The lives of two and twenty English divines eminent in their generations for learning, piety, and painfulnesse in the work of the ministry, and for their sufferings in the cause of Christ : whereunto are annexed the lives of Gaspar Coligni, that famous admirall of France, slain in the Parisian massacre, and of Joane Queen of Navarr, who died a little before / by Samuel Clarke ...

The Life of Joane Queen of Navarr, who was poisoned at Paris a few daies before the bloody Massacre, Anno Christi 1572.

IOane of Albert was daughter to Henry the second, King of Navarr, and to Margueret of Orleance,* 1.1 Sister to Francis the first of that name, King of France; and by her Parents was carefully trained up in the Protestant Religion from her childhood, which she constantly adhered to all the daies of her life. She was married to Anthony of Bourbon, Son to Charles Duke of Vendosme,* 1.2 by whom she had Hen∣ry the fourth of that name King of France by his Fathers right, and the second of that name King of Navarr by his Mothers.

This Anthony King of Navarr, in the minority of Charles the ninth, being the first Prince of the blood, was to be his Protector; but the Queen-Mother and the Guises seeking to draw all the power and management of affairs into their own hands, laboured by all means to withdraw the King of Navarr from the Protestants; that so by weakening them thereby, they might rule the rost as they listed: For which end they employed the Ambassadour of Spain,* 1.3 the Cardi∣nall of Tournon, Escars, and some other houshold flatterers to him, who perswaded him, that carrying himself a Neuter, and causing the Prince his Son to go once to the Masse, the King of Spain would give him the Realm of Sardinia in recompence for that of Navarr which he had lately taken from him. The Pope likewise confirms him in this hope, which indeed was but to take from him all means of reco∣vering his Kingdom of Navarr when he should attempt it. Yet he being drawn by those Spanish and Lorrain practises,* 1.4 estrangeth him∣self by little and little from the Protestants, sollicited the Queen his Wife to return into the bosome of the Romish Church, and to draw her children thereunto: But she being better grounded in the truth then so easily to forsake it, refuseth;* 1.5 whereupon a breach grew betwixt them, and the King her Husband falls in love with one of the Queen-Mothers Maids.

The forenamed Guisian instruments seeing this, perswade him that Heresie is a sufficient cause of dissolving marriage,* 1.6 and that therefore he might be divorced from Joane Albert his Wife, as being infected with the poison of Heresie. They tell him also that notwithstanding

his divorce, he should retain to himself the possession of, and interest in all the Dominions and Kingdoms belonging to her, of which she should be deprived as unworthy of them by reason of her Heresie: And in∣stead of her he should marry Mary Queen of Scots, whose Dowry (say they) is the Kingdom of England, and as soon as the marriage is con∣tracted, the Pope would strip Elizabeth of it, as unworthy thereof for the same cause, and settle it upon them, &c.

But the King of Navarr abhorring to be divorced from his Wife, it remained that he should accept the conditions about the Kingdom of Sardinia; for the effecting whereof they left no means unassaied; and at last prevailed so far, that they gulled the King of Navarr, and set him at odds with his Brother the Prince of Conde, Coligni the Admirall, and the other Protestants. The Queen his Wife distasting his change of Religion, and adhering to the Popish party, retired into Podium in the Countrey of Bearne, where she kept her Court.

* 1.7But it pleased God that shortly after in the siege of Orleance the King of Navarr was shot into the shoulder, whereof he died about three weeks after.

* 1.8The next design was to seize upon the Queen, together with her Son Henry and her Daughter Katherine, and to bring them before the judgment seat of the Inquisition of Spain, and the Conspirators doubted not but that Philip King of Spain would more willingly hearken to this counsell, for that this exploit would make for the advantage of his Religion, the rescuer whereof he proudly boasted himself to be: As also the businesse about the Kingdom of Navarr, which he unjustly detained, would be hereby dispatched, by the ta∣king away of the unlawfull heirs thereof. They conceived also that the businesse might easily be effected by the means of the King of Spain's Souldiers that lay at Bacinona, ready to be transported into Africk; who, by the waies of the mountains might come upon, and surprize the Queen of Navarr and her Children at Podium before they were aware. One Dominik a Captain born in the territories of Bearne, was singled out to go to the Court of Spain to communicate these counsels with the King, and to receive further instructions from him. But it pleased God that this Dominik falling sick by the way, Annas Hespius an honest man that tended on him,* 1.9 smelt out the oc∣casion of his journey, and by giving timely notice, prevented the effecting of it; by which deliverance God shewed his watch∣full providence over his handmaid, this Religious Queen of Na∣varr.

* 1.10Not long after in the time of the third Civil Warre for Religion, this Queen having raised great Troops, led them to Rochel, together with her Son Henry, and her Daughter Katherine, from whence she wrote Letters to the King, the Queen-Mother, the Duke of Anjou, and the Cardinall of Bourbon.* 1.11 To the King she wrote, That in the common Cause of Religion, in regard of the duty which she owed to the King, and the necessity of blood whereby she was joyned to

the Prince of Conde, she could not be wanting to him upon such an occasion, having alwaies rejected the bloody counsels of the Guisian faction, and especially the Ambition of the Cardinall of Lorrain, from whose friendship she earnestly dehorted the Duke of Anjou, be∣seeching him that he would not yield up himself a minister of his wicked will, in cutting up the Royal stock by the roots. In her Let∣ter to the Cardinall of Bourbon, she sharply chideth him for not being warned by his former danger: For how long (saith she) will you be the Suffragan of the Cardinall of Lorrain? Have you forgotten the treacherous plots that were laid by him for your Head? and are you so credulous as to believe his oaths, when he sweareth that he minded no treachery? &c. But these Letters prevailing nothing, the Warre went on, and in the Battell of Bassac the Protestants were worsted, and the Prince of Conde slain; which news being carried to Rochel,* 1.12 the Queen of Navarr posted to the Protestant Army, where before a great Assembly of Nobles and Souldiers,* 1.13 she made an Oration to confirm their mindes, praising the vertue and constancy of the Prince of Conde, who had employed his faithfull endeavours even unto death, in defence of so just a Cause; and thereupon she exhorted the rest to imitate his example, and to persevere in maintaining the truth of Christ, and the Liberty of their Countrey: For (saith she) the good Cause is not dead with the Prince of Conde, neither ought godly men to give way to despondency in such cases, God having so provided for his Cause, that he gave Conde companions whilst he lived that may succeed him now he is dead. I have brought with me mine only Son Henry, and Conde's own Son; who, as he is Heir of his name, so is he of his vertues: These with other Nobles besides I trust will never be wanting to so good a Cause. And having thus spoken to the No∣bles and Army, and many things privately to her Son, whetting his youthfull spirit, she returned again to Rochel to provide new suc∣cours.

In the mean time a Commission was granted to Terride, Gover∣nour of Quercie, to summon the Queen of Navarr, and the Prince her Son, to leave the party of the Protestants, and in case of refusal, to invade the Countreys of Bearne, Foix and Navarr, in which he so prevailed, that he reduced all to the Kings obedience,* 1.14 but only Nava∣ren, which he besieged, as the only strong place that remained to the Queen.

Hereupon the Queen and the Princes sent the Earl of Montgomery to encounter him, who with a small Army of five hundred Horse, and four thousand Foot, forced Terride to raise his siege, and retire himself to Ortheze. His men were dispersed, and to prevent his gathering them together again, the Earl besieged him, forced the Town, and to beat Terride with his own weapons, he turned his Cannons which ht found in the Town against the Castle, whereupon it was surren∣dred to him;* 1.15 after which all other places were suddainly reduced to the obedience of the Queen, and the Earl having garrisoned the

Towns of his new conquest, speedily returned to the Princes.

Not long after Peace being concluded betwixt the King and the Pro∣testants, the King published an Edict, wherein amongst other things he hath this passage:

* 1.16

Let it be lawfull for the Queen of Navarr the Kings Aunt, besides the benefit which is common to all those which have the highest ju∣risdiction, to enjoy the free exercise of her Religion in the Duke∣dom of Albert, in the Earldoms of Armigniac, Foix and Bigorre, in one place of all those Dominions which she holdeth in her own possession, or which may be consigned to her by the King; so that all that will come to that place (though she her self be absent) may enjoy it without danger. Moreover lest any doubt should arise con∣cerning the right meaning of the Queen of Navarr the Kings Aunt, as also of the Princes of Conde, both Father and Son; the King doth declare, That he acknowledgeth them all for his faithfull Cosens and Subjects; and that they and all that have managed the Warres under them shall be free, and not bound to render an account for monies received or taken, &c.

* 1.17The Peace being concluded, the malice of the Popish party was no whit abated; whereupon they sought by Policy to effect that which they could not by power; and for this end Biron was sent to Rochel in the Kings name to treat with the Queen of Navarr about the marriage between her Son Henry,* 1.18 and the Kings Sister, the Lady Margaret; for which end he invited them to come to the Court, where busines∣ses might be fully debated and concluded: He added also that here∣by a fair occasion was offered from God to settle their affairs in peace, &c.

The Queen of Navarr having returned thanks in a set Oration, answered that the matter was of that importance that she would take time to her self in deliberating of it; and albeit she did professe and acknowledge that that affinity would be a great ornament and profit to her, yet she was for the present doubtfull what to do in regard of the near kindred betwixt her Son and the Lady, and the difference in their Religions:* 1.19 Wherefore (saith she) I will consult with my Di∣vines, and what I shall find to make for Gods glory, and the good of the Kingdom, and that may stand with a good conscience, that I will readily and willingly imbrace, being desirous in all that I may to satisfie the pleasure of the King and Queen, to whom I owe all due ob∣servance.

Yet there remained two scruples which troubled the King and the Queen of Navarr, in respect of the place and manner of celebrating the marriage: For the Queen would not have it done at Paris, which City being extreamly addicted to the Popish Religion, she feared was long since an enemy to the Family of Navarr, and therefore she judg∣ed it not safe to have it celebrated there. The King on the contrary said, That it would make for a certain sign of sure Peace to have the celebrity of the marriage seen in the Metropolis of the Kingdom, as it

were on a publique Theater. The other doubt was about the manner of the celebration. For the Queen of Navarr being most addicted to the reformed Religion, would never endure that it should be contra∣cted after the Popish manner, nor the Queen-Mother after the fashion of the Protestants. But the King prayed the Queen of Navarr to par∣don him in that matter, for that it would tend to his great dishonour if he should suffer the marriage of his Sister to be solemnized in any other form then according to that ancient Religion which he had received from his fore-fathers; therefore to resolve this doubt, there was time taken on both sides.

In the mean time the Queen of Navarr consulted with the Ministers of the Reformed Religion what might be done in this matter. Some of them insisting upon the simplicity of Gods Word, said,* 1.20 that it was utterly unlawfull for such marriages to be contracted, especially by il∣lustrious Personages, in whom it is more dangerous because of more publique concernment. Others judging that this marriage would be a sure, and as it were an everlasting foundation of a most happy Peace, assented to it.

The Queen of Navarr and the Protestant Nobles striving to find out remedies, both for the Kingdom which was grievously afflicted, and for their own bruised estates, liked these mens judgments best; and so the businesse proceeded, and the conditions of marriage were a∣greed upon between the parties. The King was to give his Sister for her Dowry three hundred thousand Crowns, each Crown being valued at four and fifty Shillings.

About this time the Queen of Navarr being zealously carefull to propagate the Protestant Religion in Cantabria (a Province of the Jurisdiction of Navarr) she sent Pastors who had learned the Coun∣trey language, which is understood by almost none of the neighbours,* 1.21 and was before believed that it could not be written. She took care also that the New Testament, the Catechism, and the Prayers used in the Church of Geneva, should be translated into the Gascoine or Canta∣brian tongue; which she caused to be printed at Rochel in a most fine letter, and sent to them. And so upon the earnest solicitation of the King, she went the March following,* 1.22 Anno Christi 1572. from Rochel to the Court, which was then at Blois, with great attendance, where it is incredible to think what welcome she had on all sides; especially from the King and his Brethren; who yet when all was done, could boasting∣ly say to his Mother, Now Madam, have not I quit my self well?* 1.23 Let me alone, and I will bring them all into the net.

In April following were the Articles concluded concerning the marriage of the Prince of Navarr with the Kings Sister. And in the beginning of May the King woed the Queen of Navarr again to come to Paris, for preparing things fitting for the Marriage, which she at last consented to;* 1.24 and so May the 6. she took her journey from Blois and came to Paris, May the 15. After which she went from place to place in the City into sundry houses and shops, to find out such

things as might tend to the adorning of the day of so great a so∣lemnity.

The Queen-Mother in the mean time, who could not endure this good Queen, and yet not finding with what colour she could dispatch her with the rest; though she feared the greatnesse of her spirit in case she should survive them, and judged it impossible to work upon the flexibility of the young Prince her Son whilst she lived. She there∣fore consulted with one Rene an Italian, whose practice was to impoy∣son things; by whose devilish help she brought her accursed purpose to passe. This Rene sold the Queen of Navarr certain Perfumes, whereby he found out the way to poyson her therewith;* 1.25 and after∣wards he was heard to make his brags of it, saying also that he had the like in store for two or three more, who suspected no such matter.

* 1.26By this means June the 4. this good Queen fell sick of a continued Feavor, and (though others sleighted it, yet) she perceiving by the strength of her disease that she should not long continue, prepared her self to receive from the hand of God her mercifull Father, that which he had appointed concerning her: And calling her Son Henry, she com∣manded him above all things carefully to serve God,* 1.27 according to the confession of Faith wherein he had been educated, and not to suffer himself to be plucked or diverted from the same by the smoaky plea∣sures and delights of the world, and other incentives unto vices; and that he should take care that the Constitutions concerning the same which she had published in the Principality of Berne, and the lower Na∣varr be inviolably kept: That he should throughly purge his Family, and cause all bad Counsellors to be gone from thence, which thought ill concerning God: As also, all flatterers, the abusers of Princes, and all other vicious Persons: That he should retain with him all good men, as Bellovarius, Francutius, and Betulus, who were men of an unblame∣able life: That he should have a special care of his Sister Katherine, using her gently and lovingly without bitternesse, causing her to be brought up in the Town of Berne, in the same School of godlinesse which himself had been trained up in; and when she should grow mar∣riagable, that he should marry her to a Prince of equall dignity, pro∣fessing the same Religion: That he should love Henry Bourbon his Co∣sen German, as his Brother; and also Francis Marquesse of Contium, taking care that as great concord as may be, be cherished betwixt them and the Admirall Coligni, for the advancement and propagation of Gods glory. Lastly, she makes her Son her Heir; intreating the King, the Queen-Mother, the Duke of Anjou, and the Duke of Alen∣son, the Kings Brethren, to undertake the Protection of the Prince her Son, and of Katherine his Sister, and to permit them the free exercise of their Religion.

Then she requested that she might have such nigh about her as might comfort her in her sicknesse out of the Word of God; as also to pray with her and for her, according to that of Saint James,

Is any sick amongst you? let him call for the Elders of the Church,* 1.28 and let them pray over him, knowing that the Prayers of a righteous man prevail much with God.

According to her desire, a Minister resorted to her, shewing out of the Scriptures,* 1.29 that Christians ought in all things to submit to the will of God, as to the Father of spirits, that they may live; and albeit by reason of the severity of his chastisements, sometimes it may seem to our flesh, as if they were sent for no other end but for our destruction; yet ought we to consider that the just God can do nothing but justly, and being withall a mercifull Father, he cannot but therein seek the wel∣fare of his afflicted Children.

To this she replied, I take all this as sent from the hand of God my most mercifull Father. Nor have I, during this extremity, feared to die, much lesse murmured against God for inflicting this chastise∣ment upon me, knowing that whatsoever he doth, he doth so or∣der the same, as that in the end it shall turn to my everlasting good.

Then said the Minister, The causes of sicknesses and diseases must be sought beyond the course of Physick, which alwaies looks to the corruption of the humours, or of the distemper to the more noble parts of the body. And though it be not amisse to have respect to these things as to secondary causes, yet ought we to ascend higher, namely to the first, even to God himself, who disposeth of all his creatures, even as best pleaseth him. He it is that makes the wound, and heals; that kils, and makes alive, Deut. 32.39. and therefore to him we ought to direct our Prayers for our comfort in all our griefs and sufferings, and in the end to expect full deliverance, seeing it's easie with him to restore our health, if it stand with his his good plea∣sure.

To this she answered, That she depended wholly upon Gods Pro∣vidence, knowing that all things are wisely disposed by him; and therefore she besought him to furnish her with all such graces as he saw to be necessary for her salvation. As for this life (said she) I am in a good measure weaned from it, in regard of the afflictions which have followed me from my youth hitherto; but especially because I cannot live without offending my good God, with whom I desire to be with all my heart.

Then said the Minister, Yet long life how full of troubles soever it be, is to be esteemed amongst the blessings of God,* 1.30 seeing his promise implies so much; and not only so, but because our lives may many waies serve to his glory; and long life is not only an honour, but a pledge of his favour: Even as it is to him whom a Prince long im∣plies in his service, having had experience of his fidelity many years together. Hereupon he earnestly requested her to pray, that if it was the will of God he would imploy her yet longer in his service, for the further enlargement of his Gospel, and that he would grant unto her such recovery of health, and such a good disposition of body, that

with renewed strength she might be enabled to finish her course much more nobly then ever heretofore.

To this she replied, That in regard of her own particular, her life was not dear unto her, seeing so long as she lived in this frail flesh, she was still prone and apt to sin against God; only she said her care was somewhat for her Children which God had given her, in respect that they should be deprived of her in their young years; yet (saith she) I doubt not, but though he should please to take me from them, himself will become a Father to them, and a Protector over them, as he hath ever been to me in my greatest afflictions, and therefore I commit them wholly to his government and fatherly care.

Then the Minister blessed God for working in her Majesty this as∣surance of Faith, and ability to cast her care upon the Providence of God, intreating her still to persevere therein, which would sufficiently seal unto her the truth of her Faith. And thus (saith he) did the Patriarchs in times past, commit the care of their posterity into the hands of God, as may appear by the severall blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: But yet he told her that it was very requisite that she should make choice of such, who for their sincerity both in life and Doctrine, might continue to water in these young Princely Plants, the seeds of Piety that had been sown in them by her so great pains and in∣dustry; seeing it was to be hoped that the example of her Faith and constancy in the service of God, wherein she had gone before them, would serve as a perpetuall inducement to them to follow her noble vertues. And whereas she had declared that death was not terrible to her, because it was the way by which she was to passe to her eternal rest, he told her that Christians had little cause to fear death, in regard that they should not die at all, according to that of our Saviour, He that lives and believes in me shall never die, Joh. 8.51. For, saith he, to speak properly, death is no death to them, but a sweet sleep, being often so called in the Scriptures: and therefore Christ for their sakes hath overcome and triumphed over it in his own person; so as now we may cry out with St. Paul, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?* 1.31

After this he admonished her to make confession of her sinnes before God, shewing that bodily diseases tend to the dissolution of nature, and that death was the wages of sinne: further declaring, that by this her chastisement she might discern what she had deserved if God should en∣ter into judgment with her, not only in regard of the fall of our first Parents, in which guilt she was enwrapped as well as others; but also by her own personall sins, seeing the best in the world are in themselves but poor, miserable and wretched sinners; yea if the Lord should punish us according to our demerits, we could expect nothing at his hands but eternal death and damnation.

At these words she began with her eyes and hands lifted up to Hea∣ven, to acknowledge that the sins which she had committed against the Lord were innumerable, and therefore more then she was able to

reckon up; but yet she hoped that God for Christs sake, in whom she put her whole trust, would be mercifull to her.

From hence the Minister took occasion to declare at large upon what ground she was to expect the fruit of this mercy of God in Christ: Adding, The whole have no need of a Physician, but the sick. And Christ saith, He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And, that he is ready to fill the hungry with good things, whereas in the mean while, he sends the rich empty away. Of these things (saith he) you ought so much the rather to be perswaded in your counscience, by how much the more the holy Spirit of God witnesseth to your spirit that you are the Child of God, and enables you to cry Abba, Father: For what is Faith else but a firm trust and assurance of the good will of God ma∣nifested towards us in his blessed Son?

But the Minister fearing lest by his long discourse he might be troublesome, or cause her too much to spend her spirits, would have given over; which she taking notice of, earnestly requested him not to forbear speaking to her about these matters of life and eternal sal∣vation; adding that now she felt the want of it, in regard that since her coming to Paris she had been somewhat remisse in hearing such exhortations out of the Word of God: And therefore I am the more glad (said she) to receive comfort out of it in this my great ex∣tremity.

Then did the Minister endeavour to set before her the happinesse of heaven, and what those joys were that the faithfull possesse in the pre∣sence of God, which the Scriptures intending to discover, tell us, that Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive, what those things are, which God hath prepared for them that love him. For, saith he, it is as if a King minding greatly to honour some Noble personage, should bring him to his Court, and there shew him his state and attendance, his Treasures, with all his most precious Jewels: Eved so will the Lord one day reveal to all his Elect and faithfull people, his magnificence and glory, with all the Treasures of his Kingdom, after he hath gathered them home to himself; deck∣ing and adorning them with light, incorruption and immortality. Therefore (saith he) since this happinesse is so great, your Highnesse ought to be the lesse solicitous about leaving this transitory life, and know that you are to change this earthly Kingdom for an heavenly In∣heritance; These temporall good things which vanish and come to no∣thing in the using, to enjoy for ever those things which are eternal and everlasting. For your faith being now firmly set upon our Lord Jesus Christ, you may be assured to obtain eternal salvation by him. Then did he proceed to propose to her this question; Madam, Do you veri∣ly believe that Jesus Christ came into the world to save you? and do you expect the full forgivenesse of all your sins by the shedding of his blood for you?

Yea (said she) I do, believing that he is my only Saviour and Mediatour, and I look for salvation from none other, knowing that

he hath abundantly satisfied for the sins of all his people, and therefore I am assured that God for his sake, according to his gracious promise in him, will have mercy upon me.

During all the time of her sicknesse, she ceased not to continue in such fruitfull and comfortable communications, sometimes intermix∣ing them with most affectionate sighs to God, as a testimony of that hope and desire she had of enjoying his presence, often uttering these words:* 1.32 O my God, in thy good time, deliver me from this body of death, and from the miseries of this present life, that I may no more offend thee, and that I may attain to the felicity which thou in thy Word hast promised to bestow upon me. Neither did she manifest her pious affection by words only, but by her constant and cheerfull countenance, so farre forth as the vehemency of her disease would suffer; thereby giving a clear testimony to all that beheld her, that the fear of death could not drive her from the stedfastnesse of her Faith. The Minister also went often to prayer with her, the usual tenor whereof was this which follows;

* 1.33O Lord our God, We confesse here before thy Divine Majesty, that we are altogether unworthy of thine infinite mercies, by reason of our manifold iniquities, and that we are so farre from deserving to be heard of thee in our requests, that we are rather worthy that thou shouldst reject both our persons, and our prayers; But seeing it hath pleased thee to make us a gra∣cious promise of hearing and granting our requests, we humbly beseech thee freely to forgive all our offences, and to cover them under the obedi∣ence and righteousness of thy dear Son, that through him our selves and our services may be well pleasing unto thee. For Lord we acknowledge that all our afflictions are measured out to us by thine hand, who art a most just Judge, in regard that we have every way provoked thee to wrath by our in∣finite sinnings against thee, yea by our rebellions which now testifie against us. For alas Lord, our life hath been no way answerable to that perfect o∣bedience which thou by thy holy Law dost justly require at our hands, which we from day to day do transgress, and therefore do here cast down our selves at this time before thy glorious presence, unfeignedly acknowledging our misery and wretchedness from the very bottom of our hearts. Yet Lord mercy is with thee, and because thou art our Father, therefore thou desirest not the death of sinners, but rather that they should convert and live. For this cause we now fall down before the throne of thy grace, with confidence of obtaining thy wonted mercy which thou hast promised to such as call upon thee in truth; beseeching thee who art the Father of mercies, to have compassion on all such as thou hast humbled under thy mighty hand, but more especially on this thy Servant the Queen, who lieth here before thee sick of a dangerous disease; that as thou hast righteously afflicted her for her sinnes (which she also doth with us acknowledge) so it would please thee in pardoning them all to her for thy beloved Sons sake, to grant that she may profit by this thy correcting hand for the time to come: Above all O Lord, give her a sweet sense, yea full assurance of thy eternal joys, that so she may with the greater patience take down this bitter potion ministred

unto her from thy hand, and that the sole desire of enjoying thy presence may cause her to forget all worldly greatness and magnificence, knowing that they are nothing in respect of the glory which is now set before her. En∣due her also with meekness of minde to bear the tediousnesse of her afflicti∣on, for though the spirit be willing, yet the flesh is weak, yea full of re∣sisting and unbelief; that so receiving all things from thee as from a Fa∣ther, she may the more willingly submit her will to thine. And because, O good God, thou hast made her hitherto an happy Instrument for the ad∣vancement of thy glory, and defence of thy poor afflicted people, we pray thee, if it may stand with thy good pleasure, restore her to health a∣gain, that so the excellent work that thou hast by her means begun, may not be left unperfected; but by vertue of this her deliverance, she may with renewed strength undertake the same in better sort then ever hereto∣fore, especially for the well educating and training up the Children that thou hast given her. But, Lord, if thou hast a purpose now to call her home to thy self, who are we that we should contradict thy holy will? Only we pray thee that thou wouldst confirm her more and more in the knowledge of thy blessed Gospel, and thereby also in the certainty of her salvation, which thou hast given her by Faith in thy Son Jesus Christ, that thus she may not cease to sanctifie and call upon thy holy Name to her last breath. And as touch∣ing our selves, who are here by thy good providence gathered together about her, being in bodily health, give us to know the uncertainty and brevity of our life, that so according to our duty, we may behold the same in this mirror that thou hast set before us, as knowing that even the greatest in the world are subject to the same calamities as well as the small, that so our chief care may be to employ the remainder of our time to thine honour and service. All which we crave of thee in the Name of Jesus Christ thy Son, our only Me∣diatour and Advocate, Amen.

During the time of prayer, she ceased not with hands and eyes lift up to Heaven, to fetch many deep sighs, especially when mention was made of the mercy of God in Christ, which he extendeth to poor sin∣ners; so that all present might evidently see that her heart and affecti∣ons were joyned to the Prayer that was made by, and for her. And whilst she thus lay, she still continued in her holy desires to depart hence that she might be with Christ, taking great delight in the holy and Christian exhortations which were made to her by many godly and learn∣ed men, who came to visit her, to whom also she manifested no small testimonies of that faith and hope which she had in God, touching the salvation of her soul, by her holy and savory speeches, which for brevity sake are omitted.

Yea although the Lord exercised her much with the sense of her in∣ward disease,* 1.34 yet could you not at any time discern any speech favouring of discontentment or impatience to proceed out of her mouth, nay scarcely so much as a groan.

But if at any time she found any refreshings from the violence of her disease (there being no malady so vehement which hath not some in∣termissions and breathing times) she declared her willingnesse to ob∣tain

the recovery of her former health, and for that end she refused no good means prescribed for her by her learned Physicians. Again, when she perceived her sicknesse to increase upon her, and that she grew worse and worse, she was no whit appaled thereat, but shewed her self to be armed with an invincible constancy to undergo the utmost that death could do against her, preparing her self willingly for that last conflict.

And when she saw her Ladies and Gentlewomen weeping about her bed, she blamed them for it, saying, Weep not for me I pray you, for as much as God doth by this sicknesse, call me hence to enjoy a better life, and now I may enter into the desired Haven, towards which this frail vessel of mine hath been a long time steering: Yet she shewed her self grieved that she wanted opportunity to reward them, and many more of her Family and Train which had done her faithfull service, as she could have wished, excusing her self to them, and professing that it was not want of good will, but her being prevented by this her suddain sicknesse: But (said she) I will not fail to give order about the same to the ut∣most of my ability.

In the end, perceiving her strength to decay more and more, she gave order to have her last Will and Testament made, and thereby set∣led her outward estate. And the 8 of June, which was the day before she died, she called for a Minister, and finding that she was drawing nigh unto her end, she desired him to speak somewhat largely of the temptations which Satan is wont to assail Gods Elect withall in their last conflict.

To this the Minister answered, Indeed that is the hour wherein the sworn enemy of all the faithfull doth most busily bestirre himself, if possible to deprive them of the comfort of their salvation, not spa∣ring especially at that time, to set upon them with might and sleight, but yet even then the Lord is not, nor will be wanting to his, filling their hearts with such joy and comfort of the Holy Ghost, as shall make them in the end more then conquerours. His first Engine where∣with he would drive them to despair, is by presenting before their eyes the innumerable heaps of their sinnes and pollutions, wherewith they have been any way defiled in their whole life: and then he pre∣sents to them Gods justice, before which no flesh can be able to subsist, unlesse it were pure and spotlesse; whence he infers, that such miserable sinners can expect and look for nothing but utter death and condemnation. But against these assaults we must as David, Psal. 52. set the infinite multitudes of Gods compassions, which do infinitely surpasse the multitudes of our sinnes. And as for the justice of God, we confesse that no creature that is defiled by sinne can abide to be strictly examined by it, if God should call us to a severe account: but we know that God will never enter into judgment with those that be∣lieve in his Son, but imputes unto them that righteousness and obedience which was accomplished by him, which is sufficient to oppose against the justice of God; therefore in it alone we must expect to stand before his face, and not by our own dignity and worthinesse. Indeed, if we were

to appear before the seat of Justice to receive there what we have de∣served, we had good reason to be overwhelmed in utter despair, but turning our eyes upon him, who being the eternal Son of God, hath clothed himself with our humane nature, to bear on him the same pu∣nishment that was due to our sinnes, and thereby hath acquitted us, then Gods justice doth no whit affright us, but rather yields us assured comfort, because God being just, cannot require the same debt twice. Having therefore received full and perfect satisfaction from Christ, whom he hath ordained to be our surety, and who hath paid our debts for us, thence we gather assurance that he will no more require it at our hands. To which purpose these sentences are to be well observed. It is Christ who hath born our grief, and carried our sorrows. The cha∣stisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. That we all like sheep have gone astray, and have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all. Christ is our peace, and the propitiation for our sins. The Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. Upon these considerations Gods justice need not terrifie such as believe in Christ, of whose righteousnesse and re∣demption they are made partakers; seeing that Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin (that is an oblation for sin) for us, that we might be made the righteousnesse of God in him.

I grant (said he) that these things belong not to all indifferently, but only unto such as believing in the Son of God, do wholly cast them∣selves upon the merit of his death and passion, which as St. Peter saith, is sufficient for their salvation, Act. 4.12.

Then did he ask her, whether she placed her whole trust and confi∣dence on Christ crucified, who died for her sins, and rose again for her justification. To this the godly Queen answered, that she neither ex∣pected salvation, righteousnesse, nor life from any else, but only from her Saviour Jesus Christ, being assured that his merit alone did abun∣dantly suffice for the full satisfaction for all her sins, albeit they were in∣numerable.

This being your faith Madam (quoth the Minister) you cannot come into condemnation, but are passed from death to life, neither need you fear Gods Seat of Justice, since it is turned into a Throne of mercy and grace unto you, and therefore the hour of death will be exceeding welcome to you, being but a sweet passage into a far better life; as also the time in which all tears shall be wiped from your eyes, therefore I beseech you Madam think often of that sweet Text, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours and their works follow them. Now the time approaches wherein you shall enjoy the beatificiall vision, the society of your Husband Christ, the fellow∣ship of the blessed Angels and celestial Spirits with the holy Patri∣achs, Prophets, Apostles and Martyrs of Christ, partaking with them in the same felicity and glory. He also further said, Madam, If it should please God by this your sicknesse to put an end to this weary Pilgrimage of yours, and to call you home to himself, as by some

evident signs it appears that he will, Are you willing to go unto him? To this she answered with much Christian courage, Yea with all my heart.

Then said he, Good Madam, Open the eyes of your Faith, and be∣hold Jesus your great Redeemer sitting at the right hand of his Father, reaching out his hand to receive you to himself. Are you, Madam, willing to go unto him? Yes I assure (saith she) most willing, and much more willing then to linger here below in this world, where I see nothing but vanity. Then he asked her if they should go to prayer with her: which she desiring, they performed it by her, whilst this pious Lady manifested her ardent affection in calling upon God.

* 1.35Prayer being ended, the Minister discerning in her the undoubted testimonies of unfeigned Repentance, and of the sorrow that she con∣ceived for the offences which she had committed against God, toge∣ther with the assured confidence which she had in his mercies, as a Mi∣nister of the Gospel, and Ambassadour of the Son of God, by the au∣thority given to him, having the word of reconciliation committed to him; he assured her in the Name of Christ, that all her sinnes were forgiven by God, and that they should never come in account against her at his judgment seat; yea, that she should no more doubt thereof, then if the Son of God from Heaven should say unto her, Daughter be of good comfort, thy sins are forgiven thee. And to the end that trou∣bled consciences might the better be quieted, Christ hath used these words speaking to his Ministers, saying, Whose sins ye remit, they are remitted, &c. And the reason is, because the Word which they pro∣nounce is not the word of a mortall man, but of the immortall God, being of no lesse weight then if himself uttered the same. Then he asked her Majesty if she accepted of so gracious a message which assured her of the free pardon of all her sins: Yes (saith she) with all my heart, and make no doubt thereof.

* 1.36Not long after came in the Admirall Coligni, and with him another Minister, to whom she gave ear a good space together, his speech ten∣ding to prepare her for death; and when he had finished his speech, he also prayed with her, which she attended to with great affection. Then she requested that those two Ministers might stay all night with her in her chamber, and that they would in no wise leave her.

The greatest part of this night was spent in holy admonitions; which these Ministers gave to this gracious Lady one after another; besides which she required them to read to her some Chapters of the holy Scriptures which were pertinent to her condition, and so they read out of St. Johns Gospel, from the fourteenth, to the end of the seventeenth Chapter. After which they went to prayer with her, which being ended, the Queen desired to take some rest; but it was not long ere she commanded them to read again: Whereupon one of them made choice of certain of David's Psalms, full of ardent and affectionate prayers, suting to this Princesse present condition by reason of her affli∣ction; and for a conclusion read Psal. 31. wherein the Prophet, amongst

other things, doth commend his spirit into the hands of God, Because, saith he, thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

Then the Queen willed them to pray with her again; and thus was the most part of that night spent in such holy exercises; during all which time the Ministers never discerned in her the least sign of impatience, notwithstanding the violence of her affliction. Yea whereas immedi∣ately before her sickness she had shewed how affectionately she was bent to provide things most magnificent for the day of her Sons Marriage, according as the State of so great an alliance required; yet it was admi∣rable to observe, that after this sicknesse had seized on her, God wrought in her such a neglect and forgetfulnesse of all such matters, that she ne∣ver shewed to have so much as a thought thereof.

This night being thus spent, and past by this Noble Queen, she per∣severing in the expressions of such like affections, and ardency of faith,* 1.37 the next morning between eight and nine of the clock, she departed this life to take possession of a far better, sweetly yielding up her spirit into the hands of God, June 9. Anno Christi 1572. being the sixth day after she fell sick, and of her age 44.

She had her perfect speech and memory, even to the hour of her death, shewing not only that staidnesse and soundnesse of judgement (which ever in times past she had) in the care about the salvation of her soul, but also in the well settlement of her worldly affairs.

The King made as if he had conceived great grief for her death, put∣ting on mourning attire, wherein also the whole Court followed his ex∣ample, lest by this suddain accident their Counsels and futurh desperate designs might be prevented.

Also to avoid all jealousies and suspitions of her being poisoned by reason of her suddain sicknesse and death, her body was opened by sun∣dry expert and learned Doctors of Physick and Chyrurgery, who found her Heart and Liver very sound, only some scirrousnesse on one side of her Lungs; but her Head they might not open, where the malady lay, by which means the discovery of it was prevented. Anonymus.

Soli Deo Gloria.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Her Parentage
• * 1.2

  Her marriage.
• * 1.3

  Popish policy.
• * 1.4

  King of Na∣varr turns Pa∣pist.
• * 1.5

  The Queens constancy.
• * 1.6

  Popish policy.
• * 1.7

  The King of Navarr slain.
• * 1.8

  Treason a∣gainst the Queen.
• * 1.9

  Gods provi∣dence over her.
• * 1.10

  Her going to Rochel.
• * 1.11

  Her Letters to the King, &c.
• * 1.12

  Prince of Con∣de slain.
• * 1.13

  She encoura∣geth the Army
• * 1.14

  Her Countrey surprized,
• * 1.15

  And regained.
• * 1.16

  The Kings Edict.
• * 1.17

  Popish subtilty
• * 1.18

  The match propounded.
• * 1.19

  Her pious care about it.
• * 1.20

  Ministers dis∣sent about it.
• * 1.21

  Her zeal to propogate the Gospel.
• * 1.22

  She goes to the Court.
• * 1.23

  The Kings dissimulation.
• * 1.24

  She goes to Paris.
• * 1.25

  She is poyson∣ed.
• * 1.26

  Her sicknesse, and religious carriage there∣in.
• * 1.27

  Her charge to her Son.
• * 1.28

  James 5.14.
• * 1.29

  Her confe∣rence with the Minister.
• * 1.30

  Long life a blessing.
• * 1.31

  1 Cor. 15.55.
• * 1.32

  Her Prayer.
• * 1.33

  A Prayer.
• * 1.34

  Her patience.
• * 1.35

  The Minister Absolves her.
• * 1.36

  The Admirall came to her.
• * 1.37

  Her death.