Spreng, Jacques

Spreng, Jacques a Flemish theologian, was born at Ypres about 1485 of parents in ordinary circumstances, who early devoted him to a religious life, and he accordingly set out as an Augustin monk on a pilgrimage, which at length led him to Erfurt, and he there embraced Luther's views. He afterwards returned to his native country, and became provost of a convent in Antwerp (hence his surname Prepositus). He was imprisoned for his faith, first at Brussels, and afterwards at Bruges (1522); but was rescued by a fellow Franciscan, and escaped into Germany. On the recommendation of Henry of Zutphen, he was appointed pastor of Notre Dame at Bremen in 1554, and filled that position till his death, Jan. 30, 1562. In 1535 he assisted at a Freemasons' congress held in Cologne.