The Dead Yet Speaking, Biography 21 – Biography 22
MARTINVS BVCERVS
The Life and Death of MARTIN BUCER.
IN the yeer of our Lord 1491. Martinus Bucerus was born at Selestadt, a towne in Germanie, famous for many learned Schollars, which it hath afforded unto the World in these latter times: amongst which this Bucer deserveth not the meanest approbation, if we shall but consider those excellent vertues wherewith he was endewed, or his learned and laborious acts for the propagation of the truth of Christ.
In his youth he was trained up in the knowledge of the liberall Arts and Sciences in his owne Countrey, wherein he profited beyond expectation, to the great credit of his Ma…er, and to the unspeakable comfort of his friends.
About the yeer of our Lord 1506. and about the fifteenth yeer of his age, through the advice and perswasion of his friends, he adjoyned himselfe unto the order of the Dominicans, where he manifested and gave them so singular a glympse of his industry and towardnesse, that the most judicious and best eye-sighted Fryers conceived him to be set apart for the performance of more …hen ordinary Acts.
Being now a D…minican he greatly desired to take a view o… Heidelberge, which was granted unto him by the Pryor: here he earnestly gave himselfe to the study of Rhetoricke and Phylosophie; and not to these Arts onelyonly but also to Divinity; but when he found by experience that the knowledge of the Tongues was so necessary unto the study therof, that without them it could not by any meanes possible be attained to any perfection, he forthwith bent all his forces for the gaining of the knowledge of the Greeke and Hebrew tongues.
About that time came forth the Workes of Erasmus Roterodamus, in the reading whereof Bucer greatly delighted, and was by them first instructed (God opening his eyes) in the grounds of Evangelicall truth; and happening also on some of Luthers Workes newly published, and comparing the Doctrine therein delivered and taught with the holy Scriptur…s, he fell into a susp…tion of the truth of the doctrine of the Church of Rome.
Bucer having now attained unto some perfection of learning, and notice being taken of those excellent qualities wherewith he was adorned, upon the commendation and approbation of Franciscus Sickingen, he was entertained by Fredericke Prince Elector Palatine, to be his Chaplaine; and forsaking that profession which he had formerly taken, he professed himselfe to be a Protestant, and Preached the word both privatly and publickly, as occasions were offered and given unto him, being much strengthened and animated thereunto, by hearin… the disputation of Luther at Heidelberge, concerning Free-will, whereby he became better satisfied in the point of justification.
And thi… wa… the first acquaintance which he had with that burning light of the Church, by whom it pleased God to worke an alteration in his heart, and an earnest intent to beat downe the sinnes of the times, to dispell the foggie mists of darkenesse and ignorance, that the glorious light of Christs Gospel might the better appear. For the Prince Elector having urgent occasions to goe into Belgiuno, and taking him with him as his associate, he sharpely reproved in his Sermons and Exercises the supersticious impieties of those places; wherein he proceeded with that eagernesse of spirit, that the Monkes and Fryers there living, were much offended at his Doctrine, as a thing prejudiciall to their lazie manner of life: Wherefore to prevent his proceeding, they intended secretly to take away his life (an old practise of that hellish brood) but the providence of God would not suffer this light to be thus extinguished; for he having notice of the snares which were laid for him secretly fled away, and went unto Franciscus Sickingem, of whom he was kindely and lovingly entertained, promising him safety untill that the times were better quieted as touching Religion; with whom he remained untill such such time as Luther was called unto Wormes, unto whom he went, and having sp…nt many dayes in conference with him, he departed from him, not without he embracing of his Doctrine, with an intent to make publicke profession of the same, for the glory of God, untill he had finished that time which was alotted unto him here in earth: and resolving to take his journey for Wittemberge, he was stayed by the intreaty of the faithfull Pas…ors of the Church at Wissenburge, where he continued Preaching for the space of halfe a yeere, not without the great benefit of the Church, untill that he with Henricus Mothererus were with great sorrow compelled to depart that place, through the means of the Vicar of Spire, which at that time was a great enemy and an opposer of the truth of Christ.
Now although the Word of God had no good successe in this place, yet it pleased God that it florished in Strasburge, by the pains of Matthias Lellius and Casper Hedio, faithfull labourers in the Lords Vineyard, hither came Bucer in the yeere of our Lord 1523. and was b… them with all joyfulnesse received, as one who laboured with them for the converting and wining of Soules unto Christ, and for the propagation of his truth: and was by them appointed to Preach publickly in …he Church, and to teach openly in the schoole, so that within short time the doctrine of the Gosp…ll tooke firme rooting in many pl…ces of the City, and they altered many things in the Church, concerning Masse, the Sacraments, holy dayes, jmages, and the like, rendring strong reasons for what they did, in a booke set forth by them, and dedicated unto Frederick the Prince Elector Palatine.
Now because …here was a difference betwixt the professors of the Gospell, concerning some important matters, therefore a meeting was appointed at Marpurge, where Bucer and Hedio had conference with Luther and Zuinglius, where they agreed in all points, the Sacrament of the Lords Lupper onelyonly excepted, wherein Consubstantiation was affirmed on the part of Luther, yet they departed each from the other friendly, intending to abstaine altogether on both sides from strife and contention, and to pray unfainedly unto the Lord that he would vouchsafe to instruct and guide them with his holy Spirit in the way of truth. But Bucer hearing that this dissention amongst them conc…rning the Supper of the Lord, was very gratefull unto the Papists; he went unto Luther againe, to urge him to a reconciliation in that point; from whom he received such an answer, that forthwith he went to Zuinglius and the Switzers, to perswade them to adhere unto the same Doctrine, for well he foresaw what great hurt that Sacramentary dissention would …ring unto th… Church, if it were not quickly cut off, and taken away.
In the yeere of our Lord, 1531. it pleased God to open the eyes of the Inhabitants of Vlmes, so that they greatly desired a reformation in their Churches, and for that cause they requested the Sen…te of Strasburge, th…t Bucer might be sent over unto them to lay the ground of so happy a building, which was faithfully performed by Bucer, together with the helpe and assistance of Oecolampadius, and a forme of Divine worship prescribed unto them; but perceiving still the course of the truth, to be hindred and stopped by this difference about the Sacrament, with the consent of the Elect…r, he repaired againe to Luther, being resident at Wittenberge, where af…er some discourse; conclusions concerning the Sacrament were agreed on betwixt the Divines of Wittenberge and Highec Gumanie, in the yeere 1536. yet after some consideration, Bucer renounced the opinion of Luther concerning Consubstantiation, (although he had subscribed unto it at Wittenberge) and taught the Contrary; wherefore Bucer with many others were there deteined by the Lantgrave of Hassia untill they came to an agreement amongst themselves, the chiefe heads whereof were sent unto Basil, which were not approved of by the Senate; then Bucer returned to Strasburge, went forward in his exercise of Preaching and Teaching, not only in the Church, but also in a publick schoole, wch had been newly erected at the proper cost and charges of the Senate, where he remained unto the yeere 1541. about which time the Emperor Carolus Augustus ret…rned into Germany, and commanded a publick conference at Reinspurge a City in Bavaria concerning the reformation of Religion, and through the meanes nnd intreaty of Frederick Prince Elector Palatime, and other Protestants and Princes, he appointed Iulius Alugius, Iohannes Eccius, Iohannes Gropperus, Papists, and Phillip Melanc…hon, Martinus Bucer, and Iohannes Pistorius Protestants for the performance thereof; the Emperor himselfe greatly charged them, (in so weighty a matter to have respect onelyonly to the glory of God and of his truth, and not to be carryed away wth any other favour or affection whatsoever; but in their conferences such disagreements were found amongst them, that by no meanes their opinions could be reconciled, & because also that Germany at that time feared the approching of the Turkes, the assembly was dissolved.
In this Assembly Gropperus tooke great notice of Bucer, much applauding him for his lenity, conjoyned with a comely gravity, and withall commended him unto Heirmannas, then Ar…h-bishop of Colen, who at that time endeavoured also a reformation in the Churches, and told him that he was a man most fit for such a purpose, being excellently learned, a lover of peace, and a man of an unspotted life and conversation: wher upon Hermannus sends for Bucer, who in the yeer 1542. came unto him, who wth exceeding joy received and entertained him, where together with Melancthon he wrote the manner of reforming Churches, which they dedicated unto the same Archbishop; many of the inhabitants approved of the worke, and willingly yeelded unto a reformation, but the Clergy and those of the Colledge, were mightily incensed against Bncer, greatly reproaching and reviling him, affirming that they had rather lead their lives under the Turk, then under a Magistrate, who intended to settle that reformation, and therefor… they desired that Bucer, and all those new Doctors (as they termed them) might be far removed from that City, shuting as it were the gates of mercy against their owne soules, and Gropperus who formerly had shewed and professed much love unto him, came now to be his greatest enemy; and the Archbishop for his desire of a reformation, was excommunicated by the Pope and deprived of his functio… and g… vernment, by the Emperor, and all those part… returned againe, like dogs unto their vomit.
In the yeere 1546. there was another ass…mbly appointed by the Emperour at Renispurge, unto which also Bucer was called, who at that time had a great conflict with Petrus Malvanda a Spaniard, touching the justification of a sinner before God, but in regard of diverse troubles which did accompany these times nothing could be concluded.
In the yeere 1548. Iulius Pflugius, Michael Heldingus and Iohannes Agricola, by the commandem…nt of the Emperour, wrote a forme of Ecclesiasticall reformation, little or no way differing from the opinions of the Church of Rome; which worke was approved by the Emperour, and Bucer was craftily called by a Magistrate of Brandenburge unto Auspurge, to subscribe unto the same worke, perswading him that it was collected out of the most learned writers; but Bucer uderstanding the matter fully, told him after a freindly manner, that he could not approve of it, because it savored too much of the doctrine of the Church of Rome, neither would he be drawne thereunto, although the same party promised to confer large benefits upon him.
This Booke, by the command of the Emperour, was thrust upon the Reformed Churches, and those who withstood it were severely punished, either with imprisonment or banishment; and as it happily fell out, the fame of Bucer and hard fortune of his painfull contemporaneans came into England, in the reigne of that vertuous Prince of blessed memory Edward the sixt, even when a Reformation began to be established in the Church: wherefore Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, perceiving that he would be advantagious in that behalfe, sent over letters unto him, wherein he perswaded him with Paulus Fagius to come into England; assuring them both of kinde entertainment and a sufficient stipend, if it would please them to continue amongst them.
These Letters comming to their hands (because they saw little or no hopes of doing any good in Germanie) they resolved to visit England; and Bucer taking his leave of the Senate of Strasburge, after he had supplyed a Pastorall office amongst them the space of twenty yeeres, he with Fagius went for England in the yeer of grace 1549. where they arrived in good health, and were most courteously entertained, and a place provided for them in the University of Cambridge, for the expounding of the holy Scriptures, and a large Stipend allotted unto them for the maintenance of their Families; the University conferring one priviledge on him, which was not given unto any before him; being this that according to his desire, he was inaugurated into his Office without any publicke Ceremony. He was much admi…ed of in the University for his learning, for the integrity of his life and conversation; for his plainenesse in his apparell, for his temperaten…sse in his dyet, for his constancy in his labours, and for his patience in his sicknesse.
Within short time after they came hither, they both fell into an irrecoverable sicknesse, by reason of the change of the ayre and dyet; Fagius was the first that yeelded his soul into the hands of God; Bucer followed shortly after, who before his death prayed unto almighty God, that he would not suffer England to fall into those sinnes, which had brought Germany unto great misery; and withall, desired that those things which he had written unto the King concerning the discipline of the Church, might take firme footing in the Kingdome. Master Iohn Bradford coming to him in the time of his sicknesse, and telling him that he would remember him in his prayers, being that day to Preach, he uttered these words, Ne abiicias me Domine in tompore senectutis meae cum defecerit virtus mea; forsake me not O Lord in the time of my age, and when my strength faileth me. Being admonished in his sicknesse that he should arme himselfe against the assaults of the Divell; he answered, that he had nothing to doe with the Divell, because he was wholly in Christ, and God forbid; God forbid, but that I should have some experience of his heavenly comfort.
After Sermon Bradford came to him againe, and after some words, declared unto him the great feare which the Physitians had to prescribe any thing unto him, by reason of the weaknesse of his body, which he apprehending, with his eyes fixed towards heaven, he uttered these words: ille, ille regit & moderatar omnia, he, he it is, that ruleth and governeth all thi…gs; and so in the midst of many godly prayers he quietly yeelded his soul unto the hands of God, on the 27. of February, in the yeere of our Lord 1551. being 61. yeeres of his age, he was buried with great solemnity in Saint Ma…ies in Cambridge, to the griefe of many students; before his buriall a Funerall Sermon was delivered by Gualterus Haddon, at his buriall by Doctor Parker.
After the death of Edward the sixt, his sister the Lady Mary comming to the crowne, she restored the doctrine of the Church of Rome, and in her dayes Cardinall Poole, the Popes Legate being a man of great Authority, laboured with might and maine, for the rooting out of haeresie and haeretick (for so he termed the Gospell and the professors thereof) and for that cause he appointed five Inquisitors, for the reformation of the University of Cambridge, these obtained that the bones of both these faithfull Ministers of Christ should be digged up, condemned of haerisie, and delivered to the Magistrate to be burnt, together with all the bookes of theirs which were extant in the kingdome; but in the raine of Queene Elizabeth, this sentence was not approved but rejected, and they were reckoned amongst the number of Martyrs which had suffered for the truth of Christ.
The labours which he left behind him, as so many witnesses of his sufficiency and worth, are these which follow.
1 The Psalmes done out of Latine into Hebrew. 2 Enarrations on the four Evangelists. 3 Metaphrases one the Epistle of St. Paul. 4 A reconciling of hard places of Scripture. 5 Commentaries of the Romans and the Ephesians. 6 A Commentarie on Sophonu…, done out of Hebrew. 7 A preface to the fourth Tome of Luthers postils. 8 Of the true doctrine, discipline and Ceremonies of Chu…ches. 9 A Gra…ula…orie letter unto the Church of England. 10 An answer to the two Epistles of Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester concerning the single life of Priests. 11 Of the best way to have Counsels. 12 A treatise of restoring Church good. 13 An Epistle to the Vniversity a… Marpurge. 14 To those of East Friezland. 15 The confession of the foure Cities Strasburge, Constance, Menning, and Lindare. 16 An Apologie against Brentius, that jmages are not to be had in Churches. 17 Of the Baptisme of Infants. 18 Of the Euch… rist. 19 Of a Nationrall Synead. 20 Of a Councell against Coceleius and Gropperus. 21 Of the false and true administration. 22 Of the Lords Supper. 23 Of offering Masses. 24 Of care for …he dead. 25 Of Purgatorie. 26 Causes of the absence of Divines from the councell of Trent. 27 Of the kingdome of Christ unto Edward the sixt King of England. 28 Lectuers at Cambridge, upon the Ephesians. 29 Of the power and use of the ministery. 30 An admonition to the Ministers at Switzerland. 31 Psal…er translated into Dutch. 32 An admoni…ion to the Ministers at Strasburge. 33 Of the true office of a Pastor. 34 Of the Iewes, how for to be suffered amongst Christians. 35 A Confutation of the new faith set forth at Loran. 36 A defence of the Colenish reformation. 37 A defence against Gropperus. 38 An an…wer to a dialogue against Protestants. 39 Of Church-goods, and who are the right possessors of them.
40 Against the Bul of Paulus the third, and his Legates demands. 41 A godly admonition to the Emperour, Princes, and other states of the Empire assembled at Wormes. 42 Against the restoring of the Masse. 43 Impediments of Reformation. 44 Against the Sophistes of Colen. 45 Of the conference at Reinsburge. 46 An exposition of the 120. Psalme. 47 A treatise of Afflictions. 48 A refutation of Calumnies. 49 A Sermon at Berne. 50 Of the Ministers and Sacraments. 51 Luthers commentaries on the two Epistles of Peter. 52 Some writings of Sturmius. 53 Retractations, with Commentaries on the Gospell. 54 A trea…ise that none ought to live to themselves.
That light of truth which shin'd in Bucers brest
Inlightned others, and restor'd much rest
To many, whose unquiet souls did lye
Under the burthen of Idolatry.
He was laborious, striving every houre
To sucke some hony from each plea…ng flowre;
He was belov'd of all, that lov'd to pry
Into the bosome of Divinity:
Sweet was his life, and death; his well spent dayes
Began in goodnesse, and expir'd with praise.
The Life and Death of CASPER HEDIO, who died Anno Christi 1552.
CAsper Hedio was born at Etling, in the Marquisat of Baden, of honest Parents, and educated in learning at Friburge, where also he Commensed Master of Arts; and from thence went to Basil, where he studied Divinity, and Commensed Doctor: whence he was called to Preach in the chiefe Church at Mentz, but some, not liking such plain Preaching, and the Monkes raising a persecution against him, he went thence to Argentine, Anno Christi 1523. where he was a great assistent to Capito, and Bucer in reforming of Religion by the command of the Senate: there also he married a wife Anno Christi 1533. and though the Papists raised a great persecution in that City, yet he Preached …oldly against Masses, Indulgences, Auricular Confession, &c. and wrote against them also. Anno Christi 1543. when Herman Archbishop of Collen began a Reformation, he sent for Bucer, and Hedio, to assist him therein, whence (after he was driven by Caesar, and his Spaniards) escaping through many difficulties and danger, he returned to Argentine; what time he could spare from his Ministeriall employment, he spent in writing Commentaries, and Histories. Anno Chris…i 1552. he sickened and died.
T'was not the rage of Papist could remove
The heart of Hedio from the reall love
Of true Divinity; he still enclin'd
Himselfe to Preach with a resolved mind.
Let his example teach us to repose
Our trust in God in spight of threating Foes.