The History of the Church Since the Days of Christ, Book 1 · History of century 16 · Biography 2

The History of the Church Since the Days of Christ · Book 1 · History of century 16 · Biography 2

p. 171Carolus quintus.

AFter Maximilian, Charles King of Spaine, Duke of Austria and Burgundie, and nephew to Maximilian, was chosen Emperour, and raigned 37. yeeres. He was a Prince of singular wisedome, expert in warre, slow to wrath, and if it had pleased the Lord to hauehave illuminated his heart with that true light that begun to shine in his time, hee might hauehave beene reckoned amongst the most renowned Emperours. His inclination to wisedome may appeare by these witty sentences vttered by him.Sentenc…s v… tered by Carolus quintus. Like as Saturne which is counted the most supreme planet, hath the slowest course of all the rest, even so they that are in supreme authority, ought to doe all things with greatest deliberation and advisement. And like as the Sunne sendeth out his beams in like brightnesse both vponupon poore and rich, so ought supreme Magistrates minister iustice without partiality, both to poore and rich. And like as the eclipse of the Sunne is a foretoken of great commotions, so likewise the errors and oversights of Princes bring with them great perturbations to countries. Hee was intangled with great and dangerous warres all the time of his government, either against forraine Princes, or some of the Empire. In his warrs against the King of France, hee had better successe then he could hauehave looked for, for as much as the towne of Millaine being already taken by the King of France, and the towne of Pavie in Italy likewise besieged, yet the Emperours army shortly after encountred with the French-men, and both vanquished them,He subdueth the Frenchmē & taketh their King prisoner. and also tooke the King himselfe prisoner, and from thence conveyed him away to Spaine, where through care and griefe hee fell into sicknesse, but when hee was comforted by the Emperour, and put in some hope of agreement, hee began to take heart vntounto him and recovered: and in the end a peace was agreed vponupon at Madruce in Spaine, and the p. 172King was set at liberty, leaving for pledges his two eldest sonnes. But shortly after hee revoked his oath, being absolved by the Bishop of Rome, and said he was forced to swear or else hee should never hauehave beene delivered. The Emperor after the delivery of the King of France, gaue to Charles Duke of Burbon the Dutchie of Millaine, on condition to pay 4000. ducats, and finde a number of souldiers yeerely. This Charles Duke of Burbon passing through Italy to Naples afterward,Rome sacked by the souldiers of Charles D. of Burbon: and the Pope and his Cardinals besieged in the Emperours quarrell besieged Rome, and in the assault was slaine, but his souldiers tooke the citie, spoyled it, and besieged the Bishop Clement with his Cardinalls, in the Mount Adrian, from whence hee could not be dismissed by any meanes, vntill hee agreed with the souldiers. Notwithstanding this, the Emperour Charles being then in Spaine, and staying the thunderbolt of Excommunication (which the souldiers nothing regarded) did excuse himselfe by letters, that hee knew not of that his men had done, and therefore willed the Bishop to bee set at liberty.

The beginning of reformation of religion in Germany by Martin Luther.In this Emperours dayes begun reformation of religion in Germany, by meanes of the disputations, writings, and doctrine of Martin Luther, whom the Emperour laboured by all meanes to suppresse. First, by gathering a convention of the estates of Germany, in the towne of Worms. Which convention was kept in the yeere of our Lord 1521. and Martin Luther being cited by an Herald of armes to appeare before the said Councell, with a letter of safe conduct by the Emperour and Princes, appeared: and although many perswaded him not to adventure himselfe to such a present danger,He appeareth at the conventiō of Worms. yet Luther answered that he was resolved, and certainely determined to enter Worms, in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ, although hee knew that there were so many divells to resist him, as there were tyles to cover the houses in Wormes: thus being presented before all the Estates of the Empire,Questions propounded by Eccius. Iohn Eccius (who then was the Bishop of Triers generall officiall) at the Emperours command demanded of Martin two questions. First, whether hee confessed p. 173those bookes which were given out vnderunder his name to be his or no, shewing herewith an heape of Luthers bookes written in the Latin and Dutch tongues. Secondly, whether hee would revoke and recant them, or stand to all that hee had written.Answered by Luther. To the first point hee answered affirmatiuely, that hee would acknowledge his owne bookes. As touching the second, whether he would recant any thing contained in his bookes or no, he craved time to premeditate what hee should speake in that matter: which was the more easily granted, because they were in some hope that Luther would recant some of his writings, but it fell out farre otherwise then they looked for. For at the time of his next appearance hee divided his bookes into three sorts,Luther vrged to recant some things vvhichwhich he had written, refuseth. some of them opened the grounds of Christian religion simply, which his very enemies had counted inculpable, and therefore hee would not condemne them himselfe. Another sort contained invectiues against the Papacie, and others of that retinue which had with their pestiferous doctrine and pernitious examples, corrupted the whole estate of Christianity, which bookes if hee should revoke, hee should adde more force to their tyranny, and his retraction should be a cloake and shadow to all their impiety and naughtinesse. The third sort of his bookes were written against certaine particular persons, who with tooth and naile laboured to maintaine the Romane tyranny, and to deface his doctrine, and these likewise hee could not recall, left by his recantation it should come to pasle, that tyranny and impiety supported by his meanes should rage more violently against the people, then ever it did before. When no recantation could be obtained, nor yet submission of his writings to the iudgement of the Emperour, and his Estates: Martin Luther departed from Wormes, being dismissed according to his promise of his safe conduct, and returned to his owne countrey.

Soone after this,The Emperours decre… against Luther. the Emperour Charles to purchase favour with the Pope (because hee was not yet confirmed in his Empire) provideth and directeth out a solemne writ of outlawry against Luther and all them that take his part, p. 174commanding the said Luther, where-ever hee might be gotten, to be apprehended and his bookes burned.

After this another convention of the Estates of Germanie was gathered at Norinberg for the suppressing of Martin Luther, to which Councell Pope Adrian the sixt, sent his Ambassadour Cheregatus, to desire that the sentence of the Apostolick Sea, and the Emperours edict against Martin Luther should bee put in execution.The proceedings of the convention of Norinberg against Luther. The Princes of Germany on the other part, declared great vrgent causes wherefore they were compelled to forbeare the execution of those decrees for a time, and namely for this, that the greatest part of Germany hauehave alwayes had this perswasion, that great inconvenience hath come to this Nation by the Court of Rome: and now if they should proceede with rigour in executing the Popes sentence, and the Emperours edict, the people would suspect in their mindes, this to bee done for supporting and confirming the former abuses, whereupon great warres and tumults (no doubt) would ensue. For the avoyding whereof, they thought to vse more gentle remedies serving better for the time. Also seeing the Pope by his foresaid Ambassadour desired to be informed what way were best to take, in resisting those errours of the Lutherans: The Estates answered, that if the Popes holinesse with consent of the Emperours Maiestie, should gather a free Christian Councell in some convenient place of Germanie,The Princes of Germanies iudgement concerning the suppression of Luthers attempts. and that with such speed as conueniently might bee, it were in their iudgement the readiest way to suppresse the attempts of Luther: and in the meane time vntill the Councell might bee set, they had provided wayes to stay the tumults of the Germaine people.

1. First, by dealing with the Noble Prince Fredericke Duke of Saxony, that Luther nor his followers shall not write, set foorth, or print any thing during the saide space.

2. Item, that the Princes shall labour so with the Preachers of Germany, that they shall not in their Sermons p. 175teach or blow into the peoples eares such matters, whereby the multitude may bee mooved to rebellion or vprore, or bee induced vntounto errour, and that they shall preach or teach nothing but the true, pure, sincere, and holy Gospell, and approoved Scripture, according to the exposition approoved and received of Christs Church.

3. And finally, as concerning Priests that contract Matrimony, and religious men leaving their Cloysters, for as much as in the civill law there is no penalty for them ordained, they shall bee referred to the Canonicall constitutions, to be punished thereafter accordingly: that is by losse of their benefices and priviledges, or other condigne censures.

Amongst others things done at this assembly of Norinberg,An 100. grievances collected by the Germaines, and exhibited to the Bishop of Rome. certaine grievances were collected to the number of an hundreth, and exhibited to the Bishoppe of Rome, wherewith the countrey of Germanie was grieved, as namely, that many things were prohibited by mens Constitutions, which are not prohibited by any Commandement of God, and many things were exacted which are not commanded by any precept of God.

Item, that the Popes indulgences and pardons bee most importable, perswading simple people of a remission of sinnes, a poena & culpa, and that not in this life onelyonly, but after this life: through the hope and occasion whereof, true piety is almost extinct in all Germany, whilest every evill disposed person promiseth to himselfe for a little mony licence and impunity to doe what him listeth, whereupon followeth fornication, incest, adultery, periury, homicide, robbing and spoyling, rapine, vsurie, with a whole flood of mischiefes.

Item, that whosoever hath received Ecclesiasticall orders, doth contend to bee free from all punishment of the secular Magistrate, how great soever his offence be which hee committeth.

Also, that in many places the Bishoppes and their Officialls doe not onelyonly suffer Priests to hauehave concubines, so p. 176that they pay certaine summes of money, but also compell continent and chaste Priestes to pay tribute for concubines, which being paid, it shall bee lawfull for them either to liue chaste or otherwise, as it shall please them.

These with many mo, to the number of an 100. the secular States of Germanie delivered to the Popes Legat, desiring him to present them to Pope Adrian. But Pope Adrian died about the same time, and Pope Clemens the seventh succeeding in his place, sent downe his Legat Cardinall Campeius, vntounto the Councell of Germane Princes assembled againe at Norinberg the next Convention, with letters to Duke Fredericke full of many faire petitions and sharpe complaints. But as touching the grievances aboue mentioned, no word at all was sent.

Thus was the Pope ever ready with all diligence to call vponupon Princes to suppresse Luther, Note.and the liberty of the Gospell. But when any redresse or reformation of the Church was craved, hereto the Pope neither gaue eare nor answer.

In these Councels of Norinberg it is to bee noted, that the execution of the sentence of Leo, and the Emperours edict made at Wormes against Luther was suspended for a time; and many other things that were desired by the Popes Legate to bee enacted in a full Councell, and with consent of all the Empire, yet could not bee brought to passe, by reason that the mindes of divers were gone from the Pope. For this cause Ferdinand the Emperours brother, with Campeius and the Cardinall of Salisburg,A conventicle at Ratisbone, wherein articles were ratified for suppressing of Luthers doctrine. the two Dukes of Bavaria, the Bishops of Trent and Ratisbone, also the Legates of the Bishops of Bamberg, Spires, Stransbrugh, Ausbrugh, Constance, Basile, Frising, Passavie, and Brixine, assembled themselues together in a particular Conventicle at Ratisbone, and there ratified all the articles which they had hatched amongst themselues for suppressing of Luthers doctrine.

1. First, that the edict of the Emperour made at Worms should be observed in all their precincts.

p. 1772. That the Gospell, and all other holy Scriptures shall be taught according to the interpretation of the auncient forefathers.

3. That in the Sacraments of the Masse, and in all other things, no invocation shall be, but all things shall stand as before time they did.

4. That all that approach to the Lords Supper without confession and absolution, or doe eate flesh on dayes forbidden, or which doe runne out of their order, also Priests that be married shall be punished.

5. That no Booke of Luther or Lutheran shall be Printed or sold.

6. That they of their iurisdiction, which studie in the Vniversitie of Wirtenberge, shall eueryevery one repaire home within three moneths after the publishing hereof, or els turne to some other place free from the infection of Luther, vnderunder paine of confiscating all their goods, & loosing their heritage.

7. That no Benefice or other office of teaching be giuen to any Student of that Vniversitie; with diverse other Articles conteined at greater length in the commentaries of Iohn Slendan.

After this other two Conventions were kept at Spiers.Two conventions at Spiers with a rehearsall of those things which were concluded. In the first were exhibited to the Princes many billes of request, that Monkes and Fryers might be no more in place of them that died, and that the priviledges of the Clergie might be taken away, as lets of ciuill administration, that certaine holy dayes might be abolished, that choice of meats and ceremonies might be free. And finally, seeing there was no hope of a generall Councell, that either the Emperour would appoint a Provinciall Councell in Germany for matters of Religion, or els cause the decree of Wormes to cease. At this time the Bishops would not suffer any matter of Religion to be handled, and therefore the Duke of Saxonie, and the Landgraue would hauehave departed. At last it was decreed, that either a generall or provinciall councell should be had within the space of a yeare, and in the p. 178meane time the decree of Wormace Councell to cease. In the next Councell kept at Spire, where Ferdinand Ambassadour in the Emperours name was present, certaine Citties were greatly blamed for altering Religion, contrary to the Emperours commandement; and the Ambassadour for the Citie of Argentine was not suffered to sit in the Councell, because that Cittie had disanulled the Masse. Shortly after by the assent of a few Princes, these points were decreed.

That such Cities as had altered Religion should make no further change.

That other places should obey the decree of Wormes vntill a generall Councell.

That it should be lawfull to all men who would vse the masse, euen in those Citties where it was abolished.

That the Anabaptists should be punished by death. That the doctrine of the Lords supper shuld not be receiued.

That the Ministers should teach according to the interpretation of the Church.

That the Princes and Cities should not receiue foreiners comming for Religion into their dominions, if any man did otherwise, he should be proscript.

The Duke of Saxonie, George Prince of Brandenburgh, Erneste and Francisse, Princes of Luneburg, and the Landgraue of Hesse, and a Prince called Anhaldius, withstood this decree, and answered to eueryevery point thereof, saying that the consent of a few could not vndoe that decree which before was made at Spire by the whole Empire,A protestation against the decrees of the a conventions of Spire. and therefore that they all made protestation, that they would not acknowledge it. And of this protestation were those Princes, and all that allied with them called Protestants, which name is now giuen to all them that in their doctrine swerue from the Bishop of Rome.Whence the name Protestants was deriued.

To the Princes aboue-named, these Cities following did agree, Argentine, Norinberg, Vlmes, Constance, Ruteling, Winsemium, Mening, Lindan, Campodune, Hailbrune, Isna, Wiseborough, Norling Sangall. All these Cities with the Princes refused the act of Spire, & appealed to the Emperour, p. 179and to a generall or provinciall Councell. After the breaking vp of this Councell, the Protestants send Ambassadours to the Emperour, to declare the causes of their appellation from the Councell of Spire.The Protestants Ambassadors roughly en…reated by the Emperour. The Emperour at this time was in Italie, and on his iourney to Rome to be crowned with the Emperiall Diadem by Pope Clement the seuenth; who hauing heard the Ambassadours of the Protestants, entreated them roughly and sent them backe againe with menacing words, threatning to punish with all rigour those that would not be obedient to the Decree of the foresaid Convention of Spire.

This was the first ground that moued the Protestants in the conventiō of Smalcaldy,A league amongst the Protestants. to bind vp a couenant amongst themselues of mutuall ayde, if any of them were pursued for Religions sake, as shall be declared afterward, God willing. In the meane time, the Citie of Argentine entreated league with Tigure, Berne, and Basill (who being not farre distant might be more helpfull each to other) that if they were invaded for the quarrell of Religion, they should mutually assist one another, wherewith the Councell of the Empire were much grieued, and found great fault with them. After the Emperours returning from Italie, where he was crowned with the Emperiall Diadem, and had sworne to be a defender of the Roman Church, a solemne conuention of the Estates of the Empire was kept in the Towne of Angusta, or S. Ausbrugh,A convention at Ausbrugh. to which were brought many learned diuines. The Protestants brought with them Philip Melanchton, Iustus Ionas, Georgius Spalatinus, Iohannes Agricola, Islebius, and diverse others. The Romane Church had for their part Cardinall Campeius, the Popes Ambassadour, Eccius, Iohannes Faber Cochleus, and many others. The Emperour commanded the Princes of the Protestants to come to Masse with him, and to command their Preachers to silence, but they answered, they would neither come to Masse, nor inioyne their Preachers to silence, before the matter was concluded. OnelyOnly the Duke of Saxonie after deliberation with his Divines, was content at the Emperours commandement p. 180(according to his dutie) to carrie the Sword before him as he went to the Church. Then the Emperour vnderunder great perill commanded both the parties to silence, and he by prerogatiue appointed certaine to Preach that should touch no Controversie.

The Protestants obtaine their confession of faith to be openly read.In this Convention the Protestants offered vntounto the Emperour a copie of the Articles of their Faith, which with great difficultie they obtained to be openly read before they delivered it into the Emperours handes. This Confession commonly called Augustana Confessio, was exhibited to Eccius and Faber, Divines on the contrary part, to be confuted, and the copie of this confutation was also openly read. But when the Protestants desired that they might answere to it, the Emperour would not grant it, saying, he would heare no more disputation, but willed them to returne to the Catholique Church.

Also the Citizens of Argentine, Constance, Mening, and Lindan (who differed from the other Protestants in the opinion of the Sacrament) did in like manner exhibite a confession of their Doctrine: a confutation of this Booke also was made by Eccius and Faber, with very bitter and sharpe words; but the other partie could not hauehave licence to reply, nor any sight of the copie but as they heard it read. After this, three were chosen on each side to debate matters of Religion, where although Melanchton granted more then his …ellowes would hauehave him, yet nothing was agreed, because that Eccius and his two Lawyers, who were chosen for the Romane Church, stucke so fast by their Masse and Monasticall Vowes, that in those things they would admit no reformation.

In the end the Emperour published a Decree, wherein he declared, that although the confession of the Protestants was sufficiently confuted, yet he would giuegive them respite for a time, to returne to the Church of Rome. In which time they should keepe peace, and alter nothing of Religion, and suffer all that would to follow the Church of Rome. But the Princes and Protestant Cities answered, that they could p. 181not keepe that Decree with safe consciences.The Princes & Protestant Citties refuse to obey the Emperours Decree concerning the retur…ing to the Church of …ome. Another Decree of the Emperour. Thus was the Emperours interim refused, wherefore he set forth another Decree, wherein he confirmed the Doctrine of the Church of Rome in all points, and abrogated all manner of appellations made by the Protestants. It appointed also an order how the Emperours Court, called the Chamber, should proceed in iudgement against the Protestants, and forbidded that any Prince of that sect should beare any office in the Court, and all that were of the faith of the Romane Church to be taken into the protection of the Emperour against their owne Princes. This act caused great feare, wherefore the Princes and Ambassadours of the Protestants shortly after met againe at Smalcal…ie,The Princes and Ambassadours of the Protestants meet at Smalcaldie, and enter league to ayde one another. and went through with the League which they had begunne the yeare before, to ayde each other in the quarrell of Religion.

About this time the Emperour hauing sure information, that the Turke with great preparation, was setting forward his armie against Vienna in Austrich, begun somewhat to relent of his rigour, and through the intercession of the Bishop of Mentz, and the Palsgraue,Peace granted by the Emperour to the Protestants. granted peace to the Protestants, so that they should ayde the Emperour against the Turks, and on the other part the action of the Chambercourt should cease in all sutes of Religion against the Protestants. About the same time that all this businesse was in Germanie for the Doctrine of Martin Luther, Vlricus Zuinglius Preacht at Zurik against the corruptiōs of the Roman Church.Vlricus Zuinglius Preached the Word at Zurik, detested the abuse of pardons, & of other corruptions then reigning in the Church: but, see, great offence begun to rise, and diverse stepped out on the contrary side to Preach and inveigh against him. VponUpon this the Magistrates and Senate of Zurik, sent forth their commandement to all Priests & Ministers within their Dominion,A disputation at Zurike. to repaire to the Citie of Zurik against the 29. of Ianuarie next ensuing; there eueryevery one to speake freely, and to be heard quietly touching those Controversies of Religion. This disputation was appointed in the yeare of our Lord 1523. Zuinglius had contriued all his doctrine in a certaine ord… of places, to the number of 77. Articles, which he had p. 182published also abroad before, to the end that they who were disposed might resort thither better prepared for disputation. The Bishop of Constance sent thither Iohannes Faber Stapulensis his Vicegerent; who in stead of disputation, reasoned that this was no convenient place for disputation, but rather the handling of Controversies in Religion belonged to a generall Councell, which he said was alreadie appointed, and nigh at hand.

The decree of the Senate of Zurik concerning the abolishing of mens traditions, and purely Preaching of the Gospel.Wherevpon the Senate of Zurik caused incontinent to be proclaimed through all their Dominions and Territories, that the traditions of men should be displaced and abandoned, and the Gospell of Christ purely taught out of the old and new Testament.

When the Gospell begun thus to flourish in Zurik: the yeare next following, Anno 1524. another assemblie of the Helvetians was convented at Lucerna, where Decrees were made on the contrary part;An assemblie of the Helvetians at Lucerna, contrary to that of Zurike. that no man should deride the Masse; that no mention should be made of Luther, or any new doctrine; that Pictures and Images of Saints in eueryevery place should be kept inviolate: and finally, that all the lawes and decrees set forth by the Bishop of Constance should be obserued.

After these things thus concluded at Lucerna, the Cantones of Helvetia together direct their publique Letter to the Tygurines, or men of Zurik, complaining that they had receiued a new Doctrine, which would be the seed of discord, whereas before time all things were in quiet. Wherevnto the Tigurines answered, that at the first this Doctrine seemed strange to themselues, but after they vnderstood it directed them onelyonly to Christ, as the pillar and onelyonly rocke of their saluation; they could no otherwise doe but with ardent affection receiue so wholesome and ioyfull message. And like as faithfull Christians in former times after they had receiued the Gospell, did not by and by fall out in debate with their neighbours: So l…kewise they trusted, God willing to keepe peace with all men. Neuerthelesse, the rest of the Cantons grew in hatred against the men of Zurike, p. 183and for suppressing of the doctrine of Zuinglius, appointed a disputation to be holden at Baden,A disputation at Baden. which was kept in the monethmonth of Iune, Anno 1525. where were present amongst other Divines, Iohannes Faber, Eccius, and Murnerus. The Bishops also of Lucerna, Basile, Curiak, and Lawsanna. The conclusions there propounded were these.

1. That the true body and blood of Christ is in the Sacrament.

2. That the Masse is a Sacrifice for the quicke and the dead.

3. That the blessed Virgin, and other Saints are to be invocated as Mediators and Intercessors.

4. That Images ought not to be abolished.

5. That there is a Purgatorie.

Which Conclusions or assertions Eccius tooke vponupon him soundly to defend. Against him reasoned Oecolampadius, Preacher at Basile, with other moe. Zuinglius at that time was not there present, but by writing confuted the doctrine of Eccius, The causes of Zuinglius absence.declaring withall the causes of his absence, which were for that he durst not for feare of his life commit himselfe to the hands of Lucernates, Vrbani, Suitij, Vnternaldi, and Tugiani his enemies, and that he refused not to dispute, but onelyonly the place of disputation; excusing moreouer, that he was not permitted of the Senate to come. Neverthelesse, if they would assigne the place of disputation, either at Zurik, Berna, or Sangallum, thither he would not refuse to come.The conclusion of the disputation. The conclusion of this disputation was this, that all should remaine in that Religion which hitherto they had kept, and should follow the authoritie of the Councell, neither should admit any other new Doctrine within their dominions.

In the yeare of our Lord 1527. the Senate and people of Berne (whose power amongst all the Helvetians chiefely excelled) considering how neither they could hauehave the acts of the disputation of Baden committed vntounto them,A disputation ordained to be holden at Berne. and that the variance about Religion still more and more increased, assigned another disputation within their owne Cittie, and p. 184sending forth writings thereof, called vntounto the same all the Bishops bordering about them, as the Bishops of Constance, Basile, Sedune, Lusanna, determining also the whole disputation to be decided only by the authority of the old & new Testament. To all that would come thither they graunted safe conduct. And to the end men might come thither better prepared before, they proposed in publique writing ten conclusions in the said disputation to be defended by their Ministers by the Scriptures,Conclusions maintained by the Ministers of Berne. which Ministers were Franciscus Colbus, and Bertholdus Hallerus. The Theames or Conclusions were these.

1. That the true Church, whereof Christ is the head, riseth out of Gods Word, and persisteth in the same, and heareth not the voyce of any other.

2. That the same Church maketh no lawes without Gods Word.

3. That traditions ordained in the name of the Church doe not binde, but so farre forth as they be consonant to Gods Word.

4. That Christ onelyonly hath made satisfaction for the sins of the world, and therefore if any man say, there is another way of saluation, or meane to put away sinne, he denieth Christ.

5. That the body and blood of Christ cannot be receiued really and corporally by the testimonie of the Scripture.

6. That the vse of the Masse, wherein Christ is presented and offered vp to his heauenly Father for the quicke and the dead, is against the Scripture, and contumelious to the Sacrifice which Christ made for vsus.

7. That Christ onelyonly is to be invocated as the Mediatour and Advocate of Mankinde to God …he Father.

8. That there is no place to be found …y the holy Scripture, wherein soules are purged after this life, and therefore all those prayers and ceremonies, yeerely dirges, and obiles, which are bestowed on the dead, also Lampes, Tapers, and such other things profit nothing at all.

p. 1859. That to set vp any Picture or Image to be worshipped, is repugnant to the holy Scripture, and therefore if any such be erected vp in Churches to that intent, the same ought to be taken downe.

10. That Matrimony is prohibited to no estate or order of men, but for eschewing of fornication, generally is permitted to all men by the word of God. And forasmuch as all fornicators are excluded by the testimony of Scripture from the communion of the Church; therefore this vnchast and filthy single life of Priests, is most of all inconuenient for the order of Priesthood.

At this disputation were present Oecolampadius, Bucerus, Capito, Blanreus, with many other moe, all which defended the affirmatiue of the conclusions propounded. On the contrary part of the opponents, the chiefest Captaine was Conradus Trogedus, a Fryer Augustine, who to proue his assertion, when he was driuen to shift out of the Scripture to seeke helpe of other Doctors: and the Moderators of the disputation would not permit the same (being contrary to the order before appointed) he departed out of the place, and would dispute no more. The disputation indured nineteene dayes,The conclusions aforesaid allowed. in the end whereof it was agreed, that the conclusions there disputed, were consonant to the truth of Gods Word, and should be ratified not onelyonly in the Cittie of Berne, but also proclaimed by the Magistrates in sundrie other Citties neere adioyning. Furthermore, that Masses, Altars, Images, in all places should be abolished. The day and yeare when this reformation with them beganne from Popery to true Christianitie, they caused in a pillar to be engrauen in Golden letters, for a perpetuall memorie to all posteritie to come. This was Anno 1528. The rumour of this disputation and alteration of Berne was noysed in other Citties and places abroad; and others were encouraged by this occasion, to take the like order within their bounds, and namely the Townes of Strousbrough, and Basile, and Geneua. All this time by the providence of God, the Emperour and the King of France were together occupied in p. 186Warres and strife, which hapned very commodiously for the successe of the Gospell: for otherwise it is to be thought that the Helvetians and other Germanes should not hauehave had that leisure and rest to reforme Religion, and to linke themselues in league as they did: albeit, Ferdinandus the Emperours brother and Deputie in Germanie omitted no time nor diligence to doe what he could in resisting the proceedings of the Protestants: as appeared both by the decrees set forth at Ratisbone and Speirs, as hath beene declared.

The rest of the Pages of the Helvetians which were of a contrary profession, hearing of the end of this disputation at Berne (and namely because they had not regarded their admonition, disswading them to proceed in their intended purpose of disputation and reformation of Religion) confederated themselues in league with Ferdinandus, Ferdinand and fiue Pages of the Helvetians enter league against the Bernates.to suppresse the Religion of Christ in Berne and Zurik. The names of which Pages especially were fiue, to wit, Lucernates, Vrani, Suitenses, Vnternaldij, and Tugiani, who for hatred and despite, hanged vp the armes of the foresaid Cities vponupon a Gallowes; beside many other iniuries and grieuances which they wrought against them. For the which cause the said Cities of Berne and Zurik raised their power, intending to set vponupon the foresaid Switzers, as vponupon their capitall enemies. But as they were in the field readie to encounter one Armie against the other, through the meanes of the Citie of Strousbrough and other intercessours, they were parted for that time, and so returned.

The fiue Pages and the Bernates being twise ready to ioyne battell, are pa…ted, and the third time the Bernates vanquished.After this, the old wound waxing raw againe beganne to burst out, and the Tigurines and Bernates by reason of certaine new iniuries, and contumelious words spoken against them, began to stoppe the passages and straits, whereby no corne not victuall should be conveyed to the fiue Pages aforesaid. This second debate also was composed by meanes of the King of France, and certaine Townes of Switzerland, as namely the Glareans, Friburgians, Soloturnians, and some other laboured to set them at agreement vponupon certaine conditions, which not being kept, and the fiue Pages not p. 187obseruing the couenant, the warre brake vp of new againe amongst them. And the Tigurines and Bernates begunne againe to stoppe the passages, so that for lacke of victuall the fiue Pages were pinched with penurie. Who notwithstanding arming themselues secretly, set forward in warre-like aray towardes the borders of Zurike, whereas then was lying a Garrison of Zurike men, to the number of a thousand and aboue. Whereupon word was sent incontinent to the Cittie of Zurike for ayde to their men. But their enemies approached so fast, that they of Zurike could hardly come to rescue them; fot when they were come to the top of the hill, whereby they must needs passe, they did see their fellowes at the foote of the hill in great distresse. Whereupon they encouraging themselues, made downe the hill with more hast then order, striuing who should goe fastest, by reason whereof they were discomfited and ouer-matched by their enemies. Amongst the number of them that were slaine,Zuinglius killed. was also Vlricus Zuinglius the blessed seruant of God, whose bodie after his death they most vildly abused by cutting it in pieces, consuming it with fire, and practising against it, all despite that malice and hatred could deuise. The Bernates were willing to come and reuenge their quarrell, but before they came, their enemies set vponupon them the second time, and had the vpper hand, yet would they of Zurik nothing relent in Religion.

At the last through mediation, a Peace was concluded, and thus the matter agreed, that the Tigurines, Bernates, and Basilians, should forsake the league which they lately made with the Citie of Strousbrough, and the Landgraue. Likewise, should the fiue Page men giuegive ouer the league and composition made with Ferdinan…us;The occasion of the alteration of religion in England about Henry the eights marriage of his brother Arthurs wife. and hereof Obligations were made and sealed for the greater suretie and better keeping of the promises.

In this Emperours time, amongst other places, great alteration of Religion fell out in the Countrey of England vponupon this occasion. Henry the 7. King of England, had two sonnes, Arthur and Henry; Prince Arthur his eldest sonne p. 188married Katherine, daughter to Ferdinand King of Spaine, but he soone after his marriage died without children. King Henry with advise of his Nobles to the end her dowrie might remaine within the Realme, thought meete to espouse Lady Katherine to Prince Henry, brother to King Arthur. This marriage seemed very strange and hard for one brother to marry the wife of another; but yet by dispensation of Pope Iulian the second, this marriage, which neither sense of nature would admit, nor Gods law suffer, was concluded, approued, and ratified, and so continued as lawfull without any scruple or doubt the space of twentie yeares, till that a certaine doubt began to be moued by the Spaniards themselues of the Emperours Councell. Anno 1523. At which time Charles the Emperour being in England, promised to marry Lady Mary daughter to King Henry the eyght, King of England, with the which promise the Spanyardes were not well contented; Obiecting, that the Ladie Mary was begotten of the King of England by his brothers wife. Whereupon, the Emperour forsaking the marriage, did couple himselfe with Ladie Isabell, daughter to King Emmanuel of Portugall, which marriage was done in the yeere of our Lord 1526. The King vponupon this occasion casting many things in his minde, beganne to consider the matter more deeply, and finding that neither his conscience could be cleered in keeping his brothers wife, nor yet the estate of the Realme firme by the succession of a daughter begotten in such a marriage; he proposed the question to the chiefe Vniversities of all Christendome, whose censures all agreed in one, that the marriage was vnlawful. Yet would not the King proceed to the divorcement without the Popes consent. Who sent Campeius his Ambassadour with concurrance of the Cardinall of Yorke to be iudges in that cause. The Cardinall of Yorke, called Wolsey, at the first was verily bent to hauehave the divorcemēt set forward, but afterward finding that the Kings affection was bent towardes Ladie Anne Bulloigne, to take her in marriage, he changed his purpose, & sent advertisment to Pope Clement, that in case King p. 189Henry the eight were divorced from Ladie Katherine, then should another infected with Luthers doctrine succeede in her place, to the great hurt of the Church of Rome. For this cause the Pope calleth backe his Ambassadour Campeius, before the Kings cause was decided. Neuerthelesse, the King proceeded in his purpose, and was divorced from Ladie Katherine by meanes of D^r Cranmer. Hatred betwixt the Pope and King Henry the 8.This was the ground of that great hatred that fell out betweene the Pope and King Henry; for on the one part, the Pope cursed King Henry, and the Realme of England for the divorcement. The King on the other part abolished in his Realme the Bishop of Romes vnlawfull tyrannie, with commandement, that he should be called no more Pope in his Country, but onelyonly Bishop of Rome, and that the King should be taken and reputed as supreame head of the Church of England, & hauehave full authoritie to reforme and redresse errours, heresies, and abuses in the same.

Now to returne againe to Germanie. The Emperour was so busied with Warres all this time, that he had no leisure to tarry in Germanie, and although many assemblies were gathered to suppresse the doctrine of Luther, he was onelyonly present at two, to wit, at the first kept at Wormes, & the last kept at Auspurg. For this cause it seemed good to the Emperour, to declare his brother Ferdinand to be King of the Romanes, and apparent successor to the Empire, to the end he might with greater authoritie gouerne the affaires of the Empire in his absence. He sent also letters to the Protestants, commanding them to acknowledge him King. Wherefore the Ambassadours of the Protestant Cities being gathered at Franckford, concluded with the Princes, that for their part they would not for this resist the Emperour, & for denying a title and a name only to his brother, to make him more eager against their Religion. But the Duke of Saxonie, & other Princes, not agreeing thereto, writ to the Emperour, that because it was done against the manner and liberty of the Empire,Warres betwixt Ferdinand and the Protestant Princes. they could not allow it. This seemeth to be the first ground of the warres that after followed. For Ferdinand King p. 190of the Romanes expelled Vlrich of Wirtenberge from his Lordship, and when no redresse could be had at the Emperours hands, the Landgraue of Hesse with his cousin Vlrich, gathered an Armie; at Lawferme by Wirtenberg ouercame their enemies, and put them to flight; recouered the townes of Asperge, Wrath, Tubinge, and Niphe, and tooke prisoner Philip, Prince Palatine and chiefe Captaine of Ferdinands armie.

Shortly after, agreement was made on these conditions, that Vlrich should hauehave againe his Lordship of Wirtenberg,Agreement made betwixt them. but so that he should hold it by the benefit of Ferdinand, and the house of Austrich; that if issue male did saile in the house of Wirtenberge, that Lordship should returne to the heire of the Emperours house of Austrich: that the Landgraue and Vlrich should come to Ferdinand, and submit themselues to him. The Emperour foreseeing that this diversitie of Religion that was in Germanie, would in the end burst forth into some bitter fruit, and great inconuenience, aduised with himselfe by what means reconciliation might be made, and all controversie might cease: and in the end appointed a Councell at Wormes, and communication of Religion, and for this cause sent Granuellanus thither. But the matter was so long delayed by the fautors of the Sea of Rome, vntill Letters came from the Emperour againe to deferre the whole matter to the Councell of Ratisbone. To which came all the Princes of the Empire, except the Duke of Saxonie, who came not himselfe,A Councell held at Ratisbone about the ending of controversies. but sent thither a noble ambassage, together with Melanchthon, and other Preachers. VntoUnto the same Councell also came from the Pope Caspar Conterane, a Cardinall. In this disputation, Fredericke the Palsgraue, and Granuellane were appointed moderators: Melanchthon, Bucer, and Pistorius, Disputers for the Protestants. Pflugius, Eccius, & Gropper for the Papists. VntoUnto these six was offered a booke conteining the definition of most Articles in Controversie, which they were willed to ouer-looke, and either to allow or disallow those things that they could agree vponupon. This booke was deliuered againe after a time to the Emperour; in p. 191many points they could not agree, in some they did. The Protestants deliuered together with the booke, their opinion concerning those controversies, and their arguments to proue the same. The Emperour deliuered the same to the Princes to be examined: but they being most part Popish, referred the whole matter to the Popes Ambassadour, who exhorting the Bishops to honestie of life, and suppressing of Luthers doctrine, thought good it should be deferred to a generall Councell. This convention which began in Aprill Anno 1541. was dissolued in the end of Iulie; after that the Emperour had decreed, that the communication begun, and whole controversie of Religion,The conclusion of the Councell. should be deferred to a generall or Provinciall Councell of Germanie: That the Protestants should teach no other points of Religion, then such as were agreed vponupon: That Bishops should see amendment of life in their Diocesse: That there should be a Provinciall Councell within a yeare and an halfe, if they could not obtaine a generall Councell of the Pope: That the Churches of Monasteries should not be pulled downe, but reformed: that the Church-goods should not be inverted: that the decree of Ausbrough, and all Proscriptions of the Protestants should be suspended: all those conventions of estates, disputations, promises of generall or provinciall Councels to be kept in Germanie, could not reconcile diuerse Religions, but at length lurking hatred behoued to breake out into open hostilitie.

The first occasion whereof was offered by Henry, Warres betwixt Henry Prince of Brunswick, & the Duke of Saxonie in name of all the Protestants, wherein Henries dominions were subdued.Prince of Brunswick, who by often invasion of Cities, confederated with the Protestants in Germany, moued the Duke of Saxonie and the Landgraue, to make warre against him in name & quarrell of all the Protestants, confederated by the league of Smalcaldy. In this warre they subdued all his dominions, and compelled him with his eldest sonne Charles to flie for their safetie into Bavarie. Henry to recouer his dominions againe, first pursued the Protestants in the Chamber-court of the Empire, but the Protestants appealed and refused the iudgement thereof.

p. 192Next he made his complaint to Ferdinand, the Emperours brother; and last went into Italie to the Emperour, & there at Cremona grieuously accused the Protestants, to whom the Emperour sent an hard message, that if the Prince of Brunswick were not restored, he would take such order, whereby he should be restored whether they would or no. Notwithstanding all this, the Emperour at his returning into Germanie, after he had heard the declaration of the Protestants against the Duke of Brunswick, albeit, the Emperour was loath to giuegive out any grieuous sentence against him, yet at length he determined that all the Dukes lands should remaine as sequestred in his hands, vntill that matter were ended.

A peace concluded betwixt the Emperour and the King of France, wherein was determined that both should ioyne against the Protestants.All this while the Emperour was busied in warres against the King of France; …ut in the end a peace was concluded betweene them vponupon certaine conditions. Amongst others this was one, that they should both ioyne in the restitution of the Romish Religion. The effects of this vnhappie agreement were soone felt, both in France and Germanie; for in France Minerius governour of Provance, by the Kings commandement went with an Armie against the Waldenses that dwelt in Merindol, Cabreire, and certaine other Townes of Provance. The poore men of Merindol, fearing his comming, fled into the Woods and Mountaines with their wiues and children; he in the meane time spoyled and burned the townes being left voyde:The crueltie of Minerius. and in Merindol finding but one young man, bound him to an Oliue tree, and shot him thorow with guns. At Cabreire the Citie was yeelded vntounto him, vponupon promise that they should sustaine no harme, but he kept no promise, but shewed great crueltie, killing them eueryevery one: some in the Churches, some in other places, and burned 40 women that were in a Barne full of straw. There were slaine, partly in that towne, partly abroad, aboue 800. beside other places. They which fled vntounto the mountaines & woods, partly were famished, partly otherwise slaine, partly sent to the Gallowes. 25 persons that fled into a caue by the towne of Mussie, were smoothered to death with smoke.

p. 193Certaine of the Heluetians, sued vntounto the king of France to fa…our the Waldenses, but no entreatie would serue: alwayes this tyrane Minerius escaped not the iust iudgement of God,The miserable death of Minerius. for God striked him with a terrible disease, and hee felt like vntounto a fire burning him from the navell vpward, and the lower parts were rotten and consumed away with vermine, with an extreame stinke, and profusion of blood in place of his vrine, and so with great torments hee ended his wretched life.

In Germanie like as it was harder to oppresse so great a number as had alreadie embraced the Gospell, so likewise the Emperour was compelled to doe his turne by craft, rather then by force, for he sent letters to diuers cities of the Protestants as to Argentine,The Emperour vseth policie to subdue the Protestants. Noriberg, Ausbrough, Vlmes, indeuouring to perswade them, that he entended not warre against them, but against certaine other traytours and rebells, against whom hee doubted not but they would assist him. In like manner also he writ to the Prince of Wittenberg. Also when Palsgraue of Rhene writ to the Emperour to know against whom he prepared his war, he receiued the same answere that before was written to the cities with manifest signification that it was against certaine Princes of the Protestants, not so much for religion as for other things: and finallie the Heluetians who had receiued the Gospell, Tigure, Berne and Basile were circumuented with the like policie: for the Emperour had perswaded …hem that he would not medle with religion: by this meanes hee had not onelyonly diuers places quiet, but also vsed the helpe of many Princes and cities which fauoured the religion against the Duke of Saxonie and Lantgraue of Hesse. This war begun in the selfe same yeere wherein the Councell of Trent was gathered, to with. 1546. & the league between the Emp. & the Pope against the Protestants was openly pronounced at Trident. The Pope also laied in the Venetians hands for this war 200000. Crownes, and moreouer for the space of halfe a yeere did finde 10000. Italian foote, and 500. light horsemen.

Thus was their great preparation and deepe policie p. 194vsed to suppresse two noble Princes whom they knew to be chiefe defenders of the reformed religion.

The Emperour being at Ratisbone and looking for his companies of Italians and Spaniards,The Emperour Proclaimeth the D. of Saxonie & Lantgraue outlawes. The causes alleadged. in the meane time by Proclamation proscribeth out-lawes, the Duke of Saxonie and the Lantgraue, alleadging these causes. That they had made warre against certaine Princes of the Empire. That they had spoyled them, and oppressed certaine Bishops. That they refused and subverted the iudgement of the chamber-court, and entered league against him, making no mention of religion. Shortly after hee sent a copie of this proscription vntounto Maurice and August Princes of Saxonie, and commaunded them as being next of their kinred to enter vponupon the goods & lands that appertained vntounto them, threatning grieuous punishments except they so did. The Protestants hauing a copie of the proscription,The Protestants answere vntounto the proscription. answered vntounto the same at large. And first whereas the Emperour pretended the fauour of religion and commonwealth, they declared by many arguments that it was dissembled & false. And as touching the causes of their proscription expressed they answered to euerie part, and cleered themselues protesting that they did not make warre vponupon the Emperour, but repell that iniurie which he offered them.

The Bohemians and Maurice invade and subdue th… D. of Saxons lands.The Bohemians incited by their king Ferdinand first invaded the lands of the D. of Saxonie lying next vntounto them: Maurice Prince of Saxonie sent advertisement to the Duke, that seeing he was heire to the Dukedome hee would take such order, as his heritage should not come into other mens hands, and immediatly by the helpe of Ferdinands armie subdued all the Dukes lands, except Viteberge, Isimake, and Goth: & perceiuing himselfe to be in hatred and displeasure with many for so doing,Maurice excuseth by Proclamation what he had done. set forth a Proclamation to excuse himselfe, saying that hee could not lawfully resist the Emperour, seeing that he had assured him that hee would neither opresse religion, nor yet hurt the libertie of Germanie.

The Duke of Saxonie willing to recouer againe his p. 195owne lands assaulted Lipsia,The Duke of Saxonie recouereth what he had lost. and departing from thence, did not onelyonly recouer all that he had lost in Turinge and Misne but also wanne from Maurice all his cities except Lipsia and Dresta. Maurice and August on the other part ioyning with the armie of Ferdinand, were all minded to ioyne also with the Emperours armie, and so with all their forces to invade Saxonie. The nobilitie in the Countrey thinking it was dangerous to their libertie to bring so many Spaniarde and Italians into their Countrie, sent word to Maurice and August that they would depart with their bands of Italians and Spainiards, otherwise such order and remedie should be found as the time and matter required. In this meane time many of the Princes of the Protestants & townes (with whom the Emperour was displeased, because of the aide they had sent to the Duke of Saxonie and Lantgraue) reconciled themselues to the Emperour and obtained their pardon after they had payed great summes of money. Of this number was Palsgraue of the Rhene Elector, and the Prince of Witemberg. Also earnest request was made to the Emp. for the Lantgraues pardon by the Marques of Brādenburg. But the conditions were so grieuous, that the Lantgraue would rather venture the extremitie, then submit himselfe. The Emperour came forward to Misne by the riuer Albis, not farre from the Duke of Saxonie Campe. Wherefore the Duke made speed to Witemberg and burnt the bridge that the Emperour should hauehave no readie passage to pursue him, but the Emperour getting knowledge of a shallow ford in the riuer quicklie followed the Duke, and by the wood of Lothans ouertooke him,The Emperour discomfiteth the D. of Saxonie & taketh him prisoner, and giueth all his his lands to Maurice. & ioyning battell discomfited him and tooke him prisoner, and although the Duke was condemned to die, yet by the entreatie of the Marques of Brandenburg his life was granted him with most grieuous conditions, amongst which this was one, that hee should submit himselfe to the old religion, but he chosed rather to die then so to doe. Wherefore the Marques of Brandenburg obtained also that condition to be remitted: but al his lands and goods were giuen to Maurice, except a pension of 50000. crownes p. 196which the same Maurice paied him yeerely. Immediately herevpon Witemberg yeelded to the Emp. as also diuers other Princes and Cities did the like. The Lantgraue was content to yeeld al that he had to the Emp. pleasure so that hee might not be kept prisoner, which condition the Marques of Brandenburg & Maurice the new Duke of Saxonie, that had married his daughter, vndertooke to obtaine, and for the performance of the same bound thēselues to him in great bonds But when he came to the Emp. hee was commaunded to remaine as prisoner:The Lantgraue detained prisoner by the Emperour. then he began to complaine grieuously saying that the Emperour kept not promise. And the next day the Marques of Brandenburg & Maurice went to the Emp. and intreated for the Lantgraue, but all would not serue: for the Emperour answered that he brake no promise, although he kept him 14. yeeres in prison. For his meaning was onelyonly to pardon him perpetuall emprisonment. This matter afterward turned the Emp. to great trouble. In the meane time hauing the principall chiefe Princes of the Protestants in Captiuitie, the Emp. thought meete to gather a conuention of the estates at Ausbrough to finish that matter which hee had intended long before.A convention at Ausbrough. All the Electors with other Princes were gathered together in great number, but about the citie and in diuers places of the countrie, neere thereto was companies of Spaniards and Italians, and other souldiers to the terrour of them that were present. The Principall matter purposed was concerning the Councell of Trident.

The Emperour required of the Princes, priuatlie of the Palsgraue & Maurice Duke of Saxonie, whether they would submit themselues to the Councell of Trident or no. At the first they refused it, but afterward fearing the Emp. displeasure they were cōtented to permit the matter to his will. The free cities also being demaunded if they would adde any thing to the answere of the Princes, answered it was not their part so to doe, and offered a writing to the Emperour, on what condition they would admit the Councell.

The Emperour as though they had fullie consented sent p. 197to the Cardinall of Trident and the Pope desiring that the Councell which was remoued from Trident to Bononia, might bee againe revoked to Trident which was neerer to Germanie, vponupon hope that the Germanes would come and submit themselues to the Councell. But forasmuch as the Pope and Bishops assembled at Bononie, would not returne backe againe to Trident, but vponupon such conditions as liked themselues best: the Emperour protested by his Ambassadours that all such things that they should decree there to be vnlawfull and of no force, and that he himselfe would vndertake the care of the cōmon-wealth of Christendome which the Bishops neglected. Thus the Emperour perceiuing that there was no hope of a generall councell in Germanie consulted with the Princes about the agreement of Religion, and appointed Iulius Pflugins Bishop of Numburg, Michael Sidon and Iohn Islebie to draw out a booke for reformation of Religion,The booke called Interim vrged by the Emperour. which they called Interim. This was the ground of a new trouble, for the Emperour strictly commaunded that the Princes would receiue and admit the manner of Religion set forth in the booke called Interim. The Duke of Saxonie that was kept prisoner, being earnestlie required to subscribe would not in any wise, and for that cause after was vsed more strictly, insomuch that his Preacher who was hitherto permitted, fled for feare of danger.

The Lantgraue hoping to obtaine fauour, and libertie receiued the Emperours booke, and submitted himselfe to it, but all would not helpe him. The Marques of Brandenburge not onelyonly receiued it himselfe, but also sent for Martin Bucer, whom partly with entreatie, partly with thretnings he commaunded to subscribe the Emperours booke, but he constantlie refused, and with great danger of his life returned to Argentine.

Wolfangus Musculus Preacher at Ausbrough perceiuing the counsell of the towne not to stand constantly in defence of Religion, went to Berne in Switzerland. Brentius was compelled to flie from Hala a towne of Sueue and was p. 198receiued of Vlrick Duke of Wirtemberg. Andreas Osiander, Erasmus Sarcerius, Erardus Schueffins, and other Preachers of the Dukedome of Wirtemberg, fled because they would not allow the Emperours booke. Martin Bucer and Paulus Fagius left Germanie and went to England, Ambrose Blaurer left the towne of Constance.

Mauricius Duke of Saxonie returning home from Ausbrough, Proclaimed the Emperours decree concerning Religion. VponUpon that occasion the diuines and Preachers, of the vniuersities of Lipsia and Witenberg, diuers times assembled themselues, and at length concluded vponupon these things (that they called indifferent) to receiue them as the Emperour had prescribed. This thing was by other Preachers in Germanie sore impugned, saying that by the interpretation of their indifferencie they had opened a way to the whole doctrine, and superstition of the Church of Rome taking those things for indifferent in which was manifest errour.

The foresaid booke hated of all men, both Pope, Papists, and Protestants.The tyrannie of this booke indured not long, for it was hated of all men, the Pope himselfe added his corrections vntounto it: for albeit it established all the grounds of the roman Religion, yet because it tolerated the marriage of Priests and the vse of the Sacrament vnderunder both kindes, and tooke not so sharpe order for restoring of the Church goodes as hee could hauehave wished, for those causes and others such like the Pope would not giuegive his allowance to this booke without some corrections. This booke also was impugned both by Protestants and Papists. Of the Protestants Caspar Aquila a preacher in Turingia impugned it as a booke replenished with false doctrine, and on the other side Robertus Abrincensis Episcopus impugned it for giuing libertie to Priests to marrie, and permitting the people to hauehave the Sacrament vnderunder both formes. While this great stirre and trouble was in Germanie, in England by the authoritie of a Parliament the vse of the Masse was altogether forbidden,The Masse forbidden in England. and a booke made of an vniforme order of common prayers, and administration of the Sacraments in the English tongue. p. 199Edmond Boner Bishop of London,Boner and Gardiner depriued of their Bishoprickes. and Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, for obstinate defending of the Roman doctrine were depriued of their Bishoprickes, and cast in prison, where they continued all the time of king Edwards raigne.

But to returne againe to the troubles of Germanie, of all the Cities of the Protestants, there was none that more constantly beared out the Emperours indignation as the Citie of Magdeburg.Warre betwixt the towne of Magdeburg and Maurice Duke of Spaine. Their agreement. For neither would they acknowledge the councell of Trident, neither yet the Emperours booke of Interim, but fortified their towne against Maurice Duke of Saxonie, whom the Emperour made Captaine in that warre, vntill at last an agreement was made vponupon easie conditions. When Maurice with his garrison entered into their Citie, hee grieuously blamed their Preachers, that both in their bookes and pictures they had done much to his reproach, but yet he exhorted them to pray for the good successe of the Emperour, and the generall councell of Trident. To whom they answered that they could not pray any otherwise for that Councell that was assembled to oppresse the truth, but that God would soone disturbe it, and breake it vp.

The end of the warre against the Citie of Magdeburg was the beginning of great warre,War betwixt Maurice Duke of Saxonie and the Emperour. and dangerous trouble against the Emperour. For Maurice Duke of Saxonie perceiuing the Emp. would not stand to his promise, consulteth with forraine Princes how hee might by force deliuer his wifes father, the Lantgraue, and when hee found that all things were in readinesse, hee begun to muster his souldiers, & shortly after set forth a Proclamation to the states of the Empire, in the which first hee lamenteth the discord of Religion, secondly he rehearseth grieuouslie the imprisonment of the Lantgraue his wifes father, signifying that hee was so kept against all truth and honour, to the report of all Germanie. Lastly he bewaileth the pittifull estate of all Germanie, and oppression of their libertie, protesting that the cause of this warre was to restore the old dignitie and freedome.

p. 200Albert Marques of Brandenburge, maketh also his Proclamation, and after a long rehearsall of the miseries of Germanie, referreth the cause of all to the Churchmen, and therefore signifieth this warre to bee chiefely against them. William the Lantgraues sonne ioyned his power with Duke Maurice at Shuinforde. The king of Fraunce also ioyned in this warre and led an armie vntounto Germanie. As they went forward, they caused the Cities to submit themselues, commaunded them to pay great summes of money, and displaced such as the Emperour had set in authoritie, and restored their old Senatours, willing them to vse their priuiledges, and liberties that the Emperour before had forbidden.

The report of this warre and the good successe of Maurice, namely after the citie of Ausbrough was by him taken, made the councell of Trident to breake vp and dissolue. The Emperour, on the other part set at libertie Fredericke the olde Duke of Saxonie, as it were to signifie to Maurice that hee should claime againe the Dukedome of Saxonie, and Electorship that he enioyed, and thereby to put him in more feare. Albert Marques of Brandenburge, in this warre shewed great extremitie to diuers cities, and noble personages, against the mind of Maurice and the other confederates.

The King of Fraunce led forward his armie to Strawsburge, and hearing that communication of peace was betwixt Maurice and the Emperour, and that they were in good hope to hauehave their Princes deliuered, hee to gratifie them was content to returne to Fraunce, but was much displeased that Duke Maurice would enter in communication of peace without his knowledge. In the end agreement passed betweene the Emperour and Duke Maurice vponupon these conditions.The conditions of Maurice his agreement with the Emperour. That the Lantgraue should be set at libertie. That their Religion should be quiet, vntill a certaine order were taken for the same in the next assemblie of of the Empire. That Maurice and the Princes confederats should suffer their souldiers to serue king Ferdinand p. 201in Hungarie. That the Protestants should bee admitted Iudges in the Chamber-court, with diuerse such other like conditions.

The end of this warre was also the beginning of another cruell warre betwixt Duke Maurice and the Marquis of Brandenburg,Warre betwixt D. Maurice & the Marquis of Brandenburg wherein the Marquis was overcome. which fell out vponupon this occasion. The Marquis being reconciled to the Emperour and in great favour with him, did many iniuries in Germany, not onelyonly to the Bishops (whom hee ever deadly hated) but also to diverse Princes and Cities, yea and that vnderunder the name of religion. Duke Maurice with certaine other went against him, and met at the river of Visurg, where Albert was overcome. But Duke Maurice was so stricken with a gun, that hee died within two dayes after.The death of D. Maurice. Strange sights seene in Germany. Popery embraced in England by means of Q. Mary. Before this, in Germanie were seene drops of blood vponupon the trees, and certaine other strange sights.

In England about this time, fell out a great alteration in religion, through the death of King Edward, of whom the world was not worthy: Lady Mary his sister succeeding to the kingdome. Shee ioyned her selfe in mariage with Philip sonne to Charles the Emperour, and restored not onelyonly the Popes supremacie, dissallowed by her father King Henrie the eight: but also the masse, and all superstitions of the Romane Church, abrogated in the dayes of King Edward her brother.The Court of Parliament confesse their error in forsaking it and are absolued. Also shee caused the Realme of England in the high Court of Parliament, to confesse their defection from the Catholike Church, and to craue absolution, having there in readinesse Cardinall Poole, the Popes Ambassadour to absolue them.

What excessiue cruelty was vsed in her time,Q. Maries cruelty against Protestants. no tongue can expresse. The very name of Diocl…sian begunne to bee lesse abhorred, when the name of Queene Mary came forth. Her cruelty beginning at Iohn Hooper Bishop of Glocester, Iohn Bradford, Laurence Saunders, Rowland Taylor, Iohn Rogers, Preachers: proceeded shortly after to Ferrar Bishop of Saint Davids, whose constant death amazed the people, and confirmed their mindes in the true doctrine p. 202that they had learned of him. This persecution raged in all parts of the Land, but specially in Kent, Essex, and Norhfolke. Some of those parts were chiefe maintainers of her authoritie, and against the mind of the Nobilitie and Councell, set forward her right to the Kingdome, but this reward they receiued in the end at her hands.A bad reward. The cruell martyrdome of Cranmer Bishop of Canterbury, Ridley Bishop of London, Latymer Bishop of Worcester, Doctor Philpot, and many others, with the raising vp of the bones of the men of God, Bucer and Fagius, out of their graues, and the cruelty intended against her owne sister Lady Elizabeth: all these things being so well and amply discoursed in the Booke of Martyrs,A reference to the Booke of Martyrs. the godly Reader is to be remitted to the reading of the sayd booke.

Now to conclude this Historie of Charles, something is to be noted of his warres with the Turkes. In his time Solyman the great Turke conquered the citie of Belgrade,Solyman conquereth Belgrade and the Isle of Rhods, killeth Lewis K of Hungary and Paulus B. of Collen, besiegeth Vienna & is repelled. the most sure and strong garrison of the Christians, and vexed the countrey of Hungarie. He besieged the Isle of Rhodes and tooke it, to the great shame and rebuke of Christian men. who provided not support for the Rhodians, that resisted the common enemy so long and so couragiously. After this Solyman slew Lewis King of Hungarie, and Paulus Bishop of Collen, who more rashly then wisely, with a small power of foure and twenty thousand men, encountered the great Turke leading an army of 200000. souldiers. Also hee besieged Vienna, but was mightily resisted and repulsed with losse of a great number of his army: all this was done before the Emperour Charles began to stirre himselfe against the Turke: but when the matters of religion in Germanie were put to some point in the Councell of Ratisbon, the Emperour raised an army of eighty thousand footmen, and thirty thousand horsemen: and compelled the Turke to raise his siege from the towne of Gunza, and with speed to retyre backe to Constantinople.Charles restoreth the K. of Tunis to his kingdome.

After this Charles sayled with an army vntounto Africa, and restored the King of Tunis to his kingdome againe, whom p. 203Barbarossa Admirall of the Turkes Navie in Africke had dispossessed and deprived of his kingdome. In this same voyage he delivered 20000. captiues out of servitude. Notwithstanding Solyman with vnsatiable ambition pnft vp to conquer all Europe, was ever subduing townes and Isles, as Corcyra, Zacynthus, Cythara, Naxus, with diverse others, also the towne of Newcastle in Dalmatia,Solyman taketh Buda in Hungarie. and Buda in Hungarie, which hee obtained by meanes of Frier Cogdridge Tutor to Stephen, sonne to Iohn, Vaivod of Transilvania, and meanes of the relict widow of the sayd Vaivod. These two sent for aide to the Turke against Ferdinand, and the Turke not neglecting so good an occasion, came to Hungarie, discharged the Hoast of Ferdinand that was besieging Buda, and got the citie into his owne hands. Which done, hee prevailed mightily in Hungarie, and tooke the towne called Quinque ecclesiae, and Strigonium, Alba regalis, and Vizigradum: and it was an easie matter for him to hauehave conquered all Hungarie, in respect the Emperour Charles was so busie in warres with the King of France, that the common enemy of all Christian people had leave to rage at his owne pleasure, and had it not beene the gracious providence of God, pitying the misery of Christian people, who stirred vp the Persian Sophie against Solyman, and droue him backe out of Europe for a time, and likewise the murther of his owne sonne Mustapha, which stirred vp a peece of a Tragedie in his owne house, the Christian people had no doubt beene brought to greater extremities in Solymans dayes. The vnprosperous voyage of the Emperour to Argier, I passe by, and many conventions of Estates in Germanie, kept for quieting of religion and preparation for warre against the Turkes. In the end the Emperour finding himselfe troubled with sicknesse, resigned the gouernment of the Low Countries into the hands of King Philip his sonne, and surrendred the Imperiall crowne vntounto the Electors of Germany, & sayled vntounto Spaine, where hee entered into an house of religion,Charles entreth into a religious house and dieth. and gaue himselfe to meditation and prayer, and there concluded his life.