The Hunting of Antichrist. With a caveat to the contentious. By Leonard Wright. jeremy 16. Vers. 16. 17. 18. 16 And after that I will send out many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the caves of the rocks. 17 For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes. 18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double, because they have defiled my land, and have filled mine inheritance with their filthy carrions and their abominations. Veritas non quaerit latebras. LONDON Imprinted by john Wolf. 1589. To the courteous Reader. THat ancient Poet lucilius, was wont to say, that neither learned nor unlearned, should read any of his doings: for that the one, was too ignorant to understand his true meaning: & the other too wise for him to answer their expectation. Reading of books is aptly compared to eating of cheese: the talant whereof, seemeth so divers in taste: as amongst ten men, two, can hardly agree in one judgement. One saith it is too fresh: another thinks it too salt: It is too mild (saith he.) nay saith his fellow, it is too strong of the rennet for me. In like manner, my SUMMONS FOR SLEEPERS was no sooner published abroad: but it seemed to have four several relishes. First, it pleased the wise and learned: courteously to pardon my imperfections, accept my good will, and construe all things to the best. The second sort: judged it, rather to proceed from natural or artificial gifts, then spiritual or divine grace. The third company: finding the matter not fitting their fancy: begun maliciously to discredit and deface, both the author and the book. The man in his young time (quoth they) delighted too much in hunting, shooting, and good fellowship, to be studious or learned, & therefore sure it is but some odd, vain conceit, unworthy the view. The fourth crew, forasmuch as it was not correspondent to their own seditious vain: condemned it strait for no better than plain Papistry. Thus to recompense my painful labours, seeking in some measure to discharge my duty, & profit my country: the whole race of my former life was called in question: ripped up as an anatomy, & tossed from post to pillar, as a tennis-ball. Whereupon I have taken occasion, not to rip and lay open, the conditions and manners of that uncharitable brotherhood: for loathing of honest ears, or uncovering their shame to the enemy: but rather to spend a little more time in my old pastime of hunting. Not the wily Fox, nor harmless Hare: but that seven headed monster Antichrist of Rome: & the three headed Cerberus, bandog of Hell, and his whelps: the intolerable Sects of Seditious Schismatics, sprung up in our time: daily barking against the most Christian and well reform Ecclesiastical state of the Church of England. Who seek together continually, like ramping & roaring lions, with tooth and nail: to dishonour our God, extinguish his Gospel, & & devour his poor saints. Not with cries of yelping hounds, to fray them: nor strength of coursing greyhounds to chase them: nor fangs of ravening mastiffs to bait them: but the sound of godly patriarchs, valiant Prophets, courageous Apostles, and their invincible successors to destroy them: the breath of God's holy spirit, to subvert and utterly confound them: and the two edged sword of his eternal word, to pierce and thrust them through, even to the dividing a sunder of their joints and marrow. Beseeching thee in courtesy gentle Reader, to judge charitably, censure without partiality, make choice to thy profit, & yield God the glory. Vale in Christo. Leonard Wright. As for carping Zoilus with his peevish ●…fsicophant whelps: I look for no 〈…〉 at their hands, than my 〈…〉 found, and myself have ●●gested. To whose spiteful objections, though wisdom do will me, not to cast a stone at every barking dog: yet must I needs in mine own defence say somewhat. First, as touching the title of learning, I reverently yield it over to my betters, that worthily deserve it: having nothing myself to boast upon, 2. Cor. 11. 29. but painful crosses, grievous afflictions, ●. Cor. 12. 6. 9 sickness of body, troubles of mind, and wreastling with want & necessity. Beseeching God to grant me patience, and his holy spirit, to use in some measure, that little I have conceived by reading the holy scriptures, and learned men's books. Exhorting all men even in christian charity, and the fear of God: That though it were as simple a scholar as Balaam ass, that shall justly reprove your wicked behaviour, Num. 22. and tell you the truth: do not strike him, but go about your own amendment: lest you seem to kick against the pricks, or strive with God: Gal. 6. 7. who will neither be mocked, nor dallied withal. Touching my recreation, I answer with Spiridion Bishop of 〈…〉 demanded why he durst 〈…〉 flesh in Lent: I dare freely 〈…〉 quoth he, because I am a christian. So dare I freely hunt and shoot, for my health and recreation, intime, place, & company convenient: because I am a christian: & know how to use them, without offence towards God, Etheickes lib. 4. or abuse to my neighbour. Requies & ludus, in vita necessary, saith Aristotle. Both the body and the mind, are sometimes to be refreshed with plays, saith Peter Martyr: to make us afterwards more prompt unto graver matters. upon the judges cap. 14. For as there is a time to weep and mourn, Preach. 3. Rom. 12. 15 so is there a time to laugh and be merry. When God sent the prophet to comfort his people of jerusalem: amongst others his mercies, he promised them this security: that their boys and damsels, Zach. 8. 5. should sport and play in the streets. Mirth, joy, praise, and thanksgiving, Esay. 51. shall be heard in Zion, saith the Lord. Defraud not thy neighbour of his liberty, Eccle. 7. saith jesus sirach: neither despise him in his mirth. Take thy pastime at home, 31. and do what thou wilt (saith he) so thou do none evil. 32. When thou hast discharged thy duty, Esay 65. sairh the prophet: sit down with the people and be merry. The Apostle himself exhorteth men, 1. Pet. 2. 17. to love and delight in brotherly fellowship. And daily experience teacheth, that honest pastime, is a great occasion of friendly meetings, And neighbourly conference, the cognisance of human society: A mean to foster and cherish, concord and amity amongst men. Whereas the contrary do●h rather engender melancholic hatred and disdain. As for such grim churlish Timon's, curious Stoical hypocrites, and wayward scrupulous fools: whose wills are too obstinate for their senses: their wits too headstrong for their wisdom: and their dampish natures, too peevish, to enter league with reason: Are more fit to live in Diogenes tub, or Trophonius den: then for human society, amongst honest men. And wots you what Master Tusser saith: There is oftentimes seen no more very a knave: then he that doth counterfeit most to be grave. THE HUNTING OF ANTICHRIST. A brief description of the Church of Rome from the time of Christ, until our present age. AS the ungrateful jews of an obstinate blindness, had most cruelly persecuted, and condemned to the cross, that pure guiltless innocent, the only Saviour and Redeemer of the world: so after his triumphant Resurrection, and glorious Ascension, the spiteful heathen Emperors of Rome, having the whole power and jurisdiction of all Asia, Africa, The ten persecutions of the primitive Church under ten heathen Emperors. and Europe in their hands, intending utterly to abolish his name, and extinguish his religion for ever, as before they had crucified the head, sought still by all means possible with most grievous afflictions, painful torments, and horrible kinds of death, to persecute his poor dispersed members, for the space of 300. years together: till the Lord of his fatherly affection, Anne. 320. taking pity of his poor dispersed flock, raised up that godly and famous instrument, Constantine the great. After their long and lamentable troubles, to snaffle Satan and set them in quiet rest and safety. This Constantine the first Christian Emperor, to confute the infectious heresies of Arrius, Anno. 300. with his pestilent Disciples, and to set an uniform order in the Church assembled at Nicene a City of Bithynia, Pope Pius. 2. a general council of 318 grave and learned Bishops, himself being present: where it was decreed, that the universal Church should be divided into four Provinces: and four chief Bishops, patriarchs or Metropolitans to be hea●-Pastours and governors of the same: Namely the Patriarch of Rome, of Alexandria, of jerusalem, and of Antioch: and after in stead of Antioch, came in Constantinople: and so long as the Church was governed in this order, though in outward rites and ceremonies there was some difference, yet so well they agreed in one Catholic doctrine, as it mightily increased and flourished, till Satan the author of mischief had so greatly infected the mind of john Archbishop of Constantinople, as at length he presumed to challenge unto himself the proud title of universal Bishop, Pope, or Arch-father: assembling a council to establish and ratify his throne. Anno. 420. But Gregoris then Patriarch of Rome, Nic. Can. 6. affirmed him in his challenge to be no other but the forerunner of Antichrist, alleging the saying of Chrysostom, Chrysostom. Quicunque episcoporum primatum in terra desiderabit, confusionem in coelis reperiet. Until the death of this Gregory the basest of all the Bishops before him, and the best of all that came after him, the Sea of Rome remained in some reasonable order, not presuming to exalt herself above her sister-Churches, till Boniface the third succeeding in that sea within three years after his decease, obtained of Phocas that wicked usurper (who of a common soldier, by consenting traitorously to murder Mauritius his sovereign, with his wife and son, aspired to the Empire) that he and all his successors should be called supreme head of the universal Church. About this time began Mahomet to conquer and reign in the East. The same title which his predecessor had left for Antichrist. At which time (as it is written) was heard a voice in the air, saying: Hodiè venenum infusum est Ecclesiae. Afterwards through the liberality of good Princes, especially one Mathilda a noble Duchess in Italy (who made the sea of Rome heir of all her lands and revenues) the Bishops began to grow in wealth and prosperity, and the more they flourished in the world, the more they swelled in pomp and pride. And the more they shut up and swelled, the more Gods holy spirit forsook them, till at last they had cast of the laws of Simon Peter, Gal. 2. 9 and were become in conditions and manners like Simon Magus, Caiphas and judas, so as that which was ordained to bring men unto God, was made an occasion of falling from God: for riches begat ambition, and ambition destroyed religion: or after S. Augustine, Augustine. Religio peperit divitias, & filia devoravit matrem. Now to open the filthy detestable doings of that Romish rabble, from the time of their first corruption: what superstition they practised, what heresies they taught, what hypocrisy they used, what vice they maintained, and what bloody wars they raised: setting Princes together by the ears, and the son against the father, would not only loath honest natures, but also infect the very air. Some Popes came in by Simony, some by necromancy, and some by poisoning. It is written how Silvester the second, john Stell● a Venetian. a sorcerer, gave himself to the devil, conditionally that he would help him to be Pope. john the thirteenth was noted for a wicked person, even from his youth: namely a whoremonger, and a cruel tyrant. Of some of his Cardinals he pulled out their eyes, of some he cut out their tongues, and of some their noses. He made the Palace of Laterane a Stews, committed incest with two of his own sisters: and in the end being taken in adultery, with a man's wife, was slain of her husband. john the three and twentieth, had these crimes proved against him, that he was an heretic, an hypocrite, an enchanter, a murderer, that he had hired a Physician to poison the Emperor, and was therefore by the Council of Constance deposed. john the two and twentieth, and Clement the seventh, were rank heretics, openly denying the immortality of the soul. In the space of nine years was nine Popes, one hoisting another out of his place. Again three Popes reigning and raging at once: as Benedict the first, Silvester the third, and Gregory the sixth. Though the pharisees were not to be followed, yet were they to be heard: ●ar. 23. but the Romish rabble whose doctrine standeth chief upon lying visions, and prodigious fables, are neither to be followed nor heard, the effect whereof is this. That it is possible for man to keep the law. This doctrine agreeth with ●he word of God like harp and harrow, confer the places. That all acts of charity deserve eternal life. That the works of Friars do merit Paradise. That Saints can by their merits save all men that pray unto them. That whosoever is buried in Saint Frances habit, is delivered from the pains of Purgatory. That our Lady by her virginity can save all women that call upon her: Ro. 10. 20. 28. Gal. 2. 16. 21. Luke 17. 10. Gal. 3. 10. 11. 1. Tim. 2. 5. Ridiculous. Rom. 10. 14. john 14. 6. john 6. 44. john 3. 16. 18. Rom. 6. 23. attributing unto her that which in David's Psalms is spoken of the father and the son. In thee, oh Lady, have I trusted: have mercy upon me, oh Lady: The Lord said unto my Lady, sit thou on my right hand, etc. The absolution they gave to their penitentiaries, is in this manner. The passion of Christ, and the merits of the blessed virgin Marie, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and all other he Saints and she Saints of Paradise, be unto thee in remission of thy sins. In these and such like dependeth their whole religion. Thus was the word of God neglected, true religion defaced, the right way to salvation abolished: and vice under a show of virtue maintained. For under a cloak of professed poverty, they possessed the riches of all lands. Under a shadow of being dead to the world, they ruled it at their pleasure. Under the colour of hearing the keys of heaven and hell: they crept both into men's purses and their consciences. And like as the Scribes and Pharssies in bragging so highly of the Temple of the Lord, destroyed in deed the true Temple of the Lord: so these under the title of Christ and his religion, have indeed persecuted both Christ and his true Religion. And under the name of Catholic Church: In nomine domini, incipitomne malum. have most cruelly oppressed the true Catholic Church. And colouring their proceedings with in nomine domini: have put the true members of Christ to death, pro nomine domini. And like as in the primative Church, Satan perceiving he could not prevail against the person of Christ himself: turned all his force and malice against his poor members. So being let lose again in this latter age, worketh still what he can to hinder the glory of God, and salvation of man. Whose special instruments, God and Magog, the tyrannous Turk and blood-thirsty Pope, ruling the world at their pleasure, have so vehemently conspired with all severity and means possible to subvert, deface, and utterly abolish both Christ, his Church and religion: as if either the fury and malice of Satan, the strength and power of man, the wit and policy of the world, cruel torments, pains of death, or hell gates, could have prevailed: no cruelty could ever be invented, which hath not been attempted. Yet so mightily hath the Lord always preserved his poor despised truth, and strengthened his afflicted members: as no threatening, pains, or kind of death, could ever so fear or terrify them: but that from time to time, they have always stood in defence of the truth against the tyrants of the world, and prevailed. In whom both in their lives and deaths appeared manifest tokens of Gods divine working, far beyond man's reach: being so ready in their answers, so patiented in their imprisonment, so strong & constant in their sharp torments, so willing to pardon their enemies, and so cheerful & courageous in suffering, that so they might win Christ, they feared neither gallows, tearing their members, pressing their bodies, nor all the grievous torments that wicked worldlings could devise Having two special marks of God's children: john. 16. 33 outward persecution, and inward comfort in the holy Ghost. In the world you shall have affliction (saith our Saviour) but in me you shall have peace. Thus was the Pope's honour first begotten by presumption, borne by ambition, nursed up by superstition, increased by violence, and defended by false wresting the Scriptures. And from a rotten root arose rotten branches, which sent their rottenness into every twig: whose contagious infection, flowing continually from one to another, is conveyed from the ancestors to the posterity. Whereby Rome of a school of virtue, became a sink of all vice: of a daughter of peace, a beldame of debate: of a loving mother, a hateful stepdame, or rather a proud frantic whoose delighting in murder and bloodshed, Act. 10. 25. 26 whose Pilots are turned to cruel pirates, Apoc. 22. 8. 9 rakers of riches, & contenders for worldly mastership. That Rome is Babylon, and the Pope and his Clergy Antichrist. NOw that Rome, or rather the Empire, Monarch or dominions thereof, is that daughter of Babylon, Daniel. 7 the sea of Antichrist, so lively described of Daniel by 4. monstrous beasts, containing both the cruelty of the leopard, the bear, and the Lion, Apoc. 13 and so lively painted out in the apocalypse by another beast, muth after the same shape, colour, and condition, having seven heads and ten horns. Apoc. 17 And also by that great purple coloured whore, sitting upon many waters, it appeareth plain and manifest, in that the Angel himself expoundeth that purple whore to be that great City Babylon, Apoc. 5. 9 the mother of all abomination, which beareth rule over the kings of the earth. And the seven heads of the beast, to be seven mountains or hills, whereupon the woman sitteth, which all writers, historiographers and poets affirm to be a plain description of the City of Rome: which because of her abominable filthiness, Apoc. 11. 8 is spiritually called Sodoma: for keeping God's people in bondage & slavery, Egypt: and for her likeness in conditions, Babylon. That good smelling dog Tertullian, who lived about 200 years after Christ, Tertullian. discoursing of figures and things figured, saith, that Babylon in the apocalypse beareth the figure of the City of Rome. That sweet mouthed hound Chrisostome, feeling a hot sent of his game, calleth on to his fellows in this manner: Like as the Persians came in the psace of the Chaldeans, Chrisostome in his Commentaries upon the second Epistle to the Thessalonians the Grecians in the place of the Persians, and the Romans in place of the Grecians: so shall Antichrist usurp the Empire of the Romans. That famous finder S. Augustine affirmeth, that at the same time when the first Babylon, being always enemy to the City of God, De civitate Dei. was destroyed in Caldea, lest the City of God should want an enemy: the second Babylon, which is the City of Rome, was erected in Italy. The good shepherds dog Saint Gregory, Eregorie in his 4. book & Epistle. 38 having found out that monstrous Hydra, giveth warning to his flock, saying, He that shall claim to himself the title of universal Bishop, and shall have a guard of Priests to attend upon him: that same is Antichrist. That well flewed hound Saint Barnard, having found of his footing, Barnard in his Epistle 125. doth spend his mouth in this manner. That beast of the apocalypse, to whom is given a mouth to speak blasphemy, and make war against the poor Saints, possesseth Peter's chair, as a lion prepared to his prey. That trusty and diligent searcher Ireneus having ranged the forest of the apocalypse, where it is said, that the number of the beasts name is 666. Ireneus upon the 13. chap. of the apocalypse saith, that this Greek word Lateinos, the Latin man, was thought to be the name of Antichrist, which being numbered by the Greek letters, after their order and manner of accounting, maketh just 666. And in the Latin tongue, Dux Cleri, the Captain of the Clergy, doth the same, as followeth. L Λ 30 D 500 A Α 1 V 5 T Τ 300 X 10 E Ε 5 C 100 I Ι 10 L 50 N Ν 50 E 0 O Ο 70 R 0 S Σ 200 I 1 The generation of Antichrist. FIrst the devil begat darkness, darkness begat ignorance, ignorance begat error, error begat merits, merits begat the Mass, the Mass begat superstition, superstition begat hypocrisy, hypocrisy begat lucre, lucre begat purgatory, Purgatory begat abundance, abundance begat pomp, pomp begat ambition, ambition begat the Pope & Cardinals, and the Pope & Cardinals brought forth tyranny, murder of Saints, & licence to sin, the end whereof is death and utter destruction. To conclude, forasmuch as Christ himself was accused of high treasen, against the Roman empire, persecuted, condemned, and crucified, within the circuit of the Romish dominions, by the Romish officers, & according to the Romish laws: it must needs follow, that the same Empire which hath so persecuted the head, should bring forth that monster which should persecute the members. Anselmus affirmeth, Anselmus. that Antichrist shall come under a cloak of holiness, 2. Thes. 2. 4 and shall promise the kingdom of heaven. The Apostle saith that he shall sit in the Temple of God, and be worshipped as God. But seeing there is none that exalteth himself so high in the Church of God: nor so like in all qualities, properties, and conditions unto Antichrist, as the proud Pope of Rome, who taketh upon him to forgive sins, which is proper to the office of God only, to shut and open heaven gates at his pleasure, and to be worshipped above all Kings and Princes: he shall surely at this time, by my content, stand for the head: his greasy shavelings, as Cardinals, Bishops & Priests for the body: and his rascal rabble of Monks and Friars, for the venomous tail of that monstrous dragon. And if any other Antichrist chance hereafter to be more manifestly revealed, I will then recant and confess mine error. But if the Lion's skin were once plucked off from those wilful blind asses, they would soon appear in their likeness, as hypocrites, wolves and foxes. The sweet and pleasant cry of Gods chosen Hounds in pursuing of Antichrist. IT were too long to recite but even the most principal of those godly instruments endued with learning, knowledge and judgement, to discern light from darkness, truth from falsehood, and religion from superstition: Gal. 2, ●●. ●● whom it hath pleased the Lord of his fatherly kindness to move and stir up both by preaching and writing, to rouse that seven headed monster out of his den, and pursue him in chase. Who have not only ripped up and laid open to the view of the world, the filthy corruption of that proud Romish sea: but also by notable parables and similes prophesied the fall, ruin, and utter confusion thereof. In the year of grace 1160. Anno. 116● One Peter Waldus Citizen of Lions, a man both rich and very well learned, walking amongst others in their accustomed place of meeting: it chanced one of the company to fall suddenly down and yield up the Ghost: which heavy example so terrified the said Waldus, as thereupon he was stricken with a deep and earnest repentance of his former life, & seeking with a servant desire to reform the same: began first to give large alms to the poor and needy. Secondly, to instruct himself and his household, in the doctrine of the Gospel. Thirdly, to exhort all men that came unto him, to repentance and amendment of life. And the more his fame spread abroad, the more did the people frequent about him, some to hear his doctrine, and some to receive his alms. Which gear coming at last to the ears of the Romish Prelates, they never ceased vexing, and persecuting both him and his favourers, till at length by violence they were all driven out of the City: who dispersing themselves into diverse countries, were compelled to live poorly: some in Bohemia, some in Germany, and some in the valleys of Angron, Lucern and Perousse in the country of Piedmont, under the Duke of Savoy. From those that dwelled in Piedmont, came the people of merindol and Cabriers to inhabit in certain desert places in the Country of Provence in France: Anno. 1380. some about Lions, and some at the foot of the Alps: being men of such honest behaviour, upright conscience, and virtuous conversation,: so just and constant in their dealing, pitiful and charitable one to another, diligent and painful to get their living with truth and honesty (offering that it all the Universities in Christendom, were able by the word of God to reprove their doctrine, to yield and confess their errors) that their very enemies who continually sought their déstruction, could not justly accuse them of any crime: save only for speaking against the corruption of the Romish Clergy: and forsaking the Bishop of Rome his authority, cleaving only to the word of God. For which cause they were so odiously detested and abhorred: that a law was made utterly to destroy them all, both man, woman and child, as a people unworthy to live upon the earth. Till it pleased the Lord after many horrible murders, cruel conflicts and grievous persecutions for the Gospel, to fight for them to the confusion of their enemies, and preservation of his truth. Some called them Lollards': some the poor people of Lions: but for that they were the followers of Waldus, they were all called Waldenses till the time of Luther, when they began to be called Lutherians and Protestants. Amongst many others, I can not pass over that valiant Bohemian hunter Zisca, who after he had been victor in defence of the Gospel, against that monstrous dragon in eleven bloody battles, whose very name in the field was a terror sufficient to quail the enemy: at last falling sick and ready to yield his debt due unto nature, did valiantly comfort and cheer up his sorrowful countrymen in this manner. When I am dead (quoth he) take my skin, and make thereof a drum to use in your wars: for as my name was a terror to those Romish wolves in time of my life, so will the very rattling of my skin, enforce them for fear to run away when I am dead. The author of the Ploughman's complaint, was (no doubt) a most cunning and diligent hunter, who in great vehemency of spirit painted Antichrist in his colours, Anno. 1170. and laid open to the world the intolerable corruption of his Romish rabble. That trusty trailer Saint Barnard in his book of Considerations, Barnard in his book of considerations calleth the Pope's Court a den of thieves, wherein (saith he) is left no show of Peter's succession. Petrarca Archdeacon of Parma, a good smelling dog, said in his time, Petrarca in Epist. 20. that the sea of Rome was become the mother of idolatry, the School of error, and the Temple of heresy: Robert Grosted Bishop of Lincoln, Anno. 1254. a well flewed hound, calleth on against that seven headed Serpent in this manner. Eius avaritiae, totus non sufficit orbis, Eius luxuriae meretrix non sufficit omnis. john Wicklif an eager bloodhound, tied up in the University of Oxeford: Anno. 1370 so hunted and shaked that venomous Dragon in his time, as the wounds he gave him, could never yet be cured: for the which by a decree in the Council of Constance, he was taken up forty and one years after his death, and burned to ashes. When the Popes own darling Thomas Becket had been at Rome, Tho. Becket. and perceiving the filthy corruption of that proud Sea: uttered his conscience in a letter to his friend the Bishop of Mentz, in this manner: Mater Roma (quoth he) facta est meretrix. Pope Adrian himself, Pope Adrian. seeming greatly to mislike the cruelty of his predecessors, braced suddenly out in these words. Succedimus non Petro in pascendo, sed Romulo in Parricidio. Saint Bridget, whom the Church of Rome hath not only canonised for a Saint, Bridget. 1349. but also a Prophetess, in her Book of Revelations calleth the Pope a murderer of Souls, a spiller of Christ's flock, more cruel than judas, more proud than Lucifer, more unjust than Pilate, and more abominable than the jews: whose sea shall be cast down (quoth she) like a millstone into the sea. Apoc. 18. 12. In the year of grace 1354. rose up two learned Friars, preaching openly to the Pope's face: that they were by a Revelation from God commanded, Anno. 1354. to declare the Church of Rome to be the whore of Babylon, and the Pope and his Cardinals, Antichrist, for which they with divers others for the like offence were committed to the fire, and burnt to ashes. The ruin of that proud Sea, was long ago prophesied by a parable of a certain bird, who being decked and adorned with the feathers of all other birds in the field, became so haughty, proud and disdainful, that she fell to pounce and beat the rest of her fellows: whereupon assembling together, they agreed with one consent, that every one should take again his own feathers and so leave her naked. Theodorius Bishop of Croatia, Theodorius. Anno. 1380. in the year of our Lord 1380. did prophecy, that the Sea of Rome which was so horribly polluted with Simony and avarice, should be utterly subverted and overthrown for ever: and that the true Church should flourish. Hereunto agreeth an old prophesy in these words: Papa citò moritur, Caesar regnabit ubique, Et subitò vani cessabunt gaudia cleri. Pope Leo the tenth, creating in one day thirty and one Cardinals: Anno. 1516. at which time fell such grievous tempest, thunder and lightning, as in the same Church where they were created, the image of jesus was violently removed out of his mother's lap, and the keys out of Saint Peter's hand: which many did interpret to foreshow the subversion of that proud sea. The Hebrew doctors or Rabbins affirm, that in the same night that Israel came out of Egypt, all the Idolatrous temples of that country, by earthquakes and lightnings were destroyed. When Lot was departed out of Sodom, by fire and brimstone, it was utterly consumed: And so shall Antichristes Idols of error. Go out of Babylon, oh my people, saith the voice of the Lord, that you be not partakers of her plagues: Apoc. 18. 4. 5. for her sins are gone up to heaven, and god hath remembered her wickedness. All that will live godly (sayeth Mantuan) be packing from Rome, Mantuan. for there all things are lawful, but to be good it is not lawful. About the time of Saint Bridget, one john Hilton an English man did prophesy, that in the year 1516, one should come and utterly subvert all Monkery. In like manner, Anno. 1145. john Hus, and Jerome of prague, being condemned to the fire by the council of Constance, Anno. 1416. for inveighing against the abuses in the Church of Rome: at the place of their execution, did prophecy that after an hundred years were come and gone, their enemies should yield account to God & them. Which three prophecies were verified by Luther, who began to write in the year of Salvation, 1516. Anno. 1516. just an hundred years after. These with many other faithful witnesses, have boldly both preached and written against that sink of sin, the sea of Antichrist, painting out those Romish wolves in their colours: yet could they never prevail till the coming of Luther, who as the rest had touched only their filthy living, he goeth on further and reproveth their superstitious doctrine, not seeking the man, but shaking the seat. It chanced that Leo the tenth, They se● heaven so fast unto others, that except speedy repentance there will be no place left for themselves. under the pretence of war against the Turk, had sent out his pardons into all Realms christened, persuading the people that whosoever would give ten shillings, should at his pleasure deliver one soul out of purgatory: but one dodkin less than ten shillings, would profit nothing. Whereupon this famous and sweet mouthed hound, taking then his fit occasion, so hunted his Bull, as utterly spoiled his sale, so tossed his seat, as it could never stand steady after, Anno. 1516. and set his triple crown so far awry, as it will never be set strait again. Shortly after began to rouse our noble and valiant Lion of England, Henry. 8. Ridley, Cranmer, Latimer, and Hooper, with others. Henry the eight of famous memory: who taking his boarspear in hand, uncoopling his trusty kennel of English hounds, our godly and learned prelate's well taught to choose and hunt their game, so coursed that venomous Dragon, pierced his body, razed his holds, and defaced his dens: as enforced him with uncurable wounds to retire to the sink from whence he came. Who yielding at length his debt due unto nature, left off his line, that godly and valiant Champion Prince Edward, Edward, 6. who as eager and courageous as his father, pursued with might and main, that grievous enemy to Christ and his Gospel, till untimely death (to England's woe) bereaved us of that worthy and precious jewel. After whose decease (for our sins no doubt) that bloody monster according to his wonted manner, began afresh to rouse and rage against the poor members of Christ: persecuting his truth, and putting out again the light of our souls. Till at the last, it pleased the Lord in his mercy to send unto us that chosen vessel, Elizabeth: the seventh, or rest of God, and fullness of his oath. that famous wonder of the world, that noble Lioness, of the right royal race of the English Princes, Elizabeth, his faithful anointed handmaid our gracious sovereign Queen and Mistress. Whose very name: (the seventh of God: the rest of God: and fullness of the oath of God) doth signify unto us, that as the blessings of God were accomplished in Henoch the seventh from Adam, and David the seventh son of isaiah: so in our Elizabeth borne in the seventh month of the year, and seventh day of the week, our Christian Sabbath, the Lord will perform the fullness of his oath and promise which he swore unto our fathers, in heaping the treasure of his mercies upon those that fear and love him: and execute the terror of his justice, on those that hate and loathe him. Being the seventh virtuous Prince since William the Conqueror: in whom as in a mirror of virtue, do rest the fortitude of josua, with noble Henry the second. The magnanimity of Gedeon, with valiant Edward the third. The triumphant victories of Machabeus, with invincible Henry the fift. The prudent wisdom of Solomon, with her good grandfather Henry the seventh. The zealous affection of Ezechias, with her noble father Henry the eight. And the godly devotion of David, with her religious brother Edward the sixth. Who for the love of that noble Lion of the tribe of juda, that so wonderfully hath preserved her, from so many horrible and treacherous conspiracies, both foreign & domestical: hath most valiantly with honourable judith, judith. 13. judicum, 4, cut off the head of proud Holofernes. With faithful Deborah, delivered Israel from the tyranny of Sisera. With virtuous Hester, endangered her own life to save her people and defend the truth. With godly josia, cleansed the land from Idolatry, 2. Chron. 94. and restored Religion to the children of God. And by uncoupling her matchless cry of sweet mouthed hounds: the grave godly and learned Prelates and Pastors of our Church: hath so hunted, tossed and chased that Romish Antichrist, with all his superstitious trash and traditions, out of the forest of England: as (except by stealth in privy corners) he dare not once he seen to show his head. The Lord in his mercy still preserve, defend and keep her majesties person in health, wealth, honour and prosperity, that to the joy and comfort of all her loyal, true and faithful subjects: she may long continue, live and reign an old mother in Israel: and he that from the bottom of his heart will not say, Amen: I wish a halter about his neck to ease his grief. Of seditious Schismatics, sprung up in our time. Now Satan the moulder of malice & mischief, seeking still with tooth and nail what possible he can, to hinder the word of God, and salvation of man: perceiving how his Romish instruments, so manifestly revealed to the whole world: will no longer serve his purpose: hath lately found out a new kind of peevish imps, who under an outward show of vehement rowsers against Antichrist, do rather in divers points join with him. For if they be narrowly noted, and with indifferent eye looked into: while they would seem most sincere and simple, will be found in truth most crafty and subtle. And under a colour of pursuing the chase with open mouth: to run with the hounds, and hold with the hare. And here we have to note, that though in some places of the holy Scripture, the name of dog be taken in the better part: as those gentle gaming hounds, whose nature and property is to hunt and chase the wild and ravenous beasts only: yet most commonly it is taken rather for the currish kind, whose qualities are to bite and pinch, not the noisome wolf, but harmless sheep, and in stead of false thieves to bark and snatch at true men. According to Saint Augustin, August in epist. 120. Phil. 3. 3. Erasmus Apothege. Caneseos appellans, qui plerunque contra innocentes latrant. And therefore (saith the Apostle) beware of dogs, beware of concision. Diogenes being asked why every body called him dog (quoth he) because that of those, which give me any thing, I am always fawning: and at the rest which give me nothing, I am always barking. But a number of unmannerly puppies in our time, are always barking, and snatching, not only at strangers which deny their desire, but also their very fellows and friends, that wish them better than desert. Miche. 7. 6. They hunt-conter much like raguel's maid, that slanderously abused Sara his daughter, Tob. 3. and that spiteful Semei that railed against David: 2. King. 16. of which sort of dogs are diverse and sundry kinds. Some are like the dog called Agaseus, the gass-hound, whose property is to hunt only by the eye: so these, in spying out other men's infirmities, are as quick and sharp sighted as Linx, The Lord knoweth who are his. but in decerning their own faults, blind as beetles, taking themselves only for true Israelites, and the rest for Egyptians. 2. Tim. 2. 19 Some are like the dog called Lunarius, the Mooner, whose nature is continually to bark at the Moonshine in the water: so these are never quiet, but always barking, that neither prince, prelate, nor people, can either rest for them, or know when danger is by them: & therefore better no dogs then such bawling curs. Ezech. 13. 3. Woe be to such foolish prophets as follow their own spirits, and speak where they see nothing. Some are like the blind dog, who though he can see nothing himself, yet in hearing others bark, must needs of custom brawl for company. Or like those peevish wasps, which if one begin to sting, a number will sting for fellowship. Against these the prophet David complaineth. Many dogs have compassed me, they came about me like Bees, and were extinct even as the fire amongst the thorns: Psal. 22. 11●. but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them. Some are like the dog called a snatcher, whose property is in learing of one side with a disdainful eye, to bite or pinch privily. Luk. 11. 53. 54 Such were those pharasaical hypocrites, that laid wait to trip Christ in his words: and those three crafty knaves, Mar. 14. 58. that gave evidence against him. Some are like those grinning dogs, which the Prophet David speaketh of, Psal. 59 that run here and there for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. Or those sorrowful merchants in the apocalypse, Apoc. 18. 19 that mourn with heavy countenance for the fall of Babylon, Math. 20. 12. or those disdainful labourers that murmured against the good man of the house, because he was more liberal to others then to themselves. Some are like the little fisting hound, called folly, the whelp of fancy: whose studies are chief applied in seeking for novelties, to feed the tickling ears of fine mincing Mistresses, and wanton coy-dames: who according to the Apostles doctrine, 2. Tim. 4. ●. do get them a heap of teachers after their own lusts, to catechize them, not in open place, but privy closerts, as best shall like their dainty appetites. Some are like those flattering curs, jere. 9 6. 7. that fawn when they intend to bite: Psal. 20. which speak friendly to their neighbours, but imagine mischief in their hearts: as joab came to Abner, 2. King. 3. and Amasa with a friendly countenance, and smote them under the small ribs that they died. 2. King. 20. Against these the Prophet himself complaineth, Psal. 55. It is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonour, but even thou my companion and familiar friend. Some are like the dog called Canis furax, 2. King. 15. the thievish cur, such were those whispering conspirators, Like Actaeon's dogs that would not know their master though he cried unto them, Actaeon ego sum, dominum cognoscite vestrum. that sought with Absalon, to steal away the people's hearts from David. And such are these murmuring complainers of our time, who privily in corners (and where they dare in open place) seek what possible they can, to seduce her majesties subjects, to conceive a loathsomeness and misliking of her godly government, and order in religion established. These are neither dumb, nor idle dogs, but diligent searchers, bitter barkers, and painful labourers. But what seek they? Under an hypocritical show of holiness, to stir up privy inutinies, secret grudgings, and civil discords even in the very bosom and bowels of our mother, Like the viper. distracting her members, and like cursed Cham uncovering her shame to the world. To what purpose is their barking? to abuse with odious railing standers, the most grave, godly and learned fathers of our Church, by whom the Gospel of Christ, for the space of thirty years together, hath been so plentifully planted and taught, and taken such deep rooting in the hearts and consciences of many thousands in England (to God's honour be it spoken) as neither Antichrist, nor his cursed members, can once seduce or remove them. They labour painfully, but to what end? To confound that calling which in all ages hath stood next to the sceptre: First the Prince, than the Priest: Moses and Aaron in the common wealth of Israel: And the King and the Prophet in the kingdom of juda. And to control a state, which for prudent policy, christian order, and quiet government, by our most gracious sovereign, and her grave, wise and learned Council, in whom it is daily favoured and blessed of God, all the kingdoms of Europe cannot match: only themselves the blot & blemish of our church: who because they are not made equal to our Bishops are malcontent, & therefore gape for the spoil, crying with the peevish woman, 1. Sam. 3. nec mihi, nec tibi, fed dividatur. They would be governors and teachers of order, that refuse to be governed by order. They would be judges of the law, that disdain to yield obedience to the law. And would take upon them to be reformers of Churches and states, that will neither be reform themselves, for Prince nor Prelate. I am verily persuaded, and so are more than I, that Harding, Dorman and Shacklocke, with all the rest of that Romish rabble, which have written against the Gospel and ministery in England, since her majesties most happy reign, have not done more harm by all their pestilent Books, than these and their factions by their peevish prating and pernicious railing. When all Egypt was plagued for Pharaos' offence, Moses and Aaron went not muttering to the people, Exod. 4. but told their message plainly to the king himself. When for Achabs' offence the whole country was like to starve for want of rain, 3. King. 18. Elias went not murmuring to the people, but boldly to the king himself, saying, It is thou & thy father's house that hath brought this plague upon Israel. When David had committed most grievous offence against God: 3. King. 1● Nathan went not to discover it unto his subjects for fear of rebellion: but to himself, saying, Thou art the man, it is thou that hast done this deed. When Herode had committed incest with his brother's wife, john Baptist went not to open his fault amongst the Commons: but came to himself, saying, It is not lawful for thee to have her. Mat. 14. 4. Now if it be the property of true Prophets for fear of mutinies, tumults, and divisions, to hide from the multitude most horrible crimes of the Magistrate: no doubt such wayward imps as dare obstinately resist and repugn a godly and Christian government: must needs be most devilish and false prophets: their manners bewray their minds, Ex fructibus cognoscetis eos, & ex unguibus Leonem, & Asinam ex umbra. The fruits of whose doctrine, we find by experience, to be these: presumption, and disobedience. Every hammering tinker dare now take upon him, to control Stratonichus music. Every simple Cobbler: dare now presume to correct Apelles' picture. Every hairebraind fool, that have scarce tasted of the school of humanity: dare now compare in judgement with the best Doctors of Divinity. And every inferior Subject, dare now take upon him to control the whole state, and prescribe laws both to Prince and Prelate. Surely this kind of learning is too deep for my understanding. If it stretch beyond the bounds of Christian duty and obedience to governors and teachers, it passeth my capacity, I cannot comprehend it. But this I have read, that Nearchus for jangling the strings of Orpheus harp, was torn in sunder of dogs: Marsias, for proudly comparing his skill with Apellos cunning had his skin plucked over his ears. Oza for presuming to meddle with the Levites office, was stricken to death. And those rebellious Levites, who with Corah and his fellows, resisted against Aaron the high Priest, were swallowed up in the bowels of the earth. And sure in my judgement, such fat pampered Wethers or Rams of the flock as will not be ruled, but resist and push against their shepherd, break the hedge of their bounds, and run where they list, would either be tied shorter, or committed to the butcher, for spoiling their fellows. That presumptuous Ass, which dares turn his heels and kick against the noble Lion: is worthy of punishment. And that disobedient subject that dare obstinately resist her majesties laws established (against her crown and dignity) what followeth? Those sheep that will not come into the fold by whistling, the shepherd must bait in with his dog, Luk. 14. 23. or pull in with his hook. The guests that refused to come unto the King's feast by gentle entreaty, Christ himself confuted the Pharistes, yet could he not put them to silence. were compelled by extremity. And seeing that neither by learned confutation, nor gentle persuasion, the Prelate can not prevail with word: the rest which remaineth belongeth to the Prince's sword. By the laws of Locris, a City in Gréece, if any private person shall take upon him to resist, gainsay or stand against any part or parcel of that, which either in the Church or common Wealth is by order established: the party in the presence of the Magistrates and governors, must stand forth with a Halter about his neck, and there either prove and defend his assertion against the best learned in the City, or else for his sauciness be hanged up before he pass. And if we had that law in England, I doubt not, but that our new fantastical reformers would soon be put to silence. But me thinks I do hear, some inferior Magistrates and officers, put in trust to see the Prince's laws observed, discipline duly executed, & conteptuous persons punished, to whisper in mine ear and say: they are so backed and borne withal of some: and their cause so greatly favoured, a we dare not meddle with them. Truly sirs in mine opinion you are far deceived. Though perhaps by reason of their hypocrisy and smooth glozing tongues, rolling in the eighth liberal science: some even of the best natures and most godly and zealous gospelers, may be greatly abused by such: but to back and maintain them against law and order, I think in my conscience they will not. But have you taken so great a charge upon you, and dare now deceive both Prince and people that put you in trust? Do you prefer your own security before the peace of the Church, or safety of the common wealth? 2. Tim. 5. 17. Then sure in stead of double honour, you are worthy of double punishment: no doubt the Lord himself in justice will revenge It. Do you not see how greatly through your intolerable negligence their number is increased? and no marvel, for the vulgar sort are always unconstant, wavering, desirous of novelties, wishing alteration, and much delighted in hearing their superiors reprehended, and themselves untouched, and easily drawn to follow tumultuous persons. Corah, Dathan and Abiram had no sooner stood up against Moses and Aaron, but they had their bands of men ready to take their part. john Leadon in Munster had no sooner set abroach his pestilent doctrine, but he had a multitude of followers, to the great disturbance of the Church: and so have these (no doubt) whole swarms of Disciples to join with them: some having riotously spent their patrimony, are tickled in the ears by hearing of the spoil of Ecclesiastical livings: some pettiefoggers wanting work at Westminster hall in hope to have their Clients well increased, may gape for the overthrow of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, with some Atheists, some Neuters, some Anabaptists, and some browning's, with the Family of love, and such like: who if they might once have their purpose: would soon give us the gentle thump: not only strip the reverend Prelate into his doublet, and the dutiful pastor into his shirt, but also rob the Prince of her title and dignity, and bring the Church of England to utter ruin and misery: being in many places of this land already grown to this ripeness: as it is more offensive to speak in defence of her majesties supremacy in causes ecclesiastical, and her book of common prayer, then disobediently to inveigh against them. This ought not to be my good brethren and countrymen of England: and therefore now at the last for our better agreement, let us rather give eareto the Apostle: who in most loving and charitable manner exhorteth us to cease all bitter contention, 1. Thes. 4. 11. and study to be quiet: it becometh not the servants of God to be contentious, 2. Tim. 2. 24. neither to seem wise in their own conceits: but peaceable unto all men. If you bite and devour one another (saith he) take heed lest you be consumed one of an other. Rom. 12. 16. Gal. 5. 15. Let every soul therefore in the fear of God, humbly submit himself unto the authority of the higher powers: Rom. 13. 1. 2. 5 not only for fear of vengeance, but also because of conscience: Heb. 13. 17. knowing that whosoever resisteth power, 1. Pet. 2. 13. 14 resisteth the ordinance of God. The authority of Princes, and duty of Christian subjects. THe civil magistrate is a minister armed with laws and sword: Augustine to Boniface Epist. 50. Esay. 49. appointed of God, as a nurse to the Church, and a father to the common wealth: to defend the guiltless, punish the guilty, execute justice, and keep outward discipline: as well in causes ecclesiastical as temporal. Moses' a temporal Magistrate, received the whole order of religion at God's hand, Exod. 20. and delivered it unto the people, and sharply chastised Aaron the Priest for making the golden calf. 1. Chro. 13. David brought home the Ark, and restored religion, which Saul had destroyed. 1. King. ●. Solomon removed Abiathar the Bishop, and appointed Zadock in his stead. Ezekias broke the brazen serpent when he saw the people fall down to worship it. 2. King. 11. It is therefore the duty of every good Christian subject, obediently to submit himself unto all public government and ordinance of man for the Lords sake, whether it be to the king, 1. Pet. 2. 13. 14 or those that be set in authority under him, not only touching civil policy in the common wealth: but also external discipline, decency, ceremonies, orders, rites & fashions in the Church: which are not particularly expressed in the holy scriptures, but left generally (as things indifferent) to the disposition of the same: whereof the prince next under God is supreme head: at whose commandment they are to be used and refused as time & place both require: according to the Apostle: 1. Cor. 14. 40 Let all things be done after a decent order. Hereunto agreeth the saying of S. Augustine: In his rebus de quibus nihil certi statuit scriptura divina, Augustine. mos populi, dei, vel instituta maiorum pro lege tenenda sunt. And in another place: quod neque contra fidem, neque contra mores iniungitur, Ad januarium indifferenter est habendum, & pro eorum inter quos vivitur societate seruandum. Epist. 118. Notwithstanding, if the magistrate shall command any thing against the substance of religion, concerning matters of faith, doctrine, remission of sins and eternal salvation: we ought then with Peter and john, Act. 5. 38. 25. rather to obey God then man. The Prince is but Gods inferior officer: and if God command one thing, and the prince another, Daniel. 6. the higher is always to be obeyed before the lower: so Daniel prayed, and Peter preached contrary to the magistrates precept: Act. 5. 18. 19 and as the Lacedæmonians being conquered of their enemies, were commanded certain things against their religion: no (quoth they) we had rather die then be commanded things harder than death. Mat. 22. 21. So our bodies, lands, and goods are at the commandment of our Cas●r: but our souls and consciences pertain to God only. But for as much as our gracious Sovereign, is a most virtuous, godly & christian Princess: a most faithful professor and loving embracer of the Gospel of Christ, without halting in any one point of religion, being so provident to preserve it, so careful to defend it and so desirous to have all her loving subjects learn and use it: as to resist her majesties proceedings, is to resist against God himself. Of the office, titles and dignities of Bishops and Archbishops TOuching the honourable titles and dignities of our Bishops: I wonder why they should seem offensive to any: seeing I partly know by that which I have read, and great clerk have taught, that the best and most principal pillars of the Church, since the time of Christ until this day: 1. Tim. 3. have taken the same upon them. Titus. 1. The Apostle himself setteth down the office of a Bishop: 1. Tim. 5. 19 and I do find in Ecclesiastical Histories, that james was Bishop of jerusalem, Peter of Antioch, and Mark of Alexandria. We must weigh and consider the order of the Lords proceedings in his Church from time to time: and make a difference between the infancy and strength of the same. As first unto the children of Israel, Moses was sent only with a rod in his hand, Exod. 4. and had Aaron given him for his mouth. When the people were delivered from the bondage of Egypt and came into the wilderness, Exod. 18. Moses by the counsel of jethro his father in law: appointed Captains over hundrethes, Exod. 20. fifties and tens. When the law was given, the Ark and ornaments thereunto belonging, with ceremonies, sacrifices, the priests office and garments was ordained. And after the people were settled in the land of promise, were kings and prophets appointed. So when Christ himself was sent down from his father, he made choice of his Apostles, who after his ascension according to their commission: Mat. 28. 19 went forth and preached through the whole world: Act. 6. 5. ordained Elders and Deacons in every congregation. And after when the Church grew to more ripeness, were Bishops appointed to have the charge and oversight of the rest, And as it appeareth by the Apostle himself, there was great difference between a Bishop and an Elder: the Bishop was taught, not sharply to reprehend an Elder, but gently to admonish him, and to receive no accusation against him under two or three witnesses: 1. Tim. 5. 1. 19 but we read not that the Elders were permitted to reprehend or receive accusation against a Bishop. And as for Archbishop, Patriarch or Metropolitan, being titles of equal degree, they are very ancient, even since the time of the primative Church, as before is mentioned. But say some, they were not called Lord Bishops: sure I think so, because the people of those countries could speak no English: but rather in the Latin tongue, Domini, which signifieth Sir or Lord. The Elders that rule well (saith the Apostle) are worthy of double honour: 1. Tim. ●. 17. especially they which labour in the word and teaching. And why should we be more curious, in yielding unto our godly and reverend Bishops those titles of honour: then Hanna a figure of the Church was, in giving the same unto Ely. the high Priest, who perceiving her lips to move and her voice not hard, 1. King. ● thought she had been drunk: Not so my Lord (quoth she) I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink: I am a woman of a sorrowful heart, and have poured out my soul before the Lord. Again when that good man Obadia ruler of Ahabs' house, did meet with the Prophet Helia, 3. King. 18. he fell down before him, and said: art not thou my Lord Helia: who did not reprove him for giving him that title of honour, but answered: I am he. But the chief thing which these do shoot at, is their large Revenues. They keep (say they) too great a state. Here we are to consider, in godly policy, which is the handmaid of religion, that the nature of us Englishmen, is not to esteem either of civil or ecclesiastical governors, according to their virtue and graces as they deserve, but rather in respect of their outward countenance, pomp, & wealth. Which as it seemeth by Ecclesiasticus, was a great fault in his time: for saith he, though a poor man speak wisely, yet can it take no place: but when a rich man speaketh, every man holdeth his tongue: Eccle. 13. And look what he saith, they praise it unto the clouds: and if a poor man speak, they say, Wealth is taken for wisdom. what fellow is this? which is the very fashion of the world at this day. Exod. 39 When Aaron the high Priest stood before the people to worship, he was commanded to be decked with rich and sumptuous ornaments of gold, silk, and precious stones: not that God himself was delighted with such external glory, but in respect of man's infirmity: the more to move the people to honour and reverence him, as the minister of God: in which divine regard (as I take it) do Christian Princes honour their prelate's, whom God hath honoured, Prou 22. 4. with gifts meet for so high a calling: who as he hath not bestowed them in equal measure unto all, but given to some five talents, Mat. 25. 15. some two, and some one: and called some to be Evangelists, 1. Cor. 12. 28. some governors, some pastors, and some helpers in his Church: Ephe. 4. 11. so are they not all to be had in like honour and estimation: but every one according to his wisdom, learning, gravity and discretion: without which learning is but as a sword in a mad man's hand. Finally, suppose that such a pettie-Doctor as our new Reformers would allow of: were now in his Consistory with his company of Elders about him: of which (you must imagine) there is good choice to be had in every parish in Enland: and being without that state and countenance, which our common wealth affordeth our Bishops, should there proceed with his discipline against some mighty man in authority within the compass of his jurisdiction: he should well see and feel his Consistory and discipline to be little regarded. It would soon be said unto him: What, Doctor hedgecréepe: dare you take upon you to control me? and much worse I warrant you: so as he might with the beadles of London, command beggars to the stocks: but he must not bind Bears, nor once touch the high Cedars of Libanus. And by the way: my masters of the Clergy, which are so vehemently set on fire to seek alteration: whatsoever you think of me, I wish you wise, without experience of your own folly. It is an old proverb, A man warned, is half armed. The story of Aereus, who under a pretence to frame a pure unspotted Church, did separate himself (as you now do) drawing a sort of unstable people after him, from Churches to Chambers, and from towns to woods (till in the end by the judgement of Epiphanius, they were brought to be as holy a Congregation as that procession where the devil beareth the Cross) persuadeth me, Epiphanius that the people by your wished reformation, would mend as fast in all virtue and godliness, as sour Ale in summer. And not only the Abbey-lands, so well pretended to be employed to the enriching of the king, maintaining of schools, & relieving the poor, but also the example of your fellow reformers in Scotland (who by altering the ancient state and property of ecclesiastical livings, have brought their Clergy so bare & beggarly, as for want of maintenance, a number are glad to pike their croms under other men's tables) may be a warning sufficient to teach you: not to be overhasty in excommunicating your Church-livings, lest yourselves be the first that repent and soonest smart for it. Yea, if those which now seem in favouring your follies, to smile full smoothly, might once obtain & get that they gape for, their countenance no doubt would soon be altered: so as yourselves, your wives and children might lie in the streets and starve for all them: and you in the end have greater cause to lament your own reserved misery, than now to exclaim so vehemently against a state, which for good government all the realms in Christendom can neither mend nor match. These things considered (my brethren) and forasmuch as we are all members of one body, redeemed with one blood, and partakers of one common faith, Rom. 12. 5 remission of sins, and eternal salvation, Apoc. 5. 9 ●●. depending wholly upon God's free and general pardon in Christ, Acts 10. 43. Rom. 6. 23. Luk. 17. 10. without our deserts, and shall all appear before his judgement seat, Rom. 14. 10 where every one shall bear his own burden, Ezech. 18. and receive reward according to his own labour. Rom. 2. 6. The Apostle erhorteth us in the fear of God, to judge charitably one of another, Rom. 14. 4. to be of like affection one towards another: Mat. 7. 1. james 5. 6. to comfort and pray one for another: in giving honour to go one before another, Ro. 12. 10. 16. and every one to esteem another better than himself: Phil. 2. 2. 3. that nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in all humility and meekness of mind: that there be no dissension amongst us, but that we be knit together in one mind, and one judgement, and to speak all one thing. 1. Cor. 1. 10. Seeing we do agree about the kernel, let us no longer contend for the shell: seeing we vary not about matter and substance, let us not strive for Ass' shadows, and goats wool: seeing we hold the doctrine of one God, one religion, and one hope of salvation, as faithful Christians: let us in all humility touching external things, show our duty and allegiance to our gracious sovereign, as obedient subjects. Math. 5. 16. That with one heart, one mind, and one voice, 2. Thes. 1. 10. 1. Pet. 2. 17. we may together glorify our heavenly father, 1. Cor. 4. 1. 3. honour his Prince, and reverence his Prelates.