Temporis Filia Veritas. A merry devise called the Troublsome travel of Time, and the dangerous delivery of her Daughter Truth. Equity is gone aside, and Righteousness standeth far of, the Truth is fallen down in the streets, and the thing that is plain, may not be showed: The Truth is laid in prison, and he that refraineth himself from evil, must be spoiled. Esa. 59 a. Therefore thus saith the Truth, those mine Enemies (which would not that I should Reign over them) bring them hither, and slay them before my face. Luc. 19 c. Geve no sentence before thou hast heard the cause, but first let men tell out their Tales. Eccles. 11. If a man love me he will keep my sayings, (saith Christ) and my Father will love him, yea, we will come unto him and dwell with him. joan. 14. b. Interlocutours, BENNION the Button-maker: and BALTHESAR the Barber. Anno 1589. BENION. WEll overtaken (neighbour BALTHASAR) where have you been this long time? for I have not seen you in your shop these 3. or 4. days. BALTHASAR. I have been washing, shaving, and trimming; in the Country. Ben. Then I trust you can tell us of some good news? for men say all news are to be heard of at a smith's Forge, a Barber's shop, or at a mill. Balt. Verily I can hear of little or no good news in the Country to be had, wherefore I pray you neighbour Benion, tell me in sadness, what do you hear? Ben. surely (neighbour) I can tell you of very good news, whereat (I trust to God) we all shall rejoice, & this is the matter: I came no sooner into the City, and had gotten a Chapman for my buttons, (but in coming by a Smith's Forge) I heard say: there was a worthy Parliament appointed and a gracious day set, wherein (every man, concerning his religion) should be permitted freely to speak without any let, or interruption: and also heard without any perceality, And then whosoever hath the best on his side, in the Truth; it was concluded that his religion should take place, he preferred of the King: and the Truth set up above all. Balt. But (tell me) is that possible? Ben. Yea truly, but what would you say if I were there present, and heard all the same parley, even from the beginning to the end. Balt. surely I would say then that this Realm should be most happy of all nations under the Son, yea and moreover that the Lord would bless and prosper such magistrates in all things that they took in hand: Now therefore I pray thee tell me more of this matter, but wast thou in deed from the beginning to the end of this parley? Ben. I heard all that was there spoken and concluded amongst them. Balt. What were the company there assembled, canst thou tell? Ben. Yea: For there was none that sat in judgement, unless they were of great dignity, honour, or worship: Videlicet. 1. The King which executeth true judgement without percealety: and he sat uppermost in his royal seat: 2. The Counsel (which are good avouching always thereunto) & they sat next unto him. 3. The Lords Spiritual (who are zealous for the truths cause) and were placed next them. 4. The Lords Temporal who are ready to defend the Truth) and they were placed next them. 5. And lastly the commons; who are ready to live therein: (every one of these aforesaid, so much as they may attain grace thereto of the Lord) and they sat in the nethermost room. Balt. This was doubtless a joyful sight To● behold: the Lord bless them all, and give them of his grace to have all men speak without perseality: to judge uprightly: and also to establish those things that may redound to God's glory Amen: but what speaker was appointed to the same parliament? Ben. Such a one as in like manner feared the Lord, and is desirous that all things mought be done for the best according to Gods will. Balt. Then (first of all) I pray thee let me hear what the speaker said: and what matters were their chiefly handled by him concerning the effect o● principal causes of their assembly for it should seem (by this thy saying that there were matters handled of great importance? Ben These or the like so far as my memory would serve me were the words of the speaker. SPEAKER. For as much as I at this time (although unmeet thereunto) am appointed to speak before the King's highness, as also before you all Right, high Honourable, an● worshipful here assembled, in matters appertaining to a common wealth, sowell for soul as body. Therefore must I first of all in most humble wise crave pardon of his Majesty, and also of all you Honourable, and worshipful in this audience that if any thing chance (for the want of skill audacity, or wisdom) to escape my mouth, it may be taken to the best according to my good meaning. Thus it is ò most renowned Prince, and you Honourable Lords Spiritual & temporal, together you worshipful, and commons of this present Parliament here assembled & also be it known unto you all: That the chief and principal thing wherethrough all Nations, Kingdoms, Princes, People, and commonwealths are uphoulden, kept, and preserved from harms and destruction is God, which God therefore, ought (of all Nations, Kingdoms, and People) most chiefly and above all other things to be feared, loved, obeyed, honoured & served. And seeing that your calling is chiefly to that end: also that all your cares and industries is now graciously bend thereunto, in somuch as this honourable assembly is come together there about: I beseech you therefore (in the name of the same living God) to hear me For as-much as it is not unknown unto the King's highness, as also to the honourable, and worshipful here assembled, that although the scriptures have been (to the same effect aforesaid: most plentifully read unto the People these many years according to the King's appointment and good intention yet notwithstanding we see that the lives of the People (for the most part) are become worse and worse, (sowell among the learned, as among the layhood) and the cause is for that the Preachers themselves, do not desire to become such as they would frame their hearers to be▪ And not that alone but also by thAt means) and for the want of obedience; there are spr●ng up, sundry sect; and sorts of religions here among us at this day so that every one (being notwithstanding contrary minded one towards an other) will have his own for the best yea although they must all needs grant, that there is but one only truth [it would be to long to recite how many have been deceived and are yet, through superstition and Idolatry, likewise how many (in these) have taken to their selves A freedom and liberty of life in committing wickedness] out of their misconrstuing of holy scriptures. And more over how m●ny have been expulced the universities for their disobedience▪ forsaken heir benefice and exhibition gathered together their conventikles, Preached false and seditious doctrine, run here and there ●here ●hey might be heard, an●●atinge the People against obedience, due to the goo●, manly, 〈◊〉. 2. and po●e●ke laws and ordinances of their Princes and governors: A●●ik●●ise wh●t ●●●s●●g up of tumults: wh●t murdering and consuming one of an other is come to ●●●e daily (in other lands) thereabout: videlicet about religion & the Truth, it would be, I say, too long to re●vie for s●eedy reformation whereof, a●d that the like inconvenience in al● (whi●h God forbidden) co●e not to pass● with in this Land, but rather may in time (through your good providence and Noble wisdoms in the Lord) before seen and pervented. May it therefore please the King's Majesty, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal together with the worshipful and commons here assembled, to let proclamation go forth into all coasts of the Land, and that it be permitted and granted, of every Religion one (at the least) to come into the perlament house, there to speak freely his mind concerning the Truth, and the effect or ground of his religion. And when everyone hath said his mind, and your princely wisdom advisedly and deeply) considered thereof, as which of them all shall go nearest the Truth: So may you then do your best in the Lord that the Truth only may take place for as-much as God (who alone is worthy of all honour) is a spirit, and will none otherwise be honoured save in spirit and Truth. And thus, to th'end all envy, contention and disobedience, mought once cease amongst us (that now boast so much of christianity) and that all godly love obedience, unity, peace and concord, in the Truth, might come in place, whereby God might rightly be honoured, jesus Christ might faithfully be believed, the King and you all that bear authority; dutifully obeyed▪ the People that are under you become blessed: and the common wealth always flourish to your everlasting fame:] I make an end. Referring all thing here spoken to the Lord, and your wisdoms to consider of, and so I commit you to God and to his good tuition, who is well able to endow you with his heavenly wisdom or holy spirit for to do in all, his will Amen. And so he ended. Balt. This was no doubt a marvelous good way for to bring all to one uniformity of Religion, as also for to find out the Truth: [if so be the King & magistrates, when they have hard all speak; can discern the Truth and true religion from all others] which thing they may easily do when as the Lord shall see it good, for as much as the Truth is plain, and seeketh no corners, and they also Gods Ministers appointed to that end, but yet thou hast not told me what was said to this matter, nor what ensued thereupon. Ben. Then said the King this man's counsel is very good: let therefore proclamation go forth and let them come before us [to wit] of every Religion one: and then shall every one say his mind freely concerning his Religion, and concerning the Truth: And (for my part after I have heard every one speak, and advisedly considered thereof according unto the Truth of the Scriptures, I will by the grace of God give true judgement without perceality because that God (whose minister I am) mought rightly be honoured in Spirit and in Truth. Then spoke the Counsel, all at once, and said, God save thee (ò King) for ever: For ●e likewise are good advouching thereunto, and therefore wish (with all our haertes) that it mought even-so come to pass. After that spoke the Lords Spiritual and said, God bless the King in his determination, for we also are zealous for the truths cause, and therefore would gladly that it were manifested. And then spoke the Lords Temporal and said, God preserve the King, and grant him good suckcesse in all that he taketh in hand: for we are ready, to the uttermost of our power, to defend the Truth, were it once made known. Then last of all spoke the commons and said, God prosper the King in his good purpose, for we stand also ready to live therein, mought we once know certainly which were the Truth. Balt The God of all Truth bless them with his everlasting blessing: make manifest his Truth unto them, and then give them and us all grace to live in the same. But what followed I pray you tell me. Ben. Upon this the proclamation went forth into all quarters, and thereupon came into the Parliament house 4. men diversly appareled: also of sundry minds or Religions, Videlict A Catholic [commonly called a Papist.] A Protestant, [commonly called a Liber●in.] A Puritan [commonly called a Rebel.] And a plain Ploughman whose religion was unknown, [commonly called an Heretic.] Balt Now of Fellowship let me heat more of this matter, for there is like alwaeys to i●sue some good sport, where so many Players do resort. Ben After such time as they all (kneeling upon their knees) had craved pardon, and licence every man to speak freely his mind, without any interruption, for the proof of his Religion, and the manifesting of the Truth, and that free liberty was granted them. Then was it concluded also, that the Catholic should speak first, next after him the Protestant, 3. the Puritan, and last of all the plain Ploughman. Balt. surely this was excellent well, now then (as thou lovest me) let me hear what good stuff the Catholic could bring for his old rusty Religion. Ben Then the Catholic after his humble submission made to the K. and to the Honourable and worshipful there assembled) he said. Most Noble Prince, & you all most Honourable & worshipful audience: In as much as you have most graciously granted me to speak for my Religion and the Truth, so I most humbly beseech you all to hear me: Be it known unto you all that the Catholic general Religion, had her first foundation, as it is thought, near upon 1●. hundred years past, and hath remained in force [and no other general Religion, among the Christians with in Europe, known or frequented] until about 80. years past, that one Matin Luther (sometimes a ffryer) took upon him, upon a displeasure taken against the Pope, to write despitefully there against: and this our Religion was instituted according to the holy scriptures by a general council of holy Fathers: For after such time as they, out of a great zeal towards the Truth beheeld the increase of all Iniquity amongst the People, in somuch as Chr●st and his doctrine was almost forgotten: yea and more over fearing least, in process of time, the Nativety, Death, and Passion of Christ, together with his doctrine, life and miracles, as also the doctrine, life and miracles of the Prophets, Apostles, Euangilests, and holy fathers, should likewise be altogether forgotten, especially n●w in these last lisencious days, wherein they understood, in the Spirit, that all iniquity would abound, like as it is come to pass at this day: Then they thought it good to call a general Council at the which counsel they ordained, not without the holy Ghost, the festival days throughout the year, like as they yet remain in the Church at this day) some in commemoration of Christ's Nativety, some of his circumcision: some of his Death: some of his Resurrection, and some of his Ascension into heaven, etc. Likewise they ordained other Festival days in commemoration of the deaths and martyrdoms of holy saints, videlicet. Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists Martyrs, and confessors, etc. They have also ordained holy sacraments and ceremonies, together with an uniformity of Godservice, to be used in the Church only to hold in memory before the People (in their right significations) those holy things which the gospel of jesus Christ requireth in the Deed) of all men: and yet notwithstanding were then (almost of all People) forgotten: Moreover they ordained and established, that the Gospels and Epistles, etc. should be (as a New Testament) coadjoined to the old: and read daily in the Churches for holy scripture, and so to be taken for ever: they also ordained and built many Churches for holy use, Fastings, prayers, Almesdeeds, confession of sins, with contrition and satisfaction to be made for the same, with many other good things more which were too long to recite: And now (right noble and honourable audience) in what Fear, obedience, and reasonableness the People were holden (even until this our last Age) under Catholic Religion, and her sacraments and ceremonies, I need not much to speak of, but will rather leave it to the Iudgmen● and consideration of all those that be wise and of ancient years among you, & knew their conversation: And therefore (to be short) I hold my Catholic Religion to be of most antiquity, ordained by the consent of the holy Ghost, and grounded upon the Truth And thus I conclude, who so holdeth upon the Catholiq Religion (In his Right Institution he holdeth upon the True Religion: And who so holdeth upon the Catholic Church holdeth upon the true Church: And thus he ended. Balt. Now surely (neighbour Benion) if this were his talk, and if this be true which he hath said: then this is the Catholic Religion (as I think) laid on such a ground or foundation, bringing also with it such antiquity; that I know not presently to the contrary, but he is like to bear a ray the best game, yet would I gladly hear how the protestant could answer this matter. Ben. Then the Protestant (after humble submission etc.) said: O most excellent Prince together with all you Honourable and worshipful, let me freely speak before you: It is not unknown unto you all at this present that this Popish Religion [although I grant she mought happily have had some reasonable ground in her first Institution] hath b●n (since that time) diversly & sundry wis●, altered & patched, in somuch as sundry Popes have added sundry seremonyes, Videlicet. some holy water, some holy bread, some other have set up (as books for the unlearned to look upon certain Images, & some have granted that oblations should be made unto them, some other that sight should be set before them other some have allowed (for the unlearned) beads for to number their prayers withal: And some have likewise (for moneys cause) granted out pardon for sins, some in one manner some in an other: yea and their service▪ wherein they meant to serve God, was in a language that the People understood not [what should I speaka of Masses, Trentalts, and Dirges to be sung for the Dead Hallowing of Palms, of Crosses, Churches and Churchyeards, likewise of christening and hallowing of Bells etc.] And this superstition continued (like as he said therein right well) till Mr. Doctor Martin Luther, that famous Clerk, who hath disclosed all their superstition, Idolatry, covetousness, and whoredom etc. which time we God be thanked) have had for the most part this our protestant Religion, wherein the Gospel or Truth is sincearely Preached: all superstition, Idolatry and abomination altogether put down, and god service in the mother tongue, so that now every Carter & Cobbler can whistle and sing psalms, and every man can reason and talk of the scriptures in every place freely where they come: yea moreover every Bishop and Minister may have his wife etc. And now (right honourable Audience.) what fruits and freedom this our liberty of the gospel hath brought with it, since we began to preach, I need not to recite: but will refer that and all that I have said, unto your wisdoms to consider of: Thus I conclude [Right Noble and worshipful] that my Religion (set out and allowed by the King and his Counsel) hath his ground and foundation from Christ and his Apostles, and therefore of greater antiquity than the Catholic Religion by an hundred years and more▪ and is therefore the best, and the gospel which we preach (say I:) that is the Truth. And therewith he made an end. Balt Lord have mercy on us, what shall we say that are unlearned, in this troublesome time of so many Religions and Opinions? or whom shall we believe? For now (if this were his tale, and this be true which he hath said: doubtless he hath so firmly and groundly said his plat form (that in mine opinion) no man living can remove it▪ or go beyond him. And therefore I see not to the contrary, but that he must needs go away with the victory, otherwise I am much deceived: yet I pray thee let me hear what the other could say? Ben. Then stood up the Puritan, and (after submission done) he said, most high and renowned Prince together with you all that be Honourable and worshipful, like as ye have heard these 2. men tell their tales concerning the ground of their Religions, and the Truth: even so I beseech you hear me: It is well known unto you all that I have been, even for the Lord my God his cause, zealous this 30 years and more, in so much as I have been expulced the universities: deprived of my livings: run here and there, even for my Conscience cause, etc. and therefore have matter so well against thee O King and thy Laws, as also against them both and their Religions that have here spoken: As f●r thee thou settest up superstitious laws which are not correspondent to God's laws, and therefore I will not obey them: And now to answer the Catholic and his Antichristian Religion; I need not, for as much as the Protestant hath sufficiently answered him. But as concerning the Protestant and his Religion (which he so extolleth above all other) I am right well able to reprove him, almost in an 100 places which he hath altogether taken out of the Romish sink, or stinking Popish puddle: like as you may easily smell from whence they came; if you do but a little hold up your heads and behold the situation of your Churches, how they yet stand East and West your steeples also full of Bells your Quires and Altars, together with Coaps, vestments and cornered caps: Tippets, Rotchets, Sirplusses, processions singings, organs &c. [what should I speak of their superstitious names, Videlicet. my Lord of canterbury's grace, my Lord Yorcks grace my Lord Bishop, Mr. Deane, Mr. Subdeane, Mr. Archdeacon, Mr. Commosary: Dr. such-a-on: Mr. Sovereign, Mr. Parson, Mr. Vicker, etc. and (to be short) what soever the protestant useth (so well in his service, as in his ministration of Sacraments, and Ceremonies) they are all counterfeited out of Papistry: and are therefore no better to be termed then rotten Rags of the Romish Church. For that cause (right Honourable audience) I beseech you in the bowels of jesus Christ, that you would once overthrow and clean root out for ever all such Antichristan memorials aforesaid of that Babylonish hoore, so that nothing remain upon the Earth in any remembrance of her: And then may you reform Religion (as we shall Instruct you) after the manner of the best reformed Churches in all Europe. And until that time we will neither obey you nor your laws, and Institutions: [for in such case say we; it is better to obey God then men.] And thus I conclude Right Noble and worshipful: forasmuch as our zeyle standeth more towards God and his laws then towards the laws and ordinances of men; Therefore we (who are above, in our ministration, men or Angels do hold our Religion to be the best, because we seek the reformation of the Church in all things that are amiss: and moreover we have our foundation from Ezechia, josia, judas Machabeus, etc. and for that cause of greater antiquity than them both And our ministration (which we use and teach among our Colleges in our exercises, and nightly conventikles) is the Truth. And here I end: committing all things herein touched, to your wisdoms to consider of. And so departed. Balt. O Lord! what shall I say? or upon what Religion shall I now stay me, whereby I mought now find out the Truth? then hath he so unfolded it in such sort, also laid his ground so sure that all men which heareth him (as I conjecture) must needs think that he (which is so zealous for God's cause: feareth not to reprove the King to his face: seeketh the reformation of the Church: and also bringeth with him the greatest antiquity) is like to prevail, and also win the best game. Yet would I fain hear what the 4●. could say to all these profound and groundly reasons. but alas, what should a plain Ploughman say among such high learned Prelates? Notwithstanding of fellowship let me hear what the foolish fellow could say, or what answer he could make that I might laugh a little. Ben. Last of all stood up this plain Ploughman [whose Religion was unknown: although he had been so long time▪ by all these 3 aforesaid suspected & bruited for an Heretic] And (falling down upon his knees) he said: O most puissant Prince together with all your Honourable and worshipful in this present Parliament assembled. Are you desirous (in this contentious and troublesome time, wherein all Iniquity doth abound and wherein also so many Religions, sects, and opinions, are out of flesh and blood, entered or taken on among the Children of men) to understand the best Religion, as also the Truth, and what thing the Truth is, to th'end that God mought be honoured therein? Then I beseech you of your clemency hear me speak. You have heard of these 3. (one being contrary to an other:) speak the very best that in them was for the avouching of their Religion and the Truth: And now as touching the first [namely the Catholic] he hath out of a good zeal brought in, so near as he could conjecture, the first ground of the Catholic Religion, and the long continuance thereof: declaring also that the sacraments, joan. 14 a. b c 1. joan. 3.4. a.b.c. signs, ceremonies, and services of the same Church, were ordained only to keep in memory things passed etc. [even like as the services and sacraments ceremonial of the old law were in the beginning ordained to keep in memory things that then were to come etc. Notwithstanding the good life whereupon all sacraments, signs, ceremonies, or shadows figurative in the Catholic church did point upon, and which also the holy scripture do require, and whereout the dutiful obedience towards God and Governors doth proceed, (was of this Catholic now in these last days) altogether forsaken, rejected and forgotten: (even like as it went also in times before with the disobedient and unbelieving jews,) & so hath he forsaken the Truth, whereupon he saith his Religion was grounded: And therefore the Lord hath now no pleasure in this Apostated Catholic nor yet in his absurd Religion, whereupon it is now come to pass that the 2. (namely this Protestant) beholding the many-maner abuses and disorderlynesse of life which hath been now in these latter days, found in this Cotholique and his Religion: and for the which no doubt he hath received great chastisement of the Lord, and his Ministers hath declared forth (to his great reproach) many of the same abuses before you all very rightly as they were, and moreover (out of a great zeal) hath commended his own Religion for the best which thou (O king) hast now appointed and set up among us: Videlicet, the declaring forth of the gospel and holy scriptures among us. The service used and read in the mother tongue, to th'end all mought hear and understand what is said, and then follow the same which is good: as likewise the sacraments & ceremonies ministered in the same tongue, to th'end all subjects mought be holden under godly and manly obedience, and hue according to the scriptures in one uniformity of Religion according to the kings good meaning therein. Psalm. 1. and. 15.24. Math. 25. d. ● All these [say I] were it accomplished in the deed and in the Truth is a very good Religion, also were very well said of him as out of a singular good zeal. Notwithstanding the while this Protestant (which can readily reprove an other by the scripture) walketh forth still in all maliciousness of life (although he boast never so much of Light, Life, Liberty, Psa. 15. joan. 12. g. Rom. 8. b. Math. 7. d. 1. Cor. 6. b. Collo. 3. a. 2. Tim. 3. a. & Freedom by Christ) he remaineth notwithstanding in darkness and is the servant of sin, or bondslave of Satan: (what should I say of the covetousness, that worshipping of Images, Envy, Pride, Extortion, Simony, Usury, Whoredom together with all manner of Iniquity that now doth abound in this Protestant, so well among the Clergy as the laity. Thus may we see that he likewise in rejecting the good life, joan. 14 a. 12. g. Gal. 2. d. Math. 5. 2. joan. 4. b. (which all the holy scriptures, do require and witness: and were upon also all the holy scriptures as also all sacraments, ceremonies, figures or shadows that good are) do signify, figure forth, & point upon, hath rejected the Truth. And now behold I pray you what fruits have ensued since this liberty of life hath been taken on? For the longer this Protestant hath preached unto the people, the worse the lives of the same people are become: joan. 8 a 13 a ●. Esd. 16 ● Math. 3.4. experience hath taught us: and no marvel, for he [in forsaking the good life] hath there withal forsaken the Truth: and for that cause only, the Lord hath no pleasure in this licentious Protestant, nor yet in his absurd Religion. And as touching the 3. [namely the Puritan] for as much as he will not live as a subject under all good laws and ordinances of Kings & Magistrates, Rom 13. 1. Pet. 2. 2. Pet. 2. Tit. 3 a. 2. Tim. 3. a. b. 1. joan. 3. a. 4. b. joan. 14. 1. joan. 4. b. and therefore hath (out of envious presumption, and rebellious heart) forsaken the obedience and godly life, due to God, and governors [notwithstanding it is required of us all in holy scripture] so hath he in like manner there with all forsaken the Truth [it were too much to name how many honest hearted and true faithful subjects, to their Prince have been, by this Puritan, belied slandered, persecuted, and imprisoned, for that they held them to obedience and the good life, like as they were taught: Mala 3.4. Psa. 50. ●. joan. 13. ●. and would never consent to his rebellious doctrine, nor come to his nightly conventikles:] and therefore (although he, out of his great zeal, sought the reformation of the Church, and yet he himself not reform unto obedience and godliness of life) God hath no more pleasure in this disobedient Puritan nor yet in his absurd Religion. 4. Esd. 16. c. Thus you may see Right Noble, 1. Cor. 3. d. joan. 8. d. Mar. 8. d. joan. 15. a. joan. 14. a. joan. 8. d. Luc. 8. b. Mar. 4. b. Matth. 13. b. Esa 6. c. joan. 12. f. g. Honourable and worshipful, how every one, in his way, seeketh religiously after the Truth, if he might any way find it. And again you may see also that the Truth is nevertheless, hid from them all. And why? for (if we consider of the Scriptures) unto all those that walk without the true life, and godly obedience (which is required in gods holy word) all things chance in similitudes, parables, and closed books: because that men should not see with their earthly eyes or minds, nor hear with their earthly ears or thoughts, nor yet comprehend in their dark stony hearts, the secret works of the Holy Spirit of Christ. joan. 14. b.c. 1. Pet. 2. Rom. 13. a. 2. T●●. 3. a For that cause all People that are zealous for Religion, & for the truths sake, [be they what they be, or dwell they where they shall: so they love God, and desire to live under obedience to the King and his good laws▪ or, at the leastwise, liveth quietly and harmelesly among the People, bearing a true and faithful heart to the Prince of the Land] are to be borne withal in their ignorant zeal for Conscience sake, in as much as all good gifts proceed from God, yea and moreover▪ Math. 13. for that the time of harvest is at hand, in the which the Lord will send out his Angels, to gather together the good wheat into his barns & to burn the weeds with unquenchable fire. joan. 1. a. b. 14. a. joan. 5. c. 6. e. f. joan. 17. 2. joan. 4. b. For doubtless the Truth itself (whereabout men so strive) is an other manner of thing than flesh and blood was ever able to find out, for it is the lovely life, or being of God, or of his holy word, which life is the thing (as I said before) that all sacrifices, signs, or shadows in the whole law, as also the Sacraments and ceremonies of the new Testament ordained in the Christian Catholic Church together with all that the holy scriptures, joan. 3. a b. c. d. etc. joan. 16. d. e. f 17. c. ●1. c. Gen. 2. b. 3. a. Prov. 3. c. Apo. 2. b. ● Cor. 15. c. Gen. 3. 2 Cor. 1. d. 3. a. b. c. Deut. 1● a. b 1. Tit. 3. a. 1. Pet 2. ●. Cor. 13. Matth. 7. b. joan. 13. d. 14 15. Gal. 2. d. e. joan ●. ●. Gen. 2 b. ●. a. d 〈…〉 1● a. b c. do point upon: signify and require at all our Hands, I say, once again, the lovely life of God, or of his holy word is the very Truth [namely jesus Christ] It is also the Tree of life that was planted in the beginning in the midst of the Paradise, or Lust-garden of the Lord [which tree of life, even like as the first, through the disobedience in the knowledge, hath lost the same: even so the second man through the obedience in the life, winneth the same again] it is very true: And therefore to live in Obedience to God and his holy word, also in obedience to the King, and his good laws and ordinances, and to love mine neighbour as mine own self, also to deal lovingly & uprightly with all men like as I would be dealt with all. is the effect of my religion, grounded upon the Truth, which obedience had his original from Adam, Abel, Seth, Noah, Abraham, etc. and is also confirmed by Christ and his Apostles, etc. and therefore shall continue for ever. joan. 13 c. 14 a 15. a. b. c 1. Cor. 13. 2. joan. 3. a.b. c. 4, a.b. Thus I conclude that my Religion, in the good life, goeth beyond them all, so far as the Heavens from the Earth, or the Light from Darkness, also that all manner of Religious people (boast they never somuch of their Religions, Preachings, Services, Sacraments Seremonyes, Freedoms by Christ, or elswhat) that are found without this obedience to God and Governors, joan 8. a. 〈◊〉 8 d. ●oan. 14 a b. 1. Cor. 13. Eph 4 a.b. c. 6. b c. joan 〈…〉 Colo. 1. c. 2. b. & without this goodlyfe aforesaid (or at the least have not any earnest inclination thereto, somuch as they may in the Lord) the Religion, their God service, and all else that they boast upon, is nothing worth in the Lord's sight: and the cause is they have forsaken the Truth, which is the flower and beauty of all good Religion's ye●, and is all in all. Now have I showed you [Right High and Honourable:] the inconfutable ground of my Religion [which God of his gracious goodness hath made known unto me, 1 Cor. 13. 2. c. 13. joan 13. c. 14. a. b. and for the which I have been long suspected] together with the unfallible Truth, whereout all right obedience unto God and Governors proseedeth and whereout also the right repentance appeareth, Gal 2. d. 3. a. b d joan. 14 a b. Gal. ●. ●. Colo 1 c. joan. 8. d. 15. a. and the true and living faith is always working by love, so well towards God and Christ, also towards my neighbour: and whereunto I mean [by the grace of God] to endeavour myself night and day▪ by prayer and supplication, to th'end I mought once attain to the same Truth, without the which there is, for me, no Salvation. Therefore consider hereof advisedly, I most humbly beseech you) so many as have rejected obedience, they have rejected the true Religion: Eph 4. d. joan. ●●. c joan. 14 a.b. Hab. 1. a. Gal. 2. d. And so many as have rejected the holy and godly life, have rejected & forsaken the Truth, [namely jesus Christ:] Therefore am I bold to say (as under correction and submission) that this ●y Religion, and this Truth, whereof I have spoken, being once fast grounded in our minds and spirits, is the principal good wherein the Lord hath set his whole delight, and whereout he will only be honoured & served: Also werunto all Christian and Catholic Religions, Kings, Princes, Magistrates & people ought of right, for evermore to give place, as one flock under one shepherd: For it is an Everlasting life, in the which, and through which, we (being united soul and spirit with God the Father shall rise again (in this same flesh,) and live with Christ our Saviour, in joys everlastingly: It is very True. And now as I have here acknowledged (right High and Honourable, etc. before you all) one only true Christian catholic Religion: so let no man from hence forth charge me to be of no Religion, neither yet to be of all Religions, but rather such a one as would good unto all, [to wit] that all religions, in most loving wise▪ mought be gathered together (now in these last days) according to the promises, through the gospel of jesus Christ, unto this only true Religion aforesaid, of faithful obedience to God & Governors, and Truth towards all men. For than whosoever is a right Catholic Protestant or Puritan, and liveth in the said obedience and Truth, I can in no wise disallow of him, in somuch as I myself endeavour me daily (by the grace of God) to accomplish or attain unto, with them, that most holy religion of obedience and Truth: because there mought be no more, in th'end, save one God, one Christ and saviour, one Holy Ghost, one Faith, one Baptism, one obedience, one Truth, one Flock, one shepherd, even such is my mind, & so would I be conceived of, and no other wise, Great is the King, great and mighty is his power▪ yea great is the knowlendge that the sons of men have found out upon the Earth. Also great and many manner are the Religions, services, and ceremonies which men have devised to serve the Lord w●●h●ll: yet notwithstanding much greater is obedience in the Truth [That lovely life of ●od, or of h●s holy word] for it is, as I said before Christ ●esus, the way, wherein 〈…〉 aught to wa●ke, the Truth, wherein all men ought to be●●e●e: And the life, wherein all m●n aught to live. Therefore great is O●e lun●● in the Truth, and of worthiness part goeth beyond them all. And so after reverence done he ended. Balt. O most merciful God: what shal● become of all such Ignorant souls as I am? which are ready to run, now af●er this Religion, then after th●t? [alas neighbour alas▪] i●●eemeth no● by these his speeches (which doubtless are very true, joan. 8 d Mar. 1. b. 6. b. joan. 15. a.b. that all People on Earth ●hich have chosen to themselves a Religion wherein they supposed to have obtained their freedom, justification, and salvation by Christ▪ and yet never attained to true repentance, mu●h less to Obedience, in the godly life (which he calleth the Truth, or Christ himself) are clean set beside the saddle. For I now perceive right well, the Obedience in the good life is a most precious treasure proseeding from God, and wherewith God, the King, and a man's neighbour is served Moreover, by the life men may know the works of God from the works of men always: As for example, let us look upon all the Creatures that the Lord hath made (yea whatsoever thing the eye of man can behold) and see, it hath or it hath had, a kind of life in it. Likewise, let us look upon all the works of man seem they never so bewtifully and lo they have no life in them: So that although one man may fashion an other man▪ ●. Cor. 13. joan. 14 a.b. joan. 3. a. Gala. 6. c. through smooth words & deep knowledges to an outward show of holiness yet is he no better [before such time as God worketh, through his grace, and the ministration of his holy word, the new birth, or true godly life in the man] then a dead Image, or painted Sepulchre which the man had made with his own hands, And now therefore it cometh red●ly to my remembrance how it standeth written in the Scriptures to the same effect: 2. Cor. 13. Rom. 8. Gala 4. Ephes 3 2. Cor. 4. c. Videlicet, Except Christ be in you [saith Paul to the Christian Congregations] you are cast awa●es, also if a man have not the spirit of God, the same is none of his, & moreover I travel in birth till Christ be fashioned in you again a new (with a number of such like save in scriptuer more which were too long to recite▪ Rom. 13. 1. Pet. 2. joan. 14.15. a. b. c. d. So that now I perceive his mind right well whi●h is this, he that obeyeth the word, obeyeth the King, and leadeth a godly life, and he that leadeth a godly life hath Christ dwelling in him. And herefore Christ saith: without me ye can do nothing, joan 8 d. Gal. 2. d. 1. Cor. 13. Rom. 8. a. Eph. 5. a. ●. joan 4. b. c. for I am the W●y. the Truth, and the Life: So then when any good work is wrought, it is Christ only that doth the good-work● that are acceptable with God, and not the man: and therefore where he so extolleth the Truth or good life above all he meaneth jesus Christ which ought to dwell in the man, whose spirit, at that time, will lead the man into all right obedience and Truth, which life doubtless I see now, being well considered of, is the principal good, whereunto all People (with their high knowledges, Religions, Services, Sacraments, and Ceremonies, aught for evermore, to give place. And now therefore (in mine opinion) if any man shall henceforth resist or deny this same plain Ploughman's Religion, or he Truth aforesaid, which is now so manifestly expressed & a●proue● by the holy scriptures, (his conscience b●●●●●g him record that it is even so then doubtless he is either an ignorant and superstitious Papist, who (being digressed from the right ground of the catholic Religion) esteemeth more of the Sacraments, mysteries Ceremonies or shadows, then of the very thing which hay signify, or h●ue hidden in them: Or else he is a lisencious Protestant (who contrary to the word ●f God, as also contra●y to the good meaning of the King) abuse●h that goo● Religion which his Majeste hath appointed to be frequented amongst us and liveth af●er his own filthy lusts and desires, Either also he is a disobedient and rebellious Puritan, who being altogether inclined to Envy, Pride, and presumption shameth not to resist the good laws of the King, 1. Pet. 2. and in steed thereof to set up his own Imaginations, meaning thereby to alluer ●he hearts ●f the People from their dutiful obedience to God and governors, whos● Conscience shall in the end testify against him (and if he repent not in time) to his own condemnation. But now I would gladly know, how all things were taken in the end: And whose Religion was best accepted of the King, and the rest there assembled. Ben. After great advise and deliberation taken among them all: The King said, this Ploughman hath, last of all, manifested unto us (in plain speech) the right Religion and the very Truth (which may not in any wise be denied) Therefore great is Obedience & great is the Truth: Mar. 12. a. I see well now that it was not for nought that it standeth written: I am the God of braham, 1. Cor. 13. 1. Pet. 2. Rom. 13. jaco. 2. c. d. the God of Isaac & the God of jacob [a God of the Living but not of the Dead] Let Proclamation therefore go forth into all parts of the Land: and let it also be made known from us the King (to all men's preservation) th●t he which will become a Christian, and would be saved by jesus Christ, must (after true repentance) show forth the fruits of faith, in his obedience and Christian life. Then last of all sp●ke the Counsel, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal together with the Commons (all at o●ce) and said l●●de honour and thanksgiving be to that God for ever more which h●●h given us such a w●se King to reign over us, ●hat can so rightly discern the best Religion and the Truth from all others and thereupon g●u●n true judgement without parceal●ty, And now if we should not henceforth avouch publish for ●h, maintain, and allow●, as also live according to the same (so farforth as God shall give us gr●●e than were we very much to blame because that we see that Obedience is the thing that the Lord hath commanded all men to live in: yea and more, it is whereby we his Minister's Rule and govern under him in peace & quietness: Also that jesus Christ (once dwelling in us) is the Truth or good life itself, so fast coupled unto Faith, as is the So●ne unto brightness, or fire unto heat: and therefore bringeth with it everlasting life and felicity. And so the Parliament broke up, and I came away. GOD SAVE THE KING Amen. Behold even through such a great Trouble and travel aforesaid, will gentle Lady Time, bring forth her most beautiful Daughter Truth: now in these last dangerous days, to the glory of God, the preservation of Princes, and to an everlasting peace among all People. Amen. Amen. TO THE READER. After such time as I had considered the many-maner of Religions, Sects, and Opinions, (gentle Reader) that are now risen up out of men's high knowledge and goodthinking▪ and whereout (for the most part) proseedeth also all contention, Envy, Disobedience, Rebellion, Lying, Ba●kbyting, Slandering, Imprisoning, Killing, & Murdering, etc., together with all liberty of life in committing wickedness, which is now frequented (without fear or shame) among the children of men. I took this devise in hand for six special causes. The first was for that the Magistrates (who are Gods ministers on earth) mought the better remember their office and calling, and how that they are appointed of the Lord to suppress evil, Disobedience, Falsehood, and wickedness: and to maintain God's obedience, Truth, or godliness of life. The second was for that all simple and ignorant people, mought see how easily men may be seduced [now in these dangerous days] through fair speeches, and outward shows of holiness: yet nevertheless I am not against the right Catholic, the true Protestant, or the perfect Praecisian, so long as they hold them to Obedience in the holy life aforesaid. The third was for that my hope standeth in the Lord, there are many good willing hearts to the righteousness yet remaining upon the earth, 2. Cor. 5. c.d. 6. c. Rom. 8. a. c. who once knowing the Truth, (and what everlasting felicity it bringeth with it) will not (by any sinister means of the disobedient and rebellious rout) be drawn away therefrom (whether it be then by their smooth speeches, cruel threats, fear of Persecution, blasphemies, Tyrannous handling, Imprysonments, 2. Cor. 10. a. b. c. 1. Pet. 2. unjustice, or most cruel death that they can devise (but will rather endeavour them still to live under Obedience to God and governors & so exercise them daily in the godly life (that right Religion, fast grounded on the unconfutable Truth) wherein the Lord had always, still hath, and for evermore shall have his pleasure and delight. The fourth cause was this, 2. Cor. 5. b. for that all men [if it were possible] mought see or understand that the good life is not so slight a thing as many men make account of. For the Lord looketh not so mu●h upon the outward oblations, Sacrifices, Services, or Ceremonies, which the man offereth or useth for to serve him withal, as he doth upon the single heart of the man, Psal. 51. d. joh. 4. c. Mar. 12. c. in his Obedience and good life [for the Lord will be honoured only (of his) in spirit and Truth] therefore the Oblations, Services and Ceremonies, are respected of the Lord for the good hearts cause and nor the evil hearted respected for the Oblations, Services, or ceremonies cause: Example by Cain and Abel, Gen 4. a. they both offered sacrifice to the Lord: The one (for the bloudynes of his heart) his Oblation was refused. And the other (for the singleness of his heart) his Oblation was accepted. etc. The fift cause was for to answer and satisfy all such as praesently stand (at the gaze as it were afarre-of) wayghting what will come of this my Religion, or else doubting of the goodness and continuance thereof. etc. 2. Cor. 4. c. And the sixth or last cause is this, for that I (who have been these many years most Injuriously slandered and defamed: most cruelly persecuted, and Imprisoned, as also most despitefully spoiled and Impoverished to my utter discredit and undoing: Like as some that be honourable (if they remember it) can partly tell) am still ready (during life) to answer boldly for my self: belief, and Religion in the Truth: And therefore (for the clearing of myself) and for the recovering of my good name [which I esteem above gold and silver] I am bold to dedicate this my devise to her Majesty, and to make known (there through) my Religion openly: And moreover I mean hereafter [by God's grace] and under correction and submission of my Prince, to persuade all my friends, and acquaintance, whether they be then Catholics, Protestants, Puritans, or what other Religions soever [so much as I may in the Lord] to incline their hearts wholly to live under such obedience and godliness of life, as is aforesaid: Also to pray for the Queen's Majesty and all the honourable of his privy Counsel, for that they mought so maintain the gospel of jesus Christ, whereby the Truth mought get the victory in all our hearts: To the end all mought become one in Christ, And Christ one in all. AMEN.