was chosen by Albert Elector of Menâ—z to be one of his Councell wherein he carried himselfe with high commendations in managing the greatest State-affairs But the Controversies about Religions waxing hot at this time and Luthers books coming abroad he fell to reading of them and suspecting his owne injudiciousnesse he would often pray with tears to God to encline his heart to the Truth saying Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy and instruct mee in thy righteousnesse He was frequent in reading the Scriptures Ecclesiasticall Histories Augustine Hierom and Lombard he studied also Greek and Hebrew and discoursed with learned men about the Controversies and after all upon mature deliberation he embraced the Reformed Riligion and reformed the Churches with the counsell of his brethren within his owne jurisdiction Anno Christi 1545. he was called to the Government of the Churches within the Diocesse of Mersburge where he was carefull to have the Truth Preached to the people he lived with much continencie in a single life he took much pains both in writing and Preaching he was very charitable a great promoter of Peace amongst Princes very free from ambition hatred and revenge he used often to say Subdiâ—us esto Deo ora eum c. Submit thy selfe to God and pray unto him for he is near to those that are of a contrite heart and will save the humble in spirit He employed his time so well that he left none for pleasures and used to say That nothing refreshed him more in his sorrowes then conference with learned and godly men Falling sick of a most troublesome disease he was frequent in holy prayer for himselfe for all the Princes of that family for his country and for Germany he had some portions of holy Scriptures daily read to him he made his Will wherein he set downe the Confession of his Faith and commended the defense of his Churches to his brother he added something to the stipends of all the godly Ministers under his charge He often ruminated upon those texts God so loved the world that he gave c. No man shall take my sheep out of my hand Come unto mee all yee that are wearie c. and so in holy meditations and prayer hee resigned up his Spirit unto God Anno Christi 1543. and of his Age 47. A Prince by birth and of a Princely minde Full frought with vertues of each severall kinde Is here presented ornaments of grace Such as doe challenge not the second place But first by merit here you may behold One whose rare vertues no Pen can unfold In pious duties he did strive to be Transcendant who was by nature frée For to the Poore he reliefe did give During the time that he on earth did live Read but his life and then at large you le sée Monopoliz'd in him most vertues be The life and Death of Justus Jonas who dyed Anno Christi 1555. IVstus Ionas was born at Northusa Anno Christi 1493. where his Father was a Senator who falling sick of the Plague and having applyed an Onion to the Soare and taking it off and laid it by him this little Ionas coming tooke the Onion and eat it up yet without any prejudice to himself God miraculously preserving of him He was first brought up at Schoole afterwards he studied Law and made a good progresse therein But upon better thoughâ—s he studied Divinity and proceeded Doctor and embraced the Reformed Religion and was called Anno Christi 1521. to a Pastorall charge in Wittenberg he was present at most of the Disputations about Religion where he defended the truth strenuously and endevoured to promote peace he was also made a Professor in that Universitie He with Spalatine and Amsdorfius was imployed by the Elector of Saxonie to Reforme the Churches in Misnia and Thuringia From thence he was called unto Hale in Saxonie where he Preached and promoted Religion exceedingly Luther somtimes resorted thither to him and tooke him along with him in his last journey to Isleben where he dyed after whose death he remained a while in the Duke of Saxonies Court and was a constant companion of Iohn Frederickes sons in all their afflictions and lastly he was set over the Church in Eisfield where he ended his dayes in much peace and comfort Anno Christi 1555. and of his Age 63. Being once under temptations and in great agonie he shewed much despondencie but his servant partly by comforting of him and partly by chiding of him cheared him up and at last through Gods mercy the Spirit prevailed against the Flesh. Justius by name no poyson sure could kill God so protected him from what was ill The venome of the Plague did séeme to be No poyson unto him for he scap'd frée Although the Duyon he by chance did eat That poyson'd was by the Plagues
Stephen Gardiner Lord Chancellor of England who railed upon him asked him if he knew him not c. to whom he answered Yea I know you and all your greatnesse yet you are but a mortall man and if I should be affraid of your Lordly looks why feare you not God the Lord of us all c. But after other discourse he sent him to the Kings Bench commanding his Keeper to keep him strictly In Prison he spent his time in prayer reading the Scriptures Preaching to the prisoners and to others that resorted to him he was diverse times examined of his Faith and witnessed a good Confession before his adversaries for which at last he was condemned to dye when his sentence was read he told them that God the righteous Judge would require his blood at their hands and that the proudest of them all should repent their receiving againe of Antichrist and their tyranny against the flocke of Christ. He was sent down to Hadley to be burn'd and all the way as he went he was very merrie as one that went to a banquet or Bridall In his journey the Sheriff of Essex perswaded him much to return to the Popish Religion c. to whom at last he answered I well perceive now that I have been deceived my sâ—lfe and shall deceive many in Hadley of their expectation when the Sheriff desired him to explain his meaning hoping that he would recant he said I am a man of a very great carkasse which I had hoped should have been buried in Hadley Churchyard but I see I am deceived there are a great number of worms there which should have had jollie feeding upon this carryon but now both I and they shall be deceived of our expectation when he came within two miles of Hadley he desired to alight and being downe he leap't and fet a frisk or two saying God be praised I am now almost at home and have not past a mile or two and I am even at my fathers house at Hadley towns-end a poore man with five children met him crying O dear father and good shepheard God help and succour thee as thou hast many a time succouâ—'d me and my poore children The streets were full of people weeping and bewailing their losse to whom he said I have preached to you Gods Word and Truth and am come to seal it with my blood He gave all his money to the poore for whom he was wont thus to provide formerly once a fortnight at least he used to call upon Sir Henry Doil and other rich Clothiers to goe with him to the Alms houses to see what the poore lacked in meat dâ—ink apparell bedding and other necessaries withall â—xhorting comforting and rebuking as he saw occasion Comming to the plâ—ce of execution he was not suffered to speak to the people who much lamented his death yet he was very chearfull saying Thanks be to God I am even at home and when he had prayed and made himselfe ready he went to the stake and kissed it the fire being kindled he held up his hands called upon God saying Mercifull father of heaven for Iesus Christ my Saviours sake receive my soul into thy hands and so stood still without moving till one with an halberd strook out his brains Among the many Champions of the Lord Who with their blood to Truth did beare record And feared not in furious flames to fry That they Christs Gospels light might magnifie Was pious precious Doctor Tailor stout Who did the fight of Faith to th' death fight out A very learned painfull Pastor grave Who to his Flock full testimony gave Of his great wisdomeâ— charity and love And all Soul saving graces from above Who for opposing Romes impiety Being apprehended and condemnâ—d to dye He kist his Stake being bound to it in chaines Burning a Popish wretch beat out his braines And thus this blessed Martyr chéerfully Went to his heavenly home triumphantly IOHN BRADEFORD The Life and Death of John Bradford NExt to this last mad Septenary of unchristian liberty and unparalled distractions the Devill never seem'd to injoy more chaine in this Kiâ—gdome then in the time of Queene Mary wherein laying hold on the weaknesse and superâ—ticion of a silly woman bred up in Popery and by reason of the bar interpos'd betwixt her and the Crowne by her Royall Brother Edward the sixt wholly subjected to the violent and bloody counsels of that faction which finally prevailed in her restitution and establishment he kindled more Bonefires in the space of three or four yeerâ—s in England then the world had at any time beheld in so few yeeres and in one Kingdome since the last of the first â—en Persecutions I dare not upon Master Foxes bare report who was somtimes and perhaps of purpose by the adversaries themselves miserably abus'd in hiâ— informations acknowledge all for Martyrs whom I finde in his Catalogue But what will Stapleton or any other Papist get by that The Church of Englaâ—d as it was of late reformed the Reformation by Law established hath produced added as many genuine knowing valiant Champions to that Noble Army as wiâ—hin these thousand yeers any Church in Christendome which is glory enough without hooking in either Heretique or Schismatique or any other who suffered for nothing lesse then well doing And from a chiefe place amongst those holy men and witnesseâ— to the truth of the Gospell of Iesus Christ all Stapletons exceptions bitter rayling and intemperat scoffes can not ought not exclude this blessed Saint and servant of God Iohn Bradford as shall evidently appeare to as many as wiâ—hout prejudice shall peruse and pondor his insuing History which God willing we will drive throuh the whole Course of his life from his Birth to his Martyrdome But to take our rise from his Birth He was borne in Manchester the quality of his Parentâ— though their meanes be not recorded may be easily gathered by his Education which was the best that either that place or those times could â—fford for he arrived very early at the knowledge of the Latin Tongue and for Ariâ—hmaticke he had few equals in those parts both which bâ—ing adorn'd and helped forward by a faire and speedy hand he became fit for imployment abroad before any great notice was taken of him at home which moved Sir Iohn Harrington a noble Knight and in good esteem both with King Henry the eight and his Son Edward the sixt to assume him into the number of his fellowes and imploy him in his most private and and urgent affaires both at home and abroad For at Bulloigne he was Treasurer at warres and here he had the charge and oversight of all his Majesties buildings In both imployments he found the service of young Bradford who besides his honesty and diligence had a notable dexterity in casting up and Auditing accoumpts of such importance that where ever he imploy'd him he committed all to his trust and own'd whatsoever he did
he was turned over for further institution to Marcellus Virgilius then Town-cleark or Secretary of State to that City a man of much learning as may appeare by his edition and translation of Dioscorides with his Commentaries thereupon He was willing to take paines notwithstanding his imployments in the State otherwise with many young Gentlemens sons whereof diverse also proved famous for their learning and learned writings and this our Martyr among the rest who albeit he surmounted the most of his fellow-students in sharpnesse and readinesse of wit to apprehend and strength of memory to retaine what was taught joyned with an insatiable ardor and unweariable endeavorour of continuall either hearing or reading and a measure of proficiency much more then ordinary proceeding necessarily from the the same yet such was his modesty and amiable demeanour that he drew to him the affections of all his consorts and there grew no emulation betweene him and them Being now grown up to riper yeeres and affecting such courseâ— as might both further his studies and keep him within compasse he grew into liking of a Monkish life and because the Regular Canons of Saint Augustines order were at that time in greatest fame throughout all Italie for the study of Divinity and for severity of Discipline he betooke himselfe to their society and being sixteen yeeres old was admitted into the Fessulane Colledge neer to Florence which fact of his was not greatly pleasing to his father whether in regard of some dislike of the profession it selfe or because he desired by him the propagation of his family and disposing therefore at his decease his maine estate to an Hospitall he left his son onely out of it a small yeerly pension howbeit his â—ister his Parents onely daughter liking so well of it that she followed him therein and became a vailed Nun. In that Colledge wherein the younger sort were trained up for the most part in the Rules of Retoricke and the reading of Scripture which they used to get by heart having past over three yeeres with great goodâ—liking of the whole Society he was from thence sent over to the University of Padua and there entred into the Monastery of Saint Iohn of Verdera whereof albeit a man not unlearned himselfe and a lover of learning in others was Abbot There he gave himselfe to the study of Phylosophy freequenting the Lectures of diverse of prime note that then red the same in that University under whom also in disputations he frequently exercised himselfe so acquiting himselfe in the same that the Readers themselves tooke speciall notice of him in so much that Branda a chiefe man among them would oft call him out to dispute stiling him his Florentine as â—rinaeus sometimes Arminius his Hollander For his better furtherance in these his studies he spent sometime in getting skill of the Greek tongue that he might read Aristotle in his owne langvageâ— and in the study of that tongue he so profited aâ— one apt to take ought that he bent himselfe to that in a short time he was able to read any Greek Author Historianâ— Orator or Poet witâ—out help of a translation And withal he so followed the study 〈◊〉 Divinity hearing diligently and constantly those that read the same there adjoyning also his owne private â—ndvourâ— thereunto that being of six and twenty yeeres a thing among them then not usuall he was by the Fellows of the Colledg he lived in made a publike Preacher and partakeâ— of those priviledges that to such of their orders were aâ—â—nexed His first preaching was at â—rixia in the Church of 〈◊〉 after that he preached at Rome Venis Mantua Moâ—nâ—ferâ—â—â— â— and in others the Cities of Italy and the confines of Frâ—â—câ— â— besides that in the Colledg of his own society he read 〈◊〉 Philosophy and Divinity and Homer in Geek and hitherto haveing studied most Schoole-divinity Thomâ—s of Aquinâ— especially and Gregory of Rimino he now began in more speciall manner to addict himselfe to the study of the Scriptures and to this purpose laboured with much sedulity using the help of one Isaak a Iew that professed Physick to get the knowledge of the Hebrew tongue His constant paines in Preaching and teaching gained him that singular esteme that he was by generall conseâ—t chosen Abbot of Spoleto in which place he so wisely and worthily carried himselfe that it was much admired how a man so bookish and so much adicted to his studieâ— should attaine such abilities for dexterity of government For he not onely reduced the Colledg and two Nunneâ—iâ—â— belonging to it that had bin very loose and scandalous in their courses before to a more regular and orderly demeâ—nour but so also by his authority good perswasions and discreet ordering the matter prevailed with two poâ—â—â—t factions that had long desturbed the State there that â—â—composed their differences and wrought concord between them which they also continued in so long as he continued there with them Three yeere he aboad there and at three 〈…〉 a solemne assembly of the whole Order 〈◊〉 was made â—â—vernor of Saint Peters at the Altar in Naples a place of very pleasant situation greate dignity and rich and large revenew Here addicting himselfe more diligently and seriously to search into the Scriptures the light began daily to appeare more and more to him and to discover to him the errours and superstitious conceits that he had formerly bin possest with And now he fell to read some of our menâ— writings Bucers commentaries upon the Psalmes and the Evanglists Zuinglius his Treatise of true and false Religion and another of Gods Providence with some pieces of Erasmus whence having gained more insight into these things he communicated therein with some others likewise piously disposed to wit Benedyct Cusane Anthony Flaminy and Ioâ—n Valdesie a Spaniord by whose joynt endevour a pretty Chuch of pious people was now gathered at Naples Nor did this our Peter forbear publikely to Preach that truth that God had now reveiled unto him For handling the first to the Corinthians to which his Lectures among others divers Noble men whom that City never wanteth and some Bishops also resorted when he came to the third Chapter the 13. and 14. verses he affirmed that place not to be ment of Purgatory since that the fire there spoken of is such a fire as both good and bad all must passe This seeming to shake a maine piller of Purgatory the Popes furnace the fire whereof like the Prilosophers stone melteth all his leaden Bulls into pure gold his under Chymists some of them like Demetrius and his consorts bâ—gan to bestir themselves and so wrought that from above he was inhibited to proceed in his reading Which inhibiâ—ion he yet refused to obey appealing to the Pope by help of some Cardinals of better sort among whom our Poole was one some other learned men in grace with the Pope he gat the interdict revoked Howbeit he continued not long his readings
words in the audience of the congregation O thou wicked fâ—llow stay here a while and thou shalt hear me lay open thy wickednesse unto all this Congregation then ascending the Pulpit he repeated againe the same words of Saint Paul â— where he shewed unto them that by faith in that place wâ—â— meant a true and a saving faith in Jesus Christ and that those professors at Strasburge did rely on none but on this faith and therefore unjustly wronged by the Monks The Priests and Monkes hearing this they withdrew themselves out of the Chappell in comes the Pryor interrupts him and commands him to desiâ—t and to come down and withall asked him who gave him authority to Preach in that place He forthwith replyed Who gave thee authority to constitute a lying Monke here who doth unjustly and impudently reproach the Senate and people of Strasburge and know thou this that I am in duty bound to clear my Magistrates from unjust and false aspersionâ— The Pryor being repulsed with this answer was for a while quiet and he went forward in his Sermon But being not so contented sets on him againe and kindely intrâ—ats him that he would give over telling him that his proceeding would cause a seditious tumult He againe desireth him to be pacified and exhorteth the people to be quiet and so with a bould and couragious spirit he continued even unto the end of his Sermon The report of this comming to Strasburge it procured unto him great applauâ—e and a reverent esteeme amongst all good men Having spent a year in this Village he was called by the Ministers of Strasburge to take upon him the Office of a Deacon which Office hâ— was very unwilling to take upon him urging his own inability yet by thâ— perswasion of the Ministers he yeelded and performed it for the space of two years In which time this memorable act is recorded of him that being sent unto Dosna a Village neer Strasburge to Preach unto the Inhabitants who were obstinate Papists he wrought upon them so effectually at his first Sermon that of their owne accord they abrogated the Masse and cast the Priest with all his ornaments out of the Churchâ— after that he had taught here six weeks he was called again unto the City to performe the office of a Deacon during his residence in the City he became an Auditor unto the Lectures of Wolfangus Capito and Martin Bucer and also at vacant â—imes he gave himselfe to the study of the Hebrew tongue wherein he attained unto that perfection that with his own hand he writ an Hebrew Lexicon and understood the most obscured Commentaries of the Rabbins together with the Caldey Interpreters At the end of two years the Citizens of Auspâ—re sent unto Strasburge to desire Musculus a few years for their Churches they consented unto so pious a motion but Musculus was unwilling to goe pleading again his insufficiency neither had he gone notwithstanding the intreaty of the Ministers had not the Senate commanded him thereunto At his comming unto Auspurge he found the Church much troubled and afflicted not onely by reason of the evill attempts and indeavour of the Papists who never ceased to extinguish the light of the Gospell but also by reason of the Anabaptists who seduced and led away many whose bouldnesse also advanced it selfe unto that height that they would come publikly into the Protestant Churches and openly in their Pulpits they would divulge their errours whereby sedition and tumults were raised in the City for which many of the Anabaptisâ—s were committed by the Magistrate unto Prison Musculas deales first with the Anabaptists in their first conference they did obstinatly opposed him but afterwards considering his solid and weighty reasons and arguments which they could not withstand they acknowledged their errour and many of them made a publicke recantation forsooke their errors and became members of the Church Afterwards he had a sharpe conflict with the Papâ—sts whom also in the presence of the Senate and people of Auspurge he openly confuted with such powerfull arguments that the Senate expeled banished them al the City purged the Churches from all Idolatrous worship consecrated them onely unto the Evangelicall truth designing unto Musculus one of the principallest Churches in the City and having him in a reverent Estimation in this place besides his labours in the Ministery which were great he attained the knowledge of the Greeke tongue together with the Arabick He taught in this City eighteen yeeres to the great benefit of his Auditors in his Sermons he was vehement and powerfull wonderfully working upon the hearts of the people he was a sharp reprover of vice his method which he observed in teaching was exact and easie which drew the greater concourse of people unto him for their better instruction and information in the way of truth In the yeer 1536. there was a Sinod proclaimed at Isenacam a towne situate in the Dukdome of Saxonie for the reconciling of the Churches about the Sacrament whither Musculus was sent by the Senate of Ausburge but because Luther came not thither he with many other Divines went unto Wittenberge touching the conclusion viz. Bucer Melancthon In the yeer 1540. the Princes and Senates of the Empire were assembled at Wormes and Reinspurge to hear a disputation betwixt the Protestant Ministers and the Papists touching Religion where Musculus by the command of the Senate was present and delivered two Sermons before the Princes concerning the Popish Masse which for their excellency were afterwards Printed at Wittenberge The Assembly being desolved without any thing affected he returned againe to Auspurge where he continued in his Ministeriall function untill the yeer 1547. wherein Carolus the Emperor commanded an assembly of the Princeâ— and Senates of the Empire at Auspurge unto which both himselfe with his brother Ferdinand King of the Romans and also the Princes being accompanied with Cardinals and Bishops At the first entrence of the Emperour into the City Musculus was put void oâ— his Church it being given unto the Emperour yet he ceased not to performe his office and boldly to preach in other places of the City â—he Senate and people as yet constantly retaining the proâ—â—ssion of the Gospell He wanted not enemies at that time in the City who acquainted the Emperour the King the Cardinals and Bishops with his proceeding accusing him of sedition and heresie and the Senate perceiving the danger that he was in they commanded a Guard to accompany him unto the Church and home againe which his enemies perceiving and not daring to use any violence against his person in the streetâ— they wiâ—h one consent flockt unto his house using many reprochfull speeches laying on him many false aspersions and withal breaking his windowes with stones all which he suffered with an undaunted Spirit resolving to persevere in that truth which he taught even to the period of his dayâ— But it so fel out that in the yeer following
extraordiry patience in his life so he also testified the same during his sicknesse for he 〈◊〉 that afflâ—â—â—ion with admired patience still calling upon and praying unto almighty God relying onely upon him as appeared by that Speech of his unto his Son who standing by his Bed-side weeping he turned to him and told him that he need not doubt of his Fathers Faith which indeed were the last words which he uttered and not long after he yeelded up his soule with all quietnesse into the hands of God in the year of Christ 1563. and in the sixty six year of his age and was buried at Berne He was a man learned and grave affable and courteous sparing in hiâ— dyet he was something tall in stature having a body straight a face red eyes clear and quick-sighted in generall there was a proportionable agreement betwixt all his parts His Works are these 1. Commentaries on Genesis 2. Psalmes 3. Matthew 4. Iohn 5. Romans 6. Corinthians 7. Philippians 8. Colossians 9. Thessalonians 10. 1 Timothy 11. His common places 12. Vpon the Commandements 13. Of Oathes 14. Of the Germane Wars Translations of Greek Authors 1. Commentaries of Chrysostome on Sainâ— Pauls Epistles 2. Epistles of Saint Basil. 3. Ethicks of Basil. 4. Of solitary life 5. Homilies 6. School-notes of Basil on the Psalter 7. Thirty nine Epistles of Cyril 8. A Declaration of the twelue Anathemos in the Ephesnick Councill 9. Opinions of Nestorius conâ—iâ—ed 10. Synopsis of the Scriptures out of Athanaâ—iuâ— 11. 140. questions out of the old and new Testament 12. A Synopsis of Theodore Bishop of Tyre Ecclesiastiâ—all Histories 1. Ten bookes of Eusebius of Ecclesiasticall affaires 2. Five â—ookes of Eusebius of the life of Constantine 3. Eight bookes of Socrates 4. Nine bookes of Zozomen 5. Two bookes of Theodore 6. Six of Evagrâ—us 7. Five of Polybius 'T was neither fear nor danger could estrange Undaunted Musculus or make him change His resolutions nothing could prevaile Against the bulwarkes of his Fort or scale His wel arm'd thought he would in spight of those That were so barbarous to be his Foes â— Proclaim the Truth and would not let it rest Untill discover'd in his serious brestâ— He liv'd Gods faithfull Factor here below To send him souls to heav'n and to bestow That talent he had gave him that he might When 's Master call'd cast his accounts aright The Life and Death of Hyperius who dyed Anno Christi 1564. ANdreas Gerardus Hyperius was born at Ipres in Flanders Anno Christi 1511. his Father was a Counsellour who brought him up carefully in learning At 13. years old he travelled through the Islands of Flanders and learned the French tongue afterwards he went to Paris where he studied in that University the Arts for three years and then went home to visit his friends but after a short stay he returned to Paris and studied Divinity and Physick and every year in the vacation time he traveled abroad into France so that in three years he had seen most part of France and part of Italy and visited the chiefest Universities in both then he went to Lovain and into most parts of the lower Germany â— and at twenty six years old he traveled into upper Germanie then he sailed into England where faling into the company of Charles Montjoy Baron Montjoy's Son he tooke such affection to him that he desired him to live with him where he lived four years with much content and then he visited Cambridge and the Lord Cromwel being beheaded about that time and the six Articles pressed with rigor he thought of returning into his own Countrey fiâ—st visiting Oxford and from thence he went to London and so sailed to Antwarp and from thence he went home but hearing the fame of the University of Argentine and of Bucer there he travelled thither also but in the way he went to Marpurg where Noviomagus was Divinity-professor who importuned him to stay there and to give some taste of his learning and to be his assistant when he had prevailed with him he shortly after dying Hyperius was chosen in his room and after two yeers stay he married a wife one Catharine Orthia with whom he lived with much comfort and had by her six sons and four daughters he taught there with much diligence and faithfulnesse 22. yeers he directed young students in the composing of their Sermons and heard them first Preach in private that if any thing were amisse either in their voyce or gesture he might rectifie them in it he was never idle but alwayes either writing reading or meditating so that he much weakned his body thereby at last falling sick of a Fever he gave diverse instructions to his wife for the education of his children and to his children whom he exhorted to serve God and to obey their mother and when his friends visited him he requested them to bear witness That in that Faith wherin he had lived and which he had taught he now dyed and so continued making a profession of the same till he yeelded up his spirit unto God being about 53. yeers old Anno Christi 1564. having been Pastor of the Church and professor in the University 22. yeers Studious Hyperius alwayes lov'd to be In consultation with Divinity He loâ—'d the truth and alwayes striv'd to fly Upon the wings of true sollidity Religion was his guide he alwayes stood Firmely obedient unto what was good IOHANNES CALVINVS The Life and Death of John Calvin IN the yeer of our Lord God 1509. this reverend and faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ Iohn Calvin was born at Noviodunum a famous towne fituate in that part of Aquitane which borders upon Picardy he may well be termed the Luster of the French Nation for his excellent endewments of learning and piety he was descended from vertuous Parents blessed onely with a competency of worldly riches sufficient to preserve an honest report amongst their neighbours their greatest blessing appeared in the gift of this gratious infant His Fathers name was Gerard Calvin â— man much esteemed of the Nobility inhabiâ—ing Aquitane because he was a singular Politician approving his judgment and advice touching the administration of the Common-wealth desiring his presence wheâ—soever that they consulted about serious affairs and important matters of State whereby it came to passe that his son Calvin was brought up in his youth with the sons of the eminentest persons in that Country His mother was called Ioanna Franca These children he accompanied unto Paris for the increasing of his learning where he had Maturinus Corderius for his Tutor a man much reverenced for his internall and externall qualities and esteemed the best for the instruction and bringing up of youth within the Relme of France The reason why his father brought him up in learning was because he perceived a voluntary inclination in his sonne thereunto which appeared two manner of wayes first because in his youth he was religiously given and secondly because it
meane time granted unto them liberty of Conscience which when it came to the eares of Paulus III. Pope of Rome he sharply reproved the Emperour saying That he esteemed of Hereticks as highly as of Catholicks and that he seemed to thrust in his sickle into another mans harvest The Emperour answered That he was perswaded that his act was just And Calvin perceiving the truth of the Gospell to be deeply wounded bâ— these Letters he sharply reprovâ—d the boldnesse of the Pope In this year also there was a Convocation at Spire whereupon Calvin tooke occasion of writing his Booke intituled De necessitate reformandae Ecclesiae And in the same year also he refuted the Anabaptists and Libertines and that with such invincible arguments that none reading and observing hiâ— Worke can unlesse wittingly and willingly be deceived and seduced by them But the Queen of Navarre was greatly offended with that Worke of his against the Libertines because he had particularly reproved Quintinus and Pocquetus two Ringleaders of that Sect and not of small account with her Majesty Calvin being informed of this he so wisely and discreetly behaved himselfe that he gained againe the favour of the Queen and withall caused that impious and blasphemous Sect to be banished out of France who afterwards seated themselves in Amsterlodam the prime town in Holland In the year 1545. by the conspiracy of some wicked and evilly disposed persons the thresholds and posts of the doores in Geneva were done over with an oyntment so strongly composed of poyson that whosoever touched it death imediately followed and from this also proceeded a raging Pestilence in the City whereby an infinite number of soules were swept away this accident procured great envie unto Calvin from all places yet at the last some of the authors of this inhumane act were discovered and suffered worthy punishment for the same In this year also he laboured to remove the false opinion of Osiander concerning the Lords Supper out of the Church and also the errours of the Nicodemites and many other grosse opinions which hindred the growth of the truth of Christ. In which proceedings he was abundantly blessed by the Lord who never permitted his enemies to have their pleasure of him by taking away his life which they intended and more especially he shelterd him from the fury of Amedenus Perinnus a Captaine of great authority in the City but deprived for that fact of his Office These continued dissentions and defamations in the Church at Geneva were motives which drew Farellus and Viretus unto the same place who in the year 1548. delivered before the Senate an eloquent and learned Oration concerning the suppression of Sedition and the taking away of differences out of the Church The motion was approved of all and Perinnus having hopes thereby to attaine againe unto his former preserment consented thereunto but he soone discovered his wicked intent for he was no sooner graced with his former dignitie but he and many others burst forth into reproachfull speeches against Calvin and after a disgracefull manner calling his Dog by the name of Calvin others stile him by the name of Cain and some by reason of that violent and fierce hatred which they conceived against him they would absent themselves from the Communion and so draw downe a double vengeance on themselves In the midst of these evils which were of force to have caused him to have forsaken the City he constantly performed his Ministeriall office and at vacant times he inlightned Pauls Epistles with learned Commentaries He also most learnedly laid open and discovered the falsity and vanity fo Judiciary Astrology He comforted Beratius living as a banished man at Basil and also Bucer in England And this is also remarkable that notwithstanding the daily increaâ—ing of these contentions the Church did wonderfully florish in Geneva and also it injoyed some peace and quietnesse In the year 1551. for then there sprung up a company of factious fellowes who denied the priviledges of the City unto such as were banished for the truth and fled to that place for succour And being perswaded by Calvin in a Sermon Preached for that purpose to grant the priviledges of the City unto them he was well beaten for his paines as soon as he came out of the Pulpit These stirred up also another Tumult in the Temple of St. Gervas because the Minister refused to Baptize a child by the name of Balthazar Calvin not forgetting his late kindnesse received was contented with patience to let it passe In this year the City was also much troubled with that blasphemous heresie of Servetus who by the means of Calvin was apprehended and convicted but remaining obstinate in his opinion he was buâ—nd alive in the same City The cause of Servetus being as yet in hand one of the factious company called Berâ—lerius an impudent and wicked fellow whom the Presbitery had foâ—bidden to come unto the Lords table by reason of his ill lead life and excomunicated came unto the Senate and desired his absolution which he perswaded himselfe was sufficient Calvin earnestly opposes this action of the Senate declaring unto him that he ought to be a defender and maintainer and not a violator of holy good lawes yet Berlterius prevailed with the Senate and he granted unto him his absolutory letters Perinnus by the imitation of Bertlerius thought to take Calvin in a trap and either to raise a tumult against him if he would not obey the Senate or if he consented then no disanull the authority of the Presbitery Calvin being fore-admonished of this intent in his Sermon before the Communion in the presence of both of them he uttered these words with great fervency But I imitating Chrisostome will rather suffer my selfe to be slain then that this hand shall reach the holy things of the Lord unto such as are apparently known to be the contemners and despisers of him which wrought such an impression in them that they durst not presume to come unto the Lords table nay it is probable that he was at that time fearfull of his life for he Preached as if they never afterwards should have heard him again In this troublesom state the Church of Geneva continued unto the yeere 1555. wherein a conspiracy was happily discovered by which meanes most of the factious persons were put to death and banished the City By which example of Divine vengeance others were delivered and kept in awe and that Common-wealtâ— freed from many inconveniences yet in the same yeer the errours of Servetus seemed to revive againe and to be nourished by Matthaeus Gibraldus an excellent Lawyer who came unto Geneva and would willingly have been familiar with Calvin which he most willingly would have had embraced so as he would have consented with him in the Article of the Trinity The same year also yeelded much sorrow unto Calvin in regard that persecution raged in many places and especially in England which tooke away Hooper
eyes of the most renowned Doctor of the Chaiâ— Peter Martyr by whom he was presented Batchelour of Divinity and now nothing seemed to stand in his way from orderly ascending to higher degrees and preferment in the Church But the face of the skye is not more changeable then the condition of our estate in this world all the fair weather we spake of but now was overcast in a moment for by the untimely death of Edward the sixt and by the succeeding advancement of Queen Mary to the Crown a bitter storm of persecution fell upon the newly reformed Church of England and blew away many of our prime Doctors and other men of eminent worth and among them our Iewel who now banished from his native Soyl found yet great comfort in conversing first at Frankeford with Sir Francis Knowls and his eldest Son Robert Horn and Edward Sands and afterwards at Argentine with Iohn Poynet Edmund Grindall Iohn Cheek Anthony Cook Richard Morison Peter Carew Thomas Wroth and divers others These noble Confessors deserve rather the naming because in this their retiring they seemed as it were to fetch their fees to make the greater leap in England where after their return they were highly preferred Grindall to the Archbishop first of York then of Canterbury Sir Francis Knowls to be privy Councellour and Lord Treasurer Robert Lorne to the Bishoprick of Winton Sands of London Poynet of Worcester and the rest all of them to eminent places in the Church and Commonwealth to set off their future glory their present poverty and misery served as a foyl It was yet for the present lamentable to see these men of worth who had change of houses in their own Country hardly getting a shed to shelter them from wind weather in forreign parts they who opened the fountain of their bounty to other men in England were now constrained in Germany to fetch waters of Comfort drop by drop from others Conduits At the first the pious charity of the Londoners be it spoken to the honour of that City was as an unexhausted mine to them till by Stephen Gardner it was discovered and the rich vein stopt by the imprisonment of their chief Benefactors And now these servants of Christ of whom England at this time was not worthy were putt o many difficult plunges yet partly by the comfortable letters of Zuinglius Peter Martyr Calvin Melancthon Pelican Lavater Geznar and other privy Pastours of the reformed Churches beyond the Seas they were held up by the chin and partly by the charitable contributions of Christopher Prince of Wittenberg and the Senators of Zurick they were so kept above water as it were with bladders that none of them utterly sunk in their hope And for Iewell in particular though he were tossed from pillar to post and sometimes dashed upon one rock and sometimes upon another yet in the end he found safe harbour in Peter Martyrs house first in Argentine and after in Tigury where it is hard to say utrum Euripides ex Archelai an Archelai ex Euripides familiaritate fama magis incluruerit Whether Iewel gave more luster reputation to his Host or his Host to him certain it is Iewel assisted Peter Martyr in setting forth divers Books and by name his learned Comentaries upon the Iudges And very fortunate to the Church oâ— God was the conjunction of these two Stars of the first magnitude for from them had we the first light to find the tract of those who in the former Ages and purest time walked with a right foot to the Gospel and professed the Doctrine of the reformed Churches Although we must acknowledge our Churches very much indebted in this kind to Reynolds Whitaker Bilson Abbot CaÌ„mier Morney and Chemitius yet it cannot be denied that these later tinded their candles at these Torches for Peter Martyr had cleered the judgement of Antiquity in the point of the Sacrament and some other controversies between us and the Church of Rome and Iewel in all before Chemitius took Andradius to task or Bilson Allen or Reynolds Hart or Whitaker Stapleton or Abbot Bishop or Morney Perrane or Camier Bellarmine our Iâ—wel was the first who made a publick challenge to all the Papists in the world to produce but one cleer and evident testimony out of any Father or famous Writer who flourished within five hundred yeers after Christ for any one of the many Articles which the Romanists at this day maintain against us and upon good proof of any such one allegation to yeeld them the bucklers and reconcile himselfe to Rome and although Harding and some others undertooke him and entered into the lists with him about the controverted Articles yet they came off so poorely and Iewel on the contrary so amazâ—d and confounded them with a cloud of witnesses in every point in question that aâ— Bishop Godwine upon good ground affirmeth no one thing in our age gave the Papacy so deadly a wound as that challenge at Pauls Crosse so confidently made and bravely maintained But this challege was not now made in the time of Iewels banishment but after his returne into England at this time he and many other cleare lights of the Church were hid under a Bushell till the fire of persecution of England in which not onely many faithfull bretheren but diverse reverend Fathers as Latimer Cranmer Ridley and Hooper were burned to ashes for the testimony of the truth was laved out partly by the teares of compassionatâ— Confessors povring out their souls to God in publick and private but especially by the blood of so many Noble Martyres But as soone as God in justice looked upon the persecutours of the truth and called Queen Mary and thoâ—e who diped their hands in his Saint blood to his tribunall and set Queen Elizabeth upon her sisters throne that mirrour of Princes and parragon of her sex and phaenix of her age restoring at the same time preachers to the Gospell and Gospell to the preachers themselves in the first year of her Raigne commanded a survey to be taken of the whole Realme and finding in many parts palpable Egyptian darkenesse sent for all these concealed lights above mentioned and after they were fetcht from under the bushels which had covered them she set them in golden candlesticks in all the Counties within her Dominions and among them Iewell in the diocesse of Sarum Where he shined most brightly for eleaven years and after his extinction by death left a most sweet smell behind him the savour of a good name much more pretius then oyntment for his Apostolick doctrine and Saintlike life and prudent government and incorrupt integrity unspotted chastity and bountifull hospitality In his first visitation he began and in his last he perfected such a reformation not onely in the Cathedrall and Parochiall Churches but in all Courts of his jurisdiction that even those who before esteemed not so well of Iewell as Bishops yet now were brought to have a reverend opinion
these distractionâ— of the Church but these contentions ceased and were taken away by the death of Luther yet there followed an happy consent and agreement betwixt Calvin and the Church of Geneva of the one â—ide and the Tigurines on the other concerning the Sacrament wherein Calvin seemed to adhaere unto the opinion of Luther in the judgement of the Tigurine Ministers Wherefore that he might free himselfe from this suspition taking Farellus with him he came unto Tigurum where a forme of agreement was written by Calvin and Bullinger and approved of by the Churches of Râ—etia and Helvetio and afterwards published for the generall good of the Church and by this means God so disposing the Churches were not onely united firmely amongst themselves but also many were confirmed and strengthned in the knowledge of the truth And this agreement set such an edge on the teeth of their Adversaries that they began more bitterly to inveigh against the truth of Christ and still labouring to propagate the truth he wrote severall Decades unto Edward the sixt King of England And because a free and unmolested Preaching of the Gospell was granted unto the English he sent frequent letters unto the Nobility Bishops and Pastors of the Church exhorting them unto a perseverance in the worke begun and that with all purity and constancy During which act of his a Legate came from the Pope with Authority to command the Helvetian Prelates to be present at the Councill of Trent Who was answered by Bullinger that Concilium Tridentinum institutum esse ad opprimendam veritatem that that Councill was ordained for the suppressing of the truth and withall he denied Helvetios Evangelicos Papae obedientiam ullam debire that they owed not any obedience unto the Pope at all whose yoak they had now cast off c. Not long after there was a dissention in the Church of Geneva concerning Gods Election the Author whereof was Hieronimus Bolsecus a Professor of Physick who openly opposed the doctrine of Calvin exhorting the people not to suffer themselves to be seduced and led away by him affirming Bullinger and many other learned Divines to be of the same opinion with himselfe wherefore it seemed good unto the Senate and unto the bretheren of the Church of Geneva to send unto Bullinger for his opinion concerning that point who in expresse words returned this answer that he which did teach that Gods eternall Election did depend on foreseen Faith did malitiously abuse the doctrine of the Church of Tigurum About this timâ— Edward the sixt dyed in England whose eldest sister coming to the Crown changed that forme of Religion established by her brother and subjected the whole Kingdome againe to the Pope of Rome sharply persecuting those who were knowne to make profession of the true faith wherefore many Noble and learned men were inforced to flye some into Germany many into Switzerland building themselves a Colledge at Tigurum being greatly assisted by Bullinger who then ratified that covenant of friendship which he had formerly promised in the dayes of Henry the eight In the yeere 1561. the Councell of Trent was begun againe by Pius the fourth then Pope but the States and Protestant Princes of Germany refused to be present and likewise the English together with the Helvetian Cities during the continuance of which Councell Bullinger laboured to extirpate the haeresies newly crept into thâ— Church viz. That of Brentius affirming of the Ubiquity of the humaine nature untill such time as a mercilesse pestilence invaded the City of Tigurum ceazing upon Bullinger himselfe insomuch that he dispaired of his life and therefore called the Ministers of Tigurum unto him and took his leave of them with a grave admonition but it pleased God to restore him again unto his former health and he became an instrument of much good after in the Church about this time or immediately after began that War which was called Sacrum and the Prince of Condey suspecting some treason intended against his Excellency sent an Embassador unto the Switzers in generall and unto Bullinger in particular to intreat some â—de and succours from them but the Embassadour of the King coming thither at the same time there was no answer given unto the Embassador of the Prince of Condey who after a private manner departed from Tigurum forthwith there arose cruell Warres in France great was the number of Pastors and godly persons who fled som to Geneva some to Berne and most of them being in extreame want and poverty Bullinger caused publick collections to be made for them in the Churches whereby they received unexpected reliefe and so he continued being carefull for the members of the Church that their doctrine might be pure and uncorrupted untill it pleased God to viâ—it him with his last sicknesse which indeed was the longest it continuing for the space of four whole monthes in which time he endured the sharpest paines with an admirable patience yeelding no signe or token of any indignation or displeasure the greater paines he suffered the ferventer were his prayers unto God whensoever he found some easâ— he would enter into some good discourse either with his family or with such strangers as came to visit him to whom he would often say si deo visum fuerit mea opera â—lterius in ecclesiae ministerio uti ipse vires sufficiae libens illi parebo sui 〈◊〉 voluerit quod opto hac vita c. It seemeth good unto Almighty God to account me worthy to exercise a Pastorall office in his Church yet longer let him give me strength and I will willingly obey him but if he will call me out of this life which is the thing that I desire I am also ready to obey his will for nothing can be more welcome unto me then to leave this wretched and sinfull world and to goe unto my Saviour Christ. His paines still increasing he caused the Pastors and Professors of the City to come unto him unto whom he delivered a large Oration where in the first place he kindly thanked them for that their love in comming unto him afterwards he opened unto them that faith in which and for which he was ready to lay downe his life in the thiâ—â— place he freely and from his heart forgave all his Enemâ—es then he exhorted them constantly to continue in that doctrine which they had together Professed with him and withall he wished them to take heed of the vulgar vice of the Germaine Nation because they who were subject unto that sin could by no meanes doe good in the Church of God such good things as proceed from them will be contemned of the people he exhorted them also unto a concord and unity amongst themselves to love one another and to defend one another because they should be sure enough to find many opposers and enemies who would desire nothing more then their ruine and in the last place he advised them to have a reverend respect
and for three years exercised himselfe with much diligence in instructing youth but having an earnest desire to perfect his own studies he returned to Wittenberg again Luther being yet living there he commensed Master of Arts before he was two and twenty years old and applyed himself wholly to the study of Divinity but tht Wars waxing hot the Emperor placed a Garrison in the Castle and Towne of Wittenberg and the Students were driven away from thenceâ— at which time Wigand was called to Mansfield his owne Countrey to be an assistant to their ancient Pastor Martin Seligman where also he was ordained Minister by Prayer and imposition of hands by Iohn Spangâ—rberg the Superintendent there which place he discharged wiâ—h much â—â—delity and industry and read Logick and Phylosophie to the youth in the Schools there also he wrote a confutation of the Popish Catechisme and a confutation of George Mâ—jor who held That a man by Faith onely is justified but not saved c. He delighted exceedingly in a Garden and in observing the wisdome of God in the nature shape and various colours of Hearbs and Flowers for which end he gatt the greatest varietie of them that possibly he could into his Garden He was one of those that strongly opposed the Interim In the year 1553. he was chosen by them of Magdeburg to be their Superintendent but the Earl of Mansfield and thâ— People strongly opposed his remove from them yet at last by the meanes of the Prince of Anhalt they consented unto it At Magdeburg he tooke excessive paines in reading writing meditating and Preaching whereby he converted many Popish Priests in those parts to the Truth he also took great pains in writing the Magdeburgenses Centuries which he together with Matthew Iudex Flacius Illiricus Basil Faber Andrew Corvinus and Thomas Holthuterus finished to the great benefit of the Church Of which booke Sturmius gave his Testimony that it was necessary and profitable and had these four vertues in it viz. veritatem diligentiam ordinem perspicuitatem Truth diligence Order and perspicuity In the year 1560. the Elector of Saxonie having begun a University at Ienes sent earnestly to Wigand to come thither to be the Divinity Professor which for weighty reasons he assented unto and performed that office with much acceptance of all that heard him yet by the subtilty and malice of one Stosselius he was dismissed from that place and so returned to Magdebâ—rg againe but not staying there he was chosen to be the Superintendent at Wismare An. Cstristi 1562. where he imployed himselfe wholly in Preaâ—hing disputing expounding the Scripture and governing the Church Anno Christi 1563. he commenced Doctor of Divinity in the University of Rostoch he stayed at Wismare seven years at the end wherof Iohn William Duke of Saxony sent for him againe to Ienes but the Duke of Megapole would by no meanes part with him yet at last after severall embassies the Duke of Saxony prevailed that he should come for one year to Ienes His people parted with him very unwillingly with many sighs and tears and at the years end sent for him back againe but could by no means obtaine his return he was not onely made the Professor of Divinity at Ienes but the Superintendent also Anno Christi 1570. he went with his Prince to the Diet at Spire and at his returne to Ienes was received with great joy but after five years Duke Iohn William dying he was againe driven from thence and went to the Duke of Brunswick who entertained him kindly but presently after he was called into Borussia to be the Divinity Professor in the University of Regiomonâ—anum and after two years was chosen to be Bissiop there Anno Christi 1587. he fell sick especially upon griefe conceived for the afflicted condition of the Church in Poland and the death of his deare friend Iohn Wedman an excellent Divine this desease increasing and his strength decaying he prepared himselfe for death he made his own Epitaph In Christo vixi morior vivóque Wigandus Do sordes morti caetera Christe tibi In Christ I liv'd and dy'd through him I live again What 's bad to death I give my soul with Chist shal raign And so in the mid'st of fervent prayers and assured hope of eternall life he resigned up his spirit into the hands of God that gave it Anno Christi 1587. and of his Age 64. Rare-soul'd Wigandus bow'd his whole desires To warme his spirits by th'inlivning fires Of sacred fuell and he alwayes stood Engag'd to that which heav'ns blest mouth call'd good He was a man whose life and conversation Were well sufficient to adorne a Nation With good examples nothing could devorse His ready lips from the belov'd discourse Of heavenly matters till at last he cry'd My God receive my soul and so he dy'd MARTINVS CHEMNICIVS The Life and Death of Martin Chemnisius MArtin Chemnisius was born at Britâ—â—a in Old March Anno Christi 1522. his father being poor he met with many impediments to discourage and hinder him in Learning yet bearing a great love to it by his exceeding industry he overcame all and after some progresse at home he went to Magdeburg where he studyed the Tongues and Arts and from thence to Frankefurt upon Oder and after he had studyed there a while he went to Wittenberg where he studyed the Mathematickâ— and from thence to Sabinum in Borussia where he taught School and commensed Master of Arts and Anno Christi 1552. he wholly betook himselfe to the study of Divinity By his modest and sincere carriage he procured much favor from the Prince and all his Courtiers after three years stay there he went back to Wittenberg and by Melancthon was imployed publickly to read Common places from thence he was sent for to Brunople â—n Saxny by the Senate and made Pastor which place he discharged with singular fidelity and approbation for the space of thirty years and commensed Doctor in Divinity at Rostoch many Princes and Common-wealths made use of his advice and assistance in Ecclesiasticall affairs He took great pains in asserting the truth against the adversaries of it as his excellent Examen of the Tridentine Councill shews at last being worn out with study writing Preaching c. he resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1586. and of his age 63. He is said by one to be Philosophus Summus Theologus proâ—undissimus neque veritatis bonarumque artiâ—m studio neque laude officii facâ—le cuiquam secundus This Authour eminent Chemnisius grave Among these worthies a prime place may have Who by his most industrious pains ore came The many rubs which would have quentcht his fame And to such height of learning did arise As made great Princes him most highly prize Yea so transcendently his fame did shine That One him stil'd a most profound Divine A prime Philosopher one justly known For parts and pâ—ety second to none And thus he liv'd and dyed
conscience amongst them Yet here he continued not fully nine months but he left them and went unto Geneva and after that he had spent other nine Moneths in that place by the meanes of Peter Martyr he was called into England to performe the place of the Divinity Lecturer unto which motion he willingly condescended and having taken his leave of his friends and acquaintance he sets forward in his journey he was detained by the Inhabitants of Strarburge because their Pastor Casper Hedio was then dead and because it was decreed by the Magistrates that an Italian following the Doctrine of Peter Martyr should be called unto the Citieâ— and therfore they first used meanes to bring in the gravâ— Martinengus but he refused to leave his Flocke in Geneva wherefore seing they could not prevaile that way They kindely intreated Zanchy to stay amongst them hither he came in the yeare 1553. and in this place he performed a Pastorall office almost eleven years and at vacant times he expounded Aristotle unto such as were desirous to attain unto some understanding in the Arts. Here he was commanded by the Magistrates if he intended to teach in that City to subscribe unto that Confession of Faith concluded on and set forth at Auspurge called the Augustines Confession unto which he consented with this caution modo Orthodoxe intilligatur now because his opinion about the Sacrament waâ— the chiefest cause which did urge this Subscription he wrote a Treatise concerning the Lords Supper wherein he delivered his opinion thus First that the true body of Christ which was given for us and his true blood which was shed for the remission of â—innes was truely eaten and drunken in the Supper Secondly that it was not eaten with the mouth and teeth of the body but with true faith Thirdly and therefore received of none but of those which were elected And this his opinion was generally answered unto and approved in the City so that when they had made a triall of the sufficiency of his parts for the space of two years and had approved of that method and order which he had observed both in teaching and disputing he was admitted and chosen into the Society of the Thomists where he lived a Canon for the space of nine years in which time he was beloved of all good men that knew him a detester of Contraversies as cauâ—es of strife and he was also a lover and a favourer and a furtherer of peare and quietnesse Yet notwithstanding diverse Controversies and accusations were afterwards instituted and moved against him during his residence here and that by some of the Divines and Professors of the same Common-wealth concerning the Sacrament and concerning the Ubiquity of the humain nature concerning the setting of â—mages in Churches and Chappels concerning Antichrist and the end of the world coâ—cerning Praedestination concerning the perseverance of the Saints in Faith wherein his opinions were condemned by them as haereticall this flame also was increased by the addition of the fuell of a Tractate of the Lords Supper printed by Hestrusius in the same Citie and it came also unto that height that he must either voluntarily depart or else be forced thereunto by the Colledg although meanes were used for a reconciliation and the cause referred unto thirteen men and although he offered publickly to dispute with his adversaries touching the same points and had obtained the judgements of all the Churches and Academies throughout Germanie concerning the same and had presented them in writing unto the Senate yet no conclusion could be effected untill the Senate had procured learned Divines and Lawyers from Tubinge Bipont and Basil who were appointed as Judges to hear both parties and to establish an agreement These Judges after the hearing of the matters controverted privately withdrew themselves and composed câ—rtaine arcicles unto which they desired that the disagreeing partyes would subscribe for the setling of peace and quiâ—tnesse in the City To this request Zanchy used delay in the performance and declared unto them that there were two especiall things which detayned him that he couly not subscribe first because in so doing he should give an occasion of offence unto the godly and secondly it would come to passe that by his subscription those who were seduced from the truth would be confirmed in their errours yet notwithstanding when he perceived that his subscription might be done without any prejudice unto his doctrine for quietnesse sake he subscribâ—d with this Caveat Hanc doctrinâ— formulam ut piam agnosco ita etiam recipio this subscription was so joyful unto his adversaries that after a boasting and tryumphant manner they dispersed the tidings by letters unto their friends in Saxonie in other adjacent Regioâ—s whereas if they had truely understood it they could noâ— have hâ—d received from it such matter and cause of glory But it happily fell out at that time during these actionâ— that the Church at Clavenna by reason of the death of Augustinus Moynardus was dâ—stitute of a Pastor and the inhabitants of that place had with one consent made choyce of Zanchy assoone as he had notice hereof and perceiving little hope of quietnessâ— in the City he forthwith repaires unto the Senate obtaines leave to depart and thereupon resignes his Cannonship and leaves Strasburge and makes towards Clavenna a famous Towne situate in Rhetia During this controversie and contention in Strsburge he was called by the Tigurines to succeed Peter Martyr but he refused to go because he would not be seene to betray and give over the truth and that good cause which he had in hand he was also desired by the Italian Church at Geneva to be their Pastor he was sought for by the Inhabitants of Heidleberg and Marpurge he was invited also unto Lausanna but from these latter he was detayned by the Senate Immediately after his comming unto Clavenna a vehement and heavy pestilence invaded the City which was the cause of great sorrow and lamentation in that place for within the space of seven months three dyed 1200. persons yet Zanchy continued his course of teaching so long as any Auditor came unto him afterwards he removed himselfe out of the towne unto the top of an high Mountaine with his family where he spent three months in reading meditation and prayers and at the end thereof it pleased God to remove his scourge from the City and he returned and performed his ordinary function for the space of four years to the great benefit of that Church but not without many afflictions and crosses unto himself Hence then he was called by that incomparable vertuous and religious Prince Frederick the third Elector Palatine unto that famous Academie at Heidleberge and by him most courteously entertained and constituted successor unto Zachary Vrsin at his entrance into his office which was in the year 1568. he delivered an excellent and learned speech concerning the conservation of the purity of doctrine in the Church and in
learneder and more famous and deare to his Countrey There is a Booke of famous Sermons extant in Print of this Prelates which is counted a worthy Peece and doth sufficiently declare his Piety and Schollarship to succeedâ—ng Ages He that will spake his praises well Must study first what 't is t' excell He daily labour'd to oppose The Churches most unsatiate Foes The truth he would be sure to vent Though he endur'd imprisonment Read but his Works and thâ—u shall finde His body was imprisn'd not his minde Gâ—RVAS BABINGTON The Life and Death of Gervas Babington THis Prelate as he was excellent for his parts so was he of a very faiâ— descent being born in the County of Nottingham of the ancient family of the Babingtons in the said County where he drew in the first rudiments of Literature till by his worthy Parentâ— he was sent to Cambridge and was admitted into that worthy Society of Trinity Colledg Doctor Whiâ—guâ—â—â— being then Master This Babington proved so famous in Scholâ—ership that having his degrees he was made Fellow of the same Colledge and giving himselfe to the study of Divinity he proved a worthy Preacher in that University After being Doctor in Divinity he was called by Henry that Noble Earl of Pembrooke to be his Chaplaine by whose favour he was first made Treasurer of the Church of Landaffe in Wales after he was elected Bishop of the same 1591. and when he had sitten four years in that See for his singular Piety and Learning he was by Queene Elizabeth translated to the Bishopricke of Exeter where he scarce stayed three years but he was made Bishop of Worcester and in the middest of all these preferments he was neither tainted with Idlenesse or pride or covetousnesse but wâ—s not onely diligent in preaching but in writing bookes for the understanding of Gods Word so that he was a true patterne of Piety to the people of Learning to the Ministery and of Wisedome to all Governours Whereupon he was made one of the Queenes Counsell for the Marches of Wales He was Bishop of Worcester abovt the space of 13. years He dyed of an Hecticke Feaver and so changed this fraile life for a better in the yeare of our Lord 1610. not without the great griefe of all and had all funerall Rites bestowed on him befitting so great and so grave a Governour and father of the Church and was buried in the Cathedrall Church of Worcester in the Moneth of May. His Workes extant are these that follow 1. Consolatory Annotations upon Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers and Deuteronomy 2. Vpon the ten Commandements the Lords Prayer and the Articles of the Creed 3. A comparison or collation betweene humane frailty and faith 4. Three worthey and learned Seâ—mons Renowned Babington spun out his dayes In truth and peace and had the ecchoing praise Of every tongue his worth was priz'd by all That lov'd religion nothing could recall His heart from goodnesse peace and love did rest Within the closset of his seâ—ious breast Therefore let every tongue proclame and cry The fame of Babington shall never dye IOHN WHITGIFT The Life and Death of John Whitgift IN the year of our Lord 1530. being the twenty and first of King Henry the eight a year very remarkable for the Parliament then held wherein that proud Prelate Cardinall Wolsey was attainted and the first opposition made by the maine body of the the Commons therein assembled against the tirannicall usurpation of the Popish Clergy was Iohn Whitgift born at great Grimesbie in Lincolnshire descended from an ancient and worshipfull Family of the Whitgifts in Yorkeshire An Unckle he had called Robert Whitgift Abbot of Wellow who though himselfe a professed Monk yet not greaty liked the profession and was by this his Nephew therefore heard sometime to say that they and their Religion could not long continue for that having read the Scripture over and over againâ—â— he could never finde therein that their Religion was founded by God and it is not unlikly that by the cariage of businesses in the State at that time being an understanding man he might shrewdly guesse at those things that shortly after sued Under this his Unckle was he educated together with some other young Gentlemens sonnes for some space of time and whether taking some hints from him or being by some other meanes wrought on through a secret hand of God already moulding and preparing him for future employments he began to grow though very young yet into a dislike of Popish superstitions and to afâ—ect the better way For being by his said Unckle who observed his towardlinesse for his further improvement in learning sent up to London entred there into Saint Antonies schoole and boarded with an Aunt of his wife to one Michael Shaller a Verger of Pauls Church he was after som time by her dismissed againe and thrust out of doores because he refused to frequent the morning Masse with her albeit by some of the Canons earnestly solicited so to doe Upon returne to his Parents according to his Unckles advice and direction finding that he had well profited in learning he was by them sent to the University of Cambridge and there placed in Qâ—eenes Colledge But not so well relishing tâ—e disposition of some in that house he removed from thence to Pembrooke Hall where he was pupill to that blessed Maâ—tyr of God Iohn Bradford Doctor Ridley afterward Bishop of London being then Hed of the house by whom also in regard of his forwardnesse both in learning and godlinesse he was made scholer of the house With his years his worth growing and notice taken of his good parts his preferments likewise accordingly came on For from thence he was chosen to be Fellow of Peter-house Dâ—ctor Pern being then Master thâ—re who very tenderly affected him and when out of tendernesse of conscience in Queen Maries time upon expectation of som Commisâ—ioners that were to come downe visit to the University and settle Popery there he had entertained some thoughts of going beyond the Seas the D r. perceiving it and withall his resolution in matter of religion both encouraged and caused him notwithstand to stay promising him withall to take such order for him that keeping himselfe quiet he should remaine free from molestation that which according to his promise given him he also faithfully fulfilled Having thus by the favour and connivancy of the Doctor God reserving him for further and higher employments rid out those stormy and tempestuous times upon the dispersions of those blacke clouds that had formerly overspread and eclipsed the good parts of many by the happy sunshine of that illustrious Princesse Queene Elizabeths ascent to the throne of this Realme contrary to that that is wont to befall at the naturall Suns rising this our bright Star among others and above many others began now to shine forth and discover its luster Notice whereof being taken as in the Univerâ—ity so at Court he received advancement unto
grievous sinnes For the Lord had prepared him for better things and opening his eyes gave him to understand that these were but so many snares laid to intangle him and to draw him into everlasting ruine and perdition wherefore he fully resolved to forsake them all and to adhere and sticke fast unto that Truth whose sweetnesse he had tasted in his youth which that he might the better performe he was fully determined to undergoe any labour and to remove any obstacle and for that cause he vowed a vow that he would never embrace nor countenance the errours of the Church of Rome And purposing a constancy in his intended course and that he might be the better fitted thereunto he resolved to free himselfe from that affection which useth to be predominate in his youth and for that cause he betroathed himselfe unto a vertuous woman acquainting onely two of his intimate friends with the same action and that for two causes First that he might give no occasion of offence unto others Secondly because that mony which he received for the discharging of his offices could not handsomely be avoyded which within short time after was by him performed for his propounded honour and preferment was sâ—ifly rejected not without the great admiration and sharpe reprehension of many of his friends who therefore stiled him after a â—cornfull manner Philosophum novum the new Philosopher These checks and reprehensions of his friends being seconded with the considerations of the great riches wherewith he was endewed and these two being strengthned with the temptation of of the Divell yeelded to many doubts and oppositions unto Beza notwithstanding his former resolutions sometimes intending to embrace God and his truth somtimes casting an eye of love on his present preferments being taken up with this various disposition it pleased the Lord to settle his inconstant minde by afflicting him with sicknesse which indeed was the cause of his spirituall welfare and health for he well perceiving that it was the powerfull hand of the Lord Almighty against which there was no contending after the suffering of many torments both inward and outward he fell into a detestation and loathing hatred of his owne backwardnesse and turning himselfe unto the Lord with teares he renewed that vow which he had formerly made concerning the embracing of the true worship of God promising unfainedly that he would never start from it but consecrate himselfe wholly unto him and unto the furtherance of his glory if it would please him to restore him to his former health during the time of this sicknesse he was often heard to utter those Words of David in his 142. Psalme v. 7. Educ de carcere animam meam ut celebrem nomen tuum Bring my soul out of prison O Lord that I may praise thy name indeed the Lord which cannot withstand the prayers of the faithfull condiscending unto him and he obtayned his desire of the Lord. And being recovered he forthwith forsooke Countrey Parents and friends to follow Christ he forsooke all his preferments preferring the glory of God and the hope of his Kingdome before all the transitory glory of the world which action of his is very remarkable if we consider but the circumstance of time which was presently upon his recovery being fearfull that his remaining there should be offensive unto God or that his familiarity with his friends might draw him into the like inconveniences who without doubt would labour with might and maine to reduce him to his former profession Wherefoâ—e taking the Woman unto whom he was betrothed with him they went unto Geneva in the year of Grace 1548. where openly in the Church after a solemne mâ—nner he was married unto her and there he remained for a season Where he intended to make profession of the Art of Printing but the Lord who knew well that he would be otherwise more advantagious unto his Church hindered this proceeding by calling him to Lausanna an Academy pertaining to the Lords of Berna where he publickly professed the Greek tongue which Beza himselfe acknowledged in his Confession of Christian Religion Dedicated by him unto his Master Walmatius At that time in Lausanna were famous for Learning and Piety Petrus Viretus Pastor of the Church Iohannes Ribbilus Professor of Divinity Iohannes Racmundus Merlinus Professor of the Hebrew tongue with many other excellently well gifted all of which seemed as it were to be ravished with the society of this worthy member of Christ. During his Lectureship at Lausanna a great company of godly minded persons thirsting after Christ and his truth resorted unto the same place Here Beza perceiving a good occasion offered unto him by God not onely for his owne saâ—isfaction concerning Teaching but also for the satisfaction of the desire of these people concerning their instruction in the word of truth He began publickly and in the French tongue to expound the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans and both the Epistles of S. Peter opening unto them the great mysteries of godlinesse and informing their judgments with such Doctrines wherby the scales of ignorance being rubbed away the truth did manifestly appeare unto them whereby without doubt many were drawn neerer and neerer unto Christ. Amongst these his imployments in this place whensoever any leasure was given unto him he would spend that time with Master Calvin at Geneva from whom he received great benefit both for Gods glory and the edification of the Church and by his perswasion he was induced to finish that excellent and Divine Commentary on the Psalms first begun by Marotus which was also Printed and published by authority in France 1561. About this time there happened a persecution in Paris â— wherein many Christians suffered some death some imprisonment wherupon Farellus Beza and Calvin were chosen Embassadours unto the Protestant Princes of Germany â— to intreat them that they would be pleased to intercede for them unto Henry the second then King of France that they might be more kindly deabt withall But little or no peacâ— came unto the Church in respect of this act because of thâ— implacable hatred which great men attending the person of the King did bear unto the truth of Christ. Yet in this journey it was Bezaes good hap to have â— sight of that godly and learned Melanchton who as they exceeding joyfull of the presence of each other so they were also exceeding sorrowfull for the present afflicted and dâ—stressed state of the Church Beza having now remained ten years in Lausanna he left it and not without the good leave and love of the Senate of Berne and came to Geneva where teaching a publicke Schoole he expounded the Orations of Demosthenes together with some Bookes of Aristotle and had daily and familiar conference with Calvin touching things pertaining unto Doctrine and Ecclesiasticall Discipline where in short time he was appointed to succeed Claudius Pontanus a faithfull Minister in the Church of Geneva for the discharging of a
a larg stipend should be yearly given unto him out of tâ—e revenews of an adjacent Abby for his maintenance upon condition that Iohannes Charondiletus then Chancâ—llor unto the Emperour and Arthbishop of Panorma would give his free assent thereunto but the Providence of God so disposing he was not onely denied the same by the said Archbishop but he was also threatned with the losse of his life because is was declared unto him that Gâ—rardus had of late been in higher Gâ—rmany unto which place it was not lawfull for any student to goe least he should be infected with the purity of the doctrine taught in the reformed Churches This expectation of himself and also of his friends being now made voidâ— and having no hopes of getting preferment thereabouts because the Archbishop appeared his professed enemy by the advice of some godly and learned men and also because he would not be burdensome unto his friendsâ— he was resolved to travell againe and so determined to view that other part of Italie which he had not seene but here he was againe hindred by the violence of those Wars which at that time raged betwixt the Emperor and the King of France wherefore he being by this occasion deprived of the sight of Italie he shipped himselfe for England intending not to visit France or Germany any more because he might easily understand in that place by letters continually sent from his friends how all things went in Flanders and whether there were any hopes of obtaining preferment in those parts after his arrivall in England as he used in other forraine parts so he here also enqured after such as were esteemed the leanedest Scholars by which meanes he addressed himselfe unto Charles Monâ—joy the Son of William Montjoy Knight Baron a man much commended and approved of by Erasmus Roterdamus in his writings and of great learning in those dayes who conferring after a friendly manner with Gerardus concerning many matters and thereby perceiving his more then ordinary parts received him into his house and withall conferred an annuall stipend on him and that after a bountifull manner which waâ— so well pleasing unto Gerardus that he continued four yeâ—râ— with thiâ— Montjoy in which time he profited much in the knowledgâ— of humane and divine learning In the yeare 1540. with the consent of Charles Montjoy hâ— went to take view of the University of Cambridge about which time there were great troubles in the Church of England the Lord Cromwell was beheaded others were burned for their zealous profession of the truth many also were put to death for denying the King to be supreame head of the Church under Christ. Proclamations were every where set up against exotics and those full of perill and danger which caused Gerardus to enter into a consideration of returning againe into Germany yet before his departure from England he resolved to recreate himselfe with the fight of that other fountaine of learning viz. Oxford from whence he returned to London where after that he had prepared and fitted himselfe with things necessary for his journy he not without great sorrow tooke his leave of his liberall and loving Master who earnehly intreated him to continue longer with him but by no meanes he could be enduced and perswaded thereunto but forthwith he directed his course towards Anâ—werp a famous City in Brabant from whence he went againe into Flanders and for a season he there continued amongst his friends during his aboad in that place he heard of the fame of Bucer and of the flourishing Schoole at Straâ—burge both which but especially the fame of Bucâ—r allured him to take view of that part of high Germany wherefore without any delay he sets forward toward Strasburge taking Marpurge in his way that he might take order for the conveying of his books and trunks unto Frankâ—furt and secondly because he knew that he could maintaine himselfe at a cheaper rate during his aboad there then in any other place situate on the banks of Rhine and thirdly because he hoped that he should easily obtaine commâ—ndatory letters unto the learned Professors at Sâ—rsburge in that place and especially by the means of Gerardus Noviomagus a man of good estemation who also had formerly knowne this Gerardus and had lived also himselfe sometimes at Strasburge Maviomagus hâ—ving notice of the comming of Andraeas Gerardus unto Mâ—rpurge he kindely invited him unto his lodging where they met with mutuall embracâ—ngâ— being exceeding joyfull of the presence of each other not long after Gerardus discovering unto Naviomagus the causes of his comming unto that place together with his intent for Strasburge he was deâ—ired â—o remaine at Marpurge and withall he was promised faithfully by Naviomagus that he would procure him not onely employment but also a sufficient stipend for the performance of the same Gerardus well perceiving the entire love and sincere affection of his old friend consented and remained expecting preferment in the same place whereupon assooue as Iohannes Ficinus their Chancellor was returned home from an assembly appointed at Reinspurge Naviomagus entered into discourse with him concerning Gerardus and withall declared that by reason of his sicknesse he was not able to performe that place whereunto he was called desired that Gerardus might be approved and allowed to be an assistant unto him in the performance of the place the motion was well liked of Ficinus who forthwith called Gerardus unto him and wished him to remaine at Marpurge and to make triall of his gifts in that place which if they were approved of he promised him a sufficient pension for his labours but Gerardus was so well approved in that place by his Auditors that after the death of Naviomagus he was chosen and appointed to be his successour in the performance of a pastorall office which he faithfully discharged with so great labour and zeale for the Propacating of the truth the space of twenty two years that besides his appointed times and seasons he would make use of vacant houres for the performance of the same Here he commanded the publick exercise of Preaching in the Schoolâ— appointed texts unto the young Divines to treat of he would view and correct their Sermons before they were delivered in the Pulpit nay he would cause them to deliver them privately in his study before he would permit them to deliver them unto the publick Congregation that if there were any defect in voyce or gesture it might happily be amended He much praised those who performed their actions well contrariwise he severely rebuked those which were negligent sloathfull and as it were forceably compelled and constrained them unto a greater diligence he would daily examine them in points of Divinity desire their opinions concerning difficult questions explaine and open unto them hard texts of Scriptures insomuch that in short time he was the Author of much good unto the young Students these this he performed without the expectation of any reward He entred also into a
serious meditation of the reformation of Religion in the Churches he desired to conforme the Citizens of Hassia unto the example of the Primitive Church he desired to remove many reliques of superstition out of the Church he desired to establish that Ecclesiasticall discipline which was ready to fall unto the great detriment of the Church In the midst of these heavenly cogitations it pleased the Lord to send his messenger for him which he well perceiving by the continuall increasing of his paines he desired to have the Communion administred unto him afterwards he told his wife what he would have done after his death after that he had instructed his children how they should carry themselves towards God and how towards their mother and how towardâ— men and his yongest son standing amongst them hâ— laid his hand on his head uttering these Words discemi fili mandata domini ipse enaâ—riet te Keepe the commandaments of the Lord my son and he will provide for thee then â—urning himselfe to those who were present he declareâ— unto them that he dyed in that faith which he had constantly professed so many yeares in that City which words being spoken he fell asleepe and was buried at Marpurge in the year our Lord 1564. and in the 53. year of his life All things which are to be required in a Teacher are to be found in this Gerardus first he was learned and his learning was also joyned with experience secondly he had an excellent faculty and method of teaching thirdly he was laborious in his function fourthly he was gravâ— fiftly of an unspotted life and conversationâ— he was modest patient and constant all which sufficiently declare that he was set apart by the Lord for the converting of many souls unto Christ. His Works which he left unto the world as a rich legacy are here set downe 1 A Commentary on the twentieth Psalme 2 On the twelft Psalme 3 A method for a Preacher 4 On the Romans 5 Of reading and meditating the Scriptures 6. Method of Theologie 7 Theologicall Topicks 8 Catechisme Other Works in two Tomes First 1 Of the study of the Scripture 2 Of the institution of Colledges 3 A triall of students 4 Of Catechising 5 Of justification by faith 6 Of Benificence to the poor 7 Of Feasts Tome 2. 1 Of the duty of hearers 2 Of Providence 3 Of Selfe-examination 4 Of the marriage of Ministers 5 Of the Sacraments 6 Notes upon Aristotles Ethicks 7 Physicks 8 Logicke 9 Rhetoricke 10 Arithmaticke 11 Gromaticke 12 Cosmographik 13 Optics 14 Astronomy Set forth after his death 1 Annotations of Isaiah 2 Commentaries on the Galathians 3 Ephesians 4 Philippians 5 Colossians 6 Thessalonians 7 Timothy 8 Titus 9 Philemon 10 Iude. 11 Hebrewes You that desire to lead a life Free from th'incumbrances of strife Draw neare and with a carefull â—row Let brave Gerarduâ— teach you how Reader observe and thou shalt finde By trauell he inrtch'd his minde His active heart was alwayes free To Propagate true piety He alwayes studied to displace Errours from the Churches face He gain'd no envy but from those That were Religions chiefest foâ—â— He would perswade intreat advise His Fellow-preachers to dispise Those fruits of Idlenesse which he defy'd Thus liv'd Gerarduâ— thus Gerardus dy'd ARETIVS BENEDICTVS The Life and Death of Aretius Benedictus AS the Lord hath never been wanting unto his Church both in these and in forraine parts in the stirring up of painfull and â—ealous Watch-men for the Propagating of his truth and for the enlightning of the understanding of those whom he had elected unto salvation in Jesus Christ so he hath not been deficient in procuring the affection of eminent persons towards the same Professors by whose meanes they have been defended and sheltered against the inviterate malice both of the Divell and his members Malicious enemies unto the Word of truth amonst whom the Senate of Berna may justly receive worthy Commendations for the constant love shewed unto the zealous professors of the truth it being indeed the maine pillar which doth support the welfare of a Common-wealth and which doth draw downe a blessing from heaven upon their intended designes In this â—amous City was Benedictus Aretius borne a faithfull zealous professors of the truth of Christ being beautified with excellent endowments both of learning and piety which did sufficiently testifie that he was set apart by the Lord for the winning of many unto Christ. He spent his youth in his owne Country amongst the Switzers wherein he was instructed and trained up in the knowledge of the Arts but ayming at a greater perfection labouring â—or a sounder judgement in the works writings of other learned and Orthodox men he left his Country for a season and went unto Marpurg where by reason of his eminent gifts and qualities he gained the love of many learned Schollers and was designed and oppointed to read the Logick Lecture in the same place which after he had performed for the space of some years to the great profit of his Auditors to the never dying fame of himselfe and to the generall applause of all the City having also attained in some measure to that perfection which he had formerly desired he returned again unto Berne where he was joyfully received and by a generall consent appointed to open the Scriptures and to instruct the inhabitants in the way of life in which exercise he observed such an edifying method both in his publick reading and Preaching that he drew great multitudes of people unto him who beholding his proceedings with great admiration with one consent praised the Lord for sending so learned and so painfull an instrument among them for the plantâ—ng of the truth in their hearts So excellent was his forme of teaching that many Divines came unto his Lectures not onely for the information of their judgements in matters of Controversies but also to learne his method of teaching which being obtained by some they proved excellent instruments in the Church for the converting of the lost sheepe of Israel and many would not in publicke make triall of their owne parts before they had continued for a season to be his Auditors His writings were greatly in request and desired greatly of all that either knew him or heard of him but especially his labours in Divinity one of his bookes called Eramen Theologicâ—m came to the Presse twelve times within the space of three years which doth declare the excellency and how usefull and beneficiall it was unto the Church in those times and in these dayes also it is a Worke fit to be perused of all such as doe intend the study of Divinity After that he had continued this constant course of teaching in the City of Berne for the space of many years to the great furtherance of the glory of God and benefit of his Church it pleased the Lord to take him unto himselfe and to Crowne him with a diâ—dem of everlasting glory
with the rest of his holy Saints in the year of grace 1574. the twentieth two of April his death was much lamented by the Citizens of Berne who received some comfort by the beholding of those excellent and learned Treatises which he left behind him as so many never dying testifications of his zeale for the advancing of the Gospell of Christ. 1 A forme for Students 2 Two tables of the Hebrew Grammar 3 A triall for Divines 4 The History of Valentine the Gentile 5 A censure of the propositions of the Catabaptists 6 Two Treatises of the sacred Scriptures 7 Common places of Divinity 8 Lectures on the Lords Supper 9 Commentaries on the four Evangelists 10 On the Acts of the Apostles 11 An Iitroduction unto the reading of Saint Pauls Epistles 12 Commentaries on all his Epistles 13 On the Revelation 14 Physicall Workes of Compositions and their degrees His name be-speakes him happy and his worth Swels high enough to set his prayses forth In ample volumes for his soul was lin'd With true Divinity his serious mindâ— Was alwayes active labring to invest Distressed souls with true angel-like rest Let his examples teach us how to be Content in truth and love Divinity That so at last we may receive those gaiues That daily waite upon celestiall straines MATHEW PARKER The Life and Death of Mathew Parker IN the year of grace 1504. the nineteenth year of the raign of King Henry the seventh was this worthy Pralate Mathew Parker borne at Norwich on the sixt day of August His Father William Parker a Citizen of that City though of no great eminent note yet of honest repute and of a competent estate and discended from an ancient Family of that name the dignity whereof in the person of this Mathew was not revived onâ—ly but much advanced His Father being taken from him in the time of his minority he was by the carefull provision of Alicâ— Parker his mother now a widow trained up in good literature untill he attained to the age of eighâ—een yeares who then as a discreet woman and regardâ—ull of her childs good that those rudiments of learning which he had already received might not be lost but improved and further addition made thereunto procured his entrance into Corpus Christi Colledge in Cambridge about the fourteenth year of King Henry the eighth where she was resolved to make what shift she could to maintaine him untill he had attained that for which she desired to place him there to wit ability for employment in some learned function There being entered he so carried himselfe and gave so good proofes of his parts and pregnancy that within a few months he was chosen Scholler of the house having a Bible-Clearkes place conferred upon him and so his Mother eased of her charge Having after that taken his first degrees and being made Fellow of the house he began to addict himselfe mainely unto the study of Divinity and therein made good progresse Nor was he either of the number of those that will be flying out of the nest before they be well fledged and teaching of others ere they have learned ought themselves or yet of those that are wont to wrap up their talent in a towell and whelm their light under a bushell regarding more their own ease then the beneâ—it of others the end wherunto their studies should tend but after some four or five years spent in furnishing himself with 〈…〉 thâ—â—ulpit he began now to looke abroad into the neighbouâ—ing placeâ— and considering whaâ— great need the people had of instrucâ—ion in thosâ— blind anâ— darke times wherein the lights were grown dimâ— and vision was geâ—son and because so rare the more prâ—â—ious he employâ—d himselfâ— diligâ—ntly as occasion and opportunity was offrâ—d in dilivering out the Word of God unto them and that in an other manner of way then was usuall in thoâ—e dayes By meanes hereof notice taken of his diligence and dexterity therein that he might the more freely make use of of his talent without opposition or disturbance he had Authority granted him by the Kings letters patent and the Archbishops generall licence to preach where he would without controle with this power backed he lanched further out and being not as yet tyed to any speciall charge he bestowed his labors sometime in one place sometime in another that in the most eminent Cities other parts of the realm where he deemed most good might be don was not long after called to be Chaplaine in ordinery to Queen Anne thâ— pious Mother of that heroicall princesse oâ— blessed memory Qâ—eene Elizabeth by whose favor alâ—o he was made Deane of Stoke in Suffolke where he caused a schoolâ— to be erectâ—d for the education and training up of youth in good literature Aftâ—r the unfortunate deaâ—h of Queen Anne he was by the King taken into his â—ervice And having now taken the degree of Doctor in Divinity he was by his Majesties speciall letters of recommendation chosen Master of the Colledge wherein he had been both Scholler and Fellow bâ—fore the Colledgâ— not long after by unanimous consent â—eâ—ling also upon him the benefice of Landbeach in the I le of Ely not far from Cambridge The forâ— mentioned preferments he retained during the wholâ— reâ—idue of King Henries lifâ— and raigne continuing still constant in the exercise of his mâ—niâ—tery unto the happy entrance of that relious Prince and of wisedome and undâ—râ—tâ—nding above his years King Edward At which time albeit the Deanry of Stoke were dissolved Doctor â—arker much grieving for itâ— and withstanding it whaâ— he could the rather in regard of the School annexed to it and depending upon it yet had he in lieu of it a yearely pension assigned unto him out of the Kings exquecher and being by him also entertained as by his Father before him he was further advanced by him so well he esteemed of him to the Deanry of Lincolne and the prebendary of Coldingham in the same Church Thus continued he in a plentifull and worshipfull estate untill the unâ—imely death of that mirrour of Princes and the disastrons succâ—ssion of his Sister Queen Mary when true religion was suppressed superstition reâ—established and those godly Teachers that continued constant in the profession of Christs truth were deposed jected stript of their meanes and maintenance and constrained either to fly the land or lye hid unlesse they would expose themseleves to fire and fagot the best and â—east they could look for if they came into the hands of those who had never learned what mercy ment But these violent courses now taking place this reverend man among others who stuck still to the better though now weaker side was constrained to leave all and to shift for himselfe and the rather for that he had married a wife a woman of good note by whom in processe of time he had three Sons whereof two survived him as a thing though allowable not by Gods Word alone but by the
penitenciall exhortations mollified the stony hearts of those who had been before most obdurate in their sins lastly as dew that fals from heaven returnes not thither bâ—ck againe but inricheth the soyle and makes fruitfull the earth so his pains wheresoever he bestowed them were never stirrill but brought much fruit of comfort both to himsâ—lfe and of knowledge in the mysteries of salvation to his hearers In this time of his retired privacy he printed A mirrour of popish subtilties The exhaltation of the Kingdom and priesthood of Christ and first he ruff-hewed and after polished and published his exquisitr tract entituled Antichristi Demonstratio which was not onely highly commended by our learned Andrewes Bishop of Winton but so esteemed by King Iames a second Salomon that of all the fruitfull trees in our Paradise he chose to griffe his meditations upon the Apocalipse upon Abbot his stocke commanding that his Comment upon the 7.8.9 and 10. verses of the twentieth Chapter of the Apocalypse should be joyned unto the end of Abbot de Antichristo and at the last impression of the said book at London 1608. it is Printed after the end of the twelft Chapter before Elenâ—cus capitum of the said book an honour which his Majesty did to no other of the great Clarkes of this Kingdome Like as Mary Magdalens spicknard was so mingled with the oyntment of the Gospell by our Saviours precept that whosoever smelt the one cold not but resent the other so King Iames his savory meditations are incerted into Abbots contemplations of Antichrist that whosoever distasteth not the one cannot but well relish the other To these his labors which made the presse sweat againe and againe I must adde his most accurate Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans which he run through all not with briefe notes as others but large Sermons upon every verse in which he handled as his text gave him occasion all the controverted points of Religion at this day and he enclosed the whole Magazen of his learning and great pitty it is that the Church should be deprived of such a treasure considering Saint Austines observation is true the truth is neither mine nor thine nor his but all of us have a right to it whom thou callest to the Communion thereof threatning to deprive us of it if we keepe it private They therefore who withhold â—his Worke from the publick view as they wrong the Church in generall so in speciall the City and Cathedrall Church of Worcesteâ— to which he bâ—queaâ—hed it as a kind of legacie as the authors owne Words in his dedicatory Epistle to Bishop Babington printed with his Sermons upon the 110. Psalme import I will endeavour as opportunity may serve to present to their eyes meaning his hearers at Worcester the things that did once affect their eares and to make others also partakers of them and a little after in the same Epistle I am willing to expresse my affection to that City wherein I have bestowed the greatest service of my life and wherein I assure my selfe that a few names there are at least I hope many that shall be my crown and rejoycing in the day of the Lord Iesus I have considered him as ros according to the first syllable of his name now let us view him according to the second as ver a spring first passively then actively first as ver in himselfe when taken as a choyce plant and set in the famous nurserie of learning and Religion the University of Oxford he thrived exceedingly springing and growing from one profession to another from one degree to another from an Artist to a Divine from a Bachelour to a Master from a Scholler of Baliâ—l Colledge to a Fellow Though this were the time wherein he replenished his store-house of good Literature both divine and humane yet knowing that this kind of provission is like the oyle in the widdowes cruze which filled still by emptying and like the loaves Iohn 6. which multiplyed by distributing he joyning practise with his contemplation and by Lecturing first at Alâ—allowes and afterwards at Abbington he encreased his store and stocke of saving knowledge and thus he was ver passively in himselfe but when by Bishop Bancrofts meanes he was called to be Governour of Baliol Colledge and much more after when he was advanced to the Chayre he was ver actively and caused a spring in others for then as a carefull and skilfull Gardiner he set his nurserie with the best plants making alwayes choyce of the towardliest young men in all Elections and when he had set them he tooke such care to water and prune them that in no plaâ— or knot in the famous nurserie of the University of Oxford there appeared more beautifull flowers or grew sweeter fruit then in Baliol Colledge whilst he was Master What should I speake of his diligent reading to his owne Schollers and his continuall presence at publicke Exercises whereby he both Countenanced the Readers and encouâ—aged the Hearers Vrget praesentia Turin His first and chiefe care was to plant the feare of God in the hearts of all the Students in his Colledge knowing well that as God is the father of all things so Religionâ— is the mother of all vertues and little hope there is that they will take any care to observe the statutes of these Founders who regard not his statuteâ— who is the Feunder of all nature and grace and beares up the pillar of the whole World To imprint his Lawes therefore in their mindes besides the holy example of his strict and regular life and continuall admonitions and godly exhortations to study the Scriptures and exercise themselves in them day and night he took speciall care of publicke Prayers from which himselfe was never missing if he had his health though the mornings were never so darke and the season bitter and but finding some inconvenience in the absence of many of his company at evening Prayer pretending diverse occasions of businesse he altered the time of those Prayers puting them off from five of the clock in the afternoone untill eight of the clock at night and immediatly after payers he commanded the gates to be lockt to prevent or at least discover all Noctivagators Next to piety he most desired to setle peace in the Colledge and exterpate all faction which had been for a long time the baine of that Society for Doctor Lilly his immediate predecessour was in â—ome sense not free from lilliam inter spinaâ— a Lilly among thornes and which was worse it is though he cherished them for private ends of his owne but Abbot who had learned from his and our Master that blessed are the peace makers and that a house divided within it selfe cannot stand laboured by all good meanes to caement all parties and make up all the breaches he found wherein God so blessed him that by reconciling them one to another he united them all fast to himselfe and he gained more every way by
angling in the cleare streame then his predecessours had done by fishing in troubled waters Thirdly because he learned from Saint Ierom that intemperance in dyet facile dispumat in libidinem he every weeke viewed the buttry booke and if he found lavish expence upon any mans name he would punish him severely for it yet was he tender and compassionate to those who were of weaker constitutionâ— of body and he not onely permitted them to have such meats drest for them as might irretate their weake appetite and strengthen nature but he sent to them often from his owne Table and if any were visited with sicknesse he tooke care of them as if they were his owne children and his house was as an Apothecaries shop to furnish them with all such things they needed During the time of his Mastership in Baliol Colledge he finished his answer to Willâ—am Bishop Seminary priest intituled by the Pope Bishop of Chalcedon this nominall Bishop of an Aeriall Diocesse took upon him to refute Master Perkins his reformed Catholicke but our Abbot so refuted his refutation and so learnedly copiously solidly and perspicuously handled all those maine heads of Controversie which his adversary touched upon that many judicious Protestants heartily wished that William Bishop had run through all the above mentioned Refomâ—d Catholicke for then we should have had in our Abbots encounter with him a whole system and body of controversies exactly discussed and the truth of reformed Religion in all points solidly and substantially confirmed by Scriptures Fathers and Reason When Hanibal set upon Minutius at an advantage and put him to some distresse Fabius Maximus brings out his forces against Haniball and puts him to flight and Haniball himselfe was enforced to confesse that if he gained any thing upon Minutius he lost it and a great deale more by Fabius Maximus This William Bishops conscience told him and therefore finding himselfe unable to deale with Abbot at sharpe he challenged him to fight with him at dull and rusty foyles I meane foule language scurrilous sarcasmes like the Orators taxed by Quintilian qui causarum vacua conviâ—â—is explebant At the end of that his M r. piece he added vice coronidis a singular treatise intituled the True ancient Roman Catholick which he dedicated to Prince Henry who so thankefully accepted this his present that he returned him many thankes in a letter written with his Princely hand and promised his helping hand upon the next voydance to lift him up higher in the Church and though by the Princes untimely death this most able Champion of the truth sunk much in his hopes yet within a few yeares he was raised up first ad Cathedram Doctoralem and then Episcopalem for Doctor Holland exchanging this life for a better in the year of our Lord 1612. Abbot was thought the fittest man to succeed him in that Chayre in the judgement of all men save his owne who ever undervalued himselfe and after this place was conferred upon him refused it till his brother procured a Mandate from the King to him to hold it and then being put into the Chayre as it were by force he so well filled and furnished it that all men gave him that Evelogne which Saint Ierom giveth Nepotian ideâ— magis erat dignus quod se pâ—ofitebatur indignum he was by so much the worthier the lesse he knew his worth for contempt of honour makeâ— it more due and humility in excellency excels excellency it selfe And here the third time he made good the second sillable of his name Ver for partly by Sermons ad Clerum partly by his learned Lectures partly by his judicious moderating Divinity disputations partly by his exquisite Tractates printed a little before his death he caused such a spring among Divines as was not seen in many years before I will not revive his contentions with Doctor Howson concerning the Geneva notes and clearing Calvin from Arianisme because they are dead long since and were honourably buried by King Iames by whose command D r Howson being sharpened â—urned 〈◊〉 edge from Geneva to Rome and in the next Sermon he Preached as Saint Mariesâ— fell firce and foule upon the Pope himselfe threatning to loosen him from his Chayre though he were fastened thereunto with a teâ—peny naile Neither will I relate much of his Far well Oration at his parting from the University because I could not light upon a perfect copy thereof but a â—ew fragments onely and fragments though of dainty dishes please not the palat of most men yet to give you some tast of it thus he began Salve veneranda mater Academiarum decus gloria continere me non possum quin exultem animo beatumque me praedicem cui infelicissimae omnium gymnasiorum discere pariter docâ—re datum est mille egâ— tibi salutes mille felicitates prosperitates omnes successus exâ—ptare nunquam desinam tibi hoc negotium sub potentissimi principis auspitiis agitut tibi repetitus labor hic cui pro te aliqâ—ando in scholiâ— tuis sudatum est Id nempe agitur ut cavere discant alumni tui Arminios Bertiâ—s Grevinchonios reliquos istos scripâ—itores quos pruritus ingeniorum occupat ut in assuetiâ— nunquam acquiescant nunquam se aliquid esse credant nisi novitate singulares sinâ— Qui vult uno esse animo cum ecclesia anglicana par est 〈…〉 inchâ—et ab â—jus doctrina notitia quam ejusdem ecclesia esse consâ—â—â— â—â—gat in primis digerat articulos religionis quibus subâ—cribimus omnes illorum recolat explicationes quae continentur in â—omiliis carechismos consulat ea quae publica ejus authoritate prodierunt apologiam ecclesiae Anglicanae omnes ejus defensiones pâ—oillustres viros Iewâ—llum Fuleum Reynoldum Whitakerum Calvini Institutiones opera reverendissimi Whigifti in primis vâ—nerabiles Hookeri nullo modo omnititantur qui vero â—is omnibus relictis conferâ— se ad magistrum sententiarum Thomam Aquinatem â—uius farinae theologos acquid aliter fieri potest quam ut papismo inficiantur qui primâ—m lac sugunt ab istis uberibus neque tamen scholam penitus excludo imo omnimodâ— adhibendam sentio seâ— ita ut sit ancilla non domina affâ—renda ad il lam fidei doctrina non inde referenda sit asina quae te portet quod si te inequitet illa in salibras praecepitia te ducet And after singular directions for studâ—nts and passionat expressions of his love to the University thus he concluded spero ego de te spero de tuis optima charissima mater mâ—a utinam vigeas utinam floreas magisque acâ—magis crescas in columnam fidei firmamentum veritatis usque ad advenium Iesu Christi We have felt him as dew softly distilling in his private Cures according to the first syllable of his name Ros and viewed him also as the Spring growing flourishing in the
the greatest I feel is your cold hand and then being layed downe againe no long after he yeelded up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1631. and of his age sixty He was one of a thousand for Piety and Courage which were so excellently mixed with wisdome that they who imagined mischiefe against his Ministry were never able by all their plottings to doe him any more hurt then onely to shew their teeth Laus Deo Of all the worthyes that deserv'd so well And did in parts and piety excell And Garlands therefore of just honour have None more did merit then this Past or grave Renowned Robert Bolton one well known For his divine rare parts second to None Who though in 's youth he seem'd a wicked Saul In 's riper years he prov'd a precious Paul A most renowed preaching Son of thunder Yet a sweet Barnabas even to deep wonder To sons of sorrow and for Gods blest cause Invincible in courage and from pawes Of Sathans power who pull'd afflicted spirits By comforts sweet herein being of high merits And as for 's preaching so for 's writings rare Extant in print even almost past compare One of ten thousand for his piety Constancy wisdome learning gravity Who as he liv'd belov'd so blestly dy'd And now his Sainted soul in heaven doth bide The Life and Death of William Whately who dyed Anno Christi 1639. WIlliam Whately was born in Banbury in Oxfordshire An. Christi 1583. of godly and religious Parents his father was oft Mayor of that Towne his mother carefully bred him up in the knowledge of the Scriptures from a child he was also trained up in learning in the best Schools in those parts and being of a quick apprehention a cleare judgement and a most happy memory he profited so much both in Latine Greek and Hebrew that at fourteen years old he went to Christs Colledge in Cambridge There he was an hard Student and qucikly became a good Logician and Phylosopher a strong Disputant and an excellent Orator He studyed also Poetry and Mathematicks He was a constant hearer of Doctor Chaderton and M r. Perkins And his Tutor calling his Pupils to an â—ccount what they had learned when any was at a stand he would say Whately what say you and he would repeat as readily as if had preached the Sermon himselfe being Batchelor of Arts his Father took him home yet there also he followed his study Afterwards he married a wife the Daughter of Master George Hunt an eminent Preacher who perswaded him to enter into the Minisâ—ery and therefore going to Oxford he commensed Master of Arts and presently after was called to be a Lecturer at Banbury w ch he performed with good approbation for four years and then was called to the Pastorall chargâ— there in which place he continued to his death He was naturally eloquent and had words at willâ— he was of an able body and â—ound lungs and of a strong and audible voyce He was a Bâ—nerges a son of Thunder and yet upon occasion a Barnabas a son of sweet Consolation His speech and preaching was not in the inticing words of man's wisdome but in the Demonstation of the Spirit of Power He was an Apolloâ— eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures he Catechized and Preached twice every Lords day and a weekly Lecture besides yet what he Preached was before well studyed and premeditated He usuall penned his Sermons at large and if he had but so much time as to read over what he had written and to gather it up into short heads he was able to deliver it well-near in the same words His Preaching was plain yet very much according to Scripture and the rules of Art He made good use of his Learning yet without affectation He used to read Books most swiftly yet not cursorily being able when he had don to give an account of the substance and most remarkable passages of what he had read And it pleased Gâ—d to put a Seal to his Minisâ—â—y in the câ—nverting confirming and building up many thousands in the course of his Ministery He was a diligent visitor of the â—ick under his charge without respâ—ct of peâ—sons he was a great Pâ—ace maker amoâ—gst any of hiâ— Flâ—â—k that were at variance he had an heavenly gift in prayer both for aptnâ—sse and fulnesse of Confessions Petitions Supplycations Intercessions and Praises together with fervency of spirit to power them out to God in the name of Christ. Wâ—en he had read a Psalme or Chap. in his Family in his prayer he would discover the scope meaning chiefe notes of observation and their use that his Prayer was an excellent Commentary thereupon and this not onely in the plainer but in the harder Texts of Scripture also His constant practiâ—e was besides Family-prayer twice a dâ—y and sometimes Catechizing to pray also with his wife and alone both morning and evening He set apart private dayes of Humiliation for his Family upon speciall occasions and oft for their preparation to the Lord's Supper at which times he would exceed himselfe in pouring out his soul to God with many tears He was much in dayes of private Fasting and humbling himself alone before God which impaired his health but made much for the health of his soul. He was very able and very ready to confer with and to resolve the doubts of such as came him He bare such a tender love to that great people over which God had set him that though his means was small and he had many offers of great preferment in the Church yet he would not leave them He was daily inquisitive afâ—er the affairs of Gods Church and sympathized with Gods people both in their weal and woe He was much grieved when he saw that difference in opinions bred strangnesse amongst Christians that agreed iâ— that same Fundamentall Truths He was judiciously charitable to such as shewed the power of godliness in their lives though they were not of his judgment in all things He was glad when any of the righteous smote him would tâ—ke it well not from his Superiours onely but from his Equals and far Inferiors and would really shew more testimonies of his love to such afterwards then ever he did before He abounded in works of Mercy he was a truly liberall man one that studyed liberall things seeking out to find objects of his mercy rather thâ—n staying till they were offered he did set apart and expend for many years together for good uses the tenth part of his yearly comings in both out of his Temporall and Ecclesiasticall meanes of maintenanceâ— he entertained somâ— poor Widows or necessitous persons weekly at the least at his Table and his estate prospered the better after he took this course and in his sicknesse he comforted himselfe with that promise Psal. 41.1 2. Blessed is he that considereth the poore the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble the Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing c. His last dayes were his best dayes for then he grew exceedingly in humility and in heavenly-mindednesse And a good while before his latter end God gave him victory over his greatest corruptions which for a long time kept him in continuall exercise About eight weeks before his death he was much troubled with a cough and shortnesse of breath which much weakned him yet he Preached divers times till his encreasing weaknesse disabled him In his sicknesse he gave heavenly and wholesome counsell to his people neighbours and friends that came to visit him exhorting them to labor to redeem the time to be much reading hearing and Meditating upon the Word of God much in prayer brotherly love and communion of Saints and that they would be carefull to hold that fast that he had taught them out of the Word of Truth and that whil'st the the meanes of Salvation was to be had they would neither spare pains nor cost to enjoy it His pains towards his end were very great yet he bore them patiently He was much in ejaculations and lifting up his heart to God in behalfe of the Church and State and for himselfe also wherein he was most frequent and earnest a little before his death A godly friend Minister praying with him that if his time were not expired God would be pleased to restore him for the good of his Church or if otherwise that he would put an end to his pains if he saw good he lifting up his eyes stedfastly towards heaven and one of his hands in the close of that prayer gave up the Ghost shutting his eyes himself as if he were fallen into a sweet sleep Anno 1639. and of his age 56. God tooke him away a little before the Civill Wars began and before the sad desolations that fell upon the Town of Banbury in particular Renowned William Whately also wins Like fame with Bolâ—on as two equall twins Of honour and renown for piety And admirable parts in 's Ministry In Latine Greek and Hebrew rarely able A Disputant also unconquerable Of apprehension quick of judgement clear Strong memory and that which was most dear Of a most holy life and Conversation Who many souls did win to Christs salvation And Divine-like in Scriptures eloquent In Prayer Preaching faithfull and fervent Much charity and love who still exprest Among his people a Peacemaking blest Pittifull patient full of courtesie His soul with Christ now raignes most gloriously FINIS
of the Elements being corporally transubstantiated against the very being and nature of a Sacrament 7 The first that effectâ—ally opposed this Errour was Leuthericus remarkâ—ble for his name confining on Lactherus Archbishop of Senes in France But the French King â—o kept him under with his heavy weight upon him that he never grew up to any generall notice in the world More active was the undertaking of our Belengarius who is challenged by Baronius for reviving the opinions of Leuthericus and would not be taken off by the smiles or frowns of any who endeavoured by all meanes possible to perswade him to desist in his opposition 8 There was one Adelmanus Bishop of Brixia schoole-fellow with Berengarius who by most loving letters perswaded him to be reconciled to the Romish Church he often in his Epistolary addresses intituled Berengarius even when little better than under the Popes curse sancte Frater holy Brother and addulced his discourse with all luscious expressions unto him Moreover he minded him of the counsell which Fulbertus their Master often gave him in horto in the Garden who suspecting the activity nick-named by him turbulency of Berengarius often forwarned him with teareâ— not to innovate any thing in matters of Religion and humbly to submit his judgement to the censure of the Church Nor were promises of preferment wanting on condition he would comply with the Court of Rome who on the revocation of his opinion might easily have turned his Arch-deaconry into a Bishopricke But all was in vaine he still persisted loyall to his first principles and no golden promises could bribe his judgement against his conscience 9 Here it is no part of our imployment much lesse of our purpose to be advocate for all the fauls of Berengarius It being madnesse in any man who is unable to pay the score of his owne faults utterly to breake himselfe by being surety for the offences of others Onely we submit the ensuing particulars to the judgement of the impartiall Reader that when he meets with the manifold charges drawne up against this party accused he would be pleased to take what followeth into his serious consideration 10 First that he was a man and so subject to errour And therefore he is no man who will not afford him a pardon of course for those failings proceeding from human infirmity Secondly that he lived in a darke age and therefore was more obnoxious to stumble So that we need not condemne him that his errours were â—o many but rather praise Gods goodnesse that they were no more yea this I dare bouldly affirme that if the morning grow so proud as to scorne the dawning of the day because mixed with darkenesse Midde day will revenge her Quarrell and may justly take occasion to conteme the Morning aâ— in lustre infiriour to her selfe Thirdly Berengarius was vexed with oposition which makes men reele into violence and no reason it is that the constant temper of his soule should be guessed from som ague-fits as I may terme them of his passion and that his positive opinion should be stated from his polemicall heate when he was chafed in disputation Lastly to render him whilest living and his memory when dead more odious his Adversaries have fastened many false accusations upon him 11 We that live in this distracted age know too well how ready men are to cast aspersions on thosâ— who differ from them in point of opinion which should make us more charitable in passing our verdicts on those in former ages which dissented from the received opionions Wherefore when we read Baronius calling him hominem mendacissimum impudentissimum with other epithets to the same sence we know how to defalce our credit accordingly True it is one fault he was guilty of which we are so far from excusing or extenuating that we would throw the first stone against him our selves but that consciousnesse to our owne frailtyes commands us to hold our hands lest hitting of him we wound our selves as subject without heavens especiall support to the same infirmitiâ—s However seeing God is gloryfied in his servants weaknesse and every stumble of man is a steppe to Gods throne we will plainly and simply set downe the unexcusable inconstancy of Berengarius 12 Being summoned to appeare before Pope Leo the ninth at first he refused to obey his command therein following the Councell of Peter de waldez from whom the Waldenses received their names but afterwards being otherwise advised and wearied with the importunity of his adversaries he not onely made his personall appearance before the Pope but also solemnely in the presence of the Councell at Rome retracted and abjured his opinions Indeed formerly he had set forth a worke in the nature of an Expedient wherein he did much qualifie and mitigate his expressions abating much of their edge and sharpnesse if possibly he might have made them comply with the Sence of Rome But this proving ineffectuall and not giving expected satisfaction to the Conclave he was last faine in terminis to renounce and recant his opinion in the presence of 113. Bishops 13 But having got out of the reach of his enemies pawes he reassumed his Tenents again remitting nothing of his former zeale but rather asserting them with more ardour and vehemency then before But alasse no sooner was he seazed on the second time but that he again abjured his opinions in the Lateran Councell under Pope Gregorie the seventh to the indeleblest staine of his name for his inconstancy 14 After his second Recantation we find little of the manner of his demeanour unto the day of his death And we easily conceive that clouded with shame for his former fact he affected obscurity and lived as invisible as might be in the World We find not that he excepted of any preferment in the Church or that any was offered him A presumption that he was not re-estated in the favour of the Popish party not confiding in him as thorow paced in their Religion Charity commands us to hope that at the crowing of the Cocke of his Conscience he might awake out of his former sleepe and weepe bitterly with him who on his repentance was received into Christs favour 15 Two especiall adversaries Berengarius had Guitmundus and Lanke Franke a Lumbard the latter of more learning than Piety more parts then learniâ—g more pride then both was well rewaâ—ded for his paines for disputing and wriâ—eing against Berengarius with the rich Arch bishopricke of Canterbuâ—y But Bâ—rengarius never mounted higher then his Arch Deaconry of Angiers where he died on Epiphanie or Twelfe day Anno 1088. Dâ—fferent is the judgement of learned men concerning his finall estate Heildebert bishop of Maine and our William of Malmesbury say that he died homo novus a reclaimed man and dandle him in the lappe of the Romish Church as a true childe thereof But Cardinall Baronius lookes upon him under the notion of a Hereticke accounting his Recantation but superficiall
indited rather from his Cowardise then Conscience Oâ—r Illyricus in His catalogue of the witnesses of the Truth affords him a principall place therein We leave him to stand or fall to his owne master according to that concluding Disticke which we find in an Aauthor Cum nihil ipse vides propria â—uin labe laboret Tu tua fac cures caetera mitte Deo Seeing nought thou seest but faults are in the best Looke Thou unto thy selfe leave God the rest 16 Remarkeable are his words wherewith he breathed out his last gaspe which Illyricus reporteth to this Effect now am I to goe and appeare before God either to be acquitted by him as I hope or condemned by him as I feare Which words as they savour not of that full assurance of Salvation which God vouchsafeth to many of his servants so they carry not with them any offensive Breath of Despaire And it is no contradiction in Christianity to rejoyce before God with trembling And in this Twilight we leave Berengarius to that mercifull God who knoweth whereof we are made and remembereth we are but dust Most worthily may this Divine Old Berengarius fairely shine Within this Skie of lustrious Starres Who 'gainst Romes errours fought Truths warres Confuting with high approbation Romes sigment Transubstantiation Which did that Hierarchie so vex And with such passion so perplex That they would never give him rest But did his Soule so much molest That at the last by fraud and force They made him with most sad remorse Two severall times his Cause recant Him of his Crown thus to supplant Thus O thus oft Sols raye most rare With duskie clouds ecclipsed are IOHâ—N WICKLIâ—â—â— The Life and Deth of John Wicklief AMongst many famous Writers in this Nation as Beda Alckvine Iohn Carnotenesis Nigellus Neckam Sevall Bacanthorpe Ockam Hampoole of Armach this Wicklief is not the least of worth he was famous both for Life and Learning he was brought up in the famous Vniversity of Oxford in Merton Collâ—dge he gave himselfe after he was Master of Arts to the study of Schoole Divinity wherein having an â—xcellent acute wit he became excellently well qualified and was admired of all for his singular Learning and sweâ—tnâ—sse of behavior in King Edward the thirds time who protested that his chiefe end and purpose was to call backe the Church from her Idolatry especially in the matter of the Sacrament He was much favoured by Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Henry Percy who defended and protected him from his raging adversaries and Bishops And when Pope Gregory the eleveeth sent his Bull to Oxford to require them to root out Wicklâ—ef's Tares as he called them the Proctors and Masters were in long debate whether they should receive it or reject it In the time of King Richard the second this Wicklief was brought before the Bishops at Lambeth and had many Articles put in against him but what by the meanes of some Courtiers and Citizens of London he was again released After this William Barton Vice-chancellor of Oxford wiâ—h some other Doctors set forth an Edict against him and his followers whereupon he published a confession of his Doctrine Anno Christi 1382. the Archbishop of Canterburie held a Convocation at London and condemned the Articles of Wicklief as Heretical and when the said Archbishop with many of his adherents were gathered together about this business just as they were readie to begin their debate there fell out a great and generall Earthquake which so affrighted manie of them that they desisted from their business yet all means were used for the suppressing of his opinions but through God's mercie they could never bee exstirpated to this daie He was a great enemie to the swarms of begging Friers with whom it was harder to make war then with the Pope himselfe He denied the Pope to be the Head of the Church and pronounc'd him to be Antichrist he confuted and condemned his Doctrine about Bulls Indulgences c. The Bishop of Rome lost by his Doctrine the power of making and ordaining Bishops in England and the Tenths of spirituall promotions also the gains of his Peter-pence Whereupon Polidore Virgil cals him an infamous Hereticke He affiâ—med the Scripture to be the supreme Judg of Controversies condemned Transubstantiation c. He was a painfull and faithfull preacher of the Gospell under that famous King Edward the thiâ—d who alwaies favored and protected him against the rage of his adversaries In the raign of Richard the second he was by the power of his adversaries banished yet in all his affliction he shewed an undanted spirit At last returning from Exile he died in the yeere of our Saviour Jesus Christ whom he had Preached 1387. and was buried the last day of December at his Parsonage of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire But in the yeer 1428. which was 41. yeeres from the time of his death his dead body was by the Decree of Pope Martin the fifth and Counsell of Sene dig'd up and burned with the Execreations of that fiery Pope thus he found the cruelty of them being dead whom he had being living taught to be so He writ as Pius Aenaeas testifies more then two hundred faire volumnes most of which were burned by Sùbinck Arch-bishop of Prague in Bohemia The Catalogue of his Works you may reade in the Centuries of Ioâ—n Bale somes of them I have here set downe 1 Of Christ and antichrist 2. Of Antichrist and his members 3. Of the truth of the Scriptures 4. Of the fountain of Eâ—rors 5. A booke of Conclusions 6. 7. Of Ecclesiasticall and Civill government 8 Of the Impostures of Hipocrites 9. Of Blasphemy 10. Lectures on Daniel 11. On the Apocalyps 12. Of the marriage of Priests 13. The Divels craft against Religion 14. His policy to overthrow faith 15. Of Apostacy 16. Two bookes of Metaphysickes one containing 12. Bookes 17. Glosses upon the Scripture 18. Of falling away from Christ. 19. Of truth and lying Besides these he writ many of Philosophy and translated the Bible into the English tongue making Prefaces and Arguments to every Booke he also translated the twelve Bookes of Clement the Parson of Lanthon containing the harmony of the Evangelists And thus went out this Lampe of England of whom one thus hath said With our old English writers rare John Wicklief justly might Compare For Learning Life and solid Witt And many Works he rarely Writt Contending stoutly 'gainst Romes Errours Nere daunted by their threats or terrours But to his death still fought faiths fight And thus went out this Lamp of Light But being dead Rome did so rave 'Gainst this Faiths Champion that from 's grave They digged-up his Bones with ire And burnt as Hereticks in fire Thus was Romes Folly Rage exprest To burn dead Bones of Soules at rest IOHANNES HVS The Life and Death of John Huss THE faire fruit of effects is vertually couched in the small seeds of their causes 1 Iohn Huss
the same year he was graced with the title of Doctor in Divinity in the presence of the Prince Elector and of his son Casimirus who being most desirous of propagating the truth of Christ injoyned him after his returne from Rhetia to the Palatinate to lay open the true doctrine concerâ—ing God and concerning the three Persons in the Diety and to confute the opinion and to overthrow the arguments of such adversaries as at that time opposed the Diety of Christ and of the holy Ghost in Poland and in Transilvania whereupon he wrote his treatises ful of learning and piety de natura Dei detribus Elohmi filio spiritu Sancto uno eodemque Iehovah In this Academie he professed Divinity ten years even unto the death of â—rederich the third Prince Elector afterwards he went unto Neostadt where he was entertained Divinity Lecturer in a School newly erected where he continued seven years after the death of Frederick the third he was called unto the Academy at Leyden in Holland then newly consecrated in the year 1578. and also unto Antwarp in Brabant in the year 1580. but because that School could not want him he was willed by the Prince to remain there where he continued untill such time as the School was translated unto Heidleberge and then by reason of his old age he was discharged of his office by Casimirus then Elector Palatine whereupon he went towards Heidleberg to visit some friends which he had there whom when he had seene and comforted in those perillous times he changed this life for a better and more durable in the year 1590. and in the 75. year of his age and lyes buried in S t. Peters Chappel at Heidelberg He was well read in the auncient Fathers and in the writings of the Philosophers he was of singular modesty he alwayas earnestly desired peace amongst the Churches and in his old age was afflicted with blindnesse His works are here inserted 1 Divine Miscillanies with the explication of the Augustâ—n Confession 2 His judgement of the Controversies about the Lords Supper 3 Of the Trinity bookes thirteen in two parts in the fiâ—st the Orthodox mystery of this Doctrine is proved and confirmed by Scripture in the latter the adversaries are confuted 4 A Câ—mpendium of the chiefe points of Christian Doctrine 5 A Perfect tretise of the sacred Scriptures 6 Of the Incarnation of Christ. 7 Of the Divine Nature and his Attributes 8. Of the Workes of God in six dayes 9â— Of Mans Redemption 10 A Commentary upon Hosea 11. A Commentary on the Ephesians 12. Colossian .. 13 Thessalonians 14 Iohn 15 Observations of Physicke 16 His answer to an Arrian He sought and found the truth and would not hide That light from others that did still abide Within his breast his soul was alwayes free T' advance the works of reall piety Uertue and gravity were both combin'd Within the ceture of his breast and shin'd With equall luster all that heard his voyce Were fil'd with raptures and would much rejoyce At his discourse for what his tongue exprest Alwayes proceeded from a reall breast Let his examples teach us how to stand Firmely obedient to our Gods command That at the last we may rejoyce and sing Praises with Zanchy to heav'ns glorious King The Life and Death of Anthony Sadeel who dyed Anno Christi 1591. ANthony Sadeel was born upon the confines of Savoy and France not far from Geneva Anno Christi 1534. and his father dying whilst he was young his mother brought him up in learning and sent him to Paris and having studyed a while there he went to Tholous where falling into the society of some godly students of the Law it pleased God that he left Popery and went from thence to Geneva where he was much holpen by Calvin and Beza afterwards being sent for home and some controversie arising about his inheritance he went to Paris and there joyned himselfe with the private Congregation of the Protestants there the Pastor Collongius called the young students that were of that congregation together perswaded them to apply themselves to the study of Divinity which afterwards turned to the great good of the French Churches and amongst others Sadeel faithfully promised to apply him self therto having profited much in those studyes being scarce twenty years old he was by the approbation of the whole Church chosen one of the Pastors the year after fell out that horrid violence offered to the Church at Paris when they were met together to hear the word and receive the Sacrament where above one hundred and fifty of them were laid hold of and cast into Prison but by a miracle of Gods mercy the Pastors escaped the year after Sadeel was delivered from a great danger for at midnight many Apparitors brake into his house searched every corner and at last brake into his chamber seized on his books and papers crying out they were Hereticall and so laid hold upon him and carryed him to Prison But it pleased God that Antony of Burbon King of Navar who knew him and had often heard him hearing of his imprisonment sent to the officers to release him as being one of his train and when they refused to doe it he went himselfe to the Prison complaining of the wrong that was don him by imprisoning one that belonged to him being neither a murtherer nor thief and withall bad Sadeel follow him and so tooke him away with him whereupon the day after he publickly before the King gave thanks to God for his deliverance expounding the 124 Psalm then it being judged the safest for him to absent himselfe for a while he went to viâ—it the Churches in other parts of the Kingdome and at Aurelia he continued some moneths Preaching to many Citizens and students in the night time to their great advantage then he returned to Paris againe where a Synod of Ministers and Elders the first that was there were assembled to draw up a confession of their Faith which afterwards was presented to the King by the Admirall Coligny But the King shortly after dying the Queen mother and the Guises drew all the Government of the Kingdom into their hands and raised a great persecution against the Church drawing many of all ranks to Prisons and punishment yet Sadeel intermitted not his office but was wholly imployed in Preaching comforting confirming the weak c. till the danger encreasing it was thought fit that the care of the Church should be committed to one Macradus a man lesse known and that Sadeel should retire himselfe and so he went into severall parts of the Kingdome and therâ—by much propagated the true faith The year after the persecution not being so violent at Papis Sadeel could not refraine from going to his flocke which he loved so dearly In the year 1561. he fell sicke of a quartan Ague and by the advice of his Physitians and friends he was perswaded to goe into his owne Countrey yet neither there did he