Gil Juan

Gil Juan, commonly called Dr. Egidius, was one of the early converts to the Reformation in Spain. He was born at Olivera, in Aragon, and was educated at the University of Alcala, where he devoted himself especially to the Scholastic theology. After his ordination he became canon-preacher at the cathedral of Seville, and professor of theology at Siguenza. Under the influence of Rodrigo de Valer (q.v.) he was led to the careful study of the Bible, and the effect appeared in the life and power of his preaching, which was soon noised abroad. He united with Vargas (q.v.) and Ponce de la Fuente in a plan for diffusing practical religious life. In 1550 he was nominated by the emperor to the bishopric of Tortosa, and this preferment excited the anger of his enemies. He was seized and imprisoned by the Inquisition on a charge of heresy. The emperor and the chapter of Seville interfered in his behalf; but, after a singular trial (for details, see M'Crie), he was condemned to imprisonment (1551), from which he was released in 1555. He died soon after. His remains were taken from the grave by order of the Inquisition, and burnt, as those of a Lutheran heretic. — M'Crie, Reformation in Spain, chapter 4.