The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History

who was an excellently learned man himself, called this Scaliger, Portentosi ingenii juvenem; A young man of a stupendous wit.

The Life of Amandus Polanus, who died A ^no Christi 1610.

AMandus Polanus was born at Oppavia in Silesia▪ of honest parents, An. Chr. 1561. In his childhood he was brought up by the care of his parents in the Free-school belonging to that place, where he learned the grounds of the Liberal Arts: And from thence, Anno Christi 1577, he was sent to Uratislavia, where he spent six years, and where his ingenuity, and excellent wit quickly discovered themselves, to the great satisfaction of his Masters: and then for his farther instruction, he went to Tubing, and reaped much benefit by the Lectures of Theod. Snepsius: But afterwards in a public Disputation, wherein Doctor Andreas was Moderator, being invited to confer about Election, he constantly adhered to that of the Apostle Rom. 9. 11. The children being not yet born, neither having done any good, or evil, that the purpose of God according to Election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, &c. And afterwards being conferred with in private about it, adhering to his former opinion, many began to be angry, and to withdraw themselves from him: Whereupon by the advice of a Doctor of Physic, his special friend, he left Tubing, and went to Basil, carrying Letters of commendation from that Doctor to James Grynaeus, An. Chr. 1583: where, being admitted into the University, he wholly applied himself to the study of Divinity. And after a while he visited Geneva, and Heidelberg; and in Moravia, and some other places he was Tutor to divers young Noblemen, especially to one Zerotinius.

Anno Christi 1590, at the importunity of some Noblemen, he commenced Doctor in Divinity at Basil, and six years after he was made Professor for interpreting the Old Testament in that University, which place he faithfully discharged for fourteen years space, expounding Daniel, Ezekiel, and a good part of the Psalms, besides his extraordinary Lectures which he read every Thursday and Saturday, and his public Disputations, and other exercises. Thus Polanus was an excellent ornament to the University of Basil, adding a great luster to it by his wit and writings. Afterwards falling sick of a Feaver, he wholly resigned up himself to the will of God, comforted himself with divers pregnant texts of Scriptures, and so departed quietly in the Lord Anno 1610, and of his age 49.

There met in this man true piety and solid learning. He had both a good wit and sound judgment: Was well skilled both in the Tongues, and Ecclesiastical Antiquities. In his office he was very diligens. He twice bore the chiefest office in the University of Basil, and that to his own credit, and the profit of the Schools. He kept correspondence with the chiefest Divines of those times, who were his special friends, as Beza, Dan. Tossanus, George Sohnius, Will Stuckius, Pareus, Pitiscus, &c. He had two Wives, the first was Mary, the daughter of James Grynaeus, who died in childbed; the other was Salome Wasser • unia, who died the same year with himself.

Scripsit Commentarium in Danielem contra Bellarminum. Analysin Hosea, cum Orationibus Historicis, & Dialecticis. De morte Christi, pro quibus eam subierit. De quatuor Manarchiis • pud Danielem. Analysin Malachiae. Partitiones Theologicas. Syntagma Theology, &c.

The Life of Thomas Holland, who died A ^no Christi 1612.

THomas Holland was born in Shropshire Anno Christi 1539, and brought up in Exceter College in Oxford, where he took his degrees with much applause. Afterwards he Commenced Dr. in Divinity, was chosen Master of the College, and for his excellent learning was preferred to be the Regius Professor, or Doctor of the Chair, wherein he succeeded Dr. Humphred, and so deported himself in the same, that he gat the approbation, and admiration both of that of Oxford, and of Forreign Unive • sities also.

He was like Apollos, a man mighty in the Scriptures, and as one saith of him, Adeo cum Patribus familiaris, ac si ipse▪ Pater, & cum Scholasticis, ac si Seraphicus Doctor: i. e. He was so familiarly acquainted with the Fathers, as if himself had been one of them; and so versed in the Schoolmen, as if he were the Seraphic Doctor. He was also a faithful Preacher of the Truth, and one that adorned it by his holy life and conversation; a zealous defender of the true Religion, and a great hater of superstition and Idolatry: Insomuch that when he went any journey, calling the Fellows of the College together, he used to say to them, Commendo vos dilectioni Dei, & • dio Papatûs, & superstitionis: I commend you to the love of God, and to the hatred of Popery, and superstition. He continued Doctor of the Chair twenty years, and was every way as famous for his Religion, and holiness of life, as he was for his learning.

When in his old age he grow weak, and sickly, he spent all his time in fervent prayers, and heavenly meditations, and when his end approached, he often sighed out, Come, O Come Lord Jesus, thou morning star: Come Lord Jesus, I desire to be dissolved, and to be with thee: and so he quietly departed in the Lord Anno Christi 1612, and of his age 73.

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I. DRVSIVS

The Life of John Drusius, who died A ^no Christi 1616.

JOhn Drusius was born at Aldenard Anno Christi 1550, and first brought up to School in the • ity of Gaunt, and from thence went to the University of Lovain: But whilst he was following his study hard there, his Father was proscribed for Religion, and thereby deprived of all his estate, which caused him to fly into England, taking this his son along with him: When he came to London he met with Cevalerius, lately come thither, that was exceeding skillful in the Hebrew: His Lectures therefore he attended upon both in public and private; and when Cevalerius was sent to Cambridge to be the Professor there, Drusius went along with him, applying himself especially to the study of Greek. Afterwards when Cevalerius was called back into France, Drusius still accompanied him, and fell hard to the study of the Hebrew: He also privately read the same to two young English Gent • emen.

After a while he returned to London again, and when he was purposed to go back into France, he h • ard of that bloody Massacre at Paris, which made him alter his mind: and having preferment proffered to him, either in Oxford, or Cambridge, he chose Oxford, where, for the space of four years, he read Hebrew, Chaldee, and Syriac with great commendation. After which time he went back to Lovain; but not long enjoying peace there, he returned to London again; where he continued till the peace was concluded at Gaunt, and then went over into Flanders, and from thence into Zealand, where the States of Holland chose him to be the Professor in Hebrew, Chaldee, and Syriac in the University of Leiden, Anno Christi 1577. During his abode there he married a Wife, and the States of Frisland having newly erected a University at Franequer, they called him thither: In which place he continued taking great pains for the space of thirty one years; and at length resigned up his spirit unto God, Anno Christi 1616, and of his age sixty and six.

The Life of John James Grynaeus, who died A ^no Christi 1617.

JOhn James Grynaeus was born at Berne in Helvetia Anno Christi 1540. His Father was first a Professor in Basil, and afterwards removed to a Pastoral charge at Raetela, who died of the Plague Anno Christi 1564. His mother was Adelheida Stuberina, both of them godly persons. His father took the care of his first learning, educating him under his own wings; and afterwards Anno Christi 1547, he was sent to School to Basil under Thomas Plater, an excellent Schoolmaster, with whom he profited so much, that Anno Christi 1551, upon examination he was admitted into the University under Boniface Amerbachius, & the very next year the Plague being hot in Basil, he fell sick of the plague, but it pleased God to restore him again, and he followed his study hard.

He heard his own Father reading Greek and Latin, Huld. Coccius reading Logic, and John Nisaeus reading Poetry and Rhetoric.

Anno Christi 1556, his Father was called to a Pastoral charge at Raetela, but our James stayed still at Basil, joining the study of Divinity with that of Philosophy.

One of the Professors of Divinity at that time was Simon Sulcerus, who being an Ubiquitarian misled our Grynaeus into the same error, as himself confesseth; adding that he continued in it for ten years, and misled others likewise, till at length, through God's mercy, he was brought into the way of truth.

Anno Christi 1559 he began to preach, and was ordained Deacon by Sulcerus, who was the Superintendent of those Churches; which office he supplied till the year 1563, at which time by the advice of his father and friends he went to Tubing for the further improvement of his learning, though himself had rather have gone to Wittenburg, where Charlet Marquess of Baden having heard him preach, and being taken with him, had proffered him an exhibition of an hundred Florins per annum.

When he came to Tubing he delivered his Letters of commendation to Doctor Andreas, and so was admitted into that University, where he heard Andreas, Heerbrand, Snepfius, and Brenz for Divinity, Samuel Hailand for Philosophy, and others for the other Arts; and it pleased God that he met with William Stuckius of Zurich, whom he had formerly known, and who now became a partner in his studies, and remained his intimate friend ever after.

Anno Christi 1564, when by the advice of their friends these two persons were minded to leave Tubing, Doctor Andreas stayed them, and put them upon a Disputation upon certain Theses about the Ubiquity, & Eucharist, endeavoring to draw Grynaeus to his own opinion; but in the disputation Grynaeus was so b • ffled by Stuckius, that he was almost non-plust, and was driven to doubt of that opinion. Having in this disputation given reasonable satisfaction to the Divines of Tubing, he was put upon reading Lectures upon Daniel, and so a while after was made Doctor in Divinity.

Anno Christi 1565 his Father died of the Plague, and he was chosen by Charles Marquess of Baden to succeed in the Pastoral charge at Raetela, where besides his ordinary labors he read privately to the Deacons twice a week, and God blessed his labors exceedingly.

Anno Christi 1569 he married a wife, with whom he lived contentedly 40 years, and had by her seven children.

About that time the form of Concord being much pressed, he fell hard to the study of the Scriptures, and of ancient and modern Divines, whereby it pleased God that light began to appear to him, for hitherto he had been a Lutheran: And modestly declaring his judgment about the Ubiquity of Christ's body, he began to be hated of many. Yet during his abode there at the request of the Printers he corrected for the Press, Eusebius, Origen, Irenaeus, Erasmus his Adagies, and other books.

Anno Christi 1575 he was sent for to Basil to be a Professor in interpreting the Old Testament, and with the consent of the Marquess, he removed thither with his family after he had been ten years Pastor at Raetela; yet before his going the Marquess conditioned with him that he should be overseer of his Churches, and that his brother should succeed him in his charge at Raetela, and withal he assigned him a stipend of twenty Florences per annum.

When he was come to Basil he made an Oration of the difculty of the work whereunto he was called. He began with the explication of Genesis, but before he had gone through it, at the request of his Auditors he left it, and fell upon the Psalms, and some of the minor Prophets. He also voluntarily read some History Lectures.

He met with some reproaches from the Lutherans, because he taught otherwise then they would have had him about the Lord's Supper; but the Lord saw it good thus to exercise him, whose labo • is yet both in public and private he blessed exceedingly, and made him an happy instrument of closing up, and healing some breaches that had been between the Churches of Zurich and Basil.

He maintained friendship with Erastus, Amerbach, Plater, Zuinger, Urstisius, and others. He had many Noblemen, Gentlemen, Citizens, Doctors, and other learned young men that came out of other countries to sojourn with him.

Anno Christi 1583, Lodwick Prince Elector Palatine dying, Prince Cassimire succeeded as Administrator in the minority of the young Prince, whose care was to reform the Churches of the Palatinate, and the University of Heidelberg, and advising with Dan. Tossanus, and other godly Divines about the same, he was directed by them to choose Grynaeus for one of the Professors. And accordingly Anno Christi 1584 he sent to Basil for him, whereupon (with the consent of the Senate) he removed to Heidelberg, where for two years space he read Divinity and History, taking care both of the Church, School, and University. He met with many oppositions from the Lutheran Faction, had many disputations with them, whereof that was the most famous which was held in the presence of the Prince An. Christi 1584, and wherein Grynaeus was Moderator, the issue whereof was this, That those Divines and Scholars which would not be convinced and reformed, but continued to make factions and divisions in the University, were gently dismissed: After which the Orthodox Doctrine of the person of Christ, and the Sacraments was quietly preached in the Palatinate.

Anno Christi 1585, Sulcer being dead, by the earnest desire of the godly he was called back to Basil to undertake the Government of that Church, and thereupon Anno Christi 1586 he removed to Basil, and was entertained with the great • pplause of the whole Church, and having preached twice, • e went back to Heidelberg, to take his leave of the Prince, Church, and Academy: After which he was courteously dismissed by the Prince, who provided for the carriage of his household, and gave him his Effigies in Gold, as a remembrance of his love.

He continued in the faithful discharge of his office a Basil, all the remainder of his life, promoting the honor and profit of the Church, School, and University by his care, diligence, and industry. In the Church he was a faithful Pastor, feeding his people with the bread of life, comforting the afflicted, visiting the sick, and diligently removing whatsoever might hinder the progress of the Gospel: For which end, Anno Christi 1594 he visited all the Churches in his Diocese, endeavoring to preserve, and nourish love amongst brethren, and reforming what was amiss.

In the Grammar School, he with some others, were careful to provide fit Schoolmasters, examined the proficiency of the Scholars, and helped to maintain such as were poor.

In the University he went through the greatest honors and labors.

Anno Christi 1588 he was twice sent to Mulhusen, first to settle an able Ministry, and then to be present in a Synod. The same year he went to Bern to a conference for composing the controversies in Religion. At length he began to grow weak and sickly, and his eye-sight waxed very dim, and in the 72 year of his age he was almost quite blind, yet his intellectuals and memory continued very good. He lost also most of his friends, with his brothers, sisters, wife, and children (all but one daughter, and his son in law Polanus ) whom he much desired to follow. He was oft tormented with the Collick, yet bore all with admirable patience; and in the midst of his pains, he said

After that he was eased of the Collick and Stone, he fell sick of a Feaver, which alm • st took away his senses, but he betook himself wholly to Prayer, and tasted the joys of heaven in his soul, continually wishing that he might be dissolved, and be with Christ; which desire God shortly after satisfied; when he had lived seventy seven years, Anno Christi 1617. The Ministers of Basil carried his corps to the grave.

A little before his death he professed to Doctor Meier that he died in the same Faith that he had taught others; that he had earnestly besought God to provide his people of an able and faithful Pastor, &c. concluding, O praeclarum illum diem, cùm ad illud animarum concilium, coelum{que} proficiscar, & cùm ex hac turba, & colluvione discedam: O happy day when I may depart out of this troublesome and sinful world, and go to Heaven to those blessed souls before departed.

He used to say, Pontifici Romano Erasmum plus nocuisse jocando, quàm Lutherum stomachando: Writing to Chytraeus, he said, Si non amplius in his terris te visurus sum, ibi tamen conveniemus, ubi Luthero cum Zwingli optime jam convenit: If we never see one another again in this world, yet we shall meet in that place where Luther and Zwingli agree very well together. He used to be up at his study Winter and Summer before sun-rising, and spent all the day in Prayer, Writing, Reading, and visiting of the sick. He was so famous that many Princes, Noblemen, and young Gentlemen came from foreign countries to see, and hear him.

He was very dutiful to his parents, liberal to a poor brother which he had: Temperate in food and apparel all his life long: Courteous and affable to every man; respectful to all degrees; studious of love and concord amongst the good, especially Scholars, as his many Epistles show. Many desired to sojourn with him, whose bodies he fed with food, and minds with pleasant and profitable discourses, and sage Apothegmes. In bearing wrongs he was very patient, never seeking revenge.

Scripsit Epitomen Bibliorum. Charact. Christianorum. Enarrationes aliquot Psalmorum, & Prophetarum, ut Haggai, Jonae, Habacuc, Obadiae, Malachiae, Danielis 5 priorum cap. Explanationem Mat. Exeg. Epistolae a • Romanos, Col. Heb. Joh. Historiam Ecclesiasticam. Chron. Historiae Evangelicae.

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R. ABBAT

The Life of Robert Abbot, who died A ^no Christi 1618.

RObert Abbot was born at Guilford in the County of Surrey Anno Christi 1560, of honest Parents, who carefully educated him in learning, and when he was fit, they sent him to Oxford, where he was admitted into Baliol College, in which place he followed his studies very hard, took all his degrees till he commenced Doctor in Divinity, and for his excellent learning, and exemplary life, he was chosen first Master of the College; and afterwards the Regius Professor, in which place he succeeded Doctor Thomas Holland; and for five years space performed his office so excellently, that Anno Chr. 1615 he was by King James preferred to the Bishopric of Salisbury.

Whilst he was there he made that learned and solid work De gratia, & perseverantia Sanctorum: He was also very diligent, and faithful in the execution of his office: But partly by reason of the burden and care of his place, partly by his sedentary life, being so hard a student, he had a stone bred in his kidneys, which put him to intolerable pain, yet he bore the same with invincible patience: Till finding his end to approach, he called his Family together, and began to make before them a Confession of his Faith, yet with some pauses by reason of his pains and faintness, whereupon some of his friends told him that he need not put himself to that trouble, having so fully declared the same in his learned and Orthodox writings. This counsel he approved, and therefore said to them, That Faith which I have published, and defended in my writings, is the truth of God, and therein I die, and so presently after he yielded up his soul to God Anno Christo 1618, and of his age 58.

The Life of William Cowper, who died A ^no Christi 1619.

WIlliam Cowper was born in Edinburgh, and at eight years old was sent by his Father to Dunbar -School, where in four years he learned the whole course of Grammar, and profited above his equals, and at that time did God begin to reveal himself to him. Many times when he was in the School he used to • ift up his heart unto God, begging of him knowledge and understanding; and always as he went to Church, he sent up this ejaculation to heaven, Lord bow nine ear that I may hear thy word.

At his entry into his thirteenth year, his father sent for him home to Edinburgh, and presently after he went to Saint Andrew's, where he continued to his sixteenth year in the study of Philosophy, but made no great progress therein; yet the seed of grace was still working in him, inclining him to a careful hearing and penning of Sermons, and other Theological Lectures.

During his abode at Saint Andrew's, Satan, working upon corrupt nature, sought oft to trap him in his snares, but as himself testifies, the Lord in mercy forgave the vanities, and ignorances of his youth, and preserved him from such falls, as might have made him a 〈◊〉 to the Saints, and a reproach to his enemies.

At the Age of sixteen years, he returned to his parents at Edinburgh, who proposed to him sundry courses of life; but his heart was still inclined to the study of the holy Scriptures, whereupon he resolved to go into England, and the Lord provided him a place at Hoddesdon, eighteen miles from London (just as he had spent all his money which he brought with him out of Scotland ) where he was entertained by one Mr. Gutherie a Scotchman to assist him in teaching of a School. There he remained three quarters of a year, and then having occasion to go to London, he was unexspectedly called to the service of Master Hugh Broughton, with whom he continued a year and a half, and daily exercised himself in the study of Divinity.

At nineteen years old he returned again to Edinburgh, where he lived with his elder brother [then one of the Ministers in that City] who much furthered him in his former studies; and at last he was required to give a proof of his gifts privately, which he did in the New Church before Master Robert Pont, and Master Robert Rollock, and some • others, by whom he was commanded to preach in public also.

Being twenty years old he was sent by the Authority of the General Assembly, which then was met at Edinburgh, to be the Pastor at Bothkenner in Sterlingshire; but when he came thither, he found in the Church, besides ruinous walls, neither roof, nor doors, nor pulpit, nor seats, nor windows, yet it pleased God to give such a blessing to his Ministry, that within half a year the Parishioners of their own accord, built, and adorned the Church in as good a quality as any round about it.

There he continued seven or eight years, yet subject to great bodily infirmities, by reason of the wetnesse of the soil, and the moistness of the air; and in that time d • d God begin to acquaint him with his terrors, and with inward temptations, so that his life was almost wasted with heaviness, yet thereby he learned more, and more to know Christ Jesus.

About that time there was a General Assembly of the Church at Perth, unto which some that lived in the North of Scotland sent to desire that a Minister might be sent unto them; whereupon the Assembly appointed Master Cowper for that place, and accordingly wrote to him by Master Patrick Simpson, who coming to Sterling, delivered to him the Letters from the Assembly, and those from the Town, containing his calling to the work of the Ministry in that place: And so shortly after the Town sent their Commissioners to transport him and his family thither.

In that place he continued doing the work of the Lord for ninteen years together, where he was a comfort to the best, and a wound to the worser sort. Besides the Sabbath days, he chose thrice a week to convene the people together in the Evenings, viz. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdayes, for a preparation to the Sabbath; upon which days they had no preaching in the morning; concerning which meetings himself writes, That it would have done a Christians heart good, to have seen those glorious, and joyful assemblies, to have heard the zealous cryings to God amongst that people, with sighings and tears, and melting hearts, and mourning eyes: And concerning himself he saith, My witnsse is in heaven, that the love of Jesus and his people, made continual preaching my pleasure, and I had no such joy as in doing his work. And besides that he preached five times a week, he penned also whatsoever he preached, many of which holy and godly Sermons are extant in print.

All the time of his abode there (except some little intermissions, and breathing times) the Lord still exercised him with inward temptation, and great variety of spiritual combats, the end of all which (through God's mercy) was Joy unspeakable, as himself testifies. Yea once ( saith he ) in greatest extremity of horror, and anguish of spirit, when I had utterly given over, and looked for nothing but confusion, suddenly there did shine, in the very twinkling of an eye, the bright, and lightsome countenance of God, proclaiming peace, and confirming it with invincible reasons: O what a change was there in a moment? the silly soul that was even now at the brink of the pit, looking for nothing but to be swallowed up, was instantly raised up to heaven to have fellowship with God in Christ Jesus, and from this day forward my soul was never troubled with such extremity of terrors: This confirmation was given unto me on a Saturday in the morning; there found I the power of Religion, the certainty of the word, there was I touched with such a lively sense of a Divinity, and power of a Godhead, in mercy reconciled with man, and with me in Christ, as I trust my soul shall never forget: Glory, glory, glory be to the joyful deliverer of my soul out of all adversities forever.

In the midst of these wrestlings with God he wanted not combats with wicked men also, but the greatness of his inward conflicts, made him lightly regard all their outward contradictions, and to esteem them but as the bitings of a Flea. It was no marvel to see Satan stir up his wicked instruments to molest him, since he professed himself a disquieter of him, and his Kingdom. Yet this much supported him, that he never had a controversy with any of them but for their sins: And the Lord assisting him, the power of the Word did so hammer down their pride, that they were all of them at last brought to an acknowledgement of their evil ways.

But at length (as God turned the heart of Pharaoh, and his people from the Israelites, when the time drew on for their remove) so by little and little did the zeal and love of most of that people fall away, so that his last conflict was, not with the profane, but with Justitiaries, and such as were unrebukeable in their lives. These men were stuffed with such pride, self-conceit, disdain, and intolerable contempt, that thereby they were carried further from their duty then any of the former; and they which should have been his greatest comfort, were his greatest cross.

Presently hereupon God called him to the Government of the Churches in Galloway, in the South-West parts of the kingdom, being chosen by the Assembly, and presented by the King thereunto. This was done without his privity, or ambitious us seeking after it; yea, he was so far from it, that eighteen weeks passed betwixt the Kings Presentation, and his Acceptation of • t. In that place he was very careful to advance the Gospel, and to adorn his Ministry: Concerning the frame of his spirit thus he writes, My soul is always in my hand, ready to be offered to my God: Where, or what kind of death God hath prepared for me, I know not: But sure I am there can no evil death befall him that lives in Christ, nor sudden death to a Christian Pilgrim, who (with Job) waits very hour for his change. Yea (saith he) many a day have I sought it with tea • es, not out of impatience, distrust, or perturbation, • ut because I am weary of sin, and fearful to fall into it.

This faithful servant of God who had always been faithful and painful in his Ministry, when sickness grew daily upon him, was no way deficient in the duty of his ordinary preaching: Taking great pains also to perfect his work upon the Revelations, which he desired greatly to finish before his death. He had also much grief by reason of some that disturbed the peace of the Church, which he always sought to procure; so that his infirmity increasing, he was compelled to keep home; yet as his weakness permitted, he applied himself to revise his writings, and to dispose of his worldly estate, that he might be ready for his passage, which every day he expected; & some ten days before his decease, he manifested to his friends, what great contentment he had in his approaching death.

Many repaired to him in his sickness, whom he entertained with most holy, and divine conferences, expressing a great willingness to exchange this life for a better; and at last feeling his strength and spirits to decay (after he had conceived a most heavenly prayer in the company of those that were by) he desired to you to bed, in which also, after he had most devoutly commended himself unto Almighty God, he took some • 〈◊〉 rest. After which time he spake not many words, 〈…〉 failing, though his memory and understanding 〈…〉 and so about seven a clock at night he rendered 〈…〉 most quiet and peaceable manner An▪ Christi 1619. Some of his private meditations were these.

Now my soul be glad; for at all parts of this prison the Lord hath set to his Pioners to loose thee: Head, feet, milt, and liver are fast failing; yea, the middle strength of the whole body, the stomach, is weakened long ago. Arise, make ready, shake off thy fetters, mount up from the body, and go thy way.

I saw not my children when they were in the womb, yet there the Lord fed them without my knowledge; I shall not see them when I go out of the body, yet shall they not want a Father. Death is somewhat drierie, and the streams of that Jordan between us and our Canaan run furiously, but they stand still when the Ark comes. Let your Anchor be cast within the veil, and fastened on the Rock Jesus. Let the end of the threefold cord be buckled to the heart, so shall ye go thorough.

His Works are bound up together in one volume.

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A. WILLET

The Life of Andrew Willet, who died A ^no Christi 1621.

ANdrew Willet was born in Eli in Cambridgshire Anno Christi 1562. His Father was a Minister, who carefully brought him up in the School of that City, where by his extraordinary pa • ns and diligence he profited so much, that at fourteen years old he went to Cambridge, and was admitted into Peter -house; yet not long after was transplanted to Christ 's Collegde, where Doctor Downham, and Master William Perkins were of his own standing. There he applied himself so seriously to his studies, that in short time he gained a good measure of knowledge in the learned tongues, and Arts; yea he attained to such a measure of perfection therein, that at twenty two years old he published his book, De animae natura, & viribus, wherein he did Philosophically Theologize in five subtle, and abstrase questions. About that time also he was made Minister, and began sometimes to Preach, being furnished with Piety, Learning, and Gravity beyond his years: Insomuch as an accident befalling a Proctor of that College, he suddenly undertook his place at the Commencement, and so well, and dexterously perf • rmed it, that thereby he gained the applause, yea the admiration of all his Auditors.

Having thus spent thirteen years in the University, by the favor of Queen Elizabeth, he was made a Prebend in Eli, where also he married a Wife, by whom he had eleven sons, and seven daughters. But his Wife being a careful yoke-fellow, his household affairs troubled him not, so that he pursued his old course of study, which was his delight, and of which he never was weary: His man: was to rise early in a morning, and to get half way on his journey ere others could set out. At the hour of Prayer he came down, and took his Wife and Family with him to Church, where he had public Prayers, to the great comfort of his Parishioners: Prayers being ended, he returned to his study till near dinner time, when his man • was to recreate himself either upon a little Organ, which he had in his house, singing to it; or sporting with his young Children: Sometimes also he would cleave wood for his health-sake. At his meals he used pleasant discourse, seasoned with some profitable application: After dinner he used to sit and discourse a while, or walk abroad, and then to his study again, so that (without extraordinary avocations) he spent eight hours a day in his study: By which means he read over the Fathers, Councils, Ecclesiastic Histories, a great part of the Civil and Canon Law: Polemick Controversies between Rome and us; and most Commentaries upon the holy Scriptures; in his papers he had couched the whole substance of his reading: So that he might say,

He improved his Talent for the public good, so that every year he either published a new book, or reprinted some old, with a new Edition. He is one of those concerning whom Doctor Hall saith, Stupor mundi clerus Britannicus: The English Clergy is the Worlds wonder. In his younger time he preached the Lecture for three years together in the Cathedral Church of Eli: And for one year in Saint Paul 's at London, in both with a most singular approbation of a frequent Auditory. Sometimes he preached in Cambridge, and therein discovered himself the man, quem rus non infuscavit, whom the Country had not stained. When he was once called to a Pastoral charge at Burley in Herfordshire, he was always constant in Preaching, instructing his people in a plain familiar way, applying himself to their capacity. He would also sometimes sharpen his style, and cut them up roundly for their sin: But when he spake words of Consolation, he was wholly composed of Sweetness: In denunciations of Judgments, he would put on the bowels of compassion, and the spirit of meekness, sugaring every bitter pill that it might go down more pleasantly. His very presence was powerful and persuasive (mildness mixed with gravity sitting in his countenance) insomuch as one word from him was able to effect more then thousands from some others. But especially his godly conversation, exemplifying what he gave in charge out of God's Word, did most of all convince his people's judgments, and subdue their affections to obedience, so that the Lord blessed his labors much to them.

His house was a little model of a Church, and house of God: Here morning and evening sacrifices were offered to God daily: His children after supper read some part of holy Scripture, and he required of everyone present, that they should remember some sentence or other, and afterwards he would repeat the same, adding some exposition, and sometimes something of application to them: Yea he made himself an exact pattern and example to all his family.

His Charity will eminently appear, if we consider quantum ex quantillo, how much out of how little means he freely gave to the poor and needy. He maintained two of his near A • lies (being fallen into want) many years at his own table; and maintained, for the most part, a son of either of them at the University; and though his many children might have restrained his bounty; yet he was of Cyprian 's mind, The more children, the more charity. He gave a dole of bread to the poor, on the Coronation and Powder-treason days: At Christmas he gave Corn to some, money to others, and to the rest of his neighbors liberal and loving entertainment. In the Harvest he would say to the poor, as Boaz did to Ruth, Go not to glean in another field, &c. And when at any time himself came into the field, he would scatter of his heaps with a full hand; so that the poor would be ready to leap for joy at his coming.

When he set any on work, he paid freely, and speedily: When the poor bought corn of him, they were sure to gain both in price and measure; and yet as Wels drawn spring more freely, so his substance increased with his bounty. He took much pains in composing the differences amongst his neighbors. He was especially careful to do good to poor Ministers, his fellow-laborers. Some that lived near him tasted of his bounty oft, to whom he sent Wheat, or Malt, in no scant proportion.

He was much given to Hospitality, and Strangers out of other Nations, hearing his fame, resorted to him for his acquaintance.

About December, Anno Christi 1621, having been at London, as he was returning home, his horse by the way stumbling, threw him down, & in the fall brake his leg, but being holpen up, he rode to a town called Hodsdon, where in an Inn, he sent for a Bonesetter, by whom, after his leg was set, he was directed to keep his bed ten days, which he willingly submitted to. As he lay he employed one of his sons who waited on him, to write from his mouth some heavenly meditations upon the song of Hezekiah, when he had been sick, and recovered of his sickness, Isaiah, 38, especially upon the 9, 10, 13, and 15 verses. Thus he continued to the tenth of December, when early in the morning, being awakened by the tolling of a passing bell (which probably occasioned in him a strong apprehension of his own approaching death) he fell into a discourse with his wife (who lay in the chamber by him since that accident first befell him) concerning death, and our blessed hopes expected after death: And amongst other things, touching the mutual knowledge that the Saints have one of another in glory: Which comfortable discourse being ended, they began to sing an Hymn (of his own composing) giving thanks to God for their rest that night, and praying for a blessing upon them and theirs in the day ensuing: And then having repeated one verse of the 146 Psalm, he presently brake out into these words, Oh this a most sweet psalm; and so went on, but pausing at the end of every staff, he delivered a short Paraphrase upon it; and coming to these words, ver. 7, 8. And loose the fetters strong; and the lame to limbs restore; he applied both to himself, calling the splints upon his leg his fetters, and comforting himself with this, that God would restore him from his lameness; but having occasion for some ease to stir himself, he suddenly fetched a deep groan, and so fell into a trance: His wife crying out, and some coming in, they used means, and he began to rouse himself a little, and to look about: And uttered these his last words; Let me alone, I shall do well: Lord Jesus —and so gave up his soul to God, Anno Christi 1621, and of his age 59:

His Works are, Synopsis Papismi. A sixfold Commentary upon Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Samuel 1 & 2, Daniel. Romans. Ecclesia triumphans, Thesaurus Ecclesiae. A Comment upon the Epistle of Jude. The Protestants Diet.

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D. PAREVS

The Life of David Pareus, who died A ^no Christi 1622.

DAvid Pareus was born in Silesia, Anno Christi 1548. His Parents were Citizens of good rank; when he was about three years old, he fell sick of the small pox, whereof he was like to die, and though it pleased God that he recovered, yet he had thereby a blemish in one of his eyes, which continued so long as he lived. About that time his mother died.

When he grew up to riper years, his Father, perceiving a natural promptness in him to learning, set him to School in his own City, where one of his Masters was very rigid, and severe in his carriage unto him, and there he learned Grammar, Music, and Arithmatick: But when he was fourteen years old (by the instigation of his step-mother) his father placed him with an Apothecary at Uratislavia; which course of life he could not well relish, and therefore after a months stay, he returned home again, which his step mother was much offended with, yet his tender father resolved to keep him at school, and when he disliked the severity of his former Master, he sent him to Hirschberg, to one Christopher Schillingus, who was much affected with his ingenuity and towardliness. The chief Magistrate also of that City took a great liking to him, for some verses which he made at his sons Funeral, so that he gave him his diet in his family. When he had been there about two years, the Pastor of that place, who was a Lutheran, fell out with his Schoolmaster, for that, in Catechising of his scholars, he had taught them, that Christ's body being ascended into heaven was there to remain till his coming to judgment, and that in the Sacrament we feed upon it only spiritually by faith, &c. And his spleen was so great, that he would not be satisfied till he had driven him away from the City.

Pareus, having to his great grief lost his Master, returned home; yet neither there was he in quiet, some talebearers suggesting to his father, that his Schoolmaster had infected him with his errors, and so far they prevailed, that his father intended to disinherit him. Hereupon Pareus resolved to go into the Palatinate, which his father much disliked, & sought by all means to hinder; yet at last, through God's mercy, by importunity, he got his fathers consent, who sent him away with little money in his purse.

Thus forsaking his friends and fathers house, he went to Hirschberg, where he met with his Master, and some of his School-fellows, and so they travelled together towards the Palatinate, through Bohemia. By the way, his money failing, he went to a Monastery to beg an Alms, and the Abbot pitying him, relieved him. Going from thence to another Monastery, he met with an ignorant Friar, and asking an Alms of him in Latin, he returned this answer; Nos pauperifratres, nos nihil habemus; an piscimus, an caro, an panis, an misoricordia habemus. Yet at length it pleased God to bring them safely to Amberg in the upper Palatinate. There his Schoolmaster stayed, and sent Pareus, with ten more of his Scholars, to Heidelberg, where they were admitted into the College of Sapience: There he was a diligent hearer of Ursin, Boquin, Tremellius, Zanchi, and the other Professors, under whom he profited both in the Arts and Tongues to admiration. Then he betook himself to the study of Divinity, and having fitted himself for the work of the Ministry, he was chosen by the Elector to preach in a village within his jurisdiction, which he was then about to reform.

Not long after he was called back to Heidelberg, and made a Public-Lecturer, where he continued till the death of Frederick the third, and then by the Heterodox party, he with the other Professors was driven from thence; but most of them were entertained by Prince Casimire, who erected a University at Neostade, appointing Ursin, Zanchi, Tossan, Junius, Pisca • or, and others to be the Professors in it. He appointed also a Synod therein, to consider how to provide for the other exiles. Tossan was chosen Moderator, and Pareus the Scribe of it.

In that Synod Pareus gat leave to go visit his country and friends, and so in three weeks space came safely to them, where he was received with much joy, and at the request of the Senate, he preached the Sabbath following upon John 3. 16. And that with great applause, and general approbation. His Father also was so well pleased with him, that presently after the Sermon, he cancelled the writing whereby he had disinherited him. The Senate also desired him to undertake a Pastoral charge in that place; but he chose rather to return into the Palatinate again; and coming to Neostad, he was appointed to preach in a village hard by, where he continued til Prince Casimire (as Guardian to the young Prince Elector Palatine ) sent for him to be a Preacher in the great Church in Heidelberg, and not long after he was made Master of the College of Sapience in that University.

Anno Christi 1587 according to the Statutes of the College he Commenced Master of Arts, and a fterwards, by the persuasion of his friends, Doctor of Divinity also.

Anno Christi 1594 at a Convention of States at Ratisbone, the Divines of the Palatinate were accused by the Lutherans, as holding opinions neither consonant to the Scriptures, Augustine Confession, nor to their own Catechi • m. But Pareus, at he appointment of the Palatine, easily wiped off those aspersions, and vindicated the innocence of them.

Anno Christi 1596 there brake forth a great Plague in the University of Heidelberg, whereof the learned James Kimedontius (Pareus his intimate friend) died, and some other Professors also; and the Students by reason of it were driven away, yet Pareus stayed, and it pleased God to preserve his College free from the infection.

Not long after he was chosen Professor of the Old Testament in the room of Kimedontius, and presently after Rector of the whole University.

Anno Christi 1596 he was extremely troubled with a Catarrh, insomuch as he despaired of life, yet it pleased God after a while to restore him.

Anno Christi 1602, upon the death of Daniel Tossan, he was made Professor of the New Testament; and grew so famous, that many resorted out of Hungary, Borussia, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Germany to see, and hear him.

Anno Christi 1615 his Wife sicken'd, and died, which was a great grief to him.

An Chr. 1618, the Low-Countries being exceedingly endangered by the growth of Arminianism, the States appointed a Synod at Dort, for the curing of that disease; and amongst other famous Divines, Pareus was chosen by the Elector Palatine to go to it, but he being grown very old, and infirm, desired to be excused, and so Paul Tossan was sent in his room.

February the second, Anno Christi 1620, as Pareus was coming out of his study, the steps being slippery with the frost, his foot slipped, and he fell down sixteen steps, and yet it pleased God by a wonderful providence, that • he light upon his feet, and received no hurt by the fall; which made him think of that promise Psal. 91, He will give his Angels charge over thee, &c. By his Doctrine, and Counsel he was admirably advantageous to the Church of God in many places. He strongly asserted the truth of God against its adversaries. He was a great studier, and promoter of the Churches peace; laboring that they which agree in the Fundamentals, should not jar about matters of an inferior nature. He wrote many excellent Works, whereof some were printed by himself, others remained with his son Philip Pareus, who hath since published them to the great benefit of the Church.

About that time the Spaniards came into the Palatinate with their Army, which brought great miseries upon that poor Country, which Pareus foresaw, both by Prodigies and Dreams. Then did his friends both in Heidelberg and other places, persuade him to retire himself to some other place of safety; to whom he yielded, that so he might not fall into the hands of those bloody Papists, whom he had irritated by his writings against them. At his departure, he cried out, O Heidelberg! O Heidelberg! but it's better to fall into the hands of God, then of men, whose tender mercies are cruelty. He went to Anvilla where he spent his time in Prayer, Study, and Meditation, waiting, and longing for the time of his change. There also he wrote his Corpus Doctrinae, which when he had finished, he said, Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace because he hath finished that which he desired. Presently after he felt his strength much to decay, and he fell into a Feaver; and finding that the air in that place agreed not with him, he went thence to Neapolis; earnestly begging of God, that if it were his holy will, he might yet return to Heidelberg, and lay his bones there. He made his Will also, finding his former Catarrh to return upon him again; yet, through God's mercy, and by the help of Physicians, he recovered, whereupon he resolved to go to Heidelberg, and taking his Grand-son, young Daniel Pareus with him, whom he loved dearly, he came safely to Heidelberg, where he was received with wonderful acclamations of joy; about which time Prince Frederick came thither also from his Exile; and the Sabbath following they received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper together with much comfort: But three days after, his former disease returning, he was sensible of his approaching death. The Professors, and Ministers resorted to him, much bewailing their own loss, amongst whom was Henry Alting, to whom he freely opened his mind both concerning God's house, and his own, and presently after quietly departed in the Lord, Anno Christi 1622, and of his age 73.

His Works are bound up together in three volumes.

The Life of Thomas Erpenius, who died A ^no Christi 1624.

THomas Erpenius was born at G • rcome in the Low Countries, Anno Christi 1584, of honest Parents. In his childhood he was bred in the School of Leiden, and admitted into that University at eighteen years old, and in the twenty fifth year of his age, he commenced Master of Arts. Then he fell to the studies of Divinity, and of the Oriental Languages under Joseph Scaliger, who, observing his ingenuity, and promptness, often foretold what an eminent man he would prove in time to come.

From thence he travelled into England, France, Italy, and Germany, in which peregrinations he profited exceedingly both in learning, and prudence. At Paris he became intimately acquainted with Isaac Causabon, and went with him to Samure, where he fell hard to the study of Arabic, and profited so exceedingly therein, that Causabone had him in great admiration, and estimation for the same: From thence he went to Venice, where by the help of some learned Jews and T • rks, he learned the Turkish, Persian, and Ethiopic language • , whereby he gat so great esteem in Italy that he was proffered a Pension of five hundred Duckats by the year to employ himself in the version of some Arabic books into Latin. He spent four years in travel, and was famous every where for his learning. At Paris, and some other places he bought many Arabic books, and so returned to Leiden Anno Christi 1612. About which time there was a purpose to have called him into England, and to have allowed him an honorable stipend, but the year after he was chosen Professor of the Oriental languages in Leiden; and presently after he set up (though with extraordinary charges) a Press for those Languages, whereby he published many ancient Monuments both of his own, and other men's.

Anno Christi 1616 he married a Wife, by whom he left three children surviving him.

Anno Christi 1619 he was made Professo • of the Hebrew also, and though he had so many, and great employments, yet he went through each of them with so great exactness, as if he had nothing else to attend upon.

Anno Christi 1620, he was sent by the Prince of Orange, and the States of Holland into France, to procure Peter Moulin, or Andrew Rivet to come to Leiden to be the Divinity Professor, and though he prevailed not at that journey, yet they sent him again the year after to Andr. Rivet, and the French-Church to obtain of them their consents for his coming, which business he transacted with so great prudence, that he brought Andrew Rivet along with him to Leiden Erpenius his fame was so great, that the King of Spain wrote to him, making him exceeding great promises if he would come into Spain, to interpret some ancient writings, which never man yet could do. The King of Morocco also did so exceedingly admire the purity of his Arabic style in some of his Epistles, that he shown them to his Nobles, and other learned men, as some great Miracle. He was also highly esteemed of by the Prince of Orange, and the States of Holland, who often made use of his labors in translating the letters which they received from Princes in Asia, and Africa out of Arabic, or other Languages: But whilst he was thus busily employed in public, and private, it pleased God that he fell sick of the Plague, whereof he died, Anno Christi 1624, and of his age forty.

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A. SCVLTETVS

The Life of Abraham Scultetus, who died A ^no Christi 1624.

ABraham Scultetus was born at Grunberg in Silesia, Anno Christi 1566. His Parents were of good rank, who carefully brought him up at School, where he profited exceedingly; and Anno Christi 1582 he went to Uratislavia, where he had for his fellow-Students Pitiscus, Polanus, and Pelargus, men who after proved eminent in the Church of God: Having studied there some time, he went thence to Freistade to hear Melancthon, Buc • lzer, and some others: But his active spirit could not long be contained within the bounds of his own country, and therefore being assisted by the bounty of a Noble Knight, he went to Wittenburg, and from thence to Dessavia, to acquaint himself with Peter Martyr, and Caspar Pucer.

Anno Christi 1590 he went to Heidelberg, where he heard D • niel Tossan, and Francis Junius: There also he read Lectures of Logic, Oratory, and Astronomy to divers young Noblemen, and the year after Commenced Master of Arts. Then he betook himself to the study of Divinity, thereby to fit himself for the Ministry, which from his childhood he had devoted himself to: And preaching before the Elector Palatine, he so flowed with eloquence and sweetness of speech, that the Prince, and all his Courtiers were much delighted in him; which caused the Elector to make him Visitor both of the Schools and Churches: Yea many other Princes made use of his help in reforming their Churches in Juliers: Brandenburg, and Hannovia: He was also sent to the Synod of Dort.

Anno Christi 1612 the Prince Elector Palatine took him into England with him, where he was much esteemed, and respected by King James, and other learned men. At his retu • n to Heidelberg he was made Professor in the University, and Doctor in Divinity Anno Christi 1618: But about that time, grievous Wars breaking forth (the miseries whereof were dispersed afterwards over all Germany ) he was forced to leave Heidelberg, and travelled into Bohemia; yet there also he met with many afflictions, and dangers, so that having been long tossed up and down in several countries, the Lord at last provided him a quiet station at Embden, where he was chosen a Preacher of the Gospel: But being thus worn out with travels, sorrows, and pains in the work of the Ministry, he quietly there slept in the Lord, Anno Christi 1624, and of his age 58.

What admirable endowments he had, his works do sufficiently declare, especially his Medulla Patrum, which is so much esteemed by learned men.

The Life of John Piscator, who died A ^no Christi 1625.

JOhn Piscator was born at Strasbourg, Anno Christi 1546, at which time Germany was on fire with Civil Wars: Yet that hindered not, but he followed his studies very hard, and profited exceedingly in learning. When he came to the study of Logic, with great felicity he joined Ramus and Aristotle together: And afterwards having made a good progress in the study of Divinity, he was called to Herborn to be the Professor there, and his labors were so grateful to young Students, that many flocked thither out of Germany, France, Hungary, Poland, and other Northern Countries.

He wrote many things with great diligence, and labor, scarce affording any rest to himself. He translated the whole Bible with great pains, and faithfulness into the German Tongue; besides his Logical, and Theological Analysis of the greatest part of it. He died at Herborn Anno Christi 1625, and of his age 80.

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R BOLTON

The Life of Robert Bolton, who died A ^no Christi 1631.

RObert Bolton was born at Blackborn in Lancashire, Anno Christi 1572. His Parents finding in him a great promp • nesse to learning, though they had no great means, yet they intended him for a Scholar, the rather having an opportunity of a good Schoolmaster in the town, where he profited exceedingly, and at twenty years old he went to Lincoln College in Oxford, and was Master Randal 's Pupil (afterwards a famous Preacher) there in a short time (being well grounded before, and industrious) he became an excellent Logician, and Philosopher. But about that time his father dying, and his means failing, he took excessive pains, and wanting books, he borrowed of his Tutor, and others, read them over, and abridged them; and to perfect his knowledge in the Greek, he wrote out all Homer with intolerable pains, so that he could with as much facility dispute in the Schools in Greek, as in Latin, or English.

From thence he removed to Brasen-nose College, because the Fellowships in that house belonged to Lancashire, and Cheshire men; yet for want of acquaintance, he stayed long without a Fellowship, which made him to languish through want; but his deserts being known, Dr. Bret, and some others, together with some small stipends he had for his Lectures in that house, supported him, till he gat a Fellowship, about the thirtieth year of his age; then also he Commenced Master of Arts, and being chosen Lecturer, he performed it with such exactness, that he grew very famous. His Disputations in the University were performed with such acuteness of wit, and profound learning, that he was chosen by the Vice-chancellor (at King James his first coming to the University) to be one of the Disputants before him; and to read Natural Philosophy in the public Schools: He was also well studied in Metaphysics, Mathematics, and School Divinity; yet all this while he had nothing in him for Religion, he loved Stage-plays, Cards, Dice, was a horrible swearer, Sabbath-breaker, and boon-companion; he neither loved goodness, nor good men. Yet hearing the fame of Master Perkins, he went to Cambridge at a Cōmencement that he might hear him preach, and having heard him, said, That he was a barren empty fellow, and a passing mean Scholar; but when God changed his heart, he changed his tune, and said, That Master Perkins was as learned, and godly a Divine as our Church hath in many years enjoyed in so young a man.

He had familiar acquaintance with one Master Anderton, a good scholar, his countryman, and formerly his schoolfellow, but a strong Papist, yea a Priest; This man knowing Mr. Bolton 's good parts, and outward wants, took that advantage to persuade him to go over with him to the English Seminary at Rome, where he should be furnished with all necessaries, and have gold enough. This motion he accepted of, and a day, and place was appointed in Lancashire, to take shipping from thence, and be gone: Thither Mr. Bolton repaired at the time prefixed, but Anderton came not, whereby escaping that snare, he returned to Oxford, where he fell into acquaintance with Mr. Peacock, a learned and godly man, whereby it pleased God to bring him to repentance, but by such a way as the Lord seldom useth, but upon such strong vessels, as he intendeth for strong encounters, and rare employments, for the Lord ran upon him as a Gian, taking him by the neck, and shaking him to pieces, as he did • ob▪ beating him to the ground as he did P • ul, by laying before him the ugly visage of his su • , which lay so heavy upon him that he roared for anguish of heart; yea, it so affrighted him, that he rose sometimes out of his bed in the night, for very anguish of spirit; and to augment his spiritual misery. he was assaulted with foul temptations, Horribili 〈◊〉 Deo, te • ribilia de side, which Luther called colaphum Satanae This continued for many months, but God at last gave a b • essed issue, and these grievous pangs in his New-Birth produced two admirable effects in him: An invincible courage in the cause of God; and a singular dexterity in comforting afflicted spirits. Hereupon he resolved to enter into the Ministry, and was accordingly ordained the thirty fifth year of his age; and about two years after, the Parsonage of Broughton in Northamptonshire falling v • yd, Serjeant Nicols the P • tron, preferred him to it.

About the fortieth year of his age he married Mistress Anne Bois of an ancient family in Kent, and to her care committed the ordering of his outward estate, and applied himself wholly to his studies, and the work of the Ministry, and for twenty years together preached twice every Lord's day, and catechised; and on every Holyday, and Friday before the Sacrament, he expounded a Chapter, whereby he went over most of the Historical books of the Old, and New Testament; and therein prepared nothing for his people, but what might have se • ved a very learned Auditory.

In all his preaching, next after God's glor • , he • imed at the Conversion of souls, and God crowned his labors by making him an instrument to beget many sons, and daughters unto righteousness. He had an excellent Art in relieving afflicted consciences, so that he was sought to far, and near; yea divers that lived beyond sea desired his resolution in divers Cases of Conscience. Though in his preaching he was a son of Thunder, yet to those that mourned in spirit, he was a sweet son of Consolation, with a tender heart pouring the oil of mercy into their bleeding wounds. He had a singular skill in discovering Satan's sleights, and in battering down his Kingdom. In all his Sermons he used to discover the filthiness of sin, and to press hard upon the Conscience the duties of Sanctification; yea, he would spare none, great or small in their sins; yet in reproving sin, he never personated any man to put him to shame.

His life was so blameless that he could not justly be taxed by any, of any scandalous sin. He prayed constantly six times a day; twice with his family, twice with his wife, and twice in secret. He kept many days of private humiliation; always before the Sacrament, and upon the occasions of the miseries of the Church at home, and abroad, which he performed with much ardency of spirit; and being advised by Physicians, for his healths sake, to break off the strong intentions of his studies, he rejected their counsel, accounting it greater riches to enjoy Christ, by those fervent intentions of his mind, then to remit them for his healths sake.

He was of a comely presence, his countenance was so mixed with gravity, and austerity, that it commanded respect from others. He oft refused preferment, that he might not be divorced from that Country where his Ministry found such entertainment, and effect. He was universally bountiful; but especially he exceeded in those public distresses of Germany, France, Bohemia, &c. He always spent all the revenues of his living (which was of good value) in the maintenance of his Family, Hospitality, and Charity.

He fell sick of a Quartane Ague in September, Anno Christi 1631, whereupon finding his disease to get strength, and his vigor to grow weaker, he revised his Will, and then wholly retired himself from the world, and solaced his soul with the Meditation of the joys of heaven; and having compiled a discourse De quatuor Novissimis; of Death, Judgment, Hell, and Heaven; having preached over the three former, he told his people, that the next day he would preach of Heaven, but the Saturday before he fell so sick that he never preached after. Though his sickness was long and sharp, yet he bore it with admirable patience; often breathing forth these speeches, Oh when will this good hour come! when shall I be dissolved! when shall I be with Christ? Being told that it was better for the Church (if God would) for him to stay here, He answered, If I shall find favor in the eyes of God he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation, and if otherwise, lo here I am, let him do what seemeth good in his eyes, 2 Sam. 15. 25, 26. And being asked of another, if he could be content to live if God would grant it him; he said, I grant that life is a great blessing of God; neither will I neglect any means that may preserve it, and do heartily desire to submit to God's will, but of the two I infinitely more desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. To those that came to visit him in his sickness, he gave very godly, and wise exhortations. He thanked God for his wonderful mercy in pulling him out of hell, in sealing his Ministry by the Conversion of Souls, which he wholly ascribed to his glory. A week before his death he called for his Wife, and desired her to bear his Dissolution with a Christian Fortitude; and turning to his children, he told them, that they should not now expect that in regard of his weakness he should say any thing to them; he had formerly told them enough, and hoped they would remember it, and he verily believed that none of them durst think to meet him at the great Tribunal of Christ, in an unregenerate state. Some of his neighbors moved, that as he had in his Ministry discovered to them the exceeding comforts that were in Christ, so he would now tell them what he felt in his soul: Alas! said he; do you look for that now from me, that want breath and power to speak? I have told you enough in my Ministry; yet to satisfy you, I am, by the wonderful mercies of God, as full of comfort as my heart can hold, and feel nothing in my soul but Christ, with whom I heartily desire to be. Then seeing some weeping, he said, Oh what a deal ado there is before one can die? When the very pangs of Death were upon him, some of his dear friends coming to take their leave of him, he caused himself to be raised up, and after a few gapings for breath, he said to them, I am now drawing on a pace to my Dissolution; hold out Faith, and Patience, your work will quickly be at an end. Then shaking them by the hand, he desired them to make sure of heaven, and to remember what he had formerly taught them, protesting that it was the Truth of God, as he should answer it at the Tribunal of Christ, before whom he should shortly appear: and a dear friend taking him by the hand, ask him if he felt not much pain: Truly no (said he) the greatest I feel, is your cold hand; and then being laid down again, not long after he yielded up his spirit unto God, Anno Christi 1631, and of his age 60.

He was one of a thousand for Piety and Courage, which were so excellently mixed with wisdom, that they who imagined mischief against his Ministry, were never able by all their plottings to do him anymore hurt, then only to show their teeth.

He wrote a discourse of true happiness. Directions for a comfortable walking with God. Ins •• utions for comforting afflicted Consciences. A threefold Treatise, of the World, Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and Fasting, De quatuor novissimis.

[illustration]
W. WHATELIE

The Life of William Whately, who died A ^no Christi 1639.

WIlliam Whately was born at Banbury in Oxfordshire, Anno Christi 1583, of godly and religious Parents: His Father Master Thomas Whatelie was oft Major of that Town. His Mother Mistress Joyce Whately carefully bred him up in the knowledge of the Scriptures from a child. He was also trained up in learning in the best Schools in those parts, and being of a quick apprehension, a clear judgment, and a most happy memory; He profited so much both in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, that at fourteen years old he went to Christ's College in Cambridge. There he was an hard Student, and quickly became a good Logician, and Philosopher, a strong Disputant, and an excellent Orator. He studied also Poetry, and Mathematics. He was a constant hearer of Doctor Chaderton, and Master Perkins: And his Tutor calling his Pupills to an account what they had learned, when any was at a stand, he would say, Whately, what say you? And he would repeat as readily as if he had preached the Sermon himself.

Being Batechelor of Arts, his Father took him home, yet there also he followed his study. Afterwards he married a Wife, the Daughter of Master George Hunt, an eminent Preacher, who persuaded him to enter into the Ministry; and therefore going to Oxford, he Commenced Master of Arts, and presently after he was called to be a Lecturer at Banbury, which he performed with good approbation for four years, and then was called to the Pastoral charge there, in which place he continued until his death.

He was of a quick understanding, of a clear, and deep judgment, of a most firm memory; and of a lively spirit. He was naturally Eloquent, and had words at will: He was of an able body, and sound lungs, and of a strong and audible voice. And according to his matter in hand, he was a Boa • erges, a son of Thunder; and yet upon occasion, a Barnabas, a son of sweet Consolation; and which was the Crown of all, God gave him an heart, sincerely to seek his glory, and to aim at the saving of all their souls that heard him. His speech and praching was not in the enticing words of man's wisdom • but in the Demonstration of the Spirit and Power: He was an Apollos, eloquent, and mighty in the Scriptures, He catechized, and preached twice every Lord's day, and a weakly Lecture besides, yet what he preached was before well studied and premeditated.

He usually penned his Sermons at large; and if he had but so much time as to read over what he had written, and to gather it up into short heads, he was able to deliver it well near in the same words.

His Sermons were plain, yet very Scriptural, according to the Rules of Art, and right reason. He made use of his Grammar learning in Greek and Hebrew to examine his Text by: Then of Rhetoric to discover what forms of speech in his Text were genuine, and used in their proper signification, and what was elegantly clothed in Tropes and Figures that he might unfold them. Then by a Logical examining of the context, he searched out the true scope of the Holy Ghost in the words. His Doctrines which he insisted on were natural, not forced. These he first proved by Scriptures, then by other arguments, and reasons; and in his Applications, he either confirmed some profitable truth which might be questioned, or convinced men of some error, or reproved some vice, or exhorted to some duty, or resolved some doubt, or case of Conscience; or comforted such as needed consolation: And if his reproof, or exhortation needed pressing home upon the conscience, he would enlarge himself, by showing motives to urge the duty; or disswasives from the vice, taking his Arguments from duty to God, decency, or shamefulness, pleasure, or pain, gain or loss. Sometimes also he would show the effectual means of attaining the grace, or power to perform the duty exhorted to. As also the Remedies against Vices: And when he fell upon any Common place, or Head of Divinity, he used to prosecute it very judiciously, and profitably. So that by all this it appears that he made good use of his Learning, yet without affectation. He used to read Books most swiftly, and yet not cursorily; being able, when he had done, to give an account of the substance, and most remarkable passages of what he had read.

Though he preached often, yet what he preached was beforehand well studied, and premeditated. And it pleased God to put a Seal to his Ministry, in the converting, confirming, and building up many thousands in the course of his Ministry. He was a diligent visitor of the sick under his charge, without respect of persons. He was a great Peace-maker amongst any of his flock that were at variance. He had an heavenly gift in prayer, both for aptness, and fullness of Confessions, Petitions, Supplications, Intercessions, and Praises, together with fervency of spirit to pour them out to God in the name of Christ.

When he had read a Psalm, or Chapter in his Family, in his Prayer he would discover the scope, meaning, and chief notes of observation, and their use, so that his Prayer was an excellent Commentary thereupon; and this, not only in the plainer, but • n the harder Texts of Scripture also. In his prayers also after Sermon he could collect into a short sum all that he had delivered to his hearers, and make it the matter of his prayer unto God, that they might be inwardly taught of God, and become believers and doers of what was taught them.

His constant practice was, besides Family-prayer twice a day, and sometimes catechizing, to pray also with his Wife, and alone, both morning and evening.

He set a part private days of Humiliation for his Family upon special occasions, and oft for their preparation to the Lord's Supper; at which times he would exceed himself in pouring out his soul to God with many tears. He was much in days of private fasting, and humbling himself alone before God, which impaired his health, but made much for the health of his soul. He was very able, and very ready to confer with, and to resolve the doubts of such as came to him. He bare such a tender love to that great people over which God had set him, that, though his means was small, and he had many offers of great preferment in the Church, yet he would not leave them. He was daily inquisitive after the affairs of God's Church, and sympathized with God's people both in their weal and woe. He was much grieved when he saw that difference in opinions bred strangeness amongst Christians, that agreed in the same Fundamental Truths. He was judiciously charitable to such as shown the power of Godliness in their lives, though they were not of his judgment in all things. He was glad when any of the righteous smote him, and would take it well, not from his Superiors only, but from his Equals, and far Inferiors; and would really show more testimonies of his love to such afterwards then ever he did before. He abounded in works of Mercy, he was a truly liberal man, one that studied liberal things, seeking out to find objects of his mercy, rather then staying till they were offered: He did set apart, and expend for many years together for good uses the tenth part of his yearly comings in, both out of his Temporal, and Ecclesiastical means of maintenance. He entertained some poor Widows, or nece •• itous persons, weekly at the least, at his Table; and his estate prospered the better after he took this course; and in his sickness he comforted himself with that promise, Psal. 41. 1, 2. Blessed is he that considereth the poor, the Lor • will deliver him in the time of trouble, the Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing, &c.

The truth of grace in his heart was discovered by nothing more then by his slips and strong temptations: For hereby he was made more watchful over himself, more humble, and more to loath his original corruption, and sinful nature; and so to cry out with the Apostle, O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Yea this made him more earnest in his prayers unto God, and more pitiful unto others: And he was always the first espier of his own faults when the world could not, or did not take notice of them, enjoying no rest in himself till he had sought, and regained pardon, and peace with God.

His last days were his best days, for then he grew exceedingly in humility, and in heavenly-mindedness. And a good while before his latter end, God gave him victory over his greatest corruptions, which for a long time kept him in continual exercise. About eight weeks before his death, he was much troubled with a cough, and shortness of breath, which much weakened him, yet he preached divers times, till his increasing weakness disabled him. In his sickness he gave heavenly and wholesome counsel to his people, neighbors, and friends that came to visit him, exhorting them to labor to redeem the time, to be much in reading, hearing, and meditating upon the word of God, much in prayer, brotherly love, and communion of Saints, and that they would be careful to hold that fast that he had taught them out of the Word of Truth, and that wai • st the means of salvation was to be had, they would neither spare pains nor cost to enjoy it.

His pains towards his end were very great, yet he bore them patiently. He was much in ejaculations, and lifting up his heart to God in behalf of the Church and State, and for himself also, wherein he was most frequent and earnest. A little before his death, a godly friend and Minister praying with him, that if his time were not expired, God would be pleased to restore him for the good of his Church, or, if otherwise, that he would put an end to his pains, if he saw good; he lifting up his eyes steadfastly towards heaven, and one of his hands, in the close of that prayer gave up the Ghost, shutting his eyes himself, as if he were fallen into a sweet sleep, Anno 1639, and of his Age 56.

God took him away a little before the Civil Wars began, and before the sad desolations that fell upon the Town of Banbury in particular.

He wrote Prototypes. God Husbandry. A Treatise of the New Birth. The Redemption of time. A Care cloth. The Bride bush, &c.

The Life of Anthony Walaeus, who died Anno Christi 1639.

ANthony Walaeus was descended of the ancient family de Wale in the City of Gaunt, where his Predecessors had born sundry offices from the year 1345 to that present time; his Father was James Walaeus, who was brought up in the Family of Count Egmond, who lost his head by the Spanish tyranny. His Mother was Margaret Wagenaer, a beautiful and pious Matron, of an illustrious Family, and powerful Kindred. Our Anthony was born Octob. 3. Anno Chr. 1573, in the City of Gaunt, just at the same time when the Duke de Alva (after all his cruelties exercised in the Low Countries ) returned into Spain.

His Mother in his childhood was very careful to train him up in the Rudiments of piety, and good manners, and his Father was as careful to give him liberal education: For which end, when he could read, and write reasonable well, at eight years old he committed him to the care of Titus ab Edingen, a Minister, to be taught the Latin tongue. The boy was very beautiful, of a ruddy color, of a sweet, and pleasing conversation, and therefore his Master loved him above all his other Scholars.

Not long after this Titus of Edingen was called into Holland to be Minister at Saint Hildegond near to Harlem, whereupon our Anthony was necessitated to return to his parents at Gaunt, and was by his Father committed to the care of Samuel Lansberg, a Minister in that City, to be by him further instructed in the Latin tongue.

About this time the City of Gaunt was full of factions, and divisions, so that his Father (for favoring the Prince of Orange ) was clapt up in prison; whereupon our Anthony returned home to his Mother, and by his prompt obedience, sweet manners, & childish blandishments, was a great comfort to her during the time of her husbands close imprisonment: But at last his Father was set free, who considering the troublesome state of the City, and not knowing what might be the issue, sent away all his most precious moveables to Delph in Holland.

Shortly after Gaunt was besieged by the Prince of Parma, which being foreseen by Jam. Walaeus, he had made such provision before hand, that he lived quietly, and comfortably during all the siege: But at last the City was to be surrendered upon Articles, amongst which this was one, that six such Citizens should be delivered up to the Prince, as he should nominate; James Walaeus, upon good grounds, suspecting that he should be one of the six, a few days before the surrender, privately stole out of the City, and went to Walochrta: His Wife Margaret staying at Gaunt to dispose of her goods, was so vexed, and abused by the Citizens, that she resolved rather to leave part of them, and go her ways, then to stay there any longer; and because all were forbidden to depart from the City, taking her son Anthony, who was now ten years old, and her two daughtets, they stole away in the night, and went on foot to Philippine. And shortly after not only the Citizens of Gaunt, but of all the neighbouring places did so molest, and abuse the Protestants, that they forced them to leave their habitations, and to seek for refuge in other Countries, most of which went into Zealand, which of all other places shown the most humanity, bounty, and hospitality to these p • o • exiles. Yet lest under pretence of flight the enemies should mingle themselves amongst the Protestants, and so make some ate • pt upon the Isles of Zealand, the Zelander • sent some ships of War to Philippine under the conduct of James Walaeus, with a special charge that none should be brought out of Flanders into Zealand, but such as he should approve of.

In the mean time Margaret, and our Anthony went to Delph in Holland, to fetch away their goods which formerly were sent thither; but their friend to whom they had sent them, denied that great part of them ever came to his hands, and they wanting sufficient proof, were fain to take such as he acknowledged, and so they returned to Middleborough.

James Walaeus had so well demeaned himself in the aforementioned employment, that the President of Zealand, who had formerly known him at Gaunt, committed to his care the custody of the Magazine for Provision, and Ammunition; and because he would not wholly trust his servants in so weighty a business, he employed his son Anthony to have an oversight of them, who, though he was but 11. years old, yet was serious and prudent above his Age. His place was to see such things as his Father bought, laid up the Public Granary and Armory; as also to see them delivered out and divided to the several Cities as he was appointed, and to acquaint his Father where there was any want: And thus he was employed for two years, at the end whereof his Father resolved to settle him with his Mother at Middleborough, that he might be fitted for some honest course of life▪ But having lost much of his Estate by his Exile, and his Family being increased by the birth of two sons, he durst not think of training him up in Learning, as formerly he had determined: wherefore that he might be fitter for any future employment, he placed him with Jodocus Larenus, a Public Notary, a man of much experience, of a great judgment, and of unspotted honesty, with whom by his daily practice he attained to much swiftness in writing: and as things were related to him, he could readily apprehend, fitly word them, and draw them into a public instrument in good order: which some Merchants taking notice of, each of them strove to get him into his Family, proffering him good pay for his pains: But our Anthony being not yet resolved what course of life to follow, continued three years with Larenus. At the end whereof lying one night with his Father on the straw, he had a sudden instinct that God had designed him for the Work of the Ministry, and these thoughts did so follow him night and day wheresoever, and about whatsoever he was, that he could not blot them out of his memory. Hereupon at last he resolved to dedicate himself to his studies; and having gotten leave of his Father, he went to the Grammar School in Middleborough, the chief Master whereof was James Gruter, a painful man, and well versed both in Greek and Latin: He had also for his assistant John Murdison, who was an acute and solid Philosopher. This Murdison lived with Gruter, who being desirous to find out the ingenie of our Anthony, he placed him at Gruters Table; yet least he should be drawn aside by rude lads, his Parents would have him daily to come home to supper.

With these Masters he lived six years, and profited so much under them that he could make elegant Verses, and pronounce Orations publicly, which Gruter thought fit both for his own and his Scholars credit to publish in Print: Neither did he profit less in the Greek Tongue, so that he made excellent Greek Verses which also were printed: He laid solid foundations also of Philosophy, so that his Masters caused him to keep public Disputations about sundry controversies in Philosophy: He was so studious, that that time which other boys spent in play, he refreshed himself by variety of studies.

His Masters now finding him fit, resolved to send him to the University, where he might better be instructed in the Arts then he could be in that School. For which end he went to Leiden in April, Anno Christi 1596. and sojourned in the house of Thomas Spranckhusius, Minister of Leiden: and presently began to consider how he might best employ himself for the advancement of his studies, whereas other boys used to spend the first year in looking about them: And he resolved to go on in this method: First to perfect his knowledge in the Tongues, then of Philosophy, and at last to proceed to the study of Divinity: And that he might perfect his skill in the Greek, he resolved to read over the Poets, who best express the genius of the Language, and amongst them he made choice of Homer, because he useth every Dialect, his speech flows pleasingly, and he makes his Reader more wise: and that he might better pierce into the profundity of that Language, upon every occasion he consults with Joseph Scaliger, a man of stupendous Learning, to whom Walaeus was always very dear, and he was much delighted with his wit.

Afterwards from Greek he proceeded to the study of Hebrew, wherein he was assisted by Francis Rapbelingius, a very courteous man: but he shortly after dying, and Francis Junius being chosen into his room, our Walaeus profited so much under him, that he could understand the Books of the Old Testament without an Interpreter: He proceeded not to the study of the Rabbins, because he judged that they that bestow much time in the study of the Tongues, are very seldom good Artists. For man's mind cannot contain all things: the knowledge of the Tongues will take up the whole man: and therefore our Walaeus whilst he studied the Languages laid aside all other studies; only sometimes for recreation-sake he would read over some old Latin Authors, Historians, Poets, and Orators.

When he was well furnished with the Tongues, he went to the study of Philosophy; but finding that Leiden at that time was not well furnished with Philosophers, he attended the Lectures of Raph Snel, the Mathematick Professor, under whom he learned Geometry, Astronomy, and the Opticks, which proved very useful to his future studies. In his study of Logic he made use of Keckerman, to whom he added Zabarel, Monlor, and some others: In Physicks he used Tolet, Zabarel, Picholhomini: In Ethics he was most taken with Accioalus: yet he read Picholhomini, Magirus, Muret, Quarsius Metaphysics: He read over also Thomas and Scotus, after which he proceeded to Plato and Aristotle, whom he read in their own Language wherein they are most perfect. To these he added Plotinus, Ficinus, Simplicius, Aphrodisaeus, and Averrhoes: And in these studies he could the better proceed without help, because he had been well grounded in all the parts of Philosophy by his Master Murdison; and indeed he made such a progress therein that he exceeded all his contemporaries, so that in his Disputations he often gravelled the Moderators themselves: For he was prompt and subtle in Invention, clear in Explication, and sharp in pressing home his Arguments.

The chiefest scope which he proposed to himself in the study of Philosophy was to further him in Divinity, and therefore judging it necessary to have the advice and assistance of some able Divine, with the good leave of Spranckhusius, he removed to the table of Francis Gomarus, hiring a chamber in the next house, till he could get a lodging in Gomarus his house, which fell out within some few months after.

At this time Francis Junius was made Professor of Divinity, a Divine of profound Learning, Grave, and of a deep Judgment: as also Luke Tralcatius, the Father, a solid Divine: and Francis Gomarus a man of much Learning and servant Piety: But Walaeus preferred Junius above all, and therefore endeavored to follow his example. Yet taking Gomarus his counsel, he did not begin his study of Divinity by reading Common places, least being led with other men's opinions, and thereby prepossessed with prejudice, he should be led aside from the Truth: But he first read the several forms of Concord of the reformed Churches, the Catechism of Heidelberg and the Belgic Confession of Faith, and so wholly betook himself to the reading of the sacred Scriptures, which he read with great attention and assiduity, getting the chiefest heads of Doctrine by heart: So that when he was old he could repeat without Book the Epistle to the Romans, the second to the Corinthians, to the Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians: But he read them all in the Originals, so that in his Sermons he was very ready in the words of Scripture.

Yet finding that by reading the Scripture alone, he could hardly comprehend in his mind the whole Body of Doctrine, being now well versed in the Scriptures, he betook himself to the Theological Institutions of Bucanus, that so he might at once see into the whole compendium of Divinity: yet did he not stay long upon a Compendium, but proceeded to the study of Calvin's Institutions, and Peter Martyrs Common places: yet was he best pleased with Martyr, because he handled the whole Doctrine plainly, discoursed largely of Controversies, and answered them solidly.

Whilst he was thus busied, Luke Tralcatius first, and after him Francis Gomarus began privately to read Common places, whom he resolved to hear, because in private they handled all thing more familiarly and largely then in public: yet especially he attended the public Lectures, because they were more accurate and learned; and if after the Lectures he doubted of anything, he repaired to them in private for further satisfaction.

When he had profited well in the study of Common places, he proceeded to the reading of Commentaries upon the Sacred Scriptures: and first be read over Piscators Analysis, whereby he might get the whole context of each part of Scripture into his mind: then for the sense of the Scripture he read Calvin, whom he used to call A Divine Interpreter. To whom in his reading of the New Testament he adjoined Beza: and in reading of the Old Testament, Mercer, and Arias Montanus, whereby he might attain to the knowledge of the Governments and Rites amongst the Jews, without the knowledge whereof it is impossible to attain to the sense of many texts of Scripture.

Walaeus having now read much, and heard long, began to prepare himself for action, and disputed publicly three times: De vera Theologia, De Mysterio Trinitatis, Et de Christi mediatoris Officio: By which Disputations he procured to himself much admiration: For being excellently versed in Philosophy, he answered to the terms appositly: and being very ready in the sacred Scriptures, he always closed up his answer with some suitable Tex • , which was very grateful to the hearers: He also sometimes preached in private, being directed therein by Luke Tralcatius, an Eloquent Preacher: and the first public Sermon which he preached was at Voorschoten, in a great concourse of people, who expected no ordinary thing from him. And so Walaeus was now judged fit by his Masters to enter into the Ministry: But though he abundantly satisfied others, yet could he not satisfy himself: whereupon he resolved before he undertook that great and difficult work, that he would consult with other learned men, and visit Forreign Universities, and see into the Government of other Churches, especially of Geneva and Helvetia, whence Reformation at first proceeded; and therefore getting one Apollonius Schot for his companion, who was the Consuls son of Middleborough, Anno Christi 1590. he sailed from Flushing into France, where he visited Roan, and some other Cities, and so came to Paris: In which City he made some stay, inquiring into the Government of France, and wondered that the King could exercise such an absolute Jurisdiction, and yet have so much love from his People. But especially he attended to their Philosophical and Thealogical Lectures, which yet he disliked, because they followed the Schoolmen so much, though contrary to the sacred Scripture's to sound Reason and Sense.

After some little stay here, he went to Orleans, Biturg, Lions, and Vienna: at which place he visited the Pastors, and found that through the commendations of Junius, he was better known there then he expected: For some of the Neighbor Churches much importuned his stay amongst them, proffering him a good stipend, and a Coadjutor if he would read Philosophy and Divinity amongst them: But Walaeus considering their propinquity to Geneva and Lausanna, thought that there was no great need of his employment there: besides he thought that amongst strangers he should be exposed to envy, where he could not have the assistance of his friends; and his desire was to have some such employment in his own Country, and therefore leaving them (his money beginning to fail him) he went to Gratianople, and so to Geneva.

At Geneva he sought out such a place to sojourn in where he might best advance his studies, and therefore made choice of Charles Parrots house, who was a Minister of the Word, and also Professor of Divinity. Whilst he abode there, his first care was to perfect himself in the French Tongue, which he attained to by converse with the Citizens, and reading French Writers, so that he many times preached in French.

At this time the Divinity Professors in Geneva were Theodore Beza, Anthony Faius, and Charles Perrot: Beza was now above 80 years old, and had given over reading: Fajus had good Learning, but was neither a good Expositor, nor quick Disputant. Perrot was very learned, and had more in him then he promised: yet each of these scarce read one Lecture in a week: therefore he spent most of his time in hearing Sermons, which were more frequent in Geneva then in other places: But above all he most admired Beza's Sermons, who though he was so old, yet excelled in vigor of Mind, profound Learning, sharp Judgment, and manlike Eloquence, for which the World much wondered at him. He profited also very much by their Friday -meetings, wherein one of the Ministers explained some texts of Scripture; and when he had done, the other Ministers (if it needed) either gave further explanations, restrictions, or emendations: only when it came to Beza's turn to begin, the other Ministers reverenced what he had said by their silence: He also profited exceedingly by his frequent conferences with Beza. His converse with Perrot, by how much it was more frequent and familiar, by so much the more grateful was it to him; for he did not endeavor so much to seem as to be truly godly and learned. He never held much correspondence by Letters with learned men, judging that course to tend more to ostentation then to edification.

He liked the Government of the Church of Geneva very well, where neither Wives nor Widows were shut up in their houses, but daily attended the public Prayers and Sermons: and where vices were not only punished, but the occasions of them taken away, by removing luxury and rigor.

At this time there lived a Divine in Geneva that excelled all the rest in the knowledge of the Hebrew; who persuaded Walaeus that he attained to his skill in a very short time by the Art of Memory; whereupon he applied himself to him, and in six weeks space learned by heart the whole Epitome of Pagnine, with such excellent success that thereby he was enabled well to interpret any place of the Holy Scriptures, and to give a fit reason of it: But for some reasons disliking this way of Learning, he laid it aside, and made little further use of it.

About this time Henry Steven died, and being in debt, his Books were publicly sold for a little to satisfy his Creditors, upon which occasion Walaeus bought a whole Library of Greek Authors, in reading whereof he much refreshed his mind after his more serious studies.

Not far from Geneva is the mountain of Jura, whose top is much above the clouds, whereupon Walaeus had a great desire to go to the top of it to see what was done in the other Region of the Air: Therefore joining to himself the company of Charles Perrot, the City Secretary, and a third friend, in the longest days in May, they went to the foot of this hill where they lodged all night: and very early next morning, two Shepherds leading them by the hands, they began to climb up the Mountain, and about noon began to enter into the middle Region of the Air, where they found it extreme cold, and the Mountain was covered with great hills of Ice, only on the South side some paths appeared, by which they ascended, and towards the Evening came to the top; which contained about ten Acres of land: the Precipice was so great that they were afraid to look down, but when they lay along upon the ground, from whence the Villages seemed no bigger then Walls, and other Mountains seemed like Molehils: In this top there was neither Ice or Snow: the air was very cold, yet thin and pure: And being all Musical, they began to sing, which sounded far more sweetly then in any part of the lower World.

At last as on one side they beheld France, and on the other side Italy, they observed vapors to ascend out of the Lake of Leman which stayed about the Mountain, then gathered together, and at last became a thick cloud, so that it wholly took away their sight of the Earth: and when night was come they began to descend, and after a while entered into the cloud, where they could wash their hands; and when they had passed this cloud, it was dissolved into rain, which wet them through, and so at last they came to the Shepherds coats, where they rested, and the night following came to the bottom of the Mountain; for they could not go so fast down as they went up.

Not long after Walaeus taking along with him Adrian Mammaker, who was afterwards President of Zealand, went to swim in the Lake of Leman; and as he was swimming he observed a stranger that was swimming a good way off, suddenly to sink, and ready to be drowned: whereupon (being very tenderhearted) he hasted to him, drew him out of the water, and carried him to the shore: by whom (after he was recovered) he understood that he was a Cobbler of Holland; who as he was swimming fell into this disaster.

After a while having attained his end for which he went to Geneva, he removed to Lausanna Anno Christi 1600. and finding nothing there that might occasion his stay, he went to Bern, from whence he went to Zurich, and Schaphusen, where he saw the Cataracts of the River Rheine, like to the Cataracts of Nile.

At Zurich the Magistrates being informed by their Ministers of the excellent Learning of Walaeus, to show their respects to him, invited him to a great Feast.

Whilst he was at Bern, he grew into familiar acquaintance with Zendererus the chief Praefect of the College, who gave him great hopes of preferment if he would stay there: but Walaeus having dispatched his business there, hasted to Basil, where James Grynaeus and Amandus Polanus were Professors of Divinity: Grynaeus was a very wary and prudent man, and of excellent Learning, but one that much addicted himself to Civil affairs, so that Basil seemed wholly to be governed at his discretion. He read History Lectures which he had brought down to his own time. Polanus was a very learned man, and at that time was reading upon the Doctrine of Predestination. But Walaeus mostly applied himself to the Lectures of John Buxtorf, who was Hebrew Professor, and was most skillful of the Genius of that Language, and in the Antiquities of the Jews: At this time he was expounding the Commentaries of the Rabbins upon the twelve minor Prophets.

Walaeus observing that he was often frustrated in his expectation, finding everything less then he hoped for, he resolved to adventure to do something publicly himself, which he rather chose to do abroad then at home, because in case there should be any miscarriage, it might not blemish his credit, nor hinder his future promotion. And he chose Basil to perform it in, because scarce in any other University were Students suffered to supply the place of Professors. Therefore to give them some taste of his Learning, he made some Verses and published them: He made also some Theses about the Providence of God, framed of Scripture phrases, concerning which he disputed publicly with Polanus: In which he did so orderly repeat, appositely answer, and solidly prove, that by the paw they might easily know the Lyon; whereupon he had the Professors chair allotted to him, out of it publicly to dispute himself, and to moderate at the Disputations of others: which also he frequently performed, in so much as when Polanus or Grynaeus had any other business, they presently had recourse to Walaeus to dispute in their rooms: whereby he procured so much love and esteem both from the Professors and Students, that when he went away, they would needs signify the same to the Belgic Churches under the Seal of their University.

Walaeus his course in his travels was this; In the Summer time he used to go through Countries, view Cities, Fields, Rivers, Mountains, and to inquire what in Nature or by Art was observable in them. In Winter time he fixed himself in some City, where he might promote his study of Divinity, and learn the Government of the Province: And accordingly having satisfied himself at B • sil, when the Spring came, he went to Strasbourg, Spire, and Heidelberg, at which place he considered whether it was better to make his abode that Summer, or to travel through Germany. The fame of that University persuaded him to the former, which was accounted equal with that of Leiden: But above all the Library of Manuscripts persuaded his stay there, into which he had free access by the courtesy of Janus Gruter his Countryman: There were also Professors of Divinity deservedly famous, viz. Daniel Tossanus, and David Pareus: the former interpreted the New Testament, who being grown old lived but a few months after: and Pareus Interpreted the Prophet Hosea, of which Scripture he had a little before heard Buxtorf. He observed also that the Government of the Palatinate was unfit for the Low-Countries: The power of Ecclesiastical affairs under the Prince was in the hand of eight Civil and eight Ecclesiastical Senators: These chose Ministers, placed them both in Cities and Villages, removed them from one place to another, and set bounds to all Theological Controversies: whereby they provided well to uphold the Authority of the Prince, and to preserve the Peace of the Church; but little to the comfort of souls, when many times they had Ministers imposed upon them against their liking, and always such as they had no knowledge of.

Leaving Heidelberg he went to Franckfurt upon Main, where he stayed awhile, and then went to Hessen, remaining awhile in the Lantgraves Court, who often conferred courteously with him, and so to Marpurg, and from thence to Brunswick and Bremen: And having thus travelled tbrough foreign Countries, he resolved to be no stranger in his own; wherefore from thence he went into Frisland, Gelderland, Vtrich, Overisle, and so at last came to Leiden to the house of Gomarus his old Host.

But before he settled himself to his study there, he went to Middleborough to visit his aged Parents, having been now three years from them, who received him with all the joy that might be: yet after a short stay he returned to Leiden, where he found the face of the University somewhat changed. For Joseph Scaliger would needs have the precedency of all the Professors: But all the Professors opposed him, because the place did indeed belong to Junius, and the States of Holland interposed their Authority; For though they esteemed well of Scaliger, yet they would not have Junius offended, nor others who were of more solid Learning, and more useful then himself; wherefore the place was conferred upon Junius, and instead of reading Hebrew Lectures, he was appointed to write against Bellarmine.

Walaeus now was not so diligent in attending Lectures as formerly: But weighed every part of Divinity, and observed how far he had pierced into the more abstruse parts of it, and where he was defective, he searches Authors, meditates, and by conference with Junius and Gomarus satisfies himself, and being weary of reading Modern Authors, wherein he found some things meanly handled, and othersome foolishly, and withal considering that they carried no Authority with them, he betook himself to the reading of the Ancient Fathers, especially Augustine, whom he found more nervous and quick in Disputing then the rest: And in the mean time he exercised himself in Preaching, sometimes in Leiden, and sometimes in the neighbor Villages, which he performed with such a grace, that he was called to a Pastoral charge in Leiden. This call being so unexpected, troubled him so much the more: He thought it a great honor to be at first called to a place in so eminent a City, where also he had the benefit of the University for the promoting of his Learning: But yet he judged it a very hard burden to govern a great Church who had not yet learned to govern a little one: Hereupon he betook himself by his ardent Prayers unto God for direction, and at last resolved to refer the business wholly to the judgment of his Parents: They, by Gomarus, returned thanks to the Presbytery, and make many excuses why he could not accept of the call: but the truth is, their principal reason was, because they would have their son (the staff of their old Age) nearer to them. And indeed they were not satisfied till leaving the University, he came home to them, which was in the Spring, Anno Christi 1602.

The whole course of his life from his childhood, both in the University, in his travels, and hitherto, had been very blameless, pious, modest, free from luxury and wantonness; and his care was that as he grew in years he might grow in goodness: he never minded trifles: yet was not his conversation austere and froward, but mild and pleasing. He was unwearyed in his studies, spending not only the days, but half the nights therein, that going cold to bed sometimes he rose out of it before he was well warm; so that once whilst he was at Leiden he fell into a Quartain Ague which held him fourteen months, which was accompanied with a Cough, notwithstanding which he would not desist from the course of his studies; whereby he contracted a weakness of stomach, accompanied with crudities and a stopping in his head, from which he was never free all his life after.

Being thus come to Middleborough, he submitted himself to Examination in order to his Ordination, and his Examiner was James Cornelii, one of the Ministers; but being inferior in Learning to Walaeus, not Walaeus but • ornelii was examined. After his Examination he was to Preach monthly before the Ministers, to make him more prompt and ready in it: he was also admitted to be weekly present at their Presbyteries, that he might be acquainted with their way of Government before he undertook it himself.

In all which Exercises and Conferences in the Presbyteries, they observed that young Walaeus was of an acute Wit, composed Judgment, and profound Learning.

About this time a Pastoral charge was void at Caletus, and the Ministers of Middleborough would fain have sent Walaeus thither: But his Parents took it very ill that when they had refused a place in Leiden which was in the heart of the Lowcountries, he should now be sent into a corner, which is exposed to the injuries both of the French and Spaniards, whereupon they sharply opposed themselves against it, and Walaeus himself disliked it: But when some Ministers shown themselves very violent, the Magistrates (to gratify his Parents) put an end to the controversy. This also happened at the same time: There was near to Middleborough a Village called Koukerk which wanting a Pastor, chose Walaeus for their Minister, which he accepted of, and so undertook the charge in N • vemb. An. Chri. 1602. accounting it a great honor that God was pleased thus to admit him into his service; and withal considering the greatness of the Burthen in procuring the welfare of souls, wherein the least miscarriage is a great sin against God, he not only now, but all his life after never undertook any thing, till he had first craved the assistance of God, begging of him wisdom and ability to manage it a right.

At Koukerk he attained to a promptness and habit of Preaching, he learned to Govern a Church, to comfort the afflicted, to resist the obstinate and Sectaries, with whom he so far prevailed that they adjoined themselves to the Church, and ever after reverenced Walaeus as their Father. His Sermons were so famous that when Grave Moris besieged Sluce Anno Christi. 1604. the Wallachrian Classis made choice of Walaeus to be joined to John Vtenbogard the Court Preacher, to be Chaplain to the Army.

This Vtenbogard was an Eloquent Preacher, one that sought to ingratiate himself with the great ones: Whereas Walaeus sought to please God rather then men; and indeed at his first coming, what by Prayers, and what by Admonition, he prevailed with the Colonels and Captains to banish swearing from amongst them. Vtenbogard made too much account of Socinus, and still carried about him a New Testament, having Annotations everywhere written in it by Socinus his own hand. But Walaeus abhorred his opinions.

Sluce being taken, Walaeus returned to Koukerk, settling all his affairs, as if he meant to live there all his life; and having a competent estate, he desired not an increase of his stipend: He had a full Congregation, yet not burdensome: so that besides his Ministerial employments he had sufficient time for his private studies: He was well beloved of his people, and had good society with his Elders and Deacons: His Town was not above an hours walk from Middleborough and Flushing: Fruitful of Pastures, had good store of Corn-ground, and pleasant Orchards It was near to that Sea by which greater ships go into the Havens of Zealand: He had a large house, a spacious garden, which he kept very neat and orderly.

At this time Middleborough had but three Churches, and the Auditories grew too big for them, whereupon they Petition the Magistrate for a fourth Church, and a eighth Minister to have a stipend allowed him. The Church was appointed near to the Fish-Market, and by the Presbytery Walaeus was appointed for the Minister.

Truly Walaeus desired to stay at Koukerk, and not mingling himself with the troubles of the world, to serve God and his people in that place: yet durst he not resist this call, having thereby an opportunity of more service.

His two years stay at Koukerk had much changed the course of his life: For having in the first year dispatched the work of his Sermons and Catechising, he began to bethink himself of entering into a married condition: and having found out Paschaesia of Isenhout, a pious, prudent, and well-bred maid, he consulted with his Parents for their consent: and so all things concurring to his, and their minds, he married her Aug. the seventh, Anno Christi 1603. But presently after he lost his Parents, first his Mother, and then his Father, who survived her but a little time. In the whole time of their sickness our Walaeus attended upon them, and comforted them with Divine Consolations out of God's Word: wherefore at the hour of death they both of them blessed him, and gave him this testimony, that he had never offended them in all his life.

Walaeus laid their death exceedingly to heart, so that for a years space no day passed wherein he did not with grief think on them, nor night wherein he did not dream of them: But it pleased God that in December the 27. he had a son born whom he called John; this somewhat mitigated his sorrows.

Before this, the Citizens of Middleborough had much importuned him to remove his habitation to their City: but he would not consent to it till his Wife was brought to bed, least he should seem to contemn his people at Koukerk, who had shown themselves so honest and loving to him: But when she was up again, he then removed, and was entertained both by the People and Magistrates with great applause, being received with more favor then ordinary, which stirred up envy in some of the Ministers of Middleborough; who thereupon would have had him confined to a little Church that was in the outmost part of the City; but the Presbytery would not suffer it: yea it returned to the glory of Walaeus that these ancient Ministers feared least he should get their Auditories from them: But after a while he moderated their passions by his modesty, courtesy, and readiness to do any Offices of love to them, so that he lived very friendly with them.

In his Ministry he thought that he did not sufficiently discharge his duty by Preaching and Governing; and therefore every Sabbath day at five a clock he Catechized, wherein he explained all the common places in Divinity, and whereby he made his people very ready in the knowledge of the Scriptures, so that some of them were fitted for the work of the Ministry in the Indies. He was diligent in visiting his Parishioners, whereby he reformed many which were given to vitiousness, giving them counsel how they might shun those sins which naturally they were addicted to. He satisfied doubting Consciences, and extricated them out of the snares of Satan: He raised up and comforted those that were cast down at the apprehension of God's wrath for their sins. In these his visitations he ministered relief to Widows, Orphans, and such as were destitute of all human help: He encouraged such as were weak and sick to persevere in Faith, and prepared them for death: and such as were near death he comforted them against the terrors thereof, and wrought in them a desire to be with Christ; yea he did not only visit such as owned him for their Minister, but Sectaries also, Papists, and Anabaptists; which he did with such sweetness, that his company was never grievous to them; and he carried himself so justly that many times even they repaired to him for advice in cases of Conscience about Matrimony, and always went well satisfied from him. This much troubled a Popish Priest called Curio, who knowing how powerful Wall • us was in reproving sin, to deter his Disciples from conference with Walaeus, or hearing his Sermons, told them that the Devil always sat upon his shoulders, and as he was Preaching suggested to him what he should say. But God turned his malice and lies to good: For many Papists either drawn by curiosity, or by the fame of the man, or upon the occasion of Baptisms into his Church, when they heard nothing that was Diabolical to proceed out of his mouth, they began to esteem their Curio a slanderer, to doubt of the truth of his other sayings, to perceive that they learned more, and received more comfort by Walaeus his Sermons then by his, and so by degrees fell off to the Reformed Religion.

Walaeus his Colleagues left to him, yea appointed him as the most learned man amongst them, to take care that their Religion received no detriment, and to defend the same against all Adversaries, wherein like another Hercules he subdued many Monsters.

There was one Abraham Beckman that of a long time had disturbed the Peace of the Church of Middleborough: A man of a sharp wit and blameless life; he reproved the Ministers for baptizing such children whose Parents were not members of the Church; and he had drawn some hundreds of the Church membrs to his party: To these Walaeus opened the Doctrine of Truth more plainly; by Conference and Disputations he overthrew the pertinacious, convinced most of them by writing, and so brought them to an acknowledgement of their Errors.

But Walaeus thought it not sufficient to conquer them, but he would also gain them to the Church, which he effected by procuring that Beckman should be chosen one of the Presbytery, whereby he was quieted, and afterwards did good service to the Church. Sectaries are never better quieted, then whilst they pretend for God, they may have riches, or honors conferred upon them.

Shortly after there was one Gideon Vanden Bogard, a Noble man of Flanders, who being enticed with great promises, was resolved to turn over to the King of Spain's party, and therefore also must change his Religion: for which end he gives out that the Popish Religion was truer then the Reformed, and that in the point of Transubstantiation, which he undertook to prove by the assistance of Father Gauda a Jesuit of Antwerp, who was grown to that height of impudency and impiety, that he published in Print that he would pawn his soul to God to expiate all the Errors that were in the Roman Church: To whom therefore Walaeus presently answers, and shows that the Pontificians themselves could not otherwise understand the words of Institution in the Lord's Supper but Figuratively: and that the body of Christ • old not be in infinite places at the same time, for that then it should cease to be a body, which is always circumscribed within its own limits, so that Gauda held his peace.

Presently after, a certain stranger coming to Middleborough, (for Zealand brings forth no such Monsters) Preached That Christ had excellently taught reverence to God, and love to our Neighbors: But that his Doctrine might have the more we • ght, h • d affirmed himself to be the Son of God by a certain pious fraud, saying that he was God, when indeed he was not. And not content to divulg these blasphemies in private, he preached them in public.

Walaeus judged this man the more dangerous, by how much he seemed to be very religious, and that he would not speak without commending Christ, whenas indeed he sought to destroy him: wherefore setting upon him in a Public Assembly, he proved that in the Nativity, Life, and Death of Christ all things did concur, which were foretold of the Messias in the Old Testament, and therefore that he could not but be God, which was required in the Messias: That Christ, whom he confessed to teach Piety, must express it in his Life, and therefore could not begin his Doctrine with a lie, who must not do evil that good might come of it. Neither was it worth the while for him to suffer Persecutions, Stripes, and the Cross to maintain a lie. That the Apostles who continually accompanied him, would not have conspired in the same lie, and for it have suffered banishment, torments, and death. That God would not have suffered such things as he foretold to have come to pass about his Death, Resurrection, and the destruction of Jerusalem, if he had endeavored to obtrude a false God upon the people. That he would not have granted him the power of working Miracles, of healing the Sick, restoring the Lame, curing the Blind, and raising the Dead. That his Religion in a few years, by Fisher men, without any human strength, should have been dispersed through the whole World, which God would not have suffered if he had brought a strange God and Idolatry with him. This Villain being overcome by these Arguments, his followers left him, and he hid his head in a corner.

But these were but small velitations in comparison of those continual bickerings which he had with the Remonstrants all his life long: which that we may the better understand, take it thus;

When Reformation began in the Low-countries, all that opposed Popery were not of one mind: and nothing so united them together as their hatred of Popery: But least the unsound Protestants should mingle themselves with the sound, the Orthodox party Anno Christi 1566. published a Confession of their Faith, which afterwards was called the Belg • ck Confession; and to prevent infection from those which were Heterodox, in a full Synod at Embden, Anno Christi 1571. it was ordained that none should be admitted for a Minister, till he had been examined, and had subscribed this Confession, and the Catechism of Heidelberg: Which Decree was confirmed in all the ensuing Synods, Anno Christi 1576. and 1586. and approved of by the States of Holland, and accordingly practiced.

Yet in the beginning, considering the great want of Pastors, this Examination could not be very strict, by which means many crept into the Ministry who privately taught contrary things; as Gasper Garlhasius at Leiden, Herman Herbert at Gouda, Gerard Blackhoven at Vtrich and Cornelius Wiggerus at Horn, who differed in many things amongst themselves, and all of them in the point of Predestination from the rest: But whilst these opinions were confined within the bounds of their own Churches, all things were reasonable quiet. Only Theodor Cornhertius opposed himself against all the Reformed Churches, who having been formerly of Council to the States of Holland, for fear of danger had deserted his place. But it easily appeared that he was no great Divine, and that choler which he durst not vent against the States, he now discharged against the Churches, whereupon he was restrained by the Public Authority of the States.

Yet could not the contentions be so composed, but they left doubts in some men's minds, whether all points held by the Reformed were equally certain: and some were inclined to embrace Novelties, especially about the Doctrine of Predestination.

And thus James Arminius found them when he was called to be Divinity Professor at Leiden Anno Christi 1603. This Arminius had formerly been a servant in a Public Inn, where many guests admired his prompt wit, so that some took him from thence, and set him to School, where he was maintained out of the Public Treasury of Amsterdam Hereupon in process of time the Magistrates of that City favoring their own nurcling, called him to the work of the Ministry amongst them, and he so shined by the excellency of his gifts, that everyone judged him worthy a Professors place: For he was of a subtle Wit, solid Learning, and composed Carriage.

To this Election of his Gomarus opposed himself, because he had written something that was unsound to Francis Junius, yea and had publicly preached it at Amsterdam: But when he denied some things wherewith he was charged, and extenuated others, some thought that Gomarus opposed him out of envy, least he should excel him, which promoted the Election of Arminius, and laid the foundation to future dissensions.

Arminius being thus settled, thought to advance his credit by drawing a great Auditory to himself, and this he thought to do by venting some new things in his Lectures, which accordingly he did, especially about Predestination; yet in public he did it sparingly and slenderly, least he should offend the Churches, remembering that by their Authority Coolhase and Wigger had been removed out of their places: But in private he labored tooth and nail to instill them into his Auditors, whereby he might gain Disciples, and that he might the better secure himself against the Ministers, by the means of Vtenbogard the Preacher at Hague, he procured John of Oldenbarnevelt to be his Patron, who was a man of great Authority, being Syndic of all Holland, to curry favor with whom he extolled the Authority of Magistrates in Ecclesiastical affairs.

Barnevelds design was to bring the Reformation in the Low-countries nearer to the Lutherans, whereby they might hope to draw Auxiliaries out of Germany the better to resist the King of Spain, or at least to make the better terms of agreement with him: And whereas the States in the beginning of the wars had need of the multitude, and these could not be better gained then by the help of the Ministers, they therefore at first granted great Authority to the Pastors of the Church: Now Barn • li seeking to undermine this Authority, he nourished such dissensions as rose up in the Church; and by the power of the Magistrates hindered their censures against the refractory. He also rendered suspected the authority of the Prince of Orange: and whereas it was only grievous to himself, he would persuade the States that it was dangerous to them Wherefore knowing that he had offended the Ministers, and therefore could expect no support from them, he willingly undertook the Patronage of Arminius, by whose followers he sought to • rop up himself.

Yet at first he carried this very privately, whilst his Faction was small, and might have been easily quashed: Whence also it was that Arminius long concealed his opinions till the year 1608. at which time Gomarus accused him to the States of Holland, and discovered that he dissented from the Reformed Churches, about Justification, Predestination, Grace, Free-will, and Perseverance of the Saints.

Yet Arminius was not so long concealed from Walaeus, who knowing all the sculking holes of Sectaeries, by his path wherein he walked easily discovered whereunto he tended, and therefore from the year 1606. he had labored to bring him into the right way again, which also he did all the year following by his frequent Letters to him: To which Arminius sometimes answered: but at last would answer no longer.

The same things that Arminius taught, did Corvinus teach about twenty years after, and was silenced with the same Argument by Walaeus.

Arminius being thus discovered, began to fear that he should be ruined by the Ministers; for Barnevelt durst not as yet publicly undertake his Patronage; neither durst Arminius undertake the alteration of Religion with an Heroical spirit, such as was in our Reformers, who wholly minding the glory of God, rested secure whatsoever should befall themselves, whereas Arminius being seized upon with sorrow, and overwhelmed with grief fell sick and died Anno Christi 1609.

Arminius being dead, amongst all his followers, Vtenbogard shown himself the Ring-leader; for though he was far inferior to Arminius in Learning, yet in the Government of the Church and State he was well seen: and indeed by his wit did more hurt to the Church then Arminius did by his Disputations. This Bogard that he might make the Magistrates of Holland displeased with other Ministers, and more to favor himself, wrote a Book of the Authority of Magistrates in Church-affairs, wherein he allowed the Magistrate not only to order the external Government of the Church, but to determine controversies in Religion, whereby he got great favor to his own party.

In these stirs the Ministers knew not what better remedy to find then in a National Synod of all the Reformed Churches, which they earnestly solicited the States General for: and indeed the States of Gelderland, Zealand, Frisland, Groning, and six Cities of Holland were for it, who desired no Innovations in Religion, and dispaired of any union with the Lutherans: and said that the Ecclesiastical Government was no way grievous, but a remedy against Oligarchie. That the power of the Prince of Orange was not dangerous, but rather a means to unite and tie them together: But on the contrary, the Nobility of Holland, and the other twelve Cities, as also the States of Vtrick and Overisle, though they did not openly deny a Synod, yet by • ergiversations and procrastinations sought to evade it.

In the mean time the Ministers neglected not the remedy which was in their power: viz. to discover those Errors to their people, and to confirm their minds against them both by Preaching and Writing: And such as were to be admitted to the Ministry, they examined them more strictly: and such as they discovered to be already in the Ministry, they censured and cast out.

Vtenbogard and his companions strongly opposed themselves to these proceedings both by word and writing, and promoted to the Ministry such as were of their own opinions: yet were they inferior to the other party both in number and in the affections of the people: fearing therefore that they should be overcome, they framed a Remonstrance▪ (whence they were called Remonstrants ) to the States of Holland, wherein they request to be taken into their protection; who did not only do it, but presently commanded that none should meddle with these controversies either by word or writing, neither should examine Candidates upon these points, or censure any that differed in judgment about them; which truly was to set up a party, when as the Remonstrant Ministers were scarce forty, and the Contra-Remonstrants were fifty.

Yet the Remonstrants thought that they could not continue long, except new ones of their own opinion could be brought in as the other died, and these must be first formed in the University; wherefore to supply Arminius his place in Leiden, Walaeus and others that were desired by honest and learned men were rejected, and Vtenbogard was sought for. But he knowing himself unfit for such a work, wrought by the Curators of those parts, who were of kin to Barnevelt, that Conradus Vorstius should be brought from Steinfurt to Leiden: who in the year 1590. had been convicted by the University of Heidelberg for favoring Socinus and his opinions.

To the choice of this man the Ministers presently opposed themselves, and such Magistrates as favored them: yet had it been impossible to have hindered his Election, the Remonstrants did so prevail, but that James King of Great Britane frequently admonished and urged the States not do to it, yea he condemned him of Heresy, and burnt his Books publicly.

At last certain Laws were obtruded upon the Church, which Barnevelt had framed twenty years before, but till now the States would never endure them, much less bring them in practice, in which the choice of Deacons, Elders and Pastors was almost wholly given to the Magistrates. The censuring of Pastors or Members offending, was taken away from the Ministers. The Curators of the University, and the Magistrates of Leiden did Execute the Decree for restraining of Controversies with mote rigor then any other: By this they hindered Gomarus both from defending himself and his Religion: At which being offended he prepared to depart: By this his departure seeing the Students of Divinity should thereby want a Professor of the Reformed Religion, the Churches of Gelderland and Curators of the Illustrious School there, sent Anthony Thisius Professor of Theology at Harderwick, and the Churches of Zealand and Magistrates of Middleborough sent Walaeus to Leiden, by all means to persuade his stay: But Gomarus was resolved to depart, whereupon they both of them invited him to make his abode with them, and Walaeus prevailed, so that he went to Middleborough, Anno Christi 1611.

The States of Zealand were resolved long ago, and this calamity of Leiden now hastened it, to erect an Illustrious School in Zealand: but as yet they could not agree about the place: But they of Middleborough seeking thereby to get advantage, resolved to make the Grammar School more famous: For Gruter the Schoolmaster being dead An. Chr. 1607. they sought out another who might with credit bear the Rule in an Illustrious School, and therefore called Walaeus to the place: But Walaeus would by no means accept of it, knowing what a tedious thing it was to govern boys, and how subject he should be to calumnies in dieting them. Wherefore the care of both was devolved upon Giles Bursius Pastor of Middleborough, and the instructing them was committed to Justus Lyraeus afterwards Professor at Vtrich: Yet Walaeus undertook the care of the School, and to read Lectures of Greek and Philosophy to them.

In these Lectures he explained Homer, Hesiod, and other Authors: In Philosophy he read Ethics, Physicks, Astronomy, and Opticks: and now Gomarus being come to them, they prepared all things that belonged to an Illustrious School: the place was appointed in the Choir of the new Church, and Gomarus was to read and interpret the sacred Scriptures, and to discuss the Common places in his Public Disputations: James Meivartius was to read Philosophy: So that the fame of the School began to spread abroad: and the Magistrates of Middleborough proffered to Walaeus the place which was reserved • or him, viz. to be Professor of Divinity Common places. At this Gomarus (who too much indulged his passions) was displeased, opposed himself, and accused Walaeus of Heresy, for that when he was a Student at Leiden, he stiffly defended that there were three souls in man.

The Magistrates were more offended this opposition then was Walaeus: for Walaeus presently disclaimed the choice, who having never in his life sought after any place, was now much more content with his present condition, and would not so far offend his old Master, as against his will to be chosen for his Colleague. No injury did ever so disturb the mind of Walaeus as to discompose it, or make him unlike himself. But in the mean time the people were very angry that their beloved Minister was thus disgraced by him who formerly by his public testimony had attested the purity of his Doctrine.

But it so fell out about that time 〈◊〉 Lord of Plessi • called Walaeus to Salmur, who getting leave to depart went thither Anno Christi 1615 but stayed not long.

Upon this occasion they of 〈◊〉 , being stirred up by Hugh Grotius, would not suffer the City of 〈◊〉 to have an Illustrious School, so that it was nipped in the bud, and Meivartius returned to his Grammar School again: Only the Magistrates of Middleborough requested Walaeus that some times he would read Greek and Philosophical Lectures, and would go on with his Common places, that so they might still keep up the face of an Illustrious School: which accordingly he did, and yet neglected not his work in the Ministry.

Shortly after at the command and request of the Churches of Zealand, and at the importunity of some of the chief Ministers of Holland, he answered Vtenbogard, wherein he shown that the Authority which was granted by the Magistrates to the Belgic Church was agreeable to the sacred Scriptures, and the custom of the Primitive Church. By this Book Walaeus everywhere gat the name of a very learned man, and of one that deserved well of the Church, because he had thereby freed the Church from that aspersion cast upon it by the Remonstrants that it was disobedient to Magistracy. He deserved also thanks from many Politicians because he took away from some of their society that pretence whereby they oppressed the Churches. Vtenbogard himself could not but acknowledge that the Book was learned and full of modesty, yet he pretended that he would return a speedy answer, for which cause he gate leave of the Deputies of the States to write again: But though he easily obtained leave, yet wrote he not: only about thirty years after, and seven years after the death of Walaeus, he would seem to return an answer, though it contained nothing in it but glorious promises and empty performances.

Walaeus was not content to have thus taken away the chiefest pillar to the dissention, but endeavored also to quiet the people, and to moderate the Magistrates of Holland: whereupon he set forth a treatise showing the people how they should demean themselves when any difference sprang up amongst the Pastors about Religion: The Magistrates he sought to reconcile to the Ministers by the means of Hugh Grotius, a man very familiar with him because of his Learning: who from an hope of succeeding B •• nevelt in his dignity, was looked upon as his right hand. From him he extorted this speech, That he saw no better means to compose the difference then by a National Synod, which if it was denied, God would punish them for it.

In the mean time the dissensions increased daily in Holland, and threatened the ruin of one, if not of both parties: Six of the Cities of Holland did openly oppose themselves against the Decrees concerning the Vocation of Pastors, and of tolerating the Controversies of Religion on both sides: The Ministers also refused to obey them, yea the Remonstrants themselves, especially those which were framed by Hugh Grotius at the instigation of Vtenbogard that set bounds to the Ministers, from which in handling Controversies it was not lawful for them to deviate. Yet the Magistrates would have them obeyed; and such Pastors as refused, were forbidden the exercise of their Ministry; and such as were more pertinacious, were cast out of their Cities: and such Citizens as most favored them were banished: And though they were restored again by the Presidents of Justice who judged it to be not a correction but a faction, yet the Magistrates would not suffer them to come into the Cities: whereupon they were filled with animosities on both sides: and at last the Magistrates not daring to trust their Citizens, gathered soldiers.

But this dissention was nowhere more conspicuous, nor hotter then at the Hague. Vtenbogard, who had sometimes stirred up his hearers to use all extremity, would now seem moderate, having gotten so much power in the Church, which that he might hold, he persuaded them to yield something to the Contra-Remonstrants: But some sharp sights perceived that this was but a trick to deceive the Pastors, and seduce the people, whereupon Henry Rosaeus an eloquent and courageous man took heart to discover the fraud to the people, showing that poison lay under this honey: Upon this the Magistrates forbade him the use of his Ministry: But the people who now saw the fraud, would not hear Vtenbogard any longer, but resorted to Sermons in the neighbor Village of Ri • wick: This the Magistrates sought to hinder: On the contrary the people urged that either Rosaeus, or some other Preacher of the Reformed Religion (for which they had spent so much treasure and blood) should be allowed them: Against this Vtenbogard opposed himself, and laying aside his pretence of moderation, sought by all means to hinder the gratifying of the people in their request.

Prince Morice observing that not so much the Ministers as himself was aimed at, and that by his connivence the power of Barnevelt and his adversaries was increased, he began penly to favor the Contra-Remonstrants, and requested the States of Holland that they might have a Church and Minister allowed them: But the Nobles and the twelve Cities much opposed it: yet still the Prince urged it, and seeing the Contra-Remonstrants desired but reason, he procured the English Church at the Hague to be allowed them: which when it would not receive all the Auditors, they took another Church, brought in Henry Rosaeus, and frequented his Sermons. Barnevelt and his associates were much troubled at this, as if violence was proffered to their authority: But seeing that the Contra-Remonstrants had no more granted them but what was equal, they suffered that which they knew not how to prevent. By this example the Contra-Remonstrants everywhere took courage, and the people sided with them, seeing the Prince to favor them, who was so beloved and esteemed of them.

But the Contra-Remonstrants of the Hague thought it not enough to have a Church and Preacher, but in so illustrious a place they must make it appear that their opinions and Doctrine was better then that of the Remonstrants: But when Vtenbogard excelled Rosaeus in Learning, and daily provoked him to Disputation, some other must be sent for that might cool his boasting: For which end none was judged fitter then our Walaeus, and therefore Anno Christi 1617. Deputies were sent from the Church of Hague and the Prince of Orange, with the consent of the Magistrates, to fetch him from Middleborough for a time to be a Pastor of the Church at Hague.

As soon as he was come thither, he began in his Sermons to set down the state of the controversy, to weigh the Arguments of both sides; to answer those of the Remonstrants, and to vindicate those of the Contra-Remonstrants; and so fully to instruct the people in these controversies. Then did Vtenbogard give over his talk of disputing, who well knew the Learning of Walaeus. But his followers who did not know Waellaeus so well, sometimes set upon him. And first of all La Ha • e, a Preacher of the Remonstrants as soon as the Sermon was ended before the Auditory was dissolved, began to contend with him about the Perseverance of Saints: But Walaeus dealt so modestly with him, equally considering his arguments, solidly and clearly answering them, and urging others with such acuteness and judgment, that the man having nothing to answer, shrunk away with shame.

The Remonstrants thinking to repair this disgrace, challenged Walaeus to a new Disputation, wherein an Eloquent and nimble Lawyer was appointed to assist La Haye: But this Disputation was to be in a private house where should be present only two Elders for witnesses: Walaeus refused it not: And when they were met, the Lawyer began very contentiously to propound the point of Predestination; Walaeus answered mildly, but solidly, whereby he tamed the fierceness of his adversary: But when some hundreds of both parts pressed into the house to hear, the Remonstrants fearing the like event of this Disputation as was of the former, would proceed no further, saying, that such a conference should not be where so many were present.

Walaeus not content with this, often invited Vtenbogard to a conference, especially by the Lady Alice Coligni, the Widow of William Prince of Orang • , because Vtenbogard had by her formerly challenged Rosaeus to a public dispute: but Vtenbogard always by excuses evaded it: By which means the Doctrine of the Contra-Remonstrants began to flourish again at the Hague.

The cause of the Contra-Remonstrants was especially defended by John Becius of Dort, Henry Vander Leyden of Delph, Fest • us Hommius of Leiden, Peter Plantius, and James Triglandius of Amsterdam, learned and wise men, who were much esteemed by the people: These men formerly in all weighty matters used still to consult with Walaeus, and now they were wholly guided by him: The Magistrates of Amsterdam, who were the chief of those that defended the Contra-Remonstrants, continually by their Deputies consulted with Walaeus: and when they had any business of weight, they earnestly importuned him to be present both in their Presbytery and City-Council to assist with his advice: And the Prince of Orange (of whom it was wittily said that when he sat on Horseback, he had all his Counselors with him, yet) had Walaeus for his intimate Counselor in all things which either concerned Religion, or this Controversy. So that no day passed wherein he did not require his counsel, and sometime spent whole nights in deliberating with him, that he might conclude upon such matters as he was to dispatch the next day. For indeed he much esteemed Walaeus, because though he was very prudent, yet would he never dissemble, and all his counsels were free from craft.

For this candor he was respected by the Remonstrants themselves; for they knew which ways his counsels tended, that though he would have the Contra-Remonstrants settled, yet he would not have the Remonstrants destroyed, persuading himself that if the contentions were once composed, and men could with a more calm mind weigh things indifferently, many of them would return to the Truth: He also maintained familiarity with Grotius and others of the Remonstrants as formerly he had done, and would have taken them off from Barnevelt, but that (as they used to say) a greater human power hindered them.

By these means Walaeus was a chief instrument of bringing the whole controversy to the decision of a National Synod, and took care that due preparation should be made for the same, which when he had effected, he left the Hague: Indeed the Prince of Orange endeavored to hinder his departure, and chose him for his Court-Preacher: but Walaeus wholly disliked that course of life, as prejudicial to his studies, and dangerous, seeing he must either flatter, or hazard the loss of great men's favor, and incur their frowns.

Anno Christi 1618. he returned to Middleborough where he found the great love of the people to him; whilst many came to meet him: His Colleagues and the Magistrates visited him with many expressions of their great love.

The Controversies between the Remonstrants and Contra-Remonstrants was not now confined within the bounds of Holland, but it spread into Vtrich, Overisle, Gelderland; yea as far as Sedan; where Daniel Tilenus, an Eloquent man, but no deep Scholar, by degrees began to vent the Remonstrants Doctrines, and drew in Aur • tus a Minister, and a better man then himself, though not so learned. But Ramboursius the Cout-Preacher discovered him, so that by the Duke of Bovillian he was forced to leave his Professors place and depart.

For the supply of which place, and to build up what Tilenus had pulled down, Walaeus was again called to Sedan: and all means were used to prevail for his remove. The messenger was Francis Arsenius, a man famous for such employments, and Walaeus his old friend, then whom that Age had not a man of more Learning, Judgment and Experience. The conditions were very large, and indeed better then the other Professors did obtain: The Dukes invitation was serious, frequent, and friendly: yet could not Walaeus get away from his wife and friends: and for those large conditions which were proffered him, the Middleburgians would have doubled his stipend rather then part with him: Besides, it seemed grievous to him who was now forty five years old to change his Country and Customs, and leaving his old and intimate friends to go to strangers: wherefore returning humble and hearty thanks to the Duke, he told him that he thought he should never leave Middleborough.

In the mean time the States of the United Provinces (observing that the factions in Holland tended to the dissolution of the League, and to the endangering the ruin of all the Provinces) seriously thought of a way of cure: and by the advice of Reiner Pavias a Consul of Amsterdam, a man of great Authority, and by the instigation of Grave Moris, they Decreed and called a National Synod: and withal required the Prince of Orange to disband those Soldiers which the Magistrate of Vtri • h had raised, and to put the Magistrate out of his Office, and to substitute another in his room.

To these things Barnevelt openly opposed himself by the Nobility, and twelve Cities of Holland: and with all his endeavor sought to impede the Synod by sending to foreign Kings and Princes, by provoking them of Vtrich (who began to quail) proffering them help to prevent the putting down of their Magistrate, and disbanding their Soldiers. Whereupon the States of the united Provinces required the Prince of Orange to imprison the heads of the contrary faction, viz. Barnevelt, Rombert Hagerbetius, Hugh Grotius, Giles Ledenbergius, and to disband the rest of the soldiery that was collected in Holland: To purge the Cities of disaffected Magistrates, and to substitute better in their rooms. All which were effected without any tumult or effusion of blood, so displeasing were those Mastrates to the Citizens: after which all the other Magistrates consented to the Synod appointed at Dort.

In this Synod the flower of all the Reformed Churches met together, and amongst them our Walaeus who had a place assigned him amongst the Low-country Professors, and was appointed one of the Directors of the Synod, but that the Pastors had in private agreed amongst themselves to choose only such as were Professors.

It was the unhappiness of the Remonstrants that they had Simon Episcopius for their President, who was a hot, imprudent, and choleric man, by whose advice it was that the Remonstrants would not submit to the Laws of the Synod: wherefore the work of the Synod was to find out the state of the Controversy by the writings of the Remonstrants, and accurately to propound it in the Fundamentals themselves: To examine them by the Word of God, and to see of what weight they were.

In the government of the whole Synod, John Bogerman excelled, being Prolocutor in it; and indeed a more fit man could not have been chosen. Festus Hommius was employed in proposing the state of the Controversy, who often conferred with Walaeus about it: But in weighing the controversies, strengthening, or enervating Arguments, and in vindicating them from exceptions, Walaeus excelled: whereupon when any difficulty arose, as the Explication of the Epistle to the Romans, &c. it was committed to Walaeus; If anything was to be accurately and prudently defined, it was committed to Waellaeus: And he was chosen for one of those that drew up the Canons of the Synod, and set down reasons why the Doctrine of the Remonstrants was rejected: And it was judged that the wisdom of Walaeus prevailed much to procure the unanimous consent of the Synod thereunto. Wherefore of the Politicians and strangers, who had no cause of envy, he was much esteemed: yea he so demeaned himself that Giles Bursius his aemulus acknowledged that Walaeus excelled all in the Synod, who made this acknowledgement to the Wallacrian Classis from whom he was delegated.

God so blessed the labors of all in this Synod, that the Remonstrants themselves had no cause to complain. Controversies were so decided, difficulties so expedited, that all godly and learned men were abundantly satisfied; and from thence forwards the roots of Remonstrancy were so cut off, that presently it began to wither: And all things were managed with that modesty, all things dispatched with that unanimous consent, that never was the like from the Primitive times.

All Controversies being now determined, and the Cause of the Remonstrants judged, the chief Patrons of the Remonstrants were condemned of Treason by the Delegates of the States of the United Provinces 1. The persons condemned were Barnevelt, Hogerbetius, Grotius, and Ledenburgius: This last by killing himself prevented the punishment. And James Schot Consul of Middleborough, one of those Delegates, was sent by the States to Dort to fetch Walaeus to the Hague, who accordingly brought him thither, May the 12. privily, that so the people might have no suspicion of the punishment intended to the Remonstrants: By the way he told Walaeus that the States sent for him to prepare the Prisoners for death, they judging that by his prudence and persuasions he might best of all other men effect it. Walaeus when he saw that he could not avoid the employment, yet desired that he might not be the first messenger of death to them: that he might be spared from dealing at all with Grotius in regard of his former friendship contracted with him; and that he might not be present at their death, which he could not bear without much trouble of mind.

Being come to the Hague, in the Evening, • chot went to the Deputies and Judges to acquaint them that Walaeus was come, and to tell them what request he had made to him. Whereupon the Advocates Fiscal were sent to Barnevelt to tell him that the next day he was to be judged and put to death: and Schot in the mean time went to Walaeus to tell him that his requests were granted, that Hogerbetius and G • otius, though they were condemned, should not be executed, but kept in perpetual Prison: That the Advocates Fiscal were sent to Barnevelt to acquaint him that the next day he was to die, and that therefore the Delegates and Judges requested him to make haste to him, and so about six a clock Walaeus was conducted to the Prison to Barnevelt.

When he came into his chamber he found him full of perplexity, writing to his wife and children to acquaint them with the message of his death: and at first he was unwilling to have any speech with Walaeus: but after a while he became more calm, yet complained of the hard measure that he met with from the States whom he had served for forty three years: He would feign have taken some rest that night, but could not: The next morning when he had heard his sentence read, he was had to the place of Execution; at which time he told the people, that he died not a Traitor, but a Patriot. At the place of Execution he asked his man whether no man came? Belike expecting a Pardon: but when his servant told him that there was none, kneeling down, his head was cut off.

The day following Walaeus returned to Dort, and attended upon the affairs of the Synod till the end of May; at which time he had some money given him; and with the rest was invited to a Public Feast: and afterwards with some principal men, he was privately feasted by the States Delegates, and so was dismissed honorably.

These things being dispatched, the States of Holland, least the commotions now suppressed, should break forth again, thought fit in the first place to take care of the University of Leiden, which was the Seminary both of their Church and State; And for that end they resolved to add to John Poliander the Divinity Professor, Andrew Rivet, Anthony Walaeus, and Anthony Thysius: To Rivet they sent Thomas Erpenius the Arabic Professor: To Thysius, Adrian Pavius Syn • ic of Amsterdam: And to Walaeus, Rochus Honartius Senator of the Supreme Court, and Peter Deiman chief Consul of Leiden, who came to him to Middleborough in the midst of July to acquaint him with his Election, and to urge him to accept of it: They also presented him with the Letters of Prince Maurice requesting the same of him. Yet did Walaeus desire that he might have time to consider of it, telling them that he would seek unto God by Prayer, and advise with his friends with the Church and Magistrate. In the mean time the Delegates earnestly solicited the Presbyterie and Magistrates to give their consents, which at last with much ado they obtained; because he was to go to Leiden where he might take care of theirs as well as of the Holland Youths. His friends stuck somewhat at it because he had as good a stipend at Middleborough as he was to have at Lei • en; and though at Leiden he might bring up his sons at the University, yet being so far from his friends, he could not place them forth as well to honest Callings as at Middleborough: • o satisfy these therefore, he had also a Pastors place in Leiden proffered him. Walaeus thought that he might not resist this call, because he was not so much to form one Church by it, as to prepare Pastors for many: nor so much to govern one Church, as to assist with his counsels all the Belgic Churches.

September the tenth he preached his farewell Sermon, which filled his people with sighs and tears: so that it seemed rather that children were to part with their Father, then people with their Pastor.

During his abode at Middleborough he much wanted his health, being troubled with Rheumes, Collick, Fevers and other Diseases: Sometimes also having an intermitting Pulse, the cause whereof was partly hereditary from his Mother, and partly by reason of studying so soon after meals, scarce affording any rest to his mind, or food for the refreshing of his body: yet a healthful and diligent wife much cheered him up

He had seven children, five daughters and two sons, whereof two died very young; the other he took much pleasure and delight in

September the nineteenth he removed with all his family to Leiden: where he was entertained honor • bly with a Public • Feast by the Magistrate, with much congratulation by th • University, and very heartily by his old friends.

At Le • den he was presently graced with the Degree of a Doctor, without any Examination, which is used at other times.

October the 21. being to begin his Professorship, he made an Oratios about the right regulating the study of Divinity: which was received by a great Auditory, with the great applause of all: yet it presently displeased himself, because he observed that many things are excellently conceived which cannot be brought into practice.

Presently after came Anthony Thysius, and not long after him Andrew Rivet out of France, to adorn the Profession of Divinity: who as they were all men of great note, so by their excellent parts they made that Faculty far more famous. Each of them had his several gifts wherein he excelled: Thysius in Memory; and Walaeus and Rivet in Judgment; and Polyander in dexterity of performance. In actions Thysius was fervent; Walaeus full of vigor: Rivet was somewhat slower, and Polyander very calm, &c.

The first care of these men was to prevent all discord in matters of Divinity; wherefore they testified their mutual agreement by subscribing the Catechism of Heidelberg, and the Belgic Confession of Faith. They resolved that none of them would pass his judgment about any Controversy in Divinity, about the Government of the Church, and in cases of Conscience apart, but by mutual consulting each with other: That no Theses should be publicly disputed of, till all had seen and approved them. That no book should be printed till all had examined and consented thereto.

The like care they took to train up young Students to the same unanimity in Religion: for which end they agreed upon one rule and method by which all their studies should be directed: And because these Controversies with the Remonstrants had occasioned the fuller clearing of many points in Divinity, and had taught them to speak more cautiously in many things: Therefore in their Public Disputations they went over the whole Body of Divinity, out of which they published their Book which they called Synopsis purioris Theolog •• .

Having thus settled the affairs of the University in good order: they began to consider what enemies they had abroad, against whom the Truth was to be defended: And they found that they must answer John Arnoldi Corvinus, who had written a great Volume against Peter Du Moulin. They must answer the Remonstrants also, who in a Book called Acta Synodalia Remonstrantium, had inserted such things as might confirm their own opinions, and invalidate the opinions of the Contra-Remonstrants. And this task they all agreed Walaeus should undertake; who afterwards published an answer to both those Books, whereby he gat very great credit, not only amongst his own, but amongst the French, English and Scots, and for a long time silenced the Remonstrants.

In the mean time these worthy men neglected not to make their Professors places very famous. The Old Testament was expounded by Rivet and Thysius; the New by Polyander: But Walaeus was employed in reading Common places, which was accounted the more grateful and more worthy employment. In these Common places he did not cull out here and there one head; but went over the whole Body of Divinity: handling each head fully, but principally insisting upon those Controversies or difficulties wherewith the Church was most molested: Yet stood he not upon answering all Arguments of the Adversaries; but chose out those which had most weight in them, by answering whereof, the other fell of themselves: But he was most copious and accurate in the Modern Controversies; as De Deo against Vorstius, De Sabbatho, De Praedestinatione: of the Authority of Magistrates in Ecclesiastical affairs, and such like: concluding all, not so much by the strength of Human Reason, as by the clear Word of God▪ whereupon the greatest confluence of Auditors attended upon Walaeus. And one of his Colleagues thinking that he had so many Auditors because he read Common places: he also fell upon the same subject; but when he saw that he labored in vain, he gave it over again.

But seeing it was not enough for them thus to instruct their Auditors in the knowledge of Divinity, except also they prepared the Candidates for the Ministry, enabling them rightly to defend the Truth, and to enervate the Adversaries Arguments: This therefore they effected by Disputations, wherein all were very diligent, but especially Walaeus and P • lyander. Walaeus would not suffer those things to be propounded for Disputation, wherein the Reformed might freely differ amongst themselves. He would not suffer the Opponents to object vain things which were unprofitable: He would not suffer them to oppose immodestly, to the scandal of the hearers: But he would have the Defendant clearly repeat the Opponents Argument, and then not only to give a bare answer, but to demonstrate the solidity of it: Truly Walaeus in his Lectures deserved great praise; but in Disputations he deserved a Triumph.

Because these Candidates in Divinity could not be sufficiently exercised in public, he did twice a week in private explain to them his Enchiridion of the Reformed Religion: he examined it, and appointed them to dispute upon it: yea he set up divers private Lectures wherein he confuted the Anabaptists, Socinians and Papists. He caused these Candidates also often to Preach in private, wherein he directed them to the most profitable subjects, and taught them how they should prosecute the same: Neither would he ever take anything for these his private employments.

This course of training up young Students he continued for twenty years, even till his death, so that innumerable Pastors were sent forth by him into the Church, amongst which many were admirable Lights, which were a great comfort and rejoicing to him.

In the Government of the University he neither made nor nourished parties: but when any differences arose, he always sought to compose them: as he did betwixt Polyander and Thysius: between Cunaeus and Burgersditius, amongst whom some emulation was sprung up.

Walaeus himself had no Enemy but only Daniel Heinsius, who was also a Gantois, and seemed somewhat to emulate him. Yet would not Walaeus do anything that might offend Heinsius; neither would he mingle himself in the contention between Salmatius and Heinsius about precedency.

Walaeus his next care was that all the Honors of the University (so far as might be) should be equally divided amongst his Colleagues, that so they might live together the more sweetly, and might labor together in their several employments with the better concord: So that when he should have been chosen Rector of the University, he sought it for his Colleague: but honor followed him whilst he fled from it: so that he was often Deputy of the University, and thrice Rector.

He would never give to Candidates his testimony for their lives, and proficiency in their Studies of Divinity, except they deserved it: Judging it better to offend them and their friends, then to deceive the Church by advancing unworthy persons to the Ministry: which faithfulness of his was taken notice of, so that many were rejected till they could get the testimony of Walaeus.

He with his Colleagues would never prefer any to the title of Doctors, except they were conspicuous for their Piety, and eminent for Learning.

He had more Books brought to him to License then he could possibly read over: for which cause he sent many of them to the Classes of Pastors to be read over by them, reserving to himself only such as handled Controversies of greater moment.

These Professors would meddle with no cases of Conscience, but such as concerned Matrimony; as for all others that came to them, they sent them to their own Pastors, whereby they much eased themselves, and took off people from undervaluing their own Ministers. And in cases of Matrimony, they always determined them with such sound judgment, that so long as Walaeus lived, there was never any Church or Magistrate that had cause to alter what they had determined.

He was daily sought to for advice in cases of Conscience: In Controversies of Religion, and about Church Government, by Churches, Classes, Synods, Cities, States, and Princes, to all whom he freely imparted his counsel. The States General and the States of Holland would never suffer any Divinity Book to be Dedicated to them till Walaeus had perused, and set his • merimatur to it. They would never suffer any Petitions about Controversies in Religion, or about reforming the people's lives to be presented to them, till he had approved of them. Frederick King of Bohemia would give no answer to the great • urk, who proffered him assistance against the Emperor, till he had consulted with Walaeus. The Prince of Orange in giving Laws to Cities conquered by him would always consult with these men. He called Polyander and Walaeus to compose a difference between the Magistrates and Ministers of Roterdam, that had tired three Synods, and fifteen Classes.

Walaeus with his Colleagues were appointed to publish the Acts of the Synod of Dort: because it was very necessary for all the Reformed Churches, yea for all the World to know in what way and order the cause of the Remonstrants had been examined, and what seemed good to any, and what was concluded by all the Fathers in that assembly: and herein they were much holpen by Festus Hommius, who was the Scribe of the Synod.

Presently after the Publication of these Synodal Acts, the Remonstrants set forth another, wherein in some particulars they sought to invalidate those Acts: but their chief design was to confirm their own opinion by Arguments; the confuting whereof was committed to Walaeus, who presently answered their Acts, and Corvinus, though he pretended a Reply, yet quickly gave over and was silent. But presently a quarrel sprang up between the Remonstrants themselves: For Vtenbogard, Corvinus, and the greatest part of the Remonstrants adhered to Arminius, and would depart no further from the Orthodox. Episcopius and his followers joined with the Socinians: Error is fruitful, and is ever declining from bad to worse.

Shortly after this some rose up that endeavored a Union between the Contra-Remonstrants and the Remonstrants: On the Contra-Remonstrants side were Cornelius Dunganus of Vtrich, Godschalcus Arlius of Arnheim, and James Testardus Pastor of Blesa: On the Remonstrants side was only Anthony Hornhovius, who yet lurked amongst the Orthodox Pastors: But it was impossible to unite those that held such contrary opinions.

There was more hope of an attempt made between Walaeus and Vtenbogardus, which was to consider how the Remonstrants might be admitted into the Reformed Churches, and how far forth they might be tolerated therein. And it was concluded that such of them might be admitted as members, as were free from the Socinian Errors, and would acknowledge that all spiritual and saving gifts were of the free Grace of God through Christ, if they would promise that in other things they would not disturb the Peace of the Church: The greatest difficulty was about their Pastors, who would not be quiet, except they might exercise their Ministry, and enjoy their stipends: neither would they be tied to silence in Controversies: