by Pope Eugenius and in the end degraded and burnt at Rome Ex Antonin 3. part fol. 165. Nicholaus Clemangis an Archdeacon De annot non soluend In Italy Laurentius Valla a Roman Patrician Cannon of S. Iohn of Lateran Ex eius tractat contra Eâ—entit Donat constat Petrus de Aliaco Cardinall of Cambray Tract de reform eccles Leonardus Aretinus Ex eius libello in Hypocrit Nicholaus Pycennius an Italian Captaine Ex orat Arclacens in Concil Basil In Germany Antonius Cornelius Lynaichanus Ex orat ad cler Colon. de lubricitat sacerd Martyrs Henricus Grunfielder Henricus Ratgeber Iohannes Draeandorfius Petrus Thoraw Matheus Hager of whom and the doctrine for which they suffered we may reade in Bali cent Martyrol p. 614. In Bohemia Iohn Hus Bachelor of Diuinity maintained 45 Articles in Prague against the Church of Rome in effect the same that we doe for which hee was called to the Councell of Constance where for persisting therein he was condemned and afterwards burnt Concil Constant Choclaus Huss Hierome of Prague Mr of Arts seconded Iohn Hus in defence of the same doctrine and followed him in martyrdome Cocl ibid. 54 Noblemen of Morauia wrote to the Councell of Constance in defence of Iohn Hus and Hierome of Prague whose names together with their Letter are recorded Martyrol p. 587. A great part of the Kingdome of Bohemia forsooke the Pope claue to the doctrine which they had learned from Hus and Hierom. Coch. ibid. Zisca a noble Bohemian with a great multitude of associates wage warre against the Papists and throw Images and Idols out of their Churches Coch. ibid. Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1350 and 1400. In England ROger VVimbleton whose learned Sermon against diuers points of Popery preached at Pauls Crosse Anno 1389 is extant Martyrolog pag. 503. Iohn VVickliffe publique Reader of Diuinitie in the Vniuersitie of Oxford a famous learned man whose doctrine agreeing with ours may bee seene in his propositions recorded Martyrol pag. 414. This VVickliffe had many fauorites at that time especially Iohn of Gant and Henry Lord Percie the one Duke of Lancaster the other Marshall of England Ibid. The Vniuersitie of Oxford pag. 408 and many in the Parliament Anno 43 of Edward 3 did adhere vnto him Ibid. The Letters of King Richard the third and the Acts of Parliament then declare that this doctrine was dayly preached in Churches and Churchyards at which were present great multitudes of people Anno 5. Rich. 2. c. 5. Martyrs VVilliam Santree Iohn Badâ—ie Persecuted for the same Doctrine Philip Repington Nicholas Hertford William Thorpe Iohn Puruie Iohn Edwards Walter Brute Iohn Ashton Iohn Becket Iohn Seynonds Dauid Cotray William Swinderby diuers others Act. Mon. in vit Rich. 2. In France Gerardus a Deacon Henricus de Iota Henricus de Hassia 140 of those who adhered to the doctrine of the Albigenses were about this time put to death in the Prouince of Narbone Massae hist A great number more about this time were burnt in France for the like cause and were nicknamed Publicans Puritans Paterines Houedom hist Martyrol pag. 387. In Germany Taulerus a preacher of Argentine Iohannes Montzigor Rector of the Vniuersitie of Vime who openly in the schooles impugned the doctrine of Transubstantiation Martyrol p. 386. Conradus Hager Rhider About the yeare of our Lord 1390 thirty six Citizens of Mentz were burnt for the doctrine of the VValdenses and holding the Pope to be Antichrist and relying vpon the Scriptures and not vpon the traditions of the Church of Rome Brus Anal Et Martyrol p. 587. In Italy Nicholas Orem whose Sermon before the Pope and his Cardinals Anno 1546 sauoureth of our doctrine Extat Martyrol p. 382. Iohannes de Ganduno Andreas à Castro Dante 's Florentinus Franciscus Petrarcha Iohannes de rupe Scissa Iohannes de Castellione Iohannes de Poliaco In Bohemia Matthias Parisiensis a Bohemian by birth about the yeare 1370 wrote a booke of Antichrist prouing him already to bee come and that the Pope is the same Martyrol p. 386. Iacobus Milnensis Miletius The Vniuersitie of Prague in defence of VVickliffe ibid. 4â—0 Peter Painâ— a Scholleâ— of VVickliffe came inâ—o Bâ—hemia brought with him VVickliffs bookes which were in quantitie as great as Saint Augustines workes Histor de Hus lib. 1. In Spaine Petrus de Corbaria Franciscus de Areatara Floreleg Before that time there may be seene professors of the Protestants Religion betweene the yeares 1300 and 1350. In England ARmachanus sometimes a Student in Oxford afterward Bishop of Armach and Primate of Ireland who before Pope Innocent the 8 his Cardinals disputed nine conclusions against the Friers Wickliffe in Trid. Besides that hee contested against diuers other abuses in the Popish Church Martyrol p. 378 for which he sustained diuers troubles by meanes of the Pope and his Cardinals Martyrol page 375. That there were diuers others about this time of that Religion here in England may appeare out of a book then compiled and entituled The complaint of the Ploughman Extat Martyrol p. 366. In France Philip the French King wrote a Letter of defiance against Boniface the 8. Nichol. Triuet William Nagaretta William Plesiano in the French Kings name solemnly protested against the Pope Martyr p. 314. The Nobles Prelates and Parliament of France censure the abuses of the Papacy ibid. p. 315. 318. 324. Rude Duke of Bourgundy about the yeare 1348 disswadeth the French King from permitting in his Realme the Popes Decrees and Decrerals whose sage counsell then giuen as yet remaineth among the French Kings Records Testatur Carol Molinaus In Germany Gulielmus Ockam about the yeare 1326 wrote in defence of the Emperour Ludouicus against the Pope who wrote also diuers other Books in which he confuteth the vsurped Supremacie of the Pope and entring into mention of the Popes Decrees extrauagant declareth how little regard is to bee giuen thereto Iohn Sleid. lib. 4. Vlricus Hangenor Treasurer to the Empeâ—or Ludâ—uicus publiquely opposed himselfe against the Popes proceedings Martyrol p 358. Gregorius Ariminensis about the yeare of our Lord 1346 maintained the same doctrine of grace and free will which the Protestants at this day doe and dissented from the Papists and Sophisters counting them worse then Pelagians Ex Tritheâ—io Petrus de Bruis who laid the Axe to the root of Popery and in set-Treatises opposed most of his documents Pap. Mess in Bonif. Luitpoldus Andreas Landensis In Italy Marsilius Patauinus in his booke entituled Defensor pacis held these conclusions 1 That the Pope hath none authority ouer other Bishops much lesse ouer the Emperour 2 That the Word of God ought to bee iudge in causes Ecclesiasticall 3 The Clergie and Pope ought to be subiect to Magistrates 4 That Christ is the head of the Church and that hee neuer appointed any Pope to be his general Vicar 5 That the mariage of Priests is
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
Pope for an Hereticke and at the last was murthered Iornal c. 171. Martyrol p. 130. Noctus and Werefrithus at the same time here in England were of the same opinions Ibid. In Germanie Huldericke Bishop of Ausburgh about the yeare 867. wrote an Epistle to Pope Nicholas the 1. prouing by substantiall reasons that Priests ought not to bee restrained from Marriage Ex tat haec Epist Martyrol p. 125. Illyric in Catal. Meminit etiam huius Epistolae Aeneas Siluius in sua perigr Germaniae descriptione The Bishop of Rauenna also about this time wrote against the Supremacie of the Bishp of Rome Anast in vit Nich. In Constantinople Michael the Emperour and Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople stoutly resisted the Popes supremacie in opposition of whom the Embassadors of Pope Adrian the 2. came to Constantinople where a Councell being gathered by Basilius against Photius great policie was vsed in that Councell to haue all things framed to the content of the Romish Bishop Michael was slaine Photius deposed and to his place Taratius a great defender of the adoration of Images is preferred Ex epist Nich. ann Mich. Anastas in vit Nich. 1. Betweene the yeares 800. and 850. In England Iohn Mailros Claudius Clemens Two learned men of Scotlan sent by King Achaâ—us to Charles King of France and the first professors of Learning in the Vniuersity founded in Paris These two were much disliked by the Prelates of the Romish Church because they would not assent to all the superstitions of that Church in an age so miserably deformed Patrick Symps hiâ—t of the Ch. 2. Booke cent 8. p. 386. In France Claudius Bishop of Tours opposed himselfe against the adoration of Images Inuocation of Saints Pilgrimage c. Ionas Aurel. de Cult Imag. Albertus Ballus a Bishop in France was Excommunicated by Pope Zacharie because hee held diuers things contrary to the Romish superstitions Hist Magda eut 8. cap. 10. In Germanie Lotharius the Emperour reduced the Pope to the obedience of the Empire and sent three Arch-Bishops twenty Bishops and diuers noble men to Rome who disputed against the Pope and confuted him Anastas vit Pent in Serg. 2. Betweene the yeares 750. and 800. Bertram that famous learned man very skilfull in the Scriptures and of a life vnblamable as Trithemius testifieth of him wrote a Booke about this time against Transubstantiation which booke is now extant Trithem Catul. script Alcwinus and the Bishops of England wrote an Epistle substantially grounded out of holy Scripture about this time to the French King against setting vp of Images and other popish practises Continuatio Bedae in ann 792. In Germanie Charles the great assembled a Counsell at Franckeford about the yeare 794. wherein was condemned the worshipping of Images Concil Fr. The same Charles also caused a booke to be made against the 2. Nicene Counsell where the worshipping of Images was decreed with another set forth by Ludonicus his Son to the same effect Both which are to bee seene at this day Rhegino Chron. 2. In Constantinople In the yeare of our Lord 755. and in the 13. yeare of the Raigne of Constantinus Copronymus a generall Councell of 338. Bishops were assembled at Constantinople in which Councell the worshipping of Images is condemned and the placing of them in Oratories and Temples was forbidden Zonar Tem. 3. p. 88. Betweene the yeares 700. and 750. In England Beda translated St. Iohns Gospel into English Malmsh Adelbartus Clemens These two here in England about this time preached against the Popes Supremacie Traditions Images Purgatorie Masses for the dead and in defence of Priests marriage Illyr Catal. test tom 1. p. 633. In Constantinople Philipicus Leo Isaurus Two Emperours of Constantinople opposed themselues against the Popes supremacie and the worshipping of Images Zon. tom 3. p. 84. Betweene the yeares 650. and 700. In England AIdan Finian Coleman Three Scottish Bishops Also Cutbertus Iurummanus Cedda Wilfridus of whom it is testified that they gaue themselues wholly to the preaching of the word and followed that life which they preached giuing good example to others that they abhorred the papall pompe and had many bitter controuersies with the Court of Rome Bed lib. 2.23 lib. 4 c. 3. Martyrol p. 110. In Constantinople About the yeare 681. and in the 12. yeare of Constantius Pâ—gâ—natus a generall Counsell was held at Constantinople where was disanulled the Doctrine of the Church of Rome concerning prohibition of Marriage to men in spirituall offices as also it was ordained that the Patriarch of Constantinople should bee equall in authority with the Pope of Rome Sext. Synod Can. 13. Also it was forbidden to make the holy Ghost in likenesse of a Doue Caxanc in can 82. In Portugall In the Councell of Bracara there held about this time the Cup was appointed to bee ministred to the Laietie as well as the Bread in the Administration of the Sacrament against the practise of some who then vsed to dip the Bread and so to giue it which was one beginning of the halfe Communion Concil Bracaz 3.1 Betweene the yeares 600. and 650. In England MEllitus Brockmaile 1100. Monkes of Bangor not Monkes after the Popish order but liuing by the sweat of their browes and labour of their owne hands who were miserably slaine because they withstood the proceedings of Austin the Monke who from the Pope was sent ouer into England Polychus 20. Martyrol p. 107. In France Serenus Bishop of Marsils in France about this time opposed the popish bringing in of Images into the Churches and brake downe all the Images that that were set vp in his Diocesse Alphons v. Imago In Greece The whole Greeke Church complained at Phocas when first he gaue the Supremacie to Boniface Plat. Bonif. 3. Gregorie Bishop of Rome no lesse contesting against that Supremacie taxing the desire thereof as a Character of Antichrist Greg. Epist 32. 34. 38 39. Thus haue we traced the foot-steps of the Protestant Church 400. yeares and vpward before the Conquest of England by William Duke of Normandy a thousand yeares before Luthers time or the daies of Henry the eight and haue found our Religion professed and maintained by diuers persons and in sundrie places not only here in England but also in most parts of Christendome euen to the time when Poperie began to shew it selfe in her colours in the daies of Boniface the 3. of that name Bishop of Rome and Phocas the Emperour 2 Thes 2.7 At what time as that mysterie of iniquitie which began to worke in the Apostles dayes did gather head and display it selfe how easie it will bee for vs to deriue the succession hereof from an higher discent and to shew the continuance thereof from the Apostles time shall hereafter be made manifest In the meane while we will for a while looke backe vnto our pope-Catholike Aduersaries and finde out their starting holes by examining what they obiect or can except against the