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 to was so touched therby that he gave over School-Divinity and studied more Oâ—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 oftâ—n to visit the Prisoners to relieve the needy and feed the hungry He was afterwards sent foâ— 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 Priestâ— 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 accuâ—â—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 Lâ—timer amongst the rest presented him with the New Testament wrapped up in a Napkin with this Posie about it Forniâ—atores adulteros judiâ—abiâ— Dominus Whoremongerâ— 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 reâ—igned his Bishopricke and when he put off his Rocket in hiâ— 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 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 Sâ—ephen Cranmeâ— and that Winchester was kept in the Tower for the same purpose which afterwards proved so In the beginning of Queâ—n Maries Reign he was sent for up by a Pursuivant whereof he had notice six houres before he came to his house yet insteâ—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 intendâ—d to make an escape charged him with his words to whom he answerâ—d You thinke I should burn but except you let me have a firâ— 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 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 Gosâ—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 thosâ— 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 râ—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. Though Latimer was in his heedlesse youth A diviator and abandon'd truth Yet heaven having blest him with a riper age At last he banish'd his too forward rage And from a wandring Commet he became A blazing starre and blush'd not to proclaime Against his former Errours which had spread Upon his heart and almost struck it dead He sought the way of truth and seeking found A better Anchor and a firmer ground Where on he fixt his thoughts and would not be Remov'd by arguments or Tyrannie Thus our brave Latimer became a terrour To Papists and an enemy to errour Though he at first most wilfully deny'd The truth yet for the truth at last he dy'd The Life and Death of John Philpot who died Anno Christi 1555. JOhn Philpot was a Knights son and born in
Stephen Gardiner Lord Chancellor of England who railed upon him asked him if he knew him not c. to whom he answered Yea I know you and all your greatnesse yet you are but a mortall man and if I should be affraid of your Lordly looks why feare you not God the Lord of us all c. But after other discourse he sent him to the Kings Bench commanding his Keeper to keep him strictly In Prison he spent his time in prayer reading the Scriptures Preaching to the prisoners and to others that resorted to him he was diverse times examined of his Faith and witnessed a good Confession before his adversaries for which at last he was condemned to dye when his sentence was read he told them that God the righteous Judge would require his blood at their hands and that the proudest of them all should repent their receiving againe of Antichrist and their tyranny against the flocke of Christ. He was sent down to Hadley to be burn'd and all the way as he went he was very merrie as one that went to a banquet or Bridall In his journey the Sheriff of Essex perswaded him much to return to the Popish Religion c. to whom at last he answered I well perceive now that I have been deceived my sâ—lfe and shall deceive many in Hadley of their expectation when the Sheriff desired him to explain his meaning hoping that he would recant he said I am a man of a very great carkasse which I had hoped should have been buried in Hadley Churchyard but I see I am deceived there are a great number of worms there which should have had jollie feeding upon this carryon but now both I and they shall be deceived of our expectation when he came within two miles of Hadley he desired to alight and being downe he leap't and fet a frisk or two saying God be praised I am now almost at home and have not past a mile or two and I am even at my fathers house at Hadley towns-end a poore man with five children met him crying O dear father and good shepheard God help and succour thee as thou hast many a time succouâ—'d me and my poore children The streets were full of people weeping and bewailing their losse to whom he said I have preached to you Gods Word and Truth and am come to seal it with my blood He gave all his money to the poore for whom he was wont thus to provide formerly once a fortnight at least he used to call upon Sir Henry Doil and other rich Clothiers to goe with him to the Alms houses to see what the poore lacked in meat dâ—ink apparell bedding and other necessaries withall â—xhorting comforting and rebuking as he saw occasion Comming to the plâ—ce of execution he was not suffered to speak to the people who much lamented his death yet he was very chearfull saying Thanks be to God I am even at home and when he had prayed and made himselfe ready he went to the stake and kissed it the fire being kindled he held up his hands called upon God saying Mercifull father of heaven for Iesus Christ my Saviours sake receive my soul into thy hands and so stood still without moving till one with an halberd strook out his brains Among the many Champions of the Lord Who with their blood to Truth did beare record And feared not in furious flames to fry That they Christs Gospels light might magnifie Was pious precious Doctor Tailor stout Who did the fight of Faith to th' death fight out A very learned painfull Pastor grave Who to his Flock full testimony gave Of his great wisdomeâ— charity and love And all Soul saving graces from above Who for opposing Romes impiety Being apprehended and condemnâ—d to dye He kist his Stake being bound to it in chaines Burning a Popish wretch beat out his braines And thus this blessed Martyr chéerfully Went to his heavenly home triumphantly IOHN BRADEFORD The Life and Death of John Bradford NExt to this last mad Septenary of unchristian liberty and unparalled distractions the Devill never seem'd to injoy more chaine in this Kiâ—gdome then in the time of Queene Mary wherein laying hold on the weaknesse and superâ—ticion of a silly woman bred up in Popery and by reason of the bar interpos'd betwixt her and the Crowne by her Royall Brother Edward the sixt wholly subjected to the violent and bloody counsels of that faction which finally prevailed in her restitution and establishment he kindled more Bonefires in the space of three or four yeerâ—s in England then the world had at any time beheld in so few yeeres and in one Kingdome since the last of the first â—en Persecutions I dare not upon Master Foxes bare report who was somtimes and perhaps of purpose by the adversaries themselves miserably abus'd in hiâ— informations acknowledge all for Martyrs whom I finde in his Catalogue But what will Stapleton or any other Papist get by that The Church of Englaâ—d as it was of late reformed the Reformation by Law established hath produced added as many genuine knowing valiant Champions to that Noble Army as wiâ—hin these thousand yeers any Church in Christendome which is glory enough without hooking in either Heretique or Schismatique or any other who suffered for nothing lesse then well doing And from a chiefe place amongst those holy men and witnesseâ— to the truth of the Gospell of Iesus Christ all Stapletons exceptions bitter rayling and intemperat scoffes can not ought not exclude this blessed Saint and servant of God Iohn Bradford as shall evidently appeare to as many as wiâ—hout prejudice shall peruse and pondor his insuing History which God willing we will drive throuh the whole Course of his life from his Birth to his Martyrdome But to take our rise from his Birth He was borne in Manchester the quality of his Parentâ— though their meanes be not recorded may be easily gathered by his Education which was the best that either that place or those times could â—fford for he arrived very early at the knowledge of the Latin Tongue and for Ariâ—hmaticke he had few equals in those parts both which bâ—ing adorn'd and helped forward by a faire and speedy hand he became fit for imployment abroad before any great notice was taken of him at home which moved Sir Iohn Harrington a noble Knight and in good esteem both with King Henry the eight and his Son Edward the sixt to assume him into the number of his fellowes and imploy him in his most private and and urgent affaires both at home and abroad For at Bulloigne he was Treasurer at warres and here he had the charge and oversight of all his Majesties buildings In both imployments he found the service of young Bradford who besides his honesty and diligence had a notable dexterity in casting up and Auditing accoumpts of such importance that where ever he imploy'd him he committed all to his trust and own'd whatsoever he did
and the King was so enraged by reason of certain writings opposing the Masse which were scattered up and down the Câ—ty and fastned unto the door of his Bed chamber that aftâ—â— publick Prayers he commanded at the which he himselfâ— was present together with his three Sonnes being barâ—-headed and holding a burning Torch for expiations sake eight persons supposing to be guilty of that act to be burned alive and in the presence of the People he bound himsâ—lfe with a solemn Oath that he would not spare his own châ—â—dren â—f he should but know that they were infected with that most horrible and damned heresie Calvin beholding the miserable state and condition of things resolved to leave France revealing his intent unto an intimate friend of his with whom he was formerly acquainted during his residence with the Queen of Navarre Who out of his singular affection unto Calvin promised to accompany him in his journey wherefore they forthwith prepare for Basil committing their money unto the custody of one of their servants who being well horst and espying an opportunity answering his wicked intent leavs them to shift and to provide for themselves and doubtlesse they had been driven into great distresse had not the other servant furnished them with ten Crownes which he hâ—d about him by means whereof they came at length to Basil. Here he found Symones Grinaeus and Wolfangus Capito who received him with great joy where he continued and gave himself unto the study of the Hebrew tongu here he also set forth his Institutions a laborious learned worke and well worthy of the Author with a Preface most excellent unto the King of France which if he had read it had without doubt given a great wound unto the Popish religion bâ—t the sins of that King and of that Nation were so great and vengeance so near at hand that leave was not given unto them by the Lord to peruse the same Having set forth this book and in some sort performed his duty to his Country he left Basil and went into Italy to visit the daughter of the King of France a vertuous and a godly Princesse whom he there confirmed and strenthned in her religiouâ— course of life whereby she greatly affected him during the time of his life and also made a kind testiâ—â—â—tion of the same unto the world after his death Hence he returned againe into France with an intent to goe for Germany but in regard of the Wars passages were shut up that he could not travell and therefore he turned into Geâ—eva not thinking to mak any residence at all in that place but by the observation of future actions it is evident that he was guided thither by the hand of God into this City not long before his comming the Gospell of Christ was wonderfully brought and that by the labour and industry of two famous Divines viz. Gulielmus Farellus somtimeâ— Scholer unto Iacobus Stapulensis and Petrus Viretus whose labours were aboundently blessed by the Lord Calvin going for to visit these Genevan lights he was entertained by Farellus with a long discourse and thereby discovering the excellency of his parts desiring him to remaine at Geneva and to be an assâ—ant to him in that place for the advancing of the truth of Christ but when he saw that Calvin could not easily be drawn and perswaded thereunto and being a man of a bould spirit he said unto him after a vehement manner I pronounce unto thee in the name of the living and alpowerfull God that unlesse thou joyne with us in this worke of the Lord it will come to passe that he will curse thee as one that seeketh more his owne then the glory of Christ. Calvin being astonished with this terrible sentence and speech of Farellus he forthwith submitted himselfe unto the pleasure of the Presbytery and Magistrates by whose voyces and consent of the People he was not onely chosen to be a Preacher but was also designed to be their Divinity Lecturer and graced with the title of Doctor in the year 1536. which year also is remarkeable for that League concluded betwixt the Cities of Brene and â—eneva touching Divine Worship and also for the conversion of the Inhabitants of Lausanna unto Christ. The first thing which he attempted after his admission into this City was a more exact reformation in the Church for that cause drew a compendium of Christian Religion and forme of Doctrine unto which he laboured to have the Inhabitants to subscribe and to binde themselves by an Oath to abjure the supersticious Doctrine of Rome and to defend the same with their lives This motion was refused by many at the first yet not long after God so disposing even in the year 1537. the Senate and people of Geneva took their Oathes for the defence of the same The ground being thus laid there wanted not enemies and those bitter ones to oppose him in his proceedings for first the Anabaptists began to sow their erronious opinions in the hearts of many to the great detriment of the Church but these were so confuted by Calvin in publick disputation appointed by the Senate that scarcely any one of them appeared afterwards in the City The other disturber of the peace and happinesse of that Church was Petrus Caroli born at Sarbona who as she brought him forth an impudent Sophister so she cast him out againe as a more wicked haeretick being thence cast out he came to Geneva accompanied w th the spirit of the Divel when he saw himself to be sharply reproved of the Inhabitants he went unto their enâ—mies and from thence he returned unto Geneva againe intending to leave behind him some expressions of his worse then diabolicall opinions and for that cause he first began openly to accuse Farell Calvin and Viret of a misconceived opinion concerning the Trinity wherupon a Synad was called at Berne wherein that calumny of Petrus Caroli was condemned But that which strooke the greatest strok for the crushing of these hopefull beginnings was the intestine dissentions and seditions in the City who would not endure this new forme of Government these Farell and Calvin began first to correct with mild admonitions and when they saw that would not prevaile they used more severe and sharper reprehensions which many not brooking the City came to be divided and many renounced that Oath which they had formerly made in respect of w ch actions Calvin Farell with an undaunted courage openly protested that they could not lawfully administer the Sacrament of the Lords Supper unto them by reason of the disagreements amongst themselves and by reason of their alienation from all Ecclesiasticall discipline There also happened unto this another evill viz. a difference betwixt the Churches of Geneva and Berne about some ceremonies which because it could not presently be concluded on by the Synod at Lausanna but was referred unto another appointed at Tigurum the Commissioners unpatient of delay assembled the people together and
after Prince Casâ—â—mire dyed which much turned his griefe but Frederick the fourth being now come to hiâ— age was admitted into the number of the Electors â—nd was very carefull of the good both of the Chuâ—â—â— University An. Christi 1594. Tossan was choosen Rector of the University of Heidleberg and the year after there brake out a grievous Pestilence in that City which drove away the students but Tossan remained Preaching comfortably to his people and expounding the Penitentiall Psalmes to those few students that yet remained Anno Christi 1601. he bâ—ing grown very old and infirm laid down his Professors place though the University much opposed it and earnestly sollicited him to retain it still bâ—â— God purposed to give him a better rest after all his labors and â—orrowes for having in his Lectures expounded the booke of Iob to the end of the 31. Chapter he concluded with those words The words of Iob are ended Presently after falling sick he comforted himself with these texts of Scripture I have fought the good fight of Faith c. Bee thou faithfull unto the death and I will give thee the Crown of life Wee have a City not made with hands eternall in the heavens and many other such like he also made his Wâ—ll and set down therein a good confession of his Faith and so departed quietly in the Lord Anno Christi 1602. and of his age sixty one He was a very holy man exemplary in his life had an excellent witâ— strong memory eloquent â—n speech was very charitable and cheaâ—full in his conversation and kept correspondence with all the choycest Dâ—â—vines in those times Germane Tossanus doth deserve likewise That we his honoured name should memorize Who notwithstand all th' afflictions great Which furious faithlesse Popish Foes did threat And prosecute him with from place to place And him and his dear wife with terrours chace In danger oft of death yet mightily The Lord preserv'd them from Romes cruelty He was a learned and laborious Preacher And alwayes 'gainst Romes errors a Truth teacherâ— Eloquent witty holy humble wise And now his soul blest Heaven â—eateâ—â—es The Life and Death of William Perkins IF the Mountainâ— of â—ilboahâ— 2 Samuâ—l 1. were condâ—mned and cursed by King David that nâ— dew nor râ—in should fall â—pon them because valiant Saul and piouâ— Ionathan were there unhappily slain then by rules of opposition such places deserve to be praised and blessed where godly men have had their happy Nativity Amongst which let Mâ—rston in Warwickeshire com in for his just share of commendation where Master William Perkiâ—s was born and brâ—d in his infancy 2. How he passed his childhood is â— mattâ—r befoâ—â— daâ—â—d in the Register of my Intilligence whereof I can receivâ— no instructions Onely I dare be bold to conclude that with Saint Paul 1. Cor. 13. 11. When he was a childe he spake 〈◊〉 a childe he understood as a childe he thought as a childe whose infancy as he with simplicity so we passe it over with silence 3. But no sooner 〈◊〉 he admitted 〈◊〉 Christs Colledge in Cambridge but quiâ—â—ly the wilde firâ— of his youth began to break out An age which one may termâ—â—he Midsommer Moone and dog-dayes of mans life It is not certaine whether his owne disposition or the bad company of others chiefly betrayed him to thesâ— extravagancies Sure it is he tooke such wild libâ—â—â—â—es to himselfe 〈◊〉 cost him many a sigh in his reduced â—geâ— Probably 〈…〉 Providence permitted him to ruâ— himselfe with the prodigall Son out of breath that so he might be the better enabled experimentally to reprâ—â—â— others of their vanity 〈◊〉 simpathizing with their sad condition and be th◠〈…〉 skil'd how to comfort and counsell them on their â—â—pentance Why should Godâ— arme which afterwards grâ—â—â—ously overtook Master Perkins be too short to reach others in the same condition 4. When firâ—◠〈…〉 mucâ—â—ddicted to the study of naturall Magicke digging so deepe in natures mine to know the hidden causes and sacred quallities of things that some conceive that he bordered on Hell it â—â—â—fe in his curiosity Beginning to be a practitioner in that black Art the blacknesse did not affright him but name of Art lured him to admit himselfe as â—â—â—dent thereof Howeveâ— herein we afford no certaine beliefe the rather because other mens ignorance might cast this aspersion upon him Who knowes not that many things as pretty as strangâ— may really be effected by a skilfull hand lawfull and laudable meanes which some out of a charitable errour will interpret a Miracle and others out of uncharitable ignorance will nickname Sorcery A very Load-stone in some Scholars hand before a silly Townsmans eye is enough to make the former a Conjurer 5. The happy houre was now come wherein the stragling sheep was brought home to the fold and his vanity and mildnesse corrected into temperance and gravity It is certainly known and beleeved that if Quick-silver could be fired which all confesse difficult and most conclude impossible it would amount to an infinite treasure so when the roving parts the giddy and unstable conceits of this young Scholar began to be setled his extravagant studyes to be confined and centered to Divinity in a very short time he arrived at an incredable improvement 6. He began first to preach to the prisoners in Cambridge Castle being then himselfe Fellow of Christ Colledge Here he truely preached Christs precepts Freely you have received freely give And with Saint Paul made the Gospell of Christ of no expence yea he followed Christs example to preach deliverance to the Captives whose bodies were in a prison and souls in a dungeon such generally their ignorant and desperate condition Here though free himselfe he begot sons to God in fetters Many an Onesimus in bonds was converted to Christ Mock not at this good mans meane imployment neither terme him with such as sit in the seate of the scornfull the Goale-birds Chaplaine But know nothing is base which in it selfe is lawfull and done in order to the glory of God yea better it is to be a true preacher in a prison then a flatterer in a Princes pallace 7. But so great a star could not move alwayes in so small a sphear His merits promoted him to a Cangregation of greater credit in the Town of Cambridge where he was most constant in preaching Wherein as no man did with more vehemency remove sin so none either with more passionate affection bemone the condition of obstinate siners or with sounder judgment give them directions for their future amendment Luther did observe that Thunder without rain doth more harme then good wherof he maks this application that Ministers who are alwaies threatning of legall terrors to offenders except also they seasonably drop the dew of direction giving them orders and instructions to better their estates are noâ— wise Master builders but pluck downe and build nothing up againe Whereas Master Perkins so cunningly interweaved terrours
be drowned When he came to the Earles of Mansfield he was entertained by a hundred horsemen or more of the Court and was brought into Isleben very honourable but very sick and almost past recovery which thing he said did often befall him when he had any great businesse to undertake But using some meanes for cure of his infirmity he sate at supper with the company and so continued to doe from the 29. of Ianuary to the 17. of February and treated of the dfferences for whose determination he came thither In this time he preached sometimes and twice received the Lords Supper and publickely received two Students into the sacred order of the Ministery And at his lodging used much godly conference at Table with his friends and every day devoutly prayed The day before his death though he was somewhat weake yet he dined and supped with his company and at supper spak of divers matters and among other passages asked Whether in heaven we should know one another when the rest desired to heare his judgement thereof He said What befell Adam he never saw Eve but was at rest in a deep sleep when God formed her yet when he awaked and saw her he asketh not what she was nor whence she came but saith that she was flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone Now how knew he that He being full of the Holy Ghost and endued with the knowledge of God thus spake After the same manner we also shall be in the other life renewed by Christ and shall know our parents our wives and children and all about us much more perfectly then Adam knew Eve at her bringing to him After supper when he went aside to pray as was his custome the paine in his breast began to increase whereupon by the advise of some there present he tooke a little Vnicornes horne in wine and after that slept quietly an houre or two on a pallat neer the fire When he awaked he betooke himselfe to his chamber went to bed bidding his friends good nght admonished them who were present to pray God for the propagation of the Gospell because the Councell of Trent and the Pope would attempt wonderfull devises against it Having thus said after a little silence he fell a sleep But was awaked by the violence of his disease after midnight Then complained he againe of the narrownesse of his breast and perceiving that his life was at an end he thus implored Gods mercy and said O heavenly father my gratioâ—s God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ thou God of Consolation I give the all hearty thanks that thou hast revealed to me thy Son Iesus Christ whom I beleeve whom I professe whom I love whom I glorifie whom the Pope of Rome and the rout of the wicked persecute aâ—d dishonour I beseech thee Lord Iesus Christ â—o receive my soul. O my gracious heavenly Father though I be taken out of this life though I must now lay downe this frailâ— body yet I certainely know that I shall live with with thee eternally and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands He added moreover God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son that every one who beleeveth in him should not perish but have life everlasting And that in the 68. Psalme Our God is the God of salvation and our Lord is the Lord who can deliver from death And here taking a medicine and drinking it he further said Lord I render up my spirit into thy hands and come to thee And againe Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit thou O God of truth hast redeemed me Here as one falling asleep and without any bodily pain that could be discerned he departed this life And when Doctor Ionas and Caelius said O reverend father doe you dye in the constant confession ofâ— that doctrine of Christ which you have hitherto preached He answered so as he might be heard yea which was the last word he spake Thus he in his native Country not having seen it many years before dyed much lamented by many This â—ell on the eighteen day of Febru on the day in the Calender ascribed to Concord about three a clock in the morning in the great climactericall year of his age Soon after his body put into a coffin of Lead was carried in funerall manner to the Temple of Isleben where Iustas Ionas preached Then the Earles of Mansfield desired that his body should be interred within their territories But the Elector of Saxony required that he should be brought bark to Wittenberge In the returne thereof which way so â—vâ—r it went it was honourably attended and with much griefe accompanied out of each Princes Dominion and at lengh upon the twenty two of February in the afternone was brought to Wittenberg and was carried into the Temple neare adjoyning to the Castle with such a troope of Princes Earles Nobles their living as students and other people that the like was seldome or never seâ—n in that towne When the funerall rites were perforned Pomeranus preached to an assâ—mbly of many thousands And after that Melancthon with many teares and â—igheâ— made a funerall Oration When this was don the coffin with his body was put by the hands of divers learned men into the tombe near to the Pulpit in which he had made many learned Sermonâ— before divers Princes Electors and the Congregation of many faithfull Christians In a brazen plate his picture lively deciphered was there set up with Verses by it to this effect This Sepulchre great Luthers Corpes contanes This might suâ—â—ice yet read these following strains HEre in this Vrne doth Martin Luther resâ— And sweetly sleep in hope to rise most blest By whose rare pains firme faith and Christs free Grace Which formerly thick Fogs of Error base And Duskie Clouds â—j Wâ—rks desert hid quite Were well reduced to their ancient Light For when blind Superstition ruled All And did fair Trnth long time suppresse and thrall He by Gods Word and Spirits inspiration The Gospels Light re-spred for every Nation And well-instructed by Pauls sacred voyce Scorning Romes Cheats to teach pure Truth made choyce And as John Baptist in the Wildernesse Did Gods Lamp who heals Sin Preach and expresse So O Sweet Christ did Luther cleare thy booke When all the World was caught with Errors â—ooke And what the difference was betwixt the Law Whose tables Moses brake though God he saw Vpon Mount-Sinai and the Gospell sweet Which heales Sin conscious hearts which Gods wrath meet This difference lost to th' World he did restore That so Christs gifts of Grace might shine the more He stoutly did oppose Romes Cheats and Charmes And Papall rule which wrought Gods Saints great harmes Exhorting all Romes idols for to flye He many souls wan to true piety And mauger all Romes threats and snares most slie Finisht in Faith his Course most valiantly Dying in peace his Soule with Christ doth rest Crown'd with immortall Glory
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 Arianismâ— 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 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 â—he Fathers to the Scriptures themselves if he had intended to promote Herisie his most compendious way had been to have lefâ— 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 spurâ—ous Brats as after ageâ— out of intrest or ignorancâ— would needs have fastened upon the other Some not able themselves to judge betwext â—mitating and Apiâ—g are bold to censure his stile though by their owne confession pure Copius flexible and exâ—emporary as not every where Elevated to the true light of the Cicerâ—niâ—m pole He can run but goingly who ties himsâ—lfe to another mâ—â—s fooâ—steps Erasmus had his owne Gâ—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 Chymâ—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 torturâ— his simple Readers upon the continuall racke of their Diâ—â—ionaries Many of his noblest Workes he elucubrâ—ted at Basil the rest at Friburge whether he was in a manner compelled to retreat by Bernard Cardinal of Trent doubtâ—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 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 togeâ—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 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
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 Gobuâ—g he met with Luther and spent a whole day in familiar confâ—rence with him about matters of great moment of which himselfe write's That he never had a more comfortable day in his life Erâ—nestus Duke of Brunswick loved him dearly and esteemed him as his father insomuch as when the City of Augusta sent to the Dâ—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. Reader this serious Fathers well-spent dayes Were fill'd with love and love was fill'd with praise He was abjured by a Noble race Which made him onely debtor but not base Heav'n was his port to which he faild through tearsâ— Steer'd by his faith blowne by the winde of prayers Let his example teach us to invest Our hearts with wisdome and we shall be blest With him who now enjoyes the life of pleasure Whose comforts know no end whose joyes no measure He that shall choose true vertue for his guide May march on boldly and not feare a slide The Life and Death of CARALOSTADIUS Who died Anno Christi 1541. ANdreas Bodenstein Caralostadius was borne in France in a towne called Caralostadium by which he received hâ—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 asâ—ertor of Lutheâ—'s doctrine and a defendor of it against Eccâ—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 â—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 Luâ—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 he was banished by Luther's procurement from thâ—nce he went to Basil where hâ— printed some bookâ— 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 thâ—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 Caralostadiuâ— 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 wallâ— 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 waâ— 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 This grave Divine ceas'd not from taking paines More for the Churches good then his owne gaines Yet were his gaines as great as his desire He that obtaines true vertue need require No greater profit he that studies how To live here-after must not set his brow On Earths loe things the pleasure of the Earth Prov'd this grave Fathers sorrow not his mirth His thoughts were all divine he could not hide Within his Season'd breast the flames of pride He was an Image-hater and would not Let them be worshipp'd and his God forgot 'T was not a Prison could his heart apale He that has virtue needs no other baile The life and death of CAPITO Who died Anno Christi 1541. 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 aftâ—r hiâ— Father's death he studied Divinity Anno Christi 1504 and under Zasias a great Lawyer he studied Law also and proceeded Doctor of â—t He was a great lovâ—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 thencâ— was câ—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 Argenâ—ine where he was called to a Pasâ—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
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 this that according to his desire he was inaugurated into his Office without any publicke Ceremony He was much admiâ—ed of in the University for his learning for the integrity of his life and conversation for his plainenesse in his apparell for his temperatenâ—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 thiâ—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 Maâ—ies in Cambridge to the griefe of many 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 Sophonuâ— done out of Hebrew 7 A preface to the fourth Tome of Luthers postils 8 Of the true doctrine discipline and Ceremonies of Chuâ—ches 9 A Graâ—ulaâ—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 aâ— 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 Euchâ—rist 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 â—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 Psalâ—er translated into Dutch 32 An admoniâ—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 anâ—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 treaâ—ise that none ought to live to themselves That light of truth which shin'd in Bucers brest Inlightned others and restor'd much rest To many whose unquiet souls did lye Under the burthen of Idolatry He was laborious striving every houre To sucke some hony from each pleaâ—â—ng flowre He was belov'd of all that lov'd to pry Into the bosome of Divinity
where he was prisoner he had nothing but a pad of straw for a bâ—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 â— 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 liâ—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 morâ— 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 chearfully and with a more ruddy countenance then ordinary being comâ— thâ—thâ—r he prayed about half an â—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 pâ—t to him the faggots being green and the winde blowing away the flâ—me he was but scorched more faggots being laid to him the fiâ—e was so supprest that his nâ—ther-parts were burned his upper being scarce touched he prayed O Iesus the son of David have mercy upon mâ— 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 noâ— so much as sweet houses where the feare of God is wanting I must be alone and solitary it s 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 Reader behold and then admire Hoâ—pers most rich Seraphicke fire His constancâ— waâ— great his heart Balsoâ—'d by heav'n out-vi'd all smart Rare was his life rare was his death Whilst time remains his fame shall want no breath The Life and Death of Rowland Tailor who dyed Anno Christi 1555. 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 â—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 upoâ— 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
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 haviâ—g passed over about an houre before he returned the third time to his study continuing there untill eleven of the clock at nighâ— 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 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 thingâ— in good part nor retaining rancor against any but very prone and ready to forgive and forget wrongâ— 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 hiâ— 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 aâ— his hands but they should be as meere strangers and alienâ— 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 thâ— more obstinate This appeared among other instances whereof many might be given in that friendly usage of Bishop 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 Mungâ—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 afâ—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 working the harder in Christs Vineyard the later hâ— 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 Counseâ—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 Laâ—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
meane time granted unto them liberty of Conscience which when it came to the eares of Paulus III. Pope of Rome he sharply reproved the Emperour saying That he esteemed of Hereticks as highly as of Catholicks and that he seemed to thrust in his sickle into another mans harvest The Emperour answered That he was perswaded that his act was just And Calvin perceiving the truth of the Gospell to be deeply wounded bâ— these Letters he sharply reprovâ—d the boldnesse of the Pope In this year also there was a Convocation at Spire whereupon Calvin tooke occasion of writing his Booke intituled De necessitate reformandae Ecclesiae And in the same year also he refuted the Anabaptists and Libertines and that with such invincible arguments that none reading and observing hiâ— Worke can unlesse wittingly and willingly be deceived and seduced by them But the Queen of Navarre was greatly offended with that Worke of his against the Libertines because he had particularly reproved Quintinus and Pocquetus two Ringleaders of that Sect and not of small account with her Majesty Calvin being informed of this he so wisely and discreetly behaved himselfe that he gained againe the favour of the Queen and withall caused that impious and blasphemous Sect to be banished out of France who afterwards seated themselves in Amsterlodam the prime town in Holland In the year 1545. by the conspiracy of some wicked and evilly disposed persons the thresholds and posts of the doores in Geneva were done over with an oyntment so strongly composed of poyson that whosoever touched it death imediately followed and from this also proceeded a raging Pestilence in the City whereby an infinite number of soules were swept away this accident procured great envie unto Calvin from all places yet at the last some of the authors of this inhumane act were discovered and suffered worthy punishment for the same In this year also he laboured to remove the false opinion of Osiander concerning the Lords Supper out of the Church and also the errours of the Nicodemites and many other grosse opinions which hindred the growth of the truth of Christ. In which proceedings he was abundantly blessed by the Lord who never permitted his enemies to have their pleasure of him by taking away his life which they intended and more especially he shelterd him from the fury of Amedenus Perinnus a Captaine of great authority in the City but deprived for that fact of his Office These continued dissentions and defamations in the Church at Geneva were motives which drew Farellus and Viretus unto the same place who in the year 1548. delivered before the Senate an eloquent and learned Oration concerning the suppression of Sedition and the taking away of differences out of the Church The motion was approved of all and Perinnus having hopes thereby to attaine againe unto his former preserment consented thereunto but he soone discovered his wicked intent for he was no sooner graced with his former dignitie but he and many others burst forth into reproachfull speeches against Calvin and after a disgracefull manner calling his Dog by the name of Calvin others stile him by the name of Cain and some by reason of that violent and fierce hatred which they conceived against him they would absent themselves from the Communion and so draw downe a double vengeance on themselves In the midst of these evils which were of force to have caused him to have forsaken the City he constantly performed his Ministeriall office and at vacant times he inlightned Pauls Epistles with learned Commentaries He also most learnedly laid open and discovered the falsity and vanity fo Judiciary Astrology He comforted Beratius living as a banished man at Basil and also Bucer in England And this is also remarkable that notwithstanding the daily increaâ—ing of these contentions the Church did wonderfully florish in Geneva and also it injoyed some peace and quietnesse In the year 1551. for then there sprung up a company of factious fellowes who denied the priviledges of the City unto such as were banished for the truth and fled to that place for succour And being perswaded by Calvin in a Sermon Preached for that purpose to grant the priviledges of the City unto them he was well beaten for his paines as soon as he came out of the Pulpit These stirred up also another Tumult in the Temple of St. Gervas because the Minister refused to Baptize a child by the name of Balthazar Calvin not forgetting his late kindnesse received was contented with patience to let it passe In this year the City was also much troubled with that blasphemous heresie of Servetus who by the means of Calvin was apprehended and convicted but remaining obstinate in his opinion he was buâ—nd alive in the same City The cause of Servetus being as yet in hand one of the factious company called Berâ—lerius an impudent and wicked fellow whom the Presbitery had foâ—bidden to come unto the Lords table by reason of his ill lead life and excomunicated came unto the Senate and desired his absolution which he perswaded himselfe was sufficient Calvin earnestly opposes this action of the Senate declaring unto him that he ought to be a defender and maintainer and not a violator of holy good lawes yet Berlterius prevailed with the Senate and he granted unto him his absolutory letters Perinnus by the imitation of Bertlerius thought to take Calvin in a trap and either to raise a tumult against him if he would not obey the Senate or if he consented then no disanull the authority of the Presbitery Calvin being fore-admonished of this intent in his Sermon before the Communion in the presence of both of them he uttered these words with great fervency But I imitating Chrisostome will rather suffer my selfe to be slain then that this hand shall reach the holy things of the Lord unto such as are apparently known to be the contemners and despisers of him which wrought such an impression in them that they durst not presume to come unto the Lords table nay it is probable that he was at that time fearfull of his life for he Preached as if they never afterwards should have heard him again In this troublesom state the Church of Geneva continued unto the yeere 1555. wherein a conspiracy was happily discovered by which meanes most of the factious persons were put to death and banished the City By which example of Divine vengeance others were delivered and kept in awe and that Common-wealtâ— freed from many inconveniences yet in the same yeer the errours of Servetus seemed to revive againe and to be nourished by Matthaeus Gibraldus an excellent Lawyer who came unto Geneva and would willingly have been familiar with Calvin which he most willingly would have had embraced so as he would have consented with him in the Article of the Trinity The same year also yeelded much sorrow unto Calvin in regard that persecution raged in many places and especially in England which tooke away Hooper
Ridley Latimer and afterwards Cranmer men of incomparable piety whereby the propagation of the truth was hindred There hapned also other causes of discontent as the faction of some neighbouring Pastors bewitched with the instigation of that Carmelite Bolsecus who bitterly inveighed against him concerning Predestination whereupon he obtained leave of the Senate to go unto Berne to be censured by the Church concerning that point in which censures the adversaries being found guilty they were expelled banished the Country and he found favor was in great estimation amongst the best In the year 1556. Calvin preaching in Geneva he was taken so strongly with an Ague that he was forst to leave in the midst of his Sermon and to come downe from the Pulpit upon this accident newes was spread abroad concerning his death which in short space came unto Rome and it was so ioyfully entertained by the Pope that he forthwith caused publicke prayers and thanksgivings to be dedicated unto God in all the Church for the same but the prayers of the faithfull prevailed more for he was so far from dying that being as it were endewed with another life he went unto France fuet ad Maenum being thereunto called for the removing the dissentions out of the Churches of France whence returning although somewhat sickly yet he ceased not to execute his constant course in his Ministery and also he carefully and timely confuted the hereticall opinion of Valentinus Gentilis touching three Gods and three Eternals lest by continuation it should take such root that it would hardly be plucked up And these were his actions untill the year 1558. wherein in pleased God to afflict him with a quartan Ague which caused great sorrow and lamentation in Geneva yet it continued with him but for the space of eight weeks in which time it weakned and so enfeebled his body that he was never sound untill the day of his death During this sicknesse he was advised by the Physitians and some of his friends to forbeare his usuall exercises and to cherish his body with a little ease but he would not declaring unto them that he could not endure an idle life In the year following Henry King of France intended to levell Geneva with the ground and to put the Inhabitants thereof to the sword but before he could effect that bloody project he was taken captive by a higher power and the City still flourished even in the midst of her enemies and that nothing might be wanting unto her prosperous and flourishâ—ng state Calvin caused a Schoole to be erected and consecrated unto the great God which should alwayes be furnished with learned Ministers and publicke Professours of the Arts and Tongues and especially of Divinity that so the City might enrich it selfe with its owne treasure In the year 1560. the Waldenses sent unto Calvin for his judgement concerning some points wherein he gave them aboundant satisfaction and exhorted them to joyne themselves with the other Protestant Churches And at the same season many Protestants in France hearing of â—he peace and quietnesse which the Church in England enjoyed at the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth many of them came into England and desired of Edmund Grindal 〈◊〉 Lord Bishop of London that they might have leave to sâ—â—d for a Preacher unto Geneva for the planting of the French Church in London who condiscended thereunto Galasâ—â—â— was sent Calvin having spent his dayes hitherto in extraordinary labours for his life may well be said to be a continued labour mixed with griefe as appeareth by the Works which he wrote being at Geneva The time was now at hand in which he must goe unto his eternall rest his diseases contracted by his indefatigable labours caused him to give over his Divine exercises for indeed how could he continue long when as his body was by nature weake and leane inclining to a consumption and because he slept very little spending almost all the year either in Preaching Teaching or Dictating for ten whole years he never Dined and after the set houre he would not receive his Supper He was subject unto the disease called the Migram for the curing of which he used nothing but fasting and that sometimes for the space of six and thirty houres After that his quartan Ague left him he was troubled with the Gout taking him in his left legge which to make it the more grievous was seconded with the Colick The Physitians applyed what remedies they could and he carefully followed their counsell He was armed against these afflictions with an admired patience no man ever hearing him uttering a word unworthy of himselfe in his greatest extremity but lifting up his eyes unto heaven he would chearfully utter the words of David How long O Lord. When he was exhorted by his friends to desist from reading or writing in the time of sicknesse he would reply What will you have the Lord finde me idle Not long before his death some of his fellow Pastors coming accordingly as they used to visit him they found him contrary to their expectation apparalled and fiâ—ting at his Table in that forme as he used to meditate resting his head on his hand he spake these words unto them I thanke you brethren for the care which you have over me but I hope that within these fifteen dayes the Lord will reveale how he intends to dispose of me and I thinke that I shall leave you and be received of him Growing weaker and weaker he was brought into the Senats Court by his command where after an humble manner he thanked the Senate for the curtesies formerly conferred on him and for the speciall care which they had of him in this his last sicknesse Not long after he received the Communion at the hands of Beza labouring the best that he could to joyne with the rest of the Congregation in singing of Psalmes unto God The day wherein he dyed he seemed to speake somewhat heartily but this was but the last strugling of nature for about eight of the clocke apparant signes of death were seen which being perceived of Beza he ran forth to acquaint his other Collegues with it but besure his returne he had quietly yeelded his soule into the hands of God leaving such a chearfull countenance unto the beholders that he seemed rather to be asleepe then dead Thus was that light taken away even at the seâ—ting of the Sun The day following there was great lamentation throughout the City the Church lamented for the death of her faithfull Pastor the Schoole sorrowed for the losse of so famous a Doctor and in generall all were filled with mourning because they were deprived of their onely comforter next unto God Many of the Citizens desired to behold him after that he was dead so great was their affection to him and some strangers also whom the fame of Calvin had drawne unto that place and amongst them the English Embassadour for France desired greatly to see him being
much lesse to lament him Towards Knox his later end his body became very infirm and his voyce so weak that People could not hear him in the ordinary place wherefore he chose another place wherein he preached upon the History of Christs passion with which he said it was his desire to close his Ministry finding his end neer he importuned the Council of the City to provide themselves a worthy man to succeed in his place Master Iames Lawson Professor in Aberdene was the man pitched upon and Commissioners were sent from the Church of Edinborough to request him to accept of the place Iohn Knox also subscribed that request adding Accelera mi frater alioqui â—erò venies Haste my Brother otherwise you will come too late this made Master Lawson to hasten his journey and when he was come he preached twice to the good liking of the people whereupon order was taken by the rulers of the Church for his admission at which time Iohn Knox would needs preach though very wâ—ak which also he performed with such fervency of spiriâ— that he was never before heard to preach with so greaâ— power or more content to the hearers In the end of his Sermon he called God to witnesse that he had walked in a good conscience with them not seeking to please men nor serving either his owne or other mens affections but in all sincerity and truth had preached the Gospell of Christ. He exhorted them in most grave and pithy words to stand fast in the Faith they had received and so having prayed zealously for Gods blessing upon them and the multiplying of Gods spirit upon their new Pastor he gave them his last farewel Being conveyed to his lodging that afternoon he was forced to betake himselfe to his bed and was visited by all sorts of persons in his sicknesse to whom he spake most comfortably amongst others the Earle of Morton came to see him to whom he said My Lord God hath given you many blessings Wisdome Honor Nobility Riches many good and great friends and he is now about to prâ—fer you to the Government of the Realm the Earl of Marr the late Regent being newly dead In his name I charge you use these blessings better then formerly you have don seeking first the glory of God the furtheance of his Gospell the maintenance of his Church and Ministry and then be carâ—full of the King to procure his good and the welfare of the Realm Iâ— you doe thus God will be with you and honor you if otherwisâ— â—e will dâ—prive you of all these benefits and your end shall be shame and ignonminie These speeches the Earl called to minde about nine years after at the time of his Execution saying That he had found Iohn Knox to be a Prophet A day or two before Knox his death he sent for Master David Lindsey Master Lawson and the Elders and Deacons of the Church â—o whom he said The time is approaching which I have long thirsted for wherein I shall be released from all my cares and be with my Saviour Christ for ever and now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Goâ—â—eâ—â— of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true sincâ—râ— Word of God and that the end that I proposed in my Mâ—nistry was To instruct the ignorant to confirm the weaâ— to comfort their consciences who were humbled under the sense of their sins and born down with the threatningâ— oâ— Gods judgments I am not ignorant that many have and doe blame my too great rigor and severity but God knoweth that in my heart I never hated those agaâ—nsâ— whom I thundered Gods judgments I did onely hate theiâ— sins and labored according to my power to gaine them to Christ That I did forbear none of what condition soever I did it out of the fear of my God who hatâ— placed me in the function of his Ministry and I know will bring me to an account Now bretheren for your selveâ— I have no more to say but to warn you that you â—ake heâ—d to the Flocke over which God hath placed you Over seers which 〈◊〉 hath redeemed by the blood of his onely begotten son and you Master Lawson fight a good fight doe the Worke of the Lord with courage and with a willing minde and God from heaven blesse you and the Church whereof you have the charge Against it so long as it continues in the Doctrâ—nâ— of the Truth the gates of hell shall not prevaâ—le having thus spoken and the Elders and Deacons being dismissed he called the two Preacher to him and said There is one thing that grieveth me exceedingly you have sometimes seen the Courage and Constancy of the Laird of Grang in the Cause of God and now that unhappy man is casting himself away I pray you go to him from me and tell him That unlesse he forsake that wicked course that he is in the Rock wherein he confideth shall not defend him nor the carnall wisdome of that man whom he counteth halfe a god which was young Leshingâ—on shall yeeld him help but he shall be shamefully pulled out of that nest and his carcasse hung before the Sun meaning the Câ—stle which he kept against the Kings Authority for his soul it is dear to me and if it were possible I would fain have him saved accordingly they went to him conferred with him but could by no meanes divert him from his course But as Knox had fore-told so the year after his Castle was taken and his body was publickly there hanged before the Sun yet at his death he did expresse serious repentance The nex day Knox gave order for the making of his Coffin continuing all the day as he did also through all his sicknesse in fervent prayer crying Come Lord Iesus sweet Jesâ—s into thy hands I commend my spirit being ask'd whether his pains were great he answered That he did not esteem that a pain which would be to him the end of all troubles and the beginning of eternall joyes Oft after some deep meditation he used to say Oh serve the Lord in fear and death shall not be troublesome to you Blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of Iesus The night before his death he slept some hours with great unquietnesse often fighing and groaning whereupon when he awakened the standers by asked him how he did and what it was that made him mourn so heavily to whom he answered In my life time I have been assaulted with Tempâ—aâ—ionâ— from Satan and he hath oft cast my sinâ— into my teeth to drive me to despair yet God gave me strength to overcome all his Temptations but now the subtill serpent takes another course and seek's to perswade me That all my labors in the Ministery the fidelity that I have shewed in that service hath merited heaven and immortality but blessed be God that brought to my minde these Scriptures What hast thou that
Capella he being Abbot there a Monastery situate in the fields of Tigurum and advanced by him to be Head-schoolmaster during his residence he was entirely beloved not onely of the Abbot but also of Simler Zuinglius Oâ—colampadius and of other excellent and reverend personages for those excellent parts wherewith he was endewed About this time he joyned with Zuinglius as touching a reformation in the Church the labouring to produce it at Tigurum and the other endeavouring to effect it at Capella which in short time took good effect for they cleared both places of Masses and Idoles and of many other things which appeared superstitious in the Church this he did during his residence at Capella and with so much the more happy success because he was appointed to read the publick Divinity Lecture in the same school In the year 1529. he was called unto Bremogart the place of his birth to Preach the Word of truth unto them here he began openly to condemne the errours of the Papists stoutly defending his Fathers doctrine who had formerly discovered and confuted their errors but some of the more eminent Citizens not well brooking his doctrine exercised their authority in expelling him the City placing in his office a godly and learned Theologue named Gervasius Scholasticus but his name being famous amongst the Switzers and many of them having a great desire to hear him he was called unto his owne Country to preach the Gospel of Christ wherein he was so powerfull that he caused them to rectifie many abuses in the Church and so well approved of that the Senate kindly intreated him to remaine there and to goe forward in his teaching he answered them that he was so strictly bound by promise unto the Senate of Tigurum and to the Abbot of Capella that he could doe nothing without their leave and consent Wherefore they presently dispatched an Embassador unto Cahella who wrought so effectually with the Senate that they willed Bullinger to remaine in his owne Country where he continued Preaching the Gospell together with Gervasius three years with the Unanimous consent of all the Citizens and the Gospell by the industry of these two learned and vigilant watchmen flourished in the same place which although it weare opposed by the Anabaptists who laboured to hinder the growth of the Church was preferred by God who stirred up this Bullinger to confute with invincible arguments in the presence of the whole Church their erronious opinions But as one misery seldome comes alone without the addition of another even so it happened at this present for the Church of Bremogart was not onely troubled with the erronious opinions of these Anabaptists but also vexed with intestine discords where in the Papists having the upper hand Bullinger with his father and brother and his faithfull colleague Gervasâ—ius were banished their Country in the yeare of our Lord 1531. whence departed they went unto Tigurum and were kindly entertained by Wernerus Striner who together with them greatly lamented the troublesome State of the Church In the same yeere the Church of Basil was destitute of a Pastor by reason of the death of Oecolampadius whereupon he was called by them unto the discharging of a Pastorall office amongst them but the Senate of Tigurum detained him and appointed him in the place of Zuinglius according to his owne desire for when he went forth with the Tigurines to Battell he desired of them if any misfortune came unto him that they would be pleased to Nominate Bullinger to be his successour And unto this office he was called in a time full of danger even to build up and to confirme and strengthen a Church greatly shaken and afflicted Which he performed with such patience and modesty that false Doctrine began againe to be discovered and the truth to be firmly planted in the hearts of many which he well perceiving ceased not to proceed and go forward praising almighty God for ordaining and esteeming him a worthy instrument for the advancing and propagating of his Truth and for that cause he wrote a Confession of his Faith sending it unto Constance to Bucer and other learned Divines there assembled for the establishing of an agreement amongst the Churches which worke of his was approved of by Bucer and by the whole Assembly esteeming it worthy to be embraced of the adjacent Churches In the year 1536. he was present at Basel with Bucer and others about the reconciling of different points which did great hurt unto the Church and especially about the reconciliation betwixt Luther and the Hevetian Churches where it being declared against him that he laboured for a defection unto Luther and all his opinions he cleared himselfe of that asperâ—ion but departed unsatisfied concerning his desire to his great griefe who notwithstanding so brideled his affection that in the midst of their contentions he abstained from all bitternesse of speech In the year 1538. some of our English Nobility came unto â—igurum to be instructed in the grounds of Religion and to have his judgement concerning the publicke rites and Ceremonies of the Church This happened about the time that Henry the eight had disburdened himself of the weight of the Pope the English being greatly inflamed to imbrace a pure worship of the Lord which had not yet been conversant amongst them these men were kindely entertained by Bullinger who also gave them full satisfaction concerning the things demanded before their departure they intreated him that he would write some short Treatise concerning Religion unto their Soveraigne whereby he might be egged forward in his resolution touching the reformation of the Church Unto which he willingly condiscended and wrote unto the King two learned Treatises exhorting him to set aside the inventions of men and to give himselfe wholly unto the Word of God and to have all things in his Dominion regulated and squared according unto the Canonicall Scripture In the year following he laboured to purge the Church of that grosse errour of Casparus Schroenckfeldius a Silesian concerning the Humane nature of Christ who taught that after his ascention into heaven and sitting at the right hand of his Father it was so Deified and made coequall unto the Word that it was no more a creature which errour received strength and was fostered by the approbation of great persons in Suevia but quickly overthrowne by the laborious Preaching and writing of Bullinger Within short time after there â—ell out a hot and irreconcileable contention betwixt Luther and the other Protestant Pastors insomuch that he openly stiled them damned Hereticks and enemies unto the Sacrament insomuch that Melancthon said unto Bullinger desino sperare ecclesiarum pacem I despaire of a setled peace amongst the Churches and again privato periculo quod nunc mihi impendet etsi non est Leve tamen tantum non movear quanâ—â—m Ecclesiarum distractionibus I am not so much grieved with that private danger which on all sides threatens my ruine as I am with
was made Batchelor of Arts at the years end Anno Christi 1569. he went to Wittenberg where he studyed Philosophy Law and Divinity with incredible pains so that at three yearâ— end with the approbation of the whole University he waâ— made Master of Arts he intended at first the study of Lawâ— But it pleased God on a sudden so to divert his heart from it and to incline him to the study of Divinity that he could have no rest in himselfe till he had resolved upon itâ— Anno Christi 1571. he returned to Marpurg and studyed Hâ—â—brew and the year after he read the Arts to many studentâ— privately and became Tutor to three Noblemen at twenty three years old he was so famous that by the consent of all the Divines in that University he was chosen into the number and order of Professors of Divinity the year after he married a wife a choyce maid by whom he had three sons and two daughters the same year also he was chosen the Professor of the Hebrew Tongue in that University Anno Christi 1578. he was made Doctor in Divinity and falling sick about that time he made an excellent confâ—ssion of his faith But it pleasâ—d God that he recovered and was not onely a constant preacher of the truth but a strong defender of it against errors confuting the Vbiquitarians and that so boldly that he chose rather to hazard banishment then to connive at errors His fame spread abroad â—xceedingly so that many sought for him especially Iohn of Nâ—ssaw and Iohn Cassimire the Elector Palatine the first desired him to come and begin his University at Herborn where he should have had greater honor and a larger stipend the other desired him to Heidleberg to be the Divinity Professor in that place His answer was That he was born rather for labours then honours and therefore chose to goe to Heidleberg being thirty three years old and was entertained lovingly of the Prince and his coming was most gratefull to the University where he tooke exceeding great paines and was eminent for Piety Humility Gravity Prudence Patience and Industry so that in the year 1588. he was chosen into the number of the Ecclesiasticall Senators for the government of the Church He was famous for Learning Eloquence Faithfulnesse and Diligence in his place and Holinesse and Integrity in his life In the year 1589. he fell sicke for which and his change he had been carefully fitting himselfe beforehand and therefore bore it with much patience and with fervent Prayer often repeated O Christ thou art my redeemer and I know that thou hast redeemed mee I wholly depend upon thy providence and mercy from the very bottome of my heart I commend my spirit into thy hands and so he slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1589. aâ—d of his Age 38. Industrious humble prudent patient grave What other vertues that a man could have Sohnius enjoyn'd with peacefulnesse his hand Was apt to write his heart to understand He tooke delight to meditate upon The love of God his owne salvation He study'd how to dye his wel-spent breath Was but a rare preparative to death And having ended his laborious dayes He dy'd in peace and now he lives in praise The Life and Death of Laurence Humfried who dyed Anno Christi 1589. LAurence Humfried was borne in the County of Buckingâ—am and brought up at School and then sent to Oxford where he was admitted into the Colledge of Mary Magdalen and followed his Studies hard all the dayes of King Edward the sixt But in the beginning of those bloudy Marian dayes wherein so many were forced to forsake their native soyle he amongst the rest went beyond Seâ— into Germany where he continued till the beginning of Queen Elizabeths reign whom God raised up to be a nursing Mother to his Church at which time he came backe and returned to Oxford where he was very famous both for his Learning and Preaching then also he commensed Doctor in Divinity and by reason of his excellent parts hâ— was very instrumentall in the advancement of Gods glory And whereas that wicked Sect of the Jesuits was lately risen up he by his learned writings did both from Scripture and Antiquity diâ—cover their impostures and Popish deceits Afterwards he was made the Master of Magdalâ—â— Colledge and the Regius Professor which places he discharged with singular commendations for many years together and at the last quietly resigned up his spirit into the hands of God in the year 1589. Though persecuting Times pursu'd and chast This pious Father yet he still embrac'd And hugg'd the Truth his heart remained frée From persecution and captivity Those weighty words which pleasantly persu'd Out of his mouthâ— soon conquer'd and subdu'd Inticing Iesuits he made them know Their errours by a fatall overthrow Thus having labour'd with a faithfell brest Heav'n thought it fit to crown his soul with rest The Life and Death of James Andreas who dyed Anno Christi 1578. JAmes Andreas was born in Waibling in Wittenberg Anno 1538. When his father had kept him three years at School being unable to maintain him any longer he intended to have placed him with a Carpenter but being disswaded by some friends and having obtained an exhibition out of the Church-stock he sent him to Stutgard to a choyce Schoolmaster under whom in â—wo years space he learned Grammer and Rhetorick and so An. Christi 1541. he went to Tubing where he so profited that at the end of â—wo years he was made Batchelor of Arts and two years after that Master of Arts there also he studyed Hebrew and Divinity Anno Christi 1546. and of his age eighteen he was called to Stutgard where Preaching in a great Auditory he was chosen and made Deacon which place he executed so well that he presently grew famous insomuch as the Duke of Wittenberg sent for him to Preach before him in his Castle which he did with much applause at Tubing also that year he married a wife by whom he had eighteen children nine sons and nine daughters about that time brake forth that fatall war betwixt Charles the fifth and the Protestant Princes wherein the Emperor being conquerour he seized upon the Dukecome of Wittenberg by reason whereof the Church there was in a sad condition yet Andreas with his wife remained in Stutgard and by Gods speciall providence was preserved in the middest of the Spanish Souldiers and yet preached constantly and faithfully all the while and so he continued till An. Christi 1548. at which time that accursed Inâ—eirm came forth which brought so much mischiefâ— to the Church of God Andreas amongst other godly Ministers that oppsed it was driven from his place yet it pleased God that the year after he was chosen to be Deacon at Tubing where by Catechising he did very much good Anno Christi 1550. Vlriâ—ke dying his son Christopher succeeding him in the Governâ—ment of Wittenberg and affected Andreas exceedingly and would needs have
him commens D r which degree having performed all his exercises he took the twenty fifth year of his age was chosen Pastor of the Church of Gompping and made Superintendent of those parts about that time he was sent for by Lodwick Count of Oeting to assist him in the reforming of the Churches within his jurisdiction and when he took his leave of his owne Prince Christopher hâ— charged him and gave it him in writing that if Couâ—â— Lodwicke set upon that reformation that under pretence of Religion he might rob the Church and ceaze upon thâ— revenues of Monasteries and turn them to his private usâ— that he should presently leave him and come back againeâ— he assisted also in the reformation of the Churches in Heâ—â—fanstein At that time hearing of a Jew that for these wâ—â— hanged by the heels with his head downe having not seâ—â— that kind of punishment he went to the place where hâ— was hanging between two Dogs that were alwayes snatching at him to eat his flesh the poor wretch repeated iâ— Hebrew some verses of the Psalmes wherein he cryed 〈◊〉 God for mercy whereupon Andreas went nearer to hiâ—â— and instructed him in the Principles of Christian Religioâ— about Christ the Messiah c. exhorting him to beleeve 〈◊〉 him and it pleased God so to blesse his exhortation to him that the Dogs gave over tearing of his flesh and â—hâ— poore Jew desired him to procure that he might be taken down and Baptized and hung by the neck â—or the quicker dispatch which was done accordingly Aâ—dreas was of such esteeme that he was sent for by divers Princes to reform the Churches in their jurisdictions he was present at divers Synods and Disputations about Religion He travelled many thousands of miles being usually attended but with one servant yet it pleased God that in all his journies he never met with any affronâ— The year before his death he used often to say that he should not live long that he was weary of this life and much desired to be dissolved and to be with Christ which was best of all Falling sick he sent for Iames Herbrand saying I expect that after my death many adversaries will rise up to asperse me and therefore I sent for thee to hear the confession of my Faith that so thou maist testifie for me when I am dead and gone that I dyed in the true faith The same Confession also he made afterwards before the Pastors and Deacons of Tubing the night before his death he slept partly upon his bed and partly in his chair when the clock struck six in the morning he said my hour draws near he gave thankes to God for bestowing Christ for revealing of his will in his Word for giving him Faith and the like benefits And when he was ready to depart he said Lord into thy hands I commend my â—â—irit and so he fell a sleep in the Lord Anno Christi 1590. and of his Age 61. Ingenius Andreas alwayes lov'd to pry Into the bosome of Divinity He hated idlenesse and tooke delight In doing good his vertues shin'd as bright As Fame could make them and he alwayes stood A firme maintainer of the Churches good Religion was his helme by which he stéer'd His soule to heav'n and there he was endear'd To his Creator in whose Court he sings Blest halalujahs to the King of Kings HIERONYMVS ZANCHYVS The Life and Death of Hieronimus Zanchiuâ— IN the year of grace 1516. Hieronimus Zanchius descended from a Noble and renowned Family was born in Italie at a Town called Alzanum scituate in the valley Sâ—ria â— who became such a light unto the Gentiles that many parts in Christendome dawned with the luster of his writings His Father was called Franciscus Zanchius famous not oâ—ely for his Parentage but also for his knowledge in the Civill Law he was blessed with many other children which he received from Baâ—bara sister unto Marcus Antonius Morlaâ—tus both Nobly descended This Zanchius in his youth shewing some testifications of his hopefulnesse he was sent forth by his Father to be instructed in the Grounds of Learning in the Schooles he continued untill that he was twelve years old at which time his Father dyed and shortly after his Mother also Being thus deprived of both his Parents he began to consider with himselfe what course to take for the increasing and bettering of his knowledge in the Arts and withall perceiving that not onely his Unckle Eugenius Muâ—ius but also many of his Kinsmen and Cozen-germans had betaken themselves unto a Monasticall life and were advanced unto the dignity of Regular Cannons he perswaded himselfe that there were many learned persons to be found in that Society and that youth might be well instructed brought up amongst thâ—m as well for civill behaviour as for learning he resolved to take that course of life upon him being also thereunto induced by the advice of his intimate friend Basileus Wherefore revealing himselfe unto his Unkle and other friends he was by their meanes elected and chosen into the Monastery In this place he lived almost ninteen years and was by profession a Lateran Canon Regular in which space he gave himselfe first unto the study of the Tongues and proved a good Linguist Secondly unto the study of Aristotle and became a good Logician and thirdly unto the study of School Divinity wherein his excellency is manifest by his Workes For the space of sixteen years he was familiarly acquainted and dearly beloved of that illustrious and vertuous grave Celsus Martinengus who perceiving that his life was sought for the profession of the truth fled out of Italie and went unto Geneva and was the first Pastor which the Italian Church had in that place who when he dyed commended the care of his Flocke to Calvin 1558. During his residence in this Monastery he would walke sometimes with Martinengus for recreations sake unto Luca a Towne in Tuscanie where he heard Peter Martyr openly expounding the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans and in private the Psalmes of David unto their Canons and these Expositions of this learned man wrought so effectually with him that he gave himselfe wholly unto the study of Divinity and made diligent search into the Commentaries of the most learned and authenticke Fathers perused positive and polemicall discourses and delivered for a season the purity of the truth of the Gospell of Christ in Italie But in regard that Italie was too hot for Peter Martyr and much more for his Schollars who were hardly permitted to reside in the Countrey much lesse to be publick Teachers eighteen of them within the space of one year followed their Master amongst whom was this Zanchius Being thus freed and delivered from this Babilonian captivity an expression often used by himselfe in the year 1550. he first went unto the Rhetians because a greater liberty was ganted unto their Churches and because â—e might serve Christ with a free and a good
conscience amongst them Yet here he continued not fully nine months but he left them and went unto Geneva and after that he had spent other nine Moneths in that place by the meanes of Peter Martyr he was called into England to performe the place of the Divinity Lecturer unto which motion he willingly condescended and having taken his leave of his friends and acquaintance he sets forward in his journey he was detained by the Inhabitants of Strarburge because their Pastor Casper Hedio was then dead and because it was decreed by the Magistrates that an Italian following the Doctrine of Peter Martyr should be called unto the Citieâ— and therfore they first used meanes to bring in the gravâ— Martinengus but he refused to leave his Flocke in Geneva wherefore seing they could not prevaile that way They kindely intreated Zanchy to stay amongst them hither he came in the yeare 1553. and in this place he performed a Pastorall office almost eleven years and at vacant times he expounded Aristotle unto such as were desirous to attain unto some understanding in the Arts. Here he was commanded by the Magistrates if he intended to teach in that City to subscribe unto that Confession of Faith concluded on and set forth at Auspurge called the Augustines Confession unto which he consented with this caution modo Orthodoxe intilligatur now because his opinion about the Sacrament waâ— the chiefest cause which did urge this Subscription he wrote a Treatise concerning the Lords Supper wherein he delivered his opinion thus First that the true body of Christ which was given for us and his true blood which was shed for the remission of â—innes was truely eaten and drunken in the Supper Secondly that it was not eaten with the mouth and teeth of the body but with true faith Thirdly and therefore received of none but of those which were elected And this his opinion was generally answered unto and approved in the City so that when they had made a triall of the sufficiency of his parts for the space of two years and had approved of that method and order which he had observed both in teaching and disputing he was admitted and chosen into the Society of the Thomists where he lived a Canon for the space of nine years in which time he was beloved of all good men that knew him a detester of Contraversies as cauâ—es of strife and he was also a lover and a favourer and a furtherer of peare and quietnesse Yet notwithstanding diverse Controversies and accusations were afterwards instituted and moved against him during his residence here and that by some of the Divines and Professors of the same Common-wealth concerning the Sacrament and concerning the Ubiquity of the humain nature concerning the setting of â—mages in Churches and Chappels concerning Antichrist and the end of the world coâ—cerning Praedestination concerning the perseverance of the Saints in Faith wherein his opinions were condemned by them as haereticall this flame also was increased by the addition of the fuell of a Tractate of the Lords Supper printed by Hestrusius in the same Citie and it came also unto that height that he must either voluntarily depart or else be forced thereunto by the Colledg although meanes were used for a reconciliation and the cause referred unto thirteen men and although he offered publickly to dispute with his adversaries touching the same points and had obtained the judgements of all the Churches and Academies throughout Germanie concerning the same and had presented them in writing unto the Senate yet no conclusion could be effected untill the Senate had procured learned Divines and Lawyers from Tubinge Bipont and Basil who were appointed as Judges to hear both parties and to establish an agreement These Judges after the hearing of the matters controverted privately withdrew themselves and composed câ—rtaine arcicles unto which they desired that the disagreeing partyes would subscribe for the setling of peace and quiâ—tnesse in the City To this request Zanchy used delay in the performance and declared unto them that there were two especiall things which detayned him that he couly not subscribe first because in so doing he should give an occasion of offence unto the godly and secondly it would come to passe that by his subscription those who were seduced from the truth would be confirmed in their errours yet notwithstanding when he perceived that his subscription might be done without any prejudice unto his doctrine for quietnesse sake he subscribâ—d with this Caveat Hanc doctrinâ— formulam ut piam agnosco ita etiam recipio this subscription was so joyful unto his adversaries that after a boasting and tryumphant manner they dispersed the tidings by letters unto their friends in Saxonie in other adjacent Regioâ—s whereas if they had truely understood it they could noâ— have hâ—d received from it such matter and cause of glory But it happily fell out at that time during these actionâ— that the Church at Clavenna by reason of the death of Augustinus Moynardus was dâ—stitute of a Pastor and the inhabitants of that place had with one consent made choyce of Zanchy assoone as he had notice hereof and perceiving little hope of quietnessâ— in the City he forthwith repaires unto the Senate obtaines leave to depart and thereupon resignes his Cannonship and leaves Strasburge and makes towards Clavenna a famous Towne situate in Rhetia During this controversie and contention in Strsburge he was called by the Tigurines to succeed Peter Martyr but he refused to go because he would not be seene to betray and give over the truth and that good cause which he had in hand he was also desired by the Italian Church at Geneva to be their Pastor he was sought for by the Inhabitants of Heidleberg and Marpurge he was invited also unto Lausanna but from these latter he was detayned by the Senate Immediately after his comming unto Clavenna a vehement and heavy pestilence invaded the City which was the cause of great sorrow and lamentation in that place for within the space of seven months three dyed 1200. persons yet Zanchy continued his course of teaching so long as any Auditor came unto him afterwards he removed himselfe out of the towne unto the top of an high Mountaine with his family where he spent three months in reading meditation and prayers and at the end thereof it pleased God to remove his scourge from the City and he returned and performed his ordinary function for the space of four years to the great benefit of that Church but not without many afflictions and crosses unto himself Hence then he was called by that incomparable vertuous and religious Prince Frederick the third Elector Palatine unto that famous Academie at Heidleberge and by him most courteously entertained and constituted successor unto Zachary Vrsin at his entrance into his office which was in the year 1568. he delivered an excellent and learned speech concerning the conservation of the purity of doctrine in the Church and in
and counsels in his Sermons that as a changable taffaty where the wooffe and the warpe are of severall colours appeare now of one colour now of another according to the different standing of the beholders so one and the same Sermon of hiâ— seemed all Law and all Gospell all cordials and all corrasivts as the different necissities of people apprehended it 8. Amongst those his many vertues worthy our imitation his humility was eminent in condescending to the capacity of his meanest Auditors He had well read Saint Paul who calleth the people understanding him mine understanding in w ch sence he may be said to be the most intelligent Preacher who preacheth plainest to others apprehention And Ministers being turned Gods interpreters it is ill wheÌ„ their langvage is so high and hard that these Interpreters need others to interpret them to their Congregations But this may be said of Master Perkins that as Physitians order Infusions to be made by steeping ingredients in them and taking them out againe so that all their strength and vertue remaines yet none of the Bulke or Masse is visible therein he in like manner did distill soake much deep Scholarship into his Preaching yet so insensibly as nothing but familiar expressions did appeâ—râ— In a word his Church consisting of the University and Town the Scholar could heare no learneder the Townsmen plainer Sermons 9. He used alwayes before his Sermons as to this day is attested by many surviving witnesses a set form of prayer not that out of poverty he wanted variety and exchange of phraseâ— or that out of niggarliness he begrudged his Auditors the use of them but out of holy and heavenly Thriâ—t he found this the most profitable way for his people He would not that his soul should goe to Heaven alone but in his prayers would have the company of the meanest of his Congregation along with him and therefore alwayes used the same forme that others might keepe pace with him in his devotions 10. Commendable was his contentment with his Estate considering his income so small his charge of children so great and his Professors of removall so many so advantagious Yet he still was true to his first love continuing his paines in the Church of Saint Andrewes where â—he meanes inconsiderable in it selfe was made up to a competency not so much by the bountifull hands of others in giving as by the moderate mind of Master Perkins in takeingâ— yet wanted he not severall Patrons about the Towne who relieved him in a faire proportion amongst whom Master Wendey of Haslingfield must stand in the chiefe place Now if honourable mention be made in Scripture of Iohanna Susanna and other benefactors to our Saviour who Ministred unto him of their substance let not this worthy Esquires memory be forgotten with his singular Courtesy to this painfull Minister of Gods word 11. Many and most excellent are the books which Master Perkins left behind him His learning appeares most in his Problemes a difficult taske no lesse valiantly performed than venturously undertaken to assert the truth of the Protestant Religion by the testimony of the Fathers for the first five hundred years Which shews that his industry did not onely drive a retale trade in moderne Writers but that he fetched his learning and bought his wares from the best hands of the most ancient Authors 12. Herein excellent his judgement in fanning the Chaffe from the Corn the true from the forged writings of the Fathers The ancient Germanes are said to casâ— their new born children into the river of Rhine thereby to make an experiment whether they be true born or no accounting them legitimate if swimming but concluding themselves wronged by their wives dishonesty obtruding a bastard issue upon them if the infant sunk in the water Perkings had neater and more infallible touchstones to discerne the native and genuine from the spurious and adulterate workes of the Fathers by the manner of their stile strength of their matter time of their writing censure of other learned men upon them whereby many counterfeit Books are not onely denyed authenticke authority but also justly pillored for cheaters to all posterity I know it is layed to Perkins his chargâ— learned Whitaker is accuâ—ed for the same fault that he made all the Fathers Puritans but certainly in one sense they were Puritans of themselveâ— without his making I mean strict in their lives and conversations and how far he was from wresting their doctrines to the Countenancing of any error be it reported to men of unprejudiced judgement 13. In case Divinity he had an excellent dexterity to State controversies for the satisfaction of tender douting consciences to show what is lawfull and what unlawfull in mixt actions where good and bad are blinded together wherewith many are deceived like children swallowing the bones with the flesh to their great danger of choaking great was the fan and fire of his discretion and judgement to winnow the chaffe from the corn and separate the one from the other And sure in this case Divinity Protestantâ— are now defective for save that a smith or two of late have built them forges and set up shop we for the most part go downe to our adversaries to sharpen our instruments and are beholden to the Romanists the more our sham and their credit both for offensive and defensive weapons iâ— this kind Some object that his doctrine referring all to an absolute Decree cut off the sinnewes of mens endeavours towards salvation But were this the hardest objection against Master Perkins his doctrine his owne life was a sufficient answer thereunto So pious so spotlesse that malice was afraid to bite at his credit into whch she knew her teeth would never enter He lived Sermons and as his Preaching was a comment on his Text so his Practise was a comment on his Preaching 14. As for his Books it is a miracle almost to conceive how thick they lye and yet how far they over-spread all over Christendome When the Disciples were inspired with severall languages Acts 2.7 the strangers of Ierusalem were amazed and mervelled saying one to another Behold are not all these that speake Galileans And how heare we every man in our tongue wherein we were born Here I confesse was no inspiration but much industry much labour taken by others much honour done to Master Perkins when the Dutch Spaniards French and Italians stand wondring at his Workes who understood none of these tongues exactly speake them all being by severall pens translated into all these languages Thus good Ware never lyeth long on the Merchants hands but is ready money into what Country so ever it be brought 15. Thus for some years he constantly Preached to his people even to and above his strength It is observed of the birdâ— of Norway that they having in winter very short daies flye faster then any foul in other Countries as if principled by the instinct of nature thriftily to improve
eminent places from either For in the University he was called first to the Professors place founded by the Lady Margeret Countesse of Richmond and in the same he demeaned himselfe with so great approbation and good liking of the whole University that not onely for his sake they augmented the Salary to that Professors place assigned but the chiefe Professors place becoming shortly after vacant they conferred thâ—â— upon him Wherein as his other readings were generally both with much company frequented and with great applause entertained so especially those his Lectures upon the Apocalips and upon the Epistle to the Hebrewes which being also put in writing by him at the request of some great ones are said to remaine yet under hope of seeing sometime further light During this time hâ— tooke the degree of Doctor in Divinity when being called to answer the Act at the Commencement in publicke he maintained this Position that The Pope iâ— that Antichâ—ist From Peterhouse upon the departure of Doctor Hutton he was chosen Master of Pembrooke Hall and the same of him being now arrived at Court he was sent for up to Preach before the Qâ—een who so well liked the method and manner of his Teaching that alluding to his name as her wonted manner was to doe in like case where she liked and found fit matter for such expressions she said he was a White gift indeed and in testimony of her good opinion and esteeme of him ere he was thorowly warme in the Hedship of Pembrookâ— Hall she removed him to the Mastership of Trinity Colledge adding not long after the Deanry also of Lincolne thereunto At his accesse to Trinity Colledge he found divisions in the House by occasion of some that misliked the solemn rites and government Ecclesiasticall then setled and exercised in the Church of whom Thomas Cartwright Professor for the Lady Margaret was a chiefe man with whom he also entred the lists in writing by occâ—sion of his Answer to a Worke entituled An Admonition to the Parliament But by his wise and discreet carriage the matter was so mannaged that all things were setled in peace and quietnesse again Ten years he continued Governor there being entrusted with the education of divers of great birth among whom were the Earles of Worcester and Cumberland the Lord Zouch the Lord Verulam and Sir Nicolas Bacon his elder brother as also divers were trained up under him that were after advanced to Episcopall dignitie among whom was Doctor Babington sometime Bishop of Worcester whose Works testifie his worth And within those ten years he was twice chosen Vice-chancellour of the University In which time he laboured with the assistance of the right honourable Sir William Cecill Lord Treasurer unto the Queen to have the Statutes of the University being in many things defective recollected reviewed suppyed and amended that which by his travaile and credit with her Majesty was accordingly effected From thence he was removed to the Bishoprick of Worcester having taken his leave of the University and the Colledge by two solemn Sermons both perswading to peace and unity the one preached in Saint Maries Church the other in the Colledge Chappell on 2 Cor. 13.11 The revenues of which Bishoprick finding much impaired and impeached by some sinister courses making use therein of his favour and authority with her Majesty though not without expence of some round sums of money to give satisfaction to some for the more quiet composition who had goâ— the same into their hands he recovered again what had been fraâ—dulently intercepted and wrongfully detained to the no small behoofe of his Successorâ— He had not sat there above a year but he was made Vice-president of the Marches of Wales under the right honorable Sir Henry Sidney being then at the same time both Lord Deputy of Ireland and Lord President also of those parts In which employment he carried himselfe as with paines unweariable so with exceeding great integrity reforming many abuses and corruptions that he observed to have crept in and to be exercised either by the Officers belonging unto that Court or by some other that were joyned in Commission with him and with no lesse moderation of Fines and Penalties that which gained him much love and respect in those parts Besides this while he sat at Worcester upon complaint made to the Queens Majesty of many discords and disorders in the two Cathedrall Churches of Lichfield and Hereford he was by speciall Commission from her Majesty appointed to Visite them which accordingly he did reforming them both and appointing them Statutes for the better and more peaceable government of either Having spent six years at Worcester to the great contentment and with the generall good affection of all sorts in those parts he was now advanced to the highest pitch of dignity that our Church affordeth being called to succeed that most reverend Father in God Grindall in the Archbishopricke of Canterbury For the benefit of which seat also being many wayes much wronged he travelled as much and with as good successe as for that of Worcester he had before done for which his successors in either remaine beholden to him unto this day In this height of honour together with his Soveraignes highest favour he continued during the whole remnant of Queen Elizabeths raigne and some small while after King Iames his entrance alwayes constantly maintaining the present Ecclesiasticall Government against those that oppugned it and yet carrying himselfe moderately as toward all in generall so toward those also that therein stood out and holding a good correspondency with those in foraine parts as Master Beza among the rest that followed another course of discipline that which appeareth by diverse letters that passed to and fro betweene them He had the honour to be chiefe mourner at the solemne exequies of that Heroicall Princesse Queen Elizabeth who used also in familiar manner to salute him by the name of her blacke husband and of setting the Royall Crown on the head of that most learned and illustrious Prince King Iâ—mes her successor and of Queene Anne his worthy consort About seven months after which office performed returning by barge from the Bishop of Londons house at Fulham with whom he had been to consult about Ecclesiasticall affaireâ— in an high wind and a sharp day he took cold on his head and yet striving to attend his Majesty at Court on the next day being the Lords day after his accustomed manner he was taken there with a dead palsie whereof he dyed some few dayes after He was a man of a middle stature black heired of a grave countenance and brown complexion small timbered but quick and of indifferent good strength and well shaped to the proportion of his bulk of a milde and moderate disposition of a free minde and a bountifull hand towards his houshold servants his poore neighbours but especially towards Schollers and strangers many whereof resorting hiâ—her out of France and Germany among whom that faâ—â—â—â—â—
grievous sinnes For the Lord had prepared him for better things and opening his eyes gave him to understand that these were but so many snares laid to intangle him and to draw him into everlasting ruine and perdition wherefore he fully resolved to forsake them all and to adhere and sticke fast unto that Truth whose sweetnesse he had tasted in his youth which that he might the better performe he was fully determined to undergoe any labour and to remove any obstacle and for that cause he vowed a vow that he would never embrace nor countenance the errours of the Church of Rome And purposing a constancy in his intended course and that he might be the better fitted thereunto he resolved to free himselfe from that affection which useth to be predominate in his youth and for that cause he betroathed himselfe unto a vertuous woman acquainting onely two of his intimate friends with the same action and that for two causes First that he might give no occasion of offence unto others Secondly because that mony which he received for the discharging of his offices could not handsomely be avoyded which within short time after was by him performed for his propounded honour and preferment was sâ—ifly rejected not without the great admiration and sharpe reprehension of many of his friends who therefore stiled him after a â—cornfull manner Philosophum novum the new Philosopher These checks and reprehensions of his friends being seconded with the considerations of the great riches wherewith he was endewed and these two being strengthned with the temptation of of the Divell yeelded to many doubts and oppositions unto Beza notwithstanding his former resolutions sometimes intending to embrace God and his truth somtimes casting an eye of love on his present preferments being taken up with this various disposition it pleased the Lord to settle his inconstant minde by afflicting him with sicknesse which indeed was the cause of his spirituall welfare and health for he well perceiving that it was the powerfull hand of the Lord Almighty against which there was no contending after the suffering of many torments both inward and outward he fell into a detestation and loathing hatred of his owne backwardnesse and turning himselfe unto the Lord with teares he renewed that vow which he had formerly made concerning the embracing of the true worship of God promising unfainedly that he would never start from it but consecrate himselfe wholly unto him and unto the furtherance of his glory if it would please him to restore him to his former health during the time of this sicknesse he was often heard to utter those Words of David in his 142. Psalme v. 7. Educ de carcere animam meam ut celebrem nomen tuum Bring my soul out of prison O Lord that I may praise thy name indeed the Lord which cannot withstand the prayers of the faithfull condiscending unto him and he obtayned his desire of the Lord. And being recovered he forthwith forsooke Countrey Parents and friends to follow Christ he forsooke all his preferments preferring the glory of God and the hope of his Kingdome before all the transitory glory of the world which action of his is very remarkable if we consider but the circumstance of time which was presently upon his recovery being fearfull that his remaining there should be offensive unto God or that his familiarity with his friends might draw him into the like inconveniences who without doubt would labour with might and maine to reduce him to his former profession Wherefoâ—e taking the Woman unto whom he was betrothed with him they went unto Geneva in the year of Grace 1548. where openly in the Church after a solemne mâ—nner he was married unto her and there he remained for a season Where he intended to make profession of the Art of Printing but the Lord who knew well that he would be otherwise more advantagious unto his Church hindered this proceeding by calling him to Lausanna an Academy pertaining to the Lords of Berna where he publickly professed the Greek tongue which Beza himselfe acknowledged in his Confession of Christian Religion Dedicated by him unto his Master Walmatius At that time in Lausanna were famous for Learning and Piety Petrus Viretus Pastor of the Church Iohannes Ribbilus Professor of Divinity Iohannes Racmundus Merlinus Professor of the Hebrew tongue with many other excellently well gifted all of which seemed as it were to be ravished with the society of this worthy member of Christ. During his Lectureship at Lausanna a great company of godly minded persons thirsting after Christ and his truth resorted unto the same place Here Beza perceiving a good occasion offered unto him by God not onely for his owne saâ—isfaction concerning Teaching but also for the satisfaction of the desire of these people concerning their instruction in the word of truth He began publickly and in the French tongue to expound the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans and both the Epistles of S. Peter opening unto them the great mysteries of godlinesse and informing their judgments with such Doctrines wherby the scales of ignorance being rubbed away the truth did manifestly appeare unto them whereby without doubt many were drawn neerer and neerer unto Christ. Amongst these his imployments in this place whensoever any leasure was given unto him he would spend that time with Master Calvin at Geneva from whom he received great benefit both for Gods glory and the edification of the Church and by his perswasion he was induced to finish that excellent and Divine Commentary on the Psalms first begun by Marotus which was also Printed and published by authority in France 1561. About this time there happened a persecution in Paris â— wherein many Christians suffered some death some imprisonment wherupon Farellus Beza and Calvin were chosen Embassadours unto the Protestant Princes of Germany â— to intreat them that they would be pleased to intercede for them unto Henry the second then King of France that they might be more kindly deabt withall But little or no peacâ— came unto the Church in respect of this act because of thâ— implacable hatred which great men attending the person of the King did bear unto the truth of Christ. Yet in this journey it was Bezaes good hap to have â— sight of that godly and learned Melanchton who as they exceeding joyfull of the presence of each other so they were also exceeding sorrowfull for the present afflicted and dâ—stressed state of the Church Beza having now remained ten years in Lausanna he left it and not without the good leave and love of the Senate of Berne and came to Geneva where teaching a publicke Schoole he expounded the Orations of Demosthenes together with some Bookes of Aristotle and had daily and familiar conference with Calvin touching things pertaining unto Doctrine and Ecclesiasticall Discipline where in short time he was appointed to succeed Claudius Pontanus a faithfull Minister in the Church of Geneva for the discharging of a
with a more renowned Champion of the Româ—n Church then Iohn Heart namely father Robert Bellarmine for his subtile head afterwards graced with a Cardinals Cap. This Iesuite was then Reader to the English Seminary in Rome whose Dictates wonderfully favoured no sooner taken in writing by his Auditors but by some of Secrâ—tary Walsingams intelligencers residing at Rome they were sent by Post in Packets to the Court and from thence speeded to Doctor Reynolds who acquainting his Auditory with the very dayes in every moneth and weeke in which father Robert handled such a point addressing himselfe immediately to make a punctuall answer thereunto insomuch that what Saint Bernard speaketh to another purpose may be truely affirmed of Cardinall Bellarmines books of controversies that they were primes damnati quam nati branded before they were printed Never were any Lectures in our memory so frequented as these in that University nor any in Cambridge save those of Doctor Whitaker the great light of the other University as Reynolds was of this on these golden tapers were the eyes of all that loved the truth fixed and the Queen hearing of the good service they did to the Church preferred them both the one to a Headship in Cambridge the other to a dignity in the Church the Deanery of Lincolne Into which after Doctor Reynolds was invested and setled the â—ffaires of the Church therâ— but of an exceeding delight he tooke in an Academicall life he returned backe to Oxford and there lived some few yearâ— in Queens Colledge which place he made choice of for the infinite amity betwixt him and Doctor Robinson Bishop of Caâ—lile In which time besides many other he began a noble worke of very great importance de Romanae Ecclesiae idololutria this most learned and elaborate peece consisted of eight Bookes whereof two he put forth in the year 1596. and dedicated theâ— to the Earl of Essex Of his life and manner of conversation whilst he abode in Queens Colledge let D r. Cracanthorp then a Student in that Colledg speak ouâ— of his own knowledg When we were yong Students in Queenâ— Colledge Doctor Reynolds conversed with us so familiarly and so profitably that whatsoever how often soever how much soever any man desired to learne from him in any kinde of knowledge we daily drew it from his mouth as an ever-springing and never failing Well for he had turned over as I conceive all Writers prophane Ecclesiasticall and Divine all the Councels Fathers and Histories of the Church he was most excellent in all Tongues which might be any way of use or serve for ornament to a Divine he was of a sharpe and nimble wit of a grave and mature judgement of indefatigable industry exceeding therein Oregen surnamed Adamantius he was so well seene in all Arts and Sciences as if he had spent his whole time in each of them moreover for his vertue probaty integrity and which is above all piety and sanctity of life he was so eminent and conspicuous that as Nazianzen speaketh of Athanasius it might be said of him to name Reinolds is to commend vertue it selfe In a Word so modest courteous affable and sweete was his carryage that though he were to be ranked above the highest yet he made himselfe equall in a manner with the lowest In this Naioth he conversed after this manner with the Prophets and Prophets children till the 50 th year of his age when by the meanes of Archbishop Whitgift and the Earle of Essex he procured an exchange with Doctor Cole morâ— for his convenience then his profit the Deanry of Lincolne was conferred upon Doctor Cole and Doctor Reinolds was chosen President of Corpus Christi Colledge in which eminent place of preferment in the University though he continued not above eight years yet according to the distinction of Seneca betweene Vixit fuit Nâ—n ille diu fuit sed din vixit we may truely say that though he aboad not there long yet he lived therâ— long diu precedit licet non diu fediâ— he ruled there long though he sate but a short time hâ— did more good to that Society in eight years then any of his Predecessors in the like time trebled For he brought the Colledge much before hand which before through the covetousnesse of the Governours or negligence of inferiour officers was very much impoverished he procured an Act of Parliament for assuring some lands to it he caused diverse ambiguous Statutes to be expounded by the visitor Doctor Bilson Bishop of Winton and all the Statutes to be more duely observed then ever they had beene before He repaired and exceedingly beautified the Chappell Library and Hall he much improved the Schollars Chaplaines and Clarkes places to the Fellowships he added nothing partly becaus he found their maintenance very competent but especially because he conceived that the more he should encrease their maâ—ntenance the more he should take off their edge from seeking preferments abroad and taking on them the cure of soules and furnishing the Church with able and learned Pastors which he knew to be the chiefe end for which most if not all the Colledges in the University were built w ch as it appeareth by the Founders Statutes ought to be as nursers for choyce plants to be set nourished there for a while and after to be transplanted into the Spouse garden and not to wither in these beds It was said of Sparta that it was the best place in the world for men to grow old in because old age there was most respected and honouredâ— but the contrary may be said of Schollars and Fellowes places in the University for the lesse time they stay there after they are ripe for preferment the better they deserve of the Church and Common-wealth Carpite florem Qui nisi carpius erit turpiter ipse cadit During his Government in Corpus Christi Colledge though he were incumbered with multiplicity of other businesse and which was worse often visited with an ill guest the Gout which not onely keepes possession against the owners will but imprisons his landlord and claps such bolts upon his feet that he cannot stir Yet being moved thereunto by Archbishop Whitgift impurum impium sanderiue schismate Anglicano volumen ut refutarem rogusti he begun the refutation of Sander his impure and impious booke de Schismate Angli and proceeded so far therein that he cleared all matters of faith But wanting some records to clear diverse matters of fact objected in that scandalous Libell he was forced to make a pause and in the meane time he â—ramed an Apology of his Theses and unanswerably vindicated them against the Roman Elymases Stapleton Martine Bellarmine Baronius and Iustius Calvinus vetra Castrencus And lying in London to over-see the Presse and correct the proofes as he walked in Finsbuâ—y fields in the year of our Lord 1602. an Arrow whether shot purposely by some Jesuited Papist or at randome I know not fell upon his
also accordingly he did For not content to sell his owne cistorns and satisfie out of it his owne thirst he was desirous that what he had there drawn should be derived also unto others and should flow out to the like benefit and behafe unto them as he had thereby formerly received himselfe To this purpose he betooke himselfe now to the pulpit and what light of truth he had by his private studies and Gods blessing upon them attained he made known in publike to those that heard him And having now wholly shooke of that yoake of his former superstitions profession as the Word of God warrenteth and the Apostle in â—uch case adviseth he tooke him â— wife one Dorothy by name that name well deserving a woman piously affected one that aboad constantly with him an inseparable and individuall companion and copartner with him in all his troubles and exilments which began shortly after to ensue For through the malignity of those who neither loved the light themselves and indevoured to keepe others from fight of that which themselves neither loved nor liked as being that which discovered their grosse errors and foul abuses he was quickly called in question and much troubled and molested first at Yorke by Lee there Archbissiop Erasmus his great though unequall antagonist for Preaching at Doncaster against invocation of Saints and after that againe at London by Stokesley their Bishop the maine opposer of Ales the Scot Bales intimate friend afterward in defence of Popish errours and inventions for matters of the like nature Thus he soone found opposition and met with much trouble as what other was to be looked for for maintaining and publishing the truth of God which could not yet be brooked having so many so mighty and those no lesse malitious opponets Howbeit he escaped as well then as oft after also out of their hands God having still some further employments for him For having by some elegant and pleasant Comedies which he presented unto him insinuated himselfe into the notice and favor of the Lord Cromwell who was then grown to some greatnesse being a favouror of the truâ—h and the professors of it he was by his meanes as the Prophet Ieremie sometimes by Ahikams rescued out of their clutches who otherwise would in likelehood have crushed him and continued quiet while he stood But after his unfortunate downfall and death was under God his chiefe yea alone protector perceiving that though their former attempts against him had for the present been frustrate yet their spite and malice towards him was enraged rather then abated ready to break forth into action againe when opportunity should serve that means of restraint being now removed and persecution about the six Articles commonly known by name of the whip with six strings growing hot he thought it his best and wisest course the rather being tied to no particular charge to leave the Land untill times of more freedome might be and to get over into Germany where by Luther and other his assistants seconds their labours many Churches had been establshed and much liberty was afforded for the sincere profession of the Gospell Unto that common refuge and receptacle of Gods persecuted people in those times with much difficulty and hazard at length he gat and there aboad as an exile for some eight yeares During which time he was not idle but diligently employed himselfe in writing and in publishing of many Treatises tending most to the discovery of Romish errors superstitions idolotries and abominable practises and to the manifestation and clearing of Gods saving truth Thence upon the decease of King Henry the eight being by his religious Son and successor King Edward called over againe and entertained a while in the family of that learned and pious Poynet then bishop of Winchester he was shortly after by his Maiesty preferred unto and setled in the Bishoprick of Ossar in Ireland whither being sent over freely at the Kings owne charge he was consecrated at Dublin by George Archbishop of that See assisted by Thomas Bishop of Kildare and Vrhane of Doune In this Seat he sate quietly Preaching Christ and salvation by him alone to his people and laboring to withdraw them from Popish superstitions during the raigne of King Edward by whom he was there seated expending most of hiâ— Episcopal revenew over above the necessary expence of his family any reliefe of the poore in furnishing himselfe with books of almanner of learning such especielly as were then rare not ordinarily to be had as well manuscrips as printed ones partly to preserve the perishing Monuments of antiquity and partly from them to receive further fuller information of the occurrents carryages of former times and what a multitude of Authors he had in that short time gathered togeter may appeare by a Catalogue of them left upon record by him in the close of that laborious Work of his his Centuries to shew what a treasure he was stripped of at his expulsion from his place For after that halfe hours silence as he stileth it alluding to that of Saint Iohn Apoc. 8.1 and those few years of rest that Gods people here enjoyed under that blessed servant of Christ King Edward his succeeding sister raising up new tumults and with fire and fogot making havock of the faithfull that seat grew too hot for him And having therefore as his owne relation hath it his books and chattels seized on as once before his servants some of them slain others misused and himselfe laid for he was enforced with his wife his ever undivided consort to flye for his life and purposed as himselfe saith to have shaped his course for Scotland hoping there to finde some succour as diverse others driven hence at that time did But man we say purposeth and God disposeth that project of his took not effect God it seemeth intended him another way for bâ—ing put out to sea he was intercepted surprised by wicked pirates sea-robbers of whom though he were stript againe and abused in most inhumane manner as little better could be expected at the hands of such yet was he by Gods good providence preserved among them and delivered againe from them being ransomed by certaine charitable and well-minded Merchants Having regained his liberty he gat safe againe into Germany his former place of retreat and the then Common sanctuary of Gods afflicted and distressed Saints There he found entertainment with and enjoyed the acquaintance of most of the prime men of note for learning and relegion of those parts in those times who some of them in their writings especially for the notes of antiquity and of authors both ours and others doe professe to have received no small light from his writings and observations For during the time of his aboad in those parts among other his labours being never out of action he compiled â—hat vast Catalogue of Euglish Scottish and Irish writers a work of exceeding great paines and industry that many of
serious meditation of the reformation of Religion in the Churches he desired to conforme the Citizens of Hassia unto the example of the Primitive Church he desired to remove many reliques of superstition out of the Church he desired to establish that Ecclesiasticall discipline which was ready to fall unto the great detriment of the Church In the midst of these heavenly cogitations it pleased the Lord to send his messenger for him which he well perceiving by the continuall increasing of his paines he desired to have the Communion administred unto him afterwards he told his wife what he would have done after his death after that he had instructed his children how they should carry themselves towards God and how towards their mother and how towardâ— men and his yongest son standing amongst them hâ— laid his hand on his head uttering these Words discemi fili mandata domini ipse enaâ—riet te Keepe the commandaments of the Lord my son and he will provide for thee then â—urning himselfe to those who were present he declareâ— unto them that he dyed in that faith which he had constantly professed so many yeares in that City which words being spoken he fell asleepe and was buried at Marpurge in the year our Lord 1564. and in the 53. year of his life All things which are to be required in a Teacher are to be found in this Gerardus first he was learned and his learning was also joyned with experience secondly he had an excellent faculty and method of teaching thirdly he was laborious in his function fourthly he was gravâ— fiftly of an unspotted life and conversationâ— he was modest patient and constant all which sufficiently declare that he was set apart by the Lord for the converting of many souls unto Christ. His Works which he left unto the world as a rich legacy are here set downe 1 A Commentary on the twentieth Psalme 2 On the twelft Psalme 3 A method for a Preacher 4 On the Romans 5 Of reading and meditating the Scriptures 6. Method of Theologie 7 Theologicall Topicks 8 Catechisme Other Works in two Tomes First 1 Of the study of the Scripture 2 Of the institution of Colledges 3 A triall of students 4 Of Catechising 5 Of justification by faith 6 Of Benificence to the poor 7 Of Feasts Tome 2. 1 Of the duty of hearers 2 Of Providence 3 Of Selfe-examination 4 Of the marriage of Ministers 5 Of the Sacraments 6 Notes upon Aristotles Ethicks 7 Physicks 8 Logicke 9 Rhetoricke 10 Arithmaticke 11 Gromaticke 12 Cosmographik 13 Optics 14 Astronomy Set forth after his death 1 Annotations of Isaiah 2 Commentaries on the Galathians 3 Ephesians 4 Philippians 5 Colossians 6 Thessalonians 7 Timothy 8 Titus 9 Philemon 10 Iude. 11 Hebrewes You that desire to lead a life Free from th'incumbrances of strife Draw neare and with a carefull â—row Let brave Gerarduâ— teach you how Reader observe and thou shalt finde By trauell he inrtch'd his minde His active heart was alwayes free To Propagate true piety He alwayes studied to displace Errours from the Churches face He gain'd no envy but from those That were Religions chiefest foâ—â— He would perswade intreat advise His Fellow-preachers to dispise Those fruits of Idlenesse which he defy'd Thus liv'd Gerarduâ— thus Gerardus dy'd ARETIVS BENEDICTVS The Life and Death of Aretius Benedictus AS the Lord hath never been wanting unto his Church both in these and in forraine parts in the stirring up of painfull and â—ealous Watch-men for the Propagating of his truth and for the enlightning of the understanding of those whom he had elected unto salvation in Jesus Christ so he hath not been deficient in procuring the affection of eminent persons towards the same Professors by whose meanes they have been defended and sheltered against the inviterate malice both of the Divell and his members Malicious enemies unto the Word of truth amonst whom the Senate of Berna may justly receive worthy Commendations for the constant love shewed unto the zealous professors of the truth it being indeed the maine pillar which doth support the welfare of a Common-wealth and which doth draw downe a blessing from heaven upon their intended designes In this â—amous City was Benedictus Aretius borne a faithfull zealous professors of the truth of Christ being beautified with excellent endowments both of learning and piety which did sufficiently testifie that he was set apart by the Lord for the winning of many unto Christ. He spent his youth in his owne Country amongst the Switzers wherein he was instructed and trained up in the knowledge of the Arts but ayming at a greater perfection labouring â—or a sounder judgement in the works writings of other learned and Orthodox men he left his Country for a season and went unto Marpurg where by reason of his eminent gifts and qualities he gained the love of many learned Schollers and was designed and oppointed to read the Logick Lecture in the same place which after he had performed for the space of some years to the great profit of his Auditors to the never dying fame of himselfe and to the generall applause of all the City having also attained in some measure to that perfection which he had formerly desired he returned again unto Berne where he was joyfully received and by a generall consent appointed to open the Scriptures and to instruct the inhabitants in the way of life in which exercise he observed such an edifying method both in his publick reading and Preaching that he drew great multitudes of people unto him who beholding his proceedings with great admiration with one consent praised the Lord for sending so learned and so painfull an instrument among them for the plantâ—ng of the truth in their hearts So excellent was his forme of teaching that many Divines came unto his Lectures not onely for the information of their judgements in matters of Controversies but also to learne his method of teaching which being obtained by some they proved excellent instruments in the Church for the converting of the lost sheepe of Israel and many would not in publicke make triall of their owne parts before they had continued for a season to be his Auditors His writings were greatly in request and desired greatly of all that either knew him or heard of him but especially his labours in Divinity one of his bookes called Eramen Theologicâ—m came to the Presse twelve times within the space of three years which doth declare the excellency and how usefull and beneficiall it was unto the Church in those times and in these dayes also it is a Worke fit to be perused of all such as doe intend the study of Divinity After that he had continued this constant course of teaching in the City of Berne for the space of many years to the great furtherance of the glory of God and benefit of his Church it pleased the Lord to take him unto himselfe and to Crowne him with a diâ—dem of everlasting glory
University according to the second Ver. Now let us scent him as Franckincense sending â—orth a most fragrant smell in his Diocesse according to the last monosyllable Thus. Franckincense thought it be often used in private houses where the roomes are dankish yet it is most proper for the Church and of all Churches for the Cathedrals where is the greatest concourse of people and the service performed with most solemnity here therefore consecrated as it were in a golden censer he burnt most fragrantly in his meditations ejaculâ—tions Sermons and exhortations breathing out odorem vitae ad vitam through all the Bishoprick of Sarum Other Bishopricks were voyced upon him as of Lincoln and Coventrie and Litchfield but the businesse of the nullity made a nullity for a time in his Graces good intentions and our Bishops hopes in so much that King Iames of blessed memory when Doctor Abbot newly consecrated Bishop of Sarum came to doe his homage his Majesty spake pleasantly unto him after this manner Abbot I have had very much to do to make thee a Bishop but I know no reason for iâ— unlesse it were because thou writest against viz. William Bishop a Popish priest whose refutation of Master Perkins his reformed Catholicke this our Abbot had not long before solidly refuted After his câ—nsecration at Lambeth and his homage done at Court he tooke the University in his way to Sarum and there taking his leave of his Mother he was accompanyed with all his brethren the heads of Colledges and Hals and of other his Oxford friends of good ranke and quality till about the edge of his Diocesse they left him with teares in their eyes erumpentibus prae dolore the Clergy Gentry of Sarum met him with teares also in their eyes of another kind emanantibus prae gaudio as he came into the City he was entertained with eloquent speeches which he answered â—xtempore in the same language they were made unto him and with worthy presence which were thankefully accepted and the next Lords day following he offered his first fruits in the Tâ—mple taking for his text the Word of the Psalmest 26.8 Lord I have loved the habitation of thy house and the place where thine honour dwelleth After he had verified the Words of his Text in the person of David his Sermon ended he verified it in himselfe and made a Dâ—monstration that he loved that house of God not in â—ongue onely and in word but in deed and veriâ—y for viewing exactly that beautifull Fabrick and finding it very much in decay partly through the negligence of his Predecessors and partly through the Covetousnessâ— of the Deane and Prebends who filled their purses with that which should have stop'd the chiâ—ks in the Wals he sent a peremptory summons for all the Prebends and partly by a seasonable admonition partly by increpations and threatnings partly by reviving an old Statue de quinta parte Prebendaâ—um he drew from them 500. l. which was all spent in the reparation of that Church And aâ—ter the repairing of the materiall temple he wholly laboured in repairing of the spirituall temple both by doctrine and by discipline visiting his whole Diocesse in his owne person and Preaching every Lords day whilst he enjoyed his health either in the City or in the neighbour Townes the last text he handled was Iohn 14. ver 16. I will pray the father and he shall give you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever upon the first proposall whereof as many of his hearers presaged his departure from them so indeed proved it his last and Far-well Sermon for soone after he came out of the Pulpit he fell into grievous â—its of the stone which first stoped the passages of nature and within a few dayes shut up all the offices of his senses so was his hourâ—glasse contrary to all other the sooner run by being stopâ— with sand or gravell for by his perpetuall sedentary life such a stone was bred in his kidnies as no strength of nature or skill of Art could remove but there still remaining put his patience to the tâ—st and by extremity of paine and torment in a short space took away all sense of paine and life together whilest he lay thus as it were upon the racke in unsufferable torâ—ure of body his soul was at great rest and ease for the assurance of heavenly things caused him most chearfully to part wiâ—h earthly the quick sense he had of the powers of the life â—o come deaded the sense of his bodily paines Many yet living are much revived to recollect those his last admonitions and godly exhortations those I say who came to viâ—it him upon his death bed who were not a few and among others the Judges being then at Sarum in their Circuit To them he communicated out of his rich treasury of learning and devotion most Christian and grave advice and amongst many points he discoursed on before them he insisted very much upon the benefit of a good conscience rendring many thanks to his Creator for the great comfort he felt thereby now in his extremity and admonished all that heard him so to carry themselves in their most private and secret actions as well as in their publick that â—hey might obtain that at the last which would stand them in more stead then what all the World could afford besides wâ—â—h these his godly admonitions and exhortations and Episcopall benediction and prayers together with the paine of his diseasâ— being quite â—pent he lay as it were â—lumbering with now and theâ— a short ejaculation lifting up his eyes and his hands towards heavâ—n for the space of two or three houres and at the length March 2. 1617 between the houres of seven and eight gave up the ghost with these words come Lord Iesu come quickely finish in me the worke that thou hast begun in manus tuas domine commendo spiritum meum quia tu redemisti me deus veritatis salvum fac servum tuum qui in te solummodo sperat confidit fiat misericordia tua domine super me in te domine speravi non confundar in aeternum The Thursday following his Funerall was solemnized in the Cathedrall Church over against the Bishops seat where he was buried not so much in earth as in water I meane the teares of the Clergy and all the inhabitants of Sarum which they shed in great abundance for his losse as they had great reason For whereas there are three vertuâ—s which most endeere a good Bishop to his Diocesse diligence in his Pastorall charge Bountifull Hospitality and a lovely and lowly carriage even towards hiâ— inferiors in all these three Abbot excelled first for his humility all they that knew him either under haâ—ches or upon the deck or sâ—â—ting at the sterne of the Church found no difference in him he was the same man in his private Cures and in his doctorall Chayre and in his Episcopall seate As a
the age of twenty and two years From which time u 〈…〉 de 〈◊〉 Gâ—â—â—ang Cic. oraâ— pro Arch. pâ—â—t repuâ—ing every hour as lost which was not spent in reading or writing something he never gave over till he had brought forth those numerous and voluminous labours whereof you have the Catalogue hereafter written It is the counsell of Ierome w Hiâ—ron ad Rustic put not on too soon in writing nor be transported with a kinde of light headednesse be long in learning that which thou intends to teach And as Philostratus saith x Vit. Apâ—ll Tyâ—n l. 4. c. 11 Palamedes found out letters that men might know not onely what to write but what not But his Works plainly show even those of youngest date that he had learned these grave lessons and that he ran not before he well understood his errand And although I beleeve he might truely say with learned Augustine z Proâ—m li. 3 de Trivit that even by writing for the profit of others he had much profited himselfe Yet I am well assured that he had learned over to good purpose many learned Authors ancient and moderne till he bâ—came himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a living Library I have not without astonishment seen his many large paper books written with his owne hand abundantly testifying how studiously and with singular judgement he had read over most of the old Fathers Councels Ecclesiastick Histories the Civill Code the Body of the Canon Law with many other Writers of all sorts out of which he was able 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 readily to produce apt sentences and observations for every purpose And as a Eccl. 7.25 he applyed his heart to know and so search and to seeke out wisdome and to that end according to that Apostolicall direction gave b 1 Tim. 4.13 attendance unto reading So likewise he followed that godly advice of Cyprian to c Epist. lib. 2. Epist. 2. Donatus willing him to mingle frequent prayer with diligent reading sometimes saith he speake thou to God and sometimes let God speake to thee and he professed to his friends how much he had thereby improved his talent Besides all these labors when once he had undertaken the care of souls he well considered what the Apostle Paul by the â—pirit of Godâ— requireth of every Bishop or Pastor of the Church in those his two Epistles to Timothy and â—hat other to Titus d Aug. de docâ— Châ—i li. 4. â— 5. which three Episâ—les Augustine exhorteth â—very Minister of the Word set alwayes before his eyes often lamenting the condition of those poore people who live under ignorant or idle Ministersâ— of whom it may be said in the Words of the Prophet Ieremiah e Lamâ—ntâ—câ— 4. vâ—r 4. The children cry for bread and there was none to breake it unto them and as much bewailing the estate of those proud Prelates who as f Espenc Digres in 1 Tim lib. 2. cap. 2. Espencae speaks of some in his time though able and learned yet hold themselves not learn'd to descend to that servility and basenesse of Preaching because when they have obtained fat Benefices iâ— is not the manner to stoope to such drâ—dgery whilest he like a faithfull and diligent steward of Christ was most paâ—nfull in the execution of his officeâ— Preaching in his Church of Barley for a long time thrice every weeke and diligently himselfe Caâ—echizing the younger sort of his Parish and many of the elder whom hâ— found to have need of g Cry Hieros Cateâ—i 4. such milke as being yet but babes in Christ. And although he had been Chaplaine to that Noble young Prince Henry and both during that time and sometimes since had Preached at Court and knew how to tune his tongue to the most elegant eares yet amongst his own people he taught 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after a most familiar way affecting h Vt dâ— Eâ—ip◠〈◊〉 a plaine phraise and humble style applying himâ—selfe i Aug. d◠〈◊〉 Chri. l. 4. c. 17 to the capacity of his Hearers reputing that Sermon k Vt Philest de epist. ad Aspâ—th Hier. ad Paâ— best adorned that was least set out with humane learning or eloquence or perplexed with curious questions whiâ—h l Hilar. helpe not towardâ— heaven He was a man of a most comely presence his complextion faire and ruddy even m Iul. in Caes. in age hiâ— countenance composed oâ— gravity and sweetnesse his disposition was pleasanâ— and cheerefull alwayes merry in the Lord whereby his conversation was most delightfull to good Christians that were acquainted with him And as Suidas speakes of Macariuâ— the Egyptian he drew his friends on in the wayes of God with a kind of smoothing perswasions and pleasant discourses upon all occasions And alâ—hough he knew how to râ—prove and to cut up roundly where there was just cause yet he o Chrysâ—st iâ— Tit. was most aptly fitted and enclined to bind up the broaken and wounded consciences and with heavenly consolationâ— drawne from the fountaine of living waters to refresh a wearied and fainting spirit p Iob 16.5 He strengthened them with his mouth and the moving of his lips did asswage their griefe q Cant. 4.11 While his lips dropped as the hony combe How joyfully was he entertained by such even as Ambrose by sick Valentinian whose visits seemed to him as the r Ambr. in Obit Valent. approaches of health He was a man of a most exemplary life both in his owne s Arâ—hi Tare apud Phil. family and abroad with others He was in fastings often and alwayes t Senec. epi 8 Cic. Offic. 1. temperate in his diet many dayes eating little or nothing untill night and that especially when he laboured most as on his Lecture-dayes professing that he v Hippoc. Epid l. 6. sect 4. found himselfe both in body and minde more active by it He was a constant and unwearied Student tying himselfe for the most part to eight houres a day and w Vt Eâ—enoâ— dividing every part of the day unto some peculiar work nor easily suffâ—ing any avocation though he had many secular cares lying upon him having a wife and fourteen children living at his death till as he was wont to speak x Iulian in Misopog ex Menandro he had finished his taske His conversation abroad was a perpetuall instruction to y Ibid. his people That true z Maca. â—o 15 character of a Christian man a Clem. de â—orr eccl stat ca. 22. that highest degree of perfection and most neer to Christ that b Basil. treasury of all graces humility was in him most eminent he was most just and upright in all his dealings and indeed so regardlesse of these earthly things that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 easily beguiled by such aâ— were dishonest yet he was well acquainted with the Laws but very carefull to keepe both himselfe
Tossan was sent in his room February the second Anno Christi 1620. as Pareus was coming out of his study the steps being slippery with the frost his foot slipt and he fell down sixteen steps and yet it pleased God by a wonderfull Providence that he light upon his feet and received no hurt by the fall which made him think of that promise Psalme 91. Hee will give his Angels charge over thee c. By his Doctrine and Councell he was admirably advantageous to the Church of God in many places He strongly asserted the truth of God against it's adversaries He was a great studyer and promoter of the Churches peace laboring that they which agree in the Fundamentals should not jar about matters of an inferior nature He wrote many â—xcellent Works whereof some were printed by himselfe others remained with his son Philip Pareus who hath since published them to the great benefit of the Church About that time the Spaniapds came into the Palatinate with their Army which brought great miseries upon that poor Country which Pareus fore-saw both by Prodigies and Dreames then did his friends both in Hiedleberge and other places pâ—rswaded him to retire himselfe to some other place of safety to whom he yeelded that so he might not fall into the hands of those bloody Papists whom he had irritated by his writings against them At his departure he cryed out O Hiedleberg O Hiedleberge but it 's better to fall into the hands of God then of man whose tender mercies are cruelty He went to Anvilla where he spent his time in Prayer Study and in Miditation waiting and longing for the time of his chang there also he wrote his Corpus Doctrinae which when he had finished he said Lord now let thy servant depart in peace because he hath finished that which he desired Presently after he felt his strength much to decay and he fell into a feaver and finding that the ayre in that place agreed not with him he went thence to Neapolis earnestly begging of God that if it were his holy will he might yet return to Hiedleberg and lay his bones there He made his will also finding his former Catarrh to return upon him againe yet it pleased God by the help of Phisitians to recover him whereupon he resolved to goe to Hiedleberge and taking his Grand-son young Daniel Pareus with him whom he loved deerly he came safely to Hiedleberge where he was received with wonderfull acclamations of joy about which time Prince Frederick came also thither from his Exile and the Sabbath following they received the Sacrament of the Lords-Supper together with much comfort But three dayes after his former disease returning he was sensible of his approaching death the Professors and Ministers resorted to him much bewailing their owne losse amongst whom was Henry Altingus to whom he freely opened his minde both concerning God house and his owne and presently after quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1622. and of his age 73. Pareus also of high Germany A wreath of Bayes deserves most worthily A very learned godly grave Divine Whose precious labors made his fame to shine Chiefly those on the Romans And although At first he many straits did undergoe Both by his Father and his other friends Yet God who in deep straits assistance sends Made all for his best good t'operate And by them brought him to a blest estate For he became abroad at home renown'd And was with many honours justly crown'd Especially at Hiedleberge where hee From all earths feares was happily set free The Life and Death of Thomas Erpenius who dyed Anno Christi 1624. THomas Erpenius was borne at Gorcome in the Low-Countries Anno Christi 1584. of honest Parents In his childhood he was bred in the School at Leiden and admitted into that University at eighteen years old and in the twenty fifth year of his age he commenced Master of Arts then he fell to the study of Divinity and of the Orientall Languages under Ioseph Scaliger who observing his ingenuity and promptnesse often foretold what an eminent man he would prove in time to come From thence he travelled in England France Italy and Germany in which perâ—grinations he profited exceedingly both in learning and prudence At Paris he became intimately acquainted with Isaac Casaubone and went with him to Samure where he fell hard to the study of Arabick and profited so exceedingly therein that Casaubone had him in great admiration and estimation for the same From thence he went to Venice where by the help of some learned Jews and Turks he learned the Turkish Persian and Aethiopick Ianguages whereby he gat so great esteem in Italy that he was profered a Pension of five hundred Duckats by the year to imploy himself in the version of some Arabick books into Latine He spent four years in travell and was famous every where for his learning at Paris and some other places he bought many Arabick books so returned to Leiden An. Ch. 1612. About which time there was a purpose to have called him into England to have allowed him an honorable stipend but the year after he was chosen Professor of the Orientall languages in Leiden and presently after he set up though with extraordinary charges a Presse for those Languages whereby he published many ancient monuments both of his own other mensâ— 1616. he married a wife by whom he left three children surviving him An. Christi 1619. he was made Professor of the Hebrew also and though he had so many and great imployments yet he went through each of them with so great exactnesse as if he had nothing else to attend upon In the year 1620. he was sent by the Prince of Orang and the States of Holland into France to procure Peter Moulin or Andrew Rivet to come to Leiden to be the Divinity Professor and though he prevailed not at that journey yet they sent him againe the year after to Andrew Rivet and the French-Church to obtain of them their consents for his coming which businesse he transacted with so great prudence that he brought Andrew Rivet along with him to Leiden His fame was so great that the King of Spaine wrote to him making him exceeding great promises if he would come into Spain to interpret some ancient writings which never man yet could doe The King of Morocco also did so exceedingly admire the purity of his Arabick style in some of his Epistles that he shewed them to his Nobles and other learned men as some great Miracle He was also highly esteemed of by the Prince of Orang and the States of Holland who often made use of his labours in translating the letters which they received from Princes in Asia and Africa out of Arabick or other Languages But whilst he was thus busily imployed in Publick and private it pleased God that he fâ—ll sick of the Plague whâ—reof he dyed Anno Christi 1624. and of his age forty
the greatest I feel is your cold hand and then being layed downe againe no long after he yeelded up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1631. and of his age sixty He was one of a thousand for Piety and Courage which were so excellently mixed with wisdome that they who imagined mischiefe against his Ministry were never able by all their plottings to doe him any more hurt then onely to shew their teeth Laus Deo Of all the worthyes that deserv'd so well And did in parts and piety excell And Garlands therefore of just honour have None more did merit then this Past or grave Renowned Robert Bolton one well known For his divine rare parts second to None Who though in 's youth he seem'd a wicked Saul In 's riper years he prov'd a precious Paul A most renowed preaching Son of thunder Yet a sweet Barnabas even to deep wonder To sons of sorrow and for Gods blest cause Invincible in courage and from pawes Of Sathans power who pull'd afflicted spirits By comforts sweet herein being of high merits And as for 's preaching so for 's writings rare Extant in print even almost past compare One of ten thousand for his piety Constancy wisdome learning gravity Who as he liv'd belov'd so blestly dy'd And now his Sainted soul in heaven doth bide The Life and Death of William Whately who dyed Anno Christi 1639. WIlliam Whately was born in Banbury in Oxfordshire An. Christi 1583. of godly and religious Parents his father was oft Mayor of that Towne his mother carefully bred him up in the knowledge of the Scriptures from a child he was also trained up in learning in the best Schools in those parts and being of a quick apprehention a cleare judgement and a most happy memory he profited so much both in Latine Greek and Hebrew that at fourteen years old he went to Christs Colledge in Cambridge There he was an hard Student and qucikly became a good Logician and Phylosopher a strong Disputant and an excellent Orator He studyed also Poetry and Mathematicks He was a constant hearer of Doctor Chaderton and M r. Perkins And his Tutor calling his Pupils to an â—ccount what they had learned when any was at a stand he would say Whately what say you and he would repeat as readily as if had preached the Sermon himselfe being Batchelor of Arts his Father took him home yet there also he followed his study Afterwards he married a wife the Daughter of Master George Hunt an eminent Preacher who perswaded him to enter into the Minisâ—ery and therefore going to Oxford he commensed Master of Arts and presently after was called to be a Lecturer at Banbury w ch he performed with good approbation for four years and then was called to the Pastorall chargâ— there in which place he continued to his death He was naturally eloquent and had words at willâ— he was of an able body and â—ound lungs and of a strong and audible voyce He was a Bâ—nerges a son of Thunder and yet upon occasion a Barnabas a son of sweet Consolation His speech and preaching was not in the inticing words of man's wisdome but in the Demonstation of the Spirit of Power He was an Apolloâ— eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures he Catechized and Preached twice every Lords day and a weekly Lecture besides yet what he Preached was before well studyed and premeditated He usuall penned his Sermons at large and if he had but so much time as to read over what he had written and to gather it up into short heads he was able to deliver it well-near in the same words His Preaching was plain yet very much according to Scripture and the rules of Art He made good use of his Learning yet without affectation He used to read Books most swiftly yet not cursorily being able when he had don to give an account of the substance and most remarkable passages of what he had read And it pleased Gâ—d to put a Seal to his Minisâ—â—y in the câ—nverting confirming and building up many thousands in the course of his Ministery He was a diligent visitor of the â—ick under his charge without respâ—ct of peâ—sons he was a great Pâ—ace maker amoâ—gst any of hiâ— Flâ—â—k that were at variance he had an heavenly gift in prayer both for aptnâ—sse and fulnesse of Confessions Petitions Supplycations Intercessions and Praises together with fervency of spirit to power them out to God in the name of Christ. Wâ—en he had read a Psalme or Chap. in his Family in his prayer he would discover the scope meaning chiefe notes of observation and their use that his Prayer was an excellent Commentary thereupon and this not onely in the plainer but in the harder Texts of Scripture also His constant practiâ—e was besides Family-prayer twice a dâ—y and sometimes Catechizing to pray also with his wife and alone both morning and evening He set apart private dayes of Humiliation for his Family upon speciall occasions and oft for their preparation to the Lord's Supper at which times he would exceed himselfe in pouring out his soul to God with many tears He was much in dayes of private Fasting and humbling himself alone before God which impaired his health but made much for the health of his soul. He was very able and very ready to confer with and to resolve the doubts of such as came him He bare such a tender love to that great people over which God had set him that though his means was small and he had many offers of great preferment in the Church yet he would not leave them He was daily inquisitive afâ—er the affairs of Gods Church and sympathized with Gods people both in their weal and woe He was much grieved when he saw that difference in opinions bred strangnesse amongst Christians that agreed iâ— that same Fundamentall Truths He was judiciously charitable to such as shewed the power of godliness in their lives though they were not of his judgment in all things He was glad when any of the righteous smote him would tâ—ke it well not from his Superiours onely but from his Equals and far Inferiors and would really shew more testimonies of his love to such afterwards then ever he did before He abounded in works of Mercy he was a truly liberall man one that studyed liberall things seeking out to find objects of his mercy rather thâ—n staying till they were offered he did set apart and expend for many years together for good uses the tenth part of his yearly comings in both out of his Temporall and Ecclesiasticall meanes of maintenanceâ— he entertained somâ— poor Widows or necessitous persons weekly at the least at his Table and his estate prospered the better after he took this course and in his sicknesse he comforted himselfe with that promise Psal. 41.1 2. Blessed is he that considereth the poore the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble the Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing c. His last dayes were his best dayes for then he grew exceedingly in humility and in heavenly-mindednesse And a good while before his latter end God gave him victory over his greatest corruptions which for a long time kept him in continuall exercise About eight weeks before his death he was much troubled with a cough and shortnesse of breath which much weakned him yet he Preached divers times till his encreasing weaknesse disabled him In his sicknesse he gave heavenly and wholesome counsell to his people neighbours and friends that came to visit him exhorting them to labor to redeem the time to be much reading hearing and Meditating upon the Word of God much in prayer brotherly love and communion of Saints and that they would be carefull to hold that fast that he had taught them out of the Word of Truth and that whil'st the the meanes of Salvation was to be had they would neither spare pains nor cost to enjoy it His pains towards his end were very great yet he bore them patiently He was much in ejaculations and lifting up his heart to God in behalfe of the Church and State and for himselfe also wherein he was most frequent and earnest a little before his death A godly friend Minister praying with him that if his time were not expired God would be pleased to restore him for the good of his Church or if otherwise that he would put an end to his pains if he saw good he lifting up his eyes stedfastly towards heaven and one of his hands in the close of that prayer gave up the Ghost shutting his eyes himself as if he were fallen into a sweet sleep Anno 1639. and of his age 56. God tooke him away a little before the Civill Wars began and before the sad desolations that fell upon the Town of Banbury in particular Renowned William Whately also wins Like fame with Bolâ—on as two equall twins Of honour and renown for piety And admirable parts in 's Ministry In Latine Greek and Hebrew rarely able A Disputant also unconquerable Of apprehension quick of judgement clear Strong memory and that which was most dear Of a most holy life and Conversation Who many souls did win to Christs salvation And Divine-like in Scriptures eloquent In Prayer Preaching faithfull and fervent Much charity and love who still exprest Among his people a Peacemaking blest Pittifull patient full of courtesie His soul with Christ now raignes most gloriously FINIS
with her successor the most learned King Iames who to say but truth admired him beyond all other Divines not onely for his transcendant gift in Preaching but for the excellency and sollidity in all kinde of Learning selecting him at his choysest peece to vindicate his Regality against his foule-mouthed adversaries His Majesty not long after his happy entrance to this Crowne bestowed upon him the Bishopricke of Chichester which he held about foure yeeres and withall made him Lord Almoner and because of the exility of that Bishopricke soon after added the Parsonage of Cheyham in Surrey to his commendam Upon the vacancy of the Bishopricke of Ely his Majesty made him Bishop thereof and there he sate about nine yeers In which time he was made a Privie Councellor first of England then of Scotland in his attendance of the King thither He was afterwards preferred to the Bishopricke of Winchester and the Deanry of the Kings Chappell which two last preferments he held to his death which hapned about eight yeeres after in the third yeer of the raigne of our late King Charlse with whom he held no lesse reputation then he had done with his Father before him It is worth the observation that having bin preferd to many and those no small dignities yet he never used any meanes to obtaine the least of them but they were all conferd upon him without the least suit on his part For he was so farre from ambition or covetousnesse as that when the Bishopricks of Salisbury and Ely were at severall times tendred unto him upon some propositions prejudiciall to the state of those Churches he utterly refused them The vertues and good parts oâ— this honorable Prelate were so many and those so transcendent that to doe him right a large volumn would be but sufficient which I shall leave to some of better abilities to performe which I shall by way of an Epitome onely point a finger at in these heads which follow His first and principall vertue was his singular zeale and piety which shewed it selfe not onely in his private and secret Devotions betweene God and himselfe in which they that were about him well perceived that he daily spent many houres yea and the greatest part of his life in holy prayers and abundant teares the signes whereof they often discovered but also in his exemplary publicke prayers with his Family in his Chappell wherein he behaved himselfe so humbly devoutly and reverently that it could not but move others to follow his example His Chappell in which he had Monthly Communions was so decently and reverently adorned and God served there with so holy and reverend behaviour of himselfe and his Family by his patâ—erne that the soules of many that obiter came thither in time of Divine Service were very much elevated and they stirred up to the like reverend deportment yea some that had bin there were so taken with it that they desired to end their dayes in the Bishop of Elyes Châ—ppell The next is his Charity and compassion which he practized even before he came to great preferments for while he was yet in private estate he extended his Charity in liberall manner to the reliefe of poore Parishioners prisons and prisoners besides his constant Sundayes Almes at his Parish of Saint Giles But when his Meanes became greater his Charity encreased to a large proportion releasing many prisoners of all sorts that were detained either for petty Debts or keepers fees And one thing in his Charity is remarkable that whereas he sent much money at severall times to the reliefe of poore Parishes Prisons Prisoners and the like he gave strict charge to his servants whom he entrusted therewith that they should not acknowledge whence this reliefe came but directed that the acquittances which they to make the discharge of their trust appeare to him desired from them that received such reliefe should be taken in the name of a Benefactor unknown Other large sums he bestowed yeerly and oftner in clothing the poore and naked in relieving the sicke and needy in succouring Families in time of infection besides his Almes to poore house-keepers at his gate insomuch that his private Almes in his last six yeeres besides those publique amounted to the sum of 1300 l. and upwards Lastly though it might well have beene supposed by that which is said already that he had bin in his life time his own Almoner yet as he lived a pattern of compassion and worke of mercy so he dyed also for it appeareth by his Will that his chief care was to provide that his pious workes should never have end leaving 4000 l. to purchase 200 l. Land per annum for ever to be distributed by 50 l. quarterly thus To aged poore men and decayed with an especiall eye to Sea faring men wherin he reflected upon his Fathers Profession 50 l. To poor Widowes the wives of one Husband fifty pounds To the binding of poor Orphans Apprentices fifty pounds And to the reliefe of poore Prisoners fiâ—ty pounds Besides among other too many to be comprehended in an Epitome he left to be distributed presently after his decease among Mayd-servants of honest report and who had served one Mâ—ster or Mistris seven yeers the sum of two hundred pounds Lastly a great part of his Estate which remained after his Funerall and Legacies discharged he left to be distributed among his poore Servants The third is his fidelity and integrity faithfull upright and just he ever was whether you respect him in his ordinary transactions in which no man could ever justly taxe him with the least aspersion of injustice or whether you looke upon him as entrusted with those great Offices and Places which he did undergoe and they were either his Spirituall preferments or Temporall Office besides some other matters committed to his fidelity In the first of which he declared evidently to the world that he reputed himself but Gods Steward and that he must give an account to his Lord and Master for them To begin then with the lowest account He was ever faithfull provident and carefull to keepe in good repaire the Houses of all his Spirituall preferments and spent much money that way as upon the Vicarage house of Saint Giles the Prebends and Deanes houses of Westminster and the Residentiaries house of Saint Pauls Upon the House belonging to the Bishopricke of Chichester he expended above 420 l. Of Elye above 2440 l. Of Winchesters besides a Pention of 400 l. per annum from which he freed his See at his owne charge he spent two thousand pounds But in that part of the Account which concerned him more neerly to perfect which was his Pastorall and Episcopall charge the cure of Soules and the well ordering of the severall Diocesse committed to his trust never any made a more just and exact account Some particulars of this account was the promoting of sufficient able and good men to Livings and preferments which fell within his owne gift
To the better discharge of this part of the account he tooke order still before hand by continuall search and enquiry to know what hopefull young men were in the University his Chapleins and friends receiving a charge from him to certifie him what hopefull and towardly young wit they met with at any time and these till he could better provide for them were sure to taste of his bounty and goodnesse for their better encouragement Diverse eminent men in Learning that wanted preferment when any thing fell in his guift convenient for them though otherwise they had no dependance at all upon him nor interest in him he would send for before they knew why and entertaine them in his owne houseâ— and conferre the preferment upon them and also defray the very charges incident for a dispensation or a faculty yea of their very journey and all this that he might have his Diocesse in generall and his preferments in particular the better fitted So that that may fitly be applyed to him which was sometimes to Saint Chrysostome In administratione Epatus prebuit se fidelem constantem Vigilantem Ministerum Christi And if you looke upon him in those Temporales wherwith he was intrusted you shall find him no lesse faithfull and just As first diverse summes and many of them of good value were sent to him to be distributed among poore scholers and others at his discretion all which he disposed with great care and fidelity even according to the Donors minds and entents For his faithfulnesse in managing those places wherein he was entrusted for others joyntly with himselfe let Pembrooke Hâ—ll and Westminster Colledge speake for him for when he became Master of the first he found it in debt being of a very small endowment then espcially but by his faithful providence he left above eleven hundred pounds in the Treasury of that Colledge towards the bettering of the estate thereof And when he was made Deane of the other it is not unknowne to some yet living who will testfie that he left it for all orders aswell of the Church as of the Colledge and Schoole a place then truly exemplarily Collegiate in all respects both within and without free from debts and arrerages from encrochments evill Customes the Schoole-boyes in the foure yeeres he stayed there being much improved not by his care and oversight onely but by his owne personall and often labours also with them To these may be added that whereas by vertue of his Deanry of Westminster his Mastership aâ— Pembrooke Hall and his Bishopricke of Ely the elction of Scholers into the Schoole of Westminster and from thence to the two Universities as also of many Scholers and fellowes in Pembrook Hall some in Saint Peters Colledge and some in Iesus Colledge were in his power and disposall he was ever so faithâ—full and just that he waved all Letters from great Personages for unsufficient Scholers and cast aside all favor and affection and chose onely such as in his judgment were fittest And lastly which is not the least in this kind being many times desired to assist at the election of Scholers from the free Schooles of the Merchantaylors and from that at Saint Pauls of the Mercers and perceiving favour and affection and other by respects sometimes to oversway merit with those to whom the choyce belonged and that diverse good Scholers were omitted and others of lesse desert preferred he of his owne goodnesse diverse times tooke care for such as were so neglected and sent them to the University where he bestowed proâ—â—ment upon them To conclude this account of his take a view of his fidelity in that great place of trust the Almoâ—orship which was sufficiently evident especially to those who attended him neerly First in that he would never suffer one penny of that which accrewed to him by that place to be put or mingled with any of his own Rents or Revenewes and wherein he kept a more exact account then of his owne private Estate and secondly being so separated he was as faiâ—hfull in the disposing of it not onely in the generall trust of his Soveraigne in the daily charges incident to that place expended by the Sub-Almoner and other yeerly ordinary charges but when he perceived that he had a surplussage those charges defrayed he would not suffer it to lye by him but some of it he disposed to the reliefe of poore Housekeepers some in releasing of poore Prisoners and comforting them which lay in misery and iron and some in furnishing poore people with Gownes hose shooes and the like for all which many so bestowed by him had he reserved to his owne use his Patent being sine computo no man could have questioned him But he was a faithfull Steward in this as in the rest and expected that joyfull Euge Well done thou good and faithfull servant thou hast bin faithfull c. enter thou into the joy of thy Lord which no doubt but he possesseth The next is his Gratitude or thankfulnesse to all from whom he had received any benefit Of this vertue of his there are and were lately divers witnesses as Doctor Ward Son to his first Schoolemaster upon whom he bestowed the Living of Waltham in Hampshire and Master Mulcaster his other Schoolmaster whom he ever reverently respected during his life in all companies and placed him ever at the upper end of his Table and after his death caused his Picture having but few other in his House to be set over hiâ— Study door And not onely shewed he this outward thankfulnesse to him but supplyed his wants many times also privaâ—â—ly in a liberall and plentifull manner and at his owne death the Father being dead he bequeathed a Legacy to his Son of good valune who as is said before bestowed a full Scholarship on him in Pembrooke Hall Concerning the kinred of Doctor Watts after much enquiry he found onely one upon whom being a Scholar he bestowed prâ—ferments in Pembrooke Hall and he dying there hiâ— Lordship much grieved that he could heare of no more of that kinred to whom he might expresse his further thankfulnesse And yet he forgat not his Patron Doctor Watts at his end for by his Will he tooke order that out of the Scholarships of that Foundation the two Fellowships which he himselfe Founded as you shall see by and by in Pembrooke Hall should be supplyed if they should be found fit for them Lastly to Pembrooke Hall omitting the Legacies by him bequeathed to the Parishes of Saint Giles Saint Martin Ludgate where he had dwelt Saint Andrewes in Holborne Saint Saviours in Southwarke Allâ— Saints Barking where he was borne and others to that Colledge I say where he had beene a Schollar Fellow and Master he gave one thousand pounds to purchase Land for tâ—o Fellowships and for other uses in that Colledge expressed in his Will besides three hundred such Folio Books of his own to the encrease of that Colledg Library as