same if we be not able to keepe them which to thinke or speake as heretiks doe of God which is all good and iust is most horrible blasphemie But one other kind of sinne there is which we call Veniall sinne as a light thought vaine worde and the like that deserueth not damnation nor is so grieuous in Gods sight and in such small sinnes the best commonly offende some more some lesse and as we oft diuerse waies fall therein so be there diuerse waies for our remedy as oft saying the Pater noster with sorrow and purpose to amend knocking vpoÌ„ the breast sprinckling our selues with Holy-water taking Holy-bread geuing Almes Fasting with many such charitable workes and the like yet we must abstaine from such little sinnes to as much as we may for feare of falling into greater yea and Christ saieth Of euery Math. 12. 36. idle word at the day of Iudgement we must make accompt therefore we had need flie all sinne as much as we may for the least sinne though it damneth not yet it darkeneth mans soule hindreth Gods grace and deuotion and if we doe not satisfie for it in this life we must be purged for it in the next before we can attaine the sight of God in that clensing fire of purgatorye thâ—t farre exceedeth all the payne and punishment in this world But for those great sinnes which be deadly neither Pater noster knocking knâ—eling nor any other ceremonies of the Church will serue without the holye Sacramente of Penance of which sins cheifly our sauiour spake Vnlesse Luc. 13. 5. you doe Penance you shall all perish Wherefore as I saied euerye deadlye sinne must needes be opened in confession with sorow of hart and full purpose to amend * Which confession before a We ought to be diligent to confesse all great sinnes for euen as a wound not well searched to the bottom though outwardly â—â—aled yet corrupteth the whole member or body so doth deadly sinne by dissimulation not opened in Confession infect destroy the whole soul 1. Cor. 11. 13. Preist ought to be breife simple plaine in humble sort entire or whole sorowful prepared to obey First breife it ought to be not with many wordes but necessary accusing no body but our selues in no sortexcusing ourfaults but plainly telling the truth and no more then the trueth In hnmble sort remembring that what we tell to the Preist wee speake as to God which confession must bee entire or whole that we tell not one sinne leaue another vnconfessed but confesse all as farre as our memoâ—y serueth for God forgiueth all or else none and therefore as we remember them we be bound to confesse and then God will forgiue that the rest And withall in ConfessioÌ„ euery one ought to be prepared to doe that is enioyned him to doe by his ghostly-father and for so iudging a mans selfe heere in this world a man at the day of iudgemeÌ„t shal not be iudged But if he wil not confesse himselfe to one man here theÌ„ at the last day shal his sins before God the whole world be laide before him to his vtter shame confusion endlesse daÌ„natioÌ„ therfore as S. Paul exhorteth vs. Let vs iudge our selues here that is by humble Confession and we shall not be iudged at the last day For God hath left a iudgement seat here of mercy in his Church before which if a man iudge him-selfe hee shall escape that straight iudgement at the last day if first he be losed quit here neither needeth a man feare to confesse for the Preist may not reueale or disclose any thing vttered in Confession no not for his life nor to saue or loose the whole worlde therfore if any man should be so vngracious to vtter any thing heard in Confession besides his perpetuall infamy and shame he should be suspended and degraded euer after from al Preistly office and function Wherefore none needeth to feare that his Confession shall be vttered Chap. XX Of whom the Sacrament of Penance was ordained that Preistâ— haue authority giuen them by Christ to forgiue sinnes and of the matter forme and effect of Penance THis Sacrament of Penance theÌ„ wherof lowly Confession is one cheife part was ordained by Christ wheÌ„ he gaue to his Church authoritie to binde and loose saying to his Apostles and Disciples and their lawefull successours to the worldes end Whosâ— sinnes you forgiue they be forgiuen Ioh. 20. 23 For that hee saied to them he saied to all as not suffering for their age only but for all persons in all ages to the worldes end saying to them and vs and the Pastors of his whole Church Euen as my father Ioh. 20 hath sent mee also I send yon So that his power that his father gaue him hee left to his Church the heads chiefly as namely to Saint Peter who when he first confessed Christ to bee the sonne of God in reward of his glorious confessioÌ„ he promised him first and chiefly authority to binde and loose sinnes as appeareth by the veâ—y wordes of the Ghospell saying Thou art Peter and vppon this Math. 16 18. 19. rockâ— will I build my Church and to thee will I giue the kâ—ies of the kingdome of heauen and whatsoeuer tâ—ou shalt binde in earth shal be bounde in heauen and whatsoeuer thou shalt loose in earth shal be loosed in heauen And then after his resurrection as appeareth by Saint Iohns gospell hee performed his promise saying to his Apostles when hee breathed vppon them Receiue you the holy Ghost Whose Ioh. 20. 23 sinnes you forgiue they be forgiuen and whose sinnes you hold they bee holden By which plaine wordes of Christ you seâ— in both places he hath giuen authority to his Church to bind loose sinnes as al holy fathers vpon these places do vnderstand But you must vnderstand that Preists as they be men doe not forgiue sinnes but as they be the ministers of Christ that is by his holy worde and vertue of the holy Sacrament as you see in Baptisme the Priest speaketh Godeâ— worde and sayeth I baptize thee in the name of the Father c. And so then by the power of Gods worde with water in that holy Sacrament the soule of the childe is washed and clensed from all sinne So when the humble penitent sinner commeth to the Preist and confesseth his sinne the Preist then vseth the word of God and saieth I absolue thee and so by the power of Godes worde and authority giuen him from Christ hee looseth the sinner from sin So that he which can beleeue his sinnes be forgiuen him in Baptisme I see no reason but hee may aswell beleeue his sinnes by Penance in confession and absolutioÌ„ be forgiueÌ„ him Neither ought any to doubt as some vnlearned foolishe Idiots some times doe whether Preists Bishops the lawfull successors of the Apostles and disciples of Christ haue
Heretickes liue as though there were no God indeede hell nor heauen what they stick not to confesse some of them that hell is only in the brest and but a darkenes of the minde and conscience or some biting of the same but they shal feele vnlesse they speedely amend another hell indeede as Christ said where that deadly worme gnawing vppoÌ„ them shall neuer dye and where that euerlasting fier that he at the last day shall coÌ„mand the wicked to depart into shal neuer be quenched where is weeping wayling and gnashing of teeth Truly I my selfe knew an vsurer now become a Maister by his honest trade that said who is able to say there is a hell and yet this maÌ„ would seeme to be wise indeede it is seldome seene that any returne from hell to bring newes back especially vsurers but if he would beleeue God to be iust or beleeue Christe he would not doubt of this matter for our iust Lord thretneth hell to the wicked as he promiseth endles reward of glory to the iust yea our meeke and mercifull Sauiour saith there is a hell and that with no small nor short paines and punishments but with vnmeasurable endles torments For what do you thinke that rich glutton which Christ speaketh of in the Gospell would giue that could not haue a droppe of cold water to quench the thirst of his tongue end being punished in flames of fire What thinke you would he do at this day to be released of his torments who would not looke at the poore beggar nor spare him a mite or giue him a peece of bread lying in misery the dogges licking his sores when the rich glutton fared deliciously euery day in silkes and veluttes what thinck you would he do to be with that poore beggar in heauen if life but for seauen yeares vvpon earth might be graunted for his saluation but that tyme is past for euer in hell is no redemption where the tree falleth there foreuer it lyeth that is whether a man dye in state of saluation or damnation after death passed it cannot be altered because his soule is hardened in malice dying without iust sorrowe and with affection euer to sinne if it might bee wishing there were no GOD to punish sinne and so dying in displeasure of his Maiestie which is infinite deserueth endles torments but those we pray for departed that dye in state of saluation as I said before and neuercome in that bottomles pitte I now speake of But touching those in hell with them the gate is shutt vp which once shutt there is neuer hope of saluation the night is come when man can worke there no more his saluation therfore would God this rich vsurer and all of his minde betime would know there is a hel as christ telleth and worke their saluation as he exhorteth which this rich glutton if he might would but being in hell he can doe no more as being in an end of that which shall neuer haue end Chap. LXIX Of heauen which worldlinges contemne how we may obtaine it and of the glorious and most happy estate of the body with the soule for euer after the generall resurrection BVT you se what opinions heretickes and vsurers haue of hell I would gladly know what they thinke of heauen I haue heard of some that haue had so good a conceipt thereof that if God would euer let them liue heere they would neuer desire him as they say to trouble him in heauen nor no more I warrant you they shall vnlesse they haue a better desire to come thither whether to arriue a maÌ„ must leaue affection to this worldly trash or els quite forsake it which worldlings cannot abide to heare of for heauen is high cannot be obtained with too great a burden on our backs nor without labour paines and earnest desires as saith Christ The Kingdome of heauen suffereth violence and men must take it as it were by force that is swinck and sweat for it as an inheretance of greatest importance let therfore a man ioyfully giue himself and all he hath for it he shal win it As the wise maÌ„ that found the treasure in the field solde all he had to enioy that field and treasure whereby is vnderstoode the Kingdome of GOD the treasure and fulnes of all good thinges wherin wee shall finde Christ the full delight and infinite treasure of mans soule Heretickes woulde some of them haue vs now in no better case since Christ hath by his bloudshed opened heauen gates and remoued that wall betwixt God vs then the Iewes were before Christ when none entered into Gods glory till Christ had deliuered them but Heretiks be-ly the truth think too basely of Christs victory ouer the deuill hell death who would haue mens soules That some gather out of Luthers works was his opinion of others or rather worse Note the perfection of man is greater by how much he approch eth neerer to angelical nature to lye I know not in what obscure places and hidden receptacles till the day of iudgment but truth it is as wee bee taught by the Scriptures our Sauiour with the rich spoyle of Saints many blessed soules entered into his fathers glory with whome Saint Paul desired to be when he said I desire to bee loosed from his body that was and be with Christ so that Christ is in heauen no doubt now and Saint Paul al his blessed friends and innumerable saued soules since his Ascention with him and he hath prepared the way for vs if we well and perfectly doe liue to be with him as soone as the soule is from the body and at the glorious resurrection with Christ then shall we be clothed with a glorious stole of our bodies also in which respect we shall be better by it in some sort then I meane not that humane nature exceedeth angeâ—icall but thus I speake chiefely for the honor of our Lord â—â—svs who in himself hath so highly exalted our nature Angels that want bodies which body as it was pertaker with the soule of the griefe and paines of Christ so it shall be for euer pertaker of the glorious resurrection with him where after with Christ shall be more ioy happines of all good things theÌ„ may be thought or imagined Chap. LXX Of the Pope that he is the Vicar of Christ and lawfull successor of Saint Peeter LAstly the heretickes raile much against the Pope for he is euer in one end of their sermons and therefore I wil end with him in this litle treatise I told you before and proued vnto you in one of the notes of the true Church which is succession how the Pope is Vicar of Christ and successor most lawfull to Saint Peter to whom and all his successors in him Christ committed chiefe charge and authority ouer the Church wherein at the first generall consell he made decree gaue first sentence he raysed the dead healed the
sent backe againe with great honour and gifts and the like triumph and reioycing to my knowledge was neuer in Rome before since our Country was first conuerted vnto Christ in Gregory the greats time our holy Apostle that sent S. Augustâ—ne to preach the Gospell amoÌ„gst vs English men These couÌ„tries new y conuerted in the Indians be conuerted by Iesuites Monkes and Friers so honourabâ—e once in our Country but now odious yea their very names They in those mighty Countries citties far greater then the rest of all Christendomâ— do raise vp houses of religion as fast as we pull the downe they know or beleeue no other faith but only the Catho Romane faith Church praysed â—om 1. 8. with the Apostâ—es mouth to be preached through the whole worlde Heretickes here you see in corners of Christendome rent and teare in peeces like rauâ—ning Wolues the flocke of Christ but they plant it in no place amongst Iâ—fidelles where Christ was neuer heard of before as our Priests and religious men doe which they so raiâ—e against in their pulpits amongst ignorant people But no maruell for our Sauiour describeth such Wolues vnder the name of hirelings or rather no Pasâ—ors but theeues and robbers that come in by the window not by the doore that feede themselues and not the flocke of Christ but be like to those whereof the Prophet speaketh De Psal 52. 5 uorant plebem meaÌ„ vt cibum panis deuouro my poore people aâ— meate of bread It is the property oâ— the heretike vt furetur mactet perdat to steale murder destroy but not as a good shepheard to feed the flock of Christ and raise vp and build the walles of Ierusalem the holy Church Thus you see how the Church of Christ is no priuate conuenticle or tied to one or two Countries or Nations but it is common to the whole world A mari vsque ad mare a flumine vsque ad terminos orbis terrarum a visible Church to be seene as hee promised by the holye Prophet it should bee that all Nations might haue recourse thereunto Againe Ps 112. 3. he promised by his Prophet it shoulde be from the rising of the Sunnet to the setting of the same againe Et aperienter portaetuae Isa 60. 11 iugiter die ac nocte non claudenter vt afferatur ad te fortitudo gentium reges earum adducantur That her gates should neuer be shut that is that shee should be common to all Nations of the world both Iew and Gentile but this is proper to no sort of Heretickes in the world which be enclosed you see in a few corners of the same as England and Germany But our common knowne faith Church and religion is Catholicke that is vniuersall generall and common not only to these countries but to all the countries of the worlde where Christ was euer preached or heard of Euen from the rising of the Sunne to the setting of the same againe therefore no other Church the true Church but ours only that is the common knowne Catholicke and Apostolicke Romane Church First then you see what Church hath the first true marke which wee be taught in our Creede to beleeue that is our Romane Church no other because ours and no other you see can properly be called Catholicke that is common to all Nations Chap. III Of the second certaine note of the true Church SEcondly this Catholike Roman church is of greatest antiquity which is a sure note or marke of the true Church proper to no Church but onely to our church that is the true catholike church For this catholike faith religion which at this day for example is preached at Rome in the Indians in al the coasts of the world is no new fangled vpstart opinioÌ„ sect as lutherans protestants be whose first rising is yet in our fathers memory but most ancient that is both euer continued one and the same Faith and church for almost these 1600. yeers from Christes Ascention euen vnto this day whereas the Protestants can neither shew church chappel nor congregation of their faith religion through the whole world till only within these 80. yeres till Luther his fellows licentious Lollards first arose if their were anie of more ancieÌ„t years as Wicliff Hus Ierom of Prague and the like yet with their opinions they held other damnable heresies which the Protestants mislike as-well as Catholikes so that only our Catholike Church is that which hath continued not for fourescore yeers but fifteene hundred fourescore which marke so auncient of Antiquity because heretikes want therfore they cannot be members of Christs Catholike Church against which our Sauiour promised The diuell and all his power should neuer preuaile but that it shoulde continue from his Ascention into Heauen to his comming againe to Iudgement eueÌ„ to the end of the world when by his iust IudgemeÌ„t he shal seuer the good corne and chaffe a-sunder make himselfe a glorious triumphant Church in Heauen without spotte or wrinckle Nowe then either it must followe that Christ failed of his promise which to thinke or saye is extreame blasphemie or else that our Church the Catholike Romane Church and no other is only the true church because no other Church but ours only hath beene seene and openly continewed and preuailed against the deuil and all his members from Christes time to this day For their church if not you yet your father knew when it sprong vp that of what ground and occasion it rose that was of Couetousnes Pride and whordome but our Catholike Church hath continued by most of there owne confessions for a thousand yeares yea some of them giue vs thirtene hundred yeares but wee will take to vs and are able to proue by all auntient authority and the invincible truth sixteene-hundred yeres nowe well drawing on that is euen froÌ„ Christs time to this day Wherefore our Church being the only church that hath euer visibly beene seene and florished in many Though the church hath euer beene visible yet I meane she hath especially florished since times according to the promise of our Sauiour his Church shoulde doe Therefore it must needes followe that noe Church but onely our Catholyke Romane Church is the true Church as being by farre most antient euen from Christes time But the heretike hath another shift for this he granteth with vs that the Church of Christ shall euer continew but he would haue it an inuisible congregation secrett in mennes hearts a congregation knowne to God alone to no mortall creaâ—ure saue only to such as be of the same whereupon he woulde haue the Church to consist of the onely Elect saued soules that there be not of both sorts good and bad in the holie true Catholike Church which wily shift of the heretikes we easily shift off reproue plainly by Gods word his gospel which compareth his church Vnto
a Mat. 20. Mar. 12. Luc. 20. citty set vpon a hill to a tabernacle set in the sunne that cannot be hid Againe he biddeth vs if we cānot amend our brother by brotherly correctiō Totel the Church which if he will not heare account him as a Heathen and Publicane saith christ But how should we tell that Church or howe should a man hear that church that can neither be seene nor heard but is inuisible as the heretiks would haue it Wherefore you see how slender a shifte this is of them who like theues that hate the light would haue the Church inuisible contrary to Gods word his holy Gospell which biddeth vs to haue recourse vnto it in time of neede as the sure foundation and piller of truth so euident and plaine that it may and might euer and shal be seene to the worldes end euen frō the rising of the sunne to the setting of the same againe as was foretolde by the Prophets Hereupon the Apostles write their epistles to such and such Churches and to the whole Catholike Church as in particular to the Romanes the Cor. the Ephes c. as visible that may be seene that is This position of theirs heretiks I meane denying the Church to be visible is so false that before Christs time whē things were but in shaddowe and figure yet was there euer an opē visible Church of God whereunto men might haue recourse in all doubtes especially since Moyses as appeared in Elias time whē it was so sore persecuted that he cried out Relictus sum ego solus I good Lord thy seruant am lefte 3. Reg. 19. alone and yet aunswere was giuen him by God that he had left 7000. in Israell besides the wel known citty of Ierusalem Cath. Iuda that neuer bowed knee to Baal Loe a visible cōpany at al times yet in the visible church we be taught by Scriptures there be both good bad as appeareth by that parable of the gospell the Kingdome of Heauen that is the Church of God which in holy scriptures is sometimes called the Kingdome of heauen is compared to a field where Mat. 13. good corne cockle and weed grow together which our Sauiour the good man of the house his Church bad let grow both to gether least in weeding out the cockle the good corne also should bee bruised and plucked vp but in the end of the world then will he by his Anglles gather his good corne his elect people and bind the weed that is the wicked in bundles to be burnt with vnquenchable fire For God suffereth wicked men as saith Saint Augustine to liue amongst the iust that either they may be conuerted by their example or else good mens patience by them may be the better exercised In an other place the church is Mat. 13. compared to a net cast into the Sea gathering good bad fishes so likewise to the threshng place wherein is both corne chaffe So that you see how false the heretiksb e how contrary vnto the Gospell whereof before the simple and vnlearned eares they so brag that would haue the church inuisible that no man might see their wily deceits and would haue therin none but good wheras in their Church can be none but bad but we that by gods grace be catholikes doe according to Gods word affirme that in his holy Church be many good none good but onely those of Gods Church yet amongst those good be some euel til the last day of paiment when the goats and lambes shal be shed or seperated by the good sheapheard a sunder so that Gods Church is visible that is open to the whole world to be seene and knowne and shall so continew euen til the end of the world take then this for the second most certaine marke of the true Church of God that our Catholike and visible church is of the greatest Antiquity and longest cōtinuance Wherfore none but our church is the true spouse of Christ Chap. IIII Of the third certaine note of the true Church The third most certaine note of the true church is vnity and consent in all matters of Religion For as there is on God as I sayed in the beginning so one onlie truth proceedeth from him hee is not the author of dissention but of peace as therefore there is one God so is there but on Church his only spouse For thus hee saieth in his Canticles Vna est Columba mea c. My doue is Cont. c. 6. one as shee is one so is shee not nor cannot possiblye bee deuided into diuers sectes factions and opinions in faith and Religion forso shee shoulde not bee one but manye and so not of God which is one and hath chosen her for his onely spouse and euer according to his promise guideth her with his holye spirite saying Her◠Heb. 13. 8 hodie ipse in secula who is one and the same yesterday to day and for euer heereupon it commeth that by the guiding of Christes holye spirite euer resident and directing his Church that therein is not preached one faith this daye another that nowe this yeare one thing an other yeare an other as Heretikes doe that can neuer agree among themselues in opinions but the same faith that was taught in the beginning by christ his Apostles in matters of Faith Religion the Church of God euer most soundly keepeth pure vndesiled as we be able to proue by authority of Gods wordes and all auncient Fathers and the same Faith that we Catholikes holde here in England the same they holde in Fraunce Scotlande Irelande Germany Poland Dalmatia Italy Spaine the East and West Indians and so to the vttermost coastes of the worlde not differing a iotte in points of religion and due administration of the Sacraments But if you see howe finely heretikes accord you shall see them like Samsons foxes with sire tyed in their Iud. 15. tayles together readye and of one accord to burne vppe the good corne of Christ but their heads quite contrarye from each one another readye to bite one another in peeces neuer agreing in opinyons but sharpely vvriting against one another condemning one another to the bottomelesse pitte of Hell For Luther that was their sirst father and broke downe the walles and so was fallen with pronde Lucifer from the kingdome of heauen frō Gods holye Church did hee long continue thinke you in one opinion with himselfe No for besides that in one and the same matter in some one booke he is contrary to him self he changed his opinions dayly to worse and that diuerse times For first of pride and couetousnes he founde fault at the manner of dispensing of pardons and in the ende denied the Pope pardons and all what said I Pardones Saints Sacraments to espeacially priuate Masse as he termed it and the most pure and vnbloudy Sacrifice of the Altar propitiatory both for the quicke and the dead and
that by the helpe counsell of the Diuell that often in the night by his own confession vsed familiar speach with him giuing greater reasons against the Masse then he was able to disolue But howe did his Schollars and followers thinke you accorde with their master and amongest themselues but like to Vipers that burst their Parentes bowells For though in the beginnig hee had followers that greedely followed his opinion as heauenly oracles yet the schollars being as proud as their master they presentlye inuented new opinions of their own condemning their master in most bitter writings and he them insomuch that about one article of our faith and beleefe the Blessed Sacrament a Learned man hath noted aboue fourescore sundry heresies opinions amongst them Thus they disagree in most waighty matters erring sending others into error the Lutherans fighting against the Caluinists the Caluinists against the Lutherans the Swinglians Protestants Anabaptists Arrians Puritanes Celestians Brethren of loue the like too many to recken al braunches of that vnsauery tree Luther all and euerie discenting from one another comdemning one another and that in the highest pointes of our Faith and beleefe and yet euery one braggeth of the word of God the Lord the Gospell that the truth is of his side agreing together for the most parte certainly in no one thing sauing that all conspire against the Church of God taking vpon them to defend God when they most of all offende him as S. Gregorie vnder the person of the friends In lib. moral in Iob. of Iob notably and oft describeth all heretikes This disention you se amongst themselues argueth they haue not the spirite of God for where vnitie and concorde is wanting ther can be no charity so that the heritikes wanting the knott of peace vnity concord and charity cannot be of God who is not author dissentionis sed pacis for want of this knot of peace charity brag they neuer so much of the word of the Lord vse they neuer so sweet blessings yet it is not the word of God but the very worde of the diuell who when hee tempted Christ vsed wordes of Seripture but euill vnderstoode wherefore they were his owne being so euilly applied and expounded but none of Gods as all heretiks words be which be members of their father the Deuill for they with him bringe Scriptures but wrested so that not the Scripture but the sence and euel vnderstanding is blamed the heritikes bring Scriptures and we that be Catholikes alleadge Scriptures aboundantly of both sides but quite contrarye one to the other some iudge thē must needs be to try decide thē who those be that rightly vnderstand the Scriptures we aske them how they will be iudged whether by the holy Fathers of old Yea say they as long as they accorde with the Scriptures but whē as men they erred frō the true sence of Scripture then we refuse them we answere though with more reuerence euen so doe we but yet heretiks want a certain Iudge to know whē as men they erred when they spake the truth which certain stay of iudgement withoutal doubt Christ which so deerelye beloueth his people hath prouided who promised his assistance to direct vs in all trueth especially in this Lawe of grace to the worlds end He after so deere a price hath not left vs in worse case than the Iewes amongst whom before Christ was a place of iudgement to try certainly al doubts as appeareth in the olde law in Deuteronomium That the high Priest and spirituall congregation assisting him was to iudge decide determine all doubtful matters in Religion and Conscience whose answere the people were to accept as the oracle of the holy ghost hereupon in Deut. seuenteene cap. is written Si deficile ambiguum apud te iudicium esse prospexeris c. if thou perceaue iudgdement to be doubtfull with thee and after if thou perceaue the words or sentēces of the Iudge to vary Ascende ad locum quem elegerit dominus c. veniesque ad Sacerdotes Leuitici generis c. queresque ab iis qui indicabunt tibi iudicii veritatem Lo you se here how in the old law matters were to be in all doubtes determined iudgement by the high Preist to be giuen in that place God had chosen they were in spiritual causes to shew truth of iudgemēt not the law or scriptures written but the high Preist his assistance the Leuiticall Preistes were to interprete the law and iudge of the scriptures as Malachie foretold how the lippes of the Priest do keep the law How much more now thē in this law of grace whē Christ had made a more firme pact with vs for the assistāce of his holy spirit saying Alium Paracletum dabo vobis spritum veritatis I wil giue you another cōfor ter the spirit of truth he shall teach you all truth now after he hath cōfirmed the new testamēt with his own blud hath he not left vs a more sure stay in al doubts Yes doubtles he hath promised his spirit you see to his holy church the cheife pastors of the same whoe promised to Peter and all his successors in him that his faith should neuer faile To this church this high preist vicar of christ in aldoubtful matters of faith as the only place cheife iudge whome God hath chosen we safely as to the true lawful iudge must haue recourse The fathers of old as men may erre but in those things they conspire and agree generally altogether they cānot erre especialy whē the authority of the Church cōfirmeth their Doctryne to bee according to the Scriptures The Heretikes who refuse to bee tried by the Church they affirme the blessed fathers of the church to erre men in vertue and learning no doubte farre beyond any in these daies but they themselus now a daies like gods cannot erre they would be iudges not only of Doctors Scriptures but ouer general councells Saint Peters successor christs vicegerent and vnder Christ here in earth the high Priest and pastour generall ouer our Soules to whom in S. Peter Christ promised his faith shoulde neuer faile yea also ouer the Church and al like vnto lurking robbers flying euer the tribunall iudgement seate of the lawfull iudge but we that by Gods grace be Catholikes members of Christes Misticall body the Church as we haue receiued the holy scriptures from the Church neither doe we certainly know them to be scriptures but that the holy Church telleth vs so we expounde and vnderstand the scriptures that be hard to bee vnderstood yea bee an vnspeakeable depth not by our inuentions and phantasticall opinons as euery heretike doth which maketh so many damnable heresies amongst them but by the rule and authority of Christes holy Catholike Church who bicause she is the spouse of Christ wherof he is head guided with his holy spirite according to his promise can neuer erre
in pointes of Saluation nor lead her children amisse Here vppon it commeth that the Catholike Romane Church the house of Christ dispersed through out the whole worlde is not diuers but one as Christ her head is one who is Sauiour of his body This church you shall finde to preach teach vse one vniformity of Sacraments yea and for the most part of ceremonies through out the whole worlde the same order and time of Fasting of Praier one and the same beliefe of al points of religion in euery coast in the earth not nowe one Faith and to morrow another but the same that was planted by Christ his Apostles that which with perpetuall peace consent vnity and concord shee kepeth vndefiled shal keep euen vnto the end of the world Here upon it commeth that when as heresie heretiks in the beginning seeme plausible and be greedily receiued yet for that they be not grounded in Christ the truth in the end become loathsome hateful to al mē being deuided destroy one another Cōtrary the Catholike Church being founded on christ the head corner stone and fast lincked together in vnity concorde and charity in all hir members euer encreaseth as she is more persecuted and is Tanquam acies bene ordinata As the forefront of a most strong armie well sett in battaile array terrible to the diuell and al his power and euer increaseth I say the more shee is afflicted for besides the herytikes haue stirred many vp that before were a-sleepe to search out the truth yea and many to shedde their bloode in the Catholike cause we haue not lost so many Christians by heresies in these parts of the world but God hath stirred vp others that hane raised many moe in other parts of the worlde which if this heresie had not troubled our quietnesse here perhaps some of those Apostolike men had not so speedely sought to haue planted the Faith in other Countries Wherein you see so good and mightye is God which woulde neuer permit euil but that he knoweth to gather good of it to turne their euill to our good and encrease of his Church who by vnitye and concord thus obtaineth the victory as that Babilonicall strumpet heresie is euer the ruine of her selfe To be briefe you see by this little that is saide that none can haue the spirit of God and the truth but those only that haue amongst themselues the spirite of peace vnity concorde which when it is euer hath beeue wanting amongest Protestantes and other heretikes of this time therefore it must nedes folow their sect and congregaton is not the true church of Christ because none els saue Catholike Christians which they call Papists doe consent and agree in all poyntes of Faith and religion liuing Tanquam vnanimes in domo As brethren all of one minde together in one house Therefore we may most certainlye conclude that none other sauing only the catholike Romane Church which euer hath doth liue in vnity consent of Faith Religion in all pointes is the true Church of Christ Chap. V Of the fourth certaine note of the true Church THe fourth and last most certaine marke of the true Church is the lawful succession of Apostolike Priestes Bishoppes in the Catholike Church which succession of Bishoppes as it was a stay to S. Augustine against the Donatists and other heretikes of his time to keepe him within the vnity of Godes Church so is it likewise a sure pillar for vs Many things there be saieth he that keepe me most iustly within the bosome of the Church the vniforme consent of people and nations the authority cōfirmed with miracles norished with hope increased with charity finally the succession of Bishopps in Peters seat to this day to whome our Lord committed the charge of his fllock to be fed keepeth me herein This lawful succession of Bishoppes loe that ledd Saint Augustine to the knowledge of the true Church and conserued him in the lappe thereoff is and iustlye may bee no lesse a guide and staye to vs in the same which lawfull succession of Bishoppes because the heretikes want therefore they bee not sent by God For two kindes of vocations there bee the one is ordinary the-other extraordinarye by miracle both which because the Heretikes want they cannot bee of God for as touching the first that they want ordinary vocation by succession it is plaine as for example who sent Luther Caluin and the rest If they say God so claime an extraordinarye vocation where then be their miracles that testifie they bee sent from God They haue none you see to proue their extraordinary vocation and yet the sonne of God himselfe would not be beleued without miracles saying Si Ioh. opera non fecissem in eis que nemo alius c If I had not wrought such workes amongst them as no other man did they should not haue sinned and must wee beleeue Caluin and his fellowoes for their bare wordes no their fruites be not so good you see it is vnfit As for their ordinarie vocation by succession that euery man seeth they want For before Luthers time there was neyther Patriarchall nor Bispopps seate nor yet euer any honest persons chaire of his Gospell to bee found throughout the worlde as all men may most easilye knowe but to make the matter more plaine by an example at home aske now the superintēdent of Yorke or Canterbury whome they succeed perhappes they can name you two or three predecessors of their hereticall crew hut appose thē a little more and they can goe no farther wheras he that was last lawfull and true Archbishoppe of Canterburye Cardinall Poole for exāple could haue shewed his lawfull succession from his next lawfull predecessor to an other many hundred yeares together euen to Saint Augustines time who was sent by Saint Gregorie the great then Pope Saint Gregory succeeded Pelagius Pelagius his predecessour Benedictus and so lineally euery of those Bishopps in that seat could shew theyr predecessor from whose handes by lawfull ordinary succession and vocation they receiued their faith and apostolike authority euen to Saint Peter who was sent by Christ as by all ancient writers we can proue Then as I sayd when as protestantes and all other heretikes of this time want both these vocations first ordinary not called of god as Aaron was and much lesse extraordinary by miracle for though meruailes they shew many yet miracles none no not asmuch as the healing of any lame creature therefore it followeth they be none of Godes messengers but such as of whome hee complaineth by his word Ipse currebant ego non mittebam eos They ranne and I sent them not that is bee intruders of themselues not true messengers of Christ not pastors but robbers not simple true teachers but wily foxes not raisers vp of Gods house entring in by the dore but breakers down of the wal deuouring the flocke Now how euidently
euer wāting in heretikes in cleane pure cōsciences in which vertues worthy qualities these B. Fathers most excelled liuing in such abstinēce cōtinēcy watching meditatiō of the law of god both night day praier with thē wēt euer before study study was ioyned with prayer they did not expound harde places and hygh misteries of Scriptures after their owne brayn phantastical conceipt but by the teachig of their masters holy forefathers of whō they had receiued the Scriptures especially therein following the rule cōmon consent of Christs holy Catholike Church that is euer guided with Christ her spouse head the holy spirit euer assisting the same church which was the cause there was not such iarres amongst thē as now be amongst heretiks Farre vnlike be our newe gospellers to these holy Fathers how more securely may we well committe our selues to God with them than hazard our saluation with these companions who with belly cheare little learning lesse honesty embracing of weomen care of children loue of the worlde and care of their owne carcases beeing most carnall men yet take vpon them to reueale his mysteries of the Spirite to open Gods word which commonly is open to none indeed but to those that be pure in hart and minde and with humility submitte their iudgementes vnder the obedience of the holy Catholike Church whereunto all heretikes be traitours and rebelles whether I say is it more like if we had no more certaine a marke of the true church and teachers that these lewde companions haue the trueth on their sides or those holy Fathers by me aboue named who excelled asmuch in vertue as these newe Gospellers bee drowned in vice which Fathers be of such authority that though indeed they be alwaies against heretikes yet the heretike is gladde if he can but get a scrappe or peece of a sentence euer wrested euill vnderstood out of these holy Doctours that maye seeme to make for his purpose though rightly vnderstood in the samesentence often-times they bee most confounded These holye Fathers were not eloquent in affection and inckehorne termes as Protestants be all wordes but no true or sounde matter but wisedome in those fathers by force ioyned vnto their words incomparable eloquence See S. Chrysostom S. Leo S. Ierome Lactantius but aboue all that Blessed martyr S. Ciprian who as many other of our holy doctors Catholike writers did sealed his writings with his blood if any of these holy Fathers as men at any time did of infirmity erre they did not malitiously obstinatly defend it as proud heretikes do but were alwayes ready to submit their doings to the cēsure of the Cath. church saing with S. Augustine Errare possiim hereticus esse nolo I may erre as a man yet wil I not be an heretike that is obstinately defending anye opinion the Church gain-sayeth This Faith then and Religion Catholike Romane Church thus groūded on Christ her head thus plainly knowne by such distinct notes of Vniuersallity Antiquity Succession Consent thus adorned and florishing with writings of so many and so holy auncient Fathers and Doctors thus confirmed with miracles thus watered and sealed with the blood of most constant and valiant Martyrs especially in the beginnig of the Church whilest the blood of Christ was yet warme in mens hearts yea of later yeares too as there want not in England and other places euen to this day Is there any so blinde if he obserue these notes well but he may both knowe this to bee the onely true Church and true way of Saluation or so carelesse of his saluation that dare aduenture his soule in any other congregation saue only the true Church of Christ thus strengthned with so many sure bulwarkes and strong pillars Assure your selfe good sir ignorance cannot excuse you For this is the citty set vpon a hill that cannot be hid so euident and so plaine that the words of the holy Prophet Esay may be applyed vnto her Hec Isa 35. erit vobis directa via ita vt stulti non errent per eam This shall be your direct way so that idiots or very simple soules maye not misse the same Where it is written to this effecte that great and lesse shall knowe God that is if they will seeke his waies diligently and in due time As also in Ieremie the thirty one Omnes cognoscent me a minimo eorum vsque ad maximum All shall knowe me from the least of them to the greatest And againe Adducam eos c in via recta I will bring them or leade them in the right way Non impinguent in ea and they shall not hit or stumble in it Seeke therefore to walke good sir in this way the Church of Christ if you will attaine the port of saluation for as long as you be out of this waye you shall alwaies be worse entangled with brambles bryers of sinne and blinde error and euer further frō your iourneys end the kingdome of God As youse when a man loseth his way in the night he is allwayes in greater incumbraunces and further from the marke till he returne by good guide to his way againe so it is in the blinde way of this life if we leaue Christ the way of life and his deare spouse the church the only way of truth we be euer in greater danger till we returne backe againe Come home the night draweth neare the day of payment hieth fast on take heed if you come short of the mariadge of Christ with his spouse the dore be not closed vp and you shutte out Heare what St. Augustine saith whatsoeuer saith he a mā be or whosoeuer he is he cannot be saued if he be not in the Catholike Church and in another place to Peter the Deacō he hath these fearful sayings Though a man giue neuer so much almes yea shedde his bloud for Christ if he be not a member of Christs Catholike Church he cannot be saued Firmissime tene saith he this holde stedfastly doubt in no wise not only al Pagans and Iewes but also heretikes and Schismatikes that die without the vnity of Christs Catholike Church shall goe into euerlasting fire prepared for the diuell and his Augells Neither doth this holy father St. Angustine speake these wordes of his owne priuate opinion but founded in Gods owne worde as in the holy Apostle St. Paule who saith If I giue al my goods to the poore and body to be burnt and want charity it profiteth me nothing now vnity be twixt God participatiuely I meane our owne soules and neighboures is that which maketh charity in vs by Gods grace which vnitye none can possibly haue that is not vnited to Christ being a member of his body the holy Catholike Church for otherwise he is deuided so that beeing out of this vnity he is not in charity so beingout of Gods Catholike Church he is out of state of Saluation therefore
Sacraments in generall BVt because perhaps you desire Vnderstand here that in course of diuinity many thinges besides the Trinity and Incarnation be taught before the Sacraments though in matters of controuersie to speake of them nowe next seemeth fittest for my purpose I call the Sacraments conduits wel-springs because they being ordained by Christ ishuing proceding from that open bloody side of his on the Crosse conuey and conferre grace to our soules as vessels of mercy though God himselfe as the fountaine of life is the chiefe original and principall cause of al grace to bee informed of some moe thinges in particular to knowe howe this true Catholike Church teacheth vs to beleeue touching the high mysteries of our faith especially the holy Sacrameuts First then it is to be vnderstood that next after the mistery of the blessed Trinity threâ— persons of one substance eternity equall power and authority and one god from whome all good thinges proceede to whome all good things be referred and without whome all thinges be nothing next vnto this high and vnspeakable mistery as also the mistery of the second person in god-head Christs incarnation which both most deepe and profound articles or pointes I suppose you already beleeue we be also taught that God the author of all grace and goodnes hath of his infinite wisedome ordained the wayes and meanes whereby we may be pertakers of his grace and that chiefely by meanes of his Sacramentes conduits and wel-springs of grace which in number be seauen Which in these wordes of holy scripture in som sort were foretould or insinuated vnto vs. Sapientia edificauit sibi domum excidit columnas septem that wisedome increate that is the sonne of god the second person in trinity the eternall wisedome of his father who disposeth all things in weight number and measure and in vnspeakeable wisedome but espeacially in ordinance gouernment of his holy Church hath cut out Cut out that is hath ordained or made out of himself that is by his grace Note that this place of holy scripture may signifie many other guâ—fts and graces of God besides the Sacraments for such is the Maiesty of holy scripture that it oft admitteth many senâ—es in one place al according to the spirit of God seauen pillars seauen Sacraments fountains wel-springs of grace out of him selfe that is the liuely fountain of grace the sure rocke corner-stone which Daniell in spirit fore-savve that without handes was cutt out and fell from the mountaine that filled the whole worlde These Sacramentes then I saye Christ ordained as vessels of his grace and they take vertue from that fruite of the tree of the Crosse from and of his precious bloode and passion For euen as of our first Father Adam of a ribbe of his side Eue was formed wherby the world vvas multiplyed euen so of the second Adam Christ our Sauiour a sleepe by death vppon the Crosse whereby we rise againe of that water blood plentifully running out of his side and blessed body the holy Sacramentes of the church proceeded as taking force virtue theroff Whereby wee all bee regenerate and borne newe men againe in Christ whereby wee be repaired fostered and fedd in soule and whereby wee receiue here a token of Godes grace to appeare with him in his glory Chap. VIII What a Sacrament is of the effectes of the Sacraments and why they were ordained A Sacrament then is a visible signe of an inuisible grace not onely signifiyng grace as the heretikes would haue them like Iewes to be but only bare figures but these Sacraments doe contein in them and confer grace to the worthy receiuer Though Christ is the author of his Sacraments neither is God so bound to his sacraments but he can bestow his grace without them yet because hee ordained that by meanes of his sacraments wee aâ—e to obteyne his grace wee neither with contempt of them nor without will and affection vvhen necessitie offereth it selfe and iust opportunity is gyuen to receyue them can be partakers of his grace neither is man to expostulate or argue with God why he vseth sacraments as instruments of his grace when as without them hee can bestow it For God that hath created man knoweth in his diuine wisedome the fittest meanes for his reparatioÌ„ yet some reason or conuenience of Gods dispotion herein may be assigned First because a man consisteth not onlye of spirit but of body therefore he doth noâ— only invisiblelye powre in vs his grace immediatlye fâ—om him-selfe but vseth these visible and corporall signes of his invisible grace and that by such meanes and in such matters as be most fitt to signifie the effect of his grace in vs by them inwardly wrought as sor example in baptisme the matter of the Sacrament is water which as it outwardly washeth the body so the word with the intent of the lawfull minister ioyned thereunto vvhich thinges bee required in euery Sacrament the soule therby is Eccept Matrimony in some sort wher in the consent of the parties is chiefly necessarie wherunto only signs tokens of the parties prâ—sent maye suffice in persons that be mute c inwardly with Gods grace giueÌ„ therin purged and washed from al sinne Moreouer it is the iust iudgment of God we be tied to visible Sacraments to obtaine his grace therby to exercise our humility bring vs in more subiection For whereas we not only in the fall of our first parents wherein we al fell froÌ„ God but also dayly of our selues in transgressing his commaÌ„dementes haue and doe therein preferre our selues mortall creatures yea and the thinges here that be earthly before God himselfe and the thinges that be spirituall heauenly therfore it is his iustice iudgement and yet most of sweet disposition that we now contrary wise for our greater humility obedience be tied to receiue these Sacraments vnder corporal formes whereby we may be partakers of spiritual invisible graces To be briefe the Sacraments depend not touching their dignity of the worthines or vnworthines of the Preist but of god eueâ— good the author of the same And they bee ordained first to the honor glory of God and increase of grace and as present remedies and medicines against sinne in persons well disposed and also as certaine effectuall signes and tokens yea and in struements of Gods good will grace and mercy towardes vs moouing as well both the outward and inward man Lastly When tho Sacraments moue the outward man I meane that is but sometimes accidentaliter they be badges os true Christian men whereby they be not only knitte together in Religion and vniformity of Gods seruice but also be discerned and knowne from Infidels and mis-beleeuers farre more excellent than the Sacramentes of the Lawe of Moyses by howe much the trueth exceedeth the shadowe or figure As for the laudable Ceremonies the holy Church vseth in administration of the
Body which shal be betrayed or deliuered vp for you so likewise he spake of the cup calling it his blood And both the Euangelists Saint Paul doe agree that Christ bad his Apostles sacrifice or doe that which he had donne in memorie of his death and Passion not to offer a peece of bread in memorie of his death and Passion for that should be to base and slender a memorie as the heretikes your ministers be-lie the truth but to consecrate sacrifice and receiue after an vnbloody maner the very self-same body that the day after was bloudely once for all offered on the Crosse there as a full price of our redemption and here as a mean to make vs pertakers of that high price and ransome there once bloudely offered here the very selfe same flesh and bloude that there once bloudely was offred but here after an vnbloudy maner not deuided or not cut in peeces as the Iewes vnderstoode and the heretikes doe blaspheme but whole Christ though reallye and substanciallye here present yet after a spirituall and deuine maner that cannot be sufficiently expressed in wordes not one Christ here other there or in heauen not one to day a nother to morow but one and the self same which was offred vpon the Crosse and now sitteth at the right hand of his father is daily offred vp here in the Church in diuers places at once that by the mighty power of his Godhead which is al in al * In saying vnited to his sacred Body Videtur praeposte ra locutio For his sacred Body is vnited to his Godhead not confounded but knit and ioyned together o insigne miraculum two natures in one person vnited to his sacred body to whome nothing is impossible Wee doe not substitute then or ordeyne many * There is but one Sacrifice though daily yea oft euerie day in the Catholike Church renued by the ministrie of Preists .. 1. Cor. 11. 26. Sacrifices of Christ as the heretikes be-ly vs for so we might be iniurious to his Passion but one and the selfe same sacrifice though different in the maner with that vpon the Crosse is daily here offered vnto God there once bloudely here vnbloudely by the ministrye of Preistes heere in earth to appease Gods wrath renue in vs the fruit of his death and Passion wrought by that sacrifice once all bloudy vpon the Crosse for all Doe this that I haue donne saith Christ in memorie of me that is you shal represet or shew by this sacrifice the death of our Lord as sayeth S. Paul to his comming againe By which wordes of Christ Doe this that I haue donne he gaue his Apostles and Priests authority to consecrate his Body by vertue of his holy word For what did Christ He tooke bread blessed gaue to his Disciples said This is my Body and wine saying This is my Bloud And bad them doe that he had donne that is by power of his mightye worde to consecrate his blessed Body So by those verye wordes that heretickes abuse when hee saide Doe this in memorie of mee to make the holye Sacrament to bee but a bare figure and remembrance of Christ by those verye wordes I saye you see by uery reason and as holye doctors euer vnderstood Christ gaue authority to the Apostles and to all Preists and Bishopps their lawfull successors to offer vp daily that pure and vnbloodye sacrifice in consecrating his body and blood to represent and renue in vs his death and Passion till his comming to Iudgement againe And therefore at the holy Sacrifice of the Masse euery ornament and action of the Preist reduceth to our memory some thing Christ said or did during his life bitter death and Passion Chap. XXII That heretickes which deny Christs body in the Sacrament euacuate the fruites of Christs death and Passion in mens soules and prepare the way to Antechrist THe heretiks therfore that do blasphem haue abolished the holy most blessed dread full pure most honorable Sacrament sacrifice of the Masse doe as much as lieth in them to put out of mens minds the Passion of Christ and make voide in our soules the fruit thereof wherefore they in deed be very forerunners of Antechrist that shall denye Christ and all and yet like shamelesse blasphemous wolues and deceiuers are not affraid to call the high Preist of God Christes Vicar here in earth the Pope Antechrist who is in deede the cheife piller head of the Church here next to Christ spreading and vphoulding Christs faith against Turkes Iewes Heretickes and all Infidles throughout the whole worlde But these impostors call the Vicar of Christ Antechrist that they Antechristians and their Master Antechrist the vessell of Satan when hee commeth may be the lesse suspected so pull downe Christianity But Gods Church Christes kingdome shall not faile though we are to feare now in the later ende of the worlde Antechriste is neare hand as these certainlie bee his forerunners whoe at his comming shall raise a greater persecution against the Church then euer was before For hee shall deny Christ and God and also exalt himselfe aboue God with such false deceits and wordes that if it were possible the very elect should be deceaued and the holye and continuall sacrifice of the Masse shall in his time cease to be offered openly as the holy prophet Daniell foretould What other thing then Dan. 12. Heb. 7. 12 The turks though perhaps sometimes they baue some voluntary externall superstitious sacrifice yet no ordinarye set sacrifice-publike for as much as euer I red or heard do these hereticks but prepare a way for Antechrist whoe denying the blessed Masse ordained and first said or celebrated by christ at his last supper would leaue vs neuer an externall Sacrifice to worship God withall like very Turkes to whome being without externall sacrifice they bee most like Translato enim according to the Apostles doctrine Sacerdotio necesse est vt legis translatio fiat So that take away Preisthood take a waye sacrifice and so consequentlye God and all For that by externall sacrifice God is chiefely knowne and worshipped the want and honor most due vnto which sacrifice maketh vs you se so many Atheists that now a daies make a scoffing against Christ God to But Lorde be mercifull vnto this Countrey whether is it fallen for sinne and blinde heresy the worste weede that euer was sowne To be briefe you see here how in an eleuen plaine places in the fower Euangelistes and Saint Paul Christ calleth that most blessed Sacrament he ordained at his last supper his very bodye and blood Caluin Beza and the Protestantes and other heretickes of this time say it is but a figure shadowe or bare remembrance In a peece of bread of his body and blood must we beleeue Christes and Saint Paul then or your wise ministers and new vpstart heretikes of this time O Christ if I should forsake
Christ towardes vs for loue you knowe deserueth loue againe but what greater loue could Christ shewe vs in not onlye dying for vs but still in this vnspeakable mistery remaining with vs Was there euer Pellicane that so tendred her young ones who though she fedde them with her bloud yet in the end she forsaketh them was there euer mother that so dearly looued her childreÌ„ as christ doth vs who said and persormeth it that If a mother can forget the onlye sonne of her wombe yet will he neuer forget nor forsake vs who not only feedeth vs with the sweet milk of his holy word the fruit full dewe of his grace taketh compassion vpon vs euen with shedding his bloud imbrasing vs with his stretched out armes of mercy vpon the Crosse but also still remaineth with vs euen to the end of the world fostring vs with his very body be dewing and washing vs also with his most sweet and precious bloud O hart why dost thou not relent why art thou so harde how canst thou abstain from teares for pure loue of that sweet Sauiour and Redeemer vvhy art thou not appalled with feare vvhy art thou not stricken with loue vvhy art thou not wholy inflamed with deuotion which is oft afforded to the deuout receauers hereof for by how much this mistery is aboue mans reason by somuch the ferueÌ„t loue deuotioÌ„ bestowed on vs by the fountaine of Gods grace giueÌ„ vs therin is of more vertue and aboundance If S. Peter when he had but one glimce of Gods glory wheÌ„ he but tasted as it were a droppe of his loue in Mount Thabor thought it good to stay there and neuer to depart When wee receaue heare a fountaine of his loue a pleadge of his glorie the coelestiall dewe of all grace why shoulde wee not fully content satiate and repose our selues herein O if such disposition is made for the receipt of some noble King in his subiects house howe ought wee to cleanse our hearts and mindes to purifie our bodies to sweepe our spirits vvith compunction and penitent sorrowe of harte for our sinnes which bee the only things that bee foule in Gods sight and displease him to confesse vvith mouth to satisfie vvith deede to applie all the members of our bodies and powers of our soules to entertaine him that so our soules and bodies may be an habition for Christ and tabernacle of the holie Ghost But O sweete Sauiour if my vessell were of the purest mettall farre more excellent then golde and precious sâ—ones it were too base for thy Maiestie whome those glorious Angelicall spirits or the heauens cannot comprehende and where is then thy habitation but onlie in pure mindes and soules Giue me then grace good Lorde to flie sinne to serue and loue thee so to dwell in thee that thou mâ—yst inhabite in mee For in thee I can doe all thinges but without thee nothing thou art the high Priest and true Sacrifice thou art the offerer and pure oblation it selfe CHRIST IESVS our Lorde and God the true MESSIAS and Sauiour of the vvorlde thou be blessed for euermore To bee briefe you see nowe by this little vvhich is saide the vvonderfull goodnesse of CHRIST in leauinge vs his blessed body and bloude in this holy Sacrament whereby vvee all haue life and grace and saluation in our soules for as our bodies cannot liue vvithout breade so our soules cannot liue vvithout this breade of life Christes body giuen vs herein as hee saide Vnlesse you Ioh. 6. 53. eate the flesh of the sonne of man and drinke his bloude you shall not haue life in you whereby you see howe these newe lying Masters heretikes bee worse then murderers that pine and murder mens soules in that they depriue and rob you of so vnspeakable a benefitte as Christs bodye and most blessed bloude giuen at Masse giuing you poyson in stead thereof a peece of poluted bakers bread wherein is no saluation but alas quite contrary as before I haue proued No other remedy then if you will saue your soules but flie their company and Communion and so by cleansing your selues from sinne by healthfull contrite Confession that you may bee iustified make your selues apte vessells to receaue grace that is become Catholickes reconcile your selues to God to the househould of faith to CHRISTS holy Catholicke Church wherein only and no where els assure your selues as before God the euerlasting truth you shall receaue the bread of life and saluation You haue heard here howe that vvhich CHRIST left vs at his last supper is a Sacrament and Sacrifice the very body and bloud of our Redeemer vnder the forme or likenesse of bread and wine beinge perfectly and wholy transubstantiated or conuerted into CHRISTS bodye and bloud and hovve vvith diuine honour we ought to adore and vvorship the same By the vvay also I haue touched a litle summe of the vvonderfull effects and fruites of the same that vvee daily receaue and what perill of soule you bee in for vvant of the same till you come to better estate Hasten then out of Babilon that is sinne and heresy that you may offer in Ierusalem Sacrifice vvhich only may please God vvhome only vvee ought to serue and that is in the vnity of his holy Catholicke Church The lawfull Minister of this Sacrament is a lawfull Preist wherefore nâ— Protestant Minister can consecrate because wanting lavvfull vocation and authority hee is no Preist The matter to consecrate vvith all is vnleauened bread and vvine of the grape whereunto is putt some water for a mistery whereunto when Gods sonne CHRISTS owne worde spoken by a lawfull Preist with intention to consecrate commeth of bread and wine is made the bodye and bloud of Christ whoe gaue that power to a Preist hee neuer did to Angells nor his Blessed mother that is to consecrate his bodye This Sacrament as I haue said ofte before is farre aboue reason but submitting our reason to true faith it greatly increaseth our merite For as saith Saint Gregory Gods worke is not merueilous if it bee comprehended in reason neither hath faith merite where mannes reason giueth experience The chiefe thing then of this blessed Sacrament is Christes bodye and bloud vvith the vvounderfull graces and gifts of God bestowed therein commonly called the effects and fruits thereof vvhich that wee may not vvith Iudas receaue to our damnation but vvith Saint Peter to our rising againe and endlesse Saluation I beseech our LORD that wee may bee armed vvith true and firme faith pure and innocent life feruent loue and charitye that as for our sinnes for wante of these vertues it now many yeares hath by Gods Iudgment and wrath beene taken from vs to our vnspeakeable losse and the continuall griefe of all good men So by renewing these vertues againe in vs and by amending our liues it once againe by Gods speciall grace may be restored to vs to the honour and glorie of his holy name to the confusion of the
Witches haue openly and secretly calling vpon the Diuell but by the worde of God and authority giuen him by the Church The fourth of the lesser orders is called an Acolite that may bring in cruets wine water to the altar to serue the Priest cloathes candels incense lights and other things necessary And these 4. orders be degrees toward the 3. higher orders of Priesthood which declare what a soueraigne thing it is and that no mā ought rashly or presumptuously to ascend to so high a dignity without due consideration preparation and by degrees For if in the olde lawe the Priests had their Leuits and other inferior ministers to serue them in their bloudy sacrifice how much more conuenient is it in this lawe of grace that Priestes which serue the liuing God with the pure vnbloudy sacrifice of Christ at the Altar haue due Ministers seruitors which none but they so authorized can properly exercise These inferiour orders in the Primitiue church it seemeth were better knowne practised with more solemnity then nowe they bee though in Cathedrall Churches to this day in Catholicke countries they be solemnly vsed neither without them can any take Priesthoode without sinne Chap. XXXII Of the higher orders and howe necessary by Gods ordinance one head is ouer the rest THree higher orders there bee that binde to chastity yea the lowest of them which when any taketh ipso facto he is bound to perpetuall chastity The first is called Subdeacōship which is a degree vnder a Deacon hath authority giuen him by the Bishop solemnly to read the Epistle as the Deacō hath authority likewise so emnly to read and sing the Gospell and so to prepare the Chalice with other thinges about the Priest at Masse Likewise the order of Deacōship was in the primitiue Church of great authority as appeareth by S. Stephen who was a Deacon and others The highest order is Priesthood which office and function is giuen by the Bishop when hee giueth the Pattyn and Chalice with bread wine vsing the wordes whereby hee giueth authoritye from Christ to consecrate the very body and bloud of Christ and to remitt sinnes when he said Receaue ye the holy Iohn 20. Math 18. ghost Whose sinnes you remit they be remitted and whose sinnes you retayne they be retayned This Sacrament of order is one of the three Sacraments whereof Baptime and Confirmation be the other two that imprinteth in mans soule a charecter that is a note or signe distinctiue for euer from all other persons 1. Tim. 4. 2. Tim. 1. that haue not receaued those sacramēts which three sacramēts cannot be itterated that is one person cannot take them twice For be a mā neuer so euil if he be baptised hee is euer a Christian though he forsake his faith and shal be so iudged of Christ at the last daye from others that are infidells and hee that is once a Priest become he neuer so euill let him take a strumpet and doe what he will yea though he were degraded yet hath he still that note in his soule of Priest-hood and if hee would attempt to consecrate in neuer so euill state of life he doth it as verily as anye good Priest though to his owne damnation For the dignity of the Sacrament dependeth not of the power of man but of God yet if we know the Priest to be a Schismaticke Hereticke or openly excommunicate wee ought then in no case to bee present at his Masse The Bishop hath jurisdiction ouer the Priest and the Archbishop ouer many Bishoppes and the Patriarche ouer manye prouinces and the Pope as much to say Father of fathers is the highe Priest of God Vicegerent here of Christ in earth Bishop of Bishops Head and chiefe ruler in spiritual matters ouer all Princes Priests Bishops and ouer the whole Church vnder Christ her head and who so gainesaith this obstinately is a proud rebellious heretike and traytor to Iesus our chiefe head Lord and King and the sweete spouse his Church and deserueth seuere punishment of bodye also as by such obstinacy as long as he continueth therein hee is already damned in soule yea in the olde lawe before Christ it was death to disobey the high Priest He that is proud saith holy Scripture Deut. ca. 17. and will not obey the commandement of the Preist let that man die the death that so mischiefe may bee taken out of the people of God For none bee so pernitious members to Christian religion as those that goe about to breake the peace of the Church and breake vnity and concorde which all those doe that barke against the Pope Godes Lieuetenant Christes Vicar here on earth yea and as the holy Fathers of olde doe record it hath euer beene the custome of heretikes to barke against the rock of S. Peter that Apostolike Sea the Pope because that against that rock heresie neuer hath nor can possibly preuaile but falling vpon it is burst asunder yea and sayeth S. Ierome Christ chose one Head amongst the rest that a head being made and so ordained ouer the rest all occasion of Schisme or diuision might be taken a way for we see yea in very policy that no kingdome no common weale or house with out one head can stand much lesse it is fit that Gods house so well ordered and sure that it may not bee moued should be without her head or steward But to bee head in spirituall matters belongeth neither to king nor temporall Prince to no temporall man much lesse to a woman to whome it is Mulieres in Ecclesia dei taceant 1. Cor. 14. 34. not lawfull to speake in the Church as by Gods word I could proue at large much lesseto gouerne in the Church This power was chiefly giuen to S. Peter and his successors and to the rest of the Apostles in their degrees whereunto other Bishops succeede Peter and his successors and as a secondary rocke chiefe piller head vnder Christ gouerne the whole Church and others his brethren and fellowe workemen be gouernours of particuler Churches as he is of the vniuersal Church chiefe Pastor Father hauing thereof the chiefest charge For vnto S. Peter after christ had asked him thrice whether he loued him he gaue charge to feed his vniuer sall flocke young olde seed my lambes Iohn 21. Math. 16. 18. saith he feede my sheepe Vpon S. Peter likewise as the rocke most sure vnder next vnto himselfe he laid the foundation of his Church promising his faith should neuer faile which neuer hath done to this day neither in S. Peter nor his successors or euer shall to the end of the worlde Let any heretike if he dare auouch this of any of their Patriarkes at Geneua or else where if any would be so impudent as in deed they be shameles all the world may know him for a liar as knowing their beginning euil proceding which will haue a worse ende But we dare
auouch can prooue because we are authorised by Christs holy word that in S. Peters chaire that is when any of S. Peters successors defineth a matter of faith intending to binde the vvhole Church though in priuate as a man he may erre otherwise yet therin he neuer hath nor can erre as being assisted by Gods holy Spirit For the benefit of the whole Church I haue prayed for thee Peter Luc. 22. 32. that thy saith may not faile said Christ in somuch that we reade of none that euer herein quailed that gods word may be true Nay in the olde Testament before Agg. 2. 12 Christ when there was doubt of any matter of religion they had recourse to the high Priest those of the stocke of the Leuites in whome God euer conserued true faith though in a number it quailed in Israell But the heretikes wheÌ„ they cannot answere by reason authority then they turne to scoffing rayling either commonly by lying or else like cursed Cham as he did at his fathers secrets scoffe in scoffing and deriding the same So doe they in discouering sinnes and defects of Popes Prelates of the Church deride their parents though in deede aboue thirty of the Popes next after S. Peter did all suffer martyrdome for Christ and many glorious Saints and Doctors were of them since that time Who more eloquent then S. Leo who more holy then S Grâ—gory which both were Popes with many moe But these heretiks maliciously conceale if there were any that as men had sins or defects those they publish to the world We graunt in deede that Popes as they be men may sinne but why for that O heretike dost thou slaunder the chaire of S. Peter wherein the Catholicke faith shall euer vndefiled continue Why dost thou not remember that God can shewe the truth by an euill man yea by a dumb beast what did not Caiphas though an euill man yet for that he was the Bishop and high Priest spake true prophecying of Christ that it was expedient that one Ioh. 11. 50 shoulde die for the people that the whole should not perish Nay did not Christ him selfe say Vpon the chaire of Moyses doe Math. 23 2. 3. sit the Scribes and Pharisees doe that they say but doe not as they doe for they say and doe not If therefore any Pastors of the Church lead euill liues they shall beare their owne burden neither ought wee to follow them therein but to doe as they bid vs that is to follow the truth touching matters of faith wherein the the chiefe Pastor cannot erre yet if we see defects in our spirituall Pastors it is not for vs as heretiks doe to slaunder them vncouer their defects and that which is worse to forsake the true faith for their sakes but rather with holy Sem and Iaphet to couer their nakednes or as that Christian Emperour Constantine did who said that if hee saw a Bishop doe a thing inconuenient he would rather couer it with his cloake then reueale it The reason is that Godâ— name the truth for mannes fault should not be blasphemed Yet God be blessed the Church of Christ hath euer in al Countries had some good Pastors wheras amongst heretikes can possibly be none good Chap. XXXIII Of Gods seuere punishment of diuers for arrogating to them selues Priestly office and howâ— wee are to obay our Pastors BVt admit that many were bad of life must therefore Gods ordenance bee altered and therefore any temporall King or Prince yea that which is more absurd tinckers and coblers take vpon them to be Pastors and rulers in spirituall causes O why doe they not remember and be afraide how Allmighty God of olde from time to time punished such Luciferian pride and intollerable presumption and arrogancy Chore Dathon and Abyron with Numeri cap. 16. a number more of their conspiracie who being not called or chosen of God to the high Priestly office and function and yet sacrilegiously would presume to to offer insence and doe Sacrifice did not fire from heauen consume them the earth swallowe them vp quick to hell to the terror of al generations That false King Ieroboam that vpon the Altar 3. Reg. 13. in Samaria offered sacrifice did not god strike him lame And in like sort did he not plague those perfidious treacherous kings of Israel with sundry plagues from time to time for their rebellion against that Catholicke Iâ—da that Preistly Princely tribe his holy Church Nay did not God strike Oza with sudden Oza 2. Reg. 6. death but for only touching with desire to vpholde the same the arke of God but a figure only of Christs very or misticall body the Church not to bee touched or gouerned by lay men but by Preists Bishops lawfully called by God as Aaron was For to them and to none other Christ gaue charge of his â—locke at his departure nay there was neither King nor mighty Prince of many yeares after Christs time that were Christians and yet the Church neuer waÌ„ted her head gouernours in spiritual matters those were the Apostles Bishops their lawful successors vnto whoÌ„e the holy Apostle exorteth vs to submitt our selues saying Obedite praepositis vestris Heb. 13. 17. subiacete eis obey your Prelats c. for they watch as to giue account for your soules such Priests as rule gouerne the Church wel the holy Apostle 1. Tim. 5. 17. accouÌ„teth worthy double honour those that labour in doctrine in preaching the truth For to them the holy Apostle gaue the charge Attend saith he Act. cap. 20. 28. to your selues and the whole flocke wherein the holy Ghost hath ordeyned you Bishoppes regere Ecclesiam Dei to rule or gouerne the Church of God By these and many like places of holy Scripture it appeareth that not temporall Kings Princes but lawfull Bishops be gouernours and haue supereminent power and authority in the Church This that noble Emperour Constantine that was the first Christian Emperour that most honoured enriched the Church sonne to S. Helene that noble Empresse that went pilgrime to Hierusalem and miraculously founde out the holy Crosse this I say he well considered that it was the office of a King to be head of temporal matters in the common weale only as to execute iustice to punnish the offenders to rule and commaund in taxes tribute and in martiall affaires but not to be ruler at the Altar not to be head in the Church not to giue first censure or iudgement in spiritual causes in so much that this noble Emperour being called to that first and most holy general Councel at Nice where in the Arrian heretickes 1300. yeares agoe were condemned vvoulde sitte at that Councell in no other place but in the lowest place of all acknowledging right worthely Priests and Bishops in spirituall causes his farre betters and superiours he well knew his duty and would
not exceed his limits or office knowing that it was the part of a King to rule in the pallace but the Priest in the Church so much did this mighty Emperour whome God so highly honored blessed with temporall power and spirituall graces honor Priestes but espeacially the high Priest of God the Pope that he gaue to him and his successors for euer the Citty of Rome and all the Territories thereunto belonging giuing place to the Vicar of Christ and remouing the Imperiall seate to Constantinople where Christian Emperours many yeares after raigned till that nowe for sinne and heresie it is fallen vnder the enemy of Christ that greate tyrant the Turkâ— with whome our Protestants in England o monstrous impiety shake hands as is said to trouble the whole state of Christendome that they themselues may liue in more quietnesse at home but no meruaile when they can haue no helpe of God who hateth the wicked and his iniquity they runne to the Diuell for like will to like in euery degree Theodosius the Emperour for a slaughter by him committed at Thessolonica being excoÌ„municated by S. Ambrose Bishop of Millaine and put backe by him from entring into the Church intreated the Bishop he might enter into the Church for that saith hee Dauid committed man slaughter yet after pleased god Yea saith S. Ambrose Dauid offended which many Kings doe but Dauid did penance which many Kings doe not let me first see fruit of your penaÌ„ce with Dauid and after we shal consider furder The Emperour fearing Christ in his Priest the Bishop returned with humility and teares and many daies in his Pallace did penance till at length hee was reconciled by S. Ambrose admitted into the Church O how far did this worthy godly Bishop differ from these false counterfeit Bishops of yours that like flattering Parasites to feede themselues children giue Princes superiority in the Church so far be they from gainsaying any vice raygning amongst theÌ„ which one day they will haue cause to curse as coÌ„trariwise Theodosius for his amendment had cause to blesse the true Bishop S. Ambrose that plainly told him of his fault vsing the rod and authority of the Church ouer him in somuch that therfore the good Emperour after more loued and commended him for it aboue all men esteeming Ambrose worthye in deede to bee Bishoppe These noble Emperours Constantine Theodosius and the like that so feared honoured and reuerenced Priestes which in England you see here tyrannicall heretickes so greatly dishonour and cruelly murther vvere of no lesse witte learning valour courage honour and power then hereticall Princes be now a daies nay they were not only of farre greater worthyer and of more excellency in all princely qualities then any such nowe liuing but withall they were of more profound humility had greater feare of God and reuerence of Priestes his messengers honoring Christ in them which vertues Princes alas deceaued with false heretickes now want They considered and feared right worthely these words of God Qui tangit vos tangit pupillam oculi mei he that toucheth you that is lawful Priests Gods annointed toucheth as it were the very aple of his eye remembring likewise what God said to Samuell of the Iewes They haue not despised 1. Reg. 8. thee but me that I raigne not ouer theÌ„ And our Sauiour saith Hee that despiseth Luc. 10. 16. Mat. 10. 40. Iohn 13. 20. Math. 10 15. you despiseth me he that hateth you hateth me hee that receaueth you receaueth me Againe he threatneth those that refuse his messengers comming in his name That at the last day it shal be more tollerable to Sodome and Ghomor Whereby it appearrth what greate reward good Catholicke christians at this day in England shall haue at Christes handes one day for receauing Priestes comming in his name and lawfullye sent by Christ yea though it be losse of goods landes and life to the receauers so much greater is their merite and what perill and danger not only those stand in that for dasterdly loue to them-selues and feare of the worlde refuse them but in what most damnable state those be that persecutâ— Priestes and their receauers with most vile deathes and so glory they neuer so much of Christ yet they in deede persecute Christ in his members and seruants vnto whome vvhat good or euill is done he accepteth as done vnto himselfe Chap. XXXIIII Of the goodly order of the Clergy and Monarchy of the Church and of the Anarchy and disorderly confusion of heretickes YOu may see by this litle which is said the reuerend order of Priesthood how much it hath euer beene honored by good men but euer impugned persecuted by enemies of the truth because the shepheard once taken away the flock is easily dispersed which maketh the heretikes so to rage and tirannize against Priests in England for the hatred in deed they haue against the whole flock of Christ to the end there should be left neuer a good christian or catholicke in England that in deede is their drift though to blind the simple they pretend all dye for treason not for religion and vnder the cloake of elemencye and mercy with a lingring persecution they vse one of the most subtill and greatest tiranny that euer vvas vsed since CHRISTS tyme For making some out-warde shewe of clemencye euer they haue and doe and will doe I feare me the worst they can deuise in their proceedings till it please GOD either to conuert their hartes vvhich I beseech hym of his mercy for their good and saluation hee vvoulde or else otherwise to chastise them as it may best please him to the terrour and example of all posâ—erity You see likewise how Priesthood most necessarily was ordained by Christ for conseruation of his Church and vvhat godly order is in the same and vvhat a valiant armye hereby the heauenly Monarchie the Church of God thus set in order is how bountifull and amyable to the good in their sight it is and how terrible to the wicked the Diuell all his power see I say in what decent noble aray this Monarchy of Christ standeth First the lay people as feete or inferior members though they rule not the head yet as necessary members be expedient for the body as other more noble meÌ„bers are next to the temporall lay people be those in lower orders or degrees toward Priesthood which as handes or armes in this christiaÌ„ Monarchy maintaine helpe the head as subdeacons deacons which in holy Order be eies as it were to the Priest and Bishop and so in order the Priest preacher is as it were mouth to the Bishoppe helping him to administer the Sacraments and preach Gods word and so Bishops with their vigilant care as it were with their head shoulders do support that most heauy burden Angelicis humeris tremendum and so vpholde altogether and maintein the head whither the head guideth and directeth all the inferiour
doe their office and sacrifice at certaine times in the yeare euery one in his course did then for that time and a litle before abstayne from their wiues yet notwithstanding their sacrifice was without comparison nothing so noble as ours the Priest then of the new Testament that offereth vp dailye sacrifice most excellent that pure and B. lambe of god how pure ought that hart to be how vndefiled those hands how chast that body that offereth vp so noble and so vnspeakable amistery which because he alwaies daily doth and when conueniently he may ought to doe therefore ought he alwaies to abstaine from wife Besides that the cares of house wife children must needs distract deuide and withdraw mans mind that he cannot so attentiuely attend to spirituall things not so carefully looke ouer his flock nor so liberally feed the poore Chap. XXXVII That vowes may be lawfully and meritoriously made and ought to be kept and that Matrimony is a bande inseparable during life and wherein it consisteth HEretickes deny it to be lawfull to make vowes especially of Chastity but wee proue the contrary by Gods worde who biddes Vowe and render Psal 75. 12. or pay your vowes though in deede no man ought rashly to make vowes but with good aduise and consideration but once made they ought to be kept those that bee lawfull and in keeping them is greater meritte but yet we doe not so extol Virginity that wee condemne Matrimony but in all wee say with the Apostle saue those that haue vowed chastity Matrimony is honourable Heb. 13. 4. so there be no impediment yet many sinnes may be committed both in manner of the contract and after which I cannot stand to recken I say first that it is not lawfull for a Catholicke to contract matrimony with an heretike or infidell till they become both perfect Catholickes otherwise it is sinne neither can any within the fourth degree without lawfull dispensation contract matrimony otherwise it is no matrimony Likewise the women of al vowed Priests be not their wiues though so tearmed but the worst harlots and sacrilegious strumpets that may be saue incestuous Nunnes Which positions I coulde proue by authority diuine and humane as I haue done others if the shortnes of the time studying for breuity woulde permit me Moreouer in lawfull matrimony may many sinnes be committed more fit to be taught in Confessiō to be auoyded then set downe in this place For as a man may kill himselfe with his owne sworde so he may kill his soule with his owne wife therefore the holy Sacramēt of Matrimony is to be vsed with great reuerence and in the feare of God and chiefly for the honest procreation of childrē remembring that God and his holy Angels looke vpon them not in passione desiderii in the passion of vnlawfull desire like to the horse mule Psal 31. 9. in whom there is no vnderstāding as those 7 vnchast husbands of Sara did cōming Tob. 6. 17. to her for desire of the flesh only and not loue of children nor in the feare of God and therefore the first night euer before they came togither they were destroyed of the Diuell till holy Toby came that armed himselfe with fasting watching and prayer desiring only a holy generation before all carnall pleasure and so chased the Diuel away This Sacrament of Matrimony is chiefly made by the consent of the parties by wordes or sufficient signes when there is betwixt them no impediment to the contrary though without the parishe Priest and lawfull witnesses where the holy Councell of Trent is receaued cōsent of the parties betweene themselues is no matrimony at all in this Country those priuy matrimonies and contracts be euer sinne He that solemnizeth the matrimony ought to be a lawfull Catholicke Priest with jurisdiction for before that solemnizatiō they ought not to lie togither and though for any notorious fault of either of the parties there should be separation of bed or a perpetuall diuorse yet such is the vertue of this Sacrament in this lawe of grace that this knot of matrimony I say is so sure that during the parties life neither can marry any other otherwise according to the Euangelicall and Apostolike doctrine adultery is committed Nam Mat. 19. 7 quod Deus coniunxit homo non separet Many other things were to be said touching this Sacrament but I hasten to an ende Chap. XXXVII Of extreame Vnction that it is a Sacrament and ordeyned by Christ taught by S. Iames and practised by the Apostles and Apostolike men THe last Sacrament is extreame Vnction which was instituted by our Sauiour CHRIST as wee be taught by the tradition of the holy Church This to be a Sacrament the heretickes denie but vvee proue it by Gods worde and doctrine of the holy Apostle S. Iames. First this Sacrament beeing a sacred signe instituted in holy Oyle inwardlie conferring or giuing the vnction and grace of the holy Ghost as it was vndoubtedly ordeyned by Christ so was it by him our Sauiour insinuated or fortolde when he sent his Apostles and disciples to heale the diseased and annoynt them with Oyle Secondly it was practised as a Sacrament by the Apostles Mare 6. 13. as S. Iames teacheth exhorting it to be giuen to the sick If any saith hee amongst you be sicke let him bring in the Iacob 5. 14. Preists of the Church and let them pray ouer him annoynting him with oyle in the name of our Lorde and the prayer of faith shall saue the sicke and our Lorde shall raise or lift him vp agame and if hee be in sinnes they shall be forgiuen him Lo you see here by the Apostles doctrine in this holy Oyle which wee call extreame Vnction or the last anoynting is the grace of God giuen Wherefore we are to beleue the holy Church founded in Christ and in the Apostolike doctrine teaching vs that it is a holy Sacrament and most expedient in sicknesse to bee vsed scoffe the heretickes neuer so much whose manner is when they want matter reason and authority to make supply by scoffes vvhome the holy Scripture calleth in deceptione illusores deceiptfull taunting 2. Pet. 3. 3. Masters Filium Dei ostentui habentes mocking the sonne of God treading vnder their feete his most precious and sacred bloud but wee may not forsake Gods truth for their scoffes The matter of this holy Sacrament is holy oyle consecrated by the Bishoppe the lawfull Minister hereof is a Priest and it is to be giuen to none but to those that bee sicke and likely of that sicknesse to die The two chiefe effects of this Sacrament be as apeareth by the words of S. Iames aboue said that a man if God thinke it expedient and most to his honour is restored to his former health and hath the greater merite and saluation wherby it appeareth that it ought not to be giuen to those that go to warre the Sea or
it but that it condemneth flatly their damned heresies theÌ„ they put out of Gods word holy Scripture whole bookes as namely this booke of the Machabees whereout I tooke the latter authority which booke as certainly is Gods word as S. Iohns gospell For who kept for me vndefiled from others writings S. Iohns gospell or how do I know it to be the worde of God but that our holy mother the catholike Church hath kept it for me and teacheth me that it is Gods word which church telleth me as certainly that these books of Scripture that so plainly make for prayer for the dead be also the word of God If therefore I beleeue the holy Church in one why should I not aswell beleeue her in the other as therfore I am certain by no other meanes but by the Churches authority that S. Iohns Gospell is true and Gods worde so by the same meanes I knowe most certainly euery Christian is bound to beleeue this book of the Machabees other the like that heretiks dâ—ny to be the word of God Thus you see then we haue the plaine worde of God that it is a good and healthfull thought to pray for the dead yea our Sauiour himself teacheth there is a place a man shall not come out of it till hee haue paid the last Math. 5. 27. 12. 32. farthing after which once paid a man may come out but in hell a man shall neuer haue release wherefore our Sauiour speaketh this of Purgatory The same is taughâ— by S. Pauls doctrine also where 1. Cor. 3. 13. he compareth pure works vnperfect works the one to golde and siluer the other to wood haye stuble and sayeth that the fire shall trye of what qualitye euerye mannes worke is The like I could proue by the same Apostle and others the Apostles in other their writinges in holye Scripture but I make hast neither can I stand to alleadge authorities of holy Doctors for this mater it is needlesse their works be full S. Augustine as it is most plaine in his books of Confessions prayed and desired others to pray for Monica his mother departed yea he wrote a whole booke of prayer and care to be had for the dead if we consider what holy men did of olde to avoide this cleansing fire of Purgatory in the next life it is strange Historia AngloruÌ„ and almost incredible Saint Bede maketh mention of one that beeing in a traunce or extasie paste this life sawe some glimce of the ioyes of the blessed and of the paines of those in Purgatory by Gods sufferance returning backe to his body he euer after tooke such penance that it seemeth intollerable somtime standing in colde nights in freesing water euen to the chin his friends would aske him why hee so greatly punished himself he would answere no otherwise but meekely say I haue seene or felte more paynes or colde and suffered harder thinges meaning no doubt of the paines in Purgatory in the next life This same holye Doctor maketh mention likewise of a Religious Priest saying daily Masse for his brother that he thought dead but in deed bound prisoner being taken in warres howe euery day at the holy oblation at Masse his brothers chains burst asoÌ„der Many such strange miraculous visions reuelations it pleased God to shew of olde and later time also manifestly declaring Purgatory That which helpeth them there is chiefly the holy sacrifice of the Masse because that B. Sacrifice is of most vertue most holy and of it selfe pleaseth God also fasting praier almesdeedes pilgrimage and the like godly workes deuoutly performed be healthful for the faithful departed so likwise be pardons of Pope Bishops rightly applied auailable for the same which pardons that we may auoide those paines in the next life it is very good meete and expedient we seeke for in this life not so to get pardons that we should be loyterers our selues do nothing for so pardons little auaile For they profitte not but to those that be in state of grace and well disposed to receaue them Chap. XLV Of Pardons and what they are whereof they come in what sort they be auaileable both for the liuing the dead NOwe what these Pardons bee that heretickes so slaunder you shall better vnderstand First our sinne after that by the Sacrament of Penance as I haue said before it bee forgiuen yet some satisfaction and penance remayneth therefore which if it bee not done in this life it must be done in the next because God as he is mercifull so is he just and will haue vs do something of our selues insomuch that for some one deadly sinne of auncient time nere vnto the Apostles time were 7. yeares of penance enjoyned which if a man in this time should doe for euery deadlie sinne his life would not endure a fewe persons excepted whome God preserueth from those greater sinnes verie rare to bee founde vpon earth These Pardon 's then of the Pope bee not properly forgiuenesse of sinnes but of the paine due vnto sinnes The reason is because the Church that hath authority from God justly to inflict satisfaction penance for sinne the same Church likewise hath power giuen her to release such paines and satisfaction that bee of Gods iustice laide on vs for sinnes and the Church that in the Sacrament of Penance by her Priests hath the authority from Christ to forgiue sinnes the same Church likewise by God hath authority giuen her by meanes of Pardons and fuffrage to release the paine due vnto sinne Now the Pope being head of the Church is chiefe dispensator and steward of these PardoÌ„s they be properly called the treasure of the Church that is specially graunted out of the merits of Christs PassioÌ„ his holy Saints For this is to bee vnderstoode in euery good worke that there be 2 thinges the one is merit and rewarde that properly appertaineth to the doer procuring him greater glory another thing in this worke is satisfactory penance or paine due vnto sinne which sinne first our Sauiour Christ was voide of without all sinne of his owne vertue and so was his B. Mother by his special grace euer preserued from all sinne and many of the Virgins Martyrs and great friends of God did more penâ—nce a great deale then euer their sinnes deserued herevpon the holy Apostle saide Adimpleâ— ea quae desunt passiâ—num Christi I fulfill Col. 1 24. saith he those thinges which be wanting of the passions of CHRIST for his body which is the Church Lo S. Paul did fulfill or satisfie those thinges that were wanting of the passions of Christ not for the redemption of the worlde for Christ therein needed no helpe-fellowes for his Passion had bene enough for many worldes but that which hee fulfilled of the passions of Christ were satisfactions paines or penance which euery one for himselfe that he may suffer with Christ and so bee pertakers of the
fruit of Christs Passion of such infinite value is bounde to doe This satisfaction and paines I say Saint Paul did not only for himselfe but for all the faithfull people the misticall boof Christs Church that so they mightfully be pertakers of Christs merits and passions of such infinite value and so be released quite from sinne and payne due thereunto These satisfactory paines of S. Paul and other holy Saints who satisfied and did more penance for sinne then euer they deserued as I saide before be properly called the treasure of the Church in which Church because we be members all of one body that is as we beleeue there is a communion of Saints so therefore we by Gods grace be pertakers of the merits and prayers of I meane this participation taketh effect in such as be in state of grace For according to our due dispositiō euery one is pertaker of anothers good actions merits prayers the Saints in heauen as we in earth be pertakers of an others good actions and prayers and they in Purgatory of our merits and of the merits and prayers of Saints in heauen because there is a communion of Saints in Gods Church and being all members of one body vnder Christ our head we thus mutually helpe one another wherevpon it is I say that these satisfactory paines putte into the treasure of Gods Church not only help vs to release vs and satisfie our paines due vnto sinne which perhaps we are not able of our selues in this life to satisfie but also bee a release by meanes of suffrage for those in Purgatory Chap. XLVI By what meanes Pardons may be applyed to our soules and that we must iustly doe that which is appointed vs to be pertakers of the same NOw the Pope as hauing the keyes of this spiritual treasure giueth out thereof to all faithfull people so they apply it to themselues or the departed by such ordinary meanes as by him is ordained as by fasting prayer almesdeedes pilgrimage or the like as for example to those that be contrite confessing and receauing and saying but only our Ladies Psalter or the Beades once ouer or the 7. Psalmes or Letanies hauing but only a token on them as it were from the Pope that is a Crosse holy graine a bead sanctified or blessed or the like that bead o◠Crosse is a signe and certaine token to the party so disposed and doing that the Pope graunteth he hath so many daies or yeares of Pardon yea perhappes a full Pardon for all his sinnes past that is the paine due vnto sinne for as I said the eternall trespasse of sinne is forgiuen before in Confession which debt or paine is to be paied either in this life or in Purgatory The heretikes slaunder the Pope and the Church and say he graunteth Pardon to such for mony but they bely him for most commonly Pardons be graunted to such as deuoutly confesse receaue and say certaine godly prayers for the Popes intent and benefit of the whole church If any almesdeed be at any time required it is not for the Popes coffers as being God be blessed that so exalteth his Church spite of all infidels heretikes an absolute Prince of himselfe needing no such matter but rather maintayning as a generall father poore people children of the Church of al nations in the world but if any almes be giuen as very seldome is when pardons be graunted the Pope assigneth the parties to giue it with their owne handes to their poore neighbours or to the building of some notable ornament to all Christendome as to S. Peters Church or for the defence of Christendome against our great enemy the Turk and the like These Pardons Stations and the like how frequent or much vsed they were in S Gregories time a thousand yeares agoe it appeareth to those that be conuersant in his workes and other mens holy writings of olde and though in the primatiue Church they were not so needfull then when men were more charitable and feruent in Gods loue the bloud of Christ being yet warme in their harts and because when any offended they of themselues did such penance as might suffice yet in the very Apostles time these Pardons were giuen For S. Paul after excommunication of the incestuous Corinthian whome he gaue to Satan in body 1 Cor. 5 5 to be punnished that his soule might be saued after a time when he sawe his sorrowe and amendment least the enemy might haue too much power ouer him and least with sadnesse hee might be ouerwhelmed gaue him pardon remitting his paine for the rest of his penance due saying To whome you pardon 2. Cor. 2. 20. or forgiue any thing I likewise did the same who if I pardoned any thing I did it in the person of Christ What other thing was this then giuing of pardon Chap. XLVII Of Excommunication and how dreadfull a thing it is how heretikes being excommunicated in the highest degree their excommunication of others is ridiculous contemptible BY which words not only appeareth the value and practize of Pardons euen in the Apostles time but the heauy rod of Excommunication the heretikes so little feare by which excommunication the Diuell had power ouer the Corinthians body to torment it as he hath ouer the heretikes soules that despise it who though they feele not the smart in this life and by miracle to the terror of others as they did in the primatiue Church yet doubtlesse it is a leprosie which will sticke to their soules in the next life farre more fearefull then any torment can be here to the body For all Heretickes and Schismatickes be excōmunicate that is cut off from all grace of God the Sacraments good deedes and prayers of the Church and bee in the handes of Satan Heretickes that woulde doe like Catholickes as Apes would be like men they forsooth being excommunicate themselues would excommunicate others but they haue no authority their excommunication is nothing feare it not a straw a happie thing it is to be excluded out of their Sinagogue to be out of their company with whome in prayers diuine seruice none ought to conuerse seare excommunication of the Church in deede obey her truly and care not for any censure of the wicked Church of Satan Chap. XLVIII Of some abuses about Pardons and of the late reformation of the same and of the couetous humors of English Ministers BVt for these Pardons I spake of before I deny not but some abuses might be in those that carried them vp and downe called Pardoners some of them seeking their owne gaine but the Pope or Pardones ought not to be blamed for that but the abuses and faults taken away the good vses ought to be left still for nothing is so good but it may be abused yea the very Sunne in the firmament by light whereof as good men vse to worke good works and their Saluation so euill men a buse it to the workes of darkenesse
affirmeth that all things our Sauiour did be not written insomuch that if they were he supposeth the world would not be able to containe the bookes but what if we had neuer had Scripture left vs should we not haue beleeued the mouth tradition of the Church who was beleeued and taught her children to beleeue and followe her before any Scriptures were written whereof wee want as appeareth some part of that which the Prophets and Apostles writ and left vs and those parts we haue as they be most speciall rules testimonies directions stayes for the Church so we beleeue keepe them with all reuerence as deliuered vs by the Church For infallible truth whose authority chiefly moueth vs so to do Now these traditions are nothing but godly precepts orders vses rites ceremonies and infallible truthes of Christ God his Saints and Sacraments due administratioÌ„ of the same which we receaue by word of mouth without writing of our forefathers as they did of theirs froÌ„ one generation to another from Christ his Apostles time HereupoÌ„ S. Austen giueth this notable rule that when any thing is generally receiued of the whole Church the first beginner or author whereof caÌ„not be found out or is vnknowne acknowledge that for certaine for an apostolike tradition we are to beleeue it as certainly to be true as though it were written in the Scripture For the church was and traditions were as I said before the Scriptures was Nay saith an holy Doctor and blessed Saint what if the Scripture had neuer beene should we therfore not haue beleeued the Churches traditions Nay saith S. Augustine I woulde not beleeue the Canonical Scripture or gospell but that the Churches authority mooueth mee thereunto Se here of what authority the Church is vnto whome the word written is but a rule and stay as it were When S. Paul had taught the Corynthians 1. Cor. 11. â—4 the truth of the blessed Sacrament of the Altar forewarned them of some abuses amongst them about the same he tolde them that at his comming hee woulde dispose and set in order other things about administration of the same which what he did therein it is not written yet wee are to thinke hee vvas as good as his promise And therefore many things vsed at Masse this day as the holy canon and other ceremonies we no doubt haue theÌ„ by the institution of Christ and Apostolical traditioÌ„ For though the Church according to diuersity of times what she thinketh most fit to edefie the people may alter especially some externall rites and ceremonies or put to as she thinketh best yet there be certaine thinges she neuer doth nor will alter as Christs wordes therein and the traditions of the Apostles wherefore I am bound to beleeue the Church as vvell when shee saieth of tradition this is the worde or deede of Christ or the Apostles as when shee telleth me of the Scripture this is GODS word which Scripture we reuereÌ„ce more then any people in the world as I declared before but not the Scripture but the false vnderstanding is to be blamed againe though the Scripture be profitable to instruct teach and the like yet many other thinges that be not written be expedient necessary to be knowne as the word Trinity is not written in Scripture yet necessary to be knowne and beleeued where S. Iohn saieth in the Apocalips that no man shall adde or put to that booke or draw from it he meaneth that no man ought to corrupt his writing in that booke or anye other bookes of the Scriptures nor pull out any bookes but Heretickes as ProtestaÌ„ts and the like not only corrupt the text of Scripture both by false translation and false vnderstaÌ„ding them as of late hath bene proued to their shame if they had any but also mangle pull out a number of bookes of Holy Scripture that make against them as I declared before wherefore vppon them and such as they be that so adde and pull out of holy Scripture must needes lye that heauy curse God by S. Iohn threatneth against such euill men deprauers sacriligeous robbers and defacers of the Scriptures and GODS word Chap. LXVII Of God that he is one in substance and three in persons and of the horrible blasphemy of heretickes Athistes against his diuine Maiestie BVt some other hereticks of this time haue neither lest Christ nor God the blessed Trinity vntouched One heretick blasphemeth and compareth the blessed Trinity our most mighty and mercifull Lord God one in nature and substance but three in persons which S. Iohn calleth the father the word the Pater ver bum Spiritus Sanctus holy Ghost These three saieth he be one that is as I saied three persons and one God of one substance power and eternity these diuine persons I say that horrible and most monstrous heretick compareth to Cerberus the dogge of hell with three heads oh blasphemy whie doth not the earth open Oh mercifull Lord God long patient Other like men there be that worse then beasts desier to dispute whether there be a God or no a thing that very heathen men hauing vse of reason neuer scarsely doubted of For I neuer read or heard of any nation for the most part so barbarous but it either worshipped a true God or a false God but see how sinne heresie hath blinded mens harts O if Atheists would but lift vp their eyes to heauen and behold the heauens that all Philosophers and Astronimers know by reason neuer cease mouing and how one plannett or orbe hath superiority or domination ouer another and how the lowest and al the rest be in continuall circuite moued by force and vertue of the highest that primum mobile if senseles men I say would but only consider this common plaine knowne naturall reason they in the end might finde some first chiefe mouer aboue the rest so when mans minde is so high it can attaine or reach no further that incomprehensible thing so farre aboue the reach of mans reason is God summum perenne bonum that most high chiefe essentiall and endles goodnes the beginning of all thinges yet of himself without beginning orend that containeth all thinges and whome nothing not heauen and earth can containe or holde and yet whole and perfect God in all and euery part of heauen and earth whose mighty power reacheth to the vttermost coastes of that bottomles lake but alas what neede I say this to Christians and yet there be that goe vnder that name in our country too that call these matters in question with no lesse vanity and leuity would GOD with no more blasphemy then to talke of Robin Hood these be such whereof the Prophet speaketh dixit insipiens in corde suo c. the foolish man said in his hart there is no God Chap. LXVIII Of hell and of the iust punishments therein for sinne without release for euermore AND truly a number of
afflicted flock the Church which he shall neuer forsake Chap. LXXVI How the Diuell and Antechrist be compared to that monstrous serpentine tayled Dragon drawing numbers with them into euerlasting perdition and that one certaine man Antechrist is yet to come though hee hath many fore-runners LET any man of learning reade but only S. Gregory vpon Iob and he shall finde all this and much more then I can say vpon Antechrist comparing that great monstious serpent and dragon Behemoth which streatcheth out his tayle as the Cedar tree vnto the Diuell and Antechrist his vessell that as saith S. Iohn with his taile draweth Apoc. 12. the third part of the starres of heauen that is men in great account and authority in the sight of the world for learning and other qualities he by promises gifts and threatnings shall drawe downe with him out of Gods Church to destruction and damnation as his forerunners heretikes and Infidels doe you see a number that for feare of losse of life gaine pleasures and commodities forsake Christ the truth and their saluation so that many Antechrists no doubt as Ioh. 1. 4. saith S. Iohn be now in the world denyers of truth aduersaries of the same but yet one man of perdition properly called Antechrist is yet to come as wee by Scriptures and authorities of holy Fathers and Doctors be taught of which wicked man heretickes of these times as I haue oft said be no doubt Prophets fore-runners affirming that darknes is light and light darknes that is that the Pope which as by sufficient authority I haue already proued is the chiefe seruant and member of Christ is Antechrist so that when hee commeth faith being decayed Antechrist indeede may rule and take place without controlement or gainesaying but yet Christ will haue his Church and faithfull Apoc. 11. flocke euen in the heat of Antechrists time that shall boldly gainesay him and with their bloude testefie the trueth which shal neuer decay From which perilous times which seme now to approach our Lord deliuer vs For truly of all heretikes that euer were since Christ these heretiks aproach the nerest to Antechrist and seeme to be his very forerunners For Antichrist at his coming shall deny Christ God and all as heretiks haue by tymes since Christ denied some lesse articles of the Christian faith some more for of some heretiks we read of old that denied the coÌ„substantiality of the sonne of God with his father as the Arrians some the grace of God other free wil as in Saint Augustine time Some denyed Pelagius Iouin an vigilaÌ„tius Euâ—ches inuocation of Saints derided their sacred reliques and scoffed at pilgrimage gate or deuout visitation of their holy Sepulchers as in Saint Ieromes tyme one denyed the resurrection of the body in Saint Gregories time Others beganne to bark against the blessed Sacrament before and in Saint Bernards time and so from time false heresies haue start vp against the Church of God for her better triall and exercise of wisedome of minde as by bloody persecutions of pagans and infidelles shee before was exercised in body But these protestants with their fellow puritans and other of their brethereÌ„ heretiks of this time deny almost or corrupt all articles of our faith and religion their faith standeth all of negatiues and therefore like and most like Antichrist which shall deny all goodnes God and all As for example the heretiks of our tyme deny the true Church deny free will deny all the Sacraments saue Baptisme and that I told you how they abuse also they deny purgatory prayer to the Saints of GOD deny pardon Pope pilgrimage fasting prayer yea haue some most erronious and badde conceipts of Hell Heauen Christ God and all be not these Appollionists Apoc. cap. 9. Abbadonists those destoryers whereof Saint Iohn speaketh the very messengers of the denill and forerunners of Antichrist that thus raise vp all old heresies from hell thus by heaping a fardell of them al sinne mischief to geather make an open gappe to an vniuersall defectioÌ„ general Apostacy the very high way to erect an ydol to adore Antichrist insteed of Christ our only Sauiour true God wherfore hold them for certaine to be very forerunners percursors members of Antichrist which we iustly feare will shortly follow Chap. LXXVII In a sewe words touching the chiefe matters that haue bene spoken in this treatise and how the vnlearned especially in matters of religion ought to leaue disputes and simply to beleeue the truth founding themselues in Christ and in the Catholike Church THus good Sir according to your desire I haue declared vnto you the truth of those matters you desire to bee enformed of I haue set you downe by what certaine markes and notes you may know the true Church from the false Synagogue of Satan I haue likewise more in particular briefly declared vnto you the truth of the seauen Sacramentes how they bee grounded of Christs holy word instituted by him by the Scriptures haue discouered to you the falsehood of our aduersaries the hereticks I haue also briefly touched almost euery thing at this day in controuersy as iustification freewill prayer for the dead prayers to Saints pardons Pope fasting prayer pilgrimage with other like These points articles that euery Catholik is bound vnder paine of damnation to beleeue I haue not only proued vnto you by the Scriptures but also by the churches authority that euery Christian is bouÌ„d to beleeue for wheÌ„ you haue once fouÌ„d out the true church which by those notes I set downe you may easely do though wee haue authority sufficient for euery thing the holy Catholike Church vseth and teacheth yet it is not meete especially for vnlearned folkes to stand to reason or dispute with whies and howe 's but to stay them on that sure rock foundation and piller of truth the holy Catholik Church that so they may not bee wauering as the reede nor borne away with euery blast of new doctrine as circumuented with error and blindnes in the craftines and subtility of men alwaies learning and neuer comming to the perfection of true knowledge which indeede can neuer be had but in captiuating the vnderstanding in obsequium fidei into the obedience of the true Christian Catholick faith working by charity for wee see by too lamentable experence how vnfitte it is for the common people deceauing themselues that know not neither what they speak nor whereof they affirme to iangle and dispute of Scripture matters which as saith Saint Peter the vnlearned and vnstable do depraue to 2. Pet. â— cap. vltâ— their owne destruction wherfore it behooueth the simple people especially that being thus forewarned by the chiefe Pastor of their soules vnder Christ Saint Peter they be carefull neuer to fall or decline from their proper sure stability in Christ his deare spouse the holy Cathoâ—icke Church but say in al doubts when the hereticks
yea Mahomet and Sergius with all old Heretiks may as well alledge as Luther Caluyn Beza which that learned assembly seeing might well be ready with handes feete out of their company to explode yet Beza so vnable to defend his Maisters or his owne calling and yet so frontlesly still auouching the same to be by election of his people A learned diuine of Paris then vrged him to giue but one instance from the Apostles time of such an election or vocation which Beza plainlie confessing though such an example indeede could not be giuen yet still he shamelesly affirmed that his doctrine by the number of those he conuerted were sufficient to declare his lawfull calling yea miraculous as great a miracle as said Sir Thomas Moore as to see a stonefall downeward as though people of all nations be not euer most prone to imbrace licentious liberty especially vnder the pretence of vertue and authority as appeered in Mahomet and others who haue had greater flocks following them then yet Luther Caluin and Beza haue But the truth is as it most euidently appeereth by the Scriptures the tradition of the Church vniuersall and all true Ecclesiastical writers none euer from the Apostles time to this day haue or can be as true Pastors lawfully called sent and ordained but such only as can shew their vocation and lawfull succession from and of the Apostles or Apostolik men As S. Paul for example made Timothy Bishoppe and Timothy others so such Bishoppes as can lawfully shew their succession from the Apostles may by the approbation of CHRIST his Vicar especially make other Pastors and Bishoppes to teach feede and gouerne the Church of GOD as sonnes lawfull heires and successors to the Apostles And so bicause the heretiks haue neither miracles lawfull succession nor ordinarie vocation seeing withall how the claime of the consent and election of the people for their vocation and mission is so friuolous and vaine yea most shamefull as against all authority of the Scripture and practise of the whole Church whose name is yet of such authority that they dare not auouch that any can be saued without it See now another shift as it were the last refuge deuised though by some forraigne heretikes yet now chiefly of late by one Buny and many of such ministerly companions which is this forsooth that Lutherans Caluinists Papists Protestants and all be but one Church and why But bicause say they we differ but in some small points but in the chiefe articles and â—nbstance of our religion do agree well I will omit heere to set downe how well the Lutherans and Calâ—inists agree when as Luther to his dying day as appeareth by his vvritinges yet condemned Zwinglius to the pitte of hell and all his followers and so in like manner the Caluinistes the Lutherans to let these men and infinite moe Heretickes of this time agree amongst themselues who al make one Church indeede but the Church of the malignant only that is the Synagogue of Sathan and to lett heere passe also schismatiks who though they agree with the Church of GOD in true faith yet most miserable meÌ„ they cut themselues off from the same church in doing contrary to her lawes and precepts and so by their owne iudgement alas condemne themselues in that they best alowe This only I say against the Lutherans Protestants and all Heretikes in the world you vncircumcised Philistians what haue you to do with the host of the liuinge GOD the Catholicke Church which you blaspheame contemne and by all meanes possible goe about to depresse rent and teare a sunder can any be trulie accounted a lawfull subiect and due member of that common weale the soueraigne Prince whereof he betrayeth defieth and with all hostility impugneth can any be called a naturall and dutifull child to his mother that with Nero goeth about to exenterate rent or teare her bowells asunder or shal he be heire in his fathers house that weary of his fathers good ordinances life and discipline becommeth a paracide shall that Shepheard haue his hyre at the yeares end that stealeth and deuoureth his Masters sheepe or shal that member be left in the body that being become pestilent and contagious would corrupt spoyle and destroy the rest Or to be briefe can any ingenuous or generose honest wel minded Husband accept those children preferring them to as good portions as his owne which his wife confesseth to be conceiued in adultery Then surely will Christ accept protestantes for children of his Church which she his deere and most faithfull spouse so iustly execrateth and abhorreth as bastard slaues for corrupting his word with adulterous doctrine for abolishing his Sacraments persecuting his seruants prophaning his holines and extreame horrible blaspheamy of his holy name what I say shall ProtestaÌ„ts be with vs meÌ„bers of the Catholike Romane Church whom they so blaspheamously terme the whore of Babilon whose head Christs Vicar they call Antechrist scoffing at him in their rimes and jests deriding him vpon stages rayling on him in their pulpits yea joyning him with the Turke in their new made Psalmes saying from Turke and Pope defend vs Lord teaching â—o their children from their cradels to sing and pray against the Vicar and substitute of Christ in their new congregations as the olde cankred Iewes teach their young bâ—oode to pray and blaspheame Christ in their rotten outworne Synagogues nay the Lutherans in the beginning much more now their followers being come to the perfection of the fift Gospell preferred the Turke before the Pope wishing rather to liue vnder him then vnder the Popedome nay haue not Protestants of late shaken hands with the Turke wishing him all good successe in his affaires yea some of the chiefe Princes amongst Protestants as appeareth in their letters making him an open gappe to their powers to inuade all Christendome vvil these be accounted children of the Catholike Church that thus goe about might maine to ruinate her whole corpes by worde and sworde nowe at length as their first father Luther at first dash went about to cutte off the Popes head when the Lutherans draue For that army coÌ„sisted most of Lutheran hired Souldiers out of Ger many for whose out rage against Rome Ca rolus 5. was not to bee blamed they making spoyle of that holy Cittie against his will him into the Castle of S. Angele sacked Rome robbed the Churches and made themselues Cardinalles of derision in the Popes Pallace yea made hauock of all vvhich yet by GODS just judgment they long enjoyed not For as their chiefe Captaine ascending the wall died a sudden death so the rest of that sacriledgious army within a few moneths after lost all yea the most of them dyed miserably O impudencie be these children of that Catholike Church with vs that thus like vipers indeuour to burst her bowelles asunder yea most tyrannically cut out of her very breasts whereof notwithstanding her holy and sweete spouse Iesus her
not author Dissentionis fed pacis they would agree togither and with their first masters especially who many of them in the beginning since quite disclaime from our Church as quite decaied and come they now to vs with their foule feete when many of their fautors and all wise and honest men are weary of them Seauenthly such heretiks as can 7. admit any sect in their Church shew themselues to be of no conscience no feruour no faith no religion and beÌ„ the most daungerous persons in the world commonly the worst hardest to be reclaimed to good These be the persons God most abhorreth wishing they were either hot or cold Sed quaniam taepidus es because thou art luke warme saith he I wil euen spue thee out of my mouth signifying GOD can digest no such Neuter Nullifrdian sots in figure whereof it was forbidden in the law to haue a garment wouen of linneÌ„ wollen signifying that the mixture of contrary sects Christ cannot admit in his garment his spouse the Church which though it was well imbrodered whollie ouer declaring how his Church should be adorned glister with variety of all noble goldeÌ„ vertues in euery state degree yet should they all tend to charity end in one signified by the same garment whole with out seame which the cruell souldiers yet deuided not then which heretiks be worse that rent teare with barbarous cruelty sundry heresyes asunder the misticall body and garment of Christ his Church and this to doe the better nowe in the latter end of the world and most dangerous dayes by subtilly creeping into her they vvoulde make of her as it vvere a linsey vvolsey medley garment for themselues a while to maske in till they might if it were posible rob spoyle her of al vertues and heauenly treasures of scriptures Saints sacrameÌ„ts God all such drone bees that seek to their owne ruyne and of others to suck the sweete of other mens labours CHRIST IESVS will euer haue his watchmen to dryue back from his sacred inclosed garden whereinto none shall truly enter but the right in faith nor any enioy the fruits thereof euerlastingly but the righteous in hart for if the Church as I said hath iustly shurt out at all tymes before and since Christs tyme heretiks for lesse heresies then these of our dayes be by many degrees yea if God himself hath not spared iust reueÌ„ge of many of them in this life yea sometymes to the terror of others hath inflicted terrible sudden death for lesse sinnes then heresie yea spared not Angells in heauen for that vice proper to all hereticks which is pride then though he be long patient lett no heretik think he shall in the ende scape the heauy hand of God in token of whose heauy wrath and iust indignation for this sinne of heresie all good Christian Emperours Kinges Magistrates haue most seuerely punished it with fire to the terror of the wicked and preseruation of the good Lastly heretiks 8. Heretikes be most fit to bee linked in one Church with the Turk who haue pulled downe that most noble religious order of the Knights of the Rhodes ordayned to defend Christendome against the Turke to whom Protestantes now shewe al homage in most humble letters gift and other tokens of beneuolence yea coÌ„plotting with him to the ruin of Catholick states princes as both by their letters intercepted euident actions apâ—eereth that would be of one Church with Catholiks by what ioyntes sinnewes would they be knit to and with them surely they haue lest none for if they run as many of them haue done to the primitiue Church and the Apostles tyme they may indeede falsely and foolishly bragge of the head but then they must absurdly without body and other members ioyne their soule feete to their monstrous Chymerical head of that old dragon but not of Christ whose Church hath euer visibly continued shall do to the end of the world but if they will ioyne themselues with vs now that by Gods grace be Catholiks I see not one bond of faith Hope nor Charity left in them to make this coÌ„nextion betweene vs they that haue rased out or defaced the whole Scriptures which by Gods grace we keepe to our defence they that coÌ„temne whole general councels where on we stand firmely they that nothing regard all holy Fathers which as watchmen in GODS house teach vs how to gouerne our selues they that take away Sacraments that â—oster and feede vs to life euerlasting they that abolish sacrifice whereby we are to worshippe God only they that blaspheame God the blessed Tâ—inity on whome we are to beleeue they that take away Saints in heauen from praying for vs and the Church of GOD heeâ—e from all authority to guide and gouerne vs all which articles and diuerse others which they deny we stedfastly beleeue heere is no way left you see to conioyne vs in faith As for hope with vs in GOD they haue none left neither but in themselues only who they make iudges ouer themselues of their owne fancies Knowing without all doubt as they say they shall be saued before CHRIST come to iugement and so they be past hope As for Charity how can they agree with vs so quite contrary to them that can agree in no one point amongst themselues sauing that they in one point coÌ„spire together yea all heretiks in the world that is to raile against and impugne the Pope our chiefe pastor vnder Christ the Bishop of Rome him the Lutherans him the Caluinists him Protestants him Anabaptists him Trinitaries him the family of loue cry out of with one vniforme consent crucifige but in other matters how many men so many opinions coÌ„monly raigne cursing one another like deuils whome they serue deriding and scoffing ech one another see but only the inuectiues of puritanes against protestants heere in England goe no further note how they be entertayned againe by Whitgift others and it wil giue some tast of the rest how they agree first amoÌ„gst themselues goeing about to thrust one another out of temporall possessions yea to cut one anothers throte As for their charity towardes vs it is no other then that of Iulian the Apostate towardes Christians of his tyme who spoyling them of their goods and many of their liues said hee did them a benefite because according to their Master CHRISTS promise they should receaue a hundred fold for thinges lost so heere in this life and after the Kingdome of heauen Such charity heretiks shew to vs that imprison vs spoile vs of goods and liuings consume many with a lingring persecution most terrible dispach others with violent death infame vs slaunder vs make vs odious to the state and Princes where we liue as traytors impouerish our widowes beggar oâ—r children infeeble corrupt our youth prophane our virgins robbe our churches kil murder our Preists be these in peace
at once but only declareth an infinite and almighty power of God and that diuine honour is due hereunto pag. 226. chap. 26. Of the B. sacrament of the Altar shewing how conueniently it was ordayned for our reparatioÌ„ what preparatioÌ„ we ought to make to the same p. 262 chap. 27. Of the Manna the paschall Lamb and other figures of the B. sacrament pag. 269. chap. 28. Wherein is touched how this sacrament is also a sacrifice daily vnbloudely offered by Priests propitiatory for the quicke the dead that it is the only saerifice whereby God is chiefly honoured and worshipped pag. 274. chap. 29. Of the great loue and humility of Christ in this B. sacrament of the deuotion of Christians of olde towardes the same pag. 281. chap. 30. Contayning a briefe recapitulation of things touched in the treatifâ— of this sacrament declaring that lay persons be not dâ—frauded of the bloud of Christ nor healthfull fruit of the sacrameÌ„t in receiuieg vnder one kind p. 288. chap. 31. Of holy Order what it is by whomâ— it was ordayned and of howe many degrees it consisteth and that no man rashly without due consideration ought to take vpon him the same pag. 305. chap. 32. Of the higher orders and hoâ—e necessary by Gods ordinance one head is ouer the rest pag 309. chap. 33. Of Gods seuere punishment of dâ—uers for arrogating to them-selues Priestly office and howe wee are to obay our Pastors pag. 318. chap. 34. Of the goodly order of the Clergy and Monarchy of the Church and of the Anarchy and disorderly confusion of heretikes pag. 325. chap. 35 Wherein is more at large described the Babilonicall confusion of sinne and heresie how God hath blessed this Couâ—try of old for honour obedience to the Church Priesthood pag. 330. chap. 36. Of Matrimony and what it is and when it was ordayned of the chiefe good ende effect thereof how Virginity is preferred before it also of vowed chastity annexed to priesthood p. 336 chap. 37. That vowes may be lawfully meritoriously made and ought to be kept and that Matrimony is a bande inseparable during life and wherein it consisteth pag. 342. chap. 38. Of extreame Vnction that it is a Sacrament and ordeyned by Christ taught by S. Iames practised by the Apostles and Apostolike men pag. 345. chap. 39. Touching briefly by the way the matter of Iustification and by whome howe we be iustified pag. 350. chap. 40 Of Predestination and that as no man is saued without Gods grace So no man shall bee damned without his owne fault and that wee mâ—st not curiously dispute hereof pag. 357. chap. 41. That man hath free will that Gods Commandements are possible to be kept that euery one must work his saluation with feare trembling pag. 361. chap 42. Of Christs descending into Hell of the intollerable blasphemy of heretikes against Christ in this point pag. 365 chap. 4â— Of Purgatorie what sort of people be therein punished and for what mâ—nner of sinnes defects they be there detained and thâ—t Prayer Sacrifice Almes-deeds and the like bee healthfull for the departed pag. 367. chap. 44. More at large of Purgatory prayer for the dead how heretikes noâ— only corrupt but deny thâ— playne scripturs in avouching the contrary pag. 371. ch 45. Of PardoÌ„s what they are wherof they come in what sort they be auaileable both for the liuing the dead p. 376 chap. 46. By what meanes Pardons may be applyed to our soules and that we must iustly doe that which is appointed vs to be pertakers of the same pag. 380. chap. 47. Of Excommunication how dreadfull a thing it is how heretikes being excommunicated in the higbest degree their excommunication of others is ridiculous contemptible pag. 384. chap. 48 Of some abuses about Pardons and of the late reformation of the same and of the couetous humors of English Ministers pag. 385. chap. 49. Exhorting all to doe their Penance meekely heere and not to trust to much to the helpe and praiers of their friendes left behinde pag. 387. chap. 50. Of Pilgrimage proued by examples of Christ his seruants pa. 390. chap. 51. Of the reliques of Saints reuerently to be vsed and kept of miracles wrought by meanes of them pag. 392. chap. 52. Of honour inuocation of Saints and how Saints pray for vs may heare and releeue vs by their prayers as also that our prayers to Saints their intercession for vs is no iniury but glory to Christ ouâ— Mediator pag. 397. chap. 53. Declaring how God for his holy seruants sakes heareth our prayers and how the holy Fathers of olde prayed to Saints pag. 403. chap. 54. Touching by the way the blessed Virgin our Lady and the iniuries done vnto her pag. 406. chap. 55. Of Images and of the Crosse of Christ and of the reuerende laudable vses of the same pag. 409. chap. 56. Of Seruice in the Latin tongue and how meete conuenient it is that the Scriptures be reserued seruice said in the auncient sacred tongues pag. 413 chap. 57. Wherein the Apostles wordes touching praying and preaching in vnknowne tongues are expounded and of the goodlye order of the Churches seruice praâ—ing singing praising God night and day in her cannonicall houres feastes and times of the yeare pag. 421. chap. 58. Of the Beades of the fifteenâ— misteries of thâ— Râ—sary or our Ladies Psalter of the great good spiritual fruit by deuout saying the same pag. 424. chap. 59. Of the Aue Maria how it is a most deuout prayer gratefull to God ioyfull to Angelles terrible to the Diuel most healthfull and comfortable to all mankinde pag. 427. chap. 60. Of diuers holy ornaments and thinges belonging to the Church as of lightes in churches of Insence Dedication of churches and such like godly ceremonies pag. 429. chap. 61. Of Religious persons of their sanctity leaâ—ning and perfection of life and of the vo â—es of pouerty châ—stity and obedience which make a religioâ—s man and of the heauy in â—gemeâ—t of God to vowe bâ—eakers how our Lady vowed virginity pag. 433. chap. 6â— Of holy Water and how creatures being blessed by the word of God miracles sometimes by the same be wroughâ— to the expelling of Diuels and confâ—rmation of Christian religion pag. â—40 chap. 63. Of holy Bread giuen the people iâ— remembrance of that most blessed Sacrament and in sâ—me sort taught vs by Christ in those lâ—aues blessed aâ—â— multiplyed by him in the desert pag. 442. chap. 64. Of receâ—uing vnder one kinde aâ—d how the same frâ—ite is reaâ—ed by onâ— kinde as by both anâ— that peace vnity and charity is the ende of this blessed Sacrament pag. 444. chap. 65. Of fasting the fruits therof how it hath beâ—e vsed coâ—â—â—nded by Christ his Saints how it is commanded vnder paine â—f sin by the church to â—hat persons how such as disobey the Church in this precept of fasting or any other disobey Christ. pag. 447. chap. 66. Of traditions whereof they câ—me what they be of what authority that by tradition and authority of the Church we knoâ— the Scriptures tâ— bâ— the word of Gâ—â— which be eâ—er most reuereâ—tly preseâ—ued by Catholickes â—ut euill vnderstood corrupted yea sâ—me quite razed â—ut by Heretikes pag. 452. chap. 67. Of God that he is one in substance and three in persons and of the horrible blaspheamy of heretikes and Athistes against his diuine Maiestie pag. 457. chap. 68. Of Hell and of the iust punishments therein for sinne without release for euermore pag. 459. chap. 69. Of Heauen which worldlinges contemne how we may obtaine it and of the glorious and most happy estate of the body with the soule for euer after the generall resurrection pag. 462. chap. 70. Of the Pope that he is the Vicar of Christ and lawfull successor of Saint Peter pag. 465. chap. 71. What most admirable vertuous holy zealous and most worthy and charitable men many Popes haue beene of old and of late yeares also euen to this present day pag. 468. chap. 72. Wherefore he weareth his Crowne is borne of meÌ„s shoulders suffereth deuout persons to kisse his foote p. 472 chap. 73. Why heretikes haue euer slaundered the Pope and how God turneth their malice to the benefitte of his elect and how herâ—tikes be forâ—runners of Antichrist and of Christs victory ouer his enemies in his Church pag. 475. chap. 74. Of the assistantes of the Pope as first of his Cardinals and why they be so called also of religious men Priests and Godly men of this time that dyed Martirs and of the dying obstinately of heretikes pag. 479. chap. 75. Of Antechrists forerunners of his false lying signes deceits of his intollerable Luciferian pride subtility and short raigne though most violent persecution of his life birth death and ministers pag. 483. chap. 76. How the Diuell Antechrist be compared to that monstrous serpentinâ— tayled Dragon drawing numbers with them into euerlasting perdition and that one certaine man Antechrist is yet to come though hee hath many fore-runners pag. 486. chap. 77. In a fewewords touching the chiefe matters that haue beene spoken in this treatise how the vnlearned especially in matters of religion ought too leaue disputes and simply to beleeue the truth founding themselues in Christ and in the Catholike Church pag. 490 chap. 78. Against Schisme that it is altogither vnlawfull and forbidden vnder pame of daÌ„natioÌ„ to goe to the churches of heretiks or schismatiks to their prayers sermons sacramâ—ts spirituall exercises or many sort directy or indirectly to coÌ„municate participate yeeld consent or assent to the same also a precaution is giueÌ„ to beware of dissembling Catholiks which indeede are Schismatiks pag. 495. chap. 79. Admonishing to amendment of life seing the time â—s short and the houre of death vncertaine when as ignorance shall excuse no man pag. 517. chap. 80. How though euery one ought to be prepared to suffer yet none ought rashly to cast themselues into teÌ„ptation but if â—e be called thereunto then we ought to be most glad to suffer as beeing Gods caâ—se we suffer for pag. 525. A short treatise against Adiaphorists Neuters and such as say they may be saued in any sect or religion and would make of many diuers sects one Church pag. 537. FINIS
Church Hierico being ruinated destroyed and quite razed downe the wales of Hierusalem may bee builded vp Then may we sing exultantibus animis with Psal 50. ioyfull harts Tunc acceptabis sacrificium iustitiae oblationes holocausta tunc imponent super altare tuum vitulos Then O Lorde we purified by grace in hart and soule from sinne with due composition also and decency of body wholy offering our selues to thee as thou offeredst thy selfe farre more bountifully for vs in contrite and humble hart by Christ here our high Priest the only pure and most acceptable Sacrifice vvee I say vvill offer to thee O God and thou for IESVS thy sonnes sake Shalt accept our sacrifices of prayers and thanksgiuing oblations of iustice the due sincere and vpright charitable dea ling to vard our neighbours with whole burnt offerings of burning heauenly desires with feruent loue aboue measure to our louing L. aboue then vpon the Altar of our hartes with incensed and diuine affections kindled with deuotion shall we make a feast to God and his Angels who delite to rest and dwell with pure soules deuout oft and worthy receauers of this blessed Sacrament then shall wee in thy Church militant here in earth ouer all nations triumpth in true and souud faith then with constant patience the Lady of wisdome and procurice of true honour shall we in all aduersities expect ioyfully thy B. comming Then for thy loue with armes of loue and charity shall wee imbrace both friend and foe fructifying in good workes wishing and procuring to our power the good of all men then shall christ enter into vs with diuine presence and holy grace and we rest and repast our selues of and in him by his bountefull sauour Then shall we enter and repose in him by tasting his sweetnes and go forth contemplate his mighty power and goodnes in all creatures and superabundantly find within and without which none can tell but he that hath found it repast and refection of his loue his sweetnes his power maiesty bounty glory and goodnes So reliquie cogitaticnum c. the remnant of spirituall and pure thoughts conceaued by the deuout tasting and most sweet meditation of this diuine mistery shall refresh vs and make in our harts a festiual day a healthful banquet an immortall and most delightfull supper full of all ioy and gladnes Then shall we be so enamored with his loue that vvith his svveete spouse in her Canticles wee burst out and say Fasciculus Mirrhe Cap. 1. dilectus meus mihi c. My beloued to me is a poesie of Mirrhe of svveete odoriferous and fragant flowers I will imbrace him and he shall rest betweene my breasts in my very hart Tenui nec demittam Cap. 3. eum I haue kept him c. I will hold him fast I will hold him fast and neuer let him goe Thus exulting to GOD here vpon the Altars of our hartes and soules thus offered in his sight farre better pleasing God then oblations sacrifices of thousands of those bloudy sacrifices of calues bulls Then finally in that glorious triumphant Church a boue shal we laud and glorify almighty god through christ Iesus his most sweet and only sonne that pure and innocent Lambe daily offered here in sacrifice vpon the Altar in a mistery and sitting at his Fathers right hand in a supereminent glory who to our bodies soules is the true foode of grace and glory that perisheth not but remayneth to life euerlasting who be blessed and honoured of all creatures for euermore Amen Chap. XXXI Of holy Order what it is by whome it was ordeyned and of hoâ—e many degrees it consisteth and that no man rashly without due consideration ought to take vpon him the same THE fift Sacrament is holy Order as then in Baptisme we be newe regenerate or borne in Christ in Confirmation strengthned in Penance after our woundes and faults healed and raised vp againe in the holy Sacrament of the Altar most abundantly fed to make vs liuely Souldiers of Christ and that we may last out to our iorneys ende like royall Souldiers obtaine the victory so by this holy SacrameÌ„t of Order christs kingdome and common weale his holy Church as a most valiant army set in most mighty noble order is prepared to triumph ouer those Princes of darknes perpetuall enemies of mankinde this wretched worlde For if all things God hath ordayned bee well ordered much more his holy Church so dearely beloued of him that not only all thinges he created in heauen and in earth tend to the saluation of it but he himselfe shed his bloud for it For euen as God in his triumphaÌ„t Church in heauen hath some higher some lower orders of Angels euen so in his Church militant here in earth there be diuers degrees in holy order all teÌ„ding to the due seruice of God as Bishops Priests Deacons and other inferior orders wherof some succeed the Apostles others the Disciples of Christ and coadjutors of the Apostles al lawful messengers and workmen of Christ ad Ephes 4. 12. consummationem sanctoruÌ„ in opus ministerit dulie to administer and execute his woâ—ke to bring his elect seruants to perfection Order then being instituted by Christ giuen by imposition of hands as appeareth by holy Scripture is a Sacrament you see ordeyned by Christ whereby his Church is well disposed gouerned yea and defended against all foraine incursions Nowe this holy order which is chiefly principally called Priesthood consisteth of many orders I meane the other inferior orders appertayning to it Foure inferior orders Other inferior orders euery one in their degree bee also properly called Order but chiefly Priesthood whereunto the other inferior be long there be which be preparatioÌ„s to Priesthoode which though they binde not to chastity as the 3. higher orders do yet it is not coÌ„nuenient that any take theÌ„ but such as haue mind to be Priests yet ther is first a preparation to these 4. inferior orders which we call the first tonsure whereby a man before he enter to take holy orders is taught by thus cutting of the haire to shake of all worldly cares to cut of al superfluous desires and transitory thinges that may hinder him from heauenly contemplation and the due seruice of almighty God The first of these lower orders is called the Ostiary that is the dore keeper that hath by vertue of that office giuen him which the keyes the Bishop giueth him doth betoken power to keepe and shutte the Church dores to keepe out heretickes and infidels and preserue enclosed from prophane handes the holy vestures and sacred vessels of Christ The second order is the Reader that by the booke which the Bishoppe giueth him may reade holy lessons of holy Writ in the Church The third order is called an Exorcist which hath power giuen him to expell and cast out Diuels not by witchcraft and superstition as Southsayers Conjurers and
incurable with his shadowe and strooke two dead at his word to the terror of all excommunicate and sacriledgious persons and to declare the authority he had to binde and loose to kill and raise againe wonderfull were the thinges that GOD wrought by those that succeeded in his place 30. and moe of the first Popes were all most glorious Martyrs One of I meane Marceline who in that per secutio of DioclesiaÌ„ Thus ad hibuit de orum simulacris ex Damas Platina the Popes indeede with his predecessor S. Peter denyed Christ for fetre of death but with S. Peter presently rose againe condemned his owne fault whereas other Bishops for that he was the high Bishop would not condemne him saying in the Councell Prima sedes a nemine indicatur The first seate or S. Peters chaire is iudged of no man Wherefore before the prosecuting Tyrant confessing his fault and accusing the deniall of his Master with just reproofe of the Infidell and incredulous persecutor the impious and cruell Tyrant put him to death so he dyed a glorious Martir Another Pope there was as some affirme a fauourer of the heresie that holdeth that soules before the day of judgment shall not see God and was about to haue ascended the chaire that is to haue made a decree intending to bind the whole Church thereunto for This story haue I hearde 〈◊〉 to my remeÌ„brâ—ce I neuer reade it neither câ—n I call to memory the 〈◊〉 of thâ—â— Pope of 〈…〉 by relation of others I heard this matter as also of his sode death maintenance of that erronious opinion But it pleased God to strike I am vvith sodaine death that he could not do his intended purpose See the prouidence o God how he defended his Church and how faithfull he is in his promise that told S. Peter his faith thou d neuer 〈◊〉 For though Peter and Marceline of frailty for feare denyed their Master and this other Pope as a priuate man became a fauourer of heresie and did erre as men some in act of themselues and another in opinion Yet when they came to make publike decree inteÌ„ding to bind the whole Church thereunto â—o giue judgment as it were ex Cathedra in that place which is the highest tribunall seat in Gods Church wherein they spake in the persoÌ„ of Christ there o they neuer did nor any successor of S. Peter caÌ„ euer possibly erre as partly appeared by this dreadfull example of this aforesaid Pope preuented with death so that if there were any one Pope amongst an hundred as they be but men of euill life or conuersation Gods truth of hereticks ought not to haue bin slaundered therefore neither hath the true faith in the Apostolike seat of S. Peter fayled though any ill man for the sinnes of the people may haue possessed the same but ordinarily the Popes haue beene and be God be blessed for it the most godly and vertuous men vpon earth as I before shewed by the glorious number of those that be Martyrs and Confessors such Saints as the heretickes cannot deny Chap. LXXI What most admirable vertuous holy zealous and most worthy and charitable men many Popes haue beene of olde and of late yeares also euen to this present day FOR example of what vertue vvas Leo the Pope that meeting Attila a great and mighty tyrannicall King that had spoyled almost al Italy and coÌ„ming to Rome to haue destroyed it Leâ— then Pope desired him to returne who though he came like a Lion he obeyed the Popes words and returned as meeke as a Lamb his souldiers meruailing their Master woulde bee so ruled by a Priest he answered that hee durst doe no other For whilst Leo the Pope talked with him hee saide hee sawe one stand by the Pope in Priestly attire with a drawne sworde threatning him death if he would not obey the Pope By the same vertue and holinesse another time hee put backe Gensericus from the burning and sacking of Rome Yet we doe knowe though Rome were destroyed that Saint Peters successor shoulde neuerthelesse be Pope of Rome though hee were in any place of the worlde As for Rome it hath often beene sacked and the Popes persecuted driuen away and yet God hath had euer care to prouide a Pastor for his Church though God hath oft and as we may well thinke will for his seruants sake aboue other places defende that Cittie what shoulde I speake of that Apostolike spirit that was in Gregory the great first Pope of that name and our Apostle of England His religious acts and worthy workes extant to this day declare the excellency of the man for all eternity when heretikes that call him the first Antechristian Pope shall with confusion be buried in hell to omit most famous and worthy men and be short what singuler vertues had Gregory the thirtenth of blessed memory what Seminaries did he erect what learned Colledges did he maintayne what seedes of vertue and learning by religious Apostolike Fathers and men did he sowe almost throughout the vvhole vvorld vvho vvith infinite expences sought the conuersion of heretikes and the whole world besides especially our country to whom he was a most louing father oft lamenting the miserable state thereof and that with teares How miraculous and worthy the acts were of Pâ—us Quintus his predecessor against the Turkes all Infidelles and Heretickes all the worlde knoweth I neede not speake of the vertue and religious piety of our holy Father Clement the eight that now is Pope of Rome for all good men there know it what excessiue expences he hath bin and daily is at in defending the whole Christian worlde against the commou enemy the Turke what fatherly care he hath vpon those Princes and States that bound vppon him what gifts and dignities hee hath bestowed on such as haue shewed them selues valiant Champions in defence of Christs truth and christian countries how with sighes and teares hee hath lamented such Princes and countries that haue withdrawne themselues from their christian brethren winking at the Turke finallye to their owne harme and ruyne with what Apostolike serious zealous and most prudent diuine letters and graue messengers to the contrary hee hath exhorted and admonished them to bee briefe Fraunce and Spayne yea and all Europe to their comfort and ioy seeth and feeleth the fruits of his labours in reconciliation of Christian Princes quieting of Countries seeking to the vttermost of his power for perfect peace betwixt God and man throughout the whole world a man surely right worthie his name a right Clement full of Clemency mercie and piety in charitable almes good deedes and most worthy thoughts towardes all men The Popes sometimes after a great and sure proofe of their Godly liues and miracles haue canonizd good meÌ„ departed for Saints heere to be accounted reuerensed in earth as they be with GOD in honor aboue in heauen but the glorious actes of these holy Popes not only