A SECULAR SERMON CONCERNING THE DOctrine of the Gospel by the goodness and power of God restored in the fifteenth age from the birth of our Lord jesus Christ.  
MADE BY THE REVEREND AND WORthy Preacher Mr. ABRAHAM SCULTETUS, in the High-dutch tongue.  
AFTER BY ANOTHER TRANSLAted into Latin, and now out of Latin into English.  
LONDON, Printed by William jones, dwelling in red-cross street near S. Giles Church, Anno 1618.   

A SECULAR SERMON MADE IN THE Arch-Palatine court, in the year 1617. And of january the first. 
a Seculum i 〈…〉 tin, signifieth 〈…〉 age, contain 〈…〉 an hundred years. There 〈…〉 this Sermon 〈…〉 called secular 〈…〉 cause it count 〈…〉neth the story 〈…〉 the last hun〈…〉 years, when 〈…〉 the gospel 〈…〉 restored, from 〈…〉 year 1517, 〈…〉 this year 〈…〉   
THat which is written by the Kingly Prophet David we see 
Psa. 145.  certainly helpeth at this present. The mercy of God is over all his works. For, from this mercy we do freely acknowledge that we have received this benefit, that we live, and in good health begin this new year. From this mercy it is, that being free from pestilence, and death, we have not seen bloody wars, nor other public calamities. From the same mercy we have received it, that by the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, (which we have here liberty solemnly to keep) we joyfully understand, how, for our good, Christ was borne at Bethlehem; how the Angels sweetly delighted us with their hymns, how the shepherds of Bethlehem danced, with a holy joy; and how Simeon and Anna entertained with kisses the Saviour newly borne.  
Go too then, O Palatinate, magnify the Lord thy God with due praises: and thou O Heidelberg, with pious affection, publish his name and glory, which is most worthy to be worshipped and adorned.  
And because now this is the hundred year, since which time the everlasting and Almighty God, looking upon our Ancestors with the eye of his grace and favour, delivered them out of the horrible darkness of Popery, and brought them into the clear and fair light of the Gospel, let us also looking back to these times, behold and consider, how gracious, God hath declared himself to his Church in the said hundred years, and how mercifully he hath gathered it together, having been before dispersed and scattered here and there, and being gathered, how wonderfully he hath preserved it, unto this present time.  
2 For so it will be made manifest, that the Lord jesus Christ, doth worthily and agreeably to his proceeding, bear the name of jesus (that is a Saviour) that was given at his Circumcision, expressing it by really saving his people, and to be our true jesus and Saviour, not only by the excellency of his merit, but also by the virtue and power of his effectual operation and working which he showeth out most mightily in, and towards his Church, and people.  
Moreover also (as I persuade myself) here will be matter and occasion abundantly ministered unto us, for the celebration and praise of the name of God, where we shall behold his wisdom, omnipotency, goodness and justice, every where most clearly shining in his government of the Church in this century, or last hundred years.  
And that I may shortly comprehend all this matter: even as God in times past reform the world by the Apostles and their faithful successors: So likewise in the fifteenth hundred year from the birth of Christ, God I say began to order the reformation and government of his Church? All which things my purpose is at this present, evidently to show and demonstrate unto you.  
1 Whereas it behoved that Christ should be borne one thousand six hundred and seventeen years agone: God sent john Baptist as a forerunner, that he might prepare and make ready a way for the Lord: In like sort when the same Christ was (as it were) to be borne again, it pleased God that divers preparatory helps and furtherances to the rest that was to follow should be furnished, before he took in hand the reformation itself of Christian Religion.  
Amongst which means of preparing way to the said reformation, most worthily I may name and account first the liberal arts and sciences, and the daily exercises of good sciences, and chiefly of the three learned tongues and languages, as instruments to make way to the reformation that was to follow. In the next place I nominate and rank Universities and particular Schools (as they call them) which by a commendable purpose and worthy example for imitation and following, were in that time, partly founded and erected, and partly also preserved and enlarged. To these I add also the invention of the Art of Printing, which before had been utterly unknown, and by means whereof it came to pass that Doctor Luther's books, being dispersed and spread into divers and most large countries and nations, came into very many men's hands, and were every where read and diligently studied. Here also amongst the aforesaid means, the translation of the Scriptures is not to be passed by, but attentively to be considered. For in the year, one thousand five hundred and fifteen, the old Testament saw the light that was to be wished for, being published in print in the original Hebrew tongue by Francis Ximenius, being Archbishop of Toledo, and a Cardinal: and so likewise was the new Testament printed in the year next following.  
Which books opened the eyes of many, and marvelously raised their desire, so that being inflamed with a zeal diligently to know and search out the heavenly truth, they might easily discern, how far the Popes of Rome had departed from the purity of the Scripture.  
2 In time past also, when Christ went about the reformation of the world, he called not to that service the Scribes and Pharisees which were of great authority, but he chose unto it twelve Disciples, men despised by the world, and esteemed base, which for the most part were fishermen.  
So likewise one hundred years agone, Christ taking in hand the work of a new reformation, used not thereunto any purple-cloathed prelate, nor Cardinal, whose names were most flourishing and famous, but he raised up hereunto for this service Martin Luther a Monk of the order of the Augustinians, Philip Melanchthon a professor and reader of the Greek tongue in the University of Wittenberg, and two Priests of small account, to wit, Huldrich Zwinglius, and john Oecolampadius.  
3 Moreover the doctrine of the Gospel breaking out, (at the first publishing of it by the Apostles) with a divine and most powerful force, suddenly like the lightning enlightened the universal world, so as even in the time of Irenaeus reported to have been taught by Polycarpus scholar to john the Apostle, Christ came to be famously known by the nations and people, both of the East and West parts of the world: even so, when as one hundred years agone, after that the Idolatry of the Papists running (as if they had been mad or bewitched after the worship of Images) being discovered, the contrite and wounded hearts of men were led (as by the hand) from their confidence in their own merits, to the precious ransom of the death of Christ, it is incredible to be spoken, with how great celerity and speed, and with what great success, the purity of true Religion pierced into all countries. For it rested not now only in Cities; neither was it content to remain amongst the inferior of the Nobility and gentry: but it entered into the Courts even of Kings and Emperors, and got their allowance and approbation.  
May it please you then (for proof hereof) that we first view the Cities? Amongst these, the first that flourished and were famous for the praise of sincerity of the Gospel, were these: Strausborough, Breme, Norinberge, Worms, Erford, Hoslaria, and Embden of Friesland. All these cheerfully & with ready minds received, and entertained the truth coming unto them, in the very first beginning. These also kindled by & by a fervent zeal of Religion in other countries. Amongst these were Maydenborow, Hamborow, Lubeck, Brunswick, Wismaria, Rostochium, and almost all the Cities of the Empire. Nay furthermore in Li●feland, the cities of Riga, Derbatum, Renalia, in Helu●tia or Switzerland, Basile, Scafhusium, Tig●rum or Zurich, Berne, and divers others. All which Cities as they embraced the doctrine of the Gospel with great gladness & gratulations, so Wolfgongus Capito hath left written a singular & memorable act, in this respect, of the men of Berne, which is this: Having received the Gospel, they set their prisoners at liberty, and proclaimed freedom, for such as they had banished out of the land, to return into their Country again, yielding this notable reason for their so doing. For said they, if we would have dismissed & discharged our malefactors and prisoners in the honour of an earthly King, that should have come unto us. How much more now ought we then sith Christ the King of glory is come unto us, bringing with him the most glorious benefit of everlasting redemption? And therefore we most earnestly wish and desire that as much as might be, all men may be made partakers of so great a benefit and deliverance as is now bestowed upon us.  
In going out from the Cities, let us view the degree of Knighthood. In this degree there attained a perpetual Crown of honour that noble Francis of Sickengen, Huldrick of Hutt●n, and Silvester of Schawenburg. For when Luther was miserably vexed and persecuted by the Pope, they undertook the defending and protecting of him with all their force and power. And when Luther was excommunicated, and was thinking to fly into Bohemia for refuge, Schawenbergius before mentioned, offered him free access unto him, and promised him a company of a hundred horsemen of Franconia to conduct him safely to him.  
Of this praise are also partakers, the Landshadii, Steinacenses, Helmstatenses, Gemingenses, and Mensingenses, who every one of them from the year 1521, and 1522, had procured the sincerity of the Gospel to be publicly preached in their territories. In whose steps, john of Salhausen of Bohemia, treading did the same, and being accused for it to Lewis King of Hungary and Bohemia, he defended himself with a notable Apology.  
Now amongst the Princes that received the Gospel, the heroical worthies of the house of Saxony obtained the principal place, to wit, Frederick the wise, john the sincere, and john Frederick the constant, being Electors: whose most commendable example, even straightways from the beginning followed, Lewis Count Palatine the Duke of Bipont, George Marquis of Brandborow, Marquis Albertus' Duke of Prussia, Ernestus Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg, Francis Duke of Luneburg, Philip Landgrave of Hassia, Wolfgangus Prince of Anhalt, and Frederick the second, Duke of Silesia, Lignicum, and Briga.  
From thence the fame of the Gospel sounding all abroad, there opened their gates also to the Lord jesus Christ in their countries, these Princes. john Duke of Cleve, and his successor William (although there fell 
1533.  out some such causes and times as suffered them not to finish and perfect the reformation which they had begun, so as it had been to be wished.  
These princes also embraced the Gospel, Hu●drick 
1534.  Duke of Wirtemberg, with his brother George, Earl of Wirtemberg, and M●nbelgard, and Bar●inus and Philip 
1537.  Dukes of Pomerania, joachin the second Elector of 
1538.  Brandenburg, & his brother john Severus, Henry Duke 
1539.  of Saxony father of Mourice and Augustus Electors, 
1543.  Hermannus Archbishop of Coullen, Charles Marquis of Baden, julius Duke of Brunswick, Gotthardus Duke 
1556.  
1568.  of Curland, William Prince of Orange, to whom the lowcountrymen are much beholding in that respect.  
For what should I speak of the Arch-Palatine country? wherein we have the reformation made by the Electors, that is begun by Frederick the second, 
1546.  continued by Otto Henricus, and finished & brought to perfection by Frederick the third, to his eternal and greatest honour, and our unspeakable benefit and comfort. Neither was Lewis the peaceable Elector estranged from favouring the Gospel, seeing that 
1538.  his brother Frederick graciously granted free exercise of the Religion of the Gospel to eight cities lying in one precinct in the higher country of the Palatinate, which are Amberg, Neufore, Kam, Nafurg, Weiden, Nanpurg, Au●bac, and Ch●mnate. Herein also it secmeth most worthy to be remembered, that a Prince of the Empire George Earl of Anhalt, a Prince of most 
1548.  approved piety and holiness, is said to have esteemed the doctrine of the Gospel so precious, that he doubted not himself in his own person, out of a rare and extraordinary zeal to deliver it to his subjects preaching unto them. We have heard also, that the same Prince gra●ed with a mariage-Sermon, the Elector Augustus, and his noble wife, being publicly married according to the accustomed right and manner of the Church.  
For which cause the Queen of Denmark joyfully gratulating the spouse her daughter, said often, that no greater grace could happen to her in the world.  
After these Princes followed also Kings, every of them in their several times and distances of years. Amongst these, the first was Frederick King of Denmark, who having shaken off the yoke of the Pope, embraced the pure doctrine of the word of God.  
Soon after followed him Gustarus King of Sweden, Mary Queen of Hungary, sister to the Emperor Charles, Margaret of Valois, Queen of Navarre, sister to Francis King of France, to whom she most earnestly commended oftentimes, the cause of such Christians as being exiled, fled for refuge into France, yielding herself most gracious unto them, yea and as if she had borne the kind affection of a mother towards them. Such a one was also Renata, the daughter of Lewis the twelfth, King of France, who having been married to Hercules' Duke of Ferrary, enlightened the darkness of Italy itself with the light of the Gospel. And when she had returned widow and dowager into France, in the tempestuous and stormy time of the most foul and shameful massacre, and slaughter extremely raging in Paris, and every where else in France, in the year 1572. she reached forth a gracious and helpful hand, for the relief of the most afflicted state of many godly persons: and amongst others she received and entertained that most religious and worthy teacher master Daniel Tossanus, together with his wife and children, and cheerfully patronized and defended him in the time of extreme danger.  
Now if we behold and consider the reformation of the English Churches, here cometh to my mind, and as a most beautiful and comfortable Star shineth Edward the sixth, the most gracious King of England, who being enkindled with an heroical Spirit and zeal, desired those Churches to be thoroughly cleansed from Popish Idolatry. After also, his sister Queen Elizabeth followed his piety and most religious example both with like affection and success.  
What? did not also james Hamelton Viceroy in Scotland, first permit and make free to every one that would, the reading of the Bible in the English tongue, and the order of prayer. By which worthy act, the true Christian Religion straightways took so great increase, as that the States in Parliament provided by public law in the year 1561, that all the people should live quietly and in peace without reviling, or injuring one another for any pretence or excuse of Religion.  
Moreover this is also manifest by certain proofs, that these three Emperors Charles the fift, Ferdinando and Maxmilian departed out of this life, resting upon the same comfort and faith, which Luther taking out of the Scriptures, preached and published, in that he showed and taught that all the hope of everlasting life consisteth in the death of Christ.  
After these notable personages of the civil state, let us now come also and remember the teachers of the Church: wherein we may consider that after the Apostles time, God raised up almost in a continual succession most worthy teachers, such as these were, Ignatius, Policarpus, justinus Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Athenagoras, Origen, Cyprian, Tertullian, Athanasius, Epiphanius, Hilarius, Basil, Gregory of Nazianzene, Jerome, Augustine, Ambrose, Chrysostome and many others, by whose worthy service & labour, the work of the Reformation of the world begun by the Apostles, was happily and with great success proceeded in, and furthered.  
And even so to those first goodly and glorious lights of the Church in Doctrine and Divinity, Luther, Melanchton, ZWinglius and Oecolampadius, God added & adjoined other teachers, that were men famous for their piety and learning, who receiving the Gospel from the former, as a lamp and a light delivered unto them (the foulest errors of Popery having been discovered) have brought with them a clearer and greater light of understanding and knowledge of the books of the Bible.  
In Helvetia and Switzerland, who is ignorant that there have been many, who partly by preaching, and partly by writing, have served the Church with great diligence and profit? Amongst whom these men are worthy of immortal praise: Henry Bullinger, Rodolph Gualther, Oswald Myconias, Conrade Pelican, Berthall Haller, Gasper Megander, Leo juda, Benedict Aretius, john Wolf, Lewis Lauater, josias Simler, Bibliander, William Stuckius.  
Do we demand what teachers they have had in high Germany? Surely in that country there hath been great plenty of notable teachers. Such as were these, Ambrose Blawrer, john Swickius, Martin Bucer, Malthias Tellius, Wolfangus Capito, Caspar Hedio, Andrew Osiander of Hala in Swevia, Erardus Schnepfius, and Ma●tin Frechtius at Tubinga, Ambrose, Mollerus and john Hesse at Wratislavia or Bresla; Conrade, Somius at Vlms, Wolfangus Musculns at Augusta or Ausborow, Francis Lambert, Andrew H●perias, john Pincer, Denis Melander in Hassia, and in Wittenberg jasper Cruciger both the father and the son; Georg Maior, john Bugenhagius, Paul Eber, john Foster, john Auenar, Henry Moller, Frederick Widebrame, and Christopher Pezelius.  
In Livonia or Liefland there have been worthy Preachers, as Andrew Cnophius and others, and in Borusia, john Poliander and john Brismana; in the lower Saxony, Vrbanus Regius, Hermane Browne, and Albert Hardenbergius, in Frisia, Micronius, Menso, Altingus, and divers others.  
And who is there amongst us whom the remembrance of these famous men doth not move and effect with singular delight, to wit, of William Farell, Peter Viret, john Caluin, Austin Marlorate, Theodore Beza, Antony Sadeel, and of Philip Mor●y of Plessay, and others, who partly by teaching, and partly by writing, have mightily overthrown Popery, and advanced the Gospel of jesus Christ.  
Neither hath this favour of God been wanting unto Spain. For what men Spain hath had teachers of the evangelical doctrine, the same it hath also most glorious Martyrs, to wit, Francis Drianda, Diazius, Doctor Constantine, Confessor to the Emperor Charles the fift.  
Italy itself also hath sent us over from thence most excellent Divines to the very great benefit of our Churches, Peter Martyr, jerom Zanchius, & Immanuell Tremellius.  
These men also in Scotland, have left us most ample and large fruits of their service; for the Gospel, john Knox, Robert Rollock, john johnston, and divers others.  
But in England God hath set out, as upon a Theatre and stage to be seen by all the world, very many famous and learned men, who have stoutly defended and maintained the doctrine of the Gospel against the deceitful impostures of the Antichrist of Rome.  
And such were these, Thomas Cranmer Arch bishop of Canterbury, Hugh Latimer, john Hooper, Nicholas Ridley, john Rogers, Hugh Philpot, john jewel, Laurance Humphrey, with William Whitaker, john Rainolds, William Perkins, William Fulke, and an infinite number of others, whom it were too long to rehearse.  
How should I be silent of the land of Denmark which hath had most famous Preachers of the Gospel, to wit, Palladius, Hemingius, Macabaeus, etc.  
The Hungarians also speak of Michael Starinus as of their glory, who reform many particular Churches in it, and set Ministers of the word over them, to whom he himself prescribed what order was to be held for the making of Sermons profitable and fruit full, and in what manner the Sacraments were to be administered. They will recite in like manner Steven Szegeden, Paul Thurius, jasper Charles, Peter Melius, Martin Hollopaeus, Matthew Scaricaus, Thomas Fabricius of Tholna, and many others.  
And that I may mention no more, the Churches of Poland, even to this day, not without a thankful remembrance they speak of that worthy noble parsonage john Alaskaw, of the Earls of Gorkaw, and the Lords, Oselinians, who in their time were a defence and an ornament to the doctrine of the Gospel.  
So do they likewise speak of those notable Divines, Erasmus Glisner, Georg Israel, john Laurence, Balthasar Euchner, john Turnorius, and others who have fruitfully delivered the Gospel to the people.  
5 Now to extend the comparison begun yet further, in the beginning God, who is most and only wise, spread and propagated the Gospel, by means which in appearance, were directly contrary to the furtherance of it: such as was the overthrow of jerusalem, and the dispersion of Christ's Disciples into divers parts of the world. And the same course hath God observed every wherein our time.  
In the year 1522, that noble Gentleman Francis Sickingen had gathered so many worthy men into his Castle of Landscale, as might seem to have been sufficient to have furnished some University, and famous School. For at one and the same time, he had with him john Oecolampadius, Martin Bucer, john Schwebelius, jasper Aquila.  
Now, no long time after, when he was besieged by certain Princes, he left it to the pleasure of those Divines, to go for their best safety and security where every one of them would.  
By which occasion of that siege & of their dispersion, john Schwebelius going to the Count-Palatine Lewes' Duke of Bi●ont, he laid there the first stone of the evangelical reformation. Martin Bucer went to Strawsborowe, which with what fruit and benefit of the Church he did it, is manifest by the common voice and testimony of all Germany.  
john Oecolampadius took his journey to Basile, to which City he so made known and apparent his learning and piety, that he was invited and desired with most earnest request to take pains to read and preach unto them. Whereunto after that he had yielded, in the space of a few years, he so advanced the cause of Religion, that the said City greatly rejoiced at the sight of a full reformation, procured by him amongst them.  
jasper Aquila he went to Thuringia, and there furthered the edification of the Church of Christ, with great zeal, and happy success. A like occasion almost about the same time fell out at Treptqaine (a place in Pomerland) which was this. There flourished a certain College, that was famous by the learning of certain men, of which College, john Bugenhagius was the Rector.  
Now it fell out, that Luther's book of the babylonical captivity being sent from Lipsia, were delivered there to Bugenhagius to be read over, who having slightly looked upon it, is reported to have said to his fellows, brethren, the Sun did never see a greater Heretic than Luther. But after a few days looking more diligently and attentively into the said book, he changed his opinion and testimony of him openly before the same brethren, and said: that all the world had been drow●ed hitherto, in most palpable errors. Which he afterwards set so clearly before them, as that they all consented in judgement with him. Which after that the Bishop of Camintum came to the knowledge of, by and by (as the manner is) he began fiercely to persecute them.  
Wherefore they began all to fly and provide for the safety of their life. And Bugenhagius going to Wittenberg, took an Ecclesiastical charge, and afterwards reform the Churches of Hanborow and Lubeck, and of all the Kingdom of Denmark.  
Andrew Cnophius went into Leif land, and there brought the City of Riga to acknowledge and to receive the truth of the Gospel, which at the beginning broke out into so great flames, that straightways Darbetum and Revalia came thither (as it were) from the brightness of it, to kindle their light.  
The rest of them flying from Treptum, bestowed themselves abroad in the town of Pomerland, and handled the cause of the Gospel so happily & with so great success as that by the authority and commandment of Barnim and Philip Dukes of Pomerania, the states of the land being assembled together in that town, by common council and decree Popish abuses were banished out of all Pomerland.  
Now let us view France and namely Meaux in France, there Bishop Bricomet with great earnestness undertook to maintain the cause of the Gospel. And having called together thither very many learned men, and amongst them john Faber Stapulensis, a man of eminent and great name, he commanded them publicly to preach the true doctrine of the Gospel. But after when the Bishop being terrified and put in fear, fell away from true religion, all the ministers also were compelled to forsake the country: whereof some went into the Kingdom of Navarre, and some to Paris: and (althougth privately and in secret places) they instruct the people by their Sermons. Many of them also in the City of Metz, whither they had fled, began the building of that goodly Church, which even to this day doth continue and flourish. Others also went to other places of that Kingdom, where they made Christ, and the doctrine of the Gospel more famous.  
And is there any man, who herein may not acknowledge, admire, and publish the wisdom of God? especially, considering that he than showeth forth his mighty power for the help and advancement of his Church, when we think it most of all abandoned and forsaken.  
The like thing happened also in Italy, which (for the profession of the Gospel) banished many godly persons from Naples, Luca, Pisa and Locarne. All which persecutions, the wisdom of God directed to that end, that by the service of the same men, which had been banished from these places, the building up of the Churches in other countries, might be excellently raised up. The same we know to have been done at Geneva, Zarick, London in England, and in other places.  
In like manner, the small Caldian war being finished, the brethreen and professors which were driven out of Bohemia and Moravia, came to Pole-land, where they who had been refused by King Sigismond, found a very gracious patron of Albert Duke of Borussia. Yet some of these turning back again into Polonia, were received by divers noble men in Pole-land.  
And what came of their return? In the space of eight years, there was so much effected by their industry and labour, as that Peter Vergerius (having been sometimes Bishop of justinopolis, and the Pope's legate in Germany) by the writings of our men which he had undertaken to confute, was brought to the acknowledging of the truth, even he confessed that he found in Pole-land forty Churches established in good order, by those brethren which they never thought would come to pass, who had banished them with so great cruelt●e.  
Moreover it cannot be denied, but that the persecution in the Low-countries, furnished the dominion of the Palatine Elector, with many teachers, and Preachers of the word, adorned with all kind of good learning and knowledge; whose godly labours did greatly advance the work of reformation begun by Frederick the third Elector.  
The like also fell out in this country. For when as after the blessed decease of that most worthy, pious and virtuous Prince, some alteration in Religion had driven and dispersed Ministers of the word into other places, by these ministers in like manner, the doctrine of the truth was propagated and spread into other places.  
Furthermore by what means think we, that the most famous Dukedom of Wirtenberg was brought to the acknowledging of the Gospel? was it not when the Duke Huldrick himself was dispossessed and cast out of his Dukedom? for whereas he lived privately with Philip the Landgrave of Hassia, and there heard the teachers of the sincere Religion preaching, & had before that been present at a collogue and conference at Marpurge, his mind took such a taste of true Religion, as that after, having received his Dukedom, he procured carefully the same true Religion to be preached unto his subjects.  
Neither hath God used these means only, for the propagation and advancement of his word, but also many other courses that have been marvelous.  
For I call Hungary to witness, that even Soldiers and men of War have given furtherance to God's word. For whereas the Dutch Army brought thither by King Ferdinandus, had in it many Lutherans, by their means that Kingdom better discerned of Popish Idolatry.  
Italy also may testify the like of itself, when both the Army of Charles the fifth besieged the Pope, and some dissensions began to grow between the Pope and the Venetians.  
To the number of these other means, I may also add divine and spiritual songs, which having been made by Preachers of the Gospel, and accustomed to be sung by poor Scholars, insinuated and closely conveyed the knowledge of the truth into an infinite number of men in Germany and the Low-countries, and chiefly in Hungary, where for the want of the Art of Printing, this means was devised, that the songs which had been indited by the teachers, young boys and scholars should devoutly and sweetly sing, not only at men's doors, but even at feasts and banquets.  
Moreover I think that I may truly say, that it hath been a great means to further the knowledge of the truth, that particular Schools have been founded and erected in many places, and that disputations have been held by the professors of the Gospel with the Papists. Of which sort are the disputations held at that time at Lipswick in the year 1519, 
1519.  at Zurich and Bresla 1523, at Basile 1524, at Norimberge 
1523.  1525, at  in Switherland 1526, at Bern 1528, at 
1524.  London 1549, and such like. 
1525.   
6 Another likeness between this age and the primitive 
1526.  Church may be in this, that the enemies of 
1528.  the truth set upon the Christians of the primitive 
1549.  Church, sometimes with severity of edicts and proclamations, after which grievous punishments, and at the length by open war: in the very like manner, for the space of these hundred years, grievous Proclamations have been often published against true Religion and the professors of it. And when they little prevailed, they killed infinite multitudes of men by fire and water, by the sword and by hanging, and many other kinds of punishments: and when neither these means had the like success which they desired, they came at length to this, that strong Armies were levied, and brought into Germany, the Low-countries, and into France, to have rooted out true Religion, if it had been possible.  
Further also as in that time the heathen Emperors (whether they would or no) heard the confessions and Apologies of the Christian faith, which are extant and to be read in justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Tertullian, and others: Even so in this our age, Kings and Kaisers, have of necessity been made to take notice and information of the truth of the Gospel, which in all things they did not approve of.  
For who is ignorant that the Emperor Charles the fifth was present at the public reading of the confession of Ausburge, so named of the City where this was done? Likewise to King Ferdinandus, a confession of their faith was both exhibited and read by the brethren and professors in Bohemia and Moravia.  
We read likewise that Francis, the first King of France, heard with his own ears the famous confession of the Christians of Merindole.  
Also Theodore Beza, in the conference at Poessy, the King and the Queen, yea all France in a manner hearing it, delivered the Articles of our faith, so sound and so effectually, as that the Cardinal of Lorraine said, that he wished that either Beza had been dumb, or that all the States there present had been deaf that day.  
7 Yet will we not stay here, but observe another point of comparison: for in the primitive Church, there were very many Christians who (as the Ecclesiastical History doth witness) professed the truth of the Gospel with the loss of their goods, and also of their very life itself: So likewise in these hundred years last passed, God hath set before our eyes notable and famous examples of Christian constancy in an infinite number of most worthy persons, men and women, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, noble and un-noble.  
The regard of the time will not suffer me here to enlarge myself, yet can I not by any means pass by in silence, in Germany the houses and the families of the Electors, to wit, that the house of Brandeburge, Saxony, and the Palatine have brought forth those heroical persons, to whom you may truly apply the speech which by the Apostle is uttered of Moses, that they esteemed the reproach of Christ to be greater riches, than the treasures of the Egyptians.  
First let us go to the house of Brandburge, and call to mind George the marquess of Brandenburge, who being then to King Lewis, the great Perfect and Governor of his Court, retained with his help, and defended with his aid, the Christians in Silesia, Bohemia, and Hungary, being charged and burdened with divers slanders.  
After also, when the Emperor Charles the fift, in the assembly at Ausburge, published a severe edict and Proclamation, with a most grievous punishment added to it, charging all men to abandon the Religion of the Gospel, the said Lord marquess, had this honourable report of his constancy, that fearing nothing the emperors indignation, he boldly said kneeling before his Majesty, that he had rather yield his head to be smitten and cut off, then to departed the least jot from the truth, which he had once acknowledged and received, which when he once had spoken openly, they say that the Emperor answered, that the cutting off his head was not sought for.  
Will ye go from Brandeburg to Saxony? There we shall see Duke Henry the progenitor of the two most gracious Electors Mauricius and Augustus worthily showing how deep roots the love of the Gospel had taken in him.  
For when his brother George Duke of Saxony (who was a most earnest defender of the Popish Religion) a little before his death, having caused it to be signified to him by messengers (sent for that purpose) that he would make him his heir, upon condition, that he would forsake the Religion evangelical reform; but if he refused to perform the condition, that he would give all his dominions to King Ferdinandus: Duke Henry of whom I spoke, answering presently, said plainly and expressly to him; this your message evidently representeth and bringeth into my mind that which is written in the holy Scriptures, when Satan promised to Christ, the Kingdoms of the whole world, upon condition, that falling down at his feet, he would worship and adore him. Do you think that I esteem any worldly riches and benefit more, than I do the glory of God? Certainly your expectation doth much deceive you. With which answer he dismissed those messengers, adding to his former speech, this notable sentence, that he had rather be poor with Christ, then rich with the Pope.  
Which memorable act of his religious piety wanted not his reward from God. For before that the legates and messengers had returned some, Duke Georg his brother dying, without executing that his determination, altogether against his will, left Duke Henry his heir and successor. And what should I speak of john Frederick Elector of famous memory? Of whom, the Emperor Ferdinandus himself is reported to have said to Doctor N 〈…〉 vius chief Physician of the Elector of Saxony: that john Frederick Flector, was a Prince of a magnanimous and high courage, whose valour and virtue if his Soldiers had followed in the War, with like animosity and boldness, he had never been overcome. Further he is reported to have said, that he stood by the Emperor Charles, and beheld with how cheerful and gracious a countenance he came to the Emperor, presenting himself, not as a captive and prisoner, but cheerful as one that should have led a dance.  
And surely that he excelled in the greatness of an invincible mind and courage, he made it manifest in his very imprisonment and captivity, to the wonder and admiration of all men.  
For in the assembly at Ausburge, the Emperor had drawn all the States of the Empire to his purpose, that stricken with fear, they freely professed, that they would receive whatsoever the General Council that was to be called, should determine of Religion. Then he required and commanded the Prince being prisoner to do the like. But he than answered that in all other things he was ready with all submission to yield his service and obedience: but in that which concerned Religion and conscience, he humbly be fought him in his gracious clemency to respect him.  
So great was the magnanimity of this Prince Elector when he was a prisoner, so great was his zeal for the true worship of God, when the other States being yet free, and yet affrighted with the fears of dangers, professed that they would willingly obey the decree of the counsel that was to be held: whose judgement was yet unknown what it would be. Therefore Melanchthon a most religious Divine notably in verse commended the constancy, of this likewise most religious Prince and Elector, saying.  He won more praise by constant profession of faith, then if he at home had fought fierce and terrible battles. 
Furthermore the County Palatine, is able to show also in this glorious field, and to this day commendeth to all posterity, those most famous Princes, Otto, Henry, and Frederick the third of that name, either of them Electors, and most constant defenders of the truth.  
Ottho Henricus desired rather to lose the principality of Neuburg, then by forsaking the truth of Religion to keep it, and to win the favour of Caesar and of the Pope: which faithfulness and constancy in Religion, God recompensed with a large & ample blessing. For he not only restored unto him, the foresaid dominion; but also, Frederick the second being dead, he gloriously advanced him to the Electorship.  
Behold also the Count Palatine Frederick the third, him to whom piety itself gave his Surname, so that he was renowned & called Fredericus Pious, and consider with me a little his divers and great trials which he endured for the cause of Religion.  
He was constrained, sometimes to avoid the darts of his brother, sometimes to withstand his children, and sometimes to resist his kinsfolk, yea at the length in the assembly at Ausborow he had the Emperor himself and the Princes and States of the sacred Empire greatest adversaries unto him.  
Yet surely Caesar's Majesty notably made answer for him to the Electors and Princes that would have excluded and shut out the said Frederick Pius, out of the peace of the Empire, saying, I must answer you, as Christ did Salome: you know not what you ask. Do you not know, that he is a Prince of the Empire? will you be at discord among yourselves? Notwithstanding the same Emperor, very severely and peremptorily commanded the same Elector Frederick, to change and utterly forsake his Religion, which was said to be a divers Religion from that which was said to be allowed at Ausburge, and infected (as they said) with the error of Caluinisme. Then the Elector openly and plainly (as the love of Religion persuaded him) to this effect declared his mind to the Imperial Majesty, that in the matter of Faith and Religion, he did acknowledge one only Lord, to wit, God, who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  
That such question and business concerned not the loss of any temporal estate, or of this present life, but the everlasting salvation of the soul: which as he had received and had it recommended unto him from Christ his Lord and Saviour: so he both aught and would keep it entire and whole without hurt or blemish unto him, even with the danger and loss of this present life. Furthermore he said, that he was willing and ready to yield to any whatsoever they were, a just reason, apology, and defence of his Catechism and Faith.  
Which magnanimity and courage of a constant faith, Augustus' Duke of Saxony and Elector admiring, friendly and brotherly striking with his open hand the shoulder of this most pious Prince Frederick, said, Frederick, thou dost far excel us all in piety and Religion.  
Behold a cheerful mind of a Prince in the profession of the truth, nobly resembling the Emperor jovinian, who being taken by the Soldiers to receive the Imperial dignity, refused to take it upon him, except the Army by whom he was chosen, would cast away their Idols, and embrace the sincerity of Christian Faith.  
Our own Prince also, in like manner a most constant professor of Religion, resolved rather to lose the dignity to be one of the seven Electors, then to abandon the truth of the Gospel, if he could not keep his Electorship without the loss of true Religion.  
Now let us proceed from Germany to Italy, and bring out before you, two worthy champions for the faith, out of the Kingdom of Naples, to wit, Galeacius Caracciolus Vice-Marques, and the same a son of the sister of Pope Paul the fourth; the other john Berniardin Boniface Marquis of Oria. Both these were inflamed with so great a zeal of Religion, as that all their worldly dignities neglected, and the honour of their life and state despised, they forsook their houses and their country, and led the rest of their mortal lives in such a voluntary banishment, as the sincerity of Religion laid upon them.  
Hear also I could name you many other worthy and famous personages in Spain, Italy, Scotland, and Germany, which some of them secretly, and some of them by open violence suffered death for the profession of the Gospel. But the Martirologies and stories of the Martyrs have cased me of that burden of rehearsing them, (as being set out purposely to declare and to register the names of these who have borne witness to the truth) and may be repaired and resorted unto for this matter.  
Yet cannot I in silence pass by any means, that only in Belgia (containing the 17 provinces of the Low-countries) whiles Charles the fifth yet lived, were slain and murdered fifty thousand Christians, and that the Duke of Alva cruelly boasted, that in the space of six years after he had been governor of that country eighteen thousand persons had been killed by his commandment, and also from the year 1576, to the agreement at Gaunt there had perished by the tyranny of the Papists thirty thousand.  
Yet there was a greater Vintage and Harvest in France, for it may be proved by arguments worthy to be believed, that from the year 1564, to the year 
1564.  1586, that is in the space of two and twenty years, that one hundred and forty thousand godly persons sealed and signed with their blood the sincerity of Religion. Which is so reckoned, as that, they are not numbered in this account, who under Henry the second▪ and Francis the first, being roasted and burnt, went up to the fire with so great courage and constancy of mind, and so to the death gave testimony to the truth, as that in the year 1533, the tongues of the Martyrs were cut out, that they might not be able to speak unto the people.  
Now in England it is incredible to be spoken, what slaughter and how many dead corpses have been made: how many excellent men (amongst whom some were Bishops & Archbishops) in the Reign of Queen Mary, being burnt alive with fire, without fear endured that shameful and cruel death with marvelous strength and power of Faith▪  
And if we should also declare the notable and invincible constancy of Rochel in France, and of Maydenborowe in Germany, here we should have a large field to discourse, to their immortal praise. But we are to proceed, and make another new comparison between the auntienter Apostolic, and latter reformations of the Church.  
2 In these times the Christians being miserably afflicted, God (appearing and shining through these clouds unto them) then at length gloriously lifted up, and exalted his Church, when it lay cast down to the lowest, & was even trodden underfoot. Therefore Sulpitius Severus was bold to say, writing of the ten years persecution under the emperors Dioclesian and Maximinian, we never conquered with greater glory and triumph, then when we could not be conquered with the continual slaughters and massacres of ten years together: In like manner, in these hundred years last passed, beside and above the expectation, opinion and thoughts of all men, God oftentimes mightily delivered his Church, taking it, as it were out of the very jaws of the enemies.  
In the year 1521, after the departure of Luther, who in the assemblies of the States of the Empire at Wornis had appeared and presented himself before Caesar and the Princes of the Empire, to make answer for his proceed, there was set and published an edict or proclamation of most sharp severity against the professors of the Gospel, whereof the Pope's Legate, Cardinal Jerome Alexander is reported to have said to Marinus Caracciolus; Oh, my Caracciolus, if we have done nothing else at this diet and assembly, yet this we have effected (as I am in good hope) that by this edict and mandate of Caesar's we shall shortly see the Germans at war one with another, and tumbling in their own blood.  
But what fell out? a little after, there arose an exceeding great trouble in Spain: so as the Emperor went thither to pacify it, and the professors of the Gospel had a little breathing time, as some milder air appearing. For the Imperial edict being mitigated and qualified by the States of the Empire assembled at Norinberg, the true doctrine was seen daily to be more largely and more courageously spread and advanced.  
In the year 1526, and the fourteenth of january, Charles the fift being Emperor, and Francis the first being King of France, with great conjunction and agreement of mind and affections endeavoured and went about it, joining their forces together, to pull up by the roots the Lutheran Religion (as they call it) but altogether in vain. For the Pope himself broke the bond and league, making the Emperor so much business in Italy, that he professed by public writing, that the Pope was in all the fault, that he had hitherto with less success suppressed the heresy (as he termed it) of the Lutherans.  
Again in the year 1530. did not all men fear and tremble at the publishing of that most cruel edict of the Emperor Charles, wherewith at the Diet at Ausburg, he thundered against the professors of the Gospel? but behold, God, as from heaven, delivered them. For the Turk, (as one that had been drawn thither by the hair of his head) came into Austria: which rumour caused the Emperor not unwillingly to grant peace to the Protestants, that he might obtain aid of them against the Turk, the common enemy of all Christendom.  
So likewise, the league agreed upon at Smale-cald, being broken, & prosperous success making all subject unto Caesar's power, who knoweth not that which happened. For when it was thought, that the cause of reformation had now been utterly overthrown in Germany, Almighty God fully overcame and subdued the Conquerors mind, and so perplexed him, that he not only no more urged the General Council (to whose determination the States of the Empire had before promised to yield all obedience) but also made an unnecessary and needle's war with the Pope, and despaired of success in fight any more with the Germans, who yet before, he supposed to have been wholly conquered and subdued.  
Neither was it otherwise with the Helvetians, who being constrained to defend with Arms the liberty of the evangelical profession, were once or twice overcome by papists: yet notwithstanding the truth triumpheth as invincible their Churches, even to this day.  
England also may be a witness hereof, wherein men almost despaired of the maintainers of the Gospel, when as by the reign of Queen Mary, many goodly lights had been extinguished, and so many strong buttresses and pillars had been overthrown & cast down to the ground.  
But the Lord, who calleth light out of darkness, he called that most gracious Queen Elizabeth out of the prison, & placed her in the royal throne of the Kingdom, whereby all the hope of the Papist was disappointed and exposed to shame and ignominy.  
Likewise France will testify this, which was most shamefully defiled and stained with that horrible massacre and slaughter that was made of true professors in the year 1572. For at that time there was celebrated and kept at Rome a solemn thanksgiving to God for that action performed with so great success, & so agreeably to their desire, in the rooting out of the Huguenots, (as they called the professors of the truth of the Gospel.)  
But within a year after, the multitude of professors appeared in so great number, as a man would have thought that all those had been risen from the dead, and restored to life again.  
Neither are there wanting like examples in Hungary, Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Aus●ria. For about some thirteen years agone, these adversaries with very great endeavours desired to cut off all means of exercising the Religion reform. But utterly in vain, God withstanding them; who sending them his help from heaven, brought the matter to that pass, that greater liberty was granted to these countries than they ever enjoyed in any time before.  
Finally, for the last point of this comparison: In the primitive Church God by manifest signs and tokens showed the severity of his just judgement upon many tyrants and persecutors of the Church, by their fearful ends and tragical deaths.  
In like manner Sigismond the Emperor 200. years agone having burnt at Constance, john Husse, a most pious and godly Preacher, together with him  and consumed all his own royal estate. For deceasing without heir male, Ladislaus his Grand-sonne by his daughter succeeded him, and so he confined the celebrity and honour of his name in the space of a few years. So likewise in this last age we have received by report, and seen with our eyes that vengeance hath followed them at their heels, which bearing impiety and ungodliness in their hearts, and showing it openly by strange cruelty, went about with all their power to assail and to pluck up by the roots the pure doctrine of the Gospel.  
In the year 1546. George Wisehart a Preacher of the Gospel in Scotland (after burnt to ashes by the commandment of Cardinal Beton) in the midst of the flames of fire prophetically foretold the Cardinal of the death and overthrow that hung over his head. And that not in vain, for he was killed that very year, and that so, as in the same place, where the stake and ashes of that constant Martyr had been seen not long before, in the same place so soon after, the dead body of that tyrant was to be seen exposed to the hate and scorn of all men.  
With him reckon also Steven Gardner, who being Bishop of Winchester, and Cancelor to Queen Mary, employed his service & power very busily to destroy the Christians. But his punishment followed not long after: for being taken with a sore disease, and despairing of the favour and mercy of God, he cried out, alas for me, I have sinned with Peter, but I have not wept, nor seriously & truly repent as Peter did.  
In France, remember Minerius, making war with the innocent men of Merindoll, and miserably killing and murdering them with more than Scythian and Barbarian cruelty. What? art thou sorry? and dost thou sigh and lament to hear it? stay a while, and thou shalt see and acknowledge the wonderful judgement and vengeance of God upon him. For this tyrant Minerius falling into a most grievous and fearful sickness, ended his ungodly life, with horrible crying and howling.  
King's also furnish us with some examples of tragical ends. For Fruancis, the first king of France, in the agony of death, felt how heavily the blood of the Waldenses and Merindolians lay upon his conscience, wherefore he gave commandment and charge to his son Henry that he should put to death john Monk, by whose counsel and persuasion he had begun the persecution: which Monk perceiving, speedily fled, and so escaped the present danger.  
Likewise we have heard that Henry the 2. King of France, having often threatened, and said, that with his own eyes he would see Burges to be consumed & burnt with fire upon a wound taken in the eye in his running at-Tilt, ended his life with very great torments.  
Neither was the end of Francis the second of that name any better, who having denied the Christians free exercise of the Religion of the Gospel: (who by supplication had requested it) he also by an Apostume risen in his brain, and running at his ear, died with his ear putrefied and rotten.  
And thou also Charles the ninth, King of France, go thou also and defile thy hands with the blood of thy subjects. Thou also didst miserably perish in thine own blood. And you two tyrants (I speak of Henry the third, and the Duke of Guise) do you also take pains in the heinous crime of the massacre and slaughter at Paris; do you also kill, murder and destroy: but with what success, even, and issue have you done it? either of you ended your life, with a violent and bloody death, but the reformed Religion you have not driven out of France. But what do I speak of these things, the Emperor himself, Charles the fist, he confessed that he had used and employed all his force and power, to establish the authority of the Pope, and to maintain his dignity, but that his endeavour had been all in vain, & that his money and treasure was spent, which loss was tolerable and might be borne, but that which was altogether intolerable, he had lost his honourable name amongst men, and his estimation & dignity, the loss whereof was not to be recovered by any means.  
Hear it were worth our labour to note & mark the perfidious falling away of Apostatates, and the infirmity of the faithful. Hear also intestine and inward dissensions and discords were to be touched, and to be compared with the contentions of the ancient and primitive Church: but the regard of this present time doth not suffer me so to do.  
Therefore, let it suffice to have heard, that Christ the Lord hath most effectually expressed, and accomplished really, and in powerful act and deed, the name of jesus and Saviour, that was given him by order from God, in that he doth so fatherly gather, so wisely govern, so mightily preserve, and so justly protect his Church against all the adversaries and enemies of it.  
Now let the jesuits go, and vaingloriously boast of the miracles, which they say, have been done in the East and West India's: but we most worthily publish and magnify the miracles, justly to be admired & wondered at, which God hath done in our own days, and in the age of our fathers, in Germany, England, Spain, Italy, France, Hungary, Bohemia, Pole-land, Denmark and Swed land.  
For these are indeed that which they are said to be, miracles.  
That God hath wrought so great things by so mean and base instruments.  
That the doctrine of the Gospel within so few years, hath like the lightning, enlightened so many countries and Kingdoms.  
That by means altogether contrary to the reason of man, the sincerity and purity of the doctrine of the Gospel flourisheth at this day, being propagated and spread fair and near.  
That by how much the greater the cruelty of tyrants hath been in blood shedding, in burning & hanging of the godly, so much the further hath the sound of the Gospel been heard, & passed into more places.  
That a most puissant and mighty Emperor, going through Germany with such success of many victories as he could have wished, yet was notable by any means to conquer & subdue the Gospel in Germany.  
That in France six Kings continually succeeding one another, and employing all their forces, and using many and divers means and practices for it, yet have not been able to effect the suppression of the reformed Churches in France.  
That Philip the second, the greatest King that hath been of Spain, hath wasted all the treasure which he had gathered in the East, and in the West, for the rooting out of Religion, partly in France, and partly in England, and chiefly in the Low countries, and that with no other event and success, but that these huge masses of treasure being exhausted and lost, and his Kingdom being cast into many great straits and difficulties of debt, before his death full sore against his will, he heard this message delivered to him, that the reformed Churches in France, England, and the Low-countries did prosper and flourish, as they had done in any former time.  
Which things being so, worthily do we all extol and magnify this most gracious goodness and mercy of our God, who in goodness add power excelleth all, whereby when we were drowned in the midst of a sea of errors and darkness in Popery, hath illuminated and enlightened us with the most clear & goodly light of the knowledge of himself, and of his Gospel.  
For if in the old Testament the godly so often celebrated and praised with songs, the redemption of the people of Israel out of Egypt, and from their enemies of Madian, surely we have far greater cause, why we should magnify with all praise and honour our marvelous deliverances from the Idolatry of Antichrist.  
Moreover, this historical commemoration and rehearsal of the admirable & wonderful work which we have heard, to have been performed by God in his Church, aught to give encouragement to all the faithful with greater alacrity and cheerfulness, and with greater strength and constancy to keep and retain the truth which they have once acknowledged: which being grounded and founded steadfastly and securely in the holy Scripture, hath been again and newly confirmed in these last hundred years by so singular and excellent miracles.  
And this we ought the rather to do, because we know that our Saviour jesus doth still live, and we are certainly persuaded, that as he hath done hitherto, so likewise always hereafter, he will gather, govern, and preserve his Church.  
Now let us also remember that it is our part and duty to worship and honour this jesus our Saviour with our mouth, with our hearts, and with all our strength. For he it is (as the Angel expressly testifieth) which will save and preserve his people. Of which people they only are to be accounted, who do not walk, nor live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit: whereof, who seethe not this to follow? That he that hath not the Spirit of Christ, is none of his: and that he who is none of Christ's, cannot in any sort enjoy the comfort of this name of a Saviour?  
Let us then embrace our most faithful Saviour, let us love him, let us fear him, and let us honour him: So without all doubt, we shall prove by experience, that he will renew again hereafter, unto us his ancient favour, and will most mightily protect us his Christian Church, by his patronage and defence from all our enemies both of soul and body.  
For this saith Amen, that is, that true and faithful witness, the gates of hell shall not prevail against my Church.  
To this mighty and great Saviour, be thanks, honour and glory, for all the comfort, help, and benefits hitherto bestowed upon us, both now, and in all ages, for ever and ever, Amen.  

THE PRAYER.  
MOst Gracious God, and merciful father, we give thee thanks for all thy benefits, wherewith hitherto, thou hast largely and bountefully blessed us. O Lord my God, thy thoughts are great and thy works admirable and wonderful, which thou settest before us, to behold and consider. Nothing can, nor aught to be compared unto thee. I will declare thy works, and speak of them, although they exceed all account and number. We acknowledge it to proceed from thy grace and favour, that in all places thou hast miraculously gathered a people that is pleasing and acceptable unto thee; that thou hast wisely governed, and mightily preserved the same. Especially we praise thee that it hath pleased thee, to call us in these countries to the Communion of thy Son jesus Christ, and that this day thou hast granted thy grace to us sitting by the cratch of thy new born Son, to hear how sweetly the Angels sung their heau●nly hymn and song; and how joyfully they greeted and congratulated us, for the exceeding great benefit of thy Son sent to take our flesh and nature upon him. And not only to hear this, but moreover also to see how the shepherds did adore him; Simeon and Anna blessed him: the wise men that came to him from the East, did honour him with gold, myrrh and frankincense. Blessed be thy holy name for evermore, for these and all other benefits, which thou dost bestow upon up, and wherewith thou dost adorn us. Gracious God and merciful Father, we beseech thee also for the time to come, to show forth thy marvelous works amongst us, and always to gather a Church to thyself amongst us, and graciously to preserve this which thou hast already gathered, that the number of them may daily increase, who may truly acknowledge thee and thy Son jesus Christ, and may celebrate and magnify thee, both in this life, and also in that which is to come for evermore.  
Furthermore, with earnest prayers we beseech thee, as thou hast done hitherto, so likewise hereafter graciously and mercifully to turn away from us, the fury of war, the scarcity and dearth of victuals, and the plague of pestilence, and whatsoever beside may be hurtful to our countries.  
Drive away also far from us the most savage cruelty of the Pope, and of his adherents, hinder and restrain his counsels that they take not effect.  
Contrariwise we beseech thee to grace and adorn with all manner of blessings, the emperors Majesty, the Royal dignity of the King of great Britain, as also all other Christian Kings, the Electors of the Empire and other Princes, especially t●e most illustrious and gracious Prince Frederick, Count-Palatine Elector our gracious Lord, together with the most illustrious Princess his wife, and the Princess daughter of the late Elector: and our young Princes, and all the noble house of the Counts-Palatines, Princes Electors, with their Counsellors and Officers, maintain and preserve them all with thy gracious patronage, protection and defence.  
Take care also, we beseech thee, of all Widows and Orphans, and preserve our bodies with the comfort of health, and crown our life with Christian uprightness and integrity.  
Help all those which endure divers afflictions, especially such as suffer grievous persecutions for the truth's sake. Make them know by their experience, that jesus our Saviour is more able to comfort them, than all the world to make them to sorrow.  
Finally, when the short term and time of our life shall pass away, refresh and comfort us before we depart from hence: and receiving us into the arms of thy mercy, translate us out of this old world, to that new one, which is not finished nor ended with any course of the Sun, or of the Moon: but wherein thyself art to be the Sun, the Moon, and all in all things, these mercies we ask in the name of jesus Christ, and pray also further as he hath taught us. Our Father, etc.  
FINIS.    

Errata.  
PAg 3. helpeth, r. fulfileth. p. 4. adorned r. adored. p. 17. Treptquine. r. Trepto. were, r was. p. 20. r. the Smalcaldian war. p. 22. r. with. for which. p. 24. retained for relieved. p. 25. him, r. them ibid. some. r. home. p. 52. l. 2. r. there was set out etc. p. 33. r. in their Churches. p. 39 add. for and. pag, ultima, daughter read Dowager.