Abridgment of the Book of Acts and Monuments by Timothy Bright

The names of the Archbishops of Canterbury.

54. Simon Iselip seventeen years. 56. Simon Langham two. 57. William Witlesey five. Simon Sudbury six. 59. William Courtney fifteen. 60. Thomas Arundell eighteen. 61. Henry Chichesly nine and twenty.

The sixth Book.

HEnry the sixth succeeded his Father, Anno 1422. [ 1442] In the first year of his reign, was burned a constant witness of Christ's truth, William Taylor a Priest, under Henry Chichesly Archbishop of Canterbury. He was first apprehended in the days of Thomas Arundell, and abjured afterward in the days of Henry Chichesly, Anno 1421. which was the year before his burning. The said William Taylor appeared again in the convocation before the Archbishop, being brought by the Bishop of Worcester, having been complained of, to have taught at Bristow these articles following.

That whosoever hangeth any Scripture about his neck dishonoreth God, and giveth it to the Devil. That God only is to be adored. That Saints are not to be worshipped nor invocated.

These Articles he denied that he preached of, but only communed of the same: especially upon the second and third, only in way of reasoning, and so brought out of his bosom a Paper, containing certain Articles, with testimonies of the Doctors alleged, and exhibited the same unto the Archbishop: who delivered it unto Master John Castell, and Rikinghale, the two Vicechancellours of Oxford and Cambridge, and to John Langdon Moonke of Canterbury, who the Monday following, presented the said articles to the Archbishop and Prelates as erroneous: Wherevpon William Taylor being called, in conclusion was content to revoke the same, and for his penance was condemned to perpetual prison: whereof notwithstanding, through favor, he was also released, putting in sufficient sureties in the Kings Chauncery, and swearing that he would never hold, or favor any such opinions after that. And so he being absolved, and taking his oath, he was committed to the B. of Worcester, to be released upon conditions aforesaid: yet so, that he should appear at the next Conuocation, whensoever it should be before the Archb.

In the mean time, while William Taylor was in the custody of Worcester, there passed certain writings between him, & one Tho. Smith, priest of Bristow: in the which writings, William Tailor replying against the said Thomas, concerning the questions of worshipping of Saints: which being brought to the hands of the B. of Worcester, William Taylor began anew to be troubled ann. 1422. the xi. of February, & being brought before the convocation, his writings were brought before him, which he would not deny.

The Archb. caused it to be delivered to the 4. orders of friers in Londō, to be examined: who found out these 4. heretical points in them. 1. Every prayer, which is a petition of some supernatural gift, or free gift, is to be directed only to God. 2. That prayer is to be directed to God alone. 3. To pray to any creature, is to commit idolatry. 4. Much like the rest, but to fill the number of their orders, they made a fourth.

When the Saturday was come, which was the 20 day of March, the orders of Friers having declared their censure in the Chapter house of Paul's, touching Tailors articles: he was upon the same, forthwith condemned as a relapse: first to be disgraded, and after burned: who being had to Smithfield, the first day of March, did finish his martirdom, Anno 1422.

Anno 1424. John Florence a Turner, appeared before William Bernam, Chancellor to William, B. of Norwich, for these articles. 1. That the Pope, & Cardinals, have no power to constitute laws. 2. That only the Sunday is to be kept holy. 3. That men ought only to fast the quatuor temporum. 4. That Images are not to be worshipped. 5. That Curates ought not to exact tithes. 6. That all they that swear by their life and power, shall be damned, except they repent. But being threatened, he submitted himself, and abjured, and was enjoined this penance.: three Sundays in a solemn procession in the cathedral Church of Norwich he should be displayed before all the people, The like also should be done about his parish Church, of Shelton, three other several Sundays, he being bareheaded, barefoot, and barenecked, after the manner of a public penitentiarie, his body being covered with a canvas shirt, and breeches, carrying in his hand a taper of a pound weight.

Ann. 1424. Richard Belward of Erisam, abjured these articles before the B. of Norwich, the 24. of July, & purged himself by his neighbors, and sware that he would neither teache, nor assist any against the church of Rome. His articles were these. 1. That ecclesiastical ministers have no power to excommunicate. 2. That he held the opinions of sir John. Oldcastle. 3. That mē ought not to go on pilgrimage. 4. That the Curates sel God on Easter day, when they receive offerings. 5. That he gave counsel against offerings for the dead, & for women that were purified. 6. That saints ought not to be prayed unto, &c. He denied these Articles, and purged himself by three of his neighbors: yet because the bishop greatly suspected him of Lollardy, he sware him, that he should never teach anything against the Romish Church, and so dismissed him.

In like manner, was John God de Sel, of Dichingham, Parchment maker, for the same articles, fain to purge himself, and swear, and so was set at liberty, til ann. 1428. Sir Hugh Pie, also Chaplain of Ludney, in the diocese of Norwich, was accused before the Bishop, ann. 1424. for holding these points: first against pilgrimages: Itē, that alms is only to be given to the needy beggars at their doors. That no Image is to be worshipped. And that he cast the cross of Bromehold into the fire. These articles he denied, purged himself by witness of 3. Lay men, and 3. Priests: was sworn, and so dismissed.

Anno 1428. [ 1428] King Henry the sixth sent down most cruel letters of Commission unto John Exetor, and Iacolet Germain, keeper of the castle of Colchester, for the apprehending of sir William White, Priest, and others, suspected of heresy. By virtue of which commission, it is found in old Monuments, that within short space after, John Exetor, who was appointed one of the Commissioners, attached six persons, in the town of Bongay, in the Dioces of Norwich, & committed them to William Day, and William Row, constables of Bongay, to be sent within ten days following, under safeconduct, to the castle of Norwich: where by reason of the antiquity of the record, these names remain only to be read: John Wadden of Tenderden, in the County of Kent, Bartholomew Monk of Ersham, in the County of Norfolk, Cornleader, a married man, William Skuttes. These three were in the custody of the Duke of Norfolk, in his Castle of Fremingham.

Besides these, there are found in old monuments, in the diocese of Norfolk and Suffolk, especially in the towns of Beckles, Ersham, and Ludney, a great number, both of men and women, to have been caste into prison, and after their abjuration, brought to open shame, in Churches, and Markets, by the Bishop of Norwich, named William, and his Chanceller, William Bernham, John Exetor being Register: So that within the space of three or four years, that is, from the yere 1428. unto 1431. about y ^e number of 120. men and women, were examined, and suffered great vexation for the profession of Christian faith. Of whom, some were taken only upon suspicion for eating of meats forbidden, upon Vigill days: Who, (after their purgation made) escaped more easily away. Whose names follow here subscribed.

Robert Skirring of Harlestone, William Skirring, John Terry of Ersham, John Aibre of Ersham, John Middleton of Haluergate, John Warde of Ersham, Richard Clark of Sething, Thomas White of Bedingham, Master Robert Beert of Berrie, and Richard Page of Clepslie.

The other were more cruelly handled, and some of them burned: among whom special mention is made of these 3. Father Abraham, of Colchester, William White, Priest, and John Waddon, Priest: The residue abjured, and suffered penance: as, John Beuerley, I. Wardon, Io. Middleton, John Baker, I. Knight, Margerie Baxter, John Skillie, John Godhold, Tomas Albeck, John Pierce, Nicholas Canon, of Ey. Thomas Pie, John Mendham, Io. Middleton, Thomas Chatris, Thomas Wade, William Taylor, John Capper, Vicar of Tunstall, with three score and two other.

The articles which they held, were these. Against auricular confession. That there remaineth bread and wine after the words of consecration, and that no priest can make the body of Christ. That every true Christian is a Priest to God. That no man is bound to Lent, or any days prohibited by the Church of Rome. That the pope is Antichrist. That (necessity urging) it is lawful to do bodily labor on holy-days, That Priests may marry. That Ecclesiastical censures of the Prelates, are not to be regarded. Against swearing in private causes. Against Pilgrimage. Against honoring of Images. Against holy water. That the death of Becket was neither holy, nor meritorious. That Relikes ought not to be worshipped. That prayers in all places are acceptable unto God. That no Saint is to be prayed unto. That Bel-ringing was ordained to fill Priests purses. That it is no sin, to withstand the Ecclesiastical processes. That the Catholic Church is only the congregation of God's elect.

In these articles they all agreed, and it seemeth, they had the doctrine from William White, who was scholar and follower of John Wycliffe.

This William White gave over his priesthood & benefice, [ 1428] and took unto him a godly woman to his wife, named Ione: yet ceased not he from his duty of teaching, but preached continually, wrote, and instructed the people at Canterbury. Before time, he had recanted these points: That men should seek for the forgiveness of sins only at God's hands. That the wicked living of the pope and his holy ones is a devilish and heavy yooke of Antichrist. That men ought not to worship images, nor holy men after they be dead. That the Romish church is the fig tree which Christ accursed. That such as wear cowls, or be anointed, or shorn, are the launceknights of Lucifer, &c. Which articles he abjured An. 1424. before Henry Chichesly at Canterb. but now being stronger in the truth, endured to the end, & was condemned of 30. articles, & was burned at Norwich, in the month of September 1428. having labored diligently before in teaching the people of Norfolk. He was a man very godly, & devout, in so much that all the people had him in great reverence: & were wont to desire him to pray for them. When he was come unto the stake, thinking to open his mouth to speak unto the people, to exhort and cōfirm them in the truth, one of the Bishops servants stroke him on the mouth, thereby to force him to keep silence: and so there patiently he ended his course, being made a witness of Christ Jesus. His wife Ione followed her husbands footsteps, and confirmed many in the truth: and therefore suffered much trouble, & punishment at the Bishops hands, the same year.

About the same time also, suffered by burning father Abraham of Colchester, and John Waddon priest, for the like articles.

John Beuerly, alias Batild was enjoined that the Friday and Saturday, next after his dismission he should fast bread, and water, and upon the Saturday to be whipped from the Palace of Norwich, going round about by the Tomlands, and by S. Michaels Church, by Cottell Row, and about the market, having in his hand a wax candle of two pence, to offer to the Image of the Trinity, after he had done his penance, &c. and this done, he should depart out of the Dioces, and never come there anymore. Besides, the same year diverse did penance and abjured: and the year following, 1429. [ 1429] diverse did the like penance, to the number of 16. or 17.

An. 1430. [ 1430] R. Houedon a woolwinder & citizen of London, was burnt at the Towrehill, for the doctrine of Wycliffe.

Anno 1431. [ 1431] Thomas Bagley a Priest, vicar of Monenden beside Malden, being a valiant disciple of Wycliffe, was condemned of Heresy by the Bishops at London, about the midst of Lent: was disgraded and burned in Smithfield.

The same year also Paul Craw a Bohemian, was takē at S. Andrew's, by the Bishop Henry, & delivered over to the secular power to be burnt, for holding against the faith of Rome, touching the sacrament of the Lord's supper, worshipping of Saints, auricular confession, with other of Wycliffe's opinions.

An. 1436. [ 1436] Th. Rhedon a Frenchman, and a Carmelite frier, was burned at Rome for these articles, which notwithstanding they gathered falsely against him. That the church lacketh reformation, and that it shall be punished and reformed. That Infidels, Jews, Turks, and Mores, shall be converted unto Christ in the later days. That abominations are used at Rome. That the unjust excommunication of the Pope is not to be feared. Eugenius at this time was Pope, and succeeded Pope Martin a little before. After sundry torments he was condemned for an heretic and was burned. He was accused by William of Roan cardinal of S. Martins in the mount, vicechancellor of the court of Rome.

About the same time, diverse other suffered in the places about Germany, as Henry Grunfelder, priest of Ratispone, ann. 1420. Henry Rodgeber, priest in the same city, anno 1423. John. Draendorf a priest, & of noble birth, at Wormes ann. 1424. Peter Thraw, at Spire. ann. 1426. [ 1426] Matthew Hager also suffered at Berline, in Germany, not long after. Ex Basilei Centur. sept.

After the death of pope Martin, who reigned 14. years: succeeded Eugenius the fourth. about the year 1431. [ 1431] He began first to celebrate the Council at Basel: which Council Martin had before intended.

In the 39. session of the council of Constance, it was decreed, & provided, concerning the orders and times of such general councils, as should after follow, The first that should next ensue, to be kept the 5. yere after y ^e council of Constance. The 2. 7. years after that, & so orderly all other to follow successively frō x. yere, to x. yere. Wherefore, according to this decree, followed a general council 5. years after the Council of Constance holden at Sene, under pope Martin, an. 1424. [ 1424] but that soon brake up. 7 years after another Council was holden at Basel, ann. 1431. which was the most troublesome Council, that ever was: and continued 17. years. Wherein it was concluded (as before at Constance) that the general councils were above the Pope.

When pope Martin the 5. had appointed Julian, Cardinal of S. Angel, to hold a general council at Basel, for rooting out of Heresies, he died: and Eugenius 4. succeeded: who confirmed the same authority to the Cardinal Julian. Unto this Council, came the Emperor Sigismund, and during his life, protected the same.

After his death, Pope Eugenius altering his mind & purpose, would transport the Council unto Bonony: & thereby hindered the success of the council of Basel: and first he held a contrary Council, at Ferraria, and afterward at Florence. Eugenius the Pope pretended that the Greeks, who should come to y ^e council, would not pass the Alps: & that he himself could not go so long a journey, & that y ^e Germans in their own country, would be so intractable, that nothing could there be attempted for their reformation. Whervpon he cited the fathers of the council up to Bonony, vpō great peril. They again cited the pope, that either he should come himself, or send his ambassadors, under great penalty.

For the appeasing of this dissention, the Ambassadors of Albert, king of the Romans, & of the other princes of Germany, assembled together; first, at Norimberg, where they could determine nothing; and again at Frankford, to appease the dissention between the Council and the Pope. In the mean time, the Emperors Ambassadors, and the Ambassadors of the electors, went to Basil, and conferring with the Ambassadors of other Princes, there they earnestly desired the fathers of the Council, that they would transport the council to another place (the which only thing pope Eugenius seemed always to seek and desire) that either he might thereby devide the fathers of the Council, or take away their liberties. Notwithstanding, the Synod thought good, neither to deny the princes request, neither grant that which Pope Eugenius desired. During this doubt, the Emperors Ambassadors, and the B. of Patauia, and Augusta, (being much required thereunto) appointed a noble Baron, named Conrade Weinsperg, by the K. commandment, to be the protector of the Council, & the fathers: but by means of a great pestilence, which began to grow, the assembly that should have been holden at Frankford, was transported unto Mainz. The Ambassadors of the Princes thought good also to go thither, if by any means they might find unity. The assembly was very famous: for there were present, the Archb. of Mainz, Collen, and Treuers, electors of the sacred empire: and all the Ambassadors of the other Electors. Notwithstanding, the Archb. of Collen was the chief favorer of the Council in this assembly. The sacred Synod also thought good to send thither their Ambassador the patriarch of Aquileia, the Bishoppe of Venice, and the Bishop of Argen, divines: John Segonius, and Thomas de Corcellis, with diverse others. There was no mā there present that would name himself the Ambassador of Eugenius. But the chief Hercules of the Eugenians was Nicolaus Casnanus, a man singularly well learned, and of great experience.

After diverse consolations had, the electors of the Empire, and the Ambassadors of the other Princes of Germany thought good, to give forth commandment through out their whole country and natiō, that the decrees of the council of Basel should received and observed.

While these things were thus debated at Mainz, there rose up a doubtful question among the divines, which remained at Basil, whether Eugenius might be called an heritike, who so rebelliously contemned the commandment of the Church. Among these divines, the chiefest both in learning, and authority, was the Bishop of Ebrium, Ambassador to the king of Castile, and a certain Scottish abbot: to whose reasons, the rest did consent or give place: and so Eugenius was pronounced both an heretic, and a relapse. Eyght conclusions were there determined, and allowed amongst them, which they called verities: the copy whereof they did diuulgate thorough all Christendom.

The verities were these. That the Council hath authority above the Pope. That the Pope cannot transport, nor proroge the general Council, lawfully assembled, without the consent of the whole. That he that resisteth those verities, is to be counted an heretic. That Eugenius the fourth had resisted those verities. That Eugenius, being admonished by the sacred Council, did recant the errors repugnant to those verities. That the dissolution, or translation of the Council, attempted the second time by Eugenius, is against the foresaid verities. That Eugenius, in going about to dissolve and transport the council again, is fallen into his first revoked errors. That Eugenius being warned by the council to give over, and notwithstanding persevering and erecting a council at Ferraria, shown himself thereby obstinate.

When the Ambassadors of the council were returned from Mainz, and that certain report was made of the allowing of their decrees, the Fathers of the council thought good to discuss the conclusions and verities of the divines more at large: whereupon by commandment of the deputies, all the Masters and Doctors of the clergy, with the residue of the Prelates, were called together into the chapterhouse of the great Church, there openly to dispute and discuss the heresy of Eugenius.

This disputation continued 6. days, both forenoon, and after noon. Among whom, Cardinal Ludouicus Archb. Arelatensis was the judge of the whole disputation. They concluded according to the former verities, and all in a manner allowed them, except Panormitane, Archbishop, who much disputed against them. Likewise did the bishop of Burgen, the king of Aragons Almoner: yet did they not gainsay the 3. first conclusions, but only those wherein Pope Eugenius was touched. Panormitane greatly contending with the B. of Argens, John Segonius, and Francis de Felix, Divines that Eugenius was not relapsed, wrought so, that the word Relapse, was taken out of the Conclusions, and in stead thereof, the word Prolapse put in. Neither durst Panormitane himself altogether excuse Eugenius of heresy, but defended more the first resolution, than the second: yet departed he not without answer, for John Segonius, an expert Divine, fully answered him, and scarce could finish his oration without interruption: for, Panormitane oftentimes interrupting him, went about (disorderly) to confute, now this, and now that reason.

Whereupon, the B. of Argen interrupted Panormitan, in his arguments, and put him from his purpose. Yet they passed so far, that that they did not abstain from opprobrious taunts: & when y ^e B. of Argen said, that the pope ought to be the minister of the Church, Panormitan could not suffer that, but so far forgot himself, that he said, the Pope was Lord over the Church. Segonius, on the contrary part, answered, y ^t it was y ^e most honorable title the P. had, to be called the servant of the servants of God: and alleged why they ought not to seek after foreign Lordship, because Christ himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, &c. With whose answers, he being somewhat disquieted, the Council brake up, and departed.

The next day after dinner, they returned all again, where the Archb. of Lions, the Kings Orator, requested to speak his mind. After he had by diverse reasons proved Eugenius to be an Heretike, he bitterly complained, detetesting the negligence, and slouthfulnesse of those, which had preferred such a man to the Papacie: and so moved all their hearts that were present, that they all with him, did bewail the calamity of the universal church.

The Bishop of Brussels, Ambassador for the King of Spain, did excellently prove, that the Council was above the Pope: yet doubted he whether they were verities of faith. The K. of Arragons Almosiner (being a crafty, and subtle man) did not directly dispute upon the conclusions, but picking out here and there, certain arguments, sought to hinder the Council: against whom, an Abbot of Scotland and Tho. de Corcellis, did largely dispute in defense of the Conclusions.

When the Disputation was ended, and a final conclusion of those matters even at hand, the Archbishops of Millaine, and Panormitane, armed themselves to let the matter, and exhorted all men of their faction, to withstand it. And first of all, as soon as the congregation was assembled, the Bishop of Burgen exhorted them to defer the conclusion, and to tarie for the Ambassadors of other Princes, who would shortly return from Mainz.

After him Panormitane spake also to the same end, and so did Ludouicus the Prothonotarie of Rome. But Ludouicus, the Cardinal Arelatensis, made an eloquent, and pithy Oration; and persuaded them to constancy, and to the maintenance of the conclusions.

And when he had made an end of his Oration there was a great noise, crying out, and brauling everywhere. Which when Ludouicus the Patriarch of Aquileia perceived, he said unto Panormitane, and unto Ludouicus Prothonotarie: do not think the matter shall so pass, you know not yet the manners of the Germans: for if you go forth on this fashion, it will not be lawful for you to depart out of this country with whole heads.

But John, Earl of Diersten, (who then supplied the Protectors place) and the Citizens of Basel, gave assurance of safety, and the Earl willed them to be of good cheare: who, never discouraged at the Patriarchs words, and by an Interpretor declared, that his mind was not to threaten, but to nourish the Fathers: they should foresee, that they should not depart from the council, nothing being done, and furthermore, desired pardon, if his words had offended the Council, Panormitane, or any man. Yet for all this the noises and cries, could not be stayed: for, as often as mention was made of reading the Concordatum, great noise, and rumors were still made to stop the same: so that Amideus Archbishop of Lions, and Primate of all France, a man of great reverence and authority, was moved to speak in the behalf of the Conclusions, and to admonish them, not to give ear unto the disturbers of concord. In the end, the Concordatum of the xii. men, concerning the articles, were required to be read by the Cardinal Arelatensis, many whispering him in the ear, that he should go forward, and not alter his purpose.

Then Panormitane, as soon as the concordatum began to be read, rising up with his companions, & the Aragons, cried out with a loud voice, saying: you Fathers do contemn our requests, & despise prelates: you would conclude, but it is not your part to conclude: we are the greater part of the prelates: we make the council, and it is our part to conclude. And I in the name of the rest do conclude, that this is to be deferred and delayed. With this word there sprang such a noise and rumour in the council, as is accustomed to be in battle when two armies join: some cursing that which Panormitane went about: other some allowing the same.

Then Nicholas Amici, a divine of Paris, according unto his office, said: Panormitane, I appeal from this your conclusion, to the judgment of the Council here present, neither do I affirm anything ratified, which you have done, as I am ready to prove, if it shall seem good. The contrary part seemed now in better place, for they had already concluded. The other part, neither had concluded, neither was it seen how they could conclude among so great cries and uproars. Notwithstanding, amongst all these troublous noises, John. Sigonius, a singular divine, of the University of Salamentine, had audience, and reproved Panormitane, in that he had concluded, without deciding of the Deputies, and without examination of twelve men, or any rite, or order: and so proceeded to exhort them to constancy, & not to depart without final conclusion.

In the mean time, many grave men exhorted Panormitane, to give over his conclusion: but neither was he minded so to do, nor the Fathers determined to depart without a conclusion. All things were disturbed, neither did the prelates sit in their seats: but as affection led them, some went to the Cardinal Arelatensis, some to Panormitane. Then Arelatensis seeing the matter to be in danger, and that there was no ready way to make a conclusion, thought to use some policy to appease the multitude: and told them all, he had news to declare them, wherewith they were marvelous attentive, and kept great silence. Eugenius messengers (saith he) hath filled all France, preaching a new doctrine, extolling the authority of the Bishop of Rome above the sacred council, and therefore the Council must of necessity provide remedy: and to conclude, at the least upon the three first verities, which the Fathers had done, even as I also (saith he) do here conclude, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy ghost. And when he had finished his oration, with a cheerful and merry countenance, rising up he departed: some of thē kissed him, some of them kissed the skirtes of his garments, and commended his wisdom.

It is reported, that Panormitane, when he came to his lodging, and was gone to his chamber, complained with tears, that he had both wittingly and willingly impugned the truth.

After this, there was a great consultation among the Eugenians, what was best to do in this matter. Some thought to leave the Council, other some to tarry, & to resist, that nothing should farther be done against Eugenius: and this opinion remained among them.

The next day after, being the 25. of April, the Archb. of Lions, and the Bishoppe of Burgen calling together the Prelates into the Chapter house of the great Church, began many things as touching peace. The Bishop of Burgen persuaded, that there should be deputations appointed that day, unto whom, the Archbishop of Lions should give power to make an agreement. Unto whom it was said, there could be no agreement, before the adversaries confessed their fault, and desired pardon therefore. Anon after, the Fathers of the Council had drawn out a form of a decree upon the former conclusions, and had approved the same in the sacred deputations. By this time the Princes Orators were returned from the assembly at Mainz: and holding a Council among them selves, they had determined to let the decree.

The 9. day of May, there was a general convocation holden, whereunto all men resorted. The princes Ambassadors were called by the B. of Lubecke, & Conrade de Winsperg the proctor, into the quire, and there kept: where they tarried so long, that (the form of the decree being appointed to be concluded that day) the Cardinal perceiving the congregation to be full, and that the twelve men had agreed, and that there was great expectation with silence, thought good not to delay it for fear of tumult, but commanded by and by the public Concordances to be read. Wherein this was also contained, that the Cardinal Arelatensis might appoint a Session, whensoever he would: which having read, and being desired by the promoters, concluded as the manner and custom is.

Whereof when the Princes Ambassadors which were in the quire understood, they brake of their talk, and being much vexed, they imputed all to the B. of Lubecke, which of purpose had kept them in the quire, and protracted the time. Wherevpon they entering into the congregation, filled the house full of complaints, & greatly blamed Arelatensis: which diverse others did also, especially the bishop of Millane, railing upon him, calling him another Catiline, unto whom all desperate and naughty persons had refuge.

To whom after Arelatensis had made answer, he commanded the form of the decree to be read. Then Panormitane and those that were of his part, would needs have a certain protestation first to be read. There was great contention on every side: notwithstanding, at the last, Arelatensis prevailed, and the form of the decree was read unto this word Decernimus, that is, we decree. Then Panormitane rising up, would not suffer it to be read any further, and the Bishop of Patauia said, that it was uncomely, that Arelatensis with a few Bishops by name, should conclude the matter: the like did also all they that favored Panormitane. The Cardinal of Terraconia also did grievously rebuke his partakers, that they did not read the protestation: and commanded one of his familiars to read it. But the fathers of the Council would not give place to the reading of the protestation. Which when Albinganēsis did consider, he commanded the writing to be given unto him, and as he began to speak, suddēlie Arelatensis rose up, with a great number of the Fathers to depart: but by the means of George the Prothonotary of Bardaxina, the multitude which were departing, were called back again, and the Cardinal and the Patriarch were required to sit down again, and that they should not leave the church void & quiet for the adversaries: whereupon suddenly all the whole multitude sat down, and the gates were shut again.

In the mean time Matthaeus Albinganensis a B. read the protestation, to none else but to himself alone, for it could not be heard for noise: which being ended, the Lumbards and Cathelans confirmed the protestation: and afterward by reason the Cardinal of Terraconia said, he agreed to that dissention, because the Ambassadors of his king dissented from them, with him almost all the Arragons, Lombards, & Cathelans departed: all the other tarried still. So Arelatensis seeing the congregation quiet, willed the conclusions & form of the decree to be read again (There remained in the congregation the Ambassadors of the Empire, and of France, talking together of their affairs) Notwithstanding the B. of Turnon heard mention made of the conclusions, & turning himself to the B. of Lubecke, said: Lo the matters of faith are now in hand again, let us go hence I pray you, that we be not offense to others, or that we be not said to dissent from the Ambassadors: the B. of Lubecke answered tarry father, tarry here: are not the conclusions most true? why, are you afraid to be here for the truth?

Arelatensis after all things were read, which he thought necessary, at the request of the deputies concluded: and so making an end, dismissed the congregation.

After this, it was determined between the Lombards, & Arragons, to abstain from the deputations for a certain time. Which they did not long observe: notwithstanding the deputations were holden very quietly for a certain space, neither was there anything done worthy of remembrance, until the 15. day of May. During which time, all means possible was sought to set a concord betwixt the fathers, but it would not be. Then Nicholas Amici required Arelatensis, to appoint a Session against the morrow after: which he did according to his motion. The B. of Lubecke made protestation in his own name, and in the name of his protector, that he would not consent, that there should be any session, if it should in any part derogate frō the agreement had at Mainz. George Miles also, his fellow Ambassador, consented to this protestation: but the protector of the Council would in no case consent unto the protestation of the B. of Lubecke, and said, that he did not know anything of their doings at Mainz.

After the other, the Bishop of Concense made his protestation, and after him followed Panormitane, who reproved the promoter of the faith, because he required the prelates to have a session, and instantly required, there might be no sessson as yet holden.

Unto whom, Arelatensis answered: that the promoter of the faith, ought by his office to call the prelates to determine a matter of faith; especially, for so much as the deputation of the faith and the whole Council had so given him in commandment: and further, confuted Panormitane, and required him to consider, in this standing for Eugenius, whether he spake according to his conscience, or not: for (saith he) y ^e conclusions which now shall be decreed, are most general, neither is there any mention in them of the pope, & moreover, the verity of faith is contained in them, against the which, if Eugenius did contend, it were more meet, that the pope should be corrected, then the verity omitted. And thus he making an end, all were warned to come the next day to the Session.

When the 16. day of May was come, all they whom the Session pleased, assembled at the hour: the Ambassadors also of the princes were come together into the Church quire, to attempt further what they could do: and sending the Bishops of Lübeck, and Concense, and the Dean of Turnon, an excellent learned learned man, they offered themselves to be present at the Session, if the deposition of Eugenius might be deferred yet 4. months: who when they had received a gentle answer of Arelatensis, and the other principals, returning again, the Ambassadors would have only the first conclusion decreed: and thereupon sent again unto Arelatensis, unto whom answer was made, that the chief force did consist in the two other conclusions,, and that the Council would specially determine upon them: with which answer they departed, and the Session began to be celebrated, and Arelatensis caused prayers and lamentations to be made, with lamentations and tears, that God would direct them. Although there were not many Bishops, yet all the seats were filled, with Bishops, Proctors, Archdeacons, Presidents, Priors, &c. to the number of 400. or more, all in great peace, exhorting one another to the profession of the faith. The B. of Massilia, a Noble man, read the decree, which was attentively hearkened unto, and not one word interrupted: when it was ended, Te Deum laudamus was song, with great joy and gladness: and so the session dissolved, which was the 33. Session; and amongst all the rest, most quiet and peaceable.

The day following being the 22. of May, the Princes Ambassadors, without all men's expectations (it was thought being touched with remorse of conscience, even now to detest, and abhor that which they had done before) came unto the general congregation, and excused themselves of their absence: namely, the Bishoppe of Lubecke, and the Bishop of Turnon: who, after he had made an end, Cardinal Arelatensis gave thanks to God, that had so defended his Church, &c. Having declared the necessity of the decree, he rose up, and the Congregation was dissolved.

Now, after that Gabriel Condulmarius, called Eugenius the fourth, was deposed from the Bishopric of Rome, by the advise of John Segonius, they stayed two months, before they proceeded to elect another Pope. In the mean time, Letters were sent to the Princes, to declare the deposing of Eugenius, by the Sinode: & to publish it abroad.

During this time, many died of the pestilence, at the council: as, Ludouicus, the Prothonotarie, Ludouicus, the Patriarch of Aquileia, the Abbot of Doxa.

About the same time, died also the K. of Arragons Almosiner, in Switzerland, the Abbot of Virgilia, at Spire, and John, the B. of Lübeck, between Vienna and Buda. Yet, Arelatensis would not depart, but kept constant, and held out the Council. And after that the time of the decree was passed, and Gabriel deposed, the Fathers proceeded to the election of another P. And first of all, they nominated those that (together with the Cardinals) should elect the Pope.

The first, and principal of the Electors, was Cardinal Arelatensis: the rest of the Electors were chosen out of the Italian, French, German, and Spanish Nations.

The next day after there was a Session holden, wherein Marcus, a famous Divine, made an Oration, and reckoned up the manifold vices of Gabriel, and described what kind of man he ought to be that should succeed: even one quite contrary unto him in all respects. The Electors received the Communion together, and afterward took their oath, and the Cardinal Arelatensis (opening the book of Decrees) read the form of the oath in the audience of all men, and first of all took the oath himself: which was, that he would only have respect to the salvation of Christ's people, and profit of the universal church: and after him, in like manner, all the other Electors did take their oath: then they went with great solemnity unto their conclaue, where they remained seven days.

The manner of their election was on this sort. Before the Cardinals seat was set a deske, wherein there stood a Bason of silver. Into the which Bason, all the Electors did cast their Schedules: which the Cardinal receiving, read one by one, and four other of the Electors wrote as he did read them.

The tenure of the Schedule was in this manner.

I George, Bishoppe of Vienna, do choose such a one, or such a one, for Bishoppe of Rome, and peradventure named two. Everyone of the Electors subscribed his name unto the Schedule, that he might thereby know his own, and say nay, if it were contrary to that which was spoken: whereby all deceit was utterly excluded.

The first scrutiny thus ended, 17. of diverse nations were nominated: notwithstanding, Amideus, D. of Savoy (who had been married, a man of singular virtue) surmounted them all: for in the first scrutiny he had the voice of 16. Electors. In the next scrutiny, which was holden in y ^e nones of November, he had 21. voices, and so likewise in the 3. and 4. scrutinies. And forasmuch as there was none in all the scrutiny, found to have two partes, all the other Schedules were burnt. And, because there lacked but one voice to the election of the high B. they fell to prayer, desiring God, that he would direct their minds to the unity of the Church.

The next scrutiny the matter was ended, and when the scrutiny was opened, it was found, that Amideus, the most devout Duke of Savoy, was chosen Pope.

Then the Cardinal Arelatensis published unto them the name of the elect Bishop. After this, they gave thanks in the great Church, and declared the election again to the people, and having song an himne, departed.

Amideus thus being elected about November, was called Felix v. and was crowned in the city of Basil, the month of July. And thus much hitherto touching the council of Basel, which endured 17. years.

About the 6. year of the council, Sigismund the Emp. died: after him succeeded his son in law, Albert second duke of Austrich, a sore adversary of the Bohemians: he was made Emp. an. 1438. [ 1438] and reigned Emperor but 2. years. After whom succeeded his brother Frederick 3. duke of Austrich.

Now to return to the Ambassadors of the Bohemians, who came to the council of Basel, the ninth of January, to whom when cardinal Julian had made an unpleasant oration, Rochezanus one of the Bohemians made also an oration, and required to have a day appointed to be heard, which was appointed the sixtenth day of the same month, Upon which day John Rochezanus having made his Preface, began to propound the first Article, touching the Communion to be ministered in both kinds, and disputed upon the same three days, always afore noon.

Then Vincelaus the Thaborite, disputed upon the second article, touching the correction and punishment of sin, by the space of two days. After whom Vldericus Priest of the Orphans disputed upon the third Article two days, touching the free preaching of the word of God. Last of all Peter Pain disputed three days, touching the civil dominion of the clergy, which was the 4. article. And afterward gave copies of their disputations unto the Council in writing, with hearty thanks, that they were heard. The three last did somewhat inveigh against the council, commending I. Hus, and I. Wycliffe for their doctrine. Wherto John Rhagusius a Dalmatian, & a divine, did so reply, that the Bohemians would needs depart from Basel, & could scarcely be appeased. Certain of y ^e Bohemians would not hear Rhagusius finish his disputation, which endured upon the first article 8. days in the forenoon. After him Egidius Carlerius answered unto the second article by the space of four days.

To the third article answered one Henricus, surnamed Frigidum Ferrum, three days together. Last of all, one Johannes Pollomarius, master of the requests of the Palace, answered unto the fourth article three days together: so that the long time, which they used in their disputations, seemed tedious to the Bohemians.

Notwithstanding this answer, the Bohemians still defended their articles, and especially the first: in so much that John Rochezanus did strongly impugn Ragusinus answer by the space of 6. days. But for so much as one disputation bred another, & it was not perceived, how that means could make concord, the protector of the council, William duke of Bavaria, attempted to bring the matter to a frȳdly debating: but agreement could there be none, for the Ambassadors of y ^e Bohemians said: they came to propound those four articles in the name of the whole kingdom of Boheme, & to speak no more. Wherevpon William the protector of the council, found means that the council decreed, to send a famous ambassade with the Ambassadors of Boheme unto Prague, whereas the people should assemble upon the Sunday. And vpō 14. day of April, there were 10. chosen out of the council, to go with the Bohemian Ambassadors unto Prague.

After the coming of these Ambassadors much contention began to rise betwixt the parties. The Bohemians standing to their 4. articles, & refusing to yield, except they were first accepted of, or justly reproved: which when y ^e Ambassadors saw, they desired to have these articles delivered unto them in a certain form, which they sent unto the council by 3. Bohemian Ambassadors. Afterward the council sent a declaration into Boheme, to publish unto y ^e people in the common assemblies of the kingdom, by the ambassadors which were commanded to report unto the Bohemians in the name of the council, that if they would receive the declaration of those three articles, and the unity of the church, there should be a mean found, whereby the matter touching the fourth article, of the communion under both kinds, should be passed with peace and quietness.

After the Bohemians had taken deliberation upon these declarations, they said, they would give no answer unto the premisses, before they understood what should be offered them touching the communion: whereto the council: declared that license should be given unto the Bohemians, to communicate unto the people under both kinds, to such as be of lawful years, & discretion: this always observed, that the ministers shall say unto those that communicate, that they ought firmly to believe, not the flesh only to be contained under the form of bread, & the blood only under the form of wine, but under ech kind, the whole & perfect Christ. Moreover, other doubts were so answered by the council, that after much communication had to and fro, at last a concord was concluded, & confirmed by sentence of their hands. The Bohemians promised to receive the peace, & unity of the church, and the declaration of the 3. articles. This was done, ann. 1438. [ 1438] about the feast of S. Martin.

It was afterward agreed both by the Ambassadors of the Council, and of the Bohemes, that whatsoever remained, should be determined, first at Ratispona, afterward, at Brugain, in the diocese of Olymintus, then at Alba in Hungary, before the Emp. Sigismund: but the matter could be ended in no place. At last, y ^e concord was concluded by writing, with their seals at Inglania, a city of Morania: the 5. day of July in the presence of the Emperor.

Anno 1438. in the month of November, the Bohemians put up certain petitions to the Council that it might be free for all in Boheme, and the marquesdom of Morania, to communicate under both kinds. That they might have good pastors. That the Gospels & Epistles, and Creed, might be song in the vulgar tongue. That the Vniuersity of Prague might be increased by Prebends, and certain Benefices of cathedral churches. That they would provide for the reformation of the Churches of Boheme. To these demands, answers were made ready by the Council, but were kept back, it was not known wherefore.

At this Council of Basil the 36. session holden the 17. day of September, ann. 1439. [ 1439] the feast of the conception of our Lady, was ordained to be holden, and celebrated yearly. Likewise, in the 44. Session of the same Council, holden the first of July, ann. 1441. [ 1441] was ordained the feast of the visitation of our Lady, to be celebrated yearly in the month of July.

This Council did ordain diverse wholesome laws for the Church, as, that meet ministers might be appointed in every church to shine in virtue & knowledge: whereto expectatiue graces of benefices were an hindrance: and so took thē away, that no actions of controversy should be brought to Rome, beyond 4. days journey from thence, & that no frivolous appeals should be made to the Pope. That the Cardinals should not be of kin to the pope, and not exceed the number of 24. That the first fruits should no more be paid to the Pope. That means should be provided for y ^e conversion of the Jews. That the Hebrew, Greek & Latin tongues might be maintained, & stipends provided for the teachers of them. Against priests keeping of Concubines.

During the life of Sigismund the Emperor, no man resisted this Council, also during the time of Charles the seventh, the French King, the Council of Basel was fully and wholly received through all France.

After the death of Sigismund, when Eugenius was deposed, and Felix Duke of Savoy elected Pope, great discordes arose, and much practice was wrought, but especially, on Eugenius part: who being now excommunicate, by the Council of Basel, to make his part more strong, made eighteen new Cardinals. Then he sent his Orators unto the Germans, laboring by all means to dissolve the Council of Basel.

The Germans were at that time so divided, that some of them did hold with Felix, & the council of Basel, others with Eugenius & the council of Ferraria, & some were neuters.

After this the French K. being dead, which was Charles the 7. about the year 1444. the Pope began to stir up the Dolphin of France by force of arms, to dissipate that council collected against him. Who leading an army of fifteen thousand men into Alsatia, did cruelly wast & spoil the country: after that laid siege unto Basel, to expel and drive out the Prelates of the Council. But the Heluetians with a small power did vanquish the Frenchmen, and put them to flight. Although Basel by the valiātnes of the Heluetians was thus defended: yet the Council could not continue, by reason of the Princes Ambassadors, which shrunk away, & would not tarie: so that at length Eugenius brought to pass, partly through the help of Frederick, laboring for the empire, and partly by his Orators (in the number of whom, was Eneas Siluius ) among the Germans, that they were content to give over both the Council of Basel, and their neutrality.

This Frederick of Austrich, being toward the Empire, brought also to pass, that Felix, which was chosen of the council of Basil to be Pope, was contented to renounce, and resign his papacy to Pope Nicholas, the 5. successor to Eugenius. Of the which Nicholaus, Frederike was confirmed at Rome to be Emperor, and there crowned, an. 1451. [ 1451]

As these things were doing in Basil, in the mean season Eugenius brought to pass in his Conuocation at Florence, that the Emperor, and Patriarch of Constantinople, with the rest of the Grecians then present, were persuaded to receive the sentence of the church of Rome, concerning the proceeding of the holy Ghost. Also, to receive the communion in unleavened bread, to admit Purgatory, and to yield themselves to the authorttie of the Romish Church. Wherunto (notw ^t standing) y ^e other churches of Grecia would in no wise consent at their coming home. In so much that with a public execration they did condemn afterward all those Legates that had consented to those articles, that none of them should be buried in Christian burial: which was Anno 1439. Ex Gas. Pencer.

Thus much concerning the council of Constance, Basel, and the Bohemians, who in the quarrel of John Hus, and Jerome of Prague, fighting under Zizka their captain, had eleven battles with the popes side, and ever went away victors, Ex paral. Abb. Vrsp. in Epitap. John. Zisc.

Moreover in the history of Pencer, it is testified that Pope Martin the 5. sending for the Bishop of Winchester the Cardinal, had levied three main armies, intending to overcome all the Bohemians: one army of th Saxons, under the Prince elector. The second of the Francons, under the Marques of Brandenburg. The third, of Renates, Bauarians, and Swechers, under Otto Archbishop of Treuers.

With these, Sigismund also the Emperor, and Cardinal Julian, the Popes Legate (who at last was slain in war: and being spoiled of all his attire, was left naked in the field) joined all their force, who joining together five times (saith the story) with five sundry battles, invaded the Bohemians. At every which battle 5. times, the said adversaries (daunted with a sudden fear) ran away out of the field, before any stroke was givē. Gasp. Peucer. lib. 5.

And so they continued invincible during the life of Zizka, and Procopius: after whose death, Maynardus, a captain, and a traitor to the Bohemians, found means, by a Proclamation, made as though he would war against other Countries of their enemies, bordering about them, craftily to train all them which were disposed to take wages, into certain barns, and houels, prepared for the same purpose: and so shutting the doors upon them, set fire to them, and burnt of them diverse thousands, and so brought the rest by that means, under the subjection of the Emperor, during his life time: which lasted not long. Ex Aen. Sil.

About the yere 1439. [ 1439] the eighteen yere of the reign of Henry the sixth, one Richard Wiche, Priest, was burned at Tower hill. It is testified of him, that he, before his death, prophesied that the Posterne of the Tower should sink: which afterward came to pass. In so much, that the people counted him for an holy man, and made their prayers to him after he was dead, and reared a great heap of stones, and set up a cross there by night: so that a great clamor ran upon those that put him to death. For appeasing of which rumor, the king gave commandment to punish all such as went thither on Pilgrimage. And by that means, the concourse of people was stayed. He was burnt about the Moneth of June.

In the same yere about November, Henry, archbishop of Canterbury, called a Conuocation: wherein, the Prelates took advisement to make a Supplication to the king, for abolishing the law of Premunire facias.

To which supplication the king made answer, he would pause upon the matter, and in the mean time, he would send to all his Officers, and Ministers in the Realm, that no such brief of Premunire should pass against any of them, til the next Parlement, an. 1439.

About the yere 1440. [ 1440] Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester, and Roger Only, Priest, were condemned: the one to perpetual Prison, (which was the Duchesse) for the profession of the truth: and the other unto death, (although treason were pretended against thē, of practicing the kings death, which was not likely: but rather, their profession, and the malice which the Cardinal of Winchester bare unto the good Duke Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester, who complained of the Cardinal to the K. in 23. articles, as also, of the archb. of York. That Winchester presumed to be Cardinal against the mind of K. Henry the fifth. That he was in danger of Premunire, for bringing a Bul from Rome, to hold his Bishoprike though he were a Cardinal. That he intended himself to be the Kings governor. That he defrauded y ^e King of his jewels, &c.

The hearing of which accusations the K. committed unto his Council, whereof the most part were spiritual persons, so that nothing was said thereto. But upon the neck of this, ensued the condemnation of the Duchesse, and within six years after, the destruction of the Duke himself.

Anno 1445. [ 1445] H. Chichesly, Archb. of Canterbury, died, by whom the Lady Eleanor the Duchesse, was condemned in S. Stevens Chapel at Westminster, for penance, to bear a taper through Chepesyde three sundry times, and afterward outlawed to the I will of Man, under the custody of Sir John Standley knight.

This Henry Chichelesley built in his time 2. Colleges in Oxford the one called Alsoln college, and the other called Bernard college. About the year 1447. [ 1447] Henry Bewford Cardinal, and William de la pool duke of Suffolk with the Queen, conspired duke Humfreyes death, & devised how to trappe him: and for the more speedy furtherance thereof a parliament was summoned to be kept at Berry, far from the citizens of London: whither resorted all the Peers of the Realm, and amongst them the Duke of Gloucester, who on the second day of the Session was by the Lord Beumond high constable of England being accompanied with the duke of Buckingham, and others arrested, apprehended, and put in prison, and upon the same, all his servants put from him: of whom 32 of the principal being also under the arrest were dispersed into diverse prisons. After this arrest thus done, and the duke put into ward: the night after (saith Hall ) six nights (saith Fabian and Polychronicon ) he was found dead in his bed the twenty fourth of February, and his Body shown unto the Lord's and commons, as though he had been taken naturally with some sudden disease. This was the end of the good Duke, after he had politikely by the space of 25. years governed this realm.

The next day after, the Cardinal died, an. 1448. [ 1448] in great impatiency, saying, fie, will not death be hired, nor will money do nothing? &c.

After the Cardinal succeeded William Wainfleet, in the Bishopric of Winchester, who founded the college of Mary Magdalene in Oxford.

Anno 1450. William de la Poole, being accused of treason to the land, and endeavoring to fly into France, was encountered with a ship of war, belonging to the tower: whereby he was taken, and was brought into Dover rode, and there on the side of a shipboat, one strake off his head: and this ende had the other of the good Dukes enemies.

The year 1450. [ 1450] printing was first invented, by one John. Faustus, a goldsmith, dwelling first at Argentine, afterward a Citizen of Mainz: who perceiving the invention to come well to pass, made one John Guttemberg, & Peter Scafford of his counsel: binding them by oath to keep silence for a while. After five years, John Guttemberg Copartner with Faustus, began then first to broch the matter at Strasbourg, Vlricus Han, in Latin called Gallus, first brought it to Rome.

This printing was after the invention of gunnes, which were invented in Germany, an. 1380. 130. years.

Anno 1453. [ 1453] Constantine Paleologus being Emperor of Constantinople, the great City of Constantinople was taken by the Turk Muhammad, after the siege of 54. days: which siege began in the beginning of April. Within the city (beside the Citizens) were but only 6000. rescuers of the Greeks, and 3000 of the Venetians, & Genowayes. Against these, Muhammad brought an army of 400000. collected out of the Countries and places adjoining near about: as out of Grecia, Illyrica, Wallachia, Dardanis, Triballis, Bulgaris, out of Bithinia, Galatia, Lidia, Cicilia, and such other: which places had yet the names of Christians: thus one neighbor for luker sake helped to destroy another. The Emperor Palaeologus seeing no way but to flee, making toward the gate, either was slain or trodden down with multitude. The city being thus got, the Turks sacking and ranging about the streets houses, and corners, did put to the sword most unmercifully whosoever they found, both aged, and young, matrons, virgins, children, and infants, sparing none: the Noble matrons & virgins, were horribly ravished, the goods of the city, and treasures in houses, the ornaments in Churches, were all sacked and spoiled, the pictures of Christ opprobriously handled, in despite of Christ. The spoil and havoc of the city lasted three dais together. These things thus being done, and the tumult ceased, after three days, Mahumetes the Turk entereth into the City, and first calling for the heads and ancients of the City, such as he found to be left alive, he commanded to be mangled and cut in pieces. It is also said (as the author reporteth) that in the feasts of the Turks, honest matrones and virgins, and such as were of the kings stock, after other contumelies, were hewn and cut in pieces for their disport.

This end had the noble City Constantinople, which continued before flourishing equally with Rome, 1120. years. Ex. Hist. Wittenburg. Peucer.

After the death of Henry Chichesley, next succeeded John. Stafford, an. 1445. [ 1445] who continued 8. years. After him came John Kemp, anno 1453. [ 1453] who sat but three years. Then succeeded Thomas Bursther.

In the time of which archbishop, Raynolde Peacock, bishop of Chichesley, was afflicted by the Popes Prelates, for his faith, and profession of the Gospel: and being cited up to Lambeth was caused to recant these points. That we are not bound by necessity of Faith, to believe that our Lord Jesus Christ after his death descended into hell. That it is not necessary to salvation, to believe in the catholic church. That it is not necessary to salvation, to believe the communion of Saints. That it is not necessary to salvation, to affirm the body materially in the Sacrament. That the universal Church may err in matters which pertain to faith. That it is not necessary for the Church, to hold that which every general council shall ordain. With this Pecocke, were diverse mo condemned for heretics: and notwithstanding his recantation, he was detained still in prison, where some say, he was privily made away by death.

Pope Nicholas 5. made Felix, who renounced his Popedom unto him, a cardinal: & crowned Frederick for working the feat, and confirmed him to be full Emperor: for before they be confirmed by the Popes, they are not Emperors, but are called kings of the Romans.

This Pope for to get great sums of money, appointed a Jubilee in the year 1450. [ 1450] Also in his time one Math. Palmerius wrote a book De Angels, in defending whereof he was condemned by the Pope, and burned at Crona, Anno 1448. [ 1448] Ex Tritemio.

After him succeeded Calixtus 3. who amongst diverse other things, ordained both at noon & at evening the bel to toll the Auies, as it was used in y ^e popish time, to help the soldiers that fought against the Turks: for which cause he ordained the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord, solēnising it with like pardons and Indulgences as was Corpus Christi day. Also, this pope proceeding contrary to the councils of Constance and Basil, decreed that no man should appeal from the Pope to any Council: by whom also S. Edmund of Canterbury, with diverse others were made Saints.

Next unto Calixtus, succeeded Pius Secundus, otherwise called Aeneas Siluius, who wrote the 2. books of commentaries, vpō the council of Basel, This Aeneas at the writing of these his books, seemed to be a man of indifferent & tolerable judgment and doctrine, from the which afterward being Pope, he seemed to decline and swerve, seeking by all means possible, to abolish the books which before he had written: & whereas before he preferred general councils before the P. now being P. he did decree, that no mā should appeal from the B. of Rome to any councils: & likewise for priests marriages, whereas before he thought it best to have their wives restored, yet afterward he altered his mind otherwise. There was great discord betwixt this P. & Dorotheus archb. of Mainz: & vpō the same between Frederike the Palatine, & the duke of Wittenburg, with others: by occasion whereof, besides y ^e slaughter of many, the city of Mainz which was before free, lost the freedom & became servile.

The causes of the discord betwixt Pius and Dorotheus, were these: 1. Because that Dorotheus would not consent unto him in the impositiō of certain tallages & taxes within his country. 2. For that Dorotheus would not be bound unto him, requiring that the said Dorotheus being prince elector, should not call the electors together without his license. 3. Because he would not permit unto the Popes legates, to conuocate his Clergy together after his own lust. This Pius began, Anno 1458. [ 1458]

After Pius 2. succeeded Paulus Secundus, a pope wholly set upon his belly, and ambition, and a hater of all learned men.

This Paulus had a daughter begotten in fornication, whom because he saw her to be therefore hated, began (as the stories report) to repent him of the law of the single life of Priests, and went about to reform the same. Ex Stanisl. Rutheo.

After this Paulus, came Sixtus the 4. which built up in Rome a stews for both kinds, getting thereby no small rēts & revenues. This pope among other his acts, reduced the year of Jubilee, from the 50. to the 25. He also instituted the feast of the conception, and of the presentation of Marie, and Anna her mother, and Joseph: also he canonized Bonaventure and S. Francis, for Saints.

By this pope also were brought in beads, and he instituted to make our ladies psalter, through the occasion of one Alanus, and his order: who were wont (by putting beads upon a string to number their prayers.

This pope made 32. Cardinals in his time: of whom Petrus Renerius was the first: who, for the time he was Cardinal (which was but 2. years) spent in luxurious riot 200000 Florins, and was left 4000. in debt.

Weselius Groningensis, in a certain treatise of his, de indulgentijs Papalibus, writeth of this pope Sixtus: that at the request of this Peter Cardinal, and of Jerome his brother, he granted unto the whole family of the Cardinal S. Lucy, in the 3. hot months, June, July, & August, free liberty to use Sodomitry: with this clause, Fiat vt petitur. That is, Be it as it is asked.

Next after this Sixtus, came Innocentius the eight, a man very rude, and far from all learning. Amongest the noble acts of this Pope, this was one, that in the town of Paulus Equicolus, he caused 8. men, and 6. women, with the Lord of the place, to be apprehended, and judged for heretics, because they said that none of them were the Vicars of Christ, which came after Peter, but only they which followed the poverty of Christ.

Also he condemned of heresy, George, the K. of Boheme, and deprived him of his kingdom, and procured his whole stock, to be utterly rejected: giving his kingdom to Matthias king of Pannonia.

Anno 1461. [ 1461] king Henry the 6. was deposed by Edward the 4. after he had reigned 38. years and an half.

Henry the 6. founded the college of Eaton, and another house, having then the title of S. Nicholas in Cambridge, and now called the kings College. Ex scala mundi.

This king Henry rejected the popes bulls; which granted to Louis, Archb. of Roane, the profits of the Bishopric of Eli, after the death of the Bishop, by the name of the administration of the said bishopric.

Anno 1461. (Henry the 6. being deposed) Edward the 4. was crowned king.

An. 1471. [ 1471] Upon the assentiō eve, K. Henry being prisoner in the tower, departed this life, & was brought by Thames, in a bote to the abbey of Chertsey, & there buried. Polydor after he had described the virtues of this king, recordeth that king Henry the 7. did afterward translate the corpse of him from Chertsey, to Windsore: and addeth moreover, that by him certain miracles were wrought: for the which cause, Henry the 7. labored with pope Julius, to have him canonized for a Saint: but the death of the king was the let. Edward Hall writing of this matter, declareth, that the cause of the let, was the excessive fees, which were so great, of canonizing a king above any prelat, that the king thought best to keep his money in his chest.

About the year, 1465. [ 1465] There was here in England, a Frier Carmelite, who preached in Michalemas term at Paul's cross, in London: that our Lord Jesus Christ was in poverty, and did beg in the world. Which question was so stirred here, that it came to the Popes ears, Paulus 2. the next yere following: who eftsoons sent down his bul, signifying to the Prelates, that this heresy, that pestiferously doth affirm, that Christ did openly beg, was condemned of old time by the Bishop of Rome, and his Councils: and that the same ought to be declared in all places for a dangerous doctrine, and worthy to be trodden down under all men's feet.

Anno 1473. [ 1473] in August, one John Goose, or Hus was condemned, and burned for the truth, at Tower hill: so that, since the time of Richard the 2. there was no king hitherto, in whose reign, some godly man or other had not suffered the pains of fire, for the testimony of Christ. This godly man being entertained in the Sherifes house, before he went to execution, desired some meat: and (eating) he said to those about him: I eat now a good and competent dinner, for I shall pass a little sharp shower, before I go to supper. And having dined, he gave thanks, and requested that he might shortly be led to the place where he should yield his spirit to God. Ex Polychro.

Anno 1437. [ 1437] died Sigismund the Emperor, in Morania, after whom succeeded Albert, D. of Austrich, who in the second yere of his reign died. After whom succeeded Fredericus 3. Duke of Austria, an. 1440. [ 1440]

After Fred. (unto whom the Germans complained in vain of y ^e oppressions of y ^e P.) succeeded his son Maximiliā.

An. 1476. the B, of Herbipolis, condemned, and burned for an heretic, one John, a neat-heard, because he held y ^t the life of the clergy was abhominable before God. Ex Munst.

An. 1479. [ 1479] one John. de Wesalia, was forced to revoke these articles, being greatly hated by the Thomistes. That men he saved freely thorough mere grace, by faith in Christ. That free will is nothing. That only the word of God is to be believed, and not the gloss of any man, or fathers. That the word of God is to be expounded, by comparing, & weighing one place with another. That Prelates have no power given them to expound Scriptures by any peculiar right, more than another. That men's traditions, as, fastings, pardons, feasts, &c. are to be rejected. That extreme vnctiō, & cōfirmatiō, are to be rejected. That confessiō with satisfaction is to be reprehended. That the primacy of y ^e P. is vain, &c.

He was complained of by the Thomistes (who were reals, and greatly hated the nominals) unto Diethrus, archb. of Mainz. His articles being examined by the Divines of Heydelberge, and Colen, were condemned, and he compelled to recant, Ex Ost. Grat.

An. 1484. died P. Sixtus the fourth, [ 1454] a very monster of nature: of whom writeth Platina, that unjustly he vexed all Italy with war and dissention. Agrippa writing of him, saith, that among all the Baudes of these other later days, which were buylders of Brothelhouses, this Sixtus 4. surmounted all other: who at Rome erected Stews of double abomination, not only of women, but also &c.

Whereupon, no small gain redounded to his cofers, for every such common harlotte in Rome, paid to him a July piece, the sum whereof grew in the yere somewhile to 20000 at length to 40000. duckets. He was a man rather borne to war, then to religion, as saith Carion, for he warred against Vitelius Tiphernates, against the Florentines, & Venetiās, whom he excommunicated, and absolved not till he died. Also, against Colonienses, against Ferdinandus, K. of Apulia, and Duke of Calabria: also, against other nations and princes. Ex John. Laziardo.

This Sixtus was a special Patron of begging Friers, granting them to enjoy revenues in this world, and in the world to come everlasting life. Among which Friers, there was one named Alanus de Rupe, a black frier, which made the Rosarie of our Ladies Psalter, and erected a new fraternity upon the same, called Fraternitas Coronariorum, pertaining to the order of the Dominikes: of which order, Jacobus Sprenger, one of the condemners of Johannes de Wesalia, was a great aduauncer: and especially this Sixtus the fourth, who gave unto the said Fraternitie large Privileges.

Concerning the institution of this Rosarie, there was a book set forth, about the yere 1480. [ 1480] In y ^e beginning whereof it is declared, that the blessed virgin entered into the Cell of Alanus, and was so familiar with him, that she did there espouse him for her husband, and kissed him with her heavenly mouth: opened unto him her Pappes, and poured great plenty of her own milk into his mouth. For the confirmation whereof, the said Alanus did swear deeply, cursing himself, if it were not, thus as he had made relation. This book being in Latin, & printed, beareth this title: Rosareae Augustissimae Christiferae Mariae Corona. And in the front it showeth the name of Iodocus Bisselenis, a noble man of Aquine.

After y ^t this pope Sixtus had understanding, that Hercules Estensis duke of Ferraria, had joined peace with Venetians against his will, he was so grieved thereat, that for rancor of mind, within five days after he died. About which time also died Platina, a shameful flatterer, and bearer with the wicked lives of the Popes.

Anno 1483. Edward 4. died, after he had reigned two and twenty years, whom succeeded Edward 5. who with his brother Richard was slain, by one James Tyrell. John Dighton and Miles Forest, by the suborning of Richard the third, usurper, who proclaimed himself King, Anno 1483. [ 1483] in the month of June, & the sixth of July was crowned. Richard reigned but two years and two months, being overthrown of Henry 7. who succeeded him, an. 1485. [ 1485] and reigned 23. years and eight months.

Anno 1494. [ 1494] died Frederike, who had reigned 53. years, after whom succeeded Maximilian his son, who reigned seven years wit his father Frederike.

This Maximilian set up the university of Wittemberg, and was excellently well learned himself, & was the cause why diverse gave themselves to learning, namely to searching out of Histories, whereto the Emperor was given himself, & wrote diligently in the Latin toonge his own acts, as did Julius Caesar. The men who flourished by his means, were: Cuspinianus, Nauclerus, Cōradus, Pentingerus, Mātius, & others. In that age also excelled Baptista mantuanus, Angel. Politianus, Hermolaus Barbarus, Picus Mirandula, and Franciscus his cosin: Rodulphus Agricola, Pontanus Philippus, Beroaldus, Marsilius Ficinus, Volaterranus, Georgius Valla, with infinite other.

Amongst whom also is to be numbered Veselus Groningensis, otherwise named Basilius, who was not long after John de Wesalia: both much about one time, and both great freends together. This Veselus died, anno 1490. [ 1490] he was so notable and so worthy a man, that of the people he was called Lux mundi, the light of the world: he did disallow the popish doctrine, of confession and satisfaction, in the matter of repentance: likewise he did disprove both at Rome, and at Paris, purgatory, supererogation of works, and pardons, and Popes Indulgences: he disallowed Masses and praying for the dead, and supremacy of the Pope: he held that the Pope might err: he disallowed the great riches of the Clergy: that the Popes keys do not open, but shut heaven gates, &c.

Not long after the death of this Weselus an. 1494. [ 1494] and the 9. year of Henry the 7. the 28. of April, was burned a very old woman, named Ione Boughton widow, and mother to the Lady Young: which Lady was also suspected to be of the same opinion that her mother was. Her mother was four score years of age, and held eight of Wycliffe's opinions, for the which she was burned in Smithfield. The night following that she was burnt, the most of her ashes were had away, of such as had love unto the doctrine for the which she suffered.

An. 1497: [ 1497] the 17. of January being Sunday, two men one called Richard Milderall, and the other James Sturdy, bare faggots before the procession of Paul's, and after stood before the preacher in the time of his Sermon.

And the Sunday following stood other 2. men at Paul's cross, all the sermon time, one garnished with painted, and written papers, the other having a faggot on his neck.

After that in Lent season, upon Passion Sunday, one Hugh Glover bare a faggot before the processiō of Paul's, and after-with the faggot stood before the preacher all the Sermon while.

And on the next sunday following, four men stood, & did their open penance at Paul's, and many of their books were burnt before them at the cross.

Anno 1498. in the beginning of May, [ 1298] the king being then at Canterbury, there was a Priest burnt, which was so strong in his opinion, that all the Clearks, and Doctors, being there present, could not remove him from his faith: whereof the King being informed, caused the priest to be brought before his presence: who, by his persuasions, could not cause him to revoke, and so he was burnt immediately.

Anno 1499. [ 1499] a certain godly man, and constant martir of Christ, named Babram, was burnt in Norfolk, in the month of July, as Fabian reporteth: yet the printed Fabian reporteth it to be the year, 1500. [ 1500] In the year next following, the 20. day of July, was an old man, burnt in Smithfield,

This year, Hieronimus Sauanorola, a monk in Italy, with two other Friers, named Dominic and Sylvester, which favored Sauanorolas learning, were condemned to death at Florence: the articles wherefore they suffered, were these. 1. Free justification by faith. 2. The communion under both kinds. 3. Indulgences & pardons of the pope, are of no effect. 4. For preaching against the filthy life of the clergy. 5. For denying the Popes supremacy. 6. The keys were not given to Peter alone, but unto the universal Church. 7. That the Pope was Antichrist, because he did attribute more to his own indulgences, and pardons, then to Christ's merits. 8. That the Popes excommunication is not to be feared. 9. That auricular confession is not necessary. 10. That he had moved the city to uproar. 11. That he contemned the Popes citation. 12. That he had slandered the Pope. 13 That he said, Italy must be cleansed with God's scourge, for the manifold wickedness of the Princes and Clergy. They were first hanged up openly in the market place, and after burnt to ashes, and the ashes cast into the river of Arum, the 25. day of May, Ex Catalogo, testium Illirici.

This Jerome Sauanorola had the spirit of prophecy, and foreshowed many things to come, which fell out accordingly. He suffered under pope Alexander 6.

About this time, was one Philip Norice, an Irishman, professor at Oxford, long vexed and troubled for his profession of the truth.

The Germans had twice before sued to Frederick the Emperor, to be a means to ease them of their manifold grievances, from the Church of Rome, and were repulsed: & now again, made the same suite to Maximilian his son: unto whom they delivered x. grievances, whereby y ^e Germans had been long oppressed: showing also remedies against the same, with certain aduisements, how the Emp. might avoid the popes subtleties. The grievances were these: 1. That the Bishops of Rome, do at the request of every vile person, withstand the covenants of their predecessors bulls, privileges, &c. 2. That elections of Prelates are oftentimes put back. 3. That election of Presidentships are withstood, notwithstanding the grants have been purchased before, to the Chapter houses. 4. That greatest ecclesiastical dignities, are reserved for Cardinals, and head Notaries. 5. That expectatiue graces, called Vowsons, are granted without number. 6. That yearly revenues are exacted without delay, or mercy: and oftentimes more extorted then ought to be. 7. That rule of Churches is given at Rome, to such as are more fit to keep mules, then to govern and instruct men. 8 That new pardons, with revocation of the old, are granted to scrape money. 9. That tēths are exacted, under pretence of making war against the Turks, when as no expedition doeth follow thereupon. 10. That causes, which might be determined in Germany, are indistinctly carried to the Court of Rome. After these grievances propounded, they subscribed the remedies, and aduertisementes to the Emperor, whereupon the Emperor set forth an Edict against certain abuses of the Clergy. That none should have two Canonships, &c. Against the covetousness of the Clergy: concerning which reformation the Emperor required (as it seemeth) advise of Jacobus Selestadiensis, who wrote unto him concerning the matter.

After Innocetius 8. succeeded Alexander 6. which Alexander among other horrible things, when he was compelled to send Gemes or Demes, brother to Baiazetes the great Turk, to Louis 11. the French king for a pledge, because the French king should not procure the great Turks favor by sending his brother Gemes to him to be slain, he being hired by the Turk, caused the same Gemes to be poisoned: who in his journey, going toward the French king, died at Terracina, Ex Hieronymo Marcis. And the same Alexander the 6. taking displeasure with Louis the French king, about the winning of Naples, sent to Baiazetes the Turk, to fight against Louis. Ex eodem.

Moreover, this pope caused Antonius Mancinellus hands, and tongue to be cut off, because he wrote an eloquent oration against his horrible life. At length, as he was sitting at Rome with his Cardinals, and other rich Senators, of Rome, his servants at unawares brought to him a wrong bottle, whereby both he was poisoned, and his cardinals about him.

After this Pope succeeded next Pius 3. about the yere 1503. After whom came next Julius 2. a man more abhominable then all his fellows: who on a time when he went to war, cast the keys of S. Peter into Tibris, saying, that for as much as the keys of Saint Peter would not serve him to his purpose, he would take to himself the sword of S. Paul.

Of this Pope Julius it is certainly reported, that, partly with his wars, and partly with his cursinges, within the space of seven years, as good as 200000. Christians were destroyed: first he besieged Rauenna against the Venetians, then Seruia, Imola, Fauentia, Foroliuinum, Bononia, and other cities, which he gat out of princes hands, not without great bloodshed. This Julius took an oth when he was made Pope (as John Sleidan maketh mention) that he would have a council within two years: which because he did not perform, nine of his Cardinals departed from him, and came to Milan, and there appointed a council at Poyse: among whom the chief were Bernardinus Crucenis, Guilielmus Prenestinus, Franciscus Constantine, with diverse others: among them also were the procurators of the Emperor Maximilian, and of Lodouike the French king. So the Council was appointed, anno 1511. [ 1511] to begin in the kalēds of September. They called this council to accuse the Pope for certain crimes, and to depose him: whereof Julius hearing, giuetn out contrary commandment, under great pain, no man to obey them: and calleth himself another council against the next year, to be begun the 19. day of April.

The French king understanding, Pope Julius to join with the Venetians, and so to take their part against him, convented a Council at Thurim, in the month of Septēber. In which Council, these questions were propounded. 1 Whether it were lawful for the Pope to move war against any Prince without a cause. 2. Whether any prince (in defending himself) might invade his adversary, and deny his obedience. To which questions it was answered, both to be lawful, and that the pragmatical function was to be observed throughout all France.

After this, the king sent unto Julius the answer of this Council, requiring him, either to agree to peace, or to appoint a general Council, where this matter might be more fully decided.

Julius would neither of these, but forthwith accursed Ludouike the french king: and after much bloodshed, and mortal war, the pope died, an. 1513. [ 1513] February 21.

In the year 1499. [ 1499] in the time of one Perseuell, many were taken for heretics in Kent, and at Paul's Cross they bare fagottes, and were abjured: and shortly after the same year, there went thirteen Lollards afore the procession in Paul's, and there were of them eight women, and a young ladde, and the laddes mother was one of the eight; and all the thirteen bare fagots on their necks before the procession.

Ann. 1506, [ 1506] in the diocese of Lincoln, in Buckinghāshire, William Smith being B. of the same diocese) one William Tilseley was burned at Amersham, in a close, called Stanely: at which time, one John Clark, a married woman, which was the only daughter of the said Tilseley, & a faithful woman, was compelled with her own hands to set fire to her father. And at the same time, her husband John. Clarke, did penance at her fathers burning, and bare a fagot, as did also 20. mo: which afterward were compelled to wear certain badges, & went abroad to do penance, as to Buckinghā, Aylesbury, & other towns nigh: and also diverse of these men were afterward burned in the cheek: as William Page, &c.

Some report, that sixty were put to bear fagots for their penance: of whom diverse were enjoined to bear, and to wear fagots at Lincoln, 7. years together, &c. In which number, was also, one Robert Bartlet, a rich man: who for his profession sake, was put from his Farm and goods, and was condemned to be kept in the monastery of Ashrige, where he ware on his right sleeve, a square piece of cloth, 7. years together.

About the same time, of the burning of William Tilseley, (as the Amersham men do say, or the next day after, was one father Roberts burned at Buckingham. He was a miller, and dwelled at Missenden: and at his burning, there was above twenty persons, that were compelled to bear fagots, and to do such penance, as the wicked pharisees did compel them.

After that, by the space of two or three years, was burned at Amersham, Thomas Barnard, a husbandmā, & James Morden, a laborer: they two were burned at one fire. And there was William Littlepage, burned in the right cheeks, & Father Rogers, and Father Reuer, alias Reiue, which after was burned. Also, there were 30. mo, that were burned in their cheeks, and bare fagots at the same time. Father Rogers was in the Bishops prison, fourteen weeks together, night and day: and was so cruelly handled with cold, hunger, & iron, that after his coming out of prison, he was so lame in his back, that he could never go upright, as long as he lived.

Anno 1506. [ 1506] Thomas Chast of Amersham, was (after other great afflictions) strangled in the Bishops prison, in Wooburn, under W. Smith, B. of Lincoln, and was buried of the wicked wretches, in y ^e wood, called Norland wood, in the high way betwixt Wooburn and little Marlow: to the intent he should not be taken up to be seen.

Anno 1507. [ 1507] one Thomas Norice was burnt, for the testimony of the truth, at Norwich, being condemned by the B. the last day of March.

Anno 1508. [ 1508] Elizabeth Samson, of the Parish of Aldermanburie, was compelled to abjure, before Master William Horsey, Chaunceller to the Bishop of London. She spake against pilgrimages, worshipping of Images, and the Real presence.

About this time was burned Laurence Glest, at Salisbury, after they had kept him in prison two years, for the matter of the Sacrament. At whose burning, William Russell was burned in the cheek.

After this, there was a godly woman burnt at Chipping Sudburie, by the Chaunceller Doctor Whittington: who, after she was burned, and the people returning homeward, a Bull brake loose from a Butcher, that was in hand to have slain him, singled out Doctor Whittington from all the people, and (hurting neither old nor young) took him alone, gored him thorough and thorough, carrying his guts, and training them with his horns all the streets over, to the great admiration of all the people. This is testified by diverse credible witnesses.

An. 1485. [ 1485] The ix. of March, amongst other good men in Coventry, these nine hereunder named, were examined, before John, bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, in S. Michaels church, and recanted.

John Blumston, for holding against purgatory, & images.

Robert Crowther, for the matter of the Sacrament, the authority of the keys, and Images.

John Smith, for the Lord's prayer, & Creed in English.

Robert Brown, for images, flesh-eating in Lent, purgatory, auricular confession, and satisfaction.

Thomas Butler, for purgatory, and merits.

John Falkes, for images, and that he did eat Cowmilke the first sunday in Lent, &c.

Richard Hilman, for the scripture in English; for the matter of the sacrament, &c.

In the yere of our Lord 1488. [ 1488] the third of April, Margerie Goit, wife of James Goit, was constrained by John, B. of Coventry and Lichfield, to recant concerning the real presence.

In the reign of K. Henry 7. lived Johannes Picus, earle of Mirandula. He coming to Rome, booted and spurred, set up 90. to dispute in the same with any in Christendom, whosoever would come against him. Of the which, diverse were touching the matter of the Sacrament: against whom, none in all Europe was found to dispute. But the Prelates (appointed by the Pope) consulted to inquire upon his Conclusions. Whereupon they did articulate against him, for suspicion of heresy. He died, being of the age of 32. of great learning. In his sickness Charles the eight French king, (moved with the fame of his learning,) came to visit him. The furniture of his books cost him 7000 Florins. A little before his death he was minded to give all away, and to take a Coule, to go about and preach. With two Popes, that is, with Pope Innocent, and Alexander 6. he had much vexation.

King Henry 7. finished his course of life, 1509. [ 1509] after whō succeeded his son, Henry 8. and shortly after married Lady Katherine, the daughter of Ferdinandus, his late brother Prince Arthurs wife, by the dispensation of pope Julius, and the requests of Ferdinandus her father.

At this time was renewed the old strife betwixt the Dominic fryers, & the Franciscans, about the conception of y ^e the virgin Mary: the Franciscans held, that the virgin was without original sin, the Dominicks were of the contrary mind. Ann. 1476. [ 1476]

Pope Sixtus 4. joined with the Franchiscans, & ordained a solemnization of the feast of the virgins conception, offering all men & women, which would hear mass, & service, from the first euensong of the same feast, to the Octaues of y ^e same, as many days pardon, as Pope Urban 4, and Martin 5 did grant for hearing service of Corpus Christi day. He made also an addition to the Ave Marie, granting pardon of sins to all that would with the same addition, pray unto the Virgin. The addition is: and blessed is Anna thy mother, of whom thy virgins flesh hath proceeded without blot of original sin. This did pope Sixtus afterward, that the Dominicks might conform themselves thereto, confirm with a bull: dated 1483. whereby the Dominicks were compelled to give to the virgin every night an Anthem in praise of her conceptiō, and to subscribe to the Franciscane doctrine. Although the greatest number of the school Doctors, were of the contrary faction, Petrus Lombard, Thomas Aquinas, Bernardus, Bonaventure, &c.

After the renewing of this dissention, ann. 1509. [ 1509] certain of the Dominicks devised a certain image of the virgin, that they might make to stir, to make gestures, to complain, to weep, to groan: & by their devises, to make answer to them, that asked: for which deed, the false friers were taken & burned at Bernes the same year: Peucer, Munster, Carion, &c. Their names were, Johannes Vetter, Franciscus Vliscus, Stephanus Balisthorst, and Henricus Steinegger.

Pope Julius was condemned, an. 1510. [ 1510] in the council of Turon in France, an. 1512. [ 1512] being vanquished of Louis the French K. about Rauenna: & on Easter day the next yere died: after whom succeeded Leo the 10.

It appeareth by the registers of Richard Fitziames, in the diocese of London, that betwixt the year 1509. & 1527. deuers persons were compeleld to abjure, for denying to worship y ^e Crucifix, for transubstantiation, holy days, pilgrimages, adoration of images, speaking against the immoderate riches of Churchmen, the reading of English books: for denying, a priest to have two benefices, &c.

Ann. 1511. [ 1511] the 18. of October, William Sweeting & John Banister, who before had recanted: receiving farther strength from God, were burned in Smithfield, for the testimony of the truth: which was concerning the real presence.

Ann. 1517. [ 1517] one John. Brown, who had born a fagot before, in the days of K. Henry 7. was burned at Ashford, for y ^e profession of the truth, condemned by Archb. Warrham, first having had his feet burned to the bones by Warrham & Fisher, bishops, to compel him to deny the truth.

Ann. 1514. [ 1514] one Richard Hunn, merchant tailor in the city of London, was privily made away, and hanged in the Lollards tower, for the truth: and after his death, to make him more odious, they picked certain articles against him, out of the preface of his English Bible. This was done by one Doct. Hedd. The 20. of Decemb. the dead corps of Richard Hunn was burned in Smithfield: first having condemned it of heresy, (after they had hanged him in prison secretly) is body was burned, 16. days after his murdering. But the matter having been fully examined by the council, & judges, and iustices of the realm: it was found by good proof, and sufficient evidence, that D. Horsey the Chancelor, Charles Joseph the Summer, and John Spalding the hell-ringer, had committed the murder But by the suited of the Bishop of London unto the Carinall Woolsey, at the jail delivery, the next Sessions, the kings attourney pronounced the judgment against Horsey to be fales, and him not to be guilty of the murder.

An. 1518. the 24. of September, [ 1518] John Stilman who had before recanted 11. years past, was apprehended & brought before Richard Fitz-James B. of London, and the 25. of October was condemned for a relapse, and burned in Smithfield, Doctor Hedd vicar general reading the sentence. It was objected y ^t he spake against pilgrimages: that he used to read books of Wycliffe, at his wicket, &c. That he called the Pope Antichrist, &c. and that the inferior were the synagogue of Satan, &c.

The same year the 29. of March, Tho. Man was burned in Smithfield: who had before abjured, ann, 1511. the 14. of August: against auricular confessiō, the sacramē of extreme unction: against worshipping of images, that y ^e popish church was not y ^e church of God, &c. Doct. Hedd pronounced likewise sentence against him, & delivered him to the sheriffe of London, to be presently burned: with this protestatiō made before, that he might not consent to the death of any: & therefore he desired the sheriffe not to punish him with rigor.

This yere was the great abjuration at Amersham,

Tho-Man confessed of himself, as it appeareth by the register, that he had converted 700. from popery to the truth.

In those days, those that were professors of the truth, were called known men, and Iustfast men. After T. Man, was Robert Cosin also condemned, and burned at Buckingham, for holding against pilgrimages, confession to priests, and worshipping of Images, &c.

Anno 1511. [ 1511] William Sweeting, alias Clerke, was condemned, and burned for a relapse. He was taken at Chelsith, where he kept the Town beasts, and was their Netheard. His articles were, against Pilgrimages, real presence, worshipping of Images. He had dwelt 16. years and more with the prior of Saint Osich, named George Lawne; where he so turned the Prior, that he was afterward compelled abjure: which also William himself through frialtie had done before. He being asked, what cause he had why he should not be judged as relapse, said: he had nothing else, but only that he committed himself to the mercy of God. With William Sweeting was also condemned the same time, of the parish of Saint Nicholas in Colchester, Anno 1505. He had been abjured by William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury. They were burned together in Smithfield at one fire, the 18. of October, his Articles were against images, pilgrimages, worshipping of Images, the sacrament of the altar, &c.

Anno 1518. [ 1518] Christopher Shoemaker was burned at Newbery, for like articles afore. For then the Church of Rome was chiefly withstood, for Pilgrimages, adoration of Saints, the Scripture in English, and real presence.

William Smith, Bishop of Lincoln, died, an. 1515. [ 1515] who built the College of Brasen-nose, in Oxford: after whō succeeded John Longland a Frier, and cruel vexer of poor Christians: who propounded such captions interrogatories, that he forced one brother to detect another; the husband, the wife; the brother, the sister; the son, the father. Yet notwithstanding all cruelty, the number did so increase, that the B. seeing the matter almost paste his power was fain to require aid of the king for the suppressing of them. Whereto the king granted, and sent down his letters to the Sheriffs, Baylifes, Officers, &c. to aid the Bishop in that behalf. Whereupon, a great number abjured, anno 1521. [ 1521] in the Dioces of Lincoln, and did sharp panaunce. Among which there were certain, who because they had abjured under Bishop Smith, were now condemned for relapse, and were burned: whose names are these: Thomas Bernard, James Morden, Robert Raw, John Scrivener, Ione Norman, and Thomas Holmes, which had detected many of the brethren, yet escaped he not the relapese. John Scriveners, own children were compelled to set fire to their Father, as Ione Clarke was before compelled to do to her Father William Tilsworth.

About this time D. Collet was troubled of B. Fitziames, Bricot, and Standish, but found favor with the king. He erected the School of Paul's. The first Schoolmaster of his School was W. Lilius. This Collet was very learned. He died anno 1519. [ 1519]

After Pope Julius 2. succeeded Leo 10. who (under pretence of warring against the Turks) sent a Jubilee, with his pardons, through all Christian Regions, & Dominions, whereby he gathered innumerable riches, and treasures. The gatherers whereof persuaded the people, y ^t whosoever would give x. s̄ should at his pleasure deliver one soul out of purgatory: but if it were one iotte then then shillings, they preached that it would profit them nothing. Ex Christ. Mess. li. 20. Chro.

This filthy merchandise was brought into Germany by a Dominike Frier, called Tecellius: whereupon, Luther a Frier Augustine, then abhorring this shameless practice, anno 1517. [ 1517] up openly the Temple joining to the castle of Wittemberge, the morrow after the feast of all Saints, certain propositions concerning Indulgenes.

Whereupon, the Frier Tecellius inveighed against Luther in his sermons, calling him heretic, and worthy to be persecuted with fire: and burned Luther's Propositions openlie, and a Sermon which he wrote of Indulgences.

This rage of the Frier caused Luther to entreat more amplie of the matter: wherefore he was accused to the Bishop of Rome, and (minding as yet no further) endeavored to get the popes favor, writing unto him for the same, with all submission, in these words.

Most holy Father, I offer myself prostrate under the feet of your holiness, with all that I am, and that I have. Save me, kill me, call me, recall me, approve me, reprove me, as you shall please: your voice (the voice of Christ in you speaking) I will acknowledge. If I have deserved death, I shall be contented to die, &c. This was in the year of our Lord, [ 1501] one thousand, five hundred, and eighteen.

Not long after the impudent dealing of Frier Tecellius, steppeth out one Sylvester de Priero, a Dominike Frier, which published railing dialogues against Luther. Unto whom Luther made answer again.

Next after this Sylvester, stepped up Eckius, and impugned the conclusions of Luther. With whom encountered D. Andreas Bedensteme, Archdeacon of Wittemberge, making his apology in the defense of Luther.

Afterwarde, Martin Luther was cited up the 7. day of August, by one Hieronimus Bishop of Askelon, to appear at Rome. The University of Wittemberg hearing thereof, directed up their letters, with their public seal, to the P. in Luther's behalf.

Duke Frederike also by his letters, sued to Cardinal Caietanus, (who was then at Augusta,) that the cause of Luther might be freed from Rome, and removed to Augusta to the hearing of the Cardinal.

The Cardinal (at the Dukes suite) wrote to the Pope, and received answer, that he should call Luther before him at Augusta: and if he found him obstinate, that he should interdict him, with all his adherents, and mainteiners whosoever, the Emperors person only excepted.

The Pope also directeth other letters at the same time to Duke Fred. complaing with many grievous words against Luther.

About the beginning of October, M. Luther came to Augusta, at the charges of the prince Elector, and having obtained safeconduct from the Emperor Maximilian, presented himself to the cardinal: who propounded unto him 3. things. 1. That he should revoke his errors. 2. That he should promise from that time forward to abstain from the same. 3. That he should abstain from anything that might trouble the Church, whereunto he answered: that he was persuaded it was sound and Catholic which he had said: and that he was ready to answer, to that should be objected against the same: and that concerning the matters, he would hear the judgment of the universities of the Empire, Basel, Friburg, and Leuven.

After this, Luther prepareth an answer by and by to Caietanus, teaching that the merits of Christ are not committed to men: that the Pope may err: that he ought to be reprehended: that authority of Scriptures ought to lead in matters of faith: that the extravagant containeth untruths, &c.

The Cardinal would hear no Scripture, but commanded Luther to come no more in his presence, except he would recant: yet Luther abode there still, and departed not.

The Cardinal sent for Johannes Stupitius, Vicar of the Augustine's, and moved him earnestly to bring Luther to recant of his own accord. Luther tarried two days after, and nothing was said unto him: the third day he delivered his mind in writing, submitting himself, and promising, that he would have more moderation, and that (touching the matter of pardons) he would proceed no further. Only he said, he could not retract his sentence before defended, for so much, as he had said nothing, but with a good conscience, and that was agreeable to the testimony of the Scriptures.

This writing the Cardinal lightly regarded. Which when Luther saw, and tarrying yet two days longer: understanding that the Cardinal had said, that he had commandment to imprison John Stupitius, and Luther, after he had made, and set up his appeal, he departed from the Cardinal.

After Luther's departure, the Cardinal writeth a sharp letter unto duke Frederick, declaring the dangerous doctrine of Luther, and exhorteth the Duke to tender his own honor and safety, and to expel Luther out of his dominions. Whereto the Duke answereth, both purging himself, and Luther: desiring the Cardinal to be a means to the Pope, that innocence and truth be not oppressed, before the error be lawfully convicted. This done, the Duke sendeth the letter of the Cardinal to Luther: Luther writeth again to the duke, and declareth how he was dealt with at Augusta, what he offered, and how he attended, offering also him self to banishment, to avoid the malice of his enemies: & no doubt, both the Duke and Luther were brought into a straight. In which mean time, the Vniuersity of Wittenburg wrote their letters in defense of Luther, which caused the Duke now seriously to hearken to his cause. This was, ann, 1518. [ 1518] about the beginning of December.

In the mean time, in the month of November, the pope sendeth forth new indulgences into Germany, and into all quarters, with a new edict: wherein he declareth, that the bishop of Rome hath power to release dispense, and to grant indulgences available, as well for the living, as the dead: lying in the pains of purgatory.

Luther in the mean time, hearing how they minded to proceed against him at Rome, appealeth from the Pope to a general Council: which the Pope understanding, practiseth with the Duke, by flattery, and by secrete letters, to Noblemen of the Dukes Council, that they might remove the Dukes mind from Luther. But before Melitus his ambassador approached Germany, Maximilian died, an. 1519. [ 1519] in the month of January: and through the means of Frederike, Prince Elector, the Empire fell to Carolus v. surnamed Prudens, about the end of August.

In the month of June before, there was a public disputation ordained at Lypsia, a city in Misma, under the dominiō of George duke of Saxony, uncle to duke Frederick. At that disputation Eckius and Carolostadius disputed of free will: and thither came Luther, and Phillip Melancthon, to hear what was done. Luther not minding, nor purposing to dispute: but there being provoked he disputed with Eckius, of the Popes supremacy, of Purgatory, of Indulgences, and of Penance. This was in the month of July, an. 1519. About the beginning of which year Zwingli came first to Zurich, and taught: who at Zurich withstood Sampson a Frier, that came thither with the Popes pardons.

Anno 1530. [ 1530] the Doctors and Friers of Leuven, and Colen, condemned the books of Luther as heretical: against whom also Luther effectually defendeth himself, and showeth to the nobility of Germany in another book, that the money that goeth yearly out of Germany to Rome, amounteth to 3000000. Florins.

Now a while after the coronation of the Emperor, the Pope sendeth again to Duke Frederick, requiring him to cause Luther's books to be burned, and that he would either see Luther executed himself, or send him fast bound to Rome. To the Ambassadors the Duke answered, that before the matter were disputed, and the cause made manifest, he might not with any equity or honor proceed in such sort.

Two Cardinals (notwithstanding) took and burned Luther's books: whereof he hearing, burned also as many of the Popes Decrees as he could get, and the late Bull also set out against him, openly, and solemnly, with a great number of people following him. This was done the 10. of December. On Maunday thursday the Pope curseth Luther: and shortly after he having the Emperors pasport, and being sent for also by him, appeareth at an assembly at Wormes, Anno one thousand, [ 1521] five hundred, and one and twenty, about seventeen days after Easter, his friends greatly dissuaded him, to whom he answered: as touching himself, since he was sent for, he was resolved to enter Worms, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, although he knew that there were as many Devils, as there are tiles to cover the houses at Wormes.

The fourth day after his repair to Wormes, at four of the clock in the afternoon, he appeared before the imperial majesty, Princes, Dukes, &c. where Eckius above mentioned, who was then B. of Triers, general official, with a loud voice propounded unto him, in the name of the assembly two questions. 1. Whether the books that went abroad in his name were his. 2. Whether he would recant them if they were his. To the demands Luther answered: that the books whose titles they had read unto him, he did acknowledge: and as for the second point he craved respite of deliberation, that he might without prejudice of the word of God, and peril of his own soul, answer the interrogatorie: which was granted unto him, till the next day the same hour: and then his opinion should not be in writing, but pronounced by word of mouth.

The next day he appeared, and answered, his Books were of three sortes: The first, in which he simply declared the religion of Christian faith and good works, which the popes Bull itself justifieth, and is not to be revoked. The second sort, wherein he had inveighed against the papacy, the cruelty & exhortiō of the same, which if he should revoke it should add more force to their tyranny, and open wide gates to their impiety. The third sort, which he had written, was against private persons, which labored to maintain the Roman tyranny, and to withstand the true doctrine which he had professed. In which he confessed he might have dealt, not with such vehemency of spirit, yet that he could cal nothing of the same back, without prejudice of the cause. Albeit, he offered himself, both to be shown wherein he erred, and to hearken to those that could give reason, and out of the scriptures, to the contrary: &c.

These words thus pronounced, Eckius the Emperors prolocutor, with a stern countenance, refused his answer, as not direct, and plain. Then Luther, considering (saith he) your sovereign majesty, and your Honors require a plain answer: this I say, and profess as resolutely as I may, without doubting, or sophistication, that if I be not convicted by testimony of the Scriptures, and by probable reasons, (for I believe not the Pope, nor general Councils, which have erred many times, and have been contrary to themselves) my conscience is so bound and captived in these Scriptures, and word of God, which I have alleged, that I may not, nor will not revoke any manner of thing; considering it is not lawful, nor godly, to do anything against conscience. Herevppon I stand, and rest: I have not what else to answer, God have mercy upon me.

To this answer, Eckius replied again, as insufficient, and indirect, and fled to the councils: but Luther replied, and declared, how they have erred, and were not meet to determine matters of faith. The official again answered, that could not be proved, that the councils have erred: but Luther promised to prove it: and now night approaching, the Lord's arose, and departed. Upon Friday following, the Emperor signified to the States of Germany, by his letters, that he minded to extirpate Martin Luther, and his doctrine.

The Monday following before supper, the Archb. of Triers adviseth Luther, that on Wednesday next, he should appear before him at nine of the cloak, before dinner, and assigned him the place. Luther appears, where, in the presence of the Archbishop, Marques of Brandēburg Duke of Saxony, and other States, Doct. Vocus the marques of Bades chaplain, exhorted Luther with a rhetorical oration to recant: and spake in defense of the Councils. To whom Luther replied, that he spake not against all councils: but that they might err it appeared by the council of Constance, which condemned this article of Wycliffe, the Church is the communion of the predestinate, with other words more: which being finished, he was bid to stand aside: and in the mean while, the princes conferred, & sent for him again, and exhorted him. To whom he answered: except he were overthrown by the scriptures, he might not yield with a safe conscience. Afterward, the Archbishop himself, with gentle and courteous words, exhorted Luther to submit: which would not be. So that within a while after, y ^e Archb. official, declared unto Luther, from the Emperor, that he should within 20. days return home, under his safeconduct, from whence he came. And the six & twentieth of April, he returned: the Emperors Herald, Gasper Sturm safely conducting him.

Afte this, the Doctors, and School-men of Paris, wrote against Luther, and condemned his books, and not long after, Charles the Emp. directeth a writ of outlawrie against Luther, and all them that took his part: commanding, wheresoever he might be gotten, to apprehend him, and his books to be burned. Vppon this, Duke Frederick conveyeth Luther away secretly, by certain faithful Noble men: in which time, he wrote, among other Books, one entitled, De abroganda Missa, dedicated to his company of Augustine Friers: who upon that, began to lay down their private Masses. This doctrine, the University of Wittemberg (their Council being asked by the Duke) did confirm: and counseled the Duke, to put down the use of the mass in his dominions.

About the same time, king Henry the 8. bare the name of a certain book written against Luther: in which he defendeth the Popes pardons, his authority, and the matter of the sacrament. For which, the pope added to his style and title, Defender of the Christian faith.

Within the compass of the same yere, P. Leo died, rejoicing of 3. blessings that God had bestowed upon him. First, that he, being banished out of his Country, was restored again with glory. 2 That he deserved to be called Apostolic. 3 That he had driven the Frenchmen out of Italy. After that he had spoken these words, he was stricken with a sudden fever, and shortly after died, being of the age of 47 years, albeit some suspected he died of poison. After him succeeded Hadrian, 6. In whose time the Turks wan Rhodes, He lived not much above one yere and a half in his Papacie.

In the time of this Hadr. the council of Wormes brake up, and another meting appointed by the Emp. and States at Noremberge, an. 1522.

To which meeting the Pope sent his letters, and beside, gave his Legate Cheregalius instructions against Luther. To whom the princes answered again, giving reason, why (as yet) the Emperors Edict was not executed against Luther, and requiring also, that his holiness, with the consent of the Emperor would summon a general Council, with as much speed as might be: wherein matters might be freely debated for the benefit of the Church, and reformation of the same: and that the assembling of that Council, might not be deferred longer then one yere. In y ^e mean time, they promised to take reasonable order, &c.

At the same time also, at Noremberg, the states propounded an hundred greeuances of the Germans, which they did sustain from the Sea of Rome: as, forbidding of marriage in degrees not forbidden by the law of God: forbidding of meats, not forbidden by God: restraint of marriage at certain times: selling remission of sins for money: innumities of clergy men: excommunication abused: number of holy days over burthenous: suspending, & halowing of churchyardes: against Officials, and ecclesiastical Judges: that ecclesiastical Judges annex lay matters unto their jurisdiction, &c. These greeuances they delivered to the popes legat, an. 1523. and so the assembly of Noremberge brake up, and was proroged to the next yere following. In the mean time Hadrian died: after whom succeeded Clement 7. who, y ^e next yere after, sent his Legat, Cardinal Campeius, unto the assembly at Noremberg, with many fair petitions, & sharp complaints against Luther, &c. but not a word of the greeuāces, or of any reformation. While Luther was absent from Wittemberg, And. Carolostadius stirred up the people, to throw down images in the temples, besides other things mo, which Luther (returning to Wittemberg) misliked, because it was not done orderly, & by the magistrate, to whom it did belong. Ex John. Sleid. lib. 3.

An 1546. in the 63. yere of his age, L died, after he had continued writing and preaching 29. years. Before his death he prayed thus: My heavenly Father, eternal & merciful God, thou hast manifested unto me, thy dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ. I have taught him, I have loved him as my health, my life, and my redemption: whom the wicked have persecuted, maligned, and with injury afflicted. Draw my soul unto thee. After he had thus prayed, he said as ensueth, thrice: I commend my spirit into thy hands, thou hast redeemed me O god of truth. God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that all that believed in him, might have life everlasting. Frederike prince Elector, died before Luther, an. 1525.

Thus Luther fulfilled the prophecy of Jerome of Prague, I cite you all to answer before the most high and just Judge, after 100. years. Jerome was burnt 1416. and Luther began to write anno 1516.

An. 1524. At the diet of Noremb. was much reasoning concerning the marriage of priests: which cardinal Cāpeius impugned: and concerning the liberties of the city of Strasbourg, which the B. would have infringed, taking into his hands, y ^e cause of married priests from the magistrate of the town, against ancient custom & agreement betwixt them.

After the council of Noremberg, immediately followed another sitting at Ratisbone, where were present Ferdinandus Campeius Cardinal of Salisburgh, the two dukes of Bauarie, the Bishops of Trent, and Ratisbone, &c. and made many popish Decrees and acts against Luther: which Campeius labored to have enacted in a full council, and with the consents of all the Empire: but the minds of diverse were gone from the Pope: and he was fain to get the same ratified in this particular conuenticle.

An. 1519. Vldricus Zwingli, first abiding at Glocrona in a place called our Lord's hermitage, removed to Zurich, and there began to teach, dwelling in the Minster among the Canons or Monks, of that close, & using the same rites with them, the space of two or three years: & because Leo the same year had renewed his pardons again, he continued by the space of two years & more, detecting of the abuses of the same, till Hugo B. of Constance, to whose jurisdiction Zurich did then belong, wrote letters to the senat of Zurich, complaining greatly of Zwingli: to whom certain of the city made answer, desiring the B. y ^t he would do nothing prejudicial to the liberty of the gospel; Zwingli having referred his cause to the Senate. This was An. 1522. [ 1522] Zwingli also wrote a letter to the whole natiō of the Heluetians, monishing them not to hinder the course of the gospel, and not to molest priests that were married: and exhorted them to withdraw the liberty of concubines.

Thus, Zwingli continued certain years, & at the last the Dominic friers opposed themselves, whereupon the Senate of Zurich sent forth their commandment to all Priests & Ministers to repair to Zurich, against the 29. of January next ensuing, [ 1523] Anno 1523. That matters touching religion might be freely disputed of; directing of their letters to the B. of Constance, that he would either repair thither himself, or send his deputy. At the day, came Johannnes Faber the Bishops Vicegerent. ( Zwingli had before contrived his doctrine into three score and seven Articles, and published thē abroad, that they that minded to dispute, might be better prepared.) Faber he denieth to dispute the matter, and said, it was meeter for a general Council, (which (said he) was near at hand) then in that assembly to be handled: notwithstanding Zwingli urged, that if he, or any, had ought to say against his doctrine, they would then declare it: but when no man would appear to dispute, the assembly was discharged. Wherevpon the Senate of Zurich caused to be proclaimed thorough their dominion, that the traditions of men should be abandoned, and the Gospel of Christ purely taught, out of the old and New Testament. Anno 1523. Sleid. lib. 3.

The next year after, there was another decree made at Lucerne, of the contrary part, to the maintenance of Popish religion, and against Luther's doctrine. After this cōclusiō at Lucerne, the Cantons of Heluetia directed their letters to the men of Zurich, lamenting their estate, and blaming the new doctrine of Zwingli, and Leo Judah, and showing to them the danger that might follow. Wherevnto the Tigurins and men of Zurich made their answer again, the same year, the one & twentieth of March, purging themselves, and justifying the doctrine of the Gospel preached by Luther, Zwingli, &c. and offered themselves to be reformed (if they were in error) by the Scriptures, and that they would attend therefore till toward the end of May next ensuing, as also from the Bishop of Constance, and university of Basel.

The month of May being come, the B. of Constance, answereth to y ^e mē of Zurich in a book, wherein he defendeth images, and popish mass. This book they answered: & proved his doctrine, by the scriptures, to be false: & (before they sent their answer) pulled down all the images in their dominion, about the 13. of June. And a few months after, an order was taken in the city of Zurich, between the Canons of the church, and city, for disposing the lands, and possessions of the College.

This profession of the Tigurins, of the 13. pages, six did chiefly mislike: to wit, Lucernates, Vrani, Suicenses, Vnterualdii, Tugiani, Fiburgenses. These in no case would be reconciled, but laid diverse slanderous matters to their charge: whereof the Tigurins diligently purged themselves.

Anno 1525. in the month of April, next following: the city of Zurich banished the mass in all their dominion, and placed in steed thereof the supper of the Lord, the reading of the Scriptures, praying. Also, a Law was made against whoredom, & adultery: and Judges ordained to hear y ^e causes of matrimony, an, 1525. Sleid. lib. 4. [ 1525]

The other seven pages appointed among themselves, concerning a meeting, & disputation to be had at Baden: where were present among other Divines, Johannes Faber, Eckius, and Murnerus. The Bishops also of Lucerne, Basel, Suriake, and Lawsanna, sent thither their Legates: the conclusions propounded, were: that the body and blood of Christ are present in the Sacrament. That the mass is a sacrifice for quick & dead, That the blessed virgin, and other saints are to be invocated, as mediators & intercessors. That images ought not to be abolished. That there is a Purgatory. Which conclusions, Eckius took upon him stoutly to defend. Against him reasoned Oecolāpadius, (who was then chief preacher at Basel) with other mo. Zwinglius was not permitted of the Senate to be heard. The conclusion of the disputation was, that all should remain as it was. This was done in the month of June.

Anno 1527. in the month of December, the people of Bern appointed a disputation at Bern, and sending forth writings thereof, called all the Bishops about them thither, as of Constance: Seduno Lansanna warning them both to come themselves, and to bring their Divines with them, or else to loose such possessions as they had lying within the precinct of their territory. After this, they appointed ecclesiastical persons of their own jurisdiction to dispute, determining the whole disputation to be decided only by the authority of the old and New Testament. And to the intent, men might come thither better prepared, they propounded in writing ten conclusions, to be defended of their ministers, by the scriptures: which ministers, were, Franciscus Colbus, and Berthaldus Hallerus.

The themes were these. 1. The true church heareth only y ^e word of God. 2 It maketh no laws without it. 3. That traditions ordained by the Church only, bind, as they agree with the word of God. 4. That Christ only hath made satisfaction for our sins. 5. That Christ's body is not really in the sacrament. 6. That the sacrifice of the mass is cōtumelious to Christ his sacrifice. 7. That Christ is only to be invocated as mediator. 8. That there is no purgatory. 9. Against images. 10. Against single life of priests.

To these letters, & articles, the Lucernats, Vranites, Scinthians, Vnterualdians, Tugians, Glareans, & Soliturnians, & they of Freiburg answered again by contrary letters, exhorting them of Bern to desist from their purpose; concluding, that they would neither send, nor suffer any learned man to come thither, nor grant safeconduct for any to pass through their country.

Al this notwithstanding, the Lord's of Bern, the 7. of January, proceeded in their disputatiō. Of the bishops before assigned nor one came, nevertheless the city of Basil, Zurich, and Schafuse, and Abbecelle, Sangallium, Mallusia, with y ^e neighbors of Rhetia, also, they of Strasbourg, Vlmes, Ausburgh, Lyndane, Constance, and Isne, sent thither their Ambassadors. The Doctors of Berne began their disputation: there were present Zwingli, Oecolampadius, Bucerus, Capito Blaurerus, with other mo, which defended the affirmative. On the contrary part, the chief was Conradus Tregerius a frier Augustine: who shifting from the Scriptures, to the Doctors, not being permitted so to do by the moderators of the disputatiō, would dispute no more. This disputation endured 19. days, and in the end it was agreed, that the conclusions were agreeable to the word of God, and should be ratified not only in Berne, but also in certain other cities near adjoining. Furthermore that masses, altars, and images should be in all places abolished.

At the city of Constance, certain things begā to be altered before: in which city, the preacher, Ambrosius Blanreus was a notable man, & had been a monk before, in the monastery of Alperspacke, in the Duchy of Wittemberg.

After this disputation thus concluded at Berne, the Images, and altars, with ceremonies, and masses, were abolished at Constance: they likewise of Geneva followed the example of Bern, by reason whereof, the Bishops and Clergy departed the city.

The Bernates after they had redressed with them the state of religion, they renounced the league made before with the French king, refusing the warly stipend, following the example of the Tigurins, which before had done y ^e like, and were contented only with their yearly pension, which the K. payeth to every page of the Heluetians, to keep peace. The day and yere when this reformation began with them, they caused to be engraven in a pillar, with letters of gold, for a perpetual memory to all posterity to come. This was an. 1528.

By these examples, the ministers of Strasbourg began also to affirm, and teach, that the mass was naught. The P. clergy labored on the contrary part. The Senate would have brought it to a disputation, but the Priests would agree to no reasoning: whereupon the magistrates commanded them silence. The Bishop desired the Senate to persevere in their old religiō: but not prevailing, they did solicit the assembly of the Empire at Spires, who sent a solemn Embassade to Strausborough, requiring them to alter nothing, but to refer all things to a general Council. In like manner the Bishop of Heldessem, having been with them a little before, exhorted them in the name of the Emperor.

But the Senate of Strawsborough, seeing the matter did now hange in controversy two years, the preachers daily calling vpō them for reformatiō, & also suite being made by other Citizens, assembled their great Citizens, to the number of 300. in which, the most voices went against the mass. Wherevpon, immediately the twentieth of February, ann. 1529. a decree was made, that the mass should be laid down, til the contrary part could prove it to be lawful by the scriptures.

Anon after, at Basel also, the mass was excluded, and twelve Senators favoring popery, displaced by the commons, and the images thrown out of the churches, and a decree made, that the mass and images should be abolished, through their whole jurisdiction: in this city, taught Oecolampadius. The day of burning their images (which was Ashwednesday) they do with mirth and pastime solemnise at this day.

Anno 1529. Ferdinando the Emperors brother, and his Deputy in Germany, decreed against the Protestants at Spires, and refused to admit the Ambassadors of Strasbourg, because they had rejected y ^e mass. The other princes which were received, as, the Duke of Saxony, George, of Brandenburgh, Ernesus, and Franciscus, Earls of Lueburgh, & Lantgraue Anhaldius did withstand the decree, and shown their cause in a long protestation written: which done, all such Cities as subscribed, and consented to y ^e Protestation of the Princes, joined themselves in a common league with them, whereupon, they were called protestāts.

The names of the Cities were these: Strasbourg, Norembergh, Vlmes, Constance, Ruteling, Winsenium, Mēning, Lindania, Campodinum, Hailburnim, Isua, Wesseburgum, Norling, and Sangallum.

The other Pages on the contrary side, made like confederacy, which were especially five: Lucernates, Vrani, Suicences, Vnterualdij, and Tugiani, purposing to ouerrun the religion of Christ: who also, despitefully hanged up y ^e arms of the Cities, Zurich and Berne, upon the gallows. In so much, that Berne and Zurich raised a power against the Suitzers aforesaid. But as they were both ready to encounter, through the means of the City of Strasbourg, and other Intercessors, they were parted at that time, and so returned. Which peace continued two years between them, till by reason of contumelies against the reformed cities, the Tigurins, and Bernates, stopping all passage, suffered no corn, nor vitle to pass one to the other this was 1531. [ 1531]

The French king, with the Glarians, Friburnians, and Soliturnians, endeavored to make peace betwixt them, vpō certain conditions, which the other five Pages refused, and armed themselves, and approaching near Surich, overmatched them of Zurich with multitude, and discomfited the army: among whom, at that time Zwingli was slain, also, the Abbot of Capella, and Commendator Cunacensis, with 13. other learned men, as it is thought, being falsely betrayed, and brought into the hands of the enemy. The manner of the Suitzers is, when they go to war, the chief Minister of their Church goeth with them, which was the cause why he was present at the war. After he was slain they burnt his body, being dead. Ex Sleid. li. 8.

Zwingli was 44. years of age when he died. They took the Abbot Capellensis being slain, and put out both his eyes, and clothed him in a Monks cowl, and so set him in a pulpit to preach, railing on him in most despiteful manner. This battle was the xi. of October. The Bernats hearing of this overthrow, armed themselves to make revenge, and attempting to take Tugie, were overmatched of the Page-men. At the last (through mediation) a league was made between them, that the Tigurins, Bernats, and Basilians, should forsake the league made with Strasbourg, and the Lantgraue: and likewise the v. pagemē their league with Ferdinandus. And hereof were obligations sealed the last of November.

Oecolampadius hearing of the death of Zwingli, departed this life also the last of November, being of the age of 49.

The next following, in the yere of our Lord, 1532. in the month of August, died John Frederike Duke of Saxony, a great mainteiner of the truth. After whom succeeded John Frederike his son.

Anno 1527. Two young men were burned at Brussels, one named Henry Voes, of the age 24. The other John. Ech, which were before of the order of Augustine Friers: they were persecuted by Egmondanus the Popes Inquisitor, & the divines of Leuven. The examiners were, Lochestratus and others. The cause was, that they denied, it was deadly sin to transgress the decrees of the fathers, and of the B. of Rome. They were burned the first of July, marueylously joying at their death, in so much, that one of them seeing fire kindled under his feet, said: me think you strowe roses under my feet. After their death, their Monastery was dissolved; the President thereof (called Jacobus Lutherianus, ) after diverse afflictions, was forced to recant at Brussels: but afterward being delivered, departed, and fled to Luther.

An. 1524. [ 1524] About the city of Diethmar, was H. Sutphen monk burned, w ^t out all order of judgment, or just condemnation. He was preacher at Breame, & greatly w ^t stood by the chanons and prelates, but maintained by the senat & people: in so much that being sent for to the Archbishop, and to a provincial council at Burstade, they refused to send him thither, foreseing the malice of the council. But when the time came, that the Lord would have him witness his truth, an. 1524. he was set upon on a sudden at Meldorph in Diethmar (whether he went to preach) by the rude multitude, through the instigatiō of y ^e Frāciscane friers, associated with certain presidēts of the country, who to the intent the husbandmen of the country should be more courageous, gave them 3. barrels of Hambrough beer to drink. About midnight they came in armor to Meldorph: the Iacobins and Monks prepared torches for them, least Henry should slip away in the dark. So with great violence, they brake into the house of the parish priest, where Henry was; who sent for him also to preach, and having rifeled the house, and shamefully abused the priest, they ran with fury upon Henry, and pulled him naked out of his bed, and drew him naked to Heyda, and brought him to a man's house, called Calden, and bound him there in the stocks, with chains, in the frost & snow: which, when the good man of the house (taking compassion on him) would not suffer, they carried him away to Hamburg, and shut him up in a cupboard. The common people, all the night continued drinking, and swilling.

In the morning, about 8. of the clock, the rude people, (boiling with drink) cried out: burn him, burn him. This rude people the Franciscans greatly encouraged. So they bound Henry, hands, neck, and feet, and with great noise brought him forth to be burned. When he came to the fire, for very weakness he sat down on the ground. By and by, there was present one May, a president, corrupted with money, that condemned him, and pronounced sentence. Which done, one stroke him behind on the head with a sharp dagger, John Holmes of the new Church, stroke him with a mace. Other thrust him into the back, and arms: and that so often as he began to speak. One named Master Gunter criyng out, and encouraging them, and saying: go too good fellows boldly, truly God is with us present.

After this, he brought a Franciscane Frier unto Henry, that he should be confessed, to whom he said: because he never offended him, he could not forgive him, and so refused to be confessed. The fire as often as it was kindled, would not burn, notwithstanding they satisfied their minds vpō him, striking, and pricking him, with all kind of weapons. Henry in the mean time standing in his shirt before the rude multitude, at the last having gotten a great ladder, they bound him fast thereto, and cast him into the fire, and when he began to pray, one strake him on the face with his fist, saying: thou shalt first be burnt, and after pray, and prate as much as thou wilt. Then another treading upon his breast, bound his neck fast to a step of the ladder, that the blood gushed out of his mouth, and nose: at last, after long tormenting, they cast him, ladder and all into the fire: & one John Holmeus ran unto him, and strake him with a mace upon the breast, till he died. Afterward, they roasted him upon the coals, for the wood would not burn out: an. 1524 [ 1524] Ex Epist. Luth.

About the same time, many other godly persons were thrown into the river of Rhine, & into other rivers, whose bodies were after found, and taken up.

Also, in the said town of Diethmar, one John suffered martyrdom like Henry.

At the town of Hala, a Preacher named M. George, was murdered by the rude multitude, incensed thereunto by the Monks, and Friers, for ministering in both kinds. Ex Crisp. & Pantal.

At Prague also in Bohemia, another changing his Monkerie into Matrimony, did suffer in like manner. Ex Lud. Rab.

[ 1524] Anno 1524. John Clerke was martyred at Metz in Lorain, for breaking down the Images, which they were (at certain times wont to worship in the suburbs of y ^e city: for which fact he was condemned, & first his right hand stroke of, then his nose with violence pulled from his face with pinsers, after y ^e both his arms & his paps, were likewise plucked & drawn with the same instrument: the martyr in the mean time singing the verse: Their images are but silver and gold, the work of men's hands, &c. The residue of his life they consumed with fire. This man before, an. 1523. had been whipped, & marked in the forehead, at Melden 10 miles from Paris, for setting up a bill against the Popes pardons, lately sent thither: in which bill he named the Pope Antichrist. Ex Crisp. & Plant.

Anno 1525. The 12. of January M. John Castellane doctor of Divinity, was burned in the town of Wiken, for preaching the truth in Mainz, being apprehended by the servants of the Cardinal of Loraine, and carried away to the castle of Nomenie, where he was most cruelly handled, from the fourth of May, to the twelft of January, and from thence to the town of Wiken: where he was condemned by the Bishop of Nicopolis, sitting in his