Chapter I: Preface

The following work is of Theological, Biographical, and Bibliographical interest.

It has been written with the view of bringing a class of Preachers before the public who are scarcely known even by name to the theological student, but who are certainly remarkable for their originality, depth, and spirituality.

Among the numerous Preachers of the three centuries under review, it has been difficult to decide which to select, but those chosen are believed to be the most characteristic.

The Author returns thanks to Mr. John Mozley Stark, of Fitzwilliam-street, Strand, for his assistance in the compilation of this Work, by the loan of some costly and scarce volumes not in the Author’s library.

The title-page, and the Dance of Death at the head of this page, are taken from the Sermons of Santius Porta, printed and published by J. Cleyn, Lyons, 4to. 1513.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

INTRODUCTION 1

GABRIEL BIEL 61

JEAN RAULIN 69

MEFFRETH 81

MATTHIAS FABER 100

PHILIP VON HARTUNG 116

JOSEPH DE BARZIA 134

JACQUES MARCHANT 155

JOHN OSORIUS 177

MAXIMILIAN DEZA 192

FRANCIS COSTER 206

INDEX 237