AN ADMONITION or warning that the faithful Christians in London, Newcastel & other, may avoid God's vegeaunce, both in this life and in the life to come. 〈◊〉 by the Servant of God John Kno●…es.  
 

The Persecuted speaketh.  
¶ I fear not for death, nor pass nor for bands:  
Only in God put I my whole trust,  
For God will require my blood at your hands,  
And this I know, that once die I must,  
Only for Christ, my life if I give:  
Death is no death, but a mean for to live.    

〈◊〉 To the faithful in London, Newcastel, and Warwick, & to all others within the Realm of England, that love the coming of our Lord Jesus, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. wisheth con●…aunce in godliness to the end.  
V●…hen I remember the fearful threatenings of God, pronounced against ●…ealmes and ●…ous, to whom the light of God's word hath been offered, and contemptuously 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. Math. r.  by them refused, as my heart ●…fainedli mourneth for your present state (dearly beloved in our Saviour jesus Christ) so do the whole powers of my body tremble and shake for the plagues that are to come. But that God's true word hath been offered to the Realm of England: can none deny, eccept such, as by the Devil holden in bondage (god justly so punishing their 
●…. 〈◊〉. two.  proud inobedience) have neither eyes to see, nor understanding to discern good from bad, nor darkness from light. ●…inst whom none other wise will I contend at this preset, them did the prophet ●…gainst the stiff-necked & stubborn people of juda, saying: ☞ The wrath of the 
jere. 〈◊〉  Lord shall not be turned away, till he hath fulfilled the thoughts of his heart. And thus leave I them, as of whose repentance there is small hope, to the hands of him that shall not forgot their horrible blasphemies, spoken in 〈◊〉 of Christ's truth, and of his true ministers. And with you that unfeignedly mourn, for the great 〈◊〉 of God's true religion, purpose I to communicate such counsel & admonition, now 〈◊〉 mine own pen, ●…somtimes it pleased god I should proclaim in your cares. The end of which my admonition is, that even as that you purpose and intend to avoid God's vengeance both in this life▪ & in the life to come, that so ye avoid and fly aswell in body as in spirit, all fellowship & society with idolators in their idolatry.  
You shrink I know even at the first: but if an Orator had the matter in handling, he would prove it honest, profitable, easy and necessary to be done, and in every one point were store enough for a long ●…ration. But as I never laboured to 〈◊〉 any man in matters of ●…ligion (God I take to record in my conscience) 〈◊〉 by the very 〈◊〉 and plain infallible truth of God's word, no more mind I to do in this behalf: but this I affirm that to 〈◊〉 from idolatry is so profitable and so necessary unto a Christian, that unless he so do: all worldly profit turneth to his perpetual disprofit and condemnation.  
Profit apert●…th either to the bodies or cl●… to the souls of ourselves and of our 〈◊〉. Corporal commodities consist in such things as man chiefly 〈◊〉 for the body, as riches, estimation, long life, health and 〈◊〉 in earth. The only comfort and joy of the soul is God, by his word ●…lling ignorance, 〈◊〉 and beath: & in the place of these, placing true knowledge of himself, and with the same, justice and life by Christ his Son. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of these aforesaid 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, them of 〈◊〉 it is that we avoid 〈◊〉, for plain it is that the soul●… hath neither life nor comfort, but by God alone, with whom idolators have no other participation; than have the 
●…. Cori. 〈◊〉  Devils. And albeit that abominable idolators for a moment triumph: yet approacheth the hour when God's vengeance shall strike, not only their souls, but even their vile 〈◊〉 shall be plagued, as God before hath 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  threatened. Their Cities shallbe 〈◊〉, their land shallbe laid waste, their enemies shall dwell in their strong holds, there wives and daughters shall be de●…led, their children shall fall in the ●…dge of the sword. Mercy shall the●… find none, because they have refused the God of all mercy, when louin●… and long he called upon them.  
You 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I have hereof, to God 〈◊〉 I appoint no time, but that these and 〈◊〉 plagues shall fall upon the 〈◊〉 of England, and that or it be long. I am so sure, as that I am that 〈◊〉 god liveth.  
This my affirmation shall displease many, & shall content few. God (wh●… knoweth the secrets of hearts) knoweth that also it displeaseth myself, and yet like as before I have been compelled to speak in your presence, and in the presence of others, such things as were not pleasable to the ears of m●…, whereof (alas) a great part this day are come to pass: So that I am compelled now to write with the tears of mine eyes (I know to your displeasure.) But dear brethren, be subject unto God, and give place to his wrath, that we may escape his everlasting vengeance.  
My pen I trust shall now be no more vehement, than my tongue hath been oftener than once, not only be●…ore you, but also before the chyese of the ●…alme. What was said in Newcastel & ●…arwicke before the sweat, I trust yet some in those places beareth in mind. What upon the day of Alsayntes, that year that the Duke of Somerset was last apprehended, let ●…castel witness. What before him ●…hat then was Duke of Northumberland, in the town of Newecastel, and in other places more: What before the Kings Majesty at windsor, ●…ton Court, and Westminster: And finally what was spoken in London, in more places then, one, when fierce of soye and ●…otous bancketinges were made at the proclamation of mary your Queen. If men will not speak, the stones and timber of those places shall cry in fire, and bear record that the truth was spoken, and shall absolve me in that behalf in the day of the lord.  
Suspect not brethren, that I delight ●…n your calamities, or in the plagues that shall fall upon that unthankful nation. No, God I take to record that my heart mourneth within me, & that I am cruciate for remembrance of your troubles. But if that I should ●…ase, then did I as well against my conscience, as also against my knowledge: and so should I be guilty of the blood of those that pearished for lack of admonition, & yet should the plague 
〈◊〉. xxxiii  not a moment the longer be delayed, for the Lord hath appointed the day of his ●…geaunce, before the which he sendeth trumpets & Messengers, that his elect watching with prayers & so●…, 
〈◊〉. xiiii  may by his mercy escape the vengeance that shall come.  
But you would ●…now the grounds of my certitude, God grannt that hearing them, ye may understand, and steadfastly believe the same. My assurances are not the 〈◊〉 of Merline, neither yet the dark sentences of profane prophets, but the plain truth of God's word, the 〈◊〉 justice of the everliving God, and the ordinary course of his plagues from the beg●…ynge, are my assurances and grounds. God's word threateneth destruction 
De. ●…viii  to all inobedient. 〈◊〉 immutable 
●…rem. v.  ius●… must require the ●…aine. 
〈◊〉. iii  The 〈◊〉 punishments & plagues, show 〈◊〉: what 〈◊〉 then having understanding, can cease to propheci.  
The word of God plainly speaketh: that if a man shall hear the curses 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  of God's law, and yet in his hearts shall promise to himself 〈◊〉 and▪ good luck, thin●…nge that he shall have peace, all be it he 〈◊〉 after the imagynations of 〈◊〉 own heart, to ●…ch a man the Lord will not be merciful, but high wrath shall be 〈◊〉 against him, and 〈◊〉 shall destroy his name from under the heaven. 〈◊〉 the Lord threateneth plague after plague, and ever the last to be the for●…st, while finally he will consume 〈◊〉 & Nations, if they repent not, read ye, ●…vi. 
●…eu. 〈◊〉.  chap. of ●…euiticus, which chapter oft I have willed you to mark, as yet I do unfeignedly. And think not that 〈◊〉 appertaineth to the 〈◊〉 only: No brethren, the Prophets are the inter preters of the law, and they make the plagues of God common to all offenders, the punishment ever beginning at the household of God.  
And here must I touch a point of 
The duke of North●… 〈◊〉,  that devilish confession, made (alas) by that miserable man, whose name for sorrow I can not recite. This argument he useth to prove the doct●… of ●…ite years taught amongst you to be wicked. Troubles & plagues (saith he) have followed the same, not o●…li here in England, but also in Ger●…, as he willed you to mark. This fragile and vain argument at this time none otherwise will I labour to confute, them by plain scriptures: declaring that plagues appertain to all 〈◊〉, begu●…īg first where God's mercies hath been offered, and obstinately refused, and that may answer the blind rage of ignorance.  
The Prophets Esay, jeremis, and 
●…say. xiii 〈◊〉. xvii. xviii, nineteen. xx. xxiii.  ●…chiell, after they had proclaimed plagues to fall upon the people of Israel▪ & upon the house of juda, prophesied particularly against certain Nations & 
jere. l. li. Eze. xxv. xxvi. xxvii  Cities, not only adjacent in circuit about jerusalem, but also against such as were far distant, as against Moab▪ 〈◊〉, Palestina, Egypt, ●…irus, Damascus & Babylon. And in conclusion general prophecies are spoken against all inobedient & sinful nations, as in the four and twenty chap. of isaiah plainli appeareth. As also the Lord commandeth 
〈◊〉. xxv.  jeremy, to g●…ue the cup of his wrath to all nations one after another who should drynike of the same, 〈◊〉 though they refused it of his hand: that is: 〈◊〉 they would not believe the voi●… of the prophet, yet should they not escape the plagues that he spoke, for 
jerem. ●….  every nation like unto this, shall I punish (saith the Lord of hosts.) With the same agreeth 〈◊〉 saying: The eyes of the Lord are upon every sinful not on, to root it out of the earth. 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.   
These and many more places evidently prove, that plagues spoken in the law of God, appertain to every rebellious people, he they jew, or be the Gentil: Christians in title, or turks in profession. And the ground of the Prophets was the same, which before I have rehearsed for one of my assurances, that England shallbe plagued, which is God's immutable and inviolable justice, which cannot spare in one realm and Nation, those offences, that most severely he hath punished in another, for else were he unequal, & made different as touching ●…cusion of his just judgements be●…wirt person and person, which is most contrarious to the integriti of his justice, t●…us he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by ●…remi his prophet: Behold, 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  I have begun to punish in the house where my n●…me is incalled, and shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lord would say: How can my justice permit those crimes 〈◊〉 in proud contemp●…, that neither regard me, nor yet my law, seeing I have not ●…ared mine own people that 〈◊〉 beareth some 〈◊〉 to my name.  
That God hath punished other 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉, men of 〈◊〉 understanding will easily confess. But whether that like 〈◊〉 have been & yet are committed 〈◊〉 the ●…alme of England, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the last pl●…es of ●…od 〈◊〉 those Nations, that 〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉. In this 〈◊〉 can nothing better 〈◊〉 us, than God's plain word, 〈◊〉 the vices w●…ich reigned in those days. ●…nd omitting all such as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, it shall 〈◊〉 ●…or this 〈◊〉 to rehearse some places of 〈◊〉: the time of whose prophecy well considered, shall make the matter more sensible. He be 〈◊〉 in the thirten year of king 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 raygue, & continueth till after the destruction of jerusalem, which came in the eleventh year of Zederchi●…. Long preached this godly man, to wit thirty and nine years and two months, before the uttermost of the plagues apprehended this stubborn nation. And that he did with much trouble and 〈◊〉 sustained, as in his prophecy is to be seen. By all likelihood then there was some 〈◊〉 that were not pleased ●…th the Prophet, neither yet with his preaching. And yet plain it is that no ●…yng so truly turned unto God, with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his strength, according to all the ●…awe of Moses, as did Josias, & yet (as said 〈◊〉) the prophet of God was troubled, and that not by a mean number, for I find him complain universally and generally upon the people's iniquity. For thus induceth he God, speaking: My people hath committed double ●…quitye, they have forsaken me the fountain of living water, and have digged to themselves ●…storns that 
〈◊〉. two.  can contain no water. Why wilt thou justify thyself? Under thy wings is found the blood of the soul●… of the poor innocentes, whom thou●…●…oundest not in corners. And yet tho●… sayest: I am innocent. Thou hast gotten a wh●…res forehead. Thou canst not think shame: My people is foolish, they know me not. They are foolish 
●…erem. iii  Children, and have no wisdom, wise they are to commit mischief, 
〈◊〉. iiii.  but to do good, they are all together ignorant: Every man may beware 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  of his neighbour, and no man assuredly may trust his brother, for every man is become diceytfull, they have practesid their tongues to lies & guile, they have left my law (saith the Lord) and have followed the wicked imagynations of their own hearts, they have followed after Baal●…, whom their Fathers taught them. 
The ●…ces of 〈◊〉 before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   
Of these and many more places like, appeareth the general offences of that people to have been, defection from God, shedding of innocent blood, justification of themselves: & defence of their iniquity, while yet they abounded in theft, murder, ●…sion, lies, craft, practice, 〈◊〉, and manifest idolatry, following the trade of their Fathers: who under 〈◊〉 and ●…mon (of whom the one in the beginning, the other all his life, maintained idolatry) had been the ring leaders to all abomination.  
The Prophet of God (wondering at so manifest iniquity) judged that such ignorance and disobedience 〈◊〉 only among the rascal sort of men, and therefore he saith: These be but poor ones, they are foolish, they know not the wai of the Lord, nor the judgement of their God. I will go to the 〈◊〉, and I will talk with them, for 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  know the wai of the Lord, & the 〈◊〉 mentes of their God. But what findeth he amongst them? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in these words. They have all broken the yoke: they have heaped 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & one mischief upon another. From the least unto the most, all 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  〈◊〉 upon avarice, & gape for 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉 the priest to the prophet, ever man ◊〉▪leth dis●…ytfully. Behold their ●…ares be 〈◊〉, they cannot advert, the word of god is a rebuke unto them, they delight not in it, they have committed abominable mischief.  
What this abomination was, god showeth to ●…echiell: all had forsaken 
●…zech. viii.  God in their hearts, in so much that a great number openly had turned their backs unto God, and made sacrifice to the Sun, every man in his 〈◊〉 secret closet. 〈◊〉, women mourned for that they were not permitted to commit open abomination. Is it not to be wondered that all estates 〈◊〉 so corrupt under so godly a prince? But our prophet 〈◊〉 procede●… 
〈◊〉. v.  in his complaint, saying: they cannot repent, neither yet think shame: they have deemed the Lord, & said: it is not he, we shall neither 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nor 〈◊〉.  
●…ou hear the obedience that the Prophet found amongs the princes of 〈◊〉. And yet (I say) 〈◊〉 it not to be wondered, that the 〈◊〉 which was so well manured, brought forth no better grapes▪ They had a ●…ynge 
〈◊〉 England.  most godly minded, they had prophets (for 〈◊〉 was not alone) most ●…aythful and fervent, they were punished by ●…uers plagues, and always the prophets cried out for repentance; and yet followed nothing but open contempt of 〈◊〉, and of his Messengers. 
〈◊〉. vi.  Their 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 the morning 〈◊〉, it 〈◊〉 not, although they could 〈◊〉 their mouths: The Lord liveth, yet were 
〈◊〉. v.  their oaths nothing but lies. find me one man that doth 〈◊〉 & justice. etc. And to him will I be merciful (saith the Lord.) Here 〈◊〉 narrow & 〈◊〉 inquisition, 〈◊〉 so great a multitude. 〈◊〉 like there have not 〈◊〉 very many, when he that knoweth the secret thoughts, searcheth so 〈◊〉.  
But before we proceed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 before the 〈◊〉  this matter 〈◊〉 shallbe 〈◊〉 to see, how these 〈◊〉 do agree ●…yth our estate & tyme. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that we 〈◊〉 not Gods word offered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 none (eccept an 〈◊〉 papist) 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 had a 〈◊〉 of so godly 〈◊〉 towards virtue, and chief towards God's truth, that none from the beginning passed him, and (to my knowledge) none of his years did ever match him in that behalf, if he might have been ●…ord of his own will. In this mean time if 〈◊〉 did abound, let every man accuse his own conscience, for here I am not minded to spetyfye all that I know, neither yet is it necessary, 〈◊〉 some crimes were so manifest and so heinous, that the earth could not hide the innocent blood, nor yet could the heavens without shame behold the craft, the deceit, the violence and wrong that openly was wrought and in the mean season the hand of God was busy over us, and his true Messenger's 〈◊〉 not silence. You ●…nowe that the ●…ealme of England 〈◊〉 visited with strange plagues, and whether it were ever prophesied that 〈◊〉 plagues were to ●…olow, 〈◊〉 appeal to the 〈◊〉 of your own conscience.  
But what ensued here upon? 〈◊〉, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  I shame to rehearse it. universalll contempt of all godly admonitions: hatred of those that rebu●…ed their 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉 tho●…ig of such as could invent most villainy, against the preachers of God. In this matter I may be admitted for a sufficient witness: for I heard & saw, I understood & knew with the sorrow of my heart, the manifest contempt and the crafty devices of the devil, aswell against those most godly Preachers, that this last ●…ent, 〈◊〉. M. D. ●…iii. were appointed to preach before the Kings Majesty, as also against all others, whose touges were not tempered by the holy water of the court, to speak it plainly, who flattering against their own consciences could not say all was well, and nothing needed reformation.  
What reverence and audience was given unto Preachers this last ●…ent, by such as then were in authori●…: their own countenances declared, assuredly even such as was given to 〈◊〉. They hated such as 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉, and stubbornly they said: We will not amend. 〈◊〉 yec how boldli their 〈◊〉 were 〈◊〉, such as were present can witness with me. Almost there was none, who did not prophecy and plainly speak the plagues that are begun, and assuredly shall end.  
Master Grindal plainly spoke the 
rindal.  death of the 〈◊〉 Majesty, complaining upon his household servants, who neither shamed, neither feared to rail against the word of God, and against the true preachers of the same.  
That godly and ●…ruent man Master 
〈◊〉.  liefer plainly 〈◊〉 the desolation of this common wealth.  
And Master Bradford (whom God 
Bradford.  for Christ his son sake, comfort to the end) spared not the proud est, but boldly declared that God's vengeance shortly should strike those that then were in authority, because they loathed and abhorred the true word of the everlasting God, and willed them to take ensample by the late Duke of Somerset, who became so cold in hearing God's word, that the year before his last aprehention, he would go to viset his Masons, & would not danger himself from his Gallery to 〈◊〉 to his Hall, for hearing of a Sermon. God punished him (said that godly preacher) and that suddenly: and shall he spare you, that be double more mycked? No, he shall not, will ye, or will ye not, ye shall drink the cup of the Lords wrath. judicium Domini, judicium Domini, the judgement of the Lord, the judgement of the Lord cried he with a lamentable voice and weeping tears.  
M●…ster haddon mostlearnedly opened 
Haddon.  the causes of the by passed plagues, and assured them that the worse 〈◊〉 after to come, if repentance shortly were not found.  
Much more I heard of these four and of others, which now I may not rehearse And that which is to be noted, after that the whole counsel had said, they would hear no more of their Sermons, they were undyscryte fellows, yea and prating Knaves, but I will not speak all, for if God continue me in this trouble, I purpose to prepare a dish for such, as then led the 〈◊〉, pea, and who but there? But 〈◊〉 they have been at the school of Placebo, and there they have learned among ladies to dance, as the devil list to 〈◊〉, against those whom God hath stricken. Seeing now resteth to them no place of repentance, nothing mind I to speak: but such as live to this day would be admonished, that he that hath punished one, will not spare the rest.  
But to our matter. These precedents I judge sufficient to prove this our age to have been, and yet to remain like wicked (if it be not worse) with the time of jeremis. Now let us search what followed in juda: Mischief upon mischief, notwithstanding the continual and long crying of the Prophets, while finally God in his anger took away good king josias, because 
●…iii. 〈◊〉. ●…iii.  he was determined to destroi Juda, as before he had destroyed Israel.  
After the death of this godly King, great was y● trouble, divers & sundry were the alterations in that common wealth. Their Kings taken prisoners 〈◊〉 after another in short space, what other were the miseries of that stubborn nation. O God for thy great mercies sake, let never thy small and troubled flock within the Realm of England, learn in experience: But in all these troubles, no repentance appeared, as by the Prophet you may learn, for thus he crieth: Thou hast stricken them 
jerem. 〈◊〉.  (O Lord) but they have not mourned: Thou hast destroyed them, but they have 
Esay. i.  not received discipline, they have hardened their faces harder than stones, they will not convert. The whole land is wasted, but no man will weigh, ponder, nor consider the cause. This people will not hear my words, they talk in the wick●… invention of their own hearts, they go after other gods, to worship and serve them. And of the prophets natural friends of the men of ●…nathot, some plainly said: Speak no more to us in the name of the lord, lest thou die in our hands. Selyke these men had small fantasy to God's Prophet: But yet shall a Sermon (and that which ensued the same) made in the beginning of the reign of ●…him son to josias, make evident & better known, how much the people were bend to idolatry, and to hear ●…alse Prophets, after the death of their good ●…iynge.  
The Prophet is commanded by God, ●…o stand in the court or entress of the ●…ordes house, and to speak to all the Cities of juda, that then came to worship in the house of the Lord, & is commanded to keep no word back. 〈◊〉 peradventure (saith the Lord) they 
☞  will hearken and turn every man from his wicked way. The te●…or of his sermon 
〈◊〉. xxvi.  is this: Thus saith the ●…ord: if ye will not obei me, to walk in mi laws which I have given you, and to hear the words of my servants the Prophets, whom I sent unto you, ●…ng up ●…times, and still sending: If 〈◊〉 will not hear them (I say) then will I do to this house, as I did unto Silo, and will 〈◊〉 this City to be abhorred of all the people in the earthe●…care 
Jer. xxvii.  not the words of the Prophets that sai unto you: ye shall not serve the ●…nge of ●…bylon. I have not sent them, saith the Lord: how 〈◊〉 then are bold to prophecy lies in my name. 
Nota.  ●… If you ●…ue care unto them, both you and your false Prophets shall perish.  
Here is first to be noted, that the people was already entered into iniquity, and specially strait after the death of their King into idolatry: from which the Lord by his Prophet laboured to call them back, threatening unto them desolation, if they proceeded to rebel.  
secondarily it is to be observed that amongst them were false Prophets, not that they were so known and holden of the people, no they were holden and esteemed (for so they boasted themselves to be) the true Church of God that could not err, for 
☜  how should the law perish from the 
JERE. 〈◊〉.  mouth of the priest? These false Prophets were maintainers of idolatry, and boldly they promised to the people prosperity and good luck, wherewith the people were so abused & ●…ynded, that the words of jeremy did rather harden their hearts, then p●…ouoke any to repentance, as the consequentes declared. For his Sermon ended, the Priests and Prophets & the whole people aprehended Jeremy, 
〈◊〉. xxvi.  & with one voice cried: he is worthy of y● death. Great was y● uproar against the poor Prophet, in which apparatli he could not have escaped the death, if the princes of juda had not hastily come from the kings house into the tempel, & had taken upon them the hearing of the cause, in which after much debate (while some defended and some accused, the Prophet most vehemently) the text saith: the hand of 〈◊〉 the son of Saphan, was with jeremy, that he should not be given in to the hands of the people to be killed.  
Here of you may easily consider (beloved brethren) what were the manners of that wicked generation, immediately after 〈◊〉 death of their good king, and how they were encouraged to idolatry by false prophets. But in all this time the Prophet ceaseth not most faithfully to execute his office. For all be it 〈◊〉 this he might not enter into the temple (for he was forbidden to prrach) yet at God's commandment he writeth his Sermons, and causeth them to be openly read in the temple: (Alas I fear we lack Saruch) & after they came to the ears of the ●…saile, and last to the king. And all be it in despite they were once brent, yet is jeremy commanded to write again, and boldly to say: jehoiakim shall have no seed, that ever shall sit upon the seat of David. Their Carrion shall 
〈◊〉. xxxvi.  be cast to the heat of the day, & to the frost in the night. And I shall viset (saith the Lord) the iniquity of him, of his seed, and of his servants, and I shall bring upon them, upon the dwellers in jerusalem, and upon all juda, all the calamities that I have spoken against them. 〈◊〉 when these words were spoken and written, so they were contemned & despised that they durst cry: let the counsel of the holy 
〈◊〉. ●…iii.  one of the Israel come, we will follow the 〈◊〉 of our own hearts. Yet no words of his threatenings were spoken in vain: for after many plage●… 〈◊〉 by the mischievous father, the wicked and miserable son in the third month of his reign, was led prisoner to Babylon. But now when the time of their desolarion approacheth. God sierreth above them such a king. 〈◊〉 Prophets and priests as their own hearts wished, even such as should wychout repugnaûce lead them to their 〈◊〉 again: that they (who never 〈◊〉 in the truth) might fill their bellies with horrible lies. Zedechias was ●…yng, and such as long had resisted 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  poor Jeremy, had now gotten in their hand the fearful 〈◊〉 of correction. Pha●… and his companions led the King as they list. 〈◊〉 goeth 〈◊〉 (a place of 〈◊〉.) The hill au●…ers 〈◊〉 with incense. 〈◊〉 & his bell▪ Gods, 〈◊〉 that vengeance of God was poured upon them, and upon them whom they deceived, get the day they long looked for. In conclusion, so 
〈◊〉. ri.  horrible were the abominations that newly were 〈◊〉, that the lord crieth to his sore troubled flock: what hath my well beloved to do in my house? (meaning in the temple of Jerusalem) seeing the multitude committeth such abomination? They have provoked me to anger, burning incense unto Baal. Which great abomination, when God had showed, not only to ●…eremy (who then was in Jerusalem) but also to Ezechiel being prisoner 
Ezec. viii.  in Babylon, their bodies being separate, in prophecy they did both agree, that whole Israel & juda should be 〈◊〉. Thus 〈◊〉 ezechiel: 〈◊〉 upon all the abnominations of the house of Israel, they shall fall by the s●…rd, by ●…ieluce & hunger, he that in far of, shall die of the plague: 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, shall fall by the swe●…d. 〈◊〉 that is left and is besieged, shall die by hunger, and I shall complete my ●…rathe upon them. And Jeremy saith: Behold I will give this city in the hand of the 〈◊〉, in the hand of 〈◊〉 
●…ere. rrrii.  King of Babylon, who shall take it. The 〈◊〉 verily shall euter into it. & they shall burn it with fire: they shall burn it, and the houses in which they brent 〈◊〉 to Baal. etc. The children of Israel, and the chyldre●… of juda have done nothing from their youth but wickedness, and that before mine eyes, to provoke me to anger. They have turned unto me their 
〈◊〉. viii.  backs, and not their faces: they, their Kings, their princes, their prophets, their priests, whole juda, & all the city of Jerusalem. They would not hear nor be reform. They have set up their dung (so termeth he their idols) in the place that is consecrate to my name. And when the King of Babylon was lying about the city, he saith to the messengers of Zedechias (who are sent to demand of the Prophet what should become of this City.) The Caldees 
Jer. rrrvii  shall take this City, and shall burn it with fire: yea if you had killed all the 
Who would not have called the Prophet a traitor.  host of the Caldes, that besiegeth you, and if the killed man were left, every man should rise in his tent, and should burn this City with fire. He that abideth in this City, shall die either by sword, by hunger or by pestilence. But he that shall go forth to the Caldes, shall live, and shall win his soul, for a pray. And to the lying in 〈◊〉 asking his counsel, he boldly saith: If suddenly thou shalt go forth to the princes of the babylonians, thy soul shall lyuc, and this City shall not be brent with fire: But if thou go not forth to the captains of the Babylonians, this city shall be given over in the hands of the Caldees, who shall burn it with fire, neither yet shalt thou escape their hands.  
Thus did these. two. Proplietes (as all so did others before them) plainly speak the desolation of that place, for such offences as before hath been rehearsed, But how pleaseth such message the City of Jerusalem? the Priests, Princes and people of juda? and what reward received Jeremy for his long travel & painful preaching. dearly even such as Pha●…hur & his counsel 
The ●…mes laid against 〈◊〉.  judged meet. He spa●…e against the temple (said they) He prophesied mysthiefe against the City, he fainted the hearts of the soldiers and of the people: but principally he was unfriendly to the faith that Phas●…hur taught the people: to wit, the faith of their 〈◊〉 
jerem. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉..  fathers, who always rebelled against God. And therefore he was reputed an 
〈◊〉. xx. jeremies' commendations.  〈◊〉, accused of sedition, and dampened of treason. Plam preachings were made against at that he had spoken, and such 〈◊〉 was promised, that within. two. years should the yoke 
Jer. xxviii  of 〈◊〉 be broken from the necks of all the people, and the vessels of the lords house together with all pleasures should be brought again to jerusalem.  
Now did they abound in wine and 
●…dance came before the destruction jere. xiii. je. xxxviii  with oil. 〈◊〉 pleasing & blessed amongst the people were such Prophets. jeremy had troubled them, and therefore he must die: to prison shall he go, for the king can deny nothing to his princes, of whom Phas●…ur appeareth to have been chief chancellor: by whom was not only the king, but all the whole multitude so blinded: that boldly they 
●…iexxvii.  durst cry: no mischance shall come to us. We shall neither see pestilence not hunger, the king of Babylon shall never come against this land.  
In the midst of these stormy troubels, no other comfort had the Prophet, then to complame to his God, at whose commandment he had spoken. And in this his complaint he is so kindled 
jere. 〈◊〉.  against their idolatry and great unthankfulness, that he crieth as in a 〈◊〉: O thou Lord of hosts, the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the just, thou that seest the reins of the heart: let me see thy vengengeaunce taken upon th●…m, for unto the have I referred my cause. As thi●… prayer was most fearful to his enemies, if they had seen the efficacy thereof. So by the same was the Prophet assured, that God's wrath was kindled against that sinful nation: and that it should not turn back; till he had performed the cogitations of his own heart.  
I appeal to the conscience of every indifferent in 〈◊〉: what one point differeth the Regiment, manners and state of England this day from the above rehearsed estate of juda in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 days: except that they had a king a man, as apeareah of nature 〈◊〉 a●… then cruel: who sometimes was intreated in the prophets favour, 〈◊〉 also required him of counsel in some dangers: And you have a Queen, a moman of a stout stomach, more ●…iffe in opinion, then flexible to the truth: who in nowise may abide the presence of gods Prophets. In this one thing you disagree, in all other things so like as one ●…ut is to another.  
Their King was led by pestilent 
judge 〈◊〉 indifferency wherein you agree.  priests. Who guideth your Queen it is not unknown. Under such came idolatry to the height again. ●… would to God that the worse were not among you. In Jeru●…alem was jeremy persecuted for speaking the truth, and for rebuking their idolatri. What prison with in London tormenteth not some true Prophet of God, for the same causes: And O thou 〈◊〉 of darkness, where that idol of late days 〈◊〉 
The Tower.  first erected, thou ●…mer of London. In the do more 〈◊〉 than one suffer 〈◊〉 and trouble, whom God s●…al comfort according to his promise, and reward their 〈◊〉, even as they have deserved. And in that day shalt thou tremble: and such as shall purpose to defend thee, shall perish with thee, because thou wast first defiled in that most abominable idol.  
Consider dear brethren: if all things as pertaining to iniquity be a like between England and juda before the destruction thereof. 〈◊〉, if England be worse than juda was in those days: Seeing God spared not them, shall we think that the Lords vengeance shall sleep, man's iniquity being so 〈◊〉▪ No dear brethren, he that hath under standing must know the contrary: and he to whom the lords mouth hath 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  spoken, must show the causes why the Land shallbe waste. It may offend you that I call England worse than was unthankful juda: but if good and evident reasons adduced, mai take place, than I fear not judgement.  
From jerusalem many passed away 
Where in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 better, than England is now.  at the admonition of the Prophet, leving all they had, rather than they would abide the dangers of God's plagues that were threatened. God's Prophets have cried, but I hear not of many that prepare to flit, God grant they repent not.  
In jerusalem were princes and Nobles, who defended jeremy and also that did absolve him, when wrongfully he was accused by the priests▪ But how many now of the Nobilyty with in England, boldly speak in defence of God's Messengers, is easy to be 〈◊〉.  
amongs them had God's Prophet liberty to speak in maintenance of his doctrine: How such as seek a trial of their doctrine, have been, and are entreated among you, it is heard of in strange countries.  
In jerusalem was ●…demeleche, who when the Prophet was cast into prison (as they said worthy of death) boldly passed to the king, and defending the 〈◊〉 of the innocent, obtained his liberty: But in England I hear of none (God stir some) y● dare be so bold as to put their hand between the ●…ons and their prai, the poor saints, & those cruel murderers  
In jerusalem, jeremy being damned ned to prison, was fed of the King's charges, and that when great hunger & scarcity of bread was in the whole 〈◊〉 In London where all plenty aboundeth are God's messengers permitted to hunger, yea to horrible to be heard, and a●…cient Fathers are so cruelly entreated, that like extremity hath seldom been used upon thieves and murderers.  
In this behalf I do not blame you (beloved brethren) for assuredly I know your hearts to mourn for that troubles of your brethren and faithful preachers, and that you seek 〈◊〉 means possible, home they may be comforted or relieved: But these things I rehearse, to the end that you may see, that more abomination and less 〈◊〉 of God, more unjust dealing & less shame, more cruel persecutions against God's messengers and less merey and gentleness, is now among your chief Rulers with in England, then in those days was in juda. And yet did not jerusalem escape the vengeance of God. Shall we then believe, that 〈◊〉 gland mai avoid the vengeance that 
〈◊〉.  is thr●…ned? no dear brethren*if idolatry continue as it is begun, no more can England escape God's vengeance, than God himself may lose his justice.  
And therefore dearly beloved in our saviour jesus Christ, is profit to yourself or to your posterity, can move you any thing, than must ye avoid and fly Idolatry. For if the lords messengers that shallbe sent to e●…ute his wrath, find you amongst filthy Idolaters, your body's committing like abomination with them, ye have no warrant that ye shall escape the plagues prepared for the wicked: But rather it is to be feared, that ye shallbe plagued with them. The whole Tribe of 
〈◊〉. rr. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  Benjamin perished with the adulterers and yet were they not all adulterers in fact. Whole 〈◊〉 was commanded to be destroyed, and yet was not one of those living, that troubled the Israelites in their passage from Egypt. Pharaoh was not drowned a 〈◊〉, as in another letter I have more plainly written, ●…ther yet found Io●…athas mercy, as touching life corporal, in the 〈◊〉 when God's vengeance 
●…oma. 〈◊〉.  punished Saul the reprobate. And why? The Apostle answereth: Because men knowing the justice of God (saith he) and doing the contrary, are worthy of death, not only those that do wickedly, but also such as consent to the same. And no man can be accused, but that he consenteth who daily frequenting in the company of wicked men, gevech nether sign in word nor in work, that iniquity displeaseth them, and therefore yet I say, if profit may move us, most profitable shall it be, even for the body in this present life, to avoid Idolatry: for so doing as we shall escape the plagues which y● ungodly shall suffer, so is God by his 
isaiah. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  promise obligate and bound unto us, to be our faith, our portion, our inheritance 
Zach. iii.  and defence, he promiseth, & 
Psal. 〈◊〉.  will not deseive, to carry us upon 〈◊〉 
lvii. crl. crlui.  own wings from all danger, to plant us and our posteriti in everlasting memorial, to feed us in the time of hon●…, and finally to fight for us, & to sau●… us from all miseries and mischances, but no●…e to the subsequent.  
〈◊〉 it is most profitable for bod●…e & 
What me do when me 〈◊〉 ourselves with I do 〈◊〉.  soul to avoid id●…latro, so is it necessary, that unless we so do, me refuse to be in league 〈◊〉 God: we declare our▪ selves to have no faith, and we deny to be gods witnesses. And so must he of his justice 〈◊〉 in his word, 
Note well 〈◊〉 lesson.  〈◊〉 us to appertame to him or to his kingdom, & then (alas) what ●…easteth for us, but perpetual death, ordained for those that will not cont●…nue in league with God?  
The league between God and us containeth these 〈◊〉: that God shall be our God, and we shallbe his people? 〈◊〉 shall communicate with us, of 〈◊〉 graces and goodness, we shall serve him in body and soul: he shallbe our safeguard from death and 〈◊〉, we shall stick to him, and fly from all strange Gods, Thus is the league in 
〈◊〉  〈◊〉 where of we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, never to have fellowship with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that which God hath authorized by his manifest word▪ ●…f by God's scriptures these precedents be so plain, that reasonably no man can deny any point thereof, then have I good hope that ye will admit it to be necessary, that you avoid idolatri, if the league between God & you shallbe kept sure. And ●…yrst is to be observed, that God's justice being infinite, in matters of 〈◊〉, requireth like obedience of all those that be with in his league at all times, that he requireth of any one nation or particular man in 〈◊〉 one age. For all that be 
Deut. 〈◊〉  within his league, are one body, as Mosee doth witness, reckoning men, we▪ men, children, servants, princes, priests, officers and strangers with in the 〈◊〉 of the Lord. Then what God requireth of one as touching this league, he requireth of all, for his justice is immutable: and what he damneth in any one, that he must damno in others, for he is righteous with out 〈◊〉. Then let us consider what God hath required of such as have been in league with him, and what he pronounceth damnable.  
Moses (the mouth of God to his 
〈◊〉. xiii.  people of Israel) speaketh as followeth: ●…f thy brother, the son of thy mother, or the wife of thine own bosoneor thy neighbour, whom thou lovest as thine own life, shall privily solicit thee, saying: ●…et us go & serve other Gods, whom thou hast not known. etc. 〈◊〉 him not, hear him not, neither yet let thine eye spare him. Be not merciful unto him, nor hide him not, but kill him, let thy hand be the first upon him, 
〈◊〉  that such a one may be killed, and then the hand of the whole people. Stone 
Mark what god commanded should be done to all Idola●…ours.  him with stones till he die. And likewise commandeth he to be done with a whole City, if the indwellers thereof turn back to idolatry, adding also that the city and the whole spoil there of shall be brent, that no porcian shallbe saved, nor yet that the city shallbe builded for ever again, because it is accursed of God.  
●…ere is a plain declaration, what God requireth of them, that will continue in league with him, and what he hath damned by his 〈◊〉 word. And do we 〈◊〉 (beloved brethren) that the immutable God will 〈◊〉 at our idolatry, as that he saw it not, semg he commandeth judgement to be eccecuted so severely against idolators, and against such as onli provoked or solicited others to idolatri, that neither should blood nor affinity, neither multitud●… nor riches, save such as offend: neither yet that we should 〈◊〉 their offences, but y● we should be the first that should accuse brother, son, daughter or wife: And why: because he intendeth (sayeth Moses) to bring the from the Lord thy God, who led the forth from the land of Egipte▪ and therefore let him die, that all Israel hearing, may fear, and presume not after to commit the like abomination. Let nothing pertaining to such a man or city cleave unto thy hand, that the Lord may turn from the furor of his wrath, and be moved over the 〈◊〉 most tender mercy and affection, and that he may multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers.  
In these words most ●…uidently is e●…spressed unto us, why God will that we avoid a●… fellowship with idolatry & with the maintainers of the same. In which are three thyngeo 〈◊〉 to be noted. first that the holy Ghost instr●…cteth us, that maintamers of idolatry, and provokers to the same, intent to dr●…w us from God, and therefore he commandeth us that we shall not conceal their impiety, but that we shall make it known, and that we shall punish it, if we will have the league between us and God ton stand sure. And here is the firmament of my first cause, why it is necessary to avoid idolatry, because that otherwise we declare ourselves little to regard, yea to have broken & 〈◊〉 deemed that holy league which is betwixt us and God thorough jesus Christ.  
Secondly. It is to be noted, that Idolatry so kindleth the wrath of God that it is never quenched, 〈◊〉 the oftenders & all that they possess be destroyed from the earth, & that by fire. It may appear, that this is a scuere and rigorous judgement: but let y● cause be con●…idered, & then shall we understand that in the same, God she●…eth unto us his most singular love, declaring himself enemy to our enemies. For all those 
Drawers of men from God are of the 〈◊〉 vels nature.  that would dram us from God (be they Kings or queens being of the 〈◊〉 nature) are enemies unto God, and therefore will God, that in such cases we declare ourselves enemies unto them.  
And last, it is to be noted, that obedience given unto God, in taking 〈◊〉 ●…eaunce upon idolaters, by such means as GOD hath appointed, is a cause, why God showeth his mercy. Why he multiplieth us and embraceth us with fatherly love: where contrary wise by consenting with Idolatry, are the mercies of God shut up from us, and me cut of from the body of Christ, to whither and rot as trees without moister.  
But now shall some demannd: what 
Question.  then? Shall we go to & kill all idolaters  
That were the office and duty of every 
●…nswere.  civil magistrate within his 〈◊〉 and jurisdiction: But of you is required only to avoid participation and company of that abomination▪ aswell in body as in soul, as David & Paul plainly teacheth. David in his 
Psal. rvi.  e●…ile in the mids of idolaters, saith I will not offer their drink offerings of blou●…, neither yet will I take their name in my mouth. And Paul saith: You may not be partakers of the lords Table▪ and of the table of devils? 
●…. Cori. r.  you may not drink the Lords cup and the cup of devils.  
As these two places of Scripture plainly resolve the former question, so do they confirm that which is before said: that the league between us and God, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of all idolatry. First, plain it is that in 
●…. 〈◊〉. rrvii  ●…ath & in Corrinthus, was no small noumbre of idolaters, when David was there in ecsile, and when s. Paul 
Idolatry 〈◊〉 be so abhorred, that no part of us be defiled a●…l.  wrote his Episile: yet nether saith David that he will kill any in that place, (because he was not their magistrate) nether giveth Paul any such commandment: But in one thing they both agree, that such as hath society and league with God, must so 〈◊〉 Idolatry, that no part of the body be ●…efiled therewith, for David saith: I will not take their names in my mouth: As though he would say: so odious are the names of false and ●…aine gods, that the mention of them is righteously compared to stinking dung and vile carrion, which nether can be eaten, nether yet smelled without disyleasor of such as have not lost the judgements of their senses. And therefore saith David: I will not defile 
Note well.  my mouth with them: That is, I will never speak one favourable word of them. I think much less would he have crouched and kneeled before them for any man's pleasure.  
Advert brethren that David inspired with the holy ghost, knew no such shifts, as worldly wise men imagy●… now a days, that they may keep their hearts pure & clean to God, though their bodies dance with the devil. Not so bear brethren, not so, the temple of God hath nothing to do with 〈◊〉. The cause ecspresseth David in these words, for the lord himself 〈◊〉 my portion and in my inheritance. Great is the cause if it be deeply ●…sidered. David illuminated by the holy Ghost, saith even the self same thing which before we have alleged of the Apostles words: that God mill not part spoil with the 〈◊〉, permitting him to have the sctuice of the body, & he to stand content with the soul, heart or mind. No brethren, David 〈◊〉 this the fundament and reason, why he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 offer sacrifice to idols, neither yet defile his mouth with their names: because (saith he) the lord is my portion. As he would say: Such is the 
What the league between us & god, requi●….  condition of the league between 〈◊〉 & my god, that as he is my 〈◊〉 of defence against my enemies preserving and nourishing both the body & soul. So must 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whole his in body and soul: For my God is of that Nature that he will suffer no portion of his glory to be given to another.  
In confirmation of this, saith 〈◊〉 after he had rebuked their idols and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. These are thy portion. 
〈◊〉, lvii.  And jeremy likewise in 〈◊〉 of them, saith: 〈◊〉 thy bedfellows deliver thee: call upon them, and let them hear the. Thou hast committed 
jere. 〈◊〉  fornication and whoredom with stock and stone. The Prophets meaning thereby that idolaters can have no league nor covenant with God: in so 〈◊〉 as their hearts be alienated from him, which the service of their bodies doth testify. And therefore renounceth God such league and bond, as was before offered: for Esay would say: Even such as thou haste chosen, such shall be thy portion. And jeremy would say: Thou hast put thy trust in them (which he meaneth by the lying with them in bed) and therefore let them 〈◊〉 their power in thy deliverance: and thus he sendeth them, as it were to such water from hate burning coals.  
It shall nothing 〈◊〉 us to say: we trust not in Idols, for so will every Idolater allege: But if either you or they, in God's honour, do any thing contrary to God's word, you show yourself to put your trust in somewhat else besides God, ant so are 〈◊〉 idolaters. Mark brethren, that many 
Trusting in man's wis doom, is idolatry.  make an Idol of their own wisdom or fantasaye: more trusting to that which they think good, then unto God, who plainly saith: not that thing, which seemeth good in thine eyes, do unto thy God: But what thy lord God hath commanded thee: But of this some other time God willing more shallbe spoken.  
Hereof I suppose it be plain, that like as GOD is immutable, who by his law hath not only forbidden all fellowship with idolaters in their idolatry, but also hath commanded that 〈◊〉 and punishment be taken upon them: And as the saints 
Mark.  of God were inspired with the holy ghost, who would not so much as once favourably speak of Idols. And last as the scriptures be infallible, which pronounceth, that God may not abide, that our bodies serve the devil in joining our bodies with Idolatri: So is it of mere necessity, that both in hody and soul we 〈◊〉 from the same, if we will have the league between God and 〈◊〉 to stand sure.  
I will not trouble this time with an swearing to any such obicctions as men seeking to live as they list, do now a days invent: seeing that partly in another letter I have answered the same. And if God shall grant any rest in this wicked life, I purpose by the grace of God (as occasion shall be offered) fully to answer what can be said for their defence: which in veri dedewhā all is said that they can, they have said nothing that God will admit.  
Now resteth to show, that inhaunting idolatry, we declare ourselves to be without faith, and do deny to bear witness unto God. But that faith pierceth the heart, I trust none of you will deny. But whether that inward faith reqvireth an ecsternal confession, and if a man mane not have faith, and yet do in Ceremon: 〈◊〉 of the church as the world doth. Herein per●… ye doubt. As to the first the 
〈◊〉.  〈◊〉 answereth in these words, In the heart it is 〈◊〉 unto 〈◊〉 but by the mouth, is co●…fession to salvation. And David saith, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken, but 
Psal. crvi.  I was sore troubled. As David would say, I could not 〈◊〉 the confession of my faith, 〈◊〉 be it trouble did ensue the same. Thus the holy ghost joineth faith and confession, as things that be inseparable the one from the other. And therefore dare I not take 
☞  upon me to dissever them, but must say that where true faith is, there is also confession of the same, when time and necessity requireth, and that where confession is not found, there faith is a sl●…pe, if he be not from home.  
Now is it to be considered, if this 
Whither this time requireth ●…onfession of ●…ur 〈◊〉.  time requireth the confession of our faith. Christ and his gospel are oppugned his holy sacraments are profaned. Christ's Messengers are some eccded, some cruelly tormented in prison: Our adversarics have gotten the upperhand, and an ecsecrable idol ●…ted up in confirmation of all iniquity. What now shall I do, that am assured that all this is abomination? Here Christ is in battle. Shall I do as the multitude, or as Christeo enemies do? What 〈◊〉 give I then? Assuredlt even such as the rest doth, for neither doth foot, hand, eye nor mouth, witness the contrary. The feet carry the body to serve an idol, the eye beholdeth 
Note.  it with a certain reverence, the mouth dare not whisper what y● 〈◊〉 thinketh, yea, the hands are ecstended, and give signification of humble obedience. Have I not now justified 
Esa. 〈◊〉.  the Devil, and dampened Christ, it can not be denied.  
But let me have no credit, unless the same be yet proved by most plain demonstrations of Gods sacred scriptures. The lord by his Prophet Esay, saith to his people of Israel (and this is answer also to the second question: If I may not do as the world doth, and yet have faith) you are my 〈◊〉 whither there be any God but I alone. Is there any Creator that I should not know him? These words were spoken, as it were: 〈◊〉 an en●… 〈◊〉 to rebuke all idolatry, and the ●…ayne 〈◊〉 of the same. As the ●…ord would say: Thou house of jacob, and you natural children, descending from Abraham. You are my people, whom peculyerly I have chosen, to show in you the greatness of my name: and for that end have I spoken unto you hide things from the beginning, that you may understand and know that there is no knowledge but in me a ●…one: That you persuaded of my infinite wisdom, power, and goodness, may testify and bear witness of the same to such as hath not the like understanding with you. Hereof it is plain, that of such as to whom god giveth knowledge, he requireth a confession, to provoke the ignorant to embrace God and his word, or at the least that by the understanding man, the vavitie of the foolish should be rebuked. 
☞  So zealous is GOD over his gifts, that if we labour not to employ them to the glory of God, and to profit others his creatures, he will according to the threatening of Christ, take 〈◊〉 talon from us, and will give it tosuch as will labour thereupon. Some perchance would gladly labour, but they see not what fruit shall succeed, and therefore judge they better to cease: even as though God could bring forth no fruit, eccept he made us first of counsel. God is to be obeyed in his commandments, 
A good les son to be followed.  and the success is to be committed unto him, whose wisdom is unsearchable, He commandeth us to refrain from idolatry, to 
Why we should ref●…ayne from idolatry.  let other men see that they do wrong. This aught we to obei, albeit the present death should follow, for we are ●…alled as witnesses between God and the blind world as is before said: Israel 
Note.  thou art my witness.  
The world asketh: is the Mass God's service, or is it idolatry? God hath opened to us, that it is abhowinable idolatry, but when that we, for fear of our vile 〈◊〉, do as the blind world doth, what witness bear ●…e? Assuredly false wytness against God, and against our neighbour. 〈◊〉 God, for that we justify and maintain that with our presence, which God condemneth. Against 〈◊〉 neighbour, for that we confirm him in error to both our condempnations. But when we abstain from all fellow ship of idolatry, what ever ensue there upon, we do our duties to gods glory. 〈◊〉 no man think that I am more severe, than necessity requireth. Na brerhrens, I 〈◊〉 coutain my affirmations within the bonds of Gods. 〈◊〉, and that shall 〈◊〉 the Prophet witness, who writing to the jews, being prisoners in 〈◊〉, after he had sorbidden them to follow the vain religion of the people amongst, whom they were then 〈◊〉, by many reasons proving that their, idols were no Gods. 〈◊〉 last he saith: 
●…eremi. x.  〈◊〉 shall say to them: the Gods that made neither heaven nor earth, shall perish from the earth, and from under the heaven.  
Here is to be observed (as Thom 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉, that singular instrument of God, 
The Prophet constraineth y● 〈◊〉 to declare their confess sion 〈◊〉 idols, and that changing their natural 〈◊〉.  most diligently noteth) that the reaved of the prophets work was written in the Hebrew 〈◊〉, which then was peculiar to the jews: but these 〈◊〉 ses and mordes above rehearsed, were written in the Caldees tongue, in the tongue of that people where the jews were then in thraldom, as that the Prophet would constrain them to change their natural tongue, and in plain words declare the hatred and alienation which they had from all worshipping of Idols. I beseech you brethren, mark the words of the prophet. He saith not: You may think in your heart that they are 〈◊〉, and that they shall perish. But you shall say it, and that not privily, but to them who put their trust in such vanity. 〈◊〉 that the three children openly spoke, denying to give the ceverence of their bodies before an Idol. And Daniel that would not keep secret the confession 
Dani. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. &. 〈◊〉.  of his faith 〈◊〉 three days, as in my former 〈◊〉 more plainly is expressed. Hereof it is plain, that requi ring that 〈◊〉 profane not your bodies with Idolatri. I require no more than God's Scriptures by plain precepts and ensamples teach. Neither for require I of every man & at all times so much: for I constrain no man to go to 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. v.  idolators in the time of their idola try, & to sai that all which they do is abominable & nought: but only that we keep our own bodies (called of the 〈◊〉 the temple of the holy ghost) clean from all such diabolical conuē●…: which that we do, is most pro●… and also necessary to the preservation of ourselves, and of our posterity, of whom now at the end, ●…what must we speak. Every man that is not degenerated to the nature of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beast, will appear to bear such lone to his children, that to leave them riches, in rest, and in good estate, he patiently will suffer troubles: & wyth●… grudge will do many things, that otherwise are contrary to his own pleasure: and with my heart I wish to God, that the perfection of this were deeply grounded in man's heart, I mean very love, and not fond foolishness, which under the name of love, 
〈◊〉. Cor. 〈◊〉.  procureth destruction of body: Where contrariwise true love most carefully laboureth for salvation of both. 〈◊〉 this love I say, towards our 〈◊〉 (which every man pretendeth to have) 〈◊〉 in us: them of necessity it is, that for their causes we shall avoid all society of those filthy abominations. This my assertion may appear 〈◊〉, but if it be with in difference perceived it shallbe very easy to be understand.  
The only way to leave out children blessed & happy, is to leave than righteously instructed in God's true Religion: For what anaileth all that is in 
Note.  earth, if condemnation follow death, yea and Gods vengeance go before the same? as of necessity they 〈◊〉 where the true knowledge of God is 
The true knowledge of God, 〈◊〉 not barn with man.  absent. Plain it is that the true knowledge of God is not borne with man, neither yet cometh it unto him by ●…tural power, but he must have school Masters to train him up in that which he lacketh. The chief school Master (the holy Ghost eccepted) of the age following, is the works, practices, & the life of the forefathers: Where unto 〈◊〉 we see the children so addict and bound, & specially if it be in idolatri, that god crying by the mouths of his mes sengers, hath much to do to reave or pluck any man back from their forefather's fotesteps. Now, if y● you altogether 
Note and despise not  refusing god; stoup under idolatry, what sc●…lemasters are you to your posterity? What image show you to your children? yea, in what estate leave you them, both touchig body & soul? assuredly you are even such schoolmasters as ●…er those fathers, who consenting to Iero●…oā to his idolatri, left unto their 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉▪ rii  children a pattern of perdition. To speak it plamly, you leave them blinded in ido latri, & bond slaves to t●…e Devil, 〈◊〉 hope of redemption or light to be received. 〈◊〉 (will some say) y ● ●…ord knoweth 
●…uasion 〈◊〉.  his own. True it is, but his ordinary means to come by his knowledge, a●… not to be contemned. He commandeth you to teach your children his laws, statutes & ceremonies, that they likewise may teach the same to the generation following. But yet will some object: what taught our fathers to us? O dear brethren be not so ingrate & unthankful to yet I would that you should flatter 〈◊〉 selves, thinking that such a trumpet shall be blown to your posterity, as hath been blown unto you, if all come to so closig s●…lence as that Lords messengers found the beginning of this our age, when this whole ●…ealme of England was drowned in so dead a sleep, that the sound of the 〈◊〉 trumpet was not understand, while first the most part of that blowers gave their blood in testimony that their doctrine, was y● same which began 〈◊〉 blood was planted & kept in mind by that fame, & by blood increased, & did fructifis. Will the Lord have his 〈◊〉 to fight alone: Will he bestow such abundance of 
Note.  blood upon your children, to encourage them, as that he did upon you, for your insiruction & encouragement? Y●… that you also traitorously fly from him in that day of this his battle, the contrary is greatli to be feared. Oft 〈◊〉 how god hath ●…sed my tongue (my tongue I say being most wretched of others) plainly to speak the troubles that are present, there o●…●…ureth to mind a certain admonition▪ that god ●…old I commonly should use in all 〈◊〉 The admonition was this: that the last Trumpet was in blowing with in the Realm of England, & therefore ought every man to prepare him for battle. For if the trumpet should cease and be put to silence, than should it never blow again with like force in England, till the coming of the lord jesus. O dear brethren, how sore these threat ninges pierce my heart this day, only God knoweth, and in what anguish of heart I write the same, God shall declare when the secrets of all hearts shall be disciosed. I wish myself to 〈◊〉 accursed of God, as touching all earthly pleasures or comfort, for on●… year of that time, which (alas) neither you nor I die righteous●…ye esteem, when all abounded with us.  
I sob and groan, I call & I pray, that in that point I may be deceived. But I am commanded to stand content, for it is God himself that performeth the words of his true messengers: his justice and order cannot be perverted. The Sun keepeth his ordivary course, and ●…eapeth not back from the West to the South: but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 goeth down, we lack the light of it, till it rise the next day towards the east again. And so it is with the light of the Gospel, which hath his day appointed by God, as witnesseth 
Ihon. 〈◊〉.  Christ saying: while ye have the light, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the light, that darkness apprchend 
Rom. xiii.  you not. And Paul: the night is passed, & the day is come (meaning of the Gospel.) And also? this day if 
Hebr. iii.  you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. And albeit that this day be all 
Note.  time from Christ's incarnation till his last gaincomming: yet evident it is that all nations have not had at one time the light of God's word, but some were in darkness, when other some had light. But by the contrary most evident it is, that where the light of the Gospel for man's unthankfulness, hath been taken away: there is it not to this day restored again. Witness whole Israel, & all the congregations of the Ge●…tyis, where Christ was first preached by the apostles. What is in Asia? ignorance of God. What in Africa? abnegation of Christ. What in those most notab●…e churches of the 〈◊〉, where Christ was planted by Paul, and long after matred of others? Mahomet and his false sect. Yea, what is in Rome? that most idol of all others, that adversary to Christ, that man of sin, extolled above all that is called God. Hath God punished those Nations before us, not only the first offenders, but even their posterity unto this day: And shall he spare us, if we be like unthankful as they were▪ yea if we be worse them they were? For of them no small number susfered persecution, banishment, slander, poverty, and finally death, for the professing of Christ: Who having only this knowledge, that idol●… were odious before god, could neither for loss of temporal goods▪ for honours offered if they would obey, nor yet for most cruel torments suffered in resisting, once be persuaded to bow before Idols. And (alas) shall we after so many graces that God hath off●…red unto us, for pleasure or vain threatenings of those whom your hearts know, and your 〈◊〉 have confessed to be odious idolators; 〈◊〉 bac●…e to idolatry, to the perdition of ourselves; & of our posterity to come? Shall God's holy Prophets work no grea●… obedience in you? Shall nature no otherwise mo●… your hearts? Shall not fatherly 〈◊〉 overcome that 〈◊〉? O behold your children, and consider the end of their creation. Great cruelty it were to save yourselves, & to damn them. But O more than cruelty and madness, that cannot be ecspressed, if for that pleasure of a moment, ye deprive yourselves, and your posteriti of that ●…ternal joy, that is ordaived for those that continue in confession of Christ's name and truth to the end, 〈◊〉 assuredly ye do▪ if without resistance all together, ye return to idolatri again.  
Alas than the trumpet hath lost his 
Note.  sound, the Sun is gone down, and the light vanished away. But if that God shall strengt hen you boldly to gain stand all such impiety, then is there but ad ark misty cloud over spread the Sun for a moment, which shortly shall vanish: so that the beams 
God 〈◊〉 you may understand.  of the Sun after shallbe seven fold more bright and amiable, than they were before. Your pa●…ience and constancy shallbe the louder trom pet to your posterity, than were all the voices of the Prophets that cried unto you. And therefore for the tender mercies of God, arm yourselves to stand with Christ. Fly from that abominable Idol, that maintainers where of, shall not escape the vengeance of God. Let it be known to your posterity, that ye were Christians, and not idolaters: and so is not the trumpet ceased▪ so long as any boldly resisteth Idolatry. The precepts are sharp 
The obsection of the flesh.  and hard to be observed (will some object) and yet again I affirm, that compared with the plagues, which assured lie shall fall upon the coutemnours, they shallbe found easy and light. For avoiding of Idolatry, it may chance that you be contemned in the world, and compelled to leave the Realm: but obeiers of Idolatri as before god they are abominable, so shall they becompelled body and soul to burn in hell. For avoiding of Idolatry, your worldly substance shallbe lost & spoiled: but for obeying of Idolatry, heavenly riches shallbe lost. By avoiding Idolatry, you may fall into the hands of earthly tyrants: But o●…, consenters and maintainers of Idolatry shall not escape the hands of the living God. For avoiding of Idolatry, your children shallbe deprived of father, of friends, riches, and earthly rest: but by obeiing to idolatry, they shallbe left without God, without the knowledge of his word and without hope of his kingdom.  
Consider dear br●…thren, that how much more dolorous, it is to be tormented in hell, then to suffer trouble in earth: to be deprived of heavenly 〈◊〉, than to be rob of transitory riches, to fall in the hands of the living God, than to abide man's vain and uncertain displeasure: So much more fearful and dangerous it is to obey Idolatry, or (dissembling to consent 〈◊〉 that abomination, then avoiding the same) to 〈◊〉 ●…hat in●…ōueniēces ●…ay follow thereupon by man's 〈◊〉. O be not like to Esaw, y● sold & lost his birthright for a mes potag●…: I am not prejudicial to God's mercies, as that such as after shall repent, shall not find 
〈◊〉. xviii. 〈◊〉.  grace, God forbid, for herein am I most assuredly persuaded, that in 〈◊〉 soever hour a sinne●… shall repent: God 
〈◊〉. i.  ●…hal not 〈◊〉 one of his iniquities But albeit his offences were as red as Scarlet, they shallbe made as why●…e as Snow: & albeit in multitude they passed number, yet so shall they be 〈◊〉 out, that none of them shall appear to damnation of the very repentant. For his promises be infallible, that such as truly believe in Christ, shall never enter in judgement. For the blood of jesus Christ purgoth them from all sin. So y● how far y● 
●…. john. i.  heaven to distant from the earth, so 〈◊〉 doth he remove the sins from the 〈◊〉. 
Psal. ciii.  But consider dearly beloved brethren, that these & like promises are made to pem●…, & do nothing appartain to profane people, idolaters nor to fear full sh ri●…kers from the truth, for fear o●… 〈◊〉 trouble●…. And if any allege, god may call them to repentance, how wic●… that ever men be. I answer, that I acknowledge & do 〈◊〉, God's omnipotency to be so 〈◊〉, that he may do what pleaseth his wisdom: But yet is he not 
Note.  bound to do all that our fantasy requireth. And likewise, I know that God is so loving and so kind to such as fear him: that he will perform their wills and pleasures, although Kings and prin●… had sworn the contrary.  
But herein standeth the doubt, whether 
Let this be noted.  that such as for pleasure of men or for avoiding temporal punishment defile themselves with Idolatry, fear god. And whether they which all their life deny Christ, by cousentinge to Idolatry, shall at the last hour be called to repentance. No such promises have we within the Scriptures of God▪ but rather the express contrary. And therefore God is not to be tempted, but is to be hard, feared, and obeyed, wh●… thus earnestly he calleth and threateneth not without cause, pass from the 
Apo. xviii.  mids of ●…er O my people (saith the 〈◊〉) that you be not partakers of her plagues. And that is meant of that abominable whore and of her abomination. 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. xviii  How long will ye halt on 
●…. Cor. x.  both parts▪ You may not both be par takers of the cup of the lord and of the cup of the devil: 〈◊〉 that denieth me before men, I will deni him before 
Math. x.  my father: ●…e that r●…fuseth not himself, and taketh up his cross and followeth me, is not worthy of me. No man putting his hand to the plough, 
〈◊〉. ix.  and looking backward, is worthy of the kingdom of God. And Paul to 
●…eb. vi. x.  the hebrews only meaneth of this 〈◊〉 where he saith: Who willynly sins after the knowledge of the truth, cannot be renewed again by repentance  
O dear brethren, remember the dignity of our vocation, you have followed Christ, you hau●… 〈◊〉 war against Idolatry. You have laid hand upon the truth, and have communicate with the lords table, will ye now suddenly slide back? Will ye refuse Christ and his truth, and make pacti●… with the devil and with his discei●…able doctrine? Will ye tread the pr●…cious blood of his Testament under your feet, and set up an Idol before the people▪ which things assuredly you do, as oft as ever you present your bodies amongs idolaters before that 〈◊〉 Idol. God the father of all mercies for Christ his sons sake, preserve you from that sore tentation whose dolours and dangers very so row will not suffer me to express. Alas brethren, it is to be feared, that if ●…e fall once a sleep, you lie to long before you be weakened. Yet some shall object Peter the denier optained mercy. To whom I answer, particular ensamples make no common law. Neither yet is there any resemblance or likelihood between the fall of Peter & our daily Idolatry. Peter upon a sudden without any former purpose, thrice denied Christ within the space of an hour or two. We upon determinate purpose and advised mind daily deny Christ Peter had Christ's assurance and pro mis, that after his de●…ial he should be converted: We have Christ's threatenings, that if we deny, we shallbe de●…. Peter in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and a●… wicked men of war 〈◊〉 his offence for fear of life, 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 city and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for loss of wicked 〈◊〉 do no less. Peter at the 〈◊〉 of the Cock & at 〈◊〉 look, left the company that 〈◊〉 his sin, We after Christ's 〈◊〉, yea after gentle erhortations and fearful threatenings, will continue in the mids of 〈◊〉 and for their 〈◊〉, will crouch and 〈◊〉 as the devil 〈◊〉.  
What likelihood 〈◊〉 here, let every man judge. But much I wonder, that 〈◊〉 that can espy so narrow shifts 〈◊〉 to hide 〈◊〉 selves from the presence of God, behind a bush with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their father, cannot also espy that 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 in presence of 〈◊〉, of no less authority than Peter was: That 〈◊〉 was the first born. in the world: That Saul was the first anointed 〈◊〉 by God's ●…dement 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  and by his prophet. And that 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  〈◊〉 was a man of most singu●… wisdom, & 〈◊〉 none of these found place of repentance. Have we any other assurances and particular warrants within the scriptures of God, than they had, that all our life we may be in league with the 〈◊〉, & then at our pleasure that we may lay hand upon Christ, and cloth 〈◊〉 with his justice: 〈◊〉 not disceined dear brethren: 
Joel. two.  for 〈◊〉 most true it is that whosoeincalleth 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  the name of the lord, shall be saved, yet like true it is, that who that 
two. Tim. two.  〈◊〉 incalleth the name of the 〈◊〉, shall avoid and eschem all iniquity, & that whosoever continueth in open iniquity, the same man incalleth not the 
John. 〈◊〉.  name of the 〈◊〉, neither hath God any respect to his prayer. 〈◊〉 greater 
Job. 〈◊〉  iniquity was never from the beginning of the world, then is 〈◊〉 in that abominable idol, for it is the 
The 〈◊〉 the devils sacrament and 〈◊〉.  scale of that league which y● 〈◊〉 hath made with the pestilent sons of ●…tichrist, & is the very chief cause, why the blood of the saints of God hath been shed nigh the space of a thousand years, for so long almost hath it been 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & in decking with that whorish garment, wherein it now triumpheth against Christ. The only one sacrifice of his death, and merits of his passion. Which whole abomination 〈◊〉 confirm and show yourselves 〈◊〉 to the murder of those that have suffered for 〈◊〉 against it, 〈◊〉 oft as ever you garnish that Idol with your preface, and therefore avoid it, as that 〈◊〉 will be part 〈◊〉 with Christ, with whom ye have sworn to die & to live in baptism & in his holy Supper, Shame it were to break promise unto man, but is it not more shame to 〈◊〉 it unto God? Foolishues it were to leave that 〈◊〉, whose victory you 〈◊〉 present, and to take part with 〈◊〉 whom you understood & perceived to be so vanquished & overthrown, that he might neither gainstand, nether yet 〈◊〉 the coming of his adversary. O 〈◊〉, is not the Devil 
Then▪ 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉.  the prince of this world, vanquished & cast out? 〈◊〉 not Christ made con▪ quest of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he not carried our flesh up to glory, in despite of Satan's 〈◊〉? Shall not our Champion 〈◊〉 turn? You 〈◊〉 that he shall, and that with ecspedition, when Satan and his adherentes I dolatours, worshippers of that blasphemous beast, 〈◊〉 persons & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 
〈◊〉. 〈◊〉  the truth of God, shaibe cast in y● 〈◊〉 or lake burning with fire & 〈◊〉 which never shallbe quenched. But in the mean time you fear corporal death. 〈◊〉 Nature admitted any man to live ever, then had your fea●… some ap pearaunce of reason. But if corporal death be common to all: why will ye jeopard to lose the life everlasting, to decline & escape that which neither rich nor poor, neither wise nor foolish. proud of stomach, nor feeble of courage, and finally no earthly creature by no craft or engine of man did ever escape. 〈◊〉 any have escaped the horrible fear of death, it was such as boldly did gainstand men's iniquity in the earth. But yet grudgeth the flesh (say 
The flesh can do no thing but grudge.  you) for fear of the torment, let it do the own nature & office, for so must it do till it be burdened with Christian cross, & then no doubt shall God send such comfort, as now we look not for. 
Others before us 〈◊〉 passed the 〈◊〉 ●…y torments.  Let us not turn back from Christ▪ albeit the flesh complain and fear the torment. Wonder it is that the wai to life is fearful unto us, considering that so great a number of our brethren hath passed before us, in at the same gate▪ that we so much abhor. Hath not the most part of the Saints of God entered into their rest by torment and troubles, of whom witnesseth Paul: Some were racked, some hawen a sunder, 
Hebr. ri.  some slain with swords; some 〈◊〉 up and down in sheeps skins, in need, in tribulation and 〈◊〉, in mountains, dens, and in caves of the earth. ●…nd in all these 〈◊〉; what complaints hear we of their mouths, eccept it be that they lament the blindness of the world; and the perdition of their persecutors? Did God comfort them, and shall he despise 〈◊〉 if in obedience to him, we follow their footsteps? He shall not do it: for he hath promised to the contrary. And therefore dearly beloved in the Lord, as ye purpose to avoid the 〈◊〉 of God, that suddenly shall s●…rike all ob●… I dolators, as ye 〈◊〉 have the league between God mid you to stand sure, & as you will declare yourselves to have true faith, without which no man ever shall enter into life. And final lie as ye will leave the true knowledge of God in possession to your children, avoid 〈◊〉 and at partici●…aciō thereof, for it is so 〈◊〉 before God's presence, that nor only doth he punish the inventors and first offenders, but 
De. 〈◊〉  often times their posterity are stricken with blindness and dasednes of mind, the vattail shall appear strong, which ye are to suffer, but the Lord himself 
Zacha. 〈◊〉.  shallbe your comfort. He shall come in & our defence with his mighty 〈◊〉. He shall give you victory, when none 
Psal. 〈◊〉.  is hoped for. He shall turn your tears 
lrrvi. lri.  into everlasting joy. He shall confound 
〈◊〉. seven. rrii.  ●…our enemies with the breath of his month. He shall let you see their ●…cion, 
Psal. to.  that now are most proud. The God of all comfort and consolation, for Christ jesus his sons salt, grant that this my simple Admonition (〈◊〉 rather the marning of the holy Go●…) may be received and accepted of you, with no less fear and obedience, than I have written it unto you, with unfeigned love and sorrowful heart, and then I doubt not 〈◊〉 we shallbe comforted, when all such as now molest us, shall tremble and shake, by the coming & our Lord jesus, whose om●… spirit preserve & ●…eepe you undefiled body and soul to the end.  
Amen.  
¶ Lord increase our Faith▪ ¶ From Wittonburge by Nicholas 〈◊〉 Anno. M. D. 〈◊〉. the. 〈◊〉. of May.   

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