Of two Wonderful Popish Monsters, to wit, Of a Popish Ass which was found at Rome in the river of Tiber, and of a monkish Calf, calved at Friberge in Misne. ¶ Which are the very foreshowings and tokens of God's wrath, against blind, obstinate, and monstrous Papists. Witnessed, and declared, the one by Philip Melancthon, the other by Martin Luther. ¶ Translated out of French into English by john Brook of Assh, next Sandwich. ¶ These books are to be sold in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the Parrot. ¶ JOHN BROOK Unto the Christian Reader. AMong all the things that are to be seen under the heavens (good Christian Reader) there is nothing can stir up the mind of man, & which can engender more fere unto the creatures than the horrible Monsters, which are brought forth daily contrary unto the works of Nature. The which the most times do note and demonstrate unto us the Ire and wrath of God, against us for our sins and wickedness, that we have and do daily commit against him. But man's heart is so hardened that those his threatenings and foreshowings are rejected as though they were but fables. Therefore many times the Elements have been and be the heralds and executors of God's justice, as we do read in the viij. chapter of Genesis, Genes, 8 that the waters overflowed the top of the highest mountain. xv. cubits, and drowned all the world except viij. persons. The fire in like manner as we do read in the xix. chapter of Genesis consumed & burned Genes. 19 the City of Sodoma and Gomorra. Also the earth as we may read in the xuj. chap. of Numeri opened her mouth Num. 16 and swallowed up Chorah, Dathan, and Abiron. Besides an infinite number of examples more, which are to be seen in the holy Scripture, and all was done for the wickedness & sins of the people. Therefore the rather to move the hearts of every good christian to fear & tremble at the sight of such prodigious monsters, I have taken upon me to translate out of French into our English tongue these two monsters, the one of a Popish Tip which was found at Rome in the year of our Lord 1496. And the other of a monkish Calf, calved at Friberge in the year 1528. And the willinglyer for that Philip Melancthon & Martin Luther two godly and learned men, have interpreted upon these two Monsters, who were of such authority and credit, that we must not think that they be forged and invented. signifying that these two Monsters may well be compared unto the Pope and his rabblement of Cardinals, abbots, Bishops, Priests, Canons, Monks and Friars, as God's messengers, to give warning unto them that God's wrath is ready at hand to destroy both him & his kingdom, with his whole rabble of Cardinals, Monks & shavelings, disguising themselves so against nature, as these two Monsters were. For Satan is a wily Fox seeking all the means possible thorough his subtle practices, to seduce and keep still in ignorance & error, all Christendom. Therefore let us way diligently these his wondrous works, and repent in time from the bottom of our hearts of our sins, and desire him to be merciful unto us, & ever to keep & defend us from such horrible Monsters. AMEN. ¶ JOHN CRESPIN UNTO ALL which fear the Lord THere hath now been a long time since God doth advertise men of their impieties diversly. God hath not ceased to teach & give advertisements after diverse sorts & fashions, to draw men from their impieties & detestable conversations, & yet nevertheless the ingratitude of the world is so great, that nothing followeth but a hardening of heart more than obstinate. The Lord threateneth, & his threatenings are rejected as if they were but fables. He setteth forth monstrous and fearful figures, The ungrateful men despise the marvels of God. which were enough to make the Devils themselves afraid: And men do see them and let them pass, as if they touched them nothing at all. Furthermore, he declareth effectually that he threateneth not in vain. He declareth by terrible judgements, that he cannot suffer the contempt of his advertisements: Howbeit, men have their senses altogether dull in regard of that: And of a thousand, scantly there are twain which will open their eyes to consider and behold the wonders of the Lord, and to amend their lives thereby. Behold two monstrous figures which are set before us: And the two most excellent men, to wit, Philip Melancthon and Martin Luther, who have interpreted them, are of sufficient authority to make men to understand, that those monsters are not forged and invented fantasies. The first is a general witness of the horrible vengeance of God over every The signification of the first Monster. kingdom that exalteth itself by cruelty & tyranny above the spiritual jurisdiction of the son of God. And because that this tyranny is more lively set forth by the domination of the Pope, them by any other, even so this threatening is referred chiefly unto that Romish Antichrist whom we do see at this day, yea, in his latter age far out of modesty, that he setteth all The Pope that ●now. the world together by the ears. Who after that he hath showed his scales upon his back, and feared them with his claws, feet, nails and talons, cannot choose but cause that his Asses nose may be seen, & uncover his whorish breast and belly, without all shame. The ingratitude of men have well deserved to fall into that brutishness: They see the belly of a whore naked, & yet nevertheless this is their own God, whom they fear and worship, and unto whom they do homage, with their kings, Lords, and Emperors. Now for as much as the monks are the principal props of that drunken and enchanting harlot, The figure of the second Monster. very fit is happened this other monster, in the likeness of a Monkish Calf, having on him a cool, who will play his part as well as the Popish Ass. Giving all men to understand what sanctity hath chief blinded the eyes of the world: to wit, the holiness of a disguised frock and habit. If all that which the cool toucheth be holy, wherefore then shall The holiness of the frock or cool. not this enfrocked Calf be holy, as well as any reverent monk that ever hath been in the world? And if in taking away the cool or frock, the Calf remaineth but a Calf, what shall the monk remain, when his frock & cool shallbe taken from him, but that he is a monk for every man's porridge pot? But this it is, so long as the Devil shall be Prince of the world, the world shall have always their eyes blinded. But as for us we do fear such advertisements of God, let us consider diligently his wondrous works, and prevent the effects of his judgements thorough true repentance. ¶ THE PORTRAITURE OR SHOW of a wonderful Monster which was found at Rome, in the year of our Lord, 1496. ¶ A DECLARATION of the Monstrous figure of a Popish Ass, which was found at Rome in the River of Tiber, In the year of our Lord God, 1496. ¶ By Philip Melancthon. GOD at all times doth lively represent Wherefore god doth sand Monsters. by certain tokens and after a wonderful sort, either his wrath or 〈◊〉: And ch●efely the 〈◊〉 changes, the increasings 〈◊〉 of Kingdoms and Empires: As we may see in Daniel Daniel. the eight, where after the fourth Monarch, the kingdom of Antichrist is also foreshowed: to the end that all true faithful men and Christians should be admonished in good time, and should take heed of his trumperies and deceits, and of his idolatries, and execrable blasphemies, and of all his divine service: the which he hath so greatly, and with such craft under the show and appearance of truth valued, that it is to be feared lest that the elect and faithful be deceived and wrapped in his errors, as jesus Christ saith, Matthew Chapped 24. Mat. 24. Even so then God hath declared great marvels and many monstruous tokens and signs during that Many monstrous signs 〈…〉 barbarous and pernicious domination. And now he hath set forth this horrible figure of this popish Ass▪ which was found dead at Rome in the river of Tiber, in the y●●●e of 〈…〉 thousand ●●●re hundredth four score and si●téene: And in the same he representeth and setteth out so properly, 〈…〉 so opensye, and clearly, the manner of the Pope's kingdom, that it seemeth that man's industry or cunning could not make nor set out one such figure▪ Wherefore we must confess that God himself hath set forth this abhominnable Popedom under one such figure, for to make it to be beheld and seen of men. Truly this is not a figure which is for to signify and declare any grace or favour: But it is a witness of a ●●●tible wrath● by the which GOD declareth his ho●t●●le indignation to this 〈…〉 call doth ●●ation of the Pope, for 〈…〉 doth not only 〈…〉 chaste figure, but also 〈…〉 misshapen members 〈…〉 First of all, the head of the Ass is a description The head of the Ass. The Church is a spiritual body and kingdom. of the Pope▪ For the Church is a spiritual body and kingdom, assembled together in spirit. And therefore it cannot nor aught not to have a man's head, nor a visible Lord. But only the LORD JESUS, which formeth the hearts inwardly, by the holy Ghost by faith, keepeth, reneweth, and governeth them as Lord and head. Contrary unto these things the Pope hath made himself the visible and outward head of the Church: And for that cause the Pope is signified by the head of this Ass, joined with a man's body. For as it is not seemly that a man's body should have an Asses head: even so is it altogether unsmelye that the Pope of Rome should be the head of the Church. For the holy Scriptures do understand by the What the Ass doth signify in the holy Scripturt. Ass, the external and carnal life, and the Elements of the world: As in the thirteenth Chapter of Exodus. And as much difference as there is between the brain of an Ass and the reason and wit of a man, so much difference there is between the doctrine and ordinances of the Pope, and the Doctrine and instruction of the son of God. For in the Pope's kingdom there is nothing but man's traditions and ordinances which bear authority▪ by the which he hath enlarged his limits and boudes, and hath exalted himself in dignity: These are the rocks upon which he is builded. But as soon as he should hear the word of jesus Christ to sound, and that he should suffer that 〈…〉 preached, he shall sodothelye come to 〈…〉 this is the cause wherefore always he 〈◊〉 so much the Counsels. But although it be not compared to the word of God and the holy Scriptures, but only to the natural equity and light of man's reason: we shall find that his brain is the brain of an Ass. The which the canonists themselves do witness, setting forth this matter, that a mere Canonist A Canonist is an Ass. is a very Ass and a beast. Their books do confirm the same so clearly and plainly, that he which shall know them, will not ask, what is he whom they call Ass. For a Canonist is he which hath studied in decrees, or in the right Canon, the Pope's Scholar, having the Pope for his Schoolmaster. Secondly, the right hand like unto the foot of The right hand an Elephaunt, signifieth the spiritual government of the Pope, by the which he amazeth and feareth all the weak and fearful consciences And ●n very deed, he hurteth and killeth an influit number of souls, through so many decrees and intolerable ordinances that he maketh: by the which he chargeth, tormenteth, and casteth down the poor consciences, with sins and terrible a●guishes, without any necessity or derasion. As the Elephaunt which is a beast very great and marvelous to behold, which destroyeth, treadeth down, and breaketh all that that he can lay foot upon. For what is the spiritual kingdom of the The spiritual kingdom of the Pope. Pope, but a cruel but therye and ●●aughter of consciences? The which tormenteth, burneth, woundeth and destroyeth the souls after a tyrannical sort, against the word of GOD, constraining and compelling men to confess him, enduing and persuading them to make vows, either of poverty, or of chastity, and others: bringing in Masses, full of impiety and ungodliness and false penances: making promises, and after breaking them: suffering and afterward forbidding, establishing his pardons and bulls: And finally turning the souls from the true faith and Christian life, for to lead them unto a vain and frivolous simulation of outward works; and unto a false show of holiness. According to that which is said in Daniel, Chapped, viij. Daniel. ● He will put to death the people of the Saints. And in the second Epistle to Timothe, Chapter. iiij. But after 2. Timot. 4. a. 3. their own lusts shall they (whose ears itch) get them an heap of teachers, and shall turn their ears from the truth, and shall be given unto fables. For the right hand declareth the inward Ministry, proper to the consciences and souls: where it is expedient that the son of God our Lord jesus Christ do reign after a gentle fashion: but this gracious Lord, both exercise here a pernicious, unjust, and cruel domination. Thirdly, the left hand which is the hand of a man, The left hand the hand of a man. signifieth the civil power of the pope. The son of god hath manifestly forbidden that power or domination to the Prelates of the Church. Luc. 22 chap. saying: Luc. 22. b. 2● The kings of the Gentiles reign over them, & they that bear rule over them, are called gracious Lords. But ye shall not be so. Nevertheless the Pope, through so many deceits, engines, crafts and enchantments, is mounted unto so high power and authority through the instigation of the devil, that his civil jurisdiction is no less than the most purssant King that one can find. But he hath more, he governeth and hath under his feet all worldly Kingdoms and Empires, as sovereign Lord of All kingdoms and empires are under the Pope's feet, Kings and Princes, whom he hath joined to him for to amplify, beautify, confirm and maintain his barbarous and cruel power and authority. And that is to the end that the Prophecy of the eight chapter of Daniel be fulfilled, saying: He shall be mighty Daniel. 8. g. 24 and strong, but not in his own strength. Finally he is ascended to such dignity, puffed up with such pride, fine with such pomp & magnificence, that never one heard speak of the like thing. There was never king or Emperor which hath made so many wars and which hath shed so much blood. And in steed that he aught to have regard to the dignity of the word of God, to maintain, conserve and keep the commodities and goods of the Church, according as his vocation & office do require, he desireth the chief and principal dominations of the world, he hath learned to make very brave and gorgeous apparel, and to inflame and kindle wars. And giving himself unto all those goodly things, he treadeth under foot, the doctrine, he forsaketh the Church, he suffereth that all the holy things be set for a pray, that the profane and temporal things be spoiled, that all be defaced and turned upside down. Wherefore behold what the hand of man signifieth: The Popish kingdom established through man's wisdom For that kingdom hath been established only through the wisdoms, opinions, and councils of men, without authority of the holy scriptures: when they say that it is a reasonable thing, that the heir of the apostolical seat and the Vicar of jesus Christ, be not subject unto any man. But thanks be unto our good God, the matter is come unto this point, that many of the common people, and others also of all estates, do understand clearly and plainly enough, the goodly shows of so many execrable wickednesses, of which all that Popish vermin hath shamed themselves, and hath defamed the renown of the Christians. Fourthly, the right foot like unto an Ox foot, The right fo●t signifieth the Ministers of the spiritual government, and as a man may say, the Porters, who in oppressing the poor souls, do uphold and maintain the Pope's kingdom. These are the Doctors in Decrees, the Doctors made by the Pope's Those which do uphold the Pope's kingdom Bulls, Dataires, Preachers of Pardons, Mass Priests, Confessors aswell of monks as Nuns: and the chiefest of all this vermin, are the scholastical divines. For what doth all that detestable filthy company, but to put into the head, and to print into the heart of the people those ordinances of the Pope, which are so hard and not to be borne? And to set them forth in all their Sermons, in all their doctrine, in their confessions: That thereby they may hold the poor consciences captive under the foot of the Elephant, the which were already too much afflicted and grieved? All those rascals are as the foot, the foundation and pillar of the Pope's kingdom, the which could never so long time have continued, without the building that those here with the rest of their complices and adherents, have builded upon. I pray you what doth the Scholastical divinity Scholastical divinity. contain, but vain, fond, execrable, and diabolical dreams, and the monstrous dreams of monks, by which they do enchant, tread under foot, keep under, and cast down headlong the poor troubled souls of the afflicted Christians. Matthew. 24. False Christ's and false Prophets shall Mat, ●4 arise etc. Those have made the Pope an earthly God, yea, they have exalted and extolled him above God: And yet these proud Prelates have rejected the word of GOD, contemned the holy Scriptures, and have driven out from among them and buried jesus Christ, only to feed and pamper their fat paunches. For a simple Bull of the Pope, was more terrible and fearful than the judgement of almighty GOD, thundering out his commandments and threatenings. Fifthly, the left foot like unto the foot of a Griffin, The left foot of a Griphin. signifieth the Ministers of the civil or secular power: That is to say the Canonists, the chancellors and the rascals making profession of the Canon law, which of their own accord do acknowledge and confess, that the most holy Canons or Decretals, do smell their most abominable avarice and ambition. For even as the Griphins do not easily let go that that they have once caught or laid hold on: Even so these maintainers and raveners of the Pope, do hold fast all that which they can get, and let not lightly go the pray: and as through the hooks of the Canons they have entrapped almost all the goods of all Europe: and they hold them so fast, that one cannot pull them out of their claws, for the Canons do serve to their insatiable avarice. This deadly Harpy hath devoured all the world: she hath taken away all the goods: she hath endamaged the souls and bodies; she hath stolen unto her all honours. Sixtiy, the belly and the stomach, the which do resemble The belly and the stomach of a woman the belly and stomach of a woman, signify the body of the Pope: That is to say the Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, monks, Priests, and other execrable spiritual Martyrs, and all the rest of his bawds, and fat hogs, which have none other care all their life time but to feed and pamper their paunches with delicious wines and delicate dishes: to seek their ease and all the allurements and enticements to whoredom, & to keep themselves in all pleasures and Idleness, and to give themselves unto all monstrous infamies. The which they may very well do, and freely: For they have many privileges, wherewith they are well armed and munited for to be exempted from all punishment. As we do see this Popish Ass who showeth before all men's eyes openly, What it is to she●● the belly naked. and without any shame his belly of a woman, naked and bore: even so these, without any shame, do lead a dissolute and wanton life, full of all filthiness and wickedness. That which they do is to the horrible offence and hurt and to the utter ruin & destruction of the youth of all nations as the deed itself doth sufficiently declare. There is a manifest description of this in Daniel, and in the second Epistle unto Timothe the third ●. T●●. 3. a. 4 chapter▪ where it is said that t●ey are more greedy upon voluptuonsnesse then the lovers of God. Also unto the Philippians the iij. Chapter. They do make their belly Philip. 3. d. 19 their God. Let us hear also that which is said in the second The description of the popish Clergy after 3. Peter. 2. Peter. 2. c. 10 Epistle of Saint Peter the second Chapter. Namely them that walk after the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness, and despise the government: presumptuous are they, and stand in their own conceit, and fear not to speak evil of them, that are indignity. When the Angels which are greater both in power and might, give not railing judgement against them before the Lord But these as brute beasts, led with natural sensuality and made to that end, that being taken they should be destroyed, speak evil of those things which they know not, and shall perish through their own corruption. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they which count it pleasure to line deliciously for a season. Spots they are and blots, deli●htinge themselves in that they deceive you, in feasting with you. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease to sin, begylinge unstable souls: they have hearts occupied with covetousness, detestable follows. Which forsaking the right way, have gone as●raye following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, which loved the reward of unrighteousness: But he was rebuked for his iniquity, for the dumb beast, whereon he sat speaking with man's voice, forbade the foolishness of the Prophet. These are wells without water, and clouds carried about with tempest, to whom the black darkness is reserved for ever. For in speaking swelling words of vanity, they beguile with wantonness through the lusts of the flesh men that were clean escaped from them which are wrapped in errors, promising unto them liberty, and are themselves the bond servants of corruption. And truly this doth lively set out the Pope, and The lively pa●●●ing out of the popish kingdom. painteth him in his right comoures, and vncouere●● funnye the feminine belly of the Popish Ass. Behold how the f●●thy and vile single life of the papistical Priests and monks, must be figured and declared, which have defiled the holy marriage through execrable filthiness. For in very deed, holiness and honesty of Marriage cannot ●ee set out and represented by such an unshameless and ●●honest Image. But rather it is beautified by the word and blessing of GOD, and by great marvels, and as it were decked and garnished with a goodly argument, and placed in a high place. It is 〈◊〉 true that there are others also which d●●● hurt and de●●le themselves with a manifest turpitude and filthiness, as we may speak this of the paynims and Turks, and as there be a great many profane people among the Christians, adulterers▪ whoremasters, whores and most wick Wolves. Yet notwithstanding those do nothing but that is to the great prejudice of their renown, and in danger to lose all honour: as they are never without fear, whether they be hanged on the gallows, o● that they be evil spoken off, or that every man doth mock them, ly●●●nge out their tongue, or that they be torn in pieces by force or outrage. But these wicked villames, effeminate, impudent, The Pope and his, are without shame. bellies full of all filthiness, do cover and cloak themselves with the name of CHRIST, and do let slip the bridle unto all madness and wickedness, and do give themselves licence without fearing any punishment, without caring to be rebuked: And not only that, but also with all these detestable villainies, they would be called spiritual, the holy Fathers, and the Catholic Church. And being not yet content with that, they go about to pursue, chastise, and spit●e in other men's faces, because of the moat that they see in their eyes, and of the Gnat and little Fly that they do see them swallow down: And yet they will not that any should check and rebuke the great beam that The Popish Clergy will not be rebuked. is in their eye, nor the Camel that they have swallowed down: But on the contrary, that the blemishes so apparent and evident may be hid and covered, yea▪ beautified and set out with the title of JESUS CHRIST and of the Church. Even so truly, there is neither sacryledge●, nor murderer, thée●e, nor whoremaster, which abuseth the majesty of the name of the son of GOD and of the Church, for to hide their execrable filthiness, but that whorish belly of Antichrist. And therefore the murders, thefts, the monstrous whoredoms, the horrible wickednesses of this Idol of Rome, do surmount a great deal the wickednesses, cruelties, and madness, of Nero. Seaventhlye, the scales of Fishes, wherewith The scales o● fish. the arm, the feet, and the neck of that Popish Ass are coured, and not the belly nor the breast, do signify the Princes and secular Lords. For the sea is oftentimes taken in the Scripture for the world, and the fishes for the men of the world: As jesus Christ himself interpreteth the Nets of Saint Peter, Mat. 4. when he said, I will make you fishers Mat. 4. c, 19 of men. The scales do signify an embracing or tying What the scales do signify in the Scripture. job. 41. 2. 6. together; as the Lord faith in the. 41. Chapter of job. His body is covered with scales, as it were with ●●eeldes locked in, knit, and well compact together. One is so joined ●o an other, that no air can come in. ●uen so the Princes and other great Lords of the world have always cleaved and stand ●ast The princes do cleave always unto the Pope. together, and are yet at this day linked and tied unto the Pope and to his barbarous, and tyrannical kingdom. It is very true, that they cannot allow, hide, neither praise, nor cloak, his drunkenness, his gluttony, his horrible whoore●omes, his unlawful voluptuonsnesse: For one cannot rightly there perceive any scales which do cover his stomach and his belly. Notwithstanding that by their cloaking thereof, in 〈◊〉 their eyes, and suffering that that they do see, they are so much the more surely tied and linked ●ast to the neck, legs; feet and arms: that is to say, they do embrace, defend and maintain his greatness and magnificence, and his barbarous and tyrannical estate, as an estate lawful and ordained by the word of GOD. And that same doth exalt and li●t up his crest very proudly and with an arrogant and proud obstination. To conclude, they do confirm his spiritual and politic government, by decrees and ordinances not to be borne with: they do beautify them with goodly E●n●●●, and do establish his pomps and royal faculties through strange doctrines. Furthermore, to the end that the ground & foundation An●echrist made strong by the gifts and foundations of Princes. of that retreat of Antichrist be more firm and sure and to endure and continued the longer, they do make lay men's testaments and wills, they heap up to them revenues, they constitute Monasteries, they build Temples, they do ordain convents and Colleges of unmarried people, as of markets and open Fairs of such manner of Canonists, Dunces Sophisters, Beggars, Preachers for money, Confessors and Doctors: and as of public exercises and theatres, of whom one can hear nothing to sound, but of the spilling and marring of the celestial doctrine. And for to speak briefly, the great goods the riches and favourers of the world are so well and so firmly and strongly tied and fastened unto him, that there is neither wind nor blast, there is neither spiritual doctrine neither word of God, which can separate or pluck them, from him. Eightly, the head of the old man issuing out of The head of the old man issuing out of his buttocks. his buttocks, doth signify the decrease, the oldness, and the end of the Pope's kingdom. For the forepart or the face in the holy Scriptures doth signify the increase or advancement: and the hind part or the back, or the buttocks, do signify the declination and the end, as you have the like speech in the viij. chap. of Saint Paul to the Hebrews: That which is disannulled Heb. ●, d. 1● and waxed old, is ready to vanish away. Then that monstrous figure declareth that the barbarous tyranny of the Pope is now come unto his last end, and that of himself it aught to wax old and come to naught without any sword or outward violence, as it is foreshowed in the eight Chapter of Daniel, Daniel. ●. g. 25. that he shall be destroyed without hand. For there is so great increase of superstitions, and such a bundle and farthel of vices, that of necessity his own weight must 'cause him to fall down: and that the groanings, complaints, and sighings of all people & nations may be heard: Forasmuch as the word of God hath discovered and revealed before all men's eyes, his impiety, malice and cruelty. Even so the glory of this world passeth, and the play is nigh at an end. After this sort than we do see, that that Image or figure agreeth properly with all the Prophecy of the eight chapter of Daniel: and that the one and the other are agreeing with the Papistical kingdom. Ninthly, the dragon coming forth of the arse of that The Dragon coming forth of the Asses arse popish Ass, and casting out of his open mouth a great flame of fire, signifieth the horrible bulls and the terrible lightnings of excommunication, & the tempestuous threatenings which the Popes and his adherents do spew out furiously upon all the world, when they do see their end nigh at hand, and that they must perish suddenly. For this is the latter and most furious rage and The latter tempest of the Romish An●echrist madness of Antichrist: this is his latter endeavour, yea, if peradventure these raveners may keep whole that abomination, through the ●stonishments and threats of the bulls, and afterwards through lies, wrongs, cursings, enchantments, pricking injuries, and bitter scoffings of his goodly Rhethoricians, as Eccius, Fabor, Emserus, Wicelius, and other like. The Pope's Rhethoriciners Notwithstanding the time is come that we have no more need of such aid nor of such defend●urs. For what shall the Dragon win to bite the clouds? What shall ●e gain to burn the air with his flames? And truly there is none that feareth those poisoned bulls and full of cursings and enchantments: Forasmuch as the light of the truth is so clearly kindled and lighted. Tenthly, for that this Popish Ass hath been found Rome, the place where the popish Ass hath been found'st. at Rome, and not at an other place, doth confirm that which hath been recited before, that the same cannot be understanded of any other power and domination then of Rome. For at this day in our time, there is no power which is like or more greater in the City of Rome, then that of the Pope. For GOD hath always declared by marvelous signs and tokens in those places which those signs do signify and betoken some thing, as it happened in Hierusulem, and for that that this Monster was found dead, that is an argument that the end of the Pope's kingdom draweth on fast. And we must have neither sword nor any strength of man for to put it down: But the heavenly virtue, shall 'cause that of himself it shall be overthrown. For this prodigious Monster was not killed by any counsel or means of men: But was found dead, and was revealed by the singular providence of God. Finally, I would admonish every one not to despise We must not despise the monstrous signs such a prodigious sign sent of the Majesty of GOD, and to beware of the pestilent contagiousness of Antichrist and his members, and to flee from him. And to be afraid of him. It is most certain that GOD hath used towards us a most great benignity and gentleness, for that he hath set forth before us, Antichrist in a figure so vile and disformed, as painted in a table and lively set forth, that one may easily assail it with hands, that God will effectually provide for our health, and desireth that we be drawn out of that detestable retreat of immortal impiety of that strange beast. And as touching the Papists, according as their baiting frenzy and their impetuous madness well meriteth, they may think on this, or let them not be angry: As in deed there is neither sign nor miracles The Pope & his do condemn all signs and miracles. sent by the hand of God, which can move them neither astonish or warn them. But as Giants without fear, they do beaten and fight against the lightnings and thunderings▪ and do follow their fathers, Pharaoh and Chore, whereof the one was drowned in the waves of the Sea, and the other swallowed up in the earth: and both of them are sunk even to the bottom of hell. But we for our parts let us rejoice and take comfort, & let us put this sign in the number of those who do declare unto us the day so long desired, so healthful, so goodly, the coming of our Lord and redeemer jesus Christ. In the mean time, let us suffer our enemies to do as they list, and to kick obstinately against the prick. And let us behold whether the troubles that they have heaped up more and more, shall be to molest and grieve God or themselves. Nevertheless I am not much angry withthem, forasmuch as they are so desperately mad, and that they do so trouble the heaven with the earth. O good God, if I were so painted forth at God's hand, with a figure and shape so odious and terrible, I could in no manner abide and suffer it. For either I should die for very fear, except that I had an heart of iron or steel, as they have: Or else I should burst and clean a sunder, with despite, choler and madness. What is he then that goeth about, either by counsel or by commandment, to obtain of them, that they would pardon the Lord jesus one such contumely and wrong which is done unto them by such an Image or figure. Inasmuch as they being reprehended or reproved with one only letter of the word of God, are suddenly inflamed with anger and rage? For as much as the Lord doth suffer them to ele●a●● themselves against him, although that they do band●e his word after so wicked and cruel fashion. Yea, in the figure of a Devil they He meaneth the execrable Idol of the Cake in the Mass. do set him forth the one to the other, for to laugh and mock: and yet it doth not anger him▪ making him to believe that the same is good to his Church, and that they do it by his commandment. What is he The horror of the papistical impiety. that dareth think any other thing, or gainsay them, except that he is willing that all their furies, pains, enchantments, and torments of hell do fall upon him? For their fury is irremissible and is not without great force, for as much as they are of the high Gods exalted above all the gods, according to that that Saint Paul and the Prophet Daniel, speaketh off. ¶ THE APPROBATION of Martin Luther. THis Popish Ass is of himself a monstrous figure, fearful & horrible, and the more that one doth behold him, the more terrible he appeareth. But behold which is the most terriblest of all, that God himself hath formed and revealed this monster, as a figure full of fearfulness. For if any workman had drawn it, painted or engraved it, one might well mock of it, and not to pass on it. But because that the holy divine majesty hath formed and made it and that he hath set before us such a figure, it behoveth all men to tremble▪ when and as often as the same doth come in their remembrance: and that they be estonned & amazed, as of a thing of which one may easily conjecture of the thought, counsel and will of God. Is there any man in the world which would not be afraid, if he should see a wicked spirit, or a fancy, or if he do hear any sudden bruit or noise, or any groaning God doth show himself irreconcilable under the figure of the Popish Ass. or lamentation of spirits. Yet notwithstanding one aught not to esteem the same but as a false visage or a play of little children, in comparison of this Image and monstrous figure. In which god himself appeared in a terrible form, showing an unappeasable severity. We must necessarily say, that there is a terrible indignation of God kindled against that Idol of Antichrist, the which all that company and rascals of the Pope, do stir up and provoke as of a set purpose and of an hard froward stubbornness: & the beginnings do agree so well and so fitly, that one can in no wise doubt. For as much then as Sodom had of so long time and through so execrable misdeeds provoked God's wrath: and as the ruin being nigh at hand, there rested but a little time to repent them: then she did give herself freely unto all execrable wickedness, and hardened herself with such obstinacy, that she did plainly mock God, and did exalt herself against him with an intolerable fierceness and cruelness. But scantly the heaven had given her clearness the next day morning, but behold it was suddenly swallowed up & consumed. We must not doubt, but that all that band of the Pope doth spin all one thread. They have hitherto let ●●ippe the bridle unto all detestable filthiness: rebellious people & altogether obstinate against God: being drawn from the just obedience of man's▪ dominations, as if they were brethren germans of Epicures: yea, and not believing as the Devils do, who do tremble when they hear God spoken off▪ as the Scripture saith: and understanding nothing of heavenly things, have no more care of the blessed life and of eternal health and salvation than the most grossest Ass that ever was. As in very deed they have this opinion of the Gospel, that it is a fable: and do judge of the Christian faith, that it is the feigning of a Poet without grace or favour, according to that goodly sentence & Oracle of Epicures, all is nothing else but dust & mockery, and all is nothing. And although that before the time of their fall & ruin they are exhorted by so many strange figures and fearful signs sent of GOD, for to call them to repentance: yet nevertheless they are the more obstinate and out of all order: in such sort that they do heap up, nourish and augment more and more, a proud, negligence and arrogant profanations: In so much that with much ado they themselves can suffer their rashness, boldness and wickedness. And as though there were no heavenly and celestial anger, nor majesty in heaven for to break and disperse their rages▪ in the mean season do mock of these fearful signs, as if they were deceiving shadows, or flying dreams. Such a foolish boldness and brutish assurance is an evident argument of the inenarrable wrath▪ of the Lord, who will suppress and consume those hoggish Epicutes, and dull asses, before they are ware of it. Then only with fear and trembling they will learn to cry and howl. But God of his own accord will not 〈◊〉 them▪ as it is said in the first Chapter of the proverbs▪ ●ée have forsaken my counsel, Pro. 1. d. 25 and have despised all my corrections: Therefore shall I laugh in your destruction, and mock you, when the thing that ye fear cometh upon you. One may know for a truth that Satan is a great and a mighty spirit▪ who holding under him she understandings and minds of men as slaves, bendeth, and driveth them with such violence, that not only they do plunge themselves within the vices (which seemeth rather to be a work of a little devil▪ learning his occupation). But also do make open war against God of their own free william. For we must think, what that tyranny is: how desperate that furor and madness is▪ when a miserable man being constrained and compelled in his conscience, can put forth that words, and to confess for certain, this is the word of God, of which I do not doubt: But although that the son of God hath pronounced if, the Apostles have preached it: Yet nevertheless I will shut the eyes, I will stop the ears for to reject it, & will withstand it hand & foot, & will persecute & condemn it as a pernicious heresy. And if there be any one in the mean time which will tender obedience unto god, to believe the gospel, and will not consent with me: I will kill him▪ I will banish him from his inheritance, I will not suffer him to devil in any place: And will do all that in despite of the word of God. O good God, had I ever thought in all my life time, to have seen so great sins, such a rage and so furious cruelty of the enemies of the Gospel, at such time as I did not yet but lay the first foundation of this cause? And nevertheless (alas) I do see those things The word of God & his truth called heresy by the Papists. now, being constrained to hear, that the word of god the truth that is confessed and known, to be called heresy: and to be banished and driven away most villainously, as buried. Of right such viper's are figured and noted by the Dragon's head, which cometh out of the arse of this Popish Ass, spewing out a retreat full of filthiness. The Popish Ass a piece of carrion without life. But thanks be unto God, both the Dragon and the Popish Ass are but a piece of carrion, and shall take unto them again neither life nor strength, nor shall never recover their dignity & tyranny (the which they do promise' nevertheless) for any thing that the devil doth in them. For it is said in the creed, I believe in God the father almighty. It is said also that he that abideth in us, is more greater than he that is in the world. And although that the devil have great power, yet he shall not be altogether puissant. This is an infallible rule. HERE FOLLOWETH THE Portraiture or Figure of the other, that is to wit, of a monkish Calf, calved after this fashion in the City of Friberge in the country of Misne. Anno. 1528. THE Interpretation of Martin Luther, of the Monster, in the figure and likeness of a monkish Calf, drawn out in the leaf before. AS touching the Prophetical interpretation of this monkish Calf, I will leave it to the spirit: for I am no prophet. Yet nevertheless one may well affirm this generally of many such marvels, that God doth sand them as presages and forewarnings of sorrowful adventures, motions, brutes, troubles and commotions to come. And I do exhort Germany to assure themselves boldly and to attend certainly such comings. But to determine of chances and to foreshow how long time they shall continued, or in what ti●e the deliverance shall come, the same belongeth to the Prophet●. As for me, I will desire willingly that the latter day were at hand: the which I also do think, that the days wherein we are, are as forerunners of that blessed day, the which will not tarry long after. And me thinketh that the cause that I have to hope so, is not frivolous nor vain. And in very deed, before time there hath been almost a continuation of certain worlds, in which men have seen daily monstrous things, and worthy of great admiration: And at this day all the world burning with a terrible heat, bringeth forth motions very pernicious, who commonly are not appeased without great changes & alterations of kingdoms. To conclude, that the light of the Gospel, shineth now wonderfully, the which commonly was wont to bring with it alterations, troubles and tempests, because of the hard obstination, and furious ragings of the wicked. And truly I will not speak but of things which are true: and will show wherefore God hath set forth such a sign in that monkish Calf, and for what cause he hath defiled the religious habit or apparel with one so vile a spot: Forasmuch as without the habit of a monk he might signify and declare the evils to come as properly and well by any other show or token. Even so than it is not long sithence that by his providence was calved at Langdesberge a certain Canon Calf, or a monkish Calf. It declareth thereby, that all religious men and monks aught to have their eyes thereon still fixed, and that he beholdeth them, and that he hath determined to punish them: For this same year he will use none other miracles, than those which have respect unto such holy and spiritual people. For god painting out of late that excellent Monarch Daniel 8. d of Alexander king of Macedonia under the figure and likeness of a Goat, besides the Prophetical interpretation of the discomfiture and vanquishing to come: he hath also set forth and represented the nature of the Grecians, which are wanton as the Goats. And all that that they have conceived in their mind how high and hard that it be, they hope to bring it to pass, and to attain unto it through good councils, through great viua●ilie and stoutness of the mind. In like manner in this figure of this monkish Calf, besides the Prophetical declaration, there is also an Image or figure of the life, of the doctrine of the services and observations of the monks: And it is possible that thereby there is an advertisement of the cause of the calamities nigh at hand. That is to say, that the superstitions, the deceits and wickedness of the monks, do cause the punishment to increase, for as much as by the pharisaical doctrine of works, they do abolish the faith which is in our Lord jesus Christ, and do transform and change into the flesh of a Calf man's heart, which aught to be the Temple of the holy Ghost. Furthermore, let an other draw the prophetical sense: as for me for to please my order, I have taken upon me to interpret my monkish Calf: The Canon Calf shall have an other for his expositor. For so much the more willingly do I take the charge to make this declaration, for that I do see that the obstinate courages and more harder than the rocks, of those which shall be grieved with this my explication, shall be so much the more wounded and shall be come more eager. As in very deed they do arrogantly despise all that which cometh out of my mouth, and do babble every where, that all my words are as much to be esteemed as the spittings of heretics. For that cause they aught not also now The interpretation made for to harden the hearts of those which do give no credit unto the advertisements of the faithful. Esa 6. c. 10. to give any credit unto mine advertisement, but do wax more hard hearted, and do make themselves more and more obstinate, hurting and molesting themselves more than ever any did, and forsake not their filthy and wicked life, as it is said in Esay the sixth Chapter, harden the heart of this people, stop their ears, and shut their eyes, that they see not with their eyes, hear not with their ears, and understand not with their hearts, and convert and be healed. Even as then Balaam could by no means obey The Papists hearts hardened after the example of Balaam. the word of God, and although he was rebuked by his Ass speaking unto him in a man's voice, yet nevertheless he could not amend it: so one may say the like of those holy Fathers, which have hitherto stopped their ears at the clear voice of the verity of the Gospel. Now they aught to behold themselves in this Calf and in the Cow, as in a glass, and to consider what they are before God, and what reputation and what voice they have in heaven. And yet nevertheless they aught to shut their eyes that they do see nothing of all this, whereof they may repent themselves, for to avoid the horrible judgement of God. For there is neither forewarning, word nor sign that could The hearts hardened after the example of Pharaoh. move or bend the hard heart of Pharaoh. First, that I may speak briefly, think not, that the same is a mockery or a fable, that God hath clothed a Calf with a religious habit, & with a monks cool. We must not doubt, but that he noteth by that Image or figure, a certain assemble of people, of which one may clearly know, that the Moonkery is nothing else The Moonkery is but a vain appearance. but a vain appearance and show of godliness, and outward hypocrisy of a holy life allowed of God. For even until this times we poor and miserable men have had this opinion and have believed, that the holy Ghost dwelleth under the frock, and that the same habit doth cover nothing but the holy Ghost. But God hath revealed here, that there is nothing under that habit but a Calf. As if he would show that there is a Serpent hid under the grass. For the golden calf of Aaron, lifted up in the wilderness, unto The golden Calf of Aaron whom the children of Israel did represent & give the honour that appertained and belonged unto God, Exodus Exo. 32. Chapter. 32. teacheth plainly what the Calf may signify. It is said in the 106. Psalm. They Psa. 106. c. 2● have turned their glory into the similitude of a Calf, that eateth hay. It is spoken also of the Calves of jereboam, made in bethel and Dan. 1. Reg. Chapter. 12. ●. Reg. 1● against whom the Prophets have cried very sharply. In like manner let us behold a little that same monkish Calf, how that his cool doth represent there a figure of all the order of monks, with all their services and divine observations, of which they do make so great account: as of their Pater noster, so oftentimes repeated, of the fair of their Masses, of their goodly songs, and fastings, and other like. But unto whom is that goodly service represented? who is honoured? of whom doth it depend? unto whom is it tied and fastened? unto the Calf. For the Calf is clothed with a frock, as we may see here. And what is that Calf? It is an Idol forged and The Calf is an Idol forged in the spirits of monks. made, abiding and dwelling in their spirits full of deceits. What is that that these things do? They do after this sort. These holy Masters have an opinion imprinted in their understanding, that in their monkish and solitary religion, they do serve and tender obedience The religion of the monks builded upon ceremonies and outward works unto the true God, the which religion they have constituted in Ceremonies & observations of certain outward works, by which they do think that they have well deserved heaven: and not in the certainty & trust which embraceth the benefit of jesus Christ. For it is even thus, that there is no God, either in heaven or earth which would be so served & worshipped but the devil & the Idols. For none can serve nor obey the true God, but in spirit & truth, john the 4. Chapter: That john. 4. c. 24 is to say▪ in faith and true & spiritual movings of the spirit, the which the holy Ghost doth created, stir up, & quicken in us▪ Esa. Chapter. ●v. Wherefore these false Esa. 55. religious people cannot offer unto any their services, the which they do cloak & hide under the name of God, & in the mean time turning themselves from all the ordinances The service of the Monks cannot profit any man. & heavenly manifestations, & cannot bring them back again, nor set them up, but in rejoicing & flattering their vain imaginations, the which they have forged of their own brain, dreaming that such services & observations are agreeable unto God. Such foolish and 〈◊〉 imagination is nothing but lyings and an Idol 〈◊〉 and forged of their own brain, neither more nor less, but even as the paynim or jews do f●●●● strange Gods. Behold, this is the Calf, this is the impiety: this is the carnal opinion covered and hid with the religious habit: this is the Idol to the which they are bound and tied, the which they do garnish and beautify with Ceremonies and with a goodly kind of shows. The Calf doth not live but of herbs and grass. For such hypocrites have no knowledge of the eternal goodness, but do fat themselves with the pleasures of this present life: As one may plainly see that the most puissantest and ample riches, What it is to be nourished & said with grass and the most greatest pleasures, and the most highest dignities and honours are belonging unto the people of the Church, as one calleth them. And even so these Calves have found grass for their own tooth. And this is happened unto them, that they have turned Psa. 106. c. 10 their glory into the similitude of a Calf that eateth hay. For Christ is our true glory, in whom we must triumph, glory, and rejoice. These here clean contrary, do seek an other glory in their hearts, and do advance and brag themselves very proudly of the trust of their merits and works. Such a Calf is come in the steed of jesus Christ, & in usurping the name of him, he doth blaspheme and dishonour it. Secondly, the monkish apparel rend full of holes What doth signify the skin of this Calf, being torn or rend. about the thighs, feet, and belly, do signify that in that solitary religion and in those Ceremonies and observations full of deceits, there is no agreeing that is perfect or whole: And yet the holy Scripture requireth chiefly and before all things, that the Christians and faithful be of one fellowship and unity. As it is said in the 133. Psalm, O how good and Psa. 133. 2. 2. ● joyful a thing it is: brethren to devil together in unity. But these mad brains, superstitious and too holy monks knew very well to forge, invent & find out so many differences of sects and opinions, as there is of divers apparel among them. The Cordehers, that is of the order of Saint Frances, do magnify The frock divided into many sects. their order: The Iacopins, that is of the order of saint Dominicke, their rule: The Benedictines will in no case lose their honour: The Augustine's do go on the right side: The Charterhouse monks on the left: The Celestines do keep their company: To conclude, there is not one but that he thinketh himself very fine and trim in his apparel. So we seeing that the frock is rend and torn about the thighs and feet of that Calf: Although that all were of one will and did agree well, as much as concerneth the apparel of the Calf: that is to say, although that all did nourish that obstinate opinion in their hearts: to wit that they did doubt or distrust of the mercy of God: and on the contrary did lean and stay upon the affiance and carnal assurance of their works, according to their observations. We shall know this more clearly, if we do understand The thighs do signify extremity. the end and extremity by the thighs, and i● we will make of the feet props by the which this Calf, that is to say, this false Mask, is holden up and maintained. For there was never so many sects, so many households, so many differences, so many names, so many orders, or rather disorders brought in, as have been seen in our time, when the end is nigh, and that that bile should break: seeing that the vanity, and the deceits are uncovered and made known, ●o shall we see all this infection to fall down. The feet do signify those bold brethren and other●▪ What 〈◊〉 of this Calf do 〈◊〉. those Sophisters, and our worshipful master's 〈…〉 have the pre-eminence above other: & which are 〈…〉, and the most skilful or cunningest 〈…〉, who do know full well to keep, amplify and establish the dignity and great authority of that 〈◊〉 religion, either by writings, preachings, lectures, disputations or doctrines: and do endeavour themselves with all their strength thereto, and do imprint it into the hearts of the people throughout the whole world. For every trifling thing they fall out and disagree among themselves: and as many as there be The monks disagreeing in opinions. The Calf doth counterfeit the monkish Preachers. of heads among them, so many opinions there be. Thirdly, this Calf representeth the gesture and countenance of a Preacher. For he standeth upright upon his hinder feet: and of the two fore feet, he casteth the right after the manner of a Preacher, and holdeth back the left, he hath his head lifted up: he putteth out his tongue: there is nothing in him, which doth not represent those great Criers in the flesh. Even then as the Popish Ass hath been an Image The monks the Apostles of the Pope. or figure of the Papistical kingdom, so this Moonkis● Calf doth represent the Apostles and Disciples of the Pope, in such sort that all the world doth well see what Doctors or Preachers they have heard until this present time, and what they do hear at this day. For can any man find an Apostle more fit for the brain of an Ass, than the head of a Calf? This is a fit cover for the pot. The carnal government hath always a carnal doctrine. And therefore the Calf is yet without eyes, or blind, for to figure those of whom jesus Christ speaketh off in Saint Matthew the 23. chapter, saying. Mat. 23. b. ●● Woe be unto you Scribes and pharisees, blind guides. And Esay in his. 56. chapter saith. All his E●●. 56. c. 10 watchmen are all blind, they have altogether no understanding, they are all dumb Dogs, not being able to bark, they are slippery: sluggish are they, and lie sweeting: they are shameless Dogs that be never satisfied. The shepherds also in like manner have no understanding. We might very properly or fitly apply many other things in that Monster, unto the Monks and Sophisters. As this: The ear tied to the frock, signifieth The ear noteth the confessions. the insupportable tyranny of confessions, by the which they do cast and throw the poor consciences into the devils throat, and do put them in a terrible bondage. The putting out of the tongue, doth signify that The tongue all their doctrine is no other thing but the tongue. That is to say, a babbling and full of vain words. The two little warts or knobs which appear The two wart● or knobs like peason. upon the head, should have been two horns. And the horns do signify the Preaching of the Gospel, the which make us obedient unto death or to the cross, destroying the old man: as it is said by the Prophet Micheah the fourth Chapter▪ I will Micheah. 4. d. 13 make thy horn iron and thy claws shall be of brass, that thou mayst grind and crush in préeces many people. Yet nevertheless this Calf hath no horns, but The monks do turn the preaching of the Gospel unto men's traditions only certain appearance or tokens of horns, which do not much appear. For although that those do brag and boast themselves of that title, that they are Doctors of the Gospel: Yet nevertheless they do turn it foolishly unto the traditions of men. So then from the crown of the head, which is shaven, do appear two little knobs like unto pease. For under the 〈◊〉 of the Gospel, he hideth and covereth what him listeth, and cannot suffer or abide, that the Gospel should come forth of that hull or shell: But it must agreed to the sanctity of that shaven crown: And chief as touching the Pope which is the head, of all those shaven heads. And for that the Cool is so fast behind the The monks cool or hood tied to the neck. neck, the same declareth the incredible obstination of the superstition and of the errors of these doltish monks, concerning the observations and Monastical ceremonies. As in very deed they are plunged and fastened so deep within such filthiness, that there is neither virtue nor force, nor the light of the Christian verity, how great soever that it be, which can in any wise draw them forth for to behold the light. Now for that the Cool was tied and close behind The monks do keep and hold fast the hood & forsake & let go transitory goods at the back, and that towards the belly or before it appeared to be open or unsewed, doth signify that those do show in their outward apparel a certain godliness: and it is under the colour that they do forsake and renounce all transitory goods. But if they must come unto God, or if one would bring them to the eternal life, one shall find that those are naked bellies, and unprofitable burdens for to consume the goods of the earth, yea committing all enormities: of which I love rather to hold my peace. And whereas that the jaws below are like unto the jaws of a man, and those above with the nostrils like unto those of a Calf, the same signifieth that in their doctrine they speak very often of the civil works of the heavenly law: But in the mean season there is nothing but that it smelleth and savoureth of the Calf: that is to say, that the discipline, righteousness and the Philosophical virtues are there too much praised. For the two lips of the mouth, do signify two sorts and kinds of doctrines: the neither lip signifieth the explication of the Law: and the upper lip the preaching of the Gospel and of the heavenly promises. But in steed of the Gospel, and of the promises touching the reconciliation made by jesus Christ, they do preach the mouth of a Calf: That is to say, they do To preach the mouth of a calf preach the great recompenses and rewards which are given in heaven for man's works diligently done, but without faith. Finally this Calf is not hairy in any part, or hath The calf with out ha●●● no hair as other Calves have, the same doth signify the goodly and shining hypocrisy by the which these doltifh monks have deceived all the world. Insomuch that they which are the cruel homicides of souls, and the mad upholders of the devil have been notwithstanding esteemed and counted holy and spiritual fathers. All these things are now openly known by a clear light: This Calf is come forth from the hid secrets The Calf coming out of the belly of his mother. of the belly of his mother. They can no longer be kept in a secret place and hid from the sight of men, nor cannot choose but that they must be perceived. Let them cloak or hide it as much as they will, but that shall not let that the mask or disguising be not taken from them, and that they be not brought forth in the light and their t●●pitude and filthiness be not known or uncovered, that all men may show or point at them with their f●●●er. For I will leave to every man's liberty to judge of this interpretation. For although that the exposition▪ 〈…〉 fit enough, yet nevertheless it is of itself sound enough and very well builded and grounded upon the witnesses of the holy Scripture, The exposition of the calf builded upon the ●●riptur●● that the Moonkery is such in very deed as we have described. Forasmuch then as this Calf agreeth properly with the dwine Oracles, let every one diligently take heed or be well advised what & is y he shall despise when he shall despise & reject this my interpretation. In this Mo●ster there is more than a sufficient warning, for to make us to understand that god is offended & angry with those monkish observations. For if he loved them, it is God is angry with the observations of the monks. most certain he would have clothed it with a frock of a more honester figure. And we must very well say that by such a monstrous figure is not signified or meant any man alone: But a sociation, a covent, a brotherhood, or a government of many, according to the nature and What the figure of he calf doth signify condition of all the visions, of which is made mention in the holy Scripture, Daniel chapter. 8. O you monks and Nuns, take you heed, your doings are here entreated of earnestly: and think not that such advertisement of God is a play to jest at, or an enchantment. Appease God with other oblations and sacrifices than those which you have: Forsake your Covents, and cast away your frocks, and return unto that wherefore you were borne, and whereunto you are called by God, before that this occasion that God showeth unto you do vanish away. For afterwards, when you would ye cannot: Now when you may do well, ye will not. Above all I do earnestly beseech the noble families and all gentlemen that they will deliver their children and cousins, or those whose souls health they do love, from such so horrible and perilous life, as from a most filthy prison. Think that they are not yet out of the bonds of man's body: and but that they are bound to the communion of men, and to the law of Nature as well as other men. For this is not granted is Nature, that so great multitude of unmarried The gift of 〈…〉 not granted 〈…〉 people can live honestly and chastened: or that they can of their own free will live without marriage. As for me I would gladly do that which lay in me, and which appertaineth to mine office, and to warn you in time. FINIS. ¶ Imprinted at London by Thomas East, dwelling by Paul's Wharfe, 1579.