The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, Peter Martyr
P. MARTYR
The Life of Peter Martyr, who died Anno Christi 1562.
PEter Martyr was born at Vermile in Florence, His birth and education.Anno Christi 1500, of an antient and honourable Family. His parents were very sollicitous and carefull for his Education, and his Mother being well skilled in Latine, trained him up in it from his childhood, and read Terence his Comedies to him. Afterwards they placed him forth under the choicest Schoolmasters, and he being of a pregnant wit, and ingeniout disposition, gave great hopes in his minority of excelling in future times.His diligence. He was exceeding studious and painfull, spending no time idle. And finding that in the rich and flourishing City of Florence hee met with many tentations to Luxury and Riot, at sixteen yeares old he entered into a Monastery of Regular Cannons of Saint Augustine in Fessula hard by Florence. He enters into a Monastery.This action of his much displeased and grieved his Father, well knowing that the seeming holyness of those Fryars was but meer hypocrisie. And besides, having no other son, he much desired that this Peter by Marriage should have preserved and propagated his name and family:The causes of it. But that which moved Peter Martyr to choose this course of life, was, that he might have leisure to serve God, to follow his study, and to benefit himself, by the full, and famous Library which was in that Monastery.
There he spent three yeares in the study of the Arts, and holy Scriptures,His remove to Padua. part whereof he learned by heart. Then he went to Padua, where entering into a Monastery of the same order, he continued there almost eight years, in which time he almost wholly employed himself in the study of Philosophy,His imployment there. spending both night and day in meditating thereupon, in Reading, Writing, and Disputations. There hee heard also the daily Lectures of famous Philosophers which were Professors in that University, as Branda, Genua, Confalionerius, &c. And finding that Aristotle was in many places not appositly translated into Latine, hee resolved to study the Greek Tongue, which accordingly he did with great pains, wanting fit Masters to assist him therein, spending whole nights in the Library of the Monastery,He studies Greek. with Benedict Cusanus, the companion of all his studies. By which diligence of his, he attained to such readinesse, that he was able without help to understand the Greek Orators, Philosophers, and Poets also, who differed in their Dialect from the former. During his abode there, he also heard the constant Lectures of three Divines.
When he was 26 yeares old,He is called to the Ministry. the fraternity of that Monastery called him to the office of Preaching, whereby he might put in practice his former private studies, be serviceable to them, and make himself famous; and upon triall, his learning, and abilities appeared to be such, that he was honoured with the degree of a Doctor.
He beganne first to preach in the Church of Brixia, and afterwards in the most famous Cities of Italy: In Rome, Bononia, Firmum, Pisa, Venice, Mantua, Bergomum, and Montferrat. And all the time which hee could gaine from Preaching, he spent in the study of Philosophy and Divinity. He preached also privately, and read Lectures in the Colledges at Padua, Ravenna, Bononia, and Vercellis.
Hitherto he had mostly applyed himself to the study of the Schoolmen, yet had spent some time in reading of the Fathers, but now he began to spend most of his time in searching the Fountains, the Old and New Testament;He studies the Scriptur…s▪ …nd the Hebrew. and finding that to enable him thereto, the knowledge of the Hebrew was very necessary, whilst he was Vicar to the Prior in Bononia, he gat him one Isaac a Jew for his Master, and applyed himself to the study of that Language; and though hee had little help from his Master, yet by his singular diligence and industry, hee attained good skill in the Hebrew: And his name grew very famous in the chief Cities of Italy; whereupon the Superiours of his Order approving his diligence, resolved to advance him to some greater dignity,Removed to Spoleta. and so by the consent of all he was made Abbat of Spoleta; which Office when he had once undertaken, he carried himself so excellen…ly therein, that he was admired of all, considering that hitherto he had been onelyonly employed in his studies, and yet now shewed such admirable wisdome and dexterity in managing the affairs of his Monastery. His prudence appeared notably in these two examples. There were in Spoleta two Nunneries, and one Monastery of Augustinian Cannons Regular, where Martyr resided. These houses,His Prudence. through the negligence of former Abbats, were so corrupted with Luxury and uncleannesse▪ that they were extreamely hated by all men. Doctor Martyr seeing this, by the authority of his Office reduced them quickly into order, by teaching, admonishing, exhorting, and sometimes by using severe castigation▪ so that he procured great credit to himself, and love to his Order. The other example was this: The Commonwealth of Spoleta, as most others in Italy, was divided into factions and feuds, whereupon not onelyonly quarrels, but mu… ther often ensued; and though the former Abbats had endeavoured, yet could they never reconcile these differences. Our Martyr was not ignorant hereof, and yet looking upon it as his duty, resolved rather to hazard the loss of his life, then to suffer Christians thus to intertear one another; and it pleased God so farre to blesse his labours, that all the time of his living in that City, his authority, prudence, and eloquence so farre prevailed, that there was neither fight nor murther; no nor the least footsteps of Faction appearing amongst the people.
At Spoleta he continued three years, at the end whereof, by a publique convention of the Superiours of the Order, he was made Governour of the Colledge at Naples, He is removed to Naples.which for the amaenity of the place, and profits belonging to it, was of great esteem. In that City, it pleased God, that he began to attain to more light, and knowledge of the Truth then formerly he had:His conversion For by his study of the Scriptures, through the illumination of the Holy Ghost, he began to take notice of the errours and abuses which were crept into the Church; whereupon (God enclining his heart thereto) he began to read some Protestant Authors, and gat Bucers Commentaries upon the Evangelists, and his Annotations upon the Psalmes; As also Zuinglius De vera & falsa Religione: & De Providentia Dei, &c. by which, he confessed afterwards, that he profited very much. He daily also conferred with some friends which were addicted to the study of the Reformed Religion, to the mutuall edification of both parties: The chief of these were Benedict Cusanus, his old friend: Anthony Flaminius, and John Valdesius, a noble Spaniard, made a Knight by Charles the fifth, who after he had embraced the Truth in the love of it, spent his time in Italy, especially in Naples; where by his life and doctrine he had gained many to Christ, and amongst those divers of the Nobility and learned men, and some noble women, as the Lady Isabella Manricha, who was afterwards banished for Christs cause, &c. As also the noble Galleacius Caracciolus, Marquesse of Vico. A Church being thus,A Church in Naples. by Gods providence, gathered in Naples, Peter Martyr joyned himself to it, and being desirous to impart that light to others which God had revealed to him,Martyr teacheth. he began to expound the first Epistle to the Corinthians, and that with great fruit: For not onelyonly the Fellows of his Colledge resorted to it, but many Bishops and Noblemen: but when he came to the words of Saint Paul in 1 Cor. 3, 13, 14. Every mans work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, &c. and had interpreted them contrary to the received opinion, he stirred up many Adversaries against him: For it's commonly thought that these words imply a Purgatory, whereas Martyr shewed out of the antient Fathers, that these words could not be so understood.
But such as were addicted to the Pope, and their Bellies, could by no means endure this interpretation of his; knowing that if Purgatory were overthrown, a great part of their profits by Masses, Indulgences, &c. He is suspended.would presently cease: Whereupon they accused Martyr, and so far prevailed, that his Lecture was put down; but Martyr refused to obey this sentence as unjust; and trusting to the goodness of his cause, appealed to the Pope, and at Rome, by the assistance of his friends he overcame his adversaries:…ppeales to … Pope. For at that time he had there potent friends, as Cardinall Gonzaga, Gasper Contarone, Re…nold Poole, Peter Bembus, and Frederick Fregosius, all learned men, and gracious with the Pope; who also acknowledged that the Church needed some Reformation.
By these mens assistance he took off the Interdict,Is restored. and was restored to his former liberty of Preaching, which yet he… could not long enjoy: For before he had been three year… at Naples, he fell into a grievous and mortall disease,Hee falls sick. togegether with his old fellow Student, Benedict Cusanus, who also died there. But Martyr, by the goodnesse of God, and the diligence of his Physitians, was (though with much difficulty) cured. Whereupon the Superiours of his Order, seeing that the air of Naples did not agree with him, in a publick convention made him Generall Visitor of their Order.He is made Visitor Generall. In which Office he so demeaned himself, that good men much commended his integrity, constancy, and gravity; and others feared him, not daring to discover their hatred against him.
Not long after in a publick convention of the SuperioursRemoved to Luca. of his Order, he was made Prior of a Monastery in Luca: Some out of love preferred him to this place; others thinking that it would bee his ruine; for there was an ancient grudge between Florence and Luca; He is much beloved.the latter suspecting that the Florentines sought to enslave them. But Martyr by his excellent learning and vertue, did so binde the hearts of those of Luca to him, that contrary to the expectation of his adversaries, himself being a Florentine, was no lesse esteemed at Luca then if he had been born amongst them. Whereupon they earnestly desired the Superiours of his Order, that by no means he might be removed from them.
Martyr thus continuing at Luca, had in his Colledge many learned men, and many hopefull youths, amongst whom he setled such a Discipline as might most advance holinesse of life,He advanceth Religion and Learning. religion, and learning. Hee took care also that the younger sort should be instructed in the three Languages; for which end he had Paul Lacisius of Verona to read Latine; Celsus, of the noble Family of the Martinengi, to read Greek; & Immanuel Tremelius, Hebrew to them; and that the younger sort together with the Greek might suck in Divinity, himself daily expounded Paul's Epistles to them; and afterwards required them to read over the same; and every night before supper, hee publickly expounded one of David's Psalms: Very many out of the City resorted to his Lectures of the Nobility and Senators. And that he might the better plant Religion in that Commonwealth, he preached to them every Sabbath day: And what fruit his Ministry had, may be discerned by this, that in one years space after his departure out of Italy, eighteen Fellowes of that Colledge left their places,The fruits of his labours. and the Papacy, betaking themselves to the Reformed Churches; amongst whom was Celsus Martinengus (afterwards Pastor of the Italian Church in Geneva) Zanchy, Tremelius, &c. Many Citizens also of Luca went into voluntary exile, where they might enjoy the Gospel with peace and safety.
Whilst Peter Martyr was at Luca, there met in that City the Emperour Charles the fifth, the Pope Paul the third, and Cardinal Contarene, coming Legate out of Germany; who for old acquaintance sake quartered with Peter Martyr, and had daily much conference with him about Religion. Most men thought that Martyr would be in no small danger, by reason of the presence of the Pope; because that his envious enemies would suggest something to the suspicious old man, which might turne to Martyrs great trouble. But because he was strengthned with his own authority and learning, and had much room in the hearts of the people, having also great friends, they stirred not for the present, but waited a fitter opportunity,His enemies Policy. intending rather secretly to set upon him: and that they might he better try the patience of the people of Luca, they (by the Popes command) seized upon a Fryer of his Colledge, and cast him into Prison,A godly Frier imprisoned. accusing him for violation of their Religion; which thing some Noblemen of Luca taking grievously, who knew the piety & innocency of the man, breaking open the Prison,And delivered. took him out, and conveighed him forth of the City, and bad him fly for his life: But it pleased God that by a fall he brake his legg,Again apprehended and …ent to Rome. whereby being again apprehended, he was sent prisoner to Rome.
This business succeeding answerable to their desires, they intended presently to fal upon Martyr, whereupon they laid wait for him in every place:They proceed against Martyr. They put in an accusation against him at Rome, and in all the Colledges of his Order they stirred up his old enemies against him, telling them, that now the time was come wherein they might recover their former liberty (so they called lientiousness) …nd to be revenged on Pet. Martyr: So that by these mens instigations they met at Genoa, not as usually, the Superiours of the Order, but those especially that bore the greatest hate to Martyr, or envied him most. These men summon Martyr presently to appear as Genoa: But he being informed of the snares that were laid for him, which his enemies (being blinded with malice) could not conceal: And also being admonished by his friends to take heed to himself, there being many that sought his life; resolved not to goe to this Assembly, but rather to convey himselfe else-whither,He resolves to fly. where he might be safe from the power and malice of his adversaries. Hereupon first of all hee conveyed part of his Library to Christopher Brent, a Godly Senator of Luca, who should take care to send it to him into Germany; the other part he gave to the Colledge: and so setting all things in order in the Colledge, he privily departed out of the City,His flight. onelyonly with three companions, Paul Lacis of Verona, who was afterwards Greek Professor at Strasborough, Theodosius Trebell, and Julius Terentian, with whom he continued faithfull unto the death.
Departing from Luca, purposing to visit his owne country, he went to Pisa, where to some Noble men he administred the Lords Supper;His Letters to Luca. and meeting there with some faithful messengers, he wrote to Cardinal Pool, and to some of his friends at Luca. In these Letters he shewed what great errors and abuses were in the Popish Religion, and in the Monasticall life, with whom he could no longer communicate with a safe conscience He also shewed the other causes of his departure, viz. the hatred and snares laid for him by his enmies. He signified also what pains and care he had taken for their instruction, and what a grief it was to him that he could not more plainely and openly instruct them in the Christian faith. The ring also, which was the ensigne of his dignity, he sent back, shewing that he would not imploy any of the Colledge goods to his private use.
Coming to Florence, he met there with a godly and learned man [Bernardin Ochine] who being cited to Rome, was going thitherward, but being warned of the danger by his friends, he consulted with Martyr, and upon deliberation, both of them resolved to leave Italy, His retreat into Germany.and to go into Germany.
And accordingly first Ochine departed and went to Geneva, and from thence to Ausburg, and two dayes after Peter Martyr followed, going first to Bononia, then to Ferrara, then to Verona, where being courteously entertained by his old friends, He went thence over the Alps into Helvetia. In this journey,He comes to Zurick. when he came to Zurick, he was very kindly entertained by Bullinger, Pellicane, and Gualter, and by the other Ministers belonging to that City, to whom he proffered his service, if they needed it; but having at this time no place void in the Schools, they told him that they much desired his company, and pains, but for the present they had no imployment for him, yet would they gratefully remember his kind profer to them. He often used to say, that as soon as he came to Zurick, he fell in love with that City, desiring of God that it might be a refuge to him in this his banishment: which prayer was afterwards granted, though in the interim God pleased to make use of his labours in other places and Nations for his own glory, and the good of many.
From thence he went to Basil, He goes to Basil.where after he had abode about a month, he, with Paul Lacis was called to Strasborough▪ by the means of Martin Bucer. He is chosen to Strasborough.In which place he was, made Professor of Divinity, and Lacis of the Greek Tongue. There he continued five years, in which time he interpreted most of the Bible; and what his excellency in teaching was may be hence collected, in that being joyned with Martin Bucer, a great Divine, and eminent for learning, yet Martyr was not accounted inferiour to him; He was very skilful in Hebrew, Greek, and Lati…e. He had an admirable dexterity in interpreting Scripture; was a very acute disputant,His excellent l…arning. and used always to express himselfe very clearly, knowing that ambiguity of words is the cause of much contention. He lived in most intire friendship with his Collegue Master Bucer.
At Strasborough being unmarried, he lived with his friends that came with him out of Italy, being contented with a very small stipend, which yet afterwards was augmented: For having forsaken his Country, his honors and riches for the testimony of Christ, he thought it unfit to be solicitous, or to trouble any about the increase of his stipend; the rather because he was of a frugall disposition, so that his stipend did not onelyonly suffice,His …r…gality. but he spared something out of that little towards the support of his friends. But finding some inconvenience of living single, by the advice of his friends, he married an honest and noble Virgin, Katherine Damo-martin, who afterwards dyed in England, His first marriage.without issue, having lived with him eight years.His wives character. She was one that feared God, was loving to her husband, prudent in administring houshold affairs; liberal to the poo…,Card. Pools malice. and in the whole course of her life, pious, modest, and sober. After her death by the command of Cardinal Poole, Cardinal Pool's maliceher body was digged up and buried in a dunghill; and when he could finde no other cause for it, he pretended that it was because she was buried too near to St. Frideswide, For though this Cardinall had formerly loved Martyr very well, yet when he once forsooke Italy, he did not onelyonly give over loving him, but shaking off his study of the true Religion, which for a time …e had seemed to like, hee became a great hater of Martyr, and a bitter prosecutor of the professors of the Truth, which occasioned him to deale so with Martyrs Wife, seeing that he could not burn her husband as he desired. But in Queen Elizabeths daies, her body was again taken up, and with great solemnity buried in the chiefe place of the Church; and to prevent the Popish malice for the time to come, her bones were mingled with the bone… of St. Frideswide; that they should not be distinguished asunder.
The occasion of Peter Martyrs going into England was this▪ King Henry the eighth being dead,He is sent for into England. and his son Edward the sixth succeeding; by the advice of the Protector, Edward Duke of Somerset, and Doctor Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, he abolished the Popish Religion, and reformed the Church according to the Word of God: for which end he thought best (that a godly Ministry might proceed from the same) to reform the Universities. And Peter Martyr being at this time famous for his learning, and skill in affairs, was judged most fit for this employment; whereupon the Archbishop by the command of the King sent for him over; and An. Christi 1547, by the consent of the Senate of Strasborough, he went into England, He goes into England.Ber▪ Ochine accompanying him, who also was sent for by the said Archbishop. At their arrival the Archbishop entertained them for a time in his house, using them with all curtesie and humanity; but after a while the King sent Martyr to Oxford, He is sent to Oxford.to be Professor of Divinity, where he first began to expound the first Epistle to the Corinthians, because therein were many heads laid down which concerned the controversies of those times.
The Papists, (whereof as yet there were many at Oxford) at first patiently bore Martyrs teaching, and frequented his Lectures, and indeed seemed to admire him for his Learning: but some others of them, especially the Heads of Houses, laboured to restrain the Students from going to his Lectures; but yet proceeded no further. But when he came to declare his judgement about the Sacrament,Popish malice. they could bear it no longer; and therefore that they might not only procure him envy, but bring him into danger, they first beganne to load him with their usuall accusations amongst the vulgar, that he taught contrary to the Doctrine of their Fore-fathers; that he would extirpate their wholsome, and decent ceremonies; that he prophaned the Sacrament of the Altar, and did (as it were) trample it under his feet.
Then (without acquainting him with it) they affixed papers upon all their Church doors in English, declaring that tomorrow there should be a publick Disputation against the reall presence of Christ in the Sacrament. By this means the day after they filled the Schooles,They combine against Martyr. they disposed their party in every place, commanding them to make a noise, to raise tumults, and if need were, to fight with any that should oppose them. Many ran to this sight, not onelyonly of the Scholars, but of the Townsmen, some to see the event of this business, others to assist their friends, in case they should fall together by the ears. Martyr in the mean time being wholly ignorant of all this, was in his house preparing himself after his usual manner to read his Lecture, till some of his friends (observing the unusuall concourse of people) went to him,His friends … …wade him from going to the Schooles. opened the whole businesse to him, entreating him to keep home, and not to expose himself to perill, seeing that his adversaries were so prepared, that they seemed rather with armes, then with arguments to oppose him. He answered, that he could not neglect his Office, that he was never the author of any tumults, whereof themselves were witnesses; neither would he now give his adversaries any occasion of raising a tumult, for that he would onelyonly read according to his usuall custome: For (saith he) there are many amongst them that expect the Lecture, to whom I may not be wanting. His answer.And so going towards the Schooles, accompanied with his most faithfull friends, there met him Doctor Smiths boy, which Smith was one of the principall sticklers in this Tragedy.Sm it…s challenge. This boy gave him a Letter from his Master, wherein he challenged him to a Disputation. Then did Martyrs friends againe earnestly sollicite him to returne home, telling him of the danger he was running into.Martyr goes on But he was still resolute, and so going to the Schooles, when his adversaries provoked him, he endeavoured by a modest speech to quiet them, saying, that he refused not to dispute, onelyonly disliked the time, for that he came to read his Lecture;His learning, and courage admired. and so having somewhat quieted them, he went on with his Lecture to the great admiration of all. For they which before admired him for his singular learning and eloquence, now much more admired him for his admirable constancy. For that, notwithstanding the murmures of the people, and the rage of his adversaries, he went on without the least change of his colour, or hesitation in his voice, or titubation of his tongue, or trembling of his members, or any thing else that might imply the least fear.
Having ended his Lecture,He is again challenged. his adversaries beganne againe with great clamour to provoke him to a disputation, nor would they accept of his modest excuse, when hee told them that he would dispute,His answer. but at another time, that hee was not now prepared for it, they having concealed their questions from him, without setting them up in publick as they used to doe. To this they replyed, that hee which had read his Lectures about the Lords Supper, could not be unprovided to dispute upon the same subject. To which he again answered, that hee durst not undertake such a worke without acquainting the King with it, especially seeing the thing tended to sedition. He told them also, that to a lawfull disputation was required, that the questions should bee agreed on; that Moderators should be appointed, by whose judgement all things should be determined; and lastly, that they should have Notaries to write the arguments on both sides: Whereas (saith he) none of these things bee ready, and besides the night draws on, that we shall want time to discusse so great a controversie. His adversaries would not bee satisfied with these his most just reasons,A tumult raised. but all were like to fall together by the eares: Whereupon the Vice-chancellor interposed his authority,Qu…ted by the Vice-Chancellor. requiring Peter Martyr, and Smith, to meet at his house with their friends on both sides, where they should agree upon the questions, and the time, and order of disputing; and in the meane time he commanded the Beadles to dissolve the assembly; and so taking Peter Martyr by the hand, he led him forth, and safely conducted him to his own house. Martyr being delivered from this danger, yet least he should seem to decline the disputation, being accompanied with some of his friends, at the hour appointed went to the Vice-chancellors house with Doctor Sidall, and Curtop, who at that time were zealous defenders of the Truth, though afterwards in Queen Maries daies they deserted it. Smith did the like, bringing with him Doctor Cole, and Oglethorp, and three other Doctors of Divinity. Long they contended about the Laws of the Disputation; but at length the questions were agreed upon, and time,A Disputation agreed on. and place appointed for the Disputation, and so they parted; and in the meane time by their mutuall consents, the King was made acquainted with it, who against the day,The King sends his Delegates. sent downe his Delegates to order the Disputation aright. But Smith being conscious to the raising the former tumult,Smith flies. before the day came, fled first into Scotland, and from thence to Lovane in Brabant. Yet at the day appointed the Kings Delegates came, the Bishop of Lincoln, Doctor Cox, Doctor Hide, Mr. Richard Morrison, and Doctor Nenyson. The disputation.In the presence of these, Peter Martyr disputed four daies with three of the Popish Doctors, Tresham, Chad, and Morgan, wherein he shewed excellent learning; and because the adversaries scattered abroad many false reports, Martyr afterwards printed the whole Disputation.
Not long after the Commons in Devonshire and Oxfordshire rose up in armes,A Rebellion. amongst whom many threatned the death of Martyr, so that he could neither read his Lectures, nor safely remain in the City, whereupon by his friends hee was safely conveied to London, Martyr goes to London.which the King much rejoyced at; and when his wife and family could not with safety remain at his house, his friends hid them, till as the seditious multitude were departed out of the City. For the Kings raising two Armies,The Rebellion suppressed. quickly suppressed them, punishing with death the Ring-leaders of those Rebellions, and Martyr thereupon returned to Oxford to his wonted labours. But his restlesse Popish adversaries,Martyr made Dean of Christs-Church. who had been formerly beaten by arguments, and durst not again returne to armes, yet to shew their spi…e, often raised tumults before his house in the night, throwing stones at his door, and breaking his windows: Wherefore the King being carefull to provide for his safety, made him Deane of Christs-Church, alotting to him a fine house, and pleasant garden; and so, though he had formerly taken the Degree of a Doct. amongst the Pontificians, He is much esteemed.yet he took it again according to the rights of that University.
He was much prized by the godly King, highly esteemed by Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, Hooper, and all that loved the truth in the University. Cranmer made much use of him, and his advice about reforming the Church, and setling the government of it: But when those bloody Marian dayes came, wherein Religion was eradicated,In Queen Maries dayes Martyr is in danger. the Church laid waste, and holy men shut up in prisons, Martyr also was forbidden the exercise of his place; and commanded not to set a foot out of his own doors, nor to carry any thing thence: Whereupon he presently wrote to his friends, shewing what danger he was in, pleading the publick faith given to him when he was sent for by King Edward the sixth, and by this means,He goes to London. leave being given him, he came from Oxford to London, repairing immediately to Arch-Bishop Cranmer, his intire, and old friend: About which time a report was spread that Cramner wavered, and was ready to change his Religion: which he hearing of, set forth a writing, wherein he professed himselfe ready to maintain the Doctrine of Religion which was authorized by King Edward, to be agreable to the word of God, and the Doctrine of the Apostles: And herein he was incouraged by Peter Martyr, whom the Arch-Bishop chose to joyne with him in defending the same against all opposers; but this was denyed, and the Arch-Bish. presently sent to the Tower.
It was also debated in the Queen's Councel,He goes beyond Sea. whether Peter Martyr should be imprisoned. because (as some said) hee had done much hurt to their Religion: But after debate, it was concluded, That because he came into England upon the publick faith, he should be safely dismissed. Whereupon sending him publick Letters, signed with the Queens own hand, He, an Bernardine Ochine went first to Antwerp, from thence to Cologne, He goes beyond Sea.and lastly to Strasborough from whence he came. Yet when he first took ship, his adversaries (vexing at his escape) urged, that it was fit he should bee drawn out of the ship, and cast into prison, as a publick enemy to the Pope: yet it pleased God,Gods mercy to him. that the Master of the ship (being a godly man) hid him at his house fourteen daies, till his adversaries had given over seeking for him, and then conveied him safely to Antwerp; from whence as we heard before, he went to Strasborough, where he was entertained with much joy by his old friends,His return to Strasborough. and restored to his former place. Yet there the Divel also raised him up some enemies, who suggested to the Senate that he differed in judgement from the Augustane-Confession about Christ's presence in the Sacrament of the Lords-Supper, which might cause much trouble in the Church,Satans malice. and that he refused to subscribe the Articles of agreement between Luther and Bucer about this matter: Whereupon he wrote to the Senate, That there was nothing in the Augustane-Confession rightly understood which he did not concur with,His Prudence. and that if his Text at any time should lead him to speak of that subject, he would doe it with such modesty that it should be offensive to none, and that his not subscribing to the Agreement between Luther, and Bucer (wherein amongst other things they had set downe, That they which wanted true Faith, did yet nevertheless eat the bodie of Christ) ought not to be objected to him, for that he could not assent thereto, but he must give offence to the Helvetian, English, and French Churches, and to them at Geneva also: yea, and that Bucer himself in England had taught far otherwise. With this answer the Senate was well satisfied; And hee, and Zanchie taught diligently both Divinity,He is again persecuted. and Philosophie in that City, yet his restless adversaries did nothing but assperse him, and seek his disgrace; first, more privily, and then more openly, which made him to think upon a remove; and God in his wise providence so ordered it, that about that time Pellican dying at Zurick, Gods mercy to him.the Senate there chose Martyr in his room, and presently sent to him to come to them, and to the Senate at Strasborough to give way to it: Which they did, though very unwillingly, Martyr himselfe being desirous to imbrace that call, in regard of the opposition which he met with at Strasborough, so that Anno Christi, 1556. (to the great grief of his friends,His call to Zurick. who loved him very dearly) he departed to Zurick J…n Jewel (afterwards Bishop of Sarum) accompanying him. There he was entertained with much joy, both by the Senate, Schools, Ministers, and all good men: And he at first resided for a while with his old friend Bullinger, with whom he lived with much intire friendship,His friendship with Bullinger. His high esteem. which continued to their death. Also by his sweet and holy carriage, he won the love of … In somuch that the Senate, to shew how highly they esteemed him, made him free of their Common-wealth, that he might not live as a stranger, but as a Citizen amongst them.
He had buried his wife in England, at Oxford, (whose body the bloody Bishops afterwards caus…d obe…igged up under Queen Mary, Popish cruelty.and to be buried in a dunghill) whereupon, at the desire of his friends, and to obtaine issue, six years after the death of his former, he married againe one Catherine Merenda, who for Religion had left her own country, and lived at Geneva, His second marriage.and had a good testimony of the whole Church there.
As he was highly prized by them of Zurick, so he loved them exceedingly, as may appear by two notable examples. Celsus the Pastor of the Italian Church at Geveva being dead, many of that Congregation having been Martyrs old disciples,His love to Zurick. and very dear to him,A faithfull Pastor. chose him to be their Pastor, and sent to request his coming to them, many also of his old English friends that lived as exiles there, much pressed it: Yea, and Calvin also wrote to him, desiring him to imbrace the Call. Martyr being thus importunately pressed to remove thither, and having many engagements to incline him that way, yet referred the whole matter to be determined by the Senate and Ministers at Zurick, and they, understanding that there were other able, and fit men to be placed over the Italian Congregation, denying their consents to part with him, he resolved to stay, notwithstanding all solicitations to the contrary: And afterwards, when in Queen Elizabeths dayes,He refuseth to goe into England. he was much importuned to return into England, and had large proffers made him from the Queen, yet he would not leave his flock till his death.
And how ready he was to be serviceable to other Churches, may appear by this example: The year before his death the King of France had appointed a meeting of the Bishops,His readiness to do good. and Nobility at Possy, whereupon they of the reformed Religion in France, thought that it was a very seasonable time to procure a conference about Religion,He goes into France. which might much tend to the peace and liberty of the Church: Upon this the Churches chose certaine Delegates, which in that Parliament should move for the liberty of Religion: And they chose also many learned men who should dispute with their adversaries about the same; and because the singular learning, and incomparable dexterity of Peter Martyr in disputing was sufficiently knowne, they in the first place made choice of him for one, and sent one Claudius Bradella, with Theodore Beza to Zurick to try his willingness to accept of that imployment: and when he had declared his readiness, shortly after came Letters from the King, the Queen Mother, the King of Navar, the Prince of Conde, and the Admirall Coligni to the Senate of Zurick, to desire them to send Martyr, withall sending him a safe conduct; whereupon he undertook the journey, and when he came to Possy, he made an Oration to the Queen, exhorting her to seek not onelyonly the quiet of France, but of other Churches,His speech to the Q. Mother. by promoting true Religion, shewing also what a blessing she might expect from God thereby▪ The Queen entertained him kindly, and so did the King of Navar, the Prince of Conde, and the Admirall of France: But the Cardinall of Lorrain sought to hinder the disputation all that possibly he could;Popish subtilty yet when he could not prevail, five of each party were chosen out to dispute the business about the Lords Supper in private, having onelyonly two Notaries present, and after severall days disputation,A Disputation. something was drawn up as the result of all, which (with some explanations) Beza, Marlorat, Martyr, Spina and the Lord of Sole subscribed unto; But when the same was presented to the Cardinal, and Popish Bishops, they complained of their Disputants as having consented to that which was Heresie;It breaks off. and so by their authority they brake off the Disputation, and departed: Whereupon Martyr addressed himself to the Queen, seeing that he was like to do no good there, desiring license to depart, which she consented to,His returne to Zurick. and he returned to Zurick with a large testimony of his worthy carriage, and a guard from the Prince of Conde, and the Admiral for his safety.
Thus having worn out himself with his indefatigable labours, and having his spirits much exhausted with grief for the afflicted condition of the Churches of France, His sicknesse.he fell sick of a Feaver, made his Will, and to his Friends that visited him, he spake chearfully and comfortably, telling them that his body was weak,Comfort at death. but inwardly he enjoyed much peace and comfort. He made before them an excellent Confession of his Faith, concluding thus, This is my faith, and they that teach otherwise to the withdrawing men from God, God will destroy them. He gave them his hand, and bid them farewel,His death. and commending his soul to God, he slept in the Lord, and was buried honourably Anno Christi 1562, and of his age 62.
Opera haec ab ipso edita sunt. Symboli expositio.His Works. Comment. in Cor. 1. Comment. in lib. Judicum, & Epist. ad Rom. Defensio Doctrinae de Eucharistiae Sacramento contra S. Gardiner. Disputatio de Eucharistiae Sacramento habita Oxon. Defensio ad duos libellos Rich. Smithaei. Post obitum hi libri editi sunt. Comment. in Sam. 1. & 2. Reg. 1. & in 11 capita priora Reg. 2. Comment. in 1 librum Mosis Precum ex Psalmis libellus, Epitome defensionis adversus S. Gardinerum. Confessio de coena Domini ad Senat. Argento. Sententia de praesentia corporis Christi in Eucharistia, proposita in Collo…. Possiaco. Epistola de causa Eucharistiae. Loci communes. Conciones, Quaestiones, & Responsa, Epistolae. Comment. in Exod. In Prophetas aliquot minores. In tres priores libros Ethicorum Aristotelis.
Beza made this Epigram of him.
Tuscia te pepulit, Germania, & Anglia fovit,
Martyr: quem extinctum nunc tegit Helvetia.
Dicere quae si vera volent, re, & nomine dicent,
Hic fidus Christi (credite) Martyr erat.
Ut que istae taceaut, satis hoc tua scripta loquuntur:
Plus satis hoc Italis expr…brat exilium.