A brief chronicle concerning the examination and death of the blessed martyr of Christ sir johan Oldecastell the lord Codham collected together by johan Bale.  

☞ Syr. johan. Oldecastel. the. worthy ☜ lord. Cobham. and▪ most. valiant. ☞ warryoure. of. jesus. Christ. ☜ suffered. death. at. London. Anno. 1418.   ☞ In the latter time shall many be chosen/ proved/ and purified by 〈◊〉 yet shall the ungodly live wickedly 〈◊〉 and have no understanding. Dan. 〈◊〉.  

A brief chronicle concerning the 
Fol. 2  examination and death of the blessed martyr of Christ sir johan Oldecastell the lord Cobham/ collected together by johan Bale/ out of the books and writings of those popish Prelates which were present both at his condemnation and judgement.  

¶ The Preface.  
IN the profane histories of old Orators and poets both Greeks and latins are they much commended and thought worthy of eternal memory/ which have either died for their natural country or dangered their lives for a common wealth. 
Plutarch Properc. Cicero. Catustus Horatius ●ucanu●. Staciu●.  As we read of Codrus that was king of Athens/ of Quintus Curcius the Roman/ of Ancurus the Phrygiane/ Olysses/ Hermas/ Theseus/ Menecius/ Scipio Aphricanus/ Mucius Sceno●a/ Valerius Cocles/ the two brethren of Cartago which were both called Philenus/ and the three noble Decyanes' with other diverse. 
Exo. 14. Eccle. 4● Iudic●●.  In the sacred scriptures of the Bible/ hath Moses/ joshua/ Gedeon/ jepthe/ Delbora/ judith/ David/ 
1. Reg. 17 〈◊〉. 6. / Helias/ josias/ zorobabel/ Mathathias/ Eleazarus and the Maccabees their just praises for their mighty zeal and manifold enterprises concerning the children of Israel. 
Sigeberrn● Gēb●acensis.  Among the Papists also which are a most prodigious kind of men) are they most highly anaunced by dying signs/ false miracles/ erroneous writings/ shrines/ rellyques/ lights/ tabernacles/ altars/ 
Petrus Equilinus.  sensings/ songs/ & holy days/ which have been slain/ for the liberties/ privileges/ authority/ honour/ riches/ & proud maintenance of their holy whorysse church.  

Wicelius. Vincentius. Leander Volateranus. A●●cas. joan Ec.  As were Antidius/ Bonifacius/ Benno/ Thomas Becket/ johan the Cardinal/ Petrus de Castrono●o/ Peter of milan/ Paganus of Bergom/ Stanislaus of Cracou●a/ Steven Colyer of Tholose/ Bonaventure of Padua/ julianus the Cardinal of saint Angel. And in our time johan fisher/ Thomas More/ friar Forest/ Reynoldes/ & the Charterhouse monks which suffered here in England/ with an infinite number more. What is than to be thought of those godly and valiant warriors/ 
Heb. 11. Acto. ● Apoc. 6  which hath noth spared to bestow their most dear lives for the verity of jesus Christ against the malygnaunt muster of that execrable Antichrist of Rome the devils own vicar. 
joan. 8.  Of whose gracious number a very special member and a vessel of God's election was that virtuous knight sir johan Oldecastell the good lord Cobham/ as will plenteously apere in this process following. 
Sir johan old castle & the bishops.  He that hath judgement in the spirit/ shall easily perceive by this treatise/ what beastly blockeheades these bloody bellyegoddes were in their unsavoury interrogations/ and again what influence of grace this man of God had from above concerning his answers/ specially in that most blind and ignorant time wherein all was but darkness/ the sun appearing sack cloth/ as saint johan hath in the Apocalyps. 
joan. 3. Apoc. 6.   
Most surely fulfilled Christ that promise in him which he made to his Apostles. 
Luc. 21. Mat. 10. Mar. 13. Luc. 12.  Cast not in your minds afore hand (saith he) what answer ye shall make when these spiritual tyrants shall examine you in their synagogues/ and so deliver you up unto kings and debytees. For I will give you such utterance and wisdom in that hour/ as all your enemies shall never be able to resist. 
Christ's disciple.  This only sentence of Christ adjoined to his godly answer/ is enough to prove him his true disciple/ and them in their foolish questions/ the manifest members of sathan. I remember that xiiii years ago/ the true servant of God William Tyndale put into the prent a certain brief examination of the said lord Cobham. 
The examination of the lord Cobham  The which examination was written in the time of the said lords trouble/ by a certain friend of his/ and so reserved in copies unto this our age. But since that time I have found it in their own writings (which were than his utter enemies) in a moche more ample form than there. 
the great process of Thomas Arundel.  specially in the great process which Thomas Arundel the archbishop of Caunterburye made than against him/ written by his own notaries and clar●●●/ tokened also with his own sign and scale/ and so directed unto richard Clyfforde than bishop of London with a general commandment to have it than published by him & by the other bishops the whole realm over.  

Thomas Walden. in fasciculo zizanio ●um Wicleni.  furthermore I have scene it in a copy of that writing/ which the said richard Clyfforde sent unto Robert Mascall a Carmelyte friar and bishop of Herforde under his sign and seal/ and in a copy of his also directed to the archdeacons of Herforde and Shrewesburye. The year/ month/ and day of their date with the beginnings of their writings shall here after follow in the book/ as occasion shall require it. 
Fronwhens this treatise cometh.  Besides all this Thomas Walden being in those days the kings confessor/ and present at his examination/ condemnation/ & execration/ registered it among other processes more/ in his book called Fasciculus zizaniorum Wiclevi. He maketh mention of it also in his first Epistle to Pope Martyne the fift/ and in his solemn sermon de funere regis. 
Walden. count. Wiclevistas'/ in prologo doctri. 7. li. 2. ca 66  Only such reasons have I added thereunto/ as the afore named Thomas Walden proponed to him in the time of that examination/ as he mentioneth in his first and second books adversus Vhi●●u●stas/ with the manner of his godly departing out of this frail life/ which I found in other writings and chronicles. His youth was full of wanton wildness before he knew the scriptures/ as he reporteth in his answer/ and for the more part unknown unto me/ and therefore I write it not here. His father the lord Regnolde of Cobham johan Frosyart nombereth always amongst the most worthy warriors of England.  

The christian manhood of sir johan oldecastell.  In all adventerouse acts of wordly manhood/ was he ever bold/ strong/ fortunate/ doughty/ noble/ & valcaunt. But never so worthy a conqueror as in this his present conflict with the cruel and furious frantic kingdom of Antichrist. far is this Christian knight more praise worthy/ for that he had so noble a stomach in defence of Christ's verity against those romish superstitions/ than for any temporal nobylnesse either of blood/ birth/ lands/ or of martial feats. 
Cowards in Christ's battles.  For many thousands hath had in that great courage/ which in the other have been most faint hearted cowards and very desperate dastards/ where as he persevered most faithfully constant to the end. Many popish parasites & men pleasing flatterers have written large commendations and encomyes of those/ but of such noble men as this was/ very few or in a manner non at all. 
Flatterers of great men.  Wan I sometime read the works of some men learned/ 
Parasites.  I marvel not a little to see them so abundant in vain flattering praises for matters of no value/ yea/ for things to be dispraised rather than praised of men that were godly wise.  
Polydorus Vergilius a collector sometime in England of the Pope's Peter Pens and afterward archdeacon of Wellys/ 
Polydorus Anglice history/ libro. 4.  hath in this point deformed his writings greatly/ poluting our english chronicles most shamefully with his romish lies and other Italyshe beggary▪ Battles hath he described there at large ●o no small discommendynges of some Princes with were godly/ 
No tales may be told out of school.  but the privy packing of Prelates/ and crafty conveyance of the spiritualty hath he in every place almost full properly passed over. He was to familiar with the bishops and took to much of their counsel/ when he compiled the xxvi books. of his english history. And not greatly is the land beholden unto him in that work/ for any large praise of erudition that he hath given it there. A singular beauty is it to a Christian region/ when their ancient monuments are garnished among others/ 
No men are learned with him/ but Italianes.  with men of fresh literature which therein hath small remembrance or non. Unless it be Gildas/ Bedas/ Alcuinus/ joannes Scotus/ Aldelmus/ Neuburgus/ and one or two more/ non are in that whole work mentioned concerning that/ as though England had always been most barren of men learned. This do I not write in dispraise of his learning/ (which I know to be very excellent) but for the abuse thereof being a most singular gift of God.  

A worthy work were that afore God & man.  I would wish some learned english man (as there are now most excellent fresh wits) to set forth the english chronicles in their right shape/ as certain other lands hath done afore them/ all affections set a part. I can not think a more necessary thing to be laboured to the honour of God/ beauty of the realm/ erudition of the people/ and commodity of other lands/ next the sacred scripture of the Bible/ than that work would be. 
Blasp●●mouse trifles are ● english chronicles.  For truly in those they have there yet/ is vice more anaunced than vert●/ & romish blasphemy than godliness. As it may full weal apere unto eyes of right judgement/ in the lamentable history here following/ and such other/ which hath been long hid in th● dark. Mark diligently the sentence of the said Polydorus concerning this good lord Cobham/ and there upon consider his good workmanship in other matters. In the counsel of constance (saith he) was the heresy of johan Wycleve condemned/ and two at the same time burned in that city which were the chief heads of that sect. 
Polydorus anglice history li. 22  All this is true/ though the f●ate handling thereof be altogether Italyshe.  
But where as he saith after/ that when this was once known to their companions in England/ 
He upholdeth holy church with lies  they conspired in their madness against the whole clergy and finally against the king also for that he was than a fawter of Christian religion/ having to their great captains sir johan Oldecastell and sir Roger Acton/ he maketh a most shameful lie. 
Fabianus. Acta consilii Constantiensis.  For how could sir Roger Acton with his company conspire upon that occasion/ being dead more than iiii. years afore? and sir johan Oldecastell remaining all that season in Walys? johan Hus suffered death at constance the year of our Lord a. M. CCCC.xv. in july. Hierome of prague in the year of our Lord a. M. cccc.xvi. in may/ which were the two heads he speaketh of. Sir Roge● Acton was brent with his company in the year of our Lord a. M. CCCC.xiii. in january / as witnesseth Walden/ Fabiane/ and johan Mayor in their chronicles and writings. 
●udge the ill tree by his fruit.  Now reckon these numbers and years/ and mark the proper conveyance of this romish gentleman the pope's collector/ to clought up that crooked kingdom of theirs. He can by such legerdemain both please his friends in England and also at Rome.  

They were enemies to holy church.  After that he followeth with lie upon lie/ as that they came than to London to destroy the king/ that he in his own person met with them there in arms/ that they cowardly fled/ that some were taken there and brent out of hand/ and that the lord Cobham and sir Roger Ac●on were cast into the tower of London upon that occasion. 
Burning was not than for traitors  Seemeth it not a matter somewhat like to the purpose (think you) that men should be there burned for making soche an insurrection or tumult? I trow he hath cobbled here somewhat workemanlye. And where as he saith in the end/ that the king thereupon made an act/ that they from thence forth should be taken as traitors against his own person/ which were proved to follow that sect/ he maketh an abominable lie. 
Whaldenus in sermone de fun●re regis.  For that act was made only at the bishops complaint and false suit in the first year of his regne/ and by force of that act those innocent men than suffered. 
Well stored with lies.  More than four hundreth of such manyfestlyes could I gather out of his chronicles/ moche more than might more eyes and judgements do.  
Now let us expend what the true cause should be of this godly man's condemnation and death/ all dreams of Papists set a part. 
The causes of sir johan old castles condemnation.  The truth of it is/ that after he had once throughly tasted the Christian doctrine of johan Wycleve and of his disciples/ and perceived their livings agreeable to the same. He abhorred all the superstitious sorceries (ceremonies I should say) of the proud romish church. F●o● thence forth he brought all things to the touch stone of God's word. 
johan. 5. 1. Thes. 5. Mat. 7. 1. johan. 4.  He tried all matters by the scriptures/ and so proved their sprites whether they were of God or nay. He maintained such preachers in the dioceses of canterbury/ London/ Rochestre/ and Herforde/ as the bishops were sore offended with. He exhorted their priests to a better way by the Gospel/ and when that would not help he gave them sharp rebukes. He admonished th● kings/ as richard the second/ Henrye 
Walden▪ in fascicuso zizaniorum Wiclevi.  the fourth/ and Henrye the fift of the clergies manifold abuses/ & put into the parliament house certain books concerning their just reformation/ both in the year of our Lord a. M.ccc xcv. and in the year a. M. CCCC.x. of the first book this is the beginning. Prima conclusio. 
Fabianus.  Quando ecclesia Anglie etc. which I have here left out lest this treatise should be to great. The other book was made by one johan Purvey a master of art of Oxford. Beside the xviii conclusions that master johan Wycleve had put in long afore that.  
In the year of our Lord a. M.ccc. ●●i. this noble lord Cobham with certain other more/ 
Walden▪ Polydorus in his●oria anglorum lib. 20.  mocyoned the king at Westmyns●re in the time of his parliament/ that it were very commodyouse to England if the romish bishops authority extended no further than the ocean see or haven of Calais/ considering the charges and unquietness of suits there/ and that men's causes cond● not be throughly known so far of. Where upon the king made this act by consent of his lords/ that no man from thence forth should sue to the Pope in any matter/ nor publish any excommunication of his/ undrepeyne of losing their goods with perpetual inpresonment. 
Treuisa in addiconnibus Cestrensis. Polydorus.  This and the afore named book had cost him with sir johan Chenye and other more his life in 
Fabianus. Polydorus.  the sixth year after/ at the crafty accusement of certain Prelates (though it hath in the chronicles an other colour) had not God than most graciously preserved him. another cause of his death yet besides all that hath been said afore/ was this. 
Whalden. count. Wicleui. li. ●. Cap. ●0.  He caused all the works of johan Wycleve to be written at the instance of johan huss/ and so to be sent into Boheme/ France/ Spain/ Portyngale/ and other lands. 
Ar●a con●●lii Constariciensis. Herman●us Shedel.  Whereof Subinco Lepus the archbishop of prague caused more than two hundreth volumes fair written/ openly to be brent afterward/ as witnesseth Aeneas Silvius de origine Bohemorum.  
These causes known with other more that I could rehearse/ consydre whether the world that is always so wicked was worthy to hold such a noble christian warrior as this was/ 
Heb. ●. Esa. 10. Nah●. ●.  or nay? consider also the just punishment of the lord for wicked laws that were than made/ with the exceeding mischiefs that the spiritualty than used. And way the miserable estate that the realm was in soon after for contempt of his eternal word. And there upon laud his righteousness/ and beware of like contempt and plague in these days. 
Waldenusi sermone de funere regis.  In the year of our Lord a. M. cccc. xxii. departed king Henry the fift in his most flourishing time/ even in the beginning of the xxxvii year of his age/ which was about four years after the death of this lord Cobham. His son Henry the sixth succeeded in his room and had the governance of this whole realm/ being but a babe of. vii● months old and odd days. 
king Henry the vi. a babe.  What a dolour was this unto men of ripe difcressyon/ naturally loving their country and regarding the common wealth thereof? yea/ what a plague of God was it after the scriptures to have a young child to their king? 
Esa. 3. A plague.  And that it should the more manifestly apere to come that way/ or of the stroke of God/ he was a childish thing all the days of his life.  
I shall give you (saith the lord in his high displeasure) children to be your princes/ 
Esa. 3.  & young infants with out wisdom shall have the governance of you. 
The years of that plague.  what wretched calamytees the realm suffered afterward for the space of more than iii score years and three till the days of king Henry the seventh/ it is unspeakable. Sens the preaching of johan Wycleve hath the lord suffered the pompous popish Prelates to show themselves forth in their own right colours/ that they might now in the light of his Gospel apere as they are in deed/ even spiteful murderers/ idolaters/ and sodomites. 
Prelate's what the now apere.  Afore his time they lurked under the glittering shine of hypocrefye/ and could not be scene in their masteries. The friars with their charming sophysirye threw such a dark mist over the universal world/ that superstition could not be known for superstition/ nor idolatry for idolatry. 
Friars darkened all with their sophistry.  Unspeakable filthiness of all fleshly occupying was than called priests chastity/ as it is yet and will be till it come to the highest/ that God may take full vengeance. 
Apoc. ●●.  Than was whoredom worshipped in Prelates of the church/ and sacred wedlock reckoned such a detestable vice as was worthy in a priest most cruel death. As was scene for example in sir William Wyghe which was brent for the same at Norwych in the year of our Lord. 14.28. 
Walden. 〈◊〉 utroque apere.   
Thus was White judged black and light darkness/ so yl● was men a sight in those days. 
Esa. 5.  By such means (saith the Prophet) they drew wickedness unto them as it were with a cord/ and all kinds of sin as it were with a cart rope. 
England for unthankfulness punished.  If England at that time had not been unthankful for the singular benefyght that God than sent them by those good men/ the days of Antichrist and his beastly brood had been shortened there long a go as it is even now & here after like to be more largely. A most orient fresh mirror of Christian manhood appeareth this worthy lord Cobham in our age/ the verity now open/ which was in herabsens a lamp of contempt before wordly wise men. 
What the lord Cobham appeareth now.  In him may noble men behold here plainly a wol● noble stomach and precious faith in the mids of great Antichristes' modye muster. His courage was of such va●●e that it gave him the victory over them by the clear judgement of the scriptures/ what though the worlds judgements be far otherwise. 
1. Ioh. 5 1. Cor. ●5  And as for the cruel death which he most contumelyouslye suffered/ it is now unto him a most plenteous winning/ for in the just quarrel was it of his Lord jesus Christ. 
Phil. 1. Apoc. 1.   
Might those bloody blusterers have had their full sway now of late/ 
The devil sleepeth not.  they would have made more Oldecastels/ Acton's/ Brownes/ & Beverlayes/ yea/ they would have made there a greater havoc upon Christ's congregation/ than ever did Saul in his raging fury. 
Act. 8.  They meant more than they uttered when they approached so nigh (as did cruel Haman) to the presence of noble Assuerus. 
Hester. 5.  But blessed be the eternal father which hath given such wisdom godly unto our most worthy king/ 
A godly governor.  that he perseyving their slayghtes/ so abated their tyrannous fierceness. Pray noble men/ pray/ yea with the true clergy and commons/ that like as he hath now with duke joshua the overhand of wicked Hierico by his only gift/ 
joshua. 6.  and is through that becomen an whole perfect king within his owns realm far above all his predecessors/ 
Lawde God for him.  so that he may in conclusion overthrow her clearly. 
Mat. 26. joan. 18.  For as yet the dreadful damsel (tyranny) that was Cayphas doorkeeper/ 
Walden. in sermon  dwelleth in the houses of bishops/ and dalye compelleth poor Peter to deny his master. As many eyes as ever had vygylaunt Argus had he need to have/ that is compassed with such a sort/ as are that brood of the wily serpent. 
Pray for his grace  consider what heavenly things ye have received of the scriptures under his permission/ and yet pray once again for his gracious continuance to the more increase of knowledge. Amen.  
O Babylon/ thy merchants were princes of the earth. And with thine enchantments were all nations deceived Apocal. xviii.   

☞ The great process of Thomas Arundel the archbishop of Caunterburye and of the Papistical clergy with him/ against the most noble knight sir johan Oldecastell the lord Cobham in the year of our Lord a. M. cccc. and xlii wherein is contained his examination/ impresonment/ and excommunication. The process before his examination.  
AFter that the true servant of jesus Christ johan Wycleve/ 
Ex operibus & scriptis Thome Waldeni.  a man of very excellent life & learning/ had for the space of more than xxvi years most valeauntlye battled with the great Antichrist of Europa or Pope of Rome & his diversly disguised host of anointed hypocrites/ to restore the church again to the pure estate that Christ left her in at his ascension/ he departed hens most christianly into the hands of God/ the year of our Lord a. M.CCC.lxxxvii. 
johan Wicleve a man of god & his disciples.  and was buried in his own parish church at Lutterworth in Lyncolne shear. No small number of godly disciples left that good man behind him to defend the lowliness of the Gospel against the exceeding pride/ ambition/ sym●nye/ anaryce/ hypocrisy/ whoredom/ sacrilege/ tyranny/ ydolatrouse worshippings/ and other filthy fruits of those stiffnecked pharisees. 
Thomas Arundel in magno processu.  Against whom Thomas Arundel than archbishop of Caunterburye/ so fierce as ever was Pharaoh/ Antiochus/ Herodes or Cayphas/ collected in Paul's church at London a universal synod of all the papistical clergy of England in the year of our Lord a. M. CCCC. and xiii as he had done diverse other afore/ to withstand their most godly enterprise. And this was the first year of king Henrye the fift/ whom they had than made fit for their hand.  

jonan. 11. Psal. 1. Psal. 2.  As these high Prelates with their pharisees and scribes were thus gathered in this pestilent counsel against the Lord and his word/ first there resorted unto them the xii inquysytours of heresies (whom they had appointed at Oxford the year afore to search out heretics with all Wycleves books, and they brought. CC. and lxvi faithful conclusions whom they had collected as heresies out of the said books. The names of the said inquysytours were these. 
Walden. in fasciculo zizanio rum Wicleui.  johan Witnam a mas●r● in the new college/ johan Langedon monk of Chry church in Caunterb●rye/ William Vfforde regent of the carmelites/ Thomas Clayton regent of the Dominykes/ Robert Gylber●/ richard Cartysdale/ johan Lucl●e/ richard Snedysham/ richard Flem●mynge/ Thomas Rodborne/ Rob●rt Roadberye/ and richard Grasdale In the mean season caused they there hired servants to blow it forth a brod● through out all the realm/ that they were there congregate for an wholesome ●nyte and reformation of the church of England/ to stop so the mouths of the common people. 
A practise commonly used of that generation.  Soche is always the common practise of these subtile sorcerers/ whiles they are in doing mischief/ to blear the eyes of the unlearned multitude with one false craft or other.  
After a certain communication they concluded among themselves/ 
A luke practise sought now of late but it took not.  that it was not possible for them to make whole Christ's cote without seem (meaning thereby their patched popish synagogue) unless certain great men were brought out of the way/ which seemed to be the chief maintainers of the said disciples of Wycleve. Among whom the most noble knight sir johan Oldecastell the lord Cobham was complained of by the general proctors/ yea rather betrayers of Christ in his faithful members/ 
Accused for maintaining the Gospel of Christ.  to be the chief principal. Him they accused first for a mighty maintainer of suspected preachers in the dioceses of London/ Rochestre/ & Herforde/ contrary to the minds of their ordinaries. Not only they affirmed him to have sent thither the said preachers/ but also to have assisted them there by force of arms/ not withstanding their synodal constitution made afore to the contrary. Last of all they accused him/ 
Accused for his Ehristen believe.  that he was far otherwise in believe of the sacrament of the altar/ of penance/ of pilgrimage/ of image worshipping/ and of the ecclesiastical power/ than the holy church of Rome had taught many years afore.  

Process against him.  In the end it was concluded among them/ that without any farther delay/ process should out against him as against a most pernicious heretic. Some of that fellowship which were of more crafty experience than the other/ would in no case have the matter so rashly handled/ but thought this way much better. 
A spiritual practise.  considering the said lord Cobham was a man of great birth and in favour at that time with the king/ their counsel was to know first the kings mind/ to save all things right up. This counsel was weal accepted/ and thereupon the archbishop Thomas Arundel with his other bishops and a great part of the clergy went straight ways unto the king as than remaining at kenyngton. 
A wolvish generation.  And there they laid forth most grenouse complaints against the said lord Cobham/ to his great infamy and blemish/ being a man most godly. The king gently hard those blood thirsty raveners/ 
The king speaketh for him.  & far otherwise than became his princely dignity he instantly desired them/ that in respect of his noble stock and knighthood they should yet favourably deal with him. And that they would if it were possible/ without all rigour or extreme handling reduce him again to the church's unity. 
His gentle promise.  He promised them also that in case they were contented to take some deliberation/ his self would seryouslye common the matter with him.  
Anon after the king sent for the said lord Cobham. And as he was come/ he called him secretly admonishing him betwixt him and him/ to submit himself to his mother the holy church/ 
His admonishment  and as an obedient child to acknowledge himself culpable/ unto whom the Christian knight made this answer/ you most worthy prince saith he● am I always prompt and willing to obey/ for so moche as I know you a Christian king and the appointed minister of God bearing his righteous sword to the punishment of ill doers and for the safeguard of them that be virtuous. Unto you next my eternal living God own I my whole obedience/ 
Rom. 13. 1. Pet. 2.  and submit me thereunto (as I have done ever all that I have either of fortune or nature/ ready at all times to fulfil what so ever ye shall in that lord command me. 
A most Christian obedience.  But as touching the Pope and his spiritualty/ truly I own them neither sure nor service/ for so moche as I know him by the scriptures to be the great Antichrist/ the son of perdition/ the open adversary of God/ and the abomination standing in the holy place. 
2. Thes. 2. Mat. 24.  When the king had heard this with such like sentences more he would talk no longer with him/ but left him so utterly.  
And as the archbishop resorted again unto him for an answer/ he gave him his full authority to city him/ examine him/ and ponnyshe him according to the devilish decrees/ which they call the laws of holy church. 
Ex vetusto exemplari Condinensium.  Than the said archbishop by the counsel of his other bishops and clergy/ appointed to call before him the said sir johan Oldecastell the lord Cobham/ and to cause him personally to apere/ to answer to such suspected articles as they should lay against him. 
Cayphas seeketh Christ.  So sent he forth his chief sommener with a very sharp citation unto the castle of Cowling/ where as he at that time dwelled for his solace. 
judas is sent forth  And as the said sommener was thither comen/ he durst in no case entre the gates of so noble a man without his lycens/ and therefore he returned home again/ his message not done. 
another judas yet is hired.  Than called the archbishop one johan Butler unto him which was than the doorkeeper of the kings privy chamber/ & with him he covenanted through promises and rewards/ to have this matter craftily brought to pass under the kings name.  
Whereupon the said johan Butler took the archbishop's sommener with him/ 
judas kisseth and betrayeth  and went unto the said lord Cobham/ showing him that it was the kings pleasure that he should obey that citation/ and so cited him fraud lentlye. Than said he unto them in few words/ that in no case would he consent to those most devilish practises of the priests. 
The malice of the serpent.  As they had informed the archbishop of that answer/ & that it was meet for no man privately to city him after that without apparel of life/ he decreed by and by to have him cited by public process or open commandment. 
Mark this religion of the papistes.  And in all the hast possible upon the wedynsdaye before the nativity of our Lady in Septembre/ he commanded letters cytatorye to be set upon the great gates of the cathedral church of Rochestre (which was but three english miles from thence) charging him to apere personally before him at Ledys in the xi day of the same month and year/ all excuses to the contrary set a part. 
The citations taken down.  Those letters were taken down anon after by such as bare favour unto the lord Cobham/ and so conveyed a side. After that caused the archbishop new letters to be set up/ on the nativity day of our Lady/ which also were rend down and utterly consumed.  
Than for so moche as he deed not apere at the day appointed at Ledys where as he fate in consistory as cruel as ever was Cayphas with his court of hypocrites about him he judge him/ 
Cayphas sitteth in consistory.  denounced him/ and condemned him of most deep contumacy. After that when he had been falsely informed by his hired spies and other glozing glaverers/ 
False accusations against him.  that the saide lord Cobham had law head him to scorn/ disdained all his doings/ maintained his old opinions contemned the church's power/ the dignity of a bishop/ & the order of priesthood (for of all these was he than accufed) in his modye madness without just proof did he openly excommunicate him. 
The serpent doth his nature.  yet was he not with all this fierce tyranny qualified/ but commanded him to be cited a fresh/ to apere afore him the saturday before the feast of saint Matthew the Apostle/ with these cruel threatenings added thereunto. That if he deed not obey at that day/ he would more extremely handle him. And to make himself more strong towards the performance thereof/ he compelled the lay power by most terrible manacynges of curses and interdictions/ 
See here how spiritual they be.  to assist him against that seditious apostata/ that scysmatyque/ that heretic/ that troubler of the public peace/ that enemy of the realm/ and great adversary of all holy church/ for all these hateful names did he give him.  
This most constant servant of the lord and worthy knight sir johan Oldecastell the lord Cobham/ 
A mirror of Christian knight hood.  beholding the unpacable fury of Antichrist thus kindled against him/ perscyving himself also compassed on every side with deadly dangers/ he took paper and pen in hand/ & so wrote a Christian confession or reckoning of his faith (which followeth here after) and both signed and sealed it with his own hand. 
He confesseth his God before men.  Wherein he also answereth to the iiii. chiefest articles that the archbishop laid against him. That done he took the copy with him/ & went therewith to the king/ trusting to find mercy and favour at his hand. 
The Apostles faith  Non other was that confession of his than the common believe or some of the church's faith/ called the Apostles crede/ of all Christian men than used. As thus.   

☞ The Christian believe of the lord Cobham.  
I Believe in God the father almighty/ maker of heaven and earth. 
The common creed of christians.  And in jesus Christ his only son our Lord/ which was conc●yued of the holy ghost/ born of the virgin mary/ suffered death under Ponce pilate/ crucified/ dead/ and buried/ went down to hells/ the third day rose again from death/ 
This faith was not regarded.  ascended up to heavens/ he sitteth on the right hand of God the father almighty/ and from thence shall come again to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the holy ghost/ the universal holy church/ the communion of saints/ the forgiveness of s●nnes/ the uprising of the flesh/ and everlasting life/ Amen.  
And for a more large declaration (saith he) of this my faith in the catholic church. 
A declaration of his believe.  I stedefastlye believe that there is but one God almighty/ in and of whose godhead are these iii persons/ the father/ the son/ and the holy ghost/ and that those iii persons are the same self God almighty. 
1. joan. 9  I believe also that the second person of this most blessed trinity in most convenient time appointed thereunto afore/ 
Gal. 4. joan. 1. Luc. 2.  took flesh and blood of the most blessed virgin mary for the safeguard and redemption of the universal kind of man/ which was afore lost in Adam's offence. 
Christ is the only head of his church.  More over I believe that the same jesus Christ over Lord/ thus being both God & man/ is the only head of the whole Christian church/ and that all those that hath been or shall be saved/ be members of this most holy church. And this holy church I think to be dy●●ded into iii sorts or companies.  

The church divided in iii partis.  Whereof the first sort be now in heaven/ and they are the saints from hens departed. These/ as they were here conversant conformed always their lines to the most holy laws and pure examples of Christ/ renouncing sathan/ the world/ and the flesh with all their concupiscences and cuyls. The second sort are in purgatory (if any such he by the scriptures) abiding the mercy of God and a full deliverance of pain. 
Contrary wrote he/ Ad parliamentum. Ex Whaldeno.  ● The third sort are here upon the earth and be called the church militant. For day & nigh they contend against the crafty assaults of the devil/ the flattering prosperities of this world/ and the rebellious filthiness of the flesh.  
This latter congregation by the just ordinance of God is also severed into three diverse estates/ 
The church militant divided in iii  that is to say/ into priesthood/ knighthood and the commons Among whom the will of God is/ that the one should aid the other/ but not destroy the other. The priests first of all secluded from all worldliness/ should conform their lives utterly to the examples of Christ and his Apostles. 
What ● priests should be.  Evermore should they be occupied in preaching and teaching the scriptures purely/ and in giving wholesome counsels of good living to the other two degrees of men. More modest also/ more loving/ gentle/ and lowly in spirit should they be/ than any other sorts of people.  
In knighthood are all they which bear sword by law of office. 
knighthood what it should do.  These should defend God's laws/ and se that the Gospel were purely taught/ conforming their lives to the same and secluding all false preachers. yea/ these aught rather to hazard their lives than to suffer soche pricked decrees as either blemysheth the eternal testament of God or yet letteth the free passage thereof/ whereby heresies and schisms might spring in the church. 
Mark here a most Christian heart.  For of non other arise they (as I suppose) than of such erroneous constitutions/ craftily first creeping in under hypocrites lies for advantage. They ought also to preserve God's people from oppressers/ tyrants/ and thieves/ and to see the clergy supported so long as they teach purely/ pray rightly/ and minister the sacraments freely. 
The clergy wherefore supported.  And if they see them do other wise/ they are bound by law of office to compel them to change their doings/ and to see all things performed according to God's prescript ordinance.  
The latter fellowship of this church/ are the common people/ whose duty is to bear their good minds and true obedience to the aforesaid ministers of God/ their kings/ civil governors/ and priests. 
What the common people ought to do.  The right office of these is justly to occupy every man in his facultè/ be it merchandyce/ handy craft/ or the tilth of the ground. And so one of them to be as an helper to an other/ following always in their sorts the just commandments of their Lord God.  
Over and besides all this/ I most faithfully believe that the sacraments of Christ's church are necessary to all Christian believers/ 
Believe concerning the sacraments.  this always seen to/ that they be truly ministered according to Christ's first institution and ordinance. And for so moche as I am malycyoulye and most falsely accused of a misbelieve in the sacrament of the altar/ to the hurtful slander of many. I signify here unto all men that this is my faith concerning that. 
The sacrament of the altar  I believe in that sacrament to be contained very Christ's body and blood under the similitudes of bread and wine/ yea the same body that was conceived of the holy ghost/ born of mary the virgin/ done on the cross/ died/ that was buried/ arose the third day from the death/ and is now glorified in heaven. 
Believe concerning Gods laws.  I also believe the universal law of God to be most true and perfectly/ and that they which do not so follow it in their faith and works at one time or other/ can never be saved. Where as he that seeketh it in faith/ accepteth it/ learneth it/ delighteth therein/ and performeth it in love/ shall taste for it the felicity of everlasting innocency.  

what god axeth of a Christian.  finally this is my faith also/ that God will axe no more of a Christian believer in this life/ but only to obey the precepts of that most blessed law. If any Prelate of the church requireth more/ or else any other kind of obedience than this to be used/ he contemneth Christ exalting himself above God/ & so becometh an open Antichrist. All these premisses I believe partycularlye/ & generally all that God hath left in his holy scriptures that I should believe. Instantly desiring you my liege lord and most worthy king/ 
A Christ desire of the lord Cobham.  that this confession of mine may be justly examined by the most godly wise and learned men of your realm. And if it be found in all points agreeing to the verity/ than let it be so allowed/ and I thereupon holden for non other them a true Christyane. 
This request was lawful  If it be proved otherwise/ than let it be utterly condemned/ provided always that I be taught a better believe by the word of God/ and I shall most reverently at all times obey thereunto.  

Obedience unto his king.  This brief confession of his faith/ the lord Cobham wrote (as is mentioned afore) and so took it with him to the court/ offering it with all meekness unto the king to read it over. The king would in no case receive it/ but commanded it to be delivered unto them that should be his judges. Than desired he in the kings presence that an hundred knights and esquires might be suffered to come in upon his purgation/ which (he knew) would clear him of all heresies. 
His Christian stomach & manhood.  Moreover he offered himself after the law of arms to fight for life or death with any man living christian or heathen in the quarrel of his faith/ the king and the lords of his counsel excepted. 
No reasonable offer would serve.  finally with all gentleness he protested before all that were present/ that he would refuse no manner of correction that should after the laws of God be ministered unto him/ but that he would at all times with all meekness obey it. Not withstanding all this/ the king suffered him to be sommoved personally in his own privy chamber.  
Than said the lord Cobham to the king/ 
His appeal from the archbishop.  that he had appealed from the archbishop to the Pope of Rome/ & therefore he ought (he said) in no case to be his judge. And having his appeal there at hand ready written/ he showed it with all reverence to the king. Wherwith the king was than moche more disposed than afore/ and said angerly unto him/ that he should not pursue his appeal. 
The king h●re worshippeth the b●ast.  But rather he should tarry in hold/ till such time as it were of the Pope allowed. And than/ would he or nylde he/ the archbishop should be his judge. Thus was there nothing allowed that the good lord Cobham had lawfully afore required. But for so moche as he would not be sworn in all things to submit himself to the church/ 
Cobham would not obey Antichrist.  and so to take what penance the archbishop would enjoin him/ he was arrested again at the kings commandment/ and so led forth to the tower of London/ to keep his day (so was it than spoken) that the archbishop had appointed him afore in the kings chamber.  
Than caused he the aforesaid confession of his faith to be copied again and the answer also which he had made to the four articles proponed against him to be written in manner of an indenture in two sheets of paper. 
His confession & answer newly copied.  That when he should come to his answer/ he might give the one copy unto the archbishop/ and reserve the other to himself. As the day of examination was comen/ which was the xxiii day of Septembre or the saturday before the feast of saint Matthew/ Thomas Arundel 
Cayphas sitteth in consistory.  the archbishop sitting in caiphass room in the chapter house of Paul's with richard Clyfforde bishop of London/ and Henrye Bolingbroke bishop of Wynchestre/ sir Robert Morleye knight/ and lieutenant of the tower/ brought personally before him the said lord Cobham/ and there left him for the time/ Unto whom the archbishop said these words.   

☞ The first examination of the lord Cobham. 
antichrist was here in full power.   
SIr johan/ in the last general convocation of the clergy of this our province/ ye were detected of certain heresies & by sufficient witnesses found culpable. Whereupon ye were by form of spiritual law cited/ & would in no case apere. In conclusion upon your rebellious contumacy ye were both privately and openly excommunicated. 
antichrist manifesteth himself.  notwithstanding we never yet showed oures●lfe unredye to have given you your absolution (nor yet do not to this hour) would ye have meekly a y it. Unto this the lord Cobham showed as though he had given non ear/ having his mind otherwise occupied/ & so desired non absolution. But he said/ he would gladly before him and his brethren make rehearsal of that faith/ which he held and intended always to stand to/ if it would please them to lycens him thereunto. 
A sign of gods true servant.  And than he took out of his bosom a certain writing indented/ concerning the articles whereof he was accused/ and so openly red it before them/ giving it unto the archbishop as he had made thereof an end. Whereof this is the copy.  
I johan Oldecastell knight and lord Cobham/ 
Ex viroque exemplari.  will all Christian men to understand/ that Thomas Arundel archbishop of canterbury hath not only laid it to my charge maliciously/ but also very untrue by his letter and seal written against me in most slanderous wise/ that I should otherwise feel and teach of the sacraments of the church (assigning specially the sacrament of the altar/ 
The articles laid against the lord Cob  the sacrament of penance/ the worshipping of images/ and the going of pilgrimage unto them) far other wise than either believeth or teacheth the universal holy church. I take almighty God unto witness/ that it hath been and now is/ and evermore with the help of God it shall be my full intent and will/ to believe faithfully and wholly all the sacraments that ever God ordained to be ministered in the holy church. 
O most Christian knight.  And more over for to declare me in these four points afore rehearsed.  
I believe that in the most worshipful sacrament of the altar is Christ's very body in form of bread/ 
His believe concerning the sacraments.  the same body that was borne of the blssed virgin mary/ done on the cross/ dead/ and buried/ and that the third day arose from death to life/ the which body is now glorified with the father in heaven. And as for the sacrament of penance/ 
consider him here before bishops.  I believe that it is needful to all them that shall be saved/ to forsake their sin and to do penance for it/ with true contrition to God/ confession of their faults/ and dew satisfaction in Christ/ like as God's laws limiteth and teacheth/ else can they have no salvation. This penance I desire all men to do. 
Permitted to brige in idolatry.  And as for images/ I understand that they pertain nothing to our Christian believe/ but were permitted (long since the faith was given us of Christ) by sufferance of the church / for to be as calendars unto lay men to represent or bring to mind the passion of our Lord jesus Christ with the martyrdom and good living of the saints.  

Who commytreth idolatry  I think also that what so over he be which doth that worship to dead images that is duly belonging unto God/ or that putteth his faith/ hope/ or confidence in the help of them as he should do only in his eternal living God/ or that hath affection in one more than in an other/ he perpetrateth in so doing ●● abominable sin of idolatry. Moreover in this am I fully persuaded/ that every man dwelling 
☞ Mark. Gen. 23. Psal. 2.  on this earth is a pilgrim/ either towards bless or else towards pain. And that he which knoweth not/ nor will no● know/ nor yet keep the holy commandments of God in his living here all be it that he goth on pilgrimage into all quarters of the world) if he departeth so he shall surely be dampened. 
Saved without pilgrimage.  Again he that knoweth the holy commandments of God/ and so performeth them to the end of his life to his power/ shall without fail be saved in Christ/ though he never in his life go on pilgrimage as men use now a days to canterbury/ Walsyngham/ Compostell/ and Rome/ or to any other place else.  
This answer to his articles thus ended and red/ he delivered it to the bishops as is said afore. 
His answer examined.  Than counfessed the archbishop with the other two bishops and with diverse of the doctors what was to be done in thisma●ter/ commanding him for the time to stand a side. In conclusion by their assent and information/ he said thus unto him. 
What is this else than quarrelling?  Come hither sir johan. In this your writing are many good things contained/ and right catholic also/ we deny it not. But ye must consider that this day was appointed you to answer to other points concerning those articles/ whereof as yet no mention is made in this your bill. And therefore ye must yet declare us your mind more plainly. 
Their bellies only did those belly gods seek.  As thus whether that ye hold/ affirm/ and believe/ that in the sacrament of the altar after the consecration rightly done by a priest/ remaineth material bread or not? Moreover whether ye do hold/ affirm/ and believe/ that as concerning the sacrament of penance (where as a competent number of priests are) every Christian man is necessarily bound to be confessed of his sins to a priest ordained by the church/ or not?  

His Christian answer unto their qua●ellynges  After certain other communication this was the answer of the good lord Cobham. That none otherwise would he declare his mind/ nor yet answer unto his articles/ than was expressly in his writing there contained. Than said the archbishop again unto him Sir johan beware what ye do. For if ye answer not clearly to those things that are here objected against you/ 
A tyrannous who●e is that mother.  specially at the time appointed you only for that purpose/ the law of holy church is/ that compelled once by a judge/ we may openly proclaim ye an heretic. Unto whom he gave this answer. Do as ye shall think it best/ for I am at a point. What so ever he and the other bishops did ask him after that/ he bad them resort to his bill for thereby would he stand to the very death. 
His answer not to their minds  Other answer would he not give that day/ wherewith the bishops and Prelates were in a manner amazed and wonderfully dysquyeted. At the last the archbishop counseled again with his other bishops and doctors. And in the end thereof declared unto him/ 
antichrist setteth men above God.  what the holy church of Rome following the sayings of saint Austyn/ saint Hierom/ saint Ambrose/ and of other holy doctors/ had determined in those matters/ no manner of mention once made of Christ. Which determination (saith he) ought all Christian men both to believe and to follow.  
Than said the lord Cobham unto him/ 
The lord Cobham resorteth us to Christ.  that he would gladly both believe and observe what so ever the holy church of Christ's institution had determined/ or yet what so ever God had willed him either to believe or to do. But that the Pope of Rome with his cardinal's/ archbishop's/ bishops and other Prelates of that church had lawful power to determine such matters as stood not with his word throughly/ that would he not (he said) at that time affirm. 
A delay of these devils to destroy.  With this the archbishop bade him to take good abvysement till the Monedaye next following (which was the xxv day of Septembre) and than justly to answer/ specially unto this point/ whether there remained material bread in the sacrament of the altar after the words of consecration/ or not? He promised him also to send unto him in writing/ those matters clearly determined/ that he might then be the more perfect in his answer making. 
A doctrine of devils to blind the simple.  And all this was not else but to blind the multitude with somewhat. The next day following/ according to his promise the archbishop sent unto him in to the tower this foolish and blasphemous writing/ made by him and by his unlearned clergy.   

☞ The determination of the archbishop and clergy.  
THe faith and determination of holy Church touching the blissful sacrament of the altar/ is this. 
Ex magno processu Thome Arundelis  That after the sacramental words be once spoken by a priest in his Mass/ the material bread that was before bread/ is turned into Christ's very body. And the material wine that was afore wine/ is turned into Christ's very blood. 
The first article.  And so there remaineth in the sacrament of the altar from thence forth no material bread nor material wine/ which were there before the sacramental words were spoken. How believe ye this article? Holy church hath determined/ 
The second article  that every Christian man living here bodily upon earth/ aught to be shriven to a priest ordained by the church if he may come to him. How f●le ye this article?  
Christ ordained saint Peter the Apostle to be his vicar here in earth. 
The third article  Whose see is the holy church of Rome. And he granted that the same power which he gave unto Peter/ should succeed to all Peter's successors/ which we call now Popes of Rome. 
The seed of the serpent.  By whose special power in churches particular be ordained Prelates/ as Arch●bysshoppes/ bishops/ persons/ curates/ & other degrees more. Unto whom Christian men ought to obey after the laws of the church of Rome. This is the determination of holy church. How feleye this article? 
The four article.  Holy church hath determined that it is meritorious to a Christian man to go on pilgrimage to holy places. And there specially to worship holy relics and images of saints/ Apostles/ Martyr's/ Confessors/ and all other saints besides approved by the church of Rome. 
He see their ignorance & malice.  How feel ye this article?  
And as the good lord Cobham had red over this wretched writing/ he marveled greatly of their mad ignorance. But that he considered again that God had given them over for their unbelieves sake/ into most deep errors and blindness of soul. Again he perceived thereby that their uttermost malice was purposed against him/ how so ever he should answer. And therefore he put his life into the hands of God/ defyering his only spirit to assist him in his next answer. 
He put his life in God's hands.  When the said xxv. day of Septembre was come/ (which was also the Monedaye afore Myhelmesse) in the said year of our lord a. M. CCCC. and xiii Thomas Arundel the archbishop of Caunter bury commanded his iudycyall scate to be removed from the chapter house of Paul's to the Domynyck friars within Ludgate at London. 
Ex utroque exemplari.  And as he was there set with richard the bishop of London. Henrye the bishop of Wynchestre/ and Benet the Bishop of Bangor/ he called in unto him his counsel and his officers/ with diverse other Doctors and friars. Of whom these are the names here following.  

The counsel of Layphas  Mastre Henrye Ware/ the official of Caunterburye/ philip Morgan/ doctor of both laws/ Howest kyffyn/ doctor of the canon law/ johan kempe/ doctor of the canon law Wistyam Carleton/ doctor of the canon law/ johan Wytnam/ of the new college in Oxford/ johan White head/ a doctor of Oxford also/ Robert Wombewell/ vicar of saint Laurence in the jewrye/ 
The pharisees & scribes.  Thomas Palmer/ the wardene of the minors/ Robert chamberlain/ prior of the Domynyckes/ richard Dodyngton/ prior of the Augustine's/ Thomas Walden/ prior of the carmelites/ all doctors of divinity. johan Steuens also/ and james Cole/ both notaries/ appointed there purposely to write all that should be either said or done. 
A rabble of Antichristes'.  All these with a great sort more of priests/ Monks/ canons friars/ parish clerks/ Bellringers/ and pardoners disdained him with innumerable mocks and scorns/ reckoning him to be an horrible heretic and a man accursed afore God.  
Anon the archbishop called for a masseboke/ and caused all those Prelates and doctors to swear thereupon/ that every man should faithfully do his office and duty that day. 
blasphemous dissimulation of papists.  And that neither for favour nor fear/ love nor hate of the one party nor the other/ any thing should there be witnessed/ spoken/ or done/ but according to the truth/ as they would answer before God and all the world at the day of Dome. 
For a false colour swear they.  Than were the two foresaid notaries sworn also/ to write and to witness the words and process that there should be uttered on both parties/ & to say their minds (if they otherwise knew it) before they should register it. And all this dissimulation was/ but to colour their mischiefs before the ignorant multitude. 
All done to deceive the ignorant.  consider herein (gentle reader) what this wicked generation is/ and how far wide from the just fear of God/ for as they were than/ so are they yet to this day.  
After that came forth before them sir Robert Morleye knight and Lyeftenaunt of the tower/ & he brought with him the good lord Cobham/ there leaving him among them as a lamb among wolves/ to his examination and answer. 
Here cometh he before them    

The latter examination of the lord Cobham. 
Ex vetusto exemplari ●on dinensium.   
THan said the archbishop unto him: lord Cobham/ ye be advised (I am sure) of the words and process which we had unto you upon saturdaye last passed in the chapter house of Paul's. Which process were now no long to be rehearsed again. I said unto you than that ye were a cursed for your contumacy and disobedience to holy Church/ 
The curse of Antichrist.  thinking that ye should with meekness have desired your absolution.  
Than spoke the lord Cobham with a most cheerful countenance/ & said: God saith by his holy Prophet/ 
Malac. 2.  Maledicam benedictionus vestris/ which is as much to say/ as I shall curse where as you bless.  
The archbishop made than as though he had continued forth his tale and not heard him/ saying: 
A wolvish offer of gentleness.  Sir at that time I gently proffered to have assoiled you/ if ye would have asked it. And yet I do the same/ if ye will humbly desire it in dew form and manner as holy church hath ordained.  
Than said the lord Cobham. Nay forsooth will I not for I never yet trespassed against you/ & therefore I will not do it. And with that he kneeled down on the pavement/ holding up his hands towards heaven/ & said. 
He confesseth himself unto God.  I shrive me here unto thee/ my eternal living God/ that in my frail youth I offended thee (lord) most grievously in pride/ wrath/ and gluttony/ in covetousness and in lecher. Many men have I hurt in mine anger/ and done many other horrible sins/ good Lord I ask the mercy. And therewith wepynglye he stood up again and said with a mighty voice. 
O Christenknyght  Lo good people lo. For the breaking of God's law and his great commandments/ they never yet cursed me. But for their own laws and traditions most cruelly do they handle both me and other men. And therefore both they and their laws by the promise of God shall utterly be destroyed. 
Heir. 51. Apoc. 1●.   
At this the archbishop and his company were not a little blemished. notwithstanding he took stomach unto him again after certain words had in excuse of their tyranny/ and examined the lord Cobham of his Christian believe.  
Where unto the lord Cobham made this godly answer. 
The christian believe of Cobham  I believe (saith he) fully and faithfully the universal laws of God. I believe that all is true which is contained in the holy sacred scriptures of the Bible/ finally I believe all that my lord God would I should believe.  
Than demanded the archbishop an answer of the bill which he and the clergy had sent him into the tower the day afore in manner of a determination of the church concerning the four articles whereof he was accused/ specially for the sacrament of the altar/ how he believed therein? 
A blasphemous determination of antichrist   
whereunto the lord Cobham said/ that with that bill he had nothing to do. But this was his believe (he said) concerning the sacrament. 
Mat. 26. Mar. 14. Luc. 22. 1. Cor. 11.  That his lord and saver jesus Christ/ sitting at his last supper with his most dear disciples/ the night before he should suffer/ took bread in his hand. And ge●ynge thanks to his eternal father/ blessed it/ broke it/ and so gave it unto them saying. Take it unto ye/ and eat thereof all. This is my body which shall be betrayed for you. 
antichrist alloweth not this faith.  Do this here after in my remembrance. This do I throughly believe (saith he) for this faith am I taught of the Gospel in Matthew/ in Mark/ and in Luke/ and also in the first Epistle of saint Paul to the Corintheanes.  
Than asked the archbishop if he believed that it were bread after the consecration or sacramental words spoken ●uer it.  

The sacrament of the altar.  The lord Cobham said. I believe that in the sacrament of the altar is Christ's very body in form of bread/ the same that was borne of the virgin mary/ done on the cross/ dead/ and buried/ and that the third day arose from death to life/ which now is glorified in heaven.  
Than said one of the doctors of law. 
A member of sathan.  After the sacramental words be uttered/ there remaineth no bread/ but the only body of Christ.  
The lord Cobham said than to one master johan White head. 
All this would not help.  you said once unto me in the castle of Cowling/ that the sacred host was not Christ's body. But I held than against you/ and proved that therein was his body/ though the seculars and friars could not therein agree/ but held each one against other in that opinion. These were my words than/ if ye remember it.  

A blasphemous broad.  Than shouted a sort of them together and cried with great noise. We say all that it is God's body.  
And diverse of them asked him in great anger/ whether it were material bread after the consecration/ or not?  
Than looked the lord Cobham earnestly upon the archbishop/ & said. 
That is not enough.  I believe surely that it is Christ's body in form of bread. Sir believe not you thus?  
And the archbishop said/ yes marry do I.  
Than asked him the doctors/ whether it were only Christ's body after the consecration of a priest and no bread or not?  
And he said unto them/ It is both Christ's body and bread. 
Neither will scripture nor reason serve.  I shall prove it as thus. For like as Christ dwelling here upon the earth/ had in him both godhead and manhood. And had the invisible ●odhede covered under that manhood which was only visible and scene in him. So in the sacrament of the altar is Christ's very body and very bread also/ as I believe. The bread is the thing that we see with our eyes. 
This opinion hath saint Augustyn. ) The body of Christ/ (which is his flesh and his blood) is there under hid and not scene/ but in faith.  
Than smiled they each one upon other/ that the people should judge him taken in a great heresy. And with a great brag diverse of them said. It is a fowl heresy.  

The po●●s divinity.  Than asked the archbishop/ what bread it was. And the doctors also inquired of him whether it were material or not?  
The lord Cobham said unto them. 
material.  The scriptures maketh no mention of this word material/ and therefore my faith hath nothing to do therewith. But this I say and believe it/ that it is Christ's body & bread. 
joan. 6.  For Christ said in the sixth of Johan's gospel/ Ego sum panis viu●s qui de celo descendi. I which came down from heaven am the living and not the dead bread. Therefore I say now again/ like as I said afore. As our lord jesus Christ is very god and very man/ so in the most blessed sacrament of the altar/ is Christ's very body and bread. 
☞ Mark.   
Than said they all with one voice. It is an heresy.  
One of the bishops stood up by & by/ and said. 
An heresy/ after the papists.  What it is an heresy manifest/ to say that it is bread after the sacramental words be once spoken/ but Christ's body only.  
The lord Cobham said. Saint paul the apostle was (I am sure) as wise as you be now/ and more godly learned. 
1. Co. 10  And he call●● it bread/ writing to the Corintheanes. The bread that we break (saith he) is it not the partaking of the body of Christ? Lo/ he casteth it bread and not Christ's body/ but a men whereby we receive Christ's body.  
Than said they again. 
O ignorant beasts.  Paul must be otherwise understanded. For it is surely an heresy to say that it is bread after the consecration/ but only Christ's body.  
The lord Cobham asked how they could make Good that sentence of there's.  
They answered him thus. 
Blind babylonyanes.  For it is against the determination of holy church.  
Than said the archbishop unto him. Sir johan/ we sent you a writing concerning the faith of this blessed sacrament/ clearly determined by the church of Rome our mother and by the holy doctors.  
Than said he again unto him. 
A most Christian answer.  I know non holyar than is Christ and his Apostle. And as for that determination I woten it is none of there's/ for it standeth not with the scriptures/ but manifestly against them. If it be the churches (as ye say it is) it hath been hers only since she received the great poison 
Poison.  of worldly possessions/ & not afore  
Than asked they him to stop his mouth therewith. If he believed not in the determination of the church.  
And he said unto them. No forsooth/ for it is no God. In all our creed is in but thrice mentioned concerning believe. 
In/ but thrice in all the creed.  In God the father/ in God the son/ in God the holy ghost. The birth/ the death/ the burial/ the resurrection and ascension of Christ hath none in for believe but in him. Neither yet hath the church/ the sacraments/ the forgiveness of sin/ the latter resurrection/ nor yet the life everlasting any other in than in the holy ghost.  

Confounded in their own learning.  Than said one of the layers. Tush/ that was but a word of office. But what is your believe concerning holy church?  
The lord Cobham answered. My believe is (as I said afore) that all the scriptures of the sacred Bible are true. All that is grounded upon them I believe throughly. For (I know) it is God's pleasure that I should so do. But in your lordly laws and idle determinations have I no believe. 
He believeth not in the Pope.  For ye be no part of Christ's holy church/ as your open deeds doth show. But ye are very Antichristes'/ obstynatlye set against his holy law and will. The laws that you have made are nothing to his glory/ but only for your vain glory and abominable covetousness.  
This they said was an exceeding heresy (and that in a gr●a● f●●me) not to believe the determination of holy church. 
An heresy after the papists.   
Than the archbishop asked him/ what he thought holy church?  
He said unto him: My believe is that holy Church is the number of them/ which shall be saved/ of whom Christ is the head. 
consider him to be than in shrewd handling.  Of this church one part is in heaven with Christ/ an other in purgatory (you say and the third is here in earth. This latter part standeth in three degrees/ in kynghthode/ priesthood/ and the commynnalte/ as I said afore plainly in the confession of my believe.  
Than said the archbishop unto him Can ye tell me/ who is of this church?  
The lord Cobham answered. 
Walden. x Wiclevistas'/ lib. 2. ar. 3. Cap. 67.  yea truly can 1  
Than said doctor Walden the prior of the carmelites. It is doubt unto you/ who is thereof. For Christ saith in Math. Nolite judicare. Presinne to judge no man. If ye here beforbydden the judgement of your neighbour or brother/ moche more the judgement of your superior.  
The lord Cobham made him this answer. Christ saith also in the same self chapter of Matthew. That like as the ys●'tre is known by his ill fruit/ 
Mat. 7.  so is a false Prophet by his works/ a●ere they never so glorious. But that ye left behind ye. And in johan he hath this text. 
joan. 10. joan. 7. Deut. 1.  Operibus credit. Believe you the outward doings. And in an other place of johan. justum judicium indicate. When we know the thing to be true/ we may so judge it and not offend. For David saith also. Recte iudicate filii hominum. judge rightly always ye children of men And as for your superyorte. 
Psal. 56.  Were ye of Christ ye should be meek ministers/ and no proud superiors.  
Than said doctor Walden unto him. ye make here no difference of judgements. ye put no diverfyte between the ill judgements/ 
diversity of judgements.  which Christ hath forbidden/ and the good judgements which he hath cummaunded us to have. Rash judgement and right judgement/ all is one with you. So is judgement presumed and judgement of office. So swyst judges always/ are the learned scholars of Wycleve.  
Unto whom the lord Cobham thus answered. It is weal sophistryed of you forsooth. 
A perfect answer. Esa. 5. Esa. 55.  preposterous are your judgements evermore. For as the Prophet Isaiah saith/ ye judge ill good and good ill. And therefore the same Prophet concludeth/ that your ways are not gods ways/ nor God's ways your ways. And as for that virtuous man Wyclene/ whose judgements ye so highly disdain/ I shall say here for my part both before God and man. That before I knew that despised doctrine of his/ I never abstained from sin. 
Whalden▪ in prefatione. doctrina. 7.  But since I learned therein to fear my Lord God/ it hath otherwise (I trust) been with me. So much grace could I never find in all your glorious instructions.  
Than said doctor Walden again yet unto him. 
A most rank papist.  It were not weal with me/ so many virtuous men living/ and so many learned men teaching/ the scriptures being also so open/ & the examples of fathers so plenteous/ if I than had no grace to amend my life till I heard the devil preach. Saint Hierom saith/ that he which seeketh such suspected masters/ shall not find the mid day light but the mid day devil. 
Hierony. 〈…〉 ario minori.   
The lord Cobham said/ your fathers the old pharisees ascribed Christ's miracles to Belzebub/ and his doctrine to the devil. 
Luc. II. joan. 10.  And you as their natural children/ have still the same self judgement concerning his faithful followers. They that rebuke your vicious living must needs be heretics/ and that must your doctors prove when ye have no scriptures to do it. 
Doctors when the scriptures fail.  Than said he to them all. To judge you as ye be/ we need no farther go than your own proper acts. Where do ye find in all God's law/ that ye should thus sit in judgement of any Christian man/ or yet sentens any other man unto death as ye do here daily? No ground have ye in all the scriptures so lordly to take it upon ye/ but in Annas and in caiphass which sat thus upon Christ and upon his apostles after his ascension. 
followers of Cayphas.  Of them only have ye taken it to judge Christ's members/ as ye do/ & neither of Peter nor johan.  

O most blind beasts.  Than said some of the layers. yes forsooth sir for Christ judged judas.  
The lord Cobham said. No/ Christ judged him not. But he judged himself/ and thereupon went forth and so did hang himself. But in deed Christ said woe unto him for that covetous act of his/ as he doth yet still unto many of you. 
Geraldus Cambrensis dist. 1. cap. 17.  For since the venom was shed into the church/ ye never followed Christ neither yet have ye stand in the perfection of God's law.  
Than asked him the archbishop/ what he meant by that venom?  
The lord Cobham said/ your possessions and lordships. 
Ranulphus Cestrensis in Po●ychro. li. 4. cap. 26.  For than cried an angel in the air (as your own chronicles mention) woe/ woe/ woe/ this day is venom shed into the church of God. Before that time all the bishops of Rome were martyrs in a manner. And since that time we read of very few. But in deed sens that same time one hath put down an other one hath poisoned an other/ one hath cursed an other/ and one hath slain an other/ and done moche more mischief besides/ as all the chronicles telleth. 
Antithesis of Christ and the Pope.  And let all men consider weal this. That Christ was meek and merciful. The Pope is proud & a tyrant Christ was poor and forgave. The Pope is rich and a most cruel manslayer/ as his daily acts doth prove him. Rome is the very nest of Antichrist. 
Rome is antichristes nest  And out of that nest cometh all his disciples. Of whom Prelates/ priests/ and Monks are the body/ and these pilled friars are the ●ayle which covereth his most filthy part.  
Than said the prior of the friar Anguilynes. ●lac sir/ why do ye say so? That is uncharytablye spoken.  
And the lord Cobham said. Not only is it my saying/ but also the Prophet Esayes'/ long afore my time. 
Esa. 9 Antichristes' tail  The Prophet (saith he) which preacheth lies/ is the tail behind. As you friars and monks be like pharisees divided in your outward apparel and usages/ so make ye division among the people. And thus you with such other/ be the very natural members of Antichrist.  
Than said he unto them all. Christ saith in his Gospel. woe to you Scribes and pharisees hypocrites. Fo●●e close up the kingdom of heaven befor● men. 
Mat. 23.  Nether entre ye in yourselves/ nor yet suffer any other that would enter into it. But ye stop up the ways thereunto with your own traditions/ and therefore are ye the household of Antichrist. 
The religion of bishops.  ye will not permytt God's verity to have passage/ nor yet to be taught of his true ministers/ fearing to have your wickedness reproved. But by such vain flatterers as uphold ye in your mischiefs/ ye suffer the common people most miserably to be seduced.  
Than said the archbishop. 
A wise Prelate.  By our lady sir there shall no such preach within my diocese (and God will) nor yet in my jurisdiction (if I may know it) as either maketh division or yet dissension among the poor commons.  
The lord Cobham said. Both Christ and his Apostles were accused of sedition making/ yet were they most peceable men. 
Luc. 25. joan. 16. Danie. 12. Mat. 24.  Both Daniel and Christ prophesied/ that such a troublous time should come/ as hath not been yet since the worlds beginning. And this prophecy is partly fulfilled in your days and doings. For many have ye slain already/ and more will ye slay here after if God fulfil not his promise. 
prophecy.  Christ saith also/ if those days of yours were not shortened/ scarcely should any flesh be saved. 
prophecy. priests.  Therefore look for it justly/ for God will shorten your days. Moreover though priests 
Deacons  and Deacons for preaching of God's word and for ministering the sacraments with provision for the poor/ be grounded in God's law/ yet have these other sects no manner of ground thereof/ so far as I have red.  

Mark this working of sathan  Than a doctor of law called master johan hemp/ plucked out of his bosom a copy of that bill which they had afore sent him into the tower/ by the archbishops counsel/ thinking thereby to make shorter work with him. For they were so amazed with his answers (not all unlike to them which disputed with Steven) that they knew 
Act. 6.  not weal how to occupy the time/ their wits and sophistry (as God would) so failed them that day.  
My lord Cobham (saith this doctor) we must briefly know your mind concerning these four points here following. 
The first article.  The first of them is this. And than he red upon the bill. The faith and the determination of holy church/ touching the blessed sacrament of the altar/ is this. That after the sacramental words be once spoken by a priest in his mass/ the material bread that was before bread/ is turned into Christ's very body. And the material wine/ that was before wine/ is turned into Christ's very blood. 
O beastly beggary.  And so there remaineth in the sacrament of the altar from thence forth no material bread nor material wine/ which were there before the sacramental words were spoken. Sir believe ye not this?  
The lord Cobham said. 
O Christen knight.  This is not my believe. But my faith is (as I said to you afore) that in the worshipful sacrament of the altar is very Christ's body in form of bread.  
Than said the archbishop. Sir johan/ ye must say otherwise.  
The lord Cobham said. 
His constancy.  Nay that I shall not/ if God be upon my side (as I trust he is) but that there is Christ's body in form of bread/ as the common believe is▪  
Than red the Doctor again. The second point is this. 
The second article.  Holy church hath determined/ that every Christian man living here bodily upon earth/ aught to be shriven to a priest ordained by the church/ if he may come to him. Sir what say ye to this?  
The lord Cobham answered & said. A diseased or sore wounded man had need to have a sure wise surgeon and a true/ 
confession of sin to God only.  knowing both the ground and the danger of the same. Most necessary were it therefore/ to be first shriven unto God/ which only knoweth our diseases and can help us. I deny not in this the going to a priest/ if he be a man of good life and learning. For the laws of God are to be required of the priest which is godly learned. 
Mala. ●. priests.  But if he be an ydyote or a man of vicious living that is my curate/ I ought rather to flee from him than to seek unto him. For sooner might I catch ill of him that is nought/ than any goodness towards my soul health.  

The iii article.  Than red the doctor again. The third point is this. Christ ordained saint Peter the Apostle/ to be his vicar here in earth/ whose see is the church of Rome. And he granted that the same power which he gave unto Peter/ should succeed to all Peter's successors which we call now Popes of Rome. By whose special power in churches particular be ordained Prelates/ as archbishops/ persons/ Curates/ and other degrees more. 
Antichristes' kingdom.  Unto whom Christian men ought to obey after the laws of the church of Rome. This is the determination of holy Church. Sir believe ye not this?  
To this he answered and said. 
Who is next unto Peter.  He that followeth Peter most nighest in pure living/ is next unto him in succession. But your lordly order esteemeth not greatly the lowly behaviour of poor Peter/ what so ever ye prate of him. Neither care ye greatly for the humble manners of them that succeeded him▪ till the time of Syluestre/ which for the more part were martyrs/ as I told ye afore. 
No succession here.  ye can let all their good conditions go by you/ and not hurt yourselves with them at all. All the world knoweth this weal enough by you/ and yet ye can make boast of Peter.  
With that/ one of the other doctors axed him. 
Doctor devil.  Than what do ye say of the Pope?  
The lord Cobham answered. As I said before. 
Antichristes' body  He and you together maketh whole the great Antichrist. Of whom he is the great head/ you bishops/ priests/ Prelates/ and monks are the body/ and the begging friars are the tail/ for they cover the filthiness of you both/ with their subtile sophistry. Never will I in conscience obey any of you all/ till I see you with Peter follow Christ in conversation.  

The four article.  Than red the doctor again. The forth point is this. Holy church hath determined that it is meritorious to a Christian man to go on pilgrimage to holy places. And there specially to worship holy relics and images of saints/ Apostles/ Martyr's/ Confessors/ and all other saints besides approved by the church of Rome. 
Abominable knaves.  Sir what say ye to this?  
whereunto he answered. I own them no service by any commandment of God/ and therefore I mind not to seek them for your covetousness. It were best ye swept them fair from copwebbes and dust/ and so laid them up for catching of scathe. Or else to bury them fair in the ground/ as ye do other aged people which are Gods images. 
What is to be done with images  It is a wonderful thing that saints now being dead/ should become so covetous and needy/ and thereupon so bitterly beg/ which all their life time hated all covetousness and begging But this I say unto you/ and I would all the world should mark it. 
Saints are covetous beggars.  That with your shrives and idols/ your feigned absolutions and pardons/ ye draw unto you the substance/ wealth/ and chief pleasure of all Christian realms.  
Why sir (said one of the clerks) will ye not worship good images? 
A whelp of sathan.   
What worship should I give unto them? said the lord Cobham?  
Than said friar Palmer unto him. 
hypocrisy for his part.  Sir ye will worship the cross of Christ/ that he died upon?  
Where is it/ said the lord Cobham?  
The friar said. I put ye the case sir/ that yet were here even now before you?  
The lord Cobham answered. 
Idyotysh beggary.  This is a great wise man/ to put me an earnest question of a thing/ and yet he his self knoweth not were the thing self is. yet once again ask I you/ what worship I should do unto it?  
A clerk said unto him. Soche worship as Paul speaketh of/ and that is this. 
Gal. 6.  God forbid that I should joy but only in the cross of jesus Christ.  
Than said the lord Cobham/ and spread his arms a broad. 
A christian knight.  This is a very cross/ yea/ and so much better than your cross of wode/ in that it was created of God. yet will not I seek to have it worshipped.  
Than said the bishop of London. 
A brntysh bishop.  Sir ye wot weal that he died on a material cross.  
The lord Cobham said. yea/ and I wot also that our salvation came not in by that material cross/ but alone by him/ which died thereupon. 
A very man of God.  And weal I wot that holy saint Paul rejoiced in non other cross/ but in Christ's passion and death only/ and in his own sufferings of like persecution with him for the same self verity that he had suffered for afore.  
another clerk yet asked him. Will ye than do non honour to the holy cross? 
O devils incarnate   
He answered him▪ yes/ if he were mine I would say him up honestly/ and see unto him that he should take no more scathes a brood/ nor be rob of his goods/ as he is now a days.  
Than said the archbishop unto him: 
Slandered with the truth.  Sir johan/ ye have spoken here many wonderful words to the slanderous rebuke of all the whole spiritualty/ giving a greaty●● example unto the common sort here/ to have us in the more disdain. 
The serpent showeth his nature.  Moche time have we spent here about you/ and all in vain so far as I can se. Well/ we must be now at this short point with you/ for the day passeth away/ ye must either submit yourself to the ordinance of holy church/ or else throw yourself (no remedy) into most deep danger. See to it in time/ for anon it will be else to late.  
The lord Cobham said: 
Non offence done.  I know not to what purpose I should otherwise submytme. Moche more have you offended me than ever I offended you/ in thus troubling me before this multitude.  
Than said the archbishop again unto him. 
A wolvish offer of gentleness.  We once again require you to remember yourself we'll/ and to have non other opinion in these matters than the universal faith and believe of the holy Church of Rome is. And so like an obedient child to return to the unity of your mother. See to it (I say in time/ for yet ye may have remedy/ where as anon it will be to late  
The lord Cobham said expressly before them all. 
O constant Christyane.  I will none otherwise believe in these points/ than I have told ye hereafore. Do with me what ye will.  
finally than the archbishop said Well than I see non other/ 
Abominable thieves and mourtherers.  but we must needs do the law/ we must proceed forth to the sentence definitive/ and both judge ye and condemn ye for an heretic.  
And with that the archbishop stood up/ and red there a bill of his condemnation / all the clergy and layte availing their bonnets. And this was thereof the tenor.   

☞ The definitive sentence of his condemnation.  
IN De●nomine/ Amen. Nos Thomas permissione divina Cantuariensis ecclesie Archiepiscopus/ 
Ex magno processu Thome Arundeli.  metropolitanus/ totius Anglie primas/ & Apostolice fedis legatus/ & so fourth in Barberouse Latin/ which I have here translated into english for a more plain understanding to the reader. ●  
In the name of God. So be it. We Thomas by the sufferance of God archbishop of Caunterburye/ 
Suffered of god/ as a plague.  metropolytane/ and primate of all England/ and legate from the apostolic seat of Rome/ willeth this to be known unto all men. In a certain cause of heresy and upon diverse articles/ whereupon sir johan Oldecastell knight and lord Cobham/ after a diligent inquisition made for the same/ was detected/ 
An heretic for confessing Christ.  accused/ and presented before us in our last convocation of all our whole clergy of our province of Caunterburye/ holden in the cathedral church of Paul's at london. At the lawful denouncement & request of our universal clergy in the said convocation/ we proceeded against him according to the law (God to witness) with all the faver possible. And following Christ's example in all that we might/ (which willeth not the death of a sinner/ but rather that he be converted & live) we took upon us to correct him/ 
Ezec. 18. Ezec. 33.  and sought all other ways possible to bring him again to the churches unite/ declaring unto him what the holy and universal church of Rome hath said/ holden/ determined/ and taught in that behalf. 
The wolf would apere chartable.  And though we found him in the catholic faith far wide and so stiffnecked that he would not confess his error/ nor purge himself/ nor yet repent him thereof. We yet pitying him of fatherly compassion/ and inteyrlye desiring the health of his soul/ appointed him a competent time of deliberation/ to see if he would repent and seek to be reform. 
See/ if they show not themselves.  And since we have found him worse and worse. considering therefore that he is incorrigible/ we are driven to the very extremity of the law/ and with great heaviness of heart we now proceed to the final publication of the sentence definitive against him.  

Idyotes/ knaves/ & b●astes.  Than brought he forth an other bill containing the said sentence/ & that he red also in his Bauger Latin. Christi nomine invocato/ ipsum●z solumpre oculie habentes. Quia peracta inactitata/ and so forth. Which I have also translated into english that men may understand it:  

Ex magno processu Thome Arundeli.  Christ we take unto witness/ that nothing else we seek in this our whole enterprise/ but his only glory. For as much as we have found by diverse acts done/ brought forth/ and exhybyted/ by sordrye evidences/ signs/ and tokens/ and also by many most manifest proves/ the said sir johan Oldecastell knight and lord Cobham/ not only an evident heretic in his own person/ but also a mighty mayntene● of other heretics against the faith and religion of the holy and universal church of Rome/ 
That church is an whore.  namely about the two sacraments of the altar and of penance/ besides the Pope's power and pilgrimages. And that he as the child of iniquity and darkness/ 
A these is that pastor.  hath so hardened his heart that he will in no case attend unto the voice of his pastor. Neither will he be assured by straight admonyshmentes/ nor yet b● brought in by favourable words. The worthiness of the cause first weighed on the one side/ and his unworthiness again considered on the oath side/ his faults also aggravated/ or made double through his damnable obstinacy. 
A colour of deceit is this.  We being loath that he which is nought should be woase/ and so with his contagyousnesse infect the multitude. By the sage counsel and assent of the very discrete father's/ our honourable brethren and lord bishops here present/ 
A sort of unlearned beasts.  richard of London/ Henrye of Wynchestre/ and Benet of Bangor/ and of other great learned and wise men here/ both doctors of divinity and of the laws canon and civil/ seculars and religious/ with diverse other expert men assisting us/ we sentencyallye and definitively by this present writing/ 
As caiphass did Christ.  judge/ declare/ and condemn the said sir johan Old castle knight and lord Cobham for a most pernicious and detestable heretic convicted upon the same and refusing utterly to obey the Church again/ committing him here from hens forth as a condemned heretic to the secular jurisdiction/ power/ and judgement to do him thereupon to death. furthermore we excommunycate and denounce accursed not only this heretic here present/ 
Christ is comdenned in his faithful member.  but so many else besides as shall here after in favour of his error ●yther receive him or defend him/ counsel him/ or help him/ or any other way maintain him/ as very fawters receyuer●/ defenders/ counsellors/ aiders/ and maintainers of condemned heretics.  

How spiritual these holy fathers are.  And that these premisses may be the better known to all faithful Christian men/ we commit it here unto your charges and give ye straight commandment thereupon by this writing also/ that ye cause this condemnation and definitive sentence of excommunication concerning both this heretic and his fawtours to be published through out all your dioceses in cities/ towns/ and villages by your curates and parish priests/ such time as they shall have most recourse of people. 
antichrist sendeth forth his soldiers  And see that it be done after this sort. As the people are thus gathered devoutly together/ let the curate every where go into the pulpit/ and there open/ declare/ and expound this process in the mother tongue in an audible and intelligible voice/ that it may weal be perceived of all men/ 
No such voice for the Gospel  and that upon the fear of this declaration also/ the people may fall from their ill opinions conceived now of late by seditious preachers. More over we will that after we have delivered unto each one of you bishops (which are here present) a copy hereof/ 
Non off ice left undone/ pertaining to Antichrist.  that ye cause the same to be written out again into diverse copies/ and so to be sent unto the other bishops and Prelates of our whole province/ that they may also see the contents thereof solemnly published within their dioceses and cures. finally we will that both you and they signify again unto us seryouslye and dystynctlye by your writings/ 
A crafty knave in that point.  as the matter is without feigned colour in every point performed/ the day where upon ye received this process/ the time when it was of you executed/ and after what sort it was done in every condition/ according to the tenor hereof/ that we may know it to be justly the same. 
Thomas Walden. in fasciculo zizaniorum Wiclevi.   
A copy of this writing sent Thomas Arundel the archbishop of canterbury after ward from Maydeston the ten day of Octobre within the same year of our Lord a. M. cccc. and xiii unto richard Clyfforde the bishop of London/ which thus beginneth/ Thomas permissione divina etc.  
The said richard Clyfforde sent an other copy thereof/ enclosed within his own letters/ unto Robert Mascall a Carmelyte friar which was than Bishop of Herforde in Walis/ 
richard Clyfforde  written from Hadham the xxiii day of Octobre in the same year/ and the beginning thereof is this. Reverend in Christo pater etc.  
The said Robert Mascall directed an other copy thereof from London the xxvii. day of Novembre in the same year/ 
Robert Mascall  enclosed in his own commission also/ unto his archdeacons and Deans in Herfforde and Shrewesburye. And this is thereof the beginning. Venerabilibus & discretis viris etc. In like manner did the other bishops within their dioceses.  
After that the archbishop had thus red the bill of his condemnation with most extremity before the whole multitude/ the lord Cobham said, 
Ex utroque exemplari.  with a most cheerful countenance. Though ye judge my body which is but a wretched thing/ 
Mat. 10. job. 1.  yet am I certain and sure that ye can do no harm to my soul/ no more than could Satan upon the soul of job. 
Mat. 10. job. 1.  He that created that/ will of his infinite mercy and promise save it/ I have therein no manner of doubt. And as concerning these articles before rehearsed/ 
A worthy warrior.  I will stand to them even to the very death by the grace of my eternal God.  
And therewith he turned him unto the people/ casting his hands a brood and saying with a very loud voice. Good Christian people/ for God's love bewele ware of these men. 
christianly warned. Mat. 15.  For they will else beguile you and lead you blyndelynges into hell with themselves. For Christ saith plainly unto you. If one blind man leadeth an other/ they are like both to fall into the ditch.  
After this he fell down there upon his knees/ and thus before them all prayed for his enemies/ holding up both his hands and his eyes towards heaven/ and saying: 
He prayeth for his enemies.  Lord God eternal/ I beseech the for thy great mercies sake to forgive my pursuers/ if it be thy blessed will. And than he was delivered to sir Robert Morleye/ and so led forth again to the tower of London. And thus was there an end of that days work.  

Ex vetusto exemplari Londinensium.  While the lord Cobham was thus in the tower/ he sent out privily unto his friends. And they at his desire wrote this little bill here following/ causing it to be set up in diverse quarters of London/ that the people should not believe the slanders and lies that his enemies the bishops servants and priests had made on him a broad. 
Enemies  And this was the letter.  
For as much as sir johan Oldecastell knight and lord Cobham/ 
A testimonyall made by his friends.  is untruly convicted and inprosoned/ falsely reported and slandered among the common people by his adversaries/ that he should otherwise both feel and speak of the sacraments of the church/ and specially of the blessed sacrament of the altar/ than was written in the confession of his believe/ which was indented and taken to the clergy/ and so set up in diverse open places in the city of London. 
To stop dying lips.  known be it here to all the world/ that he never since varied in any point therefro/ 
A rehearsal of his believe.  but this is plainly his believe/ that all the sacraments of the church be profitable and expedient also to all them that shall be saved/ taking them after the intent that Christ and his true church hath ordained. furthermore he believeth that in the blessed sacrament of the altar is verily and truly Christ's body in form of bread.  
After this the bishops and priests were in moche obloquy both of the nobility and commons/ 
The clergy in hate of the people.  partly for that they had so cruelly handled the good lord Cobham/ and partly again because his opinion (as they thought at that time) was perfectly concerning the sacrament. As they feared this to grow to further inconvenience towards them both ways/ they drew their heads together and at the last consented to use an other practise somewhat contrary to that they had done afore. 
A practise of false priests.   
They caused it by and by to be blown a broad by their feed servants/ friends/ & habling sir johanes/ that the said lord Cobham was becomen a good man/ and had lowly submitted himself in all things unto holy church utterly changing his opinion concerning the sacrament. 
These are there common fears.  And thereupon they counterfeited an abjuration in his name/ that the people should take no hold of that opinion by any thing they had heard of him before/ and to stand so in the more awe of them considering him so great a man/ & by them subdued.  
This is the abjuration (say they) of sir johan Oldecastell knight/ sometime the lord Cobham.   

☞ An abjuration counterfeited of the bishops.  
IN Deinomine Amen. I johan Oldecastell denounced/ 
Walden. in fasciculo zizanio rum Wicleui.  detected/ and convicted of and upon diverse articles savering both heresy and error/ before the reverend father in Christ and my good Lord/ Thomas by the permission of God lord archbishop of Caunterburye/ and my lawful and rightful judge in that behalf/ expressly grant and confess. That as concerning the estate and power of the most holy father the Pope of Rome/ 
Mark from whence this gear cometh.  of his archbishops/ his bishops/ and his other Prelates/ the degrees of the church/ and the holy sacraments of the same/ specially of the sacraments of the altar and of penance/ and other observances besides of our mother holy Church/ 
fine workmanship/ I trow.  as pilgrimages and pardons/ I affirm (I say) before the said reverend father archbishop and else where/ that I being ill seduced by diverse seditious preachers/ have grievously erred and herety cal●ye persisted/ blasphemously answered and obstynatlye rebelled. And therefore I am by the said reverend father/ before the reverend fathers in Christ also the bishops of London/ Wynchestre/ and Bangor/ lawfully condemned for an heretic.  
Never the less yet/ I now remembering myself/ 
Alas good man thou art slandered.  and coveting by this mean to avoid that temporal pain which I am worthy to suffer as an heretic/ at the assignation of my most excellent Christian prince and liege lord king Henrye the fift/ now by the grace of God most worthy king both of England and of France/ minding also to prefer the wholesome determination/ sentence/ and doctrine of the holy and universal church of Rome/ before the unwholesome opinions of myself/ my teacher's/ and my followers. 
A tyrannous whore is that church  I freely/ willynglye/ delyberatlye/ and throughly/ confess/ grant/ and affirm the most holy fathers in Christ saint Peter the Apostle and his successors bishops of Rome/ specially now at this time my most blessed lord Pope johan by the permission of God the xxiii Pope of that name/ which now holdeth Peter's seat (and each of them in their succession) in full strength and power to be Christ's vicar in earth and the head of the church militant. 
●e poyse●●● his predecessor/ to be Pope.  And that by the strength of his office (what though he be a great sinner and afore known of God to be damned) he hath full authority and power to rule and govern/ bind and lose/ save and destroy/ a curse and assoil/ all other Christian men. 
ye sye/ false knaves ye lie.   
And agreeably still unto this/ I confess/ grant/ and affirm all other archbishops/ bishops/ and Prelate's/ in their provinces/ dioceses/ and parryshes appointed by the said Pope of Rome to assist him in his doings or business by his decreed canons or virtue of his office/ 
antichrist advanceth himself here.  to have had in times past/ to have now at this time/ and that they ought to have in time to come/ authority and power to rule and to govern/ bind and lose/ a curse and assoil/ the subjects or peoples of their afore said provinces/ dioceses/ & parryshes/ and that their said sub●ectes or peoples aught of right in all things to obey them. 
How prove ye that by the scriptures?  furthermore I confess/ grant/ and affirm that the said spiritual father's/ as our most holy father the Pope/ archbishop's/ 
Is not this knavery think you?  bishops/ and Prelate's/ have had/ have now/ & aught to have here after/ authority and power for the estate/ order/ and governance of their subjects or people's/ to make laws/ decrees/ statutes/ and constitutions/ yca/ and to publish/ command/ and compel their said subjects/ & peoples to the observation of them.  
More over I confess/ 
No scriptures have they to show.  grant/ and affirm that all these foresaid laws/ decrees/ statutes/ and constitutions/ made/ pubyshed/ and commanded according to the form of spiritual law/ all Christian people and every man in himself is straightly bound to observe and meekly to obey according to the dyverfyte of the foresaid powers. As the laws/ statutes/ canons/ and constitutions of our most holy father the Pope incorporated in his Decrees/ Decretals/ clementines/ Codes/ charts/ Rescriptes/ Sextyles/ & Extravagantes the world over all. 
what beggarly baggage is this?  And as the provincial statutes of archbishops in their provinces/ the synodal acts of bishops in their dioceses/ and the commendable rules and customs of Prelates in their colleges/ & curates in their parryshes/ all Christian people are both bound to observe and also most meekly to obey. 
Intolerable. yokes lay they.  Over and besides all this/ I johan Oldecastell utterly forsaking and renouncing all the afore said errors and heresies/ and all other errors and heresies like unto them/ lay my hand here upon this book or holy evangely of God and swear/ that I shall never more from hens forth hold these foresaid heresies/ 
Never made he such an oath.  nor yet any other like unto them wetynglye. Neither shall I give counsel/ aid/ help/ nor fa●er at any time to them that shall hold/ teach/ affirm/ or maintain the same as God shall help me and these holy evangelies.  
And that I shall from hens forth faithfully obey and inviolably observe all the holy laws/ 
This knavery maintain they still.  Statutes/ Canon's/ and constitutions of all the Popes of Rome/ archbishops/ bishops/ and Prelate's/ as are contained and determined in their holy Decrees/ Decretals/ 
The blasphemous bible of papists.  Clementy●●s/ Codes/ Charters/ Rescriptes/ Sextyles/ Sums Papal/ Extravagantes/ Statutes provincial/ Acts synodal/ and other ordinary r●wles and customs constituted by them or that shall chance hereafter directly to be determined or made. To these and all such other will I myself with all power possible apply. Besides all this/ the penance which it shall please my said reverend Father the lord archbishop of Caunterburye hereafter to enjoin me for my sins/ I will meekly obey and faithfully fulfil. 
Mark this handling.  finally all my seducers and false teachers/ and all other besides whom I shall hereafter know suspected of heresy or errors/ I shall effectually present or cause to b● presented unto my said reverend father lord archbishop or to them which hath his authority/ so soon as I can conveniently do it/ and se that they be corrected to my uttermost power. 
This charge give they commonly   
AMEN.   

☞ The cruel complaint of the clergy/ and tyrannous act thereupon made  
Never came this abjuration to the hands of the lord Cobham/ neither was it compiled of them for that purpose/ but only therewith to blear the eyes of the unlearned multitude. 
The devil hath not more ways to mischief.  And when they perfeyved that policy would not help/ but made more & more against them/ than sought they out an otherfalse practise. 
Ex statut● parliamenti regis Henrici .v.  They went unto the king with a most grievous complaint/ like as they did afore in his father's time/ that in every quarter of the realm by reason of Wycleves opinions and the said lord Cobham/ were wonderful contentions/ rumours/ tumults/ uprours'/ confederations/ dissensions/ divysyons/ differences/ discords/ harms/ slanders/ schisms/ sec●es/ seditions/ perturbations/ perils/ unlawful assemblies/ varyaunces/ strifes/ fightings/ rebellious rufflings/ & daily insurrections. 
The clamour of papists.  The church they said was hated. The dyocesanes were not obeyed. The ordinaries were not regarded. The spiritual officers/ as suffragans/ archdeacons/ chancellors/ doctors/ commissaries/ offycyals'/ deans/ layers/ serybes/ and sommeners were every where despised. The laws and liberties of holy church were trodden under foot. The Christian faith was ruyvouslye decayed. 
They cry a●●ce for their bellies.  God's service was lawhed to scorn. The spiritual jurisdiction/ authority/ honour/ power/ policy/ laws/ rites/ ceremonies/ curses/ keys/ censures/ and canonical sanctions of the church/ were had in an vttre contemt. So that all in a manner was come to nought.  
And the cause of this was/ 
Christ always too bleth them.  that the heretics and lol●ars of Wycleves opinion/ were suffered to preach abroad so boldly/ to gather conventicles unto them/ to heap scoles in men's houses/ to make books/ compile treatises/ and write balettes/ to teach privately in angles and corners/ as in woods/ fields/ meadows/ pastors/ groves/ and in caves of the ground. 
An old practise of theirs yet used.  This would be (they said) a destruction to the comen wealth/ a subversion to the land/ and an vttre decay of the kings estate rial/ if remedy were not sought in time. And this was their policy to couple the kings authority with that they had done in their former counsel of craft/ and so to make it thereby the stronger. For they perceived themselves very far to weak else/ to follow against their enemies that they had so largely enterprised. 
A parliament at leicester.  Upon this complaint/ the kydge immediately called a Parliament at leicester. It might not in those days be holden at Westmynstre for the great favour that the lord Cobham had both in London and about the city. yet were they deceived. That they doubted most lighted there soonest upon them.  

Robertus Fabianus in chrom●●is. Walden. in fasciculo. Fabianus in chronicis  A bill was put in there again by the commons against their continual wasting of the temporalties/ like as it had been twice afore by procurement of the said lord Cobham both in the days of king richard the second/ anno 1395. and also of king Henrye the four annadomini. 1410 whereupon was grown all this malice afore specified) but this was than workemanlye defeated by an other propre practise of theirs. They put the king in remembrance to claim his right in France/ & granted him thereunto a dime with other great subsidy of money. 
A practise. 〈…〉  Thus were Christ's people betrayed every way/ and their lives bought and sold by these most cruel thieves. For in the said Parliament the king made this most blasphemous and cruel act/ to be as a law for ever. 
Walden. ad Martinum papam li. 2. ca 46 & in sydone. Polydorus.  That what so ever they were that should read the scriptures in the mother tongue which was than called Wycleves learning) they should forfeit land/ cattle/ body/ life/ and goods from their heirs for ever/ and so be condemned for heretics to God/ enemies to the crown/ and most errand traitors to the land.  
Besides this it was enacted that never a sanyctwarye nor privileged ground within the realm should hold them/ though they were still permitted both to thieves and mourtherers. 
Christ hath less faver than thieves.  And if in case they would not give over/ or were after their pardon relapsed/ they should suffer death in two manner of kinds. That is. They should first be hanged for treason against the king/ and than be burned for heresy against God and yet neither of both committed. 
Never tyrant more cruel.  The beginning of that act is this. Pro eo quod magni rumores etc. Anon after was it proclaimed through out the realm/ and than had the bishops/ priests/ Monks/ and friars a world somewhat to their minds. For than were many taken in diverse quarters/ and suffered most cruel death. 
Walden. ad Marti num papam li. 2. ca 50. De sacramentalibus ca 53.  And many fled out of the land into Germanye/ Boheme/ France/ Spain/ Portyngale/ and into the weld of Scotland/ Walys/ and Ireland/ working there many marvels against their false kingdom to long to write. In the Christmas following was sir Roger Acton knight/ master johan Browne esquire/ sir johan Beverlaye a letned preacher/ & diverse other more attached for quarrelling with certain priests/ and so inpresoned. 
Walden. Fabianus. Io. mayor Polydorus.  For all men at that time could not patiently suffer their blasphemous brags.  
The complaint was made unto the king of them/ that they had made a great assembly in saynet Gyles field at London/ 
A greatly.  purposing the destruction of the land and the subversion of the common wealth. As the king was thus informed/ 
Walden. ad Martinum/ & in prologo de sacramentis.  he erected a banner (saith Walden) with a cross thereupon (as the Pope doth commonly by his Legates/ when he pretendeth to war against the Turk) and with a great number of men entered the same field/ where as he found no such company. yet was the complaint judged true/ because the bishops had spoken it at the information of their priests. 
What Thomas Walden was.  All this hath Thomas Walden in diverse of his works/ which was at the same time a White or Carmelyte friar and the kings confessor/ & partly it is touched both by Robert fabian and by Polydorus/ Vergilius in their english chronicles/ but not in all points ●yghtlye as is to be s●ane in the preface asore. In the mean season sir johan Oldecastell the lord Cobham escaped out of the tower of London in the night and so fled into Walys/ where as he continued more than four years after. 
Fabianus. Polydorus▪ inchronicis   
Some writers have thought this escape to come by the said sir Roger Acton and other gentlemen in displeasure of the priests/ 
A conjecture of writers.  and that to be the chief occasion of their deaths/ which might weal be/ but Walden doth not so utter it/ which reigned the same self time. 
johan maior. lib. vi. cap. ix. history Scotorum.  In Ianuarye next following was the afore named sir Roger Acton/ master johan Browne/ sir johan Beverlaye/ and xxxvi more (of whom the more part were gentle men of birth) convicted of heresy by the bishops/ and condemned of treason by the temporalty/ and according to the act/ were first hanged and than brent in the said saint Gyles field. In the same year also was one johan Claydon a skinner and one richard Turmyne a baker both hanged and brent in Smyth field by that virtuous act/ 
Robertus Fabianus in chronicis.  besides that was done in all other quarters of England/ which was no small number if it were now througlye known.   

☞ The latter enpresoning and death of the lord Cobham.  
IN the year of our Lord a. M. CCCC. and xu died Thomas Arundel/ 
Thomas Arundel died.  which had been archbishop of Caunterburye more than xxxii. years/ to the great destruction of Christian believe. yet died not his prodigious tyranny with him/ but succeeded with his office in henry Chycheleye and in a great sort more of that spiteful spiritualty. 
The lord Cobham is betrayed  For their malice was not yet settled against the good lord Cobham. But they confedered with the lord Powies (which was at that time a great governor in Walys) feeding him with lordly gifts and promises to accomplish their desire. He at the last thus moneyed with judas/ 
Mat. 26.  and outwardly pretending him great amity & favour/ most cowardly and wretchedly took him/ and in conclusion so sent him up to London/ where as he remained a month or two inprysoned again in the Tower. And after long process they condemned him again of heresy and treason by force of the afore named a 〈◊〉 rendering thanks▪ unto God/ 
Condemned is gods true servant.  that he had so appointed him to suffer for his name's sake  
And upon the day appointed he was brought out of the Tower with his arms bound behind him/ 
He is led forth to his death  having a very cheerful countenance. Than was he laid upon an hurdle/ as though he had been a most heinous traitor to the crown/ and so drawn forth into saint Gyles field/ where as they had set up a new pair of gallows. As he was comen to the place of execution/ and was taken from the hurdle/ he fell downed enoughtlye upon his knees/ desyering almighty God to forgive his enemies. 
He prayeth for his enemies.  Than stood he up and beheld the multitude/ exhorting them in most godly manner to follow the laws of God written in the scriptures/ and in any wise to be ware of such teachers as they see contrary to Christ in their conversacyn and living/ with many other special counsels. Than was he hanged up there by the middle in chains of iron/ and so consumed a live in the fire/ praising the name of God so long as his life lasted. 
Br●t wa● he in chains.  In the end he commended his soul into the hands of God/ and so departed hens most christianly/ his body resolved into ashes.  

What the people & priests ded.  And this was done in the year of our Lord a. M. cccc. and xviii which was the sixth year of the regne of king Henrye the fift/ the people there present showing great dolour. How the priests that time fared/ blasphemed/ and cursed/ requiring the people not to pray for him but to judge him damned in hell/ for that he departed not in the obedience of their Pope/ it were to long to write. 
Not the Pope's servant but Christ's.  This terrible kind of death with gallows/ chains/ and fire/ appeareth not very precious in the eyes of men that be carnal/ no more then did the death of Christ when he was hanged up among thieves. The righteous seemeth to die (saith the wise man) in the sight of them which are unwise/ 
joan. 1●. Sapien. 5.  and their end is taken for very destruction. ungodly fools thinketh their lives very madness/ and their passage hens without all honour. But though they suffer pain before men (saith he) yet is their expectation full of immortality. 
Sapien. 5.  They are accounted for the children of God/ 
joan. 1. ●apien. 3.  & have their just portion among the faynctes As golden in the furnace doth God try his elects/ & as a most pleasant brent offering receiveth he them to rest.  
The more hard the passage be/ the more glorious shall they apere in the latter resurrection. 
Heb. 11. Rom. 8.  Not that the afflictions of this life are worthy of such a glory/ but that it is Gods heavenly pleasure so to reward them. 
Esa. 55.  Never are the judgements and ways of men like unto the judgements and ways of God/ but contrary evermore unless they be taught of him. 
Heir. 32. Dan. 12.  In the latter time (saith the Lord unto Daniel) shall many be chosen/ proved/ and purified by fry/ yet shall the ungodly live wickedly still and have no understanding that is of faith. 
Apoc. 14.  By an angel from heaven was johan earnestly commanded to write/ that blessed are the dead which hence departeth in the Lord. Right dear (saith David) in the sight of God is the death of his true servants. 
Psal. 115.  Thus resteth this valiant Christian knight sir johan Oldecastell under the altar of God (which is jesus Christ) among that godly company which in the kingdom of patience/ suffered great tribulation with the death of their bodies for his faithful word and testimony/ 
Apoc. 6. Apoc. 1. Apoc. 7.  abiding there with them the fulfilling of their whole number/ & the full restoration of his elects. 
Apoc. 20.  The which he grant in effect at his time appointed/ which is one God eternal/ Amen.   

☞ The conclusion.  

another cause of his death  Besides the cause rehearsed afore in the preface/ concerning the dreadful death of this most Christian knight sir johan Old castle the lord Cobham/ this is also reckoned for one. In the end of the first book/ which he put up into the Parliament how see against the abusions of the clergys'/ 
Against the clergy.  in the year of our Lord● a. M.CCC. xcv. (which was also the xviii year of king richard the second) were these vi verses written as a brief conclusion sommarye of the universal contents thereof.  
Plangunt Anglorum Gentes crimen Sodomorum. 
Verses in Latin.   
Paulus fert, horum sunt Idola causa malorum.  
Surgunt ingrati, Giezite Simon nati,  
Nomine prelati, hoc defensare parati.  
Qui r●ges estis, populis quicunque preestis,  
Qualiter 〈◊〉 gestis gladios prohibere potestis?  

A time of ignorance  Though the verses be gross and unperfyght according to the time than/ wherein all fresh literature was clearly extinguished/ yet is the sentence of them lively and of a fresh faithful spirit/ even in the zeal of Helias and Phinees for rebuke of sin. And thus are they in the english.  
Bewail may England/ the sin of sodomites. 
The verses are here englished.   
For Idols and they/ be ground of all their wo.  
Of Simon Magus/ a sect of hypocrites  
Surnamed prelate's/ are up with them to go.  
And to uphold them/ in all that they may do.  
you that be rulers/ peculyarlye selected.  
How can ye suffer/ such mischiefs uncorrected?  
When this book would not help towards any reformation/ 
By nothing will they amend.  but was law head to scorn of the bishops/ than were these verses copied out by diverse men/ & set upon their windows/ gates/ and doors/ which were than known for obstinate hypocrites and fleshly livers/ which made the prelate's mad. And this is the great insurrection that Walden complaineth of unto Pope Martyne the fift/ & after him Polydotus the Popes collector/ with other papists more/ wherein never a one man was hurt. 
The insurrection complained of.  I would marvel much more of the doubleness of Thomas Walden being than the kings confessor if I did not know the unshamefast nature of that dying generation. 
Ad Martinum papam Et in prefatione. 4. libri contra Wiclevistas.  In his first Epistle unto Pope Martyve/ & in the first Preface of his fourth book contra Wiclevistas/ he saith that sir johan Old castle with a great number of heretics conspired against king Henrye the fift in the first year of his regne/ & that he offered him for every monk/ canon/ friar/ and popish priests head within his realm/ a gold noble. And clean contrary unto this/ he testifieth in his book called Fasciculus zizaniorum Wicleui/ 
Fasciculus zizaniorum Wicleui.  that he was the same self time/ year/ month/ week/ and day a prisoner within the Tower of London. How weal these two writings agree/ I report me.  
But thus commonly are innocent men lied upon among these blasphemous bessygoddes. 
Liars.  But he that is essencyallye true of himself/ 
johan. 8.  hath promised at one time or other to clear his true servant/ not by lies and fables/ but by his own pure word. No secret (saith he) is so close/ but ones shall be opened/ neither is any thing so hid/ that shall not at the last be known clearly. 
Mat. 10. Luc. 12.  Thus hath sir johan Oldecastell a tryumphaunt victory over his enemies by the verity which he defended/ 
Cobham overcometh.  all contrary to the blind worlds expectation/ & they have a fowl overthrow being proved manifest murderers/ blind beasts/ hypocrites/ & liars by the same. 
Psal. 33. Luc. 1.  Soche a sweet Lord is God always to those that be his true servants/ blessed be his holy name therefore. Confer the causes of this godly man's death with the points that Thomas Becket died for and other Popish martyrs besides/ & ye shall find them far different and unlike. 
Stephanus Langton in vita Thome li. 3. ca 19  Thomas Becket was slain at Caunterburye/ in his Prelate's apparel/ in the head church/ before the high altar/ among religious Monks and priests/ and in the holy time of Christmas/ by his own seeking. And all this is glorious unto worldly judgements.  
Sir johan Oldecastell was brent in chains/ 
Walden. Io. mayor Fabianus.  at London in saint Gyles field/ under the gallows/ among the say people/ & upon the profane working day/ at the bishops procurement. And all this is ungloryouse/ yea & very despyscable unto those worldly eyes/ what though jesus Christ his master afore him were handled after a very like sort. 
jesus Christ.  For he was crucified at Jerusalem/ without the city & without the holy synagogue/ a cursed out of church/ 
Heb. 1●. johan. 9  among the profane multitude/ in the midst of thieves/ in the place where as thieves were commonly hanged/ 
Mat. 27. joha. ●9. Act. 3.  and not upon the feastful day but afore it/ by the bishops procurement also. Now let us consider the causes of both their deaths/ & try them both by the manifest scriptures of the Gospel/ which of them should seem most to the glory of men. 
Herybertus Hoscham in vita Thome.  Thomas Becket died upon his own seeking only/ for maintaining the wanton liberties and superfluous possessions of the romish church here within England/ which are both forbidden of Christ and also condemned by the same scriptures. He that forsaketh not all that he hath/ 
Luc. 14.  (saith he) can not be my disciple. And when a contention befell among the Apostles for the superiority/ 
Luc. 23. 1. Pet. 5.  he said also unto them. The kings of the world have the worlds dominion with all pomp and riches belonging to the same. But you shall not so  
Sir johan Oldecastell died at the importune suit of the clergy/ 
Wherefore the ford Cobham died.  for calling upon a Christian reformation in that romish church of theirs/ & for manfully standing by the faithful testimonies of jesus/ as all the afore said process declareth. And this is both allowed in the Gospel/ and also required of every Christian believer. He that confesseth me/ and my word before men (saith Christ) him will I confess for mine before my eternal father. 
Mat. 10. Mar. 8. ●uc. 9 Luc. 12.  And he that shall deny me & my verity before men/ him will I also deny for mine before my everlasting father which is in heaven.  
Thomas Becket in the time of his death commended himself to the patrons of his church (which were two gilded images of saint Saver and saint mary) & the cause of his church unto saint Denys/ 
Ben●dic▪ de Burgo Petri. joannes capgrave. Stephanus Langton. li. 3. ca 18.  & had no more but his priests crown cut of (which is the Pope's livery mark) even by the very shaving as his story mention.  
Sir johan Oldecastell in the time of his death commended his soul with David/ Christ/ & Steven into the hands of God the eternal father/ and his cause to the rightful judgement of his son jesus Christ/ 
How the lord Cobham ham died  with desire of merciful forgiveness concerning his enemies/ as became a faithful Christyane/ & had his whole body consumed in the fire. Now pluck from your eyes the corrupted spectacles of carnal or popish judgements/ & do upon them that clear sight which ye have by the spirit of Christ. 
No popisshe martyr is Cobham.  And that faithfully done/ tell me which of these two seemeth rather to be the martyr of Christ/ and which the Pope's martyr? The ways of God (saith Isaiah) are not the ways of men. 
Esa. 55.  But so far as the heavens are above the vile earth/ so far do his judgements exceed theirs. 
Luc. 16.  That which seemeth high and glorious unto men (saith Christ) is very abomination afore God. By this may ye see that the precious spouse or immaculate church of Christ/ is no gorgyouslye painted gentle woman nor glorious glittering madane/ 
Psal. 44.  but all hidden and unknown to the worldly infidels which disdaineth to seek her in the scriptures.  
Nothing is precious unto them/ that shineth not unto the eye. A most fit member for Christ's mystical body/ is he that suffereth with the head thereof. 
Who is a right menlye of Christ.  As this good sir johan Oldecastell dead/ when he was with Christ examined of the proud bishops/ scorned of the priests/ 
The tyranny of bishops and priests.  disdained of the world/ ill reported/ mocked/ hated/ reviled/ accursed/ and so committed unto the lay judgement to be condemned by them unto most shameful and cruel death. yea/ so extremely malicious was that spiteful spiritualty against him/ that they would not suffer his body to be buried in their great city or holy Church (which is spiritually called Sodoma and Egyptus) to make the prophecy of saint Johan's Apocalyps truly to be verified upon him/ 
Apoc. 11.  & to prove him Christ's member all together. They both resolved his body into ashes/ & also made the river to carry them away/ like as they did also with the bones of johan Wycleve/ 
De sacramentalibus ca 09. (1137 Fasciculus zizantorun  least any thing thereof should remain/ because they would also show themselves like in tyranny to julianus apostata that so used the body of holy johan Baptist afore them. I should make a comparison betwixt this blessed martyr of Christ sir johan Oldecastell/ and Peter of milan with other of the Pope's martyrs/ 
The Pope's martyrs.  which died for the Pope's power/ pardon/ pilgrimages/ ear confession/ and other popish matters more established in the general counsel of lateran/ but it would axe to much time.  
And as concerning the kind of his contemtuouse death or martyrdom. More vile was not his hanging under the gallows in an iron chain/ than was the hanging of his lord jesus Christ upon the cross in the time of his death. Nor than was the hanging of Peter/ 
johan. 19 Petrus Equilinus joannes textor.  Andrew/ and philip his holy Apostles/ bishop simeon/ Dorotheus/ Gorgonius/ Alexander/ Epipodius/ Claudius'/ Asterius/ Menon/ Nemesius/ Nestor/ Agricola/ julia/ zoc the wife of Nicostratus with many other holy martyr ● more. More odious was not his burning in the fire/ 
Brent was he with Christ's martyr.  than was the cruel burning of Barnabas the Apostle/ Polycarpus the good bishop of Smyrna/ Amancius/ Agathon/ Tyburciu●/ Getulius/ Symphronins/ Sosthenes/ Victor/ Dioscorus/ Eulogius/ Fructuosus/ Castus/ Aemilius/ Fideneius/ Hero/ ●yreneus/ Aphra/ Hyplaria/ Apolonia/ Anastasia/ & many hondrethes more. 
Psal. 21. Amos. 4.  When this strong witness of the lord was among the fat bulls of Basan/ and most cruelly assaulted of them/ he was throughly ascertained in his conscience for that conflict of faith/ to taste his eternal goodness in the lasting land of the living. 
johan. 12. Psal. 26.   
yea/ such time as he was reproved of his enemies and forsaken of his friends/ 
Psal. 30.  in manner of a broken vessel/ he took a strong stomach unto him as did the mighty Machadees/ and thought thus in this mind. 
2. Mach 7  That though those ungracious tyrants should put him unto death/ yet would the eternal king (which is both resurrection and life) raise him up again in the resurrection of life everlasting/ among them that hath died for his pure laws. 
johan. 11. johan. 6. Apoc. 20.  All ready hath he raised his fame (which lay long dead) by the living spirit of his Gospel/ for that he was a minister thereof. 
The Gospel unsaynteth Becket.  Which is a most evident token that he will here after with his other mystical members/ raise him up in perfect glory. When the Gospel lay dead/ glorious Thomas Becket was a saint/ & johan Oldecastell a forgotten heretic. But now that the light thereof shineth/ we are like to see it far otherwise. For proud Becket hath already hidden his face/ and poor Oldecastell beginneth now to apere very notable. 
The Gospel canon●seth Cobham.  Not all unryghtlye ded saint Augustyn speak it and other old doctors besides that many were worshipped here in earth for saints/ whose wretched souls are grievously cruciate in hell.  
Soche time as our most worthy sovereign king Henrye the viii now living/ after the most godly example of king josias visited the temples of his realm/ 
4. Reg. 23.2. 〈◊〉.  he perceived the sinful shrine of this Becket to be unto his people a most pernicious evil/ and therefore in the word of the lord he utterly among other destroyed it. 
priests suffered upon amendment.  If he had upon that and such other abominable shrines brent those idolatrous priests which were (& are yet) their chief maintainers/ he had fulfilled that godly history through out. But that which was not then performed in hope of their amendment/ may by chance light upon them hereafter/ when no gentle warning will seem to be regarded. I doubt it not at all/ but his/ most noble discretion perceiveth moche more that wicked generation of the Pope's norryshing up/ 
They dance but in a net.  which always hath maintained (and yet do) such manifest errors/ than he ever in his life yet uttered. 
The lord conserve his grace.  The eternal father reward his grace for that clear light of health which we poor creatures have received at his only hand under God/ though it be not all without the grievous punishment of our bodies. By the process which we have afore here uttered of sir johan Oldecastell/ ye may evidently see/ that great is the treasure which the Lord hath laid up for the behove of them that hath trusted in him. 
Psal. 30. 〈◊〉 4. Sap●●. 5.  Wherwith now he maketh dumb/ the dying lips of them that dysdaynouslye reported the righteous/ to the honour and praise of his most glorious name. AMEN.   
☞ Thus endeth the brief chronicle concerning the examination & death of the blessed martyr of Christ sir johan Oldecastell the lord Cobham/ not canonized of the Pope/ but in the precious blood of his Lord jesus Christ. Collected by johan Bale/ and imprinted anno Domini. 1544. &. vi. die Augusti.   

☞ Prophecies of joachim Abbas.  
IN the latter days shall apere a law of liberty. The Gospel of the kingdom of Christ shall be taught/ and the church shall be purged as wheat is from chaff and tars  
More clearly shall men than be learned. The kingdom of the flesh shall be done away/ and these things shall be fulfilled toward the end of the world.  
The holy ghost shall more perfectly exercise his dominion in converting peoples by the preachers of the latter time/ than by the Apostles.  
The church of Rome is the fleshly synagogue of sathan.  
The church of Rome shall be destroyed in the third state/ as the synagogue of the jews was destroyed in the second state. And a spiritual church shall from thence forth succeed/ to the end of the world.  
The departing of the Greeks from the church of Rome/ was godly. For it was ordained of God/ and wrought by the holy ghost.  
☞ Ex compendiario Guidonis Perpiniani/ de heresibus.