The estate of the Church with the discourse of times, from the apostles vntill this present: also of the liues of all the emperours, popes of Rome, and Turkes: as also of the Kings of Fraunce, England, Scotland, Spaine, Portugall, Denmarke, &c. With all the memorable accidents of their times. Translated out of French into English by Simon Patrike, Gentleman.

The Historie of the reuoult of England.

To the ende the Lord may be knowne in his iudgements which daily happen, and that he which is to day aloft may take heed hee fall not, let vs harken vnto that infamous revoult of England, and see how they returne to their first vomite.

The Wednesday the 28. of Nouember of this yeare, the Parliament of England was assembled: and in the presence of King Phillip and Queene Marie, the Cardinall Poole expoun∣pounded his Legation, and exhorted them to the holy seate of the Pope: shewing them how greatly bound they were to God who now enlarged vpon them his diuine grace, prouiding for them such Princes as they had. After he declared vnto them how the holy Father the Pope vsed towards them his benigni∣tie and clemency by him his Legate,* 1.1 greatly thanking them that they had receiued him and placed him in his Country and Nobilitie, whereof he had bene long depriued: and that there∣fore he held himselfe more bound to procure, they might be re∣stored into the Ecclesiasticall Court, as his desire was.

This vile Apostate of the truth, calleth that stinking Court of Rome, the celestiall Court.

After he had thus spoken be withdrew himselfe, to the end to giue respet vnto the Lords of the Parliamēt to resolue ther∣vpon what to doo. The Chauncellour of England straight

tooke the Cardinalls wordes: and shewed how they had cause to thanke God, who had raised them vp such a Prophet out of their owne seed to procure their saluation, as the reuerend Le∣gate did. Insomuch that all with a common accord concluded to cōsent vnto the vnion & obedience of the Romane church.

* 1.2The Thursday following they ordained to agree vnto that which the Cardinall had saide: so that vpon a common accord they presented a supplication: wherein they prayed the King and Queenes maiesties as heads of the kingdome, that they would pray the Popes Legate that they might haue absolute remission of their sinnes and errours: promising to make voide all such lawes, as they had before established against the autho∣ritie of the Romane seate: whervnto they would sweare neuer to contradict.

The King sent the said supplication to the Legate, and the day after assembled the Parlament in the place where the king and the Queene, with the Cardinall Legate were set. And the Chancelor rose vp, & with great reuerence & an high voice vt∣tered the resolutiō made by the Lords of the Parliament, pray∣ing in the name of all, that they wold accept the supplicatō writ∣ten in Latin tongue, shut & sealed by the said Chancellor.

The supplication being opened by the Legate, was deli∣uered vnto the Chancellor to publish: hee red it with an high voice: and that done, demaunded of all them of the Parlament if their wills were according to the tenor thereof: and they all answered yea. Vpon this the King & Queene rose vp and pre∣sented the said supplicatiō to the Legate, who red it: then pre∣sented he the Bulles of his Legation,* 1.3 which were red also, to make appeare vnto them the authoritie hee had from the holie Father to absolute them.

That is to say, to plunge them into the deepe pit of hell.

That done (the Reuerend) made them an Oration in their own language: shewing penance which pleased God, and that the Angell of Paradice reioyce more at a sinner repenting his sinnes, then of ninetie nine iust persons, and vpon that brought for his examples, cōtrarily drawne to furnish out his impuden∣cie, falsly abusing the word of God.

After he had ended he rose vp,* 1.4 and the King and Queene fell vpon their knees before him, calling vpon God and the ho∣ly Saints, that hee would pardon the penitent people of Eng∣land, the authoritie of whose person he representeth. Then the Legate pronounced a generall absolution: which done, they all departed, with the King, the Queene, and the Legate, towards their Chappell, where was sung (Te Deum) and after the saide Legate had made his triumphant entries, hee yeelded all power and authoritie to the Bishops, the first Sun∣day of Aduent, (as they call it) on which day, the Bishoppe of Winchester, (an other Apostate of the truth) made a Sermon af∣ter a solemne Masse, taking for his Theame (Nunc tēpus adest de somne surgere) that is; It is now time to awake. As if before in the time of the Gospell, vnder the raigne of king Edward of England, they had still slept. But that awaking shall be deare sold vnto all such Organes and Instruments of Sathan, which haue caused so many murders and bloudshead of Gods children since that time in the Realme of England. See the booke of Martyrs.

A more horrible vengeance of God cannot come to a Coun∣trey, then when God withdrawes his light therefrom.

Ferdinand sent out of their Countrey, 200. Ministers of the [ 1545] faithfull, in the kingdome of Boheme.

Touching the true Martyrs of the Lord, executed this yeare in England vnder the tyranous raigne of Queene Mary, and the disputations held betwixt the Popish Doctors, and them of the true Religion. See the fourth part of the bookes of Martyrs.

A Iourney of the Empire was held at Ausbourge, and al∣though fewe Princes came thither, Ferdinand made a long O∣ration the fift of Februarie, of two principall poynts. The first of Religion, by reason whereof he said, all the disorder and de∣struction of Almaine happened, and that it might be remedied by disputations and communications of Theologians, as once had beene begun. The second was to helpe and succour the afflicted estate of the warre past, and punish such as made the troubles.

Melancton and other learned people by their Letters com∣forted the Ministers of the Churches of Boheme, which were dispersed ouer Misnia.

Casal, a Towne nigh vnto Po, was taken by the French, vn∣der the conduct of Brisac, the 3. of March.

* 1.5Marcel, second of that name, a Tuscan by Nation, called before Marcel Ceruin, succeeded, and was borne in a place cal∣led the Monte Pelicien, in the territories of Florence: Of a Car∣dinall of the title of the holy Crosse in Ierusalem, was created Pope, by the common consent of all the Cardinalls which were in the Conclaue, the 9. day of Aprill, 1555. The day follow∣ing, he receiued the Pontificall ornaments in the Church of Laterane, but he would not change the name that he receiued at his baptisme.

* 1.6Being come vnto the Papacie, he was an enemie vnto the Gospell, as before he was Pope, you may see he was euer. In his youth he had some litle profited in humane Letters, and so kept the schooles. Afterward, as Paul the third had created Cardinall Alexander Farnesius, the sonne of Peter Lewis his bastard sonne, hee gaue his, this Marcel for a Schoolemai∣ster.

Certaine time after, the Cardinall Alexander leauing there the studie of Letters, applyed himself altogether to handle the affaires: wherein as well he, as also Paul his grandfather, serued themselues with Marcel, who was their Secretary. The Bi∣shoppricke of Nichastre being vacant, hee was made Bishop of that Church: yet he alwaies liued in the Court of Rome, and neuer went to his Church. Pope Paul sent for Legate the afore∣said Cardinall Farnese, towards the Emperour and his brother the king Ferdinand, who were then in Flaunders. But because he was yet young, he gaue him Marcel for his conduction and gouernor in all the affaires of his legation. Amongst all other things, there was a question for setting out an Army against the Turke; which the Emperor and his brother required very instantly. But Marcel Ceruin pulished a writing (which is yet to be seene) wherein he saith it is much better to make war vp∣on the Lutherans, & that they are much worse thē the Turkes.

The Pope Paul made him Cardinal being absent,* 1.7 & a while after caused him to come againe into the Towne, and vsed his counsell in all things of great importance. He gaue him the ty∣tle of the holy Crosse of Ierusalem, and created him generall Inquisitor against all heretikes, therein making him a compa∣nion vnto Cardinall Theatin and Cardinall de Bourgues: which were the rudest and cruellest that euer were. When a Lega∣tion was to be sent vnto the Councell of Trent, the Pope Paul made him Legate, with the Cardinalls Pol and de Monte. Hee created Cardinall de Monte chiefe Legate of the Councel, be∣cause he had knowledge in the Ciuil lawe. Pol or Poole, the se∣cond, as he that seemed to desire that the Church might be re∣formed (although it after appeared that he neuer stirred it in earnest) and Ceruin for the third, as hee in whom the Pope had most trust. And therefore the Pope had giuen him expresse charge that he shuld suffer nothing to be done in the Councell which tended to the detriment of the Romane seat. But that he should driue out all such as enterprised any such like thing.

Therfore as one in the said Councel called Iames Nachiantes, Bishop of a place called Fossa Clodia, said that he could not al∣low the Decree, where it was written that traditions ought to be receiued and obserued with like reuerence as the Gospell: Ceruin caused him to be throwne out of the Councell. As al∣so a certaine Iacobin called Guillam de Ʋenice, said that the Councell of Constance was aboue the Pope, Ceruin calling him, reprehended him sharply. And after that the Monke had answered that the thing it selfe yeelded witnesse thereof, be∣cause that Councell deposed the Pope, therefore it was aboue him; It is not so said Ceruin, but that more is, the Pope gaue place willingly: the which I can well prooue by a Bull sealed with leade: and straight commaunded this man to goe out of the Councell.

About this time Peter Paul Vergerius, was come from Man∣tua to Trent, who had many times beene an Embassador in Almaine for the Popes affaires: but because men held him suspected in some things to accord with the Almaines: al∣though the two other Legates, namely, Pol and de Monte,

liked well to consent that he should be one at the Councel. Al∣so the Cardinall Paciccus and the Cardinall of Trent; yet Ceruin neuer ceased till he saw him deiected.

Many Bishops vnderstanding this of Vergerius, determined to haue written vnto the Pope, to admonish him not to suffer this: because then many would say that that Councel was not free,* 1.8 from which Bishops were put backe. Hierome Vida de Cre∣mona, Bishop of Alba, & an excellēt Poet, had alreadie indigh∣ted Letters, as well in his owne name as others. Which being come vnto the knowledge of Marcel Ceruin, hee very seuerely aduertised Vida, wholy to abstaine from sending Letters vnto the Pope: for it was a thing of euill example, that Bishops as∣sembled at a Councel, should write such Letters vnto the Pope, as though they would impose a lawe vpon him. Which hee said was so great a fault, as a man had need take heed, he fall not into any suspition thereof. Vida being vanquished by his tea∣sons, changed his purpose of sending Letters vnto the Pope. Vergerius being then willing to withdrawe himselfe from the Councell,* 1.9 came towards Ceruin, and demaunded of him what the Articles were for which he was deiected from the Coun∣cell and company of other Bishops. Ceruin answered, because I vnderstand thou deniest that the Legends of S. George and of Christopher are true. Is it true said Ʋergerius? I haue, and doo yet denie it: And my opinion is founded vpon Pope Paul the third. For he hath cōmanded that both those Legends should be taken out of the Breuiarie: And in the Preface at the be∣ginning of the booke, he saith that he hath commaunded that all such should be taken out, which were not true. Ceruin see∣ing himselfe surprised, could answere nothing; but that men ought not to hold such for good men, as in any maner whatsoe∣uer, seemed to agree with the Lutherans, and therefore wee withdrawe thee from our Councell.

I thought it good to recite this, to the ende it might bee knowne, that there are alwaies some euill affected towards the true doctrine, ignorant of holy Letters, and stubborne to main∣taine and defend all superstitions.

Yet as he was a man of singular modestie, and of a life

and conuersation reasonable honest, & likewise endowed with good prudence, so was he in great estimation: In so much that it was verily looked for at his hands, that if euer hee came vnto the Popedome, he would correct many things in the Romane Court; and before all things, that he would shunne all dissolu∣tions and superfluities: but it fell not out so. For after the death of Iulius the third, hauing bene chosen Pope, as alreadie before he was diseased with the Iaundies, it increassed so vpon him, that he died the 22. day after his election, the night before the first of May. A brute ranne that he was poisoned, but it was not so. A feawe dayes before his death, he would needs be crowned, but with small charge, very modestly. The Cardinall Farnese with them of his part, had giuen him his voyce, although be∣fore there had bene great enmities betwixt them: but hee did it because he hoped there was none would be more diligent to bring that to an end, which Paul the third had determined to doo. Namely, that he should do his best to maintaine the house of Farneses, to the end they might not bee depriued of the Du∣chie of Parma and Plaisance. For also the Cardinall Farnese so practised with Iulius the third, that he made him that promise before hee would fauour him for his comming vnto the Pope∣dome. Some said hee did willingly elect the said Ceruin, be∣cause they sawe him already to be sore worne and weakened with diseases, so that there was no hope that hee could liue long.

The custome is willingly to choose Popes, such as they hope will not liue long.

Hercules de Ferrare, and Vbalde Duke of Vrbin, arriued at Rome to salute Pope Marcel, and to Court him after theyr manner.

Paul 4. of that name, a Neapolitane,* 1.10 called before Iohn Peter Caraphe, was chosen Pope the same yeare, namely, 1555. the 23. day of May, by the consent of all the Cardinalls.

This man being in Ʋenice, in his hypocrisie inuented a new Sect of Monkes, called Iesuites: as if our Sauiour Iesus had ingendred such Popish Idolaters. After this, beeing made Cardinall, as he departed from Venice to Rome, he said vnto his

Monkes which asked him whither he went. Whither I go, you cannot come now.

Abusing the scripture and prophaning the Lords words, hee meant hereby, that he left them shut vp in a Cloister in po∣uertie and miserie, & that he went vnto Rome, to come vn∣to an high and mightie estate and dignitie, wherevnto they could not come.

* 1.11He writ a booke sometimes vnto Paul the third, touching reformation of the Church: but being become Pope, he cared neither for Iesus Christ nor his Church. In that booke he con∣firmeth almost all the poynts that we vse to reprehend in the Papists: namely, that the Church is so ruinated in Poperie, that it is no more the Church of Iesus Christ, but of the diuell: For saith he, Popes heape vp Doctors after their owne fancies and desires. That Cardinalls and Bishops are cause that the name of Christ is blasphemed amongst people, which vnder the co∣lour of keyes, gather great summes of money. That wicked people are prouided for. That Symoniacke Marchandices are greatly practised. That Prelates burne with ambition and coue∣tousnesse. That horrible sinnes and iniquities are committed in Monasteries. That the Towne of Rome is full of whoredomes and many such like.

More enormious and wicked things are committed at Rome, then that which Theatin rehearseth in that booke: for hee there only toucheth the vices & abuses that are found in their common maner of liuing, without making any mention of the contempt of the doctrine there vsed.

* 1.12On Thursday the 16. day of May of this yeare, there hap∣ned a tumult at Geneua, about 10. of the clocke in the night, [ 1555] by the conspiracie of some which had for their stirrers & Cap∣taines, certaine of the petit Councell of the Towne: which not being able to beare so happie a prosperitie of the Gospell, determined to chase away such as into that Towne had come from France, to shun persecutions: And as in the night time they ranne too and fro, they cryed as for a false ensigne and token, that the French were in Armes, and the Towne betray∣ed: but the French men stirred not out of their houses. The

commotion was bridled and stayed by certaine Lords of the Towne. As for the seditious people, some amongst them were executed, others saued themselues by flight. But the cause wherefore they would haue driuen away the French amongst others was, because lately there were many of them receiued for Burgesses, by meanes whereof their faction was weakened, and the other part strengthned, by the number of the new Bur∣gesses which had bene added therevnto.

The French at this time raced many Castles by the Count Montferrat, that they might haue victuals in greater assurance: For if the enemie had occupied them,* 1.13 Casal had bene brought into great necessitie. In these parts was there a Towne called Vlpian, which is of great importance. The Spaniards held it then: and it was revictualled at the comming of the Duke of Albe, who had gathered together a great number of people.* 1.14 Mariembourge also, which the yeare before had beene taken in the lowe Countries from the Emperour, was at the same time againe victualled by the French.

In the Countrie of Grisons there is a Towne nigh Italie called Lucarne,* 1.15 which appertaineth vnto the whole commu∣naltie of the Swisses. The Citizens thereof required that they might be permitted to liue according vnto the reformation of the Gospell. But because their Superiours and they, were not of one Religion, there was vpon deliberation, diuers opinions. Some agreed vnto their demaund: others sought to hinder it. So that there appeared towards some intestine and ciuill dis∣sention: yet in the end they of the Towne preuailed, which wished that they should remaine in the Religion of their Aun∣cestors: and that they amongst them which accorded not therevnto, might goe dwell otherwhere. So were there found a great number which forsooke their naturall Countrey, and withdrew vnto Zurich: where they were receiued ioyfully, and much relieued in their pouertie.

A great number of Vessels laden with all kindes of Mar∣chandize, came by Sea from Spaine towards Flaunders: but vpon the coast of Normandie they were assailed with all force by the French, which had espied them.

The combat amongst them was horrible: many ships both of the one part and of the other were burnt, and many sunke: ma∣ny a valiant man died there, as wel by the sword, as by burning and drowning. The French in the end carried away some num∣ber of ships which they tooke, into Diepe Hauen, from whence they departed. This happened in the moneth of August: in the end of which moneth, Phillip of Austrich repassed from England into Flaunders, accompanied with a great number of English Gentlemen, to finde the Emperour his father at Bruxels.

In September, George Count de Montbellard, the Duke of Wittemberge his Vncle, tooke to wife Barbe, the Lantgraues daughter.

* 1.16The dissention of the Lords Supper, and the presence of Christs body, which had continued the space of thirtie whole yeares amongst the learned, renewed againe in this time: and there were published by certaine Ministers of Hambourge and Breme, certaine litle bookes, namely, against Caluin and Iohn Alasco. Caluin after answered them in earnest: so did also Bullinger and Alasco: who dedicating his booke to the King of Polongne, greatly complained that without knowledge of the cause, that without any disputation or amiable talke, but onely vpon a certaine preiudice, their doctrine was condemned after the maner of the Papists: who in lieu of arguments from holy scripture proceed not, but by force and commaundement.

The Marquesse of Marignan dying at Millaine, the Car∣dinall of Trent was sent into Lombardie by the Emperour and King Phillip, to bee there Gouernour. At Naples the Duke of Albe was constituted.

About Christmas day, the Pope according to his custome created new Cardinalls, and amongst others, Iohn Gropper, the Archbishop of Cologne his Councellor. Then also, the Cardi∣nall Poole being made Deacon, Cardinall prest (as they say) be∣gan to say Masse. For by the Popes lawe, Deacons haue not yet that power.

[ 1556] In the beginning of Ianuarie happened great stormes and tempests in Saxonie, Misne, and Boheme, Thunders and Light∣nings,

which endaungered many places, especially Churches.

In the same moneth at Ʋitodur in Suetia, a litle Towne within two leagues of Zurich, appeared in the night in one of the towers of the Church there, a sparkling fire, making such a noise, as the Burgesses on all sides ran to put it out: being come thither, they found no flame: yet it twise appeared: that is to say, the 4. & 14. of the said moneth. After this, certaine of the Can∣tons of Suetia sollicited by the Pope, got them to Rome, where∣as many maruelled.

King Phillip after he had receiued of his father the gouern∣ment of Flaunders, the 18. of Ianuary he made a solemne entry into Antwerpe.

In the moneth of February, Henry Duke of Brunswic espow∣sed the sister of Sigismond, king of Pologne.

The 26. of the same moneth died at Aitsem,* 1.17 Frederick Count Palatin Elector now very old, and there succeeded him Otto, Henry his brothers sonne, who long time before had recei∣ued the Gospell, and for that cause was in daunger to haue lost all his goods. Shortly after he had receiued his peoples oath of fidelitie, he made an Edict that no person shuld sing any Masse, or exercise any other ceremonies any where in his countries.

Mary Queen of Englād, did what she could that church goods and lands might be restored: because Pope greatly vrged her thervnto: But many Princes & great Lords held them, & ther∣fore it could not be done. During this Parliament, many In∣nectiue and biting bookes were dispersed in London, amongst which, some were sufficient to haue stirred the common people to sedition against the Spaniards, and to haue with drawne the Queenes loue frō King Phillip. Search was made for the authors of these libels, but it was not possible to finde them out. Before the Assembly was departed, & affaires dispatched, the Bishop of Winchester the Chauncelor, died of a dropsie. Thomas Heth Archbishop of Yorke, who had sometimes bene in Almaine with him, before of Canterbury, and once had knowledge of the true Religion, was come into his place.

About the fift of Nouember died the wife of Duke Iohn Frederic of Saxonie, the Lantgraues daughter.

The Duke of Venice, Francisco Venerio, was deposed from his estate, for ill dealing in the charge of victualls, and hauing much more regard vnto his particular profit, then to the pub∣like weale.

* 1.18About the end of February of this yeare, the Mo••r••a••••e called Dupetit S. Bernard on the valley side of Aouste, which is in the subiection of the Duke of Sauoy, was seene couered with red snowe: and certaine white snowe fell, but the whitenesse vanished away, and the rednesse remained. This was notori∣ously knowne and seene, and the red snowe touched by many inhabitants of the said Countrey.

These prodiges and maruels, admonish vs to beseech the Lord to turne away the tribulations and calamities, which the poore world ceaseth not to draw vpon it selfe by his rebellion.

A frost of three weekes was so sharp in December, that Seine was frozen, wherevpon followed great mischiefes.

Oziander with his new doctrine of Iustification, had long time stirred trobles in Pruse: but after, as it were, al learned peo∣ple had condemned him by their writings, the Duke of Pruse, Albert,* 1.19 declared by a publike writing, that therein hee would follow the doctrine of the confession of Ausbourge, and so en∣ioyned the Ministers of the Churches to teach accordingly, and gaue them full licence. And to the end the thing might be so fully and surely accorded, that the wound might no more renew and be worse, Iohn Albert, Duke de Megelbourge, the Duke of Pruse his sonne in lawe (a Prince very well instructed in Letters) went into the said Countrey of Prusia, and by the meanes of certaine learned people whose labour he vsed, hee did so much with Iohn Functius,* 1.20 (which was hee that chiefly maintained the opinion of Ozeander) that publikely he confes∣sed his fault, and withall, protested that he would neuer teach but according to the tenor of the confession of Ausbourge. O∣thers did the like. So the Theologians were receiued into fa∣uour and the estate of the Church pacified.

* 1.21The 4. day of March began to appeare a Comet, which was seene by the space of 12 dayes.

There is a litle Towne in Auls••i••, three leagues from

Strasbourge, called Oberene,* 1.22 in that Towne a certaine Gardi∣ner the tenth of Aprill, in the absence of his wife was the mur∣derer of his owne children, of a girle of the age of 7. yeares. of a boy of the age of 4. yeares, and of an other yet in the cradle, not past sixe moneths old.

The 10. of may the Duke d' Arscot who was a prisoner in the wood de Ʋincennes nigh Paris, escape and came safe into his Countrey.

The Bauarois sollicited their Prince Albert to haue liber∣tie of their religion, as well as they of Austrich, and almost at one time, the Prince seeing that Ferdinand his father in law had permitted to his people the same thing was content to doo the like. And because there was then some question for siluer, he suffered his subiects for a time to receiue the Lords Supper whole, and to eate flesh on dayes prohibited, when necessitie driues them therevnto. Yet he made great protestations that he would not diuide himselfe from the religion of his Aunce∣stors: and that this should onely be, till by publike authoritie it were otherwise ordained.

About this time certaine great Lords of Transiluania re∣uolted from Ferdinand.

There became also great mutinies in England, where di∣uers Nobles were imprisoned, others beheaded, and some saued themselues in other Countries: As for such as died for the truth of the Gospell, we haue amply deducted their estate, and ex∣tracted their confessions in our bookes of Martyrs.

Albert de Bauieres began the Imperiall iourney at Ratis∣bone in the name of king Ferdinand who then was busied in holding the estates in Boheme•• and Austrich.* 1.23

The Emperor hauing attend 〈…〉〈…〉 of Septembe•• and from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Countries ac∣companied 〈…〉〈…〉 ▪* 1.24 ••••••ior Dowary of France, and Mary Que•••••• of Hungary, 〈…〉〈…〉 ca∣uing al the rule of the lowe Countries to king Phillip his sonne, and the administration of Almaine vnto his brother King Fer∣dinand.

Dauid George (who after called himselfe Iohn de Bruck)

borne at Delphes in Holland,* 1.25 a very pernitious seducer, author and Prince of the vilest Sect that euer was, making himselfe king and immortall Christ, died this yeare, 1556. the 24. day of August, his wife being dead a litle before. He retired with his family which was very great into Basill, the yeare 1544. ma∣king himselfe a fugitiue from his owne countrey for the cause of the Gospell. He bought houses in the Towne, and a Castle nigh the Towne called Binningen, with possessions of a great re∣uenew: It was easie for this man being very cautelous and sub∣till, and hauing his eyes looking on all sides, to gaine the hearts of many, and to procure outward reputation: who was greatly sustained and augmented, by that he had great summes of mo∣ney and very pretious moueables daily brought him, from base Almaine and Flaunders. There hapned certaine prodigious signes before his death. One of his houses (he had two in Basill) was burned with fire of lightning: and the other which he had sumptuously builded in the Medowes, was also consumed by fire, and all his pretious moueables which were therin: & soone after, the chamber floores of his house where he made his resi∣dence, fell downe suddenly: yet they say, nothing hapned vn∣to him more intollerable to beare before his death then this, that one of authoritie in base Almaine, came to the Towne of Basill, and Dauid George knew well, that by litle and litle hee should be discouered.

His Secretaries and disciples were maruellously astonished at his death, because they were of opinion he should neuer haue died: Although their hope was something maintained, by that he had said (as after was reported) he would againe take life, by the space of three yeares, and bring to passe excellent things. Hee held in his house a state almost royall. And for the go∣uernment of his house and Castle, it was well ruled, euery one had his estate and office in that family, and the labours were so distributed, that he had no need in any thing to em∣ploy others then his owne.

In the gouernment of their common good, they very strict∣ly obserued three things, to the end they might more and more conceale their so pernitious a Sect.

First, that none amongst them should publish the name of Dauid George. Secondly, that none should reueale of what state and condition hee had bene: wherevpon many thought hee came of some great nobilitie: others, that he was some great Marchant, hauing many factors both by sea and land. Thirdly, that they should not discouer any one article of their doctrine to any of Basill, no not to any Switzer, neither should they seeke to drawe any to their doctrine.

The summe of his accursed doctrine was: That what∣soeuer had hitherto bene giuen of God by Moyses, by the Pro∣phets, by Iesus Chirst himselfe, by his Apostles and Disciples, is imperfect, and vnprofitable to make vs obtaine the true and perfect felicitie: and was onely giuen to this vse, that hitherto their doctrine might represse men, and keepe them vnder as young men and children, and so containe them in their offices. But the Religion of Dauid George is perfect, and hath in it suffi∣cient efficacie and strength, to make happie him that receiueth it, he being the true Christ and Messias, the we beloued of the Father, in whom the Father taketh great pleasure: borne not of the flesh, but of the holy spirit, & of the spirit of Iesus Christ: hauing hitherto beene kept in an vnknowne place, for all his Saints: to restore in spirit the house of Israel, not by the Crosse or tribulations, or death as the other Christ, but for the loue and grace of the holy spirit of Christ.

O execrable monster, or horrible efficacie of error & decepti∣on, or plasphemies drawne out of the deepe pit of hell!

In the yeare 1557. many good men mooued with affecti∣on [ 1557] to amplifie the kingdome of the Lord, through many tra∣uels and perills hauing passed the torride Zone, and long time soiourned in the way, they fell to inhabit in a Region on the South coast, vnknowne vnto our fore elders, full of Brasill: which before in the yeare 1500. had bene discouered by the Portugales, and it was called America, of the name of their Cap∣taine and cōducter Americ Vespucius. The Inhabitants the eare very sauage and wilde, without any forme of Religion or ciuili∣tie. There it pleased the Lord in this time to erect a Church of certaine French men, which one Ʋillegagnon had sollicited

and gathered together: He receiued thē also at the beginning with good countenance and outward ioy, seeing his enterprise commended by many notable persons. But in the yeare 1557. and 1558. the said Villegagnon gaue sufficiently to know, that he was neuer touched with any true zeale or feare of God. For after he had persecuted both the Ministers and poore flocke of that Church, by many tyrannies and impudent writings; with seditious practises, he hindred as much as in him lay, the ad∣uancement of the Lords glory: who after raised vp the Portu∣gales to take the Fortresse which he had builded in the Ile, by him called Collignyen Ʋalois: finding no resistance within, be∣cause the said Villegagnon being retired into France (taken with an apprehensiō that the sauage people would eate him) had or∣dained no such company of people as were necessary for the defence of such a place.

And although in that number there were some valiant and wel experimented in Armes: yet for as much as they were accompanied with such as had no knowledge therein, and were ill maintained, yea pined away with famine and diseases; be∣fore they would abide the enemies furie, they withdrew them∣selues with the sauage people. Therefore was it easie for the e∣nemies to enioy that Castle which had beene builded at the charges of the king of France, and with the sweat and trauel of many good people: and the Artillery marked with the Armes of France, with certaine munitions of warre transported to Lis∣bone, the principall Towne of Portugall, in a trophee and tri∣umph of the victorie. The French retiring to land, receiued the cruel yoake of that sauage people, liuing without any forme of Religion: a sad and lamentable thing to rehearse.

By all Histories, as well auncient as moderne, we my be in∣structed that. Hypocrites and Apostates, haue in all times hin∣dred the course of the Gospell.

[ 1558] Charles the 5. Emperour, after he had resigned by expresse Embassage, into the hāds of the Princes Electors, the Romane Empire, hauing held it about 37. yeares, died in his Country of Spaine, the 21. of Septēber, 1558. in a Monastery of S. Iust, of the order of the Hieronymies, nigh to Plascencia, a Towne scituated

betwixt the kingdomes of Castile and Andalonsia.* 1.26

Ferdinand, 1. of that name, succeeded him, & was cōsecrated Emperor in the towne of Francfort vpon Mein, by the Electors and Princes of Almiane, with the accustomed solemnities.

After great and continuall warres by the space of 9. yeares, at the instigation and by the practises and meanes of Popes, Iohn Maria de Monte, surnamed Iulius the third, and his succes∣sors and adherents, as well in Italie, Piemont, Almaine, and France, as in the lowe Countries of Flaunders, Artois, and Lor∣raine, by the Spaniards and French. Finally, there happening great victories and prises one vpon an other, to the ouerthrow and totall oppression of people and subects, the third of Aprill, 1559. after Easter, at a Castle in Cambresis, there was a peace concluded betwixt Henry the second of that name, King of [ 1559] France, and Phillip King of Spaine: wherein they promised, to yeeld one to an other, the landes that were lately conque∣red. They also compounded and agreed of all other contro∣uersies and differances in regard of the Kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie, and of the Duchie of Millaine: vpon condition of the marriage of the said Phillip, with the eldest daughter of Hen∣ry: which lands should appertaine to the children comming of that marriage.

By the same treatie of peace, there was yeelded vnto Ema∣nuel Philibert, Duchie of Sauoy, and the principalitie of Pie∣mont, which the French had held from his father & him, more then 24. yeares, by the meanes of a marriage betwixt him and Dame Margarite, daughter of king Francis, the first of that name, and the alone sister of Henry: reseruing certaine strong places in the said Piemont for a certaine time.

The yeare 1559. the fift of March, the sonnes, the sonnes in lawe, and all the family of the dead Dauid George, (of whom we haue spoken before) some also which were not of his fami∣ly, but adherent vnto his Sect, were adioyned before the Se∣nate of Basill: after information taken of the pernitions Sect which the said Dauid George had alwaies held whilest he liued. The Advower declared vnto them, that the Seigniorie was dulye enformed, that they withdrewe themselues into

the Castle of Binningen, not as they which were persecuted for the Gospell, (as they falsly said): but for the Sect of Dauid, wherewith they were alreadie spotted Eleuen were appointed prisoners, out of them to draw the truth. The most part exa∣mined by the straightest Inquisition, confessed the truth of the matter: which finally obtained pardon.

The first of May the Ministers Rector, professors and Maisters of the Vniuersitie of Basill, hauing all with one voyce condemned the poynts of doctrine professed by Dauid George: the Senate beeing fully informed of all, proceeded the 13. of May, to the indyting and condemning of Dauid George: that is, that all his writings, as full of impietie and mortall poyson, also his body or his bones, and all that which remained in his graue, should be burnt, with his Image which was found in his house, liuely representing him: and that generally all the goods of so wicked a man, in what place soeuer they were found, should be confiscated and adiudged vnto the Seignorie. This sentence was proclaimed according to the custome of the place: and all the forme of lawe, and of the ordinances of the Towne, was obserued in the execution thereof.

The life, maners, and death of such pernicious men, admonish vs to watch diligently, least being deceiued with any beautifull appearance, we allow not euill for good, and contrary: and so fall into the snares of the diuell.

A peace (as hath bene said) being concluded betwixt Henry King of France, and Phillip King of Ppaine enemies of the Gospell tooke their opportunitie to persecute such as they called Lutherans. Commissions were dispatched to go through all the Prouinces of France, to attend while the conditions of peace were accomplished.

King Henry by his Letters Patents on the second of Iune, sent to all Bailiffes and Stewards, to aide the said Commissio∣ners: with power to assemble (as they call them) ban and arri∣erban: that is as I take it we vse to say, tag & rag: and the Pro∣uost Marshals and their Archers, straightly forbidding the spa∣ring of any, either vsing any dissimulation or winking at any: otherwise that they themselues should be first punished.

The Cardinall of Lorraine charged a great number of the Councellours of the Parliament of Paris to be fauourers of he∣retickes: And this was vpon the occasion of a deliuerance they made of certaine prisoners for the Gospell, by a simple banish∣ment out of the kingdome. And did so much that the Mercu∣riall was held at the instance of the kings Proctor general, wher∣in a great part of the Councellours were of aduise, that by an holy and free Councell all matters of Religion should be reme∣died, rather then by persecutions.

The King Henry being at this Parlament, and hauing heard Anne de Bourge Councellour reasoning, caused him to be staied prisoner, with other Councellors: And the 19. of Iune a Con∣iunction was directed to certaine Iudges to make theis proces.

During the marriage Feastes of the daughter of Fraunce, and the last of Iune King Henry imploied himselfe all that mor∣ning in the examinations of, as well Presidents as Councellors of the said Parliament, and other prisoners and their compani∣ons which were charged with the like doctrine. When he had dined, because he was one of the sustenants at the solemn Tur∣ney which was made in the streete of Saint Anthonie, he ente∣red into the Listes: And after hee had broken good store of staues as brauely as was possible (as he was cunning, and a vali∣ant man at Armes) running against Montgommery, the sonne of Captaine Lorges, a strong Souldier, they encountred so rude∣ly, that bursting ther Launces, the King was attained with a counter blowe, so right in the vizard, that the shiuers entred in∣to his head: and the blowe was as suddaine as violent, so that his braines were wholly astonished, without finding either suc∣cour or comfort: And whatsoeuer any could doo with sen∣ding Phisitions and Surgions on all sides, yea from Brabant by King Phillip, nothing profited: Insomuch that eleuen dayes after, namely the 10. of Iuly, 1559. he expired and finished his dayes in great dolour, hauing raigned 12. yeares, three mo∣neths, and ten dayes.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Subtilties of the Romane Court.

  Deceits of the Roman court.
• * 1.2

  Notable mi∣steries.
• * 1.3

  O true Bulls.
• * 1.4

  That is of Sathan.
• * 1.5

  Marcel. 2.
• * 1.6

  The Popes Character is to be an ene∣mie vnto the truth.
• * 1.7

  Marcel In∣quisitor gene∣rall.
• * 1.8

  Ierome Vida Cremona.
• * 1.9

  The cause wherefore Vergerius was put from the Councel.
• * 1.10

  Paul. 4.
• * 1.11

  Theatin be∣fore hee was Pope confes∣sed the truth.
• * 1.12

  A tumult at Geneua.
• * 1.13

  Vlpian victualled.
• * 1.14

  Mariēbourg
• * 1.15

  The Lucar∣nois deman∣ded the Gos∣pell.
• * 1.16

  Dissention of the Supper re∣newed by thē of Breme & Hambourge.
• * 1.17

  The death of Frederick Palatin.
• * 1.18

  A wonder in the Country of Aouste.
• * 1.19

  Pruse recei∣ueth the con∣fession of Ausbourge.
• * 1.20

  Iohn Functi∣us.
• * 1.21

  Comete.
• * 1.22

  Parracide of three childrē.
• * 1.23

  Iourney at Ratisbone.
• * 1.24

  The returne of Charles the fift into Spaine.
• * 1.25

  The death of Dauid George.
• * 1.26

  Ferdinād. 1.