required that the Readers of Divinity should withall at certaine times read Lectures also of Philosophy it was agreed betweene him and Zanchie his fellow-professor that the one of them should read Morall Philosophy which fell to his lot and the other Naturall which Zanchie undertooke Howbeit here he was not long quiet for some factious ones began to complaine of him to the Magistrates as not concurring with the Augustine confession in the Doctrine of the Lords Supper wherein albeit he gave those in authority good satisfaction yet he perceived much heart-burning in other-some and that manifested oft times as well by scandalous libels scattred abroad as also by open opposition Whereupon supposing that he should not live quâ—etly there and do the good that he desired he began to entertaine thoughts of departure and as God in his holy providence pleased to dispose it a fit and faire occasion thereof offred it selfe to him For they at Zurick whereat first he desired to have setled wanting one to succeede Pellicane lately deceased in the Divinity Lecture invite Peter Martyr to come over to them and supply that place thither he came tho with much griefe and unwillingnesse dismissed by the Magistrates and other godly of Strasbourge his fellow-professors especially accompanied with our worthy Iewel after Bishop of Salisbury then exile in those parts who ever entirely affected and reverenced him as his Father At Zuricke with much gratulation was he most lovingly and respectively received by the Magistrates Ministers Bullinger especially and the maine body of the people and notwithstanding an Order before made to the contrary denying such admittance for some yeeres unto any enrolled instantly for a free Denison There he taught about seven yeers expounding the books of Samuel and a good part of the Kings and writing divers polemicall discoursâ—s against the adversaries of the truth Nor would he remove thence albeit he were with much importunity invited to other places where the meanes were larger as first to Geneva upon the decease of that every way noble Count Maximilian Celsus Pastor of the Italian Church there and after in Queen Elizabeths dayes when Religion was againe here setled Bishop Iewell labouring with him in it to returne into these parts but continued teaching there till he died howbeit being earnestly required by letters as well from the Queen mother of France the King of Navarre the Prince of Condee and other Peeres of that Realm as also from Beza and the rest of the Ministers of the reformed Churches in those parts he obtained leave of the Senate to goe over into France to the solemn Conference at Poysâ—i where how wisely and worthily he demeaned himselfe by the Acts of it may appeare Not long after his accesse to Zuricke desirous to continue the race and name of the Virmilii he tooke him a second wife a Virgin of good note and name commended to him from the Iâ—alian Church at Geneva where she lived an Exile for Religion by whom he had two children a son and a daughter who died both very young before him and left her great with a third that proved a daughter He departed this life quietly after some seven dayes sicknesse sitting in his chaire in the presence of his wife and Religious friends on the twelfth day of Novâ—m in the yeer of grace 1562. and of his owne age the sixty third He was of an able healthy big-boned and well limmed body of a countenance expressing an inward grave and setled disposition of extraordinary parts of learnng as well for humanity as for divinity excellent for disputation much admired wheresoever he came for his discreet and moderate though constant and incorrupt carriage never seen in heat of dispute to breake forth into chollour very painfull and industrious endevouring to doe all the good he could for Gods Church either in the places where he was resiant or elsewhere Nor may be omitted here the speech used of him to those of Zuricke by that learned man Iosias Simler that made the Funerall Oration at his Buriall and hath described his life at large that Another they might have in Martyrs roome but another Martyr they should not have But what he was and how laborious his Workes extant besides many other never published will soon shew which are these 1. A Catechisme or Exposition of the Creed in Italian 2. A Prayeâ—-booke composed out of the Psalmes 3. His Commentaries upon Genesis 4. His Commentaries upon the Booke of Iudges 5. His Commentaries upon the two Books of Samuel 6. His Commentaries upon the first Booke of Kings and eleven chapters of the second 7. His Commentaries upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans 8. His Commentaries upon the first Epistle to the Corinthians 9. His Disputations at Oxford about the Lords Supper 10. His Defence about the orthodox Doctrine of the Lords Supper against Stephâ—n Gâ—rdiner 11. An abridgement of the said Defence made by him afterward 12. His Confession exhibited to the Senate of Strasbourg concerning the supper of the Lord. 13. His judgement concerning the presence of Christs Body in the Sacrament delivered at the Conference of Poyssi 14. A Discourse concerning the Masse 15. A Dialogue concerning the place of Christs Body against the Ubiquitaries 16. His refutation of Richand Smiths two bookes concerning single life and Monkish Vows 17. In his commentaries on the first and second bookes of Aristatle Ethicks and part of the third 18. His Common-Places gathered out of his Commentaries by others and digested into Heads 19. Certain Treatises of Free-wil Gods Providence Predestination and the cause of Sin 20. Propositions some necessary some probable out of Genesis Exodus Leviticus and Judges together with Solutions of a Question or two concerning some Mosaicall Laws and Oathes 21. Divers Sermons and Orations of severall Subjecâ—s and made upon severall occasions 22. His letters to sundry Persons concerning much variety of usefull Discourse Behold this Star which séem'd at the first view Eccâ—ipst with Romish fogs but after grew So bright that his Refulgence did display Truths Banner beaming like the Sun of day His sunshine was not visible alone In true Religions reform'd Horizon But cast his foraign influence as far As th'Artick's distant from th'Antartick star Uext Romes iugenious Malice did compact To quench this flame but failed in the Acts. The seven-crown'd dragons star confronting traine Lasht at this Starâ— but lasht and lasht in vaine Thus he remains sustain'd by higher powers A Saint in heau'ns bright Orbe a Star in Onrs. HVGH LATYMER The Life and Death of Hugh Latimer HVgh Latimer born at Thirkesson in the County of Leicester being of a prompt and sharp wit was by his Parents brought up in learning and at the age of 14. he went to Cambridge where after he had profited in other studies he gave himself to the study of School-Divinity commensed Batchelor in Divinity and was a very zealous Papist made an Oration against Philip Melancâ—hon railed against Master Stafford
live idle but Preached up and down to the spirituall advantage of many From thence he was called to be the Moderator in a Synod at Aurelia where the opinion was discussed and confuted of some that held That the Government of the Church should not be in the Eldership but in the body of the Congregation and Sadeel took so much pains in this point that the the first Author of that Schism was confuted and converted and publickly in writing confessed and recanted his error being returned to Paris the persecution began to grow so hot there againe that he was perswaded to retire himself from the same afâ—er which he never could return to his flock that so loved and was beloved of him after his departure he was present at and moderated in many Synods of the French Churches but withall he was so hated of the wicked that at last he was driven from thence to Lusanna where he Preached for a time and from thence he went to Geneva where for diverse years he was a Pastor but the Church in France having some peace he returned thither and at Lions and Burgundy he edified the Churches exceedingly Afterwards he was sent for by Henry the fourth King of Navar to whom he went very unwillingly not liking a Court-life yet by the advice of his friends he went to him and for three years space in all his troubles was with him comforting and encouraging him very much and at the Battle of Courâ—rass a little before it began he stood in the head of the Army and prayed earnestly for successe which much encouraged all the Souldiers and when they had gotten the victory he also gave Publick and solemn thanks unto God for the same but by reason of sicknesse and weaknesse being unable to follow that kind of life any longer he was with uâ—willingnesse dismissed by the King and went through his enemies Countries in much danger till he came to hiâ— wife and children at Geneva but shortly after he was sent by order from the King into Germany upon an Embassie to the Protestant Princes where not onely the Universities but the Princes also received him in a very honorable manner especially Prince Cassimire and the Lantgrave of Hesse Anno Christi 1589. he returned to Geneva where in the middest of many troubles he continued in the work of his Ministery to the end of his life and when the City was besieged by the Spaniards and others he oft went out with the Citizens to the fights so encouraging them that through Gods mercy a few of them put thousands of the enemies to flight many times At last he fell â—ick of a Plurifie and though the Physitians apprehended no danger yet he fore-told that it would be mortall and retiring himself from the world he wholly conversed with God Prayers were made daily for him in the Congregations and Beza and the other Ministers visited him often with Prayers and tears begging his recovery he enjoyed much inward peace and comfort in his sicknesse and at last slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1591. and of his age fifty seven his losse was much bewailed by the whole City his Preaching was not too curious and yet not void of Art and eloquence So that his Ministery was alwayes most gratefull to the people he was very holy and exemplary in his life and had most of the learnedst men of those times for his special friends Renowned Sadeel spent his dayes In giving the Almighty praise He through floods of danger went To feed his flocke whose great content Fatten'd their souls and made them thrive No foode like truth to kéep alive Iu grace they ceas'd not to applaud His worth that was not over-awde By Papists rage t' was not a Goale Could make his lofty courage faile Let his example teach us to expresse Our selves contented when we féel distresse WILL WHITAKER The Life and Death of William Whittaker UPon the entrance of that gracious Prince of blessed memory King Edward the sixt at which time began the generall â—xilement of Popish superstitions out of this Realm and the setling of sincere Religion in roome therof it pleased God withall to bring into the world with us a choice instrument of his one that should in due time prove an eager and able both opposer of the one and maintainer of the other For in the first yeare of that pious Princes reign was William Whittaker borne at the Manner of Holme in the Parish of Burndley in the County of Lancaster Under his Parents he was brought up at Grammer Schoole untill being now about ten years of age about the time of the second restauration of the sincere profession of Religion shortly after the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth of holy and happy memory he was by that reverend and religious Divine Alexander Nowel Deane of Paâ—ls being his Unckle by the Mothers side sent for up to London from his parents with whom he had been nursed up in Popish â—uperstitions taken into his family and trained up in further matter of learning fit for his years in the publick School founded by Doctor Colet his pious sometime predecessor There he so profited in good literature and gave such presages of what would afterwards ensue that being now eighteen years old he was by the foresaid venerable Deane his Unckle sent to the University of Cambridge and there admitted into Trinity Colledge where making further progresse answerable to his former beginnings he was chosen first Scholar and after Fellow of that House and having received the degree of Master of Arts he began now to grow into no small esteeme and fame by reason of disputes and other exercises performed by him with the good approbation and to the great admiration even of the best and chiefest Among other things that caused the more generall â—otice to be tâ—ken oâ— him and gained him mâ—ch reputation were the translâ—tion of his reverend Unckle Master Nowels Catechisme into pure and elegant Greek and the dispuâ—e â—f that our right precious Iewell against Harding into the lâ—ke Latine Hence it came to passe that contention sometime arising between the two Proctors of the same year whether of them should at the ensuing Commencement be Father of the Philosophy Act to end the controversie being referred to the Heads of the University it was by their joynt consent as deeming none fitter for such a performance devolved to Master Whittaker though one then far younger then either of them and that might for his years have seemed too young for such an office But they were confident as appeared upon former proofe of his sufficiency for the place Neither did he therein either faile their estimation or frustrate their expectation of him For he discharged the office thus imposed upon himâ— with the generall applause of all as well strangers as others From the study of the Arts and Tongues wherein he gave sundry pregnant proofs of his proficiency beyond most of his equals having thereby
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
a piece of it which when Chytraeus had done Melancthon enquiring hiâ— age and admiring his forwardnesse said unto him Thou dost worthily deserve thy Degree and hereafter thou shalt be as a Sonnâ— unto me Whilst he was there he heard Luther's Lectures upon 〈◊〉 ten last Chapters of Genesis And as Plato when he was â—eady to dye praised God for three things first that God had made him a man secondly that he was bron in Greeceâ— thirdly that he lived in the time of Socrates So did Câ—â—traeus also acknowledge it as a singular mercy first thaâ— God had made him a man secondly a Christian thirdly that he had his education under those excellent lights of the Church Luther and Melancthon He was very diligent in attending upon Melancthon studied in his study heard all his discourses publicke and private about matters of the weightiest concernment followed him when he walked abroad and endeavoured wholly to fashion his life by hiâ— example And Melancthon looked upon him as his owne Son and used to call him suum Davidem his David Presently after Luther's death the Wars in Germany breaking forth by Charles the fifth the University of Wittenberg was dissipated by reason of the same whereupon Chytraeus went to Heidleberg where he studied Hebrew and then went to Tubing where he applyed himselfe to the study of the Mathematicks But when Prince Maurice of Saxonie had restored the University and called back Melancthon he preâ—ently returned to Wittenberg where he buckled close to his former studies fearing the like interruption again and in the year 1548. he began privately to read to young Students by which meanes having gotten some money in his purse he resolved to travell into Italie and other parts that so he might see those famous places which he had often read of and grow into acquaintance with the eminent men of those times For which he having gotten a faâ—thfull companion Andrew Martin of Rostoch he tavelled through most parts of Italie and being returned to Wittenbern Melancthon was requested to send two learned men to Rostoch for the advancement of that University whereupon he commended Iohn Aurifabar and Chytraeus to them who accordingly went thither and began their Lectures to the great satisfaction of the Auditors and in a short time Chytraeus grâ—w so famous that Christian King of Denmarke and the Senate of Auspurg sent for him to come to them he was desired also by the University of Argentine to succeed Hediâ— lately dead also Fredericke the second Prince Elector Palatine sent earnestly for him to come to Heidleberg but his Prince Iohn Albert would by no meanes part with him two years after he travelled into Frisland Brabant Flanders and other of the Belgick Provinces upon his returne the Elector Palatine sent againe for him to Heidleberg and the King of Denmarke profered to double his sâ—ipend if he would come to him but his answer to them both was That his Prince had dealt so friendly with him that he could by no meanes leave him Some years after the Nobility of Magdeburg sent to request his presence and assistance in reforming of Religion and ejecting of Popery from amongst them but when he could not goe himselfe he wrote his minde fully to them about the same About that time he commenced Doctor in Divinity at the charges of his Prince In the year 1565. the Senate of Stralsund sent for him to be their Superintendent and the King of Sweden also desired him to come thither but nothing would prevaile to get him from Rostoch The year after his Prince tooke him with him to the Diet at Auspurg where matters of Religion were to be debated At which time Ambassadours came to him againe from Argentine to request his remove thither and he gave them some hope of aâ—senting if his Princes good will could be procured but he would by no meaneâ— part with him and to expresse his love he profered to enlarge his stipend but Chytraeus refused the same Two yearâ— after he was sent for into Austria to assist them in the Reformation which they intended thither he went and gave them such full satisfaction that they sent him backe with an ample testimony of his abilities and integrity Then he made a journey into Hungarie where he visited many of the chiefe Cities in that Kingdome In the year 1571. his Prince made him the chiefe Visiâ—or of all the Churches in his Dominions He assisted also in the worke of Reformation at Berline the Marquesse of Brandenburg sent for him also to be the Divinity Professor at Frankefurt but could not obtain him Two years after the States of Stiria sent for him to helpe them in reforming thâ—ir Churches whither he went for halfe a year and was exceeding usefull to them therein At his returne he was sent for by the Elector of Saxonie and the University of Wittenberg to be a Professor there but they could not prevaile The year after the Duke of Brunswicke being to erect an University at Iuliers sent to him to assist in making Lawes for the University choyce of Professors c. Which he dispatched to his great content Shortly after also he went to divers meetings of Divines in severall placâ—s about procuring and setling the peace of the Churches of Christ. Whilst he was at Rostoch he went over in his Lectures the greatest part both of the Old and New Testament and wrote divers other learned Bookes also Growing into years he began to be diseased and sometimes was confined to his bed yet neither there would he be idle but upon the least intermission of his pain he went on with his Exposition of the two and thirtyeth Psalme which he had begun before And after that in Commenting upon the Epistle to the Romans but his disease increasing wherby he discerned the approaching â—f his end he made a Confession of his Faith received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and not long after quietly slept in the Lord in the year 1600. and of his age seventy Whilst he lay sick in his bed if any present had discoursed about a controversall point raising himselfe up he would call to them to speak out for that he should dye with the more comfort if he could learn any new thing before his departure In fames large Catalogue of worthyes rare Chytraeus may impropriate ample share Of honour and renown who from a lad An even Connative disposition had To learning which his parents did promove And which in time he rarely did improve Commencing at but fifteen years of age Master of Acts and with Melancthon sage In his owne house was blestly educated And most profoundly by him doctrinated In whom Melancthon such profâ—ciency Found even unto admiration high That this his pregnant Pupill afterward He as his son did tenderly regard Chytraeus also in processe of time To such a highth of honour up did clime For 's excellency in all rare Literature As did from all that knew him love procure And favour
Ministeriall function and also to joyn with Calvin in the reading of the Divinity Lecture Where he was also againe advanced to be head Master of a Free-schoole which was set up by the perswasion of Calvin for the future benefit of the same City Notice being taken in France of his Confession of the Christian Faith which without question wrought deepe impression in the hearts of many he was intreated by Letters sent from some Peeres of France that he would be pleased to visit Anthony King of Navarre then residing in Aquitaine and to confer with him concerning matters of importance but especially concerning such things which might be of force to beget true knowledge in the groundâ— of Christian Religion for there was some hopes that if he could be brought thereunto that the Church of God would not be so cruelly inhumanely dealt withall within the Kingdome of France Which enterprize God giving a blessing thereunto wanted not its fortunate and happy successe though not in the dayes of Aâ—thony yet in the dayes of Charles the ninth for he not onely entring into a consideration of the truth of the Doctrinâ— of the Church of Rome but also into the truth of the Doctrine of the reformed Church and with many of his Nobles adhered unto the same and foâ—thwith sâ—nt both Embassadours and Letters to the Senate of Geneva to intreaâ— the presence of reverend Beza concerning the dâ—sciding of those Controversies which were at that time on foot betwixâ— the Papists and the Reformed Churches This request was with great joy condiscended unto by the Senate of Geneva who sent Beza with many prayers for the advancemâ—nt of Gods glory Peter Martyr was also called from Tigurum by the Mother Queen who with all speed came to Paris Great was the conflict which Beza had at that time in the â—resence of the King with Cardinall Lotharingus concerning the Reall Presence â— wherein he confuted the erronious opinion of the Cardinall affirming that the viâ—ible signes were touched with the hands eaten and drunken with the mouth but that the thing signified viz. thâ— Body and Blood of Christ was offered and received by Faith Which judgement of his the Cardinall approved of at the last as he himselfe testified unto the Queene and was also embraced by her selfe The conference being ended with happy successe to the glory of God and furtherance of his truth Martyr returned to Tigurum and Beza intended to goe unto Geneva but he was hindred by the Authority of the Queen who plainly told him that seeing he was a French man he might be the Author of much good unto his own Nation Beza being thus detained contrary to his expectation spent not the time unprofitably but betook himselfe unto the preaching of the Word sometimes in the Pallace of the King of Navarre sometimes in the house of the Prince Cordaeus and sometimes in the suburbes of the City of Paris for then it was by publick Proclamation decreed that the use of the reformed Religion should be tolerated in the suburbes without any Molestation but they enjoyed not that benefit long by reason of a conspiracy performed by Guisius and other wicked persons for the utter extinguishing of the truth who urging the King with the example of Balderinus that Religion was but a thing indifferent and that he might condemne and renounce the day after that which he approved and allowed the day before they received this answer from him That he would never put hiâ— fooâ— so far into the Sea but that he would be able to pluck it back againe when he listed and so he departed and forsooke the truth of Christ and never after sent for Beza to have any conference with him Whereupon a hot persecution entred into the bowels of France against the Protestants forty five of them being put to the sword in the same place where they were gathered together to heare the Word of God preacht whereupon Beza was sent to complaine unto the King of their inhumane cruelty but found no redresse whereupon preparation was made to defend themselves by force of Armes the Prince Condaeus desired Beza to remaine with him in so dangerous and necessary a season who althoughâ— it grieved him greatly to be absent from his flock at Geneva yet he consents unto the request of this religious Prince and remained with him preaching and exhorting Christians privately to a patient wayting of the Lords leasure The Protestants betook themselves unto Orleans to which place the enemies marching in the fields thereof was fought a terrible battle wherein Condaeus was taken prisoner and the Protestants lost the day who notwithstanding this sorrowfull accident were much comforted by those divine letters which were sent unto them by Beza and they still remaining firme in that doctrine which they had received Not long after a peace being concluded and the prisoners restored to their former liberty Beza obtained leave of the same Prince to returne unto Geneva after he had spent two and twenty monthes with great labour and manifest dangers of his life Comming to Geneva not without the great joy of the Inhabitants he went forward in his ordinary course of teaching both in the Church and Schoole continued with Master Calvin in reading the Divinity Lecture untill his death then he performed it onely himselfe appointing Calladonus Danaeus and Fayus to be the Humanity Lecturers in the same City And in this godly couse he laboriously continued untill the time that he was called unto Rupella by the generall intreaty and request of the French Churches and earnest desire of the Queen of Navarre and of other Peeres of France where the confession of the faith of the French Churches was repeated and confirmed and strenthned with the approbation of the Queen of Navarre and the Prince Condaeus and so he returned to Geneva againe and indefatigably continued his constant course of teaching and then he corrected his Annotations on the New Testament From thence he was cealld againe to Berna for the confutation of the error of Albâ—rius concerning justification who taught that our righteousnesse before God was a meere pasive quality inhaerent in our selves w ch opnion with other errorâ— of his hindring the growth of the truth of Christ were there condemned and the reading of his books forbidden by the Senate of Berne which being ended he returned unto Geneva againe and having notice of the great troubles to ensue not onely in France in generall but also in Geneva it selfe in particular he cauâ—ed publick prayers to be sent up unto God twice every weeke extraordinary for the turning away of his wrath and for the peace and flourishing state of the Church and so he continued preaching and praying for the advancement of the Gospell of Christ untill such time as age made him unfit for the performance of these duties Yet here by the way we may observe the great malice of the Romish Jesuites who before the payment of his debt to nature
is a pregnant instance thereof whose inconsiderable yea contemptable beginning improved it selfe to give a blow under the fift rib in Scripture alwaies observed mortall to the man of sin 2 It would have given much satisfaction to the reader and more to our selves could we present him with exact Particulars of Huss his birth and extraction But alas we are so far from having a starre going before us to direct us to the place of his nativitie that we finde not the least candle-light to guide us to the notice thereof In or neere Prague we conceive him to be borne in which University he had his education 3. Now the learning of that age moved in a very narrow circle in Case and Controversiall Divinity The Schoolmen wanting the wings of the learned tongues therewith to mount into the meaning of the Scriptures in their originall onely employed themselves in running round in the beaten path of common questions whilst such amonst them as were of extraordinary parts impatient to be confined within yet unable to exceed the foresaid compasse let out their soules and made roome for the activitie of their mindes by digging deepe into curious inquiries where their best results are either unnecessarie or certaine or both Wherefore Iohn Huss declining such intricate labyrinthes betooke himselfe to finde out the right way to heaven describ'd in Gods word 4 It happened about this time that Richard the second of England married Anne sister to Wencelaus King of Bohemia and although he had no children by her yet the conversion of Bohemia may fitly be stiled the issue of this their mariage Indeed this Queene Anne taught our English women modestie in riding on Side-saddles in exchange whereof the English taught the Bohemians true religion first discovâ—ring the Romish superstitions unto them For her Courtiers here did light on the bookes of Iohn Wicklief and carried them into their owne Country where Huss had the happinesse to read approve and disperse the same See here the pedegree of the Reformation wherein Germany may be counted the Son Bohemia the Father and England the Grand-father 5. Huss hereupon began zealously to preach and propagate the truth which for the soundnesse thereof was welcome to many for the novelty to more But as the Jewes Acts 22.22 heard Saint Paul patiâ—ntly untill that passage That he was sent to the Gentiles which inraged them beyond all modesty and measure crying out away with such a fellow from the earth for it is not fit that he should live so even some Friers lent attentive eares to Huss his Sermons till their profit began to be concerned in his confuting the gainefull errours of Rome and their malice mustred all opposition against him First by order from his holinesse the Arch-bishop of Suinco was commanded to suppresse him but all in vaine his commands prevailing no more with Huss than the peoples prohibitions to Bartimeus commâ—nding him silence Marke 10.48 which onely made him cry out the more a great deale In so much that the Pope himselfe was faine to take the matter in hand 6 Here happined a most remarkable Accident very advantagious for the propagating of Husses doctrine A Scisme happened in the Church of Rome betwext three Popes at the same time so that Peters chaire was like to be broken betwixt so many sitting downe together This conduced much to the benefit of Huss who hereupon took advantage to decline so good a witt having an usefull Theame would loose nothing in handling it against the Chuch of Rome Pleading that having three it had no leagall head That this monstrous apparition of the Man of â—in presaged his life was â—hort that these three Anti-Popes made up one Antichrist In a word there was opened unto â—im a great doore of utterance made out of that cracke or cleft which now happened in this seasonable schisme at Rome 7 It was now high time a generall Councell should be called The Church was growne fowle with long want of scowring however the vicious Court of Rome declined it wonder not if theeves be unwilling to heare of an Assises expecting that there their faults would be discovered and censured All the world stood on the Tiptoes of Expectation what the Councell would produce Where for a while we leave them with the three Popes tugging one against the other where all Three at last were deposed and Pope Martin substituted in the roome of them 8 Huss during the beginning of this Counsell remained at Pargue constantly preaching in his Church of Bethlehem Where his adversaries chose out of his bookes and preaching severall Articles which they charged against him for Hereticall And it may seeme wonderfull how variously the number of them is rekoned up some times eight errours sometimes nine sometimes one and twenty sometimes five and fourty which numbers the doctors and Masters of the University of Prague collected and objected against him Yet none need justly admire at this difference as if Huss his opinions were like the stones on Salsbury plain falsely reported that no two can count them alike The variety ariseth first because some count onely his primitive Tenets which were breeders whilest others count all the yong Frye of Consequences derived from them Secondly some were more industrous to seeke capatious to expound malicious to deduce far distant Consequences Excellent at the inflaming of a Reckoning and to discover an infant or Embryo errours which others over looked Thirdly It is possible that in processe of time Huss might delate himselfe in additionall and supplementall opinions more than what he maintained at first His principall accusations were that he maintained the Sacrament was to be ministred to the peoplâ— under both Kings Secondly That Priests in a mortall sinne might not minister the Sacrament Thirdly That the Popes power above other Priests was onely invented for covetousnesse Fourthly That Priests once ordained are not to be forbidden preaching c. 9 For these Tenets Huss was excommunicated by Cardinall Delâ—hunna a sure prop of the Romish Church But all in vaine seeing the Gentry and Nobility of Bohemia did highly favour him Whereupon he was brought to the Counsell of Constance under the Safeguard of the whole Empire and a solemne Conduct of the Emperour Sigâ—smunâ—'s double written both in Latine and Almane that whether learned or unlearned might pretend ignorance thereof drawne in a most favourable Latitude for him and strongest legall forme given at Spire the eighteenth of October Anno Dom. 1414. Yea when the Pope waâ— informed by a Bohemian Gentleman what liberty Huss had granted him to remaine in Constance without any trouble vexation or interruption his Holinesse replied that if Huss had killed his brother no violence should be offered unto him during his abode in this City 10 But as the man possessed with a Divell Mark 5.3 None could binde him no not with chaines So strong was the uncleane Spirit of Cruelty in the Romish Court that no duplicates or double cords of safe Conducts
as immediatly done by himselfe And truly therein he more â—avored himselfe then Bradford who in the whole course of his imployment so acquitted himselfe as it is hard to determine whether therein he used greater diligence or integrity But having spent diverse yeeres in this honest and thrifty course of life wherein if he had persisted he was in a faire way both of wealth and worship he began to Elevate his thoughs above these temporary things and aspire to a service lesse profitable but much more honorable wherefore making up his accoumpts with his Master who neither would nor could diswade him from what he had once resolved he gave himselfe wholly to the study of Divinity and reading of the Scriptures But perceiving how usefull and necessary a Hand-maid Humanity is to Divinity and how short he came of those Tongus and Sciences without which it was improbable if not impossible for him to attaine any perfection in the noblest and most supereminent of all other Sciences at which he chiefely aimed leaving the Temple at London where he usually bestowed some few houres every day in hearing the Reader of the Common-Law he betooke himselfe to the University of Cambridge as neither able nor desirous to suppresse that which inwardly moved him to fit himselfe for an able workman in a more spirituall building After a yeere and some few moneths spent in the University he attained his degree of Master in Arts whereunto others are hardly admitted after long examination and seven yeeres painfull study But such was his Carriage diligence and profeciency that this favour though extraordinary and insolent was thought well bestowed upon him by the whole University And least any man may thinke it was rather out of Charity defer'd to his yeeres then abilities he was immediatly hereafter without any interposall of time chosen Fellow of Pembrooke Hall which first brought him to the eye and afterwards to the bosome of that learned and notable stickler in the reformation Martin Bucer by whom he was again encouraged and stir'd up to the worke of the Ministry not that he found him stagger in his Resolution or fall from his principles but because the greater measure of knowledge he attained the longer he defered the performance of his promise as ever thinking himselfe the more insufficient for so high and laborious a Calling Being one time amongst many moved by Bucer to defer the imployment of his Talent no longer and he pretending as formerly his present inability If thou canst not attaine unto Manchett said Bucer mayest thou not therefore feed this poore and Soul starved People with Barly loaves which proceeding from a man he so sincerely lov'd and upon whose jâ—dgment he so much relyed made him lay aside all his former tergiversations and in good earnest buckle himselfe to the worke But because no man can take upon him that function unlesse he be called as was Aaron though he doubted not of his inward vocation by God yet would he by no meanes thrust his shickle into that sacred harvest before he was called by the Church and seperated thereunto by Imposiâ—ion of Hands which with a Licence to Preach and a Prebeâ—d in Sâ—int Pauls he obtained from that renowned Bishop and glorio 〈◊〉 Martyr Doctor Ridley Bishop of London For three yeeres together he Preached faithfully and diligently in season and out of season being a sharpe and impartiall reprover of vice a vehement exhorter to vertue no man opposing Heresies with greater animosity or asserting the truth with more evidence and perspicuity whereby his fame spread it self almost over the whole kingdome And yet all this was but an Introduction to that which followed For King Edward the sixt of blessed Memory expiring with the last of these three yeeres and his sister Queen Mary contrary the his last will and Testament advanced to the Crown though not without some opposition which she easily overcame he was suddenly deprived both of his livelyhood and and liberty upon an occasion which deserved much rather reward then punishment And this it was In the first yeere of the Queenes Raigne and not long after her Coronation Master Bourne who was shortly thereafter by the favour of Secretary Bourne consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wels made a most invective and seditious Sermon at Pauls Crosse wherein he not onely cast dirt upon his late deceased King Edward the sixt but vented and maintained many Popish tents contrary to the orthodox Religion then established which drove the Common People into such a fury tumult that neither the reverence of the place the perswasion of the Bishop nor the authority and presence of the Lord Major could stop them from pulling him out of the Pulpit gladly he would have ended his Sermon for belike his greatest strength and confidence to lead his auditors hood winkt into their old Mumpsimus lay in his peroration but perceiving by a drawne dagger which amongst other implements was flung at him and missed him but very narrowly that the multitude were in good earnest and his life in jeoperdy he turned himselfe about and perceived Master Bradford standing at his backe within the Pulpit whom he earnestly intreated to supply his place and save his life by pacifying the People He no sooner appeared in the others room but the people joyfully ingeminated with a loud voice Bradford Bradford and by that time he had a little inlarged himselfe in the point of obedience the Tumult seemed more then halfe appeased But the Sermon ended and Bourne as he had reason not yet daring to commit himselfe to the so lately inraged multitude notwithstanding he was back'â— by the Lord Major and Sheriffs besought Master Bradford not to leave him untill he brought him into some place of security whereunto he willingly consented and when the multitude for the greater part were dispersed under the covert of his owne gowne he conveighed him into the next house which was the Scholemasters effecting that by the Word which the Major could not doe for him by the Sword many were â—ore grieved at his escape and some stuck not to Prophesie I know not by what Spirit that by saving this wiling Rashaketh from death he had given a deadly blow to his owne life Howsoever Bradford committed the issue to almighty God nothing repented his Charity which he was sure would finde reward with him what acceptance soever it found amongst wicked and unthankfull men yea so far was he from being afraid or sorry for what he had done that in his afternoones Sermon at Bow Church he sharply reprehended his Auditors for their forenoones tumultuous Carriage and sedition And yet such was the malice of the common adversary and iniquity of the times that about three dayes after for this very fact he was summoned to appeare before the Councell and by the Lords Committed to the Tower from whence within few weeks they removed him to the Kings Bench where through thâ— Keepers connivance he had often conference with Master Laurence
there afterwards for falling not long after into a very dangerous sicknesse whereof he hardly recovered the Fathers of his Order in a generall Assembly shortly after his recovery supposing that the ayre of that City did not so well agree with him made him their Generall Viâ—iter when he had been yet but three yeeres at Naples In which imployment supported by the Cardinall Gonzagâ— the Protector of their Order he so carryed himselfe suppressing some that carryed themselves tyrannously in their places severely chastising others that lived loosly leudly that though he gained much grace and credit to the Order no lesse love and affection to himselfe from the better minded among them yet incurred he withall much envy ill-will from those that were otherwise disposed It is a point of divellish policy too oft practised under a sembleance of honour to prefer men to such places as may prove prejudiciall to them and become a meanes of their overthrow Some of these Machiavilians therefore in a generall meeting of the Fathers of the Order at Manâ—ua knowing a deadly fewd and inveterate hatred to intercede betweene the Inhabitants of Luca and those of Florence our Martyrs Country move to have him made Pryor of Saint Fridian in Luca a place of great esteem for that the Pryor of that House hath Episcopall Jurisdiction over the one moity of the City hoping that for Countries sake he should there find opposition and molestation more then enough The motion was on all hands soon assented unto but the event answered not their expectation For by his wise kind and discreet carryage among them he gained so much good will and esteeme with them that they affected him no otherwise then as if he had been a native and by a solemn embassage made suite to the Principall of the Order that Peter Martyr might not be removed againe from them Here to advance both Religion and Learning among them he procured learned men of great note to read to the younger sort the tongues one Latine and the other Greeke and a third which was Emmanuell Tremellius the Hebrew He himselfe daily read to them some part of Saint Pauls Epistles in Greek and examined them in the same to the whole Company before supper he expounded some Psalme to which exercise diverse learned of the Nobility and Gentry did also usually resort and every Lords day he preached publikly to the People By which his godly labours many attained to much knowledge as appeared afterward by the number of those who after his departure thence sustained exilement for the truth among whom that famous Zanchie one These his good proceedings his adversaries much maligning held a meeting at Genoa and convented him thither But he having intellidence of their complotment and taking warning by their late dealings with a godly Eremite of the same Order resolved to decline them and to betake himselfe to some place of better safety Having therefore committed to his Deputy the charge of the Monastery and his Library his onely wealth to a trusty friend in Luca to be sent after him into Germany he left the City secretly and from thence travelled first toward his owne Country to Pisa where meeting with certaine religious Noble men he celebrated together with them in due manner the Lords Supper and from thence by letters both to Cardinall Poole and to those of Luca he rendred a reason of his departure from them After that coming to Florence but making no long stay there he departed from thence for Germany and passing the Alpes came into Switzerland wher he arrived first at Zurick and passing thence to Basil was by Bucers procurement called over to Strasbourge where for the spâ—c of five yeers with much amity and agreement they joyned together in the Lords worke during which time he expounded the Lamentations of Ieremy the twelve lesser Prophets Genesis Exodus and a good part of Leviticus Here he tooke him a wife one of a religious disposition and in all respects a meete match for one of his ranke and profession who lived with him eight yeeres died in England at Oxford where she had lived in great repute with the best for her singular piety and with the most for he charity corrrespondent thereunto though after her decease in Queen Maries dayes her remaines were inhumanely digged up againe and buried in a dunghill but in Queen Elizabeths dayes restored to their former place of Sepulture againe For after that our Martyr had spent those five yeeres at Strasbourge he was through the procurement of Archbishop Cranmer sent for by letters from King Edward into England and made Reader of Divinity in the University of Oxford There in his readings to which those of the Popish faction also resorted he expounded the first of Saint Paul to the Corinthians and though much envying and stomaking him yet with some patience they his Popish hearers endured him untill he came to handle the Doctrine of the Lords Supper but then they began to breake forth into some outrage to disturbe him in his Lectures to set up mâ—licious and scandalouâ— schedules against him to challing him to disputes which he waved not but maintained first in private in Doctor Cox the Vice chancellors house and afâ—er in publike before his Majesties Commissioners deputed to that purpose where with what strength of Argument and authorty of Scripture he convinced his Antagonists the Acts yet extant may evidently shew This way little prevailing they stirred up the seditious multitude against him by reason whereof he was compelled to retirâ— him to London untill that tumult was supprest Then returning againe for his better security the King made him a Canon of Christs Chuâ—ch by meanes whereof he had convenient housing within the Colledge with more safety Thus setled the second time he proceeded in his wonted employmâ—nt opening now also the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans and being in times of vacation called up to London by the Archbishop for his aid and advice in Ecclesiasticall affaires and in composing of Ordinances for the government of the Church And in this course he continued being never out of action untill by the decease of thâ—t our English Phaenix so much admired in his life and bewailed at his death not with ours at home but by others also and that of a divers religion abroad upon the succession of his sister Queen Mary one of a contrary disposition his employment surceased and with somewhat adoe he gat liberty and departed the land and though being way-laid which he had notice of both on this side and beyond the seas yet by Gods good providence and protection he passed unknown and undiscovered through Brabant and other Popish territories and gat in safety to Strasbourge Thither returning he was received with the greater joy in regard of the dangers he had past and escaped and was restored to his professors place againe Therein being resetled he read upon the booke of Iudges and because the Senate
Hampshire brought up at Schoole and sent from thence to New Colledge in Oxford where he stuied the Liberall Arts and the Tongues and afterwards the Civil-law He was of a pregnat wit and singular courage zâ—alous in Religion of nature apert and far from flattery hypocrisie and dissimulation from Oxford he travelled into Italie where he was in some danger for his Religion In King â—dward the sixth dayes he returned into England againe and had many conflicts with Bishop Gardiner He did much good in Hampshire being Archdeacon of Winchester all King Edwards dayes but in the beginning of Queene Maries Reign he was cast into Prison where he lay a yeer and a halfe before he was examined then he was sent for by Doctor Story and after some captious questions proposed to him he was committed Prisoner to the Bishop of Londons Cole-house unto which was adjoyned a little Blind house with a great pair of Stocks both for hand and foot but thanks be to God saith he I have not played of those Organs yet there hâ— found a godly Minister of Essex who desiring to speake with him did greatly lament his infirmity for through extremity of imprisonment he had yeelded to the Bishop of London and was seâ— at libertyâ— whereupon he left such an hell in his conscience that he could scarce refrain from destroying himselfe and could have no peace till going to the Bishops Register and desiring to see his Recantation he tore it in pieces whereupon the Bishop sending for him buffeted him pluckt off a great part of his beard and sent him to his Cole-house where Master Philpot found him very joyfull under the Crosse. Philpot being afterwardâ— sent for to the Bishop he asked him amongst other things why they were so merry in Prison to whom he answered We are in a dark comfortlesse place and therefore we solace our selves with singing of Psalmes after other discourse saith he I was carryed to my Lords Cole-house againe where I with my six fellow-prisoners doe rouse together in the straw as chearfully we thank God as others doe in their beds of down After sundry examinations he was by the Bishop set in thâ— stocks in a house alone of which he writes God be praised that he thought me worthy to suffer any thing for his names sake Better it is to sit in the stocks in this world then to sit in the stocks of a damnaple conscience at last he was condemned for an Heretick whereupon he said I thanke God I am an Hereticke out of your cursed Church but I am no Hereticke before God Being sent to Newgate he spake to the People as he went saying Ah good people blessed be God for this day having notice given over-night that the next day he should be burn'd he said I am ready God grant me strength and a joyfull resurrection and so he went to his chamber pouring out his spirit unto the Lord in Prayer and giving him most hearty thanks for accounting him worthy to suffer for his Truth Going into Smithfield the way was very foul whereupon two Officers took him up and bare him to the stake then said he merrily What will you make me a Pope coming into Smithfield he kneeled downe saying I will pay my Vowes in thee O Smithfield he kissed the stake saying Shall I disdain to suffer at thiâ— stake when my Lord and Saviour refused not to suffer a most vile death for me when the fire was hindled with much meekness and comfort he resigned up his spirit unto God An. Christi 1555. Couragious Philpot with a dauntlesse brow March'd to his death and would not once allow The least Submittance to erronious powers But Scorn'd to smell on their impoysn'd flowers And when he labour'd in the most distresse He was most chearfull and would still addresse Himselfe to Heaven where he was sure to find A healing Balsome to confirme his minde He prayed to God and having done he cry'd I thank I thanke thée Father and so dy'd THOMAS CRANMER The Life and Death of Thomas Cranmer THomas Cranmer was extracted from an ancient family in Lincolnshire as that derived it selfe from one of more antiquity still retaining the said name and Armes in â—â—rmandy Of his infancy and childhood we can give no other account then what is common to others of the same age as not capable of any extraordinary Actions but silently shaddowed under the â—nnocency and simplicity thereof Afterwards he was admitted into Iesus Colledge in Cambridge where he proceeded Master of Arts with generall applause for his learning and manners Here he happened to marry the Inkeepers wives kinswoman at the sign of the Dolphin An act beheld by some as destructive to his future preferment and deepely condemned by those who preferred height before holinesse and a rich and plentifull before a chaste and comfortable life Malicious tongues on this foundation built many foule and false Scandals against him some slandering him for to be an Ostler because of his often repairing to that Inne which causelesse report confuting it selfe with its own improbability his weeknesse and Patience overcame by contemning it Thus worthy Saint Helen Mother to Constantine the great was scoffed at to have been a Stable-groomes Daughter for her Zeale in searching the monuments of Christs nativity in Bethleham of whom Saint Ambrosse Bona Statularia quaedici maluit Stercoraria ut Christum lucrifaceret But Gods Providence who orders all things to the best some yeere after tooke Cranmers wife away which losseâ— proved a great gaine unto him For resuming his Studieâ— thereby to allay his sorrow and solitarinesse he became so eminent that the Society of Iesus Colledge chose him again into his Fellowship Indeed it was against the Fundamentall Law of the Vniversitie which provides Nolimus socios nostros esse mariâ—os vel maritatos yet seeing a Widdower is the second part of a Bachelor and Cranmers extraordinary learning a dispensation for himselfe by peculiar favour he waâ— reelected into that House How excellently he behaved himselfe therein one Instance for many At that time many unworthy Schollars scambled up into the highest degrees whose scarlet Gowns might seeme to blush the wearers Ignorance To prevent the dangerous consequences thereof and to render Degrees more considerable for the future Cranmer by generall consent was chosen Publicke Examiner of the sufficiency of such candidates for Degrees Herein he carried himselfe with such remarkeâ—ble moderation neither over remisse to incourage any unworthinesse to presume nor too riged to dishearten the endeavours of the ingenious that it is questionable whether his Carriage brought more profit to private Persons or credit to the University Some whose Graces for the present were stopt by him returned afterwards to thanke him because prefering rather to displease then hurt them the gentle Checke he gave them occasioned their greater diligence in the race of learning Here Cranmer lived till the infection of the Plague forced the students to leave their Colledges and
and set up a Schoolâ— there also Anno christi 1537. he was sent for by Christiâ—â— King of Denmarke to reform Religion in his Dominionâ— at which time he set forth a Booke about the Ordination of Ministers There also instead of the seven Bishops of Denmarke he setled seven Superintendents to Ordain Ministers and to see to the Government of the Church whom he ordained in the presence of the King and the Senate in the chief Church of Hafnia He set up Lectures also in that University and Ordained Ministers for the Churches of Denmark and Norway of which there were foure and twenty thousand Anno christi 1542. he was employed by the elector of Saxonie to Reform the Churches in the Dukedome of Brunswick the year following the Senate of Hilvesia sent for him to Reform their Churches where he with Corvinus and Henry Winckle wrote them a Form of Ordination and Ordained six Pastors for their six Congregations Anno christi 1533. he proceeded Doctor at thâ— instigation of Ioh. Friderick Elector of Saxonie Afterwards in the Wars of Germanie for Religion Wâ—ttenberg was besieged and Bugenhagius being grown old he met with many troubles yet would he never flye but by daily prayer to God he much cheared up himself considering that in so great tempests the poor Ship of Christ's Church was not swallowed up and devoured The Controversies and Quarrels which sprung up in the Church were the greatest grief to him Being grown old and his strength so decayed that he could no longer Preach he yet resorted daily to Church where he poured forth fervent Prayers both for himself and the afflicted condition of the Church of God at that time Afterwards falling sick though without much pain he continued instant in prayer and holy conference with his friends And drawing near to his end he often repeated This is life eternall to know Thee the onely true God and him whom thou hast sent Iesus Christ and so quietly departed in the Lord Anno christi 1558. and of his Age 73. He was a faithfull Pastor mercifull to the poor severe and stout in reproof an earnest defendour of the Truth against Errors ardent in Prayer c. He joyned with Luther in the Translation of the Bible which being finished every year upon that day he invited his friends and made a Feast which he called The Feast of the Translation of the Bible When the Cimmerian darknesse had forsooke Brave Bugenhagius he rous'd up and tooke Truth by the hand and from a Foe he turn'd A friend to Luther though at first he spurn'd Against his writings yet at last his brest Repented what he rashly had exprest Then like a Starre he shin'd and was content To teach himselfeâ— and others to repent PHILIPPVS MELANTHON The Life and Death of Phillip Melancthon â— IN the year of grace 1497. Philippus Melancthon that vigilant Watchman for the generall good of the Church was borne at Bretta a Towne situate in the Lower Palatinate and onely famous for the birth of so excellent a man His Parents although they were not endewed with any store of earthly treasures yet they were rich in grace both of them being godly wise vertuous grave and honest his Father attaining to no greater advancement then to be chief Gentleman of Armes unto Philippus and Rupertus two German Princes In his youth he was committed unto the tuition of Iohannes Aungarus a man excellently qualified of whom he learned the Latin tongue and afterwards instructed in the knowledge of the Greek by Georgius Simlerus who afterwards became a publicke professor of the Civill Law concerning whom Melancthon used to speak with great reverence and respect both for his eminent gifts and also for that singular care which he had over him being a child and delivered unto him to be instructed in the knowledg of the â—ame tongues Being by these two furnished in some measure with the knowledge of those tongues and being not yet fully twelve yeers old a sufficient testimony of his future worth he was sent to the University of Heidelberge where he studied Poetry and proved also in short time an excellent Historian and he being but a child himselfe he taught the children of the Grave of Lionsten by which means notice being taken of the excellency of his parts he was graced in the same University by a generall consent with the title of Bachilor of Arts and which is also most remarkable in his youth here he frequented the Company of those which were observed to be the greatest and best learned men and especially he used the familiarity of Spangelus a Doctor of Divinity a man learned discreet and wise having continued here for the space of three yeers he went unto Tubinga in the yeer 1512. where he became an Auditor unto Brafficanus and Bebelius the lavrell Poets of those parts and also unto Iohannes Stoflerus an excellent Mathematician and professor of those Arts in that Academie and also Franciscus Stadianus then Logick Lecturer all of them being famous for their excellent endowments and for the bettering of his understanding in Divinity and increased of his knowledge therein he repaired unto Doctor Lempus esteemed the soundest and most judicius in that place concerning whom he used to say that he would paint that horrid Monster of Transubstantiation on a table and present it publickly unto his Auditors and that he could not but much admire and wonder at the insulsitie and blockishnesse of the man here he was also an Auditor unto his Master Simlerus professing the civill Law wherein he came unto sound knowledge as is made apparent by his writings and having attained unto a singular perfection in the Arts and Tongus he was in this University advanced unto the degree of Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy in the yeer 1513. and in the seventeenth yeer of his age after this dignity conferred on him he remained four yeers in the Academie where he commented on Virgil and Terâ—nce read the Rhetorick History Lecture with singular judgment with the great approbation and applause of his Auditors About this time there being great tumults raised in Saxonie concerning religion grounded on the doctrine taught by Luther he was called by the Duke of Saxonie God so disposing by his providence unto Wittenberge in the yeer 1518. and in the 22. yeer of his age and in the tenth yeer of Luthers residence in the same place to be a faithfull assistant unto him for the advancing of the Gospell and in this may that City justly glory that it hath been blessed with the labours of these two undaunted Champions whoâ—e actions can hardly be parraleld by any living either in the auncient or in these moderne times At his departure from Tubinga his Master Simlerus said that his going away was to be much lamented of the whole City and forthwith added Quotquot ibi essent docti homines non esse tam doctos ut intelligerent quanta esseâ— doctrina ejus qui
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
committed any faultâ— that week whom he would so reprove and lay the wrath of God before them that he much râ—formed them thereby He tooke extraordinary paines to fit such for the worke oâ— the Ministery as were growne up to it so that the Church received very much benefit from thence hâ—ving so many able Pastors sent forth into it Besides this he Preached every Lords day in the Church and that with such fervency and evident demonstration of the spirit that he was the instâ—ument of converting very many unto God He wrote also many Commentaries upon the Scriptures which being Printed and going abroadâ— into other Countries Beza meeting with that upon the Romans and Ephesians he wrote to a friend concerning them that he had gotten a treasure of incomparable value and that he had not met with the like before for breviâ—ie elegancy and judâ—ciousnesse He was so humble that he prefered all others before himselfe and laboured after privacie from publicke businesse that he might the better apply himselfe to his studies yet in the two last years of his life he was so involved in Publicke affaires that it much weakned his health He was greatly tormented with the stone yet did he not intermit his labours He was made Moderator in a Synod and chosen for one of the Commissioners of the Church in the intervalâ— of Synods In the year 1589. his disease so increased upon him that he was confined to his house and being removed into the Countrey ayre he seemed at first to be better but presently his disease returned with more violence so that he was forced to keepe his bed whereupon he set his House in order and his Wiâ—e after ten years barrennesse being with childe he commended her to the care of his friends two Noblemen coming to visit him he requested them from him to goe to the King and to intreat him in his name to take care of Religion and to persevere in it to the end as hitherto he had done and to reverence and esteeme the Pastors of the Church as it was meet And when the Pastors of Edenbrough came to him he made an excellent exhortatioâ— to them and profession of his sincerity and integrity in â—is place that God called him toâ— death approaching he made such a divine and heavenly speech as astonished the hearers and when the Physitians were preparing Physick for him he said Tu Deus medeberis mihi thou Lord wilt heal mee then he prayed fervently that God would pardon his sins for Christ's sake and that he might have an happy departure enjoy God's presence which he often breathed after saying I have hitherto seen but darkely in the glasse of his word O Lord grant that I may enjoy the eternall fruition of thy countenance which I have so much desired and longed for the day after diverse of the Magistrates of Edenburg coming to him he spake to them to be very carefull of the University desiring them to choose into his room Henry Charter a man every way fit for that imployment he commended to their care also his wife professing that he had not laid up one penny of his stipend and therefore hoped they would provide for her when he had their promise for those things he said I blesse God I have all sences intire but my heart is in heaven and Lord Iesus why shouldest not thou have it it hath been my care all my life long to dedicate it to thee I pray thee take it that it may live with thee for ever C 〈…〉 Lord Iesus put an end to this miserable life hast Lord and tarry not Come Lord Iesus and give me that life for which thou hast redeemed me and when some told him that the next day was the Sabbath he said thy Sabbath O Lord shall begin my eternall Sabbath my eternall Sabbath shall take it's beginning from thy Sabbath The next morning feeling his approaching death he sent for Master Belcanqual to pray with him who in his prayer desired the Lord if he pleased to prolong his life for the good of his Church whereupon he said I am a weary of this life all my desire is that I may enjoy the celestiall life that is hid with Christ in God and thus continued he in such heavenly prayers and speeches till the evening and quietly resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1598. and of his Age forty three Renowned Rollock a most learned Scot Deserves also as his most worthy lot A Crown of Bayes his learned browes to dresse Who did such parts and piety expresse Such gravity mixt with sweet Clemency Such love to truth and spotlesse verity As that the Scottish States minding to make At Edenburg an Academ did take Especiall notice of him and then sent Desiring him to take that Government Which he perform'd with such diligence That Scotland reapt great benefit from thence He on the sacred Scriptures Comments wrote Wherof two were of such renowned note That Beza of them gave his witnesse fair That they were rich and prizelesse Trâ—asures rare This precious Saint thus piouâ—ly did spend His dayes on earth had heavens Crown in th' end The Life and Death of Nicolas Hemingius who dyed Anno Christi 1600. NIcolas Hemingius was born at Loland in Denmarke Anno Christi 1513. of honest Parents but his Father dying when he was young his Grandfather brought him up carefully in learning placing him forth in diverse Schools and when he had laid a good foundation of learning there he had an ardent desire to goe to Wittenberg which was made famous by Philip Melancthon's Lectures and having gotten some little mony in his purse he traveled thitherward but by the way some thieves met him and stripped him of all that he had yet when he came to Wittenberg he found thâ— people very charitable to him especially Melancthon there he remained five yeares and by his writing for and attending upon richer students and teaching some privately he maintained himselfe When he returned home he had an ample testimony from Melancthon for his excellent wit and learning and was there intertained by Olaus Nicholas to teach his daughters and from thence he was chosâ—n to be Pastor at Hafnia and accordingly ordained to itâ— which place he discharged with much diligence and faithfulnesâ— and many young students resorting to him he read privatly to them and afterwards was chosen Hebrew Professor in that University In the year 1557. he was made Doctor in Divinity and performed his place with much sedulity twenty six yâ—â—res Anno Christi 1579. when he was growne old and exhausted with his daily labors Frederick the second King of Dâ—nmark gave him a liberall Pension upon which he lived holily and comfortably all the remainder of his dayes som years before his death he grew blind and was troubled with severall diseases desiring nothing more then that he might be dissolved and be with Christ A little before his death he expounded the 103. Psalme with so
from the States of Germany And as he liv'd so honour'd he did dye ALEXANDER NOWELL The Life and Death of Alexander Nowel ALexander Nowel was born in the County of Lancaster Anno Christi 1511. of an ancient aud worshipfull family and at thirteen years old was sent to Oxford and admitted a member of Brasennose Colledge where he studyed thirteen yeares and grew very famous both for Religion and learning In Queen Maries dayes he amongst others left the Kingdome that he might enjoy his conscience and returning when Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory came to the Crown she made him Dean of Pauls where he was a frequent and faithfull Preacher By his writings he defended the truth against some English Popish Renâ—gado's for thirty years together he Preached the first and last Sermons in Lent before the Queen wherein he dealt plainly and faithfully with her He was a great benefactor to Brasennose Colledge where he had his first education He was the enlarger of Pauls School made the threefold Catechism which was much used long after He was very charitable to the poor especially to poor Scholars A great comforter of afflicted consciences he lived til he was ninety years old and yet neither the eyes of his minde nor body waxed dim And dyed peaceably in the Lord Anno Christi 1601. on the thirteenth of February and lyes buryed in the Famous Cathedrall Church of Saint Pauls in London with this Epitaph upon his Tombe Quam spcioÌ„sa vestigia Evangelizantium pacem With some verses also annâ—xed this being the lasâ— of them Sicoritur floret demoriturque Deo His Works set forth are as followeth 1 Against Thomas Dormam an English Papist in two books in quarto English 2 Another Booke against Dorman and Sanders of Transubstantiation in quarto English 3 His greater Catichisme in Latine in quâ—rto 4 Hiâ— lessâ— Catechisme in Latine in Octavo 5 The same in Latine Greeke and Hebrew As grave as godly Nowel Dean of Pauls Most justly for a Crown of honour cals Amongst other worthyes for his piety His learning wisedome and humanity A famous Preatcher in the halcyon-dayes Of Queen Elizabeth of endlesse praise To Pauls-School and to Braz'nnose Colledge he A Benefactor great was known to be For 's three-fold Catechisme worthily Much honour'd and for his great Charity Who at the age of Ninety years in peace And full of love and honour did decease The Life and Death of Daniel Tossanus who dyed Anno Christi 1602. DAniel Tossanus was born at Moumbelgard in Wertemburge Anno Christi 1541. his Parents carefully brought him up in learning and at fourteen years old sent him to the Universâ—ity of Basil and after two years study there he commenced Batchelor of Arts from thence he went to Tubing was there maintained to his studyes for two yearâ— more by Prince Christopher at the end whereof he commenced Master of Arts and then was sent for back by his father to Mounâ—pelier where he Preached for a while and then went to Paris to learn the French Tongue and proceed in his other studyes Anno Christi 1560. he went thence to Aurelia where he read Hebrew publickly there he was first made Deacon and two years after Minister which place he undertooke there rather then in his owne Country partly because of the great want of Pastors in the French Churches as also because he agreed with them in his judgement about the manner of Christs presence in the Sacrament he also marryed a wife Anno Christi 1565. Whilst he was there the civill Wars brake out between the Papists and Protestants and Francis Duke of Guise besieging the City of Aurelia where Mounseur de Andelot brother to the Admirall of France commanded in chieâ—e Tossan continued there all the time of the siege and took extraordinary pains in instructing exhorting and encowraging both Citizens and Souldiers and when the City was in great danger to be lost one Poltrot who had devoted his life for his Countries safety went out and flew the Duke of Guise under the Wall 's whereupon the siege was raised and the Church there preserved almost miraculously from ruine An. Christi 1567. there brake out a second civill War at which time the Papists in Aurelia conspired together to destroy all the Protestants so that they were every hour in danger of being butchered when it pleased God to send Mounser Novie with a small party of Souldiers who entring into the City and joyning wâ—th the Protestants drove out some of the Papists and disarmed the rest but after that famous battell at Saint Danis wherein so many of both â—ides were slain and wounded Peace was againe concluded though the Papists quickly brake it and a great company of Souldiers entring into Aurelia they began to breath forth threatenings against the Church of Christ especially against the Miâ—isters of it hereupon Tossan was in great danger iâ—somuch that when he went into the Church to Preach he knew not whether he should come out alive that which most troubled him was the fear that he had of his wife and two small children besides he never went to the Congregation but some threw stones others shot bullets at himâ— and their rage grew so great that they burned down the barn wherein the Church used to meet together and every day he heard of one or other of their Members that were slain so that he was compelled severall times to change hiâ— lodging yet one day the Souldiers caught him and pretended that they would carry him out of the City but intended to have Murthed him whereupon hiâ— wife great with childe ran to the Governor and with much importunity prevailed that her husband might stay in the City and the third civill War braking out the Popish Souldiers in Aurelia were so enraged that they burned all the places where the Church used to meet and barbarously slew above eighty of the faithfull servants of Christ in them yet it pleased God miraculously to preserve the Ministers in that great dangâ—r and Tossan by the help of some of the faithfull was conveyed privately away out of the Ciâ—y in the night but whilst he fought to hide himselfe in a wood he fell into an ambush and was taken and was carryed to Prisoner into â— Castle not far of from Aurelia which sad newes coming to his wife she left no meanes untryed for his delivery and aâ— last for a great sum of mony she procured his release whereupon he went to Argimâ—nt and hiâ— wife putting her self into the habit of a maâ—d-servant went towards Argimont after him where Renata the daughter of Lewis the twelfâ—h of France and Dowager of Ferrara lived in a very strong Castle and was a great â—â—iend to the Protestants entertaining many that fled to her for succour bâ—t as his wife was going thitherward after him she waâ— takeâ— by some Souldiers and carryed back to the Governour of Aurelia but it pleased God to stir up his owne wife â—nd daughters
having no Folioes The Life and Death of the late reverend and worthy Prelate LANCELOT ANDREWES late Bishop of WINCHESTER THis grave and honorable Prelate was borne in the City of London in the Parish of All-Saints Barking of honest and Religious Parents his Father having most part of his life used the Seas in his latter time became one of the society and Master of the Holy Triniâ—y comonly called the Trinity house and was descended from the ancient family of the Andrewes in Suffolke From his tender yeeres he was totally addicted to the study of good letters and in his youth there appeared in him such aptnesse to learne answerable to his endeavours that his two first Schoolmasters Master Ward and Master Mulcaster conceiving or foreseeing that he would prove a rare scholer contended who should have the honor of his breeding From Master Ward Master of the Coopers Free-Schoole in Radcliffe he was sent to Master Mulcaster Master of the Mercantaylors free schoole in London where he answered the former opinion conceived of him for by his extraordinary industry and admirable capacity he soone outstript all the scholers under Master Mulcasters tuition being become an excellent Grecian and Hebrecian Insomuch as Thomas Wattes Doctor of Divinity Prebend and Residentiary of Saint Pauls and Archdeacon of Middle-sex who had newly Founded som Scholerships in Pembrook Hall in Cambridge sent him thither and bestowed the first of his said Scholarships upon his which places aâ—e sincâ— comonly called the Greeke Scholarships As soone as he was a Bachelour of Arâ—s and so capable of a fellowship there being then but one place void in the said Colledge and Thomas Dove late Lord Bishop of Peterburgh being then a scholer also in the said Colledge and very well approved of by many of the Society The Masters and Fellowes put these two young men to a Tryall before them by some Scholasticall exercises upon performance whereof they preferred Sir Andrewes and chose him into the fellowship then void though they liked Sir Dove so well also that being loth to loose him they made him some allowance for his present maintenance under the title of a Tanquam Socius In the meane while Hugh Price having built Iesus Colledge in Oxford had heard so much of this young man Sir Andrewes that without his privity he named him in hiâ— foundation of that Colledge to be one of his first Fellowes there His Custome was after he had been three yeeres in the University to come up to London once a yeer to visit his Parents and that ever about a fortnight before Easter staying till a fortnight after and against the time he should comâ— up hâ—s Father directed by letters from his Son before he came prepared one that should read to him and be his guide in the attaining of some Language or Art which he had not attained before So that within few yeeres he had laid the foundations of all Arts and Sciences and had gotten skill in most of the Modern Languages And it is to be observed that in his journeys betwixt London and Cambridge to and fro he ever used to walke on foot till he was a Baâ—chelour of Divinity and professed that he would not then have ridden on horse-backe but that diverse friends began to finde fault with him and misinterpret him as if he had forborne riding onely to save charges What he did when he was a Child and a schoole-boy is not now knowne But he hath beene sometimes heard to say that when he was a young scholer in the Universiâ—y and so all his time onward he never loved or used any games or ordinary recreations either within doores as Cards Dice Tables Chesse or the like or abroad as Buts Coyts Bowles or any such but his ordinary exercise and recreation was walking either alone by himselfe or with some other selected Companion with whom he might conferre and argue and recount their studies and he would often professe that to observe the grasse herbs corne trees cattle earth waters heavens any of the Creatures and to contemplate their Natures orders qualities vertues uses c. was ever to him the greatest mirth content and recreation that could be and this he held to his dying day After he had been some while a Master of Arts in the University he applied himselfe to the study of Divinity wherein he so profited that his fame began to be spread farre and neare Insomuch as being chosen Catechist in the Colledgâ— and purposing to read the ten Commandements every Saturday and Sunday at three of clocke afternoone which was the hour of Catechizing not onely out of other Colledges in the University but diverse also out of the Country did duely resort unto the Colledge Chappell as a publique Divinity Lecture Before I proceed to his life after he left the University give me leave to relate a story of him while he yet remained there and that as near as I can from his owne mouth and in his owne words Upon his first shewing himselfe at Cambridge in his Divinity studies especiall notice was soone taken of him among his abilities and eminencies as a man deeply seene in all cases of Conscience and he was much sought to in that respect To proceed with his owne particular His worth made him so famous that Henry Early of Huntingdon hearing of it sent for him and thought himselfe much honoured by his accompanying him into the North whereof he was President and whâ—re God so blessed his painfull Preachings and moderate private conference that he converted Recusants Priests and others to the Protestant Religion Sir Francis Walsingham Secretary of State to Queene Elizabeth tooke also especiall notice of his abilities and highly affected him and being loath that he should not be better known to the world wrought meanes to make him Vicar of Saint Giles without Criplegate London then Prebend and Residentiary of Saint Pauls and afterwards Prebend of the Collegiate Church of Southwell Being thus preferred to his owne contentment he lived not idlely but continued a painfull labourer in the Lordâ— vineyard witnesse Saint Giles Pulpit and that in Saint Pauls Church where he read the Lecture thrice a weeke in the Terme time And indeed what by his often Preaching at St. Giles and his no lesse often reading in St. Paâ—ls he became so infirme that his friends despaired of his life Upon the death of Doctor Fulke he was elected to the Mastership of Pembrooke Hall whereof he had been a Schollar and Fellow a place of credit but of little benefit for he ever spent more upon it then he received by it Afterwards he was made Chaplaine in ordinary attendance of which kinde there were then but twelve to Queen Elizabeth who tooke such delight in his Preaching and grave deportment that first she bestowed a Prebend at Westminster upon him and not long after the Deanry of that place and what she intended further to him her death prevented He soone grew into far greater esteem
Here may we not without much wrong deny To this Erpenius honoured memory Who was most famous in his generation A man of exc'llent parts to admiration And in the Orientall tongues so rare That few or none with him deserv'd compare For th'Arabick and Hebrew tongues likewise The Kings of France and Spain did him so prize Yea England Holland Germany Italy Proffer'd great summes t' enjoy his company And rare eudowments deep experience At forty years of age death took him hence The Life and Death of Abraham Scultetuâ— who dyed Anno Christi 1624. ABraham Scultetus was born at Grunberge in Silesia Anno Christi 1566. his Parents were of good rank who carefully brought him up at School where he profited exceedingly and Anno Christi 1582. he went to Vraâ—islavia where he for had his fellow-students Pitiscus Polanus Pelargus men who after proved eminent in the Church of God Having studyed there sometime he went thence to Freistade to hear Melancthon Bucolzer and some others But his active spirit could not long be continued within the bounds of his owne Couny and therefore being assisted by the bounty of a Noble Knight he went to Wittenberg and from thence to Dessavia to acquaint himselfe with Peter Martyr and Casper Pucer Anno Christi 1590. he went to Hiedleberg where he heard Daniel Tossan and Francis Iunius there also he read Lectures of Logick Oratory and Astronomy to diverse young Noblemen and the year after Commenced Master of Arts then he betook himselfe to the study of Divinity thereby to fit himselfe for the Ministery which from his childhood he had devoted himselfe to and Preaching before the Elector Palatinâ— he so flowed with elâ—quencâ— and 〈◊〉 that the Prince and all his Courtiers were 〈◊〉 delightâ—d in himâ— which caused the Elâ—â—toâ— to mâ—kâ— hiâ— visitor both of the Schoolâ—â—nd Churches Yea many other Princes made use of his help in reforming their Churches in Iuliâ—rs Brandenburg and Hanovia he was also sent to the Synod of Dort Anno Christi 1612. the Prince Elector Palatine took him into England with him where he was much esteemed respected by King Iames and other learned men at his returne to Hiedleberg he was made Professor in the University and Doctor in Divinity Anno Christi 1618. But about that time grievous Wars breaking forth the miseries whereof were dispersed afterwards oveâ— all 〈…〉 Hiedleberg and travelled 〈…〉 met with many affliction◠〈…〉 long tossed up and down in 〈…〉 the Lord at last provided him a quiet 〈…〉 â—here he was choâ—sen a Preacher 〈…〉 orn out wiâ—h travels 〈…〉 Ministery he quietly 〈…〉 1624. and of his age 58. What admiâ—able endowments he had his Works do sufficiently declare especially his Medulla Patrum which is so much esteemâ—d by learned men Most worthy also is Scultetus grave The Palme and prize of praise and fame to have Wâ—â—â—â—r â—is 〈◊〉 wit â—nd worthâ— His learned labours rare in print put forth Chiefly Medulla Patrum that choyce piece Preferred far to Jasons golden fleece By all the learned Had in high request For 's eloquence and diligence exprest By our King Jamâ—s and other Princes great Who with most high applause obtain'd the seat In Hiedlebergâ— brâ—ve University Of the Professour there and worthily Made Doctor of Divinity At last Having much trouble with his comforts past At Embdâ—n God him gave a quiet Statioâ— And there by death crown'd him with heav'ns salvation Robert Bolton Batchelour in diuinity minister of Gods word att Broughton in Northamton shire The Life and Death of Robert Bolton RObert Bolton was born at Blackborn in Lancashire Anno Christi 1572. his Parents finding in him a great promptnesse to learning though they had no great means yet they intended him for a Scholar the rather having an opportunity of a good Schoolmaster in the town where he profited exceedingly and at twenty years old he went to Lincoln Colledge in Oxford and was Master Randaâ—'s Pupil afterwards a famous Preacher there in a short time being well grounded before and industrious he beâ—ame an excellent Logician and Phylosopher at which time his father dying and his meanes failing he took excessive pains and wanting books he borrowed of his Tutor and others read them over and abridged them and to perfect his knowledge in the Greek he wrote out all Homer with intolerable pains so that he could with as much facility dispute in the Schools in Greek as in Latine or English From thence he removed to Brasen-nose Colledge the Fellowships there belonged to Lancashire and Cheshire men yet for want of acquaintance he stayed long without a Fellowship which made him to languish through want but his deserts being known Doctor Bret and some others together with some small stipends he had for his Lectures in that House supported him till he gat a Fellowship about the thirtieth year of his Age then also he Commenced M r. of Arts and being chosen Lecturer he performed it with such exactness that he grew very famous his Disputations in the University were performed with such acutenesse of wit and profound learning that he was chosen by the Vice chancellor at King Iames his first coming to the University to be one of the Disputants before him and to read naturall Phyloâ—sophy in the Publick Sâ—hools he was also well studyed in Metaphysicks Mathamaticks and Schoolâ—Divinity yet all this while he had nothing in him for Religion he loved Stage-playes Cards Dice was a horrible swearer Sabbathâ—breaker and boon-companion he neither loved goodnesse nor good men He hearing the fame of Master Perkins went to Cambridge at a Commencement that he might hear him Preach and hâ—ving heard him said That he was a barren empty fellow and a passing meane Scholar but when God changed his heart he changed his tune and said That Master Perkins was aâ— learned and godly a Divine aâ— our Church hath in many years enjoyed in so young a man He had familiar acquaintance with one Master Anderton a good scholer his Country man and formerly his Schoolfellow but a strong Papist yea a Priest he knowing Master Boulton's good parts and oâ—tward wants took that advantage to perswadeâ— him to go over with him to the English Seminary at Rome where he should be furnished with all necessaries and have gold enough this motion he excepted of and a day and place was appointed in Lanâ—ashire to take shipping from thence and be gone Thither Master Bolton repaired at the time prefixed but Anderton came not whereby escaping that snare he returned to Oxford where he fell into acquaintance with Master Peacock a learned and godly man whereby it pleased God to bring him to repentance but by â—uch a way as the Lord seldome useth but upon such strong vessels as he intendeth for strong encounters and rare employments for the Lord ran upon him as a Giant taking him by the neck and shaking him to pâ—eces as he did Iob beating him to the ground as he did Paul by laying before