The second part of the marrow of ecclesiastical history: containing the lives of many eminent Christians, which have lived since the primitive times to this present age, divided into two books: wherof the first contains the lives of Christian emperors, kings, and soveraign princes: the second contains the lives of Christians of an inferiour rank. Book. I. / By Samuel Clark, pastor of Bennet Fink, London.

[illustration] portrait of Lord Cobham

L. COBHAM

The Life of Sir John Oldcastle, who dyed Anno Christi, 1417.

SIR Iohn Oldcastle was born of an anci∣ent and honourable Family, bred up at the Court under King Henry the fourth, and for his abilities, and va∣lour, was by him made Lord Cobham: he was also much prized by King Henry the fifth; but that which did truly enoble him, was, that the

Lord was pleased in those dark times to reveal the Truth unto him, whereof he became a zealous Professor, and a valiant Defendor, especially of the godly Ministers, who were Wickliffs disciples, whom he protected against the rage of the Anti∣christian Clergy, who bore the greatest sway in those Popish times: but hereby he made himself the Butt of their envy, and malice; insomuch as Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury, calling a Sy∣nod of the Clergy, they appointed twelve Inqui∣sitors of Heresies to search out Wickliffs books, and disciples: who after a while brought in two hun∣dred forty six conclusions, which they collected as Heresies out of those books; whereupon they resolved, that it was not possible to make whole the seamless Coat of Christ (as they said) except some great men were taken out of the way, which were the chief upholders of those Hereticks, a∣mongst whom, the Lord Cobham was esteemed the principall, who in the Diocess of London, Ro∣chester, and Hereford, had entertained, maintained, and set up to preach such as were not Licensed by the Bishop; and who himself held Hereticall opi∣nions about the Sacraments, Images, Pilgrimages, &c. Hereupon they concluded, that without any further delay, process should be awarded out a∣gainst him, as against a most pernicious Heretick: But some, of more wisdom and crafty experience then the rest, advised that the matter should not be handled so rashly; but seeing that the Lord Cobham was a man of great birth, and in great favour with the King at this time, that therefore

they should first make the King acquainted with the business, and procure his approbation, and consent before they summoned him: This Coun∣cell was well liked of, and thereupon Arundel, with his other Bishops, addressed themselves straite∣waies to the King, laying forth before him most grievous complaints against the said Lord Cobham, to the great disgrace of that godly man. The King gently heard these blood-thirsty Prelates, for in∣deed in those dark daies they kept Kings in aw, yet he requested, and instantly desired them, that in re∣gard of his Noble Stock, and for that he was his Knight, they would deal mildly, and favourably with him, seeking to regain him with gentleness, rather then by rigorous dealing: He promised al∣so, that if they would have a little patience, he would seriously commune with him himself about those matters: Thus having pacified them for the present, he shortly after sent for the Lord Cobham to him, advising him as an obedient child to submit himself to the Church, and to acknow∣ledge himself culpable: To whom this Christian Knight answered: You most worthy Prince, I am al∣waies willing, and ready to obey, for as much as I know you to be the Minister of God, bearing the Sword for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well: unto you, next to my eternal God, I owe my whole obedience, and submit all that I have unto you, being ready at all times to do whatsoever you shall in the Lord command me: but as touching the Pope, and his spiritualty, I owe them neither sute nor service; knowing him by the Scriptures to be the great Anti∣christ,

the son of Perdition, the open adversary of God, and the abomination standing in the holy place. When the King had heard this stout and godly answer, he left him; And (not indeed daring to do other∣wise) he gave the Archbishop leave to proceed a∣gainst him as he saw fit: Then the Archbishop, with the consent of his other Bishops, resolved to call the Lord Cobham before them, personally to appear, and to make answer to such Articles as they should charge him with; and for this end they sent forth their chief Sumner with a very strict Citation to the Castle of Couling, where he then lived, to cite him; but when the Sumner came thither, he durst by no means enter into his Castle gates without his License, and therefore after a while, returned to his Masters, as wise as he went. Then the Archbishop suborned one John Butler, who was. Door-keeper of the Kings privy Chamber, with large promises of reward, to go with his Sumner to cite the Lord Cobham, who accordingly went to him, falsly informing him, that he was sent by the King, to tell him that it was his mind that he should obey the process, and make his appearance: But the Lord Cobham stout∣ly answered, that he would in no case consent to those divellish practises of the Priests; with this an∣swer they returned, and told the Archbishop that no man could safely, without perill of his life, cite him any more: Hereupon he decreed presently to send down Citatory Letters to be set upon the great Church Doors in Rochester, which was but three miles from Couling Castle; but as soon as

the Letters were set up, they were pulled down again, by some friends and favourers of the Lord Cobham, and thus the Archbishop was served twice, or thrice: and yet when the day came, and he appeared not, they condemned him of most deep contumacy; and hearing by some of his fawning spies, that the Lord Cobham laughed the Archbishop to scorn, and disdained all his doings, he then proceeded to excommunicate him, and withall, set up a new Citation, wherein he cruelly threatened, that if he did not appear at the day, he would handle him more extreamly; and with∣all, he commanded the Lay-power, under pain of terrible curses, to assist him against this seditious Apostate, Schismatick, Heretick, and troubler of the publick peace, &c. with such like odious names. But this worthy and constant servant of the Lord seeing the fury of Antichrist, and his fol∣lowers thus kindled against him; perceiving also that he was compassed about with deadly dan∣gers, he wrote a most Christian Confession of his Faith, Signing and Sealing it with his own hand, wherein also he answered to four of the chiefest Articles that they laid to his Charge, and so taking it along with him, he went to the King, trusting to find mercy, and favour at his hands: He con∣cluded the Confession of his Faith thus: All the premises I believe particularly, and generally all that God hath left recorded in his holy Word; and therefore I desire you my Liege Lord, and most worthy King, that this Confession of mine may be justly examined by the most godly, wise, and learned men of your Realm: if

it be found agreeable to Gods Word, let it be allowed, if otherwise, let it be condemned: provided alwaies that I be taught a better belief by the holy Scriptures; and I shall at all times most reverently submit to the same: But the King, over-awed by the Bishop, rejected it, bidding him to deliver it to those that should be his Judges: then he desired before the King, that he might have an hundred Knights, and Esquires to be his Compurgators, which he knew would clear him of all Heresie: Also he offered after the Law of Arms, to fight with any man living, Chri∣stian, or Heathen, in the quarrell of his Faith, the King and his Councell being excepted: Lastly, he protested that he would refuse no correction that should be inflicted upon him according to the Laws of God, &c. Yet for all this the King suf∣fered him personally to be summoned in his privy Chamber. Then the Lord Cobham said that he had appealed from the Archbishop, and therefore he ought not to be his Judge; this made the King very angry, and when he refused to be sworn to submit to the Archbishop, he was arrested, and led to the Tower till the day of his appearance. In the mean time he caused the Confession of his Faith to be written out again. When he was brought before the Archbishop, and his Consisto∣ry, the Archbishop proffered to absolve him, if he would humbly desire it: Cobham told him that he was ready to make a rehearsall of his Faith, if they would give him leave, and so drawing it out of his bosom, he read it before them all, and then delivered it to the Bishop. After private consul∣tation

amongst themselves, they told him that there were many good things contained in his Confession, but for the present they must examine him upon other matters; then they examined him about the Sacrament of the Altar, and Pennance, &c. But he told them that he would no otherwise declare his minde, then was expressed in his write∣ing: The Archbishop said, that if he would not fully and cleerly answer to the Articles proposed, they would adjudge him an Heretick: Do as ye think best (said Cobham) for I am at a point: that which I have written, I will stand too to the death; The Bishops were amazed at his stout answer, and so returned him to the Tower till Monday following, at which time the Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Robert Morley, brought him before them again; then the Archbishop told him that he was (as for∣merly he proffered) ready to absolve him, if he humbly desired it: No, said the Lord Cobham, I will not, for I never yet trespassed against you, and so kneeling down, and lifting up his eies, and hands towards heaven, he said, I shrive me here unto thee O eternall, everliving God: In my frail youth I of∣fended thee, O Lord, by pride, coveteousness, wrath, un∣cleanness. Many men have I hurt in mine anger, and committed many other horrible sins, good Lord I ask thee forgiveness; and so weeping, he stood up, and said, Lo good people, for breaking Gods Laws, and his holy Commandments, they never yet cursed me, but for their own Laws, and Traditions they handle me most cruelly, and therefore both they and their Laws by Gods promise shall be utterly destroyed: Yet they proceed∣ed

again to further examination of him, to whom he gave stout, witty, and sound answers; where∣upon the Archbishop proceeded to read the bill of condemnation against him; then the Lord Cobham with a most cheerfull countenance said, Though you judge my body, which is but a wretched thing, yet I am sure you can do no harm to my soul, no more then Sathan could to Iobs soul; he that created it will of his infinite mercy save it, I doubt not, and as for the confession of my Faith, I will stand to it, even to the very death by the grace of my eternall God, and then turning to the people, he said with a loud voice, good people, for Gods sake be well aware of these men, for else they will beguile you, and lead you blindfold into hell with themselves; then falling down upon his knees, he prayed for his enemies, saying, Lord God eternall, I beseech thee of thine infinite mercy to forgive my pur∣suers, if it be thy blessed will; and so he was sent back to the Tower: But this their cruell handling of the good Lord Cobham procured them much discredit both with the Nobility, and Commons; where∣upon the Prelates laying their heads together, caus∣ed it to be blown abroad by their creatures, that now the Lord Cobham had seen his errors, and re∣canted the same, and withall they drew up a form of abjuration in his name, and scattered it abroad, as if he had lowly submitted himself in all things to the Church, & changed his opinion concerning the Sacrament; not long after the Lord Cobham made an escape out of the Tower, and fled into Wales, where he remained for the space of four

yeers: In the mean time Proclamation was made by the King, and a great summ of mony was pro∣mised to him that could take Sir John Oldcastle, ei∣ther alive or dead; and at the end of four yeers the Lord Powis, either for the love of the money promised, or for the hatred of the true Christian Religion, sought by all waies how to play the Ju∣das, and at length obtained his bloody purpose, apprehending the Lord Cobham, and bringing him bound to London, Anno 1417. at which time there was a Parliament assembled to raise money to maintain the Wars in France; the Lord Cobham was then carried before the house of Lords, who taking cognisance of all the proceedings against him; and he no whit receding from his former profession, they adjudged him to be carried to the Tower, and from thence, as a Traytor, that he should be drawn thorow the streets of Lon∣don, to the new Gallows in Giles his fields, where he should be first hanged, and then burnt upon the Gallows, which sentence was accordingly shortly after executed, and so this godly, zealous, and couragious Champion of Jesus Christ suffered Martyrdom, Anno Christi, 1417. But behold the Just Judgement of God upon the Archbishop, who had sate in judgement upon him, & pronounc∣ed the sentence against him. It pleased God short∣ly after to strike the said Thomas Arundel, Arch∣bishop of Canterbury, in his tongue, that he could neither swallow down any food, nor speak a word for some daies before his death, and so he was starved to death.

This Lord Cobham was a man strong, valarous, and in special savor with his Prince, till the spiteful, and malicious Prelates suggested to him, that this Oldcastle, and his adherents lay in wait to take away his life, and that in Giles his fields twenty thousand of them were to assemble in an hostile maner to de∣stroy the Monasteries of Westminster, Saint Albons, and all the religious houses in London; together with Pauls Church: whereupon the King with a great Army at midnight went into Giles his fields, and found instead of an armed assembly, only some that were assembled to hear the Gospell preached in those times of persecution, seeing they could not have liberty to do it in other times, and places; these were about eighty, with a godly Mini∣ster amongst them, whereof thirty seven were con∣demned, and some of them hanged, and consumed with fire: During the time that the Lord Cobham was in Wales, all the Mass book that he met with he scratched, and defaced the Pictures, and Images which he found in them, and some of them com∣ing to the hands of the Abbot of Saint Albons, he sent them to the King, and pittifully complained of the great wrong done to the Saints thereby: but the King returned them to the Archbishop, to do as he pleased therein.

Collected out of the book of Martyrs, and Speeds Chronicle.

[illustration] portrait of Zisca

ZISCA

The Life of Zisca, who dyed Anno Christi, 1424.

ZIsca was born in Trosnovia, in the Kingdome of Bohemia, of an ancient, and noble fami∣ly, and from his youth was brought up in the Kings Court, and was much imployed in Military affairs; wherein he profited so well, that he became an able, and skilfull Captain: and fighting vali∣antly

in a battell against his enemies, he lost one of his eies; but it pleased God to recompence that outward loss by enlightning his mind with the knowledge of the truth, by the help of Wick∣liffs books (at this time rife in Bohemia) and by the Ministery of John Hus; and when John Hus, and Hierom of Prague were so cruelly, and unjustly burned by the Councell of Constance, to the dis∣honor of the Bohemian Nation, and King Wenche∣slaus, that had permitted it, dying shortly after: Zisca resolved to revenge the wrongs which the Councell had done to them, upon their complices, and adherents, and for that end he raised an Army of fourty thousand Protestants, by whose help he subverted the Monasteries, and their Idolatrous Temples, pulling down, and breaking in pieces their Images, and Idols, driving away the Priests, and Monks, which he said were kept up in their Cloisters, like Swine in a stie to be fatted; then he attempted to take the Castle of Wisgrade, and be∣ing not able presently to carry it, he left part of his Army before it, and marched with the rest to Pelzina, where were many Protestants, which town he took in, and fortified the same very strongly, and in the mean tim•• his party that he left behind him, took in the Castle of Wisgrade: Hereupon the Queen sent to the Emperor, and to other nobles adjoining to her, for help. But the Emperor being preparing to go against the Turk, that had lately taken some Castles from him, could not assist her. She therefore taking all the Kings treasure, fortified the Castle of Prague, and

the lesser City adjoining unto it; making Gates, and Towers upon the bridge over the river, to stop the passage of the Protestants that way; in the mean time the number of Protestants encreasing in Prague, they fought for the bridge so furiously, that many were slain on both parts, but at length the Hussits woon the bridge, and the neither part of the lesser Prague; the Popish party for the Queen flying into the upper part, & then turning again, the battel was renewed, where they fought continual∣ly, day, and night, for five dayes together; But during this bickering Ambassadors came from the Emperor, which made a truce amongst them, and agreed that certain places being by Zisca delivered back into their hands, they should send Ambassa∣dors to the Emperor Sigismund to treat with him about the setling of their estate. This both sides consented to, and thereupon peace ensued for the present: But the Emperor being now at better leasure, that he might shew his zeal for the Po∣pish cause, and perform his promise to the Fathers at the Councell of Constance, raises a great Army, wherewith he resolved to root out all the Hussites in Bohemia, but before he enters into that King∣dom, he goes with his Army to Ʋratistavia, the chief City in Silesia, where he banished some, im∣prisoned others, seised upon the estate of others, and many he put to cruell deaths, and all this (as him∣self gave out) that he might strike a terror into the Bohemians, and make them obedient to the Church of Rome; this coming to the ears of the Bohemians, and they shortly after meeting with some of the

Emperors Letters, wherein he wrote, that he would come speedily, and rule them after the same order, and manner as his Father Charls had done before him. Thereupon they seeing that their Religion, Liberty, and all that was dear unto them, lay at stake, resolve to arm for their own defence, and to repell unjust Tyranny by lawfull force, and chose this noble Zisca for their generall; and drawing the Governor of the Castle of Prague, called Cen∣cho, to their part, they sent Letters into all the Realm, that no man should suffer the Emperor to enter, who was an enemy to Bohemia, seeking no∣thing else but to destroy the Kingdom, and one that had put by the Marquess of Brandenburg, whom they had chosen for their King, and had not only suffered John Hus, and Hierom of Prague to be burned at the Councell of Constance, contrary to his Faith given, but had also procured the same, and with all his endeavor sought to extirpate the Doctrine, and Faith which they taught, and fol∣lowed: In the mean time Zisca was set upon by the Imperialists, who were all horsemen, and Zisca's souldiers were all on foot; the place where they fought was rough, and rugged, so that the hors∣men were fain to alight, and fight on foot; here∣upon Zisca commanded all the women that fol∣lowed his Army, to throw their Kerchiefs on the ground, wherein the horsemen being intangled by their spurs, were slain before they could unloose their feet; and by this policy he got a great victo∣ry over them; then he went to Ausca, out of which Town, Ʋlricius, a Papist, had cast out the Protest∣ants:

This place Zisca took by Storm, set it on fire, and razed it: he took also a Castle which was a mile off, whither Ʋlricius was fled, putting him, and all his family, save one, to the sword; Then con∣sidering that he had no walled, or fenced Town to inhabite, he chose out a mountain that was fenced by nature between two Rivers; This place he com∣passed in with wals, commanding his followers to build them houses, where they had pitched their Tents, and named the City Thabor, and the inhabi∣tants his followers, Thaborites; the way to it by Land was scarse thirty foot broad, in which neck of Land, he made a deep trench, and a triple wall of such thickness, that it could not be broken with any Engine. At this time the Thaborites had no horsemen, but the Emperor sending one of his officers with a thousand horsemen into Bohemia to resist Zisca, he fel upon them in their Quarters in the night, took away all their Horses, and Armor, and set the Town on fire where they lay; and then he taught his souldiers to mount on Horseback; to leap, run, turn, cast in a ring, so that after this, he never led Army without his wings of horsemen: In the mean time the Emperor Sigismund gathering together the Nobles of Silesia, entred into Bohemia with a great Army, marched to Prague, and en∣tised Cencho that kept the Castle, to surrender it to him; Hereupon the Citizens of Prague sent for Zisca, who came with his Thaborites to assist them, and received the City under his government. His first design was to besiege the Castle, which was so strongly fenced, that it could not be forced but

by famine, whereupon he blocked up all the pas∣sages to it; But the Emperor coming with a very great Army, opened them again, and laid siege to the City of Prague, and assaulted it often for six weeks space; he sent out also part of his Army to seize upon the Tents of the Thaborites, against whom Zisca sent forth some power under the command of Nich. Hus, who beat the Imperialists, and took in Grecium, the Queens City also. Neer to Prague there is an high hill, on the top whereof Zisca planted a strong Garrison, that it should not come into the power of his enemies: against this garrison the Emperor sent the Marquess of Misnia, with many souldiers, who getting to the top of the hill, were so lustily set upon by Zisca's men, that they were beaten into a corner, where the rock was very craggy, and steep, and there they set so fiercely upon them, that when the Misnians could no longer resist, they were driven down the steep rock, where they were broken to peeces. Here∣upon the Emperor, raising his siege, departed, and Zisca with his men returned to Thabor. But consi∣dering that the Popish Clergy in Bohemia were the procurers of the cruell burning of John Hus, and Hierom of Prague at Constance, and that now also they had set on the Emperor against the Hussites, helpt to pay his Army, and had joyned with him in murthering the innocent servants of Jesus Christ, drowning some, roasting others before a soft fire, thrusting others into the mettall-mines; yea that their malice, and hatred was grown to that height, that they sold them like cattel, giving a

Florene for an ordinary Christian, and five Flo∣rens for a Minister, whom they excrutiated with all maner of Torments; he thereupon resolved to pay them back in their own coin, and in prosecution thereof, he burnt, destroyed, and overthrew three hundred Monasteries, and amongst the rest the famous Monastery called the Kings Court, a mile from Prague, in the wals whereof the whole Bible was most exquisitely written in letters of Gold; the Monks, and Friers he drave out, and caused ei∣ther to betake themselves to labor, or to seek to other places for shelter.

Shortly after he took in many places, and then besieged the Castle of Visgrade; the besieged were brought to great straits, insomuch as they were forced to live upon their horses; at length they came to composition, that if they were not relieved by the Emperor by a certain day, they should surren∣der the Castle to him; the Emperor hearing here∣of, marched to the relief of it with a strong Army, but entering into a narrow passage neer the Castle, he was suddenly set upon by the Protestants, who gave him a great overthrow, which caused him to depart without effecting his purpose, and so the Castle was surrendred to Zisca; presently after he took one of the Imperiall Captains in a strong Town; he also took, and burned down five Monasteries, and then sate down before the strong Monastery of Saint Clare. Thither also came the Emperor with a great Army, but when Zisca drew forth his power against him, he most cow∣ardly fled, and departed out of Bohemia: From

thence Zisca went with his Army to the famous City of Commitavia, which he took by storm, burning all the Priests therein; then he besieged the strong Town of Raby, where he was stricken with an Arrow in the eye, and so was car∣ried to Prague to the Physicians, who cured him of his wound, but he lost his sight, and so was stark blind, yet would he not leave his Army, but still took the charge of them; After this the Protestants took many of the Emperors Garrisons, which caused him to send to all the Princes Electors to raise forces, and to joyn with him for the subdu∣ing of the Bohemians: Himself with an Army of Hungarians entred on the East part of Bohemia, and he appointed the Electors to enter on the West; the Emperor at his first coming took in some Towns. But when Zisca (although he was blind) came towards him, he was in a great fear, yet a battel was fought, wherein Zisca slew many of his Nobles, and common souldiers, insomuch as the Emperor fled, and Zisca pursuing of him a daies journey, got great and rich spoils; in his return he took the strong Town of Broba by force, and burned it down, so that it lay desolate for fourteen yeers after; the Emperor in his flight made such hast, that himself passing over a Bridge, Piso, a Flo∣rentine, that had brought fifteen thousand horse out of Hungary to these wars, adventuring to pass the River upon the Ice, the Ice breaking by reason of the number and weight of the horsmen, most of them were there drowned, at which time and place perished a great part of the Hungarian

Nobility. Zisca having obtained this victory, would not suffer any Images, or Idols to continue in the Churches, neither would he suffer the Priests to wear Copes, and vestments; After this Zisca marched with a great Army into Austria, where the husbandmen drave, and carried a great num∣ber of their Cattell into an Island in the river Danubius, but leaving, for hast, some Calves, and Swine behind them, Zisca caused his souldiers to drive them to the rivers side, where they made them roar, and bleat, which the Cattell in the Island hearing, swam over to them, whereby Zis∣ca got a great booty, and so returned home. Then the Emperor delivered to the Marquess of Misnia, the bridge, and Town of Asca upon the river Al∣bis, to plant a strong Garrison in; Thither Zisca went, and besieged it; whereupon the Marquess raised a great Army out of Saxony, Thuringia, Mis∣nia, and both the Alsatia's to relieve the besieged: Zisca fought a great battell with them, the victory remaining doubtful for a great while, but it pleased God at last to make the Protestants conquerors, in which battell Zisca slew many Noblemen, and nine thousand of the common souldiers, and there∣upon Asca was surrendred to him, which he utter∣ly razed: At last there arose some dissention be∣tween them of Prague and Zisca; whereupon they raised a great Army against him, and he knowing himself to be too weak to withstand them, retreat∣ed into certain mountains, but when his enemies pursued him into a narrow Plain, he knowing that they could not spread out their Army in that place,

commanded his Standard to stand stil, exhorting, & encouraging his men to give them battell, which accordingly they did; the battell was very fierce, and cruell on both sides, yet at last Zisca had the upper hand, and slew three thousand of them, put∣ing the rest to flight, and strait he took the City of Cuthna by force, which they of Prague had garri∣soned, and burnt it down, and so with all speed he marched with his Army to besiege Prague; But his souldiers being not pleased with it, began to mur∣mur, saying, that it was not reasonable that the Regall City should be suppressed, especially not dissenting from them in opinion; that the Emperor would make great advantage of these their divisi∣ons, &c. These speeches coming to Zisca's ears, he called together his Army, & speak thus unto them. Brethren, blame not me that have sought your health, and safety; the victories that you have obtained un∣der my conduct are yet fresh in memory, neither have I at any time brought you to a place from which you have not gone conquerors: you are become famous, and rich, and I for your sakes have lost my sight, and dwell in darkness: I have got nothing to my self but a vain name; for you have I fought, and vanquished, &c. I do not persecute them of Prague for mine own cause: its your blood that they thirst after, it would availe them little to destroy me, an old, and blind man; its your valor, and courage which they fear; either you, or they must perish; Civill sedition is dangerous, let us sub∣due Prague, and banish the seditious Citizens before the Emperor hear of it, and then when but few of his faction are left, we may fear him the less; But because

you shall accuse me no more, I give you free liberty to do what you will. If you will let them of Prague alone, I will not be against it, so there be no treason wrought; If you determine of war, I am also ready; Look which part you incline to, Zisca will be your aid and helper; Upon this speech, the souldiers minds were changed, so that speedily betaking themselves to their Arms, they ran to the City wals, to provoke their enemies to fight: Zisca in the mean time provided all things ready for the assault: But it pleased God to stir up one of the City Ministers, called Johannes de Roche∣zana, famous for his life, & learning, by the consent of the Citizens to go out to Zisca, and he dealt so effectually betwixt them, that he reconciled them each to other, and so put an end to that discord. The Emperor considering the wonderfull success that God gave to Zisca in all his undertakings, and that the whole State of Bohemia did depend upon him a∣lone, he sent to him, promising him the govern∣ment of the whole Kingdom, & making many other large promises if he would come to him, &c. Here∣upon Zisca began his journy towards the Emperor, but it pleased God by the way that he fell sick at the Castle of Priscovia, where he also dyed, 1424.

Aeneas Silvius (afterwards Pope) complains, that to the great dishonor of the Imperiall Majesty, and disgrace to the Catholick Religion, Sigismund, born of an Emperor, & himself an Emperor, whose name was so famous, and so much feared in Italy, France, & Germany, yea amongst the very Turks themselves, should thus basely, & unworthily truck with an old blind man, by promising him gold, government, and what not, if he would but submit unto him.

In the time of his sickness, his attendance demanded of him, where he would be buried, whom he commanded to pull the skin from his dead corps, and to make a Drum of it, which they should use in their battels: affirming, that as soon as their enemies should hear the sound of that Drum, they would not abide, but presently flie away: He was buried honorably at Caslavia by his Thaborites; But Anno Christi 1623. the Popish Ar∣my under the Emperor Ferdinand, two hundred yeers after wanting one, coming into the Church, and seeing the Epitaph upon his Tomb-stone, they brake it in pieces, & digging up the dust of his grave, they carried it out, and scattered it abroad in the wind, raging against him so long after his death, whom they could never overcome in his life.

In the life time of King Wenceslaus, he had a pur∣pose of disarming the Citizens of Prague for some offence that he took against them, which Zisca hearing of, called together the Citizens, bid∣ding them arm themselves and follow him; which they doing, he went presently with them to the King in his Castle, who being astonished at their so sudden coming in that manner, Zisca said to him, Sir, where are those enemies which your Majesty fears; for these your faithfull subjects, and Citizens of Prague are resolved to spend their blood in the defence of their King; whereupon the King dismissed them, and the Citizens kept their Arms, and were freed from their fears.

Collected out of the book of Martyrs, and out of a book called Historia persc∣cutionum Eccles. Bohemicae; and out of another book called Lachrymae Bohemicae, written by Samuel Martin.

[illustration] portrait of John Picus

I. P. MIRANDVLA

The Life of John Picus Earl of Mirandula, who dyed, Anno Christi, 1494.

IOhn Picus was born Anno Christi, 1463. of an an∣cient and Honorable Family in Italy, that deri∣ved their pedigreee from Constantine the Great: a little before his Mother was delivered of him, there appeared in her Bed-chamber a round flame of fire hanging (as it were) on the wall for a little while, and then vanishing away, concerning which

there were many conjectures: When he had passed over his childhood, under the care and tuition of his Mother, he was placed under able and learned School-masters, where he applyed himself with so much ardour, and diligence to his book, that in a short time, he became a very good Orator and Poet. He was of a very quick apprehension, rich phansie, excellent invention, and sound memory, insomuch as having heard sundry verses once read over, after a little meditation, he was able to re∣peat them forwards and backwards, to the great admiration of all that heard him: When he was fourteen years old, his Mother, desiring to fit him (being her youngest Son) for the entrance into Po∣pish Orders, as the way to preferment, sent him to Bononia to study the Civil Law: when he had spent 2 years in that study, wherein he made a very good progress, perceiving that it depended most upon precidents, and traditions, he grew weary of it, yet as young as he was, in that space he made an excel∣lent Epitome of the Popes Epistles and Decretals, which was excellently well approved of by learn∣ed men. But being exceeding desirous to search out the secrets of Nature, he left these beaten paths, & betook himself to the study of Philosophy, and for his furtherance therein, he travelled to all the Famous Universities of Italy and France, acquaint∣ing himself with the most learned men in them; and took such extraordinary pains in his study, that in a little time he became an exquisite Philoso∣pher, and an excellent Divine; and so having spent seven years in these Studies, being ambiti∣ously

desirous of renown and credit in the world, he went to Rome, where he publikely set up nine hundred questions of Logick, Mathematicks, Phi∣losophy, Divinity, &c. not onely out of Latine Authors, but Greek, Hebrew, Chalde, Arabick, as also out of the Hebrew Cabala, & the old Philo∣sophers, Pythagoras, Trimegistus, Orpheus, &c. Be∣sides some of Naturall Magick. He also set up seventy two more questions, not formerly discus∣sed by any Authors, but found out by himself, in Philosophy, and Metaphysicks, and withall he promised to bear the charges of such learned men as should come out of other Countries to dispute with him upon those questions. But this doing, procuring him much envie, caused that his Antagonists would never suffer him to come to a publike disputation upon them: yet privately they scanned them over very curiously, and complained that divers of them were contrary to the true Faith: But he not enduring the least disgrace, in twenty days space published a learned Apology, wherein he justified his questions, as being nothing at all contrary to the Catholick Faith: Concluding with that of St. Augustine: Errare possum, haere∣ticus esse non possum, quando alterum sit hominis proprium, alterum perversae, & obstinatae voluntatis: I may err, but I will not be an heretick, the first being proper to man, but the other a property of an obstinate, and perverse will: He was of excel∣lent beauty, tall of stature, of a comly counte∣nance, lively eies, and his hair of a yellowish co∣lour, of a noble stock, and great riches, insomuch

that many Ladies, and gentlewomen fell in love with him whilest he was at Rome, and so inveagled him, being of a tractable, and courteous dispositi∣on, that he began to give over himself in this his heat of youth, to unlawfull pleasures with them: But it pleased God by the malice of his adversaries, & the troubles which he met with by their means, to awaken him from his sensuall delights, and to stir him up to shake off, and avoid all these provo∣cations, and incentives to wickedness, and to choose celestiall, instead of fleshly pleasures: and laying aside his hunting after vain glory, and po∣pular applause, to dedicate, and devote himself to the glory of God, and the good of his Church: re∣solving for the time to come, so to carry himself, through Gods assistance, that his adversaries should have nothing to object against him.

His same being spred abroad, many great schol∣lers repaired to him, some to dispute with him, and to try whether his learning was answerable to the report that went of it, others to learn, and be instructed of him: And whereas he had written some love verses in his youth, he burnt them all, and some other unprofitable writings: then he ad∣dicted himself seriously to the study of the Scrip∣tures, and being twenty eight years old, he wrote a learned Tractate of the six first days work of God, and another of the Sabbath, for the publick benefit of the Church. He was wonderfully af∣fected with the Elegancy of the Scriptures, in their Originals, especially of Paul's Epistles, which he preferred before all humane Eloquence whatsoe∣ver;

professing that the writings of Tully, Demost∣henes, &c. were not to be compared with them. Then he wrote his Book De Ente & uno, stuffed with abundance of learning: He wrote much also for interpreting the old Testament, and reconciling seeming differences: He justified the translation of Hierom against the calumnies of the Jews: He al∣so defended the Septuagint translation, principally in reference to the Psalms: He wrote also about the true computation of Times: He wrote much in defence of the Catholick Faith, against Mahu∣metans, Iews, and other opposers of it: many other excellent works he had begun, but being cut off by an immature death, he left them unfinished: and his writing was so bad, that few could col∣lect his sence by it: He read over whole Libra∣ries both of Latine and Greek Authors with admi∣rable celerity, and yet culled out the most usefull things as he went through them: He was so ver∣sed in the ancient Fathers, as if he had made them his only study all his life long: He was so well ac∣quainted with Modern Writers, that if any diffi∣culty was proposed to him out of them, he could presently resolve it, as if he had been of their Counsel in writing: He was an acute and excel∣lent Disputant, which he much delighted in: He always preferred those disputations which were privately undertaken, with an humble and peace∣able mind, to find out the truth, rather then to get the Victory: But could not endure such publick disputations as were undertaken to shew learning, or to win applause from the common people, pro∣fessing

that they did very much hurt: He had a very great Library of Ancient and Modern Wri∣ters, of all sorts and Languages: He was of such an indefatigable Spirit, that he was never a wea∣ry of his study: Three years before his death, he retired himself from the pleasures, profits and honors of the world, & that he might live a more private life, He made over almost all his estate in the Earldoms of Mirandula and Concordia, to his Brothers Son: a great part of his Mony, Plate and Jewels he distributed amongst the poor: He kept a frugall Table, which he well contented himself with: He was constant in his daily pray∣ers unto God: He relieved the poor every day: He gave much mony to poor maids, for preferring them in marriage: He imployed an intimate friend to enquire out the wants and necessities of poor House-keepers, whom he bountifully relieved: He kept under his body by fasting, &c. He was of a cheerfull countenance, and of so composed a mind, that he was scarce ever seen angry: He was very humble, being so far from seeking and affect∣ing great honors, and offices, that he could not be perswaded to accept of them: His usual discourse amongst his friends was of the vanity and uncer∣tainty of all Earthly things, and of the sta∣bility of Heavenly things, and therefore he would often call upon them to love the Lord a∣bove all, &c. He did so little regard these out∣ward things, that he was often blamed by his friends for too much neglect of them: He was al∣ways most cordially affected to his friends, whom

he chose for the similitude of manners and learn∣ing, rather then for other outward respects of kind∣red, &c. Angelus Policianus, and Marcilius Ficinus were two of his most intimate friends: But falling into a violent Feavour, which contemned all means of cure, in thirteen days space he quietly departed, Anno Christi, 1494. and of his Age 32.

Collected out of his life, Written by his Nephew, whom he brought up and made his Heire, and out of Boisardus his Bibliotheca.

[illustration] portrait of Thomas Cromwell

T. CROMWELL

The Life of Thomas Cromwel Earl of Essex, who dyed, Anno Christi, 1541.

THomas Cromwel was born at Putney in Surrey; his Father was a Smith, and therefore could bestow no great cost in his education, so that his poverty was a great hinderance at first to his ver∣tue; yet such was the activity, and forward ripe∣ness of nature in him: his wit so pregnant: his judgement so sound: his tongue so eloquent: his

service so faithful: His stomack so couragious, & his Pen so active, that he could not be long concealed, nor hindred from favour, & friends to imploy him: Nothing was so difficult which his wit & industry would not compass, he had also a very firm memo∣ry in retaining whatsoever he had once gotten, in∣somuch as in a journy to, and from Rome he learned the whole New Testament translated by Erasmus, without book: As he grew towards ripeness of years, he had a great minde to travel into forraign Countries to see the world, and learn experience, and so passing over the sea, he went into France, from thence into Italy, at last he came back to Antwerp, where he was entertained by the English Merchants to be their Secretary: It hapned a∣bout the same time, that the Inhabitants of Boston in Lincolnshire, were minded to send to Rome for the renewing of their two Pardons, which, though it would cost them great expenses, yet they found such gain by that Roman Merchandise, that they chose one Jeffery Chambers, and another, whom they furnished with Writings, and good store of money, and so sent them to Rome to dispatch that business: By the way when they came to Antwerp, Chambers suspecting his own weakness for so weigh∣ty a work, conferred, and prevailed with Thomas Cromwell to assist him therein: Cromwell, though he knew the difficulty of the enterprise, and what it was to have to deal with such greedy Cor∣morants, as the Pope, and his Cardinals were, yet having some skill in the Italian tongue, and as yet being ungrounded in the true Religion, he con∣sented

to go along with them. Coming to Rome, he gat Information, that the Popes holy Tooth greatly delighted in new fangled dishes, and strange delicates, whereupon he prepared certain fine dishes of jelly, made after the best English fashion, but never before seen at Rome: And taking his time with his two companions, when the Pope was newly come from Hunting, and gone into his Pavilion, they brought their English Presents in with a three mans Song (as it was then called) The Pope marvelling at the strangeness of the Song, and understanding that they were English men, and came not empty handed, he willed them to be called in: Cromwell doing his obeysance, offered him his jolly-junkets, telling him, that they were such as none but Kings, and Princes in England used to feed upon: Desiring him to accept of the Present which he, and his Companions, that were poor suiters to his Holiness, had pre∣sented as novelties for his recreation, &c. The Pope seeing the strangeness of the Dishes, bad one of his Cardinals to tast of it, who liked it so well, that he commended it to the Pope: The Pope also was so well pleased with it, that he asked them what their suits were, and com∣manding them to teach his Cook the making of that meat, he incontinently confirmed both their Pardons according to their requests: All this while Cromwell had no sound tast of Religion, and himself would often after tell Doctor Cranmer what a Ruffian he was in his young dayes: How he was in the wars with the Duke of Burbon in the

fiege of Rome: As also how he assisted Chambers in publishing, and setting forth the Pardon of Boston every where in Churches as he went, and so he continued, till at last, learning the New Testament by heart, it pleased God to begin to touch, and affect his heart with the knowledge, and savor of the Truth: In the mean time, Cardinal Woolsey be∣gan to rule all under the King, or rather with the King in England; so that men of the best wits, and ablest parts, sought to get into his service: a∣mongst whom Thomas Cromwell also gat prefer∣ment under him, and having faithfully served him divers years, the Cardinal at last preferred him to be his Solicitour: About which time Woolsey was building his stately Colledge in Oxford [now Christ-Church] for the furtherance whereof, he pulled down some small Monasteries, and Priories in divers parts of the Realm, the charge whereof he committed to Cromwell, wherein he was so in∣dustrious, that he gat him much hatred amongst many superstitious persons, and with some of the Nobility that were about the King.

Shortly after the Cardinal grew into disgrace with the King, and fell into a Premunire: So that his houshold being dissolved, Thomas Cromwell amongst others, sought to get into the Kings Service: And Sir Christopher Hales, Master of the Rolls (though a great Papist) yet liked Cromwell so well, that he commended him to the King, as a man most fit for his purpose, having then to do against the Pope. But the King having had former complaint made to

him against Cromwell, for his homely dealing with the Monasteries, Images, Altars, &c. he detested his very name, and some that stood by also, with railing, and reviling words, sought more to inflame the Kings hatred against him: But there being present at the same time, the Lord Russell, Earl of Bedford, with a vehement boldness he stood forth, and took upon him the defence of Cromwell, utter∣ing much in his commendation before the King; and withall, telling him, that when himself was at Bononia, about the Kings affairs, he was in ex∣tream perill of his life, had not Cromwell by his sin∣gular device and policy freed him from the same: Adding, that forasmuch as his Majesty had now to do with the Pope, there was in all England none so fit for the Kings purpose, which could say or do more in that matter then he: The King hearing this, was content to see, and speak with him, and to hear what he could say: Cromwell having pri∣vate notice that he should be sent for to the King, provided himself before hand, and gat in a readiness the Copy of the Bishops oath, which they used to make to the Pope at their consecration, and so being called for, he was brought to the King in his garden at Westminster, Anno Christi 1530. the King propounding sundry questions to him, He answered him very satisfactorily, and withall shewed him how his Princely authority was abu∣sed within his own Realm by the Pope, and his Clergy, who being sworn to him, were after∣wards dispensed with, and sworn anew unto the Pope, so that he was but an half King, &c. He

also shewed him how he might accumulate to him∣self whatsoever the Clergy in England was worth, if he pleased to take the occasion now offered unto him: The King giving good ear to this, and liking his advise, asked him, if he would stand by what he had told him: Yea said he, I can avouch it to be certain, and therewith he shewed the Bi∣shops oath unto the King: Hereupon the King pre∣sently admitted him into his service, and taking his Ring off his finger, he sent him therewith into the Convocation house amongst the Bishops: Cromwell coming boldly into the house, placed himself amongst the Bishops, where he made an Oration, and declared unto them the authority of a King, and the office of subjects, especially of Bi∣shops and Churchmen under the publike Laws, which Laws (saith he) you have all transgressed, & highly offended by derogating from the Kings Roiall estate, falling under a Premunire, by con∣senting to the power Legantine of the Cardinal, as also by being sworn to the Pope, contrary to your fealty to the King, to whom therefore you have forfeited all your Goods, Chattels, Lands, Pos∣sessions, and whatsoever Livings you have: The Bishops hearing this, were much amazed, begin∣ning to excuse, and deny the fact: But Cromwell shewing to them the very Copy of the oath given to the Pope at their consecration, they could deny the matter no longer, but fell to intreaty: And after a short debate amongst themselves were con∣tent to give to the King 101884. li. to free them from the Premunire: After this Cromwell growing

into great favour with the King, he first Knighted him: then made him Master of his Jewel-house: then one of the privy councell: then Master of the Rolls: then Knight of the Garter: And lastly, Earl of Essex: Great Chamberlain of England, and the Kings vicegerent to represent his own per∣son: Which office is seldome conferred upon any subject in England, and was never better dischar∣ged then by this Lord. Neither did his honours make him grow proud, or remiss in his duty, but he was rather quickened thereby to work more a∣bundantly for the good both of Church, & State: and above all his other vertues, he is chiefly to be commended for his singular zeal, and labori∣ous travell bestowed for the restoring of the truth, and demolishing the Synagogues of Antichrist, the Abbies, and Religious houses: For it pleased Al∣mighty God to make him an instrument to per∣swade the King to suppress, first the Chauntries, then the smaller Monasteries, and at length all the Abbies in England, both great, and less: And though the buildings might have been converted to Schools, and houses of learning: the goods, and possessions might have been bestowed to much better, and more godly use, viz. to the relief of the poor, and to many publike uses of piety, and charity: yet herein the secret judgement of God is to be admired, and adored, in that those houses that were so full of all manner of abominations (as appeared to the Kings Commissioners upon examination, and remains upon Record) so hor∣rible to be heard, so incredible to be believed, so

stinking before the face of God and man, that no marvel it is, if Gods vengeance from heaven, so highly provoked thereby, would not suffer any monument of these Houses to be unplucked up: The Doctrines, Laws, & Traditions also of such as inhabited them, was rebellion against Christ, de∣rogatory to his Glory, pernicious to mans salvati∣ons, full of much blasphemy, and damnable Ido∣latry: So that of both we may say with Matthew Paris: Cujus faetor usque ad nubes fumum teterrimum exhallabat. i. e. whose filthy stink did breathe up a most pestiferous fume even to the clouds of hea∣ven, and with Sodoms sins cried loud for ven∣geance, &c.

The Bishop of Romes power being thus abolish∣ed out of England, there were yet divers Popish Bishops, his creatures, which privily watched all opportunities to restore it again: But Cromwell (as a mighty wall, and defence of the Church) resisted it continually, and so frustrated all their expecta∣tions, and endeavors: About this time some tu∣mults began to arise about Religion: Whereupon the King Summoned, and Assembled most of his Bishops, and Learned men to meet, and treat soberly, and modestly about most of the contro∣versal points: To this Convocation, Cromwel went, and accidentally by the way he met with Alexan∣der Alesius, a Scotchman, whom he took along with him: And having taking his place as the Kings Vicegerent, at the upper end of the Table, he made an Oration to them, wherein in the Kings name he thanked them for their ready, and cheerful meet∣ing

together, told them that the King desired that they should debate about the present controversies of Religion, for that he would suffer no alteration but by the advice, and consent of them, and his Parliament: Therefore (saith he) he desires you for Christs sake, that all malice, obstinacy, and carnal re∣spects being set apart, you will friendly and lovingly dispute amongst your selves of the controversies mo∣ved in the Church, and that you will conclude all things by the Word of God: Neither will his Majesty suffer the Scriptures to be wrested by any false Glosses, Papisticall Laws, or by any authority of Doctors, or Counsels, much less will he admit any Articles, or Do∣ctrine not contained in the Scripture, but onely founded upon continuance of time, and old Customs, or by un∣written verities, as ye were wont to do, &c. The onely way to unity is to determine all things by the Rule of Gods Word, as himself requireth, &c. In this Con∣vocation many points were debated, wherein Alesius, being a godly, and learned man, did the Church good service, and so through Cromwels industry, though Religion could not be wholly reformed, yet the Reformation of it was well be∣gun at that time through all England. And this good Lord was alwayes very studious how to ad∣vance the Cause of Christ: His whole life was nothing else but a continual care and travel to fur∣ther the true knowledge of the Gospel, and to re∣form the House of God: He caused all the people through the Kingdom to be instructed in the Lords Prayer, and Creed, in English: Then he pro∣cured the Scriptures to be translated, and published

for every English man to understand: Then he rescued the vulgar sort from damnable Idolatry, causing many of their grossest Pilgrimages to be destroyed: He procured, that divers idle Holy∣dayes should be abolished: That Liberty should be given to eat Eggs, and white-meats in Lent: By him it was provided, that for the better instru∣ction of the people, Beneficed men should be resident on their Cures to teach, and keep hospi∣tality. Infinite almost were the private benefits which he did in helping poor godly men, and women out of trouble, and great distresses: Yea, his whole life was full of such examples, being a man ordained of God to do many good, especial∣ly to deliver such as were in danger of persecu∣tion for Religion sake. Some examples are set down by Master Fox in his Book of Martyrs, Vol. 2. Pag. 507. &c.

Usually men advanced from mean and base de∣gree, to high and ample dignities, grow proud and insolent, forgetting what they were, and from whence they came, and so casting off their old friends that were formerly beneficial unto them; but it was far otherways with this courteous and Christian Earl, as may appear by these examples: On a time he was riding in his Coach with Arch∣bishop Cranmer through Cheapside, where spying a poor woman of Hounsloe, to whom he was in∣debted for certain old reckonings, to the value of forty shillings, he caused her to be called unto him, where questioning▪ with her what was her name, and where she lived; withall he asked her

whether he was not somewhat indebted unto her, she said yea, but she durst never call upon him for it, though now she stood in great need of it: He therefore presently sent her to his House with one of his men, and when he came from the Court, he did not onely discharge his debt, but gave her an yearly Pension of four pound, and a Livery eve∣ry year so long as she lived after.

Another Example was this: At what time Tho∣mas Cromwel went with the French Army into Italy, the Army being overthrown, he fell into much want, and being in the City of Florence, he met a rich Merchant, called Francis Frescobalds, and asked of him an Alms for Gods sake; the Merchant under his tottered attire, seeing an inge∣nuous countenance, moved with pitty, demanded of what Countrey he was, &c. To whom he an∣swered, I am Sir of England, my name is Thomas Cromwel, my Father was a sheerer of cloth, and I straying from mine own Country, came with the French Army into Italy, by whose overthrow I am faln into this want: The Merchant considering the state of the young man, and loving the English Nation, amongst whom he had formerly lived, and from whom he had received many courtesies, took him into his house, entertained him kindely, and when he was desirous to return into his own Countrey, he gave him an horse, a new sute of apparrel, and other necessaries, and sixteen Ducats of gold to bear the charges of his journey. It so fell out after, that at what time the Lord Cromwel was so highly in favour with his Prince, and advanced to so

many dignities, that this Francis Frescobald, was by many great losses that befell him in his Marchan∣dizing, become very poor, yet remembring that in England some Merchants owed him fifteen thousand Ducats, he purposed, if he could get that mony, to content himself to live upon it, and to give over trading, and for this end he came into England; and it fell out that whilst he was here, endeavouring to get in his debts, he met with the Lord Cromwel, whom he had forgotten, as also the kindness which he had shewed him: The Lord Cromwel, as he was riding to the Court, espied him in the street, and eying him well, he remembred him, and alighting from his horse (to the admiration of his followers) he went, and in a most kinde manner embraced him, and scarcely refraining from tears, he asked him whether he was not Francis Frescobald the Florentine: Yea Sir, said he, and your humble servant: My servant (quoth Cromwel) no, as you have not formerly been my servant, so will I not now account you other then my special friend, assuring you, that I have cause to be sorry, that you knowing what I am (or at least should be) would not make known your arrival to me, that I might have paid part of that debt that I confess I ow you: But being now upon urgent affairs for my Prince, I must intreat you to excuse my leaving of you, desiring you with the faithful mind of a friend, that you come this day to my house to dinner, and so remount∣ing, he went to the Court: Francis wondering with himself who this Lord should be, at last, called to

mind, that it was the same man, whom he had for∣merly relieved at Florence, for which he was won∣drous joyfull, hoping that by his Authority he should the sooner recover his debts: about Dinner time he repaired to the L. Cromwels house, & there walking in the Court, he attended his coming: the Lord shortly returning, he no sooner dismoun∣ted, but he again embraced this Gentleman with so friendly a countenance, that the Lord Admiral, and the other Lords that were with him, marvel∣led at it, which he perceiving, turning towards them, and holding Frescobald by the hand, he said, My Lords, marvel not that I am so glad to see this man, for by his means I have attained to this pre∣sent dignity, and that you may not be ignorant of his courtesie to me, I will relate it to you, & so he told them every thing in order, as is before recit∣ed: & so, stil holding him by the hand, he had him into his Dining-Room, and placed him next to himself at the Table: when Dinner was ended, and the Lords departed, he would needs know of him what occasion had brought him to London: Francis related his great losses to him, and told him that all that remained was this mony that he come to sue for: Cromwel having comforted him against his afflictions, and told him that he sympa∣thized with him in the same, said further, you shall receive in this your distress some consolation for your old courtesies that you shewed me in times past, and I further profess in the word of a true friend, that during this life, and state of mine, I will never be wanting to do for you,

wherein my authority may prevail to supply your lack and necessity: and so taking him by the hand, he led him into his Chamber, and com∣manding all to depart, he opened a Chest, and first gave him sixteen Ducats which he had given him in mony, then ten Ducats that he disbursed on his apparrel, and ten other that he paid for his horse: and further, said he, for the in∣terest of your mony, take these four bags, in each of which is four hundred Ducats, these you shall receive from the hand of your assured friend: Fre∣scobald, though brought to a low ebb, yet expres∣sing the vertue of a modest mind, would have refu∣sed the kindness offered, but that the other enfor∣ced him against his will to receive it. Then he cau∣sed him to give him a note of the names of his debtors, which he gave to one of his servants, charging him diligently to inquire out the men, & then to require them to make payment of those debts within fifteen days, or to abide the hazard of his displeasure: the servant so carefully perfor∣med his Lords command, that in a short time he procured Frescobald all his debts: who willingly forgave the interest: And all this while he lodged in the L. Cromwels house, who gave him noble en∣tertainment, & proffered, that if he would continue in England, and make his bank here, he would lend him 60000 Ducats for four years gratis: But Frescobald, desirous to return into his own Coun∣try, and to live a private life, with many thanks for his extraordinary favours, he took his leave, and went to Florence, where he dyed the year fol∣lowing:

Also at another time, being with other Lords at the Monastery of Sheen, examining some Monks that denied the Kings Supremacy, as he sate at Dinner, he spied afar off a certain poor man, that used to sweep their Cels and Cloisters, and to ring the Bell, &c. whom when the Lord Cromwel had well noted, he called him to him, and before all the Table, took him by the hand, asked him kindly how he did, and turning to the Lords, said; My Lords, See you this poor man, this mans Father was a great friend to me in my necessity, and hath given me many a meals meat. Then said he to the poor man, Come unto me, and I will so provide for thee, that thou shalt not lack whilest I live: Thus this Worthy and No∣ble Lord excelled in divers eminent vertues, espe∣cially in a flourishing authority, excellent wis∣dom, and fervent zeal to Christ, and his Gospel: His great care was to preserve, and nourish peace abroad in forreign Realms. In all neighbouring Princes Courts he kept speciall intelligence, that nothing was there done, or intended, whereof he had not notice: nor was any spark of mischief kindling against our King, or Kingdom, which he by Wit, and Policy did not quench, and keep down: and if policy prevailed not, he would pur∣chase peace by mony, so that during the time of his advancement the King never had War with any forreign Nation, though many great Princes were much incensed against him: He imploied his authority no l••ss also in keeping all things in good order at home: hampering the Popish Prelates,

and disapointing their subtile devises: then in bri∣dling other unruly persons, forcing them to sub∣jection by the Laws: He was a succour, and refuge to all godly persons: a terrour to evill doers, so that the very report that Cromwell was coming, quieted many fraies, and much evill rule: A company of Ruffians appointing to fight in Pater Noster row, and having blocked up the ends of the street with Cars, that none should intertupt them, Cromwell hearing of it, in the heat of the fight came down Pannier Alley towards them, but so soon as the report of Cromwels coming was heard, the Cars could not keep them in, but thy ran away, and so the fray was ended.

Also there was a Ruffianly serving man, who to put himself into the gallanter Garb, as he con∣ceived, nourished his hair till it hung down upon his shoulders: on a time the Lord Cromwell met this fellow as he walked in the streets, who see∣ing his disguised habit, which he judged might be of bad example unto others, he called him to him, and enquired whose man he was, and with all asking him whether his Master, or any of his fellows wore their hair so long, or no: he answe∣red no, but to excuse himself, he pleaded that he had made a vow not to cut his hair for such a time: to whom the Lord Cromwell answered, that since he had made himself a Votary, he would not force him to break his vow, but yet he would lay him in prison till the time was expired, and so presently sent him to the Marshal-sey, till his Master having perswaded him to cut his hair, pe∣titioned

for his release, and so being brought be∣fore the Lord Cromwell with his short hair, he dismissed him: Also a Frier wearing his Cowle after the dissolution of Monasteries, Cromwell meeting him in Pauls Churchyard, said to him, will not this Coule of yours be left off yet: If I do not hear by one a clock that this ap∣parrell of thine is changed, thou shalt be hanged immediately for example to all others, and so he durst never wear his Coule after: Innumerable were the benefits which this worthy Lord did, by his prudent Policy, grave authority, and godly zeal for the good both of the Church, and State: what good orders he established, what wickedness he suppressed, what corruptions he reformed, what abuses he discovered, what crafty juglings, and superstitious delusions he detected, and abolished out of the Church: as the Roode of Grace, where∣in a man stood inclosed with an hundred wyers, wherewith he made the Image roll his eies, nod his head, hang the lip, move, and shake his jaws, according as the value of the gift offered, plea∣sed, or displeased the Priest: if it were a small piece of silver, he would hang the lip, if it were a good piece of gold, his chaps should go merrily, &c. But Cromwell discovering this forgery, caused the Image, with all his engines to be openly shewed at Pauls Cross, and there to be torn in pieces by the people: Also the blood of Hales he caused to be brought to the same place, where it was proved to be the blood of a Duck: He also pro∣ved the holy maid of Kent to be a notorious

whore: Also the Roode of Chester, of Thomas Bec∣ket, our Lady of Walsingam, with many more cursed monuments of Idolatry, this good man, stirred up by the providence of God, removed out of the peoples way, that they might walk more safely in the service of Almighty God.

About this time Edmond Bonner was a Lutheran, and a great Professor of the Gospell, whom there∣fore the Lord Cromwell much favoured, and pro∣cured for him the Bishoprick of Hereford: Then obtained of the King that he should be sent over as Ambassadour into France, and sent over by him a letter which he procured of our King to the King of France, wherein he desired him to license a sub∣ject of his to print a large Bible in English at Paris, because paper was easilier to be had there then in England: As also because they had more store of good workmen to dispatch the same. Bonner much bestirred himself in this business, and outwardly shewed great friendship to the Merchants that had undertaken this work, entertaining them often at his table, and so rejoyced in the printing of those Bibles, that himself would oft oversee the Press: yea he was so zealous, that he caused them to print a New Testament in English, and Latine, and himself took off many of them, and gave them to his friends: then did the Lord Cromwell procure his advancement to the Boshiprick of Lon∣don, and Bonner took the oath of Supremacy be∣fore these English men that printed the Bible, and before Master Coverdale, who was the over-seer of the Press: to whom he promised, that when

the Bible was printed, he would have at least six of them to set up in severall places in Pauls Church: Afterwards by the procurement of Cromwell, the Bible of Tindals translation was printed at London, one of which he presented to King Henry, and obtained that the same might be freely read of all his Subjects: But the setting forth hereof did exceedingly incense the Popish Bishops, especially because of the Prologues to the books, and a large table in the end of it, wherein were set down texts about the Lords supper, and to prove the lawfulness of Ministers mariage, and against the Mass: But whilst Cromwell was thus labouring for the publick good, and endeavouring to deliver the poor Saints out of their troubles, the malice of these Popish Bishops encreased so against him, that they continually laboured by false traines, and crafty surmises to cast him out of the Kings favour: About this time, there was one Iohn Lambert, a godly, and learned Minister, called in question for his Religion, the King him∣self sat amongst the Bishops, whilst he was exami∣ned, and after a long disputation betwixt the Bi∣shops, and him, in the close of the day, the King said to him: what saist thou now after all this pains that hath been taken with thee, wilt thou live or dy? Thou hast yet free choise: To whom Lambert answered, I wholly submit my self to the will of your Ma^ty: the King replied, if you submit your self to me, you must dy, for I will be no pa∣trone to Hereticks; and so (by the secret, and crafty counsell of Stephen Gardiner) turning himself

to the Lord Cromwell, he said, Cromwell, read the Sentence of Condemnation against him; which through humane frailty, and being surprised on the sudden, he did read.

But when the day came wherein Lambert was to be burned, Cromwell sent for him into his house, and taking him into his secret Chamber, he asked him forgiveness for that which he had done. The subtile malicious Prelates ceased not, by themselves, and their agents about the King, to calumniate, and traduce him, insomuch that a Par∣liament being summoned, Anno 1541. Cromwell being in the Councell-Chamber, was suddenly apprehended, and committed prisoner to the Tower, which was much lamented by all good men, who praied heartily for him: but the Popish party much rejoyced, especially the Clergy, whom he could not abide for their Popery, and masked hypocrisie: Shortly after he was attaint∣ed by Parliament: the crimes which they laid to his Charge were these: First he was accused of Heresie, and for a supporter of such persons, as Barns, Clark, and many others, whom by his Authority, and Letters written to the Sheriffs, and Justices in divers Shires, he had rescued out of the hands of their adversaries, and discharged out of Prison: Then, that he had dispersed amongst the Kings Subjects many Books, containing much heresie in them: Then that he had caused to be translated into English many Books, comprising matter against the Sacrament of the Altar, & that he had commended it as good and Christian Do∣ctrine;

then they pretended that about two years before he had spoken some words against the King, but the witnesses to prove this did not agree amongst themselves. But the truth was, the King was a weary of his Queen, the Lady Anne Bullen, a vertuous and religious woman, to whom he had been married but a few months, and cast his wanton affections upon the Lady Katherine Howard, which Cromwel laboured to disswade him from, and therefore he must be taken out of the way. This Storm Cromwel did foresee at least two years before, considering the variable affe∣ctions of the King, and the subtile malice of Ste∣phen Gardiner, and his associates; and thereupon he called together his servants, and shewed them in what a slippery state he stood, & therfore required them to look diligently to their order and doings, least through their default any occasion might a∣rise against him: also he took such order for them, that most of them, especially his Gentlemen that were younger brethren, which had little but his service to take to, he well provided for, by lea∣ving mony in the hands of their friends for them: and having twelve boys that were his Musitians, he gave them twenty pound apeece, and so return∣ed them to their friends: and as his great prospe∣rity had not puffed him up with pride, so neither was he at all dejected in his adversity, but bore it with admirable constancy, and Christian forti∣tude, and patience: Some Commissioners coming to examine him whilest he was in the Tower, he carried himself so gravely, and patienly, and an∣swered

them so discreetly, that they could put no Interogatories to him, either concerning Ecclesi∣asticall, or Civil affairs, wherein he was not ex∣ceeding ripe, and well furnished with an answer. Amongst the Commissioners, there was one whom the L. Cromwel desired to carry from him a Letter to the King, which he refused; saying, that he would carry no Letter to the King from a Traitor: then he desired him at least to carry a Message from him to the King, which request he assented to, so it were not against his Allegiance; then the Lord Cromwel taking witness of the other Lords what he had promised: you shall (said he) com∣mend me to the King, and tell him; By that he hath so well tryed and proved you, as I have done, he shall find you as false a man as ever came about him: His enemies durst not bring him to his Answer, nor try him by his Peers, but procured an Act of Attaindure, whereby he was condem∣ned before he was heard: yet the King not long after his death repented this hast, wishing that he had his Cromwel alive again: When he came up∣on the Scaffold on Tower-hill, he spake thus unto the people.

I am come hither to die, and not to purge my self, as some perhaps may expect that I should, and will: For if I should so do, I were a very wretch: I am by the Law condemned to die, and I thank my Lord God that hath appointed me this death for mine offence, for I have always lived a sinner, and offended my Lord God, for which I ask him hearty forgiveness. Its not unknown to many of you, that I was a great Traveller, and being

but of mean Parentage, was called to high estate, and now I have offended my Prince, for which I heartily ask him forgiveness, beseeching you to pray with me to Almighty God, that he will forgive me, &c.

And once again I desire you to pray for me, that so long as life remaineth in this flesh, I may waver no∣thing in my Faith: then kneeling down on his knees he spake these words: O Lord Jesus, which art the on∣ly health of all men living, and the everlasting life of them which die in thee: I wretched sinner do sub∣mit my self wholly to thy blessed will, and being sure that that thing cannot perish which is commitied to thy mercy; willingly now I leave this frail, and wicked flesh, insure hope that thou wilt in better wise restore it unto me again at the last day, in the resurrection of the just: I beseech thee most mercifull Lord Jesus Christ, that thou wilt by thy grace make strong my soul against all temptations, and defend me with the buckler of thy mercy against all the assaults of the De∣vil. I see, and know that there is in my self no hope of salvation, but all my confidence, hope, and trust is in thy most mercifull goodness; I have no merits, nor good works that I may alledge before thee: Of sins, and evil works (alass) I see a great heap, but yet through thy mercy I trust to be in the number of them to whom thou wilt not impute their sins, but wilt take, and accept me for righteous and just, and make me an Inheritor of thine everlasting Kingdom. Thou mer∣cifull Lord wast born for my sake, didst suffer hunger and thirst for my sake, didst teach, pray, and fast for my sake: all thy holy actions and works thou wroughtest for my sake: thou sufferedst most grievous pains, and

torments for my sake: Finally, thou gavest thy most precious bloud to be shed upon the Cross for my sake: Now most mercifull Saviour let all these things profit me, that thou hast freely done for me, which hast also given thy self for me: Let thy bloud cleanse and wash away the spots and foulness of my sins: let thy righteousness hide and cover my unrighteousness: let the merits of thy passion and bloud-shedding be satisfactory for my sins: give me Lord thy grace, that my Faith waver not, but be from, and constant to the end: that my hope in thy mercy, and life everlasting may not decay, that love wax not cold in me: Finally, that the weakness of my flesh be not overcome with the fear of death: Grant O most mercifull Father, that when death shal shut up the eyes of my body, yet the eyes of my soul may still behold and look upon thee, and when death hath taken away the use of my tongue, yet my heart may crie, and say unto thee, Lord into thy hands I commend my soul, Lord Jesus receive my soul, Amen. Having ended his Prayer, he made a godly exhortation to those that were about him on the Scaffold, and so qui∣etly commended his spirit into the hands of God, Anno Christi, 1541. Saunders, that English runna∣gate, that never speaks well of any godly man, or zealous professor, or of the truth, will have him to die for the breach of a Law made by himself, viz. That one appeached of Treason, should not come into the Kings presence till he had proved himself not guilty: but this is but a Popish lye, for neither did he ever prefer such an Act, neither was any such thing charged upon him in his Attaindure.

Collected out of the Book of Martyrs, and Speeds Chronicle.

[illustration] portrait of Jane Grey

J. GRAY

The Life of the Lady Jane Grey, who dyed, Anno Christi, 1554.

DUring the languishing sickness of King Ed∣ward the Sixth, the Duke of Northumberland, who bore all the sway at Court, marryed his fourth Son, the Lord Guilford Dudley, to the Lady Iane Grey, eldest daughter to the Duke of Suffolk: her Mother the Lady Frances, was daughter to Charls Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and Mary, young∣er

Sister to King Henry the Eighth; and then stu∣dying how to advance his family; he came to the weak King, and inculcated to him in what danger the state of the Church would be, if he chose not such a pious successor, as would main∣tain the now established Religion: He told him, that it was well known how the Lady Mary stood affected: Indeed of the Lady Elizabeth there were better hopes, but their causes were so strong∣ly connexed, that they must either be both ex∣cluded, or the Lady Mary admitted: That it was the part of a religious and good Prince, to set apart all respects of blood, where Gods glory, and the Subjects weal might be endangered, and that doing otherwise, they were in danger of eternall death: That the Duke of Suffolk had three daughters neer of blood to him, that they were such as their vertues, and birth did commend, and from whom the violation of Religion, or the dan∣ger of a Forraign Yoak by any match was not to be feared, forasmuch as their education had been religious, they had as it were with their milk, sucked in the spirituall food of true Religion and Doctrine, and were also matched to Husbands as zealous for the truth as themselves: He desired therefore that the Crown might be left to the el∣dest of them, the Lady Jane, with this proviso, that she should maintain the now established Religi∣on, her self and her husband being sworn there∣unto: These reasons so prevailed with this sick godly King, that by his last Will he excluded both his Sisters, and left the Crown to the Lady

Jane: This Will was read in the presence of the Counsel, & all the Judges of the Realm, who were required to subscribe unto it, and by the power of the Duke of Northumberland, most of them were either perswaded, or overawed to do it: only Arch-Bishop Cranmer would by no means consent ther∣unto, and withall, he went to the King to know of him the reason why he disinherited his Sisters: the King told him how he was advised to it for the safety of Religion, and that the Lawyers had told him, that he might lawfully do it; and therefore entreated him as he tendered the peace and propagation of the Gospel, that he would consent to it: So after much debate, and many perswasi∣ons, the facile Arch-Bishop was at last drawn to subscribe it. There was also one Judge Hales, an upright man, and lover of the Gospel, that would not by any perswasions be drawn to subscribe un∣to it: Presently after the good King dyed, and the Lords perswaded the Lady Jane to take the Crown upon her, but she with many tears intreat∣ed her Father in Law, and the rest of them not to lay such an unwelcome burthen upon her; yet by their Arguments and importunity, they at last drew an unwilling consent from her, and there∣upon proclaimed her Queen. Between King Edward and this young Lady there was little difference in years, but in learning & knowledg of the tongues, she was far his superiour, being trained up under a godly and learned man, Mr. Elmar, and her self being of a most fine, and rare wit, but this worthy Lady having personated a Queen but ten days,

the Lords of the Counsel hearing that many flock∣ed to the Lady Mary, and that she was coming towards London, they presently in Cheap-side Pro∣claim her Queen: the Duke of Suffolk being at this time in the Tower with his daughter: the Lords seized on the Tower, and commanded the Duke to render himself Prisoner, who submit∣ting to them, went strait to his Daughters cham∣ber, forbidding her the farther use of any Royal Ceremonies, and wishing her to be content to re∣turn to her former private state; whereunto with a setled countenance, she answered; Sir, I better brook this Message then my former advancement to Royalty: Out of obedience to You, and my Mother I have grievously sinned, and offered violence to my self: Now I do willing, and as obeying the motions of my Soul, relinquish the Crown, and endeavour to salve those faults committed by others; if at least so great a fault can be salved by a willing relinquishment, and ingenuous acknowledgement: So soon as Q. Mary came to London, she caused the Lady Jane to be committed to safe custody in the Tower, and not long after at Guild-hall she was arraigned, and condemned for Treason, together with her Husband, and returned to the Tower again Priso∣ner: some few days after she was set upon by one Fecknam, a Priest, with whom she held a godly and learned disputation about many points of Re∣ligion, and when he saw that he could not pre∣vail with her, to alter her opinion, he took his leave, saying, I am sorry, for I perceive that we two shall never meet: to whom she replyed, True it is,

we shall never meet, except God turn your heart: For I am sure except you repent, and turn to God, you are in an evil case: and I pray God in the bowels of his mercy to send you his holy Spirit; for he hath given you a great gift of utter ance, if it please him also to o∣pen the eyes of your heart: Her Father being Pri∣soner at the same time in the Tower, she wrote this Letter to him.

Father, Although it pleaseth God to hasten my death by you, by whom my life should rather have been lengthened: yet can I so patiently take it, as I yield God more hearty thanks for shortening my wofull days, then if all the world had been given into my possession, with life lengthened to my will: and albeit I am well assured of your impatient dolors, redoubled many ways, both in bewayling your own woe, and also (as I hear) especially my unfortunate state: Yet, my dear Father (if I may without offence rejoyce in my mishaps) me thinks in this I may account my self blessed, that washing my hands with the innocency of my fact, my guiltless blood may cry before the Lord, mercy to the innocent: and yet, though I must needs acknowledg, that being constrained and (as you well know) continually assaied, in taking the Crown upon me, I seemed to consent, and therein grievously of∣fended the Queen and her Laws: yet do I assuredly trust that this my offence towards God is so much the less, in that being in so Royal an estate as I was, my inforced honor never mixed with my innocent heart: & thus good Father, I have opened my state to you: whose death at hand, although to you perhaps it may seem right wofull, to me there is nothing that can be more welcome, then from this vale of misery, to aspire to that

heavenly throne of all joys, and pleasure with Christ our Saviour: In whose stedfast faith (if it be lawful for the daughter to write so to her father) the Lord that hitherto hath strengthened you, so continue you, that at last we may meet in heaven, with the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, &c.

In the raign of King Edward the sixth, There was one Master Harding, Chaplain to her Father, and a zealous Preacher, and professor of the Gospel, who in the beginning of Queen Maries Raign, turned Papist, swiming down the stream with the Time, which coming to the ears of the Lady Jane in prison, her righteous soul was so grieved, that she wrote this Letter to him.

So oft as I call to minde that dreadful and fearful saying of Christ, That he that putteth his hand to the Plough, and looks back, is not meet for the Kingdom of heaven; and on the contrary, those comfortable words which he speaketh to those that forsake all, and follow him; I cannot but marvel at thee, and lament thy case, who seemedst sometimes to be a lively member of Christ, but now the deformed Imp of the Devil: Sometimes the beautiful Temple of God, but now the stinking, and filthy kenel of Satan: Sometimes the unspotted Spouse of Christ, but now the shameless Paramour of Antichrist: Sometimes my faithful brother, but now a stranger, and an Apostate: Sometimes a stout Chri∣stian souldier, but now a cowardly runaway: Yea, when I consider these things, I cannot but cry out, and say to thee, thou seed of Satan, whom the Devil hath de∣ceived, the world hath beguiled, and the desire of life subverted, and made thee of a Christian, an Infidel:

Wherefore hast thou taken the Law of the Lord into thy mouth? Wherefore hast thou preached the Will of God unto others? Wherefore hast thou instructed o∣thers to be strong in Christ, when thou thy self dost now so shamefully shrink away, and so horribly disho∣nour God? Thou preachest not to steal, and yet most a∣bominably thou stealest, not from men, but God, com∣mitting most hainous sacriledge, robbing Christ of thy body and soul, chusing rather to live with shame, then to die, and glor••ously to raign with Christ, who is life in death unto his? Why dost thou shew thy self most weak, when thou shouldst be most strong? The strength of a Fort is unknown before an assault, but thou yieldest up thy hold before any battery be made a∣gainst it: And so she goes on to discover the danger of his present condition, the terrible threatenings out of the Word of God against backsliders, and Gods severe judgements executed upon them: And lastly, she sweetly sets before his eyes Gods mercies, His gracious promises, many examples of his readiness to forgive, and embrace true penitents, and so concludes with this pathetical exhortation: Let, I pray you, the lively remembrance of the last day be alwayes before your eyes, remembring that Runagates, and Fugitives from Christ shall be cast out at that day, who setting more by the world then by heaven, more by their life then by him that gave them their life, did shrink, and fall from him that forsook not them: And on the contrary, the inestimable joys prepared for them, that fearing no peril, nor dreading death, have manfully fought against, and victoriously triumphed over all

the powers of darkness, hell, death, and damnation, through their most redoubted Captain Christ Jesus, who now stretcheth out his arms to receive you, is ready to fall upon your neck, and kiss you, and last of all, to feast you with the dainties, and delicates of his own most precious blood, which undoubtedly if it might stand with his own determinate purpose, he would be ready to shed again, rather then you should be lost: To whom with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be all Ho∣nour, &c.

Be constant, be constant, fear not for any pain, Christ hath redeemed thee, and heaven is thy gain.

The night before she suffered, she sent her sister, the Lady Katherine her Greek Testament, in the end whereof she wrote thus: I have here sent you (good sister Katherine) a book, which although it be not outwardly printed with gold, yet inwardly it is more worth then precious stones. It is the Book (Dear Sister) of the Law of the Lord. It is his Testament, and last Will which he bequeathed unto us wretches, which shall lead you to the path of eternal joy; and if you, with a good mind read it, and with an ear∣nest heart purpose to follow it, it shall bring you to an immortall and everlasting life, it shall teach you to live, and learn you to die: It shall win you more then you should have gained by the possessi∣on of your woful fathers lands, which if God had prospered you, you should have inherited: So that if you apply diligently this book, seeking to di∣rect

your life after it, you shall be an inheritour of such riches, as neither the covetous shall withdraw from you, neither thief shall steal, nor the moth shall corrupt: Desire with David (good sister) to understand the Law of the Lord God, live still to die, that by death you may purchase eternal life: And trust not that the tenderness of your age shall lengthen your life, for as soon (if God call) goeth the young as the old, labour therefore always to learn to die: Defie the World, deny the Devil, and despise the Flesh, and delight your self only in the Lord: Be penitent for your sins, and yet despaire not: Be strong in faith, and yet presume not, and desire with Paul to be dissolved, and to be with Christ, with whom, even in death there is life: Be like the good servant, and even at midnight be waking, lest when death comes, and steals up∣on you like a thief at midnight, you be with the evil servant found sleeping, and least for lack of oyl you be found like the five foolish Virgins, and like him that had not on the wedding Garment, and so you be shut out from the Marriage: Rejoyce in Christ, as I do: Follow the steps of your Master Christ, and take up his Cross, lay your sins on his back, and always embrace him: And as touching my death, rejoyce, as I do (good sister) that I shal be delivered of this corruption, and put on incor∣ruption: For I am assured that I shal for losing of a mortal life, win an immortal life, the which I pray God to grant you, and send you of his grace to live in his fear, and to die in the true faith of Christ, from the which (in the name of God) I ex∣hort

you, that you never swerve, neither for hope of life, nor for fear of death: For if you deny his Truth to lengthen your life, God will deny you, and withall shorten your days: and if you cleave unto him, he will prolong your days to his glo∣ry, and your comfort: To the which glory God bring me now, and you hereafter, when it shall please him to call you. Fare you well (good sister) and put your onely trust in God, who onely must help you.

During this her imprisonment, she made sundry Divine, and heavenly prayers; which she uttered with much affection, faith, and fervency: The morning before she suffered, her husband the Lord Guilford Dudly, was carried out to the Scaf∣fold on Tower Hill, where, with prayers, in a most penitent manner, he ended his life, whose body all bloody laid in a Cart, together with the head wrapped in a cloth, was brought to the Chappel within the Tower, even in the sight of this sorrowful Lady, a spectacle more deadly then was the Axe of her death: And now her own part was next to be acted: The Stage of her Tragedy was raised upon the Green within the Tower, upon which she mounted with a chearful counte∣nance, and looking upon the people, with great constancy, she spake thus unto them: Good people, I am come hither to die, and by a Law I am condemned to the same: My offence against the Queens Highness was onely in consenting to the devise of others, which now is deemed Treason, yet it was never of my seeking, but by counsel of those who should seem to have further

understanding of things then I, which knew little of the Law, and much less of titles to the Crown: But touching the procurement, or desire thereof by me, or on my behalf, I do here wash my hands in innocency before God, & the face of you all this day: And therewith she wrung her hands, wherein she had her book: Then she said further: I pray you all good Christian people to bear me witness that I die a true Christian woman, and that I do look to be saved by no other means, but onely by the mercy of God in the blood of his onely Son Jesus Christ: And I confess, that when I did know the Word of God, I neglected the same, loved my self and the world, and therefore this plague and punishment is justly befaln me for my sins: And yet I thank God of his goodness, that he hath thus been pleased to give me a time and respite to repent in: And now good people, while I am alive, I pray you assist me with your prayers: Then she kneeled down, and said in English the one and fifty Psalm in a most devout maner throughout unto the end: Then standing up she gave her Gloves, and Handkerchief to her Maide, and her Book to Master Bruges the Lieutenant of the Tower, then she untied her Gown, and the Hang∣man pressing upon her to help her off with it, she desired him to let her alone, and turning to her tvvo Gentlewomen, they helped her off there∣with, and her other attires, giving her a fair Hand∣kerchief to knit about her eys: Then the Hang∣man kneeled down, asking her forgiveness: Unto whom she said: The Lord forgive thee, and I do; and I pray thee dispatch me quickly: Then he willed her to stand upon the straw, which doing, she saw

the Block: Then she kneeled down, saying: Will you take it off before I lay it down: And the Hang∣man said, No Madam: Then tied she the Hand∣kerchief about her eyes, and feeling for the Block, she said, What shall I do? Where is it? Where is it? One of the standers by guiding her thereun∣to, she laid her head down upon the Block, and then stretched forth her body, and said: Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit; which was scarcely uttered before she received the fatall stroke with the Axe: And so she ended her life Anno Christi, 1554. and of her Age 16. Her death was lament∣ed of all, but not suffered to go altogether unpu∣nished by God: For Judge Morgan, that passed the sentence of condemnation upon her, shortly after fell mad, and in his raving, cryed out con∣tinually, Take away the Lady Jane from me, and in that horror ended his wretched life. She was a most chast, innocent, and vertuous Lady, of high Birth, yet were not her Parents any whit indul∣gent to her in her childhood, but rather more se∣vere then needed to so sweet a temper: For what need iron instuments to bow wax: But as the sharpest Winters (correcting the rankness of the earth) cause the more healthful, and fruitful Sum¦mers: So the harshness of her breeding, compact¦ed her soul to the greater patience, and piety, whereby she proved the Mirror of her Age: On a time Master Roger Ascham coming to wait upon her at Broadgates in Leicestershe••re, he found her in her Chamber, reading Phaedon Platonis ••n Greek, with much delight, whilst her Father, with the

Dutches, and all the houshold were hunting in the Park: He aked her how she could lose such Pa∣stime? Who smiling, answered, I wiss, all the sport in the Park is but a shadow of that pleasure which I finde in this book: Adding further, that it was one of the greatest blessings that God ever gave her, in send∣ing her sharp Parents, and a gentle Schoolmaster, which made her take delight in nothing so much as in her studies: During her imprisonment in the Tower, she made misery it self amiable, by her pi∣ous and patient behaviour: Adversity, her night∣clothes, becoming her as well as her day dressings, by reason of her gracious deportment: Some said that she was with childe when she was beheaded; the greater cruelty, to cut down the tree with blossoms on it, and that that which saveth the lives of other women should hasten her death: On a time the Lady Jane, when she was very young, was at New-Hall in Essex, the Lady Maries house, where being intreated by the Lady Ann Wharton to walk abroad with her; as they passed by the Chappel, the Lady Wharton made a low courtesie to the Popish Sacrament hanging over the High Altar, which when the Lady Jane saw, she marvelled at it, and asked her why she did it, and whether the Lady Mary was there, or no? She said, no, but I make courtesie to him that made us all: Why (quoth the Lady Jane) how can he be there that made us all, when as the Baker made him: Which speech of hers coming to the Lady Maries ears, she never loved her after, which well appeared by the sequel: Master Fox con∣cludes

his Story of her with these Verses:

Tu, quibus ista legis incertum est, lector, ocellis: Ipse quidem siccis scibere non potui: What eyes thou read'st with, Reader, know I not, Mine were not dry when I this story wrot:

She had a fine vein in Poetry: In her troubles she made these Verses:

Non aliena putes homini quae obtingere possunt: Sors hodierna mihi, cras erit illa tibi: Think nothing strange which man cannot decline: My lot's to day, to morrow may be thine:

Deo juvante nil nocet livor malus: Et non juvante, nil juvat labor gravis. Post tenebras, spero lucem: If God protect me, malice cannot end me: If not, all I can do will not defend me: After dark night, I hope for light,

This Epitaph was also made of her: Regia stirps, tristi cinxi diademate crines: Regna sed omnipotens hinc meliora dedit. My race was Royal, sad was my short raign: Now in a better Kingdom I remain.

Collected out of the Book of Martyrs, Speeds Chronicle, Stows Annals, Fullers Holy Sate, and Hollands Herωologia Anglica.

[illustration] portrait of Philip Sidney

S^r. P. SYDNEY

The Life of Sir Philip Sidney, who dyed, Anno Christi, 1586.

PHilip Sidney, was Son and Heir to Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, President of Wales, and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter: a Person of Great parts; and in no mean grace with Queen Elizabeth: his Mother was Daughter to the Duke of Northumberland, and Sister to the Earls of Warwick and Leicester, so that

his descent was apparantly Noble of both sides. In his very Childhood there appeared in him such excellent parts, and endowments of nature, that his Father conceiving great hopes of him, was very carefull of his education, so that having soon drunk in the principles of learning at home, he was sent to the University, where he profited exceed∣ingly in the knowledge of the Arts, so that after an incredible proficiency in all the species of lear∣ning, he left the Academicall life, for that of the Court, whether he came by the invitation, and instigation of his Uncle the Earl of Leicester, at that time a great Favorite of the Queens: Fame had before hand blazed abroad his noble accomplishments: He was of a comely Pre∣sence, and framed by a naturall propension to Arms, so that he soon attracted the good opinion of all men, and was so highly prized in the good opinion of the Queen, that she thought the Court wanted a great Ornament, when he was absent from it: Whilest he was at Court, at his spare hours, he composed that incomparable Book for phancie, and language, called his Arcadia, when he was but one and twenty years old; the Queen thought him so fit for the greatest imployments, that she sent him upon an Embassy to the Em∣peror of Germany at Vienna, which he discharged to his own honor, and her good content; yea, his Fame was so renowned through Christendom, that he was in election for the Kingdom of Poland, but our Queen refused to further his advancement, not out of emulation, but out of fear to loose the

Jewel of her times: He married the daughter, and sole Heir of Sir Francis Walsingam, then Se∣cretary of State, a Lady destinated to the bed of Honor, who after his death was married to the Earl of Essex, and after his death to the Earl of St. Albans: During his aboad at Court, he became of intimate acquaintance with Sir Fulk Grevil, af∣terwards L. Brook, who thought himself so much honored by his friendship, that having erected for himself a stately Monument in St. Maries Church in Warwick, He caused to be engraven upon his Tomb: Fulk Grevil servant to Queen Elizabeth, Counsellor to King James, and friend to Sir Philip Sidney. The States of the Netherlands having ob∣tained aid of our Queen against the Spaniards, they agreed to deliver up to her some cautionary towns for her security, whereupon she sent over Sir Phi∣lip Sidney to be Governour of Flushing, and of the Castle of Ramekins: afterwards his Unkle the Earl of Leicester was sent over as Deputy-Generall for the Queen, who was honorably entertained by the States: and not liking to lye still, and do nothing, he made his preparation for the taking in of Zutphen, whereupon the Prince of Parma sought to furnish the place with victuals, sending with it a convoy of seven hundred horse, and two thousand foot: To intercept these, Leicester sent Sir John Norris, to whose assistance came the Earl of Essex, the Lord Willowby, Sir Phi. Sidney, Sir Wil. Stanley, and Sir Wil. Russel, in all two hundred horse, and one thousand five hundred Musketiers and Pikes: The day being dark by reason of great fog∣gy

mists, the Spaniards whilst their waggons made forward, staid in a place of advantage neer Zut∣phen, upon whom the English were entred before they were aware, and were entertained with a fu∣rious charge of shot, which notwithstanding they abode, and so valiantly followed the skirmish, that they overthrew, put back, slew, and took pri∣soners many of them, but herein the day pro∣ved dolefull, that the worthy Sir Philip Sidney, as he was changing his horse, was shot by a Musket above the left knee, which so shivered the thigh bone, that the Bullet could not be got out: Being thus wounded, he was carried to Arnheim in Gelder∣land. Whilest he lay thus upon his wound, M. Hum∣phrey Fen, a godly and able Minister, being at this time Chaplain to the Earl of Leicester, went to vi∣sit him, who found him carefully fitting and pre∣paring himself for death; wherein he was much holpen by that faithfull servant of Jesus Christ: and after Mr. Fen had been a while with him, Sir Philip told him that he had made his Will, and that he was now minded to be his own Executor, and so causing a Cabinet to be brought to him, he gave him a good sum of Gold, which he had for∣merly bequeathed to him in his Will: in this his last sickness, his Arcadia came into his mind, and he considered that in it there were divers light, & amorous passages, which might tend to the cor∣rupting of the incautious Reader: It was not as yet Printed, neither was there any Copy of it, but onely one, which for the present was in the hands of his intire friend, Sir Fulk Grevil, and therefore to

shew his repentance for the vanity of his youth, he sent to Sir Fulk Grevil, and conjured him by all the obligations of friendship that were betwixt them, that he should presently burn that Copy, that so it might never come abroad into the world; which earnest request of his dying friend, Sir Fulk Grevil had intended to have fulfilled, but that the importunity of some about him, prevented it: Sir Philip Sidney lay thus languishing upon his wound, for the space of five and twenty days, bearing the pains of it with admirable patience, and Christi∣an fortitude, at the end whereof he quietly resign∣ed his spirit into the hands of his mercifull Redee∣mer, Anno Christi, 1586. His death was much be∣wailed both by the Queen and all good men, for the great hopes that they had of this worthy Gentleman, in whom were compleat all the ver∣tues, and valour which could be expected in him: his body was brought over into England, where he was honorably interred with his Ancestors. I have many years ago seen this Epitaph hanging up in Pauls Church of him:

England, Netherland, the Heavens, and the Arts, The World, and the Souldiers have made six parts Of Noble Sidney, for who can suppose, That a small heap of stones can Sidney inclose?

England hath his body, for she it bred: Netherland hath his bloud, in her defence shed: The Heavens have his soul: the Arts his fame: The Souldiers the grief, the World his good name.

I have also seen this Epitaph of him.

Carmen Apollo dedit, belli Mars contulit Artes: Sed juveni vitam Mors rapit ante diem.

Apollo made him wise, Mars made him very stout: Death made him leave the world, Before his youth was out.

Certain it is (saith one) that he was a Noble and matchless Gentleman, and it may be justly said of him without Hyperboles of fiction, as it was of Ca∣to Ʋticensis: That he seemed to be born to do that onely which he went about.

Collected out of Hollands Herωologia An∣glica: Fragmenta Regalia: Speeds Chronicle, and the Netherland History.

[illustration] portrait of Galeacius Caracciolus

G. CARACCIOLUS

The Life of Galeacius Caracciolus, Marquess of Vico, who dyed, Anno Christi. 1592.

GAleacius Caracciolus was born at Naples, Anno Christi, 1517. His Fathers name was Calanto∣nius descended of the ancient, and Noble Family of the Caraccioli of Capua: His Mother was de∣scended of the noble Family of the Caraffi, whose Brother was afterwards Pope Paul the Fourth. His Father was very carefull of his Education in

his youth, and then being well known to, and in favour with the Emperor Charls the Fifth; he re∣quested him to intertain this his Son into his ser∣vice, which the Emperor willingly did, and liked him so well, that shortly after he made him his Gentlem an-sewer; in which place, and office, he demeaned himself so wel, that he woon the favour of the Nobility, and rest of the Court, and grew to be of speciall accompt with the Emperor him∣self: and indeed few were to be compared with him for innocency of life, elegancy of manners, sound judgement, and knowledge of many things: His Father also being desirous to continue his name, and advance his house, provided for him a Wife, a Virgin of Noble birth, called Victoria, Daughter to the Duke of Nuceria, with whom he had in Portion 6500. l. his Fathers estate being worth 5000. l. per annum. By this Wife he had six children [four Sons, and two Daughters] But God intending to advance him to an higher dignity then that to which he was born, was pleased in mercy by degrees to reveal himself, & his truth to him: The first beginning of it was this: There lived about this time in Naples, a Noble Spaniard, called Iohn Waldesius, who having got some knowledge of the truth of the Gospel, especially in the Do∣ctrine of Justification, he used often to confer with, and instruct divers other Noble-men, his compa∣nions, and familiar friends, in points of Religion, confuting the false opinion of our inherent Justifi∣cation, and merit of good Works, and thereby detecting the vanity and fondness of some Popish

points, by which means (the Lord blessing his la∣bours) many of these Noblemen began to creep out of darkness, and to discern the truth, amongst whom one was Iohn Francis Caesarta, a Kinsman to Galeacius: he discoursing often with Galeacius, be∣gan to convince him of the vanity of worldly pri∣viledges: of the true means of our Justification; of the excellency and power of Gods Word, and of the folly of most of the Popish superstitions: Now Galeacius much esteemed this his Kinsman, yet the world hung so heavy upon him, that for the pre∣sent these things seemed to make but smal impres∣sion upon his spirit: At this time Peter Martyr was a publike Preacher, and Reader at Naples, whose holy life, and sweet, copious Teaching, made him very famous. Hereupon, Galeacius was once con∣tent at Caesarta's motion, to go and hear his Ser∣mon, yet not so much out of a desire to learn, as tickled with a curious humor to hear so famous and learned a man. Peter Martyr at this time was shewing out of 1 Cor. the weakness, and deceit∣fulness of the judgement of mans reason in spiritu∣all things, and the power, and efficacie of Gods word in those men in whom the Lord works by his Spirit, which he illustrated by this compa∣rison.

If a man should see men and women dancing to∣gether afar off, and hear no instrument, he would judge them mad, or foolish; but if he come neer, and hear the Musick, and mark their measures, &c. he will then not onely delight to see them, but feel a desire in himself to bear them company: Even so

many men, when they behold in others a sudden and great change of their looks, apparel, beha∣viour, and whole course of life, at first he will impute it to melancholy, or some foolish hu∣mor; but if he look neerer, and begin to hear, and perceive the sweet harmony and consent of Gods Spirit, and word in them, then they change their opinion, and begin, first, to like them, and that al∣teration in them; and afterwards feel in themselves a desire to imitate, and be of the number of such men, as forsaking the worlds vanity, walk accord∣ing to the rule of the Gospel, that they may come to true, and sound sanctification: This comparison, by the grace, power, and efficacie of Gods Spirit, wrought wonderfully in Galeacius, (as he oft con∣fest to his friends) that from that hour he resolved to forsake his former pleasures, and practices, and to set himself to seek out true happiness: and for that end, he read the Scriptures every day, as the fountain whence it must be drawn, and wherein the way to heaven was discovered: He chose such company, by whose life and conference he might be edified in the true Religion, and in his most ho∣ly faith: But this great alteration being observed in Naples, his old companions were much amazed at it: some judged it a melancholy passion: others esteemed it plain folly, & feared that he would be∣come simple, and doting. But such as feared God, as they wondred much to see so great a change in so great a man; so they exceedingly rejoyced to see it, and praised the Lord in his behalf: But the more couragiously this worthy servant of Christ

went on in the ways of godliness, the more the Devil raged against him by his temptations, en∣deavouring thereby to stop his course, or, if it were possible to drive him back again, that having begun in the spirit, he might end in the flesh: First, his zealous profession procured him an infinite number of mocks, and made him the subject of most vile slanders: many took occasion thereby extreamly to hate him: his Father was much displeased and vext, seeing how the honor and advancement of his house was like to be ecclipsed thereby, and therefore he often, and sharply chid him, charged him with his Fatherly authority to put away his melancholy conceits: this much grieved him, be∣ing always very submiss, and obedient to his pa∣rents: his Wife Victoria also (though a wise, kind, and dutifull Wife) yet would she by no means yield to his motion, for the change of her religion, fearing infamy, and reproach thereby, and there∣fore she was always soliciting of him with com∣plaints, tears, kind intreaties, and all other ways that a wife could use to her husband: It was also a great temptation, that almost all the Nobility in and about Naples, being of kin, and familiar acquaintance with him, oft resorted to him, to draw him forth to his old sports and pleasures: And his Office sometimes calling him to the Court, it was a great trouble to him, for there he heard of any thing rather then of Religion; not a word of Gods word, but all of pleasures, honors, &c. or how they might rid out of the way the for∣sakers of Popery, and professors of the true faith:

yet Satan set upon him by a more dange∣rous temptation, to withdraw him from the truth; for at that time Italy was much pestered with Ar∣rians and Anabaptists, who with glorious shews deceived the simple; these men set upon Galeacius, seeking by all means to entangle him in their er∣rors, and blasphemous phancies: But Gods good∣ness appeared wonderfully, enabling him, newly entred into the School of Christian Religion, and as yet little studied in the Scriptures, to resist the cunning snares of these dissembling Hereticks, many of them being grounded Scholers, and throughly studied in the Scriptures: yet he by the sincere simplicity of Gods truth, and assi∣stance of the Holy Ghost, not onely discerned the fondness of their opinions, but untied the knots, and brake the snares, and mightily con∣futed them: yea, (through Gods mercy) be∣ing often in their meetings, he was strongly confirmed in the truth by hearing, and seeing of them: Yet he met with a more dangerous temp∣tation, for the Waldesians, with whom he most conversed, though they were right in some points of Religion about Justification, &c. and disliked some abuses in Popery, yet they frequented the Popish Churches, heard their Masses, & were pre∣sent at their vile Idolatries, and this they did to avoid persecution, and this was a dangerous ex∣ample to Galeacius, but (through the good provi∣dence of God) his Office calling him into Germany to the Emperors Court, at Strasbrough he met with his old friend Peter Martyr (who was then

Divinity Professor there) by whom he learned, that the knowledge of the truth of Justification was not sufficient to salvation, if in the mean time a man defiled himself with Idolatry, which the Scripture cals spiritual whoredom: from him he received many other comfortable instructions, and thereby was much confirmed in the truth: and so returning to Naples, he declared his Judgement to the Waldesians, concerning the shunning of Idola∣try, whereupon they presently forsook him, being unwilling to hear of that Doctrine which would expose them to all maner of sufferings: But God of his infinite mercy, wrought in him such heroical resolutions, that seeing his friends forsook him, and he had no hope of seeing a Reformation in Naples, he resolved to forsake his Country, and seek for Christ and his Religion wheresoever he might find them, and that he would rather forsake father, wife, children, goods, honors, &c. to win Christ, then to enjoy them all, and want Christ Jesus; yet herein he met with many grievous combats: for so oft as he looked upon his aged fa∣ther that dearly loved him, and whom he again respected with all duty, and reverence, so oft he was stricken to the heart with unspeakable grief to think of leaving of him; and such like reaso∣nings he had in his heart: What, must I needs forsake my loving father, or else I cannot have God my Father? And must I needs fail in my duty to him, if I perform my duty to God? Shall I hereby bring his hoary hairs with sorrow to the grave? Shall I bring an obloquie upon him, and

my whole kindred? shall I be the cause of his death, that would (if need were) redeem my life with his own death? Yet must I rather hazard his life, then cast my own poor soul with horror into hell: And no less was he grieved in respect of his noble Wife, having no hope that she would renounce Popery, and go with him: She was in the prime of her youth, a Lady of great birth, fair, wise, and modest, but her love and loialty to him passed all, which filled him with these reaso∣nings: Shall I thus suddenly leave my dear wife, the onely joy of my heart in this world, my com∣panion, the augmenter of my joy, and lesner of my wo? Shall I thus leave her for ever? Shall I de∣prive my self of her, & thereby of all others also, and of all comfort of a conjugal life, and married estate? Alas poor Lady! what will become of her, and her little ones when I am gone? What will she do but weep, and wail, and pine away with grief? Yet must I for Christs sake resolve to leave her, and all, to follow Christ: Whilst he me∣ditated on these things, he thought he heard, and saw his wife sighing, and sobbing, and weeping, and houling, and running after him, saying: Ah my deer Lord! and sweet husband, whither will you go? And will you leave me poor woman comfortless and succourless? What can honors, riches, gold, silver, jewels, friends, &c. do when I want you? What joy can I take in my children without you, but rather my grief to be doubled to look on them? How can any be perswaded that you care for me, or them? Is this the love you

have so often boasted of? &c. These thoughts tormented him the more, because they boiled in his heart, and he durst impart them to none, least they should have hindred his departure: yet the thoughts about his children extreamly aug∣mented his grief: they were goodly and towardly children, worthy such Noble parents: they were young, and therefore not apprehensive what it was to want a Father: He loved them tenderly: When his wife, the Lady, did sometimes put into his arms the youngest to play with, how did it cut him to the heart, and what ado had he to contain from floods of tears? how did he in himself thus rea∣son; and shall I presently leave these sweet Babes to the wide and wicked world, as though they had never been my children? to be a Father is a comfort, but a Father of no children, and yet to have children, is a misery? And you poor Orphans, what will become of you when I am gone? Your hap is hard to be fatherless, your Fa∣ther yet living: What can your great birth now help you? by my departure you shall loose all, honor, living, dignity, &c. yea, hereby you shall be exposed to infamy, reproach, slander, &c. so that you shall curse the time that ever you had me for your Father: Many other were the tempta∣tions that he conflicted withall, though inferiour to these, as leaving the company of so many No∣blemen, his kindred and acquaintance: to loose his honorable Office at Court: to leave for ever his Native soyl, the fruitfull Italy: to deprive him∣self and posterity of the Noble title of a Marques∣dom:

to undertake a long and tedious journey: to cast himself into exile, povertie, shame, and other miseries: to leave so brave a seat, the Garden and Orchard wherof exceeded all others in Italy, to see which, there daily resorted many strangers out of all parts: yet resolved he (through Gods grace) to leave all and follow Christ: saying thus to him∣self: Thou Lord art he that drewest me out of the mistie darkness of ignorance, enlightning my mind with thy holy spirit, and with the heavenly knowledge of thy truth, thou hast made known to me the way of salvation, & hast ransomed me to thy self, by the blood of thy Son: now therefore holy Father I am only thine, consecrated to thy glory, & therefore I will follow thee, and obey thee, and walk in thy ways whithersoever thou shalt be pleased to call me. Not my Father, Wife, Children, Honors, Lands, Riches, nor all my delica∣cies, and pleasures shall hold me one hour from following thee: I deny my self, and I deny this whole World for thee, and thy sake: O Lord thou knowest how many enemies compass me? How many hinderances, and temptations lie in my way, &c. O Lord have mercy upon me, and deliver my soul, &c. O blessed and happy these miseries, that pull me out of the worlds vanities, and sink of sins, that I may be made heir of everlasting glory; welcome therefore the Cross of Christ, I will take it up O Lord, and will follow thee. According to this holy resolution, ma∣king his mind known onely to a few of his choice friends, of whose piety he hoped well, he wrought so much upon them, that they vowed to accom∣pany him in this his voluntary exile; yet, see the de∣ceitfulness

of mans heart, most of these, when they came to the borders of Italy, and began seriously to consider what they left behind them, and what they went to, they first (with Lots wife) began to look back, and afterwards went back, turning a∣gain to the vomit of their pleasures: But oh the unsearchableness of Gods judgements, these in∣gratefull persons refusing so great a mercy offered them, the Lord pursued with just revenge: for purposing to serve God in their pleasures in the middest of Popery, they were taken by the Inqui∣sition, forced publikely to recant, and abjure their religion, and so became the subject of misery, and infamy, and were equally odious to both parties: Yet their Apostacy was a great discouragement to Galeacius, seeing himself forsaken of those by whose society he hoped to have enjoyed much comfort in a strange Country: Notwithstanding all this, he prepared for his departure, and finding his opportunity, he concealed his purpose, least the authority of his Father might have diverted him, and so getting some 1000. Marks, which his Mother had left him, on the 20. of March, Anno 1551. & of his Age 34. he departed from Naples, as if he had intended for the Emperors Court, whither indeed he went, attending his Office for a short time, and then bidding adieu to the Court, and all worldly pleasures, he went strait to Geneva, where he arrived in safety (through Gods mercy) & with a joyfull heart: In that City, though there was an Italian Church; yet met he with none of his ac∣quaintance, but one, a Nobleman of Siena, and

now a Preacher to the Italian Congregation: thus blessing God for freeing of him from the Anti∣christian yoak, & bringing of him where he might safely profess his name with a free conscience; he associated himself with Master Calvin, and sub∣mitted to his instruction, who finding his sin∣cerity, meekness, &c. most kindly entertained him into his fellowship, and this their mutuall love was so firmly grounded, that it continued to their lives end; Master Calvin shews how he honored & esteemed of him by his Epistle to him, wherein he dedicates to him his Commentary upon the first Epist. to the Corin. And amongst many other high commendations that he gives him there, he ac∣knowledgeth that the example of Galeacius prevai∣led much with him, for the strengthning of his faith, and encrease of his godliness: But when the news of his fixing at Geneva came to the Emperors Court, and to Naples, it cannot be imagined how strangely it affected all that heard it: but above all, his own friends were wonderfully astonished at it, and his Family; where nothing was to be heard but lamentations, tears, and pitiful complaints, so that it seemed a lively pattern of woe, and misery: yet was the old Marquess his Father most affe∣cted of all others, foreseeing hereby the ruin and downfall of his estate and Family: but the vi∣olence of sorrow being once over, he began to cast about by what means he might recover him again; and for that end sent a cosen-german of his, that was most dear to Galeacius, with Lttters to Geneva, full of authority, protestations, bitter com∣plaints,

and loving intreaties to return home again, for the comfort of his aged Father, the reviving, and cheering up his forlorn wife, and distressed children, and to the unspeakable joy of all his kindred. This Gentleman coming to Geneva, found Galeacius in a mean house, which he had taken for his use, with onely two servants attending upon him: but how sad was the meeting of these two gentlemen, which was spent in nothing but im∣bracings, sighs, sobs, and tears; yea, it so exceed∣ed, that for divers hours, they could not speak a word each to other: till at last the Gentleman ho∣ping, and longing to recover his friend, with piti∣full words mixed with tears, he delivered his Let∣ters, til he had recovered more freedom of speech, which having once obtained, to his Letters, he ad∣ded obtestations, intreaties, perswasions, and ex∣hortations, all mingled with many tears, that he would respect the ruin of his house, the grief of his old Father, the desperate condition of his Wife, and Children, &c. and remedy all by his return into Italy. But Galeacius, being as unmove∣able as a Rock, without delay returned him an∣swer, that he knew all this which he said to be true, yet withall he would have him know, that he had done nothing rashly, he had consulted with God, by whose grace he was moved hereun∣to: and by the same grace had his eyes opened to discern the truth, and to see the Superstitions in Popery, &c. He told him also that he had well weighed the infami••s, reproaches, and miseries which attended this his change: But said he, seeing

one of these must needs be chosen, either to stay at home with a burthened conscience, under an heap of errors, and superstitions, or else to leave house, lands, family, Country; yea, and all the worlds glory, thereby to obtain liberty to serve the Lord purely according to his word; that there∣fore he resolved of two evils to chuse the less, and rather to shut his eyes against the splendor of worldly glory, and empty vanities, then that the sight of them should hinder him from following the call of Christ; who saith, That he is unworthy to be his Disciple, who leaveth not Father, Mo∣ther, Wife, Children, &c. yea, and his own life to follow him: therefore said he, I forsook all these, because I could not enjoy Christ, and them, being heartily sorry that they would not come to him, or that he might not have liber∣ty safely to live with them: But for himself, he said he had riches, honor, and joy enough, so long as in that cottage with his two servants, he might live in the true Church of God, enjoy his Word and Sacraments free from pollution, and the soci∣ety of godly men, and have time to converse with God by holy meditation, & to confer with his re∣ligious friends about Gods great goodness shewed him in his conversion, &c. His kinsman was much astonished at this answer, yet had nothing to re∣ply; considering that his resolution was not grounded on carnall reason, or the will of man, but upon the holy word of God, and his powerful and unresistable calling: therefore with a sorrow∣full heart he held his tongue, bitterly complaining

within himself, that he had succeeded no better, and so after a while he took his leave of his belo∣ved friend, with many tears, and pitifull cries on both sides. When he came neer Naples, there was much running to hear good news, but when he had delivered his heavie message, the sorrow of them all was redoubled upon them: Father, Wife, Children, Friends, &c. were all overwhelmed with grief: and the rather, because at the same time the Emperor had published an Edict, where∣in he proclaimed Galeacius guilty of high-treason, confiscating his goods, and making himself, and his posterity uncapable of his Fathers Marques∣dom: this made the old man, notwithstanding his great age, to go to the Emperor, and to sue to him, that his sons falling from the Roman Church might not prejudice his posterity, but that himself only might bear the punishment of his fault: But before he entred upon this journy, he dispatch∣ed away a messenger with a letter, to charge his son upon his filiall odedience, to meet him such a time at Verona, within the Venetian territories, hoping if he could speak with him, that he should recal him from the society of the Hereticks of Geneva: Galea∣cius having received this Letter, and taken advice upon it, purposed not to disobey so lawful a com∣mand of his Father, though he feared that it would but further exasperate him: yet, before he went, he resolved by Gods grace, that neither threat∣nings, intreaties, allurements, &c. should stir him one inch from that course of Religion, whereby he had begun to serve the Lord: And thus armed

with heavenly fortitude, and the Prayers of the Church, he hasted to Verona, where he found his Father, who received, and used him kindly: and after salutations, he set upon him with all the cunning and subtile arguments that he could pos∣sibly invent to draw him home again: Galeacius humbly answers, that his body and estate is his Fathers, but his conscience is the Lords: tels him he cannot imbrace that motion, but he must make Shipwrack of a good conscience; and there∣fore humbly intreats him, that seeing his only de∣sire was to obey God, and save his soul, that he would not urge him more to respect estate, and fa∣mily, then Gods glory, and his own souls health: The old Marquess seeing the unmoveableness of his son, which he deemed wilfulness; yet enjoyned him at least to stay there till he had been with the Emperor, and preferred his Petition to him: this Galeacius assented to, and performed; but so soon as ever he understood that the Emperor had gran∣ted his Fathers request, he with a joyfull heart re∣turned to Geneva, and being there, he considered how to imploy himself for the publike good: for which end he devised how to settle the Discipline of the Italian Church there, which was much in∣creased by a confluence of families w^ch fled from the bloody Inquisition: About this time Calvin was delegated to go to Basil about matters of Re∣ligion, with whom (at his request) Galiaceus went, and there met with Celsus, descended of the no∣ble Family of the Earls of Martinengo in Italy lately (through Gods mercy) escaped out of the

mire of Popish Superstition: This Celsus was then purposed to go for England, but by the perswa∣sion of Galeacius, he went with him to Geneva, where they both joyned together, and by the help, and direction of Calvin, they established a form of Discipline for the Italian Church, and Cel∣sus was chosen the first Pastor thereof, in which place he performed the office of a faithful and vigilant Watchman, and had two Elders joyned as assistants to him: The principal of the Elders, was Galeacius himself, by whose authori∣ty and diligence the Church was preserved in Peace and Unity.

Anno 1555. His Uncle Paulus Quintus was made Pope; hereupon the old Marquess wrote to him, commanding him to meet him at Mantua in Italy, sending him provision of mony for his journey: he obeyed, and went thither, where his Father en∣tertained him with more then ordinary kindness. Then he told him, that he had procured of his Uncle, the Pope, a Dispensation for him, where∣by he might freely live in any City within the Ve∣netian Territories, without being molested for his Religion and Conscience: He told him that here∣by he would be a greater solace to his old age, then his absence had been a grief, earnestly in∣treating him that he would gratifie him in this re∣quest, and all in a most pathetical maner, be∣seeching him not to reject so great a favour offer∣ed him by the Pope, telling him that hereby he might recover his honors, estate, friends, and estimation. Galeacius was wonderfully perplexed

with this motion, considering the proffers, and promises, and authority of his Father, which he knew not well how to deny, nor how to im∣brace, the rather because he wanted the advise of his faithful friend Master Calvin: Being in this great perplexity, he durst not rely upon his own wit, but retiring himself, betook himself to fer∣vent prayer unto God his Saviour, the Author of true Wisdom, humbly craving the assistance of his holy Spirit, that in this his extremity he might resolve upon that which was most for Gods Glo∣ry, and his own sound comfort: And the Lord answered his prayers, directing him in the way that he should chuse: For considering, that the Pope, Antichrist like, directly opposed himself to Christ, his religion, and true Church, that there∣fore he might by no means sue for, or accept any favour at his hands, nor be at all beholding to him for any thing: Besides, Gods Spirit suggested to him, that it carried with it a shew of Apostasie, to forsake the fellowship of Christs Church, and to live amongst Idolaters: as also how scanda∣lous it would be to professors, who would be ready to think, that he had taken his farewell of religion, and renewed acquaintance with his old friend the world: and further, that this was to forsake the ordinary means of the true word, and Sacraments, and to live in a place where there was nothing but Idolatry: He further saw that Sa∣thans policy herein was to entangle him again in the cares of the world, and pleasures of Italy, and thereby to dazie his eyes with sensual delights,

that by degrees the power of godliness might de∣cay in him: & lastly, Gods holy Spirit taught him wisdom how to answer all his Fathers objections, and confute all his arguments: Hereupon he be∣seeched his Father not to draw him to that which afterwards he might have cause to repent of, by making him a prey to the Papists, who held it for a Maxime, that faith was not to be kept with Hereticks: therefore saith he, its better for me, and more joy to you, that I live in this poor estate, then that I should endanger my life, and my whole posteri∣ty: the Marquess being silenced hereby, returned with an heavy heart to Naples, and Galeacius with a merry heart to Geneva, where he was received by his friends, and the whole Church, with exceeding rejoycing for his safe return: but by the way, he vi∣sited that godly Princess, the old Dutchess of Ferra∣ra, who entertained him honorably, and had much conference with him about his conversion, tempta∣tions, Journeys, the Church at Geneva, & the great Calvin, & so lovingly dismissed him, sending him in her own Coach, for his ease, as far as to the Town of Francolium: During these occurrences, his Wife Victoria burned in hearty affections to∣wards him, and its inexpressible how vehemently she longed for his company, so that she never cea∣sed writing to him, beseeching him to return again to her, and his Children: but when Letters pre∣vailed not, she earnestly desired him to meet her in some City within the Territories of the Venetians: this request he yielded to, hoping to prevail with her to leave her superstition, and to come with

him to Geneva: the place where they were to meet, was Laesina, a City in Dalmatia, a hundred miles by water from Vicum: thither he went, but she came not according to promise, but sent two of her eldest sons to meet him there; their sight and company was most acceptable to him, but being frustrate of his expectation, in meeting with his wife, he sent them back, and returned to Gene∣va, where after a few days came Letters posting from his wife, craving pardon for her former fai∣ling, and beseeching him once more to come to that place, where, without fail she solemnly vowed to attend him: this request seemed very unreaso∣nable, that he should so spend his time, and weary out himself, in such long & dangerous journies: yet considering, that at his first coming from her, he had not so fully discharged his duty, by endeavou∣ring her conversion, he yielded to go, and accord∣ingly, An. 1558. he came again to Laesina, where he understood that many of his friends, together with his Wife, had intended to have met him, but that a Marriner of Venice had disappointed them; hereupon he resolved to go to Vicum, relying on the Lords protection, having, as he conceived, a speciall call thereunto: when he came to his Fa∣thers Castle, it cannot be expressed how great joy the whole Family was filled with: but above all others, his Wife surpassed with joy, and de∣light, hoping that now she had recovered her deer Lord and Husband, the onely comfort, and so∣lace of her life: but within a few days all this joy was turned into tears, and mourning, when he

had discovered his constant resolution to perse∣vere in his Religion, and that he would rather die then be drawn from it: yet in the midst of these mournings, which almost brake his heart, he com∣forted himself in the Lord, dealing with his wife in a loving way, and earnest manner to go and live with him her Husband, as the Law of God, and nature required, promising her that she should have liberty of her religion, to live as she would: but she flatly answered him [though with many tears] that she would never go with him to Geneva, and that she would not live with him as long as he was intangled with those Heresies: Yea, so violent and wilfull she was, that she there deni∣ed him that duty which a wife is bound by all Law to yield to her husband, nor would by any means lye with him as man and wife; say∣ing, that she was expresly forbidden by her Con∣fessor to do it, upon the pain of excommunication: How this unwomanly answer pierced his heart, its easie for Husbands to guess: yet he bore it with in∣vincible constancy and quietness of mind, but withall told her, that if she denied him that ma∣trimoniall duty which by the Law of God she owed him, he would sue out a divorce against her: Notwithstanding she still persisted in her ob∣stinacy, rather chusing to break Gods command, then her Confessors: he therefore resolving to de∣part, reiterated his former protestation to her, and so bad her to take it as his last warning.

The dolefull day of his departure being come, he went to his Father to take his leave, whose for∣mer

love was now turned into fury, so that he gave him his farewell with many an heavie and bitter curse, which the Lord turned into blessing, and so having passed this brunt, he came into the Hall, where was his Wife, Children, and many of his neer kindred, and deer friends, all fraught with grief and heaviness: Nothing was heard but sighs, sobs, and cries: Nothing seen but tears, and wringing of hands, his Wife imbracing, and ta∣king him about the neck, beseeched him with lo∣ving and pitifull speeches, that he would pity himself, her, and his children, and not so wil∣fully cast them all away: His young children all upon their knees, with arms stretched out, hands holden up, and faces swoln with tears, cry∣ed unto him to have pity upon them, his own bowels, and not to make them fatherless before their time: His kindred with heavie countenances, and watry eyes looked rufully on him, and though through grief they could not speak, yet every look and gesture was a loud cry, and strong intrea∣ty for his stay amongst them: unutterable was the grief of them all, & unspeakable was the torment, and temptation that he felt in this agony, when he must either leave Jesus Christ, or these his friends for his sake: Yet above all, there was one most lamentable sight, which would have broke an heart of Flint: amongst all his children he had one daughter of tvvelve years old, a proper and towardly Gentlewoman, who catching fast hold about his knees, held him so hard, that he could by no means shake her off, and fatherly affections

would not suffer him to hurt her: he laboured to be loose, but she held fast; he went forwards, but she trailed after, erying to him, not to be so cruel to her his child, who came into the world by him: this so wonderfully affected him, being a man of a most loving and tender-hearted nature, that as he oft related, that it made his very bowels to rowl within him, and that his heart was ready presently to burst in sunder: But being armed with a Divine, and supernatural fortitude, he brake thorow all these temptations, and trod under foot whatsoever might hinder him from Christ, and so leaving that heavie house, and dolorous company, he hastened to the Sea-side, and taking ship, he pre∣sently caused them to hoise sails towards Laesina, yet with a toiled, and distressed mind, betwixt sor∣row, when he remembred whom he had for ever left behind, and joy to remember that he had escaped: Yet could he not so master naturall affections, but that he brake out in∣to tears, and often looked back to that which he had left behind, yet saw that he must leave all for Christs sake: but it much pierced his heart, when in looking back, he saw his Wife, Chil∣dren, and kindred standing on the shore, who when their cries could be heard no longer, ceased not to look after the ship so long as it was in sight, neither could he refrain, but with a wofull countenance looked at them again, so long as he could dis∣cern them: and remembring all the former pas∣sages of his Fathers curses, his Wifes tears, Chil∣drens cries, &c. it fetched from him many a heart∣breaking

sigh, and bitter groan: Yet the sprirituall strength, and courage of his mind was constant, and invincible: So that after a while, he cheered up himself, and bended the knees of his heart to the eternall father in Hea∣ven, giving him most hearty thanks, for that he had furnished him with such a portion of grace, as to withstand, and conquer Sathan in so perilous a conflict; and for delivering him from Popish thraldom, and the bloody Inquisition, which he was in continual danger of whilst he was in Italy: He praised God also for giving him time, oppor∣tunity, and grace to perform that Duty to his wife, which he had omitted at his first departure from her: As also that he had made that prote∣station to her, upon her monstrous and undutiful behaviour towards him: And so (through Gods goodness) he came safely to Geneva, October 4. An. 1558. His safe arrival brought exceeding joy to the whole Church there, especially to the Ita∣lian Congregation; amongst whom he lived with unspeakable contentment in his own conscience, in his former private, and quiet life: And after a few years, he began to finde in himself some reasons which inclined him to think of entering into a married condition; and the rather, because he never heard from his wife, nor found any re∣lenting in her, nor remorse for her former obsti∣nacy: This his purpose he communicated to Ma∣ster Calvin, craving his advise and councel in a case of so great importance: His answer was, that it was most convenient, and less scandalous, if he

could abstain from mariage: Galeacius told him that he could not abstain, and gave him many weighty reasons which inclined him to marriage; withall imparting to him some secret reasons: Ho∣ly Calvin, a man of a sharp judgement, and of a wise discerning spirit, foresaw that many would speak evil of the fact, others would be scanda∣lized, because few truly understand the Do∣ctrine of Divorcement, and fewest of all knew all the circumstances of this particular fact: Galeacius urged such arguments out of Gods Word, as Calvin could not sufficiently answer, and thereupon he told him at last, that if he would go to the judicious Peter Martyr, and ask his opini∣on, and the opinion of the Learned Divines of Rhaetia, and Switzerland, and request them after mature deliberation to set down their judgments, and the reasons of it in writing, for his own part he would subscribe unto them, and yield him what liberty they thought fit in this matter: Always provided, that he should submit and stand to their judgements in this case: This Galeacius willingly assented to, desiring nothing more then to finde out what the Lord by his Word, and by the voice of his Church should prescribe to him: And ac∣cordingly he wrote to the Divines, and Churches afore mentioned, who meeting together, and se∣riously debating the case, and weighing all circum∣stances, at last unanimously resolved, that he might with a safe conscience leave his former Wife, who had first maliciously disserted him, and so be marri∣ed to another: and this their opinion they confir∣med

by Scripture, Fathers, Councels, and by the Civil Law, which being returned to Galeacius, he still taking the consent of the Church along with him, sued out a Divorce, and had it legally by the Magistrate granted unto him: After which, advising with his godly, and prudent friends, he began to think of disposing himself in marriage, wherein yet he sought not so much after riches, beauty, birth, &c. as for a fit companion of his life, with whom he might comfortably spend the remainder of his days, and serve God cheerfully till the coming of his Lord and Master: And the Providence of God (which never fails his children that wait and depend upon him) provi∣ded him such a wife as his heart desired, viz. a Ma∣tronly Genlewoman, a Widow that came from Roan in France to Geneva, for true Religions sake: She was well reported of for piety, modesty, and many excellent qualities, and about forty years of age: Galeacius considering her fitness in many re∣gards, married her, Anno 1560. and of his age for∣ty three, and they lived together many years af∣ter, with much comfort, and excellent agree∣ment, so that the great afflictions, and unquietness of his former life was now fully recompenced with a life full of all contentment, and Christian joy.

His next care was to unburthen himself of all worldly cares, prescribing to himself a moderate, and frugal course of life: Kept onely two maid∣servants, lived in great sobriety, yet always free from sordid baseness, neither wanting necessaries,

nor having superfluities: His attire was plain, but comely: & he that might in his own country have been attended with many servants, did often walk the streets alone, not having one man with him: Yea, he disdained not oft to go into the Market, and provide his own necessaries, and sometimes would buy, and carry home Fruits, Hearbs, Roots, and such other things: esteeming this course of life, together with freedom of Religion, better then the Marquesdom of Vicum: Yet under this mean attire was shrowded that gra∣vity, majesty, and deportment, that any wise ob∣server might easily discern that he came of a No∣ble race: He was a great ornament to, and was highly esteemed and honored by all the City of Geneva, every one speaking of his praise, so that it was hard to say, whether he was more beloved, or admired amongst the Magistrates, Ministers, and persons of all ranks: No publike meeting was appointed, or solemn feast made, unto which he was not invited, every one thinking himself happy that might enjoy his company: and (though he would have refused it) yet every one gave him the title of a Marquess all his life long: His noble qualities were such, that every one honored him: Strangers, Princes and Noblemen that visited Ge∣neva would by no means omit to see, and be ac∣quainted with Galeacius, honoring him no less then if he had been in Naples.

His chief converse was with those Italians of his own Church, in whose eyes his humble mind, and friendly conversation made him more hono∣rable:

He was one of a thousand, for besides his Noble birth, & Princely education, he truly fear∣ed God, was affable, courteous, and friendly to all men; wise, discreet, and very eloquent: as his memory was exceeding good, so his smooth stile, his easie, quiet and seemly delivery made his speech most gracefull to all that heard him: with poor men, if they were godly, and honest, he would converse as familiarly, as if they had been his equals: he was of a free and liberall heart; no poor or distressed man did ever desire his as∣sistance, but presently he would reach out to them his helping hand to relieve them, and the loss of his former estate never troubled him, but when he had not wherewithall to give to charitable uses: it was his joy, and delight to be lending, and gi∣ving to those that wanted: Prisoners, and distres∣sed persons did oft taste of his bounty: He visi∣ted the sick, and his presence, and Christian ex∣hortations were very comfortable to them: Eve∣ry day he joyned with the Church in their pub∣like service: He never omitted to hear Sermons, shewing wonderfull devotion, and reverence to the word of God: He daily read a portion of the holy Scriptures: As an Elder of the Church, he carefully observed, and enquired into the maners, and lives of Professors; encouraging the good, admonishing offenders: where he saw, or heard of any dissensions, or suits of law amongst Christi∣an neighbours, he was exceeding carefull to compose, and end them: he wholly dedicated himself and all his abilities to the advancement of

Gods glory, and the edification of his Church: But after a long calm of peace and tranquility, God raised up new storms, yet further to try his patience, and exercise his graces: for first he fell sick of a grievous, and doubtfull disease, proceed∣ing from abundance of rheume, which made him so short winded, that he could hardly draw his breath, wherewith he was exceedingly tormen∣ted night and day, so that he could scarce get any sleep: this was procured by his long and weari∣som journeys, which he had formerly taken by Sea, and by Land, for his conscience sake: Then there came to Geneva a Nephew of his, bringing him Letters from his former Wife, and his eldest Son, perswading him yet at length to return to his Native Country, and former Religion: giving him hope that hereby he might advance his youngest son to the place of a Cardinal, &c. But the soul of this worthy Gentleman was much wounded, and grieved hereat, as abhorring those profane dignities in the Popish Church, and to shew his distaste of the motion, he burnt the Let∣ters before the Messengers face, and withall not daigning to answer them by writing, he by word of mouth returned a grave, wise, and zealous an∣swer: Yet this importunate Jesuite (for so he was) ceased not to molest him with frivilous reasons, and fleshly arguments, promising him an huge sum of mony, if he would return home, &c. But the Noble and holy heart of this godly Christian, in an heavenly zeal, and ardent love to his Saviour Jesus Christ, could not but shew it

self, which made him to cry out: Let their mony perish with them, who esteem all the gold in the world worth one daies society with Jesus Christ, and his ho∣ly Spirit: and cursed be that Religion for ever, which shall wed men to the world, and divorce them from God: Go home therefore, and take thy silver with thee, make much of that dross of the earth, &c. But know, that my Lord and Saviour hath made me enamoured of far more precious jewels, and durable riches: Which words so enraged this Papist, that he brake out into ill words, and reproachfull terms, and so went his way: Being delivered from this tempter, his sickness encreased more, and more upon him: his pain was most grievous, but he bare it with an heroicall courage, and as the pains encreased, so his faith, and patience encreased, and as the outward man perished, the inward man was renued day by day, and above all, he found unspeakable comfort and sweetness in his prayers to the Lord, and would often say, that in the middest of his prayers his soul seemed to be ra∣vished, and to tast of the blessed joys of Heaven, and as the suffering of Christ abounded in him, so the consolations by Christ abounded much more: The Physicians spared no pains to cure him, nor his friends to visit him, especially his loving and tender wife was never from about him: But all was in vain, the time of his dissolution drawing on; Therefore he wholly sequestred himself from any more care of his body, and from all worldly co∣gitations: he took his farewell of his wife, and all his Christian friends, saying, That he would lead

them the way to Heaven: his heart and thoughts were all in Heaven, and he cryed to Jesus Christ, that as he had sought him all his life, so he would now receive, and acknowledge him as his own: And so in the presence of his friends, whilest the Ministers were exhort∣ing, and praying with him, he peaceably, and quietly yielded up his Spirit into the hands of his mercifull God, and faithfull Creator, An. Christi, 1592. and of his Age about 74.

As Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, & chose rather to suffer adversity with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the rebuke of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Egypt: So our Noble Galeacius, when he was come to years, and the knowledge of Christ, refused to be called the Son and Heir to a Marquess, Cup-bearer to an Emperor, Nephew to a Pope, and chose rather to suffer affliction, per∣secution, banishment, loss of Lands, Livings, Wife, Children, Honors and Preferments, then to enjoy the sinfull pleasures of Italy for a season; esteem∣ing the rebuke of Christ greater riches then the honors of a Marquesdom, without Christ; and therefore seeing he must either want Christ, or want them, he dispoiled himself of all these to gain Christ.

Collected out of the Historie of his Life, writ∣ten by Master Crashaw, and translated by him out of Beza.

[illustration] portrait of Katherine Bretterg

C. BRETTERG

The life of M^rs. Katherine Bretterg, who dyed, Anno Christi, 1601.

KAtherine Bretterg was born in Cheshire, the Daughter of Master Iohn Bruen, of Bruen-Sta∣pleford,: Her education before her marriage, was such, as became the profession of the Gospel, in godliness, and purity of life, and religion: She was studious of the holy Scriptures from a child, and by reading thereof gained such knowledg, that

she was able to make good use of them as occasi∣on was offered: She used the things of this world moderately, and soberly, not affecting the vain pleasures and fashions that others too much de∣light in: She used not to gad abroad with wan∣dering Dina, but rather with Hanah, she delighted to tread upon the dust of the Sanctuary, and to walk in the ways of Sion, &c. The Sabbath day was always dear and welcome to her, and though many times she went far for it, yet she would not be without the Ministery of the Word: And her heart was so tender, and full of compassion, that oftentimes she was perceived to hear Sermons, read, pray, and meditate, with tears: She made conscience of all, even of the least sin, and such as many accounted no sins: She never used to swear an oath, great or small: Neither at any time brake forth into unseemly speeches, lying in jeast, im∣modest words, &c. She used not the Name, or Titles of God at any time without great reve∣rence: Her private discourses were always well seasoned, and proceeded from such a sanctified heart, that they ministred grace to the hearers: Her daily exercise was to converse with God, in reading, praying, singing, and meditating: All her delight was in the Saints, and in those that were most excellent: The Lords Precepts were precious to her, for from her childhood she feared God, and walked before him with an up∣right heart: She was not like many women, that are unable to render a reason of the Faith, and Hope that is in them, but grew in grace, and in

the knowledge of our Lord Jesus: When she was about twenty years old, by her Parents consent, she was married to Master William Bretterg of Bret∣terghold in Lancashire, neer Leverpool, who was a young Gentleman, that imbraced Religion sin∣cerely, and suffered much for it at the hands of Papists: This gratious couple lived two years to∣gether in such mutual joy, and comfort, as well beseemed the children of God: In which time she had one daughter by him: Their Habitation was in the midst of ignorant, and brutish Papists, who were always doing some wrong, and injury to them, yet her knowledge, patience, mildness, and constancy for the Truth, much edified, and built up her husband in his most holy faith, and incouraged him with more patience to bear all the wrongs, and indignities that were daily offer∣ed to him: He had his horses and cattle divers times killed in the night in his grounds by such malicious Papists as hated him for his Religion sake, which exceedingly conduced to his loss, and hinderance, being most of the stock that he had; yet did she not onely bear this great affliction with admirable patience, but even rejoyced, and praised God, submitting to his holy, and wise Providence: She would often say, It is good that such things should be, but wo be to them that do them: It is good in God, thereby to chasten his children, and prevent some sin that he saw us like to fall into: Its good in respect of Gods Church, that the weak may be confirmed in the Truth, and that Popery may be disgraced, when the world shall

see such wickedness flow from it: Its good in God, that so the wicked may be without excuse in the day of Judgement, when their conscience tels them, that though God suffers them to do such villany, for some just cause known to himself, yet they commit it only of malice, and revenge: And in the middest of such vexatious practises, she would often say: The mercies of God are infi∣nite, who doth not only by his Word, but by his Justice also make us fit for his Kingdom: Little do our enemies know what good by these things they do unto us, and what ruin they bring to their own Kingdom, while they thus set forth the wick∣edness thereof: She used often to pray, That God would forgive them, who had thus wronged them, and send them repentance for it: She used to call upon her Husband to do the like, and to bless them that cursed him; and lest her Hus∣band should fail in this duty, she daily prayed to God to sanctifie her Husbands thoughts, and direct his heart aright, onely to seek Gods glo∣ry, without seeking revenge, or satisfying his own affections: So carefull she was to prevent sin, both in her self, and others: Her meekness, humility, and unspotted cariage was such, as that she forced some that were adversaries to her religion, yet to speak well of her: She had a good report of all that knew her, for her holy and sincere life: She was very pitifull, and bountifull to the poor, neg∣lecting no opportunity of doing good where she could: She constantly kept her times of Praying, Reading, and Meditating: She would

by no means be absent from family duties: She used private duties, not onely in her Clo∣set, but abroad in her Garden, Orchard, &c. She tasked her self to the reading of Eight Chapters a day at least, out of the sacred Scri∣ptures, and such time as she saw idly, or evil∣ly spent, she used to call, The time of tentation: She spent much time also in reading good Books, judicious Expositors, and the Book of Martyrs, and was many times so affected in reading of the tor∣ments which Christians were put to, &c. that she would weep very bitterly for the same: She was so zealous for Gods glory, and loved the truth so intirely, that she would often argue against Pope∣ry, but never open her mouth to plead for Baal. Sin was so hatefull to her, that she would grieve for it, both in her self and others: Once, as she was riding to Church with her Husband, he was angry with his man, whereupon she said to him; Alas Husband, I fear your heart is not right to∣wards God, that can be thus angry for a trifle: and weeping, she further, you must pray a∣gainst your passions, and always be sure your an∣ger be for God; else how dare you appear this day before his Minister, and offer up your prayers in the publike Congregation before God? And another time a Tenant of her Husbands being be∣hind with his rent, she desired him to bear with him a quarter of a year longer; and then when he brought it, with tears she said to her Husband; I fear you do not do well to take it of him, though it be your right, for I doubt he is not well able to

pay it, and then you oppress the poor: She was so blamless in her whole course, that the common enemies of Religion, the Papists, had nothing to say against her: and amongst all the godly that knew her, she was highly prized for her modest, holy, and humble carriage: Thus she continued with her Husband about two years, and then it pleased God that she fell sick of a Feaver, which was so violent, that it made her sometimes to talk idlie, and by Satans subtilty, that watches his op∣portunity, she began to fall into an heavie conflict of Spirit: First she began to find some little infir∣mity, and weakness of Faith more then ordinary, but through Gods mercy, she soon overcame it: But shortly after Satan assaulted her in a more vio∣lent manner, but after a day or two God delivered her, sending her peace, and comfort of conscience, which encreased more & more in her, to her death: In the beginning of her conflict, the severity of Gods justice, & the greatness of her sins came into her mind, which much afflicted her, wherof she of∣ten complained: then she accused her self of pride, that she had delighted in her self, and her beauty too much: then she thought that she had no faith, but was an hypocrite, and one that had not im∣braced Religion so sincerely, nor glorifyed God so carefully, especially with her tongue, nor loved him so fervently as she should have done: Some∣times she would cast her Bible from her, and say, It was indeed the Book of Life, but she had read the same unprofitably, and therefore feared it was become to her the Book of Death: Sometimes

she complained that her sins had made her a prey to Satan, a spectacle to the World, a disgrace to Religion, and a shame to her Husband, Kindred, and all true Christians, and then she would weep bitterly: Sometimes she was troubled for the o∣riginall corruption of her nature, the sins of her Parents; Yea, and of our First Parents, as if it had made her unworthy of God, &c. Sometimes she accused her self of impatience; bewailed her want of feeling Gods Spirit: doubted of her Election, &c. She wished that she had never been born, or that she had been made any other Crea∣ture, rather then a woman: oft-times she cryed out, Wo, wo, wo, a weak, a wofull, a wretched, a forsa∣ken woman, &c. with tears continually trickling from her eyes: She complained of grievous thirst, such as all the water in the Sea could not quench, and yet refused, or drank very little: Sweat burst out upon her exceedingly; at other times her body burned extreamly: Sometimes she was very dull in prayer, and once, as she should have said, Lead us not into tentation, she stopped, saying, I may not pray, I may not pray, being thus interrupted by Satan: Yet her friends left her not, till she could both pray, and make confession of her Faith, with spe∣ciall application to her self.

These fits, though grievous to her self, and dis∣comfortable to her friends, yet they were neither long, nor continuall, but in the middest of them she would give good evidences of her faith, stri∣ving and fighting against her tentations, and by Prayer, begging strength of God against them:

Oft she would with a cheerfull countenance in∣treat her friends not to faint, nor to give her over, but constantly to pray, and to help her against the Tempter: One of them once demanding, whether she believed the promises? and whether she could pray? she answered: O that I could, I would willingly, but he wil not let me: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief▪ And when he told her that her desires, and endea∣vours were accepted for performance in Christ; she was much comforted at it: Once after a great conflict with Satan, she said, Satan, reason not with me, I am but a weak woman, if thou hast any thing to say, say it to my Christ; he is my Advocate, my Strength, and my Redeemer, and he shall plead for me: Sometimes being afflicted with the sight of her sins, and want of comfort, with many a pitifull sob, and much weeping, she would say: Pray to the Lord Jesus Christ to help, and comfort me, a poor, wofull, distressed woman: A godly Christian friend took much pains with her, minding her of Gods mercies, Christs merits, the many gracious pro∣mises contained in the Word, &c. which through Gods blessing greatly refreshed her, and gave her occasion many times to call upon God, for en∣crease of grace, and deliverance from those grievous tentations, wherein the Lord shortly af∣ter answered her desires, so that she began to feel her self in a very good measure delivered from her former fears, and afflictions: but the day before her death, she was wholly released, and filled with abundance of inward consolations: and from the beginning that her comforts appeared, she

would very cheerfully joyn with the company in Prayer, and singing of Psalms: One day her Bro∣ther, holy Master John Bruen, coming to visit her; he said, Sister be not dismaid at your troubles, re∣member what the Apostle saith, That judgement must begin at the House of God, to whom she answer∣ed, True it is, and if it begin at us, and the righte∣ous shall scarcely be saved, where shall the sinners and ungodly appear? During this time she often pray∣ed, and would rehearse many comfortable Texts of Scripture, especially the eighth to the Romans, closing up all with Prayer, and most comforta∣ble application thereof to her self, with much joy: When food was brought her, she would pray God, not onely to Sanctifie those creatures for her bodily sustinance, but also to fill her soul with the waters of life, often repeating, To him that thirsteth will I give of the Waters of Life freely.

Once she took her Bible in her hand, and joy∣fully kissing of it, she said, O Lord, it is good for me to be afflicted, that I may learn thy Statutes: The Law of thy mouth is better to me then thousands of Gold and Silver: At another time, calling her Husband to her, she said, O Husband, beware of Popery, keep your self holy before the Lord, yield not to the abominations of the wicked, lest they rejoyce, and so you dishonor God, and destroy your own soul: Let my little child be brought up in the true fear of God, &c. So shall I meet her in Heaven, whom I must now leave behind me on Earth: She often repeated, We have not received the spirit of Bondage to fear a∣gain,

but the spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father, which last words she often doubled over: She often also repeated,

I wil give thanks unto the Lord, And praises to him sing; Because he hath heard my request, And granted my wishing.

The day before her death the Lord discovered himself more plentifully to her, from which time, to her death, she was freed from Satans tentati∣ons: She laid aside all thoughts of the world, husband, child, or any thing else: She lay with a cheerful countenance, as one ravished in her spirit: Her tongue overflowed with the praises of God: Her husband reading some portions of Scripture to her: When he came to that John 17. 4. I have finished the work that thou gavest me to do, and now glorifie me: She desired him to pause, and then said: Blessed be thy Name, O blessed Savi∣our: Perfect the work, I humbly beseech thee that thou hast begun in me: When he read vers. 9. I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast gi∣ven me, for they are thine: She said, O Lord Jesus, Dost thou pray for me! O blessed, and sweet Sa∣viour, How wonderful! How wonderful! How wonderful are thy Mercies! Read on: The bles∣sedest reading that ever I heard, the comfort whereof doth sweeten my soul: When he read vers. 22. The glory that thou gavest me, I have gi∣ven them, that they may be one, as we are one:

With marvellous joy she said: I confess before the Lord his loving kindness, and his wonderful works before the sons of men, for he hath satisfied my soul, & filled my hungry soul with goodness: When he read v. 24. Father, I will that they which thou hast given me, be with me, even where I am, that they may behold my glory, &c. Stay, said she, let me meditate on the goodness of the Lord, For this is the sweetest saying that ever came to my soul: For now I perceive, and feel, that the countenance of Christ my Redeemer is turned towards me, and the bright-shining beams of his mercy are spread over me: O happy am I that ever I was born to see this blessed day: Praise, praise, O praise the Lord for his mercies, &c. O my sweet Saviour, shall I be one with thee, as thou art one with the Father? Wilt thou glorifie me with that glory which thou hadst with the Father before the world was? And dost thou so love me, dust and ashes, to make me partaker of glory with Christ? What am I poor wretch, that thou art so mindful of me? O how wonderful! how wonderful! how won∣derful is thy Love: O thy Love is unspeakable: O I feel thy mercies, And O that my tongue, & heart were able to sound forth thy praises as I ought, and willingly would: O help me to praise the God of all consolations: And thus she continued for five hours space, praising the Lord with a cheer∣ful and heavenly countenance, testifying such in∣ward joy, from a comfortable feeling of Gods mer∣cies in her soul, using such sweet sentences and su∣gared phrases of Divine eloquence, as was most

admirable: Some part whereof was thus: O my Lord God, Blessed be thy Name for evermore, thou hast shewed me the path of life: Thou didest, O Lord, for a little season hide thy face from me, But with everla∣sting mercy thou hast had compassion on me, &c. thou art come with fulness of joy, and abundance of conso∣lations, &c. Help me, O help me to praise the Lord: Then she sang with as sweet a voyce as ever she did in her life the third Psalm, concluding thus:

The Lord, the God of Israel, Be blest for evermore: Let all the people say Amen: Praise ye the Lord therefore.

Then she said, O praise the Lord, for he hath filled me with joy and gladness of heart: My line is faln un∣to me in a pleasant place: I have a goodly Heritage: for the Lord is the portion of mine Inheritance: O how pleasant is the sweet perfume of the place where I lie: It is sweeter then Aarons composed Perfume of princi∣pal Spices: How comfortable is the sweetness I feel: It is like that Odour that proceeds from the gol∣den Censor, that delights my soul: The taste is pre∣tious, Do you not feel it? Sweeter it is then myrrh, the hony, or the hony Comb: Then she sang Psal. 19. vers. 7. &c. Then she prayed to, and praised God again: Then she sang Psal. 136. A Christian friend seeing her exceeding joys, prayed for the conti∣nuance of them to the end: Whereupon she said, O the joys! the joys! the joys that I feel in my soul! O they be wonderful! they be wonderful! they be won∣derful! After a while she fell into a short slumber,

and then awaking, she said, O come kiss me with the kisses of thy mouth, for thy love is better then wine: O how sweet the kisses of my Saviour be? Mine eyes are opened (blessed be God) I do feel, and see the everli∣ving mercies of my Christ, &c. O how merciful, and marvellous gratious art thou unto me? I feel thy mercy, I am assured of thy love, and so certain am I thereof, as thou art the God of Truth: Even so sure do I know my self to be thine, O Lord my God, and this my soul knoweth right well, and this my soul knoweth right well: Then she sang the fourth Psalm: And afterwards said, I am sure that my Redee∣mer liveth, and that I shall see him at the last day, &c. Then a Godly Minister coming to her, she said to him: My soul hath been compassed about with terrors of death, &c. A roaring wilderness of wo was within me: But blessed, blessed, blessed be the Lord my God, who hath not left me comfortless; but like a good Shepheard, hath brought me into a place of rest, even to the sweet running waters of life, &c. O blessed, blessed be the Lord, that hath thus comforted me, and hath brought me to a place sweeter then the Garden of Eden: O the joy! the joy! the delightsom joy that I feel! O how wonderful! how wonderful! how wonderful is this joy! O praise the Lord for his mercy, and for this joy that my soul feeleth full well: And thus she continued, divers praying with her at sundry times: And immediatly before one began his prayer, she said to her self: Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord be thou my helper, thou hast loosed my sack, and girded me with gladness: Therefore will I praise thee, O Lord my God, I will

give thanks to thee for evermore: On the Sabbath Evening herst rength and speech beginning to fail her, she said, My Warfare is accomplished, and mine iniquities are pardoned: Lord, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and I have none on earth but thee: My flesh faileth, and my heart also, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever: He that preserveth Jacob, and defendeth his Israel, he is my God, and will guide me unto death, &c. And with that she presently fell asleep in the Lord, passing a way in peace, without any motion of body at all, May, ult. Anno Christi 1601. And of her Age 22.

Collected out of her Life, and Death, Printed with two excellent Sermons, preached at her Funeral by two Eminent and godly Divines.

[illustration] portrait of John Lord Harrington

JO: L: HARINGTON

The Life of John Lord Harrington, Baron of Exton, who dyed, Anno Christi, 1613.

IOhn Lord Harrington was the Eldest Son of the Lord and Lady Harrington, to whose care, and tuition King James committed the education of his Eldest daughter the Lady Elizabeth, who was after married to Frederick, Prince Elector Palatine: They were persons eminent for pru∣dence, and piety, who carefully educated this

their son, both in Religion, and Learning: and this honorable Lord, as a thankfull man for their care, and honor received from them, returned ho∣nor to them again and that with advantage; be∣ing no less honorable to them, then they were to him: He was of an excellent wit, firm memory, sweet nature, and prompt to Learning, so that in a short time, he was able to read Greek Authors, and to make use of them in their own language: He spake Latine well, wrote it in a pure, and grave Stile, was able to confer with any stranger readily, and laudably in the Italian, and French Tongues: Understood the Authors which he read in Spanish: And for the Arts, he was well read in Logick, Philosophy, and the Mathematicks: He made a good progress in the Theorique part of the Art Military, and Navigation, so that he want∣ed nothing but practise to make him perfect in both: And for his understanding in Heavenly knowledge, and the mysteries of salvation, it was admirable; so that there was scarce any question that could be propounded to him about those matters, unto which he was not able suddenly and understandingly to answer; Being wel ground∣ed both in Religion, and Learning at home, his noble Father sent him to travell abroad in France, and Italy, that by experience he might ripen that knowledge which before he had gain∣ed, and for a guide, and Tutor for him in his Tra∣vels, he chose and sent over with him one Master Tovy, a grave, learned, and religious man, and for∣merly the head Master of the Free-School in Co∣ventry:

But how dangerous a thing it is for reli∣gious Gentlemen to travell into those Popish Countries, may appear by the example of this Nobleman, and his Tutor, whose sound Religion, and heavenly zeal for the truth being taken no∣tice of by the Jesuits, they took their opportunity to administer a slow-working poyson to them, that seeing they had no hopes of corrupting their minds, they might destroy their bodies, and bring them to their graves: Of this poison, Mr. Tovy, being aged, and so less able to encounter with the strength of it, died presently after his return to England: but the L. Harrington, being of a strong and able body, and in the prime of his age, bore it better, and conflicted with it longer, yet the vio∣lence of it appeared in his face presently after his return, and not long after hastened his immature death: He was eminent for sobriety, and chastity: His lips were never heard to utter any unchast, or unseemly speech, which was the more admirable, considering that he was in the heat of youth, li∣ving in the Court, and had been a Traveller into those countries which are Schools of uncleanness, where few return such as they went out, but of chast are made unchast, or if unchast before they are made seven-fold worse then they were: But this our Noble man was as fish, fresh in s••••t waters, and kept himself undefiled, as Lot in ••he middest of Sodom: and indeed he took the right way to preserve his Chastity, by avoiding the incentives, and provocations to lust: He spent not his time in courting of Ladies, and am••rously contempla∣ting

the beauty of women, which are Bellows of Lust, and baits of uncleanness: But he preferred his Books before their beauty, and for his society, chose men of parts, and learning, for Arts and Arms: Besides, he was very temperate in his diet, shunned Feasting, and was frequent in Fasting; and hated Idleness, and much sleep, which are the two Nurses of uncleanness: and in the night when he lay awake, to prevent temptations, he ex∣ercised his thoughts with heavenly meditations: His justice, so far as he had occasion to shew it, was very exemplary; he dealt honorably and ho∣nestly with every one that he dealt with; and whereas his Father had contracted great debts by his Princelike House-keeping, and other pub∣like and private occasions, he was very solicitous for the discharge of the same, giving power to his Executrix to sell part, or all his Land, if need were, therewith speedily to discharge the Creditors: and being asked when the writing was drawn up, Whether he assented to it? He answered, Yea, with all my heart, for my honor, and my honesty are my neer∣est heirs.

But the splendor of his Religion out-shined all his morall, and naturall accomplishments: This was the Temple that sanctified the Gold, and the Altar t••at sanctified the Offering: this was that which enob••••d his Sobriety, Justice, & other ver∣tues: And this appeared both by his Private, and publike exercises of Piety, which were rare in a young man, more are in a young Nobleman, yea, and hardly found in such a measure in any man, of

what age and condition soever: He usually rose every morning about four or five a clock, seldom sleeping above six hours: When he first waked, his constant care was to set his heart in order, and to fit it for holiness all the day after, offering the first fruits of the day, and of his thoughts unto God: Being up, he read a Chapter out of the ho∣ly Scriptures, then with his servants in his Cham∣ber he went to prayer; then he spent about an hour in reading some holy Treatise, to enliven his affections, and encrease his knowledge: He read over Calvins Institutions, and Rogers his Treatises, which were his two last Books: Before Dinner and Supper, he had a Psalm, Chapter, and Prayer in his Family, and a Psalm sung, and Prayer after Supper: and besides these publike duties, he pray∣ed privately every morning in his Closet, then betook himself to some serious study for three or four hours together, except he was interrupted by some special business: The residue of the mor∣ning he spent in converse with his friends, riding the great Horse, or some such other honest and Noble recreation till Dinner time; Thus avoid∣ing Idleness, and preventing temptations, which ensue thereupon ordinarily; presently after Din∣ner he retired into his study to meditate upon some Sermons that he had lately heard, or if he was disappointed of that opportunity, he neg∣lected not the first that was offered to him; yea, many times in his Travels by Land, or Water, he thus busied himself, the rest of the afternoon he spent in businesses, study of Histories, the Art

of War, Mathematicks, and Navigation, where∣in he attained to a great measure of perfection: After supper he prayed with his servants, then withdrew himself into his study, where he kept a Diary, or Day-book, wherein he recorded what he had done that day; how he had offended, or what good he had done; what temptations he met with, and how he had resisted them: and surveying his failings, he humbled himself be∣fore God for them; and for such failings as were fit to be known onely to God and his own soul, he wrote them down in a private Character, which none could read but himself, and then betook himself to his rest; and to prevent evill thoughts before sleep, one that waited upon him in his Chamber, read a Chapter, or two out of the ho∣ly Scriptures to him, and this practice he continu∣ed for four years together before his death.

And as his care was thus in private to walk with God, so no less was his care in publike also, which appeared especially in his use of the time, and means of Gods worship. He was a most reli∣gious observer of the Lords Sabbaths, both in publike and private duties, yet preferring (as he of∣ten professed) the publike before the private, so that though he had an houshold Chaplain, yet he ever frequented the publike Assemblies twice a day; yea, whilest he was a Courtier: and if his oc∣casions cast him into a place where the word was not preached, he would ride to some other place, sometimes four miles, rather then want it: Im∣mediately after Sermon, he withdrew himself

from company for about half an hour, to me∣ditate upon, and apply what he had heard to his own Soul: after the Evening Sermon, two of his servants having written, he caused them to repeat both the Sermons in his Family before Supper; and such was his memory, that usual∣ly he could remember, and speak of more then they had written; then he wrote them down in his Book, and prayed himself with his Family, wherein he had an excellent gift: And by way of preparation to the Sabbath, every Saturday night he used to call himself to a strict account how he had spent the whole week, and accord∣ingly to humble himself for his failings, and to return praise to God for mercies received from him: On the Sabbath morning, rising betimes, he used, as he was making himself ready, to re∣peat to his servant those Sermons which he had heard the Lords day before: He used Monthly to receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper; and to fit himself to feast at the Lords Table, he kept a private Fast the day before, and then he looked over his Book for his carriage that month, and spent the whole day in prayer, meditation, and self-examination, observing how it was with him since his last receiving, what progress he had made in piety, how he had thrived in grace, and what more strength he had gotten over his corrup∣tions: and thus he spent the whole day, not com∣ing out of his Study till about Supper time: Also the morning before he received, he read over 1 Cor. 11. Wherein is contained the institution of

the Lords Supper, and to his servants that were to communicate with him, he read a little Trea∣tise to them; wherein the right manner of prepa∣ration was contained; and besides these month∣ly Fasts, he kept many other days of afflicting his soul upon sundry occasions: He was wondrous attentive in hearing the word of God preached, or read, and carried himself exceeding reverently therein, knowing that he was in the presence of God, that was no respecter of persons, and that he heard not the words of a man, but of God: Shewing thereby, that when he came to hear, he willingly laid down his honor at Christs feet; and to avoid ostentation, or the appearance of it in his private duties, he never admitted any one, ei∣ther to his prayer, or repetition of Sermons in, and with his Family, but onely one friend, that was most intimate with him. And thus was this ho∣ly servant of Christ blameless, and pure, and the son of God without rebuke, in a naughty and crooked generation, amongst whom he shined as a Light in the world, holding forth the words of Life, that he might rejoyce in the day of Christ, that he had not run in vain, nor laboured in vain.

He further manifested the sincerity of his Reli∣gion, by his love to all that were truly godly, es∣pecially to faithfull, and painfull Ministers; as also by his mercy, and charity to the needy Saints, and poor members of Jesus Christ: After his return from his Travels, by way of thankful∣ness to God, he gave yearly, by the hand of a

private friend, twenty pounds to the poor, and the second Sabbath after his landing in England (ha∣ving spent the day before with his Tutor, Master Tovy, in fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving) he heard the Word, received the Sacrament, and gave to poor of that Parish, five pounds; and besides, he gave forty pounds to be bestowed upon poor Ministers, and other Christians, for the re∣lief of their necessities: Yea, such were his bow∣els of tender mercy, that he gave the tenth part of his yearly allowance, which was a thousand pounds per annum, to pious and charitable uses, besides much that he gave occasionally, as he tra∣velled, walked abroad, &c. And all his other graces were beautified, and adorned with admira∣ble humility, which is rarely found in persons so honorable, and honored both by God and men. From the first day of his last sickness, he strongly apprehended the approach of his death, and there∣fore accordingly prepared himself for it (though others thought of nothing less then his death:) Besides his private meditations, he called often for others to pray with him, prayed often himself: made confession of his sins, and oft confessed his Faith, and undoubted hope of salvation by Christ, professing with much cheerfulness that he feared not Death in what shape soever it came: He utter∣ed many heavenly speeches, desiring to be dissol∣ved, and to be at home with God, and his Father, professing not above two hours before his death, that he still felt the assured comforts, and joys of his salvation by Christ Jesus, and when death it

self approached, he breathed forth these longing expressions, O that joy! O my God, when shall I be with thee? and so in the middest of those longing de∣sires, he sweetly and quietly resigned up his spirit unto God, Anno Christi, 1613. And of his Age 22.

He was not so eminent in place, as he was in grace, his gifts and graces, and power of Religi∣on were exceeding rare; So that the Papists, who brag so much of merits, and good works, cannot bring forth a parallel example amongst them, of a∣ny man of his age, honor and rank, nay scarce of a∣ny age, or degree whatsoever, that shewed so much power of Popery, or the form of seeming sanctity, as this young Nobleman did of true Piety, and power of godliness.

Collected partly out of my own knowledge, and partly out of Mr. Stocks Sermon at his Funerall, and Dr. Hollands Heroωlo∣gia Anglica.

[illustration] portrait of Philip de Mornay

P. L. MONAY.

The Life of Philip de Mornay, Lord of Plessis Marly.

PHilip de Mornay was by the Fathers side of the House of Mornay, allied to the most Illustrious Families in France, being somewhile since united to the Royall Family of Bourbon. His Mother was of the Noble Family of Bec Crespin in Normandie; which, for having done worthy service in the con∣quest of England, obtained the Hereditary dignity

of Constable of Normandie. This Philip was born the fifth of November, Anno 1549. James de Mor∣nay his Father was a valiant Gentleman, but (ac∣cording to that Age) much addicted to the super∣stitions of the Church of Rome, in the which he was very carefull to bring up his children. Frances de Bec his Mother (daughter to Charls de Bec Cre∣spin, Vice-Admirall of France, was a woman of resolution and wisdom above her sex) she had some knowledge of the true Religion in her Hus∣bands life time, and endeavoured under-hand to instill it into her Family, and in the end wrought so far with her Husband upon his death-bed, that after some ardent exhortations which she used to him in his extremity; He signified to the by-stand∣ers, that he had no need of the Romish superstitious Ceremonies, grounding his salvation upon the a∣lone merits of Christ Jesus his Saviour. Their de∣sign was to have made this their Son Philip a Church-man; by reason that his Uncle Bertin de Mornay, who possessed divers Benefices, intended to resign them all to him: But Gods providence (which would not suffer him to be tempted with such a Bait) permitted not this Uncle to think of it at his death. His first Master was one Gabriel Prestat, who together with humane Learning, infu∣sed gently into him some principles of true doctrin, though he durst not make any open mention of re∣ligion unto him, both because he knew his tender age incapable of it, and like wise for fear of his Fa∣ther, who knew not that this Gabriel was a Pro∣testant. He was afterwards brought to Paris by

his Father, where he continued for two years, though in that time the course of his Studies was often interrupted by sickness. About the end of the year 1560. he was called from Paris to his Fathers Funerall; A certain Priest being sent to fetch him, who perceived that his Mother was no friend to the superstitions of the Roman Church, and there∣fore he gave him this counsel upon the way; That he should take heed of the Lutheran opinions, of which his Mother was suspected, and that he should always persist in that Religion in the which he had been nourished and taught. Master Du Plessis (a little astonished by reason of his age) gave him this answer; That he was resolved to conti∣nue firm in what he had learned of the service of God; and that if he should doubt of any point of it, he would diligently read the Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles for his better infor∣mation therein. Being arrived at his Mothers, he was solicited by her, and his elder Brother, to read the Protestant Catechism, which he refused, but withal demanded a New Testament in Latin and French; one of the Geneva Impression being of∣fered unto him, he likewise refused it, but accept∣ed of one Printed at Lyons, which he greedily read, praying God to enlighten him in the know∣ledge of his truth; and withal carefully observing, that the chief doctrines & services of the Church of Rome were not to be found in Scripture, such as Purgatory, Invocation of Saints, the Sacrifice of the Mass, adoration of Images, &c. Each of these still as he found no mention of it in Scripture, he blot∣ted

out of his mind, and began to suspect the rest: so that at last he desired to satisfie himself concern∣ing Transubstantiation, & Justification, by reading some controversies of that time, concerning those Subjects, which wrought so good effect in him, that about the end of the year, 1561. he became re∣solved to quit the service of the Church of Rome; His Mother, though she exceedingly rejoyced to see that he had imbraced the truth, yet would not willingly have had him to profess it so soon, be∣cause she as yet adhered outwardly to the Papists. But God having about the same time cast her into a sickness, almost unto death, she interpreted it as an admonition to her, not to retain any longer the truth of God in unrighteousness, making a vow in express terms, in the presence of her Children, that if God would please of his mercy to raise her from that bed of sickness, she would make open profes∣sion of the Gospel, which she performed at the end of the same year, 1561. About the beginning of the year, 1562. he was again sent to Paris by his Mother, where he had scarce continued 3. moneths, before the troubles for Religion brake forth, which for∣ced him to leave the City; being returned home, he fell sick of a Plurisie, which with other infirmi∣ties, so far interrupted his studies, that he forgot almost all which he had Learned: Whereupon his Mother had an intention to make him Page of the Kings Chamber. But peace being re-establish∣ed in the year, 1563. His importunities pre∣vailed so far with her, as to return him once more to Paris, where in short time he recovered what

before he had lost, so far as to out-go his Master, who was wont to listen to him, as if himself had been his Scholler. It is observable, that during this time of his continuance at Paris, he was never seen to play, or take other recreation then ex∣pounding before his Master Plato's Timaeus, or some such like Author. About this time his. Uncle the Bishop of Nantis strove to win him back to the Church of Rome, exhorting him to read diligently the antient Doctors of the Church, & the better to allure him thereto, he promised to resign unto him his Bishoprick, and to put him in present possession of a Priory; But he thanking him for his proffers, answered, that he would remit himself wholly un∣to God, from whom he was confident, he should receive whatsoever was necessary for him. And afterwards did often by Letters mark out unto his said Uncle such passages of the Fathers as confirm∣ed the Protestant Religion, & confuted that of the Papists. In the year, 1567. the second troubles ari∣sing for Religion, he prevailed with his Mother, to permit him to put himself into the Army, with two of her Brothers; But the eternall providence of God, which reserved him to higher imploy∣ments, brought it so to pass, that his horse falling upon him by the way, broke his leg, which forced him to return. This hurt was long in healing, and at length constrained him to undertake a Voyage into forraign Countries, the use of Baths being re∣quisite to his full recovery: Wherefore about the end of August, 1568. with much trouble and dan∣ger, he went to Geneva, and from thence by Swit∣zerland

to Hidelberg in Germany; There he lived in the House of Emanuel Tremellius, and began also his studies in the Civil Law, gaining immediately the affections of the most Learned in that Univer∣sity. September, 1569. he went to Frankford, and from thence into Italy, remaining some time at Padova to continue his studies in the Law, not that he intended this for his chief end, but desiring a∣bove all the knowledge of Christian Religion, he would not be ignorant of the rest; His idle hours he passed in the Physick Garden, to learn the natures and names of the herbs and plants: in which he profited so far in a short time, that Guillandinus (the Director of that Garden) had him in singular admiration: Besides, at the same time he read over the greatest part of the Bible, under Rabbi Menaken a Jew, the most learned of that Age in the holy Tongue.

At length the State of Venice making a League with Spain, and the Pope, against the Turk, occasi∣oned a more strict search to be made by the Bi∣shop of Padova after such as professed the Prote∣stant Religion: of which profession Master du Plessis being known to be, retired himself to Venice to Monsieur du Ferrier, then Embassador for the King of France there: And here likewise he was like∣ly to have come into some danger for his religion; For a certain Officer of the Inquisition, proffering him an Oath upon some Articles proposed unto him, he answered in Italian, That his Religion permitted him not to take it: The Officer mis∣understanding the word Religion (which in that

Language, most commonly signifies some Order of Friers) asked him if he were a religious person? Monsieur du Plessis (understanding the Officers question of a Protestant, such being in France cal∣led of the Religion) answered, yes, whereupon the Officer proceeded no further. Divers like dangers he escaped by the providence of God in other parts of Italy. At Rome a Provost came by night, and examined him concerning his Country, his name, &c. He told him his name was Philip de Mornay, the Provost not hearing du Plessis, by which name he was most ordinarily called, left him, supposing he was not the man he sought for; From Venice (having first seen the rest of Italy) he went to Vienna, and from thence by Hungary, Bohe∣mia, and Saxony, to Franckfort, and so to Cologne, in the end of the year, 1571 here he was familiar with Philip Ximenes, Spaniard (the great friend of Cas∣sander) with whom he had often Conference about Religion. Ximenes confessed many errors in the vi∣sible Church, but would by no means allow of a separation from it: du Plessis having obtained his Arguments in writing gave him an Answer to them, which those of Cologne, called Triduanum Scriptum: To which Ximenes promised, but ne∣ver gave an answer. In the Spring, Anno 1572. He passed into Flanders, and so into England, where he was favourably received by Queen Eli∣zabeth, who already had him in great esteem. At that time Monsieur de Montmocancy, and Monsieur de Foix, were newly arrived in England, to swear the League betwixt the Queen, and Charls King

of France. These intended to send du Plessis to the Queen of Scots (then Prisoner in England) to sa∣lute her in the name of their Master. But when he perceived that he was to deliver some Letters se∣cretly unto her, which made against the League, he refused that Commission, Saying, That he would not begin his imployment by so evil an Action. At the end of July, 1572. he returned into France, and went to wait upon the Admiral at Paris; That fatall marriage being then ready to be solemnized between the King of Navarr, and Margaret of France: His mother was then in the City upon her return home, and himself ready to accompany her: When news was brought that the Admiral was hurt, whom presently he ran to help, and to aid him to his lodging. He had al∣ways suspected that marriage, but this wicked act confirmed his suspition. Wherefore desiring his Mother instantly to depart, he resolved himself to stay and attend the issue of what he suspected. Upon Bartholomew-Day (the day of that horrid Massacre) the Messenger whom he had sent to in∣quire of the Admirals health, returned affrighted, and told him, that the Admirals lodging was broke open by force: At which sudden news, he leapt out of his bed, and putting on his clothes, felt an extraordinary motion in himself, which caused him to say, God will deliver me out of this danger, and I shall see it revenged: On the contrary Ramini (his Tutor) presently answered, And I shall die in it. Both which came to pass. Whilst he intended to hasten to the Admirals

Lodging, divers hinderances kept him within, till the murderers arrived at his house, so that he had scarce time to burn his Papers, and save himself on the top of the house, till they were gone. A day or two he lay hid in Paris, and on the third day of the Massacre, he slipt out of the City (though not without much trouble and danger) under the dis∣guise of a Lawyers Clerk: Arriving at his Mo∣thers, he found the Family dispersed, and her self concealed by a mean Gentleman of the neigh∣bourhood; Having saluted her, he resolved to venture for England: To which end, one proffering to procure for him the Duke de Guise his Pass, he refused it, saying, That he would not ow his life to such, for whose service he should be loath to imploy it; That God had delivered him from the Massacre, and therefore into his hands he would commit his passage; and within two or three days, finding a Boat at Diep, he passed in it safe to England: Where he had been recommended to the Queen by the Lord Walsingham, then Ambassador in France: Being there, he wrote some Remonstrances in Latine and French; by which he exhorted the Queen to the defence of the afflicted Church; and confuted by some Apologies, the calumnies imposed upon the Protestants: He was likewise imployed in the Treatie of Marriage betwixt the Duke of Alen∣con (brother to the French King) and Queen Eliza∣beth. This Duke, by reason of some differences betwixt his brothers and himself, took up Arms, and made use of the Protestants, as a descontented party, to assist him; to joyn with whom,

Monsieur du Plessis was much solicited, which occasioned him at length to return into France; but withall he expressed his dislike of joyn∣ing the Interest of Religion with the Dukes Ambitious, and discontented Ends. This war not succeeding, he retired himself to Jametz, till the death of King Charls the seventh, who died, Anno 1574. After which he came to Sedan, where he was desired by the Dutchess of Bouillon to un∣dertake a journey to the Duke of Cleve, who with the Elector Palatin, had been by her late husband constituted Executors of his Will; which (though a business of much hazard) was undertaken by him, and performed to the great contentment of the Dutchess. During his sojourn∣ing at Sedan, he married Charlotte Arbaleste, a widdow, who having likewise escaped the Mas∣sacre at Paris, was fled thither for Religion: At whose request he composed his Treatise of Life and Death.

In the Year 1576. He went to the King of Navarr in Guienne, who immediatly received him for one of his Counsel: To whom he did much service in the Wars, against the Pretended Holy League; In reference to which, he was by the said King imployed, Anno 1577. with an ample Com∣mission to the Queen of England, to solicite her for aid against the Leaguers: Being arrived in May at London, the Queen (who was very prompt in such kinde of speeches) told him, That she had ex∣pected him as Messenger from a Duke, but now she saw him as Ambassadour from a King. At his

Audience he obtained from her the sum of eighty thousand Crowns to levy men in Germany for that war; which nevertheless were not raised, by reason of the Peace which followed in the same year: During this abode in England, he composed his Treatise of the Church. Being resolved to pass in∣to the Low Countries, in June, Anno 1578. He took leave of the Queen at Norwich, who besides an ho∣norable Present bestowed upon him, would have a particular Cypher for Letters to pass betwixt them: In his passage he was robbed by Pyrats, where he left (besides other things) his Papers, amongst which there were some Books of the History of his Time in Latine, which he had be∣gun, Anno 1570. Arriving at Antwerp, he was pre∣sent at the Treatie of Alliance betwixt Queen Elizabeth, Duke Casimir, and the Estates; in the which he caused likewise to be included the King of Navarr his Master: He was afterward poisoned by one Guerin, who had been hired to poison the Prince of Orange, but his youth and good consti∣tution overcame the force of the Poison: During his, stay here, about the midst of the year, 1579. he began his work of the Truth of Christian Religi∣on; of which when he had finished about four Chapters, he fell into a grievous sickness, which the Physitians judged to be caused by the reliques of the Poison which he had taken. This continu∣ing upon him, and the Plague raging in Antwerp, he was invited by those of Gant, for change of Air, unto their City, where, they provided and furnished a house for him. There he spent the rest

of that year, and begun the next, viz. 1580. And no sooner had recovered his health in part, but im∣mediatly he set himself to the continuance of his work. But he was that Spring taken off by new imployments.

The King of Navarr again took up Arms, and commanded Monsieur du Plessis, (laying all other business aside) to make another journey to Eng∣land, to demand succours; which he immediatly undertook: The Queen of England was then a∣bout to make Peace with the King of France, so that this Embassage was not very agreeable to her: Yet after his return to Antwerp, she wrote a Letter with her own hand to Monsieur du Plessis, telling him, that he should be welcome when ever he pleased to return into England; and that never any Gentleman had treated with her, in whom she took so much pleasure as in himself: At Antwerp he finished his Book of Christian Religion, which the year after himself turned into Latine. Anno 1582. He returned into France, where he publi∣lished a Treatise, containing the Reasons why the Counsel of Trent could not be admitted in France, Printed by command of K. Hen. 3. In the year fol∣lowing (1583.) He was sent by the King of Navar to the National Synod of Vitray in Bretaigne, where he was joyfully received by the whole Company, with this preface, That had they met him occasio∣nally in the streets, they should have earnestly im∣portuned his presence with them. He was likewise present in the General Assembly of the Prote∣testants held at Montauban, by the Kings permissi∣on,

in the year 1584. where he was desired by the Assembly to draw up the form of their Com∣plaints against the violation of the Edict for Peace, which he, together with the Count de Laval, presented afterwards to the King at Blois.

The League of the House of Guise, breaking forth in the year 1585. which was formed first against the King, under pretence of the defence of the Catholike Religion, & afterwards declared against the King of Navarr, and the Protestants: That fa∣mous Declaration in the name of the said King, was penned by Monsieur du Plessis, wherein the King, having answered the Calumnies cast upon him by that Faction, proposed (to avoid the cala∣mities of a Civil war) that the quarrel might be ended betwixt himself and the Duke of Guise, not∣withstanding the inequalitie of their conditions, by a combate, either of one to one, two to two, or ten to ten, more or less, at the choise of the said Duke: To which Declaration Monsieur du Plessis would not set his hand, till the King of Navarr had promised that he should be one of the Comba∣tants, if the Conditions should be accepted. But this not being accepted by the Duke, there fol∣lowed the Civil wars for Religion; in which Monsieur du Plessis did many necessary and im∣portent Services for the King of Navarr, and the Protestants, both with his Sword and Pen, ha∣ving answered a virulent book published by the League against the King of Navarr, called the Eng∣lish Catholique: Besides his assistance in the General Assembly of the Protestants at Rochel, and his

Remonstrances to the General Assembly of Estates, held at the same time by the King at Blois, intended for the disinheriting of the King of Navarr, next heir to the Crown. At which As∣sembly in writings so far prevailed, that the grea∣test part of the Deputies concluded a Peace to be made with the King of Navarr, and much ado there was to make them at length change their language.

After the death of the Duke of Guise at Blois, there followed a Truce betwixt the Kings, in the year 1589. Upon which Monsieur du Plessis was by the King of France made Governor of Saumur. One memorable passage during these wars cannot well be omitted, which was, That the King of Navarr, having abused the daughter of a Gentle∣man in Rochel (by whom he had a son) the Church had often remonstrated his fault unto him, which he ingeniously confessed, but could not be per∣swaded to take off the scandal by a publike ac∣knowledgement of it, till Monsieur du Plessis gi∣ving him counsel about a Battel which was then ready to be fought, took the opportunity to tell him how necessary it was to seek the favour of Al∣mighty God, the onely giver of Victory, and ther∣upon urged him to consult with his Conscience, whether he ought not to give glory to God upon such an occasion, and what remorse it would breed in him, if God for want of it should blast his undertakings, to the ruine of so good a Cause; which so neerly touched the Kings heart, that he commanded him to consult with a Minister con∣cerning

what he had to do in that business; accord∣ing to whose advice he made the next day a pub∣like Acknowledgment of his fault in the Church before all the Nobility of his Army. Which counsell being thought by some to be too Rigo∣rous, Monsieur du Plessis made this answer, That as a man could not be too couragious before men, so he could not be too humble in the presence of God.

After the murther of Henry the Third, by a Jacobin at St. Cloud, in August, 1587. Monsieur du Plessis was made Counseller of Estate to the King of Navarr (now Henry the Fourth King of France) whom he served in the recovery of his right against the League of the House of Guise, though with much hazard to himself, some ha∣ving been, by their own confession, hired to mur∣ther him, for which they were executed at Tours.

Sixtus Quintus then Pope, being one of the Kings chiefest Enemies, an expedient was propounded of taking him off by some honorable Embassage, and to that end the question was put, whether the King might with a safe conscience write to him? Monsieur du Plessis answered, That doubtless he might, it being ordinary in the same case for Christian Princes to write unto the Turk; so that the question was not, if he should write, but how? Since the King could not cal him holy Father, or kiss his feet, whom according to his profession, he ought to think the enemy of Christ, and if he should write otherwise it would be to no purpose. This expedient therefore was wholly laid aside.

Afterwards the Duke of Florence being wil∣ling

to joyn interests with the King, fearing the too great potency of Spain, sent a Gentleman to him, who proffered to Monsieur du Plessis twenty thousand Crowns a year, if he would counsel the King to change his Religion, to which he stoutly replyed, That his Masters conscience was not to be sold, no more then his own.

In the year 1590. He built a Church for the Protestants in Saumur, and obtained a grant from the King, for the Instituting of an Ʋniversity there, which was afterwards confirmed by a Nationall Synod held in the same place. The King besieging Rouen, in the year, 1591. and fearing the Army of the Prince of Parma, which was then entred France, intending to raise that siege; Monsieur du Plessis was again sent into England, to demand aid from the Queen, where he had conference with some English Bishops, concerning the differences betwixt them, and the Non▪conformists, remon∣strating unto them, with what conscience they could molest those, who agreed in the same faith with them, onely for some simple Ceremonies, with whose infirmities they ought rather charita∣bly to bear; which Remonstrance caused them for a while to be more gently dealt with, instead of the persecution which was intended against them.

In the year 1593. He wrote a large Letter to the King, who then had changed his Religion, desire∣ing the continuance of his favour to the Prote∣stants, and withall expostulating that sudden change, assuring him nevertheless of their fidelity

towards him, and resolution to obey their lawfull Prince, of what Religion soever, even to the ha∣zard of their lives. Meeting him afterwards (ac∣cording to command) at Chartres, the King some∣what troubled at the first enterview, began to ex∣cuse what he had done, by telling him that he had been necessitated to sacrifice himself for his Protestant Subjects, that he might with more ease procure a peace for them: To which Monsieur du Plessis answered, That there were better expe∣dients for the working of that end, had his Maje∣stie been pleased to have made use of them, and that it would have been more agreeable to their minds to have sacrificed their lives for him. About this time he obtained of the King a revoca∣tion of such Edicts as had been made by the Leaguers against the Protestants, and a confirma∣tion of others, by which the free exercise of their Religion had been formerly granted unto them.

Anno, 1595. He began his work of the Lords Supper, which he finished in less then a year; In which Book his principall end was, to represent the belief and practise of Antiquity in most part of the points controverted in Religion; which design the King had heretofore approved, as a means to facilitate a reformation: This Book was afterward approved by the Nationall Synod at Saumur, though not Printed untill the year, 1598. The publication of it stirred up many ene∣mies against him, especially of the Clergy: The Jesuites of Bourdeaux petitioned the Parliament there, that it might be burned; The Pope him∣self

by express Letters complained of it to the King, that one of his Privy Counsell should dare to call him Anti-Christ. The King nevertheless took no notice of it, onely sometimes he complai∣ned to his friends, that he was sorry that Monsieur du Plessis had by this means given him occasion not to put him upon further Employments; which likewise he desired Monsieur de la Force to tell him; To whom du Plessis answered, That he had not done this act rashly, but upon good consideration; That the King knew well, that he was ever wont to distribute his services first to God, next to his King, and then to his friends; which method he could not with a good consci∣ence change; That he was not ignorant how much this would hinder his preferments in the world, which he regarded not so much, as to do the least service for his God; That however God was faithfull, and would honor such as honor him, and much more to the like effect. But the Pope still underhand solicited the King to ruin him, whom in all his Letters he called his enemy, re∣presenting that he had punished one in Rome for ha∣ving spit upon the Kings Effigies, how much more ought the King to punish him who had so irreve∣rently used Gods Vicar: And so far was the King led away by his frequent solicitations, that not∣withstanding the important services of Monsieur du Plessis, he sought all possible occasions to cast him off, which though ordinarily not hard to find in one who had so high a Charge in the admi∣nistration of the Common-wealth, yet (by the

grace of God assisting him) Calumnie could not find on that side where to fasten. At last (having nothing else to accuse him of) his Book must be laid hold of, for a pretence to ruin him, in which the Bishop of Eureux, du Perron promised to shew five hundred false quotations: Du Plessis on the contrary offered to make good all the passages ci∣ted in his Book, out of Impressions approved by his adversaries. Whereupon a Conference was ap∣pointed at Fountainbleau. But the Sorbonists fearing lest the examination of particulars would prove to their disadvantage, desired the Popes Nuncio, and he the King, to hinder it: The King desired him not to trouble himself, since he would so manage the business, that the disgrace should re∣main upon the Protestants, which he intended to bring to pass, by ordaining, that at the Conference the Bishop should open the Book, and name to the number of fifty passages, if the time would permit, to which du Plessis was to make answer ex tempore, otherwise he was resolved to verifie the Bishops accusation. This being told to du Plessis, he an∣swered, that it was a hard condition for him, to make an unpremeditated answer to such quotati∣ons as the Bishop should pick out of ten thou∣sand alledged in that Book, to the retaining of all which, no humane memory could suffice. Where∣upon the conditions were a little (though very lit∣tle) qualified, and thus proposed; That the Bishop should quote unto him sixty passages over night, to which he was to answer at eight the next morning. Monsieur du Plessis (after ardent pray∣ers

to God) accepted the condition: About one of the Clock after mid-night the sixty passages were brought to him, quoted onely thus, Scotus p. 869. Durand. pag. 870, &c. besides that, the Books which he borrowed of the Bishop (he having none there of his own) at two of the clock, were again sent for by six; yet in this space of four hours (though weak sighted) he had examined nineteen of the quoted passages; At eight of the clock he was called, though then put off till one in the afternoon, so that but nineteen of the quotations were examined; upon his answer to the first, the Moderators (being most part Papists) were ashamed, and pronounced in favour of Monsieur du Plessis; which they were about to have done likewise in the second, had not the King interpo∣sed, which made them decide it against him. For the rest, they were chiefly such passages of Fathers, as the Bishop pretended, that du Plessis had not in∣tirely quoted; in which, though du Plessis made it appear, that the words pretended to be fraudulent∣ly left out, were all to the same effect; yet the Moderators judged, that it were good they had been added: This was the summ of that Confe∣rence; concerning which du Plessis Printed after∣wards a Relation to vindicate himself: But the Bishop every where cried up the victory which he pretended to have gotten there, even in the Cathedrall Church, in a Sermon before the King and Court at Whitsontide: (About a fort∣night after the Conference) He was himself the Trumpet to his own praises: But that week a flash

of Lightning broke into the Church, shattered the Pulpit where the Bishop had preached all the Holidays, burnt some Images, and at the same time fell likewise in the Kings Garden: Also on the Thursday following, the Bishop preached a∣gain in a Church neer the Lowre, upon which Church, within two nights after, fell another flash of Lightning, which uncovered part of the Steeple, and beat down some Images; and at the same instant falling again into the Kings Garden, burned some Orange trees there. In these Pro∣digies, the very Adversaries of du Plessis acknow∣ledged the finger of God; Neither would they suffer the Bishop to preach any more in their Churches; besides, that himself made an oath to preach no more till Winter. Monsieur du Plessis thus faln into disfavor with the King, began to lead a more private life, though he had still a large influence upon publike affairs: In the year 1602. A certain Monk had hired two young men to kill him; who came in Sermon time into the Church, at Saumur, the one of them drawing so neer, as to lift up the Carpet which lay before him, but had not the boldness to strike: Being taken upon suspi∣tion he confessed his intentions, and who set him on work; whereupon the Monk was apprehended, and hanged. Afterwards the King began again by little and little to favor him, moved thereunto, not onely out of his own inclinations, which had been alaways towards him, though thus clouded for a while, for fear of the Pope; but likewise by a Remonstrance from Queen Elizabeth, who

had told his Ambassador, that she knew not how to trust his Master, who so far depended on the Pope, as for his sake to slight his best and most faithful servants.

In January, Anno 1605. The onely son of Monsieur du Plessis was sent for to the Court by the King, who intended an imployment for him, where he was well received: But the de∣sign upon which he had been sent for, failing, he desired leave to go into Holland, which was grant∣ed him, where he was the same year unhappily slain before Gueldres; which bred so great a grief in his mother, that she lived not long after, de∣parting this life in May, Anno 1606. This was one of the most remakable Epoches in the whole Life of Monsieur du Plessis, in the which two such great & so contiguous losses had befaln him: After his sons death, he had both his own grief to com∣bat with, and to comfort that of his wife: But af∣ter her death he was wont to say, That heretofore she had been an aid to him in living well, and should hereafter be so in teaching him to die well; from thenceforth he took this for his Motto, Mihi bis anhelo suprestes.

The same year he was again himself called to the Court, and graciously received by the King, where he continued, till the year following, at which time he desired leave of the King to retire himself, which the King unwillingly granted; withall, desiring him to come sometimes to Court, and expressing his grief that he could not employ him according as he desired, the reason

whereof himself well knew, meaning the scandall which the Pope would have taken at it: Being returned to Saumur, he began his Work of the My∣sterie of Iniquity, Anno 1607. which, though a work of infinite labour, yet he finished it in nine moneths. In which it is remarkable, that to spare his sight, he dictated it to others that wrote it from his mouth.

In the Spring, Anno 1608. He began to set upon those great Volumes of Baronius, to which he in∣tended a confutation. About this time likewise were those Letters of his into Holland concerning the Novelties introduced into the Church by Ar∣minius, to whom he advised the French Church, to send one of their Ministers (naming Monsieur du Moulin) to confer with him concerning the Points by him maintained, and to adjure him in the Name of God to forbear begetting of Parties in the Church: This advise was approved by the Church, but fearing to offend the King, they durst neither ask his leave, nor send without it. Du Perron, Bishop of Eureux, now made Cardinal, and Archbishop of Sens was much pressed by the King to answer Mon. du Plessis, to which he was likewise urged by his friends, who told him that the Action at Fontainbleau was little to his credit, and that should du Plessis dye, it would be then too late to answer him, because men would be ready to say, that he durst not do it in his Life time; where∣fore he promised, and undertook the business: And going to Rome, sequestred himself from other bu∣siness for the space of a year to perform it, promi∣sing

the Pope at his arrivall in France to print his answer, which he said was risen to a great Vo∣lume: Upon his return, the King asked him when he would print it? He told his Majesty that he stayed but for some Manuscripts from Rome; which answer, the King seeing his delays, used as a Proverb to some undertakers, whose work went not forward, who making idle excuses to him; Yes (sayes the King) I see you stay for Manuscrips from Rome too; Causabon, who was about the Cardi∣nall, wrote to Monsieur du Plessis concerning this Answer, telling him that it was finished, and that himself had seen it; whom du Plessis desired, as the Cardinals friend, to give him from him the same Counsel which Christ did to Judas in the Gospel; What thou dost, do quickly. But this Volume of an∣swer never appeared: The Cardinal after the Kings murther, thinking himself to be disingaged from his promise, In October, An. 1609. Mon. du Plessis had notice given him of a Book in folio, seen in the house of one that was a Confident of the Jesuites, which was written to the half, containing divers Oaths signed with bloud; in which they obliged them∣selves to obey the commands of the Pope: of which he immediatly gave a secret advice to the Court; but by the evil conduct of him that was appointed to search for it, the Book missed of be∣ing found. This year he turned into latine his Book of the Mysterie of iniquity, which he dictated so fast, that his Amanuensis had much ado to keep pace with him with his pen. The horrid murther of the King following in the year. 1610. he upon notice of

it, took so good order, as to keep the people about his government in quiet, who upon that sudden change were ready to take up arms: And as soon as he had received the Edict for the Regen∣cy of the Queen Mother, he administred the Oath of Fidelity to all the Clergy and People within his Jurisdiction; making a speech unto them, in which he desired them to forget the di∣stinguishing names of Papist and Protestant, which having caused so many misfortunes, ought to be buried in this great one: Professing, that whoever would shew himself a good French-man, and a faithfull Subject, should be of him respected as his Brother.

In May, An. 1611. was held in Saumur the Gene∣rall Assembly of the Protestant Churches; where chusing a President, six of the sixteen Provinces were for the Duke de Bouillon, the other ten for Monsieur du Plessis; who being much troubled at it, desired them to chuse again, but was by the company commanded to take the place: At which the Duke being discontented, there followed a dis∣sention in that Assembly, manifestly tending to a Schism in the Church, which du Plessis (though a party) much laboured to reconcile, and at last that was happily brought to pass in the Nationall Sy∣nod held the year following at Privas.

Another dissention afterwards happened be∣twixt Monsieur du Moulin, Minister of the Church at Paris, and Monsieur Tilenus, Professor at Sedan, about the effects of the Union of the two natures in Christ: The making up of this difference was,

by a Nationall Synod held at Tonneinx, referred to Monsieur du Plessis, who proved the happy Author of a full reconciliation betwixt them, in the year, 1614. Yet had this difference like to have broke forth again the year following, by the indis∣cretion (or malice rather) of some particular per∣sons, had not Monsieur du Plessis in time stopped its progress: In which he was aided by a sea∣sonable Message of King James; who at that time sent to invite du Moulin into England, to con∣fer with him about a method of Uniting all the Reformed Churches of Christendom, to which he had been often solicited by Monsieur du Ples∣sis. The issue of which Voyage was, That the King resolved to send Letters to all Protestant Princes, to invite them to Union, and desired the French Churches to frame a confession gathered out of all those of other reformed Churches, in the which unnecessary points might be left out, as the means of begetting discord and dissention.

Some years following were spent by Monsieur du Plessis in procuring the peace of the Protestant Churches, and endeavouring to keep a good cor∣respondence between the King and them, which was continually ready to be interrupted; in which business he carryed himself with so much pru∣dence and fidelity in all occurrences between them, that he was admired, and praised by all, yea, even Cardinall Perron himself (heretofore one of his greatest enemies) shewed him great re∣spect in the Assembly of Estates held at Rouen, An. 1617. speaking of him in all companies with an

excess of Prayses; and telling the King himself, that those men had done him wrong who had kept off Monsieur du Plessis from having a greater power in the management of his affairs; And that his Religion ought not to render him unprofitable in the exercise of those graces which God had gi∣ven him; and that his Majestie ought to keep him neer his person so long as he should live. Which prayses the said Cardinal reiterated upon his death∣bed, in September, Anno, 1618. charging his friends then about him, to send a solemn Farewell from him to Monsieur du Plessis, and to manifest his sorrow for not having made a straighter league of friendship with him, having so high an esteem of his Conscience and integrity. His government of the Town and Castle of Saumur was continued unto him till the year, 1621. when the King falling into displeasure and suspicion of the Protestants, by reason of their high deportment in the Assem∣bly at Rochel, displaced him at first but for three moneths, with a promise of restoring him so soon as affairs should be a little quieted. But these dis∣contents growing to an open War, he could ne∣ver procure a re-establishment, though it were continually solicited by him; Wherefore retiring himself to his House in the Forrest upon Dayure, he continued there till the day of his death, which followed in the year, 1623. there applying him∣self to holy meditations and exercises of Patience. He did by a particular providence of God make his last Will for the peace of his Family, and the edification of those that should survive him; which

having finished upon the third of November, in the forementioned year, he expressed himself to be now discharged of one of his greatest cares, and that nothing was now left for him to do, but to die well. The next day he was seized by a conti∣nuall Feaver, forcing him to keep his bed, which so continued and encreased upon him, that upon the ninth of the same moneth the Physicians gave over all hopes of his recovery: Nevertheless he lived for forty eight hours after, which he so well husbanded in the care of his salvation, that scarce one of those hours was employed in any other business. In all which time he gave both by word and action so many express and evident signs of his faith and assurance, that it may be truly said, that in this short time he confirmed by Irrefraga∣ble proofs all that he had said or written of the truth of Christian Religion. In all this time he felt little or no pain, so that when the Minster asked him how he did, he still would answer, Well, very well. His speech continued till the tenth day at midnight, which he continually imployed in pray∣ers for himself and his enemies, and in comforta∣ble speeches to the by-standers; sometimes in the middest of his prayers, being heard to say, I fly, I fly to Heaven, the Angels are carrying me into the Bo∣some of my Saviour, sometimes repeating those words of Job, I know that my Redeemer liveth, I shal see him with mine eyes, hisce oculis, repeating divers times these last words in Latine. Being asked if he felt not the Spirit within him sealing unto him the promises of God, he answered,

Yes indeed, I am assured of it, and again, I feel, I feel what I speak. Two hours after, his speech, and his hearing failed him, and his breath between six and seven in the morning of the eleventh day, which was the hour that he yielded up his spirit into the hands of God his Creator, finishing by a happy death, a life of above seventy four years continuance, exemplarily spent in the fear of God, and the profession of his Gospel.

The last hours of Monsieur du Plessis.

MOnsieur du Plessis by an instinct from God, had made, and dictated his Testament, upon the twenty fourth day of Octob. 1623. In the which, for the peace of his Family, and the edifi∣cation of his survivors, he had set down his last will and pleasure. But by reason of some interve∣nient occasions, did not sign it till the third of November following, which having done, Now (said he) behold, I am discharged of one of my chiefest cares, and for the time to come have nothing else to look after but my Death. And indeed from the day following he kept his bed, for the most part, be∣ing seized by a continuall Feaver, which was since known to be of that sort, which is commonly called Li••yria. This sickness continuing, and in∣creasing upon him, the Physitians gave advertise∣ment unto his friends, upon Thursday the ninth of that month, that his estate was such, as no hu∣mane hopes were left that he could ever recover it. After which time God continued him upon earth for the space of forty eight hours, which he so well imployed in the Thoughts of himself, and

his Salvation, that he scarcely spent any one intire hour of them upon any other business; giving both by his words and actions, such express and evident Testimonies of his Faith and Assurance, that it may be truly said, that in that short time he con∣firmed by irrefragable proofs, all that ever he had said or written concerning the truth of Christian Religion. The Gospel of the Son of God was plainly seen to be ingraved upon his heart by the Holy Spirit. He seemed in the midst of death to have obtained a firm possession of Life, & to injoy a full contentment in that, at which most men are ordinarily affrighted. And this Lesson was so live∣ly and efficatious, that even those who had the greatest share in the loss of him, reaped joy and consolation from the very subject of their grief: Would to God that all men could have been pre∣sent there! Since it is impossible for any Pen to imprint that force upon his Expressions, which his own Accent, and the condition wherein he was, gave unto them. His words we shall indeavour to express; though wanting that soul and life which they had in his mouth: And while we recount them as such, we shall intreat such as were then present to remember, with what voyce and action they were accompained; and those that were absent to imagine what weight the Spirit and Tongue of such a Personage could add unto them, sealing by a happy Death, a Life of seventy four years, spent (as is publikely known) exemplarily in the fear of God, and the profession of his Gospel.

On Thursday, the ninth of November, Madam de Villarnoul his eldest daughter, coming in the morning to his bed side, where after having enqui∣red of his health, as she stood silent, he told her that he desired some one might come and hold some good discourse with him: Upon which oc∣casion they caused a Minister, being his houshold Chaplain, to come, that he might give him notice of the dangerous condition in which he was, and prepare him to undergo the Will of God. And though the Minister was much troubled to be the bearer of so sad a message, yet he used much live∣liness in the delivery, without making use of the circumstances wherewith men commonly usher in such discourses; To whom Monsieur du Plessis not any wayes moved or astonished, but with a countenance and spirit full of assurance, answered. Yea, saith he, is it true? I am very well content it should be so; And do in the first place pardon from my heart all such as have done or procured evil unto me: Further, beseeching God, that he would pardon and amend them. The Minister praising God for that he was thus ready to for∣give unto others their offences, which was an evi∣dent sign that God would forgive him his; prayed him, that as he had edified the Church in his life time, so that now likewise he would do the same at his death, and since he still injoyed the use of his Tongue, that he would comfort and edifie the By-standers by his speeches. To which he an∣swered, That he had not his speech so free as they imagined; neither indeed could he speak without

pain, nevertheless the desire which he had to give an outward Testimony of the internall disposition of his heart, made him in some measure overcome this hinderance: onely he abridged into as few words as he could all that he had to say. Then he began a Confession of his Faith, but not being a∣ble to finish it, he lifted up himself from the Chair whereon he sate, and said to the Minister, I have a great account to make, having received much, and profited little; It being answered, that he had by the grace of God faithfully and happily im∣ployed his Talent, having served the Church with much profit, and advanced the Kingdom of Christ. Alas, (said he) what was there of mine in that Work? Say not that it was I, but God by me, which saying he repeated three or four times af∣terwards upon like occasions, reciting at one time that passage of St. Paul, 1 Cor 15. 10. I have la∣boured, yet not I, but the grace of God which is in me; speaking these last words in Greek, as they are in the Original 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, giving thereby all the glory to God, without dividing it betwixt himself & his grace, as those which understand that tongue may easily perceive: Afterwards, being laid upon his bed, There is nothing, (said he) more just and reasonable, then that the creature should obey his Creator: Then lifting up his hands above his head, he thrice cryed out, Mercy, adding, that he did it to shew, that it was the alone mercy of God to which he had his recourse, and to which we ought to have ours also: That he had heretofore desired to live, in hope to see the deliverance of the Church:

But that finding no repentance in the world, he now found nothing that should invite him to con∣tinue in it: Then composing his countenance, with a firm and grave voice, he gave his blessing, first unto his daughters, afterwards unto his sons in Law, recommending peace unto them, to which (said he) I leave you, as also to their children, and whole posterity, as well present as absent, praying God to ratifie this his blessing by his most holy benediction; He gave his blessing likewise to Mon∣sieur de Auberville his Nephew, and his Wife; af∣ter, to his Family and houshold servants, and in particular, to the Minister which then assisted him, beseeching the Lord to prosper the holy Ministry of his Word in his hands. He called likewise Mon∣sieur Dissandeau the Physician, which had always faithfully served him in his sicknesses, particularly in this, and blessed him.

At the same time calling to mind Monsieur Bou∣cherean, Minister of the Church in Saumur, he prayed God to bless him, and, Let it not trou∣ble him (said he) to be patient; He hath to do with a troublesom people, I beseech God not to impute their sins unto them; There are some in the company which know what I mean. He under∣stood by these words those horrible calumnies, with which he had been, especially in his later years, unworthily and outragiously charged at Saumur, more then any other place. After he gave his blessing to the Church of Saumur, and to that of Saint Jovin (which was the neerest to his house) taking notice that there were

in it many good men, which bore affection to the word of God. At length he prayed to God for all the Church in generall, that he would deliver it, and relieve it from oppression, and restore it to a prosperous estate. After which he gave charge to the Minister to write to Madam de Noiers, daugh∣ter to his wife by her former Husband, to tell her, that he gave his blessing to her, and all her houshold: Remembring a while after Madam de l'Isle daughter to Monsieur and Madam de Villar∣noul, he expressed his sorrow for not seeing her, blessing her and her children: As also a while after he blessed particularly such of his grand-children, as did or had followed the studies of Learning, saying, that he was assured they should be blessed with the blessings both of Heaven above, and of the Earth beneath. This being done, he protested that he had through his whole life made Gods glory his end and aim; adding withall, that such as knew him, were not ignorant, that had he pro∣posed any other end unto himself, it had been an easie matter for him to have come to great riches & honors. Therupon (the Minister questioning him upon that subject) he declared, That he persisted constantly in the faith wherein he had lived, which also by the grace of God he had defended by ex∣ample, word, and writings; That were his life a∣gain to begin, he would walk in the same way and path, by which he had already steered his course, to wit, by persevering in the profession of the Gospel, notwithstanding the many dis-fa∣vours which he had suffered for it; That this his

Faith was altogether founded upon the goodness and mercy of God in Christ Jesus, who by the Father had been made unto him, and unto all such as believe in him; Wisdom and righteousness, san∣ctification and redemption; And for your works, Sir, (said the Minister unto him) do you attribute no merit at all unto them? Away (answered he) a∣way with all merit both of mine, and of any other mans whatsoever: I call for nothing but mercy, free mercy. Upon which the Minister pronoun∣cing unto him in the name of Jesus Christ, the re∣mission of his sins, and the inheritance of eternall life, belonging unto all those that believe in the son of God, saying, that he did it in the vertue and discharge of his duty, not that he at all doubted, but he in his heart fully felt the grace of God, and had full assurance of his mercy; I thank you (said he) for it, and take your saying for an earnest of the goodness of God towards me, and to shew, that what he had said was more then bare words. Monsieur de Villarnoul, praising God that he saw him enjoy so much comfort in his end, which he had always heard him to desire during his life, that he might be able to testifie it from his heart, and not die without speaking it; I feel (said he unto him) my Son, I feel what I speak. Afterwards the Minister demanding if he desired that they should pray unto God to fortifie him more and more, and likewise that he would restore him unto his health, that he might further serve him unto his glory. Pray unto God (said he) that he would dispose of me. It being answered, that all hope was not yet

lost, that what had been told him concerning the danger of his present condition, was but for fear least some accident should take away the consola∣tion of hearing him speak: But that God was Al∣mighty, able to raise up even those that were alrea∣dy in the grave; I am not (said he) an enemy unto life, but I alread see one that is far better then this.

A while after, Madam de Villarnoul saying unto him, that she hoped God would restore him at the instance of our prayers; My daughter (said he) let him do what he pleases, I depend upon his will. And indeed, though he always testified a great resolution and assurance to encounter with Death, yet he never rejected such remedies, or nourishment as were proffered unto him, and name∣ly, that day dined as he was accustomed: He reti∣red himself from life, he fled it not.

After this they prayed by him, during which exercise he was extreamly attentive, his hands and eies following, to their power, the motions of his heart: And as long as the least sense was left un∣to him, he constantly lent a like attention to all the prayers, which at divers times were present∣ed unto God for him, during the space of those for∣ty eight hours; so that about five hours before his death, when already motion and sence began to fail him, it was marked, that he endeavoured with one hand to lift the other from under the clothes, that he might hold them joyned and lifted up, du∣ring the prayer. Prayer being ended, he desired they would read unto him the 71. Psal. of which himself made choice; There was likewise read

unto him the Meditation which himself had be∣fore time made upon 2 Tim 4. 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, &c. And moreover, by his command ano∣ther, which he had likewise published upon those words of the Psalmist, Cast thy burthen upon the Lord. Whilest these were reading, he was very attentive, giving us infinite testimonies of the pleasure which he took in it, and of the applicati∣ons which he made from thence for his own con∣solation. All this during three good hours and above; After which we left him to his repose, as since we alwayes observed the same, to give him some time of rest after that we had heard him. All which spaces he employed in pray∣ers and holy meditations by himself, as appear∣ed by the motions, sighs, and words, which from time to time brake from him, of the assurance which he had in God, of the Victory which by his grace he had obtained against the tempter, and the like. In the afternoon, upon a discourse which was made unto him, of the blessed immortality, the Minister saying, That here below we have but the right and Title, the Possession being reserved for us in heaven, himself cited to this purpose the words of St. John in his first Epistle, Chapter the third: Beloved, now are we the Children of God, but what we shall be doth not yet appear; now we know that when he shall appear we shall be like unto him. From whence an occasion being given to discourse unto him of the Resurrection, he thought good that they should read unto him the fifteenth chapter of

the first of the Corinthians, and marked (so fresh and untroubled was his spirit) upon the forty seventh Verse, The first man being of the Earth, is of dust (for so it sounds in the French Translation) that it is in the Text 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. About the end of this Lecture, arrived Madam de la Tabarriere, his daughter, sent by her husband to visit him, and render the last offices of her Duty to him: He expressed much content∣ment in seeing her, saying, that God had granted him that which he desired: That she made up a great part of his comfort, and had done him a great pleasure in coming. He enquired likewise concerning some of her children, which she had not brought with her; and gave her his blessing: Afterwards exhorting all his children in general, to Union and brotherly Love, that they might possess in peace the Inheritance which he should leave unto them; injoyning them in particular, not to go to Law about it; which was promised unto him with great asseverations, by his sons in Law, and daughters, and particularly by Madam de Fontenay in the name of her husband then absent in Normandie: Which being done, full of content∣ment, he said, That he was arrived at the height of comfort, since he died with the assurance of leaving peace amongst his children. And as all re∣tired themselves to leave him in repose: How should I sleep (said he) there being so many good people neer me? His daughters then returning un∣to him, he took them by the hands, saying, That he would speak unto them, and would have them to answer him; And then repeated unto them all

the preceding Exhortations, tending to the fear of God, and to Peace and mutual Concord. Some time after the Minister discoursing unto him, That of all his Enemies he had now none left to fear, not Sin, not Death, not the Devil, not the World, being already discomfited by the Lord Jesus, and speaking to each of these in particular, he seemed to take much delight in that discourse: Amongst the rest, as he spoke unto him concerning sin, he said, That its power was the Law, abolished by Christ for such as believe in him; for Death, that it was indeed to be feared of those that are out of Christ, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (said he in Greek, alluding to a passage in Aristoles Ethicks, where death is so cal∣led) but not to those that die in the Lord, by whose Cross death was disarmed: As touching the World, the Minister telling him that he knew well by his own experience, how little its tempta∣tions can prevail against such as the Lord fortifies, his Grace and Mercy having alwayes constantly accompanied him in all his wayes, even to the present hour, which was an assured sign of the faithfulness of his eternal love towards him. He answered, lifting up his eyes on high, Thy Gifts, O God, and thy Call are without repen∣tance: And upon that it was said, That the World, to deceive the faithful, sometimes threatens, and sometimes flatters them. These are (said he) the subtilties of Satan. The Minister continuing the same discourse, and shewing, that from hence∣forth the Calumnies of the Devil can do nothing against the children of Christ, being justified, and

sanctified by faith in him, who is it (cried he out) that shall frame an accusation against the Elect of God? God is he that justifies; Declaring further, that he was fully assured to have part in all his Promises, so that neither life, nor death, things present, nor things to come, should ever be able to seperate him from the love of his Saviour: Which saying, he repeated divers times.

The Evening of the same day, upon discourse of the vanity of the world, Alas, (said he) What is the World? It being answered, The World is but a Figure, he added (as it follows in Saint Paul) which passeth away: And presently used that expression of Pindar in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. After, leaving this Discourse, he insisted much upon Confession of his sins, Saying, That he was a grievous sinner, even one of the greatest that was upon the earth, That there was in him, as he ac∣knowledged, the seeds of evil; but that in Jesus Christ he should obtain mercy: And thereupon re∣quired with much affection, that they would speak unto him touching the Death and Passion of our Saviour; which being done, and followed by prayer, he heard all with great Devotion, and at the end of the Prayer, said these words, Amen, by Jesus Christ our Lord, in whom all the Promises of God are, Yea, and Amen. These were the greatest part of those things in Meditati∣on, wherewith he spent the whole Thursday, and the night following.

Friday morning, as we approached to his Bed∣side, praying him that he would continue to edifie,

and comfort us, by the Testimonies of his Faith, and Perseverance: He began with a Prayer, which he pronounced in Latine, Lord open thou my lips, and I will shew forth thy praise; Lord make me to know my sins, to weep for them, to detest them, to have them in execration, which he repeated twice; Upon this the Minister took occasion to speak unto him concerning the remission of his sins, and the comfort which follows it, founded upon the hope of immortality, it being impossible that such as are in Christ, though feeble, beaten down, and de∣stitute, should yet ever fall from life, the power of the Lord perfecting its self in the midst of their in∣firmities, in such maner, that the inward man was still fortified, as the outward man grew weaker: Citing unto him, and reading all along to this pur∣pose the end of the fourth Chapter of the second to the Corinthians, from the fifteenth Verse, & the beginning of the fifth, to the two and twentieth Verse, laying a particular Emphasis upon these words, We know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And asking him if he believed not all these things; If in this Faith he were not assured to be made partaker of that eternall weight of glory, spoken of by the Apostle; He answered; That he was intirely perswaded of it, by the demonstration of the holy spirit, more powerfull, more clear, and more certain then all the demonstrations of Euclide, and speaking those words, by the demonstration of the holy Spirit,

taken out of the 1 Cor. 2 4. he repeated them in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as they are in the original; and a little after upon the same subject said, That he had seen the salvation of God, the wonderfull works of God, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (said he) in the words as they are read, Act. 2. 11. Wherefore he might now say with Simeon, Nunc dimittis servum tuum in Pace, upon which he repeated likewise two or three times that of the Psalmist, I believed, & therfore have I spoken, applying it as did Saint Paul, 1 Cor. 4. 13. to shew that all his confidence and assurance pro∣ceeded from his faith. After noon he was heard praying to himself, and saying in broken senten∣ces; I flie, I flie to heaven; the Angels carry me in∣to the Bosome of my Saviour. Then the Minister ap∣proached, and to comfort and confirm him more and more, called to his mind the manifold favours which God had shewed unto him, preserving him from so many dangers which he had run through, fortifying him against so many assaults which he had sustained, having always a particular care over him, and carrying him as the Eagle carries her young ones; which conception he repeated in Latine, ut Aquila pullitiem suam; the Minister con∣tinuing this discourse, he cried out, Lord thou hast been our refuge in all generations, before the Moun∣tains were brought forth, thou art God. Whereupon it being added, that as the goodness of God, and his mercy towards us was from everlasting, so is it likewise firm and durable to all eternity: whence he might rest for ever assured of it, nor should the the weakness of his flesh make him any ways to doubt of it; to which he answered, I know that my

Redeemer liveth, I shall see him with these eyes; hisce oculis, repeating these last words in Latine three or four times; And as for the infirmity of the body, which turns into dust; it having been said, that this should not weaken our hope, because that God in∣to whose hands we resign it, is powerful and faith∣ful to preserve that trust, that he suffered us to turn as it were into nothing, to raise us up again more gloriously, taking pleasure to magnifie his pow∣er in our weakness; of which he had often made experience during his life, and that it was still to be seen in his death, in which by the Lords assistance he triumphed over all his enemies, though in the depth of weakness, according to the flesh. We can do all things (answered he) in Christ that strengthens us. From that time he still grew weaker, so that towards evening he could no longer pronounce entire periods, nor testifie the motions of his heart, but by short answers to what they demanded of him, conceived in two or three words. Being then asked if he felt not within his soul the force of the holy Spirit sealing unto him the promises of God, and filling him with a lively consolation; He an∣swered after a contented manner, which savoured of much cheerfulness, Yes indeed, and another time, I am assured of it, and a while after, with much ado, The love of God is in my heart: always when the Minister asked him how he found himself, he an∣swered, Very wel. Thus in the middest of these bles∣sed thoughts he entred into possession of the true Life, leaving by little and little this other earthly life. His speech failed about midnight, his hearing

two hours after, his breath betwixt six and se∣ven in the morning, at which time he rendred his Spirit unto God his Creator.

It is worth our notice, that during these forty eight hours, he felt little or no pain, having been often carefully asked concerning it, almost every hour, always constantly answering, that he suffer∣ed none. Moreover, that he had his senses perfect, as may appear by the preceding discourse, though a day before he had some raving fits, which cea∣sed on an instant, without ever returning, so soon as they had given him warning to prepare for the life to come; At which the Physicians much won∣dred, seeing his Feaver and long waking (he ha∣ving been many nights without sleep) in their o∣pinions should have caused a Delirium. Lastly, it must not be forgotten, that in all this time, he en∣tertained no other discourse then what tended to his salvation, having his judgement, spirits, and me∣mory in so good estate, that in the middest of his extremities, they could scarce alledge any passage of Scripture, upon which he did not make some note, even upon the Hebrew, Greek and Latine words (whereof we have repeated some) using al∣ways the terms of Scripture to express the disposi∣tions of his heart, and accommodating to his pre∣sent use, the best and richest passages which are there to be found.

Of all this, many persons of honour are witnes∣ses, both of ours and the other Religion, which were present there, both the one and the other declaring that they were extreamly edified and

comforted by so fair a death: But none of them heard more then Monsieur Moris, a Physician of Bressure, making profession of the Roman Religion, who according to his wonted candor, will (I doubt not) always render a faithfull witness to the truth of that which we have here represented; God give them and us grace to make our profit of it, to his glory and our own salvation, Amen.

This Life is written at large in French by one that was his Amanuensis, and is thus contracted, and translated by my worthy friend Mr. S. Fellow of P. H. in Cam∣bridge.

[illustration] portrait of John Bruen

J. BRVEN

The Life of John Bruen, of Bruen-Staple∣ford, who dyed, Anno Christi. 1625.

IOhn Bruen, of Bruen-Stapleford, in the County Palatine of Chester Esquire, was born, An. 1560. and was the son of a worthy Gentleman, descended of Worshipful Ancestors, who brought him up ci∣villy, and as those times were, religiously also: And the Lord preserved him in his childhood, and youth from the poison of Popery, & the con∣tagion

of those common gross sins, which for want of the light, and life of the Ministry of the Gospel, raigned in those parts: When he was about 7 years old his Father for some offence rebuked him sharply, and corrected him soundly, which he being much grieved at, seeking relief, he took a prayer Book which he had learned, and going into his Fathers Chappel, read in it; and prayed as well as he could, & it pleased the Lord to comfort him with unexpressible joys; the next day he went to the same place, and used the same means, but found not the like comfort: Afterwards his Fa∣ther sent him to his Uncles, Master Dutton of Dut∣ton, where he was bred up at School, under one Master James Roe, for about three years space: Anno 1577. his Father sent him to Oxford, where he first received the love of the truth in any know∣ledge and understanding, being then about seven∣teen years old, he lived in Albans-Hall as a Gen∣tleman Commoner, and being familiar with one John Breerwood, his Countriman, an Aldermans son of Chester: This Breerwood observing in him some Popish practises, and opinions, set upon him by Scripture arguments to convince and reform him, whereupon this young Gentleman (through Gods mercy) was so wrought upon, that as himself wrote it down in his Book; I was, saith he, then inflamed with zeal against the prophane beast of Rome, and all Popery, both persons and things, with all their Monuments, Rites, and Ceremonies, &c. After a while his Father sent for him home, that he might dispose of him in marriage, and provided for him

the daughter of one Mr. Hardware [a worthy and wise Gentleman] to whom he was married with the consent of Parents, and in the fear of God, and lived very comfortably with her for seventeen years, seeing his sons, and daughters as Olive plants round about his Table: Then being in the prime of his youth, he spent too much time in hawking, hunting, and such carnall delights. But Anno, 1587. his Father dying, he began to be much perplexed both in mind and estate; some sorrows and fears, thoughts and cares began to stir, and work in him, and the Lord hereby began to work for his more effectuall calling, and con∣version, and this he did both by the rebukes of his Word, and checks of his Spirit, convincing his judgement, and changing his heart from the love of baser, to a delight in better things: whereup∣on he began to search his heart, and try his ways, and to call himself to an account for his former courses, and weighing them in the ballance of the Sanctuary, he found them to be but vanity, and vexation of spirit: and besides, he being charged by his Father with the portions of twelve chil∣dren, which he left behind him, he began to cut off occasions of wastfull and riotous expences; and whereas his Father left him a Park well furnished with Deer, he disparked it, and drawing him∣self to as narrow a compass as he well could, he provided competently and comfortably for his own Family, and faithfully payed his Brethren and Sisters all their portions, and disposed of them in marriage to their own content: Then he was

very careful to set up Gods worship in his Family, walking wisely in the midst of his house, setting his eyes, his favour upon the godly, and not suf∣fering a wicked person to abide in his sight: and his principall care was to dwell with his Wife as a man of knowledge, and to train up his children in the nurture, and information of the Lord, and by his holy and prudent carriage his wife (though well affected to Religion before) yet grew on to an higher pitch in knowledge, and grace, and be∣came to him a faithfull helper, and carefull yoak∣fellow, to bear and draw in the yoak of Christ: they were both very carefull in the education of their children, catechising of them in the prin∣ciples of Religion, and causing them to learn such sentences of Scriptures as might make the easiest impression of grace upon their hearts: nei∣ther did he spare to use the rod of correction, as Gods healing medicine to cure the corruptions of his children, yet if at any time his heart was over∣heated through his hatred of sin, and zeal for Gods glory, that he spake unadvisedly with his lips, or dealt too violently with his hands, he used to be much humbled for it, that going about to cure others, he had wounded himself: And a∣mongst his man and maid servants, there was not one idle and unprofitable person: and for his choice of servants, he took notice of any therea∣bouts, that began to set their faces towards Hea∣ven, such he loved, and laboured to draw them into his service: So that in a short time he was furnished with godly and gracious servants, both

men, and maids: and then he looked upon them as his brethren, and fellow servants in, and under Christ: would sometimes use them famili∣arly, advise, confer, consult, and resolve with them in matters of conscience, and other weighty occa∣sions: Sometimes he made them his comforters in afflictions, and tentations, and received refresh∣ing from them: Amongst the rest, he had one old disciple [Robert Pasfield] a man utterly unlearned, being able neither to write nor read, yet through Gods blessing upon his industry, having a good memory, he became ripe in understanding, and mighty in the Scriptures: Yea, he was so well ac∣quainted with the summ, and substance of every Book and Chapter, that hardly could a man ask him for any sentence of Scripture, but he would tell him in what Book and Chapter he might find it: He had a good gift in prayer, was very wil∣ling and able to confer of good things, whereby he became very usefull both in the Family, and to other young Christians abroad, as he had oppor∣tunity: For the help of his memory he invented, and framed a girdle of Leather, long and large, which went twice about him: this he divided in∣to severall parts, allotting every Book in the Bi∣ble in their order to some of these divisions, then for the Chapters, he affixed points or thongs of Leather to the severall divisions, and made knots by fives or tens, therupon to distinguish the Chap∣ters of that Book; and by other points he divided the Chapters into their particular Contents or Verses, as occasion required: This he used in∣stead

of pen, and ink, in hearing Sermons, and made so good use of it, that coming home, he was able by it to repeat the Sermon, quote the texts of Scri∣pture, &c. to his own great comfort, and to the be∣nefit of others; which girdle Master Bruen kept after his death, hung it up in his Study, and would merrily call it, the Girdle of verity: This old Ro∣bert (though but a servant, yet) being rich in grace, his Master used him very familiarly; when conve∣niently he could, he would have him neer him, would often go to the Hop-yard or Barn, where his business lay, to talk and confer with him, and when he was grown old, having been in his ser∣vice about thirty years, he was so far from casting him off, that he daily fed him with some of the best morsels from his own Table, and setting him not far from him, that he might the better confer with him, which he continued to his dying day: Such other servants as he chose to be ever about him at home, and abroad, he made happy, by his taking opportunities to impart some wholsome words of admonition, & instruction to them, &c. He never thought his Table better furnished, then when he had some godly persons to sit with him, or stand about him, nor his meat better seasoned, then when it was poudred with the salt of whol∣some words: And for other of his servants im∣ployed in Husbandry, and such out-works, he ne∣ver suffered them to want such encouragements as might make them cheerfull in his, and Gods service: He would sometimes go abroad to them, raise matter of speech, and conference from their

callings, works, wages, &c. for their instruction and edification: And there were few of them but exercised themselves unto godliness, praying in their courses every night in the Kitchin, when their Master was gone to bed: Such of his Servants as were inclined to Marriage, he provided well for them.

The religious duties which he daily, and duly performed in his Family, Morning and Evening, were these: He rose very early every morning, before any in the Family, betwixt three and four a clock in the Summer, and at five in the Winter, and then spent an hour or two in private, before he rang the Bell to awaken the rest of his Family: In his secret prayers, he used to make mention of every one in his Family, and especially as their occasions, and afflictions required, and gave thanks for such mercies, as either he, or they had received: Then he meditated upon some part of Gods Word, or Works, where with he seasoned his mind in the morning: Then he wrote out fair, part of some Sermon that he had heard lately before: Then his Family being up, and met together, he, with his heart, and his hands lift up to heaven, speak in this manner,

Blessed Lord God, and our most merciful Father in Christ Jesus, We thy poor children do humbly beseech thee graciously to assist us by thy holy Spirit in this our morning Exercise, that we may faithfully perform the same to thy praise, and our comfort, and that for Christ his sake, our onely Saviour and Redeemer: Amen.

This set form of short prayer he used morning and evening before his Exercise, to convince their ignorance, which deny the lawfulness of them: Then he, with his Family, sung a Psalm, with which Exercise he was much delighted, and of∣tentimes so ravished therewith in his Spirit, that his heart would even spring, and leap in his body: Yea, he was so affected with praising of God: That he took the word Hallelujah for his Motto, and usually wrote it in the first Page of all his Books: Then he read a Chapter himself out of the Bible in order: Then himself also prayed with them, and that with such power, feeling, fervency, sincerity, faith, and humility, that he was oft much admired of them that heard him: He so wrestled with God by prayers and tears, that he would not let him go, till he had prevailed, insomuch that they seldom met again to pray, but he had some new and fresh cause of thanksgiving for the re∣turns of his prayers. In the Evening he called them together again to the like service, which he performed very religiously after the same maner, saving that after the Chapter he propounded some wholsom instructions to them, as the portion of Scripture gave occasion, whether to convince any Error, or to confirm the Truth, to rebuke sin, or to instruct in the way of righteousness, &c. And the better to justifie this his practise against opposers, he made collections out of the Sacred Scriptures, out of the Expositions, Testimonies, and Exam∣ples of godly and good men, concerning this point of the Masters Duty, in teaching, and instruct∣ing

his Family in the fear of God, and faith of Christ: And lest any should think that hereby he intrenched too much upon the Ministers Office, and went beyond his line; they must know, that whatsoever he spake in this kind, he borrowed it of good men, or obtained it by serious Study and Meditation, got it by reading the Scriptures, and good Expositors, or by reviewing his Notes of such Sermons as he had heard upon those Scrip∣tures, using all good and holy means to fit and furnish himself with spiritual provisions for that service: Neither was his zeal confined within his own walls: For finding in the Church of Tarvin, and his own Chappel that anciently belonged to him, many superstitious Images in the windows, which by their painted coats darkned the light of the Church, and obscured the brightness of the Gospel, he caused all those painted Puppets to be pulled down in a peaceable maner, and at his own cost glazed the windows again: And for his in∣couragement and justification, he had not onely the Word of God, but the Queens injunctions authorizing, and requiring the same: And his heart was so inlarged towards God, with zeal for his glory, and his peoples good, that it was the joy of his soul to bring in godly and able Ministers a∣mongst them almost every Lords Day into the publike Assembly, and that of his own cost, and labour, which he did with a cheerful heart, ho∣noring God with his substance, by giving main∣tenance to such as were the Lords Labourers in his Harvest: And though many sleighted it, yet

was it no discouragement to him, neither was he weary of wel-doing: Whose practise will shame such, as being intrusted with the lands, and livings of the Church for the maintenance of the Mini∣stery, do turn their Patronage into Pillage, and their Devotion into Sacriledge, robbing the Mi∣nisters of their means, and the people of their spi∣rituall provision.

Anno 1590. Having provided for his Parish a worthy Preacher, the people, though they admi∣red his gifts, yet would not so much as thank him for his pains, which was a great discouragement to the Minister: Hereupon Master Bruen withdrew his Preacher into his own Chappel, to make the people more to prize the Word by the want of it: Then resorted many to him, some to the Chapel to feed their souls, and many into the Hall to feed their bellies, to his no small cost, and yet great comfort, because Religion increased thereby: But after a while, at the importunity of Christian friends he restored him to the publike Congrega∣tion, maintaining him, and other Preachers after him, till by the death of the Incumbent, God esta∣blished a faithful Pastor amongst them. And whereas the people at Tarvin had a bad custom of keeping Wakes upon the Sabbath Day, at which times there was much profaneness practised, to the dishonor of God, by banqueting, drinking, dance∣ing, &c. This godly Gentleman studying to re∣medy this great evil, against that time, every year, provided three of the best affected Ministers in the Country, who spent most part of three dayes in

preaching and praying in the Church, so that the Pipers, Fidlers, Bearwards, Players, and Game∣sters had no time left them for their vanities, but went away with great fretting, yet multitudes of welaffected people filled the Town, & the Church, much rejoycing before God; and these he feasted at his house also, so that at one of these times, he spent in his house a fat Beef, and a half in the space of three dayes upon godly, and welaffected people: And this he did for divers years together, till by degrees, he had weared out those profane Wakes: Hereupon he began to be admired for his fervency in the profession of the Gospel, and pra∣ctise of true Religion, insomuch that divers Gen∣tlemen of the best rank desired to sojourn in his house, for their better information in the way of God: One of which at his first coming would by no means indure to be reproved for his faults, but how it was afterwards with him, Master Bruen thus left it upon Record; After a while, having the one hundred forty first Psalm for our Evening Ex∣ercise, divers of my Family did usually give notes, be∣ing godly and welaffected, and they all concluded toge∣ther that every one of them should speak upon the fifth verse. Let the righteous reprove me, &c. And my self gave the last note, after which he never resisted any more.

And whereas in those days the Lord was pleased in compassion to his people, to raise up, and esta∣blish many holy exercises of Religion in Cheshire, and Lancashire, which were maintained monthly by the godly labors of the faithfull Ministers of

Christ in those parts with much comfortable suc∣cess: Master Bruen frequented these exercises, and with great care, and conscience, he stored himself with their treasures, and lighted his Candle at their Torches, whereby he was better enabled, and more furnished to set forwards Religion in his Family, and elsewhere, as occasion was offered: In frequenting these exercises, he took much pains, riding early and late, in heat and cold, and through foul ways, sometimes ten, twenty, yea thirty miles, to his great charges also: These Sermons he wrote diligently, repeated them as he went home, and for about thirty six years together at home he wrote over again the substance of these exercises, whereby he left to the heirs of his Fa∣mily so many Volumnes of Manuscripts set up orderly in his Study, as is scarce credible, which he charged them to read over, if it were but once in their lives: He used the Ministers wheresoever he came marvellous kindly, commending their pains, rejoycing in their labors, and many times defray∣ing their charges; always encouraging them with gracious and sweet words: Yea, this kindness of of his extended to all the professors of Religion, even to the weakest and poorest Christian that he observed to frequent these exercises: In the mid∣dest of these sweet comforts the Lord was plea∣sed to exercise him with a great affliction, by ta∣king away with a stroak his dear Wife, and faith∣full yoak-fellow, yet did the Lord so sanctifie this affliction to him, that by the power of grace, and Christian wisdom, he moderated his affections,

and subdued his passions, not mourning as a man without hope, but assuring himself that his loss was her gain: after which, finding that he stood in need of marriage for the comfort of his life, & ne∣cessity of his family, he sought by prayer a prudent wife from God; and the Lord was pleased to an∣swer his prayers by providing for him Mistris Ann Fox, descended of an ancient and worshipfull fa∣mily in Lancashire, a Gentlewoman as beautifull by grace within, as amiable in face without, and one very well reported of in the Church of God: Her therefore, with the joynt consent of her self, and friends, he married, and the first year her Mo∣ther would needs give them their Table, during which time he was as carefull to do good to that Family, as if it had been his own house, and he quickned himself and them to Prayer, and Praise, Reading the Scripture, Singing of Psalms, holy Conference, Catechising, &c. Concerning which, himself thus writes: My Mother in Law Tabling of us for a year, we set up the exercises of Reli∣gion morning and evening; In which time through Gods grace, my Mother in Law got saving grace, and my Sister in Law, now Mistris Hinde, and another half Sister of hers, and their Brothers, Master Willi∣am, and Master Thomas Fox, a servant or two, and some neighbours, blessed be God for it, &c.

At the years end, he brought home his beloved Wife to Stapleford, where they lived in great peace and love; and being well setled, there were many of the greatest Gentlemen in the Country that su∣ed to him, some for themselves, some for their

children to be entertained into his family, and hereby his house became a nursery for religion; a Vineyard which the Lord blessed to bear trees of righteousness, and fruits of holiness: Towards these his maner was, when they came first into his Family, to try their dispositions, and inclinations, & how tractable they were like to be to good du∣ties, and practises: For which end he carefully ob∣served their ways, saw much, & said little, bore, and forbore as occasion required: taking special notice of any good they said, or did, and passing over many lesser faults, till he had fitter opportunity to reclaim them: amongst others, one young Gen∣tleman could not well away with the strict obser∣vation of the Sabbath. Whereupon (saith he) we did all conspire to do him good, ten of my family speak∣ing one after another, and my self last, for the sanctify∣ing the Lords day; after which he did very cheerful∣ly yield himself, blessed be God. At another time (saith he) coming into his chamber, I found o∣ver the Mantletree a pair of new Cards, and no body being by, I took out the four Knaves, and so laid them there again: But for want of such Knaves his Game was marred, and he never play∣ed in my house after: And in like maner (saith he) twenty years before, being in one of my Studies, and seeing a pair of Tables under my feet, I took them, with the Men, Dice, and all the Cards I found, and put them into an Oven that was then in heating; and hereby he rid them out of his house: And to justifie his detestation of these games, he set down in writing these Colle∣ctions.

1. All Games depending upon hazard, or chance are to be eschewed.

2. The Prince of Devils first invented them, and the place was Hell.

3. Such gamesters were held, and accounted for infamous persons, uncapable of any office, and un∣worthy any benefit of Law.

4. Dicers, Harlots, and Thieves be of one Hall and Corporation, and the more cunning in this Art, the more wicked in their lives and ma∣ners.

5. All gain by gaming is turpe lucrum, plain Thievery, worse then Usury.

6. All play at Dice is plain Lottery, which to use idly or triflingly, is a sin against the Third and Ninth Commandment.

7. There is no recreation of body, or mind in these games, unless it be in desire, and hope of gain, by another mans loss, which is unlawfull.

8. Cards seem less evill then Tables, but there is never a Barrel better Herring, there is so much craft in packing, &c.

9. There are mixt games, consisting partly of Lottery, partly of wit, and are oftentimes main∣tained with tricks of cosenage and knavery.

10. The Coat cards were in times past the Ima∣ges of their Idols.

11. We should abstain from such games; 1 Be∣cause they never were; nor are of any good report in the Church; 2 There is great appearance of evill in them; 3 The command of the Ma∣gistrate forbids them, by the name of unlawfull

games; 4 They tend not to Gods glory; 5 They are causes of much hurt to our neighbours, and occasions of many sins and sorrows to the game∣sters, and their Families, &c.

And therefore for the preventing of these mis∣chiefs, and to exercise the heads and hearts of his Family, and of such as came occasionally to his house, he bought two goodly fair Bibles, and set them upon two Desks, one in his Hall, the other in his Parlour: About this time there being a de∣fect in the publike Ministry, he procured a faith∣full Minister of Christ to be Preacher at Tarvin, whose Ministry being very powerfull and profita∣ble, he so much delighted in him, that he main∣tained him and his Family very bountifully, and entertained him kindly: About this time the fame of Master Bruen coming to Master Perkins, who hearing of his excellent parts, and pains in the profession of Religion, and exercises in his Fami∣ly, and of his government of his house, and the religion of his servants; being ravished with hea∣venly joy, and stricken with an holy admiration at the hearing of it, he brake out into these speech∣es: Certainly this is no other then the house of God, and for the practise and power of Religion, the very Topsail of England: His Fame spreading still more and more, many Gentlemen sought to him, to so∣journ with him, and at the requests of his friends he entertained divers Families, and personages of great place; many of which, during their abode with him, were truly converted, others convin∣ced, and all much reformed in their lives: But in

the midst of these sweet comforts, the Lord again sent a tempest of grief, and sorrow, by taking away his gracious Yoakfellow, which not long after cau∣sed a dissolving of his Family, and a a dispersing of that whole Company, to their no small grief; Con∣cerning which, himself thus writes: When it pleased God to take away my wife from me, then all mourned for her loss: As also because all my Tablers must now part, being about the number of one and twenty: But we did still so well accord, and so loth we were to part asunder, that I requested them to stay with me that quarter more, which was very thankfully accepted: In which time we had much comfort, but mourned of∣ten to think of the quarters end: And the last day sit∣ting at dinner together, all were so full of heaviness, that there was no meat eaten, so that I was forced to hide my self, and could not take leave of them, &c. Then saith he, I lived a single life five years and an half: And being in debt, and having four daugh∣ters, and divers sons to dispose of, by advise of friends, I gave over house, and went to live at Chester for a season: Master Bifield, a godly and powerful Preacher, being Minister there at that time: And there I lived three years, having the company of Master Bifield, and his wife every Wednesday, and Friday at Dinner with me, which were his Lecture dayes, with some other good company besides: In which time God stirred up the hearts of many of my neighbors to come to prayer with us: Which meetings were at first tra∣duced by some, yet after awhile, being well known what they were, no fault was found: In this

time it pleased the Lord Almighty to give a great blessing, All praise to his holy Name: Many converted, many confirmed, and many con∣vinced: In these three years God also gave me a great blessing in my outward estate: I paid all my debt: I married two of my daughters, and paid their portions: I preferred a son or two: I main∣tained the poor in my own Parish in the Country, allowing them all the profit of my two Mils: I maintained the poor in Chester, both at my Gates, and otherwise weekly, as I was rated: All humble and hearty thanks be given unto God, Father, Son, and holy Ghost, for evermore, Amen.

The three years being expired, he returned home to Stapleford, and incouraging himself in the wayes of God: He daily performed these four Duties: First, Meditation for the increase of Knowledge, and good affections towards God, and good things: And for his help herein, he car∣ried about with him some part of the Bible, or Notes of Sermons when he went into the Fields: Within doors he read much in the Scriptures, and made collections of the Promises, Preceps, Com∣forts, Prohibitions, &c. And these he made the subject of his Meditations: For this end also he read oft the Works of divers Learned men, and drew into Heads, and Commonplaces what was most worthy Observation in them: And he found much benefit by these Meditations: as the killing of noisom lusts, the dislodging of many worldly cares: It wrought in him a godly care over his thoughts, words, and actions: A gratious aptness

to, and chearfulness in holy duties: It ministred to him counsel, and strength for spiritual combats: It brought him to an heaven upon earth, and made him go about earthly affairs with an heavenly minde: It kept his heart in possession of his inte∣grity, whereby he kept faith, and a good consci∣ence in every thing: It wrought his soul to a gra∣tious tenderness, lowliness, and meekness: It ina∣bled him wheresoever he came to leave a sweet sa∣vor of his graces, and vertues, behinde him: And it was as a soveraign preservative against all in∣ticements, and allurements to sin.

In the next place he was very careful to ob∣serve Gods Works, both of Mercy and Judge∣ments, for which end he observed, and Recorded many of them: Hear him speaking in his own words.

Some few years before my Brother Hardware died, he had a Man-servant (as many thought) bewitched, and grew daily weaker and weaker, so that my bother sent to me, and my Family to spend a day with him in Fasting and Prayer: At that time I had good Master Wats the Preacher with me, we went to the house, where we found the man very sick and weak, and like an Anatomy, having nothing but skin and bones, not like to live a day longer: He was brought and layed in a bed in the Chamber where we prayed, and the same Evening he began to amend: The next morning he walked abroad, and the third day was so strong, that he fell to his work and labour: All laud, and praise to God for it.

Anno 1601. My servant going with his Cart laden, fell down, and the wheels being iron-bound, went over his leg, yet hurt him not at all: Laus Deo, Praised be God.

Anno 1602. My son John going into the field, took up a Sith to see how he could Mow, the Sith entred into his Stocking to the shin-bone, shaving the haire, and came out at the back-side of his leg, and touched no flesh nor skin: Laus Deo, Praised be God.

An. 1603. One that dwelt in my Farm in Wimble Stafford, seeing two godly persons going in the way, said to one with him, I will dance, and swag∣ger, and swear, to anger yonder two Puritans, and so he did, to their great grief: But presently the revenging hand of God was upon him, so that im∣mediatly he fell sick, was carried home in a Cart, and within three dayes died most fearfully: All glory to God

But he took the greatest pains in Recording the passages about a Boy about twelve years old at Northwitch, who was so strangely, and wonder∣fully afflicted and tormented, that many held him to be really possessed with the Devil; about this he wrote much; Some of the passages were these: By his torments he was brought so low, weak, and feeble, that he was almost nothing but skin and bones, yet for the space of four and twenty hours every day (having one half hour respite, which they called his awaking time, and wherein they gave him a little food) he was of that extraordina∣ry strength, that if he foulded his hands together,

no man could pull them asunder: If he rolled his head, or tossed his whole body (as usually he did) no man could stay, or restrain him: He would, to the great astonishment of the hearers, howl like a Dog, mew like a Cat, roar like a Bear, froth like a Boar: When any prayed with him, his passions were strongest, and his rage, and violence greatest, ready to fly in their faces, and to drown their voyces by his yellings, and out-cries: If one came near him with a Bible, though under his Cloak, and never so secret, he would run upon him, and use great violence to get it from him, and when he could get any, he rent them in pieces: Some∣times he would lie along, as if he had been stark dead, his colour gone, and mouth so wide open, that he would on a sudden thrust both his hands into it: And notwithstanding his great weakness, he would leap and skip from his Bed to the Win∣dow, from the Window to the Table, and so to bed again, and that with such agility, as no Tum∣bler could do the like: And yet all this while his legs were grown up close to his buttocks, so that he could not use them; sometimes we saw his chin drawn up to his Nose, that his mouth could scarce be seen: sometimes his chin and forehead drawn almost together like a bended Bow: his counte∣nance fearfull by yawning, mowing, &c. The Bi∣shop hearing of the strange torments of this poor child, sent for him: His parents brought him, and once the Bishop prayed with him, but the boy was so outragious, that he flew out of his bed, and so frighted the Bishops men, that one of them fell

into a sown, and the Bishop was glad to lay hold on the boy, who ramped at the window to have gotten out: Hereupon this Bishop granted a Li∣cense for a private fast in the childs fathers House for his help and release: which accordingly was performed by two godly Ministers, & by Master Bruen, with divers others; yet God gave not deli∣verance at that time: when he was in his fits, with∣out understanding and knowledge of what he did or said, he would often say,

Jesus saith, (for so he began all his speeches) the Devil when he comes takes away my hearing, see∣ing, understanding, hands, legs, that I should have no senses, nor limbs to glorifie God withall.

Jesus saith, If they would have cast out the e∣vill spirit, they should have come better provi∣ded.

Jesus saith, I have but three Devils: Its like one of the Spirits will go out of me, and take counsel of a great number of foul Spirits, and come again, and trouble me worse.

God puls back the Devil with a ring in his nose, yet the Devil shakes my Faith, as if it would go out of me.

Well, these Drunkards and Whoremasters do not think upon their sins: Well, how then? there is no Drunkard that doth drink one spoonfull, or drop of drink more then will suffice nature, but the Devill doth pen it down in his book: Well, it is a great Book, and he doth keep it close till the Day of Judgement, and then he will lay it to their faces, at which time the hils will tremble and

quake, and the Devil will quake, yea, he doth quake for fear already.

Well, some would think it a great while to be bound with the Devil a year or two, as I am; but its better to be so, then to wallow in drunken∣ness, swearing and whoring: for the Devil works in their souls.

Jesus saith, They say he shall not out of me: but when God comes he will strike home.

Many other of these strange speeches did he ut∣ter, which for brevities sake are here omitted, though recorded by Mr. Bruen.

Master Bruen, besides his Family duties mentio∣ned before, used private prayer very often, yet not confining himself to any place within, or without doors for it, but taking his fittest opportunity, as time, and place best accorded: About his own house he had divers places which interchangeably he used for this purpose, not frequenting one, lest he should be suspected of hypocrisie, or vain-glory; & as he was choice of the place, so of the time also, which he constantly set apart every day for private prayer: Seven times a day did he practise this duty; first, in the morning before any of his family rose; next after family prayer, before his breakfast; then immediately before Dinner; then a little while af∣ter Dinner; then a little before Supper; then not long after Supper: Lastly, a little before he went to bed: And as he was frequent, so was he, through Gods grace, powerfull in these his prayers: and hereunto, upon extraordinary occasions, he added fasting, which he observed with so great austeri∣ty,

that he much weakned his body thereby; and as it is recorded of Saint James the Apostle, so was it true of this Gentleman, that his knees were grown very senceless, and hard with much and frequent kneeling: In these his private prayers his principall aim was to search his heart, examine his life, confess and bewail his speciall sins, and infirmities, craving pardon for them, and power against them; as also for the sins or afflictions in his Family: he mourned for the sins of Sion, and for the afflictions of Joseph, and desolations of Je∣rusalem: he afflicted his heart for the barrenness and backsliding of professors, for their imbra∣cing the world, forsaking their first love: to which he added, praise, and thanksgiving for mercies: He daily laboured to be more and more renewed in the spirit of his mind, in knowledge, righteous∣ness and holiness, according to the Image of him that created him: Whilst his commoration was on earth, his conversation was in Heaven: He had an holy resolution, so to use the world, as neither abu∣sing of it, nor being abused by it, but to keep him∣self unspotted from it: He had a full purpose to keep his heart always in Gods presence, knowing and believing that he heard all his words, and be∣held all his works: He used a constant and con∣scionable striving against all sin, especially the sins of the times and places wherein he lived: He had a godly desire in all companies either to do good to others, or to receive good from others: a full purpose to deal justly, and uprightly with all men, doing no other to them, then he would have

them do to him: a charitable disposition to take doubtfull things in the best sence, so far as he might, without wounding his own conscience, or offending others: He was slow to speak, swift to hear: He utterly renounced the vain conformi∣ties of the world, neither following the fashions, nor serving the humors of vain, or vile persons, nor staying in their company longer then needs must: His care was to cut off all occasions of vari∣ance, and strife, with all speed that might be: He laboured for an holy contentedness of mind, by entertaining all crosses with patience, and turning them to their best use, and imbracing all comforts with thanksgiving, bringing forth the right & pro∣per fruits of them: He would not be easily provo∣ked by indignities, and injuries, he had rather for∣give twenty wrongs, then revenge one: He was willing to purchase his peace, sometimes with his own loss, if otherwise he could not procure it: He used to shut his ears against tale-bearers, the seedsmen of strife, and firebrands of contention; Ordinarily he recompenced evill with good, fro∣wardness with kindness, and passion with mode∣ration and good affection: A neighbour Gentle∣man conceiving a great displeasure against him upon a very small occasion, in a great ruff sent his man to him to inhibit him from coming upon his land, either himself, or any of his Family, upon their perill; To whom Master Bruen presently answered; Tell your Master from me, that if he, or any of his Family will come upon any part of my ground at their pleasures, they shall be wel∣come,

and if he will come to my house, he shall be much more welcome; which gracious and kind answer did so melt the heart of his adversa∣ry, that he presently brake forth into tears, recon∣ciled himself to him, and became his true and faithfull friend ever after: He was also very care∣ful to prevent or remove all occasions of variance, and strife amongst neighbours, and friends, both neer and far from home.

Naturally he was passionate, and hasty, but ha∣ving his sin pardoned in the bloud of Christ, and having gotten power over it, his nature was healed, his passions subdued, and his frowardness was changed into mildness: He was of an ingenuous facility, either to be perswaded to any thing that was good, or to be disswaded from any thing that was evill: An honorable Judge in open Court having a complaint made to him against M. Bruen, of some wrong that he did, by a Water course to his Mils: Out of that good opinion he held of him, said: I cannot think but that you wrong Mr. Bruen, I will undertake for him, make him but sensible of any wrong that he hath done, and he shall willingly ac∣knowledge it, and make you double amends for it.

Also there was forty shillings given to the Parish of Tarvin, which being lent abroad, through neg∣lect, was lost, whereupon the Church-wardens, and some of the neighbours requested him by himself and his friends to make it up again, to which he presently answered, that he would not press upon any mans purse for that matter, & so he gave them the mony himself, which though not

much, yet more then most Gentlemen would have have done in such a case: He saw none that were without the means of grace, but the bowels of compassion yerned in him, pitying the misery that was upon them: He saw none occasionally at their heathenish sports, and sinfull pastimes, but he looked angerly upon them, and spake roughly to them, yet withall, inwardly mourning for the hardness of their hearts: If occasionally he met with mockers, contemners of God, and dispisers of good things, he would not cast pearls before swine, but turn away his face, and not so much as salute them: If any poor soul erred from the right way, and yet desired a guide; how carefull was he of their good? How joyfull to do them good? yea, to encourage and draw on such, he would give them Mony, Corn, Bibles, Catechismes and other good Books, which he had always by him for such purposes: If a professor of Religion fell into decay, he would relieve him by his own, and other good means: Sometimes he would take off a good sute of apparel from his own back, and bestow it upon a godly poor man that wanted it, and withall give him a good summ of mony out of his purse to accommodate him in his calling: He was much given to Hospitality, and to enter∣tain strangers; his house was the common Inn of Gods children that came neer him: None so wel∣come to eat of his morsels as such strangers, as were no strangers in Israel: Many that passed be∣twixt Ireland & England, and that came upon busi∣ness to Choster, horsemen and others; would take

up his house for their lodging place, that they might comfort and rejoyce their hearts in seeing his face, hearing his voice, and conferring and advising with him: His ordinary Table was boun∣tifull, and plentifull, not to excess, but to a very competent sufficiency, and for the furtherance of it, he had a great flight of Pigeons, a Warren of Conies, delicate Fish-ponds, besides other ordi∣nary provision about his house: Yet would he not suffer any wilfull wast or abuse of Gods good crea∣tures: His Cellar was open, and free to any, as far as they kept themselves within the bounds of moderation: He did usuall fill the bellies of great multitudes, which out of his own and other parishes resorted to him for that end: And in the deer years he made provision for them almost eve∣ry day in the week, & would sometimes serve them himself; both to keep them in good order, and equally to distribute according to their necessities: His purse was ever open to give, or lend freely to such as would borrow: his admonition was, Re∣member your promise, and pay again if you will borrow again: and if any that borrowed were willing, but not able to pay, he would rather forgive the debt then exact it.

In the time of a great dearth, fearing that divers of his poor neighbors were in want, taking the op∣portunity when most of his Family were gone a∣broad to a religious Exercise, he sent for his neigh∣bours, and distributed fourteen Bushels of Corn amongst them: Yea, the loyns of the poor did bless him, being warmed with the fleece of his

flock, or clothed by the cost of his purse: Every year against Winter, he bestowed four or five pound in making provision to clothe the poor: Yea, he was a protector to the poor, to deliver him out of the hands of those that were too strong for them: He was a Counsellor to defend their righteous cause, and to plead for them.

He held always a gracious Harmony in judge∣ment with all such Divines, and Professors of Re∣ligion as were most sound in the Truth: He religi∣ously sympathised with the Church in all her affli∣ctions.

When he heard evil tidings out of Bohemia, Hungary, Germany, the Palatinate, &c. he sat down (as Nehemiah) and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven: He was frequent in visiting the sick, and such Families as had the extraordinary hand of God upon them: If any were troubled in con∣science, molested by Satan, terrified by Gods Judgements, happy was he that could get Master Bruen come to him, his very presence was some ease and refreshing to them: And as his gifts in prayer, and pains were great, so was the issue, and success thereof (through Gods Blessing) ma∣ny times very effectual, either for full release, or some relief at least: He himself Recorded di∣vers mercies obtained of God by his Prayers, the glory whereof he doth ever in great humility ascribe to the Lord, giving him hearty thanks for manifesting his Grace and Power to so weak crea∣tures, by so weak means: Being on a time at the

Sheriffs Table, there was a Health begun to the Prince, and there were great Lords present, but when it came to Master Bruen, he said, You may drink to his Health, and I will pray for his health, but drink for mine own health, and so I wish you may do for yours, and so he passed it over, not yielding to any of the solemn Ceremonies in that act: He was a great enemy to the profane Cu∣stoms and corruptions used in great Houses, and would not spare to admonish his friends, by word or writing to reform the same.

He was very merciful in his dealing with his Tenants, not grinding the faces of the poor by great Fines, nor crushing their bones by heavy rents, and racks, nor break their backs with cruel services, nor did he use their beasts without hire, nor their labour without wages: But it was the joy of his heart to see his Tenants prosper: His whole life was a meditation of death, and a continual preparation for it: And in his declining dayes, when he saw that he was drawing on towards his journeys end, his faith was exceedingly increased, his hope, and rejoycing in God much inlarged, his love and zeal wonderfully inflamed, his affections towards God and his people more holy, and hea∣venly, and his motions towards heaven more quick and lively then before: The day before his last sickness, he rose very early in the morning, went into his Study to his private prayer, then came forth and prayed with his Family, then re∣turned into his Study till Dinner time: and after Dinner went into his Study again, where it plea∣sed

God after two hours to visit him, as it were, with an Ague, whereupon he laid himself down upon a bed: His wife said to him, Sir, I fear you have done your self hurt with rising so early; to whom he replied; If you had seen, wife, such glo∣rious things as I saw this morning, being in private prayer with God, you would not have said so, for they were so wonderful and unspeakable, that whether I was in the body or out of the body, with Paul, I cannot tell, thus it hath pleased God, lest I should be too much exalted by this glorious sight, to give me a buffet in the flesh: The like ra∣vishing in spirit, and such glorious sights, he saw not long before (as he acquainted some private friends) after he had been one day in private prayer with God in his Grove: Whence he had a strong perswasion, that he should not live long, before he made a glorious change of this life, with a better: And for this end he cleared up his Evidences for heaven, and confirmed his assurance of his right thereunto: This his confidence was his comfort in all his sickness, which drew from him many such heavenly speeches.

O how great is thy goodness, O Lord, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee, before the sons of men.

O how precious are thy thoughts to me, O God! O how great is the summ of them! If I should count them, they are more in number then the sand: When I awake I am ever with thee.

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory: Whom have I in heaven but thee?

And there is none on earth that I desire besides thee: my flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever: I know whom I have believed, and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day: O love the Lord all ye his Saints, for the Lord preser∣veth the faithfull, &c: As the hart panteth after the water Brooks, so panteth my heart after thee O God: My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: O when shall I come and appear before God: O let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for thy love is better then wine, &c.

These, and many hundred more of these Divine speeches did he utter in the time of his sickness; and though his bodily infirmity grew upon him, yet would he by no means be kept from the house of God, so long as he could either go or ride: and when he went to Church, besides his Family, he used to call his Tenants, and neighbours that dwelt in his way, to go along with him, and then calling them about him, they used with one heart and voice to sing Psalms, especially the 84. Psal. and he with his train came to Church constantly before prayers, and Divine Service began, that he might the more comfortably joyn with the Con∣gregation in the confession of sin, in prayer, praise, reading, singing, hearing, receiving of the Sacra∣ments, all which he performed with most reve∣rend attention, and gracious affection: After the Morning Sermon he usually stayed in the Church amongst other good people, and spent the time in repeating the Sermon, singing of Psalms, and holy

conference: after Evening Sermon he returned home, attended with his company with much joy, and endeavouring as they went to encrease their knowledge, faith, obedience, &c. In his Family he was so full of life and zeal, that many that lived neer him, came to hear him repeat the Sermons, and power out his prayers un∣to God; and the joy and comfort that he found in these duties were such, that he would often say, O that every day were a Sabbath, or a Fast day, for then I should be well: The week days were more tedious to him, his bodily infirmity encrea∣sing, and his strength decaying; yet would he quicken his soul, and raise up his heart by faith and hope, often saying; The time is not long, I must shortly lay down this my Tabernacle, and then I shall get the start of you all, and shall celebrate and everlasting Sabbath before the Lord, with his holy Angels, and blessed Saints, in the highest heavens: He grew daily more & more weary of the world: He set his house in order, and then wholly set himself to think and speak of spirituall and heavenly things: when any came to visit him, he would often say, Alas good souls, what are you come to see, a poor wretch, a worm, and no man, or a poor dying man, &c. and when any told him of hopes of recovery, he would say, My task is ended, the Lord hath no more work for me to do, my warfare is accomplished, my race is run out, I now onely hope, and wait for that Crown of righ∣teousness, which Christ hath purchased, and God hath promised to me: To his Christian friends he would give these admonitions, to hold on, and to hold

out, to be stedfast in their professions, not to be weary of well doing, to grow in grace, &c. And for their greater incouragement, he would tell them, that when he first began to profess Religi∣on, there were almost none in the whole Shire that were acquainted with the power and practise of it, &c. I was, said he, a wonder of the world, and a monster of men, and many did bend their tongues like bows for lyes, & did shoot their arrows, even bitter words against me, and yet for all this that came upon me, I did not for∣get the name of my God, &c. But (blessed be God) the number of believers, in this Country is much enlarged, every quarter and corner of it being filled with the sweet savour of the Gospel, &c. Therefore my deerly beloved, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong, be stedfast and unmovable, &c. Also, though his affliction and sickness encreased, yet were not his consolations diminished, though he was fee∣ble in the flesh, yet strong in the Spirit: no pains of his body, nor pangs of approaching death did half so much trouble him, as the inward refreshings of Gods holy Spirit did make his consolations to a∣bound: Afterwards his weakness increased by rea∣son of a stopping in his breast, & throat, so that he could not take down any liquid thing, but he was ready to faint away: About this time a worthy Knight coming to visit him, could not refrain from many tears, which he observing, said to him, Good Sir, weep not for me, for there is no cause of weeping, but of much rejoycing in my behalf; turn your tears into prayers, & let me enjoy that fruit of your love, &c. you are in your way, I am at my journeys end, walk on

as hitherto you have done, and the Lord will be with you, he will never fail you, nor forsake you: To his eldest son he gave many wholsom instructions, and gracious exhortations, praying for him, and blessing his children, encouraging them to be con∣stant in Religion, commanding them to uphold the worship and service of God, both in the pub∣like Assembly, and private Family.

A little before his death, there came two godly Ministers to him, of his special acquaintance, whose presence much cheered him, to whom he said: I am here, you see, the Lords prisoner, cast upon the bed of my sickness, and in great afflicti∣on, yet waiting upon the mercies of my God, for a comfortable release in due season: And being asked by them, whether his consolations did not abound in the midst of all his afflictions; he answer∣ed, Yes, I thank God they do, and do far exceed them: Yea, and that which is more remarkable, the Lord of his mercy hath given me such strong Evidence of his favor and love in Christ, that I am not troubled in mind or conscience with any doubts or fears, or any other Satanical molestati∣ons or tentations, but rest and waite in patience for the accomplishing his mercies upon me, according to his good pleasure towards me: Then he desired them to pray with him, & raising up himself in his bed, with his heart and hands lift up to God in the heavens, he did, as it were, reach after the petiti∣ons that were made for him, often with a cheerful consent, saying, Amen, Amen. He continued in great pain of body, but in great peace of mind,

increasing stil in consolations, and bearing his sick∣ness and pains with admiral patience, not shewing the least discontent in word or deed: When they took their leave of him, they mingled their sor∣rows, tears, and prayers together, and so parted: He was never quiet, unless he were either medita∣ting, or praying himself, or had some godly man, or some good Minister praying with him: The morning before his death, divers of his friends took their leave of him, desiring at their parting a blessing from him, which he did willingly ex∣press, by lifting up his hands and heart unto hea∣ven for them: And not long after, hearing some making motion of blacks, he said: I will have no blacks, I love no proud nor pompous Funeral, neither is there any cause of mourning, but of rejoycing rather in my particular: Immediatly before his death, lifting up his hands, he said: The Lord is my porti∣on, my help, and my trust: His blessed Son Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Redeemer, Amen, Even so saith the Spirit unto my spirit: Therefore come Lord Jesus, and kiss me with the kisses of thy mouth, and imbrace me with the Arms of thy Love: Into thy hands do I commend my spirit, O come now, and take me to thine own self: O come Lord Jesus, come quickly, O come, O come, O come: And so his spirit fainting, and speech failing, he meekly and graciously yielded up his pretious soul into the hands of God his Father, Anno Christi 1625. and of his Age sixty five.

Not long before his last sickness, my self being with him; amongst other diiscourse,

he told me, that when he first procured the setting up of an Exercise at Tarvin, he was ex∣ceeding solicitous to procure all the Eminentest Ministers in those parts of the Kingdom to supply it, which coming many miles, they were divers times hindered by foul weather, flouds, or some sudden accident or other, so that at a very short warning, he was forced many times to get some honest neighbour Ministers to supply their places, and usually he, and most of the Congregaiton found more edification, and comfort by the la∣bours of those honest plain Preachers, then they did by the Sermons of such as were far more emi∣nent for parts: Whereupon, said he, to me, I resolved to give over my former course, and to content my self with godly neighbouring Ministers, seeing God had shewed me, that it was not the greatness of mens parts, who were much admired every where, but the efficacy of the Spirit, which makes the Word effectuall and pro∣fitable.

Collected out of that Learned and elaborate Work, written of his Life and Death, by Mr. William Hinde; Wherein, besides the History of Mr. Bruens Life, many Theological points are occasionally dis∣cussed.

FINIS.

Notes

• His Con∣version.
• Z••al.
• Popish ma∣l••ce.
• Christian Courage.
• Popish Lies.
• Courage.
• Popish ma∣lice.
• Confession of his Faith.
• Valour.
• Popish sub∣tilty.
• Christian courage.
• Prayer.
• Popish cruel∣ty.
• Faith.
• Prayer for his enemies.
• Popish sub∣tilty.
• Flight in per∣secution.
• A Judas.
• He is con∣demned as a Traytor.
• A Just judg∣ment of God
• Popish Lies.
• Popish cruel∣ty.
• Conversion.
• Popery de∣stroyed.
• Sigismund.
• A fight.
• Blind zeal.
• Popish cruel∣ty.
• A Stratagem
• A great victory.
• Thabor built.
• A victory.
• A victory.
• Popish cruel∣ty.
• Just revenge.
• A great victory.
• Popish cow¦ardise.
• Zisca loseth his eye.
• Zisca over∣comes the Emperor.
• Gods judge∣ment on the Papists.
• Zeal.
• A stratagem.
• A great victory.
• Contention.
• A victory.
• Zisca's speech to his Army.
• Peace made.
• Popish ma∣lice.
• Policy.
• A strong memory.
• His travels.
• Ambition.
• Envie.
• His Chara∣cter.
• Conversion.
• Scriptures studied.
• Industry.
• Humility.
• Charity.
• Prayer.
• Humility.
• Love to his friends.
• Scriptures studied.
• The sensual∣lity of the Pope.
• The means of his Con∣version.
• He is hated by the Pa∣pists.
• Gods provi∣dence.
• He is sent for to the King.
• Admitted into the Kings, ser∣vice.
• Proves the Clergy to be in a Premu∣nire.
• His prefer∣ments:
• Industry.
• Zeal.
• Abbles de∣molished.
• Gods just judgement on Mona∣steries.
• His zeal for the Truth.
• Tumults a∣bout Reli∣gion.
• Anno 1537.
• A Convo∣cation.
• Scriptures to be the su∣pream Judge.
• His zeal.
• Scriptures translated.
• Mercy to the persecuted.
• Humility: Rare exam∣ples of it.
• An excellent example of gratitude.
• Another example of gratitude.
• A great pre∣server of peace.
• He was a terrour to the wicked.
• Long hair punished.
• Idolatrous juglings de∣tected, and destroyed.
• Bonner an hypocrite.
• The Bible Printed.
• Popish ma∣lice.
• Humane in∣firmity.
• Repentance.
• Grievous crimes laid to his charge.
• False wit∣nesses.
• His prudent circumspe∣ction.
• Charity.
• Christian Courage.
• His confes∣sion.
• He begs Prayers.
• His Prayer at his death.
• His Martir∣dom.
• Popish lyes.
• Northum∣berlands po∣licy.
• The Coun∣cel, and Jud∣ges corrupt.
• Humane frailty.
• A just Judge.
• Humility.
• Her learn∣ing admira∣ble.
• Queen Ma∣ry proclaim∣ed.
• Queen Jane willingly leaves the Crown.
• She is im∣prisoned and condemned.
• Christian courage and charity.
• Her Letter to her Fa∣ther.
• Death desi∣red.
• Her Letter to Master Harding.
• The danger of Apostasie.
• Her token, and letter to her sister.
• Prayer.
• Her husband beheaded.
• Her speech on the Scaf∣fold.
• Her death.
• Gods judg∣ment on the unjust Judge.
• Her Chara∣cter.
• Studious.
• Malice.
• His educa∣tion.
• Beloved of the Queen.
• In Election to the King∣dom of Po∣land.
• Friendship.
• He is made Governour of Flushing.
• A fight with the Spani∣ards.
• Sir Philip Sidney wounded.
• This relati∣on I had from Mr. Fens own mouth.
• His Arcadia devoted to the Fire.
• His Death.
• His Epi∣taphs.
• Light ari∣seth in dark∣ness.
• Benefit of hearing the word.
• His conver∣sion.
• Satans malice.
• Temptati∣ons.
• Tentations from Here∣ticks.
• Christian courage.
• Tentations many.
• Christian courage.
• Apostasie.
• Gods judge∣ments on Apostates.
• He forsakes all for Christ.
• Thanksgi∣ving.
• Friendship.
• Benefit of good exam∣ples.
• New tenta∣tions.
• Tentations resisted.
• Constancy.
• His Father sends for him.
• They meet.
• Zeal.
• His Father sends again for him.
• Great tenta∣tions.
• Prayer for wisdom and councel.
• Rerurn of Prayers
• He goes back to Geneva.
• His Wife sends for him;
• But meets him not.
• She sends a∣gain.
• He goes to Vicum.
• Constancy.
• His Wifes unkindness.
• His pati∣ence.
• Tentations at his part∣ing.
• Tentations overcome.
• Thanksgi∣ving.
• Gods prote∣ction of him.
• He returns to Geneva.
• He intended a second ma∣riage.
• Calvin doubtful about it.
• The judge∣ment of the Church of Switzerland, about it.
• He is divor∣sed.
• He marries again.
• His frugali∣ty.
• Humility.
• God highly honors him.
• His Chara∣cter.
• His Charity.
• His Piety.
• A Peace∣maker.
• He sickens.
• A new ten∣tation.
• His zeal.
• A most Christian Speech.
• His Faith & Patience.
• Joy unspeak∣able.
• His death.
• Heb. 11. Like Moses.
• Scriptures studied.
• Modesty. Her Chara∣cter.
• Sabbaths sanctified.
• A soft heart.
• Her marri∣age.
• Popish ma∣lice.
• Her pati∣ence.
• Her prone∣ness to for∣give.
• Charity.
• Piety.
• Idleness dangerous.
• Zeal.
• Mercy.
• Her sick∣ness.
• Tentation.
• Her faith.
• Joy un∣speakable.
• Psal. 13. ult.
• Mr. William Harrison.
• His Educa∣tion.
• His Learn∣ing.
• His Religi∣on.
• His Travels.
• Popish ma∣lice.
• Anno, 1609.
• His Chasti∣ty.
• His compa∣nions.
• Tentations prevented.
• His justice.
• His Piety.
• His religi∣ous exerci∣ses.
• Family du∣ties.
• His studies.
• His Diary.
• His sancti∣fying the Sabbaths.
• Fasting, and Prayer.
• His prepara∣tion for the Lords Sup∣per.
• Reverence in hearing Sermons.
• Sir Edward Harwood.
• His love to the Saints.
• His Chari∣ty.
• Humility.
• His last sickness.
• Faith.
• Death.
• His Educa∣tion.
• He went to Paris.
• Tentation.
• Scriptures studied with Prayer.
• His conver∣sion.
• Carnal fear.
• A Vow.
• His sickness.
• His return to Paris.
• Industry.
• Tentation:
• Resisted.
• Speciall pro∣vidence.
• His Travels.
• He studies Hebrew.
• He is in danger.
• Gods Pro∣vidence.
• He comes into England.
• His integri∣tie.
• The French Massacre.
• Predictions.
• A special providence.
• His flight.
• Holy cou∣rage.
• His Pru∣dence.
• His marri∣age.
• He is sent into England.
• He is robbed by Pyrats.
• Popish ma∣lice.
• God's pro∣tection.
• His sickness.
• He is again sent to Eng∣land.
• Queen Eli∣zabeths fa∣vor to him.
• He is sent to a Synod.
• A Chal∣lenge.
• He is made Governor of Saumur.
• His Pru∣dence.
• The King of Navarr doth Penance.
• King of France mur∣thered.
• Gods pro∣vidence o∣ver him.
• Courage.
• Pietie.
• Zeal.
• Prayer.
• Providences extraordi∣nary.
• Popish trea∣chery.
• Gods pro∣tection.
• His son slain.
• His wife dies.
• A good wife.
• He is sent for to Court.
• His zeal a∣gainst Here∣sie.
• A blessed peace maker.
• King James mediates peace.
• Cardinall Perron prai∣ses him.
• His prepara∣tion for death.
• His Death.
• Preparation for Death.
• Faith.
• Charity.
• Humility.
• Seeds of grace.
• His Educa∣tion.
• Conversion.
• Marriage.
• Humiliati∣on.
• Frugality.
• Family go∣vernment.
• Education of his chil∣dren.
• Old Robert.
• His carriage to his ser∣vants.
• His private, and Family Duties.
• A form of Prayer.
• Spiritual joy.
• His fervent prayers.
• Note.
• Zeal against Idolatry.
• Zeal for pro∣pagating the Gospel.
• Sacriledge abhorred.
• He with∣draws the ministry for a while.
• My reve∣rend, and learned bro∣ther, Master Sabbath Clark.
• Wakes put down.
• Liberality.
• His house a nursery of Religion.
• His pains to hear the Word.
• His love to Gods Mini∣sters.
• His Wife dies.
• His second Marriage.
• He promotes Religion in his Mo∣thers Fami∣ly.
• He entertai∣ned many boarders.
• His Pru∣dence.
• He reforms his house.
• Against Cards and Dice.
• He sets up Bibles in his house.
• Mr. Perkins his testimo∣ny of him.
• His second wife dies.
• He lives at Chester.
• God blesseth him exceed∣ingly.
• Charity.
• Meditation.
• The fruits of it.
• His observa∣tion of Gods Works.
• Return of Prayer.
• Gods mercy.
• Gods judge∣ment on a swearer.
• A Boy pos∣sessed with the Devil.
• Private du∣ties.
• He prayed seven times a day.
• Fasting.
• He used to kneel upon the bare boards.
• His heaven∣ly-minded∣ness.
• His univer∣sall obedi∣ence.
• Charity.
• Hated sin∣full fashions.
• Meekness.
• Note.
• Returns good for e∣vil.
• Grace over∣comes na∣ture.
• An honora∣ble testimo∣ny of him.
• Liberality.
• Mercy.
• Charity.
• His hospita∣lity.
• Charity.
• His Chara∣cter.
• Sympathy.
• Prayer pow∣erfull.
• Zeal.
• Mercy.
• Death pre∣pared for.
• Joy unspeak∣able.
• Faith.
• His house was a mile from the Church.
• How he spent the Sabbath.
• His last sick∣ness.
• His coun∣cel to his friends.
• Comfort in affliction.
• Sir Henry Bunbury.
• His charge to his son.
• Mr. H. and Mr. L.
• His freedom from tenta∣tions.
• Patience.
• Humility.
• His death.
• Note.