¶ The beginning and ending of all popery, or popish kingdom. scene with pope And then shall that wicked be uttered, whom the lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the appearance of his coming, even him whose coming is after the working of Satan. The epistle. ¶ To the most excellent and worthy prince, Edward the vi by the grace of god, King of England, France, and Irlande, defender of the faith, & in earth supreme head of this church, of England and Ireland, immediately next under god, and to his most dear uncle, Edward duke of Somerset, lord protector of all the kings majesties realms and dominions, and governor of his most royal person: His faithful and obedient subject Gualther Lynne, wisheth the continual assistance of god's grace. WHEN SATAN perceived the ground work and foundation of the papacy to be so weak & slender, that it should not be able to sustain and bear, the weight of the great heap that he intended to erect and build thereon: then did he (most dear sovereign) being the angel of darkness, put on him the form of an angel of light. And under that cloak, he endeavoured all that he might, to fortify and strengthen it: by the most sacred and holy scripture, to th'intent that the impiety and wickedness thereof, might the better be cloaked and hid. And therefore did he subtilely invent, and diligently instruct all his faithful children the bishops of Rome craftily to wrest and falsely to interpretate, this place of scripture in Math. Thou art Peter, and upon this stone or rock I will build my church. Upon this foundation, builded he so strongly, and erected so beautiful and glorious a piece: that all the whole world wondered thereat. The wise and learned men employed all their study to enlarge, and deck this princely palace, and see of Rome. Yea princes and rulers, thought it their duty, to become labourers, & drudges in the erecting & upholding of this so gorgeous a building. Finally the matter was so handled, that thorough all christendom the see was taken for the fountain and well of all mercy. Remission and forgiveness of sin, were not to be had in any other place then there. But now, that it hath pleased the lord (according to the words of his prophet joel) in these our days (the latter days of the world) to power out of his spirit upon all flesh, that this secret and hid mystery of abominable iniquity, is come to light, and so opened that the sucklings and young babes of this time, know more than did the ancient and grey heard fathers in the time of blindness and ignorance. That most victorious & triumphant prince, your dearly beloved and natural father, perceiving that more than hell darkness, wherein we (his poor subjects) were led: opened unto us the most holy and sacred bible, wherein are declared the mysteries of this so gorgeous a building. Cease not therefore (most gracious prince) to set forward this godly work that your father began. And to th'intent that your graces loving subjects may know by what craft and policy this building first began, and afterward proceeded, I have thought good to translate out of the German tongue into english, this little book. wherein is declared what manner of things the bishops of Rome were at the first, what was their estate and condition, and what was their office or duty. Then how they abusing their office aspired, and came to so inordinate honour and dignity. How they leaving Christ and his most holy word, enployed all their study to please men. The secular power was it that they looked for. And no doubt it was that, and not Christ, that gave to the bishops of rome, the pre-eminence to be called fathers of fathers, and to be preferred before other bishops. But because so secret a mystery, can not well be opened without plain demonstrations: the Author of this book hath most plainly set forth by figures, the estate, that this Antichrist is in, hath been in, or shall be in, even to the day of his utter destruction. These figures are not of the authors own invention, ne of late days invented: but they were found in ancient libraries above ccc years sense. The common experience, that is daily seen of the great blindness and ignorance of that time, would move your highness to doubt of the truth, and verity of this report: but to certify your majesty therein, there is at this day remaining in the abbey of saint Laurence in Luyke, a table of great antiquity, containing portraiture of like matter. Whereby it is manifest that the fathers of ancient time, saw in the papacy, the thing that they durst not utter, either by words or writing, but trusting that the time would come when men might be bold to speak it: they did in the mean time keep it in painting and portraiture, that such as could conjecture, might gather knowledge thereby, & that the thing might remain till such time as god had appointed it to be declared both in writing and words. The Author therefore of this little book: hath not only added unto these figures an exposition to declare the meaning of every of them: but manifest scriptures also, to prove the things that they represent, to be true, so that these figures may appear rather to be the figures of some apocalypsis or revelation, than the invention of any man. The spirit of the living god, the giver of all goodness, instruct you in all godly knowledge, that for the time of your reign in this world, your highness may use the sword to you committed, to the honour of god, and wealth of his members, living here under your dominion. And then no doubt ye shall enjoy the kingdom, that shall continue for ever. AMEN. Your faithful and obedient subject Gualther Lynne. IN MONSTRUM QVOD libellus, iste graphicè depingit, ad Lectorem Candidum. CApripedes Satyri: tetrae Stymphalides Hydra Dira: Canis Stygius: Gorgones anguicomae Igne Chimaera furens rapido: Scyllaeque triformes: Monstraque si qua usquam fabula prisca refert: Portento huic nostro victricia sagmina cedunt, Nec monstro immani cedere turpe putant. Incesta siquidem & vecordae libidine feruet. Depascitque inopes, expoliatque bonis. mill, quibus miseros circumuenit, obtinet artes: Tutatur leges mordicus usque suas Vertice vittato stultè nimiumque superbit! Inque pios flammis saevit & igne nocens. Orbis opes conquirit, opum sinuosa vorago Aestuat, & nummis cuncta profana facit. Portenti nomen Pestis tibi Maxima binis Exprimit haud dubiè, Lector amice, notis. P. M. Romuleae quanque Pater augustissimus urbis Cenceri falso iure proternus amat. Scilicet est turpis Dominae meretricis alumnus, Quam sacri arcanum vatis adumbrat opus. Cui, genius pronus studia in contraria Christo. Antichristus. E● Graio nomen non malê font dedit. Nam verè (mihi crede) pios qui torret: egenos Deglubit: sceleri Praemia magna locat. Qui pede ceruices Regum premit imperioso: Atque tumet fastu turgidus Arsacio: Venalesque malis sacros proscribit honores: Obruit & verbi semina sancta dei: Connubijque suis socialia foedera nescit, Pacem almam frangit, dissidiumque serit Colliditque armis totum feralibus orbem: Foenerat: annonas aere flagellat iners: Divinosque suis titulis postponit honores: Et redimi sacris coelica regna docet: Monstrum haec cuncta Deo patrans pugnantia, christi Dici hostem meritô, quis dubitare queat? Sollicito hunc studio lector peruolue libellum, Sat scio, vel lectus ter, mage gratus erit. Non fuco, at vero depicta colore placebit Portenti facies prodigiosa trucis. Dispeream, nisi vera magis, quàm oracula Phoebi Delphica, vel sorts Diua Sibylla tuae. I.A. Paul in his second epistle, and second chapter to the Tessolonians. Brethren we beseek you by the coming of our LORD jesus Christ, & in that we shall assemble unto him, that ye be not suddenly moved from your mind, and be not troubled, neither by spirit, neither by words, 2. pet. 3. a nor yet by letter which should seem to be sent from us, as though the day of Christ were at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means. Danie. 9 c 1. Tim. 4. a. Luce. xi. c For the Lord cometh not except the departing come first, and that that man of sin be opened, even the son of perdition, which is an adversary, & is exalted above all that is called god or god's service, so that he sitteth as God in the temple of god, and boasteth himself to be God. 1. Co. ●. ● and. 6. c. Dan. xi. c Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what witholdeth it, even that it might be uttered at his time. 1. joh. ●. ● (For the mystery of the iniquity worketh already, till he which now only letteth be taken out of the way.) And then shall that wicked be uttered, whom the LORD shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, job. 15. d. Esay. 11. a. Danie. 8. d. joh. 8. d. Deu 13. Math. 24 v & shall destroy with the appearance of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all dying power, and signs and wonders, & with all deceveablenesse of unrighteousness among them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might have been saved. zacha. 5. a. Rom a. 1. d. Therefore shall God send them strong delusion, that they should believe lies, that they almight be damned, Osee 7. a which believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks always unto God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, in the sanctifying of the spirit & in believing of the truth, whereunto he hath called you by our Gospel, to obtain the glory of our LORD jesus Christ. Therefore brethren stand fast, & keep the ordinances which ye have learned, whether it were by our preaching, or by epistle. But our Lord Jesus' Christ himself & God our father, which hath loved us & given us everlasting consolation, and a good hope thorough grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in all doctrine & good doing. scene with pope And than shall that wicked be uttered whom the lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy him with appearance of his coming even him whose coming is after the working of Satan. ¶ The beginning and ending of all popery (being taken out of certain old prophecies more than ccc years agone, here faithfully set forth to the amendment of this present world, out of high Almaigne by Gualther Lynne. The interpretation of the words of christ. Math xvi Thou art Peter. etc. which the pope ascribeth unto himself. THe pope (because his estate might seem the hollyer) took the holy scriptures and christ himself to defend and maintain it withal As Lucius Silla by the romans, having under the pretense of goodness delivered them from the Marianes, afterwards betrayed the rich and honest men of them, imprisoned, spoiled and killed them. Might not such another part be played with us? yes and it is (the more pite) come to pass already. And still he hath kept us under, with the words which Christ spoke unto Peter, Thou art Peter. etc. which words in no wise do serve for his purpose. But commonly is it seen, that all thing so begun, come to an evil end, as is to be seen by the hole popery. They might better have been suffered, if they had ruled more with goodness in peace and tranquillity then with rigour and mere tyranny, if they had likewise rather for given, then still persecuted to death. But truly, the wolf (the whiles he is in prison) devoureth no sheep, although there were never so many with him in captivity, but being at liberty, let every man beware of him. Christ said to Peter. Matthew xvi Thou art Petrus. etc. Petrusin the greek tongue, is as much to say as in the latin tongue saxum. In the english tongue a rock, and therefore of christ he was named a rock, because he had been constant in the knowledging all the holy catholic faith, and not wavering hither and thither, as the common people did. And upon the same rock, that is upon the same steadfast knowledge of faith, will I build my church. And who soever steadfastly standeth to the same, the very hell shall not prevail against him, much less shall men. Like as saint Augustine in his sermon upon this place doth attribute these words, upon this rock, to our Lord jesus Christ, and not to Peter saying, this is the meaning of it. Thou art Petrus, and upon the same rock which thou hast confessed and knowledged, saying, Thou art christ the son of the living god, will I build my church, upon me I will build thee, and not me upon the. But such as would men to be builded upon men, said thus, I hold of Paul, I hold of Apollo, I hold of Cephas, which is Peter. The other sort which would not be builded upon men, but only upon the rock jesus christ, said. I hold of Christ. etc. Augustinus. Erasmus Roterodamus. I Marvel therefore (not a little) that certain people there be that wrest and wring this place and forcely apply and ascribe him, to the pope as if it only appertained unto him. But the whiles his church (which he nameth the catholic church) is not builded upon christ, but upon himself, so must likewise the foundation even be so strong, mighty and durable. Yet doth he set forth himself, with the holy scripture which in no manner of wise doth serve for him. Neither is Cyprian with him, where as he speaketh of saint Peter, upon whom the church was builded. For S. Peter in his confession and knowledge, and the pope agree, even as fire and water. what comparison is there between Christ and belial? if the pope's both in faith and living were to be compared with Peter, so were there some hope to be had. Math. v Mat. ix. Luc●. xiiii. But whiles he is but a corrupt and unprofitable lalte, having lost his savour, whereto doth he serve? scasse to the dung hill? And therefore is he dekeied. Yet the pope that the scriptures would not maintain him, he hath sought another mean or way. As is to be seen and red in the pope's Chronicles. ¶ How long that the bishops have been in the church, and when, with the beginning likewise of the pope. THe christians had but bishops until the time of Constantine. Anno ccc xi. And these bishops did nothing but study the holy scripture, and taught the holy gospel to the people, and exercised the same, & lived soberly. The bishop of rome had no dominion over rome as he hath now, he was a curate unto them, & that was al. And bishops generally (according to their vocation) taught the people the kingdom of god, & comforted and fed the poor. The communes gave them money with other necessary things which they dealt among the poor people, as the apostles did like wise. There was moche spite wrought against them by divers great and mighty men. They were there to suffer. Few of the magistrates were of their side, if by chance one were with them ten were against them: as both th'emperors and pope's Chronicles testify, The persecution of the christian people & how they came together. yet did they suffer all things for gods sake. Item the common people laboured truly and holp one another, and where as they might be sewrest, there did they gather together. So hath likewise the holy Anthony done in egypt, and brought many to christ, and they increased. insomuch that there dwelled certain thousands of christians in the wilderness of Egypt, and lived by the gospel, giving themselves to mortify the flesh, & daily labours, This witnesseth s. jerom. jerom. x● But when the foresaid Constantinus Magnus had overcome & subdued cruel Maxentius which persecuted all christians, he gave licence to the christians being scattered abroad, to build churches & openly to preach the gospel, giving them also certain great gifts towards the same, but not the city of rome, neither yet lands nor people, as the pope allegeth in his laws. Constantinus gave not rome to the pope. Distinct xcvi Constantinus, but kept them to himself, his heirs and executors, & Constantius his son had the possession of rome even as Constantinus his father had before him. After Constantius, julianus likewise, iovinianus Valentinianus, Gratianus, and so forth. WE read no where that the bishop than invaded the Romans, neither that he kept any manner of wars, Such emperor such bishops. but lived poorly. And the bishop with the christians were many times invaded by the emperor. But when justinianus (after the birth of christ. v ᶜ xix) became emperor, he redeemed the bishops out of their misery, and did much good unto them. After him reigned justinianus his sisters son, which was so righteous, that he compiled & set in order all the institutions of themperors of rome, which now we name th'imperial laws, he builded divers goodly churches at constantinople, and gave them great riches, yearly food and sustenance. The beginning of the pope's riches. And by this mean the bishops and priests became somewhat more wealthy than they were before. ANno. v ᶜ lxxx was Gregorius Magnus (the first of that name) made bishop of rome, and one named Mauricius de Cappadocia (the first that came out of grecia) emperor when (as before) the bishop of rome was become somewhat mighty and rich, they could not agree between them: insomuch that Mauricius became enemy unto Gregory: At the same time, were the bishops something yet persecuted, as yet being faithful. And th'emperor continuing in persecution of them, god permitted a plague to come over him, that he was take prisoner by Phoca, that was chosen emperor in his room, and caused him to be headed. When now Phocas. Anno. vic. & iii. kept his seat at Constantinopell, And the occidental empire (that is, Rome, Italy, France, and Germany) were without a head, Practise to get lands and people the vice emperor being slain of the Gottishe king Theodorico. The bishop of Rome thought in his mind, what & if thou hadst the dominion of the vice emperor, that room needed not to stand open for a prey to every man? For that cause went Bonifacius the third unto th'emperor Phoca, to obtain of him, that as in worldly dominion every man took th'emperor for the chief head of all the world, likewise the bishop of Rome might be the chief bishop within Christendom. Then must needs follow that he must have lands and men. Whiles themperor of Rome, kept his seat at Constantinople, the bishop of Constantinople wrote himself the chief bishop, because of the empire. This shrodely troubled the bishop of Rome called Bonifacius, when and in what bishops time this name papa begun. who went for the same cause to th'emperor Phoca, praienge him instantly to grant to the seat of Rome his imperial privilege, from henceforth to be a bishop above all bishops, that is Papa patrum. And the bishopric of Rome to be named the chief of all bishoprics. Although this privilege would not so lightly be granted, yet he obtained it by continual seute and begging. This will they not be a known of now, but say that the pope is the supreme head and his romish bishopric to be above all bishoprics by god's ordinance xxi Quamuis. and Distinct xxii omnes. And th'emperor Constantinus (say they) should likewise have given this privilege to be pope, and his bishopric to be above all other which likewise appeareth by their own Decret. Distinc xcvi Constantinus. They make of the privilege, whatsoever they will the whiles it is to their profit. And thus have they written it in their own Decrees. Thence cometh the name of the most holiest father the pope. The same have they afterward coloured with Christ, his holy word, and Peter. It should have had no likeness to truth else. But how agree these things, Constantinus did grant the privilege, Gregorius the third brought it to pass by Phoca. And afterward must Christ confirm the same. Have the faithful old bishops before Constantine'S time been so ignorant that they understood not the holy scriptures? then is it no marvel that they were persecuted. If they had set forth themselves by times, with Christ's words, they might have been in better case. IF they had such power of christ, what needed they to entreat and flatter the ungodly emperors for it? when christus chose Paul to be an apostle among the heithens, he must needs be it, went also, & did as he was commanded, needing neither emperors nor kings confirmation to the same, And continued until such time as th'emperor did head him. After that sort was Paul made pope, and Petrus was crucified. Therefore hath it another meaning then the pope allegeth. And of the same words Tu es Petrus They have made them a law contrary to the doctrine of christ and the Apostles, & the lives of faithful bishops. THe same Bonifacius the third, when he had begged the chief bishopric of Phoca, immediately after he wrote himself pope Bonifacius the third of that name. He gathered all his bishops & priests together, and kept a concile at Rome. And declared there openly that from that time forward a pope being chosen by the priesthood & the common people, should be taken of as much authority, as if he were created by th'emperor & admitted. Lo there may we see the first thanks or reward that the pope gave to th'emperor for the privilege granted unto him taking away from him his old rights which were & had been themperors, since the first christian emperor was. That th'emperor should make no more bishops, but the pope, & so should the bishops likewise be more obedient to the pope than to th'emperor, & despetch all their matter at Constantinople without th'emperor. And thus began he privily to rule & command his master th'emperor, of whom he had begged the privilege. The same was not done immediately by rigeur, but the pope suffered th'emperor to have still for a time his deputy at Rome, which admitted the pope. Now was it come to such a point, that the pope's power would break out, and take upon him to be above th'emperor. And therefore, when after the birth of Christ .viic. & xviii years Leo the third of that name, being emperor, did put down Germanum a patriarch at Constantinople, and in his place set Anastasium. The pope of Rome sent Gregory the third unto th'emperor, & wrote unto him, that he should put Germanum into his place again, which th'emperor would not do. There began all the mischief at ones. The pope found the means that all Italy fell from th'emperor and forsook him (which none other pope hath done, but they patiently suffered persecution) he cursed also th'emperor. Thinking when th'empire were divided within itself, he would be emperor, for he had already gotten him a great name, among the princes and governors. Reason would also require that he were not only the cheifhead by name, but also in might and power, and so would he keep Rome and grant th'empire to whom he would and listed. WHen now Constantinus the fift, the son of Leo the third was emperor, and somewhat offended with the pope zacharia, by reason of his father, whom Gregorius suffered to die under his curse in Messambria, and caused all italy to fall away from him. He purposed to have brought them again under his subjection. zacharius the pope fearing least Constantinus might shorten his wings again, sought another manner of mean, then super hanc petram, upon this rock, that is to say, How the pope came by rome. himself. He sent for help unto Pipinus thadministrator of france, promising to make him king of France, with the favour and good will of the Magistrates and rulers. Was not this likewise done in despite of th'emperor? And thus was the romish empire divided, one took here, and another there. The pope kept Rome as his own. HEre have you the first king made by the pope's power, and the favour of the rulers and governors, according to the tenor of his spiritual laws xi q. i Te quidem. Pipinus the first king made by pope zacharian But this pope died the next year after, and Stephanus the second came in his stead, The which had much sorrow and trouble by king Astulphum, and likewise called unto Pipinus to assist the church of Rome, insomuch that the king Pipinus took his part, and did drive king Astulphum away from rome, and gave the pope Stephano Ravennam, with divers other cities. ANd so is the pope successively become a ruler above emperors and kings, and all christendom universally. And hath forsaken the holy scriptures, the gospel, the footsteps of the ancients poverty, sorrow, care, and all other kinds of persecutions and troubles etc. How can he then be the most holy vicar of christ, and successor of saint Peter? we find written, Dear brethren be my followers, as I am the follower of christ i cor. xi. if the pope with his company do follow Christ, then is it reason that we likewise follow him. But for their devilish and abominable rule and doctrine, is there not one jot in scripture. There is neither Peter, nor Paul that will know them, much less will Chryst himself know them. Thus shall they be answered nescio vos. I know you not. Quia operati estis iniquitatem. you have set forth your own naughtiness in summa ebrietate sicut fortes Ephraim. in all filthiness and divers other kinds of ungodliness (which be not to be written) with the might of this world. LO, hitherto have you had in writing the beginning of the pope, th'augmentation of his state, and thirdly his full power and might. Now shall you likewise behold and see the same in the old painted figures following. HOw be it many old and faithful fathers perceived, and saw it well, yet durst they not clearly set it forth, except only by figures. Trusting always, that thorough the mercy of god a time should come when they might be brought to light. And so clearly set forth, that it were impossible more sightly to paint them. This will we now do for the plaisure, and to the profit of such as can not read. To prove whether they be able to know a lion by his claws. ❧ The pope in his pontifical robes on every side a bear, casting them money in their mouths, and the holy ghost a side of him. scene with pope and bears IN this estate began the bishop of Rome to set himself. Anno ccc.xi at the time of Constantinus Magnus, the which when he had overcome, Maxentium granted the Christianes' to build churches, and gave exceeding great gifts toward it but neither lands nor people, nor yet the cure of Rome, as they say he did. When they smelled riches, and daily coveted more and more, than was god's word laid aside. And afterward overcame they all things (as they do yet) with money Lords, dukes, emperors, kings, lands and people have made subject unto them. They had well studied the words of Philip the king of Macedonia, where as he saith, that there is no castle, no town, ye no land, so strong, which cannot be won, if a moil laden with money may entre into it. And thus money overcometh all things. And so have they set a side the very true rock, which is Christ, the footsteps of Peter, and finally all manner of tribulations and persecutions. Their church have they builded upon themselves, and therefore they may not endure or continued. They have sought also their help by the worldly powers, which the bears signify and represent in this figure. If they had continued in their vocation, christ would never have forsaken them. But when they fell from it, and yet would (notwithstanding) maintain all their doings with these words, upon this rock. etc. Christ went from them. And immediately after they sought help, wherewith they yet continually (ye and against christ himself) will defend themselves. And this fall of the bishops first broke out clearly, by pope zachariam, and Stephan the second against Constantine the fifth, when they persuaded Pipin the lieutenant of France to help the pope against th'emperor, and so doing, the pope would make him king of France, Italy, and germany, with the favour and good will of the magistrates and rulers. Wherewith defendeth the pope his church now with Christ or with bears? that is with worldly power and strength. It hath tyghte well been perceived hitherto, and is as clear as the son. That the bears signify worldly might and cruel people: We find it in the second book of Samuel, the seventeenth chapter, two. Sam. 17. where as Eusai reproved the counsel of ahitophel, Saying unto Absalon, thou knowest thy father and his men, how they be strong, and they be chased in their minds, and are even as a bear rob of her whelps in the field. etc. IT sufficeth not to say, I am the chief bishop I have the room of an apostle, I sit in the apostle stole, Petrus must preach, Paulus must also preach. Whiles the pope now followeth not Peter and Paul (the which he taketh for his authores) in preaching, teaching, and feeding of Christ's flock, as the commandment specifieth, so sitteth he besides the apostle stole, and the spirit of god shrinketh from him, the which more strengthened him then all the bears of the world. But the child of perdition with also his great tyranny (even as judas) must needs be set forth and be known. ¶ The pope in his robes thrusteth down the Aigle with the flower deliis at the end of his slaffe. THe crowned aigle doubtless signifieth th'emperor of Rome, whom the pope under the pretense of holiness hath always stopped with the flower deliis, which is the french king. And hath rob th'emperor, of all manner of things, lands, and people, substance and riches, as above sufficiently is declared. The pope fearing lest in process of time, the same things might be taken from him again, and that the righteous heir and lord might fortune to recover them again (as often times hath been seen by certain emperors). He wined him daily more and more to other worldly princes and rulers, & resisted th'emperor, contrary to all right and reason. Neither was he so contented, but provoking likewise other to invade th'emperor. And by this mean he remained a ruler above them all. The same appeared by Constantine the syxthe. For when zacharias the pope could not obtain his purpose of him, he matched himself with Pippin, a lieutenant of france, and made him king thereof. The same was a way and mean to bring th'empire unto France. Is this any other thing, then with the assistance of the flower deliis, to resist th'emperor? Ye, and unto this present day have the pope's always more favoured france, than th'empire. For what soever these two have, hath been in time past, under the occidentalle empire. And to th'intent it be not taken from them again, they stick hard together Et vivit ex rapto, non hospes ad hospite tutus. That is. And the pope liveth by things rob of th'empire. But he that saith so now, is named an heretic, and no where free. ¶ Here kneeleth the pope, and the hand of god threateneth and rebuketh him, but a fox doth counsel the contrary? IN the second book of Moses the third chapter, god showed unto Moses out of a fiery bush, what he should do. Even so is here the hand of god painted in a bush overagainst the pope, sitting upon his knees, threatening and rebuking the pope, because he doth utterly apply himself to the riches & dominion of this world, which is contrary to the vocation and nature of the apostolical function. Such threatenings, admonitions, and warnings, have many years agone been given to the pope, of many and divers faithful men. Ye, and though certain pope's feign would have amended it. It could not be. For it were a great abuse to the church of rome: Nether would the foxesse suffer it to be done, that is to say, the Cardinals, Notaries, and other of that see the which even at this present, pull backwards, fearing, that if the pope should follow Peter and Paul, their doctrine and life, then must they likewise become poor. And that the foxes signify such as attaining to the unfaithful princes and governors, the same shalt thou find. Luc. xiii. where as Christ calleth Herode themperors deputy at jerusalem a fox. Luc. xiii. Whiles now the pope heareth not the voice of god, he imagineth and practiseth all ways and means, to have the Aigle by the throat, that is to subdue, and bring th'emperor under his power and dominion, ¶ The pope hath the Aigle by the throat, and foyneth at the other birds likewise with his threforked sceptre, and the same affirmeth a monk to be agreeable to scripture. WHen a man is taken by the throat, then must he needs do what soever his adversary requireth: How long, and what manner of practice & subtlety the pope hath used until such time as he had gotten th'empire under his subjection, is not necessary here to be written, seeing it is mentioned before. But this is very necessary to be known, after what sort he handled th'emperor, when he took theagle by the throat? In the time of johan the xii and Otto the first there was stablished a grievous intolerable, hurtful and exitiable oath to all th'empire, to be sworn of all emperors, The oath of themperor to the pope in this manner. I Otto the good, promise and swear unto the pope john, my sovereign lord, by the father, son, and holy ghost. etc. That (if I come to the city of rome) I shall exalt and promote the holy church of rome, and thee, as ruler of the same, to my power and ability. And furthermore that thou shalt lose no part of thy living nor dignity, which thou haste with my will, counsel or assent. And within the city of rome nothing to command or institute (concerning things belonging unto you, or the Romans) with out thy counsel. And all the lands longing to s. Peter (so that they come under our jurisdiction) to restore unto you. And whom soever I permit to the governance of italy, him will I likewise bind by his oath to be assistente unto you, and a defender of the Lands and possessions of saint Peter to his power. THe pope had the power to stablish and set forth this oath, by the authority (and according to the tenor) of his spiritual law xii q.i. clericus. is this any better, then taking the Aigle by the throat? Thus became Otto the first emperor of Germany with all his successors very bondmen. And the most richest & also mightiest empire and kingdom of all the world, was in bondage, and remained under the pope's power, & dominion. THus is the temporal governance even here overthrown. The pope's before were servants, and th'emperor a prince and governor over all th'empire. Now is the pope become the governor over all, and th'emperor a servant, In somuch that he must kiss the feet of his subject. A faithful and true German emperor ought rather to grant to be torn in pieces. But doubtless, if he did well begin it, well should come of it. Fie of such shame before god and the world, for this knavery can with no manner of scripture be proved, except only by their own devilish and ungodly laws, which the monk standing here by the pope confirmeth. Ye and to be even as true as the holy scriptures. WHen a right natural heart remembreth well this stinking pride and presumption of the pope, it is for anger like to burst asunder, that the valeante and mighty German emperors have suffered themselves to be made such fools & jesting stocks, as to kiss the feet of so ungodly a creature. I believe that if it were not to vile a thing, they must have kissed the pope's hindermost part. And yet every man may not come so nigh to the holy father. AT the first was it not so, Constantinus the first and all his successors (as many as were Christianes') made and chose bishops at rome and every where. Now make the pope's, emperors, kings and bishops, and therefore foineth he likewise with his sceptre at the other birds, Whiles now the pope taketh upon him the governance and rule of this world, so must he likewise promise and swear to the highest prince of this world, which is the devil. And the same declareth the figure next following. ¶ Here cometh the devil with the pope and giveth him his commandments, according to which he must behave himself in this his kingdom in earth. Whiles (as above is mentioned) by the forsaking of god's word, the persuasion and illusion of the devil, which only is a prince of this world) the pope's be become successors, and deputies unto him, as their chief governor here in earth. So have they nothing more to do with god, Christ nor his doctrine. For Christ saith. joh. xiiii. The prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me, and so shall now (whiles I am here) the prince of the world be thrust out. johan. xii. Thus can the pope have no part with Christ, concerning the kingdom of this world, whiles his chief minister the devil hath nothing in him. Math. 8. How can they now defend the patrimony and possession (as they name it) of Christ and Pieter? Math. 8. c. Luc. 9 f. Christus had not where to lay his head in. And Peter forsook his poor fisher boat, with his patched fishernet also. Christ sought not in this world (as many covetous parsons do, the which gather and heap great substance together, neither dare they spend it themselves, to the end that they might leave much behind them for their executors) but was sent from his father to teach and suffer persecution, which he fulfilled. Even the very same left he to them that be his servants, Mat. 10. b. Luc. 10. ● for a testament, saying, I send you forth, as my father hath sent me, as sheep among the wolves, if they persecuted me, joh. 13.15 they shall likewise do the same unto you, for the servant is no greater than his lord. Here find we very little of the kingdom of this world. ANd thus is all the pope's boast and presumption nothing worth. For he is none of the children of Abraham, (How be it, he writeth and saith himself to be the follower of Christ) but a child of the devil, which fathers words and works he followeth diligently always. And the same verifieth his own doctrine and life, forbidding meats, times, and wedlock, to maintain whoredom, with more other abuses which be not to be spoken. Io. 8. d. 10 a 13. e. 1. joa. 4. HE that heareth gods words, and doth thereafter, is of god. But whosoever heareth them not, is not of god. Then must he needs be of the devil, which is also a father, but of lies, Gen. ●. a. joh. 8. d. 1. joh. 3. b. And who so ever followeth him, goeth about with lies. THe devil is the prince of this world. And the pope writeth himself also a governor of the world, as having received the same of him that had power to deliver it. The devil from the beginning hath been a murderer and liar, and the authore and father of all lies. The same chargeth he like wise his officers and servants withal, for he would give them nothing, doing not his will. Even so is all that longeth to the pope, nothing but murder, lies, and deceit, Ita patrem sequitur sua proles. No crow becometh white with washing. There is now both Crisame and baptism lost. And therefore will the lord subvert and overthrow them, as it is (laudes and praise unto god) begun already, yet they think still, even as they got it, even so to keep it. As is to be seen in the figures following. ¶ The pope thrusteth the lamb thorough with his sword. And therefore giveth him the devil the keys that is, power and might. How be it the pope boasteth & daily crieth, his keys to be of Christ, though it be nothing so. The old fathers perceived the same right well, and therefore have they painted here the devil with the keys by the pope. Because that all the authority which he hath here in earth, cometh not from god, but from the devil. For how could the power of god be with the sword that killeth the lamb. THe devil is the father, and the pope the son The devil is a prince of this world, and the same hath he given unto the pope, as his heir, with all manner of worldly might and power, the same signify the keys, the rod, and the sword. And who soever obeyeth him not in this his power and dignity, the same doth he scourge first with the rod admonisheth him, and curseth. etc. And if that will not help, then must he die with his sword as an heretic. The sword of the spirit which Paul speaketh of, ought rather to proceed out of the pope's mouth, Ephes. 6. Hebre. 4. if he would be named the successor of Peter. But even such a man's servant as he is, such kind of livery weareth he. And the same showeth the figure following. ❧ The pope with his keys, them keepeth a serpent, in his pontifical robes and treasure full of ducats, and the power lamb is the hard cote of. THe devil is the wily serpent, the which yet still by wiliness advanceth the pope's power, ruleth the same and keepeth in strength. Insomuch that by that mean, he hath almost subdued, and brought under his dominion all Christendom, some he seduceth, with money, & so be his ornaments full of ducats, some again with his false and feigned hypocrisy, having a cross in his hands. Some by might and power, So that partly by the sense of the cross and keys, and partly by the devil and France he subdueth altogether. And it goeth with the pope, even as Apoca xiii is written: That as many as will not worship him, shallbe killed. And all his men be marked, so that no man dare by or sell, save he that hath the mark in his right-hand or in his forehead. The poeps mark. There falleth the lamb even to the ground. The pope headeth him, and he must die. In all these doings he hath kept himself with the kocke, that is France, signified by the kocke, which helpeth him to suppress god's word. And all this under a pretence of feigned holiness. So hath he obtained the rule both in spiritual and temporal matters over all Christendom. And with the assistance of his wolves he treadeth unde his feet all rulers & governors that they can go no farther than he permitteth them. As the figure following declareth. ¶ The pope standeth upon the imperial crown having a rasor in his hand, and the wolf the sword. TO be a footstool, is over all the world a vile and abject thing. Neither might th'emperor come to a lower degree, then that he and all other worldly rulers, Psal. 109. Math. 22. d Marc. 12. d. Actu 2. d. 1. Cor. 15. c. Heb. 1. b. 10. must lie under the pope's feet. David could write no greater honour unto Christ in the Psalter, them that his enemies should become a footstool unto him. And so was it the most pain and spite to the enemies to lie under the feet of him that overcame them. Those that be overcome must do unto the conqueror, what soever he will. And so ruleth now the pope themperialle crown even as he will, and hath laid it under his feet that is, under his power. And hath so utterly subdued the same, that it is more to be lamented, then largely described. IT was not enough that the pope had spoiled th'empire both of lands & goods. But he must also have the sword withal. Sap. 6. a Ro. ●0. 4. c rom. 13. a ●itum. 3. 1 Pet. 2. b. To th'end that even as the sword appertaineth to the high powers having lands and people, for the wealth of the good, and punishment of the evil. He might likewise defend and keep all whatsoever he had taken from th'empire. Neither is it against raisin. For a wolf is a tyrant beast, 3. reg. 13 u jud. 8. c Deut. 13 a Mat. ●. b 1. joh. 4. ● specially among sheep, And therefore must he also have weapons to play the butcher and murderer withal but only among the Christians, farther dare he not swell. Concerning these ravening wolves hath Christ and his apostles left many warnings behind them to teach us to beware of them. But the pope's rasor is so sharp, that before a man can look behind him, (ye and scarsse feeleth it) he is wounded with the pope's mischief, wickedness, and ungraciousness. And the same signifieth the razor. Psal 52. a Psal. lii. Therefore now, Dan. 11. e. Isai. 11. 2. Tessa. 2. 1. joh. 2. seeing the pope hath set his seat above both spiritual and temporal powers, ye and entereth into the judgements of god, ruling the consciences of men. And such as hear him not, he punisheth with the bloody sword. Christ thorough his promise and the glory of his name, will suffer it no longer, but hath already thrust him away from him, as the figure following showeth. The angel taketh the keys from the pope, but yet he remaineth proud in his power A. reg. 13. c. A. reg. 15 ●. reg. 16. c ●. reg. 28. HEre it goeth to work with the pope as it did with Saul, which was put down by god, and another anointed king before he was all together put out of his dominion. Saul thought forasmuch as the prophet had anointed him king by the commandment of god, that he might do what soever he would, ye and by the law. Soche pride and disobedience suffered god for a time. ●. reg. 31. a. ●. par. 11. a But it was not rewardide with a mean death, for he killed him self in despair. And so the pope now, judi. 9 v. being neither ordained of God, Christ nor his Apostles, and thinking quietly to live the whiles he hath, hath brought all things under him, so sendeth god an Angel which pulleth away the lion's skin from the ass, and maketh him a mocking stock to all the world with his holy word. In so moch that he knoweth not now which way to go out or in. And although he be suppressid of God, yet, will he not shrink or abash, but keepeth the rod still in his hand, therewith to subdue the consciences of men, & remaineth puffed up as a todde or a bold peacock in his pride by certain people. Which to maintain against the will of god, ●. reg 28. ● Livi. 20. b. Deut. 8. b. Detu. 16 ● he seeketh counsel (as Saul did by the Phytonissa) not by God but by the devil, and by all the devilish people and tyrants of this world. Therefore is he set forth in the figure following without any cross, and his book shit up, and set about with bears. ¶ The pope set about with bears. THe pope's holiness will now almost come to light. And it is so far gone with him, that he saith, if nothing help me so help me the devil and all his household. It was not unknown unto him, that he might not defend himself with the holy scripture, which is directly against him, and therefore hath he shit his book and taken it to himself. Commanding upon great pains and the curse, no man to read in it, lest men should perceive that his dignity could not be proved by the same. And hath set himself among the bears before and behind, above and beneath, that is, with mighty princes and men of wars, which help him to maintain his dignity, to the end that this book, with also his power be not taken away from him. HAth not all this tyranely enough continued almost these thirty years? Let them suffer more that list. Neither is it come to an end yet, god help us. And yet will (notwithstanding) these bears, bloudsuppers, and murderers, be the most Christianes'. These bears need no farther exposition, for we see daily before our eyes what & which they be. Neither is it greatly necessary to recite the great pity, in widows, fatherless and motherless children, the destruction and murder of the people. For it is all clear, as the son. The son hath not yet clearly lycte up the blood of the innocent Abel neither hath the earth drunk it in: O god, in thy kingdom hath the blood of an Innocent man called vengeance upon Cain the first murderer. How can the innocentes blood hold his peace, so long? when the tyrants have bathed themselves almost to the very knee in blood, neither think they as yet to hold up. Here needed well an Helias, which thorough the word of the lord spoke to king Ahab in Israel. 3. reg. 11. 2. reg. 12. Thou hast killed and taken possession of Naboths' vinyeard. Therefore in the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, there shall the dogs lick even thy blood also, etc. But it seemeth (peraventure) unto the righteous and merciful god, as yet to be no time. willing his people to learn to be the more patient, Psal. 9 until the pit be digged up for the ungodly. Psal. xciiii. when the power of the Tiphones ones shallbe gathered together even as Pharaoh, As these giants called Tiphones (through the confidence they had in their great stature) endeavoured to acquire the heavens, so did Pharo the children of Israel, through the trust he had in his great multitude. then shall it be suddenly done with them. ¶ An unicorn thrusteth the pope's crown from his head. How be it the pope with his own falsehood and subtlety hath gotten the reign of this world by the devil (for no christian ever helped another to such a kingdom) he, keepeth himself therein, And though god have put him down, he will not yet avoid, yet shall the righteousness of god come and judge, and even utterly destroy the pope, and expel and drive him out of his reign, which is the devils, by whom he got it, with worldly power. And the same signifieth the unicorn, LEt no Christian be grieved though the pope and other tyrants do yet stick to their dominion before the face of the world. Be it sufficient unto him to know the judgement of god, and that the pope must so long remain and walk in the same state and life, until he happen once suddenly to come under the gallows, And than must he hang without redemption. ALthough the keys, that is the power of absolution, is taken away from the pope, yet is he set here in spite of all faithful persons, to forgive sin, until such time as the sodomitical sin be accomplished. And then will god (even as he did send to the jews a Titum) send a jehu to Baales priests, and suffer them, 3. re. 18. ● 4. re. 9 10. ● one to destroy another. But that the pope should and must be put down from a great dignity and power. And (the whiles he hath the devil the prince of this world to assist him on his side) can not so soon be done as we mean, so must his enemies be as strong as unicorns. David calleth unto the God. Psalm xxii deliver me from the unicorns. Psal. xxii. ● By them he meaneth doubtless his mighty and strong enemies of the which he feareth that he shall in no wise be delivered, except god helped him, as namely, was Saul with his company. Likewise the persecutors of Christ be named in this Psalm unicorns, by reason of their tyranny, wherein they were like to the kind and nature of the unicorn. Thereof writeth job likewise. cap. xxxix. thinkest thou that the unicorn willbe so tame as to do the service? job. 39 or to abide still by thy cryble? Canst thou bind the yoke about an unicorn in thy forow, to make him plough after the in the valeis? mayest thou trust him (because he is strong) or commit thy labour unto him, that he will bring home thy corn, or to carry any thing to thy barn? In no wise. For it is to exceeding strong, fearful and unruly a beast. THe very true horn of salvation that shall overthrow all ungodliness (if thou wilt spiritually understand it) zacharias reciteth. Luce. 1. Luc. i. And what soever god hath spiritually, that is, ordained by himself, that must always proceed in the world There can he well find an assure when his plaisure is, and afterward break the rod also, and cast it into the fire. saying the pope will have it so, that no man shallbe able to resist his power, So must there needs come a more puissant and mightier than he that shall life him out of his nest, that must he needs a bide, and must perish in the mean time, let him defend him well. Mat. 3.17. luce. 3. Apo. 18. For than is all lost. The axe is put unto the root of the tree and the workman striketh already therein, to pull out his root from the ground, in somuch that men shall ask, Apo. 18. where did Babylon the great city stand? ¶ By the pope lieth a strong ox praying, and the worldly governors behold it still. IN the xxii Psa. 22. Psalm complaineth David unto god saying, many Oxen are come about me, and fat bulls close me in on every side. There signify the bulls and oxen, doubtless, the strong enemies of David the king Saul with his adherentes. But spiritually it appartaineth unto the death and passion of Christ, these twain have thorough the help of god overcome all their enemies, as having right, the pope as having no right. The which hath almost brought under him all princes, lands, cities, and people, for all these must lie down at the pope's feet and kiss them devoutly wishing nevertheless to be disamist of it, if possible were. secondarily is likewise this Ox compared to the common poor artificer and husband man. seeing the Ox is a common rude beast, and apt to all rude and hard labours, in the fields and villages, but selden in the great cities, fed with no delicate meats, but only with hay and chapped straw. etc. And is by the pope's ungodly and tirannishe institutes so far consumed, that he can no more pull or draw, and so sore sucked out (ye the very mary out of his bones) that he is no more able to stand, but lieth there, wishing deliverance of the pope's tyranny, but all in vain, for such as should help therein, stand still and look upon it. And every one putteth from him, as if it appertained not unto him. By raisin ought emperors, kings, and princes here to put to their hands, and to help the poor ox out of his misery, and so might their own business likewise prosper the better afterward And the subjects should become the more obedient. For the holy gospel hath taught them how they shall behave themselves toward the potestates and rulers, ye and they would doubtless do it. But in the revelation may we soon see, what they be that worship the beast. Apo. 13. ● And then shall we have the reason and cause why it happeneth not. And therefore becometh of the patient ox a grimminge bear, as showeth the figure following. Falleth on the pope a griminge bear with her whelps. Whiles now the pope and his adherentes even at this present day will not return unto the right way, it is no marvel though every man be unwilling, and both the Oxen and also calves become bears. And is to be feared that if they will so proceed without better heed, that at the last little goodness will come of it. Anno xxv was there an insurrection between the commonle of germany and the spirytualtie. Few remember now that which most pitiousely chanced. Anno xxv God save us from such another fall. I fear me that if it should once again come to such a point, the bear with her whelps would otherwise use themselves, and to earnestly set them to work. But here from will god preserve his people, & for all that drown Pharaoh in the read seas nevertheless. what is it, of a long time, with great pomp and pride (other abominations I speak not of) to keep counsels, or parliaments, for the word of god? God the creator of us all hath not so gloriouselye set forth his acts, with shepherds and fishers kept he his counsels, & briefly fynyhed his matters. But truly even as we mind it, even so doth Christ advance it. ¶ A fox runneth away with the pope's banner. YE and rather than the pope should pass undestroyed, his own family or household should rather do it. The same signifieth the fox. Before he swaded him from god, and now seeing the pope can reign no longer, he departeth from him even as a master of a hundredth crafts, as he boasteth himself to be in Esopo. against the cat which had but one thing to help her withal, but when the hounter came with his dogs behind them both, the simple cat ran upon a tree, and the subtle fox paid for all with his skin. Even so feareth here the pope's famili likewise, in many matters have they been hitherto good enough, but now in time of need, to keep them in their nests, they can do nothing. Therefore they run away with shame from the poop, with goods and substance, which they have gotten from him with their subtleties and falsehood, and thus must he stand alone. Neither is it sufficient unto them, to run away from him themselves, but moreover take also with them, all that longeth unto him, his possessions, honour, and might, that is, they can no more help him with his decrees, for the godly scripture is against them and to strong for them. And so do both the foxes, & might and power run together away. Here may the pope right well think on the poet, where he singeth. Donec eris foelix multos numerabis amicos. Tempora si fuerunt nubila, solus eris. When it was well with me, than had I many friends, but in mine adversity they be all fled away. But truly the reward is but reasonable. Soche as have clothed saint Peter, be most worthy to spoil him again. With craft and subtlety did the popery first come up, and with the same must it come down again, to the end that the salt might return again, whereas it was before, to the water. Therefore he sitteth now naked and bare upon his pardon chest, as a jesting stock to all men. ☞ The pope sitteth here naked upon his pardon chyste, the husbandman mocketh him saying, his folly to be right well known to every man. asmuch as we have written hitherto have we seen in our time, but now resteth this only, that he sitteth not naked. But if we speak according to the holy scriptures, we shall likewise find the same prophecy to be on a good way toward. In divers places in the holy scripture is mentioned, how god hath discovered Sodoma and Gomorra, Iherusalem, and more other lands, and made them mocking stocks to all men, and at last made them naked altogether. Ezechielis xvi. speaketh god in this manner, I will gather together all thine enemies against thee, and will discover thy shame before them, that they may see thy filthiness. I will give the over into their power that they stripe the out of thy clothes. All thy fair and beautiful jewels shall they take from the. And so let the sit naked and bear. etc. THese words with more other, witness nothing else, but that god will trouble their worldly rule and power, and utterly destroy it. So must this figure likewise be set forth here. That the pope at the last loseth all his power, honour, riches, pleasure, his coffers with money, and finally is without all comfort or assistance of all the world, and sitteth bare and naked, And is so much despised, that the very husbandman mocketh him saying. Lo what a goodly pope be you now? Lo what a ruler art thou now above kings and emperors? lo, where is thy godliness? Lo where is thy pardon? Lo where is thy cursing & banning? etc. I think you be but poor now, I think you abide hunger and cold, we will handle you better yet, thou shalt be burnt in the fire, even as thou hast measured unto other. etc. To this end must it come, and let no man be abashed, 4. re. 24. &. 25 2. Para. 36 though it seemeth otherways yet to be. The children of jerusalem must needs to Babel and there suffer out their time, But what followeth upon the same? ●esd. ●. 2.5. Hiere. 3●. 52 when your time then shallbe accomplished, I will remember you, visit you again, and minister my good word unto you, and bring you home again. And the lands of that king shallbe obedient to many kings and people. And finally be brought under the Medianes. Have we been feign to suffer a while? and as yet be? the ungod lie be not shield quite of it, as if they were in the right way. But they shall pay twice for it, which they have at once devoured, as we find it to be happened unto all the ungodly Emperors, kings, and princes, and high priests, in the holy scripture THe same witnesseth not only the holy scripture wherein they believe but a little, The prophecy of Hyllegarde. but the prophecy likewise of a certain Nun named Hillegard, being one of their own mark, saying. All worldly princes and the common people also shall fiercely fall upon you priests, which hitherto have abused me. They will turn you away from them, & put you to flight. They shall take away your substance and riches, because that in your time you have not well kept the order of your priesthood. These words will they speak by you. Let us cast out these othebreakers, robbers, and people replenished of all iniquity out of the holy catholicalle church, for the holy church is contaminated and polluted by them. And therefore will god suffer also such things to come over you. And the kings of the world shall assist them that shall avoid you with their earthly power, and might. Your priestly dignity and annointing will they esteem as no thing worth, And so that propose will they gather together in counsel, that they may drive you out of their jurisdictions, because you have driven a way the innocent lamb from me with your most ungodly and habominable works. THerefore will the heavens rain divers plagues, which shallbe against men, as a revengeance of god. The mist shall cover the whole earth, so that all your grass shall dry up, and your ornaments become pail. The profundity shall sister earthequaking, and then shall appear the very anger of god, and smart both heaven and earth. GOd will send a righteous and straight judgement against the transgressors of righteousness. And then shall we say altogether. How long shall we forbear and suffer these ravening wolves? They ought to be feaders of the souls, and they be destroyers of them. They bind and unbind (which nothing longeth to them) at their own pleasure, and as most fearful beasts they utterly cast us away. And thus remain we still in our, and they in their sins, insomuch that all Christendom perisheth thorough them. And what soever is right that writ they not, but only it which is contrary to the law. They devour us, as the wolf devoureth the sheep, they live still in lust & gloutenye, they be very robbers of the church. And what soever they cancome by, they take & devour it. They make us also with their occupation poor & beggarly. They damn themselves and us also. THerefore will we judge them righteouselye, and separate them from us, for they be rather saducers than teachers. etc. yet care they not for it, and remain so still, making all kingdoms subject unto them. For all this they must away, and leave behind them all that they have, neither shall they afterward rule any more over the people again, with lands, possessions, vineyards, and other temporal goods, which the worldly princes be set for. A pope should be a pope, a knight, a knight. A gentleman, a gentleman. And therefore shall be taken away from such things as they possede unrighteousely, and not righteousely. etc. But against the same will rebel the heads of this world, the spiritual people, as the pope cardinals, bishops, abbates and other prelate's. first with their curse, and with shyttinge up of the heavens, but the same will men fear but a little, An end of the prophecy of the nun Hillegarde. after that will they get them to their harnashe and weapons, therewith to defend them selves. But against the judgement of God they can do nothing, for their time is come. etc. This prophesied the nun Hillegarde. So must now the bloody hoore drink of her chalice, Dan. 7. b Mat 25. d. Apo. 19 d and .20. c and the beast with also the false prophets be cast down in the botthomlesse pit where as is no rest, night nor day, eternally there to suffer pains. And then will Chryst raise up faithful sheep herds to feed his flock. WHat these shallbe, we find likewise in the scriptures openly enough declared, they that come from him. And how may it fail in such as god sendeth? God is righteous, and sendeth also when he seeth his time, righteous shepherds. And they do righteousely, for even as they teach, even so they live. ANd these be the true servants which Christus speaketh of, Math. 24. d. and .25. b. Lu. 12. e. 19 b the which in due time set forth the gifts and glory of the father of the house hold, and not their own traditions, which as yet (god amend it) the whole world is full of. But god will now shortly scum away all filthiness, and thereunto help jesus Christ. Amen. Conclusion. THere be divers such other prophecies not necessary to be written here. I hope there will amendment follow after this, except they have neither eyes nor ears: But whom would not this old and true and faithful declaration of the romish & Babylonyshe bride, bring to conversion & knowledge? She is so clearly set forth and painted with all her falsehood and colours, that it could no live liar be done. Hath not she with her chalice made drunk, and with her subtlety and deceit overcome Emperors, kings, princes and lords? and with her snares overthrown all Christendom? Let every man mark it well. When did they any other thing, but powi and shave, lie and deceive, burn, ban, keep wars and murder? until such time continually, as they were become the heads of all kingdoms. etc. The same hath (as above is mentioned) lasted many years, but now will it take an end. For the time of the whore is come about. Apo. 1. a. 21. a and .21. c Esai. 41. a. & 44. b. &. 48. c And he cometh that speaketh in Apocalipsi. I am A. and O. the beginning and the ending, the first and the last, blessed be they that follow his commandments, to the end that he may come to the tree of life, Apo 22. c. 2 a Gene. 2. b and enter into the gates of the celestial Jerusalem. But out of the same shallbe exclosed all dogs enchanters, whores murderers, Idolotrers, and all such as love and follow lies. SO hath now jesus Christ sent his angel again to show the people that he is the very root of David, and the clear morning star. Ap. 22. d. 2, d, Mat. 2. Luc. 12. ●. cor 4 b 2. Pet. 1. d. And in none other is there any salvation, but in him only, for it is written. Act 4 ● Math 1 c Philip. 2. ● There is none other name under the heavens, wherein we may be saved, but this only. etc. Now he that is faithful, be he still faith full. He that is holy, let him become more holier, and continue to the end, and let him not long for the time approacheth. And thus let every man be warned, for he knocketh, & if ye do open, well and good. if not, you know the danger, both baptism and crifame is lost on such people, and thus Christ send us all his holy spirit. Amen, But whether these or such like prophecies be of god, and by the holy ghost, or no, moveth not me. For as much as I see, when god will show his displeasure and indignation, and will bring to pass some great act, that all creatures do prophesy before, & give warning, although it help but little. Even so when he would subvert jerusalem, his prophets did prophecy it before, but it availed not, Christ had threatened it unto them. The apostles had warned them thereof it prevailed not, They heard voices in the Temple, They saw signs in the element, they heard battles in the clouds, mad men and such as were out of their wits, did prophesy it unto them, but all these things prevailed not, they saw it in act, it prevailed not. And they might have remedied it, if they would have suffered the emperor to rule over them. The emperor Titum Vespasianum. And all prevailed nothing. They were destroyed, for they had despised gods word. Even so shall it happen unto our papists also. It is prophesied unto them by Daniel in the seventh and eight chapter, it is prophesied unto them by Sacharia, in the eleventh chapter, it prophesieth unto them john in his revelations, it prophesieth unto them Christ himself. Mat xxiiii it is prophesied unto them by Paul ii Tessalo ii also i Timo. iiii. It is prophesied unto them by Peter ii Pe. two. It prevaileth not. There prophesieth unto them their own bishops, abbots, monks and nuns, it prevaileth not, it is prophesied unto them by the astronomers, it is prophesied unto them by the common rumour with certain proverbs, it is prophetied unto them by visions and signs in the element, but all prevaileth not. They hear it and see it in act, it prevaileth not. They might turn it, if they would not be above god's word and men's consciences. But would suffer god and his word, to rule over them, and all men's consciences, but all prevaileth nothing. Therefore must they also be destroyed, there is no remedy, that must they see. Therefore let no good christian fret himself with them. But rather suffer and take patience and pray unto God, that it will please him to revenge the shed blood of his saints, and shortly to deliver us of these cruel tyrants. Thereby shall a man get more upon them, then by sword and harnysshe. God knoweth well a Titus, that shall destroy these jews also. Amen. Thus endeth the beginning and ending of all popery or popish kingdom, taken out of old prophecies, more than three houndreth years passed to the amendment of this present world. set forth out of high Almaigne into english by Gualther Lynne. ❧ Printed at London in Aldergate street, by john Herforde, at the costs and charges of Gualther Lynne. Cum priviligio ad imprimendum solum.