knowledge especially John Wickliff Whose letter to John Huss being then a young man written in the year 1387. being the year before he dyed I finde yet extant in some ancient Records and here insert as followeth Happiness and what ever can be thought of which is dear and desirable in the bowels of Iesus Christ MOst dear Brethren in the Lord whom I love in the Truth and not I â—nely but also all which have known the tâ—uth That truth I mean which by the grace of God is and abideth and shall be in you for ever I joyed very much in the Bâ—ethren which came from you and produced a testim ny of your fa thfulness and that y u walk in the Truth I hear Brethren how Antichrist dâ—th vex you brinâ—ing many and various Tribulations upon them which believe in â—hrist It is no strange thing it should be so with you in as much as the Word of Christ is oppressed by the adversaries in all the World and that great red and many headed Dragâ—n mentioned by John in his Revelation hath sent out of his mouth a great flood upon the Woman to overwhelm her But the faithful Lord will certainly deliver his one onely loyal Spouse Let us be stâ—engthened in the Lord our God and in his immense goodness firmly believing that he will not suffer his dear ones to fall away from their godly purpose onely let us love him as we ought with our whole hearts Afflictions should never prâ—ss us if iniquity prevail not Let no distress or pressure therefore for Christs sake cast us down seeing we know that the Lord chasteneth whomsoever he receiveth for his sons For the Father of mercies is pleased to exercise us with many troubles in this present life that he may spare us hereafter Thâ— Gold which this Supreme Artificer choâ—seth he will here have it purified by fire that hereafter he may lay it up amongst his most pure everlasting Treasures We see our time here is short and swiftly passing away but the life which we expect then is blessed and eternal Let us labour then while we have time that we may be counted worthy to enter into his rest What else I pray do we behâ—ld here but grief vexation weariness and which should affect the faithful most the contempt and treading under foot of the Divine Law Let us then strive to our utmost abridging our senses of those transitory fading vain things to attain those things which abide for ever Let us observe the conversation of our Fathers of old see the Saints in both the Testaments what stâ—rms and tempeâ—ts they endured in the Sea of this World what Prisons what bonds how they were stoned sawn asunder and slain with the edâ—e of the Sword how they went about in Sheep skins and Goats skins c. as the Epistle to the Hebrews records at large They all going the strait way in the steps of Christ who hath said Where I am there shall my servant be We theâ—efore having such a clâ—ud of witnesses of the Saints of all former ages to compass us about let us lay aâ—ide whatever weight there is in us and the sin which round besets us and run with patience the appointed race looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the Cross and despised the shame Let us remember him which suffered such contradiction of sinners against himself that we faint not in our hearts and fall away but let us with our whole heart seek help of the Lord and fight manfully against Antichrist his Enemy Let us love his law in our hearts and not he unthankeful in his work But in all things carry our selves with assurance according to the measure of faith which the Lord giveth us and be strong in the cause of God and the hope of the Eternal Reward Therefore thou Huss my dear Brother in Christ unknown indeed unto me by face but not in faith and love for the uttermost ends of the earth cannot set them asunder which the love of Christ hath knit together be strong in the grace which is given to thee fight as a good Souldier of Jesus Christ both by word and work Doctrine and conversation and gain whom you can to return to the way of the truth Inasmuch as the truth of the Gospel ought not to be suppressed in silence for the erroneous lying decrees and defections of Antichrist do you therefore rather notwithstanding the designs of Satan comfort and establish the members of Christ for that Antichrist shall shortly by the will of God be finished I am very much rejoyced that in your Kingdom and other parts God hath so strengthened the hearts of some that they suffer Prisons Banishment yea death it self for the Word of God and that with joy too Dearly Beloved I have little else to write I must needs assure you That I would gladly do any thing to strengthen you and all the lovers of Christs Government In the love of the Law of God remember my most affectionate salutation to them from the bottom of my heart especially to your partner in the Gospel of Christ entreating your prayers for me and for the whole Church of Christ Now the God of Peace which brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ the great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eveâ—lasting Covenant make you ready to every good work that you may do his will working in you that which is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever Amen 25. Huss being as now Professor of the University and afterward Anno 1400. made Preacher of Bethlehem the University Church he took heart very daringly to inveigh against those now overflowing Abominations and weild openâ—y against them the Sword of the Divine Word with great applause among the people not onely at Prague but through the whole Kingdom It very much revived his spirit that the same year Jerome of Prague being returned out of England and bringing over Wickliffs books with him rooted up the present prevailing errors with the like boldness in the Schools as Huss did in the Church Against these pious designs to clear the Church of the infection of Superstition the Academicks which were Foreigners overnumbering yet and overvoting the rest opposed themselves all they could and passed a Censure upon Wickliffs Articles But the Bohemians debated the Prerogative of Elections with the Popes Abettors making it good that it did belong to themselves as Natives and not to them being strangers The debate being referred to King Wenceslaus son to Charls he gave sentence on the Bohemians side Hereupon the Germans being angry went away from Prague by Troops which occasioned the erecting of the Universities of Lipsia and Erfurd and the Bohemians chose and created Mr. Huss Head of the University in the year 1409. 26. The Monks being cast off by the King and the University stir up the Archbishop
as also they were to be ever after in the same manner chosen and ordained even as Pastors also and Deacons or â—atechists and Acoluthi or Readers besides they had in every Church their Political Seniors or Lay-Elders and Synods Districtual five Provincial one to be held every year Which example the Churches of the great Dutchy of Lithuania followed dividing themselves into six Diocesses and under so many Seniors and Conseniors And because there yet remained some difference in rituals all the Churches among themselves at last came to that moderation even in these things that there seemed nothing to be wanting unto full Brotherly concord 104. Because yet nevertheless the Jesuits in their clamoring and traducing the Evangelici to the King laid to their charge a chaos of Errors and Schisms They as they had professed turned away from those open bare-faced Hereticks the Arrians named afterward Socinians from Socinus a new Imposter so now for the better uniting themselves within themselves they yet more fully engage to one another a Syncretism or mutual holding together there being then called about that time by the indulgence of the most pious King Sigismund Augustus unto Sendomiria all the Churches of the Evangelici in a general Synod 1570. wherein consent in Faith and Christian Religion was established between all the Churches of the Augustan Bohemian and Helvetian Confession The thing is notoriously known by the books of that consent so often printed in Poland and Germany and yet the Augustans afterward being at appointed Disputations divers ways tempted by some of their own party in Germany seemed to step back 105. To this issue did the moderate Councils of these Brethren of Bohemia come at that time in Poland with the applause of all good men It doth me good to remember one John Lasitsky a Nobleman of Poland and a learned which being then young about four year before the agreement for consent abovesaid was made turned from the Papists to the Evangelici and hearing that besides the Helvetian or Switzerland Confession already received in his own Countrey there were others of the Evangelici in Poland the great of the Augustan and Bohemian Confession resolves upon a journey to thosâ— Churches to have personal knowledge of them in all matters that he might see what difference there was between one and th' other He takes down with him into Germany and France some great Noblemens sons and taking his journey as he had appointed visits the Brethren in Bohemia making there a through enquiry and setting down all the memorable things which he observed Whereupon afterward he compiled the History of them entituled Eight Books of the Original and Transactions of the Brethren of Bohemia wherein in the seventh Book he ascribed the consent of the Churches agreed at the Sendomirian Synod especially to the Brethrens moderation 106. And of himself Lasitius reports thus Taking a journey for the advantage of my studies unto Heidleberg and afterward 1571. returning from Strasberg home I turned a little out of my way in unto the Brethren at Prague and Bolestavia At which time their Superintendent in Bohemia was Calephus a grave and strict Christian as they are all but good God with what great joy was my heart ravished to see these things which are now here written and fâ—ithfully related in the eighth book Verily surveying every thing diligently and enquiring into all things fully methought I was in the Church of Ephesus or of Thessalonica or some other of the Apostles own planting beholding and hearing those very things which we read in the Apostolical writings in the Epistles of Ignatius the Martyr in Justins Apology or Tertullians Apologelick Indeed they are very unjust and injurious to the Brethren whoever they be they are acted by that malignant and envious one that detract from the holiness of their Conversation or derogate from their faith so productive of good works or whosoever any ways prejudices so good so harmless so peaceable men Bohemia is not aware Moravia knows not what kinde of inhabitants they have If they did they would have more respect and affection for them then they have Absolutely they are of that worth that the Government of the whole Church if we would look to have it holy and pure returning to that flower and vigor of the Apostolical age should be committed to them But all these wishes are in vain the Churches beautified with right Bishops will never give in Nor again will those sheep of Christ that are now turned into goats endure any Pastors but like themselves Babylon will be jovial and fear nothing till in one hour be come upon her her appointed plagues which yet shall never touch Noah Lot Daniel Tobias God being their protection Thus this Defendor of that time proceeds with too much art haply yet as may serve to quicken us to carry our selves more warily and look into things more narrowly attending not onely outward appearance but weighing all Possibly there may lie a most precious jewel under a shabid fordid clod it being usual with God to choose the foolish things of this world the feeble the base those of no account and indeed which are as if they were not 1 Cor. 1. v. 26.29 107. Lasitius sends this History as soon as ever it was finished from out of Germany to the Geneva Divines to have their judgement upon it as also to John Laurence the Brethrens Antistes in Poland writing thus concerning it I writ to Mr. Beza a relation of your affairs that if he advises to it they may be published and why not Christ commanded that light should shine out c. perhaps they may pass the press till there may come forth something better for in the mean time the improved revenue of those talents which God hath bestowed upon you will abound amongst many people to the glory of God And Beza to Lasitius thus At last I return your Manuscript of the Churches of the Waldensian Brethren which you sent me to read and give you my opinion of There be many excellent things in it which I plainly admire and I would we had any hope to be able to introduce them into the Church But there be some other things I judge that must not be be propounded for imitation because we must therein have regard to the present time and circumstances 108. But let us return to the Brethren and see how it is them at home in Bohemia and Moravia and truly their affairs are much mended under Maximilian a peaceable quiet Prince of a moderate judgement of himself if he have a moderate Council Amongst whose Privy Council those which were most great gracious with him was John Crato his chief Physician a friend of the Brethren He at one time being alone with the King which took him into his Coach with himself going to take the aire of the fields for his health and pleasures sake and Caesar dolefully relating the many and great divisions that were in
Christendome and at last asking of Crato which of all those Sects he thought came nearest the Apostolical simplicity he answered I know not unless if that be not to be yielded to the Brethren which they call the Piccards Saith Caesar again Even I think so too Whereupon Crato was bold to perswade the Brethren to dedicate their new Edition of the German salter which he knew they were in haâ—d withal to Casar And so they did Anno 1566. whereas first they insert in the Dedicatory Epistle to him that there was life in that and all good men hoped that his August Majestie would promoâ—e the general Reformation of the Church and hereunto they quicken him by the example of David Jehosaphat Josiah Constantine Theodosius and so after that they doubted not for the furtherance of so publique a good work to present His Majestie this mite with all their whole talent according to that measure which God had been pleased to distribute any gift unto them as it plainly appears in the preface it self being still prefixed to all the those Books of Psalters printed ever since It is very likely this pious Prince wanted not a good will hereunto if by the leave of their arts that beleagure the Scepters of Kings and tie their hands he could have done any thing 109. In the third year indeed of his Reign 1565. the haters of the Truth work out a new Persecution against the Brethren abusing to that purpose the Authority of the Chancellour of Bohemia Lord Joachim of New-house who going to Vienna made means by various importunate sollicitations that Caesar should be constrained though it were much against his minde to agree to the putting in execution of the Wladislavian Edict against the Piccards with a new Mandat But the goodness of God watched on the behalf of his own and would not suffer this most excelâ—ent Prince either to be defiled with the blood of the innocent or to be sunk by the sighs of the oppressed For as the Chancellour returned back prepared or furnished with the Broad-Seal he was scarce yet out of the gates of Vienna but as he was going over the bridge of the River Danubium so it was that the pillars giving way the bridge fell asunder and delivered him to the waters to be ingulfed so that he and his Retinue was drowned six horsemen onely swiming out and a young man of the Nobility whom God preserved even to decrepit old age to be a lasting witness of this dreadful judgement who also professed the Religion of the Brethren for the Vindication of which he had found God by experience at that time so vigilant This man as he was swiming in the waters spying his Lord wrought up from the deep and scrabling in the waters ready to sink again got hold of his gold chain about his neck and held till the fishermen which he saw were coming that way in a boat came and helped him out So the Baron was gotten out howbeit dead but for the Cabinet or Trunk wherein the Inâ—truments of the bloody cruelty were laid up that was utterly lost in the waters so that never man saw it after neither durst any man ever attempt the like mischief again Thuanus also relates this story in his 36 Book and calculates this very case to be the fourth Id. of Decemb. 100. When the Copies of the Confession of the Brethren even of the last Edition at Tubinga were so dispersed that there were none to be had it was printed again at Witteberg 1573. better then the former Editions with the ancient Preface of Luther and the Epistle of Professors then yet living Wherein these words were inserted We commend you and your Churches for bearing so good a minde that after the example of your Fathers you place your care and diligence especially in this that you may make proficiency in the knowledge of Christ daily and faithfully transmitting the precious trust of the Word wherewith you are charged both to them that are about you and them that come after you We approve also well of your holding up the strictness of Church Disciplâ—ne which is after the example of the ancient Church without superstition or any snares imposed on the conscience c. Witteberg Feb. 8. 1573. 111. Mr. Zanchy now living at Heidelberg having this Confession sent him by Mr. Crato returned in answer these words Having heedfully and with great content of Spirit perused the Brethrens Confession that you sent me not onely I perceive that your whole Doctrine is agreeable to the holy Scriptures but methinks I apprehend in you that sincere and true Christian piety which is from the very heart inasmuch as you seem to make it your drift not as some utterly to subvert and root out without making any difference even to the very foundations whatever is found in the Church of Rome but to constitute Churches after the true Apostolical and by consequence Salvifical Square of Piety rejecting what is to be rejected correcting what is to be corrected and retaining what is to be retained which indeed is the true and legitimate way of Reforming Churches And I would all Churches in imitation of those our very good Brethren would diligently take the same course so without doubt there would be more Piety Peace Concord Charity whereby God is glorified and the Kingdom of Christ advanced felt in our selves and seen in others And to what end I pray is the whole holy Scripture the preaching of the Gospel the administration of the Sacraments the Institution of Discipline save onely that by these outward helps we being sustained held up assisted through the operation of the holy Spirit in us may profit more and more daily both in faith and charity in the endeavouring of good works and an holy life And as the Apostle saith That the man of God may be perfect being furnished unto every good work Therefore howbeit I grant you in part that which you write that in those there is more conscience then knowledge yet absolutely I do not for those Weaklings seem to me to be wiser in their ignorance then many wise men with their multiplied knowledge c. 112. Lasitius subjoyns as touching the same Confession of the Brethren the testimony of Stanislaus Sarnicius reckned by Starovolscius one of the Century of Polonian Writers but he was a Minister of the Word of God of the Helvetian Confession and afterwards the Superintendent of the Diocess of Cracovia which is after this manner If any man asks me what the Bohemian Confession differs from the Augustan and Helvetian I can make it out that all the Confessions of Germany and France do design this especially to refute and condemn the Popish abuses onely the Confession of the Successors of Huss the Martyr doth not onely pull down what is contrary to but also repairs and restores that building of the new man by Regeneration and of the Church well qualified 113. Not much unlike was the judgement of the Divines of
might be an Admirer of our Order and which would give more ample satisfaction in these things But my friends were instant with me and unanimously urged the putting out of the formerly mentioned work so that I made them a promise I would satisfie their desire in this matter 23. I therefore save my credit and behold here I send that which I was requested with manifold Copies in the substance of the matter I have changed nothing it being not mine but the Churches publique piece Onely where it was judged pertinent and to good purpose to set down some things of special reference that the close bands of that Order might be the better perceived and the practice more easily observed I have there added some notes more fully explaining that which was briefly spoken 24. And because the Preface seemed something dry and insufficient for the information of Foreigners I have premised a short Historical Narration viz. How that the Churches of Slavonia being planted by the Apostles themselves propagated by Hierom Cyril Methudius took root especially in the Countrey of Bohemia and run up to a head and ripened in the Vnity of the Brethren of Bohemia So that this may be useful for the better understanding of the sequel 25. Farewel Holy Brethren and best w but the use of a double hour upon me while I acâ—uaint you with the conflicts and sorrows of my Church and especially the ways of our Ecclesiastical accord I commend you to the Spirit of Grace may he by that of the Apostle Let a l things be done decentâ—y and in oâ—der being written on your heart compose câ—ncorporate consolidate you all even the whole body with his most glorious Head and all the members of his Political and Mystical bâ—dy with one anâ—ther with the band of faith love and eternal concord even indissâ—luble that as Brittain hath been behold of late the sad tragical stage of Contentions so now it may be a lively pattern of Concord to the perfecting of the power and glory of Gâ—d and the happy treading down of the Enemies under your Great Constantine not called out of but recalled into â—ritain in sâ—ite of the Maxentians and Licinianus Finally to make your Châ—rch by the assistance of God after so many shakings fair as the Moon clear as the Sun and terrible as an Aâ—my in Battel-Array even the mirrour of all the Churches in the World Amen Jesus Christ Amen So prayeth from his whole heart The most vehement Sollicitor of the Peace Order and Salvation of the Church I. A. Comenius of Moravia A SHORT HISTORY OF THE Slavonian Church PLANTED By the Apostles themselves enlarged by Jerome Cyril Methodius taking root principally in the Countrey of Bohemia and running up to a head in the unity of the Brethren of Bohemia Pious Reader THose words of Christ the Everlasting Brideâ— groom touching his Bride the Church spoken as with admiration Cant. 6.9 are well worthy of our consideration WHO IS THIS WHICH COMETH FORTH AS THE MORNING FAIR AS THE MOON CLEAR AS THE USN TERRIBLE AS AN ARMY OF BATTLE IN GOOD ARRAY as which whether taken in a divided or a conjoyned sense afford us very excellent Lessons 2. If we take them in a divided sense of the Catholick Church divided into particular Churches it is plain that the Churches may and ought to be so distinguished and reckoned of as they are really and truly in the account of God That is to say as some Churches are novel coming up but of late the Light whereof is as the Morning so there be others of longer standing having the advantages of clearer light as the Moon Others also joying in the full day of Faith Love and Hope of Eternal mercy even as the Sun Others again over and above this glorious light within sparkling terror outwardly to thâ—m which are round about as an Army well marshalled â—â—riking horrour into the Enemies the very Battel being set and Colours flying 3. If we take the words in a conjoyned sense of the one onely entire Catholique Church of which Christ speaks in the former verse My Dove is but one entire without doubt we have insinuated the several ages and statures of it viz. that the light of the infant Church newly come forth in the Apostles times was verily the Morning the godly mostly glorying herein that the night was far spent the day was at hand and it was now time to awake from sleep Rom. 13.11 12. 2 Pet. 1.19 at which time the truth is Divine Knowledge was not improved as it was afterward Neither was there such a clear and distinct understanding of the mysteries of Faith as there was after that the dotages of the Hereticks had exercised the wisdom of the Church yet it sufficed them even now as to this effect viz. to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light and to walk honestly as in the day Rom. 13.13 as their then zealous piety shining in their Martyrdomes plainly sheweth 4. After this came the time of priming and waining light as of the Moon in the days of the Hereticks with whom the Churches conflict was with various success one while the truth prevailing against errour another while errour against the truth until the time that it suffered an horrid eclipse under Antichrist 5. But there was by the Grace of God and the benefit of a Reformation a restoring of the light which was extinguished in the Church with a new addition and that was according to the promise made Isa 30.26 The light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun There being a more through search made after the truth even to the very lowest foundations then was ever known in former ages 6. Yet because the very Sun in our firmament though nothing is more bright may and sometimes doth fail Eccles 17.31 and by the permission of God even the Reformed Churches still again suffer the hour of darkness the goodness and wisdom of the everlasting Bridegroom gives us hope that it shall come to pass that the Church shall at last become terrible to her enemies and intimateth in what way this shall be effected to wit if through Gods blessing differences being ended the Church shall sometime at length so unite it self on every side within it self and knit together by the bands of Order as that after the manner of a well set Array of battel she shall be impenetrable by her enemies but run through rout and quash all contrary forces or powers whatsoever that rise up against her 7. And this is none other but that which the Apostle urgeth upon the Ephesians and requireth of the Church now grown up saying Endeavouring to preserve the Vnity of the Spirit in the band of peace c. then further Ascending up on high he gave gifts to men some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers for the compacting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edification of the body
of Christ until we all come in the Vnity of the Faith and the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the full stature of Christ that we be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of Doctrine by the slight of men c. but carrying it sincerely in charity may grow up into him which is the head even Christ From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compact by all the joynts contributing from the inward working-power according to the measure of every part obtaineth encrease suitable to the body unto the building up of its self in love Eph. 4.3 c. 8. Whereof seeing we are in expectation from Divine goodness why should we not be rationally enquiring out the way of that Union and Order on which there is laid so great adress for the salvation of the Church and mutually afford one another participation and improvement both of Light and Order It is pious and praise-worthy not to be found slack in this matter 9. As for me into whose haâ—d is now come an opportunity of bringing forth to light in a new edition the Order of the Church of the Brethren of Bohemia I apprehend it much to the business to set before your eyes in the example of this very Church by what steps God is wont to lead on and perfect his people which whosoever of the godly readeth will easily finde occasion seriously to consider the admirable method of Divine Providence about himself as well as about the Church 10. God hath done all things well and made every thing beautiful in its season saith Solomon Eccles 3.11 implying that the works of God do always proceed in a certain order and step by step from less to more even the work of Creation the work of Redemption the work of Sanctification and the whole course of Divine Providence about all things teach us this very thing and especially the wonderful wisdom hereof in enlarging the Tents of his Church which we have now in particular taken under consideration evermore either unto greater bulk or beauty 11. The Son of God could indeed being come into the world in Humane flesh have made his Gospel known by himself to the whole world in the full and compleat mysterie of Redemption but he was not pleased to do so but ordained some certain men Apostles which going through the world did publish among the Nations those Treasures of Divine Grace and they committed the same Office to others to succeed them and they again to others and so to the end of the world Mat. 28.20 2 Tim. 2.7 Tit. 1.1 12. For howbeit the light of the Gospel was even then by the very Apostles sprinkled throughout the world even to the ends of the earth as Scripture and Histories report yet that light in some of those first ages may seem to have been rather as sparks catching upon some persons and families here and there then the full enlightning of the Nations In the fourth Age indeed in Constantine the Greats time whole Nations began to Convert and renouncing Paganism openly to profess the Christian Religion and then afterward the Faith having been first received in the Empire of Rome and other places went on constantly for twelve Generations one Nation after another giving up their names to Christ in Baptism throughout Europe Asia Africa and America 13. The succesful work of Divine Providence was very evident and remarkable in founding the Churches of the Slavonick Counties scituate all along on the Eastern parts of Europe Among whom the plantation of the Gospel being planted in the Apostles times proved a fair crop in the fourth Century by degrees extended it self in those parts making the Churches there sometimes bigger sometimes better it faring also with them now and then as with the Moon still to have their light impaired by wainings spots and misty overcastings Let me briefly summe up the whole evidence hereof as may serve to quicken us even at this time to go forward from good to better till we take up at length with some attainment worth the acquiescing in 14. That the Gospel was planted in those Countreys in the Apostles times we have the Apostle of the Gentiles for a witness who writes thus to the Romans c. 15. v. 19. I have filled all places with the Gospel even from Jerusalem to Illyricum round about And he tells Timothy 2 Tim. 4.10 that Crescens went into Galatia Titus into Dalmatia Now both Illyricum and Dalmatia are parts of the Slavonick Countrey to this day and that that Plantation did not come to nothing it is evident in that Jerome being born at Strido a City in Illyricum to advance the success of the faith received in his own Countrey translated the Books of the Divine Scriptures into their Mother tongue by means whereof the Slavonians were the first of all the parts of Europe that were intrusted with the Oracles of God in their Mother Tongue At this very day do these Countreys glory in that Translation and will use no other although the language of that people be so much altered that the common sort of them in many things do not understand that ancient form of speech Therefore their Priests the Ruttenians and the Moscians are fain to study that ancient Language as we do the Latine 15. That the Churches in these Countreys did very much encrease we may easily gather from the sixth Synod of Constantinople held in the year of Christ 680. making very remarkable mention of the Slavonians in these words This Council being at the best but low and obscure expected the help of all neither ought that which one part doth be hid from the other especially for that it is well known that in the heart of the Countreys we have very many Fellow-servants both Longobards and Slavonians which are still busily scrupulous and inquisitive about this matter c. Whence it is plain the Slavonians were at this time Christians and also such as abhorred Image-worship in as much as they durst not joyn with that Synod which stickled for Images 16. Moreover in the Age next following God opened the Door of the Gospel to whole Countreys of the Slavonians and the occasion was this The Bulgarians a Countrey of Slavonia infested the neighbouring Empire of Constantinople with continual wars till Michael the third being Emperour made a peace with them in the year 845. restoring to the King of the Bulgarians his Sister which the Gâ—ecians had taken in battel Now this Lady being in her Captivity seasoned with the Christian Religion prevailed with her Brother to renounce Heathenism and turn Christian Hereupon his subjects following his example embraced the same faith By this means the Bulgarians became the first fruits of the Slavonian Nations unto Christ Other people in those Coasts or Regions about Danubium Greece and Italy of the same Language presently treading in their steps viz. the Moesians Rascians Servians
and prevailed with him July 16. Anno 1410. again to damn Wickliffs Positions and that his books should be burned This abuse the â—cademicks reflected upon them with another For the next year 1411. Pope John preclaiming waâ—s against the King of Naples sent Indulgences abroad to be distributed to them which would take vp arms for the Church party And one of those Trash-merchants being come to Prague caused the Monks to do their office in pronouncing the said Bulls Whereupon not onely did many of the godly of the common people publiquely remonstrate against these doings but the next day Mr. Huss also exhibited Propositions against the superstitious Indulgences and openly shewed the vanity of the Authors of them And when nevertheless that Popish Trifler persisted the whole throng of Studients rushing upon him forced away h s Bulls from him and taking one of that gang out from among the rest of his company and dressing him up in a Harlots attiâ—e with his breast all stuck with Bulls they tie him to a cart and carry him about with shouting acclamations This old Wizard all the while alluring to himself with enticing words and gestures the rout that flocked about him and distributing his cursed Pardons to them At length in the midst of the Market-place they burned all the said Bulls together with the Letters of the Papists and Prelates 27. The Pope being enraged by all these doings summons John Huss to Rome and because he refused being disswaded by the University and Nobles to make his appearance Pope John the 23. prohibited by an Edict the Celebration of the Sacrament at Prague for that John Huss that excommunicated Heretick and Impostor was there Hereupon Huss seeing the Magistrate incensed the common people divided and all things in a hurry and confusion of himself withdraws from Prague and preached the Word of God from house to house until such time as he was cited to Constance to give an account of his doctrine he obtaining the Kings Letters for his safe conduct thither but how he with Jerome of Prague was there treated by the Council of the Roman Synagogue the story tells us viz. they both were burned Huss in the year 1415 July 6. and Jerome 1416. May 30. c. See their Martyrologie 28. After this Husses Works were put out in the Latine Tongue in Folio and Otho Brunsfels havâ—ng by him some other Manuscripts of his printed them also in Quarto dedicating them to Mr. Luther viz. 1. The Anatomy of Antichrist Book 1. 2. Antichrists Mysteries of Iniquity 3. The Revelations of Christ and Antichrist 4. The abolishing of Sects and Traditions of men 5. The Vnity of the Church and avoiding Schism 6. Evangelical Perfection 7. The Mischief of Humane Traditions 8. The Kingdom People Life Manners of Antichrist Some other Fragments viz. 1. Of avoiding Contention in Dispute 2. That the Apostles wrought with their hands being contented with little 3. What it is to depart from the Faith 4. Explanation of Gen 49. Dan shall be c. 5. The Abomination of Desolation 6. The Mysterie of Joseph and Pharaoh 7. The Comparison of Vnchaste Women with Antichrist There is extant also in the Bohemian Dialect which are not found in Latine as the Postils upon the Dominical Gospels full of Spirit and zeal against all manner of corruptions in the Church of Christ c. 29. The Nobles of Bohemia and Moravia hainously resenting the blood and execution of their Doctors by the Pope contrary to the faith of his Engagement in the name of their whole body send Letters subscribed signed and sealed with all their hands and seals to the Council charging it upon them that they had unjustly condemned their Pastor an innocent person and a pious holy faithful Preacher of the Truth Given at Prague Decemb. 21. 1416. the Authentick Copy of which Letters as I am assured by faithful witnesses are kept in the â—ibrary of the University of Aberdeen The Synod returns no answer hereunto but writ to some which they knew were still inâ—oxicated with the Roman Superstition and set in places of preheminence viz. John of Michelsberg Alseus Skopek of Dubba Albert of Koldits c requesting and adjuring them to do the commendation of the Roman Catholick Church to them and to the â—egat of the Council John Litomislene a Bishop and that they would assist them in beating down heresie Given at Constance March 22. in the year 1417. 30. Thus the Bohemians being alarmed by the Council unto mutual discords strifes brawlâ— and animosities were exaspered every day more and more and the Mass-Priests from their seats denounced the sentence of Excommunication against the Hussites and doomed them with curses persecuting them and spoiling their Churches where ever they could Hereupon in the year 1419. July 30. there was so great a tumult at Prague that the popular rage prevailing there were twelve ancient Senators of Pâ—ague with the Governor of the City thrown out of the windows of the Governors House to fall upon the spears point 31. Not long after Wenceslaus the King being deceased without Heir Sigismond his Brother King of the Hungarians and Romans took the Kingdom and by Delegates for himself came not there till afterward with an Army enacted many things to the prejudice of their Consciences By this means it came to pass that the Hussity now so called chose for their Captain John of Trutnow Nobly descended educated at the Court expert in War whom because he had lost an eye they called Zisca or one-eyed which performed dreadful exploits as is known in story This man pitching down with an Army in a stony Mountain place ten miles from Prague built a wall about him and so founded a City which would bear a battery if need were as indeed there was need and they called it Tabor i. e a Castle 32. For howbeit the new Pope named Martin the fifth chosen by the Council of Constance inticed the Bohemians by charming Letters sent to them 1418. to renounce the errours of the Wicklegians and Hussites yet afterward 1420. Excommunication being denounced against them at Florence he invited and animated to Arms against them Caesar the Kings Princes Dukes Marquesses Earls Barons Governours Cities and Commonwealths and adjures them by the Wounds of Christ and the happiness of every one of them that with joyned forces they would set upon them and utterly root out such a Sacrilegious cursed people 33. Sigismond the King being inflamed with this Incentive together with all Germany and the adjacent Kingdoms prostitutes himself to be as Agitator on the behalf of the Antichristian Tyranny and a little after that same year enters Bohemia with a puissant Army and infected it with war for ten years This is called the Hussian or Hussites war Of which Aeneas Sylvius afterward proving Pope Pius the eleventh writes that it would gain more admiration then credit with Posterity for designs were managed on their part without any success Zisca the Captain of the
relate how the Hussian Churches in Bohemia and Moravia being by degrees turned to Lutheranism as they call it retained indeed the Doctrine of the Gospel but reformed indeed nothing as to the endeavour of a Christian Conversation That this redounded much to the prejudice of our Churches so well approved of by Luther and his Colleagues for the care of Discipline Whilest the Libertines boasting that without the yoke of Discipline they could bring it so to pass to enjoy the Gospel pure in any other place so that there are none that any more joyn themselves to us yea and some depart from us They therefore demand Whether so great an abuse of the Gospel may be suffered Luther replied in the presence of all the whole Colledge of Divines That Popery could not be subdued but by rooting out all those usages which savour of the yoke of Humane Superstition and violation of the liberty of Conscience and that at this time especially when they take notice that all the world is making head against them it must needs be granted a matter of necessity for us to withstand them what we can and to repair Discipline That to this end he would seriously attend the business as soon as ever he could get any breathing time For the Pope was at this very time in confident expectation of a new Councils making disturbance in all places c. to the like purpose The Brethren then added that they could not expect their endeavours should come to any good effect as they had formerly said in their Letter to Luther Anno 1523. as long as they saw that in their Universities and â—chools so much care was taken of Science and so little regard had unto Conscience entreating them that whilest they set themselves to obviate impendent dangers they would seriously minde those more specially which as to the matter of Conscience warlikely break in upon the Church and overwhelm it c. After this when they had had about two weeks most familiar converse and mutual conference about their whole business with Luther and the rest of the Divines being now ready to return from Witteberg Luther entertaining them with a feast and in the presence of many of the Professors of that University taking his solemn and last farwel of them gave the whole Unity of the Brethren the right hand of holy Fellowship parting with these words Be you the Apostles of Bohemia and I with my Colleagues will be the Apostles of Germany Do you the work of Christ as opportunity shall be given you there and we will do it in like manner here as we may have opportunity 82. Some moneths after the same year Luther writing to the same Augusta inserts these words following Moreover I charge you in the Lord that you hold out with us to the last in the Communion of the Spirit and Doctrine wherein you have begun and strive with us by word and prayer against the Gates of Hell c. Commend me c. respectfully unto all the Brethren in the Lord at Strasberg the day after S. Francis Anno 1542. This great soul'd Luther notwithstanding all the importunities of the Brethren for the restoring of Discipline and the life of Christianity not at all displeased with them persisted in friendly correspondency with them to the end expressing a gracious dear affection towards them and toward the business Lasitius produceth notorious witnesses taking from the mouth of Luther these words following There hath not arose any people since the times of the Apostles whose Church hath come nearer to the Apostolical Doctrine and Orders then the Brethren of Bohemia and again Although these Brethren in purity of Doctrine excel not us all the Articles of Faith with us being sincerely and purely taken out of the Word of God yet in the ordinary Discipline of the Church which they use and whereby they happily govern the Churches they go far beyond us and in this respect are far more praise-worthy And we cannot but acknowledge and yield this to them for the glory of God and of his truth whereas our people of Germany cannot be perswaded to be willing to take the yoke of Discipline upon them 83. Absolutely without doubt this excellent man saw the mischief of the first Errour and was very desirous it should be amended but could not being constrained to divide his attendance between this and other conflicts with so many monstrous abominations sufficiently dispatch all things as true hearted men frequently apologize for him Yea and our Lasitius himself too as was said before Sect. 77. and for certain he commended to God and his Successors prayers and hopes of a further and more perfect degree of Reformation to be attained Howbeit the accomplishment of his Hope hitherto fell short of his prayers For wthin three years and four moneths after these Transactions with the Brethren he departed this life There followed upon his death saith Bucholcer the â—hronologer a double War of the Divines and also Civil wars of the Evangelici among themselves Alass that we rested in vindicating the Theory of the Doctrine of the Gospel without the practice of Discipline God bless us I could wish the Brethren of Bohemia had been proved false Prophets when at the very beginning of this Reformation in Germany in their first Letter to Luther dated 1523. and frequently afterward they foretold these sad events viz. upon this ground because it prevailed in their Schools and Churches contrary to that Apostolical Protestation 1 Cor. 1.1 2. to study knowledge rather then Charity and Edification So that notwithstanding all that Bucer Melancthon Hemingius Saubertus Arnd. J. Valent the Andreas's and many other faithful men acted by the Divine Spirit could do no remedy could take place to rectifie this distemper Not that nothing at all was effected by the endeavours of these holy men but that nothing they could do was sufficient to quench the general flame of malice and prophaneness God amend it even at least by this his smart and general overflowing Discipline of his scourge 84. To return to the Brethren I will briefly touch that Persecution whereby after the Scmalcaldick war was ended they also in Bohemia were oppressed When the Pope had reconciled the King of France to the King of Spain the same being now also Emperour Charls the fifth upon this Article or Condition amongst the reâ—â— that both parties should turn their Forces against the Lutherans it came to pass in France not long after that the Waldenses in the Province of Narbon were cut off and destroyed Caesar also prepared war against the Germans which beginning just â—fter the death of Luther ended the year following in the overthrow of the Protestants At which time Ferdinand dragged the Bohemians to execution for that they had refused to assist Caesar against the Prince Elector of Saxony punishing the chief of the Nobles with imprisonment banishment or confiscation of goods He raged most of all against the Brethren commanding their
Churcâ—es to be shut up and their Pastors to be seized The first that was taken was the chief Antistes John Augusta which with his Assistant James Bilek was takâ—n upon suspicion of corr spondence had with Luther yea conspiracy That his design in hâ—s coming to Witteberg was to dispossess Charls of Germany and Ferdinando of Bohemia that the Elector of Saxony might be King of the Bohemians Hereupon they committed them to the cruel wrack to be tortured three times and yet could discover no mention of any crime for indeed it was a meer malicious calumny nor yet could have any colourable reason to inflict any punishment upon them They were left in Prison full sixteen years untill the death of Ferdinando July 25. 1564. and then at length were dismissed 85. Some of the dispersed Pastors and people came to Prussia and there were graciously received by Duke Albert assigning them these Towns Guizina Dubrawn Solduvia Gardia for their fixed habitations There is extant touching these a memorabâ—e Letter of Antonius Bodâ—nsteinus a Lutheran Pastor of Guizina wheâ—e the better part of the exiles took up residence written to Mr. Brentius an exile also at this time at Basil which Lasitius sets down entire Book 5. and wherein among other things we have as followeth These young men are of the number of those Brethren which within these twelve moneths were driven out of their own Countrey of Bohemia and being exiles were received in our Prussia Their Confession was published at Witteberg and commended by the judgement and approbation of Mr. Luther our Reverend Father and Master of pious memory They have not onely their Doctrine consonant with ours but also some other things peculiar such as with not small jeopardy of Conscience are wanting among us Such watchful care of souls as I never saw more exactness the most choice exercises of piety and repentance both Domestick and Ecclesiastick honesty of conversation before men and righteousness the true use of fastings watchings travels prayers brotherly admonition private counsels Ecclesiastical censures c. that they are justly matter of admiration to us all And I do not think Prussia could have had better guests or inhabitants to make welcome in the world again Mr. Bucer a man of great judgement is not afraid to extol them in his works above all the Churches in the whole Christian world attributing to them that which he doth not to any others and commending them to all the godly even as a pattern proposed for their imitation The same have other choice men done Luther Capito Calvin And truly if there be any Churches extant in which the Discipline and gravity of Apostolical men and all things framed after the example of the holiest Martyrs can be found they are for certain these little Churches of the Brethren I believe this so holy a people is sent of God into these parts to the end that others may be provoked by their example and bethink themselves throughly to amend those defects which yet cleave to our Churches It is a very sad thing that the Gospel of God should be published onely for a witness to the world c. Given Septemb. 15. 1542. 86. Thus Prussia blessed themselves with their new neighbours Moreover there appeared also at the same time another argument of the Providence of God on his Churches behalf in that these very exiles as they made their way through Polonia the greater scattered there as by the by when otherwise taken up some seeds of the Gospel For when they were to depart their own Countrey not knowing whether to turn themselves better then to the Polonians being consorts of the same language Being met together in a certain place in the confines of Silesia behold in one company there came thither out of the places adjacent about nine hundred souls in above a hundred and twenty Coaches Nay so it was not onely in Silesia but also in Polonia it self thougâ— yet adhering generally to the Papacy they found more countenance then opposition D. Anâ—reas Earl of Gork Captain General of Polonia the greater not onely permitting them to be entertained and lodged in the Suburbs all about Postriania but inviting them also into his Hereditary Towns Samotuli Kurnik c. insomuch that they had yielded themselves to him as Subjects but that presently there comes from the King an Edict which a Popish Clerk had procured by his sollicitation streightly enjoyning that they should be driven out of Polonia Whereupon they went forward into Prussia yet not without leaving upon the mindes of the Polonians some desire after them 87. For they having some Pastors with them were ready for Divine exercises to be performed freely none hindring them singing praying reading the Scriptures preaching to which when as many flocked as the minde of man is desirous of that which is new it could not easily be but that God should open the heart of more then one Lydia also for that the year following Matthias Sionius an Antistes following his people into Prussia and through some indisposedness being constrained to stay at Polonia by the means of many conferences had with divers sorts of men upon occasion there was no small number of the Citizens and Nobility which gave themselves up to the Discipline of the Brethren and desired them to appoint a Pastor over them 88. They gave them therefore for a Pastor and ordered to go over to them in Polonia George Israel one which had been wonderfully released out of Prison at Prague a man of right Apostolical spirit and he propagated the Gospel of Christ with such happy success that in one six years he brought most of the Nobility among whom was the Right Honourable the Earls of Gork of Ostroroge of Leszno unto the knowledge of the Truth and planting near forty Churches as Vergerius whom the Pope sent his Legate of whom after to view them computeth them d d govern them with that dexterity that the Noblemen and Ministers of Polonia the less having received their Reformers at that time out of Switzerland and so called the novel Churches of the Helvetlan Confession began to be beholden to them for counsel and to desire to be conjoyned with them 89. But this matter did not please Mr. Lismaninus now Arianizing so that upon this account an appeal was made to the Divines of Tigurine and Geneva Anno 1556. by which means the Brethrens affairs were exposed to a new debate not onely in Helvetia but also by the zeal of Vergerius in all Germany and Italy The Helvetians approved their design of conjoyning especially for the sake of their Discipline I have ready at hand divers Letters written at this time to the Poles out of which it will not be out of the way to alledge something pertinent to the business now before us John Calvin writes thus Your accord with the Waldenses I hope will be to very good effect not onely because of that blessing with which God is wont to visit the
a matter of necessity that we must give you a meeting for we must absolutely obviate the various attempts of Satan which with all craftiness they make amongst us to disturb the Church and hinder the progress of the Gospel For there are that neither will in all Articles allow our universally received Doctrine nor willingly will submit to Ecclesiastical Discipline we must therefore have mutual consultation to know how to deal with men of this sort and the Lord give his blessing to us that our meeting may not be in vain c. Thus that excellent a Lasco hoped well but was frustrated for they came together to no purpose both this and some years after all the Antitrinitarian Turn-coats as yet hiding their poyson but always bending another way according to that of our Saviour He which doeth evil hateth the light 99. This good old man a Lasco being taken up into his heavenly Countrey another Synod was convened in the Town of Xians 1560. wherein the haters of Truth and Order being very daringly bold affirmed That the Senior or Superintendent was not to be chosen out of the Clergy but out of the Secular men perswading themselves they could more easily instill their poyson into them They pretended two Reasons 1 That the Pastors had enough to do every one with his flock 2. Lest any thing savouring of Popery be still left among them which were separated from the Papacy The Legates of our Churches which were there Laurentius and Rokita not yet founding the depth of Satan in this matter nevertheless being required their opinion said Our custom anciently carries it an other way affirming also that Order with the Authority of Scripture and Arguments To which the Pastors agreed the Nobles dissented and there was a great stir 100. At last the haters of Order broke out to that height to affirm That there was to be had a more perfect Scriptural 〈◊〉 fâ—â—mation of the Church then that of the Brethren of the Waldenses Arguments therefore were drawn up by our men that this very way of Reformation was such as was settled according to the pattern of the ancient Apostolical Church and that the most famous of the Evangelici did attest it to be such at this day nor was this out Reformation rashly made or by any one man but whatever the grave and serious Counsels of many could finde to be best whatever could be learned from experience what the temper of all times could afford or custom could confirm that onely was agreed upon to be admitted why then should we try new and uncertain experiments since that in our experience now for these forty years we have sufficiently been deluded with c. rather then seen by humble and obedient practice any fruit of the Gospel as if the Gospel lay onely in Temples and lips without reformation of life the onely suitable return for so great a light of Truth So true is the Testimony of Speratus Bishop of Pomefania of holy memory now six years agone deceased wherein he finding things then not much otherwise complains We preach saith he and do not our people hear and believe not Well unless the Evangelici of Polonia knit together on all hands in the bands of order nothing will be of any durable standing for Posterity now Order is that some govern and others obey for constant mutual Edification 101. But still they objected That the Brethren did not open their Churches nor had they any full Communion of Saints but administred the Sacrament to some onely which were of their own way at their Devotion To which answer was made Christ for bad to give holy things to them which are not holy and that Christianity must take its beginning at repentance not at receiving the Sacraments nor is it according to the Institution of Christ to pronounce Absolution save onely to them that repent and believe Both of which viz. Repentance and Faith that they be not superficial and counterfeit there must necessarily be a discovery made by examination had to that purpose in some appointed fit season And inasmuch as to attribute salvifical vertue to the naked Elements by reason of the work done is the Basis of all error in the Papacy that that errour cannot be corrected unless by a certain tryal that not huddled over till the secrets of hearts be disclosed and the newly converted be a long time carefully both informed and examined that Cyril well observed that Christ did not presently commit himself to them which made a profession of their faith in him and that Chrysostome called them abortive Christians that were admitted to the use of the Sacraments before they had been learned and taught to renounce all things forbidden in the Decalogue So that 't is the concern of a true Minister of Christ that he makes not abortive Christians to insist upon the fruits meet for repentance as requisite before admission to the Sacrament and that because there be three parts of the Ministery 1 Doctrine 2. Keys and 3. Sacraments The Sacraments may not be administred save onely to such as unfeignedly embrace sound Doctrine and subject their life and conversation to be tryed by the Laws of Discipline If any man refuse this how is he a part of the flock and before he be a member how can he be joyned or received as such are the Constitutions of Order to be disturbed in favour of such Libertines as exempt themselves from all Law of Order 102. The things at that time more largely discussed are well known yet it seems there was then no such force in them as to make the obstinate to yield Yea the conclusions of that Synod were so drawn up that it was plain to be seen that Politique and Carnal Prudence got the better of Divine and Spiritual wisdom For the body of the Church was not formed as the Apostle would have it Eph. 4.16 that by the inward working power it may encrease unto edification of it self in love But it was with them as the Apostle forewarned ver 14. men being unstable as children tossed and carried about with every wind of Doctrine through Satans long experienced craftiness artificially to deceive This I say was apparently the Frenzy-like Arrians spirit everyday more and more impotently putting forth it self and troubling the faith and tranquility of the Church So that at last the Orthodox were fain of necessity to be very watchful to rid themselves of those unquiet spirits to gather up into a more close body by the yet firmer bands of unity in the Spirit 103. For at length the many Counsels of pious and wise men took place so that the Churches of Polonia the less received th Order of the Brethren of Bohemia they constituting out of their number of their Pastors for their own Churches which were scattered all about the Provinces five Bishops or Presbyters of Cracovia of Sendomiria of Lublin of Russia of Belsa and so many Compresbyters with all the Solemn Rites used