WE read Acts 27.20. when Saint Paul was tos­sed with the Tempest, that neither Sunne nor Starres for many dayes appeared: This may passe for the dolefull Embleme of the dismall darkenesse in the depth of Popery, wherein Berengarius lived, the subject of our ensuing discourse, and before whom, from the expiring of the Primative Age till his entrance into the Church, little considerable light of knowledge shined amongst many Errours and much ig­norance.

2 We have not been idle in seeking, but unsuccesfull in the finding the date of Berengarius birth; and can likewise [Page 2] give no account of his Parentage and extraction. Herein he was not unlike the River Nilus, unknown and obscure for its Fountaine, but famous and renowned for his Streames; and his birth may seeme to be eclips [...]d, by the resplendant lustre of his life. And Towres in France seated on the river Loyer, was his native City, wherein he was borne about t [...]e ye [...]r of our Lord 1020. as by proportion of Cronolo­gie may probably be collected. And it is observable, that as the City of Towres gave the first being to Berengarius, so [...] Gate of that City called Saint Hues gate (in, at, and neere which, they used to meet) gave the denomination to the Hu [...]anites, or modern French Protestants, which in the point of Transubstantiation s [...]cceed to the opinion of Berengarius or rather to the truth of the doctrine it selfe.

3 Here we must not omit, that some have m [...]intained that this Berengarius came over with William the Conque­rour into England, and by his bounty received the Castle of Camb. Brittan in North­hampton. Barnewell in Northamptonshire for his possession. But the mistake ariseth, by confounding him with another Beren­garius his namesake, surnamed Le M [...]igne, or the Monke, (which also added countenance to their first error) though indeed he was a Martiall man, and no Ecclesiasticall per­son, on whom the King conferred that Castle. Thus, though we should have [...]eene right glad to have had this worthy Schollar our Country [...]man, though not by birth yet by habitation, accounting it Englands honour that he was in­feofted with faire demeynes therein; yet because all is grounded upon an Errour, no counterfeit credit, nor false favours shall be assumed by us on others mistakes.

4 Having profited in the Schoole above his equals un­der Fulbertus his Master, the World began to take notice of his abilities, and at last he was preferred to be Arch­deacon of A [...]giers; a man of a bold spirit, and daring re­solution, as God alwayes suits men for the worke they undertake. We may observe in B [...]ttels, that they set those who are best arm'd [...]o charge in the first ranke, and order them to follow who are not so compleatly weaponed: [Page 3] God in like manner, in his wisdome appointed that suc [...] Confessours of the Truth, who were to make the firs [...] Breach into the Armies of Antichrist, should be accoutred Cappa [...]pae with undaunted courages (such as this Berengarius and Luther were) though men of meeker mindes and mil­der dispositions may afterwards be well used in the same service.

5 For his life and conversation, it was so blamelesse that therein he starved the malice of all his adversaries, the long teeth of whose spight could finde nothing to feede upon. He is reported not to have suffered any woman to come in his sight; not because he was a hater of their sex, but be­cause he was to deale with dangerous adversaries, he would warily cut off all occasions of suspition; and in some ca­ses we may say, that over-much warīnesse is but even measure and caution, if it be not too much, will be too little.

6 The maine matter wherein he dissented from the cur­rent of the Roman Church, and is honoured for a Champion of the Truth, was, in the point of Transubstantiation; an Errour which crept one of the last into the Church, and was the first that was most vigorously opposed. It took the rise from some extravagant expressions of Damascene and Theophilact, who endeavouring to shew the reality of Christs presence in the Sacrament, scattered such florishing language to that purpose (flowers, though they cannot feede, may sometimes infect) that though well intending, yet ill interpreted, gave occasion to their unskilfull R [...] ­ders, who more minded the words then the matter, from such Rhetoricall premises to conclude a Dogmaticall point of the Elements being corporally transubstantia­ted, against the very being and nature of a Sacrament.

7 The first that effect [...]ally opposed this Errour was Leuthericus (remark [...]ble for his name, confining on Lacthe­rus) Archbishop of Senes in France. But the French King [...]o kept him under with his heavy weight upon him, that he never grew up to any generall notice in the world. More [Page 4] active was the undertaking of our Belengarius (who is chal­lenged by Baronius for reviving the opinions of Leuthericus) and would not be taken off by the smiles or frowns of any who endeavoured by all meanes possible to perswade him to desist in his opposition.

8 There was one Adelmanus Bishop of Brixia schoole­fellow with Berengarius, who by most loving letters per­swaded him to be reconciled to the Romish Church; he often in his Epistolary addresses intituled Berengarius (even when little better than under the Popes curse) sancte Frater, holy Brother; and addulced his discourse with all luscious ex­pressions unto him. Moreover, he minded him of the coun­sell which Fulbertus their Master often gave him in horto, in the Garden; who suspecting the activity (nick-named by him turbulency) of Berengarius, often forwarned him with teare [...], not to innovate any thing in matters of Reli­gion, and humbly to submit his judgement to the censure of the Church. Nor were promises of preferment wanting, on condition he would comply with the Court of Rome; who, on the revocation of his opinion, might easily have turned his Arch-deaconry into a Bishopricke. But all was in vaine, he still persisted loyall to his first principles, and no golden promises could bribe his judgement against his conscience.

9 Here it is no part of our imployment, much lesse of our purpose to be advocate for all the fauls of Berengarius. It being madnesse in any man, who is unable to pay the score of his owne faults, utterly to breake himselfe by be­ing surety for the offences of others. Onely we submit the ensuing particulars to the judgement of the impartiall Reader; that when he meets with the manifold charges drawne up against this party accused, he would be pleased to take what followeth into his serious consideration.

10 First, that he was a man, and so subject to errour: And therefore he is no man who will not afford him a pardon of course, for those failings proceeding from hu­man infirmity. Secondly, that he lived in a darke age; and [Page 5] therefore was more obnoxious to stumble. So that we need not condemne him that his errours were [...]o many; but rather praise Gods goodnesse, that they were no more; yea, this I dare bouldly affirme, that if the morning grow so proud as to scorne the dawning of the day, because mix­ed with darkenesse, Midde day will revenge her Quarrell, and may justly take occasion to conteme the Morning, a [...] in lustre infiriour to her selfe. Thirdly, Berengarius was vexed with oposition, which makes men reele into violence, and no reason it is, that the constant temper of his soule, should be guessed from som ague-fits (as I may terme them) of his passion, and that his positive opinion should be stated from his polemicall heate, when he was chafed in disputation. Lastly, to render him whilest living, and his memory when dead more odious, his Adversaries have fastened many false accusations upon him.

11 We that live in this distracted age, know too well how ready men are to cast aspersions on thos [...] who differ from them in point of opinion: which should make us more charitable in passing our verdicts on those in former ages, which dissented from the received opionions. Where­fore, when we read Baronius calling him hominem mendacis­simum, impudentissimum, with other epithets to the same sence, we know how to defalce our credit accordingly. True it is, one fault he was guilty of, which we are so far from excusing or extenuating, that we would throw the first stone against him our selves, but that consciousnesse to our owne frailtyes commands us to hold our hands, lest hitting of him we wound our selves, as subject without heavens especiall support to the same infirmiti [...]s. However seeing God is gloryfied in his servants weaknesse, and eve­ry stumble of man is a steppe to Gods throne, we will plainly and simply set downe the unexcusable inconstancy of Berengarius.

12 Being summoned to appeare before Pope Leo the ninth, at first he refused to obey his command, therein fol­lowing the Councell of Peter de waldez (from whom the [Page 6] Waldenses received their names) but afterwards being o­therwise advised, and wearied with the importunity of his adversaries, he not onely made his personall appearance before the Pope, but also solemnely in the presence of the Councell at Rome retracted and abjured his opinions. In­deed formerly he had set forth a worke in the nature of an Expedient, wherein he did much qualifie and mitigate his expressions, abating much of their edge and sharpnesse, if possibly he might have made them comply with the Sence of Rome. But this proving ineffectuall and not giving ex­pected satisfaction to the Conclave, he was last faine in terminis to renounce and recant his opinion in the presence of 113. Bishops.

13 But having got out of the reach of his enemies pawes he reassumed his Tenents again, remitting nothing of his former zeale, but rather asserting them with more ar­dour and vehemency then before. But alasse, no sooner was he seazed on the second time, but that he again abjured his opinions in the Lateran Councell under Pope Gregorie the seventh, to the indeleblest staine of his name for his in­constancy.

14 After his second Recantation, we find little of the manner of his demeanour unto the day of his death. And we easily conceive, that clouded with shame for his former fact, he affected obscurity, and lived as invisible as might be in the World. We find not that he excepted of any prefer­ment in the Church, or that any was offered him. A pre­sumption that he was not re-estated in the favour of the Popish party, not confiding in him as thorow paced in their Religion. Charity commands us to hope that at the crowing of the Cocke of his Conscience, he might awake out of his former sleepe, and weepe bitterly with him, who on his repentance was received into Christs favour.

15 Two especiall adversaries Berengarius had, Guitmun­dus, and Lanke Franke a Lumbard, the latter of more learn­ing than Piety, more parts then learni [...]g, more pride then both, was well rewa [...]ded for his paines for disputing and [Page 7] wri [...]eing against Berengarius with the rich Arch bishopricke of Canterbu [...]y. But B [...]rengarius never mounted higher then his Arch Deaconry of Angiers where he died on Epiphanie or Twelfe day, Anno 1088. D [...]fferent is the judgement of learned men concerning his finall estate. Heildebert bishop of Maine and our William of Malmesbury, say that he died homo novus, a reclaimed man, and dandle him in the lappe of the Romish Church as a true childe thereof. But Cardinall Baronius lookes upon him under the notion of a Hereticke, accounting his Recantation but superficiall indited rather from his Cowardise then Conscience. O [...]r Illyricus, in His catalogue of the witnesses of the Truth, affords him a principall place therein. We leave him to stand or fall to his owne master, according to that concluding Disticke, which we find in an Aauthor:

16 Remarkeable are his words wherewith he breathed out his last gaspe, which Illyricus reporteth to this Effect: now am I to goe, and appeare before God, either to be acquitted by him as I hope, or condemned by him as I feare. Which words, as they savour not of that full assurance of Salvation which God vouchsafeth to many of his servants, so they carry not with them any offensive Breath of Despaire. And it is no contradiction in Christianity, to rejoyce before God with trembling. And in this Twilight we leave Berengari­us to that mercifull God, who knoweth whereof we are made and remembereth we are but dust.

AMongst many famous Writers in this Nation, as Beda, Alckvine, Iohn Carnotenesis, Nigellus, Neckam, Sevall, Bacan­thorpe, [Page 9] Ockam, Hampoole of Armach, this Wicklief is not the least of worth, he was famous both for Life, and Learning; he was brought up in the famous Vniversity of Oxford, in Merton Coll [...]dge; he gave himselfe, after he was Master of Arts, to the study of Schoole Divinity, wherein having an [...]xcellent acute wit, he became excellently well qualified, and was admired of all for his singular Learning, and swe [...]tn [...]sse of behavior, in King Edward the thirds time: who protested that his chiefe end and purpose was to call backe the Church from her Idolatry, especially in the matter of the Sacrament. He was much favoured by Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and the Lord Henry Percy, who defen­ded and protected him from his raging adversaries and Bishops.

And when Pope Gregory the eleveeth sent his Bull to Oxford to require them to root out Wickl [...]ef's Tares (as he called them) the Proctors, and Masters were in long debate whe­ther they should receive it, or reject it. In the time of King Richard the second, this Wicklief was brought before the Bishops at Lambeth, and had many Articles put in against him, but what by the meanes of some Courtiers, and Ci­tizens of London, he was again released. After this William Barton Vice-chancellor of Oxford, wi [...]h some other Doctors, set forth an Edict against him, and his followers: where­upon he published a confession of his Doctrine. Anno Christi 1382. the Archbishop of Canterburie held a Convo­cation at London, and condemned the Articles of Wicklief as Heretical: and when the said Archbishop with many of his adherents were gathered together about this business, just as they were readie to begin their debate, there fell out a great and generall Earthquake, which so affrighted ma­nie of them, that they desisted from their business: yet all means were used for the suppressing of his opinions; but through God's mercie they could never bee exstirpated to this daie. He was a great enemie to the swarms of begging Friers, with whom it was harder to make war, then with the Pope himselfe. He denied the Pope to be the Head of the [Page 10] Church, and pronounc'd him to be Antichrist: he confu­ted, and condemned his Doctrine about Bulls, Indulgences, &c. The Bishop of Rome lost by his Doctrine the power of making and ordaining Bishops in England, and the Tenths of spirituall promotions, & also the gains of his Peter-pence. Whereupon Polidore Virgil cals him an infamous Hereticke. He affi [...]med the Scripture to be the supreme Judg of Con­troversies, condemned Transubstantiation, &c. He was a painfull, and faithfull preacher of the Gospell under that famous King Edward the thi [...]d, who alwaies favored and protected him against the rage of his adversaries. In the raign of Richard the second, he was by the power of his adversaries banished, yet in all his affliction he shewed an undanted spirit. At last returning from Exile, he died in the yeere of our Saviour Jesus Christ, (whom he had Preached) 1387. and was buried the last day of December at his Parsonage of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire. But in the yeer 1428. which was 41. yeeres from the time of his death, his dead body was by the Decree of Pope Martin the fifth, and Counsell of Sene, dig'd up, and burned with the Execreations of that fiery Pope; thus he found the cruelty of them being dead, whom he had, being living, taught to be so. He writ (as Pius Aenaeas testifies) more then two hun­dred faire volumnes, most of which were burned by Sùbinck Arch-bishop of Prague in Bohemia: The Catalogue of his Works you may reade in the Centuries of Io [...]n Bale, somes of them, I have here set downe.

1 Of Christ and antichrist. 2. Of Antichrist and his mem­bers. 3. Of the truth of the Scriptures. 4. Of the fountain of E [...] ­rors. 5. A booke of Conclusions. 6. 7. Of Ecclesiasticall and Civill government. 8 Of the Impostures of Hipocrites. 9. Of Blas­phemy. 10. Lectures on Daniel. 11. On the Apocalyps. 12. Of the marriage of Priests. 13. The Divels craft against Religion. 14. His policy to overthrow faith. 15. Of Apostacy.

16. Two bookes of Metaphysickes, one containing 12. Bookes. 17. Glosses upon the Scripture. 18. Of falling away from Christ. 19. Of truth and lying.

[Page 11]Besides these, he writ many of Philosophy, and transla­ted the Bible into the English tongue, making Prefaces and Arguments to every Booke: he also translated the twelve Bookes of Clement, the Parson of Lanthon, containing the harmony of the Evangelists: And thus went out this Lampe of England: of whom one thus hath said:

THE faire fruit of effects, is vertually couched in the small seeds of their causes.

1 Iohn Huss is a pregnant instance thereof, whose in­considerable, yea contemptable beginning, improved it selfe to give a blow under the fift rib in Scripture alwaies ob­served mortall to the man of sin.

2 It would have given much satisfaction to the reader, and more to our selves, could we present him with exact Particulars of Huss his birth and extraction. But alas we are so far from having a starre going before us to direct us to the place of his nativitie, that we finde not the least candle­light to guide us to the notice thereof. In or neere [Page 13] Prague we conceive him to be borne, in which University he had his education.

3. Now the learning of that age moved in a very nar­row circle, in Case and Controversiall Divinity. The Schoolmen wanting the wings of the learned tongues, therewith to mount into the meaning of the Scriptures in their originall, onely employed themselves in running round in the beaten path of common questions: whilst such amonst them as were of extraordinary parts, impati­ent to be confined within, yet unable to exceed the foresaid compasse, let out their soules, and made roome for the ac­tivitie of their mindes, by digging deepe into curious in­quiries, where their best results are either unnecessarie, or certaine, or both. Wherefore Iohn Huss declining such in­tricate labyrinthes, betooke himselfe to finde out the right way to heaven describ'd in Gods word.

4 It happened about this time, that Richard the second of England married Anne sister to Wencelaus King of Bohemia; and although he had no children by her, yet the conversion of Bohemia may fitly be stiled the issue of this their mariage. Indeed this Queene Anne, taught our English women mode­stie in riding on Side-saddles; in exchange whereof the English taught the Bohemians true religion; first discov [...] ­ring the Romish superstitions unto them. For her Cour­tiers here did light on the bookes of Iohn Wicklief, and car­ried them into their owne Country, where Huss had the happinesse to read, approve, and disperse the same. See here the pedegree of the Reformation, wherein Germany may be counted the Son, Bohemia the Father, and England the Grand-father.

5. Huss hereupon began zealously to preach and pro­pagate the truth, which for the soundnesse thereof was welcome to many, for the novelty to more. But as the Jewes Acts 22.22. heard Saint Paul pati [...]ntly, untill that passage, That he was sent to the Gentiles, which inraged them beyond all modesty and measure, crying out, away with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not fit that he should live; so even [Page 14] some Friers lent attentive eares to Huss his Sermons, till their profit began to be concerned in his confuting the gainefull errours of Rome, and their malice mustred all op­position against him. First, by order from his holinesse, the Arch-bishop of Suinco was commanded to suppresse him; but all in vaine, his commands prevailing no more with Huss, than the peoples prohibitions to Bartimeus com­m [...]nding him silence, Marke 10.48. which onely made him cry out the more a great deale. In so much that the Pope himselfe was faine to take the matter in hand.

6 Here happined a most remarkable Accident, very advan­tagious for the propagating of Husses doctrine. A Scisme happened in the Church of Rome betwext three Popes at the same time, so that Peters chaire was like to be broken betwixt so many sitting downe together. This conduced much to the benefit of Huss, who hereupon took advantage to decline (so good a witt having an usefull Theame, would loose nothing, in handling it) against the Chuch of Rome: Pleading that having three, it had no leagall head: That this monstrous apparition of the Man of [...]in, presaged his life was [...]hort; that these three Anti-Popes made up one Antichrist. In a word, there was opened unto [...]im a great doore of utterance, made out of that cracke or cleft, which now happened in this seasonable schisme at Rome.

7 It was now high time a generall Councell should be called. The Church was growne fowle with long want of scowring: however the vicious Court of Rome declined it (wonder not if theeves be unwilling to heare of an Assises) expecting that there their faults would be discovered and censured. All the world stood on the Tiptoes of Expec­tation, what the Councell would produce. Where for a while we leave them with the three Popes tugging one against the other; where all Three at last were deposed and Pope Martin substituted in the roome of them.

8 Huss during the beginning of this Counsell remained at Pargue, constantly preaching in his Church of Bethlehem. Where his adversaries chose out of his bookes and preach­ing [Page 15] severall Articles, which they charged against him for Hereticall. And it may seeme wonderfull, how variously the number of them is rekoned up, some times eight er­rours, sometimes nine, sometimes one and twenty, some­times five and fourty, which numbers the doctors and Masters of the University of Prague, collected and objected against him. Yet none need justly admire at this difference, as if Huss his opinions were like the stones on Salsbury plain, falsely reported that no two can count them alike. The variety ariseth, first because some count onely his primi­tive Tenets, which were breeders; whilest others count all the yong Frye of Consequences derived from them. Secondly, some were more industrous to seeke, capatious to expound, malicious to deduce far distant Consequences. Excellent at the inflaming of a Reckoning, and to disco­ver an infant or Embryo, errours which others over looked. Thirdly, It is possible that in processe of time, Huss might delate himselfe in additionall and supplemen­tall opinions, more than what he maintained at first. His principall accusations were, that he maintained, the Sacra­ment was to be ministred to the peopl [...] under both Kings. Secondly, That Priests in a mortall sinne might not mi­nister the Sacrament. Thirdly, That the Popes power a­bove other Priests, was onely invented for covetousnesse. Fourthly, That Priests once ordained are not to be for­bidden preaching &c.

9 For these Tenets Huss was excommunicated by Car­dinall Del [...]hunna, a sure prop of the Romish Church. But all in vaine, seeing the Gentry and Nobility of Bohemia did highly favour him. Whereupon he was brought to the Counsell of Constance under the Safeguard of the whole Empire, and a solemne Conduct of the Emperour Sig [...]s­mun [...]'s double written, both in Latine and Almane, (that whether learned or unlearned might pretend ignorance thereof) drawne in a most favourable Latitude for him, and strongest legall forme, given at Spire the eighteenth of October Anno Dom. 1414. Yea when the Pope wa [...] informed [Page 16] by a Bohemian Gentleman, what liberty Huss had granted him to remaine in Constance, without any trouble, vex­ation, or interruption: his Holinesse replied, that if Huss had killed his brother, no violence should be offered unto him during his abode in this City.

10 But as the man possessed with a Divell, Mark 5.3. None could binde him, no not with chaines: So strong was the uncleane Spirit of Cruelty in the Romish Court, that no duplicates or double cords of safe Conducts in Dutch and Latine, granted and accepted, could protect the innocence of this godly man: but that contrary to the solemne faith formerly pledged, he was persecuted and imprisoned.

11 And now, what can be sacred, what armour of proofe against the Artillery of malice, when such Con­ducts are shot thorow? In vaine do men make Contracts, and stipulations when faith publickly given, the best waxe of all Inden [...]ures, and fairest seale of waxe, shall thus be pro­stituted to private designes. Had these great pretended Schollers read and seriously consider Davids Psalmes 15.4. He that sweareth to his owne hurt and changeth not, (and did not the Emperour passe on his honour, and Popes word speak­ing alwais in verbo sacerdatis amount to an oath:) yet had they but wayed the answere of Festus a Pagan, Acts 25, 16. It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to dye be­fore he that is accused have his Accusers face to face, &c. They could never had adventured on so unexcusable a Marter.

12 Here we conceive we shall not unprofitably bestow our paines, if we tender a catalogue of the principal friends and Enemies of Huss, that Posterity may know who added the part of helpfull Onesiphorus to this Paul in bonds, and who were like Demetrius the Copper-smith, the active per­secntors of him.

• 1. John de Glum a Bohe­mian [Page 17] Nobleman.
• 2. Nicholas Titular Bi­shop of Nazareth, who gave him an especiall testimony, though by his place the Apostolicall I [...]qui­s [...]or of H [...]r [...]se for the Vniver­sity of Prague.
• 3. Conrade Archbishop of Swinco, who openly cleared him.
• 4. Henry Latzembog, well extracted a great Advocate for Huss.
• 5. Wencelaus de Duba, a Gentleman and especiall pleader, for the validity of his safe con­duct, when Huss was impriso­ned.
• 6. A considerable part of the Nobility and Gentry both of Bo­hemia and Poland.

• 1. Stephen Paletz, princi­pall of the Doctors of Prague.
• 2. Andreas de Broda, a Doc­tor[Page 17] who writ a Book against him.
• 3. A nam [...]lesse charterhouse M [...]ncurate of St. Sebauld in the City of Norenberge.
• 4. Stanisl [...]us Znoma a Bohemian Doctor, who coming to Constan [...]z, dyed by the way of an Impostume.
• 5. Michael de Causis, a great disputant against Huss, whose very sirname may seem to speake Phylosophy.
• 6. Didacus a Lumbart, e­steemed a great Schollar.
• 7. Stok [...]s, an Englishman then present at the Councell, his serene Antagonist.
• 8. The Pope, Cour [...], and Cardinals of Rome, but chiefly the Cardinall of Cambray.

Thus though Huss had many friends, yet the number, power and activity of his Foes did preponderate; so that notwithstanding his many appeales and protestations, he was cast into a stinking Prison, loaden with chaines of I­ron, kept with hungry and bad Fare. But as Men thrown flat on their backs, alwayes have their faces looking up to heaven; so this godly Man, being over-thrown with the fury of his Enemies, made the more ferven [...]ly his addresse unto God, by a lively faith, having all his dependance on dame Providence, even in the depth of cruell Sicknesse, which in the Prison seized upon him.

13 The sentence of condemnation being at last solemn­ly passed upon him, Huss falling downe on his knees, Lord Iesus Christ (said he) forgive mine enemies, by whom thou knowest that I am falsely accused. How did his charity triumph over his persecutors malice? an action which will finde more [Page 18] commenders, than followers in our age. Whereas indeed he that revengeth himselfe of his adversarie, is but even with him, and in his owne expression cries quits with him: whiles such as forgive him, are above him; it being the Prerogative of Princes to pardon.

14 Then the seaven Bishops, who were appointed for that purpose, began to degrade Huss of his seaven Orders, and such Vestments as were the badges thereof. The best was, though they uncased him out of his other garments, they could not strip him of the white robe of his inno­cence. Yea, so cruelly did they act their part therein, that they resolved instead of a rasor, with sheares to pare a way a part of his crowne, left (forsooth) any relique of their holy oyle should remaine upon it. However Huss was no looser thereby, for God no doubt made good to him his promise, Revel. 2.10. I will give unto thee a crowne of life. Which did cover his deformitie, and plentifully com­pensate the losse of his Skin.

15 Here I confesse it was once my designe, to contract and insert the last speech of Iohn Huss to the people, but my revised thoughts disswaded me from it. For it is all so excellent, that compendium would be dispendium there­of. In it selfe the onely fault thereof is the shortnesse of it, and pity it should be more abri [...]ged; for he that under­takes the same, will leave out as good as he chooseth in. Wherefore we remit the Reader to the entire narration of Master Fox, where his speech is recorded; which left an ec­cho in the eares and hearts of all that heard him.

16. Hence Huss was hurried to the stake, where the Em­perour, Duke of Bavaria chanced to be present, profering him pardon but on such unworthy conditions, as Huss his con­science could not accept. He did love, but did not dote on life; as he shall never grow rich by the barga [...]ne, who pur­chaseth it with the prise of his soule; no doubt he called to mind what was written, Heb. 11.35. And others were tortu­red not accepting deliverance, that thay might obtaine a better re­surrection. And now the fire was kindled, with which Huss [Page 19] must grapple, being in this kind as I take it, the first that suffered in this manner. For as for Wicklief, only his corpes were burnt after his death, more to his enemies shame; who in vaine revenged themselves on the empty Cage after the bird was flowne: whereas Huss was the first that entred the list with that furious element, and fought body to body wi [...]h the fire. Seriveners use with gawdy flourishes to decke and garnish the initiall caracters of copies. The like may be expected from me, seeing Huss may be tearmed a leading letter; in the patterne of patience, that semnably with rheto­ricall flusculations I should endevour to adorne his memo­riall. But such superfluous paines may well be spard, seeing this Letter is conspicuous enough in it selfe, died red in its own blood. Being tyed with a chaine to the stake, by chance he was turned towards the east; And here behold the Criticisme of Superstition; For some cryed out, Hee should not looke towards the East, because he was an hereticke. Whereupon his tormentors (who had power to turne his body, not to move his mind) reversed him westward. Sad indeed it is to come out of Gods Blessing into the warme sunne; but happy he that is turned out of the warme sun into Gods blessing, and deny [...]d the benefit and beauty of the orient beames, had the inward Comfort of heavenly grace to solace and support him.

17 A paper whereon devils were antiquely painted was put upon him, he wearing those shadowes on his head, whose Substance his enemies felt in their heart. But when the fire began to be kindled, that furious Element was more mercifull unto him then were his Executioners. For whereas fire hath a double property to burn and to stifle, here it was plea [...]ed to make use of the latter quality, as the milder and meeker of the twaine. Except we shall say it was rather the Pitie of the wind, than the favour of the fire, which drove the flame so full upon his face that it quickly choaked him; and may be presumed senselesse, though he moved a while after. His heart which was found amongst his bowels, fi [...]st beaten with staves and [Page 20] Clubbes, was afterwards pricked upon a sharpe sticke, and rosted at the fire apart untill it was consumed. The least remnant of his ashes were gathered up and cast into the rever of Rhine, so if possible for ever to extirpate his me­mory.

18 One memorable passage must not be forgotten, in the life time of Huss, which is conceived almost to amount to a prophecy, he had a dreame (as he writes in his forty fifth E [...]istle, being a letter written to the Lord Iohn de Clum [...]e) how he beheld in his Church at Bethlehem in Paris, certai [...]e men to race and pull out the images of Christ, and the next day (as it seemed unto hi [...]) many other Painters made more and fairer images than formerly; and the Painters with much people about them said, (in mer­riment and kind of derision) Let the Bishops and Priests come now and put out these Pictures. Hereat the people much rejoyced and Huss himselfe fell a laughing, which caused him to awake.

19 I know that generally dreames are nothing, but Fancies descant on the former dayes worke. And he that layeth too much pressure on such slender props may be layed in the dust. How ever it was verified in the event, that many worthy Christians the truest Images of Christ (as Christ is the image of God,) were by Huss his preaching and suffering converted to the truth, in defiance of all An­christian opposition, who endeavored to deleate and ex­punge all im [...]ressions of Truth in them.

TRavelloursBydalph Morrison sandye. report, that the place wherein the Body of Absolon was buried, is still extant at Ieruselem, and that it is a solenme custome of Pilgrimes passing by it to [Page 21] cast a stone on the place; the like, in expression of their de­testation of his unnaturall Rebellion against his owne fa­ther. But a well disposed man can hardly goe by the me­mory, or mention of Hierom of Prague, without doing his greatfull homage thereunto, in bestowing upon him, some passage in his praise and Commendation. Amongst others therefore who have raised the Heape of this good mans Monuiment, we will cast in the Contribution of our Stone also, (though but a rough and unpolished one) to advance the heigth of this History.

2 This Ierome of Prague was by his Countrey a Bohemian, though we find not the Allowing him 45 [...] years old at his Dea [...]h, he was borne 1372. principall date and place of his Birth, nor the Condition of his parents. We account it more modisty, to confesse our ignorance hereof, then to wrong the Reader, by obtruding on this Beliefe our roving Conjectures for certaine Truths. But Bohemia, though she was happy to enjoy him, was not so covetous to ingrosse him, but that for his profit; and her owne honour. She lent him to other parts of Europe, there to have his Education. He travelled into France, and at Paris proceeded Master of Arts, and in the Vniversity of Collen and Hidlebury, had the same degree confirmed unto him. He was as exact in observe­ing, as happy in remembering, the most note worthy pas­sages, which his judicious Eye met with in forraine Parts.

3 But there is a secret Loadstone, in every mans native Soyle, effectually attracting them home againe to their Country, their Center. This skilfull merchant for Learn­ing, having made a long voyage to the most principall Parts and Staple places of Literature, and by that his adventure much inriched himselfe, hath a mind to returne home to his Haven, and safely arived at Prague in Bohemia. He needed no other harbenger [...]o send before to provide him wel­come, then the fame of his owne reputation, being so well known in that place, that the City passeth for his Sir-name, and the commonly stiled Hierom of Prague. For here he had, if not his Birth, his first breeding, here he made so ma­ny [Page 23] pious Sermons, here he held so many famous disputations. In so much as it is questionable, whether Ierom be more ho­noured w^th the Addition of Prague, or Prague more renown­ed with the name of Ierom. For sooner shall the river MVL­TAW cease with her silver streames to water and divide that famous City, then the memory of Ierom be forgotten.

4 Hitherto Ierom was but a wilde stocke and ungrafted, going on with the multitude in Erronious wayes, having drunke as deepe as the rest of Romes bewitched Cupp, till his conversion hapned on this Occasion: The Bohemians which brought their lady Anne over into England to be married to our King Richard the second, brought back the books of Iohn Wicklief home with them into their Countrey. Ierom of Prague lighting on one of them, by perusing it, perceived the abominable Supersticions then used in the Church, and began by degrees, first in his judgement, to dislike them; afterwards, in his Practice, to disuse them; and lastly, in his Preaching to Confute them. Thus Contemptible begin­nings, being blessed by divine Providence, proversi parents of most considerable effects.

5 But no sooner had Ierom publikely opposed the doctrine of Purgatory and prayers for the dead, but all the orders of Fryers, like a nest of Hornets, with there veno­mous stings were busie about him. We read of Elephants, that though their whole Body be by reason of the hardnesse of their Skinne of proofe against the sword, yet they have a tender and soft place under their Belly, wherein they are easily wounded, as appeares by the example of Eleazer in the 1. Mac­cabes 6.46. Maccabes, who taking advantage thereof killed one of them in fight. But O how tender are the Monkes Bellies; those Lazy Lubbers could not abide to be taught in point of Ease and profit, they are suddenly Sensible with Sor­row, if any goe about to abate of their dainty dyet, and therefore were bemadded with fury to heare Purgatory cal­led into question, the pretended fire whereof did really heat their kitchin. But Ierom having Scripture and truth on his side, like a valliant Champion asserted his opinions [Page 24] in defence of Opposition, having got the Society of Iohn Huss to assist him.

6 Two Pillars there were in Solomons 1 Kings 7.15. Temple; two Olive-trees dropping oyle into the Candl [...]sticke in Zac [...]. 4.12. Zacharyes vision. Our Saviour sent his Seventy Disciples to Preach two by two. And two Witness [...]s Prophesied in Sackcloath till [...]hey were sla [...]ne. 1 [...]ke 9.1. So here God had a Paire of his Preachers, who by their mu­tuall Company, abated the tediousnesse of Solitarinesse, and by their invited strength twisted together, were there­by more effectually enabled against their Adversaries. One Soule might seeme to animate them both, and as they were lovely in their Lives, so in their deaths they were not long devided.

7 Now a generall Couns [...]ll was called at Constance, which awakened the Christian world with the expectati­on of the Successe thereof. Iohn Huss, out of his owne Ac­cord, having first obtained full and free licence, to come thither and returne thence with safety, repaired to the Counsell, and there, in Confidence of God and a good Cause, proffered to defend the doctrine of Wicklief, to be sound and true both by Scripture and reason. His very name Huss which in the Bohemian Tongue Signifieth a Goose, was a ple­sa [...]t instrument ready strung and tun'd, for the wanton fingers of his Enemies, to make mirth and musicke upon it, and every dull wit was sharp enough to use a jeere made to his hand. But let them breake Iests on his name, whilest he breake their Superstitions in Earnest, and as once the Geese kept the Roman Capitall from their Enemies; so this Goose kept the Capital of Truth from the Romans. Though Naball was his name, yet fo [...]y was not with him, being of a Solid judgement, subtill wit, and discreet deportment in his Conversation.

8 But Huss could in no manner obtaine free Audience; yea contrary to his Assurāce, formerly granted, had his per­son restrained. Ierom of Prague, hearing thereof, would not stay at home, (when one hand is bound will not the other endeavour the loosing thereof?) but hasteneth to Constance, [Page 25] either to produce the freedome or partake of the Fetters of his Christian Brothers. Thus when one Arrow is shot, and in haz [...]rd to be lost, a second is sent after it, and either hi [...] fellow is found, or both lost together, and happy it had beene for the Church, if she had had her Quive [...] full of such Arrowes. Aprill 4. 1415. Ierome comming to the Counsell, makes meanes to be heard, and puts up the heads of some positi­ons, profering publiquely to defend them, moving with­all that he might have leave to come and goe with Safety confirmed unto him under the Faith of the Counsell.

9 This by no meanes could be obtained, Liberty they would freely give him to come but not to depart, and on the same tearms the Woolfe will grant free Conduct to the Lambe, to come to hi [...] den, but vestigi [...] Nulla retrorsum. Ie­rom hereupon finding justice obstructed, secretly departed the City, and in his returne home was taken and brought backe to the Counsell. His Adversaries much insult on his flight, as one evidence of his guilt; whereas if matter [...] be well weighed, seeing he could not obtaine Licence Safely to stay, Christ gave him a warrant lawfully to de [...]part, in those word [...], not onely Permissive Directive, but Injunctive, when you are persecuted in one City flee to another.

10 Then was he brought with a long Chaine about him (like Saint Paul before King Agrippa,) into the Counsell, his fetters on set purpose being shaken by those that led him, to make the more noise, to render him more ridiculous. Whereas indeed the sound of such Shackles made more melodious musicke in the eare [...] of the God of Heaven, then all the loud chanting & unintelligible affected singing in their Superstitious Qui [...]es. They baited him with railing and opprobriaus termes; but what is most remarkeable, none solidly opposed him concerning the opinions of Wicklief, whereof he was accused, but charged him with youthfull extravagancies, rather importing a Luxury of wit, then amounting to any dangerous Opinon. But principally the Master of the University of Hidelburoh objected against him, that long since, when a S [...]udent there, [Page 26] he had c [...]used a shield or Eschuchion to be painted, in re­presentation of the Persons in Trinity, comparing them therein to Water, Snow and Ice.

11 Ierom denied not the fact but defended the same, Seeing God had stamped in naturall matters, some coun­tenance [...] of supernaturall misteries. Thus the coeternity of the three Persons (besides the aforesaid Instance) are Shadowed ou [...] in the Sunne, and in light that proceedeth from it, & in a beam, that aris [...]th from [...]th. And seeing that Friars fancies most surfeit with such devices, and that more dangerous pictures neerer confining on Blasphemy, were commonly presented and priviledged by them, they of all other were most unfit to cast the first stone at him, for such innocent and harmlesse Portraitures which he had depicted. Thus they vexed him with triviall objecti­ons about unconcerning matters; but as for the maine bu­sinesse of Heresie, they presumed him to be guilty thereof, and he was never brought to a faire, and legall disputa­tion concerning the same.

12 From the Counsell he was carried home to the Prison, and there for many dayes kept with bread and wa­ter, so that had the proudest Anchorite, pretending to the highest abstinence beene Commoner with him, it would have tired his swiftest Devotion to keepe pace with him; much other hard usage he felt for the space of a twelve moneth, wherein his feet were hurt in the Stocks, the Irons en­tered int [...] his Soule. So that long durance, short dyet, hard lodging, love of Life, hope of Libertie, feare of Torture, wantig friends to advise him, made such impressions upon him, that at last he was not onely contented to abjure all Wickliefes opinions for false, but also to allow the murder of his deare brother Huss to be a lawfull and laudible Act of exemplary Justice.

13 Here let none Tyrannically trample on the prostrate credi [...] of a penitent sinner. Consider that he did not sur­rende [...] the [...]astle of his integrity at the first summons, but kept it a full yeer, in many a furious assault, till the Con­stant [Page 27] battery of Importunity, made at last an unhappy breach in his Soule. O there is more required to make a man valiant, then onely to call an other Coward. Had we beene in Ieromes Case, what we ought to have done we know, but what we should have done God knowes. And may we here remember the Blessing which Iacob bequeath­ed as a legacie to one of his Sonnes, Gen. 49.19. Gad a Troope shall over­come him, but he shall overcome at the last. Let none looke to long on the intermediate fals and failings to which the best Saints of God, in this life, are Subject, but lift up their eyes to the ultimate and finall victories of Gods servants, who at last, through Christ, prove more then Conque­rours.

14 But Ieromes Condition was rather impar'd then improu'd by his recantation. Great is the Differance be­twixt deliverance out of dangers o [...] Gods giving in his due time, and forcible escapes by sinister courses, which men rashly snatch to themselves. The former is ever attended with inward joy and quiet of Conscience, the Soule Sola [...]cing it selfe, not onely in the end attained, but also in the lawfulnsse of the means used therunto; wheras when men doe not ishue out of a danger by a doore of Gods opening unto them, but breake through the wall, (as Ierome by per­jury) by violent and unwarrantable wayes, their minds are daily haunted with scruples and perplexities, even some­times to dolefull distraction: besides, such escapes never [...]row prosperous, rather easing then curing, and the com­fort got by them unraueleth againe, as it hapned in Ierome of Prague. By whose objuration his conscience was woun­ded, God offended, truth betrayed, good m [...]n made to grieve, and bad men to insult, the malice of his Adversari [...]s being no what abated in violence, but increased in subtil­ty. For conceiving his recantation (as indeed [...]t was) rather indited from his Tongue then his Heart, these Spanels re­solved to Retrive the game, and to put him a fresh on the triall.

15 No fewer then 107. Articles were fr [...]med against [Page 28] him, and he brought to his purgation before the Councell, neere the titular Patriarch of Constantinople, who formerly had condemned Huss was appointed his judge; Happy had it beene, if this pragmaticall persecutor had had no more power in Constance, then he received profit from Constantin­ople, whence he was onely qualified and dignified with an Aeriall title. Ierom most valiently and elequently assessed the truth, recanting his recantation? And protesting that nothing more troubled him in his life, then his former cowardize. Thus, as the well levelled Canon, though at the discharging by the force of the powder it recoyleth some paces backward, yet it [...]endeth the Bullet to the right marke. So Ierom now hit home, notwithstanging his former fearfull failing, and became the more couragious in Gods cause, yea bashfull blushing for their former faults, so becometh the faces of good men, that it maketh them looke the more beautifull.

16 Sentence of condemnation was presently passed up­on him, and a paper Mite was made for him to weare, wherein red divels with monstrous visage [...] were depaint­ed, done to affright the vulgar, who commonly carry their soules in their eyes, much affected w^th such representations; the heathē Romans had a custome that at the Apotheosis, or Pagan Canonizing of an Emperor for a god, when his body was solemnly burned, an artificial Eagle was curious­ly made at the top of the Rogus or funerall pile; and peo­ple perswaded, that that soaring Eagle did withall carry and convey the Emperors soule into heaven: Or at leastwise was an Embleme of his mounting up into happinesse. Thus this pageant of painted divels was presented to the people to possesse them with an opinion, that in the same sort the Fiends of hell did arrest and seaze on the soule of Ierom, who notwithstanding would have done well e­nough, if the divels in flesh their present had not done more to him, then the divels in paper. This Saint rather smiling at the folly then angry at the malice of his ene­mies, cheerfully put the Miter on his head; Did my Savour, [Page 29] said he, weare a Crowne of thornes for me, and shall not I as wil­lingly weare this foolish Cap for his sake?

17 He was fastened to the stacke, which was an [...]mage of wood made to resemble Iohn Huss. (sometimes deepe malice expresseth it selfe but in shallow fancies) and singing all the while, suffered (as I may say) many Marterdomes. It was almost quarter of an houre, before he gave up the ghos [...], rather roasted then burnt: so as blisters, as big as Egs were raised upon his skin: the fire tormented him at distance, being made round about him. Here my soule being to be sent on two severall errands, knoweth not which first to dispatch: whether I should enveigh on the cruelty of his Murderers, who had martired all humanity in them­selves, artificially skilfull to descant on the dolefull plain [...]ong of death, that the poore man might feele himself dye, whilest their revengefull eyes plaid the Epicures on his torment: or shall I first admire the patience of Ierom, who standing as stiffe as the stake to which he was fastened, like Eliah went up to heaven in a Chariot of fire: But to o­mit both, I had best adore the goodnesse of God, which gave such strength unto men, conquering the cruelty of their tormentors by their sufferings.

18 The ashes of Ierom were cast into the river of Rhine, so that he might say with David, Psalm 66.12. We went through fire and water: what the Poets fain of [...]he river Tayns car [...]ying golden sand in the streame thereof, is herein mistically verified of Rhine; now the chanell was enriched with the precious dust of this Saint: that river long since hath perchance scattered their reliqu [...]s to the German sea, as that to the mayne O­cean, though his memory & fame is more dispersed abroad on the Continent. All this separations of his d [...]t shall no [...] pose an omnipotent power, but that at the last day he shall have a glorious resurrection. Wicked men said of St. Paul, Away with such a fellow from the Earth, for it is not fit that he should live. God saith of his soule, of whom the world was not worthy. Both agree in this, though grounding their agree­ment on contray wayes, that men of great piety are not to be long lived in this world.

[Page 30]19 I had almost forgot a perpetuall speech of this Ierom, I summon you all (said he) a hundred yeers hence to appeare before God, and give an account of my innosent blood; severall coments are made of this text, his enemies derided his words as the fantasticall issue of an idle prayer, onely wise and wary in taking the safe terme of a hundred yeers, th [...]t none then present might have the advantage to confute him of fals­hood. Others conceived the expression, a generall commi­nation, using a certaine time for an uncertaine, amounting to this efect; that the longest lived of them all should one day be called to a sad reckoning for their cruelty. But ma [...]ny Protestants not content to have his words an arrow shot at rovers, but ayming at and hitting a marke, inter­pret them of Martin Luther, who in oriticall computation at the end of that Century (as herein to Ieromes opinions & Executer of his will herein) gave that deadly wound to that man of sin, which hath brought him to an incurable consumption attended with an hectique Fever, the infalli­ble forerunner of the speedy approching of his finall dest­ruction.

MArtin Luther was born at Isleben, Ann. Dom. 1483. No­vember 10. at 9. a clock at night on Saint Martins day, and was cal [...]'d Martin. His parents brought him up in knowledge and feare of God, according to the capacitie of his tender yeeres, and taught him to read at home, and ac­customed him to vertuous demeanour. The father of George Aemilius (as Luther often hath related) first put him to Schoole, where though the trueth was much darkned by clouds of Popery, yet God preserved still the heads of Ca­techisme, the Elements of the Cistoian Grammer, some Psalmes and formes of prayer.

At fourteene yeeres of age, he with Iohn Reineck, who [Page 32] proved a man of especiall vertue and authority in those parts, were sent to Magdeburg: thence by his Parents he was removed to Isenak, where was a Schoole of great fame; There he prefected his Grammer learning, and being of a very quick wit, and by nature fitted for elo­quence, he soone surpassed his School fellowes in copious­nesse of speech and matter, and excelled in expression of his minde both in profe and verse.

He went to Erford Anno 1501. Where he fell upon the crabbed and thorny Logick of that age: which he soone attained, as one who by the sagacitie of his wit, was bet­ter able to dive into causes and other places of Arguments then others. Here, out of a desire of better learning, he read over Cicero, Livy, Virgil, and other monuments of an­cient latine Authors.

When at Erphord he was graced with the degree of Master of Aarts at twinty yeeres of age, he read, as Professor, Aristotes Phisicks, Ethicks and other parts of Philosophy. After­ward his kindred seeing it fit that so worthy indowments of wit and eloquence should be cherishsd for the publque good, by their advise he betooke himselfe to the study of the Law. But not long after when he was 21. yeeres old, of a sudden besides the purpose of his parents and kindered (upon an affright from his faithfull mates violent death) he betooke himselfe to the Augustine Monks Colledge in Er­phord. But before he entred the Monastry, he entertained his fellow studients with a cheerefull banquet: and thereupon sent them letters of valedictory; and sending to his parents the Ring & gown of his degree of Master of Arts, unfolded to them the reason of the change of his course of life. It much grieved his parents that so excillent parts should be spent in a life little differing from death. But for a moneths space no man could be admitted to speake with him: running over the Bookes thereof in order, he met with a copie of the Lanine Bible, which he never saw be­fore; there with admiration he observed that there were moe Evangelicall and Apostolicall Texts then what were read [Page 33] to the people in Churches. In the Old Testamen [...] with great [...]ttention he read the story of Samuel and Anna hi [...] mother; and began to wish, that he was the owner of the like book; which not long after he obtained. Hereupon he spent his time on the Propheticall and Apostolicall writings, the fountaines of all heavenly doctrine, seeking thence to enforme his minde with Gods will, and to nou­rish in himselfe the feare of God, and true faith in Christ from true and undoubted grounds. Some sicknesse and feare whet him on to attempt these studyes more earnestly. It is said, that in this Colledge Luther in his younger years fell into a most violent disease, in so much that there was no hope of life; and that an ancient Preast came to him, and with these words comforted him; Sir, Be of good courage for your disease is not mortall; God will raise you up [...]o be a man who shall afford comfort to many other. He was often cheered up by conference with the ancient Priest; to whom he revealed his feares and scruples of minde.

Then he began to read Augustin [...] Works: where both in his Comment on the Psalmes, and in the book, Of the Spirit and letter, he found many evident places, which confirmed this doctrin concerning faith & the comfort which was be­fore kindled in his breast. Yet did he not utterly cast of the reading of Gabriel and Camaracensis, writers on the Senten­ces, but was able to recite them by heart in a manner. He spent much time in often reading Occam, and esteemed him for acutenesse of wit before Thomas Acquinas and Scot [...]s: al­so he studiously perused Gerson. But chiefly he read often Austines Workes, and kept them well in memory. This earnest prosecution of his studyes he began at Erphord: and spent there five years in the Colledge.

In the year 1507. he put on the priests hood. The first Masse which he celebrated, was May 2. Domini Cantate. Then was he 24. years old. In this course he continued 15. years; to the year of our Lord 1527. At that time Iohn Staupicius, who endeavoured to promote the University of Wittenberg lately begun, desired that the study of Theology [Page 34] should there flourish, and well knew the wit and learning of Luther: and removed him to Wittenberg, An. 1508. when he was 26. years old. Here in regard of his daily exercises in the Schools & his Sermons, the eminency of his good parts did more and more shew themselves. And among other learned men, who attentively heard him Martinus Mellurstad commonly cal'd Lux mundi, the light of the world, often said of Luther: that there was in him so Noble a straine of wit, that he did verily presage, that he would change the vulger course of Studyes, which at that time was usuall in Schooles, and pre­vailed.

At Wittenberg Luther first explained Aristotles Logick and Physicks: yet intermitted not his study of Divinity. Three years after, that is Anno 1510. he was sent into Italy and to Rome in the behalfe of his Covent, for the deciding of some controversies among the Monkes. There he saw the Pope and the Popes palace, and the manners of the Roman Clergy. Concerning which he saith; I was not long at Rome, There I said and heard others say Masse: but in that manner, that so often as I call them to minde, I detest them. For at the tabe[?] I heard among other matters some Curtisans laugh and boast, and some concerning the bread and wine on the Altar to say: Bread thou art, and bread thou shalt remaine; Wine thou art, and wine thou shalt remaine. He further addeth, that the Priests celeberated the Masses so hastily and perfunctorily, that he left of saying Masse, before he betook himselfe to the Gospell. And cry­ed out, A way with it, a way with it. In talke with his famili­ar friends he would often rejoyce at this his journey to Rome, and say; that he would not for 1000. florens have been without it. After his returne from Rome, Staupicious so ad­vising, he was made Doctor in Divinity, after the manner of the Schools, and at the charge of Duke Fredrick Elector of Saxony. For the Prince heard him Preach, and admired the soundnesse of his invention, the strength of his argu­ments, and the excellence of the things which he dilivered. Now was Luther thirty years old, and had attained a ma­turity of Judgement. Luther himselfe used to professe, that [Page 35] he would have refused this honour, and that S [...]aupicius would have him permit himselfe to be grac [...]d with this de­gree, saying pleasently; That there were many businesses in Gods Church, wherein he would use Luthers helpe. Thi [...] speech then spoken in a complementall way, at length proved true by the event. Thus many presage [...] goe before great changes. Soon af­ter he began (as the place required) to explaine the Epistle to the Romans and some Psalmes: which he so cleared, that af­ter a long and darke night, there seemed a new day to arise in the judgement of all pious and prudent men. Here he shewed the difference of the Law and Gospell, and refuted an errour then most frequent both in the Schools and Ser­mons: nam [...]ly, that men b [...] their workes can deserve remission of their sinnes; and that menare just before God by observing the dis­cipline commanded: as the Pharisees taught. Luther therefore recal'd mens mindes to the son of God, and (as Iohn Baptist) shewed them the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.

And taught them that for Christ [...] sake their sins are for­given, and that this benefit is received by faith. He cleared also other points of Ecclesiasticall truth: This beginning made him of great authority, and that much the more, be­cause his demeanor was sutable to his doctrine, so that his speech seemed to come from his heart, not from his lippes onely. For the saying is as true as old, [...], A mans pious carriage makes his speech perswasive. Hence it was that men easily assented to him, when afterward he changed some of their rites. As yet he attempted not to doe it, but was a rigid observer of good order, and add [...]d something more strict then usuall. With the sweetnesse of this doctrine all godly minded men were inamoured, and much it affected the learned, that Ch [...]ist, the Prophets and A­postles were brought out of darkenesse and prison, and that the diff [...]rence of [...]he Law and the Gospell, of Gods Word and Phylosophy, (of which they read nothing in Thom [...]s, Scotus and their fellowes) now was manifested. Now also Luther betook himselfe to the study of the Greek and Hebrew [Page 36] tongues, that upon his knowledge o [...] the phraise and pro­priety of the Originall, he might more exactly judge of Do­ctrines grounded thereupon.

Luther being thus busied, into Misnia and Saxonie, Iohn Tecelius a Domanican Fryer brought Indulgences to be sold. This Tecelius arrived (as other matters, so especially) that he had so large a commission from the Pope, that though a man should have defloured the blessed Virgin, for money he could pardon the sin. And further he did not onely give Pardon [...] for sins past, but for sins to come. Luthers godly zeale being inflamed with these proceedings, set forth certaine propositions concerning Indulgences. These he publickly affixed at the Church next to the Castle of Wittenberge, on All-Saint [...] Eve, Anno 1517.

When Luther perceived that the Positions were very well liked of, and entertained as sound and Orthodox; which he at first propounded to be discussed by Disputation, till the Church defined what was to be thought concerning Indulgences; he wrote to Ierom Bishop of Brandenburg, under whose Jurisdiction he was, and submitted what he had written to the Bishops judgement; and intreated him tha [...] he would dash out with his pen, or consume with the fire, what he thought unsound. The Bishop answered Luther, and declared that his desire was, that the setting forth of his argu­ments about those matters should a little while be deferred: and that he wished that the common talke about Indulgences had never been. Luther answered: I am content so [...]o doe; and had rather obey, then worke Miracles, if I could well do them.

In the year 1518 [...] Luther, though most men disswaded him, yet to shew his observance of authority, went (for the most part on foot) to the Colledge of Hidleberg. In the Colledge of the Augustinians, now cal'd the Colledge of Sa­pience, he disputed about Justification by Faith.

Upon Luthers re [...]urne, he wrote an Epi [...]le to Iudocus a Divine and Phylosopher of Isenac, once his Tutour. Where he hath this speech; All the Doctors of Wittenberge (in the do­ctrine concerning grace and good workes) are of my Iudgement, yea the [Page 37] whole Vniversity, except one licentiat Doctor Sebastian: even the Prince himself and our Ordinary Bishop, and many of the Chieftains, and all the Ingenious Citizens with joynt consent affirme, that before they neither knew nor heard of the Gospell, nor of Christ. The Pope by Thomas Cajetan Cardinall cited Luther to Rome. Lu­ther having notice hereof, mainly endeavoured that the cause might be handled in Germany under competent Judges: and at length he prevailed, by the mediation of Wittenberge University to the Pope, and by Charles Multi­tius a German the Popes Chamberlain, and the mediation of the Elector of Saxony to Cajetan then the Popes Legate, that at Auspurg before the Legate himselfe, Luther might plead his owne cause.

About the beginning of October, Luther came on foot to Auspurg, and upon assurance of his safety was admitted to the Cardinals presence. Who admonished him; first, To be­come a sound member of the Church, and to recant the errours which he had divulged: secondly, to promise that he would not againe teach his former doctrines: thirdly, that he would abstain from other Do­ctrines which would disturb the Peace of the Church. Here also it was objected to him, that he denyed the Merit of Christ to be a trea­sure of Indulgences: and that he taught that Faith was necessary for all which should come to the Sacrament. Luther intreated some time to deliberate thereon: and returned the next day, and in the presence of some witnesses and a Scribe, and four of the Empeours Counsellors, professed, that he gave the Church of Rome all due observance, and if he had spoken any thing dissenting from the judgement of the Church, he would reverse it: but could re­voke no errour, being not yet convicted by Scripture of any, and did appeale to the judgement of the Church. But Luther not convinc­ed as yet by Scripture, persisted in the truth. Yet at length fearing least the Cardinall should make more use of his power and greatnesse, then Scholarlike disputations, he appealed to Rome, and departed from Auspurg, October 20. Because the Cardinal charged him not to com into his pre­sence, unlesse he would recant. Yet Luther left behind him an Epistle to the Cardinall, and affixed thereunto a formall appeale unto the Pope.

[Page 38] Cajetan tooke Luthers departure in ill part, and wrote to the Duke of Saxony, that he would either send Luther to Rome, or banish him out of his territories, and intreated him not to give credit to Luthers def [...]nders [...] and to take heed of staining the ill [...]strio [...]s Family, whence he was discended. The Elector returned an­swer; That now it was not in his power to doe this, because Luther was not convicted of any errour, and did much good service in the V­niversity, and did offer his cause to triall and disputation. The re­solution of the Duke was more confirmed by an Epistle of Era [...]mus, and the intercession and vote of the Vniversity of Wittenberg. Here I may not passe over a notable proof [...] of Luther [...] Heroike courage. When Luther came to Auspurg, he by the counsel of such as the Prince Elector sent with him, waited three dayes for to have the Emperours Letters for his safety. In the meane time the Cardinall sent one for Luther; but he denyed to come, untill the Emperour granted what he desired. At this the messenger was offended and said; Do you think that Prince Frederick wil take up armes in your behalfe? I desire it not said Luther, in any wise. Then the Party [...] Where then will you abide? Luther answered, Vnder the cope of Hea­ven. The Italian replyed, Had you the Pope and the Cardinals in your power, what would you doe? I would said Luther, give them all due honor and reverence. At this the Messenger after the Italian manner biting his thumbs, went away.

Upon these dealing [...] Luthers spirit fainted not, yet least he should cause detriment or danger to any one, or derive suspition on his Prince, and that he might more freely deale with the Papall cure, would have gone into France or some other Country. But his friends on the contrary, counselled him to sticke firmely to Saxony: and that the Popes Legate should be certi [...]ied, that was ready in any safe place ap­pointed him to make his answer. But Luther having se [...]led his resolution to depart, took his leave of the Prince Elector, and by a letter sent to him, November 29. thanked his High­nesse for all friendly offices of his love. The Prince sent that letter to the Legate: and appointed Luther to abide at Wittenberg. Of this Luther thus wrote; The Prince was fully [Page 39] minded that I should stay: but what his minde now is, since the Royall proceedings are published, and I have appealed to the Councell, I know not.

For he understanding by the Cardinal [...] Letter, that Judgement should passe on him at Rome, he made a new Appeale, saying, that he was forced of necessity to appeal from the Pope to the Councell ensuing, which was in many respects to be pre­fe [...]red before the Pope.

About the same time towards the end of the 18. yeare, the Pope sent Charles Multitius a Misnian Knight, and be­stowed on Prince Frederick a golden Rose, according to custome consecrated by the Pope on the fourth Sund [...]y in Len [...]: and exhorted him to continu [...] in the faith of his an­cestours. He was earnest with Luther to be reconciled to the Pope: and had seventy Briefes Apostolicall (as they call them) to shew; that if the Prince would deliver him out of his custody, for which cause the Pope sent him the Ro [...]e, in seventy Townes, the seventy Briefes should be set up, and so he should be brought safe to Rome. He further required of Luther, that he would have a regard to the Churches peac [...]; and promised to endeavous, that the Pope should doe the like: Luther freely promised most readily to doe what ever [...]e could with a saf [...] conscience in regard of Gods Truth: and affirmed that himselfe was d [...]s [...]rous and studious of peace, and tha [...] i [...] was no [...] his fault that these stirres arose; for n [...]cessity had urged him to doe, what he had done.

Frederick the Electo [...] a prudent and Religio [...] Prince nei­ther yeelded to the Popes desire, nor vouchsafed his [...]ose any respect: though Multitius wornderfully boasted of it at Dresa, and said, Doctor M [...]rtin is in my power. About this time the Bohemians sending a book writen by Iohn Hu [...] to Luther, encouraged him to constancy and patience [...] and confessed that the Divinity taught by Luther was sound and right.

Matters b [...]ing growne to this height of dispute, and Lu­ther having many adversaries; at Leipsick a towne in Misni [...] belong [...]ng to George Duke of Saxony Cosen-german to Prince Frederick, in the 19. year a Disputation was held. [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 40] Thither c [...]me Andre [...] Carolostadius accompanied with Lu­ther, Melancthon and Barninus Duke of Pomerania. He at that time was in office in the University of Wittenberg. Thither came also Iohn Eckius a Di [...]ine of Ingolstad. Hereupon, I [...]ne the 17. Iohn Eckius and Carolastodius began the Disputation about Free-will. Namely, whether there be in man any free will to doe good as of himselfe? that is, as they say; whether in con­gruity we deserve grace, when we doe what is in us to doe? Eckius granted that there is not in man a genuine and naturall power and ability to doe a good worke, but an acquired. On this poynt eight dayes were spent by his playing the Sophester. Lut [...]er could by no meanes obtaine leave of Duke George freely with his safety to dispute, and thereupon came not as a Disputer, but as an Auditor to Leipsick, under the protecti­on granted to Carol [...]stadius.

In the year 1520. upon Multitius advise, Luther wrote to the Pope, and sent him his booke lately written concerning Christian liberty, and offered conditions of peace. About this time Frederick the Elector fell into a grievous [...]icknesse. Whereupon Luther moved by some of his friends, and out of Christian charity wrote the book called Tesseradecas to comfort him. Then also he wrote the book Of Confession of sins: in which he took occasion to speak of Vowes, and deplored their torturing of mens consc [...]ences. Charles the Emperour requested to hear Erasmus judgement concerning Luther, and wondred that so great & extream hatred should be raised by some Monks and the Pope against Luther, whose life and carriage he conceived to be commendabl [...], and his doctrine not impious; Erasmus answered in a pleasant man­ner; That his Highnesse needed not wonder at that; for Luther had in his disputations dealt against the Monks bellies, and the Popes crowne.

It is reported that these advocates of the Pope did pro­mise Erasmus a Bishoprick of rich revenew, if he would write against Luther. But he answered; That Luther was a man too great for him to write against; and that he learn [...]d more from one short page of Luthers writings, then from all Thomas [Page 41] Aquinas bookes. It is also said, that Margaret the Emperors Aunt, who ruled all Belgium; when the Magistri n [...]stri of Lo­van complained, that Luther with his writings did subvert all Christendme, did demand what manner a man Luther was; when they answered, that he was an unlearned Monke, she replyed: Why then, s [...]e that all you learned men, being a great multitude, write aganst that one unlearned fellow: and doubtlesse the world will give more credit to many of you being learned, then to him being but one and unlearned.

Luther knowing what was don w^th his writings, An. 1520. Decemb. 10. called the Students of Wittenberg together, and in a frequent assembly of learned men, before the gate o [...] Elister near to the great Colledg, where a fire was made, ca [...]t the Popes lawes and the Bull of Leo with some writings of Eckius, Emser, and others thereinto; and said, Because thou troublest Christ the holy one of God, eternall fire will trouble thee. The next day he expounded the Psalmes, and earnestly charded his au­ditors that as they loved the salvation of their souls, they should take heed of the Popes statutes. And in writing gave a reason presently of this his action.

Here Frederick Prince Elector obtained of the Emrerour to call Luther [...] to the Court held at Wormes in March An. 1521. Luther receiving the Emperours grant for his safety, went from Wittenberg.

Here many did dehort Luther from going to Wormes [...] O­thers said, that by the burning of his books, he might know what was the Popes censure concerning himselfe: Others told him of the usage of Hus and Sav [...]narola. But Luther with a resolute courage lightly regarded their ad­vise, and said, that these disc [...]uragements were but cast into his way by Satan, who knew, that by the profession of of the Truth, espe­cially in so illustrious a place, his kingdome would be shaken and in­damaged. He further brak [...] forth into th [...]se words: If I knew that there were so many Devils at Wormes as tiles on the houses, yet would I goe thither. They say [...]he Duke of Bavaria his Iester, whether suborned by others, or by some instinct, met Luther at his enterance into the towne with a Crosse, as is wont in [Page 42] funerals, and sung with a loud voyce: W [...]lcome, com [...]st th [...] [...]ither, and much desired of us, who sate in darknesse.

On the twenty [...]ix of Aprill Luther taking his leave de­parted from Wormes. Casp. Sturmius a Messeng [...]r some hours a [...]ter followed him, and found him at Openheim. Luther being in his journey sent Letters backe both to Caesar and the Pirinces Elector [...] & Sta [...]s of ther Empire, ‘commend­ing himselfe and his cause to them; a [...]d said he was rea­dy to doe any thing which was meet, except to revoke any thing [...] that he knew to be warranted by Gods word.’ Frederick the Elector [...] prudent Prince, seeing Luther to have incurred the hatred of all; that no danger might seize on him, [...]ommitted the bu [...]iness of conveying Luther into some safe place, where he might be free from accesse, to some faithfull friends of the Nobility, that there he sho [...]ld be kept priv [...]te, till Caesar was departed out of Germany. They pr [...]sently, faithfully and secretly conveyed him to the Castle of Wartenburg neear Is [...]nack: This place Luther after­ward used to call his Pa [...]mos.

At length not enduring further delay and innovations, he returned from his Patmos to Wittenberg. In this 2 [...]2. year the New Testament came forth, as it was translated into the German tongue in his P [...]mos, & afterward revi [...]ed some what by Melancthon. He wrote also a letter to the Bohemians conce [...]ning matters of great moment, and exhorted them to constancy in the truth whi [...]h they had received, and that the [...] would no [...] fall back to An [...]ich [...]ist for a vaine hope of peace: He also disswad­ed them from making thems [...]lves g [...]ilty of the innocent blood of John Hus an [...] Jerome of Prague.

About this time also, Luth [...] [...]onfuted Nicolas Stork, Tho­mas Muncer and other fanaticall ringleaders, and Prophet [...] broaching new d [...]ctrines, who pretended revelations An­gilicall, and conferences with God, and denyed the B [...]p­tisme of infants: and thereby sowed the seed of An [...]bap­tisme. These false prophets came from the Cygn [...]an Ci [...]y to Wittenberg, in Luthers absence, and molested Car [...]l [...]st [...]de and Melancthon. Now also Luther answered Henry the eight King [Page 43] of [...], who as other adv [...]rsarie [...] also, [...] ou [...] a booke against Luther, and had given him by Pope Leo [...]he ti [...]le of D [...]fender of the Fai [...]h of the Church.

Then Luther set forth the book concerning [...]h [...] dignity and office of the Civill Magistrate. He also set forth the five books of Moses in the German tongue, [...]hr [...]e thousand years since the death of Moses. H [...] published also a book to the Senate of Prague, about ordaining of Minist [...]rs, and another, about avoyding the doctrine of men.

The year 1526. in October, Luther laid aside his Monkish­hood: and declared his judgem [...]nt conc [...]rning the Synod to be called for determination of the Ceremonies. Now al­so Luther renewed the ordination of Ministers of the Go­spell in the Church: Of whom Ge [...]rge Rorarius was the first [...] Lut [...]er being forty two years old, of a sudden and unex­spect [...]dly m [...]rried Katherin a Bo [...]a a noble Virgin, late a Nun.

Luthers adversari [...]s not onely observed the time of the marryage, but proclaimed the marriage to be inc [...]stuous, in which a Monk married a Nun. Hereupon the King of England in his Answer to Luther, stiles this marriage incestu­ou [...], and there saith among other opprobries put upon Lu­ther, that he could not have committed a [...]in of higher na­t [...]re. Against these disgraces Luther thus animated himselfe, saying; If my marriage b [...] a worke of God, what wonder is there, if the flesh be offended at it? It is offended even at the flesh which God o [...] Creator took, and gave to be a ransome, and food for the salvati­on of the the world: if the world was not offended with me; I should be offended with the world, and should feare that it was not of God, which I have done. Now seeing the world is vexea and troubl [...]d at, I am confirmed in my course and comforted in God.

Then Luther wrote a consolatory letter to Iohn Husse of Breslow a Teacher of the Gospell, notwithstanding the scandall raised by the Hereticks, and their fighting against the Articles of our Faith: and in speciall manner he [...]ni­mated him against Schwenfeld and Cr [...]ntwald.

In the 27. year the Anabapti [...]s broached their new do­ctrin, [Page 44] about the not baptizing of infants; & were themselves rebaptised: they also taught community of goods. Both Lu­ther and Zwinglius wrote against them, and the Magistrates punished them in divers places.

About the beginning of the year 1527. Luther fell sud­denly sick of a congealing of blood about his hears, which almost kil'd him: but the drinking of the water of Carduus Benedictus, whose vertues then was not so commonly knowne, he was presently helped. This year also he put forth the Story of Leonard Keisar his friend, who was burnt for the Gospels sake, at the Command of William Duke of Bavaria.

In the beginning of the year 1529. Luther put fort [...] his greater and lesser Catec [...]ismes for the good of the und [...]r sort of people, and admonished the Pastors and Ministers that they would seriously attend their offices, and teach car [...] ­fully in the Villages. That they would preach still the same things [...] the same points and often presse them upon the people. Her [...] also Luther put forth a book against the Turk in the Ger­man tongue. In this year was held that solemne and nume­rous assembly before the Emperour & the States of the Em­pire, w^ch was printed & made known to all the Nations of Europe. Luther composed the seventeen Articles, before the Divines of Saxony took their journey to A [...]gusta: In these Articles he omitted scholastick disputes and point [...] unnec [...]ssary for the peoples instruction, and comprised the summe of wholsome and necessary doctrin for the salvation of mens souls and true piety.

Af [...]er this the Confession written by Melancthon accord­ing to Luthers direction and advise, was exhibited in the Latine and German tongues in Caesars palace, Iune 25. at two a clock in the afternoone, and was read by the Chancellor of Saxony before Charles the fifth, Ferdinando and all the E­l [...]ctors and Princes being assessors, and that with so shrill and loud a voyce, that not onely in that large Hall, but also in the Court beneath and in the places adjoyning it was well heard. They who subscribed to this Conf [...]ssion were [Page 45] Iohn Duke of Saxony, George Marquesse of Brandenb [...]ugh, Ernest and Franci [...] brothers, Dukes of Brunswick and Lunen­burgh; Philip Landgrave of Has [...]ia, Wolfgang Prince of Anhalt; and two Citi [...]s of the Empire, Norinberg and Reutling.

In the year 1533. Luther comforted the Citizens of Oschatz by his letter, who had been turned out for hi [...] confession of the Gospell; In his letter h [...] saith, The Devill i [...] [...]he Host, and the World is his Inne: so that where ever yo [...] come, you shall be sure to finde this ugly Hoste. In the year 1534. the German Bible translated by him, and brought into one body, was first printed, as the old priviledge dated at Bibliopol [...] under the Electors hands sheweth.

In the year 1535. this Bible was publish [...]d. Th [...]n the fancies of the Anabaptists began to appeare in Westphalia, and made a very great combustion. This year Lut [...]er began publickly to preach on Genesis, which taske [...]e ended (as himselfe was wont to ominate) with his life, six yeares after. In February the year following the Duke El [...]ctor of Saxony with the Confederate Princes and Cities, and their Divines held an Assembly at Smalcald fo [...] matters of Reli­gion.

At this meeting Luther fell sick of a grievous disease, so that there was no hope of his life. He was pained of the stone, and obstruction in the bladder eleven dayes. Here he, though most of his friends disliked and reasoned against it, would be carried thence; the event proved his resolution good. George Sturk the Physitian being s [...]nt for from Er­phord went along with him. Luther as he was carried along, made his Will; in which he bequ [...]athed his detestation of Popery to his friends and Pastors: as before in the house of Spalatinus in the year 1530. where he made thi [...] Verse.

But the night after his departure thence he begen to be somewhat better.

[Page 46]He tooke delight to expresse some things in his owne tongue, and in Ryme. Of which some were to this sense and meaning.

He was in his private converse of such behaviour that his life was a patterene of vertue. As he dined or supped, oftentimes he would dicta [...]e matter to be preached; some­times corrected the faults of the presse, sometim [...]s he would recreate himselfe and others with Musick. He was by na­ture (which Melancthon would often wonder at) a moderate eater and drinker: and yet had no small or weake body: He hath beene seene for four d [...]yes together and being in health, to eate and drinke nothing at set meale times: and often at other times for many dayes to be content with a little bread and fish. I will say nothing how in the Cloy­sters he macerated himselfe with watchings, fasting, labors. Oftentimes being invited to Banquets, he went not, because he would not lose his time, I, said he, lose too much time by in­vitations to Feasts here in the City: I know Sa [...]n hath such an hand in it: that I may not deny it, and yet it doth me harme to accept the courtisy. In company he was familiar, pleasent courte­ous yet grave, as beseemed a man of his place. He was [...]ffa­ble, and studious of truth.

[Page 47] Melancthon affirmeth, that he often found him [...]t prayer with great ardency and tears imploring God for the whole Church. He set apart every day a certaine time for the reading some Psalmes, and intermixt his owne prayers and teares with them. He often used to say; that he was offend­ed with them, who either through Idlenesse or variety of imployment said, that it was enough to pray with groanes onely. And for that end said he, formes of prayer are pre­scr [...]bed us by the will of God, that reading might in [...]l [...]me our mindes, yea that the voyce also might professe, wha [...] God we call upon.

When [...]e recreated his minde, and took it of from study, he delighted to play at Chesse, and was skilfull at it. He sometimes practised the art of Turning with his serv [...]nt Wolfgang; and would say, if the world should den [...] us s [...]stenance for my paines in Gods word, we would learne to get our living [...] with our hands. Sometimes he did play on an Instrument, some­times shoote. He was carefull also of the neatnesse of his Garden, and desired of his friends variety of plants to fur­nish it: So that he had no vacant time. Of his imployments thus he writeth; I am very full of imployment preaching to the peo­ple might well require all my paines, my course of worshiping God and prayer might wholly busie m [...], my paines b [...] expounding Scriptures by writing, my writing Epistles, my care of othe [...] mens affaires tak [...]t [...] up my time; my converse with my friends (which I use to call a feed­ing of my corps) doth very badly steale away a grea [...] part of my time. It was his usuall course either to meditate, or to read, or preac [...], or to give good counsell to his friends: so that h [...] was never idle.

He was very liberall to the poore. On a time when a Stdents asked some money of him, he bad his wife give him some thi [...]g: and when she excused the matter in re­gard of their penury at that time: he tooke up a silver cup and gave it to the Schollar, and bid him sell it to the G [...]ld-smith, and keep the money for his o [...]a [...]ons. When a friend sent him 200. angels of gold from the metal-mines he bestowed them all on poore Students: When Iohn the [Page 48] Elector, gave him a new gowne [...] he said, that he was made to much of, for if here we receive a full recompence of our labours, we shall hope for none in another life. When the same Elector offer­ed him a vayne of Metals at Sneberge: he refused it, lest he should incurre the tentations of the Divell, who is Lord of treasure under the Earth. He took nothing of Printers for his copies, as he writeth, saying, I have no plenty of money, and thus yet I deale with the Printers, I receive nothing from them [...]or recompence of my many Copies, sometimes I receive of them one copy. This I thinke is due to me, whereas other writers, yea translaters, for every eight leaves have an Angel. Concerning money given him thus he writeth; The hundreth Angels given me I roceived by Tanbenhem, and Schart gave me fifty: that I stand in feare, that God will give me my reward here. But I protested that I would not so be satisfied by him, I will either presently repay it or spend it. For what should I doe with so much money? I gave one halfe of it to P. Prior, and made him a joyfull man.

He was very lovingly affectioned towards his children, and gave them liberall education: He kept in his house a School-master to traine them up in good arts and a godly life. When he saw Magdalen his eldest daughter ready to dye, he read to her in Esay 26.19. Thy dead servants shall rise againe, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust: For thy dew is at the dew of hearbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come my people, enter into thy chambers, and shut thy doores about thee: Hide thy selfe as it were for a litt [...]e moment, untill the indignation be over-past,. My daugh­ter enter thou into thy chamber with peace, I shall ere long be with thee. For God will not permit me to see the punishments hanging o­ver the head of Germany. And upon t [...]is wept plentifully. But in publick when he went a long with the Herse he bridled his affection, and was not seen to shed one teare. And as all men of excellent spirits have a zealous anger in due place: So Luther by nature was vehement, but yet placable: As appeareth in this, that when Melancthon much moved to passion once came unto him, and all the rest were very mute, Luther uttered this Verse.

And then smiling, said [...] we will not further dispute of this mat­ter, and turned his speech to other occasions.

He foresaw and foretold many things, as the combusti­on which rose in Germany; saying I am very much afraid, that if the Princes give eare to Duke George his ill counsell, there will arise some tumult, which will destroy all the Princes and Magistrates in all Germany, and ingage in it all the Clergy. Of the death of Frederick Elector of Saxony, thus he writeth, If God in heaven hath resolved in wrath to deale with us, that neither our prayres, nor counsels of amendment can hinder it, let us obtaine this that our Josias may sleep in peace, though the world be left to goe into its Babylon.

Of the covetousnesse, of Germany and the dearth there, thus he speaketh. ‘We feare Famine, and we shall suffer it, and finde no remedy for it. And when as without ne­cessity, we are solicitous to prevent Famine, like wicked and incredulous Gentles, and neglect the word of God and his work; he will permit shortly a dismall day to come upon us, which will bring with it whole W [...]in­loads of ceares; which he shall neither have power or meanes to escape.’ Diverse other things he also fore­told.

He had his health competently well, but that sometimes he was troubled with the headach, especially in his elder yeares. Whereupon he was afraid of some violent Apo­plexie: and when he felt a swimming in his head, or noyse in his eares, he used to say, Lord Iesu, smite me gently, for I am absolved from my sins according to thy word, and am fed unto life eternall by thy body and blood. Thine Apostle John and our Elector were taken out of this world, by this kinde of death. He endured often tentations, whereupon he said, All here are in health except Luther, who is [...]ound in body, and without suffers at no mans hand in the world: onely the Divel and all his Angels vex him.

[Page 50]He was of an indefferent stature, of strong body, of so Lion-like a quicknesse of his eyes, that some could not en­dure to looke directly upon him, when he intentively be­held them. They say that one of mild spirit, who could not endure in private to talke with Luther; was courteously used by Luther, yet was so pierced with the quicknesse of his eyes, that being amazed he knew no course better then to run from him. His voyce was mild and not very cleare; whereupon, when on a time there was mention at table a­bout Pauls voyce, which was not very perfect and full: Lu­ther said, I also have a low speech and pronuntiation. To whom Melancthon answered, But this small voyce is heard very farre and neere.

In the year 1544. the 17. of November he finished his ex­plication of Genesis: which was his last publicke reading in the University, which he concluded with these words: Thus end I my explication on Genesis; God grant that others may more rightly and truely expound it; then I have done I cannot proceed farther therein, my strength faileth me, pray for me, that it would please God to grant me a quiet and comfortable departure out of this life.

In the year 1546. Luther accompanyed with Melancthon vi [...]ted his owne Country, and returned againe in safety. Not long after, the Councell of Trent being begun, and ha­ving [...]te once or twice, Luther was called againe by the E [...]rles of Mansfield to his owne Country, for to compose a dissention among them concerning their bounds and heri­tages. Luther was not wont to deale in matters of this na­ture, having been versed in sacred studyes all his life time: but because he was borne at Isleben, a towne in the territo­ries of Mansfield, he was willing to doe his Country service in this kind. Wherfore making his last Sermon at Wittenberg the 17. day of Ianuary, he to [...]ke his journey on the twenty third day: And at Hall in Saxony lodged at Iustas Ionas his house, where he stayed three dayes because of the ro [...]ghn [...]sse of the waters, and preached the 26. of Ianuary upon Pauls Conversion. On the 28. day being Thursday at [Page 51] Hall he passed over the river with Iustas Ionas and his owne three sons, and being in danger of drowning said to D^r. Ionas; Thinke you not, that it would rejoyce the Divell very much, if I and you and my three sons should be drowned? When he came to the Earles of Mansfield, he was entertained by a hundred horsemen or more of the Court, and was brought into Isleben very honourable, but very sick, and almost past reco­very: which thing he said did often befall him when he had any great businesse to undertake. But using some meanes for cure of his infirmity, he sate at supper with the company; and so continued to doe from the 29. of Ianuary to the 17. of February, and treated of the dfferences, for whose deter­mination he came thither. In this time he preached some­times, and twice received the Lords Supper, and publickely received two Students into the sacred order of the Ministe­ry. And at his lodging used much godly conference at Ta­ble with his friends, and every day devoutly prayed. The day before his death, though he was somewhat weake, yet he dined and supped with his company; and at supper spak of divers matters, and among other passages asked, Whether in heaven we should know one another? when the rest desired to heare his judgement thereof. He said, What befell Adam? he never saw Eve, but was at rest in a deep sleep when God formed her, yet when he awaked and saw her, he asketh not, what she was, nor whence she came; but saith, that she was flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. Now how knew he that? He being full of the Holy Ghost, and endued with the knowledge of God, thus spake. After the same manner we also shall be in the other life renewed by Christ; and shall know our parents, our wives and children, and all about us, much more perfectly, then Adam knew Eve at her bringing to him.

After supper, when he went aside to pray, as was his custome, the paine in his breast began to increase: where­upon by the advise of some there present, he tooke a little Vnicornes horne in wine: and after that slept quietly an houre or two on a pallat neer the fire. When he awaked, he betooke himselfe to his chamber, went to bed, & bidding his friends good nght, admonished them, who were pre­sent [Page 52] to pray God for the propagation of the Gospell; because the Coun­cell of Trent and the Pope would attempt wonderfull devises against it. Having thus said, after a little silence he fell a sleep: But was awaked by the violence of his disease after mid­night. Then complained he againe of the narrownesse of his breast, and perceiving that his life was at an end, he thus implored Gods mercy, and said.

O heavenly father my gratio [...]s God, and Father of our Lord Ie­sus Christ, thou God of Consolation, I give the all hearty thanks, that thou hast revealed to me thy Son Iesus Christ; whom I beleeve, whom I professe, whom I love, whom I glorifie, whom the Pope of Rome and the rout of the wicked persecute a [...]d dishonour. I beseech thee, Lord Iesus Christ [...]o receive my soul. O my gracious heavenly Father, though I be taken out of this life, though I must now lay downe this frail [...] body: yet I certainely know, that I shall live with with thee eternally, and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands. He added moreover. God so loved the world, that he gave his onely begotten Son, that every one, who beleeveth in him should not perish, but have life everlasting. And that in the 68. Psalme. Our God is the God of salvation: and our Lord is the Lord, who can deliver from death. And here taking a medicine and drinking it, he fur­ther said, Lord I render up my spirit into thy hands and come to thee. And againe, Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit, thou, O God of truth hast redeemed me. Here as one falling asleep and without any bodily pain, that could be discerned, he de­parted this life. And when Doctor Ionas and Caelius said, O reverend father doe you dye in the constant confession of [...] that doctrine of Christ, which you have hitherto preached? He answered so as he might be heard: yea, which was the last word he spake. Thus he in his native Country, not having seen it many years before, dyed much lamented by many. This [...]ell on the eighteen day of Febru. on the day in the Calender ascribed to Concord, about three a clock in the morning, in the great climactericall year of his age. Soon after his body put into a coffin of Lead, was carried in funerall manner to the Temple of Isleben: where Iustas Ionas preached.

Then the Earles of Mansfield desired that his body should be [Page 53] interred within their territories: But the Elector of Saxony, re­quired that he should be brought bark to Wittenberge. In the returne thereof, which way so [...]v [...]r it went, it was ho­nourably attended, and with much griefe accompanied out of each Princes Dominion: and at lengh upon the twenty two of February in the afternone, was brought to Witten­berg, and was carried into the Temple neare adjoyning to the Castle, with such a troope of Princes, Earles, Nobles, their living as students, and other people, that the like was seldome or never se [...]n in that towne. When the funerall rites were perforned, Pomeranus preached to an ass [...]mbly of many thousands. And after that Melancthon with many teares and [...]ighe [...] made a funerall Oration. When this was don, the coffin with his body was put by the hands of divers learned men, into the tombe near to the Pulpit, in which he had made many learned Sermon [...] before divers Prin­ces, Electors, and the Congregation of many faithfull Christians. In a brazen plate his picture, lively deciphered was there set up, with Verses by it to this effect.

Upon his Tomb-stone the University of Wittenberg, as to her beloved father, engraved.

MARTINI LVTHERIS. THEOLOGIAE D. CORPVS. H. L. S. E. QVI ANNO CHRISTI M.D [...]XLVI.XII. CAL. MARTII EISLEBII IN PA­TRIAS. M. O. C. V. AN. LXIII.M.III.D.X.

Luthers writing were published at Wittenberg and Iene in severall Towns both in Latine and German tongue. Part of them were expositions of Scriptures, part doctrinall, part polemicall. Of these this was his own judgement. A [...]ove all I beseech the godly Reader, and I beseech him for our Lord Iesus Christs sake, that he would read my writings judiciously and with much pi [...]ying my case.

In Wedlock he lived chastly and godly above twenty yeers, and when he dyed, left three sons and Catharin de Bora [Page 56] a widdow, who lived after his death seven years. To her it was a great griefe that her husband died in a place far from her, so that she could not be with him, and performe the last conjugall offices to him in his sicknesse. In the time of the war which presently followed, she wandred up and down with her orphants, and in banishment was exposed to many difficulties and dangers: And besides the miseries of widowhood; which are full many, the ingratitude of many did much afflict her, for where she hoped for kinde­nesse in regard of her husbands worthy and noble deserts of Gods Church, often she was put of with great indignity. When afterward her house at Wittenberg in time of pesti­lence was infected, she for her childrens safety, as became a godly mother, betook her selfe to Torg, where was also an University. But in the way, when the horses affrighted ran out and seemed to indanger the waggon, she amazed not so much for her owne, as her childrens preservation, lept out of the Waggon, whereby poore wretch she grievously brui­sed her body in the fall, and being cast into a poole of cold water, caught thereby a disease, of which she lay sick three months in banishment, and pining away at length dyed quietly in the year 1552.

HIs Sirnam [...] implyes the place of his birth, Roterdam is a City of Holland; Holland the seat of the ancient Bata­vi: but now illustrious by the production of one pen, then by all her former harvests of pykes. Seaven Cit [...]es, no co [...] ­temptible portion of witty and work-like Greece, accou [...] ­ted the Nativitie of Homer, so great an access to their o­ther glories, that they seriously contested about it. Al­though Homer (because Antiquity will have it so) be greater then Erasmus; yet litle Roterdam hath more to boast of in him, then great Athens, Smyrna, Rhodes, Colophon, Chios, Sa­lamis or Argos, in the other. For it is certaine, Erasmus was born at Roterdam, but pitch upon what City of those [Page 58] seven you please, it is six to one, whether Homer was born there or not. But what talke we of Roterdam? Rhenamus sticks not to impute his Nativity to the fortune of Em­perors, and felicity of the whole German Empire: within the limits whereof he was born, upon the vigil or Eve of Simon and Iude, under Frederick the third: But in what yeer of our Lord, or that Emporors raigne, is not remembred; this is certaine in the yeer of grace 1519. he was either 50. or 52. his mothers name was Margaret, daughter to one Peter, a physitian of Zavenberg; his father Gerard. These accompanied together secretly (but not without promise of marriage) untill the young woman proved with childe. Gerards father was named Helias, & his wife Catherine: each of them lived till past 95. They had ten Sonnes, without any daughters, all married except Gerard, who was the youngest save one. All of them much resented this Clan­destine combination and commixture betwixt Gerard and Margaret; wherefore to prevent their marriage, to gaine his portion to themselves, and yet not loose a brother, able in time, to feast them at his owne cost; they resolve out of ten, to give Gerard, as the Tieth, unto God: that is to dedicate him to the Church; whereby perceiving himselfe excluded from marriage, and not yet resolved to enter in­to holy Orders, he fled to Rome. By the way he wrot back to his friends; the reason of his journey he intimated by the impresse of his seal, which had one hand infolded in another. In the meane time Margaret was brought to bed, and the child (the subject of this discourse) cheerfully received, and care­fully nourished by his grand [...]mother. Gerard after his arri­vall at Rome, maintained himselfe by his Pen; for he wrote an exellent hand, and Printing was not then found out, or but in the infancy: In processe of time the Copying out of learned bookes begate in him a love to learning it selfe: so that besides his knowledge in the Tongues both Greek and Latin, he became a considerable proficient in the Lawes, which he might the more easily doe, Rome then abounding with many learned and able Schollers, and he himselfe [Page 59] having the happinesse to be an Hearer of Guarinus.

His father and brethren having certaine intilligence, both of his being and well being at Rome, fraudulently advertise him by letters, that she was dead, whom he in­tended to marry, and therefore advise him to dispose of himselfe to his best advantage; w^ch he rashly beleeving, out of meer griefe, became a Priest: applyed himselfe wholly to those studies which he judged most instrumentall to his function: after his returne into Holland (whereby the Popes favour he obtained a Benefice) though he plainly saw how he had been deluded, yet would he never thereafter keep her company, or she marry any other. Notwithstand­ing he tooke speciall care for the liberall education of the childe, whom he put to Schoole when he was yet scarce foure yeeres of age.

From Vtrecht, where for the sweetnesse of his voyce he had been chosen Querister; and after some yeers spent (but without any notable proficiency) in reading, writing, Mu­sick, and the elements of Grammer, he removed him to D [...] ­ventry. That his tender yeers must not want a nurse, his mother (impatient of his absence) accompanied him: what learning that semibarbarus schoole afforded was formerly raked out of Ebrardus, and Iohannes de Garl [...]dia; this was also in the fate of Erasmus, to finde there before him, A­lexander Hegius skilfull in Latin, and not ignorant in Greek: having had Rodolphus Agricola, and Guarinus Veronersis, the one for his Companion, the other for his schoolmaster: together with Zi [...]thius, a man not unlettered, considering the times; who perceiving in Erasmus an admirable wit, joyned with an incomparable memory, promoted him to the third Class, and dismissing him with a kiss, foretold he should become the envie and wonder of all Germany [...] And indeed the event came nothing short of his prophesie.

At Daventry, in the thirteenth yeer of his age, his mother died of the Plague; and with her most of the family where she lodged: those sad and sudden newes, so affected Gerard that within few dayes after, he followed her to the next [Page 60] world whom he was not permitted to, enjoy in this. Which caused Erasmus (now an Orphane) to returne into his own Country; where he found three Curators or Gardians as­signed him by h [...]s Father (the cheiefe was one Peter Winkell a schoolmaster) these three trusty Trojans in hope to make a bootie of his Patrimony, in sted of an Vniversity, for which he was ripe, resolve to s [...]rve him into a Monastery: From Daventry therefore they committed him to a convent of Friers regular at Boslednt in Brabar [...]; Here he lived, that is (as himselfe expou [...]ds it) almost lost three yeers, Romboldus their reader, partly out of affection, and partly prompted thereto by Winkell, did what he could to draw him to their Order, but in vaine; he had already seen enough to disswade him from that, or any other Fraternity of that kinde. Whilst he remained a Recluse at Bosleduc, he became intimat­ly acquainted with Hermannus Gaudensis, a learned young man, and a notable student, by whose perswasion, and help, he most accurately red over almost all the Classicall Authors extant in the Latin tongue; whether in prose or verse. But whilst, for bettering his minde, he overcharged and neg­lected his tender body, he fell into a tertian Ague: His Guardians lay hold on the occasion, presse him againe & a­gaine to a Regular profession, to blandishments adde threats leaving no stone unroled, in prosecution of their perfidious designe: He excuseth himselfe modestly, and by many ar­guments defendeth his diniall; but they pricked on by a­varice, resolve not to be satisfied with reason.

Wherefore from Bosleduc, they hurry him to Sion, a Mo­nastery neer Delfe: At Emaus a nighbouring Convent, it was his fortune to meet with Cornelius his Companion and Chamberfellow at Daventry; by whose importunity rather then arguments, he was perswaded to spin out his Probasion yeer at Emaus; which almost finished, through poverty, which hindered his present removall, and shame to seem averse from Religion, though he persisted in his o­pinion, he made a shift for some few dayes longer, to dis­semble his resolution. In the meane time Henricus a Birgis, a [Page 61] noble man by extraction, and Bishop of Cambray, prepar­ing for Rome, in hope of a Gardinals Cap, wanted nothing so much as ready money, and a young man skilfull in the Latin tongue, to accompanie him; this fell out pat for Erasmus, whose great abilities in that kind, being reported to the Bishop, he thought it needles to go further and speed worse. And Erasmus (now in Sacred orders) to avoid the pro­fession he so much disaffected, readily under [...]ook the jour­ney. The Bishop of Vtrecht with the consent of the Prior and Generall of the Order, was easily perswaded to licence his departure; but Cambray, in whom avarice counterpoysed ambition, choosing rather to keep his old Mitre with his money, then purchase a new Hat at so vast a summe as was demanded, upon b [...]tter consideration stay'd at home: this made Erasmus, fearing his inconstancy in other things, beg leave to prosecute his Studies at Paris; which he obtained, with promise of a yeerly pension for his better incourage­ment, and many other good-morrows, which like other great men in like cases, he never performed. At Paris in the Colledge (named) of the Mount, he studied Schoole divi­nity, applying himselfe therein according to the custom of the pla [...]e, to the precepts and principles of Sco [...]us, who for his great wit, and inextricable distinctions, was there chiefely followed, and in greatest admiration: but these co­nimbrums, whether Reall or Nominall, went downe with E­rasmus like chopt hay, having some shew indeed of solidi­tie, but scarce the substance of a meer shaddow. He was a sworne enemy to whatsoever savord of barbaritie, and heer he found nothing, whether for food or physick, but Ra­barbarum, unlesse you will needs reckon rotten egges, and a stinking infectious chamber into the bargaine; which in processe of time so poysoned his dainty and amiable com­plexion, as inforced him to quit the place, & return to his old Patron the Bishop of Cambray: with whom he not only advanced his private studies, but s [...]rued himselfe into the familiar acquaintance of many famous and learned men, amongst whom the principall were Antonius Abbas, and Iacobus Battus Recorder of Be [...]gen.

[Page 62]Having recovered his health, he returned into Holland, with a full purpose to settle himselfe in his owne Coun­trey: from whence notwithstanding, whether by advise of friends, or upon some emergent discouragement, he went immediatly back again to Paris. Where the Pestilence raging for a long time without intermission, & benevolences com­ing either short, or but slowly from the Bishop, for his private supply he was forced to make a journey once everie yeere into Holland, to the great interruption of his other imployments; this made him lend a more willing eare to the motion of young Montjoy, who being at that time a Traveller in France, made choise of him for his Tutor: and thereafter invited him into England, where his civilities far exceeded his munificence. Howsoever upon this occasion, he began here first to be taken notice of; at his returne, there befell him a very shrewd misfortune in Dover, where all the gold he brought with him, or was given him by way of viaticum here, (no inconsiderable summe in a poore Scollers purse) except five pounds, was seazed and taken from him by the Customers; he was not ignorant of the danger, but Sir Thomas Moore perswaded him that no forreigne coyne was liable to such forfeiture: it is strange a man so well seene in the Lawes could be so foully mista­ken; but more strange that neither he, nor the Lord Mount­joy at any time thereaftter, interposed with the King, in his behalfe: perhaps being a lavish and indigent Prince, they knew him inexorable in such cases. All men expected some bitter invective, and not without reflexion upon the whole Nation, should have followed this bar­barous plunder executed upon so poore, and yet so conspicuous a stranger: but he patiently swallowed the gudgion, whereby he infinitly gained upon the affection of the English; and was so far from any thought of revenge, that not onely in a treatise written of purpose immediatly therafter, he made honorable mention both of the King and Kingdom. But having recruted in Holland, he forthwith returned into England, drawn thither by his affection to [Page 63] Groci [...]us, Linacer, More, Pacaeus, Cole [...], Latimer, and Tonstall, Stars of prime magnitude in the British orbe: who because they honored learning, strove which of them should most honor Erasmus: in England he did read publickly at Cam­bridge; in Germany (after his returne) at Lovane; being there­to invited, and accommodated with lodgings by Iohannes Paludanus the Rhetorician? from Lovane he visited France, and wa [...] from thence the third time drawne over into Eng­laud, by many large promises, which proving in the per­formance, but Timpanous clouds, or not with child of so much moisture as he expected, made him re [...]olve for Italie; perhaps out of desire, both to know, and be knowne in that Country; then which Europe affords none, whether for Armes or Arts, more accomplished. To itch out his tra­velling charges he agreed with Bap [...]ista Boeria Phy [...]itian to King Henry the 8. to accompany his two sonnes to Bononia: By the way as he past the Cottian Alpes, he was created Doc­tor of Divinity at Taurinum: thereby importing into Italie, what others usally exported, learning and Honor. At Bononia (be [...]ides other Professors) he gained the acquaintance of Paulus Bombasius: Beroaldus died before his arrivall, and his death was the more lamented, because his successor Baptista Pius, a bad Critick, but no better Antiquary, vomited up [...]thing in his Chaire, but Oscos & Volscos: Here he dismissed [...]ia's sons, not so much for their owne petulancy, as the morosity of their Father; finished his Adages or Proverbs whereof he had given the world an essay or taste formerly at Paris: and layed a side his Monasticall Habit assumed at Emaus, where he was a Probationer, and untill that time constantly retained, upon this occa [...]ion. At Bononia, Chirur­gians appointed Triers of the Plague weare white linnen Napkins hanging transuerse their shoulders, and tyed with a knot to their girdle, as Friers doe Scapulars; that others fearfull of infection, may (if they please, avoid them in the streets. Er [...]smus going abroad somewhat early one mor­ning, was met in a narrow lane by a company of madde shavers, who perceiving his white Scapular, and thereby [Page 64] mistaking him for a Tryer, after insinuation by signes, (but by him not understood) to get him out of their way, they tooke up stones, wherewith they had undoubtedly pelted him, if others invited by the noyse into their Balconies, whence they beheld both the mistake and danger, had not speedily runne downe and puld off his Scapular: To prevent such morning salutations for the future, by a Dispensation from Iulius 2. confirmed by Leo 10. he changed his Regu­lar Habit of Frier, into that of a Secular Priest. I see no great reason he had to usurp the Habit, since he despised the Profession, or why he troubled two Popes, about such a trifle; but he is past twice one and twenty, let him answer for himselfe.

After a yeer and three mounths stay at Bononia, he salut­ed Venice; where he printed his Adages, gave us a new editi­on of Plautus and Terence, with the distinction and structure of their verses, reprinted his Hecuba and Iphigenia two Tragedies of Euripides, and added to his numerous acquain­tance Ambrosius Nolanus, Baptista Egnatius, Paulus Canalis a Patrician, and Hieronymus Aleander Mottensis, who for his skill in the Tongues, was afterwards promoted to a Car­dinalship: he lodged at the house of Andraeas Asulanus and was supplyed with all things necessary by Aldus Manutius, who likwise supplyed him with divers Greek Manuscri [...] but extreamly corrupted, all which, at his better leasure [...]e red over and corrected at Padua: the principal were Pausa­nius, Eustathius, the Interpreters of Licophron, Euripides, Pinda­rus, Sophocles, and Theocritus; being therein assisted by Mar­cus Musurus Cretensis, and Scipio Carteromachus; the one in­comparable for his skill in History and Mythology, the o­ther for his ingenuity: His spare houres he bestowed upon his pupil Alexander the young Archbishop of Saint Andrews, and Brother to Iames King of Scots whom he accompanied, to Senae, in Hetruria, and there leaving him for a short time, went to Rome: where fame as his Harbinger had al­ready taken up his lodging in the affection of most of the Inhabitants. It is incredible with how great applause of [Page 65] all sorts of people, he was received into the City: the Pope off [...]red him a room amongst his Peni [...]entiaries, a place both of profit and credit, and a step to the highest preferments in that Court. Raphael Cardinall S. George, Iohn Medices af­terwards Leo 10. and Aegidius Viterpiensis outvy'd one another as much in their gifts, as complements; but he, have­ing seen Phaedra famous for extemporarie eloquence, and reputed an Actor nothing inferior to old Roscius, returned according to promi [...]e, to his late and Royall charge, in whose retinue, he took a generall view of most parts of Italie as far as Cumae, where (not without some Religion and horror) amongst other monuments of Antiquitie, he beheld the Cave of Sibilla.

Here the Archbishop was recalled into Scotland, and soon after unfortunately slaine by his Fathers side, in a battaile fought against the English, at what time King Henry the eight besiedged Tourney by the procurement of Iulius the 2. And Erasmus, rather satiated then satisfied with Italian de­lights, and rarities; began likewise to turne his face hom­ward, shaping his course by the Rhetian Alpes, he past first [...]o Curia, thence to Constance, and so through the Martian Forrest by Brisgoia, to Argentoratum or Strasbury, and from thence by the Rhene into Holland: where had no sooner sa­luted his friends at Antwerp and Lovane, but he immediatly tooke shipping for England. Upon his arrivall William War­ham Archbishop of Canterbury collated him to the Rectory of Aldington in Kent, whereof he accepted somwhat unwil [...]lingly, alleadging how inconvenient it was to abridge tho [...]e of any part of the Benefice, who discharged the whole Office. But, replyed the Archbishop, who ought more to be maintained by Church benefices, then those by whom the Church is most benefited? Curates are indeed instruct­ers within their particular Charge, but Erasmus instructeth the Instructers; to expresse his thankfulnesse for this, and many other favours received in this Kingdom, he honored Doct [...]r Cole [...] Deane of Pauls, and founder of the Schoole cal­ed Catechizatiquis, with the Inscription of his Bookes De Co­pia [Page 66] Verborum et Rerum; whereupon he said merrilie that he was turn'd Bankrupt, and had no more to part with. His Adages the thi [...]d t [...]me revised and inlarged with divers Treatises translated out of Plutarch, he dedicated to his old M [...]caoenas the Lord Mon [...]joy: his Emendations and Cen­sures upon S. Hieroms Epistles, an unparalled work to his unparralleld benefactor the Lord Archbishop of Canterburie. Longer he intended to have stayed, but hearing that Frobe­nius, at the request of many French and Germane Universi­ties, had undertaken to reprint his Adages at Basil, and ha­ving both them and S. Hieroms Epistles ready for the Presse, at which he was desirous to be present, setting all other businesse aside, he took the most compendious way thither. Frobenius he found in his grave, yet was not disappointed of his welcome, that was abundantly supplyed by his Sons Bruno and Basilius, and Iohn Frobenius his kinsman, in whom the old man still survived, both for his skill and honestie; they quartered him under the same rooff with Amerbachius; whom after S. Ambrose, and S. Augustin, he found wholly imployed in the restitution of S. Hierom; wherin at first he vsed the help of Iohn Reuclin a civilian, but afterwards fell upon a more happie Critick Iohannus Con [...]n Norimbergensis the Dominican; who out of worm-eaten Manuscrips suppli­ed what he found wanting; corrected many places depra­ved; and replaced not a few formerly disioynted. Th [...] worke was brought to such perfection before his arrivall, that leaving the rest to Amerbachius (except when his judge­ment was required in the variation of Manuscripts) he ap­propriation unto himselfe the only volumn of his Epistles; whereunto he prefixed Arguments, and added briefe, but judicious [...]llustrations: many are of opinion that it cost Erasmus more oyle and want of sleep, in repairing such breaches, as time and ignorance had made in them, then it did the Author in penning them. To this great worke succeeded a greater, and much more profitable; his Edition of, and Annotations upon the whole new Testament, which as the chiefe instrument of our Salvation, he dedicated to the [Page 67] chiefe Bishop (as he supposed) Leo the 10. From Basil his private affairs drew him into the Low Countries, he arrived at Aquisgrane, at what time Charles the fift was inaugura­ted Emperor; and was present at the Diet of Worm [...]s as one of his Councell, being thereto admitted before the death of Silvagius the Chancellor. The Diet ended, and Tourney sur­rendred to the Emperor, he made what hast he could back againe unto Basil; from whence the world first saw, and admired his Paraphrase upon the foure Evangelists, and Saint Pauls Epistles? a work uncertaine, whether undertaken, or received with greater alacrity: in composing whereof, he applyed himselfe, amongst the Latines, to Ambrosse, Augustin, Hierom, and Hilary; amongst the Greekes, to Saint Chriso­stom, and his follower Theophylact; the contexture and style were his owne. The whole, he dedicated by parts, to Charles the 5. and Ferdinand his Brother; by both he was highly esteemed, and might (if he pleased) have been as richly re­warded. But since preferment and he ran on (not by chance but choise) like Parallels, some may wonder how he sup­ported so vast a charge, as the setting forth of so many Bookes of his owne, the Emendation of so many written by others: And, (which was an antecedent to both) the purchase or transcription of so many Manuscipts (to say nothing of his frequent and expensive travels) must needs draw upon him: There is no better way to cleer this doubt, then (before we go any further) to measure his great esteem, with the greatest of his Contemporaries, by the Correspon­dence he held with them, and their munificence towards him.

When he was scarce crept out of the shell, he pronoun­ced a Panegirick of his owne Composure, before Philip father to Charles 5. as he came out of Spaine into Germany, for which he honored him with a yeerly pension during Life. King Henry the 8. of England, wrot to him with his o [...]ne hand, offered him a goodly house (belike some dissol [...]ed Abbey) worth six hundred Florenes yeerly: and besid [...]s, gave him severall tastes, rather then surfeits of his pr [...]ce­ly [Page 68] bounty. Francis the French King wrote likewise unto him after the same manner, (as appears by his letter yet extant) offered him a Bishoprick, and one thousand Flo­renes pre annum to set up his rest in France. Charles the 5. offered him a Bishoprick in Sicily, made him of his Coun­cell, and (besides many of his expressions of his liberality) bestowed upon him a yeerly pension of two hundred Flo­renes; Ferdinand his brother King of Hungary made him a tender of four hundred Florenes yeerly, with promise to make them up five hundred, to professe at Vienna. Sigismond as much to come into Poland, and further with a Royall and liberall hand supplyed his present necessities: Mary Queene of Hungary wrote to him often, and ever with her owne Hand; her bounty (without question) eq [...]alled her exceeding Humanity. Anne Princess Veriana gave him a yeerly pension of one hundred Florenes. Frederick Duke of Saxony presen­ted him with two Medals, the one Gold, the other silver, which in a letter to Spalatinus, he prefers before two Attick Talents: George Duke of Saxony, with diverse Ingots of sil­ver digged out of his owne Mines, and a great drinking Bole of the same: William Duke of Gulick imitated him in the latter, but outstript him in the Capacity: Adrian the 6. to whom he consecrateth Arnobius, wrot to him thrice, which grand respects from the Pope, much abated the fury of the Friers his enemies: and there is no doubt, but he largly contributed towards the charge of that worke, un­dertaken especially for his owne honor; He congratulated the Papacie to Clement the 7. who in requitall sent him five hundred Florenes, and by his Apostoticall letters invited him to Rome: Paul the 3. had brought him into the Colledge of Cardinals, but that he was prevented by death: in the interim he sent him a Collation to the Prepositure of Daven­try, which he refused, saying he was now neer the end of his journey, and hoped to get thither without it: William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury changed his Prebend in­to a pension, and scarce ever wrote to him, but in letters of Gold; his last token was a Gelding, of whom he used to [Page 69] say, that though he wanted originall sin, he was guilty of two mortall ones, Sloath and Gluttony. Cardinall Wolsey a stately Prelate, and not easie of accesse, yet wrot unto him letters full of singular humanity; and besides other remem­brances, bestowed on him a Pension out of a Prebend in York? The Bishop of Lincolne, and Rochester, bountifully supplyed him upon all occasiones; Hammond and Vrswick sent him a brase of Geldings; Polidore Virgil money [...]o buy a third. Cromwell the first, out of his sacrilegious broak-age, at twise, 30. Angels: Montjoy, More, Tonstal, and Colet, were his continuall supporters; to say nothing of many others within this kingdome: Cardinall Matthaeus offered him a yeerly pension of five hundred Ducats to live at Rome, and sent him a Cup of beaten Gold: he received another of the same mettle, but greater and more curiously engra­ven with sundry poeticall fancies, from Albert Arch­bishop and Cardinall of Mentz; Cardinall Gampegius a­mongst other tokens, sent him a Diamond Ring of no meane value: Stanislaus Olmucensis, a silver bole double gilt, with four peeces of Gold, the coyne of ancient Emperors? the Bishop of Basil offered him for his society halfe his Bishoprick, which alluding to the name he termed half his Kingdome. Thurzo Bishop of Vratislavia went ten dayes journey out of his way to behold him; and you must not imagine that when they parted, he gave him nothing. An­other of the same name sent him foure Watches, foure in­gots of pure gold, and a Muntiro lined with rich Sables. Christopher Shcidlovitz Chancellour of Poland, a Clocke, Spoone, and Forke all of pure gold. Peter Bishop of Cra­covia thirty Duck [...]ts. Iohannes Paungarnerus a good quan­tity of gold uncoyned, with a silver Bole of no meane ca­pacitie; Rinkius another; Fuggerus a third; all gifts (as himselfe jested) not unbefitting a Hollander. Iacobus Piso two peeces of ancient Coyne, the one Gold, the other Silver, resembling Gratian and Hercules. Vigilius Zuichemus a gold Ring, which explicated, became an exact celestiall sphere. And William Earle of Eysenburg a Dagger, which by the in­scription [Page 70] he wished in the heart of his enemies. Besides these he held intercourse by Letters, and was often sup­plyed by Erastus Duke of Bavaria, Croyus Cardinall of To­ledo, and Alphonsus Fonseca Archbishop of the same, Dominicus Cardinall Crimanus, Iohn Cardinall of Bernard Cardinall of Trent, Iohn Sylvagius Chancellour of Burgundie, the Bishop of Paris and Baion, Erardus Leodiensis, Philippus Trajectensis, Christopherus Augustanus, Iacobus Sadoletus, Ennius Verulanus, Hugo Constantiensis, Aloisius Marlianus, Conradus Wircembur­gensis, and Antonius a Bergis Abbot of Saint Bertines. This may seeme a large Nomenclature of Friends, Patrons and Ac­quaintance; and yet a farre larger might easily be gathered out of his owne Epistles and Prefaces. This (whatsoever it is) I am sure without wrong to posterity, could neither be omitted nor contracted, seeing thereby we should either deprive him of the honor of so great friends, or them of the glory of so great Munificence.

What a To [...]quot of Archbishopricks, Bishopri [...]ks, Pre­bends and fat Parsonages might not this so Patroned a Clerke (had he had but the conscience to digest them) have accumulated under one red Hat: [...]ut he declined civill pre­ferments as not so sutable to his Priesthood, and had he accepted Ecclesiasticall, he foresaw (having already so much spent himselfe to inlighten others) that he should either ruine his body by discharging, or his more precious soule, by neglecting them; and therefore chose rather to cast himselfe upon the benevolence of his friends, though with disparagement to himselfe, then with scandall upon the Church, which like a genuine Apostle he laboured to be­nefit, whether gra [...]is or ingratiis. Learning wa [...] never at a greater losse or lower ebbe, either in France or Germanie, then he found it: within few yeeres after the publication of his Adages and Bookes de copia, soloecisme (in both) began to be whooted at; Presses to sweat under the Institutions of Theodorus the Grammarian, and other Greeke Authors newly translated into Latine; and all men, who either were or desired to seeme, whether learned or promoters of learning [Page 71] to blow the coale that was already kindled. To this onely end and purpose H [...]eronymus Buslid [...]us bequeathed the greatest part of a very great Estate; and Erasmus so prevailed with his Executors, that putting the money into one Purse, they therewith founded & endowed a Colledge in Lovaine, wherin the three learned Tongues are exactly taught by as many exquisite Professours, he himselfe inlivened it with Statutes. In emulation of the Spaniard, the French King shortly after erected just such another at Paris; and because he would have it in nothing inferiour to that at Lovane, sent a Com­mission under his great Seal to Erasmus to prescribe it Sta­tutes, and furnish it with Professors; but he accepted not thereof, perhaps hindered by sicknesse, or some other im­ployment. The Trojane Horse was never more pregnant with armed men, then those two Colledges have beene ever [...]ince, with men learned in all those, and many other lan­guages.

His judgement was much questioned, especially beyond the Alpes, for prostituting in his Chiliades, so vast and in [...]valuable a treasure of humain Learning to every purblinde eye and vulgar capacity; in which winde Aldus Manutius suffered before him, for his Commentaries upon Sophocles and Euripides, as though it were an essentiall of learning to be acquired onely in Italie. But of all Monopolies he ab­horred that of Learning most, accounting nothing too good to be communicated; nor any thing below him, that might bring others to the same height of knowledge wher­unto he himselfe had already ascended; we cannot have a better proofe of the one then his Adages, or witnesse of the other, then his Commentaries upon Cato de Morib [...]s.

France (I confesse) may with great reason glory in Budae­us; No man hath hitherto better discovered whatsoever belongeth unto Money, whether you respect the Greek or Roman standard; His Commentaries of the Greek tongue, and Anno [...]ations on the Pandects, are two usefull and excellent Peeces. But Erasmus was nothing his inferior in humanity, when first he applyed himselfe to Theologie; a study, by [Page 72] Budaeus, either not attempted, or persecuted onely upon the bye. The next who with best reason can be brought into this Competition, is Ludovicus Vives, who can hardly extend his Paralell as far as Budaeus, and therefore all I will say of him, is, that he was borne in Spaine, bred in Italie; Erasmus brought with him more learning out of Germany, then he found in both; who but Erasmus, durst ever have attempted to bring a generation of supercilious, and yet ignorant Friers, bred up in meer Sophistry, and barbarisme, to a true relish of Divinity, as it is delivered to us by the Fathers? most of whose Workes miserably corrupted, he restored to their genuine and native splendor; others un­dertook what he was not able to overtake, provoked by his letters, or aminated by his example: So that directly or indirectly, he was the true cause of the Restitution of all of them. And yet this was but halfe his taske, he found the Discipline of the Church in no better case then the Doctrine, this turned into Sophistry, that into Ceremonies; which he labored to abridge, not to abolish; being as in­seperable and proper unto Religion, as shadowes are unto Substances. Although we may truely account her farre past the M [...]ridian, in that Church, where she can hardly be seene, for the length of her owne shadow: But how great soever his desire was, to see Church discipline purged, and restored to its primitive simplicity and integrity, he at­tempted nothing (with our late Reformers) by way of tu­mult, or Schismatically: And yet this very attempt, though it never exceeded an unwearied and legall application to those in authority, bred him as many Enemies, as there were then waspes and hornets, who had wanted food, if they had wanted Corruption in that kinde to have fed upon: of these some accused him of a Correspondency; others, of a confederacy with Martin Luther? the first he never denyed, the second they were never able to prove. As for the suspicion of Arianism [...], whereof envy it selfe durst not accuse him whilst he lived, I hold it a Calumnie scarce worth the answering. All that can be said against [Page 73] him is onely this, that he seemes to extenuate, (and it were to be wished, he had imployed his wit better) some Testimo­nies alledged by the Fathers against Arius; as not so Con­vincing and ponderous as they imagined: But in all the nine great volumes of his owne Workes, there is not one Apex positively for him, innumerable against him; He was the first man (I may not except Martin Luther) who with sobriety brought us from Hales & Holcot to St. Ciprian and Augustin, from [...]he Fathers, to the Scriptures themselves; if he had intended to promote Herisie, his most compendious way had been, to have lef [...] both in the same obscurity he found them. But (which I am often necessitated to remem­ber) by his Annotations, he illustrated the one, and by his piercing censures removed such ignoble and spur [...]ous Brats, as after age [...], out of intrest or ignoranc [...], would needs have fastened upon the other: Some, not able them­selves to judge betwext [...]mitating and Api [...]g, are bold to censure his stile (though by their owne confession, pure, Copius, flexible, and ex [...]emporary) as not every where E­levated to the true light of the Cicer [...]ni [...]m pole: He can run but goingly, who ties hims [...]lfe to another m [...]s foo [...]steps. Erasmus had his owne G [...]nius as well as Cicero; held a Bull as compleat a creature as a Baboon, and that most comely, which was most genuine and masculine; not so much taken with the Cadency and Chym [...]ng of words, as the sententious density of the matter. And therefore rather chose with Saint Augustine to retaine some few words in common use, though lesse Ciceronian, then by changing them into more eloquent, but lesse intelligible, tortur [...] his simple Readers upon the continuall racke of their Di [...]io­naries.

Many of his noblest Workes he elucubr [...]ted at Basil, the rest at Friburge, whether he was (in a manner) compelled to retreat by Bernard Cardinal of Trent, doubt [...]ull what might befall him in the Reformation of Religion at Basil. I com­mend the Cardinals providence, but in that Reformation there was no indignity offered to any Clergie mans person, whe­ther [Page 74] Regular or Secular: they had all free liberty to dispose of their Persons, and Personall estates, as they pleased; At his first Comming to Friburdge, he dwelt in a house some­times inhabited by Ferdinand Vnckle to Charles the fift, and built for a retreats to his old age, by Villingerus his Trea­surer: which proving as much to big for Erasmus, at it was to little for Ferdinand, he purchased one of his owne, and sold it within seaven yeeres after: at what teme he was recalled into the Low-Countries by Mary Queene of Hungary, who succeeded her Aunt in the Government of those Pro­vinces: by the way he visited Basil, where he published his Ecclesiastes, and intended to finish severall other of his Workes yet imperfect, before he past into Holland. But he must passe no further, being arrested by a more violent fit of the Gout, then at any time formerly. His convulsions were so thick and vehement, that oftentimes he was forced to goe upon all foure: he thought himselfe in a jumping condition, when Crutches served his turne. In the inter­vals of his disease he resumed and renewed the great vo­lume of his owne Epistles, perhaps intending to set them forth more fully: as many of them fell into his hands, he would say, Et hic mortus est: but upon just account, when he found the number of his dead Correspondents exceed the living, he burst forth into these words, Nec ego diutius vivere Cupio si Christo Domino placeat. Nor desire I (if so it would please the Lord Iesus) to live any longer. About the beginning of Autumne, from the Gout, he dropt into an Hepaticall flux: so that for a whole moneth toge [...]her, he came seldome out of bed, and but once over the threshold of his Chamber: yet whilst his body lay tortured upon this double rack, he wrote a Treatise De puritate Ecclesiae, and made a hard shift to finish his Recognitions upon Origen: These were the two last Songs of this dying Swan, whose patience ever increased with his torments, and in the end surmounted them. He retained his speech to the last gasp, and breathed out his Soule in these Ejaculations; Mercy sweet Iesus: Lord loose these hands: How long Lord Iesus? How [Page 75] long? Iesus fountaine of mercy, have mercy upon me, and the like. He changed this mortall life into an immortall, the twelfe day of July about midnight, in the yeer of grace 1536. and 71. or 73. yeeres of his age: he foretold both the yeer and houre of his dissolution, the first many months, the other three dayes before; multitudes of people flocked to see, and touch his dead body. The Consull and Senators of Basil accompanied it to the grave, few of the chiefe Burgers were absent, none of the University. He lyeth buried in the Cathedrall Church, in a Chappell Consecrated to the blessed Virgin, and Monument of Parian marble? fre­quently visited both by the Citizens, and Srangers. He was of a middle Stature, well compacted body, and of a sweet, but tender Complexion, which easily yeelded to every little alteration, whether of aire, or dyet: His haire in­clined to yellow, his eyes were gray, his countinance amiable and cheerfull, but some what of the palest, and his voice shrill, though none of the strongest. His appre­hension was invincible, his judgement exact, and for Me­mory, he knew not what it was, to forget any thing ex­cept injuries: Terence and Horace he could have intirely re­peated without booke, when he was but a Schoole-boy; He was charitable to the poore in generall, bountifull to poor Schollers, and Travellers; so farre from craft that he inclined rather to simplicity, and so free from suspition that he often unbosomed himselfe to his friends (though but seeming) further then stood with his owne safety: Such was his bashfulness, that though he had a good face, his pic­ture was hardly extorted from him by extreame importu­nity: in the point of friendship he was of an unremoveable Constancy; easily placable being offended: onely he had such an antipathy with lying, that from his youth, he would usually tremble at the very sight of a noted Lyer; His habit neither garish, nor sordid, spake him at the same time, a Priest to God, and Councellor to Caesar; His conver­sation was an exact mixture of sweetnesse and severity, without any the least admixture of pride, ambition or a­varice: [Page 76] which rendred him inflexible to imbarque in any thing interruptive of his Studies, or destructive of his li­berty. And though few hath written, either more, or bet­ter; none, whose Bookes have been further, or more fre­quently exported; yet upon all occasions, he used no lesse rigidity in the Censure of his owne workes, then Candor, in giving judgement upon other mens: He seldome injoy­ed perfect health, for any Considerable time together: a­bundance of rhume (the bane of a sedeutary, and cellish life) inclined him to the stone, wherewith he was often, and sometimes above measure tormented; Eating of fish, the very smell whereof he abominated, drove him into many and dangerous Agues, especially every Lent? And the Gout was no stranger to his elder yeeres. The Monkes and Friers were generally his enemies, the greater by how much the more illiterate; and yet their successors by his painfull labours, and example, are since become exqui [...]itely learned. Before the fiftieth yeere of his age, no man wrote against him, he against none; resolved (if possible) not to imbrue his stile in any mans reputation; The flame betwixt him & Dorpius, was quickly quenched; Faber was the first, who put him to a just Apology: By his last will and Testament, (confirmed both by the Emperor and Pope) he declared Bo­nifacius Amerbachius his heir: Hieronymus Frobenius and Ni­cholaus Episcopius, Overseeres of his Will: wherin to severall friends he bequeathed severall Legacies; as a Clock of gold to Ludovicus Berus, a Spoon and fork of the same to Beatus Rhenanus; to Petrus Vetere [...]s 150. Crowns, as much to Philippus Montanus. To his servant Lambert 200. Flo­renes: To Brischius a Silver Tankerd: To Faulus Volfius 100. Florenes: To Sigismundus Tilenius 150. Duckats: To Erasmius Frobenius his God-son two Rings: To Hieronimus Frobenius, his wearing cloathes, bedding and houshold stuffs. To his wife a ring wherein was set a pretious stone having therein ingraven, a woman looking over her left shoulder. To Episcopius a faire silver Bole with a cover; to his wife a Diamond Ring. To Goclenius a silver Bole; His [Page 77] Library he sold upon his death bed to Iohannes a Lasco: His medals, antient Coyne, ready money and debpts, with the remain'der of his Watches, Clockes, Rings, Plate, Jew­els, and other curiosities of no small value, to his Heir Amerbachius, not for his owne use, but to be sold, and the money by advice of the forenamed Overseers, to be distri­buted: first to the poor infirim Persons, whether through age or sicknesse; Secondly to Portionlesse Virgins to pro­cure them husbands; and thirdly to poor, but hopefull young Schollers, for advancement of their studies. His heir he restrayned meerly to his Lagacy, whith was none of the greatest. Concerning his owne worke, he left nothing in charge, at his death; as modestly doubtfull of their Geni­us, or how they might take with ensuing, and more learn­ed times; whereof notwithstanding Frobenius was so con­fident, that immeadiatly after his death, he reprinted them (to his as infinit cost, as Commendation) in nine great Tomes in folio: wi [...]h promise of a Tenth (which never came forth) Contaying onely his Animaduersions, Casti­gations and Censures upon the Fathers, and other Authors: whereof thou mayest behold both the names and number, in this Ensuing Catalogue.

Libri secundae Classis, qui pietatem spectant.

Two Bookes of his Antibarbarus was lost in England; ma­ny of his most elabo [...]te Declamations at Rome: two Books de Eucharistia he finished, but supprest. He left imperfect at his death, a just Commentary upon S. Pauls Epistle to the Romans; with many other Treatises, since crept into other Mens Workes. And it is to be noted that the Index Expur­gatorius hath made more bold with no Mans Bookes then with his; so that the first Impression are infinitely the best.

In the yeer of our Lord God one thousand four hundred eighty and seven, Huldericus Zuinglius the Angel of the Church at Tigurum, was borne, and on the first of Ianuary in a little village which in the language of the Switzers, is called Wild-house: he was descended from pious, vertuous and Religious Parents; his Father also being a man advan­ced unto great dignity and authority, amongst the Swit­zers in regard of his approved and well deserving parts.

He by daily observation, (without doubt to his great comfort) seeing and perceiving more then an ordinary to­wardlinesse in his Sonne; and beholding a future worth to discover it selfe, even from his infancy and cradle: not [Page 86] onely for the advancement of the glory of God, but also for the benefit and profit, of his native soyle and Coun­trey, (therein conferring a more charitable and friendly censure on him, then that School-master on Thenistocles) and causing others also to make triall of his ingenious dis­position, who beheld his naturall parts with astonishment and admiration: he was very carefull to perfect nature by Art, & for that cause (his age condescending thereunto) he committed him unto the tuition of a certain School-master, living not far from the place of his birth to be instructed & trained up in the elements & grounds of the Latin tongue: with whom in short time, by reason of the vigilancy and watchfulnesse of the one, and the carefulnesse and industry of the other, he attained not without great applease to that discretion and judgement, that he esteemed those things which were read unto him, as a subject fitter and more convenient for duller braines, then for his quick and ready apprehension.

This proceeding therefore not answering his expectati­on, he removed thence and being not yet fully ten yeeres old, he was sent unto Basil a City in Germany situate up­on the River of Rhine, where he obtained for his Tutor Gregorius Bi [...]zlius, eminent in those da [...]es for the excellent endowments of learning and piety wherewith he was in­vested; under whom this Huldericus attained unto that per­fection both in civil behaviour and learning, that he seem­ed alwaies to exceed, out-strip, go beyond, and carry away the victory from those who were his contemporanean School-fellowes; and that nothing might seem to be want­ing to the perfection of so hopefull a Plant, he reached unto the knowledge of the Scince of M [...]sicke, wherein he shewed himselfe so excellent, and so compleat an Artist, that his judgement compared with the tendernesse of his yeeres, enforced his spectators to the greater admiration: and his Master Bintzlius, well perceiving that his S [...]udies and learning were incongruous and too mean for so apt and so vertuous a disposition, sent him back againe unto his Fa­ther [Page 87] together with his judicious opinion concerning him, advising him to provide otherwise for him, and to search out for such a Master whose learning might be correspon­dent unto the promptnesse of his naturall disposition.

His Father being joyfull with this approbation of his Master, and also fearfull least these springing vertues should suffer an Eclipse by the interposition of that odious vice of Idlenesse, he forthwith sent him unto Berna, a famou [...] City in Switzerland, to be instructed and brought up by Henricus Lupulus, a man well learned, and excelling in Po­ [...]try: from whom, through the reading of Classi [...] Writers he became a good Orator & got some knowledg in the art of Logickes: having now spent at Berna almost two yeers, and longing after the knowledge of Phylosophy, whose ground and Basis was already laid, he removed unto Vien­na, a famous City of Austria, situate on the river Danubius, where he not onely attained to the knowledge of Phylo­sophy, but he also augmented and perfitted those things which in former time he had learned; and having spent here some few yeeres, he returned againe to Basil, where he first began to imploy that talent which God had bestowed on him; for here he began first to teach others that which he himselfe had learned; and having spent some time in the instructing of others, and in furnishing himselfe with the knowledge of the Liberall Arts, he wa [...] advanced unto the title of Master, which being obtained, h [...] forthwith addicted himselfe (being guided thereunto by the spirit of God) unto the study of Schoole. Divinity, wherein he re­mained silent for a while, being rather a spectator then an Actor, untill he was called by the Glareanes to the discharge of a Pastorall function & office amongst them, where with all alacrity and cheerfulness [...], he finished that which had beene formerly begun by others.

And by this meanes having received holy Orders, he gave himselfe wholy to the study of Divinity, spent all his time in searching into the old and new T [...]stament, [...]hat so he might be able not onely to speake, but also to judge [Page 88] of the Scriptures: as for the writings of the Ethnicks, he did not gre [...]tly esteeme and accompt, onely he made use of V [...]lerius Maximus, who by reason of the variety of his ex­amples, he perceived it would be beneficiall unto him.

But bec [...]use he well understood, that he could have no sound judgement concerning the Scriptures, nor concern­ing the writings of pious and learned men, unlesse that he were wel skild in the tongues; he forthwith betook himself to the study of the Greek tongue, wherin in short time he so well profited, that the Greek seemed more easier unto him then the Latin, and he better able to judge of a Greek then of a Latin Author; and for the better understanding of the tongue, he used help of the best Lexicons and translati­ons, and with them translated Saint Pauls Epistles, com­mitting them all to Memory, and other bookes of the New Testament. But when he had found it written in Saint Pe­ter, that the Scripture was not of private interpretation: he lifted up his eyes to heaven, beseeching the holy Ghost, and earnestly wrestling with him by prayer, that he would be pleased so to illuminate his understanding that he might rightly and truely understand the sense and meaning of the holy Scriptures: so that he might neither decieve himselfe, nor lead away others with a false image of the spirit.

Having thus in some measure fitted himselfe for the beat­ing down of sin, & advancing & furthering of the truth; he then first began to condemne the Helvetian Pensions, labour­ing to overthrow them, and to reduce and bring backe a­gaine former sanctity and worship into the Countrey; and hence hatred and reproachfull speeches had and took their beginning against this good, pious and laborious man; who notwiths [...]anding this affront, at the first shewing of himselfe for the glory of God, and that in his owne Country, chearfully proceeded Preaching the Gospel, and endeavouring rather as yet to plant truth in the hearts of his Auditors, and to cause them fully to understand it ra­ther then to open and to discover unto them the vices and wickednesses of the whore of Babilon.

[Page 89]Not long after, occasion being offered and D. Theobaldus Gerolzeggius, desiring or rather earnestly intreating the sam, he departed from Glarona, and went to Eremus; there in­tending to continue for a time, but indeed the chiefest cause of his reparing unto that place, was the happy op­portunity of preaching Christ and his truth unto diverse remote and forreine Nations, being at that time gathered togethered unto that place, from all parts of the world.

In the meane time it fell out that the Church of Tigurum, was destitute of a Curate or Priest; many there were which greatly laboured to bring in Zuinglius, he being altogether ignorant of this matter comes to Tigurum; where being de­manded, by a certaine Canon who accidentally met him; Whether he could preach the word of the Lord unto those of Tigurum: he presently answered, that he could; upon which answer he is called unto the Church of Tigurum, not without the great joy of many godly minded persons: and that which he promised, he began with happy successe to performe, (the Lord being with him and giving a bles­sing unto his labours) in the yeer of grace one thousand five hundred twenty and one: During the time of this happy proceeding of his at Tigurum, the Switzers had taken great notice of the name of Martin Luther, by reason many of his writings which in all places came unto their hands, these he exhorted them to read and to peruse, that so they might perceive the vnity of the spirit drawne out of those holy writings in them both, and so by that meanes, no­thing doubting but that they would be the more willing to consent and to give place unto the truth.

This is also remarkable in the godly man, that not­withstanding his continued paines in the discharging of his Pastorall office, he omitted not his reading of the diffi­cultest Greek Authors for the preserving of that knowledg w^ch he had formerly gotten, & not cea [...]ing here, he adven­tured on the Hebrew; wherein, by the helpe & assistance of some who were his associates he profited so much that he was able aptly to expound the two major Prophets, Isaiah and Ieremiah.

[Page 90]About the same time Franciscus Lamberius a Frier Mino­rite forsaking his Monastry came to Tigurum, who dis­puted publiquely, with Zuinglius, concerning the inter­cession of the Saints, and concerning the sacrifice of the Masse; but being easily confuted he recanted, confessed his error, and gave thankes unto Almighty God, that had prepared so excellent an instrument to open his eyes, and to shew unto him cleerly the knowledge of the truth.

This his deniall of the intercession of the Saints and sacrifice of the Masse, Stirred up Hugh Bishop of Constance, to make an opposition against him, insomuch that Zuing­lius was inforced to declare publikly unto the world, that which he beleeved concerning those and other differences betwixt himselfe and the Church of Rome; by reason wher­of his report and [...]ame was brought unto Adrian the sixt then Pope of Rome, who forthwith wrote unto him af [...]r this manner:

Letters were also written by the same Pope, unto Fran­ciscus Zinggius to this intent, that he should not be wanting to use all meanes to draw and to allure this godly man to the prefession of the doctrine of the Church of Reme; which Francis [...]us being damanded by Mysconius, what reward the Pope had promised unto him, on condition that he could perswade Z [...]inglius to revoke his opinion, he seriously an­swered that Peters Chaire excepted, he had promised him all things else.

Whence it is evident that the Divell and his members laboured as much as in them lied to hinder the know­ledge of the truth of Christ and to detaine men in blind­nesse and ignorance.

And hence we may observe the constancy of this holy man, who could not be allured to forsake and fall from the truth of God and of his word, no no [...] [...]or all the pre­ferments of the world, [...]steeming with Saint Paul, all things as dung in respect of Christ.

The Gospel now with the blessing of God being received and embraced of the Zigurins and gathering strength every day more and more, Zuingli [...]s began to enter into a serious consideration of changing the forme of things present in­to a better state and condition, reducing the Monks and Priests, unto three orders: some for labour, some for Mar­rage, some for learning; because the number of them seeme greater then might se [...]ve for the use of Religion.

Being busied about this Reformation, there crept in the Heiresie of the Catabaptists, who forbad the Baptizing of [Page 92] Infants, and did rebaptize themselves; with these Zuinglius dealt friendly at the first, disputing with them and con­vincing them of their errors: but they being obstinate in their opinions, he caused the Senate severely to punish them, some with imprisonment some with death.

But to returne againe, his alteration of the state at Tigu­rum concerning Priests and M [...]nks, and the decree against Pensioners being by his meanes sealed and confirmed, caused him to be every way surrounded with enemies, who waited daily, and hourely to take away his life: and also in the night season; insomuch that he durst not walke a­broad without a strong guard to defend him from his ene­mies: who used openly in the streets all reproachfull speeches against him; and these wicked and ungratious villaines, when they saw that they could neither prevaile against the Gospel, nor against this good Preacher of the Gospel, then they bent all their forces against those who were obedient to the word of God, imagining nothing but mischiefe towards them, alwaies intending their des­truction and ruine.

Hence it was concluded and resolved on to take up Armes for the de [...]ence of the truth of the doctrin of Christ, and they all enter into a new League, the old being not­withstanding no way violated but remaine firme, and that by the great labour and industry of Zuinglius: not that he intended any thing hurtfull unto his Countrey but to ex­tirpate and to roote out their vices, and to plant in it firmely the doctrine of the Gospel, both for the glory of God, and also for the good of all Switzerland: for he de­ [...]ired nothing more, then that all Nations might confesse the Lord Jesus, and therefore he exhorted those that were his friends, and which stood up for the truth of Christ, to undergoe the hazard of their lives, in so good a cause with these expresse words following:

That whith heretofore I have written unto you, I exhort you unto it still, be [...]eeching you to remaine constant and immovable, and not to be afraid of your enimies; for that [Page 93] peace which some so greatly urge and presse, is open warre and not peace, and that warre which we are to undertake is peace, and not open warre: for we doe not thirst after any mans blood, neither do we desire to spill it by such tu [...]multuous actions; but this we maintaine and defend, that the nerves and sinewes of an Oligarchy, are to be cut off: and unlesse it be the truth of the Gospell and the Ministers thereof, will never have any safe and quiet residence and dwelling amongst us. Alas, it is not cruelty that we thinke of, but our actions are both fatherly and friendly, we de­sire to be a meanes to save those who are like to perish through ignorance, our greatest ambition is to preserve our liberty: therefore doe not so much estrange your selves from our determinations, you shall find them more peaceable and more just, then some have related unto you; you are apt to beleeve those which speake false of us, who notwithstanding hitherto have had good and sufficient triall of our truth and of their inconstancy, I will not say, lies. In this shew your selves to be men, that ye remaine Constant and immovable as we doe, for our faith towards God and men; In a word, let not feare dismay you, for through the goodnesse of God, we shall so behave our selves in this League, that it shall neither purchase shame nor griefe to your selves.

Thus did he cheerefully animate and encourage these his friends to fight for the glory of God, and to give sufficient testification of his zeale towards God: he was himselfe present in Person in two severall Battels fought betwixt them nea [...]e unto Capella, a Monastery situate in the fields of Tigurum: unto the first he came freely of his owne accord, that he might be present at their Consultations, and to see that there were no declining from truth and equity. This Battell was finished without the shedding of blood, concerning which he was often heard to say, that he had seene more malice and more wicked Counsell in it, then he knew all his life time either by experience or from read­ing.

[Page 94]Unto the second he wa [...] elected and chosen us chiefe Commander, and being unwilling at the first to undertake such a burden; the ground of that quarrell being some­thing displeasing unto him, it being onely Grameatus dene­gatio: yet at the last he resolved to goe, presaging as it were his owne death by the u [...]tring of these words, Seio, scio quid rei sit ut ego [...]ollar fiunt omnia. I know, I know, how the case stands now, all these preparations are for my ruine and destruction.

Wherefore being well horsed and compleatly Armed, he followed the Tigurunes in the reare, being ready to joyne battell; he went not forth as a Captaine or Com­mander of the Army, but as a good Citizen and faithfull Pastor, who would not forsake his friends in their greatest perill. In this Battell Zuinglius was slaine together with three hundred eighty and three of his confaederates; it hap­pening on the eleventh day of Octobrr, in the yeer of our Lord 1531. after that he had Preached the Gospel of Christ at Tigurum the space of 12. yeeres, and at Glarona and Eremus the space of a 11. yeeres, himselfe being 44. yeeres of age.

They which were neere unto him when he fell, wound­ed even unto death heard him utter these words; What misfortune is this? Well, they can indeed kill the body, but they cannot kill the soule: being in this misery he was de­manded by his enimies, whether he would yeeld unto Papisticall invocation of the Saints; being not able to speake, he refused it apparantly by the motion of his head, and by the lifting up of his eyes to heaven, he gave th [...]m to understand, that he would invoke and call on none but on the Lord above; wherefore in a raging and cruell manner tooke his life away from him, condemned his bo­dy to be cut in foure quarters, and to be burnt unto ashes in the fire.

Some of his faithfull friends greatly lamenting his death came full of sorrow unto the place where his body was burnt, and lightly moving the ashes, found his heart sound and untouched with the flames; some ascribing it unto the [Page 95] power of God, who by this miracle would declare unto the world both his innocency and also his zeale: others spending their judgements accordingly as they were af­fected toward the Person.

And this was the end of the godly Minister of Christ, whose great desire for the advancement of the truth of Christ, will clearly shew it selfe, by those painfull and learned labours of his which are extant in the Church, being comprehended and contained in foure Tomes.

IOhn Colet was borne in London, of honest and wealthy Pa­rents: His Father was twice Lord Major of that famous City, to whom, his Mother (a chaste and fruitfull Ma­tron) brought forth eleven Sonnes, and as many daugh­ters: of which numerous off-spring, Iohn Colet was the el­dest, and sole Survivor; the rest dyed before their Father, whereby he became Heir to a very considerable fortune: and yet nature to him was no lesse indulgent then fortune, being indowed with all the Simmetry almost imaginable in a tall and comely Person. In his younger yeeres he gave himselfe to the study of Phylosophy, and in the seaventh af­ter his Matriculation in the Vniversity, obtained his degree of [Page 98] Master in Arts, an honor not so much given to his Standing, as due to his knowledge, in the Liberall Sciences; in none whereof he was ignorant, in some exquisitly learned. All Tullies wo [...]ks were as familiar unto him as his Epistles, nei­ther was he any stranger to Plato and Plotinus, whom he not o [...]ely read, but conferred and paralleld, perusing the one, as a Comm [...]ntator upon the other: As for the Mathe­matickes, there is scarce any part thereof, wherein he was not seene abov [...] his yeeres, certainly above expectation. Having thus fethered his nest at home, he began to looke abroad, and improve his stock in forreigne Countries: In France he added his Humanity, what he thought necessary to the study of Divinity: which thereafter he effectually prosecuted in Italie; amongst the Ancients he was most taken with Dionysius, Areopagita, Origen, Saint Cyprian, St. Ambrose, and Saint Hierom: with St. Augustine (whether out of Singularity, or judgement) amongst all the Fathers he seemed most disguised: And yet he did not so mancipate himselfe to Antiquity, but that as occasion served he some­times survayed Aquinas, Scotus, and other Schoolmen. In a word, he was seene in both Lawes; and singularly well read in History, both Civill and Ecclesiasticall. And be­cause he saw that England had her owne Dant's and Pe­trarchs as well as Italie, who have perform [...]d the same here, that they there: those and these, he both read and dili­gently imitated; accommodating thereby his stile to the Pulpit, and Preaching of the Gospel.

After his returne from Italie, he made choyse to live at Oxford, where he publickly, but freely without stipend, [...]xpounded all Saint Pauls Epistles; when he was not yet full thirty yeeres of age. At Oxford, Erasmus and he be­came first acqu [...]inted, who witnesseth ( [...]o his no smal com­mendation) that though at that time, he was neither Gra­duat, nor Candidat in Theologie; that yet there was neither Doctor, Abbot, nor Master in the whole Vniversity, who frequented not, and (which is more) tooke notes of hi [...] Lectures: Howsoever before he left the Vniversity, they ho­nored [Page 99] him with the degree of Doctor, whereof he accepted rather to please the givers, then himselfe. From Oxford, and these sacred imployments, he was called to London by King Henry the seventh, who bestowed upon him the De­nary of St. Pauls; of all the Denaries in England the highest in the ranke, but not the deepest in the manger: which Colet imbraced rather as aburdensome charge, then honor; And therfore as soone as he had regulated his Colledge of Canons, and restored it to its antient Discipline, he resolved (which was not Customary in those times) to Preach e­very Holy-day in the Cathedrall, over and above his Ser­mons at Court, and many other Churches in the City, to one or other whereof, the want of able Predicants, invited him almost every Lords-day: In his owne Church he ex­pounded the Scriptures, not by retale, but whole-sale; run­ning over, sometimes a whole Epistle, sometimes a whole Gospell; wheresoever he Preached, he was exceedingly fol­lowed, both by Courtiers and Citizens. The Deans Table, which in former times had been two much prosti­tuted to excesse and luxury, he reduced to temperance and moderated by his frugality: For he restrained himselfe to one meale a day for many yeeres together, both before and after his preferment; which at one blow c [...]t off all his Supper-guests, late dinners not a few, and the more, because his entertainment, though neat, was neither cost­ly nor excessive, his sitting short, and his whole discourse attemperd either to learning or piety, for immediately after grace, his boy red a Chapter, out of which, he him­selfe (for the most part) chose the theme or subject of that meales discourse: wherein not onely Schollers, but idiots also his Conviu's had their share, if he perceived their want of learning supplyed with a good mother wit, and ready naturall judgement; Casting one bone after ano­ther, untill he dismissed them with no lesse satisfaction to their minds, then refreshments to their bodies; fo [...] although he hated prodigality and scurrility, he was no enemy to good Company; who came more frequently, because with [Page 100] lesse charge to his Evening Collations, then set Dinners: and with whom (commonly) he spunne out a good part of the night in ventilating one point of Divinity or other; if none came, or such onely as had no great feli [...]ity in these sacred Saturnals, having dismissed them with some few complements, his Boy red him a parcell of holy Scrip­ture, whereupon he usually ruminated till he went to bed. In his travels he was cheerfull, but his chiefe Companion was ever some chiefe Booke: Solecisme he accounted the worst point of Slovenry, affecting neatnesse in his house­hold-stusse, and cloathes, Books, meat, and all things else, magnificence in nothing, much lesse prodigality: Black he loved above all Colours, preferring it farre be­fore Purple, which preserved his Doctorall robes the long­er. His upper garment was alwaies of broad-cloath, and that too none of the finest, which against hard frosts, he fortified with deep Furres; whatsoeuer accrued unto him by the Church, he intirely committed to his steward, to be spent in House-keeping: His owne hereditary rents and profits (which were great, for he was heir to his Father and some of his brethren) he himselfe pursed up, and dis­tributed to pious uses. But perceiving the manifold dis­tractions which accompanied the managing of so plenti­full an estate, he called in his Fathers debts, and sold his whole Patrimony, which in the totall amounted to a ve­ry great masse of money: and wherewith he erected and indowed that stately and famous Free-schoole in Saint Pauls Church-yard: whereunto he joyned a faire dwelling house Capable of two School-masters, to whom he assign­ed liberall Stipends, because they were to teach gratis. The whole fabrick he divided into four parts, whereof one is (as it were) for your Catechumany, and beareth the in­scription of Catechizationis; the second for such as are un­der the Vsher, divided from the third part, by a vaile drawen [...]pon great Curtaine-roddes, and containeth onely such youths as are disciplined by the chiefe School-master; the forth and last part, confisteth of an Oratory or Chap­pell [Page 101] for Prayer, and other religious exercises: Above the Masters head (if the Reformation have not pulled it downe, and levelled him with his Crosse) standeth the child Iesus curiously ingraven, and as it were in the posture of one reading a Lecture, with this Motto, Ipsum audite: whom the Children as they entered the Schoole, were wont to salute with a sacred Hymne, composed (if I be rightly in­formed) by Erasmus: Every Form containeth sixteen, and the Captaine or Dux of every Classe, sitteth by himselfe in a Pue or Throne somewhat more eminent then the rest; great respect had wont to be had, both to the Ingine and Ingenuity of the Intrants; how matters are now carried, I know not? This is certaine, though the whole amounted to an infinit charge, yet Colet would therein admit of no Copartners. An hundred pounds left by a charitable Cit­tizen, for advancement of the Structure, he bestowed (with the Bishops licence) upon Books, and sacred Vest­ments for the Quire; And yet though he would permit no Lay-man to have a finger in the building, he intrusted no Clergimen with the over-sight of its Revenewes: As all men praised him for this Schoole, so many wondred what he meant to build so magnificent a house for himselfe, within a Curtilage of the Carthusians, and so neer the honor of Richmond. But to take both the best & the worst together, He was by nature high minded, impatient of inivries, much given to sleep, and (as he confessed, but not sub Sigillo, to his best friend) no stranger to the temptations both of lust and Luxury; a great admirer of witty jests, and inclinable enough unto Covetousnesse; Over all which imperfecti­ons, through grace, he became more then conqueror: for his haughtinesse of minde and proud stomake, he levelled even to humility, by the common grounds of reason and Phylosophy: being then best pleased, when he was most freely admonished. Covetousnesse he put to flight, by a charitable profusion of his whole temporall Estate, upon works of mercy & piety: Venery, sleep and Luxury he no­bly profligated by holy confercences, fasting, praying, [Page 102] indefatigable study, and often Preach [...]ng: But yet so, that at great feasts, and in his entertainment [...] of Ladi [...]s and Gentle-women, where without too much rigidity, he could not but give way to a more free and liberall discourse; a man might easily perceive the recoylments of his owne naturall and exorbitant proclivities: so impossible is it for flesh and bloud, not sometimes to discouer themselves, even in the most regenerate: which made him almost ab­staine from all such meetings, or if he came, he commonly brought with him some learned Second, with whom he conferred in Latin, Ne intelligerent Sacerdotes; His custome was to begin and end dinner with the same dish, to con­tent himselfe with one glasse of Beer, or two at the most; and though he loved rich Wines, yet he drank of the best but very sparingly, knowing that all mens eyes then pre­sent, were upon him. He had a wonderfull happy wit himselfe, and was much taken with it in others, especially young Boyes and Maids, with whose naturall purity, soft­nesse, and simplicity he seemed greatly effected, and the ra­ther, because our Saviour himselfe, commends in them those qualities, to our imitation. In many things he dis­sented from those who thought themselves learned, in some, from those who indeed were so: to whom onely he unbosomed himselfe, especially if they were his friends: your Scotists, who then seemed to monopolize, and divide the whole stock of wit amongst themselves, he e [...]teemed of all others, the most dull, barbarous, stupid, and in­sufferable dunces. And yet of Acquinas (I know not upon what grounds) he had a worse opinion, then of Scotus: In whose defence, when it was objected by Erasmus (perhaps ironically, for he was no great friend to either) that of all the ancient Schoolmen, Aquinas onely seemed to have read the Fathers; witnesse his Aurea Catena, and that some of his Work [...] were highly commended for stirring up mens af­fections to piety: Colet answered, what tell you me of his reading, or stirrring up affections? unlesse he had beene transported with the Spirit of Arrogance, he had never so [Page 103] rashly, and yet so magisterially & peremptorily presumed to define all points of Religion: and if he had not savored too much of the flesh, he had not therewith mixed so much vaine and fruitlesse Phylosophy. He was no great admirer of Monks, not that he hated the Profession, but because he saw the Professors lived not accordingly: wherfore whilst he lived he gave them little, when he dyed, nothing: And yet his intent and purpose was, to end his dayes in a Mo­nastery, if he could have found one qualified to his minde: This, by many, was censured in him, that although he himselfe lived most chastly, and as Erasmus verily beleev­eth, dyed a pure Virgin, notwithstanding his naturall in­clination to the Contrary, yet he had a very charilable opinion of such Priests and Frier [...], whose greatest fault was their umcleann [...]sse. For said he, these out of the Con­science of their owne imper [...]ection, are (for the most part) humble, mode [...]t, and tractable: whereas the divell him­selfe, were he not what he is, could hardly abide the pride, avarice and hypocrisie of the other: Not that he thought incontinence a light Sinne, but intractability and pride far more incompatible with piety. And therefore though it was his ill luck to live under a perverse and wrangling Diocesan (of whom we sh [...]ll say more anon) yet he was a true friend to Episcopacy, by being a mortal enemy to such Bishops, as under an hypocriticall maske of sanctity, pro­ [...]tituted their sacred function to ambition and Luxury: Relative worship he held no such spur to Devotion as some would make it; And was not farre from their opinion, who thinke a notoriously wicked Priest operates nothing by his consecration; for he abominated irregularity, espe­cially in his owne order, and could not but wi [...]h indigna­tion looke upon those whose impure and contaminated lives, gave the first rise and ground to this suspition, whether true or false: In his judgement concerning pub­like Schooles and Vniversities, he was not onely heterodox, but, like the bird spoken of in the Proverb, cleerly be­wrayed diverse Symptoms of an exulcerated minde: but let [Page 104] that passe amongst Moles in the most beautifull faces: Se­cret Confession he generally approved, as that whereby him­selfe had received much comfort and benefit, but as much disliked that which was too anxious, and descended to a needlesse enumeration, of what can no more be numbered then the starres in heaven, or sand upon the Sea shore. Priests here, in his time, Officiated once every day, he con­tented himself with Sundayes and Holy-daies; it may be to set the greater edge upon his Devotion, which by these in­tervals was the more sharpned, or perhaps to gaine the more time for his private studies, the better to fit himselfe for his Cathedrall or Pulpit imployments. Learning he really loved, and laboured for; onely that Encuclopedicall wisdome, which cannot be attained but by knowledge of all Arts, and devouring of all bookes, he esteemed rather a learned sort of madnesse, then any true provocation to Christian simplicity and charity. He deferred much to the Apostolicall Epistles, but when he compared them with that sweetnesse, wisdome, and majesty, which is to be found in our Saviours owne sayings and Sermons, he thought them saplesse, and scarce to be named the same day; which as one of his Paradoxes, I leave to be sensured by the Reader, for both proceede from the same Spirit; Howsoever, omitting the former, the latter he intended to trichotomize or reduce unto Ternaries, but was prevented by death: Gods wor­ship and Service (as much as in him lay) he performed with an equall decency, and magnificence: and was no great approver, either of their zeale, or wisdome, who tyed Priests every day (those wherein they travell, not excep­ed) to the private repetition of so many and long prayers: which perhaps he knew by experience, they rather mum­bled over with their lips, then considerately evaporated from their hearts. He willingly and attentively read over many Hereticall bookes, professing he sometimes bettered himselfe more by them, then theirs who without dispute, define what they please, and as they please. He indured not that any man should square his stile by the rules of [Page 105] Grammer, or Grammarians, but by reading and imitating the most approved Authors; which opinion brought its owne punishmeat with it, for though he was eloquent both by nature, and erudition, yet when he set himselfe to write in Latin, he often tript, even in things common and obvious to every School-boy: which did so much dis­courage him, that he never set forth any thing: it were to be wished, his modestey had not so much stumbled at this straw; for certainly howsoever his expression had taken the eare, his conceptions could not have disrel­lished the understanding: but in this, as in many things else, he dissented from the common Tenets and practice both of his owne and former times; yet so as his private opinions never troubled the publike peace, his friends were as many, as there were men of learning and Candor in the whole kingdome. His greatest enemies were certaine illiterate and irregular Friers: and amongst these his own Bishop, of whose Sophisticall Sco [...]istry the Deane made no great account, and the Bishop as little of his Ciceronian Divinity; The heart burning went so farre, that at last it broke forth into Articles: wherein the Bishop assisted by two of his brethren, almost as learned and Cordat as him­selfe, accused him before the Arch-bishop of Canterbury, that preaching, upon the triple Pasce ous meas, he expound­ed the first, by good example; the Second, by Sound Doctrine, according to the common Interpretation and consent of the Doctors. But that in the third, which they expound Subsidio vitae, he had dessented from them: affirming that something else must be there understood, and that the A [...]postles being extreame poore, could not be bound to feed their flocks with what they had not themselves. Secondly, that in another Sermon he had Preached against worship­ing of jmages: and thirdly, that in the same Sermon, he seem'd to tap those, who Preached out of their note books; which the Bishop took to himselfe, for at that time he was aged eighty; and forced by this help to piece out a Seni [...]e and decayed Memory. The Archbishop received the accu­sation, [Page 106] but answered it himselfe; not suffering Colet to be so much as Summoned to his Consistory. Their second attempt at Court succeeded little better, the occasion this. The King being resol [...]ed upon a warre with France, Colet was invited to Preach at Court; His Theame was Christs victory, in handling whereof, he preferred the most un­just peace, before the justest warre: for, said he, when the evill, out of hatred or ambition fight against the evill, and kill one another, there they fight not under Christs, but the Divels Banner; shewing how difficult a thing it was, to dye like a good Christian, how few followed the Warres, not tainted with envy or avarice: and how almost inconsistent brotherly charity is, with sheathing our sword in the Bowels of our brethern. Concluding, that it was better for Christians, to imitate in their warfare, their bles­sed Lord and Saviour, then either Caesars or Alexanders. At this Sermon (amongst others) were present the Bishop and two Friers Minorites, whereof the one was the chiefe in­cendiary to the warre, for which his ghostly counsell, he was soone after rewarded with a Bishopricke; the other, an obstreperous & stentorian whorson, who in all his Ser­mons (which in all were not many) was sure to have a fling at Poets and poetry: intending thereby to mump Colet, who though he had skill in musicke, yet never wrote a verse in his life: But so ignorant was the vulgar of that frye, in those dayes, that they knew not [...]he difference be­twixt a peece of Tully and Virgil; accounting all Poetry that was not meere barbarisme. These three made agrievous complaint of him both to the King & cheife Martialists, as though Colet had done all [...]his of purpose, to weaken the hands of his Majesties Forces, and discourage the Com­mons, from so noble a [...]d necessary expedition; and to speak the truth, the King himselfe was somewhat startled at it. But in the Carthusian gardens at Greenwitch, he gave his Majesty such satisfaction, that when most men gave him for lost, he never parted from the King, more loaded with promises, both of protection and preferment: who [Page 107] injoyned him onely in his next Sermon, to cleere such misprissions and Scruples, as the Common people, and Souldiery had ignorantly collected from his former; after w^ch neither the Bishop nor his Bricot durst meddle no more with him. But he lived not long to reape and injoy the fruits of this double victory: for after the third relapse into a pestilentiall Fever (a disease almost peculiar to the English) he fell into a Dyssentery, where of he died.

Some of his Physitians judged him far gone in an Hy­dropsie, but upon his imbowelling, there appeared no such thing to the Anatomists, onely the extremities of his liver seemed (as it were) bearded with certaine rough and curl­ed strings or pendants: he lyeth buried in Saint Pauls upon the south side of the Quire; a place designed by himselfe; and almost in the eye of all who passe that way.

IN the yeere of our Lord God 1482. this worthy instru­ment of advancing the truth of Christ Iohannes Oecolom­padius was borne at Weinsperge, a towne scituated in Germa­nie; which yeere also was remarkable for the birth of Geor­gius Spalatinus, who afterwards proved a faithfull and labo­rious Minister in the Church of God; being sometimes Chaplaine unto the Duke of Saxonie.

His Parents were greatly esteemed amongst their neigh­bours, for their vertuous and civill demeanour, being en­dewed with a sufficient competency of outward necessaries, both for the supporting of themselves and also for the edu­cation of such Children as it pleased the Lord to blesse [Page 109] them with, and with a great number of these they were for a time beautified; but it pleased God to take againe those which he had given during the life of these Parents; leav­ing unto them onely this Oecolompadius, unto whom he had granted a longer life for the good and benefit of his Church.

Both of them beholding the ingenious disposition of the childe, and finding him to be capable of Learning, they carefully sent him to be instructed and brought up in the rudiment of Learning; his Father intending that after he had attained unto some knowledge and perfection, to place him with a Merchant, supposing that course of life to be the most fittest for him; but his Mother being acquainted with this resolution of her Husbands; and finding it not suta­ble to her owne will, she never ceased from intreating him to desist from his intent, untill such time as she obtained of him, that he should continue longer in the Schooles, un­to which there appeared in him a naturall inclination; the Lord beginning even in his Infancy to frame his minde un­to that wherein he afterwards used him as his instrument for the converting of many unto himselfe.

Not long after, his Father yeelding unto the request of his Mother, who was as carefull of Oecolompadius as ever Monica was of Augustine, he sent him unto Heilbronna, which place was famous in Germanie for an exact training up of Youth in the knowledge of the Latine tongue; where he having remained a few yeeres, he removed him unto Heidelberge, an Accademy eminent both for the Arts and tongues; here he attained unto that perfection in Learn­ing, that at the age of 14. yeeres he proceeded with great approbation Bachiler of Arts. And unto his proceeding in the knowledge of humaine Learning, he adjoyned a Reli­gious and civill behaviour, perswading himselfe, eum, qui proficiat in literis & deficiat in moribus, non proficere sed deficere. That he which went forward in Learning, without having respect unto an orderly carriage of himselfe, would prove to be retrograde in his motion.

[Page 110]Not long after he was graced with the title of Master of Arts, in the same Academie; after which dignity conferred by the advice of his Parents, he went unto Bonnonia, with an intent to apply himself unto the study of the Civil Law; but because the alteration of the ayre proved adverse unto his former health, after that he had made triall for the space of halfe a yeere, and in that time finding no amend­ment, he returned againe unto his Father, with whom he remained until that he had recovered his former h [...]alth, and [...]hen he went unto Heidelberge againe, where contrary to the will of his Father, he left the study of th [...] Civill Law, and gave himselfe wholly unto the study of Theologie, being thereunto led and guided by the spirit of God. In the per­formance of which Act he imitated the example of that burning Lampe of the Church Iohn Chrysostome, the same act being also approved and embraced by Martin Luther, Iohn Calvin, Peter Martyr, Theodore Beza, Lambertus Danaeus, and others.

Here he began to acquaint himselfe with such Schoole­men, whose judgements in points of Controversie were most approved of in that Academie, as Thomas Aquinas, Ger­son, and others; these he prosecuted with an indefatigable labour, studying them day and night, desiring the ex­planation of such distinctions which he could not under­stand, &c.

This more then ordinary industry procured unto him a ge [...]erall approbation, together with a certaine demonstra­tion of his future worth, not onely in Heidelberge, but also in the adjacent places; insomuch, that he was recommen­ded unto that illustrious Prince Phillip, Elector Palatine, who sent for him, and committed his yongest Sons unto his tui­tion, bearing alwayes a reverend respect unto him, for the excellency of those parts where with he saw he was endew­ed: After that he had continued a season in this employ­ment, and perceiving that Courtly life to disagree with his naturall inclination, he left it, and returned againe (as one that had been long captivated) unto the study of Divinity.

[Page 111]Hi [...] Parent [...] perceiving that his minde was altogther set on that study, and having no other child but onely him, they made use of that meanes wherewith God had ble [...]sed them, for the procuring of a Priesthood for him, in the towne wherein he was borne, unto which was al­so added the authority of Preaching; unto this place he was called, but finding himselfe after a fortnights per­formance to be unable to undergoe so laborious an office, he desired leave to returne againe unto Heildelbirge: for the furnishing of himselfe with a greater measure of know­ledge, that then he might returne from thence better fit­ted for the discharging of that sacred Function.

Having obtained leave, he alters his resolution & shapes his course towards Tubinga, and from thence unto Stutgardia, where Reachiling lived, a man famous for his excellent knowledge in the tongues: here he stayed for a short space, during which time, he received from him some light con­cerning the Greeke, which being increased by daily exercise he so well profited himselfe, that he did set forth a Greeke Grammer, at his returne againe to Heidelbirge: where he also learned the Hebrew of a Spanish School [...]master, whose evill nature was to envy that knowledge of that holy tongue in those that were his Schollers.

Finding himselfe somwhat better provided, by the addi­tion of the tongues, he returnes unto his native place, and cheerfully underwent his Pastorall office, Preaching Christ so powerfully unto them, that he was greatly admired of his Auditors, neither was he onely excellent for doctrine, but also for his life and conversation, giving good ex­ample unto those unto whom he Preached, being familiar alwayes with the better sort, and especially with Wolfan­gus Capito, with whom he was acquainted during his resi­dence at Heidilbirge: their friendship being here renewed it continued firme untill [...]hey were seperated each from the other by death.

During his discharge of his Pastorall office, in his na­tive place, Wolfangus Capito was called unto Basel, to be [Page 112] their publick Lecturer, which advancement caused him not to forgit his old friend Oecolampadius, but rather mov­ed him unto a [...]onsideration, how he might be a meanes of promoting him, unto a more eminent place: Pitying that so b [...]ight a lampe of piety, should obscure it selfe, by being shut up and con [...]ined unto such a narrow and unregarded angle of the countrey; Wherefore he used all meanes to perswade the inhabitants of Basel, unto whom he com­mended the worth of the man, to invite him unto this City, and to conferre a dignity on him correspondent un­to his desert; which was no sooner uttered but they con­discented thereunto, and he was called unto the discharge of a Pastorall office in that City, in the yeer of grace 1515. Where after that he had received that Function for the space of a yeer with great applause, he was honoured in the same Academy with the title of Doctor, about the same time that Erasmus Rotherodamus came to Basel, to set forth his annotations on the New Testament; for the perfecting whereof he used the assistance of this Oecolampadius in regard of the eminency of his parts, as he himselfe freely con­fesseth.

Which worke being finished, he left Basel and went unto Auspurge, being called by the Comons of the Cathedrall Church to Preach in that place unto the people, but her [...] he remained not long (partly because he feared and had a distrust in himselfe that he was not fit for so eminent a place, and partly by reason of that melancholy humor which was praedominate in him, insomuch that he esteem­ed not the society of men, but would remove himselfe from them into some solitary place) but departed from them and entered into a Monastry lying without the City of Auspurge, and consecrated unto Saint Bridget; yet making his covenant so with the Monks, that he would have li­berty to study, & to beleeve what he would, and to depart from them when he pleased; for said he, Etiamsi sexcentis juramentis me obstenixero, nequaquam ea servare potero, si quando utilis ministerio verbi sum futurus. Although I should bind [Page 113] my selfe by the vertue of six hundred oaths, I shall not be able by any meanes to keepe them, if at any time I shall perceive that any profit will come unto the Church by my Ministery.

The Monkes perceiving his worth joyfully received him into their society, bestowing all things liberally on him that he desired, and also acquainted him with all their pri­viledges and in generall he found such content amongst them, for the space of a few months, that he intended to spend all the rest of his dayes in that lazy manner of life: but it pleased God to call him from this manner of life, and for that cause he stirred up his friends, & amongst thē more especially Capi [...]o, who seriously perswaded & earnestly ex­horted him, to give over that Monasticall life; upon which perswasion he intended to forsake the Mon [...]stery and to betake himselfe againe unto his former profession, and for a preparation thereunto, being as yet in the Monastery he set forth a booke of confession, wherein in many things he opposed the doctrine of the Church of Rome, whereby he brought himselfe not onely into danger of his life, but the Monks also were greatly afraid, lest any inconvenience might happen unto them by reason of his actions, and therefore they greatly laboured to free their Monastery of him; during their plodding, he sharpely reprehended them for their errors, perswad [...]ng them to embrace and lay hold on the truth, whereby they came to be more and more in­censed against him, and privately laboured with his friends, to be more earnest with him in the leaving of the Mona [...]stery.

Having be [...]n resident in this place not fully two yeeres he departed, and went unto Franciscus Sickingen, a man no­bly descended by whom he was entertained, and i [...] the same hou [...]e he laboured to put downe the Masse, affi [...]ming it to be an Idolatrous worship; but Franciscus being at that time greatly distressed with an unhappy warre, he left him and went to Basel, in the yeer of our Lord 1522. to pub­lish such things as he had at vacant times collected.

[Page 114]Here he was againe advanced by the Senats unto a Pasto­rall office, & an annuall stipend designed unto him, which he performed with great zeale and constancy to the glory of God and good of his Church; here he bouldly disco­vered unto his Auditors those errors which by continu­ance had got firme footing in the Church, he opened unto them the perfection and sufficientcy of the Merits of Christ, he declared unto them the true nature of faith, he revealed unto them the true doctrine of Charity; insomuch that the authority of the Po [...]ish religion began to stagger in the mindes of many: Whilst he was totally occupied about these things some there were who laboured to draw him againe to the Pseudo Catholicke religion, but more especially Iohannas Cachlaeus who in the yeere 1524. wrote letter [...] un­to him, wherein he testified himselfe, to be deeply afflicted with sorrow, to heare that a man so excellently learned, should lay aside his coule, and adhaere unto such haereti­call opinions, and withall exhorted him to revoke his o­pinion, and to returne againe into the Monastery, pro­mising him a dispensation from the Pope, and the favour of the Prior, which he had formerly enjoyed: but these and such like things were slighted by Oecolampadius, who bring­ing them unto the word of God, found that they would not endure the triall.

In the performance of his Pastorall office an assistan [...] was appointed unt him by publicke authority, and he began to settle a more excellent Reformation in the Church, commanding the Sacrament of Baptisme to be ad­ministred in the mother tongue, and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to be received under both kinds; he taught that the Masse was not a sacrifice, for the living and the dead, or for those who were tormented in their feigned Purgatory; but that perfect satisfaction was obtained for all beleevers by the passion and Merits of Christ: he dis­swaded them from sprinkling themselves with holy-water, and from the consecration of Palmes and the like, declaring unto them that they who did attribute vertue unto any [Page 115] such things did detract from the glory and power of God; which doctrine of his tooke such deepe [...]ooting in the hearts of his Auditors, that it gave a period unto many superstitious actions amongst them.

The foundation of future reformation was no sooner laid, but the old Dragon, began to play his part, and to discover his malicious [...]nvy, against such things as make for the glory of God: either by hind [...]ing their proceed­ings, or laying some foule aspersion on them; for at that time broke forth that, yet continued sacramentary dissen­tion, by meanes whereof that good worke begun in the Church was hindred: Martin Luther at this time openly opposed and contradicting by writing the doctrine of Hul­dericus Zuinglius, Pastor of the Church at Tigurum, concer­ning the Euchiarist, by reason whereof there was a great dissention betwixt the Churches of Helvetia, and Saxony; for the taking away of w^ch, Oecolampadius set forth a booke concerning the true understanding of these words, Hoc est corpus meum; and by many strong arguments he affirmed, that a trope lay therein, and yet his industry and la­bour therein tooke not away the contention betwixt the Churches.

This intended reformation was againe hindred by Eccius and his followers, who taught (1) that the substantiall body and blood of Christ was in the Sacrament of the Altar; (2) that they were truly offered up in the Masse, both for the living and the dead; (3) that the virgin Mary and the Saints were to be worshipped as intercessours; (4) that the images of Iesus and the Saints were not to be a­bolished; (5) that after this life there was a Purgatory.

These positions were vehemently opposed by Oecolampa­dius, at the publicke dispu [...]ation held at Baden: the event whereof was this, some of the Helvetians subscribed unto Eccius, some unto Oecolampadius; and so there remained still a dissention amongst them which could by no meanes be taken away, although attempted by many worthy in­struments of Christ, who have undergone many dangers, [Page 116] for an effectuall performance of the same, yet Oecolampadius wrought so with the Saints, that liberty of conscience was granted unto the Citizens as touching religion.

In the yeer following there was a disputation held at Berne, which continued for the space of twenty dayes, wherein Oecolampadius labored so powerfully for a reforma­tion that his acts there recorded give a sufficient testimony thereof, unto the world.

In the yeer 1529. an assembly was appointed by the Lantgraw of Hassia at Marpurge touching a reformation in the Churches, concerning which more in the life of Melan­cton.

After the painfull sustaining of so many labours, at home and abroad, he returned to Basil, where he spent the residue of his life in Preaching, reading, writing, setting forth of books, visiting the sicke, and having also a care of the adjacent Churches, untill the yeer 1531. wherein it pleased God to visit him with sicknesse, wherewith he was constrained to take his bed, hourely exspecting death. And forthwith sending for the Pastors of the same place, he welcommed them with ashort & pithy oration, wherein he exhorted them to remaine constant and firme in the purity of the doctrine which they professed, because it was con­formable unto the word of God: as for other things he willed them to be lesse carefull, assuring them that the Al-sufficient God would care for them, and that he would not be wanting unto his Church.

His Children standing before him, he tooke them by their right hands, and afterwards gently stroking their heads, he advised them to love God, who would be unto them in the place of a Father.

A little before his death one of his intimate friends comming unto him, he asked him what newes? he answer­ed, none. But said he I will till thee newes, being demand­ [...]d what it was, he answered, Brevi ero apud Christum Domi­num, I shall in short time be with Christ my Lord. In the morning before he died he repeated the 51. Psalme of David, [Page 117] at the end whereof he added [...] Salva me Christi Iesu; being never heard afterwards to utter any word; those who were present betooke themselves unto their prayers, where­in they continued untill he had surrendered his Spirit unto his Creator: which was willingly and cheerefully performed by him, on the first of D [...]cember, in the yeer of our Lord 1531. and in the 49. yeer of his age, and was buried with great lamentation in the s [...]me City.

He died intest [...]te, quia unde conderet, pauper Christi servas non habebat.

He was of a meeke and quiet disposition, in the under­taking of any businesse, he was very circumspect, and no­thing indeed was more pleasing unto him, then to spent his time in reading and commenting: the workes which he left behind him, are these which follow.

1 Annotations on Genesis. 2 On Iob. 3 Isaiah. 4 Ie­remiah. 5. Ezekill. 6 Daniel. 7 Hosea. 8 Amos. 9 Ionas. 10. Micah, Cap. 2. 11. On the three last Prophets. 12. On the Plasmes. 13 Matthew. 14 Romans. 15 Hebrewes. 16 1 Epistle of Iohn. 17 Of the genuine sense of these words Hoc en corpus meum. 18 [...] An exhortation to the reading of Gods word. 19 Of the dignity of the Eucarist. 20 Of the joy of t [...]e resurrection. 21 A speech to the Sena [...] of Basil. 22 A Catectisme. 23 Annotations on Chrisostome. 24 Enchyi­dion to the Greeke tongue. 25 [...] A [...]ainst Anabaptists. 26 An­notations upon the A [...]ts and Corinthians. 27 Of Almsdeeds. 28 Against Julian the Apostata. 29 Of tru [...] faith in Christ. 30 Of the praises of Cyprian. 31 Of the life of the M [...]ses. 32 Against Vsury.

IOhn Frith was borne at We [...]trame in Kent; in whom being a child, nature had planted a marvelous love unto learn­ing; he had also a wonderful Promptnesse of wit, & a ready capacity to receive & understand any thing, neither was there any thing wanting in him equall unto that toward­ness of dispsi [...]ion; whereby it came to passe that he was not onely a lover of learning, but also became an exquifite learned man. He first begun his s [...]udy at Cambridge, where he profited much in all sorts of learning; At last he fell into knowledge of and acquaintance with William Tindall, through whose pious instructions, that seed of the Gospel and sincere godlinesse was first instilled into his heart. At that time (Cardinall Wolsey) prepared to build a sumptious Colledge in Oxford, now called Christs colledge: And sought out for such as did excell in knowledge and learning to be Fellowes in the same, and amongst others, Iohn Frith was appointed one: Now these choice yong men there placed, confer [...]ing together upon the abuses of Religion, which at that time were crept into the Church, were therefore ac­cused of heresie, and cast into prison, where many of them, through the filthy stink thereof dyed: Afterwards Iohn Frith, (with the others remaining alive) being dismissed out of prison, went beyond the seas; and too yeeres after [Page 119] returning, he was taken for a Vagabond at Reading, and set in the stocks, where he remained untill he was almost pined with hunger; at lenght he desired that the School­master of the towne might be brought unto him, which was Leoward Coxe a learned man; assoone as he came (in the Latin tongue) he bewailed his captivity unto him: The Schoolmaster being overcome with his eloquence, did not onely take pity and compassion upon him, but also be­gin to love & embrace him, especially when he spake unto him in the Greeke tongue, and rehersed by heart diverse Verses out of Homer; whereupon the Scholemaster went with all speed unto the Magistrates and procured his en­largment. Yet this his safety continued not long, through the deadly hatred of Sir Thomas Moore, at that time chan­cellor of England, who persecuted him both by Sea and land, promising great rewards to any man that could bring tidings of him. Thus this good man being beset with troubles round about, wandred up and downe, from place to place, untill at the length being betrayed by a seeming friend, he was apprehended, and sent unto the Tower of London, where he had many disputes with Sir Thomas Moore, and others, touching the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. In which quarrell he withstood the violence of three most obstinate enemies, with the Bishop of Rochester, Moore and Rastall, but he fighting with them all three at once, did so refute, and confound them, that he converted Rastall to his part. But when neither Scripture, nor reason would prevaile against the firce and crulty of of these fu­rious foes, the twentieth day of Iune, 1533. he was brought before the Bishops sitting in Pauls Church, where they mi­nistred certaine interrogatives unto him, touching the Sa­crament & Purgatory; to w^ch he answered according to his former disputation, and subscribed unto his answer, these words with his owne hand, I Frith thus doe thinke, and as I thinke, so have I said, written, taught, and affirm­ed, and in any Bookes published; So that when as by no meanes he could be perswaded to recant, he was condmn­ed [Page 120] by the Bishop of London to be burned, and so being de­livered over unto the Mayor and Sheriffes of London, the forth day of Iuly he was by them carryed into Smithfield to be burned; when he was tyed to the stake, he shewed much constancy and courage, for when as the fire and faggots were put unto him, he willingly embraced the same, there­by declaring with what uprightnesse of minde he suffered those torments for Christs and the truths sake, whereof that day he gave with his blood a perfect and firme testimony; The winde drove away the flame from him, unto his fellow Martyr Andrew Hewet, who was burned with him, which made his death the longer, and his paines the greater; But God assisted him with such strength, and fortifyed his soule with such patience, that he seemed rather to rejoyce for his fellow, then to be carefull for himselfe, as if he had felt no paine in that long torment.

There is one thing more very observable concerning this constant Martyr Iohn Frith, that whereas the Bishop of Canterbury sent two of his servants to fetch him to Croy­don, there to be examined, they were so convinced [...]pon the way, with his learned & pious discourses, sweet and hum­ble carriage, that they contrived betwixt themselves how to let him escape; and at the length one of them delivered himselfe unto him, in this manner, saying, Master Frith, the journey which I have taken in hand to bring you to Croy­don, as a Sheep to the slaughter, so grieveth me, that I am over-whelmed with care and sorrow; neither regard I what hazard I undergoe, so that I may deliver you out of the Lions mouth. And then made knowne unto him how that they had plotted betwixt themselves to let him escape: to whom Frith answered with a smiling countenance, Doe you thinke that I am affraid to deliver my opinion unto the Bishops of England in a manifest truth? the Gentleman re­plyed, I marvell that you were so williug to flye the Realme before you were taken, and now so unwilling to save your selfe. Master Frith answered, before I was attached I would fain have enjoyed my liberty for the benefit of the Church [Page 121] of God; but now being taken by the higher power, and by the providence of almighty God delivered into the hands of the Bishops, to give testimony to that religion and doctrine, which under paine of damnation I am bound to maintaine & defend; if I should now start aside, and run­away, I should run from my God, and from the testimony of the Word, and should be worthy of a thousand Hells; therfore I beseech you to bring me where I was apponted to be brought, or else I will goe thither all alone.

THomas Bilney, an English-man by birth, was brought up in the University of Cambridge from a childe, where he profited so much in all the liberall Sciences, that he in a short time commensed Bachelour of both Lawes; But the holy Spirit of Christ by secret inspira [...]ion, endewing his heart with the knowledge of better things, he lefe the study of mans lawes, and set himselfe wholly a part for the study of [Page 122] Divini [...]y, accounting godlinesse his greatnest gaine; And as his owne heart was enflamed with a sincere love to Christ and the Gospell of Christ, so his great desire was to bring others to embrace the same; and his labour was not in vaine, for he converted many of his fellowes to the knowledge of the Gospel, and amongst the rest Master Hugh Latimer, (who afterwards sealed to the truth of Christ with his blood) Master Latimer being crosse-keeper at that time in Cambridge, bringing it forth upon procession dayes: At the last Bilney forsaking the University, went up and downe, Preaching the Gosp [...]l, where ever he came, sharpely reproveing the pride, and pompe of [...]he Clergie, and strive­ing to overthrow the authority of the Bishop of Rome. Car­dinall Wolsey at that time being in great authority, and well knowing that the pride and hypocrisie of the Clergie could not long continue against the word of God, if once the light of the Gospel should open the eyes of men, he therefore caused Bilney to be apprehended, and cast into pri­son; And on the 25. day of November 1537. Master Bilney was brought before the said Cardinall and many other Bi­shops sitting at Westminster, and there examined whether he had not taught unto the people, the opinions of Luther, or of any other condemned by the Church; Bilney answered that wittingly he had not taught any thing contrary to the Catholique Church. Hereupon he was delivered over to the Bishop of London, to be further examined: being brought before him, he exhorted him to abjure and recant; Bilney answered, that he would stand to his conscience saying, fiat justicia, et judicium in nomine domini. Then said the Bishop of London, with the consent of the rest, read part of the sentance against Master Bilney but respites the rest of it untill the morrow, to see if he would recant; then he was brought before them againe, but still he refuseth to re­cant: yet at the last, through infirmity, rather then by con­viction, he recanteth the seventh day of December 1527.

After which abjuration made, he went againe to Cam­bridge, but he had such conflicts within himselfe upon the [Page 123] consideration of what he had done, that he was over­whelmed with sorrow, and was neere the point of utter dispaire, so that his friends were afraid to let him be a­lone, but continued with him day and night, striving to administer some comfort unto him; But he was in such an agonie for the space of a whole yeer after, that he could re­ceive no comfort, yet at the length, having bin throughly humbled for his sinne, through the goodnesse of God he came unto some quiet in conscience, being firmely resolved to spend his dearest blood in giving testimony to that truth which before he had renounced. Having thus determined in his minde, he tooke his leave of his friends in Trenity­hall, and said that he would goe to Ierusalem and so should see them no more (alluding to Christs going up to Ierusa­lem before his passion.) And immediatly he departed into Norfolke, and there Preached, first privatley in houses, and then openly in the fields, bewailing his former subscripti­on, and owning that doctrine for truth which before he had abjured, willing all men to be warned by him, and never to trust to their fleshly friends in causes of religion; whereupon he was apprehended, and carryed to prison; while he there remained, Doctor Call and Doctor Stokes, with many others, were sent to dispute with him, the forme of which, by meanes of Bilneies doctrine, was some­what reclaimed; After many tedious disputes, seeing that by no meanes they could not withdraw Master Bilney for truth, he was condemned to be burned.

The night before his execution, many of his friends re­sorted unto him, found him eating hartily with a quiet minde and cheerefull countinance, where upon they said unto him, that they were glad to see him thus to refresh himselfe, being shortly to suffer such painefull torments; He answered, I imitate those, who having a decaying house to dwell in, hold i [...] up by props as long as may be. Continuing with his friends in heavenly discourses, one of them said, that al­though the fire which he should suffer the next day, would be of great heat unto his body, yet it would be but for a [Page 124] moment, but the spirit of God would refresh, and coole his soule with everlasting comfort; At these words Master Bilney put his finger into the flame of the candle then burning before them, and feeling the heat thereof, said, I finde by experience, and have knowne it long by Philosophy, that fire is naturally hot, yet I am perswaded by Gods holy word, and by the experience of some Saints of God therein record­ed, that in the flame we may feele no heat, and I constant­ly beleeve, that however the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by the fire, yet my Soule and Spirit shalbe purged thereby; and although it may be somewhat painfull for a time, yet joy unspake [...]ble followeth there-upon.

As he was led forth to the place of execution, one of his freinds spake unto him, and desired him to be constant, and to take his death as patiently as he could; to whom Ma­ster Bilney answered with a quiet and milde countenance; When the Marriner undertakes a voyage, he is tossed on the billowes of the troubled Seas, yet in the midst of all perils he heareth up his spirit, with this consideration, that ere long he should come unto his quiet Harbour; so saith he, I am now sayling upon the troubled Sea, but ere long my Ship shall be in a quiet Harbour; and I doubt not, but through the grace of God, I shall endure the Storme; only I would entreat you to help me with your prayers.

As he went along the streets, he gave much almes to the poore, by the hands of one of his friends. Being come to the Stake, he there openly made a long confession of his faith in an exellent manner, and gave many sweet exhortations to the people; and then earnstly called upon God by pray­er, and at the end rehearsed the 143. Psalme.

Then turning to the Officers, he asked them if they were ready, whereupon the fire was kindled; he holding up his hands, and crying sometimes Jesus, sometimes Credo: but the winde did blow away the flame from him, which made his paine the longer, yet he patiently endured it; continu­ing to call upon God, untill he gave up the ghost.

WIlliam Tindal was borne about the borders of Wales, and brought up from a child in the Universitie of Oxford, where he grew up, and encreased in the knowledge of the Tongues, and the Liberall Arts, but especially in the Scriptures, whereunto his minde was singularly addicted: insomuch as being in Magdalen-Hall, he read privately to som Fellows & Students som parts of Divinitie, instructing them in the knowledge and truth of the Scriptures: his life also was so blamelesse, that he acquired much love, and e­steem thereby: After he had profited exceedingly, and taken his degrees there, he removed to Cambridg, and being well ripened in the knowledge of God's Word, he went to live [Page 127] with one Master Welch in Glocestershire, where he was Tutor to his children: and many Abbats, and Doctors resorting thither, Master Tindal discoursing with them of Luther, Eras­mus, &c. shewing them plainly his [...]udgement in Religion, proving the same by the Word of God, & confuting their errors; which caused them to bear a secret grudg in their hearts against him: and afterwards they took occasion to rail, and rage against him, charging him with Heresie, and accusing him to the Bishop and Chancellor, whereupon the Chancellor appointed those Priests, and Master Tindal also to appear before him, and Master Tindal suspecting the matter, as he went prayed heartily unto God to give him strength to stand fast to the truth: when he came the Chan­cellor threatned him grievously, reviling & rating of him, as though he had been a Dog, accusing him of many things whereof no proof could be brought, and so dismissed him for the present: not long after Master Tindal happening into the company of one that was estee [...]ed a learned Doc­tor, in disputing with him, he drave him to that issue, that the Doctor burst out into these blasphemous words, Wee had better be without God's Lawes, then the Pope's. Maste Tindal hearing this, full of Godly zeal, replied; I defie the Pope and all his Lawes, and if God spare me life, ere many yeers, I will cause a Boy that drives the plough to know more of the Scriptures then you do. The rage of the Priests encreasing, Master Tindal told Master Welch, that he well perceived that he could stay there no longer with safetie, and that his stay might be prejudicial to that Family also, and therfore with his good leave he departed and went to London, where he preached a while, as he had done in Countrie before: and then hear­ing a great commendation of Cuthbert Tonstal Bishop of Lon­don, he endevored to get into his servic [...], but the Lord saw that it was not good for him, and therfore he found little favour in the Bishop's [...]ight: remaining thus in London a­bout the space of a yeer, and being desirous, for the good of his Countrie, to translate the New Testament into English, he found that there was no place for him to do it [Page 128] in England, and therefore being assisted by Master Humphrie Munmoth, and other good men, he leftt the land, and went into Germany, and there set upon that work: translating the New Testament Anno. Christi 1527. and then setting up­on the Old,First Bible transl [...]ted. he finished the five books of Moses, with sun­dry most learned, and godly Prologues perfixed before eve­ry one of them: the like also he did upon the N [...]w Testa­ment: besides divers other godly Treatises which he wrote there; which being published, and sent over into England, became exceeding profitable to the whole English Nation. At his first going over into Germany, he went into Saxony, and had much conference with Luther, & other learned men in those quarters, and then returning into the Netherlands, made his greatest abode at An [...]werp: when he had finished his translation of Deuteronomy, minding to print it at Ham­borouth, he sailed thitherward, but by the way upon the coast of Holland he suffered shipwrack,Great af­flictions. by which he lost all his bookes, and writings, and so was compelled to begin all againe to his great hinderance and doubling of his la­bours: yet afterwards he went in another ship to Hambo­rough, where he met Master Coverdal, who assisted him in the translation of [...]ive the books of Moses; the sweating sicknesse being in the towne all the while, which was Anno Christi 1529. and during their imploiment in that work, they were entertained by a religious Widow,Charity. Mistresse Margaret Van Emerson: when his English Testament came abroad, Satans and the Popes instruments raged exceedingly, some saying that there were a thousand Heresies in it: others that it was impossible to translate the Scriptu [...]es into Euglish:Popish lies others that it was not lawful for the Lay-people to have it in their owne language, &c. and at last the Bishops, and Priests procured of King Henry the eight a Proclamation prohibi­ting the buying or reading of it: yet not satisfied here­with, they suborned one Henry Philips to go over to Antwerp to betraie him: who when he came thither, in [...]inuated him­selfe into Master Tindal's company, and pretended great friednship to him; and haveing learned where his abode [Page 129] was, he went to Bruxels and there prevailed so far, that he brought with him the Emperors Atturney to Antwerp, and pretending to visit Master Tindal, he betraied him to two Catchpoles, which presently carried him to the Atturny: who after examination, sent him to prison in the Castle of Filford, 18. miles off, and seized upon all his writings, and what else he had at his lodging: the English Merchants at Antwerp, who loved Tindal very well, did what they could to procure his release, also letters were sent by the Lord Cromwell, and others out of England in his behalf: but Philips so bestirred himselfe, that all their endeavours came to nothing: and Tindal was at last brough to his answere; and after much reasoning although he deserved not death, yet they codemned him to die: & being brough forth to the place of execution, whilest he was tying to the stake, hee cryed with a servent and loud voice, Lord open the King of Englands eies. And so he was first strangled by the hangman, and then burn't, Anno Christi 1536. The power of his Do­ctrine, and the sencerity of his life was such, that during his imprisonment (which was about a yeare and an halfe) hee converted his keeper and his daughter, and some others of his houshold: and Philips that betraied him, long enjoyed not the price of innocent blood, but by God's just judg­ment he was devoured by lice.

Master Foxe in his History of Martyers sayes, he might be called Englands Apostle. The Workes which he writ, be­sides the translation of the Scriptures are these that fol­low.

1. A Christians obedience. 2. The unrighteous Mammon. 3. The practice of the Papists. 4. Commentaries on the se­venth Chapter of Saint Matthew. 5. A discourse of the last will and testament of Tracij. 6. An answer to Sir Thomas Mores Dialogues. 7. The Doctrine of the Lords Supper against More. 8. Of the Sacrament of the Altar. 9. Of the Sa [...]cramentall signes. 10. A foote-path leading to the Scriptures. 11. Two letters to John Frith.

[Page 130]All these are extant together, with the workes of two Marty [...]s, Barnes and Frith, in English, in Folio: and thus after much labour and persecution, this worthy member of Christ, yeelded to the fla [...]es, expecting a joyfull re­resurrection.

URbanus Regius was borne in Arga Longa, [...]n the territo­ries of Count Montfort, of honest parents, who princi­pl'd him in the rudiments of Learning, & from school sent him to Friburg, where he lived with Zasius an excellent Law­yer, who loved him dearly for his diligence and industry: from thence he went to Basil, to study other Arts, and from thence to Ingolstad, where, after a while, he read privately to divers Noble-men's-sons, whose parents desired him to furnish their children with books, and all other necessaries, for which they would take care to pay him againe quar­terly: but when he had run into debt for them, they neg­lected [Page 131] to returne their money, which caused him to thinke of departing, and having an opportunity, he listed himselfe a souldier under a Captaine that went against the Turkes, leaving his books, and oher furniture, to be divided a­mongst the Creditors: being now amongst the souldiers, it happened that Iohn Eccius (who was Gov [...]rnor of the University) coming forth to see the souldiers, he espied Regi­us amongst them, and enquired the cause of his so sudden a change; he told them how those Noble-men had served him, whereupon Eccius got him released from his Captain, and by his authority procured the Debts to be paid by the parents of those youths, which had been with him; wher­upon he returned to his studies againe, wherein he grow­ing famous for his wit and learning, Maximilian the Em­peror passing through Ingolstade, made him his Laureat-Poet and Orator: afterwards he was made Professor in that University: Then he fell hard to the study of Divini­ty, and a while after, the controversie growing hot between Luther and Eccius, Rhegius favoring Luther's doctrine, be­cause he would not offend Eccius, to whom he was many wayes bound, he left Ingolstade, and went to Augusta, and there, at the importunity of the Magistrates and Citizens, he undertooke the Government of the Church, and being offended at the grosse Idolatry of the Papists, he joyned with Luther, and Preached against the same: and having written to Zuinglius to know his judgement about the S [...] ­crament and Originall Sin, he received such satisfaction, that he joyned in opinion with him about the same. At that time the Anabaptists crept into Augusta, and held private conventicles to the disturbance of the publicke peace, for which the Magistrates imprisoned the chiefest of them, and afterwards for their obstinacy punished them. R [...]egius Preaching against Purgatory and Indulgences, the malice and cruelty of the Papists prevailed at length to [...]he driv­ing of him out of that City: bu [...] [...]f [...]e [...] a while, by the ear­nest prayer of the Citizens, he was called back [...] to his former Charge, where also he married a wife, by whom he [Page 132] had thirteen children: Eccius also came thither, and sought by all meanes to turne him from the truth, but in vain: he sent also Faber and Cochlaeus with flatteries, and lage pro­mises, who prevailed as little as the others.

Anno Christi 1530. when the Diet was held at Augusta for quieting of the controversies about Religion, the Duke of Brunswick coming thither, by importunity prevailed with Regius to go to Luneburg in his Country, to take care of the Church there, in which journey at Gobu [...]g he met with Lu­ther, and spent a whole day in familiar conf [...]rence with him, about matters of great moment, of which himselfe write's, That he never had a more comfortable day in his life. Er [...]nestus Duke of Brunswick loved him dearly, and e­steemed him as his father; insomuch as when the City of Augusta sent to the D [...]ke, desiring him to returne Regius to them againe; he answered, that he would as soone part with his eyes as with him: and presently after he made him Bishop, and over-seer of all the Churches in his Country, with an ample salary for the same: afterwards going with his Prince to a meeting at Haganaw, he fell sick by the way, and within few dayes, with much cheerfulnesse yeelded up his soule into the hands of God, Anno Christi 1541: he of­ten desired of God that he might dye a sudden and easie death, wherein God answered his desires. He was of an excellent wit, holy of life, and painfull in the worke of the Lord.

ANdreas Bodenstein Caralostadius was borne in France, in a towne called Caralostadium, by which he received h [...]s name: he was brought up at Schoole there, where after­wards he went to Rome, and having spent sometime in the study of Divinity, he went thence to Wittenberg, where he commensed Doctor in Divinity, and was a publicke Pro­fessor Anno Christi 1512. afterwards he became an earnest as [...]ertor of Luthe [...]'s doctrine, and a defendor of it against Ecc [...]us, both by disputation and writing: at the time of Luther's being in his Pathmos, Caralostadius obtained of the Elector the abolishing of private Masse, Auricular con­fession, Images, &c. at Wittenberg; which Luther being of­fended at, returned presently thither, and Peeached eagerly against that alteration, whereupon Caralostadius wrote in justification of it, which was the first beginning of greater differences betwixt them about the Sacrament; whereupon he left Wittenberg 1524. and went to Orlamund, being called to a Pastorall charge there: but after a while he was called back to his place in Wittenberg; yet before he went, Luther being sent by the Elector of Iene, and Orlamund, in a Ser­mon where [...]aralostadius was present, he enveighed bitterly against the Anabaptists, and said withall, That the same spirit reignd in the Image-haters, and Sacramentaries; whereupon Caralostadius, being much offended, went to his lodging to confer with him about it: afterwards Lu [...]her coming to Orlamund went not to salute Caralostadius, but in his Sermon quarrelled with their abolishing of Idols: and shortly after he procured the Elector to banish Caralostadi­us; whereof Caralostadius afterwards complained in a letter to his people in Wittenberg, that unheard and unconvicted [Page 134] he was banished by Luther's procurement: from th [...]nce he went to Basil, where h [...] printed some book [...] that he had written about the Lord's Supper, for which the Magistrates (being offended with the novelty of the Doctrine) cast the Printers into prison, and the Senate of Tigurine for bad th [...]ir people to read those books: but Zuinglius in his Ser­mon exhorted them first to read, aad then to passe judge­ment on them, saying, That Caralostadius knew the truth, but had not well expressed it: afterwards Caralostadiu [...] wandring up and downe in upper Germany, when the sedi­tion of the boorish Anabaptists brake out, (unto which they were stirred up by Muncer, and for which many of them were brought to punishment) Caralostadius also escaped very narrowly, being let downe in a basket over the wall [...] of Rottenberg: & being in great streights he wrote to Luther, and purged himselfe from having any hand in those up­roars, entreating him to print his book, and undertake his defence, which also Luther did, desiring the Magistrates that he might be brought to his just triall, before he wa [...] condemned: Caralostadius wrote againe to him a Letter, wherein he said, That for his opinion about the Sacra­ment, he rather proposed it for disputation sake, then that he positively affirmed any thing, w^ch many imputed to him for levity: but Luther thereupon procured his return into Saxonie: yet he finding little content there, went to Tigu­rine, and taught in that place till the death of Zuinglius, and then he went to Basil, where he taught ten yeers, and An. 1541. he died there of the plague, and was very honorably buried.

WOlfgangus Fabricius Capito was borne at Hagenaw in Alsatia: his Father was of the Senatorian ranke, who bred him in learning, and sent him to Basil, where he studied Physick, and proceeded Doctor of it: aft [...]r hi [...] Fa­ther's death, he studied Divinity Anno Christi 1504; and under Zasias (a great Lawyer) he studied Law also, and pro­ceeded Doctor of [...]t: He was a great lov [...]r and admirer of godly Ministers: at Heidleberg he grew into acquaintance with Oecolampadius, and there was a neer tye of friendship betwixt them all their lives: after with him also he studi­ed Hebrew, and became a Preacher, first in Spire, and thenc [...] was c [...]lled to Basil: from thence he was sent for by the E­lector Palatine, who made him his Preacher and Counsellor, and sent him of divers Embassies: also by Charles the fifth he was made of the order of Knights: from Mentz he fol­lowed Bucer to Argen [...]ine, where he was called to a Pas [...]oral charge: he was a very prudent and eloquent man, a good Hebrician, and studious of Peace; concerning the Sacra­ment he said, Mittendas esse contentiones, & cogitandum de usu ipsius coenae: & fidem nostram pane, & vino Domini, per me­moriam carnis, & sanguinis illius, pascendam. Anno 1525. being called into his owne Country, he Preached and admini­stred the Lord's Supper to his owne Citizens, and Baptized without the Popish Ceremonies; he was present and dis­puted [Page 136] at Berne against the Popish Masse, &c. He was with others chosen by the Protestants to goe the to Diet at Ratisbone for the setling of Religion; and returning home, in a great and generall infection he died to the Plague An. Christi 1541: of his Age 63.

LEo Iudae was born Anno Christi 1482. brought up at Schoole, and from thence sent to Basil, where he joyn­ed in study with Zuinglius, was an hearer of Doctor Witten­bash, by whom he was instructed in the knowledge of the Gospel: [...]here also he was made a Deacon, and from thence he was called into Helvetia, where he [...]et himselfe to the study of the Orientall Tongues, and to read the Fathers, especially Hierom, and Augustine; as also he read diligently the books of Luther, Era [...]mus, and Capito: at length being called to a Pastorall charge at Tigure, he opposed the Po­pish doctrine and Ceremonies, both in the Pulpit and Presse: th [...]re he continued eighteen yeeres, and spent much of it in expounding the Old Testament out of the Hebrew; wherein (being growne very skilfull) he set upon (at the [Page 137] importunity of his breathren of the Ministry) the translati­on of the Old Testament out of the Hebrew, wherein also he was much holpen by the industry of other learned men: but this worke proving very great, he was so wasted with labor, and old age that he died before he finished it Anno Christi 1542. and of his Age 60. leaving undone Iob, the forty last Psalmes, Proverbs, Ec [...]lesiastes, Canticles, and the eight last Chapters of Ezekiel, which he commended to Theodore Bibliander to finish, who accordingly did it: and he left all to Conradus Pellican to peruse, and put to the Presse, which he carefully performed.

Four dayes before his death, sending for the Pastors and Professors of Tigure, he made before them a Confession of his Faith concerning GOD, the Scriptures, the Person and Office of CHRIST, concluding, Huic Iesu Christo Do­mino, & liberatori meo, &c. To this my Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, my hope, and my salvation, I wholly offer up my soule, and body; I cast my selfe wholly upon his mercy, and grace, &c.

F [...]idericus Myconius was borne in Franconia, of religious parents, and bred up at Schoole till he was thirteen yeeres old, and then he was sent to Annaeberg, where he studied till he was twenty, and then entred into a Monastery there, without the knowledge of his parents: the first night after his entrie, he had a dream, which proved pro­pheticall. In that place he read the Schoole-men, and Au­gustine's Workes. He read also at meal-time the Bible with Lyra's notes on it, which he did seven yeeres together, with so much exactnesse, that he had it almost by heart: but dispairing of attaining to learning, he left his studie [...], and fell to Mechanicall Arts: About which time Tec [...]liu [...] brought his Indulgences into Germany, boasting of th [...] vir­tue of them, and exhorting all as they loved their owne and their dead friends salvation that they should buy them, &c. Myconius had been taught by his f [...]ther, the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Decalogue, and to pray often: and that the blood of Christ onely could cleanse u [...] from sin: and that pardon of sin & eternall life could not be bought with money, &c. Which caused him to be much t [...]ou­bled whether he should beleive his father or the Priests; but understanding that there was a clause in the Indulgences that they should be given freely to the poore: he went to Tecelius, entreated him to give him one, for he wa [...] a poor sinner, and one that needed a free remissions of sins, and a participation of the merits of Christ: Tecelius admired that he could speake Latine so well (which few Priests could do [...] in those dayes) aud therefore he advised with hi [...] Colleagues, who perswaded him to give Myconius one: but after much debate, he returned him answer, That the Pope wanted money, without which he could not part with an Indulgence: Myconius urged the aforenamed clause [Page 139] in the Indulgences: whereupon Tecelius his Colleagues pressed againe that he might have one given him, pleading his learning, and ingenuity, poverty, &c. And that it would be a dishonor both to God and the Pope to denie him one: but still Tecelius refused: whereupon some of them wispred Myconius in the eare to give a little money, which he refused to doe, and they fearing the event, one of them profered to give him some to buy one with, which he still refused, saying, That if he pleased he could sell a book to buy one, but he desired one for Gods sake, which if they denyed him, he wished them to consider how they could answer it to God, &c. but prevailing nothing, he went away rejoycing, that there was yet a God in heaven to pardon sinners freely, &c. according to that promise; As I live (saith the Lord) I desire not the death of a sinner, &c. Not long after he entred into Orders; and read privately Lu­ther's books, which the other Friars tooke very haynously, and threatned him for it. From thence he was called to be a Preacher at Vinaria, where at first he mixed some Popish errors with the truth, but by the illumination of Gods Spirit, and by his reading Luther, he at last began to preach against Popery, and to hold forth the truth clearly; which spread so swiftly, not onely through Saxonie, but through all countries, as if the Angels had been carryers of it. Afterwards he was called to Gotha to teach and govern the Thuringian Churches, where he lived with his Collegues twenty yeeres in much peace, and concord; of which him­selfe saith, Cucurrimus, certavimus, laboravimus, pugnavimus, vicimus, & viximus semper convinctissime, &c. In the tumult of the Boores he tooke much pains to pacifie their mindes, and to keepe them quiet: Yea, he so quieted with an O­ration some that were pulling downe some Noble mens houses, that they went away in peace: that yeere also he married a wife, by whom, through Gods blessing, he had a numerous posterity. He accompanied the Elector of Sax­onie, in many of his journyes into the Low-Countries, and o­ther places, where he preached the Gospel sincerely, though [Page 140] sometimes to the hazard of his life. About this time Henry the eighth King of England, fell out with the Pope, for not divorcing of him from his wife Katharine of Spain, sister to Charles the fifth, by reason of whose greatnesse the Pope durst not doe it: whereupon the King of England sent over to the Germane Princes (especially to the Duke of Saxonie) to confederate against the Pope, and to joyn with them in an agreement about Religion; upon which occasion My­conius was sent over into England, partly about matters of Religion, but especially about a match between Henry the eighth, and Anne of Cleve: but coming thither, he discover­ed the Kings hypocrisie about Religion, not onely by the six Articles about that time established, but also by his im­prisoning of Latimer, and cutting off the Lord Cromwell' [...] head, and burning of Master Barnes, &c. and by his seiz­ing upon all the Abby-lands: whereupon he left England, and being come home, he was called by Henry of Saxonie to visit and reforme the Churches of Misnia, together with Luther, Ionas, Cruciger, &c. Which fell out upon this oc­casion, George Duke of Saxonie, lying on his death-bed, sent to his brother Henry (all his owne sons being dead before) desiring him, that succeeding him, he should inno­vate nothing in Religion, and withall promised him gol­den mountains by his Ambassadors if he would assent thereto: to whom Henry answered, This Embassie of yours is just like the Divels dealing with Christ, when he promised him all the world if he would fall downe and worship him: but for my owne part I am resolved not to depart from the Truth which God hath re­vealed unto me: but before the returne of the Ambassadour, Duke George was dead: whereupon this Henry (nothwith­standing all the oppositions of the Papists) made this Re­formation in the Churches: which worke being finished Myconius visited all the Churches in Thuringia, and with the help of Melancthon, and some othe [...], he provided them Pastors and Schoolmasters, and procured stipends to be setled upon them for their maintenance.

Anno Christi 1541. he fell into a Consumption, whereof he [Page 141] wrote to Luther, That he was sicke not to death, but to life: which interpretation of the text pleased Luther excellently well; unto whom he wrote back, I pray Christ our Lord, our salva­tion, our health, &c. that I may live to see thee, and some others of our Colleagues to die, and goe to heaven, and to leave me here a­mongst the Divels alone, I pray God that I may first lay down thi [...] drie, exhausted, and unprofitable tabernacle: farewell, and God for­bid that I should heare of thy death whi [...]st I live: Sed te superstitem faciat mihi Deus: h [...]c peto, & volo, & fiat voluntas mea, Amen; quia haec voluntas gloriam nominis Dei, crete non meam voluptatem, nec copiam quaerit. A while after Myconius recovered according to this prayer, though his disease seemed to be desperate, & out-lived it six yeers, even till after Luthers death; where­upon Iustus Ionas, speaking of Luther, saith of him, Iste vir potuit quod voluit, That man could have of God what he pleased. A little before Myconius his death, he wrote an excellent E­pistle to Ioan. Fredericke Elector of Saxonie, wherein he praiseth God for raising up three successively in that Fa­mily, viz. Fredericke, Iohn, and Iohn Fredericke, to under­take the patronage of Lu [...]her, &c. He was a man of singular piety, of solid learning, of a dextrous judgement, of a burn­ing zeal, and of an admirable candor and gravity. He died of a relapse into his former disease, Anno Christi 1546. and of his Age 55.

IOhn Diazius was borne in Spaine, brought up at Schoole, afterwards he went to Paris to study the Arts, where he continued thirteen yeers; but it pleased God that whilest he read over the holy Scriptures, and some of Luthers bookes, and other Protestant Divines, he began to see and abominate the errours of Popery; and therefore to further himselfe in the knowledge and study of the Truth, he went to Geneva, where he spake with Calvin, and was very dear unto him: From thence he went to Argentine, where Mar­tin Bucer observed his learning, piety and diligence in his studie, obtained of the Senate, that he should be joyned with him to goe to the Disputation at Ratisb [...]ne; and when he came thither, he went to Peter Malvinda a Spaniard, the Popes Agent in Germanie; who when he knew that he cam [...] in the company with Bucer, and the other Protestant Di­vines, he was much a [...]tonished, and admired how he was so much changed from that which he knew him to be at Paris: and withall, he fretted exceedingly that they had gotten a Spaniard amongst them, presuming that they would triumph more in him then in many Germans: whereupon, he left no meanes untried to draw him backe againe to the Church of Rome; sometimes making large proffers and promises to him, other-sometimes threatning severe pu­nishments, and mixing both with earnest entreaties: but when by no meanes he could prevaile to divert him from the Truth, he sent for his brother Alphonsus Diazius, one of the Popes Lawyers, from Rome, who hearing that his Bro­ther was turned Protestant, came speedily into Germanie, bringing a notorious cut-throat with him, resolving ei­ther to divert or destroy him: when he came to Ratisbone, Diazius was departed to Neoberg about the Printing of Bu­cers Booke; which Alphonsus hearing of, followed him [Page 143] thither; where, after long debating of matters of Religi­on between the two Brothers, Alphonsus seeing the heart of his Brother Iohn to be so constantly planted [...]n th [...] sure rocke of Gods Truth, that neither Preferments could al­lure him, nor threats terrifie him, both having beene used by the Popes Agent, nor he by perswasion nor love could perswade him to returne to Popery; he feigned himselfe, friendly to take his leave of him, and so depar [...]d: [...]ut shortly after he returned againe with this ruffianly mur­therer, and by the way they bought an Hatchet of a Car­pinter; and Alphonsus sending this man disguised with let­ters to his Brother, he himselfe following after, as Iohn Diazius was reading the letters, this bloudy murtherer cleft his head with the Hatchet, and taking Horse they both rode away, Anno Christi 1546. and this inhumane Cain was highly commended by the Papists for it. But the Lord would not suffer such an unnaturall villanie to goe unpu­nished; for not long after, he was so dogg [...]d and haunted by the Furies of his own Conscience, that being at Trent, when the Council was held there, he hanged hims [...]lf about the neck of his own Mule.

GAsper Cruciger was born at Lipsich in Misnia, Anno 1504. of religious Parents, who carefully brought him up in the knowledge of God, and in learning. He was melancholy by nature, and of a retired disposition, much in meditation, and of few words: being principled in the Latine, he learn­ed Greek, and profited much therein, and so went to the University of Wittenberg, that having studyed Divinity there, he might be more usefull to the Church: he studyed also the Hebrew tongue, and grew very exquisite therein: from thence was called to govern the School at Magdeburg, where he taught with much profit and applause till 1527. and then being called back to Wittenberg, he preached and [...]xpounded the Scriptures with so much dexterity, that he was graced with the degree of a Doctor; in that Universi­ty he studyed and practised Physick also. He was very help­full to Luther in his Translation of the Bible. He wrote so swiftly, that he was chosen Scribe at the disputation at Worms, and yet withall suggested to Melancthon many things for answer to Eccius his subtilties, insomuch that Glanvell (who supplyed the Enperors room) said of him, That the Lutherans had a Scribe that was more learned then all the Pontificians. He alwayes opposed the Anabaptisticall errors, and was very careful to preserve the Truch from corrupti­ons: he alwayes hated new, and ambiguous expressions, which often caused much troubles in the Church: he of­ten contemplated the foot-steps of God in Nature, saying with Paul, That God was so near unto us, that he might be almost felt with our hands. He studyed the Mathema­ticks in his later time, and grew so skilfull therein that few excelled him: he was excellent also in the Opticks: [Page 145] but with excessive pains, and incessant studyes night and day, he contracted to himselfe a mortall disease, whereby he wasted away, and yet his intellectuals decayed not: he lay sick for above three moneths, all which time he gave forth cleer & notable demonstrations of his Faith, Pat [...]ence and Piety: he called up his two young daughters, and caused them to repeate their prayers before him, and then himselfe prayed with great fervency for himselfe: the Church, and those his Orphans, concluding, Invoco te quan­quam languida & imbecill [...] fide, sed fide tamen credo promissioni tuae, quam sanguine tuo, & resurrections obsignasti, &c. I call up­on thee with a weak, yet with a true Faith; I beleele thy promises which thou hast sealed to mee with thy blood, and resurrection, &c. In his sicknesse he intermitted not his studies; for during the same, he turned into Latine Lu­thers books concerning the last words of David: he read the Psalms, and other Autors: his ordinary discourse with his friends was about the Principles of Religion; the ad­mirable government of the Church; Immortality, and our sweet Communion in heaven. Upon the sixth of November there was a great Chasm, or opening in the heavens, and in some places fire fell to the earth, and flew up into the ayre againe; this Cruciger saw, as he lay in his bed in the night, and thereupon much bewayled the great commotions, and dissipations in the Church, which he foresaw by this Pro­digie: He spent the few dayes which remained in prayer, and repentance, and so quietly ended his dayes November 16. Anno Christi 1548. and of his Age 45. Considering the mutabilitie of all earthly things, he used often to say,

IN the yeer of our Lord God 1504. Paulus Fagius, alias Buchlin, was borne in a Town situate in the Palatinate, not farre from Bretta, which in the Germain language, is called Rhein-taberne; his Father was called by the name of Peter [Page 147] Buchlin, being chiefe Schoole-master of that Towne, his Mother by the name of Margaretta Iager, daughter unto Henricus Iazger of Heidelberge: who was much beloved of Fredericke the Prince Elector Palatine, by reason of his ex­cellent knowledge in the art of War.

He was first acquainted with the grounds of Leaenrng in the same Towne, and that through the carefulnesse and paines of his Father, which indeed seemed pleasing unto him, because of the sharpenesse of wit and quicknesse of ap­prehension which he saw in the childe; and therefore for the better perfection of his naturall parts (when he had reached unto the age of eleven yeares) he sent him unto Heidelberge, and committed him unto the tuition of Iohan­nes Brentius and Martinus Frechtus, two learned men; by whose meanes he was furnished with an excellent insight in humaine Learning.

When he had continued with these learned men for the space of seven yeers, and being now eighteene yeers of age, and longing for a greater perfection of learning; he left Heidelberge and went unto Stratsburge; and because poverty twharted the good will of his Parents, so that they could not afford him [...]uch maintenance as they were willing, he framed himselfe unto the teaching of Youth, during his a­bode in that place; by which meanes he defended himselfe from that miserabl [...] condition which was likely to ensue, and also furnished himselfe with money for the procuring of such Bookes as he had most use of for his Studies.

About this time the study and profession of the tongues began to appeare and to shew it selfe in Germanie, and Wol­fangus Capito set forth two Bookes, containing solid instru­ctions for the obtaining of knowledge in the Hebrew lan­guage, a thing worthy of admiration in those times; and there were also some Iewes, who wandring up and downe did impart the grounds of that knowledge unto many in Germanie. Fagius laying hold upon this opportunity, gave himselfe wholly unto the study of this tongue, and for that cause he happily insinuated himselfe into the familiarity [Page 148] of Capito Hedio, Bucer, Zellius, and other learned Profes­sours, who were the first planters of the Church of Christ in those places.

Having here indifferently furnished himselfe with learn­ing, and with the knowledge of the tongues, in the yeere 1527. he left Strasburge, and betooke himselfe unto Isna, a towne in Algaria, (being thereunto constrained with his poverty, and also with the small regard that those people had of learned men) where, by the intreaty and further­ance of his friends, he underwent the painfull office again of a Schoolemaster; wherein he used such diligence that he gained the love of all that knew him, but finding with­in himselfe a naturall inclination unto the Ministery, he left his Schoole and returned againe unto Strasburge, to furnish himselfe with sufficient knowledge, for the dis­charge of that function: here he continued for the space of two yeeres, spending them altogether in the study of Di­vinity, at the end whereof, he was called from Ssasburge by the Senate of Isna, to undergoe a Pastorall office in the same towne, which he performed for the space of five yeers, with the great approbation of his Auditors; when he gave himselfe again unto the study of the Holy tongues, wherin in short time he proceeded beyond expectation, so that he was adjudged to be the most absolutest in those dayes; for the attayning unto this perfection he used the helpe of E­lias Livita, a most learned Jew.

Petrus Buflerus one of the Senators of Isna having notice of his perfection in the holy tongue, and of his naturall in­clination unto the Arts, at his owne cost and charge he e­rected a Printing house; to the end that Fagius might pub­lish som works for the futur good of that Nation, & for the credit and good fame of himself; but the event not answer­ing their expectation, Fagius came at last, to be deeply in­debted unto his friend Petrus; whereby he was dishartned, and kept from proceeding any further; which being per­ceived by Buflerus he incouraged him againe to goe for­ward, and for that cause he lovingly forgave him all the [Page 149] debt, which amounted unto the summe of one thousand Crownes and more.

But he finding by experience that Isna was not a place for his purpose, he resolved to remove; and opening the same unto the Inhabitants, they seemed unwilling, yet af­terwards they consented: receiving Iohannes Marbachius in­to his roome. Before his departure, the towne was greatly afflicted with the Pestilence, and he understanding that ma­ny of the wealthiest of the Inhabitants intended to forsake the place, without having any respect or care of such as la­boured with that disease, and that the houses of such as were infected, were commanded to be shut up by the Ma­gistrate; he openly admonished them, either to continue in the towne, or liberally to bestow their almes before their departure, for the reliefe of such as were sicke: and during the time of the visitation, he himselfe in person would vis [...] those that were si [...]ke; he would administer Spirituall comfort unto them, pray for them, and would be present with them day and night, and yet by the providence of God he remayned untouched, and was preserved by the al­powerfull hand of God.

At the same season the Pestilence was hot in Strasburge, and with many others, it tooke away Wolfangus Capito, by reason whereof he was called by the Senate, and designed to be his successour in the same City, where he continued Preaching untill the beginning of the Germain warres; for then Fredecicus Secundus, the Prince Elector Palatnie, in­tending a reformation in those Churches which were sub­ject to him, he called Fagius from Strasburge unto Heidel­berge, being then reputed to be a most eloquent and learned man, and constituted him the publicke Professor in the same place; but the Emperour prevailing against the Elect­or, & triumphing in Germany, that which was begun in Ger­many, touching reformation, fell againe to the ground and became extinct: during his residence here, he set forth ma­ny books, but more especially such as he adjudged would be most profitable for such as intended to study the Hebrew [Page 150] tongue; which were so approved of by Bucer Martyr, and Hedio, then ordinary professors of Divinity, that he was advanced to the reading of a Divinity Lecture on the week dayes, and designed to discharge their Pastorall functions, in case they were restrained either with sicknesse, or any other serious imployments; and in this course he remained for the space of six yeeres.

At the end of which time, the Church was greatly afflict­ed in Germany, and banishment was threatned unto such as would not adhaere unto the doctrine of the Church of Rome, and in the beginning of these troubles, it pleased God to stirre up Thomas Cranmer, Arch-bishop of Canterbury and Metrapolitan of England, to call for him out of Germa­ny, who together with Bucer was honorably entertained by the said Arch-bishop and disposed of, &c. vide Bucer.

He died in Cambridge, in the yeere 1550. and was ho­norably buried in the Church of Saint Michael; his bones to­gether with Bucers in the dayes of Queene Mary, were diged up and burned, because he was condemned of haeri [...]ie; A­mongst many Epitaphs which were set forth in the com­mending of this man, that of Gulielmus Day deserveth im­pression, that his worth might be manifested unto future times:

He was of a tall stature, somewhat blacke-visaged; his countenance appeared outwardly severe, extorting reve­rence; but he was inwardly of an affable and courteous disposition, loving, meeke and lowly: he was an excellent Orator, a great Student, as appeares by his Workes here inserted.

1 A worke called Thysby. 2 Apothegmes of the Fathers. 3 Mo­rall Sentences ef Ben Syra, alphabetically digested. 4 The transla­tion of Tobias the Hebrew. 5 Hebrew Prayers. 6 A literall exposition of the Hebrew sayings on the foure first chapters of Gene­sis, with a Chalde Paraphrase. 7 Of the truth of Faith. 8 Com­mentaries [Page 152] on certaine Psalmes by Kirachi. 9 An Hebrew Pre­face to Elias Levila his Chalde Lexicon. 10 Thargum. 11 An Introduction to the Hebrew tongue.

IN the yeer of our Lord 1491. Martinus Bucerus was born at Selestadt, a towne in Germanie, famous for many learn­ed Schollars, which it hath afforded unto the World in these latter times: amongst which this Bucer deserveth not the meanest approbation, if we shall but consider those ex­cellent vertues wherewith he was endewed, or his learn­ed and laborious acts for the propagation of the truth of Christ.

In his youth he was trained up in the knowledge of the liberall Arts and Sciences in his owne Countrey, wherein he profited beyond expectation, to the great credit of his Ma [...]er, and to the unspeakable comfort of his friends.

[Page 154]About the yeer of our Lord 1506. and about the fifteenth yeer of his age, through the advice and perswasion of his friends, he adjoyned himselfe unto the order of the Domi­nicans, where he manifested and gave them so singular a glympse of his industry and towardnesse, that the most ju­dicious and best eye-sighted Fryers conceived him to be set apart for the performance of more [...]hen ordinary Acts.

Being now a D [...]minican he greatly desired to take a view o [...] Heidelberge, which was granted unto him by the Pryor: here he earnestly gave himselfe to the study of Rhetoricke and Phylosophie; and not to these Arts onely but also to Di­vinity; but when he found by experience that the know­ledge of the Tongues was so necessary unto the study ther­of, that without them it could not by any meanes possible be attained to any perfection, he forthwith bent all his forces for the gaining of the knowledge of the Greeke and Hebrew tongues.

About that time came forth the Workes of Erasmus Ro­terodamus, in the reading whereof Bucer greatly delighted, and was by them first instructed (God opening his eyes) in the grounds of Evangelicall truth; and happening also on some of Luthers Workes newly published, and compar­ing the Doctrine therein delivered and taught with the ho­ly Scriptur [...]s, he fell into a susp [...]tion of the truth of the doctrine of the Church of Rome.

Bucer having now attained unto some perfection of learn­ing, and notice being taken of those excellent qualities wherewith he was adorned, upon the commendation and approbation of Franciscus Sickingen, he was entertained by Fredericke Prince Elector Palatine, to be his Chaplaine; and forsaking that profession which he had formerly taken, he professed himselfe to be a Protestant, and Preached the word both privatly and publickly, as occasions were of­fered and given unto him, being much strengthened and animated thereunto, by hearin [...] the disputation of Luther at Heidelberge, concerning Free-will, whereby he became better satisfied in the point of justification.

[Page 155]And thi [...] wa [...] the first acquaintance which he had with that burning light of the Church, by whom it pleased God to worke an alteration in his heart, and an earnest intent to beat downe the sinnes of the times, to dispell the foggie mists of darkenesse and ignorance, that the glorious light of Christs Gospel might the better appear. For the Prince Elector having urgent occasions to goe into Belgiuno, and taking him with him as his associate, he sharpely reproved in his Sermons and Exercises the supersticious impieties of those places; wherein he proceeded with that eagernesse of spirit, that the Monkes and Fryers there living, were much offended at his Doctrine, as a thing prejudiciall to their lazie manner of life: Wherefore to prevent his pro­ceeding, they intended secretly to take away his life (an old practise of that hellish brood) but the providence of God would not suffer this light to be thus extinguished; for he having notice of the snares which were laid for him secretly fled away, and went unto Franciscus Sickingem, of whom he was kindely and lovingly entertained, promising him safety untill that the times were better quieted as touching Religion; with whom he remained untill such such time as Luther was called unto Wormes, unto whom he went, and having sp [...]nt many dayes in conference with him, he departed from him, not without he embracing of his Doctrine, with an intent to make publicke profession of the same, for the glory of God, untill he had finished that time which was alotted unto him here in earth: and resolving to take his journey for Wittemberge, he was stay­ed by the intreaty of the faithfull Pas [...]ors of the Church at Wissenburge, where he continued Preaching for the space of halfe a yeere, not without the great benefit of the Church, untill that he with Henricus Mothererus were with great sorrow compelled to depart that place, through the means of the Vicar of Spire, which at that time was a great enemy and an opposer of the truth of Christ.

Now although the Word of God had no good successe in this place, yet it pleased God that it florished in Stras­burge, [Page 156] by the pains of Matthias Lellius and Casper Hedio, faith­full labourers in the Lords Vineyard, hither came Bucer in the yeere of our Lord 1523. and was b [...] them with all joy­fulnesse received, as one who laboured with them for the converting and wining of Soules unto Christ, and for the propagation of his truth: and was by them appointed to Preach publickly in [...]he Church, and to teach openly in the schoole, so that within short time the doctrine of the Gosp [...]ll tooke firme rooting in many pl [...]ces of the City, and they altered many things in the Church, concerning Masse, the Sacraments, holy dayes, jmages, and the like, rendring strong reasons for what they did, in a booke set forth by them, and dedicated unto Frederick the Prince E­lector Palatine.

Now because [...]here was a difference betwixt the professors of the Gospell, concerning some important matters, there­fore a meeting was appointed at Marpurge, where Bucer and Hedio had conference with Luther and Zuinglius, where they agreed in all points, the Sacrament of the Lords Lupper onely excepted, wherein Consubstantiation was affirmed on the part of Luther, yet they departed each from the other friendly, intending to abstaine altogether on both sides from strife and contention, and to pray unfainedly unto the Lord that he would vouchsafe to instruct and guide them with his holy Spirit in the way of truth. But Bucer hearing that this dissention amongst them conc [...]rning the Supper of the Lord, was very gratefull unto the Papists; he went unto Luther againe, to urge him to a reconciliation in that point; from whom he received such an answer, that forthwith he went to Zuinglius and the Switzers, to perswade them to adhere unto the same Doctrine, for well he foresaw what great hurt that Sacramentary dissention would [...]ring unto th [...] Church, if it were not quickly cut off, and taken away.

In the yeere of our Lord, 1531. it pleased God to open the eyes of the Inhabitants of Vlmes, so that they greatly desired a reformation in their Churches, and for that cause [Page 157] they requested the Sen [...]te of Strasburge, th [...]t Bucer might be sent over unto them to lay the ground of so happy a building, which was faithfully performed by Bucer, together with the helpe and assistance of Oecolampadius, and a forme of Divine worship prescribed unto them; but perceiving still the course of the truth, to be hindred and stopped by this difference about the Sacrament, with the consent of the Elect [...]r, he repaired againe to Luther, being resident at Wittenberge, where af [...]er some discourse; conclusions con­cerning the Sacrament were agreed on betwixt the Divines of Wittenberge and Highec Gumanie, in the yeere 1536. yet after some consideration, Bucer renounced the opinion of Luther concerning Consubstantiation, (although he had sub­scribed unto it at Wittenberge) and taught the Contrary; wherefore Bucer with many others were there deteined by the Lantgrave of Hassia untill they came to an agreement amongst themselves, the chiefe heads whereof were sent unto Basil, which were not approved of by the Senate; then Bucer returned to Strasburge, went forward in his ex­ercise of Preaching and Teaching, not only in the Church, but also in a publick schoole, w^ch had been newly erected at the proper cost and charges of the Senate, where he remain­ed unto the yeere 1541. about which time the Emperor Carolus Augustus ret [...]rned into Germany, and commanded a publick conference at Reinspurge a City in Bavaria con­cerning the reformation of Religion, and through the meanes nnd intreaty of Frederick Prince Elector Palatime, and other Protestants and Princes, he appointed Iulius A­lugius, Iohannes Eccius, Iohannes Gropperus, Papists, and Phil­lip Melanc [...]hon, Martinus Bucer, and Iohannes Pistorius Prote­stants for the performance thereof; the Emperor himselfe greatly charged them, (in so weighty a matter to have re­spect onely to the glory of God and of his truth, and not to be carryed away w^th any other favour or affection what­soever; but in their conferences such disagreements were found amongst them, that by no meanes their opinions could be reconciled, & because also that Germany at that time [Page 158] feared the approching of the Turkes, the assembly was dis­solved.

In this Assembly Gropperus tooke great notice of Bucer, much applauding him for his lenity, conjoyned with a comely gravity, and withall commended him unto Heir­mannas, then Ar [...]h-bishop of Colen, who at that time en­deavoured also a reformation in the Churches, and told him that he was a man most fit for such a purpose, being excellently learned, a lover of peace, and a man of an un­spotted life and conversation: wher upon Hermannus sends for Bucer, who in the yeer 1542. came unto him, who w^th ex­ceeding joy received and entertained him, where together with Melancthon he wrote the manner of reforming Chur­ches, which they dedicated unto the same Archbishop; ma­ny of the inhabitants approved of the worke, and willingly yeelded unto a reformation, but the Clergy and those of the Colledge, were mightily incensed against Bncer, greatly reproaching and reviling him, affirming that they had ra­ther lead their lives under the Turk, then under a Magistrate, who intended to settle that reformation, and therefor [...] they desired that Bucer, and all those new Doctors (as they termed them) might be far removed from that City, shuting as it were the gates of mercy against their owne soules, and Gropperus who formerly had shewed and professed much love unto him, came now to be his greatest enemy; and the Archbishop for his desire of a reformation, was excommu­nicated by the Pope and deprived of his functio [...] and g [...] ­vernment, by the Emperor, and all those part [...] returned a­gaine, like dogs unto their vomit.

In the yeere 1546. there was another ass [...]mbly appoint­ed by the Emperour at Renispurge, unto which also Bucer was called, who at that time had a great conflict with Pe­trus Malvanda a Spaniard, touching the justification of a sinner before God, but in regard of diverse troubles which did accompany these times nothing could be concluded.

In the yeere 1548. Iulius Pflugius, Michael Heldingus and Iohannes Agricola, by the commandem [...]nt of the Empe­rour, [Page 159] wrote a forme of Ecclesiasticall reformation, little or no way differing from the opinions of the Church of Rome; which worke was approved by the Emperour, and Bucer was craftily called by a Magistrate of Brandenburge un­to Auspurge, to subscribe unto the same worke, perswading him that it was collected out of the most learned writers; but Bucer uderstanding the matter fully, told him after a freindly manner, that he could not approve of it, because it savored too much of the doctrine of the Church of Rome, neither would he be drawne thereunto, although the same party promised to confer large benefits upon him.

This Booke, by the command of the Emperour, was thrust upon the Reformed Churches, and those who with­stood it were severely punished, either with imprisonment or banishment; and as it happily fell out, the fame of Bu­cer and hard fortune of his painfull contemporaneans came into England, in the reigne of that vertuous Prince of bles­sed memory Edward the sixt, even when a Reformati­on began to be established in the Church: wherefore Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, perceiving that he would be advantagious in that behalfe, sent over letters unto him, wherein he perswaded him with Paulus Fagius to come into England; assuring them both of kinde entertainment and a sufficient stipend, if it would please them to continue amongst them.

These Letters comming to their hands (because they saw little or no hopes of doing any good in Germanie) they re­solved to visit England; and Bucer taking his leave of the Senate of Strasburge, after he had supplyed a Pastorall of­fice amongst them the space of twenty yeeres, he with Fa­gius went for England in the yeer of grace 1549. where they arrived in good health, and were most courteously enter­tained, and a place provided for them in the University of Cambridge, for the expounding of the holy Scriptures, and a large Stipend allotted unto them for the maintenance of their Families; the University conferring one priviledge on him, which was not given unto any before him; being [Page 160] this that according to his desire, he was inaugurated into his Office without any publicke Ceremony. He was much admi [...]ed of in the University for his learning, for the inte­grity of his life and conversation; for his plainenesse in his apparell, for his temperaten [...]sse in his dyet, for his constancy in his labours, and for his patience in his sicknesse.

Within short time after they came hither, they both fell into an irrecoverable sicknesse, by reason of the change of the ayre and dyet; Fagius was the first that yeelded his soul into the hands of God; Bucer followed shortly after, who before his death prayed unto almighty God, that he would not suffer England to fall into those sinnes, which had brought Germany unto great misery; and withall, desired that those things which he had written unto the King con­cerning the discipline of the Church, might take firme foot­ing in the Kingdome. Master Iohn Bradford coming to him in the time of his sicknesse, and telling him that he would remember him in his prayers, being that day to Preach, he uttered these words, Ne abiicias me Domine in tompore senectutis meae cum defecerit virtus mea; forsake me not O Lord in the time of my age, and when my strength faileth me. Being admonished in his sicknesse that he should arme himselfe against the assaults of the Divell; he answered, that he had nothing to doe with the Divell, because he was wholly in Christ, and God forbid; God forbid, but that I should have some experience of his heavenly comfort.

After Sermon Bradford came to him againe, and after some words, declared unto him the great feare which the Physitians had to prescribe any thing unto him, by reason of the weaknesse of his body, which he apprehending, with his eyes fixed towards heaven, he uttered these words: ille, ille regit & moderatar omnia, he, he it is, that ruleth and go­verneth all thi [...]gs; and so in the midst of many godly prayers he quietly yeelded his soul unto the hands of God, on the 27. of February, in the yeere of our Lord 1551. be­ing 61. yeeres of his age, he was buried with great solem­nity in Saint Ma [...]ies in Cambridge, to the griefe of many [Page 161] students; before his buriall a Funerall Sermon was deliver­ed by Gualterus Haddon, at his buriall by Doctor Parker.

After the death of Edward the sixt, his sister the Lady Mary comming to the crowne, she restored the doctrine of the Church of Rome, and in her dayes Cardinall Poole, the Popes Legate being a man of great Authority, laboured with might and maine, for the rooting out of haeresie and haere­tick (for so he termed the Gospell and the professors there­of) and for that cause he appointed five Inquisitors, for the reformation of the University of Cambridge, these ob­tained that the bones of both these faithfull Ministers of Christ should be digged up, condemned of haerisie, and de­livered to the Magistrate to be burnt, together with all the bookes of theirs which were extant in the kingdome; but in the raine of Queene Elizabeth, this sentence was not approved but rejected, and they were reckoned amongst the number of Martyrs which had suffered for the truth of Christ.

The labours which he left behind him, as so many wit­nesses of his sufficiency and worth, are these which fol­low.

1 The Psalmes done out of Latine into Hebrew. 2 Enarrati­ons on the four Evangelists. 3 Metaphrases one the Epistle of St. Paul. 4 A reconciling of hard places of Scripture. 5 Com­mentaries of the Romans and the Ephesians. 6 A Commentarie on Sophonu [...], done out of Hebrew. 7 A preface to the fourth Tome of Luthers postils. 8 Of the true doctrine, discipline and Ceremonies of Chu [...]ches. 9 A Gra [...]ula [...]orie letter unto the Church of England. 10 An answer to the two Epistles of Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester concerning the single life of Priests. 11 Of the best way to have Counsels. 12 A treatise of restoring Church good. 13 An Epistle to the Vniversity a [...] Marpurge. 14 To those of East Friezland. 15 The confession of the foure Cities Strasburge, Constance, Menning, and Lindare. 16 An Apologie against Brentius, that jmages are not to be had in Churches. 17 Of the Baptisme of Infants. 18 Of the Euch [...] ­rist. [Page 162] 19 Of a Nationrall Synead. 20 Of a Councell against Coceleius and Gropperus. 21 Of the false and true admi­nistration. 22 Of the Lords Supper. 23 Of offering Masses. 24 Of care for [...]he dead. 25 Of Purgatorie. 26 Causes of the absence of Divines from the councell of Trent. 27 Of the king­dome of Christ unto Edward the sixt King of England. 28 Lectu­ers at Cambridge, upon the Ephesians. 29 Of the power and use of the ministery. 30 An admonition to the Ministers at Swit­zerland. 31 Psal [...]er translated into Dutch. 32 An admoni­ [...]ion to the Ministers at Strasburge. 33 Of the true office of a Pastor. 34 Of the Iewes, how for to be suffered amongst Christi­ans. 35 A Confutation of the new faith set forth at Loran. 36 A defence of the Colenish reformation. 37 A defence against Gropperus. 38 An an [...]wer to a dialogue against Protestants. 39 Of Church-goods, and who are the right possessors of them.

40 Against the Bul of Paulus the third, and his Legates de­mands. 41 A godly admonition to the Emperour, Princes, and other states of the Empire assembled at Wormes. 42 Against the restoring of the Masse. 43 Impediments of Reformation. 44 Against the Sophistes of Colen. 45 Of the conference at Re­insburge. 46 An exposition of the 120. Psalme. 47 A treatise of Afflictions. 48 A refutation of Calumnies. 49 A Sermon at Berne. 50 Of the Ministers and Sacraments. 51 Luthers commentaries on the two Epistles of Peter. 52 Some writings of Sturmius. 53 Retractations, with Commentaries on the Gospell. 54 A trea [...]ise that none ought to live to them­selves.

CAsper Hedio was born at Etling, in the Marquisat of Baden, of honest Parents, and educated in learning at Friburge, where also he Commensed Master of Arts; and from thence went to Basil, where he studied Divinity, and Commensed Doctor: whence he was called to Preach in the chiefe Church at Mentz, but some, not liking such plain Preaching, and the Monkes raising a persecution against him, he went thence to Argentine, Anno Christi 1523. where he was a great assistent to Capito, and Bucer in reforming of Religion by the command of the Senate: there also he married a wife Anno Christi 1533. and though the Papists raised a great persecution in that City, yet he Preached [...]oldly against Masses, Indulgences, Auricular Confession, &c. and wrote against them also. Anno Christi 1543. when Herman Archbishop of Collen began a Reformation, he sent for Bucer, and Hedio, to assist him therein, whence (after he was driven by Caesar, and his Spaniards) escaping through many difficulties and danger, he returned to Argentine; what time he could spare from his Ministeriall employ­ment, he spent in writing Commentaries, and Histories. Anno Chris [...]i 1552. he sickened and died.

GEorg Prince of Anhalt was born An. Chr. 1507. his Father was Prince Ernest, who was carefull to bring him up in the fear of God; and for that end he placed him with George Forcheme, who was eminent for training up of youth, under whom he profited exceedingly, both in humane literature, and in princip [...]ls of Divinity: then he was set to the study of the Law, wherein he profited very much also: having attained to the age of twenty two yeeres, he was chosen by Albert, Elector of Men [...]z to be one of his Councell, where­in he carried himselfe with high commendations, in ma­naging the greatest State-affairs: But the Controversies a­bout Religions waxing hot at this time, and Luthers books coming abroad, he fell to reading of them, and suspecting his owne injudiciousnesse, he would often pray with tears to God to encline his heart to the Truth, saying, Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy, and instruct mee in thy righte­ousnesse. He was frequent in reading the Scriptures, Eccle­siasticall Histories, Augustine, Hierom, and Lombard: he stu­died also Greek, and Hebrew: and discoursed with learn­ed men about the Controversies: and after all, upon ma­ture deliberation, he embraced the Reformed Riligion, and reformed the Churches with the counsell of his brethren, within his owne jurisdiction. Anno Christi 1545. he was called to the Government of the Churches within the Di­ocesse of Mersburge, where he was carefull to have the Truth Preached to the people; he lived with much con­tinencie in a single life: he took much pains both in writ­ing, and Preaching: he was very charitable, a great pro­moter of Peace amongst Princes: very free from ambition, hatred, and revenge: he used often to say, Subdi [...]us esto Deo, & ora eum, &c. Submit thy selfe to God, and pray unto him; for he is near to those that are of a contrite heart, and will [Page 165] save the humble in spirit. He employed his time so well, that he left none for pleasures; and used to say, That nothing re­freshed him more in his sorrowes, then conference with learned and godly men. Falling sick of a most troublesome disease, he was frequent in holy prayer, for himselfe, for all the Princes of that family, for his country, and for Germany; he had some portions of holy Scriptures daily read to him: he made his Will, wherein he set downe the Confession of his Faith, and commended the defense of his Churches to his brother: he added something to the stipends of all the godly Ministers under his charge: He often ruminated up­on those texts, God so loved the world, that he gave, &c. No man shall take my sheep out of my hand. Come unto mee all yee that are wearie, &c. and so in holy meditations, and prayer hee resigned up his Spirit unto God Anno Christi 1543. and of his Age 47.

IVstus Ionas was born at Northusa Anno Christi 1493. where his Father was a Senator; who falling sick of the Plague, [Page 166] and having applyed an Onion to the Soare, and taking it off, and laid it by him, this little Ionas coming, tooke the Onion and eat it up, yet without any prejudice to himself, God miraculously preserving of him. He was first brought up at Schoole, afterwards he studied Law, and made a good progresse therein: But upon better though [...]s he studied Divinity, and proceeded Doctor, and embraced the Refor­med Religion, and was called Anno Christi 1521. to a Pasto­rall charge in Wittenberg: he was present at most of the Dis­putations about Religion, where he defended the truth strenuously, and endevoured to promote peace: he was al­so made a Professor in that Universitie: He, with Spalatine and Amsdorfius was imployed by the Elector of Saxonie to Reforme the Churches in Misnia and Thuringia: From thence he was called unto Hale in Saxonie, where he Preach­ed and promoted Religion exceedingly: Luther somtimes resorted thither to him, and tooke him along with him in his last journey to Isleben, where he dyed: after whose death he remained a while in the Duke of Saxonies Court, and was a constant companion of Iohn Frederickes sons in all their afflictions: and lastly, he was set over the Church in Eisfield, where he ended his dayes in much peace, and comfort, Anno Christi 1555. and of his Age 63. Being once under temptations, and in great agonie, he shewed much despondencie, but his servant, partly by comforting of him and partly by chiding of him, cheared him up; and at last, through Gods mercy, the Spirit prevailed against the Flesh.

IOhn Rogers was borne in England, and brought up at the University of Cambridge, where he profited very much in good learning; and from thence was chosen by the Mer­chant A [...]venturers to be their Chaplaine at Antwerpe, to whom he Preached many yeeres, and there falling into ac­quaintance with William Tindall and Miles Coverdal (who were fled from persecution in England) he, by their meanes, profited much in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and joyn­ed with them in that painefull and profitable worke of Translating the Bible into English: there he married a wife, and from thence he went to Wittenberg, where he much pro­fited in learning, and grew so skilfull in the Dutch tongue, that he was chosen Pastor to a Congregation there, where he discharged his Office with diligence and faithfulnesse many yeeres: but in King Edwards time, he was sent for home by Bishop Ridley, and was made a Prebend of Pauls, in which place he Preached faithfully till Queen Maries days; and in the beginning of her Reign, in a Sermons at Pauls-Cro [...]se, he exhorted the people constantly to adhere to that Doctrine which they had been taught, and to beware of pe­stilent Popery, &c. for which he was called before the Lords of the Councill, where he made a stout, witty and godly answer, and was dismissed: but after the Queens Procla­mation against True-Preaching, he was again called (the Bishops thirsting for his blood) and committed prisoner to his owne house, whence he might have escaped, and had [Page 168] many motives, as his wife, and ten children, his friends in Germany, where he could not want preferment, &c. But being once called to answer in Christs Cause, he would not depart, though to the hazard of his life: from his own house he was removed by Bonner to Newgate amongst thieves and murtherers: he was examined by the Lord Chancellor, and the rest of the Councell, and by them was re-commit­ted to prison: he was much pressed to recant, but stoutly refusing, was first excommunicated and degraded, and then condemned: after which he desired that his wife (to whom he had been married eighteen yeeres, and by whom he had ten children, and she being a stranger) might be admitted to come to him whilst he lived: but Stephen Gardiner, then Lord Chancellor, would by no meanes suffer it. February the fourth Anno Christi 1555. he was warned to prepare for death before he rose: If it be so, said he, I need not tie my points, and so he was presently had away to Bonner to be degraded, of whom he earnestly requested to be admitted to speake with his wife, but could not prevaile; from thence he was carryed into Smithfield, where scarce being permitted to speake to the people, he briefly perswaded them to perseve­rance in that truth which he had taught them, which also he was now ready to seale with his blood: then was a par­don profered to him if he would recant, but he utterly re­fused it; his wife, with nine small children, and the tenth sucking at her brest came to him, but this sorrowfull sight nothing moved him, but in the flames he washed his hands, and with wonderfull patience took his death; all the peo­ple exceedingly rejoycing at his constancy, & praising God for it. He was the Proto-martyr in Queene Maries dayes. The Sabbath before his death he dranke to Master Hooper, who lay in a chamber beneath him, bidding the messenger to commend him to him, and to tell him, That there was ne­ver little fellow that would better stick to a man, then he would to him; supposing they should be both burned to­gether, although it happened otherwise.

LAurence Saunders was borne of worshipfull Parents, brought up in learning at Eaton Schoole, and from thence chosen to Kings Colledge in Cambridge, where he continued three yeers, and profited in learning very much; then by his Mo [...]her, who was very rich, he was bound to a Merchant in London; but not affecting that course of life, his Master gave him his Indentures, and he returned to his studies in Cambridge, where also he studied Greeke and He­brew, but especially the holy Scriptures: he was frequent, and very fervent in Prayer, and when assaulted by tempta­tions, he still found much support, and comfort in prayer, whereby he gained such experience, that he became a great comforter of others: he Commensed Master of Arts, and stayed long after in the University. In the beginning of King Edwards Raign he began to Preach (being first Or­deined a Minister) and that with such generall approbati­on, that he was chosen to read a Divinity-Lecture at Fo­theringay, where by his Doctrine and life he drew many to God, and stopped the mouths of the adversaries: about [Page 170] which time he married a wife: and from thence he was re­moved to the Minster of Leichfield, where also he, by his Life and D [...]ctrine, gat a good report, even from his ad­versaries: from thence he was removed to Church-Langton in Leicestershire, and from thence to Al [...]allowes in Breadstreet London; and after his admission there, he went backe into the Country to resign his Benefice, which fell out when Queen Mary raised stirs to get the Crown: In his journey he preach'd at Northampton, not medling with the State, but boldly delivered his conscience against Popish Doctrine, and errors; which (said he) are like to spring up againe, as a just plague for the little love which England hath borne to the true Word of God, so plentifully offered to them: And seeing the dreadfull day approaching, infl [...]med with godly zeal, he Preached diligently at both his Benifices, not having opportunity to resign e [...]ther, but into the hands of the Papists: and notwithstanding the Procla­mation to the contrary, he taught diligently the Truth, at his Country-place where he then was, confirming th [...] people, and arming them against false doctrine, till by force he was resisted: some counselled him to fly out o [...] the Kingdome, which he refused; and being hindred there from preaching, he traveled towards London, to visit his flock in that place, coming near London Master Mordant one of the Q [...]eenes Counsell overtooke him, asked him if he did not Preach such a time in Breadstreet? he said, Yea: And will you, said Mordant, preach so again? Yes, said he, to morrow you may hear me there, where I will confirme by Gods Word, all that I then Preached. I would counsell you (said the other) to forbe [...]r. Saunders said, if you will forbid me by lawfull Authority, I must then forbear: Nay, Mordant, I will not forbid you, and so they parted. Mor­dant went presently to Bishop Bonner, and informed him of Master Saunders his purpose to Preach the next day: which accordingly he did, and at his lodging being [...]ome­what troubled in his thoughts, a friend of his asked him h [...]w he did? truly said he, I am in prison, til [...] I be in prison: [Page 171] In the afternoon he prepared himselfe to Preach again, but Bonner sent an officer for him, who carried him to the Bishop, where was Mordant also: the Bishop charged him with Treason, Heresie, and Sedition: and required him to write his judgment about Transubstantiation; which he did, saying, You seek my blood, and you shall have it: I pray God you may be so baptized in it, that you may hereafter loath blood suck­ing, and become a better man: then Bonner s [...]nt him to Gardi­ner, where he waited four hours before he was called in: and after some discourse with him, Gardiner sent him to prison; to whom he said, I thanke God that at last he hath given me a place of rest, where I may pray for your conversion. He conti­nued in prison one yeere, and three months: in a lettter to his wife he writes, I a [...] merrie, and I trust I shall be merrie, maugre the teeth of all the Divels in hell: Riches I have none to endow you with, but that treasure of tas [...]ing [...]ow sweet Christ is to hungrie consciences (where [...]f I thanke my Christ, I doe feel part) that I bequeath unto you, and to the rest of my beloved in Christ, &c. Be­ing at last brought again to examination, and lif [...] b [...]ing promised if he would recant; he answered, I love my life and libertie, if I could enjoy them without the hurt of my conscience: but by Gods grace I will [...]bide the most extremitie that man can doe against mee, rather then doe any thing against my conscience. Being condemned, he was sent to Coventrie to be burned: when he came near the place of execution, he went chearfully [...]o the stake, kissing of it, and saying, Welcom the Crosse of Christ; welcom everlasting life; and the fire being kindled, he sweet­ly slept in the Lord.

Doctor Pendleton, and this Master Saunders meeting toge­ther in the beginning of Queen Maries reign, and speaking of the Persecution that was like to ensue, about which Ma­ster Saunders shewed much weaknesse and many fears. Pen­dleton said to him, What man? there is much more cause for mee to fear, then for you, forasmuch as I have a big and fat body, yet will I see the utmost drop of this grease of mine molten away, and the last gobbit of this flesh of mine consum [...]d to ashes, before I will forsake Iesus Christ, and his Truth which I have professed: yet not long [Page 172] after, upon triall, poore, feeble, faint hearted Saunders, by the power and goodnesse of God, sealed the Truth with his blood: whereas proud Pendleton played the Apostate, and turned Papist.

JOhn Hooper was a Student, and Graduate in the Univer­sity of Oxford, where having abundantly profited in the study of other Scienc [...]s, he was stirred up with a fervent de­sire to the love and knowledge of the Scriptures; in which study he joyned earnest prayers to his diligence, for the better understanding of the same: but the six Articles com­ing out at that time, h [...] was so hated by some, especially by Doctor Smith, that he was compelled to leave the Uni­v [...]rsity, and went to live with Sir Th [...]mas Arrundel; and dan­ger approaching there also, he left the Kingdome, and went to Paris, yet after a while he returned again, and lived with one M^r. Sen [...]low; but understanding that snares were again laid for him, with much difficulty and danger he escaped [Page 173] the second time into France, and from thence travelled in­to Germanie: at Zurick Master Bullinger became his especiall friend, where he studied Hebrew: and hearing that King Edward the [...]ixt was come to the Crowne, he was desirous to returne into England; and when he tooke his leave of Bullinger, he, with harty thanks for all kindnesses, promi­sed to write often to him of all his affaires: but, saith he, the last news [...]f all I shall not be able t [...] write; for where I shall take most pains, there shall you [...]ear of me to be burned to ashes. Return­ing to London, he preached twice, but at least once every day: the people so flockt to him, that the Churches could not contein them: in this pains-taking he continued to his lives end, neither did his labour breake him, nor promoti­on change him, nor dainty fare corrupt him: he was of a strong body, sound health, pregnant wit, and of invinci­ble patience: spare of dyet, sparer of words, and sparest of time: a liberall hous-keeper, and very grave in his car­riage. Being by King Edward made first Bishop of Glocester, then of Worcester; he carried himselfe so uprightly and in­offensively, that his enemies had nothing to say against him: He used to goe about from town to towne, and from village to village to preach unto the people: he governed his house so, that in every corner of it there was some smell of vertue, good example, honest conversation, and reading of the Scriptures: In his Hall there was daily a table spread with good store of victuals, and beset with poore folke of the City of Worcester by turns, who were served by four at a Mes [...]e, with whole and wholesome meat: and when they were served (being before examined by himselfe or his de­puties, of the Lords Prayer, Creed, and ten Commande­ments) then he himself sate down to dinner, and not before. In the beginning [...]f Q [...]een Maries dayes he was sent for by a Pursivant to London; and though he had opportunity, and was perswaded by his friends to flye, yet he refused, saying, Once I did flye, but now being called to this place and vocation, I am resolved to stay, and to live and dye with my sheepe. By Winchester when he came to London, he was railed upon and committed [Page 174] to prison; afterwards also at his examination, they called him Beast, Hypocrite, &c. which he bore without answer­ing againe: in the Flee [...] where he was prisoner, he had no­thing but a pad of straw for a b [...]d, and a rotten covering, till good people sent him a bed to lye on: of one side his chamber was the sinke and filth of the house, on the other the town-ditch, enough to have choaked him. After he had laien thus a while, falling sick, the doors, bars, hasps and chaines being all made fast, he both mourned, called and cryed for helpe; yet the Warden hearing, would suffer none to go to him, saying, Let him alone, if he dye, it were [...] good riddance of him, &c. At last being degraded and condemn­ed, he was sent to Glocester to be burned: the night before his death he did eat his meat quietly, and slept soundly; after his first sleep, he spent the rest of the night in prayer; the next day Sir Anthonie Kingston coming to him, told him that life was sweet, and death bitter; to which he answered, The death to come is more bitter, and the life to come more sweet: I am come hither to end this life and suffer death, because I will not gain-say the former Truth that I have here taught unto you: also a blinde Boy coming to him, after he had examined him in the grounds of Religion, he said, Ah poor Boy, God hath taken from thee thy outward sight, but hath given thee another sight much more precious; having endued thy soule with the eye of knowledge and faith. Being delivered to the Sheriff, he said to him, My request to you Master Sheriff, is onely that there may be a quick fire, shortly to make an end of me, and in the mean time I will be as obedient to you as you can desire; if you thinke I doe amisse in any thing, hold up your finger, and I have done: I might have had my li [...]e with much worldly gaine, but I am willing to offer up my life for the Truth, and trust to dye a faithfull servant to God, and a true subject to the Queen: when he saw the Sheriffs men with so many weapons, he said, This is mor [...] then needs, if you had willed me, I would have gone alone to the stake, and have troubled none of you all: as he went to the stake he was forbid to speake to the people: he look­ed [Page 175] chearfully, and with a more ruddy countenance then or­dinary: being com [...] th [...]th [...]r, he prayed about half an [...]our: and having a box with a pardon set before him, he cryed, If you love my soul away with it, if you love my soul away with it. Three Irons being prepared to fasten him to the stake, he onely put on an Iron-hoop about his middle, bidding them take away the rest, saying, I doubt not but God will give me strength to abide the extremity of the fire without binding. When reeds were cast to him, he embraced and kissed them, put­ting them under his arm, where he had bags of gun-power also: when fire was first p [...]t to him, the faggots being green, and the winde blowing away the fl [...]me, he was but scorched: more faggots being laid to him, the fi [...]e was so supprest, that his n [...]ther-parts were burned, his upper be­ing scarce touched: he prayed, O Iesus the son of David have mercy upon m [...], and receive my soule: and wiping his eyes with his hands, he said, For Gods love let me have more fire. A third fire being kindled, it burned more violently, yet was he alive a great while in it; the last words which he uttered, being, Lord Iesus receive my spirit. In one of his Letters he wrote, Imprisonment is painfull, but liberty upon evill conditions is worse: the Prison stinkes, yet no [...] so much as sweet houses where the feare of God is wanting: I must be alone and solitary; its better to be so, and have God with me, then to be in company with the wicked: Losse of goods is great, but losse of grace and Gods favour is greater: I cannot tell how to answer before great and learned men; yet it is better to doe that, then stand naked before Gods tribunall: I shall dye by the hands of cruell men; he is blessed that looseth this life, and findeth life eternall: there is neither felicitie, nor adversitie of this world that is great, if it be weighed with the joyes and pains of the world to come.

ROwland Tailor was Doctor in both the Laws, and Re­ctor of Hadley in Suffolke, where Master Thomas Bilney had formerly been a Preacher of the Word, and in which place there were few either men or women that were not well learned in the holy Scriptures; many having often read over the whole Bible, and could say a great part of Paul's Epistles by heart. Here this Doctor Tailor Preached constantly on Sabbaths, Holy-dayes, and at other times when he could get the People together. His life also, and conversation was very exemplary, and full of holinesse: he was meek and humble, yet would stoutly rebuke sin in the greatest: to the poore, blinde, lame, sick, bed-rid, or that had many children, he was a father, causing the Pari­shioners to make good provision for them, besides what of his owne bounty he gave them: he brought up his chil­dren in the fear of God, and good learning. In the begin­ing of Queen Maries reign, two Popish persons suborned a Priest to come and say Masse in his Church; he being at his study, and hearing the Bell to toul, went to Church, and finding this Priest guarded with drawn swords, in his Popish robes, ready to begin the Masse, he said unto him, Thou Divell, who made thee so bold to enter into this Church, to pro­phane and defile it with this abominable Idolatrie; I command thee thou Popish Wolfe in the name of God to avoid hence, and not to pre­sume thus to poyson Christs flock: but the [...]tanders by, forcing Doctor Tailor out of the Church, the Priest went on with his Masse: and shortly after, the Bishop being informed hereof, sent his letters Missive for Doctor Tailor; whereup­on his friends earnestly entreated him to flye, telling him that he could neither expect justice nor favour, but impri­sonment and cruell death: to whom he answered, I know my Cause to be so good and righteous, and the Truth so strong upo [...] [Page 177] my side, that I will by Gods grace appeare before them, and to their beards resist their false doings; for I beleeve that I shall never be able to doe God so good service as now, and that I shall never have so glo­rions a calling, nor so great mercie of God profered me as I have now; wherefore pray for me, and I doubt not but God will give me strength, and his holy spirit that all my adversaries shal be ashamed of their doings: and so preparing himselfe, he went to London, and presented himselfe to Stephen Gardiner, Lord Chancel­lor of England; who railed upon him, asked him if he knew him not, &c. to whom he answered, Yea, I know you, and all your greatnesse, yet you are but a mortall man: and if I should be affraid of your Lordly looks, why feare you not God the Lord of us all, &c. But after other discourse, he sent him to the Kings Bench, commanding his Keeper to keep him strictly. In Prison he spent his time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, Preaching to the prisoners, and to others that resorted to him: he was diverse times examined of his Faith, and wit­nessed a good Confession before his adversaries, for which at last he was condemned to dye: when his sentence was read, he told them that God, the righteous Judge, would require his blood at their hands, and that the proudest of them all should repent their receiving againe of Antichrist, and their tyranny against the flocke of Christ.

He was sent down to Hadley to be burn'd, and all the way as he went, he was very merrie as one that went to a banquet, or Bridall. In his journey the Sheriff of Essex perswaded him much to return to the Popish Religion, &c. to whom at last he answered, I well perceive now that I have been deceived my s [...]lfe, and shall deceive many in Hadley of their expectation: when the Sheriff desired him to explain his meaning, hoping that he would recant, he said; I am a man of a very great carkasse, which I had hoped should have been buried in Hadley-Churchyard, but I see I am deceived, & there are a great number of worms there, which should have had jollie feeding upon this carryon, but now both I and they shall be deceived of our ex­pectation: when he came within two miles of Hadley he de­sired to alight, and being downe he leap't, and fet a frisk, [Page 178] or two, saying God be praised I am now almost at home, and have not past a mile or two, and I am even at my fathers house: at Had­ley towns-end a poore man with five children met him, cry­ing, O dear father, and good shepheard, God help and succour thee, as thou hast many a time succou [...]'d me, and my poore children: The streets were full of people weeping, and bewailing their losse; to whom he said, I have preached to you Gods Word and Truth, and am come to seal it with my blood: He gave all his mo­ney to the poore, for whom he was wont thus to provide formerly: once a fortnight at least he used to call upon Sir Henry Doil, and other rich Clothiers to goe with him to the Alms houses to see what the poore lacked in meat, d [...]ink, apparell, bedding, and other necessaries: withall [...]xhorting, comforting, and rebuking as he saw occasion. Comming to the pl [...]ce of execution he was not suffered to speak to the people, who much lamented his death, yet he was very chearfull, saying Thanks be to God, I am even at home, and when he had prayed, and made himselfe ready, he went to the stake and kissed it: the fire being kindled, he held up his hands, called upon God, saying, Mercifull father of heaven, for Iesus Christ my Saviours sake receive my soul into thy hands, and so stood still without moving, till one with an halberd strook out his brains.

NExt to this last mad Septenary of unchristian liber­ty, and unparalled distractions, the Devill never seem'd to injoy more chaine in this Ki [...]gdome, then in the time of Queene Mary: wherein, laying hold on the weaknesse and super [...]ticion of a silly woman, bred up in Popery; and by reason of the bar interpos'd betwixt her and the Crowne, by her Royall Brother Edward the sixt, wholly subjected to the violent and bloody counsels of that faction, which finally prevailed in her restitution and [Page 180] establishment; he kindled more Bonefires in the space of three or four yeer [...]s in England then the world had at any time beheld, in so few yeeres, and in one Kingdome, since the last of the first [...]en Persecutions. I dare not upon Master Foxes bare report (who was somtimes, and perhaps of pur­pose, by the adversaries themselves, miserably abus'd in hi [...] informations) acknowledge all for Martyrs, whom I finde in his Catalogue. But what will Stapleton or any other Pa­pist get by that? The Church of Engla [...]d, as it was of late re­formed, & the Reformation by Law established, hath produ­ced & added as many genuine, knowing & valiant Champi­ons to that Noble Army, as wi [...]hin these thousand yeers, any Church in Christendome: which is glory enough, with­out hooking in either Heretique or Schismatique, or any o­ther, who suffered for nothing lesse then well doing. And from a chiefe place amongst those holy men, and witnesse [...] to the truth of the Gospell of Iesus Christ, all Stapletons ex­ceptions, bitter rayling, and intemperat scoffes, can not, ought not, exclude this blessed Saint and servant of God, Iohn Bradford; as shall evidently appeare to as many, as wi [...]hout prejudice shall peruse, and pondor his insuing Hi­story; which God willing we will drive throuh the whole Course of his life, from his Birth to his Martyrdome: But to take our rise from his Birth.

He was borne in Manchester, the quality of his Parent [...] (though their meanes be not recorded) may be easily ga­thered by his Education, which was the best that either that place, or those times could [...]fford; for he arrived very ear­ly at the knowledge of the Latin Tongue: and for Ari [...]hma­ticke, he had few equals in those parts, both which b [...]ing adorn'd, and helped forward by a faire, and speedy hand, he became fit for imployment abroad, before any great notice was taken of him at home: which moved Sir Iohn Harrington, a noble Knight, and in good esteem both with King Henry the eight, and his Son Edward the sixt, to as­sume him into the number of his fellowes: and imploy him in his most private and and urgent affaires both at [Page 181] home and abroad. For at Bulloigne he was Treasurer at warres, and here he had the charge and oversight of all his Majesties buildings: In both imployments, he found the service of young Bradford (who besides his honesty and dili­gence, had a notable dexterity in casting up, and Auditing accoumpts) of such importance, that where ever he im­ploy'd him, he committed all to his trust, and own'd whatsoever he did, as immediatly done by himselfe. And truly therein he more [...]avored himselfe, then Bradford, who in the whole course of his imployment, so acquitted him­selfe, as it is hard to determine, whether therein he used greater diligence, or integrity. But having spent diverse yeeres in this honest and thrifty course of life; wherein if he had persisted, he was in a faire way both of wealth and worship: he began to Elevate his thoughs above these tem­porary things, and aspire to a service lesse profitable, but much more honorable: wherefore making up his ac­coumpts with his Master (who neither would nor could diswade him from what he had once resolved) he gave him­selfe wholly to the study of Divinity, and reading of the Scriptures. But perceiving how usefull and necessary a Hand-maid Humanity is to Divinity, and how short he came of those Tongus and Sciences, without which it was improbable, if not impossible for him, to attaine any per­fection in the noblest, and most supereminent of all other Sciences, at which he chiefely aimed: leaving the Temple at London, where he usually bestowed some few houres every day in hearing the Reader of the Common-Law; he betooke himselfe to the University of Cambridge, as neither able nor desirous, to suppresse that which in­wardly moved him, to fit himselfe for an able workman in a more spirituall building. After a yeere and some few moneths spent in the University, he attained his degree of Master in Arts, whereunto others are hardly admitted, after long examination, and seven yeeres painfull study: But such was his Carriage, diligence and profeciency, that this favour, though extraordinary and insolent, was [Page 182] thought well bestowed upon him by the whole Universi­ty: And least any man may thinke, it was rather (out of Charity) defer'd to his yeeres, then abilities: he was im­mediatly hereafter, without any interposall of time, chosen Fellow, of Pembrooke Hall: which first brought him to the eye, and afterwards to the bosome, of that learned and notable stickler in the reformation, Martin Bucer, by whom he was again encouraged, and stir'd up to the worke of the Ministry; not that he found him stagger in his Resolution, or fall from his principles: but because the greater mea­sure of knowledge he attained, the longer he defered the performance of his promise, as ever thinking himselfe, the more insufficient for so high and laborious a Calling: Be­ing one time (amongst many) moved by Bucer, to defer the imployment of his Talent no longer, and he pretending (as formerly) his present inability. If thou canst not at­taine unto Manchett (said Bucer) mayest thou not therefore feed this poore and Soul starved People with Barly loaves; which proceeding from a man he so sincerely lov'd, and upon whose j [...]dgment he so much relyed; made him lay aside all his former tergiversations, and in good earnest buckle himselfe to the worke: But because no man can take upon him that function, unlesse he be called, as was Aaron; though he doubted not of his inward vocation by God, yet would he by no meanes thrust his shickle into that sacred harvest, before he was called by the Church, and seperated thereunto by Imposi [...]ion of Hands: which, with a Licence to Preach, and a Prebe [...]d in S [...]int Pauls, he obtained from that renowned Bishop, and glorio [...] Martyr, Doctor Ridley, Bishop of London: For three yeeres together, he Preached faithfully and diligently, in season and out of season; being a sharpe and impartiall reprover of vice, a vehement exhorter to vertue, no man opposing Heresies with greater animosity, or asserting the truth with more evidence and perspicuity: whereby his fame spread it self almost over the whole kingdome; And yet all this was but an Introduction, to that which followed. For King Ed­ward [Page 183] the sixt (of blessed Memory) expiring with the last of these three yeeres: and his sister Queen Mary, contrary the his last will and Testament, advanced to the Crown, though not without some opposition, which she easily o­vercame: he was suddenly deprived both of his lively­hood and and liberty, upon an occasion which deserved much rather reward then punishment: And this it was:

In the first yeere of the Queenes Raigne, and not long after her Coronation, Master Bourne, who was shortly thereafter by the favour of Secretary Bourne, consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wels, made a most invective and sediti­ous Sermon at Pauls Crosse: wherein he not onely cast dirt upon his late deceased King Edward the sixt, but vented and maintained many Popish tents, contrary to the ortho­dox Religion then established: which drove the Common People into such a fury & tumult, that neither the reverence of the place, the perswasion of the Bishop, nor the authority and presence of the Lord Major, could stop them from pul­ling him out of the Pulpit; gladly he would have ended his Sermon, (for belike his greatest strength and confidence to lead his auditors hood winkt into their old Mumpsimus, lay in his peroration) but perceiving by a drawne dagger, (which amongst other implements) was flung at him, and missed him but very narrowly, that the multitude were in good earnest, and his life in jeoperdy, he turned himselfe about, and perceived Master Bradford standing at his backe within the Pulpit; whom he earnestly intreated to sup­ply his place, and save his life, by pacifying the People. He no sooner appeared in the others room, but the people joyfully ingeminated with a loud voice, Bradford Bradford: and by that time he had a little inlarged himselfe in the point of obedience, the Tumult seemed more then halfe appeased. But the Sermon ended and Bourne (as he had rea­son) not yet daring to commit himselfe to the so lately inraged multitude, notwithstanding he was back' [...] by the Lord Major and Sheriffs, besought Master Bradford not to leave him, untill he brought him into some place of secu­rity; [Page 184] whereunto he willingly consented, and when the multitude (for the greater part) were dispersed, under the covert of his owne gowne, he conveighed him into the next house, which was the Scholemasters; effecting that by the Word, which the Major could not doe for him by the Sword: many were [...]ore grieved at his escape; and some stuck not to Prophesie (I know not by what Spirit) that by sa­ving this wiling Rashaketh from death, he had given a dead­ly blow to his owne life. Howsoever Bradford, committed the issue to almighty God, nothing repented his Charity, which he was sure would finde, reward with him, what ac­ceptance soever it found amongst wicked and unthankfull men; yea so far was he from being afraid or sorry for what he had done, that in his afternoones Sermon at Bow Church, he sharply reprehended his Auditors, for their forenoones tumultuous Carriage and sedition: And yet such was the malice of the common adversary, and iniquity of the times, that about three dayes after, for this very fact he was sum­moned to appeare before the Councell, and by the Lords Committed to the Tower, from whence within few weeks, they removed him to the Kings Bench; where (through th [...] Keepers connivance) he had often conference with Master Laurence Saunders, at that time a prisoner in the Marshalsey. Bishop Farrar he found in the Kings Bench before him, where having indured a close and tedious imprisonment, he began at length, through humane infirmity, to recoyle in the point of Transubstantiation, in so much that he under­tooke to Communicate under one Kinde at Easter follow­ing. But Bradford dealt so effectually with him, that he re­vok'd this promise, and resumed his former principles. His occasions of escape were as many as the dayes of his im­prisonment, whereby any man may see, to save in life, he wovld not break his word with his Keepers; being asked what course he would take, if God should deliver him out of prison: he said, he would not fly o [...]t of the Kingdome, but there Preach, though secretly, as the times would per­ [...]it him. During his long restraint, he was oftentimes ex­amined; [Page 185] first by the Lords of the Councell at what time he was clapt up in the Tower; which was in August 1553. but of that examination there is nothing now extant, ex­cept onely one passage repealed in the second. After that by the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellor of England, and other select Commissioners, Ianuary 22. 1555. The things laid to his charge were principally these: That he was the Author of the tumult at Bournes Sermon, because (forsooth) he so readily and dextrously appeased the same: That he presumed to Preach without Licence, though he had been a Divinity Lecturer at Pauls two yeeres before that tumult. And that upon his first Committall to the Tower, he had answered the Queens Councell peremptorily and saucily in the point of Religion: As that he was now more then ever confirm'd in the same, as it was reform'd and professed under Edward the sixt. The first and last of these Articles he denyed, saving the words last repeated; the second he laboured to justifie, as not requisite from them, by any law at that time in force, when he Preached; in the conclusion, they twitted him in the teeth with Heresie, and accused him of writing from the Tower seditious letters into Lancaster: whereto, because they desended not to particu­lars, he gave them onely generall answers. The whole conference was larded with an often repealed tender of the Queens Mercy, in case he would confesse his sedition, ac­knowledge and abjure his Heresies, and returne to the bo­some of the Romish Church after their example. To the first he said, he could not acknowledge himselfe guilty of what he neither Committed, nor intended. To the second, that he never Preached or Patronized any error to his knowledge: being ready to abjure whatsoever he was not able to defend. To the third, that he willingly embraced the Queens Mercy, though he neither needed, not could accept thereof, as they were pleased to Clog it with Con­ditions repugnant to the word of God, & the cleer light of his owne Conscience. The 19. day of Ianuary following, he was the third time convented in Saint Mary Overies, be­fore [Page 186] the same Winchester, and diverse other Bishops his fel­low Comnissioners; where, at first the same things were againe objected unto him, and received the same Answers. After much jangling and a second offer of mercy upon the former Condition, they required a Peremptory & po­sitive accoumpt of his faith, concerning Christs Corporall presence in the Eucharist. To which he replyed, that dur­ing a yeere and eight moneths imprisonment, they had never prest him with that question, but now, that by al­tering the state of Religion, they had made the Contrary opinion unto theirs, Hereticall, and all Heresie interpreta­tively, and by consequence, Capitall; it is more then Evi­dent, what thereby they hunted after. This drove the Lord Chancellor into a long Apologeticall Oration of his owne innocency and notorious lenity in that kind; which ended without expecting what Bradford would reply; upon some intelligence from the Kitchin, he adjurend the Court, and went home to dinner. The day following which was the fourth & last of his apparence, he was brought to the same place, and before the same judges; where after many In­terrogatories and answers concerning the corporall pre­sence, the Pope and Queenes authority, and other Emergent questions (which if here inserted, would swell the processe of his death to thrice the length of his lif, but may be found at large in the Martirologie) he was finally condemned for worshiping the God of our fathers, after that way which those bloud-suckers called Heresie, excommunicated, and delivered over to the Secular powers, (Ianuary 31. 1555.) who first committed him to the Clinke, and afterwards to the Counter: where he remained to the first of Iuly follow­ing, & had many hot Disputes & sharp Conflicts. 1. with Bonner Bishop of London. 2. with Master Wollerton the Bi­shops Chaplen. 3. Percivall Creswell and Doctor Harding. 4. Doctor Harpsfieled and Doctor Harding. 5. with Het [...] Archbishop of Yorke and Day Bishop of Chichester. 6. with two Spanish Friers, Alphonsus a Castro, and King Philips Con­fessor. 7. Doctor Weston and Master Coillier Warden of [Page 187] Manchester. 8. Doctor Pendleton. 9. with Doctor Weston, and others. 10. with Doctor Weston alone; for many vi­sited him after condemnation, some as the Divell did our blessed Saviour, to tempt and pervert him, and some to re­ceive instruction & comfort by him: for in his two last prisons he Preached constantly twice every Lords day, & free­quently administred the Lords Supper to his fellow prisoners: visiting them all, almost every day, even to the thieves and cutpurses in the Grate, and almost (if he had it) as often relieving them. At first, they resolved to burn him at Mancheste [...], where he was borne, but altered that reso­lution, I know not upon what occasion. The Saturday at night before he suffered, he dream'd his chaine was brought to the Counter gate, that the next day being Sunday, he should be had to Newgate and burned at Smithfield the Mun­day ensuing, which after many frightfull awakings, still recurring to his troubled fancy, he arose, and communi­cating what he had dreamed to his Chamber-fellow, fell to his old exercise of reading and praying. The next day after dinner, whilst he discoursed of the ripenesse of si [...]ne, of death, and the kingdome of heaven, up came the Kee­pers wife halfe beside her selfe, and said unto him with tears in her eyes, O Master Bradford, your chaine is now a hammering, to night you will be removed to Newgate, and to morrow burned at Smithfield: having heard her out, with hands and eyes lifted up unto heaven, he blessed God who had thought him worthy, and made him willing to suffer for his tr [...]th; thanked the good woman for her Compassion, but more for her news, and so went up to his Chamber, where he spent some houres in prayer, and then called up his Chamber-fellow, to whom he gave som things privately in charge, and dilivered certaine papers, but of what concernment I cannot finde; the rest of that after [...]noon he spent in prayer and other heavenly exercises, which he performed with admirable adhesion to God, and obstraction from the world, being often times so trans [...]ported and elevated in his raptures, that he seemed already [Page 188] in possession of that Crowne, which for the present, through fire and faggots, he but aspir'd to: to the great admiration and comfort of as many of his friends, as that day had the happinesse to visit him. Having blest, and distributed such things amongst the servants of the hous, as he thought fit, he made a most fervent & pacheticall farwell-prayer in the company of his fellow prisoners, w^th such ravishment of Spirit, and abundance of tears, that the hardest hearted a­mongst them, could not choose but Simpathize w^th him. In the midst of this prayers, when he put on the shirt wherein he was to be burned, he inlarged himselfe in a most sweet meditation, of the Wedding Garment, and after that, about twelve a clock in the night, came downe into the Court, where the prisoners tooke their finall leave of him, as he went from the Counter to Newgate, (though it was about midnight, yet) great multitudes of people were gathered together in the streets, who much lamented, and earnestly pray'd for him; to whom he returned their curtesie in both kinds, with interest. About nine in the morning he was led forth to Smithfield with a very great Guard, as he came downe the staires he espied an old friend whom he called unto him, imbraced, and after some private whisperings bestowed upon him his velvet night-cap, handkershiefe, and som other trifles. And yet Roger Beswicke his brother in law had his head cruelly broken by Seriffe Woodrofe, for but offering to speake to him: for which, and other his barba­rous inhumanities, committed against the Saints, and faith­full witnesses of Iesus Christ at such times, a heavy and visible judgment overtooke him, within few yeeres there­after; for besides the Palsie, which for eight yeers toge­ther, disinabled him from riding, walking, or turning himselfe in his bed, he fell into a most devouring, and in­satiable Bulimy. As soone as he approached the stake, he fell flat on the ground, intending there to power forth hi [...] private prayers (for he was not permitted to do it publick­ly) unto almighty God: But Woodrofe the Sheriffe com­manded to him arise and dispatch, for that the people increas­ed [Page 189] and pressed upon him; whereat eftsoone he got up, and when he had imbraced the stake, and kissed it, he put off his Cloathes, which he intreated might be given to his servant, because he had nothing else to leave him: being tyed to the stake he comforted the stripling that was burn­ed with him, and earnestly exhorted the people to repen­tance: which so inraged the Sherieffe, that (which was not usuall) he commanded his hands should be tyed. His last au­diable Words were those of our Saviours; Strait is the way, and narrow is the gate that leadeth to Salvation, and few there be that finde it: He indured the flame as a fresh gale of wind in a hot Summers day, without any reluctancy; confirm­ing by his death the truth of that doctrine, which he had so diligently and powerfully Preached, during his life; which ended, Iuly the first 1556. in the prime, though in what yeere of his age, is not certainly knowne. He was, for his stature, tall but slender: of a faintish sanguine Complexion, his heir and beard auburne, his countenance was full of sweetnesse mix'd with reverence and austerity: He spent the whole time of his inprisonment in reading, Preaching and praying: eating but once every day, and that but sparingly; scarcely ever rising from that meale, wherein his tears did not largly bedew his trencher. He slept not (commonly) above four hours a night, from the time he went to bed, till dead sleep lock'd up his senses, his candle went not out nor his booke out of his hand. Halfe an hour he sent usually after dinner in discourse, (which was all the recreation he used) the rest of his time, in his owne private devotions and studies: His death was gene­rally lamented by all who knew, or bus heard of of him; yea many Papists themselves, being convicted with his in­nocency of his life, or taken with the quicknesse and mo­disty of his answers; but especially considering [...]he implac­able malice and cruelty of his enemies, heartily wished his deliverance; for all men observid, how they had first com­mitted him without law, and then after a yeers imprison­ment made one to take away his life: He denyed indeed the [Page 190] Popes authority over the Church of England, and so had his judges done but the yeere before: And for Christs corporall presence in the Sacrament, (which was the Artickle wher­upon they chiefly condemned him) he never denyed it in the worthy Receiver, as to the eye of Faith, & no man yet, whe­ther Papist or Prot [...]stant, could never discover it, through the accidents of Bread and Wine, by the eye of the body. We are inform'd by Master Fox, that he wrote many comfortable Treatises, especially during his imprison­ment, o [...] which these onely have had the fortune to reach our times.

1 Two Sermons, the first of Repentance, the second of the Lords Supper. 2 Some le [...]ters to his fellow Mar [...]yres. 3 An an­swere to two letters, desiring to know whe [...]her one might goe to Mas [...] or not. 4 The danger ensuing the hearing of Masse. 5 Hi [...] examination before the officers. 6 Godly Meditations made in Prison, cald his short Prayers. 7 Truths Complaints. 8 Me­lancthon translated, of Prayers.

AN other Paul otherwise in diverse respects, save that we finde not that he ever persecuted the flock or faith of Christ, may this choise instrument of God Nicolas Ridley be not unfitly, nor unworthily be stiled. For he was for a long time a maintainer and practiser of Popish superstiti­ons, which his adversaries also twit [...]ng him with in the time of his troubles, he denyed not, but freely confe [...]sed; yet withall profe [...]sing, that he had since that time repented him thereof, and God, he trust [...]d had in mercy pardoned upon his repentance, wha [...] in ignorance he then did: But after it pleased God to reveale hi [...] truth to him more clear­ly, he laboured as earnestly as any of his fellow labourers [Page 192] in the propagation of it; being indowed with as eminent parts as any of them for that purpose, and at length seal­ed it up, as did some others of them also, with his blood.

He was borne in Northumberland, as some say, or as others, in the Bishopricke of Durham, descended of a worshipfull Family bearing that name, and trained up in the first rudi­ments of literature in the Grammer schoole at New-castle upon Tine; which towne situate upon that river, which divideth those two Counties, though standing within Northumberland, is by a bridge joyned unto the Bishoprick of Durham: from the schoole there he was first transplanted into the University of Cambridge: and from thence, as it seemes, removed upon some occasions to Oxford; for tha [...] learned and industrious Bishop, who hath compiled a Ca­talogue of our English Prelates, doth of his certaine know­ledge assure us, that he was some time fellow of Universi­ty Colledge there. Those of Pembrooke Hall in Cambridge, among whom he was first placed, could not, it seemes well be without him, or he without them: with whom, if he continued not at first, yet he returned shortly againe to them, whither of his owne accord, or invited by them, doth not appeare. But certaine it is that he was head of that house, and there tooke his d [...]gree of Doctor in Divi­nity: Before which, or after I cannot certainly say, being desirous to see what Schooles of learning are abroad, and to try if better meanes for the inproving of himselfe and his excellent parts elswhere be found, he left these part [...] for a time, and visited the University of Paris, being the prime place of note for schoole-divinity in those dayes [...] But there he made no long stay, not finding peradventure what he looked for; but returned againe to his own Coun­try and his former place of aboade.

Upon his returne, or not long after, especiall notice be­ing taken of him, as his good parts well deserved, he was called to be Chaplaine unto King Henry the eight, and wa [...] in processe of time preferred to the Bishoprick of Rochester becoming vacant by the translation of Henry Holbeach thence [Page 193] to Lincolne: Concerning which his preferment I find diffe­rent relations; for M^r Fox in his Martyrologie affirmes that he was by & under King Henry promoted to that See; wher­as the forementioned compiler of the Catalogue of Bi­shops, (who seemes to have followed the authentick re­cords) referreth both the removall of Holbeach, and the ad­vancement of Ridley his successor to the first of King Ed­ward in the yeere of our lord 1547. However, in that seat he sat not long, for in the third of King Edward, upon the deprivation of Bonner, that bloudy persecutor of Gods people and butcherer of Christs flock, he was translated to the Bishoprike of London: wherein how he bemeaned him­selfe, shall hereafter be related.

Before these his latter times, having long walked in the dark, he came at length to see better and clearer light, in the points then questioned, especially concerning the bles­sed Sacrament of Christs body and bloud; first by reading that worthy & (for these times especially) learned works of Bertram written long since of that argument; w^c• is to this day such a mote in the Papists eyes, that they know not wel how to handle it, or which way to dispose of it, though they wish it out of the world, not out of their eyes one­ly, as appeareth by their long disput about it in their In­dex Expurgatorius: and afterward by conference with Cranmer and Peter Martyr, two other of Christs champions who confirmed him in the same: and lastly, as himselfe so­lemnly calling God to witnesse, seriously protested, upon due enquiry and diligent examination, finding the doctrine he after that maintained to be not onely grounded upon Gods word, but agreeable also to the writings of the an­cient Fathers.

Nor was he lesse zealous & forward in the profession and progatation of the truth and faith of Christ once knowne and embraced, then ever he had been in any erronious or superstitious way before, and carefull by a godly religious course of life to adorn it in himselfe, and commended it to others; for being passing well learned (which his adversaris [Page 194] themselves neither doe nor dare deny, of great reading and endued with d [...]xterity of wit, strength of memory, and a very gracefull elocution; he imployed diligently these hi [...] talents to his M [...]sters behoofe, for the instructing and winning of as m [...]ny to God as he might. And to thi [...] purpose following the Apostles instructions to Timoth [...]e, to preach the word instantly and constantly, in season and out of season, he suff [...]red no Lords day lightly, nor other Festivall, to passe over his head, but that he preached on it in some place or other, unlesse some other very weighty and urgent occasion (which unlesse such indeed, he gave not way to) cast a rub in his way: with his Sermons the better sort of people were so taken, that they swarmed a­bout him like bees, allured by the sweet flowers & pleasant j [...]yce of that wholesome doctrine, which was in them by him in a very plausible, and yet no lesse powerfull and profitable manner delivered.

Besides that for his owne family, while he resided at Fulham, his manner was to read to them every day at the time of morning prayer, a lecture out of the New Testa­ment, which he constantly performed, beginning with th [...] A [...]ts of the Apostles, and so going on through all Sain [...] Pauls Epistles: to those of his family he used also to read over the hundred and fi [...]st Psalme; thereby to admonish them, what they ought to be, and what he expected from them, should they continue in his service, or such of them as could read, he bestowed Testaments; hiring them also with rewards to get some principall Chapters thereof by heart, and especially that of Acts the thirteenth. By thi [...] his care came his house to be so well ordered, that it seem­ed a schoole or nursery of vertue, and patern of piety and good life unto others, as himselfe also was to it.

For he was a man of so holy, just, sober, continent, and life generally unblamable, that his most malicious and mischievous advers [...]ries could fi [...]d nothing therein to tax him with [...]ll, though challenged solomly so to doe. Hi [...] very outward making, promised a well-composed inside; [Page 195] for he was a very comely person, and of well proportioned limbs and lineaments; nor did his outside deceive those that then conjectured well of him: it pleasing God eft e­ven outwardly to imprint in the face and frame of his bo­dy, a living portraiture of those endowments, wherewith the inner man he hath adorned, yea what his lookes tes [...]i­fied, his li [...]e gave witnesse to, wherein all manner of sound piety and true vertue did most illustriously shine forth.

For matter of piety, he was much addicted to contempla­tion and prayer, wherein his common and constant course (if not otherwise enterrupted) was this; So soone as he wa [...] up in the morning, (nor was he any sluggerd, a little sleepe served him) and his apparell once on, he retired himselfe againe to his bed-chamber, and there on his knees he spent some halfe an houre in prayer: That done he betook him­selfe to his study, where he continued till ten of the clock, at which time he came to the common prayer, which was used daily in his house: After that he dined, feeding tem­perately, not using much talke at table, but that he used, so­ber, grave, wise and discreete, sometimes also not unplea­sant, if occasion were. After dinner (which he sat not long at) he spent about an houre usually either in conference with others, or in a game or two at chesse, the onely recre­ation he made use of for the refreshing of himselfe: Then he returned againe to his study, where he sat, unlesse sui­ters or some other affaires knockt him off, untill five of the clock, his constant houre for the afternoone Common prayer. That finished, he supped, and after supper havi [...]g passed over about an houre before, he returned the third time to his study, continuing there untill eleven of the clock at nigh [...], his usuall bed houre, which yet he went not to before he had spent some time, as in the morning in private prayer by himselfe. Thus used he to make his re­ligious addresses unto God, both as a key to open the door in the morning to his daily employments, and as a bolt to shut and close them up all at evening againe.

[Page 196]For his other vertues, he was a man of a very patient spirit; which Salomon pronounceth a principall point and part, not of wisedome onely, but of true valour & honour; though zealous in Gods cause, when occasion was, yet in his owne very moderate and temperate, taking all thing [...] in good part; nor retaining rancor against any, but very prone and ready to forgive and forget wrong [...], and those no small ones, and offred by those, as whose hands he had deserved better usage.

To his kindred very kinde, as nature it selfe required: but without partiality or prepesterous affection to all, hi [...] brother and sister not excepted, not bearing with them in ought not agreeable to right; but giving them this generall rule, that if they did evill, they should looke for nothing a [...] his hands, but they should be as meere strangers and alien [...] to him; and those in their steed as his brother and sister, that carryed themselves honestly and followed a godly course of life. Nor was his kinde carryage such to them alone, but so lovingly and courteously demeaned he him­selfe to his people, that never was any good child more deerely beloved of its naturall parents, nor gentle and kind parents of their naturall children, then he was of his flock and those both of his diocesse and others that had occasion to know him, and take notice of his kinde disposition, and demeanour. That which extended it selfe even to those al­so of the other side, who for his Religion brooked him not, yea to the neere kindred and friends of those that for the same most maligned him. For not by rage and harsh­nesse, but with much mildnesse and gentlenesse, he labour­ed to reduce such as remained obstinate Papists, seeking by kind carryage rather to woe and win them if it might be, then by harsh courses and rough dealing, either to force them, or to exasperate them, and so make them th [...] more obstinate.

This appeared, among other instances whereof ma­ny might be given, in that friendly usage of Bish­op [Page 197] Heath; who continued for a twelve moneth as pri­sonner in his house; as prisoner, I may well say, rather then prisoner indeed; and yet not a prisonner neither, for he could not have enjoyed more liberty, or better respect and attendance, then he found and had there, had he been a free man in his owne.

But above others in this kind most remarkable (which I shall therefore adde onely letting passe all others) and the more remarkable, because so far other­wise relatiated, is this that insueth. Being in Bonners room created Bishop of London, so oft and so long as he made his aboad at Fulham, he made the Mother of the said Bonner, (whom he used also to call his Mother, and indeed used her as if she had been his owne naturall Mo­ther) his daily guest constantly at meat and meale, dinner and supper (which bounty and courtesie he affoorded oft also to one Mistres Mung [...]y Bonner sister and her daughter) placeing her continually in a chaire at the upper end of the table; nor suffering her to be displaced; whatsoe­ver guests he had else at board, albeit they were Noblemen or of his Majesties privy Consell, as oft as it fell out; in way of excuse telling them, that by their Lord-ships fa­vour, that place of right and custome was for his Mother Bonner. But know this his kindnesse was by Bonner & others af [...]er requited, in his and their carryage both to this man of courtesie himselfe, and to another of his neere kindred, the sequell will in part shew, and those that list further to see, may take notice from Master Fox his relations, in that his laborious and usefull workes of Acts and Monuments, that shineth so much in Po­pish stomacks; though it be not fraught with such rediculous legens and notorious lyes, as de Voragine, Vsuardus, and some others of theirs are.

In these workes and exercises, of piety, charity, pity, mercy, and Christian clemency, did this worthy Prelate passe his time, during the short, overshort raign of King Edward, [Page 198] working the harder in Christs Vineyard, the later h [...] came unto it. But the wheele being turned, upon the de­cease of that almost matchlesse Princesse of his yeeres, as well for piety as other excellent parts; shortly after the entrance of Queene Mary, the rather for a Sermon, which by the Counse [...]s appointment, he had formerly made a­gainst her, and in favour of the Lady Iane, he was with the first of these that suffered, clapt up in prison, and de­prived of his bishoprick, and Bonner reinvested in it. After repairing to Fremingham, where the Queene then abode, he was from thence on a lame halting jade sent up to the Tower at London. Where during the time of his restrait some conference he had with Fecknam and others about Christs presence in the Sacrament: But from thence, not long af­ter, by the Queenes appointment, he was together with Cranmer and La [...]imer his fellow prisoners, conveyed first to Windsor, and then sent to Oxford; where they were laid in the common joale, commonly called Bocardo: whereupon in one of his letters he saith merrily, that Bocardo was now become a Colledge of Quondams; that is, such as had once been Bishops, but then were not.

After that they had been detained som space of time there, downe came a Commission for a disputation to be held be­tweene the said three prisoners Christs champions, but a part, on the one part, and certaine Doctores and Divines of either University, thereunto designed, on the other part; whereupon they were severed one from another, that they might not have any help either from other; and Bishop Rid­ley was committed to the house of one Irish then Major of the City; whence being convented, as the other two also were before certaine Commissioners, he had certaine Ar­ticles tendred him to subscribe unto, concerning the reall presence of Christs naturall body and bloud, and the utter abolition of the substance of bread and wine in the Sacra­ment of the Eucharist, and concerning the Masse, as con­taining in it a sacrifice propitiatory for the quick and dead, which refusing to subcrsibe to, and affirming them to be [Page 199] false, and such as sprung from a soure and bitter rooe, he was willing to deliver in writing his mind of them the night following; and being withall demanded, whither he were willing to dispute of them or no, he made answer ve­ry roundly, that so long as God gave him life, he should have, not his heart onely, but his tongue and his pen to defend his truth: but required, as was meete and equall, to have time and books: Howbeit no further respit could be obtained then to write his mind against the next day, and to prepare for disputation against Tuesday following, it being then Saturday at even: meane space it was told him he should have what books he pleased, but could not be suffered to have any of his owne books or notes: Howbeit notwithstanding all disadvantages, neither few nor small, and the dispute it selfe most partially & tumultuousl [...] car­ryed, many baiting him at once, interrupting him ever a­none in his speeches and answers, reviling and railing insteed of reasoning and arguing, and enciting the rude mul­titude to hisse and clap their hands at him. How well and worthily he quieted himselfe in the same, may to any in­differently and unpartially affected appeare by the Acts of it, so much as for clamor and confusion could be taken of it, yet extant. It is no unfiting censure, that a reverend Prelate gives of the three disputants, that Cranmer answer­ed very learnedly and gravely, Ridley very readily and a­cutely, Latimer merrily and yet solidly, beyond the expecta­tion of his age. Yet if taking somewhat from his sentence concerning either of the other, not as denied unto them, but imparted and applyed unto him, I should say, that he answered very readily & learnedly, acutely and yet solidly, I should neither wrong them at all, and doe him but right; for he was a man of sharp wit, a sound judgement, a strong memory, well versed in Schoole learning; and indeed seemed to have been one of the learnedst of those that then maintained Christs cause against the malicious enemies and oppugners of the maintainers of it, and of it in them. That which themselves were not ignorant of, but in a [Page 200] manner acknowledged, when they openly gave out in their ex [...]mination of him, that Latimer leaned to Cranmer, & Cran­mer to Ridley, and Ridley to the singularity of his owne wit, whom therefore if they could prevaile against, they hoped to have removed a principall prop, that the other party relyed upon. But they were herein deceived, both he and they being both built upon a firmer and sounder founda­tion then they were able to undermine, much lesse to blow up.

After this disputation thus had for a shew, that they might seeme to have don somewhat, for the satisfaction of such as had little need of any, save that they would have somewhat to say for themselves, and their owne turning from the truth, and against those that stuck to it, and stood in the defence of it; on the Friday following, together with the other two his copartners therein, he was againe convented before the Commissioners, and upon refusall to recant, being condemned for an heretike, was returned to the Majors house, where he was more strictly kept and re­strained then either of the other two, in the places of their restraint. That which he imputeth most to the wayward and superstitious and disposition of his keepers wife, being a woman as naturally very waspish, so withall extreamely Popish, and perswaded therefore that she pleased God the better, the worse she dealt with such a one as she deemed him to be; her husband otherwise a man mildly disposed, yet durst not doe what he otherwise desired, over-awed ei­ther by his wife, who ruled him as he the town, or els by authority and charge from the Commissioners; whose power there was so dreadfull, that not one of the Univer­sity had the courage to repaire to the prisoners even then when accesse was more free.

But all the strict and hard usage shewed him, he end [...]r­ed with much patience, comfort, contentment and cheer­fulnesse, as by his letters then written may evidently ap­peare. In the custodie of this I [...]sh he aboad from the time of the disputation in April A [...] 1554. unto the thirtyeth [Page 201] of September 1555. [...]t which time being agai [...]e convented together with these two other before-mentioned, before some other Commissioners authorised by Cardinall P [...]le the Popes Legate, and haveing stood uncovered in thei [...] pre­sence, till he heard the Lega [...]e and Pope named, he then put on his Cap, professing withall that he so did, not in d [...]ro­gation any way from the person and worth of the Cardi­nall, whom he honoured and reverenced as one of the bloud Royall, and a [...] a personage end [...]wed with excellent parts both of learning and vertue; but in regard of his Le­gateship and deputation for the Pope, whose usurped supre­macy and abused authority he re [...]used and renounced, [...]nd ther [...]by defied the same. But his [...]ap being take [...] from him, after some dispute about the See of Ro [...]e and the Po [...]es power, th [...]re were certaine Articles propounded to him, much in effect with those that had formerly bin disputed of; concerning the Sacrament of Eucharist, and the Sacri­fice of the Masse, unto which he was required to give in an­swer the next day by eight of clock in the morning, have­ing Pen Inke and Paper, with such bookes as he pleased to require for the accomplishment of the same; but withall they required from him an answer by word of mouth at present, who thereupon tould them that hee presumed of their gentlenesse, that they would have given him time as they had before said, untill the morrow, that upon good advi [...]ement he might make a determinite answer. And they replying, that his answer then should not be prejudi [...]iall to ought that he should after give in, but he should have liberty to adde, detract, alter and change wha [...] he pleased; he tho withall challenging them with former breach of promise concerning the disputation, that he should have a copie of what was there done; see what the notaries had taken, have liberty within a certaine time to alter what he would in his answers, or to adde thereunto, whereof no part was performed; yet condescended to answer by word of mouth at present, and so did according to th [...]t which formerly he had done, maintaining dispute with them a­bout [Page 202] the same for some good space of time, untill he was committed againe to the Major; and Master Latimer called in to be baited by them, as he had bin.

The next day appearing againe before them, with such gesture as before, and so againe entertained, he delivered u [...] his answer in writing, concerning a protestation a­gainst their autority and jurisdiction as delogated and de­rived from the Pope, and his judgement concerning the Ar­ticles exhibited, explained and confirmed not by Scrip­ture alone, but by the testimonies also of the Fathers; which he required to have read, but could not obtaine it, save a line or two here and there as they pleased: they af­firming that it contained words of blasphemy; and he a­verring, that a line or two excepted, there was nothing in it but the sayings of the auncient Doctors, confirming his assertions; hardly could he have leave to utter a few words, and that not without oft interruption, and with telling on their fingers-ends how many words he had spoken. A [...] length they excomunicated him with the greater excomu­nication, and haveing passed sentance of condemnation against him, turned him over to the Secular power.

On the fifteenth day of the same moneth he was by Brookes Bishop of Glocester assisted by some other degraded, at which time he requested the said Bishop to second his petition to the Queene, that such Tenants as he had made Leases to, while he was possessed of the Bishoprick of Lon­don, & his Sister among the rest might quietly enjoy the sam: this he promised to do, acknowledging it to be agreeable to equity and right, but it seemes it could not be obtained; for that cruell bloud-sucker, whose Mother and Sister he had so kindly delt with, thrust his Sister and her Husband, a­gainst all Law and conscience out of the keeping of a Park, which he had conferred upon them: nor is it likely that the rest fared much better then they did.

The day following he suffred together with Master Lati­mer: who much strengthned him as by conference before, so at the Stake then. The evening before he suffered he [Page 203] washed his Beard and his Feete, and bad those at boord that supped with him to his wedding the next day: deman­ded of his brother Master Shipside, whether he thought his sister his wife could find in her heart to be there; and he answering, that he durst say she would with all her heart, he professed to be thereof very glad. At suppertime he was very cheerfull and merry, desiring those there present that wept (of w^ch number M^rs Irish his Hostesse tho a blind and eager Papist was one) to quiet themselves, affirming that tho his breakefast was like to be somwhat sharp and pain­full, yet his supper he was sure should be pleasant and sweet. His brother offred to watch all night with him. But he refused it; telling him, that he intended to go to bead, hoping to sleepe as quietly that night as ever he did in his life.

So on the next day being the sixteenth of October, this meeke Sheepe of Christ, and yet a stout Bel-weather of his flock, faithfull and constant to his blessed shepheard and soveraign owner unto death, yea unto paines and torments worse then death, was together with his copartner, both in defence of the Faith, and of afflictions for the defence of it, brought out to the place of their Martyrdome, in a Ditch or low parcell of ground lying on the North side of the City behind Baliol Colledge; where Doctor Smith, who had before in King Edwards time recanted, instead of a Ser­mon made a bitter invective against them; which they of­fred to answer: but when they could not b [...] permitted to spe [...]k, they committed their cause to God, commended their souls into his hands, and with much readinesse and resolu­tion yeelded their bodies to the mercilesse flames, and such cruel torments therein as other their breath [...]rn and fellow­witnesses of Christ had b [...]fore th [...]m unde [...]gon [...]; wherein this our worthy and valian [...] spirituall Champion, through the i [...]discret [...]on o [...] those that composed [...]he pile, and ma­naged the fewell about him, hindring there where they thought to helpe, and lengthening his torments by those meanes whereby they hoped to have shortened them, en­dured [Page 204] a long time in grievous paines, to the heart griefe of the behoulders, burning in a manner by piece-meale; till at leng [...]h having passed this fiery triall, his soule was as in a flaming Chariot with Elias, carried up into the highest Heaven. Some works of his though not many remaine.

1 A Protestation or Determination delivered in the Schooles at a Disputation in King Edwards dayes. 2 His Disputations at Oxford in Q [...]eene Maries time. 3 An assertion of the true faith concerning the Lords Supper against Transubstantiation, trans­lated after into Latine, and Printed a [...] Geneva. 4 A Treatise concerning the right forme of Administration of the Lords Sup­per. 5 A Treatise against setting up and adoring of Imagis. 6 A Conference betweene him and Master Latimer in Prison. 7 A large Farewell to his faithfull friends; together with a sharp Admo­nition to obstinate Papists. 8 An other Farewell to the imprisoned and exiled for the Gospel. 9 A Treatise con [...]aimning a Lamenta­tion for the change of Religion, and a comparison of the Romish do­ctrine with that of the Gospell. 10 Divers pious Letters written to divers persons.

THe yeere from Christs birth 1500. [...]s for many mat­ters of much moment very remarkable. Among others for the Jubilee, that Pope Alexander the sixt (whose h [...]lish life and dismall end the stories of those times relate) held that yeere at Rome, and the terrible tempest that ensued the same, wherein the Angell that stood on the top of the Pop [...] Church was overthrown; and the Pop [...] owne Cham­ber by the fall of a [...]unnell so [...]eaten downe upon him, that diverse of those were slain that attended then upon him, and he himselfe so buried in the rubish, that he was hardly got out alive. The same yeere (amid [...] [...]hi [...] height of Popish imposture, together with these direfull presages [Page 206] of its downefall) was born to Philip King of Spain his son Charles after Emperor, the first of that name, under whom the Gospell (though much against his will) gained good footing in Germany. And the same yeer also came into this world that famous Scholler and Divine Peter Martyr Ver­mily; one that much furthered the advancement thereof, as well in those parts as else-where: He came of that anci­ent and worshipfull family of Vermily; born at Florence in Italie; Stephen Vermily his father, and Mary Fumantine his Mother.

His name was given him by his Parents from one Peter of Milaine a Martyr, reported to have been slain sometime by the Arrian faction, whose Church stood neere unto their house.

This Peter Martyr being the onely son of his Parents that attained to any yeeres, was by them carefully trained up in good literature from a child; his mother her selfe (a prety scholler) reading Terence to him in Latin. After which domestick discipline he was turned over for further institution to Marcellus Virgilius then Town-cleark or Se­cretary of State to that City, a man of much learning, as may appeare by his edition and translation of Dioscorides, with his Commentaries thereupon: He was willing to take paines, notwithstanding his imployments in the State otherwise, with many young Gentlemens sons, whereof diverse also proved famous for their learning and learned writings; and this our Martyr among the rest, who albeit he surmounted the most of his fellow-students, in sharp­nesse and readinesse of wit to apprehend, and strength of memory to retaine what was taught, joyned with an in­satiable ardor and unweariable endeavorour of continuall either hearing or reading, and a measure of proficiency much more then ordinary, proceeding necessarily from the the same; yet such was his modesty and amiable demeanour that he drew to him the affections of all his consorts, and there grew no emulation betweene him and them.

Being now grown up to riper yeeres, and affecting such [Page 207] course [...], as might both further his studies, and keep him within compasse, he grew into liking of a Monkish life; and because the Regular Canons of Saint Augustines order, were at that time in greatest fame throughout all Italie, for the study of Divinity, and for severity of Discipline, he betooke himselfe to their society; and being sixteen yeeres old was admitted into the Fessulane Colledge neer to Flo­rence; which fact of his was not greatly pleasing to his fa­ther; whether in regard of some dislike of the profession it selfe, or because he desired by him the propagation of his family,; and disposing therefore at his decease his maine estate to an Hospitall, he left his son onely out of it a small yeerly pension: howbeit his [...]ister, his Parents onely daughter liking so well of it, that she followed him there­in, and became a vailed Nun.

In that Colledge, wherein the younger sort were train­ed up for the most part in the Rules of Retoricke and the reading of Scripture which they used to get by heart, ha­ving past over three yeeres with great good [...]liking of the whole Society, he was from thence sent over to the Uni­versity of Padua, and there entred into the Monastery of Saint Iohn of Verdera, whereof albeit a man not unlearned himselfe and a lover of learning in others was Abbot. There he gave himselfe to the study of Phylosophy, free­quenting the Lectures of diverse of prime note that then red the same in that University; under whom also in dis­putations he frequently exercised himselfe; so acquiting himselfe in the same, that the Readers themselves tooke speciall notice of him; in so much that Branda a chiefe man among them would oft call him out to dispute, stiling him his Florentine, as [...]rinaeus sometimes Arminius his Hollander.

For his better furtherance in these his studies, he spent sometime in getting skill of the Greek tongue, that he might read Aristotle in his owne langvage [...] and in the stu­dy of that tongue he so profited, (a [...] one apt to take ought that he bent himselfe to) that in a short time he was able [Page 208] to read any Greek Author, Historian [...] Orator or Poet wit [...]out help of a translation. And withal he so followed the study [...] Divinity, hearing diligently and constantly those that read the same there, adjoyning also his owne private [...]ndvour [...] thereunto, that being of six and twenty yeeres (a thing a­mong them then not usuall) he was by the Fellows of the Colledg he lived in, made a publike Preacher and partake [...] of those priviledges that to such of their orders were a [...]nexed.

His first preaching was at [...]rixia, in the Church of [...] after that he preached at Rome, Venis, Mantua, Mo [...]n [...]fer [...] [...] and in others the Cities of Italy and the confines of Fr [...]c [...] [...] besides that in the Colledg of his own society, he read [...] Philosophy and Divinity and Homer in Geek; and hitherto haveing studied most Schoole-divinity. Thom [...]s of Aquin [...] especially, and Gregory of Rimino; he now began in more speciall manner to addict himselfe to the study of the Scriptures, and to this purpose laboured with much seduli­ty, using the help of one Isaak a Iew that professed Physick, to get the knowledge of the Hebrew tongue.

His constant paines in Preaching and teaching gained him that singular esteme, that he was by generall conse [...]t chosen Abbot of Spoleto; in which place he so wisely and worthily carried himselfe, that it was much admired how a man so bookish, and so much adicted to his studie [...], should attaine such abilities for dexterity of government. For he not onely reduced the Colledg and two Nunne [...]i [...] belonging to it, that had bin very loose and scandalous in their courses before, to a more regular and orderly deme [...] ­nour; but so also by his authority, good perswasions, and discreet ordering the matter, prevailed with two po [...]t factions that had long desturbed the State there, that [...] ­composed their differences, and wrought concord between them; which they also continued in, so long as he conti­nued there with them.

Three yeere he aboad there, and at three [...] a solemne assembly of the whole Order, [...] was made [...] ­vernor [Page 209] of Saint Peters at the Altar in Naples, a place of very pleasant situation, greate dignity, and rich and large reve­new. Here addicting himselfe more diligently and seriously to search into the Scriptures, the light began daily to ap­peare more and more to him, and to discover to him the errours and superstitious conceits that he had formerly bin possest with. And now he fell to read some of our men [...] writings; Bucers commentaries upon the Psalmes, and the Evanglists, Zuinglius his Treatise of true and false Religion, and another of Gods Providence, with some pieces of E­rasmus: whence having gained more insight into these things, he communicated therein with some others like­wise piously disposed, to wit, Benedyct Cusane, Anthony Flami­ny, and Io [...]n Valdesie a Spaniord; by whose joynt endevour a pretty Chuch of pious people was now gathered at Naples.

Nor did this our Peter forbear publikely to Preach that truth that God had now reveiled unto him. For hand­ling the first to the Corinthians, to which his Lectures, among others, divers Noble men (whom that City never wanteth) and some Bishops also resorted; when he came to the third Chapter, the 13. and 14. verses, he affirmed that place not to be ment of Purgatory; since that the fire there spoken of is such a fire, as both good and bad all must passe. This seeming to shake a maine piller of Purgatory, the Popes furnace, the fire whereof, like the Prilosophers stone, melt­eth all his leaden Bulls into pure gold; his under Chy­mists some of them, like Demetrius and his consorts, b [...]gan to bestir themselves, and so wrought, that from above he was inhibited to proceed in his reading. Which inhibi [...]ion he yet refused to obey; & appealing to the Pope, by help of some Cardinals of better sort, among whom our Poole was one, & some other learned men in grace with the Pope, he gat the interdict revoked. Howbeit he continued not long his readings there afterwards, for falling not long after in­to a very dangerous sicknesse, whereof he hardly recovered, the Fathers of his Order, in a generall Assembly, shortly [Page 210] after his recovery, supposing that the ayre of that City did not so well agree with him, made him their Generall Vi [...]i­ter, when he had been yet but three yeeres at Naples. In which imployment, supported by the Cardinall Gonzag [...] the Protector of their Order; he so carryed himselfe, sup­pressing some that carryed themselves tyrannously in their places, & severely chastising others that lived loosly & leud­ly, that though he gained much grace and credit to the Or­der, & no lesse love and affection to himselfe from the better minded among them, yet incurred he withall much envy ill-will from those that were otherwise disposed.

It is a point of divellish policy too oft practised, under a sembleance of honour to prefer men to such places as may prove prejudiciall to them, and become a meanes of their overthrow. Some of these Machiavilians therefore in a ge­nerall meeting of the Fathers of the Order at Man [...]ua, knowing a deadly fewd and inveterate hatred to intercede betweene the Inhabitants of Luca, and those of Florence our Martyrs Country, move to have him made Pryor of Saint Fridian in Luca, a place of great esteem, for that the Pryor of that House hath Episcopall Jurisdiction over the one moity of the City; hoping that for Countries sake he should there find opposition and molestation more then enough. The motion was on all hands soon assented unto, but the event answered not their expectation: For by his wise, kind and discreet carryage among them, he gained so much good will and esteeme with them, that they affected him no otherwise then as if he had been a native, and by a solemn embassage made suite to the Principall of the Order, that Peter Martyr might not be removed againe from them.

Here to advance both Religion and Learning among them, he procured learned men of great note, to read to the younger sort the tongues, one Latine, and the other Greeke, and a third (which was Emmanuell Tremellius) the Hebrew. He himselfe daily read to them some part of Saint Pauls Epistles in Greek, and examined them in the same: to the whole Company before supper he expounded some [Page 211] Psalme; to which exercise diverse learned of the Nobility and Gentry did also usually resort: and every Lords day he preached publikly to the People: By which his godly labours many attained to much knowledge, as appeared af­terward by the number of those, who after his departure thence sustained exilement for the truth; among whom that famous Zanchie one.

These his good proceedings his adversaries much ma­ligning held a meeting at Genoa, and convented him thither. But he having intellidence of their complotment, and tak­ing warning by their late dealings with a godly Eremite of the same Order, resolved to decline them, and to betake himselfe to some place of better safety: Having therefore committed to his Deputy the charge of the Monastery, and his Library (his onely wealth) to a trusty friend in Luca, to be sent after him into Germany, he left the City secretly, and from thence travelled first toward his owne Country to Pisa; where meeting with certaine religious Noble men he celebrated together with them in due manner the Lords Supper: and from thence by letters both to Cardinall Poole, and to those of Luca he rendred a reason of his departure from them. After that coming to Florence, but making no long stay there, he departed from thence for Germany, and passing the Alpes came into Switzerland, wher he arrived first at Zurick, and passing thence to Basil, was by Bucers procurement called over to Strasbourge; where for the sp [...]c of five yeers with much amity and agreement they joyned together in the Lords worke; during which time he expounded the Lamentations of Ieremy, the twelve lesser Prophets, Genesis, Exodus, and a good part of Leviticus.

Here he tooke him a wife, one of a religious disposition, and in all respects a meete match for one of his ranke and profession, who lived with him eight yeeres, died in Eng­land at Oxford, where she had lived in great repute with the best, for her singular piety, and with the most for he cha­rity corrrespondent thereunto: though after her decease in Queen Maries dayes, her remaines were inhumanely digged [Page 212] up againe and buried in a dunghill; but in Queen Eliza­beths dayes restored to their former place of Sepulture a­gaine.

For after that our Martyr had spent those five yeeres at Strasbourge, he was through the procurement of Archbishop Cranmer sent for by letters from King Edward into England, and made Reader of Divinity in the University of Oxford. There in his readings, to which those of the Popish facti­on also resorted, he expounded the first of Saint Paul to the Corinthians; and though much envying and stomaking him, yet with some patience they his Popish hearers en­dured him, untill he came to handle the Doctrine of the Lords Supper; but then they began to breake forth into some outrage, to disturbe him in his Lectures, to set up m [...] ­licious and scandalou [...] schedules against him, to challing him to disputes; which he waved not, but maintained, first in private in Doctor Cox the Vice chancellors house, and af [...]er in publike before his Majesties Commissioners de­puted to that purpose; where with what strength of Argu­ment and authorty of Scripture he convinced his Antago­nists, the Acts yet extant may evidently shew. This way little prevailing, they stirred up the seditious multitude a­gainst him, by reason whereof he was compelled to retir [...] him to London, untill that tumult was supprest: Then re­turning againe, for his better security, the King made him a Canon of Christs Chu [...]ch; by meanes whereof he had convenient housing within the Colledge with more safety.

Thus setled the second time, he proceeded in his wonted employm [...]nt, opening now also the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans; and being in times of vacation called up to London by the Archbishop for his aid and advice in Ecclesi­asticall affaires, and in composing of Ordinances for the government of the Church. And in this course he conti­nued being never out of action, untill by the decease of th [...]t our English Phaenix, so much admired in his life, and be­wailed at his death, not with ours at home, but by o­thers [Page 213] also, and that of a divers religion abroad, upon the suc­cession of his sister Queen Mary, one of a contrary dispositi­on, his employment surceased, and with somewhat adoe he gat liberty and departed the land: and though being way­laid (which he had notice of) both on this side and beyond the seas; yet (by Gods good providence and protection) he passed unknown and undiscovered through Brabant and o­ther Popish territories, and gat in safety to Strasbourge.

Thither returning he was received with the greater joy in regard of the dangers he had past and escaped; and was restored to his professors place againe. Therein being reset­led he read upon the booke of Iudges, and because the Se­nate required that the Readers of Divinity should withall at certaine times read Lectures also of Philosophy; it was agreed betweene him and Zanchie, his fellow-professor, that the one of them should read Morall Philosophy, which fell to his lot, and the other Naturall, which Zanchie under­tooke.

Howbeit here he was not long quiet; for some factious ones began to complaine of him to the Magistrates, as not concurring with the Augustine confession in the Doctrine of the Lords Supper: wherein albeit he gave those in autho­rity good satisfaction, yet he perceived much heart-burn­ing in other-some, and that manifested oft times, as well by scandalous libels scattred abroad, as also by open oppo­sition. Whereupon supposing that he should not live qu [...] ­etly there, and do the good that he desired, he began to entertaine thoughts of departure; and, as God in his holy providence pleased to dispose it, a fit and faire occasion thereof offred it selfe to him. For they at Zurick (whereat first he desired to have setled) wanting one to succeede Pel­licane lately deceased in the Divinity Lecture, invite Peter Martyr to come over to them, and supply that place: thither he came, (tho with much griefe and unwillingnesse, dismis­sed by the Magistrates and other godly of Strasbourge, his fellow-professors especially) accompanied with our wor­thy Iewel, after Bishop of Salisbury, then exile in those parts, [Page 214] who ever entirely affected and reverenced him as his Father.

At Zuricke with much gratulation was he most lovingly and respectively received by the Magistrates, Ministers, Bullinger especially, and the maine body of the people; and notwithstanding an Order before made to the contrary, denying such admittance for some yeeres unto any, enrol­led instantly for a free Denison. There he taught about se­ven yeers, expounding the books of Samuel, and a good part of the Kings; and writing divers polemicall discours [...]s a­gainst the adversaries of the truth. Nor would he remove thence, albeit he were with much importunity invited to other places, where the meanes were larger: as first to Ge­neva upon the decease of that every way noble Count Max­imilian Celsus, Pastor of the Italian Church there; and after in Queen Elizabeths dayes, when Religion was againe here setled, Bishop Iewell labouring with him in it, to returne into these parts, but continued teaching there till he died; howbeit being earnestly required by letters as well from the Queen mother of France, the King of Navarre, the Prince of Condee, and other Peeres of that Realm, as also from Beza and the rest of the Ministers of the reformed Churches in those parts, he obtained leave of the Senate to goe over into France to the solemn Conference at Poys [...]i, where how wisely and worthily he demeaned himselfe, by the Acts of it may appeare.

Not long after his accesse to Zuricke, desirous to conti­nue the race and name of the Virmilii, he tooke him a se­cond wife, a Virgin of good note and name, commended to him from the I [...]alian Church at Geneva, where she lived an Exile for Religion, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter, who died both very young, before him; and left her great with a third, that proved a daugh­ter.

He departed this life quietly, after some seven dayes sick­nesse, sitting in his chaire, in the presence of his wife and Religious friends, on the twelfth day of Nov [...]m. in the yeer [Page 215] of grace 1562. and of his owne age the sixty third.

He was of an able, healthy, big-boned and well limmed body; of a countenance expressing an inward, grave and setled disposition: of extraordinary parts of learnng, as well for humanity as for divinity excellent for disputati­on, much admired, wheresoever he came, for his discreet and moderate, though constant and incorrupt carriage, ne­ver seen in heat of dispute to breake forth into chollour; very painfull and industrious, endevouring to doe all the good he could for Gods Church, either in the places where he was resiant, or elsewhere. Nor may be omitted here the speech used of him to those of Zuricke, by that learned man Iosias Simler, that made the Funerall Oration at his Buriall, and hath described his life at large, that, Another they might have in Martyrs roome; but another Martyr they should not have. But what he was and how laborious, his Workes extant (besides many other never published) will soon shew; which are these,

1. A Catechisme or Exposition of the Creed, in Italian. 2. A Praye [...]-booke composed out of the Psalmes. 3. His Commentaries upon Genesis. 4. His Commentaries upon the Booke of Iudges. 5. His Commentaries upon the two Books of Samuel. 6. His Com­mentaries upon the first Booke of Kings, and eleven chapters of the second. 7. His Commentaries upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans. 8. His Commentaries upon the first Epistle to the Co­rinthians. 9. His Disputations at Oxford, about the Lords Sup­per. 10. His Defence about the orthodox Doctrine of the Lords Supper, against Steph [...]n G [...]rdiner. 11. An abridgement of the said Defence made by him afterward. 12. His Confession exhibi­ted to the Senate of Strasbourg, concerning the supper of the Lord. 13. His judgement concerning the presence of Christs Body in the Sacrament delivered at the Conference of Poyssi. 14. A Dis­course concerning the Masse. 15. A Dialogue concerning the place of Christs Body, against the Ubiquitaries. 16. His refutation of Richand Smiths two bookes, concerning single life and Monkish Vows. 17. In his commentaries on the first and second bookes [Page 216] of Aristatle Ethicks, and part of the third. 18. His Common-Places gathered out of his Commentaries by others, and digested into Heads. 19. Certain Treatises of Free-wil, Gods Providence, Prede­stination, and the cause of Sin. 20. Propositions, some necessary, some probable, out of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Judges; together with Solutions of a Question or two concerning some Mosaicall Laws and Oathes 21. Divers Sermons and Orations of severall Sub­jec [...]s, and made upon severall occasions. 22. His letters to sundry Persons, concerning much variety of usefull Discourse.

HVgh Latimer, born at Thirkesson in the County of Lei­cester, being of a prompt and sharp wit, was by his Parents brought up in learning, and at the age of 14. he went to Cambridge, where after he had profited in other stu­dies, he gave himself to the study of School-Divinity: com­mensed Batchelor in Divinity, and was a very zealous Pa­pist, made an Oration against Philip Melanc [...]hon: railed a­gainst Master Stafford, Divinity-Lecturer, and willed the Scholars in no wise to beleeve him: he carried the Crosse before the Procession: Master Bilney seeing, and pittying his blinde zeal, came to his study, and desired him to hear him make a Confession of his Faith, which Latimer con­senting [Page 218] to, was so touched therby, that he gave over School-Divinity, and studied more O [...]thodox Divines. He used often to confer with Master Bilney, and asked Master Staf­ford forgivenesse before he dyed: he became a powerfull Preacher, and instructed many in private also; whereupon the Devill raised up many Doctors and Fryers against him, and the Bishop of Elye forbad him to Preach Anno Christi 1529. yet he continued three yeeres preaching with much applause, yea the Bishop himself hearing him upon a time, commended him, and wished that he had the like gifts him­selfe: he used oft [...]n to visit the Prisoners, to relieve the needy, and feed the hungry. He was afterwards sent fo [...] to the Court, and employed in the businesse about King Henries Divorce; then by the King he had a Benefice given him at West-Kingston neer Sarum, where with much diligence he instructed his flocke; whereupon some Popish Priest [...] drew up Articles against him; and he was much molested by the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Canterbury, out of whose hands the King rescued him, and at the request of the Lord Cromwell made him Bishop of Worcester: where also he busily employed himselfe in instructing his flocke, and giving them a good example by his holy life: yet nei­ther there was he quiet, for one of great place accu [...]d him to the King for preaching Sedition, but the King rested sa­tisfied with his answer. At New-years-tide the Bishops used to present the King with a New years gift, and Bishop L [...] ­timer, amongst the rest, presented him with the New Testa­ment, wrapped up in a Napkin, with this Posie about it, Forni [...]atores, & adulteros judi [...]abi [...] Dominus: Whoremonger [...] and Adulterers God will judge. But the six Articles com­ing out, and he seeing that he could not retaine his Office with a good Conscience, of his owne accord he re [...]igned his Bishopricke: and when he put off his Rocket in hi [...] chamber amongst his friends, he gave a skip in the floore for joy, feeling his shoulders lighter, and being (as he said) discharged of so heavie a burthen. Yet neither then would the Bishops suffer him to be quiet, till he was laid up in the [Page 219] Tower, where he remained till Edward the sixt his reigne, at which time being restored to his liberty, he continued a faithfull and painfull preacher all that Kings dayes; preaching twice every Sabbath, though sixty seven yeares of age: he rose to his study Winter and Summer at two a clocke in the morning: he evidently fore-saw, and fore-told all those plagues which England afterwards felt under Queen Marie: and fore told concerning himselfe, that his preach­ing of the Gospell would cost him his life:S [...]ephen Cranme [...]. and that Win­chester was kept in the Tower for the same purpose, which afterwards proved so. In the beginning of Que [...]n Maries Reign he was sent for up by a Pursuivant, whereof he had notice six houres before he came to his house, yet inste [...]d of flying, he prepared himselfe for his journey; and when the Pursuivant came, he said to him; My friend you are wel­come, I goe as willingly to London to give an account of my Faith, as ever I went to any place in the world. The Pur­suivant having delivered his Letter, told him that he was commanded not to stay for him, and so immediately de­parted: but Latimer hasted after to London, and as he rode through Smithfield, he said, That Smithfield had groaned for him a long time. Coming before the Councill, after many mocks & scorns, he was sent to the Tower, where the Lord gave him such a valiant spirit, that he did not onely bear the terriblenesse of imprisonment, but derided and laughed to scorn the doings of his enemies. This aged Father being kept in the cold winter without a fire, he bad the Lievte­nants man to tell his Master, That if he did not looke bet­ter to him, perchance he would deceive him: the Lievte­nant thinking that he intend [...]d to make an escape, charged him with his words; to whom he answer [...]d, You thinke I should burn, but except you let me have a fir [...], I shall deceiv your expectation, for I am here like to starve with cold. From thence he was carried to Oxford with Cranmer and Ridley, where they spent their time in brotherly conference, fervent prayer, and fruitfull writing; yea, many times he continued so long in fervent prayer, that he was not able [Page 220] to get up without helpe. Three things he more especially prayed for.

• First, That as God had appointed him to be a Preacher of his Word, so, that he would give him grace to stand to his Doctrine; that he might give his hearts blood for the same.
• Secondly, that God of his mercy would restore his Gos [...]pell to England once againe, once againe; which he often inculcated in his prayer, and that with so much ardor, as though he had seen God before him, and spoken to him face to face.
• Thirdly, that the Lord would preserve Queen Elizabeth, and make her a comfort to this comfortlesse Realm of Eng­land. The Lord most graciously answering all thos [...] his re­quests. When he came to the stake, he lift up his eyes with an amiable and comfortable countenance, saying, Fidelis est Deus, &c. God is faithfull, who will not suffer us to be tempted above that which we are able, &c. As he was burning, his blood ran out of his heart in such abundance, as if all the blood in his body had been gathered thither, to the great astonishment of the beholders, according to his former r [...]quest, That he might be so happy as to shed his hearts blood for the Truth. The o­ther two requests we have found, and yet have the benefit. When the fire was first kindled, he cryed, O Father of heaven receive my soule: and so receiving the flame, and as it were, embracing of it, having stroaked his face with his hands, and bathed them a little in the fire, he soone died with ve­ry little pain or non at all, Anno Christi 1555.

JOhn Philpot was a Knights son, and born in Hampshire, brought up at Schoole, and sent from thence to New Colledge in Oxford, where he stuied the Liberall Arts, and the Tongues, and afterwards the Civil-law. He was of a pregnat wit, and singular courage, z [...]alous in Religion, of nature apert, and far from flattery, hypocrisie, and dis­simulation: from Oxford he travelled into Italie, where he was in some danger for his Religion: In King [...]dward the sixth dayes, he returned into England againe, and had many conflicts with Bishop Gardiner: He did much good in Hampshire, being Archdeacon of Winchester all King Ed­wards dayes; but in the beginning of Queene-Maries Reign he was cast into Prison, where he lay a yeer and a halfe be­fore he was examined; then he was sent for by Doctor Sto­ry, and after some captious questions proposed to him, he was committed Prisoner to the Bishop of Londons Cole-house, unto which was adjoyned a little Blind house, with a great pair of Stocks, both for hand and foot, but thanks be to God, saith he, I have not played of those Organs yet: there h [...] found a godly Minister of Essex, who, desiring to speake with him, did greatly lament his infirmity, for through extremity of imprisonment he had yeelded to the Bishop [Page 222] of London, and was se [...] at liberty [...] whereupon he left such an hell in his conscience, that he could scarce refrain from destroying himselfe; and could have no peace, till going to the Bishops Register, and desiring to see his Recantati­on, he tore it in pieces: whereupon the Bishop sending for him, buffeted him, pluckt off a great part of his beard, and sent him to his Cole-house, where Master Philpot found him very joyfull under the Crosse. Philpot being afterward [...] sent for to the Bishop; he asked him, amongst other things, why they were so merry in Prison, to whom he answered, We are in a dark comfortlesse place, and therefore we solace our selves with singing of Psalmes: after other discourse (saith he) I was carryed to my Lords Cole-house againe, where I, with my six fellow-prisoners, doe rouse together in the straw, as chearfully, we thank God, as others doe in their beds of down. After sundry examinations he was by the Bishop set in th [...] stocks, in a house alone, of which he writes: God be praised that he thought me worthy to suffer any thing for his names sake: Better it is to sit in the stocks in this world, then to sit in the stocks of a damnaple conscience: at last he was condemned for an He­retick; whereupon he said, I thanke God I am an Hereticke out of your cursed Church, but I am no Hereticke before God. Being sent to Newgate he spake to the People as he went, saying, Ah good people, blessed be God for this day: having notice given over-night that the next day he should be burn'd, he said, I am ready, God grant me strength, and a joyfull resurrection; and so he went to his chamber, pouring out his spirit unto the Lord in Prayer, and giving him most hearty thanks for ac­counting him worthy to suffer for his Truth. Going into Smithfield, the way was very foul, whereupon two Officers took him up and bare him to the stake; then said he mer­rily, What? will you make me a Pope? coming into Smithfield, he kneeled downe, saying, I will pay my Vowes in thee O Smith­field: he kissed the stake, saying, Shall I disdain to suffer at thi [...] stake, when my Lord and Saviour refused not to suffer a most vile death for me? when the fire was hindled, with much meekness, and comfort he resigned up his spirit unto God, An. Christi 1555.

THomas Cranmer was extracted from an ancient family in Lincolnshire, as that derived it selfe from one of more [Page 224] antiquity, (still retaining the said name and Armes) in [...]r­mandy. Of his infancy and childhood, we can give no other account, then what is common to others of the same age as not capable of any extraordinary Actions, but silently shaddowed under the [...]nnocency and simplicity thereof.

Afterwards he was admitted into Iesus Colledge in Cam­bridge where he proceeded Master of Arts, with generall applause for his learning and manners. Here he happened to marry the Inkeepers wives kinswoman at the sign of the Dolphin: An act beheld by some as destructive to his future preferment, and deepely condemned by those who preferred height before holinesse, and a rich and plentifull before a chaste and comfortable life.

Malicious tongues on this foundation built many foule and false Scandals against him, some slandering him for to be an Ostler (because of his often repairing to that Inne) which causelesse report (confuting it selfe with its own im­probability) his weeknesse and Patience overcame, by con­temning it. Thus worthy Saint Helen Mother to Constantine the great was scoffed at to have been a Stable-groomes Daughter, for her Zeale in searching the monuments of Christs nativity in Bethleham; of whom Saint Ambrosse, Bona Statularia quaedici maluit Stercoraria ut Christum lucrifaceret.

But Gods Providence who orders all things to the best some yeere after tooke Cranmers wife away, which losse [...] proved a great gaine unto him. For resuming his Studie [...] (thereby to allay his sorrow and solitarinesse) he became so eminent that the Society of Iesus Colledge chose him again into his Fellowship. Indeed it was against the Fundamentall Law of the Vniversitie, which provides Nolimus socios nostros esse mari [...]os vel maritatos: yet seeing a Widdower is the se­cond part of a Bachelor, and Cranmers extraordinary learn­ing a dispensation for himselfe, by peculiar favour he wa [...] reelected into that House.

How excellently he behaved himselfe therein, one In­stance for many; At that time many unworthy Schollars scambled up into the highest degrees, whose scarlet Gowns [Page 225] might seeme to blush the wearers Ignorance. To prevent the dangerous consequences thereof, and to render Degrees more considerable for the future, Cranmer by generall con­sent was chosen Publicke Examiner of the sufficiency of such candidates for Degrees. Herein he carried himselfe with such remarke [...]ble moderation, neither over remisse to incourage any unworthinesse to presume, nor too riged to dishearten the endeavours of the ingenious, that it is questionable whether his Carriage brought more profit to private Persons, or credit to the University. Some whose Graces for the present were stopt by him returned after­wards to thanke him, because (prefering rather to displease then hurt them) the gentle Checke he gave them occasioned their greater diligence in the race of learning.

Here Cranmer lived till the infection of the Plague forced the students to leave their Colledges and he no entertaine the time with more safety and privacy became a teacher to some Gentlemans sonnes in the Country where we leave him for a time, requesting the Reader to accompany u [...] to some matters of higher Concernement. About this time the Divorse betwixt King Henry & Katherine his wife was a­gitated in the Court of Rome; Queen Katherines age was a­bove her Husbands, her Gravity above her age, more pious at her Beades then pleasant in her Bed, a better woman then a wife, and a fitter wife for any Prince then King Henry. No wonder then if he were impatient to be delayed in his Divorce by the Dilatory tricks of the Romish Court (intend­ing first to divorce all the Gold from England) kept the Cause some yeers in suspention; so torturing King Hen [...]y on the racke, betwixt hope and feare; not to have his d [...]sire effected.

It hapned that a Courtier came into Cranmers Company, who familiarly conversing together amongst other dis­course light on this matter of Divorse. Cranmer informes the Gentleman that the readiest way for the King to at­taine his desire was no longer to trace the Labirinths of the Popes proceedings (where Clyents loose themselves in [Page 226] the endlesse Multiplication of affected intricacies) but di­rectly to be take himselfe to the Word of God, according to which the Kings marriage unlawfull at the first might lawfully be anulled. This being brought to the Kings Eare (where welcom news would quickly arrive) Cranmer is sent for, & afterwards imployed to the most principal Universi­ties in Europe there publickly to maintain the truth of his aforesaid Assertions; and after his returne was rewarded for his undertaking (no lesse learned then Laborious) with the Archbishopricke of Canterbury.

Here I have no leisure to listen to, much lesse faith to beleeve those false Aspersions, which Doctor Sanders cast­ [...]th on this reverend Prelate, bottoming the beginning of his Court Advancement on the Basest Employments per­formed by him. Sufficeth it is to know that as the Herne­shaw when unable by maine strength to grapple with the Hawke doth Slice upon her, bespattering the Hawkes wings with dung or ordure; so to conquer with her taile which she cannot doe with her bill and beake. So Papists finding themselves unable to encounter the Pro [...]estants by force of Argument out of the Scripture, cast the dung of foule lan­gvage and filthy railing upon them, wherein Sanders, ex­ceedeth all of his Soci [...]ty. Yea God may seeme to have vindicated the innocence of the one and punished the slan­derous mouth of the other, in that the foresaid Sanders was afterwards famished in Ireland, that mouth being starved for want of food, it surfetted with superfluity of False­hood.

Cranmer now Archbishop, so became the Place with his Piety and Gravity that he indeared himselfe to all conditi­ons of People. This was the greatest fault he was guilty of, That his nature was bad in being too good; he was of too easie and flexible a disposition, which made him cowardly to comply with the Church of Rome. For although he ne­ver did any harme to the Protestants, yet he did not unto them so m [...]ch good as he might and ought.

Some may conceive this passage might well be omitted, [Page 227] but the truth of our love to this good mans memory, must not make us to forget our love to Truth: besides this re­cording of such slips, doth read to us in him a Lecture of our owne Infirmities, if Gods grace be not more Active in our Hearts. Oh there is more required to make us Valiant, then barely to be able to call another Coward.

During the Reigne of Henry the eight and Edward the sixth, our Cranmer flourished in favour. But no sooner came Queen Mary to the Crowne, but he was scorched with the heat of her Anger; As an earnest that his whole Body should afterwards be burnt by her cruelty. Indeed he well deserved of Queen Mary in this particular, because he with Justice Hales would never consent to the dissinheriting of Queen Mary, and refused to subscribe the Will (shall I say of Edward the sixt or the Duke of Northumberland) translating the Crowne on the Lady Iane: But all this would not ad­vance him into the Queenes favour, no nor recon [...]ile to h [...]r good Will, shee being still troubled with the fit of the mother, and meditating revenge against him, because Cranmer had been the principall promoter of Queen Ka [...]herines Divorse: Or, which is more probable, (being the Queen of her selfe was not cruelly minded) some under her, which did bite where she did not barke (Gardiner the Spanniell, Bonner the Bloudhound) projected his destruction.

For being pardoned of Treason (of which he stood guil­ty with the rest of the Privie Council) he was ch [...]rged with Heresie and sent to Oxford, there to dispute upon certaine Controversies, being nothing else but a plausible contri­vance of his Death, which was concluded on before any Sylogisme in that Disputation was propounded. However his Adversaries improved themselves so much on his facile nature and love of life, that their large promis [...]s prevailed on him so far, as to make him subscribe to Popery, though presently after he recanted his recantation, and was burned to ashes for the profession of the Truth; first thrusting his owne right Hand (faulty for his former subscription) into the fire, so that his Hand died a Malefactor, and the rest of [Page 228] his body a Martyr. All which passages are so largely re­ported by M [...]ster Fox, who in his Hi [...]tory hath so carefully gathered in the Harvest, th [...]t his diligence hath left no gleanings for Posterity to picke, having omitted no­thing in his life remarkeable for such as succeed him to observe. He writ many things which are here to his eter­nall praise truely registred.

1. A catechisme of christian Doctrine. 2. Ordinations of churhes reformed. 3. Of ordaining Priests. 4. Of the Eucharist with Lu­ther. 5. Of defence of catholicke doctrine. 6. To the professors of the Truth. 7 Ecclesiasticall Laws in Edward the sixt his reign. 8. Against Gardners Sermon. 9. Doctrine of the Lords Supper. 10. Twelv Books of common places, out of the Doctors of the church. 11. Christian Homilies. 12. To Richard Smiths calumnies. 13. Confu [...]a [...]ions of unwritten truths. 14. Of not marrying ones sister, two Books. 15. Against the Popes primacy, two books. 16. A­gainst Popish purgatory, two books. 17. Of Iustification, two books. 18. Epistles to learned men.

Out of Prison he writ these.

1. Against the sacrifice of the Masse. 2. Against adoring the Host. 3. To Queen Mary with others. 4. Emendations of the Transla­tion of the English Bible, and added Prefaces to it.

COnrade Pellican was born at Rubeac in Swedeland, Anno 1478. and brought up in learning by his Parents: at thirteen yeeres of age he went to Heidleberg, after sixteen moneths study there, he returned home, where he entered into a Monastery: yet afterwards returned to Heidleberg, and from thence to Tubinge, where he studied the Liberall Arts, and was much admired for his quick wit: he studied also School-Divinity, and Cosmography, wherein he profited exceedingly; he tooke very great pains in the study of He­brew: and at Basil was made Doctor in Divinity, after­wards the Popes Legat took him with him towards Rome, being affected with his learning, but falling sick of a Fever by the way, he returned to Basil. Whilst he thus continued a Fryar, he was of great esteeme amongst them, because of his learning & integrity: but it pleased God at last, that by reading Luthers bookes, and conference with learned and godly men, he began to dis-relish the Popish Errors, and so far to declare his dislike of them, that he was much hated, and persecuted for a Lutheran: but about the same time the Senate of Basil chose him Lecturer in Divinity in that City toge [...]her with Oecolampadius: where he began first with reading upon Genesis, then on Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. An. Christi 1526. he was by the meanes of Zuinglius, sent for to Tygure, and being come, was most courteously entertained by him: there he laid downe his Monks Coul, and married a wife, by whom he had a son, which he named Samuel, being then preaching upon the history of Samuel: that wife dying, he married againe, but had no children by his se­cond wife: he was present at the Disputation at Bern about Religion: after Zuinglius his death, there were chosen into his room, Henry Bullinger, and Theodor Bibliander, who was an excellent Linguist, and began to read upon I [...]aie, to the [Page 230] great astonishment of his hearers, for that he was not a­bove 23. yeers of age. Pellican [...] at the earnest request o [...] learned men, Printed all his Lectures, and Annotations, which were upon the whole Bible, excepting onely the Revelations; which portion of Scripture he not intending to write upon, caused the Commeta [...]y of Sebastian Meyter upon it, to be bound with his, to make the worke com­pleat: He translated many bookes out of Hebrew, which were printed by Robert Stevens: and having been Hebrew Professor at Tygure for the space of thirty yeers, wherein he was most acceptable to all, not on [...]ly in regard of his ex­cellent learning, and indefatigable pain [...], but also in regard of his sweet, and holy Conversation. At las [...] falling into the pain of the stone & other diseases, he departed this life upon the day of Christs Resurrection 1556. of his Age 78.

IOhn Bugenhagius was born at Iulinum in Pomerania, An [...] christi 1485. His Parents were of the rank of Senators, who bred him up carefully in Learning, and sent him to the University of Grypswald, where he profited in the study of the Arts, and the Greek tongue. Being twenty years old he taught School at Trepta, and by his learning and dili­gence, he made the School famous, and had many Schola [...] [Page 231] to whom also he red daily some portion of Scripture, and p [...]yed with them [...] and meeting with Erasmus his booke a­gaine the [...]str [...]onicall carriage of the Fryar [...], & the Idola­try of the times, he gat so much light thereby, that he was stirred up to instruct others therein, and for that end in his Schoole he read Matthew, the Epistles to Timothy, and the P [...]alms, to which he added Catechising, and also expounded the Creed, and th [...] ten Commandements; unto which ex­ercises many [...]entlemen, Citizens, and Priests resorted: from the Schoole he was called to preach in the Church, and was admitted into the Colledge of Presbyters: many resorted to his Sermons of all ranks, and his fame spred a­broad: insomuch as Bogeslau [...], the Prince of that Country, employed him in writing an History of the same, aud [...]ur­nished him with mony, books, and records for the ena­bling of him thereto: which History he compleated in two yeeres, with much judgement, and integrity.

Anno Christi 1520. one of the Citizens of Trep [...]a, having Luthers booke of the Babylonish Captivitie sent him, he gave it to Bugenhagius, as he was at dinner with his Colle­gues, who looking over some leaves of it, told them that many Hereticks had disq [...]ieted the peace of the Church since Christs time, yet there was never a more pestilent He­reticke then the Author of that book: but after some few dayes, having read it with more diligence and attention, he made this publick Recantation before them all; What shall I say of Luther, All the world hath been blinde and in cimme­ [...]ian darknesse, onely this one man hath found out the Truth. And further disputing of those questions with them, he brought most of his Collegues to be of his judgement therein: Hereupon Bugenhagius read Luthe [...]'s other Works diligently, whereby he learned the difference between the Law and the Gospell, Justification by Faith, &c. and taught these things also to his Hearers. But the Divell envying the successe of the Gospell, stirred up the Bishop to persecute the profes­sours of it, some of which he cast into Prison, and caused others to flye away; insomuch, as Bugenhagius also being [Page 232] not safe, and desirous to be acquainted, and to confer with Luther, went to Wittembourg Anno christi 1521. and of his [...] 36. and came thither a little before Luther's going to th [...] Diet at Worms: In whose absence he opposed [...]arolostadius, who would have all Magistrates to rule by the Judicial [...] of Moses, and Images to be cast out of Churches. Upon Luther's return out of his Pathmos, he was chosen Pastor of the Church of Wittembourg; which he taught and governed with much felicity, and in many changes of affairs, for the space of thirty six years, never leaving his station, neithe [...] for War nor Pestilence; and when he was profered Riche [...] and Preferment both in Denmark and Pomeron, yet he would never leave his Charge, though he lived but poorly in it [...] Anno christi 1522. he was sent for to Hamburg, where h [...] prescribed to them a forme both of Doctrine, Ceremonie [...] and Calling of Ministers; where he erected a Schoole also [...] which afterwards grew very famous: and Anno christi 1530 being sent for to Lubec, he prescribed to them also an order both for Preaching and Discipline, and set up a School [...] there also. Anno christi 1537. he was sent for by Christi [...] King of Denmarke, to reform Religion in his Dominion [...]; at which time, he set forth a Booke about the Ordination of Ministers: There also, instead of the seven Bishops of Denmarke, he setled seven Superintendents to Ordain Mi­nisters, and to see to the Government of the Church, whom he ordained in the presence of the King and the Senate, in the chief Church of Hafnia. He set up Lectures also in that University, and Ordained Ministers for the Churches of Denmark and Norway, of which there were foure and twen­ty thousand. Anno christi 1542. he was employed by the elector of Saxonie, to Reform the Churches in the Duke­dome of Brunswick: the year following, the Senate of Hil­vesia sent for him to Reform their Churches; where he, with Corvinus and Henry Winckle, wrote them a Form of Ordination, and Ordained six Pastors for their six Con­gregations. Anno christi 1533. he proceeded Doctor, at th [...] instigation of Ioh. Friderick, Elector of Saxonie. After­wards, [Page 233] in the Wars of Germanie for Religion, W [...]ttenberg was besieged, and Bugenhagius being grown old he met with many troubles, yet would he never flye, but by daily prayer to God he much cheared up himself, considering that in so great tempests, the poor Ship of Christ's Church was not swallowed up and devoured.

The Controversies and Quarrels which sprung up in the Church, were the greatest grief to him. Being grown old, and his strength so decayed that he could no longer Preach he yet resorted daily to Church, where he poured forth fer­vent Prayers both for himself and the afflicted condition of the Church of God at that time. Afterwards, falling sick (though without much pain) he continued instant in prayer, and holy conference with his friends. And draw­ing near to his end, he often repeated, This is life eternall, to know Thee the onely true God; and him whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ: and so quietly departed in the Lord Anno chri­sti 1558. and of his Age 73.

He was a faithfull Pastor; mercifull to the poor; severe and stout in reproof: an earnest defendour of the Truth against Errors: ardent in Prayer, &c. He joyned with Luther in the Translation of the Bible: which being finish­ed, every year upon that day, he invited his friends, and made a Feast, which he called, The Feast of the Translation of the Bible.

IN the year of grace 1497. Philippus Melancthon (that vigi­lant Watchman for the generall good of the Church) was borne at Bretta, a Towne situate in the Lower Palati­nate, and onely famous for the birth of so excellent a man. His Parents although they were not endewed with any store of earthly treasures, yet they were rich in grace, both of them being godly, wise, vertuous, grave and honest; his Father attaining to no greater advancement then to be chief Gentleman of Armes unto Philippus and Rupertus, two German Princes.

In his youth he was committed unto the tuition of Io­hannes Aungarus, a man excellently qualified, of whom he [Page 235] learned the Latin tongue, and afterwards instructed in the knowledge of the Greek, by Georgius Simlerus, who after­wards became a publicke professor of the Civill Law: con­cerning whom Melancthon used to speak with great rever­ence and respect, both for his eminent gifts, and also for that singular care which he had over him, being a child and delivered unto him to be instructed in the knowledg of the [...]ame tongues.

Being by these two furnished in some measure with the knowledge of those tongues; and being not yet fully twelve yeers old (a sufficient testimony of his future worth) he was sent to the University of Heidelberge, where he stu­died Poetry, and proved also in short time an excellent Historian, and he being but a child himselfe, he taught the children of the Grave of Lionsten, by which means notice being taken of the excellency of his parts, he was graced in the same University by a generall consent, with the title of Bachilor of Arts: and which is also most remarkable in his youth, here he frequented the Company of those which were observed to be the greatest and best learned men; and especially he used the familiarity of Spangelus a Doctor of Divinity, a man learned, discreet and wise; having conti­nued here for the space of three yeers, he went unto Tubinga in the yeer 1512. where he became an Auditor unto Braffi­canus and Bebelius, the lavrell Poets of those parts; and also unto Iohannes Stoflerus an excellent Mathematician and professor of those Arts in that Academie: and also Franciscus Stadianus, then Logick Lecturer, all of them being famous for their excellent endowments; and for the bettering of his understanding in Divinity, and increased of his know­ledge therein, he repaired unto Doctor Lempus esteemed the soundest and most judicius in that place, concerning whom he used to say, that he would paint that horrid Monster of Transubstantiation on a table, and present it publickly unto his Auditors, and that he could not but much admire and wonder at the insulsitie and blockishnesse of the man; here he was also an Auditor unto his Master Simlerus pro­fessing [Page 236] the civill Law, wherein he came unto sound know­ledge, as is made apparent by his writings, and having at­tained unto a singular perfection in the Arts and Tongus, he was in this University advanced unto the degree of Ma­ster of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy in the yeer 1513. and in the seventeenth yeer of his age: after this dignity con­ferred on him, he remained four yeers in the Academie, where he commented on Virgil and Ter [...]nce, read the Rheto­rick & History Lecture with singular judgment, & with the great approbation and applause of his Auditors. About this time there being great tumults raised in Saxonie con­cerning religion, grounded on the doctrine taught by Lu­ther, he was called by the Duke of Saxonie (God so dispos­ing by his providence) unto Wittenberge, in the yeer 1518. and in the 22. yeer of his age, and in the tenth yeer of Lu­thers residence in the same place, to be a faithfull assistant unto him for the advancing of the Gospell; and in this may that City justly glory, that it hath been blessed with the labours of these two undaunted Champions, who [...]e actions can hardly be parraleld by any living either in the auncient or in these moderne times.

At his departure from Tubinga, his Master Simlerus said that his going away was to be much lamented of the whole City, and forthwith added, Quotquot ibi essent docti homines, non esse tam doctos ut intelligerent, quanta esse [...] doctrina ejus, qui inde evocatus discedecet: that amongst all the learned men in the City, non [...] could be found guilty of so much learning as to judge truely of that worth which was to be found in that man.

Presently after his comming unto Wittemberge, he pub­likely began to read his Lctures, where Luther being present he received an excellent approbation from him, concern­ing his sufficiency & so he proceeded in opening the Scrip­tures, to the great benefit and instruction of his Auditors.

In the yeer 1519. he was present at the disputation be­twxt Luther and Eccius, at Leipsich where sometimes he utter­ed his opinion amongst them concerning the points in [Page 237] contraversie; Eccius not well brooking his forwardnesse cryes out unto Luther, Amove a te istam saccum disti [...]ctionum; remove from thee that budget of distinctions, and after a scornfull manner stiled him the Grammarian.

In the year 1520. he expounded the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans at Wittemberge; which worke of his was so well approved by Luther, that he caused it to be Printed for the generall benefit of the Church: and in his Preface to the same Booke, he useth these words unto Melancthon, Ego, quod impii Thomistae suo Thomae mendaciter arrogant, (viz.) neminem scripsissi melius in sanctum Paulum, tibi vere tribuo: What the Thomists unjustly ascribed unto their Thomas (viz.) that none set forth a sounder Comentary on Paul; I attribute it justly unto thee. And in the year following, having intelligence that the Divines of Pa [...]is had condemned the Bookes and Doctrine of Luther, he opposed by writing their heady De­cree, affirming his Doctrin to be sound and Orthodox.

In the year 1527. he was appointed by the Duke of Sax­onie to visit all the Churches within his Dukedome; in the performance whereof he wanted neither painfull labour nor envious backbiting. And finding in them many disor­ders and corruptions, he prescribed unto them a forme written in the German tongue, which he willed them to em­brace and to make use of in their Churches. This action of his caused great contention and strife in the Countrey, which by the wisdome and vertue of the same Duke was speedily quieted and taken away.

In the year 1529. an assembly of Divines was appointed at Spire, where the Duke of Saxonie was present with Phillip Melancthon; who espying his Mother, went unto her, and being demanded by her, What she should beleeve amongst so many different opinions and controversies; he answered that Pergeret hoc credere quod credidisset, nec pateretur se turbari conflectibus disputationum. That she should beleeve what she had hitherto beleeved; and withall, willed her not to [...]ay to heart, nor to be disquieted with those Scholasticke combats.

[Page 238]The Church being about this time in a troublesome state, and so continuing for a season; it pleased the Pope to promise the calling of a generall Councill, for the extir­pating of these differences out of the Church, and for the establishing of an Uniforme manner of Doctrine and Dis­cipline: but his intent was onely to make triall how Me­lancthon stood affected; for when his Legates requested of him to promise them that he would subscribe to all the De­crees of the Synod then shortly to be called; he denyed their unjust request, and withall telling them, In concillo & accusationes, & defensiones, & sententias liberas esse ô portêre, & in ep [...]um de even [...]u pacisci antiquam cognitio sit suscripta. That in a generall Councill all occasions, defendings, opinions and judgements ought to be free; and that it was a tying voyd of sence and reason, to yeeld a subscription unto those things which as yet he did neither know nor understand. And so remaining unmoveable in this resolution, there was no generall Councill called, because it lay not in the pow­er of the Emperour to command it, and because the Pope was unwilling to exercise his authority in that kinde, least the event should have proved fatall unto the Apostolicall See. About this time Comets were seen in the ayre for the space of three whole yeeres; concerning which Melancthon wrote many learned observations unto his friends.

In the yeer 1535. the fame of Melancthon came into the Kingdome of England and France; wherefore he was sent for by Henry the eight, and invited by the King of France, to settle a Reformation in their Churches; but he went un­to neither of them, in regard the Duke of Saxonie would not consent thereunto.

In the year 1539. there was an Assembly of the Prote­stant Princes at Francfort ad Menum, concerning a Reforma­tion, and Melancthon was commanded to make his personall appearance; but being fearfull least any should offer vio­lence unto his person, he there published a worke, intituled De Defensione Legitima.

In the year 1541. an Assembly was appointed at Wormes, [Page 239] where there happened a sharpe Disputation betwixt Melan­cthon and Eccius touching Originall, sinne but by the Com­mandement of the Emperour, it was forthwith dissolved, and both of them appointed to meet at Reinspurge, where it fell out that Eccius in his disputation propounded a So­phisticall argument, at the which Melancthon pausing a little space for the better untwisting of it, said unto Eccius, that the next day he would give him an answer, whereupon Ec­cius presently replyed, that it would be imputed as a great disgrace unto him, to require so long a time, unto which he presently answered. Mi Doctor non quaero meam gloriam hoc in negotio sed veritatem: Sir, I seeke not my owne praise in this businesse, but the truth; within short time the Empe­rour, came to Reispurge, appointed certaine learned Persons on both sides for continuation of the conference; of whom in the life of Bucer, &c. this Conference gave no satisfacti­on, neither unto Eccius nor unto the Bishops there present, nor unto William Duke of Bavaria; and therefore the whol businesse was referred unto the judgement of a generall Councill, and peace was injoyned unto both parties by the strict command of the Emperour, together with a hope de­clared as touching the Reformation of the Churches. In which Conference Mlancthon objected that axiome against the Papists, Christus adest non propter panem, sed prop [...]er hominem. Christ is present in the Sacrament, not by reason of the bread, but by reason of the receiver. Which when Luther heard, he joyfully uttered these words, M [...]c [...]e Philippe tu eri­puisti Pontificiis, quod ego non ausus fuissem: all happinesse at­tend thee Phil [...]ip, for thou hast overthrown the Papists in that Point, which I dared not to attempt. And wi [...]h that sentence Eccius was so confuted, that he had not a word to speake; yet at the last in a great rage, he told Melancthon that he would dispute with him ad ignem usque, even unto the very flames: but the night following he drinking som­thing beyond measure, in regard of the predominancy of his chollar, he fell into an Ague, wherewith in few dayes he dyed.

[Page 240]Againe in the yeer 1545. Fredericke the Prince Elector Palatine successour unto Lodowick, greatly desiring a Refor­mation in the Churches; he was informed by Melancthon, that Ecclesiasticall government did consist

1. In the soundnesse and puritie of Doctrine. 2. In the lawfull use of the Sacraments. 3. In a conservation of the Minister of the Gospell, and in obedience towards the Pastors of the Churches. 4. In the preservation of an honest and godly Discipline, which was to be upheld by an Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction. 5. In the upholding of Schooles. 6. In supplying such persons as are imployed in weightie matters with sufficient necessaries.

Which points he caused to be dispersed amongst the Churches, but they wrought little or no Reformation: the yeer following Germanie was oppressed with civill Warres; which when it was greatly lamented by Melancthon, some out of malice misinterpreting his words, accused him unto the Emperour, as one who laboured to hinder his procee­dings in the Reformation of Religion; for which cause the Emperour intended his death, but he was defended and de­livered by the intreaty of Mauritius the Prince Elector, who possessed the Emperour with a contrary opinion. Not long after it happened that there were great preparations for the Councill of Trent, and safe going and returning; being concluded on, Melancthon was sent with the Letters of the foresaid Mauritius, and taking Norimberge in his way, he was commanded to stay there untill he received an answer con­cerning that faith which was generally to be embraced of all the Churches.

During his aboad at Noremberge he heard the newes of the Expedition of Mauritius against the Emperor, in regard of the Lantgrave of Hassia who was detained captive. Where­fore Melancthon lef [...] Noremburge & returned again to Wittem­berge. Many are of opinion that if he had been present at the said Councill, and had been suffred to declare his mind freely amongst them, he would have redified many of their judgements concerning matters of religion.

Being come unto Wittenberge he constantly went forward [Page 241] in his exercise of teaching, and preaching the word of God untill he fell into an irrecoverable disease, whereby his vitall spirits grew so feeble that he was made unfit for the performance of his pastorall office, and weaknesse increas­ing every day more and more upon him, he was constrain­ed at the last to yeeld unto death; and in the midst of many heavenly prayers he surrendred his soul unto him that gave it, in the yeer of our Lord 1560. in the 63. yeere of hi [...] age, and after that he had preached the space of 42. yeeres unto the inhabitants of Wettemberge. Where he was buried with great sorrow and lamentation, being laid side by side with Luther.

For his excellent gifts he was not onely reverenced by Protestant Divines then living, but he also gained a singu­lar approbation of such as were his professed enemies.

He was of a meane stature not exceeding the common sort of men, his forehead smooth and high, his haire thin, his neck long, his eyes beautifull and peircing, he was broad breasted, and in generall there was a proportionable agreement betwixt all the parts of his body; in his youth he stammered something in his speech, but reaching un [...]o a maturity of age, he so corrected that infirmity that it gave no offence unto his Auditors; the learned treatises which he left unto the Church (whose reformation both in doctrine and discipline, he greatly laboured for in his life) are here inserted.

IOhn Lascus was born of a noble family in Poland, and brought up in learning: afterwards travelling to Tygure in Helvetia, he was by Zuinglius perswaded to betake him­selfe to the study of Divinity: and when he might have been preferred to great honor in his owne Country, such was his love to Christ, and his Church, and such his hatred to Popery, that he chose with Moses to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather then to live in worldly honor, and peace amongst his friends: coming into Frisland Anno Christi 1542. he was called to be a Pastor at Embden, where he fed, and ruled his flock with great diligence: the yeere after, he was sent for by Ann the widdow of Count Olden­burg to reform the Churches in East-Frisland; and the next yeer after by Albert Duke of Prussia, but when he agreed not with him in judgement about the Lords Supper, the worke remained unperfected: about that time (the Emerour per­secuted the Protestants) he was sent for by King Edward the sixth (upon Cranmers motion) into England, where he ga­thered, Preached unto, and governed the Dutch-Church, which remain's to this day. In the dayes of Queen Mary, he obtained leave to return beyond-Sea, and went with a good part of his Congregation into Denmarke: but there he found but cold entertainment, by reason of his differing from them about the Lords Supper: the Churches of Saxo­nie also rejected them, not suffering them to live amongst them upon the like reason: at length that poore Congre­gation found entertainment in Frisland, under the Lady Anne Oldenburg, and setled at Embdem: Anno Christi 1555. he went thence to Francford upon Main; where, with the consent of the Senate, he gathered a Church of strangers, especially out of Belgia: from thence he wrote a Letter to the King of Poland and his Council, vindicating his Doctrin [Page 244] from some aspersions cast upon it by his adversaries: many enemies also rose up against him and his Congregation, for differing from them about Christ's presence in the Sa­crament, especially o [...]e Westphalus, who wrote bitterly a­gainst them, calling them Zuinglians, and affirming that all those which had suffered about that point in Belgia, England or Franc [...], were the Divel's Martyrs. At last Lascus return­ing into his own Country, from which he had been absent twenty years: there he found God's harvest to be great, and the labourers to be very few. His coming was very un­welcome to the Popish Clergy, who sought by all meanes to destroy him, or to get him banished; and therefore they accused him to the King for an Hereticke, beseeching him not to suffer him to stay in the Kingdome: to whom the King answered, That though they pronounced him an He­reticke, yet the S [...]ates of the Kingdome did not so esteeme him, and that he was ready to clear himselfe from those a­spersions. When they thus prevailed not, they cast abroad reproaches, and all manner of lyes, as if he would stir up a civill War in the Kingdome: but it pleased God when he had spent a little time in instructing his friends, that he sickned, and dyed anno christi 1569. He was of an excellent wit and judgement, and tooke much paines to have compo­sed that difference in the Churches about Christ's presence in the Sacrament, though it succeeded not. The King of Poland had him in such esteem, that he made use of his ad­vice and help in many great and difficult businesses.