whoredom_n and_o bawdry_n which_o be_v amongst_o the_o most_o part_n of_o priest_n and_o moreover_o the_o canon_n denounce_v those_o person_n to_o be_v idolater_n which_o hear_v the_o mass_n of_o any_o priest_n or_o deacon_n that_o be_v a_o fornicator_n 81._o for_o thus_o say_v a_o canon_n take_v out_o of_o s._n gregory_n if_o any_o priest_n deacon_n or_o subdeacon_n be_v stain_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n almighty_a &_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o s._n peter_n do_v utter_o forbid_v bim_n to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n until_o he_o have_v do_v penance_n and_o make_v amends_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n let_v no_o man_n presume_v to_o hear_v their_o divine_a service_n for_o their_o blessing_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o curse_n &_o their_o prayer_n into_o sin_n and_o this_o do_v the_o lord_n himself_o witness_v where_o he_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n i_o will_v curse_v your_o blessing_n and_o as_o many_o as_o disobey_v this_o wholesome_a commandment_n shall_v fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n be_v this_o canon_n well_o understand_v of_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a soul_n that_o hold_v of_o the_o romish_a religion_n and_o do_v ordinary_o hear_v the_o mass_n and_o other_o church_n service_n of_o lecherous_a priest_n i_o believe_v they_o will_v rather_o forbear_v it_o utter_o than_o defile_v themselves_o so_o wretched_o with_o idolatry_n and_o as_o say_v this_o canon_n receive_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n in_o receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o such_o a_o priest_n but_o ignorance_n accompany_v with_o error_n which_o have_v be_v long_o breed_v and_o root_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v cause_n the_o poor_a people_n to_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v the_o mass_n of_o these_o fornicator_n but_o if_o a_o marry_a priest_n shall_v sing_v they_o a_o master_n they_o will_v stone_n he_o to_o death_n and_o not_o allow_v his_o mass_n to_o be_v good_a behold_v what_o power_n long_o forgrow_v error_n have_v over_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n and_o how_o strange_o the_o tyranny_n thereof_o cause_v their_o wretched_a conscience_n to_o go_v astray_o for_o by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n it_o be_v a_o curse_a thing_n to_o shun_v the_o offering_n of_o a_o marry_a priest_n or_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v despise_v because_o he_o be_v marry_v these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o a_o canon_n take_v out_o of_o the_o council_n of_o gangra_n 28._o if_o any_o man_n make_v difference_n of_o a_o marry_a priest_n in_o forbear_v to_o come_v to_o his_o offering_n as_o though_o he_o may_v not_o do_v it_o because_o he_o be_v marry_v curse_v be_v he_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o canon_n which_o say_v that_o no_o priest_n have_v power_n to_o consecrate_v singingcake_n except_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a life_n which_o thing_n shall_v make_v the_o romish_a catholic_n to_o think_v that_o they_o put_v themselves_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o idolatry_n when_o they_o worship_v the_o sing_a cake_n although_o it_o be_v admit_v that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v true_a which_o thing_n the_o protestant_n do_v still_o deny_v for_o questionless_a by_o this_o canon_n all_o be_v idolater_n which_o worship_v the_o sing_a bread_n that_o be_v consecrate_v by_o priest_n of_o evil_a life_n as_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o be_v these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n 1_o the_o priest_n which_o minister_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o people_n do_v wicked_o in_o believe_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o word_n which_o the_o priest_n speak_v and_o not_o his_o good_a life_n which_o make_v the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o to_o do_v the_o same_o there_o need_v but_o only_o the_o solemn_a pronounce_v of_o the_o prayer_n without_o any_o merit_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o priest_n which_o have_v any_o blemish_n in_o he_o may_v not_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o offer_v any_o sacrifice_n unto_o he_o so_o then_o by_o this_o canon_n it_o may_v be_v well_o say_v that_o in_o these_o day_n there_o be_v very_o few_o priest_n which_o have_v power_n to_o consecrate_v moreover_o in_o these_o day_n they_o observe_v no_o part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n in_o the_o say_n of_o their_o mass_n for_o they_o ought_v to_o sing_v the_o mass_n in_o single_a linen_n cloth_n and_o not_o in_o silk_n of_o colour_n these_o be_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n by_o the_o opinion_n of_o we_o all_o 1._o we_o ordain_v that_o no_o man_n presume_v to_o celebrate_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o cloth_n of_o silk_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o cloth_n of_o colour_n but_o in_o linen_n cloth_n only_o consecrate_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o say_v make_v and_o weave_v of_o flax_n which_o grow_v upon_o the_o earth_n even_o in_o such_o like_a sort_n as_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v bury_v and_o wrap_v in_o a_o simple_a white_a sheet_n make_v of_o flax_n mass_n neither_o ought_v they_o to_o sing_v or_o say_v mass_n without_o two_o assistant_n lest_o they_o shall_v offend_v in_o the_o congruity_n of_o grammar_n in_o have_v but_o one_o when_o they_o say_v dominus_fw-la vobiscum_fw-la and_o orate_fw-la pro_fw-la i_o fratres_fw-la speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n but_o yet_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o most_o part_n of_o mass_n be_v say_v nowadays_o but_o with_o one_o clerk_n to_o accompany_v the_o priest_n yea_o and_o often_o time_n the_o priest_n be_v constrain_v to_o answer_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o a_o common_a proverb_n of_o a_o priest_n name_v martin_n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n 1._o it_o be_v also_o ordain_v that_o no_o priest_n shall_v presume_v to_o say_v mass_n except_o he_o have_v two_o assistant_n so_o as_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v the_o three_o for_o when_o he_o say_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o &_o these_o word_n of_o the_o memento_n brethren_n pray_v for_o i_o it_o be_v very_o convenient_a that_o other_o folk_n shall_v answer_v of_o themselves_o to_o his_o salutation_n so_o as_o if_o all_o these_o canon_n be_v well_o consider_v every_o man_n may_v well_o perceive_v that_o the_o romish_a catholic_n have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o make_v so_o great_a account_n of_o their_o master_n or_o to_o think_v the_o protestant_n to_o be_v in_o error_n in_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o come_v at_o it_o nor_o allow_v of_o it_o of_o marriage_n the_o ix_o chapter_n as_o concering_n marriage_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestaunte_n differ_v not_o much_o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a catholic_n in_o deed_n the_o catholic_n do_v term_v it_o a_o sacrament_n and_o the_o protestant_n say_v it_o be_v a_o holy_a institution_n of_o god_n but_o not_o a_o sacrament_n because_o that_o in_o every_o sacrament_n there_o must_v be_v a_o outward_a sign_n to_o be_v discern_v with_o the_o eye_n and_o a_o inward_a thing_n signify_v which_o be_v invisible_a as_o i_o have_v say_v of_o baptism_n heretofore_o show_v that_o in_o that_o sacrament_n the_o water_n be_v the_o outward_a sign_n and_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o inward_a &_o invisible_a thing_n signify_v and_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n be_v the_o outward_a sign_n and_o the_o body_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o thing_n signify_v which_o our_o soul_n do_v receive_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o in_o marriage_n there_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n and_o a_o inward_a &_o invisible_a thing_n signify_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sacrament_n again_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v that_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a amongst_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v they_o lay_v man_n or_o man_n of_o the_o church_n noble_a or_o unnoble_a rich_a or_o poor_a because_o god_n have_v institute_v it_o and_o have_v permit_v the_o use_n thereof_o to_o all_o person_n of_o what_o quality_n soever_o they_o be_v and_o to_o celebrate_v the_o same_o at_o all_o season_n and_o that_o to_o make_v gloss_n and_o limitation_n or_o restraynte_n of_o the_o which_o god_n have_v set_v at_o liberty_n be_v to_o go_v about_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n which_o in_o deed_n be_v stark_a foolishness_n beastly_a presumption_n and_o heady_a traitorous_a unlawful_a contrariwise_o the_o romish_a catholic_n hold_v opinion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o man_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v marry_v at_o all_o nor_o to_o celebrate_v any_o marriage_n in_o lent_n in_o advent_a and_o in_o the_o four_o ember_n week_n and_o the_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o have_v
reason_n upon_o every_o point_n and_o have_v allege_v the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o confirm_v our_o doctrine_n and_o to_o disprove_v they_o i_o geve_v they_o yet_o this_o advantage_n further_o that_o i_o come_v into_o the_o list_n against_o they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v most_o for_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o most_o hurtful_a to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o canon_n make_v or_o authorise_v by_o the_o very_a pope_n themselves_o wherein_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v so_o much_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o either_o they_o must_v condemn_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o canon_n or_o else_o confess_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v void_a of_o all_o error_n true_a it_o be_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o time_n have_v sufficient_o already_o set_v forth_o the_o pureness_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o and_o that_o much_o better_a than_o i_o can_v skill_n to_o do_v insomuch_o that_o in_o that_o respect_n many_o may_v think_v that_o i_o do_v but_o make_v repetition_n howbeit_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n as_o you_o will_v say_v to_o level_v or_o bend_v the_o canon_n in_o defence_n of_o ourselves_o against_o such_o person_n as_o beat_v we_o with_o they_o and_o undue_o do_v attribute_v asmuch_o or_o more_o authority_n to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o i_o have_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o i_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o fault_n which_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o my_o intent_n be_v to_o allege_v the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o every_o point_n for_o the_o true_a and_o sure_o ground_v of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o not_o to_o bestow_v the_o canon_n otherwise_o than_o in_o beat_v down_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n i_o know_v well_o that_o the_o time_n be_v now_o so_o miserable_a and_o sorrowful_a in_o france_n that_o most_o man_n take_v all_o good_a thing_n in_o ill_a part_n and_o that_o even_o those_o which_o best_a know_v the_o way_n how_o to_o heal_v our_o sore_n be_v so_o ill_o mind_v that_o they_o will_v not_o use_v it_o and_o in_o good_a hour_n be_v it_o speak_v we_o may_v well_o say_v as_o livy_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o civil_a war_n in_o rome_n praefacione_fw-la which_o begin_v under_o silla_n and_o marius_n and_o continue_v under_o pompey_n and_o cesar_n and_o so_o hold_v on_o in_o quarrel_v and_o parttake_v still_o under_o their_o successor_n a_o time_n in_o all_o point_n like_v to_o this_o sorrowful_a time_n of_o we_o that_o this_o realm_n of_o france_n be_v bring_v to_o so_o extreme_a corruption_n as_o it_o may_v no_o long_o endure_v either_o her_o own_o vice_n or_o the_o remedy_n of_o they_o and_o in_o good_a sooth_n every_o man_n may_v well_o perceive_v the_o vice_n of_o dissension_n rancour_n civil_a war_n and_o corruption_n both_o of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v sow_v at_o this_o day_n and_o already_o to_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o french_a nation_n and_o likewise_o all_o man_n of_o any_o understanding_n do_v well_o see_v that_o the_o very_a remedy_n to_o rid_v away_o these_o mischief_n be_v to_o admit_v some_o good_a reformation_n aswell_o in_o doctrine_n as_o in_o discipline_n and_o in_o outward_a behaviour_n but_o france_n be_v in_o the_o same_o take_v that_o a_o poor_a sick_a man_n be_v when_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o fit_n be_v upon_o he_o who_o can_v neither_o suffer_v his_o disease_n patient_o nor_o willing_o receive_v the_o medicine_n that_o shall_v do_v he_o good_a for_o all_o of_o we_o do_v well_o enough_o perceive_v our_o disease_n and_o we_o know_v well_o it_o be_v great_a and_o dangerous_a and_o we_o will_v fain_o be_v heal_v of_o it_o but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o do_v find_v that_o the_o medicine_n of_o reformation_n be_v to_o irksome_a wherein_o sure_o man_n do_v great_o overshoot_v themselves_o for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o pain_n nor_o displeasure_n in_o lead_v of_o a_o sober_a &_o modest_a life_n as_o there_o be_v in_o lead_v of_o a_o lose_a life_n beside_o that_o the_o sober_a well_o stay_v &_o well_o reform_a life_n in_o good_a manner_n &_o doctrine_n be_v accompany_v with_o great_a quietness_n of_o conscience_n &_o as_o say_v cicero_n do_v common_o lead_v the_o body_n to_o a_o healthful_a and_o honourable_a old_a age_n but_o although_o we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n to_o desire_v reformation_n than_o for_o the_o cease_n of_o our_o untollerable_a trouble_n be_v not_o that_o cause_n enough_o sith_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v thorough_o bring_v a_o sleep_n until_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o error_n corruption_n and_o looseness_n that_o be_v among_o we_o be_v first_o quench_v and_o do_v away_o by_o a_o sound_a reformation_n aswell_o inward_o as_o outward_o for_o natural_o all_o cause_n bring_v forth_o effect_n like_o themselves_o and_o again_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v righteous_a be_v wont_a to_o continue_v in_o strike_v with_o his_o revenge_a rod_n upon_o such_o as_o harden_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o stand_v kick_v against_o the_o spur_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o monstruous_a waste_n and_o spoil_v of_o thing_n which_o civil_a war_n be_v wont_a to_o breed_v whereof_o we_o have_v see_v but_o too_o many_o by_o experience_n the_o hear_v of_o our_o head_n will_v stand_v up_o at_o it_o cornelius_n tacitus_n rehearse_v the_o mischief_n that_o befall_v to_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o civil_a war_n that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n galba_n vitellus_n and_o otho_n say_v that_o in_o those_o fiery_a broil_n the_o goodly_a province_n of_o the_o empire_n stagger_v incline_v to_o a_o change_n of_o state_n and_o to_o a_o overthrow_n of_o the_o monarchical_a government_n wherethrough_a they_o have_v feel_v so_o many_o oppression_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o parttakinge_n of_o great_a man_n who_o shoot_v at_o no_o other_o mark_n but_o to_o destroy_v one_o another_o insomuch_o that_o in_o those_o time_n there_o be_v every_o where_o great_a murder_n of_o man_n burn_v of_o town_n defile_v of_o holy_a thing_n excessive_a cruelty_n even_o in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n itself_o deflower_v of_o the_o noble_a lady_n and_o banish_v of_o the_o honest_a and_o honourable_a man_n the_o vertuous_a folk_n go_v soon_o to_o wreck_n notable_a valiancy_n and_o great_a riches_n dignity_n and_o authority_n execute_v or_o leave_v unexecuted_a for_o fear_n be_v take_v for_o crime_n the_o servant_n be_v wrought_v either_o by_o terror_n or_o by_o treachery_n to_o be_v against_o his_o master_n and_o the_o bondman_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n against_o his_o lord_n such_o as_o have_v no_o enemy_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o subtle_a pack_v of_o their_o friend_n truth_n be_v oppress_v partly_o through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o governor_n partly_o through_o the_o crafty_a juggle_n of_o flatterer_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o spyte_n of_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o helm_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o list_v nor_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o flatterer_n who_o have_v win_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o great_a reward_n which_o they_o obtain_v for_o their_o flatter_a as_o consulship_n government_n of_o province_n preferment_n to_o priesthod_n spoil_n of_o country_n and_o exchete_a of_o man_n good_n be_v hate_v and_o abhor_v alike_o of_o all_o people_n the_o small_a country_n which_o sometime_o be_v entangle_v in_o those_o civil_a broil_n be_v full_a of_o cruel_a deed_n the_o sea_n be_v cover_v with_o folk_n that_o have_v be_v banish_v and_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n the_o rock_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v pester_v about_o with_o the_o carcase_n of_o folk_n murder_v and_o the_o good_a city_n be_v quite_o &_o clean_o soak_a from_o all_o their_o substance_n these_o be_v the_o fruit_n in_o effect_n which_o the_o great_a and_o politic_a wise_a man_n tacitus_n affirm_v to_o come_v and_o grow_v ordinary_o of_o parttaking_n and_o civil_a discord_n whereof_o we_o have_v feel_v so_o good_a store_n by_o the_o space_n of_o seventeen_o year_n already_o or_o there_o abouts_o that_o we_o ought_v now_o long_o ere_o this_o to_o have_v desire_v and_o seek_v the_o remedy_n that_o may_v have_v cure_v our_o so_o strange_a misfortune_n and_o barbarous_a calamity_n yea_o and_o even_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o swear_a enemy_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n aught_o to_o become_v assure_v by_o the_o proof_n of_o time_n past_a that_o for_o all_o that_o ever_o they_o can_v do_v or_o devise_v they_o shall_v never_o so_o deface_v the_o truth_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v stand_v
they_o evident_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o scan_n of_o every_o point_n particular_o that_o be_v in_o question_n and_o for_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o say_n we_o will_v take_v for_o our_o ground_n three_o maxim_n or_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o true_a whereby_o every_o man_n shall_v easy_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v wicked_a new_a and_o heretical_a or_o no._n the_o three_o maxim_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v that_o that_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whereby_o god_n be_v most_o honour_a be_v the_o best_a the_o second_o be_v that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v best_a build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o true_a the_o three_o be_v that_o the_o romish_a catholic_n can_v well_o accuse_v that_o doctrine_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o their_o own_o canon_n which_o three_o rule_n or_o maxim_n be_v so_o clear_a &_o evident_a of_o themselves_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o day_n or_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o clear_a for_o see_v that_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n it_o do_v follow_v that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o yield_v unto_o he_o all_o duty_n and_o honour_n and_o to_o rob_v he_o of_o no_o part_n thereof_o be_v a_o good_a and_o true_a doctrine_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_o likewise_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v new_a but_o that_o we_o may_v rather_o say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o which_o do_v call_v it_o new_a may_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o call_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o itself_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n for_o to_o the_o ignorant_a every_o thing_n that_o they_o understand_v not_o be_v new_a neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o light_n and_o wisdom_n in_o like_a manner_n i_o think_v that_o all_o man_n will_v easy_o grant_v that_o even_o the_o earne_a catholic_n of_o rome_n can_v not_o dispense_v so_o much_o with_o themselves_o as_o to_o accuse_v that_o religion_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o their_o own_o canon_n because_o the_o canon_n be_v authorise_v by_o the_o pope_n themselves_o for_o the_o decree_n of_o gracian_a from_o whence_o i_o intend_v to_o draw_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n which_o shall_v be_v allege_v be_v ratify_v &_o authorise_v by_o pope_n pope_n euginie_n the_o three_o who_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v red_a in_o the_o vniversytye_n 1168._o and_o use_v in_o judgement_n as_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o so_o that_o to_o reject_v and_o condemn_v the_o canon_n be_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o pope_n and_o all_o the_o roman_a religion_n but_o full_a well_o i_o know_v that_o hereafter_o when_o i_o shall_v allege_v the_o canon_n those_o passionate_a catholic_n will_v rise_v up_o and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o canon_n contrary_a to_o these_o and_o true_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n be_v full_a of_o contraryety_n yet_o dare_v i_o bold_o say_v and_o assure_o avow_v that_o those_o canon_n which_o i_o will_v allege_v in_o this_o book_n be_v of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o the_o canon_n law_n new_a &_o which_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o best_a spring_n &_o fountain_n and_o from_o such_o author_n as_o be_v most_o principal_a in_o skill_n and_o holiness_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o that_o will_v compare_v they_o with_o their_o book_n have_v thus_o set_v down_o these_o three_o maxim_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v perceive_v by_o every_o man_n of_o common_a capacity_n yea_o even_o of_o the_o gross_a sort_n i_o be_o now_o to_o apply_v they_o orderly_v to_o every_o particular_a point_n and_o first_o of_o all_o we_o will_v treat_v of_o prayer_n â§_o of_o prayer_n the_o second_o chapter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n touch_v prayer_n be_v very_o plain_a their_o opinion_n be_v in_o effect_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o offer_v our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n our_o maker_n who_o be_v able_a enough_o to_o geve_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v &_o gracious_a in_o harcken_a gentle_o to_o our_o request_n who_o also_o have_v manifest_v his_o great_a goodness_n in_o give_v his_o everlasting_a son_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o he_o our_o manhood_n may_v have_v access_n to_o his_o godhead_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v that_o in_o pray_v to_o god_n our_o creator_n we_o must_v always_o use_v the_o credit_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n our_o mediator_n who_o may_v bold_o go_v to_o the_o father_n because_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o selfsame_a godhead_n and_o be_v and_o disdain_v not_o also_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o to_o be_v a_o intercessor_n for_o they_o because_o he_o be_v man_n as_o they_o be_v nether_a be_v this_o manner_n of_o pray_v unto_o god_n altogether_o disallow_v of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n but_o they_o will_v needs_o add_v thereunto_o that_o we_o must_v have_v also_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o hesaint_n and_o the_o shesainte_n which_o be_v many_o in_o number_n &_o in_o their_o time_n have_v do_v many_o a_o fair_a miracle_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v a_o suitor_n to_o a_o king_n in_o any_o cause_n or_o to_o his_o elder_a son_n he_o will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o dash_n press_v to_o their_o presence_n but_o go_v to_o some_o of_o their_o servant_n or_o lord_n of_o their_o court_n and_o so_o it_o seem_v a_o thing_n very_o reasonable_a and_o meet_a that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v mind_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o go_v first_o to_o some_o of_o the_o celestial_a court_n to_o purchase_v acces_fw-la to_o god_n &_o to_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n by_o their_o mean_n and_o that_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o despise_v of_o the_o saint_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n from_o god_n to_o pray_v continual_o for_o the_o millitante_n church_n and_o every_o particular_a person_n of_o the_o same_o true_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o reason_n have_v some_o colour_n and_o show_v of_o truth_n if_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o god_n as_o of_o man._n man._n but_o hereunto_o the_o protestant_n reply_n that_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o king_n or_o as_o of_o another_o mortal_a man_n for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n god_n be_v altogether_o good_a and_o incline_v to_o do_v good_a but_o man_n be_v they_o king_n or_o other_o be_v natural_o evil_a and_o dispose_v to_o do_v evil_a both_o against_o god_n &_o their_o neighbour_n god_n understand_v our_o prayer_n assoon_o as_o they_o be_v conceive_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o before_o our_o mouth_n do_v utter_v they_o but_o to_o cause_v a_o king_n to_o understand_v our_o suit_n we_o must_v put_v they_o in_o write_v or_o tell_v they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_n of_o advocate_n to_o lay_v forth_o our_o case_n &_o of_o master_n of_o request_n to_o prefer_v our_o petition_n to_o the_o prince_n or_o to_o his_o council_n and_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o great_a lord_n and_o counselor_n to_o get_v we_o audience_n and_o dispatch_n all_o which_o thing_n have_v no_o place_n with_o god_n so_o that_o to_o compare_v the_o manner_n of_o pray_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o prefer_n of_o suit_n unto_o prince_n be_v a_o token_n that_o we_o slender_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o have_v to_o note_v a_o proper_a say_n of_o s._n ambrose_n 1._o which_o he_o utter_v in_o these_o express_a word_n those_o which_o in_o steed_n of_o resort_v unto_o god_n repair_n unto_o creature_n be_v wont_a to_o colour_v their_o contempt_n of_o god_n with_o this_o miserable_a excuse_n that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v recourse_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o man_n attain_v to_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o king_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o officer_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v there_o any_o man_n so_o mad_a or_o so_o careless_a of_o his_o own_o life_n that_o he_o dare_v yield_v the_o honour_n to_o any_o of_o the_o king_n servant_n or_o officer_n which_o belong_v
to_o the_o king_n himself_o special_o see_v we_o find_v that_o such_o as_o dare_v but_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a matter_n be_v by_o the_o law_n guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n no._n and_o yet_o these_o that_o yield_v to_o the_o creature_n the_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n &_o which_o let_n god_n alone_o do_v worship_n their_o fellow_n servant_n think_v not_o themselves_o blame_v worthy_a at_o all_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v they_o can_v reserve_v any_o great_a honour_n unto_o god._n now_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n make_v their_o suit_n to_o prince_n by_o the_o mean_a and_o favour_n of_o noble_a man_n captain_n and_o officer_n be_v because_o the_o king_n be_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o know_v not_o in_o who_o to_o repose_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n for_o the_o order_n of_o his_o public_a affair_n but_o as_o for_o god_o from_o who_o nothing_o be_v hide_v for_o he_o know_v every_o man_n desert_n unto_o he_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o advocate_n but_o of_o a_o devout_a heart_n for_o wheresoever_o such_o a_o heart_n speak_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v answer_v he_o by_o which_o say_n this_o good_a doctor_n s._n ambrose_n by_o good_a and_o apparent_a reason_n confound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a catholic_n touch_v the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n so_o as_o to_o use_v any_o other_o mediator_n to_o godward_o than_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o distrust_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o of_o the_o goodwill_n he_o bear_v we_o as_o though_o he_o be_v like_a unto_o some_o rough_a and_o uncourteous_a prince_n that_o will_v take_v displeasure_n if_o a_o man_n preace_z to_o his_o presence_n not_o be_v present_v by_o some_o officer_n of_o his_o court_n for_o say_v the_o protestant_n be_v not_o we_o certain_a and_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o clemency_n &_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o do_v invite_v we_o to_o come_v direct_o unto_o he_o be_v not_o he_o our_o good_a shepherd_n our_o redeemer_n our_o attonementmaker_n our_o reconciler_n and_o our_o brother_n wherefore_o have_v he_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n bear_v our_o iniquity_n fulfil_v the_o law_n whereby_o we_o be_v condemn_v shed_v his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o suffer_v death_n and_o passion_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v it_o not_o for_o we_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o purchase_v our_o salvation_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n his_o father_n for_o neither_o for_o himself_o nor_o to_o increase_v his_o own_o glory_n need_v he_o to_o humble_a and_o embase_v himself_o so_o much_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o do_v discharge_v his_o office_n of_o mediatorship_n much_o better_a than_o all_o the_o saint_n can_v do_v special_o see_v that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n that_o they_o be_v saint_n and_o without_o he_o they_o can_v not_o so_o be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o he_o have_v great_a good_a will_n to_o do_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n for_o we_o so_o must_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v not_o consent_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o do_v it_o but_o be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o only_a obtayner_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o heavenly_a blessing_n which_o god_n shall_v geve_v us._n these_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o the_o protestant_n do_v allege_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o doctrine_n touch_v prayer_n whereby_o it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v the_o best_a according_a to_o our_o first_o maxim_n because_o that_o the_o honour_n which_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n be_v thereby_o better_a and_o more_o sound_o and_o whole_o without_o diminish_v render_v unto_o he_o then_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a catholic_n who_o will_v have_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o mediator_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o leave_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nothing_o else_o but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o mediator_n &_o do_v attribute_n to_o the_o saint_n both_o the_o name_n and_o the_o effect_n second_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n be_v perfect_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o all_o man_n may_v know_v by_o consider_v as_o well_o the_o precept_n as_o the_o example_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n concern_v prayer_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o put_v all_o our_o trust_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o pray_v only_o unto_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v geve_v care_n unto_o our_o prayer_n 7.18_o say_v if_o you_o be_v evil_a can_v skill_n to_o geve_v good_a thing_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o rather_o will_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n geve_v good_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v of_o he_o and_o again_o it_o exhort_v we_o to_o use_v the_o credit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n to_o god_n the_o father_n say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v sin_v we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o god_n the_o father_n even_o jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 2.1_o and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o power_n and_o good_a will_n of_o our_o mediator_n towards_o we_o it_o do_v assure_v we_o of_o two_o thing_n the_o one_o that_o he_o sit_v in_o his_o majesty_n and_o might_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o other_o that_o he_o do_v pray_v and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n 8.32_o he_o be_v say_v s._n paul_n upon_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n and_o for_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o abuse_v ourselves_o in_o seek_v many_o mediator_n unto_o god_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v also_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o we_o have_v but_o one_o god_n to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v no_o more_o have_v we_o but_o only_o one_o mediator_n say_v for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n jesus_n christ_n 2.5_o and_o because_o we_o shall_v not_o doubt_v that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o that_o we_o may_v use_v he_o as_o a_o father_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o those_o which_o believe_v in_o the_o mediator_n be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o the_o same_o faith_n &_o belief_n say_v to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v he_o 1.12_o he_o have_v give_v privilege_n to_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n so_o as_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n 6.9_o have_v will_v we_o to_o call_v he_o our_o father_n moreover_o in_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n and_o in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v infinite_a number_n of_o example_n which_o prove_v that_o all_o holy_a man_n have_v always_o make_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o never_o unto_o dead_a man_n nor_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v their_o mean_n and_o intercessor_n unto_o god._n whereupon_o it_o follow_v apparent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n touch_v prayer_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o true_a according_a to_o our_o second_o maxim_n final_o the_o say_v romish_a catholic_n ought_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n with_o heresy_n by_o the_o which_o they_o say_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v out_o of_o this_o world_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o so_o simple_a judgement_n but_o he_o will_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v mere_a madness_n to_o pray_v to_o they_o which_o can_v hear_v he_o as_o questionless_a those_o which_o be_v dead_a can_v understand_v the_o prayer_n which_o we_o make_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o world_n they_o because_o as_o witness_v the_o canon_n they_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o this_o world_n except_o say_v the_o same_o canon_n that_o those_o which_o die_v do_v carry_v they_o news_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o understand_v before_o their_o death_n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n 2._o we_o must_v needs_o confess_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o those_o which_o be_v dead_a do_v know_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v here_o upon_o earth_n but_o they_o may_v well_o be_v advertise_v of_o they_o by_o such_o as_o die_v and_o go_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o of_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v lawful_a for_o those_o that_o be_v hear_v to_o bear_v in_o memory_n and_o expedient_a for_o the_o other_o to_o know_v thus_o by_o this_o canon_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o pray_v unto_o saintes_n see_v they_o be_v dead_a and_o can_v neither_o hear_v nor_o see_v nor_o know_v
in_o authority_n under_o they_o that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o a_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n for_o that_o be_v acceptable_a before_o god_n our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o man_n not_o only_o to_o exempt_v himself_o from_o obey_v the_o prince_n but_o also_o to_o deny_v to_o pay_v he_o tribute_n 22.21_o see_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v pay_v it_o and_o have_v command_v to_o pay_v it_o s._n paul_n do_v also_o witness_v the_o same_o thing_n say_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o conscience_n command_v we_o to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o prince_n because_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v thereunto_o therefore_o geve_v unto_o every_o man_n say_v he_o that_o which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o 13.5.6.7_o tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n belong_v custom_n to_o who_o custom_n pertain_v duty_n to_o who_o duty_n belong_v and_o honour_n to_o who_o honour_n be_v due_a to_o be_v short_a next_o after_o god_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o prince_n all_o obedience_n honour_n and_o fear_v neither_o ought_v we_o to_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o chief_a pre-eminence_n see_v that_o the_o prince_n be_v but_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n and_o that_o the_o lieutenant_n ought_v not_o to_o go_v before_o he_o which_o put_v he_o in_o office_n nor_o the_o servant_n before_o the_o master_n and_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o daniel_n say_v so_o bold_o unto_o the_o king_n darius_n 2d_o that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o fault_n in_o disobey_v his_o commandment_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v obey_v without_o offend_v both_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n also_o it_o be_v for_o the_o selfsame_o cause_n that_o the_o obedience_n which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v yield_v unto_o their_o king_n jeroboham_n which_o cause_v calf_n of_o gold_n to_o be_v make_v and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o honour_v they_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o hold_v the_o general_a rule_n which_o s._n peter_n teach_v say_v we_o must_v rather_o obey_v god_n than_o man._n 20._o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v allege_v by_o s._n paul_n 7.23_o namely_o that_o we_o be_v redeem_v or_o buy_v with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a and_o excellent_a price_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v we_o for_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n prince_n we_o have_v heretofore_o allege_v some_o of_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o pope_n gelasyus_fw-la innocent_a the_o three_o and_o bomface_v the_o eight_o by_o that_o which_o they_o have_v do_v their_o endeavour_n to_o thrust_v down_o emperor_n king_n and_o other_o prince_n far_o underneath_o they_o but_o the_o ancient_a canon_n speak_v far_o otherwise_o for_o by_o they_o even_o the_o pope_n himself_o whensoever_o he_o commit_v any_o fault_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v and_o punish_v by_o the_o emperor_n as_o pope_n leo_n the_o four_o avow_v and_o confess_v in_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n lewes_n 7._o which_o epistle_n be_v make_v canonical_a if_o we_o have_v do_v say_v he_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v not_o or_o have_v not_o perform_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n towards_o your_o subject_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o amend_v our_o fault_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o yourself_o or_o of_o your_o commissioner_n for_o if_o we_o which_o shall_v correct_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n do_v worse_o than_o they_o we_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o which_o thing_n i_o speak_v with_o great_a grief_n we_o be_v master_n of_o error_n more_o than_o other_o wherefore_o we_o most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o majesty_n clemency_n to_o vouchsafe_v to_o send_v hither_o some_o commissioner_n of_o you_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n to_o inform_v you_o of_o our_o behaviour_n and_o to_o make_v as_o diligent_a inquisition_n thereof_o as_o if_o your_o imperial_a majesty_n be_v here_o present_a in_o proper_a person_n and_o to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n by_o piecemeal_o not_o only_o of_o the_o thing_n afore_o mention_v but_o also_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n which_o may_v have_v be_v report_v unto_o you_o so_o as_o by_o that_o mean_v all_o thing_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o lawful_a examinatian_n of_o the_o case_n and_o nothing_o remain_v to_o be_v discuss_v and_o decide_v hereafter_o by_o which_o canon_n it_o appear_v plain_o that_o the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o misbehaviour_n and_o misdealing_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o that_o he_o may_v by_o lawful_a judgement_n condemn_v and_o punish_v he_o when_o he_o do_v amiss_o we_o do_v also_o read_v in_o s._n gregory_n 60._o who_o be_v esteem_v for_o one_o of_o the_o best_a pope_n that_o in_o his_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o king_n of_o france_n of_o england_n and_o of_o the_o westerngothe_n he_o do_v always_o call_v they_o his_o child_n but_o when_o the_o write_v to_o the_o emperor_n which_o reign_v in_o his_o time_n who_o name_n be_v mawrice_o he_o call_v he_o his_o lord_n and_o speak_v very_o humble_o unto_o he_o as_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v his_o sovereign_a declare_v that_o he_o do_v and_o will_v obey_v the_o say_a emperor_n most_o mild_a commandment_n for_o those_o be_v his_o term_n that_o he_o use_v there_o be_v other_o canon_n also_o by_o the_o which_o all_o power_n of_o soveraintye_a be_v attribute_v unto_o prince_n as_o well_o over_o the_o lay_a people_n as_o over_o the_o clergy_n and_o over_o the_o good_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n 8._o s._n peter_n in_o fish_v find_v tribute_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o fish_n because_o that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o pay_v tribute_n of_o such_o outward_a good_a as_o be_v see_v to_o all_o man_n and_o the_o case_n so_o stand_v that_o for_o his_o tribute_n he_o be_v command_v to_o pay_v not_o all_o the_o whole_a fish_n which_o he_o have_v catch_v in_o fish_v but_o only_o the_o piece_n of_o silver_n which_o he_o have_v find_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o fish_n which_o he_o have_v catch_v because_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o place_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o emperor_n and_o king_n nor_o to_o be_v put_v in_o subjection_n to_o their_o power_n but_o sure_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o fish_n be_v command_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o tribute_n of_o peter_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v tribute_n unto_o prince_n of_o the_o outward_a good_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v maintain_v &_o defend_v we_o in_o good_a peace_n and_o quietness_n by_o which_o canon_n it_o appear_v that_o prince_n may_v as_o well_o raise_v tribute_n upon_o man_n of_o the_o church_n as_o upon_o the_o lay_v people_n although_o they_o may_v not_o take_v authority_n in_o divine_a matter_n further_o than_o to_o cause_v obedience_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o a_o other_o cannon_n in_o express_a word_n commandment_n when_o emperor_n make_v wicked_a law_n to_o maintain_v falsehood_n against_o the_o truth_n it_o serve_v to_o try_v the_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n for_o persevere_v in_o the_o truth_n but_o when_o they_o make_v good_a law_n and_o edict_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o the_o falsehood_n the_o persecutor_n be_v strike_v in_o fear_n by_o it_o and_o such_o as_o understand_v the_o truth_n do_v amend_v themselves_o whosoever_o therefore_o do_v refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o prince_n that_o maintain_v the_o true_a doctrine_n do_v procure_v themselves_o great_a punishment_n but_o as_o many_o as_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o edict_n make_v against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n win_v to_o themselves_o great_a reward_n eor_fw-la ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n all_o king_n be_v blame_v which_o have_v not_o prohibit_v and_o root_v out_o from_o amongst_o god_n people_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v set_v up_o against_o his_o commandment_n and_o these_o which_o have_v prohibit_v they_o and_o root_v they_o out_o be_v high_o praise_v above_o all_o other_o nabuchodonosor_n be_v a_o idolater_n do_v make_v a_o treacherous_a proclamation_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v worship_v his_o image_n but_o those_o which_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o ungodly_a law_n deal_v faithful_o and_o holy_o with_o this_o canon_n agree_v a_o other_o canon_n take_v out_o of_o s._n
augustine_n who_o in_o expound_v the_o text_n of_o s._n paul_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o which_o resist_v the_o prince_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 3._o speak_v in_o these_o term_n he_o that_o resist_v the_o high_a power_n do_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o what_o if_o he_o command_v unlawful_a thing_n true_o in_o that_o case_n thou_o must_v not_o obey_v he_o consider_v the_o degree_n even_o of_o man_n law_n if_o the_o ordinary_a judge_n command_v a_o thing_n he_o ough_o to_o be_v obey_v but_o not_o if_o the_o governor_n command_v the_o contrary_n and_o in_o this_o case_n thou_o despise_v not_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n but_o of_o the_o two_o thou_o choose_v rather_o to_o obey_v the_o superior_a where_o in_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o too_o find_v himself_o grieve_v for_o that_o his_o superior_a be_v prefer_v before_o he_o moreover_o if_o the_o governor_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o prince_n a_o other_o or_o rather_o if_o the_o prince_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a what_o will_v you_o say_v to_o that_o god_n be_v the_o high_a power_n oh_o my_o sovereign_a lord_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o pardon_v i_o you_o may_v cause_v i_o to_o be_v put_v in_o prison_n but_o god_n have_v power_n to_o put_v i_o in_o hell_n fire_n in_o this_o case_n thou_o must_v arm_v thyself_o with_o the_o buckler_n of_o faith_n whereby_o thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o beat_v back_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o then_o these_o canon_n maynetaine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n which_o affirm_v that_o next_o under_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o yield_v all_o obedience_n to_o the_o prince_n yea_o although_o he_o be_v a_o infidel_n or_o a_o runeagate_n as_o julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la be_v of_o who_o the_o canon_n speak_v thus_o 3_o albeit_o that_o julian_n the_o emperor_n be_v a_o apostota_n or_o backslider_n yet_o have_v he_o christian_a soldier_n that_o serve_v under_o he_o who_o whensoever_o he_o command_v to_o march_v forward_o in_o battle_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o common_a weal_n they_o obey_v he_o but_o when_o he_o command_v they_o to_o march_v against_o the_o christian_n they_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o emperor_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o good_a sooth_n benefice_n so_o little_o be_v the_o pope_n in_o able_a by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n to_o bereave_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o their_o realm_n and_o principality_n that_o he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o geve_v away_o a_o bishopric_n in_o any_o realm_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o pruste_n under_o who_o dominion_n the_o same_o be_v as_o it_o appear_v by_o a_o epistle_n of_o pope_n leo_n the_o four_o send_v to_o the_o emperor_n lotharius_n and_o lewes_n by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v entreat_v they_o to_o consent_v to_o bestow_v the_o bishopric_n of_o rets_n upon_o one_o name_v colon._n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n see_v the_o church_n of_o rets_n 65._o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n without_o a_o shepherd_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v aid_v by_o your_o majesty_n authority_n and_o maintain_v by_o the_o power_n of_o your_o government_n wherefore_o after_o our_o most_o humble_a salutation_n unto_o you_o we_o beseech_v your_o clemency_n to_o vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v the_o government_n of_o the_o say_v church_n unto_o colon_n your_o humble_a deacon_n that_o by_o your_o majesty_n licence_n we_o may_v with_o god_n help_n consecrate_v he_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o your_o like_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bishop_n of_o that_o church_n than_o we_o beseech_v your_o highness_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o church_n of_o tusculan_a which_o be_v now_o vacant_a so_o that_o be_v by_o we_o consecrate_v bishop_n he_o may_v geve_v thanks_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o to_o your_o jmperiall_a majesty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o same_o pope_n leo_n and_o before_o his_o time_n also_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n not_o to_o receive_v any_o bishop_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n under_o who_o dominion_n the_o bishopric_n be_v according_a whereunto_o it_o be_v say_v thus_o in_o a_o other_o canon_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o these_o term_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o shepherd_n we_o beseech_v your_o majesty_n as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v to_o vouchsafe_v of_o your_o imperial_a wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n in_o all_o ancient_a time_n observe_v to_o geve_v we_o licence_n by_o your_o majesty_n letter_n patent_n to_o provide_v one_o and_o we_o will_v therein_o obey_v your_o will_n and_o by_o god_n help_n consecrate_v he_o that_o shall_v be_v choose_v to_o be_v short_a not_o only_o these_o foresay_a canon_n but_o also_o many_o other_o do_v witness_n unto_o we_o that_o neither_o any_o bishopric_n nor_o yet_o the_o papacy_n itself_o may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n so_o far_o off_o be_v the_o pope_n from_o have_v authority_n above_o the_o prince_n and_o whosoever_o will_v read_v s._n gregory_n especial_o in_o the_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o mawrice_o the_o emperor_n shall_v find_v that_o he_o do_v often_o time_n geve_v the_o emperor_n thank_v for_o provide_v such_o &_o such_o a_o church_n of_o a_o good_a and_o meet_a shepherd_n 170._o and_o how_o he_o declare_v in_o diverse_a place_n that_o he_o be_v and_o will_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o emperor_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v here_o before_o â§_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o of_o the_o succession_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o xi_o chapter_n the_o romish_a catholic_n hold_a opinion_n that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o supreme_a head_n chief_a shepherd_n and_o universal_a governor_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christendom_n as_o vicar_n general_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o doctrine_n they_o build_v upon_o a_o likelihood_n of_o great_a conveniency_n that_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n shall_v have_v a_o lieutenant_n here_o below_o upon_o earth_n to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o repentant_a &_o to_o provide_v curate_n and_o shepherd_n for_o the_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v vacant_a and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n to_o rule_v all_o christendom_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n &_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n they_o say_v also_o that_o this_o authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n be_v give_v to_o s._n peter_n the_o first_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o to_o his_o successor_n for_o because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n say_v unto_o he_o 16.18_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v geve_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o who_o soever_o thou_o bind_v upon_o earth_n he_o shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whosoever_o thou_o lose_v upon_o earth_n shabbe_n lose_v in_o heaven_n but_o contrariwise_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v earth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n chief_a shepherd_n and_o universal_a governor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o that_o when_o he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o do_v not_o appoint_v any_o vicar_n or_o livetennant_n to_o keep_v his_o place_n neither_o in_o deed_n be_v it_o needful_a for_o he_o that_o be_v absent_v himself_o have_v need_v of_o a_o lieutenant_n but_o as_o for_o he_o he_o be_v never_o absent_a from_o his_o church_n but_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v with_o it_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o divine_a power_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v need_n of_o a_o livetennaunt_n upon_o earth_n as_o though_o he_o can_v not_o execute_v his_o office_n upon_o earth_n for_o all_o his_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o bereave_v he_o of_o his_o godhead_n which_o of_o it_o own_o nature_n have_v no_o less_o power_n and_o ability_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n then_o in_o heaven_n where_o his_o manhood_n be_v resident_a whereof_o it_o ensue_v according_a to_o our_o first_o maxim_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o this_o point_n be_v better_a they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a catholic_a because_o the_o honour_n that_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v better_a yield_v unto_o he_o by_o that_o then_o by_o the_o other_o likewise_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n be_v much_o better_o ground_v upon_o the_o
among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o god_n the_o emperor_n dioclesian_n who_o die_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v resign_v up_o the_o empire_n about_o a_o ten_o year_n before_o now_o then_o see_v that_o the_o senate_n be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o to_o canonize_v dioclesian_n the_o great_a enemy_n and_o persecuter_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o despite_n of_o constantine_n be_v then_o emperor_n consul_n and_o a_o christian_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o discretion_n to_o consider_v how_o they_o will_v have_v suffer_v the_o thing_n which_o this_o pretend_a donation_n speak_v of_o namely_o that_o silvester_n shall_v have_v be_v set_v up_o as_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o the_o senator_n themselves_o and_o over_o all_o the_o west_n empire_n and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n shall_v have_v be_v make_v fellow_n like_o and_o equal_a with_o the_o senator_n consul_n &_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n sure_o they_o will_v no_o more_o have_v suffer_v it_o than_o the_o precedent_n and_o councellar_n of_o our_o parliament_n will_v nowadays_o abide_v to_o have_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n set_v over_o they_o to_o control_v they_o or_o the_o overseear_fw-mi of_o a_o consistory_n to_o be_v make_v fellow_n with_o they_o and_o yet_o furthermore_o the_o history_n do_v witness_n unto_o we_o that_o this_o constantine_n the_o great_a do_v leave_v unto_o his_o son_n constantine_n for_o his_o part_n the_o realm_n such_o ordinance_n do_v burden_n man_n conscience_n and_o they_o that_o obey_v they_o do_v seem_v rather_o to_o play_v the_o jew_n than_o to_o use_v the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o a_o canon_n take_v out_o of_o s._n augustine_n 12._o undoubted_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v cut_v of_o as_o soon_o as_o opportunity_n may_v fit_o serve_v thereunto_o for_o although_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o slavish_a burden_n of_o they_o do_v oppress_v religion_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v free_a with_o the_o celebration_n of_o few_o sacrament_n and_o those_o very_a clear_a in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o tolerable_a than_o the_o observation_n of_o so_o many_o tradition_n for_o though_o they_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o their_o liberty_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o any_o sacrament_n at_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o fantastical_a appointment_n of_o man._n which_o cnnon_n do_v well_o declare_v how_o much_o they_o be_v wed_v to_o their_o own_o affection_n which_o in_o these_o day_n do_v kindle_v coal_n in_o all_o place_n and_o condemn_v all_o those_o of_o heresy_n which_o do_v leave_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o with_o what_o countenance_n dare_v they_o call_v it_o heresy_n not_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o invention_n of_o pope_n see_v that_o even_o their_o own_o canon_n do_v will_n we_o to_o forsake_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n if_o this_o be_v heresy_n then_o ought_v they_o to_o burn_v their_o canon_n law._n moreover_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o be_v prove_v by_o their_o own_o canon_n that_o all_o the_o decree_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v either_o superfluous_a or_o wicked_a for_o if_o they_o agree_v &_o accord_v with_o that_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v superfluous_a because_o it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v ratify_v and_o authorise_v new_a again_o by_o man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v contrary_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n then_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o wicked_a as_o the_o ancient_a canon_n themselves_o do_v witness_v these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o a_o ancient_a canon_n attribute_v to_o pope_n vrbane_n quidam_fw-la you_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n may_v well_o make_v new_a ordinance_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n have_v not_o speak_v of_o 1._o but_o in_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v open_o resolve_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n or_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o follow_v next_o unto_o they_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n can_v make_v any_o law_n at_o all_o but_o ought_v rather_o to_o maintain_v that_o which_o be_v already_o ordain_v yea_o even_o with_o spend_v of_o his_o blood_n and_o his_o life_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o which_o god_n forbid_v to_o destroy_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n have_v teach_v in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v show_v himself_o to_o do_v amiss_o &_o not_o to_o geve_v sound_a judgement_n upon_o this_o cannon_n it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o pope_n authority_n extend_v not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o deal_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o doctor_n &_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n have_v teach_v as_o it_o be_v far_o avouch_v and_o prove_v by_o the_o cannon_n follow_v attribute_v to_o pope_n zosimus_n which_o say_v thus_o as_o touch_v the_o statute_n of_o the_o father_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o seat_n may_v neither_o ordain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o nor_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o for_o antiquity_n ought_v to_o be_v inviolable_o root_v among_o we_o as_o be_v honourable_a by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o father_n by_o which_o cannon_n of_o pope_n vrban_n and_o pope_n zosimus_n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o the_o ancient_a cannon_n such_o as_o those_o be_v which_o we_o have_v allege_v in_o this_o book_n to_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o decree_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o latter_a pope_n of_o our_o day_n &_o of_o their_o counsel_n which_o have_v no_o power_n to_o disannul_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o statute_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o as_o touch_v the_o authority_n which_o the_o pope_n attribute_v unto_o himself_o 0._o concern_v power_n to_o damn_v soul_n and_o to_o send_v they_o into_o hell_n by_o great_a troop_n without_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v unto_o he_o why_o do_v thou_o so_o and_o to_o excommunicate_v outlaw_n and_o accurse_v who_o he_o list_v a_o man_n may_v beat_v down_o all_o these_o horn_n of_o he_o with_o this_o unanswerable_a argument_n take_v out_o of_o his_o own_o canon_n that_o such_o as_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n can_v be_v condemn_v nor_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o excommunication_n enterdit_v or_o accurse_v &_o that_o if_o any_o faithful_a christian_a happen_v to_o be_v wrongful_o excommunicate_v or_o accurse_v by_o the_o pope_n or_o by_o any_o other_o priest_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v never_o the_o more_o out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o remain_v always_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o a_o canon_n touch_v that_o point_n 4_o when_o any_o man_n depart_v from_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o from_o charity_n true_o true_o they_o go_v he_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o church_n but_o contrariwise_o if_o any_o man_n be_v excommunicate_v and_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o unjust_a judgement_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o go_v out_o afore_o that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o deserve_v it_o he_o be_v not_o hurt_v by_o such_o excommunication_n for_o often_o time_n he_o which_o be_v drive_v out_o remain_v still_o within_o &_o he_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v within_o be_v nevertheless_o without_o this_o cannon_n teach_v we_o a_o very_a good_a and_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o hold_v and_o retain_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n faith_n &_o charity_n &_o then_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o excommunication_n or_o thunderbolt_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n the_o which_o in_o these_o day_n they_o do_v rather_o use_v against_o such_o as_o will_v not_o allow_v their_o error_n than_o against_o wicked_a liver_n and_o such_o as_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n because_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o god_n church_n if_o we_o cast_v not_o out_o ourselves_o through_o our_o vice_n now_o if_o vice_n and_o error_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o drive_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v there_o in_o these_o day_n any_o people_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v more_o out_o of_o the_o church_n than_o those_o which_o think_v to_o drive_v out_o other_o there_o remain_v yet_o two_o point_n to_o treat_v