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
which came downe from above namely from the two Springs of Ior and Dan stood still and the rest failed and were cut off running into the the Sea of the Plaine otherwise called the DEAD SEA so that betwixt both the river of Iordan was dryed up into a faire passage over it I feare whilst the streame of a new supply from the two Fountaines of Learning and Religion in this Kingdome is much disturbed and partly obstructed in these tumultuous times and whilst the present Generation of eminent Divines maketh haste to their graves able Ministers will almost be drayned dry in the Kingdome The rather because as the arrow mortally wounded Ahab betwixt the joynts of his Armour so in the interstitium betwixt two Disciplines and give me leave to tearme Discipline the Armour of the Church Episcopacy put off and another Government not as yet close buckled on Prophanenesse and Licenciousnesse have given a great grievous wound to the Church of God for the speedy cure whereof joyn thy Prayers with his who is Thy servont in any Christian office THO. FULLER Walth Abbey THE TABLE A page Amsdorsius 246 Andreas 387. Andrewes 440. Abbat 538. B Berengarius 1. Bilney 121. Buâ—re 153. Bradford 179. Bugenhagius 280. Brentius 292. Bullenger 329. Boquine 347. Bucolizer 364. Babington 455. Beza 465. Bale 502. Benedictus 520. Bolton 586. C Colet 97. Caralostadius 113. Capito 135. Cruciger 144. Cranmer 223. Calvin 266. Câ—emnisius 307. Chytraeus 417. Cowper 558. D Diazeus 142. Deering 341. Danaeus 408. Drusius 533. E Erasmus 57. Erpenius 582. F Frith 118. Farellus 286. Fox 377. Fagius 146. G George Prince of Anhalt 164. Grindall 350. Gilpin 352. Gulterus 372. Gerardus 511. Grynaeus 535. H Husse â—2 Hooper 172. Hesperius 264. Humfried 386. Hemingius 413. Heerbrand 415. Holland 500. Hedio 163. I Ierom of Prague 21. Iustas Ionas 165. Iohn a Lasco 243. Iewell 301. Illiricus 343. Iunius 441. K Knox. 319. L Luther 31. Leo Iudae 136. Latimer 217. M Myconius 138. Melancthon 234. Marlorat 245. Musculus 248. N Nowell 422. O Oecolampadius 109. Olevian 373. P Peter Martyr 205. Philpot. 221. Pellican 229. Parker 328 and 523. Perkins 431. Polanus 499. Piscator 564. Pareus 577. R Rogers 167. Ridley 191. Ramâ—â— 325. Rollâ—â—k 410. Reynolds 477. S Saunders 169. Strigelius 290. Simlerus 344. Sohinus 384. Sadeel 397. Sands 452. Scaliger 498. Scultetus 584. T Tindall 126. Taylor 176. Tremelius 346. Tossanus 424. Trelcaâ—ius 464. V Vrbanius Regius 130. Vergerius 288. Viretus 299. Vrsin 361. W Wicklief 8. Wigandus 367. Whitaker 401. Whitgift 457. Willet 565. Whatley 592. Z Zuinglius 85 Zegedine 314. Zanchius 390. BERENGARIVS The Life and Death of Berengarius WE read Acts 27.20 when Saint Paul was tossed with the Tempest that neither Sunne nor Starres for many dayes appeared This may passe for the dolefull Embleme of the dismall darkenesse in the depth of Popery wherein Berengarius lived the subject of our ensuing discourse and before whom from the expiring of the Primative Age till his entrance into the Church little considerable light of knowledge shined amongst many Errours and much ignorance 2 We have not been idle in seeking but unsuccesfull in the finding the date of Berengarius birth and can likewise give no account of his Parentage and extraction Herein he was not unlike the River Nilus unknown and obscure for its Fountaine but famous and renowned for his Streames and his birth may seeme to be eclipsâ—d by the resplendant lustre of his life And Towres in France seated on the river Loyer was his native City wherein he was borne about tâ—e yeâ—r of our Lord 1020. as by proportion of Cronologie may probably be collected And it is observable that as the City of Towres gave the first being to Berengarius so â— Gate of that City called Saint Hues gate in at and neere which they used to meet gave the denomination to the Huâ—anites or modern French Protestants which in the point of Transubstantiation sâ—cceed to the opinion of Berengarius or rather to the truth of the doctrine it selfe 3 Here we must not omit that some have mâ—intained that this Berengarius came over with William the Conquerour into England and by his bounty received the Castle of a Camb. Brittan in Northhampton Barnewell in Northamptonshire for his possession But the mistake ariseth by confounding him with another Berengarius his namesake surnamed Le Mâ—igne or the Monke which also added countenance to their first error though indeed he was a Martiall man and no Ecclesiasticall person on whom the King conferred that Castle Thus though we should have â—eene right glad to have had this worthy Schollar our Countryâ—man though not by birth yet by habitation accounting it Englands honour that he was infeofted with faire demeynes therein yet because all is grounded upon an Errour no counterfeit credit nor false favours shall be assumed by us on others mistakes 4 Having profited in the Schoole above his equals under Fulbertus his Master the World began to take notice of his abilities and at last he was preferred to be Archdeacon of Aâ—giers a man of a bold spirit and daring resolution as God alwayes suits men for the worke they undertake We may observe in Bâ—ttels that they set those who are best arm'd â—o charge in the first ranke and order them to follow who are not so compleatly weaponed God in like manner in his wisdome appointed that sucâ— Confessours of the Truth who were to make the firsâ— Breach into the Armies of Antichrist should be accoutred Cappaâ—pae with undaunted courages such as this Berengarius and Luther were though men of meeker mindes and milder dispositions may afterwards be well used in the same service 5 For his life and conversation it was so blamelesse that therein he starved the malice of all his adversaries the long teeth of whose spight could finde nothing to feede upon He is reported not to have suffered any woman to come in his sight not because he was a hater of their sex but because he was to deale with dangerous adversaries he would warily cut off all occasions of suspition and in some cases we may say that over-much wariÌ„nesse is but even measure and caution if it be not too much will be too little 6 The maine matter wherein he dissented from the current of the Roman Church and is honoured for a Champion of the Truth was in the point of Transubstantiation an Errour which crept one of the last into the Church and was the first that was most vigorously opposed It took the rise from some extravagant expressions of Damascene and Theophilact who endeavouring to shew the reality of Christs presence in the Sacrament scattered such florishing language to that purpose flowers though they cannot feede may sometimes infect that though well intending yet ill interpreted gave occasion to their unskilfull Râ—â—ders who more minded the words then the matter from such Rhetoricall premises to conclude a Dogmaticall point
indited rather from his Cowardise then Conscience Oâ—r Illyricus in His catalogue of the witnesses of the Truth affords him a principall place therein We leave him to stand or fall to his owne master according to that concluding Disticke which we find in an Aauthor Cum nihil ipse vides propria â—uin labe laboret Tu tua fac cures caetera mitte Deo Seeing nought thou seest but faults are in the best Looke Thou unto thy selfe leave God the rest 16 Remarkeable are his words wherewith he breathed out his last gaspe which Illyricus reporteth to this Effect now am I to goe and appeare before God either to be acquitted by him as I hope or condemned by him as I feare Which words as they savour not of that full assurance of Salvation which God vouchsafeth to many of his servants so they carry not with them any offensive Breath of Despaire And it is no contradiction in Christianity to rejoyce before God with trembling And in this Twilight we leave Berengarius to that mercifull God who knoweth whereof we are made and remembereth we are but dust Most worthily may this Divine Old Berengarius fairely shine Within this Skie of lustrious Starres Who 'gainst Romes errours fought Truths warres Confuting with high approbation Romes sigment Transubstantiation Which did that Hierarchie so vex And with such passion so perplex That they would never give him rest But did his Soule so much molest That at the last by fraud and force They made him with most sad remorse Two severall times his Cause recant Him of his Crown thus to supplant Thus O thus oft Sols raye most rare With duskie clouds ecclipsed are IOHâ—N WICKLIâ—â—â— The Life and Deth of John Wicklief AMongst many famous Writers in this Nation as Beda Alckvine Iohn Carnotenesis Nigellus Neckam Sevall Bacanthorpe Ockam Hampoole of Armach this Wicklief is not the least of worth he was famous both for Life and Learning he was brought up in the famous Vniversity of Oxford in Merton Collâ—dge he gave himselfe after he was Master of Arts to the study of Schoole Divinity wherein having an â—xcellent acute wit he became excellently well qualified and was admired of all for his singular Learning and sweâ—tnâ—sse of behavior in King Edward the thirds time who protested that his chiefe end and purpose was to call backe the Church from her Idolatry especially in the matter of the Sacrament He was much favoured by Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Henry Percy who defended and protected him from his raging adversaries and Bishops And when Pope Gregory the eleveeth sent his Bull to Oxford to require them to root out Wicklâ—ef's Tares as he called them the Proctors and Masters were in long debate whether they should receive it or reject it In the time of King Richard the second this Wicklief was brought before the Bishops at Lambeth and had many Articles put in against him but what by the meanes of some Courtiers and Citizens of London he was again released After this William Barton Vice-chancellor of Oxford wiâ—h some other Doctors set forth an Edict against him and his followers whereupon he published a confession of his Doctrine Anno Christi 1382. the Archbishop of Canterburie held a Convocation at London and condemned the Articles of Wicklief as Heretical and when the said Archbishop with many of his adherents were gathered together about this business just as they were readie to begin their debate there fell out a great and generall Earthquake which so affrighted manie of them that they desisted from their business yet all means were used for the suppressing of his opinions but through God's mercie they could never bee exstirpated to this daie He was a great enemie to the swarms of begging Friers with whom it was harder to make war then with the Pope himselfe He denied the Pope to be the Head of the Church and pronounc'd him to be Antichrist he confuted and condemned his Doctrine about Bulls Indulgences c. The Bishop of Rome lost by his Doctrine the power of making and ordaining Bishops in England and the Tenths of spirituall promotions also the gains of his Peter-pence Whereupon Polidore Virgil cals him an infamous Hereticke He affiâ—med the Scripture to be the supreme Judg of Controversies condemned Transubstantiation c. He was a painfull and faithfull preacher of the Gospell under that famous King Edward the thiâ—d who alwaies favored and protected him against the rage of his adversaries In the raign of Richard the second he was by the power of his adversaries banished yet in all his affliction he shewed an undanted spirit At last returning from Exile he died in the yeere of our Saviour Jesus Christ whom he had Preached 1387. and was buried the last day of December at his Parsonage of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire But in the yeer 1428. which was 41. yeeres from the time of his death his dead body was by the Decree of Pope Martin the fifth and Counsell of Sene dig'd up and burned with the Execreations of that fiery Pope thus he found the cruelty of them being dead whom he had being living taught to be so He writ as Pius Aenaeas testifies more then two hundred faire volumnes most of which were burned by Sùbinck Arch-bishop of Prague in Bohemia The Catalogue of his Works you may reade in the Centuries of Ioâ—n Bale somes of them I have here set downe 1 Of Christ and antichrist 2. Of Antichrist and his members 3. Of the truth of the Scriptures 4. Of the fountain of Eâ—rors 5. A booke of Conclusions 6. 7. Of Ecclesiasticall and Civill government 8 Of the Impostures of Hipocrites 9. Of Blasphemy 10. Lectures on Daniel 11. On the Apocalyps 12. Of the marriage of Priests 13. The Divels craft against Religion 14. His policy to overthrow faith 15. Of Apostacy 16. Two bookes of Metaphysickes one containing 12. Bookes 17. Glosses upon the Scripture 18. Of falling away from Christ. 19. Of truth and lying Besides these he writ many of Philosophy and translated the Bible into the English tongue making Prefaces and Arguments to every Booke he also translated the twelve Bookes of Clement the Parson of Lanthon containing the harmony of the Evangelists And thus went out this Lampe of England of whom one thus hath said With our old English writers rare John Wicklief justly might Compare For Learning Life and solid Witt And many Works he rarely Writt Contending stoutly 'gainst Romes Errours Nere daunted by their threats or terrours But to his death still fought faiths fight And thus went out this Lamp of Light But being dead Rome did so rave 'Gainst this Faiths Champion that from 's grave They digged-up his Bones with ire And burnt as Hereticks in fire Thus was Romes Folly Rage exprest To burn dead Bones of Soules at rest IOHANNES HVS The Life and Death of John Huss THE faire fruit of effects is vertually couched in the small seeds of their causes 1 Iohn Huss
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
truely blest For which rare Doctor let both high and low Blesse God that they so clear Christs truth doe know And pray the Lord that these his Gospels rayes May to the World shine-forth for datelesse dayes Philip Melancthon Dead is grave Luther worthy all due praise Who set forth Christ in Faiths illustrious rayes His Death the Church laments with sighs sincere Who was her Pastour nay her Patron deare Our Israels Chariots and Horsemen rare Is dead with me let All sad Sables weare Let them their griefe in groaning verses sing For such sad Knells such Orphans best may ring Theodore Beza Rome tam'd the World the Pope tam'd Rome so great Rome rul'd by power the Pope by deep Deceit But how morâ— large than theirs was Luthers Fame Who with One Pen both Pope and Rome doth tame Goe fictious Greece goe tell Alcides then His Club is nothing to great Luthers Pen. John Major By Luthers labours Leo the tenth is slaine Not Hercles Club but Luthers Pen's his bane Joachim a Beuft When Luther dy'd then with him dy'd most sure A Crown and credit of Religion pure His Soul soar'd up to heaven on Concords day Which tended Luther thither on his way Deare Christ since Discord followed with Coats rent Give to thy Spouse Elijahs ornament Upon his Tomb-stone the University of Wittenberg as to her beloved father engraved MARTINI LVTHERIS THEOLOGIAE D. CORPVS H. L. S. E. QVI ANNO CHRISTI M. Dâ—XLVI.XII CAL. MARTII EISLEBII IN PATRIAS M. O. C. V. AN. LXIII M.III.D.X Luthers writing were published at Wittenberg and Iene in severall Towns both in Latine and German tongue Part of them were expositions of Scriptures part doctrinall part polemicall Of these this was his own judgement Aâ—ove all I beseech the godly Reader and I beseech him for our Lord Iesus Christs sake that he would read my writings judiciously and with much piâ—ying my case In Wedlock he lived chastly and godly above twenty yeers and when he dyed left three sons and Catharin de Bora a widdow who lived after his death seven years To her it was a great griefe that her husband died in a place far from her so that she could not be with him and performe the last conjugall offices to him in his sicknesse In the time of the war which presently followed she wandred up and down with her orphants and in banishment was exposed to many difficulties and dangers And besides the miseries of widowhood which are full many the ingratitude of many did much afflict her for where she hoped for kindenesse in regard of her husbands worthy and noble deserts of Gods Church often she was put of with great indignity When afterward her house at Wittenberg in time of pestilence was infected she for her childrens safety as became a godly mother betook her selfe to Torg where was also an University But in the way when the horses affrighted ran out and seemed to indanger the waggon she amazed not so much for her owne as her childrens preservation lept out of the Waggon whereby poore wretch she grievously bruised her body in the fall and being cast into a poole of cold water caught thereby a disease of which she lay sick three months in banishment and pining away at length dyed quietly in the year 1552. Welfare those gentle Quilâ— whose ere they be Whose meritorioâ—s labours shall set free The Urne imprisoned Dust of that renown'd Thrice famous Luther Let his head be crown'd With sacred Immortality and rais'd Much rather to be wondred at then prais'd Let Bâ—bes unborn like fruitfull plants bring forth To after dayes new Monumeâ—ts of his worth And time out lasting Name that Babels Whore And all his bald-paâ—e panders may ev'n rore For very anguish and then gnaw and bite Their tongues for malice and their nailes for spite Whilst men made perfect in his well know story May all turne Patrâ—os and protect his Glory ERASMVS ROTERDAMVS The life and Death of Desiderius Erasmuâ— HIs Sirnamâ— implyes the place of his birth Roterdam is a City of Holland Holland the seat of the ancient Batavi but now illustrious by the production of one pen then by all her former harvests of pykes Seaven Citâ—es no coâ—temptible portion of witty and work-like Greece accouâ—ted the Nativitie of Homer so great an access to their other glories that they seriously contested about it Although Homer because Antiquity will have it so be greater then Erasmus yet litle Roterdam hath more to boast of in him then great Athens Smyrna Rhodes Colophon Chios Salamis or Argos in the other For it is certaine Erasmus was born at Roterdam but pitch upon what City of those seven you please it is six to one whether Homer was born there or not But what talke we of Roterdam Rhenamus sticks not to impute his Nativity to the fortune of Emperors and felicity of the whole German Empire within the limits whereof he was born upon the vigil or Eve of Simon and Iude under Frederick the third But in what yeer of our Lord or that Emporors raigne is not remembred this is certaine in the yeer of grace 1519. he was either 50. or 52. his mothers name was Margaret daughter to one Peter a physitian of Zavenberg his father Gerard. These accompanied together secretly but not without promise of marriage untill the young woman proved with childe Gerards father was named Helias his wife Catherine each of them lived till past 95. They had ten Sonnes without any daughters all married except Gerard who was the youngest save one All of them much resented this Clandestine combination and commixture betwixt Gerard and Margaret wherefore to prevent their marriage to gaine his portion to themselves and yet not loose a brother able in time to feast them at his owne cost they resolve out of ten to give Gerard as the Tieth unto God that is to dedicate him to the Church whereby perceiving himselfe excluded from marriage and not yet resolved to enter into holy Orders he fled to Rome By the way he wrot back to his friends the reason of his journey he intimated by the impresse of his seal which had one hand infolded in another In the meane time Margaret was brought to bed and the child the subject of this discourse cheerfully received and carefully nourished by his grandâ—mother Gerard after his arrivall at Rome maintained himselfe by his Pen for he wrote an exellent hand and Printing was not then found out or but in the infancy In processe of time the Copying out of learned bookes begate in him a love to learning it selfe so that besides his knowledge in the Tongues both Greek and Latin he became a considerable proficient in the Lawes which he might the more easily doe Rome then abounding with many learned and able Schollers and he himselfe having the happinesse to be an Hearer of Guarinus His father and brethren having certaine intilligence both of his being and well being at Rome fraudulently advertise
victory from those who were his contemporanean School-fellowes and that nothing might seem to be wanting to the perfection of so hopefull a Plant he reached unto the knowledge of the Scince of Mâ—sicke wherein he shewed himselfe so excellent and so compleat an Artist that his judgement compared with the tendernesse of his yeeres enforced his spectators to the greater admiration and his Master Bintzlius well perceiving that his Sâ—udies and learning were incongruous and too mean for so apt and so vertuous a disposition sent him back againe unto his Father together with his judicious opinion concerning him advising him to provide otherwise for him and to search out for such a Master whose learning might be correspondent unto the promptnesse of his naturall disposition His Father being joyfull with this approbation of his Master and also fearfull least these springing vertues should suffer an Eclipse by the interposition of that odious vice of Idlenesse he forthwith sent him unto Berna a famouâ— City in Switzerland to be instructed and brought up by Henricus Lupulus a man well learned and excelling in Poâ—try from whom through the reading of Classiâ— Writers he became a good Orator got some knowledg in the art of Logickes having now spent at Berna almost two yeers and longing after the knowledge of Phylosophy whose ground and Basis was already laid he removed unto Vienna a famous City of Austria situate on the river Danubius where he not onely attained to the knowledge of Phylosophy but he also augmented and perfitted those things which in former time he had learned and having spent here some few yeeres he returned againe to Basil where he first began to imploy that talent which God had bestowed on him for here he began first to teach others that which he himselfe had learned and having spent some time in the instructing of others and in furnishing himselfe with the knowledge of the Liberall Arts he waâ— advanced unto the title of Master which being obtained hâ— forthwith addicted himselfe being guided thereunto by the spirit of God unto the study of Schoole Divinity wherein he remained silent for a while being rather a spectator then an Actor untill he was called by the Glareanes to the discharge of a Pastorall function office amongst them where with all alacrity and cheerfulnessâ— he finished that which had beene formerly begun by others And by this meanes having received holy Orders he gave himselfe wholy to the study of Divinity spent all his time in searching into the old and new Tâ—stament â—hat so he might be able not onely to speake but also to judge of the Scriptures as for the writings of the Ethnicks he did not greâ—tly esteeme and accompt onely he made use of Vâ—lerius Maximus who by reason of the variety of his examples he perceived it would be beneficiall unto him But becâ—use he well understood that he could have no sound judgement concerning the Scriptures nor concerning the writings of pious and learned men unlesse that he were wel skild in the tongues he forthwith betook himself to the study of the Greek tongue wherin in short time he so well profited that the Greek seemed more easier unto him then the Latin and he better able to judge of a Greek then of a Latin Author and for the better understanding of the tongue he used help of the best Lexicons and translations and with them translated Saint Pauls Epistles committing them all to Memory and other bookes of the New Testament But when he had found it written in Saint Peter that the Scripture was not of private interpretation he lifted up his eyes to heaven beseeching the holy Ghost and earnestly wrestling with him by prayer that he would be pleased so to illuminate his understanding that he might rightly and truely understand the sense and meaning of the holy Scriptures so that he might neither decieve himselfe nor lead away others with a false image of the spirit Having thus in some measure fitted himselfe for the beating down of sin advancing furthering of the truth he then first began to condemne the Helvetian Pensions labouring to overthrow them and to reduce and bring backe againe former sanctity and worship into the Countrey and hence hatred and reproachfull speeches had and took their beginning against this good pious and laborious man who notwithsâ—anding this affront at the first shewing of himselfe for the glory of God and that in his owne Country chearfully proceeded Preaching the Gospel and endeavouring rather as yet to plant truth in the hearts of his Auditors and to cause them fully to understand it rather then to open and to discover unto them the vices and wickednesses of the whore of Babilon Not long after occasion being offered and D. Theobaldus Gerolzeggius desiring or rather earnestly intreating the sam he departed from Glarona and went to Eremus there intending to continue for a time but indeed the chiefest cause of his reparing unto that place was the happy opportunity of preaching Christ and his truth unto diverse remote and forreine Nations being at that time gathered togethered unto that place from all parts of the world In the meane time it fell out that the Church of Tigurum was destitute of a Curate or Priest many there were which greatly laboured to bring in Zuinglius he being altogether ignorant of this matter comes to Tigurum where being demanded by a certaine Canon who accidentally met him Whether he could preach the word of the Lord unto those of Tigurum he presently answered that he could upon which answer he is called unto the Church of Tigurum not without the great joy of many godly minded persons and that which he promised he began with happy successe to performe the Lord being with him and giving a blessing unto his labours in the yeer of grace one thousand five hundred twenty and one During the time of this happy proceeding of his at Tigurum the Switzers had taken great notice of the name of Martin Luther by reason many of his writings which in all places came unto their hands these he exhorted them to read and to peruse that so they might perceive the vnity of the spirit drawne out of those holy writings in them both and so by that meanes nothing doubting but that they would be the more willing to consent and to give place unto the truth This is also remarkable in the godly man that notwithstanding his continued paines in the discharging of his Pastorall office he omitted not his reading of the difficultest Greek Authors for the preserving of that knowledg w ch he had formerly gotten not ceaâ—ing here he adventured on the Hebrew wherein by the helpe assistance of some who were his associates he profited so much that he was able aptly to expound the two major Prophets Isaiah and Ieremiah About the same time Franciscus Lamberius a Frier Minorite forsaking his Monastry came to Tigurum who disputed publiquely with Zuinglius concerning the
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
Bucer wee Ascribe the second we bequeath to thee Whose knowledge in the holy dialect A fame eternall will to thee erect In that thou first didst bid the world godnight Thou seem'st inferior to that burning light But being first with heavens glory cround Thou dost appeare a Saint more worthy found In other things both fitly did agree Both faithfull preachers of his veritie Both painfull Sowers of the heavenly graine Both blest with good successe it sprung againe Wherefore God blest you both with honor high And cloath'd you both with immortality O happy soules though heaven keepe you there Your fame shall ever be intombed here Your worthy praises all the earth shall know Divulged by our Muses here below He was of a tall stature somewhat blacke-visaged his countenance appeared outwardly severe extorting reverence but he was inwardly of an affable and courteous disposition loving meeke and lowly he was an excellent Orator a great Student as appeares by his Workes here inserted 1 A worke called Thysby 2 Apothegmes of the Fathers 3 Morall Sentences ef Ben Syra alphabetically digested 4 The translation of Tobias the Hebrew 5 Hebrew Prayers 6 A literall exposition of the Hebrew sayings on the foure first chapters of Genesis with a Chalde Paraphrase 7 Of the truth of Faith 8 Commentaries on certaine Psalmes by Kirachi 9 An Hebrew Preface to Elias Levila his Chalde Lexicon 10 Thargum 11 An Introduction to the Hebrew tongue Reader behold here stands before thine eye The perfect â—mbleme of true gravity Turne from his face then read and thou shalt finde The rare endeavours of a serious minde He was a man whose ever-active heart Was alwayes digging in the Mines of Art And like a Bée he labour'd every houre To sucke some Hony from each spreading Flowre T was not the face of poverty could fright His soule from goodnesse Heaven was his delight And earth his scorne he study'd how to give A life to Language and make Uertue live It is not unfit that he whose Workes affords So many Languages should want for words MARTINVS BVCERVS The Life and Death of MARTIN BUCER IN the yeer of our Lord 1491. Martinus Bucerus was born at Selestadt a towne in Germanie famous for many learned Schollars which it hath afforded unto the World in these latter times amongst which this Bucer deserveth not the meanest approbation if we shall but consider those excellent vertues wherewith he was endewed or his learned and laborious acts for the propagation of the truth of Christ. In his youth he was trained up in the knowledge of the liberall Arts and Sciences in his owne Countrey wherein he profited beyond expectation to the great credit of his Maâ—â—er and to the unspeakable comfort of his friends About the yeer of our Lord 1506. and about the fifteenth yeer of his age through the advice and perswasion of his friends he adjoyned himselfe unto the order of the Dominicans where he manifested and gave them so singular a glympse of his industry and towardnesse that the most judicious and best eye-sighted Fryers conceived him to be set apart for the performance of more â—hen ordinary Acts. Being now a Dâ—minican he greatly desired to take a view oâ— Heidelberge which was granted unto him by the Pryor here he earnestly gave himselfe to the study of Rhetoricke and Phylosophie and not to these Arts onely but also to Divinity but when he found by experience that the knowledge of the Tongues was so necessary unto the study therof that without them it could not by any meanes possible be attained to any perfection he forthwith bent all his forces for the gaining of the knowledge of the Greeke and Hebrew tongues About that time came forth the Workes of Erasmus Roterodamus in the reading whereof Bucer greatly delighted and was by them first instructed God opening his eyes in the grounds of Evangelicall truth and happening also on some of Luthers Workes newly published and comparing the Doctrine therein delivered and taught with the holy Scripturâ—s he fell into a suspâ—tion of the truth of the doctrine of the Church of Rome Bucer having now attained unto some perfection of learning and notice being taken of those excellent qualities wherewith he was adorned upon the commendation and approbation of Franciscus Sickingen he was entertained by Fredericke Prince Elector Palatine to be his Chaplaine and forsaking that profession which he had formerly taken he professed himselfe to be a Protestant and Preached the word both privatly and publickly as occasions were offered and given unto him being much strengthened and animated thereunto by hearinâ— the disputation of Luther at Heidelberge concerning Free-will whereby he became better satisfied in the point of justification And thiâ— waâ— the first acquaintance which he had with that burning light of the Church by whom it pleased God to worke an alteration in his heart and an earnest intent to beat downe the sinnes of the times to dispell the foggie mists of darkenesse and ignorance that the glorious light of Christs Gospel might the better appear For the Prince Elector having urgent occasions to goe into Belgiuno and taking him with him as his associate he sharpely reproved in his Sermons and Exercises the supersticious impieties of those places wherein he proceeded with that eagernesse of spirit that the Monkes and Fryers there living were much offended at his Doctrine as a thing prejudiciall to their lazie manner of life Wherefore to prevent his proceeding they intended secretly to take away his life an old practise of that hellish brood but the providence of God would not suffer this light to be thus extinguished for he having notice of the snares which were laid for him secretly fled away and went unto Franciscus Sickingem of whom he was kindely and lovingly entertained promising him safety untill that the times were better quieted as touching Religion with whom he remained untill such such time as Luther was called unto Wormes unto whom he went and having spâ—nt many dayes in conference with him he departed from him not without he embracing of his Doctrine with an intent to make publicke profession of the same for the glory of God untill he had finished that time which was alotted unto him here in earth and resolving to take his journey for Wittemberge he was stayed by the intreaty of the faithfull Pasâ—ors of the Church at Wissenburge where he continued Preaching for the space of halfe a yeere not without the great benefit of the Church untill that he with Henricus Mothererus were with great sorrow compelled to depart that place through the means of the Vicar of Spire which at that time was a great enemy and an opposer of the truth of Christ. Now although the Word of God had no good successe in this place yet it pleased God that it florished in Strasburge by the pains of Matthias Lellius and Casper Hedio faithfull labourers in the Lords Vineyard hither came Bucer in the yeere of our Lord 1523. and
was observed that he was a sharp reprover of vice in his School-fellowes These were sufficient â—estifications unto his Father wherfore when he came to some maturity of age his father so wrought with the Bishop of Noviodunâ—m that he had a Canons place in the Cathedrall Church and also a Cure in a Parish neere adjoyning where it is thought that he Preached many Sermons although not advanced to the Ministeriall function but this proceeding continued not long partly by reason of his fathers desire who was earnest with him to addict himselfe unto the study of the civill Law a surer step unto wealth and preferment and partly by the perswasion of Roberâ—us Olivetanus a man well deserving of the Frâ—nch Churches for the doing of the Hebrew Bible into French who willed him to give himselfe wholy unto the reading of the sacred Scriptures and to seperate himselfe from those superstitions which were odious in the sight of God Being willing to testifie his obedience unto his father he therefore left his Cure and went to Orleans where hâ— became an Auditor unto Petrus Stella then publicke professor in that place and reputed to be the soundest Civilian then living in France by which meanes he attained unto great perfection in that Art so as he seemed in short time to be rather a teacher then â—n Auditor aud would many timeâ— supply the places of the professors themselves by which meanes he gained so great love in the Academy that at hiâ— departure from Orleance they profered to confer freely on him the dignity of Doctor in the Civill Law this is also remarkable in the prosecution of his Fathers Will he was not forgetfull of the counsell of his kinsman Olivetanus so as withall he diligently gave himselfe unto the study of Divinity in which also he attained unto such perfection that those Inhabitants of Orleans who were touched with a desire of a more pure religion would resort unto him to have private conference with him greatly admiring both his zeale and knowledge during his residence in that Academy besidâ— his daily exercises he used to spend halfe the night in reading the morning following he would meditate awhile in his bed on that w ch he had read by w ch constant watchfulness as it was a means of furnishing him w th solid learning w th a retentive memory so it was also a means of procuring unto him many diseases at the length untimely death About this time the Academy at Burdeaux was famous for the presence of that Prince of Lawirus Andraeas Alciaâ—â—â— who came out of Italy to be their publike Professor whereupon Calvin leâ—t Oâ—leance and came to Burdeaux where he acquainted himselfe with Alciatus and also with Melchior Volmarus then publicke Professor of the Greek tongue whose learning piety and other vertues together with his admirable dâ—xterity in the bringing up of youth cannot receive worthy commendations of this Wolmarus Calvin learned here the Greek tongue and a thankfull rememberance of which benefit he hath recorded unto future ages by dedicating unto him his Commentary on the second Epistle to the Corinthians Whilst he studied this tongue he laid not aside the study of Divinity but made it his onely ayme aâ— it aâ—peared by his actions for during his continuance in Burdeaux he would intreat Wolmarus to walk with him into the Country and to be an Auditor unto his Sermonâ— which were approved by him with no lesse then an asâ—onished admiration Here he continued earnestly prosecuting his Studies with all diligence untill such time as he was called home by his Fathers death where he continued no longer space but untill that he had put off the dayes of mourning and then he went againe unto Paris where at the age of twenty four yeers he wrote a Commentary upon that book of Seneca de clementia he had not continued long here but his worth procured him the favour and love of such zâ—alous persons as desired a Reformatâ—on especially the love of Stephanus Forgeuâ— an honorable Merchant who afterwards suffered Martyrdome for the truth of Christ In this Academy he forsook the study of humaine learning and betook himself wholy unto the study of Diviniâ—y to the exceeding joy of such godly persons who durst not to discover their profession to the world because of the strength of their enemies but kept their private assemblies in Paris During his residence here Nicalaus Copus the son of Gulielmus Copus of Basil the Kings Phisitian was designed Rector of Paris who bâ—ing to deliver his Oration according unto the Custom the same day that religious acts were celeberated by the Pops he requested Calvin to performe it for him who willingly condicended thereunto and in his Oâ—ation he discoursed more freely concerning the purity of Religion then others in that place had formerly done This act being not well brooked by the Senate they call a Parliament and the Rector is summoned to appeare in his journey thither he was admonished by some of his friends to take heed unto himselfe because he wanted neither many nor powerfull enemies He taking these words into a deepe consideration returnes backe againe departs out of the Kingdome and conveighs himselfe to Basil. Neither was Calvin free from danger in this act for some were sent into the School which is called Fortreâ—um where his lodging was but finding him not within they brake open the doores of his Study take such Papers as they finde and amongst them many Letters which were sent by zealous pâ—â—â—sons unto him whereby they also were brought into greâ—â— danger of their lives but they were all delivered by the meanes of the Queen of Navarre who honourably receivâ—â— and entertained Calvin in her house and became an Audiâ—oâ— unto his Sermons Having continued here a while under the protection of the Queen he shapes his course toward Neracum a City iâ— Aquitaine â— to visit Iacobus Stapulensis who was protected and defended by the Queene for the same cause and therefoâ—â— placed in that City under her Dominion This old man having a certaine relation from him how all things wenâ—â— he most courteously entertained him was right glad to conferre with him and withall spending this judgement on him that he would be an excellent instrument for the establishing of the Kingdom of Christ within the Kingdom of France Having continued a few dayes with this Iacobus he returnes again to Paris being led thereunto by the hand of God for the purging of the City of that damned haereâ—iâ— of Servetus concerning the Trinity but after long expectation and secret hiding of himself he was constrained again to leave the City without the effecting of any thing the enemies of the truth still labouring to take away his lifâ— In the year 1534. Gerardus Ruffus and Coraldus zealous professours of the truth of Christ and labouring to promote the Gospell in France were with great cruelty pulled downe out of their Pulpits and cast into prison
Prisoners he wonderfully refreshed and comforted them by his godly exhortations and consolations drawn from the Scriptures whereby they were much confirmed in the Christian Faith and whereas before they were almost pined through want of food God so stirred up the heartâ— of some to bring reliefe to Zegedine that all the rest of the prisoners were provided for plentifully thereby Remaining thus in prison he was not idle but wrote there his Common-places and some other Works thus he remained in Prison above a year in which time three of his children dyed which added much to his aâ—fliction and though his people had used the intercession of all their great men there about for his liberty yet all prevailed not till it pleased God that a Noble Baron and his Lady passing by that way saw this worthy man of God in so miserable a plight that the Lady much pitied him and afterwards being in Child bed and ready to dye she requested her Lord who loved her dearly for her sake to improve all his interest in the Bashaw to procure Zegedines liberty which he with an oath promised to perform and accordingly engaged himselfe to the Turk that he should pay 1200. Florens for his ransome thereupon he was released and went about to diverse Cities to gather his ransome and God so enlarged mens hearts towards hâ—m that in a short time he carried 800. Florns to this Baron and so returned to his people at Calmanâ—sem The year after being 1564. as he was going by coach to Buda when the horses came near the great river Danubius being very hot and dry thy ran violently into the river but behold the admirable providence of God when they had swam some twenty paces in the river they turned back again and drew the coach and him safely to the shore The same year by the Imposition of Hands he ordained three excellent men Ministers About that time there came a bragging Fryar and challenged him to a Disputation which he willingly accepting of the great Church was appointed for the place and many of both sides resorted thither and the Fryar came with much confidence his servants carrying a great sacke of Bookes after him but in the Disputation Zegedine did so baffle him that all his friends shrunk away with shame and the Fryar with his great sack was left all alone so that himselfe was fain to take it on his own shoulders and goe his way About that time the Vaivod who had before betrayed him coming to the place where Zegedine was desired to speake with him and requested him to forgive him professing that he could rest neither night nor day he was so haunted with apparitions and the Furies of his own conscience which Zegedine easily affented unto In the year 1566. Zegedine being very hot invited a friend to goe with him to the River of Danubius to bathe himself but as they were swiming his friend looking about him saw not Zegedine and wondering what was become of him so suddenly at last he spyed his hoarie hairs appearing above water and swimming swiftly to him Zegedine was sunk whereupon he diving to the bottome of the river caught hold of him and drew him forth carrying him to a Mill that was not far off where he laid him to bed about midnight Zegedine coming to himself enquired how he came there and who drew him out of the River hiâ— friend told him the whole story and kept him carefully till he recovered In the year 1572. he fell into a mortall dsease which so much the more afflicted him becausâ— he could not sleepe whereupon he sent for a Chirurgion who gave him a bitter potion which caused him to fall a sleepe but after a little while he quietly breathed forth his last being sixty seven years of age How full of patience how divine Was this our learned Zegedine Though cast in prison and restrain'd From food yet he the truth maintain'd His heart resolved from his youth Rather to starve then starve the truth For Disputations few there were That could with Zegedine compare His rare example lets us know Patience o'recomes the greatest woe The Life and Death of John Knox who dyed Anno Christi 1572. JOhn Knox was born at Gifford in Lothain in Scotland Anno 1505. of honest Parentage brought up first at School then sent to the University of Saint Andrews to study under Master Io. Maior who was famouâ— for learning in those dayes and under whom in a short time he profited exceedingly in Philosophy and School Divinity and took hiâ— Degrees and afâ—erwards was admitted very young into Orders then he betook himself to the reading of the Fathers especially Augustine's Works and lastly to the earnest study of the holy Scriptures by w ch being through God's mercy informed of the Truth he willingly embraced it and freely professed it and imparted it to others But when there was a persecution raised up by the Bishops against the Professours of the Truth he fled into England where he preached the Gospel with much zeal fruit both at Berwick Newcastle and London He was much esteemed â—y King Edward the sixt who proffered him a Bishoprick which he rejected as having Aliquid commune cum Antichristo something in it common with Antichrist King Edward being dead the pâ—rsecution raised by Queen Mary made him leave England and goe to Frankefort where for a time he preached the Gospel to the English Congregation but meeting with opposition there both from Papists and false brethren he went to Geneva Anno Christi 1559. and of his age 54. the Nobility of Scotland with some others beginning the Reformation of Religion sent for him home and shortly after he was setled Minister at Edinbrough where he preached many excellent Sermons Anno Christi 1566. the Earl of Murray being slain on the Saturday Knox preaching at Edinbrough the next day amongst the papers given of those that desired the prayers of the Church he found one with these words Take up the man whom yee accounted another God At the end of his Sermon he bemoaned the losse that the Church and State had by the death of that vertuous man adding further There is one in this company that makes this horrible murder the subject of his mirth for which all good men should be sorry but I tell him he shall dye where there shall be none to lament him The man that had written those words was one Thomaâ— Metellan a young Gentleman of excellent parts but bearing small affection to the Earl of Murray he hearing this commination of Iohn Knox went home to his Sister and saâ—d That Iohn Knox was raving to speak of he knew not whom His Sister replyed with tears If you had taken my advice you had not written those words saying further Thaâ— none of Iohn Knox his threatnings fell to the ground without effect And so indeed this came to passe for shortly after this Gentleman going to travell dyed in Italy having none to assist
much lesse to lament him Towards Knox his later end his body became very infirm and his voyce so weak that People could not hear him in the ordinary place wherefore he chose another place wherein he preached upon the History of Christs passion with which he said it was his desire to close his Ministry finding his end neer he importuned the Council of the City to provide themselves a worthy man to succeed in his place Master Iames Lawson Professor in Aberdene was the man pitched upon and Commissioners were sent from the Church of Edinborough to request him to accept of the place Iohn Knox also subscribed that request adding Accelera mi frater alioqui â—erò venies Haste my Brother otherwise you will come too late this made Master Lawson to hasten his journey and when he was come he preached twice to the good liking of the people whereupon order was taken by the rulers of the Church for his admission at which time Iohn Knox would needs preach though very wâ—ak which also he performed with such fervency of spiriâ— that he was never before heard to preach with so greaâ— power or more content to the hearers In the end of his Sermon he called God to witnesse that he had walked in a good conscience with them not seeking to please men nor serving either his owne or other mens affections but in all sincerity and truth had preached the Gospell of Christ. He exhorted them in most grave and pithy words to stand fast in the Faith they had received and so having prayed zealously for Gods blessing upon them and the multiplying of Gods spirit upon their new Pastor he gave them his last farewel Being conveyed to his lodging that afternoon he was forced to betake himselfe to his bed and was visited by all sorts of persons in his sicknesse to whom he spake most comfortably amongst others the Earle of Morton came to see him to whom he said My Lord God hath given you many blessings Wisdome Honor Nobility Riches many good and great friends and he is now about to prâ—fer you to the Government of the Realm the Earl of Marr the late Regent being newly dead In his name I charge you use these blessings better then formerly you have don seeking first the glory of God the furtheance of his Gospell the maintenance of his Church and Ministry and then be carâ—full of the King to procure his good and the welfare of the Realm Iâ— you doe thus God will be with you and honor you if otherwisâ— â—e will dâ—prive you of all these benefits and your end shall be shame and ignonminie These speeches the Earl called to minde about nine years after at the time of his Execution saying That he had found Iohn Knox to be a Prophet A day or two before Knox his death he sent for Master David Lindsey Master Lawson and the Elders and Deacons of the Church â—o whom he said The time is approaching which I have long thirsted for wherein I shall be released from all my cares and be with my Saviour Christ for ever and now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Goâ—â—eâ—â— of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true sincâ—râ— Word of God and that the end that I proposed in my Mâ—nistry was To instruct the ignorant to confirm the weaâ— to comfort their consciences who were humbled under the sense of their sins and born down with the threatningâ— oâ— Gods judgments I am not ignorant that many have and doe blame my too great rigor and severity but God knoweth that in my heart I never hated those agaâ—nsâ— whom I thundered Gods judgments I did onely hate theiâ— sins and labored according to my power to gaine them to Christ That I did forbear none of what condition soever I did it out of the fear of my God who hatâ— placed me in the function of his Ministry and I know will bring me to an account Now bretheren for your selveâ— I have no more to say but to warn you that you â—ake heâ—d to the Flocke over which God hath placed you Over seers which 〈◊〉 hath redeemed by the blood of his onely begotten son and you Master Lawson fight a good fight doe the Worke of the Lord with courage and with a willing minde and God from heaven blesse you and the Church whereof you have the charge Against it so long as it continues in the Doctrâ—nâ— of the Truth the gates of hell shall not prevaâ—le having thus spoken and the Elders and Deacons being dismissed he called the two Preacher to him and said There is one thing that grieveth me exceedingly you have sometimes seen the Courage and Constancy of the Laird of Grang in the Cause of God and now that unhappy man is casting himself away I pray you go to him from me and tell him That unlesse he forsake that wicked course that he is in the Rock wherein he confideth shall not defend him nor the carnall wisdome of that man whom he counteth halfe a god which was young Leshingâ—on shall yeeld him help but he shall be shamefully pulled out of that nest and his carcasse hung before the Sun meaning the Câ—stle which he kept against the Kings Authority for his soul it is dear to me and if it were possible I would fain have him saved accordingly they went to him conferred with him but could by no meanes divert him from his course But as Knox had fore-told so the year after his Castle was taken and his body was publickly there hanged before the Sun yet at his death he did expresse serious repentance The nex day Knox gave order for the making of his Coffin continuing all the day as he did also through all his sicknesse in fervent prayer crying Come Lord Iesus sweet Jesâ—s into thy hands I commend my spirit being ask'd whether his pains were great he answered That he did not esteem that a pain which would be to him the end of all troubles and the beginning of eternall joyes Oft after some deep meditation he used to say Oh serve the Lord in fear and death shall not be troublesome to you Blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of Iesus The night before his death he slept some hours with great unquietnesse often fighing and groaning whereupon when he awakened the standers by asked him how he did and what it was that made him mourn so heavily to whom he answered In my life time I have been assaulted with Tempâ—aâ—ionâ— from Satan and he hath oft cast my sinâ— into my teeth to drive me to despair yet God gave me strength to overcome all his Temptations but now the subtill serpent takes another course and seek's to perswade me That all my labors in the Ministery the fidelity that I have shewed in that service hath merited heaven and immortality but blessed be God that brought to my minde these Scriptures What hast thou that
them poor mens sons upon whom he bestowed meat drink apparell and learning Having a great Parish he entertained them at his table by course every Sabbath from Michaelmasse to Easter He bestowed upon his School and for stipends upon the Schoolmasters the full sum of five hundred pounds out of which School he supplyed the Church of England with great store of learned men He was carefull not onely to avoid all evill but the least appearance of it Being full of faith unfeigned and of good works he was at last put into his grave as an heap of wheat in due time put into the garner What pen can be susficient to set forth Th'exuberous praises of brave Gilpins worth Though at the first his heedlesse soul did stray And ramble in a foule erronious way Yet at the last he left those paths which bended Unto distruction and his follyes ended Then he began to exercise the truth And hate the former errours of his youth His soul was fil'd with piety and peace And as the truth so did his joyes encrease His fame soone spread abroad his worth was hurl'd Through every corner of th'inquiring world And to conclude in him all men might find A reall heart and a most noble minde The life and death of Zachary Ursin who dyed Anno Christi 1583. ZAchary Vrsin was born in Silesia Anno Christi 1534. of honest parents who were carefull of his education in his childhood and having profited exceedingly at School he was sent to the University of Wittenberge at sixteen yeers old where he heard Melancthon with great diligence two years at which time the Plague breaking forth there he retired with Melancthon to Tergaw and having an ample testimony from him he went thence into his owne Country all the winter but in the spring he returned to Wittenberg where he spent 5. years in the study of the Arts Tongus and Divinity he was very familiar with Melancthon and much esteemed of many learned men who flocked to that University out of all Countries with whom also afterwards he kept correnspondency he went An. Christi 1557. with Melancthon to the conference at Worms about religion and from thence he travelled to Marpurg Argentine Basil Lausanna and Geneva where he grew into familiar acquaintance with many learned men especially Calvin who gave him such books as he had Printed from thence he went into France to Lions and Paris where he perfected his skill in the Hebrew under the learned Mercerus in his return he went to Tigure where he acquainted himselfe with the learned men and so to Tubing Vlme Norimberg and so to his old Master Melancthon Anno Christi 1558. he was sent for by the Senate of Vratislave which was his native place to govern a School there where besides his Lectures in the Arts and Tongues he was imployed in the explication of Melancthons book of the Ordination of Miniâ—ters wherein he declared his judgment about the Sacrament and thereupon he was cried out agaainst for a Sacramentarian which caused him to give a publick account of his Faith about the Doctrine of the Sacraments in certain strong and accurate propositions Melancthon hearing of the opposition which he met with wrote to him to stand firmly to the truth and if he enjoyed not pâ—ace in that place to return to him againe and to reserve himselfe for better times whereupon he requested of the Senate that he might be dismissed and having obtained his desire he returned to Wiâ—tenberg where foreseeing Melancthons death and the greaâ— alterations in that University he left it and went to Tygure Anno 1560. being invited thither by Martyr Bullinger Simler Lavater Gualter Gesner and Frisius who much desired his company there he was a constant hearer of Martyr and profited much under him in the knowledge of Divinity Anno 1561. their came letters to Tigure from Thomas Erastus signifying that there wanted a Divinity Professor at Heidleberg and desiring supply from thence whereupon knowing Vrsines fitnesse they presently sent him with their letters of ample commendation both to the Elector Palatine and to the University where he discharged his place so well that at twenty eight years of age they graced him with the title of a Doctor in Divinity and he supplyed the place of a publick Professor to the year 1568. at which time Zanchy succeeded him their also he made his Catechise for the use of the Pallaâ—inate Anno Chriâ—ti 1563. there brake forth a grievous pestilence that scattered both the Court and University yet Vrsin remained at home and wrote his tractates of Mortallity and Christian consolations for the benefit of Gods people He was so dear to the Elector Palatine that when the Bernates sent Aretius to Heidleberg to crave leave that Vrsin might goe to Lusanna to be the Divinity Professor there he would by no means part with him but gave him leave to choose an assistant that so his body might not be worn out with his dayly labors Anno Ch. 1572. he married a wiâ—e by whom he had one son that inherited his fathers vertues But upon Prince Fredricks death their grew a great alteration in the Palatinate insomuch that none but Lutherans could be suffered to continue thâ—râ— so that Vrsin with his Collegue were forced to leave the University but he could not live private long for he was sent for by Prince Iohn Chassimire also the Senate of Berne sent importunatly for him to succeed Aretius there But Cassimire would by no meanes part with him having erected a University at Newstad and chosen Vrsin and Zanchy to be the Divinity Professors thereof But Vrsin by his excessive studies and neglect of exercise fell into a sicknesse which held him above a year together after which he returned to his labors againe and besides his Divinity Lectors he read Logik also in the Schools desiring his auditors to give him what doubts and objections they met with which upon study at his next Lecture he returned answers to But his great labors cast him into a consumption and other diseases yet would he not be perswaded to intermit them till at last he was confined to his bed yet therein also he was never idle but alwayes dictating something that might conduce to the publick good of the Chuch The houre of death being come his friends standing by he quietly slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1583. and of his age 51. He was very pious and grave in his carriage and one that sought not after great things in this world Let those whose hearts desire to be Professor of Divinity Trace Ursins steps so shall they find The comforts of a studious minde He had a greater care to nurse Distressed souls then fill his purse He would not tell a frutlesse story Unto his flock his oratory Serv'd not flatter but to bring Subjected souls unto their King Where now he rests with him that says Shephards of Flocks look to your wayes The Life and Death of Abraham Bucholtzer
full of yeeres And with much honour left this vail of teares The Life and Death of Rodolphus Gualterus who dyed Anno Christi 1586. ROdolphus Gualter was born in Tigure Anno Christi 1518. was of an excellent wit and therefore carefully brought up at School where he first profited exceedingly in Oratory and Poetry and being admitted into the University he became famous first in the knowledge of the Arts and afterwards of Divinity insomuch as he waâ— chosen Pastor in that City where he first drew in his vitall breath neither were they which chose him deceived in their exspectation for he proved an admirable instrumenâ— of Gods glory and their good discharging his place with singular industry diligence and fidelity not onely by hiâ— frequent publick preaching but by his learned private writingâ— as his Homilies upon much of the Old and Nâ—w Testament doe sufficiently declare and having governed and fed that Church for above forty years together he dyed in a good old age Anno Christi 1586. anp of his Liâ—â— sixty eight Uertue and honor both combin'd T' adorne Gualterus his minde His wise and well composed heart Was principlâ—d in every part He was a Poet too ti 's therefore fit We should applaud his rare Poeticke wit The Life and Death of Casper Olevian who dyed Anno Christi 1587 â— CAsper Olevian was born in Trevir Anno Christi 1536â— and carefully brought up in learning by his Grandfather and at thirteen years old he was sent to Paris to study Law from thence also he went to the Universities of Aurelia and Biturg where he heard the most famous Lawyers of those times he joyned himselfe also to the Congregation of Protestants which met privately together in that place there he was admitted into the Order of Lawyers after the solemn manner of the University Anno Christi 1557. about which time there studied in that University under Nicolas Iudex the young Prince Palatine â— son to Fredericke the third afterwards Elector and Olevian being very intimate with Iudex went one day after dinner to the river hard by the City together with him and the young Prince and when they came thither they found som yong Noble Germans that were students there going into aboat who desired the Prince and his Tutor to goe over the River with them But Olevian perceiving that they had drunk too freely disswaded them from adventuring themselves amongst them which councell the Prince and his Tutor neglecting went into the boat and putting from the bank the drunken young men began so to thrust and jusâ—le one another that at last they overthrew the boat where they were all drowned But Iudex being skilfull in swimming caught the young Prince hoping to save him but being unable to draw him with him they both sunk Olevian standing on the bank and seeing this sad spectacle leap't into the water to try if he could help them but at first he stuck into the mud and water up to the chin where he dispaired of his owne life in that danger he prayed unto God and vowed that if God would deliver him he would preach the Gospell to his owne Citizens At which time it pleased God that a footman of one of the Noblmens coming to the river side seeing of him caâ—ght him by the hand thinking that it had ben his own master and drew him out whereupon Olevian being delivered together with the Law studyed Divinity especially reading over Calvins Commentaries diligently and then returning to Trevir he was retained to plead a cause thâ—re but seeing the great deceit in that calling he gave it over and that he might performe his Vow he wholly set himselfe to the study of Divinity aud went to Geneva and after to Tigure where he was much holpâ—n by Martyr and Bullinger and after taking ship at Lusanna to goe to Genevaâ— Farrell hapned to be with him in the ship who in disconâ—â— asked him Whether he had ever preached in his ownâ— Country which he denying Farrell perswaded him to doâ— it so soon as he could and he accordingly promised that he would therefore Anno Christi 1559. he returned to Tâ—â—vir and was by the Senate his friends requested to undâ—â— take the work of the Ministry there and for his encouragement they allowed him a stipend he readLogick also in the School but when he began to preach the Truth of Chriâ—â— and to discover the Errors in Popery he was forbiddenâ— by the Clergy to preach any more and shut out of the School Then the Senate appointed him to preach in an Hospitall where after he had preached a while his adversariessuborned a Priest to step up into the Pulipt before himâ— but as soon as the people saw the Priest they called to him to come down for that they would not hear him Olevian desired them to hear him promising that so soon as he had don his Sermon he would preach himselfe but they would not endure it but made a great stir so that the poor Priest thought that he should have been pulled a pieces by them but Olevian inâ—reating the people to be quiet took him by the hand and led him forth safely and going into the pulpit himself the people cried to him We desire thee for Gods sake to preach unto us for this cause the Archbishop of Trevir imprisoned the two Consulâ— and eight more of the Senators for ten weeks who desired Olevian to come to them to instruct and comfort them which accordingly he did but afterwards they were all freed at the request of the Elector Palatine and some others and the Elector Palatine sent for Olevian to Heidleberge where he made him Rector of a Colledge about which time he married a wife and commensed Doctor in Divinity and was made a Professor of Divinity in that University he was also called to a Pastorall charge in the City which he carefully and holily discharged till the death of the Elector Fredericke the third and shortly after he was called to Berleburg by Lodewicke Count Witgenstein where he Preached and instructed some Noble mens sons In the year 1584. he was called by Iohn of Nassau to Herborn where he preached and taught in a School three years Anno Christi 1587. he fell into a mortall sicknesse which notwithstanding all means of oure daily grew upon him and so weakned him that at last he quietly resigned up his spirit unto God In his sicknesse he made his Will and by pious and holy meditations prepared himselfe for death being visited by some great men he told them That by that sicknesse he had learned to know the greatnesse of Him and the greatnesse of Gods Majesty more then ever he did before Iohn Pisâ—â—â—ur coming to visit him he told him That the day before for four hours together he was filled with ineffable joy so that he wondred why his wife should ask him whether he were not something better when sa indeed he could never be better for said he I thought that
him commens D r which degree having performed all his exercises he took the twenty fifth year of his age was chosen Pastor of the Church of Gompping and made Superintendent of those parts about that time he was sent for by Lodwick Count of Oeting to assist him in the reforming of the Churches within his jurisdiction and when he took his leave of his owne Prince Christopher hâ— charged him and gave it him in writing that if Couâ—â— Lodwicke set upon that reformation that under pretence of Religion he might rob the Church and ceaze upon thâ— revenues of Monasteries and turn them to his private usâ— that he should presently leave him and come back againeâ— he assisted also in the reformation of the Churches in Heâ—â—fanstein At that time hearing of a Jew that for these wâ—â— hanged by the heels with his head downe having not seâ—â— that kind of punishment he went to the place where hâ— was hanging between two Dogs that were alwayes snatching at him to eat his flesh the poor wretch repeated iâ— Hebrew some verses of the Psalmes wherein he cryed 〈◊〉 God for mercy whereupon Andreas went nearer to hiâ—â— and instructed him in the Principles of Christian Religioâ— about Christ the Messiah c. exhorting him to beleeve 〈◊〉 him and it pleased God so to blesse his exhortation to him that the Dogs gave over tearing of his flesh and â—hâ— poore Jew desired him to procure that he might be taken down and Baptized and hung by the neck â—or the quicker dispatch which was done accordingly Aâ—dreas was of such esteeme that he was sent for by divers Princes to reform the Churches in their jurisdictions he was present at divers Synods and Disputations about Religion He travelled many thousands of miles being usually attended but with one servant yet it pleased God that in all his journies he never met with any affronâ— The year before his death he used often to say that he should not live long that he was weary of this life and much desired to be dissolved and to be with Christ which was best of all Falling sick he sent for Iames Herbrand saying I expect that after my death many adversaries will rise up to asperse me and therefore I sent for thee to hear the confession of my Faith that so thou maist testifie for me when I am dead and gone that I dyed in the true faith The same Confession also he made afterwards before the Pastors and Deacons of Tubing the night before his death he slept partly upon his bed and partly in his chair when the clock struck six in the morning he said my hour draws near he gave thankes to God for bestowing Christ for revealing of his will in his Word for giving him Faith and the like benefits And when he was ready to depart he said Lord into thy hands I commend my â—â—irit and so he fell a sleep in the Lord Anno Christi 1590. and of his Age 61. Ingenius Andreas alwayes lov'd to pry Into the bosome of Divinity He hated idlenesse and tooke delight In doing good his vertues shin'd as bright As Fame could make them and he alwayes stood A firme maintainer of the Churches good Religion was his helme by which he stéer'd His soule to heav'n and there he was endear'd To his Creator in whose Court he sings Blest halalujahs to the King of Kings HIERONYMVS ZANCHYVS The Life and Death of Hieronimus Zanchiuâ— IN the year of grace 1516. Hieronimus Zanchius descended from a Noble and renowned Family was born in Italie at a Town called Alzanum scituate in the valley Sâ—ria â— who became such a light unto the Gentiles that many parts in Christendome dawned with the luster of his writings His Father was called Franciscus Zanchius famous not oâ—ely for his Parentage but also for his knowledge in the Civill Law he was blessed with many other children which he received from Baâ—bara sister unto Marcus Antonius Morlaâ—tus both Nobly descended This Zanchius in his youth shewing some testifications of his hopefulnesse he was sent forth by his Father to be instructed in the Grounds of Learning in the Schooles he continued untill that he was twelve years old at which time his Father dyed and shortly after his Mother also Being thus deprived of both his Parents he began to consider with himselfe what course to take for the increasing and bettering of his knowledge in the Arts and withall perceiving that not onely his Unckle Eugenius Muâ—ius but also many of his Kinsmen and Cozen-germans had betaken themselves unto a Monasticall life and were advanced unto the dignity of Regular Cannons he perswaded himselfe that there were many learned persons to be found in that Society and that youth might be well instructed brought up amongst thâ—m as well for civill behaviour as for learning he resolved to take that course of life upon him being also thereunto induced by the advice of his intimate friend Basileus Wherefore revealing himselfe unto his Unkle and other friends he was by their meanes elected and chosen into the Monastery In this place he lived almost ninteen years and was by profession a Lateran Canon Regular in which space he gave himselfe first unto the study of the Tongues and proved a good Linguist Secondly unto the study of Aristotle and became a good Logician and thirdly unto the study of School Divinity wherein his excellency is manifest by his Workes For the space of sixteen years he was familiarly acquainted and dearly beloved of that illustrious and vertuous grave Celsus Martinengus who perceiving that his life was sought for the profession of the truth fled out of Italie and went unto Geneva and was the first Pastor which the Italian Church had in that place who when he dyed commended the care of his Flocke to Calvin 1558. During his residence in this Monastery he would walke sometimes with Martinengus for recreations sake unto Luca a Towne in Tuscanie where he heard Peter Martyr openly expounding the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans and in private the Psalmes of David unto their Canons and these Expositions of this learned man wrought so effectually with him that he gave himselfe wholly unto the study of Divinity and made diligent search into the Commentaries of the most learned and authenticke Fathers perused positive and polemicall discourses and delivered for a season the purity of the truth of the Gospell of Christ in Italie But in regard that Italie was too hot for Peter Martyr and much more for his Schollars who were hardly permitted to reside in the Countrey much lesse to be publick Teachers eighteen of them within the space of one year followed their Master amongst whom was this Zanchius Being thus freed and delivered from this Babilonian captivity an expression often used by himselfe in the year 1550. he first went unto the Rhetians because a greater liberty was ganted unto their Churches and because â—e might serve Christ with a free and a good
the same year he was graced with the title of Doctor in Divinity in the presence of the Prince Elector and of his son Casimirus who being most desirous of propagating the truth of Christ injoyned him after his returne from Rhetia to the Palatinate to lay open the true doctrine concerâ—ing God and concerning the three Persons in the Diety and to confute the opinion and to overthrow the arguments of such adversaries as at that time opposed the Diety of Christ and of the holy Ghost in Poland and in Transilvania whereupon he wrote his treatises ful of learning and piety de natura Dei detribus Elohmi filio spiritu Sancto uno eodemque Iehovah In this Academie he professed Divinity ten years even unto the death of â—rederich the third Prince Elector afterwards he went unto Neostadt where he was entertained Divinity Lecturer in a School newly erected where he continued seven years after the death of Frederick the third he was called unto the Academy at Leyden in Holland then newly consecrated in the year 1578. and also unto Antwarp in Brabant in the year 1580. but because that School could not want him he was willed by the Prince to remain there where he continued untill such time as the School was translated unto Heidleberge and then by reason of his old age he was discharged of his office by Casimirus then Elector Palatine whereupon he went towards Heidleberg to visit some friends which he had there whom when he had seene and comforted in those perillous times he changed this life for a better and more durable in the year 1590. and in the 75. year of his age and lyes buried in S t. Peters Chappel at Heidelberg He was well read in the auncient Fathers and in the writings of the Philosophers he was of singular modesty he alwayas earnestly desired peace amongst the Churches and in his old age was afflicted with blindnesse His works are here inserted 1 Divine Miscillanies with the explication of the Augustâ—n Confession 2 His judgement of the Controversies about the Lords Supper 3 Of the Trinity bookes thirteen in two parts in the fiâ—st the Orthodox mystery of this Doctrine is proved and confirmed by Scripture in the latter the adversaries are confuted 4 A Câ—mpendium of the chiefe points of Christian Doctrine 5 A Perfect tretise of the sacred Scriptures 6 Of the Incarnation of Christ. 7 Of the Divine Nature and his Attributes 8. Of the Workes of God in six dayes 9â— Of Mans Redemption 10 A Commentary upon Hosea 11. A Commentary on the Ephesians 12. Colossian .. 13 Thessalonians 14 Iohn 15 Observations of Physicke 16 His answer to an Arrian He sought and found the truth and would not hide That light from others that did still abide Within his breast his soul was alwayes free T' advance the works of reall piety Uertue and gravity were both combin'd Within the ceture of his breast and shin'd With equall luster all that heard his voyce Were fil'd with raptures and would much rejoyce At his discourse for what his tongue exprest Alwayes proceeded from a reall breast Let his examples teach us how to stand Firmely obedient to our Gods command That at the last we may rejoyce and sing Praises with Zanchy to heav'ns glorious King The Life and Death of Anthony Sadeel who dyed Anno Christi 1591. ANthony Sadeel was born upon the confines of Savoy and France not far from Geneva Anno Christi 1534. and his father dying whilst he was young his mother brought him up in learning and sent him to Paris and having studyed a while there he went to Tholous where falling into the society of some godly students of the Law it pleased God that he left Popery and went from thence to Geneva where he was much holpen by Calvin and Beza afterwards being sent for home and some controversie arising about his inheritance he went to Paris and there joyned himselfe with the private Congregation of the Protestants there the Pastor Collongius called the young students that were of that congregation together perswaded them to apply themselves to the study of Divinity which afterwards turned to the great good of the French Churches and amongst others Sadeel faithfully promised to apply him self therto having profited much in those studyes being scarce twenty years old he was by the approbation of the whole Church chosen one of the Pastors the year after fell out that horrid violence offered to the Church at Paris when they were met together to hear the word and receive the Sacrament where above one hundred and fifty of them were laid hold of and cast into Prison but by a miracle of Gods mercy the Pastors escaped the year after Sadeel was delivered from a great danger for at midnight many Apparitors brake into his house searched every corner and at last brake into his chamber seized on his books and papers crying out they were Hereticall and so laid hold upon him and carryed him to Prison But it pleased God that Antony of Burbon King of Navar who knew him and had often heard him hearing of his imprisonment sent to the officers to release him as being one of his train and when they refused to doe it he went himselfe to the Prison complaining of the wrong that was don him by imprisoning one that belonged to him being neither a murtherer nor thief and withall bad Sadeel follow him and so tooke him away with him whereupon the day after he publickly before the King gave thanks to God for his deliverance expounding the 124 Psalm then it being judged the safest for him to absent himselfe for a while he went to viâ—it the Churches in other parts of the Kingdome and at Aurelia he continued some moneths Preaching to many Citizens and students in the night time to their great advantage then he returned to Paris againe where a Synod of Ministers and Elders the first that was there were assembled to draw up a confession of their Faith which afterwards was presented to the King by the Admirall Coligny But the King shortly after dying the Queen mother and the Guises drew all the Government of the Kingdom into their hands and raised a great persecution against the Church drawing many of all ranks to Prisons and punishment yet Sadeel intermitted not his office but was wholly imployed in Preaching comforting confirming the weak c. till the danger encreasing it was thought fit that the care of the Church should be committed to one Macradus a man lesse known and that Sadeel should retire himselfe and so he went into severall parts of the Kingdome and therâ—by much propagated the true faith The year after the persecution not being so violent at Papis Sadeel could not refraine from going to his flocke which he loved so dearly In the year 1561. he fell sicke of a quartan Ague and by the advice of his Physitians and friends he was perswaded to goe into his owne Countrey yet neither there did he
is a better man then Austine the Bishop And howsoever others admired in Reynolds his knowledge lowlinesse of minde and incredible abstinence in all which he so excelled that he even exceeded wonder yet for my part I doe and ever shall admire at one thing in him chieflâ— even that he could so sleight and neglect all wayes of preferment of whom although I will not say as Illyricus and Wigandus spake of Luther That he was the Germane Prophet yet since neither Luther nor Calvin nor Beza nor Whitaker can challenge any honour which Reynolds hath not merited I cannot but exceedingly congratulate our Countrey where he was borne our Mother the University where he was educated and that most pregnant House of excellent wits wherein he sucked the first rudiments of exquisite Literature who that I may compare him with those of the same Colledge for vertue piety learning in the judgement of many is extolled above their Iewell Wotton Vines Hooker yea and above their Pole Let yet Westone that lewd and shamelesse Rabshake belch out what reproaches he pleaseth against him and charge him not onely with stupid dulnesse but also that he counterfeited sicknesse and pretended onely to a disease to preserve his credit Belike then all we University men were leaden witted who admired so dull a man we were besides our selves who beleeved that he was sicke whom to our great griefe we here see dead Notwithstanding this Weston himselfe so like his Unckle in his ill conditions and ignominious flight when he challenged all the Heads of the University and branded them for impure onely for that some of them had entred into the state of Matrimony could not finde any one Act of Doctor Reynolds in all his life to blemish him with all Let this runnagate Weston passe who was wandered too farre to looke into his life what report was given him by those that were neer Truely every one loved his person his demeanure his integrity If any object against him overmuch strictnesse and a resolution not to be diverted from just proceedings by any motives though never so powerfull If thiâ— or any thing else of this nature might be disliked in him I dare confidently affirme as Seneca doth of Cato that a man may with much more ease prove the fact which he chargeth Reynolds with to be faire then Reynolds to be any way foule But blessed Saint he'â— already in the caelestiall Quire As for us who now honour the remaines of this most excellent and learned man we shall never confidently pronounce Oxford bleâ—â—ed till she can boast of another Reynolds For though we may have men of singular eloquence infinite reading rare wits grave judgements studious courteous and very famous for their Workes to be left behinde them yet a Reynolds in all respects we shall never have But why doe I name this man of a thousand as if we still had him when we see the grave openeth her mouth wide to devoure these small reliques of him bâ—fore us which we now last see salute and musâ— take our farewell of â—or ever This minute is the last we can Behold thiâ— rare accomplisht man For my part I must stand dumbe when I should commend his remaines to their honorable interment for Nor tongue nor pen nor Poets bayes Can set forth hiâ— deserved praise I will therefore borrow part of an Epitaph from Sophocles Come friends and lend your helpe let 's now inter Truths noble champion and Romes conquerer And never let the best the chiefest dare To wrong his ashes by a proud compare Behold in lesse then halfe a span The lovely modell of that Man Whose worth a world as big againe Were all too little to containe That famous Reynolds at the stroke Of whose learn'd Quill Romes sturdy Oke Trembled whom had not early death Prevented thus his very breath Had made such winde fals round about In Babels forrestâ— that no doubt In some few dayes her savage Beasts Had found no covert nor her Uulters nests He was Times wonder vertâ—es story Truths champion and the Churches glory The Life and Death of Joseph Scaliger who dyed Anno Christi 1609. JOseph Scaliger the son of Iulius Caesar Scaliger was borne aâ— Aginum Anno Christi 1540. and at nine years old was sent by his father to School at Burdeaux but after three yeares stay there the Plague breaking forth he returned to his father againe who set him every day to make an Oration whereby he attained to such an exactnesse in the Latine tongue that not long after he composed that excellent Tragedy of Oedipus which caused his friends to admire such ripenesse of wit in such tender years At nineteen years old his father being dead he went to Paris to learne the Greâ—k tongue whâ—re for two months space he applyed himselfe to the Lectures of that learned man Adrian Turneby buâ— wanting other helps he lost most of that time which caused him to shut himselfe up in his study and there by extraordinary diligence joyned with his naturall aptnesse he began to suck in the first rudiments of the Greek tongue and before he had well learned all the coâ—jugatioâ—â—â— he gat him an Homer and in twenty one dayâ—s learned it all over framed for himselfe a Greek Grammer and never usâ—d the help of any other he learned thâ— other Greek Pâ—â—ts in four months more Havâ—ng thus bestowed two yearâ—â—n the study of the Greeke he grew very desirous to adde the knowledge of the Hebrew to it and though he knew not one letter of it yet he fell to the study of it without any other help He wrote much in verse both those languages but to avoid the repute of ambition would not suffer them to be Printed He read over many Greek and Hebrew Authors and spent much time in interpreting and clearing of them from errors Anno Christi 1563. he began to travell into diverse Countries and made little stay any where till he was called to the University of Leiden Anno Christi 1593. to be Professor there in which place he spent sixteen yeares making the place famous both by his Lecâ—ures and Writings and at last dyed of a Dropsie Anno Christi 1609. and of his age sixty nine The aforâ—mentioned Turneby who was an excellently learned man himselfe called this Scâ—liger Portentosi ingenii juvenem a young man of a stupendious wit How can the worthy name and memory Of Scaliger in black oblivion dye Who by his pregnant wit and studious braines And indefatigable care and paines In Greek and Hebrew grew so excellent That being sent for he to Leidâ—n went Where he was made Professour and became A man of high renown and spreading fame And gracing much that University For fifteen years he there at last did dye The Life and Death of Amandus Polanus who dyed Anno Christi 1610. AMandus Polanus was borne in Silesia Anno Christi 1561. when his Parents had bred him up at School they sent him to Vratislavia
Testimony of Salomon may be fitly given They are apples of gold in Pictures of silver For the silver brightnesse of his eloquent style expresses and gives a luster unto those goulden pieces of his accurate invention and rich materials furnished out of Scriptures Fathers and Councels Now although as elegantly say's Lactantius the cause of trueth may be defended without eloquence as it hath been often yet it ought to be illustrated by the Nitour any clarity of a perspicuous style so that it may sinke deeper into the minde by its owne strength and the helpe of the Oratory Thirdly this our Champion hath fought against both hereticks and schismaticks noâ— onely with strong but also as Quintilian advises with glâ—stering weapons Nor doth this present Worke of his though born after his death either for a fluent style or weighty matter come short of the others In which this godly Prelate burning with zeale both to defend the doctrine of truth and unity in the Reformed Churches not with Raâ—sâ—hornes as it were but with a silver trumpet hath demolished those wals of Hiericho that were first raised by Pelâ—giuâ— and then battered down by the holy Fathers but againe of late times begun to be repaired by the Jesuites and last of all by the Arminians For he hath so fortified the Catholick truth with the strongest Testimonies of the sacred Scriptures and the holy Fathers and with such powerfull reason against the chieâ—est arguments of the Semi Pelagians lately forbished over with the file of Arminius or Thomson that we doubt not but this very booke alone will abundantly satisfie all Persons of modest ingenuity whatsoever He fights with Arminius as with a forraign and more remote adversary at a kinde of distance but with Tomson he closed and grapels as with a Domestick fostered in the bowels of our Church of England and he hath so coreruated that Pamphlet of his which cuts off the grace of justification that for ever hereafter who so shalâ— fall upon Thomsons Diatriba he may justly make use of the censure of Diogenes upon Zeno's Diatriba This Thomsons Diatriba is truely Catatriba that this his passe-time as he tremes it sporting himselfe with the Precisians being himself one of the concision is a wast mine Courteous Reader farewell in the Lord make much of the Work for the Authors sake and of the Authors memory for the Works sake Surry Oxford Sarum clame Their severall intrests in our Abbots Name Surry bore him Oxford bred him Sarum ripe for high promotion led him To honors Chayre To whom he gave More lasting honor then he could receiveâ— This like a momentary Blaze Lent a faire light but vanisht with his dayes But that like Titans brighter flame Continues coeternall with his Name Nor is' t the least addition to his glory That learned Featlyes pen hath writ his story The Lif and Death of William Cowper who dyed Anno Christi 1619. WIlliam Cowper was born in Edenburgh and at eight years old was sent by his father to Dunbar School where in four years he learn'd the wholâ— course of Grammer and profited above his equals and at that time did God begin to reveale himselfe to him many times in the Schoole he lifted up his heart unto God begging of him knowledge and understanding and alwayes as he went to Church he sent up his ejaculation â—o heaven Lâ—rd how mine ear that I may hear thy Word At his entry into his â—hirteenth year his Father sent for him home to Edenburgh and presently after he went to Saint Andrews where he continued to his sixteenth year in the study of Phylosophy but made no great progressâ— theâ—ein yet the seed of grace was still working in him inclining him to a carefull hearing and penning of Sermons and other Theologicall Lectures During his abode there Satan working in corrupt nature sought oft to trap him in his snares but as himself testifies the Lord in mercy forgave the vanities and ignorances of his youth and preserved him from such fals as might have made him a shame to the Saints and a reproach to his enemies At the age of sixteen years he returned to his Parents at Edenburgh who propos'd to him sundry courses of life but his heart was still enclined to the study of the holy Scriptures whereupon he resolved to goe into England and the Lord provided him a place at Hoddesdon 18. mils from London just as he had spent all his mony which he brought with him out of Scotland where he was entertained by one Master Gutâ—ry a Scotch-man to assist him in teaching of a School There he remained three quarters of a year and then having occasion to goe to London he was unexpectedly called to the service of Master Hugh Broughton with whom he continued a year and a halfe and daily exercised himselfe in the study of Divinity At nineteen years old he returned againe to Edenburgh where he lived with his elder brother then one of the Ministers in that City who much furthered him in his former studyes at last he was required to give a proofe of his gifts privately which he did in the New Church before Master Robert Pont and Master Robert Rollock and some others by whom he was commanded to Preach in publick also Being twenty years old he was sent by the authority of the general Assembly which met at Edenburgh to be the Pastor at Bothkenner in Sterlingshire when he came thither he found in the Church besides ruinous wals neither roof nor doors nor Pulpit nor seats nor windows yet it pleased God to give such a blessing to his ministery that within halfe a year the Parishioners of their owne accord built and adorned the Church in as good a quality as any round about it There he continued seven or eight years yet subject to great bodily infirmities by reason of the wetnesse of the soyl and the moystnesse of the ayre and in that time did God begin to acquaint him with his terrors and with inward tentations so that his life was almost wasted with heavinesse yet thereby he learned more and more to know Christ Jesus About that time there was a Generall Assembly of the Church at Perth unto which some that lived in the North of Scotland sent to desire that a Minister might be sent unto them whereupon the Assembly appointed Master Cowper for that place and accordingly wrote to him by Master Patrick Simpson who comming to Sterling delivered to him the letters from the Assembly and the Town containing his calling to the Ministry of that place and shortly after the Towne sent their Commissioners to transport himselfe and family thither In that place he continued doing the work of the Lord for nineteen years together where he was a comfort to the best and a wound to the worser sort Besides the Sabbath dayes he chose thrice a week to convene the people together in the Evenings viz. Wednesdayes Fridayes and Saturdayes for preparation to the Sabbath upon which
him the ugly visage of his sins which lay so heavy upon him that he roared â—or anguish oâ— heart yea it so affrighâ—ed him that he rose sometimes out of his bed in the night for very anguish of spirit and â—o augment his spirituall misery he was assaulted with soul temptations Horribilia de Dâ—o â—erâ—ibilia de fide which Luther called câ—laphum Satanae this continued for many months but God at last gave a blessed issue and these grievous pangs in the New Birth produced two admirable effects in him an invincible courage in the cause of God and a singular deâ—terity in comforting afflicted spirits Hereupon he resolved to enter into the Ministry and was accordingly Ordained the thirty fifth year of his Age and about two years after the Parsonage of Broughton in Norâ—hamptonshire falling void Serjeant Nicols the Patron preâ—â—rred him to it about the fortieth year of his age he marryed Misâ—ris Ann Bois of an ancient family in Kent and to her care committed the ordering of his outward estate and applyed himselfe wholly to his studyes and the work of the Ministry for twenty years together Prâ—ached twice every Lords-day and Catechized and in every Holy-day and Friday before the Sacrament he expounded a Chapter whereby he went over most of the Historicall books of the Old New Testament and therein preparing nothing for his People but what might have served a very learned Aâ—ditory In all his Preaching next after Gods glory he aymed at the Conversion of souls and God crowned his labors by making him an instrument to beget many sons and daughters unto righteouâ—nesse He had an excellent Art in relieving afflicted consciences so that he was sought to far and near yea diverse beyond Sea desired his resolution in diverse cases of Conscience Though in his preaching he was a son of Thunder yet to those that mourned in spirit he was a sweet son of Consolation with a tender heart powring the oyl of mercy into their bleeding wounds He had a singular skill in discovering Satans sleâ—ghts and in battering down his Kingdome In all his Sermons he used to discover the filthinesse of sin and to presse hard upon the Consciâ—nce the duties of Sanctification yea he would spare none great or small in their sins yet in reproving sin he never personated any man to put him to shame His life waâ— blamelesse that he could not justly be taxed by any of any scandalous sin He constantly prayed six times a day twice with his family twice with his wife and twice in secret He kept many dayes of private humiliation alwayes before the Sacrament and upon the occasions of the miseries of the Church at home abroad which he performed with much ardency of Spirit and being advised by Phisitians for his healths sake to break off â—he strong intention of his study he rejected their counsell accounting it greater riches to enjoy Christ by those servent intentions of his minde then to remit them for his healths sake He was of a comely presence his countenance was so mixed with gravity and austerity that it commanded respect from others He oft refused preferment that he might not be divorced from that Country where his Ministry found such entertainment and effect He was universaly bountifull but especially he â—xceeded in those publick distresses of Germany France Bohemia c. He alwayes spent all the revenews of his living which was of good valew in the maintenance of his Family Hospitality and Charity He fell sick of a Quartane Ague in Septâ—mber An. Christi 1631. whereupon finding his disease to get strength and his vigor to grow weaker he revised his Will and then wholly retired himselfe from the world and solaced his soul with the Meditation of the joyes of heaven and having compiled a discourse De quaâ—uor Novissimis of Death Judgement Hell and Heaven having preached over the three former he told his people that the next day he would preach of heaven but the Saturday before he fell so sick that he never preached after though his sicknesse was long and sharpe yet he bore it with admirable patience often breathing forth these speeches Oh when will this good hour com When shall I be dissolved when shall I be wiâ—h Christ Being told that it was better for the Church if God would for him to stay here He answered If I shall finde favor in the eyes of God hee will bring me againe and shew me both it and his habitation and if otherwise lo here I am let him doe what seemeth good in his eyes 2. Sam. 15.25 26. And being asked of another if he could be content to live if God would grant it him he said I grant that life is a great blessing of God neither will I neglest any meanes that may preserve it and doe heartily desire to submit to Gods will but of the two I infinitely more desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ. To those that came to visit him â—n his sicknesse he gave very godly and wise exhortations He thanked God for his wonderfull mercy in pulling him out of hell in â—ealing his Ministry by the Conversion of Souls which he wholly ascribed to his glory a week before his death he called for his wife and desired her to bear his Dissolution with a Chrisâ—ian Fortitude and turning to his chrildren he told them that they should not now expect that in regard of his weakenesse he should say any thing to them he had formerly told them enough and hoped they would remember it and he verily believed that none of them durst think to meet him at the great Tribunall in an unregenerate state Sâ—me of his neighbors moved that as he had in his Ministry discoursed to them the exceeding commforts that were in Christ so he would now tell them what he felt in his soul Alas said he doe you look for that now from mee that want breath and power to speak I have told you enough in mâ— Mâ—nistry yet to satisfie you I am by the wonderfull mercies of God as full of comfort as my heart can hold and feel nothing in my soul but Christ with whom I heartily desire to bee Then seeing some weeping he said Oh what a deal adoe there is before one can dye When the very panges of death were upon him some of his dear friends coming to take their leave of him he caused himselfe to be raised up and after a few gapings for breath he said to them I am now drawing on a pace to my Dissolution hold out Faith and Patience your worke will quickly be at an end then shaking them by the hand he desired them to make sure of heaven and to remember what he had formerly taught them protesting that it was the Truth of God as he should answer it at the Tribunall of Christ before whom he should shortly appear and a dear friend taking him by the hand ask't him if hee felt not much paine Truely no said he