An epistle both of GoDLy Consolation and also of advertisement, written by john calvin the pastor & preacher of Geneva, to the right noble prince Edward Duke of Somerset, before the time or knowledge had of his trouble, but delivered to the said Duke, in the time of his trouble, and so translated out of frenshe by the same Duke.   

To the Christian reader.  
THat nothing is more odious or detestable afore god than the disobedience of subjects against their Kings and Governors, may partly by most open testimonies of holy Scripture evidently appear, and partly by this argument be manifestly proved, that it hath never yet unto this day, neither in god's elected people the israelites, nor yet in any other common weal, either Heathen or Christian, escaped without most grievous plagues and punishments. Yet nevertheless so merciful a god he is, of so long sufferance, so loath to strike, and so desirous of man's amendment: that it hath pleased his divine majesty, ere he will take extreme vengeance for tumultuous disobedience of the people against their heads, to give many sundry kinds of warnings for us to beware by. First he hath now in these last days, raised up many godly preachers, who cease not daily to publish (as it were) gods proclamation in this behalf, plainly declaring to all estates and degrees, what their duty is. He hath provided many godly exhortations and treatises daily to come forth to the same effect & purpose. Yea, and lest any man should think that he will daily in such a matter, he made us the last Soomer here in England to feel a little touch of his sharp rod, by the kings regal sword, being a most evident token of his great wrath and indignation against all Rebels, and seditious murmurers. God hath of his infinite goodness not only made little England strong enough to withstand all foreign puissance, (if we hold togethers, and agree well amongs ourselves, obeying the king and magistrates as we ought to do:) but also by many undoubtable tokens hath declared that he mindeth (as it were) to make his habitation and dwelling place here among us, of purpose to be our sure defence and protection, if we will receive him accordingly. But in case we willbe so hard hearted, as wilfully to refuse the grace of his gospel most mercifully and most fatherly offered unto us: it cannot be doubted ne avoided, but that th'extreme plagues of gods wrath and vengeance will at length light upon all such as either of an ungodly heart will swell and strive against the grace and truth of his word, which he hath sent amongs us: or else of a malicious frowardness will repine, and murmur against their heads & rulers. Wherefore thou has● here set forth unto thee, good Christian reader, an Epistle of john calvin, written in french unto the right noble prince Edward Duke of Somerset, and sent hither into England immediately upon the late commotion here in this realm. And by this Epistle it may to the godly reader very well appear, how tenderly god of his goodness doth embrace us, and doth (as it were) set us in his own lap, minding to keep us safe from all perils of outward enemies, under the shadow and sure defence of his own wings. He declareth himself so mercifully to provide for us, (if we will gladly and willingly receive his grace, and stand therein) that he maketh them careful for us that never were in England, nor never had to do with us, saving only that (as the nature and property of christian charity is) they wish and daily pray, that we may have grace so to use ourselves, that the blessing of god which he hath so plentuouslye powered upon us, may not through our unthankfulness be taken away again: which forasmuch as it so is▪ let not us be less careful for ourselves, than other strangers be. Let us not have received the grace of God in vain. Let us stand in the truth, and cleave to Christ's gospel, and by the same, let us practise (as it teacheth us) to obey quietly and willingly our rulers and governors by him appointed. Which it we do, he will so defend us with his almightiful arm, that all foreign enemies (what ever they be) shall either be unable to do us any scathe: or else shall be turned in their hearts, and of eager enemies shall become our earnest friends and followers. Which thing GOD grant.  
To whom be all honour and praise, world without end.  
AMEN.   

The Epistle of John calvin  
MY lord, although god hath given unto you singular prudence, magnanimity, and other virtues requisite to the place wherein he hath ordained you, and in th'affairs that he hath put in your hands: Yet nevertheless, forasmuch as ye do esteem me for a servant of his son (whom above all ye desire to obey,) I am certain that for the love of him, you will gently receive that, which I writ unto you in his name: as in deed I pretend no other end, but that in following that, that you have begun, you might more and more advance his honour, unto the time that you shall have established his reign in such perfection, as it may be known in the world. And also you shall know, that without advancing any thing of mine own fantasy, all that I writ shallbe drawn out of his pure doctrine. If I considered not other causes then the dignity and greatness where ye be: there were no mean for a man of my quality to write unto you. But forasmuch as you refuse not to be taught of the master, the which I serve: but that rather you prefer to all the rest the grace that he hath given unto you, to be one of his disciples: I think that I have no need to make unto you any long excuse or preface, because I find you sufficiently disposed to receive all that shall proceed of him. We have all to render thanks unto our Lord GOD and father, in that he will be served of you in so excellent a work, as in setting forth again (by your means,) the pure and true rule of his service in England: and in causing the doctrine of health to have place, and to be there faythefullye published, for all them that will hear the same. And for that as he hath given unto you such virtue and constancy to pursue it unto this time against so many temptations and difficulties: And for that also that he hath strenghtned you in blessing all your devices and labours, for the prospering of them, they be things that stirreth all true faithful men to magnify his name. But in the mean time, because that Satan ceaseth not to raise up by all ways, new combats, 
There is nothing more hard then to cause the word of god peaceably to rule among the people.  and that it is a thing of itself so hard as there can be nothing more hard then to cause the word of GOD peaceably to rule amongs the people (the which of their nature are given to lies:) And forasmuch as there be so many circumstances which in these days impeach the course of the same, and above all, that the superstitions of the antechriste having taken root of so long time, may not easily be taken away from their hearts: Methinketh you have great need to be confirmed by holy exhortations. And I doubt not, but that experience teacheth you to feel the same, which shall be the cause to make me to proceed the more frankly, because that my purpose (as I believe) shallbe conformable to your desire. And albeit that my exhortations shall be superfluous: yet I am sure that you will bear with the good zeal and affection, that stirreth me to do it. Wherefore according to reason, I believe that the necessity which ye feel, shall cause that the same shallbe a great deal the better received: howsoever it shallbe, I beseech you my lord, that it may please you to give me the hearing in some advertisements which I intend briefly to declare unto you, hoping that when ye shall have heard it, at the least you shall find some savour for to be reconforted, and to take a great deal the better courage to continue the holy and noble enterprise, in the which god hath appointed you to be employed unto this present.  
I doubt not but the great troubles which happened unto you not long ago, have been unto you very hard and annoyouse: and moste of all for that many might have taken occasion of slander, for asmuch as they were moved (in some part) under the shadow of changing the religion. Wherefore it cannot be but that it hath been unto you a very hard assault, aswell for the cares, which might come unto you, as also for the mutinies of the maligners and ignorants, and also for the fear and trouble of the good. truly the brute that I have heard a far of, hath caused me to have great grief in my heart, unto such time that I did know that God had begun to put some remedy. Nevertheless, for that, that they be not yet all pacified, and that the devil may renew them again: you shall call to remembrance that, that the holy story reciteth of the good king Ezechias: that is to say, at such time as he had abolished the superstitions in jewerye, 
Ezechias at his fir●… reforining of the church was sore oppressed of enemies  and reform the state of the church according to the law of god, that then he was so oppressed of his enemies, that he was very likely to be a lost and desperate man. It is not without cause that the holy spirit notably expresseth that such afflictions happened unto him immediately after he had established the true religion in his perfect order. For it was very likely, 
Whoso goeth about to set forth the glory of GOD, shall have persecution  that as soon as he went about to set forth the glory of God, he should not have his realm peaceable. So all faithful Princes and Governors of Countries be advertised by this example, that the more they shall employ their labour to put out all idolatry and procure that god be truly worshipped (as he ought) the more their faith shall be proved, 
Why God suffereth godly Princes to be tempted.  by divers temptations. God suffereth it, and so will have it, to declare the constancy of his, and to exercise them, that they should have regard to an higher thing, than this world. 
The devil laboureth privily to destroy all godly doctrine.  In the mean time the devil also doth his office, intending by all covert and hidden means to destroy the good doctrine, because he cannot openly attain to his desire. But following the admonition of saint james (who sayeth unto us: that in considering the patience of job, we must take heed to th'end,) we must also cast our eyes upon the end, which was given to the said good king. 
The good end that GOD giveth to the godly.  As god succoured him in all his adversities, so in th'end he remained victorious. Considering that, and for as much as his hand is not now any shorter than it was than, and that he hath at this day in so great recommendation the defence of his people, truth and verity, as ever he had: Doubt ye not, but that he will help you, and not only for one time, but in as many temptations as he shall send unto you. If the most part of the world resist the Gospel, and likewise enforceth themselves, with all rage and violence, to impeach and hinder the setting forth thereof: 
The ingratituding of men doth ever more resist God approaching unto them  We ought not to think it strange. For it is the unthankfulness of men, which ever have been and shallbe, to recoil when GOD approacheth to them, and also to stumble against him, when he will charge them with his yoke. Moreover, for that of their nature they be given to hypocrisy, they may not endure to be brought to the light of the word of GOD, which discovereth their infamy and shame, nor to be drawn out of the superstitions which serveth unto them as hiding places, for to give them shadow. It is then no new thing, if there be great contradiction, when one goeth about to bring them to the pure obedience of GOD. 
jesus bridgeth the sword with the gospel  And also we have advertisement of our Lord jesus, the which sayeth to us, that he hath brought the sword with his evangelye. But this must not astonyshe us, nor make us worse willing or fearful: for in th'end when men shall have well mutined and put forth all their malices, they shallbe confounded in a moment, and shall overthrow themselves, with their own violences. It is true (as it is said in the second psalm) that god shall not but laugh at their stirrings, 
How god laugheth at the malicious stirring of persecutors.  that is to say, that in dissimuling he shall leave them tormented, as the thing touched him not. But for all that, in th'end they shallbe always driven back by his power, of the which if we be armed, we have a good perfit and invincible munition against all conspiracies, whatsoever the devils may procure against us. And in th'end we shall know by experience, 
The Gospel that maketh a reconciliation between god and us, can also a pease men  that as the gospel is the messenger of peace, & of the reconciliation between God and us: So can he aswell for us pacify men. And by this mean, we shall feel that isaiah hath not said in vain, that when jesus Christ shall reign amongs us by his doctrine, the swords shall be converted into plough shares, and the spears into Sythes. In the mean time, albeit that the malice and Rebellion of men are the occasion of sedition and mewtenies, which riseth against the Gospel: Yet nevertheless it behoveth us to take heed to ourselves, 
God some time chasteneth us by the evil persons.  and to know that god chasteneth our faults by them, which otherwise cannot serve but to Satan. It hath been an ancient complaint, that the Gospel was the cause of all evils and calamities, 
Some lay the fault of sedition to the gospel.  which happened unto men. In deed we see by the histories that not long after the christianity was spread in all places, there was not almost a corner in the world which was not horribly afflicted. The motion of the wars was as an universal fire lightened in all countries. The floods in th'one side, the Pestilence and famine in the other, an horrible confusion of order and policy, in manner that it was lykelye that the world should be clearly overturned. We have also seen in our time, sith the gospel hath begun to be abroad, many miseries: So that every man complaineth that we be in an unhappy world, and there is very few that feeleth not the weight of the burden.  
Now in feeling such blows, we ought to regard the hand of him that striketh us, and we ought also to think wherefore. 
The cause why we feel gods scourge.  The cause which moveth him to make us so to feel his scourge, is not very dark or hard to understand. We know that his word, by the which he will keep us in health, is an inestimable treasure, and in what manner of recompense is it received of us. Wherefore then, seeing we esteem not much that, which is so precious to speak of: it is reason that he take vengeance of our ingratitude. We also hear that jesus Christ said, that the servant knowing the will of his master and doing it not, is worthy of double chastisement, for because that we be so slothful to obey the will of our God, which hath been declared unto us, more than an hundred times heretofore, we ought not to think it strange, if he be more sharply angry with us, seeing that we be more inexcusable. When we cause not the good seed to increase and profit: it is reason that the thistles and thorns of Satan groweth to prick and torment us. Because that we give not to our creator the obedience that is due unto him: it is no marvel that men arise against us. As I understand (my lord) you have had two kinds of mutinies, which be risen against the king & the state of the Realm. 
Two kinds of mutinies at once.  Thone be fantastical men, which under the colour of the gospel, would put all to confusion. The other be obstinate people in the superstitions of the antichrist of Rome. Altogether deserveth well to be punished by the sword, that is committed unto you. Seeing that they quarrel, not only against the king, but also against God, which hath placed him in the seat Royal, and hath committed unto you, the protection, aswell of his person, as of his majesty, and regal estate. 
How gods word must be received  But the principal mean is, to do as much as is possible, to cause that they which savour the doctrine of the gospel (to th'intent to stick and cleave unto it) should receive it with such humbleness and fear, that they may forsake themselves for the service of god. For they ought to think that god will reveal all, to th'intent that they shall profit more (without feigning in his word) than they have done before. These mad folks that would the world should return into a confuse & disordinate liberty, be suborned by Satan for to slander the gospel: As that it should not engender, but rebellion a against princes, and all dysordre amongs the people. Wherefore all faithful aught to be sorrowful. The Papists willing to maintain the filthy abominations of their Roman Idol, show themselves open enemies of the grace of jesus Christ and of all his ordinances, the same also ought to grieve the hearts of all them, which have good zeal, wherefore they ought to think altogether that these be scourges of god, which he sendeth to them: And wherefore? But only because that they make none account of the doctrine of health as they ought to do. 
The principal remedy to appease sedition.  Wherefore the principal remedy for to appease such seditions is, that they which professeth the gospel, do truly repair to the Image of God, for to show that our christianity causeth not dissipation in the human life, and give good proof & trial by their soberness, and temperance, that we governed by the word of God, be not men unruled and without a bridle. And by their good & holy life, stop the mouths of all evil speakers. For by this means god (being appeased) shall retiere his hand, and in the place that this day he punisheth the slanderers, for the contemning of his word, he shall bless their obedience in all prosperity. 
Law es & justices ought to be uncorrupt.  Likewise that all the nobility and lawyers govern themselves rightly, and in all humility to thobedience of this great king jesus Christ: Making holy homage unto him (without feigning) of soul and body and all that they have. To th'intent, that he correct and abate that to gancie and folly of them, that would tice against them. Lo, this is the mean how Princes of the earth ought to reign in serving jesus Christ, to th'end that he may have Sovereign authority amongs all, both great and small. Wherefore my Lord, in asmuch as you have the regal estate of the king your Nephieu dear unto you, and in great recommendation (as you show very well) I pray you in the name of god, to employ your principal care & vigilancy, that the doctrine of God may be preached with strength, and virtue, for to bring forth his fruit, and not to leave for any respect to pursue a full and an entiere reformation of the Church. And the better to declare unto you my mind and intention, I will divide the whole into three points. The first shallbe the mean to instruct the people well. 
The remedies against all sedition in a common weal.  The second shallbe the taking away of the abuse that hath been of long time. The third with diligence to correct vices, and to keep so good order that the slaundres & disordres may not have such place as the the name of God should be blasphemed. As to the first I mind not to declare unto you what doctrine ought to have place. But rather I give thanks to almighty god, that besides that he hath given unto you the light of his pure knowledge, he hath also given unto you, good counsel and discretion, to cause his pure verity to be preached. So that God be thanked, you be not to teach what is the true faith of christian men, and the doctrine that they ought to receive. Seeing that by your mean, the true purity of the faith is restored. That is, that we believe and take God for the only governor of our souls: that we keep his law for the only rule, and spiritual government of our conscience, and not to serve him after the foolish invention of man. Also, that according to his nature, he willbe served in spirit, and in purity of heart. Of the other part, knowing that there is not but all evil in us, and that we be corrupted in all our knowledge and affections, on that sort, that our souls being despaired in ourselves be like a bottomless pit, or world of iniquity. And having taken away all presumption of our wisdom, dignity, or power to do well: we may have recourse to the fountain of all goodness, which is jesus Christ, receiving that which he giveth us: that is to say, the merit of his death and passion. To thintout that by that mean we may be reconciled to God, that being washed with his blood, we should not fear that our faults should impeach or hinder us, to find grace before his celestial throne. That being certain that ou● sins be freely pardoned us, by virtue of his sacrifice, we shall put therein our trust & assurance, for to be ascertained of our health, and that we be sanctified by his spirit, in giving ourselves to the obedience of the justice of GOD, that being fortified by his grace, we shallbe vanquishers of Satan, the world, and the flesh. Finally, that being members of his body, we fear it not, but GOD will take us for his children, and that we may have confidence to call unto him as our father. That we be advertised to bring to this end, all that is said and done in the church, it is, that being retired from the world, we may be lift up to heaven, with our head and Saviour. Wherefore seeing than that god hath given you the grace to restore the knowledge of his doctrine, which hath been so long buried by the antichrist, I leave to keep you with longer purpose.  
And that which I have touched of the manner of teaching, is only for that the people may be rightly instructed, and for to feel that which th'apostle said: 
The word of God is a two edged sword  that is, that the word of God is a sword, cutting with two edges, piercing the thoughts and affections unto the marrow of the bone. 
Few godly preachings in the realm  I say this (my Lord) for that I think there is very few lively preachings within the realm. But that the most part reciteth, as by lecture, I well perceive the necessity that constraineth you thereunto. For first you have not (as I think) your pastors so good and apt, as you desire & wish, wherefore it is needful for you to supply that lack. Secondly there might chance to be many light spirits, which would peradventure leap beyond their bonds, sowing some foolish fantasies, as many times they do in new things. But all these considerations impeacheth not, 
The ordinance of jesus Christo ought in all causes to have course.  but that thordinance of jesus Christ ought to have his course as in preaching the gospel. Now this preaching ought not to be dead but alive, 
Preaching ought to be lively.  for to teach exhort and reprehend (as Saint Paul saith to Timoth:) yea in such sort as if an infidel entre, he may be wounded overcome, and taken (as the same Paul sayeth in another place,) for to give glory unto god. You know also, my Lord, how as he speaketh of the liveliness that ought to be in the mouths of them, which will approve themselves good and faithful ministers of the gospel, that they ought not to have or use words of rhetoric, intending thereby to be in greater estimation: but that the spirit of God ought to sound in their voices, for to work in virtue. All the dangers that are to be feared, ought not to impeach the spirit of God to have his liberty, and his course, in them in the which he hath distributed of his grace, for to edify the church. It is true that in the mean time it is good and expedient to stop the lightness of fantastical spirits, that taketh to much licence. Also to shut the gate of all curiosities and new fangled doctrines. But the best and most convenient means, such as God hath showed unto us, is, 
There aught to be a resolute sum of doctrine that should be preached.  that first there be a sum resolute of the doctrine that all aught to preach, the which all prelate's and curates should swear to follow: And that none be received to any ecclesiastical charge, 
All preachers ought to preach uniformly.  but he promise to observe the same concord and unpon. 
catechisms for the youth ought to be had in a christian realm.  After that to have a formal and comen instruction for to instruct the young children and ignorant people, which should make them acquainted with the true doctrine, in such wise that they may discern it from lies and corruptions, which else might be brought in. To the contrary, believe my lord, that the church of god shall never be conserved without catechism: for it is as the seed, to be kept, that the good grain perish not, but that it may increase from age to age. Wherefore if you desire to build a work of continuance to endure long, & which should not shortly fall in decay, cause that the children in their young age, be instructed with a good catechism, that may learn them briefly, and according to their small capacities, to know wherein consisteth the true christianity. 
The profitableness of a good catechism.  This▪ catechism shall serve for two purposes, that is to say, for an introduction to all the people, for to profit well in that which shallbe preached unto them, and also to discern in case any presumptuously would attempt to set forth strange doctrines. In the mean time I say not, 
It is necessary to bind the Pastors to a certain form of doctrine written.  and also necessary to bind and restrain the pastors and Curates to a certain form written, for to supply the ignorauncies and simpleness of some of them, and also the better to show the conformity and concord of all churches. thirdly, for to bridle all curiosities and new inventions, such as desires nothing, but to run riot, the said catechism, (as I have before rehearsed) shall serve and bees good bridle for such folks: And also in such sort order is to be given, in the ministering of the Sacraments, and in the public prayers. But in the mean time, 
The virtue of preaching the Gospel may not be destroyed  you must take heed that such policy destroy not the strength and virtue that ought to be in preaching of the gospel. And that you employ your labour● asmuch as ye possibly can, that there be good trumpets which may enter into the deepness of the hearts, for ther● is danger that ye shall not see great profit of such reformation, 
Good preaching must be joined with a reformation  how good and holy soever it be, unless that even at once with it, the power and virtue of good preaching, be desplayed and set forth togethers. It is not without cause that it is said that jesus Christ shall strike the year●he by the Sceptre of his mouth, and shall destroy the evil by the Spirit of his lips. It is the mean by the which he will overcome us, in destroying all that, which is against him. 
The gospel is in scripture called the kingdom of God.  And for that cause the gospel is also called the kingdom of GOD. Also, albeit that thordinances & statutes of princes be good helps to advance and maintain the state of christianity: So likewise god will declare his sovereign virtue in the spiritual sword of his word with it, setting forth the same by his pastors. And to th'intent I would not long trouble you (my Lord) I will come to the second point which I have purposed to show unto you. 
Abuses must be clean taken away  It is to abolish, and clearly to take away, the abuses & corruptions that Satan hath mingled heretofore with the ordinances of god. We know that under the pope there is a bastard christianity which god shall disallow in the last day: 
Under 〈◊〉 papacy is a bastard christianity.  forasmuch as at this day, he hath condemned the same, by his word. If we desire to retiere the world from such perdition, there is nothing better, then to follow the example of. S. Paul, who willing to correct the evil that the Corinthians had joined to the supper of our Lord, said unto them: I have received of the Lord, that which I have given unto you. 
We mu●… return to the right commandment of GOD.  Of that we must gather one general instruction to return to the right and natural commandment of God: if we will have a good and an approved reformation of him. For so many minglings as men have set up of their own inventions, there be so many infecctons, which turn us from the holy usage of that, that God hath given us, for our health. So to 〈◊〉 of half the branches of such abuses, 
It is not enough to cut of sum of the branches of abuses.  it cannot bring again the things in perfect and pure state, because that we then shall have always a Christianity counterfette. I say this for that, that some under the colour of moderation, be of opinion to suffer many abuses, without taking them away, and they think that it is enough to have taken out the root of the principal. But contrary wise, we see how much the seed of lies is fertile, 
The seed of lies is fertile.  and that one grain of that is sufficient, for to fill all the world within three days, as men be inclined and given unto. Our Lord teacheth us otherwise, for when David speaketh of idols he sayeth that their name shall not pass by his mouth: to th'intent to declare unto us what horror and detestation we ought to have them in. And if we considre well how much we have offended God in the time of our ignorance, we ought to be dowbly remembered for to eschew the inventions of Satan, 
The craft of Satan.  who hath provoked us to do such evil things, using them as allurements which serveth not, but to seduce the poor & simple folks. On the other side we see that albeit men be sufficiently warned of their faults, and errors, and be advertised of them as much as is possible: Yet nevertheless, they be so hardened, that no man can attain to the perfect end. Than if there shallbe left unto them some dregs to remain, it shallbe a nouryshement of much more and greater obstinacy, and a coverture to hide all doctrine that may be proponed unto them. I confess that it is convenient to observe some moderation, 
Moderation is necessary, and some ceremonies may be used.  and that to great extremity is neither good ne profitable. Likewise it is convenient to use the ceremonies according to the grossness of the people: but it may not be that that which is of Satan, and of the antichrist, should pass under that colour. It is for that cause that holy scripture praising the kings which did destroy the idolatries, 
The kings that destroyed Idolatry.  not having plucked away altogether: nevertheless gave unto them a mark for that they had not destroyed the chapels and places of foolish devotion. Wherefore my lord, seeing that god hath brought you so far forth, I pray you continue without any exception, to the intent that he may approve you the setter forth of his temple: in such wise as the time of the king your Nephieu may be compared to the time of josias: and that you may set all things in such state as there shall rest nothing to him, but to maintain the good order which god shall have prepared unto him by your mean. I will allege unto you an example of such dregs, which peradventure may rest to be a little leaven: the which in th'end, will make the paste sour. 
Against praying for the dead at receiving of the communion.  They do in your country some kind of prayer for the dead, when the communion is received. I know well it is not for to avow the purgatory of the Pope. I know also that it may be alleged by ancient custom to do some remembrance for the dead, to the intent to join together all the members of the body. But there is a peremptory argument to the contrary, that the supper of jesus Christ is so holy a thing, that it ought not to be defiled with no inventions of men. Moreover, that in praying unto god, we ought not let slip the bridle of our fantastical devotion, but to keep the rule that Saint Paul did give unto us: that is, that we take our foundation of the word of god. Wherefore such remembrance of recommendation is not convenient to the order of the good and due prayer, and it is an evil addition to the holy supper of our Lord. There is other things, which peradventure should be less blamed, which nevertheless, is not to be excused: As the ceremony of the Chreame and unction. 
The ceremony of chreame & unction.  The chreame hath been invented of a foolish fantasy by them that contented not themselves with the administration of jesus Christ, and that they would counterfeit the holy spirit by a new doctrine, as though the water were not sufficient enough for that. And the which is called the extreme unction, hath been retained by a foolish affection of them, that have will to follow the Apostles, having not the same gift that they had. For when the Apostles did use the oil upon the sick, 
The oil used upon the sick by the Apostles.  it was for to heal them by miracle: when the miracle ceased, the figure ought no more to be used. 
Superfluous ceremonies are to be pared of again.  Wherefore it should be a great deal better that the things should be so pared of again, as they may be most agreeing to the pure word of God, and may serve to the edifying of the church. 
How we ought to bear with the weak.  It is true that we ought to bear with the weak, but that is for to strengthen and bring them to greater perfection, that is not to say that in the mean time we ought to please fools which desire now this & now that, & know not wherefore. I know the consideration wherefore many are troubled: it is that they fear that to much alteration cannot be borne with, principally when one will have regard of his neighbours, with whom he desireth to nourish friendship and amity. A man would gladly gratify them in dyssymuling many things. This ought to be borne with, in worldly affairs, where it is lawful to yield one to an other, and to give some of our right to buy peace: but it is not all one of the spiritual governance of the Church, 
As touching gods word, we may not yield to men for favour.  the which ought to be ordered according to the word of God. In that it is not in our liberty to yield in any thing to men, in respect of their favour. Likewise there is nothing that displeaseth GOD more, than when we will by our human prudence, moderate or temper, or reform, or set forth, or draw back, any thing against his will. Wherefore if we will not displease him, we must close our eyes in respect of men. As to the dangers that may happen, we ought to eschew them as much as we may: but not in declining from the true and right way, for we have his promise, 
God by his promise will assist us in walking the right way.  that he will assist us in walking the right way. So that it resteth not in us, but to do our office in recommending to him that, 
Why the wise of this world are many times void of their hope.  that shall follow. And for that occasion the wise of this world be many times void of their hope, for that, that god is not with them, when they trust not in him, and in his help in searching by meanes, which he condemneth. If then we will have the virtue & strength of god on our side, let us follow simply, that he sayeth unto us, and above all, we ought to keep this general rule: 
The reformation of the church is the work of gods own hand  that the reformation of his church is the work of his hand. Wherefore it is necessary, that in this matter, men suffer themselves to be governed by him, the which whether it be in restoring or in keeping his church, will most commonly proceed by a marvelous and strange means and ways, unknown to men. Wherefore to restrain this reformation that ought to be divine, by the measure of our wit, and to make that which is celestial subject to the earth and the world, is against all good reason. By that I exclude not the wisdom which is very requisite to observe all propice and good means, and not to exceed either on th'one side or tother, in any extremity, for the winning of all the world to god, if it should be possible. 
It is requisite that the wisdom of the spirit rule, and not of the flesh.  But it is needful that the wisdom of the spirit should rule, and not of the flesh. And that having examined the mouth of the Lord, we require of him, that he will be our guide and conductor, sooner than to follow our own wits: and when we shall require it in that sort, it shallbe easy for us to exclude many temptations, that may stay us in the mids of the way. Wherefore my Lord, as you have begun to reduce Christianity unto his perfect state in England, and not in trusting of yourself, but to be maintained by the hand of GOD: as unto this day ye have felt his mighty hand, doubt ye not, but that he will help you unto the end. For if god maintaineth kingdoms and lordships of infidels that be his enemies, 
If GOD maintain the kingdoms of Infidele●…, much m●… he will of the faithful,  by much more reason, he will take into his guard, them that be obedient unto him, and do take him for their superior. I come now to the last Article, that is, to punish vice, and to reprove slanders. I doubt not but there is good laws, and lawful statutes, within the Realm of England, 
People must by good laws be kept in Turrian honest discipline  for to keep the people in honest life. But the great dysordres and enormities that I see in the world, constraineth me to desire you to take also the care that the people be kept in good and honest discipline: and above all that ye have the honour of God in good reputation, to the intent to punish such crimes, 
crimes must be punished.  of the which men accustomably make none account. I say it for that, that sometimes, thefts, robberies, fightings, and extortions shall be sharply punished, for that in those men be offended: and in the mean time whoredoms, adulteries, drunkenness, and blasphemies of the name of god, be suffered almost as things lawful and of small importance. contrariwise we see in what estimation and detestation god hath them in. For he declareth unto us, how much his name is precious, and in what estimation we ought to have it: and yet it is by us, as it were torn in pieces, and trodden under our feet. Wherefore out of doubt, he will not leave unpunished such injuries and dishonour. Yea, and moreover the Scripture showeth us that by blasphemies a whole realm is infected. 
By blasphemies a whole realm is infected.  As touching adultries, it is a great shame unto us which profess the name of Christ, that the Pagans have observed greater rigour in punishing thereof then we do: of the which we many times make but a laughing game. When the holy marriage that ought to be a lively image of the holy union that we have with the son of God, 
Holy marriage.  is defiled, and that the alliance which ought to be most stable and indissoluble, is unjustly broken: If we take not those things to heart, it is a sign that we have no great care nor love of GOD. Touching whoredom, it may well suffice us that saint Paul doth compare it to Sacrilege, 
S. Paul compareth whoredom to sacrilege.  for asmuch as by the same the temples of GOD, which is our bodies, be profaned and defiled. Item that the whoremongers and drunkards be banished from the kingdom of GOD, in such wise that it is defended unto us to keep company with them. Wherefore it followeth that they ought not to be suffered in the Church. 
Whormongers and drunkards ought not to be suffered in the Church.  And this is the cause that so many tribulations be this day upon the earth. For insomuch as men pardoneth such enormities, it must follow that GOD must take vengeance. Wherefore my lord, to th'intent to prevent his wrath, I pray you to hold the bridle short, & cause that they which heareth the doctrine of the Gospel, prove themselves to be christian men, by the holiness of their life. For as the doctrine is the soul of the church, for to give it life: so the discipline and correction of vices be as the sinews for to maintain the body in his force & strength. 
Correction of vices.  It is the office of bishops and Curates to take good heed to the same, 
The office of bishops & curates.  to the intent that the supper of our Lord be not polluted by folks of slanderous and dyshonest● life. But considering the authority which God hath committed unto you, the principal charge returneth unto you, for to set others in the right way, to th'intent that every one discharge themselves of their duty, and cause that the order which is established be duly observed. Now my Lord following the protestation that I have made here before, I will not excuse myself no longer, neither of the prolixity of my letters, nor of that, that I have liberally declared that I had in my heart. For I trust that mine affection i● known unto you, according to your wisdom. And as ye be exercised in the holy scripture, you see of what fountain I have drawn all that which is herein contained. Wherefore I do not fear that I have been tedious and importune in declaring unto you, to the best of my power, the good desire that I have, that the name of god may be daily by you more largely glorified, for the which I pray to him daily. Praying that it may please him to augment his grace unto you, confirming you by his holy spirit in a perfect and invincible constancy, maintaining you against your enemies, having you with all your household in his holy protection, and doing that you administer happily the charge that is committed to you. So that the king may have occasion to give thanks to his Lord God, for that he hath had such a governor in his young age, aswell of his person as also of his realm. So I make an end my lord, having me most humbly recommended unto your good Grace:  
The xxii of Octobre, in the year of our LORD. 1549. Your most humble servant, John Caluine   

IMPRINTED AT LONdon by Edward whitchurch, the .v. day of April. 1550.  Cum privilegio, ad Jmprimendum solum.