The historie of the Church since the dayes of our Saviour Iesus Christ, vntill this present age. Devided into foure bookes. 1. The first containeth the whole proceedings and practises of the emperours ... 2. The second containeth a breefe catalogue of the beginnings, and proceedings; of all the bishops, popes, patriarchs, doctors, pastors, and other learned men ... 3. The third containeth a short summe of all the heretiques ... 4. The fourth containeth a short compend of all the councels generall, nationall, and provinciall ... Devided into 16. centuries. ... Collected out of sundry authors both ancient and moderne; by the famous and worthy preacher of Gods word, Master Patrick Symson, late minister at Striueling in Scotland.

THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE HISTORY of the Church: whereinto the whole proceedings and practises of the Emperours both of the West and East, for or against the Church, are briefly expressed: as also the wonderfull loue of God towards her, who so preserved her, that neither by Tyranny she was subdued, nor by Policie circumvented. (Book 1)

CENTVRIE I.

Augustus Caesar.

OVR Lord Iesus the true Prince of peace, was borne in Bethlehem Iuda of a maid,* 1.1 in a very peaceable time, in the 42. yeare of the raigne of Augustus Caesar. At what time the Tem∣ple of Ianus was closed and locked vp,* 1.2 which in time of warres was continually patent and open. At the time of this blessed Natiuity the Angels of God reioyced,* 1.3 the divels trembled. Some affirme that all the

Oracles of Iupiter, Apollo and Hecate were silent, and gaue no answers: alwayes it is certaine that many yeares before the Lords blessed Nativity, the Lord permitted the world to be wonderfully blinded with the delutions of the diuell. The top of Iupiters Oake in Dodona was shaken, the caldron was smitten with the rod that was in the hand of Iupiters image: The Prophetesses forewarned by these fore-running tokens of inspiration were ready to vtter Iupiters Oracles, and the de∣ceived people were humbly kneeling and attending vpon the answer that should be giuen.* 1.4 The tripode in Delphis, the lau∣r••ll and fountaine in Daphne, Apollo his deceitfull ensignes, the ram-faced image of Iupiter, Ammonius in Gyrenia, with many moe places whereinto the sound of the diuels trumpet was heard, to these places (I say) did people bewitched by Satan resort in frequent numbers to be taught by the mouth of him who was a lyer from the beginning, and who re∣maineth a lyer, albeit hee spake at some time the truth, be∣cause hee speaketh it animo fallendi vpon a purpose to de∣ceiue. It is very credible, that the blessed Seed, who came to breake the head of the Serpent, did stopp his mouth also in the time of his blessed Nativity. The countrey of Iudea at this time was subiect to the Romanes,* 1.5 and payed tribute to Caesar. The deputies of Augustus in Iudea and Syria, were Cy∣renius, Coponius,* 1.6 Ambibuchus, and Annius Rufus, one succee∣ding to another. Herod the sonne of Antipater by favour of Antonius obtained this honour to be Gouernour of the Nati∣on of the Iewes, but the honourable name of a King he recei∣ved from Augustus Caesar: this was ratified for his further as∣surance by the Senate of Rome,* 1.7 for which cause Herod to testi∣fie his thankefull minde towards Antonius, builded a Castle in Ierusalem very neere to the Temple called Arx Antonia: And to the honour of Augustus, he builded Caesarea Palestinae, sometime called the tower of Straton. Now a forreiner and stranger,* 1.8 of his fathers side an Idumean, of his mothers side an Arabian, and an aliant both from the stock of David, and also from the Common-wealth of Israell was raigning in Iu∣dea, and the Sceper was sliding from Iuda, now I say, was it

time that Shiloch should come, according to Iacobs prophecie, to whom the people should be gathered. Now was it time that the promised M••ssias should come & sit in the Throne of his father David, and of his Kingdome there should be none end. And indeed how can the Kingdome of Christ haue an end, who acquireth a new title and right of gouernment by death, which is the last period of other Kings governments, and in death they leaue a vacant roome to a successour:* 1.9 but Christ Iesus by dying, and rising againe, hath a right to rule both over dead and quicke. Yea in the very death it selfe hee was practising his kingly office in most effectuall manner, and and trampling Satan vnder feet, and vndoing the power of death,

In Augustus time also, Ioseph was admonished in a dreame to take the babe and his mother,* 1.10 and to flee into Egypt. So∣zomen not content with the certainty of Scripture, addeth a particular nomination of the towne Hermopolis in Thebaida, whereinto Christ soiourned vntill the death of Herod the great. This hee had by the vncertainty of tradition. The mi∣racle of the huge and high tree Prestis, that bowed the toppe lowly to the ground and worshipped her Maker Christ, and afterward had a medicinable vertue in fruit, leafe, and barke, to cure diseases, rather derogareth credit to that Egyptian tradition,* 1.11 then assureth vs of the verity of that report. Herod before his departure from this life; had put to death three of his sonnes, Aristobulus, Alexander, and Antipater, and by te∣stamentall legacy had divided his dominions amongst his re∣manent sonnes, Archelaus, Herod, Antipas, and Philip: which testament being ratified by Augustus, Iudea, Samaria, and I∣dumea were alloted to Archelaus,* 1.12 the Tetrarchie of Galilee to Antipas, and Iturea and Trachonitis to Philip. Ioseph be∣ing returned from Egypt, when he heard that Archelaus did reigne in Iudea in stead of his father Herod, feared to dwell in Iudea, but beeing warned of God in a dreame, went to the parts of Galilee,* 1.13 and dwelt in a Citty called Nazaret. All this was done in the dayes of Augustus. After hee had reigned 56. yeares, or as Iosephus writeth, 57. yeares, viz. with An∣tonius

14. yeares, and after hee overcame Antonius and Cleô∣patra Queene of Egypt in sea-warfare over against Epirus, hee had the Imperiall soveraignty himselfe alone all his dayes,* 1.14 and died in the 77. yeare of his age.

Tiberius.

* 1.15AFter Augustus raigned Tiberius Nero 22. yeares, seven moneths, seuen dayes. The Romane Deputies that were sent to Iudea in the time of his raigne, were Valerius Gratus, Pontius Pilat, and Vitellius. Valerius Gratus for loue of gaine remooued the Priests of the Iewes from their offices, at his owne pleasure. Ananus, Ismael, Eleazarus, Simon the sonne of Camithus, all these were denuded of their priestly dignity, when as two of them, viz. Eleazarus and Simon had conti∣nued scarce one yeare in office. In end Ios••phus Caiphas is advanced to the Priesthood. This is the cause wherefore the Evangelist Iohn calleth Caiphas the high Priest of that same yeare.* 1.16 Matters of religion were now come to an horrible a∣buse, and were not ordered according to Gods holy ordi∣nance, but according to the appetite of the Roman Deput ies.* 1.17 After Gratus, Pontius Pilate was sent to be Deputy in Iudea, a man vigilant and actiue in all civill affaires, as the blood of the Galileans mixed with their sacrifices clearely proueth,* 1.18 but in the cause of Christ remisse, negligent and slacke. After the issue of ten yeares, Vitellius is appointed Deputie in Iudea, and Pontius Pilate addresseth toward Rome. By gratifying of the Iewes of a matter of small importance he obtained great fauour.* 1.19 The priestly garments were wont to bee kept in the Castle called Antonia, but Vitellius gaue commandement to the Captaine of the Castle, to let the high Priest haue the vse of them when hee pleased, and to chuse what place he liked best for the custodie of the priestly garments. Hee disautho∣rized Caiphas, following (as appeareth) the example of Vale∣rius Gratus, and gaue his office to Ionathan the sonne of Ana∣nus,

sometime high Priest.* 1.20 In the 15. yeare of the raigne of Tiberius, Christ our Lord and Saviour was baptized by Iohn in Iordan, was led to the wildernesse, fasted forty dayes, was tempted of the divell and began to preach.

In the 18. yeare of Tiberius, the Lord was crucified, and offered a sacrifice for our sinnes, which hath a perpetuall ver∣tue to saue such as beleeue. Hee arose againe the third day from death. The high Priests and Rulers of the people gaue money to the souldiers, to obscure the glory of his resurrec∣tion, yet it was sufficiently knowne, not onely to Christs Disciples, by his frequent apparitions to them, but also to Pontius Pilate the Romane Deputy himselfe, who had given out a sentence of death against Christ. Pilate by letters sig∣nified to Tiberius the miracles of Christ, his resurrection, and that hee was supposed of many to be God:* 1.21 But the Senate of Rome refused to acknowledge the divinity of Christ, be∣cause hee was worshipped as God, before his Godhead was approved by the Senate of Rome. The words of the Apo∣stle Paul had performance in the Romane Senate, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, they became vaine in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was full of darknes, when they professed them∣selues to be wise, they became fooles. The very smoke that riseth from the furnace seemeth to be somewhat at the first, but when it mounteth vp into the aire, the higher it ascen∣deth, the more it scatereth, and the sudden dispartion of it declareth it is but a vaine thing. Such was the wisedome of the Romane Senate, when they mounted vp so high as to iudge of diuine things farre surpassing the reach of the natu∣rall vnderstanding of man, they prooued starke fooles, and people destitute of true vnderstanding: and Pilate himselfe ouerladen with many heauy calamities in the dayes of Caius,* 1.22 put hands into himselfe, and so ended his wretched life. Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 7.

Caius Caligula.

CAius Caligula, successour to Tiberius, raigned three years and nine months.* 1.23 Hee was a proud Tyrant, enemy to all righteousnesse, the very childe of the diuell. I insist on∣ly vpon Church matters. Hee was an hatefull enemy to the Iewes dwelling at Ierusalem, and at Alexandria. For one and the selfe-same cause were they both despised and hated of Caius,* 1.24 because they would not giue vnto him diuine honors by building Temples, and Altars, and offering sacrifice to new Iupiter Caius, and swearing by his name. First concer∣ning Ierusalem,* 1.25 hee had sent Petronius to be Deputy in Iu∣dea, with commandement to dedicate the Temple of Ieru∣salem to Iupiter Caius, and to set vp his image in the Tem∣ple. The Iewes were more willing to die, then to see the Temple of their God polluted. Petronius advertised the Emperour of the grievance of the Iewes,* 1.26 but before his let∣ters came into the hands of Caius somewhat interveened that both disappointed the purpose of Caius, and also incen∣sed his heart with fury and rage against his Deputy Petr••∣nius. At what time Herod Agrippa was at Rome, whom af∣terward the Angell of God smote at Caesarea, so that hee was consumed with wormes, hee was exceedingly beloved of Caius, because in the dayes of Tiberius hee had beene cast in prison, and bound with bands for the loue hee carryed to Caius, in so farre that Caius invited Agrippa vpon a certaine time to a banquet, and bade him aske what hee pleased, and it should be granted.* 1.27 Agrippaes petition was this, that Caius would suffer the Nation of the Iewes to liue according to their owne lavve. Caius was moued somewhat with this vnexpected petition, yet partly for his excessiue loue toward Agrippa: also, left hee should seeme to them which fate at table to be a promise-breaker, the petition is granted. But the venome of his indignation against the Iewes hee poured

out against Petronius, because that by lingring in executing his commandement occasion was offered to Agrippa to pre∣sent this foresayd petition.* 1.28 The letter of Caius sent to his Deputy was cruell and bloody, the like whereof was seldom heard: because hee fulfilled not the Emperours desire, he is commanded to giue out sentence of death against his owne life, and to be both iudge and burrio to himselfe. Such mer∣cy was in this new Iupiter Caius. Before I write any thing of his cruelty against the Iewes that dwelt in Alexandria, it is a meet place to admonish the Reader of the hypocrisie and counterfait holinesse of Herod Agrippa, who seemed both in the dayes of Caius, and also in the dayes of the Emperour Claudius, to bee a patterne of godlinesse, preferring at the banquet of Caius the liberty of the people of God, and the inviolable observation of the Law of God, to all the riches that the liberality of an affectioned Emperour could be able to afford.* 1.29 In Claudius dayes hee sayled from Italy to Iudea, hee acknowledged God to be the author of his deliverance from prison and bands, and offered a chaine of gold to bee hung vp in the Temple of Ierusalem,* 1.30 in testimony that hee receiued that benefit with a thankfull mind out of the Lords hands. In outward things hee was a builder of the wals of Ierusalem, vntill the emulous envie of Marsus, or envious emulation,* 1.31 the hinderer of all good workes, compelled him to desist and to leaue the worke imperfited. For all this out∣ward shew of holinesse, the lessons of Caius whom he loued beyond all things, never left him till his last breath. Caius desired to be counted a god, so did Agrippa in Caesarea de∣light when his Oration was called the voyce of God and not of man. Caius persecuted the Iewes without a cause, so did Herod Agrippa the Christians.* 1.32 Caius the higher hee advan∣ced himselfe, the greater was his fall, the like also happened to Agrippa. So pernitious a thing is vngodly company, bur∣ning their associats with their fire,* 1.33 or else blacking them with their smoke, and hurtfull every manner of way. In the towne of Alexandria the Grecians contended against the Iewes, both parties sent Ambassadors to Rome, the Grecians

sent Appion, the Iewes sent Philo a very prudent and learned man. Appion with flattering words insinuated himself in the fauour of the Emperor Caius, & accused the Iewes that they neither builded temples,* 1.34 nor offered sacrifice to the honor of Caius, as the Grecians did. Philo was ready to answer, but Cai∣us ruled with affection rather then with reason, caused Philo to be thrust out of his palace, and would not hearken vnto him. In these two mirrors, we may see the cruell disposition of this Emperor, whose dependers were persecuters of Chri∣stians, like as he himself was a persecuter of the Iewes. If any good turne fell into his hand, it was rather by accident then of purpose to glorifie God, or to punish sin: he banished He∣rod Antipas,* 1.35 who beheaded Iohn the Baptist, & his wife Hero∣dias that incestuous harlot, who ended their liues in penury and misery in Lyons of France. But all this was done for the fauor of Agrippa, but not for detestation of murther & incest. In end Caius was slaine by his owne servants, Chereas & Lu∣pus, whom the Emperour Claudius afterward punished vnto death.* 1.36 This new Iupiter I count him to haue been in worse case then old Iupiter the son of Saturne, albeit both of them died, yet the one after his death, was counted a god, but the other after his death was counted a diuell.

Claudius.

* 1.37CLaudius raigned thirteene yeares, eight months. Hee ratified the gift of the kingdome of Iudea, bestowed by his predecessor Caius vpon Herod Agrippa, and added thereto all the dominions of Herod Antipas,* 1.38 whom Caius had bani∣shed. This Herod Agrippa when hee returned from Italy to Iudea, builded the walles of Ierusalem, sparing for no cost, so high and strong, that if the worke had not been hindered by the procurement of Marsus Governour of Syria, he had made them impregnable. Hee was not so carefull to build the walles of the spirituall Ierusalem, for hee beheaded the holy Apostle S. Iames, the brother of Iohn, and did cast Pe∣ter

into prison, whom the Lord miraculously deliuered.* 1.39 This Herod and the Iewes made hauocke of the glory of God,* 1.40 and blood of his Saints. For he gratified them by shed∣ding the blood of the Apostles of Christ, and againe they gratified him by giuing him the glorie that appertained to God alone.* 1.41 For which cause he was stricken by the Angel of God & consumed with wormes, In this Emperour Claudius dayes, the famine foretolde by the Prophet Agabus afflicted the world. One of the causes of this plague doubtlesse was the manifold abuses of the creatures of God, in the middes of the aboundance of bread, the contempt of the poore, which faultes were so vniuersally ouerspread in the world, that some of the Emperours themselues were not free of the foule spot of intemperancie:* 1.42 as the scoffing speeches of the people did witnesse in stead of Claudius Tiberius Nero cal∣ling the Emperour Caldius Biberius Mero. This is referred to the successour of Augustus.

In the yeere of our Lord 48. and in the sixt yeere of the reigne of Claudius,* 1.43 as Chytraeus reckoneth, was gathered that famous Councill of Ierusalem described viuely by the Euan∣gelist Luke whereat were present the Apostles, Peter and Paul, and Iames, and Barnabas a reuerent man of God in whom Apostolike giftes were not lacking, with other wor∣thie men, Iudas surnamed Barsabas and Silas notable Pro∣phets and fellow-labourers of the Apostles: likewise the Commissioners of Antiochia, and Elders of Ierusalem with many others who were beleeuers. What was concluded in this Councell,* 1.44 I remit to the faithfull narration of the Euan∣gelist Luke. Alwayes if votes be pondered rather then num∣bred, this is the Councell of Councels more worthie to bee called O Ecomenicke then the Councels of Nice, of Constanti∣nople, of Ephesus, and Chalcedon. In the Councell of Nice were worthy Bishops, who came from all quarters, of the world, but in this Councill were holy Apostles, who could not erre in matters of faith, O Ecomenicke Bishops indeede, and any one of the holy Apostles was illuminated with more aboundance of cleare light in things pertaining to the wor∣ship

of God then al the 300 & 18. bishops cōueened at Nice in Bithynea.* 1.45 Many Romaine Deputies were sent in the dayes of Claudius to keepe Syria and Iudea in subjection to the Ro∣maines, such as Marsus, Longinus, Cuspius Phadus, Tiberius A∣lexander, Cumanus and Felix. I leaue Marsus and Longinus for desire to open vp in what Deputies time things mentio∣ned in holy Scripture came to passe. When Cuspius Phadus was deputie, there arose a deceitfull man named Theudas, to whom resorted a number of men aboue 400. who were slaine,* 1.46 and all who followed him were scattered, Iosephus writeth that Phadus sent forth a trope of horsemen, who sud∣denly charged the people that followed Theudas, and slew them,* 1.47 and tooke Theudas aliue, and cut off his head, and brought it to Ierusalem, After this man arose one Iudas of Galile in the dayes of the tribute, and drew away much peo∣ple after him: he also perished, and all that obeyed him were scattered. If Gamaliel in that narration keepe the order of time, as these words (After him) would import, of necessitie the words of the history of the Actes must be vnderstood of another Theudas then that man of whom Iosephus writeth in the place aboue mentioned. For Iudas of Galile liued in the dayes of Augustus▪ and when Cyrenius was Deputie of Syria and Iudea,* 1.48 But I am not certaine whether or no the words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doe absolutely import that Iudas of Galile was posterior in time to Theudas. When Cumanus was Deputie, who succeded to Tiberius Alexander the insolencie of one Romaine souldier was the destruction of twentie thousand innocent people, he discouered the secret parts of his body vpon a solemne feast day, neere vnto the Temple, and in the sight of the Iewes, they counted this a contempt done to God in the porch of his owne house: Cumanus drew the Romane souldiers to the Castle called Antonia verie neere the temple, and set them in order, and the people of the Iewes fearing the inuasion of the souldiers, sled, and in the narrow passages ouertrode one another, and a great multitude of people were slaine,* 1.49 After this the people of the Iewes came to Caesarea where Cumanus was for the time, and complained

of a Romane souldier, who had cast a booke of holy Scrip∣ture into the fire, whom Cumanus beheaded, and so pacified the Iewes.* 1.50 In end, Cumanus through his euill gouerne∣ment procured to himselfe the indignation of the Empe∣rour Claudius, he fauoured the wicked cause of the Samari∣tanes, who had stopped the passages of the Galileans, and slaine a great number of them. They were accustomed yeerely to goe vp to Ierusalem to holy fea••tes, and their way was through the townes and villages of the Samaritanes. Cumanus rather fauoured then punished this wicked fact of the Samaritanes, therefore he was remoued from his place, and Felix was sent to be Deputie of Iudea.* 1.51 Whether Clau∣dius was impoisoned by Agrippina his wife to prepare an easie passage to Nero her sonne to be Emperour or not, I leaue that to be read in authors, who haue entreated the liues of Emperours politikly. It contenteth me to write of the estate of the Church in their time.

Nero.

DOmitius Nero, succeeded to Claudius: he reigned thir∣teene yeeres and eight months,* 1.52 His mother Agrippina after the death of Cneus Domitius Aenobarbus was joyned in mariage with the Emperour Claudius. In the first fiue yeeres of his gouernement he abandoned the insolencie of his wicked disposition, so that it was a prouerbe in the mouthes of men, Neronis quinquennium, in regard of his good cariage for the space of fiue yeeres. But a fire long couered, in end breaketh out into a mightie flame, that no water can slake it His cruelitie against his mother, his wifes Octa••ia and Poppea, his master Seneca, the Poet Lucan, and the vile abuse of his body with persons of his neerest consanguinitie, I remit to the reading of learned authors, who haue written exactly the historie of the Romane Emperours, and I hast to

that which is the principall purpose of this compend, how wicked Nero kindled the first great Fornace of horrible per∣secution against the Christians. It cannot be denyed but in the dayes of Tiberius our Lord Christ Iesus was crucified: in the dayes of Caligula and Claudius the hands of that cruell persecuter Herod was mightily strengthened by the fauour, countenance and bountifulnesse of both these Emperours, so that he layd hands vpon the pillars of the house of God: and so I deny not but the Church of God before the dayes of Nero was in the fornace of trouble, but now 'come the dayes whereinto the Roman Emperours like vnto Nebuchad∣nezar were full of rage,* 1.53 and the forme of their visage was changed against the Christians, & they commanded that the fornace should be hoate seuen times more then it was wont to be.

* 1.54This historie henceforth conteineth on the one part, the great wrestling of persecuting Emperours against God, not like to the wrestling of Iacob with God. The place of Iacobs wrestling was Pen••el, where he saw God, the forme of wre∣stling was with many teares and strong supplications, the end was,* 1.55 that the Angel should not hastly depart from him leauing him comfortlesse, the successe was the obtaining of a blessing, which was the armour of God to saue him against the hatefull malice of Esau: but by the contrary, Nero, Do∣mitian, Traian, Antonius, and the rest set their faces against the heauen, commanded the holy One of Israel to depart out of the world, endeuoured to quench the sauing light of his Gospell, and by so doing, brought downe vpon them∣selues, in stead of a blessing, that wrath that is reueiled from heauen vpon all them who detaine the truth of God into vnrighteousnes,* 1.56 On the other part is set downe the constant faith and patient suffering of the Saints who hated not the burning bush, because it was set on fire, but they loued it, because in it they were refreshed with the comfortable pre∣sence of the great Angel of God,* 1.57 who would not for gaining of their liues once fashion themselues according to the simi∣litude of Idolaters in outward and externall things. Tertuli∣an

in his booke de corona militis declareth that true Christian souldiers abhorred from setting a garland of flowers vpon their heads, when they received wages for their painfull ser∣uice in warfare, because it was the habit of Idolaters who sa∣crificed to Iupiter. O happy men of God, whose vertues the dead colours of Painters cannot represent, and the festered manners of this corrupt age cannot imitate! When shall the fresh oyle of the grace of God bee powred into our lampes, that the light of our faith, patience, and constant perseve∣rance may shine clearely to the world as theirs did?

The occasion of this great persecution of Nero,* 1.58 was his owne barbarous and cruell fact: hee caused the towne of Rome to be set on fire, which wasted the buildings of the towne for the space of sixe dayes, and to eschew the vile in∣famy of this barbarous fact, hee layde the blaine vpon the Christians, and gaue forth edicts and commandements to to persecute them to the death. Nero was so hatefull an ad∣uersary to all righteousnesse, that Eusebius following the ex∣ample and words of Tertullian, affirmeth that if the Gospell had not beene an excellent good thing,* 1.59 it had not been con∣demned by Nero. It is supposed that Peter was crucified, and Paul was beheaded at Rome, in the time of this persecu∣tion. If this be true, the very dead bones of Peter and Paul are witnesses against the Romane Church, if they continue not in the same faith, that Peter and Paul sealed vp with their blood. The estate of the Iewes vnder Nero was very hard in respect of the oft change of the Romane Deputies.* 1.60 For in Neroes time continued Felix for a space, whom the Em∣perour Claudius had sent to Iudea, and after him Festus, Al∣binus, and Florus. This last Deputy was fashioned according to the similitude of the manners of Nero his Master, and the Proverb holdeth true in Nero and Florns, Such man, such master. In the time that Felix was Deputy, a certaine Egyptian man pretending to be a Prophet, and promising great things, perswaded foure thousand of the Iewes to fol∣low after him,* 1.61 but Felix sent forth companies of horsemen and footmen, who slew foure hundreth of the people that

followed the Egyptian,* 1.62 and tooke two hundreth of them aliue, the rest were scattered, but the seducing Prophet es∣caped, and could not be found. When Festus was Deputy, King Agrippa heard the Apology of Paul, and sayd that in a part Paul perswaded him to be a Christian.* 1.63 This Agrippa (I say) the sonne of Herod, whom the Angell of God slewe, was advanced to great honours by the Emperour Claudius, as his father had beene before him by the fauour of Caius, and he possessed not onely his fathers dominions, but also the Tetrarchy of Iturea and Trachonitis, sometime belong∣ing to Philip the sonne of Herod the great. His might and riches procured trouble to the Nation of the Iewes. He had a palace situate vpon the West-side of the Temple of Ierusa∣lem, and in regard it was builded vpon a mountaine, he had a delectable prospect of the towne of Ierusalem: yet not content with this, hee mounted vp the walles of the Palace by a new building, so high, that they who were in the Pa∣lace might haue seene the Altar, and sacrifices of the Iewes offered in the inner court, which at that time was called A∣trium Iudaorum. This doing grieved the hearts of the Iewes. They on the other part, to cut off the sight of those who dwelt in the Palace, from beholding their sacrifices, raysed vp the wall of the inner court on the West-side to such emi∣nency, that no man could behold the sacrifices of the Iewes from the Palace.* 1.64 King Agrippa and Festus with authority commanded the Iewes to demolish their new builded wall. In end this matter was referred to the Emperour Nero, who being solicited by his wife Poppea, gratified the Iewes in this poynt,* 1.65 and compelled them not to cast downe their wall. Festus died in Iudea, and Albinus was sent to be Deputie in Iudea. Ananus was the high Priest of the Iewes in those dayes, and finding opportunity of time, to practice the ma∣lice of his heart against Iames the sonne of Alpheus, furna∣named Iustus,* 1.66 an holy Apostle and kinsman of our Lord Ie∣sus. When Albinus was vpon his iourney, and had not as yet arriued neither to the coasts of Egypt, nor of Iudea, this Ananus (I say) caused Iames furnamed Iustus, and the bro∣ther

of our Lord,* 1.67 to bee stoned to death. Eusebius writeth that he was throwne down from the pinacle of the Temple. This cruelty of Ananus, albeit it displeased both King A∣grippa, and Albinus the Deputy of the Romans, and the peo∣ple of Ierusalem, yet wicked men are wiser in their owne generation, then the children of light: and Ananus sawe that if hee had lingred vntill the Romane Deputy had arri∣ued, hee could not haue procured the death of a man coun∣ted so inst, and so welbeloved of the people, as the Apostle Iames was. It is to be marked that Eusebius in the foremen∣tioned place describeth the Martyrdome of Iames furnamed Iustus, before the edict of the persecution of Nero, after which folloshed the martyrdome of Peter and Paul, in the 12. yeere of Nero his raigne,* 1.68 neuerthelesse, the Romane Church had forged Epistles decretall, whereinto Clemens Bishop of Rome, writeth to Iames furnamed Iustus, after the death of Peter. What credit these decretall Epistles deserue, it shall be declared hereafter, God willing. But Florus who succeded to Albinus, was an avaritious and cruell man: hee exhausted the treasure that was in the Temple, and tooke out of it sixteene talents of siluer. And when the Iewes at Ierusalem murmured against him, hee came to the towne in great wrath, and permitted the souldiers to slay, and to spoyle the Citizens of Ierusalem at their pleasure. Likewise he afflicted with vnaccustomed cruelty,* 1.69 men of noble birth, by scourging and crucifying them. This was the ground of the warre betweene the Romanes and the Iewes, wherein Ierusalem came to that lamentable ruine foretold by our Sa∣viour Christ. Now to returne to the Emperour himselfe, and forme of his death. After he had raigned 13. yeares and eight moneths, the Senate of Rome proclaimed him to bee an enemy to mankind, and condemned him to be whipped with wands to the death, and to be harled through the City. For feare of which punishment he was forced to flie, and by slaying of himselfe, made an end of his most wretched life. Iustin.

Vespatian.

AFter Nero, Otto, Vitellius, and Galba contended for the Empire, and were all hastily cut off, and made out of the way,* 1.70 and Flavianus Vespatian was chosen Emperour by the Roman Arny, he reigned ten yeares. The Nation of the Iewes at this time, for the most part was given ouer into a re∣probate minde, according as it was foretold by the Prophet Zacharie:* 1.71 Then sayd I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die, and that that perisheth, let it perish, and let the remnant every one eate the flesh of his neighbour. Like as the intollerable cruelty of Flerus had irritat the Nation of the Iewes: even so on the other side, the vnsupportable obstinacy of the Iewes had incensed the wrath of the Romanes against them. They were now become so head-strong,* 1.72 that they reiected the sacrifice that was wont to be offered for Caesar. The cala∣mity of the Iewes who dwelt in Alexandria, and in Damas∣cus, was but the beginning of sorrowes: fifty thousand Iewes were slaine in Alexandria,* 1.73 ten thousand in Damascus. Besides this, many signes and wonders both in heauen and earth, did proclaime their future desolation and destruction. A Comet was seene in heauen,* 1.74 hanging ouer the towne of Ierusalem for the space of a yeare, and having the similitude of a sword: in the Temple at the mid time of the night, a cleare light was seene shining round about the Altar, in brightnes not vnlike vnto the light of the day: and the great brasen port of the Temple opened of it owne accord, a∣bout the sixt houre of the night: chariots of fire were seene compassing townes, and a voyce was heard in the Sanctuary warning to flit,* 1.75 and to transport, with many other fearfull signes and wonders. But a people senslesse, whose eyes were dimme, whose eares were dull of hearing, whose heart was fatte, and locked vp by Satan in infidelity, they could take no warning of the wrath to come, because the Lord was

minded to destroy them. Flavius Vespatian, and his sonne Titus Vespatian leading an army of threescore thousand ar∣med men from Ptolemaida, besieged the townes of Galilee and Trachonitis: so many as would not willingly bee sub∣iect to the Romanes, the townes of Gadara, Tiberias, Ioto∣pata, Tarithea, Gamala, all these were brought vnder the re∣verence of Vespatian, and Iosephus, who had beene lurking in a caue (after the towne of Iotopata was conquered) was taken aliue, and kept in bands by the Romans: hee foretold that Vespatian should be Emperour, and saluted him Caesar, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.76 while Nero was yet aliue. When this pro∣phecie came to passe indeed, and hee was chosen to bee Em∣perour, hee sent for Iosephus, and commanded that he should be loosed from bands, but Titus his sonne, thought more ex∣pedient that his bands should bee cut off from him, rather then loosed,* 1.77 to the end he might be counted a worthy man, who never deserved captivity nor bands. Flavius Vespatian returned to Rome, and left behinde him his sonne Titus to subdue the Iewes, and to besiege the towne of Ierusalem, but the Christians who dwelt at Ierusalem, were warned by God to depart out of the towne of Ierusalem,* 1.78 so they left it, and dwelt beyond Iordan in a towne of Decapolis, called Pela. Separation of the corne from the chaffe, goeth before the vnquenchable fire wherewith the chaffe shall bee burnt. Titus beganne to besiege Ierusalem in the first yeare of the reigne of his father,* 1.79 at the time when the people were gathe∣red to celebrate the feast of the Passeouer. The terror of the sword of the Romanes without, the feare of mercilesse bri∣gands within the bowels of the towne prevailing, the shewer of the dead (wanting the honour of buriall) infecting the aire, and devouring the living with contagious sicknesse, the violent plague of famine breaking assunder the bands of nature, and constraining women to eate the birth of their owne bellies.* 1.80 All these calamities seased vpon them at once, in the iust iudgement of God. They despised the Father of eternity, and the Prince of peace, and sayd to Pilate, Wee haue no King but Caesar.* 1.81 Now they finde that the mercies

of Caesar were cruell, and his sonne Titus, who was commen∣ded in all mens mouthes, as meeke, mercifull, liberall, and eloquent, and was called Amor & delitiae humani generis: that is, The loue and most dainty thing of all mankinde, yet God made him a terrible scourge to the Nation of the Iewes, who forsooke the Lord Iesus, and preferred Caesar vnto him. In Scripture wee reade of many great viols of the wrath of God powred downe vpon vnrighteous men, but these are greatest that resemble by most liuely representation the great condemnation of the wicked at the last day, such as the flood of Noe, the ouerthrow of Sodome, and destruction of Ie∣rusalem. The flood of Noe was vniuersall and sudden, so shall be the condemnation of vngodly men at the last day. The overthrow of Sodome and Gomorrha,* 1.82 was a destructi∣on vnsupportable, and the more meet to bee an example of the vengeance of eternall fire.* 1.83 The destruction of Ierusa∣lem, and the forerunning tokens thereof, are so mixed with the tokens preceeding the condemnation of the great day, that it may bee clearely perceiued, that God hath appointed the one to be a type and figure of the other. So oft as we call to remembrance the flood of Noe, the overthrow of Sodom, and the destruction of Ierusalem, let vs feare & stand in awe to fall into the condemnation of vngodly men, because all the terrors of these iudgements concurre and are massed to∣gether in the iudgement of the last day. What are the deepe wells of water, what are the shoures of fire and brimstone, what is famine, pest, and sword, both intestine and forraine, in comparison of that worme that never dieth, and that fire that shall never be quenched, and the blacknesse of darknes, with weeping and gnashing of teeth, &c? It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Concerning the number of them that were slaine in Galilee, Trachoni∣tis, Samaria, and Iudea, chiefly in the Metropolitane towne Ierusalem, over and besides those that were sold to be slaues, and those that were deuoured by wild beasts, in the triumph of Flavius and Titus at Rome, reade Iosephus de bello Iud. lib. 6. cap. 45.

Titus.

AFter Flavius, raigned Titus Vespatian his sonne, two yeares, two months, twenty dayes.* 1.84 The Nation of the Iewes being now subdued, there was great peace in all parts of the Romane dominions, both by sea and land, and the Temple of Ianus in Rome,* 1.85 was closed and locked vp againe.

Domitian.

FFlavius Domitian was associate to his brother Titus in government,* 1.86 during his life time; and after his death was his successor. Hee raigned 15. yeares. Hee was proud like Nero, and persecuted innocent Christians as hee did, so prone and bent is our corrupt nature to sinne, and to follow evill examples. Now againe the Church of Christ militant vpon the earth, must learne obedience by suffering, and must giue a proofe before the world, that the Covenant of God is written in the tables of her heart, and so deeply in∣graved by the finger of God, that no tribulation, anguish, persecution, famine, nakednesse, nor death itselfe can sepa∣rate her from the loue of Christ. The members of the Church were the good Merchants,* 1.87 of whom Christ spea∣keth, who having found a pearle of vnspeakeable value, were content to sell all they had for loue of gaining it: they had tasted of the Well of water springing vp into eternall life, and thirsted not againe for the water that cannot satisfie the heart of man with ful contentment.* 1.88 In this second great per∣secution, the beloved disciple of Christ, the Apostle Iohn was banished to the Isle of Patmos, for the word of God. Flavia Domicilla, a woman of noble birth in Rome, was banished to Pontia, an Isle lying ouer against Caieta in Italy. Prota∣sius

and Gervasius were martyred at Millain:* 1.89 concerning the miracle wrought at their sepulchres, God willing, wee shall speake in the third Century, and in the Treatise of Reliques. Chytraus writeth, that Timothie was stoned to death at Ephe∣sus, by the worshippers of Diana, and that Dionysius Areopa∣gita,* 1.90 was slaine by the sword at Pareis. Domitian had heard some rumors of the Kingdome of Christ, and was afraid as Herod the great had beene, after the Nativity of our Lord: but when two of Christ kinsmen, according to the flesh, the Nephewes of the Apostle Iude were presented before him, and hee perceived them to be poore men, who gained their living by handy labour, and when hee had heard of them, that Christs Kingdome was not of this world, but it was spi∣rituall, and that hee would come at the latter day to iudge the quick and the dead, he despised them as simple and con∣temptible persons,* 1.91 and did them no harme. In the end, as the life of Domitian was like vnto the life of Nero, so was he not vnlike vnto him in his death: for his owne wife and friends conspired against him, and slew him: his body was carried to the graue by porters, and buried without honour. The Senate of Rome also decreed, that his name should bee rased, and all his acts should bee rescinded. Sueton. in Dom. Ierom. catal. script. eccles.

Nerva.

* 1.92COccius Nerua after Domitian, raigned one yeare, foure moneths. And hitherto all the Emperours that ruled, were borne in Italy: from henceforth strangers doe rule: for Traian the adoptiue sonne of Nerva, his successor was borne in Spaine. Nerva redressed many things, that were done amisse by Domitian, and in his time the Apostle Iohn was relieued from banishment, and returned againe to Ephe∣sus,* 1.93 where he died.

CENTVRIE II.

Traianus.

TRaian the adopted sonne of Nerva, was the first stranger who obtained that ho∣nour to bee King of the Romanes.* 1.94 Hee raigned 19. yeares, 6. moneths. A man so exceeding well beloved of the Senate and of the people of Rome, that after his dayes, whensoever a new Emperour was elected, they wished vnto him the good successe of Augu∣stus, and the vprightnesse of Traianus. Notwithstanding of this,* 1.95 hee was a cruell persecuter of Christians. And this third persecution is iustly counted greater then the two pre∣ceeding persecutions. To other afflictions now is added contempt and shame. It was no great dishonour to bee ha∣ted of Nero and Domitian, wicked men and haters of righte∣ousnes, but to bee hated and persecuted by Traian, a man counted a patterne of vpright dealing, this was a great re∣buke. Notwithstanding Christians looked to Iesus, the author and finisher of their faith, who for the ioy that was set before him, endured the crosse, and despised the shame, and is set at the right hand of the throne of God. Many haue more patiently endured paine in their flesh, then shame and contempt in the world,* 1.96 but Christs true Disciples must re∣solue to be a gazing stocke to all the world, and to bee coun∣ted the off-scourings of the earth, as the holy men of God did in the dayes of the Emperour Traian. These were Ci∣tizens of heauen, liuing in earthly tabernacles, liuing vpon the earth,* 1.97 but not fashioned according to the similitude of this world. In doing great things by faith, they surpassed mighty Monarches: In patient suffering of evill, they over∣went

admired Plilosophers. In this persecution Simon the sonne of Cleopas,* 1.98 an holy Apostle suffered martyrdome, be∣ing now an hundreth and twenty yeares old: hee was first scourged, and then crucified: but all this rebuke hee most patiently suffered for the name of Christ. Of Ignatius mar∣tyrdome wee haue spoke in the first Century, the time of his suffering,* 1.99 was in the time of Traianus. Plinie the second De∣puty in Bithynia, breathing threatnings against innocent Christians, persecuted great numbers of them to death. In the end he was commoued and troubled in his owne mind, cosidering both the number & patient suffring of christians that were put to death, he wrote to the Emperour, declaring that Christians were men of good conversation, and detested murther, adultery, and such other vngodlinesse: onely they had conventions earely in the morning, and they sang Psalmes to the honour of Christ, whom they worshipped as God, but they would not worship images (here marke the portrait of the Ancient Apostolike Church, and what con∣formity the Romane Church in our dayes hath with it, the Lord knoweth.) This letter of Plinius mitigated the Empe∣rours wrath in a part, yet gaue hee no absolute commande∣ment to stay the persecution, but onely that the Iudges should not search them out narrowly,* 1.100 but if any happened to bee presented before them, then let them bee punished. What confusion was in this edict, it is well marked by Ter∣tullian:* 1.101 the one part of it repugneth to the other. In forbid∣ding to search them out narrowly, hee declareth their inno∣cency, but in commanding to punish them when they were presented, hee pronounceth them to bee guilty. This is that Emperour for whose soule Gregory the first made sup∣plications to God 400. yeares after his death, and was heard of God as Damacen writeth.* 1.102 This superstitious Monke, of the descent of Saracens blood, if he supposed Gregory to be so full of charity, that hee prayed for the soule of one perse∣cuting Emperour, why would he not bring him in praying also for all the ten persecuting Emperours, to the end that they being all delivered from the condemnation of hell,

heaven might be counted a mansion both for Christs true Disciples, and also for Christs hatefull and impenitent e∣nemies?

Adrianus.

AFter Traian, AElius Adrianus raigned 21. yeares. In his time Aristides and Quadratus,* 1.103 the one a Bishoppe, the other an Orator at Athens, wrote learned apologies in defence of Christian Religion,* 1.104 and did so mitigate the Em∣perours minde, that in his time no new commandement was set forth to persecute Christians. Barcochebas at this time perverted the Nation of the Iewes, and called himselfe the promised Messias: whom the foolish Iewes followed to their owne overthrow and destruction. Tynius Rufus, De∣puty in Iudea, besieged this man in Bethera, a towne not farre distant from Ierusalem, and destroyed him with all his adherents. Also the whole Nation of the Iewes was bani∣shed from their natiue soyle: and the towne of Ierusalem was taken from the Iewes, and delivered to other Nations to bee inhabitants of it, and was called by the Emperours name AElia.* 1.105 Thus we see that the Iewes who would not re∣ceiue Christ, who came in his Fathers name, yet they recei∣ved another who came in his owne name, and like vnto babes, who are easily deceived with trifles, they were bewit∣ched with the splendor of a glorious name: for Barcochebas signifieth the sonne of a starre: and hee said to the Iewes, that hee was sent as a light from heaven to succour their di∣stressed estate: but hee might haue beene called more iustly Barchosba, the sonne of a lie. Here I giue warning againe, that we take heed to our selues,* 1.106 left wee bee circumvented with the deceitfull snares of the diuell: for it is an easie thing to fall, but a difficult thing to rise againe. The Christians who lived in the dayes of Adrian, were glad to bee refreshed with the crums of outward comfort, which are denyed to no

accused person in the whole world, viz. that Christians shall not be condemned to death for the importunate cla∣mours and cryes of a raging people accusing them, except it be prooved that they haue transgressed the Law, and haue committed some fact worthy of death. Reade the Epistle of Adrian written to Minutius Fundanus,* 1.107 Deputy in Asia. The good intention of Adrian in building a Church for the ho∣nour of Christ, voyd of Images, (because such was the custome of Christians) was hindered by some of his fami∣liar friends, who sayd, that if hee so did, all men would for∣sake the temples of the gods of the Gentiles, and become Christians. In this point good Reader marke what Church is like vnto the ancient Primitiue and Apostolike Church, whether the Church decked with Images, or the Church voyd of Images.

Antoninus Pius.

TO Adrian succeeded Antoninus Pius, his adopted son, and raigned 23. yeares.* 1.108 Hee was so carefull to preserue the liues of his Subjects, that hee counted it greater honour to saue the life of one Subiect, then to destroy the liues of a thousand enemies. In this Emperours time Iustinus Martyr wrote notable bookes of Apologie for the Christians, which were presented and read in the Senate of Rome, and molli∣fied the Emperours minde toward Christians, as clearely ap∣peareth by his edict,* 1.109 proclaimed at Ephesus, in time of most solemne conventions of all Asia.

Antoninus Philosophus, and L. Verus.

AFter Antoninus Pius succeeded his sonne in law Anto∣ninus Philosophus, otherwise called Marcus Aurelius, with his brother L. Aurelius Verus. This is the first time wherein the Romane Empire was governed by two Augu∣sties. Albeit Titus had associated his brother Domitian, to be a fellow labourer with him in the worke of government, yet was not Domitian counted or called Augustus, vntill the death of his brother Titus. But now at one and the selfe same time, two Emperours do raigne. Antoninus Philosophus raigned nineteene yeares, Lucius Verus his brother nine yeares.* 1.110 And so after the death of Verus, the whole gouern∣ment returned to Antoninus Philosophus onely. Hee was cal∣led a Philosopher not onely in regard of his knowledge, but also in respect of the practise of Philosophie. He was nei∣ther greatly pust vp by prosperity, nor cast downe by aduer∣sity: yet he was a cruell persecuter of innocent Christians.

Now is the fuell added to the furnace the fourth time,* 1.111 and the flame is great, and the arme of wicked men who hated the name of Christians, is strengthened by the Emperours com∣mandement. The trumpets of the Monarches of the world found the alarme against him who made them Kings & ru∣lers on the earth. The poore innocent lambs of the sheepfold of Christ appointed for the shambles, strengthened their hearts in God, and in the power of his might, & chose rather to suffer adversity with their brethren, then to enjoy the plea∣sures of sin for a season, they were content to be racked,* 1.112 and would not be delivered, that they might bee partakers of a better resurrection,* 1.113 whose bodies torne with stripes vntill their very inward bowels were patent to the outward sight, witnessed the vnrent firmenesse and stability of their faith.

They were so supported with the power of that grace that commeth from aboue, that they were not terrified with the multiplied numbers of cruell torments, newly devised for dashing that invincible courage of faith which was seene in Christians. Yea further then this. When the persecuting enemies were compelled to change the high tuned accent of their menacing speeches, and to craue but a little conformi∣tie to the Emperours desire in swearing by his fortune, the holy men of God would not once seeme to fall away from their profession, by answering with timerous and doubtfull words: but glorified God with a cleare and constant con∣fession of their Christian faith. Polycarpus Bishop of Smyrna, and Iustinus Martyr,* 1.114 a man of singular erudition, were both martyred in the fervent heat of this persecution. But aboue all other places, the consuming flame of the furnace brast out most vehemently, in France that happy Nation, wherein, both of old, and late time, so many were found worthy to giue their blood for the name of Christ. Vetius Epagathus, Maturus, Prothenus, Attalus, Sanctus, and Pho∣tinus Bishoppe of Lyons, all suffered for the testimony of Christ in France. And Blandina a worthy woman suffered many torments,* 1.115 and renewed her spirituall courage by con∣tinuall iteration of these words, Christiana sum, that is, I am a Christian. In like manner Christians were persecuted with the slanderous speeches of Pagans, obiecting vnto them the banquets of Thyestes, and the chambering of Oedipus, that is, the eating of mens flesh, and incestuous coppulations. But men who are giuen to the momentaneall delights of sin are not willing to die, because that by death they are separa∣ted from all bodily pleasures. The Christians by patient and willing suffering of death for Christs sake, clearely witnessed vnto the world, that they were not addicted to the deceitfull pleasures of sinne.* 1.116 Neverthelesse, these slanderous speeches were credited by the pagans, and tooke such deepe roote in their hearts, that those who seemed before to be more meek and moderate then others, now they became full of madnesse and rage, against Christians: and that which was foretolde

by our master Christ, it was fulfilled at this time, to wit, The time shall come, that whosoever killeth you,* 1.117 shall thinke hee doth God good service. The huge number of Martyrs that were slaine in the fury of this persecution, are both accurratly and at great length set downe by that worthy instrument of Gods glory, who lately wrote the Booke of Martyrs: I onely point out shortly the estate of the Church at this time. In this Emperours time good men were not wanting, who admonished him to appease his wrath against Christians: such as Claudius Apolinaris, Bishop of Hierapolis, and Me∣lito Bishop of Sardis. But nothing could asswage his cruell heart, vntill hee was cast into the furnace of grievous trou∣bles himselfe: for his army that fought against the Ger∣manes and Samaritanes, fell into great distresse for want of water,* 1.118 but was supported by the prayers of the Christian legion that was in his army. For they bowed their knees to Christ, and prayed for helpe, and the Lord Iesus sent raine in aboundance to refresh the army of the Romans, & dashed the Barbarians with thunder and fire. In remembrance whereof, the Christian legion was after that time called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Fulminatrix.* 1.119 After this victory hee asswaged his anger, and wrote to the Senate of Rome to deale gent∣ly with Christians, by whose prayer hee acknowledged both himselfe and his Army to haue received deliverance from God.

Commodus.

COmmodus the sonne of Antoninus,* 1.120 raigned 13. yeares. Many of the Romanes not without cause, called him Incommodus. He presumed to do great things, and to change the names of moneths, and would haue the moneth of De∣cember to be called Commodus, like as the two names of two moneths, Quintilis and Sextilis had beene changed in time

past, and called Iulius and Augustus, for honour of these two welbeloved Emperours. But hee was not so well fa∣voured of the people, that this ordinance could haue place any longer, then during his owne life time. The Church in his dayes was not altogether free of persecution: for Apol∣lonius a man of noble birth in Rome, and a man of great learning suffered death, because hee would not forsake the Christian religion.* 1.121 His accuser also was punished to the death. Such advantages Iudges might easily haue taken, finding so many discrepant lawes, some made in favour, and some conceived in disliking of Christians.

Pertinax and Iulianus.

AeLius Pertinax Emperour sixe moneths. Didius Iu∣lianus two moneths. Eusebius maketh no mention of D. Iulianus, but of Pertinax onely, to whom suc∣ceeded Severus. Eseb. lib. 5. cap. 27.

CENTVRIE III.

Severus.

AFter Pertinax and Iulian, Severus governed seventeene yeares,* 1.122 and eight months. Eu∣sebius reckoneth onely twelue yeares. He stirred vp the fift persecution against the Christians. The crimes obiected against the Christians besides those that were ob∣iected in the former persecution, were these: Rebellion against the Emperour, sacriledge, mur∣thering of Infants, worshipping of the Sunne, and worship∣ping the head of an Asse: which last calumny was forged a∣gainst them by the malice of the Iewes. This persecution raged most severely in the townes of Alexandria and Car∣thage,* 1.123 like as the former persecutions had done in Lyons and Vienne in France. Leonides the father of Origen was be∣headed: his sonne being but young in yeares; exhorted his father to persevere in the faith of Christ constantly vnto the death. Potamiae a young beautiful virgin in Alexandria, was by the Iudge condemned to death, and delivered to a Cap∣taine called Basilides, who stayed the insolency of the peo∣ple that followed her to the place of execution, with outrage of slanderous and rayling wordes,* 1.124 crying out against her: for this cause shee prayed to God for the conversion of Basilides to the true faith, and was heard of God, in so much, that hee was not onely converted to the faith of Christ,* 1.125 but also sealed it vp with his blood, and had the honour of mar∣tyrdome. Alexander who was a fellow labourer with Nar∣cissus in Ierusalem, escaped many dangers, yet was he marty∣red in the dayes of Decius the 7. great persecuter. Of this Emp erour the Senate of Rome sayd, Aut non nasti, aut non

mori debuisse, that is, Either he should never haue been born, or else should never haue tasted of death. So it pleased the Lord by his wife dispensation to suffer the dayes of Traian, Antoninus Philosophus, and Severus, Emperours renowned in the world to be more cruell against their owne people, then the dayes of Nero, Domitian, Caligula, or Commodus,* 1.126 to the end of the poor Church might learne to be content to be spoi∣led of all outward comfort, and to leane vpon the staffe of the consolations of God onely. Many that were brought vp in the Schooles of Origen, suffered martyrdome, such as Plu∣tarchus, Serenus, Heraclides, Heron, and another having the name of Serenus also.* 1.127 Among women Rhais was burned with fire for Christs sake, before shee was baptized with wa∣ter in Christs name. Innumerable moe Martyrs were slaine for the faith of Christ, whose names in perticular no Ecclesi∣asticall writer ever was able to comprehend, therefore it shal suffice to heare the names of a few. The rest whose names are not expressed, enioy the crownes of incorruptible glory, as well as those doe, whose names are in all mens mouthes. It is the comfort of our hearts to remember that the Apostles & Evangelists sealed vp with their blood the doctrine which they naught and committed to writ, and no other doctrine: and the holy Martyrs immediately after the Apostles dayes, sealed vp with the glorious testimony of their blood, that same faith which we now professe, and which they received from the hands of the Apostles, but they were not so prodi∣gall of their liues to giue their blood for the doctrine of worshipping of Images, invocation of Saints, plurality of Mediators, of intercession, the sacrifice of the Masse, both propitiatory and vnbloody, expresly against the wordes of the Apost le, Heb. 9. ver. 22. and such other heads of doctrine vnknowne to antiquity. The Romane Church in our dayes is a persecuting and not a persecuted Church, fruitfull in murthers, and not in martyrdomes, glorying of antiquity, and following the forgery of new invented religion.* 1.128 This Emperour Severus was slaine at Yorke by the Northerne men and Scots.

Bassianus and Geta.

SEverus who was slaine at Yorke, left behinde him two sonnes, Bassianus and Geta. Bassianus flew his brother, and raigned himselfe alone six yeeres, so that the whole time of his government both with his brother and alone, was 7. yeeres 6. moneths.* 1.129 Hee put to death also Papinianus a wor∣thie Lawyer, because hee would not plead his cause concer∣ning the slaughter of his brother, before the people, but said that sinne might be more easily committed then it could be defended.* 1.130 He tooke to wife his owne mother in law Iulia, a woman more beautifull then chaste. In all his time (as hee confessed with his owne mouth) hee never learned to doe good,* 1.131 and was slaine by Macrinus.

Macrinus with his son Diadumenus.

MAcrinus and his sonne raigned onely one yeere. Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 21.

Antoninus Heliogabalus.

ANtoninus Heliogabalus,* 1.132 raigned after Macrinus 4. yeeres. He was a prodigious belly-god, a libidinous beast, an enemy to all honesty and good order. So many villanous things are written of him, that scarcely (if the Reader can giue credit to the history) ever such a monster was fashioned in the belly of a woman. At his remouing in his progresse, oft-times followed him 600. chariots laden only with bauds and common harlots. His gluttony, filchinesse, and exces∣siue riotousnes,* 1.133 are in all mens mouthes. He was slaine of the souldiers, drawne through the Citie, and cast into Tiber.

Alexander Severus.

* 1.134ALexander Severus the adopted sonne of Heliogabalus, raigned thirteene yeares. Hee delighted to haue about him wife and learned Counsellers, such as Fabius, Sabinus, Domitius, Vlpianus, &c. This renowned Lawyer Vlpianus was not a friend to Christians,* 1.135 but by collecting together a number of lawes made against Christians in times past, hee animated the hearts of Iudges against them. And this is a piece of the rebuke of Christ, that Christians haue borne continually to be hated of the wise men of the world.* 1.136 Here∣of it came to passe, that in this Emperours time, albeit hee was not so bloody as many others had beene before him, (and therefore his Empire was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, vn∣bloody) yet not a few suffered martyrdom even in the daies of Alexander, such as Agapetus, a young man of fifteene yeares old,* 1.137 at Praeneste a towne of Italie: hee was assayed with many torments, and finally with the sword he was be∣headed. The Iudge who gaue out sentence of death against him, fell out of his iudiciall seat, and suddenly dyed. The martyrdome of Cecilia, if by her trauells Valerian her espou∣sed husband, and Tiburtius his brother, and 400. moe had beene converted to Christ, and secretly baptized by Vrbanus Bishop of Rome, immediatly before her death: I marvell that no mention should bee made by Eusebius of such a rare and miraculous worke. Senators and noble men at Rome, such as Pammachius, Simplicius, and Quiritius,* 1.138 with their wiues and children died for the faith of Christ, with many others. The favour that this Emperour shewed to Christi∣ans, against whom the very stubbering cookes did contend, challenging vnto themselues the right of a place wherein Christians were accustomed to conveene for exercise of di∣vine seruice, this favour, I say, seemeth to haue proceeded from the councell of Mammea his Christian mother, rather

then from the counsell of Vlpianus that renowned lawyer an hatefull aduersarie to Christians.* 1.139 But Mammea his mother hearing the report of the learning of Origen sent for him and by him was instructed in the groundes of Christian faith. The learned doctour who wrote the booke of the martyrs, very judiciously obserueth the iniquitie of this time, where∣into no Christian Churches were erected,* 1.140 when as yet (not∣withstanding of the fauour of the Emperour at some times) no publicke house could quietly be obtained for the Chri∣stians: so that by reason hereof may appeare the decretall epistle of Pope Hyginus concerning the dedication of Churches is forged and fained, because the raigne of Alex∣ander is a long time posterior to the dayes of Hyginus (who liued vnder the raigne of Antoninus Pius) and in the raigne of A lexander as yet there was great difficultie to obteine a place whereinto Christians might assemble together. The just deserued punishment of Turinus, whom the Emperour caused to bee fastened to a stake in the open market place,* 1.141 and thereto be killed with smoke, the Herald standing by and crying to the people, Smoke he sold and with smoke hee is punished. This punishment I say declareth that this Empe∣rour counted flatterers worthy of great punishment.* 1.142 Alex∣ander and his mother Mammea were both slaine by his owne souldiers.

Maximinus.

* 1.143AFter Alexander Seuerus Maximinus was Emperour and raigned 3. yeeres: A man of base parentage, of an huge stature, promoted to honours by Alexander, who nou∣rished a serpent in his owne bosome (as the prouerbe spea∣keth) when he aduanced Maximinus an ingrate foster to great dignities and honours. For by his meanes the armie killed Alexander, and his mother Mammea, and saluted him

and his sonne Emperours without aduise of the Romane Senate:* 1.144 a man hated of all good men, beloued of euill men, more grieuous to the citizens of Rome then to their ene∣mies, who for hatred of the house of Alexander (as Eusebius recordeth) raised vp the sixt persecution against Christians, specially against the teachers and leaders of the Church, thinking the sooner to vanquish the rest if the Captaines and guiders of them were made out of the way.

* 1.145Origen at this time wrote a booke de martyrie, and dedi∣cated it to Ambrosius and Protectetus, pastors of the Church of Caesarca: because these two vnder this persecution had susteined great afflictions, and constantly perseuered in the true faith. No persecution was more violent, no persecu∣tion endured shorter time. In no persecution are the names of suffering martyrs so obscured and couered with silence, possibly because the booke of Origen de martyrio through injurie of time is not to be found, therefore some learned men doe referre the martyrdome of such as we haue spoken of in the dayes of Alexander to this time, or to the persecu∣tion of Decius. I will not dispute of such doubtsome things. Three other things that are more necessarie to the edificati∣on of the Church I will touch.* 1.146 First the malice of the deuill, who hateth the welfare of the sheepfold of Christ, and la∣boureth either to spoyle it of true Pastors, or to send in among them poore sheepe hyrelings, and men not regarding the wellfare of the flock, but their own gaine: or else, if they haue true Pastors, to mooue the flocke to be disobedient to faithfull and vigilant Pastors. The stocke that can eschew all these three snares of the deuill, and all these three wofull calamities, so oft seasing vpon the poore sheepefolde, they are in good estate. Reade Chrysostome writing vpon the 13. chap. Heb. ver. 17.* 1.147 Another thing is worthie to be marked, that in three great persecutions, in the fift, sixt, and seuenth, Origen a man more renowmed in his life time then after his death, God vouchsafed vpon him two great honours, but not the third, whereof he was most of all desirous. He en∣couraged his father Leonides,* 1.148 and his disciples, Plutarchus,

two S••reni, Heron and Heraclides patiently to suffer martyr∣dome in the dayes of Seuerus. Next hee wrote a booke de martyrio in the daies of Maximinus the sixt persecuter,* 1.149 whereby doubtlesse many were incouraged patiently to suffer euill for Christs sake. What remaineth now but the third and principall honour of martyrdome it selfe, where∣vnto he had a bent desire in the dayes of Decius the 7. per∣secuter, but then he fainted, as shall be declared hereafter God willing? When we call to minde this weakenes of Origen,* 1.150 let all the cogitations of our heartes stoope, and thinke that we are not meete for great things, but if the Lord call vs to suffer great things for his Names sake, the Lord perfite his strength in our infirmitie and weakenesse. Third∣ly let vs marke the great difference that is betweene the vo∣lume of the booke of holy canonicke and sacred Scripture, and all other bookes whatsoeuer. In Scripture the ouer∣passing of matters of great importance and moment is not for ignorance, misknowledge or doubting of those things that are ouerslidden,* 1.151 but for mysterie and representation of things more necessarie to be knowne: as namely when Moses a most accurat writer of the life, death, and genealogies, of ho∣ly Patriarches: ouerpasseth the description of the genealogie, death, & beginning, of the life of Melchisedecke: this was done of purpose to bring in Melchssedeck, as a type and figure of the true king of peace Christ Iesus, as the Apostle declareth, Heb. 7. but among ecclesiasticall writers I finde a preterition of the names of these worthy Pastors who were martyred for the cause of Christ in the sixt persecution, and this ouerpassing with silence so weigh∣tie a matter, is a secret confession of ignorance in this part of the historie, together with a doubting, whether Vrbanus the first, Valerianus, Tiburtius, Cecilia, and Martina suffered vnder Alexander, or vnder Maximinus, or vnder Decius. Yea Platina writeth it was the opinion of some men that Vrbanus 1. was martyred in the persecution of Dioclesian. I haue insisted at greater length in this purpose to the end that euery man may giue vnto sacred scripture that reue∣rence

that is due vnto it, but other writings let vs reade them with judgement, for assuredly there is palpable weak∣nes in them.* 1.152 In the ende this wicked persecuter Maximinus and his sonne were slaine by his owne souldiers at the siege of Aquileia.

Gordianus.

THe tyrannie of Maximinus enforced both the Senate of Rome and likewise their oppressed confederates in A∣fricke to aduise by what meanes the distressed estate of the Commonweale might be supported. And first Gordianus a man of noble birth in Rome, and at that time Praconsul in Africke, with his sonne bearing the name of Gordianus with his father, these two were declared to be Emperours to resist the tyrannie of Maximinus, but they were both cut off by Capellianus, Captaine of the Mauritanians. Within a short time the senate of Rome chused Maximus Pupienus and Balbinus to be Emperours, and to resist the tyrannie of Maximinus. But this election displeased the people of Rome, therefore they were compelled to associat Gordianus a yong man of 13. yeeres olde in conjunct authoritie with them. This Gordianus was the nephew of him who was Proconsull in Africke: and the souldiers made out of the way, Max. Pupienus and Balbinus. So Gordianus raigned himselfe alone without associats sixe yeeres.* 1.153

Philippus.

PHilippus a man borne in Arabia and his sonne raigned fiue yeeres, Eusebius saith 7. yeeres. He was the first Emperour who became a Christian,* 1.154 and was baptized by Fabianus B. of Rome. He was content to stand among the

number of the penitents who made confession of their sinnes,* 1.155 for his life was reprooueable in somethings before his conuersion, especially in slaying of Gordianus an Empe∣rour inclined to peace. Decius one of the Captaines of his armie conspired against him,* 1.156 and slew him, and his sonne raigned in his stead.

Decius.

DEcius and his sonne obteined the Empire.* 1.157 2. yeeres: Whether for hatred of Philip his master, whom he had slaine, or for detestation of Christians, or for couetous desire of the treasures of Philip left in the custodie of Fabian B. of Rome, or for some other cause, it is not certaine. Alwayes he mooued a terrible persecution against the Christians. The martyrs who suffered death in the time of this persecution were innumerable. Some few of the principall martyres I shall rehearse,* 1.158 Alexander Bishop of Ierusalem died in prison at Caesarea. Babylas Bishop of Antiochia died likewise in pri∣son. Fabian Bishop of Rome suffered martyrdome. Dionisius Alexandrinus by a wonderfull prouidence of God escaped the handes of persecuting enemies. Ciprian Bishop of Car∣thage was banished and reserued to the honour of martyr∣dome vntill the dayes of Valerian the eight persecuter.* 1.159 Origen who from his childhood was desirous of the honour of martyrdome, in this persecution of Decius he fainted, and his heart was so ouerset with feare to haue his chaste body defiled with an vgly Ethiopian, that he choosed rather to of∣fer incense to the Idol, then to be so filthily abused. For this cause he was excommunicated by the Church of Alex∣andria, and for very shame fled to Iudea, where he was not only gladly receiued, but also requested publickly to preach at Ierusalem. Neuerthelesse in stead of teaching he watred his face with teares, when he reade these words of scripture. To the wicked man saith God, What hast thou to doe to declare

mine ordinances, that thou shouldest take my couenant in thy mouth? Ps. 50. ver. 16. These words so deepely wounded his heart with griefe, that he closed the booke and fate downe and wept,* 1.160 and all the congregation wept with him. No pitie nor compassion was had neither of sexe or age. In this persecution,* 1.161 Apollonia, a virgine of good yeeres, after they had dashed her face with battons till all her teeth were stricken out of her jawes, they burned her quicke at the port of Alexandria. This is that holy martyr whose teeth the Romane Church in our dayes say that they haue them as holy monuments kept in the treasures of their reliques vn∣till this time. But the tryall that was taken of late dayes by Henry the eight king of England, seeking for the teeth of Apollonia as a remedy of the toothach clearly prooueth that many teeth are supposed to be the t eeth of Apollonia that were neuer fastened in her jaw bones.* 1.162 The death of Quinia, Ammonarion, Mercuria, Dionisia, clearely declareth what pitie was had of the weakenesses of women. Iulianus. an olde and gowtie man burned with fire testifieth what regard was had to the gray haires of ancient men.* 1.163 Dioscorus a yong man not exceeding 15. yeeres of age, albeit they were ashamed to condemne him to death, yet he escaped not many painfull torments, and was a glorious Confessor with pa∣tient expectation awaiting vntill the Lord should call him to the honour of martyrdome.* 1.164 Nemesion was accused in Alexandria as a companion of brigants, and was punished with stripes and fire vnto the death with greater seueritie then any brigant, albeit his innocencie was sufficiently knowne. Ammon, Zenon, Ptolemeus, Ingenuus, Theophilus, warri ours and knights standing by the tribunall seate becke∣ned with their hands to a certaine weake Christian, who for feare was readie to incline and fall, that he should continue constant, and stepped to the bench, and professed themselues to be Christians. This dayly increasing cou∣rage of Christians, who were emboldened by the multi∣tude of sufferings, astonished & terrified the Iudges: Ischirion was slaine by his owne master.* 1.165 The number of martyres

in Alexandria and Egypt, (of whom Dionysius in this Epistle written to Fabius Bishop of Antiochia maketh men∣tion) clearely testifieth that if the names of all those who suffered martyrdome in the townes of Rome, Carthage, An∣tiochia, Ephesus and Babilon, were particularly set downe, together with the names of others who suffered in other townes of Asia, Africke and Europe: subject to the domini∣of the Roman Emperour, it were not possible in the vo∣lume of a litle booke to comprehend them all. For mine owne part I presume not to doe it, but I reuerence the pain∣full trauelles of learned men who haue dipped deepely into such a fruitfull subject, specially the writer of the booke of martyres. Onely I find somethings in this seuenth per∣secution, which the principall purpose wherefore I haue collected this compend will not permit me to passe ouer with silence.* 1.166 Namely these: first, let no ma n thinke that the veritie is weake, and hath neede to be strengthened by a lie, as Nicephorus is accustomed to doe. The seuen mar∣tyres of Ephesus, whose names were Maximianus, Malchus, Martinianus, Dionysius, Ioannes, Serapion, and Constantinus, were lurking in a caue, the entrie whereof Decius comman∣ded to be closed with great heapes of stones, to the end that the forenamed Christians might be killed with famine, which came to passe indeede: Yet famine could not sepa∣rate these holy Martyres from Christ. But Nicephorus the father of many other fables also saith, that they fell on sleepe, which they continued till the time of Theodosius, that is, from the 250. vntill the 379. yeere of our Lord, and then they did awake out of their sleepe,* 1.167 saith Nicephorus: But he who will giue hastie credite to Nicephorus fables, writing of the 7. martyres, who lurked in a caue of mount Caelius and to Euagrius description of Barsanuphius an Egyptian monke, who enclosed himselfe in a cottage beside Gaza for the space of 50. yeares, and vsed no kinde of bodi∣ly refreshment to sustaine his earthly tabernacle, he may be easily led to all kinde of errour.* 1.168 The second thing worthy to be marked, is, that many persecuted preachers had wiues

and children, as the historie recordeth. Cheremon Bishop of a citie in Egypt called Nilus fled to the mountaines of Ara∣bia, accompanied with his wife, and returned not againe to Egypt, neither was he seene of those who sought him in the wildernesse,* 1.169 Dionysius Bishop of Alexandria, who mira∣culously escaped the crueltie of persecuters, maketh expresse mention of his children, Deo mihi vt migrarem praecipiente, viámque mirabiliter aperiente, ego & liberi, & multi fratres egressisumus; that is, after that God had commanded me to remooue, and had miraculously opened a passage vnto me,* 1.170 I and my children, and brethren went forth: If antiqui∣tie be regarded, Bishops who doe marrie, are not Nicolatian Heretiques, but rather such as forbid to marrie teach a doctrine of deuils.* 1.171 Thirdly it is to be marked, that in time of this vehement persecution, many fainted and fell backe from the open profession of Christian faith.* 1.172 Others to prouide timous remedie against such defections, gaue out a rigorous sentence against such as had fallen of infirmitie, that they should not be receiued againe into the fellowship of the church. In this opinion was Nouatus, and his complices. And by their example we should learne to be∣ware of such men as vnder pretence of zeale perturbe the vnitie of the Church, and inuent remedies to cure the mala∣dies of the diseased Church, which are worse then the sick∣nes it selfe, as the Novatians did: Weakenes at some time is to be pitied,* 1.173 but deuilish rigour pitying no man, who fal∣leth of infirmitie, is a lesson that hath no allowance in the booke of God.* 1.174 This cruell tyrant, after he had raigned two yeeres, made warre against the Scythians (some call them the Gothes) by whom hee was vanquished in battell, and fearing to be ouertaken, and to come vnder the tyrannie of barbarous people, he cast himselfe into a deepe pit, where he ended his life,* 1.175 and his body could not be found. The great desolations that were made in the world about this time by the plague of pestilence the Ethnickes imputed the cause of them to the Christians. But Cyprian, whose pen the Lord guided better, declared that the cause of all these calamities

was the worshipping of Idols, the contempt of Gods true seruice,* 1.176 and the persecuting of innocent Christians.

Gallus and Volusian.

AFter Decius, Gallus and Volusian his sonne raigned two yeeres.* 1.177 Hee walked in the footsteps of Decius. Hee was slaine by Emilian, who presumed to raigne, but he was so hastily made out of the way, that Eusebius and many o∣ther Historians misknow his name in the Catalogue o•• Emperours.

Valerianus and Gallienus.

VAlerianus and Gallienus his sonne, raigned 15. yeeres. viz. Gallienus with his father in coniunct authoritie 7. yeeres, after his fathers captivity and death, hee raigned a∣lone eight yeeres. In the first three or foure yeeres of the Empire of Valerian, hee was favourable and friendly to Christians, and great numbers of them were found in the Emperours Court: But afterward hee was seduced by an Egyptian Sorcerer, who hated Christians, because that by them he was hindred from practicing his magicall charms. So the eight persecution began vnder Valerian.* 1.178 In this per∣secution suffered three Bishops of Rome, Lucius, Stephanus, and Sixtus; and a Deacon, Laurence who was layd vpon an hot broyling iron, and patiently, endured the torment of fire. This is that Deacon who called the poore the treasure of the Church: for then is the Church rich, when it is rich in good workes, and feedeth, clotheth, and visiteth Christ in his hungry, naked, and diseased members. Dionysius Bi∣shop of Alexandria, was banished to Cephro, a place in the wildernesse of Libya.* 1.179 Priscus, Mal••bus, and Alexander were

devoured by beasts in Caesarea,* 1.180 Palestina. Cyprian Bishop of Carthage was beheaded. Marinus a Roman Captaine in Caesarea, was envied for the dignity and honour he was ad∣vanced vnto, and hee was accused to bee a Christian, and consequently to bee vncapable of great preferments and dignities: he was encouraged by Theotecnus Bishop of Cae∣sarea, patiently to suffer death for the cause of Christ, by ta∣king him into a secret chamber and laying before him a drawne sword and the booke of the Gospell, and bidding him take his choice of one of these two which he liked best: Marinus liked better the booke of the Gospell then of the sword; and was martyred for the faith contained in that sa∣cred booke of holy Scripture.* 1.181 Astyrius a noble Senatour, caryed the body of this holy Martyr Marinus vpon his own shoulders, and buried it hounourably. In the end the Lord delivered this persecuting Tyrant into the hand of Sapor, King of Persia, who not onely detained him in strait capti∣vity, but also abused him most filthily, and made his bodie a footstoole, and trampled vpon his necke at such times as he was about to mount on horsebacke.

This fearfull captivity of Valerian had vnto it a notable testimony of the wrath of God against persecuters. For like as hee trampled vnder his feet the Church of Christ: so in like manner the Lord gaue his necke and backe to be tram∣pled vpon by the feet of his enemies.* 1.182 This example of Gods heavie indignation somewhat terrified Gal••ienus his sonne, and he gaue out an edict, for the safe returning of such as were banished,* 1.183 to their own dwelling places, and for staying the rage of persecution. Dionysius Bishop of Alexandria, ha∣ving liberty granted by the Emperors edict to returne from banishment, came back againe to Alexandria, wherein hee found such terrible desolation by famine and pestilence, that there remained not of men, women, and children so many aliue as there were wont to be of ancient hoare-headed men, walking vpon their streets: the Lord was so highly displeased with the vnthankfull world, that hee was deter∣mined to consume them who had consumed his people.

The good carriage of Christians at this time is worthie to be marked,* 1.184 who were full of charitie and loue, and visited the sicke, and did all offices of humanity to those who were diseased, or dead: whereas the Pagans by the contrary for∣sooke their dearest friends, left them comfortlesse, and thrust out such as were halfe dead into the streets, and left them there vnburied, and to be eaten with dogs. This is written in the letter of Dionysius inserted in the history of Eusebius.* 1.185 So great difference is betweene Christians trained vp in the schoole of Christ, and others, who haue not beene fed with the sincere milke of the Word. Christians in time of sicknesse were more dutifull to their enemies, then others were vnto their friends.

If any man would defend worshipping of images to bee an ancient custome in the Church,* 1.186 by the two brasen ima∣ges, which were set vp in Caesarea Philippi, for a memoriall of the miracle that Christ wrought in curing of the woman who had a bloody issue, this place of Eusebius will make nothing for him. For these images were not made for ado∣ration, neither were they set vp in temples, nor worshipping places, but in the very street, before the doore of the wo∣man who had beene cured. The places whereunto Christi∣ans were gathered together for divine service, at this time are called in the mandate of the Emperour Gallienus, Caemiteria. In these places no man readeth that images were set vp.* 1.187 Be∣sides this, these images were graven or molten by the hands of Pagans, and not of Christians: and this fact was done by imitation of the Gentiles, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, accor∣ding to the custome of the Gentiles; hee saith not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, according to the custome of her owne kind∣red, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as is said. Yet may wee take warning by this place,* 1.188 to beware of the small beginnings of errour. I∣mages haue beene like vnto a base borne fellow, who at the first can haue no credit to set his head into the Kings palace, but afterward hee getteth accesse into the outer court, and in the end, his credit daily increasing by degrees, he getteth favour to lie in the Kings bed-chamber: even so in the first

300. yeere of our Lord, images were not brought in, into places of holy conventions: afterward they were brought in, into Churches, but not worshipped, as the Epistle of Gregorius the first, written to Severus Bishop of Marsil, cleer∣ly testifieth. But in the end adoration of images was in so frequent vse, as if it had beene the principall point of the worship of God.

Claudius and Quintilius.

* 1.189CLaudius, after Gallienus raigned two yeeres. And his brother Quintilius seuenteene dayes. Hee is not recko∣ned by Eusebius in the roll of Emperours.

Aurelianus.

AFter Quintilius, Aurelianus possessed the crowne sixe yeeres.* 1.190 In the beginning of his raigne hee was not a great disturber of Christians. Notwithstanding in continu∣ance of time, his nature somewhat inclinable to severitie, was altered to plaine tyranny, which tyranny first hee shewed be∣ginning with the murther of his owne sisters sonne, as wit∣nesseth Eutropius. After that, hee proceedeth to moove the ninth persecution against Christians: albeit the mercifull working of God did soone overthrowe all the wicked pur∣poses of the Emperour. For as the edict and proclamation should haue beene denounced, for the persecuting of Chri∣stians,* 1.191 the mighty hand of God from aboue did suddenly stop his purpose: cleerly declaring to all men, that there is no power to worke any violence against the servants of God,* 1.192 vnlesse his permission doe suffer them, and giue them leaue. Here I see that D. Iohn Fox, writer of the booke of Martyrs, taketh leaue of Vincentius Martyrologie. If others

had done the like, they had not heaped vp so many Martyrs in the dayes of Claudius Quintilius, and Aurelian as they haue done. For Eusebius had assuredly made mention of it, if the number had beene so great as Vincentius recordeth. Before the Emperours minde was altered and inclined to tyranny against Christians, hee assisted with his authority the Bishops convened at Antiochia, for the deposition and excommunication of the heretique Samosatenus,* 1.193 and so the Emperours authority being interposed, this proud Heretike was compelled to stoope and to giue place, and with great ignominy was driven from the towne of Antiochia. In his place Domnus was elected to be Bishop of Antiochia, a man endued with good graces, the sonne of Demetrian, who im∣mediatly before Samosatenus governed the Church of An∣tiochia. And here againe it is to be marked, that the Bishops at this time (albeit it was a time of persecution) yet did they not abhorre from marriage:* 1.194 for Demetrianus Bishop of An∣tiochia, was a married man and had children, and Domnus his sonne, so that the prohibition of mariage to men in spi∣rituall offices is not an ancient doctrine.

Annius Tacitus and Florianus.

AFter Aurelian was slaine betweene Bizans and Heraclea, the Imperiall chaire was vacant six moneths. The Se∣nate of Rome elected Annius Tacitus to be Emperour. Hee continued but six moneths in his government. Eusebius o∣verpasseth his name with silence,* 1.195 as likewise the name of his brother Florianus, who aspired to the Imperiall dignity.

Aurelius Probus.

AVrelius Probus a gentle and peaceable Emperour, raig∣ned six yeeres,* 1.196 three moneths. Hee was envied by his Captaines and Souldiers, because hee appointed them to plant vineyards, and said there was no great need of souldi∣ers,* 1.197 where no enemy was to be feared. He was slaine by his souldiers.

Carus, Carinus, Numerianus.

CArus with his two sonnes, Carinus and Numerianus raigned after Probus.* 1.198 All these three continued not a∣boue the space of three yeeres. And Numerianus was slaine by his owne father in law,* 1.199 called Aper. Carus was slaine by thunder: and Carinus was ouercome in battell, and slaine by Dioclesian,* 1.200 whom the Romane army had declared to be Emperour, while Carinus was yet aliue.

Dioclesianus and Maximinianus.

LIke as Dioclesian overcame Carinus the sonne of Carus in battell, even so likewise hee slew Aper, the father in law of Numerianus,* 1.201 with his owne hands. Whether this was done for detestation of sinne, or for desire of government, it is vncertaine. Alwayes some affirme that his concubine Druas had sayd vnto him, that hee should kill a wilde Boare before hee should bee Emperour. And after the killing of Aper (which name by interpretation signifieth a wilde Boare) hee became Emperour. In the beginning of his

raigne hee chused for his colleague Maximianus surnamed Hercules, father to Maxentius. And these two chused other two, viz. Galerius and Constantius Chlorus, the father of Con∣stantine, whom they called Caesars: but the honourable title of Augustus Dioclesian & Maximian retained to themselues. These two Augusties raigned 20. yeeres. Constantius Chlorus Caesar continued fifteene: Galerius Caesar 21. yeeres. Diocle∣sian and Maximianus Herculeus, abstained from persecuting of Christians vntill the nineteene yeere of their raigne. Be∣fore I touch the History of the tenth persecution, three things are to be premitted. First, that after the persecution [ 1] of Valerian the eight Persecuter, the Church enioyed great peace, which albeit it was like to bee cut off by the altered minde of Aurelian, yet the wise dispensation of the wisdome of God, provided that all his cruell enterprises were disap∣pointed.* 1.202 The righteous Lord cutted the cords of the wicked. Secondly, Christians were in great favour and credit with [ 2] Emperours, and to them was committed the gouernment of Provinces and Nations, as cleerly appeared in the prefer∣ment of Dorotheus and Gorgonius. Thirdly, they had liber∣tie to build Oratories and Temples, large and ample in e∣very [ 3] Citie.* 1.203

All this came to passe in the forty yeeres peace, that inter∣vened betweene the raigne of Valerian, and the nineteenth yeere of the raigne of Dioclesian. Yet the Church of Christ in this short time began to be festred with the corrupt manners of carnall and fleshly people, so that contentions abounded, but charity waxed cold in the Church of God. What wonder was it then that the Lord permitted this tenth and most horrible persecution of Dioclesian to stirre and to waken drowsie Christians, who were beginning to be fa∣shioned according to the likenesse of the world?

In the nineteenth yeere of his Imperiall authority, and in the moneth of March,* 1.204 this horrible persecution began to arise: Dioclesian in the East, and Maximianus in the West, bending all their forces to roote out the profession of Chri∣stians, out of the world, Dioclesian was pufft vp in pride for

his manifold victories and triumphes, and would bee coun∣ted a God, and adorned his shooes with gold and precious stones, and commanded the people to kisse his feete. This Persecution continued ten yeeres, even vntill the seventh yeere of the raigne of Constantine the great. So that what∣soever cruelty was practised by Maximinianus, Maximinus, Maxentius, and Licinius, all goeth vnder the name of Dio∣clesian, the author of this tenth persecution. Cruell edicts and proclamations were set forth in the beginning of this persecution, cōmanding to overthrow & cast to the ground the Temples of Christians, to burne the bookes of holy Scripture, to displace all such as were magistrates and were in office, and to cast Christian Bishops into prison, and to compell them with sundry kinds of punishments, to offer vnto Idols. Also common people, who would not re∣nounce the profession of Christianity to be spoyled of their liberty.* 1.205

These edicts were hastily put in execution. Many Chri∣stians were scourged, racked, and cruciated with intolerable torments. Some were violently drawne to impure sacrifice, and as though they had sacrificed, when indeede they did not, were let goe: some were downe vpon the ground, and drawne by the legges a great space, and the people was made to beleeue that they had sacrificed: some stoutly withstood them, and denyed with a lowd voyce, that they had not bin, or ever would be partakers of Idolatry. Notwithstanding, of the weake sort, many for feare and infirmity gaue over even at the first assault. When the foresaid edicts were pro∣claimed,* 1.206 both the Emperours happened to be in the towne of Nicomedia: notwithstanding a certaine Christian being a noble man borne, whose name was Iohn, ranne and tooke downe the proclamation, and openly tare and rent it peeces. For which fact he was put to a most bitter death, which hee patiently endured vntill his last gaspe. The generall Cap∣taine of the army of Dioclesian, gaue choyce to the souldiers, whether they would obey the Emperours commandement in offering sacrifices, and keeps still their offices, or else lay

away their armour, and be depriued of their offices: but the Christian souldiers were not onely content to lay away their armour, bu also to offer themselues vnto the death, rather then to obey such vnlawfull commandements.

In Nicomedia the Emperour refraind not from the slaugh∣ter and death of the children of Emperours,* 1.207 neither yet from the slaughter of the chiefest princes of his court, such as Peter,* 1.208 whose body, being beaten with whips and torne that a man might see the bare bones, and after they had mingled vineger and salt, they powred it vpon the most tender partes of his body, and lastly rosted him at a soft fire as a man would rost flesh to eare, and so this victorious martyr ended his life. Dorotheus and Gorgonius being in great authoritie and office vnder the Emperour after diuerse torments were strangled with an halter.* 1.209 The torments that Peter suffered, encouraged them to giue a worthy confession that they were of that same faith and religion that Peter was of. This persecution raged most vehemently in Nicomedia, where the Emperours palace through some occasion being set on fire, the Christians were blamed as authors of that fact: Therefore so many as could be found out, were burned with fire, or drowned in water, or beheaded with the sword, amongst whom was Anthimus Bishop of Antiochia, who was beheaded. The bodies of the sonnes of Emperours that were buried, they digged out of their graues, and sent them in boates to bee buried in the bottome of the sea, lest Christians should haue worshipped them as gods, if their sepulchres had beene knowne, such opinion they had of Christians.* 1.210 The number of twentie thousand burned in one temple of Nicomedia by Maximinus smelleth of the libertie that Nicephorus taketh in adding many things to the veritie of the historie. The martyrdome of Serena the Emperour Dioclesians wife is rejected by learned men as a fable, albeit recorded by Hermannus Gigas. The number of Christians cast into prison and appointed for death was so great, that scarcely a voide place could be found in a prison to thrust in a murtherer, or an opener of graues, such

heapes of Christians were inclosed in darke prisons.* 1.211 The martyrs of Palestina, of Tyrus in Phenicia, of Tarsus, of Antiochia, of Alexandria, of Miletina in Armenia, and of Pontus, Cappadocia and Arabia, they could not easily bee numbred.* 1.212 In Thebaida, horrible and vnnaturall crueltie was vsed against christian women, whom they hanged vpon gibbets with their heades down-ward toward the ground, and fastened one of their legges onely to the gibbet, the other being free: thus their naked bodies hanging vpon trees in maner aforesaid,* 1.213 presenced to the beholders a specta∣cle of most vile and horrible inhumanitie. In like maner the branches of trees were artificially bowed downe to the earth, and the feete and legges of Christians tied to them, so that by their hastie returning againe vnto their naturall places the bodies of Christians were rent in pieces. This was not a crueltie finished in a short space of time, but of long continuance, some dayes 20. some dayes 60. and at sometimes an hundred were with sundrie kindes of tor∣ments excruciated vnto the death. And these torments they suffered with joy and gladnesse, and singing of Psalmes vntill the last breath.* 1.214 In Phrygia a towne was set on fire by the Emperours commandement (the name whereof Eusebius passeth ouer with silence) and the whole inha∣bitants being Christians, men, women, and children, were burned with fire. Tirannion Bishop of Tyrus, Zenobius Presoyter of Sidon, Siluanu's Bishop of Gaza, and Pamphi∣lus a worthy Presbyter in Caesarea, whose life and death Eusebius hath described in a seuerall treatise,* 1.215 all these (I say) were crowned with martyrdome. Maximinus Emperour of the West, whose persecution Eusebius describeth not at such length as tho persecution of Dioclesian in the East,* 1.216 hee was like vnto a wilde Boare trampling vnder his feete the vine-yarde of God. He slew Maximinus a noble Cap∣taine with a legion of Christian and Thebane souldiers, because they would not consent to offer sacrifice vnto idoles. This was done beside the riuer of Rhonne. The martyres of France, Italy and Germanie, specially at

Colen and Triers, where the blood of Christians was shed in such abundance, that it ranne like small brookes, and it coloured great and mightie riuers. the multitude (I say) of these holy martyrs, and the diuersitie of torments dayly excogitated against them, what memorie is able to comprehend, or what tongue is able sufficient∣ly to expresse? In the ende, when these two Emperours were drunken with the blood of the Saints of God, and saw that the numbers of Christians daily increased, they beganne to relent their furie and madnesse a little, beeing at last content that the punishment of Christians should be the thrusting out of their right eyes, and the mai∣ming of their left legges with condemning them to the mines of Mettalles.* 1.217 The mercies of the wicked are cruell, saith Salomon. Before two yeeres were fully compleate af∣ter the beginning of this tenth persecution, these two fu∣rious persecuters (for what cause God knoweth) gaue ouer their imperiall function, and remained not Emperours any more, but as priuate persons, Dioclesian after hee had denuded himselfe of the imperiall dignitie,* 1.218 liued almost 9. yeeres. Maximian within foure yeeres after, was slaine by the commandement of Constantine. The imperiall do∣minion then remained with Constantius Chlorus and Ga∣lerius Maximinus. these two diuided the whole monar∣chie betweene them. Constantius contented himselfe with France, Spaine and Brittaine: Galerius Maximinus had the rest. Constantius tooke Constantinus his sonne to bee Caesar vnder him, and Galerius Maximinus chused his two sonnes, Maximinus and Sonerus to be Caesars vnder him. The Romane souldiers also set vp Maxentius the son of Maximianus Herculeus to be their Emperour: against whom Galerius sent his sonne Seuerus, who being slaine, he chu∣sed Licinius in his stoad. Of these fiue, who raigned at one time (the like whereof came not to passe at any time be∣fore) two Emperours and three Caesars, three of them viz. Galerius and Maximinus his sonne, and Licinius prosecuted the persecution, begun by Dioclesian, neere the space of 7.

or 8.* 1.219 yeares, which was to the yeere of our Lord 318. The other two, Constantius and his sonne Constantine were fa∣uourable to Christians.

Constantius and Galerius Maximinus.

COnstantius Chlorus raigned as Emperour 13. yeeres. Others say 16. some say 11. yeeres. He ended his life in peace at Yorke.* 1.220 Hee was not onely friendly to Christians, but also hee counted them the onely faithfull subjects to Emperours. And such, as he perceiued that for loue of honour, gaine, or any worldly commoditie would make shipwracke of a good conscience and sacrifice to idoles (albeit they had allowance by his owne fained commandement, giuen out for exploration of the religion of his Captaines and souldiers, rather then seriouslly and from his heart, allowing the worshipping of idoles) these (I say) who made no conscience to worship idoles for con∣quessing fauour at the Emperours hands, he disauthori∣zed them,* 1.221 remoued them from offices and counted them men who were false to God, and would neuer be true to him.

Maximinus elder and yonger in the East part of the world were cruell persecuters. Because ecclesiasticall writers doe not clearely distinguish the crueltie of the father from the crueltie of the sonne, I shall comprise all vnder the name of Galerius Maximinus the father of the other Maximinus.* 1.222 He was not vnlike vnto Pharaoh, for when the correcting hand of God was vpon him, then he relented his furie: but when the plague ceased, he returned againe to his wonted malice. First God smote him with a wonder∣ful vncouth disease, so that his flesh began to putrifie and innumerable multitude of vermine swarmed out of his inward parts, then hee commanded that the persecution should cease, and that Christians should pray for him,

and hee published edicts of peace in their fauours through∣out all his dominions. But scarce continued hee in this good resolution 6. months, when as he sent out contrarie edicts, and caused them to be engraued in brasse (which thing was not done at any time before) and to be set vp in euery Citie,* 1.223 whereupon ensued a grieuous persecuti∣on of Siluanus Bishop of Emisa. Lucianus Bishop of Antio∣chia, who suffered martyrdome at Nicomedia after he had giuen in his apologie to the Emperour, and Peter Bishop of Alexandria.* 1.224 The martyrdome of king Antheas and 37. thousand moe martyrs with him I passe by as a thing vncertaine: because Eusebius could not haue ouerpassed with silence such a rare and wonderfull crueltie commit∣ted in his owne time, if it had beene of veritie done, as some alledge. Other thirtie thousand are said to haue beene martyred in sundrie places, and this is very probable, because the martyrs who suffered in this tenth persecution were innumerable. Quirinus Bishop of Sce∣scania a towne of vpper Pannonia was throwne into the flood hauing an hand-mill hanged about his necke,* 1.225 and so was drowned. I leaue a recitall of the names of all the rest of the martyrs, of whom I reade to haue suffered martyr∣dome at this time, like as I haue done in all the prece∣ding persecutions.

Now to speake somewhat of the cruell edict of this Em∣perour ingraued in brasse,* 1.226 and hanged vp in all principall cities, specially in Tyrus. In it he gloried, that peace, wealth, prosperitie and plentie of all good things were in his time: and he attributed the glory of all this aboundance to the deuote worshipping of the heathen gods. At this time (saith Eusebius) was that fulfilled which the Lord Iesus fortold that the tribulation of those dayes should be so great, that except those dayes had beene shortened,* 1.227 no flesh could haue beene saued: but for the Electes sake those dayes should be shorte∣ned: yea and if it were possible the very Elect should be deceiued. But the Lord pitying the infirmitie of his Saints and to stop the blasphemous mouthes of heathen people,

turned suddenly all their joy into mourning and lamenta∣tion,* 1.228 with famine, pestilence, warfare, and vncouth diseases, whereby the eyes of men and women were blinded, by which the Lord tamed the insolent pride of this bloody Tyrant. It is to be noted that in time of this publicke ca∣lamitie, Christians and no others but they onely, were found to be fraughted with loue and full of charitie euen toward their hatefull enemies.* 1.229 The second time where∣into Maximinus seemed to change his minde toward Chri∣stians was after the victorie obtained by Constantine and Licinius against Maxentius. The said two Emperours set foorth edictes in fauour of the Christians: and Maximi∣nus rather fearing Constantine then louing God, began in his bounds also to stay the rage of cruell persecution, as the letter written to his Deputie Sabinus clearely decla∣reth. But after a small time he altered his minde and set foorth new commandements to persecute Christians.* 1.230 Yet the Lord pitying the grieuous afflictions of his persecu∣ted Church, brought this Tyrant to an ende. For hee made warre against Licinius being counselled thereto by his sorcerers and charmers, who promised vnto him good successe in his battell against Licinius: but the contrarie fell out: for hee was discomfited, and cast off his imperiall ornaments, & fledde feeble and naked, and mixing himselfe with the effeminat multitude, wandering through townes, and lurking in villages, hardly escaped the hands of his enemies. After this he killed and put to death those en∣chanters and deceiuers who had bewitched him all his dayes, and had put him in esperance of victorie in his battell foughten against Licinius, and shortly after oppres∣sed with a certaine disease, glorified the God▪ of the Christians, and made a most absolute law for the safetie and preseruation of them. And so the Tyrant of Tyrants by the vehemencie of his sicknesse ended his life.* 1.231

After wee haue spoken a litle of Maxentius who was chosen Emperour by the Praetorian souldiers, resteth no∣thing but to conclude this short summe of the historie

of the ten persecutions with the ende and death of that no∣table hypocrite, Licinius. Maxentius was so villanous in his behauiour, that hee abstined not from abusing of the wiues of noble senatours, whom he caught violently from their husbands, and contumeliously abused them, and sent them backe againe.* 1.232 The like villanie also hee intended to haue done to a certaine Christian gentlewoman at Rome, called Sophronia,* 1.233 whose husband neither could nor durst make resistance to the vile appetite of the proud Empe∣rour, but this noble woman desiring libertie to goe to her chamber to adorne and decke her selfe a short while, and after shee would goe with the messengers to the Empe∣rour, shee chused rather to put her selfe to death in her chamber then to be abused by him.* 1.234 Which lamentable fact being reported to him, he was nothing moued there∣with, neither abstained he any white from his wonted sinnes. The people of Rome being wearie of his villanie sent to Constantine for aide, who gathered an armie in France and Brittaine to represse this Tyrant: to whom when hee approched he feared Maxentius charmes (where∣with hee was supposed to haue vanquished Seuerus, whom Galerius Maximinus had sent against him before) and stood in doubt what to doe:* 1.235 and as hee was doubting hee cast his eyes often to heauen, and sawe about the going downe of the sunne a brightnesse in the heauen in the similitude of a Crosse, with certaine starres of equall bignesse gi∣uing this inscription like Latin letters, In hoc vince, that is in this ouercome. After this vision his banner was made in the similitude of a Crosse, and caried before him in his warres. Maxentius was compelled to issue out of the towne against Constantine, whose force when hee was not able to sustaine, hee fled, and retired in hope to get the citie, but was ouerthrowne off his horse about the bridge called Pons Miluius and drowned in the flood.

Dioclesian hearing tell of the prosperous successe of Con∣stantine,* 1.236 and what edicts he had set foorth for the peace of Christians, for very griefe hee died. Others alledge that

he poysoned himselfe. Ann. 317.

Licinius was made Caesar by Maximinus, as is said. Hee was very familiar with Constantine and was his colleg in the gouernement 7. yeeres, and married Constantina the sister of Constantine.* 1.237 Likewise hee concurred with him to sub∣due the tyrant Maxentius. Also he ouercame Maximi∣nus in battell. He purposed likewise to haue circumucened and slaine the good Emperour Constantine to whom hee was many wayes greatly addebted, but the Lord disap∣pointed his counsells, and preserued Constantine to the great benefit and good of his Church. But Licinius failing of his purpose conuerted his rage against the Christians, notwithstanding he had set out edicts before to procure their peace. Hee pretended this quarrell against them, that they prayed for the welfare of Constantine and not for his welfare.* 1.238 He set foorth against the Christians three cruell edicts. 1. Inhibiting assemblies and conuentions of Bi∣shops to consult in matters belonging to their religion. 2. He discharged women to resort to the assemblies where men were to pray or to be instructed in matters to reli∣gion. 3. Hee commanded that no man should visit im∣prisoned Christians or succour them with any reliefe, threatning against those who would disobey such punish∣ment as the imprisoned persons were to suffer. After these edicts the mountaines, woods and wildernesses began to be the habitation of the Lords saints. The Bishops about Libya and Egypt were taken, cut in pieces, and their flesh cast into the sea to be meat for the fishes. And this was done by the flatterers of Licinius, supposing to gratifie him by the cruell handling of the Lords seruants. In his time were put to death these 40.* 1.239 martyrs of whom Basilius writeth, who were set in a pond of water all night lying open to the blasts of cold Northen winds, and in the mor∣ning they being frozen and almost senslesse with the ex∣tremitie of the cold, yet were caried vpon carts to be bur∣ned with fire, to the ende their poore carkeses might feele by experience whether the extremitie of cold or heate were

the greater torment. Of these 40. noble souldiers of Christ, one being stronger then the rest, endured the vehemency of the cold better, to whom his mother came, not to desire him to embrace this present life by a filthy denyall of Christ, nor to weepe for the paines of the tormented body of her sonne, but rather to exhort her sonne to persevere constantly in the faith of Christ, to the end: for shee craved licence to lift vp her sonne with her owne hands into the cart, admonishing him to accomplish that happy iourney he had begun. But whether these were the 40. Martyrs who suffered the like punishment in Sebastia,* 1.240 a towne of Armenia, or not, is not certaine, in respect that some circumstances set downe by Basil, doe agree to those of Sebastia.

Likewise in this persecution suffered Barlan a noble man mentioned in a Sermon of Basilius, who after many tor∣ments was in the end layd vpon the altar, whereupon they vsed to offer sacrifice to Idols, and while there was some strength in his hand,* 1.241 they put frankencense into his right hand, thinking that hee would haue scattered the incense vpon the altar, and sacrificed, but hee endured the torment patiently, saying the words of the Psalme, Blessed be the Lord who teacheth mine hands to fight.* 1.242 In the end Licinius made warre against Constantine, and being diverse times ouercome both by sea and land,* 1.243 hee yeelded himselfe at length, and was sent to Thessalia to liue a private life, where hee was slaine by the souldiers. So Constantine obtained the whole Empire alone.

Here end the ten Persecutions.

CENTVRIE IV.

Constantine.

THE Church of Christ flourished in time of the ten Persecutions,* 1.244 as a Palme tree groweth vnder the burthen, and spreads out her branches by increasing growth toward heaven. Satan on the other part, that piercing and crooked Serpent,* 1.245 who striues against the militant Church of God, both by might and slight: when his might faileth, it is time to try his slight: which he did by the canker-worme of hereticall doctrine. Now therefore, let vs entreate of the Arrian and Eutychian Persecutors, in the three subsequent Centuries. Other Heretiques, albeit they were fierce and cruell, such as the Donatists, yet their crueltie was like vnto the stighling of a fish,* 1.246 when the water is ebbed, and shee is not covered with the deepenesse of over-flowing water: the more stirre she maketh, the nearer shee is vnto her death. But the Arrian and Eutychian Heretiques found Empe∣rours favourably inclined to the maintenance of their er∣rors, such as Constantius and Valens, protectors of the Arrian heresie, Anastatius and Heraclius, favourers of the heresie of Eutyches. This support they had of supreame powers, strengthened the arme of Heretiques, and made them able to persecute the true Church of Christ.

Notwithstanding, betwixt the ten great Persecutions, and the Arrian persecution, a short breathing time was granted by God vnto his Church, who will not suffer the rodde of the wicked perpetually to lie vpō the righteous, lest they put out their hand vnto inquity. The dayes of the raigne of Con∣stantine, were the breathing daies of the persecuted Church:

Men banished for the cause of Christ, by the Emperours edicts were returned from their banishment, restored to their offices, dignities, and possessions, which duely belonged vn∣to them. The heritage and goods of such as had suffered death for the cause of Christ, were allotted to their neerest kinsmen, and in case none of these were found aliue, then their goods were ordained to appertaine vnto the Church. These beginnings of an admirable change of the estate of persecuted men,* 1.247 wrought in the hearts of all people a won∣derfull astonishment, considering within themselues what could bee the event of such sudden and vnexpected alte∣ration.

The care that Constantine had to disburthen persecuted Christians of that heauy yoke of persecution, that pressed them downe so long, was not onely extended to the bounds of the Romane Empire, wherein Constantine was sove∣raigne Lord, and absolute Commander: But he was care∣full also to procure the peace of Christians, who lived vnder Sapores King of Persia,* 1.248 who vexed Christian people with sore and grievous persecution: so that within his Domini∣ons, more then sixteene thousand were found, who had concluded their liues by martyrdome. Among whom Si∣meon Bishop of Selentia,* 1.249 and Vstazares the Kings eldest Eu∣nuch, and his nurs-father in time of his minority, Pusices, ruler of all the Kings Artificers, Azades the Kings beloved Eunuch, and Acepcimas, a Bishop in Persia: all these were men of Note, and Marke, who suffered martyrdome vnder Sapores, King of Persia.

While the cogitations of Constantine were exercised with meditation,* 1.250 by what meanes the distressed estate of Christi∣ans in Persia might be supported: by the providence of God, the Ambassadours of Sapores, King of Persia, came to the Emperor Constantine: whose petitions when he had gran∣ted, hee sent them backe againe to their Lord and Master: and hee sent with them a Letter of his owne, intreating Sa∣pores to bee friendly to Christians, in whose Religion no∣thing can be found, that can iustly bee blamed. His letter

also bare the bad fortune of the Emperor Valerian the eight persecuter of Christians and how miserably hee ended his life: and on the other part, what good successe the Lord had given vnto himselfe in all his battels, because hee was a defender of Christians, and a procurer of their peace. What peace was procured to distressed Christians in Persia by this letter of Constantine, the history beares not: alwayes his en∣devour was honest and godly.

In Constantines dayes the Gospell was propagated in East India,* 1.251 by Frumentius and Edesius, the brother sonnes of Meropius, a man of Tyrus. This History is written at length by Ruffinus, Theodoretus, Sozomenus, and many others. Like∣wise it was propagated in Iberia, a country lying in the vt∣termost part of the Euxine Sea, by the meanes of a captiue Christian woman, by whose supplications, first a childe, deadly diseased, recovered health, and afterward the Queen of Iberia her selfe was relieved from a dangerous disease, by her prayers made to Christ. The King of Iberia sent Am∣bassadours to Constantine, craving of him, that hee would send Preachers and Doctors to the countrey of Iberia, who might instruct them in the true faith of Christ. Which desire also Constantine performed with great gladnesse of heart.

Now to returne and to speake of the Dominions subiect to the Romane Empire,* 1.252 Constantine the sonne of Constantius Chlorus, began to raigne in the yeare of our Lord 310. and hee raigned 31. yeares: hee gaue commandement to re∣edifie the Temples of the Christians, that were demolished in the time of the persecution of Dioclesian. This comman∣mandement was obeyed with expedition, and many more large and ample Churches were builded, meet for the con∣ventions of Christian people. Likewise, the temples of Idols were locked vp: better they had beene demolished, and e∣qualled to the ground: then had it beene a worke of grea∣ter difficulty to Iulian the Apostate,* 1.253 to haue restored againe Heathen Idolatry. Many horrible abuses, both in Religion and manners, were reformed by the authority and comman∣dement

of the Emperour, such as cubitus mensuralis, called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Egypt, whereunto was attributed the vertue and cause of the inundation of Nilus,* 1.254 by the Egyptians: there∣fore by the Emperors commandement this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was trans∣ported out of their Temples. In Rome the bloody spectacle of Gladiatores,* 1.255 that is, of Fencing men, with swords killing one another in sight of the people, was discharged. In He∣liopolis, a towne of Phoenicia, the filthy manners of young women, accustomed without controulment, to prostitute themselues ••o the lust of strangers, vntill they were maried: this filthy custom (I say) by the commandement of the Em∣perour Constantine, was interdicted and forbidden. In Iu∣dea, the Altar builded vnder the Oke of Mambre,* 1.256 where the Angels appeared to Abraham, and whereupon the Pagans offered sacrifice in time of solemne Faires,* 1.257 for buying and selling of Merchant wares in that place: This Altar (I say) was commanded tō be demolished,* 1.258 and a Temple to be buil∣ded in the same place, for exercise of divine service.

The care this good Emperour had, to quench the schisme that began in Alexandria, shall bee declared in its due time, God willing. In some things Constantine was not vnlike to King Salomon, who finding his Kingdome to be peaceably settled, hee gaue himselfe to the building of the Temple, of Palaces, and of Townes, which hee fortified and made strong. Even so Constantine finding that no enemie durst enterprise any longer to molest the peaceable estate of his settled Kingdome,* 1.259 hee builded magnifique Temples in Bethlehem, the place of the Lords Nativity, vpon Mount Olivet, from whence Christ ascended to Heaven, vpon Mount Calvarie, where Christs Sepurchre was. Hee buil∣ded also a Citie in Bithinia,* 1.260 and called it Helenopolis, for honour of his mother Helena, and another in Pale∣stina, and called it Constantia, by the name of his Si∣ster. Also hee builded a glorious Temple in Antiochia, which his sonne Constantius perfected, and to the dedi∣cation of that Temple a number of Bishoppes were as∣sembled. And finally, hee builded the great Citie of Con∣stantinople

in Thracia, and called it Nova Roma, whereas before it was called Byzantium.* 1.261 This towne was builded Anno 336.

In the end the good Emperour intended to haue made warre against the Persians, and by the way hee was purposed to haue beene baptised in Iordan, where our Saviour Christ was baptised by Iohn:* 1.262 but the Lord had disposed otherwise: for the good Emperor fell sicke at Nicomedia, and was bap∣tised in the suburbs of that principall towne of Bithynia, not in Rome, nor by Silvester: but in Nicomedia, and by Euse∣bius. How this Eusebius coozned the Emperour, and obscu∣red the wicked purpose of his hereticall heart from him,* 1.263 and continued in good favour and credit with the Emperour, e∣ven to the last period of his life, so that hee had the honour to baptise the good Emperour, will bee declared hereafter. In his testamentall legacy, hee left his Dominions to his sonnes, ended his life happily, and was buried in Con∣stantinople.

Constantius, Constans, and younger Constantius.

COnstantius governed the East parts of the Romane Em∣pire, and he raigned 25. yeeres. The other two brethren governed the West parts. Constantine the younger was slain at▪ Aquileia, after hee had raigned with his brethren three yeers.* 1.264 The Emperour Constans raigned 13. yeeres, and was slaine in France, by the Tyrant Magnentius: so after the death of Constance, the whole government of the Empire turned into the hands of Constantius. He overcame Mag∣nentius in battell, who fled to Lions, and slew his mother, his owne brother, and himselfe: And so the Tyrant Magnen∣tius brought himselfe and his kindred to a miserable end. Constantius was infected with the heresie of Arrius, by the

meanes of an Arrian Priest, who had beene in Court with Constantia, the sister of the Emperour Constantine, and relict of Licinius.* 1.265 When shee was bound to bed, by infirmity and sicknesse, where of she died: She recommended this Arrian presbyter to Constantine her brother, whereby it came to passe,* 1.266 that he had favour and credit in the Emperours court. Hee procured the returning of Arrius from banishment, and was the first reporter to Constantius of his fathers testa∣mentall legacie. And finally, he perverted Constantius from the true faith, which his father had professed. So pernici∣ous a thing is it to haue deceitfull Heretiques lurking in the courts of Princes.

During the life-time of his brother Constans, Arrianisme had no great vpper hand, because Constans Emperour of the West protected Paulus Bishop of Constantinople, & Atha∣nasius Bishop of Alexandria, and the rest of the Bishoppes whom the Arrians had most vniustly accused, deposed, and persecuted. But after the slaughter of Constans, the Arrians were encouraged by the inconstancy of the Emperour,* 1.267 whose flexible and instable minde, like vnto a reede shaken with the winde, was inclined to follow the course, that the fore-mentioned Priest put in his head. This Priest informed the Emperour Constantius, that the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, Consubstantiall, was not found in holy Scripture, and that the inserting of this word in the forme of faith set downe by the Nicene Councell, was the occasion of many debates and contentions in the Church of God: and that the retur∣ning of Athanasius from banishment,* 1.268 was the ground of a terrible tempest, whereby not onely the estate of Egypt was shaken, but also the estate of Palestina and Phoenicia, and o∣ther places not farre distant from Egypt. Moreover, he ad∣ded, Athanasius had beene the author of m••testine dissention betwixt the Emperour Constantius and his brother Constans, so that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wrote menacing letters to his brother, ei∣ther to repossesse Paulus and Athanasius into their places a∣gain or else if he lingred in so doing (since their innocency was cleered in the Councell of Sardica) he threatned to lead

an army to the East, and to see them repossessed in their own roomes againe. The Emperour Constantius was easily inci∣ted to wrath against Athanasius, and he sent Sebastianus, one of his Captaines,* 1.269 accompanied with 5000. armed men, to slay Athanasius: but the Lord delivered him miraculously out of their hands, when there seemed to bee no way of es∣caping, because armed souldiers were planted round about the Temple: yet he went safely through the midst of them, and was not discerned, albeit many Arrians were present of purpose to designe and point him out by the finger, as a sheepe ordained for the slaughter.

Georgius, an Arrian Bishop, was seated in Alexandria, in the place of Athanasius, a wolfe in the chaire of a true Pa∣stor, whose fury and madnesse was helped by Sebastianus, who furnished him with armed souldiers, to accompany all his wicked and divelish devices. A fire was kindled in the towne: Christian Virgins were stripped naked, & brought to the fire, and commanded to renounce their faith: but the terror of the fire made them not once to shrinke. When the sight of the fire could not terrifie them, he caused their fa∣ces to be so dashed with strokes, & misfashioned their coun∣tenances, that they could not bee knowne by their familiar friends: but they, like vnto victorious souldiers, patiently endured all kinde of rebuke for the Name of Christ.* 1.270 Thir∣ty Bishops of Egypt and Lybia, were slaine in the fury of this Arrian persecution. Fourteene Bishops (whose names are particularly mentioned by Theodoretus) were banished, of whom some died in the way, when they were transpor∣ted, others died in the place of their banishment. Forty good Christians in Alexandria were scourged with rods, because they would not communicate with the Arrian wolfe Georgius: and so pitiously demained, that some peeces of the rods were so deepely fixed in their flesh, that they could not bee drawne out againe, and many through excessiue paine of their wounded bodies,* 1.271 concluded their liues. Here is a liuely portrait of the mercies of the wicked, which are cruell.

The like crueltie the Arrians practised in Constantinople Paulus Bishop of Constantinople was banished to Cuculus, a little towne in Cappadocia, where he was strangled by the Arrians. Macedonius was placed in his roome, a notable Heretique, who vsed no lesse crueltie, in compelling the Christians of Constantinople,* 1.272 to communicate with him, then was vsed of olde, to compell Christians to sacrifice to the Idoles of the Gentiles.

The exquisite diligence of the Arrians in procuring Councels to bee gathered for establishing of their errour, shall be declared in the right place, God willing. Now, to re∣turne to the ciuill estate of Constantius, After that Magnenti∣us had made an end of his owne life in most desperate man∣ner, as is said, and his associate Britannio had humbly sub∣mitted himselfe to Constantius, and obtained pardon: yet was not the Emperours estate quiet and free of trouble: for there arose another Tyrant,* 1.273 called Siluanus, whom the Captaines of Constantius armie in France did hastily cut off, and make out of the way. Also the Iewes of Diocaesaria, a towne of Palestina, rebelled against him, who were ouerthrowne by Gallus the Emperours coosen,* 1.274 and the Citie of Diocaesaria was leuelled with the ground; This good successe made Gallus somewhat insolent, and he slew Domitianus, the Emperours great Treasurer in the East: therefore the Emperour gaue commandement to cut him off. Finally, the Germans, who had assisted him in his warres against Magnentius, they rebelled against him. And hee sent against them his coosen Iulian, the brother of Gallus, who subdewed the Germans, and hee likewise waxed insolent, and suffered the souldiours to salute him with the name of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, of an Emperour. This was not vnknowne to Constantius, who made hast to pre∣uent all further vsurpation. But by the way as hee was leading his armie through Cilicia,* 1.275 hee concluded his life, sorowing for this, as Theodoretus writes, that he had chan∣ged the forme of the Nicene faith.

Iulianus.

IN the yeere of our Lord 365. Iulian began to raigne, and he raigned 3 yeeres.* 1.276 Ruffinus assignes vnto him one 8. monethes only: he was Constantius neere kinsman, who made him Caesar,* 1.277 and gaue vnto him in marriage Helena his sister: He was brought vp in Christian Religion, but was peruerted by Maximus an Ephesian Philosopher, whom Valentinian the Emperour afterward punished vnto the death,* 1.278 as a practiser of Magicall artes. In the beginning of his raigne he restored those Bishops to their places a∣gaine,* 1.279 whom Constantius had banished, not for loue of Religion, but to impare the fame of Constantius: yet im∣mediately after, hee manifested his affection toward Heathnicke superstition, and opened the doores of the Tem∣ples of the gods of the Heathen,* 1.280 which Constantine had lock∣ed vp, and incouraged others by his owne example, to offer sacrifices to the gods of the Gentiles.

Iulian absteined, for a time, from crueltie, and shedding of blood:* 1.281 not for pitie, and compassion of Christians: but ra∣ther for enuie: For he enuyed the glory of Christian Martyrs whose magnanimitie, courage, and constant perseuerance in the faith of Christ vnto the death, was commended in the mouthes of all men. But he indeuoured by subtile and craf∣tie meanes to vndoe Christian Religion. He debarred the children of Christians from Schooles, and from the vse of Learning:* 1.282 Also hee debarred them from warre fare, from offices of gouerment of Romane Prouinces, and from offices of heauie taxations: which taxations also the auarice of the Deputies of Prouinces increased, and made them more grie∣uous and intollerable. Neuerthelesse, when Christians com∣plained of the vnrighteous dealing of the Deputies, the Em∣perour mocked them, and said, their happinesse was increa∣sed, according to the speech of Christ their Lord and Master

Blessed are they,* 1.283 who suffer persecution for righteousnesse sake.

Likewise, in the market places of Cities, he set vp his own Image, with the Effigies of the gods of the Heathen pictured round about it: to the ende, that whosoeuer should doe ciuil reuerence to the Emperours Image, might also seeme to worship the gods of the Gentiles: And by the contrarie, they who would not bow to the gods of the Gentiles,* 1.284 might seem also to refuse all due reuerence to the Emperour. When he distributed gold to his Captaines and Warriours (as the custome was) he vsed a forme of distributing not accusto∣med before, to haue an altar neere vnto his Princely throne, and coales burning vpon it, and incense vpon a table neere vnto the altar whereby it came to passe, that no man receiued gold,* 1.285 before he cast incense vpon the coales of the altar: by this subtile artifice circumuenting many, who knew not, that it was Iulians purpose to intangle them with the rites of ido |latrous seruice. In Antiochia, & in the Region round about he dedicated all the Fountaines to the Goddesses of the Gentiles, and caused all the victuall that was to be solde in market places, to be sprinckled with Heathenicke holy wa∣ter. Neuerthelesse, Christians, without scruple of conscience dranke of the water that was in the Welles, and ate of the meate which they bought in the market, beeing fully per∣swaded,* 1.286 that to the cleane all thinges are cleane: and againe, it is written, Whatsoeuer is solde in the shambles, eat ye, and aske no question for conscience sake. The libertie that Iunentius and Maxentius, two worthie Warriours, vsed in reprouing the Emperour to his face, for his Heathnike superstition, moued Iulian to such wrath, that hee punished them vnto the death: And so by degrees the policie and wisedome of Iulian in the end breakes foorth into the fruites of crueltie and shedding of blo od.* 1.287

Albeit no publicke mandate of Iulian was set foorth, com∣manding to persecute Christians, yet by many euident testi∣monies it was knowne to the people, that the Emperour ha∣ted them, and that no man would incur punishment, for out∣rage and violence vsed against them. Therefore in the towne

of Sebaste,* 1.288 the Sepulchre of Iohn the Baptist was opened, his bones were burnt, and the ashes scattered abroad. Like∣wise the wicked men of Gaza and Ascalon, killed Preachers and holy Virgins, ripped their bellies, filled them with bar∣lie, and cast their bodies to the swine to be eaten. Cyrillus al∣so, a Deacon in Hierapolis, a towne of Phoenicia, at the foote of Mount Libanus,* 1.289 who in time of the raigne of Con∣stantine had broke in pieces the images of the Gentiles, was taken by them, his bellie was ript, his liuer was drawne out of his bodie, which with Barbarous inhumanitie they chaw∣ed with their teeth. But the Lord suffered not such vnkouth crueltie to escape vnpunished: for the teeth of those who commited this fact of vnnaturall inhumanitie, fell out of their jaw bones,* 1.290 their tongues rotted within their mouthes and their eyes were darkned and blinded: a just and deserued punishment of brutish Sauages practised by men. Marcus Arthusius had his body ouerlaid with hony, and it was hung vp in hot summer weather, to be molested with wasps, and flies.* 1.291 In Alexandria many Christians were slaine for discoue∣ring the abominations of the Pagans, especially in sacrificing to Mythra bloody sacrifices of reasonable creatures.* 1.292 Among others, Georgius the Arrian Bishop was bound vnto a Camel and both he and the Camell were burned with fire: whom no man counts a martyr, because he kept not the true faith. In the countrey of Phrygia, and towne of Miso, Macedonius Theodulus,* 1.293 & Tatianus, for breaking in pieces images, were broiled vpon hot grates of yron. The persecution of Atha∣nasius, which with great hazard he escaped, by a stratageme, of turning backe his ship in the face of the persecuting ene∣mies, was procured by Philosophers, sorcerers, & inchanters, who were about Iulian, and affirmed that all their trauailes would be spent in vaine,* 1.294 if Athanasius, the only barre, and ob∣stacle of their doings, were not made out of the way.

The wrath of Iulian was highly kindled against the inhabi∣tants of Caesarea in Cappadocia. This towne of old was cal∣led Maza, but the Emperour Claudius changed the name of it, and called it Caesarea. The inhabitants of the citie, for the

most part,* 1.295 were Christians, and they had of old ouerthrowne the Temples of Iupiter and Apollo, and the Temple of For∣tune (which only remained) they ouerthrew in Iulians owne time. For this cause Iulian rased the name of Caesarea, out of the roll of cities, and exacted from them 300. pound weight of gold, compelled their Cleargie to serue in warrefare: And finally, he threatened to punish to the death al the inhabitants of Caesarea: but the righteous Lord cutted the cordes of the wicked and he had not power to performe all his bloody designes.

He had intention to fight against the Persians, yet would he doe nothing without consultation of his gods. He sent his most assured friendes to all the Oracles within the Romane Dominions, and he himselfe would inquire at the Oracle of Apollo in Delphos,* 1.296 what should be the successe of his en∣terprises. The answere of Apollo was, that hee was hindered by the dead, to giue his responses. Hereof it came to passe, that Iulian gaue libertie to Christians, to transport the bones of the Martyr Babylas. About the same time fire came down from heauen,* 1.297 and destroyed the Temple of Apollo in Del∣phos and beate the image of Apollo in pieces, like vnto the lightest and smallest powder, or dust.

Moreouer,* 1.298 he gaue libertie to the Iewes, to returne to Ieru∣salem, to build their temple, & to offer sacrifices conforme to the law of Moses: not for loue he caried toward the Iewes, but for hatred of the Christians: therefore the worke prospe∣red not, but was hindered by earthquake, fire and a mightie tempest of wind. Marke how euery thing this hateful enemy of Christ enterprised, had an euill successe. Iulian arriued at Ctesiphon the Metrapolitane towne of Chaldea,* 1.299 after that Babylon was ruined. The king of Persia had his people in bet∣ter preparation then the Emp. looked for: therefore he tooke deliberation to returne back againe to the bounds of the Ro∣mane dominiōs:* 1.300 but he who was deceitful al his daies, was in end deceiued by an old Persiā captiue, who led the Emp. into a baren wildernes, where he cōcluded his life, wounded with a dart: but it remaines vncertaine by whom hee was slaine.

Iouinianus.

* 1.301AFter the death of Iulian, Iouinian was chosen, by the Ro∣mane armie, to be Emperour, but liued not full 8. months in his Emperiall dignity. He accepted not the soue∣raignty, vntill the time the whole army with vniforme con∣sent acknowledged themselues to be Christians. He made a couenant of peace with the King of Persia, such as ne∣cessity of a distressed army compelled him to condiscend vnto:* 1.302 for Nisibis, a great Citie in Mesopotamia, with some dominions in Syria, were resigned ouer to the King of Persia. The blame of this hurtfull capitulation, was impu∣ted to the temerity of Iulian the apostate, who had burnt with fire the ships that should haue brought victualles to the armie, and gaue hasty credite to a Persian captiue. When he had reduced the army to the bounds of the Ro∣mane dominions, hee buried the dead body of Iulian in Tarsus, a towne of Cilicia: and hee reduced from punish∣ment the worthy captaine Valentinian, whom Iulian had banished,* 1.303 together with the Bishops banished from their places, or compelled to lurke: and in speciall Athanasius, whose counsel hee was resolued to follow in matters of Faith and church gouernement.* 1.304 In the ende hee tooke purpose to goe to Constantinople: but by the way, in the confines of Galatia and Bithinia, he concluded his life in a Village called Dadasta 9.* 1.305

Valentinianus and Valens.

AFter the death of Iovinian, the Romane armie choosed Valentinian to be Emperour, who raigned 13. yeeres. In whom was accomplished which is promised in the Gospell,

to render an hundreth-folde in this life, to them who suffer any losse for Christs sake, in the world to come eternall life. Valentinian for Christs sake lost his office in Iulians Court,* 1.306 & he receiued in this world a kingdome, and hath a greater re∣compence of reward laid vp for him in heauen. The mag∣nanimous courage of Valentinian in beating on the face that heathen priest,* 1.307 who sprinkled holy water vpon his gar∣ments, whereby he thought his garments to be contami∣nate, and not his body sanctified.* 1.308 This couragious fact was the cause wherefore Iulian banished him to Miletina, a towne in Armenia. He was relieued from banishment in the dayes of Iouinian, and wa•• made Emp. after his death. He was borne in a towne of Panonia,* 1.309 called Cibalc: he addressed himselfe immediatly after his acceptation of the Emperial soueraignty to Cōstantinople, & within the space of 30. daies he choosed his brother to bee his associate in the gouerne∣ment: in such sort, that the Emp. Valentinian gouerned the West,* 1.310 and the Emperour Valens gouerned the Easterne parts of the Roman Dominions.

The Emp. Valens finding the Persians to be quiet, & dispo∣sed to keepe the couenant of peace bound vp in the dayes of Iouinian, he vndertooke an vnsupportable warfare against the Homousians. The vsurpation of the Tyrant Procopius, did somewhat slacken the readines and quicknes of his attempts but after Procopius was deliuered into the handes of the Emp. Valens, by Agelon & Gomarius his Captaines, he rent in pieces the body of Procopius, by bowing downe to the ground the toppes of strong trees,* 1.311 whereunto he caused the legs of Pro∣copius to be fastened. The bodies of Agelon and Gomarius, the two Captaines who betrayed Procopius, were cutted in twaine with sawes of yron. In which fact the Emprour Valens had no regard to the oath of God, which he made vnto them for their safetie.

Procopius being subdewed,* 1.312 he bended all his might against the Homousians: He banished Miletius, B. of Antiochia, to Armenia: Eusebius B. of Samosata, to Thracia: Pelagius Bishop of Laodicea, to Arabia. The town of Samosata was so affectio∣ned

to their own Pastor Eusebius,* 1.313 that they would not cōmu∣nicate with Eunomius, whom the Arians sent to fil his place. Valens was filled with wrath against the Fathers conucened in the councel of Lampsacum (this is a towne neere vnto the straite forth of Hellespontus) because they adhered fast vnto the Nicene faith.* 1.314 In Constantinople he not only banished the Homousians, but also the Novatians, & their B. Agelius, be∣cause they would not consent with the Arrian in the matter of faith.* 1.315 In Edessa, a towne of Mesopotamia, the Emperour gaue commandement to slay the Homousians, who were as∣sembled together in the church: but the seruent zeale of one woman,* 1.316 that ran in hast through the rankes of souldiers, drawing with her, her yong and tender child, together with her couragious answere to the Captaine,* 1.317 staied the rage of the Emp. wonderfully: for she counted it a sweet fellowship that she and her babe should be found amongst the number of these, who were counted worthy to suffer death for the name of Christ. Neuertheles the Emp. banished of men who dwelt in Edessa, especially of such as were in spiritual offices, to the number of fourscore, whom he commanded, by two & two, to be dispersed through Thracia, Arabia, and Thebaida. The inuincible courage of Basilius, Bishop of Caesarea in Capado∣cia, the peaceable death of Athanasius, which hapned in the verie time of Persecution of this Arrian Emperour Valens, together with the furie and madnesse of the Arrian Bishop Lucius, intruded in Alexandria, All these things, God wil∣ling shall bee touched in their owne places.

Amongst al the facts of vnspeakeable cruelty committed by Valens,* 1.318 one fact ouerwent all the rest. While the Emp. was at Nicomedia, fourescore Ambassadours were directed vnto him: amongst whom Menedemus, Vrbanus & Theodorus were the chiefe. These complained to the Emperour, of the mani∣fold injuries done to the Homousians.* 1.319 The Emperour gaue commandement to Modestus, the Gouernour of his armie, to embarke them into a ship, as if they were to be banished vnto some remote and far distant place: but secret direction was giuen vnto the ship-men, to set the ship on fire, and to retire

themselues into a boat. So it came to passe, that these four∣score Martyrs circumvented by the craft of Valens,* 1.320 glorified the Name of Christ, by patient suffering of many deaths at one time, both tormented by fire, and drowned in water.

Terentius and Traianus, two worthy Captaines, vsed some liberty in admonishing the Emperour to abstaine from per∣secuting of innocent people,* 1.321 because his fighting against God, procured good successe to the Barbarians: but the Lord was minded to destroy him, therefore he could receiue no wholesome admonition: for a number of the Nation of the Gothes, whom he entertained as souldiers, meete to de∣fend his Dominions against the invasion of forrainers and strangers,* 1.322 they began to waste the Countrey of Thracia: and they fought against the Emperour Valens, and preuai∣led against him: so that he fled, and was overtaken in a cer∣taine Village, which the Gothes set on fire. So this Empe∣rour died miserably,* 1.323 burnt with fire by his enemies, with∣out succession, and left his name in curse and execration to all ages,* 1.324 after he had raigned 15. or 16. yeeres, as Sozomenus reckoneth.

Now to returne to the Emperour Valentinian: Hee was a defender of the true Faith, and was so highly offended a∣gainst his brother Valens, that hee would make him no sup∣port against the invasion of the Gothes:* 1.325 for hee sayd, it was an impious thing, to strengthen the hand of a man, who had spent his dayes in warfare against God, and his Church. In his dayes the Samaritans invaded the bounds of the Ro∣mane Dominions. Valentinian prepared a mighty army to fight against them: but they sent vnto him Ambassadours, to entreate for peace.* 1.326 When the Emperour saw that they were but a naughty people, hee was moved with excessiue anger, whereby he procured the rupture of some arters, or veines, wherevpon followed great effusion of blood. And so he himselfe died,* 1.327 leauing behinde him two sonnes, Gra∣tianus, whose mother was Severa, and Valentinian the second, whose mother was Iustin

Gratianus; Valentianus the second, and Theodosius.

GRatianus, the sonne of Valentinian, after the death of Valens,* 1.328 his fathers brother, had the government both of West and East.* 1.329 His brother Valentinian the second, was his associate in the government of the West: But when he perceived, that the waighty affaires of the Kingdome requi∣red the fellowship of a man who was ripe in yeeres, hee chose Theodosius, a man of Noble parentage in Spaine, to whom hee committed the government of the East, conten∣ting himselfe and his brother Valentinian, with the govern∣ment of the West. Gratianus in the beginning of his raigne, reduced from banishment those Bishops, whom the Arrian Persecuter Valens had banished. Hee was slaine by Andra∣gathius, Captaine of the army of Maximus,* 1.330 who vsurped the Empire of the West. This Andragathius, not by valour and might, but by circumvention, fallhod, and treason, o∣verthrew the good Emperour Gratian: for hee made a re∣port to passe in Lions, where the Emperour Gratian had his remayning, that his wife was comming to him: and hee in simplicitie went forth to meete his wife beyond the riuer Rhonne: but Andragathius (who was couertly lurking in a chariot) stepped out,* 1.331 and slew Gratianus, after he had raig∣ned with his father, with his brother, and with Theodosius, fifteene yeares.

His brother Valentinian, young in yeeres, was seduced by the intising speeches of his mother Iustina after the death of her husband, in whose dayes shee durst not pre∣sume to avow the Arrian Heresie: yet after his death, shee entised the flexible minde of her sonne,* 1.332 to persecute Am∣brose Bishop of Millaine, because hee would not consent to the Arrian doctrine. The zeale of the people affectioned

to their faithfull Pastor, hindered the cruell purposes of Iustina.* 1.333 Likewise the miracles wrought at the sepulchres of Protasius and Gervasius, opened the mouthes of the peo∣ple to glorifie God, and to magnifie that Faith, which Pro∣tasius and Gervasius had sealed vp with their blood: these holy men of God were martyred in the second great Perse∣cution, mooved by the Emperour Domitian.* 1.334 The dolo∣rous tithings of the death of Gratianus, and the neere ap∣proaching of the Tyrant Maximus to Italy, compelled Iu∣stina to leaue the persecuting of Ambrose, and to flie to Illericum,* 1.335 for safety of her owne life, and her sonnes life. Theodosius being mindefull of the kindenesse of Gratianus towards him, led an army against the Tyrant Maximus. The Captaines of Maximus army, terrified with the ru∣mour of the might of Theodosius army,* 1.336 delivered him bound into the hands of Theodosius, and hee was iustly pu∣nished vnto the death. Andragatius, who slew the Empe∣rour Gratian (as is sayd) seeing no way to escape, threw himselfe head-long into a river, and so ended his wretched life. About the same time, Iustina the mother of Valentini∣an the second, shee died, her sonne was peaceably posses∣sed in his Kingdome,* 1.337 and Theodosius returned to the East againe.

But within few dayes hee was compelled to gather a new army, and fight against the Tyrant Eugenius, and his chiefe Captaine Arbogastus, who had conspired against Va∣lentinian the second, and strangled him while he was lying in his bed. This battell went hardly at the beginning, but Theodosius had his recourse to God by prayer: and the Lord sent a mighty tempest of winde, which blew so vehement∣ly in the face of Eugenius army, that their darts were turned backe, by the violence of the winde, in their owne faces. Of which miraculous support, sent from aboue, the Poet Claudian writes these Verses:

O nimium dilecte Deo eui sundis ab antris Eolus a mat as biemes,* 1.338 cui•••••• at ather, Et cominrati veniunt ad classica venti.

The Tyrant Eugenius fell downe at the feet of Theodosius, to begge pardon: but the souldiers pursued him so straitly, that they slew him at the Emperours feete. Arbogastus, the author of all this mischiefe, hee sled, and being out of all hope of safety, slew himselfe.

Like as there was no sacrifice, wherein dung was not found, even so the life and actions of this noble Emperour, was spotted with some infirmities. Against the Inhabitants of Thessalonica, the Emperour was mooved with excessiue anger,* 1.339 so that seven thousand innocent people were slaine, invited to the spectacle of Playes, called Ludi circenses, and in the Greeke language, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. For this fault the good Emperour was reprooved by Ambrose Bishop of Millaine,* 1.340 and confessed his fault in sight of the people with teares: and made a lawe, that the like commandements, concerning the slaughter of people, should not haue hastie execution, vn∣till the tune that thirty dayes were overpassed: to the end. that space might be left to either mercy, or to repentance. In like manner, he was angry out of measure against the peo∣ple of Antiochia,* 1.341 for overthrowing the brasen portrait of his beloved bedfellow Placilla. The Emperour denuded their towne of the dignity of a Metrapolitan Citie, confer∣ring this eminent honour to their neighbour towne Laodi∣cea. Moreover hee threatned to set the towne on fire, and to redact it vnto the base estate of a village. But Flavianus Bishop of Antiochia, by his earnest travels with the Empe∣rour mitigated his wrath (for the people repented their foo∣lish fact,* 1.342 and were fore afraid) and the good Emperour mo∣ved with pitty, pardoned the fault of the towne of Antio∣chia. His lenity toward the Arrians, whom hee permitted to keepe conventions in principall Cities, was with great dexterity and wisedome reprooved by Amphilochius,* 1.343 Bishop of Iconium: For hee came in vpon a time, and did reve∣rence to the Emperour, but not vnto Arcadius his sonne (albeit already associated to his father in government, and declared Augustus) whereat Theodosius being offended, Am∣philochius very pertinently, and in due season, admonished

the Emperour, that the God of heaven also would bee of∣fended with them, who tolerated the blasphemers of his on∣ly begotten Sonne, the Lord Iesus Christ. Wherevpon followed a lawe, discharging the conventions of Heretikes, in the principall Cities. In all these infirmities, it is re∣markeable, that the good Emperour ever gaue place to wholesome admonitions.* 1.344 The excessiue paines hee was compelled to vndertake in Warfare, hastened his death: for hee contracted sicknesse soone after his returning from the the battell fought against Eugenius, and died in the 60. yeere of his age, and in the 16. yeere of his raigne. He left behind him his two sonnes: Arca∣dius to governe the East, and Hono∣rius to governe the West. ∵

CENTVRIE V.

Arcadius, and Honorius.

THE good Emperour Theodosius left be∣hinde him two sonnes,* 1.345 Arcadius to go∣verne the East parts, and Honorius the West. Arcadius raigned 14 yeeres: He was a meeke and godly Emperour, but not couragious, as his father had beene. His simplicity was abused by Eudoxia his wife, Ruffinus his chiefe counseller, and Gania his chiefe Captaine. Eudoxia was offended at the freedome that Chry∣sostome vsed, in reproving of sinne: And by the meanes of Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria procured his deposition. Theophilus had gathered a Synode at the Oke of Calcedon: and because Chrysostome being warned, refused to appeare, they convict him of contumacy, and deposed him: after de∣position followed banishment, from which the affectioned mindes of the people toward their Pastor, constrained the Emperour to reduce him againe: yet Eudoxia continued in her malice, and procured by the meanes of Theophilus, his second deposition & banishment, with commandement to iourney his weake bodie with excessiue travels from place to place,* 1.346 vntill hee concluded his life.

Ruffiinus stirred vp Alaricus King of the Gothes, to fight against Arcadius, secretly presuming to the kingdome, but his treasonable enterprises being espyed, hee was slaine, and his head and right hand were hung vp vpon the port of Constantinople.

Gaina of a simple souldier was made generall Comman∣der of Arcadius his army: hee waxed insolent and proud, affected the kingdome, being in blood a stranger, of the

Nation of the Goths, in religion an Arrian. Hee craved a petition of the Emperour, that hee might haue one of the Churches of Constantinople,* 1.347 wherein hee might serue God according to his owne forme: but this petition by the prudent advice of Chrysostome given to the Emperour was reiected, and the pride of Gaina for a time was something abated.

Honorius raigned in the West, all the dayes of his brother Arcadius and 15. yeeres after his death. The whole time of his government was very troublesome.* 1.348 Gildo, his Lieu∣tenant in Africke, vsurped the dominion of Africke; and Mascelzer his brother, who at the first detested treasonable enterprises in his brother, yet afterward followed his bro∣thers footsteps, and received the iust deserved reward of his inconstancy, for hee was slaine by his owne souldiers. In like manner Stilico, the Emperours father in law (for Hono∣rius married his daughter) and the Emperors chiefe Coun∣seller, presumed to drawe the kingdome to Eucherius his sonne, and stirred vp the Vandales, Burgundians, Almans, and diverse others to invade the kingdome of France, to the end that Honorius being overcharged with the multi∣tude of vnsupportable businesse, might permit Stilico to set forward to the designes of his owne heart. About this time, Rhadagisus a Sythian,* 1.349 accompanied with an army of two hundred thousand Gothes, came to Italy. And the helpe of Vldinus and Sarus, Captaines of the Hunnes and Gothes, being obtained, Rhadagisus was suddenly surprised, himself was taken and strangled, many were slaine, the most part were sold, whereupon followed incredible cheapnesse of servants, so that flocks of servants were sold for one peece of gold, in Italy.

The next great trouble came by Alaricus, King of the Westerne Gothes, who invaded Italy, and camped about Ravenna, with whom Honorius entred into a capitulation, and promised to him and his retinue, a dwelling place in France. The Gothes marched toward their appointed dwel∣ling place:* 1.350 But Stilico the Emperours father in law fol∣lowed

after them, and set vpon them at vnawares, when they suspected none evill, and slew a great number of them. By this the Emperour cleerly perceived the treason of Sti∣lico, and caused him and his sonne to bee slaine, but to his owne great hurt, hee appointed no generall Commander of the army in his place. Alaricus and his army were enraged, partly by their losse, and partly by remembrance of the co∣venant made with them, and incontinent violated: There∣fore they turned backe againe, and invaded Italy with all their might, and besieged Rome two yeeres, and tooke it in the yeere of our Lord,* 1.351 410. or as some reckon 412. In the midst of burning, slaying, robbing, and military outrage, some fauour was showne by the expresse commandement of Alaricus,* 1.352 to such as fled to Christian Churches for safe∣tie of their liues. Alaricus led his army from Rome, and was purposed to sayle to Africke, there to settle his abode, but being driven backe with tempestuous windes, hee win∣tred in Consentia, where hee ended his life. Alaricus in his life-time had given in marriage Placidia the sister of Hono∣rius,* 1.353 to Ataulphus his neerest kinsman, and Ataulphus after the death of Alaricus, raigned over the Gothes. The Gothes vnder the conduct of Ataulphus, returned backe againe to Rome. Placidia through her intercession purchased great good to the towne of Rome: the Gothes abstained from burning, and shedding of blood, and addressed themselues toward France and Spaine.

Theodosius 2. and Valentinian 3.

AFter Arcadius, raigned his sonne Theodosius the second 42. yeeres. His vncle Honorius governed in the West: After whose death the whole government pertained to The∣odosius, who associated vnto himselfe Valentinian the third, the sonne of Placidia, his fathers sister. Theodosius in godli∣nesse was like vnto his grandfather, in collecting a great

librarie of good bookes, nothing inferiour to Ptolemaus Phi∣ladelphus. In collecting in one short sum the Iawes of kings and princes: he tread a path whereinto Iustinian walked, fol∣lowing Theodosius example, and benefited all men desirous of learning.* 1.354 His house was like vnto a sanctuarie for exercises of reading of holy Scripture, and deuote prayers. He was of a meeke & tractable nature almost beyond measure: his facili∣tie in subscribing vnread letters was corrected by the prudēt aduice of his sister Pulcheria. In these two Emp. time the e∣state was mightily crossed & troubled by strangers. By the procurement of Bonifacius deputie of Africke, the Vandales vnder the conduct of Gensericus their king came into Africk, tooke the towne of Carthage, & other principall townes and settled their abode in that countrie. Valentinian 3. Emp. of the West was compelled to make a couenant with the Vandales, & to assigne vnto them limited bounds in Africke for their dwelling place.

The Vandales were partly Pagans and partly Arrians whereby it came to passe that the true Church in Africke was persecuted with no lesse inhumanitie; and barbar∣ous crueltie by Gensericus King of the Vandales, then it was in the dayes of the Emp. Dioclesian. Attila, King of the Hunnes encombred the Romane Empire with greater trou∣bles. Theodosius Emperour of the East bought peace with payment of a yearly tribute of gold to Attila. Valentinian the third by the meanes of Aetius his chiefe Counseller allured Theodoricus King of the Westerne Gothes to take his part. The parties fought in the fieldes called Catalaunici a great fight, wherein a hundreth and fourescore thousand men were slaine. And Theodoricus King of the Gothes in this bat∣tell lost his life. Attila was compelled to flee. Thrasimundus the sonne of Theodoricus was very willing to pursue Attila, for desire he had to reuenge his fathers slaughter, but hee was stayed by Aetius. This counsell seemes to be the oc∣casion of his death: Valentinian commanded to cut off Aetius. Attila finding that the Romane armie was destitute of the conduct of so wise a gouernour, as Aetius was, he tooke

courage againe, and in great rage set himselfe against Italie, tooke the townes of Aquileia, Ticinum and Millane, sacked and ruined them, and set himselfe directly against Rome, with intention to haue vsed the like crueltie also against it. But Leo Bishop of Rome went foorth, and with gentle words so miti∣gated his mind, that he left besieging of the towne of Rome. Soone after this Attila died, the terrour of the world, and the whip wherewith God scourged many nations.

Valentinian the thirde, after hee had raigned in whole 30. yeeres, was cut off for the slaughter of Aetius. Maxi∣mus vsurped the Kingdome, and violently tooke vnto him∣selfe Eudoxia the relict of Valentinian: but shee was relieued againe by Gensericus King of Vandales, who led an armie to Rome, and spoyled the towne, and relieued Eudoxia, and carried her and her daughters to Africke, and gaue Ho∣noricus his sonne in marriage vnto her eldest daughter. Max∣imus was cut in pieces by the people, & his body was cast in∣to Tyber. From this time foorth the Empire vtterly decayed in the West, vntill the dayes of Carolus Magnus, so that Anit∣us,* 1.355 Richimex, Maioranus, Severus, Anthemius, Olybrius, Gly∣cerius, Nepos, Orestes and his sonne Augustulus, they conti∣nued so short time, and gouerned so vnprosperously, that their names may bee left out of the rolle of the Empe∣rours.

Now to returne againe to Theodosius Emperour in the East, a King beloued of God, in so much that by praier hee ob∣tained of God a wonderfull deliuerance to Ardaburius cap∣taine of his armie.* 1.356 When his vncle had ended his life, Ar∣daburius was sent against a tyrant Iohn, who did vsurpe the Kingdome in the West.* 1.357 The ship whereinto Ardaburius failed by tempest of weather was driuen to Rauenna, where the tyrant Iohn tooke him prisoner. Aspar the captaines sonne, beeing conducted by an Angell of God (as Socrates writeth) entred in Rauenna, by the passage of the loch, which was neuer found dried vp before that time: the portes of the towne were patent, so that Aspar and his armie entred into the towne, slew the tyrant Iohn, and

relieued Ardaburius his father. This miraculous deliuerance is thought to be the fruite of the effectuall prayers of the godly Emperour. His death was procured by a fall from his horse, after which hee was diseased, and died: an Emperour worthy of euerlasting remembrance.

Martianus.

MArtianus by the meanes of Pulcheria the sister of Theo∣dosius was aduanced to the Kingdome with whom Valentinian the thirde, of whom I haue already spoken, raigned 4.* 1.358 yeeres. Martianus, albeit hee obtained the gouernment in a time most troublesome, when the Go∣thes, Vandales, Hunnes, and Herules had disquieted the e∣state of the Roman Empire out of measure, yet by the pro∣uidence of God the short time of his gouernment was peace∣able,* 1.359 for he raigned not fully 7 yeere, and he left behind him great griefe in the hearts of the people, because a gouerne∣ment so good and godly endured so short time. Concer∣ning the councell of Chalcedon assembled by him, it is to be referred vnto the owne place.

Leo.

AFter Martianus succeeded Leo, and gouerned 17. yeeres. He was godly & peaceable, not vnlike Martian∣us his predecessor. He interposed his authoritie to suppresse those who proudly despised the councell of Chalcedon, and obstinatly maintained the heresie of Eutyches. Notwithstan∣ding the madnes and rage of Eutychian heretiques began in his time,* 1.360 immediately after the report of the death of Marti∣anus. Procerius Bishop of Alexandria was cruelly slaine by them in the Church, haled through the streets, and with

beastly cruelty they chewed the intrals of his body, ha∣uing before ordained Timotheus to bee their Bishop.* 1.361 The Emperour banished Timotheus beeing first foreseene, that not only Leo bishop of Rome, but also all other bishops, of chiefe account, damned the ordination of Timotheus. The ter∣rible earthquake which destroyed a part of Antiochia, & the more terrible fire which wasted a great part of Constantino∣ple, were fore running tokens of the great desolation that should ensue by the detestable heresie of Eutyches.

Zeno.

THe Emperour Leo left his Kingdome to his nephew the sonne of Zeno called Leo, but hee fell sicke and died, when he had scarce reigned 1. yeere. So his father Zeno had the Emperiall soueraigntie 17. yeeres: hee was of a bad religion, dissolute in manners, intemperate, effeminate, and hated of all men.* 1.362 Therefore Basiliscus conspired against him and Zeno fled. Basiliscus was a persecuter of the true faith, damned by his encyclicke letters the Councell of Chalce∣don: restored Euthychian bishops to their places againe: such as Timotheus Arideus to Alexandria, Petrus Cnapheus to Antiochia,* 1.363 Paulus to Ephesus: fiue hundreth preachers were found, who subscribed Basiliscus letters, and cursed the councell of Chalcedon. So great a plague it is, either to haue ignorant Pastors, who know not the trueth of God,* 1.364 or cowardly teachers, who will suffer no rebuke for the knowne truth of God. Zeno returned to his Kingdome againe within 2. yeeres:* 1.365 hee banished Basi∣liscus to Cappadocia, where he was slaine with his wife and children. Hee abolished the encyclicke letters of Basiliscus and eicted Petrus Cnapheus out of Antiochia, and Paulus out of Ephesus. Timotheus of Alexandria was old, infirme, and neere to the last period of his life, els also

he had bin eiected out of Alexandria: for Zeno, not for loue of the true faith, but for hatred of the name of Basiliscus en∣deuoured to doe all that he had done.

Vnder the raigne of Zeno came Odoacer assisted with peo∣ple of Pannonia called Rugi, Turcilingi and Heruli, and in∣uaded Italie, and slew Orestes at Pagia, and compelled his sonne Augustulus,* 1.366 to denude himselfe of emperiall honours so that the Romane empire, as it began in the person of Au∣gustus Caesar, so likewise it ended in the person of Augustu∣lus the sonne of Orestes. Odoacer would not vsurpe the glori∣ous title of an Emperour, but called himselfe King of Italie, and raigned 14. yeeres. Zeno on the other part stirred vp The∣odoricus King of Gothes to expell Odoacer out of Italie. The∣odoricus encountred with him diuerse times, and preuailed. In the end he besieged him in Ravenna, vntill a couenant of peace was bound vp betwixt them, but it lasted a short time: for Theodoricus vnder pretence of friendship,* 1.367 called Odoacer and his sonnes to a banket and caused them cruelly to bee slaine. Afterward he raigned himselfe alone in Italie 33. yeeres: hee reedified the townes in Italie which by violence of warres had beene wasted & made desolate, and was well beloued of the people: and albeit in religion he was an Arri∣an, yet he abstained from persecution of those who professed the true faith.

The Eutychian persecution is already begun,* 1.368 but the Arrian persecution is not yet ended. Hunnericus sonne of Gensericus king of Vandales, was an Arrian persecuter so vnmercifull, that in Africke where his dominion was, he had neither com∣passion on sexe or age: he banished at one time fiue thousand professors of the true faith. And such as were infirme and weake; and could neither trauell by foote nor horse, he com∣manded cords to be knit to their legges, and to traile them through the rough places of the wildernes, and by such merciles dealing, the death of many innocent people was procured: but the Lord suffered not this crueltie to be vnpunished: for the Lord plagued the Vandales with famine, and pest, and Hunnericus was so long tormen∣ted

with venemous biles, that in the end he was consumed with vermine, and in great miserie ended his most wretched life.

In this Centurie studying for brevitie, I haue ouerpassed some remarkable thinges, such as the deceitfull practises of the wise men of Persia,* 1.369 to diuert the affection of their King Isdigerdes from the loue he had caried to Maruthas Bishop in Mesopotamia, and Embassadour of Theodosius. 2. This histo∣rie is set downe at length by Socrates. In like maner the ca∣lamitie of the Iewes who dwelt in the Isle of Candie, and were piteously abused by a deceiuing fellow, who called himselfe Moses, and promised to lead them through the Mediterran sea, to their owne lande, as Moses led the peo∣ple of Israel through the read sea: this calamitie read in the 7. booke of the ecclesiastical historie of Socrates chap. 38. The Iewes were commanded to cast themselues into the sea,* 1.370 and to swim vnto a rocke: but they were drowned in the sea, and dashed vpon the hard rocke, and by the meanes of Chri∣stian fishers some few escaped. This historie is referred vnto the 434. yeere of our Lord: so that it fell foorth vnder the raigne of Theodosius 2. The miraculous conuersion of the Burgundi∣ans to the faith of Christ about the same time, I haue of purpose ouerpassed, willing to be short, and to giue a viewe of the historie to those who are desirous to read.

CENTVRIE VI.

Anastatius.

AFter Zeno succeeded Anastatius, and gouer∣ned 27. yeeres. He was a patrone of the he∣resie of Eutyches. He banished Euphemius Bishop of Constantinople, because hee would not redeliuer vnto him that letter which he had subscribed before his Coro∣nation, wherein he was bound to attempt nothing against the true faith, and namely against the coun∣cel of Chal••edon. In like manner hee banished Macedonius the successour of Euphemius for the same cause (for he had the custodie of the hand-writing of Anastatius) and the Em∣perour gaue secret Commandement to make him out of the way at Gangra the place of his banishment.* 1.371 Xenoeas Bishop of Hierapolis, a firebrand of Sathan stirred vp the Emperours minde to great rage, partly by gathering a Councell at Sidon, wherein they damned the actes of the councel of Chalcedon and partly by stirring vp the Emperor to wrath against good men, such as were principall defenders of the true faith: namely Flauianus Bishop of Antiochia and Helias Bishop of Ierusalem. The people of Antiochia were very friendly to their Pastor, and finding that a great number of Monkes sauouring Eutyches errour, had assembled in the towne of Antiochia to compell Flauianus their Bishop to accurse and abiure the councell of Chalcedon:* 1.372 they set vpon the Monkes, and slewe a number of them, others leaped into the riuer of Orontes, where they found a meet buriall for seditious Monkes. On the other part a great number of Syria Caua,* 1.373 came to support the troubled estate of Flauia∣nus. For these things, as if he had beene a contentious man, he was banished, and Senerus a notable Eutychian heretique

was placed in his roome: this is he, of whom I haue mentio∣ned diuers times that Alamundarus prince of Saraceus delu∣ded his messengers, and sent them backe ashamed and con∣founded. The next attempt was against Helias Bishop of Ie∣rusalem, against whom this quarrell was forged, that hee would not subscribe the Synodicke letter of Seuerus, and damne the councel of Chalcedon, and by the Emperours commandement. Olympius the captaine came to Ierusalem, expelled Helias, and placed Iohn a familiar friend of Seuerus in his roome. This Iohn by the perswasion of Sabas a Monke of Palestina forsooke the fellowship of Seuerus, and was cast into prison by Anastatius the Emperours captaine: but when he was brought foorth out of prison againe, he disappointed the expectation of Anastatius the captaine: for he openly a∣uouched the foure generall councels, and anathematifed the followers of Arrius, Macedonius, Nestorius and Eutyches. In doing whereof he was mightily assisted both by the peo∣ple, and the Monks: so that Anastatius the Emperours cap∣taine fearing popular commotion, fled and returned againe to the Emperour,* 1.374 but Seuerus Bishop of Antiochia moued with wrath against the Monks of Syria, set vpon them, and slew 300. of them, and gaue their carcases to the foules of the heauen, and the beastes of the earth, such mercie was, and is to bee found in headstrong heretiques. In all this desolation the courage of Cosmas Bishop of Epiphania, and Severianus bishop of Arethusa is to be admired, who wrote a booke con∣teining a sentence of deposition of Severus Bishop of Antio∣chia,* 1.375 which booke Aurelianus a deacon of Epiphania clad in a womans apparrell deliuered vnto him in Antiochia, and afterward conueyed himselfe away secretly. The Emperour was highly offended against Cosmas, and Severianus, and he wrote to Asiaticus gouernour of Phoenicia, that hee should eiect them out of their places: but when answere was retur∣ned to the Emperour, that it could not be done without blood, the Emperour left off further pursuing of them. Many counted Anastatius a peaceable Emperour, because he would haue setled controuersies in the Church, as eiuil

controversies at sometimes are settled, namely, by a law of oblivion, but there is no capitulation betwixt darknesse and light, but darknesse must yeeld vnto the light of God. In Africke moe then 900.* 1.376 were crowned with martyrdome vnder the raigne of Anastatius, as Magd history recordeth out of the first booke of Regino,* 1.377 de Anastatio. Platina writeth that he was slaine with thunder.

Iustinus the elder.

AFter Anastatius, succeeded Iustinus a godly Emperour, and governed nine yeeres and three dayes. Hee resto∣red the Bshops whom Anastatius had banished. Hee bani∣shed also Arrian Bishops, who were found within his Do∣minions. Severus Bishop of Antiochia, a vile Eutychian Heretique, and a bloody Foxe, hee displaced, and caused him to be punished by cutting out of his tongue, as some affirme. Theodoricus King of the Gothes obtaining domi∣on in Italy,* 1.378 persecuted true Christians with great hostility, and sent Ambassadors to the Emperour Iustinus, to restore the Arrian Bishops whom hee had banished: else he would pursue the Bishops who were in Italy, with all kinde of ri∣gour. And because the Ambassadors returned not backe a∣gaine with such expedition as he expected, hee put hand to worke, and slew two noble Senators, Symmachus, and Boe∣tius. Likewise when the Ambassadors were returned, hee cast in prison Iohannes Tuscus,* 1.379 Bishoppe of Rome, and his companions, whom hee had before imployed to goe on mes∣sage to the Emperour Iustinus. The Bishop of Rome died in prison for lacke of sustentation, but the Lord suffered not this barbarous cruelty of Theodoricus to be long vnpuni∣shed: for the Lord strake him with madnesse of minde, so when he was sitting at table,* 1.380 and the head of a great fish was set before him, hee imagined it was the head of Symmachus, whom he had slaine, and was so stupified with feare, that a∣non

after hee died. In the dayes of this Emperour Iustinus, was a terrible earthquake,* 1.381 the like whereof hath not beene heard at any time before, wherewith the towne of Antio∣chia was shaken and vtterly ruined. With the earthquake, fire was mixed, consuming and resolving into ashes the rem∣nant of the towne, which the earthquake had not cast down. In this calamity Euphrasius Bishop of Antiochia, perished. The good Emperour mourned for the desolation of Anti∣ochia, and put on sackcloth on his body, and was in great heavinesse,* 1.382 whereof it is supposed, that hee contracted that disease whereof hee dyed. When he found his disease daily encreasing, he made choyce of Iustinian his sisters sonne to be his colleague, who governed foure moneths in equall au∣thority with his vncle, and then Iustinus ended his course.

Iustinianus.

A After the death of Iustinus, Iustinianus his sisters sonne, governed 38. yeares. Hee would suffer no faith to be openly professed,* 1.383 except the faith allowed in the foure ge∣nerall Councells. Notwithstanding the Empresse Theodo∣ra his wife, was a favourer of Eutyches heresie. This Empe∣rour was bent to recover all that was lost by his predeces∣sors, in Asia, Africke, and Europe, and hee had good suc∣cesse through the vertue and valour of his Captaines, espe∣cially Belisarius, and Narses. Belisarius first fought against the Persians, who had overcome not onely Mesopotamia, but also many parts of Syria, Antrochena, and Cava. Hee overcame them in battell, and compelled them to goe back beyond Euphrates. Next, he was employed to fight against the Vandales in Africke, who possessed great bounds of the Romane dominions, ever since the dayes of Gensericus, King of the Vandales. And it is to be marked, that the time was now come, wherein the Lord wil declare, that the blood of his Saints is precious in his eyes. For since the dayes of

Dioclesian, that bloody persecuting Emperour, no race of people persecuted Gods Saints with so barbarous cruelty, as the Vandales did, for zeale they had to the Arrian heresie, wherewith they were infected. After Gensericus, Hunericus, and Amalaricus, and Trasimundus, who closed the doores of the Temples of Christians, and banished their Bishoppes to Sardinia. Childericus would haue shewed some favour to Christians, and reduced their Bishoppes from banishment: for this cause the Vandales did slay him, and gaue his king∣dome to Gillimer.

Now the Lord remembred the grones of his owne pri∣soners,* 1.384 and would not suffer the rod of the wicked perpe∣tually to lie vpon the lot of the righteous. Belisarius fought against the Vandales, prosperously recovered Carthage, and all the boūds pertaining to the Roman Empire possessed by the Vandales. Also he tooke Gillimer their King, and carried him captiue to Constantinople. It is worthy of remem∣brance, that Iustinian would not receiue into his treasure the vessels of gold, which the Emperour Titus (when hee burnt the Temple of Ierusalem) transported to Rome. These same vessels Gensericus King of Vandales when he spoyled Rome transported to Carthage,* 1.385 and Belisarius after hee had conquered Carthage, hee brought them to Constantinople, againe but Iustinian sent them to Ierusalem, to bee dispo∣sed vpon according to the wisdome of the Christian Bishops in those bounds.

The third warfare against the Goths, for recovering Ita∣ly out of their hands, was the greatest of all the rest, and en∣dured longest time, to wit, eighteene yeeres, wherein Beli∣sarius and Mundus,* 1.386 and after them Narses, all valiant Cap∣taines, were imployed. It was brought on vpon this occa∣sion,* 1.387 as Evagrius following Procopius (in whose time this warfare was intended) doth record. A••alasunta, the daugh∣ter of Theodoricus, had the government of Italy. Astalarichus her sonne, before hee came to perfect age died. Theodatus, a kinsman of Theodoricus had the government by the mar∣iage of A••alasunta,* 1.388 but he rendered vnto her evill for good,

and thrust her into prison, and slew her. In Theodatus time came Belisarius to Italy, to fight against the Gothes, but see∣ing Theodatus was more meet for Philosophy then for war∣fare, he gaue place to Vitiges to haue the governmēt. Belisarius recovered the Isle of Sicile,* 1.389 he came to Rome, and the ports were opened to him, and hee was gladly received: he tooke Vitiges King of the Gothes, and carried him captive to Con∣stantinople. Mundus another Captain, overcame the Goths in Dalmatia, recovered the Countrey to the Romanes: but in the mids of this victory hee was slaine through too hasty and furious pursuing of his enemies, who had slaine his sonne. In the absence of Belisarius (for the Emperour had sent for him to fight against the Persians) the Gothes chose Theudebaldus, and after him Attaricus, who continued but short time. Finally, Totilas was chosen to bee their King, who recovered againe the towne of Rome, and the most part of all the principall townes of Italy. Belisarius, albeit hee was sent backe againe to Italy, and recovered Rome the second time, yet the Persian warre continually was the cause of reducing him backe againe from Italy. In the end, Nar∣ses, a valiant man was sent to Italy, who overcame the Gothes, draue them out of Italy, and brought it againe vn∣der the soveraignty of the Romans. What good recompence for so great service was rendered to Belisarius and Narses, many writers haue recorded, I passe it over with silence. Narses mooved with indignation against the Empresse So∣phia, the wife of Iustinus the younger, the successor of Iusti∣nian, he sent for the Longobards, who came out of Panno∣nia, and possessed themselues in that part of Italy, which is vnto this day called Lombardy.

It is one of Iustinians chief praises, that he caused the great Ocean Sea of the Romane lawes to bee abriged into short compend, and to be comprised within the compasse of fifty bookes,* 1.390 vulgarly called Pandectis, or Digestis, having short titles prefixed vnto them, rather then prolix and tedious cōmentaries subioyned vnto them. Also he gathered a gene∣rall Councell in Constantinople, about the 14. yeere of his

raigne, to pacifie if it were possible, the contentious dispu∣tations that were mooved about the writings of Origen, The∣odorus, and Ibas, but this I referre to its owne place.

Iustinus the younger.

IVstinus was nephew to Iustinian.* 1.391 Hee governed sixteene yeeres. Hee governed alone twelue yeeres, and with Ti∣berius, whom hee associated, three yeeres and eleven months. All things succeeded vnprosperously in his time. Alboinus King of the Longobards, possessed himselfe and his people in Italy.* 1.392 Cosroes King of Persia, with his Captaine Adaar∣manes, tooke the towne of Apamia, and burnt it with fire, and the towne of Circesium, and put garrisons into it, and miserably wasted the bounds of the Romane dominions. When these things were reported to Iustinus, who would credite no true information before, now is stricken with madnes and astonishment of minde, being grieved for this, that the state of the Romane Empire should haue decayed in his time,* 1.393 and through his default. For remedy whereof, Tiberius a wise and valiant man, by the advice of Sophia, was associate to Iustinus, to governe the affaires of the king∣dome. Evagrius describeth at length the Oration of Iusti∣nus to Tiberius, when he clothed him with all Emperiall or∣naments, and how hee exhorted him not to be bewitched with the splendor of those garments, as he had beene, but with vigilancy and wisedome, to governe the estate of the kingdome. This he spake after he was recovered of his dis∣ease;* 1.394 and in presence of all the noblemen of his Court, so that they were compelled to shead abundance of teares, when they heard at one time so cleere a confession of his owne miscariage, and so prudent counsell given to his asso∣ciate.

Tiberius.

TIberius raigned three yeeres and eleven months, in con∣iunct authority with Iustinus, and after his death, hee raigned foure yeeres himselfe alone: so all the time of his government was seven yeeres and eleven moneths. In his time Cosroes King of Persia, was puft vp with such insolen∣cie, in regard of his former victories, that hee would not admit the Ambassadours of Tiberius to his presence, but commanded them to follow him to Caesarea of Cappado∣cia, there to receiue their answer, for hee had taken Daras a towne of Mesopotamia, in the borders of the Romane Em∣pire, builded by the Emperour Anastatius, and called Daras, because about this place Darius had his last overthrow by Alexander of Macedonia.* 1.395 After the taking of Daras, hee marched toward Armenia, in the Summer time, and from thence entended to addresse toward Caesarea Cappadocia, expecting none encounter or resistance of the Roman army. But Tiberius had prepared a well appointed army, consisting of mo then an 100.* 1.396 and fifty thousand men, to resist Cosroes, whose forces when Cosroes could not match, he fled: and for very heart-griefe hee died, and gaue advice to the Persians, not to make warre against the Roman Empire, in any time to come. The estate of the Church was the more peaceable vnder his raigne, because the Vandales in Africke, and the Gothes in Italy were already vtterly subdued. The Longo∣bards, whom Narses brought out of Pannonia to Italy, were the more insolent to afflict Christians, because Tiberius was occupied in the Persian warfare against Cosroes. The Nation of the Gothes had as yet full sway in Spaine,* 1.397 and they were miserably addicted to the Arrian heresie, insomuch that Le∣mugildus King of the Gothes, caused his owne naturall son Elmingildus to be slaine,* 1.398 because he forsook the Arrian faith. Also their number was augmented by returning of many

Vandales to Spaine, who had escaped the hands of Beli∣sarius.

Mauritius.

MAuritius was Captaine of the Army of Tiberius, to whom Tiberius gaue his daughter in marriage, with his kingdome:* 1.399 for he found himselfe sicke vnto the death. He raigned 20. yeeres, hee fought against the Persians, and prospered in that warfare: and after that, peace was bound vp amongst them. Chaianus King of Avares, Hunnes, and Slavonians, fought against him, and carryed away many captiues and prisoners. In redeeming of the captives, Mau∣ritius was too niggardly, whereby it came to passe, that Chai∣anus slew 12. thousand prisoners, which might haue beene ransomed for a small summe of money. This oversight of the Emperour, not onely stayned other his noble vertues, but also purchased the hatred of the souldiers against him, wher∣by it came to passe, that they set vp Phocas to bee Emperour in his stead.* 1.400 Of this calamity it is thought that Mauritius was foreseene in his dreame, and that hee chose rather to bee punished in this world for his faults, then in the world to come. Afterward he was brought in bands to Phocas, his wife, and fiue children were cruelly slaine in his owne pre∣sence, and finally, bloody Phocas slew himselfe, of whom it is reported, that when he saw his wife and children put to death,* 1.401 he gaue glory to God in his greatest calamity, and said; Iust art thou, O Lord, and righteous in all thy Iudge∣ments.

CENTVRIE VII.

Phocas.

THe heresie of Eutyches continued in this Centurie from the beginning, to the end thereof: countenanced by the Em∣perours, such as Heraclius and Constans. Neverthelesse I haue cut off the Euty∣chian Persecution at the end of the sixt Centurie, because Heraclius, albeit hee favoured the error of the Monothelites, (a branch of Euty∣ches heresie) notwithstanding hee was so employed with warres against the Avares in the West, and the Persians and Saracens in the East, that hee had not a vacant time to per∣secute them who professed another faith. And Constans be∣gan to persecute, but was quickly interrupted by new occa∣sion of Sea-warfare against the Saracens, wherein also hee was overcome. For this cause I haue referred the Eutychi∣an persecution rather to the former Centurie, then to this. Moreover, in this Centurie the vniversall Bishop, and the Antichrist beginneth to spring vp: so that all the rest of the History must be spent in three heads: First, in decla∣ring The growth of the Antichrist, in the seventh, eight, and ninth Centuries: Secondly, in declaring his tyranny, and prevailing power over the Romane Emperours, and Mo∣narches of the world, in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth Centuries: And finally, in declaring his discovery, and his battell against the Saints, especially against those who dis∣covered him: and this shall be done (God willing) from the thirteenth Century vnto our time. In the History I am compelled to be short, because it may be read in many Au∣thors, Chronologies, and Compends, whereby it may be•• sufficiently knowne.

Phocas, after the cruell slaughter of his master Mauritius, was proclaimed to be Emperour by the Romaine souldi∣ours, in the yeere of our Lord 604. and he raigned 8, yeeres: in crueltie, drunkennesse, lecherie, hee surpassed beyond all men, & justlie was called, The calamity of the Romane Empire; nothing succeeded prosperouslie with this parricide: Cosroes on the East-side, the Auares on the West, the Slauonians on the North-side, inuading Dalmatia, and Agilulphus king of Lumbardis in Italie, adding vnto his dominion Mantua, Cremona, and Vulturnia: all these at one time weakened the Romane Empire, so farre that it could neuer attaine againe to the former strength and splendor that it was wont to haue. Great strife had beene betwixt the chaires of Rome and Constantinople for supremacy. The Patriarch of Con∣stantinople thought it due to him,* 1.402 be cause Constantinople was the seate of the Empire. The Patriarch of Rome on the other part, said, that Constantinople was but a Colonie of Rome, and that the Grecians themselues in their Letters called the Emperour 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. To this con∣trouersie Phocas put an end, and ordained Bonifacius the third to be called Vniuersall Bishop, and the Church of Rome to bee head of all other Churches. This dignitie the Ro∣mane Church begged (as Platina granteth) and not with∣out great con••ention, obtained it at the handes of Phocas. This is that stile, which Gregorius the first counted Anti∣christian in the person of Ioannes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Patriarch of Con∣stantinople. In the end Priscus his owne sonne in law, Heraclianus, the father of Heraclius the Emperour, and Phocius, whose wife Phocas had vnhonestly abused, conspi∣red against him, and ouer-came him, and brought him to Heraclius,* 1.403 who commanded his head, feete, and secret mem∣bers to be cut off, and the stampe of his bodie was giuen to the souldiers to be burnt with fire.

Heraclius.

AFter Phocas raigned Heraclius thirtie yeeres. Cosroes king of Persia had mightilie preuailed,* 1.404 and had conquered Syria, Phenicia, and Palestina, and had taken Ierusalem, and Zacharias the Bishop thereof, and the Holie Crosse, and had giuen many thousands of Christians to the Iewes to bee slaine. Neither would he accept any conditions of peace with Heraclius, except hee would condiscend to forsake the wor∣shipping of Christ, and worship the Sunne as the Persians did. For this cause Heraclius was compelled to make peace with the Auares on his West side, and to lead his Army to Asia against the Persians, which indured the space of sixe yeares, wherein he preuayled against Cosroes, and recouered all the Prouinces which Cosroes had taken from the Romane Empire.* 1.405 Finallie Cosroes was taken, cast in prison, and cruellie slaine by his owne son Siroes, because he had preferred Me∣darses his younger sonne to Siroes, his elder brother. This Siroes made a couenant of peace with Heraclius, and deliue∣red vnto him Zacharias Bishop of Ierusalem, with the Holie Crosse and the prisoners whom his father had carried Cap∣tiue. And so Heraclius in the seuenth yeere, returned backe againe to Constantinople with great triumph. After this the Emperour being circumuened by Pyrrhus Bishop of Constantinople and Cyrus Bishop of Alexandria, fell into the Heresie of the Monothelites: And to this fault hee added other faults, such as incest, for he married his owne sisters daughter: and hee was giuen to curious Artes, and to seeke out the euent of thinges by judiciall A∣strologie: and was admonished by the Astrologians to be∣ware of the circumcised people. Heraclius onely deemed, that the Iewes should trouble him but it was the Sara∣cenes, in whom this prophesie had performance:* 1.406 for in his time beganne the Monarchie of the Saracenes, and the

blasphemous doctrine of Mahomet.* 1.407 The Saracenes were peo∣ple dwelling in Arabia,* 1.408 the posteritie of Hagar, and not of Sara: These fought vnder the banner of Heraclius in his sixt yeere warrefare against the Persians: when they craued the wages, of their seruice, in stead of money they receiued contumelious words, and were called Arabik dogs by the Emperours treasurer. This contumely did so irritatate them, that they choosed Mahomet to be their captaine, Anno, 623. inuaded Damascus, and tooke it, and within few yeeres con∣quered Syria, Phaenicia, Palestina, and Aegypt: And not con∣tent with this, they inuaded the kingdome of the Persians and subdued it, and cut off the kings seed. The blasphe∣mous Alcaron and alfurca of Mahomet, which hee said hee receiued from heauen, was a doctrine of lies, containing a mixture of the religion of the Iewes, Pagans, and Christians: to the making whereof concurred Sergius a Nestorian heretik, and Iohn of Antiochia, an Arrian heretike, and some Iewes. Mahomet also ordained, that all people whom the Saracenes could conquer, should be compelled by fire and sword, and al kind of violence, to receiue the doctrine contained in these bookes. Heraclius perceiuing the sudden & great increase of the dōinion of the Saracens gathered a great army, & fought against them, but he was ouer-come in battell and lost 150. thousand men of his army. And when he renewed his forces againe to fight against the Saracens, he found that 52. thou∣sand men of his army died in one night suddenly, as those did who were slaine by the Angell of God in the army of Se∣nacherib.* 1.409 Heraclius was so discouraged with the calamitie of his armie, that he contracted sicknesse and died.

Constantinus and Heracleonas.

AEter the death of Heraclius raigned his son Constantine, 4 moneths, & was made out of the way, by poyson giuen vnto him by Martina his fathers second wife, to the end that

Heracleonas her son might raigne. But God suffered not this wickednes to be vnpunished: For Martina and Heracleonas were taken by the Senators of Constantinople, & her tongue was cut out, and his nose cut off, least either her flattering speeches, or his beauty and comelines should haue moued the people to compassion: and they were both banished.

About this time the Saracenes had taken Caesarea in Pale∣stina after they had besieged it seuen yeeres: and they slew in it seuen thousand Christians.

Constans.

AFter the banishment of Martina, and Heracleonas her sonne, raigned Constans the sonne of Constantine, 27. yeeres: in religion he followed the footsteps of Heraclius and was infected with the heresie of the Monothelites, and persecuted Martinus 1. Bishop of Rome, because he had ga∣thered a Synode in Rome, and damned the heresie of the Mo∣nothelites: whom also he caused to be brought in bands to Constantinople,* 1.410 cut out his tongue, and cut off his right hand, and banished him to Chersonesus in Pontus, where hee ended his life. Hee fought also against the Saracenes in sea-warre-fare, and was ouer-come by them, like as in∣terpreters of dreames had fore-tolde him: for he dreamed, that hee was dwelling in Thessalonica, and the interpre∣ters said it portended no good, but that others should o∣uer-come him, as if the world Thessalonica did import 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, render victory to another. Constans was slaine by one of his owne seruants as hee was washing him∣selfe in the bathe-houses of Saracuse.

Constantinus Pogonatus.

COnstans being slaine in Sicile, the army in those parts appointed Mezentius, a man of incomparable beau∣tie, to bee Emperour: but Constantinus, the eldest sonne of Constans, sayled to Sicile with a great nauie, slew Mezen∣tius, and the murtherers of his father, and recouered his fathers dominion to himselfe. Hee was called Pogonatus, because his face was not bare and voide of haire when he returned from Sicile, as it was when hee sailed thither from Byzans, but his face was rough and couered with haire. Hee had 2. brethren, whom the people reuer••nced with equall honour as they did him: therefore hee disfigu∣red their faces by cutting off their noses, and reigned him∣selfe alone 17. yeeres. In religion hee was not like vnto his predecessors,* 1.411 who had beene fauourers of heretiques, but he assembled a generall Councell at Constantinople, vulgarly called, the sixt Oecumenick Councell, wherein the heresie of the Monothelites was vtterly damned, as in his owne place shall be declared, God willing. Likewise, the estate of the Emperour was more peaceable than it had beene in time of his predecessors: for the Saracens were compel∣led to seeke conditions of peace from him, and to offer yeerely paiment of 3000.* 1.412 pound weight of gold vnto him, with other tributes of horse, seruants, and prisoners.

Iustinianus the second, Leontius, and Absimarus.

AFter the death of Constantine, raigned his son Iustinian the second, sixteene yeeres, to wit, ten yeeres before his

banishment, and sixe yeeres after his banishment: His go∣uernement was cruell and blood••e, by perswasion of Stepha∣nus, and Theodorus, whose counsell hee followed, euen till the purpose of exirpation of all the Citizens of Constanti∣nople. But Leontius, a man of noble birth, pitying the Citie, tooke Iustinian the Emperour, cut off his nose, and banished him to Chersonesus Ponti, where he remained in great miserie ten yeeres. Stephanus and Theodorus his bad counsellors, re∣ceaued a condigne punishment, for they were burnt quicke in the bellie of an hot brasen bull.

After this banishment of Iustinian the second, Leontius raigned three yeeres. The flexible mindes of vnconstant people, and souldiers, choosed Absimarus to be their Em∣perour, who dealt with Leontius as hee had dealt with Iusti∣nian, and cut off his nose, and thrust him into a Monaste∣rie, where hee remained seuen yeeres, to wit, all the time of Absimarus gouernement.

In the ende, Iustinian, after ten yeeres banishment, reco∣uered his Emperiall dignitie againe, by the helpe of Terbelli•• Prince of Bulgaria. Hee caused Leontius, and Absimarus to be brought vnto him, whom he trampled vnder his feete, & after commanded that they should be beheaded. The crueltie that he vsed against the Citizens of Con∣stantinople, and against the inhabita•••••• of Chersonesus Ponti, is almost vnspeakeable. He was hated of all men▪ Philippicus conspi∣red against him▪ and he was slaine by one named Elias, his seruant.

CENTVRIE. VIII.

Philippicus.

AFter Iustinian the second was slaine, Philippi∣cus, raigned two yeeres, and nine moneths. Great dissention fell out betwixt the Em∣perour Philippicus and Constantine Bishop of Rome, for razing (as appeareth) the pictures of Fathers, who were present at the sixt Generall Councell, which being pictured in the Temple of Sopia, were abolished by the commandement of Philippicus. Constantine Bishop of Rome declared the Emperour an heretique, and comman∣ded,* 1.413 that his name should be razed out of charters. This was the first great direct, and violent opposition, that the Bishops of Rome attempted against noble Emperours. Phi∣lippicus was taken, and his eyes were put out by Anastasius, otherwise called Artemius, his Secretarie who raigned in his stead.

Artemius.

ARtemius, otherwise called Anastasius, raigned one yeere and three monethes: hee deposed Iohn Patriarch of Constantinople, who kept not the true faith: and placed Germanus in his steade. Hee was taken by Theodosius, and sent prisoner to Nice, and from thence to Thessalonica, where he was compelled to renounce his Emperiall digni∣tie, and to be clothed with the habite of a Monke.

Theodosius.

THeodosius raigned scarce one yeere: and when he heard that Leo Isaurus, gouernour in the East parts, was saluted Emperour by the armie, he willingly gaue ouer his Empe∣riall dignitie, and liued, a priuate and peaceable man.

Leo Isaurus.

LEo Isaurus raigned twentie foure yeeres: great com∣motions were in his time, both, in Church and policie▪ In Church-affaires, he was an hater of Images, and burnt I∣mages made of wood, other images hee melted, & misfashio∣ned: against whom Gregorius the second, pust vp with anti∣christian pride,* 1.414 opposed himselfe not only allowing wor∣shipping of images, but also forbidding to pay tribute to the Emperour Leo. The Emperour on the other part irrita∣ted with the proud attempts of Gregorius the second, vsed indirect meanes to cut him off: but the enterprises of his de∣puties, Marinus, Paulus, Eutychius, and their followers, succee∣ded vnprosperously. Moreouer, the Bishop of Rome sought support from the Lombardis, who had beene at all times preceding enemies to the chaire of Rome: yet in Leo his dayes they were bounde with the bishop of Rome in a couenant of friendship, for none other cause, but this one∣ly, to shake off the yoke of the Emperours obedience. And when the bishop of Rome saw that the Emperour had great businesse in warres against the Saracens hee thought it a fit occasion to draw the dominion of Italie vnto his owne sub∣jection: and therefore,* 1.415 with aduise of the Clergie, hee both excommunicated the Emperour, as a destroyer of the Images of the Saints, and disauthorised him of his Emperiall soue∣raignty

in Italy. So earely began the increasing Grando of Antichrist, to send forth the thunder-bolts of cursings against the anoynted of the Lord.

In this Emperours dayes the Saracens passed over the Straits, invaded the kingdom of Spaine, slew Rodericus King of the Gothes, and his sonne, and put an end to the king∣dome of the Gothes in Spaine, after they had raigned 346. yeeres:* 1.416 and being incited by Eudo, Duke of Aquitania, they marched towards France: but through the valour of Carolus Martellus, a man of noble birth in France, they were so encountred, that three hundred thousand, and threescore and ten thousand Saracens were slaine, and the countrey of France was made free of the feare of the Saracens.

Constantinus Copronymus.

AFter Leo, his sonne Constantinus Copronymus raigned 35. yeeres (Chytreus reckoneth onely 23. yeeres) be∣cause hee hated the worshipping of Images (which errour had taken deepe roote in this age): The writers of the Hi∣story of this time haue dipped their pens in gall and worm∣wood, to blaspheme the honourable name of Constantinus: but whatsoever Paulus Diaconus, or Zonoras haue written to his disgrace, his name will bee in honourable account and regard in the Church of Christ. The Senate, and the peo∣ple of Constantinople, addicted to the worshipping of I∣mages, hated the Emperour, and were glad of the false ru∣moured tidings of his death, when he went to fight against the Arabians, and they chose Artabasdus to be Emperour in his stead. But Constantine returned to Constantinople, be∣sieged the towne, and recovered his owne kingdome againe. Hee gathered a generall Councell at Constantinople, anno 755. wherein the worshipping of Images was damned, as shall be declared (God willing) in its owne place. In this Emperours dayes were warres betwixt the King of Lom∣bardis,

and the Bishops of Rome: but the Roman Bishops begged the helpe of Carolus Martellus against Luitprand, and the helpe of Pipinus against Aistulphus, and the helpe of Carolus Magnus against Desiderius, all Kings of Lombar∣dis: and by continuall imploring the helpe of the Nobles and Kings of France, the Lombards were vtterly subdued, the chaire of Rome was enriched, the revenue of the Empe∣rour of the East was impaired, and a ground was layd for the advancement of the Kings of France to the Imperiall dignity. In this Emperours dayes the Turkes, or Scythians, invaded the Armenians,* 1.417 and molested the Saracens, and some countries of Asia minor, in the end they accorded with the Saracens: But this agreement could not bee perfected without condition, That the Turkes in Persia should vn∣dergoe the name of Saracens, hoping thereby that they would easily embrace the Mahometan religion, wherin their expectation was not frustrate.

In the yeere of our Lord 579. and in the 18. yeere of the raigne of Constantine, a wonderfull thing fell out amongst wise men of Persia, called Magi, and Maurophori P••••s•• they perswaded both themselues, and others also, That if a man would sell all that hee had,* 1.418 and throw himselfe head∣long from the walles of the Citie, his soule should by and by be transported to heaven.* 1.419 So prone and bent is the cor∣rupt nature of man to leane vpon vaine hopes, & to beleeue promises which God hath not made.

Leo the sonne of Copronymus.

LEo the sonne of Constantinus Copronymus, raigned fiue yeeres. Hee followed the footsteps of his father in zeale against worshipping of Images: and punished the Groomes of his owne chamber, such as Iames, Papias, Strat••ius, and Theophanes, for worshipping of Images. The superstitious writers of the History of this time, such as Zonaras, and Pa••∣lus

Diaconus reckon the aforesayd persons in the Catalogue of holy Confessors. But Christ will neuer count them to be his Martyrs, who fight obstinately against the truth, e∣ven vnto the death: neither will hee count them to be his Confessors, who suffer iustly inflicted punishment for the contempt of the lawes of Magistrates, being agreeable to the law of God.

Irene, and Constantinus her sonne.

AFter the death of Leo, raigned Irene his wife, with her sonne Constantine, ten yeeres. Afterwards Constantine deposed his mother from her authority, and raigned alone seven yeeres. And Irene on the other part, taking this in∣dignity done vnto her grievously, shee spoyled her sonne both of his eyes, and of his Empire, cast him into prison, where he dyed for heart griefe: and shee raigned againe 4. yeeres after her sonnes imprisonment: So all the yeeres of the raigne of Irene and her son, coniunctly & severally, first and last, were 21•• yeeres. This Empresse was superstiti∣ous, crafty, and infortunate. Shee was a superstious defen∣der of the worshipping of Images. A malicious and veno∣mous hater of the name of Constantinus Copronymus, (whose dead body shee commanded to be brought out of his graue, to be burnt with fire, resolved into ashes, and to be cast into the Sea (albeit Constantine was her owne father in law).* 1.420 The mercies of the wicked are cruell. Her craft appeared in bringing her forces to Constantinople, in the sixt yeere of her raigne, vnder pretence of fighting against the Arabians, and in disarming of them whom shee knew to haue beene adversaries to the worshipping of Images, and sending them in ships to the places from whence they came. For before the dayes of Constantinus Copronymus, the towne of Constan∣tinople by famine and pestilence, and being besieged three yeeres by the Saracens, was miserably dispeopled, so that

thirty thousand of the people of Constantinople died.* 1.421 But Copronymus for the repayring of that losse, sent for strangers, and replenished the towne with new Inhabitants. These strangers she sent backe againe,* 1.422 to the places from whence they came, especially, because in popular commotion they had set themselues in armes, and menaced the Fathers con∣vened in Constantinople, by Irene and her sonne, for allow∣ance of adoration of Images. Shee was infortunate, because the Empire of the East was so extenuated in her time, that it was rather like vnto a shadow, then vnto an Empire. So that in the subsequent History I will forget (after a manner) the Emperours of the West. Now Irene was deposed, and banished, by Ni∣cephorus, who raigned eight yeeres after her banishment.

CENTVRIE IX.

Carolus Magnus.

IN the yeere of our Lord 801. Charles the Great, King of France, was declared Emperour, by Leo the third, Bishop of Rome: and hee raigned sixteene yeeres in his Imperiall dignity: for hee conti∣nued King of France forty and six yeeres. The Empire of the West had beene cut off since the dayes of Augustulus, the sonne of Orestes, whom Odoacer, King of Rugiheruli, &c. had compelled to denude himselfe of the Imperiall dignity. Now after the issue of 300. yeeres, and after the Hunnes, the Gothes, the Lom∣bards, and other Nations had obtained dominion in the West, all abstaining (notwithstanding of their prevailing power) from the name, dignity, and stile of Emperours. Now at length (I say) Charles the Great is anoynted, and crowned Emperor, by Leo the third, in the towne of Rome. And this was the beginning of that evill custome which af∣ter followed, to wit, That Emperours should receiue their coronation from the Bishops of Rome. At this time the Empire of the East was in the hands of the Empresse Irene, and in the hands of the Emperour Nicephorus, who had ba∣nished Irene, and raigned in her stead. The Empire of the East was also weake at this time, as appeareth by a covenant of peace which they concluded with Charles, Emperour of the West: in the which no mention is made of Exarchatus Ravennae, to be rendred againe vnto them: onely that the Isle of Sicile, and the townes and lands which lie from Na∣ples Eastward on the right hand, and from Manfredonia (sometimes called Syponto) on the left hand, compassed a∣bout

with the Seas, called Superum & Inferum: these should remaine in the possession of the Emperours of Constanti∣nople. 'Charles a prudent and godly Emperour, more sound and vpright in sundry heads of Christian doctrine, then many others: for hee detested the worshipping of Ima∣ges, as vile Idolatry: as appeareth by his bookes wri∣tten against the second Councell of Nice. Charles was very friendly to Christians, and defended them against the violence and tyranny of their persecuting enemies: namely, against Godfridus, King of Denmarke, a fierce adversary a∣gainst the Christians, who dwelt in Saxony. Likewise hee subdued the Slavonians, and Bohemians, enemies to Chri∣stian Religion: and was iustly called Magnus, for his great exploits and valiant acts, which God prospered in his hand. Pipinus, the sonne of the Emperour Charles, was declared King of Italy: who died before his father, and after his death hee appointed Bernard his nephew to raigne in Italy, with expresse commandement, That hee should bee obedi∣ent to his sonne Ludovicke, whome hee ordained to be suc∣cessour to himselfe in the Imperiall office. So the Emperor Charles full of dayes, died in the 71. yeere of his age, and was buried in Aken.

Ludovicus Pius.

AFter Charles succeeded his sonne Ludovicus Pius, and raigned 26. yeeres. For his gentle and meeke behavi∣our, he was called Pius. He received the Imperiall Diadem from Stephanus the fourth, at Aken. Bernard his brothers sonne, forgetfull of the mandate of Charles the Great, re∣belled against Ludovicus Pius, and was beheaded at Aken. Likewise, his owne sonnes (assisted with Hugobortus, Bishop of Lions, and Bernhardus, Bishop of Vienne, and other Bi∣shops, who did excommunicate the Emperour for adhe∣rence to Iudith his wife) behaued themselues very vn∣dutifully

towards their father. Neverthelesse, he freely par∣doned his sonnes, and accepted them againe into favour. Also Fredericke, Bishop of Vtrecht, threatned to excommu∣nicate the Emperour, if hee did no•• forsake the company of Iudith, his welbeloved wife, and daughter to the Duke of Bavaria, because shee was his neere kinswoman, to wit, in degrees of consanguinity for bidden, in the Popish lawe. The Empresse willing to bee revenged of the Bishop, shee hired two Gentlemen, who set vpon him after Church ser∣vice, and slew him in his Priestly garments. In his time also the Saracens in huge numbers, like vnto Locusts, swarmed out of Egypt and Africke, and invaded the Isle of Sicile. By cutting downe all fruitfull trees, burning Townes, Tem∣ples, and Monasteries, and by killing Bishops, Priests, and Monkes, they brought the Ile to an vtter desolation. Gre∣gory the fourth at that time was Pope: and hee exhorted the Emperour, and his sonne Lotharius, to support the distres∣sed estate of the Isle of Sicile. They answered, That albeit that matter duly belonged to Michael, Emperour of Con∣stantinople, yet neverthelesse, they refused not to vndertake the worke, vpon the common charges of the Countrey.

Now whilest these things were in reasoning,* 1.423 Bonifacius, Count of Corsica, and his brother Bertarius, with support of the people of Hetruria, arrived with a Navie at Africke: and betwixt Vtica and Carthage, encountred with the Sa∣racens foure times, and slew of them so great a number, that they were compelled to recall their forces backe againe from Sicile: like as of old the Carthaginians vexed by Scipio, re∣called Hanniball for the safety of his owne country: So Bo∣nifacius returned back againe with an army victorious, and richly lodened with the spoyle of his enemies. Nothing was more vnprovidently done by the good Emperour Lodovi∣cus Pius, then the giving ouer of that right, voluntarily con∣ferred to Charles his father, by Adrian the first, and Leo the third: to wit, That no man should be elected Pope with∣out the consent and allowance of the Emperour.* 1.424 This fore∣said right Ludovicus gaue over to the Clergie and people of

Rome: onely; the Romanes for keeping of friendshippe, should send an Ambassadour to the King of France, decla∣ring whom they had elected to bee Pope.* 1.425 Hereby a patent doore was opened to all mischiefe, which after followed: and to that horrible contention betwixt Emperours and Popes, concerning investment of Bishops. In his time three Emperours raigned in the East, at Constantinople: to wit, Leo Armenius, Michael Balbus, and Theophilus. Leo Arme∣menius raigned seven yeeres. Hee banished Nicephorus, Pa∣triarch of Constantinople, for defending adoration of Ima∣ges. Michael Balbus slew Leo, his predecessor, whilst he was praising God in the Church, and raigned in his stead nine yeeres. In his time the Saracens mightily prevailed: a num∣ber of them issued out of Spaine, and tooke the Isle of Can∣die. Another company comming from Africke, wasted the Isle of Sicile. Theophilus raigned ten yeeres, and fought a∣gainst the Saracens, who did oppresse the countrey of Asia: but he had no good successe.

Lotharius.

LOtharius, the sonne of Ludovicus Pius, was declared King of Italy, and Augustus before his fathers death. He was anoynted by Pope Paschalis, in the Church of Saint Pe∣ter: and he raigned 15. yeeres. Great hostility and bloody warres fell out amongst the children of Ludovicus Pius: to wit, Lotharius, Lewis, Charles, and Pipinus, fordividing of their fathers Lands. In this civill dissention, the Nobility of France was so miserably weakened, that the Normans and Danes tooke boldnesse to invade the countrey of France: which they vexed for the space of twenty yeeres. In the East, after Theophilus had concluded his life, his sonne Mi∣chael, with his mother Theodora governed the estate. Micha∣el raigned foure and twenty yeeres. Theodora continued on∣ly eleven yeeres. She persecuted those who would not wor∣ship

Images: albeit her husband before his departure from his life had seriously admonished her, that shee should not trouble the Church for restoring of Images.

Ludouicus the second.

LVdouicus the second, and son of Lotharius, raigned one and twentie yeeres. The intestine dissention betwixt him and his brother Charles, seemeth to be like vnto an heredita∣rie sicknesse. Howsoeuer, the Emperour L••douicke had dis∣honour thereby: because the rebelles of Charles desired the Emperours protection against his owne brother: which when hee had graunted; the rebelles were recon∣ciled againe with their owne King Charles: and the Emperour, with dishonour, was compelled to retire from his brothers Dominions. In the East, Michael, Em∣perour of Constantinople, slew his brother Theoctistus, and thrust his mother Theodora, and her sisters, into a Monasterie, and raigned himselfe alone after his mothers deposition thirteene yeares. So the whole time of the gouernement of Michael, was twentie and foure yeeres. He fought against the Saracenes, but very vnprosperously, and was slaine by Ba∣silius, who raigned in his stead seuen yeeres.

Carolus Caluus.

LVdovicus the second dying without children, his brother Carolus Caluus, king of France, obtained at the handes of the Bishop of Rome, by many liberall giftes, to be annoin∣ted Emperour. Hee continued Emperour not aboue two yeeres: and was poysoned by one Sedekias, a Iew, whom hee vsed for his Physitian.

Carolus Crassus.

CArolus Crassus was the sonne of Lewis, king of Ger∣manie: hee raigned ten yeeres. Carolus Balbus, the son of Carolus Caluus, was quicklie cut off by death. I herefore, I haue ouerpassed his name with silence.* 1.426 In this Emperours time the Normanes and Danes made such horrible ex∣cursions and desolations in France, that the Emperour, who came with a great Armie, to support the distressed estate of France, was compelled to make peace with them, Anno 888. and assigned vnto them that part of Fraunce which lieth beyonde Seane, towardes the Britan∣nicke Ocean, to bee their habitation: which hath the name of Normandie vntill this day. Crassus, for his neg∣ligence and euill gouernement, was deposed from his authoritie, and Arnulphus, his nephew, was declared Em∣perour.

Arnulphus.

AFter the death of Carolus Crassus, great troubles ensued in Italie, by the factions of Berengarius, whom the Lombardes choosed to be king of Italie, on the one part: and Guido, Duke of Spoleto, whom others choosed to raigne in Italie, on the other part. In the middest of these factions Arnulphus leadeth an armie out of Germanie. He tooke the Towne of Bergamum, and hanged Ambrose, the Earle thereof, vpon a Gibbet, before the port of the Towne. This seueritie terrified other Townes, and made them to yeelde. Hee addressed towardes Rome, and was crowned Emperour by Formosius, whose enemies he puni∣shed vnto the death. From thence hee addressed to fight

against Guido: but hee fled, and escaped the Emperoures hands. The wife of Guido, hauing no puissance to resist the Emperours forces, shee hired some of the Emperoures seruantes, who gaue vnto him a cup of poyson, which brought vpon him a lethargie, and three dayes sleeping continually. After this he arose sicke, and left the siedge, (for hee was besieging the wife of Guido) and he died, after hee had raigned twelue yeeres. In the East gouerned Leo, the sonne of Basilius, in whose time the Sa∣racens cōquered Tauromi∣nium, a towne in Sicile, and the Isle of Lemnos.

CENTVRIE. X.

Ludovicus tertius.

AFter Arnulphus succeeded his son Lewis the 3. & raigned 10. yeeres, he receiued not the Emperial Diadem at Rome: because Berē∣garius by force inioyed the Kingdome of Italie. At this time the Hungares a na∣tion fierce and cruell inuaded Italy, France, and Germanie, and made in these nations horrible desolations. Likewise the Sa∣racens invaded Calabria and Apulia in Italie,* 1.427 and if the Lord had not pittied the distressed estate of Europe, it was at this time like to be vndone, for Platina writeth that while they were besieging Consentia, the King of the Saracens was slaine with thunder, and the Saracens terrified with this vnprosperous successe returned backe againe to Africk. In this Emperours dayes a remarkable thing fell out. Albert Marquis of Bamberg rebelled against the Emperour Lewis,* 1.428 and hee had slaine Conrad the Emperours brother. The Emperour seeing that by no meanes hee could prevaile a∣gainst him,* 1.429 hee was supported by the coofening treason of Hatto Arch-bishop of Mentz; for he came to the noble Mar∣quis as though he would make reconciliation betweene the Emperour and him, and swore vnto him, that hee would bring him backe in safetie to his owne house, but his deceit∣full maner of reducing was this. After they had riden a short way the Bishop felt his stomach, and repented they had not first dined before they had taken iourney. Thus the Marquis and the Bishop returned backe againe and dined, this the Bishop counted an exoneration of his promise and oath, and like a traitour deliuered him to the Emperour, who by and by beheaded the Marquis. In the East Alexander raigned two yeeres, and after him Constantine, a man of good dispo∣sition,

but defrauded of his kingdome by Romannus Captain of his armie.

Cunradus primus.

AFter Lewis, his Nephew Cunrad the first was made Em∣perour and ruled seuen yeeres. Hee was the last of the of-spring of Charles the great (who had enioyed the empire of the West 112. yeeres) after whom the Empire was trans∣ferred to the Saxons. When he fell sicke hee called for his brother Eberhard, and desired him to deliuer the imperiall ornaments, to Henrie Duke of Saxon, who for his wisedome and worthinesse was most meet to gouerne the troubled e∣state of the Empyre,* 1.430 which dutie Eberhard most faithfullie performed, preferring fidelitie in performing his promise made to his brother, before the desire of a kingdome.

Henricus auceps.

HEnrie Duke of Saxonie to whom Eberhard broght the Imperial ornaments, was called Auceps, because he was delighting himselfe in hauking when Eberhard came vnto him with the ornaments a foresaid. He raigned 17. yeeres for wisedome and magnanimitie worthy of so high a place. He made a couenant of peace with the Hungars for the space of 9. yeeres. He fought against the Sclauonians, the people of Dalmatia and the Bohemians, and made them tri∣butaries vnto him, when the 9. yeeres were expired hee fought a great battell against the Hungares at Mersburg and prevailed against them, and in testimonie of his thank∣fulnesse to God who gaue vnto him victorie, he purged his dominions from Simonie, a fault vniuersallie ouerspread in those dayes,* 1.431 and dedicated to Gods seruice the whole tribute

which the Saxons were accustomed to pay to the Hungars, hee was greatly beloued of his subiects and was called Rater patriae.

In the East Constantine recouered his Empire againe From Romanus and his Sonnes, and measured to his sonnes such measure as they had measured to their fa∣ther Romanus. For Stephanus and Constantine had cau∣sed their father Romanus to bee shauen and thrust into an Isle called Prote.* 1.432 And Constantine after the issue of 26. yeeres, wherein Romanus and his sonnes raigned, he laied hands on Stephanus and caused him to bee shauen and sent vnto the isle Mytelene,* 1.433 and his brother to the Isle of Samothracia. Thus the Lord who will not suffer iniquitie to escape vnpunished rendered to the sonnes of Romanus a iust recompence of their vnkindlie dealing with their father.

Otto Primus.

OTto the first after the death of his father Henrie was chosen Emperour, and raigned 36. yeeres. Hee was molested with many forraine and domestique warres, but hee prospered in all his enterprises, yea and Lyndol∣phus his owne sonne conspired against him, for the mar∣riage of Adelphed the relict of Lotharie sonne to Hugo, who contended against Berengarius for the kingdome of Italie.

This Adelphed the Emperour, Otto not onely relieued from her distressed estate, but also married her. The mo∣ther of Lindolphus was daughter to Edmont King of Eng∣land, after whose death it displeased him that his father should marrie Adelphed. But when hee made warre a∣gainst his father he was ouercome, and besieged at Ra∣tisbon, and in the end was reconciled to his father. The tyrannie of Berengarius the second enforced the Romans

to implore the assistance of the Emperour Otto, who led an armie to Rome at diuerse times. The first time hee gathered a Councell at Rome and deposed Ioan. 13. whom others call Ioan. 12. and placed Leo 8. in his steed. Likewise hee subdued Berengarius, and his sonne Albertus did flie to Constantinople, and so the Emperour recouered againe his owne dignitie to be king of Italie, and that no man should bee chosen Pope with∣out consent of the Emperour. Againe, the inconstancie of the Romans in reiecting Leo 8. and receiuing againe Ioan. 13. or 12. compelled the Emperour to returne to Rome, and to punish the authors of that sedition to the death. After hee had declared his sonne to be Emperour, he died and was buried in the Church of Magdeburg, which he had builded in his owne time.

In the East, after Romanus the son of Constantine had raig∣ned 3. yeeres, Nec••phorus raigned 6. yeeres, a man more magnanimous in warfare, then wise in government. He was murthered by the Counsell of his owne wife Theophania, and Zimisces raigned in his steed.

Otto Secundus.

OTto the second after his fathers death raigned ten yeeres, he was a vertuous Prince, but not like vnto his father. Henrie Duke of Bavare contended against him for the title of the Empire, but Otto prevailed. Like∣wise Lotharie the King of France invaded the countrie of Loraine, onely belonging to the Emperour. But Otto ga∣thered a strong armie, recouered the Countrey of Loraine and pursued Lotharie to Paris, burning and destroying all the Countrey whether hee went. The third great con∣flict was against the Eretians assisted with the Saracons, for the Countries of Apulia and Calabria. These coun∣tries did appertaine of old to the Emperour of the East.

But Basilius, with his brother Constantine willing to re∣couer these Countries, againe did fight against the Em∣perour Otto, and discomfited his armie, and the Empe∣rour himselfe hardly escaped in a fisher boate, faining himselfe to bee but a simple Souldier, and payed his ransome. Afterward hee conuerted all his wrath against the Italians, who had trayterouslie forsaken him, and were the chiefe cause of the discomfiture of this armie, hee died at Rome and was buried in the Church of S. Peter.

Basilius Emperour of the East raigned 50. yeeres, and recouered the Isle of Candie from the Saracens, and the Countryes of Apulia, and Calabria from Otto as is said, after whom his Brother Constantine raigned 3. yeeres.

Otto Tertius.

OTto the third was young in yeeres when his father died. For hee exceeded not eleuen yeeres old, not∣withstanding he was chosen Emperour, and raigned 19. yeeres. Hee was wise aboue his yeeres, and was called Mirabile mundi, that is, the admirable thing of the world. The Italians continuallie breaking soueraigntie, advanced one Crescentius to bee Emperour. The Emperour Otto for suppressing such seditious attempts, pearced into Ita∣lie with an armie at three diuers times, and pardoned Crescentius twise. But when hee made no ende of his seditious attempts, the third time, hee hanged him. Like∣wise Iaon 18. whom the Seditious Romanes had advanced, reiecting Gregorie the fift who was made Pope with the Emperours consent, his eyes were plucked out, and hee was throwne headlong from the Capitol. By the pru∣dent aduise of Otto, Gregorie the fift, appointed Seuen e∣lectors of the Emperour, to wit the Bishops of Mentz,

Collen, and Treer, with Count Palatine▪ the Duke of Saxo∣nie, and the Marquis of Brandenburgh: and in case of contrary opinions, the King of Bohemia. Which custome doth continue even to our dayes. One thing was lacking in the felicity of this noble Emperour, that his wife, Mary of Arragon, was a notable and barren harlot, and the wi∣dow of Cresentius,* 1.434 and had almost bewitched his noble heart. Shee being alwayes disappointed of her ex∣pectation, sent vnto the Emperour a paire of impoysoned gloues, which procured his death, and hee was bu∣ried in Aken.

CENTVRIE XI.

Henry the second.

AFter Otto the third, Henry the second, Duke of Bavaria, by the Princes Electors was declared Emperour, hee raigned two and twenty yeeres. Platina assigneth vnto him onely eighteene. Hee was a wise, valiant, and godly Emperour. He subdued all his rebells: He received the Imperiall crown from Benedict the eight: Hee expelled the Saracens out of Italy.* 1.435 In this Emperours time Sueno King of Denmarke invaded England, and subdued it to his obedience. A sa∣vage Prince, in whom (if power had not lacked to per∣forme his designes) his cogitations were highly bended to extirpate all profession of Christian religion in England. Likewise, about this time Calipha of Egypt, one of the Sa∣racen Princes, destroyed some of the temples of Ierusalem, and poluted the rest, but in speciall he overthrew the Tem∣ple builded about the Lords Sepulchre. His mother was a Christian woman: when that was obiected to him in way of exprobation, as if hee had favoured Christians for his mothers sake: hee bended all his might against the Chri∣stians, destroyed and poluted their Temples, and massacred in most cruell manner, all them who were in spirituall offi∣ces. This was the first ground of the terrible warfare which afterward ensued,* 1.436 vulgarly called Bellum sacrum.

Conrad the second.

AFter Henry the second, succeeded Conrad the second: and was elected Emperour three yeares after the death of Henry. In this inter-raigne many cities of Italy desirous of libertie, made desertion from the subiection of the Em∣perour. But Conrad was a wise and valiant warriour,* 1.437 and reduced the cities of Italy in short time to subiection. He was the first Emperour who made a law,* 1.438 that the perturbers of the common peace in Germany should be punished vnto the death. Hee received the Imperiall crowne from Pope Iohn 21. and raigned 15. yeeres. In whose dayes Michael Paphlago, who married Zoe the daughter of Constantine the tenth, raigned in the East eight yeeres.

Henry the third.

AFter Conrad the second, his sonne Henry the third, raigned 17. yeeres. Hee married the daughter of Ca∣nutius, the sonne of Sueno King of Denmarke, who at that time raigned in England. In his time great strife was a∣mong the Bishops of Rome, contending for the Popedom. Which sedition the Emperour suppressed, by remooving all the three seditious Popes, and appointing Clemens the 2. to bee Pope, as shall be declared God willing in the Head of Councels.

In the East,* 1.439 after the death of Calypha Prince of Egypt, his sonne Dabir made a covenant of peace with Argyrophi∣lus Emperour of the East, and gaue liberty to Christians to build those Temples againe, which Calypha had demolished. Constantinus Mononiachus, also furthered the building, so that the worke was perfected, anno. 1048.

Henry the fourth.

HEnry the fourth, was a young childe of seven yeeres old when his father died, and hee raigned 50 yeeres. Hee was an Emperour valiant, wise, eloquent, and fortunate in warfare. Neverthelesse hee was miserably vexed with the divilish pride of Pope Gregorie th 7. by whom hee was twice excommunicate, and his subiects in Germany were stirred vp by the Pope to rebell against him, vnder the con∣duct of Rodolph Duke of Sueue. But the God of heaven gaue victory to the the Emperour Henry, and Rodolph was sore wounded in the last battell, for his right arme was cut off, and hee convicted in conscience of the treasonable at∣temps against the Emperour his Master, and the breaking of his oath of allegance, admonished the Bishops who had in∣cited him to seditious insurrection, to bee more obedient to their soveraigne Lord in time to come,* 1.440 because God had pu∣nished him for his disloyalty in his right arme, which was once lift vp to sweare the oath of allegance to his Master. The seditious enterprises of Gregorius the 7. against the noble Emperonr Henry of purpose to throw out of his hands the power of investment of Bishops, together with the wise re∣solution of the Emperour, to represse the pride of this inso∣lent Pope, they are to be declared (God willing) heareafter in a more convenient time.

In this Emperours time William Duke of Normandy en∣tered into England, to whom Harold (who at that time v∣surped the government of the countrey) gave an hard and sharpe encounter:* 1.441 but Duke William prevailed, slew Ha∣rold, and governed the countrey. At this time also was the estate of Christians in most lamentable manner afflicted by the Turkes and Saracens: as shall bee declared hereafter at greater length, God willing.

CENTVRIE XII.

Henry the fift.

IN this Century the Bishops of Rome, who breathed for preheminence, and longed for soveraignty, attained to all their inten∣ded desires. And albeit no age afforded more magnanimous & couragious Em∣perours, such as Henry the 4. Henry the 5. Lotharius the 2. Conrad the 3. Frede∣ricke the 1. called Barbarossa, yet the power of the wrath of God iustly punishing the defection of men from the true faith, suffered the man of sinne, and childe of perdition to be mounted vp to high preheminence, and to treade vn∣der foot the power of the Emperour: So that the Bishop of Rome was reverenced as a God in the world, and all high powers stouped vnder his authority. Henry the fift, was incited by the Councell of Bishops to make cruell warre a∣gainst his naturall father Henry the fourth. And from a Councell assembled at Mentz,* 1.442 the Bishops of Mentz, Col∣len, and Worms, were sent to depriue Henry the fourth of all his Imperiall ornaments, and to conferre them to his sonne. The father through sorrow, and partly through sicknesse, departed this life, after hee had raigned 50. yeeres, as hath beene declared.

After the dayes of Henry the fourth, his sonne Henry the fift raigned 20. yeeres. Who came to Rome to bee crowned Emperour by Pope Paschalis the 2. The Pope would not consent to his coronation, except hee first did giue over all right of election of the Pope, and all right of invest∣ments of Bishops, by staffe and ring. The Emperour grie∣ved with this proud carriage of the Pope, layd hands vpon

the Pope and his Cardinals, and compelled them to perfect the worke of his coronation, and to confirme his priviledges of right to elect Popes, and to conferre investments to Bi∣shops. It is to be noted, that Pope Paschalis when hee co∣venanted with the Emperour, and confirmed the priviled∣ges aforesaid, tooke a consecrated Hostie, and divided it in two parts, and gaue one part of it to the Emperour, and tooke the other part vnto himselfe, vttering with his owne mouth this imprecation.* 1.443 Let him be divided from the king∣dome of Christ who shall presume to violate this covenant, bound vp betweene you and mee.* 1.444 Neverthelesse Pope Pas∣chalis, so soone as the Emperour returned vnto Germany, hee revoked all that hee had done, and cursed the Empe∣rour, and called the priviledge which hee had confirmed vnto the Emperour, pravilegium, and not privilegium.

The Emperour hearing what the Pope had done, with expedition marched toward Rome, with an army: the Pope was forced to flie to Apulia. The Emperour returned to Germany, where he did find the Bishops for the most part seditiously affectionat to the Pope. Therefore the Emperor wearied with multitude of businesses stirred vp against him by Bishops, gaue over his priviledges aforesaid, gaining some peace with giving over of rights. At this time died Mathildis, a noble Countesse in Italy, and excessiuely addic∣ted to the Romane Church. In restamentall Legacy shee gave to the Church of Rome many townes and possessions, lying betwixt the Apenning and the Sea: and among the rest the towne of Ferrara. The Romane Church braggeth of many donations, such as the donation of Constantine, of Aistulphus, of Pipinus, of Charles the Great, of Ludovicus Pius, of Otto, and of Mathildis. If these bounds appertai∣ned to the chaire of Rome by so many anterior donations, How did these townes belong to Mathildis in hereditary possession,* 1.445 so that she had power to bestow them on whom she pleased?

In Ierusalem, after Godfrey succeeded Baldowin his bro∣ther, the second King of Ierusalem: and after him another

Baldowin, of Burgon. Hee prospered for a time, but in the end was taken prisoner by Balach, King of Parthians, and was redeemed by paying a great summe of money. He left Fulto Earle of Aniow his successor, the fourth King of Ierusalem.

Lotharius the second.

AFter the death of Henry the fift, Lotharius Duke of Sax∣onie, by the consent of the Electors, was chosen Em∣perour, and raigned thirteene yeeres. In his time two men contended for the Popedome, to wit, Inn••centius the 2. and one Peter a citizen of Rome, and sonne to Peter Leo, whom they called Anacletus, whom Rogerius Count of Sicile did favour. But the Emperour Lotharius came to Rome with an army, and authorized Innocentius. Rogerius fearing the power of the Emperour, returned backe to Sicile.

Conradus the third.

AFter the death of Lotharius, Conradus Duke of Sueue, and sister sonne to the Emperour Henry the fift, was e∣lected Emperour, and raigned 15. yeeres. Henry Duke of Saxonie, and Guelphus Duke of Bavaria, rebelled against him, whom hee easily subdued. And hee besieged Guel∣phus in a towne called Winspergh. The men of the towne were saved by the wisedome of the women. For they foreseeing that the towne could not endure the strict∣nesse of the siege, they gaue a petition to the Emperour, that they might haue liberty safely to depart out of the towne, onely with so much as they were able to beare vpon their backs. The Emperour supposing they would trans∣port vpon their backs burthens of silver or gold,* 1.446 or costly

rayment, hee condescended to their petition. The women preferring the liues of their husbands to all rich treasures, came out of the towne, every woman bearing her husband on her backe. The worthy Emperour admirng the vertue, wisedome, and piety of the women, spared their husbands, and would not violate his promise.

After this the Emperour gathered a great army, and set forward to fight against the Turkes and Saracens, of whose cruelty against the Christians in Edessa, many advertise∣ments were sent to Europe. In the way hee conferred with Emmanuel Emperour of Constantinople, who with deceit∣full promises betrayed the good Emperour Conrad, and suf∣fered him not to tarry and get provision of victuals for his army: for Emmanuel promised that hee would in all haste send prouision vnto him. And while Conradus was besieg∣ing Iconium,* 1.447 Emmanuel in stead of wholsome victuales, sent meale mixed with lyme, whereby the army was im∣poysoned, and huge numbers of them died, so that Conrad left the siege of Iconium, and went backe to Thracia.

In Ierusalem after Fulco, his sonne Baldowin was made the fift King of Ierusalem, who repaired Gaza, and conque∣red Askalon, and gaue it to the templaries. At this time many Christians were in Asia. For besides the Emperour Conrad, and Lewis King of France, Rogerus Count of Sicile, all these were sore grieved with the villany done by Emma∣nuel Emperour of Constantinople, and they subdued Cor∣cyra, and tooke Corinth and Thebes, and the townes of Eu∣boia. Conrad and Lewis also went to Ierusalem, and ioyned their forces with Baldwin, and besieged Damascus, but with no good successe. After they returned to Europe. But the Christians in Asia, and Syria dayly decayed in number and courage, vntill all the conquered places were reduced againe vnder the dominion of Infidels.

Fredericus 1.

AFter Cunradus, Frederike the first surnamed Barbaross•• was chosen to be Emperour, and raigned 39. yeeres. He was a man valiant, of a quicke Spirit, expert in warrefare, strong in bodie, in Counsel giuing, prouident. In doing of his affaires, magnanimous: verie affable to meeke men: a•• enemie to proud persons: a man of an excellent wit and m•• morie: whomsoeuer he had once knowne, albeit hee had beene absent from him a long space, yet the Emperour could call vpon him by his name, as if hee had beene day∣ly conuersant with him: He was crowned Emperour by Pope Adrian the 4. to whom hee did this honour, when the Pope met him at Sutrium, the Emperour lighted off his horse, and came on foote to salute the Pope. And when our holy father was dismounted from his horse, the Empe∣rour did hold his left stirrop in steed of the right, and when the Pope was somewhat offended, thereat, the Emperour softly smiling craued pardon of his ouersight, because hee was not accustomed with such seruile offices. Before the Coronation of the Emperour,* 1.448 Pope Adrian required of him this condition that hee should fight against William Duke of Apulia for recouering of that Dukedome to the Chaire of Rome. Neuerthelesse the Pope not expecting the Emperours leasure, incited Emmanuell Emperour of Con∣stantinople to driue William Duke of Apulia out of Italie, and addressed himselfe and his Cardinals to warrefare, ha∣uing first excommunicated William Duke of Apulia. On the other part, William begged peace from the Pope, pro∣mising to restore vnto him all that belonged to the chaire of Rome; and more also. But by the malignant Councel of his Cardinals, the Pope would not hearken to conditi∣ons of peace, hoping to gaine more by warrefare. The Duke seeing no hope of peace brought his forces out of Sicile, ariued at Apulia, and did fight against Emmanuel

and did put him to flight. This done, hee marched fore∣ward toward Benaventure, where the Pope and his Cardi∣nalls were expecting victorie. But the Duke so strictly pressed the cittie, that the Pope and his Cardinals were glad to sue for peace, which they refused before. The conditi∣ons of peace were these, that the Duke should invade no possession belonging to the Roman Church, and on the o∣ther part the Pope should acknowledge William to be King of both Siciles.

The bad successe of the Popes enterprises was not vn∣knowne to the Emperour, who pondering in his own heart, the iniures which his predecessors had suffered by Popes, specially in bereauing them of the right of inuesting of Bishops, and in sending Ambassadors so frequently to Ger∣manie to the great impouerishing of his dominions, where∣at the Emperour conceiued such indignation, that he char∣ged all Germanie,* 1.449 that they should not receiue the Popes Legats in time to come, except they were expreslie sent for: and that no man should make appellation to Rome: also in the Letters sent to the Pope hee prefixed his owne name to the Popes name. The Pope tooke all this matter grieue∣ouslie, and perswaded the towns of Italie to make defection from the obedience of the Emperour, and specially the towne of Millan rebelled against him. But Fredericke brought them partly by force, and partly by feare vnder his subiection againe. In the end the Pope had recourse to the old weapons of his warfare, and he excommunicated the Emperour, but the Lord suffered not this proud Pope to es∣cape vnpunished, for as he was walking with his attendants, in a Towne called Anagnia, a flie entered into his throte, and choked his breath.

After the death of Adrian the Emperour was not free of trouble, in regard of the schisme that fell out in the Ro∣man Church, for two Bishops contended for the Pope∣dome, to wit Alexander the third and Victor the fourth. The Emperour was required to pacifie this schisme, who gathered a councel at Papia, and desired both the Popes

to be present to heare their cause discussed in a lawfull as∣semblie. But Pope Alexander disdained to be iudged of any man, and therefore he appeared not before the councell; For which cause the Emperour and the councell ratified the election of Victor the 4. Pope Alexander fled to France and cursed both the Emperour, and his owne competitor Victor. Afterward by money and flatterie, (powerfull weapons in a declining age) he procured such fauour in the Citie of Rome that he was receiued gladly of the most part of the city. Pope Victor had ended his life before this time, to whom Guido Bishop of Cremona was appointed successour whom they called Paschalis tertius, and many followed him. When Pope Alexander came to Rome the Townes of Italie were in great ••••ope of libertie, and rebelled against the Emperour, they reedefied the towne of Millan, which the Emperour had sacked, and ruinated, and they builded a towne called A∣lexandria in contempt of the Emperour; and in honour of the Pope. When the Emperour Frederike came to Italie, hee besieged this new builded towne called Alexandria, but was betraied by Henry Duke of Bauaria, and Saxonia, so that he escaped hardlie in the habit of a seruant and retur∣ned to Germanie. The Emperour renewed his forces againe, and pierced into Italie with a great armie. Pope Alexander fled to Venice. Otto the Emperours sonne on the other part with a well appointed nauie pursued after him, hauing recei∣ued a commandement from his father to attempt nothing against the Venetians vntil his owne comming. But the young man more hardie, then circumspect, encountred with the Venetians, and was ouercome, and taken prisoner. The father for relieuing of his sonne from Captiuitie was content to come to Venice, and in Saint Marks Church to craue absolution from Pope Alexander. When hee knee∣led downe at the Popes feete,* 1.450 the proud Pope set his foot vpon the Emperours necke, and abused the words of holy Scripture, Super aspidem & basiliscum ambulabis, & conculcabis leonem & draconem,* 1.451 that is, thou shall walke vpon the Lyon and the Aspe: the young Lyon and the Dragon shalt thou

tread vnder feet. The Emperour answered, non tibi sed petro, that is, not to thee but to S. Peter: but the proud Pope reply∣ed, Et mihi & petro, that is both to me and to S. Peter, (to wit) thou doest this homage. The Emperour not willing to giue any further occasion of offence held his peace, and so was absolued, and his sonne relieued, with whom hee de∣parted from Venice.

After this, some affirme, that he led an armie to Palestina, to fight against the Turks, and that hee prospered, vntill at length he was drowned in a certaine riuer. The Christians in Ierusalem had their last helpe and refreshment from Phi∣lip king of France, and Richard king of England. These two besieged Acon and conquered it. But there was kindled be∣tweene the two kings a feruent heat and indignation, euerie one of them enuying the honour of another,* 1.452 so that Philip returned to France, and king Richard after hee had conque∣red Ioppo, returned also to England. But by the way hee made ship-wracke, and hardly escaped the perill of drow∣ning. And albeit hee disguised himselfe, putting on the habite of a seruant, yet he was knowne and taken prisoner, by the Duke of Austria, and was brought to the Emperour Henry the sixt: where hee was detained vntill hee paied the ransome of 10000. pounds money.

After Baldowine succeeded Amalricus the sixt king of Ie∣rusalem. And after him his sonne Baldowine the 4. the 7. king of Ierusalem. Hee was sickly and not meet for governe∣ment. Therefore he committed the gouernement to Guido and Raimundo Count of Tripoli. The discord and debate betweene Raimund and Guido presented occasion to Saladin king of Turkes to recouer againe Ierusalem,* 1.453 and other Townes possessed by Christians for the space of 88. yeeres.

Henry the Sixt.

AEter the death of Frederike the first, his sonne Henry the sixt was declared Emperour, who raigned 8. yeeres: hee was Crowned by Pope Caelestinus the second who tooke Constantia the daughter of Rogerius out of a Monasterie, and gaue her in marriage to Henry the sixt, and both Sicils were bestowed to him in way of dowrie, paying alwayes to the Bishop of Rome the fee duely that was accustomed to bee paied out of those parts. Henry the sixt tooke Trancredus the young king of Sicile, put out his eyes and thrust him into a Monastery; and vsed great cruelty against the Bishops and other inhabitants of the Isle of Sicile; So that Pope Cae∣lestinus did excommunicate him for his Barbarous crueltie, but hee went to Rome, acknowledged his fault, and obtai∣ned pardon together with a confirmation of the kingdome of Sicile. The Pope sollicited also the Emperour to lead an armie to Asia, for support of distressed Christians, which thing hee performed, albeit he went not thither in his owne person for he sent the Bishop of Mentz, the Duke of Saxonie, the Duke of Austria, and the Duke of Bauaria, and the Lantgraue of Thuringia, with many other noble persons, and with a well appointed armie. But the yeere following their arriual at Palestina, the report of the Emperour Henries death, caused them to returne backe againe to Germanie, leauing the Chri∣stians in a verie desolate care.

CENTVRIE XIII.

Philippus.

AFter the death of Henry the sixt, Philip his brother by the helpe of the Bohems, Sax∣ons, Bauaroies, and Sueuians tooke on him the Emperiall authoritie, contrarie to the minde of Innocentius Bishop of Rome and reigned 10. yeeres. In his time the country of Germanie was tormented with most cruell wars, for the Pope of Rome did excommunicate him, and caused the Bishop of Colen and other electors to make Otto Duke of Saxon Emperour, betweene whom and Philip were fought diuers battels. But Philip defended him∣selfe so couragiously, that by force hee held the Emperiall Crowne all his life-time against the heart both of Otto and the Roman Bishop who oftentimes had threatened, that either hee would pull from Phillip the Imperiall Crowne, or else that Phillip shold take from him his triple Diademe:* 1.454 so meek was this gentle Byshop. In the end the Countrey of Germa∣nie being wearied with continuall warres entreated for peace betweene Philip and the Pope, which was obtained vpon these conditions, that one of Philips daughters should bee giuen in marriage to Count Richard the Popes Nephew, and another of his daughters should be giuen in marriage to Otto Duke of Saxon, who should for that cause denude himselfe of the Emperiall dignitie. Not long after this peace was concluded,* 1.455 the Emperour was cruellie murthered in his owne chamber by Otto Count Palatine. In this Emperours daies began the kingdome of the Tartarians who came from the mountains of India with their wifes and children in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1202, and began to spoyle the Prouinces nerest adia∣cent

to themselus, afterward they ouerhaled the Parchians, Medes, Assyrians, Persians, Armenians, and Sarmatians, and in the end setled their dwelling place at Meotidis Paludes, a barbarous and fierce people, practising great crueltie a∣gainst all nations both of Christians and others.

Otto Quartus.

AFter the death of Philip, Otto Duke of Saxon was Crowned Emperour by Pope Innocentius the third. Now it was the custome that hee who was crowned Empe∣rour vsed to distribute gifts to the Romans, which custome being neglected by Otto the Romans made some commoti∣on and tumult, wherein they abused the Emperours ser∣uants. He therefore departing from Rome with great discontentment invaded certaine townes belonging to the Chaire of Rome, whereby hee incurred such hatred at the Popes hands, that hee was forth-with excommunicated, and although the Pope hated the of-spring of Henry the sixt, yet when the Electors of Germanie condescended to make Frederike the sonne of Henry Emperour, the Pope agreed thereto, because hee had a more deadly hatred at those who touched the apple of his eye, that is S. Peters patrimonio (as they call it) then at any other sort of people.

In the East Alexius Ducas, otherwise called Murzulfus raigned a short time, for hee was taken by the Venetians and Frenchmen, (who had restored againe Isacius, to his kingdome) and they threw him headlong ouer a steepe place because hee had murthered his Master for ambitious desire of his kingdome. These Venetians and Frenchmen set vp Baldwine Count of Flanders to bee Emperour of the East. Thus was the Empire of the East translated to the French nation for a time, as the Empire of the west had beene be∣fore in the dayes of Charles de maine. After him raigned Henry his brother 2 yeeres, who hauing no male children

left the kingdome to Petrus Antisiodorensis his sonne in law, who was cut off by the fraud of Lascharis after hee had raig∣ned two yeeres. After him his sonne Robert raigned 7 yeeres, hee was crowned Emperour by the Bishop of Rome, as the Germane Emperours were accustomed to be. To him suc∣ceeded his young sonne Baldwine, in whose time the Em∣pire returned againe to the Grecians. And Theodorus Las∣caris sonne in Law to Alexius Commenus who plucked out the eyes of Isacius, was saluted Emperour and raigned eight yeeres, after whom Ioannes Ducas his sonne in Law raigned 33. yeeres.

Fredericus Secundus.

AFter the death of Otto, Frederike the second sonne to Henry the sixt, obtained the Empire and r••igned 38. yeeres. Hee was by inheritance king of Naples, Apulia, Ca∣labria, and Sicilia. His father obtained, shortlie after he was borne, of the Princes Electors that they should choose his sonne Frederike Emperour after his death, which they did, crowning him Emperour at Aquisgraue when he was about 20. yeere old. From thence hee passed with his nobles and Princes to Rome, and there with great solemnitie was consecrated & called Augustus by Pope Honorius the third. After his consecration he gaue by his charter to the Church of Rome the Dukedome of Fundanuus, for by the insatiable couetousnesse of the Roman Bishops this wicked vse and custome grew, that except the Emperours Elected and crowned would giue vnto them such great and large gifts, they could not obtaine of them their consecration and con∣firmation, which for that intent they deuised.* 1.456 Furthermore the said Emperour willing to shew himselfe more bountiful towards the Church of Rome, gaue and admitted those con∣stitutions which the Pope himselfe would desire, by which doing he gaue a sword in their hands to cut his owne throat;

for hee did grant to the Canon of proscription devised by the Pope and his adherents, that whosoever were excom∣municate for diminution of the liberties of the Church, and so continued a yeeres space, that this person should be within the danger of his proscript, and should not bee re∣laxed before hee had made satisfaction, and was admitted by the Pope to the Church and Congregation of good men againe.

But this liberty of Fredericke was well required by Hono∣norius, for soone after his returning to Germany, hee heard of certaine who begun to raise and make new factions a∣gainst him: amongst whom were found Thomas & Richard, the brethren of Innocentius the third, Earles of Anaquinos, that held certaine Castles in the kingdome of Naples against him by force, which Castles hee besieged and beat downe. Richard also hee tooke and sent him prisoner to Sicilia. But Thomas escaped and came speedily to Rome, where hee was not onely received by Honorius, but also when the Emperor began to expostulate with him for the vnseemlinesse of this deed, the Pope was so chased, that without further delay, he thundred out against him like a tyrant,* 1.457 his cursings and ex∣communications.

After this fell out a ground of a new debate between the Emperour and the Pope. For the Christians that were in Asia were so weakened, that Iohn surnamed Brennus, King of Ierusalem came himselfe to the Emperour, and to the Pope to seeke helpe for the distressed Christians, who were in A∣sia. This Iohn gaue his daughter Ioel in mariage to the Em∣perour, with the title of the Kingdome of Ierusalem in dowrie with her. The Emperour on the other part promi∣sed that with all possible expedition hee would leade an ar∣mie into Asia against the Turkes: wherevpon, and by the meanes of Iohn King of Ierusalem, the Emperour and the Pope were reconciled againe. But before the Emperour tooke his iourney to Asia, Honorius died, in whose roome succeeded Gregorius the ninth, who excommunicated the Emperour a new againe, because hee was compelled by sick∣nesse

to come backe from his iourney to Asia, and to re∣maine a space in Europe for the recouering of his health againe.

The next yeere after, to stop the mouth of the slanderous and cruell Pope, and to declare to the world, that the last yeere hee did not leave off his iourney by his owne volun∣tary will, but by necessity: hee set forward with a great ar∣my and arrived at Ioppa. The Saracens were so troubled with his arrivall, that they were content to render to Frede∣ricke the towne of Ierusalem, with all the possessions that were scituate betweene it and Ptolemaide, and the greatest part of Palestina, and the Cities of Tyrus and Sydon, which were in Syria, and all other territories which Baldwin the fourth at any time had occupied there. Also they were con∣tent to set at liberty all the prisoners who were in their hands: and finally, to conclude peace for the space of ten yeeres.

In the meanetime, while the Emperour is thus occupied in Asia, Pope Gregory the ninth in the Emperours absence, made it knowne to the whole world, for what cause he was so earnest to chase him away to the East: not that he cared for the welfare of the distressed Christians in Asia, but to the end hee might worke him some trouble in his absence,* 1.458 as appeared by all these subsequent practices. For hee inva∣ded the kingdome of Naples, and the rest of the dominions which pertained to the Emperors inheritage: and subdued a great part of these dominions to himselfe. Likewise he had a secret dealing with Henry the Emperours son, to stirre him vp against his father, and prevailed so farre in this divellish treason, that by the Popes counsell hee put from him his trustie Counceller Ludovicus, Duke of Boioria, whom his father had ordained to be guider of his sonne in his absence. Likewise when the Emperour sent letters out of Asia decla∣ring the good successe that God had given him, and there∣with desiring the Pope and Christian Princes and people, to give thanks to God for the same. These letters so grieved the Popes minde, that hee rent them in peeces, cast them

vpon the ground, and trode them vnder his feet to the great admiration of the Emperours Legats. Againe to colour the rage of his impotent minde with some excuse,* 1.459 who could not brid•••• the fury of his malicious heart, pretending this to be the cause of his anger, because the Emperour amongst other conditions of peace, bound vp betweene the Chri∣stians in Asia and the Saracens, hee had licensed them to come (alwayes without armour) to the place of the holy grave. Also hee made rumours to passe through Italy of the Emperours death, to the end the townes which were vnder his dominion, might be faint-hearted, and resigne o∣ver their cities into his hands. As likewise the souldiers who returned home out of Asia, he caused to be cut off, left by their reporting the truth, and the good successe of Fre∣dericke, the townes vnder his obedience might be encou∣raged.

The Emperour being advertised of all these practices done against him in his absence, left in Asia Renaldus with his garisons, cōmanding all the other bands to be vnder his appointment: And with all speed came with certaine gallies to Calabria, and within short space tamed his enemies, and recovered all his holds and dominions againe. Also he sent to the Pope to entreate for his favour, notwithstanding all the iniuries he had received at his hands, but was not heard nor accepted into favour, vntill hee had paied an hundred and twenty ounces of gold, for his absolution.

After this, great rebellon was stirred vp in Germany a∣gainst Fredericke, for his owne sonne Henry Caesar began to vtter the fruits of that old traffique that was betweene him and the Pope, and caused Ludovicke Duke of Boiaria, of whom we did speake before, not onely to be put from his Court, but also most cruelly to be murthered. The Empe∣rour thought it no time to sleepe: wherefore ent••ing into Germany, hee assembled a Councell in the citie of N••ur∣burg, where the conspiracy of Henry Caesar was manifestly detected, whereof the Pope was the chiefe author, and ••ee by the iudgement and sentence of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Princes, condemned

of high treason. And being commanded by his father to be bound, was as a prisoner brought to Apulia, where not long after hee died in prison. In whose roome hee ordained his third sonne Conradus Caesar, by consent of all the Peeres and Princes. Also Fredericus Austriacus his sonne, was pro∣claimed for an enemy to the Common-wealth, from whom were taken Austria and Stiria, and brought againe vnder the Emperours obedience and fidelity: who having set Ger∣many at quietnesse, left there Conradus Caesar his sonne, and with his army returned to Italy, to punish such as with Henry his eldest sonne had conspired against him, whose treasons were all detected at the condemnation of Henry Caesar, and chiefly the Popes, who vnderstanding that the Emperour with warlike furniture marched towards Italy, albeit hee fained himselfe to be reconciled, and a friend to him, yet was hee notwithstanding to him a most secret and intestine enemy. For hee sent to those cities who had con∣spired against the Emperour, admonishing them that they should ioyne themselues together, and that they should fur∣nish strongly their cities with garrisons, and send for aide to friends, and that with all their force they would prepare themselues for warre. Also hee sent Ambassadors to the Emperour to forbid him and his army to come forward vn∣to Italy, and to say vnto him (not by way of entreaty, but imperiously) that what cause of controversie hee had against the Longobards, the same hee should commit to him, and stand to his arbiterment. The Emperour nothing regarding this foolish interditement, prosecuteth his purpose and mar∣cheth towards Italy: where he brought vnder his subiecti∣on those cities that rebelled against him, as Mantua, Vero∣na, Ternisium, Patavium, and others: and then hee after∣ward set vpon the great Hoast of Mediolanenses, the Brixi∣ans, the Placentines,* 1.460 and other confederats, of whom hee tooke a thousand prisoners, and also their Generall, being the chiefe Magistrate in the citie of Mediolanum, Petrus Te∣nopolus the Dukes sonne of Venice, and slew diverse Cap∣taines moe, and tooke all their Ensignes.

The Pope perceiving the overthrow of his confederates, could no longer cover his malice, but did breake out in open fury and rage against the Emperour, and pronoun∣ced a sentence of proscription against him, depriving him of all his dignities, honours, titles▪ prerogatiues, kingdoms, and whole Empire. Also calling vnto him the Venetian and Genuan Legats, made a peace betweene them (for they had beene at variance for certaine causes about their Sea coasts) and covenanted with them vpon this con∣dition, that vpon their charges they should rigge and man 35. gallies, which should spoyle and burne all along the Sea coasts of the kingdomes and dominions of Fredericke. But when hee saw the good will and fidelity that the Duke of Venice bare vnto the Emperour, who notwithstanding the displeasure he tooke by the imprisonment of his sonne, yet would he not make warre against him. For which cause the Pope had recourse to his old practises, whereby his pre∣decessors had trodden all Princes vnder their feet. And so hee put forth an edict at Rome, to the vniversall Church and people, the beginning whereof is, Ascendit de mari bel∣lica bestia: wherein hee declareth the causes wherefore hee curseth the Emperour to the divell of Hell, and deiecteth him from his Princely dignity: charging him with treason, periury, cruelty, sacrilege, killing of his owne kindred, and all impiety, and accuseth him as an hereticke, schismaticke, and miscreant. And this edict of the Emperours cursing,* 1.461 he commanded all Bishops, Prelats, and others of the Cler∣gie, that they should solemnly recite the same in their Chur∣ches in stead of a Sermon. And furthermore, charged them and all other Christian men, vnder paine of cursing and damnation, that they neither helpe the Emperour, nor yet so much as wish him well.

Moreover, by meanes of Albertus Bebauus his Legat, hee stirred vp great rebellion against the Emperor in Germany. For hee drew Otto Duke of Boiaria from the Emperours o∣bedience, and with him Venceslaus and Belus, Princes of the Hungarians, and Henry Duke of Polonia. To whom

also Fredericus Austriacus the Emperours sonne (because he was proscript or out-lawed of his father) was easily adioy∣ned. The Emperour was at Patavium, when these newes were brought to him. Therefore hee commanded Peter de Vineis his Secretarie, vpon Easter day to make a narration to the people of his great munificence to the Bishoppes of Rome, and againe of their iniuries towards him in recom∣pence thereof: of his innocencie also, in all the heads whereof hee was accused by the Pope: and finally, of the vse of Ecclesiasticall censure, and of the errors and abuse of the Church of Rome. By which Oration of his, he so re∣mooved the clowds of blinde superstion from mens hearts, and the conceived opinion of holinesse of the Church of Rome, and also of their vsurped power, and subtle perswa∣sion, that both they saw, and plainely perceived the vices and filthinesse of the same. At the same time the Emperour (as faith Albericus) writ to the Pope these veres.

Roma diu titubans longis erroribus acta Corruet, & mundi desinet esse caput.

To whom the Pope answered againe in other verses.

Niteris incassum navem submergere Petri; Fluctuat, at nunquam mergitur illa ratis.

The Emperour moreover, by his Letters and Legats, gi∣veth intelligence to all Christian princes, as well of the fai∣ned crimes wherewith he was charged, as also of the cruelty of the Bishop of Rome against him. In all this time it plea∣sed God to support the Emperor with some comfort, which many of his Predecessors lacked. For the Bishops of Ger∣many were faithfull subiects vnto him, and not onely refu∣sed to execute the Popes edicts and mandats in their Chur∣ches, but also they accused and condemned Albertus Beba∣vus the Popes Legat, as a most impudent impostor and a wīcked fellow, and a most pestiferous botch and sore of the Christian Common-wealth, and gaue him to the Diuell

as a ruinous enemy as well of the Church, as of his naturall Countrey. This warre betweene the Emperour and the Pope waxed so hot, that vpon a time the Emperour came to Pisas and Viterbium, the Pope fearing hee would come to Rome, caused a supplication to be made, wherein the heads of Peter and Paul were carryed about, and with a sharpe and contumelious Oration hee fought to deface the Emperour, promising everlasting life, and giving the badge of the Crosse to so many as would arme themselues and fight a∣gainst the Emperour, as against the most wicked enemy of God and his Church. Now the Emperour marching some∣what neere the gates of Rome, when hee saw souldiers mar∣ked with the badge of the Crosse comming out against him, gaue a sharpe charge vpon them, and put them soone to flight, and as many as he tooke (cutting off that badge from them) he caused to bee hanged. But the more hee prospe∣red the more he was enuyed of the Pope, who by his Le∣gats, called to a Councell at Rome, all such Prelats out of Italy, France, and England, as hee thought to favour him and his proceedings: that hereby as his last shift and onely refuge, hee by their helps might depriue Fredericke of the Empire, as an vtter enemy to God and his Church. Of all which the Emperour having intelligence, and knowing that these assemblies should be but to his destruction, hee determined to stop and let their passages to Rome, both by Sea and Land. And therefore sent out his sonne Henry with certaine Gallies, to keepe the coasts of Sardinia, and from thence to Pisas, and with the Pisans to rigge out a Navie to meete with such as should aide the Pope of Rome. The Popes associats on the other part, procured that the gallies and shippes of Genua (having Guilielmus Braccius for their chiefe Captaine) should bee sent out for defence of the Pre∣lats that were to repaire to the Councell. Thus the Pisan army launched forth to the Sea with forty ships and gallies, and betweene the Isles of Lilium and Mons Christs, which lie betweene Liburnium and Corsica, they met with the Ge∣nuan ships, and fiercely began to boord them. In which

fight at length were three of the Genuan shippes sunke and 22. taken and brought away, with all the riches and treasures in them. In those were taken three of the Popes Legats (whereof two were Cardinals) Iacobus Columna, Ot∣tho Marchio,* 1.462 and Gregorius de Romania (all cruell enemies a∣gainst the Emperour) and many other Prelats moe, besides a great number of Legats and Procurators of cities, with an infinit number of Monkes and Priests, as also the Genuan souldiers, with diverse others. Also besides the prey and booty, they found many writings and letters which very much helped the Emperour, in cleering his cause against his enemies.

Whilest this discord was between the Emperour and the Pope, Orthodarius the Emperour of the Tartarians, soone invaded the borders next adiacent to him, and conquered Ropolanium, Bodolium, Mudanium, with diverse other townes and villages: destroying, wasting, and burning the countries all about: killing and slaying, men, women, children, sparing none of any sex or age. At whose sudden invasion the people being affrighted and troubled, were glad to leaue all that they had, and disperse themselues into woods, and flie vnto marshes and mountaines: so that by this time the Tartarian Hoste was come as farre as Wratis∣lavia, where Henricus of Polonia, and the Duke of Silesia met with them, but by reason of inequality both in num∣ber and forces, they were easily defeated and slaine. From thence they came to Moravia, and from thence to the king∣dome of Bohemia and Hungary, at which time Belus King of Hungarie sent to the Emperour for support against the Tartarians, promising that Hungarie ever after should be vn∣der the iurisdiction of the Emperour. The Emperour on the other part was most willing to helpe the Hungarians and other Christians, and sent to the Pope to perswade him that hee would take vp and conclude a peace, and mitigate somewhat his wrath, in regarde of the immiment danger like to ensue vpon the whole state of Christendome, by rea∣son of a civill dissention.

But when hee saw that by no meanes the Pope would relent his furie, hee was compelled to write againe to the King of Hungarie, that hee could stand him in no stead at that time, because the Bishop of Rome refused all trea∣tie of peace: notwithstanding hee sent Conradus Caesar king of Bohemia, and other Princes of Germame to resist and withstand the enemie so farre as in them lay. Thus may bee seene the louing zeale and affection that the Pope of Rome hath toward Christian people, that hee had rather bend his forces to revenge his malice vpon the Christian and good Emperour, then either by himselfe to withstand, or yet by concluding a profitable peace to permit others to withstand the most bloodie and cruell Tartarian. But euen in the midst of this spoyle and havock of Polonia, Bohemia, and Hungaria, was it determined that Libussa the Princes confederate with the Pope should bee assem∣bled about the deposing of the Emperour,* 1.463 and creating of another. When Frederike saw there was none other re∣medie and that hee laboured in vaine to haue peace, hee prosecuted the warre to the vttermost, and when hee had gotten Tudetum and reconciled the same, hee destroyed the Townes of Geminium and Naruia and gaue the spoyle of them to his souldiers, hee gentlie receiued the yeelding vp of Siburnium and wasted all the countrey about Rome: wherewith the Pope being dismaied, and seeing that things prospered not so well with him against the Emperour as he looked for, being in dispaire of obtaining his purpose died in great anger and displeasure.

Thus when the author of all this conspiracie was gone, The Emperour with his armie marched forward against the Tartarians who hearing of his comming left the straigh••¦way through Hungarie by which they came, and returned by the riuer of Danubium to Taurica, and so through the Fenns of Meotida and by the riuer of Tanaium into Sar∣matia Asiatica.

After Gregorie Celestinus was created Pope who died with∣in 18. daies after, to whom succeeded Innocentius. In whose

time the Emperour hoped for peace but was disappointed; for albeit a day was appointed for their meeting together at Festennia, and the Pope had promised that hee would be there before the Emperour and expect his comming, yet hee mocked the Emperour, and secretly in the night tooke ship and first came to Genua, and from thence to Lyons in Fraunce where hee gathered a councell and excommunica∣ted the Emperour. Notwithstanding the Emperour was determinate to goe to Lyons himselfe, and to conferre with the Pope, both concerning this sentence pronounced a∣gainst him, as also about the conclusion of peace, if by any meanes it could be obtained. But as he was vpon his iour∣ney newes was brought to him that Parma was taken by his out lawes assisted by the Popes Legat, wherefore being out of hope of peace, he set himselfe againe to the warre, and besieged Parma planting ouer against it the forme of a towne, which he called Victoria, wherein his Souldiers cam∣ped. But the citizens of Parma getting knowledge vpon a time that the Emperour was gone to hunting and his soul∣diers were stragling here and there without order, issued out of the towne, and slew a great number of them, and burnt his Campe Victoria. Soone after the Emperour being in Apulia in a certaine Castle called Florentinium, ended his life.

In this time it is to be noted that there was such dissenti∣on betweene the Emperour and the Pope that the facti∣ous names of the Guelfes and Gibelins sprang vp in Italie,* 1.464 and continued euer since, almost to our owne dayes, for the Guelfes followed the Pope, the Gibelins the Empe∣rour, so that it came to passe that all they who followed the Pope were called by the name of Guelfes, and these who followed the Emperour, Gibelins.

Conradus Quartus.

AFter the death of Fredericke succeeded Conradus his sonne who with manly courage, began to subdue the Townes of Apulia, and of the kingdome of Naples which rebelled against him, but he was hastily cut off by his bro∣ther Manfred, who being couetous to keepe in his owne hand the Dukedome of Apulia (which hee had invaded) caused to empoyson the Emperour Conrad, after hee had raigned 2 yeeres. Also hee caused the testament of Conrad to be suppressed wherein hee had appointed Cunradinus his sonne to be heire of all his dominions. At this time Inno∣centius 4. thinking it most convenient to invade the King∣dome of Sicilie and bring it vnder his dominion sent two strong armies to subdue it, but they were both ouercome and driuen back by Manfred, whereat the Pope was so grieued with Melancholie that hee died. But Pope Cle∣mens succeeding Innocentius stirred vp Charles Count of Angeow brother to Lewis king of Fraunce to make war against Manfred, who prevailed against him, and killed him and possessed Sicilia, Calabria, and Apulia, and all that Manfred before had vnder his obedience. Cunradinus the sonne of Conrad being come to perfect age came with an armie to Italie to claime his fathers Dominions and was gladly receiued at Rome, soone after was ouercome in battell by Charles Count of Angeow (who had slaine Manfred before) and was cast into prison, and afterward by commandement of the Pope was beheaded at Naples with Fredericke Duke of Austria his assister. For Charles vpon a time demanded the Roman Bishop Clemens 4. what hee should doe with his prisoners, to whom he answered Vita Cunradini, mors Caroli,* 1.465 that is, the life of Cunradinus, is the death of Charles, wherevpon ensued their publike ex∣ecution. So the Kingdome of Naples by the crueltie of

the Romane Bishop against the iust owner, came into the hands of Frenchmen.

Wilielmus.

William Count of Flanders (whom Pope Innocen∣tius had declared Emperour when hee excommu∣nicated Frederike at Lyons) was yet aliue and was accoun∣ted Emperour, but hee was slaine by the Frisians, after hee had raigned one yeere, after the death of Cunrad. After whose death variance fell betweene the Electors of Germa∣nie for choosing of the Emperour, for part named Al∣phonsus King of Castile, others Richard the brother of king Henry of England. But because neither of them were re∣ceiued by the whole Empire,* 1.466 the Emperiall authoritie was counted voyd and vacant the space of seuenteene yeeres. In the East raigned Theodorus Lascaris the younger 4. yeeres.

Rodulphus.

IN the yeere of our Lord 1273. the Princes Electors be∣ing assembled together at Frank foord choosed with one consent Rodulph Count of Halsburg to be Emperour, who gouerned 18 yeeres. This man neuer receiued the Empe∣riall dignitie nor entred into Italie, for hee vsed to recite to his familiars, the fable of the foxe that said to the Lyon hee was affraid to enter into his denne, because hee percei∣ued the stepps of many beasts going inward, but of none that returned out againe.* 1.467 And so he said, many Emperours haue entered Italie with great Pompe and glorie, but by the meanes of the Bishop they returned euill handled with great iniuries. He had deadly warre with Ottiocarus King

of Bohemia who had invaded Austrich and appropria∣ted it to himselfe while as the Empire wanted an head through the variance of the Electors, against him he fought a sore battell in the fieldes of Austrich and obtained the victorie, and Othocarus there was slaine, whose sonne the Emperour gentlie entreated, giuing him Suta his daughter in marriage, and giuing Agnes daughter to Othocariu in marriage to Rodulph the Emperours sonne.

Adolphus.

AFter Rodolph, Adolph Count de Nassaw was chosen Emperour and raigned six yeeres, he was infortunate in all things hee went about, and therewith so needie and poore that when hee had receiued of King Edward of England a great summe of money to aide him against the King of Fraunce hee spent the money vpon his hous∣hold and had not wherewith to fulfill his promise when time required. Hee had great warres with Albert Duke of Austrich, whom he trauelled to depriue of his Dukedome, But Albert led out his armie against him, in the fieldes of Spira, and discomfited his hoste and killed himselfe, and raigned in his steed as will be declared in the next Centurie, god willing.

In Constantinople after Theodorus Lascaris the younger,* 1.468 succeeded Michael Paleologus, and raigned 35. yeeres. He plucked out the eyes of Iohn the sonne of Lascaris and right heire of the Empire. His sonne Andronicus againe who succeeded to him, caused his father to bee buried in an obscure place and not in a princely Sepulchre, because he had agreed with the Church of Rome.

Now as touching the holy Land many great armies went to Asia in this Centurie for recouering of Ierusalem,* 1.469 first vnder the cōduct of Ludouick Duke of Bavaria, Leopold D. of Au∣strich, and Andro king of Hungarie with the Florentins and

Genuans marked with the badge of the Crosse, and di∣uers Bishops of France and Germanie raised an armie, tooke the towne of Damiata in Aegypt, but soone after it was lamentably lost, by a deuised stratageme of the Sultan of Aegypt, who fained as though hee had beene flying from place to place, vntill hee found the Christi∣an armie Camping in a low place beside the riuer Nilus, and then opening the slu••es of the water, the most part of all the Christians were drowned, and Damiata againe recouered.* 1.470 The second armie was led by Fredericus the second into Asia, at what time Ierusalem was recouered againe, and all that Baldwine the fourth had of old in his possession, was rendered to the Christians, and a couenant of peace was bound vp for 10. yeeres to come, as hath beene declared in the treatise of the life of Fredericke. The third armie was raised vp by Theobald King of Nauarre,* 1.471 Americus Count of Montfort, Henry Count of Campanie, Peter Count of Britan, and Anselmus de Insula: Theobald hauing the chiefe regiment of the armie, which set fore∣ward by the intisement of Gregorie the 9. before the time of the 10. yeeres peace concluded by Fredericke had taken an ende. For the which cause it is not to be doubted but this voyage had the more vnprosperous successe, for they had lost the third part of the armie before they came to Antiochia, from thence they went to Ptolemais and from thence to Gaza. The Barbarians perceiuing that this ar∣mie was set forth without the Emperours aduice (because his Souldiers that were in Asia keeped the bond of peace and assisted not this armie of Theobald) they laid there Ambushments in secret places wayting for advantage of the Christian armie, and set vpon them when they were wea∣rie, returning from their spoiling with great prey: but the Christians made strong resistance and put the aliens to flight. The day next following the Barbarians renewed their forces and prevailed against the Christians, Americus Count of Montfort, and Henry Count of Campanie being slaine. And Theobald king of Navarre with great diffi∣cultie

escaped and returned home accompanied with a very few number of men who remained vndestroyed in that vnprosperous voiage. The fourth armie was led by Richard Count of Cornwall,* 1.472 whom the Pope had put in hope to be made Emperour, but when hee came to Ierusalem, and vnderstood by Rainoldus the Emperours deputie there, of the peace which had beene concluded by a solemne couenant hee enterprised nothing against the Barbarians, but subscribed the bond of peace concluded before by the Emperour Fredericke, and left he should seeme to haue made all his trauels in vaine, hee receiued some dropps of the Lords blood from the Patriarch of Ierusalem, so blind was this seduced age that a vaine shew of counter∣set reliques was counted a worthie price to recompence the ieopardous trauels of Princes leading great armies from one end of the world to another. After the death of Rainald,* 1.473 the Templaries without all regard of the peace bound vp, denounce warre to the Saracens and compelled the Christians in Asiato put themselues in armes. But the Soldan of Aegypt sent for support of the Babylonians, who sent vnto him a companie of sauadge men called Grossouij who pitched their campe at Gaza and tooke it, and destroied all the Templaries that dwelt therein. The like did they to the inhabitants of Askelon, also the people that came to support the Templaries were vtter∣ly cut off, and finallie they set vpon Ierusalem which was easily conquered, and all the inhabitants thereof were put to the sword without regard of sexe or age, and the towne it selfe was subuerted, neither was any building spared though neuer so ample pleasant, also they subver∣ted the Sepulchre of the Lord.

The first voiage* 1.474 was vndertaken by Lewis King of Fraunce sonne to the Queene Blanch who being diseased and almost at the point of death vowed to God that in case hee recouered health: hee would be crossed or mar∣ked with the crosse, to visit the Lords Sepulchre and there solemnly to render thankes; which vow also hee endeuored

to performe, and in the yeere of our Lord 1248. after he had receiued the Popes blessing at Lyons, set forward with a mightie armie hauing in companie with him the Earle Atrabacensis his brother the Duke of Burgundy, the Duke of Brabant, the Countesse of Flanders with her two sonnes, the Earle of Britanie with his sonne, the Earle of Barrensis, the Earle of Swesson, the Earle of S. Paul, the Earle of Druise, the Earle Retel, with many other noble Persons.

In the beginning of this enterprise they seemed to pros∣per well, for they tooke the Towne of Damiata at their first arriuall into Aegypt, which was the chiefe seat and hold of the Saracens in all Aegypt. At the losse whereof the Soldan of Aegypt with the Saracens in those parts were so astonished, that they offered the Christians the possession of Ierusalem, and the holy Land, which the Christians so much contended for, prouiding they would render vnto them againe the Towne of Damiata. But the Earle of Ar∣toys, the kings brother puft vp with insolent pride would in no waies suffer the offers of the Saracens to be accepted, but required also Alexandria the chiefe Metropolitan towne of Aegypt to be deliuered vnto them. But soone after the Soldan of Aegypt beset them so stronglie, both by Sea and Land, that they were glad to craue againe the peace which was offered and could not obtaine it. In the ende they were purposed to leaue a Garrison to keepe Damiata, and to march out in battell themselues. The Earle of Artoys through his insolent pride (thinking all was his owne when∣soeuer he gat any small aduantage of the enemie) brought himselfe and all the armie to confusion, for he passed ouer a shallow foord of Nilus which a certaine Saracen lately con∣verted to Christ had made knowne, and hauing in company with him the Master of the Temple, and William Longspath, with his companie of English souldiers and diuers others, euen the third part of the armie, set vpon the Saracens when they were not aware, and did them great harme. This victo∣rie obtained he would needs goe forward, deuiding him∣selfe

from the maine Hoast and besieged the Castle, and Village of Mansor. But the Saracens finding him separated from the rest of the army, compassed him about, and de∣stroyed him and all his company, in so much that scarce one man escaped aliue (except two Templars, one Hospi∣tular, and one poore Souldier) to bring newes thereof to the King. After this the Souldan suddenly appeared with multitude of innumerable thousands, against the King him∣selfe. In this miserable conflict the King with his two bre∣thren, and a few that claue vnto him were taken captiues, all the residue were put to the sword, or else stood to the mercy of the Saracens, whether to bee slaine or remaine in wofull captivity.

The Souldan after the captivity of the King, fraudulent∣ly suborned an army of Saracens to the number of the French army, with the armes and ensignes of them that were slaine, and sent them toward Damiata, where the Duke of Burgundie with the French Queene, and Odo the Popes Legat and other Bishops, and their garrisons were remai∣ning, supposing vnder the shew of Frenchmen to be let in. But the Captaines mistrusting their hasty comming, and misdoubting their visages not like to the French-mens, shut the gates against them, whereby they returned frustrate of their purpose. Yet afterward Damiata was rendered to the Saracens as a part of the Kings ransome, which citie being twice won, and twice lost by the Christians, the Souldan afterward caused vtterly to be razed downe to the ground. It is to bee noted in this Tragedy,* 1.475 that the Pope of Rome was the chiefe ground of all this lamentable calamity. For the King wisely considering what great helpe hee might haue gotten by the concurrance of the valiant and wife Em∣perour Fredericke, travailed for reconciliation between him and the Pope, before hee vndertooke his voyage, but all his travails were spent in vaine, and so the King of France went alone to this dangerous enterprise, taking with him the Popes blessing, as is sayd before.

But like as Fredericke before prospered not the worse thate

he was cursed of the Pope, so it may be perceived that Lewis King of France prospered not the better, albeit the Pope blessed him. Before wee speake of the sixt voyage of his age it is to marked, that God raised vp Mango King of the Tartarians to make warre against the Saracens: he was bap∣tised and professed the name of Christ,* 1.476 and sent his brother Hal•• to fight against the Saracens. Who overhailed Persia, Assyria, Mesopotamia, and in the end came to Syria, and conquered Damascus, appointing his sonne Abaga to bee Governour of the same, for hee returned himselfe to inhe∣rit the kingdome of his brother Mango, whom hee heard to be dead. Also Abaga afterward hearing of the death of his father Halo, returned to gouerne his fathers kingdome, lea∣ving behinde him ten thousand horsemen to support the Christians, in the hands of Guirboca, who also favoured the Christians for a time, vntil they slew his Nephew, and then hee also became an enemie vnto them, and invaded the towne of Caesarea, and set it on fire.

At this time Nelethinus the sonne of Turqueminius, Soul∣dan of Egypt, fearing the dominion of the Tartarians in Sy∣ria, provoked Guirboca to fight, and destroyed him and his army: and they that escaped of the Tartarians fled to Ar∣menia. Thus the small comfort which the Christians had by the Tartarians, was first turned into hatred, and after∣ward was vtterly taken away by their destruction.

* 1.477The sixt voyage was vnder the King of France, and Hen∣rie King of England, who sent Prince Edward his sonne to Palestina in his place, and Charles Duke of Angeow, who was declared by the Pope to be King of Sicile, and King of Ierusalem. In this voyage the one part of the army, to wit, French-men, arrived at Africa and besieged the towne of Carthage and tooke it: also they besieged Tuenetum sixe moneths, at which time the army was troubled with a grie∣vous pestilence,* 1.478 whereof the King himselfe, and the Popes Legat both died. But Charles King of Sicile came with a fresh army: Mulet the Prince in those parts, entreated for peace, which was granted vpon these conditions. First, that

if any in Africke would professe the Christian religion, they should bee permitted so to doe without molestation. Next, that the Christians who were detained in captivity should be set at liberty. And thirdly, that there should bee payd yeerely to the King of Sicile forty thousand crownes.

The other part of the army vnder the conduct of Edward Prince of England, came to Syria, where Edward was cir∣cumvented by a deceitfull Saracen, who came with letters to him from his master, and wounded him with an inve∣nomed knife, whereby hee was in great danger of his life, but being cured by skilfull Physitians, he escaped death. Al∣so hee staied in Ptolemais vpon the arrivall of the rest of the army out of Africke, but when hee had long waited in vaine, hee was compelled to returne back againe to his owne countrey.

In this voyage it is to be noted, that the Pope of Rome miserably abused the Christian people: for the armies rai∣sed against the Turkes and Infidels,* 1.479 hee caused to serue the covetous appetite of his bloody heart, as plainely appeareth in the French army which Guido Bishop of Altisiodorum conducted to Viterbium: Vrbanus Quartus sent his army a∣gainst Manfred King of Sicile, to subdue vnto him Sicilia, and to roote out the ofspring of Fredericke, which he dead∣ly hated; and when this enterprise succeeded not to his hearts contentment, Clemens his successor stirred vp this Charles Duke of Angeow, who vsurped the kingdome of Sicile, destroyed the posterity of Fredericke, and at the Popes desire vndertooke this voyage to Asia, whereof wee haue last spoken.

The seventh voyage of this age, was vndertaken by the Emperour Rodolph,* 1.480 who according to his promise made to Pope Gregory the tenth, was willing to raise an ar∣my and succour the Christians in Asia, but hee was so im∣peded by the warres hee had with the King of Bohemia, that hee could not in his owne person goe to Syria, but hee sent Henrie Prince of Mechelburg with a strong army to supply his place, who comming to Ptolemais wasted and

burnt with fire the region round about Damascus. The Barbarians durst not encounter with him in open battell, but circumvened him, and vpon a time as hee was leading away a great prey, they lying in wait for him, arose and brought him to the Souldan: where hee was detained in captivitie 26. yeeres. After this the Christians in Asia were brought to vtter wracke,* 1.481 for the Saracens invaded Antio∣chia and tooke it, and destroyed the Christians there. After∣ward vnder the conduct of Aphir their Souldan, they be∣sieged Tripolis and tooke it, and razed it to the ground. Also Tyrus was rendered vpon condition that the Christi∣ans there should safely depart with so much of their sub∣stance as they could transport with shippes, or drawe with beasts. And finally, all the townes and holds which the Christians had in Syria, were taken by the Saracens, onely Ptolemais excepted, which afterward was taken by Araphus the Souldan, the Christians therein being put to the sword, and the citie it selfe vtterly razed to the ground, in such sort that there was not so much as a monument of it left vn∣destroyed.

Now when all was lost,* 1.482 the Christians obtained some new and fresh comfort by the conversion of Cassanus Prince of the Tartarians, to the Christian religion, who expelled the Saracens out of Syria, and repayred the temple and towne of Ierusalem, and restored it to the Christians, and set at liberty Henry Prince of Mechelburg, who had been detained captiue a long time. Also he tooke the towne of Damascus, and appointed Capcacus to be Governour there, like as Mo∣lais was left to defend Ierusalem. But after the returne of Cassanus to his owne countrey, Capcacus revolted to the Souldan of Egypt, and Molais finding himselfe alone, vn∣able to resist the force of the Saracens, departed to Mesopo∣tamia. So did the Saracens easily recover againe Ierusalem.

Here also is to be marked, that the Popes of Rome who were too prodigall of Christian mens blood, continually instigating them to lead armes to Asia, for the recovery of the Holy Land, yet did they esteeme so much of their owne

glory, that they preferred it to the Holy Land and the liues o•• all the Christians that were in Asia, as evidently appea∣reth in the doings of Bonifacius the 8. who had the fairest occasion offered to him of all others, of recovering the Ho∣ly Land. For Cassanus Prince of the Tartarians had con∣quered Syria from the Saracens, and left Governours in it, with expresse commandement that they should binde vp a covenant of friendship with the Princes of the West, and get support from them for the keeping of Syria, in the Chri∣stians possession. But the Bishoppe of Rome puft vp with pride, was so busie to tread vnder his feet the King of France that hee neglected this ocasion, the like whereof was never offered in any time following. And this negligent dealing was the cause why Cap∣cacus made defection to the Soul∣dan of Egypt.

CENTVRIE XIV.

Albertus the first.

AFter the slaughter of Adulph, Albert the first, Duke of Austria was made Empe∣rour, and raigned ten yeeres: and in the end was killed by his Brothers sonne. In his dayes sprang vp Otthoman the first King of the Turkes,* 1.483 who being a con∣ragious warriour, by spoyles and robbe∣ries enriched himselfe, and subdued a great part of Bythi∣nia, and of the countrey lying about Pontus Euxinus, and tooke vpon him the name of a King, to be called the King of the Turks.

Henricus the seventh.

NExt to Albert, raigned Henrie the 7. A Prince, wise, iust, honest, and beloved of all men, neither puft vp with pride in his prosperity, neither deiected in mind for any kind of adversity. After hee had pacified the countrey of Ger∣many, hee tooke his iourney toward Italy, to reforme the abuses there, but was hastily cut off by the wicked malice of the Florentines, as is supposed, for they hyred a certaine Monke to poyson the Emperour, which thing hee perfor∣med, and mixed poyson with the bread of the Eucharist,* 1.484 wherewith the noble Emperour was impoysoned in the Castell of Bonconvent, after hee had raigned foure yeeres and eight moneths.

Ludovicus the fift.

Lewis the fift was chosen Emperour after the death of Henry the 7. and raigned 32. yeeres. Hee was Duke of Bavaria, against whom others had elected Fredericus Pulcher, Duke of Austria to be Emperour, which was the ground of cruell warrs betwixt the two new chosen Emperours,* 1.485 but Fredericke was vanquished in battell, and taken prisoner him∣selfe. During the time of these warres, the burgesses of V∣ren, Switz, and Sylvania, or Vnderwalden, assisted Lewis of Bavaria, and would not acknowledge the Emperour Fre∣dericke Duke of Austria, for which cause they were continu∣ally vexed by him, so that at last they assembled themselues in the towne of Vrania, and there entered into a mu∣tuall league of perpetuall society amongst themselues. To whom afterward were ioyned Lucernates,* 1.486 then Tugani, then the Tigurines, then the Bernates. The last almost of all were the Basilians, after whom fol∣lowed other seven pages, who now by a generall name are called the Switzers, or the Cantons, or Pages of Hel∣vetia.

The Emperour Lewis after hee had subdued his com∣petitor, fell into a greater trouble, for hee was excommuni∣cate by Pope Clement the sixt,* 1.487 and the Princes Electors were commanded to choose another Emperor, which com∣mandement they also obeyed, and assembled themselues at a certaine towne of the Diocie of Trevers, called Bens, and chose Charles the fourth, sonne to Iohn King of Bohemia.

Carolus the fourth.

CArolus the fourth was chosen Emperour, after that his predecessor Lewis was excommunicated by the Pope, and raigned 32. yeeres.* 1.488 In his time Amurathes the King of the Turkes, passed over Hellespontus, and tooke the townes of Cestus and Callipolis, which was the first be∣ginning of the conquest of Thracia, and all other regions of Europe which are now subiect to the Turke. This Charles procured at the hands of the Princes Electors, that his sonne Vinceslaus should be proclaimed King of the Ro∣mans in his owne time.

Vinceslaus.

TO Charles the fourth succeeded his sonne Vinceslaus, and raigned two and twenty yeeres. A man very vn∣like his father, for hee was sluggish and carelesse, more en∣clined to ryot, excessiue drinking and voluptuous plea∣sures, then to any princely vertue. In his time Baiazeth King of the Turkes,* 1.489 fought a cruell battell against the Christians at Nicopolis, a towne of Thracia, at the side of Ister: and albeit many moe of the Turkes were slaine then of the Christians, yet at length the Turkes prevai∣led against the Christians, and put them to flight. This is that King of the Turkes, who afterward was over∣come by Tamberlaine King of the Sythians, and being

inclosed in a cage of yron was carried about all Asia,* 1.490 as a mocking stocke to men, and as a spectacle of the wrath of God against all cruell Tyrants. The Emperour Vinceslaus for his beastlines was depriued of his Emperiall dignitie by the Princes Electors, and Rupertus Duke of Bauaria chosen to be Emperour in his steed.

In the East during the raigne of those foresaid Empe∣rours, ruled Andronicus the sonne of Michael, Pa∣leologus, and after him Michael, and after him Andronicus the younger, after whom follo∣wed Ioannes, Catecunzenus, and Calo Ioannes and his sonne Manuell•• these are all the things worthy of remem∣berance, are left in writing.

CENTVRIE. XV.

Rupertus.

VInces••aus the Emperour for his Cowardize, & vnhonest life, was deposed, & Rupertus Duke of Bauaria was advanced to the Emperiall authoritie by the Electors of Germanic, and ruled (10.) yeeres. This Emperour went vnto Italie, against Ga∣liatius of Millan, but hee preuailed no∣thing. In his time Mahomet, the Turke when hee had kil∣led his brother,* 1.491 obtained alone the kingdome; who after the death of Tamburlan, the Tartarian, recouering againe his fathers dominion, vexed with extreme murther and slaugh∣ter, the Bulgares and Vallaches, and tooke the citie of Ha∣drianopolis, which he made his Seat royall.

Sigismundus.

AFter Rupertus Sigismund sonne of Charles 4. and bro∣ther to Vinceslaus being King of Bohemie and Hun∣garie was ordained Emperour and reigned 27. yeares. Hee was a prudent, wittie, learned, and noble Prince, but in warre and deeds of armes vnfortunate: for hee was often∣times ouercome and chased of the Turkes and other ene∣mies. By the procurement of this Emperour a great coun∣cell was holden at Constance, for the vnion of the Church which continued for the space of 4. yeeres. In this councell Iohn Husse was burned for preaching against the Bishop of Rome. Also Hieronymus of Prague was condemned by the

same councell and burned,* 1.492 after whose burning in Bohe∣mie, was great tumult, sedition, and ciuill warre: For the common people that fauoured Iohn Husse, gathered toge∣ther in great number, and choosed a certaine valiant man named Zisca to be their Captaine, a man verie witty and ex∣pert in warfare, as may appeare by this wittie policie which hee vsed against his enemies. Vpon a certaine time, his ene∣mies set vpon him in a rough place, where no battell could be fought but on foote only, whereupon when his enemies were lighted from their horses,* 1.493 Zisca commaunded the wo∣men which customably followed the hoast, to cast their kir∣chiefes vpon the ground, wherein the horsemen being in∣tangled by their spurres were slaine before they could vn∣loose their feete. And forasmuch as he had no walled nor fenced towne to inhabite, he chosed out a certaine place vp∣on the riuer of Lusinitius which was fenced by nature, a∣bout 8 miles from the Citie of Ausca. This place he com∣passed with walles, & commanded euery man to build them houses where they had pitched their tents, and named this Citie, Thabor; and the inhabitants his companions Thabo∣rits, because their Citie was built vpon the top of a moun∣taine. He fought against the Emp. Sigismund and draue him out of Bohemia, and although the Emperour came backe againe to Bohemia with a great armie of Hungarians and Morauians, yet the second time also hee cowardly fled, and Zisca pursued after him a daies iourney, found great and rich spoyles, and tooke the towne of Broda by force and set it on fire.* 1.494 It is almost incredible that a man, being blind, as Zisca was in the time of his hottest warres (for ha∣uing but one eye he lost it at the siege of a certaine towne) did so prouidently forecast all opportunities and ad∣uantages against his enemies, as if hee had seene.

It is reported that when hee was lying sicke and readie to die,* 1.495 being demaunded where he would haue his body to be buried, hee answered that they should pull the skin from off his dead body, and that a Drumme should be made thereof, which they should vse in the battell, affirming that as soone

as their enemies heard the sound of that Drumme they would not abide but take their flight. After the death of Zis∣ca the Emperour Sigismund assembled the Nobles of Germa∣nie at Norinberge, and leuied a great armie to enter into Bo∣heme, and pursue the Hussites or Thaborites of new againe: Also Pope Martin sent Iulian his Cardinall of S. Angelie into Germanie to that same effect, that is to say, to make warre against the Bohemians.

* 1.496But the Emperour had no better successe in this enter∣prise, then hee had in the former, for all his armie was stri∣ken with a sudden feare, before any of his aduersaries were come in sight, and fled most shamfully to the great en∣couragement and inritching of their aduersaries. The Car∣dinall Iulian himselfe being present and marueling at the sudden feare, went about the Captaines, perswading them to put on armour, to order their battells, and couragiously to abide their enemies. But this exhortation was all in vaine, for feare had put away all boldnesse, and euerie man did runne headlong away. The Cardinall also, although it were against his will, was forced to doe the like, after this, the Cardinall addressed himselfe to the councell of Basile wherein he was appointed to be president in name and behalfe of the Bishop of Rome. But of this hereafter.

Albertus.

NExt to Sigismund, Albert Duke of Austria his sonne in law, was chosen to be Emperour, and gouerned eight yeeres: for his liberalitie, iustice & manhoode in wars, great∣ly renowned. He subdued the Bohems,* 1.497 and brought in sub∣iection the people of Morauia. In his time Amurathes Empe∣rour of the Turkes invaded the king of Seruia, from whom after long siege he wanne Scopia, and Newmount, and hee tooke in battel his two sonnes whom he berest of their sight, but after he tooke their sister in marriage and restored New∣mont.

Hee tooke also the famous towne of Grecia called Thessalonica, being then vnder league and protection of the Venetians, and the towne of Croia in Epirus, but God raised vp Ioannes Huniades a valiant man in Wallachia,* 1.498 who being aided with the power of Vladislaus the king of Polonia did infringe the puyssance of the Turke, and recouered againe to the Christians the greatest part of Seruia, and Bulgaria, so, that the Turkes was compelled to desire truce for ten yeeres. But after the truce was concluded on both parts, and with solemne oath also confirmed,* 1.499 and Amarathes was returned backe againe to Asia, Pope Eugenius the 4. sent Iulianus Caesarianus, to the foresaid king with full dispen∣sation to breake his oath and league with the Turke, whereby it came to passe that the young king inticed by the wicked instigations of Eugenius set forward his armie a∣gainst the Turke vntill he came to Varna a towne of Bul∣garia, where he was discomfited and slaine by Amurathes to the great hurt, and greater shame of Christian people, whom the Infidels might iustlie accuse of periurie, and brea∣king of Couenants, sealed by the name of Christ whom they professe to be their Sauiour. This battell at Varna fell out in the raigne of Fredericke,* 1.500 of whom we are to speake in the next place.

Fredericke 3.

AFter Albert Frederick the 3. Duke of Austria was chosen to be Emperour and raigned 53. yeeres, in whose daies much war and dissention raigned almost thorow all Christi∣an Realmes,* 1.501 whereby it had beene easie for the Turke to haue ouerrunne them all, if the mercifull prouidence of God had not kept Amurathes occupied at this time. To this Fre∣derick came Elizabeth the spouse of Albert sometime Empe∣rour with Ladislaus her son, by whom he was nourished and entertained a certaine space, till at length after the death of

Vladislaus aforesaid king of Hungarie (who was slaine by the Turkes, in the battell of Varna) the men of Austria rising vp in armour required the Emp. to giue them their young King,* 1.502 who being restored into their hands, and being yet vn¦der age, committed his three Kingdomes to three gouer∣nours, whereof Iohn Huniades the worthy Captaine aboue mentioned had the ruling of Hungarie.

George Pogicbzachius had Bohemia, and Vlricus the Earle of Cilicia had Austria.* 1.503 But Vlricke had the chiefe custodie of the young King, and was a great enemie to Huniades by many secret meanes seeking his destruction. But Huniades being couragious, and wise, and circumspect, easily disap∣pointed all his fetches.

After the death of this worthy gouernour his two sonnes Ladislaus and Mathias gouerned Hungarie, and in their time Ladislaus King of Bohemia, Hungarie, and Austria came into Alba a towne of Hungarie, accompanied with Vlricus Earle of Cilicia, and governour of Austria vnder the young king. Ladislaus most gladly receiued the king, but debarred from entering into the Citie 4000. armed soul∣diers, of the number of them that accompanied the king. Vlricus the Earle grudging at this and sitting in Councell required Ladislaus to appeare before him and accused him of treason, for shutting the gates vpon the kings souldiers, and not content with this, hee tooke his sword from his Page and let a stroake flee at his head. But the Hungari∣ans hearing the noyse in the Councell brake in vpon them and there incontinent killed Vlrick the Earle,* 1.504 wounding him and cutting him in peeces. The king hearing thereof, al∣though hee was not a litle discontented thereat in his mind, yet seeing there was none other remedie hee dissembled his griefe for a time.* 1.505 But afterward in his Progresse when hee came to Buda accompanied with the two sonnes of Huniades, hee caused them both to be taken and cast in∣to prison, and Ladislaus forthwith was beheaded. Ma∣thias was carried Captiue to Austria, to suffer the like punishment, if the Lord had not prevented La∣dislaus,

the king by suddē death,* 1.506 who departed this life about the verie time appointed for the celebration of his marriage in Prague with Magdalen daughter to the King of Fraunce.

Thus the young king who hated the race of Huniades, and more hated the light of the Gospell that shined in Bohemia, and was of purpose (as is supposed) at his mar∣riage to root out the sect of the Hussits (as hee called it) was timously in the mercie of God cut off himselfe to the great benefit of the true Church of God.

In this Emperours time suite was made by the Ger∣manes to the Emperour that hee would prouide remedie against the actions of the insatiat Popes,* 1.507 and that hee would not suffer his subiects in Germanie to bee ex∣hausted, and empourished by them. The Emperour be∣ing moued and ouercome by their perswasion, promised that hee would prouide no lesse for them, then the king of Fraunce had done for the Frenchmen. But the subtle perswasions of Aeneas Syluius did so bewitch the Empe∣rour that he contemning the equall iust and necessarie re∣quests of his subiects, chosed the said Aeneas to be his Am∣bassadour to Calixtus newly chosen Pope, to sweare vn∣to him in his name, and to promise the absolut obedience of all Germanie. Thus the Germans were derided and fru∣strate by Fredericke, and the Emperour on the other part fearing least the Germanes after his death should transport the Empire to another familie caused his son Maximilian 7. yeeres before his death to be chosen and also crowned king of Romans, and did associate him to the ministration of the Empire. In this Emperours time likewise flourished a vali∣ant man sonne of Iohn Castriotus Prince of Epirus,* 1.508 and Al∣bania, called George who was giuen in hostage to the Turke, with other two brethren. But this George excelling all the rest of his equalls, in strength of body, vigour of minde, and actiuitie in warfare, was named by the Turkes Scanderbeius, which soundeth as much as Alexander Magnus.* 1.509 Hee was sent out by the Turkes to fight against Cara∣mannus of Cilicia the Turkes enemie, in which expedi∣tion

hee behaued himselfe so manfully, that hee wanne great renowne with the Turke, insomuch that hee trusting to the Turkes fauour,* 1.510 when hee heard of the death of his father, durst aske of the Turke the grant of his fathers domi∣nion to be giuen vnto him. The which request although Amurathes did not deny vnto him, yet notwithstanding hee perceiuing that the matter was dallied out with faire words,* 1.511 by subtle meanes and policie slipt out of the Turkes Court, and came to Epirus his owne inheritance, where first by counterfeite letters hee recouered Croia. The other cities of their owne voluntarie minde yeelded to him, and hee so manfullie behaued himselfe, that against all the force both of Amurathes and Mahomet he maintained his owne, repulsed their violence, and put to flight their armies many yeeres together.

* 1.512In this Emperours time Mahomet the second tooke the Isle of Euboia, and destroyed the towne of Calcis, after∣ward hee commanded the Cittie of Athens to be razed and vtterly subverted, and from thence returning his armie to Thracia, with a mightie multitude compassed the towne of Constantinople both by sea and land in the yeere of our Lord. 1453. and in the 54. day of the sayd siege, it was taken and sacked, and the Emperour Constantinus slaine: such terrible crueltie did they vse as the like is not often read of in any historie. There was no corners in Constantinople which was not defiled with floodes of Christian blood,* 1.513 so that in this one towne are reckoned to the number of fortie thousand persons that were slaine, amongst whose dead bodyes, the body of Constantine the Emperour was found, whose head being brought to Mahomet, he commaunded it to be carried vpon a speare through the whole Citie, for a publike spectacle and deri∣sion to all the Turkish armie.* 1.514 Also he tooke the Image of the Crucifixe, being there in the high Temple of Sophia and (writing this superscription vpon the head of it, Hic est Christianorum Deus, this is the God of the Christians) caused it to be carried thorow all his armie,

and made every man to spit at it most contumeliously. Thus was the noble citie of Constantinople sacked 1139. yeers af∣ter it was first built by Constantine the great,* 1.515 & now is made the Imperiall seat of the Turkish dominion. Notwithstan∣ding the proud heart of Mahomet which was so highly lift vp by the conquest of Constantinople, was by the provi∣dence of God somewhat abated soone after. For at the siege of Belgradum in Hungarie, in the yeere 1436. hee was so manfully resisted by that worthie Governour Iohannes Hu∣niades, that hee was compelled after the losse of a great part of his army,* 1.516 to the number of 40000. souldiers, his owne person also being sore wounded, to raise his siege, and for feare and shame ready to kill himselfe.

In the East after Emanuel raigned Iohannes his sonne, who was present at the Councell of Florence,* 1.517 with Eugenius 4. Pope of Rome, but lived not long after his returning. And after his death, because hee had no children, his brother Constantine succeeded, in whose time the town of Con∣stantinople was pitifully destroyed, and the Em∣perour himselfe slaine, as hath beene de∣clared. And here is the end of the Empire of Christians in the East.

CENTVRIE XVI.

Maximilianus.

IN the yeare of our Lord 1486. Fredericus waxing aged, and partly also mistrusting the hearts of the Germaines, did in his life-time associate his sonne Maximili∣an to be ioyned Emperor with him, with whom he reigned for the space of 7. yeers till the death of Fredericke his father, after whose departure he reigned 25. yeers. This Maximilian as he was a valiant Emperor, prudent and singularly learned, so was his raigne intangled in many vnquiet and difficult warres. First in the lower Countries of Flanders and Bra∣bant, where he was taken captiue,* 1.518 but worthily againe relie∣ved by his father. Hee had to wife Mary the onely daugh∣ter to the Duke of Burgundie, by whom hee had two chil∣dren, Philip the father of Charles the fift, and Margaret. this Mary by a fall from her horse, fell into an ague and died. So happy was the education of the Emperor in good letters, so expert hee was in tongues and sciences,, but espe∣cially such was his dexteritie and promptnesse in the Latine tongue,* 1.519 that hee imitating the example of Iulius Caesar, did write and comprehend in Latin Historie his owne acts and feats of warre done by him.

In this Emperours time Baiazeth the second Empe∣rour of Turkes, after long siege tooke a strong towne of Peleponesus called Methon,* 1.520 or Modon, being vnder the dominion of the Venetians, and caused all the Noblemen of the Venetians and Grecians that were found in the towne, to be brought into his owne presence, and there most cruel∣ly to be slaine.

Carolus quintus.

AFter Maximilian, Charles King of Spaine, Duke of Au∣stria and Burgundie, and nephew to Maximilian, was chosen Emperour, and raigned 37. yeeres. He was a Prince of singular wisedome, expert in warre, slow to wrath, and if it had pleased the Lord to haue illuminated his heart with that true light that begun to shine in his time, hee might haue beene reckoned amongst the most renowned Empe∣rours. His inclination to wisedome may appeare by these witty sentences vttered by him.* 1.521 Like as Saturne which is counted the most supreme planet, hath the slowest course of all the rest, even so they that are in supreme authority, ought to doe all things with greatest deliberation and advisement. And like as the Sunne sendeth out his beams in like bright∣nesse both vpon poore and rich, so ought supreme Magi∣strates minister iustice without partiality, both to poore and rich. And like as the eclipse of the Sunne is a foretoken of great commotions, so likewise the errors and oversights of Princes bring with them great perturbations to coun∣tries. Hee was intangled with great and dangerous warres all the time of his government, either against forraine Prin∣ces, or some of the Empire. In his warrs against the King of France, hee had better successe then he could haue looked for, for as much as the towne of Millaine being already ta∣ken by the King of France, and the towne of Pavie in Italy likewise besieged, yet the Emperours army shortly after en∣countred with the French-men, and both vanquished them,* 1.522 and also tooke the King himselfe prisoner, and from thence conveyed him away to Spaine, where through care and griefe hee fell into sicknesse, but when hee was comforted by the Emperour, and put in some hope of agreement, hee began to take heart vnto him and recovered: and in the end a peace was agreed vpon at Madruce in Spaine, and the

King was set at liberty, leaving for pledges his two eldest sonnes. But shortly after hee revoked his oath, being absol∣ved by the Bishop of Rome, and said he was forced to swear or else hee should never haue beene delivered. The Empe∣ror after the delivery of the King of France, gaue to Charles Duke of Burbon the Dutchie of Millaine, on condition to pay 4000. ducats, and finde a number of souldiers yeerely. This Charles Duke of Burbon passing through Italy to Na∣ples afterward,* 1.523 in the Emperours quarrell besieged Rome, and in the assault was slaine, but his souldiers tooke the ci∣tie, spoyled it, and besieged the Bishop Clement with his Cardinalls, in the Mount Adrian, from whence hee could not be dismissed by any meanes, vntill hee agreed with the souldiers. Notwithstanding this, the Emperour Charles be∣ing then in Spaine, and staying the thunderbolt of Excom∣munication (which the souldiers nothing regarded) did ex∣cuse himselfe by letters, that hee knew not of that his men had done, and therefore willed the Bishop to bee set at li∣berty.

* 1.524In this Emperours dayes begun reformation of religion in Germany, by meanes of the disputations, writings, and doctrine of Martin Luther, whom the Emperour laboured by all meanes to suppresse. First, by gathering a convention of the estates of Germany, in the towne of Worms. Which convention was kept in the yeere of our Lord 1521. and Martin Luther being cited by an Herald of armes to ap∣peare before the said Councell, with a letter of safe conduct by the Emperour and Princes, appeared: and although ma∣ny perswaded him not to adventure himselfe to such a pre∣sent danger,* 1.525 yet Luther answered that he was resolved, and certainely determined to enter Worms, in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ, although hee knew that there were so many divells to resist him, as there were tyles to cover the houses in Wormes: thus being presented before all the E∣states of the Empire,* 1.526 Iohn Eccius (who then was the Bishop of Triers generall officiall) at the Emperours command de∣manded of Martin two questions. First, whether hee con∣fessed

those bookes which were given out vnder his name to be his or no, shewing herewith an heape of Luthers bookes written in the Latin and Dutch tongues. Secondly, whether hee would revoke and recant them, or stand to all that hee had written.* 1.527 To the first point hee answered affirmatiuely, that hee would acknowledge his owne bookes. As touch∣ing the second, whether he would recant any thing contai∣ned in his bookes or no, he craved time to premeditate what hee should speake in that matter: which was the more easily granted, because they were in some hope that Luther would recant some of his writings, but it fell out farre otherwise then they looked for. For at the time of his next appearance hee divided his bookes into three sorts,* 1.528 some of them ope∣ned the grounds of Christian religion simply, which his very enemies had counted inculpable, and therefore hee would not condemne them himselfe. Another sort contai∣ned invectiues against the Papacie, and others of that retinue which had with their pestiferous doctrine and pernitious examples, corrupted the whole estate of Christianity, which bookes if hee should revoke, hee should adde more force to their tyranny, and his retraction should be a cloake and sha∣dow to all their impiety and naughtinesse. The third sort of his bookes were written against certaine particular per∣sons, who with tooth and naile laboured to maintaine the Romane tyranny, and to deface his doctrine, and these like∣wise hee could not recall, left by his recantation it should come to pasle, that tyranny and impiety supported by his meanes should rage more violently against the people, then ever it did before. When no recantation could be obtained, nor yet submission of his writings to the iudgement of the Emperour, and his Estates: Martin Luther departed from Wormes, being dismissed according to his promise of his safe conduct, and returned to his owne countrey.

Soone after this,* 1.529 the Emperour Charles to purchase fa∣vour with the Pope (because hee was not yet confirmed in his Empire) provideth and directeth out a solemne writ of outlawry against Luther and all them that take his part,

commanding the said Luther, where-ever hee might be got∣ten, to be apprehended and his bookes burned.

After this another convention of the Estates of Germa∣nie was gathered at Norinberg for the suppressing of Mar∣tin Luther, to which Councell Pope Adrian the sixt, sent his Ambassadour Cheregatus, to desire that the sentence of the Apostolick Sea, and the Emperours edict against Mar∣tin Luther should bee put in execution.* 1.530 The Princes of Germany on the other part, declared great vrgent causes wherefore they were compelled to forbeare the execution of those decrees for a time, and namely for this, that the greatest part of Germany haue alwayes had this perswa∣sion, that great inconvenience hath come to this Nation by the Court of Rome: and now if they should proceede with rigour in executing the Popes sentence, and the Em∣perours edict, the people would suspect in their mindes, this to bee done for supporting and confirming the former abuses, whereupon great warres and tumults (no doubt) would ensue. For the avoyding whereof, they thought to vse more gentle remedies serving better for the time. Also seeing the Pope by his foresaid Ambassadour desired to be informed what way were best to take, in resisting those er∣rours of the Lutherans: The Estates answered, that if the Popes holinesse with consent of the Emperours Maiestie, should gather a free Christian Councell in some conve∣nient place of Germanie,* 1.531 and that with such speed as conue∣niently might bee, it were in their iudgement the rea∣diest way to suppresse the attempts of Luther: and in the meane time vntill the Councell might bee set, they had provided wayes to stay the tumults of the Germaine people.

1. First, by dealing with the Noble Prince Fredericke Duke of Saxony, that Luther nor his followers shall not write, set foorth, or print any thing during the saide space.

2. Item, that the Princes shall labour so with the Prea∣chers of Germany, that they shall not in their Sermons

teach or blow into the peoples eares such matters, where∣by the multitude may bee mooved to rebellion or vprore, or bee induced vnto errour, and that they shall preach or teach nothing but the true, pure, sincere, and holy Gos∣pell, and approoved Scripture, according to the exposi∣tion approoved and received of Christs Church.

3. And finally, as concerning Priests that contract Ma∣trimony, and religious men leaving their Cloysters, for as much as in the civill law there is no penalty for them or∣dained, they shall bee referred to the Canonicall constituti∣ons, to be punished thereafter accordingly: that is by losse of their benefices and priviledges, or other condigne censures.

Amongst others things done at this assembly of Norin∣berg,* 1.532 certaine grievances were collected to the number of an hundreth, and exhibited to the Bishoppe of Rome, wherewith the countrey of Germanie was grieved, as namely, that many things were prohibited by mens Con∣stitutions, which are not prohibited by any Commande∣ment of God, and many things were exacted which are not commanded by any precept of God.

Item, that the Popes indulgences and pardons bee most importable, perswading simple people of a remission of sinnes, a poena & culpa, and that not in this life onely, but after this life: through the hope and occasion whereof, true piety is almost extinct in all Germany, whilest every e∣vill disposed person promiseth to himselfe for a little mony licence and impunity to doe what him listeth, whereupon followeth fornication, incest, adultery, periury, homicide, robbing and spoyling, rapine, vsurie, with a whole flood of mischiefes.

Item, that whosoever hath received Ecclesiasticall orders, doth contend to bee free from all punishment of the secu∣lar Magistrate, how great soever his offence be which hee committeth.

Also, that in many places the Bishoppes and their Offi∣cialls doe not onely suffer Priests to haue concubines, so

that they pay certaine summes of money, but also com∣pell continent and chaste Priestes to pay tribute for concu∣bines, which being paid, it shall bee lawfull for them either to liue chaste or otherwise, as it shall please them.

These with many mo, to the number of an 100. the secular States of Germanie delivered to the Popes Legat, desiring him to present them to Pope Adrian. But Pope Adrian died about the same time, and Pope Clemens the seventh succee∣ding in his place, sent downe his Legat Cardinall Cam∣peius, vnto the Councell of Germane Princes assembled againe at Norinberg the next Convention, with letters to Duke Fredericke full of many faire petitions and sharpe complaints. But as touching the grievances aboue menti∣oned, no word at all was sent.

Thus was the Pope ever ready with all diligence to call vpon Princes to suppresse Luther,* 1.533 and the liberty of the Gospell. But when any redresse or reformation of the Church was craved, hereto the Pope neither gaue eare nor answer.

In these Councels of Norinberg it is to bee noted, that the execution of the sentence of Leo, and the Empe∣rours edict made at Wormes against Luther was suspended for a time; and many other things that were desired by the Popes Legate to bee enacted in a full Councell, and with consent of all the Empire, yet could not bee brought to passe, by reason that the mindes of divers were gone from the Pope. For this cause Ferdinand the Emperours bro∣ther, with Campeius and the Cardinall of Salisburg,* 1.534 the two Dukes of Bavaria, the Bishops of Trent and Ratis∣bone, also the Legates of the Bishops of Bamberg, Spires, Stransbrugh, Ausbrugh, Constance, Basile, Frising, Pas∣savie, and Brixine, assembled themselues together in a par∣ticular Conventicle at Ratisbone, and there ratified all the articles which they had hatched amongst themselues for suppressing of Luthers doctrine.

1. First, that the edict of the Emperour made at Worms should be observed in all their precincts.

2. That the Gospell, and all other holy Scriptures shall be taught according to the interpretation of the auncient forefathers.

3. That in the Sacraments of the Masse, and in all other things, no invocation shall be, but all things shall stand as before time they did.

4. That all that approach to the Lords Supper without confession and absolution, or doe eate flesh on dayes forbid∣den, or which doe runne out of their order, also Priests that be married shall be punished.

5. That no Booke of Luther or Lutheran shall be Prin∣ted or sold.

6. That they of their iurisdiction, which studie in the V∣niversitie of Wirtenberge, shall euery one repaire home within three moneths after the publishing hereof, or els turne to some other place free from the infection of Luther, vnder paine of confiscating all their goods, & loosing their heritage.

7. That no Benefice or other office of teaching be giuen to any Student of that Vniversitie; with diverse other Arti∣cles conteined at greater length in the commentaries of Iohn Slendan.

After this other two Conventions were kept at Spiers.* 1.535 In the first were exhibited to the Princes many billes of re∣quest, that Monkes and Fryers might be no more in place of them that died, and that the priviledges of the Clergie might be taken away, as lets of ciuill administration, that certaine holy dayes might be abolished, that choice of meats and ceremonies might be free. And finally, seeing there was no hope of a generall Councell, that either the Empe∣rour would appoint a Provinciall Councell in Germany for matters of Religion, or els cause the decree of Wormes to cease. At this time the Bishops would not suffer any matter of Religion to be handled, and therefore the Duke of Saxonie, and the Landgraue would haue departed. At last it was decreed, that either a generall or provinciall coun∣cell should be had within the space of a yeare, and in the

meane time the decree of Wormace Councell to cease. In the next Councell kept at Spire, where Ferdinand Ambas∣sadour in the Emperours name was present, certaine Citties were greatly blamed for altering Religion, contrary to the Emperours commandement; and the Ambassadour for the Citie of Argentine was not suffered to sit in the Councell, because that Cittie had disanulled the Masse. Shortly after by the assent of a few Princes, these points were decreed.

That such Cities as had altered Religion should make no further change.

That other places should obey the decree of Wormes vn∣till a generall Councell.

That it should be lawfull to all men who would vse the masse, euen in those Citties where it was abolished.

That the Anabaptists should be punished by death. That the doctrine of the Lords supper shuld not be receiued.

That the Ministers should teach according to the inter∣pretation of the Church.

That the Princes and Cities should not receiue foreiners comming for Religion into their dominions, if any man did otherwise, he should be proscript.

The Duke of Saxonie, George Prince of Brandenburgh, Erneste and Francisse, Princes of Luneburg, and the Land∣graue of Hesse, and a Prince called Anhaldius, withstood this decree, and answered to euery point thereof, saying that the consent of a few could not vndoe that decree which before was made at Spire by the whole Empire,* 1.536 and there∣fore that they all made protestation, that they would not ac∣knowledge it. And of this protestation were those Princes, and all that allied with them called Protestants, which name is now giuen to all them that in their doctrine swerue from the Bishop of Rome.* 1.537

To the Princes aboue-named, these Cities following did agree, Argentine, Norinberg, Vlmes, Constance, Ruteling, Winsemium, Mening, Lindan, Campodune, Hailbrune, Isna, Wiseborough, Norling Sangall. All these Cities with the Princes refused the act of Spire, & appealed to the Em∣perour,

and to a generall or provinciall Councell. After the breaking vp of this Councell, the Protestants send Ambassa∣dours to the Emperour, to declare the causes of their appel∣lation from the Councell of Spire.* 1.538 The Emperour at this time was in Italie, and on his iourney to Rome to be crow∣ned with the Emperiall Diadem by Pope Clement the se∣uenth; who hauing heard the Ambassadours of the Prote∣stants, entreated them roughly and sent them backe againe with menacing words, threatning to punish with all rigour those that would not be obedient to the Decree of the fore∣said Convention of Spire.

This was the first ground that moued the Protestants in the conventiō of Smalcaldy,* 1.539 to bind vp a couenant amongst themselues of mutuall ayde, if any of them were pursued for Religions sake, as shall be declared afterward, God willing. In the meane time, the Citie of Argentine entreated league with Tigure, Berne, and Basill (who being not farre distant might be more helpfull each to other) that if they were in∣vaded for the quarrell of Religion, they should mutually as∣sist one another, wherewith the Councell of the Empire were much grieued, and found great fault with them. After the Emperours returning from Italie, where he was crow∣ned with the Emperiall Diadem, and had sworne to be a de∣fender of the Roman Church, a solemne conuention of the Estates of the Empire was kept in the Towne of Angusta, or S. Ausbrugh,* 1.540 to which were brought many learned di∣uines. The Protestants brought with them Philip Melanch∣ton, Iustus Ionas, Georgius Spalatinus, Iohannes Agricola, Isle∣bius, and diverse others. The Romane Church had for their part Cardinall Campeius, the Popes Ambassadour, Eccius, Iohannes Faber Cochleus, and many others. The Emperour commanded the Princes of the Protestants to come to Masse with him, and to command their Preachers to silence, but they answered, they would neither come to Masse, nor in∣ioyne their Preachers to silence, before the matter was con∣cluded. Onely the Duke of Saxonie after deliberation with his Divines, was content at the Emperours commandement

(according to his dutie) to carrie the Sword before him as he went to the Church. Then the Emperour vnder great perill commanded both the parties to silence, and he by pre∣rogatiue appointed certaine to Preach that should touch no Controversie.

* 1.541In this Convention the Protestants offered vnto the Em∣perour a copie of the Articles of their Faith, which with great difficultie they obtained to be openly read before they delivered it into the Emperours handes. This Confession commonly called Augustana Confessio, was exhibited to Ec∣cius and Faber, Divines on the contrary part, to be confuted, and the copie of this confutation was also openly read. But when the Protestants desired that they might answere to it, the Emperour would not grant it, saying, he would heare no more disputation, but willed them to returne to the Catho∣lique Church.

Also the Citizens of Argentine, Constance, Mening, and Lindan (who differed from the other Protestants in the o∣pinion of the Sacrament) did in like manner exhibite a con∣fession of their Doctrine: a confutation of this Booke also was made by Eccius and Faber, with very bitter and sharpe words; but the other partie could not haue licence to reply, nor any sight of the copie but as they heard it read. After this, three were chosen on each side to debate matters of Re∣ligion, where although Melanchton granted more then his ••ellowes would haue him, yet nothing was agreed, because that Eccius and his two Lawyers, who were chosen for the Romane Church, stucke so fast by their Masse and Monasti∣call Vowes, that in those things they would admit no refor∣mation.

In the end the Emperour published a Decree, wherein he declared, that although the confession of the Protestants was sufficiently confuted, yet he would giue them respite for a time, to returne to the Church of Rome. In which time they should keepe peace, and alter nothing of Religion, and suffer all that would to follow the Church of Rome. But the Princes and Protestant Cities answered, that they could

not keepe that Decree with safe consciences.* 1.542 Thus was the Emperours interim refused, wherefore he set forth another Decree, wherein he confirmed the Doctrine of the Church of Rome in all points, and abrogated all manner of appella∣tions made by the Protestants. It appointed also an order how the Emperours Court, called the Chamber, should pro∣ceed in iudgement against the Protestants, and forbidded that any Prince of that sect should beare any office in the Court, and all that were of the faith of the Romane Church to be taken into the protection of the Emperour against their owne Princes. This act caused great feare, wherefore the Princes and Ambassadours of the Protestants shortly af∣ter met againe at Smalcal••ie,* 1.543 and went through with the League which they had begunne the yeare before, to ayde each other in the quarrell of Religion.

About this time the Emperour hauing sure information, that the Turke with great preparation, was setting forward his armie against Vienna in Austrich, begun somewhat to relent of his rigour, and through the intercession of the Bi∣shop of Mentz, and the Palsgraue,* 1.544 granted peace to the Protestants, so that they should ayde the Emperour against the Turks, and on the other part the action of the Chamber∣court should cease in all sutes of Religion against the Prote∣stants. About the same time that all this businesse was in Germanie for the Doctrine of Martin Luther,* 1.545 Vlricus Zuin∣glius Preached the Word at Zurik, detested the abuse of par∣dons, & of other corruptions then reigning in the Church: but, see, great offence begun to rise, and diverse stepped out on the contrary side to Preach and inveigh against him. Vpon this the Magistrates and Senate of Zurik, sent forth their commandement to all Priests & Ministers within their Dominion,* 1.546 to repaire to the Citie of Zurik against the 29. of Ianuarie next ensuing; there euery one to speake freely, and to be heard quietly touching those Controversies of Religi∣on. This disputation was appointed in the yeare of our Lord 1523. Zuinglius had contriued all his doctrine in a certaine ord•••• of places, to the number of 77. Articles, which he had

published also abroad before, to the end that they who were disposed might resort thither better prepared for disputati∣on. The Bishop of Constance sent thither Iohannes Faber Stapulensis his Vicegerent; who in stead of disputation, rea∣soned that this was no convenient place for disputation, but rather the handling of Controversies in Religion belonged to a generall Councell, which he said was alreadie appoin∣ted, and nigh at hand.

* 1.547Wherevpon the Senate of Zurik caused incontinent to be proclaimed through all their Dominions and Territories, that the traditions of men should be displaced and abando∣ned, and the Gospell of Christ purely taught out of the old and new Testament.

When the Gospell begun thus to flourish in Zurik: the yeare next following, Anno 1524. another assemblie of the Helvetians was convented at Lucerna, where Decrees were made on the contrary part;* 1.548 that no man should deride the Masse; that no mention should be made of Luther, or any new doctrine; that Pictures and Images of Saints in euery place should be kept inviolate: and finally, that all the lawes and decrees set forth by the Bishop of Constance should be obserued.

After these things thus concluded at Lucerna, the Can∣tones of Helvetia together direct their publique Letter to the Tygurines, or men of Zurik, complaining that they had receiued a new Doctrine, which would be the seed of dis∣cord, whereas before time all things were in quiet. Where∣vnto the Tigurines answered, that at the first this Doctrine seemed strange to themselues, but after they vnderstood it directed them onely to Christ, as the pillar and onely rocke of their saluation; they could no otherwise doe but with ar∣dent affection receiue so wholesome and ioyfull message. And like as faithfull Christians in former times after they had receiued the Gospell, did not by and by fall out in de∣bate with their neighbours: So l••kewise they trusted, God willing to keepe peace with all men. Neuerthelesse, the rest of the Cantons grew in hatred against the men of Zurike,

and for suppressing of the doctrine of Zuinglius, appointed a disputation to be holden at Baden,* 1.549 which was kept in the moneth of Iune, Anno 1525. where were present amongst other Divines, Iohannes Faber, Eccius, and Murnerus. The Bishops also of Lucerna, Basile, Curiak, and Lawsanna. The conclusions there propounded were these.

• 1. That the true body and blood of Christ is in the Sa∣crament.
• 2. That the Masse is a Sacrifice for the quicke and the dead.
• 3. That the blessed Virgin, and other Saints are to be in∣vocated as Mediators and Intercessors.
• 4. That Images ought not to be abolished.
• 5. That there is a Purgatorie.

Which Conclusions or assertions Eccius tooke vpon him soundly to defend. Against him reasoned Oecolampadius, Preacher at Basile, with other moe. Zuinglius at that time was not there present, but by writing confuted the doctrine of Eccius,* 1.550 declaring withall the causes of his absence, which were for that he durst not for feare of his life commit him∣selfe to the hands of Lucernates, Vrbani, Suitij, Vnternaldi, and Tugiani his enemies, and that he refused not to dispute, but onely the place of disputation; excusing moreouer, that he was not permitted of the Senate to come. Neverthelesse, if they would assigne the place of disputation, either at Zurik, Berna, or Sangallum, thither he would not refuse to come.* 1.551 The conclusion of this disputation was this, that all should remaine in that Religion which hitherto they had kept, and should follow the authoritie of the Councell, neither should admit any other new Doctrine within their dominions.

In the yeare of our Lord 1527. the Senate and people of Berne (whose power amongst all the Helvetians chiefely excelled) considering how neither they could haue the acts of the disputation of Baden committed vnto them,* 1.552 and that the variance about Religion still more and more increased, assigned another disputation within their owne Cittie, and

sending forth writings thereof, called vnto the same all the Bishops bordering about them, as the Bishops of Constance, Basile, Sedune, Lusanna, determining also the whole dispu∣tation to be decided only by the authority of the old & new Testament. To all that would come thither they graunted safe conduct. And to the end men might come thither bet∣ter prepared before, they proposed in publique writing ten conclusions in the said disputation to be defended by their Ministers by the Scriptures,* 1.553 which Ministers were Francis∣cus Colbus, and Bertholdus Hallerus. The Theames or Con∣clusions were these.

• 1. That the true Church, whereof Christ is the head, ri∣seth out of Gods Word, and persisteth in the same, and hea∣reth not the voyce of any other.
• 2. That the same Church maketh no lawes without Gods Word.
• 3. That traditions ordained in the name of the Church doe not binde, but so farre forth as they be consonant to Gods Word.
• 4. That Christ onely hath made satisfaction for the sins of the world, and therefore if any man say, there is another way of saluation, or meane to put away sinne, he denieth Christ.
• 5. That the body and blood of Christ cannot be recei∣ued really and corporally by the testimonie of the Scrip∣ture.
• 6. That the vse of the Masse, wherein Christ is presented and offered vp to his heauenly Father for the quicke and the dead, is against the Scripture, and contumelious to the Sa∣crifice which Christ made for vs.
• 7. That Christ onely is to be invocated as the Mediatour and Advocate of Mankinde to God ••he Father.
• 8. That there is no place to be found ••y the holy Scrip∣ture, wherein soules are purged after this life, and therefore all those prayers and ceremonies, yeerely dirges, and obiles, which are bestowed on the dead, also Lampes, Tapers, and such other things profit nothing at all.
• ...

• 9. That to set vp any Picture or Image to be worshipped, is repugnant to the holy Scripture, and therefore if any such be erected vp in Churches to that intent, the same ought to be taken downe.
• 10. That Matrimony is prohibited to no estate or order of men, but for eschewing of fornication, generally is per∣mitted to all men by the word of God. And forasmuch as all fornicators are excluded by the testimony of Scripture from the communion of the Church; therefore this vn∣chast and filthy single life of Priests, is most of all inconue∣nient for the order of Priesthood.

At this disputation were present Oecolampadius, Bucerus, Capito, Blanreus, with many other moe, all which defended the affirmatiue of the conclusions propounded. On the con∣trary part of the opponents, the chiefest Captaine was Con∣radus Trogedus, a Fryer Augustine, who to proue his asserti∣on, when he was driuen to shift out of the Scripture to seeke helpe of other Doctors: and the Moderators of the disputa∣tion would not permit the same (being contrary to the or∣der before appointed) he departed out of the place, and would dispute no more. The disputation indured nineteene dayes,* 1.554 in the end whereof it was agreed, that the conclusi∣ons there disputed, were consonant to the truth of Gods Word, and should be ratified not onely in the Cittie of Berne, but also proclaimed by the Magistrates in sundrie o∣ther Citties neere adioyning. Furthermore, that Masses, Altars, Images, in all places should be abolished. The day and yeare when this reformation with them beganne from Popery to true Christianitie, they caused in a pillar to be engrauen in Golden letters, for a perpetuall memorie to all posteritie to come. This was Anno 1528. The rumour of this disputation and alteration of Berne was noysed in o∣ther Citties and places abroad; and others were encouraged by this occasion, to take the like order within their bounds, and namely the Townes of Strousbrough, and Basile, and Geneua. All this time by the providence of God, the Em∣perour and the King of France were together occupied in

Warres and strife, which hapned very commodiously for the successe of the Gospell: for otherwise it is to be thought that the Helvetians and other Germanes should not haue had that leisure and rest to reforme Religion, and to linke themselues in league as they did: albeit, Ferdinandus the Emperours brother and Deputie in Germanie omitted no time nor diligence to doe what he could in resisting the pro∣ceedings of the Protestants: as appeared both by the decrees set forth at Ratisbone and Speirs, as hath beene declared.

The rest of the Pages of the Helvetians which were of a contrary profession, hearing of the end of this disputation at Berne (and namely because they had not regarded their ad∣monition, disswading them to proceed in their intended purpose of disputation and reformation of Religion) confe∣derated themselues in league with Ferdinandus,* 1.555 to suppresse the Religion of Christ in Berne and Zurik. The names of which Pages especially were fiue, to wit, Lucernates, Vrani, Suitenses, Vnternaldij, and Tugiani, who for hatred and de∣spite, hanged vp the armes of the foresaid Cities vpon a Gal∣lowes; beside many other iniuries and grieuances which they wrought against them. For the which cause the said Cities of Berne and Zurik raised their power, intending to set vpon the foresaid Switzers, as vpon their capitall enemies. But as they were in the field readie to encounter one Armie against the other, through the meanes of the Citie of Strous∣brough and other intercessours, they were parted for that time, and so returned.

* 1.556After this, the old wound waxing raw againe beganne to burst out, and the Tigurines and Bernates by reason of cer∣taine new iniuries, and contumelious words spoken against them, began to stoppe the passages and straits, whereby no corne not victuall should be conveyed to the fiue Pages a∣foresaid. This second debate also was composed by meanes of the King of France, and certaine Townes of Switzerland, as namely the Glareans, Friburgians, Soloturnians, and some other laboured to set them at agreement vpon certaine conditions, which not being kept, and the fiue Pages not

obseruing the couenant, the warre brake vp of new againe amongst them. And the Tigurines and Bernates begunne againe to stoppe the passages, so that for lacke of victuall the fiue Pages were pinched with penurie. Who notwithstan∣ding arming themselues secretly, set forward in warre-like aray towardes the borders of Zurike, whereas then was ly∣ing a Garrison of Zurike men, to the number of a thousand and aboue. Whereupon word was sent incontinent to the Cittie of Zurike for ayde to their men. But their enemies approached so fast, that they of Zurike could hardly come to rescue them; fot when they were come to the top of the hill, whereby they must needs passe, they did see their fel∣lowes at the foote of the hill in great distresse. Whereupon they encouraging themselues, made downe the hill with more hast then order, striuing who should goe fastest, by reason whereof they were discomfited and ouer-matched by their enemies. Amongst the number of them that were slaine,* 1.557 was also Vlricus Zuinglius the blessed seruant of God, whose bodie after his death they most vildly abused by cut∣ting it in pieces, consuming it with fire, and practising a∣gainst it, all despite that malice and hatred could deuise. The Bernates were willing to come and reuenge their quarrell, but before they came, their enemies set vpon them the se∣cond time, and had the vpper hand, yet would they of Zurik nothing relent in Religion.

At the last through mediation, a Peace was concluded, and thus the matter agreed, that the Tigurines, Bernates, and Basilians, should forsake the league which they lately made with the Citie of Strousbrough, and the Landgraue. Likewise, should the fiue Page men giue ouer the league and composition made with Ferdinan••us;* 1.558 and hereof Obli∣gations were made and sealed for the greater suretie and bet∣ter keeping of the promises.

In this Emperours time, amongst other places, great alte∣ration of Religion fell out in the Countrey of England vp∣on this occasion. Henry the 7. King of England, had two sonnes, Arthur and Henry; Prince Arthur his eldest sonne

married Katherine, daughter to Ferdinand King of Spaine, but he soone after his marriage died without children. King Henry with advise of his Nobles to the end her dowrie might remaine within the Realme, thought meete to e∣spouse Lady Katherine to Prince Henry, brother to King Arthur. This marriage seemed very strange and hard for one brother to marry the wife of another; but yet by dispen∣sation of Pope Iulian the second, this marriage, which nei∣ther sense of nature would admit, nor Gods law suffer, was concluded, approued, and ratified, and so continued as lawfull without any scruple or doubt the space of twentie yeares, till that a certaine doubt began to be moued by the Spaniards themselues of the Emperours Councell. Anno 1523. At which time Charles the Emperour being in Eng∣land, promised to marry Lady Mary daughter to King Hen∣ry the eyght, King of England, with the which promise the Spanyardes were not well contented; Obiecting, that the Ladie Mary was begotten of the King of England by his brothers wife. Whereupon, the Emperour forsaking the marriage, did couple himselfe with Ladie Isabell, daughter to King Emmanuel of Portugall, which marriage was done in the yeere of our Lord 1526. The King vpon this occasion casting many things in his minde, beganne to consider the matter more deeply, and finding that neither his conscience could be cleered in keeping his brothers wife, nor yet the estate of the Realme firme by the succession of a daughter begotten in such a marriage; he proposed the question to the chiefe Vniversities of all Christendome, whose censures all agreed in one, that the marriage was vnlawful. Yet would not the King proceed to the divorcement without the Popes consent. Who sent Campeius his Ambassadour with concurrance of the Cardinall of Yorke to be iudges in that cause. The Cardinall of Yorke, called Wolsey, at the first was verily bent to haue the divorcemēt set forward, but afterward finding that the Kings affection was bent towardes Ladie Anne Bulloigne, to take her in marriage, he changed his pur∣pose, & sent advertisment to Pope Clement, that in case King

Henry the eight were divorced from Ladie Katherine, then should another infected with Luthers doctrine succeede in her place, to the great hurt of the Church of Rome. For this cause the Pope calleth backe his Ambassadour Campe∣ius, before the Kings cause was decided. Neuerthelesse, the King proceeded in his purpose, and was divorced from La∣die Katherine by meanes of D^r Cranmer.* 1.559 This was the ground of that great hatred that fell out betweene the Pope and King Henry; for on the one part, the Pope cursed King Henry, and the Realme of England for the divorcement. The King on the other part abolished in his Realme the Bishop of Romes vnlawfull tyrannie, with commandement, that he should be called no more Pope in his Country, but onely Bishop of Rome, and that the King should be taken and re∣puted as supreame head of the Church of England, & haue full authoritie to reforme and redresse errours, heresies, and abuses in the same.

Now to returne againe to Germanie. The Emperour was so busied with Warres all this time, that he had no leisure to tarry in Germanie, and although many assemblies were ga∣thered to suppresse the doctrine of Luther, he was onely present at two, to wit, at the first kept at Wormes, & the last kept at Auspurg. For this cause it seemed good to the Em∣perour, to declare his brother Ferdinand to be King of the Romanes, and apparent successor to the Empire, to the end he might with greater authoritie gouerne the affaires of the Empire in his absence. He sent also letters to the Protestants, commanding them to acknowledge him King. Wherefore the Ambassadours of the Protestant Cities being gathered at Franckford, concluded with the Princes, that for their part they would not for this resist the Emperour, & for denying a title and a name only to his brother, to make him more ea∣ger against their Religion. But the Duke of Saxonie, & other Princes, not agreeing thereto, writ to the Emperour, that be∣cause it was done against the manner and liberty of the Em∣pire,* 1.560 they could not allow it. This seemeth to be the first ground of the warres that after followed. For Ferdinand King

of the Romanes expelled Vlrich of Wirtenberge from his Lordship, and when no redresse could be had at the Empe∣rours hands, the Landgraue of Hesse with his cousin Vlrich, gathered an Armie; at Lawferme by Wirtenberg ouercame their enemies, and put them to flight; recouered the townes of Asperge, Wrath, Tubinge, and Niphe, and tooke prisoner Philip, Prince Palatine and chiefe Captaine of Ferdinands ar∣mie.

Shortly after, agreement was made on these conditions, that Vlrich should haue againe his Lordship of Wirtenberg,* 1.561 but so that he should hold it by the benefit of Ferdinand, and the house of Austrich; that if issue male did saile in the house of Wirtenberge, that Lordship should returne to the heire of the Emperours house of Austrich: that the Landgraue and Vlrich should come to Ferdinand, and submit themselues to him. The Emperour foreseeing that this diversitie of Reli∣gion that was in Germanie, would in the end burst forth into some bitter fruit, and great inconuenience, aduised with himselfe by what means reconciliation might be made, and all controversie might cease: and in the end appointed a Councell at Wormes, and communication of Religion, and for this cause sent Granuellanus thither. But the matter was so long delayed by the fautors of the Sea of Rome, vn∣till Letters came from the Emperour againe to deferre the whole matter to the Councell of Ratisbone. To which came all the Princes of the Empire, except the Duke of Saxonie, who came not himselfe,* 1.562 but sent thither a noble ambassage, together with Melanchthon, and other Preachers. Vnto the same Councell also came from the Pope Caspar Conterane, a Cardinall. In this disputation, Fredericke the Palsgraue, and Granuellane were appointed moderators: Melanchthon, Bucer, and Pistorius, Disputers for the Protestants. Pflugius, Eccius, & Gropper for the Papists. Vnto these six was offered a booke conteining the definition of most Articles in Controversie, which they were willed to ouer-looke, and either to allow or disallow those things that they could agree vpon. This booke was deliuered againe after a time to the Emperour; in

many points they could not agree, in some they did. The Protestants deliuered together with the booke, their opini∣on concerning those controversies, and their arguments to proue the same. The Emperour deliuered the same to the Princes to be examined: but they being most part Popish, referred the whole matter to the Popes Ambassadour, who exhorting the Bishops to honestie of life, and suppressing of Luthers doctrine, thought good it should be deferred to a generall Councell. This convention which began in Aprill Anno 1541. was dissolued in the end of Iulie; after that the Emperour had decreed, that the communication begun, and whole controversie of Religion,* 1.563 should be deferred to a ge∣nerall or Provinciall Councell of Germanie: That the Pro∣testants should teach no other points of Religion, then such as were agreed vpon: That Bishops should see amendment of life in their Diocesse: That there should be a Provinciall Councell within a yeare and an halfe, if they could not ob∣taine a generall Councell of the Pope: That the Churches of Monasteries should not be pulled downe, but reformed: that the Church-goods should not be inverted: that the decree of Ausbrough, and all Proscriptions of the Protestants should be suspended: all those conventions of estates, dis∣putations, promises of generall or provinciall Councels to be kept in Germanie, could not reconcile diuerse Religions, but at length lurking hatred behoued to breake out into o∣pen hostilitie.

The first occasion whereof was offered by Henry,* 1.564 Prince of Brunswick, who by often invasion of Cities, confederated with the Protestants in Germany, moued the Duke of Saxo∣nie and the Landgraue, to make warre against him in name & quarrell of all the Protestants, confederated by the league of Smalcaldy. In this warre they subdued all his dominions, and compelled him with his eldest sonne Charles to flie for their safetie into Bavarie. Henry to recouer his dominions againe, first pursued the Protestants in the Chamber-court of the Empire, but the Protestants appealed and refused the iudgement thereof.

Next he made his complaint to Ferdinand, the Emperours brother; and last went into Italie to the Emperour, & there at Cremona grieuously accused the Protestants, to whom the Emperour sent an hard message, that if the Prince of Bruns∣wick were not restored, he would take such order, whereby he should be restored whether they would or no. Notwith∣standing all this, the Emperour at his returning into Ger∣manie, after he had heard the declaration of the Protestants against the Duke of Brunswick, albeit, the Emperour was loath to giue out any grieuous sentence against him, yet at length he determined that all the Dukes lands should re∣maine as sequestred in his hands, vntill that matter were en∣ded.

* 1.565All this while the Emperour was busied in warres against the King of France; ••ut in the end a peace was concluded be∣tweene them vpon certaine conditions. Amongst others this was one, that they should both ioyne in the restitution of the Romish Religion. The effects of this vnhappie agreement were soone felt, both in France and Germanie; for in France Minerius governour of Provance, by the Kings commande∣ment went with an Armie against the Waldenses that dwelt in Merindol, Cabreire, and certaine other Townes of Pro∣vance. The poore men of Merindol, fearing his comming, fled into the Woods and Mountaines with their wiues and children; he in the meane time spoyled and burned the townes being left voyde:* 1.566 and in Merindol finding but one young man, bound him to an Oliue tree, and shot him thorow with guns. At Cabreire the Citie was yeelded vnto him, vpon promise that they should sustaine no harme, but he kept no promise, but shewed great crueltie, killing them euery one: some in the Churches, some in other places, and burned 40 women that were in a Barne full of straw. There were slaine, partly in that towne, partly abroad, aboue 800. beside other places. They which fled vnto the mountaines & woods, partly were famished, partly otherwise slaine, partly sent to the Gallowes. 25 persons that fled into a caue by the towne of Mussie, were smoothered to death with smoke.

Certaine of the Heluetians, sued vnto the king of France to fa••our the Waldenses, but no entreatie would serue: al∣wayes this tyrane Minerius escaped not the iust iudgement of God,* 1.567 for God striked him with a terrible disease, and hee felt like vnto a fire burning him from the navell vpward, and the lower parts were rotten and consumed a∣way with vermine, with an extreame stinke, and profusion of blood in place of his vrine, and so with great torments hee ended his wretched life.

In Germanie like as it was harder to oppresse so great a number as had alreadie embraced the Gospell, so likewise the Emperour was compelled to doe his turne by craft, ra∣ther then by force, for he sent letters to diuers cities of the Protestants as to Argentine,* 1.568 Noriberg, Ausbrough, Vlmes, indeuouring to perswade them, that he entended not warre against them, but against certaine other traytours and re∣bells, against whom hee doubted not but they would as∣sist him. In like manner also he writ to the Prince of Witten∣berg. Also when Palsgraue of Rhene writ to the Emperour to know against whom he prepared his war, he receiued the same answere that before was written to the cities with mani∣fest signification that it was against certaine Princes of the Protestants, not so much for religion as for other things: and finallie the Heluetians who had receiued the Gospell, Tigure, Berne and Basile were circumuented with the like po∣licie: for the Emperour had perswaded ••hem that he would not medle with religion: by this meanes hee had not onely diuers places quiet, but also vsed the helpe of many Princes and cities which fauoured the religion against the Duke of Saxonie and Lantgraue of Hesse. This war begun in the selfe same yeere wherein the Councell of Trent was gathered, to with. 1546. & the league between the Emp. & the Pope against the Protestants was openly pronounced at Trident. The Pope also laied in the Venetians hands for this war 200000. Crownes, and moreouer for the space of halfe a yeere did finde 10000. Italian foote, and 500. light horsemen.

Thus was their great preparation and deepe policie

vsed to suppresse two noble Princes whom they knew to be chiefe defenders of the reformed religion.

The Emperour being at Ratisbone and looking for his companies of Italians and Spaniards,* 1.569 in the meane time by Proclamation proscribeth out-lawes, the Duke of Saxonie and the Lantgraue, alleadging these causes. That they had made warre against certaine Princes of the Empire. That they had spoyled them, and oppressed certaine Bishops. That they refused and subverted the iudgement of the chamber-court, and entered league against him, making no mention of religion. Shortly after hee sent a copie of this proscription vnto Maurice and August Princes of Saxonie, and commaunded them as being next of their kin∣red to enter vpon the goods & lands that appertained vn∣to them, threatning grieuous punishments except they so did. The Protestants hauing a copie of the proscription,* 1.570 answer∣ed vnto the same at large. And first whereas the Emperour pretended the fauour of religion and commonwealth, they declared by many arguments that it was dissembled & false. And as touching the causes of their proscription expressed they answered to euerie part, and cleered themselues prote∣sting that they did not make warre vpon the Emperour, but repell that iniurie which he offered them.

* 1.571The Bohemians incited by their king Ferdinand first in∣vaded the lands of the D. of Saxonie lying next vnto them: Maurice Prince of Saxonie sent advertisement to the Duke, that seeing he was heire to the Dukedome hee would take such order, as his heritage should not come into other mens hands, and immediatly by the helpe of Ferdinands armie subdued all the Dukes lands, except Viteberge, Isimake, and Goth: & perceiuing himselfe to be in hatred and displeasure with many for so doing,* 1.572 set forth a Proclamation to excuse himselfe, saying that hee could not lawfully re∣sist the Emperour, seeing that he had assured him that hee would neither opresse religion, nor yet hurt the libertie of Germanie.

The Duke of Saxonie willing to recouer againe his

owne lands assaulted Lipsia,* 1.573 and departing from thence, did not onely recouer all that he had lost in Turinge and Misne but also wanne from Maurice all his cities except Lipsia and Dresta. Maurice and August on the other part ioyning with the armie of Ferdinand, were all minded to ioyne also with the Emperours armie, and so with all their forces to invade Saxonie. The nobilitie in the Countrey thinking it was dangerous to their libertie to bring so many Spaniarde and Italians into their Countrie, sent word to Maurice and August that they would depart with their bands of Ita∣lians and Spainiards, otherwise such order and remedie should be found as the time and matter required. In this meane time many of the Princes of the Protestants & townes (with whom the Emperour was displeased, because of the aide they had sent to the Duke of Saxonie and Lantgraue) reconciled themselues to the Emperour and obtained their pardon after they had payed great summes of money. Of this number was Palsgraue of the Rhene Elector, and the Prince of Witemberg. Also earnest request was made to the Emp. for the Lantgraues pardon by the Marques of Brādenburg. But the conditions were so grieuous, that the Lantgraue would rather venture the extremitie, then submit himselfe. The Emperour came forward to Misne by the riuer Albis, not farre from the Duke of Saxonie Campe. Wherefore the Duke made speed to Witemberg and burnt the bridge that the Emperour should haue no readie passage to pursue him, but the Emperour getting knowledge of a shallow ford in the riuer quicklie followed the Duke, and by the wood of Lothans ouertooke him,* 1.574 & ioyning battell discomfited him and tooke him prisoner, and although the Duke was con∣demned to die, yet by the entreatie of the Marques of Bran∣denburg his life was granted him with most grieuous condi∣tions, amongst which this was one, that hee should submit himselfe to the old religion, but he chosed rather to die then so to doe. Wherefore the Marques of Brandenburg obtained also that condition to be remitted: but al his lands and goods were giuen to Maurice, except a pension of 50000. crownes

which the same Maurice paied him yeerely. Immediately herevpon Witemberg yeelded to the Emp. as also diuers o∣ther Princes and Cities did the like. The Lantgraue was con∣tent to yeeld al that he had to the Emp. pleasure so that hee might not be kept prisoner, which condition the Marques of Brandenburg & Maurice the new Duke of Saxonie, that had married his daughter, vndertooke to obtaine, and for the per∣formance of the same bound thēselues to him in great bonds But when he came to the Emp. hee was commaunded to re∣maine as prisoner:* 1.575 then he began to complaine grieuously say∣ing that the Emperour kept not promise. And the next day the Marques of Brandenburg & Maurice went to the Emp. and intreated for the Lantgraue, but all would not serue: for the Emperour answered that he brake no promise, although he kept him 14. yeeres in prison. For his meaning was onely to pardon him perpetuall emprisonment. This matter after∣ward turned the Emp. to great trouble. In the meane time hauing the principall chiefe Princes of the Protestants in Captiuitie, the Emp. thought meete to gather a conuention of the estates at Ausbrough to finish that matter which hee had intended long before.* 1.576 All the Electors with other Prin∣ces were gathered together in great number, but about the citie and in diuers places of the countrie, neere thereto was companies of Spaniards and Italians, and other soul∣diers to the terrour of them that were present. The Prin∣cipall matter purposed was concerning the Councell of Trident.

The Emperour required of the Princes, priuatlie of the Palsgraue & Maurice Duke of Saxonie, whether they would submit themselues to the Councell of Trident or no. At the first they refused it, but afterward fearing the Emp. displea∣sure they were cōtented to permit the matter to his will. The free cities also being demaunded if they would adde any thing to the answere of the Princes, answered it was not their part so to doe, and offered a writing to the Emperour, on what condition they would admit the Councell.

The Emperour as though they had fullie consented sent

to the Cardinall of Trident and the Pope desiring that the Councell which was remoued from Trident to Bononia, might bee againe revoked to Trident which was nee∣rer to Germanie, vpon hope that the Germanes would come and submit themselues to the Councell. But for∣asmuch as the Pope and Bishops assembled at Bononie, would not returne backe againe to Trident, but vpon such conditions as liked themselues best: the Emperour pro∣tested by his Ambassadours that all such things that they should decree there to be vnlawfull and of no force, and that he himselfe would vndertake the care of the cōmon-wealth of Christendome which the Bishops neglected. Thus the Emperour perceiuing that there was no hope of a generall councell in Germanie consulted with the Princes about the agreement of Religion, and appointed Iulius Pflugins Bi∣shop of Numburg, Michael Sidon and Iohn Islebie to draw out a booke for reformation of Religion,* 1.577 which they called In∣terim. This was the ground of a new trouble, for the Emperour strictly commaunded that the Princes would receiue and admit the manner of Religion set forth in the booke called Interim. The Duke of Saxonie that was kept prisoner, being earnestlie required to subscribe would not in any wise, and for that cause after was vsed more strictly, insomuch that his Preacher who was hitherto permitted, fled for feare of danger.

The Lantgraue hoping to obtaine fauour, and libertie receiued the Emperours booke, and submitted himselfe to it, but all would not helpe him. The Marques of Bran∣denburge not onely receiued it himselfe, but also sent for Martin Bucer, whom partly with entreatie, partly with thret∣nings he commaunded to subscribe the Emperours booke, but he constantlie refused, and with great danger of his life returned to Argentine.

Wolfangus Musculus Preacher at Ausbrough perceiuing the counsell of the towne not to stand constantly in defence of Religion, went to Berne in Switzerland. Brentius was compelled to flie from Hala a towne of Sueue and was

receiued of Vlrick Duke of Wirtemberg. Andreas Osiander, Erasmus Sarcerius, Erardus Schueffins, and other Preachers of the Dukedome of Wirtemberg, fled because they would not allow the Emperours booke. Martin Bucer and Paulus Fagius left Germanie and went to England, Ambrose Blaurer left the towne of Constance.

Mauricius Duke of Saxonie returning home from Ausbrough, Proclaimed the Emperours decree concerning Religion. Vpon that occasion the diuines and Preachers, of the vniuersities of Lipsia and Witenberg, diuers times assembled themselues, and at length concluded vpon these things (that they called indifferent) to receiue them as the Emperour had prescribed. This thing was by other Prea∣chers in Germanie sore impugned, saying that by the inter∣pretation of their indifferencie they had opened a way to the whole doctrine, and superstition of the Church of Rome taking those things for indifferent in which was manifest errour.

* 1.578The tyrannie of this booke indured not long, for it was hated of all men, the Pope himselfe added his corrections vnto it: for albeit it established all the grounds of the roman Religion, yet because it tolerated the marriage of Priests and the vse of the Sacrament vnder both kindes, and tooke not so sharpe order for restoring of the Church goodes as hee could haue wished, for those causes and others such like the Pope would not giue his allowance to this booke without some corrections. This booke also was impugned both by Protestants and Papists. Of the Protestants Caspar Aquila a preacher in Turingia impugned it as a booke replenished with false doctrine, and on the other side Robertus Abrin∣censis Episcopus impugned it for giuing libertie to Priests to marrie, and permitting the people to haue the Sacrament vnder both formes. While this great stirre and trouble was in Germanie, in England by the authoritie of a Parlia∣ment the vse of the Masse was altogether forbidden,* 1.579 and a booke made of an vniforme order of common prayers, and administration of the Sacraments in the English tongue.

Edmond Boner Bishop of London,* 1.580 and Stephen Gardiner Bi∣shop of Winchester, for obstinate defending of the Roman doctrine were depriued of their Bishoprickes, and cast in prison, where they continued all the time of king Edwards raigne.

But to returne againe to the troubles of Germanie, of all the Cities of the Protestants, there was none that more con∣stantly beared out the Emperours indignation as the Citie of Magdeburg.* 1.581 For neither would they acknowledge the councell of Trident, neither yet the Emperours booke of Interim, but fortified their towne against Maurice Duke of Saxonie, whom the Emperour made Captaine in that warre, vntill at last an agreement was made vpon easie con∣ditions. When Maurice with his garrison entered into their Citie, hee grieuously blamed their Preachers, that both in their bookes and pictures they had done much to his re∣proach, but yet he exhorted them to pray for the good suc∣cesse of the Emperour, and the generall councell of Trident. To whom they answered that they could not pray any o∣therwise for that Councell that was assembled to oppresse the truth, but that God would soone disturbe it, and breake it vp.

The end of the warre against the Citie of Magdeburg was the beginning of great warre,* 1.582 and dangerous trouble against the Emperour. For Maurice Duke of Saxonie per∣ceiuing the Emp. would not stand to his promise, consul∣teth with forraine Princes how hee might by force deliuer his wifes father, the Lantgraue, and when hee found that all things were in readinesse, hee begun to muster his soul∣diers, & shortly after set forth a Proclamation to the states of the Empire, in the which first hee lamenteth the discord of Religion, secondly he rehearseth grieuouslie the imprison∣ment of the Lantgraue his wifes father, signifying that hee was so kept against all truth and honour, to the report of all Germanie. Lastly he bewaileth the pittifull estate of all Germanie, and oppression of their libertie, protesting that the cause of this warre was to restore the old dignitie and freedome.

Albert Marques of Brandenburge, maketh also his Pro∣clamation, and after a long rehearsall of the miseries of Germanie, referreth the cause of all to the Churchmen, and therefore signifieth this warre to bee chiefely against them. William the Lantgraues sonne ioyned his power with Duke Maurice at Shuinforde. The king of Fraunce also ioyned in this warre and led an armie vnto Germanie. As they went forward, they caused the Cities to submit themselues, commaunded them to pay great summes of mo∣ney, and displaced such as the Emperour had set in authori∣tie, and restored their old Senatours, willing them to vse their priuiledges, and liberties that the Emperour before had forbidden.

The report of this warre and the good successe of Mau∣rice, namely after the citie of Ausbrough was by him taken, made the councell of Trident to breake vp and dissolue. The Emperour, on the other part set at libertie Fredericke the olde Duke of Saxonie, as it were to signifie to Maurice that hee should claime againe the Dukedome of Saxonie, and Electorship that he enioyed, and thereby to put him in more feare. Albert Marques of Brandenburge, in this warre shewed great extremitie to diuers cities, and noble personages, against the mind of Maurice and the other con∣federates.

The King of Fraunce led forward his armie to Straws∣burge, and hearing that communication of peace was be∣twixt Maurice and the Emperour, and that they were in good hope to haue their Princes deliuered, hee to gratifie them was content to returne to Fraunce, but was much displeased that Duke Maurice would enter in communica∣tion of peace without his knowledge. In the end agree∣ment passed betweene the Emperour and Duke Maurice vpon these conditions.* 1.583 That the Lantgraue should be set at libertie. That their Religion should be quiet, vntill a cer∣taine order were taken for the same in the next assemblie of of the Empire. That Maurice and the Princes confe∣derats should suffer their souldiers to serue king Ferdinand

in Hungarie. That the Protestants should bee admitted Iudges in the Chamber-court, with diuerse such other like conditions.

The end of this warre was also the beginning of ano∣ther cruell warre betwixt Duke Maurice and the Marquis of Brandenburg,* 1.584 which fell out vpon this occasion. The Marquis being reconciled to the Emperour and in great fa∣vour with him, did many iniuries in Germany, not onely to the Bishops (whom hee ever deadly hated) but also to diverse Princes and Cities, yea and that vnder the name of religion. Duke Maurice with certaine other went against him, and met at the river of Visurg, where Albert was over∣come. But Duke Maurice was so stricken with a gun, that hee died within two dayes after.* 1.585 Before this, in Germanie were seene drops of blood vpon the trees, and certaine other strange sights.

In England about this time, fell out a great alteration in religion, through the death of King Edward, of whom the world was not worthy: Lady Mary his sister succeeding to the kingdome. Shee ioyned her selfe in mariage with Philip sonne to Charles the Emperour, and restored not onely the Popes supremacie, dissallowed by her father King Henrie the eight: but also the masse, and all superstitions of the Romane Church, abrogated in the dayes of King Edward her brother.* 1.586 Also shee caused the Realme of England in the high Court of Parliament, to confesse their defection from the Catholike Church, and to craue absolution, ha∣ving there in readinesse Cardinall Poole, the Popes Ambas∣sadour to absolue them.

What excessiue cruelty was vsed in her time,* 1.587 no tongue can expresse. The very name of Diocl••sian begunne to bee lesse abhorred, when the name of Queene Mary came forth. Her cruelty beginning at Iohn Hooper Bishop of Glo∣cester, Iohn Bradford, Laurence Saunders, Rowland Taylor, Iohn Rogers, Preachers: proceeded shortly after to Ferrar Bishop of Saint Davids, whose constant death amazed the people, and confirmed their mindes in the true doctrine

that they had learned of him. This persecution raged in all parts of the Land, but specially in Kent, Essex, and Norh∣folke. Some of those parts were chiefe maintainers of her authoritie, and against the mind of the Nobilitie and Coun∣cell, set forward her right to the Kingdome, but this re∣ward they receiued in the end at her hands.* 1.588 The cruell mar∣tyrdome of Cranmer Bishop of Canterbury, Ridley Bishop of London, Latymer Bishop of Worcester, Doctor Phil∣pot, and many others, with the raising vp of the bones of the men of God, Bucer and Fagius, out of their graues, and the cruelty intended against her owne sister Lady Elizabeth: all these things being so well and amply discoursed in the Booke of Martyrs,* 1.589 the godly Reader is to be remitted to the reading of the sayd booke.

Now to conclude this Historie of Charles, something is to be noted of his warres with the Turkes. In his time So∣lyman the great Turke conquered the citie of Belgrade,* 1.590 the most sure and strong garrison of the Christians, and vexed the countrey of Hungarie. He besieged the Isle of Rhodes and tooke it, to the great shame and rebuke of Christian men. who provided not support for the Rhodians, that re∣sisted the common enemy so long and so couragiously. Af∣ter this Solyman slew Lewis King of Hungarie, and Paulus Bishop of Collen, who more rashly then wisely, with a small power of foure and twenty thousand men, encountered the great Turke leading an army of 200000. souldiers. Also hee besieged Vienna, but was mightily resisted and repulsed with losse of a great number of his army: all this was done before the Emperour Charles began to stirre himselfe a∣gainst the Turke: but when the matters of religion in Ger∣manie were put to some point in the Councell of Ratisbon, the Emperour raised an army of eighty thousand footmen, and thirty thousand horsemen: and compelled the Turke to raise his siege from the towne of Gunza, and with speed to retyre backe to Constantinople.* 1.591

After this Charles sayled with an army vnto Africa, and restored the King of Tunis to his kingdome againe, whom

Barbarossa Admirall of the Turkes Navie in Africke had dispossessed and deprived of his kingdome. In this same voyage he delivered 20000. captiues out of servitude. Not∣withstanding Solyman with vnsatiable ambition pnft vp to conquer all Europe, was ever subduing townes and Isles, as Corcyra, Zacynthus, Cythara, Naxus, with diverse o∣thers, also the towne of Newcastle in Dalmatia,* 1.592 and Buda in Hungarie, which hee obtained by meanes of Frier Cog∣dridge Tutor to Stephen, sonne to Iohn, Vaivod of Transilva∣nia, and meanes of the relict widow of the sayd Vaivod. These two sent for aide to the Turke against Ferdinand, and the Turke not neglecting so good an occasion, came to Hungarie, discharged the Hoast of Ferdinand that was be∣sieging Buda, and got the citie into his owne hands. Which done, hee prevailed mightily in Hungarie, and tooke the towne called Quinque ecclesiae, and Strigonium, Alba re∣galis, and Vizigradum: and it was an easie matter for him to haue conquered all Hungarie, in respect the Emperour Charles was so busie in warres with the King of France, that the common enemy of all Christian people had leave to rage at his owne pleasure, and had it not beene the graci∣ous providence of God, pitying the misery of Christian people, who stirred vp the Persian Sophie against Solyman, and droue him backe out of Europe for a time, and like∣wise the murther of his owne sonne Mustapha, which stir∣red vp a peece of a Tragedie in his owne house, the Chri∣stian people had no doubt beene brought to greater extre∣mities in Solymans dayes. The vnprosperous voyage of the Emperour to Argier, I passe by, and many conventions of Estates in Germanie, kept for quieting of religion and pre∣paration for warre against the Turkes. In the end the Em∣perour finding himselfe troubled with sicknesse, resigned the gouernment of the Low Countries into the hands of King Philip his sonne, and surrendred the Imperiall crowne vnto the Electors of Germany, & sayled vnto Spaine, where hee entered into an house of religion,* 1.593 and gaue himselfe to meditation and prayer, and there concluded his life.

Ferdinandus.

AFter that Charles the fift had surrendered the Imperi∣all crowne into the hands of the Electors of Germany, they assembled at Frankford, and there elected Ferdinand King of Bohemia, and brother to the forenamed Charles the fift to bee Emperour, who raigned seven yeeres. The ancient manner was that he should be crowned in the fore∣noone at masse: but because diverse of the Electors would not in any wise come to masse, the coronation was solem∣nized in the afternoone, and the masse with other like cere∣monies omitted.

To this King before hee was elected Emperour, his No∣bles in the countrey of Bohemia made earnest supplication that they might bee permitted to vse the Sacrament in both kindes, according to Christs institution: but he strict∣ly commanded them they attempted no alteration in religi∣on.* 1.594 Neverthelesse, the Nobility continuing constant in the purpose of their mindes, at last after many earnest suits ob∣tained their desire.

In France about this time the persecution of the Prote∣stants waxed hot, and King Henry the second was sore grie∣ved, that the Parliament of Paris it selfe, could not be kept free of this new doctrine as hee called it. Wherefore hee caused Annas Burgeus, an honourable and wise Counsel∣lor to be taken, to whom hee spoke in great wrath, that hee would stand by and see his body burnt for that new religi∣on which hee favoured. But hee was wonderfully cut off before hee could get his heart satisfied with that pitifull spectacle of the burning of a noble Counsellor. For God so disposed the matter, that the King cloathed all in armour put a speare in one of his subiects hands, and compelled him against his will to runne at him, at which time the said speare broke, and a small splinter of it entring at the Kings

eye,* 1.595 pierced into his braine, whereby hee died. Yet by his death was not the foresaid persecution relented, but rather vehemently augmented for Francis the second, succeeding to his father Henry in the the kingdome, married Mary Queene of Scots, who was descended of the linage and stocke of the house of Guise. By this meanes the Guisians were in great credit and authority with the King, and pre∣sumed to high things, not onely to suppresse the Gospell vtterly in France, but also in Scotland. For at this time a great part of the Nobility and people of Scotland had sha∣ken off the yoke of the Romane Bishop, they had throwne downe Altars and Images, and had forsaken all the super∣stitious ceremonies of the Romane Church.

The Guisians purposing to supresse the Scotish Nobility, sent out of France into Scotland an army of 4000 men, vn∣der the conduct of Monsieur La Broch. This army assi∣sted the Queene regent to reduce backe againe the king∣dome of Scotland to the Romish religion: But the Scottish Nobility obtayned helpe of the Queene of Eng∣land, and brought the Frenchmen to such extremity, that they were compelled to accept conditions of peace, and to retyre backe againe to France. So this first high attempt of the Guisians against the reformed religion in Scotland, was by the providence of God disappointed.

In France the King with advice of the Guisians had ap∣pointed a nationall Councell to bee kept in Orleance,* 1.596 for the quieting the tumults which were like to ensue for religi∣on in France: but all was done in hypocrisie and with de∣ceitfull mindes as evidently appeared: so soone as the King of Navarre and Prince of Condie came to Orleance, and had saluted the King,* 1.597 the Captaine of the Kings guard layd hands on the Prince of Condie, and the King was in∣formed that the Prince of Condie had conspired against his honour and life. Thus by the craft and deceitfull prac∣tises of the Guisians, was the Prince of Condie brought in∣to great danger and hazard of his life, and had assuredly died if the mercy of God had not provided timely reliefe:

But the Lord pitying the estate of his owne poore Church in France,* 1.598 shortned the life of Francis the second, who dyed of a putrefaction of his eares. And thus was the second high attempt of the Guisians against the Gospell marvai∣lously disappoynted by the sudden and vnexpected death of Francis the second. After whose death the innocency of the Prince of Condie, was declared by a decree of the Par∣liament at Paris: and the government of the young King, Charles the ninth, was devolued in the hands of the Queen mother, and the King of Navarre. Those Gouernours with advice of the States of the Realme,* 1.599 thought meet that a free disputation should be appointed at Poyssie a towne in France, neere to Saint Germane, wherein the controversies of religion should bee freely reasoned, in presence of the young King, the Queene mother, the King of Navarre, and other Princes of the royall blood.

This disputation began the ninth of September, anno 1561. For the Protestants part were appointed Theodorus Beza Minister at Geneva, Peter Martyr professor of Divi∣nity in Zuricke, Nicholas Gelasius, Augustinus Marloratus, Iohannes Merlinus, Franciscus Morellus, Iohannes Malo, and Espineus, a man of great learning, who had lately forsaken the Romane Church, and embraced the true reformed religion. On the other part the Cardinall of Loraine, with many o∣ther Cardinalls, Archbishops, and Bishops, to the number of fifty Prelates, besides many other Divines and Doctors were ready to pleade the cause of the Romish Church. In this disputation, after that Theodorus Beza had at length declared the summe of the Protestants faith, and the Car∣dinall of Loraine had answered: In the end the Romane Prelats devised a pretty shift to cut off all further reasoning:* 1.600 for the Cardinall of Loraine produced the opinion of the Germans about the matter of the Sacrament, extracted out of the cōfession of Ausbrugh, & Jemanded of the Protestants whether they would subscribe to it or no, to the end that if they consented to subscribe, they might seem to haue con∣victed themselues of errour in the matter of the Sacrament;

and if they refused to subscribe, then it might bee knowne to the Princes that were present, that the Protestants agreed not amongst themselues.

To this it was answered by Theodorus Beza in the next meeting, that if the confession of Ausbrough should be sub∣scribed, then it was good reason to require a subscription of the whole confession, and not of one line thereof onely: also if they vrged the Protestants to subscribe that confession of Ausbrough, then let themselues first begin to subscribe the same: and when they haue yeelded to the whole con∣fession of Ausbrugh, it will be more easie to finde out any way of agreement in matters of religion. After this the forme of disputation was changed, and a few in number, to wit, fiue onely on either side, were chosen to conferre in quiet and peaceable manner, who beginning at the matter of the Sacrament, seemed all to agree in this forme: that Ie∣sus Christ by the operation of the holy Spirit, offereth and exhibiteth vnto vs the very substance of his body & blood, and wee doe receiue and eate spiritually and by faith that same body which dyed for vs, to the end we may be flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bones, and that we may be quick∣ned by him, and receiue all things that are needfull to our salvation. And because faith leaning to the word of God maketh those things that are received to be present, by this faith indeed we receiue truely and effectually the very natu∣rall body and blood of Iesus Christ, through the power of the holy Spirit. In this respect wee acknowledge the pre∣sence of the body and blood in the Supper. The article of the Sacrament being conceiued in this forme, was presented to both the parties, and many of the Romane Prelates con∣discended to the article aboue specified: but when they had conferred with the Doctors of Sorbon, they all with one consent refused the same: and finding that the com∣muners that were chosen for their part did persevere in their opinion, they cryed out against them, and would giue no further power to them to reason in that cause. Thus the dis∣putation of Poyssie broke vp the 25. of November, without

any agreement of the controversies in religion, but rather leaving in the harts of men a seed of greater contention and cruell wars, which afterward ensued. But before we speak of the warres in France for religion: somewhat is to bee spo∣ken of the cruell persecution that the faithfull suffered in Pi∣emont, in which countrey certaine townes had received the Gospell, and abolished the masse: namely, the townes of Angrona, Lucerne, Perose, Tallaret, with divers others in the convalles of Piemont: all which townes are subiect to the dominion of the Duke of Savoy, who hearing of the reformation that was made in the foresayd bounds of his dominion, sent out his Captaine Triniteus with an army of 500.* 1.601 men, against them, to sack and vtterly destroy them, ex∣cept they would receiue the masse againe, and put away from them their ministers. The towne of Angrona was first assaul∣ted, and the people fled to the mountaines, but being strict∣ly pursued they turned themselues, and with slings & stones defended their liues and put their enemies to the worse, in so much that Triniteus the Dukes Captaine was to deale with them by subtilty and craft,* 1.602 rather then by open force, and therefore promised vnto the Convallenses that if they layd downe their armour, and sent messengers to the Duke to cuane his pardon, and would pay to him the summe of sixteene thousand crownes, then vpon those conditions they should haue peace.

The poore people glad to accept conditions of peace, performed all that was required, but no peace could be ob∣tained of the Duke, except they would put away their Mi∣nisters, and receiue the masse againe. Therefore being spoi∣led both of money and armour, by the craft of their ene∣mies, and a new army also sent against them, they were compelled in time of winter to flie with their wiues and children to the mountaines all over-layd and covered with snow▪ and from thence to behold the pitifull specta∣cles of the burning of their houses, and spoyling of their goods. But necessity compelling them to make some shift for their liues, they tooke the strict passage of the mountains

and resisted their enemies, committing the successe to God, who so prospered this poore vnarmed people,* 1.603 that in few skirmishes there were killed a thousand of their enemies, and scarce fortie persons of their owne. Triniteus the Captain by the counsell of Truchetus, an expert Warriour, thought meet to besiege the Castles of Convallenses, but God fought against them in all their enterprises, and the Convallenses came vpon them suddenly as they were besieging a certaine Castle,* 1.604 and slew a great number: and Truchetus himselfe was first sore wounded with stones, & afterward was slaine with his owne sword by a poore Shepheard, that was keeping cattell in the fields. In the end when Triniteus was out of all hope to subdue the Angronians and their complices, he ad∣vertised the Duke of Sauoy how all matters went,* 1.605 and peace was granted to the Convallenses, with libertie to vse their owne Religion; providing they should render all due ser∣uice and obedience to the Duke of Savoy their Soveraigne Lord and Master.

To returne againe to France. After the disputation at Rossie the number of the Protestants daily increased, and rumours of sedition & vprores were in the mouths of all the people. The Queene mother willing to prouide timely remedie for repressing of ciuill and intestine warre, assembled the estates of the land at S. Germane,* 1.606 where the edict of Ianuarie was made, bearing that the professours of the reformed Religion might assemble themselues together, to heare Preaching of the Word, provided those assemblies were kept without the towns & without armour. This edict was published through∣out all the land, and sore grieued the hearts of the adversa∣ries, namely, the Duke of Guise, the Constable Momme∣raunce, and the Marescall Santandreus, who consulted toge∣ther how they might haue this act vndone againe, but no way could be found out to bring this matter to passe, except first the King and Queene mother were in their hands, to the end that the force of the Lawes which they feared might be turned against their enemies, when as they had the Law∣makers in their owne hands. This was also thought to be an

high attempt, and dangerous to be enterprised, so long as the King of Navarre was their enemie, and a fauourer of the reformed Religion; for this cause all meanes were sought out to divert the affection of the King of Navarre from his foresaid Religion. The Cardinall Ferrar being the Popes Ambassadour in France, put him in hope that by the Popes trauailes with Philip King of Spaine, the kingdome of Navarre should be restored to him againe, if he would turne to the Catholique Religion.* 1.607 Thus was the heart of the King of Navarre stolen away from his Religion, to the great en∣couragement of the Duke of Guise and his complices, who without further delay put hand to worke.

The first fruits of his martiall deeds after he raised his ar∣mie, was the cruell Massacre of poore vnarmed people, as∣sembled to heare the Word of God at Vassiace, a towne in the borders of Champaigne, and neere vnto his dominion. Those poore people to the number of a thousand and fiue hundreth,* 1.608 being occupied as is said vpon the Sabbath day, the Duke of Guise came vpon them suddenly, and compas∣sed the Church wherein they were with armed souldiers, that none might escape; also the Duke himselfe stood in the entry with a drawne sword in his hand, and sent in his soul∣diers, who most cruelly without compassion of sex or age, martyred the poore members of Christ, for hearing of his Word. After this, the Duke of Guise addressed himselfe to∣ward Paris, where he was receiued with ioyfull acclamati∣ons of the people: and from thence he marched forward to Fonteblew,* 1.609 where the King was, and seased himselfe of the King and the Queene mother, and for greater securitie transported them both to Paris. On the other part, the Prince of Condie went to Orleance, to whom resorted a great number of the Nobles of France, namely, the admirall Castilion, Andelot, Princeps Porcianus, Rupsfocald, with many others, who all bound themselues together, to set the King and the Queene mother at libertie from captivitie, wherein they were deteined by the Guisians; as also to defend the true professours of the Gospell of Christ, that according to

the act of Ianuarie they might without molestation assem∣ble themselues to heare the Word of God.

The Prince of Condie was chosen to be their Chieftaine,* 1.610 to whom the Queene mother sent many secret Letters, de∣claring that she was deteined by the Guisians against her heart. And if the Prince of Condie could set the young King and her selfe at libertie, shee would neuer be vnmindfull of so great a benefit. Thus in the beginning of the Warres the Queene mother fauoured the Prince of Condie, and stirred him vp with many Letters and secret advertisements, to procure her and her sonnes libertie: for greater euidence whereof, the Letters themselues are inserted in the French Historie.

Many great townes in France were taken and fortified by the Protestants,* 1.611 as namely, Orleance, Lion, Valence, Gra∣noble, Roane, Bourgos, Towers, Poictiers, Montpellier, and Nimes. Many of those townes were recouered againe by the Guisians, namely, Bourges, and Roane. At the siege of Roane, the Prince of Navarre was slaine, and receiued a iust reward of his inconstancie and leuitie. And Augustinus Marlorart, a faithfull seruant of Christ, and Preacher of the Gospell, was taken by the Guisians, and afterward hanged. Many great cruelties were designed against those of the Re∣ligion in this first Warre, namely in Tullus, Aurange, Burges, Roan, Sens, and diverse other places. In Montar∣gis, belonging to the Ladie Rence, daughter to Lewis the twelfth, Dutches Dowager of Ferrar, fell out a very remar∣keable matter.

This Ladie was a retrait to diuers families of the Religion,* 1.612 notwithstanding the threatnings of the Duke of Guise, sonne in law to the said Ladie, who sent thither one Malig corne, a new Knight of the order, to sease vpon the Towne and Castle: who begun to threaten the Ladie with Canon shot, to batter her Castle, wherin were diuers of the Religion. But the Princesse answered him, that there was not any man in the realme, except the King alone, that had power to com∣mand her. And if he would proceed to such boldnesse as to

batter her Castle with Canon shot, shee would first stand in the breach her selfe, to try if he durst be so bold as to kill the daughter of a King. Those words caused Malicorne, like a Snaile to pull in his hornes, and presently to depart.

Afeer this, the Prince of Condie perceiuing that great preparation was made against him, and the Queene mo∣thers affection was turned away to the Guisians, thought meete to send for ayde to the Queene of England; and the Prince of Condie willing to ioyne himselfe with the English armie, marched forward to Normandie, but the Duke of Guise followed after him with so great celeritie,* 1.613 that the Prince of Condie was compelled to ioyne Battell with the Guisians at Dreux in Normandie, before he was supported of the English armie.

This battell was fought with vncertaine victory, for on the one part the Prince of Condie was taken by the Gui∣sians, and on the other part, the Constable was taken by the Protestants, and the Marescall Sanctandreus was slaine. The Duke of Guise after this battell renewed his Forces, and besieged the Towne of Orleance,* 1.614 where he was slaine by a Souldier, called Portrot. This slaughter was the ground of a new Peace; for after the death of the Duke of Guise, a new edict was made the thirteenth day of March Anno 1563. although not so ample as the edict of Ianua∣rie: Yet by it some libertie was granted to the Protestants to enioy their owne Religion without disturbance of any. This was the end of the first ciuill warre in France for Re∣ligion.* 1.615

Maximilianus the second.

AFter the death of Ferdinand, Maximilian his sonne King of Hungarie was made Emperour, & gouerned twelue yeares: he gaue his two daughters in marriage vnto two pu∣issant Princes, to wit, to Charles the ninth: King of France,

he gaue Elizabeth, and to Philip King of Spaine he gaue his eldest daughter Anna. Great troubles for Religion fell out in his time,* 1.616 namely, in the Low countries and in France. In the low countries, the number of them that professed the Gospell increased marueilously; and on the other part, the rage of the Popish Prelats causing the Spanish Inquisition to be severely executed, wrought great feare in the hearts of the professours of the Gospell.

Also Duke de Albe was sent with a great Armie vnto the low Countries,* 1.617 vtterly to extirpate and roote out the Gos∣pell, who behaued himselfe most outragiously against the Nobilitie and Townes of the low Countries, in beheading Count Egmount, and count Horne, and permitting his soul∣diers to vse all kinde of villanie against honest matrons, and the daughters of honest Citizens, and oftentimes compelled the husbands themselues to stand beside, and be eye witnes∣ses of the vilde abusing of their owne wiues. Also with so great severity he executed the Spanish Inquisitiō against the professours of the Gospell, that the people were compelled to take armes, vnder the conduct of William Nassaw, Prince of Orange, and Lodouicus his brother, to defend their liues, the libertie of their Countrie, and of their Consciences a∣gainst the barbarous tyrannie of this Duke and his armie.

In this Warre although the Prince of Orange was often∣times defeated, and his brother slaine, yet the Countrey so abhorred the crueltie of Duke de Albe, that the most part of Zeland and Holland was conquered by the Princes ar∣mie, and was free from the tyrannie of the Spaniards.

In France the professours of the Gospell could not enioy the benefit of the Edict of pacification made in March,* 1.618 An∣no 1563. except in a few parts where the authoritie of some noble persons fauouring the Gospell procured obedience to the foresaid Edict, as namely, the presence of Condie in Picardie, Andelot in Britannie, and the Queene of Navarre in Gascoigne. In other parts of the country, little regard was had to the Edict. The Cardinall of Loraine also a capitall enemie to the Gospell, had consulted with the fathers of the

Councell of Trent,* 1.619 by what way the Gospell might be sup∣pressed in France, and it was thought meetest that a coue∣nant should be made amongst them that fauoured the Catho∣lique Religion (which they called the holy league) to ex∣tirpate and roote out them that professed the new Religion (for so they named it) and the two puissant Kings of Spaine and France in speciall should bee intreated to be of this league, and mutually to helpe one another to roote out the Gospellers. Now when King Charles the 9. was 14. yeares old, and declared to be Maior, it was thought meete that he should make a progresse through the bounds of his Domi∣nions; pretending that it was expedient that the King should know the estate of his Country, and that he should heare the complaints of his people; but the cause indeed of this pro∣gresse, was that the King of France might meete with the King of Spain in Bayon, for binding vp of the league afore∣said. In this progresse was discharged all Preaching and ex∣ercising of the reformed Religion in the Townes of France, wherein it should happen the King to be, during the time of his progresse. Also many new interpretations of the edict of March were invented and found out, whereby the libertie granted to the Protestants was vtterly infringed and impuni∣tie granted to them that should doe them wrong. In the end the King came to Bayon, where he met with his sister Eli∣zabeth, wife to Philip King of Spaine, who after she had de∣clared certaine causes why her husband could not be present himselfe,* 1.620 bound vp in name of her husband a couenant with Charles, King of Spaine, mutually to helpe one another in rooting out the professours of the reformed Religion. The report of this league was not kept so secret but it came to the eares of the Prince of Condie, and the rest of the nobilitie of France, that professed the Gospell, who all thought meete that the Prince of Condie should in proper person addresse himselfe to the King (being for the time at Moncellium) and should exhibite to the King the supplication of the Protestants in France, pittifully complaining, that contrarie to the edict of March they were iniuried and cruelly slaine,

desiring redresse of the aforesaid iniuries, and that they might haue libertie to enioy their Religion according to the act of pacification aboue mentioned. But the King hearing of the Prince of Condies comming to him, and (namely because he was well accompanied with foure hundred men all in armes) fearing the malignitie and obstinate malice of his adversaries, left they should hinder his iourney or doe wrong to himselfe. The King (I say) hearing tell of the Princes comming, made hast to depart, and with all expedi∣tion, to Paris in great feare, and caused the Parisians to giue thankes to God, as though he had beene deliuered from a great perill and imminent danger.

After this,* 1.621 without further delay, the second warre for Religion in France broke vp. The Prince of Condie ap∣proached with an armie to Paris, and so beset it about in all quarters, that this populous Towne soone began to be grieued for want of foode, and issued out of the Towne vn∣der the Conduct of the Constable, and came by S. Denis, where the Prince of Condies armie lay. In this Battell the Admirall set vpon the Parisian souldiers, and disturbed their rankes and put them to flight. The Constables troope also was greatly perturbed by their flying, and the Con∣stable himselfe refusing to be taken by M. Stewart, was shot by a Scottish Souldier, whereof hee soone after died.

The Constables sonnes,* 1.622 Anveil and Momerance, being carefull for their Father, succoured him, and the battell was renewed againe, and cruelly fought, vntill night compel∣led them to make an end. The morrow after, the Prince of Condie came with his Forces againe to the place where the battell was fought, but none of the Parisians came forth to encounter him.

After the battell he marched toward Loraine, of purpose to ioyne with the Germane Armie, which was to be sent for his support from the Count Palatine of the Rhine, vn∣der the conduct of Cassimire, his owne sonne. This armie of the Germanes ioyned with the Forces of the Prince of Condie at Pontamonssou, a towne in Loraine on the riuer

Mosell, and from thence marched forward without battell offered to them by the adversarie partie, vntill they came to Chartresse,* 1.623 a famous Towne within two dayes iourney to Paris.

This towne the Prince of Condie and the Germanes be∣sieged, and when it was fore battered, and not able to in∣dure the siege any longer, the Queene mother according to her wonted manner, thought meete to compasse them with faire and deceitfull promises, whom she could not get ouerthrowne by force. And therefore sent to the Prince of Condie, desiring him to require of the King conditions of peace, such as himselfe liked best, and they should be granted.

* 1.624The Prince of Condie being euer more bent to peace then prouident to foresee the deceitfull snares of his adver∣saries, required of the King, that the edict set forth in March Anno 1563. should be precisely kept, all new additions and interpretations of the said act being disanulled, and that the iniuries done to the Protestants should be seuerely puni∣shed, and not passed ouer with silence as they were accusto∣med to be. All this was granted, and the edict of pacifica∣tion was proclaimed. The townes also which the Prote∣stants had conquered with great paines and effusion of their blood, were all deliuered into the hands of their enemies, the Germane souldiers were dismissed, and euery man re∣turned to his owne house. But in the very time of their re∣turning, it was knowne that this pacification was but a sub∣tile snare to entangle them withall; for the professours of the Gospell were compelled to lay downe their armour when they entred into the townes where they dwelt, and strictly commanded to remaine in their houses, so that they had not libertie to visite one another.

* 1.625In all the parts of the Countrey great crueltie was vsed, and many cruelly massacred, so that within the space of three moneths, moe then three thousand were reckoned to be killed by the sword. Besides this crueltie committed a∣gainst the inferior sort, all meanes were sought out to inter∣cept

the Prince of Condie, the Admirall, Andelot, Rupeso∣cald, and other principall personages; for this counsell was giuen by Duke de Albe (whose aduise was often craued in this turne) that one Salmond head was better then an hun∣dreth paddle heads,* 1.626 signifying thereby, that it was most needfull to cut off the principall Noble-men of the Prote∣stants. The Prince of Condie, and the Admirall, after ma∣ny advertisements, that their liues were directly sought, be∣gan to remoue, and the Prince came to Nucetum, a Towne in Burgundie, the Admirall lodged at Tauleum, in a place pertaining to his brother Andelot, not farre distant from Nucetum, where they receiued new advertisements, that the companies that were appointed to take them were with great celeritie approaching alreadie to Nucetum.* 1.627 Thus was the Prince of Condie and the Admirall compelled in all hast to flie with their wiues, young children, and families, and commending themselues to the prouidence of God, entered into a long and dangerous iourney from Noyers to the Towne of Rotchell. The good prouidence of God so conducted them, that albeit, all the bridges and passages were strictly kept, yet God prouided a foord in the river of Loyre,* 1.628 neere to Sanser, which was not knowne before, neither was any passage found to be there two dayes after. By this way they passed very safely, and in the end came to the Towne of Rochell, although through many dangers and infinite perils.

In the meane time, the Prince of Condie had sent Let∣ters to the King, heauily complaining of the Cardinall of Loraine, who so wickedly abused the Kings name and au∣thoritie, and so maliciously sought the liues of his innocent Subiects for their Religion, expresly against the Kings edict of pacification, which was sealed with the Kings own hand∣writ, and his great oath solemnly made.* 1.629 To those Letters no answere was made, but all the Countrey was inflamed with wrath, and bent to warre, and the Duke of Aniou, brother to the King was made generall commander of the armie. The Queene of Navarre, on the other part, adioyned her selfe,

and her Forces to the Prince of Condie, and from Britanny came Andelot and his Forces, who had passed the river of Loyre by a certaine foord vnknowne before, and vnpassable afterward,* 1.630 no lesse miraculously then the Prince of Condie, and his familie had done in another place of the same river before. After whose comming, Angolesme, a Towne of great importance in those parts, was besieged and taken by the Prince of Condie. Likewise Acierius brought with him to the Prince, a great companie out of Delphine, Pro∣vance, Languedok, and other parts fauouring the Gospell, to the number of twentie three thousand men.

On the other side, the Duke de Anion was come with his armie to Poictou, and pitched his Campe at Castellerault, a Towne of Poictou neere to the river Vienna. The Prince of Condie and the Admirall daily provoked him to fight, but he was admonished by frequent letters from the Queene mother, that he should beware to hazzard the cause in bat∣tell, but should prolong time to abate the fierie courage of the Protestants,* 1.631 and to take his advantage when he could see it.

In the meane time, both parties waited for supplyment of new Forces out of Germanie, and Duke de Aumald was sent to Loraine to meete the Dukes who came to support the Kings armie; as also to hinder the progresse of the Duke of Bipont, who was marching forward to support the Prince of Condies armie.

* 1.632The first support came to the Kings armie the Count of Tend, brought three thousand footmen, Bingrane and Bos∣sempeire brought two thousand and two hundreth horse∣men out of Germanie to the Duke. This supplyment so en∣couraged the Kings armie, that they enterprised to recouer the Towne of Angolesme againe, and for recouering of it, it was needfull that the towne of Iarnaque should be taken for the commoditie of the bridge, to transport his armie o∣uer the river of Charence, but the Admirall prevented the Duke, and fortified the Towne of Iarnaque, and disap∣pointed him of the commoditie of the bridge.

The Prince of Condie marched forward to Iarnaque, and the Admirall to Blansack, where he vnderstood, that a tymber bridge was set vp neere to the stone bridge that was at Casteaneur, for the greater expedition in transporting of the Dukes armie ouer the riuer of Charence. This great celeritie of the Duke (who transported all the armie ouer the riuer in one night) put the Prince of Condie and the Admirall in great feare, because their Forces were farre behinde them. Therefore it was thought expedient to re∣tire backe in time to their Forces. But the Duke pursued so strictly,* 1.633 that before they had marched backe halfe a myle from Blansack, they were compelled to turne and fight.

In this battell the Prince of Condie was taken and slaine,* 1.634 and two hundred of the Protestants more, and fortie taken prisoners. The rest of the armie the Admirall led backe to Saint Iande-angeli: Soone after this, Andelot dyed at Sainetes, to the great griefe of all the armie: his body being opened was found to be poysoned.

The Queene of Navarre comforted the armie of the Protestants,* 1.635 and the King of Navarre her sonne, with the Prince of Condies sonne, tooke vpon them the govern∣ment of the armie, and sent Count Mongomrie to sup∣port the Towne of Angolesme, which was then besieged by the Dukes Forces, by whose comming the towne was so refreshed and encouraged, that the Duke was com∣pelled to raise his Siege and depart from the Towne.

About this time the Duke of Bipont with his Germane Forces were entred into France,* 1.636 to support the Princes of the reformed Religion, and tooke the Towne of La cha∣ritie in Burgundie, a Towne of no small importance, for the passage of the river of Loyre. The Princes of the Pro∣testants marched forward to meete the Duke of Bipont, and by the way killed two hundred Hagbushers, who were appointed by the Duke of Andion to stoppe the pas∣sage of the river Vienna, in the river of Limosin, and so the passage being opened, they came the day after to the

Campe of the Germanes, and receiued them with great gladnesse; but through the sudden death of the Duke of Bipont (who died two dayes after their meeting) their gladnesse was mixed with great heauinesse. Notwithstan∣ding, the Duke before his death exhorted all his Captaines valiantly to debate that cause of Religion; For the which they were entered into France, and placed in his roome, Wolrad, Count of Manfelt, to be generall Commander of the Germane armie. In which were reckoned to be seauen thousand and fiue hundred horsemen, and sixe thousand footemen, besides two thousand French horsemen, who came in their companie, and ten Ensignes of footemen. The Prince of Orange with his brother Lodowick and Hen∣ry were also in this armie.

In the Countrey of Poictou, the Princes had taken ma∣ny Townes, and the most part of the Countrey was al∣readie subiect vnto them. And it was thought meete to besiege the Towne of Poictiers it selfe,* 1.637 and the Towne was willing to render to the Princes, vpon reasonable con∣ditions, if the Duke of Guise had not come to support the Towne. But the comming of the Duke altered their mind, and the Towne was strongly fortified, and valiantly indured a strict Siege.

The Admirall although he had lost two thousand men at this Siege, and great sicknesse, and penurie of victuals was felt in the armie, yet was he very vnwilling to raise the Siege, till at length the Duke of Andum strictly be∣sieged Monsieur Loe in Castelleralt,* 1.638 whom the Admirall willing to relieue, left the siege of Poictiers.

Soone after this, the armie of the two Princes being at Moncontuire, in the Country of Poictou, was purposed to march toward Niort; and the armie of the Duke in like manner was purposed thither.* 1.639 Through this occasion the two armies ioyned in battell a little space from Mon∣contuire, and the Duke of Andium had the Victorie. The footemen of the Germanes were cruelly slaine in this Battell, without all commiseration; some greater fauour

was showne to the French Souldiers. The Admirall fore∣seeing (as appeareth) the euent of this battell, had caused the two Princes of Navarre and Condie to be conveyed out of the Hoast.

The number of those that were slaine at this battell, are supposed by some to haue beene sixe or seauen thousand men; by others, twise as many. The report of this losse so discouraged the Protestants, that all the Townes which they had conquered in Poictou, were incontinent reco∣uered by the adversaries;* 1.640 and S. Ian Dangely after it was besieged two moneths, was surrendered to the adversarie, vpon certaine conditions. At the siege of this Towne Mar∣tiques, Governour of Britanie, a great enemie to those of the Religion,* 1.641 was slaine, wherein is to be noted the iust iudgement of God, punishing the pride of those that blas∣pheme his blessed name. This Martiques perswaded La Matpinolis, to yeeld the Towne to the King, and desired the towne to remember the battell of Moncontur e, where∣in their strong God had forsaken them, and said it was time for them to sing, Helpe vs now, O God, for it is time. Not long after, this proud man felt that the strong God was liuing, able to helpe the weake, and to confound the proud.

The Princes with the Admirall consulted in what part of the Realme it were meetest to sustaine the hazzard of the Warrefare;* 1.642 and it was thought meetest in Languedok, be∣cause the Towne of Nimes was lately surprised by the Protestants, and many townes in that Countrie fauoured their Religion.

While new preparations are made by the Princes to su∣staine the Warre, behold, a new edict of pacification is for forth, granting libertie of Religion to the Protestants a∣gaine, and granting to them for their further securitie, the keeping of foure Townes during the space of two yeares, to wit, Rotchell, Cognack, Montallan, and Caritea. This edict being proclaimed in both th•• Campes, the people were in great ioy, being wearied with long and perillou••

Warres, and being desirous to visite their owne houses and families. Thus was an end put to the third ciuill warre in France.

* 1.643After this pacification, the King married Elizabeth, daughter to Maximilian the Emperour: and the rumour went thorow the Countrey, that the King was inclined to peace. Likewise the apparent hatred betwixt the King and the Duke of Aniou his brother confirmed this rumour: for it seemed to the people, that the King was offended, be∣cause the Prelates of France depended more vpon his bro∣ther then vpon himselfe, and paied to him yeerely 200000 Frankes, to be a patron and defender of their cause. Where∣fore it seemed to many that the King would incline his af∣fection toward the Protestants, to abandon the power of his brother. But all this was deceitfull treacherie, to colour the intended malice of his heart.

Also the edict of pacification was better kept then it had beene at any other time before, except in a few places. And when the Queene of Navarre sent messengers to the King, to complaine of the violation of the edict in the Townes of Roane and Aurenge: the King returned backe againe to her a very pleasant answere, that he would not onely punish most seuerely the transgressours of the edict,* 1.644 but also for a further confirmation of a stedfast bond of Peace with the Protestants, he would bestow Mar∣garet his sister in marriage to the King of Navarre her sonne.

The King himselfe passed to Bloyes, and sent for the Queene of Navarre, whom hee receiued so courteously, and conferred with so louingly, that the Queene was fully perswaded, that this marriage would be a sure pledge and bond of constant peace.

The Admirall also was sent for, and met the King at Bloyes, whom the King seemed to reuerence and honour out of measure; in so much that the Admiralls heart was betwitched with the Kings faire speeches, supposing that he meant vprightly, to bind vp indeed a bond of con∣stant

Peace with the Protestants. Specially for this, that the King seemed to prepare an armie for support of the Prince of Orange, and the Admirall was appointed to be generall Commander of the armie.

The time of the celebration of the marriage drawing neere (which was appointed to be solemnized in Paris by the Cardinall of Burbone) the Queene of Navarre ad∣dressed her selfe toward Paris,* 1.645 to make preparation for the marriage, and the Admirall with many earnest requests of the King was sollicited to bee present at the marri∣age; As also all the principall Noble-men of the Prote∣stants.

The forerunners of the lamentable Tragedie that after followed began soone to appeare, if the hearts of men had not beene setled in a deepe securitie. For the Queene of Navarre, as she was busied in making preparation for the marriage, died hastily being cut off by empoysoned Gloues, which shee receiued from an Italian the Kings Vnguentarie.

But the King seemed to be in such heauinesse for her death, and the matter was so finely conveyed, that all suspition was incontinently quenched and buried,* 1.646 and the marriage was celebrated the eight-teenth day of August Anno 1572. Soone after, to wit, the twentie two day of August appeared a cleere presage of the future Tragedie: for the Admirall as he went from the Loover to his house was shot with two or three Bullets in the arme.* 1.647 This was taken in very euill part by the King of Navarre and Prince of Condie: who desired libertie to depart from Paris, wherein they saw so euident danger to themselues and their friends. But the King with so many attestations, protested the miscontentment of his owne minde in that matter: and that he would diligently search and seuerely punish the au∣thors of that deed, that in some part he quieted the hearts of the complainers.

Likewise, the King himselfe came to visit the Admirall, with pittifull words, lamenting the chance that was fallen out,

and affirming the dishonour to be done to him, although the Admirall had receiued the hurt. Also he desired that the Admirall would be content to be transported to the Loouer of Paris for his better securitie, in case any popular commotion should fall out, vntill he should be trying and punishing the authors of that fact. And when the King perceiued that the Admirall made excuse of his infirmitie, that he could not suffer to be transported, the King appoin∣ted some of his owne Guard to attend vpon the Admiral•• house,* 1.648 and the Protestants were commanded to prepare their lodgings neere to the Admirals house, to be a guard vnto him, in case any commotion should happen in the Towne.

All this was done vnder deepe dissimulation, to put the Protestants in securitie, that they should not once imagine of the Tragedie that was to come. And the Admirall sent his Letters to all parts of the Countrey where the Prote∣stants were, that they should make no stirre for that which was done vnto him, for the wound was not deadly, and God and the King would see the authors thereof punished. The night after,* 1.649 was the appointed time for the horrible Massacre of the Protestants that were in Paris. The Duke of Aniou and the Duke of Guise having their souldiers ready armed in the streets, were waiting for the signe that was to be giuen to beginne their bloudie Enterprise: which being once giuen out of the Church of S. Ger∣mane, the Duke of Guise set first vpon the Admirals house; Those of the Kings guard (of whom we spoke be∣fore) that were appointed for defending of the Admirall now euidently declared the true cause wherefore they were placed in that roome;* 1.650 for they rushed in violently, and killed the Admirall, and threw him downe out of a window into the close, where the Duke of Guise was awai∣ting for that spectacle, and for ioy would scarcely beleeue that it was he, vntill he had wiped the blood from his face.

Then he encouraged all his companie,* 1.651 and sayd. This is a good beginning, goe to, goe to: it is the kings will, it is the kings commaundement. What bloodie crueltie fol∣lowed, without all commiseration, slaying men, women and children, no tongue is able to expresse, the sounding of bells, the shouting of the pursuers, and the pitifull cries of the slaine, all concurring together made the spectacle of that day to be verie terrible. Also the Duke of Guise with Mompensier and many others passed thorow the streets, en∣couraging the people and augmenting their furie and mad∣nesse, saving that the wicked seede of the Protestants should be vtterlie rooted out.

The like outragious crueltie was also practised in the Lower where the king was.* 1.652 For the whole companie that were attending vpon the king of Navarre and Prince of Condie were commaunded to lay downe their armour, and goe without the Palace, where they were most cruellie slaine by armed Souldiers attending on their out∣comming. The king of Navarre and Prince of Condie themselues were brought before the king and threatned that except they would renounce that religion which they professed, they should surely die.

The king of Navarre humbly requested the king to re∣gard that new bond of friendship that was bound vp be∣tweene them,* 1.653 and for his religion not to vrge him so, strict∣lie incontinent to forsake that religion wherevnto hee had beene trained vp from his very youthward.

The Prince of Condie added moreouer that his life was in the kings hands, to dispose of it as it plea∣sed him but as for his Religion hee had receiued the knowledge of it from God, to whom also hee behoued to render account of the same, and hee would not renounce it for any feare or danger of this present life.

Some of the Protestants then lodged in the Fobers of S. Germane, as Count Mongomrie & diuers others, for intercep∣ting of whom the king had giuen commandement to the

Dean of Gild of Paris to haue in readinesse 1000. armed souldiers, but through the prouidence of God those souldi∣ers were not in readinesse, and that by the ouersight of an in∣feriour captain to whom the Dean of Gild had giuen charge to execute the kings Commaundement.

This matter being signified to the Duke of Guise, hee tooke with him a Companie of armed men to inter∣cept in time,* 1.654 Mongomrie and his complices. But when hee came to the Port deuiding the towne from the Fobers, hee was compelled to stay a while, because in hast the wrong Keies had beene brought out in stead of the right keies of the Port.

* 1.655In this meane time Count Mongomrie, Carautensis, and others that were in the Fobers had beene aduertised of the cruell Massacre that was in the towne, and scarce∣ly would credit that the King could be partakers of so foule a treacherie.

But when they saw the Heluetian souldiers making hast by boates and shippes to crosse the water, and to come ouer to the Fobers of S. Germane to cut them off, they made hast and fled. The Duke of Guise with Duke De Aumald and the Count of Angolesme pursued them to Montfort which is eight leagues distant from Paris, but could not ouertake them and so returned backe againe to Paris. In this Massacre were slaine many noble men such as the Admirall, Telignius, Rupefocald, Renelius, and many learned men, amongst whom were Petrus Ramus and Lambinus: and of others moe than 10000. persons whose bodyes were layed on heapes vpon cartes, and cast into the riuer of Seane which was coulered red with the blood of the slaine. The like crueltie was practised in Lions, and the bodyes of the slaine were cast into the riuer of Rhene, and the heapes of the slaine were carried downe to the sight of those of Delphin, Provance and Languedok that dwelt nigh vnto the riuer, whose harts were compelled to detest the spectacle of so Barbarous crueltie, the like wherof was scarce∣ly to be found amongst the Turkes and Infidels.

Likewise in many other townes the rage of the like cruel∣tie was felt,* 1.656 so that within the space of a moneth moe then 30000. persons were reckoned to be slaine. To all this Tra∣gedie was added the defection of Rozarius a Preacher at Or∣leance who by his vilde Apostasie so brangled the King of Navarre and Prince of Condie,* 1.657 that they were induced by his example and perswasions, to fall away from their religion for a time, yet afterward this same Rozarius being grauely admonished of the vildnesse of his Apostasie departed out of France to Germanie; and writ letters to the Prince of Condie, wherein hee acknowledged his errour and begged mercie of God for that he had beene a snare and stumbling blocke to him.

The report of the Massacre was so detestable in the eares of all men that heard it that they were forced to beare out that matter with forged lies which they had begun with cru∣eltie:* 1.658 & to the end this Massacre should be the lesse odious in the eares of strangers, they alleadged that the Admirall & his complices were purposed to cut off the king & all the blood royal, (yea and the king of Navarre himselfe although he was of the same religion) & to set vp the Prince of Condie in the throne of the kingdome, to the end the Admiral might haue the gouernment & administration of al himself. And for this cause they tortured two noble men of the Protestants whom they had takē to wit Canagnius & Briquemald to drawe out of them by torturing a cōfession of the fore alledged cōspiracie. But the noblemen died constant in the true faith,* 1.659 & w ithout confession of any such treason as was alleadged. Notwithstā∣ding they were not ashamed after their death to publish in their names a cōfession of horrible treason which they neuer confessed while they were aliue. After this pitifull disaster it seemed that the religion in France was vtterlie quenched, for the noble men were slaine, some had made defection, and o∣thers for feare had left the land. Only a few towns were in the Protestants hands such as Rochell, Montalban, Nines, Sauserr and some others of small account. Yet the Lord so wrought by those small beginnings that the force of the ad∣uersaries

was more wonderfullie resisted by this small hand∣full,* 1.660 then it was by forces of so many noble men with con∣currance of strangers in the former warre.

The towne of Rotchell was the towne of greatest im∣portance of all the rest, and the king thought meete to be∣siege it both by sea and land with a mightie armie, which siege began in the moneth of December, Anno 1573. and indured vntill the moneth of Iune next following. The maruelous prouidence of God was felt in this siege, for God sent a number of fishes called Surdonnes to the support of the poore during the time of the siege, and when the siege was loosed the fishes departed away, and were found no more in that coast.

* 1.661In the moneth of Iune the Ambassadour of Poland came vnto the Kings Campe to the Duke of Aniou the Kings brother, whom the Polonians had chosen to be their king, and immediately after conditions of peace were offered to the towne, & libertie to exercise their religion within their own bounds, and in this peace were contained their associats of Montalban and Nimes. The Rotchellanes had required that those of Sanfarre and all others of their Religion should bee comprehended in this bond of pacification, but no speciall mention was made of the towne of San∣sarre, onely a generall clause of their associats was cast in.

* 1.662The towne of Sansarre likewise was besieged, but it was so strongly fortified, and the Protestants within the towne so couragiouslie repulsed the enemies that they were compel∣led to retire backe from battring of the walles, and to be∣set them round about on all quarters, that they might by long famine compell them to render whom they could not ouercome otherwise. This siege indured from the moneth of Ianuary vntill the moneth of August, so that the famine within the towne was so great that the famine of Samaria and Saguntum seemeth not to haue bin greater. In the end con∣ditions of peace were granted, and the towne was rendered to Castrius the kings Lieutenant in those parts.

The townes of Montalban and Nimes was not besieged as yet, to whom and to all the rest of the Protestants dwelling in Lauguedok, Delphine & Provance was offered those same conditions, which the Rotchellanes had embraced. But they craued of the king & his brother liberty first to assemble thē∣selues together before they should giue their answere, which being granted & the assemblie conveened at Miliald,* 1.663 it was thought meete with common consent to craue more ample cōditions & liberties then were contained in the peace of the Rotchellans: namely that in euery Province of Fraunce two townes might be granted to the Protestants for their further securitie,* 1.664 & those townes to be kept by the guardes of their own souldiers, & to haue their pay out of the kings treasury, and that libertie should be granted to al that were of their re∣ligion to exercise the same freelie, without any exception of places. Also that all those that should be found guiltie of the horrible murther cōmitted at Paris the 24. of August might be seuerely punished. Many other conditions were required, very amply & freely. Order was taken in like manner in this assemblie how the warre might be maintained in case those conditions of peace were not granted.

The Queene mother when shee had read the conditions that were required, said with great indignation; that if the Prince of Condie had beene in the midst of Fraunce with 20000. horsemen, and 50000.••footmen yet would hee not haue required the halfe of those conditions. This great bold∣nesse of the Protestants in crauing so great liberties put the enemies in suspicion and feare that the Nobles of Fraunce had secretlie banded themselues with the Prote∣stants.

About the same time Count Mongomry had returned out of England,* 1.665 & had taken some townes in Normandy; but soone after he was besieged in Donfront a town of Norman∣dy, by Matigonus the kings Lieutenant in those parts; to whō he yeelded himself vpon certain conditions which were not kept vnto him, but he was sent immediatly to Paris to the king. The Duke of Aniow had departed from France to the

kingdome of Polonia,* 1.666 & the king of France was fallen sicke: also many noble men in the land were highlie offended at the ambition, pride, and crueltie of the Queene mother, who had not onely cut off the noble men of the Protestants, but also intended the like crueltie against many other noble∣men in Fraunce, whose names were insert in the bloody roll of the Massacre, albeit they professed the Roman religiō. The Queene mother knowing that she was vehementlie hated in the land and fearing left this matter should tend to her vtter disgrace and abandoning of all her authoritie thought meete to prevent all the deuices of the nobilitie of France against her,* 1.667 and begun to lay hands on those of the Nobilitie whom she most suspected, and cast them in prison: such as D. Alauscone her owne son whom she knew to be discontent with her forme of gouernment, and the king of Navarre, also Monmerance, and Cassens Marescallis. The Prince of Con∣die also was to be taken, but he conveyed himselfe away se∣cretly vnto Germanie.

* 1.668In the meane time the king died in the moneth of May Anno. 1574. with greateffusion of blood from many parts of his body. And the Queene mother had all the gouernment in her owne hand vntill the returning of her son out of Po∣lonia, whom shee aduertised of the death of his Brother Charles, and desired him without all delay to returne againe to Fraunce.

* 1.669In the meane time the cruell heart of the Queene mother thirsting for blood procured that Count Mongomrie should be condemned to death. This is that noble man who had slaine king Henry the father of Charles with a speare, whom king Henry would not suffer to be harmed for that cause, it being done in game and against Mongomries heart. Neuerthelesse when he came in the hands of this mer∣cilesse woman he must die. Before king Henry returned out of Poland vnto France, the Prince of Condie had sent from Germanie to France, Messengers to declare to the Prote∣stants the great care of his minde to advance the Religion, and to procure the peace and libertie of his countrie,

who also was chosen to be generall commaunder of all the Protestants.* 1.670 Many Catholikes were associate with him, who being of a contrarie religion, notwithstanding tooke armes with the Prince of Condie to restore the countrie to the owne libertie. In the moneth of December Anno 1574. the king came to Lyons where the Queene mother accōpanied with Alauscon her son, and the king of Navarre, and Duke of Guise were awaiting for his cōming. In this towne they ad∣uised what was most expedient to be done, whether they should prosecute the war, or they should quiet the countrie with new edicts of pacification. The Queene mothers aduise was, that the king should assault the townes of Languedok & Delphine that were kept by the Protestants, because the pre∣sence and terrour of the king would so astonish the peoples hearts that incontinent they would yeeld and giue ouer the townes into the kings hands.* 1.671 This aduise was followed and the king besieged the towne of Pusinum in Viuaret, & tooke it, also the towne of Libero in Delphin was strōgly besieged, but the king was cōpelled to leaue his siege & to depart from the towne, which according as the name of it foretokened re∣mained free and vnconquered by the aduersaries: during the time of this siege the Cardinal of Loraine died vpon this oc∣casion. The king being in Avinion some Paenitentiaries for∣tuned to scourge themselues in a cold winter season,* 1.672 the Car∣dinall would ioyne himselfe to their fellowship, and walked barefooted in the companie of those Paenitentiaries, wherby he contracted a deadlie disease, and soone repented this repē∣tance. The king himselfe was content to afflict his body after the same forme,* 1.673 which was expoūded by many to be an euil presage that he should not conquer that little towne of Libe∣ro, but should be scourged from the towne, & leaue the siege of it with shame, which truly came to passe. From thence the king went to Paris to his Coronation, where many Ambassa∣dours came to the king; not only from the Prince of Condie who as yet remained in Basile, but also from the D. of Sauoy and the Cantons of the Switzers, and from the Queene of Englād to treat for peace, but al their trauels were ineffectu∣all:

for the conditions of the peace could not be agreed vpon, so the war continued & waxed hote. In Languedoke Anvillius although he was of the Romane religion, yet had ioyned himselfe to the Protestants, and tooke Agnes Mortes a towne of great importance in those parts with many other townes. In Delphin Mombruniris was chiefe commaunder,* 1.674 and had so good sucesse in all his attempts that he was a great terrour to the aduersaries. In the end he was sore wounded and ta∣ken, beside Dia a towne in Delphine, and by the commaun∣dement of the king and Queene mother, was carried to Grenoble and there was executed in the sight of the people. This war was much different from the former warres, where∣in those that were of one religion were also on one side, but now the Catholikes were mingled with the Protestāts which thing albeit it seemed for a time to augment their num∣ber, yet in the end it turned to euill, as shall be declared here∣after, God willing.

* 1.675The Prince of Condie had required helpe of Cassi∣mire the sonne of Count Palatine, who also had condis∣cended to support the distressed Church of Fraunce, and very strict obligations of mutual duties were passed between them, as these namely, that they should not dissolue their armes vntill that libertie were obtained to the Protestants fullie to enioy their owne Religion. And likewise that Cassimire should haue the townes of Metis, Tullion, and Verdum, in his hands; besides other townes in all the Pro∣vinces of France which the Protestants were to require for there further assurance, and as pledges of the Kings fidelitie & faithfulnesse towards them. While this armie of Cassimire was marching forward towards Loraine, Alauscon the kings brother departed from Court, and many of the nobilitie of France resorted to him, all pretending that they could not suffer the countrie to be exhausted with ciuill warres, and the people to be vexed with exorbitant and vnnecessarie tax∣ations.* 1.676

All those tumults were found in the end to be the subtile policies of the Q. mother by the meanes of Alauscon her son

to dissolue the army of Cassimire. Notwithstanding the ar∣my of the Germanes and French-men, entered into France vnder the conduct of the Prince of Condie and Cassimire; and came forward to Charossium, a towne in Borbon, not farre from Molins: where Alauscon the Kings bro∣ther ioyned with them, and the whole army being muste∣red was found to bee of horsemen, and footmen thirtie thousand. The King of Navarre about the same time departed from Court and returned to his owne countrey, whereby the feare of the King and Queene mother was greatly encreased. In conclusion the army approached dayly neerer and neerer to Paris, yet no battell was fought, because the Queene mother listened more to the instruc∣tions shee had given to Alauscon her sonne, then to the doubtfull successe of battell, and force of armed men, and indeed a more sure way to obtaine their purpose. For messengers being sent to the King to treate for peace, the Queene mother perceived that all other conditions how ample soever they had beene, might bee easily eluded and broken, but if the townes of Metis, Tullion, and Ver∣dum, were in the hands of a potent stranger, it would be a great abandoning of the Kings power in all time to come. Therefore the matter was so brought about, that Cassimire was content to receiue from the King a great summe of money, in stead of those townes which should haue beene put in his hands, and libertie was granted to the Protestants to exercise their owne religion openly and freely, without exception of places, the Court and the towne of Paris, with a few leagues about, one∣ly excepted. Also they were declared to bee capable of places in Parliament, and places of Iustice Courts: all iudgements which were made against them for any enter∣prise whatsoever was declared voyd: The cruell day of Sant Bartholomew disavowed, and for better assurance and performance of the conditions, they had eight townes de∣livered vnto them, with the conditions of their govern∣ments, Aques Mortes, Bencaire, Perigneux, Le mas de ver∣dun,

N••ons yissure,* 1.677 La grand tour. Thus was the edict of pacification proclaimed through the countrey, in the mo∣neth of May, 1576. and an end was put to the fift civill war in France for religion.

In this Emperours time Solyman being now stricken in age,* 1.678 came notwithstanding into Hungarie againe with a great army, and besiedged Zigeth: In the meane time of the siege Solyman dyed,* 1.679 but his death was so secretly con∣cealed, that the siege continued after his death, and the towne was taken by force. Likewise Selim the sonne of Solyman, was in haste sent for to come from Constanti∣nople to Hungarie: all this was done before the death of Solyman was knowne, either to his owne army, or to the Emperour Maximilian.

* 1.680This new Emperour of the Turkes Selim, tooke Fama∣gusta, in the Isle of Cyprus, which belonged to the Ve∣netians: and did fight a cruell battell by Sea against the Christians, in the gulph of Lepanto, of olde called Sinus Corinthiacus: in the which the Turkes Navie was overcome, and Haly Bassa the chiefe Governour of the Turkes was slaine, and his head was set vp vpon the top mast of his owne shippe, to the great terrour and astonish∣ment of the Turkes. This battell was fought the seventh day of October, Anno 1571. Don Iohn de Austria was Generall commander of the Navie of the Christians: the number of the Turkes that were slaine, is supposed to haue beene fifteene thousand men, and thirteene thousand Christians were delivered from the captiuity of the Turks. Onuphrius writeth, that an hundred and seventeene shippes were taken, with thirteene gallies, and thirty two thousand Turkes were slaine in this battell.

Rodulphus.

AFter the death of Maximilian, Rodulphus his sonne was made Emperour. In his time the warres in France, which seemed to be well quieted by the last edict of pacification, began to kindle vp againe with greater flame. For the adversaries of religion besought the Kings Maiestie to restraine the pernitious liberty of the edict of peace: but perceiving him not to bee sufficiently moved to breake the peace, and to take knife in hand, they began to assemble at Perone,* 1.681 Anno 1576. and to binde vp a league amongst themselues for the extirpation of the Protestants, and for the revocation of the edict of peace, wherein they swore obedience and service to the Generall tha•• ••hould bee appointed over this fellowship, ingaging their liues and honours, never to seperate themselues for any commande∣ment, pretence,* 1.682 excuse, or occasion whatsoever. There were two things that greatly animated the Leaguers to pro∣ceed in their association, to wit: First, that the Protestants yeelded not vp the townes which they had gotten for their assurance, for the space of sixe yeeres. The sixe yeeres be∣ing ended, they complained to the King that conditi∣ons were not kept vnto them, and that for the abolishing of warres, and setling of peace in France, it was needfull that they should haue those townes a longer time in their main∣tenance, whereto the King condiscended.

This grieved the Leaguers: but another thing grieved them more, that Alauscon the Kings brother for griefe of the hard successe of his affaires in the Low Countries, died at Chasteau Thierry. And the King himselfe having no children, the feare that they conceived of the King of Na∣varres succession to the Kingdome, caused the Leaguers rage. While the flame issued out of this furnace, the King of France easily perceived that the drift of all the Leaguers

enterprises was against his life and crowne,* 1.683 and to set vp a∣nother whom it pleased them in his place. For the Lea∣guers pretended warre against the Hugonots, and yet they seazed vpon the best townes of the Catholikes, in all the Realme. The religion was preached in Guyen, and they went to driue it out of Picardie. The Hugonotes were in Rochell, and the Leaguers army marched straight to Paris. They are at Montpelliere, and the league set vpon Marseille. Likewise the pasquells and libells without names, dayly throwne downe in the towne of Paris, and the disdainfull speeches dayly vttered of the King, speaking of him as a Sardanapalus, and a Prince drowned in his pleasures and de∣lights, and for his third crowne which hee looked for in heaven, promising him one made with a rasour in a Cloy∣ster: all these things presented to the Kings minde a suf∣ficient vnderstanding of the resolution and purpose of the Leaguers▪ Notwithstanding feare so possessed his minde, that in stead of couragious resisting of the Leaguers in due time,* 1.684 hee made himselfe a slaue to their appetites. The ar∣my of the Duke of Guise (who was made Generall of the fellowship of the league) at the first rising, exceeded not the number of a thousand horsemen, and foure thousand foot∣men: which company might easily haue beene dispersed, if the valorous courage of the King had not beene vtterly abashed: who in stead of commanding with authority, de∣sired the Queene mother to procure that the Duke of Guise might leaue off armes, and to assure him of his favour, and that he would giue him what part of his Realme hee would aske to let him liue in peace.

This their enterprise succeeding so well, farre aboue their owne expectation, mooved them to set forward, and to de∣sire of the King that hee would make and sweare an irrevo∣cable edict of extirpation of Heretikes: To take by force the townes holden by those of the new religion: To re∣nounce the protection of Geneva, to authorize their warres, to reconcile them vnto him, to bee of their league, and of a King to become a participant. Wherevpon followed an

edict prohibiting the exercise of the new religion,* 1.685 and re∣voking all other edicts that favoured it, commanding all the Ministers out of the Land, and all subiects in France within six moneths after to make profession of the Catho∣like religion, or to depart out of the Realme. Dispersing al∣so the tripertite chambers of Parliaments, likewise orday∣ning that the townes given in hostage to those of the reli∣gion, should be yeelded vp, and approving the warre which the Leaguers had begun, acknowledging it to be done for his service.

And not content with this, they asked of the King for their further surety, the townes of Chalon, Thoul, Verdi∣um, Saint Desier, Rhems, Soissons, the Castle of Dyon, the towne and castle of Beaume, Rue in Picardie, Dinan and Con{que} in Brittaine, to be delivered vnto them.

The King of Navarre all this while kept himselfe quiet, being solicited by the King so to doe. But when hee saw the King had rendered himselfe to the appetite of the Lea∣guers, hee set forth a declaration of the cause, why the Lea∣guers had taken armes, of the vanity of their pretences, and of the fruits which the Estates in France might reape by the conclusions of Peronne,* 1.686 Nemours, and Nauty, (for in those places the Leaguers had bound vp their league) with pro∣testation that with him, the Prince of Condie his cousen, the Duke de Mommerencie, with Lords, Gentlemen, Pro∣vinces, and Townes, both of the one religion and of the o∣ther, so many as would concurre with him, should oppose themselues to the authors of these troubles.

In the meane time, while the King of Navarre is so bu∣sied with the King and the Leaguers, who were now as it were incorporate in one bodie: the third assault commeth on,* 1.687 and Pope Sixtus the fift, with his thunderbolts of ex∣communication setteth vpon him, declaring him to be vn∣capable of the crowne of France, abandoning his person, and his countrey for a prey to such as should obtaine them. At the same time also, the Electors of Germany, who in all the former warres had beene so helpfull to the Protestants

of France, was not vnmindfull of them at so strait a pinch, but sent Ambassadours to the King,* 1.688 desiring him to heare the requests of his neighbours, and to pity the case of his poore subiects, and not to keepe backe the edict of peace, that hee had lately graunted vnto them. The King answe∣red that hee thought strange that forrain Princes should meddle with his affaires: and that he would doe nothing a∣gainst the honour of his conscience, nor the fatherly care he had vnto his people. With this answer the Ambassadours returned, not well pleased.

The Duke of Guise being advertised of the dislike the Ambassadours of Germany had touching their answere,* 1.689 counselled the King to set vpon the Protestants before the Rutters entred into France, so that in lesse then eighteene moneths the King of Navarre saw himselfe assayled by fiue Camps royall, vnder fiue severall Generals. Neverthelesse very few exploites worthy of remembrance were done by those armies, vntill the army of the Germanes entred into France,* 1.690 vnder the conduct of the Baron of Othna, a man of greater courage then experience. The Duke of Bulloigne in the name of the King of Navarre, ioyned with the Baron of Othna, to leade this great army, wherein were moe then thirty thousand Switzers, Rutters, and French-men. They marched from Loraine to Cheaumont in Bassigny, and passed the river of Marne, also they crossed l' Anbe at Mon∣tigny and Seine aboue Casklion, and Cure aboue Vermen∣tone and Yome, hard by Crenaunt, and so made haste to∣wards the river of Loire. There began the complaints of the Switzers and the mutinies of the Rutters, because the King of Navarre came not to them, and the King of France was at the side of the river Loire, either to fight with them, or to stay their passage. At this time the King vsed a stra∣tagem, which was the cause of his victory, and of the dis∣sipation of the army of strangers. For hee considered that the onely meanes to breake their army, was to impeach their ioyning with the King of Navarre. Therefore he comman∣ded the Duke Ioyense to keepe the King of Navarre in

Poictou, and rather to hazard battell, then suffer him to passe the river of Loire, as hee determined at the head there∣of: to the which end the Duke de Ioyense that had an army fortified, both with men, munition, artillery, and meanes marched to Coutras, to passe la Drogne at Que, and vpon tuesday the twentith of October, Anno 1587. he stayd with all his forces betweene la Rotch,* 1.691 Chalais, and Coutras. The King of Navarre made toward him, fully resolved to fight, and about eight of the clocke in the morning, the King of Navarres artillery began to play, and that of Duke de Ioy∣ense to answer them, but not very fortunately, for that ei∣ther the ignorance or malice of the Canoners had placed it so low, that the mouth of the canon, shot right vpon a lit∣tle hill of earth, wherein the bullets stayed without pier∣cing any further. The battell was so soone decided, that in ten houres this great army of the Kings (that had the van∣tage both for place and number) began to retyre and was sooner broken then fought withall.

The King of Navarre, the Prince of Condie, and the Earle of Soissons behaved themselues most valiantly, exe∣cuting the offices both of Captaines and souldiers, and gaue thankes to God in open field.

In this battell Duke de Ioyense and Monsieur de S. Sau∣ueur his brother were slaine,* 1.692 and fiue and twenty other Gentlemen of name: all their cornets were taken, with their artillery and baggage, and fourteene Gentlemen of account were taken and put to ransome. That done, the King of Navarre being eased of so many nets that were set vp to catch him, marched forward to ioyne with the forraine ar∣my, and to passe the river Loire. The King on the other part to impeach the meeting of the two armies of his ad∣versaries, caused the ditches betweene Povilly and Dony to b••e broken vppe, filling them with thousands of trees, stones, and chaines to entangle the feet of the Rutters horse that should passe: and in truth the letting of that passage, was next to the helpe of God, the second cause the King had of the victory. For the Rutters being disappointed of their

passage were compelled to recoile, and having failed of their enterprise at la Charitie, they entred in the way of Beauce, drawing towards Montargis. From this time forth a great mutinie began in the army of the strangers, being mooved with impatience, because they could neither haue money nor sight of the King of Navarre: whereof the King being then at Bonevall had intelligence, and thereupon vsed all the meanes hee could to sound the hearts of the Switzers, and perswaded them to separate themselues from the rest of the army, and retyre home: whereunto the Switzers con∣discended, and vpon agreement of 400000. crownes payed to them in ready money, they returned backe againe to their owne countrey. The Duke of Guise perceiving the army of the Rutters to be as a body dispersed, hauing nothing left but the armes and legges, tooke boldnesse to set vpon them as they camped at Aunew,* 1.693 and entred with his footmen in∣to the streets, about the time that the carts and baggage were ready in the morning to issue out, and so couragiously sur∣prised the Rutters at their breakefast: when the trumpets began to sound a chivall, having no meanes to issue out, they were constrained to retyre into their lodgings, at the pleasure of the assaylants. The booty was great, being 800. chariots, iewels and chaines of gold, and two thousand horse, both for the field and waggons. The gates being seazed vpon, and the streets chained, there was no meanes to saue themselues but by the walles, which the Generall leaped ouer.

Notwithstanding of this surprise, the army of the Rutters was in such estate, that by reason of some small assurance they had of the King of Navarres arrivall, it was likely to haue overcome the Duke of Guise forces. And as it was at point to retyre backe againe, the Prince of Condie, the Duke of Bulloigne, and the Lords of Chastilli∣on and Cleruant, promised to pay them all their wages, if they would march forward. The hope of their pay made them to march in a time not very convenient, to∣wards the Forrest of Orleance. The King perceived that

the longer the armie kept the fields, the greater would be the ruine of his Countrey, and that, being ioyned with the king of Navarre would doe great hurt, caused the Sienrs of the Isle of Cormont to certifie the Coronels that if they would yeeld vp their colours, and sweare to beare no armes in Fraunce without the expresse comman∣dement of his Maiestie hee would giue them assurance to retire in safetie. They on the other part perceauing themselues to be farre from the king of Navarre, hardlie handled by the Frenchmen, beaten by the league, pursued by the king, and forsaken of the Switzers, assembled them∣selues together at Marsigni:* 1.694 and accepted his Maiesties of∣fers sent by Monsieur D' Esperno, and retired out of France toward Geneua.

The Marques Du pont, eldest sonne to the Duke of Loraine, and the Duke of Guise, against their faith giuen, followed the miserable troupe of the Rutters to the moun∣taine at Saint Clande, where they gaue thankes for the good successe of their companie: and from thence to please their hungrie troupes they trauersed the Countrie of Bour∣goundie, entering into the Countries of Mombeliard and Hericourt, where his men vsed diuers great cruelties and spared not the lands of the Bishop of Basile.

After the bloodie ceasing of so lamentable vengeance vpon a poore innocent people, which as yet doe feele the losse and destruction of two hundred villages, the violence vsed to a number of women and maids, the Massacre of so many old men, and the furious and beastlie inhumanitie of the League, they beare the signes of their spoyles into Loraine.

Neuerthelesse after this exploite of the Duke of Guise,* 1.695 so full of crueltie, falshood & inhumanitie, the Roman Church extolled him aboue all measure. The Pope sent vnto the D. of Guise a sword engraued with burning flames in token of his valiantnes, accompanied with burning zeale towards the Roman religiō. The Preachers of France advāced him aboue the king, saying that Saul had slaine his thousand, but Dauid

ten thousand,* 1.696 and so the Duke of Guise puft vp with winds of popular praise, seeing also that the greatnesse of the Soueraigne maiestie was embraced, and that the Prote∣stants were retired vnto the Rotchell, also that England had a proud Spaniard embarked on her backe (meaning the great Spanish Nauie by Sea) hee assured himselfe to take the king without danger: and to this effect aduertised the Cardinall of Burbone not to neglect so good an occasion, but to gather his principall friends at Nancie there to ad∣uise the meanes to passe forward, and to constraine the king as it were to make his will,* 1.697 and so that assemblie concluded that the King should be summoned to ioyne his forces to the league: to refuse the Counsell & amitie of such as should be named vnto him: to establish the inquisition in euerie towne: to publish the Councell of Trent euen touching the things that derogated the priuiledge of the French Church: to consent to the restitution of the goodes that had bin alie∣nated and sold, for the charges of the warres: to giue them townes wherein they might place men of warre, & to make such fortifications as the necessity of the time would require: ordaine the sale and confiscation of Hugonits goodes, also the disabling of their persons, & entertaine an armie vpon the Fronteris of Loraine: against the returne of the Germans that would come to haue some recompence, for the cruel∣ties by the league committed in the countie of Montbeliard.

The Duke of Guise came to the King at Soissons to constraine the King either to bow or breake, and to con∣firme the articles drawne, and deuised at Nancie and Dy∣ion.

The King on the other part, by Mousieur de Bellieure gaue the Duke to vnderstand, that he should doe him a pleasure if he would abstaine from comming to Paris in so trouble∣some a time, wherein so many factions raigned: and if hee came thither against his will: hee would lay the cause of all the troubles that might arise by his presence vpon him.

But the Duke of Guises heart, as it were attainted with a

burning feauer could find neither appetite nor pleasure,* 1.698 but in that which liked his stomach, would needes for the loouer or die by the way: and therefore mounted on horse∣backe with eight Gentlemen, about nine of the clocke at night, leauing the Prince de Iumueille his sonne at Soissons, and desiring the Archbishop of Lyons to follow him in the morning, and so arriued at Paris.

This maner of arriuall together with the peoples fauour vttered by their ioyfull acclamations at the Duke of Guises lighting increased the distrust of the kings heart, so that hee resolued to preuent the enterprises intended against him, and commanded the Marescall Biron to cause foure thousand Switzers to enter into the Towne and to lodge them in diuers quarters thereof, who seased incontinent vpon the bridges of Nostredame and Saint Michael.* 1.699 But the Parisians being abashed at the sight shut vp their shoppes, and tooke their weapones in their hands, and brought forth their Barricadoes (which was a sediti∣ous invention of the league) each one distant from another thirtie foote, and reached almost to the Sentinell of the Loouer.

The Switzers were set vpon and they yeelded, crying Viue Guise, and Monsieur de Brissac caused them to be disarmed: and Sienre de S. Paul caused the kings guarde to retire, hol∣ding down their armes with hatts in hand. The Queene mo∣ther got into her Coach in great feare, and went to seeke the Duke of Guise to appease the commotion. The D. although he layed the fault vpon the people, yet neither would hee stay the commotion, neither goe the Loover to the king.

The Queen marking the stubbornnesse and resolution of the Duke of Guise, caused the king to be aduertised, who desiring not to stay any longer in that trance, issued out of Paris by the new-gate, and so happily eschewed the Trage∣die of Chilperic,* 1.700 and the new crowne of the razour pre∣pared for him by the Leaguers: from Paris hee went to Chartresse, and from thence to Roane, fretting in heart

for the indignation hee had sustained in Paris, and being determined, one way or other, to be auenged on the Duke of Guise; the chiefe Captaine of the league, and the author of the Barricadoes. The chiefe thing that hindred this reso∣lution for a time was the two extremities wherewith hee found himselfe beset: for either he must make peace with the Protestants, or strengthen himselfe with their forces; or else of new againe adioyne himselfe to the league, because hee was not able to match them both at one time.

In the end hee resolued to ioyne with the league againe and by a new edict set forth in Iuly Anno, 1588.* 1.701 he ratefi∣ed the decrees of the leaguers at Nemours which they had made, Anno 1585. containing in effect & substance the same things that were afterward decreed in Nancy.

Moreouer hee remitted and excused the fact done a∣gainst him in the towne of Paris: acknowledging it was done by them for the zeale of the Catholike religion. And lest he should seeme to foster in his minde some secret cho∣ler against the leaguers: he bestowed his liberalities and fa∣uours vpon the principall heads thereof. To the Duke of Guise hee gaue the office of Lieutenant Generall ouer all the forces throughout the Realme of Fraunce. To the Cardinall of Guise his Brother hee promised to procure the Pope to giue him the office of Legat of Anignon. To Duke De Maine was giuen a faire and great armie in Dolpkin.

He gaue the Duke Nemours the government of Lyons. Hee forgot not the Archbishop of Lyons, but made him one of his priuie Counsel, before being only of the counsell of estate: and finally declared the Cardinall of Burbon to be the chiefe Prince of the blood royall, thereby whollie to ex∣clude the king of Navarre from the crowne, The leaguers on the other part haue the wind in their saile & fearing that this great goodnesse of the king would not continue, ceased not vntil they had procured all his wise Counsellers to be remo∣ued, and two armies to be leauied against the Protestants, the

one in Poictou vnder the conduct of the Duke of Neuers, the other in Dowphine vnder the Duke De Maine: all this contented them not except the edict aforsaid were christned with the name of a fundamentall law, and because it could not be done but by the three estates in Fraunce, they be∣sought the king to hold a Parliament which was kept in Bloyes,* 1.702 Anno 1589. There they played subtilie one with an∣other, and hee who was deceiued, thought vpon nothing else but to deceiue: for the Duke of Guise was slaine at this Parliament, and the Cardinall of Guise, the Arch-bi∣shop of Lions was arrested, and Ianueille the Duke of Guises son, and the Cardinall of Burbon were deteined prisoners.

The Queene mother tooke this suddain alteration so grie∣uouslie that she tooke bed,* 1.703 & in the moneth of Ianuarie fol∣lowing, died. The two armies that were sent against the Pro∣testants, the one staied in Lions awaiting on the issue of the Parliament, the other arriued into Poictou and had taken the Townes of Montagu, and Ganach lying in the Frontiers of Poictou and Brittannie: while the Parlia∣ment was at Bloyes the assemblie of the Protestants was gathered in Rotchell, which beganne the foure∣teenth day of Nouember, the king of Nauarre being pre∣sent (now the Prince of Condie was dead in the moneth of March,* 1.704 Anno 1588. being poysoned by one of his owne seruants) and deputies from all parts of the Countries, by whose aduise and resolution came the request presented to the states at Bloyes, vnder the name and title of the Frenchmen exiled for the Religion: beseeching the King to restore them to the libertie of the first edict which was called the edict of Ianuarie: to ordaine that a nationall Councell might bee assembled where the Doctors of both parts with good securitie in presence of his Maiestie, and all the assemblie might debate those differences, and whollie decree and resolue vpon the same: to grant them the free libertie of possessing their goodes: and to permit the registring of their supplication: to the

end that nothing might be done in that assemblie to pre∣iudge them. But the Deputies of the Parliament, being for the most part, composed of men that were taken out from among the passionate aduancers of the League, not onely refused to agree to the foresaid petitions, but also ceased not, vntill both from the king himselfe and all the assemblie, they had procured a declaration of the per∣petuall disabilitie, of the king of Nauarre to the succession of the Crowne.

But let vs see what successe followed vpon the death of the Duke of Guise. Two daies after the execution at Bloyes the sixteene Arch-leaguers of Paris, as Furies issu∣ing out of hell, displaced the choler of their minds against the king, crying out murther, fire and vengeance. They presentlie made a collection of money to maintaine warres; the poorest artificer amongst them was content at least to import six crownes;* 1.705 gold ranne like a Riuer a long the streetes; they eleuated the Duke of Guise to the hea∣uens and with open mouth spoke euill of the king, detesting his actions, abhorring his life, and accounting the execution done at Bloyse as most cruell, barbarous and inhumane. Many other townes followed the example of Paris, namely Amiens, Dijon, Orleance, Tullose. The Doctors of Sorbon published their decree, importing that the people of Fraunce, were freed and absolued from the oath of fidelitie and obedience made to Henry the third; and that the same people might lawfullie and with good con∣science arme and vnite themselues together for defence of the Roman Church against the king or his adherents whatsoe∣uer.

The report of those vprores, hastned the dissolution of the Parliament, which was dissolued in Ianuarie, 1589. and the king made for warre to suppresse the rebellious insurrection of the league: and immediatlie hee tran∣slated to the towne of Tours such exercises of Iustice, as were accustomed to bee performed in his Court of Parliament of Paris, and depriued Paris with the townes

of all offices, charges, dignitie and priuiledges what∣soeuer, as guiltie of rebellion, fellonie, and high trea∣son against his Maiesties estate, and Person. Now the king was brought to that pinch by the insolencie of the league, that hee behoued to take truce with the king of Nauarre, and to fortifie himselfe with the assistance of his forces, and hee gaue to the king of Nauarre Sau∣mure for securitie of his passage ouer Loire, by meanes whereof the king of Nauarre caused all his troupes to passe ouer on this side of Loire, to ioyne with the forces of Nor∣mandie, Maine, and other places which attended him with intention to approach the leaguers.

The Duke De Maine,* 1.706 on the other part being chiefe commaunder of the Leaguers armie, made a selection of their resolutest men, and marched into Vendesmois with an intention to surprise the king, in Tours where hee was not verie stronglie guarded; but the king was eased of this feare by the sudden arriuall of the king of Nauarre for his reliefe.

In Normandie Duke Monpensier with forces for the king, besieged Salaize a Towne that held for the league, and Count Brissac, accompanied with two or three hundreth, gentlemen leaguers, and with them fiue or six thousand men came to support the towne. Duke Mont∣pensier hearing of those newes left the siege of the towne and set vpon Count Brissac and his armie, being lodged in three villages, and slew of them more than 3000. men; and tooke 1200 prisoners amongst whom were 30. Gen∣tlemen of the chiefest. This was a bad presagement for the League.

In like manner at the siege of Senlis (a Towne of Fraunce lying betweene Paris and Picardie) which the Parisians besieged, because it was a Towne of great im∣portance, the Duke of Longoveille came with support to the Towne; vpon which, battell ensued: wherein, 1500. of the assailants were slaine and all their artillerie and baggage was taken.

The king encouraged by those prosperous beginnings determined to goe forward, and to besiege the Towne of Paris with his armie of 45000. men.

The Duke De Maine and other principall Leaguers in Paris ••erc••••ued their faction tending to a ruine,* 1.707 but found no ••••ued•••• except they executed some notable villanie by procuring the kings death. And they found out a young Iacobine Monke called Frier Iaques Clement, who for a kinde of Dextcritie obserued in him was found meet to strike so great a stroake. The Monke departed from Paris, and being presented to speake to the king the first day of August, said that he had letters from the president of Harley and credence on his part. The king caused him to be cal∣led into his Chamber, where there was none other but the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Belligard chiefe Gentleman of the same, and the procuror generall, whom hee procured to retire a part more priuatlie to giue ••are vnto him, who adressed him∣selfe (as it seemed) with a countenance verie simple and demure.

It is affirmed that in the selfe same chamber the massa∣cre of Paris had beene concluded, Anno 1572. the king himselfe that was then Duke of Aniou being one of the chiefest. The Monke perceiuing himselfe alone, and op∣portunitie offered him drew out of one of his sleeues a paper which hee presented to the king, and out of of the other a Knife which hee violently thrust with∣in the kings small ribbes, hee being attentiue in r••••∣ding.

The king perceiuing himselfe wounded plucked the knife out of the wound wherewith he stroke the Monke aboue the eye, and therevpon some gentlemen came ru••∣ning in; who moued with the indignitie of so execrable fact, could not containe but killed the murtherer with their swords,* 1.708 who went to the place appointed for him, and was canonized and adorned by the league. The king be∣ing carried to his bed, died about three of the clock•• in the morning the day following. A little before his

d••parture, hee named the King of Navarre his brother in law, lawfull successor to the crowne, exhorting his good subiects to obey him, and to referre the difference of religi∣on to the Convocation of the Estates generall of the Realm, and to pray to God for him, vpon these words he gaue vp the ghost.

After the Kings death, the image and portraiture of the traiterous Monke,* 1.709 who killed the King by the commande∣ment of the chiefe of the league, was most artificially framed in brasse, & other paintings, wherewith they garnished both their houses and their Churches. Then was hee canonized, and amongst the superstitious prayed vnto as a martyr, whom they called by the name of Saint Iaques Clement. The Leaguers had with all their might endeavoured in the former Kings dayes to disappoint the succession of the King of Navarre, to the crowne of France. Now therefore they caused that title by proclamaton to bee given to the Car∣dinall of Burbone,* 1.710 being then prisoner, whom they cal∣led King Charles the tenth, and Duke de Maine was decla∣red Lieutenant generall to the Estate and Crown of France, thereby disguising and colouring his vsurpation to the Crowne.

But King Henry the fourth, after he had buryed the corps of his predecessor, tooke his first iourney to Normandy, where the Pont to Larch was yeelded to him:* 1.711 Then hee came to Deepe, wonne Caen vnto his side, and constrained Neuscastle to be rendered into his hands. And hauing made a show to besiege Roane, it caused Duke de maine being called to the succour by Aumalle and Brissac, to set himself in the field with more then 3000. horsemen, and 5000. foot∣men, who promised to the Parisians, at that time to make an end of all warre, and to bring their enemy bound vnto them both hand and foot. The King marching toward his enemies, encamped at a certaine village called Arques, a∣bout two miles from Deep, and so entrenched it about on all sides, that hee might easily ouerrunne the enemy at all times.

The Duke de Maine lay about Arques, from the end of August vntill the midst of September, gayning nothing but losse of his best approoved souldiers, and nine or ten of their Captaines.

This first enterprise against the King did truely presage vnto them what successe they were like to haue in all their attempts to come, wherof followed nothing else but shame and sorrow. This done, the King by easie iourneys drew nigh to Paris, and entred by force the suburbs of S. Iaques, and being advertised that the Duke de Maine was come forth of Picardie, and with all his forces had entered into Paris, hee stayed foure long houres in battell, to see if any of the Leaguers would issue out to fight. Afterward hee departed from Paris, and tooke the townes of Ven∣dosme, and Mans, and Falaize, wherein Count Brissac was taken prisoner: also hee recovered Honfleur, a towne vp∣on the Sea coast in Normandie, and compelled the Duke de Maine to raise his siege from the towne and fort of Meu∣lan. In the beginning of March, the Duke de Maine with all his forces passed over the bridge of Maule, which is a∣bout eight miles from Dreux: whereof the King being advertised, provided for his affaires, and the twelfth of the same moneth, set himselfe on the way to goe against his e∣nemies. On the thirtith day the King after hee had ordered his army,* 1.712 made an earnest prayer to God, and looked for battell, but there were nothing but skirmishes, wherein the Leaguers had the worst. The next day the battels ioyned neere to the towne of Dreux, wherein the King obtained a great victory, and overthrew all the footmen of the Lea∣guers, which were counted to the number of twelue thou∣sand men. Onely the Switzers who cast downe their wea∣pons, and yeelded to the King, together with the French∣men who were mingled amongst them, had their liues spa∣red: also fifteene hundred horsemen of the Leaguers were slaine and drowned, and foure hundred taken prisoners. The Duke de Maine fled towards Dreux, and when he was entred the towne, broke vp the bridge before his owne

people were all come, which was the cause of the death of a great number of his army, especially of the Rutters, of whom a great sort were drowned. In this battell the army had their ioy mixed with sorrow, at the first: for they saw not the King returne, but within a while after, they espyed him comming all stained with the blood of his enemies, not having shed one droppe of his owne (whom they dis∣cryed onely by the great plume of white fethers, which hee had in his creast, and that which his palfrey had on his head) all the army gaue hearty thankes to God for his safe∣tie, crying with one voyce, God saue the King.

The Duke de Maine and other Captaines of the league being frustrate of their hope, and seeing their army thus spoyled; betooke themselues to their ordinarie shifts, which was to feed the Parisians with fable and lyes: publishing that in the battell they had almost eq••all losse, and that the King if hee was not already dead, hee was neare vnto it. But the people being every day more and more ascertained of the truth, began to grudge, and to be desirous of peace, so that the Duke of Maine tooke his iourney towards the Duke of Parma, to obtaine support from him.

The King drew nigh to Paris,* 1.713 and shut vp the passages of the river of Seane, being master of Mance and Poyssie on the one side, and Corbell Melum, and Monterean on the other side of Paris; so that neither from aboue, nor from below, could any provision bee carryed to Paris by the river of Seane: likewise by taking of Lagnay, and the fort of Gonrey, hee stopped the passage of the river of Merue, and by taking Compienge, Creil, and Beaumont, hee stopped the passage of the river of Oisso, or Ayne.

In that populous towne the famine was soone felt, and within the space of three moneths, moe then an hundred thousand dyed in the towne: yet the most part of them stir∣red vp by the seditious Preachers, were content rather to en∣dure an hundred deathes, then to acknowledge their owne soveraigne King, whom they called an Heretique, and a favourer of them.

The Duke de Maine having obtained promise of support from the Duke of Parma, returned from Beuxellis, whom the King pursued from Laon to Meux, where hee inclosed himselfe betweene two rivers, waiting for the comming of the Duke of Parma. The King hoped for battell so soone as the Duke of Parma was ioyned with the Duke de Maine, but the Duke of Parma got vp to an hill to view his ene∣mies army, and after hee had throughly noted it, hee tooke resolution not to fight,* 1.714 but to fortifie and entrench his army within a great marrash, and so by meanes of his intrench∣ments, hee eschewed the hazard of battell, and came to Pa∣ris, and named himselfe the deliverer of it. But after he had stayed a while in Paris, the principall Captaines of the league, began to giue the Duke of Parma thankes for his good will, and entreated him to goe with his people to Breuxelis againe.

This request or secret command, fell out very well for the Duke. For on the one part, his army was seene by all men dayly to waste, and himselfe did plainely behold that hee stood in the midst of an inconstant multitude. There∣fore hee dressed himselfe homeward with all possible speed,* 1.715 and the king pursued him to the very frontiers of Artoys. The Duke of Parmaes comming, serued to none other pur∣pose but to fill their purses with the gold of Peru, and to entangle and bring their affaires vnto a remedilesse end: for in the beginning of the yeere 1591. the King conti∣nued his siege, and the Parisians were fallen into their won∣ted distresses, as before. But we leaue for a while, and marke the estate of the rest of the countrey.

In the countrey of Dauphein, Francis de Bonne, Lord of Diguireres,* 1.716 chased the Leaguers out of that part, and be∣came master of Grenoble. In Normandy the Duke of Montpensier, wonne Honfleur, and forced the Leaguers to forsake field. In Poictou the Vicount dela Guerche, com∣manding over certaine regiments of footmen, and horse∣men, and finding about a thousand of naturall borne Spa∣niards, newly come from Brittaine to doe some great ex∣ployt,

they were all charged by the Baron de la Rotche Pose, and others of the Kings chiefe servitors. In this con∣flict la Guerche was compelled to see 300. Gentlemen of his most assured favourers, slaine, and lying on the ground, at the which sight hee was so abashed, that hee fled to the next river, where finding the boat, and thinking to goe over ea∣sily, the throng was so great, that the boate and all the pas∣sengers sunke to the bottome: La Guerche was there drowned, with a great number of others. There perished in the water and in the fight, moe then seven hundred Spainards: some supposed this losse of the Leaguers to be little lesse then that of Coutras, by reason of the great num∣ber of the Nobility that dyed therein. Likewise the Lord Digners overthrew in the plaine of Portcharre, the Duke Savoyes army, commanded by Amedio, the Dukes bastard sonne, and Don Pleneres, a Spanish Captaine, and the Marquis of Treuic, and others. There were slaine vpon that plaine, 2000. and 500. of the Dukes army, and a great number were taken prisoners, being for the most part Gentlemen of command. The booty which was got∣ten, amounted to the summe of two hundred thousand crownes.

The next day two thousand Romanes and souldiers of Millaine, who with their Commander, the Earle of Galcot of Belioyense, were saved within the Castle of d' Analon, at length yeelded themselues to the Kings mercy: but the fury of the souldiers could not bee quenched, till they had slaine sixe or seven hundred of them. The rest having white roddes in their hands given them in stead of pasports, were sent home to Italy.

In the meane time the King handled his affaires so bu∣sily, that hee had taken the townes of Chartresse and Noy∣on, and taken order that Paris should still bee inclosed on every side: so that the great tribute and taxes which were gathered for the bringing in of victuals to the Parisians, and for the maintenance of their troopes, did gleane away their money peece after peece, and brought the people to great

poverty. Likewise the King after the taking of Noyon, sent som of his troops to Normandie, to tame those of Roan, who shewed themselues no lesse obstinate then the Parisi∣ans. The Leaguers had none other shift, but againe to cry for ayde of the Duke of Parma: who entred into France the second time,* 1.717 with foure thousand footmen, and three thousand horsemen, besides some Italians conducted by S. Fondrat Earle of Mont Martian, and three thousand Switzers. At this his approaching to Roane, the towne of Candebec was yeelded to him, howbeit he did not keep it long: and hee entred into Roane, but made no tarrying there, because his purpose was to set forward to Paris.

The King on the other part, sent to all the neighbour townes, such as Louviers, Mance, Menlan, Vernon, and o∣thers, where his garrisons were, that they should march to∣wards him, which was speedily performed: so that in sixe dayes, his army grew to more then three thousand horse∣men, and six thousand footmen. With this companie the King followed the Duke of Parmaes army, and charged diverse times so roughly, that at one time they lost six hun∣dred of their number, another time, two thousand and fiue hundred, and so fled shamefully towardes Paris, and from thence to Brie, and last they came to Artoys: where within few moneths the Duke of Parma with his troopes melted, like waxe in the Sunne. S. Fondrat saw his people also con∣founded.

* 1.718Besides this good successe, the Kings favourites in ma∣ny other parts of the Land, still continued prevailing a∣gainst their enemies. The Duke of Bouillone Mariscall of France, accompanied with foure hundred horse, and two hundred hagbuziers, onely overthrewe before Beaumont, the Lord of d' Amblise, high Mariscall of Loraine, and the Dukes Lieutenant generall, accompanied with two thou∣sand footmen, and eight hundred horsemen. Amblize was slaine in the field, with more then seven hundred others: his artillery wonne, all his corners and ensignes taken: and 400. Lance-knights sent away vnarmed.

In Languedocke Duke de Ioyense, the brother of him who was slaine at Coutras, had besieged Montaban, and Vil∣lemure, but Thimenes issuing out of Villemure, constrai∣ned the Duke to forsake the held, with the losse of three thousand men, three canons, and two culverines. The bridge which the Duke had builded over Tie was cut vp, and was almost the cause of all their deaths. Ioyense him∣selfe overcome with dispaire in this distresse, was heard to vomit out these desperate words. Farewell my great canons, ha, I renounce God, I runne this day an high fortune: and therewith desperatly hee plunged himselfe horse and all in∣to the river Tae.* 1.719 This was the miserable end of this cruell, proude, and blasphemous young Duke, who was much la∣mented of the Leaguers: for whom hee had done many great exployts.

The Kings army in that part consisting of fiue hundred horsemen, and two thousand and fiue hundred hagbuziers, besides those that were within the towne of Villemure, withdrew themselues in good order vnto their garrisons, after they had given thankes to God, for so prosperous a victory. After all those successes which God granted to the King,* 1.720 followed his defection from his religion, in the moneth of Iuly, Anno, 1593. The Archbishops, Bishops, and Doctors of Sorbon, were appointed to meet at Mance, the fifteenth of Iuly, without any mention of the Prote∣stants Ministers, who were before put from the King. By whose perswasion the King was induced to heare and see masse sung, in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Denise, the fiue and twentith day of Iuly. All this asswaged not the fu∣rie of the Leaguers, who still continued in their wonted malice against the King, and stirred vp a wicked man, cal∣led Peter Burrier,* 1.721 alias, Bar, borne at Orleance, to slay the King. This man was committed to prison at Melun, the sixe and twentith day of August, where hee confessed that hee was seduced by a Capushan Fryer at Lyons, and by a Curat and Vicar of Paris, and also by a Iesuit, closely to fol∣low the King, and to murther him with a two edged knife,

which also was found about him: He was drawne through the streets of Melun, where then the King was; they cut off his right arme holding the murthering knife therein, and after burned the same: also his armes, legs, and thigh∣bones were broken vpon a wheele, where he languished cer∣taine houres till hee dyed.

The King seeing that the malice of his enemies still con∣tinued, resolued no longer to beare the same, wherefore hee caused a declaration to be imprinted and published in the beginning of the yeere,* 1.722 1594. containing an Oration of the mischiefes and vnfaithfull practises of the Leaguers. Prescribing a moneths liberty as well to the chiefe of the Leaguers, as to the clergie, cities, townes, communalties, yea, and to all men generally within the same, to ac∣knowledge him their King, and to submit themselues to his gouernment. The time once past, hee would revoke his grace & favour, accounting them to be rebells, and guilty of high treason, for contempt of his Kingly offer.

The report of this declaration, and the preparations which the King made to chastise their stubborne opini∣ons: amazed the very principall of the league, and the most part of the rebellious townes and commons. The towne of Meux in Brie,* 1.723 a small iourney from Paris, yeelded thems∣selues to the King, the eleventh of Ianuary: and by a pithy letter, exhorted the Parisians to follow their example. Soone after the cities of Orleance, Lyons, Roane, Poicters, Bourges, Haure de grace, Pontean de Mervernueil at Perche, Pointoise, Riome in Anergne, Peron, and mondidier in Picardie, were received in favour: and those of Annens and Abeveil, after they had remained neuters a while, short∣ly after acknowledged their soveraigne King. Last of all, the towne of Paris yeelded to the King, in the moneth of March. Wherein it is to bee noted, that the Kings troopes entred so peaceably into the towne, that within two houres after, the shops were all set open, and the towne appeared so peaceable, as if there had never beene any change. In Pi∣cardie the towne of laon was fortified against the King, by

the Spaniards forces, & yet was compelled to yeeld Soissons and La Fere, which were possessed by the Duke de Maine, and the Spaniards would not yeeld: and the towne and fort of Blauel in Britannie was also fortified against the King. But now seeing the League inclined to an hastie ruine, the last refuge was by horrible treason, to cut off Henry the fourth,* 1.724 as they had done Henry the third before. To this ef∣fect they stirred vp a young stripling, named Iohn Castill, a∣bout 18. or 19. yeeres of age, to slay the King as he was re∣turning from Picardie to Paris. Thus vpon the 27. day of December, Anno, 1584 ••as the King was readie booted and spurred to returne from Picardie to Paris, within a chamber at Lououre, this stripling went into the chamber amongst the presse, and as the King was busily occupied in receiuing his Nobles, and in a princely manner kissing them for his farewell, suddenly he would haue stricken the King in the bodie with a knife he had in his hand. But by reason his Maiesty was very readie to take vp the Lords which were on their knees before him, in his stooping he strucke him in the face on the vpper iaw on the right side, therewithall cutting out one of his teeth. Presently this miserable caitiue was ta∣ken, and after examination, vnderstanding that he was a scholler of the Iesuites, the King said, And must it needs be that the Iesuits must be confounded by my mouth.

This parricide being brought to prison, freely declared all the circumstances of his euill intent, discouering many of the Iesuits secret practises. Amongst many other things he remembred he heard the fathers of that holy societie say, that it was lawfull to kill the King,* 1.725 that he was excommuni∣cated out of the Church, that he was not to be obeyed nor taken for their King, vntill such time as he was allowed by the Pope. The Court of Parliament condemning this Ca∣stile of Treason in the highest degree, caused him to be brought naked in his shirt before the principall part of the Cathedrall Church in Paris, holding in his hand a taper of waxe, lighted, there to confesse his haynous sinne, asking forgiuenesse of God, the King, and the lawes, which done,

he was conveyed to the place of execution, carrying in his hand the murthering knife,* 1.726 wherewith he intended to mur∣ther the King: the which was there first cut off, his flesh pul∣led off with hot burning Pincers, both from his armes and thighs; after that, his bodie was drawne in peeces with foure horses, and cast into the fire and consumed to ashes, and the ashes scattered in the winde. Likewise the said Court of Par∣liament ordeined, that all the Priests and Schollers of Cler∣mont colledge, and all other of the same societie of Iesus, to be holde•• and reputed as corrupters of youth, disturbers of the publique peace, enemies to the King and State: and to avoyde within three dayes after the Proclamation of this edict, out of Paris and all other townes and places where their Colledges are, and within 15. dayes after, out of the kingdome, on paine, if being found after the time prefixed, to be punished as guiltie of the said crime of treason.

Besides these horrible troubles that were in France in the dayes of this Emperour Rodulph, the King of Spaine prepa∣red a great armie to invade the Realme of England. This ar∣mie was counted invincible, and of most admirable prepa∣ration,* 1.727 it conteined an hundreth and thirtie Ships, wherein were as many Regiments, having an hundreth seuentie two Ensignes, and 20000. fighting men, besides the number of 1000. moe that had nothing to doe with armes; also their furniture and provision was exceeding great, for they had 11000. Quintals of Biscat. 14170. Pipes of Wine. 6500. Quintals of Bacon. 3433. Quintals of Cheese. 8000. Quin∣tals of dried fish of all sorts. 6320, Bushels of Beanes and Pease. 11398. Roues and Measures of oyle. 23870. Roues of Vineger. And 11850. Pipes of fresh Water: besides the victu∣als and necessaries of houshold, that were in great number, and of all sorts. The armes reserued for store were 7000. Caleeuers, & their furnitures, a 1000. Muskets, a 1000. Lan∣ces, a 1000. Partisants and Halbards. 6000. Pikes. More Pick∣axes, Payles, and other instruments then would serue for 700. Pioners. With this number and in this manner being prepared, the armie departed out of Lisbone, vnder the con∣duct

of the Duke de Medina Gidonia, assisted with 22. Lords, of estate, councell, and experience. But it had searce entred into the sea, sailing toward the Gnongnes in Gallicia, but there arose a storme with so great force,* 1.728 that the Navie was constrained to put to land, and there to stay till winde and weather serued: hauing lost in that storme three Gallies of Portugalls, and many of them so scattered and bruised, that they were not seruiceable for that Voyage. The storme be∣ing calmed and the weather good, about the 22. of Iulie, the Generall caused them to set saile so fortunately, that in lesse then fiue dayes after, they descryed the point or end of Cornwall, and at the same time they were seene from Plim∣mouth by the Admirall of England, and S^r Francis Drake, Vice admirall,* 1.729 who made them turne their faces, and gaue them such a skirmish, and that so neere, that the Ships were in disorder, and a great Gallion lost, wherein was found a part of the treasures that the Armie brought with it, and all the instructions which the Duke de Medina had, and what he should doe, having Conquered England. At the last the Navie got as farre as Callis, where it should haue ioyned with the Duke of Parma; but the Armie of England that fought to impeach it, followed it, and that so nie, that it was forced to leaue her Anchor-hold, & confusedly to flie away. Their principall Gallias, among other Vessels, was by the streames cast vpon the sands hard by the hauen of Callis, & there with his Ordnance was left for the governor of Callis. After this, it made toward the North seas, passing betweene Norway and Scotland, and so toward Ireland, where those northerne seas, being as then risen according to the time of yeare, were very tempestuous, and vsed the rest of the armie very hardly, for it drowned and sunke 17. great Vessels vpon the coast of Ireland, and spoyled, broke, and ouerthrew diuers others, in such manner, that of 130. Shippes, there were scarcely 30. that returned to SPAINE.

Here endeth the first Booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 1. cap. 5.
• * 1.2

  Funct. Chron.
• * 1.3

  Luk. 1.
• * 1.4

  Nazianz. in Iulian. annot. nouni.
• * 1.5

  Luk. 2.
• * 1.6

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 18. cap. 3.
• * 1.7

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 25 cap. 10.
• * 1.8

  Sozom. lib. 1. cap. 1. Christ was borne when the Scopter vvas apparan∣ly sliding from Iuda. Gen 46.10.
• * 1.9

  Christs King∣dome is ever∣lasting. Rom. 14.9 Hos. 13.14.
• * 1.10

  Mat. 2.13. The vncer∣tainty of tra∣dition.
• * 1.11

  Sozom. lib. 5. cap. ••2.
• * 1.12

  Ioseph antiq. lib 17. cap. 13.
• * 1.13

  Mat. 2.22.2••.
• * 1.14

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 18. cap. 3.
• * 1.15

  Romane De∣puties in Iu∣da 1. Bucole Index.
• * 1.16

  Ioh. 18.13.
• * 1.17

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 18. cap. 3.
• * 1.18

  Luk. 13.1.
• * 1.19

  The Priestly ••arments.
• * 1.20

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 18. cap. 6. Euseb, hist. eccl. lib. 1. cap 10. Mat. 3. & 4. Christ cruci∣fied in the 18. yeare of Tibe∣rius. Heb. 7.
• * 1.21

  The Senate of Rome refuseth to acknow∣ledge the diui∣nity of Christ. Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 2. cap. 2. Rom. 1.21, 22.
• * 1.22

  Pilate kille••h himselfe.
• * 1.23

  Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 8.
• * 1.24

  Caius would be counted a god.
• * 1.25

  Euseb. eccles. hist. lib. 2. cap. 6 Ioseph. antiq. lib. 18. cap. 11
• * 1.26

  The Ievves abhorted the vpsetting of the image of Caius in their Temple. Act. 12.
• * 1.27

  The petition of Agrippa.
• * 1.28

  The bloody letter of Caius written to Pe∣tronius his Deputy Ioseph antiq. lib. 18. cap. 11.
• * 1.29

  The hypocri∣sie of Agrippa.
• * 1.30

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 19 cap. 5.
• * 1.31

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 19 cap. 7.
• * 1.32

  Acts 12.
• * 1.33

  Contention betweene the Iewes & Gre∣cians who dwelt at Alex∣andria.
• * 1.34

  Ioseph. antiq. l••b. 18. cap. 10. Euseb. eccl hist. lib. 2. cap. 5.
• * 1.35

  Euseb. hist. lib. 2 cap. 4. Ioseph. antiq. lib. 18 cap. 9.
• * 1.36

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 19. cap. 3. New Iupiter in worse case then old Iu∣piter.
• * 1.37

  Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 19.
• * 1.38

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 19. cap. 4.
• * 1.39

  Acts. 12.
• * 1.40

  Acts 12.
• * 1.41

  The famine foretold by Agabus Acts 11.
• * 1.42

  Funct. Ch••on.
• * 1.43

  The Counci•• of Ierusalem, Anno. 48. Acts 15.
• * 1.44

  Acts 15.
• * 1.45

  Romane de∣puties.
• * 1.46

  Acts 5.36.
• * 1.47

  ••••seph antiq. lib 20 cap 2. Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 11. Acts 5 37.
• * 1.48

  Iosephus lib 18. cap. 3. lib 20. & cap. 3.
• * 1.49

  Ioseph antiq. lib. 20. cap. 4.
• * 1.50

  Ioseph antiq. ••••b 20. cap. 4.
• * 1.51

  Ioseph antiq. lib. 20. cap. 5.
• * 1.52

  Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 5.
• * 1.53

  Daniel. 3.19.
• * 1.54

  The ten perse∣cuting Empe∣rours wrestled against God. Gen. 32.
• * 1.55

  Hos. 12.
• * 1.56

  Rom. 1.18.
• * 1.57

  Exod. 3.
• * 1.58

  The first per∣secution. Anno. Cler. 65. Bucole Index chron. Funct. chron. Chytr. chron.
• * 1.59

  Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 25. The martyr∣dome of Peter and Paul. Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 25.
• * 1.60

  Romane Deputies.
• * 1.61

  Act. 25.
• * 1.62

  Ioseph antiq. lib. 20. cap. 6.
• * 1.63

  Acts. 25. Acts 12.
• * 1.64

  Contention. betweene A∣grippa and the Ievves.
• * 1.65

  Ioseph. antiq. lib. 20. cap. 7.
• * 1.66

  The martyr∣dome of Iames furnamed Iustus.
• * 1.67

  Ioseph antiq. lib 20 cap 8. Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 23.
• * 1.68

  Epiphan. contr. heres.
• * 1.69

  Ioseph. de bello Iuduco lib. 2. cap. 15. The ground of the warre betweene the Iewes and the Romanes. Mat. 24.
• * 1.70

  Bucole Index. chron.
• * 1.71

  Zach. 11.9.
• * 1.72

  Ioseph. de bello Iud lib. 2. c. 30
• * 1.73

  Ioseph. de bello Iud. lib. 2. cap. 36. and 41.
• * 1.74

  Forerunning tokens of the destruction of Ierusalem.
• * 1.75

  Ioseph. de bello Ind. lib. 6. c. 31.
• * 1.76

  De bello Iud. lib. 3. cap 27.
• * 1.77

  De bello Iud. lib. 4. cap 39.
• * 1.78

  Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 5.
• * 1.79

  The destructi∣on of Ierusa∣lem. Anno Chr. 71. Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 7.
• * 1.80

  De bello Iud. lib. 6. cap. 21.
• * 1.81

  Ioh. 19.15.
• * 1.82

  Mat. 24.37. 38.39.
• * 1.83

  Iude ver. 7. The flood of Noe, the over∣throw of So∣dome, and de∣struction of Ierusalem, types of the great iudge∣ment to come. Mat. 24.
• * 1.84

  Bucole Index chron.
• * 1.85

  Bucole.
• * 1.86

  The second persecution. Anno Chr. 96. Chytr. Chron.
• * 1.87

  Mat. 13.
• * 1.88

  Ioh. 4.14. The banish∣ment of the Apostle Iohn. Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 18. Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 19.
• * 1.89

  Chytr. chron.
• * 1.90

  Domitian a∣fraid by ru∣mors of the Kingdom of Christ.
• * 1.91

  Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 20.
• * 1.92

  Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 21
• * 1.93

  Euseb. lib. 3 cap. 21
• * 1.94

  Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 4. cap. 3.
• * 1.95

  The third persecution. Anno. Chr. 108.
• * 1.96

  Heb. 12,2
• * 1.97

  Rom. 12.
• * 1.98

  The martyr∣dome of Simon the sonne of Cleopas. Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 3 cap. 23.
• * 1.99

  The letter of Pliny 2. vvrit∣ten to Traian.
• * 1.100

  Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 3. cap. 23.
• * 1.101

  Tertul. Apol.
• * 1.102

  Damas. Serm. de defunct. Gregory 1. prayed for the soule of Traian
• * 1.103

  Chytr. chron.
• * 1.104

  Euseb. eccles. hist. lib 4. cap. 3 Ierom. catalog. script. eccles. Barcochebas a false Prophet, seduced the Nation of the Ievves.
• * 1.105

  Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 4. cap. 6.
• * 1.106

  Note.
• * 1.107

  Euseb. ecel. hist. lib. 4 cap. 9. Adrianus his intention to build a church for the honor of Christ. Bucole. Note.
• * 1.108

  Carion lib. 3. Monarch. 4.
• * 1.109

  Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 4. cap. 13.
• * 1.110

  Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 5 cap. 9. Bucole.
• * 1.111

  The fourth persecution. Anno Chr. 168.
• * 1.112

  Heb. 11.25
• * 1.113

  Heb. 11.35
• * 1.114

  The martyr∣dome of Poly∣carpus and Iustinus.
• * 1.115

  Euseb. eccl. hist. lib. 5. cap. 1. Bucole Index. Slanderous speeches a∣gainst Chri∣stians. Euseb. ibid.
• * 1.116

  Iustin. Martyr. Apol.
• * 1.117

  Iohn. 16.2.
• * 1.118

  The Romane Army suppor∣ted by the prayers of the Christians.
• * 1.119

  Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 5.
• * 1.120

  Euseb. ecel. hist. lib. 5. cap. 27.
• * 1.121

  Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 23. Contrary Ievves.
• * 1.122

  The fift per∣secution. Anno. Chr. 205. Euseb. lib. 6 cap. 12.
• * 1.123

  Euseb. lib. 6 cap. 1 Leonides the fa∣ther of Origen.
• * 1.124

  The conversi∣on of Basilides.
• * 1.125

  Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 5. Alexander fel∣low labourer with Narcissus Euseb. l. 6. c. 39.
• * 1.126

  Note.
• * 1.127

  Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 4. Rhais a Martyr burnt before she was bap∣tized. Euseb. ibid.
• * 1.128

  The death of Sevetus.
• * 1.129

  Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 21.
• * 1.130

  Note. Bucole.
• * 1.131

  The death of Bassinus.
• * 1.132

  Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 21. Funct. chron.
• * 1.133

  The death of Heliogabalus.
• * 1.134

  Euseb. lib. 6. cap 28. Chrons. Funct.
• * 1.135

  Vlpianus an enemy to Christians.
• * 1.136

  Hist Magdeb. cent. 3.
• * 1.137

  The martyr∣dome of Aga∣petus.
• * 1.138

  Hist. Mag. cent. 3.
• * 1.139

  Mammea the Emperors mo∣ther is in∣structed by Origen in the faith.
• * 1.140

  Note.
• * 1.141

  Turinus killed with smoke. Seuerus his death.
• * 1.142

  Bucole. Index. chron.
• * 1.143

  Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 28.
• * 1.144

  Eucole, Index. chron. The 6. perse∣cution. Ann. Christi. 237. Euseb. lib. 6. cap. ••8.
• * 1.145

  Origen wrote a booke de martyrie. Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 28.
• * 1.146

  1 The malice of Satan a∣gainst true Pastors.
• * 1.147

  2
• * 1.148

  Not••
• * 1.149

  Origen got not the honor of martyr∣dome.
• * 1.150

  Note.
• * 1.151

  difference betwixt holy scripture and other bookes.
• * 1.152

  The death of Maximinus and his sonne. Func, chron.
• * 1.153

  Chron. ••unt.
• * 1.154

  Chron. Funt. ••••cole.
• * 1.155

  Euseb. lib. 6 cap. 34.
• * 1.156

  Philippus his death.
• * 1.157

  Chron Fun••. The 7 perse∣cution. Ann. Ch. 250.
• * 1.158

  Alexander and Babylas both died in prison.
• * 1.159

  Origen at Ie∣rusalem clo∣seth the booke and weepeth.
• * 1.160

  Hist. Mag. cent. 3. cap. 10.
• * 1.161

  The teeth of the holy mar∣tyr Apollo∣nia.
• * 1.162

  Chemnisius de∣reli quiis.
• * 1.163

  Note.
• * 1.164

  The Martyr∣dome of Ne∣mesion.
• * 1.165

  Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 41.
• * 1.166

  The veritie hath no neede to be vnder∣propped with lies.

  Note.
• * 1.167

  Nic••phorus. lib. 5. cap. 27.
• * 1.168

  Note.
• * 1.169

  Euseb lib. 6. cap. 42. Married Bi∣shops.
• * 1.170

  Euseb lib. 6. cap. 40.
• * 1.171

  1 Tim. 4.3.

  Note.
• * 1.172

  The rigour of Novatus.
• * 1.173

  Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 43.
• * 1.174

  Gal 6.1.
• * 1.175

  Bucole Index. Chron. chron. Funct.
• * 1.176

  Cypry. ad Deme∣trianum.
• * 1.177

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 1.
• * 1.178

  The 8. Perse∣cution.

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 10.

  Anno Chr. 259.

  The martyr∣dome of Lau∣rence.
• * 1.179

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 11.
• * 1.180

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 12.

  The martyr∣dome of Cy∣prian.

  Naz. in Ieudem Cypriani.

  Theosecnus B. of Caesarea, encourageth Marinus.
• * 1.181

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 15.

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 16.

  The miserable captivity of Valerian.

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 13.

  Bucol. Index. chron.
• * 1.182

  Note.
• * 1.183

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 13.
• * 1.184

  Christians full of pitty.
• * 1.185

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 21.22.
• * 1.186

  The history of Eusebius con∣cerning the tvvo brasen images in Cae∣sarea Philippi Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 18.
• * 1.187

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 13.
• * 1.188

  Note. Similitude.
• * 1.189

  Eusib. lib. 7. cap. 20.
• * 1.190

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 30. The 9. Per∣secution. Anno Chr. 278.
• * 1.191

  Note.
• * 1.192

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 30. Funct. chron.
• * 1.193

  Aurelian vvith ciuill authority assisteth the Church a∣gainst Samo∣satenus. Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 3.
• * 1.194

  Note.
• * 1.195

  Funct. chron.
• * 1.196

  Euseb. Func. chron.
• * 1.197

  His death. Func. chron. Bucol.
• * 1.198

  Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 30.
• * 1.199

  Func. chron.
• * 1.200

  Bucol. Index. chron.
• * 1.201

  Func. chron.
• * 1.202

  Psal. 129.4.
• * 1.203

  Temples were built by Chri∣stians after the death of Vale∣rian. Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 1.
• * 1.204

  The 10. Per∣secution. Anno Ch. 308.
• * 1.205

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 3. The great cru∣elty vsed in this 10. perse∣cution.
• * 1.206

  Iohn a noble man borne, rent in peeces, the Emperors Proclamation. Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 5.
• * 1.207

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 4.
• * 1.208

  Note.
• * 1.209

  The martyr∣dome of P••ter Do••orbeus and Gorgonius. Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 6.
• * 1.210

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 6.
• * 1.211

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 6.
• * 1.212

  Horrible cru∣eltie against Christian wo∣m••n.
• * 1.213

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 9.
• * 1.214

  Euseb ibid. A towne in Phrygiaset on fire, and all the inhabitants burnt with fire. Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 11.
• * 1.215

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 13.
• * 1.216

  Mauritius with a whole legion of Christian souldiers martyred. Hist. Mag. cent. 4.
• * 1.217

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 12. Pro. 12. vers. 10
• * 1.218

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 13. Diocletian and Maximian giue ouer their imperiall function Bucol.
• * 1.219

  Note.
• * 1.220

  Hist. Magd. Constantius tried his Cap∣taines whether they were Christians, or not.
• * 1.221

  Euseb. lib. 2. de vita Constantius lib. 1.
• * 1.222

  A comparison betwixt Maxi∣minus and Pharaoh.
• * 1.223

  Euseb. lib. 9. cap. 7.
• * 1.224

  Euseb. lib. 9. cap. 6.
• * 1.225

  Quirinus his death.
• * 1.226

  Edicts against Christians in∣graued in Brasse.
• * 1.227

  Mat. 24, 22, 24.
• * 1.228

  A sudden change of the prosperitie of Pagans into aduersitie.
• * 1.229

  Euseb. lib. 9. cap. 8.
• * 1.230

  Eus••b. lib. 9. cap. 9. Maximinus was ouercome in battel by Licinius.
• * 1.231

  Euseb. lib 9. cap. 10.
• * 1.232

  Euseb. lib 8. cap. 14.
• * 1.233

  Sophronia chused rather to kill her selfe then to be abused by Maxent••us.
• * 1.234

  Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 15.
• * 1.235

  Constantine seeth the simi∣litude of a bright crosse in heauen, Euseb lib. 1, de vita Con∣stantini, Maxentius ouercome in battell by Con∣stantine is drowned.
• * 1.236

  The death of Dioclesian.
• * 1.237

  Euseb. lib. 10. cap. 8.
• * 1.238

  Euseb. lib. 2. de vita Constantini Three cruell edicts of Li∣cinius against Christians.
• * 1.239

  Fortie mar∣tyrs tormen∣ted first with cold and next with heats.
• * 1.240

  So••om. l. 9.6.2. Basil. Magn. in 40. Martyrs.
• * 1.241

  The martyr∣dom of Barlan.
• * 1.242

  Psal. 145.
• * 1.243

  The death of Licinius.
• * 1.244

  Similitude.
• * 1.245

  Esa. 27.1.
• * 1.246

  Similitude.
• * 1.247

  Euseb. de vita Const. lib.
• * 1.248

  Sozon. lib. 2. cap. 14.
• * 1.249

  Idem lib. 2. cap. 8 9.10. & 13.
• * 1.250

  Sozom. lib. 2. cap. 15.
• * 1.251

  Ruffin. l. 1. c 9. Theod. l. 1 c. 22. Sozom. l. 2. c. 24 Ruff. l. 1. c. 10. Socrat. l. 1. c. 20 Theod l. 1. 23. Sozom. l 2. c. 6.
• * 1.252

  Euseb. de vita Constant. lib. 4.
• * 1.253

  Theod. l. 5. c. 20. Socrat. l. 1. c. 1. Idem l. 3. c. 11. & l. 3. c. 18.
• * 1.254

  Ruff. l. 2. c. 3••.
• * 1.255

  Socrat. l. 1. c. 18
• * 1.256

  Soz••m. l. 1. c. 8.
• * 1.257

  Gen 18.
• * 1.258

  Sozom. lib. 2. cap. 4.
• * 1.259

  Sozom. lib. 2. cap. 2.
• * 1.260

  Socrat. l. 1. c. 18
• * 1.261

  Socrat. l 5. c. 8 Socrat. l 1. c. 6 Func. chron.
• * 1.262

  Iohn 3.
• * 1.263

  Euseb. de vira Const. lib. 4
• * 1.264

  Ruff. l. 1. c. 18 Socrat. l. 2. c. 46 Idem l. 2. c. 5 Soc. l. 2. c. 32
• * 1.265

  Ruff. l. 1. c. 11
• * 1.266

  Theod. l. 2. c. 3
• * 1.267

  Theod. l. 2. c. 3
• * 1.268

  Theod. ibid.
• * 1.269

  Theod. l. 2. c. 13
• * 1.270

  Theod. ibid.
• * 1.271

  Pro. 10.9
• * 1.272

  Socrat. l. 2. c. 27.
• * 1.273

  Socrat. l 2. c. 32.
• * 1.274

  Socrat. l••b. 2. cap. 33.
• * 1.275

  Theod. lib. 2. cap. 32.
• * 1.276

  Socrat. lib. 3. cap. 21.
• * 1.277

  Socrat. lib. 3. cap. 1.
• * 1.278

  Socrat. ibid.
• * 1.279

  Socrat. ibid.
• * 1.280

  Theod. lib. 3. cap. 4. Sozom. lib. 5. cap. 4.
• * 1.281

  Note. Theod. lib. 3. cap. 8.
• * 1.282

  Socrat. lib. 13. & 14. Sozom. lib. 5. cap. 15.
• * 1.283

  Math. 5.
• * 1.284

  Theod. lib. 3. cap. 16.
• * 1.285

  Sozom. lib 5. cap. 17.
• * 1.286

  Titus 1. verse, 15. 1 Cor. 10. verse, 25.
• * 1.287

  Theodor. lib. 3. cap. 15.
• * 1.288

  Ruffin. lib. 2. cap. 28.
• * 1.289

  Theod. lib. 3. cap. 6.
• * 1.290

  Theod. lib. 3. cap. 7. Note.
• * 1.291

  Theodoret. ibid.
• * 1.292

  Socrat. lib. 3. cap. 2.
• * 1.293

  Socrat. lib. 3. cap. 15.
• * 1.294

  Rufsin. lib. 1. cap. 33.
• * 1.295

  Sozom. lib. 5. cap. 4.
• * 1.296

  Theodor. lib. 3. cap. 9. 10. Socrat lib. 3. cap. 18. 19.
• * 1.297

  Theodoret. ibid.
• * 1.298

  Ruffin. lib. ••. cap. 37.38.39. Socrat. l. 3. c. 20. Theod. lib. 3. cap. 20. Sozom. l••b. 5. cap. 12. Socrat. l. 3. c. 21.
• * 1.299

  Sozom. lib. 6. cap. 1.2.
• * 1.300

  The death of Iulianus.
• * 1.301

  R••fin lib. 2. cap. 1.
• * 1.302

  Socrat. lib. 3. cap. 21.22.
• * 1.303

  Theod lib. 4. cap. 2.3.
• * 1.304

  Theod. lib. 4. cap. 4.
• * 1.305

  Sazom lib. 6. cap. 6.
• * 1.306

  Socrat. lib. 4. cap. 31.
• * 1.307

  Ruffin. lib. 2. cap. 2.
• * 1.308

  Theod. lib. ••. cap. 16.
• * 1.309

  Sozom. lib. 6. cap. 6.
• * 1.310

  Socrat lib 4. cap. 1.
• * 1.311

  Socrat lib. 4. cap. 5.
• * 1.312

  Theodor. lib. 4. cap. 13.
• * 1.313

  Theod. ibid.
• * 1.314

  Socrat lib. 4. cap. 6.
• * 1.315

  Ruffin. lib. 2. cap. 5.
• * 1.316

  Theod. lib. 4. cap. 17.
• * 1.317

  Soz••m. lib. 6. cap. 18.
• * 1.318

  Socrat. lib. 4. cap. 16.
• * 1.319

  Theod. lib. 4. cap. 24.
• * 1.320

  Sozom. l. 6. c. 14
• * 1.321

  Theod. l. 4. c. 34
• * 1.322

  Ruff. l. 2. c. 13.
• * 1.323

  Valens his death.
• * 1.324

  Sozom. lib. 7. cap. 40.
• * 1.325

  Theod. l. 4. c. 12
• * 1.326

  Socrat. l. 4.c.31.
• * 1.327

  Sozom. lib. 5. cap. 36. Valentinians death.
• * 1.328

  Ruff. l. 2. c. 13
• * 1.329

  Socrat. l. 5. c. 2
• * 1.330

  Sozom. l. 3. c. 17
• * 1.331

  The death of Gratian.
• * 1.332

  Theod. l. 5.13.
• * 1.333

  Sozom. l. 7. c. 13.
• * 1.334

  Aug lib. Confes. 9 cap. 7.
• * 1.335

  Ruff. l. 2. c. 16 Theod. l. 5. c. 14
• * 1.336

  Soc. l. 5. c. 14
• * 1.337

  Ruffin. l. 2. c. 17.
• * 1.338

  Claudian de 3. consul. honorii.
• * 1.339

  Ruff. l 2. c. 18.
• * 1.340

  Theod. l. 5. c. 17.
• * 1.341

  Theod. l. 5. c. 19.
• * 1.342

  Sozom. l. 7. c. 23
• * 1.343

  Theod. l. 5. c. 16.
• * 1.344

  Note. Theod. l. 5. c. 26
• * 1.345

  Socrat. l. 6. c. 23
• * 1.346

  Sozom. l. 8. c. 28
• * 1.347

  Theod. l. 5.32.
• * 1.348

  Hist. Magd. cent. 5. cap. 3.
• * 1.349

  Func. chron.
• * 1.350

  Compend. Theod. catalog. Casarū.
• * 1.351

  Platin. in vita Zosimi 1.
• * 1.352

  Sozom. l. 9. c. 9.
• * 1.353

  Func. chron.
• * 1.354

  Socrat. l. 7. c. 22 Iaem. lib 7. cap 42. Hist. Magd. cent. 5. cap. 3.
• * 1.355

  Evigr. lib. 2. cap. 16.
• * 1.356

  Note.
• * 1.357

  Socrat. lib. 7. cap. 23.
• * 1.358

  Catalog. Ca∣sarum.
• * 1.359

  Evagr. lib. 2. cap. 8.
• * 1.360

  Evagr. lib. 2. cap. 8.
• * 1.361

  Idem cap. 12. & 13.
• * 1.362

  Evagr. lib. 3. cap. 3.
• * 1.363

  Idem lib. 3. cap. 5.
• * 1.364

  Note.
• * 1.365

  Idem cap. 8. & 11.
• * 1.366

  Hist. Magd. cent. 5. cap. 3.
• * 1.367

  Note.
• * 1.368

  Hist. Magd. ibid.
• * 1.369

  Socrat. lib. 7. cap. 8.
• * 1.370

  Func. chron.
• * 1.371

  Evagr. lib. 3. cap. 3.
• * 1.372

  Note.
• * 1.373

  Evagr. lib. 3. cap. 32.
• * 1.374

  Hist. Magd. cen. 6. cap. 3.
• * 1.375

  Evagr. lib. 3. cap. 34.
• * 1.376

  Note.
• * 1.377

  Platin. de vi•••• Hormisda.
• * 1.378

  Evag. l. 4. c. 4.
• * 1.379

  Hist. Magd. cent. 6. cap. 3.
• * 1.380

  Note.
• * 1.381

  Evag. l. 4. c. 5.
• * 1.382

  Chron. Fu••e.
• * 1.383

  Evag. l. 4 c. 10.
• * 1.384

  Note.
• * 1.385

  Evag. l. 4. c. 17.
• * 1.386

  Idem l. 4. c. 19.
• * 1.387

  Platin. de vita Ioan. 1.
• * 1.388

  Fun••. chron.
• * 1.389

  Evag. l. 4. c. 21.
• * 1.390

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 2. Concel.
• * 1.391

  Evag. l. 5. c. 23.
• * 1.392

  Evag. l. 5. c. 10.
• * 1.393

  Idem l. 5. c. 11.12.
• * 1.394

  Evag. l. 5 c. 13.
• * 1.395

  Evag. l. 3. c. 37.
• * 1.396

  Evag. l. 5. c. 14.
• * 1.397

  Hist. Magd. cent. 6. cap. 3.
• * 1.398

  Pla••in. de vit. Gregor. 1.
• * 1.399

  Evag. l. 5. c. 22.
• * 1.400

  Commen•• Funct. lib. 8.
• * 1.401

  Note.
• * 1.402

  Platina in vita Bonif 3.
• * 1.403

  Note.
• * 1.404

  Paulus dia∣••••nus, lib. 18. rerum R••nan.
• * 1.405

  Hist. Magd. cent. 7. cap. 3.
• * 1.406

  A description of the Saracens
• * 1.407

  Platinain vita Senerini.
• * 1.408

  Note.
• * 1.409

  Isai. 37.36.
• * 1.410

  Hist. Magd. cent. 8. cap. 3.
• * 1.411

  Chron. func.
• * 1.412

  Hist. Magd. cen. 7. cap. 3.
• * 1.413

  Note.
• * 1.414

  Note.
• * 1.415

  Hist. Magd. cent. 8. cap. 3.
• * 1.416

  Platin. in vit. Greg. 2.
• * 1.417

  Platin. in vit. Step•• 2.
• * 1.418

  Funct. Com∣ment. lib. 8.
• * 1.419

  Note.
• * 1.420

  Pro. 12.
• * 1.421

  Platin. in vit. Greg 2.
• * 1.422

  Funct. Com∣ment. in chron. lib. 8.
• * 1.423

  Platin. in vit. Greg. 4.
• * 1.424

  Funct. com∣ment. l. 9.
• * 1.425

  Note.
• * 1.426

  Hist. Magd. cent 9. cap. 16.
• * 1.427

  Platin. in vita. Ioan. 10.
• * 1.428

  Funct. Comment in chronol lib. 9.
• * 1.429

  Note.
• * 1.430

  Note.
• * 1.431

  Not••
• * 1.432

  Hist. Magd. cent. 10. cap. 16.
• * 1.433

  Note.
• * 1.434

  Note.
• * 1.435

  The Danes invade Eng∣land.
• * 1.436

  The occasion of Bellū sacrū.
• * 1.437

  Comment Func•••• lib. 9.
• * 1.438

  Note.
• * 1.439

  Hist. Magd. cent. 11. cap. 3.
• * 1.440

  Note.
• * 1.441

  ••illiam Duke of Normandy subdueth Eng∣lan••
• * 1.442

  Note.
• * 1.443

  Hist. Magd. cent. 12. cap. 8.
• * 1.444

  Note.
• * 1.445

  Note.
• * 1.446

  Note.
• * 1.447

  Note.
• * 1.448

  Note.
• * 1.449

  Note.
• * 1.450

  Note.
• * 1.451

  Psal. xci. 13.
• * 1.452

  Note.
• * 1.453

  Note.
• * 1.454

  Note.
• * 1.455

  The begin∣ning of the Tartarian kingdome.
• * 1.456

  Note.
• * 1.457

  Note.
• * 1.458

  Note.
• * 1.459

  Note.
• * 1.460

  Note.
• * 1.461

  Note.
• * 1.462

  Note.
• * 1.463

  Note.
• * 1.464

  Note.
• * 1.465

  Note.
• * 1.466

  The Empyre voyd of an Emperour the space of 17. yeers.
• * 1.467

  Note.
• * 1.468

  Emperours of Constantino∣ple.
• * 1.469

  The first Ar∣mie was led for recouerie of the holy land.
• * 1.470

  The second armie.
• * 1.471

  The third armie.
• * 1.472

  The forth armie.
• * 1.473

  The templars breaking the couenant made with the Barbarians are destroyed.
• * 1.474

  The fist vov∣age.
• * 1.475

  Note.
• * 1.476

  Mango King of the Tarta∣rians fighteth against the Saracens.
• * 1.477

  The sixt army.
• * 1.478

  A peace con∣cluded.
• * 1.479

  Note.
• * 1.480

  The 7. army.
• * 1.481

  The Christi∣ans vtterly de∣stroyed in Asia.
• * 1.482

  Note.
• * 1.483

  The death of Albert. Otthoman first King of the Turkes.
• * 1.484

  Henry the 7. poysoned by a Monke.
• * 1.485

  Warre betwixt Lewis and Fre∣dericus Pulcher about the Em∣pire.
• * 1.486

  A league made amongst the Cantons of Helvetia.
• * 1.487

  Lewis excom∣municated by the Pope and Charles the 4. chosen Em∣perour.
• * 1.488

  Amurath King of the Turkes conquereth Thracia.
• * 1.489

  The Battell of Nicopolis be∣twixt the Christians & Turkes.
• * 1.490

  Baiazethes ouercome by Tamberlane and carried a∣bout in a Cage Vinceslaus de∣priued of his Emperiall dig∣nitie. Emperours of the ••••ast.
• * 1.491

  Mahomet after the death of Tamburlan vexeth the Christians and taketh Hadri∣anopolis.
• * 1.492

  The burning of Iohn Husse the cause of a great tumult and sedition.
• * 1.493

  The polieie of Zisca for the ouerthrow of his enemies.
• * 1.494

  The proui∣dent care of Zisca in time of his blind∣nes.
• * 1.495

  Zisca at his de••th appoin∣teth a drumme to be made of his skin.
• * 1.496

  The Empe∣rour warreth vpon the Hus∣sits with bad successe.
• * 1.497

  Amurathes subdueth Sco∣pia and New∣mount in Ser∣uia, as also Thessalonica and Croia.
• * 1.498

  Ioannes Hunia∣des an enemie to the Turkes.
• * 1.499

  A truce con∣cluded be∣twixt the Christians and Turkes for 10 yeeres, by means of the Pope broken to the ouer∣throw of the Christians.
• * 1.500

  The battell at Varna.
• * 1.501

  Note.
• * 1.502

  The king∣domes of La∣dislaus com∣mitted to three gouernors.
• * 1.503

  Vlricus seeketh the destructi∣on of Huniades
• * 1.504

  Vlricus sl••ine by the Hunga∣rians.
• * 1.505

  The king of Hungaria cau¦seth the one sonne of Huni∣ades to be be∣headed, the o∣ther impriso∣ned.
• * 1.506

  The death of the king of Hungaria.
• * 1.507

  The Germans make petition to the Empe. to be freed of the Popes bur∣thens, but in vaine.
• * 1.508

  The valour of George Castrio•• named by the Turkes Scan∣derbege.
• * 1.509

  He ouercom∣meth Carama∣nus of Cilicia.
• * 1.510

  Asketh of Amurathes his fathers do∣minion of Epi∣rus.
• * 1.511

  Is put off with faire words, flieth from the Turke: reco∣uereth Croia and the other Cities of Epi∣rus, and main∣taineth vvarre against the Turkes.
• * 1.512

  Mahomet the second taketh the Isle of Euboia, de∣stroyeth the towne of Cal∣cis, razeth Athens, besie∣geth, taketh, and sacketh Constantino∣ple.
• * 1.513

  His crueltie a∣gainst the Christians of Constantino∣ple.
• * 1.514

  He causeth the Crucifixe to be carried a∣bout in derisi∣on.
• * 1.515

  Constantino∣ple made the seat royall of the Turkish Emperour.
• * 1.516

  Mahomet is forced by Iohn Huniades to raise his siege of Belgrade.
• * 1.517

  Emperours of the East.
• * 1.518

  Maximilian ta∣ken prisoner, & relieved by his father.
• * 1.519

  He writeth an history in La∣tin of his own acts and feats of warre.
• * 1.520

  Baiazeth the 2. subdueth Mo∣don, & killeth the Noblemen found there.
• * 1.521

  Sentenc••s v••∣tered by Caro∣lus quintus.
• * 1.522

  He subdueth the Frenchmē & taketh their King prisoner.
• * 1.523

  Rome sacked by the souldi∣ers of Charles D. of Burbon: and the Pope and his Car∣dinals besieged
• * 1.524

  The begin∣ning of refor∣mation of reli∣gion in Ger∣many by Mar∣tin Luther.
• * 1.525

  He appeareth at the conven∣tiō of Worms.
• * 1.526

  Questions propounded by Eccius.
• * 1.527

  Answered by Luther.
• * 1.528

  Luther vrged to recant some things vvhich he had writ∣ten, refuseth.
• * 1.529

  The Empe∣rours decre•• against Luther.
• * 1.530

  The procee∣dings of the convention of Norinberg a∣gainst Luther.
• * 1.531

  The Princes of Germanies iudgement concerning the suppression of Luthers at∣tempts.
• * 1.532

  An 100. grie∣vances collec∣ted by the Germaines, and exhibited to the Bishop of Rome.
• * 1.533

  Note.
• * 1.534

  A conventicle at Ratisbone, wherein arti∣cles were rati∣fied for sup∣pressing of Lu∣thers doctrine.
• * 1.535

  Two conven∣tions at Spiers with a rehear∣sall of those things which were conclu∣ded.
• * 1.536

  A protestati∣on against the decrees of the a conventions of Spire.
• * 1.537

  Whence the name Prote∣stants was deriued.
• * 1.538

  The Prote∣stants Ambas∣sadors rough∣ly en••reated by the Empe∣rour.
• * 1.539

  A league a∣mongst the Protestants.
• * 1.540

  A convention at Ausbrugh.
• * 1.541

  The Prote∣stants obtaine their confessi∣on of faith to be openly read.
• * 1.542

  The Princes & Protestant Citties refuse to obey the Emperours Decree con∣cerning the retur••ing to the Church of ••ome. Another De∣cree of the Emperour.
• * 1.543

  The Princes and Ambassa∣dours of the Protestants meet at Smal∣caldie, and en∣ter league to ayde one ano∣ther.
• * 1.544

  Peace granted by the Empe∣rour to the Protestants.
• * 1.545

  Vlricus Zuing∣lius Preacht at Zurik against the corruptiōs of the Roman Church.
• * 1.546

  A disputation at Zurike.
• * 1.547

  The decree of the Senate of Zurik concer∣ning the abo∣lishing of mens traditi∣ons, and pure∣ly Preaching of the Gospel.
• * 1.548

  An assemblie of the Helve∣tians at Lu∣cerna, contra∣ry to that of Zurike.
• * 1.549

  A disputation at Baden.
• * 1.550

  The causes of Zuinglius absence.
• * 1.551

  The conclusi∣on of the disputation.
• * 1.552

  A disputation ordained to be holden at Berne.
• * 1.553

  Conclusions maintained by the Mini∣sters of Berne.
• * 1.554

  The conclusi∣ons aforesaid allowed.
• * 1.555

  Ferdinand and fiue Pages of the Helvetians enter league against the Bernates.
• * 1.556

  The fiue Pa∣ges and the Bernates be∣ing twise rea∣dy to ioyne battell, are pa••ted, and the third time the Bernates van∣quished.
• * 1.557

  Zuinglius kil∣led.
• * 1.558

  The occasion of the alterati∣on of religion in England about Henry the eights marriage of his brother Arthurs wife.
• * 1.559

  Hatred be∣twixt the Pope and King Henry the 8.
• * 1.560

  Warres be∣twixt Ferdi∣nand and the Protestant Princes.
• * 1.561

  Agreement made betwixt them.
• * 1.562

  A Councell held at Ratis∣bone about the ending of controversies.
• * 1.563

  The conclusi∣on of the Councell.
• * 1.564

  Warres be∣twixt Henry Prince of Brunswick, & the Duke of Saxonie in name of all the Prote∣stants, where∣in Henries do∣minions were subdued.
• * 1.565

  A peace con∣cluded betwixt the Emperour and the King of France, wherein was determined that both should ioyne against the Protestants.
• * 1.566

  The crueltie of Minerius.
• * 1.567

  The miserable death of Minerius.
• * 1.568

  The Empe∣rour vseth po∣licie to sub∣due the Prote∣stants.
• * 1.569

  The Empe∣rour Proclai∣meth the D. of Saxonie & Lantgraue outlawes. The causes alleadged.
• * 1.570

  The Prote∣stants answere vnto the pros∣cription.
• * 1.571

  The Bohemi∣ans and Mau∣rice invade and subdue th•• D. of Saxons lands.
• * 1.572

  Maurice excu∣seth by Pro∣clamation what he had done.
• * 1.573

  The Duke of Saxonie reco∣uereth what he had lost.
• * 1.574

  The Empe∣rour discom∣fiteth the D. of Saxonie & taketh him prisoner, and giueth all his his lands to Maurice.
• * 1.575

  The Lant∣graue detained prisoner by the Emperour.
• * 1.576

  A convention at Ausbrough.
• * 1.577

  The booke called Interim vrged by the Emperour.
• * 1.578

  The foresaid booke hated of all men, both Pope, Papists, and Protestants.
• * 1.579

  The Masse forbidden in England.
• * 1.580

  Boner and Gar∣diner depriued of their Bi∣shoprickes.
• * 1.581

  Warre betwixt the towne of Magdeburg and Maurice Duke of Spaine. Their agree∣ment.
• * 1.582

  War betwixt Maurice Duke of Saxonie and the Empe∣rour.
• * 1.583

  The conditi∣ons of Mau∣rice his agree∣ment with the Emperour.
• * 1.584

  Warre betwixt D. Maurice & the Marquis of Brandenburg wherein the Marquis was overcome.
• * 1.585

  The death of D. Maurice. Strange sights seene in Ger∣many. Popery em∣braced in Eng∣land by means of Q. Mary.
• * 1.586

  The Court of Parliament confesse their error in forsa∣king it and are absolued.
• * 1.587

  Q. Maries cru∣elty against Protestants.
• * 1.588

  A bad reward.
• * 1.589

  A reference to the Booke of Martyrs.
• * 1.590

  Solyman con∣quereth Bel∣grade and the Isle of Rhods, killeth Lewis K of Hungary and Paulus B. of Collen, be∣siegeth Vienna & is repelled.
• * 1.591

  Charles resto∣reth the K. of Tunis to his kingdome.
• * 1.592

  Solyman taketh Buda in Hun∣garie.
• * 1.593

  Charles entreth into a religi∣ous house and dieth.
• * 1.594

  The Bohemi∣ans obtaine of Ferdinand the vse of the Sa∣crament in both kinds. Persecution of the Protestants in France.
• * 1.595

  The death of Henry the 2. K. of France. Francis the 2. having maried the Q of Scots seeketh to re∣duce the Scot∣tish Nobility to the popish religion: but his army was vanquished.
• * 1.596

  A Councell kept at Orle∣ance.
• * 1.597

  The Prince of Condie taken by the Kings guard is in danger.
• * 1.598

  The death of Francis.
• * 1.599

  A disputation at Poyssie.
• * 1.600

  The Papists policy to cut off further reasoning.
• * 1.601

  The Duke of Savoy warreth against the Protestants within his do∣minions.
• * 1.602

  Triniteus by policy spoileth those of An∣grona both their money and armour.
• * 1.603

  God prospe∣reth the suc∣cesse of the Protestants.
• * 1.604

  The death of Truchetus.
• * 1.605

  Peace con∣cluded with the Conval∣lenses.
• * 1.606

  The edict of Ianuarie in behalfe of the Protestants.
• * 1.607

  The King of Navarre tur∣neth Papist.
• * 1.608

  The Duke of Guise killeth 1500 people at a Sermon.
• * 1.609

  The Duke of Guise taketh the King, and the Queene mother, priso∣ners, for whose deliuerie the Protestants binde them∣selues toge∣ther. The first ciuill warre.
• * 1.610

  The Prince of Condie cho∣sen Generall for the Pro∣testants.
• * 1.611

  Many townes taken and for∣tified by the Protestants, whereof Bur∣ges & Roane were recoue∣red by the Pa∣pists. The death of the Prince of Navarre. The death of Augustinus Marlorart.
• * 1.612

  Note.
• * 1.613

  The battell of Dreux, where∣in the Prince of Condie was taken by the Papists, and the Constable by the Prote∣stants.
• * 1.614

  The Duke of Guise his death. A new edict in behalfe of the Prote∣stants.
• * 1.615

  The end of the first ciuill warre.
• * 1.616

  Troubles in the low coun∣tries about Religion.
• * 1.617

  Duke de Al∣baes crueltie against the professours of the Gospell.
• * 1.618

  The Prince of Orange war∣reth against the Spaniards.
• * 1.619

  The Cardinal of Loraine taketh coun∣sell how to suppresse the Gospell.
• * 1.620

  A league made betwixt the Kings of France and Spaine, for the rooting out of the Prote∣stants.
• * 1.621

  The second ciuill warre in France.
• * 1.622

  The Parisians ouercome by the Prince of Condie.
• * 1.623

  The Prote∣stants besiege Chartresse.
• * 1.624

  The Prince of Condies ar∣mie dismissed, & the townes by him subdu∣ed deliuered into the ene∣mies hand through the policie of the Queene mo∣ther.
• * 1.625

  Euery where crueltie vsed against the Protestants.
• * 1.626

  Simile.
• * 1.627

  The Prince of Condie & the Admirall flie towards Rot∣chell.
• * 1.628

  Note.
• * 1.629

  The third ci∣uill warre in France for Religion.
• * 1.630

  Note.
• * 1.631

  Note.
• * 1.632

  The Papists receiue sup∣port from Germanie.
• * 1.633

  The Battell of Blansack.
• * 1.634

  The death of the Prince of Condie.
• * 1.635

  The King of Navarre and young Prince of Condie go∣verne the ar∣mie of the Protestants.
• * 1.636

  The Duke of Bipont com∣meth from Germanie to support the Protestants, taketh the towne of La charitie, and within two dayes dieth: having ap∣pointed Vel∣rad Count of Manfelt to be Generall in his roome.
• * 1.637

  Poictiers be∣sieged.
• * 1.638

  The admirall raiseth his siege from Poictiers.
• * 1.639

  The battell of Moncontuire, wherein the Protestants were discom∣fited.
• * 1.640

  S. Ian Dangely besieged and taken.
• * 1.641

  The death of Martiques, go∣vernour of Britanie, an enemie to the Protestants, and a blasphe∣mer of the name of God.
• * 1.642

  By a new edict of pacification the third ciuill warre endeth.
• * 1.643

  The King marrieth.
• * 1.644

  The King of∣fereth his sister in marriage to the King of Navarre, that thereby he might insnare•• the Prote∣stants.
• * 1.645

  The Queene of Navarre being empoy∣soned, dieth.
• * 1.646

  The King of Navarre mar∣ried to the Kings sister.
• * 1.647

  The Admirall shot in the arme.
• * 1.648

  The Admirall attended vpon by the Kings Guard.
• * 1.649

  The Massacre of Paris the 24. of August Anno 1572.
• * 1.650

  The Admirall killed.
• * 1.651

  The Duke of Guise encou∣rageth the companie to murther the Protestants.
• * 1.652

  The compa∣nies which at∣tended the king of Na∣varre and Prince of Condie, slaine
• * 1.653

  The king v••∣geth the Prince of Condie and king of Na∣uarre to be come Papists. Their resolute Answere.
• * 1.654

  Note.
• * 1.655

  Count Mon∣gomrie and diuers others escape.
• * 1.656

  In this Massa∣cre were killed 30000 per∣sons in France
• * 1.657

  By the exam∣ple of Rozari∣us, the King of Navarre and Prince of Condie fell away for a time.
• * 1.658

  The repen∣tance of Roza∣rius. The Papists defend their crueltie by lies
• * 1.659

  Note.
• * 1.660

  The fourth ciuill warre in Fraunce for religion. Rotchell besie∣ged. God miracu∣louslie proui∣deth for the poore, during the siege of Rotchell.
• * 1.661

  Conditions of peace offered to the towne of Rotchell.
• * 1.662

  The towne of Sansarre besie∣ged and (some conditions of peace being granted) at last surrendered.
• * 1.663

  An assemblie of the Prote∣stants at Mili∣ald.
• * 1.664

  The conditi∣ons which they required of the king.
• * 1.665

  Count Mon∣gomrie besie∣ged in Don∣front, taken, & sent to Paris.
• * 1.666

  Duke Aniow chosen king of Poland depar∣eth thither.
• * 1.667

  The Queene mother impri∣soneth diuers of th•• nobilitie who were dis∣content with her.
• * 1.668

  The death of King Charles.
• * 1.669

  Count Mon∣gomrie con∣demned to death by the Queene.
• * 1.670

  The Prince of Condie chosen the Protestants generall.
• * 1.671

  The fifth ciuill warre in France for Re∣ligion. Libero besie∣ged in vaine by king Henry.
• * 1.672

  The death of the Cardinall of Lorain pro∣cured by him∣selfe.
• * 1.673

  King Henry scourgeth him selfe, after the manner of the penitentiaries. Many Ambas∣sadors sollicit the king for peace, but in vaine.
• * 1.674

  Mombruniris taken and exe∣cuted by the Queene.
• * 1.675

  Cassimire the sonne of Count Pala∣tine promiseth to aide the Protestants.
• * 1.676

  Alauscon the kings brother ioyneth him∣selfe with the Protestants.
• * 1.677

  By an edict of pacificatiō the fift civill warre ended.
• * 1.678

  Solyman the Turke besie∣geth Zigeth.
• * 1.679

  Solyman dieth, the towne ta∣ken, Selim sent for & proclai∣med Emp.
• * 1.680

  Selim taketh Famagusta from the Ve∣netians. The battell of Lepanto, wherein the Turkes recei∣ved a great o∣verthrow by the Christians.
• * 1.681

  The league of Peron 1576. for the extirpa∣tion of the Protestants.
• * 1.682

  The causes moving the Leaguers to proceed in their associa∣tion.
• * 1.683

  The drift of the Leaguers enterprise a∣gainst the K. and crowne.
• * 1.684

  The King for lacke of cou∣rage maketh himself a slaue to the appe∣tites of he Leaguers.
• * 1.685

  An edict a∣gainst the Pro∣testants.
• * 1.686

  The King of Navarre and the Prince of Condie with diverse others, oppose them∣selues to the Leaguers.
• * 1.687

  The Pope ex∣cōmunicateth the King of France.
• * 1.688

  The Prince•• of Germany send Ambassodors to deale for the Protestants helpe.
• * 1.689

  The sixt civill war in France for religion.
• * 1.690

  An army of Germans en∣ter France in behalfe of the Protestants.
• * 1.691

  The battell of Coutras be∣twixt the Kings army & the Protestāts.
• * 1.692

  The death of D. de Ioyense.
• * 1.693

  A skirmish be∣twixt the D. of Guise and the Rutters.
• * 1.694

  The Rutters retire out of France.
• * 1.695

  The Duke of Guise hono∣red by the Pope, and ex∣tolled by the Preachers of France for his crueltie.
• * 1.696

  The assemblie at Nancy of the Leagners a∣gainst the King.
• * 1.697

  The conclusi∣ons agreed vpon, by the assemble at Nancie.
• * 1.698

  The Duke of Guise contra∣rie to the king•• commande∣ment arriueth at Paris and is of the peo∣ple receiued with ioyfull acclamations.
• * 1.699

  The fearefull day of Barri∣cadoes in Paris
• * 1.700

  The king fli∣eth out of Paris.
• * 1.701

  An edict pub∣lished against the Prote∣stants.
• * 1.702

  A Parliame•••• holden in France. The death of the Duke of Guise.
• * 1.703

  The Queene mother dieth.
• * 1.704

  An assemblie of the Prote∣stants at Rot∣chell send a request to the states at Bloyes.
• * 1.705

  The rebellion of the league against the king.
• * 1.706

  Duke De Maine sendeth men to sur∣prise the king but is preuen∣ted.
• * 1.707

  The leaguers procure a Ia∣cobin Monke to kill the king.
• * 1.708

  The death of Henry the third.
• * 1.709

  The Iacobin who killed the K. canonized.
• * 1.710

  The Cardinall of Burbon proclamed K. by the Lea∣guers.
• * 1.711

  K. Henry the 4. declared K. by K. Henry the 3. opposeth him∣selfe to the Leaguers.
• * 1.712

  The battell of Dreux, where∣in the Lea∣guers were discomfited.
• * 1.713

  The King be∣siegeth Paris.
• * 1.714

  The Duke of Parma entreth France for the ••eliefe of Paris.
• * 1.715

  The Duke of Parma retur∣neth home.
• * 1.716

  In all other places of France the Leaguers went to ruine.
• * 1.717

  The Duke of Parma entreth France the 2. time in behalfe of the Lea∣guers, but with bad successe.
• * 1.718

  The Kings fa∣vourites in di∣verse places prosper against the Leaguers.
• * 1.719

  The death of D. Ioyense.
• * 1.720

  The defection of the King from religion.
• * 1.721

  Peter Burrier stirred vp to slay the King.
• * 1.722

  The K. oppo∣seth himself to the Leaguers.
• * 1.723

  Diuers towns yeeld them∣selues to the King.
• * 1.724

  Iohn Castill stirred vp by the Leaguers to murther the King, is disappointed of his purpose▪
• * 1.725

  Note.
• * 1.726

  The Parlia∣ments decree about the exe∣cution of Ca∣still, and the Iesuits of Clermonts banishment
• * 1.727

  The prepara∣tion of the Spanish nauie Anno 1588.
• * 1.728

  A storme co••∣••traineth the nauie to put to land.
• * 1.729

  The Spani•••• Navie ouer∣throwne.