An abridgement of the book of acts and monuments of the ChurchAn abridgement of the booke of acts and monumentes of the Church

At the same time was one Cornelius at Bononie, a vain babbler: him did Cardinal Campeius require to interpret the same Epistle also, to disgrace Mollins. But Mollins excelled him, and drew to him his auditors. Which when Cornelius perceived, he persuaded the Cardinal to dispatch Mollins. So, a disputation was appointed betwixt them, which endured till three of the clock after midnight. From which disputation Johannes departing, was taken, coming down at the lowest steppes, and carried to prison. In the mean season, Laurentius Spatha, ¹general of his order, in most speedy wise posted up to Rome, and so prevailed in Mollins behalf, that the P. wrote down his letters to Can peius, that Johannes should be delivered out of prison: so that within 3. months after, he should personally appear at Rome. Thus, the 30. day of his imprisonment, he was delivered: who, but for the coming of the Popes letters, had been burned within 3. days after. When he came to Rome, he was not permitted (as he desired) to dispute openly, but enjoined to write his mind in articles, & to bring his proofs: which he diligently performed, entreating of original sin, justification by faith, free will, purgatory, &c. Upon this, certain Cardinals and Bishops were assigned to have the cause in hearing: who disputed with him. 3. days, and could not refel that which he had proved: At the last, answer was made him, that it was trueth which he affirmed, nevertheless, the same was not meet for this present time: for that it could not be taught nor published, without the detriment ⟨p. 478⟩of the Apostolic sea: wherefore he should abstain hereafter from the epistles of S. Paul, and so again return safe to Bononie, and there profess philosophy. Thus being returned home, he declareth all the matter in the pulpit: wherewith Campeius more offended then before, obtained of the pope, that the general of the order, should remove Molins from Bononia, and place him elsewhere. So, from thence he was sent to Naples, and there was appointed preacher in the Monastery of S. Laurence. But Petrus the viceroy there, could not abide his doctrine, and so nearly sought his life, that he departed, and went wandering into Italy from place to place, preaching Christ. Not long after this, Campeius being dead, he returned again to Bononia, being called thither by a good Abbot, named de Crassis, an. 1543.²