AN Answer made by Oliver Carter, Bachelor of Divinity: Unto certain Popish Questions and Demands.  1. Cor. 11. Be ye followers of me, even as I am of CHRIST. 
¶ Imprinted at London, for George Bishop. 1579.   

To the right Honourable and his very good Lord, Henry Earl of Derby, Lord Stanley and Strange, Lord of Man, and of the Isles adjoining, and Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter, Oliver Carter wisheth continuance of health, with increase of honour.  
COnsidering (right Honourable) the brittle and frail state of man's life, being subject not only unto manifold miseries by natural inclination, but also in continual danger and jeopardy, through the assaults of Satan, & sinister practices of his ungodly members: I think it the part of all the children of God, so much the more to employ all their travel, both for the reclaiming of these decayed affections in man, & also for the suppressing and beating down (by all means possible) all wicked & sinful attempts, whereby God's glory may be hindered. And although I amongst many am most unmeet, both for want of knowledge, and lack of experience, to take any such enterprise in hand: yet for satisfying the expectation of a godly learned friend, as also for the comfort of my poor neighbours, (whom I perceive to be over much seduced (the more it is to be lamented) by these and such like Popish devices: and thereby not so willing to yield their dutiful and loyal submission to God and to their most Noble, virtuous, and godly Sovereign) as most especially for the advancement of God's honour and increase of Christ's kingdom. If his heavenly wisdom think good, to work by such simple means: I have thought good (at the lest) to bestow my labour, referring the success thereof, wholly and only unto God. I am given to understand, and I do partly know it for truth, that these Interrogations & Questions (invented by some papist) be secretly spread abroad in sundry places. And albeit I do certainly know, what great care and pains godly Magistrates for their parts do take, to advance and extol the true service and worship of God, to further the free passage of his most holy word and Gospel, to suppress the rage of such as do obstinately and stubbornly resist the truth: yet notwithstanding there be not only close and secret enemies, which wander abroad in corners, seducing the simple by wicked doctrine, seditious & traitorous libels, and false tales, alienating their minds by all means, from true religion unto superstition, but also the rabble of the romish merchants with their masking wares, do so increase and multiply, that unless redress be had in time, I do fear lest great inconvenience and mischief will ensue thereof. For partly by these Popish whisperers, and partly for lack of true and faithful Teachers, shipwreck is made of the Gospel of Christ. I do not wish their punishment, but desire their reformation: for my conscience beareth me witness, how earnestly for my part, I have laboured to reduce them, where I have had charge, from the gross errors in exercising that small talon, which GOD of his goodness hath bestowed upon me, and what inward love I do bear unto them, if I were able to do them good. Nevertheless, I cannot but lament their miserable state, perceiving in them such a readiness to embrace every fond idolatrous tradition invented by man, to accept the advise and counsel of every ignorant, & lurking rebellious priest, to persist in their old doting customs, and heathenish ceremonies: and such slackness, or rather dullness, to receive the undoubted truth of Gods most holy word, which is the very pathway to Christ's eternal kingdom, and the power of God unto salvation to all that believe. But it is not my purpose to make any long discourse of these matters: Only I beseech your Honour to pardon my bold enterprise, in presenting this little Answer unto you, and to accept my good will herein, in good part. So you shall not only encourage me, (if the like occasion be offered) to take greater pains hereafter: but also bind me daily to pray unto GOD for your Honour, that all your actions may tend to the honour and glory of GOD, and to the discharging of that office and function, which God hath called you unto: which God grant, for his mercy sake: To whom be all praise, dominion, and power, now and for ever.  
Your Honours Oliver Carter.   

To the Papist, which made this offer and challenge.  
Whereas you may seem unto the simple, and unlearned, in this your offer which you have spread abroad in sundry places, to have made a bold & large challenge, for the proof of your Romish church, and in defence of your religion: yet it is night no longer, then until the day doth spring, for light expelleth darkness. Though gold be of all metals most precious, though the Diamond, Saphyr, and Margarite, be stones of great value and price, yet truth passeth and surmounteth all these, and carrieth away the bell without comparison. Things which often seem precious, & have a resemblance and show of goodness, may be but counterfeit, and faulty, and have need of the touchstone, or furnace: nevertheless the verity and truth can not dissemble, she can not gloss, she putteth on no vizard, nor useth any colouring. And albeit falsehood may oftentimes blind the truth, as an harlot may appear in apparel to be an honest matron, a thief bear the countenance of a true man, and the devil change himself into the shape of an Angel of light: yet in continuance of time, gold willbe severed from dross, the darnel from the fine wheat, and truth from falsehood: For truth is great, and prevaileth. Dagon 
1. Sam. 5. 3.  is not able to stand before the Ark of the Lord. But for that you affirm the truth to be on your side, and we persuade ourselves in like manner, that we hold the truth, let us not be our own judges, but observe that order & rule, set down by our Saviour Christ, for the trial of these controversies. Christ jesus biddeth us, to search the Scriptures, for there is life everlasting, and 
Io. 5. 3 9  they are they, which testify of him, which is the truth itself. And again, he prayeth his father, to sanctify in the truth those whom he had chosen, in renewing their 
Io. 17. 17.  minds with his heavenly grace, that they might seek his will set forth in his word: which word (saith he) is the truth. This is that word, against which we may 
Gal. 1. 8.  ●ot hear an Angel, though he come from heaven, as the Apostle saith. Which words the godly father Chrysostom expoundeth thus: Saint Paul saith not, 
Chrisost. in Epist. ad Gallat. cap. 1.  ●f they teach the contrary, or if they o●erthrowe the whole Gospel: but he ●aith, If they preach any little or small ●hing besides the Gospel that ye have received, or if they lose, or shake down any thing whatsoever it be, accursed be 
August. count. lit. Petilian. lib. 3. cap. 6.  ●hey. Saint Augustin saith: [If an Angel from heaven preach unto you any other thing, than you have received in the scriptures of the Law, and of the Gospel, accursed be he.] Whether you have received it by tradition, by succession, by Council, or by your elders: Let ●s (I beseech you) neither dally with God, nor dissemble with the world: ●et us neither be led by self will, nor ●e blinded by our own affections: Let no friend (be he never so dear unto us) hold us back, nor any remora, or stop stay us from seeking this truth unfeignedly where it is to be found: we have but a short race to run in▪ our journey draweth to an end: we have a great account to make, even before the great judge, who knoweth all secrets: the day approacheth, which will be glooming, fearful, and terrible, except we present ourselves before him, with a clear conscience, & have on our marriage garment. Therefore tender your own salvation, seek the glory of GOD, come out of Sodom with Lot, look not back with 
Gene. 19 16.  Lot's wife, lest you perish. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation: 
2. Cor. 6. 2.  now doth God offer his graces unto you, if you will embrace the same. It is lamentable, that you should separate yourself from GOD, sith he hath 
●●ech. 33. 11.  no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but rather that he should repent and amend. Call to remembrance even the principal points of your Romish religion, and you shall see, how weak a foundation it is to build upon. You seek to be justified, not by faith in the mercies of GOD offered in Christ jesus, but by your own works, ●nd your meritorious deeds, and thereby you utterly reject the death and ●assion of jesus Christ. For if any ●ing had been in man, whereby he ●ould have satisfied the wrath of God, and have attained perfect reconciliation with GOD, what should Christ need to have taken upon him our nature, and to have suffered such grievous torments for our sins? Nay rather you aught to say, that seeing mankind was destitute of all hope of salvation, seeing that man was by nature the child of wrath, not able to deserve the lest of God's mercies, being adjudged to hell ●re, except he could fulfil the Law, which was impossible for him to do, Satan being the accuser, and God the just judge, man had been altogether remediless, unless jesus Christ had wrought his redemption, & in his own body had sustained that punishment, which was ●ue unto man for sin. You say, That ●ur sins are forgiven us, & that we are delivered from the same, not only by the Pope's ●ardons, whom you call God in earth, but also ●y holy water, made by your own brain. As one of your principal Doctors saith, [It is no vain invention (saith 
Aug. Ste●chus in lib. Num. cap. 19  he) that we hallow water with salt and prayers, that by the sprinkling thereof, our sins may be forgiven.] And so saith Platina, [That Alexander the first 
Platina.  Pope of that name, ordained water mixed with salt, to be hallowed, and to be kept in churches and private houses, to chase away devils and evil spirits, not only out of houses, where they devil, but also out of the hearts of the faithful.] Mark (I pray you) how contrary the doctrine of your Church of Rome is to the undoubted word of god. Esai the Prophet, speaking of Christ, 
Esai 53. 5.  doth say, that he was wounded for our sins, he was broken for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was laid upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. So S. john saith, Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh 
joh. 1. 29.  away the sins of the world. S. Peter also saith, That there is salvation in none 
Act. 4. 12.  other: for among men there is given none other name under heaven, whereby we must be saved. Likewise Saint john saith, That 
1. joh. 1. 7.  the blood of jesus Christ doth purge us from all sin. So that by these testimonies of the holy Ghost, it evidently appears, that neither pardon, nor holy ●ater, neither any other devise of man, i● able to procure the forgiveness of our sins at the hands of God, but only jesus Christ, being a faithful witness, 
Apoc. 1. 5.  the first begotten of the dead, and Prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us, & ●ashed us from our sins, in his own blood. You say, that the Mass is a propitiatory sacrifice for the quick and the dead, & yet Saint john saith, that jesus Christ is the 
1. joh. 2. 1.  p●●piciatiō for the sins of the whole world, that is, of all those that believe. Again, Christ by one sacrifice of himself once offered, 
Heb. 10. 14.  hath made perfect for ever, those that be sanctified. There is no mention made of your Mass, either in the old, or new Testament, and it being compared with the institution of our Saviour Christ in his last supper (which Saint Paul doth ●all, the communion of the body and blood 
1. Cor. 10. 14.  ●f Christ) they differ as much as black ●nd white: light and darkness: heaven ●nd hell. You affirm, that the souls of ●uch as have not made full satisfaction for their sins here in this life, do after their death, go into Purgatory fire, as you call it, a place (by the judgement of your own writers) of as great torments, as hell fire itself, and no difference betwixt them, but that the one endureth for a time, and the other for ever. And in that fire the silly souls must remain until they be delivered from thence by your trentals of Masses, but for every Trental, your Priest must have x. s. so that the poor which have no silver to give, must lie still: for no penny, no Pater noster. Mark now, how this doctrine agreeth with the doctrine of Christ, and of the Apostles. Christ saith, He that believeth in me, hath life everlasting, and shall never see death, but 
joh. 5. 24.  shall pass from death unto life. He saith not, He shall go when he is dead, unto purgatory. The Evangelist saith, Blessed are those that die in the Lord, for from henceforth 
Apoc. 14. 13.  (saith the holy Spirit) they rest from their labours. If they be in rest, than not in Purgatory: For there is little rest or ease, by your own confession. And for that you blind the world, in persuading them, that some men are able ● make full satisfaction for their sins in ●is life: It is a perilous, and a most dangerous doctrine, and doth make the satisfaction of Christ, of no force. Compare this your assertion with the word of God, and you shall see▪ how ●ntrue it is. The Apostle Paul saith, ●hat God hath made Christ unto us, wisdom, 
1. Cor. 1. 30.  righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The thief that had no time to make satisfaction, was partaker of the righteousness of Christ, unto whom Christ said not, Thou shalt go into Purgatory, but thou shalt be with 
Luke 23. 44.  ●ee this day in Paradise. Lazarus who was in the same case, was not carried into Purgatory, but into Abraham's bosom. 
Luke 16. 22.  What shall I speak of your invocating or calling on Saints: of your prayers for the dead: of the authority of your Church of Rome: of your prayers, and service in an unknown tongue: of your crouching before idols: of the placing of the said idols in your Churches: of your worship done unto them: of your pilgrimages: of the supremacy of your holy father the Pope, of your unwritten verities, and of all the rabble of your ceremonies, ordinances, and traditions, which have no warrant of God's word, in which you repose salvation, and by which you greatly deceive God's people. Will not the Lord call you to an account, for abusing and deceiving thus his people, in giving them darnel and chaff for wheat, in feeding them with your own inventions, without any warrant or authority of God's word? Hath not GOD set down a platform in his holy Scriptures how he will be worshipped and served, commanding, That you shall neither add, nor diminish, turn ●either to the right hand, nor to the left, but sincerely to walk in the 
Deut. 5. 32.  ways of the Lord. And hath threatened moreover, That if any man shall add unto the things which be written, GOD shall add unto him, the plagues that be written: And if any man shall 
Apoca. 22. 18.  diminish from the words of GOD, his part shallbe taken away out of the book of life: But either sufficient is spoken, ●r enough will not serve. Only this ●hing I require of you, that you will ●ot take in ill part, whatsoever I ●aue written: the Lord is my wit●esse, that I have not been moved hereunto, either of malice, or of vain glory: neither have I written or set ●owne any doctrine, but only that, ●hich in my conscience (as I shall answer at the dreadful day of judgement) I am persuaded to be the very ●ueth. If you think, that I have not ●llie & absolutely answered your Interrogations and Demands, which you have set down so diffusedly, and out of order, repeating some one thing often, and in heaping one upon another, without any reason or judgement, in charging us, and laying those heresies to our charge, which we are so far from maintaining of them, as that we do utterly abhor, detest, yea, & flatly condemn them. I would have ●ou to note and plainly set down, in what things I have failed, or what things I have omitted, or in what you be not fully resolved, and I not to have sufficiently answered you. For I am most willing, according to that small talon and gift, which God hath of his goodness bestowed upon me, to employ my travel, and spend my time in this kind of exercise. Let us join together in building God his Church, for that many souls be in danger by reason of controversies and contentions which be betwixt us, in that they halt, as they did in the time of Elias the Prophet, betwixt two opinions, doubting what way were best to take. Let us seek to advance God's worship, which is spiritual, and must be done in spirit and truth. GOD is dishonoured, either when we worship any other than him alone, giving his honour to any other creature, or when we give him not that honour, which he requireth of us in his sacred and holy word, or worship him otherwise than he appointeth.  
The Lord grant you a penitent heart, endue you with true and perfect knowledge, that you may seek the saving of your own soul, the profit of God's ●urch and Congregation, and the ad●ncement of his kingdom, that ●h one heart, and one mind, we ●y worship and serve GOD the ●her, and his Son jesus Christ, in ●irit and truth: To whom with the holy Spirit, three persons, and one invisible, and immortal God, be all glory, now and ever.   

Anthony Gilbie, unto the Reader.  
THE miserable jews and proud Papists are both alike deceived, by these and such like carnal cogitations, as appears in these popish questions: The jews will 〈◊〉 have an earthly Messiah, to whom all ●●●s shallbe in subjection corporally & vi●●● or else they will have none: The Papists will have an earthly church & visible kingdom of the same Messiah, to the which all nations ●halbe subject or else they will have none. 〈◊〉 poor Christ and his persecuted church despised of both twain. The jews will 〈◊〉 of this poor Nazarite for their king: 〈◊〉 papists will not have his contemptible 〈◊〉 to be their church. The Papists boast ●●●ir antiquity and succession: but the ●●●s (if that would serve) have better cause ●ast of both: for their antiquity is far ●●●ter by many hundred years, & their suc●●●on is allowed in the scriptures: but the 〈◊〉 is successor in nothing, save in that ●●●er de●●ed his master, or when as he 〈◊〉 Christ carnal & worldly counsel, not to suffer, but to spare himself. Otherways he succeedeth not Peter (I say) neither ● place nor in doctrine, neither in form of government, nor in manner of living, so that t● popish church can in no wise be the tr● church of Christ, as may easily be proue● The papists talk of Fathers, and of consent, but what is that without the warra● of God's word? The papists will not be of t● contemptible church, they say, that is despised in the world: Christ saith that his chur● must be so: They shall deliver you up ● 
Mat. 24. 9  be afflicted, and shall kill you, and yo● shallbe hated of all nations for my nam● sake. Again he saith, If the world ha● 
john 15. 18.  you, know that it hated me before hated you: if ye were of the world, th● world would love his own, but because you are not of the world, but I have ch●sen you out of the world, therefore th● world hateth you. Remember the wor● that I said unto you, The servant is n● greater than his master: If they hau● persecuted me, they will persecute yo● also. These things have I said unto yo● 
john 16. 1.  that you should not be offended: The● shall excommunicate you: yea the tim● will come, that whosoever killeth you● I think that he doth God service. ● this is the state of the true church here ●n earth: whereby it is evident, that the ash romish Synagogue is not the true ●rch, seeing it is so▪ loved and honoured in world. Christ the head of the true ●rch, went up into heaven by manifold action's: his members the Prophets and ●ostles entered by the same door of afflicts, not by the window of promotions. ●d holy Paul affirmeth, That whosoever will live godly in Christ jesus, must ●fer persecutions, That our faith being ●d like gold in the furnace (as Peter ●th) might be found precious. There●re 
1. Pet, 1. 7.  Christ and his Apostles are poor in ●is world, and like servants ready to serve ●ers: the Pope and his Prelates like world●e Princes, rich, wealthy, and lordly: Christ ●d his, humble and lowly: the Pope & his, ●oude, pompous and haughty: Christ & his mayed tribute to Caesar, the Pope & his take Peter pence and other payments from Princes and nations: Christ and his suffered humbly afflictions under Princes, the Pope warreth against Princes, treadeth on their necks, & causeth them to kiss his pantaphles, and to hold his stirrups, like a Lucifer and child of pride: Christ and his went about continually preaching the Gospel: the Pope is carrie● about upon men's shoulders, to show h● pride, and he and his labour continually t● suppress the Gospel. Behold how the Pop● and his Prelates are in all things contrary t● Christ, so that it is in vain to settle our fait● upon them, or to count them the catholik● church. As for their universal consent, whereof they boast so much, what is it, but as they themselves are blind, so must all their priest● needs lead a blind people in a blind way, consenting together in this, that they know nothing of God, neither will learn any thing? & therefore babble they all their church service in that tongue that they do not understand, lest the people should hear the word of God in their known tongue, understand it and believe it. Thus are they like a sort of blind men, who may easily consent together, that they see nothing. And I would to God that they would confess, that they see nothing, 
〈◊〉. 9 41.  for then their sin were pardonable: but now they say they see with the old Pharisees, therefore their sin remaineth. The Papists consent (we grant) but against the truth, not in the truth. They consent ● the jews and Turks consent to walk the blindness of their own hearts. ●ey speak not according to the word GOD: therefore there is no light in 
Esa. 8. 20.  ●em saith the Prophet Esaias. And as semie the Prophet testifieth, and saith, 
jerem. 8. 9  ●at they have rejected the word of ●e Lord, and what wisdom can ●e in them? They know not God, and who ●eth not know, that all truth must be ●ied by his holy word? They are blind ●d know not GOD, and in this point are ●orse than either Turks or jews, that ●are (contrary to his word) worship ●nd serve God in Images and idols. They ●nowe not GOD, that dare account him ●ther not perfectly just, or not perfectly merciful. These blind Papists say, that GOD will be satisfied and pleased with human justice and satisfactions, which the Prophet Esaie doth call menstruous 
Esa. 64. 6.  clouts: so take they from God his perfect justice, and for his mercy they say, that it only supplieth that which wanteth in man's merits. What a patching is this of justice, of mercy, and merits? Again, they say, that GOD hath not set down in his Scriptures, a perfect rule to all good works, but that they must add thereto their devices of serving and honouring God, which never came in his remembrance, neither were ever mentioned in his holy word, wherein they must either make God not perfect in wisdom, but ignorant of such things, or not perfect in love, that would not declare such necessary points unto us: and so by their doctrine his infinite wisdom, and infinite love is denied: whereby in effect they do deny him to be God. Again, these poor blind papists know not Christ, nor the scriptures, when they make him a body infinite, that may be in many places in heaven & in earth, and in ten thousand places at once: where the scriptures do plainly teach us, That he would not take the nature of Angels, but our humane nature, and become like us in all things (sin only excepted:) and that the heavens 
〈◊〉. 3. 21.  must contain him, until the time that all things be restored. They know not Christ to be the only Mediator of intercession and redemption, the only Priest that prayeth and sacrificeth for sins, our only King and Prophet: for they teach the clean contrary. They knowledge none of these offices of Christ, to belong to him alone, but give the power thereof to other creatures. Therefore are they but only by name Christians, ●ow may we safely join to such a church? ●hirdlie, they know not the holy Ghost to be the only satisficer and certifier of the conscience: they have so many other satisfactions and certificates of their own devices, and so ●●nie, that a man can be certain of his salvation by the spirit of God. They know not that the whole Scripture is given by the Spirit of God, & is profitable to teach, 
2. Tim. 3. 16.  to improve, to correct, to instruct, in righteousness, that the man of God may be made perfect to all good works: But being led with a contrary spirit, even the spirit of error (as Paul saith) they do 
1. Tim. 4. 3.  teach the doctrine of devils: forbidding meats, and forbidding to marry. Thus the papists in their doctrine, erring in the principal articles of our Christian faith, as also in their other commandments cannot be the true Catholic church. As for their outward form of government whereupon they do so much boast, let all men consider what it is: They neither have the names nor the offices, nor the discipline appointed by Christ and his Apostles, or practised in the primative Church, Christ our saviour commanded his twelve Apostles to publish the Gospel, the which these men labour to suppress. As for their discipline and government in their courts, it is not to suppress sin: but by feeding upon the sins of the people, to make themselves fat and rich. They call their Courts spiritual, but they be carnal, earthly, and devilish. Their suspensions, excommunications, and absolutions for money. Their dispensations for marriage & quarter sermons, are all for money. All sins in that court may be bought and sold for money. What have they now to boast of, when they neither have the right order of government, neither retain the right offices & functions, nor so much as the names allowed in the scriptures? As for us whom they account so contemptible) we confirm the antiquity and succession of the church from Christ & his Apostles because we teach the self same doctrine and none other, but that which we received of them, & which is written in the old and new Testaments. This is the succession which God himself promised to remain for ever. My 
〈◊〉 59 21.  words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not departed out of thy lips, nor out of the mouth of thy seed for ever, saith the Lord: so that we may justly approve our succession in the word and the sacraments, which are the chief marks of the church. Neither use we as they do any more sacraments than Christ himself ordained. As for the names of our officers, we call them the ministers of Christ, or like names, according to the scriptures: and they do the offices appointed by our Saviour Christ and his Apostles. And we use, when we may, & do require always that discipline, that our master Christ taught, & his Apostles practised: to wit, first brotherly admonition in private, then before some others, afterwards, if there 
Mat. 18. 15.  be no repentance, to tell the church, last of all, if the offender do remain obstinate, to excommunicate from the sacraments. Lo in few words the names, the offices, and our church government we use, all grounded upon God's holy word, & not upon the fantasies of men, as yours is. O ye Papists, repent therefore, & imagine no more such motives & subtle questions, lest your shame be more & more discovered, as in this answer to your questions, will appear. God grant you eyes to see it & hearts to repent. Where you demand quest. 1. what church it was that converted the churches & nations to the faith? you seem to answer your own objection: for you say, that that Church was Christ's Apostles, and a few more, who by their preachings and others, planted Christian religion, etc. In the which saying you do well agreed with the Apostle Paul, who saith to the Colossians, That even in his time the Gospel 
Colos. 1. 6.  was fruitful in all the world. Now you know, that your gorgeous synagogue of Rome had not then received this gospel, but did persecute it many years after. So than it was the poor perse●●●ed church, that brought the Gospel into Antioch, into Rome, or wheresoever it was yet truly planted upon the earth. Again where you demand, quest. ●. what church hath had the custody of the Scriptures, and most safely hath preserved them? The jews would most easily answer the papists, that it is their church: For the jews have kept them so warily, so many a● were before Christ's coming, that they durst not altar any letter or title: But if there seemed some cause of alteration by the order of the grammar rules, as sometimes there did both in the ancient writings & old prints, there was acipher set down, to 'cause men to consider it▪ but no man amongst them was so bold as to a●●er any one jot. Such was Gods great providence towards us, that the v●●● ●mies of Christian religion should be the ●epers & preservers of those books, whereon our christian religion is grounded: so ●at we should always be able (by divine providence) to confute both the jews and the ●istes, by the same books, which by divine ●er have been preserved. The jews more ●ely and religiously, & the papists through ●rupting some places for their purpose, yet ●er permitted so far to corrupt the scrip●es, but that all their errors may easily be ●futed by any of those texts, that they re●ed. Where you demand, quest. 3. why be●e ye our church, telling you this to be ●ds word and book, and will not credit her, avouching it to be the true and undoubted ●se of God's book? The jew might ask ●● and us also this question: but we that ●ue heard Christ himself speak in his ●ting them in our hearts by his holy Spi●, do answer both jews and papists, as the ●maritanes did the woman, that brought ●em the first tidings of Christ: Now we believe (say they) not because of thy sayings, for we have heard him ourselves, ●nd know that this in deed is the Christ ●nd Saviour of the world: we believe ●im because of his own word. This is true, faith only to depend upon the word of God, and neither upon the interpretation of the jew, or Papist, or any man's else, further than he can manifest his sense by some manifest place of the self same word. The 4 & 5. quest. may easily be answered, by that which is already written. Again, where you demand tauntingly, O Papists, where our principal pastor doth sit in judgement, quest. 6. we answer, that he always hath done so, he now sitteth in the heavens, & doth pronounce sentence against that Antichrist of yours, who doth sit as God in the temple of God upon earth, and he will shortly come to take a strait account of all inferior pastors, who are fellow elders and fellow pastors, as Peter affirmeth, And upon the 
1. Pet. 5. 1.  earth he hath made some Prophets, some Apostles, some Evangelists, some Pastors, some Doctors, or Teachers, as 
Ephe. 4. 11.  Paul saith: but no Popes, no principal Pastors, to put himself forth of that high office. The which office, if it had been so necessary upon earth, as your papists do make it, neither would Christ himself, neither all his Apostles utterly have forgotten it. As for the place that you continually demand for: where shall we seek this, ●here shall we find that? Your Question ●o small purpose, for our master Christ ●e warneth, that in these latter days, ●ere should be such, as should say, Lo, here ● Christ, lo, there is Christ, as it were been 〈◊〉 Christ, and the grace of his spiritual ●er to a certain place: but he saith, be●e them not. The church, the vinyeard of the Lord, and the true religion is never 〈◊〉 to place, but as the people of any place ●e grown in open contempt, the Lord 〈◊〉 taken away the Vineyard of his church 〈◊〉 the evil husbandmen, and given it to an other people, that would yield better ●●●es. So was the place removed from Ier●●lem, which had so many promises, to ●●●oche, to Ephesus, to the Galatians, Colo●●ans, Thessalonians, and to sundry places ●●he earth beside, wheresoever there 〈◊〉 few or many gathered in the name of Christ: Christ was among them, Christ ● their principal pastor, whose voice ●e they would hear, and thereby were 
joh. 10. 1.  twne to his sheep: So become they his ●rch and people, though it were but soul one household or family. So become they his sheep, and he their Pastor and principal shepherd and Archpastour, though in all congregations he had h● undershepheard always, who fed the sheep● and fought for the lambs against the wolu● And both these churches and pastors we● many times known to the true children ● the church, when they were unknown ● the wicked world. For the children of Go● who are called the children of wisdom, d● always take hold of the heavenly wisdom's and have that mark to know one another and rest upon God's word, without any respe● of person or place, or any earthly thing: ● the families of Noah, Abraham, Lot, Is●ac, jacob, etc. having God's word to warrant them, cared not for all the world besides whereas all they that depend upon the outward show of place or persons, have fal● continually from God, and so from the tr● church, as both before Christ, at Christ's ●ming, and since Christ's coming, it is manifest in the jews, in the Samaritans, in t● Turks and papists, in Agar and Ishmael, ● all those, that challenge authority by the ancienty and eldership, without God's pr●mise. Now, we contrariwise depending on● upon God's word, are the children of prom● ● the manner of Isaac. But as then, he ● was borne after the flesh, persecuted ●hat was borne after the spirit: even so ●ow. Nevertheless, what saith the script Cast out the bond woman and her 
Gal. 4. 13.  ●e: Our mother church Sara, which ●th only the word of promise, seemeth ● barren, desolate, and forsaken in the ● but God will not forget his promise. ●efore, we will neither ask him of the ●●or of the time, nor of the means, how ●ll perform it: but knowing that he ● begotten his church by his word, we ● also, that thereby he will nourish it, multiply it, and preserve it for ever, ●hall the world rage against it. And ● where his word soundeth, we must ●f●r his church. And because the Ro●ynagogue hath cast away God's holy ● worshipping images and idols, and go●horing from God, after her own in●ns, & hath rebelled against the words ● Lord, and despised the counsel of the ● high: Therefore came the just iudge● of God upon her, as it did upon the ●sh church of old. Where the Lord saith: your iniquities are ye sold, and for ●r transgressions is your mother forsaken. 
Esai 50. 1●  Again: Plead with your ●ther 
●se. 2. 2. 3. 4.  plead with her: for she is not wife, neither am I her husband: bu● her take away her fornications, etc. I make her like a wilderness, and ● her for thirst, and I will have no pitie● on her children, for they are childre● fornication. Lo, this is the iudgeme● that Romish harlot, which hath her d●ling in that great city, which ruleth ● the Kings of the earth: who hath ● 
Apoc. 14. 8.  the kings of the earth drunken with cup of her fornication: who is the ●rie mother of whoredom, and of all the hominations of the earth: which is dru● with the blood of the Saints, and with blood of the martyrs of Christ, who with ten kings doth fight against the La● But the Lamb shall overcome them, ● they that be on his side, the chosen ● faithful: for he is the king of kings, and Lord of lords, To him be all honour and glory for ever.   

● An answer unto thee▪ Papist, which made this Offer, or Challenge.  

Papist.  
CHrist did commit, at his departing hence, the testimony of that truth, which he 〈◊〉 for, & the c●●uersion of all nations to the belief in him, ●●tr●● church of God, which then stood papally, and almost only, in the perso●● of ● Apostles and of a few more: that, by their ●ching, and others afterward of their ●ng, the Christian religion might be plan●● all nations, coasts, and corners of the ●●: Wherefore, I ask the Protestant, ●t Church that was, which converted all ●s● countries, that now be Christian, to the ●th of Christ? and let him show me that ●er his Church converted any people, or ●nde in the earth, from Idolatry, or Genti●● or judaisme, to the true religion of Christ: or that this his faith was taught to any nations, in steed of true Christianity: or any other Church, but the known Catholic Church to have done this: And I recant.  

Answer.  
TRue it is, that Christ did commit the 
Mar. 16. 15.  preaching of the Gospel unto the Apostles, and unto a few more, and gave them this commandment: That they should go unto all the world, and preach the same Gospel unto all nations, who very painfully executed their office, & converted many of sundry countries, to the truth. Nevertheless, such was the rage of the wicked Emperors & Tyrants of that time, that the doctrine of the Gospel, was not universally received, nor generally taught, as it appeareth at large by the history of the Acts of the Apostles: as by the assembling of the Apostles in corners, & by their preaching in the night season, in private houses: Yet we confess, that the voice of the Apostles was sounded abroad to all the world, so that as Tertullian saith, the Parthians, 
Tertul. cont. judaeos.  the Medians, the Elamites, the people of Mesopotamia, of Armenia, etc. and many other nations, and provinces known & unknown, have received the Gospel of Christ. Saint Paul took comfort, 
Phil. 1. 13.  and rejoiced in his imprisoment, for that there were some, even in Nero's court, that began to give ear to the Gospel. Of the same matter writeth Eusebius, that the court of Valerian the Emperor was now become the church of god: so he saith, because that some of his family believed the truth, albeit the Emperor himself was a tyrant. Even in that sense it might have been truly said, that the church of God was in king Achab his house, when 
3. Reg. 18. 3.  wicked jezabel his wife did most of all persecute God's children, and when Elias complained, that he only was left alive, seeing that Obadiah governor of achab's house feared God, and fed an hundred Prophets, with the meat which came from jezabels' table. But for brevity's sake, I will answer to your que●ion, which seemeth to consist on these two ●ointes: First, What Church it was, which converted all countries, that now be Christian to the faith of Christ: secondarily, whether the religion, or faith of the Protestants, was ever taught to any nations in steed of true Christianity. Whosoever shall diligently peruse the ecclesiastical histories, or the books of the ancient Fathers of the church, they shall easily perceive, with what difficulty Christianity was embraced, sith that the name of Christ was so odious to the Emperor of Rome, (whose Empire was exceeding large) tha● whosoever professed himself to be a Christian, was tormented most cruelly unto death. So that it cannot be proved, that many nations or countries, were wholly christened, or received the gospel of Christ, but in secret manner, until the time of Constantine the great, which was three hundred years after Christ, or thereabout. For before that time, whosoever sincerely preached the Gospel, he was forthwith accused of sedition, of preaching heresy, and of new & strange doctrine. They were charged commonly by the Heathen, to be adulterers against kind, Manquellers, Killers of children, church-robbers, most wicked, most hurtful, the enemies of mankind, 
Tertul. in. Apologetico.  guilty of all kind of wickedness, Enemies against the Gods, against the Emperors, against the laws, against good order, against nature itself, & whatsoever mischief happened, the ethnics 〈◊〉 impute it always to the Christians. The city of Athens, which had been the ●●●taine of all knowledge, was become the sink of most horrible idolatry: Where P●ule preaching Christ, the Philosopher's ●●●e Epicures and stoics resisted him, 〈◊〉 said, what will this babbler say▪ Others 
Act. 17. 18.  said, he seemeth to be a setter forth of strange Gods: Others said, may we n●t know what this new doctrine, wher●● thou speakest, is? in such rage the ethnics and Infidels continued against the Christians, until God of his mercy, raised up that worthy Emperor Constantine, who advanced mightily the Gospel, suppres●●● the enemies thereof, and gave the truth free passage, throughout his dominion and ●mpire. In his time all nations were called from Idolatry, Gentility, and judaisme, & so continued many hundred years, until the Devil was let lose, and supersti●on invaded the church: so that, albeit ●e name of Christianity remained afterwards under the Pope's government, yet Christ's religion was abolished and abandoned. It is faith in jesus Christ, and ●he profession of true religion, which maketh a Christian, and not the outward name, and therefore such as were fall away from Christ his Gospel, unto the inventions of man, or such as were convert only in name, not being instructed in tr● doctrine, were no more Christians then the shadow of a man is a man, or● picture, the thing which it doth represent so that it was, Nomen sinere, Christian i● name, and not in deed. By the Turk a● so both the name and profession of a Christian, was altogether vanquished. Thu● much for this part. You ask moreover whether the religion or faith of the Protestants, was ever taught to any nations in steed of true Christianity. I beseech you examine well the doctrine of the Protestants, and compare it with the doctrine, of Christ, of the Apostles, of the primitive church, and with the religion set forth by the godly writers, which wrote about the time of Constantine, or shortly after: And if you can prove, that we do not in all points agreed with the religion of Christ & of the apostles, as it is set down in the old and new Testament, (Choose what translation you will) or that we consent not in all things, concerning faith, and the substance of the true doctrine, which the ancient fathers, as appeareth in their books (a few errors by them maintained, only excepted) than we will willingly yield 〈◊〉 you. As for example, I will note a few capital points of religion, because I will not wander in generalities.  
First we confess with them, one way to ●e justified and saved by, which is, by ●●● free mercies of God, granted us by th● only death & passion of Christ our only Lord and Saviour, and that faith is the only means and instrument, to apprehended this our justification and salvation: That Christ is our Mediator both of redemption, and intercession: that we aught ●● pray only unto God, not to any Saints ●● parted, and that in the name of Christ, and not in the name of any Angel or ●●int, whatsoever: To pray for those that be alive, and not for those which be dead: That in the lords Supper, according to his institution, we do spiritually by faith, feed upon the body of Christ, and that Sacrament truly and faithfully received, as the remembrance of the ●eath and passion of Christ, is a spiritual food and sustenance unto our souls, and a pledge of eternal life to satisfy our consciences: We say further that Christ, his natural body, flesh blood and bone, is no● in the Sacrament under the form of bread, it being only in heaven, on the right hand of God, according to the articles of our faith, where in body he shall remain, until the day of judgement, though Christ our Saviour, as he is God in his divine nature, filleth all places, and is with his children, pouring daily the abundance of his graces upon them: Lastly we say, that man hath no free will of himself, to do any good thing, not not any 
Phil. 2. 13.  good thought, but that it is God, that worketh in us both the will, and also the deed, according to his good pleasure, even of his free grace. If you will either give ear to the doctrine which we do preach, or peruse the books which we have, and do writ, you shall see that the Protestants, did never vary one inch from these points of true religion, which I have recited. But because you make mention of a known catholic Church, it behoveth (for that an Harlot may have the countenance of an honest woman) to distinguish betwixt the true church of God, & the sergeant Church, and to show how they both may be discerned, and known. We must needs avouch with the holy spirit of God, that the true Church of Christ, being the congregation and company of the faithful dispersed over the face of the whole earth, is discerned and known by the word of God: For the true Sheep do hear the voice of their Pastor Christ. Neither is there any other sign or mark 
john. 10. 3.  to know the Church of God, saving only the Scriptures of God, which are the treasury of all truth. For the city of the 
Ephes. 2. 20.  Saints, and household of God (as the Apostle saith) is builded upon the foundation of the Apostles, and Prophets, jesus Christ himself, being the chief Corner stone. So then, that is the true Catholic Church, consecrated a spiritual Temple 〈◊〉 God, which is guided and ruled by the doctrine of the Apostles, and Prophets. Therefore the Church of God is called the Spouse of Christ, for that she aught in all ●inges, to hearken unto the voice of the ●idegroome. In like manner, the church ● as a pillar, which the Lord God hath ● in the earth amongst men, therein so to little his truth, that all storms and Tempests, even the gates of hell and all the fernall powers fight against it, yet sh● they not prevail, because she stayeth ● self only upon the word of God, a● thereby stayeth others, and therefore a guly father saith, The pillar and strength ● the Church is the Gospel, and the spi● of 
Iraene. lib. 3. cap. 11. Aug. de Vinitate Eccle. cap. 3.  life. Likewise Saint Agustine, saether be certain books of our Lord, vn● the authority whereof, each part agreeth there let us seek for the Church, thereby let us examine and try our matters. An in the same Chapter, I will (saith he have you to show me the church, not b● the doctrines of men, but by the woor● of God. Saint Chrysostom saith, it cannot 
Chrisostom in opere imperfecto hom. 44.  by any means be known, what is the true church, but only by the scriptures▪ what the sergeant Church is, it appeareth by the promises: truly even that Church, which consisteth only in outward show, challenging authority over the word and spirit of God, prescribing a rule of woorshiping of God, by her own devise, without any warrant of the word of GOD: which deviseth other means to be saved by, then only Christ: which feigneth that her faith can never fail, notwithstanding ●●e never aspired unto the true faith of Christ, but hath persecuted the same, keeping the son of righteousness, as under ●●●ile or cloud, not suffering him to shine in simple men's minds and hearts, by his holy Scriptures, which are the keys of 
Rom. 1. 16.  knowledge, the very power of God, to salvation, to as many as believe. If we cannot understand the scriptures, the fault is in us, and not in them. As no man may condemn the brightness of the son, because his eye is not able to sustain the clearness thereof: so the hardness of the mystery, which we can not sometimes compass, or perfectly understand, in the scriptures, aught not to take away from us the use of the scriptures. Now ●●●ing you depend much upon the aunci●●● doctors & fathers, I purpose, for the satisfying of the reader, to knit up this difference betwixt the church of God, and the counterfeit Synagogue of Satan, with these words of S. Augustine, Whether they have the church or not, let them show 
Aug. de venitat●. Eccle. cap. 16.  ● the Canonical books of the holy ●riptures: we must know the Church of ●hrist, even as we likewise know Christ, ●hich is the head of the church in the ca●nical scriptures. And what can be more ●laine, then that which is spoken by the Evangelist john, dissevering the t●●● Church from the false, the true Christia● from hipocrices, and the faithful minister, and preachers of the Gospel, from fa● prophets, and sergeant teachers, in th● few words: Hereby shall ye kno● 
1. joh. 4. 2.  the spirit of God: every spirit which c●fesseth, that jesus Christ is come in th● flesh, is of God: & every spirit which c●fesseth not jesus Christ to have come ● the flesh, is not of God: wherefore the sam● is not of God, which denieth either the d●uine or humane nature of Christ, and t● true uniting of them both, or derogateth any thing, from the office of Christ, beeing● king, who only hath all spiritual rule an● authority committed unto him, being Prophet, who only is appointed, to del●uer unto us his father's mind and will● and to teach us all truth, & being a Priest● who hath offered a sweet smelling Sacrifice for us unto God the father, even his own body upon the Cross, once for all: which only Sacrifice is of force, and value to purge, and cleanse the sins of all those that believe. But who be they, which deny Christ in person or in office▪ even that Church, that would have Christ, as he is ●n, to be in any other shape & form, then that, which he received of the virgin Ma 〈◊〉 in sundry places at one time, contrary the nature of a true body: or affirmeth ●at mankind lost through Adam's fall and ans●ression, could be saved by any other lea●es, then only by Christ, whether it be ●y man's merits and works, or by the par●ons and indulgences of the Pope, or by ●nie other devise of man. Finally, that Church which teacheth any other media●●● betwixt God and man, either of redemption, or intercession, then only Christ, ●he same Church denieth Christ to have ●ome in the flesh, and therefore is not the 〈◊〉 Church of God. The bore name or title of the Church, is not sufficient: but as gold is tried by the Touchstone, so we must prove the Church by the word of 〈◊〉 which is the Touchstone of all truth. This Church by the preaching of the Gospel, by the Lodestarre of Christ his holy ●ord, hath from time to time, brought the ●le of God, from Gentility, from Iu●me, from the gross Idolatry, which ● have used in your Church, and from ● dark dungeon of ignorance, and blindness, into the clear light, & shining brightness of true knowledge: Yea this same religion, and doctrine, which now we d● teach, was delivered first by jesus Chri● unto the Apostles, then preached by them afterwards (yet not without bloodshed taught from time to time, for the space ● six hundred years, as the writings of a● the ancient Fathers do witnesse● and so forward until by little and little your superstitious patched religion increased, by fire and Faggot and other extrem● tortures and cruelties. These things being manifest, I, tendering your salvation ● which do call your ●elfe a Catholic or Papist, do most earnestly admonish you that according unto your promise, yo● would yield yourself unto the eternal God, who knoweth all secrets, and abhorreth all hypocrisy. Let Christ jesus by the sceptre of his word rule your conscience, and direct your heart in his truth, suffer the holy spirit of God, to instill the sweet taste of God's holy word into your mind, that you may hate your own ignorance, and blindness, and study to attain the true light, and to be guided by the motions of the same comfortable spirit of God, which the Lord grant to you for his Christ's sake.    

Papist.  
Ask of him, what Church it was, which ● hath induced the Christian people tho●row out the whole world, to give most ● humble credit in all points to the holy ●●●kes of the Bible? what Church hath had 〈◊〉 discerning and severing them from o●●● writings of all sorts? what Church ●●th had the custody of them, and most safe●● hath preserved them, for the necessary use of God's people, and from the corruption of adversaries, aswell jews as Heretics of all sorts: and let the Protestant declare unto me, that this congregation hath had from time to time, or ever had any right herein, ●● any other Church saving the catholic Church: and I recant.  

Answer.  
I Do marvel with what face, you can ●rrogate unto your Church, that you have moved the people throughout the world, to give credit unto the scriptures, 〈◊〉 that your Church hath deterred the ●●●ople, from reading them, affirming ●●●m to be hard and difficult, daunge●●●us 
Pigghius Libro. 3. Cap. 3. Hetarchia.  to the simple, and unlearned, a nose 〈◊〉 wax, a shippmans' hose, a dead letter, and either of envy, unto the poor sou● whom you call dogs, and hogs, a● sing this text: give not that which is h● unto dogs, or of hate unto the scripture you have kept the key knowledge, wh● is the holy word of God, under a va● in an unknown tongue: fearing (a● judge) jest the misty clouds of your persticious devices, would vanish aw● if the bright beams of Christ his G●pell might shine in simple men's mind● What humble credit do you give unto Scriptures, seeing that one of the piller● 
Eckius De Ecclesia.  your Church, saith, That the Scripture are not authentical, or of credit, b● only by the warrant, and aucthori● of your Church of Rome: an other your Doctoures, hath these words The Apostles, saith he, when they deliu●red the Creed, never said, I believe t● holy Bible, or the holy Gospel: but the 
Hosius, in confession Petri. cap. 80.  said I believe the holy Church: A● likewise, in an other place, he saith. ● any man have the exposition of th● Church of Rome, touching any plac● 
Hosius. De Expresso Dei verbo.  of the Scriptures, although he neither know nor understand, whether or how● it agreeth with the words of the Scriptures, yet he hath the very word of God. ●nd how doubtful & uncertain all your in●●●pretations be, Cusanus a Cardinal 〈◊〉 the Church of Rome showeth: It 
Nicholaus Cusanus de autoritate ecclesiae, et concilio supra et contra Scripturam.  〈◊〉 no marvel, (saith he) though the practice of the Church expound the ●●●iptures at one time one way, and at ●●●other time another way: For the understanding or the sense of the scriptures, run●●●h with the practice, and that sense, so agreeing with the practice, is the quic●●ninge spirit: And therefore the scriptures follow the Church, but contrariwise, the Church followeth not the Scriptures. And whereas in very ●eede, the scriptures be the light, that ge●●●th sight to the blind, and rightly called 〈◊〉 candle, whereby the thief is taken, the truth which doth disclose all errors, 〈◊〉 rule to square, and frame man's life, 〈◊〉 power of God unto salvation: I muse ●●●uely, how you da●● presume, to keep his hid treasure, from God's inheritance, ●nd yet pretend, that you do persuade them constantly, to give most humble credit thereunto: And forsomuch as you do challenge, ●●●e discerning, & severing the Scriptures, ●●●om other writings of all sorts, you have in very deed not only corrupted the tr● sense of the Bible, but also abased the authority of the scriptures, and have mad● equal, or rather preferred your own decrees and constitutions, before the hol● Bible: the errors in your old translation o● the Bible, (which you falsely ascribe vnt● S. Jerome) be so manifest, & so gross tha● every child may easily espy them: as i● the third chapter of Genesis these worde● 
Gen. 3. 14.  are to be found, Ipsa conteret caput tuu● She shall break thy head, meaning th● woman. Which text the lovanists woul● seem to reform, do put in ipse, referring it to Christ. You may see into what miseries you would bring us, to have us to believe, that the Virgin Marie, should brus● the Serpent's head, whereas the words are to be understanded of the seed of the woman. Likewise in the Epistle unto the Corinthians, your old translation hath these words. Omnes quidem resurgemus▪ 
1. Cor. 15. 51,  sed non omnes imutabimur: We shall all rise again, but we shall not all be changed. Which words be untruly translated: for all shall not rise again, because that at Christ's coming, some shall be found alive: yet nevertheless, All must 
1. Cor. 15. 53.  be changed, and this corruptible flesh must put on corruption. But you will perhaps say, that the fault is not in the translation, but in the Printer. Why then hath your Church suffered the same translation, to have been printed so often, and hath not corrected these faults. Nay, why with your Tridentine general council 
Concil. Triden.  precisely say, Let no man be so bold or presume by any manner of colour to refuse the old common translation of the Bible. To conclude you persuade the world if you have authority, not only to allow what translation ye list, but also as your own canonists do avouch, that the Pope the head of your Church, can at 〈◊〉 pleasure, dispense against the Law of God, against the Law of nature, against 
Extra. de constitutionibus statuta Canon. felici.  the Apostles, against all the commandments of the old and new Testament: That he is Christ's Lieftetenaunt, not only over things in heaven, over things in earth, and over things ●● hell, but also over the angels both good and bad: whereas the true Church of God, hath not at any time made herself ●●udge over the word, and law of God, 〈◊〉 always hath used subjection unto the ●●●e, grounding all her religion and faith ●●on the same word. And this you must needs confess unless, you will deny a known truth, that we (whose religion you do so vehemently withstand) have always persuaded the people, not to believe us one jot further than we bring the word of God for our warrant. And whereas you further inquire, what Church hath had the custody of the Bible, and hath most safely preserved it: I must needs say, that God of his singular mercy towards his Church, by his divine providence, hath always preserved his word, to the comfort of his children: as he preserved Elias in the wilderness, Daniel in the Lion's den, & the three children in the furnace. How, I pray you, hath the Bible been preserved by your Church, sith the whole world can testify, how you have burned the old and new Testament, which thing is yet fresh in man's memorie● Did not Cuthbert Tunstall, being then Bishop of London, cause the new Testament to be burned at Paul's cross in London: as your Church learned of jehoakim king of juda, who threw the book 
jerem 36. 23  which the Prophet jeremy by God's commandment had indicted (containing the wrath of God, against juda) into the fire? But you will say, the Testaments were falsely and untruly translated, and therefore were burned: If that had been the cause, it had been your parts, rather to have disclosed, and quoated forth the errors, and to have amended the faults. Doth the mother cast away the milk, wherewith the children, should be nourished, for that sometimes motes do fall into it? but rather culleth forth the moats, & giveth the Milk to the children: even so you aught to have done. What faults were, I beseech you, in that translation? you never noted any, if there had been, as indeed there were none, why have not you set forth a better: what doctor of your Church or favourer of your romish Religion hath written, in whose works can not be found some error? yet we burned them not, but are content to give them the reading, and do reverence them so far as they agreed with God's truth. Further if ●n Angel should speak or writ, we aught 
Gal. 18. 1.  not to believe him. judge you now (laying away all affection) whether your Church ●● ours do better esteem of the Bible, or ●● the better preserve the same.    

Papist.  
Show me why our common known church did not as well corrupt the text of the Testament, as the true religion contained in the same? Show me why she kept not as truly and as faithfully the true sense of God's word, as she preserved the word itself? Show me why we should believe the Papists (as ye term them) for the word itself, and yet we should believe you Protestants for the meaning of the word, rather than them? Show me why you believed our Church, telling you this to be God's book, and will not credit her, avouching this to be the true and undoubted sense of the same book? and last of all, show me why you believed the elder known Church, affirming this to be the word, and do not believe her, affirming Luther to be an Heretic? Show me good reason or Scripture for these points? and I recant.  

Answer.  
IF you mean by your common known Church, the Church of Rome (as you will easily assent thereunto) than your Church, is more common than true. For trial whereof, it is plain, and that by Saint Barnarde, that the pastors of your Church of Rome, keep not the spouse of God, which is his Church but they destroy her: They keep not the flock, but they kill, and devour. And one which writeth of your Church, in that great and solemn assembly at Constance, saith, They did quench the spirit, they did despise the voice of the prophets 
Barnat. in synod Ramensi.  they persecuted Christ in his members, and it was altogether a persecuting church, Barnard in an other place, likewise crieth out, O miserable Rome, which in the time of our Elders, hast brought forth the lights of worthy Fathers: 
Parali. Vspergens pag. 396.  but in our days hast brought forth the monstrous darkness, shameful, and slanderous to the time to come. An other calleth Rome, a school of error, a temple of heresy. And your old friend 
Barnar. in concilio Ramensi.  Thomas Becket, whom you have canonised for a Saint, saith: Our holy mother of Rome, is become an harlot, and hath prostituted herself, that is, hath set herself open to every man for reward. 
Petrarch.  And what need we go far? one of your 
Tho. Becket. ad Episco. Moguntinum,  own nest, in the late council of Trent, showeth his judgement of your Church of Rome. They have brought to pass, (saith he,) that godliness is turned into hypocrisy, and that the savour of 
Cornel. Bitonti●●s in c●ncilio ●ridentino.  life, is turned into the savour of death. Would to GOD they were not gone, with one general consent, from religion, to superstition: from faith, to infidelity: from Christ, to Antichrist: from God to Epicure, saying, with wicked hearts, and filthy mouths, there is no God. Truth seeketh not to be shrouded in corners. I have noted before a few places amongst many, in which you have corrupted the text of the Bible. You seem to urge this matter instantly, that your Church hath kept, and avouched truly and faithfully the true sense of the Scripture, and do marvel very much, why we will not give credit unto you. I will give you a taste of a few places, which your Church hath foully writhed. Where the Apostles (yet so 
Luke. 22. 38 ●e maiorit. et o●ed. unam sanc●am. Psalm. 8. 6.  rude, that they thought with outward weapons to withstand the enemies) do offer unto Christ two swords: Pope Boniface doth expound these words, saying: behold two swords, that is to say, the Pope hath the power, both of the spiritual sword & of the temporal. So they apply corruptly the psalmist, thou hast made all things subject unto him, that is to say, to the Pope: the cattle of the field, that is to say, men living in 
Antoni. in sum. ma. p. 3. Titul. 22 cap. 5.  the earth: the fishes of the sea, that is to say, souls in purgatory: the birds of heaven, that is to say, the souls of the blessed in heaven. Pope Alexander treading most cruelly upon the Emperor Frederiks neck, 
Psal. 91. 13.  abuseth this part of the Psalm. Thou shalt walk upon the Asp and Basilisk, the young Lion and the Dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet. What need many testimonies, seeing that your church hath wrested the whole book of the Psames, which concern God the father, and his son Christ, to magnify the Virgin Mary withal: that whereas she acknowledgeth Christ to be her Saviour, and herself to be the handmaid of the Lord, you go about to make her a Goddess, and say; that she is fidelissima Dei socia, a fellow mate with God. As also another of your Cardinals calleth her Dominan & Dean nostram, our Lady and Goddess. Where you 
Ambrosi. Catharin. council. Tri. Session. 2. Bemb. Cardi. in Epist. ad Charol.  say, that your Church gave us knowledge ●f the holy Bible, it is most untrue, for that you hid the same in an unknown tongue, and would not suffer the unlearned to have the use thereof. And albeit you very rashly impute heresy unto Luther, truly all the heresies, which ever he maintained, he sucked forth, out of the nursery of your Church, and treasury of your Pope. I● you know any other in his writings, saving that he defended with you the real presence of Christ's body in the Sacrament, I would have you to name it. But it is you● accustomed wont, to call us heretics, although you be not able to prove, that w● defend any one heresy. Nevertheless, w● must be content to bear your words, fo● so the old Prophets were charged with ●●dition and heresy: and so Tertullus charged Paul the Apostle, beginning his oration with flattery, and ending the sam● with a manifest untruth. We have (sait● he) found this man a pestilent fellow, ● mover of sedition among all the jews, throughout the world, and a chief maintainer of the sect or heresy of the 
Act. 24. 5.  Nazarets: (for so the wicked termed the true Christian religion, as you do, and to answer you fully, we say with the Apostle,) That after the way which you call heresy, 
Act. 24. 14.  so worship we the living God, and his son Christ, believing all things which be written in the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel.    

Papist.  
Again, what Church is that which hath exercised by Christ's appointment discipline upon offenders in all degrees: and for that purpose hath continually executed laws and canons ecclesiastical, with excommunication, degradation, suspension, and such like? Prove me this gear to have proceeded from Protestants, or from any other Church, then from the Catholic, and Irecant.  

Answer.  
Concerning discipline. First you allege excommunication, the true use whereof you never had in your Church of Rome, sichens it first declined from the ancient Church of Rome. Now, as a bloody mother, you sand out the thunderbolts of excommunication, against all those, which reject your superstitious traditions: even like your grandfathers the pharisees, who 
joh. 9 34.  in the time of our saviour Christ, did excommunicate all those, which did truly con●●●se 
joh. 16. 1.  Christ, and yet thought they pleased ●●d highly. john truly did prophesy of 
Apoc. 13. 15. 1. Cor. 1. 3. 1. Tim. 1. 20.  〈◊〉 Church, that she should excommunicate and kill, all such as would not worship the image of the beast, that is, ●●●eiue the ordinances, and decrees of the sea of Rome. Excommunication w● not used in the primitive Church, but ● grave offences, as appeareth by the Apostle Paul, who did excommunicate one ● incest, and Himeneus and Alexander, ● making shipwreck of the faith of Chri● They did not in the primitive Church ● communicate without the consent of t● clergy & people: which discipline decaying in Saint Ambrose his time, at th● lest in the church where he was, he lam●teth in these words: The old congregation (saith he,) and the Church following 
Ambros. in. 1. Ti. ca 5.  had Seniors, without whose counsel, nothing was done: but I know no● by what negligence, it did grow out o● use, unless it were, either by the sloth fullness, or rather the pride, of the pastors whilst they only would seem, to have the pre-eminence. Saint Cyprian, disputing this matter at large, speaketh after 
Cyprian. lib. 3. Epist. 19  this manner: Ever since I was Bishop, I determined to do nothing, without the● council of the clergy, and consent of the people. But you do use this kind of discipline, or rather abuse it privately, in every light money matter: but chiefrie against such as will not embrace your romish traditions. johannes Scotus alias Duns one of your Captains, who lived about the year of our Lord 1336. complaineth 
Lib. 4. sent. dist. 18.  of the abuse of your excommunication, and of the Papes keys, sayings, That excommunication before his time, was not used but upon great and just causes, and therefore feared: but now (saith he) it is broached and published for every trifle, and therefore groweth in contempt. Furthermore you do neither excommunicate, degrade, or suspend (except it be a very great chance) for any other cause, then is aforesaid. You have rules to dispense with your gelding Priests: Si non caste, tamen caute. If that thou canst not live chaste, yet play the whoremonger cunningly. You degrade some, and when you have taken your Popish robes from them, you turn their bodies to ashes, by cruel fire. But to knit up all in few words, our Saviour Christ did not promise, to ●●ue behind him a Church, which should execute such ecclesiastical discipline, as ●●u have prescribed: or should always outwardly in great pomp appear to the ●ewe of the whole world. But he calleth 
Luke. 12. 32. john. 16. 20.  ●●s Church a little flock, showing them before hand, that in the world, They shou● 
john. 16. 20.  weep, and lament, and have tribulation: that the world should rejoice, b● they should be sad: and that as all th● wicked persecuted him, the Lord: so shou● they persecute them, his servants: d● prove this: and I recant.    

Papist.  
AND because Christ (as Saint Pau● saith,) hath established in his Church, some Apostles, some Preachers some teachers and Doctoures, eue● till his coming again, I ask the Protestant, what Church that is, which is abl● to show, and prove the continuance and vs● of those functions ever since Christ his time, by plain account of orderly succession, and is able to name by the histories of all ages, the notable persons of all the foresaid states in their government and ministery? And if he can prove unto me, that their Church hath never lacked the same appointed officers, or that any other Church or congregation besides ours, hath always kept that charge: and I recant.  

Answer.  
TRuth it is, that Christ gave some to 
Ephe. 4. 11.  be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some pastors, and teachers: but where do you read, that our Saviour Christ ever promised all these functions to continued successively, to the worlds end? Show unto me any, which was called apostle, or prophet, after Christ his Apostles. Saint Paul the blessed Apostle, maketh mention of false Apostles, which always withstood the doctrine of the Gospel, maintained the ceremonies of the Law, and the inventions of their own brain, and set themselves opposite unto the true Apostles, and if you will claim your succession from them, I will easily agreed unto you. There hath been Preachers, and teachers at all times, save only when they have been kept under by your tyranny, which have preached God's truth, and reproved your gross Idolatry, whom your Church hath always persecuted unto death: and even until this time, there hath been and are Christians in Graecia, and Asia, which have euer●●●e, and do yet, utterly detest the Pope, the head of your Church, with all your de●●●s, and traditions. But show me in one place, I pray you, of the Scripture where ever Christ promised any such 
Paulus Aemilius.  succession, to continued in all ages. Y● were so, that the truth of God's word, ● the functions in God's Church should ●ceed always by ordinary succession: t● you had a good foundation, to build y● succession upon: Then Christ our Saui● by right, should not have controlled ● Scribes and Pharisees, which sat● Moses chair, which bragged of succe●on, as well as you do, saying: We are the seed of Abraham, we are the disciple 
Io. 8. 33. Io. 9 28. Luke. 20. 4.  of Moses, unto us God hath made ● promises, as for Christ we know n● from whence he came: And theref● they asked Christ, By what power he d● 
Acs. 20. 28.  such things, & who gave him that authority? and so they might very well ha● said, in respect of their outward succession For so Annas and Caiphas were Bishops, aswell as Aaron. But that warni● and admonition, which Saint Paul ga● unto the congregation of Ephesus, touching succession, might satisfy you. I know this (saith he) that after my departinge● 
Rom. 10. 17.  there shall grievous Wolves enter in amoung you, not sparing the flock moreover of your own selves, shall m● arise speaking perverse things. And again he saith, That true faith, cometh (not by succession) but by hearing (not 
Rom. 10. 17.  the Bishop of Rome) but the word God. If Christ had appointed any such succession, would he have forewarned us, 
Mat●. ●4. 15.  that desolation of abomination should sit ●●●he holy place: and that Antichrist should ●●●rude himself, into the room of Christ? If you look well about you, you have no cause to glory in succession, for that by your writers sufficient is spoken, to discredit your succession: for one saith, That many Popes have fallen into heresies: that 
●ira in Matth. cap. 16.  Hildebrand (in whose time defection from the faith took place) was charged by a general council, to be an adulterer, a Churchrobber, a perjured person, a 
Platin. in Rom. 1●  manqueller, a sorcerer, and an apostata. Another calleth the Pope's monsters and 〈◊〉 shapen creatures. If your head and chief of your Church be such, what shall we judge of the rest? I will take for proof of your succession, even the confession of Pope adrian the fourth: Succedimus non Pe●●●o 
Adrian. 4.  in pascendo, sed Romulo, in parrici●●●o. 
Aug. cont. Donatist. lib. 6.  We succeed, saith he, not Peter in ●●●eding, but Romulus in kill. To be ●●●t, what availeth the succession of your Church, unless you could prove, that she hath always maintained, the doctrine of Christ: For Saint Augustine saith, Tha● many do give the outward mark of a 
Aug. cont. Donatist. lib. 6.  Bishop to wolves, and be wolves themselves. That the truth of God's word ma● be the touchstone of lawful succession, giu● ear to the godly council, of a learned father. It becometh us (saith he,) to obe● 
Irenaeus lib. 4. cap. 43.  those Priests in the Church, which hau● their succession from the Apostles, an● together with the succession of their bishoprics, according to the good will o● God the father, have received the undoubted gift of the truth. An other being pressed with the like succession saith If any of my predecessors, have not observed, 
Cyprian. lib. 2. Epist. 3.  and kept the same that our Lor● hath taught us, both by his example an● also by his commandment, his simplicity may be pardoned: but we, if we do● the like, can hope for no pardon, bein● now admonished, and instructed of ou● Lord And comparing all other Churche● with the primative church, the same fath● saith: If the pipes of the conduit, whic● before ran with abundance happen ● fail, do we not use to search to the hea● The priests of God keeping Gods commandments must do the same, that if the truth have fainted or failed in any point we return to the original of our Lord and to the tradition of the Gospel, and of the Apostles, that thence we may take the discretion of our doings, from whence the order itself and original first began. Thus much concerning the succession of your Church, having no warrant by God's word,    

Papist. 6.  
AND for the necessary use and execution of the foresaid offices, they must further be asked, what sacraments the Protestant's ministered for the space of a M. years together, in which they confess their congregation to have been near or wholly hid: what correction or discipline they kept for offenders, to whom they did preach their heresies: Where did 〈◊〉 principal pastor sit in judgement? ●●●re did they gather, as in a council, ●●●ye the truth in doubtful matters? H●●e might Christian men justly, of●●●d with some of their brethren, have sought out your officers or congregation, to make complaint of him? or how if it lacked any man to have been baptised of them or to have received the communion of them or have joined themselves in faith and religion unto them? How might (I say) that contemptible and unknown company ha● been found out in this case? If therefore you can show me, that ever any man seek justice or knowledge of truth, sacrament● faith, or any help of salvation at the Pro●stants secret and close Church, or any oth● where else, but of Gods known Cathole Church: And I recant.  

Answer. 6.  
TOuching Sacraments, we fin● two appointed expressly by the wor● of God, namely Baptism, and the Lor● Supper. The one doth signify our ne● birth and regeneration, that as by wat● the filth of the body is washed clean: through faith in the blood of Christ, o● souls are cleansed from all sin, and w● are incorporate, and engraffed into the b● of Christ, and made members of his bo● of which he is the only head: the other do● put us in remembrance, that Christ I●sus is our spiritual food and sustenaun● that he is the celestial Manna, which came down from Heaven, and we (faithfully receiving the visible, and external signs, according to Christ his institution, in remembrance of his death and passion) spiritually do feed upon the body of Christ, a●● receive the fruits of his death, even remission of our sins. Other sacraments we have no warrant for, in the word of God. These sacraments were only used by Christ and his Apostles, and by all their true successors. The sacraments in the old Testament, unto which any promise was annexed, were these two only, that is circumcision, and the Passover: which do rightly and aptly represent 〈◊〉 two sacraments set forth in the new ●●●ament, as Baptism, and the lords ●●●er: which have been used always ●●●e true Church, ever since Christ, and ●●●ued of the ancient Fathers, as the only known sacraments, appointed by ●●●rist. So Augustine affirmeth, That 
August. de Doct. Christian. lib. 3. cap. 9  〈◊〉 Lord & the Apostles delivered unto ●●●ewe sacraments, in steed of many: 〈◊〉 the same to be most easy in doing, ●●●st reverend in understanding, and in ●●●eruation most pure: to wit, the sacraments of Baptism & the celebration of th● sacrament of the body and blood of ou● Lord. Likewise another saith, The sacraments 
Paschasius de coena domini.  of Christ, in the catholik● Church, are Baptism and the bod● and blood of our Lord. Which sacraments also, and all the principle point of our true religion, Constantine the Christian, and godly Emperor, and al● his noble successors mightily defended and set forth the same. The same Constantine, was christened, not by the Pope, bu● by Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, no● 
Hierom. in Chro.  in a corner, but in the presence of many other, not popish, but Christian bishops He overcame Licinium his sister's husband, 
Onomasticon.  who persecuted the Christians The same Constantine summoned a council at Nice, against that blasphemous heretic Arrius: And as the history saith the Emperor before named wrote unto all 
Sozomen. lib. 1. Cap. 17.  the rulers of the Churches, that they should be at Nice by a day, to the Bishop of the Apostolic sea, to Macarius bishop of Jerusalem, and to julius the bishop of Rome. In that flourishing time lived sundry godly writers, whose books now extant, do show that they embracced the same faith and religion, which we at this day do profess, touching the Sacraments, justification by faith only, invocation to God alone, salvation only by Christ, and all other chief points of doctrine, whose works if your Romish Church, had kept inviolable, and had not corrupted, as you did in like manner, with the Canonical books of the Bible: you might have learned a difference betwixt truth and error.  
And if you would yet harken to the doctrine which they do deliver, they will teach you that your Romish church is a cage of unclean birds, and that your religion is mingled with all heresies (though you charge others with the same fault) and that you have no true discipline, but rather cruelty, no principal pastor, saving Antichrist, no officers, but Bloodsuckers, and no Church in deed, but the Synagogue of Satan, that cruel mother, which will needs have the Child to be cut in pieces, which spareth no Sex or kind, no Infant, though it be in the mother's belly, no hoar head, nor aged person: finally your church hath no truth, but falsehood, and i● wholly imbamed with the heresies of a● ages. You take part with the Iewes an● Pagans', you care not with whom yo● shake hands, so it be not with Christ or his holy Gospel, unto which you do bear ● deadly hate. And yet you stand upon you● reputation, and would have men to beleeu● you, whatsoever you speak. Whereas you call our Church, A contemptible, unknown, close, and secret company, at thi● day, the Lord be thanked, the greater part● of Europe, besides the countries I spak● of before, do join together with us i● one truth of doctrine. I would have yo● to prove by the word of God (for you● words be no warrant, to aventure our souls upon) your Romish Church to be the ancient and true Catholic Church, and to profess the same faith and doctrine truly, which Christ & his Apostles left behind them, and that which was in the time of those godly Emperors of Rome, and a long time after: or that Christ did promise' to leave such a Church, as should have on● general and chief Pastor, to sit in judgement to punish offenders, and to call a general council to try the truth, or else we cannot join with you against God and against his son Christ. For we acknowledge no other principal Pastor, but Christ jesus, whom the heavens must contain, until the time that all things be restored, which God hath spoken by the 
Act. 3. 21.  mouth of all his holy prophets, since the world began, who nevertheless is ever present with his Church.    

Papist. 7  
Again, I require of the Protestant, to declare by good histories, or by reasonable likelihood, when the true church (as they accounted theirs to be) decayed: or in what year, the religion of the Papists came in and prevailed? Whether all their true Church was so sound sleeping, that none would preach against it: even at the ty●e when it first entered. Whether all nations, suddenly, and in one year, were moved unto the doctrine of the Papists, no one man of all their true church, either preaching, teaching, writing, nor attempting any thing against it, ● making mention of it? Whether all ●●●kes of service were altered? Whether 〈◊〉 a moment the mass was said in steed of their Apostolic communion: Whether suddenly men began to pray for souls departed, suddenly required the help of Saints in heaven, suddenly the tongue of common prayer was altered. Tell me in what year of our Lord, under what Emperor, under what Pope, upon what occasion, this marvelous mutation was made, by whom all these things were wrought, who preached against it, what story maketh mention of it, who of all your pastors preached against it. Was God's Church so void of the spirit of truth, and strength that even then, when it most flourished, it had none that durst open his mouth against such corruption of religion at the first entering in of it, and when it might soon have been repressed? If it could not have been stayed, tell me in what year of our Lord, this mutation was made and who of the true Preachers withstood our doctrine: and if we note you not by the names, every one of your captains, and the several errors, which they taught, and the time and year when they rose against the received truth, and the counsels, wherein they were orderly condemned: If I say this can be done on your side towards us, and we do it not for improofe of your Church and religion: I recant. And for that purpose because the government of the Bishops of Rome, is most misliked of them, And yet most notoriously known by every History, let them note the Pope that first broke of the course of his forefather's belief, and Regiment in any Articles of faith, or necessary Christian usage: And I recant.  

Answer. 7.  
MY meaning is not to make any long or large discourse or rehearsal as concerning the Original and offspring of your holy Church of Rome, whose beginning was with most detestable and heinous murders poisonings, and other such like means and practices: neither yet to dilate upon the proceading succession or continuance thereof, from time to time, and until this present day: neither do I mind to remember you of the honour and reverence, which by the colour of your succession, you have won thereunto from God, unto whom only such honour is due: But to answer you in few words the true Church of God began first to decay, whe● as your bishops of Rome, not conte●ted with their diocese and their peculiar charge, usurped other men's rights an● interest: or when they challenged authority, above their fellow bishops. Thi● was in Phocas time, who flew his Maist● Mauritius the Emperor, and (to curr● favour with the Pope) yielded unto hi● that superiority, that he should be calle● the universal bishop, and head of th● Church. And so saith Platina: Bonifa● (saith he,) the third of that name obtained 
Platin. in Bonis. 3.  of Phocas the Emperor, ye● not without great contention, that h● should be called, the head of the Church. So saith Sabellicus: The Pope Boniface 
Sabellicus.  the third (saith he) at his beginning, entreated Phocas the Emperor, that the Roman Church might be the head of all other Churches: and that was granted unto the Apostolic Sea, not without great strife: the Grecians claiming that honour, saying, that they aught by Christian piety, to be chiefest, in respect of the Empire, which long before that time, was at Constantinople. Yet it appeareth by the writings of Gregory the great, that this challenge should rather be a sign of Antichrist, then of a true minister of Christ: and therefore he writeth unto john bishop of Constantinople, saying, It is not my 
.  cause, but it is Gods, not I only but the whole Church is troubled, because godly laws, reverend synods and the very commandments of our Lord are overthrown, by a certain proud and pontifical name or word of universality. And again he saith, Whosoever 
Gregor. lib. 4. Epist. 36.  doth call himself an universal bishop, is either antichrist, or the forerunner of Antichrist. And again, None of our Roman Bishops ever challenged this name of singularity, none of my predecessors ever agreed to use this profane word, we will not receive this honour, though it were offered unto us. And, to speak the plain truth, even from this time God's true Church began to decay, and the superstitions of your Church of Rome, by little and little to increase: and as your 
August.  Church grew in wealth and riches, so it waxed proud and careless, as a good writer spoke of it: Ecclesia peperit divitias et filia devoravit matrem. Th● Church brought forth riches, and t● daughter devoured the mother. Fo● even this same Gregory who lived six hundred years and odd after Christ, not wtihstanding his own books do witness against him, to all posterities: yet in his latter age, he claimed this name of universality, though he could never attain it: for not only he, but all before him, and many after him, yielded themselves unto the Emperors, refusing to be called universal bishops, or heads of the Church. Marcellus, Meltiades, and Silvester bishops of Rome, were in subjection unto Constantine the Emperor, Sirilius in subjection to Theodosius Anno domini 388. Hilarius unto justinian, Anno Domini. 528. Gregory the first unto Mauritius, Anno domini 600 Adrian and Leo to Ludovicus Pius, Anno domini 830. Sergius unto Lotharius, Anno. 840. Benedict. 3. and john 9 unto Ludovicus the Emperor Son of Lotharius, Anno domini. 856. But some of these bishops with their successors peeced and patched with certain superstitious ceremonies your Church, even until ●ildebrandes time, otherwise called Gregory the. 7. at which time (as it was prophesied long before) Antichrist ●d begin his full reign. Which Hilde●ande by a council of nineteen bishops ●olden at Brixia, was condemned for a 
Abbas vrsperg, Anno. 1083.  ●riured person, and a Necromancer. As for your mass (which was and is a more abominable Idol than the idol at Delphos, though the Devil himself was worshipped there in personal form) it was seven hundred years in setting together, and in framing. And transubstantiation the pillar of your mass not hatched until your Lateran council began which was after Christ. 1215. years: and some 
1215.  even the chiefest doctoures of your Church cannot tell, whether it be true, or false, certain or uncertain, or a very dream, or no. For Petrus Lumba●●us rehearseth these doubts, and thereunto he addeth his answer. Quibusdam ita videtur, Quidam dicunt, quidam 
Sentenc. 4. dist. Si autem.  tradunt, quidam concedunt, alii putaverunt, substantiam ibi panis et vini remanere: Some men judge thus, Some say thus, Some have written thus, some grant this, some other have thought thus, that the very substance of the bread and wine remaineth still. But mark your doctors judgement and answer. Si autem queritur, qualis sit illa conversio, an formalis, an substantialis, an alterius generis, definire non sufficio: If a question wear moved, what manner of conversion or change this is, whether it be in form, or in substance, or of some other sort, I cannot define. You may see your great doctors to be as ignorant, and as doubtful, as the rest. An other of your doctors saith. How 
Gabriel. Biel. in canon. lect. 40.  the body of Christ is there, whether it be by changing of something into it, or Christ his body begin to be there together with the bread, both the substance and the accidents of the bread remaining still without change, it is not found expressed, in the canon of the bible. Behold your Church: Behold your doctors: Behold your uniform assent and agreement, which untruly you so much boast of. What time prayers for the dead souls, Invocation to Saintes, service in an unknown and strange tongue began in your Romish Church, it is not much material, seeing they be all expressly ●gainst the word of God. The continuance of an error, doth not make the error, a truth. You may know by the scriptures, that the souls of such as depart his life in the faith of Christ, be with La●arus in Abraham's bosom (as Saint 
Luke. 16. 22.  ●ohn saith) in rest, and need not your prai●rs. 
Apo. 14. 13  Such as end their life in wickedness, ● die without true repentance, be in hell, ●here as the scripture saith, that there is ●o redemption. Concerning invocation, ●nd prayer, which is a part of god's worship, you rob God of his due honour, if ●ou give that to any creature, which is ●roper to the creator: For God saith by ●is prophet, Honorem meum alteri non ●abo: I will not give mine honour to ●nie other. And again: Call upon me ●n the day of thy trouble, and I will hear 
Io. 16. 23.  ●hee. So likewise our Saviour Christ ●aith, whatsoever you shall ask my father ●n my name, he shall give it you. And Saint john saith. If any man sin, 
1. Io. 2. 1.  ●ee have an advocate with the Father, ●esus Christ the righteous, and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ●urs only, but for the sins of the whole world. By the which words we ● taught, that Christ our saviour is not on● the mediator of our redemption, but also ● our intercession, & doth pled our cause w● god. Why would you have us to take Chr● his office from him, as you do by inuocati● & praying to saints, in making them mean● for us, seeing that the Saints depart● know not our estate, & understand not o● infirmities? as Esaie the prophet doth w●nesse, saying: Though Abraham be ignorant 
Esai. 63. 16.  of us, & Israel know us not, yet tho● O Lord art our Father, & our redeemer thy name is for ever. Whereupon S. Augustine giveth this note: Tho● seest here (saith he) that neither Abrah● 
Aug. lib. de cura pro mortuis agenda. Cap. 14.  nor Israel knew after their death, wh● the estate was of their posterity. And i● the same chapter (he saith) I am certainly persuaded, that the dead know● no more what we do here in earth, the● we being in earth, know what they do● in heaven. Touching service in an unknown speech, how can it stand with the Apostles doctrine? If the Trumpet (saith Saint Paul) give an uncertain 
1. Cor. 14. 8.  sound, who shall prepare himself to battle? Also in the same Chapter. Let ● things be done in the congregati● to edifying how are the people ●lified which understand not, what is ●oken? But to make the matter more ●aine, the Apostle saith further: I had ra●er in the Church, to speak five words 
1. Cor. 14. 19  ●th my understanding, that I might ●so instruct others, than ten thousand ●ordes in a strange tongue. You ask ●so who preached against the Church ● Rome, for the space of a M. years? ●uly even from time to time, God had his church, which reproved your gross ido●tries. And for a taste, I will name you a 
Reinulph. C●●●.  ●we. The Monks▪ of Chester, which ●ere not idle bellied Monks, but payne●ll Preachers, and lived not upon the ●eate of other men's brows, but by their ●ne handy labour, whom your Monkish augustine (sent into England by Pope gregory) did find means to murder ●ost cruelly, by incensing the king to make far against them. Sabellicus saith, in the 
Sabellicus.  ●are of our Lord 1111. the Bishop of Flu●ce began to teach & preach Anti●rist then to be born, & to be manifest. ●rnulphus a godly preacher, inveighing against 
Anno. 1131.  the abominations of your Church was privily hanged in Rome by you● 
Sabellicus. Platina.  clergy men: This is no tale but recorded by your own histories. A counce was holden in king Steuens time, vnd● Theobaldus archbishop of Canterbury 
Anno. 1133. , charging the bishops, that th● people should learn the lords praye● and the Creed in English. Gherardu● and Dulcinus, both being preachers, affirmed 
Anno. 1280.  the Pope to be Antichrist, and Rom● to be Babylon. In the same year, king Henry the second made Laws at Claredowne in Normandy, abolishing th● Popes authority, taking away appellations, and Peter pence. In the city of Tolouse in the year of our Lord. 1178. a 
Anno. 1178.  great number, both men and women professors of the true religion, were by the Pope's commissioners condemned to death. There were certain christian people, called Valdenses or Leonistes, true professors 
Roger Hoveden.  of the Gospel, as appeareth by the articles of their religion, which lived in the year of our Lord 1170. And of these godly Christians, speaketh one of your 
Laziardus. Anno. 1170.  own writers: who saith thus, The sect of these Leonistes hath a great show of piety or godliness, because they lived justly, and uprightly before men, 
Reinerius.  ●nd do believe all things very well, ●hich concern God, and all the artiles, which be contained in the Creed: only they do speak ill of, and do ●ate the Church of Rome. I will not ●eake of king john, who detesting your romish doctrine, was poisoned by a ●ayterous monk, at Swinested Abbey, ●n Lincolneshier. I let pass john Wick●iffe person of Literworth, who read the divinity lecture in Oxenford, a zealous professor of all the points of doctrine, which we now maintain: Whose bones, your clergy took up many years after his death, and burned them. I could name john hus and Jerome of Prage Bohemians, whom the Emperor, and your Pope sent for, unto the council holden at Constance, under their safe Conducts, 
Co●cil. constan.  to come and go in safety, yea, though they proved very notably their faith, which word by word agreeth with the true religion, now set forth: Nevertheless contrary to promise' & their own hands & seals, most violently they condemned them for heretics, & burned them. And to salve this sore, & blear the worlds eyes, they afterward decreed, that Fides cum haereticis non esset servanda: that is, That faith aught not to be kept with heretics. God's name be thanked, it may sufficiently be proved, that in all ages there were some, which defended the truth, against your tyranny. But to come to the Pope, this word Papa is a general name unto all learned men: and therefore doth not pertain only to the sea of Rome. Saint Augustine & Saint Hierome, writing one to another, calleth each other, Papa: though one of them was conversant in jewrie, & the other at Hippo in Aphrick. But to the matter. You would know, what we mislike in the Pope's government, and what Pope declined first from his Forefathers faith and steps. The Popes, or bishops of Rome, for the space of three hundred years after Christ, did for the most part suffer martyrdom under the wicked Emperors, for the testitimonie of Christ, and the doctrine in these days published: At which time they did not rule, but were ruled: After that, they lived other three hundred years, and more in a calm time, and in great quietness, by God's providence under Constantine the great, and the god● Emperors his successors. Which time ●eeing expired and accomplished, they ●eeing pricked forwards through pride ●nd ambition, did begin to claim superiority over their fellow Bishops, ●nd also to decline by little and little, from ●he perfect rule of God his holy word ●nd verity: And in steed thereof magnified, and extolled themselves and ●heir own inventions & traditions, not striking and contending who should excel or ●oe before one an other in pure and sincere doctrine and holiness of life: But ●ather who could work most mischief and injury one towards an other of them seeking one to deprive an other of their Bishopprikes, and often times of life, in taking one an other out of their 
Platina.  graves, and also cutting of one an others finger's, and poisoning one another, and ●n making Laws decrees and ordinances one against an other: there being sometimes two or three Popes at one time, in doctrine unsound, in life wicked, and in this hurley burly, the Church of Rome continued a very long time, both before, and after Hildebrande. Nevertheless, this Hildebrande being yet Cardinal (as one of your own Cardinals 
●enno Cardinalis  reporteth) did beat Pope Alexander with his fist, and kept him in prison (for that he would not take upon him to be supreme head of the Church) which Hildebrande poisoned six Popes, was 
Aventinus.  a conjuror, and raised up devils, and threw the Sacrament into the fire. Another saith, that they were many, that both privately and openly cursed Pope Hildebrande, and said, that with his hatred and ambition, he troubled the world: and that under the colour of Christ, he wrought the feats of Antichrist. This was he, in whose time Satan was let lose, and when your Church of Rome, 
2. Thes. 3. 4. 5.  might truly be called the seat and harbour of Antichrist, the man of sin, which setteth himself against God, which sitteth in men's consciences, & is even that whore which Saint john speaketh of, Which 
Apoc. 18. 3.  should make the nations of the earth drunken with the cup of her fornication, and hath imbrued her hands in the blood of God's Saints. Surely, I must needs say, if that these Potentate's had been but a little whittled, and ●ot beastly drunk, they would never have been so deceived by antichrist, and received the mark of the beast. What Lord, King, or Emperor would have kissed the Pope's foot, holden his stirrup, & served him at the table. To conclude, besides their wickedness in life, (as many of them being conjurers, adulterets, namely Silvester the second, who gave himself body and soul to the Devil, that he might be Pope: and Pope joane the woman Pope, who traveled with Child, as she was carried on four men's shoulders 
Platina.  about in procession) their doctrine is most damnable and repugneth in all points the Gospel of Christ: As one saying of Agryppa, speaking of the Pope, and and Church of Rome, plainly showeth. 
Agrippa. devanitate scientiarum.  They command (saith he) the Angels: they have power over the dead: they use violence against the Scriptures to have the fullness of authority: The Pope himself is become intolerable: There was never Tyrant, like unto him in pomp and pride: The Legates of the bishop of Rome, do so riot in their the Pope to be Antichrist, as Irenaeus a godly father showeth: Antichrist (saith he) 
Irenaeus.  being a runagate, and a thief, yet he will be worshipped as a God: And being but a bondservant, yet he will be proclaimed and published as a King. 
Ancelm. 2. Thess. 2.  Another saith: Antichrist shall feign himself to be holy: that he may deceive men under the colour of holiness, yea he shall call himself God, and shall 'cause himself to be worshipped, and shall promise' the kingdom of heaven. An other 
Gregory in job. lib. 25. cap. 14.  saith, Whereas he is a damned man, and no spirit, he pretendeth himself, to be a God, and whatsoever he doth no man may ask him, Domine, cur ita facis? Sir why do you so: Enter now into your own conscience, examine these sayings uprightly, look upon them with a single eye, and then judge you indifferently. And I trust that you will recant, according to your promise.    

Papist. 8  
ITEM I ask what kind and order of service or common prayer, what way of ministering the Sacraments, your Church had, before papistry (as you call it) prevailed in the world? show me one book or copy of communion, or what else you list, that was in english, or lacked praying for the departed, or invocation of Saints in heaven, or that wanted oblation or sacrifice, or that charged a number to receive, else the Priest could not consecrated or say Mass, receiving alone, or show any note in a communion book, that people should take the sacrament for plain bread, or that they should give no honour unto it? show this book, or any Church or congregation that ever had ani●●utenticall service, but ours: And I recant.  

Answer. 8  
I Shall not need to stand long in reciting what kind of service was used, before papistry began: verily even the same which our Saviour Christ set forth, which is recorded in the four Evangelists, and in the Epistles and writings of the Apostles: from which, the Apostles & the congregations unto whom they had preached the Gospel, departed not one jot. And so the Apostle speaking of the institution of the lords Supper, saith: That thing 
1. Cor. 11. 23.  which I have received of the Lord, the same have I delivered unto you. As though he should say, even he which aught only to bear authority in the Church hath prescribed a way, and orders of celebrating his last Supper: of which these are the chief parts: That the Minister should show the lords death, by preaching his word and Gospel, by calling upon the name of the Lord in prayer, in delivering the bread & wine, to be received with thanksgiving, that the congregation should for their parts prove and try themselves touching the knowledge of GOD, faith in the mercies of God offered in Christ, and true sorrow and lamentation for their sins past, endeavouring themselves to lead a new life, & to show forth the Lords death in consenting to his word, and institution. It is manifest that the people, to the number of three thousand souls being of diverse countries and nations, converted unto the Gospel by Peter's preaching, continued (for so the holy Ghost speaketh) in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and breaking 
Act. 2. 42.  of bread, and prayers. This order of service was used in all congregations from time to time, amongst true Christians, and remained perfect for the space of six hundred years and odd, yea, until the same was altered by your Popish Clergy, who not being contented with that, which Chris●e, his Apostles and the ancient Doctoures and Fathers of the Church had set forth, devised a new way of worshipping GOD, a new ●order of ministration, a strange and new ● devised form of prayer, and so turned all upside down. But in defence of the truth, we may boldly and truly answer you, that we hold and maintain the same order of service, the same ministration of Sacraments, & the same prayer that the true Apostles and faithful Christians used in all ages. And whereas you ask for Books in English, which were written before Papistry began, in which there is no mention made of praying for the dead, of invocation to saints of private Mass. It is plain that there were sundry godly books of Scripture, which Dioclesian that wicked Emperor did burn in open markets, whose steps your Church of Rome hath followed evermore in suppressing the truth by such means: Notwithstanding, God be thanked, there be many volumes exstant, written both by the ancient and godly fathers of the Church, as also in the Saxon tongue & in very old● English of which I have seen one, very lately found in a very old ruinons' wall which forbiddeth prayers for the dead which teacheth us only to invocate th● name of God, which maketh mention o● no mass, but of the communion in bot● kinds, and to conclude doth avouch i● all points the same Sacraments, th● same principles of religion, and the same manner of worshipping God, that we do, and proveth the same by the scriptures. I● appeareth in histories that the Bohemians made petition unto the council holden a● Basill, that they might be permitted to have still, the Gospels the Epistles and the Creed in their vulgar tongue: i● which petition they affirmed, that in the Slavon language, it had been used of old in the Church, and likewise in their own kingdom. Charles the great called five counsels, namely at Mentze, Rome, Rheims, Cabilon and Arelate & also decreed that only the canonical books of the 
Ex primo Tom. Conciliorum. Anno. 810.  Scripture should be read in the Church and none other, as it was decreed long before in the council holden at Carthage. He    

●ame one of them in the whole Church, ei●her erected for your faith, Church and service, or not prepared for all sorts for catho●ke practices: prove to me that it was done, ●or any other service and religion, then ours, ●r that they be monuments of any other faith ●r church, than that common known catho●cke church: And I recant.  

Answer. 9  
WHereas you demand, What furniture our Congregation ever ●ad, etc. I must needs tell you, that either ●he having of such furniture, or the want ●hereof are but weak & feeble arguments ● prove the true Church of God by. In outward pomp, in superfluous ornaments, in unnecessary toys, in vain decking of your Churches with gold and sil●er, and other precious and costly attire, in ●nprofitable rites, in furnishing your ●mples with abominable idols, in plea●ng the ear, in delighting the eye, in ●uginge, in roaring, in toying, in trif●ng, in nodding, in becking, & in ducking, ● all such heathenish shows, and senseless significations, we think your Romish● Church excelled all idolatrous Ethnics before, and therefore in such superstitious trifles, we will not compare with you, but willingly give unto you the pre-eminence, because they be not signs of true religion, but badges of antichrist, and furniture to deck the whore of Rome withal: For all such kind of trumpery, be her very marks. As these was none of these toys in the primitive Church, neither in any true reformed Church, sithence that ●●ine▪ so there was no Churches until the time of Constantine the great, who builded churches and moved others to do the like, for the people of God to repair unto, for to hear the word of God truly preached, to receive the Sacraments faithfully ministered, according to Christ's institution: & for the same use and purpose, we have builded Churches, and do continually repair and re-edify such as be decayed and ●u●nous. But unto the time of Constantine, the Christians were violently and extremely put to death, and persecuted of tyrants having no public places, to resort unto, but privately assembled themselves, 
Ra●●lphus Ces●●iens.  sometimes in dwelling houses, sometimes in hollow caves and dens, ●or fear of the cruel, & bloody torments. 
I aurentius vall● de donatione Constantini.  Laurentius Valla saith, that in times passed before the reign of Constantine the great, the Christians had no temples, but secret and close places, holy little houses, but no great and gorgeous buildings, chapels, no Churches, oratory's within private walls, no public and open Churches. For your chalices I will only use the saying of Pope Boniface. 
Bonifacius.  In time past (saith he,) golden bishops used wooden chalices: but now wooden bishops use golden chalices. In like manner in Constantine his time there were no altars of lime & stone, but communion tables of wood and a long time after, as it may easily be proved by ancient writers. Athanasius writeth, 
Athanasius in Epist. ad sol●taria●● vitam agendam  That the Arrian Heretics in their fury and their rage, did carry forth and burn the seats, the pulpits, the wooden table and board, and such other things, as they could get, out of Christian Churches. S. Augustine writeth the 
Augu. ad Bonifacium. Epist. 50.  same of the Donatists. Concerning your vestiments, your catholic practices, and all your trumperies, and beggarly Ceremonies, for which you have no warrant in God's book, we way not one rush. We hold us contented with that, which Christ our saviour, his Apostles, and other catholic godly Fathers used. Did not our saviour Christ, I pray you, minister his last supper 
Math. 26. 26.  unto his Apostles at the table, without any further ceremony, even as the Apostles, & 
1. Cor. 10. 21.  all true Christians have done ever more▪ whose example the Lord grant us to follow.    

Papist. 10  
I Ask of them, whether the Lutherans, Zwinglians, Illirians, Caluinists, Confessionists, Zwingfeldians, Anabaptists, and such like be all of one church. And if either they can prove unto me, that these being of such diversity in faith and religion, make one church, or that each of these sects may give salvation to their followers being so disagreeable one with the other, in high points of our religion: or that I should believe all these, rather than the catholic church, or one of these more than an other, all making such a bold challenge, for the truth & Gospel, Let the protestants of all these confer together, & show me of these things, and with all, among themselves agreed to what sort of these sects, they would have me, & I recant.  

Answer. 10  
I Do marvel greatly, that you impute 
Aug. contra Anabaptists. B●llinger▪ contra Anabaptistas.  unto our religion, the heresies of the Anabaptists, & Swingfeldians, seeing that we do not in our daily sermons inveigh against their blasphemous errors: but also have written sundry books, to confute the the same. You do ask a very hard & difficult question, which you do utter, either for want of wit, or lack of knowledge: to wit, Whether Caluin, etc. were of one Church, & whether they gave salvation to their followers. It is not in man precisely to define, who is of God's Church, for that they only be of God's invisible church, Whom God hath elected unto salvation in his son Christ before the foundation of the world 
Ephe. 1. 4.  was laid, & God only doth know who are his. But it may be that you understand it of the visible church, & then I will answer you accordingly that we are certainly persuaded, that they were God's children, and that they ended their life, and closed up their eyes in the true faith of Christ, & do rest now in God's Kingdom. Where you seem to charge them with manifold schisms, & diversity of judgements, the truth is, that they agreed in all points with the scriptures, saving that Luther in the real presence dissented from the rest: which heresy (as I have noted before) he received of your church of Rome. I would not have you to think, that we ground our faith and religion, or repose any part of our salvation upon any particular Church, or Council, or upon any mortal man, as you do. We receive men's judgements, and writings, as they are men, and so may err. And so the godly Fathers in times past 
Aug ad Fortuna●ianum. ●pist. 3.  were reputed and taken. S Augustine hath these words. We aught not (saith he) to accept the disputations, & writings, of any one be they never so Catholic, and praise worthy, as we do receive the canonical scriptures, but that saving their reverence due unto them, we may well find fault with, or reject some things in their writings, if it happen we find, they have otherwise thought, than the truth may bear them: so am I in other men's writing, and so would I have others understand mine. It is most true that Origem, Ambrose, Augustine, Hierom, & the other fathers of the Church have their several errors, & one doth writ against an other most vehemently. What marvel is it, that these did differ, seeing that ●he Apostles themselves could not agreed always in all points. Paul did withstand 
Gal. 2. 11.  Peter in the face before all men. Platina, one of your own story writers, affirmeth that the Popes themselves, whom you brag so much of, did repugn one an others decrees. The next Pope (saith he) 
Platina in Stephano & Romano.  either breaketh, or utterly repealeth his predecessors decrees: For these little petty Popes, had no other study to occupy themselves with all, but only to deface, the name of the former Popes: of which church were not only these Popes, but also your own schoolmen, & pillars of your religion: How came it to pass, that these things were uttered in your own books. Barnardus non vidit omnia: Barnarde did not see all things. Hic magister non tenetur: Here 
Tho. Aqu. in quodlibet q●articulo ultimo.  one master is not to be received. Thomas Aquine, saith, that we are not bonnd upon the necessity of salvation, to believe not only the Doctors of the Church, as Hierom. & August▪ but also neither the church itself, saving only matters concerning the substance of faith. But let all men's authority pass, and receive that remaining in eight Persons, the which which the holy Apostle wriceth. Whosoever bringeth not the Doctrine of the Gospel, receive them not. And again: If we or an Angel from heaven do 
Gal. 1. 8.  preach any other doctrine, than you have received, hold him accursed. To conclude we aught not to lean either to this man, or that, to the right hand, or to the left, to this church, or that church in any thing whatsoever, further than the truth of God's word doth direct us. Neither doth our salvation depend upon any earthly man, but we ascribe it wholly to our lord, & saviour Christ, by whose stripes only we are healed.    

Papist. 11  
Moreover I ask of the Protestants, whether in the time, on which they hold the true Church to have been hidden or lost, the people, that learned this article of their Creed, I believe the catholic Church, was bound to go from the church, which they saw, and which taught them both that article & all other things touching their faith, by which they were christened & received all other sacraments & commodities of salvation? And whether they were bound to seek for this unknown & close congregation, which they could neither come unto, nor by ●hich they never received any benefit, nor ●ould receive any, & so forsake the church, ●y whom and in whom they received both ●heir faith & sacraments. Show me therefore ●hat the Christian men of those dates were charged to believe any other church or seek for any other church, than that which taught them the articles of the church, and baptised them: And I recant.  

Answer. 11  
YOu further demand, Whether the people, when the Church was hid, were bound to go from the church, which they saw, & seek the unknown church, & believe the same, If you will vouchsafe to peruse that, which I have noted: heretofore, which is also confirmed by sundry learned authorities, viz. that the true church of God is to be sought for, & to be found only by the scriptures, which are the foundations of the same church, you may be satisfied herein, that the people aught to stay themselves upon the scriptures, & not to believe any further, than God's word leadeth them. The true church of God, is not always most apparent in earth, or consisting of the greatest number. This appeareth by Noah, in setting himself against all the world 
Gen. 9 1.  (the true Church only excepted) then were saved in the ark, and all the world else drowned. Was not Lot & his small family, the true Church of God delivered by 
Gene. 19 16.  the Angels, and the five whole cities destroyed▪ where was the Church in the time of Elias, when he complained most bitterly, 
1. Reg 19 10.  and said, I have been very jealous, for the Lord God of hosts: For the children of Israel, have forsaken the covenant, broken down the altars, & slain thy Prophets with the sword, & I only am left, and they seek my life to take it away. Where was the Church 
Esay 1. 21.  when Esay the Prophet cried out. How is the faithful city become an harlot? it was full of judgement, & justice lodged therein: but now, they are murderers, their silver is become dross, their wine is mixed with water, their Princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Where was the Church, when David the Prophet did break for the into these words, there is not one that doth good, 
Psal. 14. 4.  not not one. If there were any Church of God, in these times, in which these Prophets lived, no doubt it was in very few or else hid altogether, otherwise they would not so grievously have complained of the want thereof. And yet there was in all ●ese times, a Church in outward form, & ●ewe, to the judgement of man supposed to ● the true Church, where the jews the ●●e Church, at what time they boasted most ● the outward beauty of their Church, ●ying: We are the temple of the Lord, or 
jerem. 7. 4.  ●hen they said, we are the children of God: whereas even at that time, they went ● whoring after their own inventions. 
Io. 8. 41.  But as the Scribes, & pharisees vaunted ●em selves, that they were the true Church ●f God, the Disciples of Moses the sons 
Io. 8. 33. Marc 7. 7,  ●f Abraham, where as in deed by the testimony of our saviour Christ, they worshipped God in vain, teaching the precepts and doctrines of men, and erred, for ●hat they know not the scriptures, & were 
Math. 22. 29. Matth. 23. 14  hypocrites & dissemblers, devouring widows houses, under a colour of long prai●r: even so you, with your Church of Rome, ●hough you brag never so much of your succession, and authority, the holy ghost 
Apoc. 18. 10  plainly showeth, that your Babylon shall ●aue a fall. Our saviour Christ telleth both 
Luk. 19 46,  ●ou, & the pharisees, that you have made (through your own devices) the temple of God adenn of thieves. Triumph never so much, that you are the catholic church▪ that you are in the ark of Noah, you are none of Gods, neither shall be, till you renounce, & abolish your vain ceremonies ● false worshipping of God, & other things which you do contrary to his holy worde● The true church of God, is compared to the Moon: which sometimes is full clear a● bright, sometimes in the Eclipse is wan ● dark: so the church of God is now great now small, now calm and in quietness, now subject to tempests, and troubles, now in many, now in few. And therefore you are greatly deceived, in that you do think, the Church utterly extinguished, when it appeareth not at your pleasure. Thus you may learn by sundry writers, that God hath had, & will have always his church, whether it be more or less. One which hath written the Fort of faith, say thus: In this battle of devils, notwithstanding 
Fortalitium fidei, lib. 5.  the godly Princes, the soldiers the Ecclesiastical Prelates & subjects be overthrown, yet evermore some remain, in whom the truth of faith and the righteousness of a good conscience is preserved. And although there remain but two men in the world, yet in the same    

church then all men young & old for those years perished with out hope of mercy, because they could not unite themselves and be incorporate to the company and congregation whereof they never heard, nor could by any means surmise. Therefore let any man alive prove me, that either any man could ever out of the true Church be saved, or that any other company could be known for the true and only Church, but our common catholic society, or that all men were damned for a thousand years together, because they could not surmise of any other Church, then that which practised all holy functions which Christ left for our salvation ●n the world: And I recant.  

Answer. 12  
Concerning your question, whether any man for the space of a thousand ●eeres of blindness could be saved out of the Protestants Church, we do not yield so much unto you, that your blind Church continued a thousand years, but of that I have sufficiently spoken before, and have showed in what manner it began, how● i● grew, and increased, and when it came to full perfection. You have moreover framed (albeit uncunningly) a dilemma or captious proposition, wherein you mean● to entrap us, in these words: If (say you) for the space of a M. years, the people could be saved by the popish sacraments, than the● was away to heaven, without God's church: ● then all are damned which died, within the ●●● pass, of these M. years. Which argument is untrue in either part: for we neither can ascribe salvation to your sacramente● neither do we condemn those, which died ● the time of ignorance, but refer them ● Gods secret judgement. Furthermore ● answer that without the Church of Go● there is no salvation, but this Church ● not bound, nor tied to place, time, or pe●son, but is invisible, not known, save only to GOD, who causeth his light to shin● forth of darkness, who doth by his hol● spirit breath where he thinketh good● Who is no accepter of persons, as P●ter 
joh. 3. 8. Act. 10. 34.  saith, But in every nation, he that feareth God, and worketh righteousness is accepted of him: Who is sure in his promises & cannot deny himself. And Saint Paul grounding upon God's election and man's faith, saith That the foundation 
2. Tim. 2. 19  of God remaineth sure, & hath his seal, that the Lord knoweth who are his. Man cannot judge whom God hath chosen. For although Elias supposed all the children of God in Israel, to have been murdered, by wicked jesabel, and cried out, I only am left alive: Answer was 
2. Reg. 19 1●  made him by God, That he had seven thousand in Israel, that had not bowed there knees unto Baal. And therefore we will not judge those, which have died in ignorance for want of knowledge, but refer all to God's secret judgement, who knoweth whom he hath chosen. Touching the visible church, Saint Augustine saith, 
August.  That according to gods secret predistination, there be many sheep without the Church, and many wolves within the Church, for he knoweth them, and hath them marked, that know neither God nor themselves. So that we neither condemn old, nor young, rich nor poor, noble nor simple, but leave them unto the Lord, who knoweth his. God is able in a moment to turn man's heart. The thief that did hung upon the right hand of our saviour Christ when he desired him to remember him, when he should come into 
Luke. 23. 42.  his kingdom, was most lovingly received. I have known sundry persons which have been trained up all their life time in your popish religion, and upon their deathbed when they did see no way but one, they have renounced all your trumpery, and popish worship and have died faithful Christians to man's judgement. Therefore I end this matter, with that saying of the Apostle: That Christ is able to have 
Heb. 5. 2.  compassion upon them that be ignorant. So we refer all things unto Christ as unto our only head and Captain, who hath conquered all our enemies, and reconciled us to God his father. You repose a trust and confidence in your Sacraments, whereunto you do ascribe salvation using them as a way or means to climb up to heaven, as though they could sanctificand, confer grace, which, albeit you did use them according unto Christ's institution, which you have clean altered, and do not agreed therewith in any one point: yet they were but visible signs of 
August.  invisible grace, So we say that they be true significations of Gods eternal grace, being ministered according to the rule, which Christ hath left. But if grace were necessarily joined with the outward Sacraments, than the wicked receiving the Sacramental signs, should also receive grace which is far from them. I will not urge you with many authorities for the proof hereof, whether the sacraments contain grace or no: Read but your own writers, and they can satisfy you herein, Bonaventure one of your own side saith: 
Bonaventura in 4. Senten. dist. 1. 4. 3.  We may not in any case, say that the grace of God, is contained in the Sacraments substantially, as water in the vessel, or medicine in the box (for to understand it so, it were erroneous:) But the Sacraments are said, to contain the 
john de Parisus. de potest. Regia. cap. 26.  grace of God, because they signify the grace of God. An other of your schooldoctors saith: The special grace of the passion of Christ is contained in the Sacraments of the Church: even as the power of the workman is contained in the instrument or tool, wherewith he worketh. Even as the children of the 
2. Reg. 4. 40.  Prophets said to Elizeus the Prophet: O thou man of god, death is in the pot: for that they feared, some poisoning herb to be in the pot, because of the bitterness. 
Proveth. 18.  And as the wise man saith, Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it, shall eat the fruit thereof. His meaning is that by the well, or evil using of the tongue, cometh either good or bad. But thus much of these matters.    

Papist. 13  
Again show me any church, or immagin, if you can by good reason, a Church of Christ, in which there is no gathering together for preaching, no spirit of prophesying, no rod of correction, no order of ministering, nor any spiritual function that can be named: prove me that there can be a true Church for a thousand years together, and lack all th●se things, and withal, that there was one untrue Church, which for those many years only practised these offices to the salvation of many, And give me a good reason, why this church that always hath had these functions should be a false Church, and the other that wanted them all, should be a true Church, and I recant.  

Answer. 13  
THese be very base, & childish reasons to prove the true Church of God by, as though Christ's Church should be always known and disceened by outward offices, and functions. I have showed before at large, that the true church of God might be so hidden, & the true religion so suppressed, that it might in man's judgement seem that god had no church at all, or else a very small Church▪ yet nevertheless God hath from time to time sent some Moses, some Elias, some jeremy, some Baruch, or some one or other, to represent his true Church, to publish his true law & gospel, & to waken the people from sin, that the world might thereby be without all excuse, as I have named some, which lived in the time of ignorance, which diligently preached the Gospel and reproved the idolatries of your Church. There was moreover 
Crantrius. lib. 8. cap. 16. &. 18. Anno. 1240.  certain godly preachers in Suevia, in the year of our Lord. 1240. which preached against the Pope, affirming his authority to be usurped, and the doctrine of the Church of Rome to be corrupt. Arnoldus de nova villa a spaniard complained, that Satan had seduced the 
Lib. de testibus Veritatis. Anno. 1290.  world, by your Church of Rome, from the truth of jesus Christ, and said, That there aught to be no sacrifice for the dead. Which your Church earnestly maintaineth. 
Anno. 1390  At Brugis were. 36. citizens of Moguntia burned for the doctrine of Christ, affirming the Pope to be Antichrist. Militius a Bohemian, a famous and godly Preacher, inveighed against the Church of Rome, saying, That Antichrist was already placed. Marcilius Patavius, 
Extravagant cap. Licet. intra doctrinam. Anno. 1300.  Gulielmus Ockam, johannes Gandavensis, Luitpoldus, Andraeas Laudensis, Aligerius, Gregorius Arminensis, Andraeas de castro, Buridianus maintained 
Francis. Petrarch. Epist. 20. Illiri. de sectis.  all the Gospel against the Pope's proceedings. Dantes an Italian writer in his book called, The canticle of Purgatory, declareth the Pope to be the whore of Babylon. Tauterus a Preacher of Germany preached against man's merits and Invocation to Saintes. Franciscus Petrarcha, about the same time did writ an Italian meeter affirming Rome to be the whore of Babylon, the school and mother of error, the temple of heresy, the nest of all treachery. johannes de Rupe scissa Anno 1340. did writ, that Rome was Babylon, and the Pope the minister of antichrist. 
●x bulla Gregorii ●nno. 1364.  Conradus Hager taught twenty four years together, the mass to be no sacrifice: & that money taken for Masses, 
●nno. 1384.  was very robbery and sacrilege. johannes Mountziger Rector of the university of ulme, disputed in open schools against your Popish doctrine. And at the same time, Nilus' bishop of Thessalonica 
Nilus. Anno. 1384.  preached, and also wrote a book against the Pope and the Church of Rome, which book is now extant in English. Truly there passed no age since Christ, as it appeareth by the histories, in which Christ's Gospel hath not been preached by some one or other, either privately in the times of persecution, or publicly in the 
Chrisost. in Mat. 24.  peaceable times, and tranquillity of the Church, when prophesying of which Paul speaketh, and other godly exercises hath been used. But how the true Church may be known, it is manifest: surely even in the Scriptures of God, in which we learn Christ, in which we may learn the church, & by which we may know the difference betwixt the true and false Church. S. Chris. saith: At this time all Christians aught to flee unto the Scriptures: Because since heresies invaded the Church, there can be no trial of true Christianity, neither can Christians, which be willing to know the true faith, have any refuge saving the Scriptures. Again he saith, he that coveteth to know which is the true Church, how shall he know it, but only by the Scriptures? The Church of God, I mean, every faithful congregation, in the time of peace and quietness, doth use preaching, Christian and profitable exercises and discipline, as (Gods name be thanked) we have at this day, especially in all reformed Churches, and we have had since Christ's ascension: your Church hath always persecuted the true Church by fire, and faggotte and other exquisite torments. If I may be so bold, I would ask one question of you: Whether the true Church of God did ever from the beginning persecute, or that it hath been persecuted. You will I think confess with me, that Cain (a figure of the malignant church) did murder his innocent brother Abel, an image of the true Church: that Ishmael persecuted Isaac: Esawe, jacob: Saul, David: 
Gen. 4. 8. Gen. 21. 21. 9 Gen. 27. 4.  the false Prophets, the true Prophets: the ungodly pharisees, Christ the Messiah: the false Apostles, the true Apostles: the cruel tyrants in the primitive Church, the faithful Christians: and to conclude, your romish Church, the true Church, and professors of the Gospel. And this thing was forewarned by our saviour Christ, That in the world his church should have tribulation: that 
john. 16. 20.  the world should rejoice, and his children 
john. 15. 20.  should be sad, that if the false Church had persecuted the Lord, it 
john. 16. 2.  should in like manner persecute the servant: and that they which should 
Aug. de civi. Dei lib. 22. cap. 6.  persecute the Church of God, should persuade themselves, that they do God good service. Saint Augustine speaking of the persecution in the primitive Church, saith: They were bound they were imprisoned, they were beaten, they were ●acked, they were burned, and yet they multiplied. And justinus Martyr showeth what he thought of those which suffered, being yet an Ethnic. When 
Eusebius. lib. 4. cap. 8.  (saith he) I herd that the Christians were accused and reviled of all men, and yet saw them go to their death, and to all manner terrible and cruel torments quietly, and without fear, I thought with myself, it was not possible, that such men should live in any wickedness. But to return to your Church, we may say truly, that you never had, nor used in your Church rightly according to the word of GOD, either preaching, prophesiing or discipline: as for prophesying used by the Apostles, and all other godly reformed Churches, your Church of Rome never used. If you mean by the spirit of prophesying, which you challenge as of right to your church, the forewarning of things to come, which office was ceased in the Church: then take heed lest by your own confession, you bewray your church to be that Synagogue of Satan, of which our Saviour Christ giveth us warning, that with signs and wonders if it were possible should deceive the elect. You preached very seldom, not in time, and out of time, as Paul admonished his scholar 
2. Tim. 4. 2.  Timothy: and when you preached, you preached not Christ and his death, to be the only ransom for our sins, but your own works and meritorious deeds: not Christ's Gospel, but your Legend of lies, and your vain and superstitious traditions, for which you had no warrant in God's book. The law of God and his true worship was either altogether abolished, or else most wickedly corrupted before the times of king josias. Helias did also renew the same being before his time decayed. ●t seemeth in like manner that the people of ●e jews were fallen from God, when ●s they said unto jeremy, The words that ●ou hast spoken unto us in the name of 
jerem. 44. 26.  ●e Lord, we will not hear them of thee, ●ut we will do whatsoever thing goeth ●orth of our own mouth, as to burn ●ncense unto the Queen of heaven and ●o pour our drink offerings unto her, as we have done, both we and our fathers, our kings and our princes in the ●itie of juda, & in the streets of Jerusalem. Whereas in deed they worshipped, 
je. 7. 17.  & sacrificed to the Son Moon and Stars, and committed gross Idolatry, against God. Even as you have learned by that idolatrous people, and grounded I think upon this place, to call the Virgin Mary Queen of heaven, and to sing Salue Regina, and again, Regina coeli laetare. Rejoice O Queen of heaven. And even from this same time wherein jeremy lived and for the most part, until the time of our Saviour, there were false Prophets, and men of great learning, which preached idolatry in steed of God's law, yet imagined that they served God, shall we say that these were of God's church because their religion continued so: long a time, would that excuse them? or the Pharisees in pleading that they were the true 
john. 8. 33.  successors of Moses, the children of Abraham, and that they taught the Law of God, when as in deed they had corrupted the Law: Even so albeit you boast never so much of succession, or that your Church hath continued thus many hundre●, or thus many thousand years, or that your Church is the known Catholic Church, if that you be not able to prove by the word of God, that your Church is the true Church, and the religion and doctrine of your Church is fully and wholly in every point grounded upon the Gospel of Christ (which you shall never be able to do) than you boast and brag in vain.  
The Turk himself by this argument of succession and continuance, may approve the Koran and religion of Mahomet, and this to be as true a Church as yours. This reason might the Egyptians, the Persians, the Romans and all Esawes brood have alleged for themselves. So that to end this matter, it is neither the title or name of a Church, neither the succession of Officers, or the continuance of the same, or the authority of any man, that maketh the difference betwixt the true and false Church, but only the true word of God, which discetneth them.    

Papist. 14  
Moreover let any Protestant show, how that can be the pillar of truth, which durst not for a thousand years together, claim either the preaching of God's word, or ministering the Sacraments, or would utter herself against falsehood and superstition. Let any man show that all the gifts of the Spirit, and functions of the holy Ghost have been taken from her for a thousand years together, and only practised for the people's use by the adulterous Church: Let it be declared how the gates of bell have not prevailed, and Christ's words, promise, and warrant for her hath not been void and frustrate of a bastard church exercising perpetual idolatry (as they say,) hath spoiled the true church of all holy actions, and of the whole government, and of the whole name of Christianity almost ever since Christ's time. Let me see therefore how the only darling and spouse of Christ should be neglected so long of him: so long let the Adversary show that the Church should ever by superstition and falsehood commit adultery, or deserve to be divorced from him, or that Christ should ever want his spouse in earth, or that he should be either a head without a body, or of such an unknown and small body: or that Christ his onel●e kingdom should become so contemptible, or that his spouse in earth should ever lack the singular prerogative of God's spirit, Show me these things, and I recant.  

Answer. 14.  
COncerning the principal matter comprised in this your demand, it is sufficiently answered before, how that all the Christians in Greece and Asia have ever refused to agreed with your Church in faith and doctrine, & that God hath raised up from time to time, since your Church declined from the true and Apostolic faith, some which have inveighed against your superstitious traditions, even as it is recorded by a learned writer, who affirmeth, That there hath been some in every 
●ras. Paraphra. in. johan.  age which have honoured, and embraced the Gospel: but that within the space of these four hundred years, the zeal thereof hath decayed in many men. And whereas you ask, How the holy Ghost could be kept so long from this close church, how the gates of hell have not prevailed against it, how Christ's darling ●ould● be neglected, how Christ should ●e head of such a Church, as hath either ●o body at all, or else a very small, and atle body▪ I answer, that albeit to your ●do ●mea● the Church of God, which ●s the congregation of the faithful, be con●mptible and despised, yet nevertheless ● Gods eyes it is precious.  
The holy Ghost cometh not in visible form unto the children of God (as the Owl or Owlet presented himself in the ●ytime, and stared your Pope john in ●e face, when he and his Clergy were 
Nicholaus Clemaugis.  ●t in a general Council holden at Rome, by which occasion the Council was dissolved▪) but he is the comforter, which shall ●wayes remain with the church of God, ●hich dwelleth with such as be faithful, ●hich guideth and ruleth their minds, 
john. 14. 16.  ●hich doth sanctify them inwardly, which spirit doth breath his graces, where ●e listeth, and when he pleaseth. And therefore it is a great fault in you, to utter such ●ashe judgement, and to propound such vain questions, or rather as you seem, to define where God's spirit remaineth, as though you had him in a string, or that he should be at your beck and appointment. The words of Christ be true, That Hell gates (which is the power of Satan & Antichrist, which standeth in craft 
Math. 16. 18.  and violence) shall not prevail against the Church of God. For you may burn their bodies, rack them in pieces, tear them in sunder with wild Horses, boil them in cauldrons, roost them on spits, broil them upon gridyorns, stab and prodde them in with bodkins or penknives, throw them unto wild beasts, or other ways to torment them, as your Church o● Rome hath used the children of God, even this close Church, which you so often do scoff at. Nevertheless, their names are written in the book of life. When yo● have consumed the body, you have no further power, you have done all that you ca● for Christ's Church is Christ's darling in deed, whom he will not forsake, because he is always faithful, and sure in his promises. The mouth of God hath promised them help, which cannot lie. Christ i● deed is the true andonelie head of his Church, which be the faithful children ●f God, truly called the temple of God, because that GOD is resident in them by ●is holy spirit: and these faithful are the ●tones of the new jerusalem, which is the 
Apoc. 21. 10. Ephes. 2. 20.  universal Church of God, of the which ●uilding Christ is the chief corner stone, ●hough you have taught the people of God otherwise affirming, the Pope to be head ●f God's Church, and to be of equivalent authority with Christ. One of your schole●octors 
Panormitan. de election● cap. licet. abb.  saith, That Christ and the Pope ●ake one consistory, (and sin only excepted) the Pope can do whatsoever God himself can do. And even as you ●eale with Christ for the pre-eminence ●nd rule: so you will appoint him a body, ●r no body, or altar or change his body, ●s you list. You cannot limit GOD ●is Church, for his Church is in many or ●ewe, as his heavenly wisdom appoyneth. And therefore Christ saith That whensoever 
Mat. 18. 20.  two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst of ●hem. And as one doth say, as is before 
Fortaliti. fidei lib. 5.  alleged. Although there were but two ●en remaining in the world, yet in ●hem two, the Church of God, which ●s the unity of the faithful should be saved. Therefore, though man be ignorant whom God hath elected unto salvation, and who be of Christ his body: yet God who understandeth all secrets, doth know who are his. And every member of Christ hath the spirit of God to assure his conscience, that he is the child of God. God grant you that inward testimony, and the comfort of the same spirit, grounded upon the Gospel, which they do feel in themselves. Then will you never be so careful for these outward shows.    

Papist. 15  
Show me that the church which aught to be a Christian man's stay in troubles▪ and tempests of doctrine, might become so hidden, or so close, that no man could find her, or so heartless that she could secure no man, nor instruct any man in h● doubt of conscience or distress in faith Prove me that there may be such a decay ● God's spirit, truth, and church: And I recant.  

Answer. 15  
IT seemeth that you are harping always upon one string, but if you would diligently way with yourself the frailty man, who is daily slipping away from dutiful obedience towards God, and consider what bridles and bits God hath ordained to pull him back from the liberty of sin, & to preserve him from dangers: You shall find other stays to ground man's faith, and settle his conscience, than any such outward show of a visible Church, as you imagine. The ground work, and foundation of faith, and the stay, and buttress of man's conscience are the holy scriptures, which David the blessed Prophet calleth the Mountains, unto which the faithful 
Psalm. 121. 1  should lift up their eyes, which are the only comfort to them in their troubles. 
joh. 5. 39  Christ exhorteth us To search the scriptures, for they do bear witness of him, 
1. Cor. 1.  who is our peace our justification our sanctification, & our redemption. The Apostle 
Rom. 1. 16.  assureth, us That the scriptures are the power of god unto salvation, to as many as believe, whether they be jews, or Gentiles. What need we any further proof to teach us, that faith is stayed upon the scriptures, then that which is spoken by Paul 
Rome, 10. 17.  the Apostle▪ Faith (saith he) cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of God. How shall we know God▪ How shall we know Christ? How shall we know God's spirit, how shall we discern true faith from a fond opinion, but only by the scriptures. Faith (as Saint) Augustine affirmeth) doth stagger, if the authority of gods scriptures do fail. True faith, true knowledge, and a right conscience, are grounded upon the word of God. Constantine that worthy Emperor 
Tripartit. His. lib. 2. Cap. 5.  spoke openly in the Nicene Council to the like effect: The writings (saith he) of the Evangelists, and Apostles, and the oracles of the ancient Prophets, do instruct us plainly, what we aught to understand and believe of Gods will and 
1. Tim. 3. 17.  pleasure: and therefore all contention set apart, let us seek the solution of those things, which be propounded out of the scriptures of God: which by the testimony of the holy Ghost be able to instruct unto all good works. The doctrine of the scriptures teacheth especially these four principles: Knowledge, Faith, Godliness, & justice true branches of a christian man's life. It is the part of every Christian, to learn to know God, the Creator and maker of all things, to know Christ the the redeemer of mankind, to know the holy Ghost the spirit of sanctification, & what benefits he hath, and doth receive by these ●hree persons, united in one Godhead: which knowledge the wise man calleth, Perfect 
Sapi. 15. 3.  righteousness, and the root of immoralitie. Also our Saviour Christ saith, That ●his is eternal life, that they know thee, ●he only true GOD, and jesus Christ 
john. 17. 3.  whom thou hast sent. Man created according to gods Image, may not be like the 
Psal. 32. 9  Horse & Mule, in whom there is no understanding, or to be such as God by the 
Esai. 1, 3.  Prophet complaineth upon, That the ox knoweth his owner, & the Ass his ma●ters cribb: But Israel hath not known, ●ny people hath no understanding. It behoveth him to believe, in these three persons, and all things, which he knoweth out of god's book. It is his part, and duty moreover, to practise piety and godliness towards God, justice and uprigh dealing towards man. But I know what you shoot at: Verily to have us to believe, and ●o stay ourselves upon the authority of your Church of Rome, and the unwritten verities of the same Church. Because the true Church of God, hath not always appeared to the view of the whole world in outward pomp or show: Therefore your endeavour to persuade (yet I trust in vain) that man doubtful in conscience and wavering in faith, could receive no comfort by that close, invisible, and heartless Church, as you call it. I have proved before, that God hath raised up in all ages, since the beginning of the world, such as have given a testimony of their zeal, and true religion, unto the world. You must not limit, and appoint God his Church, or upon whom, he shall power out his graces, or in what measure he shall bestow his spirit. God by the ministery of his word doth cure and heal such as be broken in heart, giveth medicine to heal their sickness, maketh strong the weak faith, 
Psal. 147. 3  and doth comfort the feeble mind of man by his holy spirit. God's spirit cannot decay, or be of less power, or God's church and spouse less honourable, albeit there were but one simple man in the universal world, to man's judgement, which doth embrace the truth of God. Though Abel was but one, though Elias in his time was but one, Noah and his household but a small number, Christ our Saviour and his simple Fishermen his Apostles, men of no reputation, a very few in respect of all the world beside, had God therefore ●o Church in these times? Notwithstanding the law was corrupted before Christ, the true worship of God clean extinguised, all the people given for the most part ●o idolatry, yea, and no prophet to reprove the people from Malachi his time, until the coming of Christ, saving john Bap●iste, and he thirty years of age before he preached: was there no church or was God's spirit decayed, and his truth vanquished all this while▪ God forbidden, that ●ee should be so rash in judgement, as ●nce to think so. For God's spirit, which ●s the comforter of the faithful, hath instructed the church of God, whether it hath appeared, or been hid, whether it hath been close or open, whether in many or ●n few ever since the beginning. So Christ jesus hath promised that his spirit should remain with the children of God, though the wicked would not receive him, because they see him not, neither know him. The comfortable Spirit of God doth work salvation, ●oth adopt into God's favour, doth puri●●e our hearts, doth move us to all good 
john. 14. 16.  and godly actions, doth comfort us in all dangers, and confirmeth us to expect the coming of our saviour Christ. Therefore to this spirit with the Father and the Son, be all honour laud and praise.    

Papist. 16  
Show me again whether any man can be saved, except he believe the catholic Church, and that is it, which in the face of all the world hath practised preaching the conversion of nations to the obedience of the Gospel, that hath always had the ministering of the Sacraments the hearing of matters in controversy the orderly succession of Bishops, uniformity in solemn ceremonies, unity in faith, that hath in herself all holy functions of the spirit a working of miracles, remission of sins, the true sense, and interpretation of God's word, that is beawtified with diversity of states, commended by Christ in the Gospel as with virgins, martyrs, with confessors, and the rest, Prove unto me, that this is not the true Church, or that we be bound to obey this Church and none other in all controversies and doubts raised by the difficulty of the scripture, or by the vain contention and pride of heresy: And I recant.  

Answer. 16  
Suppose that there was never any man, which would look to have salvation by ●ods mercies in Christ, that ever denied ●e Church of God. So we believe that ●od hath had his Church ever since the beginning, which Church is the Company ● the faithful dispersed through out the ●ce of the whole earth, which church is the ●ouse of Christ, builded upon the doctrine ● the Apostles, and Prophets, Christ himself being the head corner stone. Yet ●e utterly deny your Church of Rome to ● this true Church of God. The reasons ●d causes, why we will not close hands, ● agreed with your Church be these: First, ●ur Church doth refuse Christ jesus to ● her head in that she setteth up her Pope ● be her head, wherein she willbe governed ● all things, even against gods holy word: herefore your Church is not of God. That ●hrist is the head of the true church, not 
Ephes. 2. 22.  ● but the spirit of God testifieth, that God ●ath appointed Christ over all things, ● be the head to the Church, which is ●s body: And again, The husband is the 
Ephes. 5. 23.  ●yues head, even as Christ is the head ●f the Church, and he is the same, which keveth salvation unto his body. Your church appointeth otherways to be saved by, then only Christ's death and passion yea, doth persecute Christ in his members taketh away the key of knowledge, whi● is the word of God from God's people for that ye will not suffer them to have it ● their known tongue: you feed them n● with the sweet pastures of the holy scriptures, but with the dregs of your blind Ceremonies, and vain traditions: yo● teach them to pray in a strange language to worship the creature, in steed ● the Creator: you mix the word of Go● with your own devices, not to the benefit of God's people, but to get money, an● to enrich yourselves, with the spoil ● their souls, You set out all your practices (as you call them) to sale: For of you● church it is said: Omnia Romae vaenalia● 
Baptist Manttan.  All things are to be had for money a● Rome. The Poet saith, That Temple● Priests, altars, sacrifices, crowns, fier● 
Barnard. Clunacens. in Satyra.  frankincense, yea heaven is to be sold● and God himself. But you give smal● credit unto this author: Will you hear● what one of your approved doctors saith Roma dat omnbus, omnia dantibus 
Decretale.  omnia, Romae cum praecio. Rome doth: ●iue to all men, which do give all things ●o her; all things are there to be had for ●ony at Rome. Your own decretales ●y, That Rome is the head of coueteous●esse, and therefore all things are there ●o be sold. Your Popedom is in part maintained, with the tribute of Courtesans ●r common stews, which is the reward of iniquity, Thus you forbidden lawful matrimony, and maintain open lechery. And ●hereas you would have the world to believe that your Church of Rome hath always had the due and right administration of the Sacraments, unity in faith, orderly succession of Bishops even from Peter, uniformity in solemn ceremonies, ●ebating of matters in controversy, all holy functions commended by Christ, as virgins, martyrs, and confessors, and that all Churches are bound to obey the Church of Rome in all controversies and doubts, raised by the difficulty of the scriptures, it shall appear to all men, that these are but vain ostentations, and shows without truth. But you will ask me, who shall judge this matter? for sometimes you stay upon councils, sometimes upon Fathers & sometimes upon customs. Truly I would but wish you, and every indifferent reader, to examine whether your mass do agreed word by word with the last supper of our saviour Christ. You have culle● 
●at. 26. 26. ●ark. 14. 24. ●uk. 22. 19 1. Cor. 11. 23.  forth these words, Hoc est corpus meum: This is my body. And thereupon have framed your mass. The words be comfortable, if you would take them in a spiritual sense and meaning to signify unto us the body of Christ, as the godly Father Augustine doth expowde those same words: Non dubitavit dominus dicere, hoc est corpus meum, cum daret signum 
Aug. contra Adamantum. Ca 12.  corporis sui. Our Lord (saith he) doubted not to say, This is my body, when as he gave a sign of his body Likewise Tertullian saith. Hoc est corpus 
Tertul. contra Martion. lib. 4.  meum, hoc est, figura corporis mei▪ This is my body, that is to say, This is a figure of my body. But what shall I speak of all the abuses of your mass, as the consecration, the elevation, the advocation, the private receiving the unknown tongue, the ministration in one kind, keeping the ●uppe from the Lay people, making it a propitiatory sacrifice, for the quick and dead, which all are most contrary unto Christ his institution, in his last supper. Furthermore, you have corrupted Baptism, and have devised five other Sacraments more than Christ hath ordained, ●d appointed in his word.  
Touhcing your succession of bishops, ●d unity in religion, they are two things ●hich sound very well together, If so be ●u can prove your succession out of the ●orde of God, and your unity to agreed ●ith Christ's verity, and Gospel. But is ●t this rather truly verified of your suc●ssion, which was uttered by Pope A●riā 
Adrian. 4.  Succedimus non Petro in pascendo, ●d Romulo in parricidio. We succeade ●aith he) not Peter in feeding, but Ro●ulus in murdering. Succession of place availeth not one straw, if you cannot in ●ke manner prove the succession of Christ ●s true doctrine. The idolatrous priests ● all ages, might very well have boasted of accession of place: And so might the Pha●sees, which bragged somuch of their temple, and of their succession, even from Mo●es, and yet they were foully fallen away ●rom the sincere & pure Law of God & worshipped god in vain, teaching the precepts, ●nd doctrine of men. You claim your succession from Peter the blessed Apostle of Christ, for that (as you say) he was bishop of Rome: If now you can prove that your religion is the same, that Peter taught, written by the spirit of truth, for the comfort of the true Church of God, contained in the new testament of Christ: Then not only I, but all which defend the same truth with me, will willingly join hands with you. But and if you can not prove your doctrine by god's word, you must then pardon us, in that we will not take your part against Christ. I would to God that you would unfeignedly sect forth to the use of god's people, that religion, which the Apostle Paul, I will not say Peter (for that there is no warrant in the scriptures for his being at any time in Rome) planted amongst the Romans. Which faith, & true religion, the Apostle commendeth in them▪ Than surely we would not only go, but 
Rom. 1. 8.  run with you to the building of god's temple, and would lay to our hands, and our hearts. To this effect spaketh S. Cyprian, 
Cyprian.  that always we build our faith, succession, and whole religion, upon a sure & steadfast foundation. If (saith he) The pipes of the conduit, which before ran with abundance, happen to fail, do we not search to the head etc.▪ The priests of God▪ ●●●ing gods commandments, must do the same, that if the truth have fainted or failed in any point, we turn to the very original of our Lord, and to the traditions of the Gospel, and of the Apostles, that from thence the reason of our actions, or doings may arise, from whence the order itself, and original first began. Thus we may say of your unity in faith, your uniformity in ceremonies, & your holy functions: If you can prove, & confirm these things by manifest places, of the holy scriptures, for my part, I will recant, ●nd be of your religion. But though you, ●r an Angel would persuade me to the contrary without the testimony of God's word: God assisting me with his spirit, I will not believe you. I marvel why you will seem, to maintain these matters, se●ng it is most repugnanc to the truth. The ●eade Captains of your religion, and Doctors of your Church do not agreed in ●he unity of your religion, but do dis●ent in the principle points thereof. Some ●aye, That Christ's natural body, even ●he same, which was borne of the vir●in Marie, is received in the Sacrament, ●ome deny (saying) that so soon as the form of the bread, is grated with the teeth, strait way the body of Christ 
De conse. dist. 2. Tribas gradibus in glossa.  is caught up into Heaven. One saith, That a mouse may eat the body of Christ: an other saith, That a mouse can not eat it, and to dissolve these questions, the chief pillar of your church, even Petrus Lombardus saith: What the mouse 
Petrus Lombar. Sent. 4. dist. 13.  doth take or what she eateth, God knoweth: I can not tell. And noting further the disagreement of your church men, he saith: Some men judge thus, some say thus, some have written thus, some grant thus, some others have taught thus, that the very substance of the bread & wine remain still. And if a question, saith he: were moved what manner of conversion, or change this is, whether in form, or in substance, or in some other manner, 
Gabriel niel in can. lect. 40.  I am not able to discuss. An other saith: How the body of Christ is there, whether it be by changing of something into it, or Christ's body begin to be there together with the bread, both the substance, and the accidents of the bread remaining still without changing, it is not found expressed in the canon of the Bible. Innocentius the third Pope of that name, saith: 
Innocent. 3.  that there were some which said, that as after consecration there remained the very accidents, or forms of bread: so likewise the very substance of the same bread remaineth still. Mark how the pleasant, and sweet harmony, and concordance of your church of Rome, doth agreed and hang together, as concerning these weighty caves. I think you judge this transubstan●ation, a matter of faith: You may see ●en, how you agreed, or rather disagree ● the unity of faith. Concerning your ●iformitie in your so many superstitious ●uiteles and tedious Ceremonies and ●aditions of your own inventions, it ●ay easily be viewed and seen by the ma●fold sects of your religious store and ●ble of your hermits, your Ankers, ●d Ancresses, your recluses, your holy monks of Benettes order, of Cluniacen●s order, of Lazarits order, of Saint ●ieronimus order, of Saint Gregories ●der, the order of the shadowed valley, of ●saphattes order, of the Humiliats or●r, of the Celestines order, of Gilber●nes order, of justinian's order of the Charter house, Monks of the Templaries order, of the jacobites order, the Monks of Mount Oliuete, Maries brethren, the order of the Flagellatours, the Starred Monks, some white, some black, some grey, some maled, so called for tha● they did wear male coats next their skin, the order of jesuits, and a great company of orders besides these: Of Friars, som● were called cross bearers, some Carmelit● or white Friars, some Minorities, or gre● Friars, some observant Friars, some Mendicant, or begging Friars, some Dominicke, some Franciscans, so called of Sain● Frances, whose cowl, as Thomas Aquine 
Th●. Aquiz.  faith, had power to remove sin I omit your cannons, your Virgi● Nuns of all sorts, but such as had n● oil in their Lamps, your Nominals, your reals. I might make a long discourse here, in describing the variety of this religions crew and company, not only in ceremonial matters, but also in matters of faith and doctrine: But I trust all the world doth know, how they have been bewitched with such kind of sorceries, and therefore I should but waste labour, and loose time. You ask further: Whether we be bound to obey your Church of Rome, and none other in all controvesies and doubts raised by the difficulty of the Scriptures, or by the vain contention of heresies. Hereby you seem to challenge two things, not only a prerogative, or pre-eminence above all other churches, but also the interpretation of the scriptures solely and wholly to appertain unto you. But I pray you tell me, from whence you had this privilege: I am sure you will say, that you received it of Peter the Apostle of Christ, because that hereupon you do ground all your church and religion: For that (as you say,) Peter being the chief, and head of the Apostles, having the keys of the Kingdom of heaven 
Math. 16. 19  committed unto him, & being Bishop of Rome, it cometh by descent and orderly succession unto all the Bishops of Rome. But this your supposition I utterly deny: that either Peter was the chief of the Apostles, or that the keys were solely and only given unto him by Christ: or that Peter ever was at Rome. That Peter was not the head of the Apostles, it is plain by the testimony of S. Paul, who saith, That he which was mighty by Peter in 
Gal. 2. 7.  the Apostolic over the circumcision, was also mighty by him towards the Gentiles. And again he saith, when james Cephas and john knew of the grace, that was given unto me, which are counted to be pillars, they gave to me, & to Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should preach unto the Gentiles, & they to the circumcision: And your ordinary gloze upon this word saith, That Paul did not learn of others, as 
Glossa. ordinaria in Gal. ca 2.  of his superiors, but did confer with them, as with his friends, and equals. When the. 2. sons of Zebede, desired to be exalted, and that the other ten disdained therefore at them, our Saviour Christ called them all before him saying: You know that the Lords of the Gentiles 
Math. 20. 25.  have dominion over them, & that they be great, & exercise authority over them, but it shall not be so among you, but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant: and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your minister. When the Apostles disputed 
Mar. 9 35.  by the way for superiority, our Saviour Christ said: If any man desire to be first, or chief, the same shallbe last of all, and servant unto all. And oftentimes 
2. Cor. 6. 1.  the Apostle Paul calleth all the Apostles, Fellow labourers, Workers together, and Companions. That godly 
Cyprian. de si●plicitate prebatorum.  father Cyprian saith: Peter was even the same, that the other Apostles were, endued with like fellowship, both in honour, and also in dignity. And Chrysostom 
Chrisost. in Gal▪ cap. 2.  writing upon the Epistle to the galatians, saith: Paul had no need of Peter, neither did he lack his consent, but was his fellow companion in honour. Now for the keys: you say that Christ gave them only unto Peter. 
Math. 16. 29.  When he said: Unto thee will I give the keys of the kingdom of heaven. First you must understand, that the keys, of which our saviour Christ hear maketh mention, are the word, and scriptures of God: And so Saint Chrysostom doth 
Chrisost. in Mat. hom. 44.  expound these words saying.  
Clavis est scientia scripturarum, per quam aperiturianua veritatis, The key is the knowledge of the holy scriptures, by the which the gate of the truth is opened. And these keys were not proper to Peter, but common to all: For Saint Augustine saith, That when Christ did 
●g. in johan. ●ct. 124.  say unto Peter, I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, he meant his whole church: An other saith, The key beareres, are the ministers of 
●risost.  God's word, unto whom is committed the teaching of the word, and the interpretation of the Scriptures. An other saith: This saying, unto thee I will give 
●igen. in Mat. ●ct. 1.  the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, is common also unto other, & the words which follow, as spoken unto Peter, are common to all. Thus you may see, that Peter neither hath any divinity above the rest, neither the keys, which be the scriptures, do belong more unto him, then to the other Apostles, and faithful ministers of God's church. Now to prove that Peter was never at Rome: It appeareth evidently, that our saviour Christ gave Peter and the rest a charge, to tarry at Jerusalem 
Let. 1. 4.  after his ascension, who continued there preaching the Gospel, insomuch that he converted at one sermon, three thousand 
Act. 2. 41.  souls. He is put in prison, and being delivered, was charged not to speak any more in the name of jesus. Notwithstanding, he with the rest did preach still, 
Act. 4. 17.  and being put in prison again, was delivered by an Angel, who setteth open the prison doors. The Apostle Peter with 
Act. 5. 19  his fellows, cease not to preach both daily in the temple, and also in private houses. Paul is converted the first year after Christ's ascension & receiveth the holy 
Act. 9 17. Gal. 1. 18.  Ghost: yet he remaineth at Damascus, and in the countries adjoining, for the space of three years after his conversion: in the fourth year he cometh to Jerusalem to see Peter, where he abode with him fifteen days. Peter then goeth to joppa, 
Act. 9 34.  where he healeth Aeneas, which had kept his bed èight years, and was 
Act. 10. 44.  sick of the palsy: he raiseth Tabytha from death: He is sent for unto Caesarea, where he converteth Cornelius. Peter returneth to Jerusalem, where having some contention with them of the circumcision, he showeth the cause, why he went unto the Gentills. Peter is put in 
Act. 11. 2.  prison again by Herodes commandment, and sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, the Angel smote him on the side, and the chains fell of, and 
Act. 12. 3.  he was brought forth of prison, and entered into the city, the iron gate opened to them by it own accord, and they came to Mary's house. Shortly after he goeth again to Caesaria, where he abideth. I 
●ct. 12. 19  showed before that in the fourth year after Paul's conversion, he came to Jerusalem to see Peter: Then fourteen 
Gal. 1. 18.  years after that, he cometh to Jerusalem again, where the Apostles held 
Act. 15. 6.  a Council together, where Peter was present: where james, Peter, and john gave unto Paul and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that they should preach unto the Gentills: And Peter, and his fellows, unto the jews. For 
Gal. 2. 9  Paul had said before that the Gospel over the uncircumcision, which were the Gentiles was committed to him, as the Gospel over the Circumcision, which were in the jews, was committed unto Peter. Then Paul goeth unto Antioch,  
Whether Peter after a short time did also come, whom Paul rebuked before all men, because he caused the Gentills to 
Gal. 2. 7. 14.  live after the manner of the jews. These things should be done about nineteen years after Paul his conversion: in which time it is manifest, that Peter had not been at Rome. Whereby they be deceived which affirm, that Peter was Bishop of Rome five and twenty years, for that now he should have been in the midst of his Bishopric, and that he could not after this time, be five and twenty years there, it is most plain, for that he lived in all after Christ's ascension, but three and thirty years.  
But now to proceed to my purpose, that is, to prove that Peter was never at Rome, by such conjectural arguments, as will hardly by the Scriptures be disproved. About two and twenty years after, Paul his conversion, understanding 
Act. 18. 11.  that Claudius the Emperor, had commanded all the jews to departed from Rome, he being eighteen months together at Corinthe, afterwards writeth this Epistle unto the Romans, in the which Epistle he saluteth Priscilla, and Aquilla, and the rest of the Congregation, 
Rom. 16. 3.  being then in their private houses, and also saluted many other by name, and maketh no mention at all of Peter, therein. Who, if he had been there, as you say that he was, he should no doubt have received salutations, as well as the rest of the faithful. There fell some contention betwixt Paul and Barnabas at 
ct. 15. 39  Antioch, so that Paul took Silvanus otherwise called Sylas, with him, into all cities, where they had preached the word 
ct. 16. 36.  of the Lord. Peter departed from Antioch (where he had remained seven years together) into Assyria, yet further from Rome. You writeth an Epistle unto the dispersed jews, and sendeth the same by Silvanus, sending salutations therein from the Church at Babylon, a famous city in Assyria, 
1. Pet. 5. 12.  where Peter was then the Apostle of the Circumcision. But it may be, that you will say, that I mistake this place, because some writers do interpret this Babylon to be Rome: and in deed, it is the only place, whereupon you do ground Peter's being at Rome. But this doth not sound with reason, neither is it likely, that a man should use the name of one city, when he subscribeth his letter, being written at an other city, or to use any Metamorphosis, in naming the city, as though he were either ashamed of the place, or else that he would not have had it known, where he had his abode, & so he might better have altogether omitted it, and not to have named Babylon at all. But if you will needs have Babylon, to signify Rome in this place, sith it agreeth neither with sense, reason, nor truth: then I beseech you, let Rome be that Babylon, of which the Evangelist 
Apoc. 14. 8.  speaketh, Which is the whore, that hath made all nations, to drink of ●he wine of the wrath of her fornication. Forasmuch as the sins, & vices which ●eined in Babylon are found in Rome ● great abundance as persecution of the ●rue Church of God, oppression and destruction of God's people, confusion, super●ition, idolatry, and all kind of impiety, & wickedness. But to my purpose: Christ commanded Peter, and the other Apostles (of which they had their name) to go ●nto all the world, and to preach the Gos●ell to all nations, and said that they should ●e his witnesses, both in Jerusalem, and ●n all judaea and in Samaria, and unto the 
Act. 1. 8.  uttermost part of the earth. By which it appears, that if he had been a resting Bishop, and tied unto the seat of Rome five and twenty years (as you ●ontruly affirm) he had broken his masters' commandment, and had answered, neither to his name, nor office. It may be that you will allege the Histories against me, for the proof of Peter's Bishopric: but I may truly answer you, that forsomuch as the Histories do imitate, and follow one an others opinion, and in that the same were committed to print very lately in respect, and in such a time as no books might be printed, but such as the Pope, and his clergy would ratify and allow: how may it then seem strange, albeit the truth of this matter agreeing with the scriptures were concealed▪ For if they would have suffered the truth of this cause to have been opened it would have dashed altogether your Pope's succession, and authority. But to conclude, you say that Peter was Bishop of Rome, at such time as Paul was first committed there unto prison, which was two and thirty years after his conversion: but how untruly, let every simple man judge. For Paul complaineth, that at his coming unto Rome, when he was first called unto his answer, No man assisted him but all forsook him. 
2. Tim. 4. 16.  No doubt if Peter had been the Bishop of Rome, he would not have forsak his fellow ●aule. Moreover he exhorteth Timothy to ●ome unto him, showing that Demas ●ad forsaken him, and had embraced ●is present world, and was departed ●nto Thessalonica: That Crescens was ●one unto Galatia, Titus unto Dalma●a, 
2. Tim. 4. 11.  he addeth this clause, saying, Only ●uke is with me, If Peter had been ●en in Rome, Paul would not have ●ed these words, Only Luke is with ●ee: For neither fear of imprisoment, ●either present death, would have kept ●acke Peter, from Paul's company. ●nd if Peter had been in like authori●e, as you affirm his successors, the Pope now to be in, having the necks ●f all Emperors, Kings, and Princes under his girdle, he would surely ●aue devised, either some means, whereby Paul might have been delivered ●om that filthy prison, or else would ●aue obtained, nay granted him a par●on for his life. So that this can not be ●idden or cloaked, but that either you ●ust deny the Pope's authority, and ●premacie in that time, or else plain●, and freely grant and confess, that Peter was not then Bishop of Rome, as you may, I warrant you (without any damage, or hurt to your soul) agreed unto both. Thus much touching the prerogative of your Church. Now you say: Tha● the scriptures be difficult and hard, and therefore your church of Rome must have the interpretation thereof. I have showed heretofore, that the Scriptures ● God be not hard, but very plain and easy, 
Psal. 19  That they are an undefiled law, which converteth the soul, and giveth wisdom to the simple. They be a candle to 
Psal. 119.  our feet, and a light to our steps. The ophilact saith: That nothing can deceiu● 
Theophilact. de Lazaro.  those, which do search God's scriptures, for that they are the candle, whereby th● thief is taken. another ancient Dortour saith: That all things are clear, and plain in God's Scriptures, whatsoever 
Chrisost. in Thes. hom. 3. Clem●ns Alexan.  things are necessary, the same be manifest. Clemens Alexandrinus a grau● & wise man in an oration, that he made to the Gentiles saith: hearken ye that be farre of, give ear ye that be near, the word of God is hidden from none, it is a common light, it doth lighten all men, there is no darkness at all in the world. Yet this cometh into question, whether the interpretation of the scriptures do depend upon the Church of Rome, or no. Pigghius one of your own doctors saith, That the scriptures (as a man, both truly 
Pigghius Hierar. lib. 3. cap. 3. fol. 103.  and merely saith) are like a nose of wax that easily suffereth itself to be drawn backward, and forward, and to be framed and fashioned this way, and that way, and how soever you list. another 
Lyra in. Deut, cap 17.  faith of your Church of Rome: Although they tell thee, that thy right hand, is thy left hand, or that thy left hand, is thy right hand, yet such a sentence must be holden for good. Thus you make the word of God, which is easily and plain, to the understanding of the simple, and a ●ertaine rule to direct the true Christian, ●ut a dumble schoolmaster, and dead letter, and that you must set the holy spirit of God ●o school, as though he had set down the Scriptures, in a defuse and hard sense, and ●ere not able to expound and interpret his ●wn meaning Saint Paul saith, That we 
Gal. 1. 8. Aug. contra lite. r as Petilian. lib.  must to not hear an Angel, if he bring a●ie thing contrary to the Gospel. Augustine expounding these words saith, Whether it be of Christ, or of his church or of any thing else whatsoever, pertaining either to our life, or to our faith, I will not only say, if I myself, but if an Angel from heaven shall teach us otherwise, than we have received in the books of the Law, and the Gospel, hold him accursed. another godly father saith, As 
Origen in Mat. homel. 25.  what Gold soever is without the Temple is not sanctified: so every sense and interpretation, which is without the holy scripture, although unto some it seem wonderful, yet it is not holy, because it is not contained in the sense of the Scripture. Call to remembrance, I pray you, how untruly and clean contrary to the true meaning of the holy Ghost, your Church hath interpreted the Scriptures: As upon these words, Fiet unum ovile, et unus Pastor: your Church giveth this exposition to these words, There 
joh. 10. 16. False interpretations. Apo. 5. 5.  shallbe one fold, and one shepherd: we may not understand it of Christ, but of some other minister that ruleth in his room. One said unto Pope Leo in the Council holden at Lateran: Behold, the Lion 
Concil. Lateran. sess. 6.  of the tribe of juda is come, the root of David, etc. O most blessed Leo, we have waited for thee to be our Saviour. So it is likewise said, The Pope being the light is come into the world, and men have loved the darkness more 
joh. 3. 19  than light, every man that doth evil hateth the light, that is to say, the Pope, and cometh not to the light: These words are to be understood of our saviour Christ, who in deed is the Lion of the 
Conc. Trident.  tribe of juda, and cometh of the root of David: who is the light, that cometh into the world: and see how blasphemously your Church doth wrist these words, and applieth them unto the Pope. Again, Pope Sextus affirmeth, That he can never 
Concil. Lib. Tom. 1. in purgatione Sixti  be forgiven, whosoever he be, which accuseth the Pope. And thus he reasoneth: He that sinneth against the holy Ghost, that is to say, Against the Pope, shall never be forgiven, neither in this world, nor in the world to come: These 
Mat.  words of the Scripture are thus to be taken: That they shall never have forgiveness at God's hands, which sin against the holy Ghost: And the Pope will have them to be meant of him: I could rehearse infinite places to this same effect and purpose: But let the indifferent reader judge, by these few places, how untruly the church of Rome doth interpret the holy scriptures. But let them beware betimes of the heavy judgements of god. Woe be unto them that call good evil, & evil good: 
●sal. 5. 20.  darkness, light, & light, darkness, sour, sweet, and sweet sour. What is this, but to diminish the authority of the heavenly word of God? God doth sharply 
Apo. 22. 18.  threaten, That if any man shall add unto these things, GOD shall add unto him those plagues, that are written in this book: & if any man shall diminish of the words of the book of this prophesy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, & out of the holy city, and from those things which are written in this book. God grant you true repentance, that you may embrace Christ & his word; and escape these threatenings of God.    

Papist. 17  
Moreover let any man prove unto me, that the true & only church of god may at any time be void of a spirit of falsely interpret any sentence of holy scripture, or induce any errors among the people, or approve any unprofitable or hurtful usage amongst Christians, or that she suffereth any damnable abuse in her religion without open reprehension thereof prove any of these proofs: And I recant.  

Answer. 17  
I Have proved before at large, that the true Church of God is never without the comfort of god's spirit: which spirit doth not visibly, and openly in any form or substance reveal and show himself, but inwardly engraff in the hearts of the elect, whether they be many or few, the doctrine of the Gospel: doth increase true knowledge in them: doth work true sanctification & holiness: and doth guide, & lead them in all good actions. I have proved also that gods true church doth not corrupt, and falsely interpret the holy scriptures, as your Church of Rome doth, in wresting and wring the sense of the scriptures, in comparing it to A nose of wax, & a shipman's hose, or in calling it A dead and dumb letter. But the true sheep doth gladly here the voice of the shepherd: do acknowledge all things to be contained in the scripture necessary for man's salvation: do confess no hardness, or difficulty to be in the word of God: But that the holy Ghost doth sufficiently expound himself, and one place express another: The true Church doth not teach the people any errors, any unwritten verities, any inventions of her own brain, or any thing touching doctrine, or life, which she findeth not written in the canonical scriptures: doth not approve any unprofitable usages, any fond customs, or suffer any damnable abuses in religion without open reprehension: doth find fault, and doth openly inveigh against all things, which be mixed with God's true worship and service by the devise of any man whatsoever, and will allow nothing to be used amongst god's people, but only that which is warranted by the word of God. In this your treatise, albeit you speak generally, yet you have a special meaning: But truly even in that thing, wherewith you charge us, you be most guilty yourself. For if those be worthily called Abuses in religion, which be matters of faith, and used in the Church, contrary to the express word of God (so that Christ may be umpire) let all indifferent persons judge, whether your Church of Rome, or we which profess the Gospel, do more abuse true religion, and induce errors amongst the people. We say that we must pray only unto God, in the name of Christ, and unto none other: your Church of Rome saith, That we must pray unto the saints departed, and use them as means for us unto God. Nevertheless God saith, Call upon me 
Psa. 120. 1.  in the day of trouble, & I will hear thee. David The Prophet saith, When I was in trouble I called upon the Lord, and he heard me. And again, he saith, I will confess my sins unto the Lord, and 
Psa. 50. 15.  so he forgave me the wickedness of my sin. Christ saith, Whatsoever you ask my Father in my name, he will give it you. Show me now by what authority of scripture, you can disprove this, and prove your invocation of Saintes: we 
Ioh 16. 23. Luk. 5. 21. 1. joh. 1. 7.  say, That it is god only which forgiveth sins & that for Christ's sake, whose blood doth purge us from all sin. You say that the Pope can forgive sin, and give pardon for many hundred, yea thousand years, and that he can do whatsoever God himself can do. For in name, you give him no less prerogative, Dominus Deus noster, Papa. Our Lord God, the Pope. We say that we are justified freely by God's special grace, and mercy offered in Christ, and that faith is the instrument to apprehended this our justification and so saith the Apostle: You are saved by 
Eph. 2. 8.  grace, and that through faith, not of ourselves, it is the gift of god, not of works: lest any man should rejoice: And again Abraham believed God, and it was counted 
Rom. 4. 3.  to him for righteousness. You say, that we are justified by our own works yea and that we have works more than we need, which you call works of supererogation, or superfluous works.  
We say that we must confess our sins only unto God, and so saith David. I will 
●sal. 32. 5.  confess, even against mine own self, mine unrighteousness unto the Lord. You say, That we must confess our sins to the priest, and receive absolution at his hands: And this you call Auricular confession: We say that the people of God, be they never so simple or unlearned, aught to have the use of the scriptures of GOD in their known tongue, and both hear them, and read them: So Christ biddeth all men. To search the scriptures. 
●hn. 5. 39  David sayeth. That they are a light to our feet. Saint Paul saith, That 
●sal. 119. 105  whatsoever things are written they be 
●om. 15. 4.  written for our learnin, and eugery scripture sent from God is profitable to teach to instruct, to reprove, and to exhort, that the man of God may be perfect prepared to every good work. He saith 
2. Tim. 3. 16. 17.  further, Let the word of God devil in you abundantly. Whereupon Saint 
Col. 3. 16. Hierom. ad Col. 3. 16.  Hierome noteth, That even the lay peoshoulde read the Scriptures, and teach and admonish one an other: Your church saith, That the unlearned people aught not to have the Scriptures in their vulgar tongue, & that they are hard and full of difficulties. We say that no Images are to be brought into the Temple of God, or to be worshipped: God hath forbidden it by 
Exod. 20. 4.  express commandments, ●oth the making and the worshipping. God curseth ●oth the maker thereof, the tool that ●eth it, and him also that worshippeth ●t. Christ saith, Thou shalt worship the 
Sapi. 14. 8.  ●ord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. The Apostle saith, that Idolaters, ●all have no inheritance with Christ and 
Mat. 4. 10. Galat. 5. 21. Apoc 19 10.  ●ith God. The Angel of God refuseth ● be worshipped, and saith moreover, worship God.  
You say, that images are to be made, at they ought to be placed in the tem●es, that they are to be worshipped and that they are the Lay men's books, yea, and that not only images of Saints departed, but also of Christ and of GOD himself: which image of God, you set forth in the similitude of an old aged man, having a long grey beard and a hoar head, albeit God hath given a straight charge 
joh. 1. 8. Aug. de fide et symbolo. cap. 7.  to the contrary. And Christ saith, that no man hath seen God at any time, but the only begotten son of God. Saint Augustine saith, That it is abominable to set any such picture in the Churches of Christians. If a man had come into any of your Churches in times past, and had used your images, as Epiphanius a godly writer did use the like long sithence, you would have cursed him with 
Epipha. ad johana nem Heerosol. Apud Hiero. Tom. 2.  bell, book, and candle, and would have burned him to ashes in the end. I will repeat the words contained in an Epistle, which Epiphanius did writ unto the bishop of Jerusalem, which be these: I found saith he a vail hanging at the entry of the Church stained and painted, and having the Image as it were of Christ, or of some Saint, (for whose picture it was in deed I do not remember) Therefore when I saw the image of a man to hung in the Church of Christ, contrary to the commandment of the Scriptures, I toare it in sunder, and gave council to the wardens of the Church, that they should wind and bury some poor body in it. etc. ● beseech you, charge the Priests of that place, that they command that such ●ailes as be contrary to our religion, be ●o more hanged up in the Church of Christ: it behoveth your reverence to ●aue care hereof, that this superstition unmeet for the Church of Christ, and unmeet for the people, which be committed unto you, be removed. I might ●ande long in displaying and manifesting ●he errors & superstitious trifles of your Church of Rome, not only in secret practices and devices, most expressly against God and his truth: but also even in matters of faith and in the principles of ●rue religion, how far you disagree from Christ, and his Gospel, and from all godly writers of ancient time. But these ●ay serve for a taste, saving that I will speak one word of your Pope's great ●hallenge. We say that all men of what calling soever they be, ought to yield their obedience unto such as are in authority. 
Math. 17. 27. Math. 22. 21. Rom. 13. 1.  Christ our Saviour paid tribute, he said, Give unto Caesar, that which is due unto Caesar. Saint Paul sayeth, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power, but of GOD: whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth th' ordinance of god. Saint Chrysostom upon these words saith, 
Chrisostom. in Rom. 13.  Although thou be an Apostle, although thou be an Evangelist, although thou be a Prophet, or whosoever thou art, for this subjection doth not overthrow godliness: and he doth not say simply, let him obey, but let him be subject. And Theophilacte writing upon 
The ophilact in Rom. 13.  the same place, sayeth, That the Apostle teacheth all men, whether he be a priest, or Monk, or Apostle, that he be subject unto Princes. Your Church doth challenge this authority from Peter, to be above Kings and Emperors, which also you say Peter received from Christ. For these be the very words of Pope Nicholas: 
Dist. 22. Mediolanensis.  Christ (saith he) hath given to blessed Peter the right, as well of the worldly, as also of the heavenly Empire. Whereupon you ground these arguments: 
De mai●ritate & obed.  The Son is higher and grea●r than the Moon, Therefore the ●ope is higher, and greater than the emperor: The soul is above the bo●e, therefore the pope is above the emperor. Thus you take upon you, not ●elie to have the superiority over Em●erours, but also to put them forth of their ●ates, and to remove the Empire at your 
Avent. Adrian. 4. Anno. 1154.  ●easure. And thus did Pope Adrian writ ●to Fredrick the Emperor, My seat ●saith he,) is in the city of Rome: The emperor's seat is at Acon in Arden, which is a Forest in France). Whatsoever the Emperor hath, he hath it of ●s, as pope Zacharias translated the Empire from Graecia into Germany: So ●ay we again translate the same from ●e Germans to the greeks: Behold, ● is in our power, to bestow the Empire, upon whom we list. But note how ●he writings of Saint Peter do agreed ●ith this proud popish style. Submit your 
1. Pet. 2. 13.  yourselves (saith Peter) unto all manner ordinances of man, for the Lords sake, Whether it be unto the king, as unto the chief: And to conclude he saith. Honour 
Tertul. ad Scap.  all men, Love brotherly fellowship fear God, honour the king. Mark● also how Tertullian a godly Father agreeth with the Apostle against your superiority: We honour (saith he) the Emperors majesty, as a man next unto GOD, for so is the Emperor greate● then all men, while he is less than only the true God. Of this mind wa● Pope Gregory, as he showeth in an Epistle, 
Grego. lib. 3. 〈◊〉. 61.  which he writeth unto Mauritiu● the Emperor. Behold (saith he) Thu● will Christ answer you by me, bein● both his, and your most humble seruant● I have committed my priests into you● hands, as for my part, I being subject unto your majesties commandment, have caused your order to be sen● throughout diverse parts of the world▪ So that by the premises, it plainly appeareth, what dangerous errors, and corrupt doctrine most repugnant to Christ, your Church of Rome hath taught the people of God.    

Papist. 18  
LET any Protestant in the whole world prove unto me, that their Church could rightly be called Catholic, which was so particular, that ● man alive could name a place, where ●y such church was: or that it might be ●lled holy, which had neither Baptism, ●r any other sacrament to sanctify any ● her fellows withal: or that it could be ●e, which as it grew up in the world, was guided into so many sundry sects▪ or that ● might be called Apostolic, which could ●uer make an account by orderly successi●, from any apostolic man: or that the se●ete, base, and disordered congregation was ●er of that majesty, that it might require ●e obedience of all nations: or that it was ●er able to gather general counsels, or ex●cise discipline upon offenders: or that ●hese titles proper by scripture and doctors ● the true church could ever be challenged by ●ght to their congregation, I mean these ●itles following: Corpus Christi, the body of Christ: Sponsa Christi, the spouse of Christ: ●nicè dilecta Christo, the dearly beloved of Christ: Amica Christi, Christ's lover: Do●us dei, God's house: Columba speciosa, the beautiful Dove: Columna veritatis, th● pillar of truth: Civitas Dei, the city of God● Civitas super montem posita, a City set vpo● a hill: Hortus conclusus, a close garden Fons signatus, a fountain sealed up: Sponsa agnt, The spouse of the Lamb.  

Answer. 18  
YOu do v●ge often this Catholic Church, and do seem as of right to challenge i● to be your Church of Rome, but how untruly, I have partly touched before: This word (Catholic doth signify universal, as in deed the true church of God is universally spread and scattered abroad in all coasts and countries of the world, and so do divers good writers 
Aug. and Severinun Epist. 170.  speak of it. Saint Augustine sayeth, That the catholic Church is dispersed throughout the whole earth. And i● another place (he sayeth:) That the Church is called Catholic, because she is universally perfect and halteth in nothing, and is poured throughout the whole world. An other saith: That the 
Isichius. in Leuit. lib. 4. cap. 14.  universal Church is Jerusalem, the city of the living God, which comprehendeth the congregation of the elect and chosen, written in heaven. An other sayeth, That the church is truly called catholic, which is separated by sincere, pure, and unspotted communion or fellowship, from all unfaithful persons, and from their successors and companions. These things of duty appertain 
●elasius ad An●● Augustum.  unto the Church. First, that it is universal, and therefore (as I have said before) it is not limited, either to place, time, or person: Secondarily, that it is of ●he elect, whom God in his secret and arcane knowledge hath sealed unto life e●erlasting: Thirdly, that it hath no fellowship with the unfaithful, and with such ●s will not believe the truth. Nevertheless in the visible church, there be of ●ll sorts mixed together, both good and ●adde: believers, and hypocrites: dar●ell, and pure wheat. But to answer ●our interrogation: You would know, How the Protestants church, can be calid the true Catholic and Apostolic church? And I would demand the like ●f you: how your Church of Rome can ● known to be the true church of God. ●ruly there is an unfallible rule set down ready, how the true Church of God, may be known, and how this controversy may easily be decided. For if we will believe the holy Apostle of God: he telleth the Ephesians, That they are no more 
Ephes. 2. 19  strangers and Forrenners, but citizens with the saints, and of the howshould of God, and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building coupled together, groweth to an holy temple in the Lord. So that you may see, that the true Church of God is discerned and known by the Scriptures. The true sheep do hear the voice of Christ, and will not hear a stranger. 
john. 10. 27.  And so the godly father Augustine saith, That in the scriptures we learne● 
Aug. Epi. 166.  Christ, in the Scriptures we learn the Church: Wherefore do we not then retain in them, both Christ and his Church? And writing against the Donatists, 
Aug. Tom. 7. con. Epist. Peulian. ca 2.  being notorious heretics, he saith, Betwixt us and you, this cometh in question: where the church is? what shall we do now in this matter▪ Shall we seek for the church in our own words, or in the words of her head, which is our Lord jesus Christ? 
Aug. Tom. 7. c●● Petil. troth Epi. cap. 2.  I think that we aught to seek it rather in his words, who is the truth, and doth best of all know his own body. So Chrysostom saith, That since the time that Heresies invaded the church, there can be no trial of true Christianity, neither any other refuge of Christians, which would know the 
Chrisost. in Ma●. Hom. 49.  true faith, but only the scriptures of God, and therefore he which will know the true Church of God, how shall he know it, but only by the Scriptures? Thus it appeareth, that the true Church of God doth defend herself only by the Scriptures and word of God, which your Church of Rome doth utterly refuse, for that you boldly affirm, that the Scriptures have not their strength, neither receive their authority from God. But from the Church of Rome. Yea, moreover you say, That the holy Church of 
Concil. Tom. 1. de primatu Rom. Eccle.  Rome, hath power by a singular privilege granted unto her, to open, and to shut up the gates of the Kingdom of heaven, from whom she listeth, and that this power of binding and losing, is no less in your church of Rome, than it is in Christ. But you will say, that I do slander you in saying, That you affirm the Scriptures of God, to have their strength and authority from the church of Rome. Truly one of your own writers hath these words, Who soever leaneth not (saith he) to the doctrine of the Roman church, and to 
Silvester Prieri. count. Luther.  the authority of the Bishop of Rome, as unto the unfallible rule of God, of which Doctrine the holy Scripture taketh her force, and authority, he is an heretic. He saith further, That the authority of the Roman church, and of the Bishop of Rome, is greater than the authority of God's word. An other saith: That this 
Nicholaus Cusa. de auctho. Eccle. ●t council. supra & contra Scripture.  is the judgement of all them, that think lightly, that ground the authhoritie and understanding of the Scriptures, in the allowance of the Church, and not conrariwise, ●lay the foundation of the church in the authority of the scriptures. There be no commandments of Christ, but such only as be taken so, and holden by the Church: Therefore the scriptures follow the Church, but contrariwise, the Church followeth not the Scriptures. An other saith, That the Apostles have written 
Albert. Pigghi. in controvers. de Ecclena.  certain things, not that their said writings should rule our faith or religion, but rather that they should be under, and be ruled by our faith: the scriptures are dumb judges: the scriptures are like a nose of wax. I might allege many authorities out of your own writers, which go about to extol your church of Rome above God, and his holy word: ●ut these may persuade all men, which be not wilfully blinded, how arrogantly and lucifer-likely, you do prefer your Church, both contrary to the manifest & express word of God, and also to the opinion, judgement of the Godly learned fathers, whose authorities I have cited. But let the indifferent reader judge, whether our church (which groundeth herself wholly & only upon the heavenly Scriptures, and submitteth herself to the spirit of God, as the true interpreter of the same; hearkeneth only unto the voice of her Pastor Christ, and acknowledgeth him only to be her head, according as we are taught by the scriptures) be the true Church of God, the Catholic & Apostolic church: or your church of Rome, which innketh herself equal with god, & usurpeth authority above his most holy word, will not have Christ, but the Pope her head, which will be judge in all causes, whether Christ will or not, which maintaineth, not not in one point, the Apostolic doctrine, and faith, but doth persecute even unto death, the true professors of the same. Whereas you do ask, How our Church can be one, For that (as you say) it is divided into so many sects? I have showed before that we do not disagree, now at this day in matters of faith and true religion, as your Church of Rome doth in matters of great weight and importance. It hath been a vulgar, and common proverb of long time used, that the Devil will have his Chapel near● God's Church. Among the old Prophets was some one Balaam, or other. In the small number which accompanied our Saviour Christ, was one judas, & many carnal Capernaites, which sought rather their belly, than the advancement of God's truth, which pretended a zeal, and followed Christ, yet depended upon old customs and ceremonial traditions, and held other 
Math. 24. 24.  fond opinions. Among the true Apostles, were false Apostles, which (though not altogether, yet in some part) preached either circumcision, or justification by works, repugnant to the doctrine of the true Apostles, as you do. Our Saviour truly prophesied, That there should arise false Christ's, and false Prophet's Saint Paul 
1. Cor. 11. 19  saith, yet in an other sense, There must be heresies even among you, that they which are approved among you, might be known. By which he noteth, that God's Church is not only subject to strife and dissension, as touching orders and manners, but also to heresies, as touching doctrine. We do not stand so stifely upon our reputation, but do confess, that as we are men, so we may err. But we try our judgements and opinions by the touchstone of God's word, not respecting the person, but the doctrine which we allow of, so far, as the holy scriptures do approve the same, in which is no error at all. We do not deny, but that there may be amongst us some carnal & fleshly Gospelers: some Epicures, and Athistes: some given to maintain unprofitable, and strange opinions, as there are in your Church of Rome. The like there were in the Apostles time, some which held of Paul, some of Apollo, some of Peter, yea some which seemed to have been of the number of the faithful, because they occupied a place in the Church, of whom the Apostle speaketh, saying: Babes it is the last time, and as 
1. john. 218.  you have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichristes, whereby we know that it is the last time: they went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. It is manifest, that in the primitive church therewere false brethren, which were 
Aug. Tom. 6. in Ser. contra. Arriano●.  cloaked with the name of Christianity. Arrius that damnable heretic & the favourers of his sect, which deny Christ to be God, boasted themselves, That they only were Catholics, and called others, which maintained the truth against them, sometimes Ambrosians, and sometimes Athanasians: as you do call us, now Lutherans, now Caluinists, now Zwinglians. Ebion that Heretic, who affirmed Christ to be only man, and saith that the observation of the Law was very necessary to salvation, & would needs be called a Christian.  
All other heretics, which were many in the flourishing time of the church (as appeareth by the stories) bragged, that they held the true faith: & that they were the true Church. Shall we therefore conclude, & say, that the Prophets, the Apostles, the godly Christians and fathers of the primitive Church were not of the true Church of God, for that in their times there were many sects, which covered themselves with the cloak & colour of true religion? Saint Paul forcing, through God's spirit, what would come, gave this watchword 
Colos. 2. 8.  to the colossians, To beware least that any should go about to spoil them through philosophy, and vain deceit, through the traditions of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. He also forwarneth 
2. Thes. 2. 4.  the Thessalonians, that Antichrist the son of perdition shall sit as God, in the temple of God, showing himself to be God. It is wonderful to see how you are blinded, seeing you stumble at a straw, and do leap over a bloke: You strain at a gnat, and do swallow a Camel, You see a moth in another man's eye, and perceive not the beam, which is in your own eye: You are most guilty yourselves in that, which you would have to be a notorious crime in others. For you agreed not in the principal points of religion, as I have noted before: but in that you demand, Whether our Church was ever of that majesty, that it might require the obedience of all nations, or gather general councils, and how the titles which you set forth by name, can be applied to our Church? I say that our Church hath, and doth enjoy such privileges and pre-eminence, as is limited unto her by the word of God: Nevertheless we do not challenge any such authority, to the obedience of all nations unto our Church, but do pray in the name of Christ, unto the Lord of Heaven and earth, to pour forth the abundance of his spirit, upon all jews, Turks, Infidels, and Papists, that they may embrace the glad tidings of the Gospel, and become obedient children unto the majesty of almighty God. Where we have peculiar charge in our several congregations, we exhort with john 
Math. 3. 2.  Baptist, all men to repentance: We say with the Apostle, That we are messengers from Christ, to move the people to 
2. Cor. 5. 20.  be reconciled unto God, that we are fellow labourers, to beseech them not to receive the grace of God in vain, shew●ng that now is the accepted time, and 
2. Cor. 6. 1.  the day of salvation, in the which, the God of all mercies doth offer them ●ardon of their sins, for Christ's sake, ●hough they be never so many in num●er, if they will repent & believe the gospel. We have no warrant in God's word ● which aught to be the square, or rule to ●●re●t all Christians) to claim, or challenge ●nie such authority over other nations. Christ our saviour doth deny that superiority unto the Apostles, saying, It shall 
Math. 20. 26.  ●ot be so among you. In deed your Church of Rome doth usurp this, that she ●s above all other Churches, that all nation's do own their obedience unto her, and ●hat all Kings and Emperors do own ●heir subjection unto her, as in Peter's right ●ou have sought, and do seek the same superiority, as appeareth by the saying of Fredrick the Emperor, unto Pope Alexander the third, most tyrannically treading upon him, and setting his foot in his neck: Non tibi, sed Petro: This submission (saith the Emperor) belongeth not to thee, but to Peter. To whom the Pope answered, Etmihi, & Petro: It is both due unto me, & to Peter. The like proud behaviour showed Pope Hildebrand unto Henry the fourth Emperor, who caused him, his wife, and his son to attend and wait three days, & three nights barefoot, and bare-legged before his palace at Canntium, or he would vouchsafe to speak with him. But to let these things pass, of which like examples the histories be plentilull, which do argue the ambition and tyranny of your church: As you have made oftentimes this offer, That if such & such things could be proved, you would recant: So say I again unto: you, if you be willing to play the proctors part in the behalf of your church of Rome, and prove these high dignities, which she doth challenge, by the word of God, not only I, but many thousands will join hands with your church. But you shall never be able to prove by the scriptures, that God either in the old or new Testament ●ath promised to establish any such one church in earth, which should appear in outward pomp and external show, to ●e view of the whole world, continually ● endure by orderly succession of any Apo●olike man in one place, or to be of such authority & majesty in earth, that it might ●equire the obedience of all nations, summoning and citing them, upon pain of ex●mmunication, to appear at her general session's, or Councils called by her: Nay ●ther the church of God, as I have declared before, hath been for the most part subact to persecutions, & of small countenance ● the eyes of man, and so small, that oftentimes she could not be seen, as in Elias is time it plainly appeareth, as also in ●e time, in which our saviour Christ was ●uersant here on earth. But of this matter, ● have spoken at large in other places. You ●eme to take it as granted to you, that you ●aue authority to call all nations to your ●uncells: yet it appeareth by the ecclesiastical histories, that you have no such pri●ledge or commission, but that of right it appertaineth to the temporal magistrate. Constantine the great being Emperor over all the world did call, and summon general councell● for the establishing of true religion, without the consent of the Pope, For so a good writer affirmeth: Constantine 
Euseb. in vita Constant. oratio. 3.  (saith he) as if he had been a common bishop appointed by God, called together counsels of gods ministers, and disdained not himself to sit in the midst of them, & to be partaker of their doings. Your own Popes in like manner do confess 
Leo. ad Theodo. Epist. 24.  this: For Pope Leo writing unto Theodosius the Emperor, hath these words: All our Church (sayeth he,) and our priests most humbly beseech your majesty, with sobs and tears, that you will command a general council to be holden within Italy. I do not deny but that your bishops of Rome traveled earnestly, that no council should be called without their consents, and to have this prerogative of calling councils: but yet they could never bring it to pass, until they had gotten the Emperors heads under their girdles, and that appeareth by the saying of Pope Pius. 2. otherwise called Aeneas Silvius who ●doeth also note the inconveniency, which would ensue thereof: By these authorities (saith he) they think themselves armed, that say 
Aeneas Sylu. de council. Basilien. lib. 1.  no council may be kept, without the consent of the Pope: Whose judgement, if it should stand as they would have it, would draw with it the decay and ruin of the Church: for what remedy were there then, if the Pope himself were vicious, destroyed souls, overthrew the people with evil examples, taught doctrine contrary to the faith, and filled his subjects full of heresies▪ should we suffer all to go to the Diu●ll▪ Verily when I read the old ●tories, and consider the Acts of the Apo●les, I find no such order in those days, ●hat only the Pope should summon counsels. And afterwards in the time of Constan●tine the great, and of other Emperors, when councils should be called, there was ●o great account made of the Pope's consent. Moreover he saith, that before ●he council of Nice, each bishop lived severally, and little regard was then had to ●he Church of Rome. But concerning ●hefe titles, wherewith the word of God doth beautify, & adorneth the true Church of God calling her, The spouse of Christ, the dearly beloved of Christ, the city of God, etc. Let the scriptures & Gospel of Christ itself contained in the old & new Testament be judge in this matter, whether these titles do belong and appertain to your Church; or unto ours. Our Church affirmeth Christ jesus only to be the head of the Church his Spouse: your Church doth affirm, the Pope to be her head: our Church doth not maintain any doctrine, Sacrament, or any tradition, which is not grounded upon the doctrine of Christ, and expressly set forth in the holy Bible: your Church dependeth upon the decrees of man, doth teach such ecclesiastical ordinances 
●chi. in Enchi.  and constitutions, to be of equal authority with the Scriptures of God: setteth forth five Sacraments more than ever Christ ordained, and corrupteth the other two Sacraments only appointed by Christ: for these five Sacraments devised by your church of Rome, were brought into England by Otho the Cardinal, in 
Otho Cardinal. Anno. 1236.  the reign of King Henry the third, in the year of our Lord 1236. To conclude, our Church doth feed Christ's people, and flock with the Scriptures of God only, which are called by Godly writers and Fathers, the Pastures for the Children of God to feed in: it doth teach Christ only to be our Saviour, And no name to 
Act. 4. 12.  be given unto men under heaven, in which we may be saved, but only the name of the only begotten son of God, jesus Christ: & that his blood doth purge us from all sin. Your Church of Rome 
1. john. 1. 9  doth tell the people, that they must seek their salvation in Trentals of Masses, in pardons, in their own works, in the blood of Hales, in the blood of Thomas, For these be your own words:  
Tu per Thomae Sanguinem,  
quem pro te impendit:  
Fac nos coelum scandere,  
quò Thomas ascendit.  
Which is as much to say, O as, Christ make thou us, even for the blood of Thomas, which he shed for thy sake, to climb up into heaven, whether Thomas is ascended. Seeing therefore that your Church doth not uphold and maintain the truth of God, but her own inventions and devices, how can your Church be called The pillar of truth? How can your Church be called the City of God, or you Citizens of God, sith that you will not submit yourselves unto the Laws of God, set forth by his word? How can your church be called, The spouse of Christ, seeing as a bloody mother you divide the child, and do persecute and crucify a fresh Christ in his members. These titles alleged by you, (are no doubt) to be understanded of the invisible Church of God, which is the number of Gods elect and faithful children, scattered abroad throughout the whole world: neither can they be applied unto your church of Rome, which is no part, or parcel of God's Church, for that (as I have said before) she neither holdeth the true doctrine of the Gospel, nor heareth the voice of the only begotten son of God, the true and only pastor and teacher, as he himself saith, 
john. 10. 27.  My sheep do hear my voice, and do follow me: neither ministereth the Sacraments truly, according to the institution of Christ: neither observeth the voice in verity, powered forth by the spirit of God into the hearts of the faithful, & true members of Christ: neither doth embrace the true Catholic and Apostolic ●aith, as necessarily the true church of God ●oth, with full consent and agreement. Wherefore to conclude this my answer, I wish you not to claim and challenge ●hese glorious names and titles unto ●oure Church, unless you were able to ●o prove the same by the holy word of God: ●or the truth of God's Gospel shall pre●ayle, will you, nill you, yea in spite of Mahomete, and Antichrist your Pope, ●ud the more that you shall spurn against ●, the greater harm shall redound to your ●lues. Though I am unknown unto you, ●et this good will I do bear you, that I ●oste hearty do pray unto God for you, ●hat your eyes may be opened, to vnder●ande what his will is, set forth in his ●oorde, and knowing the same, that you ●ay employ all your study, to advance ●nd extol the glory of God: which God grant you for his Christ's sake: To whom with the holy spirit, be all honour and glory, now & for ever.  
Amen.     

 

  

  

   

¶ Imprinted at London at the three Cranes in the Vine-tree, by Thomas Dawson, for George bishop 1579.