ABEL REDEVIVUS or The dead yet speaking  
By T. Fuller and other Eminent Divines.  
Mors ultima linea rerum est  
Nunc levior cippus non imprimit ossat  
Laudat yosteritas, nunc non é manibus illis  
Nunc non é tumulo fortunague favilla  
Nascuntur viola? Pers: Sam 37   
Sold by john Stafford at the George at Fleet bridge 1652 Ro: Vaughan Sculp:   

THE EPISTLE To the READER.  
Such honour (saith the 
a Psalm 149 9  Psalmist) have all his Saints. His Saints emphatically; Divine Providence foreseeing that in after ages some would usurp the title of Saintship to whom it did not belong. His Saints exclusively, casting out Saints traitors as Becket and Garnet, Saint hypocrites, and many others; who in the same sense, as Auri sacra fames, may be termed Sacri or Sancti, Saints.  
2. But, what honour have all his Saints? Mark what went before, as it is written, bu● by whom and where? Though Chapters and Verses be of later date, the holy Spirit might have cited the Book. O no! He, to quicken our Industry refers us to the Word at large. However, Search the Scriptures, and therein we shall meet with many honours afforded to the Saints; both whilst they were living, and when they were dead; on which alone we shall insist.  
3 This honour also is twofold, either what God or what Man bestoweth upon them; the latter only is proper for our present purpose, and brancheth itself into Honour done to their Bodies or to their Memories.  
4 Of the former, is their Decent Interment, according to their quality: Thus jehojadah was promoted to a Sepulchre amongst the Kings of judah; 
b 2 Cron. 24.16.  Hezechiah (whose signal holiness was Paramount whilst he was living) had his Tomb advanced the 
c 2 Cron. 32.33  highest of all other Kings. However, this Honour hath not been universal to all Saints; many have miss thereof, especially in time of Persecution; as appears by the complaint of the Psalmist.  
5 Honour to their Memories is more certain, being sometimes paid them very abundantly, even from those who formerly were so niggardly and covetous, as not to afford them a good word in their life time: 
— Defunctus amabitur idem.   
Many are made Converts by the godly ends of good men; as the 
d Matth. 27.54.  Centurion himself, who attended and ordered the crucifying of Christ, after his expiring, broke forth into that testimony of him, Verily this was the Son of God. So, such as rail at, revile, curse, condemn, persecute, execute pious People, speak other language of them, when such men have passed the Purgation of Death, and confess them faithful and sincere servants of God.  
6 The last Honour, is Imitation of their virtuous examples. The Papists brag that Stapleton, their great controversial Divine, was borne on that very day, whereon Sir Thomas More was put to death; but Providence so ordereth it, that out of the ashes of dead Saints, many living one● do spring and sprout, by following the pious precedents of such godly persons deceased. This was a main motive of publishing the ensuing Treatise, to furnish our present Age with a Magazeen of religious Patterns for their Imitation.  
7 There is a Monument in Palestine, which at 
e Adricomius de terra sancta.  Modinum was erected for the Maccabees, consisting of seven Pedestals, and on them as many Pyramids, under the bottoms whereof their Bodies lie buried, whilst their tops serve (even at this day) for Sea-marks to direct Marr●ners, sailing in the Mediterranean, towards the Haven of joppa in the H●ly Land. Not unlike whereunto, for the use and service thereof, is this following Discourse, m●de partly, to do right to the memory of these Heroes deceased, and partly to guide and conduct us to arrive at the sam● h●ppinesse, by steering our course according to the purity of their lives, and constancy of their deaths.  
8 Here may we find many excellent Preachers, who first reform themselves, that their Doctrine might take the better effect in others. For as one who would most mannerly intimate to another any spot or foulness in his face, doth wipe hi● own face in the same place, that so the other beholding him, may collect where and how, to amend any thing that is amiss: So these worthy Ministers gave others to understand how to rectify their faults, by exemplary cleansing and clearing their own lives and Conversations.  
9 But, Most remarkable are many Confessors (here briefly described) for their constancy in persecution; It was as Hegesippus reports, an observation of Antonius the Emperor, that the Christians were most courageous and confident always in Earthquakes whilst his own heathen Soldiers, were at such accidents most fearful and dis-spirited; The same holds true here in many worthy Saints, in such concussions and commotions of Church and State, wherein all was almost turned upside-down, they acquitted themselves most fearless and valiant, still preferring a good conscience; a grace very worthy of our Imitation, especially in this Age, when the very Foundations are shaken, and most at a loss, how to behave themselves. God grant when men are at their wit's end, they may be at the beginning of their faith, valiantly to hold out in the Truth.  
10 But the valour of some Martyrs shown most exalted Patience. The Roman Gladiators, set ●orth and designed to Death, when despairing to come off alive, took all their care; honest decumbere, to fall down in a decent posture; so contriving their Bodies into a modest Method, that no uncomeliness might therein be discovered. So was it in these Martyrs (and aught to be in us, if called into their condition) all their sollicituousnesse was, taking leave of life to entertain Death with so sweet a deportment, that they might ●etray no unworthiness or meanness in mind, in their latter end.  
11 So much for the occasion and matter of this work. As for the Makers thereof, they are many; some done by Doctor Featly, now at rest with God, viz. The lives of jewel, Reynolds, Abbot and divers others. Some by that reverend and learned Divine Master Gataker, viz. The Lives of Peter Martyr, Bale, Whitgi●t, Ridley, Whitaker, 
d That, pa 523. and not that pag. 328. which was printed before a mor exact Copy was procured.  Parker and others. Doctor Wille●s life by Doctor Smith, his Son in Law. Erasmus his life by the reverend Bishop of Kilmore. The life of Bishop Andrew's, by the judicious and industrious, my worthy friend Master Isaackson: and my meanness wrote all the lives of Berengarius, Hus, Hierom of Prague, Archbishop Cranmer, Master Fox, Perkins, junius, etc. Save the most part of the Poetry was done by Master Quarles, Father and Son, sufficiently known for their abilities therein. The rest the Stationer got transcribed out of Mr. Holland and other Authors.  
What remains but to condole the sad condition of our days, coming short of the former Age, and daily waning? thinness in Eminent Divines, caused from our present distractions. We read joshuah 3.16. that the waters of jordan which came down from above (namely from the two Springs of jor and Dan) stood still, and the rest failed and were cut off, running into the the Sea of the Plain (otherwise called the DEAD SEA) so that betwixt both, the river of jordan was dried up into a fair passage over it. I fear whilst the stream of a new supply from the two Fountains of Learning and Religion in this Kingdom is much disturbed and partly obstructed in these tumultuous times, and whilst the present Generation of eminent Divines, maketh haste to their graves, able Ministers will almost be drained dry in the Kingdom: The rather, because as the arrow mortally wounded Ahab betwixt the joints of his Armour, so in the interstitium betwixt two Disciplines (and give me leave to term Discipline the Armour of the Church) Episcopacy put off, and another Government not as yet close buckled on, Profaneness and Licentiousness have given a great & grievous wound to the Church of God; for the speedy cure whereof join thy Prayers with his, who is  
Thy servont in any Christian office, THO. FULLER. Walth. Abbey.   

THE TABLE.  


A  
page  Amsdorsius. 
246  Andreas. 
387.  Andrew's. 
440.  Abbot. 
538.    


B  Berengarius. 
1.  Bilney. 
121.  Bu●re. 
153.  Bradford. 
179.  Bugenhagius. 
280.  Brentius. 
292.  Bullenger. 
329.  Boquine. 
347.  Bucolizer. 
364.  Babington. 
455.  Beza. 
465.  Bale. 
502.  Benedictus. 
520.  Bolton. 
586.    


C  Colet. 
97.  Caralostadius. 
113.  Capito. 
135.  Cruciger. 
144.  Cranmer. 
223.  Calvin. 
266.  C●emnisius. 
307.  Chytraeus. 
417.  Cowper. 
558.    


D  Diazeus. 
142.  Deering. 
341.  Danaeus. 
408.  Drusius. 
533.    


E  Erasmus. 
57  Erpenius. 
582.    


F  Frith. 
118.  Farellus. 
286.  Fox. 
377.  Fagius. 
146.    


G  George Prince of Anhalt. 
164.  Grindall. 
350.  Gilpin. 
352.  Gulterus. 
372.  Gerardus. 
511.  Grynaeus. 
535.    


H  Husse. 
●2.  Hooper. 
172.  Hesperius. 
264.  Humfried. 
386.  Hemingius. 
413.  Heerbrand. 
415.  Holland. 
500  Hedio. 
163.    


I  jerom of Prague. 
21.  justas jonas. 
165.  john a Lasco. 
243.  jewel 
301.  Illiricus. 
343.  junius. 
441.    


K  Knox. 
319.    


L  Luther. 
31.  Leo judae. 
136.  Latimer. 
217.    


M  Myconius. 
138.  Melancthon. 
234.  Marlorat. 
245.  Musculus. 
248.    


N  Nowell. 
422.    


O  Oecolampadius. 
109.  Olevian. 
373.    


P  Peter Martyr. 
205.  Philpot. 
221.  Pelican. 
229.  Parker. 
328 and 523.  Perkins. 
431.  Polanus. 
499.  Piscator. 
564.  Pareus. 
577.    


R  Rogers. 
167.  Ridley. 
191.  Ram●●. 
325.  Roll●●k. 
410.  Reynolds. 
477.    


S  Saunders. 
169.  Strigelius 
290.  Simlerus. 
344.  Sohinus. 
384.  Sadeel. 
397.  Sands. 
452.  Scaliger. 
498.  Scultetus. 
584.    


T  tindal. 
126.  Taylor. 
176.  Tremelius. 
346.  Tossanus. 
424.  Trelca●ius. 
464.    


V  Vrbanius Regius. 
130.  Vergerius. 
288.  Viretus. 
299.  Vrsin. 
361.    


W  Wicklief. 
8.  Wigandus. 
367.  Whitaker. 
401.  Whitgift. 
457.  Willet. 
565.  Whatley. 
592.    


Z  Zuinglius. 
85  Zegedine. 
314.  Zanchius. 
390.     


BERENGARIUS.  The Life and Death of Berengarius.  
WE read Acts 27.20. when Saint Paul was tossed with the Tempest, that neither Sun nor Stars for many days appeared: This may pass for the doleful Emblem of the dismal darkness in the depth of Popery, wherein Berengarius lived, the subject of our ensuing discourse, and before whom, from the expiring of the Primative Age till his entrance into the Church, little considerable light of knowledge shined amongst many Errors and much ignorance.  
2 We have not been idle in seeking, but unsuccesful in the finding the date of Berengarius birth; and can likewise give no account of his Parentage and extraction. Herein he was not unlike the River Nilus, unknown and obscure for its Fountain, but famous and renowned for his Streams; and his birth may seem to be eclipsed, by the resplendent lustre of his life. And Towers in France seated on the river Loyer, was his native City, wherein he was borne about t●e ye●r of our Lord 1020. as by proportion of chronology may probably be collected. And it is observable, that as the City of Towers gave the first being to Berengarius, so ● Gate of that City called Saint Hues gate (in, at, and near which, they used to meet) gave the denomination to the Hu●anites, or modern French Protestants, which in the point of Transubstantiation succeed to the opinion of Berengarius or rather to the truth of the doctrine itself.  
3 Here we must not omit, that some have maintained that this Berengarius came over with William the Conqueror into England, and by his bounty received the Castle of 
a Camb. Briton in Northhampton.  Barnewell in Northamptonshire for his possession. But the mistake ariseth, by confounding him with another Berengarius his namesake, surnamed Le M●igne, or the Monk, (which also added countenance to their first error) though indeed he was a Martial man, and no Ecclesiastical person, on whom the King conferred that Castle. Thus, though we should have ●eene right glad to have had this worthy Scholar our Countryman, though not by birth yet by habitation, accounting it England's honour that he was infeofted with fair demeynes therein; yet because all is grounded upon an Error, no counterfeit credit, nor false favours shall be assumed by us on others mistakes.  
4 Having profited in the School above his equals under Fulbertus his Master, the World began to take notice of his abilities, and at last he was preferred to be Archdeacon of A●giers; a man of a bold spirit, and daring resolution, as God always suits men for the work they undertake. We may observe in B●ttels, that they set those who are best armed ●o charge in the first rank, and order them to follow who are not so completely weaponed: God in like manner, in his wisdom appointed that suc● Confessors of the Truth, who were to make the firs● Breach into the Armies of Antichrist, should be accoutred Cappa●pae with undaunted courages (such as this Berengarius and Luther were) though men of meeker minds and milder dispositions may afterwards be well used in the same service.  
5 For his life and conversation, it was so blameless that therein he starved the malice of all his adversaries, the long teeth of whose spite could find nothing to feed upon. He is reported not to have suffered any woman to come in his sight; not because he was a hater of their sex, but because he was to deal with dangerous adversaries, he would warily cut off all occasions of suspicion; and in some cases we may say, that overmuch warinnesse is but even measure and caution, if it be not too much, will be too little.  
6 The main matter wherein he dissented from the current of the Roman Church, and is honoured for a Champion of the Truth, was, in the point of Transubstantiation; an Error which crept one of the last into the Church, and was the first that was most vigorously opposed. It took the rise from some extravagant expressions of Damascene and Theophilact, who endeavouring to show the reality of Christ's presence in the Sacrament, scattered such flourishing language to that purpose (flowers, though they cannot feed, may sometimes infect) that though well intending, yet ill interpreted, gave occasion to their unskilful R●●ders, who more minded the words then the matter, from such Rhetorical premises to conclude a Dogmatic point of the Elements being corporally transubstantiated, against the very being and nature of a Sacrament.  
7 The first that effectually opposed this Error was Leuthericus (remarkable for his name, confining on Lactherus) Archbishop of Senes in France. But the French King ●o kept him under with his heavy weight upon him, that he never grew up to any general notice in the world. More active was the undertaking of our Belengarius (who is challenged by Baronius for reviving the opinions of Leuthericus) and would not be taken off by the smiles or frowns of any who endeavoured by all means possible to persuade him to desist in his opposition.  
8 There was one Adelmanus Bishop of Brixia schoolfellow with Berengarius, who by most loving letters persuaded him to be reconciled to the Romish Church; he often in his Epistolary addresses entitled Berengarius (even when little better than under the Pope's curse) sancte Frater, holy Brother; and addulced his discourse with all luscious expressions unto him. Moreover, he minded him of the counsel which Fulbertus their Master often gave him in horto, in the Garden; who suspecting the activity (nicknamed by him turbulence) of Berengarius, often forewarned him with teare●, not to innovate any thing in matters of Religion, and humbly to submit his judgement to the censure of the Church. Nor were promises of preferment wanting, on condition he would comply with the Court of Rome; who, on the revocation of his opinion, might easily have turned his Arch-deaconry into a Bishopric. But all was in vain, he still persisted loyal to his first principles, and no golden promises could bribe his judgement against his conscience.  
9 Here it is no part of our employment, much less of our purpose to be advocate for all the fauls of Berengarius. It being madness in any man, who is unable to pay the score of his own faults, utterly to break himself by being surety for the offences of others. Only we submit the ensuing particulars to the judgement of the impartial Reader; that when he meets with the manifold charges drawn up against this party accused, he would be pleased to take what followeth into his serious consideration.  
10 First, that he was a man, and so subject to error: And therefore he is no man who will not afford him a pardon of course, for those failings proceeding from human infirmity. Secondly, that he lived in a dark age; and therefore was more obnoxious to stumble. So that we need not condemn him that his errors were ●o many; but rather praise God's goodness, that they were no more; yea, this I dare boldly affirm, that if the morning grow so proud as to scorn the dawning of the day, because mixed with darkness, Mid day will revenge her Quarrel, and may justly take occasion to conteme the Morning, a● in lustre infiriour to herself. Thirdly, Berengarius was vexed with opposition, which makes men reel into violence, and no reason it is, that the constant temper of his soul, should be guessed from some ague-fits (as I may term them) of his passion, and that his positive opinion should be stated from his polemical heat, when he was chafed in disputation. Lastly, to render him whilst living, and his memory when dead more odious, his Adversaries have fastened many false accusations upon him.  
11 We that live in this distracted age, know too well how ready men are to cast aspersions on thos● who differ from them in point of opinion: which should make us more charitable in passing our verdicts on those in former ages, which dissented from the received opionions. Wherefore, when we read Baronius calling him hominem mendacissimum, impudentissimum, with other epithets to the same sense, we know how to defalce our credit accordingly. True it is, one fault he was guilty of, which we are so far from excusing or extenuating, that we would throw the first stone against him ourselves, but that consciousness to our own frailtyes commands us to hold our hands, lest hitting of him we wound ourselves, as subject without heavens especial support to the same infirmity. However seeing God is glorified in his servants weakness, and every stumble of man is a step to God's throne, we will plainly and simply set down the unexcusable inconstancy of Berengarius.  
12 Being summoned to appear before Pope Leo the ninth, at first he refused to obey his command, therein following the Council of Peter de waldez (from whom the Waldenses received their names) but afterwards being otherwise advised, and wearied with the importunity of his adversaries, he not only made his personal appearance before the Pope, but also solemnly in the presence of the Council at Rome retracted and abjured his opinions. Indeed formerly he had set forth a work in the nature of an Expedient, wherein he did much qualify and mitigate his expressions, abating much of their edge and sharpness, if possibly he might have made them comply with the Sense of Rome. But this proving ineffectual and not giving expected satisfaction to the Conclave, he was last feign in terminis to renounce and recant his opinion in the presence of 113. Bishops.  
13 But having got out of the reach of his enemy's paws he reassumed his Tenants again, remitting nothing of his former zeal, but rather asserting them with more ardour and vehemency then before. But alas, no sooner was he seized on the second time, but that he again abjured his opinions in the Lateran Council under Pope Gregory the seventh, to the indeleblest stain of his name for his inconstancy.  
14 After his second Recantation, we find little of the manner of his demeanour unto the day of his death. And we easily conceive, that clouded with shame for his former fact, he affected obscurity, and lived as invisible as might be in the World. We find not that he excepted of any preferment in the Church, or that any was offered him. A presumption that he was not re-estated in the favour of the Popish party, not confiding in him as thorough paced in their Religion. Charity commands us to hope that at the crowing of the Cock of his Conscience, he might awake out of his former sleep, and weep bitterly with him, who on his repentance was received into Christ's favour.  
15 Two especial adversaries Berengarius had, Guitmundus, and Lank Frank a Lombard, the latter of more learning than Piety, more parts than learning, more pride then both, was well rewarded for his pains for disputing and writing against Berengarius with the rich Arch bishopric of Canterbu●y. But B●rengarius never mounted higher than his Arch Deaconry of Angiers where he died on Epiphanie or Twelve day, Anno 1088. D●fferent is the judgement of learned men concerning his final estate. Heildebert bishop of Maine and our William of Malmesbury, say that he died homo novus, a reclaimed man, and dandle him in the lap of the Romish Church as a true child thereof. But Cardinal Baronius looks upon him under the notion of a Heretic, accounting his Recantation but superficial indicted rather from his Cowardice then Conscience. O●r Illyricus, in His catalogue of the witnesses of the Truth, affords him a principal place therein. We leave him to stand or fall to his own master, according to that concluding Distich, which we find in an Aauthor: 

Cum nihil ipse vides propria ●uin labe laboret,  
Tu tua fac cures, caetera mitte Deo.   

Seeing nought thou seest but faults are in the best,  
Look Thou unto thyself, leave God the rest.    
16 Remarkable are his words wherewith he breathed out his last gasp, which Illyricus reporteth to this Effect: now am I to go, and appear before God, either to be acquitted by him as I hope, or condemned by him as I fear. Which words, as they savour not of that full assurance of Salvation which God vouchsafeth to many of his servants, so they carry not with them any offensive Breath of Despair. And it is no contradiction in Christianity, to rejoice before God with trembling. And in this Twilight we leave Berengarius to that merciful God, who knoweth whereof we are made and remembereth we are but dust.  
Most worthily may this Divine  
Old Berengarius, fairly shine  
Within this Sky of lustrious Stars,  
Who, against Rome's errors fought Truth's wars;  
Confuting, with high approbation,  
Rome's sigment, Transubstantiation;  
Which did that Hierarchy so vex,  
And with such passion so perplex,  
That they would never give him rest,  
But did his Soul so much molest,  
That at the last, by fraud and force,  
They made him (with most sad remorse)  
Two several times his Cause recant.  
Him of his Crown, thus, to supplant.  
Thus, O, thus, oft, Sols ray most rare,  
With dusky clouds eclipsed are.   


IOH●N WICKLI●●●.  The Life and Death of John Wicklief.  
AMongst many famous Writers in this Nation, as Beda, Alckvine, john Carnotenesis, Nigellus, Neckam, Sevall, Bacanthorpe, Ockam, Hampoole of Armach, this Wicklief is not the least of worth, he was famous both for Life, and Learning; he was brought up in the famous University of Oxford, in Merton College; he gave himself, after he was Master of Arts, to the study of School Divinity, wherein having an excellent acute wit, he became excellently well qualified, and was admired of all for his singular Learning, and sweetness of behaviour, in King Edward the thirds time: who protested that his chief end and purpose was to call bacl the Church from her Idolatry, especially in the matter of the Sacrament. He was much favoured by john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and the Lord Henry Percy, who defended and protected him from his raging adversaries and Bishops.  
And when Pope Gregory the eleveeth sent his Bull to Oxford to require them to root out Wickl●ef's Tares (as he called them) the Proctors, and Masters were in long debate whether they should receive it, or reject it. In the time of King Richard the second, this Wicklief was brought before the Bishops at Lambeth, and had many Articles put in against him, but what by the means of some Courtiers, and Citizens of London, he was again released. After this William Barton Vicechancellor of Oxford, wi●h some other Doctors, set forth an Edict against him, and his followers: whereupon he published a confession of his Doctrine. Anno Christi 1382. the Archbishop of Canterbury held a Convocation at London, and condemned the Articles of Wicklief as Heretical: and when the said Archbishop with many of his adherents were gathered together about this business, just as they were ready to begin their debate, there fell out a great and general Earthquake, which so affrighted many of them, that they desisted from their business: yet all means were used for the suppressing of his opinions; but through God's mercy they could never be exstirpated to this day. He was a great enemy to the swarms of begging Friars, with whom it was harder to make war, then with the Pope himself. He denied the Pope to be the Head of the Church, and pronounced him to be Antichrist: he confuted, and condemned his Doctrine about Bulls, Indulgences, etc. The Bishop of Rome lost by his Doctrine the power of making and ordaining Bishops in England, and the Tenths of spiritual promotions, & also the gains of his Peter-pences. Whereupon Polidore Virgil calls him an infamous Heretic. He affirmed the Scripture to be the supreme Judge of Controversies, condemned Transubstantiation, etc. He was a painful, and faithful preacher of the Gospel under that famous King Edward the thi●d, who always favoured and protected him against the rage of his adversaries. In the reign of Richard the second, he was by the power of his adversaries banished, yet in all his affliction he shown an undaunted spirit. At last returning from Exile, he died in the year of our Saviour Jesus Christ, (whom he had Preached) 1387. and was buried the last day of December at his Parsonage of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire. But in the year 1428. which was 41. years from the time of his death, his dead body was by the Decree of Pope Martin the fifth, and Counsel of Seine, digged up, and burned with the Execreations of that fiery Pope; thus he found the cruelty of them being dead, whom he had, being living, taught to be so. He writ (as Pius Aenaeas testifies) more than two hundred fair volumes, most of which were burned by Sùbinck Archbishop of Prague in Bohemia: The Catalogue of his Works you may read in the Centuries of Io●n Bale, sums of them, I have here set down.  
1 Of Christ and antichrist. 2. Of Antichrist and his members. 3. Of the truth of the Scriptures. 4. Of the fountain of Errors. 5. A book of Conclusions. 6. 7. Of Ecclesiastical and Civil government. 8 Of the Impostures of Hypocrites. 9 Of Blasphemy. 10. Lectures on Daniel. 11. On the Apocalypse. 12. Of the marriage of Priests. 13. The Devil's craft against Religion. 14. His policy to overthrow faith. 15. Of Apostasy.  
16. Two books of Metaphysics, one containing 12. Books. 17. Glosses upon the Scripture. 18. Of falling away from Christ. 19 Of truth and lying.  
Besides these, he writ many of Philosophy, and translated the Bible into the English tongue, making Prefaces and Arguments to every Book: he also translated the twelve Books of Clement, the Parson of Lanthon, containing the harmony of the Evangelists: And thus went out this Lamp of England: of whom one thus hath said: 
With our old English writers rare,  
John Wicklief, justly might Compare;  
For Learning, Life, and solid Wit,  
And many Works he rarely Writ;  
Contending stoutly, against Rome's Errors,  
Near daunted by their threats or terrors;  
But, to his death, still, fought faiths fight,  
And thus went out this Lamp of Light.  
But, being dead, Rome did so rave,  
Against this Faith's Champion, that from's grave,  
They digged-up his Bones, with ire,  
And burned (as Heretics) in fire.  
Thus was Rome's Folly, Rage, expressed,  
To burn dead Bones, of Souls, at rest.    


JOHANNES HUS.  The Life and Death of John Huss.  
THE fair fruit of effects, is virtually couched in the small seeds of their causes.  
1 john Huss is a pregnant instance thereof, whose inconsiderable, yea contemptible beginning, improved itself to give a blow under the fift rib in Scripture always observed mortal to the man of sin.  
2 It would have given much satisfaction to the reader, and more to ourselves, could we present him with exact Particulars of Huss his birth and extraction. But alas we are so far from having a star going before us to direct us to the place of his nativity, that we find not the least candlelight to guide us to the notice thereof. In or near 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 controversial Divinity. The Schoolmen wanting the wings of the learned tongues, therewith to mount into the meaning of the Scriptures in their original, only employed themselves in running round in the beaten path of common questions: whilst such amongst them as were of extraordinary parts, impatient to be confined within, yet unable to exceed the foresaid compass, let out their souls, and made room for the activity of their minds, by digging deep into curious inquiries, where their best results are either unnecessary, or certain, or both. Wherefore john Huss declining such intricate labyrinths, betook himself to find out the right way to heaven described in God's 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 styled the issue of this their marriage. Indeed this Queen Anne, taught our English women modesty in riding on Side-saddles; in exchange whereof the English taught the Bohemians true religion; first discovering the Romish superstitions unto them. For her Courtiers here did light on the books of john Wicklief, and carried them into their own Country, where Huss had the happiness to read, approve, and disperse the same. See here the pedigree of the Reformation, wherein Germany may be counted the Son, Bohemia the Father, and England the Grandfather.  
5. Huss hereupon began zealously to preach and propagate the truth, which for the soundness thereof was welcome to many, for the novelty to more. But as the Jews Acts 22.22. heard Saint Paul patiently, until that passage, That he was sent to the Gentiles, which enraged 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 Friars lent attentive ears to Huss his Sermons, till their profit began to be concerned in his confuting the gainful errors of Rome, and their malice mustered all opposition against him. First, by order from his holiness, the Archbishop of Suinco was commanded to suppress him; but all in vain, his commands prevailing no more with Huss, than the people's prohibitions to Bartimeus comm●nding him silence, Mark 10.48. which only made him cry out the more a great deal. In so much that the Pope himself was feign to take the matter in hand.  
6 Here happined a most remarkable Accident, very advantageous for the propagating of Husses doctrine. A Schism happened in the Church of Rome betwixt three Popes at the same time, so that Peter's chair was like to be broken betwixt so many sitting down together. This conduced much to the benefit of Huss, who hereupon took advantage to decline (so good a wit having an useful Theme, would lose nothing, in handling it) against the Church of Rome: Pleading that having three, it had no leagall head: That this monstrous apparition of the Man of ●in, presaged his life was ●hort; that these three Anti-popes' made up one Antichrist. In a word, there was opened unto ●im a great door of utterance, made out of that crack or cleft, which now happened in this seasonable schism at Rome.  
7 It was now high time a general Council should be called. The Church was grown fowl with long want of scouring: however the vicious Court of Rome declined it (wonder not if thiefs be unwilling to hear of an Assizes) expecting that there their faults would be discovered and censured. All the world stood on the Tiptoes of Expectation, what the Council 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 room of them.  
8 Huss during the beginning of this Counsel remained at Pargue, constantly preaching in his Church of Bethlehem. Where his adversaries chose out of his books and preaching several Articles, which they charged against him for Heretical. And it may seem wonderful, how variously the number of them is reckoned up, some times eight errors, sometimes nine, sometimes one and twenty, sometimes five and forty, 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 Salisbury plain, falsely reported that no two can count them alike. The variety ariseth, first because some count only his primitive Tenets, which were breeders; whilst others count all the young Fry of Consequences derived from them. Secondly, some were more industrous to seek, capatious to expound, malicious to deduce far distant Consequences. Excellent at the inflaming of a Reckoning, and to discover an infant or Embryo, errors which others over looked. Thirdly, It is possible that in process of time, Huss might delate himself in additional and supplemental opinions, more than what he maintained at first. His principal accusations were, that he maintained, the Sacrament was to be ministered to the people under both Kings. Secondly, That Priests in a mortal sin might not minister the Sacrament. Thirdly, That the Pope's power above other Priests, was only invented for covetousness. Fourthly, That Priests once ordained are not to be forbidden preaching etc.  
9 For these Tenets Huss was excommunicated by Cardinal Del●hunna, a sure prop of the Romish Church. But all in vain, seeing the Gentry and Nobility of Bohemia did highly favour him. Whereupon he was brought to the Counsel of Constance under the Safeguard of the whole Empire, and a solemn Conduct of the Emperor Sig●smun●'s double written, both in Latin and Almane, (that whether learned or unlearned might pretend ignorance thereof) drawn in a most favourable Latitude for him, and strongest legal form, given at Spire the eighteenth of October Anno Dom. 1414. Yea when the Pope wa● informed by a Bohemian Gentleman, what liberty Huss had granted him to remain in Constance, without any trouble, vexation, or interruption: his Holiness 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 Devil, Mark 5.3. None could bind him, no not with chains: So strong was the unclean Spirit of Cruelty in the Romish Court, that no duplicates or double cords of safe Conducts in Dutch and Latin, granted and accepted, could protect the innocence of this godly man: but that contrary to the solemn faith formerly pledged, he was persecuted and imprisoned.  
11 And now, what can be sacred, what armour of proof against the Artillery of malice, when such Conducts are shot thorough? In vain do men make Contracts, and stipulations when faith publicly given, the best wax of all Indentures, and fairest seal of wax, shall thus be prostituted to private designs. Had these great pretended Scholars read and seriously consider David's Psalms 15.4. He that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not, (and did not the Emperor pass on his honour, and Pope's word speaking always in verbo sacerdatis amount to an oath:) yet had they but weighed the answer of Festus a Pagan, Acts 25, 16. It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die before he that is accused have his Accusers face to face, etc. They could never had adventured on so unexcusable a Martyr.  
12 Here we conceive we shall not unprofitably bestow our pains, if we tender a catalogue of the principal friends and Enemies of Huss, that Posterity may know who added the part of helpful Onesiphorus to this Paul in bonds, and who were like Demetrius the Coppersmith, the active persecntors of him.  

His Friends.  
1. John de Glum a Bohemian Nobleman.  
2. Nicholas Titular Bishop of Nazareth, who gave him an especial testimony, though by his place the Apostolical Inquisitor of H●r●se for the University of Prague.  
3. Conrade Archbishop of Swinco, who openly cleared him.  
4. Henry Latzembog, well extracted a great Advocate for Huss.  
5. Wencelaus de Duba, a Gentleman and especial pleader, for the validity of his safe conduct, when Huss was imprisoned.  
6. A considerable part of the Nobility and Gentry both of Bohemia and Poland.   

His Foes.  
1. Stephen Paletz, principal of the Doctors of Prague.  
2. Andrea's de Broda, a Doctor who writ a Book against him.  
3. A nameless charterhouse M●ncurate of St. Sebauld in the City of Norenberge.  
4. Stanisl●us Znoma a Bohemian Doctor, who coming to Constan●z, died by the way of an Impostume.  
5. Michael de Causis, a great disputant against Huss, whose very surname may seem to speak Philosophy.  
6. Didacus' a Lumbart, esteemed a great Scholar.  
7. Stok●s, an Englishman then present at the Council, his serene Antagonist.  
8. The Pope, Cour●, and Cardinals of Rome, but chief the Cardinal of Cambray.   
Thus though Huss had many friends, yet the number, power and activity of his Foes did preponderate; so that notwithstanding his many appeals and protestations, he was cast into a stinking Prison, loaden with chains of Iron, kept with hungry and bad Fare. But as Men thrown flat on their backs, always have their faces looking up to heaven; so this godly Man, being overthrown with the fury of his Enemies, made the more fervently his address unto God, by a lively faith, having all his dependence on dame Providence, even in the depth of cruel Sickness, which in the Prison seized upon him.  
13 The sentence of condemnation being at last solemnly passed upon him, Huss falling down on his knees, Lord jesus Christ (said he) forgive mine enemies, by whom thou knowest that I am falsely accused. How did his charity triumph over his persecutors malice? an action which will find more commenders, than followers in our age. Whereas indeed he that revengeth himself of his adversary, is but even with him, and in his own expression cries quits with him: whiles such as forgive him, are above him; it being the Prerogative of Princes to pardon.  
14 Then the seven Bishops, who were appointed for that purpose, began to degrade Huss of his seven Orders, and such Vestments as were the badges thereof. The best was, though they uncased him out of his other garments, they could not strip him of the white robe of his innocence. Yea, so cruelly did they act their part therein, that they resolved instead of a razor, with shears to pair a way a part of his crown, left (forsooth) any relic of their holy oil should remain upon it. However Huss was no loser thereby, for God no doubt made good to him his promise, Revel. 2.10. I will give unto thee a crown of life. Which did cover his deformity, and plentifully compensate the loss of his Skin.  
15 Here I confess it was once my design, to contract and insert the last speech of john Huss to the people, but my revised thoughts dissuaded me from it. For it is all so excellent, that compendium would be dispendium thereof. In itself the only fault thereof is the shortness of it, and pity it should be more abridged; for he that undertakes the same, will leave out as good as he chooseth in. Wherefore we remit the Reader to the entire narration of Master Fox, where his speech is recorded; which left an echo in the ears and hearts of all that heard him.  
16. Hence Huss was hurried to the stake, where the Emperor, Duke of Bavaria chanced to be present, proffering him pardon but on such unworthy conditions, as Huss his conscience could not accept. He did love, but did not dote on life; as he shall never grow rich by the barga●ne, who purchaseth it with the prize of his soul; no doubt he called to mind what was written, Heb. 11.35. And others were tortured not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And now the fire was kindled, with which Huss must grapple, being in this kind as I take it, the first that suffered in this manner. For as for Wicklief, only his corpses were burnt after his death, more to his enemy's shame; who in vain revenged themselves on the empty Cage after the bird was flown: whereas Huss was the first that entered the list with that furious element, and fought body to body wi●h the fire. Seriveners' use with gaudy flourishes to deck and garnish the initial characters of copies. The like may be expected from me, seeing Huss may be termed a leading letter; in the pattern of patience, that semnably with rhetorical flusculations I should endeavour to adorn his memorial. But such superfluous pains may well be spared, seeing this Letter is conspicuous enough in itself, died red in its own blood. Being tied with a chain to the stake, by chance he was turned towards the east; And here behold the Criticism of Superstition; For some cried out, He should not look towards the East, because he was an heretic. Whereupon his tormentors (who had power to turn his body, not to move his mind) reversed him westward. Sad indeed it is to come out of God's Blessing into the warm sun; but happy he that is turned out of the warm sun into God's blessing, and deny●d the benefit and beauty of the orient beams, had the inward Comfort of heavenly grace to solace and support him.  
17 A paper whereon devils were antiquely painted was put upon him, he wearing those shadows on his head, whose Substance his enemies felt in their heart. But when the fire began to be kindled, that furious Element was more merciful unto him than were his Executioners. For whereas fire hath a double property to burn and to stifle, here it was plea●ed to make use of the latter quality, as the milder and meeker of the twain. Except we shall say it was rather the Pity of the wind, than the favour of the fire, which drove the flame so full upon his face that it quickly choked him; and may be presumed senseless, though he moved a while after. His heart which was found amongst his bowels, fi●st beaten with staves and Clubs, was afterwards pricked upon a sharp stick, and roasted at the fire apart until it was consumed. The least remnant of his ashes were gathered up and cast into the river of Rhine, so if possible for ever to extirpate his memory.  
18 One memorable passage must not be forgotten, in the life time of Huss, which is conceived almost to amount to a prophecy, he had a dream (as he writes in his forty fifth Epistle, being a letter written to the Lord john de Clum●e) how he beheld in his Church at Bethlehem in Paris, certain men to race and pull out the images of Christ, and the next day (as it seemed unto hi●) many other Painters made more and fairer images than formerly; and the Painters with much people about them said, (in merriment and kind of derision) Let the Bishops and Priests come now and put out these Pictures. Hereat the people much rejoiced and Huss himself fell a laughing, which caused him to awake.  
19 I know that generally dreams are nothing, but Fancies descant on the former days work. And he that layeth too much pressure on such slender props may be laid in the dust. How ever it was verified in the event, that many worthy Christians the truest Images of Christ (as Christ is the image of God,) were by Huss his preaching and suffering converted to the truth, in defiance of all Anchristian opposition, who endeavoured to deleate and expunge all im●ressions of Truth in them.  
This most illustrious Lamp of Gospel Light,  
Which in B●hemia, first, shone forth most bright,  
By this renowned Martyrs' industry,  
Heavenly her●ick Huss; yet, furiously,  
Affronted was by Papal enemies.  
But, in the midst of this their rage, did rise,  
Among themselves, a mighty Schism and rent;  
Three Anti-popes', at Once; by which event,  
Renowned Huss did great advantage gain,  
The Gospel's Light to propagate, maintain.  
But, at the last, that Schism being sew'd-up,  
Again, they fill their wraths and rages Cup;  
And gave it Huss to drink, who, valiantly,  
Drank-up the same, to death's extremity;  
And, though, they Painted-Devils plac●d on his head , 
Yet, he their rage and scorn did nothing dread.  
Thus, faithless Rome breaking her promise given  
In firey-Chariot sent his Soul to Heaven.   


HIERONYMUS PRAGENSIS.  The life and Death of Jerom of Prague.  
TRavellours 
Bydalph Morrison sandy.  report, that the place wherein the Body of Absalon was buried, is still extant at jeruselem, and that it is a solenme custom of Pilgrims passing by it to cast a stone on the place; the like, in expression of their detestation of his unnatural Rebellion against his own father. But a well disposed man can hardly go by the memory, or mention of Hierom of Prague, without doing his greatfull homage thereunto, in bestowing upon him, some passage in his praise and Commendation. Amongst others therefore who have raised the Heap of this good man's Monuiment, we will cast in the Contribution of our Stone also, (though but a rough and unpolished one) to advance the height of this History.  
2 This Jerome of Prague was by his Country a Bohemian, though we find not the 
Allowing him 45● years old at his Death, he was borne 1372.  principal date and place of his Birth, nor the Condition of his parents. We account it more modisty, to confess our ignorance hereof, then to wrong the Reader, by obtruding on this Belief our roving Conjectures for certain Truths. But Bohemia, though she was happy to enjoy him, was not so covetous to engross him, but that for his profit; and her own honour. She lent him to other parts of Europe, there to have his Education. He traveled into France, and at Paris proceeded Master of Arts, and in the University of Collen and Hidlebury, had the same degree confirmed unto him. He was as exact in observeing, as happy in remembering, the most note worthy passages, which his judicious Eye met with in foreign Parts.  
3 But there is a secret Loadstone, in every man's native Soil, effectually attracting them home again to their Country, their Centre. This skilful merchant for Learning, having made a long voyage to the most principal Parts and Staple places of Literature, and by that his adventure much enriched himself, hath a mind to return home to his Haven, and safely arrived at Prague in Bohemia. He needed no other harbinger ●o send before to provide him welcome, than the fame of his own reputation, being so well known in that place, that the City passeth for his Surname, and the commonly styled Hierom of Prague. For here he had, if not his Birth, his first breeding, here he made so many pious Sermons, here he held so many famous disputations. In so much as it is questionable, whether jerom be more honoured with the Addition of Prague, or Prague more renowned with the name of jerom. For sooner shall the river MULTAW cease with her silver streams to water and divide that famous City, than the memory of jerom be forgotten.  
4 Hitherto jerom was but a wild stock and ungrafted, going on with the multitude in Erroneous ways, having drunk as deep as the rest of Rome's bewitched Cup, till his conversion happened on this Occasion: The Bohemians which brought their lady Anne over into England to be married to our King Richard the second, brought back the books of john Wicklief home with them into their Country. jerom of Prague lighting on one of them, by perusing it, perceived the abominable Superstitions then used in the Church, and began by degrees, first in his judgement, to dislike them; afterwards, in his Practice, to disuse them; and lastly, in his Preaching to Confute them. Thus Contemptible beginnings, being blessed by divine Providence, proversi parents of most considerable effects.  
5 But no sooner had jerom publicly opposed the doctrine of Purgatory and prayers for the dead, but all the orders of Friars, like a nest of Hornets, with there venomous stings were busy about him. We read of Elephants, that though their whole Body be by reason of the hardness of their Skin of proof against the sword, yet they have a tender and soft place under their Belly, wherein they are easily wounded, as appears by the example of Eleazar in the 
1. Maccabes 6.46.  Maccabes, who taking advantage thereof killed one of them in fight. But O how tender are the Monks Bellies; those Lazy Lubbers could not abide to be taught in point of Ease and profit, they are suddenly Sensible with Sorrow, if any go about to abate of their dainty diet, and therefore were bemadded with fury to hear Purgatory called into question, the pretended fire whereof did really heat their kitchen. But jerom having Scripture and truth on his side, like a valiant Champion asserted his opinions in defence of Opposition, having got the Society of john Huss to assist him.  
6 Two Pillars there were in Solomon's 
1 Kings 7.15.  Temple; two Olive-trees dropping oil into the Candlestick in 
Zac●●. 4.12.  Zacharyes' vision. Our Saviour sent his Seventy Disciples to Preach two by two. And two Witness Prophesied in Sackcloth till ●hey were sla●ne. 
1 ●●ke 9.1.  So here God had a Pair of his Preachers, who by their mutual Company, abated the tediousness of Solitariness, and by their invited strength twisted together, were thereby more effectually enabled against their Adversaries. One Soul might seem to animate them both, and as they were lovely in their Lives, so in their deaths they were not long divided.  
7 Now a general Couns●ll was called at Constance, which awakened the Christian world with the expectation of the Success thereof. john Huss, out of his own Accord, having first obtained full and free licence, to come thither and return thence with safety, repaired to the Counsel, and there, in Confidence of God and a good Cause, proffered to defend the doctrine of Wicklief, to be sound and true both by Scripture and reason. His very name Huss which in the Bohemian Tongue Signifieth a Goose, was a pleasant instrument ready strung and tuned, for the wanton fingers of his Enemies, to make mirth and music upon it, and every dull wit was sharp enough to use a jeer made to his hand. But let them break jests on his name, whilst he break their Superstitions in Earnest, and as once the Geese kept the Roman Capital from their Enemies; so this Goose kept the Capital of Truth from the Romans. Though Naball was his name, yet fo●●y was not with him, being of a Solid judgement, subtle wit, and discreet deportment in his Conversation.  
8 But Huss could in no manner obtain free Audience; yea contrary to his Assurance, formerly granted, had his person restrained. jerom of Prague, hearing thereof, would not stay at home, (when one hand is bound will not the other endeavour the losing thereof?) but hasteneth to Constance, either to produce the freedom or partake of the Fetters of his Christian Brothers. Thus when one Arrow is shot, and in hazard to be lost, a second is sent after it, and either hi● fellow is found, or both lost together, and happy it had been for the Church, if she had had her Quiver full of such Arrows. 
April 4. 1415.  Jerome coming to the Counsel, makes means to be heard, and puts up the heads of some positions, proffering publicly to defend them, moving withal that he might have leave to come and go with Safety confirmed unto him under the Faith of the Counsel.  
9 This by no means could be obtained, Liberty they would freely give him to come but not to departed, and on the same terms the Wolf will grant free Conduct to the Lamb, to come to hi● den, but vestigi● Nulla retrorsum. jerom hereupon finding justice obstructed, secretly departed the City, and in his return home was taken and brought bacl to the Counsel. His Adversaries much insult on his flight, as one evidence of his guilt; whereas if matter● be well weighed, seeing he could not obtain Licence Safely to stay, Christ gave him a warrant lawfully to de●part, in those word●, not only Permissive Directive, but Injunctive, when you are persecuted in one City flee to another.  
10 Then was he brought with a long Chain about him (like Saint Paul before King Agrippa,) into the Counsel, his fetters on set purpose being shaken by those that led him, to make the more noise, to render him more ridiculous. Whereas indeed the sound of such Shackles made more melodious music in the eared of the God of Heaven, than all the loud chanting & unintelligible affected singing in their Superstitious Qui●es. They baited him with railing and opprobriaus terms; but what is most remarkable, none solidly opposed him concerning the opinions of Wicklief, whereof he was accused, but charged him with youthful extravagancies, rather importing a Luxury of wit, then amounting to any dangerous Opinion. But principally the Master of the University of Hidelburoh objected against him, that long since, when a Student there, he had c●used a shield or Eschuchion to be painted, in representation of the Persons in Trinity, comparing them therein to Water, Snow and Ice.  
11 jerom denied not the fact but defended the same, Seeing God had stamped in natural matters, some countenance● of supernatural mysteries. Thus the coeternity of the three Persons (besides the aforesaid Instance) are Shadowed ou● in the Sun, and in light that proceedeth from it, & in a beam, that ariseth from ●●th. And seeing that Friars fancies most surfeit with such devices, and that more dangerous pictures nearer confining on Blasphemy, were commonly presented and privileged by them, they of all other were most unfit to cast the first stone at him, for such innocent and harmless Portraitures which he had depicted. Thus they vexed him with trivial objections about unconcerning matters; but as for the main business of Heresy, they presumed him to be guilty thereof, and he was never brought to a fair, and legal disputation concerning the same.  
12 From the Counsel he was carried home to the Prison, and there for many days kept with bread and water, so that had the proudest Anchorite, pretending to the highest abstinence been Commoner with him, it would have tired his swiftest Devotion to keep pace with him; much other hard usage he felt for the space of a twelve month, wherein his feet were hurt in the Stocks, the Irons entered into his Soul. So that long durance, short diet, hard lodging, love of Life, hope of Liberty, fear of Torture, wantig friends to advise him, made such impressions upon him, that at last he was not only contented to abjure all Wickliefes opinions for false, but also to allow the murder of his dear brother Huss to be a lawful and laudable Act of exemplary Justice.  
13 Here let none Tyrannically trample on the prostrate credit of a penitent sinner. Consider that he did not surrender the ●astle of his integrity at the first summons, but kept it a full year, in many a furious assault, till the Constant battery of Importunity, made at last an unhappy breach in his Soul. O there is more required to make a man valiant, then only to call an other Coward. Had we been in Ieromes Case, what we ought to have done we know, but what we should have done God knows. And may we here remember the Blessing which jacob bequeathed as a legacy to one of his Sons, 
Gen. 49.19.  Gad a Troop shall overcome him, but he shall overcome at the last. Let none look to long on the intermediate falls and failings to which the best Saints of God, in this life, are Subject, but lift up their eyes to the ultimate and final victories of God's servants, who at last, through Christ, prove more than conquerors.  
14 But Ieromes Condition was rather impaired then improved by his recantation. Great is the Differance betwixt deliverance out of dangers o● Gods giving in his due time, and forcible escapes by sinister courses, which men rashly snatch to themselves. The former is ever attended with inward joy and quiet of Conscience, the Soul Sola●cing itself, not only in the end attained, but also in the lawfulnsse of the means used thereunto; whereas when men do not issue out of a danger by a door of Gods opening unto them, but break through the wall, (as Jerome by perjury) by violent and unwarrantable ways, their minds are daily haunted with scruples and perplexities, even sometimes to doleful distraction: besides, such escapes never ●row prosperous, rather easing then curing, and the comfort got by them unraveleth again, as it happened in Jerome of Prague. By whose objuration his conscience was wounded, God offended, truth betrayed, good m●n made to grieve, and bad men to insult, the malice of his Adversary's being not what abated in violence, but increased in subtlety. For conceiving his recantation (as indeed ●t was) rather indicted from his Tongue then his Heart, these Spaniels resolved to Retrieve the game, and to put him a fresh on the trial.  
15 No fewer than 107. Articles were fr●med against him, and he brought to his purgation before the Council, near the titular Patriarch of Constantinople, who formerly had condemned Huss was appointed his judge; Happy had it been, if this pragmatical persecutor had had no more power in Constance, than he received profit from Constantinople, whence he was only qualified and dignified with an Aerial title. jerom most valiantly and elequently assessed the truth, recanting his recantation? And protesting that nothing more troubled him in his life, than his former cowardice. Thus, as the well leveled Canon, though at the discharging by the force of the powder it recoileth some paces backward, yet it tendeth the Bullet to the right mark. So jerom now hit home, notwithstanging his former fearful failing, and became the more courageous in God's cause, yea bashful blushing for their former faults, so becometh the faces of good men, that it maketh them look the more beautiful.  
16 Sentence of condemnation was presently passed upon him, and a paper Mite was made for him to wear, wherein red devils with monstrous visage● were depainted, done to affright the vulgar, who commonly carry their souls in their eyes, much affected with such representations; the heathen Romans had a custom that at the Apotheosis, or Pagan Canonising of an Emperor for a god, when his body was solemnly burned, an artificial Eagle was curiously made at the top of the Rogus or funeral pile; and people persuaded, that that soaring Eagle did withal carry and convey the Emperor's soul into heaven: Or at leastwise was an Emblem of his mounting up into happiness. Thus this pageant of painted devils was presented to the people to possess them with an opinion, that in the same sort the Fiends of hell did arrest and seize on the soul of jerom, who notwithstanding would have done well enough, if the devils in flesh their present had not done more to him, than the devils in paper. This Saint rather smiling at the folly then angry at the malice of his enemies, cheerfully put the Mitre on his head; Did my Savour, said he, wear a Crown of thorns for me, and shall not I as willingly wear this foolish Cap for his sake?  
17 He was fastened to the stack, which was an ●mage of wood made to resemble john Huss. (sometimes deep malice expresseth itself but in shallow fancies) and singing all the while, suffered (as I may say) many Marterdomes. It was almost quarter of an hour, before he gave up the ghos●, rather roasted then burnt: so as blisters, as big as Eggs were raised upon his skin: the fire tormented him at distance, being made round about him. Here my soul being to be sent on two several errands, knoweth not which first to dispatch: whether I should inveigh on the cruelty of his Murderers, who had martyred all humanity in themselves, artificially skilful to descant on the doleful plain ●ong of death, that the poor man might feel himself die, whilst their revengeful eyes played the Epicures on his torment: or shall I first admire the patience of jerom, who standing as stiff as the stake to which he was fastened, like Eliah went up to heaven in a Chariot of fire: But to omit both, I had best adore the goodness of God, which gave such strength unto men, conquering the cruelty of their tormentors by their sufferings.  
18 The ashes of jerom were cast into the river of Rhine, so that he might say with David, 
Psalm 66.12.  We went through fire and water: what the Poets fain of ●he river Tayns carrying golden sand in the stream thereof, is herein mystically verified of Rhine; now the channel was enriched with the precious dust of this Saint: that river long since hath perchance scattered their relics to the Germane sea, as that to the main Ocean, though his memory & fame is more dispersed abroad on the Continent. All this separations of his d●●t shall no● pose an omnipotent power, but that at the last day he shall have a glorious resurrection. Wicked men said of St. Paul, Away with such a fellow from the Earth, for it is not fit that he should live. God saith of his soul, of whom the world was not worthy. Both agree in this, though grounding their agreement on contrary ways, that men of great piety are not to be long lived in this world.  
19 I had almost forgot a perpetual speech of this Ierom, I summon you all (said he) a hundred years hence to appear before God, and give an account of my innosent blood; several comments are made of this text, his enemies derided his words as the fantastical issue of an idle prayer, only wise and wary in taking the safe term of a hundred years, th●t none then present might have the advantage to confute him of falsehood. Others conceived the expression, a general commination, using a certain time for an uncertain, amounting to this effect; that the longest lived of them all should one day be called to a sad reckoning for their cruelty. But ma●ny Protestants not content to have his words an arrow shot at rovers, but aiming at and hitting a mark, interpret them of Martin Luther, who in oriticall computation at the end of that Century (as herein to Ieromes opinions & Executer of his will herein) gave that deadly wound to that man of sin, which hath brought him to an incurable consumption attended with an hectic Fever, the infallible forerunner of the speedy approaching of his final destruction.  
This brave Bohemian worthy may, indeed,  
His brother Huss most worthily succeed;  
And, as two Twins, for their heroic Spirit,  
The one, the others honour may inherit.  
For, by John Huss, Jerom was blestly aided,  
Where by the Romish rout he was invaded;  
And, Jerom, hearing Huss was wronged by Rome,  
To vindicate his quarrel, did presume.  
But, in the trial, found his heels tripped up.  
Fearful (by Romish rage) to taste his Cup;  
Yet, at the last, that tempting blast over blown,  
His doubled and redoubled Zeal was shown:  
Stoutly recanting his forced recantation,  
To th' Death he hated Rome's abomination.  
Which did their Romish fury so inflame,  
That, torturing him, they Tigers fierce became;  
His head (like Huss) with painted Devils, arrayed,  
His Soul to Heaven, outrageous flames conveyed.   


MARTINUS LUTHERUS.  The Life and Death of Martin Luther.  
MArtin Luther was born at Isleben, Ann. Dom. 1483. November 10. at 9 a clock at night on Saint Martin's day, and was cal●'d Martin. His parents brought him up in knowledge and fear of God, according to the capacity of his tender years, and taught him to read at home, and accustomed him to virtuous demeanour. The father of George Aemilius (as Luther often hath related) first put him to School, where though the truth was much darkened by clouds of Popery, yet God preserved still the heads of Catechism, the Elements of the Cistoian Grammar, some Psalms and forms of prayer.  
At fourteen years of age, he with john Reineck, who proved a man of especial virtue and authority in those parts, were sent to Magdeburg: thence by his Parents he was removed to Isenak, where was a School of great fame; There he prefected his Grammar learning, and being of a very quick wit, and by nature fitted for eloquence, he soon surpassed his School fellows in copiousness of speech and matter, and excelled in expression of his mind both in proof and verse.  
He went to Erford Anno 1501. Where he fell upon the crabbed and thorny Logic of that age: which he soon attained, as one who by the sagacity of his wit, was better able to dive into causes and other places of Arguments than others. Here, out of a desire of better learning, he read over Cicero, Livy, Virgil, and other monuments of ancient latin Authors.  
When at Erphord he was graced with the degree of Master of Aarts at twinty years of age, he read, as Professor, Aristotes Physics, Ethics and other parts of Philosophy. Afterward his kindred seeing it fit that so worthy endowments of wit and eloquence should be cherishsd for the publque good, by their advice he betook himself to the study of the Law. But not long after when he was 21. years old, of a sudden besides the purpose of his parents and kindered (upon an affright from his faithful mates violent death) he betook himself to the Augustine Monks College in Erphord. But before he entered the Monastery, he entertained his fellow studients with a cheerful banquet: and thereupon sent them letters of valedictory; and sending to his parents the Ring & gown of his degree of Master of Arts, unfolded to them the reason of the change of his course of life. It much grieved his parents that so excillent parts should be spent in a life little differing from death. But for a month's space no man could be admitted to speak with him: running over the Books thereof in order, he met with a copy of the Lanine Bible, which he never saw before; there with admiration he observed that there were more Evangelicall and Apostolical Texts then what were read to the people in Churches. In the Old Testament with great attention he read the story of Samuel and Anna hi● mother; and began to wish, that he was the owner of the like book; which not long after he obtained. Hereupon he spent his time on the Prophetical and Apostolical writings, the fountains of all heavenly doctrine, seeking thence to inform his mind with Gods will, and to nourish in himself the fear of God, and true faith in Christ from true and undoubted grounds. Some sickness and fear whet him on to attempt these studies more earnestly. It is said, that in this College Luther in his younger years fell into a most violent disease, in so much that there was no hope of life; and that an ancient Pressed came to him, and with these words comforted him; Sir, Be of good courage for your disease is not mortal; God will raise you up ●o be a man who shall afford comfort to many other. He was often cheered up by conference with the ancient Priest; to whom he revealed his fears and scruples of mind.  
Then he began to read Augustin● Works: where both in his Comment on the Psalms, and in the book, Of the Spirit and letter, he found many evident places, which confirmed this doctrine concerning faith & the comfort which was before kindled in his breast. Yet did he not utterly cast of the reading of Gabriel and Camaracensis, writers on the Sentences, but was able to recite them by heart in a manner. He spent much time in often reading Occam, and esteemed him for acuteness of wit before Thomas Acquinas and Scot●s: also he studiously perused Gerson. But chief he read often Austin's Works, and kept them well in memory. This earnest prosecution of his studies he began at Erphord: and spent there five years in the College.  
In the year 1507. he put on the priest's hood. The first Mass which he celebrated, was May 2. Domini Cantate. Then was he 24. years old. In this course he continued 15. years; to the year of our Lord 1527. At that time john Staupicius, who endeavoured to promote the University of Wittenberg lately begun, desired that the study of Theology should there flourish, and well knew the wit and learning of Luther: and removed him to Wittenberg, An. 1508. when he was 26. years old. Here in regard of his daily exercises in the Schools & his Sermons, the eminency of his good parts did more and more show themselves. And among other learned men, who attentively heard him Martinus Mellurstad commonly called Lux mundi, the light of the world, often said of Luther: that there was in him so Noble a strain of wit, that he did verily presage, that he would change the vulgar course of Studies, which at that time was usual in Schools, and prevailed.  
At Wittenberg Luther first explained Aristotle's Logic and Physics: yet intermitted not his study of Divinity. Three years after, that is Anno 1510. he was sent into Italy and to Rome in the behalf of his Covent, for the deciding of some controversies among the Monks. There he saw the Pope and the Pope's palace, and the manners of the Roman Clergy. Concerning which he saith; I was not long at Rome, There I said and heard others say Mass: but in that manner, that so often as I call them to mind, I detest them. For at the tabe I heard among other matters some Courtesans laugh and boast, and some concerning the bread and wine on the Altar to say: Bread thou art, and bread thou shalt remain; Wine thou art, and wine thou shalt remain. He further addeth, that the Priests celeberated the Masses so hastily and perfunctorily, that he left of saying Mass, before he betook himself to the Gospel. And cried out, A way with it, a way with it. In talk with his familiar friends he would often rejoice at this his journey to Rome, and say; that he would not for 1000 florins have been without it. After his return from Rome, Staupicious so advising, he was made Doctor in Divinity, after the manner of the Schools, and at the charge of Duke Fredrick Elector of Saxony. For the Prince heard him Preach, and admired the soundness of his invention, the strength of his arguments, and the excellence of the things which he delivered. Now was Luther thirty years old, and had attained a maturity of Judgement. Luther himself used to profess, that he would have refused this honour, and that S●aupicius would have him permit himself to be graced with this degree, saying pleasently; That there were many businesses in God's Church, wherein he would use Luther's help. Thi● speech then spoken in a complemental way, at length proved true by the event. Thus many presage● go before great changes. Soon after he began (as the place required) to explain the Epistle to the Romans and some Psalms: which he so cleared, that after a long and dark night, there seemed a new day to arise in the judgement of all pious and prudent men. Here he shown the difference of the Law and Gospel, and refuted an error then most frequent both in the Schools and Sermons: namely, that men b● their works can deserve remission of their sins; and that menare just before God by observing the discipline commanded: as the Pharisees taught. Luther therefore recalled men's minds to the son of God, and (as john Baptist) shown them the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.  
And taught them that for Christ● sake their sins are forgiven, and that this benefit is received by faith. He cleared also other points of Ecclesiastical truth: This beginning made him of great authority, and that much the more, because his demeanour was suitable to his doctrine, so that his speech seemed to come from his heart, not from his lips only. For the saying is as true as old, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, A man's pious carriage makes his speech persuasive. Hence it was that men easily assented to him, when afterward he changed some of their rites. As yet he attempted not to do it, but was a rigid observer of good order, and added something more strict than usual. With the sweetness of this doctrine all godly minded men were enamoured, and much it affected the learned, that Ch●ist, the Prophets and Apostles were brought out of darkness and prison, and that the difference of ●he Law and the Gospel, of God's Word and Philosophy, (of which they read nothing in Thom●s, Scotus and their fellows) now was manifested. Now also Luther betook himself to the study of the Greek and Hebrew tongues, that upon his knowledge o● the phrase and propriety of the Original, he might more exactly judge of Doctrines grounded thereupon.  
Luther being thus busied, into Misnia and Saxony, john Tecelius a Domanican Friar brought Indulgences to be sold. This Tecelius arrived (as other matters, so especially) that he had so large a commission from the Pope, that though a man should have deflowered the blessed Virgin, for money he could pardon the sin. And further he did not only give Pardon● for sins past, but for sins to come. Luther's godly zeal being inflamed with these proceed, set forth certain propositions concerning Indulgences. These he publicly affixed at the Church next to the Castle of Wittenberg, on All-saints Eve, Anno 1517.  
When Luther perceived that the Positions were very well liked of, and entertained as sound and Orthodox; which he at first propounded to be discussed by Disputation, till the Church defined what was to be thought concerning Indulgences; he wrote to jerom Bishop of Brandenburg, under whose Jurisdiction he was, and submitted what he had written to the Bishop's judgement; and entreated him tha● he would dash out with his pen, or consume with the fire, what he thought unsound. The Bishop answered Luther, and declared that his desire was, that the setting forth of his arguments about those matters should a little while be deferred: and that he wished that the common talk about Indulgences had never been. Luther answered: I am content so ●o do; and had rather obey, then work Miracles, if I could well do them.  
In the year 1518● Luther, though most men dissuaded him, yet to show his observance of authority, went (for the most part on foot) to the College of Hidleberg. In the College of the Augustinians, now called the College of Sapience, he disputed about Justification by Faith.  
Upon Luther's return, he wrote an Epistle to judocus a Divine and Philosopher of Isenac, once his Tutor. Where he hath this speech; All the Doctors of Wittenberg (in the doctrine concerning grace and good works) are of my judgement, yea the whole University, except one licentiat Doctor Sebastian: even the Prince himself and our Ordinary Bishop, and many of the Chieftains, and all the Ingenious Citizens with joint consent affirm, that before they neither knew nor heard of the Gospel, nor of Christ. The Pope by Thomas Cajetan Cardinal cited Luther to Rome. Luther having notice hereof, mainly endeavoured that the cause might be handled in Germany under competent Judges: and at length he prevailed, by the mediation of Wittenberg University to the Pope, and by Charles Multitius a Germane the Pope's Chamberlain, and the mediation of the Elector of Saxony to Cajetan then the Pope's Legate, that at Auspurg before the Legate himself, Luther might plead his own cause.  
About the beginning of October, Luther came on foot to Auspurg, and upon assurance of his safety was admitted to the Cardinal's presence. Who admonished him; first, To become a sound member of the Church, and to recant the errors which he had divulged: secondly, to promise that he would not again teach his former doctrines: thirdly, that he would abstain from other Doctrines which would disturb the Peace of the Church. Here also it was objected to him, that he denied the Merit of Christ to be a treasure of Indulgences: and that he taught that Faith was necessary for all which should come to the Sacrament. Luther entreated some time to deliberate thereon: and returned the next day, and in the presence of some witnesses and a Scribe, and four of the Empeours Counsellors, professed, that he gave the Church of Rome all due observance, and if he had spoken any thing dissenting from the judgement of the Church, he would reverse it: but could revoke no error, being not yet convicted by Scripture of any, and did appeal to the judgement of the Church. But Luther not convinced as yet by Scripture, persisted in the truth. Yet at length fearing least the Cardinal should make more use of his power and greatness, then Scholarlike disputations, he appealed to Rome, and departed from Auspurg, October 20. Because the Cardinal charged him not to come into his presence, unless he would recant. Yet Luther left behind him an Epistle to the Cardinal, and affixed thereunto a formal appeal unto the Pope.  
Cajetan took Luther's departure in ill part, and wrote to the Duke of Saxony, that he would either send Luther to Rome, or banish him out of his territories, and entreated him not to give credit to Luther's def●nders● and to take heed of staining the ill●strio●●s Family, whence he was descended. The Elector returned answer; That now it was not in his power to do this, because Luther was not convicted of any error, and did much good service in the University, and did offer his cause to trial and disputation. The resolution of the Duke was more confirmed by an Epistle of Era●mus, and the intercession and vote of the University of Wittenberg. Here I may not pass over a notable proofs of Luther● Heroic courage. When Luther came to Auspurg, he by the counsel of such as the Prince Elector sent with him, waited three days for to have the Emperor's Letters for his safety. In the mean time the Cardinal sent one for Luther; but he denied to come, until the Emperor granted what he desired. At this the messenger was offended and said; Do you think that Prince Frederick will take up arms in your behalf? I desire it not said Luther, in any wise. Then the Party Where then will you abide? Luther answered, Under the cope of Heaven. The Italian replied, Had you the Pope and the Cardinals in your power, what would you do? I would said Luther, give them all due honour and reverence. At this the Messenger after the Italian manner biting his thumbs, went away.  
Upon these dealings Luther's spirit fainted not, yet lest he should cause detriment or danger to any one, or derive suspicion on his Prince, and that he might more freely deal with the Papal cure, would have gone into France or some other Country. But his friends on the contrary, counselled him to stick firmly to Saxony: and that the Pope's Legate should be certified, that was ready in any safe place appointed him to make his answer. But Luther having se●led his resolution to departed, took his leave of the Prince Elector, and by a letter sent to him, November 29. thanked his Highness for all friendly offices of his love. The Prince sent that letter to the Legate: and appointed Luther to abide at Wittenberg. Of this Luther thus wrote; The Prince was fully minded that I should stay: but what his mind now is, since the Royal proceed are published, and I have appealed to the Council, I know not.  
For he understanding by the Cardinal● Letter, that Judgement should pass on him at Rome, he made a new Appeal, saying, that he was forced of necessity to appeal from the Pope to the Council ensuing, which was in many respects to be preferred before the Pope.  
About the same time towards the end of the 18. year, the Pope sent Charles Multitius a Misnian Knight, and bestowed on Prince Frederick a golden Rose, according to custom consecrated by the Pope on the fourth Sund●y in Len●: and exhorted him to continu● in the faith of his ancestors. He was earnest with Luther to be reconciled to the Pope: and had seventy Briefs Apostolical (as they call them) to show; that if the Prince would deliver him out of his custody, for which cause the Pope sent him the Ro●e, in seventy Towns, the seventy Briefs should be set up, and so he should be brought safe to Rome. He further required of Luther, that he would have a regard to the Church's peac●; and promised to endeavous, that the Pope should do the like: Luther freely promised most readily to do what ever ●e could with a saf● conscience in regard of God's Truth: and affirmed that himself was desirous and studious of peace, and tha● i● was no● his fault that these stirs arose; for necessity had urged him to do, what he had done.  
Frederick the Elector a prudent and Religio●● Prince neither yielded to the Pope's desire, nor vouchsafed his ●ose any respect: though Multitius wornderfully boasted of it at Dresa, and said, Doctor M●rtin is in my power. About this time the Bohemians sending a book written by john Hu● to Luther, encouraged him to constancy and patience● and confessed that the Divinity taught by Luther was sound and right.  
Matters b●ing grown to this height of dispute, and Luther having many adversaries; at Leipsick a town in Misni● belonging to George Duke of Saxony Cosen-german to Prince Frederick, in the 19 year a Disputation was held. Thither c●me Andre●● Carolostadius accompanied with Luther, Melancthon and Barninus Duke of Pomerania. He at that time was in office in the University of Wittenberg. Thither came also john Eckius a Di●ine of Ingolstad. Hereupon, I●ne the 17. john Eckius and Carolastodius began the Disputation about freewill. Namely, whether there be in man any free will to do good as of himself? that is, as they say; whether in congruity we deserve grace, when we do what is in us to do? Eckius granted that there is not in man a genuine and natural power and ability to do a good work, but an acquired. On this point eight days were spent by his playing the Sophester. Lut●er could by no means obtain leave of Duke George freely with his safety to dispute, and thereupon came not as a Disputer, but as an Auditor to Leipsick, under the protection granted to Carol●stadius.  
In the year 1520. upon Multitius advise, Luther wrote to the Pope, and sent him his book lately written concerning Christian liberty, and offered conditions of peace. About this time Frederick the Elector fell into a grievous likeness. Whereupon Luther moved by some of his friends, and out of Christian charity wrote the book called Tesseradecas to comfort him. Then also he wrote the book Of Confession of sins: in which he took occasion to speak of Vows, and deplored their torturing of men's consciences. Charles the Emperor requested to hear Erasmus judgement concerning Luther, and wondered that so great & extreme hatred should be raised by some Monks and the Pope against Luther, whose life and carriage he conceived to be commendabl●, and his doctrine not impious; Erasmus answered in a pleasant manner; That his Highness needed not wonder at that; for Luther had in his disputations dealt against the Monk's bellies, and the Pope's crown.  
It is reported that these advocates of the Pope did promise Erasmus a Bishopric of rich revenue, if he would write against Luther. But he answered; That Luther was a man too great for him to write against; and that he learned more from one short page of Luther's writings, then from all Thomas Aquinas books. It is also said, that Margaret the Emperor's Aunt, who ruled all Belgium; when the Magistri n●stri of Lovan complained, that Luther with his writings did subvert all Christendme, did demand what manner a man Luther was; when they answered, that he was an unlearned Monk, she replied: Why then, s●e that all you learned men, being a great multitude, writ against that one unlearned fellow: and doubtless the world will give more credit to many of you being learned, then to him being but one and unlearned.  
Luther knowing what was done with his writings, An. 1520. Decemb. 10. called the Students of Wittenberg together, and in a frequent assembly of learned men, before the gate o● Elister near to the great College, where a fire was made, ca●t the Pope's laws and the Bull of Leo with some writings of Eckius, Emser, and others thereinto; and said, Because thou troublest Christ the holy one of God, eternal fire will trouble thee. The next day he expounded the Psalms, and earnestly charded his auditors that as they loved the salvation of their souls, they should take heed of the Pope's statutes. And in writing gave a reason presently of this his action.  
Here Frederick Prince Elector obtained of the Emrerour to call Luther ● to the Court held at Worms in March An. 1521. Luther receiving the Emperors grant for his safety, went from Wittenberg.  
Here many did dehort Luther from going to Wormes ● Others said, that by the burning of his books, he might know what was the Pope's censure concerning himself: Others told him of the usage of Hus and Sav●narola. But Luther with a resolute courage lightly regarded their advice, and said, that these disc●uragements were but cast into his way by Satan, who knew, that by the profession of of the Truth, especially in so illustrious a place, his kingdom would be shaken and endamaged. He further brak● forth into th●se words: If I knew that there were so many Devils at Worms as tiles on the houses, yet would I go thither. They say ●he Duke of Bavaria his jester, whether suborned by others, or by some instinct, met Luther at his entrance into the town with a Cross, as is wont in funerals, and sung with a loud voice: Welcome, com●st th●●●ither, and much desired of us, who sat in darkness.  
On the twenty ●ix of April Luther taking his leave departed from Worms. Casp. Sturmius a Messenger some hours a●ter followed him, and found him at Openheim. Luther being in his journey sent Letters bacl both to Caesar and the Pirinces' Electory & Sta●●s of their Empire, commending himself and his cause to them; a●d said he was ready to do any thing which was meet, except to revoke any things that he knew to be warranted by God's word. Frederick the Electory ● prudent Prince, seeing Luther to have incurred the hatred of all; that no danger might seize on him, committed the business of conveying Luther into some safe place, where he might be free from access, to some faithful friends of the Nobility, that there he should be kept private, till Caesar was departed out of Germany. They presently, faithfully and secretly conveyed him to the Castle of Wartenburg neear Is●nack: This place Luther afterward used to call his Pa●mos.  
At length not enduring further delay and innovations, he returned from his Patmos to Wittenberg. In this 2●2. year the New Testament came forth, as it was translated into the Germane tongue in his P●●mos, & afterward revi●ed some what by Melancthon. He wrote also a letter to the Bohemians concerning matters of great moment, and exhorted them to constancy in the truth whi●h they had received, and that the● would no● fall back to An●ich●ist for a vain hope of peace: He also dissuaded them from making themselves guilty of the innocent blood of John Hus an● Jerome of Prague.  
About this time also, Luth●● ●onfuted Nicolas Stork, Thomas Muncer and other fanatical ringleaders, and Prophet● broaching new doctrines, who pretended revelations Angilicall, and conferences with God, and denied the Baptism of infants: and thereby sowed the seed of Anabaptism. These false prophets came from the Cygn●an City to Wittenberg, in Luther's absence, and molested Car●l●st●de and Melancthon. Now also Luther answered Henry the eight King of 〈◊〉, who as other adversaries' also, 〈◊〉 ou● a book against Luther, and had given him by Pope Leo ●he ti●le of Defender of the Faith of the Church.  
Then Luther set forth the book concerning ●h● dignity and office of the Civil Magistrate. He also set forth the five books of Moses in the Germane tongue, ●hr●e thousand years since the death of Moses. H● published also a book to the Senate of Prague, about ordaining of Minister's, and another, about avoiding the doctrine of men.  
The year 1526. in October, Luther laid aside his Monkishhood: and declared his judgement concerning the Synod to be called for determination of the Ceremonies. Now also Luther renewed the ordination of Ministers of the Gospel in the Church: Of whom Ge●rge Rorarius was the first● Lut●er being forty two years old, of a sudden and unexspect●dly married Katherine a Bo●a a noble Virgin, late a Nun.  
Luther's adversary's not only observed the time of the marriage, but proclaimed the marriage to be incestuous, in which a Monk married a Nun. Hereupon the King of England in his Answer to Luther, styles this marriage incestuous, and there saith among other opprobries put upon Luther, that he could not have committed a ●in of higher nature. Against these disgraces Luther thus animated himself, saying; If my marriage b● a work of God, what wonder is there, if the flesh be offended at it? It is offended even at the flesh which God o●● Creator took, and gave to be a ransom, and food for the salvation of the the world: if the world was not offended with me; I should be offended with the world, and should fear that it was not of God, which I have done. Now seeing the world is vexea and troubled at, I am confirmed in my course and comforted in God.  
Then Luther wrote a consolatory letter to john hus of Breslow a Teacher of the Gospel, notwithstanding the scandal raised by the Heretics, and their fight against the Articles of our Faith: and in special manner he animated him against Schwenfeld and Cr●ntwald.  
In the 27. year the Anabapti●●s broached their new doctrine, about the not baptising of infants; & were themselves rebaptised: they also taught community of goods. Both Luther and Zwinglius wrote against them, and the Magistrates punished them in divers places.  
About the beginning of the year 1527. Luther fell suddenly sick of a congealing of blood about his hairs, which almost killed him: but the drinking of the water of Carduus Benedictus, whose virtues then was not so commonly known, he was presently helped. This year also he put forth the Story of Leonard Keisar his friend, who was burnt for the Gospel's sake, at the Command of William Duke of Bavaria.  
In the beginning of the year 1529. Luther put fort● his greater and lesser Catechisms for the good of the under sort of people, and admonished the Pastors and Ministers that they would seriously attend their offices, and teach carefully in the Villages. That they would preach still the same things 〈◊〉 the same points and often press them upon the people. Her● also Luther put forth a book against the Turk in the Germane tongue. In this year was held that solemn and numerous assembly before the Emperor & the States of the Empire, which was printed & made known to all the Nations of Europe. Luther composed the seventeen Articles, before the Divines of Saxony took their journey to A●gusta: In these Articles he omitted scholastic disputes and point● unnecessary for the people's instruction, and comprised the sum of wholesome and necessary doctrine for the salvation of men's souls and true piety.  
Af●er this the Confession written by Melancthon according to Luther's direction and advise, was exhibited in the Latin and Germane tongues in Caesar's palace, june 25. at two a clock in the afternoon, and was read by the Chancellor of Saxony before Charles the fifth, Ferdinando and all the El●ctors and Princes being assessors, and that with so shrill and loud a voice, that not only in that large Hall, but also in the Court beneath and in the places adjoining it was well heard. They who subscribed to this Confession were john Duke of Saxony, George marquis of Brandenb●ugh, Ernest and Franci● brothers, Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh; Philip Landgrave of Has●ia, Wolfgang Prince of Anhalt; and two Citi●s of the Empire, Norinberg and Reutling.  
In the year 1533. Luther comforted the Citizens of Oschatz by his letter, who had been turned out for hi● confession of the Gospel; In his letter h● saith, The Devil i●●he Host, and the World is his Inn: so that where ever yo● come, you shall be sure to find this ugly Host. In the year 1534. the Germane Bible translated by him, and brought into one body, was first printed, as the old privilege dated at Bibliopol●● under the Electors hands showeth.  
In the year 1535. this Bible was published. Th●n the fancies of the Anabaptists began to appear in Westphalia, and made a very great combustion. This year Lut●er began publicly to preach on Genesis, which task ●e ended (as himself was wont to ominate) with his life, six years after. In February the year following the Duke Elector of Saxony with the Confederate Princes and Cities, and their Divines held an Assembly at Smalcald fo● matters of Religion.  
At this meeting Luther fell sick of a grievous disease, so that there was no hope of his life. He was pained of the stone, and obstruction in the bladder eleven days. Here he, though most of his friends disliked and reasoned against it, would be carried thence; the event proved his resolution good. George Sturk the Physician being s●nt for from Erphord went along with him. Luther as he was carried along, made his Will; in which he bequeathed his detestation of Popery to his friends and Pastors: as before in the house of Spalatinus in the year 1530. where he made thi● Verse.  

Pestis eram vivus, moriens ero mors tua Papa.   

I living, stopped Rome's breath,  
And Dead, will be Rome's Death.   
But the night after his departure thence he begen to be somewhat better.  
He took delight to express some things in his own tongue, and in Rhyme. Of which some were to this sense and meaning.  

Ea●e what is sodden well;  
Dr●●ke what is pure and clear:  
That th●u the truth doth tell,  
To all let it appear.   

Speak not to all, what e●er thou dost know●  
If thou ●e well, keep wisely were thou art:  
Conserve with care, what ever is thine ●●●ne,  
Mischan●● 〈◊〉 ●ooted comes like th'nimbling ●art.   

Be silent in ●ue time, abstain, sustain,  
Hold up thy head. Of need to none compleine;  
Despair not of God's help, thy state to ●●sy,  
Who sends assistance to us every day.   
He was in his private converse of such behaviour that his life was a patterene of virtue. As he dined or supped, oftentimes he would dictate matter to be preached; sometimes corrected the faults of the press, sometimes he would recreate himself and others with Music. He was by nature (which Melancthon would often wonder at) a moderate eater and drinker: and yet had no small or weak body: He hath been seen for four d●yes together and being in health, to eat and drink nothing at set meal times: and often at other times for many days to be content with a little bread and fish. I will say nothing how in the Cloisters he macerated himself with watch, fasting, labours. Oftentimes being invited to Banquets, he went not, because he would not lose his time, I, said he, lose too much time by invitations to Feasts here in the City: I know Sa●●n hath such an hand in it: that I may not deny it, and yet it doth me harm to accept the courtesy. In company he was familiar, pleasant courteous yet grave, as beseemed a man of his place. He was ●ffable, and studious of truth.  
Melancthon affirmeth, that he often found him ●t prayer with great ardency and tears imploring God for the whole Church. He set apart every day a certain time for the reading some Psalms, and intermixed his own prayers and tears with them. He often used to say; that he was offended with them, who either through Idleness or variety of employment said, that it was enough to pray with groans only. And for that end said he, forms of prayer are prescribed us by the will of God, that reading might inflame our minds, yea that the voice also might profess, wha● God we call upon.  
When ●e recreated his mind, and took it of from study, he delighted to play at Chess, and was skilful at it. He sometimes practised the art of Turning with his serv●nt Wolfgang; and would say, if the world should den● us sustenance for my pains in God's word, we would learn to get our livings with our hands. Sometimes he did play on an Instrument, sometimes shoot. He was careful also of the neatness of his Garden, and desired of his friend's variety of plants to furnish it: So that he had no vacant time. Of his employments thus he writeth; I am very full of employment preaching to the people might well require all my pains, my course of worshipping God and prayer might wholly busy m●, my pains b● expounding Scriptures by writing, my writing Epistles, my care of other men's affairs tak●t● up my time; my converse with my friends (which I use to call a feeding of my corpse) doth very badly steal away a grea● part of my time. It was his usual course either to meditate, or to read, or preac●, or to give good counsel to his friends: so that h● was never idle.  
He was very liberal to the poor. On a time when a Stdents asked some money of him, he bade his wife give him some thing: and when she excused the matter in regard of their penury at that time: he took up a silver cup and gave it to the Scholar, and bid him sell it to the Goldsmith, and keep the money for his occasions. When a friend sent him 200. angels of gold from the metal-mines he bestowed them all on poor Students: When john the Elector, gave him a new gowned he said, that he was made to much of, for if here we receive a full recompense of our labours, we shall hope for none in another life. When the same Elector offered him a vain of Metals at Sneberge: he refused it, lest he should incur the tentations of the Devil, who is Lord of treasure under the Earth. He took nothing of Printers for his copies, as he writeth, saying, I have no plenty of money, and thus yet I deal with the Printers, I receive nothing from them ●or recompense of my many Copies, sometimes I receive of them one copy. This I think is due to me, whereas other writers, yea translators, for every eight leaves have an Angel. Concerning money given him thus he writeth; The hundreth Angels given me I roceived by Tanbenhem, and Schart gave me fifty: that I stand in fear, that God will give me my reward here. But I protested that I would not so be satisfied by him, I will either presently repay it or spend it. For what should I do with so much money? I gave one half of it to P. Prior, and made him a joyful man.  
He was very lovingly affectioned towards his children, and gave them liberal education: He kept in his house a Schoolmaster to train them up in good arts and a godly life. When he saw Magdalen his eldest daughter ready to die, he read to her in Esay 26.19. Thy dead servants shall rise again, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust: For thy dew is at the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come my people, enter into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: Hid thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast,. My daughter enter thou into thy chamber with peace, I shall ere long be with thee. For God will not permit me to see the punishments hanging over the head of Germany. And upon t●is wept plentifully. But in public when he went a long with the Hearse he bridled his affection, and was not seen to shed one tear. And as all men of excellent spirits have a zealous anger in due place: So Luther by nature was vehement, but yet placable: As appeareth in this, that when Melancthon much moved to passion once came unto him, and all the rest were very mute, Luther uttered this Verse.  

Vince animos iràmque tuam, qui caeterà vinci●.   

Thine own heart overcome, thy fury tame,  
Who all things else hast stoutly overcame.   
And then smiling, said● we will not further dispute of this matter, and turned his speech to other occasions.  
He foresaw and foretold many things, as the combustion which risen in Germany; saying I am very much afraid, that if the Princes give ear to Duke George his ill counsel, there will arise some tumult, which will destroy all the Princes and Magistrates in all Germany, and engage in it all the Clergy. Of the death of Frederick Elector of Saxony, thus he writeth, If God in heaven hath resolved in wrath to deal with us, that neither our prayers, nor counsels of amendment can hinder it, let us obtain this that our Josias may sleep in peace, though the world be left to go into its Babylon.  
Of the covetousness, of Germany and the dearth there, thus he speaketh. We fear Famine, and we shall suffer it, and find no remedy for it. And when as without necessity, we are solicitous to prevent Famine, like wicked and incredulous Gentles, and neglect the word of God and his work; he will permit shortly a dismal day to come upon us, which will bring with it whole W●inloads of ceares; which he shall neither have power or means to escape. Divers other things he also foretold.  
He had his health competently well, but that sometimes he was troubled with the headache, especially in his elder years. Whereupon he was afraid of some violent Apoplexy: and when he felt a swimming in his head, or noise in his ears, he used to say, Lord jesus, smite me gently, for I am absolved from my sins according to thy word, and am fed unto life eternal by thy body and blood. Thine Apostle John and our Elector were taken out of this world, by this kind of death. He endured often tentations, whereupon he said, All here are in health except Luther, who is ●ound in body, and without suffers at no man's hand in the world: only the Devil and all his Angels vex him.  
He was of an indifferent stature, of strong body, of so Lion-like a quickness of his eyes, that some could not endure to look directly upon him, when he intentively beheld them. They say that one of mild spirit, who could not endure in private to talk with Luther; was courteously used by Luther, yet was so pierced with the quickness of his eyes, that being amazed he knew no course better than to run from him. His voice was mild and not very clear; whereupon, when on a time there was mention at table about Paul's voice, which was not very perfect and full: Luther said, I also have a low speech and pronunciation. To whom Melancthon answered, But this small voice is heard very fare and near.  
In the year 1544. the 17. of November he finished his explication of Genesis: which was his last public reading in the University, which he concluded with these words: Thus end I my explication on Genesis; God grant that others may more rightly and truly expound it; then I have done I cannot proceed farther therein, my strength faileth me, pray for me, that it would please God to grant me a quiet and comfortable departure out of this life.  
In the year 1546. Luther accompanied with Melancthon visited his own Country, and returned again in safety. Not long after, the Council of Trent being begun, and having ●●te once or twice, Luther was called again by the Earls of Mansfield to his own Country, for to compose a dissension among them concerning their bounds and heritage's. Luther was not wont to deal in matters of this nature, having been versed in sacred studies all his life time: but because he was borne at Isleben, a town in the territories of Mansfield, he was willing to do his Country service in this kind. Wherefore making his last Sermon at Wittenberg the 17. day of january, he to●ke his journey on the twenty third day: And at Hall in Saxony lodged at justas jonas his house, where he stayed three days because of the roughness of the waters, and preached the 26. of january upon Paul's Conversion. On the 28. day being Thursday at Hall he passed over the river with justas jonas and his own three sons, and being in danger of drowning said to Dr. jonas; Think you not, that it would rejoice the Devil very much, if I and you and my three sons should be drowned? When he came to the Earls of Mansfield, he was entertained by a hundred horsemen or more of the Court, and was brought into Isleben very honourable, but very sick, and almost past recovery: which thing he said did often befall him when he had any great business to undertake. But using some means for cure of his infirmity, he sat at supper with the company; and so continued to do from the 29. of january to the 17. of February, and treated of the dfferences, for whose determination he came thither. In this time he preached sometimes, and twice received the Lords Supper, and publicly received two Students into the sacred order of the Ministry. And at his lodging used much godly conference at Table with his friends, and every day devoutly prayed. The day before his death, though he was somewhat weak, yet he dined and supped with his company; and at supper spoke of divers matters, and among other passages asked, Whether in heaven we should know one another? when the rest desired to hear his judgement thereof. He said, What befell Adam? he never saw Eve, but was at rest in a deep sleep when God form her, yet when he awaked and saw her, he asketh not, what she was, nor whence she came; but saith, that she was flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. Now how knew he that? He being full of the Holy Ghost, and endued with the knowledge of God, thus spoke. After the same manner we also shall be in the other life renewed by Christ; and shall know our parents, our wives and children, and all about us, much more perfectly, than Adam knew Eve at her bringing to him.  
After supper, when he went aside to pray, as was his custom, the pain in his breast began to increase: whereupon by the advice of some there present, he took a little Unicorn's horn in wine: and after that slept quietly an hour or two on a palate near the fire. When he awaked, he betook himself to his chamber, went to bed, & bidding his friends good nght, admonished them, who were present to pray God for the propagation of the Gospel; because the Council of Trent and the Pope would attempt wonderful devises against it. Having thus said, after a little silence he fell a sleep: But was awaked by the violence of his disease after midnight. Then complained he again of the narrowness of his breast, and perceiving that his life was at an end, he thus implored God's mercy, and said.  
O heavenly father my gracious God, and Father of our Lord jesus Christ, thou God of Consolation, I give the all hearty thanks, that thou hast revealed to me thy Son jesus Christ; whom I believe, whom I profess, whom I love, whom I glorify, whom the Pope of Rome and the rout of the wicked persecute a●d dishonour. I beseech thee, Lord jesus Christ ●o receive my soul. O my gracious heavenly Father, though I be taken out of this life, though I must now lay down this frail● body: yet I certainly know, that I shall live with with thee eternally, and that I cannot be taken out of thy hands. He added moreover. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that every one, who believeth in him should not perish, but have life everlasting. And that in the 68 Psalm. Our God is the God of salvation: and our Lord is the Lord, who can deliver from death. And here taking a medicine and drinking it, he further said, Lord I render up my spirit into thy hands and come to thee. And again, Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit, thou, O God of truth hast redeemed me. Here as one falling asleep and without any bodily pain, that could be discerned, he departed this life. And when Doctor jonas and Caelius said, O reverend father do you die in the constant confession of● that doctrine of Christ, which you have hitherto preached? He answered so as he might be heard: yea, which was the last word he spoke. Thus he in his native Country, not having seen it many years before, died much lamented by many. This ●ell on the eighteen day of Febru. on the day in the Calendar ascribed to Concord, about three a clock in the morning, in the great climacterical year of his age. Soon after his body put into a coffin of Lead, was carried in funeral manner to the Temple of Isleben: where justas jonas preached.  
Then the Earls of Mansfield desired that his body should be interred within their territories: But the Elector of Saxony, required that he should be brought bark to Wittenberg. In the return thereof, which way so ●v●r it went, it was honourably attended, and with much grief accompanied out of each Prince's Dominion: and at length upon the twenty two of February in the afternone, was brought to Wittenberg, and was carried into the Temple near adjoining to the Castle, with such a troop of Princes, Earls, Nobles, their living as students, and other people, that the like was seldom or never se●n in that town. When the funeral rites were perforned, Pomeranus preached to an assembly of many thousands. And after that Melancthon with many tears and ●ighe● made a funeral Oration. When this was done, the coffin with his body was put by the hands of divers learned men, into the tomb near to the Pulpit, in which he had made many learned Sermon● before divers Princes, Electors, and the Congregation of many faithful Christians. In a brazen plate his picture, lively deciphered was there set up, with Verses by it to this effect.  

This Sepulchre great Luther's Corpses contanes  
This might suffice: yet, read these following strains.   

HEre, in this Urn doth Martin Luther res●,  
And sweetly sleep in hope to rise most blest.  
By whose rare pains, firm faith and Christ's free Grace;  
Which formerly, thick Fogs of Error base.  
And Duskie Clouds vj Works desert hid quite,  
Were well reduced to their ancient Light.  
For, when blind Superstition ruled All,  
And did fair Trnth, long time, suppress and thrall;  
He, by God's Word and Spirits inspiration,  
The Gospel's Light re-spred, for every Nation.  
And, well-instructed by Paul's sacred voice,  
(Scorning Rome's Cheats,) to teach pure Truth, made choice.  
And as John Baptist in the Wilderness,  
Did God's Lamp, who heals Sin Preach and express:  
So (O Sweet Christ) did Luther clear thy book,  
When all the World was caught with Errors ●ooke.  
And what the difference was betwixt the Law  
(Whose tables Moses broke, though God he saw  
Upon Mount-Sinai) and the Gospel sweet,  
Which heals Sin conscious hearts, which Gods wrath meet.  
This difference lost to th'World he did restore,  
That so Christ's gifts of Grace might shine the more;  
He stoutly did oppose Rome's Cheats and Charms,  
And Papal rule, which wrought God's Saints great harms.  
Exhorting all, Rome's idols for to fly,  
He many souls wan to true piety.  
And, maugre all Rome's threats and snares most sly,  
Finished in Faith, his Course most valiantly.  
Dying in peace, his Soul with Christ doth rest,  
Crowned with immortal Glory, truly blest.  
For which rare Doctor, let both high and low  
Bless God, that they so clear Christ's truth do know.  
And pray the Lord that these his Gospel's rays  
May to the World shine-forth for dateless days.   

Philip Melancthon.  
Dead is grave Luther, worthy all due praise,  
Who set forth Christ, in Faith's illustrious rays.  
His Death the Church laments, with sighs sincere,  
Who was her Pastor, nay, her Patron dear,  
Our Israel's Chariots and Horsemen rare;  
Is dead, with me let All sad Sables wear;  
Let them their grief in groaning verses sing,  
For such sad Knells, such Orphans best may ring.   

Theodore Beza.  
Rome tamed the World, the Pope tamed Rome, so great;  
Rome ruled by power, the Pope by deep Deceit.  
But, how mor● large, than theirs, was Luther's Fame,  
Who, with One Pen, both Pope and Rome doth tame?  
Go, fictious Greece, go tell Alcides, then,  
His Club is nothing to great Luther's Peneus   

John Major.  
By Luther's labours Leo the tenth is slain;  
Not Hercles' Club, but Luther's Pen's his bane.   

Joachim a Beuft.  
When Luther died, then with him died most sure  
A Crown, and credit of Religion pure.  
His Soul soared up to heaven, on Concord's day,  
Which tended Luther thither, on his way:  
Dear Christ, since Discord followed with Coats rend,  
Give to thy Spouse Elijahs ornament.   
Upon his Tombstone the University of Wittenberg, as to her beloved father, engraved.  
MARTINI LUTHERIS. THEOLOGIAE D. CORPUS. H. L. S. E. QVI ANNO CHRISTI M. D●XLVI.XII. CAL. MARTII EISLEBII IN PATRIAS. M. O. C. V AN. LXIII. M.III.D.X.  
Luther's writing were published at Wittenberg and jene in several Towns both in Latin and Germane tongue. Part of them were expositions of Scriptures, part doctrinal, part polemical. Of these this was his own judgement. A●ove all I beseech the godly Reader, and I beseech him for our Lord jesus Christ's sake, that he would read my writings judiciously and with much pitying my case.  
In Wedlock he lived chastely and godly above twenty years, and when he died, left three sons and Catharin de Bora a widow, who lived after his death seven years. To her it was a great grief that her husband died in a place far from her, so that she could not be with him, and perform the last conjugal offices to him in his sickness. In the time of the war which presently followed, she wandered up and down with her orphans, and in banishment was exposed to many difficulties and dangers: And besides the miseries of widowhood; which are full many, the ingratitude of many did much afflict her, for where she hoped for kindness in regard of her husband's worthy and noble deserts of God's Church, often she was put of with great indignity. When afterward her house at Wittenberg in time of pestilence was infected, she for her children's safety, as became a godly mother, betook herself to Torg, where was also an University. But in the way, when the horses affrighted ran out and seemed to endanger the waggon, she amazed not so much for her own, as her children's preservation, leapt out of the Wagon, whereby poor wretch she grievously bruised her body in the fall, and being cast into a pool of cold water, caught thereby a disease, of which she lay sick three months in banishment, and pining away at length died quietly in the year 1552.  
Welfare those gentle Quil● (whose ere they be)  
Whose meritorious labours shall set free  
The Urn imprisoned Dust of that renowned  
Thrice famous Luther: Let his head be crowned  
With sacred Immortality, and raised  
Much rather to be wondered at then praised.  
Let Babe's unborn, like fruitful plants bring forth  
To after days new Monuments of his worth,  
And time out lasting Name: that Babel's Whore  
And all his baldpate panders may even roar  
For very anguish, and then gnaw and by't  
Their tongues for malice and their nails for spite;  
Whilst men made perfect in his well know story  
May all turn Patr●os, and protect his Glory.   


ERASMUS ROTERDAMUS.  The life and Death of Desiderius Erasmu●.  
HIs Surname implies the place of his birth, Rotterdam is a City of Holland; Holland the seat of the ancient Batavi: but now illustrious by the production of one pen, then by all her former harvests of pikes. Seven Cit●es, no contemptible portion of witty and work-like Greece, accounted the Nativity of Homer, so great an access to their other glories, that they seriously contested about it. Although Homer (because Antiquity will have it so) be greater than Erasmus; yet little Rotterdam hath more to boast of in him, then great Athens, Smyrna, Rhodes, Colophon, Chios, Salamis or Argos, in the other. For it is certain, Erasmus was born at Rotterdam, but pitch upon what City of those seven you please, it is six to one, whether Homer was born there or not. But what talk we of Rotterdam? Rhenamus sticks not to impute his Nativity to the fortune of Emperors, and felicity of the whole Germane Empire: within the limits whereof he was born, upon the vigil or Eve of Simon and jude, under Frederick the third: But in what year of our Lord, or that Emporors' reign, is not remembered; this is certain in the year of grace 1519. he was either 50. or 52. his mother's name was Margaret, daughter to one Peter, a physician of Zavenberg; his father Gerard. These accompanied together secretly (but not without promise of marriage) until the young woman proved with child. Gerard's father was named Helias, & his wife Catherine: each of them lived till past 95. They had ten Sons, without any daughters, all married except Gerard, who was the youngest save one. All of them much resented this Clandestine combination and commixture betwixt Gerard and Margaret; wherefore to prevent their marriage, to gain his portion to themselves, and yet not lose a brother, able in time, to feast them at his own cost; they resolve out of ten, to give Gerard, as the toeth, unto God: that is to dedicate him to the Church; whereby perceiving himself excluded from marriage, and not yet resolved to enter into holy Orders, he fled to Rome. By the way he wrote back to his friends; the reason of his journey he intimated by the impress of his seal, which had one hand enfolded in another. In the mean time Margaret was brought to bed, and the child (the subject of this discourse) cheerfully received, and carefully nourished by his grandmother. Gerard after his arrival at Rome, maintained himself by his Pen; for he wrote an excellent hand, and Printing was not then found out, or but in the infancy: In process of time the Copying out of learned books begat in him a love to learning itself: so that besides his knowledge in the Tongues both Greek and Latin, he became a considerable proficient in the Laws, which he might the more easily do, Rome then abounding with many learned and able Scholars, and he himself having the happiness to be an Hearer of Guarinus.  
His father and brethren having certain intilligence, both of his being and well being at Rome, fraudulently advertise him by letters, that she was dead, whom he intended to marry, and therefore advise him to dispose of himself to his best advantage; which he rashly believing, out of mere grief, became a Priest: applied himself wholly to those studies which he judged most instrumental to his function: after his return into Holland (whereby the Pope's favour he obtained a Benefice) though he plainly saw how he had been deluded, yet would he never thereafter keep her company, or she marry any other. Notwithstanding he took special care for the liberal education of the child, whom he put to School when he was yet scarce four years of age.  
From Vtrecht, where for the sweetness of his voice he had been chosen Chorister; and after some years spent (but without any notable proficiency) in reading, writing, Music, and the elements of Grammar, he removed him to D●ventry. That his tender years must not want a nurse, his mother (impatient of his absence) accompanied him: what learning that semibarbarus school afforded was formerly raked out of Ebrardus, and johannes de Garl●●dia; this was also in the fate of Erasmus, to find there before him, Alexander Hegius skilful in Latin, and not ignorant in Greek: having had Rodolphus Agricola, and Guarinus Veronersis, the one for his Companion, the other for his schoolmaster: together with Zi●thius, a man not unlettered, considering the times; who perceiving in Erasmus an admirable wit, joined with an incomparable memory, promoted him to the third Class, and dismissing him with a kiss, foretold he should become the envy and wonder of all Germany ● And indeed the event came nothing short of his prophecy.  
At Daventry, in the thirteenth year of his age, his mother died of the Plague; and with her most of the family where she lodged: those sad and sudden news, so affected Gerard that within few days after, he followed her to the next world whom he was not permitted to, enjoy in this. Which caused Erasmus (now an Orphan) to return into his own Country; where he found three Curators or Guardians assigned him by h●s Father (the cheiefe was one Peter Winkell a schoolmaster) these three trusty Trojans in hope to make a booty of his Patrimony, in stead of an University, for which he was ripe, resolve to s●rve him into a Monastery: From Daventry therefore they committed him to a convent of Friars regular at Boslednt in Brabar●; Here he lived, that is (as himself expou●ds it) almost lost three years, Romboldus their reader, partly out of affection, and partly prompted thereto by Winkell, did what he could to draw him to their Order, but in vain; he had already seen enough to dissuade him from that, or any other Fraternity of that kind. Whilst he remained a Recluse at Bosleduc, he became intimatly acquainted with Hermannus Gaudensis, a learned young man, and a notable student, by whose persuasion, and help, he most accurately red over almost all the Classical Authors extant in the Latin tongue; whether in prose or verse. But whilst, for bettering his mind, he overcharged and neglected his tender body, he fell into a tertian Ague: His Guardians lay hold on the occasion, press him again & again to a Regular profession, to blandishments add threats leaving no stone unroled, in prosecution of their perfidious design: He excuseth himself modestly, and by many arguments defendeth his diniall; but they pricked on by avarice, resolve not to be satisfied with reason.  
Wherefore from Bosleduc, they hurry him to Zion, a Monastery near Delfe: At Emaus a nighbouring Convent, it was his fortune to meet with Cornelius his Companion and Chamberfellow at Daventry; by whose importunity rather than arguments, he was persuaded to spin out his Probasion year at Emaus; which almost finished, through poverty, which hindered his present removal, and shame to seem averse from Religion, though he persisted in his opinion, he made a shift for some few days longer, to dissemble his resolution. In the mean time Henricus a Birgis, a noble man by extraction, and Bishop of Cambray, preparing for Rome, in hope of a Gardinals' Cap, wanted nothing so much as ready money, and a young man skilful in the Latin tongue, to accompany him; this fell out pat for Erasmus, whose great abilities in that kind, being reported to the Bishop, he thought it needles to go further and speed worse. And Erasmus (now in Sacred orders) to avoid the profession he so much disaffected, readily under●ook the journey. The Bishop of Vtrecht with the consent of the Prior and General of the Order, was easily persuaded to licence his departure; but Cambray, in whom avarice counterpoised ambition, choosing rather to keep his old Mitre with his money, then purchase a new Hat at so vast a sum as was demanded, upon better consideration stayed at home: this made Erasmus, fearing his inconstancy in other things, beg leave to prosecute his Studies at Paris; which he obtained, with promise of a yearly pension for his better encouragement, and many other good-morrows, which like other great men in like cases, he never performed. At Paris in the College (named) of the Mount, he studied School divinity, applying himself therein according to the custom of the pla●e, to the precepts and principles of Sco●us, who for his great wit, and inextricable distinctions, was there chiefly followed, and in greatest admiration: but these conimbrums, whether Real or Nominal, went down with Erasmus like chopped hay, having some show indeed of solidity, but scarce the substance of a mere shadow. He was a sworn enemy to whatsoever savord of barbarity, and here he found nothing, whether for food or physic, but Rabarbarum, unless you will needs reckon rotten eggs, and a stinking infectious chamber into the bargain; which in process of time so poisoned his dainty and amiable complexion, as enforced him to quit the place, & return to his old Patron the Bishop of Cambray: with whom he not only advanced his private studies, but s●rued himself into the familiar acquaintance of many famous and learned men, amongst whom the principal were Antonius Abbas, and jacobus Battus Recorder of Be●gen.  
Having recovered his health, he returned into Holland, with a full purpose to settle himself in his own Country: from whence notwithstanding, whether by advice of friends, or upon some emergent discouragement, he went immediately back again to Paris. Where the Pestilence raging for a long time without intermission, & benevolences coming either short, or but slowly from the Bishop, for his private supply he was forced to make a journey once every year into Holland, to the great interruption of his other employments; this made him lend a more willing ear to the motion of young Montjoy, who being at that time a Traveller in France, made choice of him for his Tutor: and thereafter invited him into England, where his civilities far exceeded his munificence. Howsoever upon this occasion, he began here first to be taken notice of; at his return, there befell him a very shrewd misfortune in Dover, where all the gold he brought with him, or was given him by way of viaticum here, (no inconsiderable sum in a poor Scholars purse) except five pounds, was seized and taken from him by the Customers; he was not ignorant of the danger, but Sir Thomas Moor persuaded him that no foreign coin was liable to such forfeiture: it is strange a man so well seen in the Laws could be so foully mistaken; but more strange that neither he, nor the Lord Mountjoy at any time thereaftter, interposed with the King, in his behalf: perhaps being a lavish and indigent Prince, they knew him inexorable in such cases. All men expected some bitter invective, and not without reflection upon the whole Nation, should have followed this barbarous plunder executed upon so poor, and yet so conspicuous a stranger: but he patiently swallowed the gudgeon, whereby he infinitely gained upon the affection of the English; and was so far from any thought of revenge, that not only in a treatise written of purpose immediately thereafter, he made honourable mention both of the King and Kingdom. But having recruted in Holland, he forthwith returned into England, drawn thither by his affection to Groci●us, Linacer, More, Pacaeus, Cole●, Latimer, and Tonstall, Stars of prime magnitude in the British orb: who because they honoured learning, strove which of them should most honour Erasmus: in England he did read publicly at Cambridge; in Germany (after his return) at Lovane; being thereto invited, and accommodated with lodgings by johannes Paludanus the Rhetorician? from Lovane he visited France, and wa● from thence the third time drawn over into Englaud, by many large promises, which proving in the performance, but Timpanous clouds, or not with child of so much moisture as he expected, made him re●olve for Italy; perhaps out of desire, both to know, and be known in that Country; than which Europe affords none, whether for Arms or Arts, more accomplished. To itch out his travelling charges he agreed with Bap●ista Boeria Physician to King Henry the 8. to accompany his two sons to Bononia: By the way as he passed the Cottian Alps, he was created Doctor of Divinity at Taurinum: thereby importing into Italy, what others usally exported, learning and Honor. At Bononia (be●ides other Professors) he gained the acquaintance of Paulus Bombasius: Beroaldus died before his arrival, and his death was the more lamented, because his successor Baptista Pius, a bad Critic, but no better Antiquary, vomited up ●●thing in his Chair, but Oscos & Volscos: Here he dismissed ●●●●ia's sons, not so much for their own petulancy, as the morosity of their Father; finished his Adages or Proverbs whereof he had given the world an essay or taste formerly at Paris: and laid a side his Monastical Habit assumed at Emaus, where he was a Probationer, and until that time constantly retained, upon this occa●ion. At Bononia, Chirurgeons appointed Triers of the Plague wear white linen Napkins hanging transuerse their shoulders, and tied with a knot to their girdle, as Friars do Scapulars; that others fearful of infection, may (if they please, avoid them in the streets. Er●smus going abroad somewhat early one morning, was met in a narrow lane by a company of mad shavers, who perceiving his white Scapular, and thereby mistaking him for a Tryer, after insinuation by signs, (but by him not understood) to get him out of their way, they took up stones, wherewith they had undoubtedly pelted him, if others invited by the noise into their Balconies, whence they beheld both the mistake and danger, had not speedily run down and pulled off his Scapular: To prevent such morning salutations for the future, by a Dispensation from julius 2. confirmed by Leo 10. he changed his Regular Habit of Friar, into that of a Secular Priest. I see no great reason he had to usurp the Habit, since he despised the Profession, or why he troubled two Popes, about such a trifle; but he is passed twice one and twenty, let him answer for himself.  
After a year and three mounths stay at Bononia, he saluted Venice; where he printed his Adages, gave us a new edition of Plautus and Terence, with the distinction and structure of their verses, reprinted his Hecuba and Iphigenia two Tragedies of Euripides, and added to his numerous acquaintance Ambrose Nolanus, Baptista Egnatius, Paulus Canalis a Patrician, and Hieronymus Aleander Mottensis, who for his skill in the Tongues, was afterwards promoted to a Cardinalship: he lodged at the house of Andraeas' Asulanus and was supplied with all things necessary by Aldus Manutius, who likewise supplied him with divers Greek Manuscripts but extremely corrupted, all which, at his better leisure ●e red over and corrected at Milan: the principal were Pausanius, Eustathius, the Interpreters of Licophron, Euripides, Pindarus, Sophocles, and Theocritus; being therein assisted by Marcus Musurus Cretensis, and Scipio Carteromachus; the one incomparable for his skill in History and Mythology, the other for his ingenuity: His spare hours he bestowed upon his pupil Alexander the young Archbishop of Saint Andrews, and Brother to james King of Scots whom he accompanied, to Senae, in Hetruria, and there leaving him for a short time, went to Rome: where fame as his Harbinger had already taken up his lodging in the affection of most of the Inhabitants. It is incredible with how great applause of all sorts of people, he was received into the City: the Pope offered him a room amongst his Penitentiaries, a place both of profit and credit, and a step to the highest preferments in that Court. Raphael Cardinal S. George, john Medici's afterwards Leo 10. and Aegidius Viterpiensis outvy'd one another as much in their gifts, as compliments; but he, having seen Phaedra famous for extemporary eloquence, and reputed an Actor nothing inferior to old Roscius, returned according to promise's, to his late and Royal charge, in whose retinue, he took a general view of most parts of Italy as far as Cumae, where (not without some Religion and horror) amongst other monuments of Antiquity, he beheld the Cave of Sibilla.  
Here the Archbishop was recalled into Scotland, and soon after unfortunately slain by his Father's side, in a battle fought against the English, at what time King Henry the eight besieged Tourney by the procurement of julius the 2. And Erasmus, rather satiated then satisfied with Italian delights, and rarities; began likewise to turn his face homeward, shaping his course by the Rhetian Alps, he passed first ●o Curia, thence to Constance, and so through the Martian Forest by Brisgoia, to Argentoratum or Strasbury, and from thence by the Rhine into Holland: where had no sooner saluted his friends at Antwerp and Lovane, but he immediately took shipping for England. Upon his arrival William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury collated him to the Rectory of Aldington in Kent, whereof he accepted somewhat unwil●lingly, alleging how inconvenient it was to abridge tho●e of any part of the Benefice, who discharged the whole Office. But, replied the Archbishop, who ought more to be maintained by Church benefices, than those by whom the Church is most benefited? Curates are indeed instructers within their particular Charge, but Erasmus instructeth the Instructers; to express his thankfulness for this, and many other favours received in this Kingdom, he honoured Doctor Cole● Deane of Paul's, and founder of the School called Catechizatiquis, with the Inscription of his Books De Copia Verborum et Rerum; whereupon he said merrily that he was turned Bankrupt, and had no more to part with. His Adages the thi●●d t●me revised and enlarged with divers Treatises translated out of Plutarch, he dedicated to his old M●caoenas the Lord Mon●joy: his Emendations and Censures upon S. Hieroms Epistles, an unparalled work to his unparalleled benefactor the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. Longer he intended to have stayed, but hearing that Frobenius, at the request of many French and German Universities, had undertaken to reprint his Adages at Basil, and having both them and S. Hieroms Epistles ready for the Press, at which he was desirous to be present, setting all other business aside, he took the most compendious way thither. Frobenius he found in his grave, yet was not disappointed of his welcome, that was abundantly supplied by his Sons Bruno and Basilius, and john Frobenius his kinsman, in whom the old man still survived, both for his skill and honesty; they quartered him under the same rooff with Amerbachius; whom after S. Ambrose, and S. Augustin, he found wholly employed in the restitution of S. Hierom; wherein at first he used the help of john Reuclin a civilian, but afterwards fell upon a more happy Critic johannus Con●n Norimbergensis the Dominican; who out of worm-eaten Manuscripts supplied what he found wanting; corrected many places depraved; and replaced not a few formerly disjointed. Th● work was brought to such perfection before his arrival, that leaving the rest to Amerbachius (except when his judgement was required in the variation of Manuscripts) he appropriation unto himself the only volumn of his Epistles; whereunto he prefixed Arguments, and added brief, but judicious ●llustrations: many are of opinion that it cost Erasmus more oil and want of sleep, in repairing such breaches, as time and ignorance had made in them, than it did the Author in penning them. To this great work succeeded a greater, and much more profitable; his Edition of, and Annotations upon the whole new Testament, which as the chief instrument of our Salvation, he dedicated to the chief Bishop (as he supposed) Leo the 10. From Basil his private affairs drew him into the Low Countries, he arrived at Aquisgrane, at what time Charles the fift was inaugurated Emperor; and was present at the Diet of Worm●s as one of his Council, being thereto admitted before the death of Silvagius the Chancellor. The Diet ended, and Tourney surrendered to the Emperor, he made what haste he could back again unto Basil; from whence the world first saw, and admired his Paraphrase upon the four Evangelists, and Saint Paul's Epistles? a work uncertain, whether undertaken, or received with greater alacrity: in composing whereof, he applied himself, amongst the Latins, to Ambrosse, Augustin, Hierom, and Hilary; amongst the Greeks', to Saint Chrisostom, and his follower Theophylact; the contexture and style were his own. The whole, he dedicated by parts, to Charles the 5. and Ferdinand his Brother; by both he was highly esteemed, and might (if he pleased) have been as richly rewarded. But since preferment and he ran on (not by chance but choice) like Parallels, some may wonder how he supported so vast a charge, as the setting forth of so many Books of his own, the Emendation of so many written by others: And, (which was an antecedent to both) the purchase or transcription of so many Manuscipts (to say nothing of his frequent and expensive travels) must needs draw upon him: There is no better way to clear this doubt, than (before we go any further) to measure his great esteem, with the greatest of his Contemporaries, by the Correspondence he held with them, and their munificence towards him.  
When he was scarce crept out of the shell, he pronounced a Panegirick of his own Composure, before Philip father to Charles 5. as he came out of Spain into Germany, for which he honoured him with a yearly pension during Life. King Henry the 8. of England, wrote to him with his o●ne hand, offered him a goodly house (belike some dissolved Abbey) worth six hundred Florenes yearly: and besides, gave him several tastes, rather than surfeits of his princely bounty. Francis the French King wrote likewise unto him after the same manner, (as appears by his letter yet extant) offered him a Bishopric, and one thousand Florenes pre annum to set up his rest in France. Charles the 5. offered him a Bishopric in Sicily, made him of his Council, and (besides many of his expressions of his liberality) bestowed upon him a yearly pension of two hundred Florenes; Ferdinand his brother King of Hungary made him a tender of four hundred Florenes yearly, with promise to make them up five hundred, to profess at Vienna. Sigismond as much to come into Poland, and further with a Royal and liberal hand supplied his present necessities: Marry Queen of Hungary wrote to him often, and ever with her own Hand; her bounty (without question) equalled her exceeding Humanity. Anne Princess Veriana gave him a yearly pension of one hundred Florenes. Frederick Duke of Saxony presented him with two Medals, the one Gold, the other silver, which in a letter to Spalatinus, he prefers before two Attic Talents: George Duke of Saxony, with divers Ingots of silver digged out of his own Mines, and a great drinking Bowl of the same: William Duke of Gulick imitated him in the latter, but outstripped him in the Capacity: Adrian the 6. to whom he consecrateth Arnobius, wrote to him thrice, which grand respects from the Pope, much abated the fury of the Friars his enemies: and there is no doubt, but he largely contributed towards the charge of that work, undertaken especially for his own honour; He congratulated the Papacy to Clement the 7. who in requital sent him five hundred Florenes, and by his Apostoticall letters invited him to Rome: Paul the 3. had brought him into the College of Cardinals, but that he was prevented by death: in the interim he sent him a Collation to the Prepositure of Daventry, which he refused, saying he was now near the end of his journey, and hoped to get thither without it: William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury changed his Prebend into a pension, and scarce ever wrote to him, but in letters of Gold; his last token was a Gelding, of whom he used to say, that though he wanted original sin, he was guilty of two mortal ones, Sloth and Gluttony. Cardinal Wolsey a stately Prelate, and not easy of access, yet wrote unto him letters full of singular humanity; and besides other remembrances, bestowed on him a Pension out of a Prebend in York? The Bishop of Lincoln, and Rochester, bountifully supplied him upon all occasiones; Hammond and Urswick sent him a brace of Geldings; Polidore Virgil money ●o buy a third. Cromwell the first, out of his sacrilegious broak-age, at twice, 30. Angels: Montjoy, More, Tonstal, and Colet, were his continual supporters; to say nothing of many others within this kingdom: Cardinal Matthaeus offered him a yearly pension of five hundred Ducats to live at Rome, and sent him a Cup of beaten Gold: he received another of the same mettle, but greater and more curiously engraven with sundry poetical fancies, from Albert Archbishop and Cardinal of Mentz; Cardinal Gampegius amongst other tokens, sent him a Diamond Ring of no mean value: Stanislaus Olmucensis, a silver bowl double gilt, with four pieces of Gold, the coin of ancient Emperors? the Bishop of Basil offered him for his society half his Bishopric, which alluding to the name he termed half his Kingdom. Thurzo Bishop of Vratislavia went ten day's journey out of his way to behold him; and you must not imagine that when they parted, he gave him nothing. Another of the same name sent him four Watches, four ingots of pure gold, and a Muntiro lined with rich Sables. Christopher Shcidlovitz Chancellor of Poland, a Clock, Spoon, and Fork all of pure gold. Peter Bishop of Cracovia thirty Duck●ts. johannes Paungarnerus a good quantity of gold uncoined, with a silver Bole of no mean capacity; Rinkius another; Fuggerus a third; all gifts (as himself jested) not unbefitting a Hollander. jacobus Piso two pieces of ancient Coin, the one Gold, the other Silver, resembling Gratian and Hercules. Vigilius Zuichemus a gold Ring, which explicated, became an exact celestial sphere. And William Earl of Eysenburg a Dagger, which by the inscription he wished in the heart of his enemies. Besides these he held intercourse by Letters, and was often supplied by Erastus' Duke of Bavaria, Croyus Cardinal of Toledo, and Alphonsus Fonseca Archbishop of the same, Dominicus Cardinal Crimanus, john Cardinal of Bernard Cardinal of Trent, john Sylvagius Chancellor of Burgundy, the Bishop of Paris and Baion, Erardus Leodiensis, Philippus Trajectensis, Christopherus Augustanus, jacobus Sadoletus, Ennius Verulanus, Hugo Constantiensis, Aloisius Marlianus, Conradus Wircemburgensis, and Antonius a Bergis' Abbot of Saint Bertines. This may seem a large Nomenclature of Friends, Patrons and Acquaintance; and yet a fare larger might easily be gathered out of his own Epistles and Prefaces. This (whatsoever it is) I am sure without wrong to posterity, could neither be omitted nor contracted, seeing thereby we should either deprive him of the honour of so great friends, or them of the glory of so great Munificence.  
What a To●quot of Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, prebend's and fat Parsonages might not this so Patroned a Clerk (had he had but the conscience to digest them) have accumulated under one red Hat: ●ut he declined civil preferments as not so suitable to his Priesthood, and had he accepted Ecclesiastical, he foresaw (having already so much spent himself to enlighten others) that he should either ruin his body by discharging, or his more precious soul, by neglecting them; and therefore chose rather to cast himself upon the benevolence of his friends, though with disparagement to himself, then with scandal upon the Church, which like a genuine Apostle he laboured to benefit, whether gra●is or ingratiis. Learning wa● never at a greater loss or lower ebb, either in France or Germany, than he found it: within few years after the publication of his Adages and Books de copia, solecism (in both) began to be whooted at; Presses to sweat under the Institutions of Theodorus the Grammarian, and other Greek Authors newly translated into Latin; and all men, who either were or desired to seem, whether learned or promoters of learning to blow the coal that was already kindled. To this only end and purpose H●eronymus Buslid●us bequeathed the greatest part of a very great Estate; and Erasmus so prevailed with his Executors, that putting the money into one Purse, they therewith founded & endowed a College in Louvain, wherein the three learned Tongues are exactly taught by as many exquisite Professors, he himself inlivened it with Statutes. In emulation of the Spaniard, the French King shortly after erected just such another at Paris; and because he would have it in nothing inferior to that at Lovane, sent a Commission under his great Seal to Erasmus to prescribe it Statutes, and furnish it with Professors; but he accepted not thereof, perhaps hindered by sickness, or some other employment. The Trojane Horse was never more pregnant with armed men, than those two Colleges have been ever ●ince, with men learned in all those, and many other languages.  
His judgement was much questioned, especially beyond the Alps, for prostituting in his Chiliades, so vast and in●valuable a treasure of human Learning to every purblind eye and vulgar capacity; in which wind Aldus Manutius suffered before him, for his Commentaries upon Sophocles and Euripides, as though it were an essential of learning to be acquired only in Italy. But of all Monopolies he abhorred that of Learning most, accounting nothing too good to be communicated; nor any thing below him, that might bring others to the same height of knowledge whereunto he himself had already ascended; we cannot have a better proof of the one than his Adages, or witness of the other, than his Commentaries upon Cato de Morib●s.  
France (I confess) may with great reason glory in Budaeus; No man hath hitherto better discovered whatsoever belongeth unto Money, whether you respect the Greek or Roman standard; His Commentaries of the Greek tongue, and Annotations on the Pandects, are two useful and excellent Pieces. But Erasmus was nothing his inferior in humanity, when first he applied himself to Theology; a study, by Budaeus, either not attempted, or persecuted only upon the buy. The next who with best reason can be brought into this Competition, is Ludovicus Vives, who can hardly extend his Parallel as far as Budaeus, and therefore all I will say of him, is, that he was borne in Spain, bred in Italy; Erasmus brought with him more learning out of Germany, than he found in both; who but Erasmus, durst ever have attempted to bring a generation of supercilious, and yet ignorant Friars, bred up in mere Sophistry, and barbarism, to a true relish of Divinity, as it is delivered to us by the Fathers? most of whose Works miserably corrupted, he restored to their genuine and native splendour; others undertook what he was not able to overtake, provoked by his letters, or aminated by his example: So that directly or indirectly, he was the true cause of the Restitution of all of them. And yet this was but half his task, he found the Discipline of the Church in no better case than the Doctrine, this turned into Sophistry, that into Ceremonies; which he laboured to abridge, not to abolish; being as inseparable and proper unto Religion, as shadows are unto Substances. Although we may truly account her fare past the Meridian, in that Church, where she can hardly be seen, for the length of her own shadow: But how great soever his desire was, to see Church discipline purged, and restored to its primitive simplicity and integrity, he attempted nothing (with our late Reformers) by way of tumult, or Schismatically: And yet this very attempt, though it never exceeded an unwearied and legal application to those in authority, bred him as many Enemies, as there were then wasps and hornets, who had wanted food, if they had wanted Corruption in that kind to have fed upon: of these some accused him of a Correspondency; others, of a confederacy with Martin Luther? the first he never denied, the second they were never able to prove. As for the suspicion of Arianism●, whereof envy itself durst not accuse him whilst he lived, I hold it a Calumny scarce worth the answering. All that can be said against him is only this, that he seems to extenuate, (and it were to be wished, he had employed his wit better) some Testimonies alleged by the Fathers against Arius; as not so Convincing and ponderous as they imagined: But in all the nine great volumes of his own Works, there is not one Apex positively for him, innumerable against him; He was the first man (I may not except Martin Luther) who with sobriety brought us from Hales & Holcot to St. Cyprian and Augustin, from ●he Fathers, to the Scriptures themselves; if he had intended to promote Heresy, his most compendious way had been, to have lef● both in the same obscurity he found them. But (which I am often necessitated to remember) by his Annotations, he illustrated the one, and by his piercing censures removed such ignoble and spurious Brats, as after age●, out of interest or ignoranc●, would needs have fastened upon the other: Some, not able themselves to judge betwixt imitating and Aping, are bold to censure his stile (though by their own confession, pure, Copius, flexible, and extemporary) as not every where Elevated to the true light of the Cicer●ni●m pole: He can run but goingly, who ties himself to another m●●s footsteps. Erasmus had his own Genius as well as Cicero; held a Bull as complete a creature as a Baboon, and that most comely, which was most genuine and masculine; not so much taken with the Cadency and Chiming of words, as the sententious density of the matter. And therefore rather chose with Saint Augustine to retain some few words in common use, though less Ciceronian, then by changing them into more eloquent, but less intelligible, torture his simple Readers upon the continual rack of their Dictionaries.  
Many of his noblest Works he elucubr●ted at Basil, the rest at Friburge, whether he was (in a manner) compelled to retreat by Bernard Cardinal of Trent, doubtful what might befall him in the Reformation of Religion at Basil. I commend the Cardinal's providence, but in that Reformation there was no indignity offered to any Clergy man's person, whether Regular or Secular: they had all free liberty to dispose of their Persons, and Personal estates, as they pleased; At his first Coming to Friburdge, he dwelled in a house sometimes inhabited by Ferdinand Uncle to Charles the fift, and built for a retreats to his old age, by Villingerus his Treasurer: which proving as much to big for Erasmus, at it was to little for Ferdinand, he purchased one of his own, and sold it within seven years after: at what teme he was recalled into the Low-Countries by Mary Queen of Hungary, who succeeded her Aunt in the Government of those Provinces: by the way he visited Basil, where he published his Ecclesiastes, and intended to finish several other of his Works yet imperfect, before he passed into Holland. But he must pass no further, being arrested by a more violent fit of the Gout, then at any time formerly. His convulsions were so thick and vehement, that oftentimes he was forced to go upon all four: he thought himself in a jumping condition, when Crutches served his turn. In the intervals of his disease he resumed and renewed the great volume of his own Epistles, perhaps intending to set them forth more fully: as many of them fell into his hands, he would say, Et hic mortus est: but upon just account, when he found the number of his dead Correspondents exceed the living, he burst forth into these words, Nec ego diutius vivere Cupio si Christo Domino placeat. Nor desire I (if so it would please the Lord jesus) to live any longer. About the beginning of Autumn, from the Gout, he dropped into an hepatical flux: so that for a whole month together, he came seldom out of bed, and but once over the threshold of his Chamber: yet whilst his body lay tortured upon this double rack, he wrote a Treatise De puritate Ecclesiae, and made a hard shift to finish his Recognitions upon Origen: These were the two last Songs of this dying Swan, whose patience ever increased with his torments, and in the end surmounted them. He retained his speech to the last gasp, and breathed out his Soul in these Ejaculations; Mercy sweet jesus: Lord lose these hands: How long Lord jesus? How long? jesus fountain of mercy, have mercy upon me, and the like. He changed this mortal life into an immortal, the twelfe day of July about midnight, in the year of grace 1536. and 71. or 73. years of his age: he foretold both the year and hour of his dissolution, the first many months, the other three days before; multitudes of people flocked to see, and touch his dead body. The Consul and Senators of Basil accompanied it to the grave, few of the chief Burghers were absent, none of the University. He lieth buried in the Cathedral Church, in a Chapel Consecrated to the blessed Virgin, and Monument of Parian marble? frequently visited both by the Citizens, and Srangers. He was of a middle Stature, well compacted body, and of a sweet, but tender Complexion, which easily yielded to every little alteration, whether of air, or diet: His hair inclined to yellow, his eyes were grey, his countenance amiable and cheerful, but some what of the palest, and his voice shrill, though none of the strongest. His apprehension was invincible, his judgement exact, and for Memory, he knew not what it was, to forget any thing except injuries: Terence and Horace he could have entirely repeated without book, when he was but a Schoolboy; He was charitable to the poor in general, bountiful to poor Scholars, and Travellers; so fare from craft that he inclined rather to simplicity, and so free from suspicion that he often unbosomed himself to his friends (though but seeming) further than stood with his own safety: Such was his bashfulness, that though he had a good face, his picture was hardly extorted from him by extreme importunity: in the point of friendship he was of an unremovable Constancy; easily placable being offended: only he had such an antipathy with lying, that from his youth, he would usually tremble at the very sight of a noted Liar; His habit neither garish, nor sordid, spoke him at the same time, a Priest to God, and Councillor to Caesar; His conversation was an exact mixture of sweetness and severity, without any the least admixture of pride, ambition or avarice: which rendered him inflexible to embark in any thing interruptive of his Studies, or destructive of his liberty. And though few hath written, either more, or better; none, whose Books have been further, or more frequently exported; yet upon all occasions, he used no less rigidity in the Censure of his own works, than Candour, in giving judgement upon other men's: He seldom enjoyed perfect health, for any Considerable time together: abundance of rheum (the bane of a sedeutary, and cellish life) inclined him to the stone, wherewith he was often, and sometimes above measure tormented; Eating of fish, the very smell whereof he abominated, drove him into many and dangerous Agues, especially every Lent? And the Gout was no stranger to his elder years. The Monks and Friars were generally his enemies, the greater by how much the more illiterate; and yet their successors by his painful labours, and example, are since become tightly learned. Before the fiftieth year of his age, no man wrote against him, he against none; resolved (if possible) not to imbrue his stile in any man's reputation; The flame betwixt him & Dorpius, was quickly quenched; Faber was the first, who put him to a just Apology: By his last will and Testament, (confirmed both by the Emperor and Pope) he declared Bonifacius Amerbachius his heir: Hieronymus Frobenius and Nicholaus Episcopius, Overseers of his Will: wherein to several friends he bequeathed several Legacies; as a Clock of gold to Ludovicus Berus, a Spoon and fork of the same to Beatus Rhenanus; to Petrus Vetere●s 150. Crowns, as much to Philippus Montanus. To his servant Lambert 200. Florenes: To Brischius a Silver Tankard: To Faulus Volfius 100 Florenes: To Sigismundus Tilenius 150. ducats: To Erasmius Frobenius his Godson two Rings: To Hieronimus Frobenius, his wearing clothes, bedding and household stuffs. To his wife a ring wherein was set a precious stone having therein engraven, a woman looking over her left shoulder. To Episcopius a fair silver Bole with a cover; to his wife a Diamond Ring. To Goclenius a silver Bole; His Library he sold upon his death bed to johannes a Lasco: His medals, ancient Coin, ready money and debpts, with the remain'der of his Watches, Clocks, Rings, Plate, Jewels, and other curiosities of no small value, to his Heir Amerbachius, not for his own use, but to be sold, and the money by advice of the forenamed Overseers, to be distributed: first to the poor infirim Persons, whether through age or sickness; Secondly to Portionlesse Virgins to procure them husbands; and thirdly to poor, but hopeful young Scholars, for advancement of their studies. His heir he restrained merely to his Lagacy, which was none of the greatest. Concerning his own work, he left nothing in charge, at his death; as modestly doubtful of their Genius, or how they might take with ensuing, and more learned times; whereof notwithstanding Frobenius was so confident, that immeadiatly after his death, he reprinted them (to his as infinite cost, as Commendation) in nine great Tomes in folio: wi●h promise of a Tenth (which never came forth) Contaying only his Animadversions, Castigations and Censures upon the Fathers, and other Authors: whereof thou mayest behold both the names and number, in this Ensuing Catalogue.  
Librorum Erasmicorum Classis prima quae Grammeticen & Ethicen Spectant.  
DE copia verborum ac rerum, libri duo. Syntaxis in usum Scholae coletanae. Declamatio Tyrannicidae Luciani respondens. De ratione conscribendi Epistolas. De pueris statim ac liberaliter instituendi●. De Ratione Studii. La●● Medicinae. Similium lib. unus. Colloquiorum lib. unus. De recta Latini Graetique Sermonis pronuntiatione. Ciceronianus, sive de optimo dicendi genere. De civilitate morum puerilium. Epitome in Elegantias Laurentii vallae. Carminum diversi gener●s, lib. unus. A●●agiorum Chiliades. Epistolarum, lib. 3●. Apot●egmatum, lib. 8. Moriae Eucomium sive laus stul●itiae. Panagyricus ad Philippum Burgundionum principem. Ad eundem carmen Gra●ulatorium. Institutio Principis Chr●●●iani. De Morte Declamatio. Declamatiuncula Gra●ulatoria. Pacis Querimonia. Lingua. De senectute Carmen.  
Libri secundae Classis, qui pietatem spectant.  
Euchiridion Christiani Militis. Oratio de virtute amplect●nda. Ratio verae Theologiae. Paraclesis. Modus confitendi. Enarratio Psalmi, Beatus vir. Enarratio Psalmi, Quare fremuerunt Gentes. Paraphrasis in Psal. Domine quid mul●iplica●ti. Concio in Psal. Cum invocarem. Enarratio in Psal. Dominus regit me. Enarratio in Psal. Benedicam Domino in omnitempore. Enarratio in Psalm. Dixi Custodiam vias. Concio in Psalm. 85. De puritate Ecclesiae Christi. De Bello Turcis inferendo consult●tio. De Amabili Ecclesiae concordia. De Misericordia Domini coucio. Virgins & Marcyris comparatio. Concio de Puero jesu. Epistola consolatoria ad Virgines sacras. Christiani Matrimonii Institutio. Vidua Christiana. Ecclesiastes sine de Ratione concionandi. Modus Orandi Deum. Symbolum sive Catechismus. Precationum, lib. 1. Poean Virgini Matri dicendus. Oratio ad Mariam in Rebus adversis. De contemptu mundi. De taedio & pavore Christi Disputatio. De praeparatione ad Mortem, lib. 1. Ode de casa natalicia jesu. Expostulatio jesu cum Homine pereunt. Hymni varii. Liturgia Virginis Lauretanae. Carmen votiwm Genovefae. Commentarius in duos Hymnos prudentii de Natali & Epiphania pueri jesu. Christiani Hominis Institutum. Epitaphia in Odiliam.  
Libri tertiae Classis.  
Nowm Testamentum cum Annotationibus.  
Paraphrases in 

S. Matthaeum.  
S. Marcum.  
S. Lucam.  
S. johannem.  
Acta Apostolorum.    
Paraphrases in D. Paulum Epistolas ad 

Romanos.  
Corinthios 1.  
Corinthios 2.  
Galatas.  
Ephesios.  
Philippenses.  
Collocenses.  
Thessalonicenses 1.  
Thessalonicenses 2.  
Timotheum 1.  
Timotheum 2.  
Titum.  
Philemonem.    
Paraphrases in Epistolas SS. 

Petri 1.  
Petri 2.  
judae.  
jacobi.  
johannis 1.  
johannis 2.  
johannis 3.  
Ad Hebraeos.    
Libri quartae Classis, sive Polemica.  
Epistola Apologetica ad Dorpium. Epist. Apolog. ad jacobum Fabrum Stapulensem. Epist. Apologetica ad● jacobum Latomum. Ad Atonsem pro Declamatione Matrimonii. Adversus sanctium Caranzam. Apologia; de in principio erat Sermo. Apologiae tres ad Notationes Edvardi Lei. Apologia adversus ea quae in Nono Testam. ab Erasmo Recognito & Annotato, taxaverat jacobus Lopez. In Natalem Beddam de loco. Omnes quidem re●urgemus. Adversus Petrum sutorem Carthusianum. Appendix de Scriptis Clithovei. Declamationes adversus Theologos Parienses. Ad Phimosthomum de Divortio. Ad suvenem Geron●odidascalum. Ad Monachos quosdam Hispanos. Apologia contra Albertum Pium Carporum Principem. De Esu carnium. De libero Arb●●rio collatio. Hyperaspistae Diatribes, libri duo. Purgatio adversus Epistolam Lutheri. Detectio Praestigiarum libelli cujusdam. Adversus Pseudoruaengelicos. Ad Ele●therium. Ad Grunnium. Ad Fratres Germaniae inferioris. Spongia adversus aspergines Hutteni. Pantalabus, sine adversus f●bricitantem. Adversus Mendacium & obtrectationem. Antibarbarorum, liber 1. Ad quosdam Gracculos Epistola. Responsio ad Petri cur●ii defensionem. De Termino. De vita, phrasi & Operibus Originis.  
Besides these you have in the University Library at Oxford; not set forth by Frobenius.  
De novo Evangelio novisque Evangelistis judicium. Auris Batana● Vita Coleti. Duo Diplomata Papae Adriani ●um responsionibus. Detestatio Belli. Precatio ad jesum cum aliis Ejaculationibus. De Hollandis.  
Translated out of Greek.  
Classis 5.  
Ex S. Chrysostomo. 

Adversus judaeos. Homiliae 5.  
De Lazaro & Divite, Hom. 4.  
De Vis●one, Hom. 5.  
De Philogone Martyr, Hom. 1.  
De Orando Deum, Libri 2.  
De Davide et Saul, lib. 3.  
Quam Presbyter esset designatus Hom. 1  
In psalm Cantate Domino.  
Quam Sarionius et Aureliamus acti essent in exilium, Hom. 1.  
De fide Annae, Hom. 2.  
Commentariorum in Acta Apost. Hom. 4  
Commentariorum in 2. dam ad Cor. Hom. 7.  
In Epistolam ad Galatas.  
In Epistol. ad Philipp. Hom. 2.    
Ex S. Athanasio. 

De Spiritu Sancto Epistolae, 2.  
Contra Eusebium de Nicaena Synod Ep. 2  
Apologetici Duo adversus eos qui Calumniabanter quod in Persecutio nefugisset.    
Ex S. Athanasio. 

De Passione Domini, Hom. 1.  
De hoc quod Scriptum est in Evangelio. Vicum q. Contra vos est.  
De Virginitate.  
De peccato in Spiritum.  
De Spiritu Sancto.    
Ex S. Basilio. 

Principium Esaiae.  
De Spiritu Sancto, lib. 1.  
De laudibus jejunii, lib. 2.    
Fragmentum Originis in Evang. S. Matth.  
Euripidis. 

Hecuba.  
Iphigenia.    
Theodori Gazae Grammatices, lib. 2.  
Declamatio & alia quaedam ex Libanio.  
Ex Plutarcho. 

De discrimine Adulatoris & Amici.  
Quo pacto capi possit utilitas ex inimico.  
De Tuenda bona valetudine.  
Principi maxime Philosophandum.  
An graviores sint Animi morbi, quam Corporis.  
De Cupiditate divitiarum.  
An recte dictum sit ab Epicuro.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
De cohibenda iracundia.  
De Curiositate.  
De vitiosa verecundia.    
Galeni exhortatio ad bonas literal Isocrates de Regno administrando, ad Nicodem Regem. Tyrannus Zenophonius.  
Luciani. 

Saturnalia.  
Cronosolon, sive leges Saturnaliciae.  
Epistolae Saturnales.  
De Luctu.  
Icoromenippus.  
Toxaris.  
Pseudomantis.  
Somnium sive Gallus.  
Timon.  
Abdicatus.  
Tyrannicida.  
De mercede conductus.  
Dialogus Cnemonis & Damippi.  
Dialogus Zenophantae & Callidemi.  
Dialogus Menippi & Mercurii.  
Dialogus Menippi Amphilochi & Triphonie.  
Dial. Charontis & Menippi.  
Dial. Cratetis ac Diogenis.  
Dial. Mirei ac Thersitae.  
Dial. Diogenis ac Mausoli.  
Dial. simyli ac Polystrati.  
Dial. Veneris ac Cupidinis.  
Dial. Doridis ac Galateae.  
Dial. Martis ac Mercurii.  
Dial. Mercurii ac Maiae.  
Dial. Diogenis ac Alexandri.  
Dial. Menippi & Chironis.  
Dial. Menippi & Cerberi.  
Hercules Gallicus.  
Eunuchus.  
De Sacrificiis.  
De Astrologia.  
Lapithae sive convivium.    
Fathers and other Authors set forth, Corrected and Commented upon by Erasmus. Classis 6.  
Augustini opera omnia, 10. Tomis. Hieronymi opera omnia, 9 Tomis. Cypriani opera omnia. Irenaei opera. Arnobius.  
Ciceronis. 

Officia.  
De Amici●ia.  
De Senectute.  
Paradoxa.    
Quintus Curtius. Suetoni●s. Aelius Spartia●us. julius Capitolinus. Aelius Lampridius. Vulc●tius Galli●●●●s. Trebellius Pollio. Flavius Vopiscus. In Nucem O●idii Commentarii. In Catonem de Moribus Commentarii. Notae in Plautum. Notae in Terentium. Notae in Quintilianum. Notae in utrumque Senecam.  
Two Books of his Antibarbarus was lost in England; many of his most elaborate Declamations at Rome: two Books de Eucharistia he finished, but suppressed. He left imperfect at his death, a just Commentary upon S. Paul's Epistle to the Romans; with many other Treatises, since crept into other men's Works. And it is to be noted that the Index Expurgatorius hath made more bold with no Man's Books then with his; so that the first Impression are infinitely the best.  
This famous and renowned Writer,  
Erasmus, Author and Inditer  
Of many learned Works of Worth,  
Which, in his life time he set forth;  
Was (for his Learning) and rare Parts;  
His Wit, his Wisdom, skill in Arts  
And Languages, and Virtue's rare,  
Wherein, he justly might compare  
With his Contemporaries best,  
In such esteem and high request,  
With all the Princes, Potentates,  
And learned Clerks of all the States  
In Christendom, which knew or saw him;  
That they contended who should draw him  
To live with them, Him to enjoy,  
And with them, his rare Parts t'employ:  
Sending him many Gifts most great,  
His presence with them to entreat.  
But, crowned (at last) with honour's Bays,  
In Basil He did end his days,  
As full of years, as fragrant fame;  
Leaving behind, an honoured Name.   


HULRICUS ZVINGLIUS.  The life and Death of Huldericus Zuinglius.  
In the year of our Lord God one thousand four hundred eighty and seven, Huldericus Zuinglius the Angel of the Church at Tigurum, was borne, and on the first of january in a little village which in the language of the Swissers, is called Wild-house: he was descended from pious, virtuous and Religious Parents; his Father also being a man advanced unto great dignity and authority, amongst the Swissers in regard of his approved and well deserving parts.  
He by daily observation, (without doubt to his great comfort) seeing and perceiving more than an ordinary towardliness in his Son; and beholding a future worth to discover itself, even from his infancy and cradle: not only for the advancement of the glory of God, but also for the benefit and profit, of his native soil and Country, (therein conferring a more charitable and friendly censure on him, than that Schoolmaster on Thenistocles) and causing others also to make trial of his ingenious disposition, who beheld his natural parts with astonishment and admiration: he was very careful to perfect nature by Art, & for that cause (his age condescending thereunto) he committed him unto the tuition of a certain Schoolmaster, living not far from the place of his birth to be instructed & trained up in the elements & grounds of the Latin tongue: with whom in short time, by reason of the vigilancy and watchfulness of the one, and the carefulness and industry of the other, he attained not without great applease to that discretion and judgement, that he esteemed those things which were read unto him, as a subject fit and more convenient for duller brains, then for his quick and ready apprehension.  
This proceeding therefore not answering his expectation, he removed thence and being not yet fully ten years old, he was sent unto Basil a City in Germany situate upon the River of Rhine, where he obtained for his Tutor Gregorius Bi●●zlius, eminent in those da●es for the excellent endowments of learning and piety wherewith he was invested; under whom this Huldericus attained unto that perfection both in civil behaviour and learning, that he seemed always to exceed, outstrip, go beyond, and carry away the victory from those who were his contemporanean School-fellowes; and that nothing might seem to be wanting to the perfection of so hopeful a Plant, he reached unto the knowledge of the Scince of M●sicke, wherein he shown himself so excellent, and so complete an Artist, that his judgement compared with the tenderness of his years, enforced his spectators to the greater admiration: and his Master Bintzlius, well perceiving that his Study's and learning were incongruous and too mean for so apt and so virtuous a disposition, sent him back again unto his Father together with his judicious opinion concerning him, advising him to provide otherwise for him, and to search out for such a Master whose learning might be correspondent unto the promptness of his natural disposition.  
His Father being joyful with this approbation of his Master, and also fearful lest these springing virtues should suffer an Eclipse by the interposition of that odious vice of Idleness, he forthwith sent him unto Berna, a famous City in Switzerland, to be instructed and brought up by Henricus Lupulus, a man well learned, and excelling in Poetry: from whom, through the reading of Classi● Writers he became a good Orator & got some knowledge in the art of Logic's: having now spent at Berna almost two years, and longing after the knowledge of Philosophy, whose ground and Basis was already laid, he removed unto Vienna, a famous City of Austria, situate on the river Danubius, where he not only attained to the knowledge of Philosophy, but he also augmented and perfitted those things which in former time he had learned; and having spent here some few years, he returned again to Basil, where he first began to employ that talon which God had bestowed on him; for here he began first to teach others that which he himself had learned; and having spent some time in the instructing of others, and in furnishing himself with the knowledge of the Liberal Arts, he wa● advanced unto the title of Master, which being obtained, h● forthwith addicted himself (being guided thereunto by the spirit of God) unto the study of School. Divinity, wherein he remained silent for a while, being rather a spectator then an Actor, until he was called by the Glareanes to the discharge of a Pastoral function & office amongst them, where with all alacrity and cheerfulness, he finished that which had been formerly begun by others.  
And by this means having received holy Orders, he gave himself wholly to the study of Divinity, spent all his time in searching into the old and new Testament, ●hat so he might be able not only to speak, but also to judge of the Scriptures: as for the writings of the Ethnics, he did not greatly esteem and account, only he made use of V●lerius Maximus, who by reason of the variety of his examples, he perceived it would be beneficial unto him.  
But because he well understood, that he could have no sound judgement concerning the Scriptures, nor concerning the writings of pious and learned men, unless that he were well skilled in the tongues; he forthwith betook himself to the study of the Greek tongue, wherein in short time he so well profited, that the Greek seemed more easier unto him then the Latin, and he better able to judge of a Greek then of a Latin Author; and for the better understanding of the tongue, he used help of the best Lexicons and translations, and with them translated Saint Paul's Epistles, committing them all to Memory, and other books of the New Testament. But when he had found it written in Saint Peter, that the Scripture was not of private interpretation: he lifted up his eyes to heaven, beseeching the holy Ghost, and earnestly wrestling with him by prayer, that he would be pleased so to illuminate his understanding that he might rightly and truly understand the sense and meaning of the holy Scriptures: so that he might neither deceive himself, nor lead away others with a false image of the spirit.  
Having thus in some measure fitted himself for the beating down of sin, & advancing & furthering of the truth; he than first began to condemn the Helvetian Pensions, labouring to overthrow them, and to reduce and bring bacl again former sanctity and worship into the Country; and hence hatred and reproachful speeches had and took their beginning against this good, pious and laborious man; who notwithstanding this affront, at the first showing of himself for the glory of God, and that in his own Country, cheerfully proceeded Preaching the Gospel, and endeavouring rather as yet to plant truth in the hearts of his Auditors, and to cause them fully to understand it rather than to open and to discover unto them the vices and wickednesses of the whore of Babylon.  
Not long after, occasion being offered and D. Theobaldus Gerolzeggius, desiring or rather earnestly entreating the same, he departed from Glarona, and went to Eremus; there intending to continue for a time, but indeed the chiefest cause of his repairing unto that place, was the happy opportunity of preaching Christ and his truth unto divers remote and foreign Nations, being at that time gathered togethered unto that place, from all parts of the world.  
In the mean time it fell out that the Church of Tigurum, was destitute of a Curate or Priest; many there were which greatly laboured to bring in Zuinglius, he being altogether ignorant of this matter comes to Tigurum; where being demanded, by a certain Canon who accidentally met him; Whether he could preach the word of the Lord unto those of Tigurum: he presently answered, that he could; upon which answer he is called unto the Church of Tigurum, not without the great joy of many godly minded persons: and that which he promised, he began with happy success to perform, (the Lord being with him and giving a blessing unto his labours) in the year of grace one thousand five hundred twenty and one: During the time of this happy proceeding of his at Tigurum, the Swissers had taken great notice of the name of Martin Luther, by reason many of his writings which in all places came unto their hands, these he exhorted them to read and to peruse, that so they might perceive the unity of the spirit drawn out of those holy writings in them both, and so by that means, nothing doubting but that they would be the more willing to consent and to give place unto the truth.  
This is also remarkable in the godly man, that notwithstanding his continued pains in the discharging of his Pastoral office, he omitted not his reading of the difficultest Greek Authors for the preserving of that knowledge which he had formerly gotten, & not ceasing here, he adventured on the Hebrew; wherein, by the help & assistance of some who were his associates he profited so much that he was able aptly to expound the two major Prophets, Isaiah and jeremiah.  
About the same time Franciscus Lamberius a Friar Minorite forsaking his Monastery came to Tigurum, who disputed publicly, with Zuinglius, concerning the intercession of the Saints, and concerning the sacrifice of the Mass; but being easily confuted he recanted, confessed his error, and gave thanks unto Almighty God, that had prepared so excellent an instrument to open his eyes, and to show unto him clearly the knowledge of the truth.  
This his denial of the intercession of the Saints and sacrifice of the Mass, Stirred up Hugh Bishop of Constance, to make an opposition against him, insomuch that Zuinglius was enforced to declare publicly unto the world, that which he believed concerning those and other differences betwixt himself and the Church of Rome; by reason whereof his report and ●ame was brought unto Adrian the sixth then Pope of Rome, who forthwith wrote unto him af●●r this manner:  
Beloved Son, greeting and Apostolical Benediction.  
We send our venerable brother Ennius' Bishop of Verulan our Domistick Praelate and Apostolical Nuntio, a man wise and trusty, unto that strenuous and warlike mo●ion which hath been friendly and faithful unto us, and to our Apostolical Sea: that he may treat with them about serious affairs which concern not only us and our Sea, but also the whole Christian Commonwealth; now although we have straight commanded him that he shall relate those things in public before all in general, yet nevertheless seeing that special notice is given unto us of those excellent virtues wherewith thou art endued, we cannot but entirely love and greatly rejoice in thy zeal reposing a spiciall kind of Confidence in thee: wherefore we have commanded the same Bishop our Legate, that he deliver these our letters unto thee in particular, and withal to declare our great affection towards thee; finally, we exhort you to be zealous in the Lord and to repose all your confidence in him: and look with what affection we tender your honour and preferment, we desire the same from you in respect of our, and the affairs of the sea Apostolical: and for which you shall find no small favour a● our hands.  
Given at Rome; 23. Januvary 1523. and in the first year of our Popedom.  
Letters were also written by the same Pope, unto Franciscus Zinggius to this intent, that he should not be wanting to use all means to draw and to allure this godly man to the prefession of the doctrine of the Church of Reme; which Francis●us being damanded by Mysconius, what reward the Pope had promised unto him, on condition that he could persuade Z●inglius to revoke his opinion, he seriously answered that Peter's Chair excepted, he had promised him all things else.  
Whence it is evident that the Devil and his members laboured as much as in them lied to hinder the knowledge of the truth of Christ and to detain men in blindness and ignorance.  
And hence we may observe the constancy of this holy man, who could not be alured to forsake and fall from the truth of God and of his word, no no●●or all the preferments of the world, esteeming with Saint Paul, all things as dung in respect of Christ.  
The Gospel now with the blessing of God being received and embraced of the Zigurins and gathering strength every day more and more, Zuingli●s began to enter into a serious consideration of changing the form of things present into a better state and condition, reducing the Monks and Priests, unto three orders: some for labour, some for Marriage, some for learning; because the number of them seem greater than might se●ve for the use of Religion.  
Being busied about this Reformation, there crept in the Heiresie of the Catabaptists, who forbade the Baptising of Infants, and did rebaptize themselves; with these Zuinglius dealt friendly at the first, disputing with them and convincing them of their errors: but they being obstinate in their opinions, he caused the Senate severely to punish them, some with imprisonment some with death.  
But to return again, his alteration of the state at Tigurum concerning Priests and M●nks, and the decree against Pensioners being by his means sealed and confirmed, caused him to be every way surrounded with enemies, who waited daily, and hourly to take away his life: and also in the night season; insomuch that he durst not walk abroad without a strong guard to defend him from his enemies: who used openly in the streets all reproachful speeches against him; and these wicked and ungracious villains, when they saw that they could neither prevail against the Gospel, nor against this good Preacher of the Gospel, than they bent all their forces against those who were obedient to the word of God, imagining nothing but mischief towards them, always intending their destruction and ruin.  
Hence it was concluded and resolved on to take up Arms for the de●ence of the truth of the doctrine of Christ, and they all enter into a new League, the old being notwithstanding no way violated but remain firm, and that by the great labour and industry of Zuinglius: not that he intended any thing hurtful unto his Country but to extirpate and to root out their vices, and to plant in it firmly the doctrine of the Gospel, both for the glory of God, and also for the good of all Switzerland: for he desired nothing more, then that all Nations might confess the Lord Jesus, and therefore he exhorted those that were his friends, and which stood up for the truth of Christ, to undergo the hazard of their lives, in so good a cause with these express words following:  
That which heretofore I have written unto you, I exhort you unto it still, beseeching you to remain constant and immovable, and not to be afraid of your enemies; for that peace which some so greatly urge and press, is open war and not peace, and that war which we are to undertake is peace, and not open war: for we do not thirst after any man's blood, neither do we desire to spill it by such tu●multuous actions; but this we maintain and defend, that the nerves and sinews of an Oligarchy, are to be cut off: and unless it be the truth of the Gospel and the Ministers thereof, will never have any safe and quiet residence and dwelling amongst us. Alas, it is not cruelty that we think of, but our actions are both fatherly and friendly, we desire to be a means to save those who are like to perish through ignorance, our greatest ambition is to preserve our liberty: therefore do not so much estrange yourselves from our determinations, you shall find them more peaceable and more just, than some have related unto you; you are apt to believe those which speak false of us, who notwithstanding hitherto have had good and sufficient trial of our truth and of their inconstancy, I will not say, lies. In this show yourselves to be men, that ye remain Constant and immovable as we do, for our faith towards God and men; In a word, let not fear dismay you, for through the goodness of God, we shall so behave ourselves in this League, that it shall neither purchase shame nor grief to yourselves.  
Thus did he cheerfully animate and encourage these his friends to fight for the glory of God, and to give sufficient testification of his zeal towards God: he was himself present in Person in two several Battles fought betwixt them nea●e unto Capella, a Monastery situate in the fields of Tigurum: unto the first he came freely of his own accord, that he might be present at their Consultations, and to see that there were no declining from truth and equity. This Battle was finished without the shedding of blood, concerning which he was often heard to say, that he had seen more malice and more wicked Counsel in it, than he knew all his life time either by experience or from reading.  
Unto the second he wa● elected and chosen us chief Commander, and being unwilling at the first to undertake such a burden; the ground of that quarrel being something displeasing unto him, it being only Grameatus denegatio: yet at the last he resolved to go, presaging as it were his own death by the uttering of these words, Seio, scio quid rei sit ut ego ●ollar fiunt omnia. I know, I know, how the case stands now, all these preparations are for my ruin and destruction.  
Wherefore being well horsed and completely Armed, he followed the Tigurunes in the rear, being ready to join battle; he went not forth as a Captain or Commander of the Army, but as a good Citizen and faithful Pastor, who would not forsake his friends in their greatest peril. In this Battle Zuinglius was slain together with three hundred eighty and three of his confederates; it happening on the eleventh day of Octobrr, in the year of our Lord 1531. after that he had Preached the Gospel of Christ at Tigurum the space of 12. years, and at Glarona and Eremus the space of a 11. years, himself being 44. years of age.  
They which were near unto him when he fell, wounded even unto death heard him utter these words; What misfortune is this? Well, they can indeed kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul: being in this misery he was demanded by his enemies, whether he would yield unto Papistical invocation of the Saints; being not able to speak, he refused it apparently by the motion of his head, and by the lifting up of his eyes to heaven, he gave th●m to understand, that he would invoke and call on none but on the Lord above; wherefore in a raging and cruel manner took his life away from him, condemned his body to be cut in four quarters, and to be burnt unto ashes in the fire.  
Some of his faithful friends greatly lamenting his death came full of sorrow unto the place where his body was burnt, and lightly moving the ashes, found his heart sound and untouched with the flames; some ascribing it unto the power of God, who by this miracle would declare unto the world both his innocency and also his zeal: others spending their judgements accordingly as they were affected toward the Person.  
And this was the end of the godly Minister of Christ, whose great desire for the advancement of the truth of Christ, will clearly show itself, by those painful and learned labours of his which are extant in the Church, being comprehended and contained in four Tomes.  
Tome 1.  
1. A work of Articles. 2. An exhortation to the whole State of Switzerland. 3. A Supplication to the Bishop of Constance. 4. Of the certainty and purity of God's Word. 5. An answer unto Valentine of the authority of the Fathers. 6. Institutions for Youth. 7. A good Shepherd. 8. Of justice Divine and Human. 9 Of Providence.  
Tome 2.  
1. Of Baptism. 2. Of Original Sinne. 3. Of true and false Religion. 4. An Epistle to the Princes of Germany. 5. Of the Lord's Supper. 6. Of Christian Faith, written unto the French King.  
Tom 3.  
Commentaries on Genesis. 2. Exodus. 3. Isaiah. 4. Jeremiah. Psalter out of Hebrew into Latin.  
Tome 4.  
1. Annotations on the four Evangelists. 2. History of our Saviour's Passion.  
Annotations on  
3. The Romans. 4. Corinthians. 5. Philippians 6. Collossians. 7. Thessalonians. 8. Hebrews. 9 James. 10. John Epist. 1.  
They that are willing to engage, and prove  
Themselves true Soldiers in the field of Love  
Must follow Zuinglius, whose ample glory  
Affords the World an everlasting Story.  
Ye Prelates of these Times, stoop down and see  
The Wisdom, Valour and the Constancy  
Of this renowned Father; whose deserts  
Ought to be printed in all noble Hearts:  
He fell with Honour, and all those that fall,  
Guarded with Truth, deserve a Funeral  
Adorned with Angels, that all tongues may say,  
Here lies Relig'ons and the Churches stay.  
Brave Zuinglius died (though it be hard to do)  
A valiant Soldier, and a Martyr too.   


JOHN COLLET.  The Life and Death of John Colet.  
IOhn Colet was borne in London, of honest and wealthy Parents: His Father was twice Lord Major of that famous City, to whom, his Mother (a chaste and fruitful Matron) brought forth eleven Sons, and as many daughters: of which numerous offspring, john Colet was the eldest, and sole Survivor; the rest died before their Father, whereby he became Heir to a very considerable fortune: and yet nature to him was no less indulgent than fortune, being endowed with all the Symmetry almost imaginable in a tall and comely Person. In his younger years he gave himself to the study of Philosophy, and in the seaventh after his Matriculation in the University, obtained his degree of Master in Arts, an honour not so much given to his Standing, as due to his knowledge, in the Liberal Sciences; in none whereof he was ignorant, in some exquisitely learned. All Tully's wo●ks were as familiar unto him as his Epistles, neither was he any stranger to Plato and Plotinus, whom he not o●ely read, but conferred and paralleled, perusing the one, as a Commentator upon the other: As for the Mathematics, there is scarce any part thereof, wherein he was not seen abov● his years, certainly above expectation. Having thus feathered his nest at home, he began to look abroad, and improve his stock in foreign Countries: In France he added his Humanity, what he thought necessary to the study of Divinity: which thereafter he effectually prosecuted in Italy; amongst the Ancients he was most taken with Dionysius, Areopagita, Origen, Saint Cyprian, St. Ambrose, and Saint Hierom: with St. Augustine (whether out of Singularity, or judgement) amongst all the Fathers he seemed most disguised: And yet he did not so mancipate himself to Antiquity, but that as occasion served he sometimes survayed Aquinas, Scotus, and other Schoolmen. In a word, he was seen in both Laws; and singularly well read in History, both Civil and Ecclesiastical. And because he saw that England had her own Dant's and Petrarches as well as Italy, who have performed the same here, that they there: those and these, he both read and diligently imitated; accommodating thereby his stile to the Pulpit, and Preaching of the Gospel.  
After his return from Italy, he made choice to live at Oxford, where he publicly, but freely without stipend, expounded all Saint Paul's Epistles; when he was not yet full thirty years of age. At Oxford, Erasmus and he became first acquainted, who witnesseth (●o his not small commendation) that though at that time, he was neither Graduate, nor Candidat in Theology; that yet there was neither Doctor, Abbot, nor Master in the whole University, who frequented not, and (which is more) took notes of hi● Lectures: Howsoever before he left the University, they honoured him with the degree of Doctor, whereof he accepted rather to please the givers, than himself. From Oxford, and these sacred employments, he was called to London by King Henry the seventh, who bestowed upon him the Denary of St. Paul's; of all the Denaries in England the highest in the rank, but not the deepest in the manger: which Colet embraced rather as aburdensome charge, than honour; And therefore as soon as he had regulated his College of Canons, and restored it to its ancient Discipline, he resolved (which was not Customary in those times) to Preach every Holiday in the Cathedral, over and above his Sermons at Court, and many other Churches in the City, to one or other whereof, the want of able Predicants, invited him almost every Lordsday: In his own Church he expounded the Scriptures, not by retale, but wholesale; running over, sometimes a whole Epistle, sometimes a whole Gospel; wheresoever he Preached, he was exceedingly followed, both by Courtiers and Citizens. The Deans Table, which in former times had been two much prostituted to excess and luxury, he reduced to temperance and moderated by his frugality: For he restrained himself to one meal a day for many years together, both before and after his preferment; which at one blow c●t off all his Supper-guests, late dinners not a few, and the more, because his entertainment, though neat, was neither costly nor excessive, his sitting short, and his whole discourse attemperd either to learning or piety, for immediately after grace, his boy red a Chapter, out of which, he himself (for the most part) chose the theme or subject of that meal's discourse: wherein not only Scholars, but idiots also his Conviu's had their share, if he perceived their want of learning supplied with a good mother wit, and ready natural judgement; Casting one bone after another, until he dismissed them with no less satisfaction to their minds, than refreshments to their bodies; fo● although he hated prodigality and scurrility, he was no enemy to good Company; who came more frequently, because with less charge to his Evening Collations, then set Dinners: and with whom (commonly) he spun out a good part of the night in ventilating one point of Divinity or other; if none came, or such only as had no great felicity in these sacred Saturnals, having dismissed them with some few compliments, his Boy read him a parcel of holy Scripture, whereupon he usually ruminated till he went to bed. In his travels he was cheerful, but his chief Companion was ever some chief Book: Solecism he accounted the worst point of Slovenry, affecting neatness in his household-stusse, and clothes, Books, meat, and all things else, magnificence in nothing, much less prodigality: Black he loved above all Colours, preferring it fare before Purple, which preserved his Doctoral robes the longer. His upper garment was always of broad-cloath, and that too none of the finest, which against hard frosts, he fortified with deep Furs; whatsoever accrued unto him by the Church, he entirely committed to his steward, to be spent in House-keeping: His own hereditary rents and profits (which were great, for he was heir to his Father and some of his brethren) he himself pursed up, and distributed to pious uses. But perceiving the manifold distractions which accompanied the managing of so plentiful an estate, he called in his Father's debts, and sold his whole Patrimony, which in the total amounted to a very great mass of money: and wherewith he erected and endowed that stately and famous Free-school in Saint Paul's Churchyard: whereunto he joined a fair dwelling house Capable of two Schoolmasters, to whom he assigned liberal Stipends, because they were to teach gratis. The whole fabric he divided into four parts, whereof one is (as it were) for your Catechumany, and beareth the inscription of Catechizationis; the second for such as are under the Usher, divided from the third part, by a veil drawn ●pon great Curtaine-roddes, and containeth only such youths as are disciplined by the chief Schoolmaster; the forth and last part, consisteth of an Oratory or Chapel for Prayer, and other religious exercises: Above the Master's head (if the Reformation have not pulled it down, and leveled him with his Cross) standeth the child jesus curiously engraven, and as it were in the posture of one reading a Lecture, with this Motto, Ipsum audite: whom the Children as they entered the School, were wont to salute with a sacred Hymn, composed (if I be rightly informed) by Erasmus: Every Form containeth sixteen, and the Captain or Dux of every Class, sitteth by himself in a Pew or Throne somewhat more eminent than the rest; great respect had wont to be had, both to the Engine and Ingenuity of the Intrants; how matters are now carried, I know not? This is certain, though the whole amounted to an infinite charge, yet Colet would therein admit of no Copartners. An hundred pounds left by a charitable Citizen, for advancement of the Structure, he bestowed (with the Bishop's licence) upon Books, and sacred Vestments for the Choir; And yet though he would permit no Layman to have a finger in the building, he entrusted no Clergimen with the oversight of its Revenues: As all men praised him for this School, so many wondered what he meant to build so magnificent a house for himself, within a Curtilage of the Carthusians, and so near the honour of Richmond. But to take both the best & the worst together, He was by nature high minded, impatient of injuries, much given to sleep, and (as he confessed, but not sub Sigillo, to his best friend) no stranger to the temptations both of lust and Luxury; a great admirer of witty jests, and inclinable enough unto Covetousness; Over all which imperfections, through grace, he became more than conqueror: for his haughtiness of mind and proud stomach, he leveled even to humility, by the common grounds of reason and Philosophy: being then best pleased, when he was most freely admonished. Covetousness he put to flight, by a charitable profusion of his whole temporal Estate, upon works of mercy & piety: Venery, sleep and Luxury he nobly profligated by holy confercences, fasting, praying, indefatigable study, and often Preaching: But yet so, that at great feasts, and in his entertainments of Lady's and Gentlewomen, where without too much rigidity, he could not but give way to a more free and liberal discourse; a man might easily perceive the recoylments of his own natural and exorbitant proclivities: so impossible is it for flesh and blood, not sometimes to discover themselves, even in the most regenerate: which made him almost abstain from all such meetings, or if he came, he commonly brought with him some learned Second, with whom he conferred in Latin, Ne intelligerent Sacerdotes; His custom was to begin and end dinner with the same dish, to content himself with one glass of Beer, or two at the most; and though he loved rich Wines, yet he drank of the best but very sparingly, knowing that all men's eyes then present, were upon him. He had a wonderful happy wit himself, and was much taken with it in others, especially young Boys and Maids, with whose natural purity, softness, and simplicity he seemed greatly effected, and the rather, because our Saviour himself, commends in them those qualities, to our imitation. In many things he dissented from those who thought themselves learned, in some, from those who indeed were so: to whom only he unbosomed himself, especially if they were his friends: your Scotists, who then seemed to monopolise, and divide the whole stock of wit amongst themselves, he esteemed of all others, the most dull, barbarous, stupid, and insufferable dunces. And yet of Acquinas (I know not upon what grounds) he had a worse opinion, then of Scotus: In whose defence, when it was objected by Erasmus (perhaps ironically, for he was no great friend to either) that of all the ancient Schoolmen, Aquinas only seemed to have read the Fathers; witness his Aurea Catena, and that some of his Work● were highly commended for stirring up men's affections to piety: Colet answered, what tell you me of his reading, or stirring up affections? unless he had been transported with the Spirit of Arrogance, he had never so rashly, and yet so magisterially & peremptorily presumed to define all points of Religion: and if he had not savored too much of the flesh, he had not therewith mixed so much vain and fruitless Philosophy. He was no great admirer of Monks, not that he hated the Profession, but because he saw the Professors lived not accordingly: wherefore whilst he lived he gave them little, when he died, nothing: And yet his intent and purpose was, to end his days in a Monastery, if he could have found one qualified to his mind: This, by many, was censured in him, that although he himself lived most chastely, and as Erasmus verily believeth, died a pure Virgin, notwithstanding his natural inclination to the Contrary, yet he had a very charilable opinion of such Priests and Frier●, whose greatest fault was their umcleann●sse. For said he, these out of the Conscience of their own imperfection, are (for the most part) humble, mode●t, and tractable: whereas the devil himself, were he not what he is, could hardly abide the pride, avarice and hypocrisy of the other: Not that he thought incontinence a light Sin, but intractability and pride far more incompatible with piety. And therefore though it was his ill luck to live under a perverse and wrangling Diocesan (of whom we sh●ll say more anon) yet he was a true friend to Episcopacy, by being a mortal enemy to such Bishops, as under an hypocritical mask of sanctity, prostituted their sacred function to ambition and Luxury: Relative worship he held no such spur to Devotion as some would make it; And was not fare from their opinion, who think a notoriously wicked Priest operates nothing by his consecration; for he abominated irregularity, especially in his own order, and could not but wi●h indignation look upon those whose impure and contaminated lives, gave the first rise and ground to this suspicion, whether true or false: In his judgement concerning public Schools and Universities, he was not only heterodox, but, like the bird spoken of in the Proverb, clearly bewrayed divers Symptoms of an exulcerated mind: but let that pass amongst Moles in the most beautiful faces: Secret Confession he generally approved, as that whereby himself had received much comfort and benefit, but as much disliked that which was too anxious, and descended to a needless enumeration, of what can no more be numbered then the stars in heaven, or sand upon the Sea shore. Priests here, in his time, Officiated once every day, he contented himself with Sundays and Holidays; it may be to set the greater edge upon his Devotion, which by these intervals was the more sharpened, or perhaps to gain the more time for his private studies, the better to fit himself for his Cathedral or Pulpit employments. Learning he really loved, and laboured for; only that Encuclopedicall wisdom, which cannot be attained but by knowledge of all Arts, and devouring of all books, he esteemed rather a learned sort of madness, than any true provocation to Christian simplicity and charity. He deferred much to the Apostolical Epistles, but when he compared them with that sweetness, wisdom, and majesty, which is to be found in our Saviour's own say and Sermons, he thought them sapless, and scarce to be named the same day; which as one of his Paradoxes, I leave to be sensured by the Reader, for both proceed from the same Spirit; Howsoever, omitting the former, the latter he intended to trichotomize or reduce unto Ternaries, but was prevented by death: God's worship and Service (as much as in him lay) he performed with an equal decency, and magnificence: and was no great approver, either of their zeal, or wisdom, who tied Priests every day (those wherein they travel, not exceped) to the private repetition of so many and long prayers: which perhaps he knew by experience, they rather mumbled over with their lips, then considerately evaporated from their hearts. He willingly and attentively read over many Heretical books, professing he sometimes bettered himself more by them, than theirs who without dispute, define what they please, and as they please. He endured not that any man should square his stile by the rules of Grammar, or Grammarians, but by reading and imitating the most approved Authors; which opinion brought its own punishmeat with it, for though he was eloquent both by nature, and erudition, yet when he set himself to write in Latin, he often tripped, even in things common and obvious to every Schoolboy: which did so much discourage him, that he never set forth any thing: it were to be wished, his modestey had not so much stumbled at this straw; for certainly howsoever his expression had taken the ear, his conceptions could not have disrelished the understanding: but in this, as in many things else, he dissented from the common Tenets and practice both of his own and former times; yet so as his private opinions never troubled the public peace, his friends were as many, as there were men of learning and Candour in the whole kingdom. His greatest enemies were certain illiterate and irregular Friars: and amongst these his own Bishop, of whose Sophistical Sco●istry the Deane made no great account, and the Bishop as little of his Ciceronian Divinity; The heart burning went so fare, that at last it broke forth into Articles: wherein the Bishop assisted by two of his brethren, almost as learned and Cordat as himself, accused him before the Archbishop of Canterbury, that preaching, upon the triple Pasce ous meas, he expounded the first, by good example; the Second, by Sound Doctrine, according to the common Interpretation and consent of the Doctors. But that in the third, which they expound Subsidio vitae, he had dessented from them: affirming that something else must be there understood, and that the Apostles being extreme poor, could not be bound to feed their flocks with what they had not themselves. Secondly, that in another Sermon he had Preached against worshipping of jmages: and thirdly, that in the same Sermon, he seemed to tap those, who Preached out of their note books; which the Bishop took to himself, for at that time he was aged eighty; and forced by this help to piece out a Senile and decayed Memory. The Archbishop received the accusation, but answered it himself; not suffering Colet to be so much as Summoned to his Consistory. Their second attempt at Court succeeded little better, the occasion this. The King being resolved upon a war with France, Colet was invited to Preach at Court; His Theme was Christ's victory, in handling whereof, he preferred the most unjust peace, before the justest war: for, said he, when the evil, out of hatred or ambition fight against the evil, and kill one another, there they fight not under Christ's, but the Devil's Banner; showing how difficult a thing it was, to die like a good Christian, how few followed the Wars, not tainted with envy or avarice: and how almost inconsistent brotherly charity is, with sheathing our sword in the Bowels of our brothers. Concluding, that it was better for Christians, to imitate in their warfare, their blessed Lord and Saviour, than either Caesars or Alexanders. At this Sermon (amongst others) were present the Bishop and two Friars Minorites, whereof the one was the chief incendiary to the war, for which his ghostly counsel, he was soon after rewarded with a Bishopric; the other, an obstreperous & stentorian whoreson, who in all his Sermons (which in all were not many) was sure to have a fling at Poets and poetry: intending thereby to mump Colet, who though he had skill in music, yet never wrote a verse in his life: But so ignorant was the vulgar of that fry, in those days, that they knew not ●he difference betwixt a piece of Tully and Virgil; accounting all Poetry that was not mere barbarism. These three made agrievous complaint of him both to the King & chief Martialists, as though Colet had done all ●his of purpose, to weaken the hands of his Majesty's Forces, and discourage the Commons, from so noble a●d necessary expedition; and to speak the truth, the King himself was somewhat startled at it. But in the Carthusian gardens at Greenwich, he gave his Majesty such satisfaction, that when most men gave him for lost, he never parted from the King, more loaded with promises, both of protection and preferment: who enjoined him only in his next Sermon, to clear such misprissions and Scruples, as the Common people, and Soldiery had ignorantly collected from his former; after which neither the Bishop nor his Bricot durst meddle no more with him. But he lived not long to reap and enjoy the fruits of this double victory: for after the third relapse into a pestilential Fever (a disease almost peculiar to the English) he fell into a Dyssentery, where of he died.  
Some of his Physicians judged him far gone in an hydropsy, but upon his imbowelling, there appeared no such thing to the Anatomists, only the extremities of his liver seemed (as it were) bearded with certain rough and curled strings or pendants: he lieth buried in Saint Paul's upon the south side of the Choir; a place designed by himself; and almost in the eye of all who pass that way.  
Behold his Emblem, whose admired worth,  
Few Pens can prove sufficient to set forth  
Unto the World, and much less mine, whose skill  
Can be derived but from an Infant Quill.  
He had a rare and well ennobled heart,  
Whose rich endeavours gave a life to Art:  
He always was ambitious to embrace,  
(Although 'twere seated in the meanest place)  
True virtue; and he took delight to see  
Youth well adorned with Ingenuity  
Paul's School can witness that his liberal Purse  
Was ever open to reward the Nurse  
That gave true Wisdom suck: therefore his Name  
Shall always ride upon the wings of Fame.   


JOHANES OECULAMPADIUS.  The life and Death of John Oecolompadius.  
IN the year of our Lord God 1482. this worthy instrument of advancing the truth of Christ johannes Oecolompadius was borne at Weinsperge, a town situated in Germany; which year also was remarkable for the birth of Georgius Spalatinus, who afterwards proved a faithful and laborious Minister in the Church of God; being sometimes Chaplain unto the Duke of Saxony.  
His Parents were greatly esteemed amongst their neighbours, for their virtuous and civil demeanour, being endued with a sufficient competency of outward necessaries, both for the supporting of themselves and also for the education of such Children as it pleased the Lord to bless them with, and with a great number of these they were for a time beautified; but it pleased God to take again those which he had given during the life of these Parents; leaving unto them only this Oecolompadius, unto whom he had granted a longer life for the good and benefit of his Church.  
Both of them beholding the ingenious disposition of the child, and finding him to be capable of Learning, they carefully sent him to be instructed and brought up in the rudiment of Learning; his Father intending that after he had attained unto some knowledge and perfection, to place him with a Merchant, supposing that course of life to be the most fittest for him; but his Mother being acquainted with this resolution of her Husbands; and finding it not suitable to her own will, she never ceased from entreating him to desist from his intent, until such time as she obtained of him, that he should continue longer in the Schools, unto which there appeared in him a natural inclination; the Lord beginning even in his Infancy to frame his mind unto that wherein he afterwards used him as his instrument for the converting of many unto himself.  
Not long after, his Father yielding unto the request of his Mother, who was as careful of Oecolompadius as ever Monica was of Augustine, he sent him unto Heilbronna, which place was famous in Germany for an exact training up of Youth in the knowledge of the Latin tongue; where he having remained a few years, he removed him unto Heidelberge, an Academy eminent both for the Arts and tongues; here he attained unto that perfection in Learning, that at the age of 14. years he proceeded with great approbation Bachiler of Arts. And unto his proceeding in the knowledge of human Learning, he adjoined a Religious and civil behaviour, persuading himself, eum, qui proficiat in literis & deficiat in moribus, non proficere sed deficere. That he which went forward in Learning, without having respect unto an orderly carriage of himself, would prove to be retrograde in his motion.  
Not long after he was graced with the title of Master of Arts, in the same Academy; after which dignity conferred by the advice of his Parents, he went unto Bonnonia, with an intent to apply himself unto the study of the Civil Law; but because the alteration of the air proved adverse unto his former health, after that he had made trial for the space of half a year, and in that time finding no amendment, he returned again unto his Father, with whom he remained until that he had recovered his former health, and ●hen he went unto Heidelberge again, where contrary to the will of his Father, he left the study of th● Civil Law, and gave himself wholly unto the study of Theology, being thereunto led and guided by the spirit of God. In the performance of which Act he imitated the example of that burning Lamp of the Church john chrysostom, the same act being also approved and embraced by Martin Luther, john Calvin, Peter Martyr, Theodore Beza, Lambertus Danaeus, and others.  
Here he began to acquaint himself with such Schoolmen, whose judgements in points of Controversy were most approved of in that Academy, as Thomas Aquinas, Gerson, and others; these he prosecuted with an indefatigable labour, studying them day and night, desiring the explanation of such distinctions which he could not understand, etc.  
This more than ordinary industry procured unto him a general approbation, together with a certain demonstration of his future worth, not only in Heidelberge, but also in the adjacent places; insomuch, that he was recommended unto that illustrious Prince Philip, Elector Palatine, who sent for him, and committed his youngest Sons unto his tuition, bearing always a reverend respect unto him, for the excellency of those parts where with he saw he was endued: After that he had continued a season in this employment, and perceiving that Courtly life to disagree with his natural inclination, he left it, and returned again (as one that had been long captivated) unto the study of Divinity.  
Hi● Parent● perceiving that his mind was altogether set on that study, and having no other child but only him, they made use of that means wherewith God had blessed them, for the procuring of a Priesthood for him, in the town wherein he was borne, unto which was also added the authority of Preaching; unto this place he was called, but finding himself after a fortnight's performance to be unable to undergo so laborious an office, he desired leave to return again unto Heildelbirge: for the furnishing of himself with a greater measure of knowledge, that then he might return from thence better fitted for the discharging of that sacred Function.  
Having obtained leave, he altars his resolution & shapes his course towards Tubinga, and from thence unto Stutgardia, where Reachiling lived, a man famous for his excellent knowledge in the tongues: here he stayed for a short space, during which time, he received from him some light concerning the Greek, which being increased by daily exercise he so well profited himself, that he did set forth a Greek Grammar, at his return again to Heidelbirge: where he also learned the Hebrew of a Spanish School●master, whose evil nature was to envy that knowledge of that holy tongue in those that were his Scholars.  
Finding himself somewhat better provided, by the addition of the tongues, he returns unto his native place, and cheerfully underwent his Pastoral office, Preaching Christ so powerfully unto them, that he was greatly admired of his Auditors, neither was he only excellent for doctrine, but also for his life and conversation, giving good example unto those unto whom he Preached, being familiar always with the better sort, and especially with Wolfangus Capito, with whom he was acquainted during his residence at Heidilbirge: their friendship being here renewed it continued firm until ●hey were separated each from the other by death.  
During his discharge of his Pastoral office, in his native place, Wolfangus Capito was called unto Basel, to be their public Lecturer, which advancement caused him not to forgit his old friend Oecolampadius, but rather moved him unto a consideration, how he might be a means of promoting him, unto a more eminent place: Pitying that so b●ight a lamp of piety, should obscure itself, by being shut up and confined unto such a narrow and unregarded angle of the country; Wherefore he used all means to persuade the inhabitants of Basel, unto whom he commended the worth of the man, to invite him unto this City, and to confer a dignity on him correspondent unto his desert; which was no sooner uttered but they condiscented thereunto, and he was called unto the discharge of a Pastoral office in that City, in the year of grace 1515. Where after that he had received that Function for the space of a year with great applause, he was honoured in the same Academy with the title of Doctor, about the same time that Erasmus Rotherodamus came to Basel, to set forth his annotations on the New Testament; for the perfecting whereof he used the assistance of this Oecolampadius in regard of the eminency of his parts, as he himself freely confesseth.  
Which work being finished, he left Basel and went unto Auspurge, being called by the Commons of the Cathedral Church to Preach in that place unto the people, but her● he remained not long (partly because he feared and had a distrust in himself that he was not fit for so eminent a place, and partly by reason of that melancholy humour which was praedominate in him, insomuch that he esteemed not the society of men, but would remove himself from them into some solitary place) but departed from them and entered into a Monastery lying without the City of Auspurge, and consecrated unto Saint Bridget; yet making his covenant so with the Monks, that he would have liberty to study, & to believe what he would, and to departed from them when he pleased; for said he, Etiamsi sexcentis juramentis me obstenixero, nequaquam ea servare potero, si quando utilis ministerio verbi sum futurus. Although I should bind myself by the virtue of six hundred oaths, I shall not be able by any means to keep them, if at any time I shall perceive that any profit will come unto the Church by my Ministry.  
The Monks perceiving his worth joyfully received him into their society, bestowing all things liberally on him that he desired, and also acquainted him with all their privileges and in general he found such content amongst them, for the space of a few months, that he intended to spend all the rest of his days in that lazy manner of life: but it pleased God to call him from this manner of life, and for that cause he stirred up his friends, & amongst them more especially Capi●o, who seriously persuaded & earnestly exhorted him, to give over that Monastical life; upon which persuasion he intended to forsake the Monastery and to betake himself again unto his former profession, and for a preparation thereunto, being as yet in the Monastery he set forth a book of confession, wherein in many things he opposed the doctrine of the Church of Rome, whereby he brought himself not only into danger of his life, but the Monks also were greatly afraid, lest any inconvenience might happen unto them by reason of his actions, and therefore they greatly laboured to free their Monastery of him; during their plodding, he sharply reprehended them for their errors, perswad●ng them to embrace and lay hold on the truth, whereby they came to be more and more incensed against him, and privately laboured with his friends, to be more earnest with him in the leaving of the Mona●stery.  
Having be●n resident in this place not fully two years he departed, and went unto Franciscus Sickingen, a man nobly descended by whom he was entertained, and i● the same hou●e he laboured to put down the Mass, affirming it to be an Idolatrous worship; but Franciscus being at that time greatly distressed with an unhappy war, he left him and went to Basel, in the year of our Lord 1522. to publish such things as he had at vacant times collected.  
Here he was again advanced by the Senates unto a Pastoral office, & an annual stipend designed unto him, which he performed with great zeal and constancy to the glory of God and good of his Church; here he boldly discovered unto his Auditors those errors which by continuance had got firm footing in the Church, he opened unto them the perfection and sufficientcy of the Merits of Christ, he declared unto them the true nature of faith, he revealed unto them the true doctrine of Charity; insomuch that the authority of the Po●ish religion began to stagger in the minds of many: Whilst he was totally occupied about these things some there were who laboured to draw him again to the Pseudo Catholic religion, but more especially johannas Cachlaeus who in the year 1524. wrote letter● unto him, wherein he testified himself, to be deeply afflicted with sorrow, to hear that a man so excellently learned, should lay aside his cowl, and adhaere unto such haereticall opinions, and withal exhorted him to revoke his opinion, and to return again into the Monastery, promising him a dispensation from the Pope, and the favour of the Prior, which he had formerly enjoyed: but these and such like things were slighted by Oecolampadius, who bringing them unto the word of God, found that they would not endure the trial.  
In the performance of his Pastoral office an assistant was appointed unt him by public authority, and he began to settle a more excellent Reformation in the Church, commanding the Sacrament of Baptism to be administered in the mother tongue, and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to be received under both kinds; he taught that the Mass was not a sacrifice, for the living and the dead, or for those who were tormented in their feigned Purgatory; but that perfect satisfaction was obtained for all believers by the passion and Merits of Christ: he dissuaded them from sprinkling themselves with holy-water, and from the consecration of Palms and the like, declaring unto them that they who did attribute virtue unto any such things did detract from the glory and power of God; which doctrine of his took such deep ●ooting in the hearts of his Auditors, that it gave a period unto many superstitious actions amongst them.  
The foundation of future reformation was no sooner laid, but the old Dragon, began to play his part, and to discover his malicious ●nvy, against such things as make for the glory of God: either by hindering their proceed, or laying some foul aspersion on them; for at that time broke forth that, yet continued sacramentary dissension, by means whereof that good work begun in the Church was hindered: Martin Luther at this time openly opposed and contradicting by writing the doctrine of Huldericus Zuinglius, Pastor of the Church at Tigurum, concerning the Euchiarist, by reason whereof there was a great dissension betwixt the Churches of Helvetia, and Saxony; for the taking away of which, Oecolampadius set forth a book concerning the true understanding of these words, Hoc est corpus meum; and by many strong arguments he affirmed, that a trope lay therein, and yet his industry and labour therein took not away the contention betwixt the Churches.  
This intended reformation was again hindered by Eccius and his followers, who taught (1) that the substantial body and blood of Christ was in the Sacrament of the Altar; (2) that they were truly offered up in the Mass, both for the living and the dead; (3) that the virgin Mary and the Saints were to be worshipped as intercessors; (4) that the images of jesus and the Saints were not to be abolished; (5) that after this life there was a Purgatory.  
These positions were vehemently opposed by Oecolampadius, at the public disputation's held at Baden: the event whereof was this, some of the Helvetians subscribed unto Eccius, some unto Oecolampadius; and so there remained still a dissension amongst them which could by no means be taken away, although attempted by many worthy instruments of Christ, who have undergone many dangers, for an effectual performance of the same, yet Oecolampadius wrought so with the Saints, that liberty of conscience was granted unto the Citizens as touching religion.  
In the year following there was a disputation held at Berne, which continued for the space of twenty days, wherein Oecolampadius laboured so powerfully for a reformation that his acts there recorded give a sufficient testimony thereof, unto the world.  
In the year 1529. an assembly was appointed by the Lantgraw of Hassia at Marpurge touching a reformation in the Churches, concerning which more in the life of Melancton.  
After the painful sustaining of so many labours, at home and abroad, he returned to Basil, where he spent the residue of his life in Preaching, reading, writing, setting forth of books, visiting the sick, and having also a care of the adjacent Churches, until the year 1531. wherein it pleased God to visit him with sickness, wherewith he was constrained to take his bed, hourly expecting death. And forthwith sending for the Pastors of the same place, he welcomed them with ashort & pithy oration, wherein he exhorted them to remain constant and firm in the purity of the doctrine which they professed, because it was conformable unto the word of God: as for other things he willed them to be less careful, assuring them that the all-sufficient God would care for them, and that he would not be wanting unto his Church.  
His Children standing before him, he took them by their right hands, and afterwards gently stroking their heads, he advised them to love God, who would be unto them in the place of a Father.  
A little before his death one of his intimate friends coming unto him, he asked him what news? he answered, none. But said he I will till thee news, being demanded what it was, he answered, Brevi ero apud Christum Dominum, I shall in short time be with Christ my Lord. In the morning before he died he repeated the 51. Psalm of David, at the end whereof he added● Salva me Christi jesus; being never heard afterwards to utter any word; those who were present betook themselves unto their prayers, wherein they continued until he had surrendered his Spirit unto his Creator: which was willingly and cheerfully performed by him, on the first of D●cember, in the year of our Lord 1531. and in the 49. year of his age, and was buried with great lamentation in the s●me City.  
He died intestate, quia unde conderet, pauper Christi servas non habebat.  
He was of a meek and quiet disposition, in the undertaking of any business, he was very circumspect, and nothing indeed was more pleasing unto him, then to spent his time in reading and commenting: the works which he left behind him, are these which follow.  
1 Annotations on Genesis. 2 On job. 3 Isaiah. 4 jeremiah. 5. Ezekill. 6 Daniel. 7 Hosea. 8 Amos. 9 jonas. 10. Micah, Cap. 2. 11. On the three last Prophets. 12. On the Plasmes. 13 Matthew. 14 Romans. 15 Hebrews. 16 1 Epistle of john 17 Of the genuine sense of these words Hoc en corpus meum. 18● An exhortation to the reading of God's word. 19 Of the dignity of the Eucarist. 20 Of the joy of t●e resurrection. 21 A speech to the Sena● of Basil. 22 A Catectisme. 23 Annotations on Chrisostome. 24 Enchyidion to the Greek tongue. 25● Against Anabaptists. 26 Annotations upon the A●ts and Corinthians. 27 Of Almsdeeds. 28 Against Julian the Apostata. 29 Of tru● faith in Christ. 30 Of the praises of Cyprian. 31 Of the life of the M●ses. 32 Against Usury.  
Reader, behold the rare-adorned Face  
Of him, whose very looks import a grace;  
He was a Man whose constancy to truth,  
Ripened in age, and blossomed in his youth:  
He was a rock, whose daring front disdained  
Papisticke Waves he still opposed; and gained  
The upper hand, though threatening danger lined  
Each word he spoke, yet would he speak his mind:  
'twas not their proffered wealth could make him bold  
To sin in Want, and then repent in Gold;  
Religion was the Star by which he steered  
His well run-course, his heart was still endeared  
Two solid Principle, he loved to court  
The truth, Love was his Ship, and heaven his port.   

The life and death of JOHN FRITH, Who suffered Martyrdom, 1533.  
IOhn Frith was borne at We●trame in Kent; in whom being a child, nature had planted a marvellous love unto learning; he had also a wonderful Promptness of wit, & a ready capacity to receive & understand any thing, neither was there any thing wanting in him equal unto that towardness of dispsi●ion; whereby it came to pass that he was not only a lover of learning, but also became an exquifite learned man. He first begun his s●udy at Cambridge, where he profited much in all sorts of learning; At last he fell into knowledge of and acquaintance with William tindal, through whose pious instructions, that seed of the Gospel and sincere godliness was first instilled into his heart. At that time (Cardinal Wolsey) prepared to build a sumptious College in Oxford, now called Christ's college: And sought out for such as did excel in knowledge and learning to be Fellows in the same, and amongst others, john Frith was appointed one: Now these choice young men there placed, conferring together upon the abuses of Religion, which at that time were crept into the Church, were therefore accused of heresy, and cast into prison, where many of them, through the filthy stink thereof died: Afterwards john Frith, (with the others remaining alive) being dismissed out of prison, went beyond the seas; and too years after returning, he was taken for a Vagabond at Reading, and set in the stocks, where he remained until he was almost pined with hunger; at length he desired that the Schoolmaster of the town might be brought unto him, which was Leoward Cox a learned man; assoon as he came (in the Latin tongue) he bewailed his captivity unto him: The Schoolmaster being overcome with his eloquence, did not only take pity and compassion upon him, but also begin to love & embrace him, especially when he spoke unto him in the Greek tongue, and rehearsed by heart divers Verses out of Homer; whereupon the Schoolmaster went with all speed unto the Magistrates and procured his enlargement. Yet this his safety continued not long, through the deadly hatred of Sir Thomas Moor, at that time chancellor of England, who persecuted him both by Sea and land, promising great rewards to any man that could bring tidings of him. Thus this good man being beset with troubles round about, wandered up and down, from place to place, until at the length being betrayed by a seeming friend, he was apprehended, and sent unto the Tower of London, where he had many disputes with Sir Thomas Moor, and others, touching the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. In which quarrel he withstood the violence of three most obstinate enemies, with the Bishop of Rochester, Moor and Rastall, but he fight with them all three at once, did so refute, and confound them, that he converted Rastall to his part. But when neither Scripture, nor reason would prevail against the fierce and cruelty of of these furious foes, the twentieth day of june, 1533. he was brought before the Bishops sitting in Paul's Church, where they ministered certain interrogatives unto him, touching the Sacrament & Purgatory; to which he answered according to his former disputation, and subscribed unto his answer, these words with his own hand, I Frith thus do think, and as I think, so have I said, written, taught, and affirmed, and in any Books published; So that when as by no means he could be persuaded to recant, he was condmned by the Bishop of London to be burned, and so being delivered over unto the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, the forth day of july he was by them carried into Smithfield to be burned; when he was tied to the stake, he shown much constancy and courage, for when as the fire and faggots were put unto him, he willingly embraced the same, thereby declaring with what uprightness of mind he suffered those torments for Christ's and the truth's sake, whereof that day he gave with his blood a perfect and firm testimony; The wind drove away the flame from him, unto his fellow Martyr Andrew Hewet, who was burned with him, which made his death the longer, and his pains the greater; But God assisted him with such strength, and fortified his soul with such patience, that he seemed rather to rejoice for his fellow, then to be careful for himself, as if he had felt no pain in that long torment.  
There is one thing more very observable concerning this constant Martyr john Frith, that whereas the Bishop of Canterbury sent two of his servants to fetch him to Croyden, there to be examined, they were so convinced ●pon the way, with his learned & pious discourses, sweet and humble carriage, that they contrived betwixt themselves how to let him escape; and at the length one of them delivered himself unto him, in this manner, saying, Master Frith, the journey which I have taken in hand to bring you to Croyden, as a Sheep to the slaughter, so grieveth me, that I am overwhelmed with care and sorrow; neither regard I what hazard I undergo, so that I may deliver you out of the Lion's mouth. And then made known unto him how that they had plotted betwixt themselves to let him escape: to whom Frith answered with a smiling countenance, Do you think that I am afraid to deliver my opinion unto the Bishops of England in a manifest truth? the Gentleman replied, I marvel that you were so williug to fly the Realm before you were taken, and now so unwilling to save yourself. Master Frith answered, before I was attached I would fain have enjoyed my liberty for the benefit of the Church of God; but now being taken by the higher power, and by the providence of almighty God delivered into the hands of the Bishops, to give testimony to that religion and doctrine, which under pain of damnation I am bound to maintain & defend; if I should now start aside, and runaway, I should run from my God, and from the testimony of the Word, and should be worthy of a thousand Hells; therefore I beseech you to bring me where I was apponted to be brought, or else I will go thither all alone.  
In all past ages and preceding days,  
Heaven (to his ●●nour, and eternal praise)  
Hath never left his Church, yet destitute  
Of faithful Witnesses, both to dispute,  
And dye● too, for his spotless Uerity,  
(If called thereto) with all Sencerity,  
And admirale fortitude of mind;  
In which rare Role of Partyers we do find  
Famous John Frith, an English man by nature;  
Who, from his youth, adorned his education  
With promptitude of wit, and other parts,  
Whereby he flourished both in Tongues and Arts.  
And to conclude let all rejoice and say,  
Religion was Friths prop, and he her stay.   

The Life & Death of THOMAS BILNEY, who suffered Martyrdom, Anno Christi 1531.  
THomas Bilney, an Englishman by birth, was brought up in the University of Cambridge from a child, where he profited so much in all the liberal Sciences, that he in a short time commenced Bachelor of both Laws; But the holy Spirit of Christ by secret inspiration, endewing his heart with the knowledge of better things, he lief the study of man's laws, and set himself wholly a part for the study of Divini●y, accounting godliness his greatnest gain; And as his own heart was inflamed with a sincere love to Christ and the Gospel of Christ, so his great desire was to bring others to embrace the same; and his labour was not in vain, for he converted many of his fellows to the knowledge of the Gospel, and amongst the rest Master Hugh Latimer, (who afterwards sealed to the truth of Christ with his blood) Master Latimer being crosse-keeper at that time in Cambridge, bringing it forth upon procession days: At the last Bilney forsaking the University, went up and down, Preaching the Gospel, where ever he came, sharply reproveing the pride, and pomp of ●he Clergy, and striveing to overthrow the authority of the Bishop of Rome. Cardinal Wolsey at that time being in great authority, and well knowing that the pride and hypocrisy of the Clergy could not long continue against the word of God, if once the light of the Gospel should open the eyes of men, he therefore caused Bilney to be apprehended, and cast into prison; And on the 25. day of November 1537. Master Bilney was brought before the said Cardinal and many other Bishops sitting at Westminster, and there examined whether he had not taught unto the people, the opinions of Luther, or of any other condemned by the Church; Bilney answered that wittingly he had not taught any thing contrary to the Catholic Church. Hereupon he was delivered over to the Bishop of London, to be further examined: being brought before him, he exhorted him to abjure and recant; Bilney answered, that he would stand to his conscience saying, fiat justicia, et judicium in nomine domini. Then said the Bishop of London, with the consent of the rest, read part of the sentence against Master Bilney but respites the rest of it until the morrow, to see if he would recant; then he was brought before them again, but still he refuseth to recant: yet at the last, through infirmity, rather than by conviction, he recanteth the seventh day of December 1527.  
After which abjuration made, he went again to Cambridge, but he had such conflicts within himself upon the consideration of what he had done, that he was overwhelmed with sorrow, and was near the point of utter despair, so that his friends were afraid to let him be alone, but continued with him day and night, striving to administer some comfort unto him; But he was in such an agony for the space of a whole year after, that he could receive no comfort, yet at the length, having been throughly humbled for his sin, through the goodness of God he came unto some quiet in conscience, being firmly resolved to spend his dearest blood in giving testimony to that truth which before he had renounced. Having thus determined in his mind, he took his leave of his friends in Trenityhall, and said that he would go to jerusalem and so should see them no more (alluding to Christ's going up to jerusalem before his passion.) And immediately he departed into Norfolk, and there Preached, first privatley in houses, and then openly in the fields, bewailing his former subscription, and owning that doctrine for truth which before he had abjured, willing all men to be warned by him, and never to trust to their fleshly friends in causes of religion; whereupon he was apprehended, and carried to prison; while he there remained, Doctor Call and Doctor Stokes, with many others, were sent to dispute with him, the form of which, by means of Bilneies' doctrine, was somewhat reclaimed; After many tedious disputes, seeing that by no means they could not withdraw Master Bilney for truth, he was condemned to be burned.  
The night before his execution, many of his friends resorted unto him, found him eating heartily with a quiet mind and cheerful countenance, where upon they said unto him, that they were glad to see him thus to refresh himself, being shortly to suffer such painful torments; He answered, I imitate those, who having a decaying house to dwell in, hold i● up by props as long as may be. Continuing with his friends in heavenly discourses, one of them said, that although the fire which he should suffer the next day, would be of great heat unto his body, yet it would be but for a moment, but the spirit of God would refresh, and cool his soul with everlasting comfort; At these words Master Bilney put his finger into the flame of the candle then burning before them, and feeling the heat thereof, said, I find by experience, and have known it long by Philosophy, that fire is naturally hot, yet I am persuaded by God's holy word, and by the experience of some Saints of God therein recorded, that in the flame we may feel no heat, and I constantly believe, that however the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by the fire, yet my Soul and Spirit shallbe purged thereby; and although it may be somewhat painful for a time, yet joy unspake●ble followeth there-upon.  
As he was led forth to the place of execution, one of his friends spoke unto him, and desired him to be constant, and to take his death as patiently as he could; to whom Master Bilney answered with a quiet and mild countenance; When the Mariner undertakes a voyage, he is tossed on the billows of the troubled Seas, yet in the midst of all perils he heareth up his spirit, with this consideration, that ere long he should come unto his quiet Harbour; so saith he, I am now sailing upon the troubled Sea, but ere long my Ship shall be in a quiet Harbour; and I doubt not, but through the grace of God, I shall endure the Storm; only I would entreat you to help me with your prayers.  
As he went along the streets, he gave much alms to the poor, by the hands of one of his friends. Being come to the Stake, he there openly made a long confession of his faith in an excellent manner, and gave many sweet exhortations to the people; and then earnstly called upon God by prayer, and at the end rehearsed the 143. Psalm.  
Then turning to the Officers, he asked them if they were ready, whereupon the fire was kindled; he holding up his hands, and crying sometimes Jesus, sometimes Credo: but the wind did blow away the flame from him, which made his pain the longer, yet he patiently endured it; continuing to call upon God, until he gave up the ghost.  
Just such another Saintlike singing Swan,  
Was blessed Bilney, born an Englishman;  
Brought up in Cambridge University,  
Famous for Arts, and Parts, and Piety:  
Where by powerful preaching, he converted  
Holy Hugh Latim●r, then much perverted  
To Popery, made many a proselyte,  
Of's fellow-Students, by the Gospel's light.  
At last by Cardinal Wolsey, prosecuted;  
Who, and his shavelings, with him oft disputed,  
They by their subtle treats and threats at length  
Tripped up his heels, and foiled his human strength,  
And caused him to recant: In which sad case,  
This blessed Saint abote a twelve month's space,  
In bitter anguish and perplexity  
Of Soul, in danger, in despair to die.  
At last, again, by God's all-guarding grace,  
Recovered comfort did despair quite chase,  
And fill his Soul with such redoubled joy  
As all his former precious parts t' employ,  
In constant and courageous preaching down  
The odious errors of Rome's triple Crown;  
For which our tongues may never cease t' express  
That Bilney's Crowned with true happiness.   


WILLIAM tindal.  The Life and Death of William Tindal.  
WIlliam Tindal was borne about the borders of Wales, and brought up from a child in the University of Oxford, where he grew up, and increased in the knowledge of the Tongues, and the Liberal Arts, but especially in the Scriptures, whereunto his mind was singularly addicted: insomuch as being in Magdalen-Hall, he read privately to some Fellows & Students some parts of Divinity, instructing them in the knowledge and truth of the Scriptures: his life also was so blameless, that he acquired much love, and esteem thereby: After he had profited exceedingly, and taken his degrees there, he removed to Cambridg, and being well ripened in the knowledge of God's Word, he went to live with one Master Welch in Glocestershire, where he was Tutor to his children: and many Abbats, and Doctors resorting thither, Master Tindal discoursing with them of Luther, Erasmus, etc. showing them plainly his ●udgement in Religion, proving the same by the Word of God, & confuting their errors; which caused them to bear a secret grudge in their hearts against him: and afterwards they took occasion to rail, and rage against him, charging him with Heresy, and accusing him to the Bishop and Chancellor, whereupon the Chancellor appointed those Priests, and Master Tindal also to appear before him, and Master Tindal suspecting the matter, as he went prayed hearty unto God to give him strength to stand fast to the truth: when he came the Chancellor threatened him grievously, reviling & rating of him, as though he had been a Dog, accusing him of many things whereof no proof could be brought, and so dismissed him for the present: not long after Master Tindal happening into the company of one that was estee●ed a learned Doctor, in disputing with him, he drove him to that issue, that the Doctor burst out into these blasphemous words, We had better be without God's Laws, than the Pope's. Maste Tindal hearing this, full of Godly zeal, replied; I defy the Pope and all his Laws, and if God spare me life, ere many years, I will cause a Boy that drives the plough to know more of the Scriptures than you do. The rage of the Priest's increasing, Master Tindal told Master Welch, that he well perceived that he could stay there no longer with safety, and that his stay might be prejudicial to that Family also, and therefore with his good leave he departed and went to London, where he preached a while, as he had done in Country before: and then hearing a great commendation of Cuthbert Tonstal Bishop of London, he endeavoured to get into his service, but the Lord saw that it was not good for him, and therefore he found little favour in the Bishop's ●ight: remaining thus in London about the space of a year, and being desirous, for the good of his Country, to translate the New Testament into English, he found that there was no place for him to do it in England, and therefore being assisted by Master Humphrey Munmoth, and other good men, he leftt the land, and went into Germany, and there set upon that work: translating the New Testament Anno. Christi 1527. and then setting upon the Old, 
First Bible translated.  he finished the five books of Moses, with sundry most learned, and godly Prologues perfixed before every one of them: the like also he did upon the N●w Testament: besides divers other godly Treatises which he wrote there; which being published, and sent over into England, became exceeding profitable to the whole English Nation. At his first going over into Germany, he went into Saxony, and had much conference with Luther, & other learned men in those quarters, and then returning into the Netherlands, made his greatest abode at An●werp: when he had finished his translation of Deuteronomy, minding to print it at Hamborouth, he sailed thitherward, but by the way upon the coast of Holland he suffered shipwreck, 
Great afflictions.  by which he lost all his books, and writings, and so was compelled to begin all again to his great hindrance and doubling of his labours: yet afterwards he went in another ship to Hamborough, where he met Master Coverdal, who assisted him in the translation of ●ive the books of Moses; the sweeting sickness being in the town all the while, which was Anno Christi 1529. and during their employment in that work, they were entertained by a religious Widow, 
Charity.  Mistress Margaret Van Emerson: when his English Testament came abroad, Satan's and the Pope's instruments raged exceedingly, some saying that there were a thousand Heresies in it: others that it was impossible to translate the Scriptures into Euglish: 
Popish lies  others that it was not lawful for the Lay-people to have it in their own language, etc. and at last the Bishops, and Priests procured of King Henry the eight a Proclamation prohibiting the buying or reading of it: yet not satisfied herewith, they suborned one Henry Philip's to go over to Antwerp to betray him: who when he came thither, insinuated himself into Master Tindal's company, and pretended great friednship to him; and having learned where his abode was, he went to Brussels and there prevailed so far, that he brought with him the Emperor's Attorney to Antwerp, and pretending to visit Master Tindal, he betrayed him to two Catchpoles, which presently carried him to the Attorney: who after examination, sent him to prison in the Castle of Filford, 18. miles off, and seized upon all his writings, and what else he had at his lodging: the English Merchants at Antwerp, who loved Tindal very well, did what they could to procure his release, also letters were sent by the Lord Cromwell, and others out of England in his behalf: but Philip's so bestirred himself, that all their endeavours came to nothing: and Tindal was at last borough to his answer; and after much reasoning although he deserved not death, yet they codemned him to die: & being borough forth to the place of execution, whilst he was tying to the stake, he cried with a servant and loud voice, Lord open the King of England's eyes. And so he was first strangled by the hangman, and then burnt, Anno Christi 1536. The power of his Doctrine, and the sencerity of his life was such, that during his imprisonment (which was about a year and an half) he converted his keeper and his daughter, and some others of his household: and Philip's that betrayed him, long enjoyed not the price of innocent blood, but by God's just judgement he was devoured by louse.  
Master Fox in his History of Martyers says, he might be called England's Apostle. The Works which he writ, besides the translation of the Scriptures are these that follow.  
1. A Christians obedience. 2. The unrighteous Mammon. 3. The practice of the Papists. 4. Commentaries on the seventh Chapter of Saint Matthew. 5. A discourse of the last will and testament of Tracij. 6. An answer to Sir Thomas Moor's Dialogues. 7. The Doctrine of the Lords Supper against More. 8. Of the Sacrament of the Altar. 9 Of the Sa●cramentall signs. 10. A foote-path leading to the Scriptures. 11. Two letters to John Frith.  
All these are extant together, with the works of two Martyr's, Barns and Frith, in English, in Folio: and thus after much labour and persecution, this worthy member of Christ, yielded to the fla●es, expecting a joyful reresurrection.  
Zeal crowned his heart● and made him to out vie.  
Papisticke stocks of Hellbred Tyranny;  
He feared them not, but boldly would dispute  
Against their swelling Errors, and confute  
Their Principles with a most dexterous art;  
His tongue was never Traitor to his heart;  
Truth was the hand that pointed to the way,  
Where full content and rich Salvations lay:  
'Twas not a loathsome prison ●ould devorse  
His ready lips from the profound discourse  
Of true Religion, nothing could prevent  
His just endeavours, Time, he thought misspent  
If not employed to good; Readers admire,  
His body flamed to make his soul a fire.   

The life and Death of URBANUS REGIUS, who died Anno Christi 1541.  
URbanus Regius was borne in Arga Longa, ●n the territories of Count Montfort, of honest parents, who principled him in the rudiments of Learning, & from school sent him to Friburg, where he lived with Zasius an excellent Lawyer, who loved him dearly for his diligence and industry: from thence he went to Basil, to study other Arts, and from thence to Ingolstad, where, after a while, he read privately to divers Noble-men's-sons, whose parents desired him to furnish their children with books, and all other necessaries, for which they would take care to pay him again quarterly: but when he had run into debt for them, they neglected to return their money, which caused him to think of departing, and having an opportunity, he listed himself a soldier under a Captain that went against the Turks, leaving his books, and other furniture, to be divided amongst the Creditors: being now amongst the soldiers, it happened that john Eccius (who was Governor of the University) coming forth to see the soldiers, he espied Regius amongst them, and enquired the cause of his so sudden a change; he told them how those Noblemen had served him, whereupon Eccius got him released from his Captain, and by his authority procured the Debts to be paid by the parents of those youths, which had been with him; whereupon he returned to his studies again, wherein he growing famous for his wit and learning, Maximilian the Emperor passing through Ingolstade, made him his Laureat-Poet and Orator: afterwards he was made Professor in that University: Then he fell hard to the study of Divinity, and a while after, the controversy growing hot between Luther and Eccius, Rhegius favouring Luther's doctrine, because he would not offend Eccius, to whom he was many ways bound, he left Ingolstade, and went to Augusta, and there, at the importunity of the Magistrates and Citizens, he undertook the Government of the Church, and being offended at the gross Idolatry of the Papists, he joined with Luther, and Preached against the same: and having written to Zuinglius to know his judgement about the Sacrament and Original Sin, he received such satisfaction, that he joined in opinion with him about the same. At that time the Anabaptists crept into Augusta, and held private conventicles to the disturbance of the public peace, for which the Magistrates imprisoned the chiefest of them, and afterwards for their obstinacy punished them. R●egius Preaching against Purgatory and Indulgences, the malice and cruelty of the Papists prevailed at length to ●he driving of him out of that City: bu●●f●e● a while, by the earnest prayer of the Citizens, he was called back 〈◊〉 to his former Charge, where also he married a wife, by whom he had thirteen children: Eccius also came thither, and sought by all means to turn him from the truth, but in vain: he sent also Faber and Cochlaeus with flatteries, and lage promises, who prevailed as little as the others.  
Anno Christi 1530. when the Diet was held at Augusta for quieting of the controversies about Religion, the Duke of Brunswick coming thither, by importunity prevailed with Regius to go to Luneburg in his Country, to take care of the Church there, in which journey at Gobu●g he met with Luther, and spent a whole day in familiar conference with him, about matters of great moment, of which himself writes, That he never had a more comfortable day in his life. Er●nestus Duke of Brunswick loved him dearly, and esteemed him as his father; insomuch as when the City of Augusta sent to the D●ke, desiring him to return Regius to them again; he answered, that he would as soon part with his eyes as with him: and presently after he made him Bishop, and overseer of all the Churches in his Country, with an ample salary for the same: afterwards going with his Prince to a meeting at Haganaw, he fell sick by the way, and within few days, with much cheerfulness yielded up his soul into the hands of God, Anno Christi 1541: he often desired of God that he might die a sudden and easy death, wherein God answered his desires. He was of an excellent wit, holy of life, and painful in the work of the Lord.  
Reader, this serious Father's well-spent days  
Were filled with love, and love was filled with praise;  
He was abjured by a Noble race  
Which made him only debtor, but not base;  
Heaven was his port, to which he failed through tearse  
Steered by his faith, blown by the wind of prayers;  
Let his example teach us to invest  
Our hearts with wisdom, and we shall be blest,  
With him, who now enjoys the life of pleasure,  
Whose comforts know no end, whose joys no measure;  
He that shall choose true virtue for his guide  
May march on boldly, and not fear a slide.   

The Life and Death of CARALOSTADIUS Who died Anno Christi 1541.  
Andrea's Bodenstein Caralostadius was borne in France, in a town called Caralostadium, by which he received h●s name: he was brought up at School there, where afterwards he went to Rome, and having spent sometime in the study of Divinity, he went thence to Wittenberg, where he commenced Doctor in Divinity, and was a public Professor Anno Christi 1512. afterwards he became an earnest assertor of Luthe●'s doctrine, and a defender of it against Ecc●us, both by disputation and writing: at the time of Luther's being in his Pathmos, Caralostadius obtained of the Elector the abolishing of private Mass, Auricular confession, Images, etc. at Wittenberg; which Luther being offended at, returned presently thither, and Peeached eagerly against that alteration, whereupon Caralostadius wrote in justification of it, which was the first beginning of greater differences betwixt them about the Sacrament; whereupon he left Wittenberg 1524. and went to Orlamund, being called to a Pastoral charge there: but after a while he was called back to his place in Wittenberg; yet before he went, Luther being sent by the Elector of jene, and Orlamund, in a Sermon where ●aralostadius was present, he enveighed bitterly against the Anabaptists, and said withal, That the same spirit reigned in the Image-haters, and Sacramentaries; whereupon Caralostadius, being much offended, went to his lodging to confer with him about it: afterwards Lu●her coming to Orlamund went not to salute Caralostadius, but in his Sermon quarrelled with their abolishing of Idols: and shortly after he procured the Elector to banish Caralostadius; whereof Caralostadius afterwards complained in a letter to his people in Wittenberg, that unheard and unconvicted he was banished by Luther's procurement: from thence he went to Basil, where h● printed some book● that he had written about the Lord's Supper, for which the Magistrates (being offended with the novelty of the Doctrine) cast the Printers into prison, and the Senate of Tigurine for bad th●ir people to read those books: but Zuinglius in his Sermon exhorted them first to read, and then to pass judgement on them, saying, That Caralostadius knew the truth, but had not well expressed it: afterwards Caralostadiu● wand'ring up and down in upper Germany, when the sedition of the boorish Anabaptists broke out, (unto which they were stirred up by Muncer, and for which many of them were brought to punishment) Caralostadius also escaped very narrowly, being let down in a basket over the wall● of Rottenberg: & being in great straits he wrote to Luther, and purged himself from having any hand in those uproars, entreating him to print his book, and undertake his defence, which also Luther did, desiring the Magistrates that he might be brought to his just trial, before he wa● condemned: Caralostadius wrote again to him a Letter, wherein he said, That for his opinion about the Sacrament, he rather proposed it for disputation sake, then that he positively affirmed any thing, which many imputed to him for levity: but Luther thereupon procured his return into Saxony: yet he finding little content there, went to Tigurine, and taught in that place till the death of Zuinglius, and then he went to Basil, where he taught ten years, and An. 1541. he died there of the plague, and was very honourably buried.  
This grave Divine ceased not from taking pains  
More for the Churches good, than his own gains;  
Yet were his gains as great as his desire,  
He that obtains true virtue need require  
No greater profit, he that studies how  
To live hereafter, must not set his brow  
On Earth's lo things: the pleasure of the Earth  
Proved this grave Father's sorrow, not his mirth;  
His thoughts were all divine, he could not hid  
Within his Seasoned breast, the flames of pride;  
He was an Image-hater, and would not  
Let them be worshipped and his God forgot;  
'Twas not a Prison could his heart apale,  
He that has virtue, needs no other bail.   

The life and death of CAPITO, Who died Anno Christi 1541.  
WOlfgangus Fabricius Capito was borne at Hagenaw in Alsatia: his Father was of the Senatorian rank, who bred him in learning, and sent him to Basil, where he studied Physic, and proceeded Doctor of it: aft●r hi● Father's death, he studied Divinity Anno Christi 1504; and under Zasias (a great Lawyer) he studied Law also, and proceeded Doctor of ●t: He was a great lover and admirer of godly Ministers: at Heidelberg he grew into acquaintance with Oecolampadius, and there was a near tye of friendship betwixt them all their lives: after with him also he studied Hebrew, and became a Preacher, first in Spire, and thence was c●lled to Basil: from thence he was sent for by the Elector Palatine, who made him his Preacher and Counsellor, and sent him of divers Embassies: also by Charles the fifth he was made of the order of Knights: from Mentz he followed Bucer to Argen●ine, where he was called to a Pastoral charge: he was a very prudent and eloquent man, a good Hebrician, and studious of Peace; concerning the Sacrament he said, Mittendas esse contentiones, & cogitandum de usu ipsius coenae: & fidem nostram pane, & vino Domini, per memoriam carnis, & sanguinis illius, pascendam. Anno 1525. being called into his own Country, he Preached and administered the Lord's Supper to his own Citizens, and Baptised without the Popish Ceremonies; he was present and disputed at Berne against the Popish Mass, etc. He was with others chosen by the Protestants to go the to Diet at Ratisbone for the settling of Religion; and returning home, in a great and general infection he died to the Plague An. Christi 1541: of his Age 63.  
Industrious Capito at first inclined  
Himself to cure the body, next the mind;  
Being endowed with most excellent parts  
He did (as 'twere) monopolise the Art●:  
He loved Religion and was always free  
T' extol the worth of practised piety:  
He honoured peace; his heart was filled with hope  
That he might live to contradict the Pope,  
And so he did, he laboured to prevent  
The Ceremonies of their Sacrament:  
And to conclude, he laboured to confute  
Their babbling Mass. He's blest without dispute.   

The Life and Death of LEO JUDAE, who died Anno Christi 1542.  
Lo judae was born Anno Christi 1482. brought up at School, and from thence sent to Basil, where he joined in study with Zuinglius, was an hearer of Doctor Wittenbash, by whom he was instructed in the knowledge of the Gospel: ●here also he was made a Deacon, and from thence he was called into Helvetia, where he ●et himself to the study of the Oriental Tongues, and to read the Fathers, especially Hierom, and Augustine; as also he read diligently the books of Luther, Era●mus, and Capito: at length being called to a Pastoral charge at Tigure, he opposed the Popish doctrine and Ceremonies, both in the Pulpit and Press: th●re he continued eighteen years, and spent much of it in expounding the Old Testament out of the Hebrew; wherein (being grown very skilful) he set upon (at the importunity of his brothers of the Ministry) the translation of the Old Testament out of the Hebrew, wherein also he was much helped by the industry of other learned men: but this work proving very great, he was so wasted with labour, and old age that he died before he finished it Anno Christi 1542. and of his Age 60. leaving undone job, the forty last Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Canticles, and the eight last Chapters of Ezekiel, which he commended to Theodore Bibliander to finish, who accordingly did it: and he left all to Conradus Pelican to peruse, and put to the Press, which he carefully performed.  
Four days before his death, sending for the Pastors and Professors of Tigure, he made before them a Confession of his Faith concerning GOD, the Scriptures, the Person and Office of CHRIST, concluding, Huic jesu Christo Domino, & liberatori meo, etc. To this my Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, my hope, and my salvation, I wholly offer up my soul, and body; I cast myself wholly upon his mercy, and grace, etc.  
Heaven was the object where he fixed his eyes,  
Truth was his Mark, Religion was his Prize,  
His studious heart was active to contrive  
How to keep other pining Souls alive  
With heavenly Food; he never loved to feed  
In secret Corners, and let others need;  
He never used to sweep away the Crumbs  
From his poor Flock, and feed their souls with Hums  
Like our new-babling Pastors, which infuse  
Illiterate Words, patched up with flattering News.  
He would not blind them with the enticing charms  
Of Falseties, or bid them take up Arms  
Except for heaven, within whose Tent he sings  
Anthems of Pleasure to the King of Kings.   

The Life and Death of MYCONIUS, who died Anno Christi 1546.  
F●●idericus Myconius was borne in Franconia, of religious parents, and bred up at School till he was thirteen years old, and then he was sent to Annaeberg, where he studied till he was twenty, and then entered into a Monastery there, without the knowledge of his parents: the first night after his entry, he had a dream, which proved prophetical. In that place he read the Schoolmen, and Augustine's Works. He read also at meal-time the Bible with Lyra's notes on it, which he did seven years together, with so much exactness, that he had it almost by heart: but despairing of attaining to learning, he left his studie●, and fell to Mechanical Arts: About which time Tec●liu● brought his Indulgences into Germany, boasting of th● virtue of them, and exhorting all as they loved their own and their dead friends salvation that they should buy them, etc. Myconius had been taught by his f●ther, the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Decalogue, and to pray often: and that the blood of Christ only could cleanse u● from sin: and that pardon of sin & eternal life could not be bought with money, etc. Which caused him to be much troubled whether he should believe his father or the Priests; but understanding that there was a clause in the Indulgences that they should be given freely to the poor: he went to Tecelius, entreated him to give him one, for he wa● a poor sinner, and one that needed a free remissions of sins, and a participation of the merits of Christ: Tecelius admired that he could speak Latin so well (which few Priests could do● in those days) and therefore he advised with hi● Colleagues, who persuaded him to give Myconius one: but after much debate, he returned him answer, That the Pope wanted money, without which he could not part with an Indulgence: Myconius urged the aforenamed clause in the Indulgences: whereupon Tecelius his Colleagues pressed again that he might have one given him, pleading his learning, and ingenuity, poverty, etc. And that it would be a dishonour both to God and the Pope to deny him one: but still Tecelius refused: whereupon some of them wispred Myconius in the ear to give a little money, which he refused to do, and they fearing the event, one of them proffered to give him some to buy one with, which he still refused, saying, That if he pleased he could sell a book to buy one, but he desired one for God's sake, which if they denied him, he wished them to consider how they could answer it to God, etc. but prevailing nothing, he went away rejoicing, that there was yet a God in heaven to pardon sinners freely, etc. according to that promise; As I live (saith the Lord) I desire not the death of a sinner, etc. Not long after he entered into Orders; and read privately Luther's books, which the other Friars took very heinous, and threatened him for it. From thence he was called to be a Preacher at Vinaria, where at first he mixed some Popish errors with the truth, but by the illumination of God's Spirit, and by his reading Luther, he at last began to preach against Popery, and to hold forth the truth clearly; which spread so swiftly, not only through Saxony, but through all countries, as if the Angels had been carrier's of it. Afterwards he was called to Gotha to teach and govern the Thuringian Churches, where he lived with his Colleagues twenty years in much peace, and concord; of which himself saith, Cucurrimus, certavimus, laboravimus, pugnavimus, vicimus, & viximus semper convinctissime, etc. In the tumult of the Boors he took much pains to pacify their minds, and to keep them quiet: Yea, he so quieted with an Oration some that were pulling down some Noble men's houses, that they went away in peace: that year also he married a wife, by whom, through God's blessing, he had a numerous posterity. He accompanied the Elector of Saxony, in many of his journeys 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 Katherine of Spain, sister to Charles the fifth, by reason of whose greatness the Pope durst not do it: whereupon the King of England sent over to the German Princes (especially to the Duke of Saxony) to confederate against the Pope, and to join 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 King's hypocrisy about Religion, not only by the six Articles about that time established, but also by his imprisoning of Latimer, and cutting off the Lord Cromwell'● head, and burning of Master Barnes, etc. and by his seizing upon all the Abby-lands: whereupon he left England, and being come home, he was called by Henry of Saxony to visit and reform the Churches of Misnia, together with Luther, jonas, Cruciger, etc. Which fell out upon this occasion, George Duke of Saxony, lying on his deathbed, sent to his brother Henry (all his own sons being dead before) desiring him, that succeeding him, he should innovate nothing in Religion, and withal promised him golden mountains by his Ambassadors if he would assent thereto: to whom Henry answered, This Embassy of yours is just like the Devils dealing with Christ, when he promised him all the world if he would fall down and worship him: but for my own part I am resolved not to departed from the Truth which God hath revealed unto me: but before the return of the Ambassador, Duke George was dead: whereupon this Henry (notwithstanding all the oppositions of the Papists) made this Reformation in the Churches: which work being finished Myconius visited all the Churches in Thuringia, and with the help of Melancthon, and some other, he provided them Pastors and Schoolmasters, and procured stipends to be settled upon them for their maintenance.  
Anno Christi 1541. he fell into a Consumption, whereof he wrote to Luther, That he was sick 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, etc. that I may live to see thee, and some others of our Colleagues to die, and go to heaven, and to leave me here amongst the Devil's alone, I pray God that I may first lay down thi● dry, exhausted, and unprofitable tabernacle: farewell, and God forbidden that I should hear of thy death whilst I live: Sed te superstitem faciat mihi Deus: h●c peto, & volo, & fiat voluntas mea, Amen; quia haec voluntas gloriam nominis Dei, crete non meam voluptatem, nec copiam quaerit. A while after Myconius recovered according to this prayer, though his disease seemed to be desperate, & outlived it six years, even till after Luther's death; whereupon justus jonas, 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 joan. Frederick Elector of Saxony, wherein he praiseth God for raising up three successively in that Family, viz. Frederick, john, and john Frederick, to undertake the patronage of Lu●her, etc. He was a man of singular piety, of solid learning, of a dextrous judgement, of a burning zeal, and of an admirable candour and gravity. He died of a relapse into his former disease, Anno Christi 1546. and of his Age 55.  
Myconius was a man that loved to pry  
Into the bosom of Divinity;  
His heart was always flexively inclined  
To what was good; he had a golden mind  
That would not bend to dross, but still aspire  
To heaven, and faith gave wings to his desire;  
He was beloved of all that loved God's name.  
The trumpet of his voice would still proclaim  
The word of God to those that would endure  
To have their wounds be brought unto a cure:  
By whose examples we may learn to thrive  
In grace, His present worth is still alive.   

The life and Death of John Diazius, Who died Anno Christi 1546.  
IOhn Diazius was borne in Spain, brought up at School, afterwards he went to Paris to study the Arts, where he continued thirteen years; but it pleased God that whilst he read over the holy Scriptures, and some of Luther's books, and other Protestant Divines, he began to see and abominate the errors of Popery; and therefore to further himself in the knowledge and study of the Truth, he went to Geneva, where he spoke 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 study, obtained of the Senate, that he should be joined with him to go to the Disputation at Ratisb●ne; and when he came thither, he went to Peter Malvinda a Spaniard, the Pope's Agent in Germany; who when he knew that he cam● in the company with Bucer, and the other Protestant Divines, he was much astonished, and admired how he was so much changed from that which he knew him to be at Paris: and withal, 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 means untried to draw him bacl again to the Church of Rome; sometimes making large proffers and promises to him, other-sometimes threatening severe punishments, and mixing both with earnest entreaties: but when by no means he could prevail to divert him from the Truth, he sent for his brother Alphonsus Diazius, one of the Pope's Lawyers, from Rome, who hearing that his Brother was turned Protestant, came speedily into Germany, bringing a notorious cutthroat with him, resolving either to divert or destroy him: when he came to Ratisbone, Diazius was departed to Neoberg about the Printing of Bucers' Book; 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 john to be so constantly planted ●n th● sure rock of God's Truth, that neither Preferments could allure him, nor threats terrify him, both having been used by the Pope's Agent, nor he by persuasion nor love could persuade him to return to Popery; he feigned himself, friendly to take his leave of him, and so departed: ●ut shortly after he returned again with this ruffianly murderer, and by the way they bought an Hatchet of a Carpinter; and Alphonsus sending this man disguised with letters to his Brother, he himself following after, as john Diazius was reading the letters, this bloody murderer cloven his head with the Hatchet, and taking Horse they both road away, Anno Christi 1546. and this inhuman Cain was highly commended by the Papists for it. But the Lord would not suffer such an unnatural villainy to go unpunished; for not long after, he was so dogged and haunted by the Furies of his own Conscience, that being at Trent, when the Council was held there, he hanged himself about the neck of his own Mule.  
Diazius in his youthful days had clothed  
His heart with Popery, and after loathed  
What he had done; for when he was inspired  
By Heaven, he searched for truth, and soon untyr●d  
Himself; and having found the paths of truth,  
He hated what he acted in his youth.  
Thus being turned from those ways that lead  
To utter ruin, Fame began to spread  
Her wings abroad, and hover in the ear  
Of the distasted Pope, who could not hear  
Goodness without impatience, but strove  
To win him with reward of promised, love:  
But finding ●'was in vain, he changed his mind  
From Love to Murder, and with speed inclined  
Himself to mischief; being void of grace,  
Put out that light which shined so much in's face.   

The Life and Death of CRUCIGER, Who died Anno Christi 1548.  
GAsper Cruciger was born at Lipsich in Misnia, Anno 1504 of religious Parents, who carefully brought him up in the knowledge of God, and in learning. He was melancholy by nature, and of a retired disposition, much in meditation, and of few words: being principled in the Latin, he learned Greek, and profited much therein, and so went to the University of Wittenberg, that having studied Divinity there, he might be more useful to the Church: he studied also the Hebrew tongue, and grew very exquisite therein: from thence was called to govern the School at Magdeburg, where he taught with much profit and applause till 1527. and then being called back to Wittenberg, he preached and expounded the Scriptures with so much dexterity, that he was graced with the degree of a Doctor; in that University he studied and practised Physic also. He was very helpful to Luther in his Translation of the Bible. He wrote so swiftly, that he was chosen Scribe at the disputation at Worms, and yet withal suggested to Melancthon many things for answer to Eccius his subtleties, insomuch that Glanvell (who supplied the Enperors' room) said of him, That the Lutherans had a Scribe that was more learned than all the Pontificians. He always opposed the anabaptistical errors, and was very careful to preserve the Truch from corruptions: he always hated new, and ambiguous expressions, which often caused much troubles in the Church: he often contemplated the footsteps of God in Nature, saying with Paul, That God was so near unto us, that he might be almost felt with our hands. He studied the Mathematics in his later time, and grew so skilful therein that few excelled him: he was excellent also in the Optics: but with excessive pains, and incessant studies night and day, he contracted to himself a mortal disease, whereby he wasted away, and yet his intellectuals decayed not: he lay sick for above three months, all which time he gave forth clear & notable demonstrations of his Faith, Patience and Piety: he called up his two young daughters, and caused them to repeat their prayers before him, and then himself prayed with great fervency for himself: the Church, and those his Orphans, concluding, Invoco te quanquam languida & imbecill● fide, sed fide tamen credo promissioni tuae, quam sanguine tuo, & resurrections obsignasti, etc. I call upon thee with a weak, yet with a true Faith; I beleele thy promises which thou hast sealed to me with thy blood, and resurrection, etc. In his sickness he intermitted not his studies; for during the same, he turned into Latin Luther's books concerning the last words of David: he read the Psalms, and other Autors: his ordinary discourse with his friends was about the Principles of Religion; the admirable government of the Church; Immortality, and our sweet Communion in heaven. Upon the sixth of November there was a great Chasm, or opening in the heavens, and in some places fire fell to the earth, and flew up into the air again; this Cruciger saw, as he lay in his bed in the night, and thereupon much bewailed the great commotions, and dissipations in the Church, which he foresaw by this Prodigy: He spent the few days which remained in prayer, and repentance, and so quietly ended his days November 16. Anno Christi 1548. and of his Age 45. Considering the mutability of all earthly things, he used often to say, 

Omnia praetereunt, praeter amare Deum.  
Besides God's love nothing is sure,  
And that for ever doth endure.   

Grave Cruciger, was in his life  
A hater of corroding strife;  
His soul was ●●l'd with Heaven, and he  
Was always constant, always free  
In his devotions, all his days  
He spent to give his maker praise;  
Religions stock did still increase  
Within his heart, and crowned his peace.  
He was a wonder to all Nations  
For Piety, and disputations.  
The Anabaptists felt the force  
Of his pathetical discourse.  
Truth always shined in his breast;  
All men speak truth, that speak him blest.     


PAULUS FAGIUS.  The Life and Death of Paulu● Fagius.  
IN the year of our Lord God 1504 Paulus Fagius, alias Buchlin, was borne in a Town situate in the Palatinate, not fare from Bretta, which in the german language, is called Rhein-taberne; his Father was called by the name of Peter Buchlin, being chief Schoolmaster of that Town, his Mother by the name of Margarita jager, daughter unto Henricus jazger of Heidelberge: who was much beloved of Frederick the Prince Elector Palatine, by reason of his excellent knowledge in the art of War.  
He was first acquainted with the grounds of Leaenrng in the same Town, and that through the carefulness and pains of his Father, which indeed seemed pleasing unto him, because of the sharpness of wit and quickness of apprehension which he saw in the child; and therefore for the better perfection of his natural parts (when he had reached unto the age of eleven years) he sent him unto Heidelberge, and committed him unto the tuition of johannes Brentius and Martinus Frechtus, two learned men; by whose means he was furnished with an excellent insight in human Learning.  
When he had continued with these learned men for the space of seven years, and being now eighteen years of age, and longing for a greater perfection of learning; he left Heidelberge and went unto Stratsburge; and because poverty twharted the good will of his Parents, so that they could not afford him ●uch maintenance as they were willing, he framed himself unto the teaching of Youth, during his abode in that place; by which means he defended himself from that miserabl● condition which was likely to ensue, and also furnished himself with money for the procuring of such Books as he had most use of for his Studies.  
About this time the study and profession of the tongues began to appear and to show itself in Germany, and Wolfangus Capito set forth two Books, containing solid instructions for the obtaining of knowledge in the Hebrew language, a thing worthy of admiration in those times; and there were also some jews, who wand'ring up and down did impart the grounds of that knowledge unto many in Germany. Fagius laying hold upon this opportunity, gave himself wholly unto the study of this tongue, and for that cause he happily insinuated himself into the familiarity of Capito Hedio, Bucer, Zellius, and other learned Professors, who were the first planters of the Church of Christ in those places.  
Having here indifferently furnished himself with learning, and with the knowledge of the tongues, in the year 1527. he left Strasburge, and betook himself unto Isna, a town in Algaria, (being thereunto constrained with his poverty, and also with the small regard that those people had of learned men) where, by the entreaty and furtherance of his friends, he underwent the painful office again of a Schoolmaster; wherein he used such diligence that he gained the love of all that knew him, but finding within himself a natural inclination unto the Ministry, he left his School and returned again unto Strasburge, to furnish himself with sufficient knowledge, for the discharge of that function: here he continued for the space of two years, spending them altogether in the study of Divinity, at the end whereof, he was called from Ssasburge by the Senate of Isna, to undergo a Pastoral office in the same town, which he performed for the space of five years, with the great approbation of his Auditors; when he gave himself again unto the study of the Holy tongues, wherein in short time he proceeded beyond expectation, so that he was adjudged to be the most absolutest in those days; for the attaining unto this perfection he used the help of Elias Livita, a most learned Jew.  
Petrus Buflerus one of the Senators of Isna having notice of his perfection in the holy tongue, and of his natural inclination unto the Arts, at his own cost and charge he erected a Printing house; to the end that Fagius might publish some works for the futur good of that Nation, & for the credit and good fame of himself; but the event not answering their expectation, Fagius came at last, to be deeply indebted unto his friend Petrus; whereby he was disheartened, and kept from proceeding any further; which being perceived by Buflerus he encouraged him again to go forward, and for that cause he lovingly forgave him all the debt, which amounted unto the sum of one thousand Crowns and more.  
But he finding by experience that Isna was not a place for his purpose, he resolved to remove; and opening the same unto the Inhabitants, they seemed unwilling, yet afterwards they consented: receiving johannes Marbachius into his room. Before his departure, the town was greatly afflicted with the Pestilence, and he understanding that many of the wealthiest of the Inhabitants intended to forsake the place, without having any respect or care of such as laboured with that disease, and that the houses of such as were infected, were commanded to be shut up by the Magistrate; he openly admonished them, either to continue in the town, or liberally to bestow their alms before their departure, for the relief of such as were sick: and during the time of the visitation, he himself in person would vis●● those that were si●ke; he would administer Spiritual comfort unto them, pray for them, and would be present with them day and night, and yet by the providence of God he remained untouched, and was preserved by the alpowerfull hand of God.  
At the same season the Pestilence was hot in Strasburge, and with many others, it took away Wolfangus Capito, by reason whereof he was called by the Senate, and designed to be his successor in the same City, where he continued Preaching until the beginning of the german wars; for than Fredecicus Secundus, the Prince Elector Palatnie, intending a reformation in those Churches which were subject to him, he called Fagius from Strasburge unto Heidelberge, being then reputed to be a most eloquent and learned man, and constituted him the public Professor in the same place; but the Emperor prevailing against the Elector, & triumphing in Germany, that which was begun in Germany, touching reformation, fell again to the ground and became extinct: during his residence here, he set forth many books, but more especially such as he adjudged would be most profitable for such as intended to study the Hebrew tongue; which were so approved of by Bucer Martyr, and Hedio, then ordinary professors of Divinity, that he was advanced to the reading of a Divinity Lecture on the week days, and designed to discharge their Pastoral functions, in case they were restrained either with sickness, or any other serious employments; and in this course he remained for the space of six years.  
At the end of which time, the Church was greatly afflicted in Germany, and banishment was threatened unto such as would not adhaere unto the doctrine of the Church of Rome, and in the beginning of these troubles, it pleased God to stir up Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and Metrapolitan of England, to call for him out of Germany, who together with Bucer was honourably entertained by the said Archbishop and disposed of, etc. vide Bucer.  
He died in Cambridge, in the year 1550. and was honourably buried in the Church of Saint Michael; his bones together with Bucers in the days of Queen Mary, were diged up and burned, because he was condemned of haeri●ie; Amongst many Epitaphs which were set forth in the commending of this man, that of Gulielmus Day deserveth impression, that his worth might be manifested unto future times: 

Bucero primas, dedimus tibi Paule secunda,  
& damur, Haebreae, gloria prima scholae,  
Hoc uno inferior Bucero, Paul, fuisti  
Quod prior extremum cernis adesse diem,   

Verum illo major Bucero, Paul, fuisti  
Quod prior aeterno jussus adesse Deo,  
In reliquo similem duxisti tempor vitam  
Ambo salutiferi buccina fida, dei  
Ambo stilliferi sparfistis semina regni  
Semina proventu non caritura suo,   

Vnde utrumque Deus mogno dignatus honore  
V●rumque ad superi transtulit astra poli  
Felice's animae superas licet iistis ad oras  
A nobis vestrum nomen abrie negint  
Eximia semper viretis laude perennes  
Quam canit Aoniis nostra Thalia modis.   

Our first applauses unto Bucer we  
Ascribe, the second we bequeath to thee,  
Whose knowledge in the holy dialect,  
A fame eternal will to thee erect.   

In that thou first didst bid the world good-night,  
Thou seem'st inferior to that burning light,  
But being first with heavens glory crowned  
Thou dost appear a Saint more worthy found;   

In other things both fitly did agree  
Both faithful preachers of his verity,  
Both painful Sowers of the heavenly grain,  
Both blest with good success, it sprung again.   

Wherefore God blessed you both with honour high  
And clothed you both with immortality.   

O happy souls though heaven keep you there  
Your fame shall ever be entombed here.  
Your worthy praises all the earth shall know,  
Divulged by our Muses here below.    
He was of a tall stature, somewhat blacke-visaged; his countenance appeared outwardly severe, extorting reverence; but he was inwardly of an affable and courteous disposition, loving, meek and lowly: he was an excellent Orator, a great Student, as appears by his Works here inserted.  
1 A work called Thysby. 2 Apothegms of the Fathers. 3 Moral Sentences of Ben Syra, alphabetically digested. 4 The translation of Tobias the Hebrew. 5 Hebrew Prayers. 6 A literal exposition of the Hebrew sayings on the four first chapters of Genesis, with a Chalde Paraphrase. 7 Of the truth of Faith. 8 Commentaries on certain Psalms by Kirachi. 9 An Hebrew Preface to Elias Levila his Chalde Lexicon. 10 Thargum. 11 An Introduction to the Hebrew tongue.  
Reader, behold, here stands before thine eye,  
The perfect emblem of true gravity:  
Turn from his face, then read, and thou shalt find  
The rare endeavours of a serious mind.  
He was a man, whose ever-active heart  
Was always digging in the Mines of Art;  
And (like a Been) he laboured every hour  
To suck some Honey from each spreading Flower.  
'twas not the face of poverty could fright  
His soul from goodness; Heaven was his delight,  
And earth his scorn: he studied how to give  
A life to Language, and make Virtue live.  
It is not unfit, that he, whose Works affords  
So many Languages, should want for words.   


MARTINUS BUCERUS  The Life and Death of MARTIN BUCER.  
IN the year of our Lord 1491. Martinus Bucerus was born at Selestadt, a town in Germany, famous for many learned Scholars, which it hath afforded unto the World in these latter times: amongst which this Bucer deserveth not the meanest approbation, if we shall but consider those excellent virtues wherewith he was endued, or his learned and laborious acts for the propagation of the truth of Christ.  
In his youth he was trained up in the knowledge of the liberal Arts and Sciences in his own Country, wherein he profited beyond expectation, to the great credit of his Ma●●er, and to the unspeakable comfort of his friends.  
About the year of our Lord 1506. and about the fifteenth year of his age, through the advice and persuasion of his friends, he adjoined himself unto the order of the Dominicans, where he manifested and gave them so singular a glimpse of his industry and towardness, that the most judicious and best eye-sighted Friars conceived him to be set apart for the performance of more ●hen ordinary Acts.  
Being now a D●minican he greatly desired to take a view o● Heidelberge, which was granted unto him by the Prior: here he earnestly gave himself to the study of Rhetoric and Philosophy; and not to these Arts only but also to Divinity; but when he found by experience that the knowledge of the Tongues was so necessary unto the study thereof, that without them it could not by any means possible be attained to any perfection, he forthwith bent all his forces for the gaining of the knowledge of the Greek and Hebrew tongues.  
About that time came forth the Works of Erasmus Roterodamus, in the reading whereof Bucer greatly delighted, and was by them first instructed (God opening his eyes) in the grounds of Evangelicall truth; and happening also on some of Luther's Works newly published, and comparing the Doctrine therein delivered and taught with the holy Scriptures, he fell into a suspicion of the truth of the doctrine of the Church of Rome.  
Bucer having now attained unto some perfection of learning, and notice being taken of those excellent qualities wherewith he was adorned, upon the commendation and approbation of Franciscus Sickingen, he was entertained by Frederick Prince Elector Palatine, to be his Chaplain; and forsaking that profession which he had formerly taken, he professed himself to be a Protestant, and Preached the word both privately and publicly, as occasions were offered and given unto him, being much strengthened and animated thereunto, by hearing the disputation of Luther at Heidelberge, concerning freewill, whereby he became better satisfied in the point of justification.  
And thi● wa● the first acquaintance which he had with that burning light of the Church, by whom it pleased God to work an alteration in his heart, and an earnest intent to beat down the sins of the times, to dispel the foggy mists of darkness and ignorance, that the glorious light of Christ's Gospel might the better appear. For the Prince Elector having urgent occasions to go into Belgiuno, and taking him with him as his associate, he sharply reproved in his Sermons and Exercises the superstitious impieties of those places; wherein he proceeded with that eagerness of spirit, that the Monks and Friars there living, were much offended at his Doctrine, as a thing prejudicial to their lazy manner of life: Wherefore to prevent his proceeding, they intended secretly to take away his life (an old practice of that hellish brood) but the providence of God would not suffer this light to be thus extinguished; for he having notice of the snares which were laid for him secretly fled away, and went unto Franciscus Sickingem, of whom he was kindly and lovingly entertained, promising him safety until that the times were better quieted as touching Religion; with whom he remained until such such time as Luther was called unto Worms, unto whom he went, and having sp●nt many days in conference with him, he departed from him, not without he embracing of his Doctrine, with an intent to make public profession of the same, for the glory of God, until he had finished that time which was allotted unto him here in earth: and resolving to take his journey for Wittemberge, he was stayed by the entreaty of the faithful Pastor's of the Church at Wissenburge, where he continued Preaching for the space of half a year, not without the great benefit of the Church, until that he with Henricus Mothererus were with great sorrow compelled to departed that place, through the means of the Vicar of Spire, which at that time was a great enemy and an opposer of the truth of Christ.  
Now although the Word of God had no good success in this place, yet it pleased God that it flourished in Strasburge, by the pains of Mathias Lellius and Casper Hedio, faithful labourers in the Lord's Vineyard, hither came Bucer in the year of our Lord 1523. and was b● them with all joyfulness received, as one who laboured with them for the converting and winning of Souls unto Christ, and for the propagation of his truth: and was by them appointed to Preach publicly in ●he Church, and to teach openly in the school, so that within short time the doctrine of the Gospel's taken firm rooting in many places of the City, and they altered many things in the Church, concerning Mass, the Sacraments, holy days, jmages, and the like, rendering strong reasons for what they did, in a book set forth by them, and dedicated unto Frederick the Prince Elector Palatine.  
Now because ●here was a difference betwixt the professors of the Gospel, concerning some important matters, therefore a meeting was appointed at Marpurge, where Bucer and Hedio had conference with Luther and Zuinglius, where they agreed in all points, the Sacrament of the Lords Lupper only excepted, wherein Consubstantiation was affirmed on the part of Luther, yet they departed each from the other friendly, intending to abstain altogether on both sides from strife and contention, and to pray unfeignedly unto the Lord that he would vouchsafe to instruct and guide them with his holy Spirit in the way of truth. But Bucer hearing that this dissension amongst them concerning the Supper of the Lord, was very grateful unto the Papists; he went unto Luther again, to urge him to a reconciliation in that point; from whom he received such an answer, that forthwith he went to Zuinglius and the Swissers, to persuade them to adhere unto the same Doctrine, for well he foresaw what great hurt that Sacramentary dissension would ●ring unto th● Church, if it were not quickly cut off, and taken away.  
In the year of our Lord, 1531. it pleased God to open the eyes of the Inhabitants of ulme's, so that they greatly desired a reformation in their Churches, and for that cause they requested the Senate of Strasburge, th●t Bucer might be sent over unto them to lay the ground of so happy a building, which was faithfully performed by Bucer, together with the help and assistance of Oecolampadius, and a form of Divine worship prescribed unto them; but perceiving still the course of the truth, to be hindered and stopped by this difference about the Sacrament, with the consent of the Elect●r, he repaired again to Luther, being resident at Wittenberg, where af●er some discourse; conclusions concerning the Sacrament were agreed on betwixt the Divines of Wittenberg and Highec Gumanie, in the year 1536. yet after some consideration, Bucer renounced the opinion of Luther concerning Consubstantiation, (although he had subscribed unto it at Wittenberg) and taught the Contrary; wherefore Bucer with many others were there detained by the Landgrave of Hassia until they came to an agreement amongst themselves, the chief heads whereof were sent unto Basil, which were not approved of by the Senate; then Bucer returned to Strasburge, went forward in his exercise of Preaching and Teaching, not only in the Church, but also in a public school, which had been newly erected at the proper cost and charges of the Senate, where he remained unto the year 1541. about which time the Emperor Carolus Augustus returned into Germany, and commanded a public conference at Reinspurge a City in Bavaria concerning the reformation of Religion, and through the means and entreaty of Frederick Prince Elector Palatime, and other Protestants and Princes, he appointed julius Alugius, johannes Eccius, johannes Gropperus, Papists, and Philip Melanc●hon, Martinus Bucer, and johannes Pistorius Protestant's for the performance thereof; the Emperor himself greatly charged them, (in so weighty a matter to have respect only to the glory of God and of his truth, and not to be carried away with any other favour or affection whatsoever; but in their conferences such disagreements were found amongst them, that by no means their opinions could be reconciled, & because also that Germany at that time feared the approaching of the Turks, the assembly was dissolved.  
In this Assembly Gropperus took great notice of Bucer, much applauding him for his lenity, conjoined with a comely gravity, and withal commended him unto Heirmannas, than Archbishop of Colen, who at that time endeavoured also a reformation in the Churches, and told him that he was a man most fit for such a purpose, being excellently learned, a lover of peace, and a man of an unspotted life and conversation: where upon Hermannus sends for Bucer, who in the year 1542. came unto him, who with exceeding joy received and entertained him, where together with Melancthon he wrote the manner of reforming Churches, which they dedicated unto the same Archbishop; many of the inhabitants approved of the work, and willingly yielded unto a reformation, but the Clergy and those of the College, were mightily incensed against Bncer, greatly reproaching and reviling him, affirming that they had rather lead their lives under the Turk, then under a Magistrate, who intended to settle that reformation, and therefore they desired that Bucer, and all those new Doctors (as they termed them) might be far removed from that City, shuting as it were the gates of mercy against their own souls, and Gropperus who formerly had showed and professed much love unto him, came now to be his greatest enemy; and the Archbishop for his desire of a reformation, was excommunicated by the Pope and deprived of his function and government, by the Emperor, and all those part● returned again, like dogs unto their vomit.  
In the year 1546. there was another assembly appointed by the Emperor at Renispurge, unto which also Bucer was called, who at that time had a great conflict with Petrus Malvanda a Spaniard, touching the justification of a sinner before God, but in regard of divers troubles which did accompany these times nothing could be concluded.  
In the year 1548. julius Pflugius, Michael Heldingus and johannes Agricola, by the commandment of the Emperor, wrote a form of Ecclesiastical reformation, little or no way differing from the opinions of the Church of Rome; which work was approved by the Emperor, and Bucer was craftily called by a Magistrate of Brandenburge unto Auspurge, to subscribe unto the same work, persuading him that it was collected out of the most learned writers; but Bucer uderstanding the matter fully, told him after a friendly manner, that he could not approve of it, because it savored too much of the doctrine of the Church of Rome, neither would he be drawn thereunto, although the same party promised to confer large benefits upon him.  
This Book, by the command of the Emperor, was thrust upon the Reformed Churches, and those who withstood it were severely punished, either with imprisonment or banishment; and as it happily fell out, the fame of Bucer and hard fortune of his painful contemporaneans came into England, in the reign of that virtuous Prince of blessed memory Edward the sixth, even when a Reformation began to be established in the Church: wherefore Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, perceiving that he would be advantageous in that behalf, sent over letters unto him, wherein he persuaded him with Paulus Fagius to come into England; assuring them both of kind entertainment and a sufficient stipend, if it would please them to continue amongst them.  
These Letters coming to their hands (because they saw little or no hopes of doing any good in Germany) they resolved to visit England; and Bucer taking his leave of the Senate of Strasburge, after he had supplied a Pastoral office amongst them the space of twenty years, he with Fagius went for England in the year of grace 1549. where they arrived in good health, and were most courteously entertained, and a place provided for them in the University of Cambridge, for the expounding of the holy Scriptures, and a large Stipend allotted unto them for the maintenance of their Families; the University conferring one privilege on him, which was not given unto any before him; being this that according to his desire, he was inaugurated into his Office without any public Ceremony. He was much admi●ed of in the University for his learning, for the integrity of his life and conversation; for his plainness in his apparel, for his temperateness in his diet, for his constancy in his labours, and for his patience in his sickness.  
Within short time after they came hither, they both fell into an irrecoverable sickness, by reason of the change of the air and diet; Fagius was the first that yielded his soul into the hands of God; Bucer followed shortly after, who before his death prayed unto almighty God, that he would not suffer England to fall into those sins, which had brought Germany unto great misery; and withal, desired that those things which he had written unto the King concerning the discipline of the Church, might take firm footing in the Kingdom. Master john Bradford coming to him in the time of his sickness, and telling him that he would remember him in his prayers, being that day to Preach, he uttered these words, Ne abiicias me Domine in tompore senectutis meae cum defecerit virtus mea; forsake me not O Lord in the time of my age, and when my strength faileth me. Being admonished in his sickness that he should arm himself against the assaults of the Devil; he answered, that he had nothing to do with the Devil, because he was wholly in Christ, and God forbidden; God forbidden, but that I should have some experience of his heavenly comfort.  
After Sermon Bradford came to him again, and after some words, declared unto him the great fear which the Physicians had to prescribe any thing unto him, by reason of the weakness of his body, which he apprehending, with his eyes fixed towards heaven, he uttered these words: ille, ille regit & moderatar omnia, he, he it is, that ruleth and governeth all things; and so in the midst of many godly prayers he quietly yielded his soul unto the hands of God, on the 27. of February, in the year of our Lord 1551. being 61. years of his age, he was buried with great solemnity in Saint Ma●ies in Cambridge, to the grief of many students; before his burial a Funeral Sermon was delivered by Gualterus Haddon, at his burial by Doctor Parker.  
After the death of Edward the sixth, his sister the Lady Mary coming to the crown, she restored the doctrine of the Church of Rome, and in her day's Cardinal Poole, the Pope's Legate being a man of great Authority, laboured with might and main, for the rooting out of heresy and haeretick (for so he termed the Gospel and the professors thereof) and for that cause he appointed five Inquisitors, for the reformation of the University of Cambridge, these obtained that the bones of both these faithful Ministers of Christ should be digged up, condemned of haerisie, and delivered to the Magistrate to be burnt, together with all the books of theirs which were extant in the kingdom; but in the rain of Queen Elizabeth, this sentence was not approved but rejected, and they were reckoned amongst the number of Martyrs which had suffered for the truth of Christ.  
The labours which he left behind him, as so many witnesses of his sufficiency and worth, are these which follow.  
1 The Psalms done out of Latin into Hebrew. 2 Enarrations on the four Evangelists. 3 Metaphrases one the Epistle of St. Paul. 4 A reconciling of hard places of Scripture. 5 Commentaries of the Romans and the Ephesians. 6 A Commentary on Sophonu●, done out of Hebrew. 7 A preface to the fourth Tome of Luther's postils. 8 Of the true doctrine, discipline and Ceremonies of Church's. 9 A Gra●ula●orie letter unto the Church of England. 10 An answer to the two Epistles of Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester concerning the single life of Priests. 11 Of the best way to have Counsels. 12 A treatise of restoring Church good. 13 An Epistle to the University a● Marpurge. 14 To those of East Friezland. 15 The confession of the four Cities Strasburge, Constance, Menning, and Lindare. 16 An Apology against Brentius, that jmages are not to be had in Churches. 17 Of the Baptism of Infants. 18 Of the Eucharist. 19 Of a Nationrall Synead. 20 Of a Council against Coceleius and Gropperus. 21 Of the false and true administration. 22 Of the Lord's Supper. 23 Of offering Masses. 24 Of care for ●he dead. 25 Of Purgatory. 26 Causes of the absence of Divines from the council of Trent. 27 Of the kingdom of Christ unto Edward the sixth King of England. 28 Lectuers at Cambridge, upon the Ephesians. 29 Of the power and use of the ministry. 30 An admonition to the Ministers at Switzerland. 31 Psalter translated into Dutch. 32 An admonition to the Ministers at Strasburge. 33 Of the true office of a Pastor. 34 Of the jews, how for to be suffered amongst Christians. 35 A Confutation of the new faith set forth at Loran. 36 A defence of the Colenish reformation. 37 A defence against Gropperus. 38 An answer to a dialogue against Protestants. 39 Of church-good, and who are the right possessors of them.  
40 Against the Bull of Paulus the third, and his Legates demands. 41 A godly admonition to the Emperor, Princes, and other states of the Empire assembled at Worms. 42 Against the restoring of the Mass. 43 Impediments of Reformation. 44 Against the sophists of Colen. 45 Of the conference at Reinsburge. 46 An exposition of the 120. Psalm. 47 A treatise of Afflictions. 48 A refutation of Calumnies. 49 A Sermon at Berne. 50 Of the Ministers and Sacraments. 51 Luther's commentaries on the two Epistles of Peter. 52 Some writings of Sturmius. 53 Retractations, with Commentaries on the Gospel. 54 A treatise that none ought to live to themselves.  
That light of truth which shined in Bucers' breast  
Enlightened others, and restored much rest  
To many, whose unquiet souls did lie  
Under the burden of Idolatry.  
He was laborious, striving every hour  
To suck some honey from each plea●●ng flower;  
He was beloved of all, that loved to pry  
Into the bosom of Divinity:  
Sweet was his life, and death; his well spent days  
Began in goodness, and expired with praise.   

The Life and Death of CASPER HEDIO, who died Anno Christi 1552.  
CAsper Hedio was born at Etling, in the Marquisat of Baden, of honest Parents, and educated in learning at Friburge, where also he commenced Master of Arts; and from thence went to Basil, where he studied Divinity, and commenced Doctor: whence he was called to Preach in the chief Church at Mentz, but some, not liking such plain Preaching, and the Monks raising a persecution against him, he went thence to Argentine, Anno Christi 1523. where he was a great assistant to Capito, and Bucer in reforming of Religion by the command of the Senate: there also he married a wife Anno Christi 1533. and though the Papists raised a great persecution in that City, yet he Preached ●oldly against Masses, Indulgences, Auricular Confession, etc. and wrote against them also. Anno Christi 1543. when Herman Archbishop of Collen began a Reformation, he sent for Bucer, and Hedio, to assist him therein, whence (after he was driven by Caesar, and his Spaniards) escaping through many difficulties and danger, he returned to Argentine; what time he could spare from his Ministerial employment, he spent in writing Commentaries, and Histories. Anno Chris●i 1552. he sickened and died.  
'Twas not the rage of Papist could remove  
The heart of Hedio from the real love  
Of true Divinity; he still inclined  
Himself to Preach with a resolved mind.  
Let his example teach us to repose  
Our trust in God in spite of threating Foes.   

The Life and Death of GEORGE PRINCE of A●halt, wh● died Anno Christi 1553.  
GEorg Prince of Anhalt was born An. Chr. 1507. his Father was Prince Ernest, who was careful to bring him up in the fear of God; and for that end he placed him with George Forcheme, who was eminent for training up of youth, under whom he profited exceedingly, both in humane literature, and in principals of Divinity: then he was set to the study of the Law, wherein he profited very much also: having attained to the age of twenty two years, he was chosen by Albert, Elector of Men●z to be one of his Council, wherein he carried himself with high commendations, in managing the greatest State-affairs: But the Controversies about Religions waxing hot at this time, and Luther's books coming abroad, he fell to reading of them, and suspecting his own injudiciousness, he would often pray with tears to God to incline his heart to the Truth, saying, Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy, and instruct me in thy righteousness. He was frequent in reading the Scriptures, Ecclesiastical Histories, Augustine, Hierom, and Lombard: he studied also Greek, and Hebrew: and discoursed with learned men about the Controversies: and after all, upon mature deliberation, he embraced the Reformed Riligion, and reform the Churches with the counsel of his brethren, within his own jurisdiction. Anno Christi 1545. he was called to the Government of the Churches within the Diocese of Mersburge, where he was careful to have the Truth Preached to the people; he lived with much continency in a single life: he took much pains both in writing, and Preaching: he was very charitable, a great promoter of Peace amongst Princes: very free from ambition, hatred, and revenge: he used often to say, Subdi●us esto Deo, & ora eum, etc. Submit thyself to God, and pray unto him; for he is near to those that are of a contrite heart, and will save the humble in spirit. He employed his time so well, that he left none for pleasures; and used to say, That nothing refreshed him more in his sorrows, than conference with learned and godly men. Falling sick of a most troublesome disease, he was frequent in holy prayer, for himself, for all the Princes of that family, for his country, and for Germany; he had some portions of holy Scriptures daily read to him: he made his Will, wherein he set down the Confession of his Faith, and commended the defence of his Churches to his brother: he added something to the stipends of all the godly Ministers under his charge: He often ruminated upon those texts, God so loved the world, that he gave, etc. No man shall take my sheep out of my hand. Come unto me all ye that are weary, etc. and so in holy meditations, and prayer he resigned up his Spirit unto God Anno Christi 1543. and of his Age 47.  
A Prince by birth, and of a Princely mind,  
Full fraughted with virtues, of each several kind  
Is here presented; ornaments of grace,  
Such as do challenge, not the second place,  
But first by merit: here you may behold  
One, whose rare virtues no Pen can unfold.  
In pious duties he did strive to be  
Transcendent; who was by nature free,  
For to the Poor he relief did give,  
During the time that he on earth did live,  
Read but his life, and then at large you'll see,  
Monopolised in him most virtues be.   

The life and Death of Justus Ionas, who died Anno Christi 1555.  
IVstus jonas was born at Northusa Anno Christi 1493. where his Father was a Senator; who falling sick of the Plague, and having applied an Onion to the Soare, and taking it off, and laid it by him, this little jonas coming, took the Onion and eat it up, yet without any prejudice to himself, God miraculously preserving of him. He was first brought up at School, afterwards he studied Law, and made a good progress therein: But upon better thought he studied Divinity, and proceeded Doctor, and embraced the Reformed Religion, and was called Anno Christi 1521. to a Pastoral charge in Wittenberg: he was present at most of the Disputations about Religion, where he defended the truth strenuously, and endeavoured to promote peace: he was also made a Professor in that University: He, with Spalatine and Amsdorfius was employed by the Elector of Saxony to Reform the Churches in Misnia and Thuringia: From thence he was called unto Hale in Saxony, where he Preached and promoted Religion exceedingly: Luther sometimes resorted thither to him, and took him along with him in his last journey to Isleben, where he died: after whose death he remained a while in the Duke of Saxonies' Court, and was a constant companion of john frederic sons in all their afflictions: and lastly, he was set over the Church in Eisfield, where he ended his days in much peace, and comfort, Anno Christi 1555. and of his Age 63. Being once under temptations, and in great agony, he shown much despondency, but his servant, partly by comforting of him and partly by chiding of him, cheered him up; and at last, through God's mercy, the Spirit prevailed against the Flesh.  
Justius by name, no poison sure could kill,  
God so protected him, from what was ill:  
The venom of the Plague did seem to be  
No poison unto him, for he scaped free;  
Although the Duyon he by chance did eat,  
That poisoned was, by the Plagues strong heat;  
Nor was his body, but his mind as free  
From the contagion of hell's leprosy.  
For all his study was, how to obtain  
That happy treasure, whereby he might gain  
Heaven a● the last; and sure unto that place  
He's long since gone; who was his Conntries' grace.   

The Life and Death of John Rogers, who died Anno Christi 1555.  
IOhn Rogers was borne in England, and brought up at the University of Cambridge, where he profited very much in good learning; and from thence was chosen by the Merchant Adventurers to be their Chaplain at Antwerp, to whom he Preached many years, and there falling into acquaintance with William tindal and Miles Coverdal (who were fled from persecution in England) he, by their means, profited much in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and joined with them in that painful and profitable work of Translating the Bible into English: there he married a wife, and from thence he went to Wittenberg, where he much profited in learning, and grew so skilful in the Dutch tongue, that he was chosen Pastor to a Congregation there, where he discharged his Office with diligence and faithfulness many years: but in King Edward's time, he was sent for home by Bishop Ridley, and was made a Prebend of Paul's, in which place he Preached faithfully till Queen Mary's days; and in the beginning of her Reign, in a Sermons at Pauls-Cro●se, he exhorted the people constantly to adhere to that Doctrine which they had been taught, and to beware of pestilent Popery, etc. for which he was called before the Lords of the Council, where he made a stout, witty and godly answer, and was dismissed: but after the Queen's Proclamation against True-Preaching, he was again called (the Bishop's thirsting for his blood) and committed prisoner to his own house, whence he might have escaped, and had many motives, as his wife, and ten children, his friends in Germany, where he could not want preferment, etc. But being once called to answer in Christ's Cause, he would not departed, though to the hazard of his life: from his own house he was removed by Bonner to Newgate amongst thiefs and murderers: he was examined by the Lord Chancellor, and the rest of the Council, and by them was recommitted to prison: he was much pressed to recant, but stoutly refusing, was first excommunicated and degraded, and then condemned: after which he desired that his wife (to whom he had been married eighteen years, and by whom he had ten children, and she being a stranger) might be admitted to come to him whilst he lived: but Stephen Gardiner, then Lord Chancellor, would by no means suffer it. February the fourth Anno Christi 1555. he was warned to prepare for death before he risen: If it be so, said he, I need not tie my points, and so he was presently had away to Bonner to be degraded, of whom he earnestly requested to be admitted to speak with his wife, but could not prevail; from thence he was carried into Smithfield, where scarce being permitted to speak to the people, he briefly persuaded them to perseverance in that truth which he had taught them, which also he was now ready to seal with his blood: then was a pardon proffered to him if he would recant, but he utterly refused it; his wife, with nine small children, and the tenth sucking at her breast came to him, but this sorrowful sight nothing moved him, but in the flames he washed his hands, and with wonderful patience took his death; all the people exceedingly rejoicing at his constancy, & praising God for it. He was the Proto-martyr in Queen Mary's days. The Sabbath before his death he drank to Master Hooper, who lay in a chamber beneath him, bidding the messenger to commend him to him, and to tell him, That there was never little fellow that would better stick to a man, than he would to him; supposing they should be both burned together, although it happened otherwise.  
Though this grave Father was enfored to fly  
His envious Country for security,  
Yet his undaunted courage would not move,  
That always stood (as Sentinel) to love.  
'Twas not a prison could affection suage;  
He, like a Bird sung sweetest in a cage.  
When fir●t the Bible, with great pains and care,  
He into English did translate so far,  
That knowing men did admire the same;  
And justly did extol his lasting fame.  
Who did contemn the fury of all those,  
Who both to us and him were mortal foes.   

The Life and Death of Laurence Saunders, who died Anno Christi 1555.  
LAurence Saunders was borne of worshipful Parents, brought up in learning at Eton School, and from thence chosen to King's College in Cambridge, where he continued three years, and profited in learning very much; then by his Mo●her, who was very rich, he was bound to a Merchant in London; but not affecting that course of life, his Master gave him his Indentures, and he returned to his studies in Cambridge, where also he studied Greek and Hebrew, but especially the holy Scriptures: he was frequent, and very fervent in Prayer, and when assaulted by temptations, he still found much support, and comfort in prayer, whereby he gained such experience, that he became a great comforter of others: he commenced Master of Arts, and stayed long after in the University. In the beginning of King Edward's Reign he began to Preach (being first Ordained a Minister) and that with such general approbation, that he was chosen to read a Divinity-Lecture at Fotheringay, where by his Doctrine and life he drew many to God, and stopped the mouths of the adversaries: about which time he married a wife: and from thence he was removed to the Minster of Leichfield, where also he, by his Life and Doctrine, got a good report, even from his adversaries: from thence he was removed to Church-Langton in Leicestershire, and from thence to Al●allowes in Breadstreet London; and after his admission there, he went bacl into the Country to resign his Benefice, which fell out when Queen Mary raised stirs to get the Crown: In his journey he preached at Northampton, not meddling with the State, but boldly delivered his conscience against Popish Doctrine, and errors; which (said he) are like to spring up again, as a just plague for the little love which England hath borne to the true Word of God, so plentifully offered to them: And seeing the dreadful day approaching, inflamed with godly zeal, he Preached diligently at both his Benefices, not having opportunity to resign e●ther, but into the hands of the Papists: and notwithstanding the Proclamation to the contrary, he taught diligently the Truth, at his Country-place where he than was, confirming th● people, and arming them against false doctrine, till by force he was resisted: some counselled him to fly out o● the Kingdom, which he refused; and being hindered there from preaching, he travelled towards London, to visit his flock in that place, coming near London Master Mordant one of the Q●eenes Counsel overtook him, asked him if he did not Preach such a time in Breadstreet? he said, Yea: And will you, said Mordant, preach so again? Yes, said he, to morrow you may hear me there, where I will confirm by God's Word, all that I then Preached. I would counsel you (said the other) to forbear. Saunders said, if you will forbid me by lawful Authority, I must then forbear: Nay, Mordant, I will not forbid you, and so they parted. Mordant went presently to Bishop Bonner, and informed him of Master Saunders his purpose to Preach the next day: which accordingly he did, and at his lodging being somewhat troubled in his thoughts, a friend of his asked him h●w he did? truly said he, I am in prison, til● I be in prison: In the afternoon he prepared himself to Preach again, but Bonner sent an officer for him, who carried him to the Bishop, where was Mordant also: the Bishop charged him with Treason, Heresy, and Sedition: and required him to write his judgement about Transubstantiation; which he did, saying, You seek my blood, and you shall have it: I pray God you may be so baptised in it, that you may hereafter loath blood sucking, and become a better man: then Bonner s●nt him to Gardiner, where he waited four hours before he was called in: and after some discourse with him, Gardiner sent him to prison; to whom he said, I thank God that at last he hath given me a place of rest, where I may pray for your conversion. He continued in prison one year, and three months: in a letter to his wife he writes, I a● merry, and I trust I shall be merry, maugre the teeth of all the Devils in hell: Riches I have none to endow you with, but that treasure of tas●ing ●ow sweet Christ is to hungry consciences (whereof I thank my Christ, I do feel part) that I bequeath unto you, and to the rest of my beloved in Christ, etc. Being at last brought again to examination, and lif● b●ing promised if he would recant; he answered, I love my life and liberty, if I could enjoy them without the hurt of my conscience: but by God's grace I will abide the most extremity that man can do against me, rather than do any thing against my conscience. Being condemned, he was sent to Coventrie to be burned: when he came near the place of execution, he went cheerfully ●o the stake, kissing of it, and saying, Welcome the Cross of Christ; welcome everlasting life; and the fire being kindled, he sweetly slept in the Lord.  
Doctor Pendleton, and this Master Saunders meeting together in the beginning of Queen Mary's reign, and speaking of the Persecution that was like to ensue, about which Master Saunders shown much weakness and many fears. Pendleton said to him, What man? there is much more cause for me to fear, then for you, forasmuch as I have a big and fat body, yet will I see the utmost drop of this grease of mine molten away, and the last gobbit of this flesh of mine consumed to ashes, before I will forsake jesus Christ, and his Truth which I have professed: yet not long after, upon trial, poor, feeble, faint hearted Saunders, by the power and goodness of God, sealed the Truth with his blood: whereas proud Pendleton played the Apostate, and turned Papist.  
He from inferior Parents did not spring,  
But such as noble were in every thing;  
Nor did his life, but to their splendour add,  
Which make both them and all that knew him glad;  
For he in knowledge did so high excel,  
That passes aut of man almost to tell:  
Whether his knowledge or his virtues were  
The more resplendent, yet a holy fear  
Did seem to equal both; and which doth crown  
Him all triumphant, he past Martyrdom  
With ●uch high courage, and so rare a zeal,  
That I want words his worth for to reveals.   

The Life and Death of John Hooper, who died Anno Christi 1555.  
JOhn Hooper was a Student, and Graduate in the University of Oxford, where having abundantly profited in the study of other Sciences, he was stirred up with a fervent desire to the love and knowledge of the Scriptures; in which study he joined earnest prayers to his diligence, for the better understanding of the same: but the six Articles coming out at that time, h● was so hated by some, especially by Doctor Smith, that he was compelled to leave the University, and went to live with Sir Th●mas Arrundel; and danger approaching there also, he left the Kingdom, and went to Paris, yet after a while he returned again, and lived with one Mr. Sen●low; but understanding that snares were again laid for him, with much difficulty and danger he escaped the second time into France, and from thence traveled into Germany: at Zurick Master Bullinger became his especial friend, where he studied Hebrew: and hearing that King Edward the ●ixt was come to the Crown, he was desirous to return into England; and when he took his leave of Bullinger, he, with hearty thanks for all kindnesses, promised to write often to him of all his affairs: but, saith he, the last news ●f all I shall not be able t● write; for where I shall take most pains, there shall you ●ear of me to be burned to ashes. Returning to London, he preached twice, but at least once every day: the people so flocked to him, that the Churches could not contain them: in this painstaking he continued to his lives end, neither did his labour break him, nor promotion change him, nor dainty fare corrupt him: he was of a strong body, sound health, pregnant wit, and of invincible patience: spare of diet, sparer of words, and sparest of time: a liberal housekeeper, and very grave in his carriage. Being by King Edward made first Bishop of Gloucester, then of Worcester; he carried himself so uprightly and inoffensively, that his enemies had nothing to say against him: He used to go about from town to town, and from village to village to preach unto the people: he governed his house so, that in every corner of it there was some smell of virtue, good example, honest conversation, and reading of the Scriptures: In his Hall there was daily a table spread with good store of victuals, and beset with poor folk of the City of Worcester by turns, who were served by four at a Mes●e, with whole and wholesome meat: and when they were served (being before examined by himself or his deputies, of the Lords Prayer, Creed, and ten Commandments) than he himself sat down to dinner, and not before. In the beginning ●f Queen Maries days he was sent for by a Pursuivant to London; and though he had opportunity, and was persuaded by his friends to fly, yet he refused, saying, Once I did fly, but now being called to this place and vocation, I am resolved to stay, and to live and die with my sheep. By Winchester when he came to London, he was railed upon and committed to prison; afterwards also at his examination, they called him Beast, Hypocrite, etc. which he bore without answering again: in the Flee● where he was prisoner, he had nothing but a pad of straw for a b●d, and a rotten covering, till good people sent him a bed to lie on: of one side his chamber was the sink and filth of the house, on the other the town-ditch, enough to have choked him. After he had lain thus a while, falling sick, the doors, bars, hasps and chains being all made fast, he both mourned, called and cried for help; yet the Warden hearing, would suffer none to go to him, saying, Let him alone, if he die, it were ● good riddance of him, etc. At last being degraded and condemned, he was sent to Gloucester to be burned: the night before his death he did eat his meat quietly, and slept sound; after his first sleep, he spent the rest of the night in prayer; the next day Sir Anthony Kingston coming to him, told him that life was sweet, and death bitter; to which he answered, The death to come is more bitter, and the life to come more sweet: I am come hither to end this life and suffer death, because I will not gainsay the former Truth that I have here taught unto you: also a blind Boy coming to him, after he had examined him in the grounds of Religion, he said, Ah poor Boy, God hath taken from thee thy outward sight, but hath given thee another sight much more precious; having endued thy soul with the eye of knowledge and faith. Being delivered to the Sheriff, he said to him, My request to you Master Sheriff, is only that there may be a quick fire, shortly to make an end of me, and in the mean time I will be as obedient to you as you can desire; if you think I do amiss in any thing, hold up your finger, and I have done: I might have had my li●e with much worldly gain, but I am willing to offer up my life for the Truth, and trust to die a faithful servant to God, and a true subject to the Queen: when he saw the Sheriff's men with so many weapons, he said, This is mor● then needs, if you had willed me, I would have gone alone to the stake, and have troubled none of you all: as he went to the stake he was forbid to speak to the people: he looked cheerfully, and with a more ruddy countenance then ordinary: being com● th●th●r, he prayed about half an ●our: and having a box with a pardon set before him, he cried, If you love my soul away with it, if you love my soul away with it. Three Irons being prepared to fasten him to the stake, he only put on an Iron-hoop about his middle, bidding them take away the rest, saying, I doubt not but God will give me strength to abide the extremity of the fire without binding. When reeds were cast to him, he embraced and kissed them, putting them under his arm, where he had bags of gun-power also: when fire was first p●t to him, the faggots being green, and the wind blowing away the fl●me, he was but scorched: more faggots being laid to him, the fi●e was so suppressed, that his nether-parts were burned, his upper being scarce touched: he prayed, O jesus the son of David have mercy upon m●, and receive my soul: and wiping his eyes with his hands, he said, For God's love let me have more fire. A third fire being kindled, it burned more violently, yet was he alive a great while in it; the last words which he uttered, being, Lord jesus receive my spirit. In one of his Letters he wrote, Imprisonment is painful, but liberty upon evil conditions is worse: the Prison stinks, yet no● so much as sweet houses where the fear of God is wanting: I must be alone and solitary; it's better to be so, and have God with me, then to be in company with the wicked: Loss of goods is great, but loss of grace and God's favour is greater: I cannot tell how to answer before great and learned men; yet it is better to do that, then stand naked before God's tribunal: I shall die by the hands of cruel men; he is blessed that looseth this life, and findeth life eternal: there is neither felicity, nor adversity of this world that is great, if it be weighed with the joys and pains of the world to come.  
Reader, behold, and then admire  
Ho●pers most rich Seraphic fire:  
His constanc● wa● great, his heart  
(Balso●'d by heaven) out-vied all smart:  
Rare was his life, rare was his death;  
Whilst time remains his fame shall want no breath.   

The Life and Death of Rowland Tailor, who died Anno Christi 1555.  
ROwland Tailor was Doctor in both the Laws, and Rector of Hadley in Suffolk, where Master Thomas Bilney had formerly been a Preacher of the Word, and in which place there were few either men or women that were not well learned in the holy Scriptures; many having often read over the whole Bible, and could say a great part of Paul's Epistles by heart. Here this Doctor Tailor Preached constantly on Sabbaths, Holidays, and at other times when he could get the People together. His life also, and conversation was very exemplary, and full of holiness: he was meek and humble, yet would stoutly rebuke sin in the greatest: to the poor, blind, lame, sick, bedrid, or that had many children, he was a father, causing the Parishioners to make good provision for them, besides what of his own bounty he gave them: he brought up his children in the fear of God, and good learning. In the beginning of Queen Mary's reign, two Popish persons suborned a Priest to come and say Mass in his Church; he being at his study, and hearing the Bell to toul, went to Church, and finding this Priest guarded with drawn swords, in his Popish robes, ready to begin the Mass, he said unto him, Thou Devil, who made thee so bold to enter into this Church, to profane and defile it with this abominable Idolatry; I command thee thou Popish Wolf in the name of God to avoid hence, and not to presume thus to poison Christ's flock: but the standards by, forcing Doctor Tailor out of the Church, the Priest went on with his Mass: and shortly after, the Bishop being informed hereof, sent his letters Missive for Doctor Tailor; whereupon his friends earnestly entreated him to fly, telling him that he could neither expect justice nor favour, but imprisonment and cruel death: to whom he answered, I know my Cause to be so good and righteous, and the Truth so strong upo● my side, that I will by God's grace appear before them, and to their beards resist their false do; for I believe that I shall never be able to do God so good service as now, and that I shall never have so glorions a calling, nor so great mercy of God proffered me as I have now; wherefore pray for me, and I doubt not but God will give me strength, and his holy spirit that all my adversaries shall be ashamed of their do: and so preparing himself, he went to London, and presented himself to Stephen Gardiner, Lord Chancellor of England; who railed upon him, asked him if he knew him not, etc. to whom he answered, Yea, I know you, and all your greatness, yet you are but a mortal man: and if I should be afraid of your Lordly looks, why fear you not God the Lord of us all, etc. But after other discourse, he sent him to the King's Bench, commanding his Keeper to keep him strictly. In Prison he spent his time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, Preaching to the prisoners, and to others that resorted to him: he was divers times examined of his Faith, and witnessed a good Confession before his adversaries, for which at last he was condemned to die: when his sentence was read, he told them that God, the righteous Judge, would require his blood at their hands, and that the proudest of them all should repent their receiving again of Antichrist, and their tyranny against the flock of Christ.  
He was sent down to Hadley to be burned, and all the way as he went, he was very merry as one that went to a banquet, or Bridal. In his journey the Sheriff of Essex persuaded him much to return to the Popish Religion, etc. to whom at last he answered, I well perceive now that I have been deceived my s●lfe, and shall deceive many in Hadley of their expectation: when the Sheriff desired him to explain his meaning, hoping that he would recant, he said; I am a man of a very great carcase, which I had hoped should have been buried in Hadley- Churchyard, but I see I am deceived, & there are a great number of worms there, which should have had jolly feeding upon this carrion, but now both I and they shall be deceived of our expectation: when he came within two miles of Hadley he desired to alight, and being down he leapt, and fet a frisk, or two, saying God be praised I am now almost at home, and have not passed a mile or two, and I am even at my father's house: at Hadley towns-end a poor man with five children met him, crying, O dear father, and good shepherd, God help and secure thee, as thou hast many a time succoured me, and my poor children: The streets were full of people weeping, and bewailing their loss; to whom he said, I have preached to you God's Word and Truth, and am come to seal it with my blood: He gave all his money to the poor, for whom he was wont thus to provide formerly: once a fortnight at least he used to call upon Sir Henry Doil, and other rich Clothiers to go with him to the Alms houses to see what the poor lacked in meat, drink, apparel, bedding, and other necessaries: withal exhorting, comforting, and rebuking as he saw occasion. Coming to the pl●ce of execution he was not suffered to speak to the people, who much lamented his death, yet he was very cheerful, saying Thanks be to God, I am even at home, and when he had prayed, and made himself ready, he went to the stake and kissed it: the fire being kindled, he held up his hands, called upon God, saying, Merciful father of heaven, for jesus Christ my Saviour's sake receive my soul into thy hands, and so stood still without moving, till one with an halberd struck out his brains.  
Among the many Champions of the Lord,  
Who with their blood to Truth did bear record,  
And feared not in furious flames to fry,  
That they Christ's Gospel's light might magnify,  
Was pious precious Doctor Tailor stout;  
Who did the fight of Faith to th'death fight out.  
A very learned, painful Pastor grave;  
Who to his Flock full testimony gave  
Of his great wisdoms charity and love,  
And all Soul saving graces from above:  
Who for opposing Rome's impiety,  
Being apprehended and condemned to die,  
He kissed his Stake, being bound to it in chains;  
Burning a Popish wretch beat out his brains.  
And thus this blessed Martyr cheerfully,  
Went to his heavenly home triumphantly.   


JOHN BRADEFORD  The Life and Death of John Bradford.  
NExt to this last mad Septenary of unchristian liberty, and unparalled distractions, the Devil never seemed to enjoy more chain in this Ki●gdome, then in the time of Queen Mary: wherein, laying hold on the weakness and superstition of a silly woman, bred up in Popery; and by reason of the bar interposed betwixt her and the Crown, by her Royal Brother Edward the sixth, wholly subjected to the violent and bloody counsels of that faction, which finally prevailed in her restitution and establishment; he kindled more Bonfires in the space of three or four years in England then the world had at any time beheld, in so few years, and in one Kingdom, since the last of the first ●en Persecutions. I dare not upon Master Foxes bare report (who was sometimes, and perhaps of purpose, by the adversaries themselves, miserably abused in hi● informations) acknowledge all for Martyrs, whom I find in his Catalogue. But what will Stapleton or any other Papist get by that? The Church of Engla●d, as it was of late reform, & the Reformation by Law established, hath produced & added as many genuine, knowing & valiant Champions to that Noble Army, as within these thousand years, any Church in Christendom: which is glory enough, without hooking in either Heretic or Schismatique, or any other, who suffered for nothing less than well doing. And from a chief place amongst those holy men, and witnesse● to the truth of the Gospel of jesus Christ, all Stapletons' exceptions, bitter railing, and intemperate scoffs, can not, ought not, exclude this blessed Saint and servant of God, john Bradford; as shall evidently appear to as many, as without prejudice shall peruse, and pondor his ensuing History; which God willing we will drive throuh the whole Course of his life, from his Birth to his Martyrdom: But to take our rise from his Birth.  
He was borne in Manchester, the quality of his Parent● (though their means be not recorded) may be easily gathered by his Education, which was the best that either that place, or those times could ●fford; for he arrived very early at the knowledge of the Latin Tongue: and for Arithmetic, he had few equals in those parts, both which b●ing adorned, and helped forward by a fair, and speedy hand, he became fit for employment abroad, before any great notice was taken of him at home: which moved Sir john Harrington, a noble Knight, and in good esteem both with King Henry the eight, and his Son Edward the sixth, to assume him into the number of his fellows: and employ him in his most private and and urgent affairs both at home and abroad. For at Boulogne he was Treasurer at wars, and here he had the charge and oversight of all his Majesty's buildings: In both employments, he found the service of young Bradford (who besides his honesty and diligence, had a notable dexterity in casting up, and Auditing accompts) of such importance, that where ever he employed him, he committed all to his trust, and owned whatsoever he did, as immediately done by himself. And truly therein he more ●avored himself, than Bradford, who in the whole course of his employment, so acquitted himself, as it is hard to determine, whether therein he used greater diligence, or integrity. But having spent divers years in this honest and thrifty course of life; wherein if he had persisted, he was in a fair way both of wealth and worship: he began to Elevate his thoughts above these temporary things, and aspire to a service less profitable, but much more honourable: wherefore making up his accompts with his Master (who neither would nor could dissuade him from what he had once resolved) he gave himself wholly to the study of Divinity, and reading of the Scriptures. But perceiving how useful and necessary a Handmaid Humanity is to Divinity, and how short he came of those Tongues and Sciences, without which it was improbable, if not impossible for him, to attain any perfection in the noblest, and most supereminent of all other Sciences, at which he chiefly aimed: leaving the Temple at London, where he usually bestowed some few hours every day in hearing the Reader of the Common-Law; he betook himself to the University of Cambridge, as neither able nor desirous, to suppress that which inwardly moved him, to fit himself for an able workman in a more spiritual building. After a year and some few months spent in the University, he attained his degree of Master in Arts, whereunto others are hardly admitted, after long examination, and seven years painful 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 lest any man may think, it was rather (out of Charity) deferred to his years, than abilities: he was immediately hereafter, without any interposal of time, chosen Fellow, of Pembroke Hall: which first brought him to the eye, and afterwards to the bosom, of that learned and notable stickler in the reformation, Martin Bucer, by whom he was again encouraged, and stirred up to the work 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 himself, the more insufficient for so high and laborious a Calling: Being one time (amongst many) moved by Bucer, to defer the employment of his Talon no longer, and he pretending (as formerly) his present inability. If thou canst not attain unto Manchett (said Bucer) mayest thou not therefore feed this poor and Soul starved People with Barley loaves; which proceeding from a man he so sincerely loved, and upon whose judgement he so much relied; made him lay aside all his former tergiversations, and in good earnest buckle himself to the work: But because no man can take upon him that function, unless he be called, as was Aaron; though he doubted not of his inward vocation by God, yet would he by no means thrust his shickle into that sacred harvest, before he was called by the Church, and separated thereunto by Imposition of Hands: which, with a Licence to Preach, and a Prebend in S●int Paul's, he obtained from that renowned Bishop, and glorio 〈◊〉 Martyr, Doctor Ridley, Bishop of London: For three years together, he Preached faithfully and diligently, in season and out of season; being a sharp and impartial reprover of vice, a vehement exhorter to virtue, no man opposing Heresies with greater animosity, or asserting the truth with more evidence and perspicuity: whereby his fame spread itself almost over the whole kingdom; And yet all this was but an Introduction, to that which followed. For King Edward the sixth (of blessed Memory) expiring with the last of these three years: 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 livelihood and and liberty, upon an occasion which deserved much rather reward then punishment: And this it was:  
In the first year of the Queen's Reign, and not long after her Coronation, Master Bourne, who was shortly thereafter by the favour of Secretary Bourne, consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wells, made a most invective and seditious Sermon at Paul's Cross: wherein he not only cast dirt upon his late deceased King Edward the sixth, 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 persuasion 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 auditor's hood winked into their old Mumpsimus, lay in his peroration) but perceiving by a drawn dagger, (which amongst other implements) was fling at him, and miss him but very narrowly, that the multitude were in good earnest, and his life in jeoperdy, he turned himself about, and perceived Master Bradford standing at his back within the Pulpit; whom he earnestly entreated 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 enlarged himself in the point of obedience, the Tumult seemed more than half appeased. But the Sermon ended and Bourne (as he had reason) not yet daring to commit himself to the so lately enraged multitude, notwithstanding he was back'● by the Lord Major and Sheriffs, besought Master Bradford not to leave him, until 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 own gown, he conveyed him into the next house, which was the Schoolmasters; effecting that by the Word, which the Major could not do for him by the Sword: many were ●ore grieved at his escape; and some stuck not to Prophesy (I know not by what Spirit) that by saving this wiling Rashaketh from death, he had given a deadly blow to his own life. Howsoever Bradford, committed the issue to almighty God, nothing repent his Charity, which he was sure would find, reward with him, what acceptance soever it found amongst wicked and unthankful men; yea so far was he from being afraid or sorry for what he had done, that in his afternoon's Sermon at Bow Church, he sharply reprehended his Auditors, for their forenoon's tumultuous Carriage and sedition: And yet such was the malice of the common adversary, and iniquity of the times, that about three days after, for this very fact he was summoned to appear before the Council, and by the Lords Committed to the Tower, from whence within few weeks, they removed him to the King's Bench; where (through th● Keeper's connivance) he had often conference with Master Laurence Saunders, at that time a prisoner in the marshalsea. Bishop Farrar he found in the King's Bench before him, where having endured a close and tedious imprisonment, he began at length, through humane infirmity, to recoil in the point of Transubstantiation, in so much that he undertook to Communicate under one Kind at Easter following. But Bradford dealt so effectually with him, that he revoked this promise, and resumed his former principles. His occasions of escape were as many as the days of his imprisonment, whereby any man may see, to save in life, he would not break his word with his Keepers; being asked what course he would take, if God should deliver him out of prison: he said, he would not fly o●t of the Kingdom, but there Preach, though secretly, as the times would per●it him. During his long restraint, he was oftentimes examined; first by the Lords of the Council at what time he was clapped up in the Tower; which was in August 1553. but of that examination there is nothing now extant, except only one passage repealed in the second. After that by the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellor of England, and other select Commissioners, january 22. 1555. The things laid to his charge were principally these: That he was the Author of the tumult at Bournes Sermon, because (forsooth) he so readily and dextrously appeased the same: That he presumed to Preach without Licence, though he had been a Divinity Lecturer at Paul's two years before that tumult. And that upon his first committal to the Tower, he had answered the Queen's Council peremptorily and saucily in the point of Religion: As that he was now more than ever confirmed in the same, as it was reformed and professed under Edward the sixth. The first and last of these Articles he denied, saving the words last repeated; the second he laboured to justify, as not requisite from them, by any law at that time in force, when he Preached; in the conclusion, they twitted him in the teeth with Heresy, and accused him of writing from the Tower seditious letters into Lancaster: whereto, because they descended not to particulars, he gave them only general answers. The whole conference was larded with an often repealed tender of the Queen's Mercy, in case he would confess his sedition, acknowledge and abjure his Heresies, and return to the bosom of the Romish Church after their example. To the first he said, he could not acknowledge himself guilty of what he neither Committed, nor intended. To the second, that he never Preached or Patronised any error to his knowledge: being ready to abjure whatsoever he was not able to defend. To the third, that he willingly embraced the Queen's Mercy, though he neither needed, not could accept thereof, as they were pleased to Clog it with Conditions repugnant to the word of God, & the clear light of his own Conscience. The 19 day of january following, he was the third time convented in Saint Mary Oueris, before the same Winchester, and divers other Bishops his fellow Comnissioners; where, at first the same things were again objected unto him, and received the same Answers. After much jangling and a second offer of mercy upon the former Condition, they required a Peremptory & positive account of his faith, concerning Christ's Corporal presence in the Eucharist. To which he replied, that during a year and eight month's imprisonment, they had never pressed him with that question, but now, that by altering the state of Religion, they had made the Contrary opinion unto theirs, Heretical, and all Heresy interpretatively, and by consequence, Capital; it is more than Evident, what thereby they hunted after. This drove the Lord Chancellor into a long Apologetical Oration of his own innocency and notorious lenity in that kind; which ended without expecting what Bradford would reply; upon some intelligence from the Kitchen, he adjurend the Court, and went home to dinner. The day following which was the fourth & last of his appearance, he was brought to the same place, and before the same judges; where after many Interrogatories and answers concerning the corporal presence, the Pope and Queen's authority, and other Emergent questions (which if here inserted, would swell the process of his death to thrice the length of his life, but may be found at large in the Martirologie) he was finally condemned for worshipping the God of our fathers, after that way which those bloodsuckers called Heresy, excommunicated, and delivered over to the Secular powers, (january 31. 1555.) who first committed him to the Clinke, and afterwards to the Counter: where he remained to the first of july following, & had many hot Disputes & sharp Conflicts. 1. with Bonner Bishop of London. 2. with Master Wollerton the Bishop's Chaplain. 3. percival Creswell and Doctor Harding. 4. Doctor Harpsfieled and Doctor Harding. 5. with Het●● Archbishop of York and Day Bishop of Chichester. 6. with two Spanish Friars, Alphonsus a Castro, and King Philip's Confessor. 7. Doctor Weston and Master Coillier Warden of Manchester. 8. Doctor Pendleton. 9 with Doctor Weston, and others. 10. with Doctor Weston alone; for many visited him after condemnation, some as the Devil did our blessed Saviour, to tempt and pervert him, and some to receive instruction & comfort by him: for in his two last prisons he Preached constantly twice every Lord's day, & freequently administered the Lords Supper to his fellow prisoners: visiting them all, almost every day, even to the thiefs and cutpurses in the Grate, and almost (if he had it) as often relieving them. At first, they resolved to burn him at Mancheste●, where he was borne, but altered that resolution, I know not upon what occasion. The Saturday at night before he suffered, he dreamed his chain was brought to the Counter gate, that the next day being Sunday, he should be had to Newgate and burned at Smithfield the Monday ensuing, which after many frightful awaking, still recurring to his troubled fancy, he arose, and communicating what he had dreamt to his Chamber-fellow, fell to his old exercise of reading and praying. The next day after dinner, whilst he discoursed of the ripeness of si●ne, of death, and the kingdom of heaven, up came the Keeper's wife half beside herself, and said unto him with tears in her eyes, O Master Bradford, your chain is now a hammering, to night you will be removed to Newgate, and to morrow burned at Smithfield: having heard her out, with hands and eyes lifted up unto heaven, he blessed God who had thought him worthy, and made him willing to suffer for his tr●th; thanked the good woman for her Compassion, but more for her news, and so went up to his Chamber, where he spent some hours in prayer, and then called up his Chamber-fellow, to whom he gave some things privately in charge, and delivered certain papers, but of what concernment I cannot find; the rest of that afternoon he spent in prayer and other heavenly exercises, which he performed with admirable adhesion to God, and obstraction from the world, being often times so trans●ported and elevated in his raptures, that he seemed already in possession of that Crown, which for the present, through fire and faggots, he but aspired to: to the great admiration and comfort of as many of his friends, as that day had the happiness to visit him. Having blest, and distributed such things amongst the servants of the house, as he thought fit, he made a most fervent & pacheticall farwell-prayer in the company of his fellow prisoners, with such ravishment of Spirit, and abundance of tears, that the hardest hearted amongst them, could not choose but Sympathize with him. In the midst of this prayers, when he put on the shirt wherein he was to be burned, he enlarged himself in a most sweet meditation, of the Wedding Garment, and after that, about twelve a clock in the night, came down into the Court, where the prisoners took their final leave of him, as he went from the Counter to Newgate, (though it was about midnight, yet) great multitudes of people were gathered together in the streets, who much lamented, and earnestly prayed for him; to whom he returned their courtesy in both kinds, with interest. About nine in the morning he was led forth to Smithfield with a very great Guard, as he came down the stairs he espied an old friend whom he called unto him, embraced, and after some private whisper bestowed upon him his velvet nightcap, handkershiefe, and some other trifles. And yet Roger Beswicke his brother in law had his head cruelly broken by Seriffe Woodrofe, for but offering to speak to him: for which, and other his barbarous inhumanities', committed against the Saints, and faithful witnesses of jesus Christ at such times, a heavy and visible judgement overtook him, within few years thereafter; for besides the Palsy, which for eight years together, disenabled him from riding, walking, or turning himself in his bed, he fell into a most devouring, and insatiable Bulimy. As soon as he approached the stake, he fell flat on the ground, intending there to power forth hi● private prayers (for he was not permitted to do it publicly) unto almighty God: But Woodrofe the Sheriff commanded to him arise and dispatch, for that the people increased and pressed upon him; whereat eftsoon he got up, and when he had embraced the stake, and kissed it, he put off his clothes, which he entreated might be given to his servant, because he had nothing else to leave him: being tied to the stake he comforted the stripling that was burned with him, and earnestly exhorted the people to repentance: which so enraged the Sheriff, that (which was not usual) he commanded his hands should be tied. His last audiable Words were those of our Saviour's; Straight is the way, and narrow is the gate that leadeth to Salvation, and few there be that find it: He endured the flame as a fresh gale of wind in a hot Summer's day, without any reluctancy; confirming by his death the truth of that doctrine, which he had so diligently and powerfully Preached, during his life; which ended, july the first 1556. in the prime, though in what year of his age, is not certainly known. He was, for his stature, tall but slender: of a faintish sanguine Complexion, his heir and beard auburne, his countenance was full of sweetness mixed with reverence and austerity: He spent the whole time of his inprisonment in reading, Preaching and praying: eating but once every day, and that but sparingly; scarcely ever rising from that meal, wherein his tears did not largely bedew his trencher. He slept not (commonly) above four hours a night, from the time he went to bed, till dead sleep locked up his senses, his candle went not out nor his book out of his hand. Half an hour he sent usually after dinner in discourse, (which was all the recreation he used) the rest of his time, in his own private devotions and studies: His death was generally lamented by all who knew, or bus heard of of him; yea many Papists themselves, being convicted with his innocency of his life, or taken with the quickness and modisty of his answers; but especially considering ●he implacable malice and cruelty of his enemies, hearty wished his deliverance; for all men observid, how they had first committed him without law, and then after a years imprisonment made one to take away his life: He denied indeed the Pope's authority over the Church of England, and so had his judges done but the year before: And for Christ's corporal presence in the Sacrament, (which was the article whereupon they chief condemned him) he never denied it in the worthy Receiver, as to the eye of Faith, & no man yet, whether Papist or Prot●stant, could never discover it, through the accidents of Bread and Wine, by the eye of the body. We are informed by Master Fox, that he wrote many comfortable Treatises, especially during his imprisonment, o● which these only have had the fortune to reach our times.  
1 Two Sermons, the first of Repentance, the second of the Lords Supper. 2 Some le●ters to his fellow Martyrs. 3 An answer to two letters, desiring to know whether one might go to Mas● or not. 4 The danger ensuing the hearing of Mass. 5 Hi● examination before the officers. 6 Godly Meditations made in Prison, called his short Prayers. 7 Truth's Complaints. 8 Melancthon translated, of Prayers.  
See how undaunted Bradford hath displayed  
Truths golden Colours; nothing could invade  
His heaven filled thoughts, but heaven, in whose just cause  
He lived, though murdered by Papistick laws.  
Relgion told him that his cause was good,  
He need not fear to sign it with his blood  
And seal it with his heart; Bradford agreed  
To sign, whilst Heaven was witness to the deed.  
Insulting Papists, what can ye declare  
But this, your foulness made our Bradford fair;  
Your fire refined his heart, and made it prove  
A perfect lover of the God of love.   


NICOLAS RIDLY.  The Life and Death of Nicolas Ridly.  
AN other Paul otherwise in divers respects, save that we find not that he ever persecuted the flock or faith of Christ, may this choice instrument of God Nicolas Ridley be not unfitly, nor unworthily be styled. For he was for a long time a maintainer and practiser of Popish superstitions, which his adversaries also twit●ng him with in the time of his troubles, he denied not, but freely confessed; yet withal professing, that he had since that time repent him thereof, and God, he trust●d had in mercy pardoned upon his repentance, wha● in ignorance he then did: But after it pleased God to reveal hi● truth to him more clearly, he laboured as earnestly as any of his fellow labourers in the propagation of it; being endowed with as eminent parts as any of them for that purpose, and at length sealed it up, as did some others of them also, with his blood.  
He was borne in Northumberland, as some say, or as others, in the Bishopric of Durham, descended of a worshipful Family bearing that name, and trained up in the first rudiments of literature in the Grammar school at Newcastle upon Tine; which town situate upon that river, which divideth those two Counties, though standing within Northumberland, is by a bridge joined unto the Bishopric of Durham: from the school there he was first transplanted into the University of Cambridge: and from thence, as it seems, removed upon some occasions to Oxford; for tha● learned and industrious Bishop, who hath compiled a Catalogue of our English Prelates, doth of his certain knowledge assure us, that he was some time fellow of University College there. Those of Pembroke Hall in Cambridge, among whom he was first placed, could not, it seems well be without him, or he without them: with whom, if he continued not at first, yet he returned shortly again to them, whither of his own accord, or invited by them, doth not appear. But certain it is that he was head of that house, and there took his degree of Doctor in Divinity: Before which, or after I cannot certainly say, being desirous to see what Schools of learning are abroad, and to try if better means for the inproving of himself and his excellent parts elsewhere be found, he left these part● for a time, and visited the University of Paris, being the prime place of note for schoole-divinity in those dayes● But there he made no long stay, not finding peradventure what he looked for; but returned again to his own Country and his former place of abode.  
Upon his return, or not long after, especial notice being taken of him, as his good parts well deserved, he was called to be Chaplain unto King Henry the eight, and wa● in process of time preferred to the Bishopric of Rochester becoming vacant by the translation of Henry Holbeach thence to Lincoln: Concerning which his preferment I find different relations; for Mr Fox in his martyrology affirms that he was by & under King Henry promoted to that See; whereas the forementioned compiler of the Catalogue of Bishops, (who seems to have followed the authentic records) referreth both the removal of Holbeach, and the advancement of Ridley his successor to the first of King Edward in the year of our lord 1547. However, in that seat he sat not long, for in the third of King Edward, upon the deprivation of Bonner, that bloody persecutor of God's people and butcherer of Christ's flock, he was translated to the Bishopric of London: wherein how he bemeaned himself, shall hereafter be related.  
Before these his latter times, having long walked in the dark, he came at length to see better and clearer light, in the points then questioned, especially concerning the blessed Sacrament of Christ's body and blood; first by reading that worthy & (for these times especially) learned works of Bertram written long since of that argument; w c● is to this day such a mote in the Papists eyes, that they know not well how to handle it, or which way to dispose of it, though they wish it out of the world, not out of their eyes only, as appeareth by their long disput about it in their Index Expurgatorius: and afterward by conference with Cranmer and Peter Martyr, two other of Christ's champions who confirmed him in the same: and lastly, as himself solemnly calling God to witness, seriously protested, upon due enquiry and diligent examination, finding the doctrine he after that maintained to be not only grounded upon God's word, but agreeable also to the writings of the ancient Fathers.  
Nor was he less zealous & forward in the profession and progatation of the truth and faith of Christ once known and embraced, then ever he had been in any erroneous or superstitious way before, and careful by a godly religious course of life to adorn it in himself, and commended it to others; for being passing well learned (which his adversaris themselves neither do nor dare deny, of great reading and endued with dexterity of wit, strength of memory, and a very graceful elocution; he employed diligently these hi● talents to his Master's behoof, for the instructing and winning of as m●ny to God as he might. And to thi● purpose following the Apostles instructions to Timoth●e, to preach the word instantly and constantly, in season and out of season, he suffered no Lords day lightly, nor other Festival, to pass over his head, but that he preached on it in some place or other, unless some other very weighty and urgent occasion (which unless such indeed, he gave not way to) cast a rub in his way: with his Sermons the better sort of people were so taken, that they swarmed about him like bees, alured by the sweet flowers & pleasant j●yce of that wholesome doctrine, which was in them by him in a very plausible, and yet no less powerful and profitable manner delivered.  
Besides that for his own family, while he resided at Fulham, his manner was to read to them every day at the time of morning prayer, a lecture out of the New Testament, which he constantly performed, beginning with th● A●ts of the Apostles, and so going on through all Sain● Paul's Epistles: to those of his family he used also to read over the hundred and fi●st Psalm; thereby to admonish them, what they ought to be, and what he expected from them, should they continue in his service, or such of them as could read, he bestowed Testaments; hiring them also with rewards to get some principal Chapters thereof by heart, and especially that of Acts the thirteenth. By thi● his care came his house to be so well ordered, that it seemed a school or nursery of virtue, and pattern of piety and good life unto others, as himself also was to it.  
For he was a man of so holy, just, sober, continent, and life generally unblamable, that his most malicious and mischievous adversary's could fi●d nothing therein to tax him withal, though challenged solomly so to do. Hi● very outward making, promised a well-composed inside; for he was a very comely person, and of well proportioned limbs and lineaments; nor did his outside deceive those that then conjectured well of him: it pleasing God eft even outwardly to imprint in the face and frame of his body, a living portraiture of those endowments, wherewith the inner man he hath adorned, yea what his looks testified, his li●e gave witness to, wherein all manner of sound piety and true virtue did most illustriously shine forth.  
For matter of piety, he was much addicted to contemplation and prayer, wherein his common and constant course (if not otherwise enterrupted) was this; So soon as he wa● up in the morning, (nor was he any sluggerd, a little sleep served him) and his apparel once on, he retired himself again to his bedchamber, and there on his knees he spent some half an hour in prayer: That done he betook himself to his study, where he continued till ten of the clock, at which time he came to the common prayer, which was used daily in his house: After that he dined, feeding temperately, not using much talk at table, but that he used, sober, grave, wise and discreet, sometimes also not unpleasant, if occasion were. After dinner (which he sat not long at) he spent about an hour usually either in conference with others, or in a game or two at chess, the only recreation he made use of for the refreshing of himself: Then he returned again to his study, where he sat, unless suitors or some other affairs knocked him off, until five of the clock, his constant hour for the afternoon Common prayer. That finished, he supped, and after supper having passed over about an hour before, he returned the third time to his study, continuing there until eleven of the clock at night, his usual bed hour, which yet he went not to before he had spent some time, as in the morning in private prayer by himself. Thus used he to make his religious addresses unto God, both as a key to open the door in the morning to his daily employments, and as a bolt to shut and close them up all at evening again.  
For his other virtues, he was a man of a very patiented spirit; which Solomon pronounceth a principal point and part, not of wisdom only, but of true valour & honour; though zealous in God's cause, when occasion was, yet in his own very moderate and temperate, taking all things in good part; nor retaining rancour against any, but very prone and ready to forgive and forget wrong●, and those no small ones, and offered by those, as whose hands he had deserved better usage.  
To his kindred very kind, as nature itself required: but without partiality or prepesterous affection to all, hi● brother and sister not excepted, not bearing with them in ought not agreeable to right; but giving them this general rule, that if they did evil, they should look for nothing a● his hands, but they should be as mere strangers and alien● to him; and those in their steed as his brother and sister, that carried themselves honestly and followed a godly course of life. Nor was his kind carriage such to them alone, but so lovingly and courteously demeaned he himself to his people, that never was any good child more dear beloved of its natural parents, nor gentle and kind parents of their natural children, than he was of his flock and those both of his diocese and others that had occasion to know him, and take notice of his kind disposition, and demeanour. That which extended itself even to those also of the other side, who for his Religion brooked him not, yea to the near kindred and friends of those that for the same most maligned him. For not by rage and harshness, but with much mildness and gentleness, he laboured to reduce such as remained obstinate Papists, seeking by kind carriage rather to woe and win them if it might be, then by harsh courses and rough dealing, either to force them, or to exasperate them, and so make them th● more obstinate.  
This appeared, among other instances whereof many might be given, in that friendly usage of Bishop Heath; who continued for a twelve month as prisoner in his house; as prisoner, I may well say, rather than prisoner indeed; and yet not a prisoner neither, for he could not have enjoyed more liberty, or better respect and attendance, than he found and had there, had he been a free man in his own.  
But above others in this kind most remarkable (which I shall therefore add only letting pass all others) and the more remarkable, because so far otherwise relatiated, is this that ensueth. Being in Bonner's room created Bishop of London, so oft and so long as he made his abode at Fulham, he made the Mother of the said Bonner, (whom he used also to call his Mother, and indeed used her as if she had been his own natural Mother) his daily guest constantly at meat and meal, dinner and supper (which bounty and courtesy he afforded oft also to one Mistress Mung●y Bonner sister and her daughter) placing her continually in a chair at the upper end of the table; nor suffering her to be displaced; whatsoever guests he had else at board, albeit they were Noblemen or of his Majesty's privy Counsel, as oft as it fell out; in way of excuse telling them, that by their Lordship's favour, that place of right and custom was for his Mother Bonner. But know this his kindness was by Bonner & others af●er requited, in his and their carriage both to this man of courtesy himself, and to another of his near kindred, the sequel will in part show, and those that list further to see, may take notice from Master Fox his relations, in that his laborious and useful works of Acts and Monuments, that shineth so much in Popish stomaches; though it be not fraught with such ridiculous legens and notorious lies, as de Voragine, Vsuardus, and some others of theirs are.  
In these works and exercises, of piety, charity, pity, mercy, and Christian clemency, did this worthy Prelate pass his time, during the short, overshort reign of King Edward, working the harder in Christ's Vineyard, the later h● came unto it. But the wheel being turned, upon the decease of that almost matchless Princess of his years, as well for piety as other excellent parts; shortly after the entrance of Queen Mary, the rather for a Sermon, which by the Counse●s appointment, he had formerly made against her, and in favour of the Lady jane, he was with the first of these that suffered, clapped up in prison, and deprived of his bishopric, and Bonner reinvested in it. After repairing to Framingham, where the Queen than abode, he was from thence on a lame halting jade sent up to the Tower at London. Where during the time of his restrait some conference he had with Fecknam and others about Christ's presence in the Sacrament: But from thence, not long after, by the Queen's appointment, he was together with Cranmer and La●imer his fellow prisoners, conveyed first to Windsor, and then sent to Oxford; where they were laid in the common joale, commonly called Bocardo: whereupon in one of his letters he saith merrily, that Bocardo was now become a College of Quondams; that is, such as had once been Bishops, but then were not.  
After that they had been detained some space of time there, down came a Commission for a disputation to be held between the said three prisoners Christ's champions, but a part, on the one part, and certain Doctores and Divines of either University, thereunto designed, on the other part; whereupon they were severed one from another, that they might not have any help either from other; and Bishop Ridley was committed to the house of one Irish than Major of the City; whence being convented, as the other two also were before certain Commissioners, he had certain Articles tendered him to subscribe unto, concerning the real presence of Christ's natural body and blood, and the utter abolition of the substance of bread and wine in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and concerning the Mass, as containing in it a sacrifice propitiatory for the quick and dead, which refusing to subcrsibe to, and affirming them to be false, and such as sprung from a sour and bitter rooe, he was willing to deliver in writing his mind of them the night following; and being withal demanded, whither he were willing to dispute of them or no, he made answer very roundly, that so long as God gave him life, he should have, not his heart only, but his tongue and his pen to defend his truth: but required, as was meet and equal, to have time and books: Howbeit no further respite could be obtained then to write his mind against the next day, and to prepare for disputation against Tuesday following, it being then Saturday at even: mean space it was told him he should have what books he pleased, but could not be suffered to have any of his own books or notes: Howbeit notwithstanding all disadvantages, neither few nor small, and the dispute itself most partially & tumultuously carried, many baiting him at once, interrupting him ever anon in his speeches and answers, reviling and railing instead of reasoning and arguing, and enciting the rude multitude to hisse and clap their hands at him. How well and worthily he quieted himself in the same, may to any indifferently and unpartially affected appear by the Acts of it, so much as for clamour and confusion could be taken of it, yet extant. It is no unfiting censure, that a reverend Prelate gives of the three disputants, that Cranmer answered very learnedly and gravely, Ridley very readily and acutely, Latimer merrily and yet solidly, beyond the expectation of his age. Yet if taking somewhat from his sentence concerning either of the other, not as denied unto them, but imparted and applied unto him, I should say, that he answered very readily & learnedly, acutely and yet solidly, I should neither wrong them at all, and do him but right; for he was a man of sharp wit, a sound judgement, a strong memory, well versed in School learning; and indeed seemed to have been one of the learnedst of those that then maintained Christ's cause against the malicious enemies and oppugners of the maintainers of it, and of it in them. That which themselves were not ignorant of, but in a manner acknowledged, when they openly gave out in their examination of him, that Latimer leaned to Cranmer, & Cranmer to Ridley, and Ridley to the singularity of his own wit, whom therefore if they could prevail against, they hoped to have removed a principal prop, that the other party relied upon. But they were herein deceived, both he and they being both built upon a firmer and sounder foundation than they were able to undermine, much less to blow up.  
After this disputation thus had for a show, that they might seem to have done somewhat, for the satisfaction of such as had little need of any, save that they would have somewhat to say for themselves, and their own turning from the truth, and against those that stuck to it, and stood in the defence of it; on the Friday following, together with the other two his copartners therein, he was again convented before the Commissioners, and upon refusal to recant, being condemned for an heretic, was returned to the Major's house, where he was more strictly kept and restrained then either of the other two, in the places of their restraint. That which he imputeth most to the wayward and superstitious and disposition of his keeper's wife, being a woman as naturally very waspish, so withal extremely Popish, and persuaded therefore that she pleased God the better, the worse she dealt with such a one as she deemed him to be; her husband otherwise a man mildly disposed, yet durst not do what he otherwise desired, overawed either by his wife, who ruled him as he the town, or else by authority and charge from the Commissioners; whose power there was so dreadful, that not one of the University had the courage to repair to the prisoners even then when access was more free.  
But all the strict and hard usage shown him, he end●red with much patience, comfort, contentment and cheerfulness, as by his letters then written may evidently appear. In the custody of this Irish he abode from the time of the disputation in April A●●● 1554. unto the thirtyeth of September 1555. ●t which time being again convented together with these two other beforementioned, before some other Commissioners authorised by Cardinal P●●le the Pope's Legate, and having stood uncovered in thei● presence, till he heard the Lega●e and Pope named, he then put on his Cap, professing withal that he so did, not in derogation any way from the person and worth of the Cardinal, whom he honoured and reverenced as one of the blood Royal, and a● a personage endowed with excellent parts both of learning and virtue; but in regard of his Legateship and deputation for the Pope, whose usurped supremacy and abused authority he refused and renounced, ●nd thereby defied the same. But his ●ap being take● from him, after some dispute about the See of Ro●e and the Po●es power, th●re were certain Articles propounded to him, much in effect with those that had formerly been disputed of; concerning the Sacrament of Eucharist, and the Sacrifice of the Mass, unto which he was required to give in answer the next day by eight of clock in the morning, having Pen Ink and Paper, with such books as he pleased to require for the accomplishment of the same; but withal they required from him an answer by word of mouth at present, who thereupon told them that he presumed of their gentleness, that they would have given him time as they had before said, until the morrow, that upon good advisement he might make a determinite answer. And they replying, that his answer then should not be prejudicial to aught that he should after give in, but he should have liberty to add, detract, altar and change wha● he pleased; he though withal challenging them with former breach of promise concerning the disputation, that he should have a copy of what was there done; see what the notaries had taken, have liberty within a certain time to alter what he would in his answers, or to add thereunto, whereof no part was performed; yet condescended to answer by word of mouth at present, and so did according to th●t which formerly he had done, maintaining dispute with them about the same for some good space of time, until he was committed again to the Major; and Master Latimer called in to be baited by them, as he had been.  
The next day appearing again before them, with such gesture as before, and so again entertained, he delivered u● his answer in writing, concerning a protestation against their authority and jurisdiction as delogated and derived from the Pope, and his judgement concerning the Articles exhibited, explained and confirmed not by Scripture alone, but by the testimonies also of the Fathers; which he required to have read, but could not obtain it, save a line or two here and there as they pleased: they affirming that it contained words of blasphemy; and he averring, that a line or two excepted, there was nothing in it but the say of the ancient Doctors, confirming his assertions; hardly could he have leave to utter a few words, and that not without oft interruption, and with telling on their fingers-ends how many words he had spoken. A● length they excommunicated him with the greater excommunication, and having passed sentence of condemnation against him, turned him over to the Secular power.  
On the fifteenth day of the same month he was by Brookes Bishop of Gloucester assisted by some other degraded, at which time he requested the said Bishop to second his petition to the Queen, that such Tenants as he had made Leases to, while he was possessed of the Bishopric of London, & his Sister among the rest might quietly enjoy the sam: this he promised to do, acknowledging it to be agreeable to equity and right, but it seems it could not be obtained; for that cruel bloodsucker, whose Mother and Sister he had so kindly dealt with, thrust his Sister and her Husband, against all Law and conscience out of the keeping of a Park, which he had conferred upon them: nor is it likely that the rest fared much better than they did.  
The day following he suffered together with Master Latimer: who much strengthened him as by conference before, so at the Stake then. The evening before he suffered he washed his Beard and his Feet, and bad those at board that supped with him to his wedding the next day: demanded of his brother Master Shipside, whether he thought his sister his wife could find in her heart to be there; and he answering, that he durst say she would with all her heart, he professed to be thereof very glad. At suppertime he was very cheerful and merry, desiring those there present that wept (of which number Mrs Irish his Hostess though a blind and eager Papist was one) to quiet themselves, affirming that though his breakfast was like to be somewhat sharp and painful, yet his supper he was sure should be pleasant and sweet. His brother offered to watch all night with him. But he refused it; telling him, that he intended to go to bead, hoping to sleep as quietly that night as ever he did in his life.  
So on the next day being the sixteenth of October, this meek Sheep of Christ, and yet a stout Bell-wether of his flock, faithful and constant to his blessed shepherd and sovereign owner unto death, yea unto pains and torments worse than death, was together with his copartner, both in defence of the Faith, and of afflictions for the defence of it, brought out to the place of their Martyrdom, in a Ditch or low parcel of ground lying on the North side of the City behind Balliol College; where Doctor Smith, who had before in King Edward's time recanted, instead of a Sermon made a bitter invective against them; which they offered to answer: but when they could not b● permitted to spe●k, they committed their cause to God, commended their souls into his hands, and with much readiness and resolution yielded their bodies to the merciless flames, and such cruel torments therein as other their breath●rn and fellow-witnesses of Christ had b●fore th●m undergone; wherein this our worthy and valiant spiritual Champion, through the indiscretion o● those that composed ●he pile, and managed the fuel about him, hindering there where they thought to help, and lengthening his torments by those means whereby they hoped to have shortened them, endured a long time in grievous pains, to the heart grief of the behoulders, burning in a manner by piecemeal; till at length having passed this fiery trial, his soul was as in a flaming Chariot with Elias, carried up into the highest Heaven. Some works of his though not many remain.  
1 A Protestation or Determination delivered in the Schools at a Disputation in King Edward's days. 2 His Disputations at Oxford in Queen Mary's time. 3 An assertion of the true faith concerning the Lords Supper against Transubstantiation, translated after into Latin, and Printed a● Geneva. 4 A Treatise concerning the right form of Administration of the Lords Supper. 5 A Treatise against setting up and adoring of Imagis. 6 A Conference between him and Master Latimer in Prison. 7 A large Farewell to his faithful friends; together with a sharp Admonition to obstinate Papists. 8 a other Farewell to the imprisoned and exiled for the Gospel. 9 A Treatise con●aimning a Lamentation for the change of Religion, and a comparison of the Romish doctrine with that of the Gospel. 10 Divers pious Letters written to divers persons.  
Read in the progress of this blessed story  
Rome's cursed cruelty, and Ridlyes' glory:  
Rome's S●r●ns song, but Ridlyes' careless ear  
Was deaf. They charmed; ●●t Ridly would not hear●  
Rome s●●g preferment, but brave Ridleys' tongue  
Condemned that f●lse Preferment which Rome ●ung:  
Rome whispered wealth● but Ridly (whose great gain  
Was godliness) he w●v'd it with disdain:  
Rome threatened Durance, but great Ridleys' mind  
Was, too too strong for threats or Chains to bind:  
Rom● thundered death b●t Ridlyes' dauntless eye  
Stared in death's face, and scorned death standing by:  
In spite of Rome for England● Faith he stood,  
And in the flames, he sealed it with his Blood.   


PETRUS MARTYR.  The Life and Death of Peter Martyr.  
THe year from Christ's birth 1500. ●s for many matters of much moment very remarkable. Among others for the Jubilee, that Pope Alexander the sixth (whose h●●lish life and dismal end the stories of those times relate) held that year at Rome, and the terrible tempest that ensued the same, wherein the Angel that stood on the top of the Pop● Church was overthrown; and the Pop● own Chamber by the fall of a ●unnell so ●eaten down upon him, that divers of those were slain that attended then upon him, and he himself so buried in the rubbish, that he was hardly got out alive. The same year (amid●●hi● height of Popish imposture, together with these direful presages of its downfall) was born to Philip King of Spain his son Charles after Emperor, the first of that name, under whom the Gospel (though much against his will) gained good footing in Germany. And the same year also came into this world that famous Scholar and Divine Peter Martyr Vermily; one that much furthered the advancement thereof, as well in those parts as elsewhere: He came of that ancient and worshipful family of Vermily; born at Florence in Italy; Stephen Vermily his father, and Mary Fumantine his Mother.  
His name was given him by his Parents from one Peter of Milan a Martyr, reported to have been slain sometime by the Arrian faction, whose Church stood near unto their house.  
This Peter Martyr being the only son of his Parents that attained to any years, was by them carefully trained up in good literature from a child; his mother herself (a pretty scholar) reading Terence to him in Latin. After which domestic discipline he was turned over for further institution to Marcellus Virgilius then Town-cleark or Secretary of State to that City, a man of much learning, as may appear by his edition and translation of Dioscorides, with his Commentaries thereupon: He was willing to take pains, notwithstanding his employments in the State otherwise, with many young gentlemen's sons, whereof divers also proved famous for their learning and learned writings; and this our Martyr among the rest, who albeit he surmounted the most of his fellow-students, in sharpness and readiness of wit to apprehend, and strength of memory to retain what was taught, joined with an insatiable ardour and unweariable endeavorour of continual either hearing or reading, and a measure of proficiency much more than ordinary, proceeding necessarily from the the same; yet such was his modesty and amiable demeanour that he drew to him the affections of all his consorts, and there grew no emulation between him and them.  
Being now grown up to riper years, and affecting such course●, as might both further his studies, and keep him within compass, he grew into liking of a Monkish life; and because the Regular Canons of Saint Augustine's order, were at that time in greatest fame throughout all Italy, for the study of Divinity, and for severity of Discipline, he betook himself to their society; and being sixteen years old was admitted into the Fessulane College near to Florence; which fact of his was not greatly pleasing to his father; whether in regard of some dislike of the profession itself, or because he desired by him the propagation of his family,; and disposing therefore at his decease his main estate to an Hospital, he left his son only out of it a small yearly pension: howbeit his ●ister, his Parents only daughter liking so well of it, that she followed him therein, and became a veiled Nun.  
In that College, wherein the younger sort were trained up for the most part in the Rules of Rhetoric and the reading of Scripture which they used to get by heart, having passed over three years with great good-liking of the whole Society, he was from thence sent over to the University of Milan, and there entered into the Monastery of Saint john of Verdera, whereof albeit a man not unlearned himself and a lover of learning in others was Abbot. There he gave himself to the study of Philosophy, freequenting the Lectures of divers of prime note that then red the same in that University; under whom also in disputations he frequently exercised himself; so acquitting himself in the same, that the Readers themselves took special notice of him; in so much that Branda a chief man among them would oft call him out to dispute, styling him his Florentine, as ●rinaeus sometimes Arminius his Hollander.  
For his better furtherance in these his studies, he spent sometime in getting skill of the Greek tongue, that he might read Aristotle in his own langvage● and in the study of that tongue he so profited, (a● one apt to take aught that he bent himself too) that in a short time he was able to read any Greek Author, Historian● Orator or Poet without help of a translation. And withal he so followed the study 〈◊〉 Divinity, hearing diligently and constantly those that read the same there, adjoining also his own private ●ndvour● thereunto, that being of six and twenty years (a thing among them than not usual) he was by the Fellows of the College he lived in, made a public Preacher and partake● of those privileges that to such of their orders were a●●nexed.  
His first preaching was at ●rixia, in the Church of 〈◊〉 after that he preached at Rome, Venice, Mantua, Mo●n●fer●●● ● and in others the Cities of Italy and the confines of Fr●●c● ● besides that in the College of his own society, he read 〈◊〉 Philosophy and Divinity and Homer in Geek; and hitherto having studied most Schoole-divinity. Thom●s of Aquin● especially, and Gregory of Rimino; he now began in more special manner to addict himself to the study of the Scriptures, and to this purpose laboured with much sedulity, using the help of one Isaak a jew that professed Physic, to get the knowledge of the Hebrew tongue.  
His constant pains in Preaching and teaching gained him that singular esteem, that he was by general conse●t chosen Abbot of Spoleto; in which place he so wisely and worthily carried himself, that it was much admired how a man so bookish, and so much addicted to his studie●, should attain such abilities for dexterity of government. For he not only reduced the College and two Nunneries belonging to it, that had been very lose and scandalous in their courses before, to a more regular and orderly demeanour; but so also by his authority, good persuasions, and discreet ordering the matter, prevailed with two po●●●t factions that had long disturbed the State there, that ●●composed their differences, and wrought concord between them; which they also continued in, so long as he continued there with them.  
Three year he abode there, and at three 〈…〉 a solemn assembly of the whole Order, 〈◊〉 was made governor of Saint Peter at the Altar in Naples, a place of very pleasant situation, great dignity, and rich and large revenue. Here addicting himself more diligently and seriously to search into the Scriptures, the light began daily to appear more and more to him, and to discover to him the errors and superstitious conceits that he had formerly been possessed with. And now he fell to read some of our men● writings; Bucers' commentaries upon the Psalms, and the Evanglists, Zuinglius his Treatise of true and false Religion, and another of God's Providence, with some pieces of Erasmus: whence having gained more insight into these things, he communicated therein with some others likewise piously disposed, to wit, Benedyct Cusane, Anthony Flaminy, and Io●n Valdesie a Spaniord; by whose joint endeavour a pretty Church of pious people was now gathered at Naples.  
Nor did this our Peter forbear publicly to Preach that truth that God had now reveiled unto him. For handling the first to the Corinthians, to which his Lectures, among others, divers Noble men (whom that City never wanteth) and some Bishops also resorted; when he came to the third Chapter, the 13. and 14. verses, he affirmed that place not to be meant of Purgatory; since that the fire there spoken of is such a fire, as both good and bad all must pass. This seeming to shake a main pillar of Purgatory, the Pope's furnace, the fire whereof, like the Prilosophers' stone, melteth all his leaden Bulls into pure gold; his under Chemists some of them, like Demetrius and his consorts, b●gan to bestir themselves, and so wrought, that from above he was inhibited to proceed in his reading. Which inhibition he yet refused to obey; & appealing to the Pope, by help of some Cardinals of better sort, among whom our Pool was one, & some other learned men in grace with the Pope, he got the interdict revoked. Howbeit he continued not long his readings there afterwards, for falling not long after into a very dangerous sickness, whereof he hardly recovered, the Fathers of his Order, in a general Assembly, shortly after his recovery, supposing that the air of that City did not so well agree with him, made him their General Visitor, when he had been yet but three years at Naples. In which employment, supported by the Cardinal Gonzag● the Protector of their Order; he so carried himself, suppressing some that carried themselves tyrannously in their places, & severely chastising others that lived loosely & lewdly, that though he gained much grace and credit to the Order, & no less love and affection to himself from the better minded among them, yet incurred he withal much envy ill-will from those that were otherwise disposed.  
It is a point of devilish policy too oft practised, under a sembleance of honour to prefer men to such places as may prove prejudicial to them, and become a means of their overthrow. Some of these Machiavilians therefore in a general meeting of the Fathers of the Order at Man●ua, knowing a deadly feud and inveterate hatred to intercede between the Inhabitants of Luca, and those of Florence our Martyr's Country, move to have him made Prior of Saint Fridian in Luca, a place of great esteem, for that the Prior of that House hath Episcopal Jurisdiction over the one moiety of the City; hoping that for Country's 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 carriage among them, he gained so much good will and esteem with them, that they affected him no otherwise then as if he had been a native, and by a solemn embassage made suit to the Principal of the Order, that Peter Martyr might not be removed again 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 Latin, and the other Greek, and a third (which was Emmanuell Tremellius) the Hebrew. He himself daily read to them some part of Saint Paul's Epistles in Greek, and examined them in the same: to the whole Company before supper he expounded some Psalm; to which exercise divers learned of the Nobility and Gentry did also usually resort: and every Lord's day he preached publicly 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 proceed 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 deal with a godly Eremite of the same Order, resolved to decline them, and to betake himself to some place of better safety: Having therefore committed to his Deputy the charge of the Monastery, and his Library (his only wealth) to a trusty friend in Luca, to be sent after him into Germany, he left the City secretly, and from thence traveled first toward his own Country to Pisa; where meeting with certain religious Noble men he celebrated together with them in due manner the Lords Supper: and from thence by letters both to Cardinal Poole, and to those of Luca he rendered 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 Alps came into Switzerland, where he arrived first at Zurick, and passing thence to Basil, was by Bucers' procurement called over to Strasbourge; where for the sp●c of five years with much amity and agreement they joined together in the Lords work; during which time he expounded the Lamentations of jeremy, the twelve lesser Prophets, Genesis, Exodus, and a good part of Leviticus.  
Here he took him a wife, one of a religious disposition, and in all respects a meet match for one of his rank and profession, who lived with him eight years, 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 Mary's days, her remains were inhumanely digged up again and buried in a dunghill; but in Queen Elizabeth's days restored to their former place of Sepulture again.  
For after that our Martyr had spent those five years 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, until he came to handle the Doctrine of the Lords Supper; but then they began to break forth into some outrage, to disturb him in his Lectures, to set up malicious and scandalous schedules against him, to challenge him to disputes; which he waved not, but maintained, first in private in Doctor Cox the Vice chancellor's house, and af●er in public before his Majesty's 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 show. This way little prevailing, they stirred up the seditious multitude against him, by reason whereof he was compelled to retire him to London, until that tumult was suppressed: Then returning again, for his better security, the King made him a Canon of Christ's Church; by means whereof he had convenient housing within the College with more safety.  
Thus settled the second time, he proceeded in his wont employment, 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 Ecclesiastical affairs, and in composing of Ordinances for the government of the Church. And in this course he continued being never out of action, until by the decease of th●t our English Phoenix, 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 ado he got liberty and departed the land: and though being waylaid (which he had notice of) both on this side and beyond the seas; yet (by God's good providence and protection) he passed unknown and undiscovered through Brabant and other Popish territories, and got 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 again. Therein being resettled he read upon the book of judges, and because the Senate required that the Readers of Divinity should withal at certain times read Lectures also of Philosophy; it was agreed between him and Zanchie, his fellow-professor, that the one of them should read Moral Philosophy, which fell to his lot, and the other Natural, which Zanchie undertook.  
Howbeit here he was not long quiet; for some factious ones began to complain 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 heartburning in othersome, and that manifested oft times, as well by scandalous libels scattered abroad, as also by open opposition. Whereupon supposing that he should not live quietly there, and do the good that he desired, he began to entertain thoughts of departure; and, as God in his holy providence pleased to dispose it, a fit and fair occasion thereof offered itself to him. For they at Zurick (whereat first he desired to have settled) wanting one to succeed Pelican lately deceased in the Divinity Lecture, invite Peter Martyr to come over to them, and supply that place: thither he came, (though with much grief and unwillingness, dismissed by the Magistrates and other godly of Strasbourge, his fellow-professors especially) accompanied with our worthy jewel, after Bishop of Salisbury, than 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 main body of the people; and notwithstanding an Order before made to the contrary, denying such admittance for some years unto any, enroled instantly for a free Denison. There he taught about seven years, expounding the books of Samuel, and a good part of the Kings; and writing divers polemical discourses against the adversaries of the truth. Nor would he remove thence, albeit he were with much importunity invited to other places, where the means 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 Elizabeth's days, when Religion was again here settled, Bishop jewel labouring with him in it, to return 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 Peers 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 go over into France to the solemn Conference at Poys●i, where how wisely and worthily he demeaned himself, by the Acts of it may appear.  
Not long after his access to Zuricke, desirous to continue the race and name of the Virmilii, he took him a second wife, a Virgin of good note and name, commended to him from the I●alian Church at Geneva, where she lived an Exile for Religion, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter, who died both very young, before him; and left her great with a third, that proved a daughter.  
He departed this life quietly, after some seven day's sickness, sitting in his chair, in the presence of his wife and Religious friends, on the twelfth day of Novem. in the year of grace 1562. and of his own age the sixty third.  
He was of an able, healthy, big-boned and well limmed body; of a countenance expressing an inward, grave and settled 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 break forth into chollour; very painful and industrious, endeavouring to do all the good he could for God's 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 josias Simler, that made the Funeral Oration at his Burial, and hath described his life at large, that, Another they might have in Martyr's room; but another Martyr they should not have. But what he was and how laborious, his Works extant (besides many other never published) will soon show; which are these,  
1. A Catechism or Exposition of the Creed, in Italian. 2. A Prayer-book composed out of the Psalms. 3. His Commentaries upon Genesis. 4. His Commentaries upon the Book of judges. 5. His Commentaries upon the two Books of Samuel. 6. His Commentaries upon the first Book of Kings, and eleven chapters of the second. 7. His Commentaries upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans. 8. His Commentaries upon the first Epistle to the Corinthians. 9 His Disputations at Oxford, about the Lords Supper. 10. His Defence about the orthodox Doctrine of the Lords Supper, against Steph●n Gardener. 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 Christ's Body in the Sacrament delivered at the Conference of Poyssi. 14. A Discourse concerning the Mass. 15. A Dialogue concerning the place of Christ's Body, against the Ubiquitaries. 16. His refutation of Richand smith's two books, concerning single life and Monkish Vows. 17. In his commentaries on the first and second books of Aristatle Ethics, and part of the third. 18. His Common-Places gathered out of his Commentaries by others, and digested into Heads. 19 Certain Treatises of Freewill, God's 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 Mosaical Laws and Oaths 21. Divers Sermons and Orations of several Subjects, and made upon several occasions. 22. His letters to sundry Persons, concerning much variety of useful Discourse.  
Behold this Star, which seemed at the first view  
Eclipsed with Romish fogs; but, after, grew  
So bright, that his Refulgence did display  
Truth's Banner, beaming like the Sun of day.  
His sunshine was not visible alone  
In true Religions reformed Horizon,  
But cast his foreign influence as far  
As th'articks distant from th'antarctic star;  
Uext Rome's iugenious Malice did compact  
To quench this flame, but failed in the Acts.  
The seven-crowned dragon's star confronting train  
Lashed at this Star● but lashed and lashed in vain.  
Thus he remains (sustained by higher powers)  
A Saint in heavens bright Orb, a Star in Onrs.   


HUGH 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: commenced Bachelor in Divinity, and was a very zealous Papist, made an Oration against Philip Melanc●hon: railed against Master Stafford, Divinity-Lecturer, and willed the Scholars in no wise to believe him: he carried the Cross before the Procession: Master Bilney seeing, and pitying his blind zeal, came to his study, and desired him to hear him make a Confession of his Faith, which Latimer consenting to, was so touched thereby, that he gave over School-Divinity, and studied more Orthodox Divines. He used often to confer with Master Bilney, and asked Master Stafford forgiveness before he died: he became a powerful Preacher, and instructed many in private also; whereupon the Devil raised up many Doctors and Friars against him, and the Bishop of Elye forbade him to Preach Anno Christi 1529. yet he continued three years preaching with much applause, yea the Bishop himself hearing him upon a time, commended him, and wished that he had the like gifts himself: he used often to visit the Prisoners, to relieve the needy, and feed the hungry. He was afterwards sent fo● to the Court, and employed in the business about King Henry's Divorce; then by the King he had a Benefice given him at West-Kingston near Sarum, where with much diligence he instructed his flock; whereupon some Popish Priest's drew up Articles against him; and he was much molested by the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Canterbury, out of whose hands the King rescued him, and at the request of the Lord Cromwell made him Bishop of Worcester: where also he busily employed himself in instructing his flock, and giving them a good example by his holy life: yet neither there was he quiet, for one of great place accused him to the King for preaching Sedition, but the King rested satisfied with his answer. At New-years-tide the Bishops used to present the King with a New years gift, and Bishop L●timer, amongst the rest, presented him with the New Testament, wrapped up in a Napkin, with this Posy about it, Forni●atores, & adulteros judi●abi● Dominus: Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge. But the six Articles coming out, and he seeing that he could not retain his Office with a good Conscience, of his own accord he resigned his Bishopric: and when he put off his Rocket in hi● chamber amongst his friends, he gave a skip in the floor for joy, feeling his shoulders lighter, and being (as he said) discharged of so heavy a burden. Yet neither then would the Bishops suffer him to be quiet, till he was laid up in the Tower, where he remained till Edward the sixth his reign, at which time being restored to his liberty, he continued a faithful and painful preacher all that King's days; preaching twice every Sabbath, though sixty seven years of age: he risen to his study Winter and Summer at two a clock in the morning: he evidently foresaw, and foretell all those plagues which England afterwards felt under Queen Marie: and fore told concerning himself, that his preaching of the Gospel would cost him his life: 
S●ephen Cranme●.  and that Winchester was kept in the Tower for the same purpose, which afterwards proved so. In the beginning of Que●n Mary's Reign he was sent for up by a Pursuivant, whereof he had notice six hours before he came to his house, yet instead of flying, he prepared himself for his journey; and when the Pursuivant came, he said to him; My friend you are welcome, I go as willingly to London to give an account of my Faith, as ever I went to any place in the world. The Pursuivant having delivered his Letter, told him that he was commanded not to stay for him, and so immediately departed: but Latimer hasted after to London, and as he road through Smithfield, he said, That Smithfield had groaned for him a long time. Coming before the Council, after many mocks & scorns, he was sent to the Tower, where the Lord gave him such a valiant spirit, that he did not only bear the terribleness of imprisonment, but derided and laughed to scorn the do of his enemies. This aged Father being kept in the cold winter without a fire, he bade the Lieutenant's man to tell his Master, That if he did not look better to him, perchance he would deceive him: the Lieutenant thinking that he intended to make an escape, charged him with his words; to whom he answered, You think I should burn, but except you let me have a fir●, I shall deceiv your expectation, for I am here like to starve with cold. From thence he was carried to Oxford with Cranmer and Ridley, where they spent their time in brotherly conference, fervent prayer, and fruitful writing; yea, many times he continued so long in fervent prayer, that he was not able to get up without help. Three things he more especially prayed for.  

First, That as God had appointed him to be a Preacher of his Word, so, that he would give him grace to stand to his Doctrine; that he might give his heart's blood for the same.  
Secondly, that God of his mercy would restore his Gospel to England once again, once again; which he often inculcated in his prayer, and that with so much ardour, as though he had seen God before him, and spoken to him face to face.  
Thirdly, that the Lord would preserve Queen Elizabeth, and make her a comfort to this comfortless Realm of England. The Lord most graciously answering all thos● his requests. When he came to the stake, he lift up his eyes with an amiable and comfortable countenance, saying, Fidelis est Deus, etc. God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above that which we are able, etc. As he was burning, his blood ran out of his heart in such abundance, as if all the blood in his body had been gathered thither, to the great astonishment of the beholders, according to his former request, That he might be so happy as to shed his heart's blood for the Truth. The other two requests we have found, and yet have the benefit. When the fire was first kindled, he cried, O Father of heaven receive my soul: and so receiving the flame, and as it were, embracing of it, having stroaked his face with his hands, and bathed them a little in the fire, he soon died with very little pain or non at all, Anno Christi 1555.   
Though Latimer was in his heedless youth  
A diviator, and abandoned truth,  
Yet (heaven having blest him with a riper age)  
At last he banished his too forward rage,  
And from a wand'ring Comet, he became  
A blazing star, and blushed not to proclaim  
Against his former Errors which had spread  
Upon his heart, and almost struck it dead.  
He sought the way of truth, and seeking, found  
A better Anchor, and a firmer ground  
Where on he fixed his thoughts, and would not be  
Removed by arguments or Tyranny.  
Thus our brave Latimer became a terror  
To Papists, and an enemy to error,  
Though he at first most wilfully denied  
The truth, yet for the truth at last he died.   

The Life and Death of John Philpot, who died Anno Christi 1555.  
JOhn Philpot was a Knight's son, and born in Hampshire, brought up at School, and sent from thence to New College in Oxford, where he stuied the Liberal Arts, and the Tongues, and afterwards the Civil-law. He was of a pregnat wit, and singular courage, zealous in Religion, of nature apert, and far from flattery, hypocrisy, and dissimulation: from Oxford he traveled into Italy, where he was in some danger for his Religion: In King ●dward the sixth days, he returned into England again, and had many conflicts with Bishop Gardiner: He did much good in Hampshire, being Archdeacon of Winchester all King Edward's days; but in the beginning of Queen- Maries Reign he was cast into Prison, where he lay a year and a half 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 London's Coal-house, unto which was adjoined a little Blind house, with a great pair of Stocks, both for hand and foot, but thanks be to God, saith he, I have not played of those Organs yet: there h● found a godly Minister of Essex, who, desiring to speak with him, did greatly lament his infirmity, for through extremity of imprisonment he had yielded to the Bishop of London, and was se● at liberty whereupon he left such an hell in his conscience, that he could scarce refrain from destroying himself; and could have no peace, till going to the Bishop's Register, and desiring to see his Recantation, he tore it in pieces: whereupon the Bishop sending for him, buffeted him, plucked off a great part of his beard, and sent him to his Coal-house, where Master Philpot found him very joyful under the Crosse. Philpot being afterwards 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 comfortless place, and therefore we solace ourselves with singing of Psalms: after other discourse (saith he) I was carried to my Lord's Coal-house again, where I, with my six fellow-prisoners, do rouse together in the straw, as cheerfully, we thank God, as others do in their beds of down. After sundry examinations he was by the Bishop set in th● stocks, in a house alone, of which he writes: God be praised that he thought me worthy to suffer any thing for his name's 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 Heretic; whereupon he said, I thank God I am an Heretic out of your cursed Church, but I am no Heretic before God. Being sent to Newgate he spoke to the People as he went, saying, Ah good people, blessed be God for this day: having notice given overnight that the next day he should be burned, he said, I am ready, God grant me strength, and a joyful 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 bore him to the stake; then said he merrily, What? will you make me a Pope? coming into Smithfield, he kneeled down, saying, I will pay my Vows in thee O Smithfield: he kissed the stake, saying, Shall I disdain to suffer at thi● stake, when my Lord and Saviour refused not to suffer a most vile death for me? when the fire was hindled, with much meekness, and comfort he resigned up his spirit unto God, An. Christi 1555.  
Courageous Philpot with a dauntless brow  
Marched to his death, and would not once allow  
The least Submittance to erroneous powers,  
But Scorned to smell on their impoysned flowers:  
And when he laboured in the most distress  
He was most cheerful, and would still address  
Himself to Heaven, where he was sure to find  
A healing Balsam to confirm his mind;  
He prayed to God, and having done, he cried,  
I thank, I thank thee Father, and so died:   


THOMAS CRANMER  The Life and Death of Thomas Cranmer.  
THomas Cranmer was extracted from an ancient family in Lincolnshire, as that derived itself from one of more antiquity, (still retaining the said name and Arms) in normandy. Of his infancy and childhood, we can give no other account, than what is common to others of the same age as not capable of any extraordinary Actions, but silently shadowed under the innocency and simplicity thereof.  
Afterwards he was admitted into jesus College in Cambridge where he proceeded Master of Arts, with general applause for his learning and manners. Here he happened to marry the Innkeeper's wives kinswoman at the sign of the Dolphin: An act beheld by some as destructive to his future preferment, and deeply condemned by those who preferred height before holiness, and a rich and plentiful before a chaste and comfortable life.  
Malicious tongues on this foundation built many foul and false Scandals against him, some slandering him for to be an Ostler (because of his often repairing to that Inn) which causeless report (confuting itself with its own improbability) his weakness and Patience overcame, by contemning it. Thus worthy Saint Helen Mother to Constantine the great was scoffed at to have been a Stable-grooms Daughter, for her Zeal in searching the monuments of Christ's nativity in Bethleham; of whom Saint Ambrosse, Bona Statularia quaedici maluit Stercoraria ut Christum lucrifaceret.  
But God's Providence who order all things to the best some year after took Cranmers' wife away, which losse● proved a great gain unto him. For resuming his Studie● (thereby to allay his sorrow and solitariness) he became so eminent that the Society of jesus College chose him again into his Fellowship. Indeed it was against the Fundamental Law of the University, which provides Nolimus socios nostros esse mari●os vel maritatos: yet seeing a Widower is the second part of a Bachelor, and Cranmers extraordinary learning a dispensation for himself, by peculiar favour he wa● reelected into that House.  
How excellently he behaved himself therein, one Instance for many; At that time many unworthy Scholars scambled up into the highest degrees, whose scarlet Gowns might seem to blush the wearers Ignorance. To prevent the dangerous consequences thereof, and to render Degrees more considerable for the future, Cranmer by general consent was chosen Public Examiner of the sufficiency of such candidates for Degrees. Herein he carried himself with such remarkable moderation, neither over remiss to encourage any unworthiness 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 stopped by him returned afterwards to thank him, because (preferring rather to displease then hurt them) the gentle Check 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 Colleges and he not entertain the time with more safety and privacy became a teacher to some Gentleman's sons in the Country where we leave him for a time, requesting the Reader to accompany u● to some matters of higher Concernment. About this time the Divorce betwixt King Henry & Katherine his wife was agitated in the Court of Rome; Queen Katherine's age was above her Husbands, her Gravity above her age, more pious at her Beads then pleasant in her Bed, a better woman than a wife, and a fit wife for any Prince than King Henry. No wonder then if he were impatient to be delayed in his Divorce by the Dilatory tricks of the Romish Court (intending first to divorce all the Gold from England) kept the Cause some years in suspension; so torturing King Hen●y on the rack, betwixt hope and fear; not to have his desire effected.  
It happened that a Courtier came into Cranmers' Company, who familiarly conversing together amongst other discourse light on this matter of Divorce. Cranmer informs the Gentleman that the readiest way for the King to attain his desire was no longer to trace the Labirinths of the Pope's proceed (where Clients lose themselves in the endless Multiplication of affected intricacies) but directly to be take himself to the Word of God, according to which the King's marriage unlawful at the first might lawfully be annulled. This being brought to the King's Ear (where welcome news would quickly arrive) Cranmer is sent for, & afterwards employed to the most principal Universities in Europe there publicly to maintain the truth of his aforesaid Assertions; and after his return was rewarded for his undertaking (no less learned than Laborious) with the bishopric of Canterbury.  
Here I have no leisure to listen to, much less faith to believe those false Aspersions, which Doctor Sanders casts on this reverend Prelate, bottoming the beginning of his Court Advancement on the Basest Employments performed by him. Sufficeth it is to know that as the Herneshaw when unable by main strength to grapple with the Hawk doth Slice upon her, bespattering the Hawks wings with dung or ordure; so to conquer with her tail which she cannot do with her bill and beak. So Papists finding themselves unable to encounter the Protestant's by force of Argument out of the Scripture, cast the dung of foul language and filthy railing upon them, wherein Sanders, exceedeth all of his Society. Yea God may seem to have vindicated the innocence of the one and punished the slanderous mouth of the other, in that the foresaid Sanders was afterwards famished in Ireland, that mouth being starved for want of food, it surfeited with superfluity of Falsehood.  
Cranmer now Archbishop, so became the Place with his Piety and Gravity that he endeared himself to all conditions of People. This was the greatest fault he was guilty of, That his nature was bad in being too good; he was of too easy and flexible a disposition, which made him cowardly to comply with the Church of Rome. For although he never did any harm to the Protestants, yet he did not unto them so m●ch good as he might and ought.  
Some may conceive this passage might well be omitted, but the truth of our love to this good man's memory, must not make us to forget our love to Truth: besides this recording of such slips, doth read to us in him a Lecture of our own Infirmities, if God's grace be not more Active in our Hearts. Oh there is more required to make us Valiant, then barely to be able to call another Coward.  
During the Reign of Henry the eight and Edward the sixth, our Cranmer flourished in favour. But no sooner came Queen Mary to the Crown, but he was scorched with the heat of her Anger; As an earnest that his whole Body should afterwards be burnt by her cruelty. Indeed he well deserved of Queen Mary in this particular, because he with Justice Hales would never consent to the dissinheriting of Queen Mary, and refused to subscribe the Will (shall I say of Edward the sixth or the Duke of Northumberland) translating the Crown on the Lady jane: But all this would not advance him into the Queen's favour, no nor recon●ile to h●r good Will, she being still troubled with the fit of the mother, and meditating revenge against him, because Cranmer had been the principal promoter of Queen Ka●herines Divorce: Or, which is more probable, (being the Queen of herself was not cruelly minded) some under her, which did by't where she did not bark (Gardener the Spaniel, Bonner the Bloodhound) projected his destruction.  
For being pardoned of Treason (of which he stood guilty with the rest of the Privy Council) he was charged with Heresy and sent to Oxford, there to dispute upon certain Controversies, being nothing else but a plausible contrivance of his Death, which was concluded on before any Syllogism in that Disputation was propounded. However his Adversaries improved themselves so much on his facile nature and love of life, that their large promises prevailed on him so far, as to make him subscribe to Popery, though presently after he recanted his recantation, and was burned to ashes for the profession of the Truth; first thrusting his own right Hand (faulty for his former subscription) into the fire, so that his Hand died a Malefactor, and the rest of his body a Martyr. All which passages are so largely reported by M●ster Fox, who in his History hath so carefully gathered in the Harvest, th●t his diligence hath left no glean for Posterity to pick, having omitted nothing in his life remarkable for such as succeed him to observe. He writ many things which are here to his eternal praise truly registered.  
1. A catechism of christian Doctrine. 2. Ordinations of churhes reform. 3. Of ordaining Priests. 4. Of the Eucharist with Luther. 5. Of defence of catholic doctrine. 6. To the professors of the Truth. 7 Ecclesiastical Laws in Edward the sixth his reign. 8. Against Gardener's Sermon. 9 Doctrine of the Lords Supper. 10. Twelv Books of common places, out of the Doctors of the church. 11. Christian Homilies. 12. To Richard Smiths calumnies. 13. Confu●a●ions of unwritten truths. 14. Of not marrying one's sister, two Books. 15. Against the Pope's primacy, two books. 16. Against Popish purgatory, two books. 17. Of justification, two books. 18. Epistles to learned men.  
Out of Prison he writ these.  
1. Against the sacrifice of the Mass. 2. Against adoring the Host. 3. To Queen Mary with others. 4. Emendations of the Translation of the English Bible, and added Prefaces to it.  
'Twas not enticing Honour could remove  
The constant heart of Cranmer from the love  
Of sound Divinity, he always stood  
Firm to God's Caus●, and died it with his blood:  
A true Seraphic and Tyrannic fire  
Proved (as it were) ambitious to aspire;  
And both prevailed, being willing to control;  
Th'one burnt his Body, th'other cured his Soul.  
Image adoring Papists, boast your fils;  
Ye sent a Soul to Heaven against your wills.  
What can ye say, but this, your rage was spent;  
Ye did him good, though with an ill intent?  
Prick up your ears, and h●are this fatal tone,  
Those fires which made him screek, will make you gro●   

The Life and Death of Conrade Pelican, who died Anno Christi 1556.  
COnrade Pelican was born at Rubeac in Swedeland, Anno 1478. and brought up in learning by his Parents: at thirteen years of age he went to Heidelberg, after sixteen month's study there, he returned home, where he entered into a Monastery: yet afterwards returned to Heidelberg, and from thence to Tubinge, where he studied the Liberal Arts, and was much admired for his quick wit: he studied also School-Divinity, and Cosmography, wherein he profited exceedingly; he took very great pains in the study of Hebrew: and at Basil was made Doctor in Divinity, afterwards the Pope's Legate took him with him towards Rome, being affected with his learning, but falling sick of a Fever by the way, he returned to Basil. Whilst he thus continued a Friar, he was of great esteem amongst them, because of his learning & integrity: but it pleased God at last, that by reading Luther's books, and conference with learned and godly men, he began to dis-relish the Popish Errors, and so far to declare his dislike of them, that he was much hated, and persecuted for a Lutheran: but about the same time the Senate of Basil chose him Lecturer in Divinity in that City together with Oecolampadius: where he began first with reading upon Genesis, then on Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. An. Christi 1526. he was by the means of Zuinglius, sent for to Tygure, and being come, was most courteously entertained by him: there he laid down his Monks Coul, and married a wife, by whom he had a son, which he named Samuel, being then preaching upon the history of Samuel: that wife dying, he married again, but had no children by his second wife: he was present at the Disputation at Bern about Religion: after Zuinglius his death, there were chosen into his room, Henry Bullinger, and Theodor Bibliander, who was an excellent Linguist, and began to read upon I●aie, to the great astonishment of his hearers, for that he was not above 23. years of age. Pellican ● at the earnest request o● learned men, Printed all his Lectures, and Annotations, which were upon the whole Bible, excepting only the Revelations; which portion of Scripture he not intending to write upon, caused the Commeta●y of Sebastian Meyter upon it, to be bound with his, to make the work complete: He translated many books out of Hebrew, which were printed by Robert Stevens: and having been Hebrew Professor at Tygure for the space of thirty years, wherein he was most acceptable to all, not only in regard of his excellent learning, and indefatigable pain●, but also in regard of his sweet, and holy Conversation. At las● falling into the pain of the stone & other diseases, he departed this life upon the day of Christ's Resurrection 1556. of his Age 78.  
After our Pelican had wandered long  
In the world's wide-wildernesse, he grew so strong  
In grace and goodness, that he soon became  
An ample Subject for the mouth of Fame;  
He was admired by all that loved to be  
Serious proficients in Divinity;  
He lives, he lives, although his body lies  
Enshrined by earth; True virtue never dies.   

The Life and Death of Bugenhagius, who died Anno Christi 1558.  
IOhn Bugenhagius was born at julinum in Pomerania, An●● christi 1485. His Parents were of the rank of Senators, who bred him up carefully in Learning, and sent him to the University of Grypswald, where he profited in the study of the Arts, and the Greek tongue. Being twenty years old he taught School at Trepta, and by his learning and diligence, he made the School famous, and had many Scholar's to whom also he read daily some portion of Scripture, and p●●yed with them● and meeting with Erasmus his book again the histrionical carriage of the Friars, & the Idolatry of the times, he got so much light thereby, that he was stirred up to instruct others therein, and for that end in his School he read Matthew, the Epistles to Timothy, and the Psalms, to which he added Catechising, and also expounded the Creed, and th● ten Commandments; unto which exercises many gentlemen, Citizens, and Priests resorted: from the School he was called to preach in the Church, and was admitted into the College of Presbyters: many resorted to his Sermons of all ranks, and his fame spread abroad: insomuch as Bogeslau●, the Prince of that Country, employed him in writing an History of the same, and ●urnished him with money, books, and records for the enabling of him thereto: which History he completed in two years, with much judgement, and integrity.  
Anno Christi 1520. one of the Citizens of Trep●a, having Luther's book of the Babylonish Captivity sent him, he gave it to Bugenhagius, as he was at dinner with his Colleagues, who looking over some leaves of it, told them that many Heretics had disquieted the peace of the Church since Christ's time, yet there was never a more pestilent Heretic than the Author of that book: but after some few days, having read it with more diligence and attention, he made this public Recantation before them all; What shall I say of Luther, All the world hath been blind and in cimmerian darkness, only this one man hath found out the Truth. And further disputing of those questions with them, he brought most of his Colleagues to be of his judgement therein: Hereupon Bugenhagius read Luthe●'s other Works diligently, whereby he learned the difference between the Law and the Gospel, Justification by Faith, etc. and taught these things also to his Hearers. But the Devil envying the success of the Gospel, stirred up the Bishop to persecute the professors of it, some of which he cast into Prison, and caused others to fly away; insomuch, as Bugenhagius also being not safe, and desirous to be acquainted, and to confer with Luther, went to Wittembourg Anno christi 1521. and of his 〈◊〉 36. and came thither a little before Luther's going to th● Diet at Worms: In whose absence he opposed ●arolostadius, who would have all Magistrates to rule by the Judicials of Moses, and Images to be cast out of Churches. Upon Luther's return out of his Pathmos, he was chosen Pastor of the Church of Wittembourg; which he taught and governed with much felicity, and in many changes of affairs, for the space of thirty six years, never leaving his station, neither for War nor Pestilence; and when he was proffered Riche● and Preferment both in Denmark and Pomeron, yet he would never leave his Charge, though he lived but poorly in it● Anno christi 1522. he was sent for to Hamburg, where h● prescribed to them a form both of Doctrine, Ceremonies and Calling of Ministers; where he erected a School also● which afterwards grew very famous: and Anno christi 1530 being sent for to Lubec, he prescribed to them also an order both for Preaching and Discipline, and set up a School● there also. Anno christi 1537. he was sent for by Christi●● King of Denmark, to reform Religion in his Dominion●; at which time, he set forth a Book about the Ordination of Ministers: There also, instead of the seven Bishops of Denmark, he settled 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 four and twenty thousand. Anno christi 1542. he was employed by the elector of Saxony, to Reform the Churches in the Dukedom of Brunswick: the year following, the Senate of Hilvesia sent for him to Reform their Churches; where he, with Corvinus and Henry Winckle, wrote them a Form of Ordination, and Ordained six Pastors for their six Congregations. Anno christi 1533. he proceeded Doctor, at th● instigation of joh. Friderick, Elector of Saxony. Afterwards, in the Wars of Germany for Religion, W●ttenberg was besieged, and Bugenhagius being grown old he met with many troubles, yet would he never fly, but by daily prayer to God he much cheered 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 eternal, to know Thee the only true God; and him whom thou hast sent jesus Christ: and so quietly departed in the Lord Anno christi 1558. and of his Age 73.  
He was a faithful Pastor; merciful to the poor; severe and stout in reproof: an earnest defendor of the Truth against Errors: ardent in Prayer, etc. He joined 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 darkness had forsook  
Brave Bugenhagius, he roused up, and took  
Truth by the hand, and from a Foe he turned  
A friend to Luther, though at first he spurned  
Against his writings, yet at last his breast  
Repent what he rashly had expressed.  
Then like a Star he shined and was content  
To teach himselfe● and others to repent.   


PHILIPPUS MELANTHON.  The Life and Death of Philip Melancthon ●  
IN the year of grace 1497. Philippus Melancthon (that vigilant Watchman for the general good of the Church) was borne at Bretta, a Town situate in the Lower Palatinate, and only famous for the birth of so excellent a man. His Parents although they were not endued with any store of earthly treasures, yet they were rich in grace, both of them being godly, wise, virtuous, grave and honest; his Father attaining to no greater advancement then to be chief Gentleman of Arms unto Philippus and Rupertus, two Germane Princes.  
In his youth he was committed unto the tuition of johannes 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 public professor of the Civil 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 knowledge of the ●ame tongues.  
Being by these two furnished in some measure with the knowledge of those tongues; and being not yet fully twelve years 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 himself, 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 general 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 years, he went unto Tubinga in the year 1512. where he became an Auditor unto Brafficanus and Bebelius, the laurel Poets of those parts; and also unto johannes Stoflerus an excellent Mathematician and professor of those Arts in that Academy: and also Franciscus Stadianus, then Logic 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 publicly unto his Auditors, and that he could not but much admire and wonder at the insulsitie and blockishness of the man; here he was also an Auditor unto his Master Simlerus professing the civil 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 Tongues, he was in this University advanced unto the degree of Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy in the year 1513. and in the seventeenth year of his age: after this dignity conferred on him, he remained four years in the Academy, where he commented on Virgil and Ter●nce, read the Rhetoric & History Lecture with singular judgement, & with the great approbation and applause of his Auditors. About this time there being great tumults raised in Saxony concerning religion, grounded on the doctrine taught by Luther, he was called by the Duke of Saxony (God so disposing by his providence) unto Wittenberg, in the year 1518. and in the 22. year of his age, and in the tenth year of Luther's residence in the same place, to be a faithful assistant unto him for the advancing of the Gospel; and in this may that City justly glory, that it hath been blessed with the labours of these two undaunted Champions, who●e actions can hardly be paralleled by any living either in the ancient or in these modern times.  
At his departure from Tubinga, his Master Simlerus said that his going away was to be much lamented of the whole City, and forthwith added, Quotquot ibi essent docti homines, non esse tam doctos ut intelligerent, quanta esse● doctrina ejus, qui inde evocatus discedecet: that amongst all the learned men in the City, non● could be found guilty of so much learning as to judge truly of that worth which was to be found in that man.  
Presently after his coming unto Wittemberge, he publicly began to read his Lctures, where Luther being present he received an excellent approbation from him, concerning his sufficiency & so he proceeded in opening the Scriptures, to the great benefit and instruction of his Auditors.  
In the year 1519. he was present at the disputation betwxt Luther and Eccius, at Leipsich where sometimes he uttered his opinion amongst them concerning the points in controversy; Eccius not well brooking his forwardness cries out unto Luther, Amove a te istam saccum disti●ctionum; remove from thee that budget of distinctions, and after a scornful manner styled him the Grammarian.  
In the year 1520. he expounded the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans at Wittemberge; which work of his was so well approved by Luther, that he caused it to be Printed for the general benefit of the Church: and in his Preface to the same Book, he useth these words unto Melancthon, Ego, quod impii Thomistae suo Thomae mendaciter arrogant, (viz.) neminem scripsissi melius in sanctum Paulum, tibi vere tribuo: What the Thomists unjustly ascribed unto their Thomas (viz.) that none set forth a sounder Commentary on Paul; I attribute it justly unto thee. And in the year following, having intelligence that the Divines of Pa●is had condemned the Books and Doctrine of Luther, he opposed by writing their heady Decree, affirming his Doctrine to be sound and Orthodox.  
In the year 1527. he was appointed by the Duke of Saxony to visit all the Churches within his Dukedom; in the performance whereof he wanted neither painful labour nor envious backbiting. And finding in them many disorders and corruptions, he prescribed unto them a form written in the Germane tongue, which he willed them to embrace and to make use of in their Churches. This action of his caused great contention and strife in the Country, which by the wisdom and virtue of the same Duke was speedily quieted and taken away.  
In the year 1529. an assembly of Divines was appointed at Spire, where the Duke of Saxony was present with Philip Melancthon; who espying his Mother, went unto her, and being demanded by her, What she should believe amongst so many different opinions and controversies; he answered that Pergeret hoc credere quod credidisset, nec pateretur se turbari conflectibus disputationum. That she should believe what she had hitherto believed; and withal, willed her not to ●ay to heart, nor to be disquieted with those Scholastic combats.  
The Church being about this time in a troublesome state, and so continuing for a season; it pleased the Pope to promise the calling of a general Council, for the extirpating of these differences out of the Church, and for the establishing of an Uniform manner of Doctrine and Discipline: but his intent was only to make trial how Melancthon stood affected; for when his Legates requested of him to promise them that he would subscribe to all the Decrees of the Synod then shortly to be called; he denied their unjust request, and withal telling them, In concillo & accusationes, & defensiones, & sententias liberas esse ô portêre, & in ep●um de even●u pacisci antiquam cognitio sit suscripta. That in a general Council all occasions, defending, opinions and judgements ought to be free; and that it was a tying void of sense and reason, to yield a subscription unto those things which as yet he did neither know nor understand. And so remaining unmoveable in this resolution, there was no general Council called, because it lay not in the power of the Emperor to command it, and because the Pope was unwilling to exercise his authority in that kind, lest the event should have proved fatal unto the Apostolical See. About this time Comets were seen in the air for the space of three whole years; concerning which Melancthon wrote many learned observations unto his friends.  
In the year 1535. the fame of Melancthon came into the Kingdom of England and France; wherefore he was sent for by Henry the eight, and invited by the King of France, to settle a Reformation in their Churches; but he went unto neither of them, in regard the Duke of Saxony would not consent thereunto.  
In the year 1539. there was an Assembly of the Protestant Princes at Francfort ad Menum, concerning a Reformation, and Melancthon was commanded to make his personal appearance; but being fearful lest any should offer violence unto his person, he there published a work, entitled De Defension Legitima.  
In the year 1541. an Assembly was appointed at Worms, where there happened a sharp Disputation betwixt Melancthon and Eccius touching Original, sinne but by the Commandment of the Emperor, it was forthwith dissolved, and both of them appointed to meet at Reinspurge, where it fell out that Eccius in his disputation propounded a Sophistical argument, at the which Melancthon pausing a little space for the better untwisting of it, said unto Eccius, that the next day he would give him an answer, whereupon Eccius presently replied, that it would be imputed as a great disgrace unto him, to require so long a time, unto which he presently answered. Mi Doctor non quaero meam gloriam hoc in negotio sed veritatem: Sir, I seek not my own praise in this business, but the truth; within short time the Emperor, came to Reispurge, appointed certain learned Persons on both sides for continuation of the conference; of whom in the life of Bucer, etc. this Conference gave no satisfaction, neither unto Eccius nor unto the Bishops there present, nor unto William Duke of Bavaria; and therefore the whole business was referred unto the judgement of a general Council, and peace was enjoined unto both parties by the strict command of the Emperor, together with a hope declared as touching the Reformation of the Churches. In which Conference Mlancthon objected that axiom against the Papists, Christus adest non propter panem, sed prop●er hominem. Christ is present in the Sacrament, not by reason of the bread, but by reason of the receiver. Which when Luther heard, he joyfully uttered these words, M●c●e Philippe tu eripuisti Pontificiis, quod ego non ausus fuissem: all happiness attend thee Phil●ip, for thou hast overthrown the Papists in that Point, which I dared not to attempt. And wi●h that sentence Eccius was so confuted, that he had not a word to speak; yet at the last in a great rage, he told Melancthon that he would dispute with him ad ignem usque, even unto the very flames: but the night following he drinking something beyond measure, in regard of the predominancy of his chollar, he fell into an Ague, wherewith in few days he died.  
Again in the year 1545. Frederick the Prince Elector Palatine successor unto Lodowick, greatly desiring a Reformation in the Churches; he was informed by Melancthon, that Ecclesiastical government did consist  
1. In the soundness and purity of Doctrine. 2. In the lawful use of the Sacraments. 3. In a conservation of the Minister of the Gospel, and in obedience towards the Pastors of the Churches. 4. In the preservation of an honest and godly Discipline, which was to be upheld by an Ecclesiastical jurisdiction. 5. In the upholding of Schools. 6. In supplying such persons as are employed in weighty matters with sufficient necessaries.  
Which points he caused to be dispersed amongst the Churches, but they wrought little or no Reformation: the year following Germany was oppressed with civil Wars; which when it was greatly lamented by Melancthon, some out of malice misinterpreting his words, accused him unto the Emperor, as one who laboured to hinder his proceed in the Reformation of Religion; for which cause the Emperor intended his death, but he was defended and delivered by the entreaty of Mauritius the Prince Elector, who possessed the Emperor with a contrary opinion. Not long after it happened that there were great preparations for the Council of Trent, and safe going and returning; being concluded on, Melancthon was sent with the Letters of the foresaid Mauritius, and taking Norimberge in his way, he was commanded to stay there until he received an answer concerning that faith which was generally to be embraced of all the Churches.  
During his abode at Noremberge he heard the news of the Expedition of Mauritius against the Emperor, in regard of the Landgrave of Hassia who was detained captive. Wherefore Melancthon lef● Noremburge & returned again to Wittemberge. Many are of opinion that if he had been present at the said Council, and had been suffered to declare his mind freely amongst them, he would have redified many of their judgements concerning matters of religion.  
Being come unto Wittenberg he constantly went forward in his exercise of teaching, and preaching the word of God until he fell into an irrecoverable disease, whereby his vital spirits grew so feeble that he was made unfit for the performance of his pastoral office, and weakness increasing every day more and more upon him, he was constrained at the last to yield unto death; and in the midst of many heavenly prayers he surrendered his soul unto him that gave it, in the year of our Lord 1560. in the 63. year of hi● age, and after that he had preached the space of 42. years unto the inhabitants of Wettemberge. Where he was buried with great sorrow and lamentation, being laid side by side with Luther.  
For his excellent gifts he was not only reverenced by Protestant Divines than living, but he also gained a singular approbation of such as were his professed enemies.  
He was of a mean stature not exceeding the common sort of men, his forehead smooth and high, his hair thin, his neck long, his eyes beautiful and piercing, he was broad breasted, and in general there was a proportionable agreement betwixt all the parts of his body; in his youth he stammered something in his speech, but reaching un●o a maturity of age, he so corrected that infirmity that it gave no offence unto his Auditors; the learned treatises which he left unto the Church (whose reformation both in doctrine and discipline, he greatly laboured for in his life) are here inserted.  
Tome 1.  
1. Commentaries on Genesis. 2. Explications on some Psalms. 3. Upon the Proverbs.  
Annotations on  
4. Matthew. 5. john. 6. 1 Corinthians. 7. An Apology for Luther against the Paritians. 8. Anabaptistists. 9 Sentences of Fathers. 10. Of the qualification of Princes. 11. Of the tree of consanguinity.  
Tome 2.  
1. A Comment on Paul to the Romans. 2. School-notes on the Colossians. 3. Common places of Divinity.  
Tom 3.  
1. A confession of Faith. 2. A Catechism. 3. A method of Preaching. 4. Theological Disputations. 5. Of Vows. 6. Of the doctrine of the reformed Church. 7. An Epistle to John Earl of Widae.  
Tome 4.  
1. Philosophical works. 2. Commentaries on Aristot. Ethics. 3. Politics. 4. An Epitome of Moral Philosophy.  
Tome 5.  
1. A Latin Grammar. 2. A Greek gram. 3. Logic. 4. Rhetoric. 5. Enarrations on Hesiods works. 6. Arithmetic. 7. Epigrams. These were printed by Hervagius; but there are divers others set forth by Christopher Pezelius,  
As 1. An admonition to those that read the Koran. 2. A defence for the marriage of Priests. 3. Commentaries on Daniel. 4. A discourse on the Nicene Creed. 5. Luther's Life and Death. 6. School●-notes on Cicero his Epistles. 7. Translations of Demosthenes and Plutarch. 8. Greek and Latin Epigrams. 9 Two Tomes of Epistles. 10. Carion his chronology ●nlarged.  
Would thy ingenious Fancy soar and fly  
Beyond the pitch of modern Poesy;  
Or wouldst thou learn to charm the conquered ear  
With Reth'riks' oily Magik? wouldst thou hearer  
The Majesty of language? wouldst thou pry  
Into the Bowels of Philosophy,  
Moral, or Natural? Or wouldst thou sound  
The holy depth, and touch the unfathomed ground  
Of deep Theology? Nay, wouldst thou need  
The Sisteme of all excellence, and feed  
Thy empty soul with learning's full perfection:  
Go search Melancthons' Tomes, by whose direction  
Thou shalt be led to Fame, if his rare story  
Can make thee emulous of so great a glory.   

The Life and Death of John a Lasco, who died Anno Christi 1560.  
IOhn Lascus was born of a noble family in Poland, and brought up in learning: afterwards travelling to Tygure in Helvetia, he was by Zuinglius persuaded to betake himself to the study of Divinity: and when he might have been preferred to great honour in his own Country, such was his love to Christ, and his Church, and such his hatred to Popery, that he chose with Moses to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to live in worldly honour, and peace amongst his friends: coming into Friesland Anno Christi 1542. he was called to be a Pastor at Embden, where he fed, and ruled his flock with great diligence: the year after, he was sent for by Ann the widow of Count Oldenburg to reform the Churches in East-Frisland; and the next year after by Albert Duke of Prussia, but when he agreed not with him in judgement about the Lords Supper, the work remained unperfected: about that time (the Emerour persecuted the Protestants) he was sent for by King Edward the sixth (upon Cranmers' motion) into England, where he gathered, Preached unto, and governed the Dutch-Church, which remains to this day. In the days of Queen Mary, he obtained leave to return beyond-Sea, and went with a good part of his Congregation into Denmark: but there he found but cold entertainment, by reason of his differing from them about the Lords Supper: the Churches of Saxony also rejected them, not suffering them to live amongst them upon the like reason: at length that poor Congregation found entertainment in Friesland, under the Lady Anne Oldenburg, and settled at Embdem: Anno Christi 1555. he went thence to Francford upon Main; where, with the consent of the Senate, he gathered a Church of strangers, especially out of Belgia: from thence he wrote a Letter to the King of Poland and his Council, vindicating his Doctrine from some aspersions cast upon it by his adversaries: many enemies also risen up against him and his Congregation, for differing from them about Christ's presence in the Sacrament, especially o●e Westphalus, who wrote bitterly against them, calling them Zuinglians, and affirming that all those which had suffered about that point in Belgia, England or Franc●, were the Devil's Martyrs. At last Lascus returning into his own Country, from which he had been absent twenty years: there he found God's harvest to be great, and the labourers to be very few. His coming was very unwelcome to the Popish Clergy, who sought by all means to destroy him, or to get him banished; and therefore they accused him to the King for an Heretic, beseeching him not to suffer him to stay in the Kingdom: to whom the King answered, That though they pronounced him an Heretic, yet the S●ates of the Kingdom did not so esteem him, and that he was ready to clear himself from those aspersions. When they thus prevailed not, they cast abroad reproaches, and all manner of lies, as if he would stir up a civil War in the Kingdom: but it pleased God when he had spent a little time in instructing his friends, that he sickened, and died anno christi 1569. He was of an excellent wit and judgement, and took much pains to have composed that difference in the Churches about Christ's presence in the Sacrament, though it succeeded not. The King of Poland had him in such esteem, that he made use of his advice and help in many great and difficult businesses.  
Wisdom and goodness both conjoined  
To beautif●e Alascos' mind:  
He was laborious to fulfil  
And prosecute his makers will.  
His heart was proud to undertake,  
To do, or suffer for God's sake:  
Therefore no question but he's blest,  
And rests in peace and endless rest.   


AUGUSTINUS MARLORATUS  The Life and Death of Augustine Marlorat.  
AVgustine Marlorat was born in the Dukedom of Lorraine anno christi 1506. His Parents died whilst he was young, and his kindred gaping after his estate, thrust him at eight years of age into a Monastery of Augustine Friars: by which means (God so ordering of it) he was brought up in learning; and having studied the body of Divinity in France, came to the University of Lasanna, which is a famous Town of the Lords and States of the Country of Bern, situated hard by the Lake of Lemon, and is a place famous for Divinity, where he profited much in learned, and came to the knowledge of the Truth; and from thence he was chosen to be Pastor at Vivia; and from thence he was sent for to Rottomag, where he behaved himself with much piety and wisdom. Anno Christi 1561. he was present at the conference at Posiah, between the Cardinal of Lorraine and Theodore Beza; where he acquitted himself with much courage. The year following when the Civil Wars brak● forth in France, the City of Rotomag was besieged, and after a hard siege, was taken: where Marlorat and four other chief Citizens, by the malice of Mont-Morenzie and Francis Duke of Guise, were hanged; though some of his adversaries would have saved him. This was done the thirtieth of October anno chris. 1562. and of his Age six and fifty: whose Works being ever living Monuments, are preserved to the benefit of the Church of God, and are here set down.  
1. A Catholic and Ecclesiastical Exposition of the new Testament. 2. An Exposition upon Genesis. 3. An Exposition on the Psalms of David. 4. An Exposition upon the Prophecy of Jsaiah. 5. His Thesaurus, or Treasure-house of the whole Canonical Scripture, digested into common places: Also the hard Phrases Alphabetically Printed, which usully are met withal in the Scriptures, by the care and industry of William Feugerius of Rohan, professor of Divinity; to whom Marlorat left this Work, being not altogether perfected at the time of his Dissolution.  
Renowned Marlorat did breath to give  
A breath to worth, which worth shall make him live;  
Virtue shall be his Heravled, and his name  
Shall stand recorded in rolls of fame:  
The trumpet of his praise shall sound the bolder  
Because true virtue need crave no upholder.   

The Life and Death of Amsdorfius, who died Anno Christi 1563.  
NIcolas Amsdorfius was born in Misnia, of noble Parents Anno Christi 1483. and brought up in learning: From School he went to the University of Wittenberg about that time that Luther began to preach against Indulgence: in Anno Christi 1504 he Commensed Master of Arts, and aftewards' Licentiary in Divinity: he embraced the Truth ●hat broke forth in those times, and preached it to others: he accompanied Luther to Worms: in the time of Luther's recess into his Pathmos; he, with Melancthon, and justus jonas being sent to by the Elector of Saxony for their judgement about the Mass, declared that it was an horrible profanation of the Lords Supper; whence ensued the abolishing of it out of all Churches in Wittenberg: he wrote also that the Pope was Antichrist. Anno Christ 1524. Luther being sent for to Magdenburg, he went thither, and having preached to them, he commended to them, and afterwards sent Amsdorfius to gather and instruct the Churches there, who faithfully laboured eighteen years in that place: Anno Christi 1541. he was sent by the Elector of Saxony to govern the Church at Naumberg in the Palatinate; where also the year after he was ordained Bishop by Luther, three other Pastors also imposing of their hands upon him: but six years after he was driven away from thence by the Emperor Charles the fifth, whence he fled to Magdenberg, and was there during the siege of it. Anno Christi 1550. and the year after George Major, having Published this proposition, That good Works were necessary to Salvation; Amsdorfius in heat of contention wrote, That good Works were hurtful and dangerous to Salvation: he died about the four score and eight year of his age, Anno Christi 1563.  
Amsdorfius was the life of worth, his days  
Were filled with trouble, yet perpetual praise  
Waited upon him; for he did oppose  
The Errors of the Pope in spite of those  
That were his enemies, he did maintain  
The Pope was Antichrist, the Mass profane.  
He feared them not, but boldly did profess  
The truth and now is Crowned with happiness.   


WOLFGANGUS MUSCULUS.  The Life and Death of Wolfangus Musculus.  
IN the year of our Lord God 1497. and on the sixth of the Ideses of September (a day much observed by our Ancestors for the birth of the Virgin Mary, and also for the destruction of jerusalem by Titus the son of Vespasian) was Wolfang●● Musculus, that faithful servant of Christ, born at Dusa, a little town situate in Litharingia famous only for the abundance of Salt-pits, wherewith it is richly stored.  
His father was called Antonius Musculus, who by his profession was a Cooper, he was religiously given but of a mean estate, his mother was named Angela Sartoria descended from an honest and well esteemed Parentage, a woman endued with zeal towards religion, with unspotted Chastity, and also with a singular wisdom; they were blessed with two sons Hammanus and this Wolfangus.  
The former was brought up in his Father's professions, the other appearing more ingenuous, and more fit for learning, he was set apart thereunto, which he prosecuted with such an ardent affection, that even in his tender years, he would exercise himself continually in reading or writing, unless he were violently withdrawn from, and as it were with rains restrained from those actions.  
Reaching unto that maturity of age, wherein he appeared fit for more solid studies, his father (furnishing him with some necessaries for the journey) sent him away unto other Schools, wherein according to his own desire he might attain unto greater perfection: the reason why he sent him so slenderly furnished, was because he would have him to get his victuals by singing and beging from door to door, according to the custom of those times, who used (although rich) to thrust out their sons into the world after that manner, that by that means they might join patience, temperance and humility with their learning, fearing that if they should be tenderly and delicately brought up, they would be more addicted unto, and sooner follow and embrace Idleness and lust, than their studies.  
Being sent away after this manner, he went into Alsatia, and taking a view of some certain towns in that Country, at the length he came unto Rappers●ill, where a well disposed widow fixed her eyes upon him, and inwardly lamenting his outward misery, whose cheerful countenance promised a more favourable fortune, received him into her house, and according unto her ability sustained him (he frequented the School) until such time as a general and noble Gentleman living in the same place, had notice of him, who conferred extraordinary courtesies on him, for his maintenance at the School, as he himself freely confessed.  
Having continued here a certain space, he shaped his course unto Selestadt, where he addicted himself unto the study of Poetry, wherein he proved excellent, to the great approbation of his Master, and in this course of study he continued, un●●l he reached unto the age of 15. years.  
Then having a desire to return unto Dusa, to visit his Parents, he directed his course unto a Monastery and (lying in the Palatinate, founded by the Lords of Luzelstein, and consecrated to S●int Benedict) because he intended to visit his Aunt Sophia, living at Westreich, near adjoining unto the said Monastery, where he was lovingly entertained by her, who brought him the evening following with her into the Monastery, to behold the forms and customs of the place, in the performance of their divine exercises: where he adjoined himself unto the Choristers, and sung his part with them, with such a comeliness of gesture and pleasantness of voice, that the Prior was greatly affected towards him, intending to allure him if possible he could, to be ● member of the said Monastery, and for that cause he diligently observes his going out at the end of prayers, and withal follows him close at the heels, accompanying his Aunt, of whom he demanded whose son he was? and f●om whence he came? she forthwith replied, that he w●● her sister's son, and that he was returning from School unto Dusa unto his Parents.  
The Prior then turning himself unto Musculus he demanded of him how he liked a Monasterical life? and withal told him that if he would frame himself thereunto, he would use means that he should be admitted gratis into the College, (which favour had as yet been conferred on none) and that he should be sufficiently provided of apparel and lodging, and that he would esteem him as hi● own son.  
His Aunt returned many thanks unto the Prior for thi● unexpected favour, promising that she would forthwith acquaint his Parents with the motion, and would also return a speedy answer unto him, how they stood affected● so taking their leave of the Prior, they provided for Dusa, where arriving, she declared the kind motions of the Prior; his Parents were exceeding joyful of the news, & persuaded themselves that it was a blessing proceeded from God, and therefore they hasted again to return him to the Prior, who lovingly entertained and received him into the number of his own family, clothed him wi●h an habit suitable to the Monastery, sent him unto the Bishop to be admitted (according to the custom) into his office, and lovingly esteemed him as if he had been his own son, unill he died.  
In this Monastery he continued for the space of fifteen years, which time he spent, not a● lazy and idle Monks commonly do, but in the increasing and perfecting of his learning, sometimes perusing the works of Tully, sometimes reading the books of Ovid, and contracting them into a briefer volume, which work was much applauded by Claudius Cantiuncula, a learned Lawyer in those times: Sometimes spending time in the Art of music, wherein also he attained unto excellent knowledge; neither did he confine himself only unto those studies, but passed from them unto Divinity, into which he entered about the twentieth year of his age, and being told by an old devout Monk, ●hat if he intended to become a good Preacher, he must endeavour to be familiar with the Bible; he forthwith gave himself unto the reading of the Scriptures, reposing and laying up those things in his memory, which seemed unto him most useful for future occasions.  
A●d notice being taken of his knowledge therein, and of the ability of his parts, the office of a Preacher was imposed on him, and he was first designed unto the Church at Leixheim, belonging unto the jurisdiction of the Monastery; where his Auditors perceiving his excellent gifts, ●hey dispersed his fame, whereby he came to be called to the exercising of his gifts in many other Churches.  
During his continuance in this exercise, many of Luther's books were dispersed through Germany, some of which were conveyed to him by an intimate friend of his, these he diligently perused and read day and night, and not with less benefit than labour, embracing the purest doctrine that he found therein, with great zeal; and would confer with his Colleagus many times about the same, stiffly defending and maintaining that doctrine against their Culumnes, disdaining that aspersion of heresy, which was by some of them fastened upon him; affirming that although Luther as he was a man, might err in some points, yet he was not therefore to be pronounced an haeretick; neither did he vindicate this in the Monastery only, but publicly he delivered the same for true and undoubted doctrine unto hi● Auditors, that for the same he was by many evil disposed persons styled the Lutheran Monk.  
But his desire of propagating the truth, wanted not (by the blessing of God) good success; for besides many of his Auditors, he converted some of the Monks of the same Monastery, who afterwards forsook that Cloister life, and constantly professed the Gospel of Christ unto their lives end. He also converted many Noble men, and amongst them Reinhardus a Rottenburge Governor of the Castle at Lutzelstein, a man in great favour with the Prince Elector Palatine.  
In these proceed he wanted not mighty and bitter enemies; for in the Monastery the Signior Monks (who were deeply rooted in superstition) sharply opposed him, doing him all the mischief that they could: as for outward enemies they were not wanting; for the Bishops and Ments and Strasburge, had many times surprised him, had he not been carefully protected by the foresaid Governor.  
This Governor being willing to make trial of his constancy in the cause of Religion; on a time (during his abode under his protection) came to the Church where he wa● Preaching, guarded with some few Horsemen, and having altered his habit that he might not be known, he calls unto him after a bold threatening manner, and commands him to come forth out of the Church. Musculus supposing that they had been some scent from the Bishop to apprehended him; he desired of them that they would give him leave to finish his Sermon, and then he would go with them whether soever they pleased; which being granted, he went forward in his Sermon, without making any show of the least fear: his Sermon being ended, and he supposing that he should die, he exhorted his Auditors u●to constancy, faith and piety; and withal desired them to pour out their prayers unto God for him, who was then ready to lay down his life for Christ; and so committed them all unto Almighty God (who were wonderfully astonished with this action) he came down and yielded himself into the hands of tho●● who expected his coming.  
Reinhardus admiring the undaunted courage of the man, discovered himself, and embracing him in his arms, exhorted him always to retain the same constancy, promising him sure defence, as long as he continued and resided within his liberties.  
But Musculus perceiving danger to increase daily, so that he could not have liberty to make profession of the Gospel in that place, he resolved to forsake the Monastery, and to betake himself unto some place where he might with more freedom and less danger profess the same. He acquainted some of the Monks which were his intimate friends with this resolution; they, by reason of the death of the Prior at that time, desired him to stay, and would willingly have conferred the government of the Monastery on him; but he knowing that that dignity would prove a hindrance unto that which he most aimed at, refused it, and willed them to bestow it on Brisacius. Before he departed he betrothed himself unto a Kinswoman of the said Brisacius; who also went together with him unto Strasburge, in the year 1527. and in the thirtieth year of his age; where according to the manner of that Church he was publicly married; the Minister bestowing a Wedding dinner on them in his own house.  
Here misery began to creep more and more upon him, partly because of that little money wherewith he was furnished to sustain both himself and his wife; and partly because there was no hope left unto him of getting any thing by Preaching; because many eminent persons were Silenced in the same City. Wherefore for the avoiding of further poverty, his wife turned servant, and he covenanted with a Weaver to do him service for the space of two Months. Which action although that it ministered grief unto him, yet casting himself upon God, he comforted himself with this distich: 

Est Deus in coelo, qui providus omnia curate,  
Credentes nunquam deservisse potest.   

God by his foresight hath such order taken,  
That true Beléevers cannot be forsaken.    
This Weaver with whom he had Covenanted was an Anabaptist, who nourished in his house a teacher of that sect. Musculus perceiving his great hypocrisy & idleness, would sometimes object unto him those words of Paul, He that will not work, let him not ea●. At which saying the Weaver was greatly offended, so as at the end of two Months he gave him his wages, and bade him be gone. Musculus was now compelled to seek him a new Master; and it happened at that time that the Inhabitants of Strasburge employed many labourers, about the scouring of the Ditch which environed the City, and about the repairing of the breaches in the Wals. He agrees with the Master of the Work, and towards night he walks about the walls to view what place might please him best to work in; which being done, he returned unto his wife, who certified him of better news; and as God so disposed of a better work, and that was this, that a Messenger was in the house, who willed him to meet the Senate and Bucer in the Cathedral Church. He much admired at the first what this should mean, yet forthwith he went; Bucer having notice of him, calls him unto him: he being no sooner come, the Council commanded him to go unto the Village called Dorl●ckzein, distant three miles from S●rasburge, and there to Preach the Gospel of Christ unto the People, and to exhort them unto Humility and Obedience.  
At his first entrance upon this Cure, Bucer took him into his own House, and made use of him for the writing of such things as he intended for the Press. Afterwards, by the advice of the Ministers of Strasburge, he settled himself with his wife in the Village. The Inhabitants received him with all courtesy, freely offering him all things necessary for his house. Here he continued Preaching for the space of twelve months, receiving not any thing for his paine●, which notwithstanding he performed without grudging: the reason was because the Abbot of Ho●enforst, who received the tithes of the Parish, refused to give him any money: Which being understood by those of Strasburge, he was bountifully relieved out of the common treasury.  
Unto his preaching he also added the teaching ●nd instructing of youth, whereby he gained the entire love of his parishioners, so that they received him as a grave father. Not far from this Villiage there was a Monastery dedicated unto St. john pertaining unto the Diocese of the Bishop of Strasburg, wherein an ann●al feast of dedication was celebrated; at which a Monk, or some Mass Priest used to preach; Musculus at the entreaty of his neighbours went along with them to here the Sermon; the Monk discoursed on that saying of Saint Paul to the H●brews, that without faith it was impossible to please ●od: & having delivered many things as touching the excellency of faith; at ●he last, he bitterly enveighed against the Lutherans, and especially those of Strasburg, caling them deserters of the Catholic Faith. This railing act as it was pleasing unto the Monks and Priests there present, so it grieved Musculus to hear the true professors thus scandalised. Wherefore at the coming down of the Monk from the Pulpit, he goeth unto him, and uttereth these words, in the audience of the congregation. O thou wicked f●llow, stay here a while, and thou shalt hear me lay open thy wickedness unto all this Congregation: & then ascending the Pulpit, he repeated again the same words of Saint Paul ● where he shown unto them that by faith in that place, w●● meant a true and a saving faith in Jesus Christ, and that those professors at Strasburge did rely on none but on this faith, and therefore unjustly wronged by the Monks.  
The Priests and Monks hearing this, they withdrew themselves out of the Chapel; in comes the Prior, interrupts him, and commands him to desist, and to come down; and withal, asked him who gave him authority to Preach in that place? He forthwith replied; Who gave thee authority to constitute a lying Monk here, who doth unjustly and impudently reproach the Senate and people of Strasburge: and know thou this, that I am in duty bound to clear my Magistrates from unjust and false aspersions. The Prior being repulsed with this answer, was for a while quiet, and he went forward in his Sermon. But being not so contented, sets on him again, and kindly entreats him that he would give over; telling him, that his proceeding would cause a seditious tumult. He again desireth him to be pacified, and exhorteth the people to be quiet; and so with a bold and courageous spirit, he continued even unto the end of his Sermon. The report of this coming to Strasburge, it procured unto him great applause, and a reverend esteem amongst all good men. Having spent a year in this Village, he was called by the Ministers of Strasburge, to take upon him the Office of a Deacon; which Office h● was very unwilling to take upon him, urging his own inability; yet by th● persuasion of the Ministers, he yielded; and performed it for the space of two years.  
In which time this memorable act is recorded of him, that being sent unto Dosna, a Village near Strasburge, to Preach unto the Inhabitants who were obstinate Papists; he wrought upon them so effectually at his first Sermon, that of their own accord they abrogated the Mass, and cast the Priest with all his ornaments out of the Church● after that he had taught here six weeks, he was called again unto the City to perform the office of a Deacon: during his residence in the City, he became an Auditor unto the Lectures of Wolfangus Capito and Martin Bucer, and also at vacant ●imes he gave himself to the study of the Hebrew tongue, wherein he attained unto that perfection, that with his own hand he writ an Hebrew Lexicon, and understood the most obscured Commentaries of the Rabbins, together with the Caldey Interpreters.  
At the end of two years, the Citizens of Ausp●re sent unto Strasburge to desire Musculus a few years, for their Churches: they consented unto so pious a motion; but Musculus was unwilling to go, pleading again his insufficiency; neither had he gone, notwithstanding the entreaty of the Ministers, had not the Senate commanded him thereunto.  
At his coming unto Auspurge, he found the Church much troubled and afflicted, not only by reason of the evil attempts and endeavour of the Papists, who never ceased to extinguish the light of the Gospel; but also by reason of the Anabaptists, who seduced and led away many, whose boldness also advanced itself unto that height, that they would come publicly into the Protestant Churches, and openly in their Pulpits they would divulge their errors: whereby sedition and tumults were raised in the City, for which many of the Anabaptis●s were committed by the Magistrate unto Prison: Musculas deals first with the Anabaptists; in their first conference they did obstinately opposed him, but afterwards considering his solid and weighty reasons and arguments which they could not withstand, they acknowledged their error, and many of them made a public recantation, forsook their errors, and became members of the Church.  
Afterwards he had a sharp conflict with the Pap●sts, whom also in the presence of the Senate and people of Auspurge, he openly confuted, with such powerful arguments, that the Senate expeled & banished them all the City, purged the Churches from all Idolatrous worship, & consecrated them only unto the Evangelicall truth; designing unto Musculus one of the principallest Churches in the City, and having him in a reverend Estimation; in this place besides his labours in the Ministry which were great, he attained the knowledge of the Greek tongue, together with the Arabic.  
He taught in this City eighteen years, to the great benefit of his Auditors, in his Sermons he was vehement and powerful, wonderfully working upon the hearts of the people; he was a sharp reprover of vice; his method which he observed in teaching was exact and easy, which drew the greater concourse of people unto him, for their better instruction and information in the way of truth.  
In the year 1536. there was a Synod proclaimed at Isenacam a town situate in the Dukdome of Saxony, for the reconciling of the Churches about the Sacrament, whither Musculus was sent by the Senate of Ausburge; but because Luther came not thither he with many other Divines went unto Wittenberg, touching the conclusion. viz. Bucer, Melancthon: In the year 1540 the Princes and Senates of the Empire were assembled at Worms, and Reinspurge, to hear a disputation betwixt the Protestant Ministers and the Papists, touching Religion, where Musculus by the command of the Senate was present, and delivered two Sermons before the Princes, concerning the Popish Mass, which for their excellency were afterwards Printed at Wittenberg. The Assembly being desolved, without any thing affected, he returned again to Auspurge, where he continued in his Ministerial function until the year 1547. wherein Carolus the Emperor commanded an assembly of the Princes and Senates of the Empire at Auspurge, unto which both himself with his brother Ferdinand King of the Romans, and also the Princes, being accompanied with Cardinals and Bishops: At the first entrence, of the Emperor into the City, Musculus was put void o● his Church, it being given unto the Emperor, yet he ceased not to perform his office, and boldly to preach in other places of the City, ●he Senate and people as yet constantly retaining the pro●●ssion of the Gospel.  
He wanted not enemies at that time in the City, who acquainted the Emperor, the King, the Cardinals and Bishops with his proceeding, accusing him of sedition and heresy, and the Senate perceiving the danger that he was in, they commanded a Guard to accompany him unto the Church and home again, which his enemies perceiving, and not daring to use any violence against his person in the street●; they wi●h one consent flocked unto his house, using many reproachful speeches, laying on him many false aspersions, and withal breaking his windows with stones; all which he suffered with an undaunted Spirit, resolving to persevere in that truth which he taught even to the period of his day●. But it so fell out that in the year following the Emperor had promulgated a book written concerning Religion called the Interim, which he would have to be embraced and confirmed by the States and Cities of the Emprie; which when he perceived that it was received by the Senate first, he publicly opposed it in the Church, and exhorted them to the constant profession of their former doctrine; and secondly he told them that he must be compelled to departed from them, in case they did refuse his motion: but he perceiving no hopes of altering their opinions after that he had taken his supper, he left the City, being accompanied only with one Citizen, committing his wife and eight children which he left behind him unto the protection of the Almighty: and being without the Ports he changed his hablit, least through the same he might be discovered by his enemies.  
And having turned a Wagon, he went toward Ti●urum, where he remained a few days with Bullinger, and from thence he departed and went unto Basil, unto johanner Hervagius; his wife followed immediately after him, not knowing where to find him unless at Basil; wherefore when she came to Constance, for her assurance she sent letters by a trusty friend, whom she desired to certify her husband of her abode at Constance: the messenger finding Musculus at Basil delivered the letters, and forthwith returned unto Constance where he found his wife and children: upon the Lord's day following he preached twice in the City, taking for hi● text, those words in john the 6. ver. 66. From that time many of the Disciples went back and walked no more with him; Then said jesus unto the twelve, I will yet also go away, etc. from which place of Scripture he shown unto them, how greatly those Cities did offend, which did fall from the truth of Christ for the favour of m●n; and withal he earnestly exhorted the people of Constance, not to follow the examples of such, but constantly to adhaere unto the truth taught by Christ in his Word: and this was the last Sermon that was Preached in the peaceable state of the Commonwealth; for the day following the Spanish Forces under the conduct of Alfonsus Vives beleaguered the City; during the Siege, by the persuasion of Ambrose Blaurerus a reverend Pastor, Musculu● with his wife and children were conveyed out of the City with safety, and they escaped the fury of the enemies, intending to go for Tigurum, but by reason of sickness, which seized on his wife, he was compelled to remain at Sangallum; after her recovery he went unto Tigurum, where he was joyfully received of the Inhabitants, with whom he continued six months, before he was called to perform his Ministerial function; in which vacancy he was called by Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, into England; but in regard of his own age as unfit for travel, and in respect of the weakness of his wife, and the many children which he had, he modestly refused.  
Not long after the Inhabitants of Berne were destitute of a Divinity Lecturer for their Schools; wherefore he was called by the Senate unto that profession, which indeed was most welcome unto him, partly for the excellency of that Church and Commonwealth, and partly for the renewing of his acquaintance with his old friend johannes Hallerus. He entered upon this Lecture in the year 1549. and constantly continued in it for the space of fourteen years, to the exceeding benefit of the Church of Christ; opening in that space unto his Auditors almost the whole Bible. He naturally detested Contraversies, and would write his mind, without the injury or contempt of others; so that his Works were opposed by no man in public during his life, only those two Sermons excepted, which he Preached before the Princes at Worms, which were opposed by Cochlaeus.  
The great love which he carried towards the Inhabitants of Berne appeareth in this, that he refused great honour and ample Revenues, which were proffered unto him during his Lectureship at Berne; for he was thrice called into England, seconded with large rewards: also the Inhabitants of Auspurge having again obtained their former liberty, amongst other banished Ministers, they first recalled Musculus. He was again desired by the Inhabitants of Strasburge; invited by Otho Henricus, and Fredericus Prince Elector Palatine, and by the Land grave of Hassia many times; but he modestly refused all these, though honourable callings: intending to perform his best service unto the end of his days, unto that City who had showed and vouchsafed him such kindness in his greatest extremity; which indeed was truly performed.  
Not long before his death he was sickly, partly by reason of his years; his body being spent with infinite cares and labours, & partly by reason of a vehement cold which did much afflict him; whereby he gathered that he was to leave that house of clay, and therefore setting all other things aside, he entered into a heavenly meditation of death; the sum of which he hath left unto the world, being written by himself before his death.  

Nil super est vitae, frigus praecordia captat  
Sed in Christ mihi vita parennis ad es.  
Quid crepidas anima? ad sedes abitura quietis,  
En tibi ductor adest, Angelus ille tuus.  
Lingua domum hanc miseram, nunc in sua fata ruentem.  
Quam tibi fida Dei dextera restituet  
Peccasti? scio: sed Christus ardentibus in se,  
Peccata expurga●sanguin● cuncta suo.  
Horribilis mors est? fateor sed proxima vita est,  
Ad quam te Christi gratia c●rta vocat.  
Praesto est de Satana, pecca●a est morte triumph●s  
Christus, ad hunc igitur; l●●a alacrisque migra.   

This life is done, cold Death doth summon me:  
A life eternal I expect from thee  
My Saviour Christ: why dost thou fear my Dove?  
He will conduct thee to his throne above.  
Forsake this body, this corrupted creature:  
Thy God will change it to a better nature.  
Dost thou abound with sin? I do confess  
That thou art guilty, and dost oft transgress.  
But Christ his blood doth wash and cleanse all those,  
That can themselves in him by Faith repose.  
Doth Death appear an object full of horror,  
Both ugly, ghastly, and not wanting terror.  
I do confess it, but that life again  
Which follows death doth take away that pain.  
Unto which life we called are by Christ;  
Then do no longer O my soul resist,  
But yield thou with all cheerfulness to dwell  
With him triumphing o'er Death, Sin and Hell.   
Afterwards the strength of his sickness did increase by the addition of an Ague, whereby he was brought so weak, that he was not able to sit up right in his bed; wherefore he s●nt unto Master johannes Allerus and other Ministers, unto whom he declared the Faith which he died in; and withal, committed the care of his Wife and Children unto th●m; who told him that they would not b● deficient in any thing wherein they might show themselves beneficial and helpful unto them.  
As he was a man endued with an extraordiry patience in his life, so he also testified the same during his sickness: for he 〈◊〉 that affliction with admired patience, still calling upon and praying unto almighty God, relying only upon him; as appeared by that Speech of his unto his Son, who standing by his Bedside weeping, he turned to him, and told him, that he need not doubt of his Father's Faith, which indeed were the last words which he uttered; and not long after he yielded up his soul with all quietness into the hands of God, in the year of Christ 1563. and in the sixty six year of his age, and was buried at Berne.  
He was a man learned and grave, affable and courteous, sparing in hi● diet; he was something tall in stature, having a body strait, a face red, eyes clear and quicksighted; in general, there was a proportionable agreement betwixt all his parts. His Works are these:  
1. Commentaries on Genesis. 2. Psalms. 3. Matthew. 4. john. 5. Romans. 6. Corinthians. 7. Philippians. 8. Colossians. 9 Thessalonians. 10. 1 Timothy. 11. His common places. 12. Upon the Commandments. 13. Of Oaths. 14. Of the German Wars.  
Translations of Greek Authors.  
1. Commentaries of chrysostom on Sain● Paul's Epistles. 2. Epistles of Saint Basil. 3. Ethics of Basil. 4. Of solitary life. 5. Homilies. 6. School-notes of Basil on the Psalter. 7. Thirty nine Epistles of Cyril. 8. A Declaration of the twelve Anathemos in the Ephesnick Council. 9 Opinions of Nestorius con●i●ed. 10. Synopsis of the Scriptures out of Athana●iu●. 11. 140. questions out of the old and new Testament. 12. A Synopsis of Theodore Bishop of Tyre.  
Ecclesiastical Histories.  
1. Ten books of Eusebius of Ecclesiastical affairs. 2. Five ●ookes of Eusebius of the life of Constantine. 3. Eight books of Socrates. 4. Nine books of Zozomen. 5. Two books of Theodore. 6. Six of Evagr●us. 7. Five of Polybius.  
'Twas neither fear nor danger, could estrange  
Undaunted Musculus, or make him change  
His resolutions; nothing could prevail  
Against the bulwarks of his Fort, or scale  
His well armed thought; he would (in spite of those  
That were so barbarous to be his Foes) ●  
Proclaim the Truth, and would not let it rest  
(Until discovered) in his serious breast  
He lived God's faithful Factor here below,  
To send him souls to heaven, and to bestow  
That talon he had gave him, that he might  
When's Master called, cast his accounts aright.   

The Life and Death of Hyperius, who died Anno Christi 1564.  
Andrea's Gerardus Hyperius was born at Ipres in Flanders, Anno Christi 1511. his Father was a Counsellor, who brought him up carefully in learning. At 13. years old he traveled through the Islands of Flanders, and learned the French tongue: afterwards he went to Paris, where he studied in that University the Arts for three years, and then went home to visit his friends; but after a short stay, he returned to Paris, and studied Divinity and Physic: and every year in the vacation time he travelled abroad into France; so that in three years he had seen most part of France, and part of Italy, and visited the chiefest Universities in both: then he went to Louvain, and into most parts of the lower Germany ● and at twenty six years old, he travelled into upper Germany: then he sailed into England, where falling into the company of Charles Montjoy, [Baron Montjoy's Son] he took such affection to him, that he desired him to live with him, where he lived four years with much content, and then he visited Cambridge: and the Lord Cromwell being beheaded about that time, and the six Articles pressed with rigour, he thought of returning into his own Country; fi●st visiting Oxford, and from thence he went to London, and so sailed to Antwerp, and from thence he went home: but hearing the fame of the University of Argentine, and of Bucer there, he traveled thither also: but in the way he went to Marpurg, where Noviomagus was Divinity-professor, who importuned him to stay there, and to give some taste of his learning, and to be his assistant; when he had prevailed with him, he shortly after dying, Hyperius was chosen in his room; and after two years stay, he married a wife, one Catharine Orthia, with whom he lived with much comfort, and had by her six sons, and four daughters: he taught there with much diligence, and faithfulness 22. years: he directed young students in the composing of their Sermons, and heard them first Preach in private, that if any thing were amiss, either in their voice, or gesture he might rectify them in it: he was never idle, but always either writing, reading, or meditating, so that he much weakened his body thereby: at last falling sick of a Fever he gave divers instructions to his wife, for the education of his children; and to his children, whom he exhorted to serve God, and to obey their mother; and when his friends visited him, he requested them to bear witness, That in that Faith wherein he had lived, and which he had taught, he now died: and so continued making a profession of the same till he yielded up his spirit unto God, being about 53. years old, Anno Christi 1564. having been Pastor of the Church, and professor in the University 22. years.  
Studious Hyperius always loved to be  
In consultation with Divinity:  
He lo●'d the truth, and always strived to fly  
Upon the wings of true solidity:  
Religion was his guide; he always stood  
Firmly obedient unto what was good.   


JOHANNES CALVINUS.  The Life and Death of John Calvin.  
IN the year of our Lord God 1509. this reverend and faithful Minister of Jesus Christ john Calvin, was born at Noviodunum a famous town fituate in that part of Aquitane, which borders upon Picardy: he may well be termed the Luster of the French Nation, for his excellent endewments of learning and piety; he was descended from virtuous Parents; blessed only with a competency of worldly riches, sufficient to preserve an honest report amongst their neighbours; their greatest blessing appeared in the gift of this gracious infant. His Father's name was Gerard Calvin, ● man much esteemed of the Nobility inhabiting Aquitane, because he was a singular Politician, approving his judgement and advice touching the administration of the Commonwealth, desiring his presence whensoever that they consulted about serious affairs and important matters of State; whereby it came to pass that his son Calvin was brought up in his youth with the sons of the eminentest persons in that Country: His mother was called joanna Franca.  
These children he accompanied unto Paris, for the increasing of his learning, where he had Maturinus Corderius for his Tutor, a man much reverenced for his internal and external qualities, and esteemed the best for the instruction and bringing up of youth within the realm of France. The reason why his father brought him up in learning, was because he perceived a voluntary inclination in his son thereunto, which appeared two manner of ways; first because in his youth he was religiously given; and secondly, because it was observed that he was a sharp reprover of vice in his School-fellowes. These were sufficient ●estifications unto his Father; wherefore when he came to some maturity of age, his father so wrought with the Bishop of Noviodun●m, that he had a Canon's place in the Cathedral Church, and also a Cure in a Parish near adjoining, where it is thought that he Preached many Sermons, although not advanced to the Ministerial function; but this proceeding continued not long, partly by reason of his father's desire, who was earnest with him to addict himself unto the study of the civil Law, a surer step unto wealth and preferment; and partly by the persuasion of Rober●us Olivetanus, (a man well deserving of the Fr●nch Churches, for the doing of the Hebrew Bible into French) who willed him to give himself wholly unto the reading of the sacred Scriptures, and to separate himself from those superstitions which were odious in the sight of God.  
Being willing to testify his obedience unto his father, he therefore left his Cure and went to Orleans, where h● became an Auditor unto Petrus Stella (then public professor in that place, and reputed to be the soundest Civilian than living in France) by which means he attained unto great perfection in that Art, so as he seemed in short time to be rather a teacher then ●n Auditor, and would many time● supply the places of the professors themselves; by which means he gained so great love in the Academy, that at hi● departure from Orleans they proffered to confer freely on him, the dignity of Doctor in the Civil Law: this is also remarkable in the prosecution of his Father's Will, he was not forgetful of the counsel of his kinsman Olivetanus, so as withal he diligently gave himself unto the study of Divinity; in which also he attained unto such perfection that those Inhabitants of Orleans, who were touched with a desire of a more pure religion, would resort unto him to have private conference with him, greatly admiring both his zeal and knowledge during his residence in that Academy; beside his daily exercises, he used to spend half the night in reading, & the morning following he would meditate awhile in his bed on that which he had read; by which constant watchfulness, as it was a means of furnishing him with solid learning & with a retentive memory; so it was also a means of procuring unto him many diseases, & at the length untimely death.  
About this time the Academy at Bordeaux was famous for the presence of that Prince of Lawirus, Andraeas Alcia●●● who came out of Italy to be their public Professor; whereupon Calvin le●t O●leance and came to Bordeaux, where he acquainted himself with Alciatus, and also with Melchior Volmarus, then public Professor of the Greek tongue; whose learning, piety and other virtues, together with his admirable dexterity, in the bringing up of youth cannot receive worthy commendations of this Wolmarus: Calvin learned here the Greek tongue, and a thankful remembrance of which benefit he hath recorded unto future ages, by dedicating unto him his Commentary on the second Epistle to the Corinthians. Whilst he studied this tongue, he laid not aside the study of Divinity, but made it his only aim, a● it appeared by his actions; for during his continuance in Bordeaux, he would entreat Wolmarus to walk with him into the Country, and to be an Auditor unto his Sermon●, which were approved by him, with no less than an astonished admiration.  
Here he continued earnestly prosecuting his Studies with all diligence, until such time as he was called home by his Father's death, where he continued no longer space but until that he had put off the days of mourning, and then he went again unto Paris, where at the age of twenty four years, he wrote a Commentary upon that book of Seneca, de clementia; he had not continued long here, but his worth procured him the favour and love of such zealous persons as desired a Reformation, & especially the love of Stephanus Forgive, an honourable Merchant, who afterwards suffered Martyrdom for the truth of Christ: In this Academy he forsook the study of human learning, and betook himself wholly unto the study of Divini●y, to the exceeding joy of such godly persons, who durst not to discover their profession to the world, because of the strength of their enemies, but kept their private assemblies in Paris.  
During his residence here Nicalaus Copus the son of Gulielmus Copus of Basil, the King's Physician, was designed Rector of Paris; who b●ing to deliver his Oration according unto the Custom, the same day that religious acts were celeberated by the Pops; he requested Calvin to perform it for him, who willingly condicended thereunto, and in his O●ation he discoursed more freely concerning the purity of Religion than others in that place had formerly done. This act being not well brooked by the Senate, they call a Parliament, and the Rector is summoned to appear; in his journey thither he was admonished by some of his friends to take heed unto himself, because he wanted neither many nor powerful enemies. He taking these words into a deep consideration, returns bacl again, departs out of the Kingdom, and conveys himself too Basil. Neither was Calvin free from danger in this act; for some were sent into the School which is called Fortre●um, where his lodging was; but finding him not within, they broke open the doors of his Study, take such Papers as they find, and amongst them many Letters which were sent by zealous p●●●sons unto him, whereby they also were brought into gre●● danger of their lives; but they were all delivered by the means of the Queen of Navarre, who honourably receiv●● and entertained Calvin in her house, and became an Auditor unto his Sermons.  
Having continued here a while under the protection of the Queen, he shapes his course toward Neracum a City i● Aquitaine ● to visit jacobus Stapulensis, who was protected and defended by the Queen for the same cause, and therefore placed in that City under her Dominion. This old man having a certain relation from him how all things wen●● he most courteously entertained him, was right glad to confer with him; and withal spending this judgement on him, that he would be an excellent instrument for the establishing of the Kingdom of Christ within the Kingdom of France.  
Having continued a few days with this jacobus, he returns again to Paris, being led thereunto by the hand of God, for the purging of the City of that damned haere●i● of Servetus concerning the Trinity; but after long expectation and secret hiding of himself, he was constrained again to leave the City without the effecting of any thing; the enemies of the truth still labouring to take away his lif●.  
In the year 1534. Gerardus Ruffus and Coraldus, zealous professors of the truth of Christ, and labouring to promote the Gospel in France, were with great cruelty pulled down out of their Pulpits and cast into prison: and the King was so enraged, by reason of certain writings opposing the Mass, which were scattered up and down the C●ty, and fastened unto the door of his Bed chamber, that aft●● public Prayers, he commanded (at the which he himself was present, together with his three Sons, being bareheaded, 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 bond himself with a solemn Oath, that he would not spare his own children, ●f he should but know that they were infected with that most horrible and damned heresy.  
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 horsed and espying an opportunity answering his wicked intent, leavs them to shift and to provide for themselves; and doubtless they had been driven into great distress, had not the other servant furnished them with ten Crowns, which he h●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 tongue: here he also set forth his Institutions, a laborious & learned work, 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: b●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 virtuous and a godly Princess, whom he there confirmed and strenthned in her religious course of life, whereby she greatly affected him during the time of his life, and also made a kind testi●●●tion of the same unto the world after his death. Hence he returned again into France, with an intent to go for Germany, but in regard of the Wars, passages were shut up that he could not travel, and therefore he turned into Ge●eva, not thinking to make 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 coming, the Gospel of Christ was wonderfully brought, and that by the labour and industry of two famous Divines, (viz.) Gulielmus Farellus sometimes Scholar unto jacobus 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 remain at Geneva, and to be an ass●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 persuaded thereunto, and being a man of a bold spirit, he said unto him after a vehement manner, I pronounce unto thee in the name of the living and alpowerfull God, that unless thou join with us in this work of the Lord, it will come to pass, that he will curse thee as one that seeketh more his own then the glory of Christ.  
Calvin being astonished with this terrible sentence and speech of Farellus, he forthwith submitted himself unto the pleasure of the Presbytery and Magistrates; by whose voices and consent of the People, he was not only 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 remarkable for that League concluded betwixt the Cities of Brene and ●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 form of Doctrine, unto which he laboured to have the Inhabitants to subscribe, and to bind themselves by an Oath to abjure the superstitious 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 Oaths for the defence of the same.  
The ground being thus laid, there wanted not enemies, and those bitter ones to oppose him in his proceed; for first the Anabaptists began to sow their erroneous opinions in the hearts of many, to the great detriment of the Church; but these were so confuted by Calvin in public disputation appointed by the Senate, that scarcely any one of them appeared afterwards in the City. The other disturber of the peace and happiness of that Church was, Petrus Caroli born at Sarbona; who, as she brought him forth an impudent Sophister, so she cast him out again as a more wicked haeretick: being thence cast out he came to Geneva, accompanied with the spirit of the Devil; when he saw himself to be sharply reproved of the Inhabitants, he went unto their enemy's, and from thence he returned unto Geneva again, intending to leave behind him some expressions of his worse than diabolical opinions; and for that cause he first began openly to accuse Farell, Calvin and Viret, of a misconceived opinion concerning the Trinity; whereupon a Synad was called at Berne, wherein that calumny of Petrus Caroli was condemned.  
But that which strooke the greatest stroke for the crushing of these hopeful beginnings, was the intestine dissensions and seditions in the City, who would not endure this new form of Government; these Farell and Calvin, began first to correct with mild admonitions, and when they saw that would not prevail 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 which 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 Ecclesiastical discipline.  
There also happened unto this another evil, (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 persuaded then to command Farell, Calvin and Coraldus to departed the City within two days, because they had refused to administer the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to them; which message when it was delivered unto Calvin he replied; Indeed, if I had served men, I had been evilly rewarded, but now it shall go well with me, because I have served him who will truly pay unto his servants that which he hath once promised.  
Who could otherwise have thought but that this action would have proved fatal unto the Church of Geneva? yet the event manifested the contrary, & shown that it came to pass by Divine providence, partly because that by exercising him with these trials, he might be the more fit for weightier matters; and partly because he might purge that Church again from many gross and wicked errors. When that sedition had overthrown and sunk itself with its own weight; so wonderfully doth the Lord appear in all his works, but more especially in the Governing and protection of his Church.  
Some there were who greatly bewailed the departure of these faithful Pastors, who also inwardly as much lamented the the miserable and wretched State of that City. From Geneva they went unto Tigurum, where a Synod was called to effect a reconciliation betwixt the Churches, and those of Geneva; being willed by an Ambassador sent from Berne to subscribe unto the decrees thereof, they would not condescend thereunto; whereupon Calvin left Tigurum and went unto Basil, where after that he had remained two or three days, he directed his course unto Strasburge, where he was called by the Senate, Bucer, Hedio, Capito, and many other reverend Pastors, to be the Divinity Lecturer in that City, which he did not only perform with the applause of all the learned, but also with the consent of the Senate he planted the French Church in that City.  
Here Calvin remained until the year 1541. in which year a Convocation was enacted by the Emperor at Worms and Reinspurge, for the taking away of differences out of those Churches concerning Religion; at which Convocation Calvin was present, and unto this Assembly came also the Commissioners before mentioned, who persuaded and prevailed with the Inhabitants of Geneva for the casting out of Calvin out of the City; upon one of them God shown a terrible example of vengeance in the same place; for being censured guilty of sedition, as he was about to save himself by escaping through a window, he fell down headlong, and with the weight of his body he so crushed himself, that within few days after he died. Another of them being found guilty of murder, he had his head stricken off; the other two, by reason of their ill carriage in the affairs of that Commonwealth, were in their absence condemned and ejected by the Citizens.  
During his abode at Strasburge, until this Assembly called by the Emperor, the Church at Geneva was greatly afflicted with sundry opinions, which were brought into the City in the year 1539. by jacobus Sadoletus, which notwithstanding took no deep rooting, Calvin by his letters in his banishment persuaded the contrary.  
These Commissioners being thus taken away, as the fountains of all sedition in the City, it pleased the Lord to work a desire in the hearts of the Inhabitants of recaling Farel and Calvin into the City; but when they saw that they could not possibly recall Farel from Neocum, they send Ambassadors with all speed unto Strasburge, making the Tigurines also their intercessors for the obtaining of Calvin.  
The Inhabitants of Strasburge appeared unwilling to grant their desire, and Calvin himself; because he saw his actions to prosper and to be blessed of God; in that City refused also himself to go unto Geneva, fearing lest his proceed should be again hindered by the like seditious uproars.  
The Ambassadors were urgent, and followed their matter ●o close, that at the last it was concluded that Calvin should again to Geneva; but because he was to accompany Buc●r unto Reinspurge, his journey was deferred for a space, and they of Geneva procured Viret from Lausanna to Preach unto them, until the return of Calvin from Reinspurge; which fell out in the year 1541. where he was received with exceeding joy and gladness, not only by the Senate, but also by all the Inhabitants; and he was again restored unto his Church.  
But at his entrance again, he told them, that he could not truly discharge his Ministerial function, unless they would also entertain a Presbytery, strengthened with Ecclesiastical discipline together with his Doctrine: unto which motion they consented; whereupon a Presbytery was chosen, their Offices were declared unto each of them: and unto this form of Government they all subscribed.  
The joyful news of calvin's coming unto Geneva again being spread abroad, it caused many godly minded persons to resort, some out of Italy, some out of England, some out of Spain, unto the same place to be Auditors unto him: these increased unto that number, that there wa● not room in the City to entertain them; and Calvin perceiving that ordering of all things in the City, would be a labour too weighty for him; he desired that he might have Farel and Viret adjoined unto him; but it could not be granted; for Viret was returned again unto Lausanna, and Farell was detained at Neocum; so as Calvin alone carries away the glory of that reformed Church.  
It was Bezaes' opinion concerning these three, that a complete Pastor might be composed of them; taking boldness from Farel, eloquence from Viret, and solid substance from Calvin, every word appearing a grave sentence.  
In the year 1542. Calvin was exercised with many laborious employments; not only concerning the affairs of Geneva, but also about the comforting and relieving of such as were banished their Country for the profession of the Gospel, and also by writing consolatory Letters unto them, for their confirmation and strengthening in the extremity of their afflictions: unto these also were added; first, a Famine: secondly, a Pestilence, both being predominant at one and the same time in Geneva. Now because the custom of the City was to place such as were infected, in a Pesthouse, for that cause erected without the City; one Blanchetus taken upon him the charge of visiting the sick; and Calvin by the command of the Senate was delivered from that action.  
Then he turned himself unto the suppressing of such false Doctrine as crept into the Church for the eclypsing of the truth. And first he confuted that opinion of Petrus Tossanus, concerning the Sacrament of the Lords Supper: Then he confuted the Articles set forth at Sorbon. He overthrew Albertus Pighius concerning freewill: refuted the opinion of Sebastianus Castellio, concerning the Song of Solomon, and caused him to be banished the City of Geneva.  
In the year 1544. Carolus the fith, intending to make War against the French King, commanded a peace amongst the Churches in Germany, until such time as a general Council was called, which he promised should shortly be effected, and in the mean time granted unto them liberty of Conscience; which when it came to the ears of Paulus III. Pope of Rome, he sharply reproved the Emperor, saying, That he esteemed of Heretics as highly as of Catholics, and that he seemed to thrust in his sickle into another man's harvest. The Emperor answered, That he was persuaded that his act was just. And Calvin perceiving the truth of the Gospel to be deeply wounded b● these Letters, he sharply reprov●d the boldness of the Pope. In this year also there was a Convocation at Spire; whereupon Calvin took occasion of writing his Book, entitled, De necessitate reformandae Ecclesiae. And in the same year also he refuted the Anabaptists and Libertines, and that with such invincible arguments, that none reading and observing hi● Work, can (unless wittingly and willingly) be deceived and seduced by them. But the Queen of Navarre was greatly offended with that Work of his against the Libertines, because he had particularly reproved Quintinus and Pocquetus, two Ringleaders of that Sect, and not of small account with her Majesty. Calvin being informed of this, he so wisely and discreetly behaved himself, that he gained again the favour of the Queen; and withal, caused that impious and blasphemous Sect to be banished out of France, who afterwards seated themselves in Amsterlodam, the prime town in Holland.  
In the year 1545. by the conspiracy of some wicked and evilly disposed persons, the thresholds and posts of the doors in Geneva were done over with an ointment so strongly composed of poison, that whosoever touched it, death immediately followed; and from this also proceeded a raging Pestilence in the City, whereby an infinite number of souls were swept away: this accident procured great envy unto Calvin from all places; yet at the last some of the authors of this inhuman act were discovered, and suffered worthy punishment for the same. In this year also he laboured to remove the false opinion of Osiander concerning the Lord's Supper, out of the Church; and also the errors of the Nicodemites, and many other gross opinions which hindered the growth of the truth of Christ. In which proceed he was abundantly blessed by the Lord, who never permitted his enemies to have their pleasure of him, by taking away his life, which they intended; and more especially he shelterd him from the fury of Amedenus Perinnus, a Captain of great authority in the City, but deprived for that fact of his Office.  
These continued dissensions and defamations in the Church at Geneva, were motives which drew Farellus and Viretus unto the same place; who in the year 1548. delivered before the Senate an eloquent and learned Oration, concerning the suppression of Sedition, and the taking away of differences out of the Church. The motion was approved of all, and Perinnus having hopes thereby to attain again unto his former preferment, consented thereunto; but he soon discovered his wicked intent, for he was no sooner graced with his former dignity, but he and many others burst forth into reproachful speeches against Calvin; and after a disgraceful manner, calling his Dog by the name of Calvin; others style him by the name of Cain; and some by reason of that violent and fierce hatred which they conceived against him, they would absent themselves from the Communion, and so draw down a double vengeance on themselves.  
In the midst of these evils (which were of force to have caused him to have forsaken the City) he constantly performed his Ministerial office; and at vacant times he enlightened Paul's Epistles with learned Commentaries. He also most learnedly laid open and discovered the falsity and vanity foe Judiciary Astrology. He comforted Beratius living as a banished man at Basil, and also Bucer in England.  
And this is also remarkable, that notwithstanding the daily increa●ing of these contentions, the Church did wonderfully flourish in Geneva; and also it enjoyed some peace and quietness. In the year 1551. for then there sprung up a company of factious fellows, who denied the privileges of the City unto such as were banished for the truth, and fled to that place for succour: And being persuaded by Calvin in a Sermon Preached for that purpose, to grant the privileges of the City unto them; he was well beaten for his pains as soon as he came out of the Pulpit. These stirred up also another Tumult in the Temple of St. Gervas', because the Minister refused to Baptise a child by the name of Balthasar. Calvin not forgetting his late kindness received, was contented with patience to let it pass. In this year the City was also much troubled with that blasphemous heresy of Servetus; who by the means of Calvin was apprehended and convicted; but remaining obstinate in his opinion, he was burned alive in the same City.  
The cause of Servetus being as yet in hand, one of the factious company, called Ber●lerius an impudent and wicked fellow, (whom the Presbytery had forbidden to come unto the Lord's table, by reason of his ill lead life) and excommunicated, came unto the Senate, and desired his absolution; which he persuaded himself was sufficient; Calvin earnestly opposes this action of the Senate, declaring unto him that he ought to be a defender and maintainer, and not a violator of holy & good laws; yet Berlterius prevailed with the Senate, and he granted unto him his absolutory letters. Perinnus by the imitation of Bertlerius, thought to take Calvin in a trap, and either to raise a tumult against him, if he would not obey the Senate, or if he consented, than not disannul the authority of the Presbytery: Calvin being fore-admonished of this intent, in his Sermon before the Communion, in the presence of both of them, he uttered these words with great fervency; But I imitating Chrisostome, will rather suffer myself to be slain, then that this hand shall reach the holy things of the Lord, unto such as are apparently known to be the contemners and despisers of him: which wrought such an impression in them, that they durst not presume to come unto the Lord's table; nay it is probable that he was at that time fearful of his life, for he Preached as if they never afterwards should have heard him again. In this troublesome state the Church of Geneva continued unto the year 1555. wherein a conspiracy was happily discovered, by which means most of the factious persons were put to death, and banished the City. By which example of Divine vengeance, others were delivered and kept in awe, and that Commonwealth freed from many inconveniences; yet in the same year the errors of Servetus seemed to revive again, and to be nourished by Matthaeus Gibraldus an excellent Lawyer, who came unto Geneva, and would willingly have been familiar with Calvin, which he most willingly would have had embraced, so as he would have consented with him in the Article of the Trinity.  
The same year also yielded much sorrow unto Calvin, in regard that persecution raged in many places, and especially in England; which took away Hooper, Ridley, Latimer, and afterwards Cranmer, men of incomparable piety; whereby the propagation of the truth was hindered. There happened also other causes of discontent, as the faction of some neighbouring Pastors, bewitched with the instigation of that Carmelite Bolsecus, who bitterly inveighed against him concerning Predestination; whereupon he obtained leave of the Senate to go unto Berne, to be censured by the Church concerning that point; in which censures the adversaries being found guilty, they were expelled & banished the Country; and he found favour, & was in great estimation amongst the best. In the year 1556. Calvin preaching in Geneva, he was taken so strongly with an Ague, that he was forced to leave in the midst of his Sermon, and to come down from the Pulpit: upon this accident, news was spread abroad concerning his death, which in short space came unto Rome, and it was so joyfully entertained by the Pope, that he forthwith caused public prayers and thanksgivings to be dedicated unto God in all the Church for the same; but the prayers of the faithful prevailed more; for he was so far from dying, that being as it were endued with another life, he went unto France, fuet ad Maenum, being thereunto called for the removing the dissensions out of the Churches of France; whence returning, although somewhat sickly, yet he ceased not to execute his constant course in his Ministry; and also he carefully and timely confuted the heretical opinion of Valentinus Gentilis, touching three Gods and three Eternals, lest by continuation it should take such root, that it would hardly be plucked up. And these were his actions until the year 1558. wherein in pleased God to afflict him with a quartan Ague, which caused great sorrow and lamentation in Geneva; yet it continued with him but for the space of eight weeks; in which time it weakened and so enfeebled his body, that he was never sound until the day of his death. During this sickness, he was advised by the Physicians and some of his friends, to forbear his usual exercises, and to cherish his body with a little ease; but he would not, declaring unto them, that he could not endure an idle life.  
In the year following Henry King of France intended to level Geneva with the ground, and to put the Inhabitants thereof to the sword; but before he could effect that bloody project, he was taken captive by a higher power; and the City still flourished, even in the midst of her enemies: and that nothing might be wanting unto her prosperous and flourishing state, Calvin caused a School to be erected, and consecrated unto the great God, which should always be furnished with learned Ministers and public Professors of the Arts and Tongues, and especially of Divinity; that so the City might enrich itself with its own treasure.  
In the year 1560. the Waldenses sent unto Calvin for his judgement concerning some points, wherein he gave them abundant satisfaction, and exhorted them to join themselves with the other Protestant Churches. And at the same season, many Protestants in France, hearing of ●he peace and quietness which the Church in England enjoyed at the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, many of them came into England, and desired of Edmund Grindal, 〈◊〉 Lord Bishop of London, that they might have leave to s●●d for a Preacher unto Geneva, for the planting of the French Church in London; who condescended thereunto; Galas●●● was sent.  
Calvin having spent his days hitherto in extraordinary labours (for his life may well be said to be a continued labour mixed with grief, as appeareth by the Works which he wrote being at Geneva.) The time was now at hand in which he must go unto his eternal rest; his diseases, contracted by his indefatigable labours, caused him to give over his Divine exercises; for indeed, how could he continue long? when as his body was by nature weak and lean, inclining to a consumption; and because he slept very little, spending almost all the year either in Preaching, Teaching, or Dictating; for ten whole years he never Dined, and after the set hour he would not receive his Supper. He was subject unto the disease called the Migram, for the curing of which he used nothing but fasting, and that sometimes for the space of six and thirty hours. After that his quartan Ague left him, he was troubled with the Gout taking him in his left leg; which to make it the more grievous was seconded with the Colic. The Physicians applied what remedies they could, and he carefully followed their counsel. He was armed against these afflictions with an admired patience, no man ever hearing him uttering a word unworthy of himself in his greatest extremity, but lifting up his eyes unto heaven, he would cheerfully utter the words of David, How long O Lord. When he was exhorted by his friends to desist from reading or writing in the time of sickness, he would reply, What? will you have the Lord find me idle?  
Not long before his death, some of his fellow Pastor's coming accordingly as they used to visit him, they found him contrary to their expectation apparelled, and fi●ting at his Table in that form as he used to meditate, resting his head on his hand, he spoke these words unto them; I thank you brethren for the care which you have over me; but I hope that within these fifteen days the Lord will reveal how he intends to dispose of me, and I think that I shall leave you, and be received of him.  
Growing weaker and weaker, he was brought into the Senate's Court by his command, where after an humble manner he thanked the Senate for the courtesies formerly conferred on him, and for the special care which they had of him in this his last sickness. Not long after he received the Communion at the hands of Beza, labouring the best that he could to join with the rest of the Congregation in singing of Psalms unto God.  
The day wherein he died, he seemed to speak somewhat hearty, but this was but the last struggling of nature, for about eight of the clock apparent signs of death were seen; which being perceived of Beza, he ran forth to acquaint his other Colleagues with it, but besure his return he had quietly yielded his soul into the hands of God, leaving such a cheerful countenance unto the beholders, that he seemed rather to be asleep, then dead. Thus was that light taken away, even at the se●ting of the Sun. The day following, there was great lamentation throughout the City; the Church lamented for the death of her faithful Pastor; the School sorrowed for the loss of so famous a Doctor; and in general, all were filled with mourning, because they were deprived of their only comforter, next unto God.  
Many of the Citizens desired to behold him after that he was dead, so great was their affection to him; and some strangers also whom the fame of Calvin had drawn unto that place, and amongst them the English Ambassador for France desired greatly to see him being dead; but it could not be granted, lest it might raise a scandal on him amongst the Papists. He was buried in the common Churchyard, without any extraordinary pomp, and without any Grave-stone laid over him; for which cause Beza wrote these Funeral Verses: 

Romae ●uentis terro● ille maximus,  
Quem mortuum lugent boni horrescunt mali;  
Ipsa a quo potuit virtutem discere virtus,  
Cur adeo exiguo ignotoque in cespite clausus,  
Calvinus lateat; rogas?   

Calvinum assidue comitata modestia vivum,  
Hoc tumulo manibus condidit ipsa suis.  
O te beatum cespitem tanto hospite!  
O cui invidere cuncta possunt marmorae!   

How happens it that this is calvin's share,  
To lie under this little, unknown pare●  
Is not this he who living did appear,  
Decaying Rome's continued dread and fear?  
Whose death the godly doth with sorrow fill,  
And at whose name the wicked tremble still?  
Whose life was known to be so holy, clear,  
That virtue might have learned a lesson here?   

'Tis true, but know that humble modesty,  
Which in his life did him accompany:  
That hath ordained this green and turfie cover,  
On his deceased Corpses to be laid over:  
But since thou coverest such an one as he,  
How can the Marbles all, but envy thee.    
A little before his death, he delivered an excellent Oration unto the Senate, unto which was also added a serious exhortation unto all the Pastors of Geneva. His Works which he hath set forth for the general good of the Church, which are sufficient declarations of his worth are these which follow.  
Commentaries upon the old Testament.  
1. Upon Genesis. 2. An Harmony upon the four books of Moses. 3. Upon josuah. 4. Upon the Psalms.  
Lectures.  
1. Upon jeremiah. 2. Upon the twenty one of Ezekiell. 3. Upon Daniel. 4. Upon the lesser Prophets.  
Upon the new Testament  
1. His Harmony on the Evangelists. 2. His Comment on the Acts. 3. On all Paul's Epistles. 4. On the Hebrews. 5. On Peter, james, john, jude.  
His Sermons.  
1. Vupon Deuteronomy. 2. Upon the Decalogue. 3. Upon job. 4. Upon 119. Psalm. 5. Upon the Canticles. 6. Upon 38. Chapters of Isaiah. 7. Upon the eight last Chapters of Daniel. 8. Upon the Nativity, Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension of Christ. 9 Upon God's Election and Providince. 10. Upon the first of Kings. 11. Upon josuah.  
Other Works.  
1. His institutions. 2. Upon the Eucarist. 3. Upon the victory of jesus. 4. Genevaes' Catechism. 5. Of Reforming Churches. 6. Of Scandals. 7. Of freewill. 8. Against Anabaptists. 9 Libertines. 10. Sorbonists. 11. Against judicial Astrology. 12. Of Predestination. 13. Of a true Communicant. 14. Part of Seneca enlightened with a Commentary. 15. His answer unto Sadolets Epistle.  
Had we but such Reformers in our days  
As Calvin was, we should have cause to praise . 
Their bless endeavours; but alas our Times  
Are daily acting (not Reforming) Crimes;  
Heroic calvin's heart was always true  
To truth, and still would give the Church her due,  
His soul was truly willing to take pains,  
More for the public good, then private gains.  
His life was filled with troubles, yet his mind  
(Even like the glistering Glow-worm) always shined  
Brightest, when most surrounded with the night  
Of sad afflictions; Calvins whole delight  
Was in the law of God, from which his heart  
Being steeled with truth, could not be moved to start.   

The Life and Death of William Farellus, who died Anno Christi 1565.  
WIilliam Farellus was born in the Delphinate of a Noble family, Anno Christi 1589. and sen● to Paris to be brought up in learning, and was one of the first that mad● a Public Profession of the Gospel in France: but w●en persecution arose, he fled into Helvetia, where he grew in●o familiarity with Zuinglius, ●ec●lamp●dius● and Hall●rus. Anno Christi 1524. he went to Basil, where he proffered a public Disputation with the Popish Divines of that place, but the Masters of the University would not suffer it, till the Senate interposing their autohrity, and then Farellus set up his Theses publicly, which he also maintained by desputation: but the Bishop and his Associates drove him from Basil: from thence he went to Mont-pelier, and to some other places, where he Preached the Gospel with so much fervour and zeal, that all might see that he was called of God thereunto. He coming to Metin Preached in the Chuch-y●rd belonging to the Dominicans, who by ringing their be●l● thought to have drowned his voice, but having a strong voice, he did so thunder it out, that he went on audably to the end of his Sermon. Anno Christi 1528. he, with Virete went to Geneva, where they planted the Church, and propagated the Gospel; and where, by his earnest obtestation, Calvin was forced to make his abode. Anno christi 1553. the Genevians, though they owed themselves to him, yet were carried on with such fury, that they would have condemned Farell to death. And afterwards they did such things against him, that Calvin wished that he might have expiated their anger with his blood. And from thence he went to Neocome, where he discharged his Pastoral office with singular diligence and zeal. When he heard of calvin's sickness, he could not satisfy himself, though he was seventy years of age, but he must go to Geneva to visit him. He survived Calvin one year and odd Month, and died age 76. years, anno christi 1565. He was very godly, learned, innocent in life; exceeding modest, stout, and sharp of wit; and of such a strong voice, that he seemed to thunder in his speech; and so fervent in Prayer, that he carried his Hearers into heaven with him.  
Renowned Farell lived a life,  
Not spotted with the stains of strife:  
He loved the thoughts, the name of Peace  
His virtues had a large increase;  
Earth was his scorn, and Heaven his pride:  
In Peace he lived, in Peace he died.   

The Life and Deoth of Vergerius, who died Anno Christi 1565.  
PEter Paul Vergerius excellently learned both in the Law, and Popish Divinity: he was sent by Pope Clement the seventh, as his Legate into Germany to improve his uttermost abilities to hinder a Nationall Council: where accordingly he bestirred himself to hinder and endamage the Lutherans, and to encourage the Popish Divines in opposing of them. Anno Christi 1534. Paul the third sent for him to Rome to give him an account of the state affairs in Germany: after which he sent him back into Germany, to promise the Princes a General Council to be held at Mantua, but withal to perscribe such rules about coming to it, as he knew the Protestant Divines would not accept of: he had in charge also to stir up the Prince's minds against the King of England, and to proffer his Kingdom to whosoever would conquer it, and to try if by any means he could take off Luther, and Melancthon from prosecuting what they had begun. Anno Christi 1535. he was called home again by the Pope, and when he had given him an account of his Legation, he was sent presently to Caesar to Naples, to stir him up to take Arms against the Lutherans. Anno Christi 1537. he was again sent into Germany; and also Anno Christi 1541. to the Convention at Worms: after which he was called back to Rome, and the Pope being to make some Cardinals, intended to make Vergeri●● one, but some suggested that he had been so long in Germany that he smelled of a Lutheran, which made the Pope to alter his purpose, which when Vergerius heard of, he went into his own Country, purposing to clear himself by answering some of Luther's books; but it pleased God, that whilst he read them with an intent to confute them, himself was converted by them; whereupon he retired himself to his brother the Bishop of Pole, and communicated his thoughts to him: his brother at first was much astonished, but after a while was persuaded by him to read, and study the Scriptures, especially in the point of Justification by Faith, whereby it pleased God that he also saw the Popish Doctrines to be false, and so they both became zealous Preachers of Christ to the people of Istria: but the Devil stirred up many adversaries against them, especially the Friars, who accused them to the Inquisitors: whereupon Vergerius went to Mantua to his old friend Cardinal Gonzaga: but there he could not stay in safety, whereupon he went to the Council of Trent to purge himself: but the Pope by his Legate, stopped him from being heard there: from thence he went to Venice, and so to Milan, where he was a spectator of the miserable condition of Francis Spira; which so wrought upon him, that he resoved to leave his Country, and all his outward comforts, and to go into voluntary exile, where he might freely profess Christ; and accordingly he went into Rhetia, where he Preached the Gospel sincerely, till he was called from thence to Tubing, by Christopher Duke of Wurtenburge, where he ended his days, Auno Christi 1565.  
Those Popish errors which at first bore sway  
In our Vergerious heart, were chaste away  
By the increasing sun of truth; his mind  
(Which was before all dross) was refined:  
And from a cruel enemy; became  
A perfect friend, and boldly would proclaim  
The real truth; feared not to be withstood.  
Thus brave Vergerius turned from bad, to good.   

The Life and Death of Strigelius, who died Anno Christi 1569.  
VIctorine Strigelius was born at Kausbita in Switzerland Anno Christi 1524. his father was Doctor of Physic, who died in his son's infancy: when this S●igelius was fit for it, his friends finding him of a prompt and ready wit, they set him to School in his own Country, where he quickly drunk in the first rudiments of learning, and so Anno Christi 1538. he went to the University of Friburg, and having studied the Arts there for a while, An. Christi 1542. he went to Wittenberg where he was inflamed by God with an ardent desire to know the Doctrine of the Reformed Churches: for which end he diligently attended on Luther's and Melancthons' Lectures, and wholly framed himsel●● to the imitation of Melancthom. Anno Christi 1544. he Commensed Master of Arts, and by the persuasion of Melancth●● he taught a private School at Win●●enberg, where he did much good, and got himself great repute: But when th● Wars in Germany waxed hot, he left Wittenberg, and went to Magdeburge, and from thence to Erphurd, where he published some Orations being about twenty two years old. Anno Christ 1548. he went thence to jenes, and their h● Preached, and the year after married a wife, which lived with him but two years. Anno 1553. he married again: whilst he continued there he had divers disputations with Major about Good Works: and with Flacius; but An. 1559. the Flacians prevailed so far, that he and Aquila the Pastor of jenes were both cast into prison, the marks whereof he carried to his grave. In Prison he fell very sick, insomuch as the Prince suffered him to go unto his own hous●, but yet made him ● Prisoner there: Christopher, Duke of Wurtenburg, and Philip Landgrave of H●sse mediated for his release, and yet could not obtain it: but at last the Emperor Maximilian (interposing his authority) procured it, after he had been a prisoner abov● three year●. But perceiving that he could not be in safety in that place, h● resolved to departed, which the University understanding, wrote to him, earnestly importuning his stay: to whom he returned thanks for their love, but told them withal, That his life was in continual danger by reason o● false brethren, and therefore he wa● resolved to go● where he might do more good: and accordingly from thence he went to Lipswich, where he sp●nt his time in writing upon the Psalms: and having it lef● to his choice whether to stay at Lipswich, or to go to Wittenberg (being sent for thither) he chose to stay where he was, and was chosen Professor of Divinity in that University: There he continued his Lectures till An. Christi 1566. at which ●im● he came to deliver his judgement about the Lords Supper: whereupon, by the command of the Rector of the University, the doors of the College were shut against him, and he not suffered to read an● more: yet they would have restored him to his place, if h● would have promised to meddle with that point no more: but refused to make any such promise, and withal com●plained to the Elector of Saxony of the wrong done unto him, from whom he received a sharp answer; and therefore leaving Lipswich and went to Amberg in the upper Palatinate, where, after a short stay, he received letters from the Elector Palatine, and the University, inviting of him to Heidelberg, whither he presently went, and was made Professor of Ethics: in which place, he took very great pains both in reading his Lectures, and Writing: But his body having contracted some diseases by his former imprisonment. Anno Christi 1569. he fell very sick, whereupon he said, Sperare se finem vitae su● adesse, etc. That he hoped that his life was at an end, whereby he should be delivered from the fraud, and miseries of thi● evil world, and enjoy the blessed presence of God, and his Saints to all Eternity; and acordingly presently after he quietly departed in the Lord, Anno Christi 1569. and of his Age 44.  
When a resolved heart is once inflamed  
With heavenly motions, 'twill not be reclaimed  
By easy terms, because a faithful breast  
Is filled with Heaven, & Heaven is crowned with rest●  
And had not stout Strigelius his heart  
Been steeled with courage, he had felt the smart  
Of a bad conscience; but he still persisted  
In what was good, and would not be resisted:  
Those wrongs and injuries which he endured  
On earth, was by heavens grand Physician cured.   

The Life and Death of John Brentius, who died Anno Christi 1570.  
IOhn Brentius was born at Wile in Sweveland, Anno Christi 1499. his father was Mayor of that City 24. years, who carefully brought up his son in learning: and at eleven years old sent him to Heidelberg to School, and at thirtee● years old he was admitted into the University: and at fifteen he commensed Bachelor; there also he studied Greek and Hebrew; and was so studious, that he usually risen ●t midnight to his Book; whereby he contracted such ●n h●bit, that he could never after whilst he lived, sleep longer then till midnight; the rest of the night he spent in holy Medita●ions. And in his old age he had a candle by hi● bedside, and deceived the time by writing and meditation. Partly by his diligence, and partly by his acute wit and strong memory, he profited so much both in the Art● and Tongues, that at eighteen years old he was made Master of Arts. About this time Luther's Books coming abroad, Bren●ius, by reading of them, came to the knowledge of the Truth, which he willingly embraced. And being desirous to propagate it to others, he began to read upon Matthew, fir●t to some friends of his own College, but his Auditor● increasing out of other Colleges, he was fain to read in the public School●; for which the Divines hated him, because he grew so popular, saying; That nei●her was the place fit for Divinity Lectures, nor he fit for such a work, being not yet in Orders. Wherefor● to take away that objection, he entered into Orders, and Preached often for other men, to the great delight of his Hearers. From thence he was called to be at Pastor at Hale in Sweveland, where his gravity, gesture, phrase, voice and Doctrine did so plea●e the Senate, that though he was but three and twenty years of age, yet they chose him to that place; and he carried himself with such gravity, holiness of life, integrity of manners, and diligence in his Calling, that none could contemn his youth: and the Lord so blessed his labours there, that many were converted to the Truth; yea, amongst the very Popish Priests, some of them were converted, others l●ft their places for shame, and went elsewhere. He used much modesty and wisdom in his Sermons; and when (in the beginning of his Preaching there) the Popish Priests railed exceedingly upon him and his Doctrine, and the People expected that he would answer them accordingly; he, contrariwise, went on in teaching the fundamental points of Religion, and as he had occasion he confuted their Errors without bitterness from clea●e Scripture arguments; whereby in time he so wrought upon them, that he brought them to a sight of their Errors, and to a detestation of their Idolatry.  
About this time Muncer, and his companions risen up, and stirred almost all the Boor● in Germany to take Arms against the Magistrates and rich men; abusing Scripture to justify their proceed; whereupon Brentius was in great danger, for many cried out, that his opposing of Popery and casting out the old Ceremonies, was the Cause of these tumults: and when as the Boors in Hale were risen up, and threatened to besiege the City of Hale, the Magistrates and Citizens were in such fear, that they were ready to sly, or to join with the Boors: but Brentius encouraged them, and told them, That if they would take Arms, and defend their City, God would assist them, etc. And so it came to pass, for six hundred Citizens beat away four thou●and of those Boors. He also published a Book, in confutation of their wicked opinions; and shown how dissonant they were to the Word of God.  
Presently after risen up that unhappy contention between Luther and Zuinglius, about Christ's presence in the Sacrament, which continued divers years, to the great disturbance of the Church, scandal of the reformed Religion, and hindrance of the success of the Gospel: and when a conference was appointed for the composing of that differance, Luther, Brentius, and some others met with Zuingli●● and some of his friends; but after much debate, they p●●ted without an agreement.  
Anno 1530. was the Diet held at Auspurg, unto which the Protestant Princes brought their Divines with them, and amongst others Brentius; at which time George Marquess of Brandenburg told the Emperor, That he would rath●r shed his blood, and lose his life, or lay down hi● neck to the headsman, then altar his Religion. Here the Divine● drew up that famous Confession of Faith, which, from the place, is ●alled the Augustine-Confession. Brentius, at his return home married a Wife, famous for her chastity, modesty and piety, by whom he had six children. Vlric●● Prince of Wurtenburg, intending to reform Religion in hi● Dominions, thought it the best way first to reform the University of Tubing, and considering where he might have a fit man for so great and difficult a work; he at last resolved upon Brentius, whom he sent for; and who, with much diligence, prudence, and fidelity accomplished the same.  
In the year 1547. the Emperor with his Army coming to Hale, Brentius hoping to prevail with the Captain th●● no Soldiers should be quartered in his House; but when h● came home, he found the soldiers beating at his door, and ready to break it down; and when they perceived that Brentius was M●●ter of that House, one of them set an Halberd to his breast, threatening to kill him, if the door was not presently opened. Whereupon they were let in, and he caused meat and drink to be prepared for them, and in the mean time conveyed away all his papers; and when he saw the fury and rage of the soldiers, he conveyed himself and family out at a back door. The next day came a Spanish Bishop with his train, and putting forth the soldiers, he quartered in Brentius his house, searched his study, looked over his papers and letters, and finding some letters to his friends, wherein he justified the Protestant Princes in taking Arms against the Emperor, he presently carried them to the Emperor; whereby Brentius was in great danger, and was fain to hid himself in a very high Tower, and not being safe there, he changed his apparel, left his wife and children, and with one only companion passed through the Spaniards safely, and wandered up and down the fields all that night. But when the Emperor was removed with his Army, he returned to Hale again.  
In the year 1548. when Caesar had published his Book, called the Interim, the Protestant Princes and Magistrates required the judgements of their Divines upon it: and the Magistrates of Hale desired Brentius to tell them his judgement; who when he had considered it, told them, That it was a wicked Book, and altogether contrary to the Scriptures, and that he would lose his life before he would assent to it. This coming to Caesar's ears, he sent a Commissary to Hale, charging him to bring Brentius to him, either alive or dead: when the Commissary came thither, he insinuated himself into Brentius his acquaintance, invited him to his Table, persuaded him to walk abroad with ●im, having prepared Horses to carry him away, but that succeeding not, he called the Senate together, and having sworn them to keep private what he should tell them, he imparted his Commission, telling them how acceptable it would be to the Emperor, if they would send to him Brentius; but if they refused, the Emperor would destroy their City, etc. It pleased God that whilst he was thus persuading the Magistrates, there came in one later than his fellows, and the Commissary not minding it, did not tender the Oath to him; so when they were dismissed, this man wrote to Brentius; Fuge, fuge, Brenti, cito, citius, citissime: which note was brought him as he sat at supper: having read it, he told his Family that he must go forth upon business, but would return ere long. As he was going out of the City he met the Commissary, who asked him whither he went? He answered, To a sick friend in the Suburbs who had sent for him: Well (said the Commissary) to morrow you must dine with me. He replied, God willing, and so they parted. Being thus escaped, he hide himself in a thick Wood, and for some weeks together he lay in the Wood all day, and every night came into a Villege to a friends house where he lodged; he wrote also to the Magistrates of Hale that if they could and would protect him, he was ready to come back, and not to forsake his flock, but if they could not, he did not desire that they should endanger themselves for his sake: They answered, that they could not protect him, and therefore left him free to go whither he pleased. Presently after Vlricus Prince of Wurtenburge invited him to him, and ordered him to be so private that he himself might not know where he was, that if he was asked, he might safely deny his knowledge of him: yet upon suspicion, his Castle was searched, but Brentius was in another place, where in his retirement he wrote a Comment upon the ninety third Psalms: afterwards he went to Basil, as to a safer place, where his wife died of a Consumption: from thence he removed to the Castle of Horrenburge in the Hyrcinian Wood, where he changed his name, and gave out that he was the Keeper of the Castle: and whilst he was there, he frequented the Sermons in a neighbour town, where the Minister used to spin out his Sermons to a great length: whereupon Brentius took occasion modestly to tell him of it; to whom the Minister answered, You Castle-keepers think all time too long at Church, but no time too long that you spend in drinking: Brentius smiling at it, said no more. Whilst he was there, he perfected his Comment upon Isaiah, and some other Works: afterwards he had great proffers made him by the Citizens of Magdeburge, by Edward the sixth King of England, and by the Duke of Broussia, but he refused them all, and thus continued in banishment for the space of two years. Anno Christi 1550. Vlricus Duke of Wurtenburg died, and his son Christopher succeeding, he resolved to restore the Ministers which were driven away by the Interim to their Charges within his Dominions, and to perfect the Work of Reformation: and for that end, sent for Brentius and kept him in his Castle of Stutgard that he might have his advice and assistance in carrying on of that work: neither was he discouraged by the admonitions of the Princes and Bishops, nor by the threats of the Garrisons that were about him: but caused Brentius to write a Confession of Faith, and of the Doctrine of Christian Religion, and ●bout the chief points in Controversy, which he intended to send to the Council of Trent: about that time Brentius married again, one Catharine Isenmam a choice woman, who was a great comfort to him all the rest of his life, by whom also he had twelve children: the year after the Pastor of Stutgard dying, Brentius was chosen in his room: in which place he continued all his life, and carried himself with much sedulity, piety and prudence in the same. Anno Christi 1557. he was sent by his Prince to the Conference at Worms, which came to nothing, because the Popish party would not suffer that the Scripture should be ●he Judge of their Controversies. In his old age he wrote upon the Psalms: and whereas there were many Monasteries in Wur●enburge, out of which the Friars were driven, he persuaded his Prince to turn them to Schools for the training up youth in learning, which was accordingly done, and once in two years Brentius visited those Schools; and took notice how the Scholars profited in learning, and encouraged them to make a daily progress therein: he had almost finished his Comment upon the Psalms when as his old age, worn out with studies, and labours, put a period unto the same, and his end was hastened by grief for the immature death of hi● Prince, for whom he professed that he would willingly have sacrificed all his estate, and his own life also. Falling in●o a Fevor whereby he perceived that his end approached, he made his Will, wherein he set down a Confession of his Faith: and sending for the Ministers of Stutgard, he caused his Son to read it to them, & requested them to subscribe their hands as witnesses to it: he also received the Sacrament, and exhorted them to unity in Doctrine, and love amongst themselves: he was exceeding patiented in all his sickness, neither by word, nor gesture showing the least impatience: always saying, That he longed for a better, even an eternal life: the night before his death he slept sweetly, and when he awaked, the Minister repeated the Apostles Creed, and asked him whether he died in that Faith, to whom he answered, Yea: which was his la●t word, and so he quietly resigned up his spirit unto God, Anno Christi 1570. and of his Age 71. He was buried with much honour, ●nd had this Epitaph: 

Voce, stylo, pietate, fide, candore probatus  
Johannes, tali Brentius ore fuit.  
With voice, style, piety, faith, candour graced,  
In outward shape, john Brentius was thus faced.   

Tossed in the ship of fortune B●entius sailed  
From place, to place, his courage never failed;  
But with resolved Constancy, he bent  
His mind to suffer, free from discontent:  
The rage of Papists could not make him yield  
To their desires; True virtue was his shield;  
The strength of his afflictions added strength  
Unto his soul, his sufferings had no length  
Except of days, and them he knew to be  
B●t servile Subjects to Mortality:  
Thus like a patiented sufferer he fled  
From earth, to heaven, and there reposed his head.     

The Life and Death of Peter Viretus, who died Anno Christi 1571.  
PEt●r Viretus was born in the Country of the Bernates, brought up in learning at Paris, where he began to be acquainted with Farellus: from thence he went to Lusanna, where he was chosen Pastor, and spent much of his time in teaching, and writing there: and when Calvin was sent to the Conference at Worms Anno Christi 1541. and from thence to Ratisbone, he obtained of the Senate of Lusanna that Viretus should supply his place at Geneva till his return: and when he came bacl he much importuned that Viretus might still continue there, affirming that it would much conduce to the good of the Church at Geneva to enjoy his labours: but he would needs return to Lusanna to his former charge: yet afterwards, at the earnest entreaty of the French Churches, he went to Lions; where, in the midst of the Civil Wars, and the Pestilence which followed, he, with his Colleagues, governed the Church with much prudence: till, by the Jesuits means, there was a Proclamation sent abroad that none but such as were Native French should be Preachers in the Protestant Churches: then at the request of the Queen of Navarre he went to Bern, where he continued until his death, which was in the year 1571. and of his Age threescore. He was much bewailed of all good men: wh●●est he lived he was of a very weak constitution, & the rather by reason o● poison which a Priest had given to him at Geneva; as also because of some wounds that he had received from a Priest in another place, where he was left for dead. He was very learned, of a sweet disposition, and so exceeding eloquent, that he drew many to be his Hearers which were no friends to Religion; and they were so chained to his lips, that they never thought the time long wherein he Preached, but always wished his Sermons longer. At Lions, which was a populous City, he Preached in an open place, a●d turned some thousands to the Truth and Faith in Christ: yea, some that passed by, with no purpose to hear his Sermon, he did so wo●ke upon them, th●t they neglected their other business to hearken to him.  
Reader, observe the Malice of his Foes,  
Who having not the wisdom to oppose  
Brave Viretus by arguments; thought fit  
To labour with a diabolick wit  
To work his ruin; first by poison they  
Contrived his fall; but poison scorned to obey  
Their base desires, which made them rage and swell,  
Into a madness, till advised by Hell  
To a more speedy way, which soon took place  
Within their hearts; being destitute of grace  
They thought it good to employ a Papist, whose arm  
Was ready to perform what might prove harm  
To harmless Viretus, and with a knife  
(As they supposed) deprived him of his life:  
But God (the great abhorror of such crimes)  
Preserved rare Viretus for better times.   


JOHN JEVELL.  The Life and Death of John Jewel.  
IF ever any were happy in the imposition of names in those whom they dedicate to God at the Font, certainly they were who christened this holy and learned man john jewel; for his rare and admirable part●, and both natural and supernatural gifts were every way corresponding to his gracious and precious name. According to his christian name john signifying gra●e, he was a gracious instrument of Christ, to reform the gold of the Sanctuary, which through the negligence or impiety of later times became dim and drossy with superstition. And according to his surname he was a rich jewel, consisting of many Gems, shining as well in his life, as his incomparable writings extant, almost in all languages. This great Clerk was borne at Berrenber, in the County of Devon: of which it may truly be said as it was sometimes of Hyppo, that Hyppo was more ennobled by great Saint Austin, than Saint Austin by little Hippo. For his education, it was first in Morton and after in Corpus Christi College in Oxford. The former hath proved a famous nursery of Philosophy and School Divinity; the latter of the knowledge of Tongues and polite literature; in both which our jewel showing by his golden thighs what flowers he most sucked and longest sat upon; excelled for an acuter Disputant, an eloquenter Orator, a more universal Scholar, and every way an accomplished Divine the Church hath not had for many hundreds of years.  
The first glistering of this jewel was in the Rhetoric Lecture conferred upon him in Corpus Christi College, when he was yet but Bachelor of Arts. This Lecture he read with such facility and felicity, that all his Auditors perceiving that he spoke potius ex arte, than the art rhetorice; rather from an excellent faculty he had in that flexanimous Art, then of the Art itself. Neither were these his Lectures only strewed as it were with flowers of Rhetoric, but richly fraught with all variety of human Learning; which drew many Auditors unto him from other Colleges, and among them his Tutor Master Parkhurst, afterwards Bishop of Norwitch, who took great delight to behold the sparkling of that Diamond, which himself had first pointed; and h● could not contain his joy, but vented it on the sudden in this extempore Disticon: 

Olim discipulus mihi chare Juelle fuisti,  
Nunc ero Discipulus te renuente tuus.   

Dear jewel whilom Scholar thou wert mine,  
But now against thy will I will be thine.    
This his fame and love abroad purchased him envy and hatred at home; for he found shortly after to his cost, th● truth of the Philologist his observation concerning truth, virtue and courtesy, three of the best Mothers, are often delivered of three of the worst Daughters; truth of hatred, courtesy of contempt, and virtue of envy; Vrit enim fulgore suo; the glory of eminent worth dazelleth the infirm eyes of worthless men; such, as at this time the seven Seniors and Officers of that college were; who as the Patriarches moved with envy, sold joseph into Egypt; so they, sick of the same malady, expelled jewel out of the House, more to their own discredit and disadvantage, then to his. For soon after his expulsion, they found a great miss of him in the education of their Youth; and his greatest enemies who cloaked their envy for the present, with pretended zeal for the Romish religion, yet after were heard to speak thus of him within themselves, we should love thee if thou wert not a Zuinglian; though we believed jewel that thy Belief is not sound, yet in thy life thou art an Angel. Neither was this all, but when Master Welch Dean of the College made his brags before Doctor Brooks, sometimes Fellow of that College, but then Bishop of Gloucester, that they alone had kept safe their rich Copes, cushions, Plate, and other Ornaments of their Chapel. It is true, quoth Doctor Wright, archdeacon of Oxford, standing by, you have saved them, but you have lost a more precious Ornament of your house, your jewel.  
But the best was, what the College lost, the University found; and of a private Lecturer, made him their public Orator, and for the substraction of his maintenance by the loss of his Fellows place in the College, that defect was abundantly supplied by the bounty of some of his Scholars Parents', who procured for him, and conferred upon him a good Benefice near Oxford. And now he grows in estate and fame in the University, and grace with all the Heads of Colleges and Hals; but especially he was precious in the eyes of the most renowned Doctor of the Chai●, Peter Martyr, by whom he was presented Bachelor of Divinity; and now nothing seemed to stand in his way from orderly ascending to higher degrees and preferment in the Church. But the face of the sky is not more changeable than the condition of our estate in this world, all the fair weather we spoke of but now was overcast in a moment; for by the untimely death of Edward the sixth, and by the succeeding advancement of Queen Mary to the Crown, a bitter storm of persecution fell upon the newly reformed Church of England, and blew away many of our prime Doctors, and other men of eminent worth, and among them our jewel, who now banished from his native Soil, found yet great comfort in conversing, first at Frankfurt with Sir Francis Knowls and his eldest Son, Robert Horn, and Edward Sands, and afterwards at Argentine with john Poynet, Edmund Grindall, john Cheek, Anthony Cook, Richard Morison, Peter Carew, Thomas Wroth, and divers others.  
These noble Confessors deserve rather the naming, because in this their retiring, they seemed as it were, to fetch their fees, to make the greater leap in England; where after their return, they were highly preferred, Grindall to the Archbishop first of York, then of Canterbury; Sir Francis Knowls to be privy Counsellor and Lord Treasurer, Robert Lorne to the Bishopric of Winton, Sands of London, Poynet of Worcester, and the rest all of them to eminent places in the Church and Commonwealth, to set off their future glory, their present poverty and misery served as a foil: It was yet for the present lamentable to see these men of worth, who had change of houses in their own Country, hardly getting a shed to shelter them from wind & weather in foreign parts; they who opened the fountain of their bounty to other men in England, were now constrained in Germany to fetch waters of Comfort, drop by drop, from others Conduits. At the first, the pious charity of the Londoners (be it spoken to the honour of that City) was as an unexhausted mine to them, till by Stephen Gardner it was discovered, and the rich vein stopped by the imprisonment of their chief Benefactors: And now these servants of Christ, of whom England at this time was not worthy, were put o many difficult plunges, yet partly by the comfortable letters of Zuinglius, Peter Martyr, Calvin, Melancthon, Pelican, Lavater, Geznar, and other privy Pastors of the reformed Churches beyond the Seas, they were held up by the chin, and partly by the charitable contributions of Christopher Prince of Wittenberg, and the Senators of Zurick, they were so kept above water, as it were, with bladders, that none of them utterly sunk in their hope. And for jewel in particular, though he were tossed from pillar to post, and sometimes dashed upon one rock, and sometimes upon another, yet in the end he found safe harbour in Peter Martyrs house, first in Argentine, and after in Tigury; where it is hard to say, utrum Euripides ex Archelai an Archelai ex Euripides familiaritate fama magis incluruerit. Whether jewel gave more lustre & reputation to his Host, or his Host to him; certain it is, jewel assisted Peter Martyr in setting forth divers Books; and by name, his learned Commentaries upon the judges: And very fortunate to the Church o● God was the conjunction of these two Stars of the first magnitude; for from them had we the first light to find the tract of those who in the former Ages and purest time walked with a right foot to the Gospel, and professed the Doctrine of the reformed Churches. Although we must acknowledge our Churches very much indebted in this kind to Reynolds, Whitaker, Bilson, Abbot, Cammier, Morney, and Chemitius; yet it cannot be denied, that these later tinded their candles at these Torches; for Peter Martyr had cleared the judgement of Antiquity in the point of the Sacrament, and some other controversies between us and the Church of Rome; and jewel in all before Chemitius took Andradius to task, or Bilson, Allen; or Reynolds, Hart; or Whitaker, Stapleton; or Abbot, Bishop; or Morney, Perrane; or Camier, Bellarmine; our Jewel was the first who made a public challenge to all the Papists in the world, to produce but one clear and evident testimony out of any Father or famous Writer, who flourished within five hundred years after Christ, for any one of the many Articles which the Romanists at this day maintain against us, and upon good proof of any such one allegation to yield them the bucklers and reconcile himself to Rome; and although Harding and some others undertook him, and entered into the lists with him about the controverted Articles: yet they came off so poorly and jewel on the contrary so amazed and confounded them with a cloud of witnesses in every point in question, that a● Bishop Godwine, upon good ground affirmeth no one thing in our age, gave the Papacy so deadly a wound, as that challenge at Paul's Cross so confidently made and bravely maintained. But this challege was not now made in the time of jewels banishment, but after his return into England; at this time he and many other clear lights of the Church, were hid under a Bushel, till the fire of persecution of England (in which, not only many faithful brothers, but divers reverend Fathers, as Latimer, Cranmer, Ridley, and Hooper were burned to ashes, for the testimony of the truth) was laved out partly by the tears of compassionate Confessors, pouring out their souls to God in public and private, but especially by the blood of so many Noble Martyrs.  
But as soon as God in justice looked upon the persecutors of the truth, and called Queen Mary, and tho●e who diped their hands in his Saint blood to his tribunal, and set Queen Elizabeth upon her sister's throne that mirror of Princes, and paragon of her sex, and phoenix of her age, restoring at the same time preachers to the Gospel and Gospel to the preachers; themselves in the first year of her Reign commanded a survey to be taken of the whole Realm, and finding in many parts palpable Egyptian darkness, sent for all these concealed lights above mentioned, and after they were fetched from under the bushels which had covered them, she set them in golden candlesticks in all the Counties within her Dominions, and among them jewel in the diocese of Sarum. Where he shined most brightly for eleven years, and after his extinction by death left a most sweet smell behind him, the savour of a good name, much more pretius than ointment, for his Apostolic doctrine and Saintlike life, and prudent government, and incorrupt integrity, unspotted chastity, and bountiful hospitality. In his first visitation he began, and in his last he perfected such a reformation, not only in the Cathedral and Parochial Churches, but in all Courts of his jurisdiction, that even those who before esteemed not so well of jewel as Bishops, yet now were brought to have a reverend opinion of Bishops, for jewels sake; for he was a careful overlooker and strict observer not only of all the flocks, but the Pastors also in his Diocese according to the Apostles prescription; first he attended to himself and his own doctrine, and then to all the doctrine which as he heard was Preached in his See; first he examined his own actions, and then the proceed of all his inferior officers. The Chancellor and Archdeacon's, are in the count of the law, the Bishop's eyes, and his Collectors and receivers and his hands: therefore he had a continual eye upon these his eyes, and held a strict hand over these his hands, and if these his eyes caused him to offend, or raised any scandal in his Diocese, by winking at foul abuses, and enormities, or these hands by exaction and scraping, or taking bribes, he plucked out the one and cut off the other. And if other Bishops take not the like course though in their own persons they be never so innocent and uncorrupt; yet they will never free their See from foul and scandalous aspersions. Iniquity will be committed even in the seat of justice, and carnal vices winked at in spiritual Courts, and one corruption be borne out by another, corporal by pecuniary: the heaviest censures of the Church will be inflicted upon the lightest offenders, if they offer not to the Officiate shrine, and the foulest delinquents will escape away by the Postern gate of juno Moneta's temple: Poor gnats if they be taken in their nets will be straigned to death, and a camel laden with gold swallowed up, and it will be said that Churches are visited before they be sick, nay, that they are sick of their Visitations, and that all the Processes, and Citations are ad collegendum, not ad corregendum: for collection of monies, not for correction of manners. To prevent these and the like abuses for which the court Christians hear ill abroad, the good Bishop sat often in his Consistory, and saw that all things were carried strait there, neither did he only sit as judge in the Consistory, but also oftentimes as assistant on the bench of justice, informing the Judges in such causes where the law of God and of the land seemed to clash, and exhorting the prisoners willingly and patiently to subject themselves to the stroke of justice; but especially to prostrate themselves before the throne of mercy in heaven; and though they were cast by the Jury, and condemned by the last, yet they might be justified by grace and saved by mercy, at the tribunal of Christ.  
What shall I speak of his peaceable ending (for the most part at his Table) litigious strifes and contentions, of which it is hard to say whether they more nourished the Law or the Law them. So was he thrice happy by the judgement of truth itself, because a threefold peacemaker in his Consistory on the Bench and at his Table, as a Judge, Justice and an arbitrator. Yet did he no way forget that unum necessarium, which Saint Paul so deeply chargeth Timothy before God and his Angels, to be careful of, to wit, to Preach in season and out of season, 1 Cor. 9.16. I have heard of the Hetrurian, goddess, that whilst she was clad in a Country habit, and worshipped under a shed in the field, she delivered many Oracles; but after she was brought into a Temple, and clothed with Purple and fine linen, she became mute, and gave no answer at all: So it falleth out with many, whose office it is to publish and interpret the Oracles of God, like Saul, when they come to the high places, they make an end of Prophesying. jewel did not so, but the more eminent he was in dignity, the more diligent in the work of the Ministry, not so much in frequent as in exquisite Teaching; for though his Sermons were very frequent, yet they were always rare for the matter and manner of his delivery; he never Preached quicquit in buccam, but as Abraham offered to Melchisedecke, as St. Jerome renders it, de prenpuis, or summi●ate a ceri, of the top and best of the heap. The Roman Orator tells us of negligentia quedam diligens, a certain diligent negligence, and learned ignorance; when the speaker carefully shuneth all affectation of Art, and laboureth that his speech may not seem elaborate. But the sober and discreet hearer hath often cause to complain of diligentia quedam negligens, a negligent kind of diligence in many popular Preachers, who ascend frequently into the Pulpit, but with extempora●y provision, are often in travile but without pain, and delivered of nothing for the most part, but empty words and idle tautalogies; as if Sermons were to be valued by the number and not by the weight. These men's Sermons, though they exceed the hour in length, and the days of the week in number; yet they themselves lie open to the curse of the Prophet denounced against all those that do the work of the Lord negligently. From the danger of which malediction jewel was freest of all of his parts and place; for though he might best of any presume in this kind upon his multiplicity of reading, and continual practice of Preaching, yet never would he Preach in the meanest Village, without precedent meditation and writing also the chief heads of his Sermons. And as his tongue was the pen of a ready writer, so was his pen the tongue of a living speaker to all posterity.  
When I perused the catalogue of his Sermons, I wonder what time he had to write: again, when I number and weigh his writing, I wonder what time he had to provide for Preaching; and when I compare both, I wonder how he could do any thing else. Yet did not his constant preaching take him off from his aceurate writing, nor both from his discharging each part of his Episcopal function in his own Person. Which that it may not seem incredible, I will open his day book and read out of it how he spent every hour: Rising at four of the clock, after prayers with his family at five, and in the Cathederall about six, he was so affixed to his studies all the morning, th●● he could not without great violence be drawn from it● after dinner his doors and ears were open to all Suter●; and it was observed of him, as it was of Titus (who was styled amor & delitiae humane generae) that he never sent any said from him. Suitors being thus dismissed, he heard wi●h great indifferency and patience, such causes debuted before him as either were devolved to him as a Judge, or refer●●d to him as an Arbitrator; and if he could spare any t●me from th●se troublesome businesses, he reckoned as clear gain to his Study.  
About nine of the clock at night he called all his s●rvants to an account, how they had spent the day, and then offered up his enening sacrifice together with them to God; from his Chapel he withdrew himself again to hi● Study till near midnight, and from thence to his Bed; in which after he was laid, the Gentleman of his Bedchamber red to him till wearied nature shut up the offices of hi● senses; long after his Porter had locked up the Gates of his Palace.  
This watchful and laborious kind of life without any recreation at all, save what his necessary refection at hi● meals, and a very few hours of rest in the night aforded him, spent the oil of this sweet Lamp the faster, and thereby hastened his extinction and death in this world. Which as he foresaw by the spirit, so he foretold by letters to the Bishop of No●wich.  
Yet upon record in the works of Doctor Humphrey, and as he forefaw it, and foretold it, so accordingly he prepared for it, as a Traveller, who hath little day and much way left, spurreth on faster, that he may reach home by daylight: so he, desirous to finish his course before the night of death approached, mended his pace, and dispatched all sorts of business with more celerity; and as he was visiting his Diocese more severely than ever before, God visited him; and as he preached at Lacock upon the words of the Apostle, Walk in the Spirit, Death arrested him in the Pulpit, from whence he was carried to his bed, where he still continued preached to all that came to visit him, either by heavenly instructions, or pious ejaculations, or divine meditations and paraphrases upon the passages of Scripture, which were read unto him even till at one and the selfsame instant he committed both his hearers and his soul to God.  
Valerius Maximus writeth of Sylla, that it was hard to say whether he or his anger were first extinct, for he threatened his enemies dying, and died threatening: but on the contrary, it may be said of this servant of Christ Jesus, it is hard to determine whether his natural heat or his zeal first was extinguished, whether his Prayers or his soul first arrived at Heaven, for he died praying, and prayed dying: His last words worthy to be written with a pen of Diamond, never to be razed out, were theses A Crown of righteousness is laid up for me, Christ is my righteousness; this is my body, this day quickly let me come ●nto the●, this day let me see the Lord jesu. He was buried in the midst of the Choir, where after he had been interred two years, Dr. Humphrey laid upon him a fair marble stone, with an inscription upon it, containing a brief Chronicle of his life; of which monument of that religious Professor it may be truly said, as it was of that which julius Caesar raised to Pompey, Caesar dumb Pompeii statuas erexti suas confirmavit. In making this monument to continue the memory of jewel, he eternised his own; but jewel left himself a second monument more famous than that, the Library he built in Salisbury; and yet a third more lasting then either of the former, his Works here ensuing; whereof these were Manuscripts.  
1. A Paraphrastical Exposition of the Epistles and Gospels through the whole year. 2. A continuate Exposition of the Creed, Lords Prayer, and ten Commandments. 3. A Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galathians. 4. A Commentary upon the Epistle of Saint Peter.  
The Printed are these.  
1. Anno Dom. 1550. A latin Sermon preached at Saint Maries, upon 1 Pet. 4.11. [2. An. Dom. 1558. Divers Sermons preached before Queen Elizabeth at Paul's Crosse. 3. An. Dom. 1559. Epistola ad Scipionem patritium vene●um de causis cur Episcopi Angliae ad Concilium Tridentinum non convenerint. 4. Anno 1560. A Challenge to all Papists at Paul's Cross, with an Answer to Doctor Cole, in defence of a Sermon preached before the Queen's Majesty, and her most honourable Council. 5. Anno 1561. Apologia Ecclesiae Anglicanae. 6. Anno 1562. An Exposition upon the first Epistle to the Thessalonians. 7. Anno 1563. An Exposition upon the second Epistle to the Thessalonians. 8. An. 1564. A Reply to Master Hardings Answer, concerning the seven and twenty Articles contained in Master Jewel his Challenge, viz.  
1. Of private Mass. 2. Communion under both kinds. 3. Of Prayer in a strange tongue. 4. Of the Supremacy. 5. Of the real presence. 6. Of Polytopue, or being in many places at once. 7. Of the Elevation. 8. Of adoration of the Host. 9 Of carrying the Sacrament under a Canopy. 10. Of accidents without subject. 11. Of dividing the Sacrament. 12. Of a figure in the Sacrament. 13. Of plurality of Masses. 14. Of adoration of Images. 15. Of reading the Scripture in the mother tongue. 16. Of Consecration under silence. 17. Of the Sacrifice of the Mass. 18. Of receiving the Communion for others. 19 Of the application of Christ● death by the Mass. 20. Of Opus Operatum. 21. Of the Title of the Sacrament Lord and God. 22. Of remaining under accidents. 23. Of Mice eating the body of Christ. 24. Of Individium Vagum. 25. Of the form and shows of Bread and Wine. 26. Of hiding and covering the Sacrament. 27. Of Ignorance, whether it be the mother of Devotion.  
9 Anno 1565. A rejoinder to Mr. Hardings Reply. 10. An. 1566. A defence of the Apology of the Church of England. 11. An. 1567. An answer to Mr. Hardings Preface. 12. An. 1568. A Treatise of the Sacraments. 13 An. 1569. The view of a seditious Bull sent into England. 14. An. 1570. A Treatise o● the holy Scriptures.  
If any desire to be more familiarly acquainted with jewels, and to be particularly informed of his method and course of study, his witty and learned Discourses at Table, his Poems and penned Speeches in the College, his Exercises for his Degrees, his holding the golden Balances of Minerva before Urania, being Moderator in Divinity, Disputations in the presence of Queen Elizabeth, at an Act at Oxford; as also, how he attained to that admirable faculty of memory, whereby he wa● able on the sudden to repeat Chapters of names, read to him backward and forward, broken sentences and exutick words, Welsh, Irish, or any other Language, after once or twice reading, at the most; let him read the story of his life at large in Do●tor Humphrey, or at least the abridgement thereof, which I drew in the year of our Lord 1611. being then Student in Corpus Christi College, at the command of Archbishop Bancroft: which as soon as it was sent up, was suddenly printed, and prefixed to jewels Works, before I had time to revise it: and note the Errata, which I entreat thee for thine own sake as well as for mine, thus now to correct.  
Page 5. line 30. The wisdom of God so ordered this matter, add, For Jewel his greater honour, and the advantage of the truth. P. 7. l. 10. for the blessed Spouse of Christ, r. the blessed husband of the Spouse of Christ. P. 8. l. 21. for Valerius, r. Vellerius. p. 9 l. 16. for his Apology fell in the year 1566. r. the defence of his Apology. And l. 23. for cene, r. scene. p. 12. l. 17. which is his Church, add, on earth, and set it in a Crown of pure Gold upon her head in Heaven.  
The Preface to the King before the life is not mine, but Dr. Overals, than Dean of St. Paul's: the Appendix likewise i● not mine, but Doctor Morton, then Lord Bishop of Duresm; the model of the life drawn by me, beginneth thus: If rare and admirable qualities of our Ancestors deserve a thankful acknowledgement of Posterity. And endeth thus: Lord adorn and enrich continually thy Church with such jewels, deck her cheeks with rows of such Rubies, and her neck with chains, make her borders of gold, with studs of silver, Amen.  
Holy Learning, sacred Arts;  
Gifts of Nature, strength of Parts;  
Fluent Grace, an humble mind;  
Worth reformed, and wit refined;  
Sweetness both in tongue and Pen;  
Insight both in Books and Men:  
Hopes in woe, and fears in weals;  
Humble knowledge, sprightly zeal;  
A liberal heart● and free from Gall;  
Close to friends, and true to all.  
Height of courage in Truth's duel,  
Are the stones that made this J●well.  
Let him that would be truly blest,  
Wear this Jewel in his breast,   

The Life and Death of Zegedine, who died Anno Christi 1572.  
STeven Zegedine was borne in the lower Fanonia, in the ye●r 1505. brought up in learning, wherein he profited to admiration, and became a Schoolmaster himself; about which time (hearing the fame of Luther and Melancthon) he had a great mind to go to Wittenberg; but wanting opportunity in sundry regardss, he went to the University at cracovia, where having studied a while, he was made a Reader to others, and grew very famous; and having gotten some money there, he then went to Wittenberg, where he studied Logic and Divinity three years, and then returned into hi● ow● Co●ntrey. And in the City of Thasniadine he instructed Youth in the knowledge of Ar●s, and Preached Jesus Christ also to the Pe●●le, before unknown unto them: whereupon the King●● Treasurer fell upon him, beat him, and drove ●im out of the City: there he lost two hundred Books, and was so barbarously kicked by this Tyrant with his iron Spurs, that he was almost slain.  
Thus wand'ring up and down as an exile, Anno Chisti 1545. he was called to julia, where he was made governor of an illustrious School: and the year after he was sent for to Cegledine, where he was hired to Preach publicly in the Church. There also he married a wife, and after three years' stay, he went thence, and was sent for by the Governor of Temeswert to govern the School there, where also he preached to the people: but that Governor dying, there succeeded him one that was a strong Papist, who drove Zegedine from thence. Being again an exile, he was called to govern the School at Thurin, where he also preached to the people, who eagerly embraced the Truth, and loved him exceedingly. From thence he wa● called to Bekenese, where he also preached to the people, and read in the Schools: whilst he was there, a Country man coming to him said; Sir, what do you here, when there are some soldiers coming upon you, to slay you? therefore fly hence speedily if you will save your life. Whilst he was speaking, the noise of th' soldiers was heard without; whereupon he slipped into his chamber, but the soldiers breaking in upon him, plundered him of all he had, and binding him, carried him away with them: but behold the gracious providence of God; amongst those bloody Soldiers there was one that favoured him, and conveyed him away, so that swimming over a river, he escaped, and returned home again: shortly after, his fame spreading abroad, he was called to Tholna to govern a School there, and there also he preached to the people: and his former wife being dead, he married another: and not long after he was chosen to Lascovia to be the Pastor there: and was Ordained Minister by the Imposition of Hands, and taught School also: about which time he was made Doctor, and the Superintendent of all that Baronry: he read also in private to many that repaired to him, and intermitted not his pains, no not in sickness, if he had but strength to speak that his voyc● might be heard. Anno Christi 1558. he was removed thence by the authority of the Governor of the Castles to Calmantsem. Anno Christi 1561. the Vayvod of Copasware with his soldiers (being Turk's) came upon the inhabitants of Calmantsem for neglecting to pay their Tribute, as they were at Sermon, and took many of them prisoners, together with Zegedine, and carried them away to Copasware: the rest that escaped gathered the Tribute, carried it presently to the Vayv●d, entreated his pardon, and the restitution of the prisoners, especially of Zegedine: but he told them, that if they would have them restored to liberty, they must go and petition the Bashaw for their release: which they doing, the prisoners were presently released: but when they afterwards accused the Vayvod to him of Tyranny, and injustice, he required that Zegedine, and some of the chief Citizens should come and testify those things before him: but when Zegedine came, he picked a quarrel with him, and cast him into prison; whereupon his people, by rich presents endeavoured to procure his release, and when they had almost obtained their request, one whispered the Bashaw in the ear, and told him, that he might have 1000 Florins for his ransom: whereupon he still detained him, and told them that he would not release him till they had paid him a 1000 florence: but when the money came in slower than he expected, the barbarous Tyrant chid his Keeper for using him too gently, which (as he said) was the cause that his ransom was not yet paid; whereupon his Keeper bound, and whipped him with thongs, till he was bloody all over, and almost killed him: afterwards the Bashaw promised that i● they would procure the release of the daughter of the Major of Tolne, who was prisoner with the Hungarians, and bring her unto him, he would release Zegedine: her, therefore, his people of Calmantsem redeemed for three hundred Florins, and presented her to the Bashaw; yet the Infidel falsified his promise, and kept him still prisoner: then the Prince of Transilvania sent Ambassadors, and a rich present to the Bashaw, requesting the release of Zegedine, yet nothing would prevail: many, pitying his miserable captivity, came to visit him, and gave him money, but his cruel Keeper extorted most of it from him. B●ing lo●den with heavy chains, the Citizens, with much importunity, prevailed to get him leave once a day to come to the Christians to whom he preached, and so returned to prison again: yet God stired up the hearts of some of the Courtiers to commiserate his deplorable condition. During his imprisonment the Bashaw used all means both by threats, and promises to draw him to abjure the Christian Religion, and to turn Turk: but he always answered him stoutly, That such arguments might prevail with children, but could not prevail with him. Having leave at last to lie amongst the other Prisoners, he wonderfully refreshed, and comforted them by his godly exhortations, and consolations drawn from the Scriptures, whereby they were much confirmed in the Christian Faith: and whereas before they were almost pined through want of food, God so stirred up the heart● of some to bring relief to Zegedine, that all the rest of the prisoners were provided for plentifully thereby. Remaining thus in prison he was not idle, but wrote there his Common-places, and some other Works: thus he remained in Prison above a year, in which time three of his children died, which added much to his affliction, and though his people had used the intercession of all their great men there about for his liberty, yet all prevailed not, till it pleased God that a Noble Baron, and his Lady passing by that way, saw this worthy man of God in so miserable a plight, that the Lady much pitied him: and afterwards being in Child bed, and ready to die, she requested her Lord (who loved her dearly) for her sake to improve all his interest in the Bashaw to procure Zegedines liberty; which he with an oath promised to perform, and accordingly engaged himself to the Turk that he should pay 1200. Florins for his ransom: thereupon he was released, and went about to divers Cities to gather his ransom, and God so enlarged men's hearts towards h●m, that in a short time he carried 800. Florns to this Baron, and so returned to his people at Calman●sem. The year after being 1564. as he was going by coach to Buda, when the horses came near the great river Danubius being very hot, and dry, thy ran violently into the river: but behold the admirable providence of God, when they had swum some twenty paces in the river, they turned back again, and drew the coach, and him safely to the shore.  
The same year, by the Imposition of Hands, he ordained three excellent men Ministers. About that time there came a bragging Friar, and challenged him to a Disputation, which he willingly accepting of; the great Church was appointed for the place, and many of both sides resorted thither; and the Friar came with much confidence, his servants carrying a great sack of Books after him: but in the Disputation, Zegedine did so baffle him, that all his friends shrunk away with shame, and the Friar, with his great sack, was left all alone, so that himself was fain to take it on his own shoulders and go his way. About that time the Vaivod, who had before betrayed him, coming to the place where Zegedine was, desired to speak with him, and requested him to forgive him, professing that he could rest neither night nor day, he was so haunted with apparitions, and the Furies of his own conscience; which Zegedine easily affented unto.  
In the year 1566. Zegedine being very hot, invited a friend to go with him to the River of Danubius to bathe himself: but as they were swimming, his friend looking about him, saw not Zegedine, and wondering what was become of him so suddenly, at last he spied his hoary hairs appearing above water, and swimming swiftly to him, Zegedine was sunk; whereupon, he diving to the bottom of the river, caught hold of him, and drew him forth, carrying him to a Mill that was not far off, where he laid him to bed: about midnight Zegedine coming to himself, enquired how he came there, and who drew him out of the River; hi● friend told him the whole story, and kept him carefully till he recovered. In the year 1572. he fell into a mortal dsease, which so much the more afflicted him, because he could not sleep; whereupon he sent for a Chirurgeon, who gave him a bitter potion, which caused him to fall a sleep, but after a little while he quietly breathed forth his last, being sixty seven years of age.  
How full of patience, how divine  
Was this our learned Zegedine?  
Though cast in prison, and restrained  
From food, yet he the truth maintained.  
His heart resolved from his youth  
Rather to starve, then starve the truth.  
For Disputations, few there were.  
That could with Zegedine compare:  
His rare example lets us know,  
Patience o'ercomes the greatest woe.   

The Life and Death of John Knox, who died Anno Christi 1572.  
JOhn Knox was born at Gifford in Lothain in Scotland, Anno 1505. of honest Parentage: brought up first at School, then sent to the University of Saint Andrews, to study under Master Io. Maior, who was famous for learning in those days, and under whom in a short time he profited exceedingly in Philosophy and School Divinity, and took hi● Degrees, and afterwards was admitted very young into Orders; then he betook himself to the reading of the Fathers, especially Augustine's Works; and lastly to the earnest study of the holy Scriptures; by which, being through God's mercy informed of the Truth, he willingly embraced it, and freely professed it, and imparted it to others. But when there was a persecution raised up by the Bishops, against the Professors of the Truth, he fled into England, where he preached the Gospel with much zeal & fruit, both at Berwick, Newcastle and London. He was much esteemed ●y King Edward the sixth, who proffered him a Bishopric, which he rejected, as having Aliquid commune cum Antichristo; something in it common with Antichrist. King Edward being dead, the persecution raised by Queen Mary made him leave England, and go to Frankefort, where for a time he preached the Gospel to the English Congregation: but meeting with opposition there, both from Papists and false brethren, he went to Geneva. Anno Christi 1559. and of his age 54. the Nobility of Scotland, with some others, beginning the Reformation of Religion, sent for him home, and shortly after he was settled Minister at Edinbrough, where he preached many excellent Sermons. Anno Christi 1566. the Earl of Murray being slain on the Saturday, Knox preaching at Edinbrough the next day, amongst the papers given of those that desired the prayers of the Church, he found one with these words, Take up the man whom ye accounted another God: At the end of his Sermon he bemoaned the loss that the Church and State had by the death of that virtuous man; adding further, There is one in this company that makes this horrible murder the subject of his mirth, for which all good men should be sorry; but I tell him, he shall die where there shall be none to lament him.  
The man that had written those words, was one Thoma● Metellan, a young Gentleman of excellent parts, but bearing small affection to the Earl of Murray; he hearing this commination of john Knox, went home to his Sister, and sa●d, That john Knox was raving to speak of he knew not whom. His Sister replied with tears, If you had taken my advice, you had not written those words; saying further, Tha● none of john Knox his threaten fell to the ground without effect. And so indeed this came to pass; for shortly after, this Gentleman going to travel, died in Italy, having none to assist, much less to lament him. Towards Knox his later end, his body became very infirm, and his voice so weak, that People could not hear him in the ordinary place; wherefore he chose another place, wherein he preached upon the History of Christ's passion, with which, he said, it was his desire to close his Ministry: finding his end near, he importuned the Council of the City to provide themselves a worthy man to succeed in his place: Master james Lawson Professor in Aberdene was the man pitched upon, and Commissioners were sent from the Church of Edinborough to request him to accept of the place; john Knox also subscribed that request; adding, Accelera mi frater, alioqui ●erò venies; Haste my Brother, otherwise you will come too late: this made Master Lawson to hasten his journey, and when he was come, he preached twice to the good liking of the people, whereupon order was taken by the rulers of the Church for his admission, at which time john Knox would needs preach, though very w●ak, which also he performed with such fervency of spiri●, that he was never before heard to preach with so grea● power, or more content to the hearers. In the end of his Sermon, he called God to witness that he had walked in a good conscience with them, not seeking to please men, nor serving either his own, or other men's affections, but in all sincerity, and truth had preached the Gospel of Christ. He exhorted them in most grave and pithy words to stand fast in the Faith they had received: and so having prayed zealously for God's blessing upon them, and the multiplying of God's spirit upon their new Pastor, he gave them his last farewell: Being conveyed to his lodging, that afternoon he was forced to betake himself to his bed: and was visited by all sorts of persons in his sickness, to whom he spoke most comfortably: amongst others the Earl of Morton came to see him, to whom he said, My Lord, God hath given you many blessings, Wisdom, Honour, Nobility, Riches, many good, and great friends, and he is now about to pr●fer you to the Government of the Realm (the Earl of Marr, the late Regent, being newly dead.) In his name I charge you, use these blessings better than formerly you have done: seeking first the glory of God, the furtheance of his Gospel, the maintenance of his Church, and Ministry; and then be careful of the King to procure his good, and the welfare of the Realm. I● you do thus, God will be with you, and honour you: if otherwise, ●e will deprive you of all these benefits, and your end shall be shame, and ignonminie. These speeches the Earl called to mind about nine years after, at the time of his Execution, saying, That he had found john Knox to be a Prophet. A day or two before Knox his death, he sent for Master David Lindsey, Master Lawson, and the Elders, and Deacons of the Church, ●o whom he said, The time is approaching, which I have long thirsted for, wherein I shall be released from all my cares, and be with my Saviour Christ for ever: and now God is my witness whom I have served with my spirit in the Go●●e●● of his Son, that I have taught nothing but the true & sincere Word of God: and that the end that I proposed in my Ministry was, To instruct the ignorant, to confirm the wea●, to comfort their consciences who were humbled under the sense of their sins, and born down with the threatning● o● God's judgements. I am not ignorant that many have, and do blame my too great rigour, and severity; but God knoweth that in my heart I never hated those against whom I thundered God's judgements: I did only hate thei● sins, and laboured according to my power to gain them to Christ: That I did forbear none of what condition soever; I did it out of the fear of my God: who hat● placed me in the function of his Ministry, and I know will bring me to an account. Now brothers, for your selve●, I have no more to say, but to warn you that you ●ake he●d to the Flock over which God hath placed you Over seers, which 〈◊〉 hath redeemed by the blood of his only begotten son: and you Master Lawson fight a good fight, do the Work of the Lord with courage, and with a willing mind, and God from heaven bless you, and the Church whereof you have the charge: Against it (so long as it continues in the Doctrine of the Truth) the gates of hell shall not preva●le: having thus spoken, and the Elders, and Deacons being dismissed, he called the two Preacher to him, and said, There is one thing that grieveth me exceedingly, you have sometimes seen the Courage, and Constancy of the Laird of Grang in the Cause of God; and now that unhappy man is casting himself away: I pray you go to him from me, and tell him, That unless he forsake that wicked course that he is in, the Rock wherein he confideth shall not defend him, nor the carnal wisdom of that man whom he counteth half a god [which was young Leshing●on] shall yield him help; but he shall be shamefully pulled out of that nest, and his carcase hung before the Sun, (meaning the Castle which he kept against the King's Authority) for his soul it is dear to me, and if it were possible, I would fain have him saved: accordingly they went to him, conferred with him, but could by no means divert him from his course: But as Knox had foretell, so the year after his Castle was taken, and his body was publicly there hanged before the Sun: yet at his death he did express serious repentance. The nex day Knox gave order for the making of his Coffin, continuing all the day (as he did also through all his sickness) in fervent prayer, crying, Come Lord jesus: sweet Jes●s into thy hands I commend my spirit: being asked whether his pains were great, he answered, That he did not esteem that a pain which would be to him the end of all troubles, and the beginning of eternal joys. Oft after some deep meditation, he used to say, Oh serve the Lord in fear, and death shall not be troublesome to you: Blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of jesus. The night before his death, he slept some hours with great unquietness, often sighing, and groaning, whereupon when he awakened, the standers by asked him how he did, and what it was that made him mourn so heavily? to whom he answered: In my life time I have been assaulted with Temptation's from Satan, and he hath oft cast my sin● into my teeth to drive me to despair, yet God gave me strength to overcome all his Temptations: but now the subtle serpent takes another course, and seek's to persuade me, That all my labours in the Ministry, & the fidelity that I have showed in that service hath merited heaven and immortality: but blessed be God that brought to my mind these Scriptures: What hast thou that thou hast not received? And, Not I, but the grace of God in me: With which he is gone away ashamed, and shall no more return: and now I am sure that my battle ●s at an end, and that without pain of body, or trouble of spirit, I shall shortly change this mortal, and miserable life, with that happy, and immortal life that shall never have an end. After which, one praying by his bed, having made an end, asked him, If he heard the Prayer? Yea, said he, and would to God that all present had heard it with such an ear, and heart as I have done: Adding, Lord jesus receive my spirit: With which words, without any motion of hands, or feet, as one falling a sleep rather than dying he ended his life. Never was man more observant of the true & just authority of Church-Rulers according to the Word of God, and th● practise of the purest Primitive time: he always pressed due Obedience, from the people to the faithful Pastor●, and Elders of the Church. He died Anno Christi 1572. and of his Age 62. Men of all ranks were present at his Burial: The Earl of Murray, when the Corpse was put into the ground, said Here lies the body of him, who in his life time never feared the face of any man.  
Undaunted Knox would never fear to tell  
The bet their follies, if they did not well:  
He was severe to those that would not  
Observant to his preached Divinity:  
He loved the ways of peace, and would delight  
Himself in ●ods just Laws both day and night:  
His soul would be laborious to fulfil  
The sweet commands of his dear makers will.  
In peace he lived, and with a peaceful breath  
He called on God, and yielded unto death's   

The Life and Death of Peter Ramus, who died Anno Christi 1572.  
PEter Ramus was born in France Anno Christi 1515. His Grandfather was a Nobleman, who (having his estate plundered by Charles Duke of Burgundy, General under the Emperor Charles the fifth) was forced to leave his Country, and to betake himself to the poor, and painful life of an husbandman: and his father being left very poor by him, was fain to live by making of Charcoal: Ramu● being from his Childhood of an excellent wit, of an industrious nature, and much addicted to learning, was compelled for his subsistence to live as a servant with one of his Uncles: but finding (that by reason of his many Employments) he had no time to follow his book there, he thought it better to betake himself to the service of some learned man: so going to Paris, and being admitted into the College of Navarre, he laboured hard all day for his Masters, and spent a great part of the night in study, so that in a short time he was made Master of Arts, and Laureat-Poet: and the Professors in that College, every one taking much delight in his diligence, each strove to forward him in learning, and lent him such books as he needed: then he betook himself to instructing of others, and to exercise himself in private Lectures, till thereby he had fitted himself for more public employments: then was he appointed publicly to read Logic, and when he was tw●nty one years old, he published his Logic, with some Animadversions upon Aristotile: this procured him much love, every one admiring such ripe parts, in so young a man: and envy being the usual concomitant of virtue, he had also many that envied, and aspersed him; especially the Sorbone Doctors, who accused him of Heresy in Phylosopgy, for that he being but a Novice, dust take upon him to correct Aristotle, the Prince of Philosophers: and by their authority they so far prevailed, that Ramus was forbidden to read, or write any mor● of Philosophy: This being very grievous to him, it pleased God to stir up the heart of the Governor of another College to send for him to assist him in restoring of that College, which was now empty; the students being all fled by reason of the infection of the Plague: a●● it came to pass that in a short time (Ramus being so famous a man) the College was better stored with students then ever it was before: the Sorbonists much raged at this, and laboured to so● division between the Governor of the College and him: yet Ramus carried himself with so much candour and ingenuity, that they lived together w●th much concord: at last, that Governor dying, Ram●s succeeded him: and by the Cardinal of Lorrain's means (who who was a great favourer of Learning) he was made the Regius Professor of Rhetoric, and Philosophy, Anno Christ● 1551. and of his Age thirty six. His fame spreading into all the Universities of Christendom, there were many Princes that strove to get him out of France, proffering him large stipends if he would come to them: but he being now famous in France, preferred his own Country before all others; and therefore rejected all their offers. In Pari● he had so great esteem, that (though his enemies strongly opposed it) yet he was made Dean of the whole University: and so having obtained a more quiet kind of life, he betook himself to the study of the Mathematics, wherein he grew very exquisite. But when the Civil Wars broke forth in France for Religion, and that none could safely enjoy themselves, or any thing that they had, when under pretence of Religion, every one revenged his own private quarrels upon others; Ramus, to free himself from this tempest, left Paris, and went to Fontainblew, where the King's Library was: yet neither there could he be in safety: so that at last, he was compelled to betake himself to the Camp of the Prince of Conde: But when he saw that France was no fit place for him for the present to reside in, he resolved to travel into Germany, till God should restore peace to his Country again: and accordingly he went to Argentine, Basil, Lusanna, Tiger's, Heidelb●rge● Nore●berg, and Auspurg, and was entertained in all these Universities with great applause, and with much joy by all learned men. And when the Civil War was ended in France, he returned to Pari● again. Then he remained in his College till th●t horrible Massacre happened on Saint B●rtholomews Eve, wherein so many thousands perished by the cruel hands of bloody Papists: at which time the College gates being fast shut, he locked himself up in his own house till those furious Papist● broke open his door●, and finding him, 〈◊〉 him through, and being half dead, threw him out of his window; and not ●●●●●fied therewith, they cut off his head, dragged his body about the streets in the channels, and at last threw it into the river of S●in, Anno Christi 1572. and of his Age seven and fifty. After which also they selved upon his Goods, Library and Writings, whereby many excellent Commentaries and other Works (not fully complete) perished, to the great loss of learned men.  
Industrious 〈◊〉 from his youth inclined  
Himsel●e 〈…〉 a well composed min●e:  
His hear● was serious, and he took great pains  
To sow good seeds, and after reap the ga●nes.  
He was beloved of all that loved the ●ame  
Of learning; for he had a winged name.  
His care, his love, his industry was such,  
That in few yea●s his heart attained to much:  
But in conclusion, Envy that still crowds  
Into true Fame, involved him in the clouds  
Of sudden ruin; P●●ist● thought it good  
To take a furfeit of his guiltless blood.   

The Life and Death of Matthew Parker, who died Anno Christi 1574.  
MAtthew Parker was born in the City of Norwich, Ann● Christi 1502. and having some years at School, h● went to Cambridge, where he was admitted into Corpu● Christi [Bennet] College, in which place he profited so much that he was chosen Fellow, and grew so famous th●t Queen Ann Bullen [mother to Queen Elizabeth] made him her Chaplain, whereupon he commenced Doctor in Divinity: and after her death, King Henry the eighth; and after his death, King Edward the sixth made him their Chaplains, and preferred him to be Master of Bennet College; besides other Ecclesiastical dignities which they advanced him to: but in Queen Mary's days, he was despoiled of all, and was compelled to live a poor, and private life: but so soon as Queen Elizabeth came to the Crown, she made choice of this Doctor Parker for his admirable learning, and piety to be the Archbishop of Canterbury Anno Christi 1559. which place he supplied with great commendation for above fifteen years. His works of Charity were very eminent: He gave to the Corporation of Norwich, where he was born, a Basin and Ewr double guilt, weighing 173. ounces: as also fifty shillings a year for ever to be distributed amongst the poor of that City: and six anniversary Sermons in several places of Norfolk: to Bennet College he gave thirty Scholarships, built them a Library, and bestowed many excellent books, and ancient Manuscripts upon it, besides three hundred ounces of silver, and guilt-plate: and the perpetual Patronage of Saint Mary Ab-church-London. He carefully collected, and caused to be printed divers ancient Histories of England, which probably had otherwise been lost. He died in peace An. Christi 1574. and of his Age 72.  
What Heaven bestowed upon him, he was free  
To give to others; for his Charity  
Was known to many, whose impatient grief  
Inforc'd them to implore his sure relief,  
His worth was such, that 'twas disputed, which  
Prayed for him most, either the poor or rich.  
The poor, they prayed (as they were bound to do)  
Because he filled their souls and bodies too.  
The rich destred his life, because his store  
Sustained their souls, and helped maintain the poor.  
Thus having spent his days in love, he went  
In peace to heavens high court of Parliament.   


HENRICUS BULLINGERUS.  The Life and Death of Henry Bullinger.  
IN the year of our Lord 1504 Henricus Bullingerus was born at Bremogarta, a Town in Switzerland: he was descended from an ancient and a noble Family, much esteemed and honoured in those parts. Being an Infant he was twice in great danger of his life, but preserved by the powerful hand of God, contrary to the expectation of his Parent● and friends: first, from the Pestilence, wherewith those parts were at that time grievously punished: and secondly, from a wound which he received in his ●hr●at, by reason of a fall; whereby he was made unable to admit of any nourishment for the space of five days.  
His Father being a man of great learning, and bearing an extraordinary affection unto the Arts and their Professors, he was very careful to provide that the tender years of this his Son might be bathed in the Fountains of Learning; and for that cause (he being not fully five years old, he was sent unto a Country School near adjoining, where he continued seven years; but by reason of the inability of his Master, he profited not much; yet he attained unto that perfection, that he exceeded those which learned with him, not without the approbation of his Master. His Parents well perceiving the towardliness of the child, and finding that Schoolmaster not to be a sufficient Tutor for him; they presently entered into a consideration of sending him unto some more eminent place, where he might be instructed in the Arts, for the better perfection of nature; and therefore in the year 1516. he was sent unto Embrick, a Town in the Dukedom of Clire, then famous for the many learned Scholars wherewith it was adorned: and here he was commited unto the tuition of Casparus Glogoriensis, and of Petrus Cochemensis, Mosellanus, and others, being men beautified with excellent endowments, and famous both for their Method of Teaching, and severity of Discipline; which latter was most acceptable unto this Bullinger; and for that cause, being yet a child, he had an intent to unite himself unto the Order of the Carthusians, it being the strictest and most severest. In this place Bullinger concinued three years, to the great perfection of his Studies, and increasing of his knowledge in the Arts and Tongues. During which time he received little maintenance from his Father. He furnished himself with victuals, sometimes by singing, sometimes by begging from door to door. Which action he performed not because his Father was poor and could not, or covetous and would not confer a sufficient annual pension on him; but he did it, because he desired to have some experience of the miserable and wretched condition of poor men; that in future times he might be the more willing and ready to relieve and secure them. Afterwards, he removed unto Colen, where he studied Logic, and notice being taken of his excellent qualities, he proceeded Bachelor of Arts; and because there was great controversies in the Churches then, touching some points of Divinity, he inclined unto the Study of Theology, and withal desired to know of those who were esteemed the best Scholars, what Authors were fittest to be read, to ground him in the knowledge thereof. They all advise him to consult with Lombard, his writings being of good account and authority in those times. This counsel was embraced by Bullinger, who not contenting himself with that Author, he went unto Georgius Deinerus; by whose procurement he obtained an admission into the public Library at Colen; where he studied the Homilies of chrysostom on Matthew, read over some chief parts of the Works of Augustine, Ambrose, Origen, the Works of Luther he read privately in his own Chamber, which indeed were the means of enlightening his understanding; for by the reading of them he was induced to peruse and to search into the Scriptures, and especially into the New Testament; whereby he entered into a detestation of the Doctrine of the Church of Rome, and into a constant and firm resolution of rejecting the austere life of the Carthusian Monks.  
In this Academy he went forth Master of Arts, and then he returned unto his Father's house, where he spent a whole year in his private studies and meditations, at the end whereof he was called by Wolfangus jonerus, unto Capella (he being Abbot there) a Monastery situate in the fields of Tigurum, and advanced by him to be Head-schoolmaster, during his residence he was entirely beloved, not only of the Abbot, but also of Simler Zuinglius O●colampadius, and of other excellent and reverend personages, for those excellent parts wherewith he was endued.  
About this time he joined with Zuinglius as touching a reformation in the Church, the labouring to produce it at Tigurum, and the other endeavouring to effect it at Capella; which in short time took good effect, for they cleared both places of Masses, and Idols, and of many other things, which appeared superstitious in the Church, this he did during his residence at Capella, and with so much the more happy success because he was appointed to read the public Divinity Lecture in the same school.  
In the year 1529. he was called unto Bremogart, the place of his birth, to Preach the Word of truth unto them: here he began openly to condemn the errors of the Papists, stoutly defending his Father's doctrine, who had formerly discovered and confuted their errors, but some of the more eminent Citizens, not well brooking his doctrine, exercised their authority, in expelling him the City; placing in his office a godly and learned Theologue, named Gervasius Scholasticus, but his name being famous amongst the Swissers, and many of them having a great desire to hear him, he was called unto his own Country to preach the Gospel of Christ, wherein he was so powerful that he caused them to rectify many abuses in the Church, and so well approved of, that the Senate kindly entreated him to remain there, and to go forward in his teaching? he answered them, that he was so strictly bound by promise unto the Senate of Tigurum, and to the Abbot of Capella, that he could do nothing without their leave and consent: Wherefore they presently dispatched an Ambassador unto Cahella, who wrought so effectually with the Senate, that they willed Bullinger to remain in his own Country, where he continued Preaching the Gospel together with Gervasius three years with the Unanimous consent of all the Citizens, and the Gospel by the industry of these two learned and vigilant watchmen flourished in the same place: which (although it wear opposed by the Anabaptists, who laboured to hinder the growth of the Church) was preferred by God, who stirred up this Bullinger to confute with invincible arguments in the presence of the whole Church, their erroneous opinions.  
But as one misery seldom comes alone, without the addition of another, even so it happened at this present, for the Church of Bremogart was not only troubled with the erroneous opinions of these Anabaptists; but also vexed with intestine discords, where in the Papists having the upper hand, Bullinger with his father and brother, and his faithful colleague Gervas●ius were banished their Country, in the year of our Lord 1531. whence departed they went unto Tigurum, and were kindly entertained by Wernerus Striner, who together with them greatly lamented the troublesome State of the Church. In the same year the Church of Basil was destitute of a Pastor, by reason of the death of Oecolampadius, whereupon he was called by them unto the discharging of a Pastoral office amongst them, but the Senate of Tigurum detained him, and appointed him in the place of Zuinglius, according to his own desire, for when he went forth with the Tigurines to Battle, he desired of them if any misfortune came unto him, that they would be pleased to Nominate Bullinger to be his successor.  
And unto this office he was called in a time full of danger, even to build up and to confirm and strengthen a Church, greatly shaken and afflicted. Which he performed with such patience and modesty, that false Doctrine began again to be discovered, and the truth to be firmly planted in the hearts of many; which he well perceiving, ceased not to proceed and go forward, praising almighty God for ordaining and esteeming him a worthy instrument for the advancing and propagating of his Truth: and for that cause he wrote a Confession of his Faith, sending it unto Constance to Bucer, and other learned Divines there assembled for the establishing of an agreement amongst the Churches; which work of his was approved of by Bucer and by the whole Assembly, esteeming it worthy to be embraced of the adjacent Churches.  
In the year 1536. he was present at Basel with Bucer and others, about the reconciling of different points, which did great hurt unto the Church, and especially about the reconciliation betwixt Luther and the Hevetian Churches; where it being declared against him, that he laboured for a defection unto Luther, and all his opinions he cleared himself of that aspersion, but departed unsatisfied concerning his desire, to his great grief; who notwithstanding so bridled his affection, that in the midst of their contentions, he abstained from all bitterness of speech.  
In the year 1538. some of our English Nobility came unto ●igurum, to be instructed in the grounds of Religion, and to have his judgement concerning the public rites and Ceremonies of the Church. This happened about the time that Henry the eight had disburdened himself of the weight of the Pope, the English being greatly inflamed to embrace a pure worship of the Lord, which had not yet been conversant amongst them; these men were kindly entertained by Bullinger, who also gave them full satisfaction concerning the things demanded; before their departure, they entreated him that he would write some short Treatise concerning Religion unto their Sovereign, whereby he might be egged forward in his resolution touching the reformation of the Church. Unto which he willingly condescended, and wrote unto the King two learned Treatises, exhorting him to set aside the inventions of men, and to give himself wholly unto the Word of God; and to have all things in his Dominion regulated and squared according unto the Canonical Scripture.  
In the year following he laboured to purge the Church of that gross error of Casparus Schroenckfeldius a Silesian, concerning the Humane nature of Christ, who taught that after his ascension into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of his Father, it was so Deified and made coequal unto the Word, that it was no more a creature; which error received strength and was fostered by the approbation of great persons in Suevia, but quickly overthrown by the laborious Preaching and writing of Bullinger. Within short time after, there ●ell out a hot and irreconcilable contention betwixt Luther and the other Protestant Pastors, insomuch that he openly styled them damned Heretics and enemies unto the Sacrament; insomuch that Melancthon said unto Bullinger, desino sperare ecclesiarum pacem; I despair of a settled peace amongst the Churches; and again, privato periculo, quod nunc mihi impendet, etsi non est Leave, tamen tantum non movear quan●●m Ecclesiarum distractionibus. I am not so much grieved with that private danger which on all sides threatens my ruin, as I am with these distractions of the Church: but these contentions ceased and were taken away by the death of Luther: yet there followed an happy consent and agreement betwixt Calvin and the Church of Geneva of the one ●ide, and the Tigurines on the other, concerning the Sacrament; wherein Calvin seemed to adhaere unto the opinion of Luther in the judgement of the Tigurine Ministers. Wherefore that he might free himself from this suspicion, taking Farellus with him, he came unto Tigurum, where a form of agreement was written by Calvin and Bullinger, and approved of by the Churches of R●etia and Helvetio, and afterwards published for the general good of the Church; and by this means (God so disposing) the Churches were not only united firmly amongst themselves, but also many were confirmed and strengthened in the knowledge of the truth. And this agreement set such an edge on the teeth of their Adversaries, that they began more bitterly to inveigh against the truth of Christ; and still labouring to propagate the truth, he wrote several Decades unto Edward the sixth King of England. And because a free and unmolested Preaching of the Gospel was granted unto the English, he sent frequent letters unto the Nobility, Bishops and Pastors of the Church, exhorting them unto a perseverance in the work begun, and that with all purity and constancy. During which act of his, a Legate came from the Pope with Authority to command the Helvetian Prelates to be present at the Council of Trent. Who was answered by Bullinger, that Concilium Tridentinum institutum esse ad opprimendam veritatem: that that Council was ordained for the suppressing of the truth; and withal, he denied Helvetios Evangelicos Papae, obedientiam ullam debire: that they owed not any obedience unto the Pope at all, whose yoke they had now cast off, etc.  
Not long after there was a dissension in the Church of Geneva, concerning God's Election, the Author whereof was Hieronimus Bolsecus, a Professor of Physic: who openly opposed the doctrine of Calvin, exhorting the people not to suffer themselves to be seduced and led away by him; affirming Bullinger, and many other learned Divines to be of the same opinion with himself; wherefore it seemed good unto the Senate and unto the brothers of the Church of Geneva, to send unto Bullinger for his opinion concerning that point, who in express words returned this answer, that he which did teach that Gods eternal Election did depend on foreseen Faith, did maliciously abuse the doctrine of the Church of Tigurum. About this tim● Edward the sixth died in England, whose eldest sister coming to the Crown, changed that form of Religion established by her brother, and subjected the whole Kingdom again to the Pope of Rome; sharply persecuting those who were known to make profession of the true faith: wherefore many Noble and learned men were enforced to fly, some into Germany, many into Switzerland, building themselves a College at Tigurum; being greatly assisted by Bullinger, who then ratified that covenant of friendship, which he had formerly promised in the days of Henry the eight. In the year 1561. the Council of Trent was begun again by Pius the fourth then Pope, but the States and Protestant Princes of Germany refused to be present, and likewise the English together with the Helvetian Cities: during the continuance of which Council Bullinger laboured to extirpate the heresies newly crept into th● Church (viz.) That of Brentius, affirming of the Ubiquity of the human nature; until such time as a merciless pestilence invaded the City of Tigurum, seizing upon Bullinger himself, insomuch that he dispaired of his life, and therefore called the Ministers of Tigurum unto him, and took his leave of them with a grave admonition, but it pleased God to restore him again unto his former health, and he became an instrument of much good after in the Church; about this time or immediately after began that War which was called Sacrum, and the Prince of Condey suspecting some treason intended against his Excellency, sent an Ambassador unto the Swissers in general, and unto Bullinger in particular to entreat some ●de and succours from them; but the Ambassador of the King coming thither, at the same time there was no answer given unto the Ambassador of the Prince of Condey, who after a private manner departed from Tigurum, forthwith there arose cruel Wars in France: great was the number of Pastors and godly persons who fled, some to Geneva some to Berne, and most of them being in extreme want and poverty, Bullinger caused public collections to be made for them in the Churches, whereby they received unexpected relief; and so he continued being careful for the members of the Church, that their doctrine might be pure and uncorrupted, until it pleased God to visit him with his last sickness, which indeed was the longest, it continuing for the space of four whole months, in which time he endured the sharpest pains with an admirable patience, yielding no sign or token of any indignation or displeasure; the greater pains he suffered, the ferventer were his prayers unto God; whensoever he found some eas●, he would enter into some good discourse either with his family, or with such strangers as came to visit him, to whom he would often say, si deo visum fuerit, mea opera ●lterius in ecclesiae ministerio uti, ipse vires sufficiae & libens illi parebo, sui 〈◊〉 voluerit, quod opto, & hac vita, etc.  
It seemeth good unto Almighty God to account me worthy to exercise a Pastoral office in his Church yet longer, let him give me strength and I will willingly obey him, but if he will call me out of this life, which is the thing that I desire, I am also ready to obey his will, for nothing can be more welcome unto me then to leave this wretched and sinful world, and to go unto my Saviour Christ.  
His pains still increasing, he caused the Pastors and Professors of the City to come unto him, unto whom he delivered a large Oration: where in the first place he kindly thanked them for that their love in coming unto him, afterwards he opened unto them that faith in which and for which he was ready to lay down his life, in the thi●● place he freely, and from his heart forgave all his Enemy's, than he exhorted them constantly to continue in that doctrine which they had together Professed with him, and withal he wished them to take heed of the vulgar vice of the German Nation, because they who were subject unto that sin could by no means do good in the Church of God: such good things as proceed from them will be contemned of the people, he exhorted them also unto a concord and unity amongst themselves, to love one another and to defend one another, because they should be sure enough to find many opposers and enemies, who would desire nothing more than their ruin; and in the last place he advised them to have a reverend respect unto the Senate, who had hitherto constantly defended the doctrine of the Gospel.  
As he took his leave thus of the Pastors by word of mouth, so he took his leave of the Senate by writing commending the care of the Church and publick-schoole unto them, & withal desires that Rodolphus Guatterus might be his successor, whom he adjudged the most fit for the discharging of a Pastoral office in that place; having thus after a friendly manner taken his leave, he prepared himself to meet the Lord; and in the midst of his extremities sometimes repeating the sixteenth, sometimes the forty two, sometimes the fifty one Psalms, sometimes the Lords prayers, sometimes other prayers● at the last framing himself as it were to sleep, he quietly yielded his soul into the hands of God, on the eighteenth of September, in the year 1575. and in the 71. year of his age.  
He was th● most excellent of all the Divines that Switzerland yielded; he was an undaunted defender of the truth of Christ; he was of a weak disposition, plain● in teaching, a lover of truth, but a detester of Sophistical ●nd unprofitable arguments in his speech, he was affable and courteous, aswell towards those of his family as towards strangers; he was sparing in his diet, loving unto all, and studious, as it plainly appears by his works here following which he left behind him, as testifications of his desire unto the general good and benefit of the Church.  
Tome 1.  
1. A Catechism for the Trigurine Schoolmasters. 2. An Epitome of Christian Religion, in ten Books. 3. Sermons on the ●eads of Christian Religion.  
Tome 2.  
1. A Confession and Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. 2. A Declaration proving the Protestant Churches ●o be neither Heretical nor schismatical. 3. A Compendium of the Popish and Protestant tenets. 4. The old Faith and Religion. 5. Of God's eternal Covenant. 6. An Assertion of the two natures in Christ. 7. Institution of Christian Matrimony. 8. Instructions for the sick. 9 Declarations of God's benefits unto the Swissers. 10. Exhortations to Repentance.  
Tom 3.  
1. A Treatise of the Sabbath, and of Christian ●easts. 2. Of the Office of Magistrates, and of an Oath. 3. Of Repentance. 4. Of Conversion unto God. 5. An Explanation of daniel's Prophecies. 6. Of the office Prophetical. 7. An Exhortation unto Ministers to leave off Controversies. 8. Of the Original of Ma●omenatisme. 9 Of the Persecutions of the Church.  
Tome 4.  
1. A Preface to th● Latin Bible. 2. Sixty six Homilies on Daniel. 3. Epitome of the times from the Creation to the Destruction of Jerus●lem.  
Tome 5.  
1. Homilies on Isaiah. 2. Sermons on Jeremiah. 3. An Exposition on the Lamentation.  
Tome 6.  
1. Commentaries on Matthew. 2. Mark. 3. Luke. 4. John. 5. Acts of the Apostles. 6. A Series of times and actions of the Apostles.  
Tome 7.  
1. Commentaries on the Epistles of Saint Paul. 2. Sermons on the Revelation.  
Tome 8.  
1. A Demonstration of Christian perfection to Henry the second King of France. 2. Of the authority of the Scripture. 3. Of the Institution of Bishops.  
Never could worth lodge in a richer breast;  
Those blessings he enjoyed, made others blest;  
He was composed of sweetness, and his heart  
Was always cheerful, willing to impart  
The truth to them that studied how to grieve  
For sin, and would prove willing to believe.  
He was laborious and he could express  
Hatred to nothing, more than Idleness.  
Grave Doctors of those times would then submit  
To his profound, incomparable wit;  
For his grave judgement was so highly prized  
That most would act, what Bullenge● advised.  
Is it not ●iting then, that we should give  
Due praise to him, whose worth will make him live.   

The Life and Death of Edward Deering, who died Anno Christi 1576.  
EDward Deering was borne of a very ancient family in Kent, and carefully brought up both in Religion, and Learning: From School he went to Cambridge, and was admitted into Chris●'s College, where he profited exceedingly, and became a very famous Preacher, as may appear by his most learned and holy Sermons, and Tractates full of heavenly consolation. He never affected nor sought after great titles of preferments, and therefore rested content with his Fellowship in that College; and only Comensed Bachelor of Divinity: yet afterwards he was made a Preacher in St. Paul's Church in London: and having worn out himself with his labours in the work of the Lord, he fell sick, and discerning his approaching death, he said, in the presence of his friends that came to visit him; The good Lord pardon my great negligence, that (whilst I had time) I used n●t his precious gifts to the advancement of his glory, as I might have done: Yet I bless God withal, that I have not abused these gifts to ambition and vain studies. When I am once dead, my enemies shall be reconciled to me, except they be such as either knew me not, or have no sense of goodness in them; for I have faithfully, and with a good conscience served the Lord my God. A Minister standing by, said unto him, It is a great happiness to you, that you die in peace, and thereby are freed from those troubles which many of your brethren are like meet with. To whom he answered, If God hath decreed that I shall sup together with the Saints in heaven, why do I not go to them? but if there be any doubt or hesitation resting upon my spirit, the Lord will reveal the truth unto me. When he had lain still a while, a friend said unto him, that he hoped that his mind was employed in holy meditation whilst he lay so silent'st to whom he answered, Poor wretch, and miserable man that I am, the least of all Saints, and the greatest of Sinners; yet by the eye of Faith I believe in, and look upon Christ my Saviour: yet a little while, and we shall ●ee ●ur hope. The end of the world is come upon us, and we shall quickly receive the end of our hope which we have so much looked for: Afflictions, diseases, sickness, grief, are nothing but part of that portion which God hath allotted to us in this world. I●'s not enough to begin for a little while, execept we persevere in the fear of the Lord all th● dayer of our lives, for in a moment we shall be taken away. Tak● heed therefore that you do not make a pastime of, nor disesteem the Word of God: blessed are they that whilst they have tongues, use them to God's glory. When he drew near to his end, being set up in his bed, some of his friends requested him to speak something to them that might be for their edification, and comfort: whereupon the Sun shining in his face, he took occasion from thence to say thus unto them: There is but one Sun in the world, nor but one Righteousness, one Communion of Sts. If I were the most excellent of all creatures in the world: if I we●● equal in righteousness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, yet had I reason to confess myself to be a sinner, and that I could expect 〈◊〉 salvation but in the righteousness of Jesus Christ● For we all sta●d in need of the Grace of God: And as for my death, I bless God I feel, and find so much inward joy, and comfort to my soul, that if I were put to my choice whether to die, or live, I would a thousand times rather choose death, than life, if it may stand with the holy wi●● of God: and accordingly shortly after the slept in the Lord, Anno Christi 1576.  
What greater Simptomes can there be of grace  
Then to be penitent; the greatest race  
A Christian can desire to run, is this  
Fron earth's base centre, to eternal bliss.  
This race our Deering run; he spent his time  
Whilst here he lived in studying how to climb  
To heavens high Court, true virtue was his prize,  
And God the object where he fixed his eyes:  
Faith, Hope, and Charity did sweetly rest  
Within the Council Chamber of his breast:  
And to conclude, the graces did agree  
To make a happy soul, and that was he.   

The Life and Death of Flacius Jlliricus, who died Anno Christi 1575.  
MAtthias Flacicus Illiricus was born in Albona in Sclavo●a, Anno Christi 1520. his Father, whilst he lived, brought him up in learning carefully; but after his d●ath, his Masters so neglected him that he almost forgot all; but when he began to have discretion, he desired much to attain to learning, and for that end he went to Venice, and after some progress made, at seventeen years old he began to study Divinity, but wanting means to maintain him in the University, he proffered half his estate to be admitted into a Monastery, either at Bononia, or Milan: but a friend, dissuading him from that kind of life, advised him rather to go into Germany where were store of learned men. He went therefore to Basil, where he studied under Grynaeus, and from thence to Tubing: where also he studied a while, and then went to Wi●tenb●rg Anno Christi 1541. where he privately taught Greek and Hebrew for hi● maintenance, and heard Luther, and Melancthon. He was much troubled there with temptations about sin, God's wrath and Predestination: but by the good council of Pome●●ne and Luther, and the public prayers of the Church for him, it pleased God that he overcame them. Melancthon loved him much for his wit, and learning: there he was made Master of Arts: married a wife, and had a stipend allowed him by the Prince 〈◊〉 But when, by reason of the Wars, that University was dissipated, he went to B●●nswi●ke, & got much credit by his public teaching: but the Wars being ended, he returned to Wittenberg, Anno 1547. But when the Interim came forth, and Melancthon thought that for peace-sake some thing should be yielded to in things indifferent; Flacius, with many other Divines, strongly opposed it, as opening a gap to the retnrne of Popery: whereupon he removed from thence to Magdeburg, where he strongly opposed whatsoever was contrary to the Augustine Confession: there als● he assisted in writing the Magdeburgenses Centuries. And whe● the Duke of Saxony had erected an University at jeans he sent for him thither, Anno Christi 1556. but after five years a great contention arising between Strigelius, and him about freewill, he left that place, and went to Ratisbone ● an● Anno Christi 1567. the Citizens of An●werp, having pro●●●●● liberty for the free exercise of the Reformed Religion, sent for Flacius amongst others thither: but Religion being quickly expelled thence, he went to Argentine: and from thence to Franckefurt upon the Main, where after a while falling out with the Ministers about the Essence of Original Sin, he fell into great disgrace: and not long after died Anno Christi 1575. and of his age 55. He was of an unquiet wit, always contending with some or other; and brought much grief to Melancthon: yet wrote some excellent works for the benefit of the Church: and amongst oothers, his Catalogus Testium Veritatis.  
He was a man (as some reported) fit  
To be the Master of unquiet wit.  
He was contentious, which brought discontent  
To rare Melancthon; yet some time he spent  
In serious studies, leaving at his death  
Rare works behind, to give his fame a breath.   

The Life and Death of Josias Simlerus, who died Anno Christi 1576.  
IOsias Simlerus was born in Helvetia Anno Christi 1530. his father was a godly, learned, and prudent man: by whom he was carefully brought up in learning, and at fourteen years of age he was sent to Tygure, where he lived in Bullinge●'s family (who was his godfather) almost two years; from thence he went to the University of Basil, where he studied the Arts, and Tongues one year, and from thence he went to Argentine, where he made a further progress in those studies; and at the end of three years he returned to his fathers, with whom he spent his time in study, and teaching a School, and sometimes also preaching. Anno Christi 1552. he began publicly to expound the New Testament, beginning in Matthew in Tygure, being twenty two years old; which work he performed with great judgement, fidelity, and diligence, having not only many of that City to be his hearers, but many Exiles, especially of the English; also four years after he was made Deacon, and went on in his former work with admiration, so that he was highly prized by all. Bibliander being grown very old, Simler supplied his place, and was Colleague to Peter Martyr: who foretell that Simler was like to prove a great ornament to the Church: who also when he died expressed much joy that he should leave so able a man to succeed him. Simler, besides his public labours, instructed many also in private, and amongst them some Noblemen, both in sacred, and human learning: he had such an acute wit, and strong memory that he was able Extempore to speak of any subject, and to answer his friends questions out of any author, and to give an account of their wrintings to the great admira●tion of the hearers: and though in reading of books he seemed to run over them very superficially, yet when he had done, he was able to give an exact account of any thing that was in them: and being so troubled with the gout that many times he was confined to his bed, and had the use of none of his members but his tongue only; yet in the midst of his pains, he used to dictate to his amanuensis such things as were presently printed to the great admiration of learned men: besides the gout, he was much troubled with the stone, so that the pains of these diseases, together with his excessive labours in his Ministry, hastened his immature death: which he also foresaw, yet without any consternation or fear, but by his frequent, and fervent prayers to God, he endeavoured to fit himself for it: and accordingly Anno Christi 1576. he resigned up his spirit unto God, being forty five years old, and was buried in Peter Martyr's tomb: he was of a very loving, and gentle nature, free from passion: very charitable, spending all his Patrimony upon the poor, and strangers, and such as came thither to study he entertained them in his house, and often feasted his friends, with whom he would be very merry, otherwise he was very sparing of speech. He delighted much in history: he had two wives, the first of which was Bullinger's daughter, who died without issue; by the second he had three sons, and one daughter.  
He was a man whose life and conversation,  
Furnished both eyes and ears with admiration:  
He was so pithy in his speech, that those  
Which heard him, gave a plaudit to his close:  
He always meditated how to be  
A perfect Scholar in Divinity:  
He lived in Peace, his heart was still contented,  
His life was well beloved, his death lamented.   

The life and death of Immanuall Tremelius, who died Anno Christi 1580.  
IMmanuell Tremelius was born in Ferara, having a Jew to his father, who so educated him, that he was very skilful in the Hebrew tongue: He was converted by Peter Martyr, and went with him to Lucca, where he taught Hebrew: from thence he went with him also to Argentine, and from thence into England under King Edward the sixth, after whose death he returned into Germany, and in the School ●f Hornback, under the Duke of Bipont, he taught Hebrew: f●om thence he was called to Heidelberg, under Frederick the third, Elector Palatine, where he was professor of the Hebrew tongue, and translated the Syriack Testament into Latin. There also he set upon the translation of the Bible out of Hebrew, and associated to himself in that work Francis junius: From thence also he removed to Seden, at the request of the Duke of Bulloin, to be the Hebrew-Profes●sor in his new University, where he died Anno 1580. and of his Age seventy.  
This rars Hebritian, though at first confined  
To jewish principles, at last inclined  
Himself to goodness, and employed his heart  
To trace and follow a diviner art;  
And so improved himself, that he became  
From a small spark, a most aspiring flame.  
And at the last he laid his temples down  
In Abr'ams' bosom, and received a Crown.   

The Life and Death of Peter Boquine, who died Anno Christi 1582.  
PEter Boquinus was borne in Aqritane, and being in his youth brought up in learning, he entered into a Monastery in Biturg; where afterwards he was made the Prior, and was very much beloved of all the Covent. But it pleased God in the midst of all his riches and honours, to discover the Truth to him; and thereupon, after the example of Luther, Bucer, O●colampadius and Peter Martyr, he resolved to leave all, and to follow Christ, whose example divers of the Friars also followed. From thence he went to Wittenberg, travelling through Germany, and by the way he went to Basil, where he wintered, by reason of the Plague very rise at that time in many Countries: there he diligently heard the Lectures of Myconius, Caralostadius, and Sebastian Munster: from thence he went to Lipswich, where he stayed three weeks, and so went to Wittenberg; coming thither he had some converse with Luther, but more with Melancthon: and whilst he was there, Bucer ●ent to Melancthon to request him to send an able man to Argentine to supply Calvins place, who was now gone bacl to Geneva; whereupon Melancthon requested Boquine to go thither, which he accordingly did, and began to read upon the Epistle to the Galatians. Shortly after Peter Martyr came thither also. But Boquine finding that the Ecclesiastical and Scholastical affairs went but slowly forward in that place, upon the request of a friend, he resolved to go bacl into France: and so taking Basil in his way, he went to Geneva, where he heard Cavin preach, and from thence to Biturg, where (hoping that the French Churches would have been reform) he began to read Hebrew, and to expound the Scriptures. About that time Francis King of France being dead, the Queen of Navarre came into those parts, about the marriage of her daughter: to whom Boquine went, and presented her with a book about the necessity and use of the holy Scriptures; whereupon she undertook his Patronage, and allowed a yearly stipend, appointing him to Preach a public Lecture in the great Church in Biturg: which place he continued in so long as he had hope of doing any good; but when he saw that there was no hope of any further Reformation, and that his enemies lay in wait for his life, he gave it over of his own accord: yet the Friars and Papists would not let him alone, but cited him to the Parliament at Paris, and afterwards brought him before the Archbishop of Bi●urg; so that he was in great peril of his life, but God raised up some good men to stand for him, whereby he was delivered from the present danger: then he resolved to fly into England; but hearing of King Edward's death, he altered his purpose, and by the persuasion of a friend, he resolved to return to his people in Germany; and so accordingly he went to Argentine, and when he had scarce been there a month, it so fell out that the French Church in that place wanted a Pastor, and chose him to that office; yet for sundry reasons he refused to accept of it, till by the persuasion of john Sturmius, and some other friends, he was content to preach to them till they could provide themselves of another. In the year 1557. he went from thence to Heidelberg, being sent for by Otho Henry, Prince Elector Palatine; who was about to reform his Churches: there he was made the public Professor of Theologie, and met with much oppositions and manifold contentions in that alteration; which he bore with much prudence: there he continued in the execution of his place twenty years under Otho and Frederick the third; after whose death in 1576. by reason of the prevalency of the Heterodox party, he, with other Professors and Divines, was driven from thence: and it pleased God that immediately he was called to Lusanna, where he performed the part of a faithful Pastor, so long as he lived. In the year 1582. on a Lords day he preached twice, and in the evening heard another Sermon, than supped cheerfully, and after supper refreshed himself by walking abroad; then went to visit a sick friend, and whilst he was comforting of him, he found his spirits to begin to sink in him, and running to his servant, he said unto him, Pray; saying further, Lord receive my soul, and so he quietly departed in the Lord, in the year 1582.  
This loyal convert carefully did strive,  
To make Religion and true virtue thrive:  
By his example many Friars went  
To seek for Christ, and leave their discontent:  
They banished former errors to embrace  
The truth, and fill themselves with heavenly grace:  
But sudden death made B●quines heart to faint;  
He lived a Convert and he died a Saint.   


WILLIAM GRINDALL.  The Life and Death of William Grindall.  
WIlliam Grindall was born in Cumberland Anno Christi 1519. and carefully brought up in learning, first 〈◊〉 School, and then in the University of Cambridge, where being admitted into Pembrooke-Hall, he profited so exceedingly that he was chosen first Fellow, and afterward Master of that house: and Bishop Ridley taking notice of his piety, and learning, made him his Chaplain, and commended him to that pious Prince King Edward the sixth, who intended to prefer him, but that he was prevented by an immature death. In the bloody days of Queen Mary, Grindal, amongst many others, fled into Germany where he continued al● her reign; but coming back in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth, she preferred him to that dignity which her brother King Edward intended him to, making him Bishop of London, wherein he carried himself worthily for about eleven years; and Anno Christi 1570. he was removed by the Queen to the Archbishopric of York, where he continued about six years; and then for his piety and learning she made him Archbishop of Cant●rbury, wherein he lived about seven years more, and then falling sick at Croyden, he resigned up his spirit unto God that gave i●, An. Christi 1583. and of his Age 64. Both in his life, and at his death he did many excellent works of Charity● at Saint Bees in Cumberland, where he was born, he erected a Free-school, and endowed it with 30l. per Annum for ever. To Pembroke Hall in Cambridg, where he was educated, he gave 22l. a year in Lands for the maintaining of a Greek Lecturer, one Fellow, and two Scholars, to be chosen out of the foresaid School of Saint Bees: he gave also much money to the said College. To Magdalen College in Cambridge he gave lands for the maintenance of one Fellow from the said School: To Christ's College in Cambridg he gave forty five pounds. To Queen's College in Oxford he gave twenty pound per Annum in lands to maintain one Fellow's and two Scholars out of the aforesaid School: and at his death he gave his Library, which was a very great and good one, to that College; besides a great sum of money. To eight Almshouses in Croyden he gave fifty pounds per Annum: and to Canterbury he gave an hundred pounds to set the poor on work.  
True virtue reigned in Grindals' breast,  
His Charity bespeaks him blest:  
He loved peace, and hated those  
That dared to prove Religious foes'  
Renowned Ridley took delight  
To see his virtue shine so bright;  
He like a star gave light to all  
That sat in darkness, pinched with thrall,  
And thus this glistering star went down,  
And set in Heaven with much renown  
Where now he bears his part, and sings  
Blessed hallalujahs to the Kng of Kings.   

The Life and Death of Bernard ●ilpin, who died Anno Christi 1583.  
BErnard Gilpin was born at Kentmire in the County of Westmoreland Anno Christi 1517. of an ancient, and honourable family: when he was but a child, a Friar pretending to be a zealous Preacher, came on a Saturday night to his father's house, and at supper eat like a Glutton, and drank himself drunk; yet the next morning in his Sermon sharply reproved the sin of Drunkenness: whereupon yo●ng Gilpin, sitting near his mother, cried out, Oh mother! do you hear how this fellow dares speak against drunkenness, and yet himself was drunken last night? but his mother stopped his mouth with her hand, that he might speak no further, it being a mortal sin in those times to speak against these men. His parents perceiving his aptness were careful to make him a Scholar: and when he had with great approbation passed his time in the Grammar-school, they sen● him to Oxford Anno Christi 1533. where he was admitted into Queen's College, and profited wonderonsly in humane learning: he was very conversant also in the writings of Erasmus, which were much esteemed at that time: And to the study of Logic, and Philosophy, he added that of Greek and Hebrew; yea after some few years spent in these studies, he grew so famous, that their was no place of preferment for a Scholar, whereof the eminency of his virtues had not rendered him worthy: whereupon he was one of the first that was chosen a member of Christ-Church by Cardinal Wol●ey. At that time he was not fully instructed in the true Religion, but held Disputations against john Hooper, afterwards Bishop of Worcester; as also against Peter Martyr who was then Divinity Lecturer at Oxford: upon the occasion of which dispute, that he might defend his cause the better, he examined the Scriptures, and ancient Fathers: But by how much the more he studied to defend his Cause, the less confidence he began to have therein; and so whilst he was searching zealously for the Truth, he began to discern his own Errors. Peter Martyr used to say, That he cared not for his other adversary's, but (saith he) I am much troubled for Gilpin; for he doth, and speaketh all things with an upright heart, and therefore he often prayed, That God would be pleased at last to convert to the Truth the heart of Gilpin being so inclinable to honesty: and the Lord answered his prayer; for Gilpin resolved more earnstly to apply himself both by study, and prayer to search out the Truth, and it pleased God accordingly to reveal it unto him; as also the many Errors of Popery, and the necessity of separating from that Apostatical Church. In the mean while Cuthbert T●nstal Bishop of Durham being his Uncle, resolved to send him beyond Sea to visit the Churches in foreign parts, and to allow him means for his travel; but before his going, he was called to preach before King Edward the sixth, which he performed with good approbation. Then resolving upon his journey, he had a Parsonage given him, which Tunstal persuaded him to keep to maintain him in his travels; but he, sending for a friend whom he knew to be learned and religious, resigned his Parsonage to him: for which, when it came to the knowledge of Tunstal, he chid him sharply, and told him, That he would die a beggar: but he excused it, saying, That he could not keep it with the peace of his conscience: but (said the Bishop) thou shalt have a dispensation: to whom Gilpin answered, That he feared when he came to stand before Christ's tribunal, it would not serve his turn to plead a Dispensation, etc. When he came beyond Sea he went to Louvain, Antwerp and Pari●: and after a while Tunstal sent again to him to persuade him to accept of a Parsonage, which he would confer upon him: to whom he wrote bacl, that he had discussed it with all the learned, especially with the Prophets and best writers since Christ's time; so that he was fully resolved not to burden his conscience to accept of a Change which he could not live upon, etc. Whilst he was at Paris, Tunstal sent him over a Book which himself had written, about the Presence of Christ in the Sacrament, to be printed there, which Gilpin performed faithfully. He returned into England after three years, in Queen Mary's reign, and beheld (to his grief) the Church oppressed with blood and fire: and being placed by Tunstal in the Rectory of Essingdon, he began sharply to tax the vice● which then reigned in the Church, and propounded the Doctrine of Salvation plainly, and sound, which procured him many enemies, especially of the Clergy, who accused him often to the bishop for an Heretic; but Tunstal could not endure to shed blood, and therefore he dealt mildly with him. At a certain time the Bishop's Chaplains discoursed with him about Luther, and the Sacrament of the Altar: whom he answered so judiciously, that the Bishop hearing their discourse, said to his Chaplains, L●th●● alone for he hath more learning than you all. The Archdeacon●● of Durham being annexed to the Parsonage of Essingdon, Master Gilpin for a ●ime supplied both places, but after a wh●●● he wrote to the Bishop, that he might have his good w●ll to resign one of them; which the Bishop was very angry 〈◊〉 saying, I told thee thou wouldst die a beggar. Not long after ●he Bishop conferred upon him instead of them, the Rectory of Houghton, which was a great Parish, and a very fine s●●t. He took great care to perform the duties of the Ministry ●mongst his people; and seeing the miserable condition of many places in those parts; where ●he Tithes being Impropriated, the Souls of the people were starved, he preached often abro●d also: and once a year he took a journey into No●thumberland, Riddesdale, and Tindal, usually abou● C●●istmas, because of the opportunity of so many holy d●ie●; where he got himself mu●h esteem by his preaching to thos● barbarous people, and distributing money to the poor: sometimes h● was forced to lodge in the snow all night in that journey, at which times he made his man to troth his horse● up and down whilst he bestirred himself that he might not perish by the could. Once as he returned home, a husbandman, as he was ploughing, had a horse in hi● team that fell down, and died, for which he made great moan; whereupon Master Gilpin caused his man to alight, and take off his saddle and bridle, and so to carry them to the next town, and gave his horse to this husbandman; & when by chance h● met with any naked poor people, he would pull off some of his own clothes, and give them. In the town of Houghton there was a street of poor people; for whose reliese every thursday, he caused a great pot of meat to be boyl●d, and distributed amongst them; ye●, his charity was such, that he was commonly called, The Father of the Poor: Yet had he many enemies, who often accused him to Bishop Tunstal, but he abhorring to shed blood, was still a sweet defence to him. At last they accused him to Bonner, who sent a messenger to apprehend him, whereof he had notice before hand, and therefore prepared himself for Martyrdom, commanding his Steward to provide him a long garment to go to the stake in, but it pleased God that by the sudden death of Queen Mary he was freed from thi● danger. In the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign Master Gilpin was exc●eding studious to do all the good that possibly he could; whereupon he erected a Grammar-school, allowing maintenance for a Master, and Usher: divers of the Scholars he also instructed himself, so that in that School were bred many that were exceedingly profitable to the Church afterwards: for there was great resort to it, some of which he tabled in his own house, others in the town; yea, upon many poor men's sons he bestowed both meat, drink, apparel, and ●eaching: out of this School were sent daily many to the University, to divers of which he allowed maintenance, whereby his name was renowned, and the Earl of Bedford much esteemed him, and procured of the Queen the Bishopric of Carlisle for him, and sent him his Congedeslier, but Master Gilpin returned it back with many thanks, alleging his own insufficiency for the discharge of so great a place. Not long after also he was much importuned to take upon him the Provost's place of Queen's College in Oxford, but he refused it, being wholly unwilling to remove from the place where God had set him.  
He was much given to Hospitality, insomuch as William Cecil Lord Burghley returning out of Scotland, drawn with the same of Master Gilpin came to Houghton, where he was entertained with all due respect: and when he had well observed Master Gilpin, and the diligence, and abundance of all things, with so complete service in the entertainment of so great, and unlooked for a Guest, he said at his parting, That he had heard much of Master Gilpin, but what he had now seen, and tried was much more than the report; and thereupon taking his his leave of Master Gilpin, he requested him if he had any occasion, or suit at the Court that he would make use of him to meditate it for him. He still continued his yearly visit of Riddesdale, and Tindale, where he was esteemed a Prophet, and little less than adored by that barbarous people. Being once amongst them, one had stolen his horses, whereupon Hue and Cry was sent abroad for Master Gilpin's horses: the fellow that had stolen them, hearing that they were Master Gilpin's, fell a trembleing, and presently carried them back again, humbly craving pardon, and the benediction of Father Gilpin, protesting that he feared that he should be thirst into hell if he should do him any wrong. Also he being to preach at a town called Rothbury, there was a deadly feud between the Inhabitants, so that the men of both sides never met at Church without bloodshed, and therefore when one party came the other used to stay away: but Master Gilpin being in the Pulpit, both parties came to Church, one party going into the Chancel, and the other into the body of ●he Church, armed with Swords and Javelins; Master Gilpin, though somewhat moved with this uncouth spectacle, yet went on in his Sermon; but when their weapons began to make a clashing sound, and the one side drew near to the other, Master Gilpin came down from the Pulpit, and stepping to the ringleaders of either faction, he laboured to establish a peace; and when he could not prevail in that, yet he got a promise from them to continue the peace whilst he was in the Church, & afterwards whilst he was in those quarters, and so going up again, he spent the rest of the time in discharging that barbarous and bloody custom. At another time Master Gilpin coming to a Church in those parts, before the people assembled, and walking up, and down, he espied a glove hanging up in the Church; end enquiring of the Sexton the meaning of it, he told him that it was a glove of one of the Parish who hung it up as a challenge to his enemy, with whom he would fight hand to hand, or with any else that durst take it down. Master Gilpin requested the Sexton to take it down, who replied, That he durst not. Then said Master Gilpin, Bring me a staff, & I will take it down; which accordingly he did, and put it into his bosom, and in his Sermon he took occasion to reprove these inhuman challenges, and reproved him in particular that had hug up the glove, showing them that he had taken it down, and that such practices were unbeseeming Christians, and therefore he persuaded them to love, and mutual charity amongst themselves: after Sermon he distributed money amongst the poor, and as his manner was, visited the prisoners, gave them money, and preached to them, and brought many of them to repentance, and for some that were condemned to die he procured pardon, and saved their lives.  
Not long after a Rebellion was raised in the North by the Earls of Northumberland, and Cumberland; which Master Gilpin having intelligence of, resolved to retire himself, and making a speech to the Master, and Scholars to demean themselves carefully, and peaceably in his absence; he went to Oxford, till the Queen's Army commanded by the Earl of Sussex, had dissipated the Rebels: but before that Army came, the Rebels having seized upon Durham, some of them flew as far as Houghton, and finding Master Gilpin's Barns full of corn, young cattles fatted, and many things provided for hospitality, they made spoil of all; the chiefest of which plunderers was a knave whom Master Gilpin had saved from the Gallows: but when those Rebels were overthrown, Master Gilpin returned home, and begged the lives of many of the simpler sort, whom he knew to be drawn into that Rebellion through ignorance.  
After the death of Bishop Pilkington, who was Master Gilpins faithful friend, there succeeded in the Bishopric of Durham one Richard Barns who was offended with him upon some false suggestions, which came thus about: Master Gilpins custom was sometimes to go to Oxford, and once as he was upon his way, he espied a young youth before him sometimes walking, and sometimes running. Master Gilpin demanded of him what he was, whence he came, and whether he was going? He answered, That he came out of Wales, and was bound for Oxford to be a Scholar.  
Master Gilpin thereupon examined him, and finding him a prompt Scholar for the Latin, and that he had a smattering in the Greek, asked him if he would go with him, and he would provide for him: the youth was contented, whereupon he took him with him to Oxford, and afterwards to Houghton, where he profited exceedingly bo●h in Greek, and Hebrew, whom Master Gilpin at last sent to Cambridge: and this was that famous Hugh Broughton, who afterwards requited evil for good, by stirring up of the Bishop of Durham against Master Gilpin. Now the Bishop sent to Master Gilpin to preach at a Visitation, appointing time and place: but it fell out just at that time when Master Gilpin was going his Northern journey into Riddesdale, etc. whereupon he sent his man to the Bishop, desiring him to appoint some other to preach the Visitation-Sermon, for that he might have many to do that, but none would go amongst the Borderers if he did it not: when his man had delivered his message to the Bishop, the Bishop h●ld his peace, which being related to Mr. Gilpin, he said, Silence argu●'s consent, and so went on in his journey. But so soon as the Bishop heard of it, he suspended him, which Master Gilpin at his return much wondered at: Shortly after the Bishop sent to him to warn him to meet him, and the rest of the Clergy at Chester: whither Master Gilpin went, and when the Bishop and Clergy were all met in the Church: he said to Master Gilpin, Sir, I must have you preach to day. Master Gilpin desired to be excused, because he was unprovided, and for that he was suspended. But (saith the Bishop) I free you from that suspension. Yet Master Gilpin replied, That he durst not go up into the Pulpit unprovided. You are never unprovided (saith the Bishop) you have such an habit of preaching. Master Gilpin still stiffly refused, sayings That God was not so to ●e tempted, etc.  
Whereupon the Bishop commanded him to go into the Pulpit forthwith. Well Sir (said Master Gilpin) since it must be so, your Lordships will be done, & so after a little pause, went up, and began his Sermon, and though he saw some extraordinarily prepared to write his Sermon, yet he proceeded in his application to reprove the enormities in that Diocese. And now saith he, Re●erend Father, my speech must be directed unto you; God hath exalted you, and will require an account of your Government: a reformation of what's amiss in the Church is required at your hands, etc. neither can you henceforth plead ignorance, for b●h●ld I bring these things to your knowledge this day, and therefore what evils you shall ●ither do your s●lfe, or suffer by your connivance hereafter you make it your own, & c● His friends hearing him thunder out these things, much feared what would become of him: and after Sermon, some of ●hem told him with tears, That now the Bishop had that advantage against him which he had long looked for, etc. to whom he answered, Be not afraid, the Lord God over-ruleth all, a●d if God ●ay be glorified, and his Truth propagated, Gods will be done concerning ●ee. After they had dined together (all men expecting the issue of this business) Master Gilpin went to take his leave of th● Bishop. Nay (said the Bishop) I will bring you home, and so went along with him to his house, and walked there together in a Parlour, the Bishop took him by the hand, saying, Father Gilpin, I acknowledge you are fit to be Bishop of Durham, than myself to be Parson of your Church, I ask forgiveness for errors past; forgive m●, Father, I know you have hatched 〈◊〉 some chickens that now seek to pick out your eyes; but be sure so long as I am Bishop of Durham, no man shall injure you: Master Gilpin, and his friends much rejoiced that God had so overruled things● that that which was purposed for his disgrace, should turn to his greater credit.  
His body being quite worn out with painstaking, at last he feeling before hand the approach of death, commanded the poor to be called together, unto whom he made a speech, and took his leave of them: He did the like also to others; made many exhortations to the Scholars, to hi● servants, and to divers others, and so at the last he fell asleep in the the Lord, March the fourteenth An. Christi 1583. and of his Age 66.  
He was tall of stature, slender, and hawk-nosed: his clothes not costly, but frugal in things that belonged to his own body: bountiful in things that tended to the good of others, especially to the Poor, and Scholars. His doored were still open to the poor, and strangers; he boarded, and kept in his own house twenty four Scholars, most of them poor men's sons, upon whom he bestowed meat, drink, apparel, and learning. Having a great Parish he entertained them at his table by course every Sabbath, from Michaelmas to Easter. He bestowed upon his School, and for stipends upon the Schoolmasters, the full sum of five hundred pounds, out of which School he supplied the Church of England with great store of learned men. He was careful not only to avoid all evil, but the least appearance of it: Being full of faith unfeigned, and of good works; he was at last put into his grave as an heap of wheat in due time put into the garner.  
What pen can be sufficient to set forth  
Th'exuberous praises of brave Gilpins worth?  
Though at the first his heedless soul did stray,  
And ramble in a foul erroneous way:  
Yet at the last he left those paths which bended  
Unto destruction; and his follies ended:  
Then he began to exercise the truth,  
And hate the former errors of his youth.  
His soul was filled with piety, and peace;  
And as the truth, so did his joys increase:  
His fame soon spread abroad; his worth was hurled  
Through every corner of th'inquiring world.  
And to conclude, in him all men might find  
A real heart, and a most noble mind.   

The life and death of Zachary Ursin, who died Anno Christi 1583.  
ZAchary Vrsin was born in Silesia Anno Christi 1534. of honest parents, who were careful of his education in his childhood; and having profited exceedingly at School, he was sent to the University of Wittenberg at sixteen years old, where he heard Melancthon with great diligence two years: at which time the Plague breaking forth there; he retired with Melancthon to Tergaw, and having an ample testimony from him, he went thence into his own Country all the winter, but in the spring he returned to Wittenberg, where he spent 5. years in the study of the Arts, & Tongues, and Divinity: he was very familiar with Melancthon, and much esteemed of many learned men, who flocked to that University out of all Countries, with whom also afterwards he kept correnspondency: he went An. Christi 1557. with Melancthon to the conference at Worms about religion; and from thence he traveled to Marpurg, Argentine, Basil, Lausanna, and Geneva, where he grew into familiar acquaintance with many learned men, especially Calvin, who gave him such books as he had Printed; from thence he went into France, to Lions, and Paris, where he perfected his skill in the Hebrew under the learned Mercerus; in his return he went to Tigure, where he acquainted himself with the learned men, and so to Tubing, ulme, Norimberg, and so to his old Master Melancthon. Anno Christi 1558. he was sent for by the Senate of Vratislave (which was his native place) to govern a School there; where, besides his Lectures in the Arts, and Tongues, he was employed in the explication of Melancthons' book of the Ordination of Minister's, wherein he declared his judgement about the Sacrament, and thereupon he was cried out agaainst for a Sacramentarian; which caused him to give a public account of his Faith about the Doctrine of the Sacraments, in certain strong, and accurate propositions; Melancthon hearing of the opposition which he met with, wrote to him to stand firmly to the truth, and if he enjoyed not p●ace in that place to return to him again; and to reserve himself for better times: whereupon he requested of the Senate that he might be dismissed, and having obtained his desire, he returned to Wi●tenberg, where foreseeing Melancthons' death, and the grea● alterations in that University, he left it, and went to Tygure, Anno 1560. being invited thither by Martyr, Bullinger, Simler, Lavater, Gualther, Gesner, and Frisius, who much desired his company: there he was a constant hearer of Martyr, and profited much under him in the knowledge of Divinity: Anno 1561. their came letters to Tigure from Thomas Erastus signifying that there wanted a Divinity Professor at Heidelberg, and desiring supply from thence; whereupon, knowing Vrsines fitness, they presently sent him with their letters of ample commendation both to the Elector Palatine, and to the University: where he discharged his place so well that at twenty eight years of age they graced him with the title of a Doctor in Divinity, and he supplied the place of a public Professor, to the year 1568. at which time Zanchy succeeded him, their also he made his Catechise, for the use of the Palla●inate: Anno Chri●ti 1563. there broke forth a grievous pestilence that scattered both the Court, and University: yet Vrsin remained at home, and wrote his tractates of Mortality, and Christian consolations for the benefit of God's people. He was so dear to the Elector Palatine, that when the Bernates sent Aretius to Heidelberg, to crave leave that Vrsin might go to Lusanna to be the Divinity Professor there, he would by no means part with him, but gave him leave to choose an assistant, that so his body might not be worn out with his daily labours: Anno Ch. 1572. he married a wi●e, by whom he had one son that inherited his father's virtues: But upon Prince Fredricks death their grew a great alteration in the Palatinate, insomuch that none but Lutherans could be suffered to continue th●r●, so that Vrsin with his Colleague were forced to leave the University: but he could not live private long, for he was sent for by Prince john Chassimire: also the Senate of Berne sent importunately for him to succeed Aretius there: But Cassimire would by no means part with him, having erected a University at Newstad, and chosen Vrsin and Zanchy to be the Divinity Professors thereof: But Vrsin by his excessive studies and neglect of exercise, fell into a sickness which held him above a year together, after which he returned to his labours again, and besides his Divinity Lectors, he read Logik also in the Schools: desiring his auditors to give him what doubts, and objections they met with, which upon study at his next Lecture he returned answers to: But his great labours cast him into a consumption and other diseases, yet would he not be persuaded to intermit them, till at last he was confined to his bed: yet therein also he was never idle, but always dictating something that might conduce to the public good of the Church: The hour of death being come, his friends standing by, he quietly slept in the Lord, Anno Christi 1583. and of his age 51. He was very pious, and grave in his carriage, and one that sought not after great things in this world.  
Let those whose hearts desire to be  
Professor of Divinity:  
Trace Ursins steps; so shall they find  
The comforts of a studious mind:  
He had a greater care to nurse  
Distressed souls, then fill his purse:  
He would not tell a frutlesse story  
Unto his flock; his oratory  
Served not flatter, but to bring  
Subjected souls unto their King:  
Where now he rests with him that says  
Shepherd's of Flocks, look to your ways.   

The Life and Death of Abraham Bucholtzer, who died Anno Christi 1584.  
ABraham Bucholtzer was born at Schovavium in the year 1529. and from his infancy brought up by his Parent● in Religion and Learning. When he was first set forth to School, he profited to admiration, outstripping all his Schoolfellows by his acute wit and industry: and being well principled at School, he went to the University at Witt●nberg: Accounting it his great happiness, that he was borne after the light of the Gospel's brak● forth, and bred up under M●lancthon, upon whose Lectures he attended diligently, and ●ucked in from him not only the principles of Learning, but of Religion also. About that time there sprung up many errors, but by the help of Melancthon he was able both to discover and confute them. There also he studied Gr●●k and Hebrew. When he was six and twenty years old, he went from thence into Silesia to visit his friends, and to see the chiefest Cities; and whilst he was there, the Senate o● Grunberg consulted about the erecting o● a School in that C●ty; and for the advancement of the same, they chose Bucholtzer to be the Master thereof, and sent to him by Luke Cunon, who was their Pastor, desiring him to undertake that office. Hereupon he asked Melancthons' advice, who much encouraged him to accept of the place, saying, Quantum solatium est pio pedagogy, assidentibus ca●stis angelis, sedere in coe●u incontaminato juniorum qui Deo placent, & docere tenera ingenia ut rectè agnoscant, & invocent Deum, & deinde organa fiant utilia Ecclesiae, & suis animabus? Upon his advice therefore he went thither, in the year 1556. and by his excellent abilities and diligence, he quickly made that place which before was obscure, to become famous. Scholars resorting to him from all parts, whom he bred up both in Religion and Learning, and fitted them so excellently for the University, that Melancthon never questioned any that came from his School, saying, Hoc est persuasum sibi habere, ●udes & impolitos esse non posse, qui à politissimi judicii homine Abrahamo Buchol●zero essent informati. That he was verily persuaded, that they could not be rude, or unfitting for the University that came from under the tuition of Abraham Bucholtzer, who himself was a man of so polite a judgement.  
In the year 1559. he married a wife, who proved a great comfort to him, and by whom he had many children, whom he tendered exceedingly, and educated them in the fear of God from their very infancy. He grew so famous all over Silesi●, that many desired to have him for their Pastor; and at last Sprottavia enjoyed him, where he continued doing much good to 1573. at which time Catharine the relict of Henry Duke of Brun●wick sent for him to her Court; to whom he went, partly by reason of his great engagements to that Family, but especially because he enjoyed not his health in Sprottavia. The year after this pious Lady died, he then was called to Eleutheropolis by Euphemia the wife of Sir Fabian Belloquert; he Preached ●here in the great C●●rch, to which the Citizens flocked exceedingly, insomuch as when that pious and illustrious Ernest Prince of Anhalt sent for him, and proffered him an honourable stipend, he refused to leave his place. He had an excellent sweetness and dexterity in Preaching; was of a sound judgement and holy life. His Sermons were so piercing, that he never Preached, but he wrought wonderfully upon the affections of his hearers. If any were cast down under the sense of sin and wrath, he exceedingly com●orted them. If any were troubled with tentations and afflictions, he raised them up, etc. He had a lively voice, lively eye, lively hand, and such were all his gestures also: his Ministry was so grateful, that his hearers were never weary, or thought hi● Sermons too long: He was full of self-denial, insomuch as that excellent Lady Catherine of Brandenburg used to say, that all the rest of her Courtiers and Family were always craving something of her, Bucholtzer on the contrary never asked her for the worth of a farthing, yea he refused gifts, when they were proffered to him, preferring kindness before the gift, & the fruit of his Ministry before the reward of it: He was so humble that when his friends blamed him for living in so obscure a place whilst he taught School, he told them that he preferred it before a Kingdom: he could never endure to hear himself commended; and if his friends in their letters had written any thing to his praise, he could not read it with patience: sed terreri se laudationibus illis tanquam fulminibus dicebat, qui nihil in se magni videret, etc. His candour was such that he never spoke, or wrote any thing but from his heart: he never read, or heard any thing from others, but he made a candid construction of it: His care in his public Ministry was to avoid those question● that do but gender unto strife, and to instruct his auditors how to live well, and die well. He spent his spare houred in reading Ecclesiastical, and Profane histories, and profited so much thereby, that one affirmed in writing universam antiquitatem in Bucholtzeri pectuscuol latuisse reconditam, that all antiquity lay hid in his breast: he finding some great errors in Funccius his Chronology, set himself to write one, which with indefatigable pains he brought to perfection: whilst he thus publicly, and privately busied himself; he fell into a grievous disease, and just about the same time he lost his faithful, and beloved yoke fellow that was the Mother of nine children: but upon his recovery he married another, with whom he lived not long before the Lord put an end to all his labours, and sorrows Anno Christi 1584. and of his Age 55.  
Religion, Learning, both agreed to met,  
And make Bucholtzer prove their winding sheet;  
Nay, and their Sepulchre, for there they lay  
Embracing in his little lump of Clay:  
He loved virtue, and his heart despised  
To follow that, which Papists had devised;  
His balmy language healed the bleeding hearts  
Of them whose consciences retained the darts  
Of wounding sin; his soul still took delight  
To bring them out of darkness into light;  
But since he's gone, what can we say but this,  
He rested here, with love, In heaven, with bliss.   

The Life and Death of John Wigandus, who died Anno Christi 1587.  
JOhn Wigandus was born in Mansfield, in the year 1523. of honest Parents of a middle rank, who carefully brought him up in Learning, which naturally he was much addicted unto; having an excellent wit and firm memory; so that having profited much at School, he went to the University of Wittenberg, where he continued about three years; which time he spent in the studi● of the Arts and Tongues, which night and day he employed himself in: and in the year 1541. by the advice of his Tutors and friends, he went to Norinberg, where he was made Master of the School, and for three years exercised himself with much diligence in instructing youth; but having an earnest desire to perfect his own studies, he returned to Wittenberg again, Luther being yet living: there he commenced Master of Arts before he was two and twenty years old, and applied himself wholly to the study of Divinity: but that Wars waxing hot, the Emperor placed a Garrison in the Castle and Town of Wittenberg, and the Students were driven away from thence● at which time Wigand was called to Mansfield (his own Country) to be an assistant to their ancient Pastor Martin Seligman, where also he was ordained Minister by Prayer, and imposition of hands, by john Spang●rberg, the Superintendent there: which place he discharged wi●h much fidelity and industry, and read Logic and Philosophy to the youth in the Schools: there also he wrote a confutation of the Popish Catechism; and a confutation of George Mayor, who held, That a man by Faith only is justified, but not saved, etc. He delighted exceedingly in a Garden, and in observing the wisdom of God in the nature, shape and various colours of Herbs and Flowers, for which end he gatt the greatest variety of them that possibly he could into his Garden. He was one of those that strongly opposed the Interim.  
In the year 1553. he was chosen by them of Magdeburg to be their Superintendent, but the Earl of Mansfield and th● People strongly opposed his remove from them, yet at last by the means of the Prince of Anhalt, they consented unto it. At Magdeburg he took excessive pains in reading, writing, meditating and Preaching, whereby he converted many Popish Priests in those parts to the Truth: he also took great pains in writing the Magdeburgenses Centuries, which he, together with Matthew Iudex, Flacius Illiricus, Basil, Faber, Andrew Corvinus and Thomas Holthuterus finished, to the great benefit of the Church. Of which book Sturmius gave his Testimony, that it was necessary and profitable, and had these four virtues in it, viz. veritatem, diligentiam, ordinem, perspicuitatem: Truth, diligence, Order and perspicuity. In the year 1560. the Elector of Saxony having begun a University at jenes, sent earnestly to Wigand to come thither to be the Divinity Professor, which for weighty reasons he assented unto, and performed that office with much acceptance of all that heard him: yet by the subtlety, and malice of one Stosselius he was dismissed from that place, and so returned to Magdeb●rg again: but not staying there, he was chosen to be the Superintendent at Wismare An. Cstristi 1562. where he employed himself wholly in Preaching, disputing, expounding the Scripture, and governing the Church. Anno Christi 1563. he commenced Doctor of Divinity in the University of Rostoch: he stayed at Wismare seven years, at the end whereof, john William Duke of Saxony sent for him again to jenes, but the Duke of Megapole would by no means part with him; yet at last after several embassies the Duke of Saxony prevailed that he should come for one year to jenes: His people parted with him very unwillingly with many sighs, and tears, and at the years end sent for him back again, but could by no means obtain his return: he was not only made the Professor of Divinity at jenes, but the Superintendent also: Anno Christi 1570. he went with his Prince to the Diet at Spire, and at his return to jenes was received with great joy: but after five years' Duke john William dying, he was again driven from thence, and went to the Duke of Brunswick who entertained him kindly: but presently after he was called into Borussia to be the Divinity Professor in the University of Regiomon●anum, and after two years was chosen to be Bissiop there Anno Christi 1587. he fell sick especially upon grief, conceived for the afflicted condition of the Church in Poland, and the death of his dear friend john Wedman an excellent Divine: this disease increasing, and his strength decaying he prepared himself for death: he made his own Epitaph. 
In Christo vixi, morior, viuóque Wigandus:  
Do sordes morti: caetera, Christ tibi.  In Christ I lived, and died, through him I live again: What's bad to death I give: my soul with Chest shall reign.  
And so in the midst of fervent prayers, and assured hope of eternal life, he resigned up his spirit into the hands of God that gave it, Anno Christi 1587. and of his Age 64.  
Rare-souled Wigandus bowed his whole desires,  
To warm his spirits by th'enliv'ning fires  
Of sacred fuel, and he always stood  
Engaged to that which heavens blest mouth called good;  
He was a man whose life, and conversation  
Were well sufficient to adorn a Nation  
With good examples: nothing could devorse  
His ready lips from the belov'd discourse  
Of heavenly matters, till at last he cried  
My God receive my soul, and so he died.   


MARTINUS CHEMNICIUS.  The Life and Death of Martin Chemnisius.  
MArtin Chemnisius was born at Brit●●a in Old March Anno Christi 1522. his father being poor he met with many impediments to discourage, and hinder him in Learning, yet bearing a great love to it, by his exceeding industry he overcame all, and after some progress at home, he went to Magdeburg, where he studied the Tongues, and Arts,: and from thence to Frankfurt upon Oder: and after he had studied there a while, he went to Wittenberg where he studied the Mathematick●: and from thence to Sabinum in Borussia where he taught School, and commenced Master of Arts; and Anno Christi 1552. he wholly betook himself to the study of Divinity. By his modest, and sincere carriage he procured much favour from the Prince, and all his Courtiers: after three years stay there, he went back to Wittenberg, and by Melancthon was employed publicly to read Common places: from thence he was sent for to Brunople ●n Saxny by the Senate, and made Pastor; which place he discharged with singular fidelity, and approbation for the space of thirty years, and commenced Doctor in Divinity at Rostoch: many Princes, and Commonwealths made use of his advice, and assistance in Ecclesiastical affairs: He took great pains in asserting the truth against the adversaries of it: as his excellent Examen of the Tridentine Council shows: at last being worn out with study, writing, Preaching etc. he resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1586. and of his age 63. He is said by one to be Philosophus Summus, Theologus pro●undissimus, neque veritatis, bonarumque arti●m study, neque laude officii fac●le cuiquam secundus.  
This Author, eminent Chemnisius grave,  
Among these worthies, a prime place may have;  
Who, by his most industrious pains over came  
The many rubs which would have quentcht his fame:  
And to such height of learning did arise  
As made great Princes him most highly prise.  
Yea, so transcendently his fame did shine,  
That, One him styled, a most profound Divine,  
A prime Philosopher, one justly known,  
For parts and p●ety, second to none.  
And thus he lived, and died full of years,  
And with much honour left this vail of tears.   

The Life and Death of Rodolphus Gualterus, who died Anno Christi 1586.  
ROdolphus Gualther was born in Tigure Anno Christi 1518. was of an excellent wit, and therefore carefully brought up at School, where he first profited exceedingly in Oratory, and Poetry, and being admitted into the University he became famous, first in the knowledge of the Arts, and afterwards of Divinity, insomuch as he wa● chosen Pastor in that City where he first drew in his vital breath: neither were they which chose him deceived in their expectation; for he proved an admirable instrument of God's glory, and their good, discharging his place with singular industry, diligence, and fidelity, not only by hi● frequent public preaching, but by his learned private writings, as his Homilies upon much of the Old, and N●w Testament do sufficiently declare: and having governed, and fed that Church for above forty years together, he died in a good old age Anno Christi 1586. anp of his Li●● sixty eight.  
Virtue, and honour both combined  
T'adorn Gualterus his mind:  
His wise and well composed heart  
Was principled in every part,  
He was a Poet too, ti's therefore fit  
We should applaud his rare Poetic wit.   

The Life and Death of Casper Olevian, who died Anno Christi 1587 ●  
CAsper Olevian was born in Trevir Anno Christi 1536● and carefully brought up in learning by his Grandfather, and at thirteen years old he was sent to Paris to study Law, from thence also he went to the Universities of Aurelia, and Biturg, where he heard the most famous Lawyers of those times; he joined himself also to the Congregation of Protestants which met privately together in that place: there he was admitted into the Order of Lawyers, after the solemn manner of the University, Anno Christi 1557. about which time there studied in that University under Nicolas Iudex, the young Prince Palatine ● son to Frederick the third, afterwards Elector: and Olevian being very intimate with Iudex, went one day after dinner to the river hard by the City, together with him and the young Prince; and when they came thither, they found some young Noble Germans that were students there, going into aboat, who desired the Prince and his Tutor to go over the River with them: But Olevian perceiving that they had drunk too freely, dissuaded them from adventuring themselves amongst them: which council the Prince, and his Tutor neglecting, went into the boat; and putting from the bank, the drunken young men began so to thrust, and justle one another that at last they overthrew the boat, where they were all drowned. But Iudex being skilful in swimming caught the young Prince, hoping to save him, but being unable to draw him with him, they both sunk.  
Olevian standing on the bank, and seeing this sad spectacle, leapt into the water to try if he could help them; but at first he stuck into the mud, and water up to the chin, where he dispaired of his own life: in that danger he prayed unto God, and vowed that if God would deliver him, he would preach the Gospel to his own Citizens. At which time it pleased God that a footman of one of the Noblmens, coming to the river side, & seeing of him, ca●ght him by the hand (thinking that it had been his own master) and drew him out: whereupon Olevian being delivered, together with the Law, studied Divinity: especially reading over calvin's Commentaries diligently, and then returning to Trevir, he was retained to plead a cause th●re, but seeing the great deceit in that calling, he gave it over; and that he might perform his Vow, he wholly set himself to the study of Divinity: and went to Geneva, and after to Tigure, where he was much helped by Martyr, and Bullinger: and after taking ship at Lusanna to go to Geneva● farrel happened to be with him in the ship, who in discover asked him, Whether he had ever preached in his own● Country, which he denying, farrel persuaded him to do● it so soon as he could: and he accordingly promised that he would: therefore Anno Christi 1559. he returned to T●●vir, and was by the Senate, & his friends requested to und●● take the work of the Ministry there, and for his encouragement, they allowed him a stipend: he readLogick also in the School: but when he began to preach the Truth of Chri●● and to discover the Errors in Popery, he was forbidden● by the Clergy to preach any more, and shut out of the School. Then the Senate appointed him to preach in an Hospital: where after he had preached a while, his adversariessuborned a Priest to step up into the Pulipt before him● but as soon as the people saw the Priest, they called to him to come down, for that they would not hear him. Olevian desired them to hear him, promising that so soon as he had done his Sermon he would preach himself: but they would not endure it; but made a great stir, so that the poor Priest thought that he should have been pulled a pieces by them: but Olevian increating the people to be quiet, took him by the hand, and led him forth safely: and going into the pulpit himself, the people cried to him, We desire thee for God's sake to preach unto us: for this cause the Archbishop of Trevir imprisoned the two Consul●, and eight more of the Senators for ten weeks, who desired Olevian to come to them to instruct and comfort them, which accordingly he did; but afterwards they were all freed at the request of the Elector Palatine, and some others: and the Elector Palatine sent for Olevian to Heidelberg, where he made him Rector of a College: about which time he married a wife, and commenced Doctor in Divinity, and was made a Professor of Divinity in that University: he was also called to a Pastoral charge in the City, which he carefully and holily discharged, till the death of the Elector Frederick the third; and shortly after he was called to Berleburg, by Lodowick Count Witgenstein, where he Preached and instructed some Noble men's sons.  
In the year 1584. he was called by john of Nassau to Herborn, where he preached, and taught in a School three years. Anno Christi 1587. he fell into a mortal sickness, which (notwithstanding all means of our) daily grew upon him, and so weakened him, that at last he quietly resigned up his spirit unto God. In his sickness he made his Will, and by pious, and holy meditations prepared himself for death: being visited by some great men, he told them, That by that sickness he had learned to know the greatness of Him, and the greatness of God's Majesty more than ever he did before.  
john Pis●●●ur coming to visit him, he told him, That the day before, for four hours together, he was filled with ineffable joy, so that he wondered why his wife should ask him whether he were not something better, when sa indeed he could never be better: for (said he) I thought that I was in a most pleasant meadow, in which as I walked up and down, me thought that I was besprinkled with a heavenly dew, and that not sparingly, but plentifully poured down, whereby both my body, and soul were filled with ineffable joy: To whom Piscator, That good shepherd of Jesus Christ led thee into fresh pastures. Yea, said Olevian, To the springs of living waters. Afterwards having repeated some sentences full of comfort out of Psalm forty two, Isaiah nine, and Matthew eleven: he often repeated, I would not have my journey to God long deferred. I desire to be dissolved, and to be with my Christ: he gave his hand, and farewell to his Colleagues, and friends, and when he was in the Agony of death, Alstedius asked him whether he was sure of his salvation in Christ, & ●. he answered, Most sure, and so he gave up the Ghost, Anno Christi 1587. and of his Age fifty one.  
Nor must Olevian also be omitted,  
But have a place of Honour fairby fitted  
Unto his fame, among these Heroes brave;  
Who, of his Parts in Arts much witness gave.  
A sound Divine, to Rome an enemy,  
Preaching Christ's truth with courage, constancy:  
And who at last, as he had long desired,  
Exchanging earth for heaven, blestly expired.   


JOHN FOXE.  The Life and Death of John Fo●.  
JOhn Fox was born a● Bosten in Lincolns●ire Anno 1517. his Parents were neither so rich as by their wealth to be exposed to envy, nor so mean as by want to be liable to contempt; more enriched they were with the love of their Neighbours, and most of all in having this so towardly and hopeful a Son. These perceiving that nature pointed out their Son (by the rare parts bestowed upon him) to be a Scholar, and therefore following her directions carefully bred him in learning, and sent him to Braz●nnose College in Oxford.  
Here he was Chamber-fellow wit Alexander Nowell afterwards Doctor and Dean of Paul's, and friendship betwixt them took so deep an impression in their tender years, advantaged with the sympathy of their natures, that it increased with their Age to be indelible. These communicated their studies together, and with harmless emulation, and loving strife, whilst each endeavoured to outstrip others, both surpassed themselves.  
Hence Fox was translated and chosen Fellow of Maudli● College; whereat such as were bred in that foundation counting themselves the proper Heirs to all the preferment in the House, were much offended, till his patience an● humanity reconciled them unto him; so that he become not only affected but admired. And as Naturalists●● ob●serue that Plants are meliorated by removing, not abating their old but acquiring new spirits unto them; so th●● Scholar by changing his Soil to a new College, w●● thereby marvellously improved in all manner of learn●ing.  
Now King Henry had lately set up a mongrel Religi●● in the Land, like the Toes of Nabuchadnezars' image, partly Iron, partly Clay; one moiety thereof, strong with undeni●able Truth, the other daubed with untempered mortars in the six Popish Articles still retained. Our young Fello● in the Colleges sees and sigh● at the superstition, an● retiring himselve to a grove, entertains the time with So●litarinesse, only the silent midnight was witness to hi● sobs and groans. He sees what, but not whither to f●●●● but at last resolves hereafter to absent himself from t●e Romish Church: Hereupon being accused for a Separatist, and unwilling to over purchase his safety at the price of ● lie he is convented and expelled the College. But because Thiefs must be thanked for giving what they do not take away, his enemies challenged Commendation due to their courtesy, because they took not Fox's life from him, according to the Severity of the Laws then in force.  
By this time his own Father was dead and his Mother married again; Fox repairs to his Father in law for succour, but finds no entertainment. For as when a hunted Deer, ch●sed with the Hounds, taketh sanctuary by flying to the rest of the herd, they out of a Principle of self preservation drive him away, for fear lest the Hounds in pursuit of him, fall on them; so his Father in law was loath to receive him, and sorbad him the protection of his family, least Persecutors in quest of his Son should bring him and his whole household into trouble.  
Here it would be tedious for us but to tell (and then how troublesome for him to endure) in how many places this poor man lurked, for fear of informers, those Birds of prey which have as quick sight as sharp Talons, sometimes at Sir Thomas Luceys in Warwickshire, sometimes● at Boston, most commonly at London, taken covert in that forest of houses; it being a strange truth, that in such wherein are most eyes, a man is least seen. The Foxes (saith our Saviour) have holes, literally true of that cunning creature, but ou● Fox, being indeed a sheep, in Innocence and Simplicity, had not where to lay his head, like Christ his Master.  
But soon after happened the death of King Henry, and Edward the sixth succeeded him. This put a period to his frights and flights, and for five years this good man enjoyed peace and prosperity, till the reign of Queen Mary: Under whom for a while he lived safe in the house of the Duke of Norfolk, once his Pupil, until Gardner Bishop of Winchester, that cruel Bloodhound scenting him out, designed his destruction. For coming on a visit of respect to the Duke, Fox casually passing by, the Bishop demanded who that was; my Physician answered the Duke: the Bishop replied, I like well his ingenuous countenance, and when I have need will make use of him. Thus Herod pretended he would worship Christ when he intended to kill him; Winchester meant this Physician should be his patient, on whom he would practise with fire and faggot, the usual dosis Prescribed to all those who were accused to be infected with the Protestant Religion.  
Now flies our Fox beyond the Seas, who escaping fire fell into as merciless an element of Water. A terrible Tempest overtook him, frighting the profane Seamen into their prayers, and melting their hearts, which might seem made of those Rocks amongst which they sailed. Hereby he was driven back again to Yarmo●th, but at last by God's Providence got beyond the Seas, and some months after arrived at Basil. Here he began that famous work of Acts and Monuments, which he finished many years after: And here making a Sermon to his fellow Exiles, he plainly told them, that now the Time was come for th●ir return into England, and that he brought them that news by co●mandement from God.  
These Words were differently censured by several m●n, some took them to be the evaporations of a melancholy Brain; others as Words shot at random, which if casually hitting the mark, would afterwards be observed, if otherwise would be buried in Oblivion amongst a heap of oth●● Expressions. A third condemned them for a presumptuous intrusion into God's secrets, prying into the Ark of future contingencies which God hath vailed only for him● But the success proved them to be Prophetical; and thi● Confessor having his body macerated with fasting, and prayer and other afflictions, through the chinks and cle●●● thereof, stole a glimpse of heaven and the knowledge of future things. For the day before his surrender, Queen Mary died; and now Fox with the rest of his friends hasteth home, so that if fear gave them feet to run beyond the Seas, joy gave them winds to fly home to their native Country.  
Here arrived, he continued and finished that worthy Work formerly begun. For as God preserved one of jobs servants from fire and ●ury of the Chaldeans, and Sabeans ● to report to job the loss of his fellows; so divine Providence pro●ected this man from Martyrdom intended for him, that he might be the world's intelligencer to tell the Tidings of the number and m●nner of God's worthy Saints ●nd servants who were destroyed by the cruelty of these Romish adversaries: Which bad news is very well told in his Unpartial relation.  
For for the main it is a worthy Work (wherein the Reader may rather have then lack) presenting itself to Beholders, like Aetna, always burning whilst the smoke hath almost put out the eyes of the adverse party, and these Fox's firebrands have brought much annoyance to the Romish Philistines. But it were a Miracle if in so Voluminous a Work there were nothing to be justly reproved; so great a pomegranate not having any rott●n kernel must only grow in Paradise. And though perchance he held the beam at the best advantage for the Protestant party to weigh down, yet generally he is a true writer, and never wilfully deceiveth, though he may sometimes be unwillingly deceived. Many years after Master Fox lived in England, highly favoured by presons of quality: So that it may seem strange, considering the height of his friends and largeness of his deserts, that he grew to no place of more honour, and spread to no preferment of greater profit in the Church. But this must be wholly imputed to h●s own modesty in declining advancement: For although the richest Mitre of England would have counted itself preferred by being placed upon his head, yet he contented himself only with a Prebend of Salisbury, pleased with his own obscurity, whilst others of less desert make greater show. And whilst prou● people stretch out their Plumes in Ostentation, he used their Vanity for his shelter, more pleased to have worth then to have others take notice of it.  
Now how learnedly he wrote, how constantly he preached, how piously he lived, how cheerfully he died, may be fetched from his life at large, prefixed before his book. O●e passage therein omitted we must here insert, having received it from witnesses beyond exception: In the eighty eight when the Spanish half Moon did hope to rule all the motion in our Seas, Master Fox was privately in his Chamber at prayers, battering heaven with his importunity, in behalf of this sinful Nation. And we may justly presume that h●● devotion was as actually instrumental to the victory, as th● wisdom of our Admirable, valour of his Souldi●rs, skill and industry of his Seamen. On a sudden coming down to his Family, ●e cry●d out, They are gone, they are gone; which indeed happened in the same instant, as by exact Computation afterwards did appear.  
His Liberality to the poor● was boundless, so powerful was the holy spell of the name of Jesus unto him, that no poor person ever charmed him therewith, but presen●● raised his charitable spirit to bestow an alms upon him● One d●y Master Fox came from the Palace of Bishop Elmer in London, when a company of poor people (by th●● retinue he might ever be tracted) importunately begged o● him; Master Fox having no money, returned back to the B●shop, desiring to borrow five pound of him, which wa● readily granted, and going forth distributed it amongst th● poor. Some mounths after, the Bishop asked Father F●x (for so he was commonly styled) for the money he owed him; I have laid it out (quoth Master Fox) for you, and have paid it where you owed it, to the poor People that lay at your gate. The Bishop was so far from being offended with him, that he thanked him for being so careful a Steward, such was the marvellous familiarity betwixt them, and great respect the Bishop bore to this Holy man.  
But Master Fox (this extraordinary instance excepted) did not offer free offerings of other men's goods, but of hi● own: So great was his Bounty that it fell under the censure of excess, the stream being likely to drain the Spring and impair his Estate. But God whose Providence provideth meet help fellows for men, fitted him with such a wife, whose hands as they knew not basely to scrape, so they were skilful thriftily to keep; and this excellent medley so preserved his Estate, that a competency was left to his children.  
He was not nipped in the Bud, nor blasted in the blossom, nor blown down when green, nor gathered when ripe; but even fell of his own accords when altogether withered. As for the tim● of his death take it from his own Epitaph on his Monument, which for the beauty thereof bears better proportion to the outward means then to th● inward merit of his person, there entombed in St. Giles Church without Cripplegate.  
Christo S. S.  
johanni Foxo Ecclesi● Anglicanae Martyrolg● Fidelissimo, Antiquitated Historicae Indagatori sugacissimo, Evangellicae veritatis, Propugnatori acerrimo, Tha●maturge admitabili; Qui martyrs Marianes, tanquam Phoenices, ex cineribus redivivos praestitit. Patri suo omni pietatis officio inprimis Colendo, Samuel Foxus illius Primogenitus, hoc Mon●mentum posuit, non sine Lac●rymis.  
Obiit die 18. men's April, An. Dom. 1587. jam septuagenarius.  

Vita vitae mortalis est, Spes vitae immortalis.   

Rare Fox (well ●urr'd with patience) lived a life  
In's youthful age devoted unto strife;  
For the blind Papists of those frantic times,  
Esteemed his virtues as his greatest Crimes;  
The hot pursuit of their ful-crying hounds  
Forced him to fly beyond the lawless bounds  
Of their hot scented Malice; though their skill  
Was great in hunting, yet our Fox was still  
Too crafty for them; though they ranged about  
From place, to place, they could not find him out:  
And when they saw their plots could not prevail  
To bless their noses with his whisking ●ayle,  
They howled out curses, but could not obtain;  
Their pre● being fled, their curses proved in vain:  
From whence I think this Proverb came at first,  
Most thrives the Fox, that most of all is cursed.    

The Life and Death of George So●nius who died Anno Christi 1589.  
GEorge Sohnius was born at Friburg in Wetteraw Ann● Christi 1551. of honest parents, and brought up a● School in learning, where he sucked in the first rudiments with much eagerness; and from School went to the University of Marpurg, at fifteen years old: where he profited so exceedingly in Logic and Philosophy, that he was made Bachelor of Arts at the years end. Anno Christi 1569. he went to Wittenberg, where he studied Philosophy, Law, and Divinity with incredible pains, so that at three year● end with the approbation of the whole University, he wa● made Master of Arts: he intended at first the study of Law● But it pleased God on a sudden so to divert his heart from it, and to incline him to the study of Divinity, that he could have no rest in himself till he had resolved upon it● Anno Christi 1571. he returned to Marpurg, and studied H●●brew, and the year after he read the Arts to many student's privately, and became Tutor to three Noblemen: at twenty three years old he was so famous, that by the consent of all the Divines in that University, he was chosen into the number and order of Professors of Divinity: the year after he married a wife, a choice maid, by whom he had three sons, and two daughters: the same year also he was chosen the Professor of the Hebrew Tongue in that University: Anno Christi 1578. he was made Doctor in Divinity, and falling sick about that time, he made an excellent confession of his faith: But it pleased God that he recovered, and was not only a constant preacher of the truth, but a strong defender of it against errors, confuting the Vbiquitarians, and that so boldly, that he chose rather to hazard banishment then to connive at errors: His fame spread abroad ●xceedingly, so that many sought for him, especially john of N●ssaw and john Cassimire the Elector Palatine, the first desired him to come and begin his University at Herborn, where he should have had greater honour, and a larger stipend: the other desired him to Heidelberg to be the Divinity Professor in that place. His answer was, That he was born rather for labours, than honours, and therefore chose to go to Heidelberg, being thirty three years old, and was entertained lovingly of the Prince: and his coming was most grateful to the University, where he took exceeding great pains: and was eminent for Piety, Humility, Gravity, Prudence, Patience and Industry: so that in the year 1588. he was chosen into the number of the Ecclesiastical Senators, for the government of the Church. He was famous for Learning, Eloquence, Faithfulness and Diligence in his place, and Holiness and Integrity in his life. In the year 1589. he fell sick, for which and his change he had been carefully fitting himself beforehand; and therefore bore it with much patience, and with fervent Prayer; often repeated, O Christ, thou art my redeemer, and I know that thou hast redeemed me: I wholly depend upon thy providence and mercy: from the very bottom of my heart I commend my spirit into thy hands, and so he slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1589. a●d of his Age 38.  
Industrious, humble, prudent, patiented, grave:  
What other virtues that a man could have  
Sohnius enjoined with peacefulness: his hand  
Was apt to write, his heart to understand:  
He took delight to meditate upon  
The love of God; his own salvation:  
He studied how to die: his wel-spent breath  
Was but a rare preparative to death:  
And having ended his laborious days,  
He died in peace, and now he lives in praise.   

The Life and Death of Laurence Humfried, who died Anno Christi 1589.  
LAurence Humfried was borne in the County of Bucking●am, and brought up at School, and then sent to Oxford; where he was admitted into the College of Mary Magdalen, and followed his Studies hard all the days of King Edward the sixth. But in the beginning of those bloody Marian days, wherein so many were forced to forsake their native soil, he (amongst the rest) went beyond Se● into Germany, where he continued till the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign, whom God raised up to be a nursing Mother to his Church; at which time he came bacl, and returned to Oxford, where he was very famous both for his Learning and Preaching: then also he commenced Doctor in Divinity; and by reason of his excellent parts, h● was very instrumental in the advancement of God's glory. And whereas that wicked Sect of the Jesuits was lately risen up, he, by his learned writings, did both from Scripture and Antiquity, discover their impostures and Popish deceits. Afterwards he was made the Master of Magdal●● College, and the Regius Professor; which places he discharged with singular commendations for many years together; and at the last, quietly resigned up his spirit into the hands of God, in the year 1589.  
Though persecuting Times pursued and chaste  
This pious Father, yet he still embraced  
And hugged the Truth; his heart remained free  
From persecution and captivity.  
Those weighty words which pleasantly pursued  
Out of his mouth● soon conquered and subdued  
Enticing jesuits; he made them know  
Their errors by a fatal overthrow.  
Thus having laboured with a faithfell breast,  
Heaven thought it fit to crown his soul with rest.   

The Life and Death of James Andreas, who died Anno Christi 1578.  
JAmes Andreas was born in Waibling in Wittenberg, Anno 1538. When his father had kept him three years at School, being unable to maintain him any longer, he intended to have placed him with a Carpenter: but being dissuaded by some friends, and having obtained an exhibition out of the Church-stock, he sent him to Stutgard to a choice Schoolmaster, under whom in too years' space he learned Grammar, and Rhetoric; and so An. Christi 1541. he went to Tubing, where he so profited, that at the end of too years he was made Bachelor of Arts; and two years after that, Master of Arts: there also he studied Hebrew and Divinity Anno Christi 1546. and of his age eighteen: he was called to Stutgard, where Preaching in a great Auditory, he was chosen and made Deacon; which place he executed so well, that he presently grew famous, insomuch as the Duke of Wittenberg sent for him to Preach before him in his Castle; which he did with much applause: at Tubing also that year he married a wife, by whom he had eighteen children, nine sons, and nine daughters: about that time broke forth that fatal war betwixt Charles the fifth, and the Protestant Princes, wherein the Emperor being conqueror, he seized upon the Dukecome of Wittenberg, by reason whereof the Church there was in a sad condition; yet Andreas, with his wife remained in Stutgard, and by God's special providence was preserved in the midst of the Spanish Soldiers, and yet preached constantly, and faithfully all the while: and so he continued till An. Christi 1548. at which time that accursed In●eirm came forth, which brought so much mischief● to the Church of God: Andreas amongst other godly Ministers that oppsed it, was driven from his place: yet it pleased God that the year after he was chosen to be Deacon at Tubing, where by Catechising he did very much good: Anno Christi 1550. Vlri●ke dying, his son Christopher succeeding him in the Government of Wittenberg, and affected Andrea's exceedingly, and would needs have him commons Dr, which degree (having performed all his exercises) he took the twenty fifth year of his age, & was chosen Pastor of the Church of Gompping, and made Superintendent of those parts: about that time he was sent for by Lodowick Count of Oeting to assist him in the reforming of the Churches within his jurisdiction, and when he took his leave of his own Prince Christopher, h● charged him, and gave it him in writing, that if Cou●● Lodowick set upon that reformation, that under pretence of Religion, he might rob the Church, and cease upon th● revenues of Monasteries, and turn them to his private us●, that he should presently leave him, and come back against he assisted also in the reformation of the Churches in He●●fanstein; At that time, hearing of a Jew that for these w●● hanged by the heels with his head down, having not se●● that kind of punishment, he went to the place, where h● was hanging between two Dogs that were always snatching at him to eat his flesh: the poor wretch repeated i● Hebrew some verses of the Psalms, wherein he cried 〈◊〉 God for mercy; whereupon Andreas went nearer to hi●● and instructed him in the Principles of Christian Religion about Christ the Messiah, etc. exhorting him to believe 〈◊〉 him: and it pleased God so to bless his exhortation to him, that the Dogs gave over tearing of his flesh, and ●h● poor Jew desired him to procure that he might be taken down and Baptised, and hung by the neck ●or the quicker dispatch, which was done accordingly.  
A●dreas was of such esteem, that he was sent for by divers Princes to reform the Churches in their jurisdictions: he was present at divers Synods and Disputations about Religion. He traveled many thousands of miles, being usually attended but with one servant, yet it pleased God that in all his journeys he never met with any affronted. The year before his death, he used often to say, that he should not live long; that he was weary of this life, and much desired to be dissolved, and to be with Christ, which was best of all. Falling sick, he sent for james Herbrand, saying, I expect, that after my death, many adversaries will rise up to asperse me; and therefore I sent for thee to hear the confession of my Faith, that so thou mayst testify for me when I am dead and gone, that I died in the true faith. The same Confession also he made afterwards before the Pastors, and Deacons of Tubing: the night before his death he slept, partly upon his bed, and partly in his chair: when the clock struck six in the morning, he said, my hour draws near: he gave thanks to God for bestowing Christ, for revealing of his will in his Word, for giving him Faith, and the like benefits. And when he was ready to departed, he said, Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit; and so he fell a sleep in the Lord Anno Christi 1590. and of his Age 61.  
Ingenius Andreas always loved to pry  
Into the bosom of Divinity.  
He hated idleness, and took delight  
In doing good; his virtues shined as bright  
As Fame could make them; and he always stood  
A firm maintainer of the Churches good.  
Religion was his helm by which he stéered  
His soul to heaven; and there he was endeared  
To his Creator; in whose Court he sings  
Blest halalujahs to the King of Kings.   


HIERONYMUS ZANCHYUS.  The Life and Death of Hieronimus Zanchiu●.  
IN the year of grace 1516. Hieronimus Zanchius descended from a Noble and renowned Family; was born in Italy at a Town called Alzanum, situate in the valley S●ria ● who became such a light unto the Gentiles, that many parts in Christendom dawned with the lustre of his writings. His Father was called Franciscus Zanchius, famous not o●ely for his Parentage, but also for his knowledge in the Civil Law; he was blessed with many other children, which he received from Ba●bara, sister unto Marcus Antonius Morla●tus, both Nobly descended.  
This Zanchius in his youth showing some testifications of his hopefulness, he was sent forth by his Father to be instructed in the Grounds of Learning, in the Schools he continued until that he was twelve years old; at which time his Father died, and shortly after his Mother also. Being thus deprived of both his Parents, he began to consider with himself what course to take, for the increasing and bettering of his knowledge in the Arts; and withal, perceiving that not only his Uncle Eugenius Mu●ius, but also many of his Kinsmen and Cozen-germans had betaken themselves unto a Monastical life, and were advanced unto the dignity of Regular Cannons, he persuaded himself that there were many learned persons to be found in that Society, and that youth might be well instructed & brought up amongst th●m, as well for civil behaviour as for learning; he resolved to take that course of life upon him, being also thereunto induced by the advice of his intimate friend Basileus. Wherefore revealing himself unto his Uncle and other friends, he was by their means elected and chosen into the Monastery.  
In this place he lived almost ninteen years, and was by profession a Lateran Canon Regular; in which space he gave himself first unto the study of the Tongues, and proved a good Linguist. Secondly, unto the study of Aristotle, and became a good Logician: and thirdly, unto the study of School Divinity, wherein his excellency is manifest by his Works. For the space of sixteen years he was familiarly acquainted, and dearly beloved of that illustrious and virtuous, grave Celsus Martinengus; who perceiving that his life was sought for the profession of the truth, fled out of Italy, and went unto Geneva, and was the first Pastor which the Italian Church had in that place; who when he died commended the care of his Flock to Calvin, 1558.  
During his residence in this Monastery, he would walk sometimes with Martinengus, for recreations sake unto Luca a Town in Tuscanie, where he heard Peter Martyr openly expounding the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans, and in private the Psalms of David unto their Canons: and these Expositions of this learned man wrought so effectually with him, that he gave himself wholly unto the study of Divinity, and made diligent search into the Commentaries of the most learned and authentic Fathers; perused positive and polemical discourses, and delivered for a season the purity of the truth of the Gospel of Christ in Italy. But in regard that Italy was too hot for Peter Martyr, and much more for his Scholars, who were hardly permitted to reside in the Country, much less to be public Teachers; eighteen of them within the space of one year followed their Master, amongst whom was this Zanchius.  
Being thus freed and delivered from this Babylonian captivity (an expression often used by himself) in the year 1550. he first went unto the Rhetians, because a greater liberty was ganted unto their Churches, and because ●e might serve Christ with a free and a good conscience amongst them. Yet here he continued not fully nine months but he left them, and went unto Geneva; and after that he had spent other nine Months in that place, by the means of Peter Martyr, he was called into England, to perform the place of the Divinity Lecturer; unto which motion he willingly condescended: and having taken his leave of his friends and acquaintance he sets forward in his journey; he was detained by the Inhabitants of Strarburge, because their Pastor Casper Hedio was then dead, and because it was decreed by the Magistrates that an Italian following the Doctrine of Peter Martyr should be called unto the Citie● and therefore they first used means to bring in the grav● Martinengus; but he refused to leave his Flock in Geneva: wherefore seeing, they could not prevail that way. They kindly entreated Zanchy to stay amongst them; hither he came in the year 1553. and in this place he performed a Pastoral office almost eleven years; and at vacant times he expounded Aristotle unto such as were desirous to attain unto some understanding in the Arts.  
Here he was commanded by the Magistrates (if he intended to teach in that City) to subscribe unto that Confession of Faith concluded on, and set forth at Auspurge, called the Augustine's Confession: unto which he consented with this caution, modo Orthodoxe intilligatur; now because his opinion about the Sacrament wa● the chiefest cause which did urge this Subscription, he wrote a Treatise concerning the Lord's Supper; wherein he delivered his opinion thus.  

First, that the true body of Christ, which was given for us, and his true blood which was shed for the remission of ●innes, was truly eaten and drunken in the Supper.  
Secondly, that it was not eaten with the mouth and teeth of the body, but with true faith.  
Thirdly, and therefore received of none but of those which were elected.   
And this his opinion was generally answered unto, and approved in the City, so that when they had made a trial of the sufficiency of his parts, for the space of two years, and had approved of that method and order which he had observed both in teaching and disputing, he was admitted and chosen into the Society of the Thomists: where he lived a Canon for the space of nine years, in which time he was beloved of all good men that knew him: a detester of Contraversies as cau●es of strife, and he was also a lover, and a favourer, and a furtherer of pear and quietness.  
Yet notwithstanding divers Controversies and accusations, were afterwards instituted and moved against him, during his residence here, and that by some of the Divines and Professors of the same Commonwealth concerning the Sacrament, and concerning the Ubiquity of the human nature, concerning the setting of images in Churches and Chapels, concerning Antichrist, and the end of the world, concerning Praedestination, & concerning the perseverance of the Saints in Faith; wherein his opinions were condemned by them as haereticall; this flame also was increased by the addition of the fuel of a Tractate of the Lords Supper, printed by Hestrusius in the same City: and it came also unto that height, that he must either voluntarily departed, or else be forced thereunto by the College: although means were used for a reconciliation, and the cause referred unto thirteen men; and although he offered publicly to dispute with his adversaries touching the same points, and had obtained the judgements of all the Churches and Academies throughout Germany, concerning the same, and had presented them in writing unto the Senate; yet no conclusion could be effected, until the Senate had procured learned Divines and Lawyers from Tubinge, Bipont and Basil, who were appointed as Judges to hear both parties, and to establish an agreement.  
These Judges, after the hearing of the matters controverted, privately withdrew themselves, and composed c●rtaine arcicles, unto which they desired that the disagreeing parties would subscribe, for the settling of peace and quietness in the City. To this request Zanchy used delay in the performance, and declared unto them, that there were two especial things which detained him that he couly not subscribe; first because in so doing he should give an occasion of offence unto the godly, and secondly it would come to pass that by his subscription, those who were seduced from the truth would be confirmed in their errors, yet notwithstanding when he perceived that his subscription might be done without any prejudice unto his doctrine, for quietness sake he subscribed with this Caveat, Hanc doctrin● formulam, ut piam agnosco, ita etiam recipio: this subscription was so joyful unto his adversaries, that after a boasting and triumphant manner, they dispersed the tidings by letters unto their friends in Saxony & in other adjacent Regious, whereas if they had truly understood it they could no● have h●d received from it such matter and cause of glory.  
But it happily fell out at that time during these action● that the Church at Clavenna, by reason of the death of Augustinus Moynardus was destitute of a Pastor, and the inhabitants of that place had with one consent made choice of Zanchy; assoon as he had notice hereof, and perceiving little hope of quietness in the City he forthwith repairs unto the Senate obtains leave to departed, and thereupon resigns his Cannonship and leaves Strasburge, and makes towards Clavenna, a famous Town situate in Rhetia.  
During this controversy and contention in Strsburge he was called by the Tigurines, to succeed Peter Martyr, but he refused to go, because he would not be seen to betray and give over the truth, and that good cause which he had in hand; he was also desired by the Italian Church at Geneva, to be their Pastor; he was sought for by the Inhabitants of Heidelberg and Marpurge, he was invited also unto Lausanna, but from these latter he was detained by the Senate.  
Immediately after his coming unto Clavenna a vehement and heavy pestilence invaded the City, which was the cause of great sorrow and lamentation in that place: for within the space of seven months three died 1200. persons, yet Zanchy continued his course of teaching so long as any Auditor came unto him; afterwards he removed himself out of the town, unto the top of an high Mountain, with his family, where he spent three months in reading, meditation and prayers; and at the end thereof it pleased God to remove his scourge from the City, and he returned and performed his ordinary function for the space of four years, to the great benefit of that Church, but not without many afflictions and crosses unto himself.  
Hence than he was called by that incomparable virtuous and religious Prince Frederick the third Elector Palatine, unto that famous Academy at Heidelberg, and by him most courteously entertained, and constituted successor unto Zachary Vrsin, at his entrance into his office which was in the year 1568. he delivered an excellent and learned speech concerning the conservation of the purity of doctrine in the Church, and in the same year he was graced with the title of Doctor in Divinity, in the presence of the Prince Elector, and of his son Casimirus; who being most desirous of propagating the truth of Christ, enjoined him (after his return from Rhetia to the Palatinate) to lay open the true doctrine concer●ing God, and concerning the three Persons in the Deity, and to confute the opinion and to overthrow the arguments of such adversaries as at that time opposed the Deity of Christ, and of the holy Ghost, in Poland and in Transilvania: whereupon he wrote his treatises full of learning and piety, de natura Dei, detribus Elohmi filio & spiritu Sancto, uno eodemque jehovah.  
In this Academy he professed Divinity ten years even unto the death of ●rederich the third Prince Elector, afterwards he went unto Neostadt where he was entertained Divinity Lecturer, in a School newly erected, where he continued seven years: after the death of Frederick the third he was called unto the Academy at Leyden in Holland, then newly consecrated, in the year 1578. and also unto Antwerp in Brabant, in the year 1580. but because that School could not want him, he was willed by the Prince to remain there where he continued until such time as the School was translated unto Heidelberg, and then by reason of his old age, he was discharged of his office by Casimirus then Elector Palatine; whereupon he went towards Heidelberg to visit some friends which he had there, whom when he had seen and comforted in those perilous times, he changed this life for a better and more durable, in the year 1590. and in the 75. year of his age, and lies buried in St. Peter's Chapel at Heidelberg.  
He was well read in the ancient Fathers, and in the writings of the Philosophers; he was of singular modesty, he alwayas earnestly desired peace amongst the Churches, and in his old age was afflicted with blindness.  
His works are here inserted.  
1 Divine Miscillanies, with the explication of the August●n Confession. 2 His judgement of the Controversies about the Lords Supper. 3 Of the Trinity, books thirteen in two parts, in the fi●st the Orthodox mystery of this Doctrine is proved, and confirmed by Scripture, in the latter the adversaries are confuted. 4 A Compendium of the chief points of Christian Doctrine. 5 A Perfect treatise of the sacred Scriptures. 6 Of the Incarnation of Christ. 7 Of the Divine Nature and his Attributes. 8. Of the Works of God in six days. 9● Of Man's Redemption. 10 A Commentary upon Hosea. 11. A Commentary on the Ephesians. 12. Colossian .. 13 Thessalonians. 14 john. 15 Observations of Physic. 16 His answer to an Arrian.  
He sought and found the truth, and would not hid  
That light from others that did still abide  
Within his breast, his soul was always free  
T'advance the works of real piety;  
Virtue, and gravity were both combined  
Within the ceture of his breast, and shined  
With equal lustre; all that heard his voice  
Were filled with raptures, and would much rejoice  
At his discourse, for what his tongue expressed  
Always proceeded from a real breast.  
Let his examples teach us how to stand  
Firmly obedient to our God's command:  
That at the last we may rejoice, and sing  
Praises with Zanchy to heaven's glorious King.   

The Life and Death of Anthony Sadeel, who died Anno Christi 1591.  
ANthony Sadeel was born upon the confines of Savoy, and France, not far from Geneva Anno Christi 1534. and his father dying whilst he was young, his mother brought him up in learning, and sent him to Paris, and having studied a while there, he went to toulouse, where falling into the society of some godly students of the Law, it pleased God that he left Popery, and went from thence to Geneva; where he was much helped by Calvin, and Beza: afterwards being sent for home, and some controversy arising about his inheritance, he went to Paris and there joined himself with the private Congregation of the Protestants: there the Pastor Collongius called the young students that were of that congregation together, persuaded them to apply themselves to the study of Divinity, which afterwards turned to the great good of the French Churches, and amongst others, Sadeel faithfully promised to apply himself thereto; & having profited much in those studies, being scarce twenty years old, he was by the approbation of the whole Church, chosen one of the Pastors: the year after fell out that horrid violence offered to the Church at Paris, when they were met together to hear the word, and receive the Sacrament, where above one hundred and fifty of them were laid hold of, and cast into Prison, but by a miracle of God's mercy the Pastors escaped: the year after Sadeel was delivered from a great danger, for at midnight many Apparitors broke into his house, searched every corner, and at last broke into his chamber, seized on his books, and papers, crying out they were Heretical, and so laid hold upon him, and carried him to Prison: But it pleased God that Antony of Bourbon King of Navarre who knew him, and had often heard him, hearing of his imprisonment, sent to the officers to release him as being one of his train; and when they refused to do it, he went himself to the Prison complaining of the wrong that was done him by imprisoning one that belonged to him, being neither a murderer, nor thief, and withal bad Sadeel follow him, and so took him away with him: whereupon the day after he publicly before the King gave thanks to God for his deliverance, expounding the 124 Psalms: than it being judged the safest for him to absent himself for a while, he went to visit the Churches in other parts of the Kingdom, and at Aurelia he continued some months Preaching to many Citizens, and students in the night time to their great advantage: then he returned to Paris again where a Synod of Ministers, and Elders (the first that was there) were assembled to draw up a confession of their Faith, which afterwards was presented to the King by the Admiral Coligny: But the King shortly after dying, the Queen mother, and the Guises drew all the Government of the Kingdom into their hands, and raised a great persecution against the Church, drawing many of all ranks to Prisons, and punishment: yet Sadeel intermitted not his office, but was wholly employed in Preaching, comforting, confirming the weak etc. till the danger increasing, it was thought fit that the care of the Church should be committed to one Macradus, a man less known, and that Sadeel should retire himself: and so he went into several parts of the Kingdom, and thereby much propagated the true faith. The year after, the persecution not being so violent at Papis, Sadeel could not refrain from going to his flock which he loved so dearly. In the year 1561. he fell sick of a quartan Ague, and by the advice of his Physicians and friends, he was persuaded to go into his own Country: yet neither there did he live idle, but Preached up and down, to the spiritual 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 publicly in writing confessed, and recanted his error: being returned to Paris, the persecution began to grow so hot there again, that he was persuaded to retire himself from the same, af●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 withal 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 divers 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 Navarre, 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 Cour●rass, a little before it began, he stood in the head of the Army and prayed earnestly for success, which much encouraged all the Soldiers; and when they had gotten the victory, he also gave Public, and solemn thanks unto God for the same: but by reason of sickness and weakness, being unable to follow that kind of life any longer, he was with unwillingness dismissed by the King, and went through his enemy's Countries in much danger till he came to hi● wife, and children at Geneva: but shortly after he was sent by order from the King into Germany, upon an Embassy to the Protestant Princes, where not only the Universities, but the Princes also received him in a very honourable manner, especially Prince Cassimire and the Landgrave of Hesse. Anno Christi 1589. he returned to Geneva, where in the midst of many troubles he continued in the work of his Ministry 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 God's mercy, a few of them put thousands of the enemies to flight many times: At last he fell ●ick of a Pleurisy, and though the Physicians apprehended no danger, yet he foretell that it would be mortal: 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 sickness, and at last slept in the Lord Anno Christi 1591. and of his age fifty seven: his loss was much bewailed by the whole City; his Preaching was not too curious, and yet not void of Art, and eloquence: So that his Ministry was always most grateful 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 days  
In giving the Almighty praise:  
He through floods of danger went  
To feed his flock, whose great content  
Fattened their souls and made them thrive,  
(No food like truth to keep alive)  
In grace; they ceased not to applaud  
His worth, that was not over-awde  
By Papists rage; 'twas not a Goal  
Can make his lofty courage fail;  
Let his example teach us to express  
Ourselves contented when we feel distress.   


WILL: WHITAKER.  The Life and Death of William Whittaker.  
UPon the entrance of that gracious Prince of blessed memory King Edward the sixth, at which time began the general exilement of Popish superstitions out of this Realm, and the settling of sincere Religion in room thereof; it pleased God withal 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 year of that pious Prince's 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 Grammar School until 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 Nowell, Deane of Pa●ls, being his Uncle by the Mother's side, sent for up to London from his parents, with whom he had been nursed up in Popish superstitions; taken into his family, and trained up in further matter of learning fit for his years, in the public 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 Uncle sent to the University of Cambridge, and there admitted into Trinity College; where making further progress 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 esteem 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 general notice to be t●ken o● him, and gained him m●ch reputation, were the translation of his reverend Uncle Master Nowel's Catechism into pure and elegant Greek, and the dispute ●f that our right precious jewel against Harding into the l●ke Latin.  
Hence it came to pass, 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 controversy being referred to the Heads of the University, it was by their joint consent, as deeming none fit for such a performance, devolved to Master Whittaker, though one then far younger than 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 proof, of his sufficiency for the place. Neither did he therein either fail their estimation, or frustrate their expectation of him: For he discharged the office thus imposed upon him● with the general 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 laid a sound foundation for a further firmer & fairer future fabric) he betook himself to the study of Divinity. Unto which now mainly addicting himself, he began (as was most need) with the Scriptures, the pure Wellspring of all divine truth: the authority whereof as he always maintained, so he made them ever his Groundwork for all matters of Faith, and his Touchstone for the trial of all humane either writings or opinions. From them he proceeded (a good course to be taken by young students in Divinity) to the writings of our modern Divines of the best note: and from these to the Monuments of the ancient Doctors; all the works of whom, whither Greek or Latin Fathers of any note (being one as of a strong and able body, so of pains and industry unweariable; by night watches repairing what at any time by day he lost through emergent occasions) he read over and dispatched within few years.  
Herein he both so profited, and made his proficiency to appear, that nothing ordinary was now expected from him; and being choosed when he took his first degree in Divinity, to answer the Act at the Commencement in that solemn Assembly, he therein so acquitted himself, that the place of the chief Professor of Divinity becoming shortly after, even the very next year vacant, by the removal of Doctor Chader●on (who then held it) from the Headship of Queen's College to the Bishopric of Chester; notwithstanding his immaturity of years, as might be deemed for such an employment: his maturity of judgement and learning, joined with singular piety, modesty, gravity and discreet carriage, prevailed so much as to procure him that plac●, though much laboured for by some others far auncienter than himself, and of good darts and note other● we see.  
Being now brought upon a most eminent Stage, wherein he lay open to all eyes, to envious ones especially (seldom wanting in such cases, and of all other most curious and quicksighted to pry narrowly into the defects and defaults of those whom they envy;) he therein so worthily demeaned himself, beyond all expectation, that he not only surpassed the expectation of his wel-wishing friends, but surpassed also the emulations of his ill-affected adversaries: not unlike a prevailing pillar of fire, that with i●s clear and bright flames mounting up on high, dispelleth and consumeth the smoke that would obscure and smother it.  
He began with the opening in a dogmatic way, of sundry Books and parcels of Scripture: the three first chapters of S. Luke's Gospel, the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galatians, his first Epistle to Timothy, and salomon's Song of Songs: all which he went through with, in his public Lectures, within the space of six years; being attended continually with a constant concourse of the best, and an auditory at all times well filled.  
Neither was his Pen idle the while but was withal employed otherwise, as well as his tongue. For during this time, he dealt by writing with Campian that flourishing Jesuit, and refuted his ten frivolous and reasonless Reasons, which he so much vaunted of; he replied upon Duraeus the Scot, his scurrilous rail, in defence of that his refutation, and stopped his foul mouth. He grappled with seditious Sanders, evicting his Arguments, whereby he laboured to prove that the Pope is not Antichrist; and with Rainolds his second, who had been nibbling only at the Preface to his eviction of Sanders his Demonstration, but had no hart to meddle with the Work itself.  
After this, considering the state and necessity of the times, in his public Lectures he betook himself to Controversies; and singled out Bellarmine, the Popes than greatest Champion and Rome's Goliath, to bicker with. The Controversies he handled, were concerning the Scriptures, concerning the Church, concerning Counsels, concerning the Bishop of Rome, concerning the Ministers of the Church, concerning the Saints deceased, concerning the Church Triumphant, concerning the Sacraments in general, the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and of Baptism in special; whereof some small part he published in his life time, some other part hath been published since his death.  
And as his Readins at home, so his Writings both at home and abroad, have for ingenuity, perspicuity, soundness, succinctness, received high commendations from the most judicious Divines that this age hath afforded; yea, it is credibly reported, that Cardinal Bellarmine himself so esteemed of him, that he procured hence his Portraiture, and had it hanging in his Study among the Pictures of other men of prime note; and that being demanded, why he would keep so near him the effigies of an Heretic, and one that had written against him, and grace such an one so much; he made answer, that Though he were an Heretic and an Advarsarie, yet he was a learned Adversary: nor is any testimony deemed more firm and credible, then that that proceedeth from a professed enemy. Only, while he lived, Stapleton a peevish piece, ●narled at some passages in one of his Controversies; whom he so answered, that the waspish dotard had little lust to reply.  
Having some years sat in the Professors chair, and taken the degree of Doctor; upon removal of Doctor Howland to the Bishopric of Peterborough, he was called by specially Mandate from the Queen's Majesty to be Master of S. john's College; which College by his access to it, he much advanced. For in his government thereof (which with much moderation and singular discretion he carried himself in) he had a special eye to the advancement, as well of Religion as of Learning, taking notice even of the lowest and the meanest; and giving much encouragement every way to such as he observed to be forward in either. By means whereof, that College (during all the time of his continuance there) greatly flourished, and was more frequented than any College in the whole University besides.  
About his latter times some Controversy arising in the University, concerning certain points of Doctrine; he was together with some other of chief note and place called up to London, for the composing of the same; wherein having traveled and taken much pains to good purpose; in his return homeward from thence, being well near midwinter and sharp weather, he took (by some cold in likelihood) that sickness, of which (turning to a violent Fever) he not long after deceased.  
During the short time of his sickness (for he lay not many days) he carried himself very comfortably and cheerfully, and departed with much peace.  
He was a man very personable, of a goodly presence, a body well compact, tall of stature, upright, proportionally limmed, black haired, of a grave aspect, a ruddy complexion, a strong constitution; of a settled carriage, a solid judgement, a liberal mind, an affable disposition; a mild, yet no remiss Governor; a free disposer of Places; a constant frequenter of the public service; a general Scholar; a great Student to the last; a lover of Learning and Learned; a contemner of money; of a moderate diet; a familiar demeanour; a life generally unblameable; and (that which added a lustre to all the rest) amidst all these endowments, and the respects of others, even the greatest, thereby deservedly procured, of a most meek and lowly spirit.  
He had two wives successively, women of good birth and note, and eight children by them. He left this world (to his eternal joy and gain, but to the great loss of God's Church, and grief of all sound and godly learned) on the fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord 1595. and in the forty and seventh of his age: having held the Professors chair about sixteen years; and the Mastership of Saint john's College almost nine. His corpse was with very great solmnity, and general lamentation brought to the ground; and lieth interred in the Chapel of the foresaid College; his Epitaph being engraven with letters of gold on a fair stone in the wall near to the place of its innterment. His Works extant testifying his worth, are these:  
1 His Translation of Master Nowel's Catechism into Greek. 2 Hi● Translation of Bishop Jewels dispute against Harding into La●●ne. 3 His Answer to Edmund Campian his ten Reasons. 4 His defence of that his answer against John Durey. 5 His Refutation of Nicolas Sanders his Demonstration, whereby he would prove, that the Pope is not Antichrist. 6 A collection thereto added of ●n●ie●t Heresies ●a●e● i● 〈◊〉 to ma●e up the Popish Apostasy. 7 His Thesis propounded and defended at the Commecement 1582. that the Pope is the Antichrist spoken of in Scripture. 8 His answer to Willam Reinolds against the Preface to that against Sanders in English. 9 His Disputation concerning the Scripture against the Papists of ●hese times, Bellarmine and Stapleton especially. 10 His defence of the Authority of the Scriptures, against Thomas Stapleton his defence of the Authority of the Churches. 11 His Lectures on the Controversies concerning the Bishop of Rome, set forth by John Allenson after his decease. 12 His Lectures on the Controversy concerning the Church, set forth by the same Party. 13 His Lectures on the Controversy concerning Counsels, set forth by the same. 14 A Treatise of Original sin, against Stapletons' three former books of justification, set forth by the same. 15 A Lecture on the first of Timothy 2.4. read on Febrvary 27. 1594. before the Earl of Essex, and some other Honourable Persons. 16 His Lectures concerning the Sacraments in general; the Eucharist and Baptism in special: taken by John Allenson, and set forth by Dr Samuel Ward.  
Let such whose merits, whose indifferent fames  
Keeps life and soul together in their Names,  
With much a do, let such require the praise  
Of hired quills to clear their cloudy days  
With borrowed Sunshine; let them strive to vamp  
Their wasted Mem'ryes, by another Lamp:  
Let those whom ordinary wrrth commends  
Receive Almes-praise from charitable friends:  
Our learned Whittaker craves no expression,  
No vote, no Trumpit but his foe's confession;  
Whose well refuted Arguments proclaim  
His everlasting honour, and their shame:  
He was the shield of Truth, the scourge of error,  
This Islands Triumph, and proud Babils' Terror.   

The Life and Death of Lambert Danaeus, who died Anno Christi 1596.  
LAmbert Danaeus was born at Aurelia in France Anno Christi 1530. he was of an acute wit, and wonderfully addicted to learning, so that by his diligence, and extraordinary pains he attained to a great measure of it: in his younger years he studied the civil Law four years at Aurelia under Anna Burgius: then he betook himself to the study of Divinity, and (embracing the reformed Religion) went to Geneva Anno Christi 1560. He had a vast memory, and read over many Authors; he was so versed in the Fathers, and School-Divines that few attained to the like exactness therein, whence one saith of him, Mirum est, homuncionis unius ingenium, tot, & tam diversas scientsas haurire, & retinere potuisse: At Geneva he was admitted into the number of Doctors, and Pastors, and by his learned labours was exceeding useful both to the Church and Unixersity; always employing himself, in writing, ann publishing Commentaries upon the Scriptures, and other learned treatises which were of special concernment: From thence he was called to the University of Leiden, where he was received with much joy, and was exceedingly admired for his learning, acuteness of wit, promptness, and strength of memory, in alleging, and reciting the sentences of the Fathers, Schoolmen, Canonists, and profane writers; From thence he was called to Gaunt Anno Christi 1582. where he taught a little while, but that City being full of tumults, he foreseeing the storm that was coming upon it, left it, and being sent for went into Navarre, where by his teaching, and writing he made the University of Orthesium famous: and at last he there laid down his earthly tabernacle Anno Christi 1596. and of his age 66.  
Danaeus that was acute and wise,  
Owned virtue as his chiefest prize;  
He was a gem, that much adorned  
The Church, he much contemned; and scorned  
The ways of Popery; his heart  
Was filled with comfort, joined with art:  
He was esteemed and loved of those  
That were industrious to oppose  
Erroneous principels; his mind  
Was by heaven's powerful hand refined:  
Who at the last received his spirit  
And made him happy to inherit.   

The Life and Death of Robert Rollock, who died Anno Christi 1598.  
RObert Rollock was borne in Scotland of the ancient Family of the Levingstones, in the year 1555. His Father knowing the worth of Learning, was very careful to bring up his Son therein; and for that end he sent him to Surline, and placed him under Thomas Bucanan, who finding hi● promptness and diligence, took much delight in him. From thence he went to the University of Saint Andrewe●; there he spent four years in the study of the Arts, and so eminently profited therein, that he was choose a Professor of Philosophy. In the year 1583. the States of Scotland intending to erect a University at Edenburg, sent some to S●int Andrews to find out a fit man that might undertake the Government of it: where, by the general vote of all, there was none thought so fit for this work as Rollock: which the States being informed of, they presently sent fo● h●m: and when he was come, they entertained him courteously: after he had been there a while, he set upon the work●, and young Students flocked thither a pace from all parts of the Kingdom: whom he instructed in the Ar●●, and governed with severity mixed with ●lemen●y, and so educated them in Religion, that God blessed his labours ●xceedingly amongst them. After four years he examined them strictly, and finding their proficiency, they commenced Masters of Art: then four Professors of Philosophy were joined with him to share in the pai●s, which were chosen out of the ablest of thos● that had commenced Masters of Ar●● Every morning Rollock ●alling the student's together, prayed fervently with them● and one day in the week, expounded some portion of Script●●● to them: after which Lecture he took notice which of them had committed any fault● that week, whom he would so reprove, and lay the wrath of God before them, that he much reform them thereby. He took extraordinary pains to fit such for the work o● the Ministry, as were grown up to it; so that the Church received very much benefit from thence, h●ving so many able Pastors sent forth into it.  
Besides this, he Preached every Lord's day in the Church, and that with such fervency, and evident demonstration of the spirit, that he was the instrument of converting very many unto God. He wrote also many Commentaries upon the Scriptures, which being Printed, and going abroad 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 brevity, elegancy, and jud●ciousnesse.  
He was so humble that he preferred all others before himself, and laboured after privacy from public business, that he might the better apply himself to his studies: yet in the two last years of his life, he was so involved in Public affairs, that it much weakened 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 intervale of Synods.  
In the year 1589. his disease so increased upon him, that he was confined to his house: and being removed into the Country air, he seemed at first to be better, but presently his disease returned with more violence, so that he was forced to keep his bed: whereupon he set his House in order, and his Wi●e, after ten years' barrenness, being with child, he commended her to the care of his friends: two Noblemen coming to visit him, he requested them from him to go to the King, and to entreat 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 esteem the Pastors of the Church, as it was meet.  
And when the Pastors of Edenbrough came to him, he made an excellent exhortation to them and profession of his sincerity and integrity in ●is place that God called him to● death approaching, he made such a divine and heavenly speech as astonished the hearers: and when the Physicians were preparing Physic for him, he said, Tu Deus medeberis mihi, thou Lord wilt heal me: 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 darkly in the glass of his word: O Lord grant that I may enjoy the eternal fruition of thy countenance which I have so much desired, and longed for: the day after divers of the Magistrates of Edenburg coming to him, he spoke to them to be very careful of the University, desiring them to choose into his room Henry Charter, a man every way fit for that employment: 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 bless God, I have all senses entire, but my heart is in heaven: and Lord jesus 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 jesus, put an end to this miserable life: hast Lord and tarry not: Come Lord jesus 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 eternal Sabbath: my eternal Sabbath shall take its 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 celestial 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 Bays, his learned brows to dress;  
Who did such parts and piety express;  
Such gravity, mixed with sweet Clemency;  
Such love to truth, and spotless verity,  
As that the Scottish States minding to make  
At Edenburg an Academ, did take  
Especial notice of him; and then sent  
Desiring him to take that Government;  
Which he performed with such diligence,  
That Scotland reaped great benefit from thence,  
He, on the sacred Scriptures Comments wrote,  
Whereof two were of such renowned note,  
That Beza of them, gave his witness fair,  
That they were rich, and priceless Tr●asures rare:  
This precious Saint, thus piously did spend  
His days on earth, & had heavens Crown in th'end.   

The Life and Death of Nicolas Hemingius, who died Anno Christi 1600.  
NIcolas Hemingius was born at Loland in Denmark 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 divers Schools, and when he had laid a good foundation of learning there, he had an ardent desire to go to Wittenberg, which was made famous by Philip Melancthon's Lectures, and having gotten some little money in his purse he travelled thitherward, but by the way some thiefs met him, and stripped him of all that he had: yet when he came to Wittenberg, he found th● people very charitable to him, especially Melancthon: there he remained five years, and by his writing for, and attending upon richer students, and teaching some privately, he maintained himself: When he returned home he had an ample testimony from Melancthon for his excellent wit, and learning: and was there entertained by Olaus Nicholas to teach his daughters, and from thence he was choose to be Pastor at Hafnia, and accordingly ordained to it● which place he discharged with much diligence, and faithfulness: and many young students resorting to him, he read privately 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 y●●res. Anno Christi 1579. when he was grown old, and exhausted with his daily labours, Frederick the second, King of D●nmark gave him a liberal Pension, upon which he lived holily, and comfortably all the remainder of his days: some years before his death he grew blind, and was troubled with several diseases, desiring nothing more than that he might be dissolved, and be with Christ: A little before his death he expounded the 103. Psalm, with so much fervour, efficacy, and power of the holy Ghost, that all that heard him wondered at it, and shortly after resigned up his spirit ●nto God, Anno 1600. and of his age 87.  
Hemingius doth deserve to be  
Recorded in each memory.  
Who for his wit and worthy parts  
In Learning, Tongues, and excellent Arts,  
Was by Melancthon much respected,  
And for his learned gifts elected  
Hebrew Professor, worthily,  
In Hafnia University;  
Where six and twenty years he stayed  
With great estéem, and there was made  
A Doctor in Theologie,  
And full of years and love did die.   

The Life and Death of James Heerbrand, who died Anno Christi 1600.  
JAmes Heerbrand was borne at Noricum, in the year 1521. of an ancient Family; his Father was one of Luther's Disciple●; and seeing the towardliness and promptness of his Son, was careful to bring him up in Religion and Learning: at twelve years old his Father bought him a fair Bible, which he diligently read over. Afterwards he went to ulm, where he studied the Tongues; and at seventeen years old his Father sent him to Wittenberg to hear Lu●her and Melancthon in the year 1538. which year was famous for divers things; for then the Kingdom of Denmark embraced the Gospel, the Emperor and King of France met together; the Bible was Printed in English at Paris; the University at Argentine was erected; the sect of the Antinomians was detected; th● marquis of Brandenburg embraced the Augustine Confession; and the Sea by the Kingdom of Naples was wholly day for eight miles together, out of which place fire and ashes broke forth so abundantly, that many places were miserably destroyed thereby.  
In the University of Wittenberg, Heerbrand studied the Arts with great diligence, and was so sparing of his tim●, that he would not intermit one hour from his Studies; insomuch that other Students called him Suevicam Noc●●am; the Swevian night-crow. He h●ard Luthe● and Melancthons' Lectures with much diligence; and in the ye●r 1540 he commenced Master of Arts● He Preached also abroad in the Villages on the Sabbath days.  
Thus having spent five years there in his Studies, he returned home with ample testimonies from Melancthon and the University. When he came home, the Pastors of the Church appointed him to Preach, which he performed with great approbation and commendation of all. His Parents rejoicing much at his proficiency, would needs have him employ his talon in his own Country, and at Stutgard, Snepfius (being Superintendent) examined him, ●nd finding his abilities, he said, Dominus te mihi obtulit, the Lord hath offered thee unto me. Being but twenty two years old, he was made Deacon at Tubing; & three years after he married a wife, by whom he had eight Sons, and three Daughters: shortly after that accursed Interim coming forth, he, amongst other Ministers that rejected it, was banished from Tubing: and being out of employment, he studied Hebrew; till Prince Vlrick being dead, his Son Christopher succeeding him, called back the Ministers and Heerbrand amongst them to their former places. He also made him Pastor of Herrenberg: shortly after he commenced Doctor in Divinity, and for four years and an half, he studied the Fathers. In the year 1556. he was sent for by Charles marquis of Baden, to reform Religion in his Dominions; where also he prescribed a form of Ordination of Ministers. Presently after he was chosen to be the Divinity Professor at Tubing: and after that the Pastor, and Superintendent also.  
In the year 1562. he was sent for by the Duke of Saxony to be the Professor at jenes, who proffered to allow him the stipend of one thousand Florins per annum, but he refused it, continuing at Tubing; where he had much honour and respect: his wife having lived with him fifty years and an half, died; who being th● staff of his old age, he wa● much afflicted for her loss, and began to grow weaker and weaker; whereupon he refigned his Office, and had a stipend allowed him by his Prince, and so prepared himself for death. He was much troubled with the Gout, which he bore with much patience, often using that saying of the Apostle; Godliness is profitable to all things, having the promise of this life, and that which is to come. He fell into a Lethargy, and ●o died in the year 1600. and of his Age 79.  
James Heerband was a rare Divine, most grave,  
Deserves a Garland of Fame's flowers to have;  
Who, in all Learning was so excellent;  
And at his Studies constant, diligent,  
That his contemporary T●ndents said,  
He was a Sweviary night Crow. And, he made  
Such benefit his Studies up to rear,  
When he did Luther and Melancthon hear,  
(As oft he did) that he himself became  
A Preacher rare, and of surpassing fame;  
Commencing Doctor of Divinity;  
Made Tubing Pastor, with respect most high.  
Superintendent also there elected,  
And of the german Princes much respected.  
At last, his wife (who fifty years, at least,  
Had lived with him) did die: his strength decreased,  
Together with her loss, and sickness, so,  
Upon his feeble corpse began to grow;  
That near the age of fourscore years, in peace,  
He changed earth's wars, for heaven's eternal peace.   

The Life and Death of David Chytraeus, who died Anno Christi 1600.  
DAvid Chytreus was born in Ingelfing in Sweuland, in the year 1530. of godly and religious Parents, who seeing his ●owardlinesse and ingenuous nature, were careful to educate him both in Religion and Learning; the principles whereof he drunk in with such celerity, that his Father ●ooke much pleasure in him, and became an earnest and frequent suitor unto God, That his Son might be fitted for, and employed in the work of the Ministry: and for this end, when he was scarce seven years old, he sent him to School to Gemmingen, and after two years stay there, he removed him to Tubing, where he was educated under excellent Schoolmasters, and afterwards admitted into that University; and whilst he was very young he commenced Bachelor of Art, studied the Languages, Arts and Divinity under Snepfius.  
In all which time he profited so exceedingly, that at fifteen years of age he commenced Master of Arts, with the general approbation of the University: and presently after, having a large allowance from a worthy Knight Sir Peter Menzingen, he traveled to Wittenberg, where he wa● entertained by Philip Melancthon into his Family; so that he did not only gain much profit by his public Lectures, b●t by private convers with him also; which happiness he so esteemed, that all his life after, he acknowledged, that next under God, he was bound to Philip Melancthon for his proficiency in Learning. When he came first to Melancthon, and delivered some Letters of commendation in his behalf, Melancthon finding in them that he was Master of Arts, looking upon him, he wondered at it, saying, Are you a Master of Arts: yea, said Chytraeus, it pleased the University of Tubing to grace me with that degree: Can you, said Melancthon, understand Geeke; which he affirming, he g●ve him Thucydides to read, and construe a piece of it; which when Chytraeus had done, Melancthon enquiring hi● age, and admiring his forwardness, said unto him, Thou dost worthily deserve thy Degree, and hereafter thou shalt be as a Sonn● unto me.  
Whilst he was there, he heard Luther's Lectures upon 〈◊〉 ten last Chapters of Genesis. And as Plato, when he was ●eady to die, praised God for three things; first, that God had made him a man; secondly, that he was bron in Greece● thirdly, that he lived in the time of Socrates. So did C●●traeus also acknowledge it as a singular mercy: first, tha● 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 public and private, about matters of the weightiest concernment; followed him when he walked abroad, and endeavoured wholly to fashion his life by hi● example. And Melancthon looked upon him as his own 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 Heidelberg, where he studied Hebrew, and then went to Tubing, where he applied himself to the study of the Mathematics. But when Prince Maurice of Saxony had restored the University, and called back Melancthon, he presently 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 means having gotten some money in his purse, he resolved to travel into Italy, 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 fa●thfull companion [Andrew Martin of Rostoch] he tavelled through most parts of Italy; and being returned to Wittenbern, Melancthon was requested to send two learned men to Rostoch, for the advancement of that University; whereupon he commended john 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 gr●w so famous, that Christian King of Denmark, and the Senate of Auspurg sent for him to come to them; he was desired also by the University of Argentine to succeed Hedi● lately dead: also Frederick the second, Prince Elector Palatine, sent earnestly for him to come to Heidelberg, but his Prince john Albert would by no means part with him; two years after he traveled into Friesland, Brabant, Flanders and other of the Belgic Provinces: upon his return the Elector Palatine sent again for him to Heidelberg; and the King of Denmark proffered to double his stipend, 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 means 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 go himself, he wrote his mind 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 prevail to get him from Rostoch. The year after his Prince took him with him to the Diet at Auspurg, where matters of Religion were to be debated. At which time Ambassadors came to him again from Argentine, to request his remove thither; and he gave them some hope of a●senting, if his Princes good will could be procured: but he would by no meane● part with him; and to express his love, he proffered to enlarge his stipend; but Chytraeus refused the same. Two year● 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 bacl with an ample testimony of his abilities and integrity. Then he made a journey into Hungary, where he visited many of the chief Cities in that Kingdom.  
In the year 1571. his Prince made him the chief Visitor of all the Churches in his Dominions. He assisted also in the work of Reformation at Berline: the marquis of Brandenburg sent for him also to be the Divinity Professor at Frankfurt, but could not obtain him. Two years after the States of Stiria sent for him to help them in reforming th●ir Churches; whither he went for half a year, and was exceeding useful to them therein. At his return he was sent for by the Elector of Saxony, and the University of Wittenberg, to be a Professor there; but they could not prevail. The year after, the Duke of Brunswick being to erect an University at juliers, sent to him to assist in making Laws for the University, choice of Professors, etc. Which he dispatched to his great content. Shortly after also, he went to divers meetings of Divines in several places, about procuring and settling 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 Books 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 Psalm, which he had begun before. And after that, in Commenting upon the Epistle to the Romans; but his disease increasing (whereby he discerned the approaching ●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 controversal point, raising himself up, he would call to them to speak out, for that he should die with the more comfort, if he could learn any new thing before his departure.  
In fame's large Catalogue of worthies 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 own house, was blestly educated,  
And most profoundly by him doctrinated.  
In whom Melancthon such proficiency  
Found, even unto admiration high  
That this his pregnant Pupil afterward,  
He as his son did tenderly regard.  
Chytraeus also in process of time,  
To such a height of honour up did climb:  
For's excellency in all rare Literature  
As did from all that knew him love procure,  
And favour from the States of Germany,  
And as he lived, so honoured he did die.   


ALEXANDER NOWELL  The Life and Death of Alexander Nowell.  
ALexander Nowell was born in the County of Lancaster Anno Christi 1511. of an ancient and worshipful family, and at thirteen years old was sent to Oxford, and admitted a member of Brasennose College, where he studied thirteen years, and grew very famous both for Religion, and learning: In Queen Mary's days, he amongst others, left the Kingdom, that he might enjoy his conscience; and returning when Queen Elizabeth, of blessed memory, came to the Crown, she made him Dean of Paul's, where he was a frequent, and faithful Preacher: By his writings he defended the truth against some English Popish Ren●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 College, where he had his first education: He was the enlarger of Paul's 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 till he was ninety years old, and yet neither the eyes of his mind, nor body, waxed dim; And died peaceably in the Lord Anno Christi 1601. on the thirteenth of February, and lies buried in the Famous Cathedral Church of Saint Paul's in London, with this Epitaph upon his Tomb.  
Quam spcionsa vestigia Evangelizantium pacem.  
With some verses also annexed, this being the las● 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 Book against Dorman and Sanders of Transubstantiation in quarto English. 3 His greater Catichisme in Latin, in qu●rto. 4 Hi● less● Catechism in Latin, in Octavo. 5 The same in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.  
As grave, as godly Nowell Dean of Paul's,  
Most justly for a Crown of honour calls;  
Amongst other worthies, for his piety  
His learning, wisdom and humanity:  
A famous Preatcher in the halcyon-days  
Of Queen Elizabeth, of endless praise.  
To Pauls-School, and to Braz'nnose College he  
A Benefactor great was known to be.  
For's threefold Catechism, worthily,  
Much honoured: 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 died 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 Univers●ity of Basil, and after two years study there, he commenced Bachelor of Arts: from thence he went to Tubing, & was there maintained to his studies for two year● more by Prince Christopher, at the end whereof he commenced Master of Arts, and then was sent for back by his father to Moun●pelier, where he Preached for a while, and then went to Paris to learn the French Tongue, and proceed in his other studies: Anno Christi 1560. he went thence to Aurelia, where he read Hebrew publicly: there he was first made Deacon, and two years after Minister; which place he undertook there rather than in his own 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 Christ's presence in the Sacrament: he also married a wife Anno Christi 1565. Whilst he was there, the civil Wars broke out between the Papists, and Protestants: and Francis Duke of Guise besieging the City of Aurelia, where Mounseur de Andelot, brother to the Admiral of France, commanded in chie●e: Tossan continued there all the time of the siege, and took extraordinary pains in instructing, exhorting, and encowraging both Citizens, and Soldiers, and when the City was in great danger to be lost, one Poltrot, who had devoted his life for his Country's 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 ruin. An. Christi 1567. there broke out a second civil 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 Soldiers, who entering into the City, and joining w●th the Protestants, drove out some of the Papists and disarmed the rest; but after that famous battle at Saint Danis, wherein so many of both ●ides were slain, and wounded, Peace was again concluded: though the Papists quickly broke it, and a great company of Soldiers entering into Aurelia, they began to breath forth threaten against the Church of Christ, especially against the Mi●isters of it; hereupon Tossan was in great danger, insomuch 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 him● 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 several times to change hi● lodging: yet one day the Soldiers caught him, and pretended that they would carry him out of the City, but intended to have Murthed him, whereupon hi● wife, great with child ran to the Governor, and with much importunity prevailed that her husband might stay in the City: and the third civil War breaking out, the Popish Soldiers in Aurelia were so enraged, that they burned all the places where the Church used to meet, and barbarously slew above eighty of the faithful servants of Christ in them, yet it pleased God miraculously to preserve the Ministers in that great danger: and Tossan, by the help of some of the faithful, was conveyed privately away out of the City in the night, but whilst he fought to hid himself in a wood he fell into an ambush: and was taken, and was carried to Prisoner into ● Castle not far of from Aurelia: which sad news coming to his wife, she left no means untried for his delivery: and a● last, for a great sum of money, she procured his release, whereupon he went to Argim●nt: and hi● wife putting herself into the habit of a maidservant, went towards Argimont after him, where Renata, the daughter of Lewis the twelf●h of France, and Dowager of Ferrara, lived in a very strong Castle, and was a great ●●iend to the Protestants, entertaining many that fled to her for secure: b●t as his wife was going thitherward after him, she wa● take● by some Soldiers, and carried back to the Governor of Aurelia: but it pleased God to stir up his own wife, ●nd daughters to intersede for her, by whose importunity, th●●overnor set her free, and gave her leave to go to Argim●●t, whither it pleased God to carry her in safety through ● thousand dangers, and where she found her husband: and whilst she was there, she was brought to bed of a daughter● to which the Duchess was Godmother; But the King of France hearing that his aunt the Duchess had sheltered ●●ny of the Protestants, sent to her to turn them all ou● o● 〈◊〉 Castle, or else he would presently besiege it, and slay them all: hereupon Tossan with his wife and three children, wen● presently to Sancerra, which was the nearest place of 〈◊〉 there went also a long with him two or thr●e hund●●● Wagones' loaden with children, and in thei● passage th●●● lay many Troops of the enemies, especially a● a river 〈◊〉 which they were to pass, purposing to destroy them: 〈◊〉 it pleased God to stir up some Protestants thereabouts t● horse and arm themselves, and to proffer themselv●● 〈◊〉 guard to those Wagons, who sought often with thei● enemy's, and by God's special providence conducted them all in safety to Sancerra: There Tossan continued a year, an● then with his wife, and one or two of hi● children, he we●● to Momblegart to visit his father and friends, ●nd 〈◊〉 (the Wars being la●ly ended in France) th● Church of A●relia could not suddenly gather themselves together●●e continued and Preached in his father's place who wa● 〈◊〉 grown old for a year: But some Ministers of Sluggard accused him for Preaching Calvinism and Zwinglinism, & woul● have him revoke, and recant the same, or else 〈…〉 Preach no more in public: hereupon he w●o●● at Apology to the Senate of S●utgard: and Anno Christi 1571. he was called back to Aurelian ● yet the times were not so peaceable tha● h● could Preach there, but he Preached to his people in a Castle not far from it, which belonged to Hierom Grosl●tius, a most godly Nobleman: there repaired to hear him out of the City a very great multitude of people, whom the Popish party at their return home, received with many scorns, and reproaches, threatening ere long to fire the Castle, & a●● that were in it: yet they continue● constant, and Tossan living with that Nobleman, performed his office with all diligence, and fidelity: Anno Christi 1572. brake forth that abominable massacre at Paris, wherein King Charles the nin●h, falsifying his faith, caused the Admiral of France, and so many Noble and Gentlemen, Doctors, Pastors, Advocates, and Professors to be so inhumanely butchered, that a more horrid villainy was never heard of in the world before it: where amongst others this Hieronimus Gros●●●ius was also murdered: which news coming to Aureli● the Papists rejoiced, and ●ung; seeking to murder, and destroy all the Protestants that were in, and about that City: Tossan at this time was in the Castle with the wife of Groslotius, who heard of the Massacre, and the Murder of her husband at Paris; and it pleased God so to order it, that a certain Popish Nobleman, as he was travelling towards Paris, was turned into this Castle to inquire after news, just at the same time when this sad news was brought thither; but he supposing that it was impossible that the Protestants which were so numerous there, could be so easily suppressed, and thinking rather they stood upon their defence, resolved to return home again, and took with him this Lady with Tossan and his wife, and children: thus it pleased God that he was delivered from certain destruction by the humanity, and industry of a Papist: for the very next morning the inhabitants of Aurelia came to the Castle broke open the gates, slew some maids that were left to keep it, plundering all, and amongst the rest, Tossans' goods and Library, raging extremely that they had miss their prey which they most sought after: This Nobleman's house that carried them with him was near to Arg●mont: but Tossan apprehending himself not safe ●here, he with his wife, and children removed to an other place where he was acquainted, and presently after the Duchess of Ferrara sent for him and his family, his wife being again great with child, and hide them in a Turret in her Castle, and sustained and fed them there: and when the rage of the Papists was somewhat abated, he with his wife and children traveled through many dangers into Germany, and being sent for by that pious Prince Frederick the third Elector Palatine, he went with his family to Heidelberg where he found so much love, and bounty from the Prince and his Courtiers, and the Academics, that he almost forgot his former miseries: but the world being unworty of such a Prince, it pleased God to take him away Anno Christi 1576. four years after Tossan came thither: and his Son Lodowick succeeding him, Tossan amongst others was dismissed: But Prince Cassimire, [Lodwicks Brother] called him to Neostade, and placed him over the Churches there: and after Vrsins death, he made him Professor in that University: he was also over the Church of strangers, and Preached to them in the French Tongue, till they had chosen themselves a Pastor: he 〈◊〉 Moderator in a Synod at Neostade: Shortly after L●dwicke the Elector Palatine dying, Cassimire was made Guardian to his Son, during his minority, whereupon he sent for Tossan to Heidelberg that by his advice, and counsel he might reform the Churches; but when he came thither, his adversaries loured exceedingly upon him, and raised m●ny false reports, but he remembered that of Seneca, vir bonus, q●●d honestè se facturum putaverit, faciet, etiam si peric●losum sit: ab honesto nullâ e deterrebitur: ad turpia, nullam spe invitabitur. An honest man will do that which he judges right, though it be dangerous: he will be deterred from that which is honest by no means; he will be alured to that which is dishonest by no means: His adversaries in their Pulpits daily cried out of strange Heresies that he and his party held: but Prince Cassimi●e first sent for them to argue the case before him, and then appointed ● Public disputation's, wherein they could prove none of tho●e thing●●hich they charged them with; whereupon the Prince required them to abstain from such accusations for the tim● to come, and to study peace: but nothing would prevail ●o alloy their spleen●●ill they were removed into other Countries' The care of choosing Pastor● to the Churches, Tutors to the young Prince, Schoolmasters and Professors to the University, was devolved upon Tossan; all which he discharged with much fidelity: There also he commenced Doctor in Divinity; But as his cares ●nd p●ins increased, so hi● sorrow also, partly by reason of ●n unhappy qu●rrell th●t fell out between the Students and Citizens' of Heidelberg, p●rtly by the death of hi● dear wife with whom he lived twenty two years in wedlock.  
In the year 1588. he married again, and disposed of his daughter● also in marriage to godly and learned men: Not long after Prince Cas●●mire died, which much turned his grief: but Frederick the fourth, being now come to hi● age, was admitted into the number of the Electors, ●nd was very careful of the good, both of the Chu●●● & University. An. Christi 1594. Tossan was choosen Rector of the University of Heidelberg, and the year after there broke out a grievous Pestilence in that City, which drove away the students: but Tossan remained Preaching comfortably to his people, and expounding the Penitential Psalms to those few students that yet remained: Anno Christi 1601. he b●ing grown very old and infirm, laid down his Professors place, though the University, much opposed it, and earnestly solicited him to retain it still, b●● God purposed to give him a better rest after all his labours, and ●orrowes: for having in his Lectures expounded the book of job to the end of the 31. Chapter, he concluded with those words: The words of job are ended; Presently after falling sick, he comforted himself with these texts of Scripture, I have fought the good fight of Faith etc. Be thou faithful unto the death, and I will give thee the Crown of life: We have a City not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, and many other such like; he also made his W●ll, and set down therein a good confession of his Faith, and so departed quietly in the Lord Anno Christi 1602. and of his age sixty one. He was a very holy man, exemplary in his life, had an excellent wit● strong memory: eloquent ●n speech, was very charitable, and cheerful in his conversation, and kept correspondence with all the choicest D●●vines in those times.  
German Tossanus doth deserve likewise,  
That we his honoured name should memorise;  
Who notwithstand all th'afflictions great  
Which furious faithless Popish Foes did threat,  
And prosecute him with, from place to place,  
And him, and his dear wife with terrors chase:  
In danger oft of death, yet mightily  
The Lord preserved them from Rome's cruelty.  
He was a learned and laborious Preacher,  
And always against Rome's errors, a Truth teacher's  
Eloquent, witty, holy, humble, wise,  
And now his soul blessed Heaven ●eate●●es.   


 The Life and Death of William Perkins.  
IF the Mountain● of ●ilboah● 2 Samu●l 1. were condemned and cursed by King David, that n● dew nor r●in should fall ●pon them, because valiant Saul, and pious jonathan, were there unhappily slain; then by rules of opposition, such places deserve to be praised and blessed where godly men have had their happy Nativity. Amongst which let M●rston in Warwickshire come in for his just share of commendation, where Master William Perki●s was born, and br●d in his infancy.  
2. How he passed his childhood, is ● matter befo●● da●●d in the Register of my Intilligence, whereof I can receiv● no instructions. Only I dare be bold to conclude, that with Saint Paul, 1. Cor. 13. 11. When he was a child, he spoke 〈◊〉 a child he understood as a child, he thought as a child; whose infancy, as he with simplicity, so we pass it over with silence.  
3. But no sooner 〈◊〉 he admitted 〈◊〉 Christ's College in Cambridge, but qui●●ly the wild fir● of his youth began to break out. An age which one may term●●he Midsummer Moon and dog-days of man's life: It is not certain whether his own disposition, or the bad company of others chief betrayed him to these extravagancies. Sure it is he took such wild lib●●●●es to himself 〈◊〉 cost him many a sigh in his reduced ●ge● Probably 〈…〉 Providence permitted him to ru● himself with the prodigal Son out of breath, that so he might be the better enabled experimentally to repr●●● others of their vanity, 〈◊〉 simpathizing with their sad condition, and be th● 〈…〉 skilled how to comfort and counsel them on their repentance. Why should God● arm, which afterwards gr●●●ously overtook Master Perkins, be too short to reach others in the same condition.  
4. When fir●● 〈…〉 muc●●ddicted to the study of natural Magic, digging so deep, in nature's mine, to know the hidden causes and sacred qualities of things, that some conceive, that he bordered on Hell it ●●●fe in his curiosity. Beginning to be a practitioner in that black Art, the blackness did not affright him but name of Art lured him to admit himself as ●●●dent thereof. However herein we afford no certain belief, the rather because other men's ignorance might cast this aspersion upon him: Who knows not that many things as pretty as strang● may really be effected by a skilful hand, lawful and laudable means? which some out of a charitable error will interpret a Miracle, and others out of uncharitable ignorance will nickname Sorcery. A very Loadstone in some Scholar's hand, before a silly Townsmans' eye is enough to make the former a Conjurer.  
5. The happy hour was now come wherein the straggling sheep was brought home to the fold, and his vanity and mildness corrected into temperance and gravity. It is certainly known and believed, that if Quicksilver could be fired (which all confess difficult, and most conclude impossible) it would amount to an infinite treasure; so when the roving parts, the giddy and unstable conceits of this young Scholar began to be settled, his extravagant studies to be confined and centred to Divinity, in a very short time he arrived at an incredable improvement.  
6. He began first to preach to the prisoners in Cambridge Castle, being then himself Fellow of Christ College. Here he truly preached Christ's precepts: Freely you have received, freely give: And with Saint Paul made the Gospel of Christ of no expense; yea he followed Christ's example to preach deliverance to the Captives, whose bodies were in a prison and souls in a dungeon: such generally their ignorant and desperate condition. Here (though free himself) he begot sons to God in fetters: Many an Onesimus in bonds was converted to Christ: Mock not at this good man's mean employment, neither term him with such as sit in the seat of the scornful, the Goale-birds Chaplain: But know nothing is base which in itself is lawful, and done in order to the glory of God, yea better it is to be a true preacher in a prison then a flatterer in a Prince's palace.  
7. But so great a star could not move always in so small a sphere: His merits promoted him to a Cangregation of greater credit in the Town of Cambridge, where he was most constant in preaching. Wherein as no man did with more vehemency remove sin, so none either with more passionate affection bemoan the condition of obstinate siners, or with sounder judgement, give them directions for their future amendment: Luther did observe that Thunder without rain doth more harm then good, whereof he makes this application, that Ministers who are always threatening of legal terrors to offenders, except also they seasonably drop the dew of direction; giving them orders and instructions to better their estates, are no● wise Master bvilders, but pluck down and build nothing up again. Whereas Master Perkins so cunningly interweaved terrors and counsels in his Sermons, that as a changeable taffeta, where the woof and the warp are of several colours, appear now of one colour, now of another, according to the different standing of the beholders; so one and the same Sermon of hi●, seemed all Law, and all Gospel, all cordials and all corrasiuts, as the different necissities of people apprehended it.  
8. Amongst those his many virtues worthy our imitation, his humility was eminent, in condescending to the capacity of his meanest Auditors: He had well read Saint Paul, who calleth the people understanding him, mine understanding; in which sense he may be said to be the most intelligent Preacher, who preacheth plainest to others apprehension: And Ministers being turned God's interpreters, it is ill when their language is so high and hard, that these Interpreters need others to interpret them to their Congregations. But this may be said of Master Perkins, that as Physician's order Infusions to be made, by steeping ingredients in them, and taking them out again, so that all their strength and virtue remains, yet none of the Bulk or Mass is visible therein; he in like manner did distil, & soak much deep Scholarship into his Preaching, yet so insensibly as nothing but familiar expressions did appe●r●. In a word, his Church consisting of the University and Town, the Scholar could hear no learneder, the Townsmen plainer Sermons.  
9 He used always before his Sermons, (as to this day is attested by many surviving witnesses) a set form of prayer, not that out of poverty he wanted variety and exchange of phrase●, or that out of niggarliness he begrudged his Auditors the use of them, but out of holy and heavenly Thri●t, he found this the most profitable way for his people. He would not that his soul should go to Heaven alone, but in his prayers would have the company of the meanest of his Congregation along with him, and therefore always used the same form that others might keep pace with him in his devotions.  
10. Commendable was his contentment with his Estate, considering his income so small, his charge of children so great, and his Professors of removal, so many, so advantageous. Yet he still was true to his first love, continuing his pains in the Church of Saint Andrew's, where ●he means inconsiderable in itself, was made up to a competency, not so much by the bountiful hands of others in giving, as by the moderate mind of Master Perkins in takeing● yet wanted he not several Patrons about the Town, who relieved him in a fair proportion; amongst whom Master Wendey of Haslingfield must stand in the chief place. Now if honourable mention be made in Scripture of johanna, Susanna, and other benefactors to our Saviour, who Ministered unto him of their substance; let not this worthy Esquires memory be forgotten, with his singular Courtesy to this painful Minister of God's word.  
11. Many and most excellent are the books which Master Perkins left behind him. His learning appears most in his Problems, a difficult task no less valiantly performed than venturously undertaken to assert the truth of the Protestant Religion, by the testimony of the Fathers for the first five hundred years: Which shows that his industry did not only drive a retale trade in modern Writers, but that he fetched his learning, and bought his wares from the best hands of the most ancient Authors.  
12. Herein excellent his judgement, in fanning the Chaff from the Corn, the true from the forged writings of the Fathers. The ancient Germans are said to cas● their new born children into the river of Rhine, thereby to make an experiment whether they be true born or no, accounting them legitimate if swimming, but concluding themselves wronged by their wife's dishonesty obtruding a bastard issue upon them, if the infant sunk in the water. Perkings had neater, and more infallible touchstones to discern the native and genuine, from the spurious and adulterate works of the Fathers by the manner of their stile, strength of their matter, time of their writing, censure of other learned men upon them, whereby many counterfeit Books are not only denied authentic authority, but also justly pillored for cheaters to all posterity. I know it is laid to Perkins his charge (learned Whitaker is accused) for the same fault) that he made all the Fathers Puritan: but certainly in one sense they were Puritan of themselves without his making, I mean strict in their lives and conversations, and how far he was from wresting their doctrines to the Countenancing of any error, be it reported to men of unprejudiced judgement.  
13. In case Divinity, he had an excellent dexterity to State controversies, for the satisfaction of tender & douting consciences: to show what is lawful and what unlawful; in mixed actions, where good and bad are blinded together (wherewith many are deceived, like children swallowing the bones with the flesh to their great danger of choking, great was the fan and fire of his discretion and judgement, to winnow the chaff from the corn, and separate the one from the other. And sure in this case Divinity Protestant's are now defective; for (save that a smith or two of late have built them forges and set up shop) we for the most part go down to our adversaries to sharpen our instruments, and are beholden to the Romanists, (the more our shame and their credit) both for offensive and defensive weapons i● this kind. Some object that his doctrine referring all to an absolute Decree, cut off the sinews of men's endeavours towards salvation. But were this the hardest objection against Master Perkins his doctrine, his own life was a sufficient answer thereunto: So pious, so spotless that malice was afraid to by't at his credit, into which she knew her teeth would never enter. He lived Sermons, and as his Preaching was a comment on his Text, so his Practice was a comment on his Preaching.  
14. As for his Books, it is a miracle almost to conceive how thick they lie, and yet how far they overspread, all over Christendom. When the Disciples were inspired with several languages, Acts 2.7. the strangers of jerusalem, were amazed and mervelled, saying one to another; Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our tongue wherein we were born? Here I confess was no inspiration, but much industry, much labour taken by others, much honour done to Master Perkins: when the Dutch, Spaniards, French, and Italians, stand wondering at his Works (who understood none of these tongues) exactly speak them all, being by several pens translated into all these languages. Thus good Ware never lieth long on the Merchant's hands, but is ready money into what Country so ever it be brought.  
15. Thus for some years, he constantly Preached to his people even to and above his strength: It is observed of the bird● of Norway that they having in winter very short days, fly faster than any foul in other Countries, as if principled by the instinct of nature thriftily to improve the little light allowed them, and by the swiftness of their wings to regain the shortness of the time: So this good man, as if presaging that his life was likely to be very short (dying at the forty fourth year of his age) husbanded it with double diligence to God's glory, and by his industry gained in thickness, what he wanted in length.  
16. When Ahab died, the Ep●●affe as I may say was written on his grave, That he built an Ivory House. A great honour indeed to have a milk-white Palace and a black soul within it. But of gracious josiah it is said, 2. Chron. 35. 26. Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and his goodness, and his deeds first and last. This indeed was worth remembering: I can tell the Reader of no Ivory house, no beautiful building, no stately structures this Master Perkines erected, but as for his goodness with josiah, very much may be spoken thereof: For he did not only, as Scripture praise is, Serve his Generation; that is, discharge himself with credit in all reference to those persons, to whom he stood related in that Age he lived in; but also he hath provided in his Works a Magazine of Learning and Religion for all Generations to come. So that the Levites, which as yet lurks in the loins of Abraham their great Grandfather (infants as yet concealed in their causes) have just reason always to b● thankful to God for the benefit they receive from thos● Monuments he hath left behind him.  
His Stature was indifferent, complexion ruddy, hair bright, body inclined to corpulency, which proceeded not from any laziness, but pulse and pains shall make one fat where God gives the blessing. He was lame of his right hand, like another Ehud, jud. 3.15. yet made the instrument to dispatch many Eglon errors in judgement and vice in conversation. And nature commonly compensates corporal defects with a surplusage of the Soul. As for such as make bodily marks in men, the brands of disgrace ●pon them; we will send them to halting, but true heart●● jacob; blear-eyed, but faithful Leah; stammering, but meek Moses; lame, but loyal Mephibosheth, with other Saints in the Scripture; so to have their erroneous judgements rectified into a more charible opinion.  
He was much afflicted with the Stone, the attendant of a sedentary life, whereby his patience was much exercised. This brought him at last to his long home, so called Eccles. 12.5. not because man is long going thither, but long, yea for ever staying there. When he quietly surrendered his soul into the hands of his Creator, dying rich only in Grace, the love of God and good men. It was true of him what Saint Paul said, 2 Cor. 6.10. being poor, but making many rich. Even in a literal sense, the Sellers of his Books gained, but small profit came to the Author. He was buried in a decent manner, where all the spectators were Mourners, veris & spirantibus lachrymis. Doctor Mou●tague, afterwards Bishop of Wincher, Preached his Funeral Sermon, taking for his Text, Moses my servant is dead, josh. 1.2. and hath no other Monument then his own virtues; except any will say that the plain Stones which cover his Grave are made Marble by the worth of the Corpse beneath them. A Wife and many Children he left behind him; she married successively two other Husbands, but no more Mr. Perkinses.  
If any charitable disposed Person hath been blessed by God with a Cup which overfloweth, and if he desireth that some drops of the same should fall upon them, who are the proper objects of bounty; I doubt not but an easy enquiring he may quickly find out some of this worthy man's Children, as not so poor openly to request, so not so proud but they would thankfully receive such expressions of his Charity. Yea, what Saint Paul said of the jews, may truly be applied to the good man's memory, We are debtors unto, etc. So that what is bestowed in this kind on his, is not so much a gift, as a paying an obligation.  
He was borne the first and died the last year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth; so that his life ran parallel with her reign, streaming in equal length, and had both their fountains and falls together. He died Anno Dom. 1602.  
1 A foundation of Christian Religion. 2 His Golden chain, or description of Divinity. 3 An Exposition of the Apostles Creed. 4 An Exposition of the Lords Prayer. 5 A Declaration of the state of Grac● and Condemnation. 6 Cases of Conscience. 7. A discourse of the Tongue, done in Latin by Thomas Drax 8 Of the nature and practice of Repentance. 9 Of the means to die well, in all states and ●imes. 10 Of the combat of the flesh and spirit into Latin by Drax. 11 Of the course to live well. 12 A Treatise of Conscience. 13 The Reformed Catholic. 14 Of the ●rue means to know Christ crucified, and the Grain of Mustardseed into Latin, by Thomas Draxe. 15 Of true Wealth. 16 Of the Idolatry of the last times. 17 Of God's free grace, and of free will in Men. 18 Of men's callings. 19 Of Predestination in Latin by the Author. 20 His Bible harmony. 21 A Dialogue of the world's dissolution.  
These that follow, were set forth after the Author's death.  
1 Three books of the cases of Conscience, translated into Latin by Thomas Draxe and Meyer. 2 Commentaries on the five first Chapters on the Galathians. 3 Of Christian Equity by Carshaw. 4 Of Man's Imagination, set forth by Thomas Peirson. 5 Problems against Cox, in Latin by himself, set forth by Samuel Ward. 6 The key of Prophecy, set forth by Thomas Tuke. 7 Commentaries upon the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew set forth by Thomas Peirson, 8 Commentaries on the three first chapters of the Apocalypse, by Robert Hill, and Thomas Peirson. 9 Of the tentation of Christ, from the first verse to the 12. of the fourth chapter of Matthew. 10 An exhortation to Repentance. 11 Two excellent Treatises of Ministers calling, set out by Master Crashaw. 12 A Commentary on Judes' Epistle, by Thomas Pickering. 13 Of poisoning a Treatise. 14 Against Prognostics: An Answer to a Country fellow. 15 Of the household Discipline in Latin, by the Author, now Englished.  
Of all the Worthies in this learned role,  
Our English Perkins may, without control,  
Challenge a crown of Bays to deck his head,  
And second unto none be numbered,  
For's learning, wit and worthy parts divine,  
Wherein his Fame resplendantly did shine  
Abroad and eke at home; for's Preaching rare  
And learned writings, almost past compare;  
Which were so high esteemed, that some of them  
Translated were (as a most precious gem)  
Into the Latin, French, Dutch, Spanish tongue,  
And rarely valued both of old and young.  
And (which was very rare) Them all did write  
With his left hand his right being useless quite;  
Borne in the first, dying in the last year  
Of Queen Eliza, a Princess without péer.  
Place here Bishop andrew's his Life, marked with this Signiture ***. having no Folioes.   

The Life and Death of the late reverend and worthy Prelate, LANCELOT ANDREW'S, late Bishop of WINCHESTER.  
THis grave and honourable 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 Trini●y, commonly called the Trinity house: and was descended from the ancient family of the Andrew's in Suffolk.  
From his tender years, he was totally addicted to the study of good letters; and in his youth, there appeared in him such aptness to learn, answerable to his endeavours that his two first Schoolmasters, Master Ward, and Master Mulcaster, (conceiving, or foreseeing, that he would prove a rare scholar) contended, who should have the honour of his breeding. From Master Ward, Master of the Cooper's Free-school in Radcliffe, he was sent to Master Mulcaster, Master of the Mercantaylors' free school, in London: where he answered the former opinion, conceived of him; for by his extraordinary industry, and admirable capacity, he soon outstripped all the scholars under Master Mulcasters' tuition, being become an excellent Grecian, and Hebrecian: Insomuch as Thomas Wattes Doctor of Divinity, Prebend and Residentiary of Saint Paul's, and Archdeacon of Middlesex (who had newly Founded some Scholarships in Pembroke Hall, in Cambridge) sent him thither, and bestowed the first of his said Scholarships upon his; which places a●e (sinc●) commonly called the Greek Scholarships.  
As soon as he was a Bachelor of Ar●s, and so capable of a fellowship, there being then but one place void in the said College, and Thomas Dove (late Lord Bishop of Peterburgh) being then a scholar also in the said College, and very well approved of, by many of the Society. The Masters, and Fellows put these two young men to a Trial before them, by some Scholastical exercises: upon performance whereof, they preferred Sir Andrew's, and chose him into the fellowship, then void, though they liked Sir Dove so well also, that (being loath to lose him) they made him some allowance for his present maintenance, under the title, of a Tanquam Socius.  
In the mean while, Hugh Price (having built jesus College in Oxford) had heard so much of this young man (Sir Andrew's) that without his privity, he named him in hi● foundation of that College, to be one of his first Fellows there.  
His Custom was (after he had been three years in the University) to come up to London once a year to visit his Parents, and that, ever about a fortnight before Easter, staying till a fortnight after: and against the time he should com● up, h●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 years, 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 walk on foot, till he was a Bachelor of Divinity; and professed, that he would not then have ridden on horseback, but that divers friends began to find fault with him and misinterpret him, as if he had forborn riding, only to save charges.  
What he did, when he was a Child, and a schoolboy, is not now known; But he hath been sometimes heard to say, that when he was a young scholar in the University (and so all his time onward, he never loved or used any games, or ordinary recreations, either within doors (as Cards, Dice, Tables, Chess, or the like;) or abroad, as Butts, Coits, Bowls, or any such: but his ordinary exercise and recreation, was walking either alone by himself, or with some other selected Companion, with whom he might confer and argue, and recount their studies: and he would often profess, that to observe the grass, herbs, corn, trees, cattle, earth, waters, heavens, any of the Creatures, and to contemplate their Natures, orders, qualities, virtues, uses, etc. 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 himself to the study of Divinity, wherein he so profited, that his fame began to be spread fare and near. Insomuch as being chosen Catechist in the College, and purposing to read the ten Commandments (every Saturday, and Sunday at three of clock afternoon, which was the hour of Catechising) not only out of other Colleges in the University, but divers also out of the Country, did duly resort unto the College Chapel, as a public 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 own mouth, and in his own words.  
Upon his first showing himself at Cambridge, in his Divinity studies, especial notice was soon taken of him (among his abilities and eminencies) as a man deeply seen in all cases of Conscience, and he was much sought to in that respect.  
To proceed, with his own particular: His worth made him so famous, that Henry Early of Huntingdon (hearing of it) sent for him, and thought himself much honoured by his accompanying him into the North, whereof he was Precedent; and wh●re God so blessed his painful Preach and moderate private conference, that he converted Recusants (Priests and others) to the Protestant Religion. Sir Francis Walsingham (Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth) took also especial notice of his abilities, and highly affected him, and (being loath that he should not be better known to the world) wrought means to make him Vicar of Saint Giles without Cripplegate London; then Prebend and Residentiary of Saint Paul's; and afterwards Prebend of the Collegiate Church of Southwell.  
Being thus preferred (to his own contentment) he lived not idly, but continued a painful labourer in the Lord● vineyard, witness Saint Giles Pulpit and that in Saint Paul's Church, where he read the Lecture thrice a week in the Term time. And indeed what by his often Preaching at St. Giles, and his no less often reading in St. Pa●ls, he became so infirm, that his friends despaired of his life. Upon the death of Doctor Fulke, he was elected to the Mastership of Pembroke Hall (whereof he had been a Scholar 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 Chaplain in ordinary attendance (of which kind there were then but twelve) to Queen Elizabeth; who took such delight in his Preaching and grave deportment, that first she bestowed a Prebend at Westminster upon him, and (not long after) the Deanery of that place: and what she intended further to him, her death prevented.  
He soon grew into far greater esteem with her successor the most learned King james, who (to say but truth) admired him beyond all other Divines, not only for his transcendent gift in Preaching, but for the excellency and solidity in all kind of Learning; selecting him, at his choicest piece, to vindicate his Regality against his foul-mouthed adversaries. His Majesty (not long after his happy entrance to this Crown) bestowed upon him the Bishopric of Chichester (which he held about four years) and withal made him Lord Almoner: and (because of the exility of that Bishopric) soon after added the Parsonage of Cheyham in Surrey, to his commendam.  
Upon the vacancy of the Bishopric of Ely, his Majesty made him Bishop thereof; and there he sat about nine years. In which time he was made a Privy Councillor, first of England & then of Scotland, in his attendance of the King thither. He was afterwards preferred to the Bishopric of Winchester and the Deanery of the King's Chapel, which two last preferments he held to his death, which happened about eight years after, in the third year of the reign of our late King Charlse; with whom he held no less reputation than he had done with his Father before him.  
It is worth the observation, that having been preferred to many, and those no small dignities, yet he never used any means to obtain the least of them, but they were all conferred upon him without the least suit on his part: For he was so fare from ambition or covetousness, as that when the Bishoprics of Salisbury and Ely were at several times tendered unto him upon some propositions, prejudicial to the state of those Churches, he utterly refused them.  
The virtues and good parts o● this honourable Prelate were so many, and those so transcendent, that to do him right, a large volumn would be but sufficient, which I shall leave to some of better abilities to perform, which I shall (by way of an Epitome) only point a finger at, in these heads which follow.  
His first and principal virtue, was his singular zeal and piety, which shown itself not only in his private and secret Devotions between God and himself (in which, they that were about him, well perceived, that he daily spent many hours, yea, and the greatest part of his life, in holy prayers and abundant tears, the signs whereof they often discovered) but also in his exemplary public prayers with his Family in his Chapel; wherein he behaved himself so humbly, devoutly and reverently, that it could not but move others to follow his example. His Chapel (in which he had Monthly Communions) was so decently and reverently adorned, and God served there with so holy and reverend behaviour of himself and his Family (by his pattern) that the souls of many (that (obiter) came thither in time of Divine Service) were very much elevated, and they stirred up to the like reverend deportment; yea, some that had been there, were so taken with it, that they desired to end their days in the Bishop of Elyes Chapel.  
The next is his Charity and compassion, which he practised even before he came to great preferments: for while he was yet in private estate, he extended his Charity in liberal manner, to the relief of poor Parishioners, prisons and prisoners; besides his constant Sundays Alms at his Parish of Saint Giles. But when his Means became greater, his Charity increased to a large proportion; releasing many prisoners of all sorts, that were detained either for petty Debts or keepers fees. And one thing in his Charity is remarkable; that whereas he sent much money at several times to the relief of poor Parishes, Prisons, Prisoners and the like, he gave strict charge to his servants whom he entrusted therewith, that they should not acknowledge whence this relief came; but directed that the acquittances, which they (to make the discharge of their trust appear to him) desired from them that received such relief, should be taken in the name of a Benefactor unknown. Other large sums he bestowed yearly (and oftener) in clothing the poor and naked, in relieving the sick and needy, in succouring Families in time of infection (besides his Alms to poor housekeepers at his gate:) insomuch, that his private Alms in his last six years (besides those public) amounted to the sum of 1300l. and upwards. Lastly, though it might well have been supposed (by that which is said already) that he had been in his life time his own Almoner, yet as he lived a pattern of compassion and work of mercy so he died also; for it appeareth by his Will, that his chief care was, to provide that his pious works should never have end, leaving 4000l. to purchase 200l. Land per annum for ever, to be distributed by 50l. quarterly, thus; To aged poor men and decayed (with an especial eye to Sea faring men, wherein he reflected upon his Father's Profession) 50l. To poor Widows, the wives of one Husband fifty pounds. To the binding of poor Orphan's Apprentices fifty pounds. And to the relief of poor Prisoners fi●ty pounds. Besides (among other, too many to be comprehended in an Epitome) he left, to be distributed presently after his decease, among maid-servants of honest report, and who had served one M●ster or Mistress seven years, the sum of two hundred pounds. Lastly, a great part of his Estate (which remained after his Funeral and Legacies discharged) he left to be distributed among his poor Servants.  
The third is his fidelity and integrity; faithful, upright and just he ever was, whether you respect him in his ordinary transactions, in which no man could ever justly tax him with the least aspersion of injustice; or whether you look upon him as entrusted with those great Offices and Places which he did undergo; and they were either his Spiritual preferments or Temporal Office, besides some other matters committed to his fidelity. In the first of which he declared evidently to the world, that he reputed himself but God's Steward, and that he must give an account to his Lord and Master for them. To begin then with the lowest account: He was ever faithful, provident and careful to keep in good repair the Houses of all his Spiritual preferments, and spent much money that way; as upon the Vicarage house of Saint Giles, the prebend's and Deans houses of Westminster, and the Residentiaries house of Saint Paul's. Upon the House belonging to the Bishopric of Chichester, he expended above 420 l. Of Elye above 2440 l. Of winchester's (besides a Pension of 400 l. per annum, from which he freed his See at his own charge) he spent two thousand pounds.  
But in that part of the Account which concerned him more nearly to perfect, which was his Pastoral and Episcopal charge, the cure of Souls, and the well ordering of the several Diocese committed to his trust, never any made a more just and exact account.  
Some particulars of this account was, the promoting of sufficient, able and good men to Live and preferments which fell within his own gift. To the better discharge of this part of the account he took order still before hand, by continual search and enquiry, to know what hopeful young men were in the University: his Chapleins and friends receiving a charge from him, to certify him, what hopeful and towardly young wit they met with at any time: and these (till he could better provide for them) were sure to taste of his bounty and goodness, for their better encouragement.  
Divers eminent men in Learning that wanted preferment, when any thing fell in his gift convenient for them (though otherwise they had no dependence at all upon him, nor interest in him) he would send for, before they knew why, and entertain them in his own house● and confer the preferment upon them, and also defray the very charges incident for a dispensation or a faculty, yea, of their very journey; and all this, that he might have his Diocese in general, and his preferments in particular, the better fitted: So that, that may fitly be applied to him, which was sometimes to Saint chrysostom. In administratione Epatus, prebuit se fidelem, constantem, & Vigilantem Ministerum Christi.  
And if you look upon him in those Temporales wherewith he was entrusted, you shall find him no less faithful and just: As first, divers sums (and many of them of good value) were sent to him, to be distributed among poor scholars, and others, at his discretion: all which he disposed with great care and fidelity, even according to the Donors' minds and intents.  
For his faithfulness in managing those places, wherein he was entrusted for others, jointly with himself, let Pembroke H●ll and Westminster College speak for him; for when he became Master of the first, he found it in debt, being of a very small endowment, (than espcially) but by his faithful providence, he left above eleven hundred pounds in the Treasury of that College, towards the bettering of the estate thereof. And when he was made Deane of the other, it is not unknown to some yet living (who will testfie) that he left it for all orders, aswell of the Church as of the College and School, a place then truly exemplarily Collegiate in all respects, both within and without, free from debts and arrearages, from encroachments & evil Customs; the Schoolboys (in the four years he stayed there) being much improved, not by his care and oversight only, but by his own personal, and often labours also with them.  
To these may be added, that whereas by virtue of his Deanery of Westminster, his Mastership a● Pembroke Hall, and his Bishopric of Ely, the election of Scholars into the School of Westminster, and from thence to the two Universities, as also of many Scholars and fellows in Pembroke Hall; some in Saint Peter's College, and some in jesus College, were in his power and disposal, he was ever so faith●full and just, that he waved all Letters from great Personages, for unsufficient Scholars, and cast aside all favour and affection, and chose only such as in his judgement were fittest. And lastly (which is not the least in this kind) being many times desired to assist at the election of Scholars, from the free Schools of the Merchantaylors, and from that at Saint Paul's, of the Mercers, and perceiving favour and affection, and other by respects, sometimes to oversway merit, with those to whom the choice belonged, and that divers good Scholars were omitted, and others of less desert preferred, he of his own goodness, divers times took care for such as were so neglected, and sent them to the University; where he bestowed pro●●ment upon them.  
To conclude this account of his, take a view of his fidelity, in that great place of trust, the Almo●orship; which was sufficiently evident (especially to those who attended him nearly.) First, in that he would never suffer one penny of that which accrued to him by that place, to be put or mingled with any of his own Rents or Revenues (and wherein he kept a more exact account then of his own private Estate:) and secondly, being so separated, he was as faithful in the disposing of it: not only in the general trust of his Sovereign, in the daily charges incident to that place, expended by the Sub-Almoner and other yearly ordinary charges; but when he perceived that he had a surplusage (those charges defrayed) he would not suffer it to lie by him; but some of it he disposed to the relief of poor Housekeepers, some in releasing of poor Prisoners, and comforting them which lay in misery and iron; and some in furnishing poor people with Gowns, hose, shoes and the like; for all which, many (so bestowed by him) had he reserved to his own use (his Patent being sine computo) no man could have questioned him: But he was a faithful Steward in this, as in the rest, and expected that joyful Euge, Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful, etc. enter thou into the joy of thy Lord; which (no doubt but he possesseth.  
The next is, his Gratitude or thankfulness to all, from whom he had received any benefit. Of this virtue of his there are and were lately divers witnesses; as Doctor Ward Son to his first Schoolmaster, upon whom he bestowed the Living of Waltham in Hampshire; and Master Mulcaster, his other Schoolmaster, whom he ever reverently respected during his life, in all companies, and placed him ever at the upper end of his Table; and after his death, caused his Picture (having but few other in his House) to be set over hi● Study door. And not only shown he this outward thankfulness to him, but supplied his wants many times also, privately, in a liberal and plentiful manner; and at his own death (the Father being dead) he bequeathed a Legacy to his Son of good valune, who as is said before, bestowed a full Scholarship on him in Pembroke Hall. Concerning the kindred of Doctor Watts, after much enquiry, he found only one, upon whom (being a Scholar) he bestowed preferments in Pembroke Hall; and (he dying there) hi● Lordship much grieved, that he could hear of no more of that kindred, to whom he might express his further thankfulness. And yet he forgot not his Patron Doctor Watts, at his end; for by his Will he took order, that out of the Scholarships of that Foundation, the two Fellowships which he himself Founded (as you shall see by and by) in Pembroke Hall, should be supplied, if they should be found fit for them.  
Lastly, to Pembroke Hall (omitting the Legacies by him bequeathed to the Parishes of Saint Giles, Saint Martin Ludgate, where he had dwelled; Saint Andrew's in Holborn, Saint Saviour's in Southwark, All● Saints Barking, where he was borne, and others) to that College, I say (where he had been a Scholar, Fellow and Master) he gave one thousand pounds to purchase Land for t●o Fellowships, and for other uses in that College, expressed in his Will; besides three hundred such Folio Books of his own, to the increase of that College Library, as were not there before. Together with a guilt Cut and a Basin and Ewer, in all points (as weight, fashion, inscription, etc.) so like to the Cup, Bason and Ewer given about 300. years since to that College, by the religious Foundress thereof, as that not Ouum Ovo ●imilius: and these, he professed, he caused to be made and given, not for the continuance of his own memory, but for fear that those which she had given so long since, might miscarry, and so her remembrance might decay.  
The fift is, his Munificence and Bounty. To prove which little need be said more, then that which hath been touched in his bountiful Charity. But besides that, the two famous Universities, and they which then were poor Scholars in them, will witness for him in this point; he never coming near either of them (after he was Bishop) but that he sent to be distributed among poor Scholars, sometimes one hundred po●nds, and ever fifty pounds at the least. One thing I cannot pass over in silence; That when King james was pleased to grace the University of Cambridge with his presence, in 1617. this reverend Father being present also at the Philosophy Act, he sent (at his departure) to four of the Disputants forty pieces of Gold, of two and twenty shillings a piece, to be equally divided among them. Bu● what speak I of these? Was ever Prince better entertained, and in mo●e magnificent but orderly manner, than was hi● said Majesty at Farneham Castle (one of the Houses belonging to the Bishopric of Winchester) where in the space o● three days he spent three thousand pounds, to the extraordinary contentment of his Majesty, and the admiration of all his Followers.  
The next is, his Hospitality: from the first time of his preferment (to means of any considerable value) even to his dying day, he was ever Hospitable, and free in entertainment to all people of quality and worthy of respect, especially to Scholars and stranger's; his Table being ever bountifully and neatly furnished with provisions and attendants answerable; to whom he committed the care of providing and expending in a plentiful yet orderly way: himself seldom knowing what meat he had, till he came from his Study to Dinner; at which he would show himself so noble in his entertainment, and so gravely facecious, that his guests would often profess, they never came to any man's Table, where they received better satisfaction in all points, and that his Lordship kept Christmas all the year, in respect of the plenty they ever found there. And yet (by the way) take this, that he ever strictly observed in his provisions of diet, the time of Lent, Embers, and other Fasting days, according to the Laws of this Kingdom, and the orders of the Church.  
I shall not need to speak of the extraordinary great Hospitality he kept, and the large expense he was at, in entertainment of all sorts of people in Scotland, at what time he attended King james thither; the Nobility, Clergy, Gentry, and others of both Nations there present, will (as they often already have) speak of it for me, to his exceeding great honour. So that I know not, whether I have fitly couched it under this Head of Hospitality, or whether it had more properly belonged to that of his Munificence and Bounty.  
The seventh, is his Humanity and affability, not only to the last mentioned (his Guests) but to every one that did converse with him; for which, not only divers famous Scholars and others of this Kingdom, but others of Foreign parts (as they had just cause) have admired him. As (not to mention Natives) Master Causabow, Master Clu●vecius, Master Vossius, Master Grotius, Master Moulm, Master Barclay, and (besides many other●) Master Erpenius, to whom he tendered an Annual Stipend, to have read and taught here the Oriental tongues (wherein long before his death he himself had been well versed, as may appear by his Commencement Verses) the experienced Professors whereof he much delighted in, and did much for them, as Master Bedwell (to whom he gave the Vicarage of Tottenham in Midd.) if living (among others) would testify. And the reason for this, a late reverend Father of this Church hath given Omnes quid in se amant, in aliis venerantur: loves and honouring those gifts in others which he had in himself; for among the other parts of his profound Learning, he by his industry, had attained to the knowledge of fifte●ne tongues, if not more.  
To these former, may be added his Modesty, which was ever such, that although the whole Christian world took especial notice of his profound and deep learning, yet was he so fare from acknowledging it in himself, that he would often complain of his defects, even to the extenuating, yea vilifying of his own worth and abilities; professing many times, that he was but inutilis servas, nay inutile pondus; insomuch, that being preferred by King james to the Bishopric of Chic●ester, and pretending his own imperfections and insufficiency to undergo such a charge, as also that he might have not only his Clergy, but all others to take notice thereof, he caused to be engraven about the Seal of his Bishopric, those words of Saint Paul, Et ad haec quis idoneus? and who is sufficient for these things, 2 Cor. 2.16.  
One note of his Modesty (mixed with his last virtue of Humanity) may be added, that after his Chaplains had Preached in his Chapel before him, he would sometime privately request them, that he might have a sight of their Notes, with very good words and full of encouragement; insomuch, as they would profess of him, that the would never desire a more candid Auditor. So that what was said of Bede, may as fitly be said of him; A pietate modestia, & ●astitate, nomen Venerabilis adeptus est.  
His Indefatigability in Study cannot be paralleled, if we consider him from his Child hood to his old age. Never any man took such pains (or at least spent so much time) in Study, as this reverend Prelate; for even in those days, when it might have been supposed he would have taken some ease for his former pains, than also from the hour he arose (his private Devotions finished) to the time he was called to Dinner, which (by his own order) was not till twelve at noon at the soon, he kept close at his Book, and would not be interrupted by any that came to speak with him, or upon any occasion (public Prayer excepted:) Insomuch, that he would be so displeased with Scholars that attempted to speak with him in a morning, that he would say, He doubted they were no true Scholars, that came to speak with him before noon.  
After Dinner, for two or three hours' space, he would willingly pass the time, either in discourse with his guests, or other friends, or in dispatch of his own temporal affairs, or of those, who (by reason of his Episcopal Jurisdiction) attended him: and being quit of these and the like occasions, he would return to his Study, where he spent the rest of the afternoon, even till Bedtime, except some friend took him off to Supper, and then did he eat but sparingly.  
Of the fruit of this his seedtime, the world (especially this Land) hath reaped a plentiful harvest, in his Sermons and writings: Never went any beyond him in the first of these [his Preaching] wherein he had such a dexterty, that some would say of him, that he was quick again, as soon as delivered: and in this faculty he hath left a pattern unimitable. So that he was truly styled Stella perdicantium; and an Angel in the Pulpit. And his late Majesty took especial care in causing that volume of his Sermons to be divulged (though but a handful of those which he Preached) by enjoying whereof, this kingdom hath an inestimable treasure.  
And for his acuteness and profundity in writing against the Adversary, he so excelled all others of his time, that neither Bellarmine (champion to the the Romanists) nor any other of them, was ever able to answer what he wrote: So, that as his Sermons were unimitable, his writins were unanswerable.  
To draw to an end of deciphering his virtues, and endowments: It may truly be said of him, that he had those gifts and graces, both of Art and Nature, so fixed in him, as that this age cannot parallel him; for his profundity, and abyss of learning, was accompanied with wit, memory, judgement, Languages, gravity and humility: insomuch that if he had been Contemporary with the Ancient Fathers of the Primitive Church, he would have been (and that worthily) reputed, not inferior to the chiefest among them.  
He generally hated all vices, but three (which he ever reputed sins) were most especially odious unto him. First, Usury, from which he was so fare himself, that when his friends had need of such money as he could spare, he lent it to them freely, without expectance of aught bacl, but the Principal. Secondly, The second was Simony which was so detestable to him, as that for refusing to admit divers men to livings whom he suspected to be Simonically preferred, he suffered much by suits of Law: choosing rather to be compelled (against his will) to admit them by Law, then voluntarily to do that which his conscience made scruple of. And for the live and other preferments, which fell in his own gift, he ever bestowed them freely (as you have seen before) upon deserving men, without suit: So that we may say of him as was said long since, concerning Rober● Winchelsey, Archbishop of Canterbury. Beneficia Ecclesiastica nunquam, misi doctis con●ulit: Precibus ac gracia Noli●ium fretos, & ambientes, semper repulit. Thirdly, The last was Sacrilege, which he did so much abhor, that when the Bishopric of Sarum, and that of Ely (before it was so much deplumed) were offered to him, upon terms savouring that way, he utterly rejected th●m. Concerning that of Salisbury, give leave to add a particular passage of his, which happened many years after his said refusal of it, which was this; At a Parliament under King james, when an Act was to pass, concerning Sherburne Castle, it was observed, that only Bishop Andrew's and another gave their Votes against the same. That the other should so do was not much merveiled at, but that Bishop Andrew's should do it, when none but that other Lord did so, was so remarkable, as that he was demanded by a grea● Person, what his reason was for it. To which he most worthily replied, that it could not be well wondered, why he should now vote against that which if he would have yielded unto (many years before, in the days of Queen Elizabeth) he might have had this Bishopric of Sarum: which reason of his, when his late Majesty (being then Prince, and present at the passing of the Act) heard; He be shrewd him, that when he denied his consent, he did not declare the reason of his denial also: Professing that had he been made acquainted with the state of that Case, as now he was, (he would with the King his Father's good leave) have laboured against the passing of the said Act. To close up this point: This reverend Prelate went yet a degree further, in refusing (when he was Bishop of Winchester (divers large and considerable sums, to renew some Leases, because he conceived that the renewing of them might be prejudicial to Succession.  
Now let us lay all these together: His Zeal and Piety: His Charity, and Compassion: His Fidelity, and Integrity: His Gratitude, and Thankfulness: His Munificence and Bounty: Hospitality, Humanity, Affability, and Modesty: a●d to these, His Indefatigability in study, and the fruits of his labours in his Sermons and Writings, together with hes profundity in all kind of Learning; his wit, memory, judgement, gravity and humility. His detestation of all vices and sin, but especially of three. All which (by couching them only in this Compend) we have seen in him, as ex ungue Leonem, or by Hercules' foot, his whole body: and consider, whether the Chuech of God in general, and this in particular, did not suffer an irreparable loss, by his death.  
Having taken a short survey of his Life, let us now see him Dying. He was not often sick, and but once (till his last sickness) in thirty years, before the time he died, which was at Downham in the Isle of Ely, the air of that place not agreeing with the constitution of his body. But there he seemed to be prepared for his dissolution; saying oftentimes in that sickness, It must come once, and why not here? And at other times, before and since, he would say, The days must come, when, whether we will or nill, we shall say (with the Preacher) I have no pleasure in them, Eccles. 12.1. Of his Death he seemed to presage himself a year before he died, and therefore prepared his oil, that he might be admitted in due time into the Bride Chamber. That of qualis vita, etc. was truly verified in him; for as he lived, so died he. As his fidelity in his health was great, so increased the strength of his Faith in his sickness. His Gratitude to men, was now changed into his Thankfulness to God. His Affability to incessant and devout Prayers and speech with his Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. His laborious Studies, to his restless groans, sighs, cries and tears; his hands labouring, his eyes lifted up, and his heart beating and panting to see the living God, even to the last of his breath. And him (no dobut) he sees face to face, his works preceding and following him, and he now following the Lamb, crowned with that immortality, which is reserved for every one, that lives such a life as he lived.  
He departed this life September 25. 1626. in the seventy one year of his age, and lieth buried in the upper Isle of the Parish Church of Saint Saviour's in Southworke. His Executors have erected to him a very fair Monument of Marble and Alabaster. And one that formerly had been his Household Chaplain (whom this honourable and reverend Prelate loved most tenderly from his Childhood, rather like a Father then a Lord or Patron) but since his death a Successor to him in some of his Places in the Church; for the duty and reverence which he ever bare to him while he lived, hath most gratefully and cordially in his everlasting honourable memory, added to it a most excellent, significant and speaking Epitaph, which followeth.  

LECTOR.  
Si Christianus es, siste:  
Morae praetium erit,  
Non nescire Te, Qui vir hîc si●us sit  
Ejusdem tecum, Ca●holicae Ecclesiae Membrum,  
Sub eadem faelicis Resurrectioni● Spe,  
Eandem D. jesu praestolans Epiphaniam,  
Sacratissimus Antistes, Lancelotus Andrew's,  
Londini oriundus, educatus Cantabrigiae  
Aulae Pembroch: Alumnorum, Sociorum, Prefectorum  
Vnus, & nemini secundus.  
Linguarum, Artium, Scientiarum,  
Humanorum, Divinorum omnium  
Infinitus Thesaurus, Stupendum Oraculum:  
Orthodoxae Christi Ecclesiae  
Dictis, Scriptis, Precibus, Exemplo  
Incomparabile Propugnaculum:  
Regine Elizabethae a Sacris,  
D. Pauli London Residentiarius,  
D. Petri Westmonast. Decanus,  
Episcopus Cicestrensis Eliensis: Wintoniensis,  
Regique Jacobo ●um ab Eleemosyni●,  
Tum ab u●riusque Regni Consiliis,  
Decanus denique sacelli Regii.   

Idem ex  
Indetessa opera in Studiis,  
Summa sapientia in rebus,  
Assidua pietate in Deum,  
Profusa largitate in egenos,  
Rara amoenitate in suos,  
Spectata probitate in omnes.  
Aeternum admirandus:  
Annorum pariter, & publicae famae satur,  
Sed bonorum passim omnium cum luctu dena●us,  
Coelebs hinc migravit ad Aureolam coelestem.   

Anno  
Regis Caroli TWO Aeta●is suae LXXIo.  
Christi MDCXXVIo.  
Tantum est (Lector) Quod te moerentes Posteri  
Nunc volebant, Atque ut ex voto tuo valeas, Dicto  
Sit Deo Gloria.   
His Works.  
In the volume of his Sermons, there are seventeen Sermons of the Nativity, Preached upon Christmas day. Eight Sermons upon Repentance and Fasting, Preached upon Ash-wednesday. Six Sermons Preached in Lent. Three Sermons of the Passion, Preached upon Goodfriday. Eighteen Sermons of the Resurrection, Preached upon Easter-day. Fifteen Sermons of the sending of the Holy Ghost, Preached upon Whit-sunday. Eight Sermons, Preached upon the fifth of August. Ten Sermons, Preached upon the fift of November. Eleven Sermons, Preached upon several occasions.  
A Manual of private Devotions, and Meditations for every day in the week.  
A Manual of Directions for the Visitation of the Sick.  
His Opera Posthuma. Concio ad Clerum pro gradu Doctoris. Ad Clerum in Synodo Provinciali. Coram Rege habita V ⁰. August 1606. In discessu Palatini XIII ⁰. April 1613. Theologica Determinatio de jurejurando. De Vsuris. De Decimis.  
Respontiones ad 3 Epistolas Petri Molinei. An answer to the 18. and 20. cc. of Cardinal Perons' reply. A Speech in the Star-Chamber against Master Thraske. Another there concerning Vows, in the Countess of Shrewsburies' case.  
Respontio ad Forti librum. Ad Apologiam Cardinalis Bellarmini.  
Reader, be serious let thy thoughts reflect  
On this grave Father with a large respect;  
Peruse his well-spent life, and thou shalt find  
He had a rare, and heaven enamelled mind.  
He was our Kingdom's Star, and shined most bright  
In sad afflictions dark, and cloudyst night;  
Let his example teach us how to live  
In love and charity; that we may give  
To those, whose wants enforce them to implore  
Our aid, and charity makes no man poor.  
Andrew's was filled with goodness, all his days  
Were crowned and guilded with resounding praise.  
The world shall be his Herald to proclaim  
The ample glories of his spreading Fame.  
FINIS.   


FRANCISCUS JUNIUS.  The Life and Death of Franciscus Juniu●.  
Emblems of honour derived from Ancestors, are but rotten rags where their ignoble posterity degenerate from their Progenitors. But they are both glorious and precious, where the children both answer and exceed the virtues of their extraction. Such here our junius, William his Grandfather, serving under Lewi● the twelfth in the wars of Navarre, was rewarded for his valour with an Augmentation of Nobility to his Family. Dennis his Father was a great practiser of the Civil Law, and got both credit and profit by his profession. But what needs this superfluous lustre to be borrowed from Parentage to him who was enriched with plenty of light in himself.  
2. In the famons City of Bourges in France our Franci● was born, An. 1545. Likely almost to have proved a Benjamin to his Mother, and just cause had she to value this Pearl, for which she paid so dear. His baptism was hastened to prevent his death, all looking on him as a weakling, which would post to the grave; whereas he not only outlived most of his brethren but even made his Parents to survive in him. His soul was condemned to a bad body, his infancy being a continued sickness, and the small pox being struck into him when a child, (by negligence of the servants suffering him to take cold) occasioned a sore in his leg; and ever after even to the day of his death he felt the Admonition of that malady: for when there was any indisposion in his body, that the malignant humours mustered themselves together, hi● leg was made the Rendezvous for their meeting.  
3. Being sent to school he was unhappy in tyrannical Masters, For though he was of that capacity to hold as much and more than they would pour into him, and of that industry, that he refused no labour for learning, yet they were most cruel unto him. One especially, who as of whipping of boys had been rather his recreation, than their punishment, and he willing to make faults where he could not find them, so punished the natural weakness of junius for an offence, that it was familiar with him seven times a day to be corrected, truly scoring the number of the Liberal Sciences upon him, wherein afterwards he gr●w to be most eminent: yet such was junius his love of learning and his soul was so eagerly set upon it, that he was not at leisure to complain of hard usage, or to confess it to his mother and sister who suspected it.  
4. But afterwards junius, grown to be a stripling in that age wherein youth and man do meet together, was sent by his father to Lions to study; a dissolute place, and full of all Licentiousness. Sudden alterations to extremes commonly prove dangerous: junius hath now neither Master to fright him, nor father to awe him, nor friend to direct him. And as waters long kerbed with flood gates, and debarred their natural course run with more fury and fierceness, when the dams and sluices are suddenly taken away; so what wonder if this our youth, formerly kept in constant durance with cruel education, now fly out, and give (as I may say) separation to his corrupt nature for the ●ormer wrong he had sustained.  
5. Two dangerous Rocks he was drawn upon, narrowly scaping the one, but dangerously hitting against the other. The first was, the allurements of wanton Women, who sought to inveigle him; the City of Lions being a Common which is sufficiently stocked with such Cattles. Say not that I●nius his weak body was a preservation for his chastity, for (besides that the heart of a Stallion may be in the body of an Eunuch) age in him now had out-grown the infirmities of his childhood. But by God's providence he was protected from this temptation, and by Satan's suggestions solicited to another, who finding his corporal baits not to succeed, did try by a more spiritual way to entice him.  
6. Here I stand still and demur with myself, whether speech or silence be better; Tell it not in Gath, etc. It is pity that so great sins of (afterwards) good men, should be committed to memory. But again, considering that his shipwreck may be a seamarke for others, it must not be concealed. He turned neither better nor worse than flat Atheist. Certainly, flies as they are ingenuous to do mischief on Grapes, so they are judicious tasters, to choose the ripest and sweetest for their palate. And Satan is so subtle, that he pitcheth on the most fruitful, yea rankest wits, as best for his purpose and a dunce is no dish for the Devil's tooth.  
7. Full twelve months did junius live in and lie under this doleful and damnable condition, when first it pleased God to save his life in a Tumult in the City of Lions, that so signal a deliverance in the apprehension of junius did point at a Deity, and awakened his drowsy soul to the consideration of divine Providence. Afterwards, his Parents being by improbable and unsuspected intelligencers informed of their Son's Atheism, sent for him home, took order that he was better instructed, and enjoined him the constant reading of the New Testament. junius lighting on the first chapter of the Gospel of Saint john, was, by God's spirit moving his heart, so highly affected therewith, that he fell on a sudden both into an acknowledgement and admiration of God in his Word. I have heard that superstitious Exorcists (who most serve the Devil, when they pretend most to command him) use, or rather abuse this chapter to conjure out evil spirits out of persons possessed. What collusion or confederacy may pass betwixt Satan and his playmates, I neither do nor desire to know. This sure I am, that that parcel of Scripture was so sanctified by God to junius, that it dispossessed his soul, and ejected thence that Atheistical Fin, formerly lodged therein. And now junius gins to prefer salomon's Proverbs before Seneca his Sentences; the Psalms of David before the Odes of Horace; jeremies' Lamentations before Ovid de Tristibus; in a word, he grew sensible of the majesty in the meanest, of the rich matter in the plain stile of the Scripture.  
8. Afterwards his Parents sent him to Geneva to the University, furnishing him with sufficient money for the present, and promising to send him supplies for the future, when alas presently began the woeful Wars in France, so that the French Lilies fairly flourishing before, began now to be parched and scorched in Civil Combustions; insomuch, that the Parents of junius could not perform their promise. Surely War is a cursed thing, were it only for this, that it makes men unwillingly unnatural, unable to discharge those relative offices, which otherwise they desire. junius gins to want, and resolves with himself, Cleanthes like, to work ev●ry other day with a Spade or Mattock about the Town Ditch, so to provide himself maintenance; God's children making many hard but ever honest shifts.  
9 But a Countryman of his accidentally finding him out (whose Mother, when a Widow, had been relieved by the Parents of junius) took him home, and freely bestowed both lodging and diet upon him. It is good spiritual husbandry to sow good works, if not our persons our posterity may reap them, as now did junius. But he, good man, was perplexed, for being as he conceived it a burden to his friend; for there is no greater rack to an ingenuous nature, then to receive kindnesses in despair to requite them. junius weighing in ●he balance of his mind every morsel of meat, and for four months together (pretending Study) dined only on Air, and supped with two Eggs, and a small draught of Wine, fearing he should be too chargeable; thus he was a Less●an before Lessius, yea he exceeded him in his Abstinence, till nature as I may say, was over pressed with too little weight of victuals, which brought him into a Consumption: But afterwards receving money from his Father, he not only plentifully repaid his Host, but by compitent food, and corediall Physic repaired the detriments, and decays in his body.  
10. The Father of junius, who formerly was afraid that his Son would have to little Religion, began now to suspect that he would have to much, and make Divinity his profession, whereas he intended him for the practice of the civil Law. Like to many now adays, who begrutch their pregnant children to God's service, reserving straight Timber to be Beams in other buildings, & only condemnning crooked pieces for the Temple; so that what is found unfit for City, Camp or Court, (not to add ship and shop) is valued of worth enough for the Church.  
11. But here happened a sad and sudden accident, the Father of junius was most barbarously butchered, by a companion of Hacks jers. Here let me beg and borrow of the courteous reader the help of his imagination, to piece out the shortness of my expression, in considering the great sorrow junius conceived hereat; but no sooner was he come to shore out of the sea of sarrow, but presently he dispatched a letter to his Mother, full of pity and piety, religion and affection: He counselled her to submit to Divine providence, seeing she was made a Bride the same minute wherein she was made a Widow, married to God himself, the Husband of the Widdo●, and Father of the fatherless; he desired her to be careful of the rest of the childerens, but take no thought for him, who was re●olved to hue out a way for his livelihood, out of the Rocks of all difficulties.  
12. Leaving Geneva (where he had lived a Schoolmaster, teaching Hebrew for a time; he came into the Low- countries to be Minister to the French Church at Antwerp, then began the civil Wars there, wherein half of the seventeen Provinces opposed the King of Spain, whether willingly falling from him for lack of Royalty, or violently cast away by him, through his own cruelty, the Chronicles of those parts are best able to inform. Here junius had a finger, yea a whole hand in writing some public Remonstrances in behalf of the People; which being known (discovered by the sharpness of his own Pen, such was the activeness, quickness and vigour of his stile) he was sought after, and four hundred Florins promised to him (more by half then his estate was ever worth) which would bring him dead or a live to the Regent of that County, yea a curious Limnner was employed to draw his picture to the life, that thereby he might be the sooner discovered.  
13. The reader will not be offended if I presume to interpose a thought of my own, who here did hearty desire I had that picture in my possession, which made to do him mischief, I would preserve to do him honour; but I revoke my wish, seeing the best image and resemblance of junius, is what is made by him in his own works, as that is the best representation of the Sun not made by pen and pencil, but by his own Beams and Irradiations.  
14. Here I pass by many remarkable escapes of junius, whose life was nothing but a mixture of dangers and deliverances, perils and preservations. At last he went to Limburg there to be Preacher to the truth, where this most memorable accident happened, which without disloyalty to Historical truth cannot be omitteed. There was hard by a widow mother to many childerens wounded in conscience, because her attendance on her family had caused her often absence from Mass, and grief so prevailed upon her, that she continually exclaimed, that she and her childerens were damned. The popish priests like the Egyptian jannes' and jambres, sought by exorcisms and magical spells to cast the Devil out of her, whose superstition took as little effect as the cruelty of her neighbours, who with bonds and whipping (in artificial arguments) endeavoured to reclaim her to a right mind, all in vain; and she making a forcible escape fled into the woods, and continued (poor soul) full thirteen years in this pietifull condition: For such who conceive it no great pain, for another to be ●ext but one whole year with a wounded conscience, would count six months of that sorrow to much for themselves if they fondly felt it. junius understanding the matter, obtained private discourse with her, informing her that the Mass was both needless and unlawful; whereas she was bound by the specialty both of nature and grace to provide for her children; and it pleased God who sharpened the tongue of junius, so to boar her ears with attention too, and apprehension of his arguments, that she was converted both to a quiet mind, comfortable life, and a sincere professor of the Protestant Religion; this deserveth to be preferred before million of Monkish miracles, which are only composed of the concurrence of the boldness of some Priests in counterfeiting, and the blockishness of other people in believing them.  
15. At Limburgh junius lived some years, pestered with Papists & Anabaptists (as Saint Paul at Athens with Stociks and Epicures) fare differing from themselves, but jointly opposing the truth. Here the Friars raised a report that junius was a monster, and had a cloven foot like the Devil; whereas it had borne more proportion with truth, if they had said that junius had a cloven tongue, like the Disciples Acts 2.3. because of his great and exact skill in all learned Languages. From Limburg he was called to Hidelberg, where he lived many years in the University, and with Emanuel Tremelius, (jew and jentile well joined together in a pious employment) made that excellent translation of the Bible out of the Original into Latin.  
16. Then Henry the fourth King of France sent for him home into his native Country; he returned by Leyden in Holland, because his necessary occasions called him thither: Gods children are called wanderers, Heb. 11.38. and yet they are ever in the right way; and these Planets keep a regular motion, both in respect of their pious employment, and Gods constant protection. At Leyden he was choson to be Divinity professor, which place with great industry, and applause he discharged for ten years or there abouts, till at last he died of the Plague Anno 1602. the thirteenth of October in the fifty sixth year of his egg.  
17. His disease hath given occasion to his adversaries to infect his memory as much as lay in their power with their pestilent tongues; but such would be silent, when considering that that promise Psalm 91.6. to defend men from the Arrow that flieth by day, and the Pestilence which walketh by darkness, is like all other promises of temporal blessings, and preservation, running with a secret clause of revocation, in case God conceiveth the contrary, more for his glory, and his children's good.  
18. Four Wives he had successively, all dying of diferent diseases; the first wronged by the cruelty or ignorance, or both of the Midwife in her travel, lead a dying life a long time after, to her own much misery, and no less sorrow of her Husband; the second by a fever: the third by a Dropsy: the fourth a few days before himself of the Plague. The short lives of these his wives which were godly women. junius interpreted to be a just punishment of God upon him, because in his youth he had been a general hater of all womenkind; for having formerly ●●●●eited on the base conditions of some beastly women in ●he City of Lions, he loathed the whole see for their sakes, and would not be reconciled unto it, though his own Mother (so virtuous a woman) might have been a fit Mediatrix to compose the quarrel which he unjustly bore against all women. This junius from a false inducement of some few, gathered a general conclusion of all, put a dangerous fallacy of uncharitableness on his own soul: And was afterwards sensible of Gods holy hand upon him in lending him four good Wives, and taking them from him, teaching him their goodness rather by losing then enjoying th●m.  
19 To conclude, Saint Paul being effectually to move Timothy 2. Tim. 4.6. to the discharge of his office, and to be instant in season and out of ●eason; in Preaching useth this forcible motive, (For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.) The death of the godly aught to put life into the godly; the loss of pious men of the former generations, aught to enrich such of the age present, to succeed in their places, take up their Arms, and valiantly acquit themselves in their rooms. Let those therefore who have read over the life of this worthy man now gathered to God, summon their strength, and unite their forces according to the distance of their parts and places to discharge themselves to the glory of God and good of his Church. For it is high time when such Paul's Set, afore other Timothy's to arise. His Works are many, and are here registered.  
1 A Speech in French to the Spanish King for the defence of the Low Countries. 2 An answer to Sandwich his brethren in England, of Images. 3 The Translation of the Old Testament, with Immanuel Tremelius, out of Hebrew. 4 Acts of the Apostles, and Epistles to the Corinthians out o● Arabic. 5 Confession of Faith of Frederick Count Palatine the third. 6 Apocrypha translated with Notes. 7 johannes Tilly of Kings, and of the Kings of France, translated into Latin. 8 A Speech of the Hebrew Tongue. 9 An Hebrew Grammar. 10 Ecclesiasticus, Latin and French. 11 A Looking-glass of Tremelius against Genebrard. 12 Twelve Orations for the reading of the Old Testament. 13 An Oration of Ursinus life. 14 Upon Gregory 13. his Curse against Gebbard, Bishop of Colen. 15 Upon Saint Judes' Epistle. 16 Four Speeches for reading the Old Testament. 17 Upon the four first Psalms. 18 A Catholic Apology in Latin. 19 An Hebrew Lexicon. 20 His table of Purgatory. 21 A Christian admonition against John Haren in French. 22 A book called the Academy. 23 His CUROPALATES in Greek and Latin. 24 Translation of two Epistles of the Kings, & one of Plessis in Latin. 25 His sacred Parallels. 26 Upon the Prince of Anhalt his death. 27 Notes upon the three first Chapters of Genesis. 28 A confutation of some Arguments of the Creation. 29 Notes upon the Apocalypse. 30 Second Edition of his Bible. 31 Man lives with corrections and Notes. 32 His first defence of the Catholic Doctrine of the Trinity. 33 A Commentary one Daniel. 34 The King of France his confession in French. 35 Upon the Death of John Cassimire, Count Palatine. 36 Commentary on Psalm 101. 37 Expositions upon the Apocalypse in French. 38 Commentary on Jonah the Prophet, 39 An Analysis upon Genesis. 40. Cicero's Epistles to Atticus, and Q. his brother, with Corrections and Notes. 41 A defence of the Catholic Doctrine of Nature and Grace. 42 A praise of Peace. 43 The peaceable Christian in French. 44 Of the observation of Moses policy. 45 Of Divinity. 46 An Oration against the Jesu●tes in Latin, 47 Notes upon Tertullian. 48 Notes and Animadversions upon Bellarmine, of the Translation of the Roman Empire.  
Reader, observe and thou shalt find  
A rare, and well-reformed mind:  
He that in his youthful days  
Storched his conscience by the blaze  
Of wanton fires, refused at last  
The heat of an Athisticke blast;  
He started from the deep abyss  
Of vileness, to the height of bliss,  
And then that light which filled his breast  
Gave himself and others rest,  
That they which did before contemn  
His deeds, embraced him as a Gem;  
And thought him fitting to be set  
Within the Church's Cabinet:  
His virtue paid what vice had scored  
And age abhorred, what youth adored.   


EDWIN SANDS ARCHRI●  The Life and Death of Edwin Sands, who died Aug. 8. Anno Christi 1588.  
THis learned Doctor and famous Divine, was descended of virtuous and godly Parents, and bred up in the knowledge of the liberal Arts, being well grounded in the rudiments of Learning; he was sent to the famous University of Cambridge, where he took the degree of Doctor in Divinity, and afterwards was Master of Katharine-Hall, and Vicechancellor of the said University, at that time when john Duke of Northumberland came thither with his Army to proclaim the Lady jane Grace Queen of England, in opposition to Queen Mary. Hereupon the Duke required Doctor Sands to Preach on the morrow in relation to the business then in hand. Though the warning was short, and the business in agitation very weighty, yet he undertook to Preach; so rising at three of the clock the next morning, he took his Bible in his hand, and after he had prayed a good space, he shut his eyes, and holding his Bible before him, earnestly prayed unto God, that it might fall open where a most fit Text should be for him to Preach on that day: The Bible (as God would have it) opened at the beginning of joshua, where he found a very pregnant text of Scripture for the present occasion, viz. joshua 1.16, 17, 18. He that shall consider the Auditory, the time, and other circumstances, shall easily see that this Text most fitly served for the purpose; and as God gave the Text, so he gave him such discretion, wisdom, moderation and sincerity in the handling of it, that he caused the stoutest of them there present to shed tears abundantly.  
Shortly after, when the Duke was taken, and Queen Mary proclaimed, one Master Mildmay was sent to apprehend Doctor Sands, and to carry him to the Tower of London; who coming unto Doctor Sands, he told him, that he marvelled that so learned a man as he, should so unadvisedly run himself into danger. To whom he answered, I am not ashamed of bonds, but if I could do as you can do, I need not to fear bonds; you came down armed against the Queen, and now you are for the Queen; before a traitor, now a friend. But I cannot thus dissemble, and with one mouth blow hot and cold.  
As he road in at Bishopsgate London, a wicked woman hurled a stone at him, which gave him such a blow on the breast, that it almost field him off his horse. To whom he mildly said, Woman, God forgive thee. While he was in the Tower, one john Bowler was his Keeper, a perverse Papist, yet at length, by the sweet and gentle persuasions and grave counsel of this holy man, he was so far wrought upon, as to favour the Gospel, and afterwards became a zealous professor of it. Upon Sir Thomas ●● yats insurrection, Doctor Sands was removed unto the Marshall-sea, where God gave him great favour in the eyes of his Keeper, so that he used him very courteously. After nine and twenty week's imprisonment in the Tower, and nine in the Marshalsea, through the mediation of his friends, he was set at liberty: But Gardiner Bishop of Winchester repenting of what he had done, presently used all means possible to apprehend him again; yet through the goodness of God and the help of his faithful friends, he got safe out of London, and went to the Seaside to take shipping for Flanders; while he stayed at Milton-shore, waiting for a Ship, he was kindly entertained by one james Mower and his wife. Now his wife was barren, having been married about eight years; to whom at parting Doctor Sands said, Be of good comfort, for ere that a whole year be past, God shall give you a Son. And accordingly it came to pass; for that day twelve months, lacking but one day, she was delivered of a Son.  
He remained in Germany all the reign of Queen Mary, and returned unto London the same day that Queen Elizabeth was crowned. The Queen highly esteemed him for his singular piety and learning, and shortly after bestowed great preferment upon him. He was made Bishop of Worc●ster the 21. day of December, 1559. He did succeed that famous Archbishop Grindall in two places, to wit, in the Bishopric of London, and the Archbishopric of York, the one in 1570. and the other in six years after. And when he had enjoyed that promotion of Archbishop 12. years, he departed this life Aug. 8. 1588. about the age of 60. and lies buried in the Collegiate Church in Southwel in No●inghamshire: A man, of whom it is hard to be said, whether more famous for his singular virtues and learning, or for his Noble Parentage and Offspring which he left behind him; for he left many Childen, of which three were Knights and excellently well qualified Gentlemen, either for body or mind. But his Son Sir Edwin Sands proved the learneder, and more famous and dear to his Country.  
There is a Book of famous Sermons extant in Print of this Prelates, which is counted a worthy Piece, and doth sufficiently declare his Piety and Scholarship to succeed●ng Ages.  
He that will spoke his praises well  
Must study first what 'tis t'excel:  
He daily laboured to oppose  
The Churches most unsatiate Foes;  
The truth he would be sure to vent  
Though he endured imprisonment.  
Read but his Works, and th●u shall find  
His body was imprisoned, not his mind.   


G●RVAS BABINGTON.  The Life and Death of Gervas' Babington.  
THis Prelate as he was excellent for his parts, so was he of a very fai● descent, being born in the County of Nottingham, of the ancient family of the Babingtons in the said County, where he drew in the first rudiments of Literature, till by his worthy Parent● he was sent to Cambridge, and was admitted into that worthy Society of Trinity College, Doctor Whi●gu●●● being then Master.  
This Babington proved so famous in Scholarship, that having his degrees, he was made Fellow of the same College; and giving himself to the study of Divinity, he proved a worthy Preacher in that University. After, being Doctor in Divinity, he was called by Henry that Noble Earl of Pembroke, to be his Chaplain, by whose favour he was first made Treasurer of the Church of Landaffe in Wales, after he was elected Bishop of the same, 1591. and when he had sitten four years in that See, for his singular Piety and Learning, he was by Queen Elizabeth translated to the Bishopric of Exeter, where he scarce stayed three years, but he was made Bishop of Worcester, and in the midst of all these preferments he was neither tainted with Idleness, or pride, or covetousness, but w●s not only diligent in preaching, but in writing books, for the understanding of God's Word; so that he was a true pattern of Piety to the people, of Learning to the Ministry, and of Wisdom to all Governors: Whereupon he was made one of the Queen's Counsel for the Marches of Wales. He was Bishop of Worcester about the space of 13. years: He died of an Hectic Fever, and so changed this frail life for a better in the year of our Lord 1610. not without the great grief of all, and had all funeral Rites bestowed on him, befitting so great and so grave a Governor, and father of the Church; and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Worcester, in the Month of May. His Works extant are these that follow.  
1. Consolatory Annotations upon Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. 2. Upon the ten Commandments, the Lords Prayer, and the Articles of the Creed. 3. A comparison or collation between humane frailty and faith. 4. Three worthy and learned Se●mons.  
Renowned Babington spun out his days  
In truth and peace, and had the echoing praise  
Of every tongue; his worth was prized by all  
That loved religion; nothing could recall  
His heart from goodness; peace, and love did rest  
Within the closet of his se●ious breast:  
Therefore let every tongue proclaim and cry  
The fame of Babington shall never die.   


JOHN WHITGIFT.  The Life and Death of John Whitgift.  
IN the year of our Lord 1530. being the twenty and first of King Henry the eight (a year very remarkable for the Parliament then held, wherein that proud Prelate Cardinal Wolsey was attainted, and the first opposition made by the main body of the the Commons therein assembled against the tyrannical usurpation of the Popish Clergy) was john Whitgift born at great Grimesbie in Lincolnshire, descended from an ancient and worshipful Family of the Whitgifts in Yorkshire. An Uncle he had called Robert Whitgift, Abbot of Wellow: who though himself a professed Monk, yet not greaty liked the profession; and was by this his Nephew, therefore heard sometime to say, that they and their Religion could not long continue; for that having read the Scripture over and over against he could never find therein that their Religion was founded by God: and it is not unlikly, that by the carriage of businesses in the State at that time, being an understanding man, he might shrewdly guess at those things that shortly after sued.  
Under this his Uncle was he educated together with some other young gentlemen's sons for some space of time: and whether taking some hints from him, or being by some other means wrought on, through a secret hand of God, already moulding and preparing him for future employments, he began to grow, though very young yet, into a dislike of Popish superstitions, and to affect the better way. For being by his said Uncle, who observed his towardliness, for his further improvement in learning, sent up to London, entered there into Saint Antony's school, and boarded with an Aunt of his, wife to one Michael Shaller a Verger of Paul's Church; he was after some time by her dismissed again and thrust out of doors, because he refused to frequent the morning Mass with her, albeit by some of the Canons earnestly solicited so to do. Upon return to his Parents, according to his Uncle's advice and direction, finding that he had well profited in learning, he was by them sent to the University of Cambridge, and there placed in Q●eenes College. But not so well relishing t●e disposition of some in that house, he removed from thence to Pembroke Hall, where he was pupil to that blessed Martyr of God john Bradford, Doctor Ridley afterward Bishop of London being then Head of the house, by whom also in regard of his forwardness both in learning and godliness, he was made scholar of the house.  
With his years his worth growing, and notice taken of his good parts, his preferments likewise accordingly came on: For from thence he was chosen to be Fellow of Peter-house, D●ctor Pern being then Master th●re: who very tenderly affected him, and when out of tenderness of conscience, in Queen Mary's time, upon expectation of some Commissioners that were to come down visit to the University and settle Popery there, he had entertained some thoughts of going beyond the Seas, the Dr. perceiving it and withal his resolution in matter of religion, both encouraged and caused him notwithstand to stay, promising him withal to take such order for him, that keeping himself quiet, he should remain free from molestation: that which according to his promise given him, he also faithfully fulfilled.  
Having thus by the favour and connivancy of the Doctor (God reserving him for further and higher employments) rid out those stormy and tempestuous times; upon the dispersions of those black clouds, that had formerly overspread and eclipsed the good parts of many, by the happy sunshine of that illustrious Princess Queen Elizabeth's ascent to the throne of this Realm, contrary to that that is wont to befall at the natural Suns rising; this our bright Star, among others and above many others, began now to shine forth and discover its lustre. Notice whereof being taken, as in the University so at Court, he received advancement unto eminent places from either.  
For in the University he was called, first to the Professors place founded by the Lady Margeret Countess of Richmond; and in the same he demeaned himself with so great approbation and good liking of the whole University, that not only for his sake they augmented the Salary to that Professors place assigned, but the chief Professors place becoming shortly after vacant, they conferred th●● upon him. Wherein as his other readings were generally both with much company frequented, and with great applause entertained; so especially those his Lectures upon the Apocalypses, and upon the Epistle to the Hebrews; which being also put in writing by him at the request of some great ones, are said to remain yet under hope of seeing sometime further light. During this time h● took the degree of Doctor in Divinity; when being called to answer the Act at the Commencement in public, he maintained this Position, that The Pope i● that Antich●ist.  
From Peterhouse, upon the departure of Doctor Hutton, he was chosen Master of Pembroke Hall; and the same of him being now arrived at Court, he was sent for up to Preach before the Queen; who so well liked the method and manner of his Teaching, that alluding to his name (as her wont manner was to do in like case, where she liked, and found fit matter for such expressions) she said he was a White gift indeed; and in testimony of her good opinion and esteem of him, ere he was thoroughly warm in the Hedship of Pembrook● Hall, she removed him to the Mastership of Trinity College; adding not long after the Deanery also of Lincoln thereunto.  
At his access to Trinity College, he found divisions in the House, by occasion of some that misliked the solemn rites and government Ecclesiastical then settled and exercised in the Church, of whom Thomas Cartwright Professor for the Lady Margaret was a chief man, with whom he also entered the lists in writing by occ●sion of his Answer to a Work entitled, An Admonition to the Parliament. But by his wise and discreet carriage the matter was so managed, that all things were settled in peace and quietness again.  
Ten years he continued Governor there; being entrusted with the education of divers of great birth, among whom were the Earls of Worcester and Cumberland, the Lord Zouch, the Lord Verulam, and Sir Nicolas Bacon his elder brother; as also divers were trained up under him that were after advanced to Episcopal dignity, among whom was Doctor Babington sometime Bishop of Worcester, whose Works testify his worth. And within those ten years he was twice chosen Vicechancellor of the University. In which time he laboured, with the assistance of the right honourable Sir William Cecil Lord Treasurer unto the Queen, to have the Statutes of the University (being in many things defective) recollected, reviewed, suppyed and amended: that which by his travail and credit with her Majesty was accordingly effected.  
From thence he was removed to the Bishopric of Worcester; having taken his leave of the University and the College, by two solemn Sermons, both persuading to peace and unity; the one preached in Saint Mary's Church, the other in the College Chapel, on 2 Cor. 13.11. The revenues of which Bishopric finding much impaired and impeached by some sinister courses, making use therein of his favour and authority with her Majesty, though not without expense of some round sums of money, to give satisfaction to some, for the more quiet composition, who had go● the same into their hands, he recovered again what had been fraudulently intercepted, and wrongfully detained, to the no small behoof of his Successor●.  
He had not sat there above a year, but he was made Vice-president of the Marches of Wales, under the right honourable Sir Henry Sidney, being then at the same time both Lord Deputy of Ireland, and Lord Precedent also of those parts. In which employment he carried himself as with pains unweariable, so with exceeding great integrity; reforming many abuses and corruptions, that he observed to have crept in and to be exercised either by the Officers belonging unto that Court, or by some other that were joined in Commission with him; and with no less moderation of Fines and Penalties; that which gained him much love and respect in those parts.  
Besides this, while he sat at Worcester, upon complaint made to the Queen's Majesty of many discords and disorders in the two Cathedral Churches of Lichfield and Hereford, he was by special Commission from her Majesty appointed to Visit them; which accordingly he did, reforming them both, and appointing them Statutes for the better and more peaceable government of either.  
Having spent six years at Worcester, to the great contentment, and with the general good affection of all sorts in those parts, he was now advanced to the highest pitch of dignity that our Church affordeth, being called to succeed that most reverend Father in God, Grindall, in the bishopric of Canterbury. For the benefit of which seat also being many ways much wronged, he traveled as much, and with as good success, as for that of Worcester he had before done: for which his successors in either remain beholden to him unto this day. In this height of honour together with his Sovereign's highest favour, he continued during the whole remnant of Queen Elizabeth's reign, and some small while after King james his entrance; always constantly maintaining the present Ecclesiastical Government against those that oppugned it; and yet carrying himself moderately, as toward all in general, so toward those also that therein stood out, and holding a good correspondency with those in foreign parts, as Master Beza among the rest, that followed another course of discipline; that which appeareth by divers letters that passed to and fro between them.  
He had the honour to be chief mourner at the solemn exequys of that Heroical Princess Queen Elizabeth, (who used also in familiar manner to salute him by the name of her black husband) and of setting the Royal Crown on the head of that most learned and illustrious Prince King I●mes her successor, and of Queen Anne his worthy consort. About seven months after which office performed, returning by barge from the Bishop of London's house at Fulham, with whom he had been to consult about Ecclesiastical affairs, in an high wind and a sharp day, he took cold on his head: and yet striving to attend his Majesty at Court on the next day being the Lord's day, after his accustomed manner, he was taken there with a dead palsy, whereof he died some few days after.  
He was a man of a middle stature, black heired, of a grave countenance, and brown complexion; small timbered, but quick and of indifferent good strength, and well shaped to the proportion of his bulk: of a mild and moderate disposition, of a free mind, and a bountiful hand towards his household servants, his poor neighbours, but especially towards Scholars and strangers; many whereof resorting hi●her out of France and Germany, (among whom that fa●●●●● man Drusius, Renicherus, and others) he most courteously entertained, and very liberally relieved: a diligent preacher, as well after his preferments as before, seldom failing any Lord's day; while he was Bishop of Worcester, notwithstanding his important and incessant employments otherwise, but that he preached in some of the Parish Churches thereabouts; and no less frequently when he was Archbishop, visiting the Church and Pulpit at Cr●ydon, during the time of his residence there in the Vacations from attendance at Court.  
He departed this world on the last of February being Wednesday, in the year of grace 1603. and of his age 73. having been Bishop of Worcester six years and five months, and Archbishop of Canterbury 20. years and five months: and lieth interred on the South side of the Church of Croyden, with a fair Monument in memory of him. His la●● words to his Majesty, who in person visited him the day before he died, when he could hardly be understood, are reported to have been, Pro Ecclesiâ Dei, pro Ecclesiâ Dei: for the Church of God, for the Church of God: thereby intimating his care thereof even to the last.  
The principal Monuments of his Charity, are, an Hospital builded Colledge-wise at Croyden, for a Warden and twenty eight Brothers and Sisters; and a Free-School near ●nto it, with a convenient House for the Schoolmaster, and a standing stipend of twenty pounds by the year. His Works in writing published, are only these:  
1. His Answer to the Admonition to the Parliament, 2. His Defence of the Answer to the Admonition. 3. A Sermon on John 6. ver. 25, 26, 27. Preached before Queen Elizabeth on March the 24. 1574.  
You courtly Prelates, you that fear  
To lose your honours, look ye here:  
Make him your precedent, and then  
You shall have honour, spite of men:  
He bred not, but composed debate●  
Nor moved he in the Orb of State;  
By whose example, Churchmen stood  
Less for the stile of great then good:  
If factions chanced, or diffence fell,  
He would persuade, and not compel:  
To him our Phenix-Queen did share  
Proud Lambeths' patriarchal chair,  
Where he remained, the Church's Nurse,  
Ten years twice told, without a Curse.   

The Life and Death of Lucas Trelcatius, who died Anno Christi 1602.  
LVke Trelcatius was born at Erinum Anno Christi 1542. and brought up by his Aunt who was Abbess of ● Nunnery: his first education was in the School at Dowai●, where (being of an acute wit) he profited exceedingly in the knowledge of the humane Arts: from thence he went to Paris, and whilst he studied there, he fell into acquaintance with john Mercer, the Hebrew Professor, and Peter Ramus, and being exceedingly affected with the love of the reformed Religion, he forsook his Aunt, and was maintained by the bounty of some Merchants of Flanders. From thence he went to Aurelia, and from thence to Sancerra in the twenty eight year of his age: and being driven from thence by the tempest of Civil Wars, he came into England, and at London he taught a School, by which he maintained himself eight years: Then was he called by some Merchant● into Flanders to be their Pastor; but enjoying little peace there, he went to Brussels, where he continued in the exercise of his Ministry six year●s; and then meeting with opposition, he went to An●werp, and that City being presently after besieged, he was forced to stay there eight months: after which, being sent for to divers places, at length he was by the consent of his brothers in the Ministry fixed at Leiden, where he was made Pastor of the French Church, which place he supplied faithfully, for the space of seventeen years. He had scarce been there two years, when for his excellent parts and learning, he was chosen Divinity-Professor in that University also: and at last having acquired much honour in both his offices, he died of the Plague Anno Christi 1602. and of his age 60.  
Where virtue lives there need not be  
A question of sufficiency:  
Trelcatius was a man whose worth  
Few men are able to set forth:  
They that desire to know him well  
Must first know what it is t'excel.   


THEODORUS BEZA.  The Life and Death of Theodorus Beza.  
IN the year of our Lord God 1519. and on the four and twentieth day o● june, this faithful Minister of the Church of Christ, Theodorus Beza came into the world, being borne at Vezelia an ancient Town in the Kingdom of France; he was descended from Petrus a Beza, being Governor of the same Town, and Maria Burdoletia, both of them being beautified with a lineal proceeding from a Noble and renowned Family.  
His name imposed on him by his Parents imports the gift of God; by which act they declared themselves to be virtuous and religious; and let the Lord evermore bless his Church with such gifts, with such painful labourers, for the gathering in of his great harvest, to his endless glory and to the eternal peace of such as seek salvation through Jesus Christ.  
This Beza being yet an infant, not fully two years old, was taken by his Uncle Nicholas Beza, being a Councillor pertaining to the Senate of Paris; where he was carefully and tenderly brought up for the space of three years, being in that time acquainted with the knowledge of the Letters.  
Being now five years old, he was committed, through the carefulness of his said Uncle, unto the tuition of Melchior Walmarius a Germane, who at that time taught the Greek tongue at Aurelia, under whom he continued for the space of seven years; in which time he attained unto great perfection both in the Greek and Latin tongues; and also, which is more commendable, his tender years were seasoned with the true knowledge of Christian Piety, being drawn from the pure fountain of the Word of God, by the same man.  
His Master upon some occasions leaving France, and returning into Germany, Beza, not without the advice of his friends, went unto Orleans, fully intending and resolving with himself to apply his mind unto the study of the Civil Law; wherein, at the age of twenty years he was advanced to be Licentiate.  
Not long after, leaving Orleans, he took his journey unto Paris, to visit those friends and acquaintance which he had there living, by whom he was entertained with great joy, and received with much gladness and friendly courtesy: but more espcially by his other Uncle Abb●t Trigidimon●an, who to testify his affection how greatly he loved him designed and appointed him to be his next successor in the Government of that Abbey, whose revenwe● were yearly valued at five thousand French Crowns: annexing also unto this the profits of two other places, amounting yearly unto seven hundred Crowns, intending also to confer other preferments upon him.  
Beza being as it were in an earthly Paradise, and abounding with those things which might seem necessary for the prosecution of vice wherewith indeed he was for a time detained, but not captivated (as who is he that liveth and sinneth not, nay and falleth not sometimes into grievous sins.) For the Lord had prepared him for better things, and opening his eyes, gave him to understand, that these were but so many snares laid to entangle him, and to draw him into everlasting ruin and perdition: wherefore he fully resolved to forsake them all, and to adhere and stick fast unto that Truth whose sweetness he had tasted in his youth; which that he might the better perform, he was fully determined to undergo any labour, and to remove any obstacle, and for that cause he vowed a vow that he would never embrace nor countenance the errors of the Church of Rome.  
And purposing a constancy in his intended course, and that he might be the better fitted thereunto, he resolved to free himself from that affection which useth to be predominate in his youth; and for that cause he betrothed himself unto a virtuous woman, acquainting only two of his intimate friends with the same action, and that for two causes.  
First, that he might give no occasion of offence unto others. Secondly, because that money which he received for the discharging of his offices could not handsomely be avoided, which within short time after was by him performed, for his propounded honour and preferment, was s●ifly rejected not without the great admiration and sharp reprehension of many of his friends, who therefore styled him after a scornful manner, Philosophum novum, the new Philosopher.  
These checks and reprehensions of his friends being seconded with the considerations of the great riches wherewith he was endued, and these two being strengthened with the temptation of of the Devil; yielded to many doubts and oppositions unto Beza, notwithstanding his former resolutions, sometimes intending to embrace God and his truth, sometimes casting an eye of love on his present preferments being taken up with this various disposition, it pleased the Lord to settle his inconstant mind by afflicting him with sickness, which indeed was the cause of his spiritual welfare and health, for he well perceiving that it was the powerful hand of the Lord Almighty, against which there was no contending: after the suffering of many torments both inward and outward, he fell into a detestation and loathing hatred of his own backwardness, and turning himself unto the Lord with tears, he renewed that vow which he had formerly made concerning the embracing of the true worship of God, promising unfeignedly that he would never start from it, but consecrate himself wholly unto him, and unto the furtherance of his glory, if it would please him to restore him to his former health: during the time of this sickness he was often heard to utter those Words of David in his 142. Psalm v. 7. Educ de carcere animam meam ut celebrem nomen tuum. Bring my soul out of prison O Lord that I may praise thy name; & indeed the Lord which cannot withstand the prayers of the faithful, condiscending unto him, and he obtained his desire of the Lord.  
And being recovered, he forthwith forsook Country Parents and friends, to follow Christ; he forsook all his preferments, preferring the glory of God and the hope of his Kingdom before all the transitory glory of the world: which action of his is very remarkable, if we consider but the circumstance of time, which was presently upon his recovery, being fearful that his remaining there should be offensive unto God, or that his familiarity with his friends might draw him into the like inconveniences, who without doubt would labour with might and main to reduce him to his former profession. Wherefore taking the Woman unto whom he was betrothed with him, they went unto Geneva in the year of Grace 1548. where openly in the Church, after a solemn m●nner, he was married unto her, and there he remained for a season. Where he intended to make profession of the Art of Printing; but the Lord who knew well that he would be otherwise more advantageous unto his Church, hindered this proceeding, by calling him to Lausanna, an Academy pertaining to the Lords of Berna, where he publicly professed the Greek tongue; which Beza himself acknowledged in his Confession of Christian Religion, Dedicated by him unto his Master Walmatius.  
At that time in Lausanna were famous for Learning and Piety Petrus Viretus Pastor of the Church, johannes Ribbilus Professor of Divinity, johannes Racmundus Merlinus Professor of the Hebrew tongue, with many other excellently well gifted; all of which seemed as it were to be ravished with the society of this worthy member of Christ.  
During his Lectureship at Lausanna, a great company of godly minded persons thirsting after Christ and his truth, resorted unto the same place. Here Beza perceiving a good occasion offered unto him by God, not only for his own satisfaction concerning Teaching, but also for the satisfaction of the desire of these people, concerning their instruction in the word of truth. He began publicly and in the French tongue to expound the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans, and both the Epistles of S. Peter; opening unto them the great mysteries of godliness, and informing their judgements with such Doctrines, whereby the scales of ignorance being rubbed away, the truth did manifestly appear unto them, whereby (without doubt) many were drawn nearer and nearer unto Christ.  
Amongst these his employments in this place, whensoever any leisure was given unto him, he would spend that time with Master Calvin at Geneva, from whom he received great benefit both for God's glory and the edification of the Church; and by his persuasion he was induced to finish that excellent and Divine Commentary on the Psalms, first begun by Marotus, which was also Printed and published by authority in France, 1561.  
About this time there happened a persecution in Paris ● wherein many Christians suffered, some death, some imprisonment: whereupon Farellus, Beza and Calvin were chosen Ambassadors unto the Protestant Princes of Germany ● to entreat them that they would be pleased to intercede for them unto Henry the second than King of France, that they might be more kindly deabt withal. But little or no peac● came unto the Church in respect of this act, because of th● implacable hatred which great men attending the person of the King, did bear unto the truth of Christ.  
Yet in this journey it was Bezaes' good hap to have ● sight of that godly and learned Melanchton, who as they exceeding joyful of the presence of each other, so they were also exceeding sorrowful for the present afflicted and distressed state of the Church.  
Beza having now remained ten years in Lausanna, he left it, and not without the good leave and love of the Senate of Berne, and came to Geneva, where teaching a public School, he expounded the Orations of Demosthenes together with some Books of Aristotle, and had daily and familiar conference with Calvin, touching things pertaining unto Doctrine and Ecclesiastical Discipline; where in short time he was appointed to succeed Claudius Pontanus (a faithful Minister in the Church of Geneva) for the discharging of a Ministerial function, and also to join with Calvin in the reading of the Divinity Lecture. Where he was also again advanced to be head Master of a Free-school, which was set up by the persuasion 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 deep impression in the hearts of many; he was entreated by Letters sent from some Peers 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 ground● 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 withal within the Kingdom of France. Which enterprise, God giving a blessing thereunto, wanted not its fortunate and happy success, though not in the days of A●thony, yet in the days of Charles the ninth; for he not only entering into a consideration of the truth of the Doctrine 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 forthwith s●nt both Ambassadors and Letters to the Senate of Geneva, to entreat the presence of reverend Beza, concerning the d●sciding of those Controversies which were at that time on foot betwixt the Papists and the Reformed Churches. This request was with great joy condescended unto by the Senate of Geneva, who sent Beza with many prayers for the advancement of God's 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 presence of the King, with Cardinal Lotharingus, concerning the Real Presence ● wherein he confuted the erroneous opinion of the Cardinal, affirming that the visible signs were touched with the hands, eaten and drunken with the mouth; but that the thing signified (viz. th● Body and Blood of Christ) was offered and received by Faith. Which judgement of his the Cardinal approved of at the last, as he himself testified unto the Queen, and was also embraced by herself.  
The conference being ended with happy success to the glory of God, and furtherance of his truth, Martyr returned to Tigurum, and Beza intended to go unto Geneva, but he was hindered 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 himself unto the preaching of the Word, sometimes in the Palace of the King of Navarre, sometimes in the house of the Prince Cordaeus, and sometimes in the suburbs of the City of Paris: for than it was by public Proclamation decreed, that the use of the reformed Religion should be tolerated in the suburbs 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 condemn 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 hi● foo● so far into the Sea but that he would be able to pluck it back again when he listed; and so he departed and forsook the truth of Christ, and never after sent for Beza to have any conference with him.  
Whereupon a hot persecution entered 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 hear the Word of God preached; whereupon Beza was sent to complain unto the King of their inhuman cruelty, but found no redress; whereupon preparation was made to defend themselves by force of Arms; the Prince Condaeus desired Beza to remain with him in so dangerous and necessary a season, who although 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 patiented waiting of the Lords leisure.  
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 sorrowful accident) were much comforted by those divine letters which were sent unto them by Beza, and they still remaining firm 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 return unto Geneva, after he had spent two and twenty months with great labour, and manifest dangers of his life.  
Coming to Geneva, not without the great joy of the Inhabitants, he went forward in his ordinary course of teaching both in the Church and School, continued with Master Calvin in reading the Divinity Lecture until his death, than he performed it only himself, appointing Calladonus Danaeus and Fayus, to be the Humanity Lecturers in the same City.  
And in this godly couse he laboriously continued, until the time that he was called unto Rupella, by the general entreaty and request of the French Churches, and earnest desire of the Queen of Navarre, and of other Peers 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 again, and indefatigably continued his constant course of teaching, and then he corrected his Annotations on the New Testament.  
From thence he was cealld again to Berna for the confutation of the error of Alb●rius concerning justification, who taught that our righteousness before God, was a mere pasive quality inhaerent in ourselves; which opnion with other errors of his hindering 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 again, and having notice of the great troubles to ensue; not only in France in general, but also in Geneva itself in particular, he cau●ed public prayers to be sent up unto God twice every week 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 Gospel of Christ, until 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 Jesuits, who before the payment of his debt to nature, scandalised him with a defection to the doctrine of the Church of Rome; not much unlike that which was of late cast on that reverend Bishop of London, but this impudent untruth was refuted by the Pastors of Geneva, who by their writings and subscriptions of their names, both in Latin and French, testified the contrary unto the world; many of them being present at his death, who on the thirteenth of October, in the year of our Lord 1605. being the Lords day, rising early and calling his family to prayers; which don● he walked up and down some few paces, and receiving some small quantity of wine, repaired to his bed again, demanding whether all things were quiet in the City, and when answer was made they were, he forthwith gave up his soul into the hands of Almighty God, with all alacrity and cheerfulness, after that he had lived in this vale of misery eighty six years and three months and nineteen days, and after that he had painfully discharged a Pastoral office, the space of sixth and forty years.  
He was of stature somewhat tall, but corpulent or big boned; in his age he had a long thick beard as white as snow, he had a grave Senators countenance, broad faced, but not fat, and in general by his comely person sweet affability and gravity, he would have exhorted reverence from those that lest loved him.  
His great diligence and laborious travel for the advancing of Christ's Kingdom, and for the suppressing and beating down of sin, are made manifest by the learned Works which he hath left behind him as so many witnesses, to eternity, take them after this ordes.  
1 Poems printed by Henry Stephan. 2 Psalms printed with buchanan's. 3 School-notes on the Greek Alphabet. 4 Abraham's sacrifice.  
In Theologie.  
1 New translation of the new Testament with Annotations. 2 Confession of Christian faith. 3 Of punishing heretics. 4 The sum of Christianity. 5 The doctrine of the Sacrament. 6 The defence of the Church of Geneva. 7 An answer against Nestorius and Eutichus his sect. 8 Of the hypostatical Union. 9 Theses of the Trinity of Persons and Unity of Essence. 10 An answer to the reproaches of Francis Baldwin. 11 A treatise of Polygamy. 12 calvin's life. 13 Psalms of David and five books of the other Prophets with Latin Paraphases. 14 French Psalms. 15 Comments o●t of Saint Paul's Epistles. 16 To the Romans. 17 Galathians. 18 Philippians. 19 Colossians. 20 Icones of many learned men especially Protestants. 21 Pictures and Embleemes. 22 Moral, Ceremonial, judicial law of Moses. 23 A preface to Osiander. 24 Of the Pestilence. 25 Solomon's Song in Latin verse. 26 Homilies on Christ's resurrection. 27 Of the P●onounciation of the French tongue. 28 An answer to Jodic Hearth, of the Lords Supper. 29 Questions and answers on the Sacrament.  

Si qua fides famae, proles mihi difiet omnis,  
At viria & vera prole biatus ego.  
Me populi, me mistae & reges dixere parentu,  
Multa virum genui, millia Christe tibi.   

If fame may be believed, I am he  
To whom an Infant can not relate be,  
Yet blest with issue by a higher fate  
And that both many and legitimate:  
Not only people, with their priests together,  
But also Kings vouchsafe to call me father.  
Thousands of souls O Christ have been by me  
Begotten through thy holy Word to thee.   

Who knows not learned Beza, what dull ear  
Hath not large volumes of his history there?  
Or what ill furnished Gallery cannot show  
His reverend Picture, marshaled in the row  
Of rare and modern Worthies, to advance  
The glory of his pen renowned France?  
From whose more painful and illustrious quill,  
Such Quintessence of sweetness did distil;  
Which like the dropping Harmony pearly dew,  
Refreshed fair Zion's plants, and did renew  
Their drooping spirits, wasted heretofore,  
And blasted with the breath of Babils' whore●  
To whose blessed name let every heart that did  
Ere prise true virtue, turn a Pyramid.    


JOHN RENOLDS.  The Life and Death of John Reinolds.  
THis singular man of infinite reading, this treasury of all learning, both divine and humane (summus ille vir immensae lectionis doctrinae & omne genus eruditionis gazophilatium) Doctor john Reinolds was borne in the same County of Devo●, and bred up in the same College of Corpus Christi in Oxford, with jewel his ancient and R. Looker, his contemporary. And what Tully spoke of Pompey his Noble exploits in War that they could not be matched by the valiant Acts of all the Roman Commanders in one year, nor in all years by the process of one Commander; so it may truly be said of these three that they cannot be parrallelled by the students of all Counties, brought up in one College, nor the students of all Colleges born in one County: the two former mainly opposed the enemies of the doctrine, the third of the discipline of the Church of England with like happy success, and they were all three in several kinds very eminent if not equal; and as jewels fame first grew from the rhetoric Lecture, which he read with singular applause: and hooker's from the Logic, so Reynolds grom the Greek in the same house. The Author that he read was Aristotle, whose three incomparable books of Rhetoric, he illustrated with so exquisite a commentary so richly fraught with all polite littrature, that as well in the commentary as in the text a man may find that aureum flumen rerum & verborium, that golden ensturrent, the Prince of Orators telleth us of. It was his manner every Term to begin his Lectures with an exhortatory Oration to his auditors: of these his elegant paraeneticks, two were published in print by himself, the other were since his death put forth by Henry jackeson Fellow of the same College; of these later an intilligent reader will give a like censure to that of the Orator, sunt tantuam phidiae Minerva sed tumen ex eadem efficina; they are not like the other two his malter his pieces, yet any man may perceive they were drawn with the same pencil. Whilst he continued this Lecture it was his hap as it had been of Politian, and Erasmus before him to tread upon a nest of Hornets, a sort of wrangling Sophisters bred of the excrements of the Dunstical Commenters upon Aristotle, fed advocates to plead for all his Philosophical errors, and sworn enemies to all polite learning; these he so strongly confuted in his Lectures, and faceciously derided in his Orations, that any ingenuous man that peruseth them, be he a Crassus Agelastus will be in like manner affected, as Erasmus was when he read the Book entitled Epistolae obscurorum virorum; at which he fell into such a laughter, that he much hurt his spleen and endangered his health.  
All this while this our john Reinolds was well affected to the Romish Religion, and his Brother William Reinolds earnest for Reformation; which difference in judgement proved a fireball of contention between them, and engaged them in a strange Duel, much like to that of Eteocles and Polynices, wherein both conquered one the other, yet neither enjoyed the victory, nor kept his prisoner; for john Reinolds, who before was a Papist, by these bicker became a zealous Protestant, and William Reinolds who before had been a zealous Protestant, became a jesuited Papist, and wrote most pestilent Books against the Church and State; and as after the death of Eteocles and Polynices, when their corpse were burnt, the flames are said to have parted: so the contention of these Brethren expired not with their death; for the writings which they have left behind them, inflamed with contrary fires of zeal, hold the quarrel on foot to this day. Of these Bella plusquam civilia, among Brethren, W. A. a learned Divine, thus elegantly discourseth in English and Latin Verses: 
Bella inter geminos pl●squam civilia Fratres,  
Traxerat ambiguas Religionis apex;  
Ille reformandae fidei pro partibus instat;  
Ille reformandam deneg●● esse fidem,  
Propositus causae rationibus inter utruomque,  
Concurrere pares & cecidere pures,  
Quod fuit in vatis fratrem capi● alter u●rumque,  
Quod fuit in fates perdit uterque fidem,  
Captivi gemini sine captivan●● fuerunt,  
Et victor victi transfugor castra petit:  
Quod genus hoc pugnae est? ubi victus gaudet uterque,  
Et simul alteru●e● se superasse dolet.   
Englished by the Author.  
Between two Brethren civil war and worse,  
The nice point of Religion long did nurse;  
For reformation of the Faith he plies;  
That Faith should be reform this denies.  
The reasons of each cause a part propounded;  
Both met alike, both fell alike confounded.  
As heart would wish, each one his brother takes;  
As fate would have, each one his faith forsakes:  
Without captiver both are captive led,  
And to the vanguisht camp the victor fled;  
What war is this, when conquered both are glad,  
And either to have conquered other sad?  
john R●inolds might truly have said to his brother a● Caecillius sometimes spoke to Octavius in that most exquisite dialogue of Minutius Faelix. Vtrique vicim●● tui victor mei & ego triumphator er●eres; thou hast conquered me, and I triumph over my fo●mer errors: but William Reinolds might one the contrary side have said, we are both loser's, for thou hast l●st me thy brother, and I have lost my mother the Church of England, and the true Religion. As soon as our john Reinolds according to th● manner of Massy bodies, after some quavering was fixed unmovably upon the grounds of the Protestant Religion; the Statutes of the College called upon him to enter into holy Orders, after which he wholly addicted himself to the study of the holy Scriptures, and because an excellent textuary and very often exercised his sweet gift in preaching, a taste whereof we have in his Lectures upon Obadi●●, published after his death by Master Hind●. When the time drew near that by the Founder's Statutes he was upon necessity to take his degree in Divinity, he was chosen out by the University to answer the Boctovers in the Act● july the 13. 1579. and the same year November the third he answered for his degree in the Divinity Schools, the Theses maintained by him in the Act were these: 

1. The holy Scriptures teacheth the Church all things necessary to salvation.  
2. The Church militant upon earth is subject to error both in faith and manners.  
3 The Authority of the Scriptures is greater than that o● the Church.    
The Theses propounded by him in the Divinity Sbhool 〈◊〉 th● third, were these.  

1. The holy Catholic Church, which we believe is the whole number of Gods elect.  
2. The Roman Church is neither the Catholic Church nor a sound member thereof.  
3. The reformed Churches in England, Scotland, France, Germany, and other Kingdoms and Commonwealths have lawfully severed themselves from the Church of Rome.   
The handling of these questions gave so good contentment to the whole University, that his suppositions as they call them, that is, the Speeches he made in the explication and confirmation of these Positions were extorted from him to the Press; by the Printing whereof, when he understood how he had nettled all the Romanists, who in divers virilent pamphlets disparaged them, and threatened by a speedy refutation to eclipse the fame thereof; he ●he better to arm himself against these Romish locusts, with indifatigable pains in a short space read all the Greek and Latin Fathers, and perused all ancient records of the Church, that he could come by; and grew so perfect in them● that as Livy conceiveth that if Alexander had turned his progress Westward towards Italy, as he did Eastwards towards the territories of the Persian Empire, the Noble Commander of the Romans Paperius surnamend Curser, or the razor, would have matched him, if not out stripped him: so if Reinolds his own inclination or Authority, had put upon him the task of examining Caesar Baronius his Annals, he would not only every way have matched that so much admired Cardinal, but in such sort have detected his Romish friends in postures and forgeries; that any man whose eyes were not darkened with mist of prejudicated affection should have clearly seen that the doctrine of the reformed Churches hath as great a share in true antiquity as in ancient truth.  
But Reinolds was drawn into the Lists with another, one john Heart, who took the heart and boldness to challenge the learnedest of both Universities to try the Doctrine of our Church, by the touchstone of Scripture and Faith, etc. To encounter him Master Reinolds is sent for by a grea● Counsellor of Estate, and many combats (lingua & calamo) he had with this antagonist; in all which Master Hear● gave ground, and in the end quite qui●ted the field● as appeareth by a Letter wri●ten with his own hand, wh●ch I have seen, sent from the Tower of London. In which Letter prefixed to the Conference, he hath words to this effects I acknowledge that the Narration of the conference set forth between Master Reinolds and me is true; and whereas he somewhere affirmeth, namely chap. 7. Sect. 7. that I should grant that it is not lawful for the Pope to depose Princes: it 〈◊〉 tr●e, I said as much, and am still of this judgements that howsoever the spiritual power be more excellent and noble than the temporal, yet they both are from God, and neither dependeth of the o●her. Whence I infer this undoub●ed conclusion, That their opinion who make the Pope a temporoll Lord over Kings and Princes, hath no ground at all, nor so much as probability nor show of reason.  
This conference confirmed by the subscription of both parties, was shortly after printed by authority; and it gave such satisfaction to all indifferent readers, that thereby the fame of Master Reynolds was cried up as well at the Court as the University; and it pleased Queen Elizabeth, after he had taken his degree of Doctor, to appoint him to read an extraordinary Divinity Lecture in Oxford; in which he grappled with a more renowned Champion of the Rom●n Church than john Heart, namely father Robert Bellarmine; for his subtle head, afterwards graced with a Cardinals Cap. This jesuite was then Reader to the English Seminary in Rome; whose Dictates (wonderfully favoured) no sooner taken in writing by his Auditors; but by some of Secretary Walsingams' intelligencers residing at Rome, they were sent by Post in Packets to the Court, and from thence sped to Doctor Reynolds, who acquainting his Auditory with the very days in every month and week, in which father Robert handled such a point, addressing himself immediately to make a punctual answer thereunto; insomuch, that what Saint Bernard speaketh to another purpose, may be truly affirmed of Cardinal Bellarmine's books of controversies, that they were primes damnati quam nati; branded before they were printed.  
Never were any Lectures in our memory so frequented, as these in that University; nor any in Cambridge, save those of Doctor Whitaker, the great light of the other University as Reynolds was of this; on these golden tapers were the eyes of all that loved the truth fixed, and the Queen hearing of the good service they did to the Church, preferred them both, the one to a Headship in Cambridge, the other to a dignity in the Church, the Deanery of Lincoln. Into which after Doctor Reynolds was invested, and settled the ●ffaires of the Church ther●, but of an exceeding delight he took in an Academical life, he returned bacl to Oxford, and there lived some few year● in Queen's College, which place he made choice of for the infinite amity betwixt him and Doctor Robinson Bishop of Ca●lile. In which time, besides many other, he began a noble work of very great importance, de Romanae Ecclesiae idololutria: this most learned and elaborate piece consisted of eight Books, whereof two he put forth in the year 1596. and dedicated the● to the Earl of Essex.  
Of his life and manner of conversation whilst he abode in Queen's College, let Dr. Cracanthorp, than a Student in that College speak ou● of his own knowledge. When we were young Students in Queen College, Doctor Reynolds conversed with us so familiarly and so profitably, that whatsoever, how often soever, how much soever any man desired to learn from him in any kind of knowledge, we daily drew it from his mouth, as an ever-springing and never failing Well; for he had turned over (as I conceive) all Writers, profane, Ecclesiastical and Divine; all the Counsels, Fathers and Histories of the Church; he was most excellent in all Tongues which might be any way of use, or serve for ornament to a Divine: he was of a sharp and nimble wit, of a grave and mature judgement, of indefatigable industry, exceeding therein Oregen, surnamed Adamantius; he was so well seen in all Arts and Sciences as if he had spent his whole time in each of them; moreover for his virtue, probaty, integrity, and which is above all, piety and sanctity of life; he was so eminent and conspicuous that as Nazianzen speaketh of Athanasius, it might be said of him, to name Reinolds is to commend virtue itself. In a Word, so modest, courteous, affable and sweet was his carriage, that though he were to be ranked above the highest, yet he made himself equal in a manner with the lowest.  
In this Naioth he conversed after this manner, with the Prophets and Prophets children till the 50th year of his age, when by the means of Archbishop Whitgift and the Earl of Essex, he procured an exchange with Doctor Cole, mor● for his convenience then his profit: the Deanery of Lincoln was conferred upon Doctor Cole and Doctor Reinolds was chosen Precedent of Corpus Christi College, in which eminent place of preferment in the University, though he continued not above eight years, yet according to the distinction of Seneca, between Vixit & fuit N●n, ille diu fuit sed din vixit: we may truly say, that though he abode not there long, yet he lived ther● long; diu precedit licet, non diu fedie he ruled there long, though he sat but a short time, h● did more good to that Society in eight years, than any of his Predecessors in the like time trebled.  
For he brought the College much before hand, which before through the covetousness of the Governors or negligence of inferior officers, was very much impoverished: he procured an Act of Parliament for assuring some lands to it: he caused divers ambiguous Statutes to be expounded by the visitor Doctor Bilson Bishop of Winton, and all the Statutes to be more duly observed then ever they had been before. He repaired and exceedingly beautified the Chapel, Library and Hall; he much improved the Scholars, Chaplains and Clerks places; to the Fellowships he added nothing, partly because he found their maintenance very competent, but especially because he conceived that the more he should increase their maintenance the more he should take off their edge from seeking preferments abroad, and taking on them the cure of souls, and furnishing the Church with able and learned Pastors, which he knew to be the chief end for which most if not all the Colleges in the University were built; which as it appeareth by the Founder's Statutes ought to be as nursers for choice plants to be set & nourished there for a while, and after to be transplanted into the Spouse garden, and not to whither in these beds. It was said of Sparta that it was the best place in the world for men to grow old in, because old age there was most respected and honoured● but the contrary may be said of Scholars and Fellows places in the University, for the less time they stay there after they are ripe for preferment the better they deserve of the Church and Commonwealth. 
— Carpite florem  Qui nisi carpius erit turpiter ipse cadit. During his Government in Corpus Christi College, though he were encumbered with multiplicity of other business (and which was worse) often visited with an ill guest the Gout, which not only keeps possession against the owners will, but imprisons his landlord and claps such bolts upon his feet that he cannot stir: Yet being moved thereunto by Archbishop Whitgift (impurum & impium sanderiue schismate, Anglicano volumen ut refutarem rogusti) he begun the refutation of Saunder his impure and impious book de Schismate Angli, and proceeded so far therein, that he cleared all matters of faith: But wanting some records to clear divers matters of fact objected in that scandalous Libel, he was forced to make a pause, and in the mean time he framed an Apology of his Theses, and unanswerably vindicated them against the Roman Elymases Stapleton, Martin, Bellarmine, Baronius and justius Calvinus vetra, Castrencus. And lying in London to oversee the Press and correct the proofs: as he walked in Finsbu●y fields, in the year of our Lord 1602. an Arrow whether shot purposely by some Jesuited Papist or at random I know not, fell upon his breast, but entered not his body, not so much by reason of the weak fence of his Gown held up before him in folds, as the strong buckler of faith, which whosoever hath on him, need not fear any torrour by night, nor the arrow that flieth by day, Psalm 91.5.  
Howbeit, though he then shunned the danger of this flightsha●t, yet he escaped not other arrows mentioned by the Psalmist, even bitter words, these sharp arrows headed with malice and pointed with envy, were daily shot at him, not only by foreign enemies abroad, as namely Weston and Spalatenses after his revolt (dictione sar●ata study vanissimus secta fanaticus) but by ill willers at home, whose lose life kept no good quarter with his strict government. Who as he was a most exact observer of the Statutes himself. so he was a most sever censurer of the contemners and wilful breakers thereof, and though he were of a tender and compassionate disposition, yet like a wise Chirurgeon, when h● saw Plasters and Poultices would do no good, and the flesh begin to gangreine, he cut off by expulsion two rotten members of that Society; Cuncta prius tentanda sed immedicabile vulnus ●use recidendum est ne pars sincera tra●atur. The one of them was a Chaplain of the House; homo nullarum artium nullarum par●ium: a worthless man, who to his other impardonable crimes added a dull but most malicious Libel against the Precedent himself; and therefore deserved not only to be banished the College, but exiled also out of all memory; the other was a Bachelor of Art, as I take it, intra brennium probationes; a man of other wise commendabl● parts; but of whom it might be truly said as it was of Galba, ingenium Galbae male habitat.  
This Delinquent, who by often reiteration of the like offences had encurred the censure of expulsion, which the Precedent and seven Seniors were bound by oath to execute upon him, craved leave of the Precedent to make his farewell Oration; His Theme was Medicum saeverum intemporanes aeger facit: that is, A waward Patient maketh a froward Physician. In that Speech of his he took occasion to justify the Precedent and Fellowes proceeding against him, and deplored his incorrigible enormities with tears, but than it was too late: 
nullis ille movetur  
Fle●ibus aut voces ullus tractabiles audit   
I confess Sen●ca his observation is true; qui vult amari languida reg●e● manu: a Governor that will be loved and generally spoken well of● must hold an easy reine; but where mettle Colts or resty jades are to be broken, he that holdeth no● a straight rain, and maketh not use of a strong cur●e, may be cast out of the saddle, as Doctor Reynolds his immediate Predecessor had like to have been, whose pruning Knife, though it were keen and sharp, yet was so discreetly used by him, that the choice Plant● in that Nursery never thriv●d better than in his time.  
About this time Queen Elizabeth exchanged her mortal crown with ●n immortal, and King james succeeded her, and swayed the Sceptre of this Kingdom; who in the beginning of his reign, desirous to settle peace in the Church commanded many learned men to meet at Hampton Court, to compose some differences about the external Discipline of the Church. In that Conference, what part by royal command was put upon Doctor Re●nolds, and how he acted it (with profession and promise of all conformity) appears by the Acts thereof set forth by Bishop Barloe. After this Conference, is pleased his Majesty to set some learned men on work, to translate the Bible into the English tongue, among others Doctor Reynolds was thought upon, to whom for his great skill in the original Languages, Doctor Smith afterward Bishop of Glos●er, Doctor Harding Precedent of magdalen's, Doctor Kilbie Rector of Lincoln College, Doctor Bret, and others, employed in that work by his Majesty, had recourse once a week, and in his Lodgings perfected their Notes; and though in the midst of this Work the gout first took him, and after a consumption, of which he died; yet in a great part of his sickness the meeting held at his Lodging, and he lying on his Pallet, assisted them and in a manner in the very translation of the book of 〈◊〉 was translated to a better life. All the time of his sickness, sa●● when he conferred with the translators, was spent in pra●er and hearing partly Treatises of devotion, and partly books of controversy read unto him. This course held till Ascension day, when his sickness growing sore upon him he fell in a trance, of which when he was recovered, he spoke comfortably to us all there present, saying, that He well hoped that he should have ascended that very day of o●r Lords ascension; but now, saith he, I shall stay a little longer w●●h you, in which time I entreat you to read nothing to me, but such chapters of holy Scripture as I shall appoint. Among others designed by him when we read the first chapter of Saint Paul to the Philippians, and stayed a little upon those words, God is 〈◊〉 record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of jesus Chri●●● and this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more 〈◊〉 knowledge and in all judgement, that you may approve things th●t are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offence till the 〈◊〉 of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are 〈◊〉 jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. And proceeding afterwards in that chapter to the twentieth verse: As 〈◊〉 ways so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it 〈◊〉 by life or by death; for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain●● but if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour, yet what I shall choose I wots not, for I am in a straight between two, having a desire to departed and to be with Christ, which is fare better; nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And as we were going further and reading the five and twentiet● verse; having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and contin●● with you, he bade us there stop and make an end; intimating thereby that unto us, which after a few days ●ell out to our great grief, that he was not to continue with us.  
By this time the University being full of the news of his end approaching, the Noble men Sons then residing in the University, and the Heads of divers Colleges together with the King's Professor Doctor Holland came to visit him; who Prayed with him and for him; for whose love Doctor Reynolds thanked him: the day before he died, when the Vicechancellor Doctor Airy and Master Bo●lton of Brazennose, Master Wilkinson of Wadsdowne, Master Lindle Vice-president of the College and myself came to take our last leave of him, at the motion of Master Boulton Doctor Airy acquainted Doctor Reynolds what scandalous reports the Papists had cast out concerning the nature of his disease, and how they were confuted by Doctor Chennell his Physician, & Master White his Apothecary, and added withal that it was likely they might spread such a brute of him as they had of Beza, that he recanted upon his death bed: and therefore that it was earnestly desired by many of his dear friends in the University, that he would give some testimony of his constancy in the truth before his departure: at this he shookee his head and seemed much to be grieved, because his spe●ch was taken from him; which the Vicechancellor perceiving with tears in his eyes, besought him that he would give him leave to set down a form in writing to which if he liked it, God might enable him to set his hand, and thereby give satisfaction to all his friends: which Doctor Reynolds expressed by sighs, that he approved of the Vicechancellors advising, with the rest of us there present wrote a few lines to this effect.  
These are to testify to all the world, that I die in the profession of that faith which I have taught all my life, both in my Preaching and in my Writings, with an assured hope of my salvation, only by the merits of Christ my saviour: this form being awise read unto him, he seriously pondered every Word, and after clapped his hand upon his nose, whereby his servant john Duhurst who attended him in his sickness, told us that he desired a pair of spectacles, which a●ter they were reached unto him, and he had put them on, he took the pen out of Doctor Aeries' hand and subscribed his name not only in legible, but in very fair characters: at which we all admired the more, because he had divers times that morning assayed to write but could not through extreme weakness write one word or syllable in a legible hand, whether the earnest intention of his mind at this time strengthened his hand, or God extraordinarily assisted him; I leave it to the judgement of all that are truly religious, and take such things to heart: The morrow after, death seizing upon all parts of his body he expressed by signs that he would have the passing bell toll for him, and as his friends running in compassed his b●d all about, and every one cast in his shot which was some choice and comfortable text of holy Scripture; he lifting up one of his hands (which presently fell down and stir●d no more) and after his lifting up his eyes to heaven, and fixing them there immovable without any trouble or sign of pain, without so much as any sigh or groan, he breathed out his soul into the hands of his redeemer the Thursday after Ascen●ion day between eleven and twelve of the clock the twenty one of May 1607. on Monday following he w●● honourably interred, the Vicechancellor in close mourning, the Noble men's sons, heads of Celledges and Hals with all their companies in Academical habits, and the Mayor and Aldermen in their Scarlet gowns attending the Funeral; the corpse brought out of Corpus Christi College, was first carried to Saint Maries where a funeral Sermon was made by Doctor A●rie then Vicechancellor: after the Sermon ended the body being removed to the Chancel, Mr. Isack● Wake, than the University Orator, after Lord Ambassador in Venice and France successively honoured the dead with ● short but elegant Panegyric, which follows after this, 〈◊〉 body was carried back to the College, and their a seco●d Funeral Oration appointed to be made in the Chapel near his grave, but the Chapel being not capable of the fourth part of the Funeral troop, a Desque was set up and covered with mourning in the quadrangle, and there a brief History of his life with the manner of his death, s●t forth by Daniel Featley then fellow and deane of Arts in ●hat College. After his burial, a Monument and Statue in the Chapel was erected for him by Doctor Spencer his successor, with an inscription in golden letter● as followeth  
Virtuti Sacrum.  
JO. RAINOL●● S. The●l. D. erudition, Pistate, Integritate incomparabili hujus Coll. Pes. qui obi●t Mai 21 ⁰. Anno 1607o aetat. suae 50o. JO. SPEN●ER aud●tor● successor, virtutum & sanctitatis admirator, b.m. amoris er●o posuit.  
But these are dark and divine characters in respect of those wherewith his fame is Printed in his Works, whereof some are come to light, others may in good time. His Printed Works are these.  
1 Two Orations Printed in the year 1576. 2 His six Theses Printed in the year 1579. 3 His conference with Heart, Prin●ed in English 1585. and afterwards translated into Latin by Henry Pary Bishop of Gloster, and Printed by command of Archbishop Bancroft 1610. 4 De Romanae ecclesiae Idololatria, Printed in the year 1596. 5. An Apology of his Theses 1602. 6 Since his death certain Epistles between him, Doctor G●g●r and Alberi●us Gentius concerning Stage plays. 7 A Treatise of divorce, and marrying again in case of adultery. 8 A censure of the Apochryphas in two T●m●s containing in them 250. of his Lectures in the Divinity Schools. 9 Certain Epistles and Orations of his in Latin, set forth by Henry Jackson. 10 His Lectures upon Obediah in English with a Sermon of thanksgiving for the Queen's Majesty's deliverance from a dangerous treason, set forth by Mr. Hind. His Works which remain in Manuscript never yet printed are● 11 A commentary in Latin upon Aristotle's three book●s of Rhetoric. 12 The materials and first draught of six books, de Idololatria Romanae eccl●siae. 13 Sermons upon Aggi the Prophet, Preached in Oxford. 14 His learned answer to Sanders de scismate Anglicano, in defence of our Reformation, the regal supremacy, and the book of Ordination of Bishop's Priests and Deacons. 15 A defence of the English liturgy against Robert Browne the father of ●he separatists his schismatical book. 16 A Treatise of the beginning and progesse of Popish errors, and that for the first three hundred years after Christ, Bishops ruled their own diocese without subjection to the Pope. 17 A Treatise of Daniel Weeks against Hugh Braughton, dedicated to Archbishop Whitgift.  

A Funeral Oration delivered in St. MARY'S Church in Oxon; at the sad Interment of Doctor john Reynols, by Master Isacke Wake, the University Orator, May 25. 1607. Translated out of Latin.  
HOw frail and unconstant the condition of our life is, and how fitly resembled to a dream, or a tale, I could wish (most honoured Doctors, & the rest of the sad troop, all the children of our mother the University) had it so pleased the highest, we might have learned by any other experiment, rather than this sad spectacle; doubtless we have seen but too many evidences of the decrepit age of the world, now drooping to ruin; as the distemper of the Heavens, the malignity of the Stars, the boisterous gusts of the Winds, the deluges of water from the Clouds, the foaming billoes of the Sea, swelling with unheard of fury: which sad presages terrify religious minds with a fear of the Sky falling about our ears, and nature breathing out her last gasp; yet we fl●ttered ourselves in to a vain belief that the Muses were eternal, and though all other things fade like flowers, yet that the Arts were immortal until this great Atlas of learning, with whom sacred studies seemed to totter, if not lie on the ground; taught us by his death the vanity of that our hope. Whose happy pass, agreeable to his godly life, God forbidden that any should deplore with Heathenish rikes & lamentable Elegies, since our ferventest zeal can now wish him no other addition to his happiness then that of Virginius Rufus to have another Tacitus to make his Funeral Panegyricke. As for me, when I behold this solemn and sad Assembly, not usually accustomed to such dejected looks, me thinks I see those tears that fell from the royal eyes of great King Xerxes dropping at the view of his puissant Army, which makes me deeply ●igh, because in this deplored mirror, blubbered with tears, I find the reflection even of your mortality: For which of you now can hope that either learning, wisdom, or virtue can prolong his life, since the churlish Sisters refused to spare this mighty Hercules of the Orthodox Faith; this great Champion of Christian Religion, though they were solicited by the tears of our Mother the University, and importuned by the prayers of our sorrowing Church. Verily, if the inestimable treasures of thy mind and indefeizible riches of thy soul could have contributed any thing to the strength and vigour of the body, thou shouldest still have lived (worthy Reynolds) not so much according to thine own desire, who wishedst for heaven as hours, who wished longer for thee, and so lived 1000 that thou shouldst never have died, waxed old, or drooped. But to the great loss of Mankind and prejudice of Learning, it falls out far otherwise, even that in those who more every their mind with the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the soul sooner grows weary of her earthly habitation, and aspireth to heaven and their body also, by reason their spirits are wholly spent in that noble, yet laborious work of study, more speedily faileth and decayeth. Which was the true cause that thou Reynolds after so many conquests and triumphs over the enemie● of our Faith, yet the strength of thy body being impaired, in the end didst yield to nature, and breathedst out thy victorious soul, and leftest nothing to us but sighs for our sad loss.  
But what? could not thy singular piety, nor thy virtue, nor thy sanctity, nor thy so much admired learning preserve thee? Or didst thou resolve to live no longer, because there was nothing left which thy studies had not already attained unto? Was not Ficinus worthy thy perusing who discourseth so learnedly, not only of the preservation of health, but also of the prerogation of our life to eternity upon earth? Well: long enough peradventure thou hast lived for thy particular ends, long enough to be so truly honoured, that 'twas not possible that ever thou shouldest outlive thy fame: Yet not long enough for the Commonwealth, which misseth in thee a perfect sampler of all virtues. Not long enough for the University, which hath lost in thee the light of a glorious taper of learning: nor yet long enough for the good state, our pure Religion, which tossed in the swelling billows of a troubled Sea, is ready almost to suffer shipwreck for want of thee her skilful Pilot.  
Truth it is, none can deny it, that like a second Cocles (but yet more courageous) thou didst rout the tro●p● of thy stoutest enemies. Truth, that even when the enemy had cut off the bridge on which thou stoodst, thou leaping down to thi●● eternal honour, didst preserve the colour, and as ●ast didst beat the adversaries to a shameful retreat. But the leaguer is not yet broken up; for though thou hast unma●ked the Idolatry of the Church of Rome, and exposed it to the detestation of God and man, yea and thy sword was ev●n at the throat of that Antichristian monster, and through the sides of john Heart, thou struckst Popery itself to the very heart: yet Sanders remained untouched, save that he hath felt the revenging hand of God upon him, and died miserably, being starved on the Irish mountains. Bellarmine's forces are not quite discomfited, or all Baronius his impostures sufficiently discovered; to speak nothing of those monstrous heads of heresies, which like Hydra's continually grow up in the Church one under another. In the midst of such troubles, how couldst thou find leisure to die? since the harvest is so great, and the labourers so few: (so few indeed, or none like thee) since Superstition, like to our Virginian Sea, swells continually with newer billows. This, oh this was the sad complaint of our lamenting Church, fetched from the deepest sense of bitterness and sorrow, as if she herself had been ready to expire with thi● our Reynolds. But what Timanthes hath the skill to portray the sadder (if yet a sadder can be imagined) and more dejected countenance of our Mother, the University.  
Here flow the tears so free  
That drown our Niobe.  
Alas she thinks still on nothing but Reynolds: sees nothing but Reynolds: and in the strength of her disturbed fancy hears, talks with, catches at Reynolds. And truly though in this flourishing age our mother be blessed with such a great and numerous issue, that she hath more reason to rejoice that she's become so fruitful then bewail so much her present loss; and she might now if ever take up the language of the mother of ●rasidus, my son was a good Soldier indeed, and valiant, but Sparta hath many left that are like him: yet I cannot choose but excuse her tears of piety, and myself justly lament with her, when I consider that she hath lost her Reynolds, who (let none repine at it) did so much outshine the rest of her sons in the clearest lustre of the best perfections both in languages, Arts, and Sciences, that he seemed to fly above the pitch of humane wit and industry, as if he had been borne of purpose to discover the height of the Muses utmost abilities. Sirs, I detract from no man in giving Reynolds his due: I know that neither these grave Fathers assembled, who here at home do honour our Oxford with their authority, letters and piety, nor those our right reverend religious and learned Prelate's abroad, who sitting at the helm of the Church, are become admired Patterns to the whole Christian world, of wisdom, sanctity and learning, will ever envy his 〈◊〉 encomiums.  
If any man shall think less of Reynolds then of those great lights, either of Church or University, because he shined not so gloriously either at home or abroad in lustre of eminent fortunes and outward preferments, let him remember the testimony which the great Bishop St. Austin gave of Saint Jerome; Though a Priest be inferior to a Bishop, yet Hierome the Priest is a better man than Austin the Bishop. And howsoever others admired in Reynolds his knowledge, lowliness of mind, and incredible abstinence; in all which he so excelled, that he even exceeded wonder: yet for my part I do, and ever shall admire at one thing in him chief, even that he could so sleight and neglect all ways of preferment; of whom (although I will not say as Illyricus and Wigandus spoke of Luther, That he was the German Prophet: yet) since neither Luther, nor Calvin, nor Beza, nor Whitaker can challenge any honour which Reynolds hath not merited, I cannot but exceedingly congratulate our Country where he was borne, our Mother the University where he was educated, and that most pregnant House of excellent wits, wherein he sucked the first rudiments of exquisite Literature; who (that I may compare him with those of the same College) for virtue, piety, learning, in the judgement of many, is extolled above their jewel, Wotton, Vines, Hooker, yea and above their Pole. Let yet Westone that lewd and shameless Rabshake belch out what reproaches he pleaseth against him, and charge him not only with stupid dulness, but also that he counterfeited sickness, and pretended only to a disease, to preserve his credit. Belike then all we University men were leaden witted, who admired so dull a man; we were besides ourselves, who believed that he was sick, whom to our great grief we here see dead. Notwithstanding this Weston himself (so like his Uncle in his ill conditions and ignominious flight) when he challenged all the Heads of the University, and branded them for impure, only for that some of them had entered into the state of Matrimony; could not find any one Act of Doctor Reynolds in all his life, to blemish him with all.  
Let this runagate Weston pass, who was wandered too fare to look into his life, what report was given him by those that were near? Truly, every one loved his person, his demeanour, his integrity. If any object against him overmuch strictness, and a resolution not to be diverted from just proceed by any motives, though never so powerful: If thi● or any thing else of this nature might be disliked in him, I dare confidently affirm, as Seneca doth of Cato, that a man may with much more ease prove the fact which he chargeth Reynolds with to be fair, than Reynolds to be any way foul. But blessed Saint, he'● already in the celestial Choir: As for us, who now honour the remains of this most excellent and learned man, we shall never confidently pronounce Oxford ble●●ed, till she can boast of another Reynolds. For though we may have men of singular eloquence, infinite reading, rare wits, grave judgements, studious, courteous, and very famous for their Works to be left behind them; yet a Reynolds in all respects we shall never have. But why do I name this man of a thousand, as if we still had him, when we see the grave openeth her mouth wide, to devour these small relics of him b●fore us, which we now last see, salute, and mus● take our farewell of ●or ever.  
This minute is the last we can  
Behold thi● rare accomplished man.  
For my part, I must stand dumb, when I should commend his remains to their honourable interment: for, 
Nor tongue, nor pen, nor Poets bays,  
Can set forth hi● deserved praise.  I will therefore borrow part of an Epitaph from Sophocles: 

Come friends and lend your help, let's now inter  
Truths noble champion, and Rome's conqueror.  
And never let the best, the chiefest dare,  
To wrong his ashes by a proud compare.     
Behold, in less than half a span,  
The lovely model of that Man,  
Whose worth a world as big again  
Were all too little to contain,  
That famous Reynolds; at the stroke  
Of whose learned Quill, Rome's sturdy Oak  
Trembled; whom, had not early death  
Prevented thus, his very breath  
Had made such wind falls, round about  
In Babel's forests that no doubt,  
In some few days, her savage Beasts  
Had found no covert; nor her Uulters' nests.  
He was Times wonder, virtues story,  
Truth's champion, and the Church's glory.   

The Life and Death of Joseph Scaliger, who died Anno Christi 1609.  
JOseph Scaliger the son of julius Caesar Scaliger was borne a● Aginum Anno Christi 1540 and at nine years old was sent by his father to School at Bordeaux, but after three years stay there, the Plague breaking forth, he returned to his father again, who set him every day to make an Oration, whereby he attained to such an exactness in the Latin tongue, that not long after he composed that excellent Tragedy of Oedipus, which caused his friends to admire such ripeness of wit in such tender years: At nineteen years old (his father being dead) he went to Paris to learn the Greek tongue; wh●re for two months' space, he applied himself to the Lectures of that learned man Adrian Turneby, bu● wanting other helps, he lost most of that time: which caused him to shut himself up in his study, and there by extraordinary diligence joined with his natural aptness, he began to suck in the first rudiments of the Greek tongue: and before he had well learned all the conjugational he got him an Homer, and in twenty one day's learned it all over, framed for himself a Greek Grammar, and never used the help of any other: he learned th● other Greek P●●ts in four months more: Hav●ng thus bestowed two year●●n the study of the Greek: he grew very desirous to add the knowledge of the Hebrew to it: and though he knew not one letter of it, yet he fell to the study of it without any other help.  
He wrote much in verse both those languages, but to avoid the repute of ambition, would not suffer them to be Printed: He read over many Greek and Hebrew Authors, and spent much time in interpreting, and clearing of them from errors: Anno Christi 1563. he began to travel into divers Countries, and made little stay any where till he was called to the University of Leiden Anno Christi 1593. to be Professor there, in which place he spent sixteen years, making the place famous both by his Lectures and Writings, and at last died of a Dropsy Anno Christi 1609. and of his age sixty nine: The aforementioned Turneby, who was an excellently learned man himself, called this Sc●liger Portentosi ingenii juvenem: a young man of a stupendious wit.  
How can the worthy name and memory  
Of Scaliger in black oblivion die:  
Who by his pregnant wit and studious brains.  
And indefatigable care and pains:  
In Greek and Hebrew grew so excellent  
That being sent for, he to Leid●n went,  
Where he was made Professor, and became  
A man of high renown and spreading fame:  
And gracing much that University  
For fifteen years, he there at last did die.   

The Life and Death of Amandus Polanus, who died Anno Christi 1610.  
Amandus' Polanus was borne in Silesia Anno Christi 1561. when his Parents had bred him up at School, they sent him to Vratislavia, where he spent six years, and from thence he went to T●bing, where differing from Doctor Andrea's abou● predestination, he went thence to Basil Anno Christi 1583. in which place he wholly set himself to the study of Divinity, and being made Tutor to some young Noblemen, went to Geneva, Heidelberg and to some other places with them: he was mad● Doctor in Divinity by Grynaeus, Anno 1590. and having afterwards at Geneva publicly expounded the Prophecy of Malachi, he returned to Basil, where he was chosen the Professor of Divinity, which place he faithfully discharged for fourteen years' space, expounded Daniel, Ezekiel, and a good part of the Psalms: afterwards falling sick of a Fever, he wholly resigned up him himself to the will of God, comforted himself with divers pregnant Texts of Scriptures, and so departed quietly in the Lord Anno 1610. and of his age 51.  
How justly may Polanus have a part  
Of honour, amongst these men of high desert:  
A learned Doctor of Divinity,  
And was of Basils' University:  
Chosen Professor, where, with love and fame,  
For fourteen years he managed the same:  
Then falling sick, he of a fever died,  
Whose soul doth in celestial joys reside.   

The Life and Death of Thomas Holland, who died Anno Christi 1612.  
THomas Holland, was born in Shropshire Anno Christi 1538. and brought up in Exeter College in Oxford, where he took his degrees with much applause: afterwards he Commenced Doctor in Divinity, was chosen Master of the College, and for his learning, was preferred to be ●he Regius Professor, or Doctor of the Chair, wherein he succeeded Doctor Humphred: and so deported himself in the same, that he got the approbation, and admiration both of that University, and of Foreign Universities also: He was like Apollo's, a man mighty in the Scriptures, and as one saith of him, Adeb cum Patribus familiaris, ac si ipse Pater, & cum Scholasticis, ac si Seraphicus Doctor: i. e. he was so familiarly acquainted wi●h the Fathers, as if himself had been one of them: and so versed in the Schoolmen, as if he were the Seraphic Doctor: He was also a faithful Preacher of the truth, and one that adorned it by his holy life and conversation. A zealous defender of the true Religion, and a great hater of superstition and Idolatry: iusomuch that when he went any journey, calling the fellows of the College together, he used to say to them, Commendo vos dilectioni Dei, & odio Papatus, & superstitionis: I commend you to the love of God, and to the hatred of Popery and superstition: He continued Doctor of the Chair twenty years, and was every way as famous for his Religion and holiness of life, as he was for his learning: when in his old age he grew weak and sickly, he spent all his time in fervent Prays, and heavenly Meditations: and when his end approached, he often sighed out Come, O Come Lord jesus, thou morning star: Come Lord jesus I desire to be dissolved, and to be with thee, and so he quietly departed in the Lord A●no Christi 1612. and of his age 73.  
And worthily doth Doctor Holland merit  
His predecessors praises to inherit:  
Who for's great learning and his parts most rare  
Was Regius Professor, Doct'r o'th' Chair:  
Of Exeter College with approbation  
Of all that knew him even to admiration:  
I th'Schoolmen, a●d the Fathers so well seen  
As if he had Seraphic Doctor been.  
A pious and most painful Preacher known  
A faithful zealous fr●end to Tr●th: and One  
That hearty did hate idolatry,  
Who as he lived, a precious Saint did die.   


JOHN BALE.  The Life and Death of John Bale.  
AMong those who in these latter times have laboured in throwing open the skirts of that Romish strumpet, who with her cup of fornication had a long time bewitched a great part of the Christian world; and laying open her abominations to the light of the Sun, and the sight of of the world; none have travelled more, nor taken pains to better purpose, than this our Countryman john Bale: whose troublesome life, tossed to and fro, and exposed to many dangers, difficulties and distresses, my purpose is briefly to relate in its most remarkable passages, that which is testified of him by that worthy and much renowned divine D. r Laurence Humphrey in a Poem of his entitled the Burden of Rome; wherein he affirmeth that V●rgerius had in this kind done somewhat, Platina much more, Luther very much or the most of any before him, but this our Bale, as much almost as could be, even all, if it were at least possible to rake up all the ●ilth and dirt of that vile ●inke and common sewer.  
He came into this world toward the midst of King Hen●y the seventh his reign, not many years after that famous and useful invention of printing was grown to some perfection, having not been above thirty years as yet in any use: by help whereof as learning and knowledge was generally much improved, and many Monuments preserved, that would otherwise have perished; so great use did this our Bale make of it (as we shall hereafter show) as well for the bringing to light of ancient Records, that had lain long bur●ey in the dark, and but for him might so have done in everlasting oblivion; as also for the publishing of many writings and works both of his own and other men's.  
He was borne in Suffolk, his Parents but of mean estate, nor free from Romish superstition, that then generally overspread the whole surface of this realm; by means of of their poverty and geeat charge being overburdened with a numerous issue, through the advice and persuasion of some of their blind leaders (such as those days afforded) perceiving the towardliness that then appeared in him yet a child, being but twelve years of age, he was placed in the Convent of Carmelite Friars at Norwich: In which place, as also afterward in the University of Cambridge, (whither he was from thence removed) he gave himself to the study of the Art●, and of Divinity, such as in those time● was in repute, yea alo●e publicly professed.  
But when the light of the Gospel, which had formerly for the most part been smothered and suppressed, began now to break forth, by the instigation of that right honourable and truly Noble Lord (for it is virtue and piety alone that affordeth true Nobility) the Lord Wentworth, he diverted his studies and applied himself now, not to rake any longer in those muddy streams, and miry puddles of Divinity falsely so termed, which he had plunged himself in before; but to repair directly to the wellhead, to betake himself to the fource of all true knowledge, to search into the written Word of God, where he might be sure to find the waters clean and clear, free from all impurity and mixture of humane invention; therein to dive, and thence to draw that which he might both drink deep of himself, and impart of to others without damage and detriment to himself.  
That which also accordingly he did. For not content to sell his own cistorns, and satisfy out of it his own thirst, he was desirous that what he had there drawn, should be derived also unto others, and should flow out to the like benefit and behafe unto them, as he had thereby formerly received himself, To this purpose he betook himself now to the pulpit; and what light of truth he had by his private studies, and God's blessing upon them attained, he made known in public to those that heard him.  
And having now wholly shaken of that yoke of his former superstitions profession (as the Word of God warrenteth, and the Apostle in ●uch case adviseth) he took him ● wife one Dorothy by name, & that name well deserving; a woman piously affected, & one that abode constantly with him, an inseparable and individual companion and copartner with him in all his troubles and exilments, which began shortly after to ensue.  
For through the malignity of those, who neither loved the light themselves, and endeavoured to keep others from fight of that which themselves neither loved nor liked, as being that which discovered their gross errors and foul abuses, he was quickly called in question, and much troubled and molested; first at York by Lee there Archbissiop (Erasmus his great, though unequal antagonist) for Preaching at Doncaster against invocation of Saints: and after that again at London by Stokesley their Bishop, (the main opposer of Alice the Scot, Bales intimate friend afterward, in defence of Popish errors and inventions) for matters of the like nature.  
Thus he soon found opposition, and met with much trouble (as what other was to be looked for?) for maintaining and publishing the truth of God, which could not yet be brooked, having so many, so mighty, and those no less malicious opponets.  
Howbeit he escaped, as well then, as oft after also out of their hands; God having still some further employments for him. For having by some elegant and pleasant Comedies, which he presented unto him, insinuated himself into the notice and favour of the Lord Cromwell, who was then grown to some greatness, being a favouror of the tru●h and the professors of it, he was by his means, as the Prophet jeremy sometimes by Ahikams, rescued out of their clutches (who otherwise would in likelehood, have crushed him) and continued quiet, while he stood.  
But after his unfortunate downfall and death, was under God his chief, yea alone protector, perceiving that though their former attempts against him had for the present been frustrate, yet their spite and malice towards him was enraged rather then abated, ready to break forth into action again, when opportunity should serve; that means of restraint being now removed, and persecution about the six Articles (commonly known by name of the whip with six strings) growing hot; he thought it his best and wisest course (the rather being tied to no particular charge) to leave the Land until times of more freedom might be, and to get over into Germany, where by Luther and other his assistants seconds their labours, many Churches had been establshed, and much liberty was afforded for the sincere profession of the Gospel.  
Unto that common refuge and receptacle of Gods persecuted people in those times, with much difficulty and hazard, at length he got and there abode as an exile for some eight years. During which time he was not idle, but diligently employed himself in writing and in publishing of many Treatises, tending most to the discovery of Romish errors, superstitions, idolotries and abominable practices, and to the manifestation and clearing of Gods saving truth.  
Thence upon the decease of King Henry the eight, being by his religious Son and successor King Edward called over again, and entertained a while in the family of that learned and pious Poynet then bishop of Winchester; he was shortly after by his Majesty preferred unto and settled in the Bishopric of Ossar in Ireland: whither being sent over freely at the Kings own charge, he was consecrated at Dublin by George Archbishop of that See, assisted by Thomas Bishop of Kildare, and Vrhane of Down.  
In this Seat he sat quietly Preaching Christ and salvation by him alone to his people, and labouring to withdraw them from Popish superstitions, during the reign of King Edward by whom he was there seated, expending most of hi● Episcopal revenue over & above the necessary expense of his family any relief of the poor, in furnishing himself with books of almanner of learning, such especielly as were then rare & not ordinarily to be had, as well manuscripts as printed one's; partly to preserve the perishing Monuments of antiquity, and partly from them to receive further & fuller information of the occurrents & carryages of former times: and what a multitude of Authors he had in that short time gathered togeter, may appear by a Catalogue of them left upon record by him, in the close of that laborious Work of his, his Centuries, to show what a treasure he was stripped of at his expulsion from his place.  
For after that half hours silence (as he styleth it, alluding to that of Saint john Apoc. 8.1.) and those few years of rest that God's people here enjoyed under that blessed servant of Christ King Edward; his succeeding sister raising up new tumults and with fire and fogot making havoc of the faithful; that seat grew too hot for him. And having therefore (as his own relation hath it) his books and chattels seized on (as once before) his servants some of them slain, others misused, and himself laid for, he was enforced with his wife, his ever undivided consort, to fly for his life; and purposed as himself saith, to have shaped his course for Scotland, hoping there to find some succour, as divers others driven hence at that time did. But man we say purposeth, and God disposeth: that project of his took not effect, God it seemeth intended him another way; for b●ing put out to sea, he was intercepted & surprised by wicked pirate's sea-robbers, of whom though he were stripped again and abused in most inhuman manner, (as little better could be expected at the hands of such) yet was he by God's good providence preserved among them, and delivered again from them, being ransomed by certain charitable and well-minded Merchants.  
Having regained his liberty, he got safe again into Germany, his former place of retreat, and the then Common sanctuary of Gods afflicted and distressed Saints. There he found entertainment with, and enjoyed the acquaintance of, most of the prime men of note for learning and relegion of those parts in those times, who some of them in their writings, especially for the notes of antiquity, and of authors both ours and others, do profess to have received no small light from his writings and observations.  
For during the time of his abode in those parts, among other his labours (being never out of action) he compiled ●hat vast Catalogue of Euglish Scottish and Irish writers, a work of exceeding great pains and industry, that many of them and others since have made much use of: wherein also by the way he hath inserted the lives, Acts and carriages of the Roman Popes; that the world might see and know, what manner of men, or monsters rather, many of them have been, and how far unlike unto Christ, who yet have given themselves out to be Christ's Vicars, and the chief pillars of his Church.  
Shortly after the happy entrance of that blessed Princess Q. Elizabeth, when the storm raised by her sister Mary was now laid, he returned over again into England: & as it seemeth, stepped over from thence into Ireland, to visit (it may be) his former flock (if any faithful of them were remaining yet) there; or to look after his library, if he might light upon any remains of it in those places where it had been disor in the hands of those that had seized upon it. But he survived not long to enjoy either the peaceable times of God's Church here reestablished, or the comfort of his people, if he found any left there, or the use and benefit of his books, if he recovered any of them.  
For it is by some reported, that he died in Ireland at sixty and seven years of age, in the year of our Lord 1558. which yet for the year of his decease may seem not so to be: since that his Catalogue or Centuries of our Brittin Writers, Printed by him at Basile, while he yet abode in those parts, is dedicated by himself to Queen Elizabeth then settled in the throne of this kingdom, who began her reign but in the latter part of that year: besides that the latter part of that impression beareth date the Month of February 1559. as al●o some verses prefixed before the whole Work, wherein mention is made also of Queen Elizabeth's reign, and of the Authors then taking leave of his friends in those parts, and intendment of return with his wife for England again, bear date of March the same year: which though they may be supposed to imply the close of the year 58. according to our computation, who begin th● year at the latter end of March, whereas they begin it at the first of january, yet some space of time must be allowed for his travel out of Swii●serland into England, and from thence again into Ireland if there he deceased. And it may well be deemed therefore that he survived, if not to 1560. yet to 59 at least: But this I leave to those that have more certain records of it: nor is the thing itself much material.  
His Wokes for the most part, as himself hath related and ranked them, together with some few omitted by him, and added by others, are these.  
First those that he compiled while he was yet a Papists.  
1 A Bundle of things worth the knowing. 2 The Writers from Elias. 3 The Writers from Berthold. 4 Additions to Trithemius. 5 German Collections. 6 French Collections. 7 English Collections. 8 Divers writings of divers learned men. 9 A Catalogue of Generals. 10 The Spiritual War. 11 The Castle of Peace. 12 Sermons for Children. 13 To the Synod at Hull. 14 An answer to certain Questions. 15 Addition to Palaonydorus. 16 The History of Patronage. 17 The Story of Simon the Englishman. 18 The Story of Frank of Seine in Italy. 19 The Story of Saint Brocard. 20 A Commentary on Mantuanis Preface to his Fasti.  
Secondly those that he wrote after that he had renounced Popery.  
First, in Latin. 1 The Heliades of the English. 2 The British writers. 3 Notes on the three Tomes of Walden. 4 On his Bundle of Tares. 5 On Polydore of the first invention of things. 6 On Textors' Officine. 7 On Capgraves' Catalogue. 8 On Barnes his lives of Popes. 9 The Acts of the Popes of Rome. 10 A Translation of Thorps' Examination into Latin. 11 That of British writers much enlarged with the lives and Acts of the Bishops of Rome inserted. 12 An Additton of Scottish, Irish and other writers.  
2 In English. 1 In English Meeter, and divers sorts of Verse.  
1 The life of John Baptist. 2 Of John Baptists Preaching. 3 Of Christ's Tentatinus. 4 Two Comedies of Christ's Baptism and Tentations. 5 A Comedy of Christ at twelve years old. 6 A Comedy of the raising of Lazarus. 7 A Comedy of the High Priests Council. 8 A Comedy of Simon the Leper. 9 A Comedy of the Lords Supper, and the washing of the Deisciples feet. 10 Two Comedies (or Tragedies rather) of Christ's Passion. 11 Two Comedies of Christ's burial and Resurrection. 12 A Poem of God's Promises. 13 Against those that pervert God's Word. 14 Of the corrupting of God Laws. 15 Against Carpers and Traducers. 16 A defence of King John. 17 Of King Henry's two Marriages. 18 Of Popish Sects. 19 Of Papists Treacheries. 20 Of Thomas Beckets Impostures. 21 The Image of love. 22 Pammachius his Tragedy's, translated into English. 23 Christian Sonnets.  
2 In English Prose. 1 A Commentary on Saint John's Apocalypse. 2 A Locupletation of the pocalypse. 3 Wicklefs War with the Papists. 4 Sir John Oldcastles Trials. 5 An Apology for Bernes. 6 A defence of Grey against Smith. 7 John Lambert's Confession. 8 Anne Askews Martyrdom. 9 Of Luthirs Decease. 10 The Bishops Koran. 11 The man of Sinne. 12 The Mystery of Iniquity. 13 Against Antichrists or false Christ's. 14 Against Baal's Priests, or Balaamites. 15 Against the Clergies single life. 16 A dispatch of Popish Vows and Priesthood. 17 The Acts of English Votaries in two parts. 18 Of Heretics indeed. 19 Against the Popish Mass. 20 The Drunkards Mass. 21 Against Popish persuasions. 22 Against Standish the Imposture. 23 Against Bonner's Articles. 24 Certain Dialogues. 25 To Elizabeth the King's daughter. 26 Against customary swearing. 27 On Mantuane of death. 28 A Week before God. 29 Of his Calling to a Bishopric. 30 Of Lelands' journal, or an Abridgement of Leland, with Additions. 31 A Translation of Sebald Heydens' Apology against Sal●e Regina. 32 A Translation of Gardiner's Oration of true Obedience, and Bonner's Epistle before it; with a Preface to it, Notes on it, and an Epilogue to the Reader.  
Many other things he compiled, translated and published which neither himself could suddenly call to mind, nor others easily light on, who yet have added to his recital. But it may well be admired, how being so haunted, hunted, chased and hurried as he was from pillar to post, and so oft stripped both of books and other helps, he could come to the sight and view of so many Authors; much more, how he should have time to survey such a multitude of them, as by his writings it appeareth he did; and most of all, how he should be able to write so many volumes (to go no further) as you see here related, although some of them were but small. His industry therefore is very remarkable, which as it accompanied him to the last; so it surviveth his decease, in the fruit of it with us, and in the reward of it to him.  
Lo here the man who stirred Rome's common shore  
Until it stunk, and stunk him out of door.  
Twlve years he served the Babylonian with;  
Drank of her cup and wallowed in her ditch,  
Until the sunshine of diviner Truth  
Shot saving Beams into his hopeful youth:  
And led him thence to serve another Saint  
Whose mirth was ●eares, whose freedom was restraint;  
Whose progress was a banishment; whose food  
Was want and Famine, and whose drink was blood:  
His days were full of troubles, and his nights  
Were sad exchanges stored with fears and frights:  
His wealth was Poverty, his peace was strife,  
His life was death: His death eternal life.   


ANDREA'S GERARDUS HYPERIUS  The Life and Death of Andraeas Gerardus.  
IN the year of our Lord 1511. this Andraeus Gerardus was born at Hyperi●, a strong and populous Town situate within the Province of Flanders: his Father was a man of great estimation amongst the inhabitants of the same town by reason of his singular knowledge in the Law; his Mother was descended from one of the Noblest families of that Province; both of them being careful of the education of th●s Gerardus, they sent him unto jacobus Papa (a famous and excellent Poet) to be instructed in the knowledge of the tongues, which he attained unto in short time, partly by the care of this jacobus, and partly by the help of johannes Sepanus, being an assistant unto jacobus Papa, a man excellently learned, and very skilful both in the Greek and in the Hebrew tongue, where he continued until he came unto the age of 13. years, at which time he desired to be acquainted with the French tongue, and for that cause he became an Auditor unto johannes Lactaeus, a man learned and eloquent who publicly taught the French tongue in those parts; here he remained for the space of one year, and afterwards by the advice of his father he was sent unto Tourney, where a public School was newly erected for the information of youth in the Latin, Greek & Hebrew tongues; but the discipline of that School being not pleasing unto his father he took him from thence again intending to have him instructed in manners aswell as in learning, wherefore he intended to send his unto Lavan an Academy in Brabant, but hearing that too much liberty was there given and granted unto youth, whereby they came to be corrupted with many vices, he altered his purpose, and bethought himself of sending him unto Paris, where he himself in his youth had studied; but that determination was also hindered by the continued wars betwixt Charles the fift Emperor of Germany, and Francis King of France: wherefore he resolved to keep him at home for a space until he could dispose of him according to his mind, employing him in the writing of such thinks as pertain to the office of a Lawyer's Clerk, in which action he continued so long that he had almost forgotten whatsoever he had learned before: now in the year 1525. it pleased God to call for his father out of this vale of misery, who on his death bed straight charged and commanded his Mother to send Gerardus unto Paris, that so he might go forward in his studies; as soon as the War● were quieted in France betwixt the Emperor and the King, which fell out in the year 1528. then went Gerardus unto Pari●, being furnished with Commendatory letters unto Antonius Helhucius, then Senator of the Parliament, ●nd unto johannes Campis Licenciate in Divinity, who were also entreated to furnish him with things necessary for his study's, if hi● mother were hindered by the continuation of the Wars, from the performance of the ●ame; this johannes de Campi● seeing the hopefulness of the youth, kept him in his own house the space of one year, where he attained unto great perfection in Logic, the year following he w●nt unto Paris, where he acquainted himself with I●●●●imus Bingelbi●gu●● B●aban●er, a man excellently qualified, from whom Gerard●s received good instructions touching a methodical manner of proceeding in his studies; after that h● had continued here for the space of three years, for the better retaining of t●at learning which he had gotten, he privately read both Logic and Rhetoric unto others, himself remaining still an Auditor unto the public explanation of Aristotle's Physics in the Schools.  
In the year following he desired to see Flanders, and to visit his friends, and to know how much of that Portion was remaining which his Father had left him for the prosecution of his studies: which being done, and finding a sufficient competency to remain, which would keep him ● long time at the University, he returned unto Paris again, with and an intent to addict himself unto studies of greater moment, and so he forthwith entered upon the study of Divinity, for which Paris at that time was famous and taking a great delight therein, he daily frequented the Divinity Schools, so as he came to be of a singular judgement in matters of Controversies, and at vacant times he would be take himself unto the Physic Lectures, unto which h● had a natural inclination, he would also be familias with Cleonard, S●urmius, Latomus, then public professors of the Tongues in the same University.  
Having now well furnished himself with knowledge, he desired to take a view of other Countries and Provinces, lying within the Kinodome of France, and that for two causes, first that he might prrfect himself in the French Tongue, and secondly that he might have a fuller understanding of the custom and disposition of that Nation, and so leaving of the University, he travelled through most parts of France, where having given satisfaction unto himself, he shaped his coarse towards Italy, taking a full view of that part which lieth between the Alps and Bononia: being now about the age of twenty four years, he returned out of Italy into Flanders in the year 1535. From whence he went unto Lovan, because he had sent his library from Paris unto the same place, and having safely disposed of the same, he betook himself again to tramell, viewing almost all Lower Germany (viz) Gilderland, Brabant, Cleveland, Vtrecht, Freezland, Holland and Zealand, and from hence in the year of our Lord 1537. and in the twenty six year of his age he went into upper Germany, to take view of such ●●mous & learned men as were to be found in those parts, in which peregrination he saw Colen, Marpurge, E●ford, Lipsie●, and Wittenberg: and then returned again into Flanders, where he was set upon by some of his friends, who advised him to betake himself unto some stayed course of life, seeing that his patrimony was all spent, the grates● part in the University, the remainder in his travels: unto which just demand and desire of his friends, he was soon persuaded to subscribe and consent, and forthwith began seriously to consider with himself, how he might obtain a place, wherein he might exercise his gifts for the general good of the Country; whilst he was busy about that matter, his friends had obtained by letters pattens from the Pope that a large stipend should be yearly given unto him, out of t●e revenues of an adjacent Abbey for his maintenance, upon condition that johannes Charondiletus (than Chancellor unto the Emperor, and Arthbishop of Panorma) would give his free assent thereunto: but (the Providence of God so disposing) he was not only denied the same by the said Archbishop, but he was also threatened with the loss of his life, because is was declared unto him, that G●rardus had of late been in higher G●rmany, unto which place it was not lawful for any student to go lest he should be infected with the purity of the doctrine taught in the reformed Churches.  
This expectation of himself and also of his friends being now made voids and having no hopes of getting preferment thereabouts, because the Archbishop appeared his professed enemy; by the advice of some godly and learned men, and also because he would not be burdensome unto his friends● he was resolved to travel again, and so determined to view that other part of Italy, which he had not seen, but here he was again hindered by the violence of those Wars which at that time raged betwixt the Emperor and the King of France; wherefore he being by this occasion deprived of the sight of Italy, he shipped himself for England (intending not to visit France or Germany any more) because he might easily understand in that place by letters continually sent from his friends, how all things went in Flanders, and whether there were any hopes of obtaining preferment in those parts: after his arrival in England, as he used in other foreign parts, so he here also enqured after such as were esteemed the leanedest Scholars, by which means he addressed himself unto Charles Mon●joy the Son of William Montjoy Knight Baron, a man much commended and approved of by Erasmus Roterdamus in his writings, and of great learning in those days, who conferring after a friendly manner with Gerardus concerning many matters, and thereby perceiving his more than ordinary parts, received him into his house, and withal conferred an annual stipend on him, and that after a bountiful manner; which wa● so well pleasing unto Gerardus, that he continued four ye●r● with thi● Montjoy, in which time he profited much in the knowledge of humane and divine learning.  
In the year 1540 with the consent of Charles Montjoy, h● went to take view of the University of Cambridge, about which time there were great troubles in the Church of England: the Lord Cromwell was beheaded, others were burned for their zealous profession of the truth, many also were put to death for denying the King to be supreme head of the Church under Christ. Proclamations were every where set up against exotics, and those full of peril and danger; which caused Gerardus to enter into a consideration of returning again into Germany, yet before his departure from England, he resolved to recreate himself with the fight of that other fountain of learning (viz.) Oxford, from whence he returned to London, where (after that he had prepared and fitted himself with things necessary for his journey) he not without great sorrow took his leave of his liberal and loving Master, who earnehly entreated him to continue longer with him, but by no means he could be enduced and persuaded thereunto, but forthwith he directed his course towards An●werp, a famous City in Brabant, from whence he went again into Flanders, and for a season he there continued amongst his friends: during his abode in that place he heard of the fame of Bucer, and of the flourishing School at Stra●burge, both which but especially the fame of Buc●r alured him to take view of that part of high Germany; wherefore without any delay he sets forward toward Strasburge, taking Marpurge in his way, that he might take order for the conveying of his books and trunks unto Frank●furt, and secondly because he knew that he could maintain himself at a cheaper rate during his abode there then in any other place situate on the banks of Rhine, and thirdly because he hoped that he should easily obtain comm●ndatory letters unto the learned Professors at S●rsburge in that place, and especially by the means of Gerardus Noviomagus, a man of good estimation, who also had formerly known this Gerardus, and had lived also himself sometimes at Strasburge.  
Maviomagus h●ving notice of the coming of Andraeas Gerardus unto M●rpurge, he kindly invited him unto his lodging, where they met with mutual embracing, being exceeding joyful of the presence of each other; not long after Gerardus discovering unto Naviomagus the causes of his coming unto that place, together with his intent for Strasburge, he was desired ●o remain at Marpurge, and withal he was promised faithfully by Naviomagus that he would procure him not only employment, but also a sufficient stipend for the performance of the same; Gerardus well perceiving the entire love and sincere affection of his old friend consented and remained, expecting preferment in the same place; whereupon assoove as johannes Ficinus their Chancellor was returned home from an assembly appointed at Reinspurge, Naviomagus entered into discourse with him concerning Gerardus, and withal declared that by reason of his sickness he was not able to perform that place whereunto he was called, desired that Gerardus might be approved and allowed to be an assistant unto him in the performance of the place: the motion was well liked of Ficinus, who forthwith called Gerardus unto him, and wished him to remain at Marpurge, and to make trial of his gifts in that place, which if they were approved of, he promised him a sufficient pension for his labours; but Gerardus was so well approved in that place by his Auditors, that after the death of Naviomagus, he was chosen and appointed to be his successor in the performance of a pastoral office, which he faithfully discharged with so great labour and zeal, for the Propacating of the truth the space of twenty two years, that besides his appointed times and seasons, he would make use of vacant hours for the performance of the same.  
Here he commanded the public exercise of Preaching in the School●, appointed texts unto the young Divines to treat of, he would view and correct their Sermons before they were delivered in the Pulpit, nay he would cause them to deliver them privately in his study, before he would permit them to deliver them unto the public Congregation; that if there were any defect in voice or gesture it might happily be amended.  
He much praised those who performed their actions well, contrariwise he severely rebuked those which were negligent & slothful, and as it were forceably compelled and constrained them unto a greater diligence; he would daily examine them in points of Divinity, desire their opinions concerning difficult questions, explain and open unto them hard texts of Scriptures; insomuch, that in short time he was the Author of much good unto the young Students: these this he performed without the expectation of any reward.  
He entered also into a serious meditation of the reformation of Religion in the Churches; he desired to conform the Citizens of Hassia, unto the example of the Primitive Church; he desired to remove many relics of superstition out of the Church; he desired to establish that Ecclesiastical discipline which was ready to fall, unto the great detriment of the Church.  
In the midst of these heavenly cogitations, it pleased the Lord to send his messenger for him, which he well perceiving by the continual increasing of his pains; he desired to have the Communion administered unto him, afterwards he told his wife what he would have done after his death; after that he had instructed his children how they should carry themselves towards God, and how towards their mother, and how towards men: and his youngest son standing amongst them, h● laid his hand on his head uttering these Words, discemi fili mandata domini, & ipse ena●riet te: Keep the commandaments of the Lord, my son, and he will provide for thee: then ●urning himself to those who were present, he declare● unto them that he died in that faith which he had constantly professed so many years in that City; which words being spoken, he fell asleep, and was buried at Marpurge in the year our Lord 1564. and in the 53. year of his life.  
All things which are to be required in a Teacher, are to be found in this Gerardus; first he was learned, and his learning was also joined with experience, secondly, he had an excellent faculty and method of teaching; thirdly, he was laborious in his function; fourthly, he was grav●; fifthly, of an unspotted life and conversations he was modest patiented and constant, all which sufficiently declare that he was set apart by the Lord for the converting of many souls unto Christ. His Works which he left unto the world as a rich legacy are here set down.  
1 A Commentary on the twentieth Psalm. 2 On the twelft Psalm. 3 A method for a Preacher. 4 On the Romans. 5 Of reading and meditating the Scriptures. 6. Method of Theologie. 7 Theological Topics. 8 Catechism.  
Other Works in two Tomes.  
First, 1 Of the study of the Scripture. 2 Of the institution of Colleges. 3 A trial of students. 4 Of Catechising. 5 Of justification by faith. 6 Of Beneficence to the poor. 7 Of Feasts.  
Tome 2.  
1 Of the duty of hearers. 2 Of Providence. 3 Of Selfe-examination. 4 Of the marriage of Ministers. 5 Of the Sacraments. 6 Notes upon Aristotle's Ethics. 7 Physics. 8 Logic. 9 Rhetoric. 10 Arithmetic. 11 Gromaticke. 12 Cosmographik. 13 Optics. 14 Astronomy.  
Set forth after his death.  
1 Annotations of Isaiah. 2 Commentaries on the Galathians. 3 Ephesians. 4 Philippians. 5 Colossians. 6 Thessalonians. 7 Timothy. 8 Titus. 9 Philemon. 10 jude. 11 Hebrews.  
You that desire to lead a life  
Free from th'encumbrances of strife  
Draw near, and with a careful ●row,  
Let brave Gerardu● teach you how.  
Reader, observe and thou shalt find,  
By travel he inrtched his mind:  
His active heart was always free  
To Propagate true piety.  
He always studied to displace  
Errors from the Church's face:  
He gained no envy, but from those  
That were Religion's chiefest fo●●.  
He would persuade, entreat, advise  
His Fellow-preachers to despise,  
Those fruits of Idleness which he defied.  
Thus lived Gerardu●, thus Gerardus died.   


ARETIUS BENEDICTUS.  The Life and Death of Aretius Benedictus.  
AS the Lord hath never been wanting unto his Church both in these and in foreign parts, in the stirring up of painful and ●ealous Watchmen for the Propagating of his truth, and for the enlightening of the understanding of those whom he had elected unto salvation in Jesus Christ, so he hath not been deficient in procuring the affection of eminent persons towards the same Professors, by whose means, they have been defended and sheltered against the inviterate malice both of the Devil and his members. Malicious enemies unto the Word of truth, amongst whom the Senate of Berna may justly receive worthy Commendations, for the constant love showed unto the zealous professors of the truth, it being indeed the main pillar which doth support the welfare of a Commonwealth, and which doth draw down a blessing from heaven upon their intended designs.  
In this ●amous City was Benedictus Aretius borne a faithful & zealous professors of the truth of Christ: being beautified with excellent endowments, both of learning and piety, which did sufficiently testify that he was set apart by the Lord for the winning of many unto Christ.  
He spent his youth in his own Country amongst the Swissers, wherein he was instructed and trained up in the knowledge of the Arts: but aiming at a greater perfection & labouring ●or a sounder judgement in the works & writings of other learned and Orthodox men, he left his Country for a season and went unto Marpurg, where by reason of his eminent gifts and qualities he gained the love of many learned Scholars: and was designed and oppointed to read the Logic Lecture in the same place; which after he had performed for the space of some years, to the great profit of his Auditors, to the never dying fame of himself, and to the general applause of all the City; having also attained in some measure to that perfection, which he had formerly desired, he returned again unto Berne where he was joyfully received and by a general consent, appointed to open the Scriptures, and to instruct the inhabitants in the way of life; in which exercise he observed such an edifying method both in his public reading and Preaching, that he drew great multitudes of people unto him, who beholding his proceed with great admiration, with one consent praised the Lord for sending so learned and so painful an instrument among them, for the planting of the truth in their hearts.  
So excellent was his form of teaching that many Divines came unto his Lectures, not only for the information of their judgements in matters of Controversies, but also to learn his method of teaching; which being obtained by some, they proved excellent instruments in the Church for the converting of the lost sheep of Israel; and many would not in public make trial of their own parts, before they had continued for a season to be his Auditors. His writings were greatly in request, and desired greatly of all that either knew him or heard of him, but especially his labours in Divinity: one of his books called Eramen Theologic●m came to the Press twelve times within the space of three years, which doth declare the excellency and how useful and beneficial it was unto the Church in those times, and in these days also it is a Work fit to be perused of all such as do intent the study of Divinity.  
After that he had continued this constant course of teaching in the City of Berne, for the space of many years, to the great furtherance of the glory of God and benefit of his Church, it pleased the Lord to take him unto himself, and to Crown him with a diadem of everlasting glory with the rest of his holy Saints in the year of grace 1574. the twentieth two of April, his death was much lamented by the Citizens of Berne, who received some comfort by the beholding of those excellent and learned Treatises which he left behind him, as so many never dying testifications of his zeal, for the advancing of the Gospel of Christ.  
1 A form for Students. 2 Two tables of the Hebrew Grammar. 3 A trial for Divines. 4 The History of Valentine the Gentile. 5 A censure of the propositions of the Catabaptists. 6 Two Treatises of the sacred Scriptures. 7 Common places of Divinity. 8 Lectures on the Lord's Supper. 9 Commentaries on the four Evangelists. 10 On the Acts of the Apostles. 11 An jitroduction unto the reading of Saint Paul's Epistles. 12 Commentaries on all his Epistles. 13 On the Revelation. 14 Physical Works of Compositions and their degrees.  
His name bespeaks him happy, and his worth  
Swells high enough to set his praises forth  
In ample volumes; for his soul was lined  
With true Divinity; his serious mind●  
Was always active, labouring to invest  
Distressed souls with true angellike rest:  
Let his examples teach us how to be  
Content in truth, and love Divinity;  
That so at last we may receive those gaives  
That daily wait upon celestial strains.   


MATHEW PARKER.  The Life and Death of Matthew Parker.  
IN the year of grace 1504 the nineteenth year of the reign of King Henry the seventh was this worthy Pralate Matthew Parker borne at Norwich, on the sixth day of August. His Father William Parker a Citizen of that City, though of no great eminent note, yet of honest repute and of a competent estate, and descended from an ancient Family of that name; the dignity whereof in the person of this Matthew was not revived only, but much advanced. His Father being taken from him in the time of his minority, he was by the careful provision of Alic● Parker his mother now a widow trained up in good literature, until he attained to the age of eigh●een years: who then as a discreet woman and regardful of her child's good, that those rudiments of learning which he had already received, might not be lost, but improved and further addition made thereunto, procured his entrance into Corpus Christi College in Cambridge about the fourteenth year of King Henry the eighth, where she was resolved to make what shift she could to maintain him, until he had attained that for which she desired to place him there, to wit, ability for employment in some learned function.  
There being entered he so carried himself, and gave so good proofs of his parts and pregnancy, that within a few months he was chosen Scholar of the house, having a Bible-Clearkes place conferred upon him, and so his Mother eased of her charge. Having after that taken his first degrees, and being made Fellow of the house, he began to addict himself mainly unto the study of Divinity, and therein made good progress. Nor was he either of the number of those that will be flying out of the nest before they be well fledged, and teaching of others ere they have learned aught themselves, or yet of those that are wont to wrap up their talon in a towel, and whelm their light under a bushel, regarding more their own ease then the benefit of others, & the end whereunto their studies should tend; but after some four or five years spent in furnishing himself with 〈…〉 th●●ulpit, he began now to look abroad into the neighbouring place●, and considering wha● great need the people had of instruction in thos● blind an● dark times, wherein the lights were grown dim● and vision was ge●son, and because so rare, the more pr●●ious; he employed himself diligently, as occasion and opportunity was offered in dilivering out the Word of God unto them, and that in an other manner of way, than was usual in tho●e days.  
By means hereof notice taken of his diligence and dexterity therein, that he might the more freely make use of of his talon without opposition or disturbance, he had Authority granted him by the King's letters patent and the Archbishop's general licence, to preach where he would without control: with this power backed, he launched further out; and being not as yet tied to any special charge he bestowed his labours sometime in one place, sometime in another; & that in the most eminent Cities & other parts of the realm, where he deemed most good might be done & was not long after called to be Chaplain in ordinery to Queen Anne, th● pious Mother of that heroical princess o● blessed memory Queen Elizabeth; by whose favour al●o he was made Deane of Stoke in Suffolk, where he caused a school● to be erected for the education and training up of youth in good literature.  
Aft●r the unfortunate death of Queen Anne, he was by the King taken into his ●ervice. And having now taken the degree of Doctor in Divinity, he was by his Majesty's special letters of recommendation, chosen Master of the College, wherein he had been both Scholar and Fellow b●fore: the College not long after by unanimous consent ●e●ling also upon him the benefice of Landbeach in the I'll of Ely, not far from Cambridge.  
The for● mentioned preferments he retained during the whol● residue of King Henry's lif● and reign; continuing still constant in the exercise of his ministry; unto the happy entrance of that relious Prince, and of wisdom and understanding above his years, King Edward. At which time albeit the Deanery of Stoke were dissolved, Doctor ●arker much grieving for it● and withstanding it wha● he could the rather in regard of the School annexed to it and depending upon it; yet had he in lieu of it a yearly pension assigned unto him out of the King's exquecher: and being by him also entertained, as by his Father before him, he was further advanced by him (so well he esteemed of him) to the Deanery of Lincoln and the prebendary of Coldingham in the same Church.  
Thus continued he in a plentiful and worshipful estate, until the untimely death of that mirror of Princes, and the disastrons' succ●ssion of his Sister Queen Mary; when true religion was suppressed, superstition reestablished, and those godly Teachers that continued constant in the profession of Christ's truth were deposed, jected, stripped of their means and maintenance, and constrained either to fly the land or lie hid, unless they would expose themseleves to fire and faggot; the best and ●east they could look for, if they came into the hands of those, who had never learned what mercy meant. But these violent courses now taking place, this reverend man among others, who stuck still to the better, though now weaker side, was constrained to leave all and to shift for himself: and the rather for that he had married a wife, a woman of good note (by whom in process of time he had three Sons, whereof two survived him) as a thing though allowable, not by God's Word alone, but by the Laws of the Land also then in full force● yet by their Popish Canons inhibited and condemned as a foul and heinous crime: with his wife therefore (whom he would not dismiss yet all that time) and such issue as he had then by her, he kept close in a friend's house; though leading a poor and obscure life in very mean estate, without any aid or secure from abroad, yet in regard of his rest and freedom ●or study, with such contentment, as that divers times he professed he should not have desired any other condition, save for the fear of danger both to himself and his friend; which could not but much distracted.  
But the fury and rage of those times being over (as nothing violent we say lasteth long; it was but a storm, though a fierce and a fiery one; but a shower, though a shower wherein it reigned blood in abundance) a great calm ensued by the laying of her, who had raised it, to rest; and the raising up of her Sister, one of a far other spirit in her room, upon whose happy entrance among others that had lain hid, wanting means and opportunity to escape otherwise; this our Matthew came abroad again, and was by that blessed servant of God Queen Elizabeth, whose mother he had formely attended on unto her d●ath, advanced to the Archbishopric of Canterbury, lately become vacant by the decease of the Cardinal Reginald Poole departing not many hours after his Mistress and kinswoman Queen Mary; and was thereunto consecrated in the Chapel of the Palace at Lambeth, on the seventeenth of December, in the year of grace 1559. by William Barl●e Bishop of Bath and Wells, Miles Coverdale Bishop of Excester, john Scory Bishop of Chichester, and john Hodgekin Suffragan of Bedford, being the seventieth from Augustine the first of that See, and the first that without power or palls from the Pope, and such frivolous rites of the Romanists use, was enthronised in that seat.  
Being thus suddenly now, as joseph sometime in Egypt, not freed only from his fears and confinement, but advanced to the highest pitch of Ecclesiastical preferment that our Church and State afford, and others by degrees are wont to climb up to, he was nothing thereby altered (as in such ca●e too oft it falleth out) but demeaned himself still like himself. Nor did his true worth ever more than now manifest itself, when by his wise, discreet and temperate carriage in so sodame a passage from so low a downfall to so high an ascent, he shown himself a man able to manage either condition, and (that which is the gift of a very few) to walk steadily and eavenly in either. For neither was he hereupon, either puffed up with pride, though honours suddenly atcheived are over pron● to swell up; or overwrought to a neglect of his Ministerial employments, which such places oft much impeach; or surprised with a tenatious and avaricious disposition, as is wont to befall those that come hungry to such preferments, and have had former experience of the fickleness of them. For he carried himself in a meek and mild manner toward all sorts, even the meanest; with much discretion in regard of the diversities of judgements, which could not but be great and not easy to accord in ●hose times, when such extremity of heat had so lately been exercised by some of the one side against the other: with great gentleness and patience toward men of hot and high stomack●, though without any base and servile either condescending to them or complying with them; with much lenity and forbearance towards persons faulty and delinquent, thereby to win them to better courses, until they seemed to be incorrigible; and with no less kind encouragements in every kind to those, of his Clergy espcially, whom he perceived to be well affected, of honest carriage, and diligent and industrious in their places. To which purpose also he visited his whole Province, not by deputies or substitutes, but in per●on himself. And, albeit his means at present could be no other than very short and mean, having been wholly stripped some years passed of all his yearly revenues, and constrained to live with his charge on such small stock as he had lying by him all the time of his concealment; and the place he was preferred to as yet rather enforced him to further and far greater expense than affording means to discharge the same; yet such was his free, liberal, ingenuous and generous disposition, that (the like whereof I suppose hath been seldom or never done by any other, either before him or since him) he freely an frankly remitted unto his whole Clergy those fees that dunder the title of Procurations are generally and justly at such times demanded. And for the better encouragement of those of the Ministry to the constant and diligent execution of their duty in instructing the people commited unto their charge (because examples much move, and great men's actions are more exemplary) notwithstanding his manifold distractions & various employments by occasion of his place, he forbear not frequently to preach (as his other important and more public affairs permitted) sometime in his own Cathedral Church, and at other times in the Towns and Villages abroad continuing constant in that his painful practice amid much weakness and craziness, the attendants of old age.  
In that seat he sat fifteen years and five months'. During which time (that which is not found to have befallen any of his either predecessors or successors) he either consecrated or confirmed the Bishops of all the seats throughout the whole land; yea all of them, one alone excepted, within his first three years; and that one to wit of L●ndaffe ● in his seventh.  
He deceased May the seventeenth 1575. having passed over, without any grievous disaster, to speak of (his party share in that general calamity of the godly in Queen Mary's time only excepted) the term of seventy and one years. His common Motto which he had oft in his mouth, and caused to be painted on the walls of his house and the glass of his windows (as one in the greatest height of worldly honour, minding and meditating on the vanity of this world and the things of it) was that of S●. john, The World passeth away, and the Concupiscence of it, 1. john 2.17.  
Before his decease some space of time, the better to mind him of his mortality, he caused his monument or tomb to b● made of plain black marble, and to be placed in the Chapel of Lambeth house, where he received his Archepiscopall consecration: in which also according to his Will so disposing it, his corpse lieth enclosed (no other having place of sepulture besides himself in that Chapel) with this Epitaph, (composed by Docton Haddon sometime one of his officers, and afterward one of the Masters of Request to Queen Elizabeth) engraven thereupon.  
Matthew Parker lived sober and wise;  
Learned by study and continual pactise;  
Loving, true, of life uncontrolled:  
The Court did foster him both young and old.  
Ordeely he dealt, the right he did defend:  
He lived unto God; to God he made his end.  
The reason why he desired to have his remains these reposed, in a vault for the receipt thereof purposely framed, was (a● by some is reported) for that a great Noble man in hig●st favour in those times, having laboured earnestly to get that hous● from the Sea, this our Archbishop therein stiffly and stoutly withstood him, and by earnest solicitation obtained from the Queen's Majesty this promise, that he should never have it so long as the Archbishop abode there: which he therefore (to add the stronger obligation to that promise) took order it should be as well after his decease as before.  
He was a man of a grave aspect, and of a stayed and settled carriage, of a mild disposition, and courteous demeanour, a favoure● of learned men, and a lover and promoter a● well of learning as of Religion: and as in other thin●●, so ●●p●ially in his disposition concerning these outw●●d things of a marv●ilous wise and discreet temper, as provident and frugal (without any taint of base courses, wherewith many, use to to suppl● and support their prodigality, making in that ●e hook and crook with the one hand, that wickedly and wastefully they fling as fast away with the other) otherwise the revenues of his Se●, being by some sinister courses formerly much impaired, could never have enabled him to do as he did: so yet withal very bountiful, yea magnificent● much addicted to hospitality, and very regardful both of his own credit, and of the honour and dignity of his place. For first he was careful ●o repair the Palace at Canterbury, being almost wholly ruined and ready to fall to the ground: the restauration whereof performed, not in necessary only, but in beautiful and stately manner stood him in 1400 ●. The like care & charge he was at with the Palace of Lambeth b●ing much out of repair (which he also much enlarged) and with the Quires of the Churches, annexed to his See, being many, and the most of them much decayed. And whereas for the repair and furniture of those and other his houses, he was feign to take many materials and commodities on trust, very careful was he to see in due time all such debts discharged, that no danger or damage might accrue unto those; who perceiving his disposition this way and how much he abhorred to run long behind hand with any, were right willing and ready upon all occasions to supply him with whatsoever he required.  
Besides that, in his entertainments he was very free, yea magnificent upon special occasions: as in that sumptuous and well ordered Feast made by him at the time of the Assizes, upon the finishing of that stately Hall re-edified at Canterbury; and the like at some other solemn times; to say nothing of a liberal table constantly maintained with him for the ordinary entertainment of his own Retinue and such company as commonly repaired to him, and the relief of the poorer sort.  
Nor did his liberality and bounty die with him, but survived him in many monuments and fruits of it remarkable: For he founded a free School at Rochdale in Lancashire. In the diocese of Norwich he took order for six Sermons to be Preached yearly at certain times in five several parishes with consideration for the same. To the City of Norwich where he was born, he gave a Basin & Ewer of silver & gelt of 173. ounces, and fifty shillings by the year, to be constantly distributed among the poor there. To Corpus Christi College in Cambridge, where he had been trained up, he gave lands for the maintenance of two Fellows and thirteen Scholars; three hundred and ten ounces of plate; the perpetual Advowson of Saint Mary Ab-Church in London; a lease for seventeen years of fourteen pounds eight shillings by the year, and an hundred pounds to purchase lands for the mainetainance of a ●ire in the Common hall there from the first of November to the last of Fabruary: besides all this he built for them their inner Library, with two Chambers adjoining to it; and furnished it with no small number of Books, some printed ones, some Manuscripts of no small value. To G●nwell and Cajus College he g●ve likewise a silver and gelt cup of fifty and six ounces, besides three other of lesser size, and divers books. To Trinity Hall a Scholarship, and the like quantity of Plate and books. And lastly (over and besides many other sums and gifts for other the like pious uses) to the University Library, an hundred choice books, fifty printed, fifty written, very precious and rare ones.  
His care and study indeed was (spa●ing therein no expense) to gather together and preserve such monuments of antiquity as might give light to the stories of former times, or be useful otherwise. And here, because the book of God justly claimeth the chief respect, as for antiquity and authority, so for use and necessity, as containing in it that one necessary thing, on which man's eternal welfare dependeth; considering the great want of Bibles in many places; and through neglect the decay of them in others, he took much pains, with the assistance of other godly learned, in mending the English Translation; and caused the same so amended to be in a large paper and fair Character imprinted, and dispersed abroad through the whole Realm.  
And for the Works of other writers, those of our own Nation especially, such as were hard to be gotten, & likely to perish, as remaining only in a few old Manuscripts, unless some course were taken for the preservation of them; he gathered together so many of them as he could light on; and disposed them in such places, where they might both be in safe keeping, & lie ready at hand for the learned upon all occasions to make use of, withal culling out some of them to be made more public; which, with much travel & pains therein taken, having by collation of sundry Copies together corrected and much amended, he caused to be imprinted, as well for the benefit of strangers abroad, as for the use of our own at home. Of this sort were.  
1 Matthew of Paris his History. 2 Matthew of Westminster hi● Historical Flowers. 3 After Bishop of Shireborn his Story of King Alfred, printed in a Saxon letter, with the Archbishop's Preface before it.  
He caused also to be compiled and published, a learned and large volume, concerning.  
4 The Antiquities of the British Church: together with a Story of the Privileges of the Church of Canterbury, and seventy Archbishops of that See.  
At the Funeral of that famous Divine Mar●ine Bucer, he Preached.  
5 A Sermon out of the Book of Wisdom Chap. 4. vers. 6.9. Which was afterward also published in print.  
Love, learning, wisdom and true zeal,  
Patience in want, and bounty in weal  
Were the chief flowers in that Crown  
Which gave this Man of men Renown:  
The Crosiar did not supersede  
His Cure of souls, nor did he plead  
Affairs at Court: His pastoral heat  
Grew ne'er the less as he grew great:  
Five Kings and Queens, his days did see  
Enthroned and septered: The first three  
Did view his merit, and enhanced him,  
The fourth destroyed, the fift advanced him  
To Lambeth Chair, where he the Church did guide  
In Peace; and full of age and honour died.   

The Life and Death of John Drusius. who died Anno Christi 1616.  
IOhn Drusious was born at Aldenard A●nn Christi 1550. was first brought up at School in the City of Gaunt, and from thence went to the University of Louvain: but whilst he was following his study hard there, his father was pr●scribed for Religion, and thereby deprived of all his estate, which caused him to fly into England, taking this his son along with him: when he came to London he met with C●valerius, lately come thither, that was exceeding skilful in the Hebrew; his Lectures he attended upon both in public and private, and when Cevalerius was sent to Cambr●ge to be the Professor there, Drusius went along with him, applying himself espcially to the study of Greek: Afterwards when Cevalerius was called back into France, Drusius still accompanied him, & fell hard to the study of the Hebrew: he also privately read the same to two young English Gentlem●n: After while he returned to London again, and when he was purposed to go back into France, he heard of that bloody Massacre at Paris, which made him alter his mind●, and having preferment pr●f●●ed to him, ●ither in O●ford or Cambridge, he chose Oxford, where, for the space of four years, he read Hebrew, Chalde, and Syriack with great commendation: After which time he went back to L●vain; but not long enjoying peace there, he returned to London again: where he continued till the peace was concluded at Gaunt, and then went over into Flanders, and from thence into Zealand, where the States of Holland chose him to ●e the Professor in Hebrew, Chalde, and Syriack in the University of Leiden, Anno Christi 1577. there he married a wife, and the Stat●s of Fris●and having newly erected a University at Franequer, they called him thither: In which place he continued taking great pains for the space of thirty one years; and at length resiged up his spirit unto God: Anno Christi 1616. and of his age 66.  
John Drusius was a great Ebrician sound,  
Most meritoriously must here by Crowned  
With Bays, to's praise: whom for's ability  
In Hebrew, Syriack Chalde, worthily,  
The States of Holland, had Professor made  
Of him in Leiden, where not long he stayed,  
Being called to Franquer University  
By th'Fri●●and States, where with great industry,  
For thirty years he governed it with fame,  
And then deceased with an honoured Name.   

The Lif and Death of John James Grynaeus, who died Anno Christi 1617.  
JOhn james Grynaeus was born at Berne in Helvet●a Anno Christi 1540 his father was a Minister, who died of the Plague Anno Christi 1547. he was brought up at School at Basil, and An. 1551. was admitted into the University: the next year he fell sick of the Plague, but it pleased God to restore him again, and he followed his st●dy hard: Anno Christi 1559. he began to Preach, and was ordained Deacon: Anno Christi 1563. he went to Tu●ing, and the year after was made Doctor in Divinity: and the next year after he was sen● for to succeed his father in the Pastoral charge at Raetela, where besides his ordinary ●abors, he read privately to the Deacons twice a week, and God blessed his labours exceedingly.  
In the year 1569. he married a wife, with whom he lived contentedly forty years, and had by her seven children: Abo●t that time the form of Concord being much pressed, he ●ell hard to the studies of the Scriptures, and of ancient and modern Divines, whereby it pleased God that the light began to appear to him, for hitherto he was a Lutheran; whereupon declaring his judgement about the ubiquity of Christ's body, he began to be hated of many● Anno Christi 1575. he w●s sent for to Basil, to be a Professor in interpreting the Old Testament: there he expounded Genesis, the Psalms and the Prophets: and God so blessed his labours, that he healed the difference between the Tygurine, and Basilian Churches: he had many Noble, and Gentlemen that came out of other countries to sojourn with him. After the death of Lodweck, Prince Elector Palatine, Prince Cassimire sent for him to Heidelberg, where he read Divinity and History almost two years: at the end of which time he was called back to Basil (Sculcer being dead) to succeed him in the Pastoral office: which place he discharged faithfully the remainder of his life; at last, after much pains spent in the Work of the Ministry, in Readins in the University, and overseeing of the Schools, he began to grow weak and sickly, and his eyesight waxed very dim: he lost also most of his friends, with his wife and children, all but one daughter, and his son in Law Polanus: he was much tormented with the Colic, yet bore all with admirable patience: and in the midst of his pains, he said 

Vt nunc triste mori est, sic dulce resurgere quondam,  
Christus ut in vita, sic quoque morte lucrum est:  
In terris labor est, requies sed suavis in urna,  
In summo venient gaudia summa die:   

As death's sad, so to rise is sweet much more,  
Christ as in life, so be in death is store:  
On earth are troubles, sweet rest in the grave:  
I'th' last day we the lasting'st joys shall have.    
After that he fell sick of a Fever, which almost took away his senses, but he betook himself wholly to Prayer, and tasted the joys of heaven in his soul, continually wishing that he might be dissolved and be with Christ: which desire God shortly after satisfied: when he had lived seventy seven years Anno Christi 1617. the Ministers of Basil carred his corpse to the grave: A little before his death he professed to Doctor Meier that he died in the same Faith that he had taught others: that he had earnestly besought God to provide his people of an able and faithful Pastor etc. conculding, O praeclarum illum diem, cum ad illum animarum concilium, coelumque proficiscar, & cum ex hac turba, & collwione discedam: O happy day when I may departed out of this troublesome and sinful World, and go to heaven to those Blessed souls before departed: He used to say, Pontifici Roma●o Erasmum plus no ●uisse ●●●ando● quam Lutherum stomachando: writing to C●y●raeus, he said● Si non amplius in his terris te visurus sum: ibi tamen convenie●●●, ubi Luthe●o cum● Zuinglio optime jam convenit: If we never see one another again in this World● yet we shall meet in that place where Luther & Zuinglius agree very well together: He used to be up at his study Winter and Summer before Sun●●●sing, and spent all the day in Prayer, Writing, Reading, and visiting the sick: He was so famous that many Princes, Noblemen, and young Gentlemen came from foreign Countries to see, and hear him.  
And this Grynaeus worthy was, likewise,  
That we his Noble name should memorise:  
Who was a rare Divine in Germany,  
And made a Doctor in Diunity:  
At Tubing and to Basil, sent for thence  
To be Professor, where with diligence  
And profitable pains, and in that while  
The differance he did reconcile  
'Twixt the Basilian Church and Tigurine;  
At last his labour made his health decline:  
And in his Pastoral Charge, in Basil he  
Ended his days in sweet tranquillity.   


ROBERT ABBAT  The Life and Death of Robert Abbot.  
THis learned and humble man succeeded Doctor Holland in the Chair at Oxford, and herein exceeded him, that although they were both of extraordinary sufficiency and vast if not immense reading, yet as Augustus spoke of Cassius, ingeni●● habet in●●●●rato, so it m●y be truly said of Abbo● variam lectionem habuit in numerato: he had the command of his learning, and the sum of his readings upon any point which offered itself to his handling, cast up to his hand; the other had not so. Whence it came to pass that the diligent hearers of the one received always from him that which they expected; the Auditors of the other seldom received what they expected, or expected what they received from him, yet always went away well satisfied from his full table. And I conceive the reason hereof may be this, Abbot desired rather multum legere than multa Holland, rather multa than multum; the meditation of the one wrought upon his reading; the reading of the other wrought upon his meditation; and us it surcharged his memory, so it overruled his invention also. Let both have their due praises.  
— Et viridi cingantur tempora lauro.  
For Abbot, envy itself will afford him this testamoniall, that if his tongue had been turned into the pen of a ready writer, or all that h● wrote upon the History of Christ's passion, and the Prophet Esay, and the Epistle to the Romans, had seen the light; he had come near unto if not over taken, the three prime worthies of our University, jewel, Bilson and Reynold●; for he gave to Wm Bishop, as great an overthrow as jewel to Harding, Bilson to Allen, or Reynolds to Heart.  
He was borne at Gilford in Surry of honest and industryou● Parents, who lived fifty years together in wedlock; and because they preserved that sacred bond so entire and kep● the marriage bed so undefiled, God poured the dew of his blessing upon it and made them very happy in the fruit of their body, especially in three of their children, whereof the first was Bishop of Sarum, the second Archbishop of Canterbury the third Lord Mayor of London. In the Catalogue of all the Bishops of England, only Seffred sometimes● Bishop of Chichester, was consecrated by his brother Archbishop of Canterbury. Abbot had this happiness and more, for of two of his younger brethren one of them was advanced to the highest place in the Church, and the other to the highest place in the City under his Majesty; the youngest of them Maurice Abbot had the honour to be the first Knight who was dubbed by his Majesty's royal sword: the elder of them had yet a greater to anoint his sacred Majesty, and set the Crown up●n his royal head; but I leave the two other to a better Herald to blazen their virtues. Of this our Robert I will endeavour with my pencil to draw the lineaments, whose silver pen I more highly esteem then the silver Mace of the one, or golden of the other. He was not as Saint Jerome writeth of Hillarion, a rose growing from a thorn, but rather a province or double rose growing from a single: for his Parents embraced the truth of the Gospel in King Edward's days, and were persecuted for it in Queen Mary's reign (by D●ctor Story of infamous memory) and notwithstanding all troubles and molestations continued constant in the profession of the truth till their death, and all their children treading in their holy steps, walked with a right foot to the Gospel, and were zealous professors of the reformed Religion, especially George and this our Robert, whose zeal for the truth accompanied with indifatigable industry and choice learning preferred him without any other friend or spokesman, to all the dignities and promotions he held in the University and Church.  
He was another Hortensius, his eminent parts were seen and allowed, yea and rewarded to upon the first glimpse of them: For upon an O●ation made by him the seventeenth of November the day of Queen Elizabeth's inauguration, he was chosen Scholar of Bali●l College; upon the first Sermon he Preached at Worster he was made Lecturer in that City, and soon after Rector of All Saints there; upon a Sermon Preached at Paul's Cross, Master john Stannop one of his hearers having a benefice of great value in his gift, Bingham by name in Nottinghamshire, took a resolution upon the next voidance of it to confer it upon him; and the Incombent not long after dying, sent of his own accord the Presentation to him; upon a Sermon Preached before his Majesty King james, in the month he waited at Court, In the year 1612. news being brought of Doctor Holland's death, the King most graciously nominated him his successor; and lastly upon the ●ame of his incomparable Lectures read in the University, de suprema potestate regia contra Bellarminum & Sua●ezium, and the perusal of his Antilogia adversus apol●giam Garnetti, the See of Sarum falling void, his Majesty sent his Congedelire for him to the Dean and Chapter. Thus as he set forward one foot in the temple of virtue, his other still advanced in the temple of honour.  
A curious English Poet making use rather of licencea poeti●a, than libertas grammatica, deriveth Robertus (our Divines Christian name) from three Monesillibles ros, ver & ●hus; though this etimoligy be affected and constrained, yet I will make use of it to branch the History of his life into three parts; and first I will consider him as he was ros in his Country's cure; secondly, as he was for in his University preferment; thirdly, as he was thus in his episcopal See.  
First I will speak of him as he was ros: Ros signifieth dew, which name very fitly agreed unto him whilst for twenty years he lived obscurely in the Country; for as dew doth much good to the place where it falls, and yet makes no noise; so his pains were very profitable in his private Cures, yet was not his fame cried up nor made any noise in the world: secondly, as due dropping on mown grass refresheth it and maketh it spring anew; so his labours in his Pastoral charge much refreshed the consciences of true converts, which had felt the cythe of God's judgements, and made them spring up in hope and newness of life: thirdly, as due distilling in silver drops mollifieth the parched ground, so his heart melting into tears in many penitenciall exhortations mollified the stony hearts of those who had been before most obdurate in their sins: lastly, as dew that falls from heaven returns not thither b●ck again, but inricheth the soil, and makes fruitful the earth; so his pains wheresoever he bestowed them were never sterile but brought much fruit of comfort both to himself and of knowledge in the mysteries of salvation, to his hearers. In this time of his retired privacy he printed A mirror of popish subtleties: The exaltation of the Kingdom and priesthood of Christ, and first he ruff-hewed, and after polished and published his exquisitr tracked entitled Antichristi Demonstratio, which was not only highly commended by our learned Andrew's Bishop of Winton, but so esteemed by King james (a second Solomon) that of all the fruitful trees in our Paradise he chose to griffe his meditations upon the Apocalypse upon Abbot his stock, commanding that his Comment upon the 7.8.9. and 10. verses of the twentieth Chapter of the Apocalypse, should be joined unto the end of Abbot de Antichristo; and at the last impression of the said book at London, 1608. it is Printed after the end of the twelft Chapter before Elen●cus capitum of the said book; an honour which his Majesty did to no other of the great Clerks of this Kingdom. Like as Mary magdalen's spicknard was so mingled with the ointment of the Gospel by our Saviour's precept, that whosoever smelled the one could not but resent the other: so King james his savoury meditations are inserted into Abbot's contemplations of Antichrist, that whosoever distasteth not the one cannot but well relish the other. To these his labours which made the press sweat again and again; I must add his most accurate Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans, which he run through all not with brief notes as others, but large Sermons upon every verse; in which he handled as his text gave him occasion, all the controverted points of Religion at this day, and he enclosed the whole Magazine of his learning: and great pity it is that the Church should be deprived of such a treasure, considering Saint Austin's observation is true, the truth is neither mine, nor thine, nor his, but all of us have a right to it, whom thou callest to the Communion thereof, threatening to deprive us of it if we keep it private. They therefore who withhold ●his Work from the public view, as they wrong the Church in general, so in special the City and Cathedral Church of Worceste●, to which he bequeathed it as a kind of legacy, as the authors own Words in his dedicatory Epistle to Bishop Babington printed with his Sermons upon the 110. Psalm import, I will endeavour as opportunity may serve to present to their eyes (meaning his hearers at Worcester) the things that did once affect their ears, and to make others also partakers of them; and a little after in the same Epistle, I am willing to express my affection to that City wherein I have bestowed the greatest service of my life, and wherein I assure myself that a few names there are at least, I hope many that shall be my crown and rejoicing in the day of the Lord jesus.  
I have considered him as ros according to the first syllable of his name, now let us view him according to the second, as ver, a spring; first passively then actively; first as ver in himself, when taken as a choice plant and set in the famous nursery of learning and Religion, the University of Oxford, he thrived exceedingly, springing and growing from one profession to another, from one degree to another, from an Artist to a Divine, from a Bachelor to a Master, from a Scholar of Bali●l College to a Fellow. Though this were the time wherein he replenished his store-house of good Literature both divine and humane, yet knowing that this kind of provission is like the oil in the widows cruse, which filled still by emptying, and like the loaves john 6. which multiplied by distributing; he joining practice with his contemplation, and by Lecturing first at Al●allowes, and afterwards at Abbington he increased his store and stock of saving knowledge: and thus he was for passively in himself, but when by Bishop bancroft's means he was called to be Governor of Balliol College, and much more after when he was advanced to the Chair, he was for actively, and caused a spring in others; for then as a careful and skilful Gardener he set his nursery with the best plants, making always choice of the towardliest young men in all Elections, and when he had set them, he took such care to water and prune them that in no pla● or knot in the famous nursery of the University of Oxford, there appeared more beautiful flowers, or grew sweeter fruit than in Balliol College whilst he was Master. What should I speak of his diligent reading to his own Scholars, and his continual presence at public Exercises, whereby he both Countenanced the Readers and encouraged the Hearers.  
— Vrget praesentia Turin.  
His first and chief care was to plant the fear of God in the hearts of all the Students in his College, knowing well that as God is the father of all things, so Religion● is the mother of all virtues; and little hope there is that they will take any care to observe the statutes of these Founders, who regard not his statutes, who is the Feunder of all nature and grace, and bears up the pillar of the whole World. To imprint his Laws therefore in their minds, besides the holy example of his strict and regular life and continual admonitions and godly exhortations to study the Scriptures, and exercise themselves in them day and night, he took special care of public Prayers, from which himself was never missing, if he had his health (though the mornings were never so dark, and the season bitter (and but finding some inconvenience in the absence of many of his company at evening Prayer, pretending divers occasions of business, he altered the time of those Prayers, putting them off from five of the clock in the afternoon until eight of the clock at night, and immediately after payers he commanded the gates to be locked, to prevent or at least discover all Noctivagators. Next to piety, he most desired to settle peace in the College, and exterpate all faction which had been for a long time the bane of that Society; for Doctor Lilly his immediate predecessor was in ●ome sense not free from, lilliam inter spina●, a Lily among thorns, and which was worse, it is though he cherished them for private ends of his own: but Abbot who had learned from his and our Master that blessed are the peace makers, and that a house divided within itself cannot stand, laboured by all good means to cement all parties and make up all the breaches he found, wherein God so blessed him that by reconciling them one to another, he united them all fast to himself and he gained more every way by angling in the clear stream, than his predecessors had done by fishing in troubled waters. Thirdly, because he learned from Saint jerom that intemperance in diet, facile dispumat in libidinem; he every week viewed the buttery book, and if he found lavish expense upon any man's name he would punish him severely for it, yet was he tender and compassionate to those who were of weaker constitutions of body, and he not only permitted them to have such meats dressed for them as might irretate their weak appetite and strengthen nature, but he sent to them often from his own Table, and if any were visited with sickness he took care of them as if they were his own children, and his house was as an Apothecary's shop to furnish them with all such things they needed: During the time of his Mastership in Balliol College, he finished his answer to Will●am Bishop Seminary priest, entitled by the Pope Bishop of Chalcedon; this nominal Bishop of an Aerial Diocese took upon him to refute Master Perkins his reformed Catholic, but our Abbot so refuted his refutation, and so learnedly, copiously, solidly and perspicuously handled all those main heads of Controversy, which his adversary touched upon, that many judicious Protestants hearty wished that William Bishop had run through all the above mentioned Refom●d Catholic, for than we should have had in our Abbot's encounter with him a whole system and body of controversies exactly discussed, and the truth of reformed Religion in all points solidly and substantially confirmed by Scriptures, Fathers and Reason.  
When Hannibal set upon Minutius at an advantage, and put him to some distress Fabius Maximus brings out his forces against Hannibal, and puts him to flight, and Hannibal himself was enforced to confess, that if he gained any thing upon Minutius he lost it and a great deal more by Fabius Maximus. This William Bishops conscience told him, and therefore finding himself unable to deal with Abbot at sharp, he challenged him to fight with him at dull and rusty foils, I mean foul language & scurrilous sarcasmes like the Orators taxed by Quintilian qui causarum vacua convi●●is explebant.  
At the end of that his Mr. piece, he added vice coronidis, a singular treatise entitled the True ancient Roman Catholic, which he dedicated to Prince Henry, who so thankfully accepted this his present, that he returned him many thanks in a letter written with his Princely hand, and promised his helping hand upon the next voidance to lift him up higher in the Church; and though by the Prince's untimely death this most able Champion of the truth sunk much in his hopes; yet within a few years he was raised up first ad Cathedram Doctoralem, and then Episcopalem, for Doctor Holland exchanging this life for a better in the year of our Lord 1612. Abbot was thought the fittest man to succeed him in that Chair, in the judgement of all men save his own, who ever undervalved himself, and after this place was conferred upon him refused it till his brother procured a Mandate from the King to him to hold it, and then being put into the Chair as it were by force, he so well filled and furnished it that all men gave him that Evelogne which Saint jerom giveth, Nepotian ide● magis erat dignus quod se p●ofitebatur indignum: he was by so much the worthier the less he knew his worth, for contempt of honour make● it more due, and humility in excellency excels excellency itself. And here the third time he made good the second syllable of his name Ver, for partly by Sermons ad Clerum, partly by his learned Lectures, partly by his judicious moderating Divinity disputations, partly by his exquisite Tractates printed a little before his death: he caused such a spring among Divines as was not seen in many years before. I will not revive his contentions with Doctor Howson concerning the Geneva notes and clearing Calvin from Arianisme, because they are dead long since, and were honourably buried by King james, by whose command Dr Howson being sharpened, ●urned 〈◊〉 edge from Geneva to Rome, and in the next Sermon he Preached as Saint Maries● fell fierce and foul upon the Pope himself, threatening to loosen him from his Chair, though he were fastened thereunto with a te●peny nail.  
Neither will I relate much of his Far well Oration at his parting from the University, because I could not light upon a perfect copy thereof, but a ●ew fragments only and fragments though of dainty dishes please not the palate of most men; yet to give you some taste of it, thus he began Salve veneranda mater Academiarum decus & gloria continere me, non possum quin exultem animo beatumque me praedicem cui infelicissimae omnium gymnasiorum discere pariter & doc●re datum est mille eg● tibi salutes mille felicitates, prosperitates omnes & successus ex●ptare nunquam desinam, tibi hoc negotium sub potentissimi principis auspitiis, agitut tibi repetitus labor hic cui pro te aliq●ando in scholi● tuis sudatum est. Id nempe agitur ut cavere discant alumni tui Arminios Berti●s Grevinchonios' & reliquos istos scrip●itores quos pruritus, ingeniorum occupat ut in assueti● nunquam acquiescant, nunquam se aliquid esse credant, nisi novitate singulares sin●. Qui vult uno esse, animo cum ecclesia anglicana par est, 〈…〉 inch●et ab ●jus doctrina notitia, quam ejusdem ecclesia esse cons●●●, ●●gat, in primis & digerat articulos religionis quibus sub●cribimus omnes illorum recolat explicationes quae continentur in ●omiliis, carechismos consulat ea quae publica ejus authoritate prodierunt apologiam ecclesiae, Anglicanae & omnes ejus defensiones p●oillustres viros Iew●llum, Fuleum, Reynoldum, & Whitakerum, Calvini Institutiones, opera reverendissimi Whigifti, & in primis v●nerabiles Hookeri, nullo modo omnititantur; qui vero ●is omnibus relictis, confer● se ad magistrum sententiarum & Thomam Aquinatem, & ●uius farinae theologos, acquid aliter fieri potest, quam ut papismo inficiantur, qui prim●m lac sugunt ab istis uberibus: neque tamen scholam penitus excludo, imo omnimod● adhibendam sentio, se● ita ut sit ancilla non domina & aff●renda ad il lamb fidei doctrina, non inde referenda; sit asina quae te portet, quod si te inequitet illa in salibras & praecepitia te ducet. And after singular directions for student's and passionate expressions of his love to the University, thus he concluded spero ego, de te spero de tuis optima charissima mater m●a, utinam vigeas, utinam floreas magisque ac●magis crescas in columnam fidei firmamentum veritatis usque ad advenium jesu Christi.  
We have felt him as due softly distilling in his private Cures, according to the first syllable of his name Ros, and viewed him also as the Spring growing & flourishing in the University according to the second Ver. Now let us scent him as frankincense sending ●orth a most fragrant smell in his Diocese, according to the last monosyllable Thus.  
frankincense thought it be often used in private houses where the rooms are dankish, yet it is most proper for the Church, and of all Churches, for the Cathedrals where is the greatest concourse of people, and the service performed with most solemnity: here therefore consecrated as it were in a golden censer, he burned most fragrantly in his meditations, ejaculations, Sermons and exhortations, breathing out odorem vitae ad vitam, through all the Bishopric of Sarum. Other Bishoprics were voiced upon him as of Lincoln and Coventrie and Litchfield; but the business of the nullity, made a nullity for a time in his Grace's good intentions, and our Bishop's hopes, in so much that King james of blessed memory, when Doctor Abbot newly consecrated Bishop of Sarum came to do his homage, his Majesty spoke pleasantly unto him after this manner, Abbot I have had very much to do to make thee a Bishop, but I know no reason for i●, unless it, were because thou writest against (viz. William Bishop a Popish priest) whose refutation of Master Perkins his reformed Catholic, this our Abbot had not long before solidly refuted. After his consecration at Lambeth, and his homage done at Court he took the University in his way to Sarum; and there taking his leave of his Mother, he was accompanied with all his brethren, the heads of Colleges and Hals, and of other his Oxford friends of good rank and quality, till about the edge of his Diocese they left him, with tears in their eyes, erumpentibus prae dolore, & the Clergy & Gentry of Sarum met him with tears also in their eyes of another kind, emanantibus prae gaudio; as he came into the City he was entertained with eloquent speeches, which he answered extempore in the same language they were made unto him, and with worthy presence which were thankfully accepted, and the next Lord's day following he offered his first fruits in the Temple, taking for his text the Word of the Psalmest 26.8. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.  
After he had verified the Words of his Text in the person of David, his Sermon ended, he verified it in himself and made a Demonstration that he loved that house of God, not in ●ongue only and in word, but in deed and veri●y; for viewing exactly that beautiful Fabric, and finding it very much in decay, partly through the negligence of his Predecessors, and partly through the Covetousness of the Dean and prebend's, who filled their purses with that which should have stopped the chinks in the Walls, he sent a peremptory summons for all the prebend's; and partly by a seasonable admonition, partly by increpations and threaten, partly by reviving an old Statue de quinta parte Prebenda●um, he drew from them 500 which was all spent in the reparation of that Church. And a●ter the repairing of the material temple he wholly laboured in repairing of the spiritual temple, both by doctrine and by discipline, visiting his whole Diocese in his own person, and Preaching every Lord's day whilst he enjoyed his health either in the City or in the neighbour Towns: the last text he handled was john 14. ver. 16. I will pray the father and he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with you for ever: upon the first proposal whereof as many of his hearers presaged his departure from them, so indeed proved it his last and Farewell Sermon, for soon after he came out of the Pulpit, he fell into grievous ●its of the stone which first stopped the passages of nature, and within a few days shut up all the offices of his senses, so was his hour●glasse contrary to all other, the sooner run by being stop● with sand or gravel; for by his perpetual sedentary life, such a stone was bred in his kidneys as no strength of nature or skill of Art could remove, but there still remaining, put his patience to the t●st, and by extremity of pain and torment in a short space took away all sense of pain and life together, whilst he lay thus as it were upon the rack in unsufferable torture of body, his soul was at great rest and ease, for the assurance of heavenly things caused him most cheerfully to part wi●h earthly, & the quick sense he had of the powers of the life ●o come deadened the sense of his bodily pains. Many yet living are much revived to recollect those his last admonitions, and godly exhortations; those I say who came to visit him upon his death bed who were not a few, and among others the Judges being then at Sarum in their Circuit. To them he communicated out of his rich treasury of learning and devotion most Christian and grave advice, and amongst many points he discoursed on before them, he insisted very much upon the benefit of a good conscience, rendering many thanks to his Creator for the great comfort he felt thereby now in his extremity, and admonished all that heard him so to carry themselves in their most private and secret actions as well as in their public, that ●hey might obtain that at the last which would stand them in more stead than what all the World could afford besides; w●●h these his godly admonitions and exhortations and Episcopal benediction and prayers, together with the pain of his diseas●, being quite ●pent, he lay as it were slumbering with now and the● a short ejaculation, lifting up his eyes and his hands towards heav●n for the space of two or three hours, and at the length, (March 2. 1617.) between the hours of seven and eight gave up the ghost, with these words, come Lord jesus come quickly, finish in me the work that thou hast begun, in manus tuas domine commendo spiritum meum quia tu redemisti me deus veritatis salvum fac servum tuum qui in te solummodo, sperat & confidit fiat misericordia tua domine super me in te domine speravi non confundar in aeternum.  
The Thursday following his Funeral was solemnised in the Cathedral Church over against the Bishop's seat, where he was buried not so much in earth as in water, I mean the tears of the Clergy, and all the inhabitants of Sarum which they shed in great abundance for his loss as they had great reason. For whereas there are three vertu●s which most endear a good Bishop to his Diocese, diligence in his Pastoral charge, Bountiful, Hospitality and a lovely and lowly carriage even towards hi● inferiors: in all these three Abbot excelled, first for his humility; all they that knew him either under haunches, or upon the deck or s●●ting at the stern of the Church found no difference in him: he was the same man in his private Cures, and in his doctoral Chair and in his Episcopal seat. As a violet whether it be set lower or higher in the bank, retaineth still the same scent; so whether he were ●●t lower or higher in the Church he kept close to the earth and retained his sweet, meek and humble disposition. As for Hospitality besides his extraornary entertainment of the Earls of Pembroke, Harford, Mungumry ● the Lord Arundall of Warder, the Judges of Ass●●es, the Justices at the Sessions, the Mayor and his brethren and Dean and Cheapter, he feasted all the poor at Christmas, there being in the City of Salisbury three parishes, he bid a hundred coupels every day at the lea●t: so that besides the poorest of all, which were his guests on Christmas day, all the rest of the needy in the City filled up the other three spare Holidays. What should I speak of his Charity to the Prisoners, whose Bowls he refreshed three times every week at least, their lamentable cries piercing as deep into his heart as the Iron entered into their souls. Lastly, for his diligence in his Pastoral charge, and his faithful & continual dispencing the mysteries of salvation: I might here raise a cloud of witnesses not only his thronged Auditories at Oxford, Abington, Worster and Bingham, but his numerous Sermons, Commentaries and other Tractates of Divinity which he hath left behind him, some in Manuscripts some Printed.  
The Manuscripts are these.  
1 A Sermon Preached at Saint M●ries concer●ing the vindicating of Geneva Bibles from judaisme and Arianism. 2 Three Sermons in English one Preached at Paul's ●●●sse, entitled the Fruitless Figtree, the other two in the Cathedral Church of Worcester upon the second of Tim. 4.7.8. 3 Divers latin Sermons. 4 Lectures upon the 26.27.28. Chapters of Saint Matthew containing the story of Christ's Passion, death and resurrection. 5 A Commentary upon the Prophet Elay from the first Chapter to the fif●eenth verse of the thir●ieth. 6 A Commentary in Latin upon the whole Epistle to the Romans. 7 A brief examination of Mr Bishops reproof of the Epistle Dedicatory and Preface to the Answer of his Epistle to the King. 8 A Preface to the Reader to ●e interposed between the Epistle Dedicatory of his book the Antichristo and the first Chapter of the same book.  
The Printed are these.  
A mirror of Popish subtleties written against a cavilling Papist in the behalf of one Paul Spence, dedicated to Bishop Whitgift London 1594. 2 The Exaltation of the Kingdom and Priesthood of Christ, being a Commentary upon the 110. Psalm, dedicated to Gerva● Babington Bishop of Worcester London 1601. 3 Antichristi Demonstratio dedicated to King James, Printed at London first 1602. and after 1608. 4 A Defence of the reformed Catholic of Master William Perkins lately deceased, against the bastard counter Catholic of Doctor Bishop Seminary Priest, dedicated to King James, the first part Printed 1606. the second 1607. the third 1609. 5 The true ancient Roman Catholic dedicated t● Prince Henry, Printed London 1611. 6 The old way, a Sermon Preached at Oxford the vl of July, being Act Sunday, dedicated to Archbishop Bancroft, Printed at London 1610. 7 Antilogia adversus Apologiam Audreae Eudemon Johannis Jesuitae pro Henrico G●rnetto proditore, dedicated to King Jame●, Printed at London 1613. 8 De suprema potestate Regia exercitationes habitae in Academia Oxoniensi, Printed after his death and dedicated by his Son to George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury, Printed at London 1619. 9 De gratia & perseverantia sanctorum exercitationes habitae in Academia Oxoniensi, dedicated to Prince Charles Printed London 1618. 10 In Richardi Thopsoni Anglo belg. diatribam de amissione, & intercisione justificationis & gratiae, animadversio brevis, Printed London 1618.  
As he perfected this last (March 2. 1617.) Work he finished his course upon earth, which the Archbishop his brother hearing commanded me then his Chaplain in house to affix the Attestation here ensuing, which I drew according to brief notes written in English under his Graces own hand; of which I may say as the Orator doth of his Oration, De haruspicum responsis Oratio omnis fuit non authoritatis meae sed publicae religio●is mea fuerunt verba, fortasse plura sententiae quidem omnes Archiepiscopi.  

A Testatio.  
EN tihi (Christiane lector) viri (absit verbo invidia) supra omnem invidiae aliam positi cantionem cygneam, cum qua animam exhalavit. Quod si ut esse Phaebi dulcius lumen solet jam jam cadentis, ita chariora sint illustrium virorum jam abeuntium scripta hunc libellum summo in pretio habeas oportet: quem scias eximii doctoris, ejusdemque Amistites reverende postrema cura elucubratum. Etenim dum opus hoc ad umbilicum ab ipso authore productium jam exit in lucem, ipse ex hac luce ad caelestem migrat: nempe commodissima ecclesiae militanti jam modo praestita opera, ad triumphantem evocatur ecclesiam, ac a gratioe divinae defensione confestim ad divinae gloria fruitionem tran●uolat; satur magis studiis, & lucubrationum suarum fama, quam amnis, dinque non tam fuisse, quam vixisse credendus, Vita enim definiente Plinio, Vigilia est, quam pr●sul hic noster propetuam sacrae theologiae studiis videtur impēdi●se. Nam posteaquam in celeberima Academia, Oxoniensi pectus penitus imbuisset optimarum artium cognitione, & linguam, stilumque sci●e procudisset, utrumque deo dedicavit, & reliquam aetatis tempus transmisit, partim sacris concionibus ad populum habendis, quib●s suggestum, partim praelectionibus dictandis, quibus Cathedram Doctoralem, partim scriptis suis limandis, quibus praelium plurimum locupletavit. Concedit claris●imi Theologi diu nomen, & industria, ac nitra a●gustos privatae parochiae limites aluit eam gloriam, quam haud ita multi nostro saeculo sunt assecuti. Tandem viginti annos officio pastoris, & ecclesiasticae munere egregie perfunctus, a serenissima regia Majestate in arenam protractus est, ut in religionis reformat● ca●sa de gravissimis saeculi nostri controversiis cum praecipuis pontificis Romani pugilibus dimicaret. Qua quidem in arena non tantum adversarios suos Bishoppium, & Eudaemonem Joannem sed & hominum de se opinionem superavit.  
Non multo post ab eodem Seremissimo Rege jacobo Cathedrae Theologicae in Alma Academia Oxoniensi preficitur: quam quidem dignitatem cum su●ma dignitate quinque annis sustinuit. Ad extremum fidelissimi pastoris, & eximii professoris laude cumulatus ad apicem Episcopalem evehi●ur, diocesi Sarisburiensi ei demandata quam annis non amplius duobus, & tribus mensibus administravit. Dum vero ●on solum publicis cutae Episcopalis occupationibus implicatur, sed & privatis studiis Theologicis penitus pertinaciusqu● adhaeret, ex sedentaria vitae ratione calculo intra renes, concep●o gravissime laborat, ac annum jam agens quinquagessimum octavum cum ejusdem morbi paroxismo ultimo per aliquot dies protracto in victa patientia conflictatus esset tandem, non sine ingen●i cleri sui, populique luctu, & pene incredibili. Salisburiensis civitatis maerore placide in domino conquiescit. Imminente morte convocat domesticos, & fidei suae professiomem interruptis, ac moribundis vocibus exorsus, cum amici monerent hinc ut supersederet labori, extare enim doctrinae, ac fidei suae in scriptis a se, editisque oporibus confessionem; annuit; & scripta sua omnia suprema hac voce obsignavit. Illa, inquit, fides quam scriptis meis propugnavi, veritas Dei est; in ejusque assertione morior. Scripsit autem varia cum latino ●um vernaculo idiomate: quibus illud Solomonis elogium de aureis pomis in calaturis argenteis, videtur aptissime posse accommodari. Auream enim rerum optimarum, ex sacrosanctis scripturis, patribus, & conciliis ab ipso congestam supeliectilem argenteus includit, & illustrat dictiones candor. Sine quo, lecet caussa veritatis (ut eleganter Lactantius) defendi possit, ut est a multis saepe defensa tamen claritate, ac nitore sermonis illustranda, & quodammod● edisserenda est, ut potentius in animos instuat, & vi sua instructa, & luce orationis ornata. Certe hic nost●r (quod praecipit Quintilianus) non tantum fortibus, sed & fulgentibus armis contra haereticos pariter, schismaticosque dimicat. Nec hoc, quod prae manibus est, opus pene post humum, a●●●loquii ni●ore, aut argumenti digimate reliquis ejusdem authoris cedit. In quò pius Amistes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 simul, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 niter ecclesias reformatas tuendae zelo flagrans muros Hierichuntinos a Pelagio olim extructos, & a sanctis patribus dirutos, nuper vero a jesuitis, ac numperime ab Arminianis restaurari caeptos, non cornea, sed argentea tuba demolitur. Ita enim ●eritatem catholicam densissimis sacrarum scrip●urarum, & sanctorum patrum testim●niis, ac validissimis rationibus communit, & contra precipua Semipelagiorum argumenta sive A●minii, sive Thompsoni limarasa recenti, penitus obterit, & pro●ligat, ut modestis ingeniis, & a partium studio aliemit hoc libello non dubitemus abunde hac in parte iri satisfactum. Cum Arminio, ut extero, & adversario remotiore velut eminus pagnat; cum Thompsono vero, ut domistico in ecclesiae Anglicanae venis, & v●sceribus haerente, comminus congredi●ur, & tractatuli illius hererodoxi, quo justificationis gratia interciditur, ita nervos omnes incidit, ut qui post hac in Thompsoni Diatribam inciderit, Diogenis Zenomis Diatribam dicterium merito poteris ●surpare. Thompsonianam hanc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 esse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vale, benevole lector, in Christo, & cum opus hoc ●uthoris caussa amplectere, tum authorem operis caussa pio studio prosequere.  
Meo ●ex●u, non meo filo. Daniel Featley, S. T. P. Archiepiscopò Canturiens● fucius, Englished ●hus.   
Thou hast here (Christian Reader) presented unto thee the Swanlike song of a man (let none quarrel the phrase) above the reach even of envy itself, with which he expired. If then as the glimmering light of the setting Sun renders more delight to the eye of the beholder, so the Wo●kes of dying men are by so much the more endeared unto us; thou canst not choos but value this Book at the greater rate, which thou mayest understand was perfected by the last care of a learned Doctor, and right reverend Prelate. Fo● so soon as the Auth●r had finished the piece, & brought it to this light, he himself passed to the light celestial: Having fitted his labour for the benefit of the Church Militant, he was called to the Church Tiumphant; and caught up immediately from his defence of divine grace, to the fruition of divine glory. Laden he was more with learning, and the fame of his most accurate Works then with years, and to be thought rather to have lived long, then continued long among us. For our life (as Pliny defines it) is a Watch, which this our Prelate seemed wholly to employ in the study of Theology. For af●er that, in the renowned University of Oxford he had furnished himself with the knowledge of the best Arts, and had tightly fashioned both his tongue and pen, he wholly devoted them both unto God, and dedicated the rest of his ensuing life, partly to public Preaching wherewith he honoured the Pulpit; partly to the reading of public Lectures, with which he illustrated the Doctor's Chair; and partly to the composure of his own learned writings, wherewith he wonderfully enriched the Press. Long was the fame and industry of this reverend Divine, locked up in obscurity, and for which in the narrow limits of a private Parish, he nourished that of glory whereunto few of our times have arrived. Afterwards when for the space twenty years he had industriously executed the office of a Pastor and Preacher, by sovereign command he was required to encounter the chiefest of the Roman Champions in the defence of the Reformed Religion, concerning the greatest controversies which our times have produced. In which cumbest he not only over-came his adversaries, Bishop and Eudemon, but far surpassed the opinion which the world had before conceived of him.  
Not long after, by the same our most gracious Sovereign King james, he was advanced to be Doctor of the Chair in the famous University of Oxford; which eminent place in the University he held with great reputation. At length having been famed for a faithful Doctor, and an accurate Professor of Divinity, he was promoted to the Episcopal See of Salisbury, which he governed but for the term of two years and three months: For whilst he was not only wrapped in the public affairs of his Episcopal Government, but also continued most sedulous and industrious in his private studies of Divinity; that sedutary life of his brought him to the terrible disease of the stone in his kidneys, wherewith being grievously tortured for some weeks; and now having attained the fifty eight year of his age, a●ter good proof of his unconquerable patience in the extremity of his last ●it, he sweetly slept in the Lord, to the infinite sorrow both of the Clergy and Laity within his jurisdiction, and laments almost incredible of the whole City of Salisbury. When death approached he gave command that his family should be called together; before whom, with broken speech's in the language of a dying man, beginning to make a profession of his Faith, his friends advized him to spare that pains, since an ample Testimony both of his faith and learning lived extant in his Works. He yielded to their advice, and signed all his Works with these his last Words; That faith which I have defended in my writings, is the truth of God; and in the avouching thereof I leave the World.  
Many Works he set forth both in Latin and our mother tongue, to all which that Testimony of Solomon may be fitly given, They are apples of gold in Pictures of silver. For the silver brightness of his eloquent style expresses and gives a lustre unto those golden pieces of his accurate invention and rich materials furnished out of Scriptures, Fathers and Counsels. Now although (as elegantly says Lactantius) the cause of truth may be defended without eloquence as it hath been often, yet it ought to be illustrated by the Nitour any clarity of a perspicuous style, so that it may sink deeper into the mind by its own strength and the help of the Oratory.  
Thirdly, this our Champion hath fought against both heretics and schismatics, no● only with strong, but also (as Quintilian advises) with glistering weapons. Nor doth this present Work of his (though born after his death) either for a fluent style, or weighty matter, come short of the others. In which this godly Prelate burning with zeal both to defend the doctrine of truth and unity in the Reformed Churches, not with Ra●s●hornes as it were, but with a silver trumpet hath demolished those walls of Hiericho that were first raised by Pel●giu●, and then battered down by the holy Fathers, but again of late times begun to be repaired by the Jesuits, and last of all by the Arminians. For he hath so fortified the Catholic truth with the strongest Testimonies of the sacred Scriptures and the holy Fathers, and with such powerful reason against the chiefest arguments of the Semi Pelagians, lately furbished over with the file of Arminius or Thomson, that we doubt not but this very book alone will abundantly satisfy all Persons of modest ingenuity whatsoever. He fights with Arminius as with a foreign and more remote adversary, at a kind of distance; but with Tomson he closed and grapels, as with a Domestic, fostered in the bowels of our Church of England, and he hath so coreruated that Pamphlet of his, which cuts off the grace of justification, that for ever hereafter who so shal● fall upon Thomsons Diatriba, he may justly make use of the censure of Diogenes upon Zeno's Diatriba. This Thomsons Diatriba is truly Catatriba: that this his pastime, as he tremes it (sporting himself with the Precisians) being himself one of the concision) is a waist mine. Courteous Reader farewell in the Lord; make much of the Work for the Author's sake, and of the Author's memory for the Works sake.  
Surry, Oxford, Sarum claim  
Their several interests in our Abbot's Name;  
Surry bore him, Oxford bred him;  
Sarum (ripe for high promotion) led him  
To honour's Chair: To whom he gave  
More lasting honour, than he could receive●  
This like a momentary Blaze  
Lent a fair light, but vanished with his days;  
But that, like Titan's brighter flame  
Continues coeternal with his Name:  
Nor is't the least addition to his glory  
That learned Featlyes' pen hath writ his story.   

The Lif and Death of William Cowper, who died Anno Christi 1619.  
WIlliam Cowper was born in Edinburgh, and at eight years old was sent by his father to Dunbar School, where in four years he learned the whol● course of Grammar, and profited above his equals, and at that time did God begin to reveal himself to him: many times in the School he lifted up his heart unto God, begging of him knowledge and understanding: and always as he went to Church, he sent up his ejaculation ●o heaven, L●rd how mine ear that I may hear thy Word. At his entry into his ●hirteenth year, his Father sent for him home to Edinburgh, and presently after he went to Saint Andrews, where he continued to his sixteenth year in the study of Philosophy, but made no great progress therein; yet the seed of grace was still working in him, inclining him to a careful hearing, and penning of Sermons and other Theological Lectures. During his abode there, Satan working in corrupt nature, sought oft to trap him in his snares, but as himself testifies, the Lord in mercy forgave the vanities and ignorances' of his youth, and preserved him from such falls as might have made him a shame to the Saints, and a reproach to his enemies.  
At the age of sixteen years, he returned to his Parents at Edinburgh, who proposed to him sundry courses of life: but his heart was still inclined to the study of the holy Scriptures, whereupon he resolved to go into England, and the Lord provided him a place at Hoddesdon, 18. mills from London (just as he had spent all his money which he brought with him out of Scotland) where he was entertained by one Master Gut●ry a Scotchman to assist him in teaching of a School: There he remained three quarters of a year, and then having occasion to go to London, he was unexpectedly called to the service of Master Hugh Broughton, with whom he continued a year and a half, and daily exercised himself in the study of Divinity.  
At nineteen years old he returned again to Edinburgh, where he lived with his elder brother [then one of the Ministers in that City] who much furthered him in his former studies: at last he was required to give a proof of his gifts privately, which he did in the New Church before Master Robert Pont, and Master Robert Rollock, and some others, by whom he was commanded to Preach in public also. Being twenty years old he was sent by the authority of the general Assembly which met at Edinburgh, to be the Pastor at Bothkenner in Sterlingshire; when he came thither he found in the Church, besides ruinous walls, neither roof nor doors, nor Pulpit, nor seats, nor windows, yet it pleased God to give such a blessing to his ministry, that within half a year the Parishioners of their own accord, built, and adorned the Church in as good a quality as any round about it: There he continued seven or eight years, yet subject to great bodily infirmities, by reason of the witness of the soil, and the moistness of the air: and in that time did God begin to acquaint him with his terrors, and with inward tentations, so that his life was almost wasted with heaviness; yet thereby he learned more, and more to know Christ Jesus. About that time there was a General Assembly of the Church at Perth, unto which some that lived in the North of Scotland sent to desire that a Minister might be sent unto them; whereupon the Assembly appointed Master Cowper for that place, and accordingly wrote to him by Master Patrick Simpson, who coming to Sterling, delivered to him the letters from the Assembly, and the Town, containing his calling to the Ministry of that place; and shortly after the Town sent their Commissioners to transport himself and family thither. In that place he continued doing the work of the Lord for nineteen years together, where he was a comfort to the best, and a wound to the worse sort: Besides the Sabbath days, he chose thrice a week to convene the people together in the Evenings, viz. Wednesdays, Fridays and saturdays, for preparation to the Sabbath, upon which days they had no Preaching in the morning: concerning which meetings, himself writes, That it would have done a Christians heart good, to have seen those glorious and joyful Assemblies, to have heard the zealous cry to God amongst that people, with sigh and tears, and melting hearts, and mourning eyes: and concerning himself, he saith, My witness is in heaven that the love of jesus, and his people made continual Preaching my pleasure, and I had no such joy as in doing his work: and besides that he preached five times a week, he penned also whatsoever he preached, many of which holy and godly Sermons are extant in print. All ●he time of his abode there (except some little intermissions and breathing times) the Lord still exercised him with inward tentations, and great variety of spiritual combats; the end of all which (through God's mercy) was joy unspeakable, as himself testifie's; Yea once (saith he) in greatest extremity of horror and anguish of spirit, when I had utterly given over, and looked for nothing but confusion, suddenly there did shine, in the very twinkling of an eye, the bright and lightsome countenance of God, proclaiming peace, and confirming it with invincible reasons: O what a change was there in a moment? the silly soul that was even now at the brink of the pit, looking for nothing but to be swallowed up, was instantly raised up to heaven to have fellowship with God in Christ jesus; and from this day forward my soul was never troubled with such extremity of terrors: this confirmation was given unto me on a Saturday in the morning; there found I the power of Religion, the certainty of the Word, there was I touched with such a lively sense of a Divinity, and power of a Godhead, in mercy reconciled with man, and with me in Christ, as I trust my soul shall never forget: Glory, glory, glory be to the joyful deliverer of my soul out of all adversities for ever.  
In the midst of these wrestle with God he wanted not combats with wicked men also, but the greatness of his inward conflicts made him lightly regard all their outward contradictions, and to esteem them but as the bitings of a Flea. It was no marvel to see Satan stir up his wicked instruments to molest him, since he professed himself a disquieter of him and his Kingdom; and this much supported him, that he never had a controversy with any of them but for their sins; and the Lord assisting him, the power of the Word did so hammer down their pride, that they were all of them at last brought to an acknowledgement of their evil ways.  
But at length (as God turned the heart of Pharaoh and his people the Israelites, when the time drew on f●r their remove) so by little and little, did the zeal and love of most of that people fall away, so that his last conflict was not with the profane, but with Justiciaries & such as were unrebukeable in their lives: These men were stuffed with such pride, self-conceit, disdain, and intolerable contempt, that thereby they were carried further from their duty th●n any of the former, and which should have been his greatest comfort, were his greatest cross.  
Presently hereupon God called him to the Government of the Churches in Galloway, in the South-West parts of the Kingdom, being chosen by the Assembly, and presented by the King thereunto: this was effected with out his privity, or ambitious seeking after it; yea, he was so far from it that eightteen week's passed betwixt the King's Presentation, and the Acceptation of it. In that place he was very careful to advance the Gospel, & to adorn his Ministry: concerning the frame of his Spirit thus he writs: My soul is always in my hand, ready to be offered to my God: Where, or what kind of death God hath prepared for me, I know not: But sure I am, there can no evil death befall him that lives in Christ, nor sudden death to a Christian Pilgrim, who (with Job) waits every day for his change: yea (saith he) many a day have I sought it with tears, not out of impatience, distrust or perturbation; but because I am weary of sin, and fearful to fall into it.  
This faithful servant of God, who had always been faithful and painful in his Ministry, when sickness grew daily upon him, was no way deficient in the duty of his ordinary Preaching: taking great pains also to perfect his work upon the Revelations; which he desired greatly to finish before his death: he had also much grief by reason of some that disturbed the peace of the Church, which he always sought to procure: so that his infirmity increasing, he was compelled to keep home: yet as his weakness permitted, he applied himself to revise his writings, and to dispose of his worldly estate, that he might be ready for his passage, which every day he expected: and some ten days before his decease, he manifested to his friends what great contentment h● h●d in his approaching death. Many repaired to him in his sickness, whom he entertained with most holy and divine conferences, expressing a great willingness to exchange this life for a better; and at last feeling his strength and spirits to decay (after he had conceived a most heavenly prayer in the company of those that were by) he desired to go to bed; in which also, after he had most devoutly commended himself unto the Almighty God, he took some quiet rest: After which he spoke not many words, his speech failing, though his memory and understanding were perfect: and so about seven a clock at night he rendered his soul unto God in a most quiet and peaceable manner Anno Christi 1619. Some of his private Meditations were these.  

Now my soul be glad: for at all parts of this prison, the Lord hath set to his Pioneers to lose thee: Head, Feet, Milt and Liver are fast failing: yea, the middle strength of the whole body, the stomach is weakened long ago: Arise, make ready, shake off thy fetters, mount up from the body and go thy way.  
I saw not my children when they were in the womb, yet there the Lord fed them without my knowledge: I shall not see them when I go out of the body, yet shall they not want a Father: Death is somewhat dreary, and the streams of that Jordan between us and our Canaan run furiously, but they stand still when the Ark com●s: Let your Anchor be cast within the vail, and fastened on the Rock jesus: Let the end of the threefold cord be buckled to the heart, so shall ye go thorough.   
Soli Deo Gloria.  
Here also Cowper, Scotland's Prelate grave,  
A place of honour doth deserve to have  
Among these Honoured Heroes; whom the Lord  
Did many excellent Ornaments afford  
In piety and parts, but specially  
Making him prosperous in the Ministry,  
By's constant, and by's conscientious Preaching  
And holy life, which was a second teaching:  
Famous for's writings on the Revelation;  
Piously, thus persisting to's tranats●ion.   

The Life and Death of John Piscator, who died Anno Christi 1625.  
JOhn Piscator was born at Argentine, Anno Christi 1546. at which time Germany was on fire with civil Wars: Yet that hindered not, but he followed his studies very hard, and profited exceedingly in learning: when he came to the study of Logic, with great felicity, he joined Ramus and Aristotle together: And afterwards having made a good progress in the study of Divinity, he was called to Herborn to be the Professor there, and his labours were so grateful to young Students, that many flocked thither out of Germany, France, Hungary, Poland and other Northern Countries: He wrote many things with great diligence and labour, scarce affording any rest to himself: He translated the whole Bible with great pains and faithfulness into the Germane Tongue: besides his Logical and Theological Analisis of the greatest part of it: He died at Herborn Anno Christi 1625. and of his age 80.  
This J●hn Piscator born at Argentine,  
For his rare parts in Arts did fairly shine  
I● He●b●rn, where Professor he became,  
And exercised that place with so much fame,  
That many Students out of Germany,  
F●●nce, Poland, and from out of Hungary,  
Came flocking thither for his grave direction,  
Which he afforded them with sweet affection:  
I'th' German tongue the Bible he translated  
And it with learned Analisis ornated;  
And thus his days in pious pains being spent,  
At fourscore years his soul to heaven he sent.   


ANDREW WILLET.  The Life and Death o● Andrew Willet.  
IT is not long since a large Relation was published 
a Ann. 1634 prefixed before the fift edition of his Synopsi. Papi. and written by the same hand with this.  of the life and death of that faithful servant of Christ, Dr. Andrew Willet; yet least omitted in this honourable Catalogue, he should lose his 
b Augu. Cen● lib. 10. c● ●7  right of association in renown and glory with these his Fellow-labourers in the service of the Gospel; I though good not only to abridge part of that former discourse (which alone were but 
c Sign. epis●. 141.  to bring forth the same birth again, but to 
d Id. ep. 99  add some remarkable things then unremembered or undiscovered, being such as may conduce both to the advancement of his memory, 
e Terent. in Adelph.  and the encouragement of our imitation, who often follow patterns more than precepts. 
f Lips. de Cons●. l. 2. c. 4.  This learned, prudent and pious man was born of worthy and religious Parents, by whom he enjoyed that 
g E●rip. Cy●pr. Epist. lib● 4. Ep. 5.  choice blessing and happiness of ingenuous & godly education and example. His Father Mr. Thomas Willet was in his younger time Subalmoner unto King Edward the sixth, while Doctor Cox was chief Almoner, and Schoolmaster to that royal Prince, who was presented of God unto this Island, only ut spectaculi & spiraculi res (to use Tertullian's words) a faire-flourishing and sweet-smelling flower soon withered and taken away.  
The sad times of persecution under Queen Mary then succeeding, King Edward's Almoner and Subalmoner, with many more were not only forced from Court, but th'one from his Country, the other from his comfort of his wife and family, for the safety of their lives and consciences, till that cloud was blown over and Queen Mary dead.  
Then ro●e England's Debor●h, that mirror of her sex, and miracle of the World, Queen Elizabeth: Exiles returned home, amongst them Doctor Cox, who was advanced to the Bishopric of Ely, and soon after preferred his old Chaplain Master Willet, this Doctor's Father to a Prebend in that Church, and to the Parsonage of Barley in Hertfordshire, both which in his old age he resigned unto this his Son, who lived and died in them, 
h Ambros. li. 1. de Abrah. cap. 8.  never having ambitiously hunted after higher promotions, 
i A●ad. Frans s●●lour. ch. 21  which he rather studied to deserve then to obtain, observing how in ordinary courses some 
k Lips.  enjoy preferments, others merit them: yet he went on so cheerfully in his praiseworthy labours, as if his pains had been his payment; according to that reason given by some, why they that bore the heat and burden of the day had put equal pay with him that came at the last hour into the Vinyard, Matth. 20.12. 
l Can●. Mos 〈◊〉. 3. epist. 4.  Because (say they) their work is reckoned into their wages, it being no little honour to be so employed of God.  
This Doctor was both born and bred in the Town or City of Ely, lying within the Fens of Cambridgeshire, a soil not unlike the place of Augustine's birth, (if we believe 
m In Aug. de Civit. De● lib. 16. cap. ●.  Lud. Vives and others; whereupon Erasmus 
n Praef. ad lib. Epi. D. Augu  takes occasion to divine, that had that Father been born and lived in Italy or France, his wit though uncomparable, had been much more refined, and the fruits thereof much more abundant. And Apollonius Tyaneus 
o Ap●l. Philostrat. in vit. A.T. li. 6. c. 6.  ascribes the subtle inventions of the Indians unto the purer beams or clearer air wherein they live. Whereas the ancient heathen gave the attribute of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, unto their choicest wits; as if they were men fallen from heaven, as they said of 
p Antip. apud P●u●. in vit. Ho●.  Homer, 
q Tertius ● coelo cecidi● Cato— Iuven  Cato, and the like. And as Homer said of Egypt, so may we say of every Country, 
r Sophoc l. in Ajac.  There's many good and bad things mixed together; Ne● refert quâ terrâ natus qui renatus; it matters not where he was borne that's new born. For that which is of the earth is earthly, Joh. 3.31. But every good giving & every perfect gift is from above, jam. 1.17. which even the heathen Poet acknowledgeth, speaking thus; These and all gifts of the mind God, I say, works in mankind. From the Grammar School in Ely, where by reason of his industry unusual in such years, denying himself even 
s julian in Caesar.  necessary recreation, he had given many 
t Lips. de Constat. lib. 2. c. 5. Hom.  rudiments of future hopes; he was at thirteen years of age or thereabout sent to the University of Cambridge: He was first admitted into Peter-house, where he was well grounded; and afterward removed to Christ's College, where he was preferred to a Fellowship, every where he found Learning's doors open to him.  
Being but nineteen years of age he undertook the defence of his Master Aristotle, in a Latin Tractate against Tempell, a lover of Peter Ramus, whereof (as I have heard) divers Copies were dispersed, one of which not long since I saw, with an Epistle deditatory to a Prala●e of that age, as if he had intended it for the press. But his first book which came forth in print, was that, De anim● natu●a & viribus, written by him at the age of twenty and two years. From which time, 
u 〈…〉. de. 〈◊〉 G●●●ang Cic. ora●. pro Arch. p●●t.  reputing every hour as lost, which was not spent in reading or writing something; he never gave over, till he had brought forth those numerous and voluminous labours, whereof you have the Catalogue hereafter written.  
It is the counsel of Jerome, 
w Hi●ron. ad Rustic.  put not on too soon in writing, nor be transported with a kind of light headednesse; be long in learning that which thou intends to teach. And as Philostratus saith, 
x Vit. Apill. Ty●n. l. 4. c. 11  Palamedes found out letters that men might know not only what to write, but what not. But his Works plainly show (even those of youngest date) that he had learned these grave lessons, and that he ran not, before he well understood his errand. And although I believe he might truly say with learned Augustine, 
z Proem. li. 3 de Trivit.  that even by writing for the profit of others, he had much profited himself: Yet I am well assured that he had learned over & to good purpose many learned Authors ancient and modern, till he become himself, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a living Library; I have not without astonishment seen his many large paper books written with his own hand, abundantly testifying how studiously and with singular judgement, he had read over most of the old Fathers, Counsels, Ecclesiastic Histories, the Civil Code, the Body of the Canon Law, with many other Writers of all sorts; out of which he was able 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, readily to produce apt sentences, and observations for every purpose.  
And as 
a Eccl. 7.25.  he applied his heart to know, and so search, and to seek out wisdom: and to that end according to that Apostolical direction gave 
b 1 Tim. 4.13  attendance unto reading. So likewise he followed that godly advice of Cyprian to 
c Epist. lib. 2. Epist. 2.  Donatus willing him to mingle frequent prayer with diligent reading; sometimes (saith he) speak thou to God, and sometimes let God speak to thee: and he professed to his friends, how much he had thereby improved his talon.  
Besides all these labours, when once he had undertaken the care of souls, he well considered what the Apostle Paul, by the spirit of God● requireth of every Bishop or Pastor of the Church in those his two Epistles to Timothy, and ●hat other to Titus, (
d Aug. de doc● Ch●i. li. 4. ●. 5.  which three Epis●les Augustine exhorteth ●very Minister of the Word, set always before his eyes) often lamenting the condition of those poor people, who live under ignorant or idle Ministers● of whom it may be said, in the Words of the Prophet jeremiah, 
e Lam●nt●c●. 4. v●r. 4.  The children cry for bread, and there was none to break it unto them; and as much bewailing the estate of those proud Prelates, who (as 
f Espenc. Digres. in 1 Tim lib. 2. cap. 2.  Espencae speaks of some in his time) though able and learned, yet hold themselves not learned to descend to that servility and baseness of Preaching; because when they have obtained fat Benefices, i● is not the manner to stoop to such drudgery; whilst he like a faithful and diligent steward of Christ, was most pa●nfull in the execution of his office● Preaching in his Church of Barley for a long time thrice every week, and diligently himself Catechising the younger sort of his Parish, and many of the elder, whom h● found to have need of 
g Cry. Hieros. Cate●i. 4.  such milk, as being yet but babes in Christ.  
And although he had been Chaplain to that Noble young Prince Henry, and both during that time, and sometimes since had Preached at Court, and knew how to tune his tongue to the most elegant ears; yet amongst his own people he taught 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, after a most familiar way, affecting 
h Vt d● E●ip●. 〈◊〉.  a plain phrase and humble style, applying him●selfe 
i Aug. d● 〈◊〉 Chri. l. 4. c. 17  to the capacity of his Hearers, reputing that Sermon 
k Vt Philest. de epist. ad Asp●th. Hier. ad Pa●  best adorned, that was least set out with humane learning or eloquence, or perplexed with curious questions whi●h 
l Hilar.  help not towards heaven.  
He was a man of a most comely presence, his complextion fair and ruddy even 
m jul. in Caes.  in age, hi● countenance composed o● gravity and sweetness; his disposition was pleasant and cheerful, always merry in the Lord; whereby his conversation was most delightful to good Christians that were acquainted with him: And as Suidas speaks of Macariu● the Egyptian, he drew his friends on in the ways of God, with a kind of smoothing persuasions, and pleasant discourses upon all occasions.  
And although he knew how to reprove, and to cut up roundly where there was just cause: yet he 
o Chrys●st. i● Tit.  was most aptly fitted and inclined to bind up the broken and wounded consciences, and with heavenly consolations drawn from the fountain of living waters, to refresh a wearied and fainting spirit; 
p job 16.5.  He strengthened them with his mouth, and the moving of his lips did assuage their grief; 
q Cant. 4.11.  While his lips dropped as the honey comb. How joyfully was he entertained by such, even as Ambrose by sick Valentinian, whose visits seemed to him as the 
r Ambr. in Obits. Valent.  approaches of health.  
He was a man of a most exemplary life, both in his own 
s Ar●hi. Tare. apud Phil.  family, and abroad with others. He was in fastings often, and always 
t Senec. epi 8 Cic. Offic. 1.  temperate in his diet, many days eating little or nothing until night, and that especially when he laboured most, as on his lecture-days, professing that he 
v Hippoc. Epid. l. 6. sect. 4.  found himself both in body and mind more active by it. He was a constant and unwearied Student, tying himself for the most part to eight hours a day, and 
w Vt E●eno●  dividing every part of the day unto some peculiar work, nor easily suffling any avocation (though he had many secular cares lying upon him, having a wife and fourteen children living at his death) till (as he was wont to speak) 
x julian in Misopog. ex Menandro.  he had finished his task. His conversation abroad was a perpetual instruction to 
y Ibid.  his people; That true 
z Maca. ●o. 15  character of a Christian man; 
a Clem. de ●orr. eccls. stat. ca 22.  that highest degree of perfection, and most near to Christ; that 
b Basil.  treasury of all graces, humility was in him most eminent, he was most just and upright in all his deal, and indeed so regardless of these earthly things, that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, easily beguiled by such a● were dishonest: yet he was well acquainted with the Laws, but very careful to keep both himself and his neighbours from making use of them, as always studious of peace. And last, for that divine virtue of charity 
c Syn●s. ep. 57  wherein alon● (saith Synesius) God and man communicates; read but that Paragraph in that more large relation of his life first mentioned, and you will acknowledge him 
d A●i. c. 2.0.7  Zealous of good works.  
Yet let me add one thing there omitted, Phylostratus reported of a miraculous stone in India, which he calleth Pantarbe, 
e Vit. Apo●●. ●a●. l. 3. c. 14  having the virtue attractive of the Load stone, and likewise giving light by the bright-shining of it. This reverend Doctor, as by his works of charity he gave much light to others, so by his arguments he was very powerful to draw them forward 
f 1 Tim. 6.17 18, 19 ●  whom God had enabled for such performances.  
Read to this purpose his large 
g Synop. Pap. p. 2220. of the fift edition.  Catalogue of charitable works, done since the times of the Gospel, within the space of sixty years, under the happy reign of King Edward the sixth, Queen Elizabeth, and part of King james, and that only within the City of London, or by the Citizens thereof, and within the two famous Universities, Cambridge and Oxford; confining himself to these Places, only for want of means to travel further in the search: By which examples he hath not only incited all 
h Tit. 3.8. Cyr. Hieros. Ca●ech. 15. ibid. Cat. 1.  that believe God to study to go before others in good works; as hereby discovering the life of their Faith, and laying up to themselves treasures in heaven: But withal invincibly confuting that calumny of the Romanists, charging our doctrine of justification by Faith only, as a great adversary to good works. For he hath made this challenge to all the Champions of that party, to produce and prove (if possibly they can) the 
i Amounting in the total to almost 1000000 1.  like acts of piety and charity, to have been done within the same compass of years under Popery, and within these places, or within twice so many years, immediately preceding the date, whence his account commenceth. And to ●his day I hear of none that undertakes to enter the lists with him upon this challenge.  
I know there have been some even amongst us who either out of 
k Terem. Adelph. Tim. Sillagr.  ignorance, envy or 
l Iu●i. Mosop.  proud disdain, or because in some things they accord not with him in opinion, have cast out flirting censures against this Catalogue (which King james highly applauded) and against all other of his labours. Some such he met with in his own life time, who like the Indians prefer 
m Phi●●. vit Apoll. Tyan. l. 2. c. 9  blach before white, being their own natural hue; whose cavil● he no mor● regarded 
n jul. Mis.  then the croaking of so many Frogs, 
o Hiero●. ad ●ustic.  he knew he must offend some, who while they take offence at him discover their own consciences. Many have carped at his large book of Controversies before mentioned, as if 
p Greg● Naz. contr. E●nom  upon every sparkle he had raised a flame, and m●de more difference between the Church of Rome and us then others have done, and that these things were sufficiently if not too much exagitated before his time. These and such like things I have sometimes heard, but I must needs say, only from those of that sect or cut, whom a Jesuit 
q Church ●●nquera. against Chillingwort. chap. 6.  calls, Moderate Protestants, such as least exoribitate from the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of Rome. Or such squinting Protestants 
r Aug. de 〈◊〉. Orig. l. 2. c. 22  as willing to retain their corrupt opinions, and to decline the odious name of Heretics; dares to affirm 
s R. M. Gag. pag. 14.  that there is no Controversy between the Romish party and us, that ei●ther concerneth Faith or good Life; but that the differences are of an inferior alloy, of which a man may be ignorant without any danger of his soul at all.  
And therefore in his defence against these, I will say no more, but praejudicium tollit judicium; prejudice takes away right judgement: and male rerum examinat omnis corruptas judex; a corrupt Judge never well examineth the truth. And for his handling things often handled by others, Prosper 
t Epi. Pros. ad Aug. de reli● Pel●g. ●er.  thinks it both necessary and profitable so to do, lest the matters be reputed of small moment which are not often argued.  
As for those who have slighted his laborious Commentaries upon divers parts of Scripture, pretending them to be but Scraps and Fragments gathered from the Feasts of others, I know not whether they discover more malice or more folly: If with Socrates 
u Apud P●at. in P●●●do.  he filled himself as a vessel at the Wells or springs of others, and yet could say as Lipsius of his politics, Omnia mea sunt & nihil, all is min● and nothing at all. 
w Hier. adve. Vigil.  If he gathered many Flowers together and put them as a Posy into our hands; if he hath 
x Amb. Proe●●●. in Luc.  read many things, to spare us th● reading of them; i●●e hath collected the judgements of most Writers ancient and modern upon those Books, and disposed them by a most exquisite method, and fitted them for all necessary use, ●s plainly appeareth to every unpartial and judicious ●ye● Then have we just cause to praise God for his profitable pains, and to desire that some other would follow him in that way, 
y Op●.  wherein no man hath gone befor● him.  
It cannot be denied, but that a● B●a●us Rhenac●● truly observeth, in 
z 〈…〉 Teriu●.  the most beautiful body some blemish may be found, and we are men 
a Lips. praef. ad polit.  subject to errors: and consequently in the great and many labours of this learned man, something may be found that may require a r●v●z ill, some thing may admit the sponge. B●t when like unto Momus, who could find nothing else amiss in Venus, but 
b Philo. ep. ad 〈◊〉.  only that her shoe creakt; men will pretend errors wher● there are none, I must tell such in the words, of Ierom●, 
c Ad Domin  when they come to write themselves, and to set foot to foot, th●y will tug and sweat, and find great difference between pub●lick writing and private carping. Or let thi● blessed Doctor speak to them though dead, and say, 
d Mar●ial. ad L●lium.  Carpere vel noli nos●ra, vel ede●ua. Snarl not at mine, or se● forth thin●. And on the other side, where something may be blame worthy pardon it 
e Theod. de Cura●d. Greac affect. in Prolo  and do not despise the Works because of this, but reap profit by that which is well written, and give God the glory, who found folly in hi● Angel●, ●nd ●s alone impeccable.  
To come near to his death: It is ●●ported by 
f Orat. de vit. & Obits. D. ●●●r. Mar●●●.  josias Simle●u●, how that after D●ctor Peter Martyr that famous writer had published many of his Labours, he began at the last, ●b initio Bibliorum, at the beginning of the Bible, and after he had expounded the book● of Genesis and Exodus, & bonam par●●m Levitici, and a good part of Liviticus, prevented by the stroke of death, he ended all his labour●: So ●his his exact par●●●ed D●ct●r Andrew Will●● (besides many other Works) had written his sixfold Commenta●ie● upon the same books of Genesis and Exodu●, and had made a good progress in the like way upon Leviticus (since finished by ●nother) here also God determined his travail●. And le● me not omit this one thing, it my poor judgement very remarkable, how God in his divine providence and gracious favour to him, answered him in a solemn Vow, which you may find expressed in a latin Epistle of his, in words to this effect in English, 
g Epist. D●d. Prefix. before the second part of his second Book of Healp. up●on Exod.  It is most honourable for a Soldier to die fight, and for a Bishop or Pastor praying, and if my merciful God shall vouchsafe to grant me my request, my earnest desire is, that writing and commenting upon some part of the Scripture, I might finish my days. And accordingly God gave him his hearts desire, and denied him not the request of his lips; Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing, Matth. 24.46.  
He departed this life December the fourth 1621. in the fifty nine year of his age: of whom considering his strength and healthful constitution, varying a little the words of Virgil, I may say,— Had not God said no, He might have lived ten years or twenty more. It pleased God who hath appointed to every man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, his own proper and peculiar kind of death, and without whose Providence, 
i Tert. li. 1. ad uxorem.  not a leaf falling from the ground, so to dispose of this godly man's death, that as a Pilgrim here on earth, he must die in an Inn: In a journey from London homewards, he was forced to take up his Lodging in Hodsdon, a town in Hertfordshire, having not fare from thence, by 
k Cic. de Fat  a fall from his horse, his right leg broken. It is sweetly said of Gregory N●ssen. 
l D●●●nt. Hierosol.  Wheresoever thou art (whether in thine own house or in an Inn) God will come to thee, if thou makest thy soul a fit lodging for him. And that saying of Augustine may stop the mouth of every rash unchristian Censurer; 
m Aug. epist. 122.  God regardeth not in his servants, after what manner they depart this life, but what manner of men they are when they depart.  
Here in this place he continued as God's prisoner, confined to hi● bed for nine day●s together, spending the most part of them, in meditating upon the Song of Ezekiel, when he had been sick, recorded by the Prophet Esay chap. 38. which heavenly contemplations were written from hi● mouth, by a Son of his then attending upon him. And upon two Sabbaths following within that time, observing the people of the hou●e, upon pretence of waiting. upon him, to stay from Church, h● called them together, and gave them some concionatory exhortations, both forenoon and afternoon, and this with such a spirit, as if had been no ways sensible of his pain; which putteth me in mind of that saying of Tertullian, 
n Tertull. ad Mart.  The leg feels nothing in the nerves, when the mind is (as it were rapt) in heaven.  
Upon the tenth day after his hurt received (
o Martia. l. 6 Epigr. 152.  having over night supped cheerfully, and reposed himself to rest) early in the morning, upon occasion of the tolling of a Bell for one then at the point of death, he suddenly awoke and with him his wife, who lay in the same chamber by him; he than took occasion to discourse with her touching the joys of heaven, and touching the Saints mutual acknowledgement of one another in that blessed estate● which discourse ended, he with his wife sang an Hymn, composed by himself, wherewith they usually every morning praised God for their rest the night past, and prayed his blessing for the day succeeding. Their spirits being thus raised, they continued their melody, and sang the 146. Psalm; he sometime stopped a little, and glozing upon the words, applied divers things therein unto himself and to his present condition. And on the sudden (his 
p Gennad. Conc. de mor●  hour being now come) fetching a deep sigh or groan, he sunk down in his bed; but help coming in, upon means used, he seemed to raise up himself a little, and then said, Let me alone, I shall do well; Lord jesus, and with that word he gave up ●he ghost.  
Soon after his body was carried by coach to hi● Town of Barley, and was in his Chancel solemnly interred, with decent Funeral rites and with many tears, and there lieth covered with a fair Graven stone of Marble. But his more durable monuments are these.  
The Work● of Andrew Willet Doctor of Divinity in Latin and English, Printed and unprinted.  
Printed books in Latin.  
1 De animae natura & viribu●. 2 S●cra emblemata. 3 De Universali vocatione Judaeorum. 4 De conciliis. 5 De Universali gratia. 6 De Antichristo. 7 Epithalamium. 8 Funebres Conciones. 9 Apologiae serenissimi Regis Jac: defensio.  
In English.  
14 Synopsis Papismi in five books. 16 Hexapla upon Genesis in two books. 18 Hexapla upon Exodus in two books. 20 An Harmony upon the first and second books of Samuel. 21 Hexapla upon Daniel. 22 Hexapla upon the Epistle to the Romans. 23 Upon the twenty two Psalm. 24 Upon the seven●eenth of john 25 Upon the Epistle of jude. 26 Te●rastylon Papismi. 27 A Catalogue of good works. 28 Limbomastix. 29 Loedoremasti●. 30 Epithalamium in English. 31 Funeral Sermons in English. 32 An English Catechism. 33 A Retection. 34 An Antilogy. 35 Hexapla upon Levi●icus.  
Not Printed. In Latin.  
36 Defensio Aristotelis ● contra Tempellum. 37 Catechismus Latinus. 38 G●mitus Columbae, ceu Comment in Jnam. 39 S●cri paralleli. 40 Haeptaphonon. 41 Scala Coeli. 42 Antithesis Pontificiae & Evangelicae Doctrinae. 43 Variae lectione● in Pen●a●euchion.  
In English.  
44 An expos●●on upon Genesis. 45 Marginal Annotations upon the Petateuch. 46 The Doctrine of the Christian Sabbath.  
Abi, & tu fac similiter.  
See here a true Nathaniel, in whose bres●  
A careful conscience kept her lasting feast;  
Whose simple heart could never lodge a guile  
In a soft word, nor malice in a smile:  
He was a faithful labourer, whose pains  
Was pleasure; and an others good, his gains:  
The height of whose ambition was, to grow●  
More ripe in knowledge, to make others know  
Whose Lamp was ever shining, never hid;  
And when his tongue preached not, his actions did:  
The world was least his care; he sought for heaven;  
And what he had he held not earned, but given:  
The dearest wealth he owned, the worl● near gave,  
Nor owes her aught but house●rent for a grave.   

The Lif and Death of David Pareus. who died Anno Christi 1622.  
DAvid Pareus was born in Silesia, Anno Christi 1548. His Parents were Citizens of good rank; when he was about three years old, he fell sick of the small pox, whereof he was like to die, and though it pleased God that he recovered, yet he had thereby a blemish in one of his eyes, which continued so long as he lived: about that time his Mother died; when he grew up to riper years, his Father perceiving a natural promptness in him to learning, set him to School in his own City, where one of his M●sters was very rigid and severe in his carriage unto him, and there he learned Grammar, Music and Arithmetic: But when he was fourteen years old (by the instigation of his stepmother) his father placed him with an Apothecary at ●ra●islavia: which course of life he could not well relish, and therefore after a months stay he returned home again, which his step mother w●s much offended with, yet his tender father resolved to keep him at School, and ●hen he disliked the severity of his former Master, he sent him to Hirschberg, to one Christopher Schillingus, who was much affected with his ingenuity and towardliness: the chief Magistrate also of that City took a great liking to him, for some Verses which he made at his son's Funeral, so that he gave him his diet in his Family: when he had been there about two years, the Pastor of that place who was a Lutheran, fell out with his Schoolmaster for that, in Catechising of his Scholars, he had taught them, that Christ's body being ascended into heaven was there to remain till his coming to judgement, and that in the Sacrament we feed upon it only spiritually by faith, etc.  
And his spleen was so great, that he would not be satisfied till he had driven him away from the City: Pareus having to hi● great grief lost his Master, returned home; yet neither there was he in quiet, some tale-bearers suggesting to his Father that his Schoolmaster had infected him with his errors; and so far they prevailed, that his father intended to disinherit him: hereupon Pareus intended to go into the Palatinate, which his father much disliked, and sought by all means to hinder, yet at last through God's mercy, by importunity he got his father's consent, who sent him away with little money in his purse: Thus forsaking his friends and father's house, he went to Hirschberge, where he met with his Master and some of his School-fellowes, and so they traveled together towards the Palatinate, through Bohemia: by the way his money failing, ●e went to a Monastery to beg an Alms, and the Abbot pitying of him relieved him: going from thence to another Monastery, he met with an ignorant Friar, and asked an Alms of him in Latin, he returned this answer; Nos pauperi fratres, nos nihil habemus; an piscimus, an caro, an panis, an misericordia habemus: Thus at length it pleased God to bring him safely to Amberg in the upper Palatinate: there his Schoolmaster stayed, and sent Pareus with ten more of his Scholars to Heidelberg, where they were admitted into the College of Sapience: there he was a diligent hearer of Vrsin, Boquin, Tremelius, Zanchy, and the other Professors, under whom he profited both in the Arts and Tongues to admiration: Then he betook himself to the study of Divinity, and having fitted himself for the work of the Ministry, he was chosen by the Elector to Preach in a Village within his jurisdiction, which he was then about to reform: not long after he was called back to Heidelberg, and made a Public Lecturer, where he continued till the death of Frederick the third, and then by the Heterodox party, he with the other Professors was driven from thence: but most of them were entertained by Prince Casimire, who erected a University an Newstade, appointing Vrsin, Zanch●, junius, Piscator and others to be the Professors in it: he appointed also a Synod, therein to consider how to provide for the other exiles: Tossan was chosen Moderator, & Pareus the Scribe of it: in that Synod Pareus got ●eave to go visit his Country and friends, and so in three week's space came safely to them, where he was received with much joy, and at the request of the Senate, he Preached the Sabbath following upon john 3.16. And that with great applause and general approbation: his father also was so well pleased with him, that presently after Sermon, he canceled the writing whereby he had disinherited him: the Senate also desired him to undertake a Pastoral charge in that place; but he chose rather to return into the Palatinate against & coming to Newstad, he was appointed to Preach in a Village hard by, where he continued till Prince Casimire (as Guardian to the young Prince Elector Palatine) sent for him to be a Preacher in the great Church in Hiedleberge; and not long after he was made Master of the College of Sapience in that University: Anno Christi 1587. according to the Statutes of the College he Commenced Master of Arts, and afterwards by the persuasion of his friend's Doctor of Divinity also.  
In the year 1594. at a Convention of States at Ra●isbone the Divines of the Palatinate were accused by the Lutherans, as holding opinions neither consonate to the Scriptures, Augustine's Confession, nor to their own Catechism; but Pareus at the appointment of the Palatine, easily wiped of those aspersions, and vindicating the innocency of them: Anno Christi 1596. there broke forth a great Plague in the University of Heidelberg, whereof the learned james Kimedonti●s (Pareus his intimate friend) died, & som● other Professors also: and the Students by reason of it were driven away: yet Pareus stayed, & it pleased God to preserve his College free from the infection: not long after he was chosen Professor of the Old Testament in the room of Kimedontius, and presently after Rector of the whole University. A●no Christi 1596. he was extremely troubled with a Catarrh, insomuch as he dispaired of life, yet it pleased God after a while to restore him: Anno Christi 1602. upon the death of Daniel Tossan, he was made Professor of the New Testament: and grew so famous that many resorted out of Hungary, Borusia, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Germany to see and hear him.  
In the year 1615. his wife sickened and died, which was a great grief to him: Anno Christi 1618. the Low-Countries being exceedingly endangered by the growth of Arminianism, the States appointed a Synod at Dort, for the curing of that disease; and amongst other famous Divines, Pareus was chosen by the Elector Palatine to go to it; but he being grown very old and infirm, desired to be excused, and so Paul Tossan was sent in his room: February the second, Anno Christi 1620. as Pareus was coming out of his study, the steps being slippery with the frost, his foot slipped and he fell down sixteen steps, and yet it pleased God by a wonderful Providence that he light upon his feet, and received no hurt by the fall; which made him think of that promise Psalm 91. He will give his Angels charge over thee, etc. By his Doctrine and Council he was admirably advantageous to the Church of God in many places: He strongly asserted the truth of God against its adversaries: He was a great studyer and promoter of the Church's peace; labouring that they which agree in the Fundamentals, should not jar about matters of an inferior nature: He wrote many excellent Works, whereof some were printed by himself, others remained with his son Philip Pareus, who hath since published them to the great benefit of the Church.  
About that time the Spaniapds came into the Palatinate with their Army, which brought great miseries upon that poor Country, which Pareus foresaw both by Prodigies and Dreams; then did his friends both in Hiedleberge and other places, persuaded him to retire himself to some other place of safety; to whom he yielded, that so he might not fall into the hands of those bloody Papists, whom he had irritated by his writings against them. At his departure he cried out, O Hiedleberg! O Hiedleberge! but it's better to fall into the hands of God then of man, whose tender mercies are cruelty: He went to Anvilla where he spent his time in Prayer, Study and in Miditation, waiting and longing for the time of his change: there also he wrote his Corpus Doctrinae; which when he had finished, he said, Lord, now let thy servant departed in peace because he hath finished that which he desired: Presently after he felt his strength much to decay, and he fell into a fever; and finding that the air in that place agreed not with him, he went thence to Neapolis: earnestly begging of God that if it were his holy will, he might yet return to Hiedleberg, and lay his bones there: He made his will also finding his former Catarrh to return upon him again: yet it pleased God by the help of Physicians to recover him; whereupon he resolved to go to Hiedleberge, and taking his Grandson young Daniel Pareus with him, whom he loved dear, he came safely to Hiedleberge, where he was received with wonderful acclamations of joy; about which time Prince Frederick came also thither from his Exile: and the Sabbath following they received the Sacrament of the Lords-Supper together with much comfort: But three days after, his former disease returning, he was sensible of his approaching death: the Professors and Ministers resorted to him, much bewailing their own loss, amongst whom was Henry Altingus, to whom he freely opened his mind both concerning God house and his own, and presently after quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1622. and of his age 73.  
Pareus also of high Germany,  
A wreath of Bayes deserves most worthily:  
A very learned, godly, grave Divine,  
Whose precious labours made his fame to shine,  
Chief those on the Romans. And although  
At first, he many straits did undergo:  
Both by his Father and his other friends;  
Yet God who in deep straits assistance sends,  
Made all for his best good t'operate,  
And by them brought him to a blessed estate;  
For he became abroad, at home renowned,  
And was with many honours justly crowned:  
Especially at Hiedleberge, where he,  
From all earth's fears was happily set free.   

The Life and Death of Thomas Erpenius, who died Anno Christi 1624.  
THomas Erpenius was borne at Gorcome in the Low-Countries Anno Christi 1584. of honest Parents: In his childhood he was bred in the School at Leiden, and admitted into that University at eighteen years old, and in the twenty fifth year of his age, he commenced Master of Arts: then he fell to the study of Divinity, and of the Oriental Languages under joseph Scaliger, who observing his ingenuity and promptness, often foretold what an eminent man he would prove in time to come: From thence he traveled in England, France, Italy, and Germany, in which per●grinations he profited exceedingly both in learning and prudence.  
At Paris he became intimately acquainted with Isaac Casaubone; and went with him to Samure, where he fell hard to the study of Arabic, and profited so exceedingly therein that Casaubone had him in great admiration, and estimation for the same: From thence he went to Venice, where by the help of some learned Jews and Turks, he learned the Turkish, Persian, and Aethhiopic janguages: whereby he got so great esteem in Italy, that he was proffered a Pension of five hundred ducats by the year to employ himself in the version of some Arabic books into Latin. He spent four years in travel, and was famous every where for his learning: at Paris, and some other places he bought many Arabic books, & so returned to Leiden An. Ch. 1612. About which time there was a purpose to have called him into England, & to have allowed him an honourable stipend, but the year after he was chosen Professor of the Oriental languages in Leiden: and presently after he set up (though with extraordinary charges) a Press for those Languages, whereby he published many ancient monuments, both of his own & other mens● & 1616. he married a wife, by whom he left three children surviving him: An. Christi 1619. he was made Professor of the Hebrew also, and though he had so many and great employments, yet he went through each of them with so great exactness, as if he had nothing else to attend upon.  
In the year 1620. he was sent by the Prince of Orang, and the States of Holland into France, to procure Peter Moulin, or Andrew Rivet to come to Leiden to be the Divinity Professor, and though he prevailed not at that journey, yet they sent him again the year after to Andrew Rivet and the French-Church, to obtain of them their consents for his coming; which business he transacted with so great prudence, that he brought Andrew Rivet along with him to Leiden. His fame was so great, that the King of Spain wrote to him, making him exceeding great promises if he would come into Spain to interpret some ancient writings, which never man yet could do: The King of Morocco also did so exceedingly admire the purity of his Arabic style in some of his Epistles, that he shown them to his Nobles and other learned men as some great Miracle: He was also highly esteemed of, by the Prince of Orang and the States of Holland, who often made use of his labours in translating the letters which they received from Princes in Asia, and Africa out of Arabic or other Languages: But whilst he was thus busily employed in Public and private, it pleased God that he f●ll sick of the Plague, whereof he died Anno Christi 1624. and of his age forty.  
Here may we not without much wrong deny,  
To this Erpenius honoured memory:  
Who was most famous in his generation,  
A man of excellent parts to admiration;  
And in the Oriental tongues so rare,  
That few or none with him deserved compare:  
For th'arabic and Hebrew tongues likewise,  
The Kings of France and Spain did him so prize,  
Yea England, Holland, Germany, Italy  
Proffered great sums t'enjoy his company:  
And rare eudowments, deep experience:  
At forty years of age death took him hence.   

The Life and Death of Abraham Scultetu●, who died 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 Vra●islavia where he for had his fellow-students Pitiscus, Polanus & Pelargus, men who after proved eminent in the Church of God: Having studied 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 own Couny, and therefore being assisted by the bounty of a Noble Knight, he went to Wittenberg and from thence to Dessavia, to acquaint himself with Peter Martyr and Casper Pucer: Anno Christi 1590. he went to Hiedleberg where he heard Daniel Tossan and Francis junius: there also he read Lectures of Logic, Oratory and Astronomy to divers young Noblemen, and the year after Commenced Master of Arts: then he betook himself to the study of Divinity, thereby to fit himself for the Ministry, which from his childhood he had devoted himself to: and Preaching before the Elector Palatin●, he so flowed with el●quenc● and 〈◊〉, that the Prince and all his Courtiers were 〈◊〉 delighted in him● which caused the Elector to m●k● hi● visitor both of the School●●nd Churches: Yea many other Princes made use of his help in reforming their Churches in juliers: 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 james, and other learned men: at his return 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 ove● all 〈…〉 Hiedleberg, and traveled 〈…〉 met with many afflictions, 〈…〉 long tossed up and down in 〈…〉 the Lord at last provided him a quiet 〈…〉 ●here he was cho●sen a Preacher 〈…〉 orn out wi●h travels, 〈…〉 Ministry, he quietly 〈…〉 1624. and of his age 58. What admirable endowments he had, his Works do sufficiently declare, especially his Medulla Patrum, which is so much esteemed by learned men.  
Most worthy also is Scultetus grave,  
The Palm and prize of praise and fame to have:  
W●●●●r ●is 〈◊〉 wit ●nd worth●  
His learned labours rare, in print put forth;  
Chief Medulla Patrum, that choice piece,  
Preferred far to Jason's golden fleece,  
By all the learned. Had in high request  
For's eloquence and diligence expressed;  
By our King Jam●s and other Princes great;  
Who with most high applause obtained the seat  
In Hiedleberg● br●ve University,  
Of the Professor there; and worthily  
Made Doctor of Divinity. At last,  
Having much trouble with his comforts past;  
At Embd●n God him gave a quiet Station,  
And there by death crowned him with heaven's salvation   


Robert Bolton, Bachelor in divinity & minister of God's word att Broughton in Northampton 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 promptness 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 College in Oxford, and was Master Randa●'s Pupil [afterwards a famous Preacher] there in a short time (being well grounded before, and industrious) he be●ame an excellent Logician and Philosopher; at which time his father dying, and his means 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 Latin, or English. From thence he removed to Brasennose College, 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 got a Fellowship, about the thirtieth year of his Age; then also he Commenced Mr. 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 acuteness of wit and profound learning, that he was chosen by the Vice chancellor (at King james his first coming to the University) to be one of the Disputants before him, and to read natural Phylo●sophy in the Public Schools: he was also well studied in Metaphysics, Mathamaticks and School-divinity; yet all this while he had nothing in him for Religion: he loved Stageplays, Cards, Dice, was a horrible swearer, Sabbath●breaker and boon-companion; he neither loved goodness nor good men.  
He hearing the fame of Master Perkins went to Cambridge at a Commencement that he might hear him Preach, and h●ving heard him said, That he was a barren empty fellow, and a passing mean Scholar: but when God changed his heart, he changed his tune, and said, That Master Perkins was a● learned and godly a Divine a● our Church hath in many years enjoyed in so young a man. He had familiar acquaintance with one Master Anderton a good scholar, his Country man, and formerly his Schoolfellow, but a strong Papist, yea a Priest; he knowing Master Boulton's good parts and outward wants, took that advantage to perswade● 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 Lan●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 ●uch a way as the Lord seldom 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 p●eces, as he did job; beating him to the ground as he did Paul, by laying before him the ugly visage of his sins, which lay so heavy upon him that he roared ●or anguish o● heart; yea it so affrighted him, that he risen sometimes out of his bed in the night, for very anguish of spirit: and ●o augment his spiritual misery, he was assaulted with soul temptations, Horribilia de D●o, ●er●ibilia de fide, which Luther called c●laphum Satanae: this continued for many months, but God at last gave a blessed issue, and these grievous pangs in the New Birth produced two admirable effects in him; an invincible courage in the cause of God; and a singular dexterity in comforting afflicted spirits. Hereupon he resolved to enter into the Ministry, and was accordingly Ordained the thirty fifth year of his Age: and about two years after, the Parsonage of Broughton in Nor●hamptonshire falling void, Sergeant Nicols the Patron, preferred him to it: about the fortieth year of his age he married Mistress Ann Bois, of an ancient family in Kent, and to her care committed the ordering of his outward estate, and applied himself wholly to his studies, and the work of the Ministry, & for twenty years together Preached twice every Lordsday and Catechised; and in every Holiday and Friday before the Sacrament he expounded a Chapter, whereby he went over most of the Historical books of the Old & New Testament; and therein preparing nothing for his People, but what might have served a very learned A●ditory. In all his Preaching, next after God's glory, he aimed at the Conversion of souls, and God crowned his labours by making him an instrument to beget many sons and daughters unto righteousness.  
He had an excellent Art in relieving afflicted consciences, so that he was sought to far and near; yea divers beyond Sea desired his resolution in divers cases of Conscience. Though in his preaching he was a son of Thunder, yet to those that mourned in spirit, he was a sweet son of Consolation, with a tender heart pouring the oil of mercy into their bleeding wounds. He had a singular skill in discovering Satan's sleights, and in battering down his Kingdom. In all his Sermons he used to discover the filthiness of sin, and to press hard upon the Conscience the duties of Sanctification: yea, he would spare none, great or small in their sins; yet in reproving sin, he never personated any man to put him to shame. His life wa● blameless that he could not justly be taxed by any, of any scandalous sin. He constantly prayed six times a day: twice with his family. twice with his wife, and twice in secret: He kept many days of private humiliation: always before the Sacrament, and upon the occasions of the miseries of the Church at home & abroad, which he performed with much ardency of Spirit: and being advised by Physicians for his health's sake, to break off ●he strong intention of his study, he rejected their counsel, accounting it greater riches to enjoy Christ by those servant intentions of his mind, then to remit them for his health's sake.  
He was of a comely presence, his countenance was so mixed with gravity and austerity that it commanded respect from others. He oft refused preferment, that he might not be divorced from that Country where his Ministry found such entertainment and effect. He was universally bountiful: but especially he escape in those public distresses of Germany, France, Bohemia, etc. He always spent all the revenues of his living (which was of good value) in the maintenance of his Family, Hospitality and Charity: He fell sick of a Quartane Ague in Sept●mber An. Christi 1631. whereupon finding his disease to get strength, and his vigour to grow weaker, he revised his Will, and then wholly retired himself from the world, and solaced his soul with the Meditation of the joys of heaven: and having compiled a discourse De qua●uor Novissimis, of Death, Judgement, Hell and Heaven; having preached over the three former, he told his people that the next day he would preach of heaven, but the Saturday before he fell so sick that he never preached after: though his sickness was long and sharp, yet he bore it with admirable patience: often breathing forth these speeches, Oh when will this good hour come! When shall I be dissolved! when shall I be wi●h Christ? Being told that it was better for the Church (if God would) for him to stay here: He answered, If I shall find favour in the eyes of God, he will bring me again, and show me both it and his habitation; and if otherwise, lo here I am, let him do what seemeth good in his eyes, 2. Sam. 15.25, 26. And being asked of another, if he could be content to live if God would grant it him; he said, I grant that life is a great blessing of God: neither will I neglest any means that may preserve it, and do hearty desire to submit to Gods will; but of the two, I infinitely more desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ.  
To those that came to visit him ●n his sickness, he gave very godly and wise exhortations. He thanked God for his wonderful mercy in pulling him out of hell, in ●ealing his Ministry by the Conversion of Souls, which he wholly ascribed to his glory: a week before his death he called for his wife, and desired her to bear his Dissolution with a Christian Fortitude; and turning to his chrildrens, he told them that they should not now expect that in regard of his weakness he should say any thing to them; he had formerly told them enough, and hoped they would remember it, and he verily believed that none of them durst think to meet him at the great Tribunal in an unregenerate state. S●me of his neighbours moved, that as he had in his Ministry discoursed to them the exceeding commforts that were in Christ, so he would now tell them what he felt in his soul: Alas! said he, do you look for that now from me that want breath and power to speak? I have told you enough in m● Ministry: yet to satisfy you, I am by the wonderful mercies of God, as full of comfort as my heart can hold, and feel nothing in my soul but Christ, with whom I hearty desire to be: Then seeing some weeping, he said, Oh what a deal ado there is before one can die? When the very pangs of death were upon him, some of his dear friends coming to take their leave of him he caused himself to be raised up, and after a few gapings for breath he said to them, I am now drawing on a pace to my Dissolution: hold out Faith and Patience, your work will quickly be at an end: then shaking them by the hand, he desired them to make sure of heaven, and to remember what he had formerly taught; them protesting that it was the Truth of God, as he should answer it at the Tribunal of Christ, before whom he should shortly appear: and a dear friend taking him by the hand, asked him if he felt not much pain: Truly no (said he) the greatest I feel is your cold hand: and then being laid down again, no long after he yielded up his spirit unto God, Anno Christi 1631. and of his age sixty.  
He was one of a thousand for Piety and Courage, which were so excellently mixed with wisdom, that they who imagined mischief against his Ministry, were never able by all their plottings to do him any more hurt, then only to show their teeth.  
Laus Deo.  
Of all the worthies that deserved so well  
And did in parts and piety excel:  
And Garlands therefore of just honour have,  
None more did merit then this Past or grave.  
Renowned Robert Bolton, one well known  
For his divine rare parts second to None:  
Who though in's youth he seemed a wicked Saul,  
In's riper years he proved a precious Paul:  
A most renowned preaching Son of thunder,  
Yet a sweet Barnabas (even to deep wonder)  
To sons of sorrow; and for God's blessed cause,  
Invincible in courage; and from paws  
Of Satan's power, who pulled afflicted spirits  
By comforts sweet: herein, being of high merits;  
And as for's preaching, so for's writings rare,  
Extant in print, even almost past compare:  
One of ten thousand for his piety,  
Constancy, wisdom, learning, gravity;  
Who as he lived beloved, so blestly died,  
And now his Sainted soul in heaven doth bide.   

The Life and Death of William Whately, who died Anno Christi 1639.  
WIlliam Whately was born in Banbury in Oxfordshire, An. Christi 1583. of godly and religious Parents: his father was oft Mayor of that Town: his mother carefully bred him up in the knowledge of the Scriptures from a child: he was also trained up in learning in the best Schools in those parts, and being of a quick apprehension, a clear judgement, and a most happy memory; he profited so much both in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, that at fourteen years old he went to Christ's College in Cambridge. There he was an hard Student, and qucikly became a good Logician and Philosopher, a strong Disputant and an excellent Orator: He studied also Poetry and Mathematics: He was a constant hearer of Doctor Chaderton and Mr. Perkins: And his Tutor calling his Pupils to an accounted what they had learned; when any was at a stand, he would say, Whately, what say you? and he would repeat as readily as if had preached the Sermon himself: being Bachelor of Arts, his Father took him home, yet there also he followed his study. Afterwards he married a wife, the Daughter of Master George Hunt, an eminent Preacher, who persuaded him to enter into the Ministry: and therefore going to Oxford, he commenced Master of Arts, and presently after was called to be a Lecturer at Banbury, which he performed with good approbation for four years, and then was called to the Pastoral charge there, in which place he continued to his death. He was naturally eloquent, and had words at will● he was of an able body and ●ound lungs, and of a strong and audible voice: He was a B●nerges, a son of Thunder, and yet upon occasion, a Barnabas, a son of sweet Consolation: His speech and preaching was not in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the Demonstation of the Spirit & of Power. He was an Apollo●, eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures: he Catechised and Preached twice every Lord's day, and a weekly Lecture besides, yet what he Preached was before well studied and premeditated: He usual penned his Sermons at large; and if he had but so much time as to read over what he had written, and to gather it up into short heads, he was able to deliver it well-near in the same words. His Preaching was plain, yet very much according to Scripture, and the rules of Art: He made good use of his Learning, yet without affectation. He used to read Books most swiftly, & yet not cursorily; being able, when he had done, to give an account of the substance, and most remarkable passages of what he had read. And it pleased G●d to put a Seal to his Ministry, in the converting, confirming, and building up many thousands in the course of his Ministry. He was a diligent visitor of the ●ick under his charge without respect of person's: he was a great P●ace maker amongst any of hi● Fl●●k that were at variance: he had an heavenly gift in prayer, both for aptness and fullness of Confessions, Petitions, Supplycations, Intercessions and Praises, together with fervency of spirit to power them out to God in the name of Christ. W●en he had read a Psalm or Chap. in his Family, in his prayer he would discover the scope, meaning, & chief notes of observation, and their use, that his Prayer was an excellent Commentary thereupon; and this not only in the plainer, but in the harder Texts of Scripture also. His constant practi●e was (besides Family-prayer twice a d●y, and sometimes Catechising) to pray also with his wife, and alone, both morning and evening. He set apart private days of Humiliation for his Family upon special occasions, and oft for their preparation to the Lord's Supper; at which times he would exceed himself in pouring out his soul to God with many tears: He was much in days of private Fasting, and humbling himself alone before God, which impaired his health, but made much for the health of his soul. He was very able, and very ready to confer with, and to resolve the doubts of such as came him: He bore such a tender love to that great people over which God had set him, that though his means was small, and he had many offers of great preferment in the Church, yet he would not leave them. He was daily inquisitive af●er the affairs of God's Church, and sympathized with God's people, both in their weal and woe.  
He was much grieved when he saw that difference in opinions bred strangeness amongst Christians, that agreed i● that same Fundamental Truths. He was judiciously charitable to such as shown the power of godliness in their lives, though they were not of his judgement in all things. He was glad when any of the righteous smote him, & would t●ke it well, not from his Superiors only, but from his Equals and far Inferiors; and would really show more testimonies of his love to such afterwards then ever he did before. He abounded in works of Mercy, he was a truly liberal man, one that studied liberal things, seeking out to find objects of his mercy, rather th●n staying till they were offered: he did set apart, and expend for many years together for good uses the tenth part of his yearly come in, both out of his Temporal and Ecclesiastical means of maintenance● he entertained som● poor Widows, or necessitous persons, weekly at the least at his Table; and his estate prospered the better after he took this course; and in his sickness he comforted himself with that promise, Psal. 41.1, 2. Blessed is he that considereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble; the Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing, etc. His last days were his best days, for than he grew exceedingly in humility, and in heavenly-mindedness. And a good while before his latter end, God gave him victory over his greatest corruptions, which for a long time kept him in continual exercise. About eight weeks before his death, he was much troubled with a cough and shortness of breath, which much weakened him, yet he Preached divers times, till his increasing weakness disabled him. In his sickness he gave heavenly and wholesome counsel to his people, neighbours and friends that came to visit him, exhorting them to labour to redeem the time, to be much reading, hearing, and Meditating upon the Word of God; much in prayer, brotherly love, and communion of Saints, and that they would be careful to hold that fast that he had taught them out of the Word of Truth, and that whilst the the means of Salvation was to be had, they would neither spare pains nor cost to enjoy it. His pains towards his end were very great, yet he bore them patiently. He was much in ejaculations and lifting up his heart to God in behalf of the Church and State, and for himself also, wherein he was most frequent, and earnest a little before his death. A godly friend & Minister praying with him, that if his time were not expired, God would be pleased to restore him for the good of his Church, or if otherwise, that he would put an end to his pains, if he saw good; he lifting up his eyes steadfastly towards heaven and one of his hands, in the close of that prayer gave up the Ghost, shutting his eyes himself, as if he were fallen into a sweet sleep, Anno 1639. and of his age 56. God took him away a little before the Civil Wars began, and before the sad desolations that fell upon the Town of Banbury in particular.  
Renowned William Whately also wins  
Like fame with Bol●on, as two equal twins  
Of honour and renown; for piety,  
And admirable parts in's Ministry:  
In Latin, Greek and Hebrew rarely able,  
A Disputant also unconquerable.  
Of apprehension quick, of judgement clear,  
Strong memory; and that which was most dear,  
Of a most holy life and Conversation;  
Who many souls did win to Christ's salvation:  
And Divine-like in Scriptures eloquent;  
In Prayer, Preaching faithful and fervent:  
Much charity and love, who still expressed  
Among his people a Peacemaking blest:  
Pitiful, patiented, full of courtesy:  
His soul with Christ now reigns most gloriously.  
FINIS.