Pisgah euangelica. By the method of the Reuelation, presenting to publike view those Cananites ouer whom our Lord Iesus Christ and his holie Church shall triumph after seuerall battailes. That which is past is shewed in a briefe ecclesiasticall historie, containing most of the mutations which haue befallen the Church, from the yeere of our Lord 97, vnto the yeere 1603. as they haue been shewed vnto S. Iohn in Patmos, and recorded by such historiographers as are of least suspected faith. Gathered by William Symonds, sometimes fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford.

The complement.

Alexander the fiftha 1.1 was chosen Pope to take away the schisme. In his time the Boemians,* 1.2 by the preaching of Iohn Hus, &c, encreased much in the knowledge of the Gospel: for before this time, by the spreading of Wickliefes bookes, they began to tast and sauour of it.b 1.3 The summe of his preaching was a reprehension of the fornication, coue∣tousnes and pride of the Priests &c, and against the magicke consecrations, of the oyle, water &c. He prooued his asserti∣ons by the word of God, the holy scriptures; vnto which alone he would reduce all doctrine. Hereupon grew contentions in the Vniuersitie of Prage. And when those which did striue for the Pope, were not able to resist the founde testi∣monies of the scripture, alleadged by Hus, they left the Vni∣uersitie.c 1.4 When the Pope heard of these preachings and disputations, he sent his bull vnto the Archbishop, requiring him to looke that no such things were maintained; and ci∣ted Iohn Hus to appeare before him. Iohn Hus answereth, the Bull to be contrary to the doings and examples of Christ and his Apostles; and to restreine (or fight against) the free course of the word of God. (Wherefore he appealeth from this mandate, to the same Pope better aduised. But as hee was prosecuting of his appeale, the Pope died, there died also the Archbishop &c,d 1.5 by the fire that proceeded out of the mouth of Christs witnesses, &c.

Iohn the twentieth three,e 1.6 a diuell incarnate,* 1.7 and a most profound inuentor of all sorts of infamous wickednes: most rigorous. He receiued of the harlots of one citie, viz B••ne∣nia, 300. florens euery moneth, for tribute of their whore∣dome, &c. The King of Sicilia brake into Rome, which the Pope not forseeing, with many Curtizans was spoyled. Vn∣tof 1.8 this Pope (or rather beast) was Hus accused for an here∣tike; because he seemed rather willing to preach the Gos∣pell, then the bishops traditions. The Pope committeth the

matter to the Cardinall of Columna, who monished Hus to appeare at Rome. Wenceslaus King of Romanes, and Boem, at the suite of his wife, the whole nobilitie, citie, and Vniuer∣sitie of Prage, sent Ambassadors to Rome, crauing the Pope, to remit the citation of Hus, and to determine his cause in Boem. Hus also sent proctors to Rome to purge him, because he would auoid that dangerous iourney. The Cardinall at Rome, notwithstanding the Kings petition, excōmunicateth Hus, and emprisoneth some of his proctors; so that the rest returne without doing any thing. Howbeit Hus, notwith∣standing his excommunication, goeth on in preaching; and appealed from the Pope to Christ. Yeaa 1.9 when the Popes bull came to Prage, proclaiming full remission of sinnes, to all such as would fight on his side (for the Pope had warre with the king of Naples). Hus, and his followers, manifest∣ly spake against the Bull, three lay men were beheaded for speaking against these pardons; whom Hus, and such Priests as fauoured him, interred sumptuouslie, saying; These be the Saints, which for the Testament of God, did giue their bodies. Atb 1.10 this time were three Popes at once, euery one fighting against the other with condemnations, and execrations. But asc 1.11 the Arians, did not striue for religion, but by rea∣son of their ouermuch desire of honour, with which their mindes were wholy possessed, did fight among themselues for the primacie, whereupon many of the Clergie, hating the contention sprung of the desire of vaine glory, departed from them, to the antient faith: so these did not striue for the glorie of the sonne of God, or for the mending of such corruptions, as were in manners and doctrine; but for the principalitie. (Wherefore many departed from them.) When the Emperor Sigismund did see, that these euils would be more duly reformed by a Councel, than by armes, hee hauing runne ouer Italy, Spaine, France, and England with in∣credible speede, and wonderfull patience, in great labours,

by consent of the kings, caused the Counsell of Constance to beed 1.12 assembled, which was frequented with the pre∣sence, or Legates of the Princes of all the Christian world; as also thither came from Bizantium, and Trapezuntium, a concourse of most diuersee 1.13 people, and kindreds, and tongues, and gentiles,a 1.14 so that there were numbred of strangers of all sorts, 60,500.

Afterb 1.15 the Councell assembled, the whole affaires of the Councell were committed to the determination of foure Prelates, chosen out of foure Nations: which much displea∣sed the Pope, and his Cardinals. In this Councell, they pro∣posed to reforme the Church, in the head and members.c 1.16 Wherefore Petrus de Aliaco, very grauely admonished the Councell of the most corrupt conditions of the Popes, the court of Rome, and of al degrees of the Romane Church; for the citie is Sodom. He also admonished the Councell of the many superstitions, and of the tyrannie then vsed: for this citie is also Aegypt.d 1.17 There were also proposed diuerse complaints against the friers, for their (Sodomiticall) filthie life: and for their pride, and crueltie: who were like ruffians and cutters, to kill them that admonished them of their faults;e 1.18 worse then the Aegyptian that wronged the Israelite, or the Israelite that reproched Moses, or the Sodomites that railed on L••t. The like was done by other that desired re∣formation. In this Councellf 1.19 the Popeg 1.20 whom the Preach∣ers were wonte to call the God of the earth, was conuicted of more than fortie grieuous crimes, for which hee was de∣posed.

Vntoh 1.21 this Councell came Iohn Hus, vnder the safe con∣duct of the Emperour; and there continued vnder the war∣rantie of the Popes promise; and thither was Hierom of Prage cited. Those two were shut vp in most horrible and filthie prisons, (farre worse then sackcloth.) When Hus came to the Councell, he desired leaue to answere the obiections

brought against him. But (whereas Christ, was not only permitted, but also required to answere for himselfe before Pilate) he was commaunded to hold his peace. Wherefore in that confusion hee cried out, confirming his assertions by scripture, and appealed from that wicked synagogue to Christ. He reproued the corrupt manners of this assembly, and had the same regard which Lot had in Sodom, when he reprooued their violence. Howbeit, contrarie to the Emperours safe conduct, and to the Popes promise, he was condemned to the fire (Beware of men for they shall deli∣uer you vp to the Councels) For now is fulfilled the prophe∣cie of thea 1.22 last time,i 1.23 which should bee perilous, for truce∣breakers. His garments were taken from him, as Christ had his; he was crowned with a paper Miter,* 1.24 with painted diuels, as Christ was with thornes. If they call the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of the householde? The principall cause of his condemnation was the same that the Arians obiected to Athanasius.b 1.25 Athanasius was accused, because when he was remoued from his ministerie, he tooke it againe, without the consent of the Councell. And Husc 1.26 was not onely accused by this Councell, (the liuely image of the Arians) but also condemned; because he continued preaching, when he was excommunicated. Also Ierom of Prage was likewise vsed. Before their death, they prophecied. For Hus, who in the Boemian tongue doth sig∣nifie a Goose, prophecied, that after him should come a Swan, whō they should not burne so easily. And Ierom cited the Councell, after an hundred yeres, to answere God, and him. These prophecies doe seeme accomplished in Luther.

Before their execution,d 1.27 was a fearefull eclipse of the Sunne. For the Starres were seene, as in the night; and the birds by the suddaine darknes fell to the grounde. Huse 1.28 and Prage were condemned by the Councell; and by them committed to the ciuill Magistrate, to be put to death.

For they themselus, as thef 1.29 Iewes cried to Pilate, might not lawfully put any man to death. But when they were dead, they would not grant as much fauour to their ashes, asg 1.30 Pilate did to the bodie of Christ, to be put in graues, buth 1.31 they strawed their ashes in the Rhine, as the Gentiles did the Christians into the riuer of Rhodanus, to take away all hope of their resurrection.

The memorie also of Iohn Wickleife was condemned. For it was decreed, that his bones should bee taken out of his graue, herein shewing themselues more cruell and vnnatu∣rall, then were the Arians against the Catholiques.

i 1.32 Pope Martine, and the Emperour reioyced together: because that at the last, peace was restored to the Church. For these two vexed them that dwell vpon the earth. So did thek 1.33 Arians reioyce, when they had oppressed the innocent Catholiques. Thel 1.34 Pope gaue gifts also. For he gaue full ab∣solution to all that were present at the Councell; and also hee gaue another indulgence at the houre of death, to the masters and household. But so as the pardons must bee procured vnder seale, that they may giue gifts one to an∣other.

Ina 1.35 this Councell, was no reformation of doctrine and manners.b 1.36 The institution of Christ and practise of the Pri∣mitiue Church in the ministration of the Sacrament, of both kinds, was antiquated: yet do they boast of antiquitie. Itc 1.37 was decreed, that faith is not to be kept with heretikes and other blasphemers. Thisd 1.38 Councell continued three yeere and a halfe; which the Scriptures call in a propheticall speech, three dayes and a halfe. This Pope Martine is repor∣ted to haue dispensed with a man to marrie his sister.e 1.39 So corrupt were the times, that of them it is said, that conscience according to the feare of God, abounding in times past in the Prelates, did by laudable manners and examples, set vp and aduance the Church of Christ. In processe of time,

abounding with temporalties, forgetting conscience, they trusted vpon science, which maketh proud; palliating the holy Scriptures with diuers impostures, not fearing to fal∣sifie the iustice of the Lord, &c. But (O abhomination) con and sci, are raised out of conscience, and onely (entia) vnsen∣sible creatures, which neither haue knowledge nor consci∣ence, doe gouerne the spouse of Christ, &c.

Atf 1.40 this time the Turkes recouer that which Tamerlane had taken from them, remoue their seate into Greece, come ouer Danubium and get much.

Wheng 1.41 these Martyres were killed by the Councell, the spirit of life comming from God, entred into the witnesses. For first threescore, then fifty & foure of the Nobles of Boem wrote to the Councell, by their letters patents; shewing themselues to be wronged in the death and cause of Hus; and testified that they would defend the preaching of the word of God, with the hazard of their liues, &c. and so fulfill the precept:h 1.42 Goe out of her my people, &c.

Buti 1.43 after three propheticall dayes, and a halfe; the three yeeres and a halfe in which the Councell was helde, the nobles, and people of Boem, enter into a sure league, and the cause of the witnesses doth againe stand on foote, whereupon the Pope and Princes feare.

The Boemians assemble, and celebrate the memorie of Hus, and Prage, as of great Martyres ascended to heauen; and decree the same yeerely to be kept. And because the Pope had thundred, and that with the Princes hee re∣solued to send armies against them, the Boemians chose Zisca for their Generall; and so began the Boemians warre for Hus, &c. which may iustly be compared to a great earth∣quake. In this emotion, Zisca winneth much.a 1.44 The citie of Prage, defecting from the Emperor, ioyneth with Zisca, and his Thaborites, who by stratagems ouercommeth his enemies, and hath the word of God faithfully preached, and

the Sacraments duely administred publikely. And (that he might execute the commaundement,* 1.45 reward her as she hath serued you, &c.) heb 1.46 persecuted in hostile manner, the Monkes, their patrones and defenders; punishing those whom they gat; exiling them that fled, pulling downe the Monasteries; and casting downe and burning their idols with fire,c 1.47 where many were slaine.

d 1.48 Sigismund the Emperor yeelded ground for feare, and shamefully fled, while Zisca was marching towards him.e 1.49 Sigismund with a new great army, recouering some places by force or surrender; but when Zisca, now blinde, rushed vpon him, he fled with feare and trembling; many of his nobles were slaine, his cariages lost, and his horsemen drow∣ned vnder the yee. After this,f 1.50 Zisca, who eleuen times ioy∣ned battaile with the enemies of the Hussites, and ouercame them, died of the plague. But after the Hussites now calling themselues orphans, still standing for their liues,* 1.51 against the Popes most cruell bulles, and their fierce enemies,g 1.52 the Misnenses were ouerthrowne by the Hussites in battell.h 1.53 The Electors of the Empire, entred Boem against the Hussites with an armie, which they thought sufficient to ouercome all Boem. But vpon the rumor that the Hussites were com∣ming, so great feare came vpon them, that all that number∣some armie of Almaines and English, before they saw any enemie, tooke themselues to flight, in stead of fighting; as did the tyranti 1.54 Maximus the Arian, when he fled from before Theodosius. But the enemies of the Hussites would not thus rest. Fora 1.55 the Cardinal Iulian, had the leading of a very great army; with which the Princes secular and spiri∣tuall furnished him. When he entred Boem, the Hussites few in number, were comming against him. But before the ene∣mie came in sight, the who•••• armie of the Cardinall was stroken with such a feare, that they most shamefully fled, lea∣uing the Hussites rich with the spoyle. Theb 1.56 Cardinall with

a lamentable oration; sought to slay his armie; but all in vaine. Thus Boemia, the tenth part, or kingdome of the city of popish policie, fell away.* 1.57 Pope Martine called a Coun∣cell, where he appointed for president his Legate Iulian, to roote out heresie (meaning the Hussites;) but presently the Pope died.

* 1.58Eugeniusc 1.59 the fourth assembled a Councell at Basil, for the reformation of the Church, and amendment of the man∣ners of the laytie and Clergie. As also against the Hussites.d 1.60 Here the Fathers seemed to make great conscience to prouide for the good of the Church. In which course they were confirmed by the hand of God, who visited them with a horrible pestilence. For hereupon came a suddaine feare vpon the fathers, yea there was great feare and trembling throughout the whole Councell, which gaue glory to God, swea∣ring they would seeke nothing but the onely saluation of Christian people, &c. In this Councell was acknowledged, that the preaching of the Gospell ought to bee free, and faithfull. Sinne ought to be punished. The Boemians might receiue the Sacrament of the Supper in both kindes. Throughout the Church apt and meete Ministers ought to be appointed, which might shine in vertue and knowledge to the glory of Christ, and healthfull edification of the Chri∣stian people. Ine 1.61 this Councell was againe published the booke called Pragmatica sanctio, for abridging the Popes authoritie and gaine.f 1.62 Of which booke it is said, The Prag∣maticall sanction was instituted in the Councell of Con∣stances, confirmed by the Councell of Basil, by Engenius, Ni∣cholaus, and Calistus, to the honour of God, the strengthe∣ning of the Church, and the prouision for good schooles. That the ordinary conferrers of dignities might not be de∣frauded; that those which were ondered, might not be com∣pelled to goe to Rome; that the French mony might not serue the Italians.a 1.63 The Turkes did send great presents to

the Emperor, now at the Councell with Oration; desirous to conclude an eternall peace. Thither also sent the Empe∣ror of Constantinople his Orators; wishing there might he made a perfect vnion. At this Councell Eugenius the Pope was deposed; because he laboured to remoue the Councell from thence; and another was chosen in his stead;b 1.64 but Eugenius held another Councell at Florence. Here the Em∣peror of Constantinople, vpon hope to get aide against the Turkes, receiued the communion of the Church of Rome, in the matter of the Popes supremacie, purgarory, confir∣mation, &c. but not transubstantiation.c 1.65 There presently of a sudden died Ioseph the Patriarch of Constantinople; trembling and languishing as he was writing an instrument of his consent to the Pope. The Grecians returning home, finding the Pope to faile of his promise, dissented againe from the Church of Rome more then at the first.d 1.66 Synde∣ronia formerly called Singidunum,e 1.67 the seate of Vrsacius the Arian Bishop is taken by the Turkes.f 1.68 the Popesent Isidorus, who againe vnited the Grecians to the Pope; who attempting to vnite the Mosc••nites to the Church of Rome was miserably slaine by the people.g 1.69 The Turkes now broken by the Christians, make peace; where to the Chri∣stians sweare on the Euangelists, the Turke on his Al∣caron. This peace grieued Cardinall Iulian: wherefore vpon the Popes letters, that no peace was effectuall without his consent, Iulian absolueth the Princes from their oath, and (that in her might bee found all the blood that is shed) they fought against the Turkes at Varna. Where the Christians by a miserable slaughter suffered vnspeakable losse. Here also Cardinall Iulian dishonorably finished his life.

Nicholaush 1.70 the fifth kept a Iubile at Rome,* 1.71 where thou∣sands were killed with horse feete, and very many were drowned. The Emperor of Constantinople was sc••••t retur∣ned againe, from vniting himselfe and his Grecians to the

Church of Rome buti 1.72 Constantinople was taken by the Turkes who vsed there more violence then can be expressed with tongue. For partaking of her sinnes they receiue of her plagues.k 1.73 Vpon the ruine of the Empire of Constantinople, the know∣ledge of the Greeke tongue is brought and spread all ouer the Latin Europe, from whence it had exiled 700. yeeres.l 1.74 About this time was perfected the late inuented laudable art of printing,m 1.75 the art of arts, and science of sciences, a treasure of wisdome and knowledge to be desired.

This leaping as it were out of the dennes of darkenes, doth enrich and enlighten the world: vertue contained in infinit bookes, onely found at Paris and Athens, knowne to very few, was by this art manifested to all nations, and kindreds and tongues, and people. Whereupon is fulfilled that in the Prouerbes, wisedome crieth in the streetes. Thisn 1.76 Pope reuiued humaine learning, seeking bookes; giuing stipends to Readers, students, and translators; entertained the learned, and spread many learned men abroade in diuers places.

o 1.77Ladislaus being crowned King of Boem, it was granted to euery one, that at his pleasure, he might receiue the sup∣per of the Lord, vnder one or both kindes. Podiebrachius, who was next vnto the King, was moued by a parasite, why he liked not their religion (of popery) required by the ex∣ample and authoritie of so many and great Princes, rather then the Hussites. He answered, we doe those sacrifices, which we beleeue are pleasing to God; neither is it in our owne choyce to beleeue what we list. The minde is ouer∣come with great reasons, &c. I am perswaded of my mi∣nisters religion. If I follow thy religion, I may perchance deceiue men, contrary to my soule; I cannot deceiue God, which looketh into the hearts of men, &c.

p 1.78Calistus the third, in his second yeere, Mahomet with a 150,000. beseeged Belgrade. Capistranus, a Minorite Frier

stoode to encourage the Souldiers. But he vsed not any superstitions. For crying out he said, Iesus looke on vs, be present with thy people, that suffereth for thee; where are thy mer∣cies of old? Come and defend thy people, least they say among the Gentiles, where is now their God, &c. The Christians got a rich and noble victory. In memory whereof the Pope ac∣cording to his wonted superstition foolishly instituted the feast of the transfiguration of Christ. Hunniades who had been a noble victor ouer the Turkes, after this his last bat∣taile, fell sicke; but hee would not haue the Sacrament brought to him (as the superstitious manner was) but com∣maunded himselfe to be carried to the Church, where after the confession of his sinnes, he receiued the Eucharist, &c.

Thus much of the two witnesses, and the things which fell out vpon their death and resurrection.

Thus the remnant giueth to glory to God. And now theq 1.79 se∣cond woe to the inhabitants of the earth, by the Turkes, &c. seemeth to be past. But the third woe will come anon.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Fox Mart. p. 531. 567.
• * 1.2

  Anno 1409.
• b 1.3

  Peuce. 5. f. 156. 157.
• c 1.4

  Fox Mart. 532
• d 1.5

  cap. 11.5.
• e 1.6

  Gobel. aet. 6. cap. 90.94.
• * 1.7

  Anno 1410.
• f 1.8

  Fox Mart. p. 567.
• a 1.9

  Fox Mart. 569.
• b 1.10

  Peuce. 5. f. 168.
• c 1.11

  Socr. 5. 22.
• d 1.12

  1414. decē. 3.
• e 1.13

  cap. 11.9.
• a 1.14

  Geneb. p. 1059
• b 1.15

  Gobel. 6. c. 94
• c 1.16

  Peut. 5. f. 175.
• d 1.17

  Specul. Minor. Tract. 3. f. 167. &c.
• e 1.18

  Exod. 2.11.13.14.
• f 1.19

  Mass. 18. p. 255. Gobel 6.94.
• g 1.20

  Fox. Mart. p. 604. in epist. Huss.
• h 1.21

  Fox in hunc locum & Mar. 1575. &c.
• a 1.22

  2. Tim. 3.1.3 Peucer. 5. f. 176. &c.
• i 1.23

  Mat. 10.17.
• * 1.24

  Mat. 10.25.
• b 1.25

  Soc. 2. 5.
• c 1.26

  Fox Mart. p. 603.
• d 1.27

  Orig in Ephe.
• e 1.28

  Buchol. ann. 1415.
• f 1.29

  Ioh. 18.31.
• g 1.30

  Ioh. 10.1••.
• h 1.31

  Eus. 5. 1 p. 62.
• i 1.32

  Mass. 18. p. 255
• k 1.33

  Theod. 4. 22.
• l 1.34

  Fox Mart. p. 575.
• a 1.35

  Gob. ae. 6. cap. vlt.
• b 1.36

  Caranza.
• c 1.37

  Mass. 10.19.
• d 1.38

  Geneb. pag. 1059. c. 11.9.
• e 1.39

  Fasc. Temp. p. 87. 88.
• f 1.40

  Geneb. 1060.
• g 1.41

  Par. Vrsp. p. 381.
• h 1.42

  cap. 18.4.
• i 1.43

  1419. Bucholcer. Fox Ma••t. p. 621. 622. &c.
• a 1.44

  1420. Bucholcerus.
• * 1.45

  cap. 1••.6.
• b 1.46

  Peuc. 5. f. 169. b.
• c 1.47

  Chro. Chro.
• d 1.48

  1421. Bucholcerus.
• e 1.49

  1422.
• f 1.50

  1424. Par. Vrsp. 385.
• * 1.51

  Fox Mart. p. 625. &c.
• g 1.52

  1426. Buch.
• h 1.53

  1427. Buch.
• i 1.54

  Soc. 5. 14.
• a 1.55

  1431. Peuce. 5. f. 170. Buch.
• b 1.56

  Fox Mart. p. 633. &c.
• * 1.57

  Pag. 645.
• * 1.58

  Ann. 1431.
• c 1.59

  Geneb. 1065.
• d 1.60

  Fox Mart. p. 665. 666. &c.
• e 1.61

  Geneb. 1067.
• f 1.62

  Mass. 19. p. 262.
• a 1.63

  Par. Vrsp. p. 396.
• b 1.64

  Geneb. 106••. Bucholcerus. Ann. 1438. 1439. Peuc••••. 5. f. 118.
• c 1.65

  Caran. f. 589.
• d 1.66

  Par. Vrsp. p. 399. Buchol. Ann. 1439.
• e 1.67

  Socrat. 1. 20.
• f 1.68

  Geneb. 1069.
• g 1.69

  Buchol. Ann. 1443. 1444.
• h 1.70

  Volat••••••••.
• * 1.71

  Anno 1447
• i 1.72

  Peucerus. 5. Par. Vrs. p. 405. Ann. 1553.
• k 1.73

  Geneb. 1073.
• l 1.74

  Pag. 1071.
• m 1.75

  Pasc. Tem. f. 89. b.
• n 1.76

  Bucho. Volat. 22. Geneb. p. 1071.
• o 1.77

  Buchol. Ann. 1454.
• p 1.78

  Bucholcer. Par. Vrsp. 406.
• q 1.79

  cap. 11.14.