The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History

1477. and was trained up in Learning by his Parents from his childhood, and afterwards set to the Public Schools: From whence he went to the University, where his proficiency was very exemplary: And being well grounded in the Arts, he commenced Master of Arts; and then applied himself to the study of Divinity.

Not long after he went to Strasbourg, where he was Ordained a Minister; and Anno Christi 1522. he was made Pastor of S. Lawrence Church: At which time Luther's Doctrine spreading abroad, Zellius compared it with the Doctrine of his Adversaries the Papists; and upon mature deliberation and examination, embraced that of Luther, whereupon he began publicly to defend it, persuading the Citizens of Strasbourg to entertain it.

As soon as the Bishop heard hereof, he cited him to appear in his Court, and caused twenty four Articles to be drawn up against him, amongst which these were some: That he taught Justification by Faith: That be defended Luther: That he Preached against the Mass: Held the Marriage of Priests lawful: Denyed the Primacy of the Bishop of Rome, and Human Traditions: Hereupon Zellius An. Chr. 1523. published a Book wherein he answered this charge, justified his Doctrine, and shown reasons why he appeared not before the Bishop. From this time forward he was much hated by the Popish Clergy, and went through many dangers for asserting the Truth yet (through God's mercy) he, with some others, so far prevailed, that the Magistrates of Strasbourg cast our Popery, and embraced the Reformed Religion, Anno Christi 1529.

Zellius therefore was the first Preacher of the Truth in te Church of Strasbourg: To whom after a good while, Symphorianus, an ancient Pastor of S. Martins Church adjoined himself, who formerly had been very loose in his carriage, and therefore the people did the more admire this great change in him; yea some of his former acquaintance, led by his example, did shake off Popery, and embraced the Truth: and truly these two were rather Popular Preachers then learned: Yet Zellius was a man of singular piety: And not long after Anthony Firnius, Minister of S. Thomas Church, joined himself to them, and was the first Minister in that City that married a wife: Yea after a while there came thither Martin Bucer, Capito, and D. Gaspar Hedio, learned and eminent men, who more strongly carried on the work of Reformation in Strasbourg, viz. An. Chr. 1523.

Zellius continued a faithful and painful Pastor in his Church till the year 1548. and of his Age 71. at which time it pleased God to translate him from Earth to Heaven, after he had been a Preacher in Strasbourg about 26 years.

He was a man famous, not for Learning only, but for other Christian virtues, especially Modesty, Temperance, and Charity: He had a good wit, was of an Innocent and blameless Life: Preached the Truth purely, and was free from pride. Not only a Theoretick, but a Practical Divine: What he taught, he first practiced himself, and had a special care of the Poor. Being on a time invited to supper by one of his Colleagues, he found much Plate set upon his Cupboard, at which he was so offended, that he went away without his supper: and afterwards in private so far prevailed with him, that he sold his Plate, and was more open-handed to the Poor.

He wrote many things, but, not seeking his own honor, would never suffer them to he printed: yet afterwards some few were published: As his Catechism in Dutch: An Explication of certain heads in Divinity: A defense of the Christian Religion. An Oration wherein he defended the Marriage of Ministers. As also of the Decalogue, Lord's Prayer, and Belief.

The Life of Vitus Theodorus, who died Anno Christi 1549.

VItus Theodorus was born at Norinberg, one of the most famous Cities in Germany: and after he had been trained up in his Country School, he went to Wittenburg, where he continued many years, applying himself hard to his studies, and by his diligence, and attending upon the Lectures both public and private, he made such a progress in Learning, that he commenced Master of Arts, with the good approbation of the University: After which he betook himself to the study of Divinity, and attained to an excellent measure of knowledge therein: So that he was very dear to Luther both for the eminent gifts of his mind, and for the holiness of his Life, as also to Melancthon: Both whose Lectures he daily attended upon, and heard with much diligence, and by his good will would never be from their sides: He went with Luther, An. Chr. 1530. to Coburg in the confines of Franconia, during the Diet at Auspurg: He was also often present at the Imperial Diets which met about Religion, where he disputed wit the Adversaries about the Principal heads of the Controversies.

He was called to be a Pastor at Norinberg, his own country, where he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ with great zeal and Eloquence, to the great profit of his hearers, and that for many years together in the Church of Sebald, till it pleased God to put an end to his labors, by translating him out of this vale of tears into his Everlasting Kingdom, Anno Christi 1549.

Scripsit Annotationes breves into tota Biblia Germanica: utilem Ecclesiae operam navavit Lutheri Colligendis expoliendis{que} Commentaries in Prophetam Micheam, & in priora undecem Geneseos capita.

The Life of Paulus Fagius, who died An. Ch. 1550.

PAulus Fagius was born in the Palatinate, An. Chr. 1504. of mean parents: His Father was Peter Buchlin, who was Schoolmaster of Taberna Rhenana, the Town where this Paul was born. His Mothers name was Margaret. His Father brought him up in his own School till he was eleven years old, and then sent him to Heidelberg, where he was educated under John Brenz and Martin Frechtus till he was about 18 years old, and then he went to Strasbourg, where he taught School to supply his necessities for some years: and the study of the Tongues beginning about this time to be in request, he applied himself thereto, and became familiar with the most eminent therein, as Capito, Hedio, Bucer, Zellius, &c. who also were happy reformers of the Church of Christ at that time.

Anno Christi 1527. having attained some competent knowledge in the Languages, and other Learning; being compelled by poverty, he removed to Isna, where also he taught School, and by his diligence, and virtuous carriage, approved himself to all: There also he married a wife, and growing more famous he was called to the Ministry, and to a Pastoral charge: But the study of the Tongues flourishing most at Strasbourg, whither many Exiles resorted for that end, he returned thither again, and read Hebrew to some with good success. And yet in the mean time he so followed the study of Divintiy, and applied himself to Preaching, that after two years space he returned with his Family to his friends more learned and better accommodated with outward things.

Anno Christi 1537. he was recalled to Isna to a Pastoral charge, which he discharged with good credit for about five years; spending his spare-time in the study of the Hebrew, wherein he profited to a miracle, so that it was believed that those later ages never produced a more learned man in the Hebrew then Fagius: He made use also of a learned Jew, called Elias Levita, whom he sent for to him from Venice: and amongst his other friends there was one Senator of Isna most dear unto him, called Peter Bufler, by whose assistance he set up a Press, and published some Books for the Public good: and when he was fallen into want, the said Bufler was very bountiful to him: But finding that place not so fit for his purpose, he thought of changing his seat again.

Whilst he was at Isna, Anno Christi 1541. a great Plague brake forth, which caused many (especially the richer sort) to leave the place: Yet before their departure, by his zealous and fervent Sermons and Exhortations, he prevailed with some to stay, and with others to leave their alms behind them for the relief of the indigent. He prevailed also with the Senate, upon the Public purse to hire fit persons to take care of the sick: and Fagius himself all the time of the Infection went up and down night and day to comfort those that were visited, refusing none, no not the Poorest; so all acknowledged it no less then a miracle▪ that he was preserved in so contagious a time. About the same time the Plague raged much at Strasbourg, and amongst others snatched away Wolfgang Capito, whose place continued void for a year after, viz. to the year 1542. whereupon the Commonwealth of Constance, which was associated with them of Strasbourg in Religion, by their Prayers and messengers prevailed to get him to Strasbourg, first for two years, and afterwards for two years more: Though before this Philip Prince of Hassia had designed him for a Professor in his University of Marpurg.

About the beginning of the German • war, Frederick the second Prince Elector Palatine, purposing to reform the Churches within his Dominion, made choice of Fagius (who was famous for his Eloquence and Doctrine) for that work; whereupon he sent for him to Heidelberg to be a Preacher there.

During his abode at Heidelberg he published divers Books which were very useful for those that studied the Hebrew Tongue: whereupon it seemed good to Bucer, Martyr, and H • dio, who were the ordinary Professors of Divinity in that University, that each other week he should read an extraordinary Divinity Lecture: and that when any of them were hindered by business or sickness, he should supply their rooms.

Anno Christi 1548. Caesar having prevailed in the war against the Protesta •• , the progress of Religion was hindered in the Palatinate, and the Interim began to be pressed with great violence: and it was resolved that the godly Ministers should be banished, especially such as by reason of their great employments stood as a brazen wall in the way of Antichrist: amongst whom Fagius was one, who notwithstanding all the threats of the Papists, continued constant and immovable in the Truth. The sufferings of these godly Divines grew famous in foreign Nations, whereupon Bucer and Fagius were sent for by Cranmer into England, where they arrived Anno Christi 1549. and were honorably entertained by Doctor Cranmer, in his own house, where they were instrumental to the great increase of Religion. Also by Cranmer they were set upon the Translation of the Bible, with brief notes: to which they added an enucleation of hard Texts, and a reconciliation of seeming contradictions in Scr • pture. In this work Fagius undertook the Old Testament, and Bucer the New: But the work was hindered by the sickness of them both, and the death of Fagius, who being taken with a Feaver about the end of the Dog-days, for change of Air was carried to Cambridge, where the 13. of November, he ended his days joyfully, An. Chri. 1550. and of his Age 45. but not without the suspicion of Poison, and was there honorably buried: Yet afterwards in Queen Mary's time An. Chr. 1556. he was condemned of Heresy, his bones digged up and burned to ashes.

He was tall of stature, of a swarthy complexion under a severe countenance, full of courtesy, and very Eloquent in his Ministry.

He translated out of Hebrew, Thisbites Heliae▪ Apothegmata Patrum; Sententias morales Ben Syr • : Precationes Hebraicas: A little Tractate written by a Jew that turned Christian. Expositionem dictionum Hebraicarum in quatuor capita Geneseos, • ui ad • icitur Paraphrasis Chaldaica Onkel. Comment. R. David Kimbi in decem primos Psalmos, Targum. i. e. paraphrasis Onkeli Chaldaica in 5 libros Mosis, with divers others.

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MARTIN BVCER

The Life of Martin Bucer, who died Anno Christi 1551.

MArtin Bucer was born at Selestade in Alsatia, Anno Christi 1491. being of an excellent wit, he entered very young into the Monastery of the Dominicans there, and afterwards by consent of the Prior, he went to Heidelberg for the increase of Learning; and having gone through other Arts, he studied Divinity, together with the Greek and Hebrew Tongues: whilst he was there he met with and read Erasmus and Luther's Works, whereupon he began to dis-relish Popery; and Frederick Prince Elector Palatine being much pleased with his Eloquence, and singular Humanity, as also with his clear and strong Voice, and freedom in reproving the vices of men, by the instigation of Sir Francis Sickengen chose him to be his Minister, so that he Preached often in Heidelberg and elsewhere.

During his abode in that place Luther came thither, whom he heard disputing against Free Will, which kindled in his Breast the first sparks of the Divine Truth, which by his conversing with Luther were further increased. Afterwards going with his Prince into the Low-countries, he Preached freely against the Superstitions and sins of the times, and began to bethink himself of leaving his Order, whereupon the Monks lay in wait to take away his Life: but escaping thence, he went to Sir Francis Sickengen, who sheltered him from danger, (till the Controversies about Religion were determined) in his Castle at Naustall; and when Luther was sent for to the Diet at Worms, he went along with him, and after some converse, he embraced and defended his cause: Not long after War arising between Sickengen, and Trevir, Bucer finding that he could not follow his studies in the midst of those tumults, craved leave to depart, and obtained it: but a Neighbor Pastor of Wissenburg entreated him to Preach in his charge, which he did till by the unhappy fall of Sickengen, they were both driven thence by the prevailing power, so that he fell into great danger.

About this time the seeds of the reformed Religion began to be sown in Strasbourg by Matthew Zellius, and Gasper Hedio, Sigismund Count of Hohenl • favoring them: to whom therefore Bucer went, and was courteously entertained, and Anno Christi 1523. was appointed public Preacher in the Church, and to read Divinity in the Schools. These Colleagues excelling in Wit, Eloquence and Zeal, did propa •• te the Gospel of Christ notably in that City, and the year after published in Print the reasons why they changed the Mass into the Lord's Supper, &c. which Book they dedicated to Frederick the Elector Palatine. This Book was subscribed by Capito, Hedio, Zellius, Pollio, Niger, John Latomus, F • rn, Hag, and Bucer: Hereupon the Senate of Strasbourg by a general Vote reformed their City, casting out Popery, and establishing the pure Gospel of Christ.

An. Chr 1529. when the Gospellers agreed not in all things amongst themselves, a conference was appointed at Marpurg, between Luther and Zwingli, whereupon Bucer with Hedio, went thither, and had much discourse with them, wherein they agreed upon all points of Divinity, except about the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and so parted friendly, resolving ab omni contentione in posterum abstinendum utrin{que} esse: Deum{que} orandum ut Spiritu suo erudiat ducat{que}: that both sides should abstain from contention, &c.

The year following at Auspurg he disputed with the Papists, and had a large testimony for his Learning, and modesty, hearing his Adversaries patiently, rather seeking Truth then Victory, and answering them mildly, yet strongly: He took much pains to reconcile the difference between Luther and Zwingli about the Lord's Supper, fore-seeing the great mischief that that difference would bring upon the Church. An. Chr. 1531. the Citizens of Vlm sent for him to Reform their Churches, where he with Oecolampadius performed the trust put in him with much prudence and faithfulness. He was so studious of peace, that some said he complied too much with Luther in that Doctrine, against which he had formerly both Preached and Written. Whereupon in the Moneth of May Anno Chr • sti 1533. he went to Zurich, and there in an Assembly of the Ministers of the Church, he purged himself from the suspicion of revolt, showing that he did still retain the same Doctrine concerning the Supper of the Lord which he had formerly professed, and had defended in the Disputation at Bern against the Adversaries thereof, and that by the grace of God he would continue therein to his lives end: but yet that it seemed to him that Luther dissented from Zwingli rather in words then in Doctrine and very deed: He requested also the Ministers of Zurich that they would not attempt, nor write any thing more bitterly against Luther, by reason of that Epistle which he had sent to the Magistrates of Franckford.

To this they of Zurich answered, that they admitted his excuse: yet withal shown him out of that Epistle what Luther seemed to think of the Supper of the Lord, and what was to be expected of them hereafter, withal telling him that they were determined with God's help to remain in that Doctrine which they had taught hitherto in the Church of Zurich, till they were otherwise convinced out of the holy Scriptures▪ and in the mean time they would do what might conduce to peace, so that the Truth was not wronged, and so they dismissed Bucer lovingly and honorably. Anno Christi 1537. He encouraged the Senate of Strasbourg to erect a School, in which himself taught. He was present at many Disputations and Conferences, wherein he carried himself with singular prudence: He was one of the Disputants at Ratisbone against Eccius, and others of the Popish party: in which he grew acquainted with John Gropper, who, at his return, commended him so much to Herman Archbishop of Collen, that he sent for Bucer to assist him in the Reformation of his Churches, yet afterwards that Gropper became a deadly Enemy to Bucer, and the honest Archbishop was first Excommunicated by the Pope, and then thrust out of his Government by the Emperor.

Anno Christi 1548. the Emperor with the consent of the Princes chose some moderate men to write a form for amendment of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church; the persons employed therein were, Julius Pslug, Michael Helding, John Agricola, Phil. Melancthon, and John Brenz, these wrote a Book which was called the Interim. Hereupon the Elector of Brandenburg wrote to the Senate of Strasbourg, entreating them to send Martin Bucer to him: For (saith he) the Emperor seeing how loath the Pope is to have a Council, hath thought of another way, so that good men hope there will be an amendment of things in the Church. Bucer coming to Auspurg, lodged with the Elector of Brandenburg, who shown him the Book, and told him that it was written with as great moderation as could be, and therefore persuaded him to approve thereof: but when Bucer had perused it, he refused to allow it, for that there were many Popish Doctrines contained therein: At this the Elector was very angry, and the Lord of Granvel was very earnest with him to subscribe it, but he would by no means be drawn thereto, and so he returned home with great danger of his life, going through the Country of Wittenburg, which was full of Spanish Soldiers.

Shortly after his return to Strasbourg, the Interim was by the Emperor obtruded upon them: and the Protestant Divines were everywhere in great danger; Some being dragged unto Prison, and others driven into Exile: and it so fell out by God's Providence that the fame of Bucer's suffering with his Colleagues flew into England, where the Reformation of Religion was begun under Edward the sixth: whereupon Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of • anterbury by his Letters earnestly solicited Bucer with P. Fagius to come into England; and when they saw no hope of recovering their liberty in Germany, they assented, and went over Anno Christi 1549. by the consent of the Senate of Strasbourg, and at their arrival were kindly entertained, especially by the Archbishop, who shortly after provided them houses at Cambridge, that there they might be employed in the interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures: Bucer had also a stipend of 240 Crowns per annum settled upon him, that with his Family he might live comfortably amongst strangers: He was also employed in interpreting the New Testament, wherein he began with the Gospel of John: He had such a dexterity in reconciling seeming contradictions in Scriptures, as was a wonder to his Auditors. The English much admired, as his Learning, so his integrity of Life, simplicity of Apparrel, Modesty, and Sobriety in his food, his tolerance of Labors, and great Patience in several Diseases. Shortly after with the change of air he fell into a fit of sickness, which was a pain in his Bowels, the Stone, a nausea • ing in his Stomach, Costiveness, and a violent Catarh, upon which diseases he lay sick for some months: yet would he never be idle, for when he could not go to the Public Schools▪ he read his Lectures in his own house: yet in January following he read again in the Schools, though he continued crazy: He had great Authority in Teaching, his Doctrine was excellent, his Life blameless, his Wisdom great, his Voice strong, agreeing with the matter he delivered: He used a modest freedom in noting men's manners; and as he abhorred idleness himself, so neither would he suffer others about him to be idle: Thus exercising himself indefatigably for thirty days together, he fell into a relapse; yet being a little recovered, he Commenced Doctor in Divinity: but relapsing a second time, he employed himself wholly in Heavenly Meditations, and prayed God to keep England from those sins which had brought upon Germany so much misery; and that that form of Discipline which he had written to King Edward the sixth might be here established. Mr. John Bradford going to Preach, told him that he would remember him in his Prayers, whereupon Bucer weeping, said, Cast me not off (O my God) in my old age, now when my strength faileth me: withal adding. He hath afflicted me sore, but he will never, never cast me off. And being admonished to arm himself against the temptations of Satan, he answered, I am wholly Christ's; and the Devil hath nothing to do with me; and God forbid that I should not now have experience of the sweet consolations in Christ; and so with sweet and heavenly ejaculations he resigned up his spirit into the hands of God, at Cambridge, February the 27. Anno 1551. of his age 61. and had about three thousand persons attending him to his grave: Walter Haddon and Dr. Parker Preached his Funeral Sermons.

Anno 1556. in Queen Mary's days he was condemned of Heresy, his body digged up, and, together with his Books, burned.

Cardinal Contarene returning out of Germany from the Disputation at Ratisbone, being asked his judgment of the Germane Divines, answered, Habent Germani Martin. Bucerum qui eâ ubertate doctrinae Theologicae & Philosophicae, eâ ctiam in disputando subtilitate, & felicitate est insti • uctus, ut unus ill nostris omnibus Doctoribus possit opponi: They have amongst others Martin Bucer, endowed with that excellency of Learning both in Theology and Philosophy, and besides of that subtlety and happiness in Disputation, that he only may be set against all our learned men.

Omnia hujus viri opera Latina, & Germanica si in unum conjungerentur, justa magnitudinis Tomos 9 efficerent: ex quibus cognoscere licebit quanta in Bucero Eruditio, cura, vigilantia, peritia, quanta fuerit in agendo dexteritas, in reformandis, conciliandis{que} Ecclesiis authoritas, at{que} felicitas.

The Life of Gaspar Hedio, who died Anno Christi 1552.

GAspar Hedio was born at Etling, in the Marquisat of Baden, of honest Parents, and educated in Learning at Friburg, where also he Commenced Master of Arts; and from thence went to Basil, where he studied Divinity, and Commenced Doctor Anno Christi 1520. About which time the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ beginning to appear in Germany, Hedio embraced and made a profession of the same, whereupon being called to Preach in the chief Church of Ments, he taught the Truth plainly and powerfully, which when the tender and delicate Ears of many would not endure, a persecution was raised up against him, especially by the Popish Clergy, which caused him to leave Ments, and go to Strasbourg, An. Chr. 1523. where he was a great assistant to Capito and Bucer in reforming Religion by the command of the Senate, though the Papists gnashed their teeth at it: For the same year the Senate commanded their Preachers that they should teach the Gospel freely and Publicly, and that they should instill into their hearers the Love of God and their Neighbors, yet withal, that they should abstain from reproaching the contrary opinions, and from scandalous provoking the people against them.

Anno Christi 1523. Hedio married a wife, and though the Papists raised a great persecution in that City against him, yet he Preached boldly against Masses, Indulgences, Auricular Confession, &c. and wrote against them also. And when the Senators of Strasbourg the year after set forth in Print the reasons, grounded upon Scripture, why they made that alteration in Religion, Hedio with his Colleagues subscribed it: and withal, they published certain Propositions, wherein they strongly defended their Doctrine to be grounded upon the Word of God.

Anno Christi 1543. when Herman Archbishop of Collen began a Reformation, he sent for Bucer and Hedio to assist him therein, knowing them to be men of very quiet dispositions, and very fit to instruct the people: But awhile after when Caesar came to Bonna, they were in great danger by reason of his Spanish Soldiers, and at last by the command of Caesar they were dismissed from Ments, and through many difficulties and dangers they returned to Strasbourg. What time he could spare from his Ministerial employment, he spent in writing Commentaries and Histories, of which a great part afterwards were published in Print, whereby he deserved excellently of the Church; and so continued Preaching and Writing till the year 1552. at which time it pleased God to put an end to his labors on Earth, and to translate him to his Heavenly Kingdom: concerning whom one made this Epigram.

He published a Sermon about Tithes. An Historical Synopsis, wherein he enlarged Sabellicus to the year 1538. He corrected Chronicon Abbatis Vspergensis: adding many remarkable matters from the year 1512 to 1537. He wrote Chronicon Germanicum: Besides a great many Histories and other Books which he translated into Dutch.

As he maintained peace and friendship with his Colleagues, so he held correspondence with most of the learned men of that Age. And amongst others Nicholas Gerbeline thus writes, Mira mihi est cum Hedione familiaritas: Hebraica & Graeca studia communia: ingeniorum rara quaedam aequalitas: Deus faxit ne malus aliquis discordiam interserat: Scis enim nihil iniquiùs ferre Daemonem quam sinceras amicitias.

The Life of Oswald Myconius, who died Anno Christi 1552.

OSwald Myconius was born at Lucern in Helvetia, Anno Christi 1488. and was first trained up in his Country School: after which he went to Basil, and there betook himself to the study of the Arts and Tongues, which he prosecuted with great diligence, and was much delighted with the Works of Erasmus, and of his Country-man Henry Glarianus, with both of which he was well acquainted, and was highly prized by them both for the excellency of his wit, and for his singular learning: This was about the year 1514.

His Learning being taken notice of, he was by the Magistrates of Basil made chief Master of Saint Theodores School, and awhile after of Saint Peters School, in both which he trained up many young men, and made them very fine Scholars.

After some years he was called from Basil to Zurich to moderate a School there, where he took great pains in training up youth for three years space; at the end whereof he was called into his own Country of Lucern, and set over the chief School there: About which time the Doctrine of the Gospel began to shine out in all places, and our Myconius did not only willingly and readily embrace it himself, but was zealous to propagate it, and for that end endeavored to instill it into the hearts of his Scholars, which were very many, insomuch as the Popish party taking notice of it, turned him out of his School, Anno Christi 1523.

From thence therefore he went back to Zurich, where he was kindly entertained, and made chief Schoolmaster again, where he continued till after Zwingli was slain in the War, at which time Learning and the esteem of Learned men began to decay in Zurich, whereupon he returned to Basil, and giving over the troublesome Office of a Schoolmaster, he was made Deacon of the Church of S. Alban, where he preached diligently till the death of John Oecolampadius, and then he took up his Divinity Lecture, and began to expound the Gospel of S. Mark, which he performed so well, that very many Auditors frequented his Lectures.

About this time the Magistrates of Basil consulted about surrogating one in the Pastoral Office of Oecolampadius: and (beyond his expectation) Myconius was nominated and appointed thereto, and so was made the chief Pastor in Basil, having but a little while supplied the Office of a Deacon. In this his Pastoral Office he continued for about twenty years with great fidelity and diligence, and both by his Lectures and Ministry was very grateful to his hearers: and the rather because his courteous carriage was very pleasing, his Learning more then ordinary, and his Eloquence very popular.

When the great controversy about the manner of Christ's presence in the Sacrament sprang up, Myconius inclined to the opinion of Luther, and often rendered his reasons for it to his friends in private: But when, for this some grudges were raised up against him in the University, he voluntarily laid down his Divinity Lectures, and wholly applied himself to his Pastoral Office, wherein he continued to the end of his life, which fell out Anno Christi 1552. and of his age 64.

He wrote a learned and pious Exposition upon the Gospel of S. Mark: Sermons upon Psalm 101. He translated Oecolampadius his Catechism out of Dutch into Latin: He published Commentaries upon Matthew, Luke, and John, as also upon the Prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jonah, besides some other Theological and Philological Works.

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GEORG PRINCE OF ANHALT

The Life of George Prince of Anhalt, who died A ^no Christi 1553.

GEorge Prince of Anhalt was born Anno Christi 1507. Of a very ancient and honorable Family. His Father was Prince Ernest. Then by the advice of that grave, prudent man, Adolphus, Prince of Anhalt, Bishop of Mersburg, he was set to the study of the Law, wherein he shown such industry, that he was quickly acquainted with the principles of it, and being of a generous nature, he loved the Truth, and hated Evils; often using that Proverb of Solomon, that, Lying lips become not a Prince. Amongst all Law-books, he was most versed in Panormitan.

Having thus prepared his Wit by these Studies, An. Chr. 1522, he was by Cardinal Albert, Elector of Mainz, and Bishop of Magdeburg, chosen to be one of his Counselors, whereby he was versed in the weighty Affairs of State, finding the use and benefit of his knowledge of the Law therein; and being Eloquent by nature, the Cardinal often made use of him to open his mind to others; so that his judgment was increased and confirmed by his industry and employments. But the Controversies about Religion waxing hot at this time, and Luther 's books coming abroad, he fell to reading of them, especially De discrimine Legis, & Evangelii. De vera paenitentia. De gratia. De fide. De vera invocation. De usu Sacramentorum. De discrimine legum divinarum, & humanarum. De discrimine Ministerii Evangelici, & Politicae potestatis. Yet withal suspecting his own injudiciousness, he would often pray with tears to God to incline his heart to the Truth, saying, Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy, and instruct me in thy right eousnesse. He was frequent in reading the Scriptures, Ecclesiastical Histories, Augustine, Jerome, and Lombard, having George Forcheme both for an helper, and copartner with him in those studies. He studied also Greek and Hebrew, and was so perfect in the Hebrew that few excelled him. He discoursed with Learned men about the Controversies; and so at length, having long weighed the Opinions of all, he concluded, that the Confession of the Reformed Churches did agree with the ancient Catholic Church of God, instructed by the writing • of the Prophets, and Apostles: And though he knew what hatred and danger he exposed himself to, yet he made a public profession of the Truth; giving over to join with the Papists in their Counsels, and Idolatrous Services; giving himself wholly to Prayer, and reading the Scriptures, and other good books: assisting his Brethren (with whom he lived in perfect Peace and Love) exceedingly in their Governments. And first of all, by their joint consents, he reformed the Churches in his own Country, setting fit Pastors over them, commanding them to teach the Word of Truth to their people. He abolished the Popish Ceremonies, erected Schools, allowed competent stipends to the Ministers: so that all things were Reformed without any dissention or tumult; and many were drawn to embrace the Truth; others were confirmed therein by the judgments and examples of their pious Princes: And then he was very profitable to his Country by the faithful administration of Justice to them an Christi 1545 he was called to the Government of the Churches in the Diocese of Mersburg, and for that end he sent for Phil. Melancthon, and divers other godly Ministers, who ordained him by the Imposition of hands, and gave him a Testimonial thereof August the third 1545. Concerning which Melancthon thus writeth; Nos convocati, quia certe sciebamus hunc illustrissimum! rincipem Georgium recte intelligere, & constanter amplecti puram Evangelii Doctrinam, quam Ecclesiae harum regionum • navoce, & uno spirit • cum Catholica Ecclesia Dei profitentur, & eximiam ejus esse virtutem, & sanctitatem: Testimonium nostrum de eo, ritu Apostolico, impositione manuum, declaravimus, &c.

He lived very continently in a single life, without any defilement: His Chamber was a Temple, Academy, and a Court; for he used daily in the same to pray, read, write, and deliberate about Government. He never wronged any man willingly. He did good both privately and publicly to many. He was a great promoter of Peace among Princes. He ended many Controversies. He abhorred all seditious and turbulent counsels. He was far from ambition. No anger, hatred, or desire of revenge could ever draw him to go against the Rules of Justice, or to act anything against the common good. Many, and great injuries he bore with a great mind, and pardoned them for the public peace sake: And with the same moderation of mind he bore other griefs, so that it might easily appear that he was supported by Prayer to, and resting himself upon God; and as a learned man, he kn • w the difference between divine, and human consolations, and often repeated this saying, Subditus esto Deo, & ora eum, &c. Submit thyself to God, and pray unto him; for he is near to those that are of a contrite heart, and will save the humble in spirit. He employed his time so well, so that he left none for pleasures; and used to say, That nothing refreshed him more in his sorrows, then conference with learned and godly men. About all controversies in Law he used to confer with the excellentest Lawyers who were wise and virtuous men: About the nature of man's body, the causes and remedies of diseases, with the most skillful Physicians: About the Doctrine of the Church, and Ecclesiastical Affairs, with Luther, Justus Jonas, John Bugenhag, &c. and many of their Disputations, full of Learning and Piety, were heard to the profit of many. He conferred with Joachim Camerarius about the Histories of all Ages, the mutation of Empires, their period, and the causes thereof; about the Motions of the Heavens, and the effects of the Stars.

The last act of this Princes life shown his Piety, and God's presence with him: For falling sick of a most troublesome disease, he was frequent in holy prayer for himself, for all the Princes of that Family, for his Country, and for Germany. He had some portions of holy Scripture daily read to him. He made his Will, wherein he set down the Confession of his Faith, and commended the defense of his Churches to his Brother. He added something to the stipends of all the godly Ministers under his charge. He often ruminated upon those Texts, God so loved the world, that he gave &c. No man shall take my sheep out of my hand. Come unto me all ye that are weary, &c. and so in holy meditations and prayer he resigned up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1553, and of his Age, 47.

Amongst other parts of his Ecclesiastical Administrations, every year he held two Synods, wherein all the Pastors of his Diocese met together, where they had very profitable Sermons preached. He was made Superintendent of those Churches of Mersburg by Augustus Duke of Saxony, brother to Maurice, Anno Christi 1544. His Works which he left behind him were these; A Consolatory Sermon upon that speech of our Savior, None can take my sheep out of my hand. A Nuptial Sermon preached at To • gau at the Marriage of the Duke of Saxony to Anne the King of Denmarks Daughter. Four Sermons about the Sacrament. A Consolation to his Brother Wolphgang in his Sickness. Two Sermons against False Prophets. Sermons containing an assertion of the true Doctrine in the Reformed Churches. A Tractate about the Apostolical Rite of Ordination used in the Reformed Churches. His opinion about the controverted Articles published by Selneccerus. He was of such constancy of Life and Manners, that it might truly be said of him which Dion said of the Emperor Marcus Antonniuus, In omni vitâ sui similis, nec ullâ unquam in re mutatus fuit. Ita{que} vere fuit vir bonus, nec fictum, aut simulatum quicquam habuit.

The Life of Justus Jonas, who died A ^no Christi 1555.

JUstus Jonas was born at Northusa Anno Christi 1493, where his Father was a Senator, who falling sick of the Plague, having applied an Onion to the Soar, and taken it off, he laid it by him; presently after, this little Jonas coming, took the Onion and eat it up, yet without any prejudice to himself; God miraculously preserving him from that danger. He was at first brought up at School in his own Country. Afterwards being sent to a public School, he studied Law, and made a good progress therein: but upon better thoughts, he studied Divinity, and proceeded Doctor, and embraced the Reformed Religion, and was called an. Christi 1521 to a Pastoral Charge in Wittenburg: And when sundry Controversies arose, especially about abrogating private Mass, and the Prince Elector of Saxony feared lest the abolishing of it should cause great tumults, Jonas with his Colleagues went to him, and rendered such reasons for it, that the Prince acquiesced therein. He was present at most of the Disputations about Religion, where he defended the Truth strenuously▪ and endeavored to promote Peace. He was also made a Professor in that University, where he publicly read Divinity Lectures, and bore all Offices in the Schools. Anno Christi 1533 he created sundry Doctors of Divinity, as Gasper Cruciger, John Bugenhag Pom • ranus, and John Aepinus, Pastor of the Church of Ha • borough: At which Commencement John Frederick Elector of Saxony was present, and was much delighted with the Eloquent Speeches made by Justus Jonas.

Anno Christi 1539, when Henry Duke of Saxony, who had embraced the Reformed Religion, and was admitted into the League of Smalcald, succeeded his Brother George in the Government of Misnia and Thuringia, he presently by the advice of Luther and his Colleagues, Reformed his Churches, Luther himself beginning that Reformation; but the carrying on, and perfecting that work, was left to the care of Justus Jonas, with Spalatine and Ampersdorf. From thence he was called unto Hale in Saxony, where he preached and promoted Religion exceedingly: And whilst he was employed there, he was not only very useful to those Churches, but was sent to from divers others for advice and counsel, and being a man of a public spirit, he was never wanting to those that craved his help. Luther sometimes resorted thither to him, and took him along with him in his last journey to Is • eben, anno Christi 1546, where he died: After whose death he remained a while in the Duke of Saxony 's Court, and was a constant companion of John Frederick 's Sons in all their afflictions. And lastly, he was set over the Church in Eisfield, and was made Superintendent of the Franconian Churches within the Principality of Coburg, where he ended his days in much peace and comfort, Anno Christi 1555, and of his age 63.

He was a man of an excellent Wit, of great Industry, of much Integrity of life, joined with Piety. Whilst Luther lived he was his faithful friend, and most dear to him. Most of the famous men of that age were his great friends. On a time Luther coming to his house, drank to him out of a curious glass, adding this Distich ex tempore,

Being once under Temptations, and in great Agony, he shown much despondencie, but his servant, partly by comforting him, & partly by chiding him, cheered him up, and at last, through God's mercy, the Spirit prevailed against the flesh.

He published a Defense of the marriage of Ministers against John Faber the patron of whoredoms: An Oration about the study of Divinity. Annotations upon the Acts: About private Mass, and the Unction of Priests. He turned some of Luther's works into Latin.

The Life of John Rogers, who died A ^no Christi 1555.

JOhn Rogers was born in England, and brought up at the University of Cambridge, where he profited very much in good learning, and from thence was chosen by the Merchant Adventurers to be their Chaplain at Antwerp, to whom he preached many years, and there falling into acquaintance with Will Tindal, and Miles Coverdal (who were fled thither from persecution in England ) he, by heir means, profited much in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and joined with them in that painful and profitable work of Translating the Bible into English, and being much enlightened thereby in the saveing knowledge of Jesus Christ, he cast off the heavy yoke of Popery, perceiving it to be impure, and filthy Idolatry.

There he married a wife▪ and from thence he went to Wittenburg, where he much profited in learning, and grew so skillful in the Dutch-tongue, that he was chosen pastor to a Congregation and discharged his office with diligence, and faithfulness for many years: But in King Edward's time, he was sent for home by Bishop Ridley, and was made a Prebend of Paul's, and the Dean and Chapter chose him to read a Divinity Lecture in that Church, in which place he preached faithfully till Queen Mart's days; And in the beginning of her Reign, in a Sermon at Paul's Cross, he exhorted the people constantly to adhere to tha • Doctrine which they had been taught: and to beware of pestilent Popery, Idolatry, and superstition, for which he was called before the Lord's of the Council, where he made a stout, witty, and godly answer, yet withal carried himself so prudently, that for that time he was dismissed: But after the Queen's Proclamation against True Preaching came forth, he was again called (the Bishops thirsting for his blood) and committed Prisoner to his own house, whence he might have escaped; and had many motives, as his wife, and ten children, his friends in Germany, where he could not want preferment, &c. But being once called to answer in Christ's Cause, he would not depart, though to the hazard of his life. From his own house, he was removed by Bonner to Newgate amongst thieves, and murderers for a great space.

At length he was again carried before the Lord's of the Council, where the Lord Chancellor [Steven Gardener] taunted, reviled, and checked him, not suffering him to speak his mind, and so remanded him to prison: whereupon he wrote thus: I was compelled to leave off what I would have most gladly spoken, and therefore I desire the most hearty, and unfeigned prayers of all Christ's true members, the true imps of the true Catholic Church: that the Lord God of all consolation will now be my comfort, aid, strength, buckler, and shield: as also of all my brethren who are in the same case, and distress; that I, and you all may despise all manner of threats, and cruelty, and even the bitter burning fire, and the dreadful dart of death, and stick like true soldiers to our dear, and loving Captain Christ, our only Redeemer, and Savior▪ and the only true head of the Church; that doth all in us all; that we do not traitorously run out of his tents, or rather out of the plain field from him in the heat of the Battle: But that we may persevere in the fight (if he please not otherwise to deliver us) till we be most cruelly slain of his enemies. For this I most heartily, and even with tears most instantly, and earnestly desire you all to pray: And if I die, to be good to my poor, and most honest-wife, being a poor stranger, and to all my little souls, her, and my children, &c.

The next day he was brought before the Council again, and the third day also, where he met with the like usage, and when by no means they could remove him from his constancy, Steven Gardener read his sentence of condemnation, Degraded him, and so delivered him over to the secular power; Declaring that he was under the great curse, and that it was a vengeable dangerous matter to eat, or drink with him, or to give him anything: for that all that did so should be partakers of the same curse. Then said M ^r Rogers: Well my Lord, here I stand before God and you, and all this Honorable audience, and take him to witness, that I never wittingly, and willingly taught any false Doctrine, and therefore have I a good conscience before God and all good men. I am sure that you, and I shall come before a righteous Judge, before whom I shall be as good a man as you: and I nothing doubt but I shall be found then a true member of Jesus Christ, and everlastingly saved. And as for your false Church you needed not to have excommunicated me out of it, for I have not lived in it these twenty years, the Lord be thanked for it.

Then he desired that his wife (to whom he had been married eighteen years, and by whom he had ten children, and the being a stranger) might be admitted to come to him while'd he lived: But Steven Gardner, the then Lord Chancellor, would by no means suffer it.

Febr. 4 ^th , Anno Christi 1555. He was warned suddenly by the keepers wife of Newgate to prepare himself for the fire, who then being sound asleep could scarce be awaked with much jogging: At length being awaked, and raised, he was bid to make hast: If it be so, said he, I need not tie my points, and so he was presently had away to Bonner to be degraded, of whom he earnestly requested to be admitted to speak with his wife, but could not prevail; From thence he was carried into Smithfield, where scarce being permitted to speak to the people, he briefly persuaded them to perseverance in that truth which he had taught them, which also he was now ready to seal with his blood. Then was a pardon proffered to him if he would recant, but he utterly refused it. His wife, with nine small Children, and the tenth sucking at her breast came to him, but this sorrowful sight nothing moved him, but in the flames he washed his hand and with wonderful patience took his death, all the people exceedingly rejoicing at his constancy, and praising God for it. He was the Proto-Martyr in Queen Marie's days.

The Sabbath before his death he drank to M ^r Hooper, who lay in a chamber beneath him, bidding the Messenger to commend him to him, and to tell him, That there was never little fellow that would better stick to a man, then he would to him; supposing they should be both burned together, although it happened otherwise.

During the time of his imprisonment strait search was made in his chamber for his writings, and papers, yet nothing was found: But after his death his wife, and one of his sons going to his chamber to look after them, could find nothing, till being ready to depart, the boy espied a black thing lying in a corner under a blind pair of stairs, which indeed proved the book they looked for, containing a narration of his examination, and answers, whereunto were added these predictions. If ( said he ) God look not mercifully upon England, the seeds of utter destruction are sown in it already by these hypocritical Tyrants, and Antichristian Prelates, double traitors to their native Country. And yet they speak of Mercy, of Blessing, of Unity, of the Catholic Church, &c. But this double dissimulation will be discovered one day, when the plague comes, which undoubtedly will fall upon those Crown-shorn Captains, and that shortly, whatsoever the godly, and the poor Realm suffer in the mean time by God's permission, and will: For the dispersed English flock shall be brought again unto their former state, or a better (I trust in the Lord God) then it was in innocent King Edwards days; and our bloody Babylonian Bishops, with their whole Crown shorn company shall b • brought to utter shame, rebuke, ruin, and destruction. For God cannot, and undoubtedly will not forever suffer their abominable, lying, false Doctrine, their hypocrisy, bloodthirstinesse, whoredoms, idleness, their pestilent lives pamperd in all kinds of delights, their Thrasonical boasting pride, their malicious, envious, and poisonful stomachs which they bear towards his poor afflicted flock. Some shall have their punishment here in this world, and they that escape here shall not escape everlasting damnation. This shall be your sauce, O ye wicked Papists, make ye merry as long as ye may.

Also an honest Printer being his prison fellow, M ^r. Rogers said to him. Thou shalt live to see the alteration of Religion, and the Gospel to be freely preached again, and therefore have me commended to my brethren, as well in exile, as others; and bid them be circumspect it displacing Papists, and putting good Ministers into the Churches, or else their end will be worse then ours.

Whilst he lay in the prison of Newgate (which was above a year) he was very merry, and earnest in all he went about: to the prisoners very charitable, and liberal; for whose sake he made an agreement with his fellows, that they should eat but one meal a day, yet paying for two, which overplus should be given to them that lacked on the other side of the prison.

The Life of Laurence Saunders, who died A ^no Christi 1555.

LAurence Saunders was borne of worshipful parents, brought up in learning at Eaton School, and from thence chosen to King's College in Cambridge, where he continued three years, and profited in learning very much; Then by hi • mother▪ (who was very rich) he was bound to a Merchant in London, called S ^ir William Chester.

But Almighty God who hath his secret workings in all things, provided better employment for his servant: for he no way liked that cours of life: so that when his other fellows were busily employed about their worldly affairs, he would secretly withdraw himself into some private corner, and there fall into his solitary lamentations. And it fell out that his Master (being a good man) one day heard him in his secret prayers bewailing his condition, whereupon questioning with him, he found that he did not fancy that kind of life; but that his mind was wholly bent to his book, and spiritual contemplations: upon this occasion his Master acquainting his friends with it, gave him back his Indentures, and released him from his service: And Laurence Saunders being ravished with the love of learning, especially with reading God's Word, shortly after returned to Cambridge, where also he studied Greek and Hebrew, but especially the holy Scriptures, to fit himself for the work of the Ministry: He was frequent, and very fervent in prayer, and when assaulted by temptations, he still found much support, and comfort in prayer, whereby he gained such experience, that he became a great comforter of others with the same consolations which himself had found from God. He Commenced Master of Arts and stayed long after in the University.

In the beginning of King Edward's Reign he began to preach (being first Ordained a Minister) and that with such general approbation, that he was chosen to read a Divinity Lecture at Fotheringaie, where by his Doctrine and life he edified many, and drew many ignorant persons to God, and stopped the mouths of the adversaries. About this time he married a wife: and from thence was removed to the Minster of Liechfield, where also he, by his life and Doctrine, gat a good report even from his adversaries for his learning and godliness. From thence he was removed to Church Langton in Leicestershire, where he taught diligently, and kept a bountiful house, and from thence to Alhollows in Breadstreet-London; and after his admission there, he went back into the Country to resign his Benefice, which fell out when Queen Mary raised stirs to get the Crown, by reason whereof he could not accomplish his purpose. In his journey he preached at Northampton, not meddling with the state, but boldly delivering his conscience against Popish Doctrine, and errors; which (said he) are like to spring up again, as a just plague for the little love which England hath born to the true Word of God, so plentifully offered to them. Some of the Queens men which were there, and heard him, were highly displeased with him for his Sermon, and for it kept him prisoner amongst them for a time: but partly out of respect to his brethren and friends which were chief sticklers for the Queen; and partly because there was no Law broken by his preaching, they at length dismissed him.

And he seeing the dreadful day approaching, inflamed with godly zeall, preached faithfully at both his Benefices, not having opportunity to resign either, but into the hands of Papists: And, notwithstanding the Proclamation to the contrary, he taught diligently the Truth, at his Country place where he then was, confirming the people, and arming them against falls-doctrine, till he was not only commanded to cease, but by force was resisted. Some counseled him to fly out of the Kingdom, which he refused; and being hindered there from preaching, he travelled toward London, to visit his flock in that place. But coming near London, Master Mordant, one of the Queen's Council, overtook him, asking him whither he went? I have (said M ^r Saunders ) a Pastoral charge in London, whither I am going to instruct my people according to the truth. If you will follow my counsel (quoth Mordant ) let them alone, and come not at them: But said M ^r Saunders, how then shall I be discharged before God? If any be sick, and desire consolation: or if any want good counsel, and want instruction, or if any should slip into error, and receive false Doctrine. Then did Mordant ask him if he did not preach such a time in Breadstreet? He said, Yea: And will you, said Mordant, preach so again? Yes, said he, to morrow you may hear me there, where I will confirm by God's Word, all that I then preached. I would counsel you (said the other) to forbear. Saunders said, if you will forbid me by lawful Authority, I must then forbear: Nay, said Mordant, I will not forbid you, and so they parted. Mordant went presently to Bishop Bonner, and informed him of Master Saunders his purpose to preach the next day: which accordingly he did: and at his lodging being somewhat troubled in his thoughts, a friend of his asked him how he did? Truly said he, I am in prison, till I be in prison.

The Text which he preached upon in the forenoon was 2 Cor. 11. 2. I am jealous over you with godly jealousy, for I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste Virgin to Christ: But I fear least by any means as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. In the afternoon he prepared himself to preach again, but Bonner sent an Officer for him, who carried him to the Bishop, where he found Mordant. The Bishop charged him with Treason for breaking the Queen's Proclamation; and with Heresy and Sedition, for his Sermon; An Heretic he would prove him to be; because he taught that the administration of the Sacraments, and all orders of the Church were most pure, which came nearest to the order of the primitive Church: for (said Bonner ) the Church was then in her infancy, and could not abide that perfection, which afterwards it grew to by Ceremonies. M. Saunders answered out of St. Augustine, that Ceremonies were given to the infirm, and weak▪ and that therefore it was a sign of the great perfection of the Primitive Church that it had few Ceremonies, whereas the Popish Church had many, and those partly blasphemous, partly unsavory, and unprofitable. After much other discourse the Bishop required him to write his judgment about Transubstantiation, which he did, saying, You seek my blood, and you shall have it: I pray God you may be so baptized in it, that you may hereafter loath blood-sucking, and become a better man. Then Bonner sent him to Gardener, where he waited four hours, in the Bishops absence, in a room, where the Bishops Chaplain, and many of his servants were merrily playing at Tables: At last came the Bishop from the Court, and after he had dispatched many Sutors, being informed of Master Saunders, and his cause, he sent for him in: Master Saunders kneeling at the end of the Table: Gardener said to him▪ How happened it that notwithstanding the Queens Proclamation you dared to preach?

Saunders. Seeing the perilous time now at hand, I did but according to my duty exhort my flock to persevere and stand steadfast in the Doctrine that they had learned; I also remembered those words of the Apostle; That its better to obey God then man; and what I did, I was moved thereto by my conscience.

Gardener. A goodly conscience surely. This your conscience could make our Queen a Bastard: would it not?

Saunders. We declare no such matter: But for that let them care whose writings are yet abroad to testify the same, not without the great shame, and reproach of the author. This he said, because Gardener to curry favor with King Henry the eighth, had published a book, wherein he had openly declared Queen Mary to be a Bastard, And so going forward, he said; We only profess, and teach the sincerity, and purity of God's Word; which albeit it be now forbidden us to publish with our mouths, yet I doubt not but it shall be sealed with our blood. The Bishop being vexed at this free speech said. Carry away this frenzy fool to prison; To whom he said, I thank God that at last he hath given me a place of rest, where I may pray for your conversion. He continued in prison one year, and three months. In a letter to his wife he thus writes; I am merry, and I trust I shall be merry, maugre the teeth of all the Devils in hells Riches I have none to endow you with, but that treasure of tasting how sweet Christ is to hungry consciences (whereof I thank my Christ, I do feel part) that I bequeath unto you, and to the rest of my beloved in Christ, &c. He was so zealous in the defense of the truth that he forbad his wife to sue for his delivery, and when other of his friends had by suit almost obtained it, he so discouraged them that they ceased from following their suit. Being at last brought again to examination, and life being promised if he would recant; he answered. I love my life and liberty, if I could enjoy them without the hurt of my own conscience: but by God's grace I will abide the most extretremity that man can do against me, rather then do anything against my conscience: and when Gardener threatened him with death, he said Welcome be it, whatsoever the will of the Lord be, either life or death: and I tell you truly, I have learned to die: But I exhort you to beware of shedding innocent blood: Truly it will cry aloud against you. Being excommunicated, degraded and condemned, he was sent to Coventry to be burned. When he came near the place of execution, he went cheerfully to the stake, kissing it, and saying, Welcome the Cross of Christ, Welcome everlasting life. The fire by his cruel enemies was made of green wood, and other smothering matter, which would not burn, whereby he was put to grievous torments; but the grace, and plentiful consolation of Christ, which never forsakes his servants, gave him admirable strength and patience, so that in all, he stood quietly, and at last sweetly slept in the Lord. During his imprisonment he wrote many excellent Letters, and after his condemnation in a Letter to his wife, and friends, he thus writes. Oh what worthy thanks can be given to our gracious God for his unmeasurable mercies plentifully, 〈◊〉 upon us: And I, most unworthy wretch, cannot but bewail my great ingratitude towards so gracious a God, and loving Father? I beseech you all, as for my other many sins, so especially for my sin of unthankfulness, crave pardon for me is your earnest prayers. To number God's mercies in particular, were to number the drops of water in the Sea, the sands on the sh • re, or the stars in Heaven. O my dear Wife and Friends, rejoice with me, I say rejoice with thanksgiving, for this my present promotion, in that I am made worthy to magnify my God, not only in my life by my slow mouth, and uncircumcised lips, bearing witness to his truth, but also by my blood to seal the same to the glory of my God, and confirming of his true Church: I profess to you that as yet the comfort of my sweet Christ doth drive from me the fear of death. But if my dear Husband Christ do for my trial leave me a little to myself, Alas I know in what case I shall then be: but if he do, yet I know that he will not be long, nor far absent from me, though he stand behind the wall, yet he will peep in at a cr • vise. He is a tender-hearted Joseph, though he speak roughly to his brethren, and threaten bondage to his best beloved Benjamin▪ yet can be not contain himself from weeping upon us, and with us, with falling on our necks, and sweetly kissing us. Such, such a brother is our Christ unto all his, wherefore hasten to go unto him, as Jacob did with his sons and family, leaving their Country and Acquaintance. Yea this our Joseph hath obtained for us, that Pharaoh the Infidel, shall provide us Chariots whereby with ease we may be carried to him. Our very adversaries do help us to our everlasting bliss, by their speedy dispatch, blessed be our God. Fear not bugbears which lie in the way; fear rather the everlasting fire, &c. My dear Wife, and fellow Heirs of the everlasting Kingdom, always remember the Lord; Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continue instant in prayer, and pray for us appointed for the slaughter, that we may be unto our heavenly Father a fat offering, and an acceptable sacrifice, &c. Farowel all in Christ, in hope to be joined with you in everlasting joy; Amen, Amen, Amen. Pray, Pray.

Doctor Pendleton, and this Mr▪ Saunders meeting together in the beginning of Queen Mary's reign, and speaking of the Persecution that was like to ensue, about which Master Saunders shown much weakness, and many fears; Pendleton said to him, What man? there is much more cause for me to fear, than for you, forasmuch as I have a big and fat body, yet will I see the utmost drop of this grease of mine molten away, and the last gobbet of this flesh of mins consumed to ashes, before I will forsake Jesus Christ, and his Truth which I have professed: Yet not long after, upon trial, poor, feeble, saint-hearted Saunders, by the power and goodness of God, sealed the Truth with his blood: whereas proud Pendleton played the Apostate, and turned Papist.

The Life of John Hooper, who died Anno Christi 1555.

JOhn Hooper was a Student and Graduate in the University of Oxford, where having abundantly profited in the study of other Sciences, he was stirred up with a fervent desire to the love, and knowledge of the Scriptures, in which study he joined earnest prayers to his diligence, for the better understanding of the same; neither was the grace of the Holy-Ghost wanting to satisfy his desire, and to open to him the light of true Divinity. Thus Mr. Hooper growing more and more in ripeness of spiritual understanding, and showing withal some sparks of his fervent spirit, being about the time when the six Articles came out, he was so hated by some, especially by Doctor Smith, that he was compelled to leave the University, and went to live with Sir Thomas Arundel, and was his Steward til Sir Thomas A • undel (having intelligence of his opinions, which he by no means liked, yet exceedingly loving the conditions of the man) found means to send him on a message to the Bishop of Winchester, writing privately to the Bishop by his learned conference to to do some good upon him, yet requiring him in any case to send him his servant home again. Winchester had much conference with him four or five days together; but when he could do no good of him, he sent him back to Sir Thomas Arundel according to his request, much commending his wit and learning, but ever after bearing a secret grudge in his stomach against him; so that shortly after M. Hooper was warned by some private friends to provide for his own safety; for that there were underhand workings to apprehend him: whereupon he left the Kingdom, and went to Paris: yet after a while he returned again, and lived with one Mr. Sentlow: but understanding that snares were again laid for him, with much difficulty and danger he escaped the second time into France, and from thence traveled into Germany, where he gained acquaintance with many learned men, and of them was friendly and lovingly entertained both at Basel and Zurich, especial by M. Bullinger, who became his especial friend. There he studied Hebrew, and married a Wife being a Burgonian: And at least hearing that King Edward the sixth was come to the Crown, he amongst many other English Exiles, was desirous to return into England, and when he took his leave of those his worthy friends, Mr. Bullinger said to him; Mr. Hooper, though we are sorry to part with your company for our own sake, yet we have much more cause to rejoice both for yours, and the cause of Christ's sake, that you shall now return out of long banishment into your native Country again, where you may not only enjoy your own liberty, but may, and we doubt not will be very useful for the promoting the good of Christ's Church: We also rejoice not only because you shall remove out of exile into liberty; but you shall here leave a barren and unpleasant Country, rude, and savage, to go into a land flowing with milk and honey, replenished with all pleasures and fertility; yet with this our joy, our fear, and care is, left when you are so far distant, and long absent in the midst of your friends, wealth, and felicity (for peradventure you will be a Bishop) you should forget us your friends and well-willers; yet though you should do it, we assure you that we will not forget our old friend and fellow Mr. Hooper; and if you will please not to forget us, then pray you let us hear from you. To this Master Hooper answered; first giving most hearty thanks to Master Bullinger, and all the rest for their singular good will, and undeserved affection, which they had at all times shown toward him: then declaring that it was not the barrenness of that Country which occasioned his remove; for that he could be content to live all his life there, as soon as in any part of the world, or in his own Country, were it not that he took himself bound in conscience to endeavor the advancement of Religion in his native soil: and therefore (said he) Though I cannot deny that God hath blessed our Country of England with many great commodities: yet neither they, nor new friends, nor anything else shall cause me to forget such friends, and benefactors as you have been, unto whom I am so much bound: And therefore you shall be sure from time to time to hear from me, and I will send you word how it goeth with me: But, saith, he, The last news of all I shall not be able to write, for where I shall take most pains, there shall you hear of me to be burned to ashes: Thus taking his leave of them, he returned to London, where he preached twice, but at least once every day. The people so flockit to him, that the Churches could not contain them. In his Doctrine and Ministry he was earnest, and zealous: In language Eloquent: In the Scriptures perfect, and ready: And in pains indefatigable. In this pains-taking he continued to his lives-end, neither did his labor break him, nor promotion change him, nor dainty fare corrupt him: He was of a strong body, sound health, pregnant wit, and of invincible patience: spare of diet, sparer of words, and sparest of time: A liberal house-keeper, and very grave in his carriage.

Being at length called to preach before King Edward, h • made him first Bishop of Gloucester, where he was Bishop two years; then of Worcester, where he carried himself • o uprightly, and inoffensively, that his enemies had nothing to say against him: He used to go about from town to town, and from village to village to preach unto the people: He governed his house so, that in every corner of • t there was some smell of virtue, good example, honest conversation, and reading of the Scriptures: In his Hall there was daily a table spread with good store of victuals, and be set with poor folk of the City of Worcester by turns, who were served by four at a Messe, with whole and wholesome • meat: And when they were served (being before examine • by himself or his deputies, of the Lord's Prayer, Creed, an ten Commandments) then he himself sat down to dinner, and not before.

In the beginning of Queen Marie's days, he was sent for by a Pursivant to London: and though he had opportunity, and was persuaded by his friends to fly, yet he refused, saying, Once I did fly, but now being called to this place, and vocation, I am resolved to stay, and to live, and die with my sheep.

By Winchester when he came to London he was railed upon, and committed to prison: Afterwards also at his examination, they called him Beast, Hypocrite, &c. which he bore without answering again: In the Fleet where he was prisoner, he had nothing but a pad of straw for a bed, and a • otten covering, till good people sent him a bed to lie on: Of one side his Chamber was the sink and filth of the House, on the other the Town-ditch, enough to have choked him: After he had laien thus a while, falling sick, the doors, bars, hasps, and chains being all made last, he both mourned, called, and cried for help: Yet the Warden hearing, would suffer none to go to him, saying, Let him alone, if he die, it were a good riddance of him, &c. Concerning his base usage, himself thus writes: I paid always (saith he) to the Warden of the Fleet as a Baron paid, as well in Fees, as for my board: viz. 20 s. per week, till I was wrongfully deprived of my Bishopric, and after that time I paid as the best Gentleman in the house, yet he always used me worse, and more vilely then a very slave: Thus I suffered inprisonment almost eighteen months, my goods, living, friends, and comforts taken from me: • he Queen owing me above 80 pound, yet hath she cast me into pr • so • & all • owes me nothing, neither are any suffered to come at me, whereby I may be relieved. I am under a wicked man, and woman, and see no remedy but in God's help: But I commit my just cause to him whose willbe done whether it be by life or death When he was brought to examination before Winchester, and the other Commissioners, there was such a tumult whensoever he began to speak, that he was forced to keep silence: Yet did they proceed to Degrade, and condemn him, and so delivered him over to the secular Power. As they were leading him from the Counter in Southwark to Newgate, one of the Sheriff said to him. I wonder that you was so hasty, and quick with my Lord Chancellor, and used no more patience to him? To which he answered: Mr. Sheriff, I was nothing at all impatient, though I was earnest in my Masters cause, and it stands me in hand so to be: for it goeth upon life, and death, not in this World only, but in the World to come. Six days he lay close prisoner in Newgate, none being suffered to come to him, during which time, Bonner, Harpsfield, and diverse others came to him, leaving no means untried to reduce him to their Antichristian Church, sometimes making many great proffers, and promises to him of worldly riches, and promotion, other sometimes using grievous threatenings to affright him: But they found him always the same man, steadfast, and immovable. February the 4 ^th. at night, his Keeper gave him some inkling that he should be sent to Gloucester to be burned, which he rejoiced very much at, lifting up his eyes, and hands to Heaven, and praising God for sending him amongst his people over whom he had been Pastor, there to confirm with his blood the truth that before he had taught unto them, not doubting but the Lord would give him strength to perform it to his glory: And immediately he sent for his boots, spurs, and cloke, that he might be ready to ride when they should call for him. The day following he was delivered to some of the Queens Guard, who conveyed him to Gloucester, and when he came near the City, much people met him, who cried, and bewailed his condition exceedingly. The night before his heath, he did eat • his meat quietly, and slept soundly: After his first sleep, • ee spent the rest of the night in prayer. The next day S ^r Anthony Kingston coming to him, told him that life was sw • ete, and death bitter; to which he answered, The death to come is more bitter, and the life to come more sweet: I am come hi • her to end this life, and suffer death, because I will not gainsay the former Truth that I have here taught unto you. Also a blind boie coming to him, after he had examined him in the Grounds of Religion, he said, Ah poor boy, God h • th taken from thee thy outward sight, but hath given thee anot • er sight much more precious, having endued thy soul with the eye of knowledge, and faith: God give thee grace continually to pray u • to him that thou lose not that sight, for then shouldest thou • e blind both in body and soul. Being delivered to the Sheriff, he said to him, My request to you Master Sheriff, is only that there may be a quick fire, shortly to make an end of me, and in the mean time I will be as obedient to you as you can desire: if you think I do amiss in anything, hold up your finger, and I have done: I might have had my life, with much worldly gain, but I am willing to offer up my life for the Truth, and trust to die a faithful servant to God, and a true subject to the Queen. When he saw the Sheriff's men with so many weapons, he said, This is more then needs; if you had willed me, I would have gone alone to the stake, and have troubled none of you all: As he went to the stake he was forbid to speak to the people. He looked cheerfully, and with a more ruddy countenance then ordinary. Being come to the place of Execution, he prayed about half an hour, whereof this was a part. Lord (said he) I am Hell, but thou art Heaven: I am swill and a sink of sin, but thou art a gracious, and merciful Redeemer: Have mercy therefore upon me most miserable, & wretched offender after thy great mercy, and according to thine inestimable goodness: Thou art ascended into Heaven, receive me Hell to be partaker of thy joys, where thou sittest in equal glory with thy Father. For will knowest thou Lord wherefore I am come hither to suffer, and why the wicked do persecute thy poor servant: Not for my sins, and transgressions committed against thee, but because I will not allow their wicked doings to the contaminating of thy blood, and to the denial of the knowledge of thy truth, wherewith it did please thee by thy holy spirit to instruct me: with as much diligence as a poor wretch might (being thereto called) I have set forth thy glory. Thou well seest, O Lord my God, what terrible torments, and cruel pains are prepared for thy poor creature: Even such Lord as without thy strength none is able to bear, or patiently to pass: But that which is impossible with man is possible with thee: therefore strengthen me of thy goodness that in the fire I break not the rules of patience: Or else asswage the terror of the pains as shall seem fittest to thy glory. Having a box with a pardon set before him, he cried, If you love my soul away with it, if you love my soul away with it. Three Irons being prepared to fasten him to the stake, he only put on an Iron-hoop about his middle, bidding them take away the rest, saying, I doubt not but God will give me strength to abide the extremity of the fire without binding. When reeds were cast to him, he embraced and kissed them, putting them under his arm, where he had bags of gun-powder also: When fire was first put to him, the fagots being green, and the wind blowing away the flame, he was but scorched: more faggots being laid to him, the fire was so suppressed, that his nether-parts were burned, his upper being scarce touched: He prayed mildly as one that felt no pain, O Jesus the Son of David have mercy upon me, and receive my soul: and wipeing his eyes with his hands, he said, For God's love let me have more fire: A third fire being kindled, it burned more violently, yet was he alive a great while in it, the last words which he uttered being, Lord Jesus have mercy on me, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And so he slept in the Lord.

In one of his letters he wrote, Imprisonment is painful, but liberty upon evil conditions is worse: The Prison stink's, yet not so much as sweet houses where the fear of God is wanting: I must be alone, and solitary, it's better so to be, and have God with me, then to be in company with the wicked: Loss of goods is great but loss of grace and God's favor is greater: I cannot tell how to answer before great and learned men: Yet it is better to do that, then stand naked before God's Tribunal: I shall die by the hands of cru • ll men, he is blessed that loseth his life, and fi • de's life ete • nal: There is neither fell • city, nor adversity of this World that is great, if it be weighed with the joys, and p • ines of the world to come. And in the conclusion of the Letter he writes thus. I am a precious Jewell now, and daintily kept, never so daintily before: For neither mine own man, nor any of the servants of the house may come to me, but my Keeper only, who is a simple, rude fellow: But I am not troubled thereat.

In the time of King Edward when he was made Bishop, much controversy was between him, and Doctor Cranmer, and Doctor Ridley about the Cap, Rochet, &c. But when in Queen Mary's days, they were all in Prison for the cause of Religion; Doctor Ridley wrote thus to him: My dear brother, forasmuch as I understand by your works, which I have but superficially seen, that we thoroughly agree in those things which are the grounds, and substantial points of our Religion, against which the World so furiously rageth in these days, however formerly in certain by matters, and circumstances of Religion, your wisdom and my simplicity hath a little jarred, each of us following the abundance of his own sense, and judgment: Now I say be you assured that even with my whole heart (God is my witness) in the bowels of Christ I love you in the truth, and for the truths sake which abideth in us, and shall by the grace of God abide forever.

He was above three-quarters of an hour in the fire before he died, yet even as a Lamb he patiently abode the extremity thereof, neither moving forwards, backwards, or to any side; But having his nether parts burned, and his bowels fallen out, he died as quietly as a Child in his bed, an. Christi, 1555.

The life of Rowland Tailor, who died A ^no. Christi 1555.

ROwland Taylor was Doctor of both Laws, and Rector of Hadley in Suffolk, where Master Thomas Bilney had formerly been a Preacher of the Word, and in which place there were few, either men or women, that were not well learned in the holy Scriptures, many having read over the whole Bible, and could say a great part of Paul's Epistles by heart. Here this D. Taylor preached constantly on Sabbaths, Holy-days, and at other times when he could get the people together. So soon as he was called to this place, he left the family of Doct. Cranmer A. B. of Canterbury, with whom he had formerly lived, & like a good shepherd, constantly abode with his flock, and gave himself wholly to the study of the Sacred Scriptures, most faithfully endeavoring to fulfill the precept of Christ to Peter; Lovest thou me? feed my sheep. His life also, and conversation was very exemplary, and full of holiness: He was meek, and humble, yet would stoutly rebuke sin in the greatest: He was very mild, void of all rancor and malice, ready to do good to all mer, forgiving his enemies, and far from doing the least wrong. To the poor, blind, lame, sick, bed-rid, or that had many children, he was a father, causing the Parishioners to make good provision for them, besides what of his own bounty he gave them. He brought up his own children in the fear of God, & good learning: And thus he continued as a good Sheepherd amongst his flock, feeding, governing, and leading them through the wilderness of this wicked world, all the days of holy King Edward the sixth: But in the beginning of Queen Marie 's Reign, two Popish persons suborned a Priest to come and say Mass in his Church; He being at his study, and hearing the Bell to toll, went to Church, and finding this Priest, guarded with drawn swords, in his Popish Robes ready to begin the Mass, he said unto him, Thou Devil, who made thee so bold to enter into this Church, to profane and defile it with this abominable Idolatry, I command thee thou Popish-Wolf, in the name of God to avoid hence, and not to presume thus to poison Christ's flock. Then said one Foster (the ringleader in this business) to Doctor Tailor, Thou Traitor, what dost thou here, to let and disturb the Queens proceedings? Doctor Tailor answered, I am no Traitor, but the Shepherd which God, and my Lord Christ hath appointed to feed this his flock; and therefore I have good authority to be here. Then said Foster, Wilt thou Traiterous Heretic make a commotion, and resist violently the Queens proceedings? Doctor Tailor answered, I make no commotion; its you Papists that make commotions and tumults; I resist only with God's word against your Popish Idolatries, which are contrary to the same, and tend to the dishonor of the Queen, and the utter subversion of this Realm; Then did Foster with his armed men carry Doctor Tailor out of the Church, and so the Priest went on with his Mass. Doctor Tailors wife, who had followed her Husband to the Church, when she saw their violent proceedings, kneeled down, and holding up her hands, with a loud voice, said, I beseech God, the righteous Judge to avenge this injury, which this Popish Idolater doth this day to the blood of Christ; Then did they thrust her out of the Church also: and presently after Foster wrote a complaint against Doct. Tailor to Steven Gardener, who sent his Letters Missive for Doctor Tailor: whereupon his friends earnestly entreated him to fly, telling him that he could neither expect justice, nor favor, but imprisonment, and cruel death: To whom he answered, I know my cause to be so good, and righteous, and the truth so strong upon my side, that I will by God's grace appear before them, and to their beards resist their false doings, for I believe that I shall never be able to do God so good service as now, and that I shall never have so glorious a calling, nor so great mercy of God profferd me as I have now; wherefore pray for me, and I doubt not but God will give me strength, and his holy spirit, that all my adversaries shall be ashamed of their doings. Then said his friends, Master Dr. we think it not best so to do; you have sufficiently done your duty, and borne witness to the truth, both in your Sermons, and in resisting this Popish Priest, and therefore seeing our Savior Christ bids us when we are persecuted in one City to flee to another; we think that by flying at this time you should do best, reserving yourself for better times. O (said D. Tailor ) I am now old, and have already lived too long to see these terrible and wicked days. You may do as your consciences serve you, but I am resolved not to fly: God shall hereafter raise up Teachers, which shall with much more diligence and fruit teach then I have done; for God will not forsake his Church, though for a time he trieth and correcteth us, and that not without just cause. His friends seeing his constancy and resolution, with weeping eyes commended him to God; and so preparing himself, he went to London, and presented himself to Steven Gardener, Lord Chancellor of England; who railed upon him, calling him Knave, Traitor, Heretic, asking him if he knew him not? &c. To whom he answered, Yea, I know you, and all your greatness, yet • you are but a mortal man: and if I should be afraid of your Lordly looks, why fear you not God the Lord of us all? How dare you for shame look any Christian in the face, seeing you have forsaken the truth, denied our Savior Christ, and his word, & done contrary to your own oath, and writing? with what countenance can you appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and answer for your oath, first made to King Henry the eighth, and afterwards to King Edward the sixth?

After his condemnation, Bishop Bonner came to the prison to degrade him, bringing all the Massing Garments with him, which he commanded him to put on. No, quoth Doctor Tailor, I will not.

Then the Bishop bad his own man to put them on his back, which when it was done, setting his hands by his side, he walked up and down, and said, How say you my Lord, am I not a goodly fool? If I were in Cheap-side, would not all the boies laugh at these apishtoies? The Bishop having despoiled him of all, would have given him a stroke on his breast with his Crosier: But his Chaplain said, My Lord strike him not, for he will sure strike again. Yea by Saint Peter will I, quoth Doctor Tailor: The cause is Christ's, and I were no good Christian if I would not fight in my masters quarrel. Then the Bishop cursed him, but durst not strike him. To whom Doctor Tailor answered, Though you curse, yet God doth bless me.

The next night his Wife, Son, and Servant came to him, where before supper they kneeled down, and prayed, saying the Litany.

He was sent down to Hadley to be burned, and all the way as he went, he was very merry as one that went to a banquet, or Bridal. In his journey the Sheriff of Essex persuaded him much to return to the Popish Religion, &c. to whom at last he answered, I well perceive now that I have been deceived myself, and shall deceive many in Hadley of their expectation: When the Sheriff desired him to explain his meaning, hoping that he would recant, he said, I am a man of a very great carcass, which I had hoped should have been buried in Hadley- Churchyard, but I see I am deceived, and there are a great number of worms there, which should have had • olly feeding upon this carrion, but now both I, and they shall be deceived of our expectation. When he came within two miles of Hadley, he desired to alight, and being down he leapit, and fet a frisk, or two, saying, God be praised I am now almost at home, and have not past two stiles to go over, and I am even at my father's house. At Hadley Towns-end, a poor man with his five children met him crying, O dear father, and good shepherd, God help and succor thee, as thou hast many a time succor'd me, and my poor children: The streets were full of people weeping and bewailing their loss, saying, Ah good God there goes our good Shepherd from us that hath so faithful • taught, so fatherly cared for us, and so godly governed us: 〈◊〉 merciful▪ od, what shall we poor scatt • red lambs do? What sh • ll b • come of this most wicked World? Good Lord strengthen hi • , and comfort him. To whom he said, I have preached to • u God's Word, and Truth, and am come now to seal it with • y blood.

He gave all his money to the poor, for whem he w • s wont thus to provide formerly: Once a fortnight at least 〈◊〉 used to call upon Sir Henry Doile, and other rich Clo • l • ers to go with him to the Alms-houses to see what the poor lacked in meat, drink, apparel, bedding, and other nece •• ries: Withall exhorting, comforting, and rebuking as • ee saw occasion.

Comming to the place of execution, he was not suffered to speak to the people, who much lamented his death, yet he was very cheerful, saying, Thanks be to God, I am even at home, and when he had prayed, and made himself ready, he went to the stake and kissed it. He would seigne have spoken to the people, but one thrust in a tipstaffe into his mouth, another stroke him on the head, and another threw a fagot at him, which broke his face that the blood ran down: To whom Doctor Tailor said, O friend, I have harm enough, what need that? When he was saying the Miserere in English, Sir John Shelton stroke him on the lips, saying, you knave, I will make thee speak Latin. The fire being kindled, he held up his hands, calling upon God, and saying, Merciful father of Heaven, for Jesus Christ my Savior's sake receive my soul into thy hands, and so stood still without moving, till one with an halberd struck out his brains. Anno Christi 1555▪

[illustration]
JOHN BRADFORD

The Life of John Bradford, who died A ^no Christi 1555.

JOhn Bradford was born at Manchester in Lancashire, and by his parents brought up in learning: And afterwards he served Sir John Harrington, a man much employed under Hen. the 8th, and Edward the 6 ^th : In which place he had opportunity of much advantaging himself: For his Master found him so active, and fit for his employments, that above all others he made most use of his faithful service: And thus he continued with him for certain years: But God intending him for better employment, having given up a just account to his Master, with his good approbation▪ he went to Cambridge, where by his diligence in study, he profited so much in knowledge, and so pleased all by his godly, and blameless conversation, that after one years ab • de in the University he was made Master of Arts, and chosen Fellow into Pembroke-Hall. There Master Bucer falling into acquaintance with him, highly prized, and persuaded him to enter into the Ministry, which he modestly excused for want of learning: To whom Bucer said, If thou have not fine Manchet, yet give the people • Barlie-bread or such as thou hast. Being thus persuaded to enter into the Ministry, Bishop Ridley made him a Prebend in S ^t Paul's, where he continued preaching three years faithfully, reproving sin 〈◊〉 , yet sweetly preaching Christ crucified, and pithily i • •• yning Errors, and Heresies, and persuading to a • odli • life.

In the beginning of Queen Marie's reign. Bourn, Bishop of Bath made a leditious Sermon at Paul's-Cross, which • o moved the people to indignation, that they were ready to pull him out of the Pulpit, and one throw a dagger at him: Whereupon Bourn requested Master Br • dford (who was behind him) to stand in his place, and to quiet the people which according • y he did • whom when the people saw, they cried, Bradford, Bradford, 〈◊〉 save thy life Bradford; Bourn not yet thinking himself safe, requested Master Bradford to conveie him into the School-master's house, which accordingly he did, going at his 〈◊〉 , and shel • ering him from the people: whereupon one said to him. Ah Bradford, Bradford, Thou savest him that will help to burn thee. In the afternoon Master Bradford preached at Bow-Church, and sharply reproved the people for their seditious carriage: Yet within three days after, he was sent for before the Council, and charged with sedition for this act, and by them was sent prisoner, first to the Tower: Then from thence they removed him to the Kings Bench in • outhwark, and after his condemnation, he was sent to the • • ounter in the Poultry: In which places for the time that he remained prisoner he preached twice a day, unless sickness hindered, and often administered the Sacrament: Preaching, Reading, and prayer was his whole life: He eat but one meal a day, and that a spare one too, and his continual study was upon his knees: In the midst of dinner he used to meditate with his hat in his eyes, from which flowed plenty of tears dropping on his trencher. He was in such credit with his Keeper in Southwark, that at an Evening he would give him leave upon his bare word to go into London, to visit a sick friend, and he was so mindful of his promise, that he used to return to prison again, rather preventing his hour, then breaking his fidelity. He was of person somewhat tall, and slender, spare of body, of a faint sanguine color, with • n awberne beard. He • lept not above four hours in • he night, and till sl • ep came, his book went not out of his • and. His recreation was honest company, and Christian discourse a litte after dinner, and so to prayer, and his book again. He counted that hour ill spent wherein he did not some good, either with his pen, study, or exhorting others, &c. He was no niggard of his purse, but would liberally communicate what he had to his fellow-prisoners. Once a week he visited the Thieves on the other side the Prison, giving them godly exhortations, and distributing some money amongst them. An intimate friend of his asked him if he should procure his liberty, what he would do, and whither he would go? To whom he answered, that he cared not • hither he were delivered out of prison or no; but if he should, that then he would marry, and abide secretly in England, and teach the people as the time would suffer him. He was had in great reverence and admiration of all good men: So that many which knew him not but by fame only, much lamented his death, yea many Papists wished heartily that he might live. Few days passed wherein he shed not some tears before he went to bed: Nor was there any prisoner with him, but received some profit by him. He had many opportunities of escaping, but would not embrace them. The night before he was carried to Newgate, he dreamed that chains were brought for him to the Counter, and that the day following, he should be carried to Newgate, and that the next day he should be burned in Smithfield, which accordingly came to pass: For that day in the afternoon, the Keepers wife came running into his chamber, saying, O Mr. Bradford, I bring you heavy news, for tomorrow you must be burned, your chain is now a buying, and presently you must go to Newgate. With that M ^r Bradford put off his cap, lift up his eyes to heaven, and said, I thank God for it: I have looked for this a long time, it comes not now to me suddenly, but as a thing waited for every day and hour: the Lord make me worthy thereof. He spent the rest of the evening in prayers, well watered with tears, whereby he ravished the minds of the hearers. The morning before he should be burned, as he was putting on a clean shirt, in which he was to suffer, he made such a prayer of the Wedding Garment, that some present were in such great admiration, that their eyes were as thoroughly occupied in looking on him, as their ears were attentive to hear his prayer. At his departing out of his chamber he prayed earnestly, and gave money to every servant and officer in the house, exhorting them to fear and serve God continually, laboring to eschew all manner of evil. Then turning to the wall he prayed vehemently, that his words might not be spoken to them in vain, but that the Lord would work it effectually in them for his Christ's sake. The prisoners with weeping tears took their farewell of him Whilst he remained a prisoner, he was oft examined before the Bishops, and proffered life if he would recent; to whom he answered, Life with God's displeasure is worse than death; and death in his true favor is true life. When he came into Smithfield, (where another young man was to suffer with him) he fell flat on his face and prayed; then caking a faggot in his hand, he kissed it, and the stake also; then putting off his raiment, he stood by the stake, and lifting up his hands and eyes to heaven, said, O England, England, repent of thy sins, repent of thy sins: Beware of Idolatry, beware of false Antichrists, take heed they do not deceive thee: and turning his head to the young man, he said, Be of good comfort brother, for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night; and then embracing the reeds, he said: Strait is the way, and narrow is the gate that leadeth to eternal salvation, and few there be that find it; and so he slept in the Lo • d.

He was very charitable, in so much as in a hard time he sold his Chaines, Rings, and Jewels to relieve those that were in want. He was so humble from the sense of his corruptions, that he subscribed some of his Letters out of • rison thus, The most miserable, hard-hearted, unthankful sinner John Bradfo • d. A very painted Hyp • crite John Bradford. Miserrimus peccator Joh. Bradford; The sinful John Bradford, &c. He suffered Martyrdom Anno Christi 1555.

In his Examination before the Bishop of Winchester, He often told him, that he had sworn six times never to admit of the authority of the Bishop of Rome; and therefore (said he) I dare not answer you, if you examine me as a Delegate from him, lest I should b • eake my oath. To which Gardener answered, that he pretended stoutly to defend the Doctrine taught in King Edward's days; yet (said he) thou darest not answer me.

At another time one of the Earl of Darby's men came to him saying, Ah Master Bradford, consider your Mother, Sister, Friends, Kinsfolk, and Country, what a great discomfort will it be to them to see you die as an Heretic? To whom he answered, I have learned to forsake Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Friends, and all that ever I have; yea, and my own self; for else I cannot be Christ's Disciple. And in a Letter to his Mother and Brethren, he thus writes; I am now in prison, sure enough from starting, and I thank God I am ready with my life and blood to seal those Truths which I have preached unto you, if God shall account me worthy of that honor; for its a sp • ciall benefit of God to suffer for his Name and Gospel, as now I do, I heartily thank him for it, and am sure that I shall be partaker of his glory: If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him, as St. Paul speaks. Therefore be not faint-hearted, but rather rejoice, at least for my sake, who am now in the highway to heaven, for thorough many afflictions we must enter into that Kingdom. Now will God make known who are his: When the wind doth not blow, we cannot discern the Wheat from the Chaff; but when the blast comes, the Wheat remains, but the Chaff flies away, and the Wheat is so far from being huRt by the wind, that its more cleansed, and known to be Wheat. Gold, when its cast into the fire, is made more precious, so are God's children by the cross of afflictions. God's children are now chastised here, that they may not be condemned with the world: But sure great plagues from God hang over this Realm for it. And no marvel if God's hand lies so heavy upon us; for lately as there was never more knowledge, so never less godly living. It was counted a foolish thing to serve our God truly; and fervent prayer was not passed upon. Preaching was but a pastime; the Communion was counted too common; Fasting to subdue the flesh was far out of use; Alms were almost nothi • g. Ma • ice, Covetousness and Uncleanness were common everywhere, with Swearing, Drunkenness, and Idleness; and therefore all this evil is come upon us, &c. Yea I myself loved not his Truth as I should, therefore God thus punisheth me, nay in punishing blesseth me: And I thank him more for this prison than for any parlor▪ yea than for any pleasure that ever I had; for in it I find God, my sweet, good God always.

And in another place.

Let us repent, and be heartily sorry that we have so carnally, so hypocritically, so covetously, so vain-gloriously professed the Gospel: Let the anger, and plagues of God, most justly fallen upon us, be applied • o our 〈◊〉 , that from the bottom of our hearts everyone of us may say. It's • lord that have sinned against thee; it's my hypocrisy, my vain-glory, my covetousness, uncleanness, carnality, security, idleness, unthankfulness▪ self love, &c. that hath deserved the taking away our good King, • of thy Word and true Religion, of thy good Ministers by exile, imprisonment, and death. It's my wickedness that cause h •• ccesse, and encrase of authority, and peace to thine enemies. O be merciful, be merciful unto us, &c.

[illustration]
NICHOL: RIDLEY

The Life of Nicolas Ridley, who died A ^no Christi 1555.

NIcholas Ridley was borne in Northumberland of worshipful parents, and bred at School in Newcastle, and from thence sent to Cambridge, where he grew so famous for his learning, that after diverse other offices whereunto he was called in the University, he was chosen Master of Pembroke-Hall, and made Doctor in Divinity. From thence he was called by Arch-Bishop Cranmer to be Vicar of Herne in East-Kent, where he was a fruitful and painful Preacher, at which time it pleased God to reveal to him the true doctrine concerning the Lord's Supper; and amongst others to convert by his Ministry the Lady Phines, who proved an eminent instrument of God's glory. After a while he was made a Prebend of the Cathedral Church of Canterbury; but not liking his society there, he travelled into France, and at his return was made Chaplain to King Henry the Eighth, and Bishop of Rochester, and from thence (in Edward the sixth days) he was removed to be Bishop of London; In which places he took so great pains in preaching, that he was dearly beloved of his flock, to whom also he was singularly exemplary in his life; so that his very enemies had nothing to say against him. Every Sabbath, and holiday he preached in one place, or other, except extraordinary occasions hindered him; and to his Sermons multitudes of people resorted, swarming about him like bees to gather the sweet flowers, and wholesome juice of his fruitful doctrine. He was passingly well learned, and of such reading, that he deserved to be numbered amongst the greatest Scholars that these latter ages produced, as appeared by his notable works, pithy Sermons, and sundry disputations in bo • Universities, which drew an acknowledgment of his learning from his very adversaries. He was of a strong memory and of great reading, of a deep wit, very judicious, an • very merciful. He was of person right comely, and well proportioned in all points, both in complexion and line • ments of his body; He was free from malice, and soon forgot all injuries and offenses done against him; very kind to his kindred; yet withal telling them, that if they did evil, they should look for nothing from him, bu • should be as strangers to him. He used all means to mortify his flesh; being much in prayer, and contemplation; was sober in discourse, and sometimes merry at meals, after which he used to play at Chess about an hour, and then returned to his study till five a clock at night, when coming down, he had prayers in his family, then went to Supper, then plaid a game at Chess, and so returned to his study till eleven a clock at night. His manner was daily to read a Lecture to his Family at prayer-time, giving to everyone that could read a New Testament, and hiring them with money to learn Chapters by heart, being marvelous careful that his family might give an example of godliness and virtue to others. He called Bishop Bonners mother, his Mother, and when he was at Fulham, had her constantly at meals with him, setting her at the upper-end of the Table, whoever was present. And as he was godly himself, so nothing appeared in his family, but virtue, and godliness. He was first converted by reading Bertrams Book of the Sacrament, and much confirmed by conference with D. Cranmer, & Peter martyr. In the beginning of Q. Marie's days, he was imprisoned with the first, first in the Tower, and from thence he was sent to Oxford with Cranmer, and Latimer, and there kept in the common Goal, till at length being severed from his brethren, he was committed to the custody of one Irish, with whom he remained till the day of his death, which was Octob. 16. an. Christi 1555. Writing to Latimer in prison he saith, I pray you good father, let me have something more from you to comfort my stomach, for except the Lord assist me in his service, I shall p • ay but the part of a white-liver'd Knight; but he can make a coward in his cause to fight like a man. In a Leter to M. Bradford he saith, As far as London is from Oxford, yet thence we have received both meat, money, and shirts, not only from our acquaintance, but from some strangers also. I know for whole sake they do it, &c. And again▪ Ever since I heard of our dear brother Rogers his stout confession▪ and departing (blessed be God for it) I never felt any •• mpish heaviness in my heart, as sometimes I did before. And again, Sir, Blessed be God, notwithstanding our hard restraint, and the evil reports raised of us, we are m • rry in God, and all our care is, and shall be (by God's grace to please and serve him, from whom w • expect, after these temporary, and moment any miseries, to have eter • all • oy, and perpetual felicity▪ with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, &c. As yet never a learned man, scholar or other, hath visited us since our coming to Bocardo, which now may be called the College of Quond • ms; for we be no fewer then three, and I dare say everyone well contented with his portion, which is our heavenly fathers good and gracious gift. Farewell, We shall by the grace of God one day meet and be merry together; which day assuredly approacheth, the Lord grant it may shortly come.

Writing to Master Grindal, who was now in exile, he thus gives him an account of his condition. I was (saith he) about two months close Priso • er in the Tower, after that without (my s • eking) I had the liberty of the Tower granted me, and so I continued about half a year, till refusing to be present at Mass, I was shut up close prisoner again. The last Lent but one, by reason of the rising in Kent, the Tower was so full of prisoners, that my Lord Arch Bish. of Canterbury, Master Latimer, Master Bradford, and myself, were all put into one Prison, where we remained till almost Easter, and then Doctor Cranmer, Master Latimer, and myself, were sent down to Oxford, and were suffered to have nothing with us, but what we carried upon us. A • bout Whitsuntide following was our disputations at Oxford, after which we had Pen, Ink, and all things taken from us, yea, and our own servants were removed from us, and strangers set in their steads, and all of us kept apart, as we are unto this da • God be blessed we are all three in health, and of good cheer, and have looked long ago to have been dispatched; for within a 〈◊〉 or two after our disputations we w • re condemned for Heretic • s: The Lord's will be fulfilled in us. &c When he was brought before the Popes D • legate [the Bishop of Lincoln] in the Divinity School in Oxford, whilst the Commission was reading, he stood • are till he heard the Cardinal named, and the Popes holiness, and then he put on his Cap, and being, a • monished by the Bishop to pull it off, he answered, I do not put it on in contempt to your Lordship, &c. but that by this my behavior, I may make it appear that I acknowledge in 〈◊〉 point the usurped Supremacy of Rome, and therefore I utterl • contemn and despise all Authority coming from the Pope Then the Bishop commanding the Bedle to pull off his Cap he bowing his head, suffered him quietly to do it. After diverse examinations, he was at last degraded, condemned, and delivered to the Bailisss to be kept till the n • xt day, when he should be burned. The night before he suffered he caused his beard to be shaven, and his feet washed, and bad his Hostess, and the rest at the board to his wedding: He asked his brother also whether his sister could find in her he • r to b • e present at it? Yea, said he, I dare say with all her heart. His Hostess (Mistress Irish ) weeping, he said, O Mistress Irish, I see now that you love me not; for in that you weep, it appears that you will not be at my marriage, nor are therewith content: I see you are not so much my friend as I thought; but quiet yourself, though my break-fast be somewhat sharp, and pain • ull, yet I am sure my Supper shall be more pleasant and sweet. His brother proffering to watch with him he refused it, saying, I intend to go to bed, and sleep as quietly as ever I did in my life. In the morning he came forth in a fair black gown, faced with foins, and tippet of velvet, &c. and looking behind him, he spied Master Latimer coming after, to whom he said, O! be you there? Yea, said Latimer, have-after as fast as I can follow. Coming to the stake, he lift up his hands and eyes steadfastly to heaven, and espying Master Latimer, he ran with a cheerful countenance to him, embraced, and kissed him, and comforted him, saying, Be of good heart brother, for God will either asswage the fury of the flame, or give us strength to abide it. So he went to the stake, kneeled by it, kissed it, and prayed earnestly, and being about to speak to the people, some ran to him, and stopped his mouth with their hands. Afterwards being stripped, he stood upon a stone by the stake, saying. O heavenly father, I give thee hearty thanks, for that thou hast called me to be a professor of thee even unto death, I beseech thee Lord God have mercy upon this Realm of England, and deliver it from all its enemies. As a Smith was knocking in the staple which held the chain, he said to him, Good fellow knock it in hard, for the flesh will have his course. Then his brother brought a bag of gunpowder, and would have tied it about his neck. Doctor Ridley asked what it was? His Brother answered, gunpowder; then said he, I take it as being sent of God, therefore I will receive it as sent from him. And when he saw the flame a coming up to him, he cried with a loud voice, In manus tuas, &c. Into thy hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, Lord receive my soul: But the fire being kept down by the wood, he desired them for Christ's sake to let the fire come to him, which his brother in law mis-understanding, still heaped on faggots, whereby his nether parts were burned, before his upper parts were touched. At last his upper parts fell down into the fire also, and so he slept in the Lord.

Bishop Ridley upon a time crossing the Thames, there rose on a sudden such a Tempest, that all in the boat were astonished, looking for nothing but to be drowned: Take heart, said he, for this boat carrieth a Bishop that must be burned, and not drowned. He suffered martyrdom Anno Christi, 1555.

He was a man so reverenced for his learning, and knowledge in the sacred Scriptures, that his very enemies were enforced to acknowledge that he was an excellent Clerk, and if his life might have been redeemed with monie, the Lord Dacres of the North, being his Kinsman, would have given 10000l. for the same, rather then that he should be burned. But so unmerciful and cruel was Q. Mary, that notwithstanding D. Ridleys gentleness towards her in King Edward the sixth days, she would by no entreaties, nor other means be persuaded to spare his life. The tender mercies of the wicked are cruelty.

In a Letter which he wrote to his friends, he hath this passage: I warn you my friends, that ye be not astonished at the manner of my dissolution, for I assure you I think it the greatest honor that ever I was called to in all my life; and therefore I thank the Lord God heartily for it, that it hath pleased him of his great mercy to cal me to this high honor, to suffer death willingly for his sake, and in his cause; wherefore all you that be my true lovers and friends, rejoice, and rejoice with me again, and render with me hearty thanks to God, our heavenly Father, that for his sons sake my Savior and Redeemer Christ, he hath vouchsafed to call me, being else without his gracious goodness, in myself but a sinful and vile wretch, to cal me (I say) to this high dignity of his true Prophets, faithful Apostles, and of his holy and chosen Martyrs to die, and to spend this temporal life in the defense, and maintenance of his eternal and everlasting truth.

Whist he was Mr. of Pembrook-hall, he used to walk much in the Orchard, where he learned without book almost all Paul's Epistles, and the Epistles of James, Peter John and Jude, concerning which himself said, Though in time I did forget much of them again, yet the sweet smell thereof I trust I shall carry with me into heaven, and the profit thereof I have felt in all my life time hitherto.

[illustration]
HVGH LATIMER

The Life of Hugh Latimer, who died A ^no Christi 1555.

HUgh Latimer, born at Thirkesson in the County of Leicester, being of a prompt and sharp wit, was by his parents brought up in learning, and at the age of fourteen he went to Cambridge, where, after he had profited in other studies, he gave himself to the study of School-Divinity, Commenced Bachelor in Divinity, and was a very zealous Papist, made an Oration against Philip Melancthon: Railed against Master Stafford; Divinity-Lecturer, and willed the Scholars in no wise to believe him. He was so zealous in his Popish Religion, and therewith so scrupilous, that being a Priest, and using to say Mass, he was so servile an observer of the Romish Decrees, that he thought he had never sufficiently mixed his Massing-wine with water, and that he should never be damned if once he were a professed Frier, He used to carry the Cross before the Procession.

Master Thomas Bilney, seeing Mr. Latimer to have a zeal in his ways (although without knowledge) was stricken with a brotherly pity towards him, thinking by what means he might best win this ignorantly zealous brother to the true knowledge of Christ▪ And thereupon going to his study, he desired him to hear him make a Confession of his Faith, which Latimer consenting to, was so touched thereby, that he gave over School Divinity, and studied more Orthodox Divines. So that whereas before he was an enemy, and almost a persecutor of Christ, he was now a zealous seeker after him; changing his old manner of cavilling and railing, into diligent conferring with Mr. Bilney and others. And asked Mr. Stafford forgiveness before he died.

Being thus won to Christ, he was not satisfied with his own conversion, but pitying the misery of others, he became a powerful public Preacher; and an instructor of many in private also; whereupon the Devil raised up many Doctors and Friars against him, and the Bishop of Eli forbade him to preach, Anno Christi 1529: yet he continued three years preaching with much applause; yea the Bishop himself hearing him upon a time, commended him, and wished that he had the like gifts himself. He used often to visit the Prisoners, to relieve the needy, and feed the hungry. Amongst the Adversaries which the Devil raised against him, one was Doctor • edman, who wrote to him to divert him from the Truth: To which he mad • this short answer; Reverend Mr. Redman, It's enough for me that Christ's sh • ep hear no man's voice but Christ's; and as for you, you have no voice of Christ against me; whereas for my part I have an heart ready to hearken to any voice of Christ that you can produce. Thus fare you well, and trouble me no more from talking with the Lord my God. But shortly after, complaint was made against him to the Cardinal, who sent for him; but by the means of D ^r . buts the Kings Physician, a favourer of good men, he was chosen into the number of those which labored in the cause of the Kings Supremacy; whereupon he went to the Court, and lodged in Doctor Buts his chamber, preaching many times in London. At last being weary of the Court by the Lord Cromwell 's means he had a living given him in Wiltshire, whither he presently removed; The place was called West-Kingstone, near Sarum, where with much diligence he instructed his flock, and preached zealously many times abroad in the Country. Whereupon some Popish Priests drew up Articles against him; and he was much molested by the Bishop of London, and Warham, Archbish • p of Canterbury, by whom he was cited to appear before him, and the Bishop of London. These malicious persons detained him for a long space from his cure at home, calling him three times every week before them, which much troubled him, seeing they would neither preach themselves, nor suffer him to do his duty: Hereupon he wrote to the Archbishop, expostulating with him, for so detaining him from his charge, and that for no just cause, but only for preaching the truth against sundry abuses which were crept into the Church. Yet this nothing prevailed till the King rescued him out of their hands, and at the request of the Lord Cromwell made him Bishop of Worcester. In which place he busily employed himself in instructing his flock▪ and giving them a good example by his holy life. He spent all his time in study, teaching, preaching, exhorting, visiting, correcting, and reforming to the utmost of his power, and as the times could bear▪ and though he could not utterly extinguish the relics of Popery, yet he so wrought that they should be used with as little hurt, and with as much profit as might be. Yet neither there was he quiet; for one of great place accused him to the King for preaching Sedition, but the King rested satisfied with his answer.

At New-years-tide the Bishops used to present the King with a New-years gift, and Bishop Latimer, amongst the rest, presented him with the New Testament, wrapped up in a Napkin, with this Posy about it, Fornicatores, & adulteros judicabit Dominus: Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge. But the six Articles coming out, and he seeing that he could not retain his Office with a good conscience, of his own accord he resigned his Bishopric: And when he put off his Rochet in his chamber amongst his friends, he gave a skip in the floor for joy, feeling his shoulders lighter, and being (as he said) discharged of so heavy a burden. This was Anno Christi 1539, after which he betook himself again to his mean Parsonage at West-Kingston in Wiltshire, not far from Bristow: Yet by the malice of certain Popish Priests who slandered his Doctrine, he was much endangered; whereupon he had recourse to Mr. Ralph Morrice, who was Doctor Cranmer's right hand, by whose entreaty the Archbishop so prevailed with the King for him, that for the present he was freed out of his troubles; yet neither then would the Bishops suffer him to be quiet, till he was laid up in the Tower, where he remained till Edward the sixth's Reign. At which time being restored to his liberty, he continued a faithful and painful preacher all that Kings days; preaching twice every Sabbath, though 67 years of age. He rose to his Study Winter, and Summer, at two a clock in the morning. He evidently fore-saw, and fore-told a • l those plagues which England afterwards felt under Queen Mary; and fore-told concerning himself, that his preaching of the Gospel would cost him his life; and that Winchester was kept in the Tower for the same purpose, which afterwards proved so. In the beginning of Queen Mary's Reign he was sent for up by a Pursuivant, whereof he had notice six hours before he came to his house, yet instead of flying, he prepared himself for his journey. And when the Pursuivant came, he said to him; My friend, you are welcome; I go as willingly to London to give an account of my Faith, as ever I went to any place in the world; and I doubt not but as God hath made me worthy formerly to preach his Word before two excellent Princes, so he will enable me to bear witness to the Truth b • fore the third, either to her eternal comfort, or discomfort. The Pursuivant having delivered his Letter, told him, that he was commanded not to stay for him, and so immediately departed: His Adversaries hopine that he would have fled; but Latimer hasted after to London, and as he rode through Smithfield, he said, that Smithfield had groaned for him a long time. Coming before the Council, after many mocks and scorns, he was • ent to the Tower, where the Lord gave him such a valiant spirit, that he did not only bear the terribleness of imprisonment, but derided and laughed to scorn the doings of his enemies. This aged Father being kept in the cold winter without a fire, bade the Lieutenant's man to tell his Master, That if he did not look better to him, perchance he would dec • i • e him. The Lieutenant, thinking that he intend • d to make an escape, charged him with his words; to whom he answered, You think I shall burn, but except you let me have a fire, I shall deceive your expectation; for I am here like to starve with cold. Thus he continued a long time in the Tower, with as much patience as a man in his case could possibly do; and at last from thence he was carried to Oxford, with Cranmer and Ridley where t • ey spent their time in brotherly conference, fervent prayer, and fruitful writing. Yea, many time he continued so long in fervent prayer that he was not able to get up without help. Three things be more especially prayed for:

1. That as God had appointed him to be a Preacher of his Word, so that he would give him grace to stand to his Doctrine, that he might give his hearts-blood for the same.

2. That God of his mercy would restore his Gospel to England once again, once again, which he often inculcated in his prayer, and that with so much ardour, as though he had seen God before him, and spoken to him face to face.

3. That the Lord would preserve Queen Elizabeth, and make her a comfort to this comfortle • s Realm of England, The lord most graciously answering all those his requests. At last he was condemned, and with Doctor Ridley was carried to be burned. When he came to the stake, he lift up his eyes with an amiable and comfortable countenance, saying, Fidelis est Deus, &c, God is faithful, who will not suffer us to to be tempted above that which we are able, &c. When the fire was brought, he said to Doctor Ridley, Be of good comfort Brother, and play the man, we shall this day light such a candle by God's grace in England, as I trust shall never be put out. When he was stripped into his shroud, he seemed a very comply person to all that were present: And whereas in his clothes he appeared a withered, and crooked, silly old man, he now stood bolt-upright, as comely a Father as one might likely behold. As he was burning, his blood ran out of his heart in such abundance, as if all the blood in his body had been gathered thither, to the great astonishment of the beholders, according to his former request, That he might be so happy as to shed his hearts-blood for the Truth. When the fire was first kindled, he cried, O father of heaven receive my soul: And so receiving the flame, and, as it were embracing it, having stroked his face with his hands, and bathed them a little in the fire, he soon died with very little pain, or none at all, Anno Christi 1555.

In a Letter to King Henry the eighth, he thus concludes Wherefore, gracious King, remember yourself, have pity upon your soul, and think that the day is even at hand when you shall give an account for your Office, and of the blood that hath been shed with your sword: In the which day that your Grace m •• stand steadfast, and may have your Quietus est sealed with the blood of our Savior Christ, which will only serve at that day, is my daily prayer, &c.

The Life of John Philpot, who died A ^no Christi 1555.

JOhn Philpot was a Knight's son, and born in Hampshire, brought up at School, and sent from thence to New-College in Oxford, where he studied the Liberal Arts, and the Tongues, and afterwards the Civil-Law, for six or seven years space. He was of a pregnant wit, and singular courage, fervent in spirit, zealous in Religion, of nature apert, and far from flattery, hypocrisy, and dissimulation. From Oxford he travelled into Italy, where he was in some danger for his Religion: In King Edward the sixth's days he returned into England again, and had many conflicts with Bishop Gardener. He did much good in Hampshire, being Archdeacon of Winchester all King Edward 's days.

Anno Christi 1553 (which was the first year of Queen Mary) a Convocation was assembled, wherein Doctor Weston was Prolocutor, in the beginning whereof a disputation was begun between the Papists and Protestants; wherein Mr. Philpot was so earnest, that Doctor Weston commanded him to hold his peace, whereto he replied, You perceive that I have stuff enough for you, whereby I am able to withstand your false positions, and therefore you command me silence.

If you will not give place ( quoth the Prolocutor ) I will send you to prison.

This is not ( replied Mr. Philpot) according to your promise made at first in this house; nor yet according to your brag made at Paul 's Cross, when you said, that men should be answered in this disputation, to whatsoever they could say, and now of a dozen arguments that I have, you will not suffer me to prosecute one: But I see that a sort of you here, which hitherto have lurked in corners, and dissembled with God and man, are now gathered together to suppress the sincere Truth of God's V Vord, and to set forth your false devices, which by the sacred Scriptures you are not able to maintain.

But six days after came a Mandate from the Queen to break up the disputation; whereupon Doctor Weston, who all along had used many unseemly checks and taunts to the Protestants, thus concluded: It is not the Queens pleasure that we should spend any longer time here; and ye are all well enough, for you have the Word, and we have the Sword. And shortly after Mr. Philpot was cast into Prison, where he lay a year and a half before he was examined. Then he was sent for by Doctor Story, and after some captious questions proposed to him, was committed prisoner to the Bishop of London 's Cole-house, unto which was adjoined a little blind-house, with a great pair of Stocks, both for hand and foot, but thanks be to God, saith he, I have not played of those Organs yet. There he found a godly Minister of Essex, who, desiring to speak with him, did greatly lament his infirmity; for through extremity of imprisonment, he had yielded to the Bishop of London, and was set at liberty; whereupon he felt such an hell in his conscience, that he could scarce refrain from destroying himself; and could have no peace, till going to the Bishops Register, and desiring to see his Recantation, he tore it in pieces; whereupon the Bishop sending for him, buffeted him, plucked off a great part of his beard, and sent him to this Cole-house, where Mr. Philpot found him very joyful under the Cross. Philpot being afterwards sent for to the Bishop, he asked him, amongst other things, why they were so merry in Prison, singing and rejoicing, as the Prophet saith, Exultantes in rebus pessimis, Rejoicing in your naughtiness. You do not well (said the Bishop) herein, you should rather lament and be sorry. To whom he answered; My Lord, the mirth which we make, is but in singing certain Psalms, as we are commanded by Saint Paul, to rejoice in the Lord, singing together in Hymns and Psalms; for we are in a dark comfortless place, and therefore we solace ourselves with singing of Psalms; lest as Solomon saith, Sorrowfulness eat up our heart: Therefore I trust your Lordship will not be angry, seeing the Apostle saith, If any man be of an upright mind, let him sing; and we, to declare that we are of an upright mind to God, though we be in misery, do solace ourselves with singing.

Then did he ask him what his judgment was about the Sacrament of the Altar? To whom he answered, My Lord, Saint Ambrose saith, that the Disputation about matters of Faith ought to be in the Congregation in the hearing of the people, and that I am not bound to render an accou • t of 〈◊〉 to every man privately, unless it be to edify. But now I cannot show you my mind, but I must run upon the pikes, and endanger my life: Therefore, as St. Ambrose said to Valentinian the Emperor, so say I unto you, Tolle Legem, & fiet certamen; Take away the Law, and I shall reason with you. And yet if I come in open judgment, where I am bound by the Law to answer, I trust I shall answer according to my conscience, as freely as any that hath come before you.

After other discourse (saith he) I was carried to my Lord's▪ Cole-house again, where I, with my six fellow-prisoners, do rouse together in the straw as cheerfully, we thank God, as others do in their beds of down.

A few days after he was called before Bonner, with the Bishops of Bath, Worcester, and Gloucester, at which conference the bishop of Worcester said: Before we begin to speak to him, it's best that he call to God for grace, and to pray that God would open his heart, that he may conceive the Truth. Hereupon Mr. Philpot kneeling down said, Almighty God, who are the giver of all wisdom, and understanding, I beseech thee of thine infinite goodness and mercy in Jesus Christ, to give me (most vile sinner) in thy sight, the spirit of wisdom to speak, and make answer in thy cause, that it may be to the contentation of the hearers before whom I stand, also to my better understanding, if I be deceived in anything.

Nay my Lord of Worcester (quoth Bonner ) you did not well to exhort him to make any prayer: For this is the thing they have a singular pride in, that they can often make their vain prayers, in which they glory much: For in this point they are like to certain arrant Heretics of which Pliny speaks, that they daily sung antelucanos Hymnos, Praises to God before the dawning of the day. Then said Mr. Philpot, My Lord God make me, and all you here present, such Heretics as they were: for they were godly Christians, with whom the Tyrants of the world were offended for their Christian practices and well doing. But all their conference proved to no purpose; for the Bishops would not dispute, and Mr. Philpot would not take their words without Scripture and Arguments, so he was returned to his Cole-house again.

And in another conference with Doctor Morgan, the Doctor asked him, How he knew he had the Spirit of God, and not they?

Phil. By the Faith of Christ which is in me.

Morgan. Ah, by Faith, do you so? I ween it to be the spirit of the Buttery which your fellows had, which have been burned before you who were drunk the night before they went to their death, and I ween went drunken to it.

Phil. It appeareth by your speeches, that you are better acquainted with the spirit of the buttery then with the spirit of God: Wherefore I must now tell thee, thou painted wall, and hypocrite, in the name of the living Lord, whose truth I have told thee, that God shall rain fire and brimstone upon such scorners of his Word, and blasphemers of his people as thou art.

Morgan. What, you rage now?

Phil. Thy foolish blasphemics have compelled the spirit of God which is in me to speak that which I have said to thee, thou enemy of all righteousness.

Morgan. Why do you judge me so?

Phil. By thy own wicked words I judge of thee, thou blind and blasphemous Doctor; for as it is written, By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. I have spoken on God's behalf, and now I have done with thee.

Morg. Why then I tell thee Philpot thou art an Heretic, and shalt be burned, and afterwards go to hell fire.

Phil. I tell thee thou hypocrite, that I pass not a rush for thy fire and faggots; neither, I thank my Lord God, do stand in fear of the same. But for the hell fire which thou threatnest me as my portion, it's prepared for thee, unless thou speedily repent, and for such hypocrites as thou art.

After sundry other examinations he was by the Bishop set in the stocks, in a house alone, of which he writes: God be praised that he thought use worthy so suffer anything for his names sake: letter it is to sit in the stocks in this world, then to sit in the stocks of a damnable conscience. At last he was condemned for an Heretic: whereupon he said, I thank God I am an Heretic out of your cursed Church, but I am no Heretic, before God. Being sent to Newgate, he spake to the people as he went, saying, Ah good people, blessed be God for this day: Having notice given on the over-night that the next day he should be burned, he said I am ready, God grant me strength, and a joyful resurrection; and so he went to his chamber, pouring out his spirit unto the Lord in p • air, and giving him most hearty thanks for accounting him worthy to suffer for his Truth, Going into Smithfield, the way was very foul, whereupon two Officers took him up to bear him to the stake: then • e said merrily, Wh • t, will you make me Pope? Comming into Smithfield, he kneeled down, saying, I will pay my vows in thee O Smithfield: He kissed the stake, saying, Shall I disdain to suffer at this stake, when my Lord and Savior refused not to suffer a most vile death for me? When the fire was kindled, with much meekness and comfort he resigned up his spirit unto God, Anno Christi 1555.

In a Letter which he wrote to John Carelesse then prisoner in the Kings-bench, he thus writes: Indeed, my dear Carelesse, I am in this world in hell, and in the shadow of death; but he that for my deserts hath brought me down into hell, shall shortly lift me up unto heaven, where I shall look continually for your coming, and others of my faithful brethren in the Kings-bench. And though I tell you that I am in hell in the judgment of the world, yet assuredly I feel in the same the consolation of heaven, I praise God: And this loathsome and horrible prison is as pleasant to me as the walks in the Garden of the Kings-bench. And in a Letter that he wrote to his Sister, he thus concludes: My dissolution I look for daily, but the Lord knoweth how unworthy I am of so high an honor, as to die for the testimony of his Truth. Pray that God would vouchsafe to make me worthy, as he hath done of long imprisonment. Pray, and look for the coming of the Lord &c. In another Letter he writes thus, Commend me to Mr. Elsing and his wife, and thank them for providing me some ease in prison; and tell them that though my Lord's Cole house be but very black, yet it is more to be desired of the faithful then the Queens Palace. The world wondereth how we can be merry in such extreme miseries but our God is omnipotent, which turneth misery into felicity: Believe me there is no such • oy in the world as the people of Christ have under the Cross: I speak by ex • rence, therefore believe me, and fear nothing that the world can do unto you, for when they imprison our bodies, they set our souls at liberty with God; when they cast us down, they life us up; yea when they kill us, then do they send us to everlasting life; and what greater glory can there be then to be made confo • mable to our head Christ which is done by afflictions? O good God what am I, upon whom thou should bestow so great a mercy? This is the day which the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in the same; this is the way though it be but narrow, which is full of the peace of God, and leadeth to eternal bliss. Oh how my heart leapeth for joy that I am so near the apprehension thereof. God forgive me my unthankfulness and unworthiness of so great glory. I h • ve so much joy, that though I be in a place of darkness and mourning, yet I cannot lament, but both night and day am so joyful, as if I were under no cross at all yea in all the days of my life I was never so merry, the name of the Lord be praised forever, and ever; and the Lord pardon my unth • nkfulness. Our enemies do fret, fume, and grash their teeth to see, and hear, that we under this grievous affliction can be so merry. Pray instantly that this joy may never be taken from us, for it passeth all the delights of this world, This is the peace of God which passeth all understanding: This peace, the more his chosen be afflicted, the more they feel; and therefore cannot faint neither for fire, nor water.

Whilst Mr. Philpot was prisoner in Newgate, a dertaine friend of his that scrupled the Baptizing of Infants, wrote to him for his judgment about it, to whom he wrote a large and learned Answer, proving by Scripture, by Arguments, by testimony of the Fathers, and by the constant practice of the Primitive Church, from the Apostles days, the lawfulness and necessity of the same, which you may read in the Book of Martyrs vol. 3. pag. 606. &c.

[illustration]
THO. CRANMER

The Life of Thomas Cranmer, who died Anno Christi 1555.

THomas Cranmer was a Gentleman by birth, of a very ancient Family, born at Arselacton in Nottinghamshirte, brought up at School, and from thence sent to Cambridge, where profiting much in learning, he was chosen fellow in Jesus College. After which he married a wife, and thereby loosing his Fellow-ship, he was chosen Divinity-Reader in Buckingham-College, but not long after his wife dying in child-bed, the Master and Fellows chose him again Fellow into Jesus College. After which he commenced Doctor in Divinity. From thence he was chosen a Fellow in the Foundation of Cardinal Wolsey's College in Oxford, but fore-seeing the danger which after followed, he refused that place. Whilst he was in Cambridge, the question arose about King Henries Divorce from his brothers widow; and the Plague breaking forth at Cambridge, Doctor Cranmer retired to Waltham-Abbey. At which time this fell out. The King to recreate himself, and to take private counsel with those in whom he most consided, who were the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and some others, went on hunting to Waltham, at which time he signified his mind to Steven Gardener his Secretary, and to Fox his Almoner, willing them to search what was most expedient for him to do; to end well that controversy about his Marriage: and as God would have it, these two men lodged in the house of one Master Cressie at Waltham, where also Doctor Cranmer was, having left Cambridge upon the forementioned occasion. • nd being Tutor to Master Cressies two sons. Gardener and Fox thus meeting with him, and knowing him to be famous for learning, and piety, invited him to their good cheer, and asked his advice concerning the Kings cause. Dr. Cranmer was at fi • st very loath to deliver his judgment, but being much importun • d by them, he at last • aid:

I cannot say much on the sudden in so weighty a business without study and meditation, but in my opinion, seeing the King is in so great trouble of mind and conscience, nothing can more increase it then so great delays, and wandering in Romish suites, inwhich whosoever are once entangled, can source ever extrica • e themselves out of the snares. I think it better therefore, that lay • ing aside all delays, and Court suites, wherein the King hath been too long tossed with great affliction of mind, the judgment of Divines, hath in our own and foreign Universities be searched out, which may be strengthened with the law of God, and as they shall by God's word prove it lawful or unlawful, so let the King proceed, and have the cause then determined in his own Country, whereby he may live in lawful matrimony, with a cheerful mind and quiet conscience, which is much to be desired by all his faithful sub • ects.

When he had thus spoken with great gravity, and wisdom; Gardener and Fox resenting that excellent counsel, as given from God, wished that the King had had such counsel given him before he ever sent to Rome.

The day after when they c •• me to the King, he asked them what was done in his business: whereupon Fox told him of their meeting, and conference had with Doctor Cranmer: but proud Gardener seeking to invest himself in the praise which was due unto another, would have made himself the Author of that counsel, but the King neglecting his speech, asked Fox if Cranmer were at Waltham still? and being told that he was, he presently ordered him to be sent for, saying, I judge his counsel right, if I had known it two days ago, I had saved infinite charges, and had lived with a more safe and quiet conscience. When Doctor Cranmer came to him he much excused himself, as insufficient to be engaged in so great a matter, yet besought him to commit the trial of it to the best learned men in both Universities: Which advice the King liked well, yet required him to write his judgment upon it also, and commanded the Earl of Wiltshire to provide him retired lodgings books, and whatever else was necessary for so great a work: which task being finished, and confirmed by Scriptures, Councils and Fathers, he presented it to the King: who (having read it) asked him whether he would justify it before the Pope? D. Cran. professing his willingness, the King hastened his dispatch to Rome and sent other learned men abroad to foreign Universities to dispute this question amongst the Divines there; where it was concluded, that no such matrimony was lawful by the word of God. When the Kings Ambassadors came to Rome, the Pope proffering them his foot to kiss, the Earl of Wiltshire's Spaniel caught his great Toe in his mouth, whereupon the Ambassadors scorned to kiss after the dog, and the Pope pulled in his foot again. There Cranmer and the rest proffered to defend, that, Jure Divino, the brother ought not to marry the brothers wife; but none appearing against them, the Pope made Doctor Cranmer his Penitentiarie, and so dismissed them. From thence Doctor Cranmer travelled to the Emperors Court at Vienna, proffering to dispute with his Divines upon the said question: But Cornelius Agrippa in private conference receiving full satisfaction from him thereupon easily persuaded other learned men that were in the Emperors court not to contend with Cranmer, who (as he said) was in the truth, so that no man contradicting him, Cranmer departed from the Emperor, and having travelled all over Germany, he brought home with him into England the opinions and sentences of the most learned men that lived in the Universities, and Courts of Princes. And in the mean season others sent from the King, passing through all the Universities of Italy and France, brought home likewise their determinations in that point confirmed with their public and authentic seals, agreeing with those that Cranmer had brought out of Germany. In this journey to and fro he learned all the New Testament by heart.

August 23. Anno Christi 1533. William Warham Arch-Bi. of Cante • bury died, and the King resolved to place Doctor Cranmer in his room, who was at this time in Germany about the Kings business, and was loath to take upon him an office of such high dignity in the Church: For he knew that there was an oath to be taken to the Pope of Rome before he could be installed in that place. He feared also what issue the Kings divorce might have, and was not ignorant of the Kings violent disposition. He kn • w that sudden and great changes were dangerous, and that the Court, to which he was not accustomed, was full of deceits, and counterfeitings. That he must in all things obey the Kings will; and that if he tripped in anything never so little, there would be some, who out of envy at his felicity, would tumble him down headlong when he began to fall. He also having buried his first wife, was now fallen in love with a young maid, that was niece to Osianders wife, whom he determined to marry, though he knew it was forbidden b • law for a Priest to marry, o • for a man to be made a Priest who had married a second wife.

Weighing these things seriously with himself, when he was sent for by the King to return home so soon as he could, he stayed in Germany six whole months, framing one excuse or other, hoping that in the mean time, some or other would get the Arch-Bishopric▪ • ut such were the times then, that every man feared the slipperiness of that place, and therefore declined it.

At last Doctor Cranmer privately marrying his wife at Norimberg, returned home, and was made Arch-Bishop though against his will; for he refused the dignity offered him; because he was to be tied to the Pope, against all right and equity, and therefore he gave the Popes Bull into the Kings hands saying, that he wou • d never receive a Bishopric of England, but from him who was the head of England, nor take an oath that was derogatory to the Kings authority. And thus being made Arch Bishop, he carried himself as formerly he had done, rising every morning at five a clock to his study, and never being idle all the day. After dinner, if he had no s • iters, he spent an hour at Chess, and so to his study again. He was by nature very charitable, and gentle, so prone to forgive, and forget wrongs, that it grew into a Proverb, Do my Lord of Canterbury a shrewd tur • , and • e will be your friend as long as you live. He stoutly opposed the six bloody Articles, and yet with such humility and modesty, that the King could not be offended with him for it. He was so free from passion, that he never miscalled the meanest of his servants. He was just in paying all men, so that when he was cast into prison he owed no man a • arthing. He relieved many that were in want: The whole weight of reforming Religion lay upon his hands, so that for sixteen years together his house was never empty of learned men to assist in deciding Ecclesiastical controversies. His charity to the poor was very great, for whom he provided lodgings, being sick lame, wounded, &c. and appointed an Almoner, Physician, and Surgeon to attend them, having daily hot broth and meant sent them from his own Kitchen.

He had many and great enemies of the Papists, especially wily Winchester and his companions, who laid a train to take away his life, at least his Arch-Bishopric by bringing him within the compass of the six articles: which by Doctor Parker, the first Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in Queen El • zabeths days, is thus related. Doctor Cranmer (saith he) being in great heaviness for the death of the Lord Cromwell, was accused by the Papists, and much threatened by them, and though he knew that he was not safe for one moment of time, yet he changed not the cheerfullness of his countenance, because as yet he kept the Kings right in the defense of the Gospel, by his singular wisdom, gravity and modesty: But the King being soon entangled by conversing with Winchester, and his Popish party, they daily so deafened him with their continual complaints against the Arch-Bishop, that through wearisomeness he was almost constrained to grant unto them the life of that most innocent man: Yet by God's special providence he was so rooted in his heart, that when the Papists most presumed, and the godly most feared his ruin, the King resolved to provide for his safety and welfare.

In the mean time, proud and malicious Gardener, whose favor and authority was thought to be greatest with the King, provoked him often to disputations about points of Divinity in the presence of the King; In the which the King observed that Cranmer never departed from his innate gravity and modesty, whereas Gardener always rather affected a little glory then the truth. And when Gardener, that h • might lessen the authority of the scriptures, had by many sophistical arguments endeavored to prove that those called the Apostles Canons were of equal validity, and authority with the sacred Scriptures; Cranmer so enervated the force of all his arguments in the Kings hearing by his solid calm▪ and moderate answers, that the King said in the presence of many unto Gardener, that Cranmer was an old weather-beaten soldier in Divinity, and was not to be encountered by such fresh-water soldiers as himself.

For this Gardener swelling with pride, stirred up as many against Cranmer as possibly he could, judging that nothing could hinder their counsels, and purposes, if he were taken out of the way.

At Canterbury, and all over Kent, by the procurement of Gardener, many were suborned to accuse Cranmer of Heresy.

In the Parliament one Goswick a Knight for Bedfordshire said openly, that all heretical s • dition flowed from the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and his family. Some great men about the King, hereupon labored much to persuade him, that by reason of these imputations, Cranmer should be excluded from the Council-board, and committed to the Tower of London till inquiry could be made concerning the truth of those reports; for (said they) so long as he sits in counsel, for fear, men will conceal that which they know, not daring to utter or reveal it. They also dispersed • umors that Cranmer was already condemned in the judgment of the King, and should be shortly beheaded as Cromwell had been a little before. All this while Cranmer, though he set a good face on it, yet privately amongst his friends much bewailed the condition of those evil times, rather then his own. But the King diligently searched out all these treacherous designs of the Papists, and marked whereunto they tended.

Once for recreations sake, after supper, the King would go in his Barge upon the Thames, and being there, commanded his Barge-men to land him at Lambeth stairs; some of the Arch-bishops servants observing that he drew thitherward, presently informed their Master, who hasted to the bridge, either to salute the King as he passed by, or to entertain him into his house. The King seeing him, bid him come into his Barge, and setting him by him, had much private conference with him, the Barge-men in the mean season rowing hither and thither.

In this conference the King feigningly complained, that since the death of Cromwell, England was much troubled with heretical factions and parties, that it was to be feared, that if these wranglings about religion were nourished, more grievous mischiefs and civil wars would arise, and therefore that the dissensions about Religion were to be appeased; for which end, by the advice of his Bishops and Nobles, he would endeavor to find out the Arch-Heretic who was the author of this mischief, and whom being found, he intended severely to punish, yea, cruelly to burn him, thereby to prevent further disorders.

Cranmer (though he was somewhat affrighted) yet answered with a mild countenance, that he liked the counsel as wholesome, that the whole flock of heretics was to be restrained by the death of the Arch-Heretic • but he admonished the King with fatherly gravity and modesty, that he would not judge them Heretics, who relied wholly upon the Word of God, and not to the Traditions or Laws of men. Well (quoth the King) to deal plainly, we are told by many, that you are the Arch-Heretic of our Kingdom, and that in Kent, and all your Province you hinder the Faith established in Parliament by the six Articles from being received by our people, and therefore tell us plainly both what you think, and what you have done concerning them?

To this the Archbishop stoutly replied, that he was still of the same opinion that he had expressed in Parliament when that Law was made; and that yet he had not offended against that Law since it was made. Then the King by little and little moderating the severity of his speech, asked him pleasantly, whether his private bed-chamber was free from the breach of the 6 Articles. Cranmer (though he understood by the six Articles that it was a capital • ff • nce for a Priest to be married, and that the King knew well that he was a married man, yet) answered, That though he had married a wife, yet it was in Germany before he took upon him the Archbishop • ick; but for all that, he had done nothing against that severe Law: For (saith he) when the Law was once made, I never touched my Wife, but sent her into Germany to her kindred and friends.

By this plain answer without daubing, Cranmer bega • in the Kings mind such an opinion of his Learning, and Honesty, that he cheered him up, telling him that those Art •• cles were not ordained for his sake; and showing him what were the chief accusations laid in against him; which Cranmer knowing to be false, and forged by the envy and malice of his Popish Adversaries, entreated the King to appoint Inquisitors, whereby the truth might be sifted out: For (saith he) I am not afraid to undergo the hazard of a judgment.

The King, trusting to his ingenuity, b • d him search, and try out his own cause himself. But Cranmer replied, that it would seem unequal to his Adversaries, that he should be made Censor of his own acts, and the • efore still desired another Judge. But the King still affirmed that he would make none other the Inquisitor of his life, having p • t so much trust and confidence in him alone, knowing that he would certainly, and fully relate the truth without a lie, of his own deeds, whether they were good or bad: After which words the King dismissed him.

Presently after Doctor Cranmer sent Doctor Cox, his Vicar general, and Mr. Anthony Hussey, his Secretary, with ample Commission to search out the plots which were contrived against him by the Papists of Canterbury, who spent a month or two, and yet did little, being persons that favored the Popelings.

In the mean time his Adversaries at Court urged much that he might be imprisoned, and might then be examined of the Heresies laid to his charge, presuming that if once he were removed out of the Kings sight, they might easily overwhelm him with feigned crimes, and so work his destruction. And the King being tired with their daily importunities, granted that if he was manifestly convinced of any crimes either against Church or State, he should be carried to prison. Hereupon Gardener and his associates resolved the next day to send him prisoner to the Tower, and the King concealed his purpose, that he might see how far their malice would extend, and yet resolved to secure him: For about midnight he sent Mr. Denny, one of his Bed-chamber, whom he most consided in, as not liking the Popelings, to Lambeth for Doctor Cranmer, who being roused out of his sleep, came presently to the King, who in these words told him what he would have him do. Almost all my Counselors (saith he) are urgent to have you imprisoned, because almost all England is defiled with Heresies, which, they say, proceeds from you, and certain learned strangers whom you keep in your house, and therefore they would have you under custody, whilst the cause is inquired after, without which they cannot find out the original; and tomorrow is the day appointed for your commitment, and therefore consider whether it be well done or no.

Doctor Cranmer heartily thanked the King for giving him this warning, saying that he refused not to go to prison, nor to stand in judgment, trusting to his innocence, and clear conscience, affirming that he would rather hazard a just judgment, than lie under unjust suspicions. Only he desired that since his Doctrine and Faith were called into question, he might have learned and equal Judges to hear the same. But the King pitying the plain simplicity of the man, who would thus expose himself to the malice of his mortal enemies, said to him; Are you so foolish? for if you be once led away from your dignity, and from the light and sight of men, many false and perjured witnesses will arise against you, which otherwise durst not come into your presence? Wherefore seeing you neither provide for your dignity nor safety, I will give you counsel, that you be not overwhelmed by your spightfu • l Adversaries. To morrow they will send for you; they will object against you the crimes of Heresy, and commit you to prison; then do you request them, that since you are one of my Privy-counsel, they would deal with you as they would be dealt by in the like case, viz. That they would produce your accusers in open judgment, whom if you be not able to answer, you will patiently endure imprisonment. But if they regard not this your just and equal request, but will proceed to imprison you, appeal to my presence, and audience, by delivering this token to them to supersede their Decree, with which words he drew off his Ring from his finger, and delivered it to Cranmer, and so dismissed him.

The next morning Gardener and his complices met in the Counsel-chamber, sent to Lambeth for Cranmer, but when he came, would not let him in. The Nobles and Courtiers that passed by, marvelled much thus to see the Primate of all England, and the most inward Counselor of the King, thus shut out, & siting amongst Serving-men that waited for their Masters. This being told to Doctor Buts the Kings Physician, being moved with the indignity of the fact, he went presently to drive away the gazers, and to honor the presence of so worthy a Father.

But presently Dr. Buts was sent for to the King, and when he came to him, he said; I have seen an unusual matter, and such a thing as was never before heard of. What's that (quoth the King?) Cranmer (said he) the Primate of the Kingdom, is become some bodies Serving-man, and hath stood almost this hour before the door of the Counsel-chamber waiting upon some Master. Ha! (said the King) do my Counselors so disgracefully use the Primate? and being moved with the indignity of the thing, he presently sent a command that Cranmer should be admitted into the Counsel-Chamber.

When he was entered, it was declared to him, that the King and his Counselors were informed, that all England was turned from the Catholic Faith, and depraved with Heresy, which proceeded from him and his Family, and that therefore he must be committed to the Tower, whilst a speedy inquisition was made to know whether those things were true or no. Cranmer desired that his accusers, witnesses, and proofs that they had against him might be produced, and that it might be lawful for him to answer presently, and thereby to defend himself, alleging that it was very unequal that the Primate of England, and a Counselor, whose faith was never doubted of, nor came into question, should be thus disgracefully thrust into prison upon bare suspicions, to the prejudice of his cause: urging many other reasons why they should deal more gently, and mildly with him. But when neither entreaties, nor arguments could prevail, but that needs to prison he must go, Cranmer said, that he was very sorry that they forced him to appeal to the King from themselves, with whom he had so often communicated in counsel, and from whom he expected equal dealing upon all occasions; and thereupon delivering the Kings Ring to them he commanded them to suspend their Decree, and to present themselves before the King.

Then said the Lord Russel (afterwards Earl of Bedford ) Did not I tell you that the King would never suffer him to be imprisoned, unless he were guilty of high Treason against his Majesty? and so they went with Cranmer to the King.

The King sharply rebuked them, telling them that he looked for more wisdom, and gravity amongst them, then to keep Cranmer out of the Counsel-chamber, to force him to stand at the door amongst Serving-men: Asking them whether any of themselves would endure such a disgrace? And withal swore (striking himself upon the breast) that he was more beholding to Cranmer then to any man whatsoever, and that he had tried him, and knew that no Prelate could exceed him in his fidelity to his King; and therefore that all that loved him, should hold Cranmer in highest price and estimation.

The King speaking thus, when all others held their peace through fear, the Duke of Norfolk answered, It was not our purpose to hurt the Archbishop at all, but that keeping him in custody whilst the Inquisition depended, his innocence being known, he might come out with greater credit. But (said the King) I will not have Cranmer so handled, nor any that are dear to me. But I perceive some crooked, and cankered hearts raise these Tragedies, which unless they be quiet, I will interpose my authority to restrain them and so he departed in a chafe, and all the Counselors shook hands with Cranmer, desiring to be reconciled to him: And he being of a most sweet, and mild disposition, easily forgave all offenses, blotting them utterly out of his mind; and from that time forward he lived secure from all treacheries, being in such high favor with the King.

But when Doctor Cox, and Hussey lay loitering at Canterbury (not without suspicion) and did nothing in the inquisition, the King secretly sent Doctor Lee to search out what was done in Cranmer's behalf; who going speedily to Canterbury, acquainted himself with some godly persons by whose directions he searched the houses of some Popish Priests at midnight, where he found Letters written from Gardener, which opened the whole plot against Cranmer. These he immediately carried to the King, who viewing of them, from that time forwards began to withdraw his affections from those Popelings; and withal acquainted Cranmer with those Letters, bidding him beware of his enemies, now he knew them.

Amongst the Letters that were found in Kent, one was written by the Suffragan of Dover, another by Doctor Barber, a Civilian, which two men were well esteemed of by the Archbishop, and promoted by him, and he always shown them great favor. When the Archbishop had their Letters, he called these two men into his study, and said unto them, You two are men in whom I have always put most confidence, and to whom I have always communicated all my secrets, you must now give me some good counsel; for I am shamefully abused by one or two whom I have trusted as myself; but these persons have not only disclosed my secrets, but also have taken upon them to accuse me of Heresy, and are become witnesses against me: I require you therefore to give me faithful advice how I shall behave myself towards them, &c. Marry (quoth Doctor Barber) such villains and knaves deserve to be presently hanged without further trial. Hanging is too good (saith the Suffragan) and if there want an Executioner, I would be the Hangman my self.

At these words the Archbishop, lifting up his eyes to heaven, said; O Lord, and most merciful God, whom may a man trust in these days? It's true which is said, Cursed be he that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm. There was never man used as I am; but Lord thou hast evermore defended me, and lent me one good Master (meaning the King) without whose protection I could not be safe for one day. I praise thy holy name for it. Then did he pull out of his bosom those two Letters, saying, Know you these Letters my Masters? With that they fell down on their knees, asking forgiveness with many tears. Well (said the gentle Archbishop) God make you both good men, I never deserved this at your ha • ds: But ask God forgiveness, against whom you have highly offended.

Thus we see how his enemies from time to time endeavou • ed by all mean • to have brought him into displeasure with the King: Yet it pleased God so to over-rule the King's heart, that he would never be alienated from him; which favor the King continued to him so long as he lived, and in King Edward the sixth's days he continued in his place, and much holp forward the work of Reformation. But in the beginning of Queen Mary's Reign, he was a principal man whom she maligned.

and therefore she appointed Commissioners to examine him, who commanded him to bring to them an Inventory of all his goods, which they seized upon, and shortly after he was sent prisoner to the Tower, for Treason (as was pretended) but for Religion indeed. Before he was committed to the Tower, some of his friends persuaded him to fly, and to reserve himself for better times; but he answered stoutly, If I were accused of Theft, Murder, or any other wickedness perhaps I could more easily be persuaded to fly; but now I • ee that I must be questioned not for my faithfulness towards men, but for my faith towards God, and concerning the truth of the holy Scriptures, against Papists, and therefore I will rather lose my life in the defense of the truth, then by flying out of the Kingdom, to desert such a cause. From thence he was removed to Oxford; where again he was called before the Pope's Delegate, and the Queens Commissioners; to the latter he did obeisance, but to the Pope's Delegate he would do none. Before them he made a worthy Confession of his Faith. When they proceeded to Degrade him, he pulled forth an appeal from the Pope to the next general Council; but his death being determined, his appeal was rejected, and he Degraded. When he came back into prison, he desired to eat; for he had eaten nothing that day before; for, said he, I was before somewhat troubled, but now, I thank God, my heart is quiet. He had not one penny in his purse to help himself, but the Lord stirred up a Gentleman's heart to give him some money, for which he had like to have come into great trouble. He was kept in prison almost three years, and the Doctors in Oxford labored by many subtle tricks to draw him to a Recantation; removing him to the Dean's house of Christ-Church, where he had dainty fare, recreations, and what else might entice him from Christ to the world: they promised him life, the Queens favor, his former dignity, and what not, if he would but with his hands subscribe to a few words by way of Recantation, which if he refused, there was no hope of pardon. With many such provocations, and flatteries, they at last prevailed with him to subscribe it. After which he neither had inward quietness in his own conscience, nor any outward help from his adversities: For the Queen being glad of his Recantation, yet presently resolved his death, appointed the time (when he least expected it) and the persons that should see it performed. He had no notice of his death, till the very morning a little before he was to suffer. At which time there was a great concourse of people, some expecting that he should make his public Recantation at his death, others hoping better of him.

From prison he was brought to St. Mary's Church, where Doctor Cole (by the Queens order) preached, and in his Sermon affirmed, that God was so incensed for the slaughter of Sir Thomas Moore, and Doctor Fisher, bishop of Rochester, (who were beheaded in the Reign of K. Henry the 8.) that he could not be appeased by any other means, but by the sacrificing of Cranmer. During his Sermon, Cranmer was set on a stage before him; which sad spectacle much affected many, to see him, who had lived in so great honor and favor, to stand there in a ragged gown, ill-favor'd clothes, an old cap, and exposed to the contempt of all men. Cole, in his Sermon, shown for what Doctor Cranmer was condemned, encouraged him to take his death patiently, and rejoiced in his conversion to Popery. But that joy lasted not long. The Sermon being ended, Doctor Cranmer entreated the people to pray for him, that God would pardon his sin, especially his Recantation, which most of all troubled his conscience, which he said was contrary to the truth which he thought in his heart, and written for fear of death, and upon the hope of life. And, said he, That hand of mine which hath written contrary to my heart, shall first be punished. At these words the Doctors began to rage and fume, and caused him to be pulled down from the stage, and his mouth to be stopped that he should not speak to the people. The place appointed for his Martyrdom was the same where Doctor Ridley, and Master Latimer had before suffered; and when he was brought to it, he kneeled down, and prayed; and so put off his clothes. When the fire was kindled and came near him, he stretched out his right hand, which had subscribed, holding it so steadfast, and immovable in the fire (saving that once he wiped his face with it) that all might see his hand burned before his body was touched: when the fire came to his body, he endured it patiently, standing steadfast always in one place, moving no more then the stake which he was bound to: So long as he could speak, he repeated, Lord Jesus receive my spirit: and so in the flames he gave up the Ghost, Anno Christi, 1556. and of his Age, 72.

Doctor Cranmer's Works were these.
• He corrected the English translation of the Bible in many places.
• He wrote Catechismum Doctrinae Christianae.
• Ordinationes Ecclesiae Reformatae.
• De ministris Ordinandis.
• De Eucharistia.
• Jura Ecclesiastica.
• Contra Gardineri concionem.
• Contra Transubstantiationis errorem.
• Quomodo Christus adsit in Caena:
• De esu C • nae Dominicae.
• De Oblatione Christi.
• Homilia Christiana.
• Common-places.
• A confutation of unwritten verities.
• Against the Popes primacy.
• Against Purgatory.
• About Justification.
• Diverse Letters to learned men.

The Life of Conrade Pelican., who died A ^no Christi 1555.

COnrade Pelican was born of godly and honest parents, at Rubeac a Town of Suevia,