none But said he I will till thee newes being demandâ—d what it was he answered Brevi ero apud Christum Dominum I shall in short time be with Christ my Lord. In the morning before he died he repeated the 51. Psalme of David at the end whereof he addedâ— Salva me Christi Iesu being never heard afterwards to utter any word those who were present betooke themselves unto their prayers wherein they continued untill he had surrendered his Spirit unto his Creator which was willingly and cheerefully performed by him on the first of Dâ—cember in the yeer of our Lord 1531. and in the 49. yeer of his age and was buried with great lamentation in the sâ—me City He died intestâ—te quia unde conderet pauper Christi servas non habebat He was of a meeke and quiet disposition in the undertaking of any businesse he was very circumspect and nothing indeed was more pleasing unto him then to spent his time in reading and commenting the workes which he left behind him are these which follow 1 Annotations on Genesis 2 On Iob. 3 Isaiah 4 Ieremiah 5. Ezekill 6 Daniel 7 Hosea 8 Amos. 9 Ionas 10. Micah Cap. 2. 11. On the three last Prophets 12. On the Plasmes 13 Matthew 14 Romans 15 Hebrewes 16 1 Epistle of Iohn 17 Of the genuine sense of these words Hoc en corpus meum 18â— An exhortation to the reading of Gods word 19 Of the dignity of the Eucarist 20 Of the joy of tâ—e resurrection 21 A speech to the Senaâ— of Basil. 22 A Catectisme 23 Annotations on Chrisostome 24 Enchyidion to the Greeke tongue 25â— Aâ—ainst Anabaptists 26 Annotations upon the Aâ—ts and Corinthians 27 Of Almsdeeds 28 Against Julian the Apostata 29 Of truâ— faith in Christ. 30 Of the praises of Cyprian 31 Of the life of the Mâ—ses 32 Against Vsury Reader behold the rare-adorned Face Of him whose very lookes import a grace He was a Man whose constancy to truth Ripen'd in age and blossom'd in his youth He was a rocke whose daring front disdain'd Papisticke Waves he still oppos'd and gain'd The upper hand though threatning danger lin'd Each word he spoke yet would he speake his minde T was not their proffer'd wealth could make him bold To sin in Want and then repent in Gold Religion was the Starre by which he steer'd His well run-course his heart was still endeer'd Two sollid Principlâ— he lov'd to court The truth Love was his Ship and heav'n his port The life and death of JOHN FRITH Who suffered Martyrdome 1533. IOhn Frith was borne at Weâ—trame in Kent in whom being a child nature had planted a marvelous love unto learning he had also a wonderful Promptnesse of wit a ready capacity to receive understand any thing neither was there any thing wanting in him equall unto that towardness of dispsiâ—ion whereby it came to passe that he was not onely a lover of learning but also became an exquifite learned man He first begun his sâ—udy at Cambridge where he profited much in all sorts of learning At last he fell into knowledge of and acquaintance with William Tindall through whose pious instructions that seed of the Gospel and sincere godlinesse was first instilled into his heart At that time Cardinall Wolsey prepared to build a sumptious Colledge in Oxford now called Christs colledge And sought out for such as did excell in knowledge and learning to be Fellowes in the same and amongst others Iohn Frith was appointed one Now these choice yong men there placed conferâ—ing together upon the abuses of Religion which at that time were crept into the Church were therefore accused of heresie and cast into prison where many of them through the filthy stink thereof dyed Afterwards Iohn Frith with the others remaining alive being dismissed out of prison went beyond the seas and too yeeres after returning he was taken for a Vagabond at Reading and set in the stocks where he remained untill he was almost pined with hunger at lenght he desired that the Schoolmaster of the towne might be brought unto him which was Leoward Coxe a learned man assoone as he came in the Latin tongue he bewailed his captivity unto him The Schoolmaster being overcome with his eloquence did not onely take pity and compassion upon him but also begin to love embrace him especially when he spake unto him in the Greeke tongue and rehersed by heart diverse Verses out of Homer whereupon the Scholemaster went with all speed unto the Magistrates and procured his enlargment Yet this his safety continued not long through the deadly hatred of Sir Thomas Moore at that time chancellor of England who persecuted him both by Sea and land promising great rewards to any man that could bring tidings of him Thus this good man being beset with troubles round about wandred up and downe from place to place untill at the length being betrayed by a seeming friend he was apprehended and sent unto the Tower of London where he had many disputes with Sir Thomas Moore and others touching the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. In which quarrell he withstood the violence of three most obstinate enemies with the Bishop of Rochester Moore and Rastall but he fighting with them all three at once did so refute and confound them that he converted Rastall to his part But when neither Scripture nor reason would prevaile against the firce and crulty of of these furious foes the twentieth day of Iune 1533. he was brought before the Bishops sitting in Pauls Church where they ministred certaine interrogatives unto him touching the Sacrament Purgatory to w ch he answered according to his former disputation and subscribed unto his answer these words with his owne hand I Frith thus doe thinke and as I thinke so have I said written taught and affirmed and in any Bookes published So that when as by no meanes he could be perswaded to recant he was condmned by the Bishop of London to be burned and so being delivered over unto the Mayor and Sheriffes of London the forth day of Iuly he was by them carryed into Smithfield to be burned when he was tyed to the stake he shewed much constancy and courage for when as the fire and faggots were put unto him he willingly embraced the same thereby declaring with what uprightnesse of minde he suffered those torments for Christs and the truths sake whereof that day he gave with his blood a perfect and firme testimony The winde drove away the flame from him unto his fellow Martyr Andrew Hewet who was burned with him which made his death the longer and his paines the greater But God assisted him with such strength and fortifyed his soule with such patience that he seemed rather to rejoyce for his fellow then to be carefull for himselfe as if he had felt no paine in that long torment There is one thing more very observable concerning this constant Martyr Iohn Frith that whereas the Bishop of Canterbury
learneder and more famous and deare to his Countrey There is a Booke of famous Sermons extant in Print of this Prelates which is counted a worthy Peece and doth sufficiently declare his Piety and Schollarship to succeedâ—ng Ages He that will spake his praises well Must study first what 't is t' excell He daily labour'd to oppose The Churches most unsatiate Foes The truth he would be sure to vent Though he endur'd imprisonment Read but his Works and thâ—u shall finde His body was imprisn'd not his minde Gâ—RVAS BABINGTON The Life and Death of Gervas Babington THis Prelate as he was excellent for his parts so was he of a very faiâ— descent being born in the County of Nottingham of the ancient family of the Babingtons in the said County where he drew in the first rudiments of Literature till by his worthy Parentâ— he was sent to Cambridge and was admitted into that worthy Society of Trinity Colledg Doctor Whiâ—guâ—â—â— being then Master This Babington proved so famous in Scholâ—ership that having his degrees he was made Fellow of the same Colledge and giving himselfe to the study of Divinity he proved a worthy Preacher in that University After being Doctor in Divinity he was called by Henry that Noble Earl of Pembrooke to be his Chaplaine by whose favour he was first made Treasurer of the Church of Landaffe in Wales after he was elected Bishop of the same 1591. and when he had sitten four years in that See for his singular Piety and Learning he was by Queene Elizabeth translated to the Bishopricke of Exeter where he scarce stayed three years but he was made Bishop of Worcester and in the middest of all these preferments he was neither tainted with Idlenesse or pride or covetousnesse but wâ—s not onely diligent in preaching but in writing bookes for the understanding of Gods Word so that he was a true patterne of Piety to the people of Learning to the Ministery and of Wisedome to all Governours Whereupon he was made one of the Queenes Counsell for the Marches of Wales He was Bishop of Worcester abovt the space of 13. years He dyed of an Hecticke Feaver and so changed this fraile life for a better in the yeare of our Lord 1610. not without the great griefe of all and had all funerall Rites bestowed on him befitting so great and so grave a Governour and father of the Church and was buried in the Cathedrall Church of Worcester in the Moneth of May. His Workes extant are these that follow 1. Consolatory Annotations upon Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers and Deuteronomy 2. Vpon the ten Commandements the Lords Prayer and the Articles of the Creed 3. A comparison or collation betweene humane frailty and faith 4. Three worthey and learned Seâ—mons Renowned Babington spun out his dayes In truth and peace and had the ecchoing praise Of every tongue his worth was priz'd by all That lov'd religion nothing could recall His heart from goodnesse peace and love did rest Within the closset of his seâ—ious breast Therefore let every tongue proclame and cry The fame of Babington shall never dye IOHN WHITGIFT The Life and Death of John Whitgift IN the year of our Lord 1530. being the twenty and first of King Henry the eight a year very remarkable for the Parliament then held wherein that proud Prelate Cardinall Wolsey was attainted and the first opposition made by the maine body of the the Commons therein assembled against the tirannicall usurpation of the Popish Clergy was Iohn Whitgift born at great Grimesbie in Lincolnshire descended from an ancient and worshipfull Family of the Whitgifts in Yorkeshire An Unckle he had called Robert Whitgift Abbot of Wellow who though himselfe a professed Monk yet not greaty liked the profession and was by this his Nephew therefore heard sometime to say that they and their Religion could not long continue for that having read the Scripture over and over againâ—â— he could never finde therein that their Religion was founded by God and it is not unlikly that by the cariage of businesses in the State at that time being an understanding man he might shrewdly guesse at those things that shortly after sued Under this his Unckle was he educated together with some other young Gentlemens sonnes for some space of time and whether taking some hints from him or being by some other meanes wrought on through a secret hand of God already moulding and preparing him for future employments he began to grow though very young yet into a dislike of Popish superstitions and to afâ—ect the better way For being by his said Unckle who observed his towardlinesse for his further improvement in learning sent up to London entred there into Saint Antonies schoole and boarded with an Aunt of his wife to one Michael Shaller a Verger of Pauls Church he was after som time by her dismissed againe and thrust out of doores because he refused to frequent the morning Masse with her albeit by some of the Canons earnestly solicited so to doe Upon returne to his Parents according to his Unckles advice and direction finding that he had well profited in learning he was by them sent to the University of Cambridge and there placed in Qâ—eenes Colledge But not so well relishing tâ—e disposition of some in that house he removed from thence to Pembrooke Hall where he was pupill to that blessed Maâ—tyr of God Iohn Bradford Doctor Ridley afterward Bishop of London being then Hed of the house by whom also in regard of his forwardnesse both in learning and godlinesse he was made scholer of the house With his years his worth growing and notice taken of his good parts his preferments likewise accordingly came on For from thence he was chosen to be Fellow of Peter-house Dâ—ctor Pern being then Master thâ—re who very tenderly affected him and when out of tendernesse of conscience in Queen Maries time upon expectation of som Commisâ—ioners that were to come downe visit to the University and settle Popery there he had entertained some thoughts of going beyond the Seas the D r. perceiving it and withall his resolution in matter of religion both encouraged and caused him notwithstand to stay promising him withall to take such order for him that keeping himselfe quiet he should remaine free from molestation that which according to his promise given him he also faithfully fulfilled Having thus by the favour and connivancy of the Doctor God reserving him for further and higher employments rid out those stormy and tempestuous times upon the dispersions of those blacke clouds that had formerly overspread and eclipsed the good parts of many by the happy sunshine of that illustrious Princesse Queene Elizabeths ascent to the throne of this Realme contrary to that that is wont to befall at the naturall Suns rising this our bright Star among others and above many others began now to shine forth and discover its luster Notice whereof being taken as in the Univerâ—ity so at Court he received advancement unto
in Dutch and Latine granted and accepted could protect the innocence of this godly man but that contrary to the solemne faith formerly pledged he was persecuted and imprisoned 11 And now what can be sacred what armour of proofe against the Artillery of malice when such Conducts are shot thorow In vaine do men make Contracts and stipulations when faith publickly given the best waxe of all Indenâ—ures and fairest seale of waxe shall thus be prostituted to private designes Had these great pretended Schollers read and seriously consider Davids Psalmes 15.4 He that sweareth to his owne hurt and changeth not and did not the Emperour passe on his honour and Popes word speaking alwais in verbo sacerdatis amount to an oath yet had they but wayed the answere of Festus a Pagan Acts 25 16. It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to dye before he that is accused have his Accusers face to face c. They could never had adventured on so unexcusable a Marter 12 Here we conceive we shall not unprofitably bestow our paines if we tender a catalogue of the principal friends and Enemies of Huss that Posterity may know who added the part of helpfull Onesiphorus to this Paul in bonds and who were like Demetrius the Copper-smith the active persecntors of him His Friends 1. John de Glum a Bohemian Nobleman 2. Nicholas Titular Bishop of Nazareth who gave him an especiall testimony though by his place the Apostolicall Iâ—quisâ—â—or of Hâ—râ—se for the Vniversity of Prague 3. Conrade Archbishop of Swinco who openly cleared him 4. Henry Latzembog well extracted a great Advocate for Huss 5. Wencelaus de Duba a Gentleman and especiall pleader for the validity of his safe conduct when Huss was imprisoned 6. A considerable part of the Nobility and Gentry both of Bohemia and Poland His Foes 1. Stephen Paletz principall of the Doctors of Prague 2. Andreas de Broda a Doctor who writ a Book against him 3. A namâ—lesse charterhouse Mâ—ncurate of St. Sebauld in the City of Norenberge 4. Stanislâ—us Znoma a Bohemian Doctor who coming to Constanâ—z dyed by the way of an Impostume 5. Michael de Causis a great disputant against Huss whose very sirname may seem to speake Phylosophy 6. Didacus a Lumbart esteemed a great Schollar 7. Stokâ—s an Englishman then present at the Councell his serene Antagonist 8. The Pope Courâ— and Cardinals of Rome but chiefly the Cardinall of Cambray Thus though Huss had many friends yet the number power and activity of his Foes did preponderate so that notwithstanding his many appeales and protestations he was cast into a stinking Prison loaden with chaines of Iron kept with hungry and bad Fare But as Men thrown flat on their backs alwayes have their faces looking up to heaven so this godly Man being over-thrown with the fury of his Enemies made the more fervenâ—ly his addresse unto God by a lively faith having all his dependance on dame Providence even in the depth of cruell Sicknesse which in the Prison seized upon him 13 The sentence of condemnation being at last solemnly passed upon him Huss falling downe on his knees Lord Iesus Christ said he forgive mine enemies by whom thou knowest that I am falsely accused How did his charity triumph over his persecutors malice an action which will finde more commenders than followers in our age Whereas indeed he that revengeth himselfe of his adversarie is but even with him and in his owne expression cries quits with him whiles such as forgive him are above him it being the Prerogative of Princes to pardon 14 Then the seaven Bishops who were appointed for that purpose began to degrade Huss of his seaven Orders and such Vestments as were the badges thereof The best was though they uncased him out of his other garments they could not strip him of the white robe of his innocence Yea so cruelly did they act their part therein that they resolved instead of a rasor with sheares to pare a way a part of his crowne left forsooth any relique of their holy oyle should remaine upon it However Huss was no looser thereby for God no doubt made good to him his promise Revel 2.10 I will give unto thee a crowne of life Which did cover his deformitie and plentifully compensate the losse of his Skin 15 Here I confesse it was once my designe to contract and insert the last speech of Iohn Huss to the people but my revised thoughts disswaded me from it For it is all so excellent that compendium would be dispendium thereof In it selfe the onely fault thereof is the shortnesse of it and pity it should be more abriâ—ged for he that undertakes the same will leave out as good as he chooseth in Wherefore we remit the Reader to the entire narration of Master Fox where his speech is recorded which left an eccho in the eares and hearts of all that heard him 16. Hence Huss was hurried to the stake where the Emperour Duke of Bavaria chanced to be present profering him pardon but on such unworthy conditions as Huss his conscience could not accept He did love but did not dote on life as he shall never grow rich by the bargaâ—ne who purchaseth it with the prise of his soule no doubt he called to mind what was written Heb. 11.35 And others were tortured not accepting deliverance that thay might obtaine a better resurrection And now the fire was kindled with which Huss must grapple being in this kind as I take it the first that suffered in this manner For as for Wicklief only his corpes were burnt after his death more to his enemies shame who in vaine revenged themselves on the empty Cage after the bird was flowne whereas Huss was the first that entred the list with that furious element and fought body to body wiâ—h the fire Seriveners use with gawdy flourishes to decke and garnish the initiall caracters of copies The like may be expected from me seeing Huss may be tearmed a leading letter in the patterne of patience that semnably with rhetoricall flusculations I should endevour to adorne his memoriall But such superfluous paines may well be spard seeing this Letter is conspicuous enough in it selfe died red in its own blood Being tyed with a chaine to the stake by chance he was turned towards the east And here behold the Criticisme of Superstition For some cryed out Hee should not looke towards the East because he was an hereticke Whereupon his tormentors who had power to turne his body not to move his mind reversed him westward Sad indeed it is to come out of Gods Blessing into the warme sunne but happy he that is turned out of the warme sun into Gods blessing and denyâ—d the benefit and beauty of the orient beames had the inward Comfort of heavenly grace to solace and support him 17 A paper whereon devils were antiquely painted was put upon him he wearing those shadowes on his head whose Substance his enemies felt in their
sent two of his servants to fetch him to Croydon there to be examined they were so convinced â—pon the way with his learned pious discourses sweet and humble carriage that they contrived betwixt themselves how to let him escape and at the length one of them delivered himselfe unto him in this manner saying Master Frith the journey which I have taken in hand to bring you to Croydon as a Sheep to the slaughter so grieveth me that I am over-whelmed with care and sorrow neither regard I what hazard I undergoe so that I may deliver you out of the Lions mouth And then made knowne unto him how that they had plotted betwixt themselves to let him escape to whom Frith answered with a smiling countenance Doe you thinke that I am affraid to deliver my opinion unto the Bishops of England in a manifest truth the Gentleman replyed I marvell that you were so williug to flye the Realme before you were taken and now so unwilling to save your selfe Master Frith answered before I was attached I would fain have enjoyed my liberty for the benefit of the Church of God but now being taken by the higher power and by the providence of almighty God delivered into the hands of the Bishops to give testimony to that religion and doctrine which under paine of damnation I am bound to maintaine defend if I should now start aside and run-away I should run from my God and from the testimony of the Word and should be worthy of a thousand Hells therfore I beseech you to bring me where I was apponted to be brought or else I will goe thither all alone In all past ages and preceding dayes Heaven to his â—â—nour and eternall praise Hath never left his Church yet destitute Of faithfull Witnesses both to dispute And dyeâ— too for his spotlesse Uerity If cal'd therto with all Sencerity And admirale fortitude of minde In which rare Role of Partyers we do finde Famous John Frith an English man by nature Who from his youth adorn'd his education With promptitude of wit and other parts Wherby he flourisht both in Tongus and Arts. And to conclude let all rejoyce and say Religion was Friths prop and he her stay The Life Death of THOMAS BILNEY who suffered Martyrdome Anno Christi 1531. THomas Bilney an English-man by birth was brought up in the University of Cambridge from a childe where he profited so much in all the liberall Sciences that he in a short time commensed Bachelour of both Lawes But the holy Spirit of Christ by secret inspiraâ—ion endewing his heart with the knowledge of better things he lefe the study of mans lawes and set himselfe wholly a part for the study of Diviniâ—y accounting godlinesse his greatnest gaine And as his owne heart was enflamed with a sincere love to Christ and the Gospell of Christ so his great desire was to bring others to embrace the same and his labour was not in vaine for he converted many of his fellowes to the knowledge of the Gospel and amongst the rest Master Hugh Latimer who afterwards sealed to the truth of Christ with his blood Master Latimer being crosse-keeper at that time in Cambridge bringing it forth upon procession dayes At the last Bilney forsaking the University went up and downe Preaching the Gospâ—l where ever he came sharpely reproveing the pride and pompe of â—he Clergie and striveing to overthrow the authority of the Bishop of Rome Cardinall Wolsey at that time being in great authority and well knowing that the pride and hypocrisie of the Clergie could not long continue against the word of God if once the light of the Gospel should open the eyes of men he therefore caused Bilney to be apprehended and cast into prison And on the 25. day of November 1537. Master Bilney was brought before the said Cardinall and many other Bishops sitting at Westminster and there examined whether he had not taught unto the people the opinions of Luther or of any other condemned by the Church Bilney answered that wittingly he had not taught any thing contrary to the Catholique Church Hereupon he was delivered over to the Bishop of London to be further examined being brought before him he exhorted him to abjure and recant Bilney answered that he would stand to his conscience saying fiat justicia et judicium in nomine domini Then said the Bishop of London with the consent of the rest read part of the sentance against Master Bilney but respites the rest of it untill the morrow to see if he would recant then he was brought before them againe but still he refuseth to recant yet at the last through infirmity rather then by conviction he recanteth the seventh day of December 1527. After which abjuration made he went againe to Cambridge but he had such conflicts within himselfe upon the consideration of what he had done that he was overwhelmed with sorrow and was neere the point of utter dispaire so that his friends were afraid to let him be alone but continued with him day and night striving to administer some comfort unto him But he was in such an agonie for the space of a whole yeer after that he could receive no comfort yet at the length having bin throughly humbled for his sinne through the goodnesse of God he came unto some quiet in conscience being firmely resolved to spend his dearest blood in giving testimony to that truth which before he had renounced Having thus determined in his minde he tooke his leave of his friends in Trenityhall and said that he would goe to Ierusalem and so should see them no more alluding to Christs going up to Ierusalem before his passion And immediatly he departed into Norfolke and there Preached first privatley in houses and then openly in the fields bewailing his former subscription and owning that doctrine for truth which before he had abjured willing all men to be warned by him and never to trust to their fleshly friends in causes of religion whereupon he was apprehended and carryed to prison while he there remained Doctor Call and Doctor Stokes with many others were sent to dispute with him the forme of which by meanes of Bilneies doctrine was somewhat reclaimed After many tedious disputes seeing that by no meanes they could not withdraw Master Bilney for truth he was condemned to be burned The night before his execution many of his friends resorted unto him found him eating hartily with a quiet minde and cheerefull countinance where upon they said unto him that they were glad to see him thus to refresh himselfe being shortly to suffer such painefull torments He answered I imitate those who having a decaying house to dwell in hold iâ— up by props as long as may be Continuing with his friends in heavenly discourses one of them said that although the fire which he should suffer the next day would be of great heat unto his body yet it would be but for a moment but the spirit of God would
Sweet was his life and death his well spent dayes Began in goodnesse and expir'd with praise The Life and Death of CASPER HEDIO who died Anno Christi 1552. CAsper Hedio was born at Etling in the Marquisat of Baden of honest Parents and educated in learning at Friburge where also he Commensed Master of Arts and from thence went to Basil where he studied Divinity and Commensed Doctor whence he was called to Preach in the chiefe Church at Mentz but some not liking such plain Preaching and the Monkes raising a persecution against him he went thence to Argentine Anno Christi 1523. where he was a great assistent to Capito and Bucer in reforming of Religion by the command of the Senate there also he married a wife Anno Christi 1533. and though the Papists raised a great persecution in that City yet he Preached â—oldly against Masses Indulgences Auricular Confession c. and wrote against them also Anno Christi 1543. when Herman Archbishop of Collen began a Reformation he sent for Bucer and Hedio to assist him therein whence after he was driven by Caesar and his Spaniards escaping through many difficulties and danger he returned to Argentine what time he could spare from his Ministeriall employment he spent in writing Commentaries and Histories Anno Chrisâ—i 1552. he sickened and died T' was not the rage of Papist could remove The heart of Hedio from the reall love Of true Divinity he still enclin'd Himselfe to Preach with a resolved mind Let his example teach us to repose Our trust in God in spight of threating Foes The Life and Death of GEORGE PRINCE of Aâ—halt whâ— died Anno Christi 1553. GEorg Prince of Anhalt was born An. Chr. 1507. his Father was Prince Ernest who was carefull to bring him up in the fear of God and for that end he placed him with George Forcheme who was eminent for training up of youth under whom he profited exceedingly both in humane literature and in principâ—ls of Divinity then he was set to the study of the Law wherein he profited very much also having attained to the age of twenty two yeeres he was chosen by Albert Elector of Menâ—z to be one of his Councell wherein he carried himselfe with high commendations in managing the greatest State-affairs But the Controversies about Religions waxing hot at this time and Luthers books coming abroad he fell to reading of them and suspecting his owne injudiciousnesse he would often pray with tears to God to encline his heart to the Truth saying Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy and instruct mee in thy righteousnesse He was frequent in reading the Scriptures Ecclesiasticall Histories Augustine Hierom and Lombard he studied also Greek and Hebrew and discoursed with learned men about the Controversies and after all upon mature deliberation he embraced the Reformed Riligion and reformed the Churches with the counsell of his brethren within his owne jurisdiction Anno Christi 1545. he was called to the Government of the Churches within the Diocesse of Mersburge where he was carefull to have the Truth Preached to the people he lived with much continencie in a single life he took much pains both in writing and Preaching he was very charitable a great promoter of Peace amongst Princes very free from ambition hatred and revenge he used often to say Subdiâ—us esto Deo ora eum c. Submit thy selfe to God and pray unto him for he is near to those that are of a contrite heart and will save the humble in spirit He employed his time so well that he left none for pleasures and used to say That nothing refreshed him more in his sorrowes then conference with learned and godly men Falling sick of a most troublesome disease he was frequent in holy prayer for himselfe for all the Princes of that family for his country and for Germany he had some portions of holy Scriptures daily read to him he made his Will wherein he set downe the Confession of his Faith and commended the defense of his Churches to his brother he added something to the stipends of all the godly Ministers under his charge He often ruminated upon those texts God so loved the world that he gave c. No man shall take my sheep out of my hand Come unto mee all yee that are wearie c. and so in holy meditations and prayer hee resigned up his Spirit unto God Anno Christi 1543. and of his Age 47. A Prince by birth and of a Princely minde Full frought with vertues of each severall kinde Is here presented ornaments of grace Such as doe challenge not the second place But first by merit here you may behold One whose rare vertues no Pen can unfold In pious duties he did strive to be Transcendant who was by nature frée For to the Poore he reliefe did give During the time that he on earth did live Read but his life and then at large you le sée Monopoliz'd in him most vertues be The life and Death of Justus Jonas who dyed Anno Christi 1555. IVstus Ionas was born at Northusa Anno Christi 1493. where his Father was a Senator who falling sick of the Plague and having applyed an Onion to the Soare and taking it off and laid it by him this little Ionas coming tooke the Onion and eat it up yet without any prejudice to himself God miraculously preserving of him He was first brought up at Schoole afterwards he studied Law and made a good progresse therein But upon better thoughâ—s he studied Divinity and proceeded Doctor and embraced the Reformed Religion and was called Anno Christi 1521. to a Pastorall charge in Wittenberg he was present at most of the Disputations about Religion where he defended the truth strenuously and endevoured to promote peace he was also made a Professor in that Universitie He with Spalatine and Amsdorfius was imployed by the Elector of Saxonie to Reforme the Churches in Misnia and Thuringia From thence he was called unto Hale in Saxonie where he Preached and promoted Religion exceedingly Luther somtimes resorted thither to him and tooke him along with him in his last journey to Isleben where he dyed after whose death he remained a while in the Duke of Saxonies Court and was a constant companion of Iohn Frederickes sons in all their afflictions and lastly he was set over the Church in Eisfield where he ended his dayes in much peace and comfort Anno Christi 1555. and of his Age 63. Being once under temptations and in great agonie he shewed much despondencie but his servant partly by comforting of him and partly by chiding of him cheared him up and at last through Gods mercy the Spirit prevailed against the Flesh. Justius by name no poyson sure could kill God so protected him from what was ill The venome of the Plague did séeme to be No poyson unto him for he scap'd frée Although the Duyon he by chance did eat That poyson'd was by the Plagues
transâ—ported and elevated in his raptures that he seemed already in possession of that Crowne which for the present through fire and faggots he but aspir'd to to the great admiration and comfort of as many of his friends as that day had the happinesse to visit him Having blest and distributed such things amongst the servants of the hous as he thought fit he made a most fervent pacheticall farwell-prayer in the company of his fellow prisoners w th such ravishment of Spirit and abundance of tears that the hardest hearted amongst them could not choose but Simpathize w th him In the midst of this prayers when he put on the shirt wherein he was to be burned he inlarged himselfe in a most sweet meditation of the Wedding Garment and after that about twelve a clock in the night came downe into the Court where the prisoners tooke their finall leave of him as he went from the Counter to Newgate though it was about midnight yet great multitudes of people were gathered together in the streets who much lamented and earnestly pray'd for him to whom he returned their curtesie in both kinds with interest About nine in the morning he was led forth to Smithfield with a very great Guard as he came downe the staires he espied an old friend whom he called unto him imbraced and after some private whisperings bestowed upon him his velvet night-cap handkershiefe and som other trifles And yet Roger Beswicke his brother in law had his head cruelly broken by Seriffe Woodrofe for but offering to speake to him for which and other his barbarous inhumanities committed against the Saints and faithfull witnesses of Iesus Christ at such times a heavy and visible judgment overtooke him within few yeeres thereafter for besides the Palsie which for eight yeers together disinabled him from riding walking or turning himselfe in his bed he fell into a most devouring and insatiable Bulimy As soone as he approached the stake he fell flat on the ground intending there to power forth hiâ— private prayers for he was not permitted to do it publickly unto almighty God But Woodrofe the Sheriffe commanded to him arise and dispatch for that the people increased and pressed upon him whereat eftsoone he got up and when he had imbraced the stake and kissed it he put off his Cloathes which he intreated might be given to his servant because he had nothing else to leave him being tyed to the stake he comforted the stripling that was burned with him and earnestly exhorted the people to repentance which so inraged the Sherieffe that which was not usuall he commanded his hands should be tyed His last audiable Words were those of our Saviours Strait is the way and narrow is the gate that leadeth to Salvation and few there be that finde it He indured the flame as a fresh gale of wind in a hot Summers day without any reluctancy confirming by his death the truth of that doctrine which he had so diligently and powerfully Preached during his life which ended Iuly the first 1556. in the prime though in what yeere of his age is not certainly knowne He was for his stature tall but slender of a faintish sanguine Complexion his heir and beard auburne his countenance was full of sweetnesse mix'd with reverence and austerity He spent the whole time of his inprisonment in reading Preaching and praying eating but once every day and that but sparingly scarcely ever rising from that meale wherein his tears did not largly bedew his trencher He slept not commonly above four hours a night from the time he went to bed till dead sleep lock'd up his senses his candle went not out nor his booke out of his hand Halfe an hour he sent usually after dinner in discourse which was all the recreation he used the rest of his time in his owne private devotions and studies His death was generally lamented by all who knew or bus heard of of him yea many Papists themselves being convicted with his innocency of his life or taken with the quicknesse and modisty of his answers but especially considering â—he implacable malice and cruelty of his enemies heartily wished his deliverance for all men observid how they had first committed him without law and then after a yeers imprisonment made one to take away his life He denyed indeed the Popes authority over the Church of England and so had his judges done but the yeere before And for Christs corporall presence in the Sacrament which was the Artickle wherupon they chiefly condemned him he never denyed it in the worthy Receiver as to the eye of Faith no man yet whether Papist or Protâ—stant could never discover it through the accidents of Bread and Wine by the eye of the body We are inform'd by Master Fox that he wrote many comfortable Treatises especially during his imprisonment oâ— which these onely have had the fortune to reach our times 1 Two Sermons the first of Repentance the second of the Lords Supper 2 Some leâ—ters to his fellow Marâ—yres 3 An answere to two letters desiring to know wheâ—her one might goe to Masâ— or not 4 The danger ensuing the hearing of Masse 5 Hiâ— examination before the officers 6 Godly Meditations made in Prison cald his short Prayers 7 Truths Complaints 8 Melancthon translated of Prayers See how undaunted Bradford hath display'd Truths golden Colours nothing could invade His heaven fild thoughts but heaven in whose just cause He liv'd though murther'd by Papistick lawes Relgion told him that his cause was good He need not feare to signe it with his blood And seal it with his heart Bradford agreed To signe whilst Heaven was witnesse to the deed Insulting Papists what can ye declare But this your foulnesse made our Bradford faire Your fire refin'd his heart and made it prove A perfect lover of the God of love NICOLAS RIDLY The Life and Death of Nicolas Ridly AN other Paul otherwise in diverse respects save that we finde not that he ever persecuted the flock or faith of Christ may this choise instrument of God Nicolas Ridley be not unfitly nor unworthily be stiled For he was for a long time a maintainer and practiser of Popish superstitions which his adversaries also twitâ—ng him with in the time of his troubles he denyed not but freely confeâ—sed yet withall profeâ—sing that he had since that time repented him thereof and God he trustâ—d had in mercy pardoned upon his repentance whaâ— in ignorance he then did But after it pleased God to reveale hiâ— truth to him more clearly he laboured as earnestly as any of his fellow labourers in the propagation of it being indowed with as eminent parts as any of them for that purpose and at length sealed it up as did some others of them also with his blood He was borne in Northumberland as some say or as others in the Bishopricke of Durham descended of a worshipfull Family bearing that name and trained up in the first rudiments of
he no entertaine the time with more safety and privacy became a teacher to some Gentlemans sonnes in the Country where we leave him for a time requesting the Reader to accompany uâ— to some matters of higher Concernement About this time the Divorse betwixt King Henry Katherine his wife was agitated in the Court of Rome Queen Katherines age was above her Husbands her Gravity above her age more pious at her Beades then pleasant in her Bed a better woman then a wife and a fitter wife for any Prince then King Henry No wonder then if he were impatient to be delayed in his Divorce by the Dilatory tricks of the Romish Court intending first to divorce all the Gold from England kept the Cause some yeers in suspention so torturing King Henâ—y on the racke betwixt hope and feare not to have his dâ—sire effected It hapned that a Courtier came into Cranmers Company who familiarly conversing together amongst other discourse light on this matter of Divorse Cranmer informes the Gentleman that the readiest way for the King to attaine his desire was no longer to trace the Labirinths of the Popes proceedings where Clyents loose themselves in the endlesse Multiplication of affected intricacies but directly to be take himselfe to the Word of God according to which the Kings marriage unlawfull at the first might lawfully be anulled This being brought to the Kings Eare where welcom news would quickly arrive Cranmer is sent for afterwards imployed to the most principal Universities in Europe there publickly to maintain the truth of his aforesaid Assertions and after his returne was rewarded for his undertaking no lesse learned then Laborious with the Archbishopricke of Canterbury Here I have no leisure to listen to much lesse faith to beleeve those false Aspersions which Doctor Sanders castâ—th on this reverend Prelate bottoming the beginning of his Court Advancement on the Basest Employments performed by him Sufficeth it is to know that as the Herneshaw when unable by maine strength to grapple with the Hawke doth Slice upon her bespattering the Hawkes wings with dung or ordure so to conquer with her taile which she cannot doe with her bill and beake So Papists finding themselves unable to encounter the Proâ—estants by force of Argument out of the Scripture cast the dung of foule langvage and filthy railing upon them wherein Sanders exceedeth all of his Sociâ—ty Yea God may seeme to have vindicated the innocence of the one and punished the slanderous mouth of the other in that the foresaid Sanders was afterwards famished in Ireland that mouth being starved for want of food it surfetted with superfluity of Falsehood Cranmer now Archbishop so became the Place with his Piety and Gravity that he indeared himselfe to all conditions of People This was the greatest fault he was guilty of That his nature was bad in being too good he was of too easie and flexible a disposition which made him cowardly to comply with the Church of Rome For although he never did any harme to the Protestants yet he did not unto them so mâ—ch good as he might and ought Some may conceive this passage might well be omitted but the truth of our love to this good mans memory must not make us to forget our love to Truth besides this recording of such slips doth read to us in him a Lecture of our owne Infirmities if Gods grace be not more Active in our Hearts Oh there is more required to make us Valiant then barely to be able to call another Coward During the Reigne of Henry the eight and Edward the sixth our Cranmer flourished in favour But no sooner came Queen Mary to the Crowne but he was scorched with the heat of her Anger As an earnest that his whole Body should afterwards be burnt by her cruelty Indeed he well deserved of Queen Mary in this particular because he with Justice Hales would never consent to the dissinheriting of Queen Mary and refused to subscribe the Will shall I say of Edward the sixt or the Duke of Northumberland translating the Crowne on the Lady Iane But all this would not advance him into the Queenes favour no nor reconâ—ile to hâ—r good Will shee being still troubled with the fit of the mother and meditating revenge against him because Cranmer had been the principall promoter of Queen Kaâ—herines Divorse Or which is more probable being the Queen of her selfe was not cruelly minded some under her which did bite where she did not barke Gardiner the Spanniell Bonner the Bloudhound projected his destruction For being pardoned of Treason of which he stood guilty with the rest of the Privie Council he was châ—rged with Heresie and sent to Oxford there to dispute upon certaine Controversies being nothing else but a plausible contrivance of his Death which was concluded on before any Sylogisme in that Disputation was propounded However his Adversaries improved themselves so much on his facile nature and love of life that their large promisâ—s prevailed on him so far as to make him subscribe to Popery though presently after he recanted his recantation and was burned to ashes for the profession of the Truth first thrusting his owne right Hand faulty for his former subscription into the fire so that his Hand died a Malefactor and the rest of his body a Martyr All which passages are so largely reported by Mâ—ster Fox who in his Hiâ—tory hath so carefully gathered in the Harvest thâ—t his diligence hath left no gleanings for Posterity to picke having omitted nothing in his life remarkeable for such as succeed him to observe He writ many things which are here to his eternall praise truely registred 1. A catechisme of christian Doctrine 2. Ordinations of churhes reformed 3. Of ordaining Priests 4. Of the Eucharist with Luther 5. Of defence of catholicke doctrine 6. To the professors of the Truth 7 Ecclesiasticall Laws in Edward the sixt his reign 8. Against Gardners Sermon 9. Doctrine of the Lords Supper 10. Twelv Books of common places out of the Doctors of the church 11. Christian Homilies 12. To Richard Smiths calumnies 13. Confuâ—aâ—ions of unwritten truths 14. Of not marrying ones sister two Books 15. Against the Popes primacy two books 16. Against Popish purgatory two books 17. Of Iustification two books 18. Epistles to learned men Out of Prison he writ these 1. Against the sacrifice of the Masse 2. Against adoring the Host. 3. To Queen Mary with others 4. Emendations of the Translation of the English Bible and added Prefaces to it 'T was not inticing Honour could remove The constant heart of Cranmer from the love Of sound Divinity he alwayes stood Firme to God's Causâ— and dy'd it with his blood A true Seraphicke and Tyrannicke fire Prov'd as it were ambitious to aspire And both prevail'd being willing to controule Th' one burnt his Body th' other cur'd his Soule Image adoring Papists boast your fils Ye sent a Soule to Heav'n against your wils What can ye say but this your
who dyed Anno Christi 1584. ABraham Bucholtzer was born at Schovavium in the year 1529. and from his infancy brought up by his Parentâ— in Religion and Learning When he was first set forth to School he profited to admiration outstripping all his Schoolfâ—llows by his acute wit and industry and being well pâ—incipled at Schoole he went to the University at Wittâ—nberg Accounting it his great happinesse that he was borne after the light of the Gospell brakâ— forth and bred up under Mâ—lancthon upon whose Lectures he attended diligenâ—lâ— and â—ucked in from him not onely the principles of Learning but of Religion also About that time there spâ—ang up many errors but by the helpe of Melancthon he was able both to discover and confute them There also he studied Grâ—â—k and Hebrew When he was six and twenty years old he went from thence into Silesia to visit his friends and to see the chiefest Cities and whilst he was there the Senate oâ— Grunberg consulted about the erecting oâ— a School in that Câ—ty and for the aâ—vancement of the same they chose Bucholtzer to be the Master thereof and sent to him by Luke Cunon who was their Pastor desiring him to undertake that office Hereupon he asked Melancthons advice who much encouraged him to accept of the place saying Quantum solatium est pio paedagogâ— assidentibus caâ—stis angelis sedere in coeâ—u incontaminato juniorum qui Deo placent docere tenera ingenia ut rectè agnoscant invocent Deum deinde organa fiant utilia Ecclesiae suis animabus Upon his advice therefore he went thither in the year 1556. and by his excellent abilities and diligence he quickly made that place which before was obscure to become famous Scholars resorting to him from all parts whom he bred up both in Religion and Learning and fitted them so excellently for the University that Melancthon never questioned any that came from his School saying Hoc est persuasum sibi habere â—udes impolitos esse non posse qui à politissimi judicii homine Abrahamo Bucholâ—zero essent informati That he was verily perswaded that they could not be rude or unfitting for the University that came from under the tuition of Abraham Bucholtzer who himselfe was a man of so polite a judgement In the year 1559. he married a wife who proved a great comfort to him and by whom he had many children whom he tendered exceedingly and educated them in the fear of God from their very infancy He grew so famous all over Silesiâ— that many desired to have him for their Pastor and at last Sprottavia enjoyed him where he continued doing much good to 1573. at which time Catharine the relict of Henry Duke of Brunâ—wick sent for him to her Court to whom he went partly by reason of his great engagements to that Family but especially because he enjoyed not his health in Sprottavia The year after this pious Lady dyed he then was called to Eleutheropolis by Euphemia the wife of Sir Fabian Belloquert he Preached â—here in the great Câ—â—rch to which the Citizens flocked exceedingly insomuch as when that pious and illustrious Ernest Prince of Anhalt sent for him and profered him an honorable stipend he refused to leave his place He had an excellent sweetnesse and dexterity in Preaching was of a sound judgment and holy life His Sermons were so piercing that he never Preached but he wrought wonderfully upon the affections of his hearers If any were cast down under the sence of sin and wrath he exceedingly comâ—orted them If any were troubled with tentations and afflictions he raised them up c. He had a lively voyce lively eye lively hand and such were all his gestures also his Ministery was so gratefull that his hearers were never weary or thought hiâ— Sermons too long He was full of self-deniall insomuch as that excellent Lady Catherine of Brandenburg used to say that all the rest of her Courtiers and Family were alwayeâ— craving something of her Bucholtzer on the contrary never asked her for the worth of a farthing yea he refusâ—d gifts when they were profered to him preferring kindnesse before the gift the fruit of his Ministery before the reward of it He was so humble that when his friends blamed him for living in so obscure a place whilst he taught Schoole he told them that he preferred it before a Kingdome he could never endure to hear himself commended and if his friends in their letters had written any thing to his praise he could not read it with patience sed terreri se laudationibus illis tanquam fulminibus dicebat qui nihil in se magni videret c. His candor was such that he never spake or wrote any thing but from his heart he never read or heard any thing from others but he made a candid construction of it His care in his publick Ministery was to avoid those questionâ— that doe but gender unto strife and to instruct his auditors how to live well and dye well He spent his spare houreâ— in reading Ecclesiasticall and Profane histories and profited so much thereby that one affirmed in writing universam antiquitatem in Bucholtzeri pectuscuol latuisse reconditam that all antiquity lay hid in his breast he finding som great errors in Funccius his Chronology set himselfe to write one which with indefatigable pains he brought to perfection whilst he thus publickly and privately busied himselfe he fell into a grievous disease and just about the same time he lost his faithfull and beloved yoak fellow that was the Mother of nine children but upon his recovery he married another with whom he lived not long before the Lord put an end to all his labours and sorrowes Anno Christi 1584. and of his Age 55. Religion Learning both agreed to met And make Bucholtzer prove their winding sheet Nay and their Sepulchre for there they lay Imbracing in his little lumpe of Clay He loved vertue and his heart dispis'd To follow that which Papists had devis'd His balmy language heald the bleeding hearts Of them whose consciences retain'd the darts Of wounding sin his soul still took delight To bring them out of darkenesse into light But since hee 's gon what can we say but this He rested here with love In heaven with blisse The Life and Death of John Wigandus who dyed Anno Christi 1587. JOhn Wigandus was born in Mansfield in the year 1523. of honest Parents of a middle ranke who carefully brought him up in Learning which naturally he was much addicted unto having an excellent wit and firme memory so that having profited much at School he went to the University of Wittenberg where he continued about three years which time he spent in the studiâ— of the Arts and Tongues which night and day he imployed himselfe in and in the year 1541. by the advice of his Tutors and friends he went to Norinberg where he was made Master of the School
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
dayes they had no Preaching in the morning concerning which meetings himselfe writes That it would have don a Christians heart good to have seen those glorious and joyfull Assemblies to have heard the zealous cryings to God amongst that people with sighings and tears and melting hearts and mourning eyes and concerning himselfe he saith My witnesse is in heaven that the love of Iesus and his people made continuall Preaching my pleasure and I had no such joy as in doing his worke and besides that he preached five times a week he penned also whatsoever he preached many of which holy and godly Sermons are extant in print All â—he time of his aboad there except some little intermissions and breathing times the Lord still exercised him with inward tentations and great variety of spirituall combats the end of all which thâ—ough God's mercy was joy unspeakable as himselfe testifie's Yea once saith he in greatest extremity of horror and anguish of spirit when I had utterly given over and looked for nothing but confusion suddenly there did shine in the very twinkeling of an eye the bright and lightsome countenance of God proclaming peace and confirming it with inviâ—cible reasons O what a change was there in a moment the silly soul that was even now at the brinke of the pit looking for nothing but to be swallowed up was instantly raised up to heaven to have fellowship with God in Christ Iesus and from this day forward my soul was never troubled with such extremity of terrors this confirmation was given unto mee on a Saturday in the morning there found I the power of Religion the certainty of the Word there was I touched with such a lively sence of a Divinity and power of a God-head in mercy reconciled with man and with mee in Christ as I trust my soul shall never forget Glory glory glory be to the joyfull deliverer of my soul out of all adversities for ever In the middest of these wrestlings with God he wanted not combats with wicked men also but the greatnesse of his inward conflicts made him lightly regard all their outward contradictions and to esteem them but as the bitings of a Flea It was no marvell to see Satan stir up his wicked instruments to molest him since he professed himselfe a disquieter of him and his Kingdome and this much supported him that he never had a controversie with any of them but for their sins and the Lord assisting him the power of the Word did so hammer downe their pride that they were all of them at last brought to an acknowledgement of their evill wayes But at length as God turned the heart of Pharaoh and his people the Israelites when the time drew on fâ—r their remove so by little and litle did the zeal and love of most of that people fall away so that his last conflict was not with the prophane but with Justiciaries such as were unrebukeable in their lives These men were stuffed with such pride self-conceit disdain and intolerable contempt that thereby they were carried further from their duty thâ—n any of the former and which should have been his greatest comfort were his greatest crosse Presently hereupon God called him to the Government of the Churches in Galloway in the South-West parts of the Kingdome being chosen by the Assembly and presented by the King thereunto this was effected with out his privity or ambitious seeking after it yea he was so far from it that eightteen weeks passed betwixt the Kings Presentation and the Acceptation of it In that place he was very carefull to advance the Gospel to adorne his Ministery concerning the frame of his Spirit thus he writs My soul is alway in my hand ready to be offered to my God Where or what kinde of death God hath prepared for mee I know not But sure I am there can no evill death befall him that lives in Christ nor sudden death to a Christian Pilgrim who with Job waites every day for his change yea saith he many a day have I sought it with tears not out of impatience distrust or perâ—urbation but because I am weary of sin and fearfull to fall into it This faithfull servant of God who had alwayes beene faithfull and painfull in his Ministery when sicknesse grew daily upon him was no way deficient in the duty of his ordinary Preaching taking great pains also to perfect his worke upon the Revelations which he desired greatly to finish before his death he had also much griefe by reason of some that disturb'd the peace of the Church which he always sought to procure so that his infirmity encreasing he was compelled to keep home yet as his weaknesse permitted he applyed himselfe to revise his writings and to dispose of his worldly estate that he might be ready for his passage which every day he expected and some ten dayes before his decease he manifested to his friends what great contentment hâ— hâ—d in his approaching death Many repaired to him in his sicknesse whom he entâ—rtained with most holy and divine conferences expressing a great willingnesse to exchange this life for a better and at last feeling his strength and spirits to decay after he had conceived a most heavenly prayer in the company of those that were by he desired to goe to bed in which also after he had most devoutly commended himselfe unto the Almighty God he took some quiet rest After which he spake not many words his speech failing though his memory and understanding were perfect and so about seven a clock at night he rendered his soul unto God in a most quiet and peaceable manner Anno Christi 1619. Some of his private Meditations were these Now my soul be glad for at all parts of this prison the Lord hath set to his Piâ—ners to loose thee Head Feet Milt and Liver are fast failing yea the middle strength of the whole body the stomack is weakened long ago Arise make ready shake off thy fetters mount up from the body and go thy way I saw not my children when they were in the womb yet there the Lord fed them without my knowledge I shall not see them when I goe out of the body yet shall they not want a Father Death is somewhat driery and the streams of that Jordan between us and our Canaan run furiously but they stand still when the Ark comâ—s Let your Anchor be cast within the vail and fastened on the Rock Iesus Let the end of the threefold cord be buckled to the heart so shall yee go thorow Soli Deo Gloria Here also Cowper Scotlands Prelate grave A place of honour doth deserve to have Among these Honour'd Heroes whom the Lord Did many exc'llent Ornaments afford In piety and parts but specially Making him prosperous in the Ministry By 's constant and by 's consciencious Preaching And holy life which was a second teaching Famous for 's writings on the Revelation Piously thus persisting to 's tranatsâ—ion The Life
to Gotha to teach and govern the Thuringian Churches where he lived with his Collegues twenty yeeres in much peace and concord of which himselfe saith Cucurrimus certavimus laboravimus pugnavimus vicimus viximus semper convinctissime c. In the tumult of the Boores he tooke much pains to pacifie their mindes and to keepe them quiet Yea he so quieted with an Oration some that were pulling downe some Noble mens houses that they went away in peace that yeere also he married a wife by whom through Gods blessing he had a numerous posterity He accompanied the Elector of Saxonie in many of his journyes into the Low-Countries and other places where he preached the Gospel sincerely though sometimes to the hazard of his life About this time Henry the eighth King of England fell out with the Pope for not divorcing of him from his wife Katharine of Spain sister to Charles the fifth by reason of whose greatnesse the Pope durst not doe it whereupon the King of England sent over to the Germane Princes especially to the Duke of Saxonie to confederate against the Pope and to joyn with them in an agreement about Religion upon which occasion Myconius was sent over into England partly about matters of Religion but especially about a match between Henry the eighth and Anne of Cleve but coming thither he discovered the Kings hypocrisie about Religion not onely by the six Articles about that time established but also by his imprisoning of Latimer and cutting off the Lord Cromwell'â— head and burning of Master Barnes c. and by his seizing upon all the Abby-lands whereupon he left England and being come home he was called by Henry of Saxonie to visit and reforme the Churches of Misnia together with Luther Ionas Cruciger c. Which fell out upon this occasion George Duke of Saxonie lying on his death-bed sent to his brother Henry all his owne sons being dead before desiring him that succeeding him he should innovate nothing in Religion and withall promised him golden mountains by his Ambassadors if he would assent thereto to whom Henry answered This Embassie of yours is just like the Divels dealing with Christ when he promised him all the world if he would fall downe and worship him but for my owne part I am resolved not to depart from the Truth which God hath revealed unto me but before the returne of the Ambassadour Duke George was dead whereupon this Henry nothwithstanding all the oppositions of the Papists made this Reformation in the Churches which worke being finished Myconius visited all the Churches in Thuringia and with the help of Melancthon and some otheâ— he provided them Pastors and Schoolmasters and procured stipends to be setled upon them for their maintenance Anno Christi 1541. he fell into a Consumption whereof he wrote to Luther That he was sicke not to death but to life which interpretation of the text pleased Luther excellently well unto whom he wrote back I pray Christ our Lord our salvation our health c. that I may live to see thee and some others of our Colleagues to die and goe to heaven and to leave me here amongst the Divels alone I pray God that I may first lay down thiâ— drie exhausted and unprofitable tabernacle farewell and God forbid that I should heare of thy death whiâ—st I live Sed te superstitem faciat mihi Deus hâ—c peto volo fiat voluntas mea Amen quia haec voluntas gloriam nominis Dei crete non meam voluptatem nec copiam quaerit A while after Myconius recovered according to this prayer though his disease seemed to be desperate out-lived it six yeers even till after Luthers death whereupon Iustus Ionas speaking of Luther saith of him Iste vir potuit quod voluit That man could have of God what he pleased A little before Myconius his death he wrote an excellent Epistle to Ioan. Fredericke Elector of Saxonie wherein he praiseth God for raising up three successively in that Family viz. Fredericke Iohn and Iohn Fredericke to undertake the patronage of Luâ—her c. He was a man of singular piety of solid learning of a dextrous judgement of a burning zeal and of an admirable candor and gravity He died of a relapse into his former disease Anno Christi 1546. and of his Age 55. Myconius was a man that lov'd to pry Into the bosome of Divinity His heart was alwayes flexively inclind To what was good he had a golden minde That would not bend to drosse but still aspire To heaven and faith gave wings to his desire He was belov'd of all that lov'd Gods name The trumpet of his voyce would still proclaime The word of God to those that would indure To have their wounds be brought unto a cure By whose examples we may learne to thrive In grace His present worth is still alive The life and Death of John Diazius Who dyed Anno Christi 1546. IOhn Diazius was borne in Spaine brought up at Schoole afterwards he went to Paris to study the Arts where he continued thirteen yeers but it pleased God that whilest he read over the holy Scriptures and some of Luthers bookes and other Protestant Divines he began to see and abominate the errours of Popery and therefore to further himselfe in the knowledge and study of the Truth he went to Geneva where he spake with Calvin and was very dear unto him From thence he went to Argentine where Martin Bucer observed his learning piety and diligence in his studie obtained of the Senate that he should be joyned with him to goe to the Disputation at Ratisbâ—ne and when he came thither he went to Peter Malvinda a Spaniard the Popes Agent in Germanie who when he knew that he camâ— in the company with Bucer and the other Protestant Divines he was much aâ—tonished and admired how he was so much changed from that which he knew him to be at Paris and withall he fretted exceedingly that they had gotten a Spaniard amongst them presuming that they would triumph more in him then in many Germans whereupon he left no meanes untried to draw him backe againe to the Church of Rome sometimes making large proffers and promises to him other-sometimes threatning severe punishments and mixing both with earnest entreaties but when by no meanes he could prevaile to divert him from the Truth he sent for his brother Alphonsus Diazius one of the Popes Lawyers from Rome who hearing that his Brother was turned Protestant came speedily into Germanie bringing a notorious cut-throat with him resolving either to divert or destroy him when he came to Ratisbone Diazius was departed to Neoberg about the Printing of Bucers Booke which Alphonsus hearing of followed him thither where after long debating of matters of Religion between the two Brothers Alphonsus seeing the heart of his Brother Iohn to be so constantly planted â—n thâ— sure rocke of Gods Truth that neither Preferments could allure him nor threats terrifie him
both having beene used by the Popes Agent nor he by perswasion nor love could perswade him to returne to Popery he feigned himselfe friendly to take his leave of him and so deparâ—â—d â—ut shortly after he returned againe with this ruffianly murtherer and by the way they bought an Hatchet of a Carpinter and Alphonsus sending this man disguised with letters to his Brother he himselfe following after as Iohn Diazius was reading the letters this bloudy murtherer cleft his head with the Hatchet and taking Horse they both rode away Anno Christi 1546. and this inhumane Cain was highly commended by the Papists for it But the Lord would not suffer such an unnaturall villanie to goe unpunished for not long after he was so doggâ—d and haunted by the Furies of his own Conscience that being at Trent when the Council was held there he hanged himsâ—lf about the neck of his own Mule Diazius in his youthfull dayes had cloath'd His heart with Popery and after loath'd What he had done for when he was inspir'd By Heaven he searcht for truth and soon untyrâ—d Himselfe and having found the pathes of truth He hated what he acted in his youth Thus being turn'd from those wayes that lead To utter ruine Fame began to spread Her wings abroad and hover in the eare Of the distasted Pope who could not heare Goodnesse without impatience but strove To win him with reward of promis'd love But finding â—'was in vaine he chang'd his minde From Love to Murther and with spéed inclin'd Himselfe to mischiefe being voyd of grace Put out that light which shin'd so much in 's face The Life and Death of CRUCIGER Who died Anno Christi 1548. GAsper Cruciger was born at Lipsich in Misnia Anno 1504. of religious Parents who carefully brought him up in the knowledge of God and in learning He was melancholy by nature and of a retired disposition much in meditation and of few words being principled in the Latine he learned Greek and profited much therein and so went to the University of Wittenberg that having studyed Divinity there he might be more usefull to the Church he studyed also the Hebrew tongue and grew very exquisite therein from thence was called to govern the School at Magdeburg where he taught with much profit and applause till 1527. and then being called back to Wittenberg he preached and â—xpounded the Scriptures with so much dexterity that he was graced with the degree of a Doctor in that University he studyed and practised Physick also He was very helpfull to Luther in his Translation of the Bible He wrote so swiftly that he was chosen Scribe at the disputation at Worms and yet withall suggested to Melancthon many things for answer to Eccius his subtilties insomuch that Glanvell who supplyed the Enperors room said of him That the Lutherans had a Scribe that was more learned then all the Pontificians He alwayes opposed the Anabaptisticall errors and was very careful to preserve the Truch from corruptions he alwayes hated new and ambiguous expressions which often caused much troubles in the Church he often contemplated the foot-steps of God in Nature saying with Paul That God was so near unto us that he might be almost felt with our hands He studyed the Mathematicks in his later time and grew so skilfull therein that few excelled him he was excellent also in the Opticks but with excessive pains and incessant studyes night and day he contracted to himselfe a mortall disease whereby he wasted away and yet his intellectuals decayed not he lay sick for above three moneths all which time he gave forth cleer notable demonstrations of his Faith Patâ—ence and Piety he called up his two young daughters and caused them to repeate their prayers before him and then himselfe prayed with great fervency for himselfe the Church and those his Orphans concluding Invoco te quanquam languida imbecillâ— fide sed fide tamen credo promissioni tuae quam sanguine tuo resurrections obsignasti c. I call upon thee with a weak yet with a true Faith I beleele thy promises which thou hast sealed to mee with thy blood and resurrection c. In his sicknesse he intermitted not his studies for during the same he turned into Latine Luthers books concerning the last words of David he read the Psalms and other Autors his ordinary discourse with his friends was about the Principles of Religion the admirable government of the Church Immortality and our sweet Communion in heaven Upon the sixth of November there was a great Chasm or opening in the heavens and in some places fire fell to the earth and flew up into the ayre againe this Cruciger saw as he lay in his bed in the night and thereupon much bewayled the great commotions and dissipations in the Church which he foresaw by this Prodigie He spent the few dayes which remained in prayer and repentance and so quietly ended his dayes November 16. Anno Christi 1548. and of his Age 45. Considering the mutabilitie of all earthly things he used often to say Omnia praetereunt praeter amare Deum Besides God's love nothing is sure And that for evâ—r doth endure Grave Cruciger was in his life A hater of corroding strife His soule was â—â—l'd with Heaven and he Was alwayes constant alwayes free In his devotions all his dayes He spent to give his maker praise Religions stocke did still encrease Within his heart and crown'd his peace He was a wonder to all Nations For Piety and disputations The Anabaptists felt the force Of his patheticall discourse Truth alwayes shined in his brest All men speake truth that speake him blest PAVLVS FAGIVS The Life and Death of Pauluâ— Fagius IN the yeer of our Lord God 1504. Paulus Fagius alias Buchlin was borne in a Town situate in the Palatinate not farre from Bretta which in the Germain language is called Rhein-taberne his Father was called by the name of Peter Buchlin being chiefe Schoole-master of that Towne his Mother by the name of Margaretta Iager daughter unto Henricus Iazger of Heidelberge who was much beloved of Fredericke the Prince Elector Palatine by reason of his excellent knowledge in the art of War He was first acquainted with the grounds of Leaenrng in the same Towne and that through the carefulnesse and paines of his Father which indeed seemed pleasing unto him because of the sharpenesse of wit and quicknesse of apprehension which he saw in the childe and therefore for the better perfection of his naturall parts when he had reached unto the age of eleven yeares he sent him unto Heidelberge and committed him unto the tuition of Iohannes Brentius and Martinus Frechtus two learned men by whose meanes he was furnished with an excellent insight in humaine Learning When he had continued with these learned men for the space of seven yeers and being now eighteene yeers of age and longing for a greater perfection of learning he left Heidelberge and went unto