Prelates were burnt in the forehead so driuen out of the Realm Rob. Gisburn Illiricus saith they were afterwards slaine by the Pope Illâ—r Catol Martyrol p. 83. In France The Waldenses or Pauperes de Lugdâ—â—â— so called from one Waldus a man of great substance in the City of Lyons who about the yeare 1160 taking occasion by the sudden death of one with whom hee was walking beganne with a carefull studie to reforme his life and to this end studied the Scriptures diligently and taught the true knowledge of Gods word to as many as resorted vnto him In short space the number of those who ioyned with him came to thousands who were dispersed abroad into diuers parts of the world These were miserably persecuted by the Pope and his faction Hist de Waldeâ—s Raymund Earle of Tholouse for taking part with them was wrongfully vexed and disinherited by the Pope Mat. Paris In France The Religion of the Waldenses 1 They held that the Pope is not greater then another Bishop 2 That there is no purgatory 3 That it is in vaine to pray for the dead 4 That Masses for the dead are the inuentions of couetous priests 5 That images hallowing of waters and other creatures are superstitious 6 That the word of God should be truly preached vnto all men 7 That Fryers shrift and the vse of the oile in Baptisme are the inuentions of men 8 They contemned the Masse all that appertained to it 9 They misliked the single life of votaries and the distinction of daies and meats 10 They defended the reading of Scripture by the Laitie 11 They had but two sacraments 12 That the Communion should be administred in both kinds Nauc vol. 2. g. 900. Hildebertus Archbishop of Tours about this time taxed the pride of the Pope and being an excellent Poet made this distich of Rome Vrbs foelix si vel dominis vrbs illa careret Vel dominis esset turpe carere fide Happy would this City be If wanting lords her selfe were free Or hauing Lords in dignitie These wanted not true honesty In Germany Fredericke Barbarossa the Emperour about the yeare 1150 opposed himselfe against the Pope forbidding appeales to Rome the comming of Legates from thence into Germany and other trickes of the papall pride A great part of Germanie tooke part with him Nancl. vol. 2. p. 836. gen 39. In Constantinople About this time Anselme Bishop of Haremburg being sent from Lotharius to Calo Iohannes Emperor of ConstaÌ„tinople among other things he disputed much of the supremacy of the Romane Bishop Nichetes Bishop of Nicodemia excellently contested against him and confuted his arguments maintaining that the pride of the Romish Church was the cause of so many schismes and heresies which were then abroad in the world Ext. in Nancl. vol. 2. p. 900 in Patr. Symps hist of the Church p. 433. Before that time there may bee seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeeres 1100. and 1150. In England THeobald Archbishop of Canterbury with the Prelates of England in a Councell held at London anno 16. Regni Stephani regis decreed that Bishops should liue more discreetly that Priests should not bee Rulers ouer worldly matters that they should teach their flockes more diligently and that the people should read the Scriptures and learne the Lords Prayer the Creed in English Malsmb Chron. King Henry the first and his Nobles were euen at the point to forsake the Romish Church Patet ex Epist Anselm ad Pascal Pap. Martyrol pag. 177. Lincolniensis gaue this description of a Frier A Frier is a dead Carkasse risen out of his Graue wrap'd in a winding-sheet and carried among men by the Diuell Wichleis in Trialog lib. 4. cap. 26. pag. 143. In Almaine HIldegard a Nunne and a Prophetesse liuing about the yeere 1146. most bitterly reprehended the abhominable life of the Pope and his Clergie inueighing against the greedie subtill proceeding of Friers denouncing woe vnto those who suffer themselues to be seduced by them and foretelling the horrible destruction of the Church of Rome Histor Iornal Martyrol p. 182. 237. In France BErnard Abbot of Châ—xâ—â—val born in Burgundy liued about this time who although liuing in a most corrupt age hee was exceeding superstitious in some points yet freely reproued diuers corruptions then comming on hee is cleare with vs against the conceipt of the Virgin Maries Conception free from sinne as appeareth Ex Epist 179. ad Cam. Lugdon Against Merites Ser. 1. de Annunciat Against Iustification by workes Serm. 22. in Cantic Against Free will Lib. de Grana lib. Arb. Against the seuenfold number of Sacraments Ser. 1. de coen Dâ—m Against the vncertaintie of Saluation Epist 107. Against the Popes Greatnesse in Temporalities Lib. 2. consid ad Eugen Also hee admonished Count Theobald who bestowed great matters in building of Abbies and Churches that he should rather support them which are of the houshold of Faith and bee carefull to build the euerlasting Tabernacle Epist 107. In Flanders ABout this time was one burnt in Antwerp for Preaching against the reall presence in the Sacrament Massan Chron. lib. 16. anno 1124. In Germanie HEnry the fifth Emperor against Paschalis then Pope maintayned his owne right of making Bishops and other Priuiledges that belonged to his Ancestors which the Pope vsurped Nauder vol. 2. p. 807. Segon anno 1111. In Italie Arnulphus an eloquent Preacher came to Rome about this time and in his Preaching reproues the vicious life of the Popish Clergie hee is supposed to bee the Author of the Booke called Opus Tripartitum which containeth a great complaint of the enormities and abuses in the Church of the number of their Holidayes of the curious singing in Cathedrall Churches of the rabble of begging Friers of the vnchast voluptuous behauiour of Churchmen and finally wisheth reformation to begin at the Sanctuary for the which the hatred of the Pope and his Clergie was so much incensed against him that they layd priuie wait for him tooke him and drowned him Martyrol pag. 181. Sabellius and Platina say they hanged him Platin. in vit Honor. 2. Before that time there may bee seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1050. and 1100. In England ABout this time saith Mathew Paris The King of England fauored not much the See of Rome because of their impudent and vnsatiable exactions neither would he suffer any of his Subiects to goe to Rome alledging these wordes in the Author thus expressed Quod Petri non inhaerent vestigijs praemijs inhiantes non eius potestatem retinent cuius sanctitatem probantur non imitari Math. Paris In France BErengarius Archdeacon of Angeow about the yeare 1060. withstood the Doctrine of Transubstantiation newly hatched in the Councell of Lateran And although by the violence of the Pope and his Clergie hee was driuen to recantation yet after his Death many adhered to his opinion Malsmb In Germanie
the Word then to the outward garnishing of Churches Zozomen lib. 5. c. 25. Jn Constantinople Nectarius a man of noble birth Bishop of Constantinople in whose time Auricular Confession was abrogated in Constantinople vpon occasion of Adulterie committed betweene a Penitentiarie and a woman confessing her sinnes vnto him Socrat. lib. 5. c. 19. The Councell of Chalcedon Where was the Emperor Martianus himselfe in person and of Bishops and reuerend Fathers 630. These in plaine tearmes gaue the Sea of Constantinople equall Priuiledges with Rome and in causes Ecclesiasticall to be aduanced as farre as Rome Concilium Chalced. Act. 16. In Armenia Letoius Bishop of Meletina in Armenia a bitter enemie to Monkish Profession whose societie hee was wont to call a Denne of Theeues Theodos. lib. 4. c. 11. Jn Affrica Optatus Milcuitanus who liued about this time and doth accord with vs first in the Scriptures that they are the Iudge of Controuersies Lib. 6. lib. 1. de Script secondly about the Sacraments Lib. 6. lib. 1. Cibus ibi est spiritualis potus spiritualis In the Point of Regeneration Lib. 2. 7. In the Point of the Catholike Church Lib. 2. aduersus Parmen Jn Europe Hilarius Bishop of Poitiers in France who tooke great paines to purge the Countrey of Fraunce from the Arrian Heresie and to withdraw the people from Superstition Ruffin lib. 1. cap. 31. Histor Magdeb. Cent. 4. cap. 10. Betweene the yeeres 300. and 350. Councels THe Councels of Ancyra Nice Tyrus Gangra in which was condemned the Heresie of Eustasius speaking against Marriage eating of Flesh c. Eliberis Carthage where the Bishop of Rome was stoutly withstood Antioch and Sardica were all summoned at the commaundement of the Emperours not of the Popes Tom. Concil Fathers Basilius Magnus Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia in his Writings hee much confirmeth our Faith and Doctrine and complaineth of the pride of the Westerne Churches and condemneth their affectation of the Supremacie Basil transmarin Epist 77. Epist 10. ad Eusamos Gregorius Nazianzenus who reuiued the true life of Preaching when the Truth of GOD seemed to haue beene buried and inueighed against the pride of Prelates seeking Supremacie ouer others Zozom lib. 7. cap. 5. Gregorius Nyssenus a married Bishop Niceph. Callist lib. 1. cap. 19. whos 's Writings albeit the Papists doe alleage in many places to patronize their doctrines and opinions yet beeing well considered they make nothing for them but rather much against them Vide Sculleti examen locorum ex Nysseno a Pontif. citat in medulla Patr. Macarius Aegyptius a learned Writer is altogether with vs in the point of Iustification Hom. 11. in the certaintie of Saluation Homil. 19. 20. against the Reall presence Hom. 27. against Purgatory Hom. 30 44. 22. against Free-will Hom. 2 27.15 46. Eusebius Caesariensis a learned man and writer of many Bookes agreeth with vs against the Papall Supremacie Lib. 2. de vit Const. 3. 37. about the Scriptures Lib. 5. Histor Eccles c. 14. about the Sacraments Lib. 1. demonst c. 10. li. 5. cap. 3. about Iustification Lib 1. Histor Eccles cap. 5. against Images Lib. 3. de praep Euang. against Popish Iniunctions of Fastings Lib. 5. Eccles Hist c. 23. Epiphanius borne in a little Village of Palestina called Barsanduce hee wrote much and in his Writings agreeth with vs concerning the Scriptures Lib. de mens and power of the Catholike Church Haeres 35. about Marriage and Virginitie Haeres 48. about Fasting Haeres 33. against inuocation of Saints Haeres 78 79. against Images Haeres 19. against the Masse Haeres 55. against Purgatorie Haeres 59. against celebrating of Priests Haeres 61. against Lay-Baptisme Haeres 76. Athanasius Bishop of Alexandria whose name was famous in the elder Church wrote much and agreeth therein with vs Against Traditions Epist de Synod Nicen. Decr. against Inuocation of Saints Epist ad Adelph against their seuen Sacraments Orat. 2. contra Arrian against Images Orat. contra Gentes against the Supremacie Epistol ad Solis and many other such like points Papâ—nutius a Bishop in a Towne of Thebaida himselfe an vnmarried man opposed himselfe in the Councell of Nice against the inhibition of Priests marriage and caused the same to bee stayed Socrat. lib. 1. c. 11. Lactantius Firmianus Didymus a Doctor of the Schoole of Alexandria Acholius Bishop of Thessalonica Osius Bishop of Corduba Asclepus in Gaza Philogonius Bishop of Antiochia Hermogenes Bishop of Caesarea James Bishop of Nisebis in Mesopotamia and diuers others Thus haue I shewed the fore-runners of our Religion aboue two hundred yeeres before Poperie began and the Professors of the same in the time of the Churches flourishing estate before the Church of Rome declined to that Apostasie in which now for these many yeeres it hath continued Whereby wee may discerne how impudent our Aduersaries the Papists are Campian rat 5. in challenging all the ancient Fathers as theirs and making no end of boasting of the Fathers Greg. Valenc tom 3. p. 291. one of them saith The Protestants in the Questions of Faith should enquire on what side the Fathers stand that it being knowne they might embrace the Doctrine which the Fathers of old iudged to be true Wee haue done as hee aduiseth Wee haue asked the Fathers and they haue told vs our Elders and they haue told vs That they haue professed and maintained the same Doctrine and Religion which wee professe True it is indeede wee dare not follow euery one of them in euerie step or tye our selues to euery one of their Opinions The Fathers themselues were men and beeing men might haue yea had their Errors Onely the Canonicall Authors as the Iesuit himselfe confesseth as being from aboue Heauenly and Diuine Greg. Valenc tom 3. p. 329 doe alwayes hold a perpetuall and stable constancie in their Writings But other holy Writers are inferior and humane failing sometimes and now and then contrarie to the course of Nature Epiph. de not bring foorth a Monster Origen taught many things against the Faith and mis-applyed many things in Scripture Epist ad Iub aduers Prax. August d. 9. Negare Cyprian held Rebaptization Tertullian Montanisme And which of them had not his faylings Augustine himselfe saith I cannot denie but that there are many things in my workes as there are also in the writings of mine Ancestors which iustly and with good discretion may be blamed The Fathers themselues haue denied what some of their Fathers haue held before them yea some of them vpon better consideration haue retracted their owne errors we therefore according to Marsilius Marsil Deâ—â— sor pacis p. 4â— his aduice receiue whatsoeuer they bring consonant to the Scripture but what they bring dissonant from it we reiect with reuerence It is a false slaunder therefore which the Iesuites and other such like Popish circumcellions buzze into the eares of their peruerted Proselites Bristo Mothâ— 14. That we
Popish religion about the yeare of our Lord 1516 by occasion of his looking into first the Pardons and Indulgences which Pope Leo the tenth set to sale in Germany by Frier Tecellius and afterwards by p ying into other stuffe of Popish superstitions so that the time of hiâ— separation from the Church of Rome must be reckoned to be about the yere of our Lord 1516 or 1517. King Henry the eight shoke off the Popish yoake about the 25 yeare of his reignâ— viz. Chronic. Angâ—â—â— in vita Hâ—â—â— 8. Statut. ann regâ—â— 25. Acts and Monum p. 963. Anno Domini 1534 Before which time he wrote against Luther and was an earnest defender of the Papacy Before either of these two times and whilst both Henry the eight and Luther were Papists wee can produce professâ—rs of ou Religion betweene the yeare of our Lord 1500 and 1516. In England Doctors and learned men D. Iohn Colet Deane of Paules who was a great labourer for reformation in the Church and in his Sermons bitterly inueighed against inhibition of Priests marâ—age pilgrimages and diuâ—rs other abuses in the popish Church for which hee was much persecuted by Richard Fitz-Iames Bishop of London Paâ—et ex Registr Fitz. Erasm ep ad Iodoc. Ion. Gulielmus Lillius Gulielm Grocinus Gulielm Latimer Thomas Lynacre Whole Congregations persecuted for it In the Diocesse of Lincolne to the number of 437 persons Martyrol p. 751 752. c. In London 68 persons p. 734. 745. Martyrs put to death for it VVill Sweeting Iohn Brewster Iohn Browne Iokime Norman Iohn Stileman Thomas Man Robert Cosin Christop Shoâ—â—â—â—â—â—â— Robert Rane Iohn Scriuener In France Doctors and learned men Iacobus Pauanus Iohannes de Cadurco Laurentius Crucens Patet ex Crisp pantal Congregations Whole villages of them in the tract where the Alpes are ioyned with the Pyrenies Pâ—ir de Soau in hist Concil Trident. p. 3. Whole villages about Merindol and the Country of Prouence Martyrol p. 859. Martyrs Dionysius de Reaux Iacobus Pauanus Bartholomaeus Millen Henricus Poile Iohannes Chastellanus In Germany Doctors and learned men Leo Iuda Iohannes Oxlinus Vldericus Zuinglius Congregations Tigurines Bernates Lucernates Suicenses Vnderualii Basilienses Martyrol p. 791. Martyrs Petrus Spengler Wolgangus Schurch Leonardus Heilar Wendelmuta Vidua In Bohemia There were diuers about this time professing the Protestants religion who were by the Papists tearmed Pycards Calystini and Subutraques Pier de Soau in his Historie of the Trent Councill p. 3. Before this time and before Luther was borne there were professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares of our Lord 1450 and 1500. In England REynold Peacocke Bishop of Chichester who publikely preached against the Pope Fryers transubstantiation and the whole leauen of popery Thomas Gasgorgu lib. de dict Theol. p. 3. Martyrs William Tilsworth Thomas Barnard Iames Mordon Lawrence Ghâ—st Babram Ieane Boughton Mother to the Lady Young Acts and Monum in regn Henric. 7. Persecuted for the same Iohn Blomeston Richard Hegham Robert Crowther Iohn Smith Roger Browne Thomas Butler Iohn Falkes Richard Hilmin Margery Goit With diuers others in Kent Couentrie and London ibid. p. 713. 714. In France Philippus Comineas a French Historiagrapher who spared not to reproue the vices in Popery and to extol those who opposed the same Martyrol p. 672. Iohannes Selestadiensis Vide eius Epist ad Maximil Imper. contra Ponâ—ificios Antonius Mancinellus who wrote an eloquent oration against the filthie lâ—fe and wicked manners of the Pope and his Clergy and for that cause had his tongue and hands cut off by the commandement of the Pope Marâ—yrol p. 674. Charles the eâ—gh was at often defiance with the Pope Ibid. p. 675. In Germany The Germanes in generall exhibited their complaints against the Pope to the Emperor Maximilian Martyrol p. 672. Rodulphus Agriâ—â—la Pontanus Philippus Bâ—roaldus Georgius Valla. Iohannes Ostendorpius Doctor Keiserspâ—rgius Doctor Andreas Proles Ex Luc. Ostand lib. 1. c. 8. VVeselus Groningensis wrote against popish penance indulgences purgatory workes of supererrogation abuses of the Masse prayers for the dead vowes precepts of the Pope and Prelates c. Hee was a man so famous and notable for his great learning and good life that hee was commonly called Lux mundi The light of the world Ex Noviomag Martyrol p. 670. In Bohemia Georgius Pogiebrachius Gouernor of that Kingdome vnder the young King Ladislaus Rochezana and diuers other Preachers more of whose conformity with vs in Religion and separation from the Church of Rome wee may reade Cocl lib. de Hus Martyrol p. 662. Item ex Aene. Sylv. in Histor Bohem. In Italy Iohannes Baptista Maâ—â—uanus Angelus Politianus Hermolaus Barbarus Iohannes Picus Mirandula This Picus Earle of Mirandula being but a young man went to Rome and there set vp 90 conclusions to be disputed on of which diuers were about the Sacrament Iustification c. quite contrary to the tenent of the Church of Rome for which hee was persecuted by the Pope and his Clergy Luc. Osiand lib. 1. c. 8. Martyrol p. 740. Hieronimus Sananorola an Italian Monke sorely inueighed against the corruption in Popery maintained iustification by faith that the communion ought to bee administred in both kinds that indulgences and pardons of the Pope were of no effect against auricular confession and the Popes Supremacy so which cause he with two more who taught and preached the same together with him were hanged at Florence and afterwards burnt to ashes Illiric Catal. test Martyrol pag. 450. Before that time there are to be found professors oâ— the Protestant Religion betweene the yeares 1400 1450. In England THe name of Lollards about this time was commonly knowne in England That they and wee doe agree in the substance of our Religion may appeare ex descript sect Lollard William Bishop of Norwich complaineth how the number of them did here encrease Martyrol pag. 609. Martyrs Rich. Houerden Iohn Goose Paul Craw. William Woite Iohn Claidon Richard Tuâ—ning Sr Iohn Oldcastle Lord Cobham Persecuted and put to penance for that profession Iohn Burrell Thomas Moone Iohn Finch Nicholas Belward Thomas Grimar Iohn Beuerley Thomas Pye Iohn Mendham Robert Shiruing Iohn Terrio Iohn Aberee Iohn Middleton Iohn Waid Richard Clerke Robert Beet Richard Page Iohn Warden Iohn Kinget Thomas Albeck William Bates Hugh Pie Iohn Parker Iohn Skilly Iohn Cooper Bartholmew Thatcher Thomas Iames. Alane Andrew William VVright Richard Fletcher VVill. Osbourne Robert Briggs VVilliam Marsh Iohn Goodwiâ— Henry Bood Richard Horne Iohn Spire Richard King with diuers others as wee may finde them named and recorded Mar. yrolog pag. 608. In France Thomas Redonensis a Frenchman by birth came into Italy about the yeare 1433 and there seeing the corruptions of the Church of Rome inueighed exceedingly against the same preaching that the Church did lack reformation that the Popes excommunication is not to bee feared and diuers things to the like effect for which he was persecuted
by Pope Eugenius and in the end degraded and burnt at Rome Ex Antonin 3. part fol. 165. Nicholaus Clemangis an Archdeacon De annot non soluend In Italy Laurentius Valla a Roman Patrician Cannon of S. Iohn of Lateran Ex eius tractat contra Eâ—entit Donat constat Petrus de Aliaco Cardinall of Cambray Tract de reform eccles Leonardus Aretinus Ex eius libello in Hypocrit Nicholaus Pycennius an Italian Captaine Ex orat Arclacens in Concil Basil In Germany Antonius Cornelius Lynaichanus Ex orat ad cler Colon. de lubricitat sacerd Martyrs Henricus Grunfielder Henricus Ratgeber Iohannes Draeandorfius Petrus Thoraw Matheus Hager of whom and the doctrine for which they suffered we may reade in Bali cent Martyrol p. 614. In Bohemia Iohn Hus Bachelor of Diuinity maintained 45 Articles in Prague against the Church of Rome in effect the same that we doe for which hee was called to the Councell of Constance where for persisting therein he was condemned and afterwards burnt Concil Constant Choclaus Huss Hierome of Prague Mr of Arts seconded Iohn Hus in defence of the same doctrine and followed him in martyrdome Cocl ibid. 54 Noblemen of Morauia wrote to the Councell of Constance in defence of Iohn Hus and Hierome of Prague whose names together with their Letter are recorded Martyrol p. 587. A great part of the Kingdome of Bohemia forsooke the Pope claue to the doctrine which they had learned from Hus and Hierom. Coch. ibid. Zisca a noble Bohemian with a great multitude of associates wage warre against the Papists and throw Images and Idols out of their Churches Coch. ibid. Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1350 and 1400. In England ROger VVimbleton whose learned Sermon against diuers points of Popery preached at Pauls Crosse Anno 1389 is extant Martyrolog pag. 503. Iohn VVickliffe publique Reader of Diuinitie in the Vniuersitie of Oxford a famous learned man whose doctrine agreeing with ours may bee seene in his propositions recorded Martyrol pag. 414. This VVickliffe had many fauorites at that time especially Iohn of Gant and Henry Lord Percie the one Duke of Lancaster the other Marshall of England Ibid. The Vniuersitie of Oxford pag. 408 and many in the Parliament Anno 43 of Edward 3 did adhere vnto him Ibid. The Letters of King Richard the third and the Acts of Parliament then declare that this doctrine was dayly preached in Churches and Churchyards at which were present great multitudes of people Anno 5. Rich. 2. c. 5. Martyrs VVilliam Santree Iohn Badâ—ie Persecuted for the same Doctrine Philip Repington Nicholas Hertford William Thorpe Iohn Puruie Iohn Edwards Walter Brute Iohn Ashton Iohn Becket Iohn Seynonds Dauid Cotray William Swinderby diuers others Act. Mon. in vit Rich. 2. In France Gerardus a Deacon Henricus de Iota Henricus de Hassia 140 of those who adhered to the doctrine of the Albigenses were about this time put to death in the Prouince of Narbone Massae hist A great number more about this time were burnt in France for the like cause and were nicknamed Publicans Puritans Paterines Houedom hist Martyrol pag. 387. In Germany Taulerus a preacher of Argentine Iohannes Montzigor Rector of the Vniuersitie of Vime who openly in the schooles impugned the doctrine of Transubstantiation Martyrol p. 386. Conradus Hager Rhider About the yeare of our Lord 1390 thirty six Citizens of Mentz were burnt for the doctrine of the VValdenses and holding the Pope to be Antichrist and relying vpon the Scriptures and not vpon the traditions of the Church of Rome Brus Anal Et Martyrol p. 587. In Italy Nicholas Orem whose Sermon before the Pope and his Cardinals Anno 1546 sauoureth of our doctrine Extat Martyrol p. 382. Iohannes de Ganduno Andreas à Castro Dante 's Florentinus Franciscus Petrarcha Iohannes de rupe Scissa Iohannes de Castellione Iohannes de Poliaco In Bohemia Matthias Parisiensis a Bohemian by birth about the yeare 1370 wrote a booke of Antichrist prouing him already to bee come and that the Pope is the same Martyrol p. 386. Iacobus Milnensis Miletius The Vniuersitie of Prague in defence of VVickliffe ibid. 4â—0 Peter Painâ— a Scholleâ— of VVickliffe came inâ—o Bâ—hemia brought with him VVickliffs bookes which were in quantitie as great as Saint Augustines workes Histor de Hus lib. 1. In Spaine Petrus de Corbaria Franciscus de Areatara Floreleg Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1300 and 1350. In England ARmachanus sometimes a Student in Oxford afterward Bishop of Armach and Primate of Ireland who before Pope Innocent the 8 his Cardinals disputed nine conclusions against the Friers Wickliffe in Trid. Besides that hee contested against diuers other abuses in the Popish Church Martyrol p. 378 for which he sustained diuers troubles by meanes of the Pope and his Cardinals Martyrol page 375. That there were diuers others about this time of that Religion here in England may appeare out of a book then compiled and entituled The complaint of the Ploughman Extat Martyrol p. 366. In France Philip the French King wrote a Letter of defiance against Boniface the 8. Nichol. Triuet William Nagaretta William Plesiano in the French Kings name solemnly protested against the Pope Martyr p. 314. The Nobles Prelates and Parliament of France censure the abuses of the Papacy ibid. p. 315. 318. 324. Rude Duke of Bourgundy about the yeare 1348 disswadeth the French King from permitting in his Realme the Popes Decrees and Decrerals whose sage counsell then giuen as yet remaineth among the French Kings Records Testatur Carol Molinaus In Germany Gulielmus Ockam about the yeare 1326 wrote in defence of the Emperour Ludouicus against the Pope who wrote also diuers other Books in which he confuteth the vsurped Supremacie of the Pope and entring into mention of the Popes Decrees extrauagant declareth how little regard is to bee giuen thereto Iohn Sleid. lib. 4. Vlricus Hangenor Treasurer to the Empeâ—or Ludâ—uicus publiquely opposed himselfe against the Popes proceedings Martyrol p 358. Gregorius Ariminensis about the yeare of our Lord 1346 maintained the same doctrine of grace and free will which the Protestants at this day doe and dissented from the Papists and Sophisters counting them worse then Pelagians Ex Tritheâ—io Petrus de Bruis who laid the Axe to the root of Popery and in set-Treatises opposed most of his documents Pap. Mess in Bonif. Luitpoldus Andreas Landensis In Italy Marsilius Patauinus in his booke entituled Defensor pacis held these conclusions 1 That the Pope hath none authority ouer other Bishops much lesse ouer the Emperour 2 That the Word of God ought to bee iudge in causes Ecclesiasticall 3 The Clergie and Pope ought to be subiect to Magistrates 4 That Christ is the head of the Church and that hee neuer appointed any Pope to be his general Vicar 5 That the mariage of Priests is
HEnry the third Emperour withstood Hildebrand the Pope and his vsurped Supremacie Sigeb Chron. in anno 1077. Walenam Bishop of Mergburg Merian Scot. Sigefâ—â—dus Archbishop of Mentz Martyrol pag. 161. The Councell of Wormes Aventin Anal. lib. 5. The Councell of Brixia about the yeare 1083. pronounced the Pope to bee deposed and withdrew themselues from his Authoritie Abbas vsb Martyrol pag. 164. In Italie NIcetus an Italian Abbot Benno Vgobaldus Leo. Iohannes Petrus Natro Theodinus Cardinals with diuers other Bishops Priests of Italie forsooke the Pope and adhered to the Emperour Auent Anal. lib. 5. Sygebert a Chronicle writer of those times taxeth the Popes Excommunication of Princes and absoluing their Subiects from obedience of noueltie and heresie Sygeb in anno 1088. And thus through Gods assistance wee haue traced out the footsteps of the Protestants Religion from Luther to Berengarius from the dayes of Henry the eight vnto the comming in of King William the Conqueror And wee haue found a cloud of witnesses in England France Germanie Italie Spaine Bohemia and diuers other Countries for the space almost of Fiue hundred yeeres successiuely professing and maintayning the same whereby wee may plainly see that our Religion was long before Luther and that they were not all Papists that liued in the Christian world before Luthers dayes as the Papists foolishly doe traduce Now let vs follow the same tract a little higher and make enquirie whether we may not finde the same in the Elder dayes and in the yeares of former Generations euen to the time in which Poperie first began and before the hatching of the same which by the like assistance of Almighty God I doubt not to performe in that which followeth But now for a while in the next ensuing Centuries we shall I confesse behold the Church of Christ like the Sunne obscured in a cloud Popery being about this time in the height of her Pride Reuel 17.2.14 When the Kings of the earth gaue their power and strength vnto the Beast and the Nations were drunken with the Cup of that Babilonish Strumpet Besides that euen as our Aduersaries themselues acknowledge those times were barren and obscure times because there were few good Writers in those times which did Record the occurrents of the times And therefore there cannot be expected so large Catologue in these as wee haue either in the dayes before or in these latter Times Yet blessed be the name of the Lord he hath not left himselfe without witnessesse euen in these most obscure times But there we may meet with diuers who followed the same way and professed the same Truth which we Protestants now doe as may appeare by the Induction following Betweene the yeares 1000. and 1050. In England Marianus Scotus an Historiographer who liued in the daies of King Edward the Confessor and spared not in his writings to reproue the practise of Papists in those daies Maxian Scot. hist Martyrol p. 149. Vnder the raigne of King Canutus although superstition did in this land wonderfully abound yet diuers points of the Protestants religion as Iustification by Faith obedience in all sorts of people to Mâ—gistrates in the same manner as we now hold them was then professed as may appeare by Canutus his Lawes Martyrol p. 148. ex Iernal hist In France Luthericus an Archbishop in France about this time denied the reall presence in the Sacrament Baron Ann. 1004. n. 5. Glaber Rodulphus wrote how that the Bishop of Rome should haue nothing to doe in another mans Diocesse The which he also saith was the opinion of all the French Prelats Hesp lib. 2. c. 9. Quenâ— refert Baronius In Germanie Rodulphus Ardens Preached against the popish opinion of Merits as appeareth out of his Homilie Dominic in Sâ—ptuagint and in his 1. Hom. in Dominic Trin. The same Rodulphus Ardens also taught that there is no abilitie in vs to keepe the Law As may appeare out of his 2. Hom. in 18. dom Trinit Betweene the yeares 950. and 1000. In England The Cleargie of England in a Councell held 975. withstood Dunstans prohibition of Priests Marriage Hen. lib. 5. Fatholdus whom some call Ethreredus a learned man of Scotland so euidently by Scriptures and Fathers proued that Marriage was lawfull to men in spirituall offices that Dunstans Miracle was reputed an illusion of the Deuill Hist Magdeb. cent 10. c. 9. Aelfricus Archbishop of Canterburie about the yeare 996. wrote an Epistle to Wolfine Bishop of Shirburne against the housling of the Sacrament And another Epistle to Wolstan Archbishop of Yorke against Transubstantiation Which with a Sermon of his in the Saxon tongue are extant Martyrol p. 1040. 1401. 1042. In France Fulco Archbishop of Rhemes vttering his minde freely in a Councell held at Rhemes vnder the Raigne of Carolus Simplex against the abuses of the Court of Rome and for seeking reformation of the Church was slaine in that Counsell by Vinemarus Ex Rhem. Concil Luitprandus a famous Historiographer in the daies of Otho the 1. wrote against the Pope Epist Luitpr ad Reginomundus Episc Hisp In Germanie Otho the Great Deposed Pope Iohn the 13. and assumed into his owne hands the nomination and making of Popes which was a manifest resistance against the growth of the primacie Sigon lib. 7. ann 963. Theophilack is thought to haue liued about this time he was Bishop of Bulgaria and wrote Greeke Commentaries vpon the Euangelists c. Hâ—e said Antichrist should spring in the decay of the Roman Empire and of Marriage that it was honourable and a step to the Chaire of a Bishop Theophilact Betweene the yeares 900. and 950. In England The English Clergie about this time were very peremptorie against the Reall presence Osberu in vit St. Oden Martyrol p. 1039. The Lawes of King Athelstan and of King Edward the Elder doe plainely shew that the Kings of England at that time gouerned as well in causes Ecclesiasticall as ciuill Extract è legibus Rex Athelst Martyrol p. 1039. In France Reynerus confesseth that about this time there were in France diuers of the Predecessors of the Abbigenses which euen in those daies held their opinions Illyr tom 2. c. 5. p. 548. In Germanie The booke entituled Fasciculus temporum complaineth of the manifold abuses which about this time were in the Church of Rome which caused diuers of the Germans to write and to inueigh against the same Fascic temp p. 68. Betweene the yeares 850. and 900. In England KIng Alfred caused the Psalter and diuers other parcels of holy Scripture to be translated into the English tongue that the English might be the better acquainted with the same Gulielm de Regiby Angl. Iohannes Scotus a great learned man was famous about this time he wrote a Booke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and an other De corpore sanguine Domini for the which and other of his Positions contrarie to the opinion of the popish Church he was accused of the
Catalogue before recited and see what colour they haue to set vpon their false suggestion which they buzze into the eares of their proselites that our Religion was not heard of before Luthers time when we haue such a cloude of Witnesses of our side as already hath beene produced Their first cauill is against the smalnesse of the number Geneâ—raâ—d Chr. lib. 4. Admit say they that there haue beene in the daies of old some that haue leaned to diuers of these hereticall propositions of the Protestants and haue opposed themselues against the doctrine of the Romish Church Brist profâ—â— in 〈◊〉 as there hath beene scarce any peece or Article of the Roman faith but by one or other first or last it hath beene called in question yet as Andrew said of the fiue Barly Loaues and two small Fishes which were to bee deuided among fiue thousand hungry people Ioh. 6.9 Iohn 6.9 What are these among so many so say they What are these few Bellarm. lib. 4. de Eccles c. 8. Rhem. in Act. 11 sâ— 4. this little handfull of Protestants in regard of whole Countries Kingdomes and Nations throughout all the world who haue embraced the Catholike faith of the Church of Rome and adhaered to that sea or how can so small a number make a visible Church To this we answer 1. That number or multitude is no true marke or note of a Church for if Truth should be measured by the opinion or practise of the multitude Then Iesabels Church should bee better then the Church of which Elias was King 18.19 for Baals Prophets were 450. fed at Iesabels Table when as Elias as farre as hee could see was left himselfe alone Then should the Pagan religion bee better then that in Israel which was but an handfull in regard of the rest of the world â—sal 76.1.2 Psal 147.19.20 Then should Turkisme bee better then the Christian religion for that at this day hath greater number that follow it then this And so the Turke should be better then the Pope Mahumetisme more to be commended then Poperie because the ones Dominion is larger in extent then the other and that hath more Proselites then this But our Blessed Sauiour himselfe preuenteth that obiection when he calleth his flocke Pufillum gregem A little flocke Luk. 12.13 Luk. 12.31 and againe telleth vs. Mat. 7.13 Math. 7.13 that wide is the gate and broad thei way that leadeth to destruction and many there bee which goe in thereat but straight is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth vnto life and few there bee that finde it 2. It is no wonder that in these times of persecution of the Church of Christ by the See of Rome the number of true professors was so small for these were the daies and times Reuel 12.5.6 When this woman fled into the wildernesse when the greatest part of the Christian world both small and great rich and poore Reuel 13.16 17. bond and free were compelled to receaue the marke of the Beast and no man could buy or sell saue hee that had the marke or the name of the beast or the number of his name By reason whereof the number of this faithfull flocke of Christ was much diminished and obscured which is the cause why the professors of our Religion in those times being driuen from place to place and persecuted by Antichristian tyrannie Their names the places of their abode and other circumstances whereby their memories should haue beene preserued could not so easily be made knowne vnto vs. 3. As the true Church may sometimes bee more secret and hidden yea reduced to a very small number as already hath beene declared so that number be it neuer so small that company be they neuer so few professing the Truth aright and hauing the right markes of the Church may be a true Church Where two or three saith our blessed Sauiour are gathered together in my name there am I in the middest of â—â—em Mat. 18.20 Math. 18.20 Whereupon Tertullian inferreth Tertul. exhorâ— ad Castital Augustin Ennar in psal 2â— Darand lib. 6. 72. v. 25. Where three are that sincerely professe the truth there is a Church And Augustin saith The Church sometimes was only in the house of Noah sometimes in Abrahams family only sometimes in Lot and his house And the Papists themselues doe acknowledge that at the time of our Sauiours Passion the true Faith remayned onely in the Virgin Mary 4. Neither haue I in the Catologue before recited set downe all that either liued or are recorded in the seuerall Ages aboue mentioned but onely a few in stead of many by which few it may bee easily gathered that there were many more of them for such Learned such eminent men when they shew foorth themselues could not want partakers howsoeuer the oppression and Tyrannie of the aduerse partie did keepe them vnder Neither are there so few who haue already beene named if wee rightly cast the account In some of these Centuries and halfe Centuries I confesse there appeare more in some lesse as the cloud of Popish ignorance or persecution did thicken or lessen as sometimes amounting to hundreds at other times to thousands as may appeare by that which already hath been alledged And this if wee had no more witnesses to produce were enough for answer vnto their demand who require vs to shew any that professed our Religion before the dayes of Martin Luther and to stop the mouthes of our Popish aduersaries who thus vauntingly insult ouer vs That they will not put the Protestants to proue that there were seauen thousand of their Sect before their new Elias Rhem. in Rom. 11.4 Luther began But let them proue say they that there were seauen or any one either then or before then in any Age that was in all points of his beliefe Obiect 2 And these last wordes of the Rhemists are a branch of another Obiection which the Papists frame against our former Catologue Gregor de Valent Com. theol com 3. d. 1. And that is this How can you prooue say they that those parties whom you claime to bee yours such as in the former Catalogue were mentioned held the same Religion which you now doe or if in some things they may seeme to accord with you yet that in all points they were of your beliefe To this I answer 1. That it is not requisite that to proue them to professe the same Religion together with vs wee must proue them in all points to haue beene of our Beliefe or that the least difference in opinion should make a difference in Religion for what Church euer was there wherein all the members thereof did fully consent in euery point without any shew of difference Surely not the Pope Catholique Church for doe all that professe themselues members of that Church agree in euery point professed and maintained by that Church Concil Trident. Waâ—â— Quodâ— What then meane
same Faith which wee professe by the Bohemians Waldenses c. alreadie hath beene made manifest But how long time is it I pray that the name Papist whereof of late they were ashamed and wherein they now so much glory was knowne or acknowledged in the world Act. 11.26 Optat. Mileuit lib. 2. cont Parm. or whence is it that leauing the auncient name of Christians they rather with the Donatists appropriate vnto themselues the name of Catholicks Doubtlesse howsoeuer they bragge and boast of Antiquity wee may apply that of Bildad vnto them They are but of yesterday Iob. 8.9 for how could a man know what it was to be a Papist or what was the body of Religion before the Councell of Trent had defined it Trent Councel concluded An. dom 1563. which was since Luthers time Let them shew where their Papall Supremacie was before the time of Pope Goodface the third or their Latine Seruice before the yere 680. Platina or their Romish Masse before Adrian the 1. Anno 780. Iacob de Vorag in vit Gregor Exposit Rom. ord ann 1215 1222. ex Act. Rom. Pontif. 1414. or their Agnus Dei before Pope Sergius an 700. or their Transubstantiation before the Councell of Lateran or their eleuation and adoration of the Sacrament before the time of Honorius the third or their eceiuing of the Communion in one kinde onely and the absolute forbidding of the contrary before the Councell of Constance Iohan. Scot. lib. 4. dist 17. artic 3. or their absolute necessity of Auricular Confession before Innocent the third Idem ibid. in his Councell of Lateran or the prohibition of Marriage to the Clergie before the same time I might instance in many other points of Poperie which howsoeuer they may carrie some shew and shadow of Antiquity yet being duly considered they will appeare to be but late inuentions peeced and patched together by their Popes as each of them in their succession was minded to adde something to make vp the full measure of the mysterie of Iniquity Neyther let them boast as of commonly they cracke of the ancient Church of Rome Rhom 〈◊〉 in Act. 1â— â— Idem in Eâ—â—â— 4.13 so famously renowned by the Writings of the Apostles and commended and appealed vnto by the auncient Fathers for the name and shew of the Romane Church See M. Fox his description of the diffâ—rence of the now Church of Rome and the old Actâ— and Monum first 26. pageâ— is but an emptie shew of Names and Titles this present Romane being in a manner wholly departed in the Questions controuerted from the auncient and retayneth nothing but the Title The true auncient and Apostolike Church of Rome so much commended by the Fathers and sought to by the World professed another kind of Faith then this doth and the same that we now defend against them That Church affected no such prowd and swelling Titles it vsurped no such transcendent Iurisdictions it obserued no such foolish Superstitions it maintained contrarie Doctrine to their now Errors To what purpose then should any sticke vpon the name of the Romane Church when the true Faith is changed Or what doe the Prerogatiues and Royalties of the auncient Church concerne this that is turned to another Religion Or who regardeth an House of stately Building or anticke memorie of auncient Antiquitie when the Plague hath infected it and Theeues possesse it Leaue therefore yee Romanists to cracke of your Antiquitie or to traduce vs of Noueltie wee may take vp the words of Nicephorus Concil Ephâ—â— sin pag. 307. the Patriarke of Constantinople in an Epistle to Leo Bishop of Rome Wee also haue the Name of Rome the â—diâ— and auncient Faith of Rome among vs being built vpon one and the same foundation of Faith in matter of Faith we follow them Wherefore let S. Paul glorie and reioice in vs also and ioyning new things with old and comparing vs in Doctrines and Preaching let him glorie in vs both alike for wee as well as they following the Doctrines and Institutions wherein wee are rooted are confirmed in the confession of our Faith wherein wee stand and reioyce c. As for you my poore seduced Countreymen who suffer your selues to be seduced and mis-led by these Popish Circumcellions take heed and beware how you fauour these Merchants of the Romish Strumpet who vnder fained pretences and subtile insinuations goe about to make merchandise of your soules 2. Pet. 2.5 These latter dayes saith the Apostle are perillous times and these Popish Priests and Iesuits I may say are perillous seducers 2. Tim. 3.1 6 7. They of this sort creepe into houses and lead captiue silly women laden with sinnes and led about with diuers Lusts euer learning and neuer able to come to the knowledge of the Truth Listen not vnto them It is not good for Eue to fall to conference with the Serpent Genes 3. no nor for Adam neyther to suffer Eue and the Serpents parley or to encline vnto them least hee also be partaker in the Transgression Consider what is the end they ayme at not Religion but the Soueraigntie of their high-towring Church not the Consciences of men yeelding to their Ceremonies and Superstitions will satisfie them vnlesse they haue their wills in ouer-ruling all and bringing them vnder their Antichristian Yoake How doe they disturbe Thrones and fill the World with Anarchie and Confusions and whose soules they should winne to God by ministring the Word and Sacraments their bloud they sacrifice to the Deuill by stirring them vp to Treason and Rebellion Beloued 1. Ioh. 4.1 beleeue not euery Spirit but trie the Spirits whether they be of God or no. A Foole saith Salomon beleeueth euery thing Prou. And surely it is their folly who suffer themselues to be seduced by giuing too easie credit to the slauering insinuations of these Popish Teachers and are hereby brought into a great dislike of our Church because they beleeue their words and doe not make search and enquirie after the truth of the same Beware least that dreadfull iudgement of God fall vpon you 2. Thess 2 10 11. Because they receiued not the knowledge of the Truth that they might be saued therefore God shall send them strong delusions that they should beleeue lyes You will say That you are no Changelings That yee are of the olde Religion That you keepe the olde Faith and will liue and dye in the same Religion which your fore-fathers professed Poore soules Popish Religion is not the oldest Religion but a late vpstart a Modell of Superstition your Popes Catholike Church is but an Impostume growne in the Church Wee confesse that for a long time the Christian World hath beene annoyed with it yet euen in the time and before the time of this declining from the Truth our Faith and Religion hath euer kept it selfe vnspotted The true cause why during the former ouer-clouding times of Poperie the Exercises