The state of the Church of England, laid open in a conference between Diotrephes a Bishop, Tertullus a Papist, Demetrius an usurer, Pandocheus an Innkeeper, and Paul a Preacher of the word of God. PSAL. 122. 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, let them prosper that love the Lord. REVEL. 14. 9 10. And the third Angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, if any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or on his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God. THE PREFACE. JEntle Reader, I have set down here in a dialogue, the practise of Satan which he useth (as I have observed by experience) to subvert and utterly overturn the course of the gospel here in England: the names of the speakers contain in them for the most part, the matter that they defend, and the affection that they are of. For thou knowest that Diotrephes was he of whom S. john speaketh in his third Epi. v. 9 that loving to have the pre-eminence, disturbed the course of good things in the Church, and therefore sustaineth the person of a Bishop, or byshoplie prelate. Tertullus is he of whom Luke speaketh in the 24. Acts, that was the speaker in the embassage from Jerusalem to Foelix the governor, against Paul, in the defence of ceremonies, abrogated from the overthrow of the Gospel, and so representeth the Papists, that maintain their trash, to the rooting out of true religion. Demetrius is he of whom mention is made in Acts 19 that was enemy to Paul, because he lived by an unlawful trade, and for that cause doth play the part of an usurer. Paul was the defender you know of the Gospel in sinccritie, & he whose pen the holy Ghost did use to express the discipline of the church most clearly, and therefore speaketh for the ministers of our time that stand for reformation. Pandocheus is an Innkeeper in Greek, and it is as much as to say, a receiver of all, and a soother of every man for his gain; so that the persons in their nature thus considered, it remaineth that thou wouldst be entreated by me, whosoever thou art, to whom this little book shall come, that thou wouldst in reading of it, set all affection aside, & neither believe it, because one of thy disposition did pen it neither yet reject it. because it was not composed by one of thy complexion; but considd●r well of the speeches uttered by every party, & compare them with the practise of the world, and then look what it is that so hardeneth Pandocheus in Atheisine, Demetrin in usury, & Tertullus in Papistry; and you shall (I doubt not) plainly perceive, that the cause of all ungodliness so to reign in every place, and of the Papists so to increase in strength and number, ariseth from our Bishops and their unlawful government; on the other side, look into the answers that Diotrephes maketh to Paul, and the council that Tertullus giveth to Diotrephes, and compare them with the practise of the B. in all points, and you shall evidently perceive that the cause why the gospel being so long preached, & hath taken so little effect, ariseth from them only, forsomuch as they have weakened the knees of the true Preachers, and every way crossed them in all good actions. I have touched things very briefly of purpose, partly for that they who see what reformation meaneth, will quickly understand my meaning, and partly, for that I would have him that understandeth not mine intent and would be resolved, to confer at large of it with some godly learned for his further instruction. Now I pray thee, let me entreat thee to think thus of mine intent; namely, that it is not of purpose to disgrace any man, albeit we ought to disgrace them, by whom God his son is disgraced: but especially to this end, that every man in his calling, might see how he is or hath been made an instrument to do harm, or for want either of knowledge, or provident forecast, being overtaken under colour of right and law, & lastly that we all seeing the subtleties of the devil against the kingdom of Christ jesus, may first of all return to God by speedy repentance, from the wickedness that we have in our hands, which in deed is the cause of this curse upon us; and then pray unto his Majesty, that he would detect the crafty subtleties of all his adversaries, reveal the truth to those that are seduced and abused, and erect the kingdom of his Son Christ jesus amongst us, by the form of that discipline that his own word expresseth unto us. The state of the Church of England. Diotreph MIne host, I pray you stay with me and my friend M. Tertullus, and tell us some news, for we are lately come out of Scotland, and would hear before we come near London, in what state things do stand, lest we coming on a sudden, speed as ill as we did at Edinburgh, and S. Andrews. Pandoch Good my Lord, I can tell you no great news, for I go not so far as to Church once in a month, but if I do happen to go, one of my servants doth come for me in all haste, to make merry with one guest or other, but there be two in this house that came from London, if it please your L. I will entreat one of them to come unto you, it may be he can tell you some thing. Diotreph I pray thee do so: you are welcome my friend, I understand that you came from London, I pray you tell me some news for I having been in Scotland, some space, have not heard much of the state of England. Demetri My L. I hear no news, but that our Bishops (Gods blessing have their hearts for it) say pretty well, by one and by one, to these precise and hot Preachers, for some of them are put to silence, some of them close prisoners in the Gatehouse, some well laden with irons in the White-lyon, and some in the Clinke, I hope to see them one day all put down, for they trouble the whole land, and are neither contented to obey the authority of these holy fathers, neither yet will suffer us to live as our forefathers have done before us, and here is a good fellow which I met yesterday upon the way, who is just of their opinion. Pandoch I know not of what religion he of whom you speak is of but I am sure that he hath many of our Preachers qualities, for which I like him the worse, for since our Preacher came, I have not gained half so much as heretofore I did, but if I had but every night such a guest, within one month all men would refrain from coming to mine house, and so I might beg. Diotreph Why mine host, what are his qualities that you dislike so much? Pandoeh What? I will tell you, as soon as ever he lighted, my man that took his horse, chanced but to swear by God, and he was reproving of him by and by, and a gentleman cannot come in this evening, in any place where he is, but he is finding fault with him for one thing or another: and when he should go to supper, with other gentlemen, sitting at the lower end of the table, he would needs say grace (forsooth) before and after supper, and so stay them that were hungry, from their meat the longer, and from their sleep afterward but one wiser than the rest, served him in his kind, for he started up saying: my father had never grace said before meat, neither will I have any. Diotreph I perceive he is one of these peevish puritanes, that troubled the Church, when my friend and I went into Scotland, have not the Bishops yet suppressed them, neither by countenance, nor by authority? Tertulluss Suppressed; No my Lord, a friend of mine writ unto me, that one of their Preachers said in a pulpit, he was persuaded that there were 100000 of them in England, and that the number of them increased daily in every place of all estates and degrees. Diotreph I am sorry for that, I marvel that you never told me of it. Tertullus I did of purpose conceal it, least, together with your ill success that you, and so consequently I, had in Scotland, your grief should have been aggravated, for I know how that the growing of them doth grieve you. Diotreph You may be sure, that it would have grieved me, if you had told me that, when you told me of the increasing of your friends the Papists, I think I should have died for sorrow. Tertullus I know that, therefore did I keep it close, but if news had come in like monne, of the growing of the Catholic religion unto your man, that Puritan knave, he would have told it you at the first, and so have molested you the more. Diotreph You say well, and I perccive it is better to have a Papist, than a Puritan in an house, and more charity to do for them. Pandoeh Your Lordship asked me for some news, but your speech of your being, and ill success that you had in Scotland, giveth me occasion, to inquire of you (if I may be so bold) Some Scottish news. Diotreph Ah my host, though it grieve me to think upon it, yet it easeth my stomach to tell it out. The Puritans in Scotland, have got up their discipline, and utterly overthrown all the sovereignty of Bishops, by which they prevailed so mightily, that we feared our fall in England shortly to ensue, whereupon I was sent together with this my friend, who came out of France into England, to go and seek the subversion of their great assemblies, and the rest of their jurisdiction, wherein I prevailed a while, but now it is worse, than ever it was. Pandoeh How came it to pass, that when you had gotten some ground, you held it not? Diotreph Because the whole land cried out for Discipline again, and the noble men so stiffly did stand to it, and lastly, the Ministers that came home from England, dealt so boldly with the King, that I was utterly cast out without all hope, ever to do any good there again, and now I make homeward in haste, lest I lose all there also, but I pray you help me to speak with that Puritan, I shall learn more by him, because he is better acquainted with the cause than either of you. Demetri He may soon know more in that case than I, for I promise you, mine only study is in my counting house, to see my money, and when each parcel is due unto me. Pandoch And I meddle with nothing but my In-keeping, as for these controversies and this scripturing, I never trouble myself with it, but I will go to him to see whether I can get him to come to your Lordship: but before I go, I must beseech you to say nothing to him as from me, for you know, I must be friendly to all, lest I lose my custom, and drive away some of my guests. Diotreph Great reason, for every man must live of his trade, neither must you tell him what I am. Pandoch Sir, here be certain gentlemen in an other chamber, that hearing of your coming from London, would gladly speak with you. Paul Whence are they can you tell? Pandoch They are English men, but they are but new come out of Scotland. Paul I am willing to go to them, though it be late, and so much the rather, because I long to hear some good news from thence. Pandoch Here is the Gentleman that you desired to speak withal. Diotreph You are welcome my friend, I was desirous to speak with you, for that I perceive you came from London, I pray you, can you tell us any good news? Paul No surely, for I am a very ill observer of such things. Diotreph You seem to be a Minister, can you tell me what good success my Lords the Bishops have in their proceed? Paul They have too good success, they wax worse and worse, they grow even to the height of their iniquity, so that I hope their kingdom will not stand long. Diotreph Why sir, what do they, that they offend you so grievously? Paul They stop the mouth of the shepherds, and set at liberty the ravening wolves, and turn the foxes among the lambs. Diotreph I must desire you to express your mind more plainly, for you seem to be so possessed with discontentment, that it maketh you to speak (as it were) snatchingly. Paul I confess myself discontented, and greatly grieved, but yet not so much, as to make me less able to express my mind. Diotreph I pray you therefore, lay open your former speeches, that I may understand your meaning. Paul My meaning is this; That there are three abominations committed by them: The first is, that they do bear such an enmity against the kingdom of jesus Christ, that they put to silence one after an other, and will never cease (if God bridle them not) until they have rooted out of the Church, all the learned, godly, and painful teachers: The second is, that they enlarge the liberty of the common enemies the papists: The last is, that they commit the feeding of the flocks of Christ, unto those that prey upon them, and either cannot, or will not labour to reclaim the wandering sheep. So that the conclusions that may be gathered upon their actions, must needs be the eversion and overthrow of the Gospel, and so consequently the bringing in of popery and atheism. Diotreph They put none to silence, but the puritans, who do indeed more hurt than good. Paul I know no puritans, if there be any, it is meet that they be put to silence: But Satan taught the Papists, so to name the ministers of the Gospel, and you are his instrument in continuing the same rerme. Diotreph I mean them, that are not contented with the estate, but mislike the government of the Church, and would have a new form of government, which would mar all. Paul Would you have them contented with Antichristian prelate's, to be rulers of the spouse of Christ, when as the word of God hath prescribed expressly, another form direct contrary to that? Diotreph I am a doctor of divinity at the least, and yet could I never read any thing in the word of God, contrary to this government, neither yet to speak of any other, but that the ordering of the Church is left to the discretion of the wise and learned. Paul Yes, you have read it, if God had given you eyes to see it: But if your study had been principally to advance God's glory, and benefit his Church, which you never aimed at, but rather preferred vain glory and gain, you should easily have found it. I pray you therefore, when you come to London, see if you can get these books: the Ecclesiastical Discipline: A learned discourse of Ecclesiastical government: The Counterpoison: A Sermon upon the 12. to the Romans, & M. Cartwrites last reply: some of which books have been extant this dozen years, and yet are none of them answered, and you shall find it otherwise. Diotreph If their Lordsh, were taken away, the credit of the Gospel would fall to the ground, and men would not regard it. Paul Nay, their jurisdiction maketh it not to be regarded, for the simplicity of the Gospel, can not match with such outward pomp, it was of more credit before their calling was hatched, than ever it was since. Diotreph I hope never to see them overthrown, and I think they will never give over their Byshopricks. Paul I am of your mind, that they will never give them over, they have such experience of the gain of them, the use of the bag prevailed so much with one of their Apostles, that rather than he would lack money, he would sell jesus Christ himself. Diotreph You speak too unreverently and uncharitably of these holy fathers. Paul Surely I have so much experience of their impious dealing, that I can no better esteem of them in respect of their places, than of the enemies of God, but as they be men, I will not cease to pray for them, that God would open their eyes, that they may see their sins, and repent, which is the best way to deal charitably with them. Diotreph I pray you tell ne why these men be put to silence, I am sure it is for their notorious misdemeanour. Paul I will tell you wherefore some of them were put to silence; one had conference with a Bishop about subscription, and he was restrained for that he gave his friend a copy of his conference, another, because he taught that the Church of Antichrist was no part of the Church of God, another, because his prayers before and after Sermons were too long, and such like. Diotreph Away, it is rather for not observing the book of common prayer, than for any such thing as you speak of. Paul Indeed many are suppressed therefore, but if any man will give them their titles and authority, they will give him leave to use his discretion with the Book, as we see by experience, for they use the Book and ceremonies as brieles to curb them that ki●k at their lordliness, which is the only thing that they mind. Diotreph Well, I love not to hear these reverend fathers so abused, and therefore I pray you talk no more of it, but if it please you, you may departed. Paul I am contented, only let me request you this one thing, that for so much as GOD hath given you learning, you would pray unto God, to guide you with his grace, that you abuse it not to your own destruction, but employ it to his glory, and the good of his church. Diotreph I thank you for your good counsel, and so far you well, we will talk more in the morning. Paul With a good will: I pray God our talk may tend to a good end. Diotreph M. Demetrius and mine host, how like you this fellew? is he not a saucy merchant, to presume thus to speak against those that were Preachers before he was borne? But this is the misery of our nation, that every young boy will take upon him to reach the ancient, and to reprove them, for that their green heads think that to be true. Pandoch Your Lordship saith very well, I pray you forget not to urge him with that in the morning. For it must needs make him mute. Demetri I promise you he is a bold fellow, it is no marvel, if such as he is, do stand stiff against us that be unlearned, seeing they be so bold with you, I tell you, he took me up as if I had been but a kitchen boy, and all because I said I lived by my money, and was of no other trade, calling me caterpillar, thief, and murderer, and said plainly, that he that rob in Stran-gate hole, was an honester man than I Diotreph You must take heed, that you do not oppress your brother too much, but as for these fellows, it is their manner to be so bitter and sharp, that they do ever with their preaching, more hurt than good. Demetri I hope you will course him tomorrow for it: but I pray you my L. let me have a little talk between you and me, of a matter that now cometh in my mind; this man that is with you, and went and came in your company, what is he? Diotreph To be plain with you, he is a Papist. Demetri Papists are enemies to the Queen's religion and laws; I do therefore much marvel, that he should be put in trust by the Bishops. Diotreph The cause is this, he light into the familiarity of one of our friends, who confuted a Book called the Abstract, and helped him so painfully with reasons out of the Rhemish testament, and other such like writers, to confute the Puritans, that he was thought a fit man above all other of his religion, to go with me. Demetri Why, could you not have had another of your religion, but you must needs have a Papist your assistant? Diotreph No, no, if I had not had a Papist with me, I could never have looked to have prevailed. Demetti Why so? I pray you tell me the reason of that. Diotreph Because our dignities and government, cometh wholly and every part thereof from the Pope, and is ruled and defended by the same canons, whereby his popedom is supported. So that if I had wanted their helps, I had had none authority, either from God or man, no help either by reason or learning, whereby I could have been furthered. Demetri Why did you not rather take some doctor of the Arches, to go with you? Diotreph That was consulted upon before I went, but it was not thought meet, because the most of them would never deal in that law at home, but only because they know not else how to live, & therefore it was feared that they would not be sufficiently diligent in a matter that concerneth others. And for the rest (who indeed) be the same men they were in Queen Mary's time, we durst not carry any of them from home, for none defend our kingdom thoroughly but they. Demet●i Me thinks this man should be an unfit assistant, for if he be a right Papist, he will labour to erect the Pope's kingdom, and so to cross you. Pandoch No question but he did so, and that made for us, for albeit we would if we might, of the twain, keep rather the protestants religion with our dignities than the other, yet had we rather change our religion, than to forego our privileges; this I tell you between you and me, but I would have it go no further. Demetri Do the old popish doctors stand you in such great steed, me think you might have had learned lawyers for every place before this time, and have turned them out: Diotreph It is true, but we have received them of purpose (man) for we can bear, I tell you, with their religion, so that they do bear up our authority: do you not see likewise, that we have reserved ma● my popish priests in the ministry, whereof diverse do yet remain, which we have done upon special consideration: to wit, lest there should be too many learned, not one whereof will stand to us, sane only they that either have, or look to have better preferment, or live more easily than S. Paul's Epistles will allow them. Demetri I have been bold to trouble your L. I will now leave you for this time, I will come unto you in the morning to breakfast. Diotreph You shall be welcome unto me at all times, for I perceive you are none of them that favour the Puritans. Pandoch My L. your breakfast is ready, will you have them come to you that were here yesternight. Diotreph I would have him that tarried yesternight so late, for he is a very honest gentleman, and a quiet, but in any case let not the Puritan come until breakfast be done, for he is too precise: I must needs be merry, and if he be here, he will not let to reprove us, if we do butfortune to swear at unawares, so that I shall be afraid of him in every word I speak. Pandoch Hear is but simple cheer this morning, because it is fasting-day. Diotreph M. Tertullus will eat no eggs to day: will you M. Demetrius? Demetri Yea by S. Mary, I am a protestant, for I love to eat flesh on the friday. Diotreph It is well said, but I pray you, think not ill of me M. Tertullus for it, for saint Paul hath taught us, that we that eat, should not judge them that eat not; for we being strong, must bear with the infirmities of the weak. Demetri You promised yesternight to send for the Puritan, to talk further with him, I pray you do so, for I would have him taunted thoroughly. Diotreph By my troth I had forgotten him, mine host, call him. Pandoch Hear is the Gentleman you willed me to call. Diotreph You are welcome, this Gentleman M. Demetrius telleth me, that you, and he, had great controversy on the wap yesterday, and he is very defirous that I might hear your reasons, and give my judgement of them for his satisfaction. Paul Sir, I said nothing to him but the truth out of the word of God, in condemning of usury, by which he said he lived, and showed him the horribleness of the sin, the inconveniences temporal that come of it in the commonwealth, and the judgements of God against the practices thereof. Diotreph Usury in deed in some sort is unlawful, but it seemeth that you dealt not with the man, as meaning to win him, but rather by such sharpness as might harden him. Paul Surely my desire was to win him, and therefore my purpose in reasoning was, to lay open the sin unto him, and the cause why I dealt some what roundly, was this: he confessed the scriptures that I alleged, but so cavilled and wrangled against the clear light therein contained, that it appeared unto me his purpose was, not only to abide an usurer, but also to justify it by the word of God. Diotreph Such choleric fellows as you do mar all, for you cannot deal mildly, and so you trouble the conscience, and disquiet the mind of the weak. Paul His conscience must be troubled by lancing, before that ever his soul can be cured. Diotreph Then I perceive you like well of them that preach the law so much as they do. Paul Yea, or else should I not like of bringing men unto Christ, which can never be until they be humbled by the law, & made pure thereby to receive the gospel. Diotreph Do you not also like of them, preaching of predestination? Paul Yea, or else should I dislike of preaching the truth, for it is a part of Gods revealed will. Diotreph So do not I in these days, when there be so many weak ones, I think it to be a very breakneck of all religion. Paul I have heard of free-will men, that have said so, but I never heard man of learning affirm it, but one that was a Bishop in a Sermon, but his words were no less than blasphemy, and so are yours, and all they that say or think the same are guilty of no less sin. Diotreph Are you a Preacher and speak so of these reverend fathers, it may be your own ordinary to whom you are sworn to give canonical obedience. Paul It was the Bishop indeed, who usurped even the place where I dwelled, but I never swore him any obedience. Diotreph Well, we are gone from our matter. Paul And I pray you let us tarry a little longer from it, to consider one thing before we do return, which the talking of the Bishops bringeth into my head. Diotreph What is that? Paul Surely, that I think you are either a B. or else brought up in the school of a B. and would feign be one, for you do use yourself very like, as I have known them do. Diotreph Wherein? Paul In this, that whereas we reasoning of usury, wherein your conscience is clear within, you are contented for the favour of him, and for that you like not me, to maintain the same, and to disgrace the truth, because of the party that defendeth it, who is not according to your humour. Diotreph You may be ashamed to speak to of these holy fathers, I dare say, that none of them ever did so. Paul If mine ears had not heard it, mine eyes seen, & mine own person had not felt the experience thereof, I should have been of your mind, for I once liked them, and their very wicked dealings made me look into the lawfulness of their calling, which I see now to be mere Antichristian: but shall I tell you one example among manic? Diotreph I am willing to hear you, but I can never be brought to think so. Paul Yet will I tell it you, that you may think of it, I was accused unto the B. of such crimes as were most slanderous and false, where upon I desired him to send for mine accusers, and see how they could prove, that I (if I were convicted) might be punished, or else they might have the reward that molesters of the preachers of the Gospel do deserve: he granted it me, and appointed a day, which being come, rather than I (whom he thought not to favour his authority) should have any help at his hands, he made me a sleeveles answer, and sent me away. Thus are bishops coutented to be bawds unto all kind of sinners, rather than they will any way seem to further the ministery of those whom they favour not, and even thus do you: for your hatred unto my person, maketh you to stand with that monstrous usurer, but take hecde of it, for God will not be mocked, he seethe your dealing, and will judge you accordingly, howsoever you can pretend the contrary to the world. Diotreph As for mine own part, I pass not what you speak: but let me ask you one question concerning these holy fathers, and that is this, what reason is there that they should do any good in any respect unto any of you, seeing they know you to be professed foes unto their dignities. Paul Because they taking themselves to be the fathers of the Church, should have a regard to the good cause, and defend it without respect of persons. Diotreph No sir, I see no reason in that, for above all things, they must look to themselves, without whose authority the Gospel would be trodden under foot: and therefore they may defend no cause nor person further than may stand with their own safety. Paul Suppose that were lawful, what hindrance is this to themselves, to see them that be common and known drunkards, usurers, adulterers, and profane persons punished, for that they are railers at me, for teaching the ' truth of religion, and reproving sharply their godless conversation. Diotreph Oh you are a simple man, it is great hindrance, for they can do nothing in defence of you, though it be in matters wherein you and they do agree, but it tendeth to the derogation of their own estimation, such is the contrariety betwixt your building and theirs. Paul By that means shall we be so wearied with adversaries, that we shall never have any hope to do good, but even to be constrained to give over the ministery. Diotreph I would I might see that once come to pass, we have laboured for it hitherto, and never could attain unto it neither will the Church ever be in quiet until you all be turned out. Paul So thought the Sodomites, that they should never be well, so long as Lot was in their city; but when he was gone, fire from heaven consumed them: but I pray you tell me, if all were turned out, how should the people be taught, for it is evident, that none else (almost) maketh a conscience of his duty that way. Diotreph You think teaching would fail without you: No sir, teaching would be more regarded than it is. Paul Show me how that can be. Diotreph We would have none to preach above once a month, and then should he do it profoundly, and confirm his matter out of the fathers, and human writers substantially, whereas you taking upon you to preach three or four times a week, must not only of necessity handle your matters very rawly, but also breed loathsomeness in the people. Paul Surely my heart waxeth cold, and my flesh trembleth to hear you speak so monstrously: doth preaching consist in quoting of doctors, and alleging of Poets and Philosophers, in what part of his commission hath a minister war rant so to do? You find fault with our often preaching, because yourselves cannot so do, but if you would leave off your vain glory, in hunting after promotion, and your covetousness in adding murder unto theft, I mean living to living, and betake yourselves to study and prayer, bending your whole endeavour to the glory of God, and edifying of his people, you should see the blessing of God so abundantly upon you, that you should preach four times every week, with more fruit than you can do now four times every year, for while you be minded as you are, the Lords judgement is upon your gifts, and his curse upon your labours, that you appear ridiculous even unto children. And whereas you say often preaching cloyeth the people, you show yourself plainly to have no feeling in the sweetness of the word of God: for it is so delightful unto the child of God, that the more he heareth and readeth it, the more desirous is he to proceed therein, it is the property of the ungodly, to whom the word is foolishness to be cloyed with the same. Diotreph You shall not be my teacher, neither will I learn at your hands, I know well enough what I have to do. Paul I do not speak as a teacher unto you, but in brotherly love do admonish you, and if you refuse mine (or rather the council of the holy-ghost uttered by me) you do but as they do, whose condition you defend, I pray God forgive it you, and lay it neither to your nor their charge. Diotreph They are great moats in your eyes, they know better what to do than you can tell them, they see what is meet for the Church, being ancient grave men of long experience, better than a sort of young boys start up but yesterday. Paul Though some be but young, yet all are not so, for we have some more ancient than they have any, we have of all ages and degrees of Schools to compare with the best of them, and yet years, and human learning, and experience, must not carry away the matter, but the evidence of truth in the old & new Testament, and as for experience, they have none, for they were first brought up in the universities, than became Deans, and such jolly fellows, and now are made Mitred Lords, so that they cannot tell what it is to train up a people to the gospel, & reclaim them from ignorance and sin, for they never stooped so low as to labour therein, but if they had even my experience, they would sing an other song, for before I came into the harvest to work, I liked their hierarchy well enough, but when I laid it to my labours to further them, I found that they could not possibly stand together. Diotreph Did the gospel ever so flourish in England as it doth now at this present? Paul No surely, God be praised for it, and increase it more & more, but to what end do you speak it? Diotreph To prove that the authority, and wise government of the Bishops hath had good success. Paul I thought so, but it is (if you would look into the matter with a single eye) clean contrary, for the good that hath been done, the Lord hath brought it to pass by these men whom you despise, and by that course which the Bishops were ever enemies unto. dejoseph How can you prove that I pray you, let me hear your reasons that move you to think so, for I am persuaded of the clean contrary. Paul It serveth not in this case what you are persuaded of, for a Bishoptick hath so blinded your eyes, & corrupted your judgement, that you like nothing but that which agreeth therewithal, but I will show you my reasons that maketh me of that judgement, and if you look equally into the matter, or ask any indifferent man, you shall see it to be so. Diotreph Show me them, for I long to hear them, I am sure they be wise stuff. Paul First for the men, what congregation, what town or people is there in this land, that they have been in the reign of our sovereign Q. Elizabeth, converted to the gospel, that those men have not been the instruments to perform, whom the Bishops have continually persecuted, and for the courses that have been taken, and which God hath greatly blessed, which of them have not been overturned by the bishop and the preachers put to silence, assoon as ever the gospel began to appear: On the other side, tell me if you be able, of any such effect of the ministery of a B. or bishoply preacher, in any place of this land, though it hath been interrupted these twelve years, as you shall see in many places by the other sort, even in few months now and then, so that the matter is not only clear unto all that will weigh it in the balance of equity, but unto me, if I had no reason, it is an evident proof that they take the right way, whose labours the Lord doth so bless, and contrariwise, the curse of God is on the other, for their indirect dealing. Diotreph Thus you imagine because you please yourself in your own peevish ways, but tell me who are of your opinion: even a few Puritans like yourself. Paul's Call us as you list, Christ was never the worse for that his enemies called him a seducer, & a deceiver of the people, but I am sure (all for the most part that fear God) of every degree and calling, are of the same mind, saving those whom you by your sutleties have be witched. Diotreph You will have but a few then in this land that fear God, and so you will condemn the rest, which is the manner of all of you. Paul I condemn none, I wish that not a few, but all (if it were possible) did truly fear God, but I would have you learn of Christ with me, who may without disgrace be your teacher, to try the tree by the fruit, and seek me out that man which maketh a conscience of sin, and hath a care to live as a christian, that is not of the same mind with us: on the other side mark what kind of men they be, that are the patrous and defenders of the Bishops, and you shall see them to be men that make no reckoning of sin, but have their ways fraughted with all impiety, if they be ttied with the touchstone of God's word. Diotreph Well then you confess yet, that the general sway goeth on our side, and so long as it is so, we care not. Paul I will easily grant it, and so have they from the beginning, and shall to the ending of the world (against all goodness) but I will tell you one thing even of them, that few of them like you indeed. Diotreph How can these two stand together, many are with us, & few like of us, they be mere contrary? Paul I will tell you how, the Papist is on the Bi. side, because he can find shelter under them to hide his idolatry. The atheist is tooth and nail for them, because by them he enjoyeth carnal liberty, the man of most notorious life defendeth them, bieause he can from them, redeem the corporal punishment of his sins by money, but none of these like of them indeed; The first, because they keep the possession of the seats of their popish prelates, the other, because they are so greedy in their courts for money, that even every man crieth shame on them, who then do love them indeed, and stick to them only? these three hangs-by, that depend upon them, and live by them, as their chaplains and servants, the Cananits (I should say) the Canonists, and such ministers as either cannot, or will not, labour in their function, to convert souls unto God, so that they do stink in the nostrils both of God & man, especially in these three last years of their tyranny, that I do verily hope their sin is very near the height, and the Lord in mercy will ease us of them shortly. Diotreph You are a strange fellow, and please yourself with wonderful persuasions, but I pray you tell me, what maketh you say they are now more hated, seeing that in the last years, the best means have been used to establish the ministry in a consent and conformity unto them. Paul Let the means be as good as it will, I praise God for the success of it, howsoever the contrary was meant. Diotreph Why praise you God for it, I am sure you never liked of it? Paul The means indeed, I never liked, neither I think, did ever any reasonable man, but it being a brittle wall, daubed with untempered mortar, had that success that such sandy foundations do deserve. Diotreph Why man, what success had it, I am sure the greatest part, yea even of your forwardest men subscribed: and those that did not, are not like to ●arry in the Church very long. Paul Well, soothe up yourself in your own persuasion, and brag of the multitude of subscribers, if it were to do again, hundreds of them would never do it, because they were subtly circumvented and deceived (they meaning well, & tendering the peace of the Church) but (being now sorry for it) will stand in defence of the cause (I dare say for them) with their brethren, even unto death: So that the Bysh, have but their names written: And yet that if they would also, show the protestations and conditions, by which they were induced, and whereof the B. made allowance, it would plainly appear, that either they dealt wickedly to admit exceptions, if the articles were true, or more ungodly if they were not, ever to attempt any such matter. Diotreph Tell me now, what is that wherein you seem to rejoice, as though the issue of it fell on your side? Paul It is even this, that the bishop strait dealing made men to look so narrowly into the cause, and to seek the reasons on both sides, for their own satisfaction, that there are at this day (I am fully persuaded) ten times as many of all degrees, that are fully persuaded of the matters of reformation as were before, so gracious God is unto his servants, to make even their enemies to do them good, and so tender is he over his own cause and glory, that he will make the very means intended to oppugn it, be notable ways to advance it. Diotreph I do not believe you, albeit I cannot control you in it, because I have not been in England of late, but what will come of it, if it be so? Paul Even the government of the church, by the rules of that discipline which Christ himself hath prescribed in his word, which I do persuade myself to see before it be long. Diotreph You would be examined before a justice & punished, for saying you hope to see an alteration, you cannot be the Q. friend that thus look for innovations in the state. Paul Examine me when you will, and punish me as God shall give you leave, I will be tried to be so far the Q. friend, as that I wish so well unto her as unto mine own soul, and all that I say or desire, is not to invert any thing in the state that is good, but to have the corruption thereof removed, and her majesty more honoured before God and men, in drawing more near unto her God, in advancing the kingdom of his son more gloriously within her dominions. Diotreph These be but feigned words, I do not believe that you speak as you think. Paul It is because you measure me by yourself, who indeed care neither for Qu. Country, nor your own soul, but for a Bishopric, but I thank God in Christ, my conscience beareth me witness that they be all very dear unto me. Diotreph Away thou railing hypocrite, I will talk with thee no longer, if I catch thee in London, I will make thee kiss the Clink for this gear. Paul Indeed the Clink, Gatehouse, White-lion, & the fleet have been your only arguments whereby you have proved your causes these many years, but you shall prevail no longer, for your wickedness is made manifest unto all men, which God will shortly repay into your own bosoms seven fold, but pray you to God to give you repentance that those things happen not unto you. Diotreph Pray thou for thyself, and care not for me; I know well enough what I have to do without thy counsel, but it is your manner to teach all men. Tertullus Out upon him, what a fellow is this my Lord? I never heard such a one in my life. Diotreph I can tell you, he guesseth shrewdly I perceive, that our course which we have taken, and our intent in our actions have been descried by one means or other. Tertullus My lord, it was a thing observed in the Puritans at Geneva, and in France, while I was in Rheims, that we could never invent any practice, for the furtherance of the Catholic religion, but they knew it often before we put it in execution, so that for the most part, they prevent all our determinations. Diotreph Howsoever it be, I am wonderfully sorry that they seem so to triumph, and that our matters have no better success, it behoveth us to look about us, we will speed ourselves to London, to take some way in haste, lest it be too late: in the mean while, I pray you tell me, for you must be my counsellor when all is done, what way you think best to be taken. Tertullus I will do the best I can, I must first request one thing of you before I join to help you. Diotreph What is that? if it be not unreasonable you may assure yourself of it, for you know that I have never been straight laced against you nor any of your friends. Tertullus I doubt not of it, but how can I have it before I ask it of you? you know, that we received letters from England, that there were very hard laws made this last parliament against the Catholics: this is it therefore I must request, that you would use means that the rigour of them be not enforced, for you know that we have many, both in Court and country, that shall else be in great danger. Diotreph I am very well contented to do so, but what way shall I take to do it? Tertullus Surely, such a way as shall also make greatly for your own cause, and that is this, complain of the domestical, for the Puritan, and say, that they be worse than we, and that you shall never prevail against us, until first they be suppressed, and desire that we may be let alone for a time, and that all men would bend their forces against them. Diotreph This is excellent, I am very willing to do this, for it will help forward our own cause: now go on and tell me what is to be done further. Tertullus The first thing you must take in hand, must be the suppression of those preachers in London, and in other countries that be of most special note, for their forwardness against you, and you must do it very wisely: that is, you may not suppress them all at once, neither all of them in a long time, for you must take heed that the world do not conceive opinion of you, to be enemies to the Gospel, for then have you no way but to turn wholly unto us. Diotreph That will be a very good way, but how shall we have good matter against them, for their lives are thought to be very upright, and they have learned of late to be more politic than heretofore: for if they speak against any thing established, they do it so cunningly, that advantage can not be taken against them by law? Tertullus Never doubt of that, was there ever any man that went to beat a dog, but he could easily find out a staff to do it, you must in this case prefer your safety before your credit, or the estimation of any that belongeth unto you? Diotreph Yea, but show me some particulars, for I promise you, I see not how to do it. Tertullus You must be sure to let none preach at Paul's cross, but they of whom you have experience to like well of you, and you must give them instructions before hand, that they do inveigh mightily against the reformation that our adversaries desire, and there will one or other of them speak against that, and so you may have sufficient advantage against them. Diotreph But these fellows be very sharp to find a fault: What and if the matter which our friend preacheth be false, & so the other take occasion to confute it? Tertullus Then must you urge him to defend that which he hath said, and so shall you have more occasion to entrap the adversary. Diotreph But in so doing, he whom we set on work shall lose his credit. Tertullus What and if he do, do you compare his credit with the weight of your bishoprics? There is no comparison. Diotreph You say true, but what if it shall fall out, that the adversary be not blameworthy, neither in matter nor manner? Tertullus If he maintain the controversy it is sufficient cause to put him to silence though he have the better part, for you must maintain the peace of the Church. Diotreph But this is not all, for how shall we do for the court, that is the place, which above all we must fortify, or else we are gone? Tertullus Indeed there is great care to be had of it, and there be many ways to prevent us there, but we will do what we can in it. First you must take heed from time to time, what chaplains be put to the queen, seeing they are the teachers of the whole court, namely, that they be eloquent of tongue, and good companions, not too precise in their conversation. Diotreph It is very true, for they may else mar all, I have heard some of them speak dangerously, even before her Majesty. Tertullus Therefore you must take heed, that they be such as can be contented with the course of the world, and then if they happen to speak home now and then, as it is a thing incident unto a rhetorician to be girding, the Courtiers will never regard his words, because thee see he walketh not according to that himself. Diotreph But I am afraid that the court shall in time come to knowledge by their preaching, aod then we are gone. Tertullus Fear not that, I read once in a Book made by one of the Puritans, that if a man would have the blessing of God (as he termed it) upon his hearing, he must submit himself to an ordinary teacher, which thing I promise you is somewhat: for I see, that the greatest knowledge of their religion, as in those places, and men, that have that same ordinary teacher, and therefore keep them from any more preaching, than one sunday in the month, and that by divers men, and I warrant you that gap is stopped for ever. Diotreph It is something that you say, & I will not forget to look unto it, but there is an other thing which is greater than that, which is, how we may keep the Queen on our side, for I have often feared her, seeing (there is no question) but she is grounded in the foundation of religion. Tertullus How have you kept in with her all this while? Diotreph Marry thus, we have been very careful to take heed who be admitted to preach before her in the Lent: There was one Deering, that by our negligence preached, if he and such as he, had but continued the whole Lent, I am afraid, there would have been never a lord Bishop left in England before the next Lent had come again. Tertullus That I like very well, but that is not all, they will make books, and it can not be but some of them do come to her hands, how will you do if she like well of them, and the matter of Discipline in them? Diotreph I promise you I cannot tell, you must help us that dead lift, or else we are undone. Tertullus It is an easy matter to remedy, you must when you hear her speak of such things, make her believe that all is well, and that the drift of these men is not seen, for they would have no magistrare, and so would pull down Kings and Princes, and this will be sure to prevail, and make them to be esteemed the vilest men alive. Diotreph How can I tell her that all is well, when I have been constrained to tell divers Preachers, that have so sore urged me with the text, that I could wish things were amended, but the Q. will not at any hand? Tertullus Surely, you are a very simple man (my Lord) as though the Queen hears what you say unto them, or they, what you say to the Queen, you must still continue that course of excusing all things to her, for she believeth that you are learned, and lay all the blame when you talk with them on her: for you cannot overthrow them by Scripture, and so you shall not only keep the Q on your side, but also make the Preachers have a tolerable opinion of you, that you would have some things reform if it lay in you. Diotreph That is a notable way, I will always observe and practise that, but there be many Noble men, Counsellors, great courtiers that seem to like well of our adversaries: how shall we do to retain them, or to bridle them that are gone from us? Tertullus That will be some what hard to do: yet the best counsel I can see meet to be taken, is this: you must show yourselves very affectious unto those that desire glory and estimation, you must wink at the vices of all of them whatsoever they be, and not reprove them, much less correct them, and those of them that be needy, you must have them to beg the bishoprics, Deaneries, and such great places, & let them that shall have them pay well for them. So shall you not only have them beholding unto you for a benefit, but keep them still on your side, in hope to have the like booty an other time. Doitreph This is very well, and shall be always observed: but there is yet an other thing I heard of late, that there be very many Gentlemen and Gentlewomen in the Court that like us not, and it hath often times been, that Kings and Princes have been induced by information of mean men, to do that which great counsellors could not be at into their heads, how shall we do to stay the mischief that may come of these? Tertullus Easily, you must consider that they be of two sorts, either they be such as be highly in favour, or they be common courtiers: if they be of the former sort, you must when you have opportunity to speak to her, tell her, that she must take heed of such, and such persons: for though they be very wise and discreet, because you must not dislike any that she liketh, yet are they (being of a good nature) deceived, by the fair pretence of Puritans, & for them, you must say they do great harm, by reason of their countenance in the court, with favouring the Puritans, so that it shall come to pass, by these informations, that the Queen shall not only reject their speeches (if they use any against you) but also take them up roundly, that they shall not dare to speak any more. Diotreph This pleaseth me at the very heart, but how shall we do to be sure in the counsel table, for they are wise, and many of them like us but from the teeth outward, and we have received many a foil there? Tertullus That is even the hardest of all: I know not in the whole world any way but one. Diotreph Tell me that one, for if once I know it, we will say well to it but we will bring it to pass. Tertullus This is it: in King Edward's days, there were bishop of the counsel: now if you could get, though it were but one to be a counsellor, then might he very well, whensoever any matter of complaint came, tell the lords it pertained to ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and he & his brethren would hear it at large: so might he stop their mouths quickly, and then he might for fashion's sake hear the cause, but send the plaintiffs away with a flea in their ear. And thus very quickly would all complaints to the counsel cease. Diotreph Oh most notable device, all our friends in England shall fail us, but we will have this take place: there is yet an other thing that must be helped, and that is the universities, for they have great privileges, and Puritans start up there every day. Tertullus So there will do some, do what you can, unless you have a fire and a faggot, which weapon of ours, you only lack, and none but it: the best course that I know to be taken is this, let no College choose his own head, but let him have a Mandamus, procured from the Queen, and see that he be such a one, as hath been a non resident before, and let him have divers livings: and so that will draw with it formality. Let him be the Q. chaplain, or at the least brought now and then to preach in the Lent, and that will so set him a gog for a Bishopric, that you shall be sure he will suppress your adversaries as they arise, and let the heads of the houses be admonished from time to time, that they choose none to be fellows that be Puritans, but such as like the estate, and for the more assurance, let them be urged to subscribe, yea to swear to your authority, before they be admitted. Diotreph Shall we go by Cambridge, & see this put in execution as we go? Tertullus Nay soft, be sure of the court, before you enterprise any other where, lest you mar all. Diotreph You say very well, now how shall we do for the parsons and vickars, of the country that like us not? Tertullus I promise you those that be in already, will say hard unto you, and those that be to come also, if they will subscribe to the articles, so far as they concern faith and sacraments, the statute law favours them too much. Diotreph But have we no help by the cannon law? Tertullus Yes, there is help enough in the cannon law, if they will take it: but I will tell you one thing in your ear, which I would not for a thousand pounds were known abroad, and that is this: if the statute made in the 28. of H. oct. cap. 19 and the reviving of it in the 1. of Elizabeth cap. 1. were thoroughly sifted, I am afraid, not any cannon law would be found good law in England, and so what would become of you, and your authority? But I know to whom I do speak it. Diotreph What shall we do then? Tertullus You must set a good face upon the matter, and pretend law, both statute, and cannon, especially cannon, because they know not that they deprive them of their livings, which if you (though they know you do them wrong) could remedy it by law, yet are not their purses so well filled as yours, and so lack of living will make them to yield at length, as we see it hath done many. Diotreph But may we not well suppress them, for not using the surplice, and book of common prayer in all points? Tertullus I tell you there is no law in England to hurt them, for any thing that they have done concerning the surplice, the judges having been set on by you, and us, have indicted them for it, but it is more than they can warrant by law, and as for the book it is clear, that the strict keeping of it was meant against us, but we thank you for turning the edge to them from us. Sumnaries must be your best help in this case, and look that you practise it continually. Diotreph This will do very well, how shall we do to keep the ministery from too much knowledge, for that must be done, though we pretend the contrary? Tertullus Indeed it is a thing that you must look narrowly unto, and therefore take heed above all things, that the exercises of prophesy come not up again, for you know what harm they did unto you in every place where they were kept, and especially where men were moderators therein, that had been beyond the seas, to see the practice of them at Geneva, and you must beware of the exercises that ministers have at their meetings: for you know, that in Leicestershire, they furthered knowledge greatly. Diotreph But how shall we do with this, the exercise of prophesy is expressly set down in the 14. Coloss. 1. to the Cor. and it is known, that they whom you and we set on work to get it forbidden, confessed since that they knew it not, but took it to be foretelling of things to come, and not expounding of the scriptures. Tertullus You must answer it as you do the rest of their reformation, the particulars where of are expressed in the new Testament: namely, that they were things only for the time, and for them that helped you, what if they confessed their ignorance, you must still excuse their exercises to be unlawful assemblies, and conventicles to breed sects and schisms, and your authority will be are you out in all this and more too. Diotreph But what shall we do to make the world believe we would have the ministery learned? Tertullus Make them first Ministers, and set them to school, enjoining them to g●t some part of M. Nowel's Catechism, or of Bullingers' Decades by heart, and so you shall seem to desire a learned ministery, aswell as these reformers. Diotreph We will not fail to put this also in practise, is there any more that you know, that may serve our turns, for the further establishment of our dignities? Tertullus No nothing of any great weight, but it may be referred to some one of these points, but the particulars of every branch are many, which your own wisdom may easily look unto. Diotreph Then let us go, for I long until I do set these things abroach. Tertullus Yet I pray you remember to do something for us poor Catholics, seeing you stand by our help especially. Diotreph Great reason we should do so, or else were we ungrateful creatures, but you must devise what must be done. Tertullus You know that some of us be in prison, and others abroad, for those that are restrained, I pray you that they may have their liberty of the prison, and their friends to come to them, and when any of them come before you, that you would deal favourably with them. Diotreph Your request is very reasonable, for the first you shall see that your friends shall have the best chambers in every prison, and when any Puritan falleth into our hands, you shall see him have the most stinking place that can be found. Now when any of you, yea if you yourself come before us, you must be content to let us rail on you, & call you traitor, & threaten you grievously, but you shall be sure you shall sustain small harm, if you receive any, you must impute it to the times and not to us. Tertullus I thank your lordship, let us now be going, for we have tarried too long in our lodging this morning. Diotreph He never tarrieth too long that is well employed, as we have been, it was the best morning that ever I spent. Demetri How now mine host, what say you to these jolly fellows, had not they notable talk? Pandoch Yes sir, I have learned of them, that that will do me good I hope. Demetri What is that? Pandoch I have learned how to coarse our Preacher, and he shall be sure of it, and though it cost me the price of a tun of wine. Demetri Why, what doth he that deserveth coursing? Pandoeh What? He setteth men together by the ears, the town was never at quiet since he came, he teacheth such doctrine as some do like, and some not, and so they fall at variance. Demetri I pray you tell me some particulars of the worst of all. Pandoch This for one: our town standeth on victualing, because it is a thoroughfare, and he preacheth against good fellowship (which he calleth drunkenness) and against playing at cards and tables, wherein if he might have his will, I and my neighbours might go on begging within one twelvemonth's, and he hath so prevailed, that I take not so much by four pounds in a week, as I was wont to do: yea I have had ten shillings of one man in a week for drink only, that will now scarce spend three, but I will look unto him. Demetri Well mine host, deceive not yourself, I perceive that you and I are in a wrong box, you are an enemy to the Preacher, because he speaketh against your unlawful gain, and so was I yesterday with him that took the same course to amend me: and I thought he had spoken falsely, because he was a Puritan: and when I came to hear my matter debated, the bishop disallowed my course, and yet took my part. And why? Because I might defend him in his unlawful calling: But I see their ingling well enough, and if the man with whom I was so offended be not gone, I will talk further with him, for I perceive that he meant better unto me than they did. Pandoch I perceive we shall have a Puritan of you, if you would so feign speak with him, he is but new gone out at the gate, you may ride after him: but as for our Preacher, I will in hand with him, because I cannot tell how I shall else gain and maintain myself as heretofore I have done. Dixi. THE CONCLUSION. BRethren, ye see by lamentable experience, how injuriously the church of GOD in England is dralle withal, by taking away, and stopping the mouths of their faithful teachers, and by thrusting upon us unlearned, and unsufficient men, which neither have will, nor ability, with wholesome barking to drive away the wolf, but contrariwise doth give privy encouragement unto the enemy, to continue in his wickedness, whereby the church of God is assailed most dangerously; and Satan doth not cease by all means possible to overthrow that good work which is begun in England: and therefore it behoveth us brethren to look about us, and not to suffer the enemy to grow so strong against us if by any means we may let and hinder his wicked enterprises. And now my brethren, what is to be done on our parts? Surely I am one of the simplest of a thousand, to give advise to proceed in any good course in so weighty a matter. But this, in my judgement were a good way, even to join ourselves together, so many as fear GOD, and to frame our most humble supplication unto her Highness, showing unto her Majesty the great damage and loss that the Church doth sustain, for that they can not have the voices of their faithful pastors, which have diligently, and with great pains laboured to draw men back from superstition, and the false worship of God, unto the true and sincere worship of his majesty, and laying down before us most purely, the doctrine of the Scriptures, to the end, that we should know what we ought to do, and what to leave undone, leading us, as it were, even by the hand, to the true worship of God, and our loyal duty unto her Majesty, and all her officers. And these men (we can not tell by what means) are letted and stopped from doing those notable duties of their calling, and are not permitted to speak any more unto us in the name of the Lord, whereby we her poor subjects sustain great dearth and scarcity even to the food of our souls. Therefore we her loyal subjects, most humbly do entreat her Highness, that she would look upon the affliction of the poor Church, and let us have our true teachers restored unto us again. And so we her subjects should yield continual thanks unto her highness, praying unto GOD always for her prosperity. And (our brethren) if this way shall be thought good, when there shall be some advise taken upon it. Then to choose out some fit man that can indite and frame our supplication, one that feareth God, that hath a feeling of this plague in his heart (as the Scripture speaketh) I mean of the want & lack of these good preachers. And this being done, then to appoint other godly and honest men, to present our supplication, two, or three, as it shall be thought good unto you, and the rest to aid them with money, or in what other danger may fall out: so that they present it in the name of the whole congregation, or otherwise, if it shall be thought good: first to move our suit unto some of the Bishops, as Winchester or Salisbury, or both, or any other that you shall think good: I beseech you let us not sit still, when we are touched so near, but as those good men have ventured their liberty and living for our good: so let us take some pains for them, to adventure some danger of reproof, or what else may fall out. Better is the day of death (saith Solomon) than the day of birth, man that is borne of a woman, liveth but a short time, and is replenished with many miseries, but happy are the dead, that die in the Lord. Man is borne of woman in travel, to live in misery, man through Christ doth die in joy, and live in felicity. He is borne to die, & dieth to live. Strait as he cometh into the world, with cries, he uttereth his miserable estate, strait as he departeth, with songs he praiseth God for ever. Scarce yet in his cradle, three deadly enemies assault him: after death no adversary can annoy him: whilst he is here, he displeaseth God: when he is dead, he fulfilleth his will. In this life, here he dieth thorough sin, in the life to come, he liveth in righteousness, through many tribulations in earth, he is still purged: with joy unspeakable, in heaven is he made pure for ever: here he dieth every hour, there he liveth continually: here is sin, there is righteousness: here is time, there is eternity: hecre is hatred, there is love: here is pain, there is pleasure: here is misery, there is felicity: here is corruption, there is immortality: here we see vanity, there shall we behold the majesty of God, with triumphant and unspeakable joy in glory everlasting. Seek therefore the things that are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God the father, to whom with the son and the holy ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end Amen.