lawfull 6 That S. Peter was neuer at Rome 7 That the Clergie of Rome is a den of theeues 8 That the Popes doctrine leadeth to eternall damnation Defens pac Aligerius Andreas de Castro Iohannes Rochetaylada Henrici de Erford nameth him Haybalus preached openly that the Church of Rome was the whore of Babylon and the Pope with his Cardinals to bee the very Antichrist And being for the same brought before the Popes face constantly did perseuere in the same saying that hee was commanded by God to publish the same Froysard Volum 1. chap. 211. Martyrol pag. 360. Before that time there may bee seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1250 1300. In England PEter the sonne of Cassiodore wrote a zealous Epistle to the Church of England dehorting it from the tyranny of the Church of Rome Ex vetust Chron. Alban extat Martyrol 323. The Popes inhibition was despised in England Anno Domini 1294. Diuers also about this time were accused here in England for adhering to the opinion of the Waldenses Turris Lond. in record reconcil inter regem Baron In Germany Gulielmus Altissiodoreusis an ancient Schoolman in whose summes many points of popish doctrine are strongly opposed and confuted Naucler vol. 2. Gen. 45. Iohannes Semeca Prouost of Halberstat was about this time excommunicated and depriued of his office for resisting Pope Clement the fourth gathering certain exactions in Germanie who therefore appealed from the Pope to a generall Councell and had many great fauourers of his side Martyrol pag. 287. In France Gulielmus de S. Amore Master in Paris and chiefe ruler in that Vniuersitie hee wrote a booke de periculis Ecclesia wherein he maintaineth 39 conclusions against the Papists but especially against the Friers Magdeb. cent 13. c. 5. Robertus Gallut borne of a Noble parentage about the yeare 1290 wrote diuers prophesies against the Pope church of Rome in a booke of visions In the first Chap. whereof hee painteth forth the Pope like an Idol In the twelfth Chapter like a Serpent In the thirteenth he resembleth the state of the Church of Rome to a body whose head is dry leane and withered like a logge of wood In another place hee compareth the Schoole-men in their subtill questions and distinctions to a man who hauing fine Manchet bread and pure Wine set before him doth notwithstanding chuse rather to gnaw vpon an hard and flinty stone Martyrol pag. 292. In Italy Petrus Iohannes a Minorite about the yeare 1290 taught and maintained many things against the Pope prouing that he was Antichrist and the Synagogue of Rome the great whore of Babylon Nichol. Emer in lib. inquisit In Spaine Arnoldus de Villa noua a Spaniard by birth about the yeare 1252 was by the Pope condemned for an Hereticke because hee wrote against the corruptions of the Romish Church his preaching was to this effect First that the Pope and his Clergie seduce the world like Satan from the truth of Christ Secondly Faith as the Papists require it is no better then the Deuils faith Thirdly that the Pope leadeth men to Hell Fourthly that Cloisterers are void of charitie Fiftly that Masses are not to be celebrated and that they ought not to sacrifice for the dead with many other propositions to the like effect Magdeb. cent 13. c. 5. Hosiad cent 13. c. 10. Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1200 and 1250 In England RObert Grosthead Bishop of Lincolne a man of great learning and godlinesse who liued in the daies of Pope Innocentius the fourth and constantly resisted his vnlawfull demands as by name the inuesting of a young Italian boy whom the Pope had recommended vnto him to be admitted into the next vacant Prebend in his Diocesse for his sharp preprouing the Pope of Rome and powerful preaching against the corruptions in that Sea hee was commonly called Malleus Romanorum The Hammer of the Romanes for his courage and doctrine the Pope was much incensed against him and sware that he would hurle him downe to such a confusion that he should be made a gazing stocke to all the world notwithstanding all which this good Bishop died peaceably And when as after his death the Pope would haue cast his bones out of Christian buriall in the night following the said Bishop seemed in a vision to appeare before him and smiting him with his Crozier-staffe on his right side with a sterne looke and terrible voice to say vnto him O thou scurâ—â—ie lazy bald doting Pope hast thou purposed to cast my bones out of 〈◊〉 Church God will not suffer thee to preuaile wâ—â— to thee that despisest for thou shalt be despised And so seeming to depart the Pope was found the next morning in a manner halfe dead Math. Paris Martyrol p. 295 296. In France Laurentius Anglicus an Englishman borne but Student in Paris of prime esteeme in that Vniuersity wrote against the Pope affirming that in him and his Prelates Antichrist was already come Martyrol p. 292. Almaricus a Doctor of Paris was burnt for withstanding altars images inuocation of Saints transubstantiation Car. Chron. 1202. In Sweden About the yeare of our Lord 1240 there were in Sweden many Preachers who in their Sermons inueyed against the Pope affirming the Pope and his Bishops to bee hereticks and Symoniacks and that popish priests were meere seducers that the Popes curse was not to bee dreaded and his indulgences were meere fopperies Ex Chronic. Abbat Vsperg Crantz lib. 8. c. 10. In Germany Frederick the second resisted the Popes vsurpations exiled his authoritie out of Germany and fought against him prosperously Mat. Paris p. 71. Sygefridus Seginoburgensis Rudicenus Rhachenicensis Conradus Frisingensis Bishops of Boiora ioyne with the Emperour against the Pope Auent lib. 5. Euarardus Iuuanensis an Archbishop in Germany spake thus of the Pope in an Assembly of Bishops at Regenspurg He vnder the colour of religion layeth the foundatioÌ„ of the kingdome of Antichrist These priests of Babylon will reigne alone they can endure no equall they will neuer rest vntill they haue trampled all things vnder their feet he sitteth in the Temple of God and is exalted aboue all that is worshipped Thus doth that child of perdition whom they vse to call Antichrist in whose forehead is written the name of blasphemy I am a god and cannot erre Auent lib. 7. p. 546. Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1150 and 1200. In England GErhardus and Dulcinus Nauarrensis about this time preached against the Church of Rome defending and maintaining first That prayer was not more holy in one place then another secondly That the Pope was Antichrist and Rome the very Whoore of Babylon prefigured in the Apocalyps These two about the yeare 1158 brought 30 other of their own opinion with them ouer into England who by the commandement of the King
in our Church so that the most part of the bookes which of late come from the presse are written of this subiect yet I hope this mine after-gleaning shall neither seeme presumptuous nor superfluous It is the counsell aduise of S. Augustin that at such times and vpon such occasions as these are al men should write that haue any faculty in writing albeit it be but the same things in other words that all sorts of people among many books might light vpoÌ„ some and the enemie in all places might find some to encounter him For Zions sake I could not hold my peace and for Ierusalems sake I could not rest Esay 62 1. vntill the righteousnesse thereof goe forth as brightnesse and the saluation thereof as a lampe that burneth And if any shall demand of me as Ioab did of Ahimaaz 2. Sam. 18.12.13 why I would be so desirous to run this way after so many better-footed Cushies mine Apology is yet let me runne after them though it be like Ascanius Non passibus aquis althogh the matter bee the same or much more mean my method peraduenture may be more plaine For in this controuersie betweene vs and the Papists coÌ„cerning the Antiquity of both our Churches I follow the tract prescribed by Moses 1 Looking backe into the dayes of old and the yeares of many generations 2 Making inquiry of our fathers and our elders that they may shew and tell vs whether Church whether Religion is the ancientest And I begin first with the first The triall of the truth hereof by the antiquitie of time because the Papists now adaies principally insist vpon this point The Church of God say they consisteth not of a few people but of many Bell de eccles lib. 3. c. 13. Gregor de Valen. tom 3. p. 142. Coster Enchir. c. 2. Rhemist in Act. 11.24 it is not hidden or obscure but conspicuous the company thereof perpetually holdeth a visible succession of Pastors and people as sensibly as any other society of men so that any time one may point with his finger and say this is the Church But the Protestants Church cannot shew this ergo it is no true Chuch Concerning that tenent of theirs about the perpetuall visibility of the Church in that sense as they take it how infirme it is I refer the reader to the learned Treatises of the most reuerend and iudicious Diuines of our Church Archbishop of Cant. in his treatise of the visiâ—l of the Church D. Field of the Church D. White way to the true Church who haue purposely written of that Argument I rather bend my selfe to refute their Minor proposition wherein they deny that we of the Protestant Church can shew any such succession or visibility of our Church and Religion in former times And that so much the rather because Gregory of Valenza peremptorily maintaineth Greg. de Valen. 〈◊〉 3. p. 142. that this is a point which pusseleth vs extreamly that we are not able to shew any company of people which in times past was knowne in the world to hold that forme of doctrine religion which we haue brought in wherein albeit as their owne Bellarmine confesseth It is not required to the vniuersality of the Church Bellarâ—â—â— c. 7. that of necessity there be at all times in euery Country some beleeuers it sufficeth if there be successiuely whence saith hee it followeth that if only one Prouince did retaine the true faith yet should it truly and properly be called the Catholike Church as long as it might be shewed that it were the same which it was at other times in other places of the world yet such hath been the singular mercy of God to his Church in the manifestation thereof that we are able to shew that there hath beene no place in Christendome but there haue been some of our religion therein as not only our own experience Bez. sign eccâ—â—â— lib. 19. c. 1. Bellar. de Roâ—â— Pont. lib. 3. c. 2 but our aduersaries owne reports beare witnesse when they complaine how our heresie so hereticks style it hath possessed many and large Prouinces To make this the better manifest I shall in the ensuing discourse set downe as in a Table a particular Catalogue in what places at what times by what persons our Religion hath been professed and maintained in former ages For an introduction whereunto let vs first consider what our Aduersaries do except against vs. As the Iewes sometimes spake vnto our Sauiour Thou art not yet fifty yeares old Iohn 8.37 and hast thou seene Abraham so the Papists say to vs Rhem. annot in Ephes 4. v. 13. Your Religion is not yet an hundred yeeres old and can such a Religion be good And as the Gentiles sometimes vpbraided the Primitiue Christians Prudent peripâ— hymn 10. Nunc dogma nobis ChristianuÌ„ nascitur post euolutos mille demuÌ„ consules Now after we know not how many thousand Consul times the Christian Religion forsooth is start vp So the Papists obiect against vs now at the last after so many hundred yeares Câ—â—pian Bâ—ll de eccles lib. 4. c. 5. after so many hundred Popes after so long continuance of the faith and doctrine of the church of Rome without any alteratioÌ„ or opposition The Protestant Religion is sprung vp the first founder thereof being Martin Luther an Apostate Frier c. Popish discourse concerning faith p. 57. The Protestant Religion saith the Iesuit was neuer heard of before Martin Luther set it abroach and a late popish Doctor blusheth not to vtter that it is most manifest that all in England were Papists without exception from the first christning thereof vntill about the latter end of King Henry the eight Vide Archb. of Cant. de visib eccles p. 74. What was our Religion neuer heard of before Luther set it abroach were all in England Papists euery one without exception in that religion from the first time that it was Christian till Henry the eight brought in an Innouation Let vs try the honesty of these Popish Doctors and by a view of this try how in other things we may trust theÌ„ on their words let vs according to the counsell of Moses the man of God looke to the dayes of old and the yeares of many generations let vs search the records of time and beginning with Luther looke backward vnto the former times to the yeares of many generations that were before him and if we do not find the footsteps of our Religion in those ancienter dayes let the Papists be credited and our mouthes stopped Martin Luther was borne at Isâ—â—bâ—n in Saxony 〈…〉 Abbâ—t Vsâ—org Iob. S â—â—dum Martyâ—al â—â—glic p. 771 772. Anno Domini 1483. Hee was brought vp in the Vniuersitie first of Magdeburg then of Erford and afterwards at Wittenburgh where at the age of 29 he commenced Doctor At the first he was a Monke of the Augustine Order and he bâ—ganne to distast
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
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
then to burne Whether is it not more Clerke-like to haue a wife of his owne 1 Cor. 7.9 Rubrio qui non habet vxorem habet Concubinam then which is common among them to haue dispensation to keepe a Concubine It is a ruled case in their Schooles and vsuall in the popish practise in this kinde to dispense with vowes was this Martin Luthers fault that hee married without their papall dispensations Leonic Theal p. 246. But what is it which our Papists haue to say of the death of this worthy man An horrible miracle saith one of them and such as before was neuer heard of that God shewed in the soule death of Martin Luther damned in body and soule when Martin Luther sell into his disease Hee desired the body of our Lord Iesus Christ to bee giuen vnto him which hauing receaued hee died soone after Being dead and his body laid in the graue on the sudden such a tumult and terror arose as if the foundations of the earth had been shaken the next night after was heard a noise and cracking about Lutherâ— Tombe much lowder then before which waked all that were in the Citie out of their sleepe trembling and almost dead for feare wherefore in the morning opening the Sepulchre where Luthers detestable bodie was laid they found neither bodie nor bones nor clothes but a stinke of Brimstone comming out of the graue had well-nigh killed all the standers by An horrible and dreadfull example indeed if it were true But when I pray was this report raised when was it written surely long before Luthers death And this merry conceite being diuulged abroad suckt in greedily by the Papall saction at length a coppie thereof came to Luthers hands D. â—hite his way to the true Church p. 430. to the which Libell he writ an Answer beginning in these words I Martin Luther by this mine hand writing confesse and testifie that vpon the 21. of March I receaued this fiction concerning my death as it was full of mallice madnesse and I read it with a glad minde and cheerfull countenance c. What my masters the Papists are you not ashamed of these iuggling impostures Are you growne so impudent that you will not conceale your false Tales and forgeries which you inuent against holy men of God till they be dead but publish them in Print in their liues time that they themselues as Luther and Beza did may conuince you of slaunder and of mallice 〈◊〉 â—pist ad stâ—ckâ—â—m No wonder then that you blush not to traduce Caluin Iewell King and other worthy instruments of Gods glorie when they are dead But you will say you haue a true relation of Luthers fearefull end and that set forth after he was dead indeed I et vs heare what it is Marry this say they Martin Luther going to bed Coccâ—viâ— Cuth Caluin â—urcism p. 957. Defence of the Cens p. 66 merry and drunken was found the next morning dead in his bed his body being blacke and his tongue swelling forth as if hee had beene strangled which some thinke was done by the Deuill some by his wife And that as they bare him to Church to burie him his body so smelt that they were faine to throw it into a ditch and goe their waies Thyrraus de Daemoniac part 1. Thes 99. And that a seruant of Luthers being in the Chamber when he died opening a Casement to take in the ayre saw neere vnto him a great number of blacke spirits hopping and dancing wonderfull But did they who relate this see it were they then present or vpon whose relation doe they deliuer it Nay herein they are altogether silent Therefore let vs heare what they who were present with Luther at the time of his death and saw him dying and accompanied his body to the Funerall bee rather belieued then these rayling lying Papists And who were these Albert Earle of Mansfield and other noble men Iustus Ionas Ioh. Sleidan Com. lib. c. 16. Hierem in Weller Martyrol p. 789 Michael Coelius Iohannes Aurisaber Ambrose his his childrens Schoolemaster and many more And what testifie they of his manner of dying euen this That in the yeare of our Lord 1546. the 17. of Februarie D. Martin Luther sickened a little before supper of his accustomed maladie to wit the oppression of humours in the crifice or opening of his stomacke which sicknesse seasoning vpon him hee was had to bed where hee rested two houres where his paines encreasing he called vp D. Ionas and Ambrose his childrens Schoole-master and by their helpe remâ—ued into an other Chamber Into which being newly entred Albert Earle of Mansfield with diuers other came into his Chamber with whom he learnedly discoursed of our knowledge in the life to come of the labours in the Trent Counsell to suppresse the truth of the care which euery good Christian should take to maintaine the truth Giuing himselfe many times to his priuate prayers and soliloquies with God And feeling his fatall houre to approch he commended himselfe to God with this deuout prayer Heauenly Father who art God and the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ the God of all comfort I giue thee thankes for that thou hast reuealed thy Sonne Christ vnto me in whom I haue beleeued whom I haue professed loued and preached and whom the Bishop of Rome and the rest of the wicked persecute and reproach I beseech thee my Lord Iesus Christ receiue my poore soule And Heauenly father though I bee taken out of this life and shall lay downe this my body yet I beleeue assuredly that I shall remaine foreuer with thee and that none shall bee able to plucke mee out of thine hands And hauing ended this prayer hee repeated the 16. verse of the 3. chapter of the Gospell by S. Iohn and then the 20. verse of the 68. Psalme and not lâ—ng after this hee commended his soule into the hands of God two or three times ouer with shew of much comfort as a man falling asleepe by little and little he departed this life the standers by perceiuing no paine to vexe him his Funerals were solemnly performed at Wittenberge where by the appointment of the Prince Elector hee was honourably buried in the tower Church with great lamentation of many Bugenhagius making the Funerall Sermon and Melancton the Oration This was the end of that good man whose memorie shall euer be precious in the Church of Christ and flourish as the rod of Aaron laid vp in the Tabernacle Thus much for the Popish exceptions against Luther The next whom they except against are Iohn Husse and Hierome of Prage the two famous Bohemian Martyrs and learned professors of our religion And what is it which they can say against them Iohn Husse say they was a very Goose so it pleaseth them to descant vpon his name Stephen Paletz Stanisiaâ—s de Znoymar Concil Constan which in that tongue doth so signifie Hierome of Prage
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
Tarracona marryed Bishops Cyprian an African borne in Carthage who although he had his grieuous errors yet was a worthie Builder of the House of God not by woâ—d alone but also by writing Augustine de Baptism contra Donat. lib. 5. cap. 17. In his Writings he agreeth with vs. Narcissus Bishop of Ierusalem a great enemie to Superstition Euseb lib. 9. cap. 6. Asclepiades Bishop of Antiochia of whom Alexander Bishop of Ierusalem being the prisoner of Christ in Caesarea wrote vnto the people in Antiochia That it was a comfort vnto him and it made his Imprisonment the more easie that he heard of the zeale and constancie of Asclepiades Euseb lib. 6. cap. 11. Babilas Bishop of Antiochia vpon whom albeit the Papists would father many of their superstitious deuises yet Eusebius who may bee best credited in this point sheweth his hatred of all Idolatrie and therefore no doubt likewise of such Idolatrous inuentions Euseb lib. 6. cap. 39. Betweene the yeares 200 and 250. TErtullian who albeit hee fell into the Erâ—or of Montanus and hold diuers other Errors yet where he was Orthodoxe stood most with vs Origen of whom the Prouerbe is Vbi bene nemo melius vbi â—ale nemâ—â— prius where hee writeth best is for vs as Polycrares Bishop of Antioch a marryed Bishop together with diuers other Bishops of Asia withstood Victor Bishop of Rome and opposed certaine Constitutions by him vrged about Obseruation of Dayos Meats Drinkes Vestures c. Eusib lib. 5. c. 26. Betweene the yeeres 150. and 200. POlycarpus Bishop of Smyrna who resisted Anicetus Bishop of Rome and withstood diuers Ceremonies then beginning to be set on foot Euseb lib. 5. cap. 26. This Polycarpus also wrote an Epistle to the Philippians wherein hee defendeth the same Doctrine of Iustification by Faith as we doe Iren. lib. 3. cap. 1. Irenaeus Bishop of Lyons in France who though hee was entangled with the error of the Chyliasts yet where he was Orthodoxe ioyned with vs and wrote in the name of his brethren of France vnto Victor Bishop of Rome reproouing him for offering to excommunicate the Churches of Asia who withstood his Traditions Euseb lib. 5. cap. 26. Melito Bishop of Sardis wrote an Apologie for the Christians to Antonius the Emperor Euseb lib. 4. c. 13. His consent together with vs about the Canonicall Scripture and the Apocriphae may be seene in his Epistle to Onesimus Melit Apolog. ad Onesim The Congregations at Lyons and Vienna in France how they accord with vs may be seene by the Epistle set forth in their name Extat Martyrol p. 40. Betweene the yeeres 100. and 150. IGnatius who in the persecution of Traian the Emperour was for the Christian Faith deliuered to wilde Beasts to be deuoured Euseb lib. 3. cap. 35 36. It is written of him That as hee passed through Asia being vnder the most strict custodie of his Garders hee strengthened and confirmed the people euerie where as hee went and admonished them especially and before other things to beware and shun Heresies and vaine Superstitions newly risen vp and that they should cleaue onely to the Writings of the Apostles c. Ex Hierom in Catal. Sanct. Eccl. Iustinus Martyr who wrote two bookes of Apologie for the Christians to the Emperour Antoninus Pius In the which and in his Dialogues hee testifieth the summe and substance of the doctrine and Religion of the Christians in those times wholy answering with ours now if wee compare them together Iustin Dialog cum Tryph. Apol. Quadratus Bishop of Athens Agrippus Castor Hegisippus and others Betweene the yeeres 50. and 100. SAint Iohn the Euangelist who for preaching the Gospell Euseb lib. 3. c. 10. was banished by Domitian into the I le Pathmos about the yeare 97. and after the death of the aforesaid Domitian was released againe vnder Pertinax the Emperour and came to Ephesus anno 100. where hee continued vntill the time of Traian and liued till the yeare after the passion of our Sauiour 99. How our doctrine doth agree with his may be seene if we examine it by his Writings S. Peter Simeon Bishop of Hierusalem Iacobus Iustus S. Paul Onesimus Bishop of Sardis Titus THE CHVRCHES OF Rome Corinth Galatia Philippi Colossos Thessalonica Crete Ephesus Pergamus Thyatyra Sardis Smyrna Philadelphia Laodicea Betweene the first yeere of our Sauiors Incarnation and the 50. after BEsides Iohn the Baptist old Simeon Hanna the daughter of Phanuel c. wee haue the Twelue Apostles SIMON PETER ANDREVV IAMES the sonne of Zebedee IOHN PHILIP BARTHOLOMEVV THOMAS MATTHIAS IAMES the sonne of Alpheus LEBBEVS whose surname was Thaddeus SIMON the Canaanite MATTHIAS chosen in the place of Judas Iscariot IESVS CHRIST HIMSELFE BEING THE HEAD CORNER STONE THat the Apostles taught the same Doctrine which wee embrace and those Churches before-mentioned vnto whom the Apostles wrote did follow the same Religion which wee professe may appeare if we compare our Doctrine and Religion with theirs which in stead of many others wee may behold in this briefe Table beneath specified THE DOCTRINE OF THE Apostles and profession of the Churches vnto whom they wrote Agreeing with vs PROTESTANTS Scripture sufficiencie IOhn 5.39 Iohn 20.31 Act. 17.10 Luk. 16.29 Eph. 2.20 2. Tim. 3.15 16 17. Scripture perspicuitie Matth. 7.7 Rom. 10.6 2. Cor 4.3 Scripture authoritie Iohn 5.34 36 39. Luk. 16.19 1. Ioh. 5.6 Sacraments Their number Math. 28.19 Mark 16.16 Joh. 3.5 Luk. 22.19 Their efficacie Rom. 1.17 1. Pet. 3.21 The fruits and effects of Baptisme Ioh. 5.14 Ephes 4.23 The Sacrament of the Lords Supper Artic. 31. 1. Cor. 10.11 1. Cor. 11.10 1. Cor. 10.16.17 Spirituall eating and drinking in the Sacrament 1. Cor. 10.3 1. Pet. 1.29 Communicating in both kinds Math. 26.26 Mark 14.22 1. Cor. 10.16 The true manner of Gods worship Tit. 1.5 Hebr. 13.7 1. Pet. 1.23 The danger of all sinne Rom. 4.15 1. Ioh. 3.4 Prayer To God alone Rom. 8.27 1. Cor. 1.16 Heb. 10.19 in a known tong 1. Cor. 14.15 The Church Jt is a congregation of the faithfull onely c. Ioh. 10.16 15.14 Eph. 5.23 True markes of the Church Act. 2.4 Eph. 2.10 Act. 5.8 Christ alone the head of the Church Eph. 1.22 4.16 Act. 4.11 1. Cor. 1.11 Ecclesiasticall discipline 1. Cor. 5.7 2. Thes 3.14 Tit. 3.10 Sanctification Jn true holines and newnesse of life Rom. 16.4 Luk. 1.75 Eph. 1.4 Philip. 1.12 Coloss 1.22 Faith An assured confidence Mark 5.7 2. Tim. 2.8 vpon knowledge Heb. 11.1 2. Cor. 13.5 only in the elect Ioh. 6.35 Repentance The gift of God Genes 8.21 Rom. 8.7 Necessarie Iam. 1.7 1. Tim. 2.21 Confession to God Math. 3.6 Good workes Must spring from Faith Rom. 8.8 Galat. 5.6 Tit. 1.15 Heb. 11.6 Are our dutie Matth 7.17 2. Pet. 1.10 Subiection to Powers Rom. 13.1 2 3. Tit. 3.1 1. Pet. 2.13 Disagreeing from the PAPISTS Traditions IOhn 4.22 23. 1. Timoth 4.1 2. Timoth. 3.1 Reuelat. 22.18 19. Slander of obscuritie