¶ A brief exhortation set fourth by the unprofitable servant of jesus christ, Paul Bush, late bishop of Brystowe, to one Margarete Burges wife to John Burges, clotheare of kyngeswode in the County of Wilshere.  
 printer's device of John Cawood, a compartment with Royal Arms at top, supported by a horned male figure and a female figure; at the bottom a crowned figure holding a cross over a lion and a lamb (not in McKerrow)   

An exhortation.  
DEarly beloved sister in christ, at our late being together in our very worshyppeful friends house in the county of Gloucester, at a supper meal, with diverse other of worthy reputation (which was the first and last time that ever I saw you or spoke with you) And that time and there by occasion as we sat at the table (if you call to your memory) we entrede into a little talk, and afterward continued the same standing at a window, which talk albeit it was but brief and short, yet the same (as our lord knoweth) was more than Enough to declare to me, not only your high pretended knowledge, but also your much ignorance which I do not a little in my heart lament, for I perceive you have to little knowledge and to much ignorance. For in very deed, for lack of the virtue of meekness, and the spirit of truth, (which teacheth all goodness) it appeareth that blind ignorance, permyxte with arrogancy, hath greatly overwhelmed your senses, much like as the obfusked and dark clouds of the firmament, do many times shadow and obtenebrate the radiaunt & clear shining beams of the son. And this cometh (if you advise yourself well) through the wicked art and craft of 〈…〉 enemy the devil, which goeth alway about to shadow the truth of gods most holy word, and the true understanding of the same, namely from them which have professed the catholic faith, to bring them into the dangerous whirlpool of wicked ignorance, yea and many times he playeth with them, much like as doth the miller with his horse that draweeth his mill: for when he hath made his horse blind that he can not see nor perceive his way by the means of a vysarde of leather that he covereth his face with all, than he maketh him continually all day long, to go round about keeping one trade, as though he went fourth right the straight way. And at evening when he cometh to his stable, than he shall have for his pravendere, the worst of his labour, that is a quantity of course bran, or a boolle full of drowsy draff, Such is his reward for his blind travel. And even thus fareth the devil with the weak and feeble christians, for when he goeth about to gryende the word of god in his devylleshe mill of schismatical and heretical Doctrine, than because the weak and feeble Christians, should not perceive the fine meal of god's word, from the rough and gross bran of wicked doctrine, he goeth and maketh them blind with the 〈…〉 mauncye, & stout● 〈…〉 ●the them, with great arrogancy & with much pride, to maintain their evil conceived opinions, making them to believe that they be in the right straight way. And so in conclusion he bringeth them to his filthy and stinking stable, there perpetually to be fed with the rough and coarse provender of everlasting pain and torment, 
Mat. xxii.  where shallbe weeping and gnashing of teeth. This is the reward that he prepareth for the arrogaunte ignorauntes, which will and do defend their wicked and damnable opinions with their rash temeryte, and will not be instructed to follow and believe the doctrines, decrees, and determinations, which the universal church of christ through out the whole world, doth confess and acknowledge. And therefore such arrogant ignorance in a christian man ought much to be reproved and dispraised, namely when he shall so greatly err, that he thinketh himself learned and to know much, when in very deed he is neither learned nor knoweth any thing at all, and yet stoughtly and arrogantly many times such persons will not stick with much impudence, to approve and verefye that thing which is false, and utterly and craftily renege and deny (with tooth and nail as the proverb saith) that thing which is most true  
This is not only a great 〈◊〉 and a wicked error in a christian man, but also it is such a pernicious and a damnable sin in the sight and presence of GOD, that it requireth no less than everlasting pain and punishment. And therefore such arrogant ignorance ought much to be feared and eschewed, which proceedeth of a kankered malice, towards God and his truth, and is the specyalle cause, of man's great blindness, that he cannotte conceive the true sense and meaning, of Gods most holy word. And this the wise man approveth in the second Chapter of his book, 
Sap. 2.  where he sayeth. The ungodly go astray, and their own malice hath blinded them. And the worthy ancient doctor chrysostom sayeth also, 
Omel. xli opera imperiorum  that ignorance of the knowledge of truth, can be no excuse of condempnatyon, namely when a man by occasion, may receive and find knowledge if he had good and toward mind to learn. And also the noble doctor, & pillar of Christ's church, 
Sc. lxxviii De. Ver. Domi  saint augustine sayeth likewise, that a wicked man hateth the true understanding, and sometime again of a pervert mind he feareth to know or understand, because he will not be constrained afterward, to do and follow that thing which he knoweth. Of such david in his Psalmeste doth prono●●ke and say. 
Psa. xxxv  The wicked 〈…〉 not be instructed, that he might do good. And this ignorance (as I said before) proceedeth of an arrogant malice, and of a special contempt to be taught or learned the true catholic doctrine. For when they be once noeffled in error they be loath to be pluck from there own wicked conceived opinions, to know God and his infallible truth, which is the very light and salvation of there souls, their arrogant pride to maintain their own blind ignorance is so great And therefore most loving sister (to be short) I exhort you in the bowels of our lord jesus Christ, utterly to repel from you that wicked master and maintainer of all pernicious doctrine (I mean your arrogancy) which so much puffeth up your ignorant mind, that it maketh you believe that you are fully instruct and perfectly learned, with the reading of your english Pamflettes, and yet she greatly deceiveth you, as I trust hereafter you will no less confess and acknowledge. For I assure you, if you have not the virtue of meekness to unclasp the book of god's word unto you, and in the reading of the same, the holy ghost to be your teacher, your labour and study shallbe alway frustrate and in vain, and your knowledge, no knowledge at al. The worthy Prophet King david, albeit he was high inspired (by instinct divine) with the holy spirit of truth and also the gift of meekness, yet he desisted not (with the same spirit and gift) continually to pray to almighty GOD (as one not satisfied) that he might have from time to time a more deeper and a more perfect understanding and knowledge of him and of his most holy word. And among other of his divine oracles, thus he prayed and said. 
Psa. cxiii  O Lord give me understanding, and I shall diligently seek out thy law, yea and I shall keep it with my whole heart. Let my supplication O Lord, come before thy presence, and give me understanding according unto thy word. And again, O Lord teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge, for I went wrong, and therefore now I have kept thy word. These words (O Lord give me understanding) so often in culcat and so many times iterate, do no less then evidently declare this holy prophets humble heart, and earnest desire and meaning, how glad he was to be taught, how desirous he was to learn, and how willing he was to have understanding, and not to stand in the defence of his own judgement, as the sturdy and blind ignorants do. And therefore this wholesome lesson (loving Sister in christ) I would wish you to learn of this most godly Prophet, and with a steadfast heart and a faithful mind to embrace the same. And than no doubt you shall be well assured, God will pour into you (as he did into him out of his plentiful treasures) the true understanding of his most holy word, even as our holly mother the Church teacheth and believeth. For his divine word may not be taken, neither yet expounded after the rash fantastical minds of the blind and ignorant, but after the true and sincere meaning of the holy Apostles, blessed martyrs, and worthy fathers and rulers of Christ'S most catholic Church, from whom and by whom the Christian congregation, hath alway been ruled and governed, ever sithen the death and passion of our saviour jesus christ. And therefore let no other doctrine than theirs lead you, trade you or instruct you in the truth of gods most lively word, for if you be otherwise scoled, or if you stand to your own judgement, or if you be wedded to your own erroneous opinions, then will the spirit of truth flee far from you, and leave you alone to yourself, as barren as the withered fig tree. 
Mat. xxi.  Now to come to the matter which I intend (thorough gods might) to write to you of. As far as I do remember, the little talk which we entered into, and not finished by reason of your departure, send for by the worshipful Lad ye of the house, and your other neighbours and friends which you came in company with all) was this, that the blessed body of our Saviour jesus christ, cannot be presently here in earth, and also in heaven at one time and together. O little faith, If this your saying should be true (as it is plain false) than in vain were our christian religion. But you shall clearly be put out of doubt, and plainly understand, that our firm faith and believe is grounded, founded and reared upon the head corner stone, elect, and precious, that is upon christ himself, in whose mouth was never fraud ne guile fou●●● And he that believeth in him (saith Saint Peter) shall not be confounded. Therefore unto them which believe he is precius but to them which believe not he is a stone to stumble at, and a rock to offend them that stumble at the word, and believe not that, where on they were set. And therefore now saying that christ our saviour is the truth, 
John. xiiii  and also the author of all truth, as he saith himself, I am the way, the truth and the life, who than dare be so bold to denay that thing which he affirmeth and approveth. For he himself said at his most godly maundy (in the presence of all his disciples) 〈◊〉 his blessed Body was ●●●d there really present 〈…〉 ●e forms of bread and wine. And this the holy evangelist Saint Matthew in his Gospel, declareth in words evident and plain, 
Ma. xx.  where he thus sayeth. As they were eating, jesus took breed and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples and said. Take eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying. Drink you all of this, for this is my blood of the new testament, that shall be shed for many for the remission of sins. Now here have you hard, how plainly our saviour christ himself, affirmeth that his most holy and blessed body both flesh & blood was really, corporally naturally and substantially present at this worthy maundy under the accedental forms of bred and wine. And as this holy evangelist, hath here most truly declared, the manner and form of this godly institution and ordinance, even so and no less do all the other three evangelists & also the blessed Apostle Saint Paul, whose sayings at this time I do here omit, because I trust in God, this fruitful declaration shallbe sufficient unto you, if that you will with a steadfast faith, open your heart and faithfully receive and follow the same. And although christ alsoso be in heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the 〈◊〉 yet whosoever shall eat 〈…〉 bread in the supper of our lord, according to Christ'S institution and ordinance is assured by Christ's promise and testament, that he receiveth Christ'S very body, which suffered for us upon the cross. And likewise he that drinketh of that holy cup in that supper of our Lord (according to Christ's institution) is certified by Christ's legation and testament, that he drinketh the blood of christ which was shed for us. So that no man can contemn or lightly esteem this most holy and blessed communion, except he contemn also Christ's blessed body & blood. And because it should not be thought, but that this most godly institution and ordinances, should always hereafter be put in ure, and to have a perpetual continuance in Christ'S church to all forces, purposes, and effects, like as christ himself did leave it, and set it fourth unto us, at his most blessed maundy, he went farther with us, and gave us a commandment and said. 
Luc. xxii  This do, in remembrance of me. Now what was Christ'S meaning by these two words this do, but that we must promptly, firmly, and faithfully follow his example & doing. That is, Take bread, give thanks break it, say these words, This is my bo●● And than eating the same ●●●ate his very blessed body. ●●●kinge the cup and doing the like, we drink his most precious blood. Here it hath been showed now, what is understand by these two words This do. Now to finish up the whole sentence and saying of the Evangelist Luke if we faithfully (this do) than it shall follow that we must needs of very duty, and of a very congruence call to our remembrance not only this infinite benefit and most loving deed of our saviour, leaving here in earth with us to our great comfort, this most precious treasure (I mean his most blessed body flesh and blood) but also by the often receiving of the same, we shall daily hourly, and timely, call to our remembrance likewise, his mo●● painful death and passion which he suffered for us most miserable offenders, to bring us to the fruition of his everlasting glory. Now here have you hard also this whole text truly declared.  
This do in remembrance of me. I think verily there is no person that will be so bold (looking a christian man in the face with open eyes) to say or affirm the contrary, seeing that all the four Evangelists, and also the blessed Apostle Sayncte Paul (declaring the true and plain form and manner of this godly institution and ordinance) do ground themselves upon the ●●●lyble truth, that is upon 〈◊〉 and upon his own words, sayings, & doings. And therefore I trust loving Sister, that these plain assertions and manifest probations are sufficient for you at this time, to verify and prove that Christ'S blessed body flesh and blood, is contained really, naturally, corporally, and substantially, here in earth with us and among us, under the forms of bread and wine. Peace, even now me think I here you and such other (as it were behind a cloth) whispering one in a nother's ear, saying: What he speaketh all together against the whole course of nature, to say that bread and wine is changed into flesh and blood, as I● well it is a hot sup th●● you will let fall, but I am glad that you have taken up this matter, for I trust (the circumstance well considered in the resolving thereof) not only your much infidelity, but also your great ignorance will a great deal the better apere, for your instruction & amendment. I pray you, what though it be against nature to change bread & wine, in to flesh and blood, shall not the word of christ be of that power, to change and to alter the kinds of the elements, aswell as the grace and blessing of the Prophets did alter & change other things against nature. 〈◊〉 not the grace and bles●● 〈◊〉 Moses of such pow●● 〈…〉 changed a rod into a serpent, and the serpent again into a rod. 
Exo. ●●.  Was not the grace and blessing also of the same prophet of the like power, when it turned the bloods of Egypt from water suddenly into blood, and from blood again into water? 
Exo. xiiii  And likewise was not the grace and blessing of this worthy and constant prophet of as much power, when the people of the hebrews, were compassed about on the one side with the Egyptians, and on the other side with the sea, and he lifted up his rod, and the water divided itself, & stood up like a wall, and between the waters was left away for him and his company to pass on foot, and Jordaine against the course of nature, turned back to the head of his spring And in like manner was not the grace and blessing of Moses of great power, 
Exo. xvii  when he touched the rock stone and water came out haboundauntlye which it had not of nature? 
Exo. xv.  Also Marathe was a bitter flood, so that the people being dry could not drink thereof, but when Moses had put a certain wood into the water than the nature of the water left his bitterness, which grace infused did suddenly moderate. 
iiii. Reg. vi.  And likewise how wrought grace against nature when an axe head fell from 〈…〉 the prophets servants 〈◊〉 water, and he that lost 〈…〉 desired the prophet Elyseus help, who put the helfe into the water, and received the iron again, which thing we plainly know was done above nature, for iron is hevyar than the liquor of water? Thus we may perceive that grace is of more force and strength than is nature. And yet hitherto I have rehearsed unto you, nothing else but the grace of the blessing of the prophets. Now than if the blessing of men be of such power, that it may or can change nature, what may we say or what may we think, of the blessed consecration of GOD, wherein is the operation of the words of our saviour Christ? For this sacrament which we here treat of, is done 〈◊〉 word of christ? Than if the word of Helyas was of such power that it could bring fire down from heaven, 
three Reg. xvi.  shall not than the mighty word of christ be of that power (yea rather of much more power) to change and to altar, the kinds and natures of elements into flesh and blood? The infinite works and the incomprehensible doings of christ, may not be measured by our humane reason, neither yet by the course of nature, but by the spirit of GOD and by steadfast faith. What say we of the making of the whole world? Reed we not that God spoke, and the things were ●●ne▪ He commanded, and 〈…〉 created? The word than of christ that could of nothing make things that were not, can it not change those things that be, into those things which before they were not? For it is no less matter, to give to things new natures, then to alter natures.  
And therefore if there be so much strength in the words of our lord jesus, that things had their beginning thereby, which never were before, how much more than be they able to work, that those things that were before should remain, and also be changed into other things? Thus is a sufficyente answer made unto your whisteringe for the first part of your fond opinion proved unto you buy no profane novelties, nor deceitful aucthorytyes, but even by the divine scriptures of antiquity. And therefore I most heartily exhort you, worthily to receive and embrace the same, and combine it and lyncke it fast unto your senses, with the firm and infregible chain of steadfast faith, 
Vincenti.  and glutton not yourself with the filthy drags of heretical opinions. For greatly you and all other ought to fear and to dread the dangerous punishment which the doctrine of ecclesiastical constitution & also the censures of the apostolic authority do threaten unto you, for that you be so lightly deceived and seduced by sweet preaching ●●●●●●eryng words, from the grounded verity of gods most holy word, giving yourselves up to fables having damnation. 
Ro. xvi.  And therefore you ought deeply to remember, and earnestly to enpresse in your heart the fearful and vehement saying of the blessed Apostle S. Paul, which he wrote not only to the Galathians, but also to the universal church of christ that for the affirming and stablysshing of the faith, newly received, he neither avored himself nor any other of the Apostles, but did so execute his apostolical authority that with great severity he pronounced these words and said. Although either we, or an angel from heaven preach unto you, 
Gala. i.  any other gospel than that which we have preached hold him accursed. 
Vincentius  Here it sufficed not this blessed apostle for the retention, of the true christian faith (which the universal church of christ throughout the whole world, doth confess and acknowledge) to touch the condition and nature of man (which is mutable variable, and changeable, & apt of itself to decline from the truth) but also herein he comprehendeth the angelical excellency. For although we (sayeth he) or an angel from heaven, not meaning that the holy and heavenly Angeles, can preach any evil doctrine. but his meaning is this. If that might be, which cannot be. And therefore he enlarged his speech and said. Whosoever he be that shall attempt to change and alter the true catholic faith let him be, sayeth he, Anathema, that is to say, let him be separated, segregated, and excluded as one accursed, least the dangerous infection of one corrupt sheep, may poison and infect to whole sound flock of christ with his venomous permyxtion and company. And therefore it is not lawful for you, nor for any other private person, to allow and follow any other doctrine than such as the catholic church, doth universally preach & teach. I cannot sufficiently wonder at you, and at certain such other, 
vincentius.  which cannot be contented with the ancient beleyfe, taught and received universally in Christ's church but must seek daily for new toys and games, evermore coveitinge to alter & innovate the christian religion, either by adding some thing that is new, or else by taking away part of that which was old (as you do here declaring your fond opinion which will take away Christ's being in earth, because he is in heaven) as though the christian religion of the church were not an heavenly ordinance and decree, but rather an earthly provision and institution. But woe be to them which phantisie to practise such riddles and dreams to shadow the glory of God and his truth. The blessed Apostle saint Paul, writing to his disciple Tymothe, did earnestly counsel him & advertise him to foresee and beware, the danger and peril of such innovations and alterations, when he wrote these words and said. 
i Timo. vi.  O Timothe keep that doctrine which was left unto thee, and avoid all profane novelties of words and oppositions of science falsely so called. What can be more vehemently spoken or said, against innovations and alterations, contrary to the ancient order of the universal Church of christ, than this? 
vincentius  Yet for all this we see the stony indurate hearts, the shameless impudence, the stiff and outrageous pertinacy of diverse whom neither the great weight of so manifest scriptures can move to yield, nor the weighty importans of so high authorities can force to retire, ne yet so terrible threatenings of high vengeance can persuade to repent. And therefore dear Sister I would wish you to be none of this sort of people, but rather to be an earnest follower of the holsesome counsel of the blessed Apostle saint Paul, where he saith as it is before rehearsed. Keep that doctrine which was left unto thee, and avoid all profane novelties of words and oppositions of science faulselye so called. Which is no more to mean, but that you hold assuredly, ye and also save and keep fast, the inviolate and pure talon of the catholic faith, received by the consent of the hole universal Church of Christ, and committed unto you faithfully to observe and keep. Exchange it not for no new fangeled novelties but what you have received hold that still and no other. And if you coapte and apply yourself, to this sound and perfect doctrine, than the heavenly providence of God will not suffer you to err, from the catholic saith in any point  
For that man or woman is a true and a perfect catholic person, which loveth the truth of God, 
vincentius.  which preferreth no singular persons authority, wit, love, affection, judgement, knowledge or eloquence before the true religion of Christ and his universal catholic faith. But despising all those things, doth abide permanent, constant, and stable, in faith, and resolveth with himself to receive, hold, and believe, that which he knoweth the catholic church universally and continually to have received, holden and believed.  
Now here I intend (after this little discourse) to make an end of the first part of your fantastical opinion, where you say that the blessed body of our saviour jesus christ, cannot be presently here in earth, and also in heaven at one time and together, which fond opinion of yours for the first part, I trust I have sufficiently approved the contrary (that is) that he is here remaining presently in earth among us, and with us, under the forms of bread and wine most assuredly both flesh and blood. And now to prove the other part, that he is also in heaven, it shall not be needful to bring the matter in question, For I know well there was never any true christian person yet, of Christ's faith and believe, that at any time doubted thereof, the things itself being so clear, so plain, and so manifest in the whole body of scripture. And therefore because I would not be seen prolyxe or tedious unto you, here I purpose to finish and conclude this wholesome exhortation for this time And thus much have I written unto you, not for any great acquaintance that I have had with you, as I said at my beginning, for I was never in your company more than one supper meal. But the thing that moved me to take this finale labour in hand was partly for that I am now appointed (by gods providence) to be your poor adjoined neighbour and your gentle husband my very loving friend. But the chief and principal cause (you shall understand) was for that god hath conducted and hired me with his penny to travel and to labour in his vineyard, 
Mat. xx.  not only to declare the mutual bond of charity, and christian love which we Christians ought to show, the one unto the other for Christ'S sake, in time of temptation. But also to preserve his faithful flock from the raveuing mouth of that monstrous beast, which S. Peter setteth fourth unto us in his first epistle and last chapter, saying in this wise. 
i Petre. v  Be sobere and watch, for your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walkyth about, seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedefast in faith. And therefore according to the counsel of this holy Apostle, let steadfast faith be your shield of defence, & shake of the wicked armour of the devil (by that I mean) the filthy skorfe and the stinking froth of your dangerous opinion, where you dream and say, that the blessed body of our Saviour jesus christ cannot be present lie hear in earth and also in heaven at one time and together. And when I shall perceive that you do digest this wholesome preparative well (which I have here addressed unto you) than hereafter I will not sese (if need so require) to send unto you some other godly cordials to strengthen you with all, So that by the same (I trust in our Lord) you shall fall into this account with yourself that your faith once tried being much more precious than gold, 
●. Petre. i.  which is tried by fire, shallbe found unto land, glory and honour, at the appearing of jesus Christ. But now on the other side, if you be so precise and so hardened in your heart, that you will not believe this my author of truth (even christ himself) whom I have here preduced and alleged for my foundation, but will have him tried by a quest of witnesses, than I will endeavour myself here after, to impanel you so ancient, so worthy, and so authentical a quest of his most true and trusty friends (unspotted uncorrupted & undefamed) that you shallbe feign I doubt not, to let your matter fall to a nonsute, and to believe steadfastly from thenceforth that christ is presently here in earth with us, and also in heaven at one time and together. Grace be with you, 
Ephe. vi.  and with all them which love our Lord jesus christ in pureness and truth. Amen.  ¶ If any man err from the truth and another convert him, let the same know, that he which converted the sinner from going astray out of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide the multitude of sins. james .v. 
This brief exhortation was thus finished and directed to the above named Margarete Burges of kyngeswod by the said Paul Bush late Bishop In the year of our Lord God, a thousand, five hundred, fifty and two, The seventh day of August, In the years also of the reign of our most dread sovereign Lord and Lady, Phylyppe and mary, our King and Queen, the third and fourth.  i Cor. iii. 
¶ Paulus plantavit, sed deus incrementum dedit.  
¶ Paul planted, but GOD gave the increase.   

¶ Imprinted at London in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the Holy Ghost by John Cawodde, Printer to the King and queens Majesties.  Cum Privilegio ad imprimendum solum.