The epiphany of the Church. GATHERED OUT OF THE HOLY Scriptures, declaring and plainly showing, both the Church that cannot but err, and also the Church that cannot err. WITH SO EVIDENT NOTES and manifest signs of either of them, that no man reading it, needeth be in doubt which he should believe. Written by R. P. in the year of our Lord God 1550. And now published in this year 1590. for the benefit of all such as desire the truth concerning the church. LONDON Printed by Roger Ward, dwelling at the sign of the P●●sse in the Little Old-baily. 1590. UNTO THE REVEREND FATHER in God and honourable Lord, Nicholas Ridley, bishop of London, his humble Richard Phinch the unworthy minister to the small congregation of eastham, wisheth grace, peace, and health, with increase of godliness in jesus the only health and peacemaker, etc. AFter I perceived (very reverend father) that your good travel amongst us had not so good success, as the unfaithful & superfluous doings of other sometimes do obtain, I not only mused with myself what should be the cause, but also studied with my whole endeavour to do that lay in me, though not able to help good affairs forward, yet at the least, not to hinder them. For certain overthwart persons (pretending to cleave earnestly unto the faith of the church, when in very deed they do nothing else but stick unto their own wills in following evil custom) coveted divers ways to obscure the praise of your diligent labour. Being moved thereto partly because you examined them by the scriptures, and partly for that you gave in your visitation injunctions to take away the principal monuments of superstitions, even the altars of the popish mass. Ah God help, to be tried by the Gospel, was a strange matter unto them that were occupied only in their pie portuase and ordinals, but more strange unto them that were wont to hear of nothing at visitations but of paying of money, and most strange unto them that were never examined before, not so much as whether they believed in God or no. This unwont manner & strangeness made your godly endeavours, of some not to be so thankfully received (albeit of the honest most thankfully taken) as they worthily deserved of all: insomuch that for my part I harkened for nothing but for some congratulation of my brethren toward you: and the people looked for reformation of enormities, for the open punishment of great crime, and for the plain setting forth of God's word & preaching of the same after your visitation. But as I have heard nothing of the one (honest persons excepted) so do the people wait still for the other. Wherefore (to speak simply) I think God recompenseth the omission of the one with the loss of the other, for praise hath been want to follow virtue, as the shadow doth the body. Furthermore, that noble king of famous memory, no less prudent than godly minded, king Henry the 8. put forth unto us in the year of our Lord 1536▪ a book of articles, wherein the signification of certain ceremonies (which before were done) he pl●●●…ly declared sensing, kneeling, offering to images, & worshipping of the same were forbid, and also the name of purgitory was clean taken away. But how thankfully those things were then of some received, their setting forth & teaching of the same plainly showed. I do well remember that many were as loath then to forego their purgatory, as they be now unwilling to take down their altars, the monuments of the same: & that it was as strange a thing to say on Ash-wednesday Memento homo, etc. in English (notwithstanding the said book of articles willing the same) as it is now to be examined in the New testament by a godly bishop. In the same year also came forth godly injunctions commanding parents and governors to teach their youth the Lords prayer, the Articles of the faith, & the commandments of almighty God in English, which themselves had not learned, & therefore the curates were charged to recite one clause or article one day, & another on another day of the same, until the whole were learned. This year likewise by the authority of the same injunctions, the Bible, God's book was set up in the choir, to be read both in Latin and English, which thither was so well welcome, so much regarded, and so diligently studied, that he had good leave to departed from thence into the body of the church. For in the year of our Lord God 1538. the magistrates were feign to renew the same injunctions and speak more plainly, who commanded the said God's book to be set up in some convenient place in the Church, and no man to be discouraged from reading of the same in English. They charged all curates again to teach the lords prayer, the articles of the faith, and the commandements of God, and that they should examine every person coming to auricular confession, in the same, and hear them say the lords prayer, the articles etc. particularly. And also make or cause to be made one sermon every quarter in every one of their cures. O Lord God, what an eye sore & torment of mind was this unto them that were obstinate and wayward: but what a sweet comfort to the simple that were willing to disburden their conscience? If god had then, as he hath now, sent us some godly learned Bishops that would have taken pains to visit their cures, and to have examined how these matters had gone forward, they should have perceived many a false cast to have been played under the coverlet in the shifting houses. And some simple folk would have said that their ghostles fathers had given them counsel to stick unto their old primer, and to beware of the new, and specially of the testament. divers proclamations about this time were also set forth, concerning Gods matters, but alas they were so unwillingly handled, and so unthankfully received, that God had almost taken his word from us again. At the length about the year of our Lord God 1544. the suffrages were put forth in english, which likewise were so well welcome to some that the king's majesty than was constrained to write unto certain prelate's concerning the same, whom he advertised, not to be so slack in putting the said prayers in practice, as they were inserting forth his former articles & injunctions. Thus God hath wrought among us by a little and a little to bring us to knowledge, that at the length we might willingly embrace his holy word. Again, forsomuch as of late God's book was in some places almost forgot, in some places run out of the church into the chancel to hide himself amongst the popish books, and of some so safely laid up, that a man might wright upon him with his finger, Ecce nunc in pulvere dormio. Therefore almighty God moved the heart of our most natural liege Lord and dearly beloved maiden king, to lift up the same God's book once again out of the dust. Who in the year of our Lord God 1547. set forth by his royal visitation godly homilies, the paraphrase of that learned father Erasmus, to the great comfort of the simple that be willing to learn, & also godly injunctions, meaning thereby to root up all superstition, abuse, and idolatry, & to set up gods word in their place. Wherein he commanded not only to take away all superstition and idolatry, but to take away, and utterly to extinguish and destroy all monuments of superstition & idolatry. cap. 28. But how diligently puts-off have practised their policy, to hinder this his godly purpose: it is better to lament it with tears, then to rehearse it in letters. Last of all, to put all out of doubt, and to make a perfect concord, we have a book of common prayer with an order in the same for reading of God's book set forth in English by the same authority, and established by act of parliament. And lest any person would be so foolish & mad to look for the romish rags again, one statute at the last parliament abolisheth and condemneth for ever all other popish books of the old service. Notwithstanding some people be yet dazed in those God's matters that they know not what to do. Marvel not therefore (dear father) though the ungodly sort do misconstrue, and evil interpret your godly travail. For they cry for a law, they must have a law to lead them from every superstition by name, else they will not obey. But if they loved obedience, quietness, and had but one spark of reverend fear either toward God or their prince, or any desire of godly knowledge, there hath enough and enough again been said, concerning matters of religion, and also set forth, both by order and law. There be articles enough, injunctions enough, proclamations enough, commandments enough, exhortations enough, lessons enough, and laws enough, if they were understood, willingly embraced & reverently obeyed. Albeit for them that be self-willed, froward, contentious, obstinate, & dull hearted, nothing will serve. Therefore to none may be better applied this prophecy of Esay, Esay. 28. then unto these. Who saith, They that be such must have after one lesson, another lesson: after one commandment, another commandment: after one rule, another rule: after one instruction, another instruction: there a little, & there a little. For he that speaketh unto this people, is even as one that useth rudeness of speech, & a strange language. If any man say unto them, lo, this is the rest wherewith ye may ease him that is weary, this is the refreshing, they will not hearken. Therefore the word of the Lord, lesson upon lesson, commandment upon commandment, rule upon rule, instruction upon instruction, there a little, and there a little shallbe unto them an occasion of stumbling that they may go on, and fall backward, be bruised, tangled, and snared. Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye mockers, ye that have rule of this people. O would God I might have overleapt this sentence that goeth before, that justly now it might not besaid. They are out of the way by reason of wine, yea far out of the way are they by reason of strong drink. These things (my most reverend father) have enforced me to presume to do that which is above the strength both of my wit and learning, but not above my good will, that is, to collect out of God's scriptures, a simple and plain manifestation of the Church in English, or a manifest opening or showing of the Church, naming it the epiphany, because that word (albeit borrowed of the Grecians) is frequented already among us english men in the same signification. The obscurity, misunderstanding and ignorance only of this argument & article, hath been and also is the cause of much obstinacy, contention, and disobedience. For until it pleased almighty God to open unto me by his holy spirit and word, this article: credo ecclesiam etc. with the right meaning of the same according to the scriptures: I was as stiff in the popish traditions (taking them for good customs and ceremonies of the fathers) as I am now earnest in God's book, and taught them with so good a zeal (but not according to knowledge) as I do now the Gospel. Wherefore taking of the same remedy whereof I took hurt, even of Credo ecclesiam, as they that be hurt of scorpions be wont to do, I can do no less but write and set forth the same, unto and for such as be stung with the same sting, and venomed with the same poison. Whose nature is, not to hurt but where it findeth blood. No more Credo ecclesiam hurteth but such as cleave too much to humane reason and natural wit. I trust they will not mislike that thing that love constraineth me to do for their sakes. If they do, they shall find me as ready to defend the same by the word of god against all popish babblings, as I have been to write it. So that your godly learning misliketh it not, unto whom with all other godly learned, I humbly submit the same, beseeching you to accept in good part my small industry, as the first fruits of my pen and judge thereof as god shall put in your mind, to whom be all thank, praise and glory. Amen. Your humble, Richard Phinch. ¶ THE epiphany OF THE CHURCH. BEcause I covet rather to profit with homely and plain speech, then to please with sweet & fair words: I will speak liberally, but yet simply of the Church, for their sakes, and unto them that be deceived with evil custom, bewitched with popish jugglings, charmed with men's inventions, and beguiled with their own wits, which resist the truth of God's holy word, kick against the prick, and grope at noon, and cannot see the light for the sun: In whose mouth is ever Church, Church, whose feet are daily wandering unto the church, and their eyes gazing continually upon the Church, yet can they neither find nor see the Church, because themselves be none of the Church. What is so much alleged of the babbling papists? what so oft frequented of the common people? and so manifest in all men's eyes, as the Church? Notwithstanding for want of teachers of the Scriptures, few do know the Church: Such is the knowledge among the silly people, in very many Churches now a days. Church in the English Bible, Church hath divers significations. is commonly called congregation, For ecclesia a word borrowed of the Greek tongue, which may be translated into English, either Church or congregation. Church with us, is a common word, signifying the place, Church signifieth the place of prayer. as well as congregation, judith, 6. whereunto the same assembleth for some honest or godly purpose. It is written that all the people were gathered together, which made their prayers all the night long in the Church. Our common places appointed for prayer, preaching, and administration of the sacraments, be so well known by this name Church, that there needeth no example hereof. Other whiles Church signifieth the whole multitude of people, Church signifying the company of good and bad. both of good and bad congregate together. Of this we read, that the people spoke to Moses, saying, Why have you brought the Church of the Lord unto this wilderness, that both we and our cattle should die in it. Numb. 20. And Church betokeneth the elect people of God only, whereof the wise man saith, Church signifying the elect of God only. The children of wisdom are the Church of the righteous, and their exercise is obedience and love. Holy Paul speaking of this Church saith, Eccles 3. Ye husbands love your wives, Ephes, 5. even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it, to sanctify it, and cleansed it in the fountain of water, thorough the word to make it unto himself a glorious congregation without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blame. Also there is a congregation of the wicked, Ecclesia signifying the mulitiude of the wicked. called by the name of Church, Psalm. 26. which (for that they outwardly profess the same religion, pretend to have the same gospel, Esay. 3. and to use the same sacraments with the Church) be called in Scripture, Math. 21. Church, john. 5. whom God permitteth sometimes to rule over the people for their sins: For the ungodliness of the people, job. 34. doth God make an hypocrite to reign over them. 2. Thess 2. Wherefore they that cry so much, the Church, the Church, and affirm stiffly that the Church cannot err, and do not declare what Church they do mean, do but cast a mist before the simple unlearned people's eyes, to blind them withal, to the end themselves might the cleaner convey their juggling casts. Let them therefore (in God's holy name) show unto us plainly in simple words, what Church they do speak of, whether of the Church of Christ, or else of the Church of Antichrist. So doing men will be out of doubt the sooner, truth will come to light, and brawling will cease, for very Christians love not contention. The Church of Antichrist, Church of Antichrist. which is worthily called the Church malignant, or the congregation of the wicked, and may be called the man of sin, child of perdition, hypocrite, &c. cannot but err, what fair show soever they make. The Church of jesus Christ, Church of jesus Christ. which is his only dove and spouse, sticking unto the word of truth, unseparable, and governed by his holy spirit, cannot err damnably, although she be trodden down under feet of the world, and seem to be out of countenance. These two be contrary the one to the other, between whom there is as much difference, as is between sour and sweet, darkness and light, evil and good. Notwithstanding the world (not able to perceive the difference, nor make distinction between them, but blinded with evil custom and the multitude) taketh them for the other, because here in this life they be mingled together as the good fishes are mixed with the bad, the goats with the sherpe, and the chaff with the corn, so that they be not openly known unto men at the first sight. 2. Cor. 11. No marvel, for Satan himself is changed into the Angel of light, and his ministers fashion themselves, as though they were the ministers of righteousness. Also wolves cloth themselves in sheeps clothing. Math. 7. Yet is Satan a devil still, and his ministers are deceitful workers, and a wolf a devourer of sheep, which at length bewrateth himself by his tail, and bloodshedding. Whereas the blood of jesus Christ is known by the spirit of truth, and by patiently suffering for his word. Which spirit & word be the sure anchors, guides, and rule of the same, and not Rome, nor Peter, though Satan pretendeth never so ancient a title. If Christ had appointed his Church to any place or creature, for the establishing of matters of Religion, should Paul (that elect vessel of God, 2. Cor. 12. which was rapt up into the third heaven, and into paradise, and heart secret words which no man can utter) have been ignorant thereof: Paul knew well that Christ had left his Church unto his holy spirit and word, his word to be an infallible rule both of their life and doctrine, and his spirit to be a ready interpreter of the same. Therefore when he should departed from them, Act. 20. he said. Now brethren I commend you to God, and unto the word of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance amongst all them that are sanctified. These words are without guile and sophistical craft, they are simple and plain, and Gods Scriptures. We must therefore believe them. They send us unto the port of safeguard, and touchstone that cannot deceive us, we must needs therefore stick unto them, otherwise we cannot know the truth & be saved. Wherein first let us consider why Paul did send us unto God the holy Ghost For he saith, Now brethren I commend you to God. He commendeth us not unto john, Peter, Andrew, or any other of the Apostles, much less unto Rome, the Pope or Antichristian Bishops, but unto God the holy Ghost, Why? Because he knew well that Christ himself had so appointed before. For when Christ should departed from the church, he promised to send them the same holy Ghost, john. 14. saying. The comforter which is the holy Ghost, whom my father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things unto your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. He comforted them also with the same spirit, john. 15 16. Commanded them to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until he had performed the same his promise: Luke. 24. which indeed he saythfully kept and fulfilled, for they were all filled with the holy Ghost, Act. 2. even the spirit of truth, john. 15. which could not but teach them all truth, whatsoever he had said unto them, that was all one, and the same truth. Secondly let us note, that Paul commended the Church unto the word of grace, what is this word of grace? Forsooth the same truth which the holy Ghost taught, is the word of grace, even that word which God the father commanded to be heard at the mouth of his son jesus Christ, saying: Math. 3 17. This is my well-beloved son, Deut. 18. in whom I am well pleased, hear him. And whosoever will not hearken unto the words, which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him: I will be revenged of him (saith God) Of this, witnesseth Peter also, laying The time will come Paul saith (Behold now is the time) that every soul which will not hear him, Acts. 3. shallbe destroyed from amongst the people. 2. Cor. 6. It standeth us then in hand to search diligently, and know that thing that God requireth so straightly of us, which is to hear his son jesus Christ, The neglecting whereof is no less than damnation. But what shall we hear? verily his holy Gospel confirmed for us by his holy spirit for the same purpose, Gospel. which Gospel is the word of grace, Act. 20. undefiled, converting souls, giving wisdom unto babes, making glad hearts, giving light unto the eyes, a lantorn unto the feet, Psal. 18. and a light unto the paths, Psal. 119. proved by the fire & tried more pure than silver seven. Psal. 11. times purged, more to be desired then gold or precious stone, Psal. 18. and sweeter than honey and honey comb, Psal. 119. The embassage of great joy, Luke. 2. joyful tidings of peace, tidings of good things: Rom. 10. The power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, Rom. 1. and able to save their souls that embrace it. 1. Cor. 1. Wherefore lay apart (saith the Apostle james) all filthiness and superfluity of maliciousness, james. 1. and receive with meekness the word that is grafted in you, which is able to save your souls. Thus it appeareth manifestly unto all them that be willing to see the truth, that God the father appointeth us unto the word of his son jesus Christ our Lord. Christ referreth us unto his holy spirit and truth. The holy Ghost also taught nothing else but the same truth and word. Therefore the holy Apostle durst not to appoint us to any other, but straightly commendeth us to the same truth that cannot err, and unto the word of grace, which is the self same, and still one truth, according to the infallible word of God, that saith: Thy righteousness (O Lord) is an everlasting righteousness, Psal. 119. and thy law is the truth. So that we have now in this time just cause, joyfully to say with the prophet. Psal. 17. 1. 2. O praise ye the Lord, all ye heathen praise him all ye people. For his mercy is established upon us, and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Then the which truth, there can be no surer stay, guide, and rule, for the belief, life and doctrine of mortal men, in this mortal life, and world of tribulation. The Church of Antichrist hath no such stay, The Church that cannot Fute●re. guide, Psal. 1. nor rule, but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth, as the prophet David witnesseth, who also calleth them the council of the ungodly, Psal. 58. the way of sinners, Psal. 140. and the chair of pestilence, Psal. 59 or the seat of the scornful, workers of iniquity, Psal. 140. wicked men, salm. 81. blood-thirsty men, the evil man, the wicked man, the wild boar, the cruel beast, the slanderer, blasphemer, enemy, and persecutor, the enemy in the holy place and adversary, whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness, their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues they have deceived, Psal. 4 the poison of asps is under their lips, Psal. 6. their feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and unhappiness is in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known, there is no fear of God before their eyes, There were they brought in great fear, Psal. 14. even where no fear was. Vain persons and deceitful lips, whom ever all good men abhorred and hated, after the example of the holy prophet, who saith, Psal. 26. I have hated the Church of the wicked, and will not sit among the ungodly. Lo you see the wicked and ungodly have the name of Church, yea they have got the name of holy Catholic Church. How else have they put on sheeps clothing? How have they fashioned themselves like the ministers of righteousness? And how hath the devil transformed himself into the angel of light? Truly in this, that his church hath got the titles of holy, and Catholic, and his ministers the names of true shepherds. Catholic be the right clothing of the sheep of Christ's fold. Antichrist therefore hath rob Christ's fold of their right title, holy and catholic, and thereby bleared the eyes of the simple unlearned multitude, which do seek no further for salvation than they have been taught (they say) by the holy Catholic Church. Their common sayings be these. We be not wiser than our fathers before us: We will do as our fathers have done. Such things they do affirm because they know not Satan from the angel of light, the wolves from the sheep, the lies from the word of God, neither Church of Antichrist falsely called holy, and catholic, from the Church of jesus Christ, which indeed is both holy and catholic. But in stead of the holy Catholic church, they do believe the Church of the wicked, in whose dregs of detestable traditions and ceremonies, they have been ousted from their youth. Verily if they would ponder their words with half indifferent judgement, and behold them but with one of their eyes, I think they would keep silence, or else blush for shame. For to say, they will do as their elders and fathers have done before them, is nothing but to confess themselves to walk wilfully in error and blindness, when their fathers wandered unawares. And where they say, they be no wiser than their fathers, they show themselves to be blind, followers of the blind, But if the blind follow the blind, Luke 6. they both fall into the ditch. Their fathers took Antichrist, the bishop of Rome, for head of the Church: they made images and worshipped them: they gadded on pilgrimage, and trusted in works, pardons, absolutions, dirges, trentals, masses, etc. wherein they erred, increased in error, and walked ignorantly into perdition. The cause whereof was the lack of the word of God, which word is ever a rule unto the holy catholic church. Therefore their fathers learned not these things of the holy Catholic Church, but of the Church of Rome usurping the name of the holy Catholic Church, which abhorred and trodden under feet the word of God, without the which, their father's doctrine was nothing else, but old error, against whom God giveth a special commandment, saying. Levit. 18. Keep my commandements: do not those things that other have done before you: be not defiled in them, I am your Lord your God. Wherefore addeth God these words, Exod. 20. I am your Lord your God, but to the end he would have his words regarded for ever? and not his adversaries the man of sin, and child of perdition, as Paul nameth him, who deceived their fathers. Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all lying powers, 2. Thess. 2. signs & wonders, & with all deceivableness of unrighteousness amongst them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved, And therefore God shall send them strong delusion, that they might believe lies, that all they might be damned which believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. In these words hath the holy Ghost plainly showed the fashion and coming of the man of sin, son of perdition, Church of the wicked, and kingdom of Antichrist. The Church or kingdom of Antichrist, is called the man of sin, The man of sin. because it is builded upon a sinful man, governed by a sinful man, instructed by evil sinful workmen, and their doctrine defended by the laws and power of sinful men. Which took authority neither of God, nor of his word, but of a monstrous beast with many heads, even of the people that departed from the faith, whereof the same holy spirit of God speaketh, and prophesieth more plainly by the mouth of Paul, saying: The spirit speaketh evidently, 1. Tim. 4. that in the latter times some shall departed from the faith, and shall give heed unto the spirits of error, and devilish doctrines of them which speak false, thorough hypocrisy, and have their conscience marked with an hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with giving of thanks, of them which believe and knew the truth. Now join these two prophecies together, and note diligently the cause, manner, increase, and force of antichrist's kingdom: and then it shall be the better perceived. The cause why God permitteth the wicked to deceive the people, The cause why God suffered error to reign, and the wicked to rule. was for that they did not receive the law of the truth, but loathed God's word when they had it. They writ it not in their hearts, neither brought forth the fruits of the spirit, but of the flesh. To speak all in one word, They had (as we have) much godly teaching, and brought forth much ungodly living. Of very duty godly living must follow godly teaching, otherwise God's plague and vengeance followeth his word, where and when soever it be taught. But amongst all the plagues of God, The greatest plague of God. this is the greatest, that he taketh away his word from the people, and suffereth them to be fed with lies and Canterbury tales, or fables. After which sort and manner the wicked have come and entered into the Christian generation, By lies the wicked have entered into the Church. yea and have sit in the holy place and seat of Moses, pretending to teach the holy word of God. They have set (I say) in the seat of Moses, not by teaching the law and the prophets, but by name and place. whereby the people not able to discern the true session from presumptuous usurpation have been deceived with false miracles, lying powers and wonders. By the which feats they have increased and grown into the greater number. By false miracles & lying powers, the wicked have increased. For when by the help of the devil, with their conjurations, charms and divers other false flights, they wrought miracles and wonders in divers and sundry places. Then the people (regarding not the simple word of God) forsook their faith and ran a gadding from place to place, to gaze upon signs and wonders. Many believed lies, because many taught lies. Lying powers were on their side, few durst speak the truth, and the simple lacked good instruction, some therefore departed from the faith. The source of Antichristes kingdom is well noted of Paul, By force the wicked have withstood the truth and set forth their own doctrine. in that he saith his coming shallbe with all lying power, 1. Tim. 4. & in that they shall forbid marriages, & command to abstain from meats, and etc. that is to say After that the multitude hath been well pampered and fed with their lies, blinded with their conjurations, and established with false miracles: then shall they be able to make laws in the defence of their devilish doctrines, and openly to withstand and resist the truth and Gospel, as jannes' and jambres (Pharaoes' conjurers) withstood Moses. Men they are (saith Paul) of corrupt minds, 2. Tim. 3. and lewd as concerning faith. 2. Pet. 2. Peter witnesseth with Paul, saying: They shall purely bring in damnable sects even denying the Lord that hath bought them, & bring upon themselves swift damnation, & many shall follow their damnable ways, by whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. No marvel, Hypocrisy Hindeth the silly multitude. for hypocrisy and outward show of holiness hath seemed so gay in the simple folks eyes, Math. 24. yea and yet doth to some, so that as the truth saith, if it were possible, the very elect should be deceived. Jude also beareth record to the truth with Paul and Peter, Sure notes of Antichristes generation. showing that they be deceived with dreams, Jude 1. defile the flesh, despise rulers, and speak evil of them that be in authority, murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, whose mouths speak proud things. These (saith he) are makers of sects, fleshly, having no spirit. Confer these same now together with the popish antichristian church of Rome, and behold if you can see the kingdom of Antichrist any where so manifest and plain. Hath any power in all the world, The first note of Antichrist. since Christ's ascension into heaven lift up itself so high into the temple of God, and advanced itself as God, like unto this usurped primacy and tyranny of Rome? Who hath more oppressed God's book, The second note of antichrist. resisted the Gospel, The third note of antichrist. and slandered the way of truth than the pope and his rabble? Who hath wrought with such deceivable signs and miracles? who hath fed us with more lies than that false prophet of Rome? Read a leaf or two of Legenda aurea, or the book called Festinale, and you shall find good stuff I warrant you. Which books were wont to be read and taught us most principally concerning matters of religion. Yea, almost we had no other in English. I speak that I have known, heard and seen. Within these xxiii. years they were alleged in Sermons and read in the church openly, and had in more price amongst us, and better received then the holy Scriptures be of some. Also they were then better studied and more willingly taught of curates, in some places than God's book is now of many of them. Forget not I pray you, Antichristes badges. to call to memory, how we were deceived with images, pilgrimages, relics, false miracles, jugglings, charms, witchcrafts, conjurations, jubilees, stations, holy water, fire, ashes, palms, palm crosses, saint john's Gospel, images of wax, Walsinghame broochs, saint james shells, saint Priarke his staff, master john Shornes bat, saint Cornelius horn, pardons, pardon beads, beads, Ladies Psalters, dirges, trentals, Requiem Masses, etc. Who denied the Lord that had bought then more manifestly than they that taught these romish dreams? Whosoever denieth the death of jesus Christ to be a whole perfect oblation, The final end of antichrist's jugglings. sufficient for all sin, denieth the Lord that hath bought them. But they that taught or believed the aforesaid drags and such like to be expedient for the obtaining of God's favour & remission of sins, denieth Christ and his death to be sufficient. Wherefore so long as men sought remission of sins and God's favour in such fantastical devices of men, it cannot be denied, but in so doing, they denied the Lord that bought them. To say truth, men little remembered the oblation of Christ by death upon the cross. For not many years agone, even when Masses satisfactory flourished, to affirm Christ's oblation by death upon the cross once offered for all, to be sufficient for remission of sins to all them that believe, was so far out of memory that it was counted abominable heresy, because Mass and it could not stand together. In time of anguish, trouble, or sickness, was Christ's death sought to for quietness of conscience? No, our Lady of Wilsdon, our Lady of Walsingham, master john shorn, and confession to some holy friar, some holy relic, Mass of Recordare, or mass of the v. wounds: For unto these masses, bishop Clement, and Bishop Boniface had given great virtue through pardons and candles, if the devil transforming himself unto Raphael the archangel, be a true messenger. Also if death approached, then was Mass of Scala coeli, Trentals, Aniversarijs, and mass of Requiem with our Lady Mass ready to be sold for money, and song to send the soul to the Devil with mirth, because he might be sure of weeping and gnashing of teeth when he cometh there. The fourth note of Antichrist. Yet did not the poor silly people selling their own souls to the devil, and giving their money unto his ministers, perceive that they were made a merchandise: whereof prophesied Peter, saying. Thorough covetousness shall they with feigned words, 2. Pet. 2. make a merchandise of you. The only wifeless life of the Romish anointlings, so bewitched the unlearned people's eyes, The thing that blinded the people most. that they stood in admiration of them (judging them more than men) and thought all had been well, whatsoever they had said or done. To keep this their estimation in the people's opinions, The cause why Antichristes prelate's will not permit the marriages of priests. they procured their champions to fight manfully with their laws and torments against the marriages of priests. And now that they do perceive that force will not serve them, they privily whisper in the ears of the people that marriage is whoredom and an unclean life: Whereby they do condemn all honest married persons of adultery, yet do not many foolish people perceive, If marriage be not a clean life, God is the author of uncleanness, and Christ a bawd. how they (that teach such heresy and devilish doctrine) go about to lout them in their living. For they are not ashamed to make God the author of uncleanness, to accuse Christ of bawdry, and to condemn all men of sin, so that themselves might still be counted angels, and not men. This do all they that speak thus evilly of matrimony, Whereof God himself was the author. And Christ honoured it both by his corporal presence, Gen. 2. Math. 19 john. 2. and first miracle turning water into wine: whereby he declared, that the well allowed matrimony and condemned adultery. But these fellows disallowing God's institution, and advaunsing their own invention, turn wine into water contrary unto Christ, that is to say, They dishonour holy matrimony, Unto God matrimony is sweet, But unto Antichrist whoredom is holy. which is sweet and pleasant in the sight of God, and make much of stinking adultery ever abhorred and condemned of God and all good men. They admit rather an harlot for money dispensed withal contrary to the commandements of God, than a wife according to God's scriptures, 1. Cor. 7. which saith, If they cannot abstain, let them marry, yea some of them are not ashamed to say that it is more lawful for a priest to have six whores then one wife. And some also pretend so good fellowship, that they would sooner lend their own wives (they say) unto the Priest, then to grant that he should marry. Also they count it a deed of charity, and a good work to make a priest a cuckold, (as they term it) and in so doing, they think to please God and do him good service. Whether a man might believe them in these their sayings without an oath. Antichristes prelate's do hope by the increasing of sin, to bring the word of God in hatred and themselves in estimation. I leave it for other men to judge. Of this I am sure, that this their cupshot doctrine brawled in their conventicles, and whispered in corners, their liberal fellowship, and good work that proceedeth of their burning concupiscence, & not of charity, hath brought in the contempt and violating of holy matrimony, and the people to a wonderful looseness of living. Wherein they joy not a little, thinking it to be a good mean to set them up again like Gods in men's consciences. But in the mean while they shall be devils and spirits of error according to the prophecy of Paul before said, 1. Tim. 4. in that they do forbid the marriage of priests. Also, who hath brought in so many sects into the world as these romish wraklings have done. The fift note of Antichrist. Of which sort be these, Monks, Canons, Friars, Prebendaries, Canons, Nuns, Sisters, Auckars, hermits, brother hoods, bawds, beades-men I should say, fraternities, craftily naming them holy religious. How these have been deceived with dreams etc. I appeal to their own conscience. Let them take heed that it be not marked with the hot iron of burning concupiscence. If it be, I leave them this also for a token of their masters mark, The character of Antichrist. to make them known by, even that they burn in malice against all them that speak the truth. If you ask me to what purpose this rabble serveth, and what good they do in the public weal of the Lord: Forsooth I must desire the prophet to make answer for me, who saith, They are not in the travail of men, neither are they plagued like other folk. Yes sir, they take great pains in prayer and in massing. The occupation of antichrist's brood. Psal. 83. 73. Of whom therefore it may be more truly spoken, as followeth. They stretch forth their mouth unto heaven, and there tongue goeth through the world. Therefore fall the people unto them: and thereout suck they no small advantage. Behold these sinful and wealthy men in the world, have obtained riches. Lo these be the mouths that speak proud things, before rehearsed. What prouder things can be said, than to affirm that they can with fine words create their creator of a piece a bread, The sixth note of Antichrist. and offer him for the sins of the people, when they have done. Whereby they have sucked no small lucre and game from the people. But their lucre beginneth now to decay, and their idle life is perceived to be unneressary. Which idle life, the God that they do make hath and must maintain, or else they will perceive their state cannot remain. This maketh them to be so stiff necked against the setting forth of God's word, and against the right administration of the sacraments. This maketh them to study so diligently to keep up their altar, and to maintain their good friday mass, with the which they can beguile the people well enough as they handle it. With their good friday mass, priests serve both the Pope and God's people. Yea, to say the truth, they can do more with this then they could do with mass of Requiem scala coeli, Recordare, or any other of that sort. Wherefore I beseech them for the passion of jesus Christ, If there be any consolation in Christ, If there be any comfort of love, If there be any fellowship of the spirit, If there be any compassion and mercy: Let them halt no longer on both parts: Let them blow no longer hot and cold: But let them make the tree good and his fruits good, or else make the tree evil and his fruit evil. To speak plainly unto them, Let them not make a mingle mangle, and hodge-podge of the lords supper any longer. But let them minister it simply and plainly at the lords table, as Christ hath left it, and as the book of Scriptures do truly mean, and not after their old popish fashion as they do, making it a sacrifice for sins both of quick and dead, offering it at burials, and months minds after their old manner, whereby they make it abomination of desolation. Dan. 9 For as the sacrifice of the popish mass was the very desolation, departure, and forsaking of Christ's oblation by death upon the cross once offered for all: The abomination of desolation in the holy place. So is this funeral sacrifice, (as they use it) the very abomination of the same desolation. Therefore let them look better upon holy scriptures written for our learning, and follow the rules and right meaning of the same, and not their popish rules, and ceremonies otherwise then is there meant, and contrary both to the kings majesties statutes, and injunctions, and also contrary unto his majesties proclamation, made the xxvii. day of December in the first year of his most gracious reign. Mass forbidden by proclamation. Wherein the name of mass is plainly forbidden, if the same proclamation be truly constured, notwithstanding in the book of common prayer his majesty somewhat yet beareth with the weak learning of the multitude, which commonly calleth the Lord's supper by the name of mass after their old wont, which thing (me thinketh) should give no man occasion to stick stiffly to evil custom. In a statute made the fourth day of November of the same first year of his majesties reign and in the xiiii. Mass for the dead condemned by act of parliament. Chapter: the offering of the sacrament for the dead, which is there called masses satisfactory to be done for them, is plainly condemned as a vain thing tending to the derogation of Christ's death. Also by his majesties injunctions chap. 28. the altar of the same sacrifice for the dead, The altars taken away by the kings majesties injunctions. is taken away, for so much as it is a monument of the superstition of the popish mass. So that, for any thing I can perceive, they that so fain would hold up their altars against them that go about to put them down, both by law and order, mean none other thing but to maintain a monument of superstition and idolatry in spite both of the kings laws and injunctions. To the end (I mean) to allure the people the more to their money sacrifice, The papists deserve nothing but scoffs. and to make them believe the better in the God that they do make upon their altar or altar-stone. Without the which they (I wot) can make no God. Ah where was this their God before the altar and altar-stone was made? This may well be that God unto whom they think to do good service in breaking of wedlock and railing against marriage, but sure I am, that this is not that God that made both heaven and earth and all things in them, because the altar and the altar-stone be some things. Albeit, lest perhaps they should think that I would only answer them with scoffs (though their shameless obstinacy deserveth none other) I will rehearse a few words out of God's book to stop their mouths withal. And when they have answered and truly confuted them, I will forsake God's book and the christian faith, as truly as I have forsaken them, and all their juggling casts. In the 7. Chapter to the Hebrues, it is written. The Lord swore and will not repent. Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech. And for that cause was jesus a stablisher of a better testament. These words do prove that jesus Christ our everlasting Priest and mediator hath established a better testament than the testament of the old law. The priests in the old law offered up sacrifice first for their own sins, and then for the sins of the people. But whereon did they offer their sacrifice verily? Levit. 9 Upon an altar. jesus Christ, unto whom God the father swore, The new testament. Thou art a priest for ever, Heb. 7. 10. etc. Offered up himself once, Heb. 9 by his own blood, 1. Pet. 3. suffering death for our sins, Heb. 10. and with that his own oblation he hath made perfect for ever them that are sanctified. This is the better testament that jesus Christ hath established for us, Heb. 9 not by often offering of himself by the hands of sinners, for than must he have often suffered since the world began. But as it is appointed unto all men, that they should once die, and then cometh the judgement, even so was Christ once offered. For as touching that he died, Rom 6. he died once (saith Paul) to take away the sins of many. Heb. 9 By these Scriptures we may conclude that jesus Christ offering himself by death upon the cross once for our redemption, Christ made a perfect oblation for sins once, and that upon the cross, and not upon an altar. made a full, 1. Pet. 2. perfit and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of all them that believe in him. And that this oblation was done upon the cross, and not upon any altar, witness, Math. 27. Mark 15, Luke 23. john 19 and Peter in the second of his first Epistle, saying. Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps, which did no sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth, which when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered, he threatened not, but committeth the vengeance to him that judgeth righteously. Christ bore our sins on his own body. Which his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we being delivered from sin should live unto righteousness. Howbeit, he only (saith Esay) chap. 53. Hath taken on him our infirmities, and borne our pains, he was wounded for our offences, Christ with his death hath wholly healed us. and smitten for our wickedness, for the chastisement of our peace was laid upon him, & with his stripes we are healed. What is it to be healed with his stripes, but that by his death and resurrection he hath obtained for us righteousness, even forgiveness of our sins, Act. 13. even forgiveness of our sins, Act 10. 43. according to the sayings of the Apostle Peter, Our covenant with God is to believe remission of our sins thorough the death of his son I●sus Christ. that by him all that believe are justified from all things, And unto him give all the prophets witness, that thorough his name, whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. This is the covenant that is between God & us, now, even that we believe in his son jesus Christ, to have remission of sins in his name thorough his death and resurrection. This article hath the holy ghost so surely graved in our hearts and written in our minds that we cannot but say. We believe the remission of sins. Which also is surely grounded upon God's holy word, that saith: This is the testament that I will make unto them, Heb. 10. 16. 17. 18. after those days (saith the Lord) I will put my laws in their hearts, and in their minds will I write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. And where remission of these things is, there is no more offering for sin. So long as the sacrifice and offering for sins, How long the altars ought to have continued. took not away sins, neither brought perfect remission of sins, there remained in the Church of God altars, and continual sacrifice or oblation for sins. But when Christ had once offered himself upon the cross by death, and by that his one oblation once offered, had obtained remission of sins, and finished all things that was due for man to pay: saying, It is finished, john 19 30. giving up the Ghost, through the which eternal spirit he gave himself to God without spot, Heb. 9 in a sweet savour. Ephes. 5. Then was finished (according to his own saying) a perfect sacrifice for sin, The final end of all sacrifice for sins. and all things due for the same. And also all sacrifice and oblations for sins totally ended, as it is aforesaid. Where remission of sins and iniquities is, there is no more offering for sin: if no offering for sins, than no altar to offer upon. Therefore either let them prove God's word to be false, that saith, Where remission of, etc. the Holy ghost a liar, that promised to write the same in our hearts, etc. and take away this article of our faith, I believe the remission of sins: or else away with their altars and oblations upon the same: I mean their money sacrifice, the mass. Which altar and sacrifice be nothing else but witnesses of their infidelity, What the altars and sacrifice for sin now do testify. idolatry, and jewish hearts. Of their infidelity, in that they do not believe remission of sins, through the only oblation of Christ once offered upon the cross. Of their idolatry, in that they set up another sacrifice and propitiation for sins than God hath appointed, Wherein surely they show themselves to be more than jewish. For in their sacrificing and massing they deny Christ's death and reprove God of perjury. The prophesy of Christ's death is this: Esay. 53. With his stripes we are healed. By his pains and merits our pains are taken away (as touching damnation) and our sins covered. Or by his death we are healed from eternal death. By his oblation our sins are healed, for he hath purchased us perfect remission of the same. But this hath he not done, if there be any sins taken away by the mass, The which sins at the least he left unhealed. And therefore he hath not (if this be true) as yet suffered. For heaven and earth shall fail, before these words be false. With his stripes we are healed. Or by his death our sins are forgiven. Ergo he hath suffered, and we wholly healed. Or else if we be not wholly healed, he hath not yet suffered. Again, almighty God promised with an oath unto his son jesus Christ, Heb. 7. 17. saying: Thou art a priest for ever. Psal. 10. 4. That is to say, jesus Christ hath offered himself upon the cross by death unto God the father once. And by that one oblation once offered, he hath made perfect for ever them that are sanctified, as it is before by the scriptures evidently proved. For this one oblation once offered perfect for ever. jesus Christ is called and is indeed a Priest for ever. Whose sweet oblation remaineth in the bosom of God to our great comfort for ever. But he himself now offereth no more, for he denieth no more, but liveth for ever on the right hand of God the father, making intercession for us. Heb. 7. 8. Seeing then his oblation is perfect for ever, serveth for ever, and he himself making intercession for us, liveth for ever: He is therefore (according to the oath of God) Priest for ever. But this he were not, if it could be proved that his oblation were unperfect, as it must needs be, if money sacrifice, the mass obtaineth remission of sins or any part thereof. By these few Scriptures and sayings grounded upon the same, it madifestly appeareth how blasphemous the money sacrifice, the mass is. Namely, it robbeth us of our most comfortable articles of our faith, which is, I believe the remission of sins: it taketh away the verity of God's Scriptures, which do prove Christ's oblation upon the Cross to be perfect, whole, and sufficient, it maketh Christ a liar when he said, It is finished. It adnihillateth his merits, To maintain the mass and altars is great blasphemy and abominable heresy. and taketh away his passion from us, and it condemneth God of perjury. If there can be any great blasphemous, and more abominable heresies than these, let all the world judge. Of all the which, the popish altar is a monument, and (as it were) an hand to lead the people unto, from Christ and his merits: wherefore all good men having but one spark of grace with knowledge, will not only be content with the taking down of them, but also will (I trow) help the best they can, every one according to his vocation, to the same. Moreover, if the money sacrifice, the mass, had been so necessary, and unto God so acceptable, as the people have believed it to be, would Christ have given no commandment thereof, no example of it, no word concerning it, what not one word? Of preaching he gave a special commandment saying: Feed, john 21. 15. Feed, Mark 16. 15. feed my lambs. Mat. 28. 19 And again, Go ye in to all the world and preach the Gospel to all creatures, Yet this office of preaching is counted amongst many scant necessary, and the messengers thereof so well looked to, that they may study their break fast, pray (yea beg) for their dinner, and weep out their supper, as many other poor souls do: which thing God will shortly plague, if speedy remedy be not provided, or else his word is not true, which saith, Psal. 12. For the miserable calamity of the poor oppressed, and for the sighing and weeping of the poor that do lack, I will up, saith the Lord. Many are sore offended through the outrageousness of vice, slime, and iniquity increasing on every side, a few (I mean) do study for amendment, and some wonder what should be the cause thereof. At whom I do not a little marvel. For if the plough man fallowing his ground turneth it up, and letteth it lie: and neither stirreth, haroweth, nor soweth it: what marvel is it though it bring him no corn, but weeds? England is but yet fallowed with the plough of God's word, yet scant fallowed, what marvel is it then, that weeds grow faster than the corn? It must needs be so, unless God's word be better sown. For many that should will not: A few would and cannot: and some that can, may not, because they that should will not. To remedy it, albeit I know: I cannot, but this I know and am sure of. Where the word of God is not preached, Proverb. 29. the people perish. Of mass, we have not so much as one tote or title of God, Christ, or his Apostles given us. Notwithstanding how have the people cared for Mass, Mass, Mass, only with Mass they have been satisfied. Why do they not cry now as much for preaching of the word of God: without the which, they perish? Nay, why do they cry so much against it? Oh what murmurings and complaininges have they made since their mass decayed? what lies have these idle brains invented, what slanders have they imagined, and what false rumours have they sprinkled abroad in the world, against them that have sincerely preached the Gospel? How conspire they against good Christian ministers which according to their vocation attend their flocks. What tumults, uproars, and rebellions have they raised against their superiors, to the great hindrance of God's holy word? May not a man manifestly behold in them the monstrous beast that fighteth against the lamb and word of God? Revel. 17. 14. No doubt, as the devil brought up his Church at the beginning and increased it. So would he now (if he could) uphold, maintain, and defend the same. That is, not by preaching, but by massing: not by feeding, but by loitering: not by the regal authority that proceedeth from God, but by tyranny, by authority usurped, even by a monstrous beast. I call it a monstrous beast, that is, either without an head, or else hath many heads. A monstrous Subjects usurping the sword of justice, and executing vengeance upon their superiors, be a body without an head, or else with many heads, and therefore a monstrous beast. This monstrous beast hath lift up, borne, and maintained the whore of Babylon, which is the church of antichrist. Revel. 17. This monstrous beast hath put up her horns here in England against the word of God, and feign would rule the same again, if the devil could bring it to pass: whose labour is in vain, for we know the truth of God's word proceedeth ever from God, and therefore hath God set it forth amongst us, by his own vicegerent, a maiden king our liege lord and supreme head in his dominions next under Christ, and that by act of parliament, with the consent of the nobility of the realm, and the lords spiritual and temporal, and the commons of the same. Let Satan therefore leave off with all his wicked instruments, which go about to persuade the silly people that God's book and this new learning (as they call it) is heresy: whereby they slander their godly magistrates, and speak evil of them that be in authority. The seventh note of an. Which their customable so doing availeth them nothing, for when they have proved it heresy (which thing they shall as easily bring to pass, as to prove light darkness, and darkness light) then must they also compel all them that have set it forth, and all them that willingly received the same, to do open penance for their manifest heresy, as they say. Thus to speak evil of them that be in authority, is one of their proper marks whereby they be known to be of antichrist's brood, which hath by conspiracy caused rebellion ever against such governors as have done any thing against their tyranny, and excommunicated, cursed, and deposed emperors, and kings that have displeased their hypocrisy, whose authority, The king's authority is next unto Gods, & l●ft only to his correction. as it is next unto God, Psal 109 . so hath God left the correction thereof unto himself, and neither unto priest nor people. God commandeth, saying: Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. If it be not lawful to touch God's anointed kings, Gods officers, Gods lieutenants, Gods vicegerents that be appointed by God to rule in his stead, let them take heed that do usurp their sword, for undoubtedly God's vengeance will fall upon them. Numb. 16. Example hereof we have in Chorah, Dathan and Abiram, which rose up against Moses with other men of the children of Israel, even two hundredth and fifty that were captains of the multitude, great & famous men in the congregation: Psal. 54. but God's vengeance fell upon them, for the earth opened and swallowed them down alive. Yet these rebels were not of the base and lower sort of the people, but captains and famous men. Consider then, if God cannot abide this rebellion and usurping of the sword of justice in a captain, surely he will not suffer it in a soldier. If not in a famous or noble man, verily he will not leave it unplagued in one of the lower subjects: no he will not let it escape unpunished in whom & whensoever it be, because it is high treason against himself. Though they work craftily and secretly, Treason will out, yet will their false traitorous hearts bewray themselves before they be ware, Eccles. 10. if God's word (as needs it must) be true. This text is after the translation of the Hebrues by john Camp●●se. Be not thou so bold as once to think or imagine evil against the king, or that thou wilt reprehend the prince although thou be alone in thy privy chamber, for it will come out, if not otherwise, surely the birds that fly in the air will not suffer it to be hid. Hereby it appeareth that the word of God reproveth, yea condemneth all manner of persons, of what state, condition, or degree soever they be, that in word or thought do arise up, rebel, or resist the king's authority, specially in setting forth God's word, Rom. 13. 1. 2. For there is no power but of God, God's word condemneth all them that rebel in word or thought against the king. the powers that be are ordained of God: whosoever therefore resisteth power resisteth the ordinance of God: but they that resist shall get unto themselves damnation. These are Gods words and not mine. Again, as almighty God would that we should neither hurt nor harm his true prophets & preachers of his word: so jesus Christ the son of God, giveth us a special commandment to beware of antichrists prelates, calling them false prophets, Math. 7. 15. saying, Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Wolves are wrapped in sheeps clothing, when tyrants rule in the place of shepherds, under the titles of holy fathers, worshipful doctors, honourable prelates, Mat. 15. 14. etc. Mat. 16. 4. These Christ painteth unto us, Mat. 12. 34. by the names of Blind guides, Mat. 23. 27. Froward generation, The 8. note of Antichrist. Adulterous generation, Pharisees Sadduces, Hypocrites, Generation of vipers, Serpents, Adder's brood, Painted sepulchres, Painted wall, etc. who (saith he) do bind together heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves will not heave at them with one of their fingers. The 9 note of Antichrist. All their works do they for the intent that they may be seen of men. Also they go in long religious apparel, they must be had in reverence, and saluted with names and titles of dignity, they shut up the kingdom of heaven before men, The 10. note of Antichrist. both by their example and doctrine, condemning the justifying faith for heresy. They use long prayers with lip labour for lucre's sake, The 11. note. they be very curious in ceremonies and trifles, The 12. note. but in great matters, as judgement, mercy and faith, they have little regard, The 13. note. they see quickly a moat in another man's eye, The 14. note. but will not look on the beam in their own, they are great entanglers of men's consciences with meats, drinks, holy days, Coloss. 2. and men's traditions: finally, they have (as before hath been said) their consciences marked with the hot iron of burning malice, envy, and hatred against all them that love God's word, And the 15. note of Antichrist. forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with giving thanks of them that believe & know the truth. These and such like be their fruits: these be their works, ye shall know them (saith Christ) by their works. That those should enter into the Church after that the Gospel was preached by the apostles, A true prophecy proving Antichrist to be come. Paul plainly showeth, Act. 20. 29. saying, I am sure of this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. This is the Church that cannot err. Furthermore that you may the better perceive & know the Church that cannot err, from the Church that cannot but err: you shall understand there be but two ways, The way of the Spirits of truth. Faithful. Godly. Children of God. Members of Christ. Holy Catholic Church. The way of the Spirits of error. Unfaithful. ungodly. Children of the devil. Members of the devil. Wicked Church of Antichrist. Call them by what names you will, Christ calleth the one The broad way, and the other The narrow way, saying, Mat. 7. 13, 14. Enter in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. But straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth into life, and few there be that find it. Note diligently these words of the truth. He showeth here two gates, two ways, and the end of either of them. The Straight gate. Narrow way and life. The Wide gate. Broad way and destruction. The wide gate openeth into the broad way, and leadeth into destruction, that is, death, desperation and hell. The straight gate openeth into the narrow way which leadeth into life, joy, and eternal felicity. Many do enter in at the wide gate, & walk the uroad way, whose end is damnation remediless: for it is written of Antichrist, Habac. 2. 5. He openeth his desire wide open as the hell, and is as unsatiable as death: all heathen gathereth he unto him, and heapeth unto him all people. But few do enter the straight gate, because few do find it: for who so findeth the gate, he is in the way. In this gate whosoever standeth in a wavering, looking backward, is neither in the way nor in the gate. No man that putteth his hands to the plough, & looketh back, Luke 9 is apt to the kingdom of God. To stagger therefore in this matter, and to look back, is to be therewith both out of the gate and the way. He that is in the gate is in the way, and sure of life: for the gate, way, and life be so unite in one, that it cannot be, but he that is in them, is in possession of the other, and he that is out of them, looseth the other. The gate is nothing else, but an opening or door into the way of life. Christ is the door, Christ is the way, Note. and Christ is the life, john 10. which saith, I am the door, by me if any man enter in, he shallbe sare. And again, john 14 6, I am the way, 1. john 5. the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the father but by me. Also S. john saith, God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his son: he that hath the son hath life, and he that hath not the son of God, hath not life, Thus its Christ the gate, way, and life. But who be they that do enter this gate? Forsooth the prophet showeth, saying, Psal. 118. This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous shall enter into it. The righteous O Lord, who be righteous? Christ only is righteous, we all are sinners. 1. john 1. For If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us, If we acknowledge our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1. john. 2. These things I do write (saith john) unto you, that you sin not: And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, jesus Christ the righteous, and he it is that obtaineth grace for our sins Lo here is our righteousness, by this advocate, and for this advocates sake so many as pertain unto faith, be reckoned and called righteous. Of the which righteousness it is written. Habbak. The righteous shall live by his own faith: 2. Rom. and if he withdraw himself, 1. Heb. 10. my soul shall have no pleasure in him. It is not we (saith Paul) that withdraw ourselves unto damnation, but we pertain unto faith, to the winning of the soul. For by faith the soul winneth the righteousness that is in Christ jesus our Lord, if he withdraw not himself, that is, if he neither for love of the world nor fear of torments forsake not the truth received, nor deny it before men. Which truth saith He that denieth me before men, Luke 12. shall be denied before the Angels of God. Mat. 10. Also, He that endureth to the end, shall be saved. Therefore, so many as pertain unto faith, must hold faith, slick unto Christ, stand fast, and walk in the truth, and then they shallbe happy, and their sins shall not be imputed unto them, as witnesseth the prophet, saying: Blessed is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven, Psal. 32. and whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile. But who is the cause that sum is not imputed to the faithful? Not our righteousness, but the righteousness of jesus Christ. Which of God is made unto us wisdom, 1. Cor. 1. and righteousness, and sanctifying, and redemption. Who hath indeed for us fulfilled all righteousness, Mat. 3. wherewith we be endued through faith, according to the word of God that saith, Rom 3. The righteousness of God cometh by the faith of jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe on him: And therefore we hold that a man is justified by faith. To be justified by faith is to be made by faith sure of Christ's righteousness our justification. For he that believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, Rom. 4. is his faith counted for righteousness. For this cause is jesus Christ called, Emavel, Mat. 1. which by interpretation is as much to say, as God with us, or whole ours. This is the gate, this is the way, this is life. john 10. The holy Ghost openeth the gate, Ephes. 2. for he is the porter, and saith is the gift of God. Faith findeth the gate, faith entereth, and faith setteth hold on life. Gen. 6. By faith Noah found and entered this gate, which saved him from drowning. Into this gate entered Abraham when he forsook his country, nanation and father's house, cen. 12. and obeyed God's word. This gate found Lot whereby he escaped burning. Gen. 18. Moses, Aaron, joshua and divers of the faithful jews found this gate, & thereby were sure of their salvation, Philip had found this gate when he said unto Nathaniel. john 1. We have found him of whom Moses in the la and the prophets did write, jesus of Nazareth. Whereby it appeareth that the fathers in the old law before the incarnation of Christ, found Christ this gate, way, and life. For Nathaniel sound this gate by faith before he saw Christ with his corporal eyes, else had not he been a very Israelite without guile, Of whom Christ said, john 1. Behold a right Israelite in whom is no guile. Nathaniel knowledged this gate when he said unto Christ, Master, thou art the son of God, Thou art the king of Israel. Peter also and the other of the Apostles confessed the same, when they said, Thou art Christ the son of the living God. Math. 16. All, even so many as our saviour prayed for, found and shall find this gate, which be but a very few in comparison of them that find it not. They be (as we might say) but an handful to the world By the which name they be also called that enter the wide gate and walk the broad way. Christ the son of God, saying and praying unto the father. Father, john 17. I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine, and all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them. And Nevertheless I pray not for them alone, but for them also which shall believe on me thorough their preaching, that they all may be one, as thou father art in me, and I in thee, and that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. jesus Christ knew right well that the greater number would not enter this gate by faith, and therefore he said, I pray not for the world. He would have all saved and come to the knowledge of his truth, but they will not believe the truth, but hate and persecute the truth. And therefore he knowing the great danger that his small flock were in, and should be in amongst the wicked, and their small strength also in saving themselves from their tyranny, prayed for them that they might be one in faith and love, having the spirit of truth dwelling in them. Whereby they ever have in possession that precious pearl and hidden treasure that the world can neither taste nor find, because he that will have and taste it, must in finding it therewith renounce and give for it all that he hath, or else he looseth it. Math. 13, Which thing only the elect that have the Spirit of truth, Luke 14. whom the world cannot have, do, and none else. And thereby they have, yea and feel in their great afflictions that peace of conscience, that Christ gave unto them, saying, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. john 14. Let not your hearts be grieved, neither fear. From the which neither loss of friends and goods, neither loss of good name and fame, nor shame of the world, neither threatenings nor prisonment, nor scourgings and torments, nor yet death itself could separate them that had once entered, felt, and tasted how sweet the Lord is. This made Peter, Andrew, john, james, and the other apostles to forsake all things, esteeming it to be more worth than goods, friends, or life in this world. Paul being in this gate, and tasting the sweetness thereof with a vehement spirit saith, Who shall separate us from the love of God? Rom. 8. Shall tribulation? or anguish? or persecution? either hunger? either nakedness? either peril? either sword? Who saith, I am sure that neither death nor life, neither angels, nor rule, nor power, neither things present, nor things to come, neither high, nor low, nor any other creature shallbe able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ jesus our Lord? For this the holy Catholic Church suffereth and ever shall suffer all kinds of torments until Christ cometh again to deliver her, as ever hitherto they have suffered, whereof some were mocked, some scourged, some prisoned, some hamshed, some drowned, some sawen, some hewn in pieces, some burned, some racked, and some stoned to death. Which holy Catholic Church may well say, according to the scriptures, Thou (O God) makest us to be rebuked of our neighbours, Psal. 44. to be laughed to scorn, and had in derision of them that be round about us. And For thy sake are we killed all day long, Rom. 8. and are counted as sheep appointed to be slain. These be the few that do find the narrow gate: these be the righteous that do find and enter the same: these be they that Christ so lovingly prayed for, whose prayer (without fail) because of his reverence was heard: these be they that be one in faith and love. Heb. 5. even of one heart and one mind, in one house, the holy catholic church, unite and knit together with one spirit, the spirit of truth that cannot err. Moreover, every one that is of this holy Catholic church, may say with the Prophet, Psal. 119. Thy word (O Lord) is a lantern unto my feet, and a light unto my paths. For they establish their faith by the word of God, and study to form their life, & to fashion their manners by the same. who he known by three notable signs, Three sure signs of the holy catholic church. by faith, by love, and by the spirit of God. He that lacketh any one of these, is not in the straight gate, but wide gate: he walketh not in the narrow way, but broad way: he is not of the church of jesus Christ, but of the church of Antichrist. Faith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for, Faith. and a certainty of things which are not seen. Heb. 11. This faith bringeth us the knowledge of God, and maketh us to understand our own sinful nature and weakness: for Paul saith, Heb. 11. Through faith we understand that the world was ordained by the word of God, and that things which are seen are made of things which are not seen, etc. Of our own infirmity by sin, we have example in him that brought his son unto jesus to be healed, Mark● 9 which with tears said, Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief. This man undoubtedly saw by faith great imperfections in himself, even his sin, as it were, overwhelming his faith, and therefore he wept, and said, Lord help thou my unbelief. Luke 17. The first thing that faith worketh in us. Likewise the Apostles considering their great burden of sin and frailness, said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. This is the first thing that faith worketh in us, it bringeth us the knowledge of our sin, and vileness of the same, and maketh us to cry to God for help and seek remedy for our sin, which is jesus Christ, that gave himself to death upon the cross for our sin as is aforesaid. Thus wrought faith in the penitent publican that thought himself unworthy to lift, up his eyes unto heaven, but smote himself upon the breast, saying, Luke 18. God be merciful to me a sinner. Thus faith wrought in the Centurien or petty captain, which judged himself unworthy of Christ's presence, Luke 7. saying. Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: wherefore I thought not myself worthy to come unto thee, but say thou the word and my servant shall be whole, etc. Such a low estimation did faith work in Peter when he said, Luke 5. Lord go from me for I am a sinful man. And lest any man should contend herein, that this faith (which thus bringeth us knowledge of God & of our own sinful nature & weakness) should be a feigned faith, a dead faith, or a devils faith: hear the praise thereof by him that cannot flatter nor lie the truth, who saith, of the same, I say unto you have not found so great a faith, Luke 7. no not in Israel. Note, Christ calleth this a great faith. Verily it so great that it bringeth us our justification and peace with God, The second thing that faith worketh in us. which is the second thing that faith worketh in us. That faith bringeth us the righteousness of Christ our justification, is already plainly proved by the scriptures and writings of Paul, who goeth further and saith, Rom. 5. Because therefore that we are justified by faith, we are at peace with God. And to declare the very gate, door and way, whereby we enter into this peace and favour of God, he addeth saying, Through our Lord jesus Christ, Rom. 5. by whom also it chanced unto us, to be brought in through faith unto this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of the children of God. Hear you see manifestly faith entereth into the straight gate which is Christ. The third thing that faith worketh in us. This faith is not idle, for it maketh us to stand, that is to say, to persevere and walk in the narrow way by love, which is the third thing that faith worketh in us, and therefore it followeth, Not that only, but also we rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation bringeth patience, patience bringeth experience, experience bringeth hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost which is given unto us. No thank then unto our faith, no thank unto our love, but all thank and praise, and glory be given unto God, whose holy spirit worketh faith, love, hope, patience, and altogether in us. Faith that worketh by love is much worth before God, love. which love is the second note of the holy Catholic church: Gal. 5. faith fetcheth this love of the great love of God, which first so loved us, that he gave his only begotten son jesus Christ, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have life everlasting. Of this love speaketh Paul, saying, Ephes. 5. Walk in love even as Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice of a sweet savour to God. This love Paul learned of his master our saviour jesus Christ, commanding and saying, john 13. A new commandment I do give unto you, that ye love together as I have loved you. jesus Christ so loved us, that he gave himself for us, for he was obedient unto God the father for us unto death, yea unto death upon the cross. This love so warmeth the heart with hope and assurance of everlasting life (for we are saved by hope) that it putteth away all servile fear: Hope & fear. I say not all fear, Rom. 8. for there remaineth and abideth in the heart an holy reverend fear or dread of displeasing God, or loathness to lose God and his holy spirit, which if a man taste, is rather a reverend joy, and a glad love than fear: therefore is it truly said, Perfect love casteth out fear, 1. john 4. that is to say, jesus Christ by his holy spirit possessing the heart of man through faith, pntteth clean away the fear of shame, loss of goods or friends, the fear of torments, enemies, and prisonment, yea the fear of sin, The office of true faith. death, the devil and hell. So that the office of true faith setteth not only before our eyes the vileness of sin, that caused Christ to die, but it also bringeth us jesus Christ the atonement maker between God and us for our sin, whereof cometh love. In the which love is manifest the third note of the holy Catholic church, The spirit of Christ. for now we fear God no more as a terrible judge, but thorough his holy spirit we love him as a most gentle & loving father, whereof speaketh Paul, saying thus: Ye have not received the spirit of bondage to fear any more, but you have received the spirit of adoption, Rom. 8. whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Abba is as much in English as Dad, or Dear father: it is the Syrian speech, left untranslated both by the Latin men, & also English men, to the intent (I suppose) that it should also be English: for this I know, that the first word that an English Christian child beginneth to speak, is Abba, commonly, long before he can speak any thing else, which Christian babe in his innocency is a witness with Paul that God is a dear father unto Christians through his holy spirit, by his son jesus Christ. Faith, love, & the spirit of God, be together in every true Christian. Thus you may easily perceive by those scriptures that faith, love, and the spirit of God do go together, and be together in every true Christian as sure notes and seals of his salvation. Faith entering the gate of salvation, sticketh to the word of God, and taketh it only to be the rule of life and doctrine. Love cleaveth unto Christ, and maketh faith known, as the fruits do the tree, and putteth away fear. The spirit of God quieteth the conscience, and bringeth with a reverend dread, joy and gladness ineffable. If you know this, you be a very true member of the holy Catholic church, and in the straight gate and narrow way unto eternal life. If you know not this, I say no more but God have mercy upon you: Math. 7. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Hear (me thinketh) I do hear an idle brain say, that these signs and notes be of mine own invention, which do rather confounded & dim the church, than make it known. Unto whom I do answer, 2. Cor. 4. If it be dim and hid, it is hid unto them that perish: but unto the children of light it is manifest enough. Also these notes be not mine, but rather Gods books, there I do find them. Of the first, Christ saith, Every tree is known by his fruits. Luke 6. Which words be made plain by these sayings of Paul: The first note of Christ's church. To believe with the heart, Rom. 10. justifieth, & to knowledge with the mouth, maketh a man safe. Faith than is not dead in the heart: if it be dead, it is not faith: faith is known by the mouth, as the tree is known by the fruits, for of the treasure of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good. Luke 6. Of the second, The second note of Christ's church. john saith, 1. john 4. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. He than cannot be hid in whom God dwelleth. And 1. john 2. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of evil in him. The light therefore must needs be seen. Hear is to be noted, that as faith without godly works is a dead faith, and therefore no faith: so love without the same good weeks also is not love, but natural affection, 1. john 3. For who so hath these world's goods, & seethe his brother hath need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Thus is love manifestly known by the good work. Our saviour jesus Christ appointing this to be the notable sign of the church, faith unto them, john 13. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Of the third note, The third note of Christ's church. Rom. 8. which is the spirit of God, Paul writing to the Romans, hath these words, If any man have not the spirit of Christ, the same is none of his. And a little after, he speaking of himself and other of the church of Christ, saith: The same spirit certifieth our spirit that we are the children of God. If the spirit of God certifieth a man's conscience that he is the child of God, than he may be sure that he is of the church of Christ. Hereby you perceive that these notes are appointed by God's book, & not of mine invention, The sure signs of the holy Catholic church be gathered out of Cod's book. to be unfallible signs of the holy Catholic church, and of every member of the same, which be all of one faith, unite as one by love, & governed with one and the same spirit of truth. Finally, if these signs of the holy catholic Church be not yet evident and plain enough unto you, to know the same, perhaps because you yourself be none of the Church, mark yet diligently the effects that follow. First, Manifest signs of the church. the simple and plain setting forth of the word of God, both in writing and preaching, with the administration of Christ's sacraments according to the same. Secondly, the murmurings, complaininges, conventicles, uproars, and tumults of the wicked against the same. Thirdly, The first ma●…est note of Christ's church. the persecution, and patiently suffering of the very elect of God for the same, as the elect of God taketh nothing from his holy words, but wholly sticketh unto the same without any of their own additions, So do they always sincerely open the same unto the world, and have their whole delight in making it known unto men. Whereof they have of their master Christ a special commandment so earnestly given unto them, as though he had required of them that alone, binding them as they loved him, to teach, feed, and preach unto his sheep. And as he required of them this teaching and preaching of the Gospel most earnestly, Mat. 10. 28. so did he most often put them in memory of the same. Mark 6. 6. This was the principal and great commission that he gave them, john 21. after his resurrection, saying. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Math. 28. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you. Other things than Christ hath commanded to be taught, may not be taught by Christ's commission, who saith also, The holy ghost shall teach you. Luke 12. What? All things, john 14. and bring all things unto your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Again, that they might be sure of their undeceaveable rule, Mark 16. he saith. Preach the gospel to all creatures, unto them that thus do. He saith further, He that heareth you, Luke 10. heareth me, and he that despiseth you, despiseth me, and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. Because the children of perdition walking in the broad way, despise the narrow way of the Gospel, and teachers of the same, they do commit high treason against Christ and against God, for that they do not regard, but contemn the great commission of God, the Gospel of his son jesus. Although this Gospel should be for a time troad under feet and sealed up, The Gospel. is a witness to all the world. as it was prophesied, Dan. 12. and as we have seen it, Mat. 24. yet should it be a witness to all the world. Christ saith, This Gospel of the kingdom shallbe preached in all the world, for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come. The gospel is a witness of Christ and his Church to all nations in the world. To the wicked it is a witness, that they love darkness more than light because their works are evil. john 3. To the godly it is a sure stay and witness that they are of the holy Catholic Church, and members of Christ. This is a plain token of the holy catholic church, A plain token of the holy catholic Church. that wheresoever this gospel is set forth in the mother tongue and country speech, and sincerely taught, there be the true members of Christ's Church. Example hereof we have in the preaching of the same by the Apostles at Jerusalem, in whom the holy Ghost so wrought that they spoke to every man (many being there of divers and strange languages) in their own mother tongue, and country speech. Acts 2. The true ministers of the word (in whom the holy Ghost speaketh) ever teach the people in their own language that they understand, and not in a strange tongue that they know not. We may therefore be glad and joy to have seen and heard the same Gospel here in England, set forth in our mother tongue preached according to Christ's promise and sincerely taught. O it is a world to behold the subtlety of Satan working in these wicked worldlings. When he feeleth by preaching of the Gospel, that his counterfeit religion is espied, and that his lies and false miracles will serve to blind and deceive the people no longer: then he bestirreth himself, than he seeketh out his trusty friends and setteth them a work, to stir the people to murmurings, tumults, When the devil had men fast by false faith, he cared not for their evil life. The second manifest note of Christ's Church. and uproars, to the end that by divisions, debates, and discords, he may either face out the Gospel, or else for that he looseth some in their faith, he might win more by their evil life: Whereby (albeit against their will) both the devil and his ministers do give an evident testimony of the Gospel. For jesus Christ the wisdom of God the father knowing that it would be so, showed that it should be so, both by his words and example taking upon him, that the wicked would lay to his charge, saying, Think not that I am come to send peace into the earth: Math. 10. I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at a variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in la, and a man's foes shallbe they that be of his own household. And he prophesieth also, saying, Suppose ye that I am come to send peace on the earth. Luke 12. I tell you nay, but rather division. For from hence forth there shallbe five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shallbe divided against the son, and the son against the father. The mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother. The mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in la. Christ prophesying of the discord that would be thorough the preaching of the gospel, taketh upon him the salt of others. In this phrase of speech Christ showed not himself to be the author and cause of discord and division, but he rather declared in their own words their false standers. He knew right well that the wicked would resist the gospel with lies, slanders and tumults: and when they had thorough their own malice craftily raised such tragedies, than they would (disburdening themselves) lay it to Christ's charge and to his holy word, or ministers of the same. Thus hath it been in out time. The wicked hating the Gospel, have stirred uproars and unquietness amongst the people, and then they have burdened the Gospel and preacher withal. Thus the Scribes and Pharisees with their Disciples, moved the people against Christ, whereby they made unquietness, and then they accused Christ of blasphemy, heresy & making of dissension, Math. 26. traitors and blasphemous heretics, Luke 22. neither true to God nor the Prince. For this cause, Christ knowing before, vouchsafe to bewray their malice, taking upon himself the person of discord, when in very deedele is the berry peacemaker, because he knew they would so judge him and report him to be, as we can witness they have done. wherefore we must needs believe this his prophesy, now that we have heard it, and seen it fulfilled. Truly, The banner of Christ goeth ever with his Church, as the shadow goeth with the body. Truly, Mat. 10. as the shadow followeth the body: so Christ's cross followeth the holy Catslolique church. And as the greater the height of the sun is, the more is the shadow seen: so, the greater the height of the gospel shinneth by preaching, the more manifest is the cross of Christ, who saith. He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me, and he that loveth son or or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth me, is not worthy of me. Also if any man will come after me, Luke 9 let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it. But whosoever doth lose his life sot my sake, the same shall save it. For whosoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him shall the son of man be ashamed when he cometh in his majesty, and the majesty of his father. It is unpossible to stick unto the Gospel without the cross, without trouble or persecution, 2. Tim. 3. Paul being witness, saying: All they that will live godly in Christ jesus shall suffer persecution. Of the which cross and persecution Christ prophesied saying, ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. Mat. 10. But unto this in another place he giveth a better comfort, john 15. saying, If the world hate you, you know it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own. Howbeit because ye are not of the world, but I have chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you. The servant is not greater them his Lord: if they have persecuted me they will persecute you. Seeing the truth hath spoken these things, The third manifest note of Christ's Church. they must needs come to pass. Wherefore it now remaineth, that all lovers of the Gospel and truth, do patiently stick unto the truth in all their tribulations, and call to memory their masters first promise and blessing, which is written. Where he saith: Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. To suffer for righteousness and truths sake (me thinketh) must be a sign of the elect of God. For they verily that do live immofluely in the world, and charitably with their neighbours, and notwithstanding be hated, evil spoken of, slandered, and persecuted of the wicked, only for speaking against sin and iniquity, and for the Gospel's sake, have great cause to joy in their trouble and persecution, as it solloweth. Blessed are ye when men shall speak evil of you, and persecute you, and shall speak all evil against you, lying, for my sake. Rejoice ye and be glad, for plenteous is your reward in heaven Lo this is the Church that cannot err. Thus I have described before your eyes both the church of Antichrist, which cannot but err, and also the Church of jesus Christ that cannot err, plainly, with their signs and notes: Note them therefore circumspectly. The church of Antichrist is not established upon the verity of God's word and spirit, which is the sure foundation of the holy catholic Church, but upon a sinful man, quia omnis homo mendax, because everieman is a liar. Christ's Church hath one justifying faith which worketh by love, for the which Antichristes Church hath many faiths, as, a little faith, a small faith, an unperfect faith, a deceiving faith, a sick faith, and a dead faith, dominic faith, Basils' faith Austin's faith, Bennets faith, Bernard's faith, Frances faith, and devils faith. All which may enter the wide gates and be admitted into the pope's Church, and partaker of his money sacrifices. Where note they be the greater number: which thing maketh them bold to persecute the few and small flock that entereth the strait gate of faith, and walketh the narrow way of the Gospel, which small flock never persecuteth. For it is against the nature of a lamb to suck the blood of a Wolf. It is the property of the Wolf to suck blood, devour and persecute. The church of jesus Christ ever suffereth, loveth, and prayeth for enemies and persecutors. Antichrist brood do murmur, hate, & persecute, with a filthy conscience. Unto the church of jesus Christ only God's book is a perfect rule of belief, life, and doctrine, in stead whereof antichrist's generation hath many books and rules, as holy decrees and decretals, fathers, coumels, holy doctors, Festivale, Legenda aurea, Austin's rule, Benet's rule, Basils' rule, Bernard's rule, dominik's rule, Francis rule, and now last of all Canterbury tales with a dung-cart ful also of unwritten verities. These have been brought in, and taught by the spirits of error, the very guides & stays of antichrist's church, & therefore they could not but err. But the church of jesus Chr●st, & every member of the same, is governed with one spirit of truth that cannot lie, therefore cannot they err, even with the spirit of Christ, the holy ghost, unto whom, with the father, and the some, be all thanks, laud, praise and glory. Amen. Written the eleventh day of the month of julie. Anno Domini 1550.