protracto in victa patientia conflictatus esset tandem non sine ingenâ—i cleri sui populique luctu pene incredibili Salisburiensis civitatis maerore placide in domino conquiescit Imminente morte convocat domesticos fidei suae professiomem interruptis ac moribundis vocibus exorsus cum amici monerent hinc ut supersederet labori extare enim doctrinae ac fidei suae in scriptis a se editisque oporibus confessionem annuit scripta sua omnia suprema hac voce obsignavit Illa inquit fides quam scriptis meis propugnavi veritas Dei est in ejusque assertione morior Scripsit autem varia cum latino â—um vernaculo idiomate quibus illud Solomonis elogium de aureis pomis in calaturis argenteis videtur aptissime posse accommodari Auream enim rerum optimarum ex sacrosanctis scripturis patribus conciliis ab ipso congestam supeliectilem argenteus includit illustrat dictiones candor Sine quo lecet caussa veritatis ut eleganter Lactantius defendi possit ut est a multis saepe defensa tamen claritate ac nitore sermonis illustranda quodammodâ— edisserenda est ut potentius in animos instuat vi sua instructa luce orationis ornata Certe hic nostâ—r quod praecipit Quintilianus non tantum fortibus sed fulgentibus armis contra haereticos pariter schismaticosque dimicat Nec hoc quod prae manibus est opus pene post humum aâ—â—â—loquii niâ—ore aut argumenti digimate reliquis ejusdem authoris cedit In quò pius Amistes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 simul 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 niter ecclesias reformatas tuendae zelo flagrans muros Hierichuntinos a Pelagio olim extructos a sanctis patribus dirutos nuper vero a Iesuitis ac numperime ab Arminianis restaurari caeptos non cornea sed argentea tuba demolitur Ita enim â—eritatem catholicam densissimis sacrarum scripâ—urarum sanctorum patrum testimâ—niis ac validissimis rationibus communit contra precipua Semipelagiorum argumenta sive Aâ—minii sive Thompsoni limarasa recenti penitus obterit proâ—ligat ut modestis ingeniis a partium studio aliemit hoc libello non dubitemus abunde hac in parte iri satisfactum Cum Arminio ut extero adversario remotiore velut eminus pagnat cum Thompsono vero ut domistico in ecclesiae Anglicanae venis vâ—sceribus haerente comminus congrediâ—ur tractatuli illius hererodoxi quo justificationis gratia interciditur ita nervos omnes incidit ut qui post hac in Thompsoni Diatribam inciderit Diogenis Zenomis Diatribam dicterium merito poteris â—surpare Thompsonianam hanc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 esse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vale benevole lector in Christo cum opus hoc â—uthoris caussa amplectere tum authorem operis caussa pio studio prosequere Meo â—exâ—u non meo filo Daniel Featley S. T. P. Archiepiscopò Canturiensâ— fucius Englished â—hus Thou hast here Christian Reader presented unto thee the Swan-like song of a man let none quarell the phraise above the reach even of envy it selfe with which he expired If then as the glimmering light of the setting Sun renders more delight to the eye of the beholder so the Woâ—kes of dying men are by so much the more indeared unto us thou canst not choos but valew this Book at the greater rate w ch thou mayest understand was perfected by the last care of a learned Doctor and right reverend Prelate Foâ— so soon as the Authâ—r had finished the piece brought it to this lighâ— he himself passed to the light coelestiall Having fitted his labour for the benefit of the Church Militant he was called to the Church Tiumphant and caught up immediatly from his defence of divine grace to the fruition of divine glory Laden he was more with learning and the fame of his most acurate Works then with years and to be thought rather to have lived long then contâ—nued long among us For our life as Plinie defines it is a Watch which this our Prelate seem'd wholly to imploy in the study of Theology For afâ—er that in the renowned University of Oxford he had furnished himself with the knowledg of the best Arts and had exquisiâ—ely fashioned both his tongue and pen he wholly devoted them both unto God and dedicated the rest of his ensuing life partly to publick Preaching wherewith he honoured the Pulpit partly to the reading of publicke Lectures with which he illustrated the Doctors Chayre and partly to the composure of his owne learned writings wherewith he wonderfully enriched the Presse Long was the fame and industry of this reverend Divine locked up in obscurity and for which in the narrow limits of a private Parish he nourished that of glory whereunto few of our times have arrived Afterwards when for the space twenty years he had industriously executed the office of a Pastor and Preacher by soveraigne command he was required to encounter the chiefeâ—t of the Roman Champions in the defence of the Reformed Religion concerning the greatest controversies which our times have produced In which cumbest he not onely over-came his adversaries Bishop and Eudemon but far surpassed the opinion which the world had before conceived of him Not long after by the same our most gracious Soveraign King Iames he was advanced to be Doctor of the Chayre in the famous University of Oxford which eminent place in the University he held with great reputation At length having been famed for a faithfull Doctor and an accurate Professor of Divinity he was promoted to the Episcopall See of Salisbury which he governed but for the terme of two years and three months For whilst he was not onely wrapped in the publick affaires of his Episcopall Government but also continued most sedulous and industrious in his private studyes of Divinity that sedutary life of his brought him to the terrible disease of the stone in his kidniâ—s wherewith being grievously tortured for some weeks and now having attained the fifty eight year of his age aâ—ter good proofe of his unconquerable patience in the extremity of his last â—it he sweetly slept in the Lord to the infinite sorrow both of the Clergy and Laity within his jurisdiction and laments almost incredible of the whol City of Salisbury When death approached he gave command that his family should be called together before whom with broken â—peeches in the language of a dying man beginning to make a profession of his Faith his friends advized him to spare that paines since an ample Testimony both of his faith and learning lived extant in his Workes He yeelded to their advice and signed all his Workes with these his last Words That faith which I have defended in my writings is the truth of God and in the avouching thereof I leave the World Many Workes he set forth both in Latine and our mother tongue to all which that
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
be drowned When he came to the Earles of Mansfield he was entertained by a hundred horsemen or more of the Court and was brought into Isleben very honourable but very sick and almost past recovery which thing he said did often befall him when he had any great businesse to undertake But using some meanes for cure of his infirmity he sate at supper with the company and so continued to doe from the 29. of Ianuary to the 17. of February and treated of the dfferences for whose determination he came thither In this time he preached sometimes and twice received the Lords Supper and publickely received two Students into the sacred order of the Ministery And at his lodging used much godly conference at Table with his friends and every day devoutly prayed The day before his death though he was somewhat weake yet he dined and supped with his company and at supper spak of divers matters and among other passages asked Whether in heaven we should know one another when the rest desired to heare his judgement thereof He said What befell Adam he never saw Eve but was at rest in a deep sleep when God formed her yet when he awaked and saw her he asketh not what she was nor whence she came but saith that she was flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone Now how knew he that He being full of the Holy Ghost and endued with the knowledge of God thus spake After the same manner we also shall be in the other life renewed by Christ and shall know our parents our wives and children and all about us much more perfectly then Adam knew Eve at her bringing to him After supper when he went aside to pray as was his custome the paine in his breast began to increase whereupon by the advise of some there present he tooke a little Vnicornes horne in wine and after that slept quietly an houre or two on a pallat neer the fire When he awaked he betooke himselfe to his chamber went to bed bidding his friends good nght admonished them who were present to pray God for the propagation of the Gospell because the Councell of Trent and the Pope would attempt wonderfull devises against it Having thus said after a little silence he fell a sleep But was awaked by the violence of his disease after midnight Then complained he againe of the narrownesse of his breast and perceiving that his life was at an end he thus implored Gods mercy and said O heavenly father my gratioâ—s God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ thou God of Consolation I give the all hearty thanks that thou hast revealed to me thy Son Iesus Christ whom I beleeve whom I professe whom I love whom I glorifie whom the Pope of Rome and the rout of the wicked persecute aâ—d dishonour I beseech thee Lord Iesus Christ â—o receive my soul. O my gracious heavenly Father though I be taken out of this life though I must now lay downe this frailâ— body yet I certainely know that I shall live with with thee eternally and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands He added moreover God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son that every one who beleeveth in him should not perish but have life everlasting And that in the 68. Psalme Our God is the God of salvation and our Lord is the Lord who can deliver from death And here taking a medicine and drinking it he further said Lord I render up my spirit into thy hands and come to thee And againe Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit thou O God of truth hast redeemed me Here as one falling asleep and without any bodily pain that could be discerned he departed this life And when Doctor Ionas and Caelius said O reverend father doe you dye in the constant confession ofâ— that doctrine of Christ which you have hitherto preached He answered so as he might be heard yea which was the last word he spake Thus he in his native Country not having seen it many years before dyed much lamented by many This â—ell on the eighteen day of Febru on the day in the Calender ascribed to Concord about three a clock in the morning in the great climactericall year of his age Soon after his body put into a coffin of Lead was carried in funerall manner to the Temple of Isleben where Iustas Ionas preached Then the Earles of Mansfield desired that his body should be interred within their territories But the Elector of Saxony required that he should be brought bark to Wittenberge In the returne thereof which way so â—vâ—r it went it was honourably attended and with much griefe accompanied out of each Princes Dominion and at lengh upon the twenty two of February in the afternone was brought to Wittenberg and was carried into the Temple neare adjoyning to the Castle with such a troope of Princes Earles Nobles their living as students and other people that the like was seldome or never seâ—n in that towne When the funerall rites were perforned Pomeranus preached to an assâ—mbly of many thousands And after that Melancthon with many teares and â—igheâ— made a funerall Oration When this was don the coffin with his body was put by the hands of divers learned men into the tombe near to the Pulpit in which he had made many learned Sermonâ— before divers Princes Electors and the Congregation of many faithfull Christians In a brazen plate his picture lively deciphered was there set up with Verses by it to this effect This Sepulchre great Luthers Corpes contanes This might suâ—â—ice yet read these following strains HEre in this Vrne doth Martin Luther resâ— And sweetly sleep in hope to rise most blest By whose rare pains firme faith and Christs free Grace Which formerly thick Fogs of Error base And Duskie Clouds â—j Wâ—rks desert hid quite Were well reduced to their ancient Light For when blind Superstition ruled All And did fair Trnth long time suppresse and thrall He by Gods Word and Spirits inspiration The Gospels Light re-spred for every Nation And well-instructed by Pauls sacred voyce Scorning Romes Cheats to teach pure Truth made choyce And as John Baptist in the Wildernesse Did Gods Lamp who heals Sin Preach and expresse So O Sweet Christ did Luther cleare thy booke When all the World was caught with Errors â—ooke And what the difference was betwixt the Law Whose tables Moses brake though God he saw Vpon Mount-Sinai and the Gospell sweet Which heales Sin conscious hearts which Gods wrath meet This difference lost to th' World he did restore That so Christs gifts of Grace might shine the more He stoutly did oppose Romes Cheats and Charmes And Papall rule which wrought Gods Saints great harmes Exhorting all Romes idols for to flye He many souls wan to true piety And mauger all Romes threats and snares most slie Finisht in Faith his Course most valiantly Dying in peace his Soule with Christ doth rest Crown'd with immortall Glory
intercession of the Saints and concerning the sacrifice of the Masse but being easily confuted he recanted confessed his error and gave thankes unto Almighty God that had prepared so excellent an instrument to open his eyes and to shew unto him cleerly the knowledge of the truth This his deniall of the intercession of the Saints and sacrifice of the Masse Stirred up Hugh Bishop of Constance to make an opposition against him insomuch that Zuinglius was inforced to declare publikly unto the world that which he beleeved concerning those and other differences betwixt himselfe and the Church of Rome by reason wherof his report and â—ame was brought unto Adrian the sixt then Pope of Rome who forthwith wrote unto him afâ—â—r this manner Beloved Sonne greâ—ting and Apostolicall Benediction We send our venerable brother Ennius Bishop of Verulan our Domistick Praelate and Apostolicall Nuntio a man wise and trusty unto that strenuous and warlike moâ—ion which hath beene friendly and faithfull unto us and to our Apostolicall Sea that he may treat with them about serious affaires which concerne not onely us and our Sea but also the whole Christian Common-wealth now although we have streightly commanded him that he shall relate those things in publicke before all in generall yet neverthelesse seeing that speciall notice is given unto us of those excellent vertues wherewith thou art endewed we cannot but entirely love and greatly rejoyce in thy zeale reposing a spiciall kind of Confidence in thee wherefore we have commanded the same Bishop our Legate that he deliver these our letters unto thee in particular and withall to declare our great affection towards thee finally we exhort you to be zealous in the Lord and to repose all your confidence in him and looke with what affection we tender your honour and preferment we desire the same from you in respect of our and the affaires of the sea Apostolicall and for which you shall finde no small favour aâ— our hands Given at Rome 23. Januvary 1523. and in the first yeer of our Popedome Letters were also written by the same Pope unto Franciscus Zinggius to this intent that he should not be wanting to use all meanes to draw and to allure this godly man to the prefession of the doctrine of the Church of Reme which Francisâ—us being damanded by Mysconius what reward the Pope had promised unto him on condition that he could perswade Zâ—inglius to revoke his opinion he seriously answered that Peters Chaire excepted he had promised him all things else Whence it is evident that the Divell and his members laboured as much as in them lied to hinder the knowledge of the truth of Christ and to detaine men in blindnesse and ignorance And hence we may observe the constancy of this holy man who could not be allured to forsake and fall from the truth of God and of his word no noâ—â—or all the preferments of the world â—steeming with Saint Paul all things as dung in respect of Christ. The Gospel now with the blessing of God being received and embraced of the Zigurins and gathering strength every day more and more Zuingliâ—s began to enter into a serious consideration of changing the forme of things present into a better state and condition reducing the Monks and Priests unto three orders some for labour some for Marrage some for learning because the number of them seeme greater then might seâ—ve for the use of Religion Being busied about this Reformation there crept in the Heiresie of the Catabaptists who forbad the Baptizing of Infants and did rebaptize themselves with these Zuinglius dealt friendly at the first disputing with them and convincing them of their errors but they being obstinate in their opinions he caused the Senate severely to punish them some with imprisonment some with death But to returne againe his alteration of the state at Tigurum concerning Priests and Mâ—nks and the decree against Pensioners being by his meanes sealed and confirmed caused him to be every way surrounded with enemies who waited daily and hourely to take away his life and also in the night season insomuch that he durst not walke abroad without a strong guard to defend him from his enemies who used openly in the streets all reproachfull speeches against him and these wicked and ungratious villaines when they saw that they could neither prevaile against the Gospel nor against this good Preacher of the Gospel then they bent all their forces against those who were obedient to the word of God imagining nothing but mischiefe towards them alwaies intending their destruction and ruine Hence it was concluded and resolved on to take up Armes for the deâ—ence of the truth of the doctrin of Christ and they all enter into a new League the old being notwithstanding no way violated but remaine firme and that by the great labour and industry of Zuinglius not that he intended any thing hurtfull unto his Countrey but to extirpate and to roote out their vices and to plant in it firmely the doctrine of the Gospel both for the glory of God and also for the good of all Switzerland for he deâ—ired nothing more then that all Nations might confesse the Lord Jesus and therefore he exhorted those that were his friends and which stood up for the truth of Christ to undergoe the hazard of their lives in so good a cause with these expresse words following That whith heretofore I have written unto you I exhort you unto it still beâ—eeching you to remaine constant and immovable and not to be afraid of your enimies for that peace which some so greatly urge and presse is open warre and not peace and that warre which we are to undertake is peace and not open warre for we doe not thirst after any mans blood neither do we desire to spill it by such tuâ—multuous actions but this we maintaine and defend that the nerves and sinewes of an Oligarchy are to be cut off and unlesse it be the truth of the Gospell and the Ministers thereof will never have any safe and quiet residence and dwelling amongst us Alas it is not cruelty that we thinke of but our actions are both fatherly and friendly we desire to be a meanes to save those who are like to perish through ignorance our greatest ambition is to preserve our liberty therefore doe not so much estrange your selves from our determinations you shall find them more peaceable and more just then some have related unto you you are apt to beleeve those which speake false of us who notwithstanding hitherto have had good and sufficient triall of our truth and of their inconstancy I will not say lies In this shew your selves to be men that ye remaine Constant and immovable as we doe for our faith towards God and men In a word let not feare dismay you for through the goodnesse of God we shall so behave our selves in this League that it shall neither purchase shame nor griefe to your selves Thus did he cheerefully
strong heat Nor was his body but his minde as frée From the contagion of hels leprosie For all his study was how to obtaine That happy treasure whereby he might gaine Heaven aâ— the last and sure unto that place He 's long since gone who was his Conntries grace The Life and Death of John Rogers who died Anno Christi 1555. IOhn Rogers was borne in England and brought up at the University of Cambridge where he profited very much in good learning and from thence was chosen by the Merchant Aâ—venturers to be their Chaplaine at Antwerpe to whom he Preached many yeeres and there falling into acquaintance with William Tindall and Miles Coverdal who were fled from persecution in England he by their meanes profited much in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and joyned with them in that painefull and profitable worke of Translating the Bible into English there he married a wife and from thence he went to Wittenberg where he much profited in learning and grew so skilfull in the Dutch tongue that he was chosen Pastor to a Congregation there where he discharged his Office with diligence and faithfulnesse many yeeres but in King Edwards time he was sent for home by Bishop Ridley and was made a Prebend of Pauls in which place he Preached faithfully till Queen Maries days and in the beginning of her Reign in a Sermons at Pauls-Croâ—se he exhorted the people constantly to adhere to that Doctrine which they had been taught and to beware of pestilent Popery c. for which he was called before the Lords of the Councill where he made a stout witty and godly answer and was dismissed but after the Queens Proclamation against True-Preaching he was again called the Bishops thirsting for his blood and committed prisoner to his owne house whence he might have escaped and had many motives as his wife and ten children his friends in Germany where he could not want preferment c. But being once called to answer in Christs Cause he would not depart though to the hazard of his life from his own house he was removed by Bonner to Newgate amongst thieves and murtherers he was examined by the Lord Chancellor and the rest of the Councell and by them was re-committed to prison he was much pressed to recant but stoutly refusing was first excommunicated and degraded and then condemned after which he desired that his wife to whom he had been married eighteen yeeres and by whom he had ten children and she being a stranger might be admitted to come to him whilst he lived but Stephen Gardiner then Lord Chancellor would by no meanes suffer it February the fourth Anno Christi 1555. he was warned to prepare for death before he rose If it be so said he I need not tie my points and so he was presently had away to Bonner to be degraded of whom he earnestly requested to be admitted to speake with his wife but could not prevaile from thence he was carryed into Smithfield where scarce being permitted to speake to the people he briefly perswaded them to perseverance in that truth which he had taught them which also he was now ready to seale with his blood then was a pardon profered to him if he would recant but he utterly refused it his wife with nine small children and the tenth sucking at her brest came to him but this sorrowfull sight nothing moved him but in the flames he washed his hands and with wonderfull patience took his death all the people exceedingly rejoycing at his constancy praising God for it He was the Proto-martyr in Queene Maries dayes The Sabbath before his death he dranke to Master Hooper who lay in a chamber beneath him bidding the messenger to commend him to him and to tell him That there was never little fellow that would better stick to a man then he would to him supposing they should be both burned together although it happened otherwise Though this grave Father was enfor'd to flye His envious Countrey for security Yet his undâ—unted courage would not move That alwayes stood as Sentinell to love 'T was not a prison could affection swage He like a Bird sung swéetest in a cage When firâ—t the Bible with great paines and care He into English did translate so far That knowing men did admire the same And justly did extoll his lasting fame Who did contemne the fury of all those Who both to us and him were mortall foes The Life and Death of Laurence Saunders who died Anno Christi 1555. LAurence Saunders was borne of worshipfull Parents brought up in learning at Eaton Schoole and from thence chosen to Kings Colledge in Cambridge where he continued three yeers and profited in learning very much then by his Moâ—her who was very rich he was bound to a Merchant in London but not affecting that course of life his Master gave him his Indentures and he returned to his studies in Cambridge where also he studied Greeke and Hebrew but especially the holy Scriptures he was frequent and very fervent in Prayer and when assaulted by temptations he still found much support and comfort in prayer whereby he gained such experience that he became a great comforter of others he Commensed Master of Arts and stayed long after in the University In the beginning of King Edwards Raign he began to Preach being first Ordeined a Minister and that with such generall approbation that he was chosen to read a Divinity-Lecture at Fotheringay where by his Doctrine and life he drew many to God and stopped the mouths of the adversaries about which time he married a wife and from thence he was removed to the Minster of Leichfield where also he by his Life and Dâ—ctrine gat a good report even from his adversaries from thence he was removed to Church-Langton in Leicestershire and from thence to Alâ—allowes in Breadstreet London and after his admission there he went backe into the Country to resign his Benefice which fell out when Queen Mary raised stirs to get the Crown In his journey he preach'd at Northampton not medling with the State but boldly delivered his conscience against Popish Doctrine and errors which said he are like to spring up againe as a just plague for the little love which England hath borne to the true Word of God so plentifully offered to them And seeing the dreadfull day approaching inflâ—med with godly zeal he Preached diligently at both his Benifices not having opportunity to resign eâ—ther but into the hands of the Papists and notwithstanding the Proclamation to the contrary he taught diligently the Truth at his Country-place where he then was confirming thâ— people and arming them against false doctrine till by force he was resisted some counselled him to fly out oâ— the Kingdome which he refused and being hindred there from preaching he traveled towards London to visit his flock in that place coming near London Master Mordant one of the Qâ—eenes Counsell overtooke him asked him if he did not Preach such a
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
transâ—ported and elevated in his raptures that he seemed already in possession of that Crowne which for the present through fire and faggots he but aspir'd to to the great admiration and comfort of as many of his friends as that day had the happinesse to visit him Having blest and distributed such things amongst the servants of the hous as he thought fit he made a most fervent pacheticall farwell-prayer in the company of his fellow prisoners w th such ravishment of Spirit and abundance of tears that the hardest hearted amongst them could not choose but Simpathize w th him In the midst of this prayers when he put on the shirt wherein he was to be burned he inlarged himselfe in a most sweet meditation of the Wedding Garment and after that about twelve a clock in the night came downe into the Court where the prisoners tooke their finall leave of him as he went from the Counter to Newgate though it was about midnight yet great multitudes of people were gathered together in the streets who much lamented and earnestly pray'd for him to whom he returned their curtesie in both kinds with interest About nine in the morning he was led forth to Smithfield with a very great Guard as he came downe the staires he espied an old friend whom he called unto him imbraced and after some private whisperings bestowed upon him his velvet night-cap handkershiefe and som other trifles And yet Roger Beswicke his brother in law had his head cruelly broken by Seriffe Woodrofe for but offering to speake to him for which and other his barbarous inhumanities committed against the Saints and faithfull witnesses of Iesus Christ at such times a heavy and visible judgment overtooke him within few yeeres thereafter for besides the Palsie which for eight yeers together disinabled him from riding walking or turning himselfe in his bed he fell into a most devouring and insatiable Bulimy As soone as he approached the stake he fell flat on the ground intending there to power forth hiâ— private prayers for he was not permitted to do it publickly unto almighty God But Woodrofe the Sheriffe commanded to him arise and dispatch for that the people increased and pressed upon him whereat eftsoone he got up and when he had imbraced the stake and kissed it he put off his Cloathes which he intreated might be given to his servant because he had nothing else to leave him being tyed to the stake he comforted the stripling that was burned with him and earnestly exhorted the people to repentance which so inraged the Sherieffe that which was not usuall he commanded his hands should be tyed His last audiable Words were those of our Saviours Strait is the way and narrow is the gate that leadeth to Salvation and few there be that finde it He indured the flame as a fresh gale of wind in a hot Summers day without any reluctancy confirming by his death the truth of that doctrine which he had so diligently and powerfully Preached during his life which ended Iuly the first 1556. in the prime though in what yeere of his age is not certainly knowne He was for his stature tall but slender of a faintish sanguine Complexion his heir and beard auburne his countenance was full of sweetnesse mix'd with reverence and austerity He spent the whole time of his inprisonment in reading Preaching and praying eating but once every day and that but sparingly scarcely ever rising from that meale wherein his tears did not largly bedew his trencher He slept not commonly above four hours a night from the time he went to bed till dead sleep lock'd up his senses his candle went not out nor his booke out of his hand Halfe an hour he sent usually after dinner in discourse which was all the recreation he used the rest of his time in his owne private devotions and studies His death was generally lamented by all who knew or bus heard of of him yea many Papists themselves being convicted with his innocency of his life or taken with the quicknesse and modisty of his answers but especially considering â—he implacable malice and cruelty of his enemies heartily wished his deliverance for all men observid how they had first committed him without law and then after a yeers imprisonment made one to take away his life He denyed indeed the Popes authority over the Church of England and so had his judges done but the yeere before And for Christs corporall presence in the Sacrament which was the Artickle wherupon they chiefly condemned him he never denyed it in the worthy Receiver as to the eye of Faith no man yet whether Papist or Protâ—stant could never discover it through the accidents of Bread and Wine by the eye of the body We are inform'd by Master Fox that he wrote many comfortable Treatises especially during his imprisonment oâ— which these onely have had the fortune to reach our times 1 Two Sermons the first of Repentance the second of the Lords Supper 2 Some leâ—ters to his fellow Marâ—yres 3 An answere to two letters desiring to know wheâ—her one might goe to Masâ— or not 4 The danger ensuing the hearing of Masse 5 Hiâ— examination before the officers 6 Godly Meditations made in Prison cald his short Prayers 7 Truths Complaints 8 Melancthon translated of Prayers See how undaunted Bradford hath display'd Truths golden Colours nothing could invade His heaven fild thoughts but heaven in whose just cause He liv'd though murther'd by Papistick lawes Relgion told him that his cause was good He need not feare to signe it with his blood And seal it with his heart Bradford agreed To signe whilst Heaven was witnesse to the deed Insulting Papists what can ye declare But this your foulnesse made our Bradford faire Your fire refin'd his heart and made it prove A perfect lover of the God of love NICOLAS RIDLY The Life and Death of Nicolas Ridly AN other Paul otherwise in diverse respects save that we finde not that he ever persecuted the flock or faith of Christ may this choise instrument of God Nicolas Ridley be not unfitly nor unworthily be stiled For he was for a long time a maintainer and practiser of Popish superstitions which his adversaries also twitâ—ng him with in the time of his troubles he denyed not but freely confeâ—sed yet withall profeâ—sing that he had since that time repented him thereof and God he trustâ—d had in mercy pardoned upon his repentance whaâ— in ignorance he then did But after it pleased God to reveale hiâ— truth to him more clearly he laboured as earnestly as any of his fellow labourers in the propagation of it being indowed with as eminent parts as any of them for that purpose and at length sealed it up as did some others of them also with his blood He was borne in Northumberland as some say or as others in the Bishopricke of Durham descended of a worshipfull Family bearing that name and trained up in the first rudiments of
literature in the Grammer schoole at New-castle upon Tine which towne situate upon that river which divideth those two Counties though standing within Northumberland is by a bridge joyned unto the Bishoprick of Durham from the schoole there he was first transplanted into the University of Cambridge and from thence as it seemes removed upon some occasions to Oxford for thaâ— learned and industrious Bishop who hath compiled a Catalogue of our English Prelates doth of his certaine knowledge assure us that he was some time fellow of University Colledge there Those of Pembrooke Hall in Cambridge among whom he was first placed could not it seemes well be without him or he without them with whom if he continued not at first yet he returned shortly againe to them whither of his owne accord or invited by them doth not appeare But certaine it is that he was head of that house and there tooke his dâ—gree of Doctor in Divinity Before which or after I cannot certainly say being desirous to see what Schooles of learning are abroad and to try if better meanes for the inproving of himselfe and his excellent parts elswhere be found he left these partâ— for a time and visited the University of Paris being the prime place of note for schoole-divinity in those dayesâ— But there he made no long stay not finding peradventure what he looked for but returned againe to his own Country and his former place of aboade Upon his returne or not long after especiall notice being taken of him as his good parts well deserved he was called to be Chaplaine unto King Henry the eight and waâ— in processe of time preferred to the Bishoprick of Rochester becoming vacant by the translation of Henry Holbeach thence to Lincolne Concerning which his preferment I find different relations for M r Fox in his Martyrologie affirmes that he was by under King Henry promoted to that See wheras the forementioned compiler of the Catalogue of Bishops who seemes to have followed the authentick records referreth both the removall of Holbeach and the advancement of Ridley his successor to the first of King Edward in the yeere of our lord 1547. However in that seat he sat not long for in the third of King Edward upon the deprivation of Bonner that bloudy persecutor of Gods people and butcherer of Christs flock he was translated to the Bishoprike of London wherein how he bemeaned himselfe shall hereafter be related Before these his latter times having long walked in the dark he came at length to see better and clearer light in the points then questioned especially concerning the blessed Sacrament of Christs body and bloud first by reading that worthy for these times especially learned works of Bertram written long since of that argument w câ— is to this day such a mote in the Papists eyes that they know not wel how to handle it or which way to dispose of it though they wish it out of the world not out of their eyes onely as appeareth by their long disput about it in their Index Expurgatorius and afterward by conference with Cranmer and Peter Martyr two other of Christs champions who confirmed him in the same and lastly as himselfe solemnly calling God to witnesse seriously protested upon due enquiry and diligent examination finding the doctrine he after that maintained to be not onely grounded upon Gods word but agreeable also to the writings of the ancient Fathers Nor was he lesse zealous forward in the profession and progatation of the truth and faith of Christ once knowne and embraced then ever he had been in any erronious or superstitious way before and carefull by a godly religious course of life to adorn it in himselfe and commended it to others for being passing well learned which his adversaris themselves neither doe nor dare deny of great reading and endued with dâ—xterity of wit strength of memory and a very gracefull elocution he imployed diligently these hiâ— talents to his Mâ—sters behoofe for the instructing and winning of as mâ—ny to God as he might And to thiâ— purpose following the Apostles instructions to Timothâ—e to preach the word instantly and constantly in season and out of season he suffâ—red no Lords day lightly nor other Festivall to passe over his head but that he preached on it in some place or other unlesse some other very weighty and urgent occasion which unlesse such indeed he gave not way to cast a rub in his way with his Sermons the better sort of people were so taken that they swarmed about him like bees allured by the sweet flowers pleasant jâ—yce of that wholesome doctrine which was in them by him in a very plausible and yet no lesse powerfull and profitable manner delivered Besides that for his owne family while he resided at Fulham his manner was to read to them every day at the time of morning prayer a lecture out of the New Testament which he constantly performed beginning with thâ— Aâ—ts of the Apostles and so going on through all Sainâ— Pauls Epistles to those of his family he used also to read over the hundred and fiâ—st Psalme thereby to admonish them what they ought to be and what he expected from them should they continue in his service or such of them as could read he bestowed Testaments hiring them also with rewards to get some principall Chapters thereof by heart and especially that of Acts the thirteenth By thiâ— his care came his house to be so well ordered that it seemed a schoole or nursery of vertue and patern of piety and good life unto others as himselfe also was to it For he was a man of so holy just sober continent and life generally unblamable that his most malicious and mischievous adversâ—ries could fiâ—d nothing therein to tax him withâ—ll though challenged solomly so to doe Hiâ— very outward making promised a well-composed inside for he was a very comely person and of well proportioned limbs and lineaments nor did his outside deceive those that then conjectured well of him it pleasing God eft even outwardly to imprint in the face and frame of his body a living portraiture of those endowments wherewith the inner man he hath adorned yea what his lookes tesâ—ified his liâ—e gave witnesse to wherein all manner of sound piety and true vertue did most illustriously shine forth For matter of piety he was much addicted to contemplation and prayer wherein his common and constant course if not otherwise enterrupted was this So soone as he waâ— up in the morning nor was he any sluggerd a little sleepe served him and his apparell once on he retired himselfe againe to his bed-chamber and there on his knees he spent some halfe an houre in prayer That done he betook himselfe to his study where he continued till ten of the clock at which time he came to the common prayer which was used daily in his house After that he dined feeding temperately not using much talke at table but that he used
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
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
and counsels in his Sermons that as a changable taffaty where the wooffe and the warpe are of severall colours appeare now of one colour now of another according to the different standing of the beholders so one and the same Sermon of hiâ— seemed all Law and all Gospell all cordials and all corrasivts as the different necissities of people apprehended it 8. Amongst those his many vertues worthy our imitation his humility was eminent in condescending to the capacity of his meanest Auditors He had well read Saint Paul who calleth the people understanding him mine understanding in w ch sence he may be said to be the most intelligent Preacher who preacheth plainest to others apprehention And Ministers being turned Gods interpreters it is ill wheÌ„ their langvage is so high and hard that these Interpreters need others to interpret them to their Congregations But this may be said of Master Perkins that as Physitians order Infusions to be made by steeping ingredients in them and taking them out againe so that all their strength and vertue remaines yet none of the Bulke or Masse is visible therein he in like manner did distill soake much deep Scholarship into his Preaching yet so insensibly as nothing but familiar expressions did appeâ—râ— In a word his Church consisting of the University and Town the Scholar could heare no learneder the Townsmen plainer Sermons 9. He used alwayes before his Sermons as to this day is attested by many surviving witnesses a set form of prayer not that out of poverty he wanted variety and exchange of phraseâ— or that out of niggarliness he begrudged his Auditors the use of them but out of holy and heavenly Thriâ—t he found this the most profitable way for his people He would not that his soul should goe to Heaven alone but in his prayers would have the company of the meanest of his Congregation along with him and therefore alwayes used the same forme that others might keepe pace with him in his devotions 10. Commendable was his contentment with his Estate considering his income so small his charge of children so great and his Professors of removall so many so advantagious Yet he still was true to his first love continuing his paines in the Church of Saint Andrewes where â—he meanes inconsiderable in it selfe was made up to a competency not so much by the bountifull hands of others in giving as by the moderate mind of Master Perkins in takeingâ— yet wanted he not severall Patrons about the Towne who relieved him in a faire proportion amongst whom Master Wendey of Haslingfield must stand in the chiefe place Now if honourable mention be made in Scripture of Iohanna Susanna and other benefactors to our Saviour who Ministred unto him of their substance let not this worthy Esquires memory be forgotten with his singular Courtesy to this painfull Minister of Gods word 11. Many and most excellent are the books which Master Perkins left behind him His learning appeares most in his Problemes a difficult taske no lesse valiantly performed than venturously undertaken to assert the truth of the Protestant Religion by the testimony of the Fathers for the first five hundred years Which shews that his industry did not onely drive a retale trade in moderne Writers but that he fetched his learning and bought his wares from the best hands of the most ancient Authors 12. Herein excellent his judgement in fanning the Chaffe from the Corn the true from the forged writings of the Fathers The ancient Germanes are said to casâ— their new born children into the river of Rhine thereby to make an experiment whether they be true born or no accounting them legitimate if swimming but concluding themselves wronged by their wives dishonesty obtruding a bastard issue upon them if the infant sunk in the water Perkings had neater and more infallible touchstones to discerne the native and genuine from the spurious and adulterate workes of the Fathers by the manner of their stile strength of their matter time of their writing censure of other learned men upon them whereby many counterfeit Books are not onely denyed authenticke authority but also justly pillored for cheaters to all posterity I know it is layed to Perkins his chargâ— learned Whitaker is accuâ—ed for the same fault that he made all the Fathers Puritans but certainly in one sense they were Puritans of themselveâ— without his making I mean strict in their lives and conversations and how far he was from wresting their doctrines to the Countenancing of any error be it reported to men of unprejudiced judgement 13. In case Divinity he had an excellent dexterity to State controversies for the satisfaction of tender douting consciences to show what is lawfull and what unlawfull in mixt actions where good and bad are blinded together wherewith many are deceived like children swallowing the bones with the flesh to their great danger of choaking great was the fan and fire of his discretion and judgement to winnow the chaffe from the corn and separate the one from the other And sure in this case Divinity Protestantâ— are now defective for save that a smith or two of late have built them forges and set up shop we for the most part go downe to our adversaries to sharpen our instruments and are beholden to the Romanists the more our sham and their credit both for offensive and defensive weapons iâ— this kind Some object that his doctrine referring all to an absolute Decree cut off the sinnewes of mens endeavours towards salvation But were this the hardest objection against Master Perkins his doctrine his owne life was a sufficient answer thereunto So pious so spotlesse that malice was afraid to bite at his credit into whch she knew her teeth would never enter He lived Sermons and as his Preaching was a comment on his Text so his Practise was a comment on his Preaching 14. As for his Books it is a miracle almost to conceive how thick they lye and yet how far they over-spread all over Christendome When the Disciples were inspired with severall languages Acts 2.7 the strangers of Ierusalem were amazed and mervelled saying one to another Behold are not all these that speake Galileans And how heare we every man in our tongue wherein we were born Here I confesse was no inspiration but much industry much labour taken by others much honour done to Master Perkins when the Dutch Spaniards French and Italians stand wondring at his Workes who understood none of these tongues exactly speake them all being by severall pens translated into all these languages Thus good Ware never lyeth long on the Merchants hands but is ready money into what Country so ever it be brought 15. Thus for some years he constantly Preached to his people even to and above his strength It is observed of the birdâ— of Norway that they having in winter very short daies flye faster then any foul in other Countries as if principled by the instinct of nature thriftily to improve
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
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
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