CHAP. V.
PAulus Vergerius,* 1.1 an eloquent Lawyer and Phlosopher.
The Bishops of Rome, Clement and Paul used his service in Germany.
He was in high favour with King Ferdinando, so much that when his daughter Katharine was born, Vergerius and George Marquesse of Bran∣derburg, and John Archbishop of Lunden were her Godfathers at the Font. But after he revolted from the Bishop of Rome by a wonderfull occasion, when he was sent for to Rome from the Conference of Wormes, which was in the beginning of the year 1541.
The Pope going about to make new Cardinals, appointed him also among others. But there were some which privily whispered in his ear, that he was now through much familiarity with the Germans become a Lutherane. After that Ver∣gerius had heard this by Cardinal Ginucius, unto whom the Pope had told it, he was marvellously astonished. And to the intent he might purge himself, he goeth home into his Countrey, and beginneth a book, which he entitled, against the A∣postates of Germany.
And whilst to confute their Arguments, he turneth over diligently the books of his Adversaries,* 1.2 and pondering deeply their reasons: He feeleth himself taken and vanquished. Then casting away all hope of his Cardinalship, he goeth to his brother John Baptist Bishop of the City of Pole, and reciting the whole matter, asketh his counsel. His brother being afraid at the beginning, lamenteth his case much. But after he was perswaded by him to apply himself to the searching of the Scripture, and had considered diligently that Article of Justification, comparing the sentences together, he giveth place, and judgeth the Bishop of Romes Doctrine to be false. Whereupon they rejoyced together. And as the duty of Bishops is, began to instruct the people in Istria, and preach diligently the benefit of Christ im∣ploy'd upon mankinde, and declare what works God requireth of us, to the intent they might call men again to the true Religion.