MARTIN, one of the first authors of the reformation at Strasburg, was born in 1491, in Alsace; and took the religious habit of St Dominic, at seven years of age; but meeting afterward with the writings of Martin Luther, and comparing them with the Scriptures, he began to entertain doubts concerning several things in the Romish religion. After some conferences with Luther at Heidelberg in 1521, he adopted most of his sentiments; but in 1532, he gave the preference to those of Zwinglius. He assisted in many conferences concerning religion; and in 1548 was sent for to Augsburg to sign the agreement between the Papists and Protestants, called the interim. His warm opposition to this project exposed him to many difficulties and hardships; the news of which reaching England, where his fame had already arrived, Cranmer archbishop of Canterbury gave him an invitation to come over, which he readily accepted. In 1549, a handsome apartment was assigned him in the university of Cambridge, and a salary to teach theology. King Edward VI. had the greatest regard for him. Being told that he was very sensible of the cold of the climate, and suffered much for want of a German stove, he sent him 100 crowns to purchase one. He died of a complication of disorders in 1551; and was buried at Cambridge with great funeral pomp. Five years after, in the reign of Queen Mary, his body was dug up, and publicly burnt, and his tomb demolished; but it was afterwards set up by order of Queen Elizabeth. He composed many works, among which are commentaries on the evangelists and gospels.