The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, Heinrich Bullinger
H. BVLLINGER
The Life of Henry Bullinger, who dyed A… Christi 1575.
HEnry Bullinger was born at Bremogart in H…lvetia, His Birth and Parentage.Anno Christi 1504; of an ancient and honourable family, which had flourished in that town for about two hundred years: Twice in his childhood he escaped death very narrowly: First being sick of the Plague, his funerall was prepared,Gods speciall providence over him. yet it pleased God that beyond expectation he recovered. Secondly, playing on a Pipe, as hee was running, hee fell down and struck the Pipe so far into his throat that hee was taken up for dead, and for five daies could eat nothing; yet the Lord againe restored him.His education. His Father being learned himself, was a great lover of it, and therefore very careful to breed up this his son in learning: So that at five years old he …et him to School in that place where he was born, and this young boy quickly discovered an excellent wit; but his Master being himself but a weak scholar, he made not such a progresse in Learning as otherwise hee might have done. Hereupon Anno Christi 1516,He is sent to Embric. when he was twelve years old, his Father sent him to Embric, where under severall Schoolmasters, he was instructed in Grammar, and other Elements of Learning; was kept under a strict government for his …, and was trained up in the knowledge and feare of God.
Thi… strict discipline was not grievous to Bullinger; for having been formerly brought up by his Parents religiously, and being endued with a virtuous disposition, he did those things willingly,His disposition. which others were forced to by stripes: Yea he was then of such an austere car…iage, that of himself he beganne to entertaine thoughts of entering into a Monastery of the Carthusians, which of all others was accounted the strictest Sect, yet would he doe nothing rashly therein till he had first cousulted with his parents, and procured their consents.
Having thus continued three years at Embric, He goes to Collen.he went to Collen, Anno Christi 1519, being but slenderly provided for by his Father, so that (according to the custome of those times) he procured victuals by singing, and begging from door to door; not that his father wanted wherewith to supply his necessities, or that he withheld it from him out of a covetous mind, but he did it that he might enure his Son to patience and hardship, and that he might make him more meercifull …o those that were in want all his life after. A… Callen he studied Logick, and …ommen…ed Batchelor of Arts at sixteen years old.He commendeth Batchelor of Arts. Afterwards betaking himself to the study of Divinity▪ there being at this time many Theological controversies, he had recourse to his Tutors for direction what to study▪ and Peter Lombard being at this time most in request, they advised him to the study thereof▪ but meeting with many quotations out of the ancient Fathers,He studies the Schoolmen. he thought fit to read the Authors themselves: And the Monastery of the Frier Predicants having a good Library belonging to it, he by some friends gat leave to make use of it,And Fathers. where lighting upon Chrysostomes Homilies upon Matthew, he read them over, together with divers parts of Augustine, Origen, and Ambrose; and in the meane time read privately at home, Luther, De captivitate Babylonica, and De bonis operibus: And Luther.Yet could he not for the present deliver himself from the errors of the times, though hee saw that Luther came nearer to the opinions of the Antients then Lombard did: Hee observed also, that whereas the Schoolmen quoted the Fathers, the Fathers they quoted the Scriptures.His conversion. Hereupon he betook himself to the reading of the Scriptures, especially of the New Testament, with St. Hierom, and some other Commentaries upon it. By which at the last (through Gods mercy) he beganne to abhorre the Popish Errors, laying aside his former thoughts of turning Carthusian, & diligently applyed himself to read over Melancthons Common-places, wherewith hee was wonderfully delighted.
Anno Christi 1522 hee Commenced Master of Arts,…e commen…eth Mr. of Arts▪ and so returning home lived a year in his fathers house, wholly imploying himself in his studies and private exercises. The year after he was called by Wolfgang Joner, Abbat of Capella, near Zurick, to teach a Schoole, where hee was to instruct some Friers, and other young men both in Divine, and Humane Learning. There he read to them in Dutch, by reason of many that resorted to his Lectures,His paines in reading Lectures. some peeces of Erasmus, Melancthons Common-places, and a great part of the New Testament, and some other Authors; and so hee spent six years, partly in his private studies, and partly in instructing others.
Anno Christi 1527, hee was sent by his Abbat to Zurick, where for five moneths space he heard Zuinglius preaching, and reading his Lectures in the Schools; and by the help of Pellican, he began to study Hebrew, and to perfect his knowledge in the Greek: There also he gained acquaintance with sundry Learned men,He studies the Tongues. and wrote many things, some whereof were afterwards printed. He also by his preaching at the Monastery of Capella, Reformation in the Monastery.so far prevailed with the Abbat and Friers, that the Masse and other Superstitions were cast out, and the Lords Supper truly administred, and such Friers as were unfit for the Ministry, betooke themselves to other trades.
Anno Christi 1528, He went with Zuinglius to the Disputation at Bern.
Anno Christi 1529 he was called to his native place of Bremogart, Power of the Word.where God so prospered his Ministry, that presently after his comming, the Magistrates banished Popery, and set out a severe Decree against Adultery and Drunkennesse; and being chosen Pastor of that place, he preached every Sabbath in the afternoon, and the three daies following in the morning: Besides every day at the time of Evening prayers, hee expounded a part of the New Testament.
But the Divell raised up some Anabaptists which disturbed the peace of that Church:Anabaptists. With these Bullinger disputed publickly, and thereby in a great measure restrained them. He wrote also in the defence of Tythes,Tithes defended. which as those Anabaptists, said should be abolished under the New Testament. And when afterwards the number of Anabaptists did exceedingly increase in Germany, he set forth 6 books against …hem, wherein he shewed the originall,He confutes the Anabaptists. progress, the various Sects, and the chiefe opinions of the Anabaptists, which also hee confuted.
Anno Christi 1529, there arose great commotions in Helvetia, and the Bernates sent some souldiers to Bremogart; and for the composing of the differences, there was a meeting of the chiefest persons at Bremogart, where Bullinger preached, at whose Sermons, not only the Protestants, but many of the Papists were present to hear what, and how he taught: And indeed both sides commended his study of Peace:His endeavours for peace. For he exhorted them to compose their differences not by arms, nor mutuall slaughters▪ but by the Disputations of their Divines. But God would not suffer his wholsome counsell to take effect at that time: For they came to a battell, wherein the Popish party prevailed,He is banished. and thereupon Bullinger, together with his Father, Brother, and Colleague Gervase, were commanded to depart, except they would undergoe the present hazard of their lives. Whereupon beginning their journey in the night, through Gods providence, they escaped the snares which were layd for them by their adversaries, and came safely to Zurick, Anno Chr… 1531,He comes to Zurick. and three daies after▪ at the request of Leo Judae with his Colleagues, Bullinger preached in the chiefe Church, and was entertained by one Werner Steiner, his ancient friend, that was fled to Zurick for Religion.
Anno Christi 1532.He is chosen Pastor. The Church of Basill wanting a Pastor by the death of Oecolampadius, desired Bullinger, and at the same time also the Bernates sent for him thither: But the Senate of Zurick would by no means part with him, choosing him Pastor in the room of Zuinglius, who was slaine in the late battell,Preachers pattern. and who had desired before he went into the field with the Army, that if any thing befell him otherwise then well Bullinger might succeed him in his office. He being thus called to this work in a dangerous time, did his endeavour to comfort, and rais up the hearts of Gods people under those great afflictions. And whereas the Popish adversaries boasted that their Religion was false, because they of Zurick were beaten, and Zuinglius slain: He wrote, That the Truth of Religion was not to be judged by the prosperity or adversitie of the Professors of it. Synods preserve peace.He took care also to have Synods twice a year, to maintain concord, and unity in Doctrine and Discipline, as Zuinglius had begun before him: And finding a great defect of Godly Ministers in the jurisdiction of the Tigurins, he tooke care that so many should bee trained up in Religion and Learning as might supply that defect; and where there was a want of maintainance, he prevailed with the Senate of Zurick to make up a competency out of the Publick Treasury. He caused the Publick Library of that City to be set in order by Pellican, and by buying Zuinglius his books, to be encreased. And having gotten Bibliander for his Colleague, he wholly applyed himself to his publick Ministry, and to writing Commentaries at home.
Anno Christi 1532, Bucer endeavoured a union between Luther and his followers, and the Divines of Zurick; perswading them that their differences consisted rather in words then in reality: At which time the Tigurins shewed themselves to bee desirous of peace, so that it was joyned wi…h truth.
About this time Bullingers Father died, being 64 years old, who at his death exhorted his sonne to Constancy in Doctrine and Faith, which (saith he) is the onelyonly way to salvation.
Anno Christi 1534 Bullinger wrote a Confession of Faith in the name of the Tigurian Churches, He writes a Confession of Faith.which was sent to Bucer, and to the Synod of the Churches of Suevia, then met at Constance, and was approved by them.
About the same time he wrote a Tractate of the Covenant of God, against some that denied all testimonies out of the Old Testament.He confu…es Hereticks. As also another, wherein he asserted the twofold Nature in Christ against Claudius Allobrog, Servetus his Emissary, of whose poyson the Helvetian Churches were at that time in some danger. And when there was a meeting at Basil for to unite Luther and the Helvetian Churches in their difference about the manner of Christs Presence in the Sacrament, Bullinger was there, and took much pains for the promoting of it. The Magistrates also of Zurick, by the perswasion of Bullinger, A Colledge erected.erected a new Colledge, Anno Christi 1538, which hee had a great care of all his life after.
Also by his perswasion the Senate of Zurick erected another School in a place where formerly there had been a Nunnery,A School erected. in which fifteen youths were trained up under a good Master, having food, raiment, books, and all other necessaries plentifully provided for them; and Bullinger took great care to see their proficiency all his life after.
About this time Schwenfield, Schwenfield's Error.a Noble man of Silesia, taught, That Christ's Humane nature being received into Heaven, was so farre Deified, that it remained a creature no longer, and this error beginning to spread into Swevia, Confuted by Bullinger.Bullinger, joining with some others, confuted it with much modesty.
Anno Christi 1541 the Plague brake forth in Zurick, A Plague.of which Bullingers Son, and Mother died.
Anno Christi 1542 Leo Judae's Version of the Bible being finished, and printed; the Printer sent one of them to Luther fair bound up, but Luther wrote back to him that hee should send him no more of the Tigurine Ministers bookes;Luthers violence. for hee would have nothing to doe with them, nor read any of their bookes: For (said he) The Church of God can hold no communion with them; and whereas they have taken much pains, all is in vain; for themselves are damned, and they lead many miserable men to hell with them. Adding that he would have no communion with their damnable and blasphemous Doctrine, and that so long as he lived hee would with his prayers and books oppose them.
Anno Christi 1544, Luther set forth his Annotations on Genesis, in which he inveighed bitterly against the Sacramentarians (as he called them) saying, That Zuinglius, Oecolampadius, and their disciples were Hereticks, and eternally damned Melancthon would fain have hindered it, but could not, whereupon he wrote to Bullinger, telling him how much hee was grieved at this violent proceeding of Luther, Melancthon grieved for it.which he knew was so pleasing to their common adversaries the Papists. When this book of Luthers came forth, there was much dispute whether it should be answered: Bucer was against it, because Luther was grown old, and had deserved well of the Church; but others thought that it would bee a betraying of the Truth not to answer it: Wherefore Bullinger was appointed to that work,Bullinger answereth Luther which he accordingly performed with much judgement.
Anno Christi 1546 Luther dyed, and the German Warre beganne betwixt the Emperour and the Protestants; at which time many accused the Tigurines by reason of Bullingers book, as if they had insulted over Luther after his death, and gloryed that he dyed of grief because he could not answer that book. Hereupon Philip, Lantgrave of Hesse, acquainted Bullinger with these reports; which when Bullinger had read, advising with his Colleagues, he returned this answer.
First giving him thanks for his zeale in endeavouring the peace of the Church,His defence of the Tigurines. and for acquainting him with these rumours; Then he told him how much he was grieved for that some turbulent spirits sought by such reports to bring an odium upon the Helvetians, and to alienate the Princes affections from them: Whereas (saith he) it is not the manner of the Helvetian Divines to reproach any, either in their Sermons or Lectures, much lesse Luther, who had deserved so well of the Church: And although Luther in the controversie about the Sacrament had used much reproachfull language against them, yet they never made mention of him but with honour. Whereas they were certainly informed that many of the Saxon Ministers used divers reproachfull speeches against them, calling them Sacramentarians, Image haters, blasphemers, &c. Yea that in his own University of Marpurg, Theobald Thammer in his publick Lectures had greatly aspersed them; wherefore he earnestly requested him to consider their innocency, and to enjoyn silence to such intemperate spirits, &c. For (saith he) we cannot with Luther confesse the bread to bee the naturall body of Christ, and that Judas, and other wicked men received his body as well as Peter and the Saints, which are Luthers owne words. Yet are we ready to preserve peace, so that it be not urged upon us to yeeld to those things which neither our selves can understand, nor can wee teach them to others, In all other things you shall finde us as peaceable men, ready to give an account of our Faith, whensoever it shall be required of us.
The Lantgrave was well satisfied with this answer, bearing a great love to the Helvetians, and to Bullinger in particular, to whom (after the Warre was begunne) hee often wrote out of his Camp, desiring also the Protestant Cantons to send some Auxiliaries to them. But upon serious deliberation they denied this request: For (say they) if we shall send you aid,Why the Helvetians refused to assist the Protestants. the Popish Cantons will also aide the Emperour, which hitherto (moved by our example) they have refused, though they have been earnestly; solicited both by the Pope and Emperour thereto. In the mean time our Ministers cease not daily to pray for the peace of Germany, and we have had publick Fasts for that end.
The same yeare came John Hooper (afterwards Bishop of Gloucester) to Zurick, Mr. Hooper lives with him.and lived familiarly with Bullinger, by whom he was informed of their opinion about the Sacrament, and fully concurred with them.
Anno Christi 1548 came forth that accursed Interim, tending to the overthrow of true Religion,The Interim. which Calvin and Bucer answered, though the Printer for fear of the Emperour durst not publish it: And the bitter fruit which followed it, was the expulsion of many Ministers out of their places, divers of which resorted to Zurick, and were kindly entertained by bullinger, and his Colleagues, and commended to divers Protestant Cities in Helvetia, though they knew that formerly they had been very violent against them. And indeed after their returne into their own Countries (forgetting their courtesies) they proved so again.Bullingers. curtesie. Ingratitude.
Anno Christi, 1549. Calvin being suspected too much to favour Consubstantiation, associating to him Master Farel of Neocom, came to Zurick, where he conferred with Bullinger, and the other Ministers about that question, and there was a sweet agreement amongst them: which also was published by Calvin and Bullinger, and subscribed by all the Helvetian and Rhetian Ministers: By which act the Churches of Christ were more strictly united, many that were doubtfull were confirmed in the truth: and the adversaries took occasion from hence to write more bitterly against them.Calvin concurs with the Helvetian Divines.
Francis King of France being dead, and Henry succeeding, he sent to the Helvetians to renew his league with them: But Bullinger who was in great authority amongst them; did altogether disswade the Tigurines from it; teaching them that it was neither just nor lawfull for a man to suffer himselfe to be hired to shed another mans blood, who usually was innocent, and from whom himselfe had never received any injury, &c. And hereupon the Tigurines resolved to abstaine from such Leagues.Hee withdraws them from being mercenaries.
Anno Christi, 1550, Bullinger published his Decades Sermonum, some of which he dedicated to King Edward the sixth, and a reformation being now begun in England, he wrote upon that occasion to many of our Nobility, Bishops and Ministers of our Church.He encourageth the Reformation in England.
Anno Christi 1551, the Helvetians were summoned by a Bull from the Pope to appear at the Councill of Trent, by sending their Ministers thither, &c. Hereupon Master Bullinger consulting with his Fellow-Ministers, published a book, wherein he declared, that the Councill of Trent was gathered for the suppressing of the truth, and that the Helvetians owed no subjection to the Pope, from under whose yoak they had long since withdrawn their necks.He writes against the Council of Trent.
About this time there sprange up a contention in the Church of Geneva, by reason of one Hierome Bolsecus, a Physician, who publickly opposed the Doctrine of Master Calvin about Election, and boasted that divers other Ministers, and particularly Master Bullinger was of his opinion. Calvin answered him, confuting his error by testimonies of Scripture, and out of Saint Augustine; but when he would not be satisfied, the Senate and brethren of Geneva sent to Zurick to ask their judgements, whereupon Bullinger with his brethren did so declare themselves, that all might see that they which made Election depend upon faith foreseen, and faith upon mans free-will, as much as upon the Divine inspiration, did maliciously abuse the Tigurine Ministers, &c. And indeed there was a sweet Harmony between Calvin, Bullinger and Peter Martyr about this point.He disclaimes Bolsecus.
Anno Christi 1552, the war waxing hot in Germany, and Zurick being afflicted with a Famine, Bullinger wrote much for the comforting the afflicted, and to stir them up to unfained repentance for their fins, whereby they had provoked God against them.His holy zeal.
Anno Christi 1554. a persecution being raised by Queen Mary in England, many Nobles, and famously learned men fled into Germany, and came to Zurick, where they erected a Colledg, and were by Master Bullinger much holpen therein.He favours the English exil…s.
In the following years, viz. 1556, 1557, and 1558. Bullinger had divers conflicts with Westphalus, Heshusius and others. About which time the League amongst the Helvetians being to be renued, the Popish Pages would have the oath to be, By God, and by all his Saints, which the Protestant Pages refused, and (though some Politick men pleaded for the lawfulnesse of it, or at least that there should be no contention about so small a matter) Bullinger with his Colleagues shewed, that an oath being part of Gods worship, was onelyonly to be made in the name of the true God, who alone was to be called upon, and that all appearance of false worship was to be avoided.His zeal.
Anno Christi 1560, there arose up one Francis Stancarus, who taught, That Christ was Mediator onelyonly according to his humane nature: Him, with some other such Hereticks, Calvin and Bullinger confuted; as also Blandrata, who taught, That Christ our Saviour was a meer man; and Bernard Ochin, who held Polygamie lawfull.
Anno Christi 1561. Blandrata being gone into Polonia, began to discover himself more clearly, and to accuse Bullinger, and Calvin; whereupon Nicholas Radzivil, Palatine of Vilna, sent Martin Secovitius with his Letters to Bullinger about Blandrata's business; to which Bullinger answered, that when Blandrata came to Zurick, he onelyonly spake once with him, yet at that time he easily discerned that he was corrupt in his judgement about the Son of God; as also that he threatned to write against Calvin: whereunto he answered, That there were contentions already too many in the Church, which if he increased, God would be avenged on him for it: Yet he departed cursing and threatning grievous things. That such men should be taken heed of, who laboured to revive Arianisme and other Heresies, and cunningly to sow them abroad.Blandrata's Heresies.
Calvin also wrote the History of Blandrata, and sent it to the Polonian Church, but his hypocrisie had so far prevailed with them, that it did no good: but afterward both in Poland and Transilvania he taught openly, That Christ our Saviour was a meer man.The infection of heresie.
About the same time came forth Brentius his book about the personall union of two natures in Christ, &c. wherein he laboured to prove the substantiall presence of Christs body in the Supper. And whereas Bullinger had published a Tractat upon those words, In my Fathers house are many mansions, Brentius published another Book, wherein he manifested his dislike of Bullingers book, saying, That his conscience urged him to declare it. This many marveiled at, that he should quarrell with Bullinger, being not provoked by him. Bullinger least he should betray the truth answered him, and Brentius again replyed, charging the Tigurines with debasing the Majesty of Christ, and denying the omnipotency of God.Brentius contest with Bullinger.
Anno 1562. the Helvetians Ministers were again summoned to the Councill of Trent, having the publick faith sent them; but Bullinger againe wrote the reasons of their refusall.Helvetiansagaine summoned to Trent.
Anno Christi 1563 Bullinger answered the book of Brentius de Christi Majestate. About which time Ber. Ochin was banished by the Senat of Zurick, for writing in defence of Polygamy, contrary to his promise, and oath, and refusing to retract it.
Before his departure he desired Master Bull. to give him Letters testimoniall, which he told him that he could not doe with a safe conscience,Ochines errors and heresies. yet was grieved for him, and his children. From thence Ochin went to Basil, but finding no entertainment there, he went into Poland, where he publickly denyed the Deity of the Holy-Ghost; but not staying long there, he went into Moravia, where he joyned himself to the Conventicles of the Anabaptists, and shortly after dyed.And death.
Anno Christi 1564. A great plague brake out in Zurick, A plague. Bullingers sicknesse.of which Bullinger fell so sick that all despaired of his life, and himself also; whereupon he sent for the Ministers of the Church,Power of prayer. and took his leave of them: But it pleased God at the earnest prayers of the Church, to restore him to health againe; yet his wife and one of his daughters dyed of it. And the year after (the plague continuing) two other of his daughters dyed also,Manisold afflictions. and himselfe began to be exceedingly tormented with the stone, yet did not he intermit his labours, but preached constantly, and finished his Homilies upon Daniel.
Anno Christi 1566. when some turbulent spirits published that the Helvetian Churches were divided amongst themselves, and held many unfound doctrines, Bullinger published. Confession of Faith, which was consented to, and subscribed by the Church of Geneva, Berne, Scaphusen, Neocom, St. Galli, Mulhusen, and Bipennium, attested by the English, Scottish and French Churches, the Hungarian brethren also detesting and disclaiming the blasphemies of Blandrata and of Francis David, published their assent to it.A confession of Faith.
Anno Christi 1567. Bullinger published his Homilies upon Isay, and the year after he confuted Osius, who denyed the deity of Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
Anno Christi 1569, a great persecution arising in France, Persecution in France.many godly persons fled to Geneva and Helvetia, who being in great want,His Charity. His pains. Bullinger took much paines to raise money by collections for them. He was much troubled with the Sciatica, and the Stone; yet in the midst of those pains he wrote the Lives of the Popes, and a confutation of the Popes Bull, whereby he had excommunicated our Queen Elizabeth, and absolved her subjects from the oath of Allegiance; which was afterwards translated into English.
Anno Chr. 1570 there was a Synod of the French Churches held at Rochel, to which because the Helvetians could not send Delegates, they wrote Letters, signifying their agreement with them in Doctrine, and their good will to them.
Anno Christi 1571,A dearth. by reason of the extreame hard winter, there was a very great dearth, in which Bullinger, and the other Ministers obtained of the Senate that there should bee frequent Fasting,Fasting and Prayers. and Prayer in publick, and that provision should bee made for the Poor, which was done accordingly.
Anno Christi 1572 was that bloody Massacre at Paris, The Massacre in France. 1573.and in other places of France; whereupon Bullinger the year after wrote his book of Persecution, and God's judgements upon the Persecutors, A new Statre.and to exhort the persecuted to patience, and constancie. That new Starre also in Cassiopeia appeared at that time.
Anno Christi 1574 Bullinger fell into a grievous disease which much tormented him from October to December, His sicknesse.at which time it pleased God to give him ease; whereupon he exercised his publick Ministry again.1574 The year after he relapsed into his disease, and though the pain was almost intolerable,He patience. yet he never brake forth either in word or gesture into the least impatience, but prayed the more fervently; and when he had any ease, he used to discourse pleasantly with his friends, saying,Death desired. If the Lord will make any further use of me and my Ministry in his Church, I will willingly obey him; …t if he please (as I much desire) to take me out of this miserble life, His Faith.I shall exceedingly rejoyce, that he pleases to take meut of this wretched and corrupt age to goe to my Saviour Chri. Socraters was glad when his death approached, because, as he thought, he should goe to Homer, Hesiod, and other Learned men, Why he desired death.whom he thought he should meet with in the other world: How much more doe I joy who am sure that I shall see my Saviour Christ, the Saints, Patriarks, Prophets, Apostles, and all the holy men which have lived from the beginning of the world. These (I say) when I am sure to see them, and to partake of their joyes, why should I not willingly dye, to enjoy their perpetual society and glory?
When he found some ease,He taketh his farewel of the Ministers. he sent for all the Ministers and Professors of the Universitie to him into his study, to whom he gave thanks for their coming to him, took his farewell of them with tears, which he said proceeded not from his fear of death, but (as Paul's) from his great love to them. Hee made before them a Confession of his Faith, forgave his enemies, exhorted them to concord; admonished them especially to take heed of Drunkennesse, which was so common amongst the Germans; and lastly that they should be very observant to the Senate, which had so excellently maintained Religion.And of the Magistrates. He wrote also his fare well to the Magistrates, exhorting them to continue their care of the Church, and Schooles; thanked them for their kindnesse to him, and entreated them to chuse Ralph Gualter to be his successor. The day of his death he continued in prayer, repeating the one and fiftieth, the sixteenth, and the forty second Psalms, and the Lords Prayer; and so gave up his soul unto God,His death. An. Chr. 1575, and of his Age 71.
He was one of the chiefest of the Helvetian Divines,His Character. and after Zuinglius, and Oecolampadius, a strong assertor of their Confession of Faith, Of a mild nature; clear in his Ministry, and one that hated crabbed and unprofitable questions, which many delighted in to shew their wit; affable in speech, courteous of behaviour both towards his own and strangers. An excellent Governour of the Church; frugall and tem…rate in his diet; merry and pleasant with those that lived w…h him. He was so industrious, that he would never be idle He had one Wife, by whom he had six sonnes and five daughters, of whom he married one to Zuinglius, another to Lavate, and a third to Simler, all Ministers in Zurick.
He wrote Commentaries upon all the New Testament: His Workes are contained in tenne Tomes; besides which hee wrote Contra Anabaptistas lib. 4. De annuis Reditibus. De Hebdomadibus Danielis: De Sacramentis.