THE DVKE OF SAXONIE HIS IVBILEE: With A SHORT CHRONOLOGIE.

BOTH Shewing the goodnesse of God, in blessing the Go [...] of Christ, since LV­THER first opposed the Popes Pardons.

Reuel 6.2. & 19.11, 13, 19, 21.

I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sate on him, had a bow, and a Crowne was giuen vnto him, and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Printed by WILLIAM IONES dwelling in Red-crosse-streete. 1618.

TO THE READER.

CHristian Reader; It is an abhorred custome of the Synagogue of Rome to publish common prayers in a straunge tongue: it would be (at least) a blame worthy ouersight in these our home planted Churches of Christ not to publish common prayses in our vulgar tongue. The former taketh away the possibility of saying Amen with our owne spirits: the latter neglecteth a iust oppor­tunity of finging a ioynt (though as yet an earthly) Halelu-iah with Gods Saintes: Receiue therefore here offered to thine hands common praises in thy propper language, to wit, a Iubile ob­serued in Saxonie, & by the translation of a worthy Minister in our London Dutch Church, made a reioycing assumed in En­gland. Were it not translated, it could not be vnderstood, were it not vnderstood it could not be a reioycing to the English, which get it ought to be, because it ministreth matter of praises to God common to them with the Dutch. Our rule willeth it should be common. For when the Proper in (Psal. 102.) had made it a note of all Gods seruants that they take pleasure in the ston [...]s of Zion, and a promise of their Maister that he would build vp Zion, he concludeth in Psal. 18. that This shall be written for the generations to come, and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. Now wee and all Gods people wheresoeuer, make vp all but one body, the Church (which is Zi­on) the requickening and recollecting of whose members was in part, by Luther effected: we haue all but one head, Christ, the functions of whom, and sole effecacy of whose merits were by Lu­ther cleared, and defended: we haue all but one Faith & Gospell, which in fundamentall pointes was by Luther professed, & pro­pagated. Seeing therefore this requickening of the Churches members, this defence of Christs merits, this profession of the true Faith made in the beginning of the next preceding age are [Page] here ioyfully recognized let that promise of the rearing of Zion, once written, now performed, stirre vp vs the generations follow­ing in England as well as in Germany, to praise the Lord. Hereby shall we shew the feeling of fellow members, and the com­munion of Saint-like beleeuers in preferring Ierusalem aboue our chiefest ioy: Psal. 137.6. Adde we to our rule commanding, the examples of others prouoking to make this matter of reioy­cing common. Diuerse other partes of Germany in a godly imi­tation haue Iubilized with Saxonie, and in some places, authori­ty hath caused new coynes to be stamped with sentences compre­hending the letters numerall of the yeere. 1617. terminating the Age since Luther first set vp his propositions. These let vs follow howsoeuer, perhaps, not in stamping the letters of the yeere v­pon our coynes, yet in imprinting the glad tidings thereof in our hearts. You see (gentle reader) that this Iubile ought to bee common: now that it may be more common, vnderstand that it is Christian. Here is not any Popish rite, sauouring of iudaisme, thrust vpon any of the Churches. For why? Rome, in an apish (because vnwarranted) imitation of the Iewish Church, retai­neth yeares of Iubile as a perpetuated rite of the Gospell: the Churches of Christ doe not so: Rome appointeth state or set times for her Iubilies: the Churches of Christ doe not so. This presented Iubile of Saxonie is my warrant. The occasion whereof was taken from a prophecy currantly receiued among the Papists (though as blinde in the vttering, as false in the euent) namely, that Luthers doctrine should breath out its last, with the expi­ring of an hundreth yeeres. Which being layed and weighed in the ballance by the Christian Duke of Saxonie, and other Princes, together with their owne experimentall knowledge of the now more then euer, flourishing and roote-taking of the doctrine of the Gospell both throughout Germany, and in other countries, they not onely founde that Prophecy to light and the Prophets therof vaine, but also thought fit, by way of an holy Triumph, and Feast (as it were) of shouting, thankefully to solemnize the remem­brance of their manumission from the thraldome of Antchrist, by the hand of God vpon Luther, and through Luther iust an hundreth yeeres before. So that the occasion & time hereof being [Page] of so extraordinary nature, no doubt but God is hereby much glorified, in that by the same the hearts of his people are more quickened to the more affectionate embracino of his truth so graciously continued And here, if thou wilt giue me leaue I will aduenture to make a surer Prophecy then thr Papists did, viz. The second comming of Mahomet for the strengthening of the Turkish Infidel, and the exterpation of Luthers purer doctrine for the confirming of the Popish, shall fall out both in a yeere. When this will bee, let the Pope enquire of the Musti [...] and in meane time that I presage truely bee thou pleased to gather out of the Preface of a learned man in Scotland before the Arch­bishop of Spalato his reasons of departure or there printed. Which, being full of most worthy obseruations helping to fill vp the measure of our ioy, I haue hereunto prefixed. Neither haue I onely prefixed these, as helping to fill, but also adioyned to the Iu­bile, celebrated in the last, a Chronologie continued yeerely from the first of that hundreth since Luther, as fulfilling that measure of ioy. This was penned in Latine by students in Worms and printed at Heidelberge and now translated into English. For a more cleare insight into the prosperous successe of the Gos­pel, therein but touched, I referre thee to an Oration of that Re­uerend and learned, Scultetus made in the Arch-Palatine Court, and called a Secular Sermon. Now this Chronoligy, I say, fulfilleth our ioy, in that whereas among the Iewes fifty yeeres fourtie nine were of seruice, the last onely of releasing, euery one of our hundreth assureth vs of the release of some either Churches or Persons, from Romes Aegiptian bondadge and Babilonish captiuitie, howsoeuer in (indeede) Marke-An­thonie de Dominis may well make the last notoriously solemne. This in breife of the Gospells Iubile, with a word more of the Po­pish, I will conclude. The Papists (forsooth) hearing of this Iubi­lizing of Christ his Churches thought it stood not with the policy of there kingdome to sit still leaning on their elbowes, and hanging their eares. How then? They put good faces on it, force out a laughter; and celebrate a Iubile. Did they not feare, may we thinke, that the report of our ioyfull release would cause many to free themselues from their bonds? But see we what the cele­brate. [Page] A Iubilee, surely but verba-tenus in name onely, reate­nus in nature, a Fast. Yea, Simulatum Iubelaeum fit duplex jeiunium: Their Iubile fained makes their Fast doubled. Wherefore I may apply that to the Synagogue of Rome which the Poet spake of another, Spem vultu simulat, prem [...]t alto corde dolorem, Whilst hope in face sits counterfeit, heart-pressing greife makes pulses beate. Behold their Iubile which should argue ioy; and ioy the Spirits dilatation, is become a Fast, whose associate is greife, and greifes the Spirits compression. Be­hold their clapping of handes is nought else but wringing of hands; their shoutings, groanings; their release, bondage; their feastings, fastings. And iustly may they so do. For such fasting is to them a signe that our bridegrome Christ is not among them: for if the Bridgrome were with them how could they mourne? Mat. 9, 15. But I desire they may still mourne, and be inwardly vexed not so much for the downefall of their abhominations, as for their abhominations themselues, and doe thou (good Reader) take vp with me in their behalfe the prayer of the Prophet Psal. 83.19. Fill their faces with shame O Lord, that they may know thy name. This is the worst I wish them, with which and mine earnest wishes to thee that thou wouldest clappe hands with those in exultation with whom thou art to claspe handes in holy profession, I leaue these treatises to thy view, and thy selfe to the watchfull eye of Gods prouidence: Farewell.

A Preface set before the Arch-bishop of Spalato his Reasons of Departure, printed in Scotland.

REceiue (Christian Reader) a proofe of the force of Truth, and a presage of the end of that worke God is about to doe in these last Ages: A man brought vp in the Learning of Egypt, and enchan­ted with the Sorceries of Babel, with­out the helpe or counsell of any Prote­stant, by occasion of Popish Tyrannie, searching the trueth, findeth out their error in Doctrine, and abuses in Discipline: and conuinced of both, first in his mind forsaketh their o­pinions, and now in his body fleeth from their societie. This is not like to the change of Apollinaris, and Arrius of olde, or of Carrier in our time, whose miscontented humour, for hopes disappointed, made them alter their opinion: But more like to that of Paulus Vergerius Bishop of Iustinople, whom vniust suspitions at the first burdened with a secret fauour of Lutheranisme: for purging whereof he intended a refutation of Luthers Doctrine. But while hee wrangled with the Truth, to ouercome it, he was taken captiue of it; and leauing his place and dignities, rendred himselfe at Tu­bing to our Profession.

The ground of our presage, is Gods truth in times accom­plishment, wherein Prouidence goes on with remarkeable degrees of persons, and places, not without some respect to the Periods of time. He raised Wickleff from their Schooles, Iohn Husse from their Pulpits, Martin Luther from their [Page] Cloysters, and now Marke Antony from their Archiepisco­pall Chaire. The places haue the like gradation: Great Brit­taine seemeth too farre from Rome, to waken them by Wic­kleffs crie: therefore it founded nearer in Germanie. And now Dalmatia looking ouer the Venetian Gulfe, assureth Italy, that her next Aduertiser shall bee within her bowels. It was more than a Poeticall Licence to apply Sybilla's Ora­cles of Christ to Saloninus the sonne of Pollio, for keeping in memorie his victorie, in taking in Salonas. But this our Sa­loninus maketh large restitution, and applieth the Oracles of God to the owne purpose: As the Clergie hath gone before, so Princes doe follow: The King of Great Brittaine, with most of the Princes of Germany, stand out already against Rome: the ambiguitie of France will resolue in the end in an open departure: and the temporizing of Venice impor­teth more the want of occasion, than of will and resolution. The Romane Empire did stretch out it selfe by degrees, pro­ceeding from the mids to the extremities, as circles goe out from the Center: and at the extremities againe their ruine began, and went backe to the heart. The fall of their spiri­tuall Monarchy shall keepe the same course.

The Periods of time haue their owne obseruation. The Iewish solemnitie of Iubilee, not brought into the Church till the thirteenth Age, was then tyed to the Centenarie number: and that their ioy hath since proued to bee like the song of the Marmaid before a storme: for soone after, Wic­kleffe began to trouble their mirth: and in the end of that Age Iohn Husse made them some more businesse, till in the 1415. yeere, the holy Fathers, at Constance by a Punicke faith, brought him to the fire. An hundred yeeres after him, Luther renewed his song with greater boldnesse, and in the 1517. yeere gaue out his Propositions against the Pope: from which time they haue perswaded themselues, and euen to this day assure their followers, that Luthers doctrine can stand no longer then an hundred yeeres. This present yere closeth that Period: and while they looke for an euanishing of that Doctrine, behold, euen from themselues it receiueth [Page] againe a new light, a new testimonie. Wee hold with Plato the fatalitie of Periods, but Pythagoras numbers are too weake a ground for such a necessitie: or if we shall take any numbers, it must be these of sinne; and in sinne, more the degrees then the numbers: The Amorites sinnes must come to the height, and the Iewes must fill their cup before their punishment. The Pharisees of our time doe mightily to fill out their measure. The pride and filthines of Sodom, the whoredomes of Babel are now multiplied exceedingly; and the greatest sinne, euen that to death, is become an E­pidemicke disease among their Clergie. Iohn the 22. can de­ny the truth, Leo the 10. can scoffe at it, Gardinerus can con­fesse it at his death, but with this addition: That it must ra­ther still be impugned, then the state of Rome decay. All their wits runne vpon this one point, but all their meanes turne vpon them. The crueltie of their inquisition, the ty­rannie of their Prohibitions, their impudencie in falsifying words and writs, giue them but a moments aduantage. But euen from these shall come their ruine. A lie hath no more strength than for the time it is spoken and credulously em­brace [...]: but the eternall force of Truth hath more than a moment any preuailing. What then resteth for them, but that they giue place to the fatalitie of their estate, since they will not giue place to the Truth. And for vs, while Rome is renting in it selfe, take heed that we be not diuided. Whosoe­uer now casteth the apple of strife into the Reformed Church, proueth an enemie to God, and an improfitable friend to Antichrist. Let vs stand still, and behold the work of the Lord, and be sure, while we imagine we haue left Ba­bel, that we haue first forsaken Egypt.

W. S.

THE DVKE OF SAXONIE HIS IVBILEE.

FIrst wee make no doubt, but that every Christian and good loving heart doth duely esteeme what a high and great worke of Grace it is, that Almighty God, in these latter dayes, and on the late eve­ning of the world (after so long and miserable darke­nesse and bondadge) hath brought us unto the cleare light of the blessed Gospell, and Christian Libertie, and hath preserved us hetherto, in the middest of the manifold rage and boisterousnesse of the Devill and his Instruments.

We must therefore acknowledge, that we are in du­ty bound, even from the bottome of our soules to laud, prayse, and honor the High Maiestie of God, for the same.

Therefore wee haue concluded, with leaue of the Highest to celebrate a solemne feast of Iubilee. For, if the corporall deliuerance of the Israelites out of Egypt was of such waight and worth, that many hundred yeeres thereafter, the said deliuerance was most gloriously extolled: Then it is more expedi­ent, [Page 2] that the spirituall deliuerance from the Romish Antichristian bondage bee celebrated with ioy and thanksgiuing.

Wee will therefore, first, That this feast of Iubilee, on the 26. day of October 1617. be published from the pulpit in our Lands and Dominions vnto our people, admonishing them vnto a serious and hearty meditation of the same.

Secondly, we will that on the 30. of October, in the afternoone in euery Parish Church, at the accu­stomed houre, the Vesper be sung, and the Confession read, as is done on other high Festiuall dayes.

Thirdly, we ordaine, that on the 31. of October, (on the which, an hundred yeeres before, that deare and worthy instrument of God, M. Martin Luther of blessed memorie, did set vp his first disputation against that shamelesse and impudent Popish shop of Indulgences) two Sermons shall be made, one before, the other after Noone: likewise on the first and se­cond of Nouember, and on the said three dayes, the holy Supper of the Lord shall be distributed, and the Ministers shall admonish their hearers to consi­der how Almightie God by the said reformation hath giuen vnto them, the right vse of his most holy Testament, and hath deliuered his Church from the manifold abuses of the same.

In the Villages where there is no Preacher, on the first and second of Nouember onely, shall bee made a Sermon in the fore-noone time, and in the after­noone may bee sung and read the wonted Vesper, or Euening prayer.

Fourthly, whereas the custome beareth in our [Page 3] Churches, that on Festiuall dayes and Fridayes, the ordinarie Text, (which is called the Epistle and Gos­pel) is read before the Sermon: We will, that on the 31. of October, in stead of the Epistle, bee read the 76. Psalme, with this admonition:

Dearely beloued, heare with attention, and due reuerence the 76. Psalme, wherein the most High is praised, that he hath made himselfe knowne aright vnto his people, and hath defended the same, in the true diuine seruice against the furious rage of the e­nemies: And the people is admonished to testifie and shew their obedience and thankfulnes vnto the Lord their God.

The words of the Psalme are these:

In Iuda is God knowne, his Name is great in Is­rael, &c.

In stead of the Gospel, shall bee read the 12. chap­ter of the holy Prophet Daniel, with this admoni­tion:

Dearely beloued, heare with attention and due reuerence, the 12. Chapter of the holy and high-il­luminated Prophet Daniel, wherein is clearely fore­told, not onely how Antichrist, (whom the holy Ghost describeth vnder the name of Antiochus) that is the Pope, should doe and deale according vnto his pleasure, should exalt himselfe ouer all that is called God, should make no account of the honest loue of women, nor also of God; should honour a Masse-God (called Mausim) as his God, should seduce much people with the oblation of great gifts: But also, how Almighty God in due time, by a sound of the morning and mid-night would terrifie and astonish [Page 4] him: Which is brought to passe by that worthy man and instrument of God, Doctor Luther, of bles­sed memorie, one hundred yeeres agoe.

The words of the chapter are these, &c.

On Friday the first of Nouember, wee ordaine in stead of the Epistle, the 87. Psalme: and to propound the same vnto the Congregation, as followeth:

Dearly beloued, heare with attention and due re­uerence, the fourescore and seuenth Psalme, wherein is worthily exalted, the glorie of Gods Church, how the most High loueth the same, how firme the same is grounded, what worthy things are preached in the same in all Languages, with ioy and exultation. All which things by Gods singular grace are to bee found in our Euangelicall Churches.

The words of the Psalme are these, &c.

Instead of the Gospel, shall be read a part of the 14. Chapter of the Reuelation of S. Iohn, from the sixth verse vnto the 13. exclusiuè.

Dearely beloued, heare with due attention and re­uerence, a part of the 14. Chapter of the Reuelation of S. Iohn: Wherin the holy Ghost manifestly fore­telleth, how in the last dayes, (after that Antichrist had raged a long time with great fiercenesse,) Al­mighty God would send an Angell, that is to say, an Euangelicall Teacher, Preacher and Reformer, who should declare vnto all kind of Nations an euerla­sting Gospel; and by the said preaching of the Gos­pel, that great citie Babylon, (which is, the Romish Poperie) should be destroyed, whereof the said Tea­cher should giue beforehand a faithfull warning. All which, is richly brought to passe and accomplished [Page 5] one hundred yeeres agoe, by Doctor Luther of bles­sed memorie, and his faithful followers the Euange­licall Diuines, Teachers, and Preachers in many kingdomes, Electoratships, Dukedomes, Lands and Dominions, but chiefly in Germany.

The words of the text are these, &c.

Concerning the third Festiuall day, whereas the same falleth on the 20. Sunday Trinitatis, the accu­stomed Epistle and Gospel may be read, because that out of both such matter can be drawen and handled, which is fit for the present time of Iubilee Feast.

Yet if any one is desirous, in the morning or eue­ning Sermon to expound some other Text, we leaue it to his discretion; whether it be the 46 or 48. Psal. or the 13. chapter of Exodus, vers. 3. or the 14. chap­ter of the said Booke, or the 16. chapter of the Re­uelation, or some part of the 17. or 18. or any other fit sentence.

But on the 31. of October, and 1. of Nouember the appointed Psalmes and Lessons shall be read and declared in the Sermon.

Yet if any high-graduated Diuines please to draw from some other Text their Meditationes Iubilaeas, we in our gracious fauour wil admit the same.

Fiftly we ordaine, that good order be kept in sin­ging: and we doubt not but that in our Cities, the Superintendents and Preachers, wil ordain the figu­rall Musicke. Besides, we hold it fit and profitable for the common people, to cause before and after the Sermon, those songs to be sung, which are best knowne vnto them, both for voyce and matter.

[Page 6]The first words of the songs are these:

Lord God we praise thee, Lord God we thanke thee.
Now praise the Lord my soule.
Glorie be onely vnto the highest God.
Our God is a firme and strong tower.
If our God were not with vs when our enemies rage.
O Lord thy godly Word hath long bin kept in darknesse.
Preserue vs, O Lord, by thy Word, &c.

Sixtly wee ordaine, that the Common prayer of Confession be not read on this Feast: But wee haue giuen order to set downe a certaine forme of prayer, and thanksgiuing, whereby the Highest is praised for his gracious and powerfull deliuerance out of the cruel Egyptiacal bondage: And againe, is pray­ed, that by his omnipotencie (as hitherto, so for the time to come) it would please him, to conserue a­mongst vs the pure and sauing Gospel, and the right vnderstanding and vse of the holy Sacraments, a­gainst all dammageable errours and heresies, for vs and our heires. Besides, it is ordered, to pray that it would please God from time to time to giue Chri­stian Dukes and Magistrates, and to grant vnto those that now are, a long life and blessed welfare, both temporall and eternall.

We will, that these our Ordonances shall be duly obserued without contradiction, in all our cities and villages, by the Superintendents, Ministers, and Dea­cons, and all the Inhabitants of our Countries and Dominions.

And concerning our two Vniuersities Leipsich and Wittenbergh, we hold it fit and expedient, that the Theologicall facultie, employ the whole weeke [Page 7] after the 2. of Nouember, in exquisite Disputations and Orations, comprehending therein the descrip­tion of former darknes, of the ensuing gracious E­uangelicall light, and the great vtilitie of the present Reformation: Doctorall promotions may likewise be made if the occasion be offered.

The other faculties are not hereby excluded, for it is likewise permitted vnto any of the Professors to celebrate the great worke of the Almightie, and the continuance of his mercie this last hundred yeeres, in the name if their facultie.

Finally, we are pleased, in our gracious good li­king, that for the good imitation of others, this our Ordonance by publicke intimations, bee notified a moneth before, that so other Countries may receiue the knowledge thereof. If it please also some of our Diuines, to signifie vnto other sincere Diuines, this our Christian intention, and to admonish them, to conforme themselues vnto this Action acceptable vnto God, we will in our fauour like well of it.

The Lord grant by his grace, that wee, and all the Inhabitants of our Dominions, may performe this ensuing Feast of Iubilee, with good health, due atten­tion, and hearty ioy in God.

Datum Dresden, the 12. of August, 1617.
Iohannes George, Churfurst, that is, Prince Elector.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE GOSPELS IVBILEE.

IN the yeare 1517. the first wound was inflic­ted vpon Antichrist, in a disputation at Witten­berge against Indulgences.

T [...]refore doe Gospellers Iubilize.

In the yeare 1518. the doctrine concerning iustification and the freewill of man was clearely explained in a disputation at Heidelberge.

Therefore doe &c.

In the yeare 1519. it was manifested in a solemne disputa­tion at Lipswicke, that there was no supremacie of the Pope of Rome.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1520. Germanie began to laugh at, and to contemne the brutish thunderbolts or excommunica­tions of the Pope.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1521. the cause of the Gospell was main­tained at Wormes, before the Emperour and the whole Empire.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1522. The Gospell was propagated farre and wide through Germanie, Heluetia, Liuonia, or Liefe-land.

Therefore &c.

[Page 9]In the yeare 1523. the Popes Legate acknowledgeth in the diet of the Empire, that the Church of Rome is sicke with errors and vices, some places of Fraunce are illustrated with the light of the Gospell, and the truth of it is sealed with the bloud of Henry of Zutphen.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 2524. the Emperour, the Princes of the Empire, in an assembly in Stiria, Ferdinand, Henry the eight King of England, Lodowick King of Hungary, and Bohemia; the Duke of Bauaria and Loraine, the Pope, the Cardinall of Loraine, the Archbishops of Ments and Riga, the Bishops of Denmarke, Spira, and Strausburge, labour in vaine to op­presse the Gospell.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1525. amongst the Countrey-insurrections, the Contentions about the Sacraments, of the Anabaptists and of the Schwenkfeldians, the conspiracies of the might­iest enemies against the Gospell, the Gospell took place in the kingdome of Sueuia, in the Dominion of the Lants­graue of Hassia, and in a great part of Rhetia.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1526. the Emperour, and the King of France being at contention amongst themselues through the Popes instigation against their will, they grant halcion dayes to the Church. The Emperor abolisheth the authoritie of the Popes name through all Spaine.

Therefore &c.

In the yeere 1527. the Pope being taken the English and the French conspiring against the Emperour doe minister occasion to the Gospellers of further spreading abroad the sincere doctrine.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1528. the truth of the reformed doctrine triumph in the disputation of Berne, vpon which follow­ed the reformation of many famous Churches.

Therefore &c.

The yeare 1529. is renouned for the reformation of ma­ny Churches, and the vnconquered constancie of many Gospellers in diuers trials, chiefely for the Martirdome of Lodowicke Berquinus in Fraunce, and of Clarebachius and [Page 10] Flidstedius in Germany.

Therefore &c.

The yeare 1530. reioyceth professors of the Gospell for the confession of their doctrine publickly made by the Princes at Ausberge, before the Emperour.

Therefore &c.

The glorious, and almost miraculous deliuerance of the Protestants from a mischeife hanging ouer their heads doth grace the yeare 1531.

Therefore &c.

The peace of Religion in Germany, the propagation of godly doctrine in Fraunce, the Martyrdomes of the faith­full in England, doe make famous the yeare 1532.

Therefore &c.

The glory of the yeare 1533. is exceeding great because that therein the King of England shooke off the Popes yoake.

Therefore &c,

In the yeare 1534. the Duke of Wirtemberge and Po­merania, hauing abandoned Popery embrace the Gospell.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1535. the Churches of George Earle of Wirtemberge in Alsasia are purged from the Popes leauen. Cromwell doth pull downe the Monasteries in England, be­ing dennes of monstrous villanies.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1536. the Cittizens of Berne with their asso­ciates doe make warre with the Duke of Sauoy. and doe take almost the whole Countrey of the Antuatum, by which victorie peace from the forreigne ennemie, is obtained to the common wealth and Church of Geneua, and the Gos­pell is spread all abroad through Savoy.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1537. The whole Kingdome of Denmarke hauing abandoned the Pope vnder the gouernement of Christian the third, acknowledged Chist to be the onely head of the Church.

Therefore doe the Gospellers Iubilize.

In the yeare 1538. A publique Church is opened at Stras­burge. to those that were banished from Fraunce and Belgia. It is determined in England, that the Bible being transla­ted into the English tongue, be keept every where in Chur­ches, to be read by all that desire it.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1539. Misnia, the Marquisate of Branden­burge, [Page 11] the Dukedome of Sagana in Silesia and others, re­nounce Poperie.

Therefore doe the gospellers Iubelize.

In the yeare 1540. Robert Barnes D. of Divinitie, a man of great esteeme with the King of England, being burnt to Ashes by the Papists, taught not only the English his owne countrie-men, but all Christians, to esteeme lesse even of their liues, than of the profession of the true faith.

Therefore doe the Gospellers Iubelize.

In the yeare 1541. The Emperour by his priuate letters, granteth the Protestants the peace of religion. Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1542. Otto Henry, Count Palatine of Rhene, Duke of either Bauaria, imbraceth the purer doctrine.

Therefore doe the Gospellers Iubelize.

In the yeare 1543. Hermanus Earle of Weda, Archbishop of Colen applyed himselfe to reforme the state of the Church.

Therefore &c.

In the yeare 1544. the Pope being not regarded, the Do­nawerdenses giue their names to Christ. Peter Alexander, Preacher to Mary Queene of Hungaria, and Governesse of the Lowe-Countries, writteth and teacheth many things Or­thodoxally.

Therefore doe the Gospellers Iubilize.

In the yeare 1545. Henry Duke of Brunswicke being a cruell enemy of the Reformed Religion, came into the po­wer of the Lantsgraue,

Therefore doe the Gospellers Iubilize.

In the yeare 1546. Fredericke Elector Palatine doth bringe the Reformed Religion into the whole Palatinate.

Therefore the Gospellers doe Iubilize.

In the yeare 1547. when all things in Germanie seemed to be in a desperate case, Edward (the Sonne of Henrie the Eight) King of England abrogats the MASSE, remoues Images out of the Temples, commaunds Bibles to be printed in the Vulgar tongue, ministeriall duties to be per­formed in the same tounge, both kinds to be administred in the Eucharist.

Therefore doe the &.

In the yeere 1548. and 1549. during the time of the inte­rim, there is a sifting of the Gospellers, and the Hypocrites are discerned from sincere Professors.

Therefore, &c.

[Page 12]In the yeere 1550. Maidenburg shewed a memorable example of Constancie, in defending the sincerer Doctrine.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1551. the Protestants are not afraid to ap­peare in the Tridentine Councell; the Papists not daring to heare the Reasons of the reformed Doctrine.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1552. the most constant Confessors of Christ, Iohn Fredericke Elector of Saxonie, and Philip Lants­graue of Hassia, beeing freed from captiuitie are sent home: the Passauian peace is established.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1553. at Lyons in France nine Students confirmed the veritie of the reformed Doctrine by bloodie Martyrdome.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1554. the Cities and Nobles of Greichgoia hold a Synode, wherin they renounce the Interim, and bind themselues to teach, and heare the purer Doctrine.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1555. it is decreed in the Diet at Ausburg, that they should not make warre with any Prince, Earle or Imperiall Citie for the doctrine of Religion.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1556. Charles Marquesse of Baden, refor­med the Churches vnder his iurisdiction according to the prescript of Gods word.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeare 1557. Otto Henricus Count Palatine Ele­ctor, doth the second time purge the Churches of the Pala­tinate, from Popish Idolatrie.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1558. the Nobles of Scotland purge the Churches of Sterlin from all Massing stuffe, and appoint Preachers of the Gospel in townes here and there.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1559. All England, Elizabeth being queene [Page 13] thereof, doth the second time receiue the Gospel.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1560. the French men present the Confessi­on of their faith to the King: the Nobles of Scotland reiect the Masse, demolish Altars, and abolish Images.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1561. the Princes and States Protestants in Germany, being gathered together at Naumburg, renue their consent to the Apostolicke Faith, against the Anti­christ of Rome: the Frecnh of the Reformed Religion dis­course of the chiefe Heads of the pure Faith, in the Confe­rence at Poissy, before the King and the whole kingdome.

Therefore, &c.

In the yere 1562. God disappointed the dangerous plots of the Guyzes, tending to bring the French Churches into the hatred of the Germaine Princes.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1563. an Edict published the 19. of March, graunteth peace of Religion to the reformed Churches in Fraunce.

Therefore, &c.

In the yere 1564. the Protestant Princes and Magistrates firmely demonstrate by many Arguments, that the Triden­tine Councell was neither godly, nor lawfull, nor free: and consequently not to be receiued with a safe conscience: That Antichrist was President there, and that errors quite contrarie to the holy Scripture were maintained therein.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1565. Maximilian the Emperour shewed himselfe fauourable to the Gospellers of Silesia, Morauia, Bohemia, Austria, Hungaria, and graunteth the Magistrates of Gorlick, that the Monasterie of the Minorites being tur­ned into a publike Schoole, they may take order, that both humane Learning, and also the purer Doctrine of Religion be taught there.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1566. in Brabant, Holland, Zeeland, and [Page 14] Flanders, the idolatrous Images of the Papists are cast downe, the Popish Religion remooued, and the Gospel re­ceiued in many places.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1567. Fredericke the 3. Count Palatine Ele­ctor, abolisheth popish Rites in the Palatinate of Bauarie, Ioachimus Fredericus, Marquis of Brandenburg, Admini­ster of the Archbishopricke of Magdeburg, doth open the Cathedrall Church of Magdeburg, that had bin shut vp al­most 20. yeeres, and commends it to the Preachers of the Gospel.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1568. Maximilian the 2. Emperour, grants the Nobilitie of Austria, the free exercise of the purer Do­ctrine.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1569. Iulius the sonne of Henry Duke of Brunswicke, taketh order, that the Churches which are vn­der his iurisdiction be religiously reformed according to the rule of Gods word.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1570. In France it is graunted by the kings Edict, that the Princes, Barons, and Nobles in their terri­tories, that others in certaine Countries, and suburbes may vse the exercise of the reformed Religion without im­peachment.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1571. Peace beeing made the third time in Fraunce, a Synode of the reformed Churches of the whole Kingdome, is assembled at Rochel; in which, the Confessi­on of the faith of the French Churches is repeated and con­firmed.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1572. that bloodie Massacre at Paris, was a most pregnant argument to the reformed Churches, that the Papists despaired of the cause of the Romish Religion, seeing they deemed it could not bee maintained by holy Scripture, but by incredible trecherie.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1573. the number of the Protestants growes [Page 15] exceeding great, out of the blood of those of the reformed Religion that were cruelly slaine, and that beyond the con­ceite of the King, the Pope, and all Papists, Rochel by the wonderfull prouidence of God, is deliuered from the duke of Aniou, as once Dauid was from Saul.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1574. Middleburg in Zeland is taken by Composition: Leyden in Holland is miraculously deliue­red from a siege.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1575. in the midst of the warres of the lowe Countries, the Vniuersitie of Leyden is set open by the munificencie of the States of Holland.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1576. the order of Baptising with the ma­ner of visiting the sicke, is set foorth at Venice: In which booke the doctrine of the free iustification of a sinner be­fore God, is clearely propounded.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1577. the agreement betweene professours of both Religions in the Low-countries, is sworne at Brus­sels.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1578. Amsterdam the most famous Mart-towne of Holland, is reformed according to the rule of Gods word, the Romish Religion banished, and Images de­faced.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1579. the vnion of Vtrecht is made by meanes of Iohn Eearle of Nassau then Gouernour of Gel­derland and Sutphen, he restored some most famous pro­uinces of the Low-Countries to the libertie of the purer re­ligion.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1580. the townesmen of Deuenter, they of Swool, of Vtrecht, of Freezland, and of Drenth, breake downe Images, and forsake the Romish religion.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeare 1581. The exercise of the Popish religion is forbidden at Antwerpe and Bruxels by a publike Edict.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1582. Gebhardus Archbishop of Collen, E­lector of the Empire, doth assay the reformation of Religi­on.

Therefore &c.

[Page 16]In the yeere 1583. the Churches of France do flourish a­mongst the thornes of diuers persecutions.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1584. The conspiracie of certaine Noble­men against the life and State of Q. Elizabeth, begun at the instigation of the Pope, is discouered by the singular goodnesse of God.

Therefore &c.

In the yeere 1585. the Kingdomes of France, and Na­uarre learne to contemne excommunications of Pope Six­tus the fift, against Henry king of Nauarre, and Henry Duke of Condee.

Therefore &c.

In the yeere 1586. at Luneburg Fredericke king of Den­marke, the Ambassadors of the Q. of England and of Iames king of Scotland, the Electors of Empire Iohn Casimirus Administrator Palatine, Christian Elector of Saxonie, Iohn Georgius Elector of Brandenburg, and other Princes of the Empire, wisely considering that the troubles in France concerned the Germane Churches, agreed to ayde the king of Nauarre.

Therefore &c.

In the yeere 1587. the holy league betweene the Pope and certaine popish Princes, is renued in vaine.

Therefore doe &c.

In the yeere 1588.

With ships sans number bridging all the Maine,
Spaniards presume they'l Brittaine ioyne to Spaine:
Wouldst know the moouing causes of such stirs?
The proud, Ambition driues, and Auarice spurs.
How fit by winds was puft Ambition drown'd?
And swelling waues the swelling sunke to ground:
How fit did swallowing gulfes of Seas ne're drie,
Swallow vp the Helluo's of Worlds Seigniorie?

In the yeere 1589. the king of France makes a league with the king of Nauarre, and makes him Lieutenant ouer his armies.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1590. Iames Marquesse of Baden sonne of-Charles, an Apostate, dieth of the blooudie fluxe, in the ve­ry beginning of the persecution against them of the refor­med Religion, the doctrine of the Gospel is preserued in [Page 17] that part of the Marquistate, to the great griefe of the Pa­pists.

Therefore, &c.

The yeeres from 1591. euen till the truce of Spaine with the Low-countries (which happened in the yeere 1608.) are ennobled, by reason of the almost continuall victories of the Hollanders against the Spaniards: that is, of the Gos­pellers against the Papists: thefore in regard of all those yeeres,

the Gospellers doe iubilize.

In the yeere 1608. Libertie of Religion in Bohemia, Mo­rauia, and Hungaria, was established.

Therefore, &c.

In the yeere 1569. and 1610. William Duke of Gulicke being dead, the word of God is freely preached, by the permission of the Princes, through the Dukedomes of Bergh, of Cleue, and Gulicke.

Therefore, &c.

From the yeere 1610. to the yeere 1617. the Churches through France, Germany, England, Scotland, Denmarke, Suetia, Polonia, Hungaria, Bohemia, haue had, and at this day haue reasonable Halcion dayes, Antichrist in vaine withstanding them.

Therefore doe &c.

And to thee most High and mighty God, with a deuoted heart they giue thanks, that amongst those ragings of the Iesuites, amongst so many persecutions of the Romane Antichrist, thou dost notwithstanding gather to thy selfe a Church amongst vs, wherein thou art both truely acknowledged, and also art worshipped, according to the prescript of thy Word. Blessed be thy holy Name for euer and euer. Goe forward O God, to blesse the Vine which thou hast planted in so many king­domes, Dominions, Countries, Cities,: And graunt that wee drawing from Christ alone the sappe of true consolati­on, and bringing foorth the fruit of a holy life through him alone, may for euer adhere vnto our Sauiour Christ, euen as branches to the Vine. Keepe vnder Iesuites, the bellowes of Sathan, lest they continue to make ciuill dis­sentions, and trouble the peace of thy Church. Leade and gouerne the hearts of thy faithful ones in the spirit of vnity, that we may all be one, as thou art one, and sanctifie vs in thy truerh, thy word is Truth. Amen.

TO THE READER,

AS before their is a remarkeable example of the exceeding goodnes of God, in glorifiyng the Gospell of his welbelo­ved Sonne, by the Arch-Bishop of Spalato his renouncing of Antichrist, and forsaking his Primacy Ecclesiasticall ouer two Kingdomes for the truth sake, where by the period of the first hundred yeares; after Luther had set vp his Propositions a­gainst tho Popes pardons, was gloriously shut up: So it is thought convenient to commend to thy godly consideration the great, and good worke of our gracious God, the God of Truth, in ad­vancing his Truth this yeare 1618. being the first of the second hundred yeares, by discovering the treason of Barneuil, and his Arminian complices tending to the great impeachment of the same. By delivering up a principall instrument in the same to a reprobate minde, so as he murthered himselfe, after he had con­fessed the treason, by raysing vp that Worthy in Israel, Graue Maurice Prince of Orenge, with admirable policy, diligence, and peace to purge Arminian townes of corrupt, and dangerous Magistrats, and to Re-unite Provinces and Cities, which were upon the poynt of Confusion so preuayling was the diulish poli­cy of Arminian herisy; and by sanctifiyng the minds of the no­ble States, in a most religious manner, to call togither the present Nationall Synod at Dorte. Whereby, through Gods blessing up­on the same, Truth may be cleared, Wisedome iustified, and the Gospell haue a freer passage. Which God graunt for his great Names sake: Amen.

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