The Life and Martyrdom of St. PETER the Apostle.

FIrst I shall begin with St. Peter, that great Apostle of the Circumcision, who so long and earnestly laboured for the Conversion of the Jews, whose obstinacy had before drawn Tears from the Eyes of his Blessed Lord and Master, when he wept over it with, O Jerusalem, Jerusa­lem, hadst thou but known even in this thy day the things that belonged unto thy peace, but now they are hidden from thine eyes, &c.

But to begin first with the place of his Birth, which was Bethsaida in the upper Galilee, antient­ly belonging to the Tribe of Nepthali, vulgarly called Galilee of the Gentiles, which is now reduced (though formerly a famous City) into certain small Cottages, and remaines only famous to Po­sterity by reason it was the Birth-place of this great Apostle.

The exact time of his Birth, notwithstanding the conjectures and guesses, that have been made by divers Learned Men, remains as yet undecided; or as we may say altogether uncertain; by Reason what has been hitherto argued as to that point, has been only conjectural, and not firmly ground­ed upon any warrantable Authority. Most of the Fathers, that have written about the time of his Birth, take their ground from the Birth of our Saviour, by reason St. Peter, at what time our Blessed Lord called him to be one of his Disciples, [Page 12] was not only Married, but lived in a settled state: therefore they judge he could not be less than 10 years elder than his Master; or according to Stenge, who builds his Foundation upon Bellarmine, he was born in the Eighth year of Octavius Augu­gustus, and in the 20 of King Herod which was about 17 years before the Birth of our Savi­our.

His Father was Jonah of Bethsaida, and he be­ing Circumcised according to the Jewish Law, had the name of Simon or Simeon given him at his Cir­cumcision; to which our Saviour added the name of Cephas, which in the Syriack Language, then very much used among the Jews, signifies a Stone, or as the Greek renders it [...], a Rock; which has occasioned many to believe that from that Inference our Saviour expressed himself, upon this Rock will I build my Church, that is, upon Peters Faith, Constancy, and the Gospel he was to Preach. And from the Alteration of his name, or rather addition, at such time as he came to be our Savi­our's Disciple, the Popes have taken occasion to alter their's at what time they come to the Papacy. His Brother was Andrew the Apostle, nor is it known which of them was the elder. He was a Man of small Education when he was chosen by our Saviour as a Disciple, but was soon after in­structed by the Fountain of all Wisdom and Lear­ning, even the Holy Spirit.

Having proceeded thus far, I shall not think it a­miss to give the Reader a Description of the Per­son of this famous Apostle (passing over for the most part such passages of his Life, as are found in Sacred Writ, to be more Brief in this our purpose) according as he is described in Ecclesiastical Hi­story. [Page 13] And first, as Nicephorus declares, he was somewhat slender, of a middle size, but rather in­clining to Tallness; his Complexion very pale and almost white; the Hair of his Head curled and thick, but very short, though St. Hierom in­formes us (as he has it out of Clemens his Periods) that he was exceeding Bald, which might proba­bly enough be, in his declining Age; his Eyes black, unless some small specks of Red, which ma­ny of the Fathers have attributed to his often weeping; his Eye-brows very thin; his Nose long, though at the end broad or flat. And thus have I described the outside of this Admirable Man, according as it has been derived down to Posterity by such as lived in his time, and had often con­verse with him and now since the outside is de­scribed; it will not be amiss to give a short de­scription of his Temper, and the Internal Facul­ties of his Soul. First then, He was Eager and Fierce, Witness his encountering the Guard of Souldiers that came to apprehend his Lord, and at that time cutting off the Ear of the High Priests Servant; his forwardness to speak, and to return answers, though sometimes to the endangering his Life, yet withal Courteous and Humble; for when Cornelius, being overjoyed with the Vision of him, would have received him almost with Divine Adoration, he forbid him, telling him he was but a man subject to the Passions as other men. With how much Candor and Modesty did he treat the Inferiour Rulers of the Church, in­somuch that he upon whom such Honours have been heaped in all Ages, stiles himself no greater than their Fellow Presbyter. How earnestly did he Labour to win Souls to Christ? and with what [Page 14] Resolution and Bravery did he tell the Sanhedri [...] which had Sentenced and Condemned him, tha [...] they and their Fellows were Guilty of his Mur­ther? and that they could not possibly be saved by any other means than by the Blood of Jesu [...] Christ whom they had Crucified? How do we al [...] along hear of his earnest Exhortations to such a [...] were left to Rule and Govern the Church in his absence, to be careful in their Charge as to the Cure of Souls? Nor was this in his mean Capa­city, but when he sate Bishop of Antioch in which he continued the space of nine years, greatly pro­pagating the Gospel; as likewise in his Travels into the Western parts of the World, after many tedious Journeys, he at last came to Rome, but we find not by any well grounded Authority that he sat Bishop of that See 25 years, as the Doctors of that Church would have it; nor indeed that ever he was Bishop Rome, though the Popes have all along derived their Power or Succession from him: But that he was at Rome, and suffered there under Nero, most of the Writers of Ecclesiastical Histo­ry Accord, as I shall more fully demonstrate here­after.

That he was Married, we have St. Paul's word for it, he telling us, that one Cephas (which was undoubtedly Peter) went about leading with him a Wife and a Sister; and as it is recorded by seve­ral of the Fathers, a Daughter; and as Clemens Alexandrinus tells us, that when St. Peter beheld his Wife going to her Martyrdom he exceedingly rejoyced, calling to her aloud, and charging her to be mindful of our Lord. And thus much of his being Married.

[Page 15]When he was at Rome, he prophesied the de­struction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Nation by Vespasian: But about that time the Persecution growing hot against the Christians, especially upon Nero's return from Achaia in great Pomp, he at that time resolving to glut himself with In­nocent Blood, caused several thousands of the Christians to be shut up in Prisons, and amongst the rest St. Peter, for whose preservation the Prayers of the Christians were still put up to Heaven many of the chief of them who could gain Access perswading him earnestly to make his escape, alledging that the preservation of his Life would be greatly useful to the Church. The which (after many denials) he attempted by getting over the Wall, which being effected, and he coming to the City Gate, is there said to meet our Lord, who was just entering the City, when knowing him he asked him Lord, whether art thou going? from whom he received this Answer, I am come to Rome to be crucified a second time.

By which answer St. Peter apprehending him­self to be reproved for endeavouring to fly that Death which was allotted him, and that our Savi­our meant he was to be Crucified in his Servant, he returned again to the Prison and delivered himself into the hands of the Keeper, and so continued till the day of his Execution, with great chearful­ness: When having saluted his Brethren, and especially St. Paul, who was at that time his Fel­low-Prisoner. He was led to the top of the Vatican Mountain, near the River Tiber, about three Furlongs without the City and there Cru­cified with his Head downwards; it being his own desire so to dye, alledging that he was unworthy [Page 16] to suffer after the same manner that his Lord and Master had suffered, and so having run the race that was set before him, he (undoubtedly) ob­tained the reward layed up for him in the Highest Heavens. And thus having briefly run over the Life of this great Apostle, I shall proceed to St. Paul who fell by the Commandment of the same bloody Tyrant, and if not on the self-same day yet within a very short time after.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. PAUL the Apostle.

NOtwithstanding the Church does not reckon St. Paul amongst the twelve Apostles, yet through the Assistance of Gods Holy Spirit after he was Miraculously Converted, he so earnest­ly laboured in preaching the Lord Jesus and him crucified, both to the Jews and Gentiles (even to the Jeopardy of his Life) that he is worthy of a name and place equal to any of them.

He was born at Tarsus, one of the Capital Cities of Cilicia, a place much famed for Learning; In­somuch as Strabo tells us that Julius Casar made it a Roman Municip, or Free Corporation all the Inha­bitants thereof having the same priviledges as the Citizens of Rome, which were likewise confirmed to them by Augustus Caesar who succeeded him in the Empire.

[Page 17]His Parents were Jews of the Seed of Abraham; which he expresses when he says, he was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, that is, that all his Ancestors had lineally descended of the Jewish Race, and not en­tered in by the way of Proselytisme; and that he was of the Tribe of Benjamin, is affirmed by the several of the Jewish Rabbins. As for his Calling, he was a Tent-maker, though, as himself declares, instructed in all the Learning and Customs of the Jews, being brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, a Learned Rabbin or Academick, who taught and instructed Youths: the Hebrew word rendering it either at the feet or under his Tuition.

His first Name was Saul, the which he contin­ued till the time of his Conversion in his way to Damascus.

In the beginning of his Life we find nothing memorable, but when he grew up to manhood he became a great Persecutor of the Christians; and the first time he is mentioned in Holy Writ, is when he held or looked to the Cloathes of such as Stoned the Blessed Proto-Martyr St. Stephen, af­ter that he continuing to breath out threatenings against the Church, procured Letters or a Com­mission, as the Hebrew renders it, from the San­hedrim or Jewish Council, in which the High Priest was wont to fit Chief Judge, impowering him to bring such as he found preaching in the name of Jesus, bound to Jerusalem. But Lord! whilst he was on his Journey, in order to his pro­secuting this wicked design, A light from heaven shined round about him; insomuch that he fell to the Earth, and heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me, &c. After the heavenly Ap­parition was departed, he, in obedience to what [Page 18] he had been commanded by that Sacred Oracle, Journeyed on towards Damascus: but so blind, that his Servants were obliged to lead him. When he came there he prayed, till Ananias, a devout Christian, came to him and restored his sight, at which all his thoughts were changed: for whereas he some few days before had breathed out Perse­cution against the Church, so now, on the con­trary, he joyned himself to it, and began to preach boldly the Lord Jesus; at which the Jews, being exceedingly incensed, sought to lay hands on him, and to destroy him: but God, who had made him a chosen Vessel to bear his name before the Gentiles, delivered him out of their hands. From Damas­cus he came to Jerusalem, and there essayed to joyn himself with the Brethren: but they know­ing what manner of man he had formerly been, did not only fear to joyn with him, but in all like­hood did what they could to avoid him; until they were certified, by one of their fellow Apostles, that he had seen the Lord Jesus in the way; and that he was not only Converted, but had openly and boldly Preached the Gospel.

By this means, being received into their Fel­lowship, he in a short time became their cheif speaker: being a man of an exceeding ready Wit, as it appeared when at sundry times he was brought before Felix the Governour, Festus his Successor, and King Agrippa. There we see how he confounded the Orator, bafled all his Accusers; Insomuch that they could charge him with no­thing but his Religion in General, as not daring to venture upon any particulars, least he should have proved it out of the Law of Moses; as he did Christ to be the Messia, foretold by all the [Page 19] Prophets; when from Morning till Night he dis­puted about the verity of the Gospel which he Preached. But well perceiving that the Gover­nour was rather inclined to favour the People, than to do Justice, he thought it most convenient to Appeal to Caesar, which was a usual Custom and due Priviledge to such as were either Romans or free of Rome. Whereupon he is sent to Rome, when on the Coast of Melita, now Malta, in the Lybian Sea, between Syracuse and Africa, the Ship suffered Wrack, yet God gave him not only his Life, but the Lives of all that were with him in the Ship. When he came on shore, he was kindly receiv­ed by the Barbarians, who, when they had seen him shake of the Viper, that fastened to his hand, and thereby receive no hurt; they sayed amongst themselves, he was a God. Here he wrought many Miracles, by which he Converted a great number of the Inhabitants to the Faith, and espe­cially Publius the Chief Officer, or Governour of that Island, whose Father he had restored to health being at the point of Death; who afterward, as many of the learned affirm, was Bishop of Athens, and suffered Martyrdom.

From this Island, after 3 months stay, he with the rest were put on board the Castor and Pollux, a Ship of Alexandria, bound for Italy; which, putting in at Syracuse, there stayed 3 days; from from thence they sailed to Rhegium, and so to Pu­teoli, where St. Paul found many Christians staying amongst them, the better to confirm them, for the space of Seven days; and from hence departed for Rome.

At the news of St. Paul's Approach he was met by a Troop of Christians, above 50 Miles from the [Page 20] City, who still increasing, as he came nearer, they brought him into Rome as it were in Triumph: where, when he came, he found such favour at the hands of the Captain of the Guard, that he only confined him to his own house, and set one Soul­dier to watch; who was appointed rather to waite upon him, than to secure him.

He had not long continued there before he was brought before Nero, who then sat Emperour; where he so well acquitted himself that he obtain­ed his Liberty, and lived free in a house of his own, for the space of 2 years, Preaching the Go­spel of Christ boldly in the City, and confirming many in the Faith: Converting not only those of the meaner sort, but those of Rank and Quality. As one Torpes a cheif Officer in the Emperours Court, who afterward suffered Martyrdom; as likewise Nero's Cup-bearer, and others: but above all Poppaea Sabina an exceeding Beautiful Lady, and Concubine to Nero; which so enraged the Brutish Emperour that he resolved the Apostle's death, which in a short time he compassed: for as St. Chrysostome relates, when Nero found the Lady devoted to a strict and chast Life, and that she would by no means consent any farther to his lude Desires, he sent for St. Paul, and calling him Vil­lain, Impostor, and wretched perverter, he caus­ed him to be cast into Prison, whence he wrote to the Lady to perswade her to continue stedfast in a Chast and Virtuous Life; for which the Tyrant commanded he should be put to death.

How long he continued in Prison, after Sen­tence, is uncertain; but the day of his Execution soon came: but what his preparatory treatment was, whether he was Scourged, as Malefactors [Page 21] were wont, in order to their Death, is not known. As a Roman Citizen by the Valerian and Porcian Law he was exempted from any such Ignomini­ous and Infamous punishment, though by the Law of the 12 Tables Notorious Malefactors, con­demned by the Centuriate Assemblies, were first to be scourged and then put to Death. And, as Baronius informes us, that in the Church of St. Mary, beyond the Bridg in Rome, two Pillars are yet to be seen, to which St. Peter and St. Paul were bound, and scourged, before their Execu­tions.

As our Apostle was lead to execution, he is said to have Converted 3 of the Soldiers who guarded him thither; which the Emperour hearing com­manded that they should be put to death: St. Paul being come to the place appointed for his Execu­tion, which was near the Aquae Salviae 3 miles from Rome, after he had exhorted such as came to see the Tragedy performed, to Repentance, and recommended his Spirit into the hands of his bles­sed Lord and Master; he kneeling down had his head stricken off with a Sword; which by the Romans was counted the noblest death, and only allowed to such, as were either Citizens, or free of the City.

St. Chrysostome declares, that his chearful sub­mitting to Death, and his constant courage till the last, was a means not only to Convert his Executioner, but several others who afterwards suffered Martyrdom, for the Faith of Christ. He was Executed, as far as can be gathered, in the 68 year of his Age; and farther 'tis said, that when his head was stricken off, Milk instead of Blood flowed from the Wound, and thus this great [Page 22] Apostle after he had preached the Gospel to the Gentiles, and either in Person, or by his Epistles visited most of the known World, and, as Theodo­ret tells us, in the Isles of the Sea, (whereby he undoubtedly means Brittain) he received first the Crown of Martyrdom, and then the Palm and Crown of Glory.

He was buried in via Ostiensis, about two miles from Rome, over whose Grave, about 318 years after Constantine the Great, at the request of Pope Sylvester, built a stately Church, and endowed it with many rich Gifts and Priviledges; which af­terwards was plucked down by the Emperour The­odosius, and rebuilt more stately than the former.

As for his Person, he was low of Stature, and somewhat stooping, his Complexion fair, his Countenance grave, his Head small, his eyes car­rying a kind of Beauty in them, his Eye-browes a little hanging over, his Nose long, but gracefully bending, his Beard thick, &c.

And thus having done with this blessed Apostle I shall proceed to the next, viz. St. Andrew, who, after he had run the Glorious race that was set before him, patiently submitted to the death of the Cross, fol­lowing the Steps of his Glorious Master; who went before to prepare a place for those, that love him, and become obedient to such rules, and precepts, as he has set down for our Instructi­ons.

The Life of St. ANDREW the Apostle.

AS for the Place of this Apostle's Birth, as we find it in Holy Writ, it was Bethsaida, a City of Galilee, standing near to the Lake of Genesareth, his Father being a Fisher-man, and he Brother to Simon Peter; but which was the eldest remaines as yet undetermined. He with his Brother labouring in that Calling, till such time as our Saviour took them to be his Disciples, and made them Fishers of men. But at first he stayed not long with our Blessed Saviour, but re­turned home, and betook himself to his former Calling, untill such time, as our Saviour found him and his Brother Fishing upon the Sea of Tibe­rius, and convinced them of their Unbelief, by the exceeding draught of Fishes; whereupon they left all and followed him: And therefore he is numbred amongst the twelve that our Saviour took, as his immediate Witnesses against the World, continuing all along with him, till such time as he was Apprehended in the Garden; and then, most probably, fled with the rest, accord­ing as had been foretold by the Prophet, I will smite the Shepherd, and the Sheep shall be scattered.

After our Blessed Lord was Ascended, and the Holy Ghost had, in its miraculous Power, been plentifully shred upon the Apostles, he departed for Scythia, and there Preached the everlasting Gospel, Converting many of those wild and Bar­barous [Page 24] People to the Faith, and true Belief of the Gospel; Preaching as he went through Cappadocia, Galatia, Bithynia, and all along by the Euxine Sea, gaining many Proselytes, notwithstanding the Savageness of those, who inhabited those parts, who were formerly wont to Sacrifice Strangers, and drink out of their Sculls: And passing on he came to Sinope, the Burial-place of King Mithri­dates, where it is said he met St. Peter, and there they both taught the People; (And further 'tis added, that the Chaires, wherein they were wont to sit, being of white stone, are there extant to this day). But the Inhabitants of the City being Jews for the greatest part did what they could to oppose the Apostles Doctrine. So that setting upon the house wherein St. Andrew was, they attempted to put fire to it, but, however they were deterred from that, they caught the Apostle, and used him in a most Barbarous manner, till sup­posing him dead they dragged him out of the City; But within a while he coming again to himself Re-entered the said City, and by several Miracles so wrought upon them, that then they began more stedfastly to hear him Preach, which he continued for some time. But the Devil, that Enemy to the Progress of the Gospel, soon stirred them up against him the second time, whereupon he departed to Amyson, and thence to Trapezus, thence to Neo-Caesarea, thence to Samosata; where having puzzled and confounded the Wisdom, of the Philosophers, he designed to visit Jerusalem, which he effected, When returning thence, he travelled through many Provinces Preaching the Gospel till such time as he came to Byzantium now Constantinople; when he instructed them in the know­ledge [Page 25] of Christ, and caused a Church to be founded for Divine Worship, ordaining Stachys (whom St. Paul calls his Beloved Stachys) for Bishop of that City, when leaving all things in good Order, he took his Jouney through Thracia, Macedonia, Thessalia, Achaia, and as some affirm Epirus; and having planted the Gospel in many places, he came to Patrae, a City Achaia, where he sealed his Testimony with his blood.

For as it is mentioned by Philastrius, who lived Anno 380, he going thither at what time Aegeas a wicked Pagan being Pro-Consul, he Converted a great number to the Faith; which the Pro-Consul perceiving, waxed exceeding angry, and used both Threats and fair means to stay the pro­gress of the Gospel, though all in vain; which increased his anger so far that he caused the Apo­stle to be brought before him, demanding how he durst pervert (as he called it) the people from their Antient Worship? who with an undaunted Resolution told him, that he taught them the right way to Everlasting Happiness; and that they having been brought up in Superstition and Ido­latry, it was now high time for them to embrace saving Knowledge, and the Light of the Gospel. At which the Pro-Consul derided the Apostle as an Innovator and Propagator of that Religion, whose Author the Jews had infamously put to death upon a Cross. Whereupon the Apostle began to declare the infi­nite Love of our Lord, that he would vouchsafe to come down from Heaven, and by taking our Nature upon him, suffer Death for Lost and un­done Man, and that there was no other name un­der Heaven, by which any could be saved but by the Name of the Lord Jesus. Upon this the Pro-Consul [Page 26] growing more inraged, told him, that let who would believe it, as for his part he would not, and that if he (meaning St. Andrew) would not do Sacrifice to the Heathen Gods, he should dye upon that Cross, which he had preached, and so much Extolled. To which he replyed, that he did Sacrifice every day to God the Creator of the world and all things therein, yet not with fiery Sacrifices or bloody offerings, but in the Sacrifice of the Immaculate Lamb of God, who made himself an Offering for the attonement of the sins of the World. Upon which the Tyrant commanded him to Prison, which so troubled the People that had not the Apostle per­swaded them to Patience and Meekness they had Mutined.

The next day he was again brought into his Presence who then began by many flattering De­vices to perswade him not to destroy himself but live with him and enjoy the Pleasures of Life. Upon which the Apostle told him, that if he would Renounce his Idolatries and Embrace the offers of the Gospel, he should have Eternal Life which was far exceeding what could be elsewhere expected; when as the Pro-Consul told him plain­ly, that the reason why he urged him to Sacrifice to the Gods was, that by his Example such as had fallen off might again return to the Antient wor­ship, telling him that otherwise he should suffer the exquisitest Tortures that could be invented and that he should be Instantly Crucified. To which the Apostle replyed, that now he saw it but in vain any longer to discourse with or per­swade him to Repentance, he being hardened in his own folly and blindness; and that for this threats he had no regard to them, nor did he fear [Page 27] the utmost Tortures that he could invent as know­ing he should find the better acceptance at the hands of his Lord and Master, the more he suffer­ed for his sake. Upon, which he was Condemned to be Crucified; and that which the rather in­duced the Pro-Consul so to do, was, for that he had Converted his Wife Maximilia and his Bro­ther Stratocles to the Christian Faith, upon his having cured them of several desperate Distem­pers, with which they were afflicted.

When he was Condemned, the Pro-Consul or­dered him to be Scourged; and as he was going to be Crucified the People cryed out, he was a good and just man; yet he was fastened upon the Cross with Ropes, that he might be the longer dying, the Cross being two beams set in the fashion of the Letter X. From this Cross, after he was fastened to it, he Preached to the People for the space of two days; and by his admirable Patience, Courage and Perseverance, Converted many to the Faith. During his hanging there, great sute was made to the Pro-Consul for his Life, but our Apostle desired them not to Inter­ceed for him, for that he was greatly desirous to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. Praying earnestly to Heaven that he might at that time finish his Race, and be Crowned with Martyrdom: And so it happened, for he there gave up the Ghost; his better part Ascending to his Masters Joy. After which, his Body being taken down, was Embalmed at the Command of Maximilia, whom he had Converted, and afterwards layed in a Stately Tomb prepared for that purpose; where it continued till the time of Constantine the Great, [Page 28] and was at his Command brought to Constan­tinople, and buried there in the Great Church which he had founded to the Honour of the Apostles.

And thus much for St. Andrew, for whom the Scots for many Ages past have had such Veneration, that they Stiled him the Patron of their Country; bearing his Cross in their Standard: and, during the time that Popery overspread that Kingdom, payed Divine Ado­ration at his Shrine, and invoked his Aid upon all Occasions.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. JAMES the Great Apostle.

ST. JAMES, sirnamed the Great, either in respect of his Age, for the better distin­guishing the two Apostles of that name, or for some peculiar Favours our Lord bestowed upon him above the rest. By Birth he was a Galilean, but of what Town is uncertain; his Father was Zebedee, he being by Trade a Fisher­man, being nearly related to the Mother of our Lord: This was he who, together with his Bro­ther, left their Father in the Ship, and followed Jesus; not long after which he was called from the Station of an Ordinary Disciple to the Apo­stolical Office, and not that alone, but often honoured with extraordinary and peculiar Fa­vours, above the rest; he being one of the 3 whom our Lord usually made choice of to admit to the most private Transactions of his Life. As, with Peter and his Brother John, he was taken by our Saviour when he raised Jairus's Daughter to Life, as likewise a Spectator of our Saviour's Glo­rious Transfiguration upon the Mount, and was with him in the Garden, at the time of his Passi­on; as likewise all along upon any Extraordinary occasion. This was one of the Brethren whose Mother asked, for them of our Saviour, that one might sit at his right hand, and the other at his left, in the Kingdom of Heaven.

[Page 30]After our Saviour's Ascension, Sophronius tells us, he Preached to the dispersed Jews; which can be meant of no other than such, as, for fear of the Persecution, had seperated themselves, that is the Christians, who upon the Death of St. Ste­phen, fled from their Habitation, as in many places Ecclesiastical History makes mention: But the Spanish Fathers alledge, and greatly contend, that he, after he had preached the Gospel in Ju­daea, and Samaria, came into Spain, and other Western parts, and there continued preaching for a long Season. Some will have it, that he came from thence into Britain, Ireland and other Islands of the Sea; and after having appointed such Disciples, as he thought most convenient to carry on the work he had begun, he returned to Jerusalem.

Of this no Antienter Writers, than such as lived in the middle Age of the Church, give us any Account; when as 'tis mentioned by Isidore, the Breviary of Toledo, an Arabick Book of Ana­stasius Patriarch of Antioch, concerning the Pas­sion of the Martyrs, as likewise several others after them: But Baronius himself, does not much credit what they have written, though he raised some Arguments to make it plausible, the Apostle might take such a Journey, though few believe, that the length of time, between his first depar­ture from Jerusalem to the time of his Martyr­dom, could well permit it; but to leave that to the Judgment of the Reader I shall proceed.

Herod Agrippa, Son to Aristobulus, and Grand­child to Herod the Great, having, by his insinuat­ing into the favour of Claudius, the new Emperour, [Page 31] Successor to Caligula, obtained an Inlargement of his Dominions; he came from Rome to take pos­session of the same, and being very zealous for the Jewish Religion, seldom suffering any day to pass wherein he was not present at the Sacrifice, be­ing very desirous, at his Entry upon his additio­nal Soveraignty, for the better ingratiating him­self into the Hearts of the People, he could see no readier way to Effect it, than by persecuting the Christians: A sort of men whom he well knew the Jews exceedingly hated, as professing a Novel and upstart Religion (as they termed it) which was quite contrary to the Mosaick Institutions. Hereupon he caused a great number of Christians to be Imprisoned, and Amongst the rest our Apostle, who, Maugre all his Malice, when the Persecution raged most, Taught and Confirmed such as were wavering.

A short time after his Imprisonment Sentence of Death was passed upon him; and as he was led to the Place of Execution, according to Clemens Alexandrinus, the Souldier or Officer who guard­ed him to the place of his Martyrdom; or as Suidas will have it, his Accuser being Convinced, by the Courage and Bravery of the Apostle, in his chearfully going to his Death, came and fell down before him, asking Pardon for what he had done; upon which the Blessed man raised him from the ground, embraced, and kissed him, say­ing, Peace my Son, peace be to thee, and a pardon of thy faults: Whereupon, before all the Assembly, he openly Confessed his Conversion, declaring the Christian Faith to be the only means of Sal­vation, declaring that he was ready to dye for [Page 32] the same: which accordingly he did, they being both beheaded at the same time.

But as for the Tyrant, he lived not long af­ter; for coming into the Theatre, in glorious Apparel, to make a Speech to the People, on Caesars Birth-day, they shouted, and sayed, it was the voice of a God, and not of a man, which was soon disproved; for, at that very moment, Di­vine Justice overtook him, and he was eaten up with Wormes.

As for the Body of our Apostle, it being In­terred near Jerusalem, was from thence brought into Spain, and there said to do many Miracles: but what Credit is to be given to that, I leave to the Readers Judgment.

The Life of St. JOHN the Evangelist.

ST. JOHN was younger Brother to St. James, by Birth a Galilaean, Son to Zebedee and Sa­lome, by Trade a Fisher, as we find him noted in Holy Writ, being called at the same time that his Brother was and is noted as youngest of all the Disciples. To this Disciple it was that our Saviour said, if I will that he shall tarry till I come, &c. he also it was that leaned upon his Bosom, and had the Honour to wait upon him in the Hall, when he was Condemned, as also at the place where he suffered, and to whom our blessed Lord bequeathed the care of his Mother. At the first News of our Saviour's Resurrection from the dead he, accompanied with St. Peter, ran to the Sepul­chre, and he it was that first gave notice of it to the rest of the Disciples.

A while after we find that as he and Peter were preaching, they were cast into Prison, but being released by the Sanhedrim, they were chosen by all the Apostles to go down to Samaria; where meet­ing Simon Magus, they confounded his false Mira­cles; and not long after the Apostles dividing the Provinces amongst them, Asia Minor fell to his Lot, whither (after the death of the Blessed Vir­gin) he went and preached the Gospel in many Cities, as in Smyrna, Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and others; and now coming nearer to Rome, and preaching the Gospel, [Page 34] he was accused to Domitian (that great Persecutor of the Christians) that he was an eminent Asser­tor of Atheisme, and a publick subverter of the Religion of the Empire, whereupon the Tyrant sent an express Command to the Proconsul of Asia, to send him bound to Rome; which being done accordingly he was doomed to be put into a Caldron of boiling Oyl, in which, when he was entered, he stood for many hours unconcerned, nor any ways hurt, as Tortullian has it, which so amazed the Tyrant that he gave order he should be taken out: but that Miracle not in the least prevailing with him he banished him to the Isle of Patmos; a disconsolate Island in the Archipelago, where he remained several years. There it was he wrote his Apocalypse or Revelations, wherein by frequent Visions and Prophetical represent­ments, he had a clear prospect of the state and condition of the Church through all Ages which certainly was not the least token of our Saviour's Love twards him: nor could it have been more suitable at any time; for then he was in a Melan­choly retirement, shut up from all Exercise or Converse, it being rather a Prison than an Island not being able to boast of any comfort but such as he received from heaven.

A Story there is, but as for the Truth of it I shall no way assert, that a hand remaines to this day in a Monastery of Greeks Monks in that I­sland, having large Nailes upon its Fingers, which as fast as they pare them grow again; which, as Bellon in his Observations relates, is by some af­firmed to be the same hand with which St. John wrote his Revelations, and that the Turks will have it to be the hand of one of their Prophets: But enough of this.

[Page 35]After the Death of Domitian, Cocceius Nerva succeeding him in the Empire he revoked many of his wicked Edicts, recalling such as he had ba­nished; of which Indulgence St. John taking the advantage, left Patmos and returned again to Asia his antient charge, but chiefly his fixed seat at Ephesus, where he had left Timothy as Bishop or President, who during his Absence had been Mar­tyred by the People for perswading them against their Heathenish Rites, Feasts and Sports. St. John (as Nicephorus reports) being arrived, caused several small Churches for Divine Worship to be erected, such as were consistent with the poverty of the persecuted Christians, and that after he had settled the Affairs of the Provinces at the request of the Bishop of Asia, he wrote his Gospel, tho' some will have it that he wrote it in the Isle of Patmos during his confinement there.

According to the best account that Sacred Hi­story gives us, he lived till about the beginning of Trajans Reign, and then being about 98 or 99 years old he died. Yet Chrysostom will have it, that he lived 120 years, and that being 100 when he wrote his Gospel he lived 20 years after; of the same Opinion is Dorotheus, but this seems somewhat improbable; for according to this Ac­count he must have been 50 years of Age when he was called to be a Disciple, when all that write of him affirm him to be the youngest of all the Apo­stles. He dyed said the Arabian (as Kirsten has it in the Lives of the 4 Evangelists) in the expectation of his blessedness, from which he infers that he dy­ed peaceably, and not a violent Death; although Theophylact and others (but without any warrant) do conceive that he died a Martyr, their opini­on [Page 36] being only grounded upon the words of our Saviour when he told him and his Brother they should indeed drink of the cup whereof he drank and be Baptized with the baptisme wherewith he was baptiz­ed, but &c. Yet St. Hierome will have it expoun­ded another way, which is that all though he did not suffer by Execution, yet he being put into boiling Oyl, Banished and Persecuted, he ought to be accounted a Martyr, and that probably our Saviour meant such like Calamity by the Cup, &c.

Many there are likewise who have cherished a fond Opinion that he never dy'd, but rather that he sleeps in his Grave; alluding to the words of our Saviour upon Peter's inquiry, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? John chap. 21. ver. 23. Others say, that having commanded his Grave to be dug, he went into it, and ordered such as went with him to fasten down a great stone upon the same, and come the next Morning and look in­to it, which they did, and found nothing there but the Grave-cloaths, from which, as Nicephorus re­lates they concluded he was Ascended, he having intimated some such thing before his lying down. It is farther related that the dust upon his Grave bubbles up, which some affirm is by reason of his Breathing; and that Manna or sweet Perfume-like Flower is duly cast out. But these I suppose are only Monkish Stories to amuse the Ignorant, and since we have no certainty of any such thing from any warrantable Author, I shall not trouble the Reader any farther in relating them.

The Life of St. PHILIP the Blessed Martyr.

ST. PHILIP was born at Bethsaida, a Town or City near the Sea of Tiberias, it being likewise the Birth-place of Andrew and Peter, as is afore recited. As to his Calling and Parents Holy Writ is altogether Silent, that he was brought up in Learning, and well skilled in the Mosaick Law, is not only the Opinion of Theo­phrastus, but several others. That he was the first that actually as a Disciple followed our Lord, is certain; for although Peter and Andrew were first called, yet they returned again to their Trades, continuing at them, for the space of a year before they entered themselves under his Banner: And now the Prophetick time being expired, at the end of which the Messiah was to come, he was looked for by most of the Jewish Rabbins; but they, through their misunderstanding, being blinded, as supposing he should descend from hea­ven attended with Hierarchies of Angels, did not imagine he could be shrouded under the disguise of Flesh and Blood; wherefore that he might work out the Redemption of Mankind, he rather chose the mean and poorer sort of Men than the Rich and Mighty.

No sooner had Religion taken Possession in the Mind of this Apostle, but he sought for others of his Friends, and especially Nathanael, a Person of great Eminency, to whom he imparted the glad [Page 32] [...] [Page 33] [...] [Page 34] [...] [Page 35] [...] [Page 36] [...] [Page 37] [...] [Page 38] Tidings of his having found the Messiah, and im­mediately conducted him to him.

After his Call to the Apostleship, no great matter is recorded of him in Sacred Writ; only we read that he Converted the Eunuch belong­ing to the Queen of Aethiopia, and that he was Miraculously taken up by the Holy Spirit and car­ried (through the Air past doubt) to another place. To Philip it was that our Saviour pro­pounded the Question, What they should do for so much bread in the Wilderness, as would suffice so many thousands as were present? John chap. 6. ver. 5. It was with him that our Lord discoursed (before the Eating of the last Paschal Lamb) in Relation to himself. To him it was that the Gentile Pro­selytes, who were desirous to see our Saviour, addressed themselves. It was he likewise that desired our Saviour to shew him the Father, and was reproved for his Ignorance in not understanding the foregoing words of his Lord and Master, who told him that he was the Image of his father; and that what he did was by his appointment, and that the Miracles that he had wrought were sufficient to con­vince him, that he was sent by the Father.

When our Apostle came to have his Portion set apart wherein he should Preach, the Gospel, Ori­gen and others inform us that part of the upper Asia fell to his Lot; and some affirmed that he preached in Scythia, but of the Latter there is no certainty: But however in such places as he prea­ched he confirmed the People by several Miracles that he wrought, baptizing many into the Faith of Christ, reproving Idolatry, and casting out Devils; insomuch that his: Fame spread through­out all those Countries; and having for many [Page 39] years carried on the Great work of the Gospel, he came at last to Hierapolis, a City in Phrygia, where the People worshipped a Dragon for their God by the name of Jupiter Ammon; which Blindness and Superstitious Idolatry, so moved the Apostle to pity them, that he earnestly put up his Prayers to Heaven, that that deluding Deity might be de­stroyed; which were soon Answered, and the Serpent and Fiend that continued for a long time before in it to give Answers to such as came to en­quire any thing, vanished, at least the latter; and then he preached to them the way of Saving Knowledge, alledging that God had sent his Son into the World to save Sinners, and that through his Blood only they must be washed from their sins declaring the Goodness and infinite Mercy of God in so doing. Which so abashed many of the Ido­laters, that they were utterly ashamed of the God they had formerly worshipped, insomuch that a great number of them were Converted to the Christian Faith. So powerful was the Operation of the Holy Spirit, which put in with the preaching of that Apostle, to finish the work; upon which Satan perceiving his Kingdom to decay used all en­deavours to raise up a Persecution, the which in the end God permitted, and by order of the Magi­strates the Apostle was seized and carried to Pri­son, and after his being Sentenced he was Cruelly scourged, and after that hanged by the neck a­gainst a pillar; though some would, have it, that he was Crucified, but however during the execution such a terrible Earthquake happened that the Earth began to open so that the affrighted Peo­ple cryed to Heaven for Mercy, upon which it instantly stayed.

[Page 40]The Apostle being dead his body was taken down by St. Barnabas his Companion in the Mi­nistry of the Gospel at that time and Mariamne St. Philip's Sister who bore him Company in all his Travels after they had taken him down they de­cently interr'd him, and when they had confirmed the People in the Faith of Christ, they departed thence.

That St. Philip was Married is generally affir­med not only by Clemens of Alexandria, but by di­vers others, who reckon him amongst the number of the married Apostles, Polycrates Bishop of Ephe­sus tells us that Philip the Apostle suffered Mar­tyrdom at Hierapolis with two of his Daughters, who persevered in their Virginity, and that a third died at Ephesus and was buried there: but some think he might be mistaken and take Philip the Deacon, who lived at Caesarea; of whose Daughters we read in the History of the Apostles; but of this no certainty: but it is observed by the Antients, that he was one of the Apostles that left no Sacred Writings behind him, the greater part of his Life (as Eusebius observes) being taken up and Employed in the Ministry of the Gospel, in Preaching and Instructing the Nations, having little time to write any books; or if he did, per­haps they might be lost either at the time of his Death, or afterward; and so failed of being trans­mitted to Posterity. Though Epiphanius informs us that the Ghosticks in former times produced a Gospel giving it the name of St. Philip's Gospel which they applyed to the patronizing of their pernicious Principles, and diabolick Practices; but the cheat was soon discovered, and the specious Arguments they used to prove it his, were over­thrown and Silenced.

The Life of St. BARTHO­LOMEW the Apostle and Martyr.

SAcred History failes not to Inform us, that St. Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles; but takes no farther notice of him than the bare mention of his Name, probably by reason he lies concealed under some other name; insomuch that the Antients think him to be the same Person with Nathanael: and what the rather induces them so to think, is by reason that in their first com­ing to Christ, as in St. John, Philip and Natha­nael are joyned together, so in the other Evange­lists Philip and Bartholomew. So that it is not un­likely but a mistake might happen, either in the Original or Translation, nor can it be imagined it was otherwise.

But this difficulty being either cleared or layed aside, I shall proceed. Numbred amongst the Apo­stles he was, and is said to be by Birth an Assyrian, descended from the Ptolomies of Aegypt: But it is more likely that he was a Galilaean, and if he be the same Person with Nathanael, he must conse­quently be so, it being plain that he was of Cana in Galilee. But of what Calling or Tribe is not set down. He was brought to our Saviour by Philip, and being confirmed that he was the Messia, he followed him to the last; and having with the rest received the Holy Ghost, he preached the [Page 42] Gospel powerfully and plainly to the Jews and Gentiles, accompanying Philip for the most part, and as the Ecclesiastical History makes mention, he went to the hither India, which most imagine was that part of it that lies towards Asia, tho' Socrates tells us, it was the India bordering upon Aethiopia; which then must be the Asian Ae­thiopia; and Sophronius calls it the Happy India; and informs us, that he carried thither St. Mat­thew's Gospel, which he there left behind him. But Eusebius gives us a fuller Relation, that when Pantanus a famous Philosopher, but a Christian, coming many years after into the Indies, he, amongst the Christians that he there found, had a sight of St. Matthew's Gospel written in Hebrew which was as they reported the Gospel St. Bar­tholomew left behind him, when he planted the Gospel amongst them.

In the next place we find him at Hierapolis, a City in Phrygia, where he had in all likelihood suffered with St. Philip, had not the Earthquake over-awed his Executioners, for certain it is he was at the same time bound to a Cross, but when they saw that Divine Vengeance was ready to overtake them for their impious Rage against the Apostles, they unbound him and set him at Liberty; from whence, as some think he jour­neyed to Lycaonia, for there, as St. Chrysostom af­firms, he preached the Gospel, and Converted ma­ny to the Christian Faith from whence he depart­ed to Albanopolis in Armenia the Great, a place much given to Idolatrous Worship, from which whilst he thought to reclaim them and Convert them to the true Religion, the Governour of the City caused him to be apprehended and Condem­ned [Page 43] for endeavouring (as he alledged) to draw the People from their Obedience. His Sentence was to be Crucified; and when the day of Exe­cution came, he went chearfully to embrace his Death Comforting and Exhorting his Proselytes to keep stedfast in the Faith and Doctrine that they had received, which was able to make them wise unto sal­vation: and so continued to instruct them to the last moment of his Life. Several there are that affirm he was Crucified with his head downwards, and that he was fleyed alive, which cruel usuage as Plutarch relateth was common in that Coun­try.

After his Death, his Body was removed to Darus a City in the Borders of Persia; from thence to Lisparis, one of the Aetolian Cities; from thence to Benevent in Italy, and from thence to Rome. After his Death, a certain Sect of Here­ticks produced a Fabulous Gospel under the Title of his name; but it was soon descryed to be a Cheat, and not only rejected as Apocryphical, but also layed aside even by those who had been the Forgers of the same.

The Life of St. MATTHEW the Evangelist, together with his Martyrdom.

ST. Matthew otherwise called Levi, was born a [...] Nazareth, a City belonging to the Tribe o [...] Zebulon, where our Saviour was brought up. He was the Son of Alpheus and Mary, Sister o [...] Kinswoman to the blessed Virgin. His Employ was a Tax-gatherer under the Roman Publicans an Office though detestable amongst the Jews yet greatly esteemed amongst the Romans. Ou [...] Saviour first espied him near to the Sea of Caper­naum, where he sat at the receipt of Custom and had no sooner called him, but he left his Wealth and followed him, and at that time entertained our Saviour and his Retinue at Dinner, where­upon the Pharisees upbraided him, that he eat with Publicans and Sinners, when as he told them that it was only those that were sick who needed a Physi­tian.

After his Election to the Apostolate, he con­tinued at Jerusalem till our Lord's Ascension; the [...] preached the Gospel in Judaea for several years, and at his departure he wrote his Gospel and left it with the Christians whom he had Converted. From thence he turned to the Gentiles, making (as is most likely) his first Progress into Aethiopia, that being the Province assigned to him. But Me­taphrastus will have it, that he went into Parthia, [Page 45] and having planted Christianity in those parts, he thence travelled into Aethiopia, where by his Preaching and working Miracles he Converted many to the Christian Faith, ordaining Spiritual Guides and Pastors to instruct them in the way of Truth: When having continued a considera­ble time amongst them, Nicophorus in his Ecclesi­astical History tells us, That he went into a country of Canibals constituting Plato, one of his followers, Bishop of Myrmena; and that our Saviour appearing to him in the form of a beautiful youth, gave him a wand, which he pitching in the ground, it strait sprung up a tall Tree: and that by his working Miracles he Converted the Prince of that Country. But as to the Credit of those Reports, I must refer them to the Judgement of the Reader, by reason they have been looked upon by some as Fabulous and ground­less.

We find it in an Antient Author, that he suf­fer'd Martyrdom at Naddabar, a City of Aethio­pia, but what kind of Death he died is not there­in mentioned; and as Dorotheus Reports, he was Buried at Hierapolis. During his Life-time, he was a great Assertor of the true Religion; a con­temner of Worldly Treasure, which is evident by his leaving so gainful a Calling to follow our Saviour. As for his Humility, he exceeded any of his Fellows which may well be observed in his Writings, where he gives them the Pre-eminency. His Diet was very spare, he feeding for the most part on Leaves and Roots. His Age at the of his Death is not certainly known, though some are of Opinion he died in the 70 year, &c. He having written his Gospel as is aforesaid, a Copy of it is said to be found anno 485 in the Grave of St. Bar­nabas [Page 46] in Cyprus. Nor was free from having coun­terfeits fathered upon him after his Death, but they like all the rest vanished like Smoke, the true Word of God being only permanent.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. THOMAS the Apostle.

SAcred Writ makes not either mention of the Birth-place or Parents of this Apostle, but that he was a Jew is most certain. As for his Calling, if Metaphrastus says right, he was a Fisherman, as indeed the greatest part of the A­postles were; he having two Names, Thomas and Didymus, the latter we cannot but suppose might upon some occasion be given him some time after his Circumcision; the Jews not usually receiving any more than one name at the performance of that Grand Ceremony. A man of Resolution and Zeal he was, as we may Ghess, for when the rest of the Disciples endeavoured to perswade our Sa­viour from going into Judaea, when he purposed to raise Lazarus from the dead, objecting, that the Jews layed wait to stone him and putting [Page 47] him in mind, how lately they had attempted it: But Thomas alone stood up, and admonished them not to perswade him from it, but said, Let us also go that we may die with him, John 11.16. All that can be charged upon him, is his unaptness of Be­lief, and want of a quick Apprehension readily to understand our Saviour's words, which some of the Fathers have rather attributed to a sound Judgment and mature Deliberation, in not being over hasty to give Credit till he had fully under­stood and weighed what was said; and for that purpose they quote St. Paul, who calls the Berae­ans blessed because they searched the Scriptures to see if those things that were taught by the Apo­stles were so or no. But of his incredibility in not believing our Saviour's Resurrection, after he had such converse with him, and seen such Mira­cles few can excuse him. But in that point he was soon convinced of his Error, crying out my Lord and my God.

The blessed Jesus being gone to Heaven to pre­pare the happy Mansions, he had promised whilst on Earth, for those that love and serve him. And this Apostle together with the rest having received the Holy Ghost, used double diligence to obliterate what had been amiss, for as 'tis said, no sooner had he received the powerful influence of the Di­vine Spirit, but he sent Thaddaeus, one of the 70 Disciples to Abgarus Toparch of Edessa (between whom and our Blessed Lord some Letters had passed, as Eusebius has it) to tell him what glo­rious things had happened and to admonish him to keep stedfast in the Faith he had received, he hav­ing been Converted in our Saviour's time upon the Cure of a Malignant distemper.

[Page 48]The Province that was assigned him, as Origen informes us was Parthia; but Sophronius tells us, that he preached the Gospel to the Persians, Medes, Carmans, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and seve­ral other Countries adjacent. And it is recorded by an Antient Writer, that in Persia he met the three Wise Men that came to make their Of­ferings to our Saviour at his Birth; and that af­ter he had baptized them, he took them with him as his Fellow Labourers in the Gospel; and then as Chrysostom has it, he went to Aethiopia, which must be meant of the Asian Aethiopia, and, as Ni­cephorus farther adds, he having Travelled through those Countries came at last to the Indies, but was afraid at first to venture himself amongst such Barbarous People, but being encouraged by a Vi­sion that gave full Assurance of the Divine Pre­sence to be always with him, and to preserve him from danger, he set forward and preached the Gospel, as far as Taprobane, since called Suma­tra: and as he went Converted many of those (in a manner) wild and savage People. Such is the powerful Operation of the Holy Spirit, that it can tame the Fiercest; and give Saving Know­ledge to the most Ignorant! There he shewed them the Follies and Idolatries they had blindly pursued; and that they instead of the true God, had worshipped Images inspired by Daemons, desiring them at last to lay aside their Idols, and embrace the Truth of Christianity, by which means they should not only be blessed whilst upon Earth, but have Eternal Happiness hereafter. By this and several convincing Miracles, he brought many over to the Faith.

[Page 49]And now because that Ecclesiastick History af­fords us nothing further Memorable of this Apo­stle, I shall not think it amiss to give the Reader a sight of the Account the Portugals, upon their discovery of those Countries, received from the Inhabitants, which is, that St. Thomas came first to Soccotora, an Island in the Arabian Sea, and from thence he departed to Cranganor, where having planted the Gospel he went to the King­dom of Cormandel, where preaching in several Towns and Villages, at last he came to Malipur the chief City; and there, after having Con­verted many to the Faith, he went about to Found a Church for the Establishing Divine Worship; but being forbidden by Sagamo, Prince of that Country, it ceased for some time: but the Apostle by his Miracles having Converted the Prince and a great part of his Nobility it was builded. Which so inraged the Brachamans or Heathen Priests, that they sought alway to destroy the Apostle, as hoping by that means to extirpate his Doctrine, which by being embraced on all hands had near spoiled their Trade. So that one day when he was praying alone in a solitary place they came upon him with Stones, Darts and Spears; and after having grievously wounded him, one of them run him through the body with a Spear. After which his Body being taken up by his well-willers, it was Buried with great Solemnity in the Church that he had built, which was after­wards greatly inlarged.

Gregory of Tours in his book of the Glory of Martyrdom tells us of many Miracles that are done on the day of his Martyrdom; and one, if true, a perpetual one, which is a Lamp that burns be­fore [Page 50] his Tomb without the help of Oyl, or any other combustible matter, and no Wind nor o­ther accident can extinguish it. Certain it is, that the Portugals at their first coming thither did find a sort of Christians in those Countreys that went by the name of St. Thomas his Christians; and that they had Churches of Divine Worship and lived up to the very strictness of Religion; being governed by a Patriarch, and differing ve­ry little in their manney of worship from us.

A Story there is, that whilst Don Alfons Sousa one of the first Vice-Roys in the Indies under John third King of Portugal, continued in those parts a famous Cross was found in St. Thomas's Chappel with an Inscription on it, which they compelled a Learned Bramin to Interpret, who gave it thus, that in the time of King Sagamo, one Thomas a Divine Person was sent by the Son of God into those Countries to instruct the People in the Knowledge of the true God; that he Builded a Church, and performed extraordinary Miracles, but at last, whilst he was Kneeling at his Devo­tion he was by a Brachman thrust through with a Spear, and that that Cross stained with his Blood had been left as a memorial of what had happened. They farther add that another Bramin being cal­led, interpreted it after the same manner, and so I shall leave it to the consideration of the Reader, as a thing no ways impossible to bear the face of Truth, the matter of the Lamp excepted.

The Life and Glorious Martyrdom of St. JAMES the Less, an Apostle.

SOme Scruple there has been made about this Apostle; whether he that St. Paul calls our Lords Brother, was the same with him that sat Bishop of Jerusalem, and was called James the Just. But seeing there is no mention of any James more than two in Scripture, that were Apostles, it will not be amiss to take it for granted that there were no other than James the Great and James the Less, and that this Apostle was the same Person with James the Just, and then consequently the same James that sat Bishop of Jerusalem; and that which induces me the rather to believe it, is be­cause all the Arguments that have been used to disprove it, have not been admitted as reasonable by the Antients.

Thus having opened the matter, I shall proceed [...]o the History of his Life. He was past doubt [...]he Son of Joseph (who Espoused the Blessed Vir­gin) by a former Wife, and thence call'd our Lord's Brother, for as the Jews objected against [...]ur Saviour, when he wrought such Miracles in [...] their sight as never man did, Is not this the Car­ [...]nters Son? is not his Mother called Mary, and his [...]rethren James and Joses and Simon and Jude, and [...]s Sisters are they not all with us? whence then hath [...]it man these things Mat. 13.55, 56.

[Page 52]As for the certain place of his Birth, no men­tion is made, nor of his Employment, before he was called to be a Disciple. In which Station he behaved himself so prudently, that our Saviour highly favoured him during his Continuance upon Earth, especially after his Resurrection, particu­larly appearing unto him, as St. Paul has it in hi [...] first Epistle to the Corinthians, chap. 15. ver. 7. where he discoursing about our Lord's Appear­ance to 500 Brethren at once, he expresly says that afterwards he was seen of James.

St. Hierom gives us an Account, that in the Hebrew Gospel of the Nazaren, this passage is in­serted, viz. that St. James having made a solem [...] Protestation after our Saviour's last Supper, tha [...] he would eat no Bread till he saw the Lord rise [...] from the Dead. Therefore when our Savio [...] was returned from the Arms of the Grave, he a [...] peared to him and commanding Bread to be [...] before him, he broke it, and gave it to him, saying, eat thy bread my brother, for the Son of man [...] truly risen from among them that sleep. After th [...] Ascension of our Saviour, though no particul [...] time is mentioned, he was by the unanimous co [...] sent of the Apostles chosen Bishop of Jerusalem being preferred before the rest in relation of [...] being a kin to our Lord.

A while after we find Paul upon his Conversi [...] making his address to him, desiring his Conversa [...] on, and giving him the right hand of Fellowshi [...] And to him it was that St. Peter, after his Mirac [...] lous delivery out of Prison by the Angel, sent tell what had happened. He it was who was Pri [...] cipal in the Synod at Jerusalem, when the mat [...] in relation to the Gentile Converts, was in D [...] bate; [Page 53] and there notwithstanding St. Peter and o­thers were present, he stood up and passed the Decretory Sentence, which render'd him greatly honoured by all the Apostles, who gave him precedency in such a weighty Affair; which had St. Peter done, the Church of Rome would past doubt have Trumpeted it out as the main Argu­ment of his being the chief of all the Apostles.

In fine, he administred in his Province with Care and Diligence, omitting no part that ap­pertained to his Ministry, that by his uprightness and unwearied endeavours he so calmed the stub­born Jews, that a great number not only of the vulgar sort, but of those of most eminence a­mongst them adhered to his Doctrine. Yet there wanted not some Sons of Belial amongst them to inveigh against him, and stir up the Multitude as they saw fit opportunity, and these were the Engines of the Scribes and Pharisees, even such notorious Villains as they could hire, to promote mischief. These insinuated into the multitude that the Apostle was a Perverter of the Law of Moses, and a stirer up to Rebellion; and that, if such things were suffered, God would bring the Romans upon them to take away their Country.

That having spread their Infection abroad though to little purpose, they resolved to try an other way, whereupon the Scribes and Pharisees (those Masters of mischievous invention, and chief dissemblers) came to the Apostle at the Feast of the Passover telling, that since the People were unsettled in their Opinions, they did not think it amiss that he should from a convenient place stand over the Temple porch, and exhort them to a stedfast belief of Christianity; telling him that [Page 54] for their parts they looked upon Jesus as the true Messiah. To which the Apostle consenting, when he was conveniently placed, they with a loud Voice made this following Address to him, Tell us, O Justus, whom we have all the reason in the world to believe, That seeing the people are so generally led away with the doctrine of Jesus that was crucified, tell us what is the Institution of the crucified Jesus. Whereunto the Apostle made answer with an audible Voice, saying, why do ye enquire of Jesus the son of man, he sits in Heaven on the right hand of the Majesty on high, and will come again in the Clouds of Heaven. Which the People that were below no sooner heard, but with a Loud shout they Glorified the blessed Jesus, and proclaimed him with Hosanna's. Where­upon the Scribes and Pharisees seeing their Policy defeated, and that they had rather confirmed the People than any ways withdrawn them, it so en­raged them, that thereupon they resolved his death and crying out that Justus himself was se­duced and become an Impostor; then took him up by force and threw him down from the Bat­tlements: Notwithstanding which fall he rear­ed himself upon his Knees and prayed for them, the which whilst he was doing, such Villains as they had appointed for that purpose fell upon him with Clubs and Stone till one amongst the rest (notwithstanding the Intreaty of many to save his Life) with a Fuller's Club beat out his Brains, and by that means gave his Soul a pas­sage to the Eternal Habitations of Bliss and Joy that fade not away.

He dyed in the 94 year of his Age, and 24 after Christs Ascension to the grief of all good Men. Gregory Bishop of Tours informs us that he was [Page 55] buried upon Mount Olivet, in a Tomb which he had caused to be erected during his Life. In which he had buried old Simeon and Zacharias, though Hegesippus will have it that he was buried near the Temple in the place where he was Mar­tyred, and that there being a Monument erected for him, it continued there for many years after.

The Life and Martyrdom of SIMON the Zelot, an Apostle.

THis Apostle, as most are apt to believe, was one of our Lord's Brothers; that is, Son to Joseph, who Espoused the Blessed Virgin. Amongst the Apostles he is stiled Simon the Cana­anite, whence some Conjecture that he was born at Cana in Galilee; others take him to be the Bridegroom, at who's Wedding our Saviour turned water into wine. But this word has no Rela­tion to his Country or Place, from whence he took his being, but from his hot and fiery Zeal; the word bearing such a signification in the Hebrew. Nor do we imagine that he took that name from the ardent Affections he bore to his Master, but from some Sect that he was of, before he came to be our Saviour's Disciple.

For the better explaining of which, note, that as there were many Sects and Divisions amongst the Jews so was there one called the Sect of the Zelots; a more devout sort of men than the rest, and of this Sect 'tis to be supposed he had that additional Name. These sort of men were indeed very troublesome to the Jews, viz. the Sect of the Zelots, for as Josephus, and others, well noteth, they were the cause of the Dreadful Calamities that befell in the City of Jerusalem, during its being Besieged by Titus, Vespatian's Son; but this is no re­flection [Page 57] upon the Apostle, no more than St. Paul's being a Pharisee, or St. Matthew a Publican.

When he came to his Apostolical Office, no more mention is made of him in Holy Writ, but that he continued with the Apostles, till they were dispersed by the Persecution the Jews raised against them; he then, past doubt, applying himself to the undertaking his charge: For as Nicephorus relates he departed for Aegypt; where having successfully preached the Gospel for some time, he departed thence for Cyrene, thence into Africa; though Baronius will not allow of that; making Peter the first Planter of Christianity in those Parts. But how far his Negative in that point may be credit­ed, let any consider that understands. What he does in that case, is done to make his own Asser­tions good in relation to St. Peter; for should he own that any other of the Apostles had been there before Peter, he would confound himself.

But to let that pass, we will grant that it is most likely that this St. Simon was not only in Africa, but in many other places, and that he having passed all along the Coast, Sailed over in­to Britain, for so many of the Ancients have af­firmed, and that he preached the Gospel here successfully, instructing the rude and barbarous People in the way to everlasting Life, and earnestly endeavouring to turn them from their Idolatrous worship, working many Miracles, insomuch that many embraced Christianity; till at last the De­vil that great Enemy of our Salvation stirred up the Multitude to persecute him: whose barba­rous rage in a short time after crowned him with Martyrdom, as not only Dorotheus and Nicephorus affirm, but also expressed in the Menologies where [Page 58] we are informed that St. Simon went at last into Britain, and having enlightned the minds of ma­ny with the Doctrine of the Gospel, he at length was Crucified by the Infidels, and buried there; but as to any particular place of his Burial, no mention is made.

Some there are who tell us, that after he had Preached the Gospel in Aegypt, he went to Mesopo­tamia, where meeting with St. Jude, they jour­neyed together into Persia, where having planted the Gospel, they were both Crowned with Mar­tyrdom. But this account is rejected by most of the Fathers, and Baronius is forced to confess that it is founded only upon a Book called the Passion of the Apostles; (an Author of no great Credit) and the reason of this variation is suppo­sed to be in the mistake that has arisen about the Person of St. Simon, for some will have Symeon the Son of Cleophas, who was St. James's Successor in the See of Jerusalem, the same with this Apostle who was crucified in the 112 year of his Age under Trajan the Roman Emperour, but that by reason of the difference of years and the description of both their Persons under different Characters in Eccle­siastical History, render it altogether a groundless surmise.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. JUDE the Apostle.

THis Apostle goes under three several names as Jude, Thaddaeus, and Lebbaeus, but accord­ing to the Opinions of such as have inqui­red into their significations, they signifie all one and the same thing. As for his Descent and Pa­rentage, he was one of the four that were called our Lord's Brothers, Son to Joseph, and Brother to St. James Bishop of Jerusalem; that he was one of the Twelve Apostles is certain, being often numbred with them by the Evangelists; and espe­cially in the 14 Chapter of St. John's Gospel, we find upon our Saviour's declaring to his Disciples what great things he and his Father would do; and what glorious Manifestations he would make of his Power and Godhead, after his Resurrecti­on to such of his Disciples as persevered in their Obedience. St. Jude (who looked for nothing less than a Temporal Kingdom of the Messiah, not thinking how that mean condition in which our Saviour continued in upon Earth, could con­sist with the Pomp and Magnificence that was ex­pected upon that occasion) demanded of our Sa­viour, why he would manifest himself to his disciples and not to the world? to which our Lord replyed, that the world was not capable of such divine Manife­stations as should be revealed unto them.

Eusebius tells us that a short time after the As­cension of our Lord St. Thomas dispatched Thad­daeus [Page 60] the Apostle to Abgarus the Governour of Edessa, which according to the Name is supposed to be this St. Jude, unless it might be another of the same name; for as we have it in another place, this Thaddaeus was one of the 70; and then it could not be St. Jude, for he was one of the 12 Apostles, as is before mentioned: but howso­ever 'tis certain that at his first setting out, he Preached the Gospel in Judaea, Samaria, Galilee, Idumea, and the Cities of Arabia, and the Coun­tries adjacent; from thence he went into Syria and Mesopotamia. And Nicephorus tells us, that after all he came to Edessa, where Abgarus was Governour, and where the other Thaddaeus who was one of the 70 had been before him, and there perfected what was begun, and having by his Preaching and Miracles established the Gospel, he died a Peaceable and Quiet Death. But Dorotheus affirms that he was slain at Berytus, and Buried there in a stately Tomb, although by the General consent of the Latin Church he went Preaching the Gospel in Persia, where after he had brought many over to the Faith, and established the Chri­stian Religion there for many years, he at last was, for his reproving and strongly opposing Idolatrous and diabolick Devices of the Magi, by their procurement cruelly put to death.

That he was married and had Children appears by the sequel. Domitian the bloody Emperour being jealous of his long continuance in the State of Empire, upon notice had that there remained some Persons of the Line of David, he ordered them to be brought before him, viz. two young men, who were the Grand Sons of St. Jude, and Kinsmen to our Lord; when they were come into [Page 61] his Presence, they confessed that they were of the Race and Posterity of David, whereupon he asked them what possession they had? they told him, but a few Acres of Land, which they manured and improved to maintain themselves; shewing him their hands, that thereby he might guess at their Labour. Then he asked them about the Messiah, what his Kingdom was, and when to commence? to which they answered, that it was not of this world, but in the highest heavens; and that when he saw his good time, he would come in the Clouds of Heaven, attended with Glory and Power to Judge the Quick and the Dead, and render to every man accord­ing to his Deserts. At which the Emperour smil­ing dismissed them. And thus much for St. Jude.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. MATTHIAS the Apostle.

ALthough St. Matthias was not immediately cal­led by our Lord as one of the Disciples, yet it is supposed that he was all along an at­tendant upon the Ministry, as being one of the 70; but a way being made for him by the Apo­stacy of Judas Iscariot (that Son of Perdition) he was afterwards numbered amongst the 12, and called to be an Apostle. For upon Peter's ac­quainting the rest that since Judas was fallen off, it was but necessary that another should supply his place, whereupon they pitched upon Matthias, as a very fit Person for to undertake so Sacred an Employment; which he as joyfully embraces, when the Lot fell upon him.

Not long after which, he with the rest receiv­ing the Holy Ghost, he betook himself to the Province that was allotted him; and first Preach­ing the Gospel in Judaea, where indeed most of the Apostles began to proclaim the glad tidings of Salvation to Mankind. He then passed on to Macedonia, where it is reported, but with what credit I know not, that the Gentiles, to try his Sanctity, gave him a cup of intoxicated Wine, who in the Name of Jesus drank it off without doing him the least harm, and that he cured about 50 Persons who had been poisoned with the same intoxicated Potion, and by laying his hands on them restored them to their sight; of which the [Page 63] operation of the Poison had deprived them. Nicephorus tells us that he came into the first Ae­thiopia. But Sophronius says the second, though perhaps they may be both mistaken for Cappadocia his Principal place of abode being seated near to the Irruption of the River Apsarus and the Ha­ven Hus, both belonging to that Country, nor is any Aethiopia nearer that place on the side he was said to return, but however the place where he came was very Barbarous, as may appear by his usage, for happening amongst people of a fierce, rough and untractable nature, passing all bounds of Hospitality and common Civility, he was treat­ed with all manner of Rudeness and Inhumanity; from whom for all his Pains and Labour taken about saving their immortal Soul, and directing them in the way to everlasting Life, he was at last Martyred by them, Anno Christo 59. Or as o­thers will have it, 64; but as to the manner of his Death, it is uncertain, though Dorotheus Re­ports, he was Martyred at Sebestople, near the Temple of the Sun (past doubt for reproving their Idolatrous worship, in Adoring the Creature instead of the Creator) and that he was buried there. Another account we have, that he was seised by the Jews, as a Blasphemer; and after being stoned he was beheaded. When as the Greek Offices se­conded by several Breviaries, Relate that he was hanged upon a Cross; and farther, it is said, that his Body was for a long time kept at Jerusalem and conveyed thence to Rome by Helen the Mo­ther to Constantine the Great, where some Bones, said to be his, are shewed with great Veneration to this day, though others affirm that his remains are at Trier in Germany, about which some disputes [Page 64] have been held, but to little purpose, for it is to be supposed, they have him both alike. His Me­mory is Celebrated in the Greek Church on the 9th. of August, unless lately layed aside by reason of the overspreading of Paganisme in those parts.

He was a man of great Courage, and well skilled in the Jewish or Mosaick Law, being, as many an­tients imagine, of a Noble Stock, &c. Amongst many Apocriphal Writings attributed to the A­postles, there was a Gospel published under the Patronage of his name, which is mentioned by Eusebius and others, and condemned with the rest by Gelasius Bishop of Rome, it having been before rejected by others. Under his Name also were published Traditions, cited by Clemens of Alexandria, from whence, past doubt, the Nicolaitans borrow­ed that saying of his, which they abused to so vile a purpose, under the Patronage of his Name. Likewise the Marcionites and Valentinians defended many of their most absurd and Heretical Opini­ons. But of this enough.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. MARK the Evangelist.

THis Evangelist bearing a Roman Name, is thought to receive it either upon the Ac­count of some Employment, or for that he assumed it when he travelled into the Roman Provinces; which was usual with the Jews. Born he was past doubt of Jewish Parents, originally de­scended of the Tribe of Levi, and is said by Nice­phorus to be Sister's Son to Peter: But in that it is agreed upon from all hands, that he is mistaken; taking John sirnamed Mark, the son of Mary, for this St. Mark who is reckoned one of the Seventy, and was as most supposed, Converted by St. Peter after the death of our Saviour, whose Compani­on he was for a considerable time, and went with him as an Interpreter or Expounder of his Do­ctrine to the People. By St. Peter he was sent into Aegypt, where he preached the Gospel, and Converted many to the Faith; who for a long time afterwards kept up to the strictness of Chri­stianity; but he did not long confine himself to those parts, but removed to Libya, where he likewise Converted many, and gained great ap­plause by reason of the Miracles he wrought, as he passed through the Countries of Marmarica and Pentapolis; when having reclaimed them from their Idolatries, he returned to Alexandria in Aegypt, where he boldly preached the Doctrine of our Saviour, and reproved the People for [Page 66] bowing to Stocks and Stones, telling them plain­ly, that unless they turned to God and repented with their whole hearts, they would be eternally miserable. Upon which Satan fearing the overthrow of his Kingdom, bent all his Malice to stir up the Peo­ple to destroy the Evangelist: when it being the time of Easter, at what time the great Solem­nities of Serapis, one of their reputed gods happening to be Celebrated: Whilst St. Mark was intent at Divine Worship, the Barbarous Multi­tude broke in upon him, and fastening Cords a­bout his Feet dragged him through the Streets [...] a most inhumane manner, so that his Flesh was torn off by the Craggyness of the way; whe [...] not satisfied with this, they cast him into a Pri­son near the Sea, where he was comforted in hi [...] Agony by a Divine Apparition. The next morn­ing they drew him forth again, till by the extream effusion of Blood his Spirits failed, and he gave up the Ghost, after which as Me [...]aphrastus adds, they kindled a large Fire and burnt his Body; the re­mains of which being preserved by such as he had Converted to the Christian Faith, were de­posited in the place were he was wont to preach and that such part of him as remain was after­ward carried to Venice, and there kept in [...] Church built to the Honour of that Evangelist, being one of the stateliest Piles now extant in Eu­rope. He suffered in the Month Pharmuthi, or as it is with us April, on the 25th. day of the said Month, and as several Antient Authors have it, in the 14 year of the Reign of Claudius the Ro­man Emperour; though St. Hierom places it in the 8 of Nero. As likewise Nicephorus will have it in the Reign of Tiberius, which is most unlikely [Page 67] of all others, by reason, as St. Ireneus says, that he survived both St. Peter and St. Paul, who both suffered under Nero.

It is said of him that he being at Rome with St. Peter, he there wrote his Gospel at the earnest request of the Christians. As to the description of his Person, he was of a middle size, his Nose long, his Eye-brows turning back, his Eyes grace­ful and amiable, his Head, in his declining age, bald, his Gate quick, and the Constitution of his Body strong and healthful; he being of a very Couragious Mind, as appears by his boldly prea­ching the Gospel to the Barbarous Nations, and reproving them of their Idolatry though at the cost of his own Life. And thus much shall suffice in relation to this Holy Evangelist.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. LUKE the Evangelist.

ST. Luke was born at Antioch the Chief City of Syria, and there brought up in all manner of Learning; that place being accounted the Academy or Cheif place of Humane Policies. Not did he only confine himself to that place, but as many that write on him Affirm, he studied in most of the Schools of Greece and Aegypt. Skil­ful he was in Painting beyond any of his time; and it is confirmed by many, that he drew the Picture of the blessed Virgin so exactly to the Life, that it was wondered at by all that beheld it.

That he was a Jewish Proselyte is certain, being according to the report that Epiphanius gives [...] him, one of the 70 Disciples; the inference from whence he takes that belief, being the Evangelist own Confession, whereby he declares that he wa [...] not an Eye-witness and Minister of the word. After he had been inspired by the Sacred Spirit of Truth he set forward to Preach the Doctrine of o [...] blessed Lord, and joyned himself with St. Pa [...] though Nicephorus will have it that he met St. Pa [...] at Thebes, the Metropolis of Boeotia; though [...] Sacred Writ no mention is made, that ever St. Pa [...] was there, nor can we find it in any writings b [...] his own; which makes most Imagine 'tis ground [...] upon his bare Conjecture, but that he was with S [...] Paul both at Jerusalem and Rome is certain; n [...] [Page 69] did he desert him in any of his troubles, but al­ways proved a steady and faithful Friend and Mi­nister. He it was that wrote the Acts of the A­postles and there we find him all along; when he is speaking of St. Paul's Voyage to Rome, he speaks all of himself which could not be unless he was present with him; nor is it at all to be questioned that he was with him at Rome in his Confinement, nor that he carried Messages from the Apostle to the Churches to strengthen and support them, most of the Fathers being of Opinion, that it was meant of our Evangelist, when St. Paul men­tions these words, the Beloved brother whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches.

Nor is it in all likelyhood probable that he left the Apostle, till Death made a fatal (though in one sence happy) separation, by Crowning him with Martyrdom; though Metaphrastus would have it, that he left St. Paul at Rome, and return­ed to Preach the Gospel in Aegypt, Lybia and o­ther Eastern Countries, and that there by work­ing Miracles, and powerful Preaching, he Con­verted a great number to the Faith; settling Re­ligion under a set form and order by Instituting Guides and Pastors to Instruct and Confirm the People in his Absence, and that he himself was Bishop of Thebais. But on the Contrary, Epi­phanius tells us that he preached the Gospel in Dal­matia, Galatia and France; and that from thence he went into Italy and Macedonia, where he run many great hazards of his Life, by reason that in many places the inveterate Jews stirred up the People to stone him, yet he undauntedly persever­ed in his teaching all men the way to Saving Know­ledge; untill at last the Devil so far inspired se­veral [Page 70] Barbarous Villains with Malice and Revenge as to destroy the Holy Man; but as to the man­ner and place of his death the contest amongst the Antients is not fully decided to this day, some af­firming that he dyed in Egypt; Others in Greece and the Author of the Roman Martyrology will have it in Bythinia. And Dorotheus contradicting him, will have it at Ephesus; some again there are, that say he died a Natural Death. But Nazian­zen and Paulinus Bishop of Nola, with some others, positively affirm that he received the Crown of Martyrdom.

Of which Nicephorus gives us this following Ac­count, viz. that St. Luke coming into Greece, suc­cessfully Preached the Gospel, Baptizing many Converts into the Christian Faith, and working many Miracles; till at last a Party of Infidels (encouraged by their Preists, whose Idolatrous Worship the Evangelist sharply reproved) fell at unawares upon him, and forcibly dragged him to the Place of Execution, where not having a Cross in readiness, they hanged him upon an Olive Tree, in the Eightieth year of his Age, or as St. Hie­rom has it, in the Eighty fourth.

Now contrary to this, Kirstenus having taken it from an Antient Arabick Author, tells us, that he suffered Martyrdom at Rome, which might perhaps be after St. Paul's first imprisoment there, and his departure from that City, when probably St. Luke was left behind as his Substitute or Depu­ty, to strengthen and confirm the Brethren in his Absence, and so might suffer in the General Perse­cution under Nero; and the main Reason that has induced many to give more than ordinary Credit to this Relation, is, because he no longer con­tinued [Page 71] his History of the Acts of the Apostles: for had he out-lived Paul or Peter, he would, past doubt, have recorded so remarkable a Transacti­on as their Martyrdoms, and have given a larger Account of the state of the Church. But certain it is that he was put to Death. Nor are some wanting who affirm that his Body was at the Command of Constantine the Great, or his Son Constantius, brought to Constantinople and there so­lemnly interred in the Great Church, Founded there to the Honour of the Apostles.

That he was not only a man of great Learning, but also, more than ordinary, inspired by the Holy Spirit; his two Books, viz. his Gospel, and the Acts of the Apostles testifie: In the former he sets down the Life of our Saviour, and many of his glorious Works and Actions, from the time of his Birth, till the time of his glorious Ascen­sion; though, as many Believe, he never saw our Saviour, or at most had little or no Converse with him. As for his second Book, we may ima­gine that he took great pains to Travel with the Apostles, especially with St. Paul, as I have before recited, that by that means he might be the bet­ter enabled to give a faithful Account of their Actions, that so he might Record them for the be­nefit of the Church in all Ages. And thus much for the Glorious Life and Death of this blessed Evangelist, whose praise is in the Gospel, and his immortal Soul singing Halelujahs before the Throne of the Lamb, who liveth for ever and ever.

And thus I shall conclude the Holy Lives and Victorious Deaths of the Ever blessed Apostles and Evangelists, who all of them (St. John excepted) [Page 72] sealed their Testimonies with their Blood; fol­lowing the Example of their great Master, who went before to prepare them a Mansion, not built with hands, but in the highest Heavens. Whose coming into the World, and laying down his Life for the Redemption of Lost Man, and for the blessed Examples of those his constant and coura­geous Servants and Followers, let us give all pos­sible Praise and Thanks to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, three Persons, and one God blessed for evermore, Amen.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. IGNATIUS.

HAving run through the Lives of the Blessed Apostles and Evangelists, I shall now pro­ceed to give the Reader a view of such Worthies, who, next to them, fought successfully under the Victorious Banner of our great Captain, the Lord Jesus, and through him became more than Conquerors. And first I shall begin with St. Ignatius; but lest any at first view should think him to be the Popish Ignatius, which Founded the Order of the Jesuites, these are to satisfie, that this Ignatius was Born, nay suffered Martyrdom several hun­dred years before Popery was known, and above a thousand years e're the destructive Order of Jesuits had Being. But to my purpose.

St. Ignatius, as himself testifies, was born 12 years before the Crucifixion of our Saviour, he having with his proper Eyes beheld him in the Flesh; he being, as many think, one of those little ones that our Saviour commanded his Disci­ples to suffer for to come unto him, nay some go farther, and affirm, that it was he whom our bles­sed Lord set in the midst of his Disciples, when they contended one with another about Superio­rity, and Precedency. However he was indued with a more than ordinary Portion of the Divine Spirit, and succeeded St. Peter in the Pastorship or Government of the Church of Antioch, where he laboured diligently in the Ministry of the Gospel [Page 74] Converting and Confirming many to and in the Christian Faith, being a great opposer of the Here­sies or Erroneous Opinions that had sprung up in the Church. But the Devil, that Enemy of the Gospel soon plotted his destruction; for Trajan returning from the Parthian War, commanded a Gratulatory Sacrifice to be offered to his gods in every City, for the Victory he had obtained; and at his coming to Antioch, Ignatius was required to be present and assisting at the Sacrifice, by such as willed his destruction, they thinking they could not have a fairer opportunity to work his Ruin. But he utterly refusing such a detestable wicked­ness, was brought before the Emperour, where to his Face he did not only deny so to do, but sharply reproved him for his Idolatry, worshipping false Gods, and Images made with hands: Upon which the Emperour in a Rage commanded that a Guard of Soudiers should carry him to Rome, and there to cast him in Prison till his Arrival.

Whereupon he was carried by short Journies through Asia, but in his way he was no whit un­mindful of his Charge, for as he went, strictly Guarded, he Preached the Apostles Doctrine, and Confirmed a great number that were wavering; as likewise strictly charged them to beware of Heresie and endeavour to extirpate it, which else like Tares would greatly annoy the Churches wheat: sending several Epistles to the Churches, earnest­ly desiring them to continue stedfast and put their trust in the Lord.

When he came to Smyrna, where Polycarp was Bishop, he wrote an Epistle to the Church of Ephesus, directing it to Onesimus their Pastor, de­siring him to have a care of Christ's Flock, and [Page 75] like a good Shepherd diligently feed them with the spiritual Food of the Everlasting Gospel, which is able to make men wise unto Salvation; as also another to the Church of Magnesia, which he directed to Dama their Bishop, another likewise he wrote to Polybius, Pastor of the Church of Trallis; with which he sent an Exhortation, de­siring him to be Courageous, and not to decline the Crown of Martyrdom, if offered; putting him in mind of the Sufferings of our blessed Lord and Saviour, and of the Joy he was to receive if he continued faithful to the end: telling them of his cruel usage in his way to Rome, and how rea­dy he was to suffer for Christ's sake; Concluding with these words, Let Fire, Cross, breaking of Bones, quartering my Members, crushing my Body, or all the torments that Men and Devils can invent, be­fall me, so that I may but enjoy my Lord Jesus.

When he came to Rome he wrote to Policarp, a godly Pastor, to take into his Care and Charge the Church of Antioch, whilst he could Elect a fit Person to be Bishop in his Room; whereby he proved himself to be a just and sincere man, who even in death was mindful of his Flock.

When the day of his Martyrdom came, he chearfully said, I am God's Corn, when the wild Beasts have ground me to powder with their teeth I shall be his white bread. He suffered Martyrdom the 11th. year of Trajan, being, as many of the Antients affirm, Torn to pieces by wild Beasts in the The­atre to make the Tyrant sport. And thus ended the Life of this good Man, who upon many occa­sions was wont to say, Amor meus Crucifixus est; My Love is Crucified, meaning either Christ the Object of his Love, or that his darling Sins and [Page 76] Affections to the World were Crucified; and in another place he declares that he beheld the Lord after his Resurrection before he Ascended.

The Life and Martyrdom of PO­LYCARP, Bishop of Smyrna.

THis Polycarp was Disciple to St. John, when on a time going with St. John to the Bath, and observing Cerinthus the Heretick there­in, he cryed out, Let us speedily hence, for fear that the Bath, wherein our Lord's Adversary is, do fall upon our heads.

After he had for many years taught his Flock, instructing and confirming them in the way to Eternal Life, the wicked Jews that dwelt at Smyr­na, went to the Roman Proconsul and grievously complained that the Bishop went about to pervert the People, and to raise up Innovation, which would prove destructive to the Empire, if not in time restrained. Whereupon Order was given for the apprehending him, when at the earnest entreaty of the Christians he retired to an adja­cent Village; but the Pursuers upon notice of his being their came after him at full Cry, of which he being informed, removed thence to another Village, some distance thence.

When the mad multitude having sought long [Page 77] in vain. In the first Village they pursued him to the second, and there apprehending two Boys, they scourged them so cruelly that one of them confessed where the Holy Man lay, and directed them to his Lodging; from whence although he might have escaped their hands, he refused, say­ing, the will of the Lord be fulfilled, when they had beset the house he came down to them, and told them he was the man they sought, when behold­ing his Gravity and Chearful Countenance many repented that they had employed themselves in so ill a work, wishing that they had never undertaken it. After a while he invited them in, and order­ed meat to be set before them, only requesting the favour to have an hours time to Pray in private; the which they granted: the fervency of whose Prayers being heard by many of his Persecutors, they could not abstain from weeping, and were forced to confess he was a good man.

Now the Night before the Morning he was ap­prehended, he had a Vision, and therein he thought the Pillow that was under his head was con­sumed to Ashes, with which he acquainted several of his Friends, and from thence Prognosticated that his Life was almost at a period.

After he had prayed, he came to those that were to carry him before the Proconsul, who set him upon an Ass, and so brought him to Smyrna; where he arriving, (upon the solemn Feast day) was met by Herod and his father Nicetes, who were Rulers un­der the Proconsul; the former of which greeting him kindly, took him up into his Coach or Cha­riot, and began to commune with him after this manner, What will it injure you, or what harm is it to say, Lord Caesar, or to Sacrifice and be saved? [Page 78] To which he meekly replyed, I will not, neither dare I do according to your Counsel. From which, and several other Speeches of the Holy Man, He­rod gathering that he could not work upon him by fair means, he began to threaten him, and at last tumbled him out of his Chariot; which he took with exceeding Patience, when, as it is recorded in some of his Epistles, a Voice was heard from Heaven, saying, Be of good cheer, O Polycarp, and play the man.

When he came before the Proconsul, he de­manded of him, whether he was that Polycarp of which he had heard such complaints? but beckon­ed to him to deny that he was the man; but when he saw he would not deny himself, he desir­ed him to tender his safety, and have regard unto his Age, saying, Swear by the Fortune of Caesar, Re­pent of what is past, and say, Remove the wicked. Up­on which Polycarp, looking stedfastly upon his Ac­cusers said, Remove these wicked. But notwith­standing the Proconsul urged him again, saying, Swear and I will let thee go; Blaspheme and defie Christ and thou shalt be safe. To which the good Man re­plyed, fourscore and six years have I served Christ, neither hath he ever offended me at any time, and how then can I revile my King that has thus preserved me. The Proconsul urged him again to swear by the Fortune of Caesar. To which he replyed, that the Christian Religion taught Obedience to all Governours, but to swear by his Fortune out of vain-glory he abso­lutely refused. Upon which he threatned him with wild Beasts, Fire, and other Torments; but he stood resolute in his Faith, saying, You threaten me with Fire which shall last but an hour, and is quickly quenched, but you are ignorant of the everlasting fire at [Page 79] the day of Judgment and of those endless torments which are reserved for the wicked; but why delay you? appoint me to what death you please. Which the Pro­consul hearing was amazed at his Courage, and commanded the Cryer to Proclaim thrice in the midst of the Theatre, that Polycarp was a Christian. But this not at all appeased his Enemies, who thirsted after nothing more than his Blood, and thereupon desired the Proconsul that he might be thrown to the Beasts; but he alledging the time for the Game of Beasts was past, they prayed that he might be exposed to the flames to which last he con­sented; and thereupon the multitude led him away, Crying, this is that Doctor of Asia, the Father of the Christians, the overthrower of our Gods, who hath taught many, that our Gods are not to be Adored. Every one of them fetching wood from their Shops and Houses.

When the Pile was reared, the Holy Man put of his Apparel being assisted therein by the Faithful Christians, that came to take their last Farewel all of him, striving to touch his Body, as accounting it no small Honour. When he was naked, the Infidels offered to nail him to the Stake; but he de­sired them to forbear, saying, Suffer me even as I am, for he that has given me strength to come to this Fire, will give me patience likewise to persevere therein, without your fastening me with Nailes. Upon which he put up his Prayers to Heaven, with great Fervency giving all Laud and Praise to God, that he had been pleased to bring him to such a glorious End, where­by he knew that he accounted him worthy to suf­fer for his Names sake.

When he had ended his Prayer, the Tormen­tors kindled the Fire, the which though raged [Page 80] fearfully to the Appearance of the Beholders, yet it bent Archwise, and touched not his Body, which at that time sent forth a fragant smell like Fran­kincense, when as the Cruel Persecutors perceiv­ing he stood uninjured by the Flame, their Rage increased, whereupon they called a Tormentor, who with a Spear run him into the Body; out of which Wound issued such a stream of Blood, that it quenched the Fire; to the great Amazement of the Beholders. Yet the Malice of the Jews proceed­ed farther, for they, not content with his death, stirred up Nicetes to move the Proconsul not to deliver his Body to the Christians, least (said they) they should forsake the worshiping of Jesus and worship him. Whereupon the Proconsul ordered it should be Consumed to Ashes. And thus Ended this good Man, who died Anno Christi 170, chang­ing his Mortal for Immortal Life.

The Life and Martyrdom of Dio­nysius Areopagita.

DIonysius Areopagita was an Athenian by Birth, descended of Noble Progenitors; and in his youth having attained to the Excellency of Learning in Philosophy, Astronomy, and all other Hu­mane Sciences. He lived in our Saviour's time, and he it was that at the Death of our blessed Lord, be­holding the dreadful darkness that then happen­ed, said, that either the God of Nature suffered, or that the frame of the world would be dissolved. And farther, that God unknown in the Flesh did suffer, for whose cause the Ʋniverse was covered with thick dark­ness. And yet at that time he was but a Heathen; yet being cheif Judg of the Court of the Areopagites, seated on the hill of Mars near Athens, he was there Converted by St. Paul, at what time the People brought him before him, to give Judgment against him for Preaching against their Gods, and despising their Altars; as also his Wife was Con­verted at the same time, whereupon he not only delivered the Apostle from the rage of the multi­tude, but kindly intreated him; to requite which kindness, after he had openly professed Christiani­ty, St. Paul constituted him Pastor of the Church at Athens, where he used such diligence, that by his Example many renounced their Idolatries, after he had continued there a while he went to Ephesus there to visit St. Paul and St. John, at whose Re­quest, after having appointed Publius to Officiate [Page 82] in his Absence, he went to Rome; and from thence was sent by Clemens into France, where he Con­verted many to the Faith, not only of the meaner sort, but likewise the Noblest of that Country; upon which the Heathen Priests used their utmost endeavours to oppose him; and not only so, but hired certain Villains to make him away, who when they beheld the man, such a Lustre darted from his Face, that many of them fled, trem­bling and amazed: and those that stayed, were so chilled with fear, that they could not do him any harm, yet such was the Malice of his Enemies that they prevailed with the Praefect to cause him to be apprehended together with several of his followers, for despising and contemning the Wor­ship of their Gods, when coming before the Prae­fect, he admonished him to confess his Error, that by his Recantation the People may see how they had been traduced, and by that means return to their former Worship: but the holy Man re­plyed, that the gods which they worshipped were no gods; adding, that there was but one only true God, as he had Preached, whereupon the Praefect enraged, caused him to be beaten; and when he saw that prevailed nothing with him, he Condemned him to be Beheaded; the which to put him the greater Torment, was done with a blunted Sword, on the top of the Mount without the City, where kneeling he said with an Audi­ble Voice, O Lord God Almighty, thou only begotten Son, and Holy Spirit; O Sacred Trinity, which art without beginning, and in whom there is no division, re­ceive the soul of thy Servant in peace, who is put to death for thy Cause and Gospel. After which he sub­mitted his head to the stroaks of the Executioner: Suffering Anno Christi 96, and of his Age 110.

The Life and Martyrdom of Justin Martyr.

JƲstin Martyr was born at Neapolis, a City in the Country of Palestine, being Son to Priscus Bachius; who during his Nonage caused him to be instructed in learning who by his Acute Wit and ready understanding, attained to such per­fection, that he became a famous Philosopher: But not resting there, he sought for something more Divine, and thereupon tryed most of the Schools and Learned Men of that Age. Insomuch that for his more than ordinary acquirements he was esteemed by all that knew him; but when he grew up to perfect years, he still contemplating upon the nature of Divine Beings; at last it plea­sed God to put in with his Holy Spirit, and by the means of Saving Knowledge, to give a right un­standing of what before he beheld but dimly.

The means that first brought him to embrace Christianity, was his beholding the constant un­daunted and Couragious suffering of such as laid down their Lives for the Testimony of the Lord Jesus. He being thus grounded, one day as he was walking upon the Sea-shore, he met an old man of Venerable Aspect; who after some Discourse told him, That Philosophy could not direct him to Heaven, for that it was a Science that was clouded from the true Knowledge of God, and Eternal Life. And upon reasoning with him a­bout the immortality of the Soul, and a future [Page 84] state of Happiness, he so Confirmed him, that he from that time was a strict Professor of Christia­nity and a great opposer of Hereticks and such a fomented divisions in the Church, by his Learning confounding their Arguments in several Disputa­tions not only at Ephesus, but in many other places.

He drew up an Apology in the Defence of the Christian Religion, shewing the unlawfulness and wickedness of Persecution, which he sent to the Emperor and Senate of Rome, as also he sent a Let­ter to Ʋrbicius, Lieutenant of the City, in de­fence of the Christians, and the Religion they professed, charging him, that he put men to death only for their bare Profession, and that without any due Examination which was contrary both to the Laws of God and Man; and, by laying ope [...] the Holy Lives of the Christians, so far prevailed with the Emperor, that he sent Letters to his Go­vernours in Asia strictly charging them not to put any to death for their Religion, unless there were some notorious Crimes proved against them.

After his having painfully preached the Gospe [...] in many Countries, at last he came to Rome, where he had many Contests with the Philosophers and Sages; and was at last by the procurement of on [...] Crescens, Condemned and accordingly Beheaded, Anno Christi 139; and as Epiphanius has it, unde [...] the Reign of Adrian himself, having some tim [...] before Prognosticated his own death. And so fe [...] this Faithful Labourer in Christ's Vineyard.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. IRENEUS.

IReneus was born in Asia, though his Parents were Grecians; who, as some think, fled thi­ther to avoid the storm of Persecution. In his green years he was under the Tutorage of Poly­carp Bishop of Smyrna, who as you have have heard suffered for the Faith.

Growing up to Maturity, he went into France; where he was ordained a Minister of the Church at Lyons; and there taught and instructed his Flock even in the most perilous times; not only by reason of the Persecutions that were raised by the Heathen Emperours, but by the Troubles that happened by reason of the Sects and Heresies that sprung up; yet he so wisely ordered his Af­fairs, that in a short time he brought things into a peaceable condition: when, after the Martyr­dom of Photinus, he was by the General consent of the Brethren made Bishop of Lyons, where he continuing for the space of 23 years brought a number over to the Faith of Christ, and con­founded the Doctrine of the Hereticks, as Monta­nus, Theodosius, Alcibiades, Maximilian and others, who spread abroad their Infection to corrupt Christianity: after which he sent Letters to E­leutherius then Bishop of Rome, to desire him to be diligent in keeping the Church in perfect Unity. He wrote five Books against Heresie, wherein he likewise set down the damnable Doctrine of the Hereticks.

[Page 86]After he had sat Bishop for some, and dispen­sed with many difficulties, God was pleased to give Peace to his Church, but it continued not long for after the death of Commodus, Severus succeeding, he raised up the fifth Persecution; during which, the Christians went to wreck on all sides, but especially at Lyons: Insomuch that by reason of the number that were slain, the Blood in abun­dance ran down the Pavements; when, after some time, this Holy Man being taken, with seve­ral of his Chief Friends, they were led to the top of a Hill, on which were placed Crosses on one hand, and Idols on the other; and they put to their Choices either to embrace the Idols, and live, or to be Crucified: upon which they joyfully chose the latter, suffering Martyrdom Anno Christi 182, and of Ireneus his Age 60, or as some will have [...]90.

The Life of Tertullian.

TErtullian was by Birth a Carthaginian, de­scended of Noble Parentage, his Father being a Centurion of the Proconsular Or­der; an Office in great esteem amongst the Ro­mans. He in his youth gave himself wholly to study and attained to such Perfection, that he was admired by all men, his Praise being left upon Record by many of our Modern Divines.

At his first entry upon Christianity he was made a Presbyter; in which state he continued teach­ing and instructing such as he could, in the Princi­ples of Religion, till about the middle of his Age, being a great opposer of the Sects of Hereticks, which then began to swarm in most Countries where the Gospel had been planted. He living in the Persecution under Severus, was a great de­fender of the Christians from such as sought their Lives, not only by his Arguments even to the Convincing of their Adversaries, but also by protecting them from their Rage and Malice, and by his Godly perswasions so wrought upon the Emperour, that he was contented to stay the Persecution for a time, during which interview he wrote several excellent Books against the He­reticks; some of which are extant to this day, and especially that, De Corona Militis, which he wrote upon the occasion of a Christian Soldier's refusing to wear a Lawrel Crown upon his head, in Token of Victory; alledging, that it did not [Page 88] become Christians to wear Crowns in this Life. His manner was to pray thrice a day.

In his Writings about Death, Judgment, Hea­ven and Hell, he tells us that when he was a Hea­then he scoffed at those things that he now prea­ched, and that therefore he did perceive that we were not born but made Christians.

His Conversion grew by Reading the Scrip­tures, and duly weighing them; declaring that whatever was done was in them foretold; and after his Conversion he was taken up Night and Day in Reading and Expounding them; getting them for the most part by heart, yet notwith­standing his great Learning, he at last fell into a Relapse by adhereing to the Doctrine of Mon­tanus; which greatly Eclipsed the Glory of his former Life. He died Anno Christi 202, and of his Age 63.

The Life of Origen.

ORigen was Born of Christian Parents, Anno 189 being Son to Leonides who trained him up in all good Literature, and so well instructed him in the grounds of Christianity, that he in a short time was too hard for his Teacher; at which his Father inwardly rejoyced, though he outwardly seemed displeased, and would often whilst he was sleeping kiss his naked brest, as the Temple wherein the Holy Ghost had chosen to dwell.

Whilst he was yet a youth the storm of Perse­cution grew loud against the Church, by which his Father was taken from him and carried to Prison, whom he would have followed at the peril of his own Life, had not his Mother, by hiding his Cloathes, restrained him; yet he writ to him ear­nestly admonishing him to continue faithful unto the end, and not alter his opinion, as indeed he did, being put to death for Christs sake, and had all his Goods confiscated. Whereupon his Mo­ther being left to shift for him and his Brother, they for a while suffered extream penury; inso­much that he was obliged to maintain himself by keeping a School, where he at leasure hours great­ly improved his studies; when a while after Pro­vidence so ordered it, that both he and his Mo­ther, together with his Brother, were entertain­ed in the House of a rich Matron, whereat his coming he found one Paulus a Heretick, who by his courteous demean had gained great repute, [Page 90] not only with the Lady but with many others who frequented his Lectures. Yet Origen all that in him lay shunned his Company, and would ne­ver be perswaded to joyn with him in Prayer, his daily business at spare times was to visit such as were imprisoned for the Faith, to Instruct, Com­fort, and Releive them; and usually followed them to the place of Execution, though he greatly endangered himself thereby: Being once carried in order to be stoned to death, but God miracu­lously delivered him from the hands of the Hea­then multitude, and prevented their wicked pur­pose. Nay, so extreamly was he hated by the adversaries of the Church, that oftentimes a Guard of Souldiers were obliged to watch the House where he was for his safety.

He along time continued at the before-mentio­ned house, Preaching to, and Exhorting those that came to him. A number daily resorting, not only of men, but Women and Virgins; up­on which to avoid Temptation he Gelded him­self, as misapplying the Text wherein 'tis said, There are some that make themselves Eunuches for the Kingdom of Heaven, for which rash Act of his he was afterwards upbraided by his Fellows.

About this time the Church of Achaia, being much vexed by the Hereticks, Origen was sent thither by the Brethren, with Letters which im­powered him to be assisting to extirpate the He­resie, and make up the discord that was happened. When in his Journy he was by the Bishop of Pa­lestine made a Presbyter, when he was arrived there he grew so famous, that not only the Chri­stians, but the Heathens came far and near to hear him Preach, which so much Eclipsed the [Page 91] fame of Demetrius the Bishop, that he strove by all means to disgrace him; and thereupon publish­ed several scandals of him to the World, and amongst the rest that of gelding himself. Yet the Holy man like the Palm-tree, the more he was oppressed the more he grew, continuing to Preach in Palestine, and Caesarea, where Mammaea the Emperours Mother hearing of his fame, sent for him, and by his Instructions was confirmed in the Faith. He it was that reclaimed St. Ambrose from his Haeretical opinions.

Certain it is that he suffered many great af­flictions during the Persecutions, as Imprison­ment, Racking with Iron bars, Confinement in Dungeons and the like; with many terrible threats of death, when at last hearing that seve­ral Christians were carried to the Temple of an Idol in Alexandria to burn Incense, he ran thi­ther and earnestly exhorted them rather to suf­fer death than consent to such a wickedness; where he was no sooner arrived, but the multi­tude let go those they had brought thither, and laying hold of him they haled him to the Altar, and there proposed, that he would either offer Incense to the Idol, or defile his Body with an ugly Black-more; whereupon being in a great straight they forced the Censer into his hands, and whilst he trembling held it, they in the like manner obliged him to cast the Incense into the fire; upon which they all bawled out, Origen has Sacrificed, Origen has Sacrificed, upon which the Church Excommunicated him, which so much grieved him, that had he not been supported by the Divine Spirit he had fallen into despair. A long time he mourned in silence and much lament­ed [Page 92] what he had done though unwillingly, many of his Prayers and Lamentations being yet extant though too tedious to be here inserted.

After he had continued thus penitent a long he was again received into favour and whilst he continued at Alexandria, a Messenger came from the Governour of Arabia with Letters to the Leiutenant of Aegypt to hasten him thither, to re­solve the Governour in several particulars of which he stood much in doubt; whether he was immediately dispatched, and so confirmed the Go­vernour that he gave him many rich presents, there likewise he Instructed many, Converting the Infidels, and Confuting the Hereticks, who taught that the Souls and Body dyed together, and so at the last day would rise together. There likewise Theodorus and Athenodorus became his Disciples, and gained so much under him, that shortly after they were made Bishops. And now the Church began to have rest, but her Capital Enemy was Idle, but ploting all ways imaginable to disturb her peace, insomuch that Decius suc­ceeding Philip in the Roman Empire, he raised up another Persecution. In which amongst the rest, Origen suffered many great afflictions, as Imprison­ments, Rackings, Scourgings at Iron-stakes, dark noisome Dungeons; and his feet for some days stretched two yards asunder in the stocks, all which he patiently suffered for the sake of his Blessed Master, who had shed his precious Blood to purchase his Redemption, that so he might follow him to those eternal Mansions he went before to prepare, for all that faithfully love and serve him, nor can it be imagined that this great Pillar of the Church, came any whit short of his blessed expec­tation.

[Page 93]He died in the Reigns of Gallus and Volusianus Anno Christi 220. and of his Age 69. leaving be­hind him many of his Sacred Works, which in all Ages of the Church have been very profitable, but especially his Tomes upon the Gospel of St. John, and those upon the Lamentations of Jeremiah, which he wrought during his being Excommunica­ted.

The Life and Martyrdom of St. Cyprian.

CYprian was by Birth a Carthaginian, born of Heathen Parents, himself being likewise trained up in Idolatrous Worship, till such time as God was pleased to open his Eyes and shew him into what hazard of Eternal woe he had plunged himself. Learned he was in all the Arts and Sciences, that Age was capable off; though they all shot wide of Saving Knowledge he greatly addicted himself to the Study of Ma­gick, that Diabolick Art; yet one day going to hear the Ministry of Caecilius, a Godly Presbyter of Carthage, more out of curiosity than to profit thereby, but God so effectually wrought that by that good Mans Preaching out of the Prophet Jonas, our St. Cyprian was throughly converted to the Christian Faith: When as the Carthagians perceiving that he was a true Convert, and be­held [Page 94] his zeal for the Christian Religion, they pre­vailed with him to be ordained a Presbyter, after which he continued amongst them Preaching the Gospel and exhorting all to be stedfast to the end, and then they would not fail to receive the promised Crown of Life.

By his constancy in opposing the Enemies of the Church, and his undaunted Resolution, in carrying on the great work of the Gospel, he grew in a short time famous amongst the Christi­ans, insomuch that he was made Bishop of Car­thage, and had the governance of all the Churches in Africk; for nothing of any moment was done without his Knowledge and Consent. Nay, of­ten the Churches of Spain, and other parts sent to him to have his advice in doubtful matters, his bu­siness at all leasure times was to write to the Pa­stors of the Churches, to Admonish them to be vigilant in looking to their Charge, least the Wolves in Sheeps cloathing should get into Gods fold, several of his Excellent Epistles being yet ex­tant.

He also could predict future events long before they came to pass. He was of a Free, Courteous and Obliging temper, no ways given to Passion, he greatly delighted in Reading, and would let no day pass wherein he did not consult some of the Fathers works, but especially Tertullian; whom he called his Master, endeavouring no­thing more than to keep himself unspoted from the pollutions and defilements of the flesh.

When a Persecution was raised against the Church by Aemilianus, President of Aegypt, and by Paternus and Galerius Maximus; in which ma­ny hundreds of Christians fell, he wrote an Epi­stle [Page 95] to the afflicted Church, to tell them that the true cause of their Persecution, sprung from the division and discords amongst themselves, For how, says he, can you imagine, but your Enemies will get advantage over you, when you neglect the Precepts of God, and run headlong into greivous errors wound­ing each other by Schisms in the Churches, therefore Repent from the bottom of your Hearts and God will Re­pent him of the evil he intends to afflict you withal.

Long before this Persecution he had a Vision, wherein was represented a miserable old Man with a careful Countenance, and on his right hand sat a young man very sorrowful and heavy, and not far off one dancing with a Net out spread in his hands, calling at several that stood some distance, at which whilst Cyprian was wondring he seemed to hear a voice saying, Young man that thou seest sit on the right hand is sad and sorrowful, because his precepts are not observed. But he on the left hand danceth and is merry for that occasion is given him to get power from the antient Father to afflict men.

He had likewise another Vision, wherein he was admonished to be sparing in meats and drinks, least that his mind long given to Heaven­ly Meditation, might be drawn away by worldly allurements.

In the beginning of the Persecution he went joyfully in to Banishment lest as himself declared he should cause the Enemies to rage the more against his Congregation, he also continued there very patient­ly till after the Death of Decius the Emperour, when he again returned to his charge; but had scarce visited his Friends, before Paternus again exiled him, after his death he came back again, [Page 96] in hopes of rest but Galerius Maximus succeeding him, he caused Cyprian to be apprehended, as he was walking in his Garden, giving order to the Souldiers that they should carry him to the Idol Temple to Worship, and offer Sacrifice, the which when he refused to do the Pro-Consul breaking out into a great passion, said, Long hast thou lived in a Sacrilegious mind, and hast gathered to­gether men of a wicked Conspiracy, and hast shewed thy self an Enemy to the Gods of the Romans, and their Holy Laws; neither could the Sacred Emperours Va­lerianus and Galienus, revoke thee to the Sect of their Ceremonies wherefore I condemn thee to have thy head cut off, to which with a joyful Countenance Cypri­an, replyed, do what ever shall be in thy power, and thereupon he putting of his Cloaths delivered them to his Deacons, bidding them give his Exe­cutioner five twenty peices of Gold for the kind­ness he was to do him, and thereby to express he freely forgave him. And then pulling a vail over his Eyes, he kneeled down and had his head smit­ten off with a Sword, suffering Martyrdom for the Testimony of his Lord and Master, Anno 259 and in the 70 year of his Age, as some have it.

The Life of Eusebius.

EƲsebius was Bishop of Caesarea, where he con­tinued for a long time, disposing and or­dering the Affairs of the Church being a Man of great Learning, Mild and Modest in his behaviour. By his Study and Industry he got to be so Famous that the Emperour Constantine the Great was wont to say of him, that he was not worthy only to be Bishop of one City or Country, but of the whole Ʋniverse. St. Basil says of him, that he is worthy to be credited for his great Experience; and St. Hierom declares that Eusebius was a great Student of the Sacred Scriptures, and together with Pamphilus the Martyr, a most diligent sear­cher of the Divine Library. He it was that wrote a great part of the Ecclesiastical History, and left behind him many famous works of his own Writing.

In his Time, Eustathius Bishop of Antioch, be­ing deposed, as some Authors report, for the Sa­bellian Heresie, which caused no small distraction in that City; the People being divided into two par­ties, nay, even the Souldiers themselves, one part standing up for the deposed Bishop, the o­ther were for bringing in Eusebius, who utterly re­fused to come to them, and therefore was highly commended for his Modesty and Moderation by the Emperour, who sent his Letters to the Go­vernour strictly charging him to put an end to the Division, or allay the Tumult; the which in a [Page 98] short time was effected, which otherwise had proved the overthrow of that City.

Within a while after a Synod was assembled at Tyre, where all the Bishops Assembled to put an end to some differences that sprang up in the Church; whither Eusebius at the request of the Emperor went, and was constituted chief Judge; which moved the Envy of many against him, and especially Potalomon, who had in the former Perse­cution been one of his Fellow Prisoners, and now exclaimed that he took too much upon, by exalt­ing himself above the rest of the Clergy; but was soon overcome by the Grave and Mild Speeches of Eusebius.

Many Divines there are that do charge him with Arianism, as denying the Deity of Christ; but Athanasius declares that he recanted in the Niceus Council. And Hierom charges him as an open de­fender of the Arian Doctrine: but on the other hand, Socrates out of Eusebius's own Writings en­deavours to vindicate him from that Aspersion. And Scultetus Reports thus, Arius, saith he, de­nied the Eternity and Co-equality of the Son of God; but Eusebius every where professes his Eternity, though he never seriously believed his Co-equality with the Fa­ther. Yet notwithstanding those Aspersions thrown upon him, the Church has greatly profited by his Labours, he being a man of great Wisdom and Foresight, as does appear by the many Books he wrote; some of which have been lost, but many have been transmitted to Posterity even till now.

He lived to a good old Age, for the most part in Peace and Tranquillity; Dying Anno Christi 340.

The Life of Lactantius.

HE was by Birth an Italian, when going to Rome, he became a Scholar under Arnobius where he greatly profited in Sacred Learn­ing, fixing his mind altogether upon Divine things. Insomuch that with the assistance of God's Holy Spirit, he in a short time grew famous; when having perfected his studies at Rome, he de­parted thence for Bithynia, where he kept a School of Oratory under the Reigns of Dioclesian and Constantine the Great, at what time he perceiving that many had fled from their Charge, for to shel­ter from the Persecution which raged under the former of these Emperours, he as a Champion stood up for the defence of the Christian Religi­on; and both by his Preaching and Writings, boldly maintained its Verity and Sanctity which may Appear by some of his Books that are yet ex­tant; notwithstanding which, the Persecution raged fearfully, insomuch that a great number of the Christians Churches were demolished by Fire, and the Fire again in some places quenched with their Blood, in which time, many of his Books were lost, yet he rested secure till it pleased hea­ [...]en to allay the Tempest; in which fell no less, as some Authors of note reckon, than 250000 Christians.

After which the Tyrant dying, Constantine the Great revoked his wicked Decrees, and comfort­ [...]d the Christians; restoring them to their Chur­ [...]hes and Lands. He also sent for Lactantius, and [Page 100] made him Tutor to his Son Crispus, where when he had continued a considerable time, he departed this Life, dying Anno Christi 308. He was a man of great parts, both Morally and Divinely Wise; he was always Liberal, for whatsoever he receiv­ed, he again distributed it to such as were in want; Insomuch that notwithstanding the many rich pre­sents he received at the hands of the Emperour, he died very Poor.

The Life of Athanasius.

AThanasius was an Egyptian by Birth, being born in the City of Alexandria; and wa [...] in his youth taken by Alexander the Bisho [...] of that place; who, for his good liking to hi [...] caused him to be instructed in the Knowledge [...] the Scriptures making him a Deacon, and caus [...] him to go with him to the Council of Nice summoned by Constantine the Great against the Arian [...] there, by his sharp disputes, he confounded the Arguments and false Doctrine, though at the time he was but a Youth. After the Counc [...] broke up, he returned with the Bishop into Egy [...] and continued obedient to him. When a litt [...] before the Death of the said Alexander it was re [...] vealed to him that Athanasius should succeed him the which he remembring, when at the point [...] Death, called for him, but he having notice [Page 101] what he intended, fled and hid himself as being loth to undertake so great a Charge; and when those that sought him, could not find him, the dying Bishop with his last breath said, O Athana­sius, thou thinkest that thou canst escape, yet shalt thou not escape this Office.

The Bishop was no sooner dead, but Athanasius was found out; and though much against his will made Bishop, at which the Arians and Hereticks being greatly grieved, sought all imaginable ways to intrap him; making many grievous complaints against him to the Emperour, of all which he cleared himself: yet ceased not the restless Malice of his Adversaries, but again insinuating them­selves into the Emperor's Favour, they told him that Athanasius was the cheif Cause and principal Contriver of all the Civil Discords that had hap­pened in the Church; upon which the Emperor sum­moned him to appear before him; which he joy­fully did, and there bafled all the Objections that were charged against him, plainly discovering the Malice of his Enemies. Yet could he not rest quiet, for Arius and his Faction daily sought his destruction; whereupon they charged him for breaking the Chalice; and that one Arsenius being murthered, he had cut off one of his Armes to practise Magick withal; and that he had lain with a Woman by force. To try him for these pre­tended Crimes, a Council was called at Tyrus; but upon the hearing of the matter, their Malice was again bewrayed, the Person said to be mur­thered, being produced in Court alive; and the Woman knew him not, but charged one Timothy a Presbyter with the Fact: yet he fearing that in the Tumult his Adversaries had raised, he might [Page 102] be Murther'd, he by the Advice of his Friends de­parted secretly to Rome; when as his Enemies perceiving they had missed of their Aim, they brought other false Witnesses against him, and in his Absence passed Sentence upon him, and de­prived him of all his Dignities, at which the Em­perour being much offended sent for them to an­swer for what they had done; yet so far they prevailed with him by the Assistance of Eusebius that they procured the Bishop's Banishment into France: After which Arius and his Faction grew strong, and the better to insinuate himself into the intire favour of the Emperour, he subscribed to the Articles of the Nicene Council, though much like the Jesuits of our Age, by the way of Mental Reservation; for having a Paper of his own Er­roneous opinions in his Bosom, When the Empe­rour asked him whether he did believe all from his Heart? He said, he did believe all; meaning all that he had written. But not long after Heavens Vengeance found him out, for he going into a Privy, there voided his Bowels, and died in that miserable Condition.

After the death of Constantine, his Son Constan­tius succeeding him, the Faction so far prevailed with him as to gain him to their Party, and then all of the Orthodox Religion went to wrack. Great search was there after the Bishop, and a De­cree sent out to kill him wherever they found him. The Bishops of the True Religion were Imprison­ed, Deposed and Massacred; so that now all places were again filled with Lamentation and Mourn­ing, and Athanasius was forced to fly from place to place to secure his Life: till at last it pleased God to move the Emperour to take him into [Page 103] favour, and restore him to his Bishoprick; which fore grieved his Enemies, who again began to lay grievous Accusations to his Charge, and offered to prove them, but being urged thereto they could not do it.

When Julian came to be Emperour, at the in­stance of the Arians he sent to the Governour of Egypt to Banish Athanasius; but he only hid him till the Death of that wicked Emperour, main­taining him at his own Charge.

After him Jovianus and Valentinian Ruling the Eastern and the Western Empire, he was Recalled and Established in his Bishoprick; where after all the stormes that were raised up against him, he died in peace at Alexandria, Anno Christi 375; having been Bishop of that See 46 years, during which time he had been in many great Perils and Hazards of his Life; for not only Bishops but Emperours and Nations sought his Destruction: but God delivered him out of their hands, to the Glory of his Name; for his only trust was in God alone, which caused him often to say, though Ar­mies should encamp about me, yet I would not fear.

He was a man of sound Judgment, of great In­tegrity and Uprightness; much beloved of all good Christians, which was seen by the great re­joycing they made at his Re-installment.

The Life of St. BASIL.

ST. Basil was born in Pontus, of Christian Pa­rents; his Great Grandfather suffering Mar­tyrdom for the Testimony of Jesus Christ, un­der Galerius Maximus. When this Holy Man was grown to years of discretion, he went to Caesarea, a City in Cappadocia, where he profited much in Learning, excelling in a short time all of his Age. When he had continued there for some time, he departed to Constantinople, & from thence to Athens, and afterwards to Antioch; in which places he greatly Improved his Learning; often disputing and confounding the Arians, who in his time great­ly increased. His Fame being once spread abroad, he was ordained Deacon by Meletius, Bishop of Antioch, and afterwards Bishop of Caesarea, by the Decease of Eusebius his Predecessor.

He had not long been settled in that See before the Emperour Valence, by the perswasion of the Arians (whose Opinions he strictly Embraced) was prevailed with to remove him, and put one of their Faction in his room, but when the Em­peror was on his way, news came that his only Son was even at the point Death, which caused his stay: as likewise his Wife disswaded him from go­ing, by telling him of several fearful Dreams, that had presented themselves to her Fancy, say­ing all had happened through his persecuting the Christians. Whereupon he sent for Basil, who coming into his Presence, he speaks to him after this manner, If thy Faith and Opinion be true, pray [Page 105] that my Son dye not of this disease. To which Basil replyed, If thou wilt promise me to believe as I do, and if thou wilt bring the Church into Ʋnity and Concord, past doubt thy child shall recover. But upon the Em­perour's refusing to consent, he departed; saying, Let God deal with the child as to him best seemeth and immediately after he died.

During the persecution raised by this Emperor he put 80 Presbyters into a Ship designing to set it on Fire upon the water; when meeting with Basil, he perswaded him to embrace the Arian Doctrine, promising to promote him to great dig­nity; but he undauntedly told him, that such fair Promises were fit only to intice Children, but that he was taught and nourished by the Holy Scripture and was ready rather to suffer a thousand deaths, than to suffer one syllable or Iota of the Scriptures to be altered.

Whereupon the Emperour fell into a Rage, threatning to put him to Death and Confiscate his goods: but he nothing daunted, replyed, he feared not what he could do to him for that if he put him do death it was only to set him at Liberty. The Praefect standing by and hearing his resolution, told him he was mad; to whom he replyed, I wish I may be for ever thus mad. Whereupon he had a nights time allowed him to resolve what was best to be done.

Next Morning, he Preaching in the Church, the Emperour came in with an intent to disturb him; but beholding the Gravity of the man, and his modest Behaviour, he recanted his purpose, and would have presented him with a large Gift; but he mildly refused it. A while after the Praefect sending for him, Commanded him to comply with the will of the Emperour, or there was no way for him but death. Yet gave him a longer time to [Page 106] consider, but in vain; for he grew yet more and more confirmed, desiring rather to receive the Crown of Martyrdom, than to dye a natural Death: which when the Emperour perceived he revoked his Sentence: Yet at the Instance of the Arians, he consented to subscribe an Edict for his Banishment; but when he came to write, the Ink would make no impression, though often tryed; as also at that time such a Trembling seised his right hand, that being terrified he tore the Paper and cast it from him. So that notwithstanding all the malice of his Enemies, Basil died at Casarea, when he had sat Bishop there 8 years, departing this Life, Anno Christi 370.

The Life of St. Ambrose.

HE was Born in France his Father being a Ro­man Praefect, a little after his Birth as he was lying in the Cradle, a swarm of Bees came and setled upon his face, and again departed without doing him any harm, which caused his Father to say, if he lived he would be something great.

After he came to maturity he Travelled to Rome, and there so closely plyed his study, that he in a short time attained to the Excellency of Knowledge in Divine things. After a while he was appointed by the Emperour Valentinian, to be Governour of Insubria, and Lieutenant of the City of Millain, about which time by reason of the Death of the Bishop of that City there hap­pened a great contest about Electing a new Bi­shop. Insomuch that the City was like to be in an uproar, whereupon St. Ambrose going to the great Church, to perswade them to Peace and Unity, after he had made a short Oration, they all with one consent cryed out, Ambrose, Ambrose, every one now agreeing though greatly divided before, that he should be their Bishop, which strange Alteration the Bishops present perceiving, concluded it hap'ned by the Divine Will of God, and thereupon they confirmed the peoples choice, sending to acquaint the Emperour with what had happened, who greatly rejoyced thereat, saying, ‘That he thanked God that he had so approved [Page 108] of his Choice, for that he whom he had set o­ver them to Govern their Bodies, God had now instituted a Governour of their Souls.’

After he was setled in that See, all things be­came quiet and calm, the Emperour highly ap­proving of all he did, but after his Death his Wife Justina, who was much infected with Aria­nisme, raised him up great trouble; she and her Son coming to Millain for that purpose, where an Edict was signed for his Banishment, but the People withstood it even with force, rescuing him from those that were appointed to bear him thence, when in the mean time news came that Maximus a Britain had Rebel'd, and that Gratian the Emperour was slain in France, by Andraga­thius, and that he advanced with his Army to­wards Rome: This news so quel'd the Spirits of the cruel Empress, that she left off what she in­tended against this Holy Man, yet did she pro­ceed to infuse the poyson of Arianism into Valenti­nian her Son, which she did so effectually that he embraced it to the last; notwithstanding all the endeavours St. Ambrose used to divert him from it, and to confirm him in the true Doctrine of Christ, which his Mother perceiving stirred him up against St. Ambrose, whereupon he one day went with an Army of Souldiers, and beset the Temple where he was Praying, commanding him to come out, but he refused, saying, That he would not forsake the Sheep-fold of Christ to let the Wolves enter, but that he was ready to dye where he was, which brave speech so daunted the Youngster, that he retired without doing him any harm.

During Theodosius's Reign, in the Eastern Em­pire a great Sedition befell in the City of Thes­salonica [Page 109] which so inraged the Emperour, that at the instance of one Ruffinus, he sent thither a great power who entering the City, slew many thousands of the Inhabitants, not discerning be­tween the Guilty and the Innocent, which so grieved St. Ambrose that he Excommunicated the Emperour, and would by no means absolve him, though all entreaties were used, till such time as he had throughly Repented him of that rash deed; nor then till he had established a Law, that all Sentences and Decrees passed in Anger should be void, and that Thirty days should always pass be­tween the passing of the Sentence and the Ex­ecuting the same, to which the good Emperour freely consenting he was Absolved, and re­ceived again into the Communion of the Church.

On a certain time a Wizard sent his familiar Spirit to kill St. Ambrose, but the Spirit returning told the Wizard that he was so fenced about, that he could not hurt him. At another time one coming with a drawn Sword to his Bed-side to kill him, his hand on a suddain withered, so that he could not stir it till upon his hearty Repen­tance, St. Ambrose prayed over it, and restored it as his other.

When Eugenius was Emperour, Flavianus the Prefect desired leave of him to build an Altar of victory in the City of Millain, the which St. Am­brose greatly opposed, but perceiving he could not hinder it, he departed the City and returned not till after the death of the Emperour, and his Prefect, who going out to fight against Theo­dosius, [Page 110] where Eugenius upon his flight after the overthrow was slain by his Souldiers and the other fell in the Battle.

After St. Ambrose had sate Bishop about Six­teen years, Death summoned him to lay down this troublesome Life, for a Life more lasting; whereupon before his Death, he resolved to provide a Shepherd for his Flock, and for that purpose sent for one Simplicianus, and ordained him Bishop in his stead, and then after having given many godly Exhortations to such as were about him, he gave up the Ghost, Dying in the third Year of Theodorus, Anno Christi 397. To the great grief of the Christians, whose Cham­pion he had been in the greatest Persecutions that Hell had raised up to Eclipse the lustre of the Gospel.

The Life of St. Hierome.

ST. Hierom was Born at Seridon, a City in the Confines of Dalmatia, Anno Christi 331. his Father was Eusebius, a Godly and Virtuous Christian. When he was but a Youth, he was sent to Rome, where he greatly profited in Learn­ing, especially in the best of Knowledge, viz. The Understanding of the Scriptures, which be there expounded to many that came to him. Skilled he was in most of the known Tounges especially in such as were any ways useful to Learn­ing.

Being thus expert he Travelled into France, where he acquainted himself with the most Learn­ed of that Countrey, and grew there so famous, that Bonosus would needs Accompany him in his Travels, when having spent much time in view­ing the Libraries, and Writing out several wor­thy Books of the Fathers, he returned into his own Country; where he had not rested long er'e (considering the great wickedness that reigned in most Cities and Towns) he resolved upon a private Life, endeavouring what in him lay to perswade some of his Companions to take part therein with him, and especially Pammachius, but he would not consent.

Yet a while after St. Hierome having setled his affaires, went to Jerusalem to take a view of all the memorable places; where by reason of the Contagion that was engendered in the Aire, he [Page 112] fell sick, but in a short time having recovered his health he resolved upon putting his former re­solves in practice, and thereupon retired into a De­sart or Wilderness between Syria and the Saracens, where he continued into a Cave, not having other Company than wild Beasts and Serpents, except the converse he had with Heaven, and his Books, and having in his Youth time been somewhat ex­travagant he much bewailed himself of those fol­lies, shedding abundance of Tears, and begged of God not to remember the sins of his Youth, he likewise divided his time into two parts, one for Prayer, the other for Meditation. He slept very little, his Diet being only Roots, Herbs, and Water. During his Solitude, he learned most of the Scripture by Heart, and not only so but he made many excellent Expositions upon the Pro­phets, and especially that of Obadiah, sometimes he would walk out of his Cell to visit some of the Neighbouring Monks, who had betaken them­selves to a retired Life, living there truly Re­ligious, their Lives and Manners far differing from any of our Age.

After he had continued in this state for some Years, he heard there were new differences sprung up in the Church, whereupon he left his Cell and went to Rome, where he was no sooner ar­rived; but all men judged St. Hierome the fittest person to succeed Damasus the present Bishop. Yet some there wanted not, who not long after began to Envy his Vertues, charging him for leaving Rome and departing into Syria, and their living amongst Heathens: Yet he so excused him­self in many particulars, that his Enemies were at last ashamed of their Accusations, so that he conti­nued [Page 113] at Rome Teaching and Instructing many in the Faith, and especially the noble Matrons, in the Houses of one of whom he lived. By this time the Arrians being grown powerful, began to spread their infection abroad, and at last were so bold as to endeavour the bringing over St. Hie­rom to their Party, the reason they had to be­leive he would adhere to them, was, because he read Origen's Works: But when he heard what they intended, he utterly detested against them, and to avoid any scandal he left Rome, and much Repented him that he had come thither, for now the Church growing Rich, Christian sim­plicity, and sincere Religion began to be laid aside, and Formalities, and Traditions heaped up in their stead.

Having passed through some Countries, and Visited many of his former Acquaintance, he came again into Syria; and in his Journey he grew into Familiar Acquaintance with that Worthy Man Gregory Nazianzen, whom he ever after called his Master. Of him he Learned many things, a while after by the perswasion of Apollinarius he went to Alexandria, and there compleated his Studies in Divinity by the help of Didymus, and a while after he went and setled himself at Bethlehem, where he taught the Go­spel, and Converted many. So that growing famous, he wanted not Enemies: For the Arri­ans fearing he would prove their Chief Oppo­ser, endeavoured by all possible means to blast his Fame, and there set one Ruffinus to write a­gainst him, and to asperse the Truth with fals­hood, which so grieved the Holy Man, that he then resolved to be silent in the matter no longer, [Page 114] but sharply rebuked the Heretick both by Words and Writing, whereupon they charged him with many heinous Crimes, but he so managed the matter that all men plainly discerned their ma­lice.

Some there were that took his part and joyn­ed with him against the Hereticks, but he it was that always bore the brunt, being ever perplex­ed and molested; nay, his Life put often in danger by these Sects. When after having past over Thirty Years, as it were in a Sea of Trou­ble, what with Writing, sitting up late, hard Studying, and long Journies, he was so spent, that Nature was no longer able to subsist. Inso­much that we may well say, he Sacrificed himself for the benefit of the Church, Dying Anno Christi 422. and of his Age 91. He wrote many large volumns, being a man of singular Chastity, of great Wit, slow to Anger, and in Learning exceeding most of his Time.

The Life of St. CHRYSO­STOM.

ST. Chrysostom was Born at Antioch, his Fathers Name was Secundus, and his Mother's Au­thusa, being both descended of Noble extra­ction. When he came to Years of discretion he was put under the Tutorage of Libanus the Phi­losopher, where he applyed himself to all the Studies of humane Learning, and greatly reprehend­ed such as lived loose and ungoverned lives, per­swading them to embrace the Doctrine of Chri­stianity, when after a while he perswaded several of his Companions to cast of the cares of the World, and apply their minds wholly to the at­taining Divine Sapience. He also associated him­self with St. Basil, by whose grave Instructions he greatly profited. A while after his fame of Learn­ing encreasing, he by the Bishop of Hierusalem was made Reader of the Church of Antioch. In which station he so discreetly behaved himself, that still he increased in the good opinions of the People; when a while after the Bishop of Constan­tinople Dying, he was by the unanimous consent of the Clergy chose Bishop in his stead, the Em­perour highly approving of the choice.

When he was setled in that See, he made it his whole Study to Reform the Errors that were crept into the Church, as also the Lives of the Clergy, whom he freely reproved for their faults. [Page 116] When at that time finding a great Schisme, be­tween the Western and Eastern Churches; he laboured diligently to unite their Opinions, nor were his endeavours altogether frustrated.

He Converted many Pagans and Atheists, to the belief and veneration of the true God. Insomuch that he grew famous throughout all the East, so that the conflux of People that resorted to his Sermons were exceeding great, and when he heard that the Bishops of the Churches of Asia, by reason of their wicked Lives were altogether un­worthy to Govern the Churches, He deposed Thirteen of them, placing Pious and Learned men in their rooms, which aftewards created him no small trouble: For those that were thus outed gathering their Friends together, opposed him in many things, raising scandals, and lay grei­vous Crimes to his Charge, and amongst the rest they stirred up Eutropius, one of the Emperours Eunuches, who was the Emperours especial Fa­vorite. This man procured of the Emperour that a Law should be made, that if any Malefactor took Sanctuary, he might be drag'd out of the Church to Execution, but to see the just judgment of God, not long after this Eunuch being Accu­sed for abusing the Empress, he fled to the Church, and there lay under the Communion Table, when as the Sunday following St. Chry­sostom Preaching, took occasion to discourse about the unstability of Greatness, and how wicked men though never so highly exalted stood in slippery Places, when at that time the People carryed the Eunuch out of the Church, and according to the Law that himself had procured to be Enacted, delivered him up to the Emperours Officers, [Page 117] who at the Emperours Command beheaded him.

About this time the Arrians began to trouble the Church, by withdrawing many from the Truth to embrace their Erroneous Opinions, as likewise a great difference arose in Egypt, some affirming that God the Father had a Body in hu­mane shape, which others as strongly opposed, but Theophilus the Bishop of Alexandria, holding with the formers Opinion many of the latter were obliged for their better safety to fly to Constanti­nople, there to make their complaints to the Em­perour, as likewise to St. Chrysostom the Bishop who received them into the Church, which so greived Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamine in Cyprus, and Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria, that they used their utmost endeavours to stir up the Cler­gy against him. Whereupon they called a Coun­sel of their party and condemned the Books of Origen, then Epiphanius, coming to Constanti­nople, made many complaints against Chryso­stom, and endeavoured to stir up the People a­gainst him, but finding his hopes frustrated, he returned greatly displeased, and died in his way home.

A while after Theophilus came to Constantinople and there calling a Counsel by the Command of the Emperour, he so far wrought that they depo­sed Chrysostom, and he was thereupon sent into Ex­ile, though much against the minds of the People who Guarded his House three days to prevent his being carried thence. But he had not been long absent, before the Emperour revoked his Edict of Banishment, and he was again restored. But a while after the Empress causing her Picture of [Page 118] Silver to be set up upon a Pillar near the Church, he sharply inveighed against it as a means to in­troduce Images into the Christian Churches, which so offended the Empress, that she caused another Council to be summoned; who again de­posed him, which was no sooner done but Cyrinus Bishop of Calcedon, who had most exclaimed a­gainst him, had such greivous Sores fell in his Legs, that they were forced to be cut off, and the same evening such mighty Hall-stones fell, that the like was never known in that Country, and within four days after the Empress dyed: Yet he was carryed to Cucusus in Armenia, where he was followed by such a number of People, who came to hear him Preach, that his Enemies en­vying his Fame procured a second Edict, to re­move him thence far remote; but upon the way by reason of the extream heat he fainted away, and finished his course, receiving the glorious re­ward of his Labours, the year of his death I find no where set down, but that he flourished in the Bishoprick of Constantinople, Anno Christi 400 is most certain.

The Life of AUGUSTIN.

AƲgustin was born at Thagasta in Africk, of Christian Parents, his Fathers name be­ing Batrius, and his Mothers Monica, who brought him up to Learning; and the rather by reason the found him of such a prompt and rea­dy Wit, spending the greatest part of their Estate to furnish him with such Literature as was condu­cing to Saving Knowledge. Yet in his Youth, by keeping Leud Company, his Manners were some­what Corrupted, and something he savoured of the Opinion of Manichee the Arian.

When he came to Maturity, he kept a School in the City where he was born, and a while after departing thence he went to Rome; having also taught Rhetorick in Carthage. When he had stayed at Rome some time, Hearing and Disputing with the Doctors of the Church, he went thence to Millain, where he grew so famous that he was chosen Tutor to Valentinian the fifth Emperour where he also had frequent Converse with Am­brose, Bishop of that See, who within a while perswaded him from him Errors, and caused him to be baptized. After which he began to be more studious about Divine things, and to detest against the Doctrine of the Arians which greatly rejoyced his Mother, his Father being then dead.

[Page 120]When he had continued at Millain some time, he returned into Africk; where upon Knowledge of his thorough Conversion, and the strictness of his Godly Life, he was Chosen Minister of Hippo; in which Station he had not long continued, e're by his preaching and learned Disputes he grew so famous that people came from all parts to hear him, when as Valerius the Bishop of that place hearing they would elect him Bishop of some place and so he should loose his Company, he caused him to retire for a while. Nor was his suspicions vain, for he was soon after Elected, and diligent­ly sought for, which when the old man understood, he made it his request of the Assembly of the Cler­gy, that were come thither with the Primate of Carthage, that seeing he was grown old, Augustin might be his Coadjutor in the Bishoprick, which was freely consented to, to the great rejoycing of the Citizens. Though Augustin declined it al­ledging, it was contrary to the Rules of their Church to meddle in the Bishops affaires during his Life. But at last, by many convincing Arguments they pre­vailed with him to take it upon him. After which he so faithfully performed his Charge, that many admired his Wisdom and deep searching Policy, by which he confounded the Devices of his Ad­versaries, the Arians and Hereticks, who now be­gan to envy his Virtues.

A while after he was requested to dispute against the Donatists, who after much intreaty prevailed with one Fortunatus to be their Champion. The Dispute held two days in publick, all which the Notaries writ down, but in the end Fortunatus was Non-plus'd, that he could no longer dispute against the Catholick Faith, nor find Arguments [Page 121] to defend his own Errors; insomuch that in great shame and confusion, he left the City. St. Augustin likewise disputed of Faith before all the African Bishops in the Convocation Assembly; and so learnedly handled the matter, that he gained great applause; and after that many of the Donatists forsaking their Erroneous Opinions came over to the Church of Christ.

But whilst this good man was diligently Labour­ing in God's Vineyard, and to establish Peace, the Devil was counterplotting him, by stirring up several wicked Persons to raise Tumults, by beat­ing and murthering such as would not adhere to their Faction; Robbing the Ministers, and spoil­ing the Churches worse than in the Heathen Perse­cutions: Yet it so pleased God, that by Augustins powerful perswasions, both in his Sermons and Writings, the Churches in a short time over-came their Enemies, and regained their primitive Lustre especially those in and near to Hippo.

After a while he caused some of his Books to be translated into Greek, and sent them to the Eastern Churches, who embraced them as a Blessing, but by that means his Enemies grew more enraged; insomuch that one time as he went to visit his Churches, they lay in Ambush to have murthered him, but Providence so ordered it, that he mis­taking the Road went a by way to the place in­tended, and so escaped their hands. But such good hap had not one of his Companions, who was Bishop of Calamen for he falling into their hands as he was riding in his Visitation of the Churches they took away his Horses, beat and wounded both him and his Servants; for which the Procon­sul fined Crispin their Bishop in two pounds of [Page 122] Gold; but he pleaded he was no Heretick, but in his Disputation it was plainly proved against Him; yet Augustin so far prevailed with the Proconsul, that the fine was remitted.

A while after Honorius the Emperour caused a Council of Bishops to Assemble at Carthage, where he sent a Tribune to represent his Person, when in this Council at a general Disputation held, the Factious were worsted; and after that an other Council being called at Caesarea, where Augustin Chalenged Emeritas, chief Bishop of the Donatists, to a Disputation in Publick; but neither Augustin, nor his Friends and chief Privadoes could perswade him to undertake it. Notwithstanding others of the Sect disputed with him afterwards, and were overcome, though they falsly boasted that they had overcome him; which caused him to write all the Arguments over and publish them, to the shame and confusion of his Adversaries.

He lived in the time when the Barbarous Goths and Vandals broke in upon the Roman Empire, and tore it to peices, destroying all before them, like an overflowing deluge, then the Churches were Fired, Robbed and Beaten down; the Bishops Murthered, or put to extream torment, the Ministers racked to death, and all sorts of People slain on heaps, Virgins deflowered, Wo­men Ravished, Children pushed against the Pave­ments, and all manner of Barbarity Exercised; then it was that the red horse was sent out to take peace from the Earth.

After they had ravaged Italy, they broke into Africk, destroying all before them, which made many of the Bishops fly from their Charge; but Augustine continued exhorting and perswading the [Page 123] People to continue firm in their Faith, resolving rather to suffer the cruellest death, than leave his fold to the Mercy of the Wolves, all the Cities that held out against the Infidels were but Carthage, Circe and Hippo; the last enduring fourteen Months siege, being manfully defended by Earl Boniface. During which time Augustin put up Prayers daily to Heaven for the Church, and for their Deli­verance; when according to his own desire, God delivered him from the Misery that after happened to others by taking him out of the World, to a better Life, at the end of three Months Seige; he dying Anno Christi 430, of his Age 76, and of his Ministry 40. He was a man of a charitable Disposition very sparing in Diet and a hearty Lover of all good Men, a great De­fender of the Church, and Opposer of Hereticks.

The LIFE of Venerable BEDE.

BEde was born Anno Christi 671, at Wyrimunda, by Birth an English Saxon, being left to shift for himself very young, by reason of the Death of his Parents; he was by some of his Friends put into the Monastery of St. Peter's and St. Paul's, under the Tutorage of the Abbot of the said Monastery, where he Profited greatly in Learning in Philosophy, Astronomy, Musick and Poetry, as also well seen in Greek, Arithmetick, Rhetorick and History, but above all in Divinity; applying the greatest part of his Study to Expound and rightly understand the Scriptures.

At Nineteen years old he was made a Deacon, and at thirty a Presbyter; when he so ordered his Affairs that he soon grew famous, insomuch that he was by the English Clergy sent to Rome to be assisting to Pope Sergius in setling the Affaires of the Church, where by his Prudence, Modesty and Mild Behaviour he got himself great Applause.

When the Business for which he went was over, he returned to his Charge, and exhorted men every where to repent, least God's Judgments should overtake them; and so far wrought upon many of the Hea­then Saxons, that he Converted them to the Faith; [Page 125] and upon many occasions was wont to say that there was so much work to do in so little a time, that he would not loose any of it; and that as for Pleasures, we must only touch them with the Tops of our Fingers as we do Honey, for fear of surfeting on them.

He wrote of all the Liberal Arts in several ex­cellent Treatises he was a comely Person, Tall and of a grave Pace; clear Voice, and Eloquent Tongue; a grave Countenance, a Courteous and Affable Behaviour; insomuch that many of the Nobility sent their Sons to be instructed by him. He wrote several Volumes, as his Ecclesiastical History, the History of his Monastery, and the History of the Kingdom; wherein he gives an ample Account of the grievous Calamity that be­fell this Nation, during its being divided amongst the Saxon Kings.

In his sickness he was wont to encourage him­self with the words of the Apostle, Heb. 12.6. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth eve­ry son whom he receiveth; and when he beheld some of his Scholars weeping over him, he comforted them with these words; The time is come if my Creator pleaseth, that being freed from the Flesh, I shall go to him, who made me when I was not, out of nothing: I have lived long, and the time of my dissolution is approaching: and my Soul desireth to see my Saviour Christ in his Glory. And so gave up the Ghost, Anno Christi 735, and of his Age 64. When one of his Scholars, desir­ous to furnish him with an Epitaph, wrote after this manner, Hac sunt in fossa Bedae sancti, Ossa; [Page 126] when the next Morning was found in his Tomb as followeth, Hac sunt in fossa Bedae venerabilis ossa; from which, as some think, he had his name of Venerable, though others affirm that whilst he once was Preaching to the Congregation, a loud Voice was heard (but from whence it came none could tell) saying, well done venerable Bede. But so much for my Countryman.

The Life of John Damascene.

HE was born at Damascus, taking as some think his Name from the place of his Birth, though with some alteration. His Parents were Christians, and carefully brought him up in the worship of God; and gave him such Learning as was sitting to compleat him for the Studying of Divinity, so that when he came to Maturity of years, he went to Jerusalem, where he continued for some time and profited greatly in Learning; Insomuch that he grew famous, and had his Name spread into most of the Eastern Countries.

Being made a Presbyter at Jerusalem, he preach­ed the Gospel plainly and powerfully Converting many Pagans to the Christian Faith; and by his Writings greatly profited the Church, and oppo­sed the Arians and Hereticks to the utmost of his power; by his great Learning Convincing many of their Errors, and Confounding the obstinate in their own Arguments: But at last having finished his Course, he yielded to death in certain hope of a glorious Crown of Life and Immortality; Dy­ing about the year 750. He wrote many Books, but especially his 3 Books of Parallels of the Holy Scriptures, and his 4 Books of the Orthodox Faith.

The Life of Theophylact.

THeophylact being born in Constantinople, of Christian Parents, greatly profited in Learning by reason of his prompt Wit and ready Apprehension, so that applying himself to the Study of the Sacred Scriptures, he soon be­came a famous Disputant against the Enemies of the Church. Insomuch that after the Death of the Bishop of Constantinople, he was by the free con­sent of the people with the Approbation of the Clergy, made Bishop of that great City; where he continued to discharge his Duty, to the great content of all good Christians; yet not so well, but that the Hereticks sought to disturb him, but were always worsted.

His Chief work was to reform the Churches, into which many Errors had crept especially those in Bulgaria; so that continuing a faithful Pastor for about three years, he then yielded up the Ghost and exchanged for a better Life. He was a man of great Patience; Mild and Meek in all his Acti­ons; exceeding most of his time in Learning.

The Life of PROSPER.

PRosper had his Birth at Aquitain in Normandy, and by his Parents being put to School, he so well profited in Learning, that all who knew him admired his acute Wit and ready Under­standing; and after he was qualified in inferiour Schools he became a Scholar under St. Augustin, who instructed him in the ways of Saving Know­ledge as well as Moral Virtue; and so laboured with him, that in a short time he became famous for Piety and Learning, Insomuch that he was made Bishop of Rhegium, in which Station he continued many years disputing with and con­founding the Pelagian Hereticks, who then spread their Pestilential Doctrine throughout all Christendom. He likewise made Annotations upon the four Evangelists and was much taken with reading the Scriptures that he was scarce ever seen without a new Testament in his hand. Charitable he was beyond all expression, most li­berally distributing his Goods to the Poor. He loved to be called the Peace-Maker, as using his utmost diligence to reconcile differences; and much addicted himself to Watching, Fasting and Prayer, and all things else that became a Godly and Christian Bishop; and having (under Marti­an) continued 20 years in that Episcopal See, he fell sick, when as many of his friends coming to visit him, and he perceiving them to weep bitter­ly, comforted them with these words, the Life [Page 130] which I have enjoyed (said he) was but given me up­on condition to render it up again, not grutchingly, but joyfully; for me to have stayed longer here might seem better for you, but for me it is better to be dissolved. And so falling into fervent Prayer, he with great Ala­crity resigned up his Spirit into the hands of his Creator: Dying Anno Christi, 466.

He wrote many famous Books that are now Extant, and his usual saying was, that it was his utmost endeavor to keep a Conscience void of offence both towards God and man.

The Life of Fulgentius.

FƲlgentius, Son to Claudius and Mariana, was Born in Carthage; at what time Hunerick the Barbarous King of the Vandals, Tyrannized in Africk, his Father being Imprisoned, and for some time having all his Inheritance taken from him by the Device of the Arian Hereticks, to whose opinions the aforesaid King began to hearken; yet by the Intercession of his Friends, he obtained part of his Patrimony, and then departed to Lepte, where he had not stayed long before he fell sick, and after having setled his Affaires, leaving young Fulgentius to the care of his Mother he gave up the Ghost.

And now this Godly Youth began more and more to apply himself to the Study of Sacred things: Yet at last was prevailed with to take upon him a publick Employment, which was to gather the Kings Taxes; in which he used such Mildness and Moderation, that he Generally ob­tained the love of the People. But such business ill agreeing with his Temper, he grew impatient of such publick affairs, and resolved to betake himself to a more retired Course of Life, having long considered by what means he might best ac­quire it, he at last concluded to retire himself in­to a Monastery, (which in those days were Places where Sincerity and true Religion flourished though since they have degenerated into all man­ner [Page 132] of Superstition and Prophaneness) and there­upon one day going to veiw the place he intend­ed to enter, and perceiving the Quietness, Love, and friendly Converse that were amongst the Brethren, he broke forth into these words.

Why travel I in the World which can yeild me no future nor durable Felicity, suitable to my Toil and Labour? Though it be better to weep well than joy ill, yet if to Joy be our desire, how much excelleth their Joy who have a good Conscience before God, who dread nothing but Sin, study to do nothing, but to accomplish the Precepts of Christ? Now therefore let me change my Trade, and as before I endeavoured against my noble Friends to prove the more Noble, so now let my care and employment be amongst the humble and poor Servants of God, to become more humble and poor than they: and like the good Evangelist St. Matthew, of a Publican let me become a Disciple.

When he had thus said, he resolved to enter himself one of the Society; and thereupon began to accustom himself to Watching, Prayer and Fasting. Insomuch that all who knew him, great­ly wondered at the suddain alteration; and many suspecting what he intended, endeavoured to per­swade him to the contrary, but in vain, for this Arguments could not remove his fixed mind, but one day taking his opportunity he went to Fau­stus a godly Bishop, and Governour of the Mona­stery, being Banished from his Diocess by the Tyrant Hunerick; and to him he disclosed his Intentions, whereat the good Man greatly rejoyc­ed, yet withal that he should not run upon any thing rashly and, and afterwards repent. He told [Page 133] him what hardship he must undergo relating all the Severity of a Monastick Life; with which Fulgen­tius was very well content, and thereupon was en­tered in the house which his mother had no sooner notice off, but she came and demanded him of the Bishop; making many Exclamations, and charg­ing him, that he had traduced her Son, to the taking away of all her Comfort, and utter decay of her Fami­ly. But he refused to return, although she used many perswasive Arguments to induce him thereto. Yet did he render her all dutiful respect, earnestly recommending her to the Protection of Heaven, and freely giving all his Goods to her and his younger Brother, resolving for the sake of his great Master the Lord Jesus, not only to leave the World, but to deny himself, and rather run the hazard of displeasing all, than when he had put his hand to the Plough to lock back, and thereupon be­took him to his Exercise which he observed so truly that by rigorous Fasting he much impaired his bodily health, yet he delayed not his devout Studies, but exhorted his Elders to suffer all things for the sake of Christ.

He had not continued in this state many years, before his Fame was spread through all the Chur­ches, which caused the Arian Hereticks to envy him, and therefore raising a persecution against such as sincerely served God, he together with the Bishop Faustus and the rest, were forced to fly and procure such places of residence as was most for their safety, when, as Fulgentius coming to a little Monastery (of which a pious man, named Felix, was Governour) he no sooner disclosed who he was, but Felix, having heard of his Fame, offered to resign him his place, as counting him the most [Page 134] worthy to undertake so divine a charge; but he refused it; yet at the Intreaty of the Society he was content to become his fellow helper, and so continued to the good liking of all Pious men for a long time; when by reason of the hot Persecuti­on that still pursued him; he with the rest de­parted into the Territories of Sicca, in the Wilds of Africk, where he Preacht and Instructed the People, turning many Souls to Christ; but even here he was not safe, for his fame soon spreading, his Enemies still pursued them with their Malice, and sought by all means to destroy him; but God, in whom he trusted, still delivered him from Death, although they layd ambushes both for him and Felix, and having taken them, they were carryed before an Arian Bishop, who caused them grie­vously to be beaten, which made them rejoyce that they were counted worthy to suffer for the sake of their Blessed Master.

To avoid the Persecution, Fulgentius intended to sail into Aegypt, but by contrary Winds, was driven into the Haven of Syracuse, the chief City of Sicily, and there being perswaded by the Bishop to stay all Winter, he the next Spring travelled to Rome; and there beholding the glittering splen­dour of that great City, he said, How beautiful may the Coelestial Jerusalem be, when Terrestrial Rome is so gorgeous. If such honours be given to lovers of va­nity, what Glory shall be imparted to the Saints who are lovers and followers of truth. Having a while con­tinued there, he returned again into Africk, to the great joy of his Friends; but his old Enemies seeking many ways to destroy him, he secretly de­parted to a little Monastery, seated amongst the Rocks on the Sea shore, where he applyed him­self [Page 135] to his studies, he wrote several Books; but his Disciples hearing where he was, came to him, and requested him to return, which at the desire of Faustus he consenting to, was made a Presbyter; the Arian King having commanded that no more Bishops should be made, and now every City strove who should have him for their Pastor; But above all, the City of Ruspa so earnestly solicited him, that partly with, and partly against his will, he was made Bishop; which so incensed the King, that he not only banished him, but 60 others, most of them being Bishops; yet within a while after he sent for Fulgentius, to reason with him about divers matters, thereby to Intrap him, but he ar­gued so warily, and returned such answers, that he confirmed a great many of his Hearers that were before staggering into Error; yet again was he banished, but at his departure he said, He should shortly return again, and that the Church should enjoy much peace and quiet within few years; Which ac­cordingly came to pass: For Tharsamund dying, Hildelick was crowned in his stead, who revoked the many severe Edicts of his Predecessor, and cal­ling home the Bishops and Pastors, restored them to their dignities.

Within a while after, Fulgentius fell sick, du­ring which sickness, he behaved himself with won­derful patience and Humility; and when his Phy­sitians told him a Bath would do well for the re­covery of his Health, he answered, What tell you me of a bath, can any bath preserve the life of him who has run his natural course, that he shall not dye, and why perswade you me, now I am at the point of death to abate of that rigor which I all my life have used. When having taken leave of those that came to visit, and [Page 136] distributed what money he had to pious uses, he yielded up the Ghost, dying Anno Christi 529, and of his Age 65, having sat Bishop 25 years, his death was greatly lamented of all the Pastors of the Church, and indeed of all good Chri­stians.

The Life of BERNARD.

BErnard was by Birth a Burgundian, born in a Town called Fontane, his Father Tecelinus having for some years before been a Com­mander in the Wars, yet was he Educated in Lear­ning to the highest degree, by the care of his Mo­ther who was a pious and discreet Woman, having besides him five Sons and one Daughter, to which she gave likewise good Education; but our Bernard profited above the rest, and in a short time was sent to the University, where he imployed his Study in Divinity, and so well he profited there­in, that he was admired of all his fellows, affect­ing much a retired Life, shunning as much as in him lay the Society of wild youths, who often im­portuned him to partake in their inordinate plea­sures, being modest by Nature, and of a kind temper.

One time being troubled with an extream Head-Ach, a Woman came to him, and proffered to cure him by Inchantment, but he would not suffer her to stay in his sight, saying, He had rather indure the [Page 137] hand of God, than be cured by the power of the Devil, nor was his wish in vain, for he soon after was eased of his pain, and thus he growing famous for Virtue and Learning, the Devil strove by many temptations to damp his Zeal for the Gospel, and especially by laying baits for his Eyes, to raise up in him lustful and inordinate desires, which temp­tation he strove with all his power to resist, as finding himself weak on that side, and when his youthful blood began to incite him to enterprize any such wickedness, he would leap into cold wa­ter, and there continue till his Lustful desires were abated, and at last considering with himself, that by the multiplicity of converse he might be drawn away, he absolutely determined to enter into the Monastery of the Cistercians, the strictest of all Orders, which he did, notwithstanding all the Intreaties of his Brethren and Friends; nay, so earnest was he with his Brethren, that he obtain­ed the good will of four of them to accompany him, and to enter into the same Order with him: When taking leave of their younger Brother, who was but a Lad, One of them said, Farewel Brother, we leave to you all our worldly possessions, to which he replyed, To leave me Earth, and take Hea­ven to your selves, is no equal division.

These Brethren having thus entered themselves under the tuition of the Abbot, who was a devout man, Bernard profited above the rest, and made Prayer, Fasting and Study his business, doing all things that became a good Christian; nor did he refuse bodily labour, such as belonged to his Mo­nastery, and in this state he continued a long time, when as his Abbot caused the Monastery of Clarae­val to be built in the Territories of Lingones not [Page 138] far from the River Abba, he for the great love he bore to Bernard, made him Abbot thereof, where he continued till such time as he was made a Mini­ster by the Bishop of Catalonia, and then being de­sirous of nothing more than to save souls, he went about Preaching and Instructing the People in the neighbouring Villages; so that his fame spread throughout those Countreys, and many came from far to hear his Sermons, and thus continued he with great applause, till the 63 year of his Age, when retiring to his Monastery, he fell sick, and calling all his Disciples about him; when he per­ceived them weep, he comforted them, saying, My fatherly love moves me to pity you my Children, so as to desire to remain here, but on the other side my de­sire to be with Christ, draws me to long to depart hence; therefore be of good comfort, for I submit to the will of our heavenly Father, to whose protection I leave you. And thereupon he resigned his Spirit into the hands of his Redeemer, Dying Anno Christi 1153, and in the 68 year of his Age.

After his death one Adam a Cann [...]n Regular made this Epitaph on him.

The Life of Peter Lumbard.

PEter Lumbard was born in the Kingdom of Navarr, of Godly Parents, and brought up by them in all manner of Learning, and in the end, sent to the University of Paris, where he greatly profited and Instructed such as came un­to him, he gave himself much to the study of Divine things; and as the chief of the Holy Scrip­tures, upon many places of which he made Com­ments, Expounding what was any ways difficult: He wrote a Book of Commentaries upon the Psalms of David; as likewise collected the chief sentences out of the Works and Writings of the Fathers, being a great lover of pious and learned men; and whilst he was at Paris, he published many of his books.

His usual sayings were these, There can no good dwell in us that cannot will good: nor can we perfect good that cannot desire good: there are in us evil con­cupiscence, and vain desires, which are the Devils weapons bent against our Souls, whereby when God for­sakes us, he overthrows us with deadly wounds. God condemns none before he sins, nor crowns any before he overcomes. Let none glory in the gifts of Preachers. In that they edifie more by them: for they are not Au­thors of Grace, but Ministers. The Instruction of words is not so powerful as the Exhortation of works; for if they that teach well, neglect to do well, they shall hardly profit their hearers.

[Page 140]He dyed on the 13th of August, 1164, and lyes buryed at Paris, and has this Inscription upon his Tomb.

The Life of Bonaventure.

BOnaventure was an Italian by Birth, born in Etruria, of Noble Parentage, who had a greater regard for his Soul, than his Body; and therefore although they had great riches to leave him, yet they brought him up in Learning, and so well he profited, that when he was 16 years of Age, he could speak the Greek as fluent as his Native Language; all his delight being in reading the Scriptures, and the works of the Fa­thers; and in his behaviours to all men, was so humble and courteous, that he gained the love of those who only knew by the report of fame, and as a memento lest he should be puffed up above himself: He caused to be engraven in his Study VVindow, this sentence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Learn of me, for I am weak, &c. nor did he abstain from servile labours, thereby to keep his mind in subjection. To the poor he was al­waies charitable, nor would he ever offend the rich.

[Page 141]When at any time he heard of Persons that were troubled in Mind, he would go to them, and give them words of Consolation, laying before them the Promises of our blessed Saviour, and the infinite desire he has to save Sinners, Charging them not to give way to despair, but lay hold on the Lord Jesus as the Rock of Salvation, and by such means he drew many Souls out of the Paws of the Devil, who like a Lyon was ready to devour them.

He greatly gave himself to Meditation and Prayer. He likewise Preach'd after the Exam­ple of St. Paul, both in and out of Season, and was so earnest in the delivery of his Sermons, that his words seemed to have a more than ordinary Power with them; which so affected the hearers that People came from all parts to his Lectures.

He hated Idleness, and when he had nothing to do in publick affaires, he always kept to his Study, reading and well considering the works of the Fathers; gathering out of them such Sen­tences as might be most powerful to win Souls unto Christ, of which he compiled his famous Pharetra, and the better to keep himself employed he wrote the Bible over with his own hand, and so well used it, that he could readily Cite all the material Texts by heart.

After he had continued at the University of Paris for the space of three years, he was chosen Divinity Reader, which he so well discharged, that all men admired his Eloquence and Learning after this he was made Doctor of Divinity, in which Station he continued for a considerable time doing all the deeds of Charity that lay in his Power to perform, as likewise perswaded others [Page 142] to do the Like; so that at last, spent with tedi­ous Studies, nature decayed in him, and he falling sick, after many pious Exhortations to his Friends to persevere in the way to saving Knowledge, he gave up the Ghost, Dying Anno Christi 1274, and of his Age 53, and was buried in a Stately Sepul­chre in the Cathedral; great Mourning being made for him by all Lovers of Piety and Learn­ing.

The Life of Aquinas.

HE was by Birth an Italian Born in the King­dom of Naples, Anno 1223, and was brought up in the Cassine Monastery in all manner of Learning, especially in the Knowledge of Divine things being very Zealous for the pro­motion of the Faith of Christ, and when he was perfected in the Study of Divinity, he went to Paris, where he became very profitable to the Church in Teaching and Instructing Youths and Students in Divine Learning. He was always Stu­dious, and was seldom seen to laugh; but when others were at their Merriment he would be Meditating, Insomuch that once Supping with King Lewis of France, he whilst the rest were making merry, fell into a deep Meditation, and forgetting himself, struck the Table, saying, That now the Manichees were foiled.

[Page 143]When any one offered him promotion he was wont to say, I had rather have Chrysostom's Com­mentary upon the Gospel of St. Matthew. In all his Sermons, he framed his Speech to the Peoples Ca­pacities; and hated Vice in any, though he lov­ed their Persons never so well. He died as he was going to the Council summoned at Lyons, An­no Christi 1274.

THE LIFE OF JOHN WICKLIF.

JOhn Wicklif was an English man by birth, be­ing descended of godly and virtuous Parents, who sent him to Morton Colledge in Oxford, where continuing for some time, he greatly profited in Learning, insomuch that he be­came the Wonder of his Age; so that in a short time he was elected Divinity Reader in the afore­said University, which he so well performed, that he obtained a general Applause from all his Audi­tors, he being a man of great Piety, oftentimes bewailing in private the vicious Lives of the Clergy, and greatly inveighing against the Idolatries and Superstitions that were crept into the Church, inso­much that at last he resolved, though at the hazard of his life, to endeavour some Reformation, by bringing in an Order of Worship, which might come nearer to that which was used by the Primi­tive Christians, when Religion was in its Purity unmixed and undefiled, whereupon by degrees he tryed the minds of men to find how they stood [Page 4] affected, by putting many Logical and Metaphysical Questions to them, and then venturing a little far­ther, he last came to argue about the Sacrament, which was then administred in the Church far diffe­rent from the Institution of our blessed Saviour, and his holy Apostles, by which he soon alarumed the Popish Clergy, who like Demetrius, when Saint Paul preached down the Idols at Ephesus, knew that if such matters came once to the test, they should lose a great part of their livelihood, as well know­ing that Ignorance was the Mother of the People's Devotion.

Upon his discovery of the Cheats of the Romish Clergy, the Monks and Fryers came swarming about him, threatning him with grievous punishments, if he did not publickly recant all he had said; the which he refusing to do, the Archbishop sent for him, and although he learnedly proved out of the Scriptures and the Fathers what he had said, yet the Archbishop deprived him of his Priestly Office, and would have proceeded to have condem­ned him for a Heretick, had not God stirred up the King to favour him, as likewise, John Duke of Lancaster, the King's Son, who did it the rather to oppose him against the Bishop of Winchester in re­venge of some Affronts he had put upon him, yet so far the Bishops prevailed with the King, that they got leave to convene Wicklif before them in Saint Paul's Church, upon which the Archbishop Simon Sudbury sent out his Citation for him to ap­pear at a day prefixed, when with him came the Duke, the Lord Percy, Marshal of England, and others encouraging him not to be afraid of his Adversary. When he came before the Bishops, the Lord Percy commanded him to sit down, which [Page 5] the Bishop of London strongly opposed, alledging it was both against Law and Reason, that one being cited to answer to such things as were to be laid to his Charge, should sit before his Ordinary; but the Duke seconding Percy, a great contest arose, inso­much that the multitude without doors hearing of it, threatned the Duke, and the Lord Percy; and certain it is, had they not made their escapes they had murthered them; so that the Convocation was forced to dissolve.

For some time after Wicklif liv'd quietly, and by preaching his sound Doctrine, opened the eyes of many, insomuch that he gained a number of Prose­lytes; but after King Edward dyed, and Richard Son to the Black Prince was Crowned King, the Bishop began to vex him afresh, having drawn up these following Articles against him out of his Writings and Sermons.

• 1. That he did affirm the Holy Eucharist after Con­secration, is not the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, but Figuratively.
• 2. That the Church of Rome is not the Head of all other Churches in the World, nor that Peter had any more Power given him by Christ, than any of the other Apostles.
• 3. That the Pope of Rome has no more Power of the Keys than any other Presbyter.
• 4. That the Lords Temporal may lawfully take away the Temporalities of the Churchmen offending habitu­aliter.
• 5. That the Gospel is of it self a sufficient Rule both of Faith and Manners, without any other Rule.
• [Page 6]6. That neither the Pope, nor any other Prelate ought to have Prisons of their own, wherein to punish Offendors.

These with some others they sent to Pope Grego­ry, who not only condemned them as Heretical, but sent over his Bull, which was carried by his Proctor to the University of Oxford, forbidding all upon pain of damnation to hold any Converse with Wick­lif or his Followers; as likewise he sent his Letters to the Bishops to apprehend and imprison Wicklif, commanding the King and Nobility not to give any Countenance to his Doctrine.

Encouraged by these Letters, the Bishops were resolved to proceed against him, come what would come; in order to which he was brought before them Assembled in the Provincial Councel; but in midst of their Expectation of Revenge, all their Sport was spoyl'd by the coming of one Lewis Clif­ford, who charged them in the King's Name not to proceed to any Definitive Sentence; whereupon when they had charged him to preach no more to the People, they dismissed him, when not long after the Archbishop, Wicklif's Capital Enemy was beheaded by the Multitude, Anno 1382. Courtney being made Bishop in his room he called a Convocation in Grey Fryers, whither Wicklif was summoned, but in the midst of the Business there happened such a terrible Earthquake, that many of the Suffragans were so terrified, that they left the matter; yet the Arch­bishop stayed, and there declared Wicklif's Doctrine Heretical, Erroneous, and Irreligious, and so far prevailed with the King, as by his Letters Patents, to deliver him up wholly to their mercy, as likewise to send his Letters to the Vice-chancellor of Oxford [Page 7] to excommunicate him, and make diligent search there to apprehend him, and all such as adhered to his Doctrine, of which he having notice, he retired in secret, where he continued for fome time, and then returned to his Parsonage of Lutterworth in Lancashire, where after all the Persecution and Ma­lice of his Enemies, he dyed in Peace, Anno Christi 1384. but after his Death many of his famous Writings were burnt by the Popish Clergy.

The Life of JOHN HUSS.

JOhn Huss was a Bohemian by birth, being born in a Town called Hussinets, near to Prague, when grown up, he was by his Parents sent to the Uni­versity of Prague, where he became famous for his Wit and Learning, when at last happ'ning on some of Wicklif's Books that had scaped the Flames; he so far weighed the Contents that he found them to concord with the Scriptures and Primitive Fathers, upon which he began to detest against the Supersti­tions of Popery.

Anno 1393. being Commenced Batchelor of Arts, with the Approbation of the whole Universi­ty, he after that became Master of Arts, at which time two godly Gentlemen of Prague, building the Church of Bethlehem, sometime after it was finish­ed, Mr. Huss was made Minister of the same, where he so plainly and powerfully preached the Scrip­tures, that all that heard him greatly profited [Page 8] in saving knowledge, continuing so to do for the space of Twelve years, which Pope Alexander the Fifth hearing, and fearing that the knowledge of the Scriptures would make the People abhor his Councils, Decrees, and other Trumpery, which had been thrust into the Religious Worship of the Church, he sent his Citation for Huss to appear before him at Rome, when as he went not himself, but sent his Proctor, who answered to all the Obje­ctions that were laid against him, and cleared his Innocency; yet the Pope was nothing contented, but condemned him though absent for a Heretick, and pronounced his Bugbear of Excommunication against him, which caused King Winceslaus to banish him; yet was he taken into the Protection of the Lord of the Soil of Hussinets, and there by his preaching he so displayed the wickedness of Pope­ry, that he caused many to embrace his Doctrine.

When he perceived it convenient, he would likewise repair to his Church at Bethlehem, and there instructed his Flock, and exhort them to be stedfast in the Truth, and not to suffer the poyson of Popery to taint their Souls, telling them, that only for their owning the Name of our blessed Lord and Saviour, it could not be distinguished from the Heathen Idolatries.

Now whilst these things were doing Pope Alex­ander dyed, upon which the Cardinals went together by the ears ahout chusing another, insomuch that dividing themselves into Factions, they chose three; so that by that means their Church became a Triple headed C [...]rberus, to reconcile which, a Council was called at Constance, whither all the Bishops resorting. Huss was summoned before them, who upon Letters of the King's safe Conduct, freely went, resolving [Page 9] to face his Enemies, and not doubting if he could fairly be heard, but to put his Accusers to shame and confusion; with him went several of the Bohemian Nobility, and by the way he set up seve­ral Publick Writings signifying his departure, and upon what occasion he went.

When he came to Noremberg, the Citizens having notice of his Arrival, came flocking about him, and so far prevailed with him, as to instruct them, the which he did from Noon till it was Evening, instruct­ing some, and confounding others in their own Ar­guments, that went about to oppose him; one thing by the way is very observable, for as one Stavistaus Zonoma a Bohemian, who was his greatest Accuser, was on his way to Constance, he was smote by the hand of God, and dyed by the way of an Imposthume.

When he came to Constance, he was sent for to appear before the Council, to give an account of his Doctrine, which he chearfully did, telling them that he came for no other end; but for as much as all the Council were not yet come, he desired it might be deferred, but if they would oblige him to it then, he was ready, not doubting but Christ would strengthen him to do it, nor did he fear to suffer death for the sake of his Great Master; but in fine, after they had examined him to some Particulars, and found how prompt he was to answer all their Objections, they thought it not best to meddle further at that time, but con­trary to his Letter of safe Conduct, they sent him to a nasty Prison, by reason of the noisomness of which he fell sick, and was in great danger of his Life.

During the time he continued in Prison, they drew up some Articles of their own Invention, and pro­cured [Page 10] Villains to testifie the same, which he hearing was greatly grieved, and thereupon moved, that seeing he could not be there himself, he might have an Advocate, but that was utterly denied him, and he removed by order of the Bishop of Constance, to the other side the Rhine, and put into a strong Castle.

The Bohemian Lords hearing of this hard usage towards Mr. Huss, were greatly grieved, and there­upon petitioned the Council to have regard to the Honour of their King, who had granted Huss his Letters of safe Conduct; for that if they were so suffered to be broken it would redound greatly to the disgrace, not only of the King, but the Noble Kingdom of Bohemia: Therefore they desired he might be set at liberty, and suffered to plead for himself; but this nothing prevailed with the proud Prelates, but rather encreased their malice towards him, for those that were appointed to be his Judg­es in his Absence, heard all his Accusers, and some­times prompted them when they were out; yet at last they consented to bring him to his Tryal, though had it not been for the Emperour, they had proceeded to have passed Sentence without hearing him one word.

The day he was brought before them there hap­pened such an Eclipse of the Sun that the like had not been known in many Ages, when he was come into their presence they fell to hissing and shout­ing so at times that his defence could not be heard though he often prayed for silence, some of them all the while railing at him, and reviling him on purpose that he might not be heard, and when they perceived they could make nothing against him out of his Doctrine, they brought false Witnesses a­gainst [Page 11] him that he should speak Treasonable Words against the Emperour; but that was con­sisted by a Lord then present: yet they resolved up­on taking away his Life; which he perceiving, Appealed to the Pope, and from him to Christ; for which they greatly derided him, not permitting him to speak for himself, although he besought them with tears to shew him what Errors he maintain­ed, for that if there were any thing in his Doctrine discon­sonant to the word of God he would willingly confess his Error: but nothing less then his life would satisfie their bloody revenge, whereupon they proceeded to degrade him, and afterwards condemned him. Upon which he kneeling down prayed to God to turn their hearts, saying, Lord Jesus Christ forgive my Enemies, by whom thou knowest I am falsly accused; forgive them I beseech thee for thy great mercy's sake. Yet in degrading him they were so cruel as to cut the skin from off the crown of his head with Shears, and in that Council to disanull the Emperors Letters of safe conduct they made a Decree that no faith should be kept with Hereticks.

After which they prepared for his Execution and put a cap upon his head, painted with Devils, the which he joyfully put on, saying, that since his Lord and Master wore for his sake a Crown of Thorns, he would not disdain for his sake to wear that Cap; when he had put it upon his head a Bishop standing by, said, Now we commit thy soul to the Devil, (a very uncharitable expression,) but Huss lifting up his Hands and Eyes to Heaven, said, Into thy hands Lord Jesus I commend my Spirit which thou hast redeemed with thy most precious Blood. Then they burnt his Books at which he with a joyful Countenance said to the People, Think not good People that I dye for any [Page 12] Heresie or Error, but through the hatred and malice of mine Adversaries.

Now as he lifted up his face in prayer the Cap fell off, whereupon a Souldier put it on again saying, he should burn with his masters the Devils whom he had served. Then he rising up, said, Lord Jesus Assist and help me, that with a constant and patient mind by thy most gracious help I may bear and suffer this Ignominious death whereunto I am condemned for the preaching thy most holy Gospel. Then as they were binding him to the Stake with a Chain he said with a merry coun­tenance that he would embrace that Chain for Christ's sake; who for his sake had been bound with a far worse.

When the fire was kindled he began to sing with a loud voice, Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God have mercy upon me, the which after he had repeat­ed three times, the flame stopped his breath, his heart being afterwards found, they rosted it upon a Stake, and gathering up his Ashes, they cast them into the Rhine. He suffered Martyrdom, Anno Chri­sti, 1415.

One thing more is very memorable, viz. he told them at his death, that within a hundred years out of those Goose Ashes (his name in the Bohemian Language signifying a Goose) should spring a Swan in Germany, whose singing would afright all those Vulters, which was exactly verified in Luther; yet God delayed not to revenge the death of this good man, for he soon after raised up Ziska, who main­taining War against the Emperour Sigismund, de­stroyed a thousand Popish Monasteries.

The Life of HIEROM of PRAGUE.

HIerom was by Birth a Bohemian, a man famous for Learning, and in his younger years a great detester of Popish Superstitions, being ad­mired of all men for great Wisdom, which was evi­dently manifested in several Disputations. When he heard that notwithstanding the Letters of safe Conduct, John Huss was burnt, he was resolved the more openly to maintain the Cause of his Lord and Master Christ Jesus, and thereupon he went to Constance whilst the Council was sitting, from whence he retiring to Iberling, an Imperial Ci­ty about a mile from thence, sent to Sigismond for Letters of safe Conduct; but he refused to grant his request, yet he was so far from being daunted that he wrote at Letter and set it up upon the gate of the City, intimating that he would, if sent for, come freely to Constance, and there before the Coun­cil make it appear that he neither preached nor maintained any Error or Heresie, as it had been falsly suggested by many Slanderers and scandalous Persons; but having no answer to what he had written, he by the perswasion of his Friends re­turned towards Bohemia, but by the way was ap­prehended and carried bound to Constance, where being presented before the Bishops, they charged him with running away, being cited, to which he answered, that it was because he could get no safe Con­duct, neither from the Emperour, nor them, nor did he [Page 14] know of any Citation, the which had he done he would have appeared though he had been in his own Country.

Then they began to charge him with several Er­rors in his Doctrine, to which he answered, that he was ready to answer, what ever could be objected against him, and that he would justifie what he had taught; whereupon they all cried out, let him be burned, and thereupon the Officers were ordered to carry him to Prison, where the Bishop of Rigen caused Chains to be put about his neck and hands, and that he should hang in a great pair of Stocks by the hands and feet, where he continued eleven days without touching the Ground, being only fed with bread and water, nor would they take him thence not­withstanding his sickness, till they had compelled him to subscribe that John Huss was justly put to death, the which, to be somewhat eased of his Tor­ments, he did, though with great regret, much be­wailing himself for it afterwards.

Within a while they sent for him to examine him in private, but he refused to answer, unless in Publick, well knowing that they did it to insnare him; to which they consented, as well hoping he would confirm his recantation, in relation to the death of Huss, but were therein greatly mistaken, for he not only confounded the Testimony of such as they had subborned, but maintained the Doctrine of John Huss to be according to the Word of God, and that whatever Huss and Wicklif had written against the Enormities of the Church of Rome, was true, and that he would firmly keep and defend their Opinions, to the last; much lamenting that ever he consented to sign the Justness of Huss's death, who, he sayd, dyed wrongfully, being basely murthered by the Enemies of Christ, and his holy Gospel.

[Page 15]This so enraged the Popish Clergy, that they immediately passed Sentence upon him, after which, they put a paper about him, painted with red Devils to make him odious to the People; as likewise, a paper-Miter on his Head, which he took very patiently, saying, Our Lord Jesus Christ, when he suffered death for me, did wear a Crown of Thorns upon his Head, and for his I sake will wear this Cap.

As he went to the Place of Execution, he sung Psalms, and coming to the Place where John Huss was burned, he upon his Knees put up his Prayers to Heaven; after a while they bound him to the Image of John Huss carved in Wood, which they had set up instead of a Stake, and there with ad­mirable Patience he sustained the fury of the flames, when at the giving up the Ghost, he with an Audible Voyce, said, ‘Hanc Animam in flammis offero Christe Tibi.’

Which may be Englished thus, though with some Addition for the Verses sake.

The Life of MARTIN LUTHER.

MArtin Luther was born, Anno 1483. at a Town in the Earldom of Mansfield, called Isleben, his Father being John Luther of the same place, descended of honourable Parentage, his Mo­ther's name before her Marriage was Margaret Lindeman, who in his Infancy instructed him in the ways of Virtue, so far forth as his tender years were capable to bear.

When he came to years of discretion, he was sent to Magdeburg, where in the Free-School he greatly profited in Learning, especially he there was taught to expound the Apostles Creed, and make use of the Fathers, the reading of whose Works he greatly affected, when he had stayed there a considerable time, he went to the Universi­ty of Erford, where in a short time he so profited in his Studies, that the whole University admired his Wit and Learning.

At twenty years of Age he was made Master of Arts, and Professor of Physick, after which he studied the Law; but none of these agreed with his temper, God having designed him for a better Work, whereupon he rejecting the former, bent his mind wholly upon studying Divine Things, and to be the more retire from noise and worldly busi­ness, he entered into the Colledge of the Augustine Monks; and became one of their Order, there he continued some time very zealous for the Romish [Page 17] Religion; but within a while he began to dislike the Errors that had crept into that Church, as plain­ly perceiving that the Religion was for the most part composed of Traditions, as the Ordinances of Councils and Decrees, the which were altoge­ther disconsonant to the Word of God, so that by excessive grief for the Apostate state of the Ro­mish Church, he fell sick and almost despaired of recovery, when as an old Priest came to him, and bid him be of good comfort for that his Disease was not mortal, but that God would raise him up to be a comfort to many others; the same Priest also discoursed with him concerning Justification by Faith, and explain­ed to him the Articles of the Creed; after the re­covery of that sickness he was made Presbyter, and by the perswasion of John Staupicius went to the University of Wintenber, where after he had conti­nued for the space of three years, and gained great commendation, he was by his Convent sent to Rome, where beholding their dissolute manner of living, and the wicked practices there used, he grew into a greater dislike of that Religion, for there, as him­self reports, he heard Strumpets at the Communion Table boast of their wickedness, and that he had heard others concerning the Bread and Wine, scoffingly say, that Bread thou art, and Bread thou shalt remain, and Wine thou art, and Wine thou shalt remain, which made him imagine that the Church stood in great need of Reformation, however he was at his return there made Doctor of Divinity, and many times preached before the Elector of Saxony, who heard him with great gladness, and much admired his Eloquence and Learning.

A while after he began to explain the Epistle to the Romans, and many of the Psalms of David, and [Page 18] began more and more to decline the Superstitions of the Romish Church; so that when one John Tecelius coming from Rome, brought the Pope's Indulgencies into Germany, perswading the People that they were of such a sin-purging quality, that what ever sins they committed, if they could but purchase one of them, they should have them all remitted; this wicked Impostor so stirs the Zeal of Luther, that he wrote against his Indulgencies, laying open the Cheat to the World, which so in­raged the Indulgence Merchant, that he bitterly exclaimed against him, and getting as many of his Books as he could, he burned them; whereupon he yet once more wrought against his Trumpery, at which time many of the Divines of the Univer­sity took part with Luther in what he did, and now he began to preach his Doctrine of Reformation openly, defending it against the Augustin-Fryers at Hedleburg, he being honourably entertain'd by them of Worstburg and Volfgang, the Count Palatine there; he drew many to partake with him in his Opinion, of which the Emperour Maximilian having notice, sent to advertise the Pope thereof, and to bid him take timely care for the extirpating the New O­pinions that were lately sprung up, and that what­soever measures he should take he would see them put in Execution throughout the Empire.

Upon the receipt of the Emperour's Letters, Pope Leo then holding the Papacy cited Luther to appear before the Council of Cardinals at Rome, and signified as much to Cardinal Cajetan his Le­gate; whereupon the Cardinal going to Auspurg, and finding Luther there, desir'd the Emperour to set a Guard upon him, in order to carry him to Rome, unless he would speedily recant, but his re­quest [Page 19] was not at that time fulfilled.

The Pope likewise wrote a Letter to the Elector of Saxony to complain against Luther, and to for­bid him to entertain him within his Dukedom, and that if he took him within his Jurisdiction, he should forthwith send him to Rome, there to be condemned or acquitted; but the Elector gave lit­tle heed to the Pope's Letter, though he threatned him therein, if he complied not with his will: But when he perceived these Projects fail, he sent to the Master of the Augustine Monks, to see if he could prevail with him to return to his former Obe­dience, and renounce his later Opinion, but this proved also ineffectual.

Yet Luther desirous to justifie his Doctrine, made earnest suit that he might appear before competent Judges to be heard in his own Country, and not at Rome, where he was assured to find his Judges his Enemies. In his behalf also the [...]niversity of Win­tenberg wrote to the Pope, giving him an Account of his great Learning, Doctrine, and pious course of Life, desiring that he might be heard in Germa­ny; in fine Prince Frederick of Saxony so far pre­vailed with the Pope's Legate, that he consented that Luther should be heard at Auspurg, at what time the Bohemians sent a Book to [...]im, which was written by John Huss, desiring him to persevere in what he had begun.

A while after Erasmus was solicited to write a­gainst him, but he declined it, although a Bishoprick was profered him for so doing, saying, He had learned more out of one page of Luther 's Book, than of the large Volume of Thomas Aquinas.

Luther being now cited to appear before the Pope's Legate at Auspurg, procured the Emperor's [Page 20] Letters of safe Conduct, when coming into the Legates presence, after some Questions asked and Objection made, he not only justified his Doctrine, but offered to maintain the same by Disputation or Writing, but the Cardinal being much offended at such his offer, would not permit him to be brought before him any more; so that having waited six days, he departed home; but the Cardinal wrote after him to the Duke of Saxony, that as he loved his Honour and Safety, he would expel him his Dominions: This Letter the Duke sent to Luther, who wrote back to the Legate, that rathen than he would any ways indanger his Prince, he would re­tire into what Part soever of the World the Lord would please to lead him; but the University of Wintenberg wrote to the Duke, desiring him that he would take him into his Protection, and not suffer Innocency to be oppressed by force, and that if Lu­ther had preache [...] or did maintain any Error, he might be fairly convicted of the same, upon which the Duke began to take his part more than former­ly, and sent to the Cardinal, that seeing he having come to Auspurg he had performed his Promise, and could do no more in that Affair.

After the death of Maximilian, and the Corona­tion of Charles, the Pope sent to the Duke of Sax­ony, requesting him to cause all Luther's Books to be burnt, and that he would see Luther either executed in Saxony, or that he would send him guarded to Rome, to which the Duke replied, that he was rea­dy to yield Obedience to the Pope, but that he could not send Luther to him before his Cause was heard before the Emperor, and till he was convi­cted of some Error, and then if he recanted not, he should find no favour at his hands.

[Page 21]A while after a Disputation was held between Luther and one Eccius at Lipsick, wherein the former prevailed, and his Doctrine so spread it self, that the Fryers and Monks fearing to be unhived, sent to the Pope to charge him with neglecting the Church Affairs, by giving himself up to Pleasures; in the mean time suffering the Doctrine of Luther to spread even in the very heart of Germany, upon which the Pope began to bestir himself, by sending his Bull against him; in which he Excommunicated not only him, but all his Partakers, commanding all men to apprehend him, and bring him to Rome, and that his Books should be burnt, of which Luther hear­ing burnt the Pope's Bull lately sent out against him, together with several Decrees and Councils.

Not long after the Emperor coming into Ger­many, the Duke of Saxony so far prevailed with him, that he was content to hear him openly in the Diet, of which Luther having notice, greatly rejoyced, though some of his Friends perswaded him from going, saying, that the Publick Faith would be broken, as it was with John Huss; where­upon he told them, That such discouragements were cast in his way by Satan, who knew that his Profession of the Truth in such a Noble Place would be a means to shake his Kingdom, adding, that if he knew there were as many Devils in Worms, as there were Tiles upon the Houses, yet he would go thither.

He being arrived at Worms, some of the Popish Clergy went about to perswade the Emperor to apprehend him, and commit him to Prison; but he would by no means hearken to their wicked Counsel, alledging that the Publick Faith ought not to be broken; the next day after his coming he Presented himself before the Council assembled for [Page 22] that purpose; the Emperor being there present, where one Eccius a Lawyer, at the Command of the Emperor made a Speech, In which he demanded of Luther, that he would retract his Works and Doctrine, telling him, that it was the Emperor's Pleasure that he should so do, and if he refused it he must expect his displeasure, to which he replied, As to my Books, some of them tend to Faith, and to these my Adversaries give an ample Testimony, others are against the Pope and his Doctrine, the which should I revoke I should confirm his Tyranny, and some of them are against pri­vate men, who defend the Popes Cause, against whom I must confess I have been somewhat too sharp, yet I can­not revoke them, unless I will set open a Gap for the Im­pudence of many.

But this Answer nothing pleased the Emperor, who would be satisfied with nothing less than Lu­ther's Recantation, nor would he suffer him to de­fend his Doctrine by Scripture and other warran­table Arguments, though he earnestly desired it, telling the Emperor, That unless he could satisfie his Conscience that his Doctrine was false, he could by no means recant the same; whereupon he was ordered to depart the Council, and the next day the Empe­ror sent his Letters to the Princes, to acquaint them that he was resolved to proscribe Luther and all his Accomplices, upon which they were divided, the greatest part, and those of the most Noble a­mongst them, alledging that Luther was not rashly to be condemned, for that the Emperor was young, and in matters of Religion altogether guided by the Popish Clergy.

The next day the Bishop of Trevers sent for Lu­ther, and used many Arguments to perswade him to a Recantation, telling him withall, that if he refu­sed [Page 23] it was the Emperor's purpose to banish him, to whom Luther replied, That he took it as a favour, that so great a Prince would put himself to so much trouble for so mean a Person as he was; after that one Vaeus a Lawyer came from the Emperor to per­swade him to recant, but he not consenting to his request, the Emperour sent to him to depart home, and withal gave him twelve days so to do, after the end of which he proscribed him; whereupon Prince Frederick appointed some of his most trusty Nobles to convey him secretly to Wartsburg, where he continued ten Months notwithstanding diligent search was made for him, and great sums of money offered: nay, his Enemies imployed Wizards and Witches to use their Art to find out the place of his abode, but in vain; at the end of ten Months he returned to Wintenber, where he was most joyfully received by the University, from whence he sent Letters to Prince Frederick to excuse himself for leaving Wartsburg without his knowledge, tell­ing him, That it was God's Cause he undertook, and that God would protect him from the rage of his Enemies.

A while after he printed the New Testament which he had translated into the German Tongue at Wartsburg, which place he usually called his Patmos, which did not a little displease King Henry the Eighth of England, and George Duke of Saxony.

About this time one Thomas Muncer wrote a Fa­natick Book against his Doctrine, and perswaded the Boors to Rebel, who being perswaded by him to throw off all Obedience to their Princes, took Arms in great numbers, against which unlawful proceedings, Luther wrote several Treatises, per­swading them to yield Obedience to their Princes, shewing them how disconsonant such practices were [Page 24] to the word of God, but when this prevailed not the Princes drew out their Forces, and with more Convincing Arguments taught them Obedience. For coming to a Battel about five thousand four hun­dred of them were slain, and their seditious Ring­leaders Mauncer and Pestifer taken, the former be­ing put upon the Rack to confess his Accomplices, cryed out grievously, when as Prince George of Saxo­ny bid him think upon the slaughter of the Poor wretches, who seduced by him fell in battel the day before: Where­upon he laughing out-right said, they would be se­duced; in fine he and his Companion with some o­thers were beheaded; but so ended not the War, which was call'd the War of the Clowns, for before the Rebellion was suppressed about fifty thousand were slain.

A while after Luther married one Katharine a Bo­ren against the Will of most of his Friends, tho Melancthone greatly Commended him for so doing, saying there was more then ordinary Causes that in­duced him so to do. But within a short time Lu­ther fell sick with a Congealing of Blood, but with­in a while after recovered in his Sickness; it seem­ed to him that the noise of a tempestuous Sea was beating at his Ears the which he said if it did not cease he should dye, and no sooner did the noise come with­in his Head but he fell down as dead, but means being used he came again to himself, and this he took as a Temptation of Satan, and upon such oc­casions he was wont to repeat the words of our Sa­viour: Be of good Comfort for I have overcome the World. And would often say that a man would go upon his Knees to Jerusalem to fetch such a Sen­tence.

In the year 1523. a Diet was held at Norinberg, [Page 25] where the Edict of Worms was made void, upon which the Popes Legat complained grievously say­ing, That since the Publication of the Edict neither Lu­ther nor any of his Accomplices had been punished. To which the Princes answered, That since the Pope and his Clergy had neglected Reformation in the Church, Germany had been greatly enlightened by the Sermons of Luther, and that if they should go about to Punish him, the People would think they went about to extinguish the Light of the Gospel, the better to obscure those manifest Vices that could be no longer hid; and that such Pro­ceedings would raise up great Tumults. The Roma­nists seeing this resolved to bribe him into silence, but in vain: a while after Luther being summoned to Auspurg, he there made a Confession of his Faith in seventeen Articles, to the great Satisfaction of most that heard him.

In the year 1545. a notorious Lye was Printed in Italy about Luther's Death, which was that when he saw he must dye, he requested that his Body might be laid upon the Altar and worshipped; but when his Body was laid in the Grave, such a terri­ble Earthquake happened as if the Foundation of the Earth was loosened, when as the People look­ing up beheld the Host hovering in the Air, the which they took and laid upon the Altar, when the night following a loud noise and ratling was heard more terrible then the former, which terrified all the City: and in the Morning his Sepulcher being opened, they found neither Body Bones nor Cloaths, but such a stink of Brimstone issued thence as over­came all the standers by; and almost choaked those that opened it. This Lye coming Printed into Ger­many, Luther read it and subscribed it with his own hand; shewing the Malice and Folly of the Pope [Page 26] and his Agents: A while after he was sent for by the Counts of Mansfield, to Compose a difference between them about the Borders of their Countries, and Inheritances, when as not been accustomed to such affairs, he took with him Melancthone and some others, and was by the Counts received upon the Borders with a hundred Horse; where after he had setled the Temporal affairs, he fell to Preaching and Exhorting the people, and Administred the Sa­crament to many whom he thought fit Persons to receive the same.

Within a while he fell sick and grew exceeding weak, yet putting his trust in God he supported himself to Comfort his Friends beyond measure; insomuch that the day before his Death, he Dined and supped with Melancthone and the rest of his Ac­complices: but after Supper his Pain increasing he retired to pray, and then went to Bed and there slept till Midnight, but then being awakened by the Pain and perceiving his Life near at an end, he called his Friends about him, and said, I pray God to preserve the Doctrine of the Gospel amongst us, for the Pope and the Councel of Trent have grievous things in hand. After which he made his Prayers, and ear­nestly desired of God that he would defend his Church against the Pope, and all his Adherents.

When it was expected that he was about to dye, Justus Jonas and Caelius bid him be constant and Per­severe in the Faith he had taught and held to the last, to which he answered, yea; and soon after gave up the Ghost, dying Anno Christi, 1546. he was a man of great Temperance and Abstinence; often­times had the Papists hired Ruffians to kill him, but they had never the Power to do it; the Devil one time appeared to him (as he was walking in his [Page 27] Garden) in the shape of a huge Boar, but he so flouted him that he soon vanisht. He was wont to say, God would give Peace to Germany during his Life, but woe to them that should Live after him: about four years after his Death his Wife falling out of a Wagon into a Lake, so bruised her self, that she dyed within six days, to the great Grief of all good People.

The end of the Life of Martin Luther.

The Life of ZUINGLIUS.

HƲldericus Zuinglius was by birth a Switzer, being by his Parents educated in Learning, and kept to the studying of sacred Books, profiting so much that at ten years old he went to Basile, from whence after some time he departed to Berne, where he was Instructed under the Tutorage of Henry Lupulus a famous Divine. When after a while going to Vi­enna, he Commenced Master of Arts, where he stu­died so hard that he got Valerius Maximus by heart; and gave his mind much to the study of the Scrip­tures, insomuch that he could readily expound many of the difficult Phrases therein contained, and then began he to think upon the Doctrine of Reforma­tion, which having well weighed he plainly per­ceived, it agreed in all Points with the Holy Scrip­tures: Whereupon he Preached against the Cor­ruptness of the times, and the Licentious living of the Romish Clergy, laying open their wicked Practi­ces [Page 28] and Idolatrous worship, withdrawing many from the Romish to the reformed Religion, so that with­in a while he grew so Famous, that he was chosen Pastor of a Church, called our Lords Hermitage, by Theobaldus Baron of that part of the Country where it stands. There he Preached against the worship of Images, and other abominable Ceremo­nies, in the Romish Church.

About a year after his Pastorship, one Sampson a Franciscan Fryer being sent by the Pope to sell In­dulgences, came into those parts whom Zuinglius greatly opposed, plainly proving him to be an Im­postor and deceiver of the People, insomuch that he perswaded the People to keep him out of Zurick: up­on which the Indulgence-Merchant trotted to Bade­na where he exposed his Trumpery to sail, and often would fall into a fit of Bawling; Behold they fly, behold they fly, meaning the Souls that were delivered out of Purgatory by his Indulgences.

Anno Christi 1520. the Senate of Zurick at the in­stance of Zuinglius, commanded the reformed Mini­sters to Preach freely, and frame their Doctrine ac­cording to Scripture; and not to teach any Traditi­ons, at which the Bishop of Constance was greatly troubled, and desired that the Faith might be conti­nued according to the Church of Rome, till such time as a Councel could be called. But Zuinglius defended them, and the Magistrates of Zurick called a Sy­nod, desiring the Bishop either to come in Person, or send his Doctors; Whereupon he sent his Chap­lain: but he not being able to prove any thing Er­roneous, in the Doctrine of Zuinglius, made an Ex­ception against the Synod, and so departed. So that the Senators at the request of Zuinglius, not only confirmed the Preaching Minister, but also restrain­ed [Page 29] the Monasteries, only allowing the Monks and Fry­ers a Competency; they imployed the Over-plus to Charitable uses, and Commanded that all Images in Churches should be taken down, and burnt, which was done accordingly, as likewise the Mass to be a­bolished, and the Lords Supper to be Administred as it was wont in the primitive Churches; they also forbid Procession and remove the Martyrs Tombs, to prevent the Peoples worshipping them; whereupon a Notary belonging to the Councel stood up, and grievously Complained that they had taken away the Ancient worship of the Romish Church, against all right; whereupon a great Dispute arose between him and Zuinglius about the Admi­nistration of the Sacrament, and many Arguments used on both sides, so that it was put off to a further hearing, during which time Zuinglius dreamed that he being Non-plussed and sitting down a hea­venly Messenger stood by him, and said, O thou Slug­gard why dost thou not answer him out of the 12. of Exo­dus? At which he awaking immediately started up, and taking his Bible turned to the Proof, and there found, this is the Passover of the Lord. The which text he afterwards opposing against his Adversary, not only confounded him, but highly satisfied the whole Assembly, insomuch that the next Sacrament day most of the Inhabitants of Zurick were present.

A while after Eccius the Popish Law-giver sent to Baden, to the Embassador of Zurick, to Com­plain against Zuinglius, which he understanding wrote an Apology to the Embassador, wherein he declared: That if Eccius could lay any thing of He­resie to his Charge, as he pretended, he would at all times be ready to Vindicate himself by the word of God, and that he would Dispute with him, by writing or word [Page 30] of Mouth. To which Eccius writ a reply, desiring the Dispute, and appointed the place, to be either at Lucerna or Baden; but Zuinglius answered that he would not venture his Person at those places, by reason he had been already condemned there as a Heretick, but if he would come to Zurick he would freely Dispute with him; the Senators of Zurick sent to him likewise, that he would come thither upon the publick Faith; but he refused, accusing Occolam­padius also; but a while after, the twelve Cantons resolved that it was necessary they should meet at Zurick, which Eccius and Occolampadius did accord­ingly: Whereupon the Dispute was held between them, but it came to no Perfection; so that nine of the Cantons concluded that Zuinglius and his Ac­complices should be Excommunicated, but they proceeded not to Sentence.

About a Twelve-month after, another Dispute was held at Bern, the which the Popish Cantons op­posed, but it notwithstanding went on, after which it was decreed that the Mass, Altars, Images, and other superstitious Trumpery should be abolished, and that the Divine Service should be continued ac­cording to the Word of God, and also they writ the day and year of their abolishing Popery, up­on a Pillar set up for that purpose, in Letters of Gold that it might remain as a Memento to Posteri­ty, the like Reformation was Effected at Basil.

About this time a Sect of Anti-Baptists began to spread their Erroneous Opinions, and Preach against the Baptism of Infants, baptizing them­selves anew; against these Zuinglius opposed him­self; wherefore they began to rail upon him, and to asperse him with Lyes and Calumnies, insomuch that the Senate taking notice of it, some of them [Page 31] were imprisoned, and others Proscribed, of which three or four were put to Death.

The Monks and Fryers being cast out of their Cells and Monasteries, at the Procurement of Zuin­glius sought by all means to take his Life, laying Ambushments for him, so that the Senators ap­pointed him a Guard.

Anno Christi, 1531. they of Zurick and Bern, a­greed to stop the coming of Provision to the three Cities of the Popish Cantons, which caused them to take Arms, and coming into the Territories of Zu­rick before they were expected, they set upon a Garrison of one thousand men, who sent to the Ci­ty for Aid, upon which Forces were Levyed, in the Head of which Zuinglius advanced, for fear any should charge him with Cowardize, though he had been a great disswader from cutting off the Pro­vision, but the Zuricks coming to the top of the Hill, and perceiving their men were fighting and in present Danger, they encouraged each other, and ran down the Hill, at the bottom of which the Passage was so straight, that they could go but two abrest, upon which being met before they could range themselves in Battel, the Popish Cantoniers fell upon them that were foremost and put them to the Rout, killing many of them; Zuinglius being amongst those that advanced, he was thrice overthrown, and still got up again, but being the fourth time run in with a Spear, he fell down upon his Knees and said; Well, they can kill the Body, but cannot kill the Soul.

When the Souldiers came to strip the slain, Zuin­glius was found alive lying upon his Back with his eyes up to Heaven, whereupon they asked him if he would have a Priest to Confess him; to which he answered, no; they then bid him, call upon the Vir­gin [Page 32] Mary, which he also refusing they thrust him in with a Sword, and so he expired without fetching a Groan: and as soon as they knew it to be him, they Cut his Body in four pieces and burnt it, when the next day his Heart was found unperished by the Fire, tho the rest of his Body was Consumed.

Before this Battel a Comet appeared, which he said Prognosticated his Death; and declared it open­ly in his Sermons, fourteen days before he fell in Battel: He was a man of great Courage, full of Meekness, very Liberal to the Poor, and Learned in all the studies that Age was capable of, he was slain in the manner aforesaid, in the year 1531.

The Life of Sr. JOHN OLD-CASTLE, commonly called the LORD COBHAM.

JOhn Old-Castle came of very worthy Parents, be­ing an English-man by Birth, and born in the Reign of Henry the fourth, at whose Court he was brought up; and coming to mans Estate he was Knighted by the King, and for his honourable great Service in the Wars, was honoured with the Title of Lord Cobham; when betaking himself to his Studies he became very zealous for the Gospel, and often grieved that Anti-Christ was suffered to tread it un­der his feet, insomuch that he openly reproved the [Page 33] Idolatrous and Superstitious worship of the Church of Rome, and took the Parts of the reformed Mi­nisters, especially such as taught Wicklif's Doctrine; upon which the Papists began to hate him, and en­deavoured many ways to insnare him, resolving to Rid him out of the way; whereupon they brand­ed him with the name of Heretick, and made grievous Complaints against him to the King, that he went about to innovate Religion, and to stir up Rebellion; but the King being satisfied in his fide­lity gave little heed to the Accusations of his Ad­versaries, yet they so far prevailed that they got his Consent to summon a Councel, and then the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury addressed himself to the King with many grievous Complaints against the Lord Cobham; hoping by such means to cast him out of the Kings favour, that so they might the boldlier proceed against him; but the King told them, That he being one of his Knights, and of an honourable Family, He would himself first Commune with him about his Opinion, and perswade him to return to the Romish Church.

The King having thus satisfied the Bishop for the present, he sent for the Lord Cobham and de­sired him to be an obedient Son of the Church, and that he would submit himself to his Bishop and Confess himself in an Error, to which he mildly answered: You, most worthy Prince, I am always wil­ling and ready to obey, for as much as I know you to be the Minister of God; bearing the Sword for the Punish­ment of Evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well; unto you, next unto my Eternal God, I owe all O­bedience, and submit all that I have unto you, being ready at all times to do whatever you shall in the Lord command me. But as touching the Pope and his Spirituality I owe them no Suit nor Service, knowing him by the Scriptures, [Page 34] to be the Great Anti-Christ, the Son of Perdition, the open Adversary of God, and the abomination standing in the Holy place.

The King hearing this stout and Christian-like answer, he dismissed him with an Admonition that he would become obedient to the Church, but he utterly refusing, the King at the reiterated Im­portunity of the Arch Bishop, delivered him up to be proceeded against as he saw fit; whereupon he consulting the other Bishops, they resolved to cite the Lord Cobham to appear at a Council to be hold­en for that purpose at London, there to answer to such Articles as should be objected against him, but the Bishops Sumner coming with his Citation to his Castle of Couling durst not enter the Gate, without my Lord Cobham's leave; the which he not obtaining return'd as wise as he went.

Then the Bishop hired one John Butler, Door-keeper to the Kings Privy Chamber, to go with his Sumner, which he accordingly did; and telling the Lord Cobham that he had a message for him from the King, he got Admittance; when coming to his Presence he told him: It was the Kings Pleasure he should obey that Process, to which he answered; That he would in no Case consent to the devilish Practices of the Popish Priests. Upon notice of which the Bi­shop being thoroughly nettled, sent to fix the Ci­tation upon the great Church in Rochester, not far from his Castle; but it was soon torn down by some of the Lord Cobham's Friends, the like being done three or four times; upon which he Excommuni­cated him, but he laught at such his Proceedings, which inraged him yet the more; but at last the Lord finding the Malice of the Popish Clergy to in­crease against him, he went Voluntarily to the King, [Page 35] and carried with him the Articles of his Belief in writing, desiring his Majesty to suffer them to be perused by the Learned men of either University: And if they could any ways prove that they were disagreeing to the word of God, he would submit; or that according to the Law of Arms, In the de­fence of his Faith he would fight with any man Living, Christian or Heathen; the King, his Royal Progeny and the Council excepted; and he would refuse no Correction, that should be inflicted according to the Law of God.

Yet the King not daring to displease the Arch-Bishop, permitted him Personally to be summoned in his Privy Chamber; and upon his appealing from the Arch-Bishop caused him to be Arrested and car­ried to the Tower, where he caused his Confession to be writ over again, during his Confinement.

A while after he being brought before the Arch-Bishop and his Consistory, the Arch-Bishop proffer­ed to absolve him, if he would require it; but he told the whole Assembly, He needed it not, but was there ready to make a Confession of his Faith, if so be they would Permit him. And thereupon he deliver­ed it to them in Writing, but they told him that although there were many good things contained therein, yet they had no leasure to Examine them, but that he must answer to the Articles, and then they began to ask him his Opinion about the Sa­crament of the Altar, and Penance, but he said, He had written his mind in the Paper, and would not enter into Discourse about those things further? Whereupon he was remanded to the Tower.

Not long after the Councel set again, and he was sent for before them; when as before the Bishop proffered to absolve him, but he told him: He had never Trespassed against him, and therefore had [Page 36] no need of his Absolution, and when they told him that unless he would recant, they would condemn him as a Heretick, He bid them do as they thought best, for, said he, I am at a point, that which I have written I will stand to it to the death; and afterwards falling upon his knees he lifted up his hands to­wards Heaven, and said, I shrive me here unto thee, O Eternal and ever-living God, in my frail Youth I offend­ed thee, O Lord, by Pride, Covetousness, Wrath, Ʋn­cleanness, and many men have I hurt in my anger, and committed many other horrible Sins, for which good Lord I ask thee forgiveness; and so with tears in his eyes he stood up, and turning to the People, said, Lo, good People, for breaking God's Laws and his holy Com­mandments they never yet accused me, but for their own Laws and Tradition they handle me most cruelly, and therefore they and their Laws by God's promise should be utterly destroyed; after which they proceeded farther to examine him, but he returned such An­swers to all their Questions, as made many wonder at his Wisdom, yet they proceeded to read the Bill of Condemnation against him as a Heretick. Af­ter they had done, he lifting up his eyes towards Heaven, said, Lord God Eternal, I beseech thee of thine infinite mercy to forgive my Persecutors, after which he was sent with a strict Guard to the Tower.

The cruel handling of this good Lord, much offended not only the Commons, but many of the Nobility, upon which the Bishop drew up an Abju­ration in his name, and caused it to be rumoured, that he had recanted his Errors, and closed with the Church; but that was soon contradicted by his own hand-writing; he had not been in the Tower above a Month after his Condemnation, but he [Page 37] made his Escape, and fled into Wales, where he con­tinued four years, even till the death of Henry the Fourth; but then Henry the Fifth coming to the Crown, the Bishops fo far solicited him, that he offered great sums of money to any that could ap­prehend him; whereupon either for Lucre or Spite, the Lord Powis under pretence of friendship basely betrayed him, so that being brought up to London, the Parliament then sitting, he was carried before the House of Lords, who upon ruminating the for­mer proceedings against him, confirmed the Sen­tence of the Bishops, That-like a Traytor he should be drawn through the Streets of London to the Gallows, in Saint Giles in the Fields, and there hanged, and af­terwards burnt upon the Gallows as he hung, which Sentence was accordingly put in Execution; but the Judgment of God soon overtook Thomas Arun­del Arch Bishop of Canterbury, his Capital Enemy, who condemned him, for his Tongue swelling in his mouth, he could not swallow any Food, and so was starved to death.

The Lord Cobham suffered Martyrdom, Anno 1417, he was a man of singular Piety, descended of a Noble and Ancient Family, a man of such strength and courage, that few durst encounter him, and greatly beloved by his Prince, for the singular Services he had done him in the Wars, until such time as the Bishops traduced him, and turned him out of favour.

The Life of JOHN FRITH.

JOhn Frith was born at Westrum in Kent, being brought up by his Parents to Learning, he so profited, that he soon became excellently skilled in the Latin and Greek Tongues, and then going to Cambridge, he met with William Tindal, of whom he learned many things conducing to saving Knowledge; but by publishing his Opinion, he fell into the displeasure of Cardinal Woolsey, who not­withstanding his favouring him before, caused him with several others to be put into a dark Prison or Cave, where salt-Fish was wont to be kept, the smell of which so annoyed them, that some of them dyed; but in a short time after, Frith making friends to the Cardinal, he was set at Liberty, and to avoid the Storm that then threatned the Profes­sors of the Gospel, he went beyond Sea, where stay­ing two years, he again returned to England, when coming to Reading, he was taken up as a Vagabond, and there imprisoned and put in the Stocks till such time as he sent for the School-Master of the Town, who finding him to be a man of great Learning, procured his Inlargement.

A while after, Sir Thomas Moore being Lord Chancellor, and hearing of his return, offered a large sum of money to any one that could appre­hend him, upon which a Taylor, one of his former Acquaintance, betrayed him, under pretence of concealing him in his House, when being appre­hended he was committed Prisoner to the Tower, [Page 39] where he was often visited by Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, and Sir Thomas Moor, who perswaded him to recant his Opinions, but he absolutely re­fused, plainly shewing them, that what he held or had preached, was according to the word of God; he also disputed with Sir Thomas Moor, both by Writing, and Word of Mouth, using such convin­cing Arguments, that he so far wrought upon Archbishop Cranmer, that he afterwards confessed that he took his first Light of Reformation from Mr. Frith.

A while after at the Instigation of one of the King's Chaplains, set on by Gardiner, he was ordered to be heard before the Archbishop and the Lord Cromwel, who very unwillingly undertook the charge, as being both favourers of the Reformed Religion; but at last by the King's strict Order, the Commissioners sat at Craydon, whither Mr. Frith was brought by one of the Bishop's Gentlemen, and his Porter, who by the way counselled him to run away from them, and they would willingly suffer it, but he refused, saying, That if they went away and left him alone, he would come to Craydon himself, and appear before the Bishop. So on they went, and he the next Morning was brought before the Com­missioners, where he so well defended his Opinions by Proofs out of the Scriptures and Fathers, that all that heard him admired his quick Apprehension, and so well he quoted Saint Augustin to his purpose, that Dr. Heath whispering to the Archbishop, told him, that his Allegations out of Saint Augustin could not be denied; yet was he after all delivered to Stoksly, Bishop of London, who calling him be­fore him into his Consistory, without any regard to the Scriptures, Saint Augustin, or any other of [Page 40] the Fathers, condemned him, and committed him to the Sheriffs of London; to be burnt as an Here­tick.

When he came into Smithfield, the place appoint­ed for his Martyrdom, he with an undaunted cou­rage went to the Stake, where he was no sooner fastned, but the fire was kindled, in which he con­tinued till the last with such Constancy and Pati­ence, that many were converted by his Death, and began to pray to God to receive his Soul; but Dr. Cook forbid them, saying, They ought to pray for him no more than they would for a Dog, which uncharita­ble expression made many blame him.

He suffered Martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel, Anno Christi 1531. he wrote many Learn­ed Treatises, most of which were burnt during the Reigns of King Henry the Eighth, and Queen Mary, and some of them were saved by Miracle, as I may say, for on Midsummer Eve, Anno 1626. a Cod-fish being brought into Cambridge Market, when it came to be cut up, these following Writings of John Frith were found in its belly, wrapped up in Canvas, which were afterwards Printed to the rejoycing of all good Christians, viz.

Now had any such thing hap'ned relating to the Papists, the Party that wrote them had not only been canonized, but the Miracle been trumpeted through­out Christendom.

The Life of WILLIAM TINDAL.

VVIlliam Tindal was born in Wales, from whence (after he had received such Learning as qualified him for higher Schools) he was sent to Oxford, where he gave his mind wholly to the study of Divinity, and often took upon him to instruct his Fellows in the Knowledge of the Scriptures, often expounding to them the most difficult places.

After he had greatly profited in that University, and taken his Degree, he departed thence for Cam­bridge, and having stayed there some time, he went into Glocestershire, and there lived with one Mr. Welch, and became Tutor to his Children; to this Gentleman's house several of the Popish Doctors frequently-resorted, with whom Mr. Tindal had many Disputes, and always worsted them, which did not a little encrease their hatred against him; during his being there he translated a Book, called, Enchiridon Militis Christiani, the which he presented to Mr. Welch and his Lady, who reading, and duely weighing what was therein contained, they began to slight the Popish Priests, and not to entertain them so friendly as they were wont, the which the Priests attributed to Mr. Tindal, and thereupon fell to railing against him, and used all their endeavours [Page 42] to ensnare him; insomuch that they suborned seve­ral of their Novices to accuse him to the Vice-Chancellor, who upon their Accusations sent for him, and after having railed at him the space of an hour, there being no proof of any Crime that was laid to his charge, he dismissed him.

Within a while after Mr. Tindal chanced to hap­pen into the Company of a Popish Priest, who was reputed to be a man of great Learning, with whom he falling into some Discourse, he at last so non­plussed him, by proving out of Scripture, that the Pope's Laws were contrary for the most part to the Laws of God, that the blasphemous Wretch burst­ing out into a great rage, said, We had better be without God's Laws, than the Popes, to which Mr. Tindal (being fired with Zeal for the honour of the Lord of Hoast) replied, I defie the Pope and all his Laws, and will if God spares my Life, within these few years cause a Boy that drives the Plough, to know more of the Scripture than you do, &c.

A while after the Papists so eagerly prosecuted him, that he was obliged, though much against the will of Mr. Welch, to leave his House, and then in­deavoured to get into the Service of the Bishop of London, but failing therein, he betook himself to a retired Life, and translated the New Testament into English, but at last being noted by the Papists he thought good to depart for Germany, the which he did by the Assistance of one Humphrey Mounmouth a Merchant, where being arrived, he met with John Frith, & had afterwards many conferences with him, and conceiving that the greatest cause of Error in the People, was by reason the Scriptures were in an unknown Tongue, and therefore understood but by a few; he translated the five Books of Moses, [Page 43] with Expositions to such Places as were doubtful, which he caused to be Printed together with the New Testament, of which he sent as many as he could conveniently into England, by reading of which the People plainly discerned the Popish Er­rors that had been brought into the Church.

A while after he went into the Dukedom of Saxony, where he often conversed with Luther, and his Associates, and then coming into Flanders, he resided at Antwerp, where he wrote several Treati­ses of Faith; as also two Books, one intituled, the wicked Mammon the other, the Practice of Pre­lates, together [...]th some Expositions upon Scrip­ture, and Answers to the Writings of Sir Thomas Moor, which Works of his so inlightened the English Nation, that the Gospel began to be taught in ma­ny places; another Book he wrote of the Decla­ration against the Popish Sacrament, and against the Mass, these things greatly exasperated the Popish Clergy; insomuch that when his New Testament came abroad, some of them said, There were a thou­sand Heresies in it, others, that it could not be properly translated into English, and telling their minds more plain, said, It was not fit the Laity should have it in their Mother Tongue; whereupon they so far prevailed with the King, that he published a Proclamation, forbidding any Person under a great penalty, to buy one or suffer one to be kept in his house, nor did their Malice stop there, but having suborned one Henry Philips, they sent him to Antwerp with great sums of money, with which he so bribed the Emperour's Attorney, that he sent two Ruffians to apprehend Tindal, who was no sooner brought be­fore him, but he sent him to the Castle of Filford, eighteen miles from Antwerp, seizing upon all his [Page 44] Books and Writings, and what ever they could find in his lodgings.

The English Merchants, that were at Antwerp, hearing of his Imprisonment, became Suitors for his Deliverance, but in vain; for Philips, with his Mony prevailed beyond their Intreaties; so that he being at last brought to his Answer, altho they could lay nothing justly to his charge, yet the At­torney proceeded to condemn him, and delivered him to the Magistrates, in order to execute him.

When he was brought to the Stake, he cryed with an audible voice, Lord, open the Eyes of the King of England. And then being strangled by the Hangman, fire was set to the Wood, and he con­ [...]med to Ashes, suffering Martyrdom, anno Chri­sti, 1536. When within a short time after, the just Judgment of God overtook Philips, who be­trayed him, insomuch that he was eaten up with Lice.

The Life of PAUL FAGIUS.

PAul Fagius was born in the Dominions of the Prince Palatine of the Rhine, whose Parents being but of mean condition, he was first educated under his Father, who kept a School; and after­wards sent to Heidelberg, where he greatly profited in Learning: and from thence at eighteen years of age he went to Strasburg, where he taught School, as likewise followed his studying Divinity; so that growing famous, he at length associated himself with Capito, Hedio, Bucer, Zellius, and other Learn­ed and Godly Ministers of the Reformed Church: [Page 45] and in a while after he married, and was called to the Ministry at Isna; but the Study of the Tongues being most famous at Strasburg, by reason of the resort of a number of exiled Ministers, he re­solv'd to go thither, and there continued to read Hebrew to those that would hear him: and at o­ther times he used to expound the Scriptures: but had not continued there long before he was called to his Pastoral Charge of Isna; in which he offici­ated for the space of five years, and there being assisted by Elias Levita, the famous Jew, whom he sent for from Venice, he translated several Books out of Hebrew, and set up a Press to Print the same; and so continued till the Plague broke out; nor then did he fly from his Charge, but exhorted the rich to be liberal to the poor, and distributed their Bounty with his own hands, as he saw occasion, go­ing from House to House to see who lacked, even when the Contagion raged highest; so that it was counted by some miraculous, that he escaped.

In the Year 1542, the Pastorship of Wolfgang, at Strasburg, having, by reason of his death, con­tinued vacant for the space of a year, the Inhabi­tants sent Messengers to desire him to come thither, and to take the place upon him, which he accord­ingly did. First for two years and afterwards be­ing so in love with his Doctrine, they by using their utmost endeavours, perswaded him to stay two other years.

About the time when the War broke out in Ger­many, Prince Frederick, Elector of the Palatinate, intending to reform the Churches within his Do­minions, sent for Fagius, as well knowing him to be a man, not only eloquent, but of great Learn­ing; where he was no sooner come, but had a place [Page 46] appointed him at Heidleberg to preach, and instruct the people, where, during his residence, he pub­lished many Books, which were very advantageous to such as studied the Hebrew Tongue, by which he growing yet more famous, Bucer, Peter Martyr and Hedio thought fit to entertain him as their com­panion in reading Divinity-Lectures. But the War increasing, and the Emperor getting the upper hand of the Protestant Princes, the progress of Religion was hindered, and an Edict set forth for the banishing the Ministers of the Gospel, amongst whom Fagius and Bucer went together, as part­ners in joy or sorrow; but before they departed out of the Empire, a Messenger was sent out of England by Archbishop Cranmer, to fetch them o­ver, that they might be aiding in establishing the Reformed Religion, King Edward the Sixth then reigning. Nor was their coming fruitless, for they, by their unwearied Endeavours, confirmed many that were wavering. In fine, Cranmer set them to translate the Old and New Testament after the exactest manner, with brief Notes upon the hardest places, the which they undertook: but e'er it was finished, Fagius died of a Burning Fever; or as some say, was poisoned by the Papists; so that anno 1550, he was intombed at Cambridge, from whence, in the Reign of Queen Mary, the Papists (having condemn'd him for a Heretick) took his Bones, and burnt them. A poor, but malicious Revenge.

The Life of MARTIN BUCER.

MArtin Bucer was a German by birth, being born at Seles [...]ade in Alsatia, anno 1491, and was in his Non-age put into the Monastery of the Dominicans, where having profited in Learning, he was by the Prior sent to Heidelberg, where he studied Divinity, and perfected himself in the Greek and Hebrew Tongues; there he read Lu­ther and Erasmus's Works, upon which he began to disgust Popery. And at that time an offer be­ing made him by Prince Frederick, he became his Chaplain, renouncing and detesting against Popish Idolatries: he likewise often preached at Heidleberg.

Whilst he staid there, Luther came to that City, and preached several Sermons, disputing against Popery, and also against Free Will; by which Bu­cer greatly profited: and from that time forth he began to dispute openly against the Popish Re­ligion in every place where he came; insomuch that the Monks and Friars (fearing that his Do­ctrine might stir the people up to turn them out of their holes to work for their Livings, which a­bove all things they most abhorred) laid wait for his life several times; but God still preserved his Servant. But he finding himself in danger, departed from that place, and after some time to Strasburg; where he no sooner came, but he was appointed to preach in a Church, and read in the Divinity-School: and a while after the Reformed Ministers, viz. Capito, Hedio, Zellius, Niger, Pollio, [Page 48] Latomus, Firu, Hag and Bucer published their Reasons, why they had changed the Mass into the Lord's Supper; which Book they dedicated unto Prince Frederick, upon consideration of which, the Magistrates of Strasburg banished Popery out of their City.

A while after, Bucer disputed with the Popish Doctors at Auspurg, and proved their Religion false, out of the New Testament: so that his Fame spreading wide, he was sent for by the Inhabitants of Ʋlm, to come and reform their Churches; where he arriving, met with Occolampadius; they together so instructed the people, and set things in so good order, that the Churches flourished in the truth for many years after.

By this time his Enemies had spread abroad a false rumor, that he had forsaken his New Do­ctrine, and made his Recantation: to clear which, he went to Zurick, and there in the full Assembly he confessed his Faith and Doctrine. Not long after, he went with some of his Brethren to Ra­tisbone, and there held a dispute against Eccius, and several of the Popish Bishops, assembled there for that purpose. A while after, the Emperor per­ceiving the Pope neglected to call a Council, he as­sembled some of the moderatest of the Protestant Divines, as Agricola, Melancthon, Brentius and o­thers, and commanded them to draw up a set form of Religion, which they did, but Bucer being sent for by the Elector of Brandenburg, refused to sign the same, alledging that there were Popish Doctrines contained in it. As likewise several o­thers refused to sign it upon the same account, which so inraged the Emperor, that he cast several of them into prison; but Bucer escaped his hands, [Page 49] tho not without great peril. And in a short time after was sent for into England by Archbishop Cranmer, who upon his arrival provided a House for him at Cambridge, and allowed him two hundred Crowns per annum; where he undertook with Fa­gius, as is aforesaid, the Translation of the Bible; but by reason of the change of air and diet, he within a year after his coming over, fell sick, conti­nuing so for some months, but in the end recover­ing, he taught in the Schools, and read Lectures in his own House, but not taking care of himself, he fell again into a Relapse the next day after he had commenced Doctor of Divinity.

During his sickness many Learned Men came to visit him, but especially Doctor Bradford, who one day as he was taking leave of him to go preach, he told him that he would remember him in his Prayers, whereupon Bucer with tears in his eyes, said, Cast me not off, O Lord, now in my old age, when strength faileth me. And a while after he said, He hath af­flicted me sore; but he will never, never cast me off. And being desired to arm himself with faith, and a stedfast hope in God's Mercies against the Tempta­tions of Satan, He said, I am wholly Christ's, and the Devil has nothing to do with me; and God forbid that I should not now have experience of the sweet con­solation in Christ. And thereupon with a smiling countenance he gave up the Ghost, and was inter­red very nobly by the Commandment of the King. But in Queen Mary's time his Bowels being taken up, they were burnt together with Fagius's. He died anno Christi, 1550.

The Life of JOHN ROGERS.

JOhn Rogers, an English Man by birth, and born of Protestant Parents. In his youth he was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he learn'd the Tongues, and grew very expert in Learning; and being well grounded in Divinity, he was chosen by some Merchants to go with them, as their Chaplain, to Antwerp; where he no soon­er arrived, but he met Tindal, who was fled thither out of England, where he likewise brought him acquainted with several Divines of the Reformed Churches, with whom he had many Disputes, and was so inlightened by their Doctrine, that he was ever after out of love with the Popish Religion, joyning with the Ministers in translating the Bible: he there likewise married a Wife, and then went to Wintenberg, where he so perfectly learned the Dutch Tongue, that he was chosen Teacher of a Congregation, where he faithfully performed his Charge, till such time as King Edward the Sixth began his Reign; and then he was sent for home by Doctor Ridley, Bishop of London, and by him made a Prebend of Pauls, where he preached the Gospel till the beginning of Bloody Queen Mary's Reign; yet in those dangerous times he did not spare to exhort the people to adhere to the Gospel and Doctrine they had received, and not to worship stocks and stones, as they had formerly done. And so went on to lay open the wicked practises of the Popish Clergy, which so nettled them, that they went and [Page 51] complained to the Council, whereupon he was the next day sent for, where he no sooner came, but Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, (and then Lord Chancellor of England) fell to railing at him, calling him Impostor, Traitor and Heretick; and so charg­ing him he should preach no more, he was dis­missed.

Within a while after, the Queen put out a Pro­clamation against preaching the Gospel, after the wonted manner, she having again introduced Po­pery; but Doctor Rogers fearing to disobey God more than man, could not be silent, but like a true Shep­herd fed his Flock with spiritual Food, by preaching as formerly; for which he being again brought be­fore the Council, Gardiner sent him prisoner to Winchester House; from whence, within a day or two he was sent for by the Council the third time; but notwithstanding he begged, that he might speak for himself, and justifie his Doctrine, they would by no means permit him; but after many abusive words given him, they remanded him to prison, where he wrote a consolary Letter to his Friends; in which he exhorted them, ‘To be stedfast, and to fight courageously under the Banner of their great Captain, the Lord Jesus, against their spi­ritual Enemies; and that now it was no time to be faint-hearted, but freely to stand to the Pro­fession of the Gospel, and seal it with blood, which he was ready at all times to do.’ After which he admonished them to be careful of his Wife and Children.

The next day he was brought again before the Council, as likewise the day following, where he was treated with nothing but ill Language, which plainly demonstrated they sought his Life; for up­on [Page 52] his refusing to recant, without suffering him to make his defence, Gardiner read his Sentence, which was, That he being a notorious Heretick, should be car­ried into Smithfield, and there burnt. After which they proceeded to degrade him; and they deliver­ed him up to the Secular Power, in order to his Execution, declaring that he was under the great Curse, and that it was a dangerous matter to eat or drink with him, or give him any thing; for that as many as did so were liable to the effects of the said Curse. To which Doctor Rogers with a smiling countenance said, Well, my Lords, here I stand be­fore God and you, and all this honorable Audience, and take him to witness, that I never wittingly, nor willingly taught any false Doctrine; and therefore have I a good Conscience before God and all good men. I am sure that you and I (meaning Gardiner) shall come before a righteous Judge, before whom I shall be as good a Man as you; and I nothing doubt, but I shall then be found a true Member of Jesus Christ, and be everlastingly saved; and as for your false Church, you need not to have excommunicated me out of it; for I have not lived in it these twenty years. The Lord be thanked for it.

After this, he desired that his Wife and Chil­dren might come to him, whilst he lived. But Gardiner would by no means consent to his request, so that he was hurryed to Newgate; when on the fourth of February the Keeper came to him, and told him, he must prepare for his Execution: at which he not being at all concerned, tho he had no warning before; only said, Then if it be so, I need not tie my Points. Yet before he went to the Flames, he was carried before Bonner, Bishop of London, who earnestly perswaded him to recant, and live; but he utterly refused life upon such conditions, [Page 53] exhorting such as stood about him to repent and cleave fast to Christ. As he came out, his Wife, with nine small Children about her, and one sucking at her breast, waited to see him, of which he took his leave, bidding them trust in the Lord, and he would plentifully provide for them; after which, he went couragiously to the Stake, and with admirable pati­ence, embraced the Flames, being the first that seal­ed his Testimony with his blood, during the Reign of that bloody Queen, suffering Martyrdom, Anno Christi 1555. he was a man of singular Eloquence, Learning and Wisdom, by nature charitable and pitiful, of a middle stature, moderate in Diet, and powerful in Prayer.

The Life and Martyrdom of LAWRENCE SAUNDERS.

LAwrence Saunders by birth an English man, in his Youth he was put to Eaton School, where he was educated till he was fit for the University, and then entered in King's Colledge in Cambridge, where being of an Acute Wit, he out-stripped most of his fellow-Students in Learning; but his Father dying, his Mother was greatly desirous to put him Apprentice to a Merchant, which though much against his will, she did, viz. to Sir William Chester­field of London, but all his mind ran upon Divine Meditations, insomuch that when the other Ser­vants [Page 54] were at merry making, he would retire in private, and be either at his Book, or at Prayers, the which his Master taking notice of, and being him­self a godly man, one day as he was bewailing his Condition in his Closet, his Master came to him, and reasoned with him, and in fine found that he did no way affect a Publick life, but rather a studious and retired one; whereupon after he had made his Mother acquainted with it, he delivered him his Indentures, and discharged him of his Ser­vice, upon which he shortly after returned to Cam­bridge, where having perfected his Study in Greek and Hebrew, he began more earnestly to study the Holy Scriptures, and to expound such Places as were most difficult, and where he found them too hard for him, he required the Assistance of others.

In a short time after his coming thither, he com­menced Master of Arts, and in the beginning of King Edward's Reign, he was ordained a Minister, and began to preach the Gospel to the great con­tent of his Hearers; not long after he married, and then by his favour with the Bishop he obtained the Ministry of Lichfield, and by the strictness of his life and mild behaviour got the good report even of the Papists; after he had continued there with good success, by God's blessing, upon his Mi­nistry, he was removed to Langhton in Leicestershire, where he soon got himself the like Applause, and then being desirous to live in London, where he might have the better opportunity to converse with learned men; he obtained the Vicarage of Alhollows in Bread-street, keeping both that and his Country Cure, to the content of both places, till such time as God permitted Queen Mary to come to the Crown, but then being desirous to part with [Page 55] that in the Country, he rode thither on purpose to resign it into the hands of the Donator, and by the way preaching at Northampton, he perswaded the People to beware of relapsing into Popish Errors, which are (said he) likely again to over-run this Nati­on, as a just punishment, by reason that England, when the light of God's Candle shined upon her, had such little regard to the Gospel, and true preaching of God's Word. At which Sermon of his some Papists being pre­sent they bitterly complained against him to Bishop Gardener, who was now become the Queen's Chief Privado, upon which he was apprehended, and for some time kept in prison, but at the Intercession of his Brethren, who were Officers in the Queens Army he was released.

When he perceived, that Anti-Christ's Reign over England was again at hand, he like Moses re­solved to stand in the Gap, although to the hazard of his life, and thereupon concluded to part with neither of his Livings, but preached at them both, as his time served him, but his Friends advised him to fly the Storm of Persecution that was imminent, yet he refused it, resolving like the good Shepherd, to live and die with his Sheep, and not leave them to the mercy of the Popish Wolves, but being hindered to preach in the Country by the Papists, who now began to domineer, he came for London, when about Barnet he being overtaken by Mr. Mordant, one of Queen Mary's Privy Councillors, he asked him whi­ther he was going. I have, said Mr. Saunders, a Cure in London, whither I am going to instruct my People according to the Word of God. If you would take my Counsel, said Mordant, I would advise you to desist. How then, replied Mr. Saunders, shall I discharge my consci­ence before God, if any be sick and desirous of consolation, [Page 56] or if any want good Counsel and Instructions, or if any should fall into Error and receive false Doctrine. Then Mordant asked him if he did not preach such a time in Bread-street: Yes, Sir, said Mr. Saunders, and to morrow you may hear me there again, where I will confirm by God's Word all that I have taught. I would again, said Mordant, counsel you to forbear. To which Mr. Saunders replyed, If you will forbid me by lawful authority, then I must forbear, but not till then. Nay, said Mordant, I will not forbid you, and they parted; whereupon this spiteful wretch went instantly to Bishop Bonner, and told him what had happened; yet Mr. Saunders according to his pro­mise preached in the Morning, his Text being this, I am jealous over you with a godly Jealousie, for I have espoused you to one Husband, that I may present you as a chaste Virgin to Christ; but I fear lest by any means, as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his Subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ, 2 Cor. 11.2.

In the Afternoon he came again, but then Bonner had sent his Officers to hinder him, who according­ly took him out of the Church, and carried him before their bloody Master, who charged him with Treason, Heresie, and many other false Reproaches, telling him, he broke the Queen's Proclamation, and traduced the Sacrament; as to the first, he answered, that he thought it was better to obey God than Man; and to the second, he said he had done it, as it was wont in the Primitive Church; but the Bishop desirous of his Blood, ordered him to write his mind about Transubstantiation, which he did, say­ing, I know you seek my blood, and you shall have it, and I pray God you may be so Baptized in it, that you may hereafter loath blood-suckings; upon which Bon­ner [Page 57] sent him to Gardener, where after long atten­dance he was admitted to his presence, who asked him, how it happened that notwithstanding the Queen's Proclamation, he had dared to preach, to which Mr. Saunders replyed, That seeing such dange­rous times at hand, his conscience obliged him, and that he was bound in duty to admonish his Parishioners to be stead­fast in the Faith they had received, being thoroughly per­swaded in his conscience, that it was better to obey God than Man; your Conscience (said Gardener) a good­ly Conscience sure: This your Conscience would make our Queen a Bastard, would it not?

We declare no such thing, said Mr. Saunders, but for that, let them take care whose Writings are yet abroad to testifie the same, not without great shame and reproach to the Author. This he said, because that Gardener to please King Henry the Eighth, had written a Treatise, and caused it to be printed, wherein he declar'd Queen Mary Illegitimate, and then pro­ceeding, he told the Bishop that he had done no In­jury, unless it were one to preach God's Word, ac­cording to the purity and sincerity of the Gospel, and that although he and his Brethren were forbid­den to publish it with their Mouths, yet he doubt­ed not but that they were ready to seal it with their Blood; whereupon Gardener remanded him to pri­son, for which he thanked him, saying, that now he had appointed him a place to rest in.

During his Imprisonment he wrote to his Wife and Friends, after this manner; I am merry, and I trust I shall be so, mauger the teeth of all the Devils in Hell Riches I have none to bestow amongst you, but that Treasure of tasting how sweet Christ is to hungry Con­sciences (whereof I thank my Saviour I do feel part) that I bequeath to you, and to the rest of my beloved in the Lord.

[Page 58]When he had continued in prison about a year, his Friends began to sue for his release, the which when he heard of, he desired them to desist, for that it was God's pleasure that he should bear wit­ness to his Testimony even to the death: A while after he was brought upon his Examination, where they offered to release him, if he would recant, to which he replied, that he did confess Life and Liberty were things desirable, but that he would not murther his Conscience to save his Life, but by God's Grace, said he, I will abide the worst extremity that man can do against me, rather than do any thing against my Conscience; and when Gardener threatned him with death, he said, Welcome be it whatsoever the will of the Lord be, either life or death, and I tell you truly I have learned to dye, but I exhort you to beware of shedding innocent blood, for truly it will cry aloud against you.

After they had examined him, they proceeded to pass Sentence against him, and then degrading him, they delivered him up to the Sheriffs to execute him by fire, when after a year and three Months imprisonment he was brought to the Stake, the which he first embraced, and afterwards kissing, said, Welcome Cross of Christ, welcome everlasting life, the fire by the malice of his Enemies being made of green wood, put him to exquisite torments, but he indured them with a Christian patience, as being well assured when his fiery tryal was at an end, he should receive a Crown of Life that fadeth not away.

He was burnt at Coventry, Anno Christi 1555. one thing by the way I shall not think amiss to insert, when the Nation was in suspence for fear of Queen Mary's bringing in Popery, Mr Saunders being in company with Doctor Pedleton, and seeming to be [Page 59] much dejected, Pedleton said, What man, there is much more cause for me no fear, than for you, for as much as I have a big and fat Body, yet will I see the ut­most drop of this Grease of mine melted away, and this Flesh consumed with fire, before I will forsake Jesus Christ and his Truth which I have professed; yet when Queen Mary came to the Crown, he turned Apostate.

By which we may see how weak the resolves of men are, unless God's Holy Spirit assist them to perform and enable them to bear Affliction.

The Life of JOHN HOOPER.

JOhn Hooper an English man by Birth, was brought up at the University of Oxford, where he stu­died Divinity, and was so far transported with the love of the Scriptures, that he would read them Night and Day, many Expositions he made upon the doubtful places of the New Testament, and reconciled Texts which seemingly disagreed.

Thus his Zeal for the Word of God got him hatred amongst the haters of the Gospel, especially about the time when King Henry the Eighth caused the Six Articles to be published, but especially Dr. Smith so persecuted him, that he was obliged to leave the University, and betake himself to be Stew­ard to Sir Thomas Arundel, with whom he lived in good credit, till such time as the Papists traduced him; yet Sir Thomas not willing to part with him, endeavoured to perswade him to turn Papist; but [Page 60] when himself could not prevail, he sent him to the Bishop of Winchester with a Letter, wherein he de­sired the Bishop to try if he could work upon him, but all in vain, for he returned such Learned An­swers, that he non-plussed the Bishop, for which he became his Enemy ever after, and sought by sundry means to intrap him; whereupon he had notice sent him by some of his Friends, that it was best for him to snift for his safety; so that taking such necessaries as were convenient, he left the King­dom, and went to Paris, yet within a while he re­ [...]ed for England, but having intelligence that his life was still sought for, he again crossed the Seas, and went into Germany, where he was friendly entertained, especially by Mr. Bullinger, there he learned the perfection of the Hebrew Tongue, and married a Burgonian Gentlewoman, living there till the death of King Henry; but in the beginning of King Edward's Reign, he with many others re­turned, and being ready to depart, he took his leave of Mr. Bullinger and the rest, giving them many thanks for their kindness towards him, telling them they should hear of him from time to time; But as for the last News, said he, I shall not be able to write it, for where I shall take most pains, there shall you hear of me to be burnt to Ashes, which Prophesie exactly came to pass, as shall hereafter be recited.

When he came to London he had a Benefice orde­red him, where for the most part he preached twice a day, at whose Sermons such crouds of People flocked, that the Church could not contain them, when at length he preaching before the young King, he so highly approved of him, that he first made him Bishop of Glocester, and afterwards of Worcester, where he went from place to place, preach­ing [Page 61] throughout his Diocess, insomuch that the Peo­ple infinitely loved him, the which they continued to the last.

In the beginning of Queen Mary's days, when the bloody cloud was just breaking over the Nati­on, he was fetched up to London by a Pursivant, of whose coming although he was advertized, and by his Friends advised to make his Escape, yet he re­fused it, saying, that he was not ashamed of his Te­stimony, nor would he abandon Christ's Cause; for said he, Once I must confess I did fly, but being called to this Place and Vocation, I am resolved to stay, and live, and dy with my Sheep.

Being brought to London, there came Orders that he should be brought before the Bishop of Win­chester, who greatly exclaimed against him, giving him many unbecoming words, which the good man bore with admirable patience, and after a short Ex­amination he was committed to the Fleet, where the Warden ordered him a Bed of Straw, being so commanded (as 'tis supposed) by Gardener, and he likewise lying in a noysome Chamber, within a short time fell sick, when calling for some to come to him, the Warden said, Let him alone, if he dy, there will be a good riddance of him, such villainous hands was this good Bishop fallen into. Of the hard usage he suffered there, himself wrote an Epistle and sent it to his Friends.

A while after Dr. Hooper was brought before the Bishop of Winchester, and charged as a Preacher of Sedition and Rebellion, as likewise of being guilty of many Heresies and false Assertions, to which he made such a Learned Defence, that all that heard him could not but confess that he was a man of great Parts, yet by noise and tumult they often in­terrupted [Page 62] him, endeavouring to put him out, but when they saw they could not prove any thing a­gainst him (yet resolving to have his Life) they pro­nounced Sentence against him, and then proceeded to degrade him and so delivered him to the Sheriff, who carried him to the Counter-Prison in South­wark, from whence a while after he was removed to Newgate, when in the way the Sheriff said, Dr. Hooper, why was you so rash as to answer my Lord Chancellor so hastily, it might have happened better to you, had you mollified him with mild Words. To which he answered, I spoke nothing unbeseeming me, neither was I impatient, though I was earnest in my Master's Cause, and it stands me in stead so to be, for it goeth upon life and death, not only in this World, but in the World to come.

After he had continued Six Days in Newgate, the Keeper brought him word, that he was to be carried to Glocester, there to suffer at the Stake; at which News he greatly rejoyced, giving praise to God that he had so graciously disposed his Enemies hearts, to carry him to a Place where he had so faith­fully taught, that there he might seal his Doctrine with his Blood. Then came to him several of the Popish Sadduces, as Bonner, Harpsfield, and others, to intreat him to accept of life, by renouncing his former Doctrine, and making his Publick Recanta­tion, but he would by no means hearken unto them, saying, He would not for cowardly fear forsake his Lord and Master, but be stedfast to the end, not doubt­ing but that he would send him patience and strength to withstand the utmost torments their rage could in­vent.

Within a while after he was taken out of New­gate to be carried to Glocester, in order to his suffe­ring, [Page 63] when as all the way he went he appeared very joyful, and lying one Night by the way, he eat his Supper with a merry countenance, and slept with­out the least trouble; for why, he was all peace within, as being armed with a good Conscience, which is the only true happiness during this mortal life; the next Morning Sir Anthony Kingston came to him and told him, that he would advise him to submit himself to the Church by a free Recantati­on, for, says he, Life is sweet. To which, he replied, But the death to come is more bitter, and the life to come far sweeter, and I will rather dye than renounce my Lord and Master.

Being come to the Verge of the County, he was received by the Sheriff, who with a strong Guard conveyed him to the Place of Execution, being met by many thousands of People, who much bewail­ed his condition, and sent up their Prayers to Hea­ven, that he might be comforted and inabled to bear his sufferings patiently, many of them weep­ing to see so Reverend a Person fallen into such misery; but he comforted them, and told them, That he was unworthy who refused to suffer reproach or death for the sake of the Lord Jesus, who refused not for our sakes to suffer a shameful and ignominious death up­on the Cross; and hereupon he began to exhort them to be stedfast in their Faith, but the Popish Varlets would not suffer him to proceed. Then he addressed himself to the Sheriff, saying, Sir my request to you is, that I may have a quick fire, which may soon dispatch me, and I will be as obedient as you would wish, I might have had my life with great advancement, as to tempo­ral things, but I am willing to offer my life for the Testi­mony of the Truth, and trust to dye a faithful Servant to God, and a true Subject to the Queen.

[Page 64]Then the Sheriff told him that he had strict Or­ders to hinder him from speaking to the People, to which he said God's will be done, and then kneeling down, he continued in fervent Prayer for the space of half an hour with an exalted and joyful counte­nance, and then rising up, suffered them to fasten him to the Stake, where such was the malice of his Enemies, that they had prepared green wood, yet before the fire was kindled, a Pardon was offered, if he would recant; but he cryed out with a Chri­stian Zeal, If you love my Soul, away with it, and then three Iron Hoops being brought to fasten him to the Stake, he said, If you had brought none of these, I would have stood patiently, and thereupon he only took one of them, and put it about his middle. When the Reeds were set up, he embraced & kissed them, putting them under his Arms, where he had two Bags of Gunpowder, and the fire being kind­led, he continued three quarters of an hour in the fire, praying, and often crying out, O Jesus thou Son of David, have mercy upon my Soul, and often between whiles he would desire them to let the fire come at him, the which as is above mentioned, be­ing made of green Wood, consumed all his lower parts, when as the upper remained untouched, yet he bore it patiently, not in the least complaining of his Torments, as being past doubt supported by him that is able to make all things tolerable; thus fell this blessed Martyr in the bloody Persecution under Queen Mary, Anno Christi, 1555. Sealing the Doctrine he had so faithfully taught, with his blood.

The Life and Martyrdom of RO­LAND TAYLOR.

ROwland Taylor being born of wealthy Parents, was brought up at Cambridge, where he not only studied Divinity, but the Civil Law; so that in a short time he grew so famous, that Arch-bishop Cranmer entertained him as his head Chaplain, where he lived in great repute till the middle of King Edward the sixth's Reign, when he was prefer­ed to be Rector of Hadly in the County of Suf­folk, where by his Preaching and Charitable deeds, he gained the high Esteem of all good Christians: Yet by strongly opposing the Popish Idolatries he procured to himself the hatred of the Papists, who during King Edward's time, hid their Malice as wanting Power to vent it, but when Queen Ma­ry came to the Crown, they began to shew their Stings, and boldly spit their Poyson against the Preachers of the Gospel.

About the time that she put out a Proclamation for the restoring the Romish Religion, one Foster a notorious Papist and others of his Gang, procu­red a popish Priest to come and say Mass in the Church of Hadly, when upon the tolling of the Bell Dr. Taylor (for so he had Commenced) went to the Church, where he no sooner perceived the Priest dressed up in his Superstitious Trinkets: And not being able to come at him, by reason he was surrounded with drawn Swords, he called to him [Page 66] saying; Thou Devil incarnate, who made thee so Au­dacious as to enter this Church, to defile and prophane it with thy abominable Idolatry? I command thee thou Po­pish Wolf in the name of God to depart hence, and not to Presume thus to Poyson the flock of Christ. Then said Foster to Dr. Taylor: Thou Traytor, what makes you come hither, to lett and disturb the Queens Proceed­ings? To which he replyed, I am no Traytor, but the Shepherd which Christ has appointed to feed this his Flock, with spiritual Food; and therefore I have good Authori­ty to be here?

Then Foster in a great Rage said, Wilt thou, thou Trayterous Heretick raise a Commotion to disturb and hinder the Queens Proceedings. And thereupon they forced him out of the Church, and the Priest went on with his Tale. Within a while after Foster sent to Gardener to rail upon, and grievously complain against Dr. Taylor: So that he sent down his Let­ters to apprehend him, which the Doctor having notice of, would by no means fly tho his Wife and nearest Relation earnestly perswaded him thereto, saying; That he had done enough in resisting the Priest, and that if he fell into the hands of his Enemies, he must expect nothing but Imprisonment, or cruel Death. But he replyed, I know my Cause to be so Good and Righte­ous, and the Truth so strong on my side, that I will by Gods Grace appear before them, and confirm the Doctrine I have Preached; for I believe that I shall never be able to do God such good Service as now, and that I shall ne­ver have so Glorious a Calling, nor so great a Mercy of God proffered me as 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 doings.

And although they used many Arguments, and [Page 67] importuned him to fly, he would not, saying far­ther, that he knew God would never leave his Church; although for a time he suffer her to be afflicted, yet he would again restore her, and raise up such a Mi­nistry that all the Power of Hell and Rome should never be able to put to Silence. Then having notice that the Messenger was come for him, he took his leave of his Friends, and went with him to Lon­don: where being admitted into the presence of Gardener, who then was not only Bishop of Win­chester, but likewise Chancellor of England: Gar­dener called him Knave, Heretick, and Traytor; Demanding if he knew him not. Yes, said Dr. Tay­lor, 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, who is Lord of us all? how dare you for Shame look any Christian man in the Face, seeing you have forsaken the Truth, denyed our Saviour Christ and his Word, and Acted contrary to your own Oath and Writing? with what Countenance can you ap­pear before the Judgment seat of Christ, and Answer for your Oath, first made to King Henry the eighth, next to Edward the sixth, which you have now Violated and broken?

Tush, Tush, said the Bishop, those were Herod 's Oaths, better broken then kept, and I tell thee that our Holy Father the Pope has dispensed with them, and I am glad I am come home again, into the Bosom of Mo­ther Church, and so I would have thee do. Should I, said Dr. Taylor, forsake Christ by leaving that Church, which he has founded by his Prophets and Apostles, to approve of those Lyes, Errors, Su­perstitions, and Idolatries, that are most Blasphe­mously approved of by you? God forbid. Remem­ber my Lord you once wrote truly against the Pope, [Page 68] and were once sworn against him. I tell thee, said Gardener, that was Herod's Oath, and I am dischar­ged of it. But, said Dr. Taylor, you can never with­out sincere Repentance be discharged of it before Christ. I see, replyed Gardener, thou art an Arrant Knave, and a very Fool, and so after he had railed at him, as long as he thought it was Convenient, he Commanded his men to carry him to the Kings-Bench, and there order his close Confinement: Whereupon Dr. Taylor falling upon his Knees said; Good Lord I thank thee, and from the Tyranny of the Bi­shop of Rome and all his detestable Errors, Good Lord de­liver us.

When he came to the Prison, it so happened that he met Mr. Bradford there, at which he did not a little rejoyce; as likewise Mr. Bradford in his Com­pany, both rendring Praises to God, who had up­on such an occasion suffered them so happily to meet in Order to the Comforting and Supporting each other in their Affliction, insomuch that when Dr. Taylor wrote to his Friends, he sent them word that He thanked God for Providing so Graciously for him, in so ordering it by his Providence, that he had been sent to a Prison, where he had met with an Angel: For so he called pious Mr. Bradford.

During this Imprisonment he was often sent for, and Examined, touching his Faith and Doctrine, of both which he gave such an ample Testimony grounded upon Scripture, and the Writings of the Fathers, that his very Enemies could not but Confess he was a man of great Learning, yet so Bloody was their Rage against the servants of Christ, that they proceeded to Condemn him, when upon their reading his Sentence he told them; That God the Righteous Judge of all the Earth, would re­quire [Page 69] his Blood at their hands, and that the most inso­lent amongst them should repent, their receiving again of the Pope and his Supremacy, and their Wolfish Ty­ranny against the flock of Christ.

A while after his Condemnation, Bishop Bonner came to degrade him, bringing with him all the Massing Implements, and Commanded him to put them on; but he told them he would not. Then said Bonner, If you will not I shall make you ere I go. By Gods Grace, said Dr. Taylor, you shall not. Then Bonner charged him to do it upon his obedience. But upon his absolute refusing to meddle with the Su­perstitious Trumpery, Bonner Commanded his man to do it; who put them on accordingly. Then Dr. Taylor setting his Arms to his sides walked a turn or two, saying: Now my Lord were I in Cheapside, what a goodly Fool should I be counted, would not the ve­ry Boys laugh at these Ridiculous Toys?

At which the Bishop being angry, went about to strike him, but his Chaplain desired him not, say­ing, That he would surely strike again. Yes by my Faith, said Dr. Taylor, wou'd I, for the Cause is Christs, and I were no good Christian if I would not fight in my Masters quarrel. Then the Bishop not daring to proceed far­ther Cursed him, and departed. To which Dr. Tay­lor replyed, Though you do Curse me, yet God does bless me.

The night before his being carried to Hadly to be burned, his Wife, Children, and Servants were permitted to come to him, with whom he prayed very fervently, and gave them all his Benedicti­on.

The next Morning the Sheriff received him at the Prison, he going very joyfully; and by the way he was greatly solicited by the Sheriff of Essex to re­cant [Page 70] and embrace the Popish Religion. To which he only Answered, Well, I perceive that I now have been deceived my self, and shall deceive many in Had­ly of their Expectations. At which the Sheriff told him it was a gracious saying, and desired him to explain it, as well hoping he intended to recant. Why, said Dr. Taylor, I did propose to my self once, that I should have been buryed in Hadly Church yard, in which I now see I shall be deceived, and as for my deceiving of others of their Expectations, is, that I being a man of a Corpu­lent body, might have fed many Worms, who now must be Content without me.

He being come within two miles of Hadly, a great number of People came flocking to meet him, for the most part greatly lamenting the State into which he was fallen; when as he Comforted them in the best manner, Saying, be Patient, as for me, I thank God I am almost at home, and have not past two miles more to go over, before I come to my Fathers house.

At the Towns end a poor Lame man with five small Children met him, and cryed out; Ah! dear Father, and good Shepherd Dr. Taylor, God help and Comfort thee, as thou hast many times succoured and Comforted me, and my poor Children: Whilst ma­ny others with weeping Eyes lamented his loss.

When he came to the Alms-houses he called out the poor People by their names, as he was at other times accustomed, and gave mony to every one of them, who Prayed to God to strengthen and Comfort him, greatly lamenting the loss of so good a Benefactor as he was wont to be.

Coming to the place of Execution, the Sheriff commanded him that he should in no wise speak to the people; which did not a little grieve him; that he was not suffered to take his last farewel of those [Page 71] to whom he had so faithfully Preached the Gospel: yet he was very Cheerful, when after he had Prayed a while, he put off his Cloaths and went to the Stake and kissed it, when through the vehemency of the Zeal by which his Soul was agitated, he go­ing about to speak one thrust a Staff-into his mouth, and by that means hindered him; another struck him over the Head; and a third threw a Fa­got at him, which so cut his Face that the Blood ran down in abundance; upon which he said, O Friend, what needed this? I have harm enough already. And when he was saying his Miserere in English, Sr. John Shelton struck him on the mouth, saying, Knave I will make you speak Latine.

When the fire was kindled, he extended his Arms toward Heaven, and with a voyce as if he had been Ravished with Joy, continued saying, Most mer­ciful Father of Heaven, for Jesus Christ my Saviours sake, receive my Soul into thy Hands, till one with a Halbert beat out his Brains. And thus dyed this Blessed Martyr, Anno, 1555.

The Life of JOHN BRAD­FORD Martyr.

JOhn Bradford was born of Vertuous Parents at Manchester in Lancashire, and brought up in such Learning as the place was able to afford, and when he had greatly profitted therein, he became Steward to Sr. John Harrington, with whom he liv­ed [Page 72] in much Credit for several years, yet his mind not being contented with that manner of Life, but still fixed upon Divine matters, he left his Master and went to Cambridge; where he so profited in the study of Divinity, that within two years after his coming thither, he commenced Master of Arts, and was chosen a fellow of Pembrook-Hall: Where he lived in good repute a Considerable time, and there happened to come acquained with Martin Bucer (who to avoid the storms of Persecution in Germany, was come over into England) and by Con­versing with him he greatly profited, insomuch that Dr. Ridley Bishop of London hearing of his towardli­ness and holy manner of Life, preferred him to be a Prebend of St. Pauls; where he continued faithful­ly to discharge his Trust, till the beginning of Queen Mary's Reign: when as one Bourn Chaplain to Bonner, and afterward made Bishop of Bath, Preaching at Pauls Cross so highly offended the People in his Sermon, by inveighing against the re­formed Religion, That not only a Dagger was thrown at him, but likewise the People began so far to Mutinie, that had not Mr. Bradford at his Earnest request stood up in his place and quieted the People, they had pulled the Popish Wolf in pieces; but the People no sooner perceiving Bradford but they gave a great shout, Crying, Bradford, Brad­ford, God save thy Life Bradford? Yet Bourn not thinking himself safe desired Mr. Bradford to convey him out of the Throng, which he did, sheltring him with his own Body, and spreading his Gown over him, in his retreat into St. Pauls School where he left him. Then cryed the People, Ah! Brad­ford thou hast saved him, that will be the forwardest to burn thee. As indeed he was.

[Page 73]On the same day in the Afternoon Mr. Bradford Preached at Bow Church, and in his Sermon sharp­ly reproved such tumultuous Proceedings; yet within three days after he was sent for by the Coun­cel and charged as a stirrer up of Sedition; and thereupon sent to the Tower, from whence he was removed to the Kings-Bench; from thence he was brought several times before Bonner to be Examined, and ever put the Bishop to a non plus; yet his Death being resolved upon, the bloody Wretch proceed­ed to pass Sentence upon him, as likewise to de­grade him, and then Committed him to the Coun­ter, where he continued a Considerable time, be­fore his Execution, Preaching to and Exhorting the Prisoners, in the way of saving Knowledge, as likewise relieving their wants according to his A­bility: Nor was there a day passed wherein some Person or other of quality did not come to him for Instructions, insomuch that his Chamber seemed rather a Chappel set apart for Divine worship, then an imprisonment; for there he Preached twice every Sabbath, and prayed with such as re­sorted thither every day, and as often as he could have opportunity he administred the Sacrament in both kinds. He was a man so just that the Keeper of the Kings-Bench would permit him upon his word to go into London and visit his Friends, and he was ever so Faithful that he rather returned before, then after the time he had set.

When his Friends demanded whether they should solicite his Delivery, and what he would do if he had his Liberty, his Answer was; That he did not greatly Care whether he was delivered or not, but if it so happened he would Marry and live secretly in Eng­land. During his Imprisonment, many Spanish Fryers [Page 74] came to tempt him to renounce his Religion, but he used such powerful Arguments to confirm it to be the true Religion, such as was established in the Primitive Church by Christ and his Apostles, and so confounded them in their own Arguments, that they were always obliged to betake themselves to their old shift, which was to Rail and brand him with the name of Heretick.

He often had the opportunity to escape, but he would by no means attempt it; the night before he was conveyed to Newgate, he had a dream wherein it was signified to him, That he was to be burnt within two days, that Chains were brought, and that the day following he was to go to Newgate; The which happened accordingly, for he was scarce risen be­fore the Keepers wife came to him, and told him she had heavy news to inform him, which is, said she, that you must presently go to Newgate, where your Chains are ready, in Order to your being burnt in Smithfield, at which he taking off his Cap lifted up his Eyes toward Heaven, and said, I thank God for it, I have looked for the day a long time: It comes not now to me sud­denly, but as a thing that I have waited for with Patience, the Lord make me worthy to suffer for his Name. And thereupon he prayed fervently for a good space, when as the Officers were come to fetch him, at which time he called together the Prisoners, and Servants, giving them many pious Exhortations, and distributed Monies amongst them, bidding them persevere in the Truth, And not be carried away with every Wind of Doctrine.

When he came to Newgate, several came to visit him, to whom he gave Ghostly Consolation. And the next morning the Sheriff came for him, and conveyed him together with a youth of about eigh­teen [Page 75] years of Age to Smithfield, where the Stake was prepared. When he came at the Stake, he kissed it, as likewise a Faggot that he took up, and then falling flat upon his Face, in token of Humility, he prayed for a good space, till the Sheriff ordered him to rise; they putting off his Raiment, he was together with the Youth fastned to the Stake, when as he cryed with a loud voice, Repent, O England, of thy sins, beware of Idolatry, beware of false Anti-Christs, take heed they do not deceive thee. Then turning to the young man, who was an Apprentice to a Merchant in London, he said, Be of good Comfort Brother, for we shall have a merry Supper with the Lord this Night. And then embracing the Reeds, he said, Streight is the way, and narrow is the gate that leadeth unto ever­lasting life, and few there be that find it.

The fire being kindled, he held his hands in the flames, and with a Christian patience suffered the burning without so much as stirring the body, dying a glorious Martyr, in the Bloody year, Anno 1555. He was a man so intirely beloved for his holy life, that many who never saw him, greatly lament­ed his death; nay, the very Papists themselves, in the midst of all their rage and malice, were forced to confess that he was a man of great Learning, and many of them heartily wished that he might have lived.

The Life of NICHOLAS RIDLEY Martyr.

NIcholas Ridley was Born at Newcastle, and there Educated in Learning by his pious Parents, till he was fitted for the University, when as he was sent to Cambridge, where he grew so famous by his Studies in Divinity, that by the consent of the whole University he was chosen Master of Pem­broke Hall, and commenced Doctor in Divinity.

A while after Archbishop Cranmer hearing of his Fame, sent for him, and made him Vicar of Hern in East Kent, where he so well discharged his Pastoral Office, that he gained the general Ap­plause of all the Places adjacent, who neglecting their own Teacher, would for many miles circum­ference come to hear his Sermons; so that in a while after he was constituted a Prebend of the Ca­thedral Church of Canterbury, but not greatly like­ing those with whom he was obliged to converse with, in that Station he left them, and travelled into France, where after his having visited many Places, and greatly profited in his Studies, he re­turned into England, where he was no sooner come, but King Henry the Eighth sent for him, and ordain­ed him one of His Chaplains; as likewise within a while after made him Bishop of Rochester, in which Station he continued till the Reign of King Edward the Sixth, who translated him to the See of London, where he continued preaching and instructing the People by expounding the Scriptures, and perswa­ding them unfeignedly to imbrace the Reformed [Page 77] Religion, by utterly renouncing Popish Superstiti­ons and Idolatries, and so by preaching from Church to Church throughout his Diocess. His Ca­pital Enemies, the Papists, were obliged to confess he was a man of a pious Life and Conversation; never did he preach, but such multitudes of People came flocking about him, that the Church could not contain them, and thus cotinued he in great cre­dit till the Reign of Queen Mary, in whose days all things Sacred were tumbled down, and the Abomi­nation of Desolation set up in the Holy Places.

This good Bishop was first converted to the true Religion, by reading Bertram's Book of the Sacra­ment, and strongly confirmed in his opinion, by conversing with Peter Martyr, and other Learned Divines of the Reformed Church; when in the first year of Queen Mary's Reign, he was sent for before the Council, and there accused of spreading Heretical Doctrine. To which Accusation, although he answered with all Gravity, and opposed it with many learned Arguments; yet was he sent to the Tower, and there continued till he, Archbishop Cranmer, and Dr. Lattimer were sent to Oxford, there to dispute against the Popish Doctors; after which Dispute they were all three committed to Prison in that City, till at last Dr. Ridley was se­perated from the rest, and sent to the house of one Mr. Irish, where he remained till the day he suffe­red Martyrdom; yet he often conversed by Letters with the aforesaid holy men, as likewise with Mr. Bradford, who was at the same time a Prisoner in the King's Bench; when writing to Dr. Lattimer, he desires him that he would send him continually some Spiritual Consolations; For, says he, unless the Lord assist me in his Service, I shall but play the [Page 78] part of a Coward; but he can make a Coward in his Cause fight like a couragious Soldier.

He confessed that upon hearing the resolute Con­fession and last Speech of Mr. Rogers, who suffered Martyrdom, he was greatly incouraged, and felt all the heaviness that before oppressed his Soul, quite removed, so that he was all Joy and Peace with­in.

Not long after, he being brought into Saint Ma­ry's Church, where by the Queen's Appointment, he was to be tryed (as they termed it, although his death was resolved on before, right or wrong) by such Commissioners as were come thither for that purpose, amongst whom one sat as representing the Pope; when he was come they opened their Com­mission, and began to read it, to which he gave heed­ful Attention, till such time as they came to menti­on the Pope and his Supremacy, and then he put on his Hat, saying, I do not this in contempt to any Person here, but to the Pope, whose usurped Supremacy I should make my self guilty of owning, if I should with pati­ence vail my Cap at the hearing it.

Upon this Speech, the Bishop of Lincoln chafed exceedingly, and commanded the Beadle to take off his Cap, which he meekly suffered him to do, when after a long Examination, but no Proof against him of any Erroneous Doctrine, as they pretended, they proceeded to read his Sentence of Condemnation; and in a short time after the Bishop of Worcester came to degrade him, bringing the Massing Trin­kets, which he would have had him put on, but he refused. Then the Bishop with the help of his men put them on him, and so taking them off again, pronounced him an Excommunicated and Accursed Person, declaring that it was dangerous for any to [Page 79] converse with him. Yet Dr. Ridley laught at the Bug-bear threats, remembring the words of the Apostle, who says, If our Conscience accuse us not, God that is greater than our Conscience will not condemn us.

After the Degradation, he was delivered over to the Secular Power, in order to his Execution, when at Supper-time his Keeper's Wife weeping to think he must suffer the next day; he comforted her, saying, I pray you be patient and chearful, as I am, for by this grief you express, 'tis plain you love us not; and thereupon he with a chearful counte­nance invited them all to his Wedding, saying, to morrow shall I be married, speaking mystically, as meaning his Soul was to be espoused to Christ its Redeemer, and when his Brother-in-Law and others offered to watch with him, he refused their kindness, saying, that he should sleep as well that night as e­ver he did in his life.

When the Morning was come, the Sheriff, toge­ther with the Lord Williams of Thame, and others, came with a great Guard to convey him to the Place of Execution; as also Dr. Lattimer, who was condemned with him, as in his life will hereafter appear; when as Dr. Ridley dressed himself in his Episcopal Garments, as many of them as were con­venient, and shaved himself, as if he had been go­ing to an earthly Wedding, and as he was upon his way, he looking behind him, espied Dr. Lattimer coming after, and called to him with a chearful voice, saying, O Brother, are you there? Yes, said Dr. Lattimore, have after you as fast as I can. When they came to the Place of Execution, Dr. Cole be­ing mounted upon a Stool, set for that purpose, be­gan to rail against them to the People, telling them [Page 80] that they were Zuinglians, Occolampadians, and the worst of Hereticks. Upon which Dr. Ridley fell up­on his Knees, and besought the Lord Williams, for Christ Jesus sake that he might have liberty to answer him, and clear himself of those Scandals before he dyed; but the Vice-Chancellor and others, run to him and stopped his mouth, saying, If he would recant he should be heard, but not otherwise. Then, said Dr. Ridley, I will never deny my Lord Jesus, and his known Truth, whilst I have breath in my body. Then turning to Dr. Lattimer, he embraced him, and bid him be of good comfort; For, said he, God will either as­swage the heat of the fire, or give us strength to en­dure its fury with patience, and so going to the Stake, he kissed it, and then kneeled down, and prayed fervently for a good space. When rising up, and be­ing about to speak to the People, the Popish Lo­cust run and stopped his mouth.

When he was stripped, and the Fagots were piling about him, he said, O Heavenly Father, I give thee thanks for that thou hast called me to be a Professor of thee even unto death, I beseech thee, O Lord God, have mercy upon this Realm of England, and deliver it from all its Enemies. And when the Smith was knocking in the Staple that fastned the Chain, he said, I pray thee good fellow drive it in fast, for the Flesh will have its course. Then did his Brother-in-Law bring him a bag of Gunpowder, which he received joyfully, and tyed it about his Neck, so the fire being kindled, he stood in the flame a long while before he dyed, by reason of the ill making of the fire, and then, saying, Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my Spirit, Lord re­ceive my Soul, he gave up the Ghost, suffering Mar­tyrdom, Anno Christi 1555. He was a man of sin­gular Piety and Learning, just to all, giving no oc­casion [Page 81] of abuse to any. Charitable he was even to a a Miracle, for he kept Bonners Mother at his own Ta­ble, and when he came to dye, he said, Nothing troubled him, but that several Poor men had taken Lea­ses of him, and paid their Mony whilst he sat Bishop of London, which were now taken from them without any Recompence; and therefore he desired the Lord Willi­ams to be a means for them, to the Queen, that they might not lose their Mony. If ten thousand Pounds could have saved his Life, the Lord Dacres offered as much; but his cruel Adversaries thirsted after nothing more then his Blood; nor would Queen Mary hearken to any Supplication, that was made for his Life, although he in King Edward the sixth's time, stood against most of the Peers and Clergy, when they went to exclude her from the Succession; nor would he for any Intreaty set his hand to it.

One thing is worthy of Note, and may be count­ed a Prophecy, which was this; Dr. Ridley during his being Bishop of London, long before King Edwards Death: As he was Crossing the Thames in a Boat, the Wind arose so high that all that were with him were in fear of present drowning; but he Comforted them saying, Fear not for this Boat carries a Bishop that must be burned, and not drowned.

And thus much for the Life of this Pious Martyr, who did not only oppose to the utmost, the su­perstitions and Idolatries of the Church of Rome, by words but also in Writing, and at last sealed his Testimony with his Blood.

The Life of HUGH LATIMER Martyr.

HƲgh Latimer was born in Leicestershire, at a place called Thrikesson, where in his younger years he was put to School, and profited so much in learning, that within a while he was sent to Cambridge; where he gave himself wholly to the Study of Divinity, and within two years after his coming thither, Commenced Batchelor of Divini­ty; yet was he so zealous a Papist, till God opened his eyes that he wrote many bitter Letters against Melancthone, and others of the Reformed Church, using all the Idolatrous Ceremonies; counting it a great Crime in him if he omitted any one part of the Romish Decrees, and Canons resolving by any means to become a Fryer, for he at that time verily believed that if he were so he could not be Damned; so blinded was he with Superstition, and plunged so far into Error; but God having made him, a chosen Vessel to bear his Name, soon found means for his Conversion; for Mr. Biliney an orthodox Divine taking notice of his great Zeal, in the way he then was in, and for the Religion (though a false one) that he professed, he took such opportunities to discourse with him in Private, that by his Con­vincing Arguments he so far wrought upon him, as to give heedful Attention to his Doctrine, where­by he soon became more Tractable, and much in­clined to the reformed Church; and greatly grieved [Page 83] for the abuses he had offered to the reformed Mini­sters, asking them both by word of mouth, and Letters forgiveness for the offences. And now his Eyes being open he plainly perceived the deceits of the Romish Church, and began to detest it, as much as he ever had admired it, so that he by that means fell into the high Displeasure of some Romish Doctors, who before had styled him their Champi­on.

When he was thus Converted and brought over to imbrace the saving Knowledge of the Gospel, he began to Preach and indeavour to Convert o­thers, insomuch that he converted many; but the Bishop of Ely sent strictly to forbid him; but upon his refusing to desist the Bishop went himself, when as he found him Preaching, which he continued so Authentickly and with such a Grace, that the Bi­shop instead of reproving him, highly Commended him, and wished to God that himself had the same Gift of preaching so plain and powerfully, yet shortly after a complaint was made against him, to Cardinal Wolsey, who cited him before him; but by the means of Dr. Butts the King's Physician, he was rather advanced then any ways Discouraged; for it being about the time that the debate was held about King Henry the Eight his Supremacy, the Cardinal upon finding a man of great Learning, chose him to be one of those that sate about the deciding that Affair; when within a while he grew into such favour with the Lord Cromwel, that he pre­ferred him to a Benefice in Wiltshire, where he faith­fully Officiated for many years, and then was re­moved from thence to the Bishoprick of Worcester, where he behaved himself so well, that he soon ob­tained the Praise of all that were under his Cure. [Page 84] Unless some malicious Fryers and Monks, who great­ly Envyed him as plainly perceiving, that his Do­ctrine tended to the discovery of their abominable Errors; insomuch that they Exhibited many griev­ous Complaints against him. How that he Preached false Doctrine, and indeavoured to stir up the people to Rebellion. But to this he so learnedly returned Answer, that his Adversaries were ashamed of what they had done; then continued he more dili­gent then ever, in Correcting and reforming such Abuses as were crept into the several Churches un­der his jurisdiction, opposing, as much as in him lay, the Cross absurdities of the popish Priests, Preach­ing against Miracles and Transubstantiation, Ado­ration of Images, and the like, which made the ri­gid Papists ever lay Snares for him, but in vain; du­ring the Life of the worthy Lord Cromwel, they prevailed not in any thing.

Upon New-years day, when the Bishops were wont to present the King with Gifts, Dr. Latimer presented King Henry with a New Testament, in a Handkerchief, with this Inscription on the Co­vers; Fornicatores, & Adulteros, Judicabit Domi­nus; Whoremongers, and Adulterers, God will judg; so plain was he in reproving the King, when none besides him durst Attempt it.

A while after by the prevalency of the popish Lords, they obtained a Bill to pass in Parliament, containing the six bloody Articles, which obliged many a good man, to lay down his Charge, and a­mongst the rest this good Bishop. When he had pul­ed of his Rocket before several of his Friends, he cut a Caper or two, Saying; now I feel my self light, as being discharged of a heavy Burthon, for indeed such a Charge is not a little ponderous and trouble­some; [Page 85] If according to the Institution of Bishops, they faithfully discharge their Trust.

When he had resigned his Bishoprick, he retired himself to west Kingston near Bristow, where he had a Personage, and there he Preached every Sunday, Exhorting and instructing the People in the way to eternal Life. Yet here the restless Papists would not suffer him to be at quiet, but made great Complaints against his Doctrine, although they could prove nothing therein contrary to the Word of God; up­on which he repairing to Arch-Bishop Cranmer to clear himself, found such Favour at his Hands, that he prevailed with the King so far on his behalf, that his Accusers were forced to draw in their Horns and shrink into their shells again, as well knowing they could make out nothing Erroneous, against either himself, or his Doctrine.

These were his Conflicts during the Reign of King Henry the Eight, but he dying, and young King Edward coming to the Crown, the six Articles that had caused such Blood-shed, were Rovoked, and then Dr. Latimer was restored to his Bishoprick, where he continued to Preach twice aday for the most part. And now the Popes Chickens not having such shelter under the Wings of this good Prince; as they had before, the Bishop lived in great quiet, and followed his Studies so close, that he soon became such a Disputant that few durst encounter him.

One day as he was Preaching, he told his Auditory, that his Preaching the Gospel would one day cost him his Life, and that Winchester was preserved in the Tower for the same purpose; which in the Reign of Bloody Queen Mary fell out accordingly, for she was no sooner seated in the Throne, but a Pursevant was sent to fetch Dr. Latimer up to Lon­don. [Page 86] Of whose coming altho he had six days notice before hand, yet would he not avoid him, but having received the Letters he brought from the Council, he promised to follow him, which he did the next day, tho contrary to the Expectation of his Enemies, who wished that he would fly, as well knowing his great Parts; but he taking leave of his Friends, said, I now go as willing to give an Account of my Faith, as ever I yet went to any place, doubting not, but that God who hath made me worthy to Preach his Word before two excellent Princes will enable me to bear Witness be­fore the third, either to her Eternal Comfort or Discom­fort. In his way to Court he Rid through Smith­field, where he said to such as accompanied him: That Smithfield had groaned for him a long time. When he came before the Councel, they fell to abusing him after an unseemly manner, and without suffer­ing him to speak for himself, sent him Prisoner to the Tower, which they had resolved upon before his coming.

Being in the Tower, God gave him not only a Christian patience, but indued him with the Spirit of wisdom, beyond what he had formerly been ca­pable of. There he kept a whole Winter with­out fire, notwithstanding his age, and the extremi­ty of the Weather, which made him tell the Lieute­nants man, Ʋnless they looked better after him, he should deceive them: Which words he repeat­ing to his Master, the Lieutenant charged Dr. La­timer as one intending to make his escape. But he expounded the Words, saying, That unless you pro­vide me fire and other necessaries, instead of dying by heat (meaning by burning) I shall perish here, through Cold and want.

After he had continued a considerable time Priso­ner [Page 87] in the Tower, and had been often tempted to Recant, he was sent to Oxford, together with Dr. Ridley Bishop of London, and Arch-Bishop Cranmer, there to Dispute against the Popish Doctors a­bout Transubstantiation, and other such like Erro­neous Tenets in the Church of Rome. Where Dr. Weston was appointed Prolocutor: The Place for the Dispute being St. Mary's Church. And altho these three Champions of Christ were separated, not being allowed the use of Books, yet did they so Confound their Adversaries by lively Texts out of the Scriptures, and Proofs out of the Fathers, that they were obliged to fall to their old way of Rail­ing. And so overpow'ring them with Noise and Clamor, they gave out to the Rabble that they had prevailed against the Hereticks, but would by no means suffer the Proceedings to be Published. Then was our good Bishop with the rest conveyed to se­veral Prisons, where he continued with admirable Patience, writing to his fellow-Sufferers to Com­fort and Strengthen them to bear their Cross: And often in his Prayer, which was exceeding Fervent, he would beg of God to restore the Light of the Gospel once more in England, and that he would preserve Queen Elizabeth to be a Comfort to the People: And for himself, he desired to dye, That he so might seal his Testimony with his dearest Blood. All which came afterwards to pass.

A while after he was brought to his Tryal, where he so defended the Doctrine he had Preached, that his Enemies were amazed at his prodigious Learn­ing: Yet his Death, being right or wrong, resolved upon, they proceeded to degrade, and Sentence him: After which he was delivered up to the secu­lar Power, in order to his Execution, together with Dr. Ridley.

[Page 88]When he was brought to the Stake, he look'd with a very chearful Countenance, as not being in the least Dismayed at the Approach of that Death which himself so much desired, and the which he might have avoided, if he would have Recanted. After he had prayed a while, he unstripp'd himself for the Fire, and said to Bishop Ridley, Brother, be of good Comfort, and play the Man; for I trust by God's Grace, we shall this Day light such a Candle in England as shall never be put out: Adding that He knew God was Faithful, and would not suffer him to be Temp­ted above what he was able to bear. Then Embracing Dr. Ridley, he was bound to the Stake, and the Fire kindled to him, when as he cryed with a loud Voice; O Father of Heaven, receive my Soul: And then stroaking his Face with his Hand, he gave up the Ghost; dying a Glorious Martyr at Oxford, Anno Christi 1555.

Two things more are worthy of Note. The first is, That at his Death such abundance of Blood gushed out, that it for a while damped the Fire: The second, That Stephen Gardener Bishop of Win­chester, his mortal Enemy, having that Day pre­pared a great Feast at Winchester-House in South­wark; notwithstanding his having several Persons of Quality to Dine with him, would not go to Dinner till such time as he received certain Intelli­gence of the Deaths of Latimer and Ridley, which was not till about four in the Afternoon; when with a chearful Countenance he said, Come now my Lords sit down, the arch-Hereticks are Dispatched. But he had not eat past three Bits before his Tongue began to swell in his Mouth. So that being car­ryed from the Table, as not being able to go him­self, he continued in a miserable Condition for [Page 89] fifteen Days, and then dyed, being as some Report, Starved by reason he could not swallow any Suste­nance.

The Life of THOMAS CRAN­MER, Arch-Bishop of Can­terbury, and Martyr.

THomas Cranmer was born of a very worshipful Family, at Arselacthon in Notinghamshire, where he was Educated in such Learning as his tender Years were capable to receive; and when he grew to more Perfection, he was sent to the Uni­versity of Cambridg, where he so profited in his Studies, that he was within three Years after his coming thither, made a Fellow of Jesus Colledg: But by reason of his marrying a Wife, that Place was sequestred from him, and he appointed Divinity Reader in Buckingham Colledg, where he behaved himself so well, that he got the good Will of the Heads of the University: So that his Wife dying, he was Re-invested in his former Place; where he had not been long, before he Commenced Dr. of Divinity.

Within a while after, Cardinal Woolsey having Founded a new Colledg in Oxford, sought for the most Learned Men in the Kingdom to replenish it, amongst whom Cranmer was Chosen: But he fore­seeing [Page 90] that Woolsey's Fall was at hand, would by no Means imbrace the Offer, but kept in his former Station.

About this time King Henry the Eight being desirous to be Divorced from Katherine of Spain, who had been formerly Married to his elder Bro­ther Prince Arthur, had long laboured in the Court of Rome to effect his Purpose; but after great Trouble, and much Mony spent, nothing was done therein; Insomuch that the King was exceed­ingly troubled. When so it happened that Fox and Gardiner, the former being the King's Almoner, and the latter his Secretary, being at Waltham, where the Court at that time resided: They one Day invited Cranmer to Dine with them, who was come thither from Cambridge, for fear of the Plague, which raged much in that University. When in the midst of their Feasting, they demanded his O­pinion touching the King's Affair, in Relation to the Divorce. To whom he made this modest An­swer.

I cannot say much on the suddain, in so weighty a Business, which requires considerable Study and Consi­deration: But in my Opinion, seeing the King lies un­der Pressure of Mind, and is in great Trouble of Con­science, nothing can be more grievous than long De­lays, and wandering in Romish Suits, in which, whosoe­ver are once Intangled, can hardly get out of the Snares: Wherefore I think it better, that laying aside all De­lays, and Court Suits, wherein the King has been so long tossed with great Afflictions of Mind: The Judgment of Divines both in our own, and forrain Nations, and Ʋniversities be searched out, and required, which may be strengthened with the Law of God; and as they shall by God's Word prove it, Lawful, or Ʋnlawful, so let [Page 91] the King proceed, and by that means have the Cause De­termined in his own Country: Whereby he may live in lawful Matrimony with a chearful Mind, and quiet Conscience; which is much to be desired by all his faith­ful Subjects.

When he had thus spoke his Mind, they highly Approved of what he said, wishing the King had had his Advice before he sent to the Court of Rome. And the next Day they coming to the King's Presence, and he demanding what was done in his Affair, Fox recounted to him all that Cranmer had said, but Gardener would have had the Praise of it himself; yet the King would not hear him, but turning to Fox, he asked him whether Cranmer was yet in Waltham; and being given to understand he was, he immediately sent for him: Saying, He Counsels right, had I but known as much two Years since, I had not only saved infinite Expences, but had lived with a quieter Mind ere this time, then now I do.

When Cranmer was Introduced, the King de­manded if he would stand to what he had said. To which he replyed, that he would: Whereupon the King commanded him to write his Opinion, as likewise the Earl of Wiltshire to furnish him with private Lodgings, Books, and whatever he required. When Cranmer had written as he thought fit, he presented it to the King, who highly approved it, and asked him if he would make it good before the Pope: The which he undertook to do, and desired the King, that learned Men might be sent to other Universities to know their Opinions; which was accorded to, and Cranmer with the Earl of Wiltshire, sent as the King's Ambassadors to Rome, where the Pope holding forth his pontifical Toe for them to kiss, an unmannerly Spaniel of the Earls, run and [Page 92] caught it in his Mouth; after which the Ambassa­dors refused the Favour, and the Pope pulled in his Foot again.

Cranmer having made his Business known, offered to Dispute with any that would undertake to De­fend against his Opinons: Saying he would prove it Jure Divino, That a Brother ought not to Marry his Brothers Wife. But finding none that would Ar­gue in that Point; after the Pope had made him his Penitentiary he left Rome, and went into Germany, where he put the Question to those of the chiefest University, who confirmed what he had said; and he returned into England, bringing with him the O­pinions of above two hundred learned Men, who concurred with him, that the Marriage was Un­lawful.

About the same time those that the King sent in­to Italy, and other Parts returned, bringing the O­pinions of most Universities, which were coherent with the other. When as the King having kept the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury (which became Vacant by the Death of William Warham) by the Space of ten Months, upon Cranmer's Return he bestowed it on him, though he much declined it, having delay'd his Business the longer, in hopes some one or other would obtain it before his Arri­val; for he well knew that he must not only take an Oath to the Pope, but by such an Advancement incur the Envy of many, who gaped for such a Promotion: But the King pressing it upon him, he could not refuse it; yet he gave the Popes Bull into the King's Hand saying, That he would never re­ceive the chief Bishoprick of England from any, but him who was Head of England: Nor take an Oath that was derogatory to the King's Authority.

[Page 93]Being thus Invested Primate of England, he car­ried himself so Circumspect, and was so Meek, and Merciful, that it grew to a Proverb, viz. Do my Lord of Canterbury a shrewd Turn, and he will be your Friend as long as you live.

For several Years he had the whole weight of Reforming the Religion upon his Shoulders, inso­much that by Reason of the continual Resort, his House seemed rather a publick Court, than a pri­vate House. But he continued not long in this Dignity, before the Popish Serpents began to spit their Venom: Especially Gardiner, who used his utmost Diligence to bring him into Disgrace with the King: And in order to effect his wicked Pur­pose, was the chiefest Promoter of the six bloody Articles, which cost many a brave Man his Life. Nor was this all, for they often suborned Ruffians to swear Treason and Heresie against him; but God so ordered the matter, that what was objected, was but rarely Believed, and the Undertakers so dis­encouraged, that they rather brought themselves into Disgrace, than this good Bishop. Yet the King once, to try the Virtue and Patience of Cranmer, made him believe he would deliver him up to the Will of his Enemies: But when he perceived he was no ways feared to bring his Actions to the Test, and by that discerned his Innocence: He gave him his Ring, commanding him to Appeal to him, if they offered to use him Uncourteously.

Next Day he was sent for, to Appear in the Council-Chamber, to make good several Articles charged against him: But being come into the Lob­by, they made him wait almost an Hour amongst the Footmen; although himself at that time was a Privy Councellor: Of which Disgrace Dr. Buts [Page 94] the Kings Physician, giving the King to understand, he grew extream angry: Saying, Ha, do my Coun­sellors so disgracefully use the Primate of England? and thereupon he sent to command his Admittance.

When he was entred, the Council told him that it was laid to his Charge, that all England was turned from the Catholick Faith, and infected with Heresie by his means: For that by the Ex­ample of his private Devotion and Order in his Fa­mily, most of the Churches had taken Example. Whereupon he desired to see his Accusers, that he might see what Proof they could make of what they laid to his Charge, that so he might return his present Answer to what they should object against him, and thereby clear his Innocence: Saying, That it was not meet that the Primate of England, and a Privy Councellor, whose Faith was never Bubled, nor call'd in Question, should be Imprisoned be­fore he was heard; and that he believed what was said was only upon bare Suspicion: But when he perceived them resolutely bent to send him Pri­soner to the Tower, he told them that he was very sorry they would oblige him to Appeal from them­selves (who were his fellow Councellors, and from whom he expected Justice) to the King, and thereupon he delivered the King's Ring, citing them presently to appear before him, and in the mean time to suspend their Decree: Whereupon they were all struck Blanck, and the Lord Russel, who was afterwards Earl of Bedford, Said, Did not I tell you that the King would never suffer the Arch-Bishop to be Imprisoned, unless he were guilty of High Treason against his Majesty.

When they came into the Kings presence, he sharply reproved them for their so using the Arch-Bi­shop, [Page 95] saying, He expected better from them, then to let Cranmer who was one of their fellow Councel­lors, stand amongst serving-men; demanding whe­ther any of them would not have taken it for a great Affront, had they been so served, and there­upon striking himself on the Brest, he swore that he was more beholden to Cranmer then to any man Living, and that upon Tryal he had found that no Prelate whatsoever could be more faithful to his King; and therefore commanded that all that lov­ed him, should hold Cranmer in high Esteem.

Upon this they stood Mute for a while; when as the Duke of Norfolk breaking silence, said, May it please your Majesty, it was not our purpose to hurt the Arch-Bishop; but that he being kept in Custody during the Inquisition, his Innocence might be the sooner cleared, and the Aspersion laid upon his Reputation wholly obliterated. But the King An­gerly replyed, I will not have Cranmer thus handled, nor any that are dear to me, but I per­ceive some malicious Spirits amongst you, which I will (unless you be quiet) restrain by interposing my Authority. And when he had said thus much, he departed in a great Rage; upon which each Coun­cellor taking Cranmer by the hand, desired to be Friends with him, to which he easily Condescend­ed, freely forgiving them, and all others that had a­ny ways injured him.

After this, by reason that Dr. Cox and others, that were sent to Canterbury to inquire into the matter, neglected the same, and had done little or no­thing therein, as being bribed by Cranmer's Enemies. The King secretly sent Dr. Lee, impowering him to search the houses of some eminent Papists, the which he did at Mid-night, and there surprized se­veral [Page 96] Letters sent by Gardener, another to give Dire­ctions in the Management of the design, and amongst the rest, two, one from the Suffragan of Dover, and another Dr. Barber a Civilian man, whom he had not only advanced, but greatly confided in.

When these Letters were brought to the King, he sent for Cranmer and delivered them to him, bidding him now since he knew his Enemies to be­ware of them. When he was gone from the Kings presence, he sent for the Suffragan and Dr. Barber, telling them that he had been shamefully abused, by some whom he most trusted; and that they had not only revealed his inmost Counsels, but like­wise raised many false Scandals of him. Therefore he had called them to give him their advice, what was best to be done upon that occasion. Marry quoth Dr. Barber, such Villains deserve hanging, nay, hanging is too good for them. Yea, said the Suffragan, rather then they should want an Execu­tioner, I my self would be he. Upon this the Arch-Bishop lifting up his Eyes towards Heaven, said, O Lord and most merciful God, who may a man trust in these days, &c. and thereupon he demand­ed whether they knew those Letters. When per­ceiving that their Villanies were brought to Light, they fell upon their Knees, and begged his Pardon for their offences. Which he easily forgave, saying, God make you good men; I never deserved this at your hands, but ask God forgiveness, whom you have so highly offended.

And in such Conflicts continued he, against his Popish Adversaries, till the Death of King Henry, but King Edward the sixth Reigning he had more quiet, and greatly helped on the Reformation, by incouraging Godly men therein, not only with his [Page 97] Doctrine and Authority, but with his Estate. But the good King dying, his bloody Sister no sooner came to the Crown, but he was imprisoned in the Tower, refusing to fly altho he might have done it, saying, that had he been accused of Theft, Mur­der, or any other notorious Crimes, he could safely have done it: But being to Answer for his Religi­on, and the Allegiance he owed to Heaven, and concerning the Truth of the holy Scriptures, a­gainst the great opposers thereof; he would ra­ther lose his Life in defence of the Truth, then by flying out of the Kingdom, desert such a Cause.

He having continued a considerable time in the Tower, and there often Examined and perswaded to recant, but utterly refusing to hearken there­unto, he was sent to Oxford, and there after di­vers Examinations and great Promises if he would recant, he was brought before the Queens Commi­ssioners and Popes Delegates; but the Authority of the latter he would by no means own, yet they pro­ceeded to degrade and sentence him, altho he ap­pealed from the Pope, to the next general Coun­cel.

After this they carried him back to Prison, at which he seemed not at all dejected, but with a mer­ry Countenance demanded meat, having eaten no­thing the day before, saying, I was much troubled but now I thank God my heart is at quiet. After this the popish Doctors frequently visited him, and used all the Arguments they could, to perswade him to a Recantation; but he absolutely resolved for a Considerable time, but at last through Humane frailty and desire of Life, he did subscribe to a Re­cantation, but so far were his Enemies from fulfil­ling their Promise, that they hastened his Death; [Page 98] yet let him not know of it, till the Morning he was to be Executed; when as they brought him out, and set him upon a Stage for the People to gaze at, whilst Dr. Cole declared upon what Account he was brought thither, laying open for what he was Condemned: But above all told, them how he had recanted; yet his Life could not be Pardoned, for the Deaths of Sr. Thomas Moor, and Dr. Fisher could no other ways be attoned for. But the true Cause of it was, that Cardinal Pool gaped for the Arch-Bishoprick, which he could not have during the Life of Cranmer. Then they desired him publickly to Confess, what he had privately done. When as the good Bishop being greatly Afflicted, and troubled in his Conscience, for what he had done; burst out into a Flood of Tears, and after his Speech came to him; he lifted up his hands towards Hea­ven, saying; O Lord forgive me this great Sin, a­gainst thy holy Name; which through the Weak­ness of the Flesh. I have unadvisedly Committed. And then addressing himself to the People, he de­sired them for Jesus Christ sake, to pray for him; that God would pardon his Sins, and Especially that of his Recantation, which lay most heavy on his Conscience; for that he had done it contrary to the Truth that he conceived in his Heart; and a­gainst the Light of his own understanding, Satan hav­ing induced him thereto, by laying before him, the Terribleness of Death; but, say'd he, this right hand that signed so wicked an Instrument, shall first pe­rish in the Flames. He would have proceeded, but the Popish Doctors who little expected he would speak in such a Dialect, fell to Bawling so loud, and cursing him that he could not be heard further; then they pulled him down, and hurried him away [Page 99] to the Fire, which was made in the same place where Ridley and Latimer had suffered, stopping his mouth lest he should any more speak to the People; who were not a little grieved; to see the Primate of England cast down from all his Honours, and in the end so barbarously mis-used.

When he came to the Stake, he fell down on his Knees and Prayed; but was interrupted by the Papists, who followed him with his Recantation, saying, have you not signed it, have you not sign­ed it? Then he was tyed to the Stake, his cloaths being first put off, and the Fire being kindled to him, some time before it came at his Body; he stretched forth his right Hand, and held it in the Flames till it fell off, without any more then once drawing it back. And after having recommended his Spirit, into the hand of our merciful Redeemer the Lord Jesus: he dyed like a Lamb, ending his Life with the same Meekness as he had lived, suffer­ing Martyrdom for the sake of the everlasting Gos­pel. Anno Christi, 1556. and of his Age 72.

One thing more is worthy to be noted, and of all Admiration, which, that his Body being Con­sumed to Ashes, his Heart was found unsinged, un­touched, or in the least sullied in the Flame: The like had it happened to any Catholick tho dying for Treason, it had been blown over all Europe as a Miracle, and that Miracle had been enough to Saint him.

His works were these, Chatechismum Doctrinae Christi­na: He Corrected the English Translation of the Eng­lish Bible; he wrote, Ordinationes Ecclesiae Reforma­tae. De Ministris Ordinandis. De Eucharistia. Jura Ec­clesiastica con [...] ▪ Gardineri Concionem contra Tran­substantiationis Errorem. Quomodo Christus Adsit, in [Page 100] Coena. De usu Coenae Dominicae. De Oblatione Chri­sti Homilia Christiana. A Confutation of unwrit­ten Verities: Against the Popes Primacy: Against Purgatory: About Justification: Together with se­veral learned Epistles, to exhort men to be stead­fast in the Faith.

The Life of JOHN PHILPOT Martyr.

JOhn Philpot was born in Hampshire of Worship­ful Parents, and after his being fitted for the University, he was sent to New Colledg in Oxford, and there profited so much in his Studies, he was soon perfect in all the Tongues; and then betook himself to the Study of the Civil Law, and after that Divinity; being a Man of a most pregnant Wit. Yet shewing his Opinion too openly in Mat­ters of Religion, during the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, he was often in Danger by reason of the Malice of his Adversaries. Insomuch that to avoid them, he Travelled to Italy, where he was not safe neither, for by reason of the great Zeal he had for God's Holy Word, he could not forbear to speak against the Idolatries and Superstitions of the Church of Rome: Yet through the Protection of the Almighty, who reserv'd him as a chosen Vessel, to propagate the Reformation in his own Country, He at the beginning of King Edward's [Page 101] Reign arrived in England, and was shortly after his coming made Arch-Deacon of Winchester. But when the Bloody Queen Mary came to mount the Throne he lost his Place, yet continued his Title, when within a while after, a Convocation by the Queen's Command was called in St. Paul's Church, where Dr. Weston being Prolocutor, Mr. Philpot was likewise chosen by the Bishops and others of the reformed Church, to oppose the Papists in the Dis­putation: Where he so learnedly managed his Part, that he put his Adversaries to Silence; and when they perceived that no Arguments would bear them out, they threatened him with a Prison if he spoke any more; and so within a short time after, procured a Mandate from the Queen to break up the Convocation. The Prolocutor who had all along used such insolent Behaviour, as should be far from one in his place: Saying, That they were all well enough. For, say's he, we have the Sword, and you have the Word.

Within a while after there came an Order from Gardener to apprehend Mr. Philpot, which was ac­cordingly done, and he committed to Prison: And then being sent for by Dr. Story, he first Examined him, and afterwards sent him to Bonner, who put him in his Cole-House, where he found one Smith a Minister of Essex, who having been formerly there, at the Importunities of Bonner had made his Re­cantation, and was dismissed: But finding such in­ward Torments in his Conscience, that he could rest neither Day nor Night; he came to the Bishop's Register, and desired to see his Recantation, upon pretence of adding something more; but the Book was no sooner opened, but he tore it in pieces, and then immediately found ease: Yet was he appre­hended [Page 102] and carried before Bonner, who not only railed at him, but beat him with his Fist, tore off his Hair, and used many other Outrages, which he patiently indured, rejoycing at his outward Suf­ferings, and induring his Imprisonment better than his Inlargement.

Within a Day or two Mr. Philpot was sent for to appear before Bonner, who a [...]ed how he could be so Merry as to sing Psalms in such a Place, Rejoycing in his Naughtiness. Not so my Lord, said Mr. Philpot, but according to the Directions of St. Paul we rejoyce in the Lord, singing together in Hymns and Spiritual Songs; for we are in a dark and com­fortless Place, and therefore we comfort our selves as well as we can, lest as Solomon say's, Sorrow should eat up the Heart. Therefore seeing the Apostle say's, If a Man be of an upright Mind, let him sing Psalms; and we being so, I hope your Lordship will not be Angry. Then Bonner demanded his O­pinion about the Sacrament, but he replyed in the Words of St. Ambrose to the Emperor Valentinian, Tolle Legem & fiat certamen, Take away the Law and I will dispute. For should I now do it, I should bring my self into a Snare; neither do I think my­self bound to answer in Private, but if I am called to answer in Publick, as the Law shall require; I shall not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, nor the Testimony I have born of it.

Then was he again carried to the Cole-House, where he professed he slept as well upon Straw, as on a Bed of Down. Such is it to have a good Con­science, which as the wise Man saith, Is a continu­al Feast.

He being sent for again, found several Doctors and Bishops with Bonner, who were come to Exa­mine [Page 103] him; when as the Bishop of Worcester desired him to pray to God to give him Grace, that so he might conceive the Truth: Whereupon Mr. Phil­pot falling on his Knees, prayed earnestly with an audible Voice, desiring God to strengthen him to defend his Cause, as also to better his Understand­ing if he was deceived in ought: But Bonner was displeased with the Bishop for bidding him Pray: For said he, This it is, in which they take a singular Pride, and are like some Hereticks that Pliny makes mention of, who were used to sing Ante-Lucanas Hy­mans, To sing Praises before the dawning of the Day. Yes said Mr. Philpot, I beseech God of his Mercy to make all that are here present such Hereticks, for they were Godly Christians, with whom the Ty­rants of the World were offended for their Christi­an Practices, and Godly Living.

After this, the Bishops demanded if he would Recant, but he told them he would not, unless they could convince him of any Error by Scripture; but they would not Dispute, and the Conference ended, and he was Remanded to the Cole-hole, and there set in the Stocks; and within a short time after Condemned, Degraded, and sent to Newgate: When by the Way he Exhorted the People to be Constant, and Persevere in the Faith of Christ; and desired them to bless God for that Day where­in he was to suffer.

When he came to Newgate, he was put into a disconsolate Place by himself, and had Word brought him the next Morning, that he must Suffer that Day; when with a chearful Countenance he replyed, I am ready, God grant me Strength, and a joyful Resurrection. And after his having reti­red a while to Pray, he came forth, and was Con­veyed [Page 104] into Smithfield, where he no sooner came but he fell on his Knees, and with a loud Voice cryed, I will pay my Vows in thee O Smithfield. Then ri­sing up he Kissed and Imbraced the Stake; saying, Shall I disdain to suffer at this Stake, when my Lord and Saviour refused not to Suffer a most vile Death for me? And so after having pow'red out his Soul to God, he suffered himself to be bound with the Chain; and when the Fire was kindled, he com­mended his Spirit into the Hands of the Father of all Spirits, and patiently gave up the Ghost. Suf­fering Martyrdom Anno Christi 1555. and of his Age about forty nine.

The Life of PHILIP ME­LANCTHONE.

PHilip Melancthone was born in the lower Palati­nate, at a Place called Bretta, Anno Christi 1497, where by his Parents he was sent to School; from whence, when he had much profited in Learning, he went to Hedleberg, where he became a Tutor to Count Leonstius's Sons, & Commenced Batchelor of Arts when he was but fourteen Years of Age. When he had studied there three Years, being denyed the Commencement of Master of Arts by reason of his Youth, he departed thence to Tubinge Anno 1512, where he began to Study the Scriptures, and apply himself to Expound several difficult Places; yet [Page 105] by the Perswasion of the Monks and Fryers, he was prevailed with, to consent to the Superstition of the Times, as himself Confesses; when he saith, I cannot but Tremble to think what blind Devoti­on I paid to Images, whil'st I was a Papist. Yet as it appears, he continued not long in such Er­rors before God opened his Eyes, and Inlightened his Understanding, that so he might walk in the Paths of Truth: For about the Year 1518, Luther mightily opposing the Pope in Saxony, he went to the University of Wintenberg, and there Conversing with some of the Ministers of the Reformed Church, he soon shook off the Egyptian Bondage, and thereupon that Darkness that had so long be­nighted his Soul was dispelled: When as he labou­red so abundantly in Confuting Errors, and Preach­ing the Gospel; that Erasmus writes thus of him. Philip Melancthone, say's he, Is a most Excellent and Learned Grecian; he is a Youth and Stripling if we consider his Age, but one of us, if we look upon his Va­riety of Knowledg almost in all Books: I pray Christ this young Man may live amongst us, &c.

He had not continued long there, before Fre­derick Duke of Saxony having Knowledg of his great Learning and Virtue, greatly Extolled him, and gave him such Incouragement as was convenient. The Year after his coming thither, he accompanied Luther to Lipswich, where he Disputed with Ecci­us the Popish Lawyer; who altho he contemned him for his Youth, yet Philip so learnedly Dispu­ted against him, that he put him to Silence, Con­futing him of many palpable Errors in the Do­ctrine of the Church of Rome.

The Year following he betook him to Expound the Epistles of St. Paul to the Romans, which Lu­ther [Page 106] caused to be Printed without his Knowledg: And when the Divines of Paris had Condemned Luther's Doctrine and Books, Philip wrote an A­pology in Luther's Behalf against their rash De­cree.

In the Year 1522, he caused his common Places, and his Commentaries on both the Epistles to the Corinthians to be Printed and Published: As like­wise in the Year following, his Annotations upon Genesis; together with some other useful Treatises. He wrote an Epitomy of Ecclesiastick Doctrine, and turned the Proverbs of Solomon into Latin, and wrote a Preface to the Psalms and Lamentations; and in the Anabaptist war, commonly called the War with the Clowns, he Confuted by many convincing Arguments the Unlawfulness of such Proceedings; and wrote against their Articles, whereby they In­deavoured to Justify their Rebellious Practices.

Anno 1527, He was Imployed in Visiting and Reforming the Churches in Saxony, wherein he continued till the Year 1529, when as the Elector of Saxony took him with him to the Convocation of Spire, where by the Consent of the Protestant Princes, he drew up a Confession of Faith, which he did with great Pains and Exactness: The which they presented to the Emperor Charles the First.

In the Year 1534. Henry the Eighth of England, having abolished the Popes Supremacy, sent for Melancthone to establish the Church, according to the Reformation that was then finished in the Ger­man Churches: But he refused it, as appears by part of a Letter he wrote to Camerarius; which take as followeth.

Perhaps (says he) many things are reported amongst you, concerning England, that it now lyes open for the [Page 107] Reception of the Religion, of the purer Doctrine; but I have Intelligence from a good hand, that the King hath a great Care of the Affairs of the Church; only this good comes of it, his Rejecting the Popes Authority, that for the Present, no Cruelty is used towards those that are desirous of a better Doctrine.

About this time, by reason of Luther's Sickness, all the Care of the Church lay upon him; the which he so well managed, that the true Light of saving Knowledge, began to spread it's Rays into most of the Corners of Germany: He being about to go to Hagenaw, he made his Will and left it with Mr. Cruciger, at which time he fore-seeing his Sick­ness, which in a short time after befell him, he wrote this Verse.

Which may be Englished thus,

In this journey he fell extreme sick, but by Gods Providence, and the indeavours of his Physicians he soon recovered, and proceeded to the place in­tended; where he held a long Dispute with that Eccius, so often mentioned; in which Eccius pro­posed so many subtil Arguments, that Melancthone ei­ther not thinking it Convenient to Answer them at that time, or that he was not fitly prepared on that occasion answered: Cras tibi respondebo, I will Answer you [...]o morrow. At which the Vain-glorious Eccius replyed, That it was little to his Credit, that he could not Answer presently. But Melancthone being [Page 108] of a mild Nature, replyed, Sir, I seek not mine own Glory in this Business, but the Truth; to morrow, God willing, you shall hear farther.

When the Wars brake out in Germany, he plain­ly fore-saw in a Dream, the Captivity of the Lantgrave of Hess, and Elector of Saxony, long time before they were taken Prisoners, by the Im­perialists: And the next day after he had so dream­ed, a Messenger came to Prince Maurice, to deliver him up; but the Prince refused it, upon which the Emperor grew exceeding Angry; and for that, and some other denials he had received, he resolved to invade Saxony. Which he did accordingly with a pu­issant Army, this made Melancthone much bewail the Calamity, occasioned by the furious Papists, who had sworn to Root out all the Protestants. But Hea­ven prevented them, altho they did much Mischief, and made great slaughter.

After his Return to Wittenberg, the Plague broke out, upon which the University removed to Tor­gaw, whither he came, and there received News of the Death of his Wife, at which he only said; Farewel Kate, I shall follow thee ere long. This by most was looked upon to proceed, from his wonderful Patience, for he loved her above all Earthly things.

After his coming thither, he had many Disputes with the Popish party, both by Words and Writ­ing. The last Lecture that he read, he took his Text out of the Prophet Isaiah, in these Words; Lord who hath believed our Report? After which he fore seeing his Death at hand, yet at that time he was in good Health, he used often, and upon several Occasions to repeat these Words.

Englished thus, ‘So do I daily rise from Bed, to Pray.’

A while after this, he was sent for by the E­lector of Saxony to Lipsich: In order, to Examine those that were maintained there by the Elector to study Divinity. In which imployment, he used great diligence for several years, and after he had done what was Convenient, he returned to Winter­berg; and there fell sick of a Feaver, of which he shortly after dyed.

During his Sickness, there was a dreadful Prodi­gy seen in the Air over the City, which was five Rods bound together; two of which after half an Hours Continuance Vanishing, but the other three continued turning their Branches towards the North: Of which, when Melancthone was Informed, he break out into these Word; What a gracious God have we, that rather chuses to give us Fatherly Correction with Rods, than to destroy us with Swords; and I fear a Dearth will follow.

Sickness daily increased, yet he so far strove a­gainst the Power of his Disease, that he would often rise to his Study. Yet at last, Death which Con­quers all, Conquer'd this good man: The last Words that he spake, were to his Son-in-Law Dr. P [...]cer, who, when he asked him what he would have, he replyed; Nothing but Heaven, therefore trouble me no more with speaking to me: After this he lying silent, whilst the Ministers prayed by him, he gave up the Ghost, Anno Christi, 1560. and in [Page 110] the sixty third year of his Age, having been a con­stant Preacher of the Gospel, for the space of for­ty two years: In which, he converted by his Do­ctrine, and Writings, no less, from the Popish to the Protestant Religion, then twelve Cities, and a hundred Villages. He wrote many Books, some of which the Papists burnt, and the rest are as yet Ex­tant. He was a man of singular Learning, Tem­perance, and Piety; his Death being greatly La­mented by all good Christians.

The Life of PETER MARTYR.

PEter Martyr, was by Birth a Florentine: Born at Vermile, Anno Christi, 1500. of Honourable Parents. Who during his Minority trained him up in Learning, and gave him such pious Instructions, as by his Improvement, compleated him for the Sacred study of the Holy Scripture: When he was grown up they put him to School, to the best Masters that Age afforded; under whom, when he had pro­fited to Admiration, he began to consider the many Vanities of the World, and to be more studious of his Eternal Welfare. Whereupon he resolved to withdraw himself, from Humane Society; and to Live a more retired Life. Whereupon not being above sixteen years of Age, he entered into a Mo­nastery of regular Cannons of St. Augustine, in [Page 111] Fessuala, a little Town not far distant from the Ci­ty of Florence: Altho much against the will of his Parents.

Being thus entered, he applyed himself duly to Study, making use of such Books as the Library of that Monastry would afford; where in three Years he became famous in the Knowledg of Divine Things, even to the Admiration of all his Fel­lows.

A while after he went to Padua, where entring into a Monastry of the same Order, he continued his Studies for almost the space of eight Years, greatly Profiting in the Rules of Philosophy, to the Study of which he much addicted himself, Translating some Books of Aristotle out of the Original Greek into Latin.

When he was twenty six Years of Age, the Heads of the Monastery Elected him one of the Preachers, in which Station he continued a conside­rable time, and was so great a Proficient therein, that he soon grew Famous: So that having Com­menced Dr. of Divinity, he Travelled to Rome, Bononia, Frimum, Pisa, Venice, Mantua, Bergamum, Mount-Ferrat, and other Cities of Italy; where he Preached and Expounded the Ecclesiastical Ca­ [...]ons, getting himself by such means great Esteem amongst the Learned.

At Bononia he learned the Hebrew Tongue, and Translated the New Testament out of the Origi­nal: So that in a short time he was Created Abbot of Spoleta, where he behaved himself so prudent­ly, that he won the Love of all the People in that City. He likewise put an end to the many Factions and Differences, that were wont to happen not on­ly there, but throughout all the Province, which [Page 112] was not a little Joy to all good Men: By reason great Mischiefs had happ'ned by Intestine Cryes that those Feuds had occasioned; and altho many of his Predecessors had undertaken to Reconcile the tem­pestuous Spirits, or Heads of the Factious, their Labours proved Inefectual.

He also Rectified, and much Reformed the Er­rors of the Monks, and sharply reproved them for their detestable Practices, insomuch that he reduced all things to a happy State, during the time he con­tinued there, which was but three Years; at the end of which he was removed to Naples, and there Constituted Governour of the great Colledg, which is a place of much Esteem.

Here he having more Leisure than formerly, began seriously to Expound, and Unridle the dark and mysterious Places of Scripture: Which by the more than ordinary Assistance of the Divine Spi­rit, he did so effectually, that by that Light he be­gan to discern the Errors of the Romish Church; and having private Access to some of the Reform­ed Ministers, he was so confirmed in his Opinion, that he had been trained up in a false Religion; that he did not spare openly to Dispute against ma­ny of the Popish Canons: Which procured him some Hatred from such as feared the loss of their Incom's by the Removal of such Ceremonies: And so far did he proceed, that at last he obtained the pure Light and Knowledg of the Gospel, and se­cretly Converted many noble Persons to the Re­formed Religion, and openly wrote against the Tradition of Purgatory, which the first Inventor grounded upon the Words of St. Paul, 1. Cor. 3.13, 14. Every Mans Works shall be made Manifest, for the Day shall declare it, because it shall be Revealed by [Page 113] Fire, &c. This Fire he proves to be no other than the Operation of the Holy Spirit in the Con­science of Men, which as Fire trieth the Silver, so by that means shall Mens Deeds be tryed, and the Dross separated from the Ore. Yet this so inrag­ed the Papists, that they procured him to be Su­spended, and his Lectures put down.

Whereupon he Appealed to the Pope, offering to prove his Doctrine to be according to Scripture; and so prevailed by the Assistance of his Friends, that he was again restored altho to the great Grief of his Adversaries: But had not long been Re-established before he fell Sick, so that many despaired of his Recovery: Yet God who had Re­served him as a chosen Vessel to make his Church Re­joyce; delivered him from the Jaws of Death, to the great Comfort of his Friends, and Grief of his Adversaries.

He was no sooner recovered, but he was made Visitor-General, and within a short time after, Pri­or of the Monastery of Luca, where he so well behaved himself, that he gained the good Will of all honest Men there. He greatly encouraged Learning, and had a great number of learned Men as his Pensioners, on whom he freely bestowed such things as were convenient, and encouraging them all he could to promote the Knowledg of the Gospel.

Whil'st he stayed at Luca, Charles the Fifth, Emperor of Germany, Pope Paul the Third, and Cardinal Contarene the Pope's Legate came thither, the latter being entertained by Peter Martyr. When as the Pope understanding his Inclination to the reformed Religion, he used all Endeavours to find some occasion of Quarrel against him, the which [Page 114] he thought not fit to do, unless upon good Grounds, because he knew he was greatly beloved of all the People, both Noble, and Ignoble; and therefore to try how they stood affected, ere he waded too far in their Displeasure, he caused a Fryer belong­ing to the Monastery of which Peter was Prior, to be arrested and cast in Prison, as being a Favourer of the reformed Doctors; which the People took so hainously (as well knowing he was an honester Man, and better Christian than the Pope) that they broke open the Prison and took him thence, but he being afterwards apprehended, was sent to Rome, and there put to Death: And after that the Poplings used all Diligence to bring Martyr into Disgrace, and many times laid wait to murther him, insomuch that fearing he should one Day fall by the Malice of his Enemies, he resolved to de­part secretly; whereupon he called together seve­ral of his trusty Friends, and told them what he intended, desiring them to send the best part of his Library after him into Germany; which they promised, and accordingly performed.

After he had made his Escape, he went to Visit the Universities of Germany, and at last came to Strasburg, which some time before had embraced the reformed Religion; and there he became a Greek Professor, Instructing and Training up many Youths: He also wrote to the Senators of Luca, to perswade them to embrace the true Doctrine of the Gospel, and not be any longer led in Ignorance, with vain and superstitious Errors: Shewing like­wise the Cheats and wicked Practices of such as pretended to strictness of Life in Monasteries, and such like Places.

And now having utterly renounced Popery, he [Page 115] joyned himself to the Doctors of the reformed Church, and wrote sharply against the Papists, which inraged them the more. Whilst he continu­ed at Strasbourg, which was for five Years, he held a Divinity-Lecture, and expounded the Scrip­tures; being always very Charitable to such as stood in need of his Assistance. Here also, by the Perswasion of his Friends, he Married one Katherine Damp Mortin, a Virgin, descended of a noble Fa­mily; who accompanying him into England, dyed after she had been eight Years married. In the time of Queen Mary, her Body being dug up, was buried in a Dunghil by the Command of Car­dinal Pool, who alledged that she was Buryed too [...]ar the Body of St. Frideswide, and that for such a Contempt, such Usage was but Just. But in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth her Corps were taken thence, and that old fashioned St. buryed in her Room.

In the Reign of King Edward the Sixth, at the earnest Request of the King, he came into Eng­land, being nobly entertained by Arch-Bishop C [...]anmer, the Duke of Summerset then Lord Pro­tector, and many others: So that after having assisted in Setling Religion, he went to Oxford, and there became a Professor of Divinity, and expound­ed the Scriptures to the People, so that his Fame soon spread into the utmost Corners of the Land, which made the Papists greatly Displeased, inso­much that several of the popish Doctors often pro­voked him to Disputations; in which he always overcame them, as having the Truth on his Side.

But that sufficed not; for when they found that they could not overcome him by Arguments, they endeavoured it by Force, often raising Tumults, [Page 116] and thereby endangering his Life; yet wanted he not such Friends as encouraged him to proceed in the great Work of Reformation, being ever back­ed by Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, and Hooper, and so continued in England all the Reign of pious King Edward. But when the Blood-thirsty Queen once got the Reins of Government, and true Religion was suppressed, his Lectures ceased, and he Lived more retire with his Friends, encouraging and strengthening them to persevere in the Faith, and true Religion they had received: And amongst the rest Arch-Bishop Cranmer, who began some­what to waver in his Opinion, ever after confes­sed that Martyr had Confirmed him.

When several Godly Men were Imprisoned, and the Persecution grew hot; it was debated in the Queen's Council, whether Martyr should be Impri­soned or not, by reason he had done much harm by his Innovations, as they pretended; but it ap­pearing that he came over upon the publick Faith, it was concluded that he should be safely dismissed, and thereupon the Queen gave him her Letters of safe Conduct, strictly commanding him to depart the Kingdom: To which he was obedient. Yet such was the Malice of his Enemies, that they fol­lowed him to the Ship, and held a Consult whe­ther they should pull him out, and cast him into Pri­son, or not. But God prevented their wicked De­sign, by sending a Wind, that immediately bore a­way the Vessel to Antwerp; and he landing there, safely Travelled through many Cities and Towns, till at last he came to Stratbourg, where he was re­ceived with much Joy of his Friends, though there he wanted not some Enemies who gave him many Disturbances all the time of his Stay there.

[Page 117]From thence he removed to Zurick, where he held firm Friendship with Mr. Bullenger, which he continued till the day of his Death.

In this City, he so far gained the Love of all men, that he was made free of the same; and now it being a Considerable time, since he buried his first Wife, he bethought himself of taking another: Whereupon by the advice of his Friends, he mar­ried one Catherine Marenda, a Vertuous Gentle­woman: Who for Religions sake had fled the French Persecution, and was come to Live at Ge­neva.

About this time, he was called to the Pastor-ship of the Italian Church at Geneva, but such was his Love to those of Zurick, that notwithstanding the many Entreaties that were used to perswade him to embrace so great a Benefit, he would not accept thereof; but chose rather to continue with his tryed Friends, then to adventure amongst Stran­gers, altho, he was never backward in any thing that might promote the true worship of God, as appears by his Voluntary going into France. At the Disputation held between the Ministers of the re­formed Religion and the Leaguers; appointed to be held at Poitou, before the Kings of France and Navar, the two Queens, the Prince of Conde, and Admiral of Cologne; Where he and his Fellows, so managed the matter, that they obliged their Adversaries to Confess, that they were in the Right; and to Con­sent to the signing many Articles repugnant to the Church of Rome. Of which the popish Bishops grie­vously Complained, saying; That their Disputants, had betrayed their Trusts; and that they would by no means accord to what they had done. Whereupon Mar­tyr desired leave to depart, which he obtained, and [Page 118] so returned to Zurick. Where he was received with great Joy, yet being worn out with Travel, and daily Study he after a while fell sick, when call­ing together the Principal Pastors of the Church, he made to them, an excellent Confession of his Faith, Concluding, This is my Faith, and they that teach otherwise, to the withdrawing men from God, God will de­stroy them. And so taking his Leave of all his Friends, after having made his Will he gave up the Ghost, Anno Christi, 1562. and of his Age sixty two, leav­ing behind him a lasting Fame, which Age can never consume.

After his Death, his Friend Theodorus Beza, wrote this Epigram to his Praise.

The Life of JOHN CALVIN.

JOhn Calvin, was Born at Noviodune, a City of France, Anno 1509. His Fathers name being Gerard, and his Mothers Joanna; both of Godly life, and Living in great Esteem, amongst the Ci­tizens their Neighbours.

[Page 119]So soon as our John was grown to be capable of Learning, he was sent to Paris and there instruct­ed. And such Literature as the Schools of that City could afford: Insomuch that he greatly profited, being desirous of knowledge in Sacred things, he applyed himself to the Study of the Scriptures, al­tho his Father was more inclinable, to have him a Student of the Laws.

In a short time after, taking degree of Master of Arts, he was preferred to a Benifice: Being con­stituted Rector of Bishops-bridge, near the City of Noviodune. Where he taught according to the Tra­ditions of the Church of Rome, for several years still increasing in Learning; till at last falling into the acquaintance of a reformed Minister, called Pe­ter Robert Olivitian, he began by the continual Conversation he had with this good man, to see into the Errors of the Romish Church, by the pure light of the Gospel: Insomuch that plainly perceiv­ing most part of the Romish Traditions, and Su­perstitious Ceremonies, repugnant to the Word of God, he began to bethink with himself, that seeing he had so long lived in Error, it was now high time to embrace the Truth; and thereupon more seriously consulting his Friend, he resolved to renounce the Popish Religion, and joyn with the Ministers of the reformed Church: Whereupon he secretly departed to Orleance, and there joyning himself to Peter Stella, who read a Lecture in that City, he in a short time grew famous, having many that resorted to him for Sacred Consolation.

In this place, he wholly applyed himself to the Study of the Scriptures, and therein profited Ex­ceedingly; and after having continued here for the space of six Months, he departed for the Univer­sity [Page 120] of Biturg, where he became a Greek Professor, and Preached several Sermons, at an adjacent Town called Liveria.

After he had stayed a while at Bitury, and gotten great Applause, for his singular Piety and Learn­ing, he went to Paris; where he associated himself, with the Professors of the reformed Religion. But he had not been here long, before the Papists began to find an Alteration in his Life, and Conversation, and thereby fearing (what indeed had happened) that he was fallen from the Church of Rome, they more narrowly observed him, seeking all occasions of Quarrel against him; yet he was not at all daunt­ed, altho some endeavoured to take his Life. But like a Palm Tree, the more they strove to depress him, the more he grew in Reputation with all Good men. And having attained the Perfection of humane Learning, he went to Paris, and there studied Divinity; Accompanying himself, for the most part with Stephen Forgeus a Godly Christian; who was afterwards put to Death for his Religion, by the Papists.

About this time, Nicholas Cope, being Lector of the University of Paris, When on All-Saints day he made his Oration, he greatly insisted on the Purity of Religion, when as the use was upon such oc­casions, to tell stories of the Miracles, done by such and such Saints; and to Extoll them, to the Won­dering Crowd. But this he did at the Instance of Calvin, which the Sorbonists having notice of, were much displeased, and cited him to appear before them; But being advised by his Well-wishers to the contrary, and finding by daily Experience, that he laid Snares for him, he secretly left France, and went to Basil. Where he had likewise fallen into [Page 121] Danger, had not the Queen of Navar delivered him, and Dis-countenanced his Adversary; but he finding that place unsafe, departed to Xanton: where at the request of several Godly Christians, his Friends, he wrote several Heads of Christian Reli­gion, most necessary to Salvation, and caused them to be dispersed amongst the People; which gave many so clear a Light, that with less Difficulty, they were able to perceive the Errors, they had for­merly Lived in, and to find the way that Leads to Life. Yet here he rested not long, before the Ma­lice of the Papists pursued him. But the good Queen of Navar, who ever was his Friend, sent him with a Conduct to a Town, that was under her Juris­diction. Where he continued with great Applause for many days, and afterwards went to Paris; where he continued till the Persecution arose, pro­moted by the Papists, wherein several were in Prison, and starved to Death, many put to grie­vous Torments, and eight burnt alive, at a solemn Procession: Wherein King Francis and his Chil­dren assisted, the King swearing that he would not spare his dearest Child, if he found him infected with damned Heresie, as he then called the true and sincere preaching of the Gospel.

This Persecution, made Mr. Calvin have regard to the words of our blessed Saviour, when he said, if they Persecute you in one City, slee to another. And therefore leaving Paris, he went to Orleance; where he published a Book, to confute the Errors of those who had long since received a false Opini­on, that the Soul slept after it was seperated from the Body. And then he journied to Xanton, and within a while to Basil; when in the way his Ser­vant who carried his Money, being well mount [...]d, [Page 122] Rid away from him, and left him in great necessity, till God raised him up Friends to relieve him.

Being come to Basil, he associated himself with the reformed Ministers he found there, as the famous Grynaeus, Wolfgang, and Capito, men of excellent Piety and Learning; here also he studied the Hebrew Tongue, and as much as in him lay concealed himself; but upon the coming forth of his Institu­tions, the Papists that remained there, began to guess who was the Author.

By this time the Protestant Princes of Germany, had heard of the Cruelty of King Francis, and sent their Deputies to reprove him, for using such Cru­elty towards the People of God. But he excused him­self in saying, that they were only a few Head­strong Anabaptists, that sought to make Innovations in his Kingdom. Whereupon Mr. Calvin wrote a Book, and dedicated it to the King; wherein he declared, who were true Christians, and who were not; But whether the King ever read it, or not, it is uncertain. When being desirous to visit the Dutchess of Ferrara, Daughter of Lewis, the twelfth King of France; a Woman singular for the Love of Piety, and a great Encourager of Learned men: He went into Italy, and was received by her with inexpressible Joy. And having continued in her Court for some time, prevailed with her, to suffer him to depart, which she consenting to, he de­parted for Geneva: Where he no sooner arrived, but he was compelled to stay there by the Ministers of the Church; and had offered him, either to Preach publickly to the People, or to be Divinity-Professor: The latter of which he embraced. Whereupon he applyed his utmost diligence, to reform such things as were amiss, not by his own Opinions, but [Page 123] of the Scriptures, to the general content of all good men, and such remainders of popish Superstition, as were left unpurged, he by his great Pains and Industry removed. He likewise opposed himself a­gainst the Ana-baptists, that sought to hinder the Reformation, and to stir up the People to Muti­ny, and so well setled the Affairs of the Church by his Prudence, and Conduct, that he overthrew the Devices of certain Hereticks, who began to Poyson the People with their Erroneous Opinions; and by the Prayers of the Church against them; So that their Ring-leader was smitten by the hand of God, and dyed of many grievous Ulcers.

About this time, there being many of the refor­med Church in France, who yet for fear went to hear popish Mass, conceiving an Opinion, that al­tho they were personally at that Worship, and yet retained their proper Religion in their Hearts, it was no sin. But to these, Mr. Calvin wrote two Epistles, telling them that by such means Satan had a great advantage over them, and that if they were asham­ed to own and profess Christ openly before men, he would not own them before his Father, and the holy Angels, and by this means he so Animated many of them, that they professing their Religion openly, and opposing the Popish Idolatries, were Condemned, and sealed their Testimonies with their Blood.

After this, Mr. Calvin bent all his Endeavours to establish a set Form of Religion, in the Genevan Church, and for that end he drew up certain Heads of Religion: And so far prevailed with the Senate and People as to swear to them, altho some rigid Papists greatly opposed his Proceeding.

This was no sooner done, but the Ana-baptists [Page 124] began to stir up the Faction, as likewise one Peter Caroli a Heretick, who by his Blasphemies and wicked Doctrine, drew many into foul Errors, which caused the Synod at Berne to Condemn him as a Deceiver of the People: Which caused him to de­part to Mediomatrice, and there used his utmost Endeavours to root out the Professors of the Gos­pel: But failing of his Purpose, he went to Rome, where being rejected, and becoming destitute of Friends; through Poverty and many noisom Di­seases he ended his wretched Life.

About this time, notwithstanding the Endea­vours of Mr. Calvin, and many other good Men, a Sedition sprung up in the City of Geneva; for se­veral of the Chief, envying each others Greatness, as being privately accended by the Popish Priests in religious Guise, several Tumults happened in which many were hurt: The which Mr. Calvin well perceived would tend to great Mischief, if it were not in time alay'd; wherefore he and the rest of the Godly Ministers, opposed themselves against the most Resolute, declaring that unless they ceased their Feudes, and laid aside all Enmity between themselves, he did not think it meet to Administer the Holy Sacrament to them; which made many of them contemn him as a Man that sought the whole Power of the Ecclesiastical Affairs.

About this time a Difference happened between those of Geneva and Bern about Administring the Sacrament; the former doing it with plain Bread, and the latter with Wafers, the former abolished all Holydays, unless the Sabbath, when as the o­ther held it necessary to observe the several Tides; and thereupon Mr. Calvin and the rest of the Mini­sters were Accused by the Factious as the Causers [Page 125] of such Division; which they Understanding, de­sired to be heard, but could not obtain their Re­quests: And it being urged that they had proudly refused to Administer the Sacrament to such as re­quired it, a Decree passed for their Banishment, the which, when it came to the Hands of Mr. Cal­vin; he said, Well if I had served Man I should have had but an ill Reward, but it is good that I have served him, who doth always perform to his Servants that which he hath once Promised.

Mr. Calvin being thus banished, goes to Zurick: But before his Departure, such was his Fatherly Care, that he provided fit Pastors to feed the Ge­nevan Flock, lest in his Absence the Romish Wolves should break in and Destroy what he by his Labour and Industry had Planted.

During his Absence, the rest of the Helvetian Churches, laboured with the Genevans for his Re­admission, but they at present refusing it; he went to Bazil, from thence to Strasbourg, where he met with Bucer, Hedio, and Capito, all famous Preachers of the Gospel, who greatly rejoyced in his Com­pany; and by their means he was chosen Divinity Professor, and all the while took care of his Flock at Geneva, by often writing to them to strengthen them, and vindicate their Cause against such Po­pish Doctors as in his Absence sought to traduce them. He being now somewhat at Leisure, wrote many Divine Tracts, which he sent to the Churches, the better to Inable them to resist their Spiritual Enemies: And when as Strode dyed, Mr. Calvin by the Consent of his Friends Married his Widow, a most Vertuous and Chast Woman; after which he went as an Assistant to the Diets of Worms and Ratisbone Assembled by the Emperor Charles, [Page 126] the fifth for composing Differences in Religion; and so continued, till those that had procured the Decree of his Banishment from the City of Geneva, were dead; and then the Citizens sent to Strasbourg to desire him and Mr. Farell to return, expressing the earnest Desire they had to see them; but the Citizens of Strasbourg were by no means willing to lose their Company, and Mr. Calvin himself shewed the like Unwillingness to leave them, see­ing he had received such great Kindnesses at their Hands: But in the end, the Genevans so far pre­vailed, that upon the Senate's signing a Decree for their Return again to Strasbourg, Bucer prevailed with the Citizens to let Calvin go thither; where he was received with all imaginable Expressions of Joy: And such was their desire of Detaining him, that they never left urging the Senate till they had got the Decree of his Returning to Strasbourg re­versed: And now being again setled in pastoral Charge of Geneva, he continued to Confute Here­ticks, Papists, and Stirrers up of Sedition; to heal Breaches and Division, being Couragious even in the worst of times, and as an undaunted Champi­on of Christ not to follow his Standard till Death, who Conquers all, Conquered him; for having made his will, he received the Sacrament, and earnestly Prayed for the Churches. He on the Se­venth of May, Anno Christi 1562, yielded up his Spirit into the Hands of his Maker, dying in the 55 Year of his Age: The loss of such a Piller of the Church causing no small Grief.

His Funeral Solemnities were performed at the Charge of the Senate, almost all the City being present; he being Buried, as himself desired, in the Church Yard, where a stately Tomb was Erect­ed to his Memory.

The Life of JOHN JEWEL Bishop of Sarum.

JOhn Jewel was Born in Devonshire at the Town of Buden Anno Domini 1522, of Eminent Pa­rents, who desirous of his Promotion as to eter­nal Happiness, brought him up in Learning to the highest Degree, and especially in the Knowledg of the Scriptures, which are able to make us Wise unto Salvation.

When he was thirteen Years of Age, he was sent to Oxford, and there entered into Merton Col­ledg, where under the Tuition of Dr. Parkhurst he so well Profited, that all admired his ready Wit and Promptitude. When not finding such Conveni­encies for Study as were Requisite, he removed to Corpus Christi Colledg, and after a short Entrance (having Commenced Batchellor of Art) he was Chosen Humanity Lecture Reader, which he so ex­cellently mannaged, that his aforesaid Tutor com­ing one Day to hear him, after he had made an end Saluted him thus.

Englished thus;

[Page 128]And thus continuing in the Reign of King Henry, during the Suppression of the Popes, he Commen­ced Master of Arts, and then began more and more to discover his Inclination to the Reformed Religi­on, insomuch that the Dean of his Colledg taking Occasion to Discourse with him, declared to him thus, I should Love thee Jewel if thou wert not a Zu­inglian. I hold thee an Heretick; but surely in thy Life thou art an Angel, for good and honest is thy Conversation, but yet thou art a Lutheran.

When Queen Mary came to the Crown, he was Expell'd the Colledg by reason he refused to be Con­formable to the Superstitions of the Romish Church; yet such was the Love of Learned Men to­wards him, that he was chosen Orator of the Uni­versity: Yet such was the Malice of his Popish E­nemies; that they sought by all Means to take his Life, and therefore pressed him to Subscribe to several Articles, which he consenting to, after­wards Recanted, and thereupon was forced to fly the Kingdom, and wander Forlorn and Comfortless in forrain Parts, induring great Extremity, both of Hunger and Cold: But such was God's Goodness towards this Pious Man, that at last Arriving at Frankfort he found kind Entertainment, where be­ing Admitted to Preach to a Congregation; he in these Words Expressed his Sorrow, for his Sub­scribing to the Popish Articles. It was my abject cowardly Mind, and faint Heart, that caused my weak Hand to Commit this Wickedness: Which Confession of his moved Pitty in the Hearers.

When he had continued at Frankfort a conside­rable time, he went to Strasbourg, and from thence to Zurick, whither many of the English had fled from the M [...]rean Persecution, whom he greatly [Page 129] Encouraged and Relieved according to his Ability, and Incited others to do the like; and being ac­companied with Peter Martyr, he spent most of his Time during his Exile, in Reconciling Differences that happened amongst the Ministers of the Re­formed Churches, touching Points of Religion; and his usual Consolation to his Countrymen was, Bear a while with these Miseries, and ere long they will be over-past.

After the Death of Queen Mary, he returned into England, and Queen Elizabeth Reigning, he was soon received under her Princely Protection, being appointed one of the Disputants about Points of Religion; and that once past, he was sent into the West to Visit the Churches, where he used his utmost Diligence to Establish the true Religion, and so prevailed, that by the Grace of God he Converted many hundreds to the way of Saving Knowledg: When upon his Return, he Preached at Paul's Cross, taking his Text the 1. of Cor. 11.23. For I received of the Lord that which also, I de­livered unto you, &c. Out of which, he Proved the Purity of the Reformed Religion, and the Errors of the Church of Rome, insomuch that he gained upon several obstinate Papists to Embrace the Pro­testant Religion. He was a Man very Charitable to the Poor, and spared no Pains to do Good.

In his Family he kept such a strict Observance of Religion, that every Evening at eight of the Clock, he was wont to call upon his Servants to perform their Duty to Heaven, and then going to Bed, some one of his Chaplains were wont to Read o­ver part of the Lives of the Fathers, or some other Godly Author; which ended, he would Recom­mend himself to the Protection of the Almighty, and so Repose himself.

[Page 130]He was a Man of such a singular Memory, that he used to say, Had he once premeditated any Ora­tion, altho a thousand Persons made never such a Clamour, he could Repeat it, and not in the least be Interrupted with their Noise.

In his Sickness, going to Preach, he was desired by a Gentleman to return home; the Gentleman alledging that one Sermon was better to be lost, than by his Impairing his Health to lose so good a Pastor: But his Reply was, that it best became a Bishop to dye Preaching in a Pulpit, that his great Master the Lord Jesus's Words might be fulfilled, who say's, Happy art thou my Servant, if when I come I find thee so doing. And thus continued this good Man, till his Sickness encreasing, and Nature visibly decaying in him, he was obliged to take his Bed; and so far was he from fearing Death, that he rather desired, as longing to enter his Masters Joy, often repeating the Words of old Simeon: Lord, now lettest thou thy Servant depart in Peace, for mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation. When as one standing by prayed for his Recovery, which he hearing, said, I have not so lived that I am ashamed to live longer, neither do I fear to dye, because we have a merciful Lord; a Crown of Righteous­ness is laid up for me, Christ is my Righteousness. Father, let thy Will be done, thy Will I say, and not mine, which is Depraved and Imperfect; this Day let me quickly see the Lord Jesus. And so in a certain and assured Hope of Everlasting Happiness, he resigned his Spirit into the Hands of his Re­deemer; Dying Anno Christi 1571. and of his Age Fifty.

The Life of HENRY BULLINGER.

HEnry Bullinger was Born at a Town in Helvetia called Bremogart, Anno Christi 1504, coming of Honourable Parents, whose noble Progenitors had long flourished in those Parts; and in his Child­hood having escaped many eminent Dangers, he was sent to Embrick, where under several School-Masters he greatly Profited in Learning, especially in the Knowledg of the Scriptures, continuing his Studies with great Eagerness: When being desi­rous to enter into a strict way of Living, he was several times about to enter into a Monastery of Carthusians, yet first he took time to debate on the Matter, and coming to Cologne, where he had Ac­cess to the Library of the Predicants, he Read the Lives of the Fathers, and Modern Divines: When finding all their Rules and Methods were taken from the Scripture, he left the Stream to take a View of the Fountain; and by seriously Con­sidering those Holy Pages, he at last found that they were altogether Repugnant to the Errors and Superstitions of the Romish Church; whereupon he altered his Determination of turning Carthu­sian, and diligently applyed himself to the Read­ing one Stephen Malancthone's Book of common Pla­ces, and in a while he Commenced Master of Arts; after which, at his Fathers Request, he returned Home, and continued there for a good Space, yet neglected not his Studies; and his Fame spreading amongst the Churches, he was ordained to read [Page 132] Lectures, and to Instruct the Younger Sort in the Knowledg of the Tongues, which he performed with great Diligence. When by the Abbot of Cap­pela he was Invested a Preacher, he by his Sermons so far Prevailed, that he wrought a great Refor­mation, and caused several Traditions to be Abo­lished.

Having continued in his former Station for some Years, he was called to the Pastorship of Bremon­gart, where he by the Purity of his Doctrine so far prevailed with the Magistrates, that they Abro­gated Popery, and made many severe Decrees a­gainst Popery, Adultery, and other such heinous Crimes; he also Confuted the Anabaptists, who at that time greatly troubled the Peace of the Church, denying the Payment of Tenths under the Gospel, the which by publick Disputation he proved Lawful.

But Satan Envying the Progress of the Gospel, stirred up the Papists to Disturb the Churches: And such was the Tumult, that notwithstanding Mr. Bullinger's Exhorting them to Peace, or to try which was in the Right by Disputation, they would not harken to it, but raised Forces on both sides; and it coming to a Battle, the Protestants were worsted; whereupon Mr. Bullinger and his Father were forced to fly to Zurick, where the Former was kindly Entertained by Leo Judel a Pious Man, and Promoted by the Consent of the Citizens to Preach in the great Church, which he did for se­veral Months, and thereby gained great Applause, being chosen Pastor in the Stead of Zuinglius, late­ly killed in a Battle between the Popish and Prote­stant Cantons. His greatest Care was to maintain Peace and Unity.

[Page 133]And now being setled in his Vocation, he wrote a Confession of Faith, which being highly approved of by the Senate, it was ordered that it should be Read in all their Churches at certain times: He there caused a Colledg to be Erected at the publick Charge, and took great care in Furnishing it with such Necessaries as were Convenient.

About this time, one Schewenfield a Nobleman of Silesia, Taught that Christ's Body being received into Heaven, was so far Deified that it no longer contains its Humane Nature. To confute which Bullinger wrote a learned Treatise, proving by Scrip­ture that it was a dangerous Error.

When Luther Exclaimed against the Helvetian Churches, calling the Professors Sacramentarians; Bullinger did all he could to perswade him to Uni­ty, Peace, and a good Opinion; but not being able to prevail, he wrote this Declaration in the Defence of the Churches. We cannot, say's he, with Luther Confess Bread to be the Natural Body of Christ, and that Ju­das and other wicked Men received his Body as well as Peter, and the rest of the Saints; yet are we ready, to preserve Peace, so that it be not urged upon us, to yield to those things, which neither our selves do Ʋnder­stand, nor can we teach them to others: In all other things you shall find us willing to Comply, and to be peacible Men ready to give an Account of our Faith, whensoever it shall be required of us.

This Declaration satisfied many that before were displeased, by reason of his Answering one of Luther's Books, whom they said had deserved so well of the Church.

A while after the Protestant Prince wrote to the Protestant Cantons to send them Aid against the Emperor; but Bullinger returned Answer, That [Page 134] they could not do it without Prejudicing them, for, say's he, both the Emperor and Pope have written to the Popish Cantons our Neighbours, to Assist them, which they have declined to do, upon no other Account than that we have not lent the Protestants any Assistance, the which if we once do, assure your selves they will raise all their Power to Assist the Popish Army: But we dayly Pray for your Success, and keep many Fasts on your Behalf.

After Mr. Bullinger had lived a while at Zurick, Mr. Hooper afterwards Bishop of Glocester, came thither, and was kindly entertained by Mr. Bullin­ger; when as the Emperor caused the Interim to be published in order to the Overthrowing the Protestant Religion, which Calvin and Bucer An­swered, but the Printer durst not let it come a­broad, yet the Banishment of many good Ministers Insued, to the great Grief of the Churches.

When Francis the French King was dead, and Henry of Navar Succeeded, he sent to the Helveti­ans to renew the former League with them; but Mr. Bullinger perswaded them to the contrary; saying, It was neither Just nor Lawful for a Man to be hired to shed another Man's Blood, who might be Innocent, and from whom himself had never received any Injury, Whereupon the King missed of obtain­ing his Design.

Anno 1550, he published his famous Decades Sermonum, and sent many of them into England, which greatly furthered the Reformation under Pious King Edward the Sixth: He also wrote a­gainst the Council of Trent, proving therein many Erroneous Decrees Repugnant to the Word of God; he likewise used his utmost Diligence to settle the Church of Geneva, there having some Difference [Page 135] Sprung up by the Teaching of one Bolsecus and his Followers, and when in the Persecution of the Protestants under Queen Mary many fled to Zurick, he plentifully provided for them, and was very Zealous for the Defence of the Protestant Religion, using his utmost Diligence to Expunge the Bludra­tian Heresy, which beginning in Poland, had spread it self into many parts of Helvetia; the Spreaders of it, Teaching that our Saviour was not Man.

A while after, he had a Contest with Brentius, between whom many Books and Writings passed, but at last they were Reconciled. The Popes Ci­tations coming out to Summon the Helvetian Ministers to come to the Council of Trent, they refused it, alledging that it was not convenient (they being Protestants) for them to be at a Po­pish Council.

And now Mr. Bullinger having spent himself with Labour and Study, fell Sick; but upon the Pray­ers of the Churches, God was pleased to restore him at that time, but his Wife and one of his Daughters dyed of the Pestilence; and the next Year two more of his Children, himself being al­so grievously Afflicted with the Stone, yet wrote he his Confession of Faith, and sent it to the Churches: He also Confuted the Pope's Bull which he sent into England to Deprive Queen Elizabeth of her Royal Estate, Proving it too Impious and Heretical.

In the Year 1571, by reason of the Extremity of the Winter a Dearth Insued, whereupon the Synod decreed publick Prayers and Fasting through­out their Territories, which was done with great Solemnity; and the next Year happened the cruel Massacree in France, where by the Hands of the [Page 136] bloody Papists, fell to the Number of 20000 Pro­testants, upon which Mr. Bullinger wrote his Book of Persecution, and God's Judgment upon the Persecutors; Exhorting the Persecuted to Pati­ence and Constancy: And about that time a dread­ful Commet appeared in Cassiopeia.

In the Year 1574 Mr. Bullinger again fell Sick, and his Disease Increasing, many Godly Ministers came to Visit him, but some Months after he Recovered and Preached as formerly, but soon Relapsed; when finding his Vital Spirits wasted, and Nature much decayed in him, he concluded his Death was at hand, and thereupon said as followeth.

If the Lord will make any further Ʋse of me and my Ministry in his Church, I will willingly obey him, but if he pleases (as I much desire) to take me out of this miserable Life, I shall exceedingly Rejoyce that he will be so pleased as to take me out of this Miserable and Corrupt Age, to go to my Saviour Christ. So­crates (said he) was glad when his Death approach­ed, because he thought he should go to Hesiod, Ho­mer, and other learned Men Deceased, and whom he expected to meet in the other World: Then how much more do I Joy, who am sure that I shall see my Savi­our Christ, the Saints, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and all Holy Men which have lived from the beginning of the World. These (I say) I am sure to see, and to partake with them in Joy; why then should not I be willing to Dye, to Injoy their perpetual Society in Glory.

Then sending for all the Ministers of Zurick, he recommended to them the Care of the Church, Admonished them to Unity and Concord, Per­swaded them sharply to reprehend Sin, and beware of Drunkenness, but above all to respect the Se­nate, [Page 137] who had been such great Encouragers of the Protestant Religion, and from whom, next Hea­ven, they must expect their Protection: And then with Tears told them, That he was not unwilling to leave them for his own Sake, but for the Sake of the Church. Then having written his Farewel to the Senate, and therein Admonished them to take Care of the Churches and Schools, and by their Permission Chosen one Ralph Gualter his Successor: He patiently Resigned up his Spirit into the Hands of his Redeemer, dying Anno Christi 1575, and of his Age 71, to the great Grief of the Prote­stants, being a Man of singular Parts, a sound Preacher, and an Establisher of the Helvetian Church. He wrote many Books, and Commented largly upon the Scripture, being a great Opposer of the Anabaptists, and an intire Lover of all good Men.

The Life of JOHN FOX.

JOhn Fox was Born in Lincolnshire at the Town of Boston Anno 1517, who was no sooner brought up, but he was by his Parents sent to Oxford, and there entred in Brazen-Nose Colledg, where he asso­ciated himself with Dr. Nowell, and so increased in Learning that he became the Wonder of his Age; so that within a while he was chosen Fellow of Magdalen Colledg, and won great Applause by the many excellent Latin Themes he wrote; ap­plying [Page 138] his Time chiefly to the Study of Divine Things; and finding out the many Errors in the Popish Religion, he began to affect the Reformed Doctrine; and still increasing in Learning and Wisdom, he wrote against the Popes Supremacy, which caused the Papists greatly to inveigh against him, using their utmost Diligence to find out an Occasion of Quarrel against him; and at last pre­vailed so far, that he was examined about the Points of Religion, and Commanded to give a Confession of his Faith, the which he refused not to do, as also to prove it out of the Scripture: Yet that was not prevalent with his Adversaries, for they Condemned him for an Heretick, and Ex­pelled him the Colledg; whereupon he departed into Warwickshire, and there was entertained by Sr. Thomas Lucie, and became a Tutor to his Children, where he married a Wife and continued in great Reputation, till such time as the Popish Inquisi­tors came into those Parts, for Fear of whom he was forced to withdraw himself.

And now being destitute, he sent to his Father-in-Law, that had married his Mother, to know if he would entertain him, but he having got his Estate, made it a Pretence to Defraud him of it, that He was Convicted and a dangerous Person, and that unless he would Renounce his Opinions, he durst not entertain him; yet his Mother so far prevail'd, that he found Reception, his Wife going to her own Father, whither Mr. Fox came often to visit her: Yet could he not long be sheltered from his Persecutors, for by their Spies they got Knowledg of his Aboad, which caused him to go for London, where he fell into extream Poverty; insomuch that half Starved as he was, he looked like a Ske­liton, [Page 139] when one day sitting in St. Paul's Church, a Person to him unknown, came to him, and put a Sum of Mony into his Hand, bidding him go and be Merry, and within a short time expect Promoti­on. This he took as sent from Heaven, and re­turned all Praise to God, for his Mercy and Good­ness towards him.

Within three Days after the Dutchess of Rich­mond sent for him, and appointed him Tutor to the Earl of Purry's Children, who were then in her Charge, who so much profited by his Dili­gence, that in Learning they Excelled all the No­ble Youth of the Kingdom; and he continued with good liking the Remainder of King Henry's and all King Edward's Reign, being greatly Instru­mental in Reforming the Church, and Restoring it to its Primitive Purity in the Reign of the lat­ter, which got him more ill Will amongst the Papists. So that Queen Mary coming to the Crown, and all things being turned topsi-turvy, Gardener Bishop of Winchester, his professed Enemy, used his utmost Diligence to bring him into a Snare; but he was defended against him a considerable time by the Duke of Richmond, who when he desired to de­part for fear of the Persecution, told him That he had yet Wealth, Favour, and Friends, and the For­tune of his House: And if any Mischance prevailed farther, that himself would partake of the Danger, and make the Destruction mutual: That he remembred with what Instructions he had Fortified his younger Years, neither had he with more Attention hearkened thereto, then he would with Constancy put them in Pra­ctice.

Yet such was the Malice of his Enemies, that the Duke soon perceived his Power too weak to [Page 140] Protect him, whereupon he provided him with such Necessaries as were convenient, and sent him to a Farmers House, one of the Duke's Tenants, near Ipswich, whither also his Wife went with him, resolving to attend him in his Flight, altho she was then great with Child.

After they had staid a while there, they resol­ved to pass the Seas, but had scarce weighed An­chor when such a Tempest arose that all the Mari­ners began to fear, and the Night being Dark, such prodigious Storms of Hail and Rain fell, that they lost the use of their Compass; and after being tossed about forty eight Hours, the Ship was forced back into the same Port from whence she first set Sail; which many took for a Token of God's being Displeased at his Flight: Yet Providence so ordered it, that whilst the Ship was tossing upon the Ocean, he escaped a worse Danger on Land, for Gardiner had sent a Pursevant with Commission to bring him back, who having searched the Farme House, and understanding that he was on Board, and that the Vessel had set Sail some Hours, before, he returned to him that sent him, ere the Ship was driven into the Port.

Mr. Fox being Landed took Horse, as if he in­tended to ride for London, but in the Night he came on Board again, and the Ship hoising Sail, passed the dangerous Seas safely arriving at Newport, where he Landed, and after having refreshed him­self, he together with his Wife and some others, went to Antwerp, and so to Basile, which was then a Place of free Reception of poor distressed Fugi­tives, who were forced to leave their Countries for the Sake of the Lord Jesus, and his everlast­ing Gospel: And here he undertook to Correct the [Page 141] Press, and at such leisure times as he could spare, he Wrote part of the Acts and Monuments of the Church, a Work famous to all Posterity: And in this Station he continued till the Death of Queen Mary, whose Death he had a little before fore­told, upon certain Notice of which, he with se­veral Pious and Learned Men returned into England, and were kindly received by Queen Elizabeth then Reigning; where Mr. Fox prosecuted his Work begun at Basil, and so laboured therein that he soon brought it to a Period, which made the Papists yet more inveigh against him, and endeavour what in them lay to disparage both him and it; but he so fully Confuted them, that with Shame and Confusion of Face they were forced to give over. He finishing this great Work in eleven Years space, searching all the Records himself, and by his great Study and Travail therein much weakened his Bo­dy; yet for the good of the Church he spared no Pains. So that now his Fame being spread abroad, many who retained Doubts and Scruples of Con­science, as well Nobles as Plebeians, resorted to him, to satisfy them, and dissolve their Anxieties, the Concourse being daily very great: With some he Prayed, to others he declared the Will of the Almighty out of the Holy Scriptures, and so found Means to give them full Satisfaction, even draw­ing the Souls of many, by the Assistance of God's Divine Grace, out of the Mouth of Satan: Nor did he spare to Preach abroad, and use all Dili­gence to promote the Gospel; and so fervent were his Prayers, that they had a more then common Influence upon the Hearers, and he with David through the Sence of his Sin was always wont to Water his Couch with Tears.

[Page 142]When any Rich Person sent him Presents either in Mony or otherwise, he would take it with one Hand, and with the other distribute it amongst such as he thought had need, nor is it to be doubted that he had a singular Gift of Prophecy, for he often foretold many things that came to pass.

One Day he going to Visit the Lady Henage, who being Sick of a Feaver, and given over by her Physicians, after he had Prayed by her, he told her She had done well to prepare her self for Death, but in­deed she should not dye of that Sickness. Whereupon her Son in-Law said, He had not done well to disquiet her with Hopes of Life, when she had been given over by the Learned Physicians: To which Mr. Fox re­plyed that He said no more then was Commanded him, for it seemed good to God that she should Recover, which within a short time, she accordingly did.

One Mrs. Honywood having layn Sick of a Con­sumption and deep Melancholly, for the Space of twenty Years, sent for Mr. Fox to Pray with her, as being given up by all the Physicians for Dead; the which when he had done, he told her she should not only Recover, but live many Years; at which she earnestly looking on him, and having a Glass in her Hand: Said, You might as well have told me, that if I throw this Glass against the Wall it will not break, and with that she threw it with all her Force: Yet although it hit against a Post, afterwards a­gainst a Chest, and then on the Floor, it neither broke, nor had so much as a Flaw in it; and as Mr. Fox said, so it happened, for she soon recove­red, and lived twenty Years after, although she at that time was near seventy Years old.

One Day he having been to Visit the Earl of A­rundel at the Duke of Norfolk's House in the Strand, [Page 143] the Earl went with him to the back Stairs, where he was to take Water, but the Thames being ex­ceeding Rough, the Earl disswaded him from ven­turing. To which Mr. Fox reply'd, My Lord, so let these Waters deal with me, as I have in Truth and Sincerity delivered unto you all that I have spoken: Which done he entered the Boat, and immediate­ly the winds ceased, and there was a great Calm. The reason of his so saying to the Earl was, because he had formerly been his Tutor, and had instructed him in the Principles of the Protestant Reli­gion.

He now growing in Years, and by reason of his former Hardships, his great Study, Travail, and Labour, he was reduced to a very weak Condition, he laid down the troublesom Cares of the World, to prepare himself for Death: And foreseeing his End was at hand, lest his Sons should be troubled, he sent them abroad, and then after ma­ny fervent Prayers for the Church, and the preva­lency of the Gospel, he resigned up his Spirit into the Hands of the Father of all Spirits; dying Anno Christi 1587, and of his Age 70.

Some Passages of his are worthy of Note, he one Day going abroad, a poor Man passing along, he friendly Embraced and Relieved him; when be­ing demanded whether he knew him or not, he said, Yes truly, I remember him well, and forget Lords and Ladys to remember such.

An other time, as he was going through Cannon-Street, it being in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, he met a Woman of his Acquaintance, who after some Discourse, pulled a Bible out of her Pocket, telling him she was going to Church. Truly said Mr. Fox, If you will be Advised by me, I would have [Page 144] you go home again: Why then, said the Woman, when must I go to Church? Indeed, said Mr. Fox, when you tell no body of it.

The Life of EDMUND GRIN­DAL Arch-Bishop of Can­terbury.

EDmund Grindal was Born Anno Dom. 1519, at Beighs in Cumberland, of Godly Parents, and there brought up in all the Learning the Schools in those Parts were capable to furnish him withal, and then being fitted for the University, he went to Cambridg, and was admitted into Pembrook Hall, and so closely applyed himself to his Study, that he outpassed most of his Fellows, insomuch that he was within a few Years after his coming thither Chosen a Fellow, and within a while after that, Master of the House.

When as Bishop Ridly coming to Visit the Uni­versity, and taking Notice of his singular Piety and Learning, he appointed him one of his Chap­lains, and afterwards Recommended him to King Edward the sixth, who set greatly by him, and was about to Prefer him to a Bishoprick, but that he was prevented by Death.

This good Prince being Dead, and Queen Ma­ry coming to the Crown, he amongst the rest, was [Page 145] forced to fly for his Life, abiding in Germany, and there instructing the People in the way to saving Knowledg till the Death of the Queen, when re­turning into England, his Light could not be hid, insomuch that Queen Elizabeth taking notice of his great Parts, advanced him to the Bishoprick of London, from which bloody Bonner had been Ex­pelled; where he used his utmost Diligence, both by Preaching and other Means, to establish the true Religion under that blessed Queen; and so much deserved at her Hands, that the Arch-Bi­shoprick of York being Vacant, he was Translated thither, and afterwards to the See of Canterbury, where he continued to execute his Charge with all Diligence, notwithstanding the Malice of such as strove to Undermine his greatness: But at last this good Man being Summoned by Death, to receive the Crown that is laid up for the Righteous; dyed at Croidon in Surry Anno Christi 1583, and of his Age 64.

He was a Man of singular Learning and Piety, Charitable to the Poor, and Curteous to all. At St. Beighs in Cumberland, the place of his Nativity, he erected a Free-School, and invested it with thir­ty Pounds per Annum: To Pembrook Hall, he gave twenty two Pounds a Year for ever, for maintaining a Greek Lecture, one Fellow, and two Schollars: To Magdalain Colledg, he gave Lands for the Main­tenance of one Fellow from the School of St. Beighs aforesaid; with many other charitable Deeds, too tedious to be Expressed: And only can be wished that the Clergy of our Age would therein follow [...]is Example.

The Lives of the Kings and Queens of England, who were Instrumental in Carry­ing on the great Work of Re­formation, to this very Day, And (altho it may be some Digression) The Life and bloody Reign of Queen MARY.

HAving thus run over in this se­cond Part of Ecclesiastical Hi­story, the Lives of the famous Reformers, glorious Martyrs, and great Doctors of the Church, I shall now pro­ceed to give the Reader an Account of the Lives of such English Monarchs as [Page 147] have been Instrumental in Overthrowing the Romish Superstitions; and by their unwearied Endeavours, Encouraged and Protected the Protestant Religion as 'tis now Established in the Church of Eng­land.

And first to begin with HENRY the Eighth, who first Abolished the long Ʋsurped Supremacy of the See of Rome, Wounding the Head of the Beast, after whom all the World wondered.

HEnry the Eighth was second Son to Henry the Seventh, and his Wife Elizabeth, Daughter to Edward the Fourth, Born Anno Domini 1490, and was by the Prudent King his Father, during his Minority, committed to the Tutorage of several learned Men, and amongst the rest, Cardinal Wolsy's, which was the first Rise of that great Cardinal. After he was about thirteen Years of Age, his Brother Prince Arthur dyed, whereupon he was created Prince of Wales, and Married to Catharine of Spain, his Brothers Wife; in which State he continued till Anno 1508, at what time his Father King Henry the Seventh dyed, and he the same Day was Pro­claimed King of England, France, and Lord of Ireland, in London and other Places of this King­dom, and within a while after was Crowned at Westminster by William Warham Arch-Bishop of Canterbury: And thus being seated in the Throne of the Kingdom, the first remarkable thing he [Page 149] did, was upon the grievous Complaint of several Persons, to deliver up to publick Justice Empsom, and Dudly, two Judges, whom King Henry the Seventh used as his Instruments to Oppress the Peo­ple by grievous Exactions; who being Convicted of many hainous Crimes, were Executed on Tower-Hill.

A while after, Pope Julius the Second, being displeased with the French King, sent his Legate to Incite our King Henry to demand the Dutches of Normandy, Guyen, Anjou, and Mayne, which he accordingly did, but was denyed with some Con­tempt; whereupon he joyned with the Emperor Maximilian, and Ferdinand King of Spain, against the French King, and equiping a gallant Fleet, he Landed an Army in France, and took Terwin, and Tournay by Seige; and then making Wolsey Bishop of Tournay, he returned into England, where he bestowed several other Bishopricks upon him.

During the Kings being in France, the Scots In­vaded England under their King, James the Fourth, King of Scotland, upon Pretence of our Destroying one Andrew Barton, a Scotch Pirate, who had done great Mischief at Sea. Against them, the Lord Howard, Earl of Surry, and Lieutenant of the North, was sent; who gave the Scots Battail at Foldon-Field, and put them to the Rout; Killing the King, three Bishops, two Abbots, twelve Earls, about seventy Lords and Knights, and near eight thousand com­mon Souldiers, taking almost as many Prisoners.

The French King hearing of these Proceedings, sent his Ambassadors to Treat of a Peace: Which was Concluded upon that King's Marrying the lady Mary, our Kings second Sister; yet he En­joyed her not long, for within three Months after [Page 150] the Marriage he dyed; and then Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, being sent to fetch her over, pri­vately Married her at Calis, which had nigh caused him to lose the King's Favour; She having for Dover, out of the Kingdom of France thirty Thou­sand Crowns yearly during Life, and one hundred Thousand to be paid for five Years, to the King her Brother.

Pope Julius being Dead, and Leo Succeeding him, he upon Cardinal Wolsey's sending good store of Gold to Rome, sent him a Cardinal's Cap: And now Strangers growing very Unruly in London, at the Instigation of one Lincoln, a great Tumult happened on May Eve, who Plundered and De­stroyed the Houses of many Strangers in St. Mar­tines Legrand, and other places; the Uprore con­tinuing for near two Days; whereupon a power being sent into the City, many of them were Taken, and amongst the rest Lincoln and several o­thers, who were Executed on Gibbets set up in most Streets, and four Hundred Youth, and twelve Women, went to Westminster with Halters about their Necks, and were at the Instance of Wolsey Pardoned; and from that time, ever since, the Day of that Insurrection is called Evil-May Day.

The King for the Sum of six hundred Thousand Crowns, and other Gratuities, about this time de­livered up Turnay to the French, altho the Empe­rour Perswaded him from it: But the French soon breaking Truce, the King soon prepared for War, and joyning with the Emperor and some other Princes; and then the Emperor Coming into Eng­land, it was agreed that when the Lady Mary came of Years, the Emperor should take her to Wife: And thereupon the Earl of Surry was sent with a [Page 151] great Power into France, who took Morlois, and burnt several Towns and Villages on the Sea Coast, and so returned into England with great Spoils; when as the Earl of Shrewsbury was sent with a Pu­issant Army against the Duke of Albany, then Re­gent of Scotland, but by the Mediation of the No­bility, a Truce was concluded ere it could come to a Battail, yet a while after, the Earl of Surry being made Lord Admiral of the North, entred that Kingdom, and did great Harm, insomuch that a War was proclaimed: For the better Management of which, a Parliament was called in England, and at the Instigation of Wolsey, the half of all Spiritu­al Livings were granted to the King for five Years, and a Tenth of all temporal Substance.

Christian, King of Denmark, being Expelled his Kingdom, by his rebellious Subjects, came about this time into England, and was nobly entertained at the King's Charge, for the space of three Weeks, and then he departed for Flanders: And the French growing Insolent, the Duke of Suffolk was sent o­ver with an Army, who Fought the French, beat them, took many Towns, and returned with great Booty: And now by the Mediation of Margret, Queen of Scots, and Sister to King Henry; a firm Peace was Concluded between Scotland and England, of which Wolsey taking the Advantage, as knowing when there was War, it was gainful to him; he u­sed such Diligence, that he withdrew the King from the Emperor's Interest, as also caused him to decline the Payment of the Annual Pension to the Duke of Burbon; whereupon he with his Army went to Rome, fought the French, took their King, and entred the City with his Victorious Army, and Besieged Pope Clement, and twenty three Cardinals [Page 152] in the strong Castle of Angelo, which News com­ing to Wolsey, he solicited the King to send an Ar­my, to deliver the Pope out of that eminent Dan­ger, but the King would only consent to grant a considerable Sum of Money, to be imployed in rai­sing Italian Forces. But the Pope notwithstanding his Bulls, Curses with Bell, Book, and Candle, found his Gold most Powerful; for with that he purcha­sed the Duke's Departure: and altho by the Popes Procurement he was Condemned of Treason, yet he maugered the Malice of that proud Prelate, and laughed him to Scorn.

Things being at this Pass, the Earl of Tyrowen Rebelled in Ireland, against whom the great Earl of Surry was sent, with a powerful Army, who soon caused the Rebels to Vanish; whereupon the Earl of Ossery was made Deputy, but within a short time displaced, and the Earl of Kilder placed in his Stead, against whom Wolsey shew'd him an invete­rate Enemy, and thereby lost much of the King's Favour.

The Lady Mary, the King's eldest Daughter, being arrived at seven Years, the King sent to put the Emperor in mind of his Promise, but he not greatly liking her, by reason of her want of Beauty, and not knowing well, how to revoke his Promise, he by his Ambassadors, began to question her Le­gitimacy, alledging that she being Born of that Marriage which was Contracted with a Brothers Wife, and that consequently not Lawful, she could not be Legitimate.

The King hearing these Objections, began to fall into a Dislike of that Marriage, and thereupon calling many of the chief Clergy together, he dis­covered his Resentments; whereupon they advised [Page 153] him to sue out a Divorce in the Court of Rome, which he attempted with great Cost: But finding many wilful Delays, he convened the Clergy of this Kingdom, but Cardinal Wolsey would not meddle therein, unless a Cardinal was sent to joyn with him in Commission; whereupon, at his Re­quest, Cardinal Campejus was sent by the Pope, with Power to erect a Court, there to hear the King's Objections, which was done accordingly, at a vast Charge, and thither the King and Queen were Cited, and many Debates held; so that at last all Men thinking it would have come to an Issue, and nothing remained but the determinatory Sentence, for procuring a Divorce, Campejus Adjorned the Proceeding to be heard in the Court of Rome, re­ferring the Sentence to the Determination of the Pope.

Upon these Proceedings of the two Cardinals, the King was highly Incensed; Ordered Campejus to depart the Land, and for some Days after Wol­sey was forbid to come into his Presence; when as having consulted Cranmer about the Matter, he sent him to Rome, who there so learnedly Disputed and Proved out of Scripture, and the Writings of the Fathers, that it was not Lawful for a Brother to Marry a Brothers Wife; that none would, or at least could, Argue against the many Reasons he Propounded; and returning, then he went to all the famous Universities of Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and Flanders, and desired the Advice of the chief Doctors, who all concurred with him, in his Opinion: So that returning Home with their O­pinions in Writing, under the Seals of the several Universities; the King was so highly pleased, that he Invested him in the Arch-Bishoprick of Canter­bury, [Page 154] and put away Queen Katherine, whereupon the Pope sent out his Bull to declare the Marriage Lawful, but the King not regarding it; not only Married the Lady Ann Bullin, Daughter to the Vis­count Rochford, but likewise in a Parliament he then called, abolished the Pope's Supremacy, and by Act of Parliament, had his second Marriage Confirmed.

And now Cardinal Wolsey being arrived at the height of Greatness, for opposing the King in these his proceedings; began more and more to fall in­to Disgrace; and for a terrible Example, to deter others from Murmuring, Sr. Thomas More Lord High Chancellor of England, and Bishop Fisher were Beheaded, for disowning the Kings Supremacy in Spiritual Affairs; and several Articles drawn up against the Cardinal, all his Dignities Sequestered, and his Person Arrested at Lawood, about seven Miles from York, by the Earl of Northumberland, in order to his being brought up to London, to An­swer his Charge, but by the way, Lodging at Lei­cester Abby, he dyed, as 'tis thought, of excessive Grief; though some are of Opinion, he poisoned himself, because he would not live to see the Dis­grace he must needs undergo: His last Words be, If I had served my God, so faithfully as I have ser­ved my King, he would not at this time have cast me off.

He was a Man of a haughty Spirit, being at first raised, from being a poor School-Master, by King Henry the Seventh: He during the younger Years of King Henry the Eighth, Ruled the Kingdom in Effect, and heaped up to him such Infinite Treasure, that 'tis reported he sent twelve Barrels full of Gold and Silver to Rome, and that for the building his [Page 155] two Colledges, he Suppressed fourty Monasteries, and in his Writings usually Subscribed, I and my King, and upon most of the King's Money caused the Cardinal's Cap to be Stamped.

And now one Elizabeth Barton a Popish Imple­ment, commonly called the Holy Maid of Kent, pretended to have Revelations from Heaven; and thereupon declared that it was Revealed to her, that if the King proceeded in his second Marriage, he should not Reign a Month, whereupon she and seven of her Disciples being Attainted of high Treason, were Executed at Tyburn.

And now the Pope growing Impatient at the loss of such a sweet Morsel, as the Revenue of England, by his Agents endeavoured to stir up the neighbou­ring Princes against our King Henry, and especial­ly James the Fifth, King of Scots, his Nephew, promising the Crown to those that could catch it; but his Attempts proved Ineffectual.

And now so far prevail the Popelings, that they endeavoured to wreck their Revenge against all that had been for the Obliterating the Popes Supre­macy, bringing many into Disgrace.

About this time Queen Ann was delivered of the Princess Elizabeth, afterwards Queen of England, and the next Year of a Child Still Born: But this good Lady favouring the Reformed Religion, the Court-Papists, and especially bloody Gardiner, so o­ver bribed those that Attended her; whereupon they Accused her of Committing Incest with her Brother the Lord Rochford, whereupon they toge­ther with Noris, Weston, Brierton, and Marks, Gentle­men of the Privy Chamber, were sent to the Tower, and within a while after, all of them beheaded, as 'tis supposed, to make way for a new Love, for [Page 156] the next Day the King was Married to the Lady Jane Seymer.

And now the King being destitute of a Privado, whereto he might impart his weighty Secrets, Ad­vanced Thomas Cromwel, Son to a Black-Smith, born at Putny, he having been formerly a Servant to Wolsey; first Knighting him, then created him Lord Cromwel, Barron of Okeham, Master of his Jewel-House, Knight of the Garter, Earl of Essex, Lord high Chamberlain, and lastly Vicar General: This Man was God's Instrument in the Hand of the King, to Suppress Popery, and Cherish the Reform­ed Religion, using his utmost Diligence to Sup­press Images, Idols, Popish Trinkets, and Mona­steries; but the Devil Envying his Happiness, for Opposing the Encrease of his Kingdom, he stirred up Gardiner against him, with several Popish Bishops, who notwithstanding his Wariness, and upright Dealing, so far prevailed against him, that they brought him into the King's Displeasure, and then pushing on their Malicious Design, caused him to lose his Head; of whose Death the King often Repented him, wishing many times, that he had his Cromwel again.

The Fryers and Monks being unhived, and want­ing their Roastmeat, grew Impatient, and there­upon stirred up the unthinking Mobile in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to take Arms, but upon Proclama­tion of free Pardon, they laid them down without Bloodshed, but the Monks being Impatient, and finding the Instability of the Plebeans, they dealt with those of Rank, whereupon an Insurrection was Headed by the Lord Darcy, Lord Hussye, Sr: Robert Constable, Sr. Thomas Percy, Sr. Frances Bi­got, Sr. Stephen Hambleton, Sr. John Bulmer, the [Page 157] Abbot of Fountaines, the Abbot of Rivax, the Ab­bot of Gervaulks, and Prior of Burlington, all of which being taken, were Executed in several Parts of England.

About this time Queen Jane was brought to Bed of Prince Edward, afterwards King of England, but dying in Childbed, the King lamented her Death grievously, whereupon he continued a Widdower for the space of two Years, and then was affianced to the Lady Ann of Cleve, but upon her first Arri­val the King took a Dislike to her Person, and therefore never Bedded her; but within a short time procured a Divorce to pass in Parliament, and was Married to the Lady Catharine Howard, Daughter to Edward, Brother to Thomas Duke of Norfolk: But whether True, or through the Malice of the Popish Party, is uncertain, after her six Months Marriage she was Accused of Adultry, and there­upon, together with the Lady Jane Rochford, and some other of the Privy-Chamber, was Beheaded within the Tower.

The same Year the Lords Grey and Dacres, Mar­garet Countess of Salisbury and others, were like­wise Beheaded, and the King, who was now grown Old, began to think him of an other Wife, and thereupon was Married to Katharine Par.

The Parliament again sitting, it was Enacted high Treason for any one to deny the King's Supre­macy, or to acknowledg the Pope: And by this Parliament, the six bloody Articles were Confirmed, and it was made Heresy and Death to deny any of them; the which were as followeth: First, That after speaking the Words of Consecration by the Priest, the real and natural Body and Blood of Christ, as he was Conceived and Crucified, was [Page 158] in the Sacrament, and no other Substance.

Secondly, That the Communion in both Kinds, is not necessary to Salvation.

Thirdly, That Priests may not Marry.

Fourthly, That Vows of Chastity ought to be Observed.

Fifthly, That Private Mass ought to be con­tinued.

Sixthly, That Auricular Confession is necessary, and requisit to be retained in the Church of God.

These Articles having passed both Houses, and signed by the King, many good Christians refused to shape their Consciences according to Tenour thereof, and therefore not a few Suffered the Flames, and by other Means put to Death.

The Scots again Invading England, and their King having made one Oliver St. Clere, an upstart Favourite, General, the Nobility so much disdeign­ed his Command, that out of Hatred to him, they willingly lost the Battail, almost without Fighting, which King James the Fifth, took so grievously, that he fell into a Feavour and Dyed, and soon after a Peace for ten Years was Concluded, upon Condition that the Lady Mary, King James's only Child, should be given in Marriage to Edward, Heir to our King Henry: But by the Disswasion of the Pope and French King, they kept not their Promise; whereupon the King prepared two Ar­mies, and Warred on both Nations: His Army in France taking Buloin, and several other Places of Importance; and that in Scotland, Burnt the City of Edenburg, and made great Havock in the adja­cent Countries.

Anno 1545, a Councel was held at Trent, which by Adjornments was continued till 1563, during [Page 159] the Popedoms of Paul the Third, Julian the Third, and Pius the Fourth, and was the Eighteenth Ge­neral Council.

The King having formerly wrote a Book against Luther, for which he had the Title of Defender of the Faith, sent him by the Pope: Now Wrote a Book against the Pope, laying open his Cove­tousness, Envy, Breach of League, Stirring up of princes to War, and causing Subjects to Rebel a­gainst their lawful Prince.

And now the Monasteries, Fryeries, Pryeries, Col­ledges, &c. and Nunneries went to wrack; there being Suppressed in England and Wales, Monaste­ries 313, Pryories 290, Fryeries 122, Nunneries 142, Colledges 152, and Hospitals 129, in all 1148. The Valuation thereof (altho at half the Worth) as they were presented to the King, by the Com­missioner, at the time of their Suppression, amount­ing to one hundred eighty three thousand seven hundred seven Pounds and thirteen Shillings. Yet the Lands were so Imbezeled and Distributed a­mongst Courtiers, and Annexed to Mannors, that the King's Exchequer was not much Increased thereby.

And now the King much decaying by reason of grievous Sickness, on Thursday the 28th. of January. Anno 1546, gave up the Ghost in the 56 Year of his Age, and 38 of his Reign, and was Buried in Windsor Chappel; altho a stately Monument was Contrived for him in Westminster Abby, but through the Troubles that afterwards happened, it was left Unfinished.

The Life and Reign of EDWARD the Sixth, King of Eng­land, &c.

EDward Tuder, afterwards King of England, by the Name of Edward the Sixth, was born, Anno Christi 1537. and was the only Son of King Henry the Eighth, by his third Wife Jane Daughter to Sir John Seymer, who lost her Life to give him Birth; for being cast into a dead sleep, or her sences benum'd with powerful Spirits, her Belly was open'd, of which Incision within four days after she dyed.

When he came to be six years of Age, he was committed to the Tutorage of Dr. Cox and Mr. Cheek both learned and godly men; the first instructing him in Divinity, the latter in the Lan­guages; in both which (being of a most acute Wit) he grew so perfect, that he became the wonder of his Age, for at ten years old he spake Latin, Greek, French, Italian and Spanish very readily; he was likewise very skilful in Logick, Philosophy, Mu­sick and Astronomy.

When he was but nine years of Age, his Father King Henry dyed, and he was proclaimed King in London, Westminster, and other Places, and in great State conducted to the Tower of London, where his Unkle the Duke of Summerset being Protector of the Kingdom (during his Minority) Knighted him, then the young King taking the Sword from his [Page 161] Unkle Knighted the Lord Mayor, and several o­thers, and created his other Unkle, Sir Thomas Sey­mer, Lord of Sudly, and High Admiral of England; and returning to Westminster he was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, all the Nobility attending, as is usual upon the like occasion, and the same day he caused a General Pardon to pass the Broad Seal to all Persons except six, who were named therein.

And now this Pious Prince being Established in the Throne of his Father, bent his whole Study to the better setling Religion, and thereupon con­sulted with many Godly Divines about Reforming the Church, by whose assistance he so model'd the Ecclesiastical Affairs, that the Dregs of Popery were purged out, and pious men every where commanded to teach according to the Word of God, all Ima­ges, Massing Garments, and other Trumpery were seased and burnt, and now not only the Pope's Supremacy, but the Popish Religion was abolished, and the Doctors of the Reformed Churches invited over from Germany, and other Places, of which ma­ny came, as Bucer, Fagius, Peter Martyr, and others; so that the bright Rays of the Gospel began to shine into the darkest corner of Ignorance.

A Parliament being called, the six Bloody Arti­cles (upon refusing to comply with which about fifty Persons suffered the Flames in Henry the Eighth's days) were revoked, and now the Parliament thought fit to prosecute the Marriage agreed on in King Henry's Reign, between the Lady Mary Queen of Scotland, and our King Edward; where­upon Ambassadors were sent to demand her, but the Regent declared that the Contract was void, which so incensed the King and Parliament, that the Duke of Summerset was sent with a great Ar­my [Page 162] to Barwick; whereupon the Regent caused fire to be carried a cross, and the Bells to be rung as is usual amongst the Scots upon any Invasion; so that all the Kingdom rose in Arms, yet the Lord Prote­ctor not fearing their prodigious number, gave them battle, in which the Scots were overthrown, nine Dukes and Earls were slain, and about a thou­sand of meaner rank; whereupon the Scottish Regent fearing that the Nobility would deliver up the Queen, he sent her into France, there to be married to the Dauphin, which so inraged the English, that they vowed the utter Subversion of Scotland, destroying all before them with Fire and Sword in a most fearful manner, but by reason of some Insurrections that happ'ned in England, the Duke was recalled.

In this Parliament likewise the Statutes of Rich­ard the Second, and Henry the Fifth, for suppressing the Scriptures in English, were repeal'd, and it was Enacted that the Church Service should be read in English, and that the Blessed Sacrament should be administred in both kinds, and that all Popish Cere­monies should be abolished; and those that would not yield obedience to the Church, as it was now established, to lose their Places, and be punished as Contemners of the Laws of the Kingdom; where­upon several Popish Bishops complied, and rather than they would leave their Bishopricks chose to swallow down any Oath that could be imposed on them; others indeed went off, and made it their business to stir up the People to Rebellion, which they and their Agents effected in Devonshire and Cornwel, where great Tumults arose, there being at least thirty thousand in Arms at once, who did great Mischief, beseiging the City of Exeter, which held [Page 163] out against them; whereupon the Lord Russel was sent down with an Army, as likewise the King's Pardon, which he first proclaimed by a Herauld up­on condition they would lay down their Arms and depart peaceably to their respective homes, which they refusing, he gave them battle, and after four several overthrows took their Ring-leader, who being executed, the rest submitted.

No sooner were the Tumults of Cornwal and Devonshire suppressed, but one Robert Ket drew a­bout twenty thousand of the Commons of Nor­folk, to take up Arms against the King, and break­ing into the City of Norwich, did great hurt, but the Lord Dudly being sent against them with an Army, gave them battle, and putting them to the rout, took Ket their Ring-leader, whom together with sixty nine others he caused to be executed.

These Rebels were scarcely suppressed, when News came that the Commons of Yorkshire were up in Arms under the leading of one William Om­bler a Farmer, Thomas Dale a Parish Clark, and one Stephenson a Post-Master, but the King sending down his pardon to all but the three before mentioned, these that they had seduced seeing their Folly, em­braced the offered Mercy; so that their Ring­leaders being delivered up to Justice, they were carried to York, and there Executed.

But now what was more grievous, the Nobility be­gan to fall out amongst themselves, and especially the King's Unkles, the first quarrel between them being about their Wives taking the upper hand, which grew to that height, notwithstanding the Mediati­on of the young King, that the Lord Protector procured Articles to be drawn up against his Bro­ther, and getting them passed in Parliament, he [Page 164] caused him to be Attainted of High Treason, and got the King to sign a Warrant for his Death, where­upon he was beheaded on Tower Hill; but the Protector by this means having untwisted the Ca­ble; he was too weak to hold the Ship of Go­vernment in so tempestuous a Sea, for by this Act having chalked out a Path to those that envied his Greatness, they Articled against him, when upon his Tryal, he being aquitted of Treason, he was Attainted of Felony, and for that he headed, for which had not he been Infatigated, he might have had the Benefit of his Clergy.

During these Intestine Dissentions, the English were driven out of Scotland, and the French at­tempted the recovery of Bullogne, and at the same time Invade the Isle of Garnsey, but were beaten off from either with considerable loss.

And now these Great Peers being removed, the Duke of Northumberland ruled all at Court, and every one moved according to his Dictates, few daring to controul his Will, and the King fell into desperate Melancholy through immoderate Grief for the Deaths of his Unkles, to which he had been over-perswaded to consent, which made him be­moan this Misfortune, in this manner. Ah, said he, where was the good Nature of a Nephew? where was the Clemency of a Prince? Ah, how unfortunate have I been to those of my Blood? my Mother I slew at my Birth, and since have made away two of her Bro­thers, and unhappily to make way for the purposes of others, against my self. Alass, how falsly have I been abused, how weakly carried, and how little was I Master of my own Judgment?

And indeed this latter part of his Speech proved Prophetick; for Northumberland having got the [Page 165] Power, prevailed upon the weak King, to will the Kingdom to the Lady Jane, Daughter to the Earl of Suffolk, to whom he had married his fourth Son, the Lord Guilford Dudley on purpose to translate the Soverainty to his House, which the King con­sented too, and then Northumberland removing all the King's Chirurgeons and Physicians, delivered him into the hands of a Woman, who undertaking to cure him, bereaved him of Life by Poyson, or her unskilfulness, who a little before his Death was heard to pray, as followeth.

Lord God, deliver me out of this miserable and wretched Life, and take me amongst thy chosen. How­beit, not my Will, but thy Will be done. Lord, I commit my Spirit to thee. O Lord, thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee, yet for thy Chosen's sake send me life and health, that I may truly serve thee. O my Lord God, bless thy People, and save thine Inheri­tance. O Lord God, save thy chosen People of Eng­land. O my Lord God, defend the Realm from Papi­stry, and maintain thy true Religion, that I and my People may praise thy Holy Name for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake; and then looking about him, he perceived several Bishops standing at a distance, to whom he said, I did not think you had been so nigh.

And within a while after, he said, I am faint, Lord, have mercy upon me, and receive my Spirit, and so gave up the Ghost, dying on the Twenty eighth of January, Anno 1553. and in the sixteenth Year of his Age, having Reigned six Years, five Months, and eight Days, and was buried in Westminster Abby, being the 41 sole Monarch.

He was a Prince so accomplished for Piety, Wis­dom and Learning, that considering his Age, he was the Wonder of the World, his Charity was [Page 166] extraordinary, as Christ's Hospital, Saint Bartholo­mews, Saint Thomas's, Bridewel, and Bethlem Hospi­tals can witness, which he freely gave likewise with a yearly Revenue out of the Crown Lands, as many other Structures for Charitable Uses.

The Life and Bloody Reign of Queen MARY.

QUeen Mary was Eldest Daughter to Henry the Eighth, by his Wife Queen Katherine of Spain, first married to Prince Arthur his Eldest Brother, and in her Infancy trained up in Popish Superstitions, being a great hearkner to the Instru­ctions of Gardiner Bishop of Winchester; all King Edward's time she rarely came to Court, by reason that good King disli [...]ed her for her Religion, and when the Emperor's Ambassadour made Suit that she might have private Mass said in her House, the King would by no means consent to it.

At the time of the King's Death she remained at her Castle of Fremingham, as a private Woman, when hearing of the advancement of her Cozen Jane, a virtuous and truly pious Lady, she sent her Letters to the Council, advising them to proclaim her Queen, as was her Right, but they refusing, she by many fair promises allured the Suffolk men to take her part, promising them to confirm the Esta­blished Religion, but failed them when she came to the Crown.

[Page 167]Having got together about Four thousand Horse and Foot headed by some of the Nobility that re­sorted to her; she came forwards by slow Journeys, and still increasing her number, the Earl of Nor­thumberland was sent out against her; but when he came to Cambridge, the Council revolted from the Lady Jane, whom they had Crowned Queen, and sworn to stand by with their Lives and Fortunes, & proclaimed the Lady Mary Queen in London, which Northumberland understanding, he caused her to be proclaimed in Cambridge, and threw up his Cap out of a seeming Joy, and thereupon dismissed his Sol­diers; yet was he within a short time after arrest­ed by the Earl of Arundel, who had sworn to stand by him, and although he turned Apostate, renoun­cing his Religion, yet was he beheaded on Tower Hill, as likewise Sir John Gates, and Sir Thomas Pal­mer, who commanded under him; and after the Queens Coronation, the Wonder of her Sex, the pious and famed Lady Jane, together with her Husband being tryed in Guild Hall, were attainted of High Treason, and afterwards beheaded, to the great grief of all the Lovers of Truth, and the Duke of Suffolk after his release practicing Rebelli­on in the North, was betrayed by one of his Servants, and together with his Brother the Lord Thomas Gray brought Prisoners to the Tower of London, and being Attainted by the Queens Com­missioners they both lost their Heads.

One thing is remarkable, Judge Morgan, who gave Sentence upon the Lady Jane, presently after her death fell mad, and in his raving was wont to cry out, Take away the Lady Jane.

And now the Queen having got the Reins of Government in her own hand, called a Parliament [Page 168] (at which time Cardinal Pool coming into England) by his Perswasions they made an Act to restore the Popish Religion, and from him the Lords and Com­mons received an Absolution, which was no sooner done, but the good Bishops of the Reformed Church were Deposed, Imprisoned, and Murthered, when as many Popish Wolves crept from their secret Co­verts, and were highly advanced, who so far Incen­sed the Queen against the true Servants of God, that they had it in their power to deal with them as they list, and they according to the Scriptures, found the Mercies of the wicked cruel, for there were few Towns of note in England, where some or o­ther of them were not exposed to the Flames, by whose couragious sufferings, contrary to the expe­ctation of the Adversary, the Professors of the Gospel were greatly increased.

About this time the Queen being desirous to Marry, declared her Intentions to the Parliament, who approved of it, and there were proposed Philip King of Spain, and Son to the Emperor, Cardinal Pool, and the Lord Courtney, of which she seemed rather Inclinable to the former; whereupon the Matter was so ordered that the Marriage was con­cluded with many advantagious Articles, and within a while after King Philip landing with a great Train of Nobility, and the Nuptial Rites were solemnized.

Although to prevent it, Sir Thomas Wyat had raised the Commons of Kent, thinking to have seized upon the Queen in the Tower of London; for which he and seventy three of his Partakers were Executed, of which Insurrection the Poplings per­swaded the Queen, that the Lady Elizabeth her Sister was the Cause; whereupon she being brought [Page 169] from her Mannor of Ashbrig, in a very sickly condi­tion was committed to the Tower, and from thence removed to Woodstock, where she was often put in danger of her Life, as in the Account of her Life and happy Reign, will be more fully demonstrated.

The Pope's Supremacy being now restored, many good men were forced to fly beyond the Seas to avoid the Flames, and amongst the rest Mr. Bertie and his Wife, the Dutches of Suffolk, who in strange Countries under-went many Perils, till such time as they arrived in Poland, where they lived in safety till the Death of the Queen; for in this perse­cution at the Instigation of Bonner, Bishop of London, and Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, those Instruments of Cruelty, during this Queens Reign, there suffered by Fire, and received the Glorious Crowns of Martyrdom, five Bishops, twenty one Divines, eighteen Gentlemen, eighty four Artificers, one hundred Husbandmen, Servants, and Labourers, twenty six Wives, twenty Widdows, nine Virgins, two Youths, and two Infants, whose blood, as a Worthy Father has it, was the Seed of the Church; For the more they were destroyed the more they increased; nor were these all, for twenty more perished in prison for want, and seven scourged to death by Bonner and his Associates.

The Queen having been married about half a year, it was rumoured that she was with Child; whereupon Rockers were provided, and all things necessary, and so much credit did the report gain, that it went currant within some Months after, that she was delivered of a Son; so that the English Merchants at Antwerp made Bonsiers for Joy, and discharged their Ordinance; nay, the Popish Priests prayed in the Pulpit, that she might have an [Page 170] easie Delivery, and that it might prove a Son; but at last, Truth, which will not be always hid, came to Light, and it was known that she never was with Child, but had been deceived by a Timpany, which so much displeased King Philip, that he left her, and went to assist the Emperour his Father in his Wars against the French, and returned not in sixteen Months, and although it was agreed in the Articles of Marriage, that the English should not intermed­die in those Wars, yet the Queen sent over an Ar­my to assist her Husband, which landing in France, marched to Saint Quintines, where Philip's Camp lay, and by their sole courage took that Place, to revenge which, the Duke of Guise flew with his Army to Callais, the Governour then not suspecting any such matter, and after having battered it for several days, he entered the base Town, but was twice beaten out by the English with great slaughter, but the Garrison being but few, at last they were forced to surrender, having long in vain expected Succours from England; for at that time, notwith­standing News was brought to the Queen, what danger Calais was in, and great preparations made; yet the Sea was so tempestuous, that no Ship durst venture over, which some attributed to the just Judgment of God for the Breach of League on the part of the Queen in assisting King Philip her Hus­band.

Upon notice that this Important Place was lost, which had been kept by the English two hundred and eleven years; the Queen was greatly troubled, in­somuch that all that could be done was not of force to divert her from it; and when her Ladies heard her fetch deep sighs they supposed the Kings ab­sence, and his slighting her, might occasion it; but, [Page 171] she told them, That that indeed was one Cause, but [...]re was a greater still, for when she was dead, if they effected her Body, they might find Calais written upon [...] Heart; and in a short time after, she falling into [...] burning Feavour, dyed on the seventeenth day of November 1558. being the Sixth year of her Reign, [...]nd Fortieth of her Age, and was Interred at West- [...]nster, and was the forty second sole Monarch of England.

The Life and Glorious Reign of Queen ELIZABETH.

THe Lady Elizabeth afterwards Queen of Eng­land, France, and Ireland, was Daughter to Henry the Eighth, by his second Wife, the Lady Ann Bullen, Daughter to the Lord Rochford, and was born the Seventh of September, Anno Christi [...]533. and at her Baptism had for her God-Father Archbishop Cranmer, and for her God-Mother the Dutchess of Norfolk, and the Marchioness of Dorset, being from her Childhood brought up in the true Religion, her Mother being a Lutheran, which [...]aused the Popish Bishops to undermine her Inno­ [...]ence, and by suborning false Accusers bereive her [...]f her Life.

The Lady Elizabeth had for her Tutor Mr. As­ [...]han, a pious and learned man, who Instructed her [...]oth in divine and humane Learning; so that she [Page 172] was perfect in most of the Europian Languages a [...] fourteen years of Age.

After the Death of King Henry her Father, she lived in great repute under the Reign of her Bro­ther, who intirely loved her for her Piety, and was wont to call her his virtuous Sister; but he likewise dying, and Queen Mary coming to the Crown, the Poplings fearing that if she succeeded, their Babe [...] would again be tumbled down, and therefore sought many ways to find occasion against her to take her Life, but could not find any pretence till Wyat's Re­bellion, the which ( Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, and her Mortal Enemy, perswaded her Sister Queen Mary) was done in favour of her and the Lord Courtney, who was to marry her as soon as the Queen was Deposed; whereupon two Lords of the Council were sent with two hundred Horse to fetch her from her Mannor of Ashbrig in bed very sick and weak, but that prevailed not with them to commi­serate her condition, for they told her she must go with them to London, their commission being to bring her, in what condition soever she was, to which she answered, Truly there was no Creature more willing to wait upon her Majesty than she was, but that her sickness was such as they themselves might testifie that she was not in a condition to do it; but this availed not, for they immediately sending for two Physicians, demanded of them whether she might be removed without danger of Life, to which they answered, that in their opi­nions she might; whereupon the next Morning they put her into the Queens Horse litter, brought for that purpose, and so with a strong Guard condu­cted her to White Hall, where when she was come, Orders were given to shut her up close Prisoner; and after a fortnights continuance in that state, [Page 173] Gardiner, and several other Privy Councillors, came to Examine her, especially Charging her with the Contrivance of Wyat's Rebellion, telling her (not­withstanding her many Protestations of Innocen­cy) that it was the Queens Pleasure she should go to the Tower, to which she Answered, that She trusted the Queen would be more Gracious to her, and thereupon intreated them to be a Means to her Ma­jesty for her; but they told her that the Queen had fully Resolved that she must be carried thither, whereupon all her Servants were Removed, a Guard of Northern Souldiers set to watch in the Garden, and several of the Queens Women to Attend her, with a strict Charge that none should have Access to her Presence, unless such as brought her Necessa­ries. When four Days after, two Lords of the Privy Council came to her, and told her that the Barge was ready, and the Tide served, therefore she must instantly go to the Tower; whereupon she Intreated them that she might stay till the next Tide, but one of the Lords roughly Answered, that Time and Tide stayed for none, and therefore she must instantly go: Then she Requested that she might Write to the Queen, but one of them told her, he durst not permit it, but the other, being the Earl of Sussex kneeling down said, She should Write, and that as he was a true Man, he would both deliver her Letter, and bring her an Answer.

The next Tide falling out at Midnight, they durst not carry her, for fear she should be Rescued, and therefore staying till Daylight, the waterfall was so low at shooting the Bridge, that the Head of the Barge struck against the Ground; but God pre­served her, to make her an Instrument of his Glo­ry.

[Page 174]When she came to Land, she refused to Land at Traitor's Bridge, but one of the Lords said she should do it, and thereupon was forced to Land, altho the Tide was fallen so low, that she was forced to waid to the Stairs, by reason the Barge could not be haled close; when being on the Shoar, She said, Here lands as true a Subject, being a Prisoner, as ever landed at these Stairs, before thee O God I speak it, having no Friends but thee alone. When she came into the Tower she sate down upon a Stone, to rest her; whereupon the Lieutenant said, Madam, You sit Ʋnwholesom, 'tis better for you to come out of the Rain, to which she replyed, I had better sit here, than in a worse Place, for God knoweth whither you will bring me; at the hearing of which, her Gentleman-Usher Wept, for which she re­proved him, saying, What mean you to use me thus, I took you for my Comfort, not thus to dismay me, see­ing I know my Truth to be such, that none shall have Cause to weep for me: And so going into a Chamber appointed for her, she was locked in, and none permitted to be with her, which greatly grieved her.

Two Days after her Committment to the Tower, it was Commanded that she should have Mass said in her Chamber; and in the mean time several Persons were Racked, and straitly Sifted, to see if peradventure they could find any thing against her by their Confessions, whereby to take away her Life; and within a while after, Gardiner and others came to Examine her, to whom she replyed, My Lords, you Sift me very narrowly, but well I am Assu­red, you shall not do more to me than God has Deter­mined, and so God Forgive you all.

Her Servants having provided her Diet, the [Page 175] Souldiers took it from them at the Gate, and deli­vered it, which greatly displeased them, as fearing such dangerous Ruffians, by such means, might be tempted to Poison her, whereupon they Complain­ed to the Lieutenant, but all the Answer they could get, was, That she was a Prisoner, and should be ser­ved like other Prisoners; and said with an Oath, if any of them Shrug'd or Frown'd, he would put them where they should see neither Sun nor Moon.

She being Indisposed by reason of her close Re­straint. desired to walk into the Queens Lodgings, but could not be permitted; whereupon she said, Well if they be so Strict, the Lord Comfort me.

But the next Day, the Lord Shandois came to her, and told her, he had obtained her that Liberty, and within a while after she had Leave to walk into a little Garden, all the Dores being shut, and the Prisoners on that Side commanded not to look out, during her being there.

Within a while after, Sr. Henry Benefield, with a Guard of Northern Souldiers, took her into his Charge, the Constable of the Tower being discharg­ed of his Office; and altho the former was bad, this proved worse, insomuch that she one Day demanded, whether the Lady Janes Scaffold was taken away, and farther, that if her private Mur­ther was Committed to Benefield; He was a Man of that Conscience to see it done: To which her Servants Answered, they knew not what he was, but were fully perswaded God would not suffer so great a Wickedness. Well said she, God grant it, for thou O God can'st mollify such Tyrannous Hearts, and disappoint all such cruel Purposes; and I beseech thee to hear me, thy Creature, which am thy Servant, and at thy Command, trusting by God's Grace ever so to remain.

[Page 176]Within a while after, the Lord Shandois told her Grace, that she must be removed under the Con­duct of Benefield and his Men, but whether he knew not, unless to Woodstock; and on the Sunday fol­lowing she was removed accordingly, the Lord Tame being joyned in Commission with the for­mer, who Conducted her to Richmond, removed all her Servants, and placed Souldiers at her Cham­ber Dore, which made her suspect they had a De­sign to make her away; and thereupon she calling her Gentleman-Usher, bid him with the rest of her Servants, Pray for her; for said she, this Night I think to die; Whereupon in great Heaviness he went to the Lord Tame, who was walking in the Court with Benefield, and taking him aside, desired him for God's Sake to deal Faithfully with him, and tell him whether any Mischief was designed to his Lady that Night, That if so, he and his Fellows might take such Part as it should please God to appoint them, for (said he) we will rather dye, than she be­ing Innocent, should secretly Miscarry. Marry God forbid, said the Lord Tame, rather than such a Wick­edness should be done, I and my Men are ready to dy at her Feet.

From Richmond she was removed to Windsor, from thence to the Lord Tame's House, where she was Royally Entertained, tho contrary to the Will of Benefield, and from thence, the next Day, to Wood­stock, where she was kept close Prisoner, and guarded by Souldiers, so that one Day hearing a Milkmaid Singing in the Park, she wished herself in her Condition.

A long while it was ere Benefield (whom she called her Jaylor) would suffer her to Write to the Queen, altho the Council had allowed her so [Page 177] to do; and would not suffer her Letters to be sent, when writ, till he had Perused them: And now she being Sick, by reason of her close Confinement, the Queen sent two of her Physitians to Visit her, who after they had used such Means as were con­venient for the Recovery of her Health, they re­turned, reporting her Humbleness, and Respect towards the Queen; yet was it Debated in Coun­cil how she should be Disposed of, and an English Lord said, It would never be well for England, till [...] Head was stricken off: For which, some of the Spanish Nobility sharply Reproved him, saying, God forbid, that the King their Master should Consent [...] such a Wickedness, and from that time forward, laboured with King Philip for her Delivery, so that after many Tryals made to procure her to Confess herself Guilty, she was sent for up to London, and admitted into the Queen's Presence, whom in two Years before she had not seen; where she kneeling [...]own, Prayed to God to Bless her Majesty, Desi­ring her, To Esteem of her, as of her true Subject, which she should ever find her to be. Then said the Queen, You will not Confess your Offence, but stand [...]outly to your Truth, I pray God it may so fall out: [...]f it does not, said the Lady Elizabeth, I desire neither [...]avour nor Pardon. After these, and some other [...]peeches had passed between them, she was Re­ [...]anded to the Custody of Benefield: But King Philip, as 'tis supposed, standing behind the Cur­ [...]ain, and hearing what passed, so ordered the Mat­ [...]er, that within a Week she was released from her [...]oaler, as she called him, and obtained Leave to Refresh herself in the Country; yet had to Attend [...] Sr. Thomas Pope, one of the Council, who kept [...] Eye upon her all Qeen Mary's Days.

[Page 178]During her being in Woodstock Castle, her Life was often in Danger. First, By a Fire kindled un­der the Boards. Secondly, By a Ruffainely Soul­dier, who was hired to kill her. Thirdly, By a Villain sent by Gardiner to dispatch her, who past Doubt had done it, had not Benefield been then at London, and left strict Order with his Brother, that none should see her till his Return, altho they came from the Council. Whil'st she was in the Tower, Gardiner Signed a Warrant in the Queen's Name for her Execution; but the Lieutenant doubt­ing the Truth of it, went to the Court for far­ther Instructions, and so the Malice of that bloody Villain was by God's Mercy Prevented. Whil'st she was in the Castle at Woodstock, she wrote with a Diamond in the Window,

And under such Perplexities continued this good Princess, till the Death of Queen Mary, at what time she was by the free Consent of the Lords and Commons then Assembled in Parliament, Proclaim­ed Queen of England, France, and Ireland, and within a while after Crowned at Westminster, by one Oglethorp Bishop of Carlile; Pool Arch-Bishop of Canterbury dying the same Day as Queen Mary.

And now King Philip being in Flanders, and hear­ing of the Death of his Wife, sent his Ambassa­dors to Treat a Marriage with Queen Elizabeth, pro­mising to get a Dispensation of the Pope; which hastened her the sooner to declare for the Prote­stant Religion, thereby to break off his Suit.

[Page 179]So that the former Parliament being Dissolved, and an other Called, many of the late Queens Acts were Repealed, Popery Abolished, and the Supre­macy restored to the Queen, good Men Incouraged, and the Gospel freely Preached.

Religion beginning now to to flourish, the Parlia­ment to Requite this good Queen, and for the bet­ter Settlement of Affairs, desired her to Marry, but she absolutely refused it, saying, That she by [...] Ring she received upon her Coronation Day, was [...]olemnly Married to the Nation, and that all true Eng­lish Men and Women were her Children; and that it should be her greatest Glory, to have this Motto fixed [...]on her Tomb: Here lyeth Elizabeth, who lived, and [...]yed a Virgin. And altho she was afterwards Court­ed by Maximilian the Emperor, Ericus Son to the King of Sweden, the Arch-Duke of Austria, and the Duke of Anjou, Brother to the French King; yet such was the Chastity of that Unparellelled Queen, that she would not Consent to any of them.

By the Example of the English, the Scots began [...]o seek after Reformation, whereupon the Popish [...]rty being Assisted by the French King, the Pro­testants were greatly Oppressed; which made them [...]e to our Queen for Aid, who sent an Army un­ [...]er the Lord Gray, which so amazed the French, [...]hat upon the Death of the Queen Mother they [...]eft that Kingdom, having first made Peace for two Years.

About this time Francis King of France dying, [...]d Charles the Ninth Succeeding, he greatly Op­ [...]ressed the Protestants, who in great Numbers [...]habited his Kingdom; whose Peace, when the Queen could not procure by Intreaties, she sent o­ver [Page 180] an Army under the Leading of the Lord Am­brose Dudly Earl of Warwick, which landed at New-Haven in Normandy, and took it, but were forced to quit it ere long, by reason of a grievous Pesti­lence that raged in those Parts; which Infection they bringing with them into England, Infected many parts of the Nation, insomuch that in eight Months Space 23660 Persons dyed.

In the Year 1563, Shan-O-Neale raised a Rebelli­on in Ireland, doing great Mischief; but the Queen sending over an Army, he Submitted, but conti­nued not long quiet, for again he Rebelled, and Raised greater Forces than before; but Heaven justly Punished his Perjury and Disobedience, for in the midst of his Army he was killed by his Bro­ther.

Anno 1566, the Royal Exchange was Built by Sr. John Gresham, a worthy Citizen, the Merchants before meeting in Lumbard Street; and within two Years after the perfidious Scots Murthered their King, and Mary Queen of Scots fled into England, and was most Honourably Entertained by Queen E­lizabeth; but the Papists afterwards Attempting the Murther of our Queen, to Advance her to the Throne, she was Beheaded, altho, as many Imagine, she knew not of the Jesuits wicked Design.

In the Year 1569, The Earls Westmerland, Cum­berland, Lords Dacres and Nevils, with many others, Rebelled in the North, but the Earl of Sussex being sent against them, they fled; when as an Alderman of Durham, a Popish Priest, and sixty six Consta­bles, were Executed in most Towns between New-Castle and Weatherly, but the two Earls escaped, the former into Flanders, and the latter into Scot­land, from whence he was sent prisoner to London, [Page 181] and being Attainted of High Treason lost his Head.

And now Peace being concluded with France, and the Queen of Navar a Protestant coming to Paris to solemnize her Sons Marriage with the French King's Sister; she was supposed to be poy­soned with a pair of perfumed Gloves that were sent her, and after her the Admiral of France was cruelly murthered, and by the Command of Charles the Ninth, thirty thousand Protestants Massacred in the several Cities of that Kingdom. This Cruelty much grieved our good Queen; where­upon according to the Articles of Peace agreed on, she sent to demand the Delivery of Calais, which after many delays was flatly denyed, and at the same time the Pope sent his Bull into England, whereby he pretended to deprive the Queen of all her Princely Dignity, which the Bull-bearer fixed upon the Bishop of London's Pallace Gate, but be­ing taken was fairly hanged for his pains.

The Scots breaking out again into a tumultuous Rebellion, murthered their Regent, and after him the Earl of Lenox, who was appointed to succeed him, all which mischief was effected by dispersing the Pope's Bulls in that Kingdom, and about the same time the Duke of Norfolk lost his Head for fa­vouring the Scots, and some other Capital Crimes alledged against him.

And now a new Regent being chosen, he sent his Deputies to Queen Elizabeth, desiring her to assist him in suppressing the Rebellions on foot; where­upon she sent fifteen hundred Horse and Foot under [...]he Command of Sir William Drury, upon whose Approach Edenburg was surrendred.

Anno 1580. The renowned English Navigator, [Page 182] Sir Francis Drake, returned from Incompassing the Earth: So that having made many famous Disco­veries, our Merchants began to trade in strange Countries, before not known, and the Trade with the Muscovit and Turk was greatly encreased; this year appeared a terrible Comet, and an Earthquake happ'ned, being attended with such a terrible Tem­pest that it overthrew many Churches, and killed a great number of People.

Anno 1583. Tobacco was first brought into Eng­land.

And now the Irish being stirred up by the Pope's Agents, broke out into another Rebellion, and procured Forces from Spain to assist them; but the Lord Gray being sent over by the Queen with an Army, he soon made them repent their coming, killing many of them and taking others Prisoners, so that the remainder capitulated, and had leave to depart upon paying a considerable sum of money for their ransom.

Anno 1585. Virginia was made an English Co­lony.

The same year the Assizes being holden at Exce­ter in the County of Devon, such a Contagion sud­dainly happ'ned, that about fifty eight Persons dyed, who came thither about their occasions, and out of one Jury eleven deceased; the like happ'ned at an Assizes holden at Oxford about ten years before.

The Pope being yet restless, as envying the pro­gress of the Gospel, he stirred up the King of Spain to persecute the Protestants in the Nether­lands, whither he sent the Duke of Alva, who by several cruelties put eighteen thousand to death; whereupon many of them making their escape fled into England, and were kindly entertained, and the [Page 183] Flemings Petitioned the Queen to be their Prote­ctor, which for the Cause of Religion she at last undertook, and sent over the Renowned Sir John Norrice with a thousand Horse, and five thousand Foot, and shortly after the great Earl of Leicester went over as the Queens Deputy, but no considera­ble Matters happ'ning, and a difference arising be­tween his Soldiers, and the Netherlanders, he was recalled, and ordered to resign up his Government.

And now the King of Spain concluding a Truce with the Prince of Orange, whilst his Ambassadors were in the Queens Court treating a Peace, the Great Armado which the Spaniards named Invinci­ble, was fitted out; upon notice of which the Queen Assembled her Councillors and Chief Nobility to consult what was best to be done, where it was a­greed that all Imaginable Preparations should be made, and thereupon a general Muster was taken of all the Land Forces, and one thousand five hundred Horse, and twenty two thousand Foot were ordered to repair to Tilbury in Essex, whither also the the Queen went attended with her Guard, consist­ing of two thousand three hundred fifty two Horse, and thirty thousand fifty Foot, and immediately the Ships of War were fitted out, several being victualled and manned at the charge of private Persons; the Lord Howard being ap­pointed Admiral, and Sir Francis Drake. Vice Admi­ral, who after some time met, and fought with the dreadful Navy, which besides the Pope's Blessing, came armed with all manner of Weapons fit for destruction, it consisting of seventy two Galliassers and Gallions, forty seven great Ships and Hulks, eleven Pinaces and Carvals, and was furnished with two thousand eight hundred forty three great Or­dnance, [Page 184] eight thousand ninety four Saylors, eigh­teen thousand six hundred thirty eight Souldiers, twenty one thousand eighty eight Gally-Slaves, two hundred twenty two thousand Great Shot, four hundred seventy thousand four hundred pounds of Powder; for Bullets one hundred twelve thou­sand pounds of Lead, one hundred thirty four thousand four hundred pounds of Match, seven thousand Musquets and Calivers, ten thousand Parti­zans and Halberts; with Biskets, Flesh, Cheese, and other Provisions sutable for six Months; but in the first Encounter this terrour of the World was in­finitely worsted, and at last broke and scattered over all the Ocean, for so God ordered it by his special Providence, that both the Wind and Seas fought for his Anointed.

The Spaniards having lost eighty one of their Vessels, and near seventeen thousand men, with the residue returned home; and such was the destruction, that there was not a Noble Family in Spain, but lost either a Son, a Brother, Nephew or Kinsman, who had been drawn to Imbarque in hopes of getting Possessions in England, for the Pope had before hand told them they should be certainly victorious, but the Event proved him a lying Prophet.

Anno 1588. The Enemies being disperst, the Queen proclaimed a Publick Thanksgiving, and came her self to Saint Paul's Church, where she no sooner entred, but kneeling down, she returned Thanks to the Almighty for so great a Deliverance, and caused the Banners and Streamers taken, toge­ther with the King of Spain's Standard to be hung upon the Roof of the said Church.

And now the Queen intending to requite this Treachery of the Spaniards, sent eleven thousand [Page 185] Souldiers, and two thousand five hundred Marriners under the Command of the Earl of Essex, Sir John Noris and others to assist Don Antonio King of Por­tugal, who had been expulsed by Philip; the Army consisting of eleven thousand Souldiers, and two thousand five hundred Marriners commanded by Sir John Noris, Sir Francis Drake, and others, who won the Groine, although at that time an Army of Spani­ards came to rescue it; but they being fought with by the English, were infinitely worsted; the Spanish King's Standard being taken, and about three thou­sand slain, when having set fire to the Town and burnt the Villages for three miles round, they Im­barqued again, having got great booty and sailing towards Lisbon, the Chief City of Portugal, the Earl of Essex with several Ships of War joyned them; so that landing they assailed that great City, but without success; yet they took the Castle of Cassais and Penith, together with sixty Spanish Ships richly laden; and by reason many Souldiers died by drinking of Impoysoned Wells, and that the Plague raged in many Parts of that Country, they returned without attempting any thing farther, and many of the Soldiers were sent to assist Henry of Navar to maintain War against the Leaguers; but he finding it very difficult to attain the Crown without altering his Religion, turned Papist, to the great grief of our Queen.

Anno 1591. Several Persons were imployed by the Pope and his Agents to poyson the Queen, who being miraculously discovered, were most of them Executed, and amongst the rest Doctor Lopez.

In the year 1596. Likewise another Fleet was set out to indamage the Spaniard, who won Cadiz, and obliged the Citizens to pay twenty thousand [Page 186] Ducates for their ransoms, they likewise forced the Spanish Fleet on ground. Twenty five Million Ducates was offer'd for their ransom, but that not being presently accepted, the Duke D' Medina Si­donia caused them to be burnt as they lay, to pre­vent their falling into the hands of the English, they being esteemed worth twelve Millions of Ducates; yet the English in their return home took three Vessels of the Spaniards worth four hundred thousand Ducates; whereupon finding themselves infinitely worsted every where, and that many of their Merchants were undone by reason of the great Losses they had sustained, they procured the Kings of Poland and Denmark to me­diate a Peace with the Queen in their behalf, as likewise with the Crown of France, but they pre­vailed not.

And now Tirrowen the Arch Rebel having gathered Forces in Ireland, broke out into open Re­bellion; whereupon the Earl of Essex was sent thither with an Army, having the Title of Deputy Governour conferred upon him, and after many Skirmishes, the Rebels keeping themselves within the Bogs and Woods, he was obliged to make a Truce with Tirrowen, from six Months to six Months; whereupon some of the Nobility that envied his Greatness, accused him of neglect, and at last pro­ceed to Article against him in Parliament, to which the Queen would not pass, but recalled the Earl; yet such was the Implacable Malice of his Adversa­ries, that they brought him into some disgrace with the Queen, which prompted him to attempt the seizing of the City of London, for which, and some other Misdemeanours, he together with the Earl of Southampton was Attainted, and without [Page 187] the Knowledge of the Queen, as most believed, Executed, the which she no sooner understood, but she wept bitterly, and in her rage bid the Plague of God take all those that were instrumental in his Death, and in a short time after a Plague happ'ned, which in the City and Suburbs consumed thirty thousand five hundred seventy eight.

And now this Bright Star being set, the Queen continued Melancholy, and by degrees pined into sickness upon the Grief she conceived at the un­timely Death of so brave a Soldier; so that per­ceiving the time of her Dissolution at hand, she was careful of nothing more than to settle Religion, and therefore appointed James King of Scots, great Grandchild to the Lady Margret Eldest Daughter to Henry the Seventh, to succeed her, and after having commended her Spirit into the hands of her Redeemer, she gave up the Ghost, dying the twelfth of March, Anno Christi 1602. being the sixty ninth year of her Age, and of her Reign forty fifth, and was Buried at Westminster, and in her Praise these Verses were written by a worthy Prelate.

And thus much for this glorious Queen, in whom ended the Name of the Tuders to give place to that of the Stuarts, the which may it continue till Time shall be no more.

The Life and happy Reign of JAMES King of great Brit­tain, France, and Ireland.

KIng James was Son to Henry Steward Lord Darly, who was Grandchild to Queen Mar­garet, Eldest Daughter to Henry the Seventh by her second Husband, and his Mother was Mary Queen of Scots, great Grand-Child likewise to Queen Margaret, by her first Husband James the fourth King of Scots.

During the Minority of this good King, his Mother was forced to fly her Country, and great Troubles Insued, several Regents, being Murthered after the Death of his Father, and he often put in Danger of his Life, but God still preserved him to be a Comfort to his People.

Upon the Death of Queen Elizabeth, by the Ge­neral Consent of the Nobility, Gentry and Com­monalty, he was Proclaimed King of England, by the Name of James the First.

And on the 5th. of April Anno 1603, he began his Journy out of Scotland, and was magnificently Entertained at Hinchinbrook near Huntingtoun, whi­ther the Cambridg Doctors repaired to wait upon his Majesty, and from thence Attended by a great Train of Nobility, he came to London, and was Royally Entertained at the Charterhouse, and on the 25th. of July following, his Majesty, together with [Page 189] his Royal Consort Queen Ann, was Crowned at Westminster by Dr. Whitgift Arch Bishop of Canter­bury.

Being thus Established in his Throne, his first Care was to settle Religion, and the better to Effect it, he caused the Bible to be exactly Translated in­to English, out of the Original Tongue, which stirred up the Popelings (who hoped upon the Death of Queen Elizabeth, to bring all things to their Purpose) greatly to Malign this good King, and used their utmost Diligence to Overthrow the Protestant Religion: But God discovered their Plots, which had they took Effect, were to Destroy the King and Prince Henry, for which several of the chief Contrivers were put to Death, and o­thers Condemned to perpetual Imprisonment.

In the third Year of his Reign, that damnable Design of Blowing up the Parliament House was Miraculously Discovered, by the Mistake of a Let­ter delivered by an unknown Hand, to a Servant of the Lord Monteagle, Son to the Lord Morley, wherein he was wished by any Means, not to be present at the Opening of the Parliament, foras­much as they should receive a great Blow, but not know who hurt them. Upon the Perusing of this Letter, the said Lord Communicated it to others, and they to the King; who as it were, by Divine Inspiration, said, That the mention of a Blow, must needs be Interpreted of some Villain in a Corner, designing Mischief by a Blast of Powder, and therefore willed them, as they tendered their Safeties, to Search well the Sellers and other Places; where in fine, under a heap of Faggots, they found twenty six Barrells of Gunpowder, with Iron Bars laid cross them, and Guy Faux with a Dark-Lanthorn under [Page 190] his Coat, ready Booted and Spurred, to have rid away as soon as he had laid the Match to the Train.

Upon this Discovery, most of the Conspirators Fled, but being Pursued, were either Killed or Apprehended, Catesby and Peircy, the chief Instru­ments of this Hellish Contrivance, being shot through as they were Fighting Back to Back, and Sr. Everard Digby, John, and Christopher Wright, Sudio Fawkes, Father Garnet, Thomas Winter, Baites, and Keeys, were Condemned, and afterwards as Traytors, Drawn, Hanged, and Quartered.

For this signal Deliverance, the Lords and Com­mons then Assembled in Parliament, made an Act for Constituting a Day of publick Thanksgiving, to be kept Annually for ever on the 5th. of Novem­ber, which his Majesty was pleased to pass with many Expressions of Joy.

Within a while after Fines and Rynolds, Induced the Commons of Northhamptonshire, and Warwick­shire to rise; but upon the Kings sending down his Pardon, they soon dispersed themselves.

About this time the Lady Elizabeth, the King's Daughter, was Married to Frederick Count Elector Palatine of the Rhine, whose Nuptials were Solem­nized with great Joy; but it lasted not long, by reason of the Death of Prince Henry, who Dyed Anno 1611. whereupon Charles the King's second Son was made Prince of Wales.

And now Sr. Walter Rawleigh, that famous Na­vigator, being Released from his Imprisonment, Imbarqued with several Gentlemen and others, in order to his making new Discoveries, when Land­ing at St. Thomes, he and his Company set it on Fire, of which, Complaint being made to Gundiber, the King of Spain's Ambassador, Residing in the English [Page 191] Court, he pressed the King continually for Repa­ration, insomuch, that when Sr. Walter Rawleigh returning with great Spoil, Landed at Plimouth, he was Arrested by an Order from the King, and brought Prisoner to London; when coming to his Tryal before the Judges of the King-Bench, he was found Guilty, and the Morning after his Tryal Beheaded.

The Air being much Infected about this time, the King and Queen fell sick, whereof the good Queen dyed, to the great Grief of the King, which had nigh made him Relaps after his Recovery: And now he began to take more than ordinary Care for the thorough Setlement of Religion, by bestowing great Revenues upon Colledges, and other Semi­naries of Learning; as likewise utterly Abolished all the Fragments of Popery, which again began to creep into the Church; which made the Papists Contrive many Ways to Destroy him, but all their Plots, and Hellish Contrivances, through Gods Infinite Mercy were Frustrated, and came to nothing.

About this time the King made a Motion of Marriage for his Son Prince Charles, with the In­fanta of Spain, purposing thereby to strengthen his Alliance, in order to assist his Brother-in-Law, who by the German Princes was chosen King of Bohemia, but had been driven out of Germany by the Emperor, and deprived of his Principalities, and at that time remained at Amsterdam.

To Effect this Marriage, the Prince accompani­ed with the Duke of Buckingham and several other Noble Personages, went to the Spanish Court, but finding many Delays, they returned much dis­satisfied: And now the King having setled the Ec­clesiastick [Page 192] and Temporal Affairs of the Kingdom, fell sick, and his Sickness still increasing, he on the 27 Day of March Anno 1625, dyed, it being the 23d. Year of his Reign, and of his Age 59: He was Buried at Westminster, being the 44 sole Mo­narch of England.

The Life and Reign of CHARLES the First.

KIng Charles the first was Born at Dumferling in Scotland on the 19th. of November Anno 1600, being second Son to King James, and his Wife Queen Ann, Sister to the King of Denmark: In his younger Years he was brought up in all man­ner of Learning fit for so Pious a Prince, Devo­ting himself to Study, rather then to delight in the Gallantries of the Court, so that he for Piety and Learning was the Wonder of his Age.

When the Nobility of Scotland came to take their Leaves of King James, upon his Departure for England, an old Laird amongst the rest, after he had made his Complements to the King, turn­ed to Duke Charles and Saluted him, without any Respect to Prince Henry, who was present; at which the King Marvelling, asked him the Rea­son, to whom the Laird Answered, That this was he that should Transmit his Name to Posterity.

When his Brother, Prince Henry dyed; he was [Page 193] chief Mourner, and within a while after was made Prince of Wales, and continued to behave himself Humble and Courteous towards all sorts and condi­tions of Men: Sometime before the Death of King James, he went into Spain, to prosecute a Marriage between himself and the Lady Maria, the Infanta of Spain, when by the way, continuing in the French Court, he there held some Converse with the Il­lustrious Princess Henrietta Maria, Daughter to King Henry the Fourth, and Sister to the then Reigning King, on whom he so far setled his Af­fections, that he had no great regard to the Match with Spain, and after the Death of his Royal Fa­ther, he was no sooner Crowned, but he sent over his Ambassador to Treat of Marriage, which was agreed accordingly, and the Princess Landed at Do­ver Attended with the chief Nobility of France, where the King with a very splendid Train met her, and soon after the Nuptials were Celebrated with all Joy and Splendor Imaginable.

This good Prince being thus setled in his Throne, began to call to mind some Indignities that had been offered during his stay in the Spanish Court, whereupon a Fleet was put to Sea, which greatly Indamaged the Spaniards, taking many rich Prizes, which they brought into the several Harbours of this Kingdom; after which a Parliament was called, and Subsidy demanded, but it was denyed, altho the Treasures were Exhausted, and the War un­dertaken against the Spaniard, Just and Honoura­ble: Whereupon the King was forced to take o­ther Measures for procuring Mony to defray the Expence; and joyning in Amity with the States General of the United Provinces, he again put a gallant Navy to Sea, which indamaged the Spani­ard [Page 194] more than the former, and amongst the rest some French Ships were taken by the English, which caused an Imbargo to be laid upon the Ships and Goods of several English Merchants then tra­ding in that Kingdom, whereupon all Frenchmen were commanded to leave England, but at the In­treaty of Monsieur Basempiere that Decree was Re­voaked, but all Commerce was strictly forbidden with that Nation.

About this time the Rochellers (being Prote­stants) were sore Oppressed, and besought our King to take them into his Protection, whereupon an Army was raised and sent under the Command of the Duke of Buckingham, but effected no great matter; whereupon some of the Officers were Im­prisoned for their Neglect and Disobedience.

And now several Complaints being exhibited upon this Account by the Parliament; the King Dissolved them, and new Forces were Raised for the Relief of Rochel, but all was prevented by the Death of the Duke of Buckingham, who was Trai­terously and basely Stabbed by one John Felton, who had Served under him in the late Expedition; for which he was deservedly Hanged in Chains near Portsmouth.

And now the Rochellers being tired with a tedi­ous Seige, and a worse Famine (in which all man­ner of Filth was eaten, and accounted dainty Food) yeilded to their merciless Enemies.

About this time the King called another Parlia­ment, and desired of them a grant of Tunnage, but they refusing to comply with his Demands were Dissolved, upon which some Contests arose, the King commanding the Merchants to pay their Customs, and the Parliament, when sitting, to the [Page 195] contrary, insomuch that Sr. John Elliot and others were Imprisoned.

On the 29th. of May Anno 1630, the Queen was brought to Bed of Prince Charles (now our graci­ous Soveraign) and some time after Ship-Mony was devised by Attorny-General Noy, and Mr. Hamb­den Imprisoned for refusing to Pay it, and Sentence passed against him by ten of the Judges, Judg Hut­ton, and Judg Crook only dissenting.

The Book of Liturgy being sent into Scotland, with a Command to read it in all Churches, caused great Disturbances in Edenburg and other Places, which being fomented by several Factious Spirits, soon broke out into a Rebellion, whereupon the King raised an Army and Marched into Scotland, but the Scots laying down their Arms, upon their Sub­mission were Pardoned, and a Peace Concluded, but new Stirs arising after the King's Departure, he made his second Expedition, but nothing of Mo­ment was done.

Within a while after, the Covenant, that Bond of Iniquity, was taken by many thousands of that Kingdom; so that the King being Apprehensive of the Mischief that was like to attend it, Summoned a third Parliament to sit at Westminster, and de­manded a Supply of Mony for his present Occasions, but they denyed to grant it.

And now the Irish Rebellion breaking out (wherein were committed many horrible Outra­ges) the Long Parliament (for so it was called, by reason they had prevailed with the King to sign a Bill for their Sitting during their Pleasure) used many Endeavours to Suppress the same; but whil'st they endeavoured to Suppress remote Troubles, they Fomented worse nearer Home, by proposing [Page 196] an Alteration in the Divine Worship, under a Pre­tence of Reducing Religion to what it was in Queen Elizabeth's Days, when indeed there was no Derogation from it in Fundamentals: The next Design they undertook to Provoke the best of Kings, was, to Impeach such Favourits as were dearest to him, of High Treason, as the Earl of Strafford, William Laud Arch-Bishop of Canter­bury, and Bishop Wren, who were sent to the Tower, as likewise most of the Judges that had De­clared for Ship-Mony were Voted Delinquents, Judg Berkly being Arrested by the Usher of the black Rod for High Treason, as he was sitting in the Court of Kings-Bench; seven Romish Priests were likewise Imprisoned, whose Pardon was granted by the Parliament, at the Request of the French Am­bassador, and the King to comply with what the Parliament had done, Released them out of Prison, which the Parliament, by reason they were not first made acquainted with it, took in such evil Part, that they resolved to Thwart the King and his Proceed­ings; whereupon they changed their Decree, and caused two of the Priests to be put to Death, which much displeased the King (as indeed it could no less) insomuch that he complained of the Insolen­cies of the lower House, to the House of Peers, and within a while after proceeded to Displace some Officers of State, as likewise the Lieutenant of the Tower, putting another in his stead; which was no sooner done, but the Commons Articled a­gainst the new Lieutenant to the Peers, who refu­sed to meddle therein, as being the Kings Preroga­tive, in such Cases to Place and Displace at his Pleasure.

The Factious being herein Frustrated, dealt un­derhand [Page 197] with the Mobile, and by dispersing their Agents into several Cabals and publick Assemblies, to Breath into them the Poison of Rebellion, they caused the giddy-headed Multitude so far to forget their Loyalty and Obedience, that a confused Rable of Apprentices and others headed by Jesuits and Phanaticks, came to Whitehall, crying, that they would have the new Lieutenant removed, or else they would turn all things into Confusion; altho few of them knew the Man or his Principles, any farther then they had taken it on Trust: They likewise Demanded, according to the Instructions of their Ringleaders, that the Bishops should be Excluded the Parliament House; and to shew their foolish Malice, they entered Westminster Abby and there fell to pulling down the Organs, tearing the Bibles and Common-Prayer-Books, defacing the Monuments of the Dead and the like, and then retreating; the second time Assaulted White­hall, uttering many oprobrious Speeches against his Majesty.

Upon these Commotions the King began to think it high time to Fortify himself, and there­upon ordered a Guard to watch the Court, for the better Preservation of his Royal Person.

And now the Parliament having brought things to this Pass, they resolved to prosecute their Re­bellious Purposes, and thereupon feigning a Fear, they placed a Guard, far exceeding the Kings, about the Parliament House, Constituting the Earl of Essex Captain thereof; and without the Kings Knowledg or Consent, caused an extraordinary As­sembly to meet in the City of London, and the bet­ter to Ingratiate themselves with the rigid Presbi­terians, Anabaptists, Independants, Quakers, and [Page 198] the like, they cast twelve Bishops into Prison, which did not a little trouble the King.

Anno 1641, the noble Earl of Strafford was Be­headed, and within two Years after, the truly Pi­ous, and great Pillar of the Church, William Laud Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, who died Sacrifices to popular Fury, and Martyrs for their Country and Kingly Government, to satisfy the Malice of those that had undertaken the Downfall of Monarchy, supposing there was no easier way to atchieve their wicked Purposes, than to remove those wise States­men and loyal Subjects.

And now the King growing Impatient at such In­solencies, proceeded to Accuse one Member of the House of Lords and five of the Commons of high Treason; but demanding them to be delivered up, they were denyed, whereupon he went in Person with five hundred Gentlemen, and alone entered the House: But not seeing the Persons he came to look for, he declared his good Intentions to the Parliament, and so returned, and the next Day went again, but they having Notice, made their Escapes. Hereupon the Parliament put the City in Arms, and Adjourned their Sitting for the space of five Days, forbidding the Citizens to Assist the Kings Officers in finding out those Members that were Accused; which Order they Obeyed, and when the Parliament Sate again, the armed Rab­ble brought them, and placed them in the House in despite of the King; and so being backed by the Multitude, they proceeded daily to lessen the Royal Authority, sending Letters into the adjacent Coun­tries, commanding them to draw up in Arms, so that on that Occasion above twenty thousand Men were in a readiness.

[Page 199]Upon these harsh Proceedings of the Parliament, the King hasted to Hampton Court, and now the Par­liament daily Increasing in Power, they Adjourned their Sitting to Guildhall in London, the better to Ingratiate themselves with the Citizens; and from thence sent their Mandates to the respective Gover­nours of the Seaport-Towns, forbidding them to yeild Obedience to the Kings Orders, unless they had Confirmed them: And in this they more pre­judiced his Affairs then they had formerly done, for had the King put Garisons in those Towns, he might have secured the Maritine part of Power, and by that means have Distressed the City of London, who once finding a faleur in Traffique, would soon have been weary of their Guest, whose Perverseness occasioned it. But the Parliament taking the Ad­vantage, secured them first, by putting strong Ga­risons into most of them: So that the King being in Yorkshire, was denyed Entrance into his Town of Hull by Sr. John Hotham, whereupon returning to Windsor, he wrote to the Parliament, declaring his good meaning towards them, protesting him­self Innocent of such things as had been Objected against him, whereupon they sent Messengers to desire his Return to London; but his Majesty did not at such a Juncture think it convenient; upon which the Lower House drew up a Remonstrance, wherein their Propositions were so unreasonable, that the House of Peers would by no means Accord with them therein, till they perceived the Com­mons were uniting themselves against them, and so through Fear were compelled to a Complyance; and then the said Remonstrance was sent to the King, who with some Reservation yielded to one part of it, and rejected the other; but this would [Page 200] not satisfy those unreasonable Men, but they peti­tioned the King, that the accused Members might be free and clear from all Guilt; to which the good King out of his princely Lenity consented.

Things being at this Pass, many who favoured the Kings Cause, foreseeing the dismal Effects, some of them left England, and others repaired home, not leaving above twenty five in the upper House, and scarce eighty in the Lower; and those most, if not all of them, such as were strong Opposers of the Kings Proceedings, and those that they did in the least suspect to be loyally Affected, by one means or other they got them turned out, till at last there was not above sixteen in the Lords House.

About this time the Queen left England to Ac­company her Daughter to the Prince of Orange, to whom she was Espoused; and by reason the Par­liament, or Rump, (for now it was no other) pre­tended that the Nation was in danger to be over­run with Popery, and thereby set the giddy headed Multitude a madding, (who saw not at what those Foxes aimed) the King put forth his Proclamation, commanding all Popish Priests to avoid the Realm upon Pain of Death, as likewise to put the Laws in Execution against Papists, but nothing would please those whose Aim was to Ingross the Sove­raign Power into their own Hands; for now they began to appear more barefaced, and contrary to their own Belief, Accused the King of hearkening to a Change of Religion; and that he was the Oc­casion of the Irish Rebellion; and proceeded to blacken all those that had any spark of Loyalty, nay after they had vented their Malice against his Fa­vourites, they proved so monstrously wicked as to Asperse the Queen, which the King (who tendered [Page 201] her as his Life) took in such grievous Part, that he Published his Declaration, declaring his Inno­cence, and how that the Parliament sought all Occa­sion of Quarrel against him, and to prosecute their own evil Purposes, spread false Rumours amongst his Subjects.

But this not having the wished Effects, and things growing daily worse and worse, the King was re­solved to oppose Force with Force, and thereup­on taking with him his Son Prince Charles, the Pals­grave, Duke of Richmond, and others of the chief Nobility, he took his Journy for York, and from thence wrote to the Parliament, but finding them as Obstinate as ever, he Summoned all the Knights of the Garter, and such as held of the Crown, to repair to him; when on the contrary, the Parlia­ment made it Death for any to go, but therein few obeyed them, for the Nobility from all parts came thither, as likewise many of the Members of the lower House who had retired themselves.

And now Preparation for War being made on all Hands, the Kentish Men Petitioned the Parlia­ment on the Behalf of the King, That nothing might be done without his Consent, That the Liturgy might not be altered, but that Divine Worship might continue as by Law Established, That the Bishops might be re­stored, whom they had Excluded the Lords House, that they would not suffer the fundamental Laws to be alte­red without the Kings Permission, nor Arms to be tak­en up without the Kings Command, and that some spee­dy means might be found out for an Amicable Reconci­liation.

But altho they had formerly encouraged Petiti­ons when they served for their Purpose, yet this Petition was taken in evil Part, and those who [Page 202] brought it, together with the Earl of Bristol who received it at their Hands Imprisoned; and the Summersetshire Men afterwards preferring their Pe­tition upon the same Occasion, the Parliament cau­sed it to be burnt by the common Hangman, which shewed how little they were desirous of Peace, but rather sought Contention to bring their wicked Purposes about.

The King being at York, and finding no hopes of Reconciliation, Commanded all the Yorkshire Men to attend him at a Day prefixed on Howard More, which they accordingly did to the Number of six­ty Thousand, where his Majesty, the Prince, and several Nobles accompanied with six hundred Horse met them, and after having Admonished them to Loyalty, Peace, and a right Understand­ing of things, he dismissed them, yet twenty Thou­sand of them would accompany him back to the Ci­ty of York, and then Expressing their Loyalty, and ready Obedience, they departed to their respective Habitations.

This great Assembly put the Parliament in some Fear, whereupon they borrowed a considerable Sum of Mony of the Londoners upon the publick Faith, and therewith raised an Army of two thousand Horse and ten thousand Foot, when in the mean while the King having drawn together considerable Forces, endeavoured the taking of Hull, and a­gain sent to the Parliament, to desire that matters might be amicably Reconciled (so desirous of Peace was this good King) promising forthwith to re­pair to them if they would leave London and sit in some other place, but according to their old Obsti­nacy they refused; whereupon the King proceed­ed to Proclaim all men guilty of Treason that [Page 203] should Assist them with Mony or other Necessaries; threatening the Londoners with the taking away their Liberties if they offended herein, and caused Newark, and Barwick to be Fortified, and again sought the taking of Hull, but in vain, that place by reason of the Waters that almost Incompass it, being impregnible.

The Parliament having by this time drawn out their Forces, Proclaimed open War, declaring themselves necessitated to take up Arms; but how true that was, I leave to the Judgment of all good Men: And now the Earl of Essex, who was be­fore the Captain of their Guard, is made Gene­ral.

The King having Notice of these Proceedings, Marched to Notingham and there set up his Stand­ard, and thither repaired to him a great number of Nobility: And now it being come to open Wars, the Victory continued for a long time doubtful, sometimes on the one side, and sometimes on the other, with no small effusion of Blood, and the Lives of brave Men lost, there not being less then eighty Thousand killed on both sides during that unhappy War.

All things being in a Flame, the Prince took Ship­ing for the Scillyes, from whence he was Invited by the Parliament, to Return to London, but not think­ing it safe to trust his Person in the Hands of such Men who had broken their Oaths of Allegiance, cancel'd their Loyalty, and devoted themselves to the Service of the Prince of Darkness, he Sailed for Holland, and there continued at the Hague till the sad News of his Royal Fathers Murther was brought thither.

The Kings Affairs being now grown Desperate, [Page 204] most places of Strength being in the Hands of the Parliament, and his Army wasted, he came with the remainder of his Forces to Oxford; but a strait Siege being laid to it, and more Forces daily ex­pected out of all Parts, he despaired of its long holding out; and therefore by the Advice of seve­ral of the Nobility, he rode in Disguise to the Scotch Army, who then lay Encamped near South­wel, casting himself upon them for Protection, who at first made many fair Promises, and seemed a while sharply to contend with the Parliament, when they demanded them to deliver the King into their Hands; but having great Arrears due for their late Service, they feared to lose that if they refused to Comply, and thereupon, like perfidious Wretches delivered him into the Hands of his merciless Ene­mies for the Sum of two hundred thousand Pounds; but it may somewhat abate our Wonder, when we consider that Judas, whose Example they followed, sold the King of Kings for thirty Pieces of Sil­ver.

The Scots having got their Mony, Marched in­to Scotland, leaving their King to be carried Pri­soner to Holmby, and afterwards to the Isle of Wight, where he was guarded by Collonel Ham­mond; and during his Solitude there, he wrote his excellent Book called Icon Basilice.

Things being brought to this pass, a Treaty was held, and Commissioners accordingly appointed to receive the Kings Concessions, which were so am­ple that the Parliament Voted them Satisfactory; after which those that sought his Life, having no Cloak for their Villany, they began to appear in their proper Colours, turning out all such Mem­bers of Parliament, as they thought would refuse [Page 205] to Comply with their wicked purposes, and re­moved the King to Hurst Castle, and from thence to Windsor, during which many Skirmishes passed between the Loyalists and Rebels, as at Maidstone, Pomfract, Bow, Stratford, Kingston, and Preston where the Scotch Army were overthrown, and lastly at Colchester, which was defended by the Renowned Worthies Sr. Charles Lucas, and Sr. George Lisle, who upon the Surrender of that Town (caused through extream Famine (notwithstanding they had their Lives granted, yet in cold Blood) they were shot to Death contrary to the Law of Arms.

And now the Army, Officers, and those Members that were left in the House, Erected a new and un­heard of Tribunal, falsly called a High Court of Justice; For indeed Justice was turned into Worm­wood in those Days; and of this Court Serjeant Brad­shaw was made President, and the King being cal­led before the new Erected and pretended Authori­ty, had several Crimes laid to his Charge, as that he gave cause of the cruel Bloodshed in Ireland, That he had born Arms against the Parliament, That he had given Commission to his Son, and o­thers to wage War, and therefore he was pro­nounced a Traitor, a Tyrant, and an Enemy to the Kingdom, by Bradshaw, the worst of Traytors that ever England bred.

But the King disowned the Power of that Court, and therefore refused to Answer to the Charge, al­tho he was several times brought thither and urg­ed thereto: But these Hellhounds thirsting after Royal Blood, only set up this Court for Formali­ties Sake, the better to colour their Villany, they having beforehand, past Doubt, resolved his Death.

The King having absolutely refused to Answer [Page 206] to their Charge, on the 17th. of April Anno 1648. Bradshaw, to his immortal Shame, proceeded to pro­nounce Sentence on the best of Kings: Which was to this Effect, That He the said Charles Stew­art, was fallen from all Dignity, was guilty of high Treason, and was to be put to Death by the severing his Head from his Body, for being a Tyrant, a Mur­therer, and an Enemy to the Commonwealth: In Con­firmation of this Sentence the Court stood up, there­by signifying that they all Consented to the Wick­edness, and the King offering to speak, Bradshaw would not permit him, but ordered the Officers to take him away, and carry him to Whitehall.

And now this wicked Sentence being thus Passed, few imagined that they would be such Villains as to have dared the putting it in Execution; yet not­withstanding the Intercessions of the Dutch Ambas­sadors and many of the Nobility, on the 30th. of January, at the Command of Oliver Cromwel, a Scaffold was Erected before Whitehall, and covered with Black, which made many aking Hearts, and caused such as durst of the Nobility, to Address themselves to the Tyrants for the Kings Life; & the Lord Fairfax declared that rather then such a Wick­edness should be acted, if none other would Assist him, himself with his Regiment would force the Guards and attempt the Hindering it; but Cromwell & some of the Principal Rumpers got him to Pray­ers (as they termed it) to seek of God what was best to be done, but indeed to Consult the Devil, who (past doubt (had all along been their Councellor) and in the mean while the fatal Blow was given: For the King being brought out of the Banquetting House, upon a Bridg of Boards that was laid from the Window to the Scaffold, attended by Dr Juxon, [Page 207] he in a Learned and Pious Speech Addressed him­self to the People, declaring his Innocence; and then desiring of God to Forgive his Adversaries, he gave his George to Dr. Juxon and bid him Remem­ber, which was, as 'tis supposed, to deliver it to the Prince, and then laying down his Royal Head, after he had Recommended his Spirit into the Hands of his Redeemer, he had it stricken off at a Blow by an Executioner in Disguise.

This Murther in the superlative Degree acted by rebellious Subjects upon their lawful Prince with­out Precedent, did not a little Astonish the neigh­bouring Nations, and drew Tears not only from his Friends, but his Enemies; nay from Strangers, who had only heard of the Virtues of this good King, which were indeed so many, that should I go about to recite them, it would prove too hard a Task, and might fill up a larger Volume.

His Body was put in a Coffin covered with black Velvet, and carried to St. James's, and there wrap­ed in Lead, when about seven Days after it was de­livered to two of his Servants, to be Disposed of as they thought fit; upon Notice of which the Duke of Richmond, Marquess of Hartford, the Earls of Lindsy and Southampton, together with Dr. Jux­on, came and putting it in a Herse Conveyed it to Windsor, and Interred it in St. Georg's Chappel, weep­ing in private the Requiems of so great a King, and for a Memorial, fixed a piece of Lead about two [Page 208] Foot long, on the Breast of the Corps, Inscribed King Charles, 1648.

This good King began his Reign Anno 1625, and Reigned twenty three Years ten Months and three Days, and was the forty fifth sole Monarch of England, being untimely cut off by Rebellious Sub­jects in the forty ninth Year of his Age.

The Birth, Sufferings, and Mi­raculous Deliverances, happy Restoration, and Prosperous Reign of our now Reigning Soveraign CHARLES the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Brittain, France, and Ireland, King, &c.

OUr Soveraign Lord King Charles the Second, first Son to King Charles the First, of ever blessed Memory, by his Queen Henrietta Maria, Daughter to Henry the fourth King of France and Navar, was Born the 29th. of May Anno Christi 1630. and brought up in his Royal Fathers Court in all Piety and Learning, till through the Blessing [Page 209] of Heaven he Arrived at those Perfections that fit­ly qualified him to bear patiently the severest Frowns of adverse Fortune; and when God was pleased to restore him to his Right (long Usurped and long Detained from him by the worst of Ty­rants) sufficient to make his Reign Happy and Pro­sperous, over so great a People Commited to his Charge.

His Majesties younger Years were for the most part spent in Camps, even till (the Scale of For­tune turning against his Royal Father) he was for­ced to leave the Land, to avoid falling into the Hands of such as made their Tiranny the sole Foundation of their usurped Power. When the fatal Blow was given, which made the Nations Weep, his Majesty was with his Sister at the Hague, and there Received the dismal and amazing News of his great Fathers Fall, which caused such Royal Grief as my weak Genius cannot here Portray, and therefore thinks it fit to pass it over in Silence; after which, he as it was, and is his undoubted Right, began his Reign over these three Kingdoms, and all other his Majesties Countries and Domini­ons, even from that fatal 30th. of January, on which the Blessed Martyr made his way to Heaven: And after him such Nobles were put to Death as tood in the Tyrants Way to hinder him from [...]ounting on the Throne; and after that, think­ [...]ng to Exclude his Sacred Majesty, Cromwell procu­ [...]ed the Rump to pass an Act to Disinable (as they [...]retended) the Royal Line of King James from In­ [...]riting the Imperial Crown of England, Scotland, [...]d Ireland, and to shew their Malice, caused the [...]ngs Arms to be pulled down every where, and [...] their stead placed the States Arms, as they called [Page 210] them, viz. the Cross and Harp; and the better to Express their Antichristian Rage, defaced his late Majesties Picture in the Royal Exchange, and behind the Head wrote in Letters of Gold: ‘Exit Tyrannus Regum ultimus, Anno Libertatis An­gliae restitutae primo, Anno 1648. January 30.’

When indeed it was the very Moment when our Slavery under the Name of Liberty began, for neither Romans, Saxons, Danes, nor Normans, in the height of all their Cruelty proceeded to such barbarous and inhumane Acts as these Native Re­bels, who made Murther their Pastime; and it was enough in those times to endanger the Life and Estate of any Man, if some notorious Ruffian or other would but Accuse him of being Loyal to his Lawful Prince.

The Rebels likewise caused the Titles of all Pro­cess at Law to be altered, and instead of Carolus Dei Gratia, &c. they put Custodes Libertatis Angliae, and Caused the Kings Bench to be called by the Name of the Upper Bench. They likewise made a new Stamp for Mony, with the Cross on the one side thereof, and the Cross and Harp on the other, which at this Day is called Breeches Mony, the In­scription on one side being, God with us, and on the other, The Common-Wealth of England; a great Seal likewise was prepared.

And now the Lord Fairfax having laid down his Commission, as not being able to square his Con­science according to the Dictates of the Parliament Oliver Cromwell was Constituted General, whose Wickedness and many Inhumane Murthers, ren­ders him justly Odious to Posterity.

[Page 211]And now the King being in France, endeavour­ing to get Aid, in order to Recover his Lawful Right, was there Disappointed; yet his Well-Wishers in England Proclaimed him King, as like­wise did the Duke of Ormond, and Earl of Leicester in Ireland, whereupon the Rump, as the People then called it, proceeded to sell the Kings and Queens Land, Whitehall, and Summerset House being Voted to Sale, as likewise the Bishops, with Deans and Chapiters Lands, which being prized great­ly under the true Value, wanted not purchasers, and this under the specious Pretence of working a tho­rough Reformation.

About this time Orders were given for the De­molishing most of the principal Castles and places of Strength throughout England, and all Persons were Deposed from their Offices either in Church or State, who refused to Comply with the present Government as by them Established; yet was his Majesty Proclaimed King in Scotland, and after some Debates held there on that Occasion, it was A­greed that several Proposals should be sent to his Majesty, who at that time was Landed in the Isle of Jersy, to Tender which the Laird Libberton, and Mr. Winderam were appointed, the Heads of which were;

• I. That his Majesty should sign the Solemn League and Covenant.
• II. That he should pass divers Acts of Parliament which were Concluded on in the two last Sessions of Par­liament in Scotland.
• III. That he would be pleased to Recall the late Com­mission given to the Marquess of Montross.
• IV. That he should put away all Papists from him.
• [Page 212]V. That he would appoint some place about Holland to Treat with their Commissioners.
• VI. That he would be graciously Pleased to give a speedy Answer to their Request.

These Propositions being Perused, duly Weigh­ed and Considered, Sr. William Fleming was sent a­gain to the Committee of Estates then Assembled in Scotland, till such time as the Laird Libberton could be Dispatched, who shortly after followed with a Let­ter, and ample Instructions by Word of Mouth; and Breda in Holland was appointed the place of Treaty, whereupon great Debates were held by the Committee of Estates, and those for the Kirk of Scotland; when in the end, it was concluded that the Earl of Cassiles, the Lords Lothian, Burly, and Libberton, Sr. John Smith, and Mr. Jefferyes should be Deputed Commissioners for the Estates, and Mr. Brocly, Lauson, and Wood for the Kirk; who having received their Commissions, met his Maje­sty at Breda, where after their making known to what Intent they were come, they delivered their Propositions, much to the same Effect as those be­fore mentioned; of which the King was pleased to take some time to Consider.

During this Treaty, the Renowned Marquess of Montross was taken in Scotland, after his Atcheive­ing such Valorous Exploits and Victories with a handful of Men against great Armies, that Ages to come, upon hearing them Repeated, past doubt may term them Fabulous.

This brave Souldier falling into the Hands of his merciless Enemies, they used him not as a Peer and Loyal Subject who Fought by Commission from his and their Lawful Prince, but with all the Severity [Page 213] imaginable, and in the end Executed him upon a Gibbet of extraordinary height, and then severing his Head from his Body, as likewise dividing his Body into Quarters, they set them up to the Mur­therers eternal Infamy, upon the Gates of several Cities of that Kingdom; which unexpected News coming to Breda, caused a general Sorrow, and had gone near to have broke off the Treaty, but at length his Majesty condescending to some of the Propositions, and rejecting others; the part con­cluded on were carryed to Edenburg, and it was there Resolved that a Messenger should be sent in the Names of the Committee of Estates and Kirk, to Invite his Majesty into Scotland.

The Rump Parliament having Notice of these Proceedings, and fearing their Downfall would soon insue if his Majesty was once Established in his Ancient Kingdom of Scotland, they therefore prepared an Army to Invade the Scots, under the [...]eading of the Arch-Traytor Oliver Cromwell: And about this time, for the better Understanding of their Ignoramusses (most of the eminent Lawy­ers being Suspended) they passed an Act for the Reducing all Proceedings at Law into English, and to be Written in Secretary Hand, But what was most Prejudicial to his Majesties Affairs, was that Blake meeting with part of Prince Rupert's Fleet, had burnt and sunk many of the best Ships.

During these Passages, his Majesty Prosecuted his Voyage for Scotland, and Arriving at Spey, se­veral Lords came to Welcome him, as likewise to Accompany him to Edenburg, when as all the way he Passed, great was the Joy of the People; at A­ [...]erden his Majesty was Presented with fifteen hun­dred Pounds, which the Committee of Estates and [Page 214] Kirk took in great dudgeon, and sent to the seve­ral Towns through which his Majesty was to Pass, strictly forbidding them to do the like.

The King being now come to Edenburg, he was there Proclaimed King on the 15th. of July Anno 1650, but his Coronation was Deferred by reason of the Troubles that were then arisen; for the English Army under the Command of Cromwell, was by this time entered the Frontiers; whereupon great Forces were Raised to Oppose them under the Leading of Montgomery; who gave the English Battail at Dunbarr, but were worsted: And now, notwithstanding the English Army was Victorious even in the Heart of Scotland, yet such was the ill Hap, that the Scots themselves were at Strife, be­ing Divided into three Parties, so that they could expect no other then to be worsted. To heal these Breaches his Majesty earnestly Laboured, insomuch that through his Princely Wisdom, he at last pro­cured a Reconciliation, whereupon all the Estates unanimously resolved to Crown his Majesty, there­by the more to Abash the Rebels, which on the first Day of January Anno 1650 was Performed ac­cordingly at Scoon in Scotland.

And now the King set up his Standard at Aber­deen, Reserving to himself the Title of Generalissi­mo of the Scotch Army, when as News came that Sr. Henry Hide, and Captain Bushel had been Be­headed at London by the Rebels for their Loyalty. The English Army still Approaching, the King for­tified Sterling, and leaving St. Johnstown, went thither with his whole Court, but was no sooner Arrived there, but News was brought of the Sur­prize of the Earl of Eglington and his Son.

Whil'st things were at this pass in Scotland, the [Page 215] Rump who had still their Spies abroad, discovered a new Plot against themselves, carryed on by the Presbyterians, for which Mr. Gibons, and Dr. Love were Beheaded, Cromwell seeing he could not Ob­lige the Scots to a Field-Battel, for that they had Encamped in Fife, he therefore Transported sixteen hundred Foot, and four Troops of Horse o­ver the River, who joyning with Lambert and Okeys Forces, Routed Sr. John Brown, and altho he made a brave Resistance, yet he was taken Prisoner, and with him several Persons of Quality, as like­wise a hundred common Souldiers, and two thou­sand were killed upon the Place.

Fortune being thus averse to his Majesties Af­fairs, he resolved to try an other way, by leaving Scotland and making England the Seat of War, where­upon on the 30th. of July Anno 1651, he Marched his Army into England, of which Cromwell had no sooner Notice, but he sent Lambert after with a Party of Horse to fall upon the Rear of the Kings Army, himself, with such other Forces as could be spared, Marching to second him; the Rump like­wise hearing of his Majesties Approach, sent their Mandates into all Counties, that none should be so hardy as to Assist him with Men or Mony, under the Penalty of High Treason (when indeed them­selves were the worst of Traytors) as likewise caused Forces to be Raised in each County to Op­pose him.

The King having entered England, Commanded it to be Proclaimed, That no Soldier should Offer Vi­olence to the Persons or Houses of any of his English Sub­jects, which was Obeyed with due Observance, yet such was the Peoples Fear of the Rump, that few (or none) came to the Assistance of their King, ex­cept [Page 216] the Lord Howard of Eskrich's Son with a Troop of Horse.

By this time Lambert being guided over the Moors and Dales in Yorkshire, was got before the Kings Army, and thought to have stoped them at Warrington Bridg, but after a hot Dispute, and the loss of several Men on either Side, the Pass was gained, and the King Marching with his Ar­my to Tong-Norton, sent a Trumpet to Collonel Humphry Mackworth, Governour of Shrewsbury, to Summon him to deliver up the Town, but he Re­fused, and was so Insolent, as not to own his Ma­jesty by any other Title than Commander in Chief of the Scotch Army, as appeared by the Superscrip­tion of a Letter he sent back: From hence his Ma­jesty Marched to Worcester, and was joyfully Wel­comed by several truly Loyal Gentlemen.

The Earl of Darby having brought his Majesty a Supply of two hundred and fifty Foot, and sixty Horse, Raised in the Isle of Man, and in hopes to procure more, he went into Lancashire, where he was set upon by Lilborn, and had most of his Com­manders Slain, as the Lord Witherington, Sr. Thomas Tilsby, Collonel Trollop, Collonel Bointon and o­thers, altho they behaved themselves with all im­maginable Bravery, performing as much as Men could do. This Misfortune happened to the Earl, up­on the Disappointment he met with in those Parts, his Lordship upon his Repair thither having been assured that the Presbiterians would come in to his Assistance, in order to his Majesties Restoration; but on the contrary, they did all they could to hin­der his Success, unless he would have taken the Co­venant, which he refused to do: This Engagement happened in Wiggon Lane.

[Page 217]During these Proceedings in Lancashire his Maje­sty gave necessary Orders for the Fortifying of Worcester, to which Lambert made his Approach­es, and gained the Pass at Ʋpton, where the Bridg was cut down, by causing his Troopers to swim their Horses over the River, in order to Rescue about fifty desperate Fellows that had got over upon a Pole, and were driven by Major General Massy's Men into a Church and there Besieged, but the Troopers Landing, and those fifty Sallying out of the Church, the Majors Men were forced to Re­treat, whereupon a Bridg of Boats was laid over the River; and now Cromwell joyning Lambert, the Loyalists were beat out of the Town, and so Re­treated to Worcester, whether now the Rebels made their Approaches, and Incamped upon Red-hill, where they had been Surprized by the Roya­lists, had not a Rascally Taylor discovered the De­sign, so that it came to a fair Battail, and his Ma­jesty on the third of September 1651, Sallying out of the Town at the Head of his Forces with King­ly Bravery, and an undaunted Resolution, Charged Cromwell's Life-Guard, and forced them to Retire, leaving many of their Fellows dead upon the place; but the Enemy being three to one in Number, were still Recruited with fresh Supplies, so that after the Fight had remained Bloody and Doubtful for some Hours, when as the King bravely Fighting, having had two Horses Shot under him, and many of his chief Commanders Slain, the Scale of War turned, and the Royal Party were forced to Retreat into the Town, which they did with much Difficulty, by reason a loaded Cart was overthrown in the Gateway, supposed to be done on purpose, which so obstructed the Entrance of the Horse that the [Page 218] Enemy had time to come up, who entred pell mell with the Royalists, when as the Cry went, Save the King, Save the King.

His Majesty now Perceiving all to be lost, with some of his most trusty Followers made his Escape out of Worcester, altho not without great Difficul­ty, and coming to a Farm House on the Borders of Staffordshire, his Majesty there Refreshed himself, and the better to prevent Discovery, cut off his Hair, and changed his Aparrel; yet was pursued so close that at Boscobel House the Troopers entered the fore Dore, and his Majesty went out at the Back, and coming into a Wood, made an Oake his Pallace whil'st the Blood-Hounds had left Pursuing him in those Parts; and afterwards by the Assistance of the Pendrills and Mrs. Lane, having escaped through miraculous Providence many Dangers, he found means to pass the Seas, and landed safe at New Haven in France; and in this Gods Goodness was evidently Demonstrated, for altho his Majesty was in the Hands of Men of mean Fortune, who might have made their own Price with the Rebels to betray him (one thousand Pounds being the first Penny the Rump had set upon his Head) as like­wise his Life lay in the Hands of Women, whose Brests rarely Contain so weighty a Secret long; yet no Temptation could prevail with them to prove Perfidious to the best of Kings.

In the Battle of Worcester about three thousand were Slain, and seven hundred taken Prisoners, upon News of which the Rump caused publick Days of Thanksgiving to be kept, and caused the Scoth Colours taken in the Fight to be hung up in West­minster Hall: And now the Earl of Darby endea­voring to make his Escape, fell into the Hands of [Page 219] the Rebells, who without any due Process of Law Beheaded him at Bolton in Lancashire.

From New Haven the King went to Paris, and having stayed there a while, he went to St. Germaines, there to Confer with the Duke of Lorraine about the Recovery of his Kingdom of Ireland, but it came to no Result. During his Majesties Abode there, the Duke of Glocester, who had a long time been detained by the Parliament in the Isle of Wight, came to him from the Hague, Accompanyed with Sr. Richard Greenvil, and Sr. Marmaduke Langdale, and not long after Mrs. Lane, who had been Instru­mental in his Majesties making his Escape out of England, for which she was now kindly Received, and had many Thanks given her by his Majesty for her Care and good Will towards him.

About this time Cromwell intending to assume to himself an absolute Power, Dissolved the Rump Parliament, which had sat twelve Years six Months and seventeen Days, and after that they were cryed about the Streets in Derision, four Parliament men for a Penny, so Odious and Hateful were they now grown amongst the People, and within a while af­ter War was Proclaimed with the Dutch, in which happened five bloody Ingagements, and the Eng­lish got the better; the Dutch having lost most of their great Ships, were forced to sue for Peace, which with much Difficulty they obtained; and now Cromwell perceiving the People began to be displea­sed with his usurped Authority, he called another fagend of a Parliament, Composed for the most part of Mechanicks, who not knowing how to man­nage the Affairs of State, within a while after re­signed up their Power to old Noll, from whom they received it, and departed to mind the Business they [Page 220] better understood, upon which, viz. the 16th. of December 1653, Cromwell by the Procurement of his own Creatures was Sworn Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and by that means the Democracy for which the Rebels had long con­tended was dissolved by a Creature of their own making, whom yet the boldest of them durst not Oppose.

The King during these Proceedings being in France, sought to make Peace between that Crown and the Crown of Spain; and hoping yet to further his Interest he departed for Germany, Accompani­ed with Prince Rupert and such Nobility as then at­tended him, and Arriving at the Spaw, his Royal Sister the Princess of Orange came to Visit him, and there his Majesty diverted himself for some time, during which Cromwell was busy in setling his Great­ness upon as sure a Foundation as he could, by put­ing such to Death (under pretence of their Con­spiring against the Government) whom he thought were most likely to Oppose his Tyranny: And a­bout this time Collonel Gerrard, and Mr. Wowel were put to Death, for he had his Agents in all parts of England secretly to pry into mens Actions, and to see how they stood Affected (For Tyranny is al­ways attended with Mestrust and Fear) and these Rakehells were wont to trapan Gentlemen, to de­clare themselves for the King, pretending them­selves at the same time great Royalists, and railing against the Usurper, till such time they had procu­red their Ends, and then upon their Informing a­gainst them, their Estates and Lives were at the U­surpers Mercy, none of his Judges daring to Aquit a Person (tho never so Innocent) that Cromwell would have Condemned; for his Motto might well [Page 221] be the same that is written over the Pallace Gate of the Grand Signeour.

For indeed never was any People under pretence of Liberty brought into such Slavery, and yet it was Death to complain, or so much as murmur a­gainst the Protectors Proceedings.

About this time the Scots Rising under the Lead­ing of the Earl of Glencairn, Monro, and Middleton, resolved to prosecute the Kings Cause, but being Routed by General Monk, all came to nothing. The King having left the Spaw, was now arrived at Co­logne, and there himself and the Princess of Orange were Royally Entertained, and shortly after they were Invited by the Duke of Newburg to his Pallace of Dunsel-Dorf, where they met with the like Enter­tainment; and here it was that the King and his Sister parted, the former returning to Cullen, and the latter to Holland.

During these Passages the Usurper discovered another Plot by means of his Agents, which was to have been a general Rising all over England, whereupon several worthy Persons were Executed, and some hundreds sent beyond Sea, and sold for Slaves.

And now the King with his Brother the Duke of Glocester, and his Sister the Princess of Orange, attended by a great Train of Nobility, went to Frankfort, and at Coningstem near Frankfort, Christina Queen of Sweeden gave the King a Visit, after which [Page 222] he returned again to Collen, and from thence into the Low-Countries, being Invited thither by Don John d' Austria Governour thereof under the King of Spain, whither his Royal Highness the Duke of York came to him.

The War continuing between France and Spain, Cromwell according to a Treaty with the French sent over six thousand Foot Soldiers to Assist that King in his Wars against Flanders, and in Lieu thereof he was to have Dunkirk delivered into his Possession, which being afterwards taken with great Difficul­ty, was accordingly put into the Possession of the English: And now the Protector desirous of a high­er Advancement, called an Assembly of his own Creatures, who durst not move but by his Dictates, of which Sr. Thomas Witherington being Speaker, it was by them Ordained that the Protector should be Cloathed in Purple Robes and Installed in Westmin­ster-Hall, after which he Established a Pajeant House of Lords of his own Creation, as John Lord Hew­son the Qondam Cobler, the Lord Clapole, Lord Ire­ton, and the like; when wanting Treasure to sup­port his upstart Greatness, he sent his Scouts upon the Discovery, who brought him News of an o­ther pregnant Plot, which was just about to Teem, whereupon Sr. Henry Slingsby, and Dr. Hewet were Executed, and Mr. Aston, Mr. Betly, and Mr. Stacy Drawn, Hanged, and Quartered, and their Estates seised and Sold by the Protector (a Politick, tho a wicked Invention to get Mony.)

And now the Pomp of this blustering Tyrant be­ing at its highest Pitch, he made his Son Henry Lord Deputy of Ireland, and appointed Commissi­oners in most Parts of England for the Approbation of Ministers and Schoolmasters, with ample Com­mission [Page 223] to Eject such as were Ignorant, under Pre­tence of which all the well Affected and Learned Men were turned out, and any Blockheads placed in their steads that could but raise any considerable Sum of Mony: Hugh Peters was kept by Cromwell in the nature of his Jester; it was also Enacted by one of Nols mechanick Parliaments, that no Person should be Married but by a Justice of Peace, and first to be Asked in the Church, or Proclaimed in the Market. And now the Tyrants Power began to Decline, the People every where Inveighing a­gainst him in Private, altho they durst not do it o­penly: And now their Eyes being open, they plain­ly discerned in what Miseries their mad Folly had Involved them, and would willingly have shook off the Tyrants Yoke, but found it stick too fast.

In September Anno 1658, Cromwell began to setle his Affairs, and make a more narrow Inspection in­to matters, as finding a Decay of his bodily Health, and was very desirous to settle his Son Richard in the Kingdom, if he should at that time Decease, for on the first Day of the Month aforesaid, he was sensible of Change, and therefore sent for those whom he had raised from a low Estate to great Ho­nours, and consulted them about the matter, who promised to stand by his Son Richard; so that his Sickness still encreasing, on the third of September, in Year aforesaid, he yeilded to Death, who fol­lowing his own Example, admitted neither of Bail nor Mainprise. The Day whereon he dyed (as it was observed) the like Storm had not happened in many Ages past, for by the Violence thereof Trees, Houses, Barns, Church-Steeples, Stacks of Hay and Corn were overthrown.

[Page 224]After his Death he was Conveyed to Summerset House and there laid in State, where he continued till the 23d. of November following, and then was carried to Westminster Abby with all Magnificence and Splendor imaginable, and Interred near the Kings of England formerly buryed there.

The old Tyrant being removed, his Son Richard was Invested with his Power, but his Head being too light, and his Shoulders too weak to Support the ponderous Weight of Government; he after his having called a Parliament was decently laid a­side as a useless Tool, not fit to finish the Reforma­tion, or rather unreform, and overthrow the Established Laws of the Kingdom.

And now Fleetwood and Lambert the chief Instru­ments in outing Richard, called the Rump Parlia­ment that had ben turned out by Cromwell, who not a little Rejoyced that it was put into their Pow­er again to Lord it over their Betters, and add yet more Sin to the former. But whil'st they were bu­sy in setling themselves Anno 1659, the Gentle­men in Cheshire and Lancashire Rose under the Lead­ing of Sr. George Booth in Defence of their Liber­ties and Priviledges and to maintain the Kings Cause; against whom Lambert Advanced, and by him those Loyal Gentlemen had the Misfortune to be Routed, and the Renouned Sr. George Booth now Lord De-la-Mere, shortly after taken and sent Pri­soner to the Tower, and Lambert upon his Return was gratified with a thousand Pounds by the Rump for his Service.

And now Lambert began to harbour some Con­ceptions of Monopolizing the Government, by as­suming to himself the Power of Oliver, and there­upon he turned out the Rump and Erected a pre­tended [Page 225] Committee of Safety, all of his own Creatures, who were to inspect into the Affair of the three Kingdoms.

General Monk being in Scotland, and having notice of these Proceedings, concluded that now was the time to deliver his Country out of Slave­ry; whereupon he passed the Tweed with his Ar­my, and incamped at Cold Stream, there expecting the coming of Lambert, who advanced towards him, intending to give him battle, thinking that if he could but overthrow him, he should not fail to sit in Oliver's Chair. But whilst he Incamped at New Castle, the Rump had got together again, and had dissolved his Committee of Safety, and so dealt with the Officers of his Army, that first shewing the small disposition they had to fight General Monk, they afterwards left him to shift for him­self, as likewise all his Soldiers; after which the Rump sent their Commissioners to General Monk to desire him to March for London, which he ac­cordingly did, and was petitioned by all the Coun­ties he passed through, if not by all the Counties of England, for a Free Parliament.

He was no sooner arrived at London, but the Rump to revenge some Indignities the Citizens had put upon them, set him to pull up their Posts and Chains, as likewise to throw down their Gates, which made many that hoped well of him, doubt the Event; but assoon as he saw it convenient, he began to declare himself openly for a Free Parlia­ment, drawing his Troops into the City, who were now welcomed with great expressions of Joy.

The first thing he put in practice, was, to restore the Secluded Members to their Places in the House [Page 226] of Commons, upon which the Assembly dissolved it self, and Writs were Issued out to the several Cities, Counties, Burroughs, and Towns Corpo­rate, for calling a New Parliament, which was called the healing Parliament, as indeed it was, for assoon as the Members had settled themselves in the House, they began to Vote for the King's Return to his People, which after a long Dehate was car­ried in the Affirmative; whereupon the States Arms were every where pulled down, and the King's Arms set up in their Places, and on Tuesday the Eighth of May, 1660. the King was Proclaim­ed at White Hall Gate, according to the usual man­ner, to the great Joy of his Loving Subjects, who had long groaned under Tyranny and Oppression, and immediately after Commissioners were sent to the King to invite him and his Royal Brethren, the Dukes of York and Glocester (who then resided at Breda) over into England; whereupon His Ma­jesty sent Sir John Greenvill, and others before, to sound the Hearts of the People, by whom he re­ceiving assurance of the longing Expectations of his Subjects for his Return, He with his Royal Bro­thers, and a great Train of Nobility landed at Dover, where he was met by the General, and greatest part of the Nobility of England, and there his Majesty to express his Gratitude, dignified Ge­neral Monk with the Honour of Knight of the Garter, himself putting the George about his Neck, his Brothers the Dukes of York and Glocester, the mean while tying on the Garter, and when the General offered to kneel, the King took him up in his Arms and Imbraced him, and so with a Splen­did Train, his Majesty marched towards London, whilst great were the Expressions of Joy the Peo­ple [Page 227] every where shewed for his Happy Restau­ration.

On Black Heath the General's Army was drawn up, as likewise a great number of Nobility, toge­ther with the Lord Mayor of London, and Alder­men in Scarlet, and some hundreds of Citizens lead by Sir John Robinson in Velvet Coats, who with loud Shouts and Acclamations of Joy, wel­comed his Majestie's Return; when the King had passed them, they fell into his Rear, and after them the General's Soldiers in Armour with their drawn Swords, and so with a Train that reacht two miles in length; his Majesty was conducted through London to White Hall, whilst the Citizens the bet­ter to express their Joy had reared many stately Pageants, and caused the Conduits to run Wine, and the Night by the Light of the Fires that were every where kindled, seemed another Day.

At White Hall Gate was the Effigies of Oliver Cromwel set upon a Pole, and the Common-wealths Arms about his Neck, which after it had been a long time the Sport of the People, was thrown into the Fire prepared for that purpose, and thus ended the Triumph of the Happy Twenty ninth of May, which was doubly blessed, in being the Day of his Majestie's Birth and Restauration.

And now the Parliament being exceedingly sa­tisfied with the King's Return to his People, Orde­red, that a Bill should be prepared for keeping a perpetual Anniversary, or day of Thanksgiving to return Praise to God for his Infinite Goodness in Restoring His Majesty to be a Blessing to his Peo­ple, which Twenty ninth of May is still kept Sa­cred by all Loyal and well affected Persons.

The King being by Heavens Providence setled [Page 228] in his Royal Throne, the Parliament began to call such to an account, as had been concerned in the late King's Murther, of which Twenty six were Convicted, and Nine of the Principal Executed, viz. Adrian Scroop, John Carew, Thomas Harison, John Joanes, Gregory Clement, Thomas Scot, John Cook, Hugh Peters, and Daniel Axtel, all of them suffering for High Treason, as they most justly deserved; for although Divine Justice may delay for a sea­son, yet at last it will strike home: And now his Majesty being mindful of his Vows to Heaven, used great Diligence to settle Religion, that dearest part of Government, by restoring the Church to its Purity of Worship, and setling those Bishops and Pastors that had been expelled by the Rebels, in their Diocesses and Cures; the Common Prayer was again read in Churches to the content of all good Christians.

About this time the Pious Princess of Orange coming over to visit his Majesty, fell sick of the Small Pox, of which Distemper she died, to the great grief of his Majesty, and all his Subjects. And now the Devil envying the happy state of this Kingdom, began again to stir up his Agents to molest our happy Peace; for in January after his Majesties Restauration, one Venner a Wine Cooper, with his Phanatick Proselytes Rebelled, and decla­ring themselves for King Jesus, and the Fifth Mo­narchy, ranged about the City like Madmen, kill­ing first a man in Paul's Church Yard, and then another in Beach Lane, without the least provoca­tion on the part of the deceased, and then making their Escapes into Cane-Wood; the third day after they entred London at several Gates (and past doubt imagining that more of the same Gange [Page 229] would have come to their Assistance, they fell to knocking down, and killing all they met with; so that the Trained Bands and part of the King's Life-guard opposing them, there was above Forty Persons slain on both sides; but at last the re­mainder were taken, and being condemned as Re­bels and Traytors, they were Executed in several Parts of the City, dying obstinate and justifying themselves to the last.

Upon the Thirtieth of January, 1660. the odi­ous Trunks of Oliver Cromwel, John Bradshaw, and Henry Ireton, were taken up and carried to Tyburn, where they were hanged at each Angle of the Triple Tree till Sun-set, and then their Bodies cast into a Pit under the Gallows, and their Heads fixed on Poles, and set upon Westminster Hall.

During these Proceedings the Pious Prince Hen­ry, Duke of Glocester, left this Life for that more durable, and on the Twenty third of April, 1661. his Majesty was Crowned at Westminster, having the day before passed in great Splendour, from the Tower to Westminster.

And thus notwithstanding all the Popish and Fanatical Plots and Designs, has the best of Kings been preserved to this day, God having at sundry times frustrated and brought to nought all the per­nicious devices of wicked men, and caused the mischief they intended to others, to fall upon their own heads, as hath been seen in the miraculous di­scovery of the late damnable Popish Plots, and fru­strating the Designs of the late Rebels in Scotland, and likewise the subtle underhand contrivances of the disaffected, whilst under his prosperous Reign we enjoy all that Subjects can lawfully expect, or is convenient to be enjoyed; therefore let every [Page 230] good Subject make it his dayly Prayer to the Al­mighty, That His Reign may be long and prospe­rous over us.