AN HISTORICAL DIALOGUE touching Antichrist and Popery, DRAWN AND Published for the common benefit and comfort of our Church in these dangerous days, & against the desperate attempts of the vowed adversaries of jesus Christ, his Gospel, and this flourishing State.  
by Thomas Rogers.  
Allowed by authority.  Revel. 18. 6 Reward her even as she hath rewarded you, and give her double according to her works: and in the cup that she hath filled to you, fill her the double. 
AT LONDON, Printed by john Windet for Andrew Maunsell, and are to be sold at the sign of the Brazen Serpent in Paul's Churchyard. 1589.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR CHRIstopher Hatton, Knight, Lord high Chancelar of England, Knight of the most Honourable order of the Garter, and worthy Chancelar of the most famous University of Oxenford, his singular good Lord and Patron. ⸫  
THAT Whore of Babylon in the holy book of Revelations deciphered by Saint john, 
a Revel. 17.  hath been long since, & through the goodness of Th'almighty, is many ways, and by sundry means in this last age of the world most notably proved to be the church of Rome.  
Notwithstanding as common strumpets oftentimes put upon them both the faces and the persons of most honest women: so this whore, filthy though she be and unclean, yet would she appear in the eyes of man to be pure and chaste, as the spouse of Christ. And as harlots have brazen faces, and dare compare, yea and for pure behaviour somewhile praefer themselves to unspotted virgins, & right sober matrons: so this filth albeit she know herself guilty of all manner pollutions, yet, such is her impudency, she blusheth not both to compare he self for honesty with the best, & make the world believe that it is not she, but even the lambs wife 
b Revel. 19 v. 7. 21. v. 9 , that is nought and unclean. 
Demonstr. 2.   
But, praised be God for the same, vaunt she never so much of her holiness, 
Test. Rhem. annot. john. 16. v. 13. 17. vers. 17. Ephes. 5. v. 24. 29.  and speak she never so blasphemously against the spouse of Christ, her lose & lecherous life is well known, and her abominations blazoned to th'universal world: 
1. Tim. 3. v. 13.  so that she which giveth out that she is clean, is known to be nought else but mere pollution; that saith she never went astray 
c N. Sand. de vi●ib. Monar. lib. 8. , neither can err 
d Catech Triden▪ in exposit. Symb. , is well known to be even the very scum of ancient and new errors 
e Whitak. against W. Reinoldes. c. 5. , the sink or draught of heathenish idolatry 
f Theol. Wirtemb. contra Bellar. p 254. , to have erred in an hundred 
g Fla. Illyricus contra mend. Papist. , yea, in six hundred points of religion 
h Heshusius de 600. erroribus pontiff. , to have adulterated every principal head of Christian doctrine 
i Theod. Beza epist. 1. , and to have quite revolted from our Saviour Christ 
k Calvinus epist. S regi Poloniae. f. 169. .  
This being so, great should the detestation of her be in all our minds; and if any natural affection we carry toward our dear mother, the Church of Christ, we gladly will employ all our gifts both of body, and of soul, & what else soever graces we have for the defence of our mother's good behaviour, & for the bringing of this bold housewife and most impudent harlot, so much as in us lieth, into a common hatred of all sorts, that if possible it were even the very boys & moathers in the street may never hear Popery named but they may hiss at it, as they do at the sight of known bawds and naughtie-packes.  
For my part Right Honourable, somewhat in this book, as heretofore in other treatises I have done, and by God's assistance and the lawful favour of my Superiors, will proceed to the displaying of her filthiness more and more to the world. For well I see, which that most Reverend Father and blessed martyr, Master Latimer did long since observe, that th'impudency of this whore is exceeding great and intolerable, and therefore, where occasion shall be given she is to be gauled and spurgauled too 
i M Latimer his last words in his confer. with B. Ridley 'bout the Lord's Supper. , seeing no better she will prove. That which I look for at her hands, is but mortal hatred, for my labour. For so do harlots requite such as of goodwill, lay open unto them their ungodliness, that they may amend.  
And surely as in some things above mentioned, so otherwise methinks she doth notably resemble the brothels and harlots of the world, & therefore divinely by God's spirit is entitled the whore of Babylon. For harlots, if they love you, and you will not with like love answer them again, they will hate you as Putiphars' wife did joseph 
m Gen. 39 v. 7. 8. etc. , and those wicked judges Susanna 
n Hist. of Susanna. ; Love them and they will abuse you, as Delilah did Samson 
o jud. 16. v. 6. 17. etc. , & that filth Apame 
p ● Esd. 4. v. 29. 30. , which proudly sitting on the right hand of the king, with her right hand took the crown of the king's head and put it on her own, and struck the King with her left hand; Leave them once, & give yourself to lead an honest life, either solely or in holy wedlock, and they will pursue you with malice even unto the death, as the late murder of Abel Bourne is memorable 
q View of expmples. , to this purpose.  
So this whore of Babylon, if you love her not again, she loving you, she will hate you even unto the death; If you love her, she will abuse you, & that too shamefully; If you praeferring a Godly life agreeable to God's holy word before her wicked company, and cast her of, nothing will pacify her till she see your blood.  
Of England this whore would be loved, but England will be chaste still with joseph, and Susanna: and therefore England is extremely hated. Spain loveth this whore, and Spain is abused, she sitteth on the kings right hand, she taketh his Crown with her right hand, & puts it on her own head, and with her left hand she strikes him on the face; he gapeth and gazeth on her, poor soul; if she laugh at him, he laugheth, and if she be angry with him, he flattereth till she be reconciled: yea he will not spare his own blood to enjoy her love 
r Apology of the Pr. of Orange. . France left her company, what say I, left? he only cast a friendly countenance towards the lambs wife, and her faithful servants, & she was inflamed with jealousy forthwith, she could not be pleased, she feared he would cast her of, or not feed her malicious humour, and therefore a brother of that brothel house graciously admitted unto familiar speech in his own chamber 
s Letter of H●rie 4. K. Fr. and Navarre.  under colour of confession 
t De caede. etc. Gal. Regis Henrici 3. epigrammata.  must be his priest, and cut his throat.  
Honourable, there is no joy, but in a godly conversation; there is no settled comfort but with the spouse of Christ. Th'end of harlots & following them, besides discredit in this world, & consumption both of body and goods 
u Prou. 6. v. 26. , it is utter condemnation both of soul and body in the world to come 
x Gal. 5. v. 19 21. Revel. 22. v. 15. . Th' end of this whore is everlasting condemnation in hell fire 
y Revel. 18. v. 8. , and besides their excessive charges and expenses 
z Taxa. paenité. Duarenus de S. eccles. minist. ac beneficus li. 1. c. 4. , their end is th'utter wrath of God which have to do with her. To such I say from the Lord, go out of her good people, that ye be not partakers in her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues 
a Revel. 18. v. 4. . To your honour I wish perseverance even until th'end in that good religion which you do profess, to th'end you may at length overcome, & so eat of that tree of life, which is in the mids of the paradise of God 
b Revel. 2. v. 7. 17.  and receive the white stone, & be clothed in white array 
c Revel. 3. v. 5. 21. , & sit with Christ in his throne, even as Christ sitteth with his father in his throne.  
And thus presuming of your wont favour (whereof to my great comfort and encouragement I have tasted) and nothing doubting of your gracious accepting of this treatise, small and simple though it be, I humbly take my leave of your Honour at this time; commending your Lordship with all your good endeavours for the welfare of the church, our Prince, and Commonweal to the blessing of Th'almighty. From Horninger, near S. Ed. Bury in Suff. the 19 of September. Anno 1589.  
Your Honours at commandment, Tho. Rogers.   

AN HISTORICAL DIALOGUE OF ANTICHRIST AND POPERY.  

Chap. 1.  
1 Of th'office of our Saviour Christ ascribed unto others besides him; 2 and first of S. Francis Deified, and by sundry Types and Shadows proper only to the Majesty of God and his son jesus Christ praefigured.  

The speakers.  
Timothy,  
zealots. 

Two professors of the Gospel.     TIMOTHY. 
I now see, is you have 
* This hath relation to an other dialogue of the authors, entitled, A Catechism for Catholics.  said, the word of GOD confirming your words, that our Adversaries the Papists do but story out Christ, in Christ they do not believe.  zealots. 
Though you see much already, yet you have not all.  T. 
What remaineth.  Z. 
It is bruited of Pope Paul the third, (in whose time as in some of his predecessors 
* Leo. 10. Adrian. 6. Clemens 7.  also that excellent Organ of God, 
a Beza. epist 81. , Martin Luther, opposed himself against the most detestable enormities of the Romish Church 
b Sleidanus de Statu Relig. & Reip. lib. 1.  that he should say; being somewhat moved against Cardinal Bembie for alleging a place against him out of the Gospel concerning Christ what tellest thou me that same fable of Christ?  T. 
Counted he the Story of Christ but a fable? And all which is said and written of our Saviour for a mere fable? yet what is the blasphemy of that wretched Pope to the common faith of all Papists? take they the Gospel of Christ for a fable?  Z 
The fool hath said in his heart there is no God, saith the Prophet David 
c Psal. 13. 1. Psal. 53. 1. ; he said it, but not in plain terms with mouth, that were too horrible, yet said the fool in his heart there is no God. So the Papists do say in their hearts, Christ is not the Christ, and that which is written in the Gospel concerning jesus Christ, it is but a fable; they say it, but not in those terms with mouth, as did that cursed Pope, that they know were too too blasphemous, yet say they in heart, and by their deeds and words of like signification, they say as did Pope Leo of our S. Christ.  T. 
May this be credited?  Z. 
Hear and then believe, as God shall move your heart. I grant they confess a son of God, which was conceived by the holy ghost, borne of the virgin Marie etc. yet when they believe not that which the Scripture doth deliver concerning him, or ascribe that unto others which is due always, and properly unto him, and unto none besides in respect of his office, do they not take, which the Scripture ascribeth unto him for a toy or fable?  T. 
Ascribe they his office unto any others besides him?  Z. 
That do they unto divers and sundry persons that I say not things beside.  T. 
Can you name any?  Z. 
That can I a great sort.  T. 
Who is one?  Z. 
S. Francis: which is like unto Christ 
d Confor. Frǎ. lib. 1. fol. 10. , Yea whom Christ hath made like unto himself 
e Ibid fol. 4. , and that in all respects 
f Ibid. f. 18. 5. . Hence is it that they ascribe unto the said Francis the same titles, the same natures, the same properties, the same power, and the very same office due unto our S. Christ.  T 
Prove that which you have said, that I may credit you.  Z. 
Concerning the titles, called is our Saviour, as you know, the Son of God 
g Matth. 16. 16. , so is Saint Francis 
h Math. 3. 17. Confor. Fr. L. 1 Fol. 14. ; the good Shepherd 
i john. 10. 11. , so is S. Francis 
k Confor. Fr. L. 1. fol. 157. , the Rock, 
l 1 Cor. 10 4.  so is Saint Francis 
m Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 11. , the light of the world 
n john 8. 12. , so is Saint Francis 
o Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 17. , the grace of God 
p Titus. 2. 11. , S. Francis is so too 
q Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 5. lib. 2. fol. 14.  jesus of Nazareth, the King of the jews 
r john. 19 19 , they say of Saint Francis also, that he is jesus of Nazareth the king of the jews 
s Cofor. Fr. lib. 1. 229. .  T. 
Who that hath any benefit, and looketh for more, and more excellent from jesus Christ; would ever think that any receiving his name from him, would attribute these titles unto any but unto Christ?  Z. 
True, but these are but names & titles.  T. 
Yet names oftentimes express the nature of things.  Z. 
And so do these titles given unto S. Francis.  T. 
But these name's point both unto a divine, and also unto an human Nature in our Saviour Christ?  Z. 
So was S. Francis very God, and very man.  T. 
Say they S. Francis was very God as well as Christ?  Z. 
In such terms they say it not, yet as Christ said, I and my father are one 
t john 10. 30. , so they say, that S. Francis is made one Spirit with God. 
v Confor. Fr. lib. 1. fol. 3. . And as the Scripture every where maketh it a thing peculiar always, and only unto God, to behold the heart: so they writ of Saint Francis, that he only of all Saints, and none else, but by his illumination, beholdeth the consciences of mankind 
x Confor. Fr. lib. 1. fol, 162. . And he saw the very secrets of hearts 
y Ibid. lib. 1. fol 201. & lib. 2. Fol. 27.  which is to say, that S. Francis was very God. And when they say, that God hath put all things under S. Francis his feet 
z Hebr. 2. 7. 8. , and set him above the works of his hands; and he deservedly may say 
a Matth. 11. 27. , All things are given unto me of my father; and which more is, when they say (as they do all these things in one and the same place 
b Confor. Fr. lib. 1. fol. 149. ) that it hath pleased the Lord God, that all things should be obedient and pliant unto S. Francis will, make they not S. Francis a very God?  T. 
O Sun, and canst thou comfort these! O earth, and canst thou endure these! O God and wilt thou not be revenged on these Catholics so irreligious!  Z. 
You will be moved I perceive when you hear all.  T. 
End they not here?  Z. 
Nay it were an infinite thing to rehearse the most horrible blasphemies which these pour out against God, to bring glory unto their S. Francis, another Christ. But for brevity sake this know for all that before he was borne they fetch types of S. Francis out of the holy Scriptures from sundry dark sayings and persons, as well as of Christ; being come into the world, they make him every way to answer unto our Saviour Christ, and som-waie his superior; and when he was dead, they gave as much glory unto him even as unto Christ: as if either that Christ were not the true Christ, as the jews do yet think, or besides him there should be another Christ & saviour of the world, which is their S. Francis.  T. 
Is this true that you say, or do you so imagine?  Z. 
I deliver nothing but what themselves have writ. For concerning the first point, they say, that S. Francis aswell as Christ, was declared by dark sayings, and speeches of the prophets 
c Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 5. .  T 
What may those Types of S. Francis be?  Z. 
They tell of many, I only will recite a very few, omitting to mention the rest, both for brevity sake, and t'avoid offence. You know, at the commandment of the Lord, Moses made a fiery Serpent, and set it up as a sign, that so many as were bitten might look upon that Serpent of brass and live. 
d Numb. 21. 8. 9 .  T. 
I know the place very well, what of that?  Z. 
That Serpent was a figure of this S. Francis. 
e Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 9 .  T. 
Of this S. Francis! Not of S. Francis but of Christ, I trow, for so Christ himself did say 
f john. 3. 14. .  Z. 
But they say it was a figure of Saint Francis. It must therefore necessarily ensue, either that Christ was not the Messiah, or that S. Francis was the Messiah & Saviour of mankind, so well as Christ.  T. 
Who ever so wickedly hath abused the holy Scriptures of God?  Z 
You shall hear another Type of this new Christ Saint Francis. When Nebuchadnezzar had cast the three Noblemen into the burning oven, at length he spied in the midst of the fire a fourth, whose form was like the Son of God 
g Dan. 3. 25. . Know you whom that fourth did signify?  T. 
Whom he did signify? I wots what I think, But I pray you tell whom he did signify?  Z. 
I will tell you: he was a figure of S. Francis, if you will credit the franciscans 
h Confor Fr. lib. 2. fol. 10. .  T. 
No more of this, I pray you heartily. I can no longer endure to hear such blaspheming of God, and horrible abusing of his holy word.  Z. 
How then would you abide to hear them say, that the word of the Seraphins, Holy, Holy, Holy, in the 6. of isaiah 
i Esa. 6. 2. 3. , were spoken figuratively, and are to be understood of S. Francis 
k Confor. Fr. lib. 1. fol. 9 ? How would you abide that the noise of the great rushing behind the Prophet Ezechiel uttering these words 
l Ezech. 3. 12. , Blessed be the glory of the Lord, should point unto Saint Francis 
m Confor. Fr. lib. 1. fol. 9 ? what would you think if you heard them say, which they writ 
n Ibid. lib. 1. fol. 10 , that the Angel having the seal of the living God, mentioned in the 7. of the Revelation 
o Apoc. 7. 2. , was very Saint Francis?  T. 
That is as much, as if they said, that Christ is not Christ, but S. Francis is Christ.  Z. 
And that is to make the Gospel of Christ even a very fable.   

Chap▪ 2.  
Of S. Francis again, who is in many equal, in some respects made Superior to jesus Christ.  TYMOTHIE. 
But to leave these shadows and come unto the substance, dare they compare S. Francis with Christ, as you said they do?  zealots. 
They do both compare, and in many respects prefer him before Christ.  T. 
That would better be known.  Z. 
You have already heard how they are made like for names, like for nature, a like prefigured, yea sometimes by one and the same Types and Shadows. But moreover they are made equal in many other things, in so much as they have written a book on purpose to show the conformity between Saint Francis and Christ.  T. 
What resemblance is there between Christ & S. Francis?  Z. 
As much in truth as between God and Belial: Yet that the world may see how far they have waded in impiety, you can name almost nothing of Christ, wherein they make not S. Francis to resemble him.  T. 
When Christ was borne, a multitude of heavenly soldiers with Th'angel praised God and said, Glory be to God etc. 
a Luke 2. 13. 14. . What such thing at the birth of S. Francis?  Z. 
Yes, it must religiously be believed, say they 
b Confor. Fr. li. 3. fol. 24. , that the like was done at the nativity of S. Francis. And which more is, Hell was so moved at this man's birth, as th'infernal fiends did think either that the day of judgement was then come, or one was borne that should shake, yea overthrow the force of hell 
c Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 14. , was ever the like read? or could any thing be said more in disgrace and dishonour of our Saviour Christ?  T. 
Christ being a child of eight days old, and presented in the temple, Simeon that just man fearing God, and waiting for the consolation of Israel, took him in his arms, & praised God &c. 
d Luke. 21. 25. 28. etc. .  Z. 
That is very true, so did Simeon a just man, yet a man; but saint Francis being a child, an Angel in shape of a pilgrim, took him in his arms, as Simeon did Christ, and blessed him 
e Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 28. .  T. 
Christ was so holy, as albeit he was tempted, yet was he without sin 
f Hebr 4. 15. , and never did sin 
g 1. Pet. 2. 22. , nor knew any sin 
h 2. Cor. 5. 21. , nor had in him any sin at all 
i 1. john. 3. 5. .  Z. 
In integrity of life also saint Francis doth resemble Christ 
k Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 4. . For he performed even according to the letter, not omitting so much as one jot or title, even all the holy Gospel 
l Ibid. fol. 2. 39 , and kept every commandment of God 
m Ibid. fol. 149. , in so much as he is an example of all perfection 
n Ibid. fol. 5. .  T. 
If he were such a one, marvel it is he had no jonn Baptist to prepare away for him, as Christ had 
o Math. 3. 1. etc. !  Z. 
You marvel that he had none such, but he had such a forerunner, as Christ had, and that is marvelous 
p Confor. Fr. li. ●. fol. 110. .  T 
Christ had his twelve Disciples, and the names of them all are known 
q Math. 10. 1. 2. etc. .  Z 
Saint Francis had so many for number, & as well known by their names 
r Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 46. lib. 2. fol. 46. . And as one of Christ his Apostles called judas 
s Math. 10. 4. , was wicked, and hung himself 
t Math. 27. 5. ; so had saint Francis a disciple called johannes de Capella 
v Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 46. , which for lewdness hung himself. And as the Apostles of the Lord were wonderful for their holiness and miracles; so the companies of saint Francis were glorious for conversation and miracles, in life and in death: And as the holy Apostles followed with all endeavour the life and doctrine of Christ; so these companies with saint Francis observed the holy Gospel: And as the Lord jesus had other Disciples besides the 12 Apostles; so also saint Francis besides the forenamed companions and disciples had many more that were singular for life, holiness, and perfection: And as by Christ & his Apostles the whole world was changed; so by saint Francis and his brethren the world is altered to the following of Christ his life, and exercising of penance 
x Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 46. .  T. 
Christ was tempted of the devil 
y Math. 4. 1. , was saint Francis so too?  Z. 
Yea, he was tempted likewise of sathan, that therein he might be found like unto Christ 
z Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 41. .  T. 
Christ was so virtuous, as some being sick, thought that if they might but touch his garment only, they should be whole 
a Math. 9 21. .  Z. 
Saint Francis was therein not inferior unto Christ: for he thought himself happy that might touch the hem of saint Francis garment 
b Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 52. .  T. 
Christ was of that power, that he healed every sickness, and every disease among the people 
c Math 4. 23. Matth. 9 35. ?  Z. 
So did saint Francis 
d Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 29. .  T. 
Christ raised the dead unto life 
e john 11. 43. 44. .  Z. 
Saint Francis did the same 
f Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 29. .  T. 
Christ at a Marriage made Wine of water 
g john 2. 6. 7. etc. .  Z. 
S. Francis also turned not only water, yea a fountain of water 
h Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 147. , but also vinegar into wine 
i Ibidem. .  T. 
With seven loaves and two little fishes Christ he fed 4000 men 
k Mar. 8. 9 , besides women and children 
l Math. 15. 34. 38. .  Z. 
In the miracle of feeding of so many thousands of persons, S. Francis was made like, and did resemble Christ 
m Confor. Fr. lib. 1. fol. 106. .  T. 
We read of Christ that he was transfigured, and his face did shine as the Sun, and his clothes were as bright as the light 
n Math. 17. 2. .  Z. 
So we read indeed, yet but once, & saint Francis was transfigured as well as he 
o Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 110. , and that often times.  T. 
Christ he was wounded for our transgressions, as Esay 
p Esa. 53. 5. , and as David prophesied 
q Psal. 22. 16. : his hands and feet were pierced▪ 
r Luke. 24. 39 john. 20. 25. .  Z. 
In Francis, man's nature was dignified, and adorned with the marks of Christ his passion 
s Confor. Fr. lib. 1. fol. 5. , his side was opened, as was the side of Christ 
t Ibid. fol. 232. ; and in him the passion of Christ was again renewed 
v Ibid. fol. 194. : yea he was so wonderfully conjoined to the Crucified, & transformed into Christ, that God is minded through him to save mankind 
x Ibid. fol. 159. .  T. 
And is not this to make S. Francis another Christ? and either to make a fable, as I. have said, of the Gospel, or none account of Christ his passion? But I see enough, and but too much in deed of this comparison. No more therefore of the same, it is too odious.  Z. 
I could and would too, but I see you offended, and that justly, proceed, and show unto you saint Francis, death approaching upon him, would needs strip himself naked, and so lie upon the bare ground, because he would be like Christ, which hung naked on the cross 
y Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 240. ; how being dead he went downeinto purgatory 
z Ibid. fol. 241. , as Christ descended into hell; how after his death he appeared unto divers and sundry 
a Ibid. fol. 244. , as Christ did after his resurrection 
b 1. Cor. 15. 5. 6. etc. , how compassed about with many souls whom he had brought with him out of Purgatory, he ascended into heaven 
c Confor. Fr. li. 1. 241.  in imitation of th'ascension of Christ 
d Mar. 16. 19 Act. 11. 9 ; and how S. Francis, as Christ 
e Phil. 2. 9 , is highly exalted unto the glory of God the Father 
f Confor. Fr▪ li. 1. fol. 5. , and hath a garland as a conqueror; a crown as a saint, and a mark as one above all beloved 
g Ibid. fol. 246. ; But this may suffice, which doth show that saint Francis is like, and every way likened unto jesus Christ, & made another saviour.   

Chap. 3.  
Again of S. Francis and of the confidence reposed in him as in jesus Christ.  TIMOTHY. 
You have declared now the conformity between S. Francis and Christ.  ZEALOT. 
So have I, yet nothing of mine own fiction, but all is of their own publishing.  T. 
Find you also that any do repose the like confidence in Francis, as Christians do in Christ?  Z. 
I will prove that some, and they a great some do: and first by the Doctrine, then by examples of the franciscans.  T. 
What is their doctrine?  Z. 
You know that the scripture saith 
a john. 3. 16. 18. : God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Again, He that believeth in him shall not be condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already. And again 
b Mar. 16. 16. , He that shall believe and be baptised, shall be saved: but he that will not believe, shall be damned.  T. 
That is the sum of the Gospel: teach they not the same?  Z. 
They do not. For this is their doctrine 
c Confor. Fr. lib. 1. fol. 105. . They which observe not the rule of saint Francis, shall be damned; and they which keep the same, shall be saved. Again 
d Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 103. , He that purposely doth persecute the order shall not live long, But he he that loveth the order of saint Francis, be he never so notorious a malefactor shall obtain mercy 
e In breviario Francisci. & Confor. Fr. li. 2 fol. 203. .  T. 
Is that the Gospel of saint Francis? And is any so destitute of understanding as to believe the same?  Z. 
I will tell you; it is too horrible which is delivered touching them that to-fore have been, are at this present, and hereafter shall be of this order of saint Francis: as if they only were the church, they only the elect people of God, & they only should be saved. For in respect of the time passed, they say that in Christendom there is almost not a noble house, but of the same some one or other hath been a Friar minor, or of th'order of saint Francis 
f Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 73. . And as of the most noble; so infinite of the most holy callings of patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Bishops, Confessors etc. By the merits of S. Francis, and through the preaching, life, and example of his brethren have come unto salvation 
g Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 86. .  T. 
And is not this to give S. Peter the lie, which said 
h Act. 4. 12. , Neither is there salvation in any other (but only in the name of Christ). But it is well, the more they say men are saved by the merits of saint Francis, the more they testify unto the world in what estimation they have the merits of Christ; and confirm me in this, that they take not Christ to be the Saviour of mankind.  Z. 
Howsoever you are confirmed in your opinion, sure I am that this Doctrine of theirs hath been so confirmed even by the Popes of Rome, 
Platina.  that of them some have lived and died of this order, & afterward been buried in a saint Francis cowl and habit 
i Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 82. ; some have given countenance & allowance to the same by their Bulls from Rome 
k Ibid. fol. 234. Bathol. Carranza summa omnium Concil. p. 331. b. ; some have granted a day or solemn feast for the worship of the marks and Prints in S. Francis body 
l Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 3. ; and some have canonised for a saint this antichrist saint Francis 
m Barthol. Carranza. summa omnium Concil. p. 331. b. .  T. 
Then this is so true, that it cannot be denied, though peradventure it be so horrible as many, I doubt not, even of the very papists themselves are ashamed of the same.  Z. 
Then may they be ashamed also for condemning them for heretics which will not acknowledge for the very truth these blasphemies of saint Francis.  T. 
Count they such for heretics?  Z. 
That do they. For Pope Gregory the 9 enjoined the faithful to hold, and firmly to believe the same, and that he should be punished as an heretic that would think the contrary 
n Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 3. .  T. 
Is that à law of the Church of Rome?  Z. 
It is the Pope's decree (which the Church of Rome that never (as they vaunt) swerved from the steps of the Apostles 
o Dist. 24. q. 1. ; whereunto in doubtful & hard matters men are to make recourse 
p Dist. 11, c. palam. Dist. 22. praeceptis. 2●. q. 1. c. quori●s. , which must judge all men, but may be judged of none 
q Dist. 11. q. 3. ) doth ratify as an article of the Creed.  T. 
Who ever would have thought, that this church so damnably had erred!  Z. 
They which seek shall find; and they that read shall perceive, not only this that I have said, but also a great deal more, and all confirmed by th'authority both of the church of Rome, and aswell by the Pope which now is called Sixtus Quintus, 
Sixtus quintus  as by divers Popes his predecessors.  T 
favoureth this Pope also these Franciscane impieties?  Z. 
He so favoureth them, as at this present himself is a Franciscane, and for a long while afore he was Pope, was precedent likewise of this order of saint Francis 
r Brutum fulmen. p. 27. .  T. 
Then no doubt this Friar reigning & raging over the church of God, men are to address themselves either to undergo the punishments appointed for heretics which is burning fire in this world, or to embrace, as Heavenly Oracles, these franciscane fables.  Z. 
It is wonderful as a thing may be, which they publish of the success they shall have, & of the swarms of franciscans that are to be in the world.  T. 
What success shall they have?  Z. 
Such as passeth, For already (and this was written of them no few years ago) the very places of the friars minors dispersed through the world, do mount unto the number of a thousand and six hundred, besides them which day by day are newly erected 
s Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 85. . For as it is in the Psalm 
t Psal. 80. 11. . She stretched out her branches unto the sea, not only Mediterrane and Ocean, but even unto the Indian also, and from the river unto th'ends of the world. For even in India this order now hath, & a long while hath had many places of abode 
v Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 85 .  T. 
If the places be so many, what and how many may the persons be which supply those rooms!  Z. 
For Nations the French come, the Spanish hasten, the Dutch and English run, and the greatest multitude of divers other languages do speed themselves to be of this order 
x Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 83. . And for numder john Th'evangelist having in the 7. chap. of the revelat. described both the time when, which was at the opening of the 6. seal; and the manner how saint Francis should be sent, to wit as that Angel having the seal of the living God, he adjoineth next of the multitude that by the preaching, life & example of saint Francis and his companions shall be converted unto Christ 
y Ibidem. .  T. 
What are the words of Saint john?  Z. 
His words be these 
z Apoc. 7. 4. . And I heard the number of them which were sealed, and there were sealed an hundred and four and forty thousand, of all the tribes of the children of Israel.  T. 
Expound they those words of the franciscans?  Z. 
Yea verily, or, this may be expounded, say they 
a Confor. Fr. li. 2. fol. 83.  on this wise, that there shall be so many friars, or men to be converted in this order, the people being brought unto the Lord, either in process of time, or in the very days of Antichrist, when as this order, all other orders being destroyed, shall preach against Antichrist.  T. 
Of the franciscans one hundred forty and four thousand!  Z. 
Yea, or which more is, say they 
b Ibidem. , it may be said, that according to the phrase of scripture, by a certain he meaneth an uncertain number, as if there should be sealed, and in the habit of Francis, & that of the crucified, not only an hundred forty & four thousand, but infinite beside. And this john seemeth to mean, they say, when he addeth, that he beheld a great multitude which no man could number of all nations, kindreds, people and tongues, etc.  T. 
Then I see full plainly that they make not only saint Francis another Christ, but also them of his order to be the only people of God, and that none either have been, or shallbe saved but only they of saint Francis order.  Z. 
You have gone to the very point, for hence they both term their company the family of God 
c Ibidem. , & they say 
d Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 101. , If thou wilt be saved, be a Franciscane; For not only they which live, but they also that submit themselves unto the rule of this Francis, though at the very point of death, even all of them are saved 
e Ibid. fol. 78. . No marvel therefore though he be adored the world throughout 
f Ibidem. fo. 30. , even as very God; and made an advocate with the Father 
g Ibidem. fol. 7.  like another Christ 
h 1 john. 2, 1. .   

Chap. 4.  
Of the Virgin Mary, whom the Papists make another Christ by ascribing unto her the offices and honour due always, and only unto the Saviour of mankind.  TIMOTHY. 
Now do I see, which before I knew not, the most sacrilegious impiety, and popish blasphemies about saint Francis.  zealots. 
Hear again what their faith is concerning the blessed Virgin, as they say, our Lady.  T. 
Take they her also for the Saviour of mankind, as they do saint Francis, and as we do Christ?  Z. 
That do they.  T. 
If one should say so unto them, would they not deny it, and say we slander them?  Z. 
Say they what them list, their own books penned advisedly, and published by themselves shall bear continual testimony to that which I have said.  T. 
What writ they of her?  Z. 
They describe her nature by her name.  T. 
As how?  Z. 
Marry in Latin is Maria.  T. 
And what then?  Z. 
Maria consisteth of five letters.  T. 
Then what?  Z. 
Those five letters do import the five offices to be exercised by her to usward 
a Viguerius institut. ad cath. theol▪ c. 20. sec. 9 fol. 21. 4 b. .  T. 
What are those her five offices?  Z. 
The first is Maternitatis, of Motherhood, signified by the letter M. 
M. Mater.  For she is a merciful Mother, even the mother of mercy, being the Mother of God, through whom (she making intercession and oblation) we attain mercy. Therefore the church calleth her, the mother of grace and mercy.  T. 
What is her second office?  Z. 
That is Conseruationis, of conserving the treasure of God, signified by the letter A. 
A. Arc●.  which representeth, Arcam the sauri, the Christ of treasury. And therefore called is she the treasurer. This is taken from poor men, whose manner is to run unto the treasurers. Therefore we which are poor in this vale of misery, etc. (must repair unto her) because in her, say they, we shall find an infinite treasure of the wisdom and grace of God.  T. 
Her third, what?  Z. 
That is Directionis & Gubernationis, of direction and governing by examples of her life. This imported is by the letter R: 
R. Regina.  and therefore is she named Regina, the Queen.  T. 
And what is her fourth office?  Z. 
That is jaculationis & repulsionis inimicorum, of flinging and repelling back of enemies, 
I. jaculum.  signified by the letter I; for which cause she is termed jaculum inimicorum infernalium, the dart of infernal enemies, which at the invocating of this name yield and flee away. For she is as terrible unto them as an army of men set in battle ray. Ideo Ecclesia frequenter orat, etc. This causeth the church often to pray, saying. Tu nos ab host besiege, & hora mortis suscipe, protect thou from th'enemy, and receive us at the hour of death.  T. 
Her last office what is that?  Z. 
That is Aduocationis of Advocation, imported by the letter A. 
A. Aduocata.  whence the Church Eya advocata nostra, Eih our advocate, turn those thy merciful eyes unto us.  T. 
What moveth you now to use those Latin words?  Z. 
That do I in two respects, first for that I would have their more than childish toys observed, who at their pleasure can make letters to signify, as some have made Bells to sound, even what pleaseth their fantastical brain, and as best may feed their superstitious humours. Hence is it that M. is to signify Mater, and nothing else; & A. in the first place must needs be Arca, and in the second Aduocata, etc. and other tongues must yield and give place, as not to be regarded, for the better setting out of this Latin Maria: the Greek word consisting of six, the English of four 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ ●. , and neither the Greek, 
Maria. 5.  nor the English, 
Mary. 4.  nor yet indeed the Latin letters (but that they so imagine) importing any such matter as here they set down concerning the offices of saint Mary: But this do I chiefly, that it may appear what their own words be, and that I forge nothing of mine own brain. For what I have delivered they are the very words of Friar john Viguerius (one for his knowledge (as they count him, 
Friar john Viguerius.  most learned; a doctor, yea, and a public professor of Divinity among them) in his Institutions unto the Catholic Theology 
b Cap. 20. sec. 9 fol. 214. b. .  T. 
Then whatsoever the letters may import, the matter ascribed to those letters is Catholic, agreeing to th'analogy of the faith professed in the church of Rome; which is, that through th'intercession of saint Marie, by Christ we obtain mercy at th'andes of God; in her is an infinite treasure of wisdom and grace for them that will seek and sue for the same unto her; She is of sovereign glory and majesty with God; she the conqueror and overcommer of th'infernal enemies; & she our Advocate, to make request, and to plead for mercy on the behalf of mankind. And what is this else, than to say that she is our Saviour? for these offices, and every of them are due only and always to the Saviour of man.  Z. 
If this be not evident enough, you shall by other Testimonies taken from their own works, perceive, that their drift is to make the Virgin Mary, I say not equal with Christ, but many ways above, yea utterly to exclude him from the office of man's salvation.  T. 
That is to deny him to be Christ, and to make but à very fable of the holy Gospel.  Z. 
To prove that only thing I allege this example.  T. 
Confirm that now which you have said.  Z. 
If to say that saint Marie is th'original of our salvation 
c Ludolphus Carthus. vit● jesu Christi par. 2. ora. 80. , the recoverer of grace and forgiveness 
d Flores Grana. par. 4. p. 156 a. ; our hope 
e Dionys. Carthus. de vita christiana, li. 1 ar. 8. reg. 2. , our salvation, our resurrection 
f Confor. Fr. i● Conclus li. 1. , be to make her, and not Christ the saviour of mankind: the Papists make her, and not Christ, our Saviour. For those be their words of the Virgin Mary.  T. 
O Antichristian impiety!  Z. 
If to say, that to her it is given to bruise the serpent's head 
g Viguerius in●stit. ad Catho●theol c. 20. sec▪ 9 fol. 214. b. , and she shall bruise the serpent's head 
h Catech. T●●den. in Symb●verba &. in●le sum Christum. , & she hath bruised the serpent's head 
i Confor. B. Fr. in conclus. lib. 1. , and procured that peace between God & man, which no man could procure 
k Viguerius instit. ad cathol. Theol. c. 20 sec 9 fol. 215. a. , be (as it is) to compare her, yea to praefer her above Christ, yea to make her, and not Christ the Saviour of mankind; the Papists compare her with him, praefer her above him, yea make her, and not Christ our Saviour, for that is their doctrine of the Virgin Mary.  T. 
O most damnable sacrilege!  Z. 
If to say, O blessed Virgin what shall become of me, if that be not restored by thy clemency which I have lost by my sins 
l Flores Grana. par. 4. de ora. p. 154. b. , Show thy merry o Virgin in saving me: If thou forsake me, who shall uphold me? If thou forget me, who will remember me? If thou Lady, do not enlighten, whither shall I go? O Lady turn not thine eyes from me à sinner, but cleanse me that am unclean; make me of a sinner, righteous; of slothful, diligent; of lukewarm and dry, zealous and devout 
m Ibid. p. 157. b. , heal me and I shall be whole; salve me, and I shall be saved 
n Ibidem. . O Lady protect thou from th' enemy, and receive us at the hour of death 
o Officium beatae Mariae à Pio 5. Papa reformatum. : I say, if to use these words unto the Virgin Marie, be (as it is) to make her and not Christ our Saviour: the Papists make not Christ but her the saviour of mankind. For thus do they pray unto the Virgin Mary.  T. 
O blasphemy most horrible!  Z. 
If to change the whole Psalter of David, and to attribute all praises, all prayers, all supplications, all intercessions therein contained from God & his son jesus Christ unto the Virgin Mary, be to make her (not as some writ, of that excellency, as nothing is above her save God 
p Anselmus de concep. virgins. , and the three persons in the Godhead 
q Didacus' Stella in cap. 1. Lucae fol. 51. a. , but) of that divine majesty, as that she is worthy to have all thanks for all benefits, aswell spiritual as corporal; temporal as eternal; and all prayers made unto her for whatsoever thing we stand in need of: and if to give this unto her, be (as it is) to rob God, and his son jesus Christ of their glory, & that in the most sacrilegious manner that can be; then are the Papists guilty of this so horrible sacrilege. For they have turned the whole Psalter, and all either praises ascribed unto God, or prayers made unto his majesty, they apply even all of them unto the Virgin Mary 
r joannes de Alice, Psalterium Mariae & Venetus & Parisiis excusum.   T. 
Is this to be à Papist? To deprive Christ of his office, and God of his glory: is this to be a Papist?  Z. 
To make even a toy of the Gospel, and a jest of the holy word of God, and of all Christianity, even that is to be à Papist, and nothing else.   

Chap. 5.  
Of the Pope of Rome placed in the room of Christ.  TIMOTHY. 
There is a saying, as I have heard, that à Christian if he once fall into wickedness, proveth for impetie worser than if he were an heathen.  zealots. 
They are saint Chrisostomes' words 
a In Math. homil 30.  and they are true, understand them how you will, whether he prove wicked for life, or an heretic for Religion. There is no man so ungodly, as he which of a professor becometh a wicked Christian.  T. 
I see the truth hereof, and I see it verified abundantly in those of whom all our speech is. No such overthrowers of Christianity, as they which will be counted Catholics and Christians.  Z. 
That which is already sufficiently doth, but that remaining to be spoken, will more fully confirm this point.  T. 
Speak not yet what may be said, but that only which serveth to show, that they have in contempt, or in small account our Saviour Christ.  Z. 
That shall be the mark whereat I will aim, and therefore listen. It is written of saint Francis, that on à time rising from prayer he should, being much troubled, unto his fellow-friers, say, would to God I had never been the founder of this same habit 
b Confor. Fr. li. 1. fol. 103.   T. 
What moved the Friar to burst into those terms?  Z. 
Because it was revealed unto him, said he, that out of his order Antichrist and his sect should arise. Whatsoever the meaning of this Friar might be, he prophesied the truth, as Caiphas did afore him 
c john 11. 51. . For the Pope now living is of his habit and order 
d Brutum Fulmen p 27. , and is very Antichrist.  T. 
Why so?  Z. 
Because he is not only placed in the room, but also doth usurp the very office of Christ.  T. 
Show that the Pope is placed in the room, and that he doth usurp th' office of Christ, that I may the more be settled in this persuasion, that the Pope is Antichrist?  Z. 
They which say, that the Pope is the sun, the Church, the moon 
e Confor. Fr. lib. 2. fol. 10. ; the Pope the bridegroom, the church the bride 
f johannes de turre cremata ; the Pope the head 
g Concil. Florem. ; the church the body: they place the Pope in the room of Christ. For Christ is the sun 
h Revel. 8. 12. 10. 1. , Christ the Bridegroom 
i Math. 9 15. 25 1. etc. john. 3. 29. Revel. 21. 2. 9 , Christ the head 
k Ephes. 4. 15. 5. 23. Col. 1. 18. 2. 10. etc.  of the catholic Church. To say therefore that the Pope is the Sun, the bridegroom the head of the church, is even to say that the Pope is Christ. This Heaven cannot endure two suns, nor this wife two husbands; nor this body two heads. If the Pope be, Christ is not; and if Christ be all this, the Pope is not.  T. 
Conceive they so highly of the Pope?  Z. 
Yea, and to this day whensoever they install their newly created Pope, they salute him with these words. Thou art the high priest, thou art the Archbishop, thou art the heir of the Apostles; in praedecession, Abel; in governing the Ark, Noah; in Patriarkship, Abraham; in order, Melchisedec; in dignity Aaron; in authority Moses; in judgement Solomon 
* Samuel. ; in zeal Helias; in humility, David; in power, Peter; and in respect of thine unction, thou art Christ.  T. 
So say some of our side 
n Rainoldes Confer. ch. 6. sec. 4. p. 276. , as I do remember.  Z. 
That which we say, they confirm, and like well of 
o Maioranus Clip. milit. eccl. c. 35. p. 137. Harding'S confut. f. 240. a. .  T. 
But how in respect of his unction can he be called Christ, seeing Christ was not anointed by the hands of any mortal man, but by the Power of the celestial father, nor with earthly ointment, but with spiritual oil 
p Catech Trid. in Symb. verba & in jesum Christum etc. ; & the Pope is anointed not immediately from God, but by the hands of man, not with spiritual oil, but with greasy ointment?  Z. 
In deed it is too horrible that in that respect they should entitle him with the name of Christ 
q B. jewel in his defence of the apology etc. f. 494. & f. 〈◊〉. : yet far worse is it that they dare acknowledge him, as they do, for the very Messiah, and renounce our Saviour.  T. 
As how?  Z. 
In that they take not Christ for the only King, the only Priest, and the only Prophet; but make the Pope, the King, the Priest, and the Prophet of the church of God as well as Christ.   

Chap. 6.  
1 Of the Pope of Rome invested in the royal throne of jesus Christ, and made the sovereign King of the Catholic Church. 2. and of the Papal government, and bloody proceedings of the same all Antichristian.  TIMOTHY. 
Declare now more fully that which you have said; & first how the Pope usurpeth the place of Christ in th' execution of his kingly office?  zealots. 
You know what is written by saint john in his Revelation touching our Saviour Christ, that he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings 
a Revel. 17. 14. , yea the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 
b Revel. 19 16. .  T. 
The Places are well known.  Z. 
They now which say that the Pope is the Prince of Princes, and the King of Kings, do they not install the Pope in the throne of Christ?  T. 
That is very true, but do they so?  Z. 
Yea, for those be their very words & judgement of the Pope 
c In pro. Decretorium. . And which is equivalent with the same, they say, that of necessity if men will be saved, they must come under the subjection of the Pope, 
d D. Thom. in opus primo cha. 66. Maioranus clip. milit eccl. l. 3. c. 35. , yea, we declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is altogether necessary, if they will be saved, that all creatures yield obedience to the Pope of Rome, saith Gregory the eight 
e extravag de Ma. &. obed. .  T. 
That is the voice, not of God, but of Antichrist himself.  Z. 
So be those words; whereby it is delivered, that the Pope not only hath the power of a priest, but also whatsoever power the Kings and Emperors in any part of th' universal world have, it is the Popes, & they receive it from him 
f August. de Ancon. in summa de Eccl. potest. q. 1. ar. 7. , & for his part himself is exempted from all obedience to any earthly Prince 
g Matoranus clip. milit. eccl l. 3. c. 35. ; and is in such à state that he neither need, nor will do any reverence at all to any mortal man 
h Cerem. curiae Rom. l. 3. .  T. 
Christ was of an other Spirit, for he acknowledged th' authority of the Magistrate over him and his, when he paid the poll money both for himself and Peter, and that to avoid offence 
i Math. 17. 27 , and that unto such as were no favourers of the true Religion, but enemies. Again of that humility was Christ, that he is an example to all posterity of meekness and lowliness in heart 
k Math. 11. 29. .  Z. 
And the Pope is a Patron on th' other side of most detestable pride: For he giveth out his feet to be kissed of men, even of Kings and Emperors.  T. 
Christ did never so lay forth his feet, but that he washed and wiped his poor disciples feet, we do read 
l john 13. 5. 15. : And that because they should do even as he had done to them.  Z. 
Truth it is Christ gave no such example, and the Kings of Persia & Turkey, yea the most proud Calaphaes of Arabia have always abhorred such kind of adoration 
m Bodinus meth. hist. c. b. .  T. 
Read you ever that any Emperor was of that base mind that he would submit himself so servilely to the kissing of the Pope his feet; or that any Pope would suffer such à majesty so to debase himself?  Z. 
We find, not only that the Emperor Frederick did so unto pope Alexander the third 
n Acts and monuments. Naucl. Vol. 3. Gen. 40. , and justinian unto Sylvester 
o Ang. Steuchus l. 2. c. 66. p. 134. , but also that it is th' office of the Emperor sometime to pour the water into the basin when the pope is to wash; to carry the first dish to the table where the pope doth sit; 
* See Fields caucat for. Parson's Owlet. Let. E. 5. etc.  and abroad not only to hold the stirrup while the pope mounteth up, but to lead forth his horse also for some pretty space 
p Cerem. curiae Rom. lib. 1. : yea the pride of the pope of Rome is such, as some well acquainted with the fashion of countries are driven to say 
q W. Thomas in his descrip. of Italy. p. 37. b , what is a King, what is an Emperor in his Majesty, any thing to the Bishop of Rome? No surely, nor I would not wish them to be.  T. 
That must needs be excessive pomp which the greatest in the world may be ashamed to show forth.  Z. 
And so it must.  T. 
What places of Scripture have you to condemn this ambitious arrogancy of the Pope of Rome?  Z. 
To condemn his pride the places are manifold and pregnant, as where ambition, arrogancy, & pride is condemned in general: so where Christ saith unto his disciples that, albeit the Kings of the Gentiles do reign, bear rule, & are called bountiful, yet they should not be so 
r Luk. 22. 25. 26. , where again he saith 
s john 18. 36. , My kingdom is not of this world: where again it is written that Christ departed into a mountain himself alone, when he perceived that the people would come and take him to make him king. 
t john 6. 15. . And where the Elders of the Church are willed not to be as Lords over God's heritage, but to be ensamples to the flock 
v 1. Pet. 5. 3. .  T. 
Seeing the word of God is so flat against his pride, and arrogancy: how cometh it about that he is of that state and Sovereignty?  Z. 
That is by the papal constitutions, and by nothing else. For so the pope's Boniface the eight 
x extravag unam sanctam de Ma. & obed. , and Clement the 5 
y Clem. pastoralis in re ●udic. . would have it be.  T. 
Then are they of that authority by no right and warrant from God his word.  Z. 
By none at all, neither yet by any law beside: the consideration whereof hath moved some, as Cyno-pistoriensis, and Duarenus, excellent civilians, by public writings to inveigh against that usurped power, and the most part of Lawyers, saith Duarenus 
z Duarenus & sanc. Eccle minist. ac beneficiis l. 1. c. 4. , that are of any account, are of the same judgement: yea, saith the same Duarenus, I am persuaded, there is none of the sounder & learneder sort that can like of this enterprise of Boniface.  T. 
Than not only God's word, but also the best civilians in the universal world do utterly condemn this sovereignty in the Pope of Rome, as having no strength of reason to uphold itself withal, which may not a little strengthen us that abhor this Antichristian pride, power, and supremacy of the Pope.  Z. 
Besides, they may work in our minds a great and utter detestation of those horrible effects proceeding from th' infinite power of this papal primacy.  T. 
Name some of them?  Z. 
As if Kings and Emperors be of à contrary mind unto the pope in matters of Religion that he may deprive them of their Royalties, and quite discharge their subjects from obeying them any more.  T. 
Publish they such things of the Pope?  Z. 
That is their doctrine. For, saith Maioranus 
a Clip. milit. eccle. l. 3. c. 35. ex Driadone de lib▪ Christ. l. 1. c. 14. , The pope of Rome by that fullness of power which he hath over all Christian Princes, he may for the crime of heresy deprive heretical Kings & Emperors of their Empires, yea and in temporal things quite set free the christian people from obedience and subjection: with whom agree of our country (but of a contrary religion unto us) Sanders 
b de vi●ib. eccl. mon. l. 3. c. 7. , Bristol 
c Motive 8. & 40. , with him that wrote that infamous Libel against the Christian justice executed at this present in this realm of England.  T. 
This doctrine is like the doctrine neither of saint Paul, who was so far from putting such ungodly thoughts into the people's mind that from God, he commanded that supplications should be made for all men, even for Kings 
e 1 Tim. 2. 1. , which then were idolaters: nor of saint Peter who also said, Submit yourselves unto all manner ordinance of man for the lords sake, whether it be unto the King as unto the superior, or unto governors, as unto them that are sent of him etc. 
f 1. Pet. 2. 13. 14. 15 : And Kings in those days were as heavy adversaries to the Church, as any now living. And this do, saith the same Apostle, for so it is the will of God. Obedience therefore and subjection unto our governors are the true effects of a true and good Religion, as it was well delivered by a worthy Counsellor 
g Mr. Daulton in his speech. to the citizens of London the 22. of Aug. 1586.  unto good and most loving subjects 
h Her majesties own testimony of the Londoners in her letter to the L. Maior etc. the 18. of Aug. 1586. .  Z. 
If the doctrine be so horrible, what is the practice of the same?  T. 
That must needs be all hellish.  Z. 
Then from th' infernal fiends do those Bulls and excommunications proceed, thundered both against the two noble Henry's, th' one whereof now is, and long may he be, King of Navarre, th' other the Prince of Condie (most unnaturally of late through poison, sent out of this world) by which Bulls those Princes for their own parts, yea and their heirs too are disabled to govern; and made uncapable not only presently, but for ever hereafter of any pre-eminence, dominion, honour, and royalty in any land, but specially in France; & their feudatories beside, vassals, liege people and subjects are asoiled and set free from all oaths of faithfulness & subjection how soever made unto them, yea forbidden for their lives to obey them any more 
i De postremis Galliae motibus p. 245. Declaratio sixti papae 5. contra Hen. Borbon. assertum Regem Navar. & Hen. item Borbon praetensum principem Condensem. etc. : and also against the mighty Empress of Great Britain, our most renowned Queen Elizabeth, the Lords anointed, whereby both her sacred Majesty is denounced an haeretick, and her people, her well affected people (and still may they be) to her Majesty 
k Her Majesty both in her let. to the L. Maior of Lon. & in her speech to the states of Par. An. 1586. Sir Chr. hatton's speech at Apeltrees acquittal. , charged, and upon pain of the great curse commanded not to obey her any more, but as discharged from their natural allegiance due unto her by many strait bonds, to take up arms against her and rebel 
l Bulla Pii pa. 5. B. jewel in his view of a seditious Bul. Nichols recant. ●et. H. 8. Bulla papae Sixti. 5. Tyrtels recant. p. 29. Papa confut. act. 1. p. 3. b. D. Humfr. de R. curiae praer. p. 49. .  T. 
Though the Pope like (Antichrist) himself dare embolden, yet God forbidden that any should be so bad as to decline from their vowed loyalty, by any Bulls from an Italian priest.  Z. 
I shall tell you, which yet I can neither think but with grief, nor speak without horror, the Seditions, rebellions, treasons not intended, but entered-into upon this warrant from the Pope have been monstrous and abominable. And one thing beside more horrible than the rest, I will not let to unfold.  T. 
What is that?  Z. 
Though I can utter it neither but with grief of heart: yet that you may see another proper note of right Antichrist indeed, this is it, There is a doctrine resolved-upon 
m Ans. to the execut. of justice. , commended, allowed, and warranted in conscience, Divinity and policy 
n In the declare. of Parry's treasons. p. 19 , that for the furtherance of the Romish superstition, it is lawful, yea meritorious 
o Ibidem. p. 18. , to God & the world, for a natural home borne subject by any indirect means to take away the life of his liege Prince the Lords anointed.  T. 
Now blessed be the Lord that thus layeth open the more than devilish cogitations of that Romish Synagogue; and thrice blessed be his aeternal majesty for alienating our minds from such ungodly thoughts!  Z. 
David did but privily cutof the lap which was on saul's garment, and he was touched in heart for the same 
p 1. Sam. 24. 5. 6. 7. 8. , yea, said this child of God being counseled to kill his King Saul, The Lord keep me from doing that thing unto my Master, the Lords anointed, to lay my hand upon him, for he is the anointed of the Lord, yea David was so far from killing Saul himself, or suffering them that would, to murder him, that he put that man to a shameful death, who both by the consent, and by the commandment too even of Saul himself had killed him 
q 2. Sam. 1. 9 etc. . So little desire had David by any sinister 
15.  and treasonable course to maintain his cause, and to advance himself.  T. 
A worthy example doubtless and proper only and always unto them who are of that Religion which is of God. 
Complaint of Eng. Let. D.  But is that doctrine warranted by the Pope himself which you have spoken of?  Z. 
Himself hath so allowed the same as by letters written with his consent à Cardinal from Rome 
r Card. de como's letter to Patry. It is in the declaration of Parry's treasons.  hath not only commended the fact, as that which shall merit heaven, but animated the villain also which was to perpetrate the treason to persevere in those (black accursed which he called) holy and honourable thoughts, saying (by the spirit of Antichrist) that he was endued with a good Spirit, & promising him from (the father of all treasons) the Pope, not only great things in this world, but also plenary indulgence & remission of all his sins in the world to come.  T. 
Was any so bewitched as to adventure the committing of so horrible treason upon such à warrant?  Z. 
You are very ignorant if you know 
D. Parrie.  not; or very forgetful, that I say not unthankful, if you do not remember, which all posterity shall cry out upon, that parricide intended, promised, vowed, but through the almighty power of the watchman of England not brought, to pass by Parrie 
s In the declare. of Parry's treasons p. 14. 16. Babington, etc. . From this warrant after that Babington, & other like himself traitors combined & confederated themselves by vow & oath likewise 
t The copy of a letter to the &c. Earl of Leicester &c. prin. by Chr. Barker 1586. p. 5.  even to murder & shed the precious blood of their sovereign Queen the Lords anointed. From this warrant another sort of alienated & Italienated Englishmen, which thing her majesties own eyes saw written, and her Blessed mouth did utter 
v Ibidem. p. 17. , had by oath also vowed within one month either to bereave her sacred body of natural life, or to be hanged themselves. Upon the like ground before all this that vile youth of Warwickshire somervile, 
Someruile.  in a detestable mind, and with a resolute purpose came trudging apace toward London to have shortened the days of his dear prince and most gracious sovereign 
x In the execut. of justice. D. Story. .  T. 
I have read that the guise of D. Story, that Arch-papist and traitor, after meals, was to pray, that if our Queen, even this our Queen Elizabeth would not speedily turn to Queen Mary's religion, that she might be overcome with fire and sword, & all that would take her part 
y In the let. sent by a gent. Stud. in the Laws &c. concerning D. Story. : and I thought him of all the worst man, that so wickedly would wish unto his Prince, even the holy one of God. But who ever would have thought that any durst have dared with stained hands to touch, much less to kill so honourable and divine a state as her Majesty is!  Z. 
Assure yourself there is nothing so damnable, but if such a Doctor dare say it, there be scholars enough, & too many of his school that will do it; and if the Catholic Tyrant, the Pope, will allow it, there be few of his vassals, as they call themselves Catholics, I am persuaded, but easily will subscribe unto the same as lawful 
z Read the warning against the dangerous practices of Papists &c. by Mr. Norton. Fields caveat for Parson's Owlet. Let. F. , if not put it in execution as honourable.  T. 
Many treasons have been contrived even against most godly Princes as we may read in holy writ, & much oppression even of good men by cruel tyrants: but that any subject professing the Religion did ever so much as in heart consent unto, much less traitorously by word or deed conspire the deadly ruin of their sovereign Princes whether good or bad, we shall never read; but that they have discovered treasons, as did Mordecaie 
a Ester 2. 21. 22. 6. 2. , we may read, and even in the midst of their miseries prayed for their oppressors, we may also read 
b Bar. 1. 11. 12. See B. jewels defence of the Apology of the church of England. f. 18. .  Z. 
These treasons therefore, seditious rebellions, and horrible pursuing of Christian Princes by all treacherous devices even unto the death, do evidently demonstrate unto the world of what spirit and Religion men are of.   

Chap. 7.  
1 Of God's justice executed severally upon popish rebels, and other traitors from time to time; 2. and of the use which good subjects and others should make of the same.  TIMOTHY. 
Curse not the King, no not in thy thought, neither curse the rich in thy bedchamber: for the foul of the heaven shall carry the voice, & that which hath wings shall declare the matter, said Solomon, or God rather by salomon's mouth 
a Eccles. 10. 20. .  ZEALOT. 
Oh, though even legions of examples of good men conceiving honourably of their governors in respect of their places, and living in good order even under most cruel tyrants cannot allure men to th' imitating of their obedience, yet that the fear of those heavy punishments threatened in that sentence last by you mentioned, could terrify the wicked from tracing the steps of rebels & traitors 
Read M. Reaniger against treasons, rebellions etc. The complaint of England. let. D. 8. etc. , which by the righteous judgement of the almighty are accursed!  T. 
I verily do believe no traitors can prosper, but that they, yea and all which they in disloyal hearts shall enterprise, are accursed of the Lord.  Z. 
You will be strengthened much in this persuasion if you call into mind th' examples of God his justice, I say not time out of mind, but within the memory of us both, nor in foreign lands, but within her majesties dominions severely executed upon these furtherers of the Pope's antichristian authority, arrant traitors both to God and this realm.  T. 
My memory is not so good that I can remember, & God forgive me that I have no better observed such things; recite therefore I pray you, those examples, or some of them, for my further confirmation.  Z. 
You have heard I am sure of seditions moved of late years both in Ireland & in England. But did you ever hear of any prosperous success that traitors hitherto have attained?  T. 
This I know for certain that the rebels in England were no sooner up, 
Rebellion. in the North. In Ireland.  but they were as easily to th' everlasting shame & confusion both of themselves & their houses put-downe again; & they of Ireland, though troublesome for a season, yet by the suppressing power of th' almighty are so rooted-out in the and, as, which is marvelous, yet well known 
b In the execut. of justice. , there is not in all that wild & waste Country à know en traitor remaining at this day, nor hath been for a great time.  Z. 
As the judgement of God upon those rebels in general: so the same judgements of the same Lord of hosts upon the ringleaders & heads of those rebels in particular would from hand to hand, from father to son, and from man to man everlastingly to all posterities be delivered.  T. 
The particulars I have not so well marked, make me acquainted with them: for it shall be as joyful for me to hear, as for you to tell of the destruction of disloyal subjects and traitors.  Z. 
The principal stirrers-up of rebellion from time to time in Ireland have been, of English Stukley, & D. Sanders; of Irishmen; james the Earl of Desmond, and john his brother, and Fitz-morrice; Now behold the judgements of God either by the hands of man, or without means by himself; or by himself & man too upon them al. By the hands of man, God in his justice both caused that forenamed Fitz-morrice at one 
james Fitz-morrice.  blow by a lusty young gentleman to be slain 
c Execut. of justice. Tho. Stukley. El. Exhort. concerning the state of Christendom. p. 39 , & made Stukley so infamous, and so intolerably odious among the foreign papists, that even the King of Spain himself, otherwise a great harborer & praeferrer of such firebrands of sedition (El), banished him not only out of his Court, but quite out of his Country of Spain 
d In the let. to Bernar. Mendoza. p. 32. N. Sanders. . Without the means of man in his justice God not only caused that D. Sanders to wander like himself, a ravening wolf among the wolves on the mountains of Ireland, but also kept from him all sustenance of life (who had detained the food of the soul from others), and bereft him of his wits (which had so abused his knowledge to the disquieting of God's people) whereby raving and in a frenzy he ended his days 
e Execut. of justice. , that would have brought to destruction many one both in body and soul.  
By himself and man too the two Desmondes came to fearful ends; 
john of Desmond.  by man both of them after the Irish fashion made shorter by the head; by God both of them also, like Cain forced to range about they witted not whither, 
james Earl of Desmond.  but james especially, a man of power was forsaken of all men, and of a mighty Earl became a miserable beggar 
f Execut. of justice. .  T. 
Blind is he that cannot see, and far given over of God that will not confess that God standeth for his Lieutenants, the Kings, Queens and governors of the world, against all popish rebels whatsoever.  Z. 
That to his glory must be acknowledged, mark now again the conductors of rebels in this land, which were the two Earls of Northumberland, & of Westmoreland, and upon them also, behold the judgements of God either immediately by himself, or by himself and man too shown upon them both. 
Tho. Percy Earl of Northumberland.  By himself and man he of Northumberland came into their hands whose ovethrow he sought, and as his demerits did require, at York had his head cut from his shoulders, 
Charles Nevil Earl of westmerland.  that would have dismembered this so flourishing a Common weal. By God without man th' other of Westmoreland that thought to have made many a man and woman childless, was bereft of his children, or they of their wits; 
* Lady Margaret a frantic roge.  and he that viperlike upon no just cause would have destroyed his dear mother his native Country by his rising-up is eaten-up of ulcers rising of lewd causes out of his own body 
g Execut. of justice. .   

Chap. 8.  
Again of the justice of God himself executed upon other principal promoters of Antichristes Kingdom, arrant traitors to the Realm and Crown of England.  TIMOTHY. 
Happy are they whom these examples can teach to beware.  zealots. 
We may otherwise also behold an heavy countenance of the Lord upon other rebels & traitors. For as he hath in the sight of man with the iron rod of his fierce displeasure even crushed the frantic brains of open rebels into pieces: so hath he aswell by himself as by man, so discovered, defeated, confounded privy traitors, as both the Godly rejoice, the wicked fret, and all men exceedingly do wonder at the same.  T. 
I have heard indeed from year to year not only of the Detection, but also of the miraculous apprehending, and just execution of most barbarous traitors in sundry & divers places of this land.  Z. 
Ascribe that unto the provident care which God hath of his handmaid, and of his Church the spouse of Christ. Consider yet, and especially that which the godly wise have beside observed.  T. 
What is that?  Z. 
It is not so much the necessary execution of that punishment which wholesome laws have laid upon the bodies, as the importable judgements of the Lord himself upon the souls & minds of traitors.  T. 
Make me acquainted therewith that I may grow more and more into à detestation of them whom God himself in such sort abhorreth.  Z. 
Is it not strange, think you, that men guilty of high treason against the state, being by friends (no friends of their Prince and country) advised to shift for themselves, and having either fit opportunity to fly, or place convenient to escape the hands of them whose laws they had violated, should yet have no power to embrace that counsel, tending so greatly to the preservation of their lives.  T. 
Whom mean you?  Z. 
I mean Felton (that Felton in this place I mean not who lately together with james Clackson was executed forhie treason 
a These were hanged between Brainford and Hunsloe near London the 28. of Aug. 1588. , but his father john Felton) a man for the space of eleven years together afore his apprehension privy to every treason and conspiracy against her Majesty, & a special instrument for all foreign enemies to work withal 
b Fidelis seruî subdito infideli resp. ; and Story, even that Story which wished the persecutors had left the branches & laid the axe to the root of the tree 
c Acts and Monuments in Q. Marie. De Romanarch. contra N. Sanderum. l. 1. 2. , who though they were advised th' one of them to fly, when easily he might after he had setup the pope's Bull at the Bishop of London's gate; th' other to refrain to go whither he was alured: yet could neither Felton run his way 
d Fidelis servi sub infideli resp. , nor Doctor Story for his life avoid the trap whereof he was warned 
e In the declare. of the life and death of l. Story. .  T. 
No doubt this was the justice of God before upon the minds, that afterward the justice of man might be executed upon their bodies, as it came to pass 
f Felton was hanged in Lond. at the Bishop of Lond. gate. Story was hanged on a new triangle gallows called the Tyburn, the 1. of june 1571. .  Z. 
Will you see this thing yet more evidently by other examples?  T. 
That is my desire.  Z. 
Then call into mind the cursed end both of somervile afore mentioned 
* p. 38. Someruile. Sir Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland. , & of that other earl of Northumberland, th' one whereof, being condemned for high treason prevented the Queen's mercy by hanging himself in Newgate; th' other to be condemned, durst he abide the trial, forewent the Queen's justice by discharging upon his own carcase a dag charged with three bullets 
g The true report of the Earl of North. treasons etc. p. 15. 19 : both of them dying not like Christian men, but like him that having betrayed our saviour Christ unto the high priests 
h Luke 22, 47. 48. john. 18. 2. 3. Parrie. , went and hung himself 
i Math. 27. 3. 4. 5. , Now whereunto may this be ascribed?  T. 
Surely unto nothing but unto the same justice of God which lay like an heavy burden 
Act. 1. 16. 17. 18.  upon their Souls: an evident demonstration that God is no abettor of Traitors, and popish conspiracies.  Z. 
And whereunto may we also refer the trouble, even the great trouble that Parry was in at the consideration of the manifold excellencies in her majesties person 
k The true and plain declare. of Par. treasons. p. 16. ; and the tears which the very fight of her Highness, in whom to his thinking he saw the lively and express image of king Henry the seventh 
l Ibidem. p. 35. , did draw from his eyes: whereunto I say may we refer things but unto the very justice of God upon his soul, strooken with the horror of a guilty conscience, and daring him for his life not so much as to touch, much less to dispatch so heroical a prince, endued with so rare parts as her majesty is?  T. 
So by miserable experience he saw that it was not of all the easiest thing, as himself sometime fantastically did imagine 
m Ibidem. p. 9 , to take away the life of our gracious Queen.  Z. 
It is written of jezabel that she thought at her pleasure she could put the holy Prophet Eliiah, to death, & therefore vowed by a certain time to cut of the days of that man of God 
n 1. Kings. 19 2. . But though her malice was great: yet her power was nothing, for both he lived and was carried into heaven 
o 2. Kings. 2. 11. , and she through the justice of God for her sins was eaten up of dogs 
p 2. Kings. 9 35. 36. . So this Parry vowed indeed the destruction of her royal person 
q Parries treasons. p. 14. 16. 33. 35. , and thought he could at his pleasure either with dag or dagger spoil her of all life 
r Ibid. p. 9 ; but we know that both her majesty liveth (and long may she live to the further advancement of God's glory); and he not only by the justice of man upon his body 
* Parrie was drawn from the tower of Lond. to the palace of westminster and there hanged the 2. of March. 1584. , but also by the severe justice of God upon his soul, was banished out of this world. For he died in final impenitency, for aught that man could perceive, ask no man, no not God forgiveness for his sins 
s Par. trea. p. 39 .  T. 
O most horrible spectacle! yet often seen, that as men live so they die, he lived profanely, and died like an Atheist.  Z. 
I could tell you of the impatiency of some; of the desperate ends of other even at the place of execution; 
Story. Tichborne. Babington. etc.  of the filthily polluted bodies through French diseases of other traitors; all which do clearly show into what vile minds God doth deliver them up in his justice that will seek to pluck them down whom he doth advance, or to advance that he would have destroyed: But I only do wish were observed, the utter detestation generally in all sorts of subjects (raised by the very finger of God's holy spirit (against all Popish traitors from time to time.  T. 
Show that one thing.  Z. 
It is easily done. The outward signs and shows of exceeding joy at the very discovery of treasons, and apprehension of traitors 
t See the letter of her Majesty to the L. Maior of Lond. of the 18. of Aug. 1586. it is printed by Ch. Bar. ; the outcries which they have made 
v Par. treas. p. 38. , & the speeches of the vulgar people unto the traitors in the open streets after their arraignment 
x In the life & death of D. Story. , declare the people's mind; that so famous Act of association in loyalty and faithfulness towards their prince and Country, by so many thousands entered-into most willingly 
y See the treat. intitu. The copy of a letter to the Earl of Leicester. etc. p. 10.  yet altogether unwittingly to her majesty till a great number of hands with many obligations were shown unto her 
z Ibidem p. 18. , declare the minds of the greatest; the divers and sundry Statutes enacted, but specially that Parliament in the 28. year of her highness reign, and the importunate suit of both houses by the mouths of most principal persons for the putting of them to death whom this Realm neither could nor might any longer endure 
a Ibidem. p. 22. , declare both à secret joy and delight they have in her majesty (as in a jewel of inestimable valour 
b Ibidem. p. 25. , even as in the Diamond of all Christendom 
c B. jewel in his view of à sedit. Bull. p. 73. , and a common hatred in all men's hearts against them whomsoever that shall rise up to th' overthrow either of her person, or of this government.  T. 
And this also is a very subscription even of God himself unto that Religion for the propagation whereof her Majesty with a most resolute mind hath opposed her person to all manner of perils and dangers whatsoever.  Z. 
She knoweth and hath confessed also 
d In the copy of a letter etc. 〈◊〉 the Earl of ●cicester p. 30. , that he for whose sake only she doth all that she doth, for power can, and of his endless mercy will defend her stil. And all good subjects say thereto, Amen.   

Chap. 9  
1 Of God's wonderful protecting her Majesty from foreign enemies; 2. And of the vain invading of Ireland in the year 1580 and intended invasion of this land from time to time.  TIMOTHY. 
If ever Prince had any sensible experience of God's protection, it is her Majesty; and if ever people by outward signs were certified that the Pope is very antichrist, even we of this age now in England may palpably perceive the same.  zealots. 
And yet are there more things of great moment to confirm us in this truth then hitherto we have mentioned.  T. 
I doubt not of that, but what is the special thing that you have observed?  Z. 
It is the miraculous preservation of her sacred person & government from the dangerous attempts of foreign papists, promoters of Antichristes kingdom.  T. 
I have heard indeed that among our English papists of note and place it hath been agreed-upon, that the state of all Christendom hath stood upon the stout assailing of England. 
a Northumb. treas. p. 3. .  Z. 
Upon such a conclusion it is well known that long agone the Duke of Alva in Flanders by Doctor Story 
b The let. sent by a gent. stud. etc. concer. D. Story. ; of late years the duke of Guise (the French Haman) in France by TT. Morgan, and Throckmorton 
c Northumb. treas. p. 3. Throck. treas. ; King Philip in Spain by Sir Francis Englesield 
d Ibidem. ; the pope of Rome by doctor Sanders 
e Execut. of justice. , and Allen 
f Northumb. treas. p. 3.  (the new Cardinal of England) and others daily were solicited, & importunately urged to make an invasion upon her majesties Dominions.  T. 
But what of that?  Z. 
Hereof two things have ensued, one whereof was an invasion made, th' other an invasion intended.  T. 
What invasion hitherto at any time was yet made?  Z. 
Th' invasion was upon Ireland in the year of our Lord 1580. by a company of soldiers sent into those parts by the commandment of the Pope 
* Genebrard Cronograph. l. 4. & in append.  and K. of Spain 
g Declar. causarum quibus adducta Ang. Reg. Belgis afflictis etc. p. 13. ; and there most proudly vaunting themselves under the Pope his banner displayed.  T. 
Alas they were but an hand-ful in comparison, & though their malice was never so deadly; yet could they do no great hurt, their power was so small.  Z. 
That they did none hurt impute it unto the mercy of our God to his Churchward. But much hurt they might have done had either they not forsaken them who came forth as assisstantes with them; or they come unto them, which were very many, even the Irish rebels, or they not deceived them that promised them aid, namely the Pope with a new supply of Soldiers, out of Italy, & the earl of Desmond with his rout of rebels; or they any way been blessed of God, being for number almost as many as their opponentes, and much stronger in regard of the vantage of place, they being entrenched strongly in a fort, and their enemies abroad in the open field. Besides the name of a band of men arrived, and armed on all sides, especially with authority from the Pope, and King of Spain, is a great imboldning of the wicked, that are wavering to revolt.  T. 
But they were no sooner come almost on land and had fortified themselves but they were even all of them either hanged, killed, or taken prisoners.  Z. 
So let them perish, o most righteous God which band themselves against thy Christ and his Church.  T. 
Thus God showeth himself still to be for her Majesty, and taketh her enemies for his own.  Z. 
You will say so when we have throughlie displayed the invasion intended.  T. 
What have you to say thereof?  Z. 
Many things; but for brevity & method sake I will reduce them all unto that which concerneth th' enemies & their overthrow, and ourselves, and our prosperous success.  T. 
What is to be noted touching our enemies?  Z. 
First their long and careful preparation many years, and their wonderful armies aswell for land as sea in the last, and famous, and much expected year, 88; them the excessive pride of th' adversaries, and the just account they made to conquer and subdue us all; and last of all, the miraculous defeating of all their wicked purposes, and the most famous victory given of God unto us his weak servants over his & our enemies.   

Chap. 10.  
1 Of the long preparation to invade this land; 2. of the hideous Armies and Armado for the same purpose; 3. and of the causes and ends of the same.  TIMOTHY. 
Speak now more fully that which in a word you have uttered.  zealots. 
Touching the preparation to invade this land mark first of all the divers things that from time to time, for the harting, or hardening rather of rebellious people have been bruited of the same: as that the realm for certainty should be invaded sometime by 20000. 
a Northumb. treas. p. 3. , sometime by 40000 men 
b The Let. of agent. stud. etc. concer. D. Story. , sometime under the conduct of one Prestal an Englishman 
c Ibidem. ; sometime of strangers, as by the duke of Alva; 
d M. Fleetwoods' the recor. of Lon. orat. to the Lon. An. 1571, , otherwhiles by Don john of Ostrich 
e Exhort. concer. the state of Christendom. p. 39 , now by the Duke of Guise 
f Throck. treas.  then by the King of Spain 
g Ibidem. ; and the invasion to be sometime upon Ireland 
h Ibidem. , sometime upon England, & there somewhile in Sussex 
i Northumb. treas. p. 6. Throck. treas. , at an other time in the North parts 
k Northumb. treas. p. 7. 9 .  T. 
This declareth an horrible conspiracy and proanes in Princes and Papists to annoy her Majesty, and this land. But why according to their desire do they not effect their wicked and mischievous purposes?  Z. 
It was some twenty year ago by F. Pais (a public reader of divinity at Rome in the presence of 300. scholars & not so few) said that the Pope's goodwill (to this invasion) is tried and known, and his purse ready, but either fear withdraweth, or power forbiddeth (K. Philip) that he dare not venture to bring his army of Soldiers into England 
l Nich Recant. . That which father Pais said of the Pope and King of Spain do I say of them & the rest of our adversaries also, their malice is well known, and their money ready for this enterprise, but they did not hitherto invade us, not because they would not, but for that they durst not, their cause being nought their courages did fail them.  T. 
So God taketh away their stomachs many times which band themselves to the overthrow of his truth.  Z. 
Manytimes indeed he doth so, though not always, for sometimes he giveth them the rains to proceed at their pleasure, as he did Pharaoh, & the King of Spain, to their greater overthrow in th' end.  T. 
What was now his preparation at the last?  Z. 
Most wondered whether you respect his navies upon the sea, or his armies for land, his power was so exceeding great, as a mightier preparation was never known in former times to be made against any Turks, or Saracens than he made against Christians 
m Let. to Mend. p. 6. . The number of his ships was great, the variety strange; the persons not only very many for multitude, but also for state of great reputation 
n True descrip. of the Ar. p. 36. 46. : so puissant a power, and such if either the number of natural Spaniards, or the quality of the viagers be considered, as the like came never out of Spain with any King or without 
o Piement. deposit. p. 13. ; so mighty a power, & so provided with all Martial furniture for six months 
p True descr. of the Ar. p. 58. Piement depo. p. 7. , as might have amazed the greatest Monarch in the world to have encountered with the same.  T. 
What might be the cause of this so rare an enterprise?  Z. 
The cause pretended was religion, or to return unto the pope his church à great number of contrite souls 
q D. Medina's orders for the Spanish Fleet. Northum. trea. p. 4. ; as Piementellie said, it was in the King of Spain à desire of revenge for the supposed injuries received at the hands of the most valiant and thrice renowned Knight, Sir Francis Drake 
r Piement depo. p. 16. , (forgetting utterly the infinite and grievous injuries that himself from time to time hath offered to her Majesty, by abusing her subjects, and Ambassadors, and by invading her realm of Ireland, and harbouring of arrant traitors both to God & her crown 
s Exhor. concer. the state christ. p. 39 : But the true cause indeed we shall find to be an Ambitious desire in K. Philip of Spain to tyrannize in her highness dominions as he doth over the Indies, Portugals, and them of netherlands 
t See the exhor. concer. the state of christendom. .  T. 
If the ground was so ill, the end could never be good.  Z. 
Surely th' end was none other but to conquer the whole Realm, to remove our most gracious Sovereign from the Crown and regal dignity 
v Throck. treas. ; to set up some English (or other) Catholic for King 
x Northumb. treas. p. 3. ; to bring both our bodies into the Spanish thraldom 
y Let. to Mend. p. 4. , worse than death itself 
z See the Spa. colony. the suppl. unto the K. of Spain made by the P. of Orange etc. The Pr. of Oranges apology. The Pol. discourse of the, league between Fr. and Eng. The complaint of England. , and our souls into the hellish bondage of the Roman Antichrist 
* Med. orders for the Spa. Fleet. Crusado from Rome, p. 10. Northumb. treas. p. 3. .   

Chap. 11.  
Of the detestable pride in the Spaniards, and just account they made to subdue us all.  TIMOTHY. 
No doubt their preparation being so great (unless, which is uncredible, they have left that vice for which they are notoriously infamous 
a Guicciardine in his 16. book hist. Italicae. M. Norton in his warning etc. The pol. disc of the league between Fr. and Eng. , the pride of the Spaniards could not be little.  zealots. 
Their pride was so excessive as they termed their army, The invincible army 
b Crusado from Rome. ; and our navy in disdain, Fisherboates 
c Elz. triumph. p. 29. ; They judged their Fleet so mighty, as had there not been so many ships by twenty as they had, they could easily have praevailed over us 
d Piemen. depo. . They thought either that we durst not encounter with them, or if we did we should presently be overcome 
e Let. to Mend. p. 16. .  T. 
I have read, I well remember, four years afore the appearing of this Fleet, that Bar. Mendoza, the Spanish Embassader, did say unto Throckmorton the traitor, that we should as easily be overthrown by the spanish power as assailed 
f Throck. treas. .  Z. 
And about 13. years afore that also it was delivered by Doctor Story, if the King of Spain would but go about England with his Navy, as joshua with his army went about jerico 
g joshua 1. 6. , that he should be sure to find as good success here as joshua did there 
h The Let. of à Gent. Stud. concer. D. Story. .  T. 
Some said that a maid (called the holy maid of Lisbon) the year last immediately passed afore the coming of the Fleet, did prophesy that the Spaniards should no sooner approach the coast of England, but the hearts of Englishmen should fail them, and the Spaniards obtain the victory 
i D. Banerof●● servant at Paul's cross p. 6. .  Z. 
Some say likewise they played at dice for our noblemen and knights 
k Spa. mask. ; and had after a sort quartered the whole Realm as a pray among themselves 
l Let. to Mend. p. 36. .  T. 
Others beside deliver that in one of Don Pedro de Valdez ensigns there was figured a Sun and a Moon with a Motto in Spanish to this effect, Yesterday the full, but to day the wane 
m Spa. mask. ; not obscurely thereby insinuating the good success which they promised unto themselves by our utter overoverthrow.  Z. 
The embroidered garments also with strange emblems, and the lofty verses divulged by their favourites at Colein 
n Tu qui Romanas voluish spernere leges, etc.  manifested unto the open & wide world, the just account that both themselves and their adherentes did make to prevail, to overrun the whole realm, and to supplant the religion & the present state.   

Chap. 12.  
1 The dreadful downfall of the ambitious & proud Spaniards; 2. God's heavy curse upon the whole army and Armado of the Catholics, 3. with the sundry effects ensuing thereupon in the minds of many men.  TIMOTHY. 
But pride goeth afore destruction, and an high mind, afore the fall, said Solomon 
a Prou. 16. 18.  the wisest among princes.  zealots. 
That which that worthy Prince delivered, by our experience we know to have betide that proud Antichristian army of papists; For he that ruleth in the heavens did laugh them to scorn, the God of Gods had them in derision, and brought even in the public view of th' universal world most horrible confusion upon them all.  T. 
How, declare?  Z. 
The whole power of Spain consisted of three parts; of the prince of Parma's forces of one hundred sail of ships, and forty within two thousand men 
b Piemen. depo. p. 13. ; of a new supply of fourscore ships 
c Disc. of the Ar. in the end. ; & of the grand Armado of eight score ships 
d Let. to Mend. p. 17. Disc. of the Ar. p. 36. ; and thirty and two thousand fight men 
e Piemen depo. p. 6. : In all of ships three hundred & forty, of men not so few as an hundred thousand.  T. 
What of that?  Z. 
Consider now the judgements of the Lord our God upon all, and every of these armies.  T. 
What upon the Prince of Parma, and his forces?  Z. 
The P. of Parma, though his strength aswell for sea as land, was exceeding great; yet the Lord of hosts (in whose hands are the hearts of all men) so weakened his courage, as he had none heart either to assail us, or to assist his companions of the conspiracy beaten even like dogs, if not in his sight, yet within his hearing. Whereby the glory of that Prince, afore so valorous, is not a little diminished, and his credit impeached among the manly soldiers, aswell on his side 
f Piemen. depo. p. 15. , as adversaries to his cause 
g The discourse upon the declare. pub. by the L de la Nove. p. 9 .  T. 
What upon the new supply?  Z. 
The supply of fourscore well appointed ships had this judgement laid upon them also, that for their lives they durst neither rescue their pursued Fleet, nor venture upon our navy; nor enter into the land, but got them home again, as they came forth, save that they returned with some touch of dishonour in regard of their great timidity.  T. 
What upon the huge Armado?  Z. 
The judgements of God upon that were most wonderful, whether you consider them from their coming first from home till their meeting with our Navy; or as they are met together; or being departed from us and fled away, they never prospered neither first nor last.  T 
Before their meeting with our Fleet what ill success had they?  Z. 
Let this generally be observed that from their first setting forth till the return of the remainder of ships into Spain, they had not so much as one good day to their comfort & consolation 
h Let. to Mend. p. 17. . Next they were no sooner departed from the Groin, but forthwith their Ships wherein all their medicaments were, perished 
i Piemen. depo. p. 7. . So that God at the beginning of their voyage did discomfort, & bereft them of all means to heal their sick, wounded, and diseased persons withal. After that their four Galleys even all of them suffered wrack 
k I. An. de Mon. confess. , in a tempest from heaven before they came upon the coasts of England 
l Piemen. depo. p. 5. , And having entered into the channel of our land themselves set fire upon the Admiral of Oquendo and burned him 
m Ibidem p. 13. .  T. 
Apparent arguments, that God abhorred that enterprise of theirs; and most gracious warnings unto them of greater evils to themward, did they not desist, had they had grace so to have taken them.  Z. 
But they went on to their greater shame and ruin. For no sooner saw they our Fleet and felt our bullets, but God struck a cowardice into the hearts of the Lords of Spain, as into the Aramites 
n 2. Kings. 7. 6. 7.  bending their force against Israel, as these did against England: so that they whose hearts afore the fight were as hard as steel, being come now unto the battle, became so soft as wax. Hence was it that they stood in fear of our English Fleet (which afore they despised) and doubted much of boarding 
o Em. Frem. exam. , Yea had we offered to have boarded their ships, it is thought they would all have yielded to our mercy 
p Em. Frem. confess. , so fearful were they. Hence was it that the Captain general of the whole army, the Duke of Medine, tooke-up his lodging in the bottom of his ship 
q Let. to Mend. p. 18. , as in a place of most security, and jan Martin's de recalled, chief Admiral of the Navy, betook him to his bed (like a knight of the pillow) and there lay from the fight afore Calais seven weeks together & upward 
r Exam. of Pier. Car. : neither of them daring to buckle with their enemies, or to succour their distressed friends, which hath turned much to their discredit 
s Let. to Mend. p. 18.  Hence was it that the famous soldier, Don Pedro de Valdez, in a ship of 1550. ton, furnished with 304. men of war 118. Mariners, & 50. Canons for the war 
t Disc. of the Ar. p. 34. , was taken prisoner withal his, 
u Let. to Mend. p. 18.  making little, if any resistance, through fear. Hence was it that they flew desperately one upon an other, and slew themselves 
x M. Pigs medita. p. 33. , even as the Moabites, Ammonits, & they of Mount Seir did in the days of jehoshaphat 
y 2. Chro. 20. verse 22. 23. . And hence finally it was that these brave assailers hoisedup their sails, and sailed away so fast as they could drive 
z Condem. of the Spa. lies .  
Look upon the person, and you shall find that none among them of any account, but they were either killed by us, as Hugo de Moncado 
y Ibidem. , & the masters of the camps of horsemen & of footmen 
z I. An. of Genuas ; or taken prisoners as Don Pedro de Valdez of whom I now spoke, & Diego Piementellie, one of the five masters of the camp 
a Piemen. depo. p. 6. 12. , and of great blood 
b Ibid. p. 3. 4. ; or drowned, or put to shameful flight: Consider their ships, and you shall find the best of them and strongest to be either sunk, or taken, or dangerously pierced and bruised with our shot: Look upon their treasure and you shall find that either it came into our hands by the taking of Don Pedro 
c Em. Frem. , or it perished being thrown into the sea by a Friar in the galliass where Hugo de Monacado was slain.  
In one day there were slain and drowned of these our enemies five thousand men 
d l. An. of Genuas. ; in a short time drowned and taken 15. Spanish ships, and a thousand men and not so few taken prisoners, which remain to this day in bondage partly in England, & in Zealand partly 
e Aduertis. out of Ireland. ; in nine days all the Spanish hope vanished to nothing, and the glory of this Antichristian voyage, so earnestly solicited, so much expected, so many years in preparing, the hope of all Papists, & as it were their last refuge and castle of comfort, became utterly defaced and overthrown 
f Let. to Mend. p. 3. .  T. 
Now blessed be the Almighty for thus justifying his poor servants, even in the open sight, and stage as it were of the universal world.  Z. 
Yet our God whose cause we maintain, stayed not here but took the defence of the same into his own hands, sent his angel among them as into the army of Rabsakeh 
g Isa. 37. , loosed his winds, powered raging streams of vengeance from above, threw his storms into the sea, Droave his and our enemies by violent tempests into uncouth and cold Northern quarters (little grateful to those brave Sothren soldiers); severed, sonk, & drowned many of their ships, & brought most horrible confusion upon them all 
h Aduertis. our of Ireland. . Whereby it fell out that the Prince of Ascule, base son to the King of Spain, and Don Michael de Oquendo, general of the Fleet of Guipusque, with almost 500 men in one ship were drowned 
i I. An. de Mon. exam. ; others landed in Ireland and were put to the sword, yea one man with an axe slew fourscore of these spanish Philistines 
k Aduertis. out of Irel. ; others abode in their ships, & suffered perforce extreme misery 
l Em. Frem. exam. . Which made them both to cast their horses and mules over board into the sea to save their fresh water 
m Condem. of the Spa. lies p. 12. john de la Conidos confess. , and also to die of famine most miserably, in so much as out of that ship which best was furnished with victuals there died in less than six months of hunger & thirst four or five in a day 
n Em. Frem. exam. . In which flight of theirs 17. ships and 53. hundred men and upward are well known to be either sunk, drowned, killed, or taken upon the coasts of Ireland 
o Aduertis. out of Irel. .  T. 
Thus to our comfort and confirmation of our faith, we do see that where God's providence is the watch and defence, no floods of foreign forces can overwhelm.  Z. 
And praised be God, as they which be strong in faith hereby are more strengthened, so some which afore have staggered in Religion are now made wholly on our side, and such as were stiff on the adverse part, begin now to stagger 
q Let. to Men. p. 3. ; and they which came out enemies are become our friends, in so much as many of them do not only crie-out upon the English traitors in their Country, as betrayers of the king of Spain 
r Ibidem. p. 30 , but also vow no more to meddle with us 
s Em. Frem. Exam. , and will rather be buried in the ground alive, then come in such an other voyage against England 
t Ibidem. , acknowledging both our Country to be invincible, otherwise than by treason of some great part within the Realm 
u Let. to Men. p. 31. , and Christ also in all these fights to have shown himself even a very Lutheran, 
x Ibid p. 17. , that is an utter enemy to the Pope and Popery.   

Chap. 13.  
The prosperous success of the Gospel, and the most gracious countenance of God cast, and continued to his seruantes-ward of the Religion of Christ.  TIMOTHY. 
And these effects are wrought in the minds of many, not so much by God his overthrowing his enemies, as by blessing every way with happy success his dear children standing for the Gospel of Christ against Antichrist, and his partakers.  zealots. 
Doubtless as the ground of our quarrel was good: so the proceeding was most godly, and the means and end blessed, and all prosperous.  T. 
I ensure you I am not a little refreshed, and even full as it were fraughted with unspeakable comfort when either mine heart doth think, or my tongue speak, or mine ears hear, or mine hands write of those happy days.  Z. 
So is every sound Christian and subject.  T. 
And truly he that shall call into mind the courage of the people, the magnanimity of the Prince, the obedience of subjects, the direction of the Governors, the diligence of the Captains, the forwardness of all sorts to spend their lives and goods in defence of their native Country, and maintenance of the long established, and much blessed religion among us, will frankly acknowledge all this to come of God, if any sparkle of God's holy spirit be within him.  Z. 
Every thing was notable which you have mentioned, but that the very Papists were so far from revolting from their due obedience to their sovereign Prince, that they were priest and ready both with body and goods to proceed in hostile manner with us of the Religion 
a Let to Mend. p 8.  against all enemies whatsoever, that is of all most marvelous in mine eyes.  T. 
It was the work of God, who showed his Almighty power not only in weakening the courage of the foreign enemies, but also in changing their hearts who are among ourselves most dangerous, and (had he not made them of wolves, for the time lambs) might more have perplexed us in a day, than could the out-enimies in a month.  Z. 
Therefore the glory thereof is to be ascribed unto him alone to whom justly it doth appertain, which is the immortal and invisible God.  T. 
And they for all their proffered service then 
b Let. to Mend. p. 9  are no whit the more to be favoured & trusted now; Papists being the solicitors 
c Northumb. & Throck trea. , Papists the prosecutors of this war 
d therefore. politic p. 64. , Papists the soldiers 
e The descr, of the Ar. Crusado from Rome. , and all attempted on the behalf of the Pope and Papists 
f Medina's orders for the Spa. Fleet. Northumb. trea. p. 3. 4. .  Z. 
God give us grace to beware of them, whom not only by public writings blazoned 
g M. Nortons' war. against the dang. practices of Papists. execute, of justice. M. drant's sermon at the court at windsor the 8. of Iam. 1569. Fields caveat for Parson's Owlet. Let. F. D. Fulkes confut. p 5 Complaint of England. , but by other mischievous practices aswell against the person of the greatest in England, as the present government, we know to be of all most dangerous: we are well warned of them if we can beware.  T. 
But notwithstanding the general concurrence of all sorts to withstand th' invaders, yet, had not th' almighty God been our keeper, we had for all that watched in vain. For th' enemies if they had not to their desire prevailed, yet had they surprised our Navy on the sudden, and landed to our great hurt.  Z. 
But, blessed be the Lord which in good time discovered them to one 
h Eliz. trump. p. 28. , who concealed it not from them which were in best place for the Sea affairs.  T. 
This aught to be added next in the Catalogue of God his favours to his poor church of England ward.  Z. 
another argument of the same favour is, his enduing our sea men aswell marines' as soldiers not only with an invincible courage (whereof our enemies, as afore was noted, were quite deprived) but with all other virtues, & qualities beside, necessary for Christian warriors. Hereof it was that upon the tidings of the approaching enemies they dreaded not upon the sudden only with fifty ships, such as they were, which the Spaniards counted little Fisherboats 
i Ibidem. , to set upon that dreadful sea-monster 
k The refor. politic p. 42. , and reputed invincible Armado of Spain consisting for number of eight-score ships 
l Let. to Mend. p. 17. , so venturous were they, and so circumspect, that they always gained the wind at their pleasure 
m Ibidem.  to their great advantage; and so valiant as some one of our ships fought at one time with three of their Galiasses 
n Condem. of the Spa. lies. p. 3. , as if David had encountered with three Goliahs'; and two of our Eng. gentlemen assaulted only with their naked rapiers, and seized upon the chiefest Galiasse in all the Spanish Fleet 
o Let. to Mend. p. 28. , a thing so wonderful as if two naked men should set upon, and enter a mighty castle replenished with strong men and all martial furniture.  T. 
But how fortunate were they?  Z. 
That hath already been shown.  T. 
But strange things do they publish, clean contrary to that by you mentioned.  Z. 
I wots well, neither is it a new thing among Papists to broach abroad lies, and loud untruths; we spoke not long since of the invasion of Ireland.  T. 
We did so, what of that?  Z. 
What a good hand we had over our enemies at that time, it is universally well known. Yet were not the Papists ashamed to blazon throughout Spain, that an Angel from Heaven with a Chalice in his hand had discomforted many thousands of Englishmen 
p In the addideclar. to the Bulls. etc. . Whereupon the bells were rong, the people met together, and all sorts from the highest to the lowest of men, all biscay 
* M. hanmer's answer to a jes. challenge. p. 26. , yea all Spain 
* In the addit. declare. to the, Bulls. etc.  over rejoiced, triumphed, and by all outward arguments declared the inward comfort they received by that tidings.  T. 
O merciful God that ever such untruths should be forged! thousands of our men discomforted; and discomforted by an Angel from heaven! when God was so on our side that we either killed, hanged, or took at our pleasure even all that Antichristian rabblement, and but one of our men in all those fights was slain, nor above two hurt, and not so much as one man taken prisoner 
q This is testified by so many as have written of this invading of Ireland. .  Z. 
So have they published that the Admiral of England in the last fight upon the seas was sunk 
r Let. to Mend. p. 14. .  T. 
And yet he is alive, and, praised be God, fareth well.  Z. 
That Sir Francis Drake was either taken or slain 
s Pack of Spa. lies. p. 7. .  T. 
Yet he was neither taken or slain, but took and slew a great number; and since by the power and goodness of the Almighty hath slain and taken, and still doth both take and slay them.  Z. 
That we fled from coming to the battle 
t Ibid. p. 10. .  T. 
And yet we chased the Spaniards as a brace of greyhounds would an heard of Deer 
v Condem. of the Spa. lies. p. 3. , and whipped them as a man will whip bondslaves 
x The discr. upon the declare. pub. by the L. de la Nove. p. 9 , and as vagabonds are whipped about a town, so whipped we them about England and Scotland 
y Aduertis. out of Irel. Conden. of the Spa. lies. p. 3. .  Z. 
That of our ships 20. yea 22. were sunk, and 15. yea 26. yea 40. taken 
z Pack of Spa. lies. p. 3. 5. 12. .  T. 
And yet so far were we from losing forty, that we lost not one, yea so far from losing a Ship that we lost not so much as a boat 
a Let. to Mend. p. 17. Condem. of the Spa. lies. p. 10.  nor a Ship-mast. 
b Aduertis. out of Irel. Let. to Mend. p. 17. .  Z. 
That many of our men were slain, and drowned 
c Pack of Spa. lies. p. 3. 5. 12. , & a number taken prisoners. 
d Ibid. p. 1. 3. 5. 7. 12. .  T. 
Yet can they name, neither do we know any man of mark and reputation that was slain 
e Condem. of the Spa. lies. p. 12. Aduertis. out of Irel. , nor any man what soever that came as prisoner into their hands 
f Let. to Mend. p. 17. . For all are living and praest by God's favour to adventure their lives as cheerfully as ever they did for her Majesty when she shall command them 
g Condem. of the Spa. lies. p. 12. .  Z. 
This of all is most wonderful that they no way, and we every way were fortunate; that their hearts should be taken from them, and new courage be put into us; that so many of their Ships should be lost, and not so much as one boat, nor mast of ours from the first to the last to perish; that in one day five thousand of them, and not in nine days so much as one man to count-of on our side should be slain; that in a few days a thousand of theirs should be taken prisoners, and not one man of ours come into their hands; that their so famous an army and Armado should by Heaven, by Earth, by water, by fire, perish for a great part, and ours be preserved and remain whole & sound either to go against them to their greater ruin, or to encounter with any foreign forces that shall assail us!  T. 
He that seethe not a special regard of God towards us, as to the dear spouse of Christ ward, and an angry countenance on th'other side against the Church of Rome, as upon the whore of Babylon described by S. john 
h Revel. 17. 3. 4. etc. , is very blind.  Z. 
So is he.   

Chap. 14.  
Of a great desolation at hand of the Papal kingdom gathered from the consideration of things, past and present.  TIMOTHY. 
And I trust the observation of these things will draw them on, who are not so well affected to that religion which is from above.  zealots. 
I hope so too, I wish it, and many arguments I have inducing me to think that some more notable overthrow the Pope shall again sustain ere long it be.  T. 
May I not be privy unto some of them?  Z. 
It is written that jupiters' priests in Meroe had with superstition so bewitched the people's minds, that when soever they gave commandment, men would lay violent hands upon the kings and governors of Aethiopia, and put them to the sword. 
a Du arenus de sac. eccl. minis. ac benefic. l. 1. c. 4.   T. 
Who but heareth this, and doth not abhor the same, be he endued but with common humanity?  Z. 
Then no doubt popery, which both teacheth, defendeth and practiseth even the murdering of Gods anointed, the Kings, Princes and governors of Christendom, must needs universally become odious.  T. 
Hasten the same for thy name's sake, O most righteous God.  Z. 
At length those jupiters' Priests by a Prince of an heroical courage were themselves even all of them put to the sword, and their authority, government, and priesthood, quite rooted out, and overthrown 
b Duarenus, ibidem. .  T. 
Even so declare thy justice & judgements, mighty God we beseech thee, upon Baal's Priests of Rome, and upon the whole papacy, no whit inferior in impiety to Th' aethiopian priests.  Z. 
That Prince that so rooted them out was height Erganes 
c Duarenus ibidem. . The name of him that already hath given the deadly blow unto the state of Popery in England, was one entitled even by the pope himself, The defender of the Faith, 
d Sleid. comen, de statu. ●el. & resp. l. 3.  since for his magnanimity and power in suppressing Gods enemies justly termed The hammer of Papists even K. Henry the eight of most famous memory.  T. 
O that other Countries and territories yet under the Papal jurisdiction had either such Erganes as Aethiopia, or such Henry's as England had!  Z. 
It is delivered that Italy is fatal to the Polonians 
f Theod. Beza in vita calvini. .  T. 
What then?  Z. 
And it is credibly thought also that the name of Henry seemeth fatal to the Papacy 
g The refor. politic. p. 87 .  T. 
What the Henry's shallbe God only knoweth, and man cannot define: but what adversaries the Henry's have been, and still are at this hour to the Papacy all the world doth know, and the present state of France doth afford memorable examples in their excommunicate Henry's.  Z. 
But whosoever the persons shallbe for state, or name, and how unlikely in the judgement of many to destroy the Popedom, sure I am the miserable condition of our even Christians doth require, and the instant supplications of all God's people every where do also crave & call for a speedy reformation; and they cannot be in vain.  T. 
There is nothing impossible to God.  Z. 
Saint Paul sometime was an enemy of the Church, and with commission was sent and went also to murder and persecute the saints of God 
h Acts 9, 1. 2. etc. Phil. 3. 6. ; and yet he proved a most zealous & constant preacher of the word afterward himself 
i Act. 9 20. , suffered much for the cause of Christ 
k 2. Cor. 11. 23. etc. Act. 9 24. , and of an hypocritical Pharisie became a true professor 
l Phil. 3. 2. .  T. 
The example is notable.  Z. 
We have more Paul's then one, we praise God: For Petrus Paulus Vergerius also in his last age, a Cardinal of Rome, 
m Sleid. comen. de statu rel. & reip. l. 21.  an Ambassador of the Popes, sent and sent again, for his rare wisdom and faithfulness in all the Pope's affairs into Germany 
n Ibidem. l. 9  and Naples unto the Emperor, and that for the rooting-out of God's people under the name of Lutherans 
o Sleid. lib. 10. ; an heavy accuser of declining papists 
p Ibid. l. 16. , and an earnest writer against such as revolted from the Romish faith 
q Ibid. l. 21. : himself in th'end all this notwithstanding forsook his profession, left his dignities, renounced all his spiritual promotions, the Pope, and Italy 
r Biblioth. Simleri. fol. 563. , and became a zealous preacher, and professor of the Gospel of our Saviour Christ 
s Sled. Comen, de statu rel. & reip. l. 21. .  T. 
And such, thanks be to God; we hear of now and then 
* M. Latimers' 1. servant upon the L. prayer in p. 125. b. M. Charkes answer to a jesuits Let. fo. 6. .  Z. 
Little did Martin Luther think when first he opposed himself against the Pope's pardons to have been the subvertor of the whole Religion of Popery 
t Sleid comen. de statu rel. & reip. l. 1. ; as little also did King Henry the eight, when first he dealt in that case of divorcement think to have been the banisher of the pope's authority out of England 
v Acts and Monuments. in K. Hen. 8. .  T. 
So many there be now, as man thinketh, the Pope's sure friends, which may prove his enemies, and they which are his upholders and protectors now, may throw him down hereafter.  Z. 
King Henry of whom our speech hath been, had a very honourable title ascribed unto him by the Pope; other Potentates had the like 
x Sleid. comen. de statu rel. & reip. l. 3. , that which they are in name they may be in truth. Great injuries are offered by the Pope unto his strongest pillars not only in France 
y The discourse of the pres. state of France , but also in Spain 
z The refor. politic p. 42. 47. , & Princes irritated may and will do much.  T. 
Those princes are in best estate even in the eyes of man which have least dealings with the Pope, and as the Princes are such be the people.  Z. 
Were that well marked, Popery could not stand, the Antichristian kingdom must needs even presently fall to the ground.   

Chap. 15.  
Of the Priestly office of our Saviour attributed to the Pope of Rome.  TIMOTHY. 
The time is now that you tell how the Pope is placed in the Priestly office of our Saviour Christ, & in that respect made another Saviour.  zealots. 
That by two things is evident, first in that he is a Priest, then because he is a Pope.  T. 
As a Priest how is he Christ?  Z. 
For that as à priest he hath authority to offer sacrifice unto God for the quick and the dead 
a Catech. Trid. de ordinis Sa● , which sacrifice also, as they teach, is a propitiatory sacrifice, 
b Concil. Trid. sess. 22. can. 3. Catech. Trid. de Eucha. sacra. , and the same sacrifice propitiatory too that was offered by Christ himself upon the cross 
c Concil. Triden. sess. 22. cap. 2. Catech. Triden. de Eucha. sacra , None of which things belong unto any creature, but solely unto jesus Christ the only saviour of mankind.  T. 
It is very true. For as Christ himself is the propitiation for our sins 
d Rom. 3. 25. Hebr. 9 12. etc. 1 john. 2. 2. 28. 4. 10. . so that sacrifice propitiatory was once offered 
e Hebr. 9 12. 27. ; and that upon the cross 
f Galat. 3. 13. , & that by jesus Christ himself 
g Hebr. 9 12. , both the sacrificer, & the sacrifice.  Z. 
Therefore to whom-soever power is given to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for the quick and dead, which power they give to every priest who is in the highest degree of holy orders 
h Catech. Triden. de ordinis sacra. ; and so belongeth unto the Pope as he is a priest; and they who say that the sacrament of the Altar is the same propitiatory sacrifice that was offered by Christ himself upon the cross, they give both unto the Pope a priest, and to the Mass, the sacrifice that which of right belongeth solely unto jesus Christ.  T. 
But our saviour as a priest hath not only satisfied the wrath of God by sacrificing himself upon the cross, but still doth as a priest also continually use intercession unto his father for his redeemed people 
i Rom. 8. 34. Hebr. 8. 6. 1. john. 2. 1. .  Z. 
That is manifest in the holy Scriptures, notwithstanding though clear it be that Christ is our mediator, and by intercession maketh request for us unto God: Yet they make every popish priest beside a mediator so well as Christ 
k Catech. Triden. de ordinis sacra. .  T. 
Saint Paul saith there is but one God, and but one mediator between God and man, even the Man Christ jesus 
l 1. Tim. 2. 5. .  Z. 
And they say (contrarying thereby Th'apostle Paul) there be many mediators, even so many as there be priests and pope's. For every pope, because every priest, is a mediator; And so every pope, even this Franciscane Sixtus usurpeth this part of Christ his office.  T. 
Show now again how every Pope, as Pope intrudeth himself into the priestly office of jesus Christ.  Z. 
Their common judgement of the pope is, that he as pope is the high priest 
m Durand. cat. divini office l. 2. c. 1. , the general pastor 
n Ans. to the execut. of justice. c. 6. p. 131 , the common father of all Christians 
o Ibid. c. 6. p. 121. , & the high 
p Ibid. c. 3. p. 52.  pastor, and moderator 
q Catech. Triden de ordin. Sacra.  of God's universal Church, in order Melchisidech, and in dignity Aaron 
r Maioranus clip. milit. eccl. l. 3. c. 35. .  T. 
It is well known that such titles are proper only unto Christ 
s Hebr. 3. 1. Hebr. 13. 19 1 Pet. 2. 25. , & those persons Melchisidec and Aaron, were types and figures of our saviour Christ 
t Psal. 110. 4. Hebr. 5. 4. 5. .  Z. 
Therefore to invest the pope with such glorious titles, & to make him the person prefigured by such types is even to make the pope, if not the same, yet another Christ, as they made S. Francis.  T. 
Saint Gregory did write unto the Emperor Maurice, that whosoever calleth himself the universal priest in his elation he is the forerunner of Antichrist, because through pride he placeth himself afore other men 
v Greg. Magnus epist. 30. ad Mauricium Imper. li. 16 & in epistolis passim. . And I may boldly in likewise affirm that whosoever doth either call, or suffer himself to be called by such titles as you have recited, he is very Antichrist.  Z. 
But so doth the pope.  T. 
The Pope therefore is Antichrist.  Z. 
Then the arrogating of that power, whereby our Saviour most sovereignly excelleth, must more fully decipher, & notify him to be Antichrist in very deed.  T. 
Can you show that?  Z. 
What is more sovereign than for our Saviour to be the head of his church, upon whom all other parts do depend 
x Ephes. 4. 15. 23.  even as members are linked to the head? 
Col. 1. 18. 2. 10. etc.   T. 
Nothing.  Z. 
Of this mystical body the pope is made the head, and so him that giveth life and direction to all other members whatsoever 
y Durand. cat. diuin● office l. 2. c. 1. ; and they say of him as john said of our saviour Christ 
z john. 1. 16. . Of his fullness we do all receive 
a Durand. ibid. .  T. 
Is this Catholic divinity? to make the Pope of equal excellency with our Saviour Christ, is this the divinity of Papists?  Z. 
You shall hear more yet, For as they call him the head of the universal church, and say that of his fullness we do all receive: so as it is recorded, with patience hath he endured to hear himself called, even The lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. For even prostrate upon the ground certain Ambassadors of Sicilia said unto him on this wise 
b Paulus Aemylius lib. 7. , Thou which takest away the sins of the world have mercy upon us; thou which takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.  T. 
O gracious God, open once the eyes of thine elect among them at length that they may see the most horrible condition they are in, and repent.  Z. 
If here they stayed with making the Pope in office equal with our Saviour, it were the less offensive, but when they do not only compare, but for pity also and power by blasphemous lies, and untruths prefer the pope afore Christ in the redemption of mankind, the sin is extended even unto the uttermost.  T. 
Do they so?  Z. 
Do they not so when they teach & deliver that the pope daily of pity freeth some one or other from the pains of Purgatory 
c Eras, Roter in epist. ad Tim. c. 1. ? when our Saviour did free none at all from those hellish pains?  T. 
This shall suffice for this point, 
Philip Mor●aeus tract. de eccles. p. 193.  I see their blasphemies but too too well, and I abhor them from mine heart.  Z. 
We will therefore speak of that which remaineth.   

Chap. 16.  
How the Pope of Rome is set in the prophetical office of jesus Christ.  TIMOTHY. 
And is the Pope seated in the prophetical, as he is in the royal and priestly office of jesus Christ?  zealots. 
Hear and then determine.  T. 
First tell me where is our Saviour entitled with the name of Prophet?  Z. 
That he should be so, it was by Moses longago foretold 
a Deut. 18. 15. , and that he was so S. S. Peter 
b Acts. 7. 37. , & Stephan 
c Acts. 7. 37. , do testify.  T. 
Why is he so termed?  Z. 
He is so called partly because he prophesied much of things to come 
d Wigandus corp. doct. novi Test par. 1. ; but especially for that sovereign authority he had both to teach and reveal the will of God concerning the redemption of man.  T. 
What was his authority?  Z. 
Such as we are both enjoined, and that by a voice from the excellent glory 
e 2. Pet. 1. 1●.  to hear him 
f Math. 17. 5. , & threatened to answer for the same, if we despice his doctrine 
g Deut. 18. 1●. .  T. 
What were his gifts?  Z. 
Most divine. For he was the brightness of the glory, and th'engraved form of God 
h Hebr. 1. 3. , full of grace and truth 
i john. 1. 14. ; yea so full that all the fullness of the Godhead dwelleth bodily in him 
k Col. 2. 9 .  T. 
What was his doctrine?  Z. 
As were his qualities, such was his doctrine, even most heavenly. For all things which he hath heard from his Father hath he made known unto us 
l john. 15. 15. , and they are committed unto writing that we might believe 
m john. 20. 31. , and that through believing we might have life through his name.  T. 
Now tell me how Christ is divested of this office; and the Pope of Rome made the great Prophet of the Church of God?  Z. 
I have mentioned nothing from the holy Scriptures touching either th'authority, or the gifts, or the doctrine of Christ, but the Pope is made to match, that I say not, to surpass our Saviour Christ in all and every of these respects, and therefore as great for power, as Sovereign for gifts, as divine for doctrine as Christ himself.  T. 
I would see that confirmed.  Z. 
Who knoweth not that God is more pleased in his son Christ, than they are delighted in their Father the Pope? This is my beloved son, hear him, saith God 
n Math. 17. 5. : And of the Pope, this is our well-beloved Father 
o Catech. Trid. de or. Sacra.  in whom we are delighted, hear him say the papists. For whatsoever he determineth is a known truth, and that which he condemneth is a known error 
p heart in his confer. c. 2. sec. 2▪ p. 79. . His laws even all of them are to be taken as confirmed by the mouth even of God himself 
q Papa Agatho apud Gratian. distinct. 19 c. Sic. . And whatsoever he saith it is truth, and he cannot err 
r Pighius in Hier. Eccles. Maioranus clip milit. Eccles. l. 3. c. 35. . Is not this to make the Pope of equal authority with jesus Christ?  T. 
To deny that, is even to gainsay an open truth.  Z. 
Moreover that which lately I alleged though to an other purpose doth fitly prove also that he is taken for gifts & divine parts to be as singular as our Saviour Christ, when they say of him an saint john said of Christ 
s john. 1. 16. , that of his fullness we do all receive 
t Durand. rat. divin. office l. 2. c. 1. , And that his doctrine is made equivalent with the Gospel of jesus Christ it appeareth many ways.  T. 
Show that thing.  Z. 
He that will read the books of Sentences, especially the works of Gabriel Biel 
u In 3. dist. 37▪ q. 1. art. 1.  shall find that they make four sorts, or degrees of the law of God.  T. 
What are they?  Z. 
The first degree be the laws revealed immediately from God himself & be written in the holy Bible, especially in the Gospels penned through the will of Christ for our better attainment of everlasting happiness.  T. 
What hear I zealots? Is the word of God the first degree of God's law? & be there more laws, which are to be numbered among the laws of God, besides the holy Scriptures? And among those books of the sacred Scriptures are the works of the Evangelists to be reputed but for laws?  Z. 
That is their judgement.  T. 
Proceed then, and tell me what be the other laws of God besides the holy Scriptures?  Z. 
The next are the Fancies and dreams either taken by tradition from man to man, or derived from the Scriptures by their false, corrupt, erroneous, & pharisaical interpreting of them, such are most of the Articles of the popish Creed, sometimes drawn from the written word I grant, but rarely agreeing with the sense of the holy ghost, & to th'analogy of the catholic faith.  T. 
And be the Articles of their faith, laws? and their expositions to be accounted for the very laws of God?  Z. 
It is their opinion.  T. 
What be their other laws which they say are the very laws even of God himself?  Z. 
They are of two sorts: of one are the Canon laws, the Decretals, Sixtes, Clementines, Extravagantes, and the like; of tother sort be the Revelations, false Religions, and Rules, as of S. Bridget, S. Francis, S. Dominick, and that lame Spaniard Layola, the founder of the jesuitical viperous generation, either penned, or authorized and made currant by the Popes of Rome.  T. 
And are men bound to take these, and every of them even as the very laws of jesus Christ himself?  Z. 
Even as the laws of Christ. And how in comparison of the Pope his laws traditions, ordinances, and expositions they think of the holy Scripture it would carefully be observed.  T. 
What think they of the holy Scriptures?  Z. 
He was a Popish Bishop, that sometime demanded of a reverend Father, and afterward a blessed Martyr of jesus Christ 
x M. Latimer in his 2. servant before K. Ed. , whether the people might not be ordered without the holy Scriptures? And he was a Cardinal of Rome that writ how there might be a Church without the Scriptures 
y Cusanus epist. 2. ad Bohemos. . And another of that stamp, whose name I now remember not, said plainly it had gone better with the Church, had there been no Scripture at all.  T. 
These are particular men, you show not the common judgement of the Romish church?  Z. 
It is written of the Circumcellian heretics that they not only exercised most violent persecutions upon the bodies of Saints, but also burned to ashes in the fire even the most holy books of God 
z D. August. l. 2. contra lit. petil. c. 27. , which we call the Scriptures.  T. 
So did Herod afore them 
a Ambrose in Lucam. l. 3. c. 3.  and the wicked Israelites afore them also 
b jer. 36, 1. , but what of that?  Z. 
Their burning of those books notified unto the world in what price and estimation, they had the most precious word of God.  T. 
Yet this is nothing to the Papists of whom our speech is.  Z. 
Yes very much. For they doing the same thing that is burning those books, do show thereby in what reverend account they have the holy word God.  T. 
Have they burned the Scriptures of God as did the Circumcellian heretics, and other imps of Satan?  Z. 
Not only the Scriptures they have burned, but also in as barbarous manner as ever was heard have they burned into ashes the bodies of men only for having, I say not the whole Bible, but even a little fragment of the same, even the lords prayer in the English tongue, and not allowing the same idolatrously to be said unto dead Saints 
c Bale in his preface to I. Lamberts treat. of the L. Supper. . And how that good Deane of Paul's in London, D. Colet, should have been condemned for an heretic and burned it is notoriously well known.  T. 
But wherefore?  Z. 
For translating the Pater Noster forsooth into English 
d Acts & Monu. vol. 2. in K. Hen. 8. . And again how they have cited, tossed, threatened, and troubled of good people some for having the New Testament, some the Gospel after S. Matthew, some Th'acts of the Apostles, some Th'epistles of S. Paul, some the Revelation of Saint john, yea some for learning or teaching even the very grounds of all true Religion, as namely the ten Commandments, the Creed, & the Lords prayer, & some but for saying in English, Blessed be they that hear the word of God and keep it, it is worthily recorded 
e Acts & Monu. 16. , and to th'everlasting shame and reproach of Popery to be remembered.  T. 
But the days are now changed. For by their diwlgating the whole new Testament into a vulgar tongue, they declare themselves to have a religious care of God's word.  Z. 
Cardinal Cusanus was of that mind that he thought how as the Church by time doth alter, so th' interpretation of the Scripture also may vary, whereby that in Th' apostles time was a truth in these days shallbe an error and contrariwise 
f Cusanus epist. 2. ad Bohemos.  our papists in deed, though not in word, seem to be of his mind; else would they never allow that in these days for good which their fathers condemned as wicked and damnable, I mean the having the Scriptures in a vulgar tongue, yet this proveth no whit that they have in estimation the Scriptures of God.  T. 
Why not?  Z. 
Mark I beseech you, Albeit they have translated the New Testament into English (which for all that most impiously they have done, and sacrilegiously 
g See D. Whitak. against W. Reinolds. c. 15. 17. D. Buckleis ans. to the Pref. of the Rhem. Test. from page 51. But for al. D. Fulk his confut. of the Rhemish edition. : yet when they hold either as Hosius 
h D. Fulke in his defence of Th' eng. translat. p. 4. , that there is none other express word of God, but only this word Ama, or Dilige Love thou; or as another 
i johannes Maria Verrastus. , that the gospel is nothing else but the determination of the Church; or as the same Hosius 
k Contra Brentium l. 4. , that whatsoever the church of Rome teacheth that is th' express word of God, but whatsoever is taught contrary to the sense, and consent of the Romish church is th' express word of the devil; or as Harding doth 
l Confut. of the Apol.  that to the interpretation which the Church of Rome giveth of the Scriptures whatsoever it be is the odd and only true sense of God's word, it is apparent that hold what they list for the letre they make their own imaginations, determinations, senses, consent, and expositions even the very word of God, rejecting thereby in comparison thereof the most holy writings of the blessed Prophets, and Apostles, who we know wrote not by the will of man but through th' instinct of the holy ghost 
m 2. Pet. 1. 21. , And this being established by th' authority of the Pope, doth not it seat the Pope in the prophetical Chair not of Moses, but even of Christ himself.  T. 
Undoubtedly.  Z. 
And yet end they not here, but give unto the same Pope that authority which neither Christ would take unto himself, nor yet could give unto any creature beside.  T. 
What may that be?  Z. 
Even an absolute authority to dispense against the law of God 
n 16. q. 1, Quaeeunq. in Glossa. , against the law of nature 
o 15. q. 6. Authoritate in Glossa. ; against th' epistles of S. Paul 
p Dist. 34. Lector. & distinct. 82. presbyter. ; against the whole new Testament 
q Abbas panor. Extra. de divortiis. c. fin. , and against all the commandments of God 
r Summa Angel. in dictione Papae. . For with these and against all these, they say, the Pope at his pleasure can dispense. 
s B. jewel in the defence of the Apol. f. 57 Fields caveat. etc. let. E. 7.   T. 
But so cannot Christ himself do. For what soever his written word any where doth condemn as il, and ungodly, by no dispensation can he make it good, godly, and allowable at any time?  Z. 
It were an endless thing to mention the most horrible dispensations proceeding from time to time from th' infinite power of this arrogant adversary of Christ, I will therefore mention one of them for the horribleness thereof, which plainly showeth what spirit it is that possesseth the Pope.  T. 
Show that I pray you?  Z. 
The time was some thirty years ago when the popish preachers in their open sermons published that to kill a Lutheran, it was a work grateful to God and meritorious 
t comen. de statu Relig. & Reipub. in regno Gal. par. 1. li. 1. : But of late not yet five years ago, for a natural and often sworn Subject and servant to murder his liege sovereign it was not only permitted as pardonal by a dispensation from the pope, but also judged meritorious, by a cardinals letre 
v Cardinal de como's letter to Party. See afore in his book. c. 6. , as whereby he should merit much in heaven.  T. 
An Indian great man, as I have heard 
x Spa. Coloni. Compl. of Eng. , being tormented most cruelly by the barbarous Spaniards grew into such a detestation of that merciless Nation that he chose rather to go presently into Hell, then with the Spaniards to enjoy bliss in Heaven. For my part zealots rather would I choose to be for ever debarred from that joyful paradise of everlasting happiness, than to be admitted into heaven by such a meritorious work.  Z. 
The time was and still is 
y Test, Rhem. annot. Math. 20. v. 23. , that they hold how by doing good, man may merit heaven, which yet is erroneous doctrine z & much derogatory to the merits of Christ; what titles then may we give to them which maintain that murder, yea and the murder of Gods anointed, is meritorious, & deserveth a reward from God.  T. 
I am of your mind, and I think even Satan himself can hardly perpetrate a more execrable sin. But here stay we, zealots, I see now full clearly, blessed be God therefore, that all popery is most loathsome and horrible; and there is none end of citing the most cursed opinions which Papists do maintain, they are so many. You have sufficiently proved the pope to usurp even all th' office of our S. Christ, and so indeed to be reputed of our adversaries for very Christ, but thereby known of us to be very Antichrist. And because others also (as Saint Francis and the Virgin Marie of whom you have spoken) have the same royalties, dignities and offices given unto them by the Papists which appertain unto Christ, and unto none beside, the conclusion is that the Gospel of Christ in truth is but a very toy or fable counted among the Papists.  Z. 
Be it therefore known unto all men by these presents that whosoever is a subject to the Pope is a traitor to God, that I say not to his Country, and a contemner of Christ and of all Christianity so-wel as the Pope with whom he may assuredly expect for ever to be damned unless in time through the grace of God he leave his wicked opinions, & embrace the sincere gospel of jesus Christ at this hour in England professed, embraced of all States, ratified by most wholesome laws, prospered miraculously by all happy success, & most constantly against all manner Adversaries and devilish attempts defended by by the most gracious, glorious, and victorious Prince Elizabeth, whom th' almighty so preserve that she may live & still see the prosperous success of this truth and th' overthrow of all enemies of the same, to the great glory of God, & her own everlasting comfort.  
Amen.