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The vocation of johan Bale to the bishopric of Ossorie in Ireland his persecutions in the same/ & final deliverance.  

The English Christian/ The Irish Papist.   ¶ God hath delivered me from the snare of the hunter/ & from the noisome pestilence. Psal. xcj ¶ If I must needs rejoice/ I will rejoice of mine infirmities, ij. Cor. xj.  

The preface.  
¶ johan Bale to the followers of Christ's Gospel.  
FOr three consyderations chiefly (dear brethren) have I put fourth this treatise of my vocation to the church of Ossorye in Ireland/ of my hard chances therein/ and of my final deliverance by the great goodness of God. 
Ossorie  The first of them is/ for that men should weal know/ that the office of a Christian bishop/ is not to loiter in blasphemous papistry/ but purely to preach the Gospel of God/ to his christened flock. 
the flock  The second is/ that they should also understand/ that continual persecutions/ and no bodily wealth/ doth follow the same most godly office/ in them which truly executeth it. The third is/ that they might behold how graciously our most merciful God with his power waiteth upon them/ and finally delivereth them in most deep dangers. 
deliverance.   
These .3. things notable/ concerning the elect members of God's congregation in this life/ comprehendeth much matter in the scriptures of both testaments/ with abundance of examples from Abel the first to johan the evangelist / which was the last liver in the same. The examples also thereof are both lively and innumerable/ 
Examples  in the first propagation and long continuance of the christian church from his time to this our time/ as the chronicles & histories most abundantly specifieth.  
First/ as concerning the examples of holy scripture. 
jesus. Adam.  jesus the eternal son of the everlasting father/ in the godhead preached to Adam in paradise terrestre/ and constitute him so weal an instructor as a father over his posterity. He proved him also after he had sinned/ by diverse afflyctyons'/ and finally promised both to him and to his/ deliverance in the sede of the woman/ which at the lattre in his own person he lovingly performed. 
Christ  Christ the saide son of God continually still taught/ by the mouths of the fathers and prophets/ till such time as he himself came in the flesh. Than was he above all others/ of his heavenvly father appointed/ a universal doctor over all the world/ and commanded to be heard/ Math. iij. 
Adoctor  He followed his vocation in most ample wise/ very cruelly was he of the clergy than persecuted/ and gloriously delivered in his resurrection from death. The members of his true church/ the prophets and Apostles/ were in case like as he their head was/ first called/ than afflicted/ and graciously always in the end delivered. 
Father's  He that shall mark the laborious procedings of Abraham/ joseph/ & Moses'/ of David/ Helyas/ and Daniel/ with the other old fathers and prophets/ shall find it no less. He like wise that shall discreetly search the doings of Peter/ james and johan/ with the other of the Apostles and disciples/ shall we'll perceive the same.  
Hieremye for the old law/ Paul for the new law/ and johan baptist betwixt them both/ were called from their mother's womb to that heavenly office of preaching. Hier. j 
Called.  Luce. j Gala. j yea/ they suffered extreme persecutions under tyrants/ and finally were delivered/ in this life from perilous dangers▪ and in death/ from sin/ hell/ and damnation. To rehearse the examples of the primitive church/ and of the ages following/ 
Ages.  concerning these matters/ it would require much time/ they are so many/ and therefore at this present I omit them. Thus am I not alone in these 3. matters of vocation/ persecution/ & deliverance/ but have on my side an infinite number of examples. Which maketh me the more a great deal to rejoice/ like as I wish them to do/ 
The author.  which have in these troublous days the like. Neither am I ashamed to tell my brethren/ what God hath most graciously done for me/ nomor than s. Paul was for himself in his own Epistles/ and Luke in the acts for saint Peter/ though I be far unlike them. 
s. Peter  For I far like the bird which is delivered from the snare of the catcher. He flieth to a bough/ and rejoiceth in his deliverance/ and even so do I. In the which rejoice/ I make not only myself merry/ but also all my loving friends. And as for my cruel enemies the papists/ 
papistes  if I make them sorry in the rehearsal of my deliverance/ I am not ill apaid thereof. For it is better (they say in Norfolk) that young lyddernes weep/ than old men. I call them young and not old/ for God is oldar than Satan/ if age may be attributed to his eternity/ 
Daniel  as Daniel sayeth it may/ and Christ oldar than the devils vicar at Rome/ their ungracious father.  
As we are in most things contrary to these papists/ so have we rejoices contrary to theirs. 
papistes  They rejoice in health/ prosperity/ riches and worldly pleasures for their bellies sake.  
We in our infirmities/ afflictions/ losses/ and sorrowful crostes/ for Christ's verities sake. And thus may we weal do/ and boast of it also without offence/ for so did the forenamed S. Paul. 
s. Paul  2. Cor. 11. and earnestly willed us to be his followers. Phil. 3. first he boasted of his vocation/ and said. God sorted me out and appointed me from my mother's womb/ and also he called me by his grace/ to preach his lively gospel among the heathen/ Gal. 1. what if I should in like case boast/ that he by his grace had also called me in this age/ to preach the same Gospel to the Irish heathens/ which never heard of it afore/ to knowledge? 
Irish.  I should not do other wise than the truth is. For I was put to it against my will/ by a most christian king/ and of his own mere motion only/ without suit of friends/ meed/ labour/ expensis/ or any other sinister mean else. By his Regal power and authority/ which both were of God/ 
Edward  Ro. 13. was I both allowed and confirmed/ and not all unjoyfully received of the people/ which causeth me in conscience to judge my vocation just. Yet was not my rejoice so much in the dignity thereof/ as in doing for the time/ the office thereunto belonging. 
Office.  But now is it most of all in the leaving of that bishopric/ the gospel being so unthankfully of the priests received/ I so terribly of them persecuted/ and my servants so cruelly slain.  

S. Paul.  Moreover saint Paul boasted much of his persecutions/ & described them at large/ concludinge thus in the end/ Very gladly (saith he) will I rejoice of my weakness/ that the strength of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore have I dilectation in infirmities/ in rebukes/ in needs/ in persecution/ and anguyshes/ for Christ's sake. 
The Author.  2. Cor. 12. If I have like wise/ felt a great meinie of the same afflictions/ as I have done in deed/ may not I also with him rejoice in them? May I not be glad/ that I am in sorrows for the Gospel/ like fashioned to him/ & not pranked up in pomp & pleasures/ like the wanton babes of this world? As at this day is lecherous Weston/ 
weston.  which is more practised in the art of breach burning/ than all the whores of the stews/ to the great infamy of his virginal order. The truth of it is/ that since I took that weighty office in hand/ I have been sick to the very death/ I have been grieved with the untowardness of ministers.  

Troubles.  I have been in journeys and labours/ in injuries and losses/ in pains and in penuries. I have been in strifes and contentions/ in rebukynge and slaunderynges/ and in great danger of poyseninges and killinges.  
I have been in apparel of the heathen/ in apparel of wicked priests/ in apparel of false justices/ in apparel of traitorous tenants/ in apparel of cursed tyrants/ in apparel of cruel kearnes and galloglasses. 
tyrants.   
I have been in apparel of the sea/ in apparel of shipwreck/ in apparel of throwing over the board/ in apparel of false brethren/ in apparel of curious searchers/ in apparel of pirates/ robbers and murderers/ and a great sort more.  
Sanct Paul also rejoiced/ that God had so miraculously delivered him from so many dangerous ieopardyes'/ 
Parels.  and spareth not so to report them. 2. Cor. 11. et. 12. Why should I than shrink or be ashamed to do the like/ having at God's hand the like miraculous deliverance? Are they not left to us for example/ that we should do the like when we feel the like? 
Written.  Whatsoever things are written afore time (saith he) they are written for our learning/ that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope▪ Rom. xv. He in the city of Damascon/ being laid wait for/ by the lief tenant of King Aretha/ was let down at a window in a basket/ & so escaped his hands. Act. ix. 
dublin.  I in the city of dublin/ being assaulted of papists/ was conveyed away in the night in mariners apparel/ & so escaped the danger by God's help. When Paul's death was sought by certain jews at jerusalem/ the upper captain there/ commanded ij. under captains/ in the night to convey him to Caesarea with 200. soldiers .70. horsemen/ 
Caesarea  and 200. spearemen/ and so to to deliver him. Acts. 23. In lick case/ when the priests which Barnaby Bolgar and other had sought my death at Holmes court/ and had slain .v. of my household servants by their hired kearnes/ 
Kilkennye.  the good suffren of kylkennie with Turrian hundred horsemen/ and 300. footmen brought me thither in the night and so delivered me that time.  
As Paul against his will/ was put into a ship of Adramitium/ coupled with other prisoners of jewrie/ conveyed fourh into Italy/ and there safely delivered. 
Italy.  Act. 27. and 28. So was I & my companion Thomas against our wills taken into a ship of Zelande/ coupled with french prisoners/ conveyed forth into flanders/ and so at the lattre/ safely there delivered. As their ship was caught betwixt Candia and Melita/ and could not resist the winds/ 
the wind  so was ours betwixt Mylforde haven/ and waterford. As they had an exceeding tempest upon the sea/ so had we likewise. As they were without hope of safeguard/ so were we also.  
As they feared Syrtes or dangerous sandy places and rocks/ so did we. As they were almost famished and drowned/ so were we. 
comfort.  As God comforted them/ so did he us. As they were in conclusion cast into an island/ so were we into S. jews in cornwall. As the people showed them kindness at Melita/ so did they us at the said S. jues. As Paul gave thanks and broke bread among them/ so did we also. As the captain julius courteously entreated him and gave him liberty to go unto his friends at Sydon/ and to refresh him/ 
julius.  so did our captain Cornelis use us very gentilly with all favour and liberty/ what though he had so currishely and cruelly entreated us afore. As Paul was stonge of a biting viper and not hurt/ so was I of that viperous Walter being most unjustly accused of treason afore the justices there/ 
Walter  and yet through God's deliverance/ not hurt. As he appealed to Cesar/ so did I to the throne of God.  
As great dispicions were among the jews at Rome concerning Paul/ 
Rome.  so were there afterward among the shyppers in our return to their ship concerning us. As the soldiers gave counsel to kill the prisoners/ so were there some of our men that gave counsel to have drowned us for our money/ and of some to have delivered us up to the counsel of England/ in hope of great rewards. 
Publius.  As Publius gently received Paul/ and by him was healed of all his diseases/ so did mine host Lambert receive me also gently/ and by me was delivered from his vain believe of purgatory/ and of other popish peltryes. As the people reported Paul to be a murderer/ and after changed their minds/ and said he was a God/ 
A God.  so our wicked mariners reported me to be a most heinous traitor/ and yet afterward in my deliverance called me the servant of God. As he was for the hope of Israel led into captivity/ and at last delivered/ so was I also for the same captived/ and in fine delivered into Germany. 
brethren.  As the brethren met Paul with rejoice at Appij forum/ so did they me in diverse parts of Duchelande/ and lawd God for my so miraculous deliverance. As he said that he had committed nothing against the law of his father's/ so say I also that I have in this act committed nothing against the apostles and prophets doctrine/ I thank my Lord God thereof. 
The author.  Thus had I in my troublous journey from Ireland into Germanye all those chances in a manner that S. Paul had in his iournaie of no less trouble/ from jerusalem to Rome/ saving that we lost not our ship by the waye·  
If Helias/ that wetherdryven runnegate/ remain now in a foreign land in penury with the Sareptysh widow whiles Baal's chattering chaplains and sorcerous sacrifiers do dwell still at home florissing in prosperous wealth/ 
priests  lecherous idleness/ and lordly dignity/ marvel not of it/ for so hath he done afore. I speak not this for mine own part only/ neither utterly exclude I myself/ but I utter it also for my exiled brethren/ of whom a great number is at this time in Germany/ Denmarcke/ and Geneva. 
For others.  The true church of God had never sumptuous hospitals any long time together but very simple cottages and caves/ if ye mark the sacred histories and ancient chronicles. The pleasant possession/ 
Possessions.  and gorgeous dwelling places/ have evermor remained to the glorious Epicures/ the very enemies always of Christ's gospel. We are not now to learn how to take these our present afflictions in good part/ for we know them afore hand/ and have had them long time/ as it were in an exercise. 
Exercise  Nether are we all barren of frindely receptacles/ for the heavenly doctrines sake/ though our adversaries in England with violence throw stones at us/ and seek utterly to destroy us. They are truly much deceived which thinketh the Christian church to be a political comen wealth/ 
church  as of Rome and Constantinople/ maintained by human polyces/ and not by the only word of God. such are they which now have the doings in these present controversies/ and oppress the most manifest verity. God amend it.  
I writ not this rude treatise/ for that I would receive praise thereof/ but that I would God to have all the praise/ which hath been a most wonderful wurker therein. 
Praise.  For I am but a clod of corruption/ feeling in myself as of myself/ nothing else but sin and wickedness. I have done it also/ to declare my most earnest rejoice in the same God/ which by grace hath called me by persecution hath tried me/ and of favour/ benevolence and mercy/ hath most wonderfully delivered me. 
Gods work.  let him that rejoiceth (saith S. Paul) rejoice in the Lord. For he that praiseth himself/ is not allowed/ but he whom the Lord praiseth 2. Corint. 10. Moreover I have done it/ 
brethren.  for that my persecuted brethren might in like manner have their rejoice in that heavenvly Lord/ which mightily hath wrought in them their salvation/ by his gracious calling of them from wicked Papism to true christianyte / and now trieth their paciences by continual afflictions/ and finally will deliver them/ 
deliverance.  either from tyrannous molestations/ as he hath done me/ either else into martyrdom for his truths sake. For god will be known by none other doctrine/ than he hath sent hither by his son/ whom he so earnestly commanded to be heard. He will also be worshipped by those rules only/ whom he hath to his church proponed by his prophets and apostles. 
Prayer.  I besiche that everlasting God for his dear sons sake/ in the holy Ghost to rule us/ and always to augment and preserve his true church confessing his only name. Amen.  
I called upon the Lord in my trouble/ and the Lord heard me at large. The Lord is my helper/ I will not fear what man doth unto me. Psal. 118.   
¶ VERITAS DOMIMI, MAnet in aeternum. Psalm. 116. 
 ¶ NOVIT DOMINUS VIAM justorum, & iter impiorum peribit. Psalm. 1.  

¶ Of johan Bale tooth bishopric of Ossorye in Ireland his hard chances therein/ and final deliverance.  
IN the old and new testament is it not expressed/ that any just or faithful man ever yet took upon him/ 
ministery.  the administration of the heavenly doctrine/ in teaching the true worshippings of God/ and in persuading men to repentance or amendment of their former life/ without the vocation and special election of God. No truly/ Balaam the notable soothsayer could neither curse nor yet bless/ without God's permission/ as he apertly confessed/ Num. 22. And to begin with the formest examples. Adam our first progenitor/ 
Adam.  which had received most healthsome instructions of Gods eternal son in paradise/ and the fathers him succedinng in the righteous line before the general flood/ never had taken that high office upon them/ had not he thereunto both called them/ & allowed them. Noah Gods true servant/ 
Noe.  at his most gracious appointment also/ by the space of an C. years & xx. earnestly preached to the people of that age/ exhorting them to cease/ from the abohminations than used/ as they would avoid the universal destruction which followed. After the said flood/ by virtue of the self same precept and authority of God/ Noah taught the people/ than grown to Turrian increase again/ by long continuance. 
Noe.  So did Melchisedech in Salem, job in Arabia. Abraham in Chaldie, jacob in Mesopotamy, and joseph in Egypt, Helias with the other prophets in Israel, jonas in Ninyve, Daniel in Babylon, 
fathers.  Zorobabel in Persie, and johan Baptist in jewrye. Mark the open places of the scripture/ concerning Vocation & Election.  
And as touching Christ in our manhood/ he was called of God his eternal father/ as was Aaron/ to be our everlasting pressed/ according to the order of Melchisedech. 
jesus.  Hebre. 7. He was also by his own godly mouth/ to the world declared/ that weal beloved son of his/ in whom he was most highly both pleased & pacified. Finally he was by his most heavenly ordinance/ constituted our universal doctor/ and of him commanded/ as a most perfect master/ of all men to be most diligently heard & obeyed. 
A master.  From the ship/ from the costomehowse/ & from other homily ministeries/ called he/ not the stought/ sturdy/ & heady sort of men/ but the lowly hearted/ simple/ & beggarly idiots. Them he elected most graciously / & they not him/ to be the ministers of his holy gospel/ Iohan. 15. Them chose he out from the world/ to give knowledge of salvation to his people/ for the remission of their sins. 
apostles  Mat. 10. Luce. 2. Those (saith S. Paul) whom the Lord appointed before/ those hath he also called/ and those whom he hath called/ those hath he likewise justified/ or made meet for that heavenvly office. Rom. 8. 
Election.  For how should they have preached (saith he) unless they had been sent. Rom. 10. Peter was to him Turrian elect apostle/ affirming his doctrine to be the words of eternal life/ joan 6. john was his dearly beloved disciple/ & became a most mighty thunderer out of the same. Act. 4. 
S johan  Paul was a peculiar chosen vessel unto him/ to manifest his name before the gentiles/ Kings and children of Israel. Act. 9  
The idolater/ the tyrant/ and the whoremongar/ are no meet ministers for him/ though they be never so gorgeously mytered/ coped/ and typpeted/ or never so finely forced/ pylyoned/ and scarleted. 
papists.  The deceitful prophets (saith the Lord) made speedy haste/ but I appointed them not. They ran a great pace/ but I sent them not. They prophesied fast/ but not out of my spret. Hier. 23. To the wicked door the Lord hath spoken it (saith David) why dost thou so 
David.  uniusttly presume to talk of my righteousnesses/ and with thy polluted mouth/ of my eternal testament/ why makest thou relation? Psal. 50. After the Apostles immediately succeeded in the primative church/ Tymotheus, Ignatius, Policarpus, 
Doct.  Irenus paphnutius, Athanasius, Lactantius, and other true ministers of the Gospel. These loitered not in the vineyard of the lord/ as our idle massmongers do/ but faithfully they laboured in seeking God's glory/ and the souls health of the people. But when great Constantine the Emperor had given peace to the Christian church/ 
Peace.  that all persecution ceased/ than came in ceremony upon ceremony/ & none end was of them. Every year entered one poison or other/ as man's fickle nature in this frail life/ is never without vice.  
So that s. Augustine in his time very much lamented/ 
Throldom.  that so many superstitions were than crept in/ confessing the servitude of the Christian church to be more grievous in those days/ than it was to the people under Moses. And so much the more he lamented the case/ that being but one man/ he could not reform it/ neither was he able in every point to resist that evil/ being with heretics so sore tossed on every side. But what would he have said if he had scene the abominable idolatries of our time without number? 
Augustine.  specially the worshipping of bread and of wine/ which are only the servants of our bellies/ and corrupt in the same/ yea/ when they are at the best & holiest. For when they have done their office/ 
Bread  being sacraments of Christ's body and blood/ that is to say/ preached the lords death till he come/ and declared us of many members to be one mystical body in Christ/ they ascend not into heaven/ but being eaten and digested/ they are immediately resolved into corruption. Yea/ Christ saith/ 
Christ.  that they descend down into the belly/ & are cast out into the draft/ Math. 15. which declareth them unmeet to be worshipped.  
This writ I/ not in unreverencinge the sacrament/ but in detestation of the abominable ydolatries'/ therein most bestially committed.  
And briefly to say somewhat of the Christian church of our realm/ in those days called Britain/ and now named England/ 
England  what original it had and from whence/ what continuance/ what darkeninge/ what decays/ what fall/ and what raise again.  
To fetch this thing from the first foundation/ for that land/ like as for other lands. By the eternal son of God in paradise/ 
Adam.  received Adam the first promise of salvation in the woman's seed. This acknowleged Abel in his first offering up of the firstlings of his flock & fat of the same being so instructed by the religious father of his Gene. 4. By faith in his plenteous sacrifice (saith s. Paul) obtained Abel/ 
Abel.  witness that he was righteous/ Heb. 11. This with the right invocation of the name of God taught by Seth and Enos/ was continued by the chosen of the line/ to remain still in remembrance to their posteritees/ & was renewed after the flood by righteous Noah/ Gene. 8. To S. Paul also in revelation/ was this mystery showed/ that the Gentiles likewise were partakers of the promise/ Ephe. 3. 
the lamb  Whereunto S. johan saith/ that the lamb was slain from the worlds beginning/ Apo. 13. that is to say/ in promise/ in faith/ & in mystery of their sacrifices. Applied is it also to those Gentiles/ in the said Revelation of S. johan (who now among other includeth our land) that they from that time have cried with a loud voice/ seeing. health be to him that sitteth upon the seat of our God/ & unto the lamb. 
gentles.  Apo. 7. And thereupon Gildas in Exeidio Britamnie, concludeth/ that the inhabitors of our realm/ have always had knowledge of God/ almost sens the worlds beginning.  
This rule of sacrifice and invocation/ held japheth after the flood also/ 
japhet.  the father of Europa containing our land among others/ according to the prayer of his righteous father Noah/ that he might dwell in the tents of Sem. Gene. 9 or in faith of the promised seed which is Christ. Gala. 3. 
Melchisedech.  So perfectly was Melchisedech or the forenamed Sem/ a father than of the Gentiles/ for that his kindred (saith Paul) is not reckoned among the tribes/ that he took tithes of Abraham/ & blessed him that had the promises. Hebre. 7. et Gene. 14. For so much as God/ (saith Luther upon Genesis) established the kingdoms of the Islands/ when they were divided/ by the chosen father's/ it seemeth weal that they held his true worshippings/ received afore of them. To these holy fathers in the Gentilite for that realm/ by course succeeded/ as Berosus, Plinius, 
father's  Strabo, Caesar, & other authors writeth, the Samothees, Sarronites, druids, Bards, Sybylles, Eubages or Vates, Flamines, & such other/ till the coming of jesus God's son in the flesh. 
Christ  Which all acknowledged but one God/ what though it were by the diversity of rites & doctrines. This have I written here/ to declare what church was in our land afore Christ's coming. I speak nothing of them which followed strange worshippings or manifest idolatries of the heathen/ as the papists do in this age. 
papistes  If it be reasoned/ how they could hear? S. Paul answereth it out of David/ that the heavens preached to them/ all the world hearing it/ if none had done it else/ Rom. 10. et Psal. 19 beside the law of nature/ which was also their leader.  
In the .63. year after Christ's incarnation/ 
joseph.  to resort to my purpose/ was joseph an Hebrew and dispersed disciple thydre sent with his companions/ by Philipp the apostle than preaching in France/ as Freculphus in the second part of his chronicle/ & Isidorus also de vita & obitu sanctorum patrum, rehearseth. He published there among them/ that Gospel of salvation/ which Christ first of all/ & afterwards his Apostles had taught at jerusalem/ 
apostles  Untruly therefore are we reported of the Italyane writers/ and of the subtle devisers of sanctes legends/ that we should have our first faith from Rome/ and our christian doctrine/ from their unchristen bishops. From the school of Christ himself/ have we received the documents of our faith. 
Jerusalem.  From jerusalem/ & not from Rome/ whom both Peter & also Christ hath called Babylon/ for that she so aptly thereunto agreeth in ministering confusion to the world. And this we'll accordeth with the words of the prophet/ that the law of the Gospel should come from Zion/ & the word of God from Jerusalem. Esa. 2. S. Paul also which had been christianly familiar at Rome/ 
s. Paul Claudia.  with Claudia Rufina a Britain borne/ and with Aulus pudens her husband/ of whom he maketh mention .2. Timoth. 4. should seem in his own person to have preached in that nation of ours/ by this saying of his in the same epistle and chapter. The lord assisted me and strengthened me at my first answering/ that by me the preaching should be fulfilled to the uttermost/ and that all the Gentiles should hear. That clause/ all the Gentiles/ includeth somewhat concerning the Britain's/ if they were than Gentiles/ & in the west part of the world/ as we can say none other of them. 
Gentiles   
Bartholomeus Tridentinꝰ & Petrus Calo, reporteth in their books of the lives of sanctes/ that Timothe S. Paul's disciple/ 
Timot.  by his preaching in Britain/ converted king Lucius & him baptized/ in confirmation of that is said afore. nourished/ brought up/ & continued was this British church in the doctrine of faith/ without men's traditions/ by the worthy doctors of that age/ Eluanus, 
Britanes.  Meduinus, Melaniuus, Amphibalus, & such other like/ till the time of Diocleciane the tirannouse emperor. Which by his wicked ministers/ made havoc of the Christian flock there/ as testifieth Gildas. Though the kings of Britain in that age/ arviragus, Marius, coilus, Lucius, 
Peace.  and Severus, with others/ were not all Christened/ yet were they no cruel persecutors of Christ's congregation/ that we read of. In the general quietness provided to the church by the forenamed Constantine, Arrius, Pelagius, 
Heretics.  Leporius, and one Tymothe, partly by subtle allegories/ and partly by open heresies greatly obscured the glory thereof. Anon after there followed a certain kind of monkery/ 
Monks  with an heap of ceremonies/ but yet without blasphemous superstitions/ till Antichrist had fashioned them to his execrable use. In that age were Fastidius, 
Doct.  Ninianus, Patritius, Bachiarius, Dubricius, Congellus, Kentigernus, Iltutus, David, Daniel, Samson, Eluodugus, Asaphus, Gildas, Beulanus, Elbodus, Dionotus, Samuel, Nennius, & a great sort more/ by Christian doctrine the upholders of the British church/ 
Helpers  the civil governors for the time being dissolute & careless/ as the foresaid Gildas very sharply, doth lay it to their charge.  
Consequently when the barbarous nations had subdued the Christian regions of Europa/ specially here in this realm/ 
Saxons.  the heathenish Saxons the Christian Britain's/ for not obeying and following Gods word the time faithfully preached. Than entered in an other swarm of monks/ much worse than the other. For they had their beginning of those solitary brethren/ which had fled to the wilderness in the time of persecution. 
locusts  These like laysye locusts sprang fourth of the pit bottomless. They served God in liberty/ and were fed of their own true labours. These served Antichrist in bondage/ and devoured up the labours of other. They were somewhat ceremonious/ but these altogether suꝑsticiouse. Of this lattre swarm/ after the first entrance of Augustine the Romish monk, was Egbert, Egwine, 
Augustine.  Boniface, Wilfride, Dunstane, Oswolde, Lanfranck, Anselme, & such other without number/ by whom the sincere faith of the English church decayed. These were bitter stingars in Antichristes' cause/ yea/ terrible accusers & supressers of kings & of other christian magistrates. 
accuser's  These caused the sun/ which is the clear verity of the lord/ to apere as sack cloth made of hear/ Apo. 6. placing in the room thereof/ their own fantastical doctrines/ vain traditions/ & superstitious ordinances. 
Obscurers.  So that they made Gods heavenly wurde/ to seem to the people/ dark/ rough/ hard/ & unpleasant/ for their idle bellies sake.  
Yet deny I it not/ but some godly men were among them in those days. As Beda, johan of Beverle, Alcuinus, Neotus, Hucarius, Serlo, Achardus, Ealredus, Alexander Neckam, 
Doct.  Nigellus, Sevallus, & such other. Which though they than erred in many things/ yet was not their error of obstinacy and malice. Than followed the school doctors with the four ordres of friars/ very wicked kinds of men/ 
Fryres.  and they with their sophistical sorceries/ poisoned up altogether/ clearly overthrowinge the Christian church/ and setting up in her place the most filthy synagogue of Satan. In that malignant assembly/ were false wurshippinges commanded for God's holy service/ and monstrous buggery for a professed virginity/ in our consecrate clergy admitted. 
Celibatus.  Thus were the people nuzz up from their youth in calling upon dead men and images/ the priests and religious in the mean time occupied/ in all beastly wurkes of the flesh. I have the registre of the visitacions of the cloisters of England/ & therefore I know it to their confusion. 
Registr.  The monks afore their time/ did no more but mixed the Christian religion with the pagans superstitions/ but these fowl lecherous locusts have banished the Christian religion altogether. They have taken upon them a power by virtue of transubstantiation/ far above God's power/ 
Miracles.  as of corruptible creatures to make Gods to be worshipped/ bearing them a broad with persical pomps as it were/ in their gadding & gaglinge processions/ fit for wanton gossippes to show their selves in their holy day apparelinges.  
Yet were there always some in that mist of palpable darkness/ that smelled out their mischiefs/ & in part maintained the sincere doctrine/ 
Good men.  as Matthew paris/ Oclyf/ Wickleff/ Thorpe/ White/ Purueye/ Pateshulle/ Paine/ Gower/ Chaucer/ Gascoigne/ Ive/ & now in our time William Tindale/ johan frith/ Bilneye/ Barnes Lambert/ & a great sort more. Now truly in this lattre age and end of the world God shewing great mercy to his elected heritage/ hath gathered them together from the parels of perdition/ by the voice of his holy Gospel. 
Mercy  Yea/ like as by Hieremie the prophet before the exile into Babylon/ by johan Baptist/ Christ/ & his Apostles before the destruction of Jerusalem/ 
Calling  and by the Apostles followers before the division and first ruin and the Romish empire/ he called his dispersed remnant/ so doth he now again before his general coming to judgement/ all together his church of true believers/ by the godly preachers of this age. 
k. henry.  That wonderful work of God/ that noble prince King henry the .8. within this realm by his royal power assisted/ after that he had given an overthrow to the great Golias of Rome/ our most godly sovereign King Edward the .6. for his time performing the same. 
K. Edward.   
The first with noble King David/ prepared this building of the Lord/ but this other with the wise King Solomon/ to his power made all things very perfectly. And though now after his death/ a Hieroboam peraventure is risen/ which will set up the golden calves in Samaria/ or maintain the popish religion again/ in images/ Altars/ idle ceremonies/ and blasphemous superstitions. 
A good king.  Yet doubt I it not/ but a faithful Asa/ shall follow/ either else a josaphat/ Turrian Ezechias/ or a mighty josias/ which will dissolve those idolatries again. And as concerning the forenamed King Edward/ I will recite here/ what his wurthinesse did for me his most unwurthie subject/ that I should among others be a collector also a caller together of the christian flock in this age. 
The author.   
Upon the .15. day of August/ in the year from Christ's incarnation .1552. being the first day of my deliverance/ as God would/ from a mortal ague/ which had hold me long afore. 
recover.  In rejoice that his Majesty was come in progress to Southampton/ which was .5. mile from my parsonage of bishops stock/ within the same county. I took my horse about .10 of the clock/ for very weakness scant able to sit him/ & so came thydre. 
weak.  Betwixt .2. & .3. of the clock the same day/ I drew towards the place where as his Majesty was/ and stood in the open street right against the gallery. Anon my friend/ johan fylpot a gentleman/ & one of his privy chamber/ called unto him .2. more of his companions/ which in moving their heads towards me/ showed me most frindely countenances. 
friends  By one of these .3. the King having information that I was there in the street/ he marveled thereof/ for so much as it had been told him a little afore/ that I was both dead & buried. 
k. Edward.  With that his grace came to the window/ and earnestly beheld me a poor weak creature/ as though he had had upon me so simple a subject/ an earnest regard/ or rather a very fatherly care.  
In the same very instant/ 
The lords.  as I have been since the time credibli infourmed/ his Grace called unto him/ the lords of his most honourable counsel/  
In the same very instant/ as I have been since that time credibly informed/ his grace called unto him/ 
Lords.  the lords of his most honourable counsel/ so many as were than present/ willing them to appoint me to the bishopric of Ossorie in Ireland. Whereunto they all agreeably consenting/ commanded the letters of my first calling thereunto/ by and by to be written and sent me. The next day following/ which was the xuj. day of August/ 
A lettre  the lettre being written by B. Hamptone/ a clerk of the counsel/ they very favourably subscribed to the same/ in manner as hereafter followeth.  

¶ The copy of the said letter.  
To our very loving friend/ doctor Bale.  
After our hearty commendations. For as much as the kings majesty is minded in consideration of your learning/ wisdom/ and other virtuous qualities/ to bestow upon you the bishopric of Ossorie in Ireland/ presently void/ we have thought meet/ both to give you knowledge thereof/ and therewithal to let you understand/ that his majesty would ye made your repair hither to the court/ as soon as conveniently ye may/ to th'end/ that if ye be inclined to embrace this charge/ his highness may at your coming/ give such order for the farther proceeding which you herein/ as shallbe convenient. And thus we bid you heartily farewell.  
From Southampton the xuj. day of August. 1552. Your loving friends. 

W. Winchestre.  
I. Bedford.  
H. Suffolk.  
W. Northampton.  
T. Darcy.  
T. chain/  
johan Gate.  
W. Cecil.     
And to conclude/ thus was I called/ in a manner from death/ to this office without my expectation or yet knowledge thereof. And thus have ye my vocation to the bishopric of Ossorie in Ireland. 
vocation.  I pass over my earnest refusal thereof/ a month after that/ in the kings majesties return to Winchestre/ where as I alleged (as I than thought) my lawful impediments/ of poverty/ age/ and sickness/ within the bishops house there/ but they were not accepted. 
Impediments.  Than resorted I to the court at London within uj weeks after/ according to the tenure of the foresaid lettre/ and within vj. days had allthings performed pertaining to my election and full confirmation/ freely without any manner of charges or expenses/ whereof I much marveled.  
On the xix day of december/ 
freely.  I took my journey from Bishops Stoke with my books and stuff towards Bristol/ where as I tarried. xxuj. days for passage/ and diverse times preached in that worshipful city at the instant desire of the cytiezens. 
passage.  Upon the xxj day of january/ we entered into the ship/ I/ my wife/ & one servant. And being but two nights and two days upon the sea/ we arrived most prosperously at Waterforde/ in the coldest time of the year/ so merciful was the Lord unto us. 
Waterforde.   
In beholding the face and order of that city/ I see many abominable idolatries maintained by the Epicurysh priests/ for their wicked bellies sake. The Communion or Supper of the Lord/ was there altogether used like a popish mass/ with the old apysh toys of Antichrist/ in bowynge and beckynges/ knelinges and knockings/ the lords death after. S. Paul's doctrine/ neither preached nor yet spoken of. 
idolaters.  There wawled they over the dead/ with prodigyouse howlings and patterynges/ as though their souls had not been quieted in Christ and redeemed by his passion/ but that they must come after and help at a pinch with Requiem Eternam/ to deliver them out of hell by their sorrowful sorceries. 
Deceivers.  When I had beholden these heathnysh behavers'/ I said unto a Senator of that city/ that I weal perceived/ that Christ had there no Bishop/ neither yet the Kings Majesty of England/ any faithful officer of the mayor/ in suffering so horrible blasphemies. 
the maier  The next day after/ I road towards Dublyne/ & rested the night following in a town called Knocktover/ in the house of master Adam walshe/ my general commissary for the whole diocese of Ossorie.  
At supper the parish priest/ called Sir Philypp/ was very serviceable and in familiar talk described unto me the house of the white fryres which sometime was in that town concluding in the end/ 
A pressed  that the last prior thereof called William/ was his natural father. I axed him/ if that were in marriage? He made me answer/ No. For that was (he said) against his profession. Than counseled I him/ that he never should boast of it more. 
whoredom.  Why (saith he) it is Turrian honour in this land/ to have a spiritual man/ as a bishop/ Turrian Abbot/ a Monk/ a friar/ or a priest to father. With that I greatly marveled/ not so much of his unshamefast talk/ as I did that adultery forbidden of God/ & of all honest men detested/ should there have both praise & preferrment/ thinking in process/ for my part/ to reform it. I came at the last to dublin/ 
dublin  where as I found my companion master Hugh Goodaker the archbishop of Armach elected/ & mi old friend/ M. David Coper person of calan. Much of the people ded greatly rejoice of our coming thidre/ thinking by our preachings/ the pope's suꝑstions would diminish & the true Christian religion increase. 
idolatries.   
Upon the purification day of our lady/ the lord chancellor of Ireland/ sir Thomas Cusake/ 
Chancellor.  our special good lord and earnest aider in all our procedings/ appointed us to be invested or consecrated/ as they call it/ by George the archbishop of Dublyne/ Thomas the bishop of kildare/ & Urban the bishop of Duno assisinge him. I will not here describe at large the subtile conveyance of that great Epicure the archbishop/ 
G. Browne.  how he went about to diffarre the day of our consecration/ that he might by that means have prevented me/ in taking up the proxyes of my bishopric to his own glottonouse use/ and in so depriving me of more than half my living for that year. As we were coming fourth/ to have reccived the imposition of hands/ 
Lockwode.  according to the ceremony/ Thomas Lockwode (Blockheade he might well be called) the dean of the cathedral church there/ desired the lord chancellor very instantly/ that he would in no wise permit the observation to be done after the book of consecrating bishops/ which was last set fourth in England by act of parliament/ 
A trait.  alleging that it would be both an occasion of tumult/ and also that it was not as yet consented to by act of their parliament in Ireland. For why/ he much feared the new changed order of the communion therein/ to hindre his kychin and belly. The lord chancellor proponed this matter unto us. The archbishop consented thereunto/ so did the other two bishops. 
A Beast  Maistre Goodaker would gladly it might have been otherwise/ but he would not at that time contend there with them.  
When I see none other way/ I stepped fourth/ and said. 
the author  If England and Ireland be under one king/ they are both bound to the obedience of one law under him. And as for us/ we came hither as true subjects of his/ sworn to obey that ordinance. It was but a bisshopprick (I said) that I came thydre to receive that day. 
An oath  Which I could be better contented to tread under my foot there/ than to break from that promise or oath that I had made. I bade them in the end/ set all their hearts at rest/ for came I once to the church of Ossorie/ I would execute nothing for my part there/ ●● according to the rules of the lattre book. With 〈◊〉 lord chancellor right honourably cōmaū●●●● the ceremony to be done after the book. Than 〈…〉 assheaded dean a way more than halfeconf 〈…〉 Neither followed there any tumult among the people/ but every man saving the priests/ was weal contented. 
A loiterer.  Than went the archbishop about that observation/ very unsavourly and as one not much exercised in that kind of doing/ specially in the administration of the lords holy supper. In the end the lord chancellor made to us and to our friends/ a most friendly dinner/ to save us from exceeding charges/ which otherwise we had been at that day.  

An ague  Within two days after was I sick again/ so eagerly/ that no man thought I should have lived/ which malady held me till after Eastre. Yet in the mean time/ I found a way to be brought to kylkennie/ where as I preached every sunday & holy day in lent/ till the sunday after Eastre was fully passed/ never feeling any manner of grief of my sickness/ for the time I was in the pulpit. 
God's work.  Whereat many men/ and myself also greatly merualed. Neither had I for all the time space/ any mind to call for any temporal profits/ which was afterwards to my no small hindrance. From that day of our consecration/ I traded with myself/ by all possibility to set fourth that doctrine/ 
doctrine  which God charged his church with/ ever since the beginning. And thought therewith in my mind also/ 
A trait.  that I had rather that Aethna did swallow me up/ than to maintain those ways in religion/ which might corrupt the same. For my daily desire is/ in the everlasting school/ to behold the eternal son of God/ both here and after this life. And not only to see the father's/ 
fathers.  prophets and Apostles therein/ but also for love of the doctrine/ to enjoy their blessed feliship hereafter. And so much the rather I traded thus with myself/ that I see than the kings majesty/ the arhebishopp of Canterbury/ and the honourable lords of the counsel/ so fervently bend the way/ as to seek the people's health in the same. 
health.  I thought it thereupon no less than my bound duty/ to show myself faithful/ studious/ & diligent in that so chargeful a function.  
My first precedings in that doing/ were these. I earnestly exhorted the people to repentance for sin/ & required them to give credit to the Gospel of salvation. 
ij. principles.  To acknowledge & believe that there was but one God/ & him alone without any other/ sincerely to worship. 
One Christ  To confess one Christ for an only saver & redeemer/ & to trust in none other man's prayers/ merit's/ nor yet deservings/ but in his alone/ for salvation I treated at large both of the heavenly & political state of the christian church/ & helpars I found none among my prebendaries & clergy/ but adversaries a great number. I preached the Gospel of the knowledge & right invocation of God/ I maintained the political order by doctrine/ 
obedience  & moved the commons always to obey their magistrates. But when I once sought to destroy the idolatries/ & dissolve the hypocrites yockes/ than followed angers/ slanders/ conspiricyes/ & in the end the slaughter of men, Much a do I had with the priests/ for that I had said among other/ 
Idols.  that the white Gods of their making/ such as they offered to the people to be worshipped/ were no Gods but idols/ and that their prayers for the dead procured no redemption to the solwes departed/ redemption of souls being only in Christ/ of Christ/ & by Christ. I added that their office by Christ's straight commandment/ 
preaching.  was chiefly to preach/ and instruct the people in the doctrine and ways of God/ and not to occupy so much of the time in chanting/ piping/ and singing.  
Much were the priests offended also/ for that I had in my preachings/ 
wives  willed them to have wives of their own/ & to leave the unshamefast occupienge/ of other men's wives/ daughters/ and servants. But hear what answer they made me always/ yea the most vicious men among them. What should we marry (said they) for half a year/ & so lose our livings. Think ye not that these men were ghostly inspired? 
devilish.  either yet had knowledge of some secret mischief wurkinge in England? I for my part have not a little sens that time marveled/ when it hath fallen to my remembrance. Well the truth is/ I could never yet by any Godly or honest persuasion/ bring any of them to marriage/ 
Adulterers.  neither yet cause them which were known for unshamefast whorekeepers/ to leave that filthy & abominable occupying what though I most earnestly laboured it. But since that time I have considered by the judgement of the scriptures/ that the impenitent ydolatour must therewith be also a filthy adulterer or most detestable sodomite. 
Sodomites.  It is his just plague. Rom. 1. We can not stop it. Like wise the dissembling hypocrite/ in contemning God's truth/ must needs follow errors and lies in the doctrine of devils. 1. Timot. 4. to have in the end the greater confusion. let him that is wicked (saith the Angel to S. johan) become more wicked/ and he that is filthy/ 
Wicked  become more filthy/ that his damnation may be the depar/ & his sorrows extremer. Apoca. 22.  
The lord therefore of his mercy/ send discipline with doctrine/ into his church. 
doctrine  For doctrine without discipline & restraint of vices/ maketh dissolute hearers. And on the other side/ discipline without doctrine/ maketh either hypocrites/ or else desperate doars. 
Discipline.  I have not written this in dispraise of all the priests of Kylkennye or there about. For my hope is that some of them by this time are fallen to repentance/ though they be not many. another thing was there/ that much had disposed the prebendaryes and other priests. 
priests  I had earnestly/ ever since my first coming/ required them to observe and follow the only book of comen prayer/ which the king & his counsel had that year put fourth by act of parliament. But that would they at no hand obey/ 
Excuses  alleging for their vain and idle excuse/ the lewd example of the archbishop of dublyne/ which was always slack in things pertaining to God's glory/ alleging also the want of books/ and that their own justices and layers had not yet consented thereunto. 
justices  As though it had been lawful for their justices to have denied the same/ or as though they had rather have hanged upon than/ than upon the kings authority and commandment of his counsel.  
In the week after Eastre/ when I had ones preached twelve sermons among them/ and established the people/ 
sermons.  as I thought/ in the doctrine of repentance and necessary believe of the Gospel in the true worshippings of one God our eternal father & no more/ and in the hope of one redeemer jesus Christ and no more. I departed from Kylkennie to Turrian other place of mine .v. miles of/ called Holmes court/ where as/ I remained till the ascension day. 
Holmes Court.  In the mean time came sorrowful news unto me that M. Hugh Goodacker the archbishop of Armach/ that godly preacher and virtuous learned man/ was poisoned at Dubline/ by procurement of certain priests of his diocese/ for preaching Gods verity & rebuking their comen vices. 
Poison.  And letters by & by were directed unto me/ by my special friends from thence/ to be ware of the like in my diocese of Ossorie/ which made me peraventure more circumspect than I should have been. 
Kilkennie.  Upon the ascension day I preached again at Kilkennie likewise on trinity sunday/ & on S. Peter's day at midsummer than following.  
On the xxv day of july/ the priests were as pleasantly disposed as might be/ and went by heaps from tavern to tavern/ to seek the best Rob davie and aqua vite/ which are their special drinks there. 
A Joy.  They caused all their cups to be filled in/ with Gaudeamus in dolio/ the mystery thereof only known to them/ and at that time to none other else.  

K. Edward.  Which was that King Edward was dead/ and that they were in hope to have up their masking masses again. As we have in S. john's Revelation that they which dwell on the earth (as do our earthly minded massmongers) should rejoice and be glad/ when God's true witnesses were once taken away/ and should send gifts one to an other for gladness/ 
Gifts.  because they rebuked them of their wicked doings/ Apca. xj. For ye must consider that the priests are commonly the first that receive such news. The next day following/ a very wicked justice called Thomas Hothe/ with the lord Mountgarret/ resorted to the Cathedral church/ requiring to have a Communion/ in the honour of S. Anne. 
Idolat.  Mark the blasphemous blindness and wilful obstinacy of this beastly papist. The priests made him answer/ that I had forbidden them that celebration/ saving only upon the sundays. As I had in deed/ for the abominable idolatries that I had scene therein. 
O Satan  I discharge you (saith he) of obedience to your Bishop in this point/ & command you to do as ye have done heretofore/ which was to make of Christ's holy communion an idolatrous mass/ & to suffer it to serve for the dead/ clean contrary to the Christian use of the same.  
Thus was the wicked justice/ not only a vyolatour of Christ's institution/ 
A traitor.  but also a contempner of his princes earnest commandment/ and a provoker of the people by his ungracious example to do the like. This could he do which other mischiefs more/ by his long being there by a whole months space/ but for murders/ thefts/ ydolatryes'/ and abominable whoredoms/ wherewith all that nation habundeth/ for that time he sought no redress neither appointed any correction. 
Wicked  The priests thus rejoicing that the King was dead/ & that they had been that day confirmed in their superstitious obstinacy/ resorted to the foresaid false justice the same night at supper/ to gratify him with Rob davy and Aqua vite/ 
T. hoth  for that he had been so friendly unto them/ & that he might still continued in the same. The next day after was the Lady jane Gylforde proclaimed their Queen/ with solemnite of processions/ bonefyres/ and banquettes/ the said justice/ as I was informed/ 
Blamed  sore blaming me for my absence that day/ for in deed I much doubted that matter.  
So soon as it was there rumoured abroad that the King was departed from this life/ 
kearnes  the ruffianes of the wild nation/ not only rebelled against the English captains/ as their lewd custom in such changes hath been always/ chiefly no English deputy being within the land/ but also they conspired into the very deaths of so many English men and women/ as were left therein alive. 
English  Myndinge/ as they than stoutly boasted it/ to have set up a king of their own. And to cause their wild people to bear the more hate to our nation/ very subtly but yet falsely/ they caused it to be noised over all/ that the young Earl of Ormonde/ and Barnaby the barn of upper Ossories son/ were both slain in the court at London. 
Rumours.  Upon this wily practice of mischief/ they raged without order in all places/ and assaulted the English forts every where.  
And at one of them by a subtile train/ they goat out ix of our men and slew them. On the xiij day of August/ 
master's King.  a gentle woman/ the wife of Matthew king/ having a castle not far of/ her husband than being at London/ fleddde with her family and goods in carts towards the forseid kilkennye/ and in the high way was spoiled of all/ to her very petticoat/ by the kearnes & galoglasses of the forenamed barn of upper Ossorie Mihell patrick and of the lord Mountgarret/ 
tyrants.  which ought rather to have defended her. In this outrage had she after long conflict with those enemies four of her company slain, besides other mischiefs more.  
On the twenty day of August/ was the lady mary with us at kylkennye proclaimed Queen of England/ France and Ireland/ 
Marie.  with the greatest solemnity that there could be devised/ of processions/ musters and disgysinge/ all the noble captains and gentlemen there about being present. 
Compulsion.  What a do I had that day with the prebendaryes and priests about wearing the cope/ croser/ and mitre in procession/ it were to much to write.  
I told them earnestly/ when they would have compelled me thereunto/ that I was not Moses minister but Christ's/ 
God's word.  I desired them that they would not compel me to his denial/ which is (S. Paul saith) in the repeating of Moses' sacraments & ceremonial sohaddowes Gal. v. with that I took Christ's testament in my hand/ & went to the market cross/ the people in great number following. There took I the xiij chap. of S. Paul to the Roma. declaring to them briefly/ what the authority was of the worldly powers & magistrates what reverence & obedience were due to the same. In the mean time had the prelate's gotten two disguised priests/ one to bear the mitre afore me/ 
ij. maskers.  and an other the croser/ making three procession pageants of one. The young men in the forenone played a Tragedy of God's promises in the old law at the market cross/ with organ plainges and songs very aptly. In the after none again they played a Comedy of sanct johan Baptistes' preachings/ 
Comedies.  of Christ's baptizing and of his temptation in the wilderness/ to the small contentation of the priests and other papists there.  
On the thursday next following/ which was S. Bartylmewes' day/ I preached again among them/ 
Last sermon.  because the prebendaryes and other priests there/ had made their boasts/ that I should be compelled to recant all that I had preached afore. And as I was entered into the pulpit/ I took this saying of S. Paul for my thema. Non erubesco evangelium. Virtus enim Dei est, in salutem omni credenti, etc. I am not ashamed of the Gospel. 
Gospel  And why? For it is the power of God into salvation/ to all them that believe it. Rom. 1. Than declared I unto them/ all that I had taught there since my first coming thither/ the justice both being present. As that our God was but one God/ & ought alone to be be worshipped. 
Christ  And that our Christ but was one Christ/ & ought alone to be trusted to for redemption of sin. I earnestly charged the people/ to rest upon these ij. principles firmly/ as upon the chief stays of their salvation/ as they would answer it at the dreadful day/ and not to suffer themselves to be led by a contrarious doctrine of deceitful teacher's/ into any other believe from thence fourth. Item concerning the sacrament of Christ's body and blood/ wherein they had been most ꝓdigiously abused/ through the unsatiable covetousness of the priests. 
Sacrament.  I required them very reverently to take it/ as a sacrament only of Christ's death/ whereby we are redeemed and made innocent membres of his mystical body/ and not to worship it as their God/ as they had done/ to the utter derogation of his heavenly honour. 
No worship.  And as I came in the Usual prayer/ to remembrance of the dead. I willed them to give hearty thanks to God/ for their redemption in Christ/ largely declaring that the souls of the righteous were in the hand of his mercy without cruel torment. Sap. 3. & that the priests with all their masses & funeral exequys/ could nothing add to their redemption/ if they had been otherwise bestowed. 
Funerals.   
After the prayer/ I took the Gospel of the day. Beati oculi qui vident quae vos videtis, etc. Luce. 10. Wherein I was occasioned to speak of certain degrees of men/ as of kings/ prophets/ layers/ iusticiaryes/ & so fourth. As that the kings were desirous to see Christ/ the prophets to embrace him/ the swelling layers to rise up against him and to tempt him/ and the ambitious justiciaries to toy with him and to mock him. The wounded man to have need of him/ 
the wounded man.  the pressed to show no compassion/ the levite to ministre no mercy/ and last of all the contemptuous Samaritaine to exercise all the offices of pity/ love/ benevolence/ and liberal mercy/ upon the same wounded creature.  
As to resort to him/ favourably to see him/ with leisure to behold him/ to have compassion on him/ to bind up his wounds/ to pour in oil and wine/ 
jesus.  to set him on his own beast/ to bring him to a place of comfort/ finally to succour him and to pay his whole charges. All these matters I declared there at large/ which were now to much to repeat here again. The same day I dined with the mayor of the town/ whom they name their suffrens/ called Robert Shea/ a man sober/ wise/ and godly/ which is a rare thing in that land. 
R. shea.   
In the end of our dinner/ certain priests resorted/ 
Disputation.  and began very hotly to dispute which me concerning their purgatory & suffrages for the dead. And as I had alleged the scriptures proving Christ's sufficiency for the souls discharge afore God/ without their dirty deservings. They brought fourth/ as seemed to them/ contrary allegations/ that there should apere no truth in those scriptures. As S. Paul prophesied of them. 
s. Paul  Rom. 1 That such as they were/ should seek to turn the verity of God into a lie. And when I had ones deprehended chem in that thievery/ and agreed both our alleged scriptures/ to the maintenance of my first principle/ to their manifest reproach. I demanded of them/ what a Christian man's office was/ when such a scripture was uttered/ as neither man nor angel was able to deny any truth thereof? 
office.  But they made me none answer. Than said I unto them. Ye have set me fourth a new lesson/ and taught me this day/ to know a good man from an hypocrite/ & to discern a true Christian from a wicked papist. The good man (said I) believeth a truth in the scriptures/ the hypocrite denieth it/ 
ij. sorts  the christian embraceth it/ the papist doubteth & disputeth against it/ as did that devil in the wilderness with Christ/ when he sought by one scripture to confound an other.  
The next day I departed from thence & went home which my company to Holmes court again. 
Holmes court.   
Where as I had knowledge the next day following/ that the priests of my diocese/ specially one Sir Richard ruth/ treasurer of the church of Kylkennie/ and one Sir james joys a familiar chaplain of mine/ 
Barnaby Bolgar.  by the help of one Barnaby Bolgar/ my next neighbour & my tenant at the said holmes court/ had hired certain hearnes of the lord Mountgarret/ and of the barn of upper ossory/ whom they knew to be most desperate thieves and murderers/ to slay me. And I am in full believe/ that this was not all without their knowledges also/ for so much as they were so desirous of my lands in diverse quarters/ and could neither obtain them by their own importunate suits/ nor yet by the frendeshipp of others. 
tyrants  As for the lord Mountgarret/ I suspect him by this.  
An horse groom of his/ withan other of his brechelesse galants besides/ came into my court one day/ 
ij. thieves.  and made a stought brag among my servants/ that he would both steel my horses/ as it is there reckoned no great fault to steel/ and also that he would have my head if I came abroad.  
I sent my servant unto him/ not as one desirous to be revenged/ but to know what cause his groom had/ to utter so much malice. 
Malice.  Yea/ I afterward complained thereof myself/ to his own person/ & had but a slender answer/ with no redress at all. The Barn of upper ossory/ molested my poor tenants in the quarter where as he dwelt/ most maliciously/ & Barnaby Bolgar married his young daughter to one of those murderers/ 
A thief.  called Grace graceless/ to help the matter forward. For he thought by that means to have the full occupy of Holmes court yet once again.  
On the thursday after/ which was the last day of August/ I being absent/ 
the clergy.  the clergy of Kylkennie/ by procurement of that wicked justice hothe/ blasphemously resumed again the whole papism/ or heap of superstitions of the bishop of Rome/ to the utter contempt of Christ and his holy word/ of the king and counsel of England/ and of all Ecclesiastical and politic order/ without either statute or yet proclamation. 
Rebellions.  They rung all the belles in the cathedral minstre and parish churches/ they flung up their caps to the battlement of the great temple/ with smylinge and laughings most dissolutely/ the justice himself being therewith offended. They brought fourth their coops/ candelstickes/ holy waterstocke/ cross and sensers. 
ꝓcession.  They mustered fourth in general procession most gorgeously/ all the town over/ with Sancta Maria ora pro nobis/ & the reest of the latin Litany. They chattered it/ they chanted it/ with great noise and devotion. They banqueted all the day after/ for that they were delivered from the grace of God into a warm sun. For they may now from thence fourth/ 
deceivers.  again deceive the people as they did afore time/ with their Latin momblinge/ and make merchandise of them. 2. Petre. 2. They may make the witless sort believe/ that they can make every day new gods of their little white cakes/ & that they can fetch their friends souls from flaming purgatory/ if need be/ with other great miracles else. 
souls.   
They may now without check/ have other men's wives in occupienge/ or keep whores in their chambers/ 
whore's  or else play the buggery knaves/ as they have done always/ and be at an utter defiance with marriage/ though it be the institution of God/ honourable/ holy/ righteous/ and perfect.  
I write not this without a cause/ for why/ there where some among them/ which boasted both of this and much more/ to vain to be told. 
Shameless.  And when they were demanded/ how they would afore God/ be discharged?  
They made answer/ that ear confession was able to burnish them again/ and to make them so white as snow/ though they thus offended never see oft. And one of them for example/ was the drunken bishop of Galwaye/ 
a bishop  which besides these uncomely brags/ furiosly boasted in the house of one Martin a faithful Italiane and servant to the Earl of Ormonde/ and in other houses more/ that the bishop of Rome was the head supreme of the christian church in earth/ and should so be proclaimed in Ireland/ the said Martin as God's true friend rebuking him for it. 
martin.  The exercise of this beastly bishop/ is none other but to gad from town to town over the English part/ 
Confirmation.  confirming young children for two pens a piece/ without examination of their Christian believe/ contrary to the christian ordinances of England/ and at night to drink all at Rob davy and Aqua vite/ like a man. To whom for a 〈…〉ke now of late/ a Galoglasse of the land brought his dog wrapped in a sheet with two pens about his neck/ to have him confirmed/ among neybers' children. 
a dog confirmed.  In this he noted this beastly bishop/ more fit to confirm dogs/ than christian men's children.  
On the friday next following/ which was the eyt day of Septembre .v. of my household servants/ Rytchard Foster a deacon/ 
v, servants.  richard Headley/ johan Cage/ an Irish horsegrome/ and a young maid of xuj years of age/ went out to make hay about half a mile of/ betwixt eight & ix of the clocbe/ after they had served God according to the day. And as they were come to the entrance of that meadow/ 
All slain  the cruel murderers/ to the number of more than a score/ leapt out of their lurking bushes with swords and with darts/ and cowardly flew them all unarmed & unweaponed/ without mercy. This did they in their wicked fury/ as it was reported/ for that they had watched so long afore/ yea/ a whole month space they say/ and sped not of their purpose concerning me. 
thieves  They fellonously also rob me of all my horses/ and of all master Cooper's horses/ which that time sojourned with me for safeguard of his life/ to the number of seven. driving them afore them. In the after none/ about three of the clock/ the good Suffreu of Kylkennye having knowledge thereof/ 
iiij. hundred.  resorted to me with an hundred horsemen/ & iij. hundred footmen/ and so with great strength brought me that night to the town/ the young men singing psalms and other godly songs all the way/ in rejoice of my deliverance.  

Kilkennie.  As we were come to the town/ the people in great number stood on both sides of the way both within the gates and without/ with candles light in their hands/ shoughting out praises to God for delivering me from the hands of those murderers. The priests the next day to colour their mischief/ caused it to be noised all the contrary over/ that it was by the hand of God that my servants were slain/ for that they had broken (they said) the great holy day of our Ladies nativity. 
A colour  But I would fain know/ what holy days those bloudthurstye hypocrites/ and malicious murderers kept/ which had hired those cruel kearnes to do that mischief? O abominable traitors/ both to God and to all godly order. 
Hypocrites.  Ye here commend murder/ under a colour of false religion/ to hide your own mischiefs to the eyes of the people/ but the eyes of God ye can not deceive. your horrible slaughter must now be Gods doing/ and yet was it the devil that set ye a work. Ye prate here of the observation of the holy day/ which never yet kept the holy day as it should be kept. For ye never yet preached the word of God truly/ neither ministered the sacraments rightly/ 
deceivers.  neither yet taught the people to honour God purely/ and to keep his commandments inviolably/ which are the only kepinges of the holy days.  
But on those days more than on any other/ ye pampre them up in all superstitions/ false worshippynge/ and ydolatryes'/ to the utter defiling both of the days and of them. 
idolatries.  Ye are much offended that a good work should be done on the sabbath day/ as were your forefather's the Pharisees/ but with whoredom/ idolatry/ 
blasphemors.  drunkenness/ and slaughter of men/ ye are nothing at all offended/ but wickedly ye do maintain them/ as I am able to prove by a thousand of your lewd examples. The nativity of our Lady/ was at that day a feast abrogated/ by authority of a Christian King and his whole parliament/ and yet you say/ the holy day is broken/ 
Holy days.  when it is no holy day at all/ but as all other days are holy to them only which are holy through their true obedience to Gods most holy word. Ye had kept the day much holyar in my opinion if ye had in the fear of God obeyed the commandment of your christian King. Where as in disobeing the same/ ye have resisted the holy ordinance of God for a superstition/ procuring thereby to yourselves damnation. 
christes nativity  Roma. 1. Christ our heavenvly master and redeemer/ was weal contented that his most holy nativity gave place to an heathnysh emperor's obedience. Luc. 2. And you disdain that day to obey a most christian king/ counsel/ & parliament/ & yet ye are not ashamed to boast it/ that ye kept the day holy. O right Antichristes'. On the day next following which was saturdaye/ 
treasurer  in the afternone the forseid treasurer a man unlearned and therewith an outrageous whorekepar/ resorted to me with a number of priests/ to tempt me like as Satan did Christ in the wilderness/ saving that Satan to Christ offered stones/ & that tempting treasurer both apples & wine. And as they had than compassed me in round about/ 
temptation.  the said treasurer proponed unto me/ that they were all fully minded to have solemn exequys for king Edward lately departed/ like as the queens highness had had them in England. I axed them/ how that was? They made me answer/ with a Requiem mass & Dirige. Than axed I of them again/ who should sing that mass? 
a mass.  And they answered me/ that it was my bound duty to do it/ being their bishop Than said I unto them. massing is an office appointed of that antichrist the bishop of Rome/ to whom I own no obedience/ neither will I own him any so long as shall live. 
To preach.  But if ye will have me there/ to do that office/ which Christ the son of God hath earnestly commanded/ which is to preach his holy gospel/ I will do it with all my heart.  
No said they/ we will have a solemn mass/ for so had the Queen. 
Requien.  By my troth said I/ than must ye go seek out some other chaplain. For truly of all generations I am no massemongar. For of all occupations me think/ it is most foolish. 
massing.  For there standeth the pressed disguised/ like one that would show some conveyance or juggling play. He turneth his back to the people/ and telleth a tale to the wall in a foreign language. 
Toys.  If he turn his face to them/ it is either to receive the offering/ either to desire them to give him a good word/ with Orate pro me fratres for he is a poor brother of theirs/ either to bid them God speed/ with Dominus vobiscum/ for they get no part of his banquet/ either else to bless them with the bottom of the cup/ with Benedictio Dei/ when all the breakfast is done. And of these feats (said I) can I now little skille. 
Blessings.  With that the Treasurer being in his fustene fumes/ stoughtely demanded a determinate answer/ as though he came not thydre without authority. Than suspected I somewhat the wickedness of justice hothe and such other notwithstanding I axed him ones again/ what profyght he thought the Kings soul to have of those funeral exequys? 
justice. Hothe.  Than answered one of the priests/ that God knew well enough what he had to do. Yet you must appoint him? said I  
If these your suffrages be a way for him to heaven/ & that he can not go thydre without them/ ye are much to blame/ that ye have diffarred them so long. 
To blame.  Ye had (said I) a commandment the last saturday/ of the justice hothe/ to have solemnized them that night and the next day after. But the devil which that day danced at Thomas town (for they had a procession with pageants) and the aqua vite & Kob Davie withal/ would not suffer ye than to do them. 
ꝓcesson.  I desire you/ considering that the last sondaye ye differred them to see the devil dance at Thomas town/ that ye will also this sunday differre them/ till such time as I send to the queens commissioners at Dublyne/ to know how to be discharged of the oath which I made to the King and his counsel for abolyshement of that popish mass. 
Commissiones.  For I am loath to incur the danger of perjury. With that after a few words more/ they seemed content/ and so departed. The next day came thydre a proclamation/ that they which would hear masses/ should be suffered so to do and they that would not/ should not trerunto be compelled. 
Proclamation.   
Thus was that building clearly overthroowne / and that practise of blasphemy would not take at that time/ as God would  
And as I had continued there certain days/ I chanced to hear of many secret mutteringes/ that the priests would not so leave me/ but were still conspiring my death. 
Mutteringes.   
It was also noised abroad/ by the bishop of Galwaye and others/ that the Antichrist of Rome/ should be taken again for the supreme head of the church of Ireland.  

a change.  And to declare a contemptuous change from religion to superstition again/ the priests had suddenly set up the altars and images in the cathedral church. beholding therefore so many inconveniences to ensue/ and so many dangers toward/ having also (which was worst of all) no English deputy or governor within the land to complain to for remedy/ 
deputy  I shaken the dust of my feet against those wicked colligyners and priests according to Christ's commandment/ Math. 10. that it might stand against them as a witness at the day of judgement. The next day early in the morning by help of friends/ I conveyed myself away to the castle of Lechline/ 
To Lechlin.  and so fourth to the city of dublin/ where as I for a certain time among friends remained.  
As the Epicurouse archbishop/ had knowledge of my being there/ 
old George.  he made boast upon his ale bench with the cup in his hand/ as I heard the tale told/ that I should for nomamnis pleasure/ preach in the city of his. But this needed not. For I thought nothing less at that time/ than to pour out the precious pearls of the Gospel afore so brockish a swine as he was/ becomminge than of a dissembling ꝓselite/ a very ꝑniciouse papist. 
a papist  And as touching learning/ whereof he much boasted among his cups/ I know none that he hath so perfectly exercised/ as he hath the known practices of Sardinapalus. For his preachings twice in the year/ of the plough man in winter/ by Exit qui seminat/ & of the shepherd in summer/ 
ij. sermons  by Ego sum pastor bonus/ are now so weal known by rot of every gossipp in Dubline that afore he cometh up into the pulpit/ they can tell his sermon. And as for his wife/ if the marriage of priests endureth not/ he hath already provided his old shift of conveyance/ by one of his servants. 
old shift.  But I would wish that among other studies/ he remembered old debethes at London for surgery. For ywys there is yet some money to be paid, and an Irish hobby also by promise.  
About three years ago/ he made interpellation to the King in his lente sermon/ for his daughter Ireland/ but now he commandeth her to go a whoring aganie/ and to follow the same devil that she followed afore. 
Daughter.  For that he did than/ was but only to serve the time. He needed little than/ to have accused sir Antony Sellinger of treason/ 
Accusation.  if ye mark him weal now/ but that he thought by such conveyance to win estimation/ and to obtain the high primacy of Ireland from the archebisshoprycke of Armach/ as he did in deed. Full weal bestowed. Such dissembling gluttons/ and swinish papistes/ are a sore plague to that land/ which for their wicked bellies/ make the people believe/ that sour is sweet and darkness light/ with their altars/ masses/ & images. 
Belli-gods.  And that causeth me to write this to his shame. The salt (saith Christ) that is become unsavoury/ is from thence fourth good for nothing/ but to be cast out at the doors/ and trodden under men's feet/ Math. 5. After certain days/ within my hosteshowse/ a young man of Estsexe called Thomas/ was coming and going/ which for his masters affairs into scotland/ had hired a small ship/ there called a pyckarde. 
Thomas.  I rejoiced at the chance/ as one that had found great treasure/ and thought it a thing provided of God/ for my safeguard and deliverance at that present. 
covenant.  Anon I covenanted with him/ to pay the half charges of that ship/ that I might pass thither with him/ and delivered to him out of hand the more part thereof.  
I thought at all times by him/ and by an other whom I there had also heard of/ having their continual occupyings thydre/ 
To know.  to have from time to time knowledge of the deputies coming over into Ireland/ and so to resort again to mine own/ in case all things were to my mind. As that the tirannouse bishop of Rome had not his primacy and old doings there again/ as it had been boasted he should/ and that the christian religion gave not place to blasphemous papistry. 
Papistry.  And as he and I were together in the ship/ there tarrienge upon the tide for passage/ one Irish pirate/ yea/ rather a cruel tyrant of hell/ called Walter/ being pilate as they call them/ or loads man in a flemish ship of war/ made the covetous Captain thereof to believe that I was a french man/ and that I had about me innumerable treasure. 
Captain.  The Captain hearing of this/ with an exceeding fierceness invaded our poor ship/ and removed both the young man Thomas and me from thence into his great ship of war. Where as he searched us both to the very skins / and took from us all that we had in money/ books/ and apparell. 
robbery.  He took also from the master of our pickarde or little ship .v. pound/ which I and the said Thomas had given to him in part of payment/ with all his beer and victuals/ notwithstanding that he ꝑfightly knew us to be English men/ & no french men.  
In the end I looked fourth of the captains cabyne/ 
a house  and beheld a fair house/ as it had been a mile from us/ and axed of the young man/ whose house that was? He made me answer/ that it was the house of one master Parker/ the searcher there. I instantly desired of the Captain to be delivered to him/ but in no wise would he grant it. I required anon after/ as I beheld a far of/ the city of Dubline/ 
dublin  to be brought thydre for my honest trial (for they had accused me of treason) but it might not be allowed. The next day after/ we came into the haven of Waterforde/ where as also for my trial/ I desired to go a land/ but in no wise would it be granted. 
Half seas.  After that we passed more than the half seas over/ towards cornwall/ and were driven back again with so fierce and terrible a tempest/ that the whole seas to our sight and feeling/ went over us. And as we were come yet once again into the haven of Waterforde/ I said unto the Captain. 
Waterforde.  God hath with violence brought us hither again (I perceive it) that I should try my innocency. I desire you (said I) as I have done heretofore/ to deliver me into the city of waterford/ where as I am weal known. He refused utterly so to do/ and after certain other talk/ he desired me to content myself/ and I should (he said) in the ship/ have allthings to my mind. 
friendship.  Why (said I) ye go not my way/ neither is it fit for me to seek for prizes and to go a roavinge as you do/ but to sattle myself somewhere.  
Sens ye came to our ship (said he) I heard you wish yourself in Duchelande/ & I promise you/ we will honestly bring you thydre/ and not long tarry by the way. 
Duchelande.  My chance was in deed/ to find there among them/ a Hollander/ called Leonarde/ which knew me in Nortwyck/ with master johan Sartorius. To him in familiar talk/ I had wished myself there at that present. 
A wish  But how will ye lead me (said I to the Captain) as ye have done hitherto/ like a captive prisoner/ or like a free passenger? No/ said he/ I take ye now for no prisoner/ but for a man of worship/ and for a most honest passenger/ and so will I deliver you there. But all this time he had my money in his own keeping. 
money  Within two days after/ we were driven into S. jews in cornwall/ by extremity of wether. Where as the forseid wicked pirate Walter/ get him a land afore us/ so fast as ever he could/ & accused me there for an heinous traitor/ yea/ for such a one/ as for that cause had fled out of Ireland. 
Accusation.   
And to bring his wicked purpose to pass/ of winning somewhat by me/ for he thought than to have half my money which was in the Captains hands/ he fatched thidre one Downinges from vij miles of/ 
downinges.  by the counsel of the mariners of that town/ which was noised to be the most cruel termagant of that shire/ yea/ such a one as had been a begynnar of the last commotion there/ both to examine me & apprehend me.  
And as I was comen to that examination before one of the bailiffs/ 
Examined.  the constables/ and other officers/ I desired the said balyfe/ apearinge to me a very sober man/ as he was in deed/ to axe of the said Walter/ how long he had known me/ and what treason I had done since that time of his knowledge? 
Walter  He answered/ that he never saw me/ neither yet had heard of me/ afore I came into that ship of war a iiij. or .v. days afore. Than said the bailiff. What treason hast thou known by this honest gentleman since? For I promise thee/ he seemeth to be an honest man. Marry said he/ he would have fled into Scotland. Why saith the bailiff/ and knowest thou any impediment/ wherefore he ought not to have gone into scotland? 
scotland.  No/ said the fellow/ but he was going toward scotland. If it be a treason (saith the bailiff) to go towards scotland/ a man having business to do there/ it is more than I knew afore. And truly (saith he) than are there many traitors abroad in the world. Good fellow (said he) take heed that thy ground be good/ in accusing this man/ else art thou worthy to suffer due ponnishiment for it. 
the thrust of judas.  For thou dost it else upon some other affection/ than desire of right. With that he stood still/ and was able to say nothing/ for he was as drunk as an ape/ in hope of a bone voyage.  
Than came in the Captain and his purser/ and reviled the said Walter/ reporting him to be a very naughty fellow/ and a comen drunkard/ and that I was a very honest man. 
Walter a drunkard.  For they feared at that time/ the discharge of my money out of their hands/ I offering myself/ for my trial against him/ to be brought to the sessions/ which were than not far of. Than said the forseid Downinges in great displeasure. 
Downinges.  God's soul/ what do I here? This is but a drunken matter/ by the mass. And so went his way in a fume/ and for anger would not once drink with us. So that I went clear away in this prodygiouse conflict. The next day being sunday/ I resorted to the temple/ to see the fashions there. 
the temple.  As the peals were all ended/ they sange/ matins/ hours/ holy water making/ & mass/ all in Latin. Nothing was there in English but the poor Litany/ which the pressed/ a stought sturdy lubber said with least devotion of all/ 
A change  much of the people lamenting to behold so miserable a mutation/ and saying. A fore time might we have learned somewhat by our coming to the church/ but now nothing at all to our understanding. Alas/ what shall become of us?  

the pressed  After dinner/ that pressed resorted unto us/ as bold as great Hercules/ & after a little talk/ fell to flat railing of good miles Coverdale their bishop after this sort. Where is that heretic knave now (saith he) and other of his companions/ vagabonds/ apostates/ and runnegates? With other uncomely words. And as I was bend to have made him an answer/ 
A godly man.  a gentleman of the contraie thereabout/ rubbed me on the elbow/ and bad me in mine ear/ to let him alone/ and I should hear wonders. And the saide Gentleman brought him into an other talk of old familiaritees. Wherein he confessed/ that he had in one day/ bygetten two men's wives/ of that parish with child/ to increase the church's profit in crisyms and offerings/ where as their husbands were not able to do it. 
A good curate.  Yea/ mary sir/ james saith the Gentleman/ & ye have done more miracles than that. Went ye not one day a fishing? saith he. Yes by the mass did I/ said the pressed again/ and made the fishes more holy than ever the whoresons were afore. 
A howsellar of fishes.  For I sent out my maker among them/ whom I had that day received at the altar. By the mass (quoth he) I was able to hold him no longer. Sens that day/ I am sure (quoth he) that our fyshars hath had better luck/ than ever they had afore.  
Thus when he had raged/ by the space of more than an hour/ the last peal calling him thence to evensong/ the Gentleman said unto me. 
A churcheman.  These are the ghostly father's/ which now are permitted to be our spiritual guides. Are not we (saith he) weal appointed think you? The lord be merciful to us/ 
A plague  for it is sure a plague for our unthank fullness whyls we had the truth. Such lewd bawdy priests as this is (said he) doth wonderfully now rejoice/ not for any virtue they look for/ but in hope to be maintained in liberty of all wickedness/ more than of late days. 
A most vile knave.  When supper was done/ certain of the mariners resorted to us/ declaring what an uncomely part the pressed had played with their pypar/ as that he had pissed in his mouth/ being gaping a sleep in the church after evensong. This is the bewteouse face of our Irish and English churches at this present. The poor people are not taught/ 
Mockers.  but mocked of their ministers/ their servants abused/ their wives and daughters defiled/ and all christian order confounded.  
As the wether waxed fair/ the Captain went away with the ship/ 
Like himself.  and was more than ij. miles on his way/ minding (as it appeared) to have gone away with all that I had/ money/ apparel/ and books/ if the wind had served him weal. The customers servant/ an Irish man also/ being admonished by his contreyman Walter/ 
an other judas.  of my money in the Captains hands/ came to my lodging in the morning/ and told me thereof/ thinking as I had been in possession thereof/ if I had come to land again therewith/ to have raised new rumours upon me/ and so to have deprived me thereof. For he showed himself very serviceable in providing me a boat/ and in bringing me to the ship. 
Displeased.  But when he once perceived/ that I would not demand my money of the Captain/ and return again with him/ though I gave him a crown for his boat and pains/ yet went he away in great displeasure/ with no small reproaches. And at that present/ was the forseid Walter banished the ship/ for his only troubling of me/ so benivolouse that hour was the Captain unto me. 
Walter   
The next day after/ I demanded my money of the Captain/ and it was very honestly delivered me/ all schisms/ as I thought/ pacified. 
money.  Howbeit that wretched Mammon/ most strongly wrought in the unquietouse heart of the Captain/ so that continually after that time/ he threatened to set us on land/ and marvel it was/ that he threw us not both over the board. Always were we weal contented/ to have gone to land/ 
Apparel.  but yet still he drove it of till we came into Dover road/ I not understanding the mystery concerning the said money/ as that it was in my hand and not in the Captains/ which marred all the whole matter. 
roavers'  In the mean time they went a roavinge by a whole weeks space and more. And first they took an English ship of Totnes/ going towards Britain and loaden with tin/ and that they spoilt both of ware and money under the colour of French men's goods. The next day in the afternone/ beheld they two English ships more/ 
two ships.  whom they chased all the night long/ and the next day also till ten of the clock/ & of them they took one by reason that his topsail broke/ and that was a ship of lynne. In this had they nothing but apples/ for he went for his loading. 
pirates.  After that traced they the seas over/ more than half a week/ and found none there but their own contrary men/ being men of war and sea robbers as they were.  

at Dover  At the last they came to Dover road/ and there would the Captain needs to land with his purser. My companion Thomas and I/ taking ourselves for free passengers/ desired to go a land with them/ but that might not be (he said) till he had been there afore. Yes/ saith Thomas/ I will go a land/ if any man go/ for I have nothing to do here. Thu shalt not go (saith the Captain) but I will lay the fast by the feet/ if thou prate any more. 
Stoughtly.  With that one Cornelis stood fourth/ and said. We are much to blame/ that we have not dispatched him ere this/ and thrown him over the board. 
a pirate  Than doubted I some mischief in working among them. For one Martin an English pirate/ but yet a french man borne/ being sometime Tompsons' man and after that Stranguyshes man/ and now one and their unthrifty number/ had made them believe/ that I was he/ 
Shameless lies  which not only had put down the mass in England/ but also I had caused Doctor Gardiner/ the bishop of Winchestre to be kept so long in the tower/ & that also I had poisoned (whom I loved & reverenced above all mortal men) the king with many other most prodigious lies.  
So went the Captain & his purser with all these news a land/ having also with them my bishops seal/ & two Epistles sent me from Conradus Gesnerus, and Alexander Alesius, 
two Epistles.  with commendations from Pellicanus, Pomeranus, Philippus Melancthon, joachimus Camerarius, Mathias Flacius, and other learned men/ desirous of the English churches Antiquytees and doctrines. Which letters I had received at Dubline/ the day afore I came to the ship/ and not yet answered them. 
No treason.  These Epistles and seal/ with an other letter sent to me from the counsel of England/ concerning my first calling to that pastoral office/ they had taken out of my male/ unknowinge to me. For that they had scene the kings arms in my seal/ as the manner is of bishops seals/ they laid to my charge the counterfettinge of the kings seal/ 
three slanders.  upon the two Epistles/ heresy/ and upon the counsels letter/ conspiricie against the Queen/ so weal were they overseane in that malice for money. In Dover among all his cups/ this captain discovered these matters/ as what a man he had gotten in the borders of Ireland/ suspiciously passing over from thence towards scotland/ with all the reest. And as he had perceived some of the hearers desirous of that pray/ 
Crafty.  he called a great piece of his tale back again/ and said/ that he had set us a land at Southampton/ and so let us go. His mind was to have sold me/ if any man would have offered him a good sum of money.  
After midnight he returned again to the ship/ prating among his company/ what he had done a land/ and how he had almost lost all/ by his busy talk. 
A great act.  But he had heard of me (he said) much more than he knew afore/ and he trusted that I should be to him and to all the ship/ a profitable prize. The next day in the morning after his first sleep/ he arose/ and with stought countenance boasted/ that he would straight to London with his most dangerous carrryage/ 
To London.  which were we two poor innocent souls that had done ill to noman/ saving that we could not bear with the blasphemies of the papists against God & his Christ. Much to and fro was among them about that passage. In the end they all concluded/ that better it was to tarry still there with the ship/ whiles one or two of them went to the counsel of England/ in massage and came again/ than thidre to travail with ship and all. 
two messengers.  To land goeth the pursar and an other besides/ to higher their horses towards London/ For mountains of gold would be gotten the ways/ they said.  
As I beheld this madness/ though I little than cared for my life/ yet said I to the Captain. 
Captain.  Maistre Captain, what do you mean by these strange turmoilinges? Think ye there is no God? Neither yet a reckoning to be made at the lattre day/ of these mad precedings? The time hath been since our first meeting/ that ye have taken me for an honest passenger/ and defended my innocency against the cruel pirate Walter. How standeth it with equity than/ that ye now proclaim me/ so heinous a traitor? 
equity.  I am sure that ye ●nowe now no more by me/ than ye dead afore. Your allegations/ that I had put down the mass/ imprisoned Doctor Gardiner/ & poisoned the king/ are most false/ as all the world knoweth. My seal & my other letters are plain arguments of my truth and honest estimation/ 
of truth  and might be to your confusion/ if I chanced to have righteous hearers. I pray you therefore in conscience/ that ye tell me/ what evil ye know else by me/ that ye make here so terrible doings? I can not see/ saith the Captain/ that ye will be ordered after any good sort. My only misordre was than/ that my money was in my purse/ and not in his. 
money  Whereunto I answered/ with an heart full of dolour & heaviness/ to behold men's so damnable practices of mischief for filthy lucre's sake.  
I am contented master Captain (said I) to be ordered as ye will reasonably have me. 
ordered.  What will ye give than (said the Captain) to be delivered into Flaunders/ and our purser to be called again? I answered/ that I would give/ as his self would with reason and conscience require. If ye had told us so much yester night (said he) this matter had been at a point/ & we by this time had been in Zelande. 
Zelande.  Than was all the rabble of the ship/ bag/ tag/ and rag/ called to the reckeninge/ rushelinge together as they had been the cooks of hell/ with their great Cerberus/ a whole hundred pound demanded for my deliverance. In the end it was concluded/ that no less might assuage that hungry heat than fifty pound at the least/ with this Proviso/ that all the money which I had in my purse/ 
A ꝓuiso  with part of my garments also/ should be out of hand divided among them and the Captain/ which was xxj pound in the whole. I instantly desired/ that it might be received in part and payment of the other somme. 
A cry.  They cried all with one voice/ Nay/ we will none of that. Than I besought them/ that I might have at the least/ a honest portion thereof/ for payment of my charges/ whiles I should be providing/ of so great a ransom/ as they had laid to me.  
In fine they assented/ that I should have uj crowns of mine own money allowed me/ for my costs/ till I had found out my friends. 
Allowance.  Than caused the Captain a piece of ordinance to be fired/ and a gun to be let/ to call back the purser/ and his companion. In whose return there was much to and fro. For some would needs to London/ thinking that way to win more/ than to bring me into Flaunders. 
Lucre.  And of them which would into Flaunders/ some would to land for a barrel of drink/ for in the ship at that time/ was neither bread/ beef/ nor beer. Some feared the coming of the mayre and Captain of the castle/ for searching their ship. So that our Captain commanded them at the last/ to hoist up the sails and speedily to pass towards Flaunders. In the mean time was I poor soul compelled/ 
Faunders.  to set my hand to a false bill of their devising/ as that I had hired their ship in Ireland for fifty pound/ to bring me without delay or tarriaunce into Zelande. Which I never did/ as the almighty lord weal knoweth/ 
Compulsion.  but came from thence with them against my will/ and was tossed to and fro upon the seas/ by the space of xxiiij days/ in following prizes/ as they call their robberies. And I was by that time/ so full of lice/ as I could swarm.  
As we came ones thither/ they brought me into the house of one of the four owners of the ship/ 
Lambert.  which was a man fearing God/ and his wife a woman of much godliness also/ which was to me careful creature/ a singular comfort provided of God. The next day were all the four owners called to the reckoning/ & a Latin interpreter with them/ to know how/ where/ and when/ this ransom of fifty pound should be paid? 
payment.  And more than xxuj days of leisure for the payment thereof/ might not be granted. I desired to have had liberty to go abroad/ to seek my friends/ but that could I not obtain/ though it were in my former covenant/ when the uj crowns were delivered me. In the afternone was it noised abroad, by the drunken mariners all over/ 
Drunkards.  that they had brought such a one with them out of Ireland/ as paid half an hundred pound for his passage/ to the wondering of all the town. So that my host/ was fain to keep me close in his house/ and to say both to the mariners and others/ that I was gone to Andwerpe/ the people there resorted so fast to see me. 
Resort.  They reported there also in their drunkenness/ that I was he which had put down the mass in England/ and had thrown Doctor Gardyner into the tower/ wytha great sort of lies and slanders more.  
Thus continued I there/ as a prisoner/ by the space of three weeks/ sometime threatened to be thrown in their comen jail/ 
threats  sometime to be brought afore the magistrates/ sometime to be left to the examination of the clergy/ sometime to be sent to London/ or else to be delivered to the queens ambassadors at Brucels/ but always by God's provision I had mine host and hostess to friends. And behold a most wonderful work of God. 
A monk  The person of the town/ a most cruel monk/ a master of Lovayne/ and an inquisitor of heretics/ as they call those Rabyes/ the next day after my coming/ sore syckened/ and never came out of his bed so long as I was there/ which was greatly marked of some of the inhabitants/ being godly affected. 
Deliberation.  At the last/ in deliberatinge the matter/ that they required so much money of me/ and would not suffer me to go abroad to seek it/ mine host bade the Captain and mariners considre/ how far they had run beyond the limits of their commission/ in misusing the English nation/ with whom they had no war. It may chance hereafter (saith he) deeply to be laid to your charges. Therefore by my assent/ ye shall agree with this good man for less money. 
A friend.  Than were they contented to receive xxx pound/ as I should be able to pay it/ and so to discharge me.  
Thus hath my lord God most miraculously delivered me from all these dangerous parels/ and from the greedy mouths of devouring lions/ 
deliverance.  into the worthy land of germany yet once again, I hope to the glory of his most holy name/ everlasting praise be to him for it. Amen. Here have ye dear friends/ a most lively and wonderful example of God's chastenynges/ & of his most gracious delyveraunces again. 
God's work.  For no chosen child receiveth he to inheritance/ without much correction. Hebre. 12. The merciful lord throweth down into hell/ and bringeth from thence again. 1. Reg. 2. Though Satan be suffered as wheat to sift us for a time/ yet faileth not our faith through Christ's aid/ but that we are at all times ready/ to confirm the faith of our weak brethren/ Luce. 22. 
Faith.  I thought myself now of late/ for the cares of this life/ we'll satteled in the bishoprycke of Ossorye in Ireland/ and also weal quieted in the peceable possession of the pleasant Euphrates/ I confess it. But the lord of his mercy/ would not there leave me/ 
〈…〉  what though for the small time/ I was in his vineyard/ not all an idle wurkeman/ but he hath provided me (I perceive it) to taste of a far other cup.  
By violence hath he yet ones again/ as ye in this treatise have red here/ driven me out of that glorious Babylon/ that I should not taste to much of her wanton pleasures. 
Babylon.  But with his most dearly beloved disciples/ to have my inward rejoice in the cross of his son jesus Christ. The glory of whose church/ I see it we'll/ standeth not in the harmonious sound of bells and organs/ nor yet in the glittering of mitres and coops/ neither in the shining of guilt images and lights/ 
Wares  as the blind bludderinge papists do judge it/ but in continual labours and daily afflictions for his name's sake. God at this present/ in England hath his fan in hand/ and after his great harvest there/ 
harvest.  is now syftinge the corn from the chaff/ blessed shall they be/ which persever in faith to the end. In case without doubt/ is England now/ as was jewrye/ after the heavenly doctrine was there plenteously sown by Christ and by his Apostles/ the true ministers of his word being partly imprisoned and partly dispersed/ as they were. 
Preachers.  God of his great mercy preserve it from that plague of destruction/ which not only Jerusalem but also the whole land tasted/ for their wilful contempt/ of that massage of their salvation. Amen.   

The conclusion.  
I Write this unto thee/ thou sorrowful church of England/ that in the mids of thy afflictions thou shouldest not despair. Behold how graciously/ yea/ if I may so speak it/ how miraculously and gloriously/ 
the author.  the heavenly lord hath delivered me/ his most unworthy servant of all men/ and an exceeding great sinner. He called me of grace to that office in his vineyard/ by sore persecutions he proved me of love/ and at the lattre of mercy & goodness he preserved me from the deadly fury of most fierce enemies. 
Of mercy.  Thy calling to the Gospel is not unknown to thee/ thou careful congregation. Now sufferest thou persecutions diversly/ for not regarding the time of thy visitation. Repent yet in the end/ and doubtless thou shalt have a most prosperous deliverance. They are no noble men/ that do vex the at this present. They are but piled pelting priests/ knights of the dongehill/ though they be sir Swepestretes/ master doctors/ and lord bishops. 
Repent.  Look upon their faces/ though thou measure not them by their fruits/ & thou shalt soon know their virtues. They are fiery/ haughty/ and lecherous as gootes/ the chastest among them. But that shall other men's wives know/ & not thou. 
priests.  A weal papped Pygion of Paul's/ is wholesome (they say) for a tippetted gentleman of the pope's spialte/ in a dark evening/ to cool the contagious heats of a coltish confessor.  
No noble men are they/ which trouble the in this age/ as I told the afore. For true nobylite never yet hated the truth of God/ but hath advanced it by all ages. 
noiblite  Examples we have in Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, josias, Nycodeme, joseph, King Lucius, Constantine, justinyane, Theodosius, king Arthour, alphred, Ethelstane, Henry the second, Edward the third, and now last of all the virgine King Edward the uj which never was defiled with the pope's idolatries. 
K. Edward.  Immortal fame and note of renown/ remaineth yet to them for it. Such men (saith the lord) as worship me/ will I make worshipful/ and they that despise me/ shall become ignoble or wretched i Reg. 2. These will not take away the key of knowledge from God's people/ as do the hypocrites/ Math. 23. and as the wicked layers do also/ Luce. 11. woe to them for it. 
Noble men.  But as the noble David requireth/ they will open the gates that the king of glory may entre. Open the gates (saith he) O ye noble men/ let the everlasting doors be opened/ that the king of glory may come in/ Psalm. 24. If any be wicked in this behalf/ which bear the name of noble men and women. 
open/ open  let them weal weigh with themselves/ how Pharo/ Antiochus/ Herode/ and such other/ whom God by princely authority had made noble/ by only tyranny against his manifest truth/ are now become more vile, than any kichine slave or yet lazar. 
tyranny  Foelix (saith Horace) quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. Happy is he/ whom an other man's misfortune maketh wise.  
Over the now triumpheth the bishops/ the pharisees/ the priests/ and the covetous layers. At thy late sudden fall/ rejoiceth the hypocrites/ the epicures/ the idolaters/ and the wicked papists. What shall I say more? 
layers  johan Baptist, is now derided in the prison. jesus the son of God is grenned at upon the cross. Paul now in Athens is hissed at. The poor Apostles are slily laughed to scorn. Nay/ shall I yet say more. Mycheas is smitten on the face/ whiles Sedechias playeth the false harlot. 2. Parali. 18. Helias is driven into the wilderness/ whiles Baal's chaplains are banketinge among ladies. 
Preachers.  3. Reg. 18. Isaiah is contemned/ whiles the priests are given to idolatry and drunkenness/ Esa. 28. Hieremie is sore afflicted/ whiles▪ Semeias perverteth the truth of the lord/ Heir. .29. Daniel is thrown into the lions den/ whiles mischiefs are in wurkinge among the wicked/ Dan. 6. 
Perverters.  Peter is accused of the bishops wench/ whiles Cayphas sitteth in consistory, codemning the innocent/ Math. 26. Steven is called to a reckenninge/ whiles the priests and wicked layers are bannishinge the Gospel/ Acto. 6. Antipas (they say) is now slain at Pergamos, 
priests.  whiles Simon Magus triumpheth in Samaria/ Apo. 2. And johan zebedee is sent into Pathmos, whiles Cerinthus, Menander, and Hebion play the heretic knaves at home/ Apo. 1. well/ let them ply it a pace. It may chance to cost their polluted Jerusalem a fowl overthrow/ for so persecuting the servants of God/ in her whoredom/ Esa. 1. yea/ servants I say, 
spiritualty.  for they served faithfully in the painful office of the Gospel.  
Those idle mercenaries/ not only loiter in the vinyeard/ but also like cruel wolves they ravish and destroy/ joan. 10. Of that which God hath expressly forbidden/ 
wolves  they make now a solemn religion/ both in the refusal of marriage/ and in the prodigious veneration of images/ sainge yea to his nay/ and nay to his yea. God saith/ it is not good for man to be alone/ without an help/ which is a wife in marriage / Gene. 2. They say contrariously/ that it is more than good/ for it is holy/ religious/ 
A wife.  and prestlike/ to have no wives of their own/ what so ever they have of other men's/ besides buggery boys. I trow Doctor Weston will say none other at this day/ what though not long a go he brent a beggar in S. Botolphes parish without bishops gate, 
weston.  giving her no worse than he had received afore of the religious occupy. The same Weston ꝓponed to an other woman of his parish/ which was a man's wife/ that her husband being a sleep/ she might lawfully occupy with him/ by virtue of this text/ Mulier dormiente viro, a lege soluta est. 
occupy.  1. Cor. .7. If this scripture were not religiously applied/ let them tell me which know the right handling of them. whiles this priapustick prelate/ is prolocutor in the convocation house/ I trust we shall lack no good laws for religion, the man is so religious. O abomination. Though they now are busily spisinge and painting of a toorde (their idolatrous mass) yet will a toorde be but a stinking toorde/ 
priapus  both in smell and sight/ pepper him and balm him/ garnish him and gild him as weal as they can/ all the pack of them. To conclude. Now are their most filthy buggeries in the dark/ with their other prodigious whoredoms, holden a most pure state of living, 
Celibatus.  holy marriage disgraced/ contemned/ and banished.  
God saith. Thu shalt make no graven image to worship. They say/ ye shalt not only make images/ but ye shall also gild them/ sense them/ worship them/ and axe help of them/ for why they are the lay mennis Gospel. 
images  In deed Porphirius the blasphemous heretic/ and troubler of the Christian church/ as Eusebius reporteth him/ was the first that called them the lay men's calendar. And though S. Gregory the great/ coming after/ confirmed the same Calendar/ yet shall it remain an horrible blasphemy/ because God hath in pain of damnation forbidden it. 
Gregory.  Epiphanius that worthy father of the church/ numbereth the worshipping of our ladies image among heresies. If we be of his opinion/ we must judge you no less than most pernicious heretics. Moreover it is now become a religion again in England/ to call upon dead men/ with Sancte Petre ora pro nobis. 
Heretics.  This also is fatched from the old pagans sorceries, for hold hath it none of the scriptures canonical. How howling and iabberinge in a foreign language should become God's service, that can I not tell. But weal I wot that S. Paul's doctrine doth utterly condemn it/ as superstitious beggary/ because it is but an idle noise & nothing to edification. 1. Cor. 14. 
In Latin.   
Some men peradventure will marvel/ that I uttering matters of Ireland/ should omit in this treatise/ to write of Coin and livery. Which are so cruel pillages & oppressions of the poor commons there/ as are no where else in this whole earth/ 
Coin & livery  neither under wicked Saracene nor yet cruel Turk/ besides all prodigious kinds of lechery and other abominations therein committed. Three causes there are/ which hath moved me not to express them here. One is/ for so much as they pertain nothing to the tittle of this book/ which all concerneth religion. An other is for that the matter is so large/ as requireth a much larger volume. 
3. causes  The third cause is/ for that I have known two worthy men/ whom I will not now name/ to have done that thing so exactly/ as noman/ (I suppose) therein can amend them. But this will I utter briefly/ that the Irish lords and their undrecaptaines'/ supporting the same/ are not only companions with thieves/ 
ij. books  as the prophet reporteth/ Esa. 1. but also they are their wicked masters and maintainers. So that they both coupled together/ the murderer with his master/ and the thief with his maintainer/ leave nothing undevoured behind them in that fertile region/ no more then did the devouring locusts of egypt. 
ij. sorts  Exo. 10. Anon after their harvests are ended there/ the Kearnes, the Galloglasses/ and the other brechelesse soldiers/ with horses and their horsegromes'/ sometime. three waiting upon one jade/ enter into the villages with much cruelty and fierceness/ they continue there in great ravin and spoil/ and when they go thence/ they leave nothing else behind them for payment/ but lice/ lechery/ and intolerable penury for all the year after. 
villages  Yet set the rulers thereupon a very fair colour/ that it is for defence of the English pale. I besiche God to send such protection a short end/ & their lords & Captains also/ if they see it not soon amended. 
An end  For it is the utter confusion of the land/ and a maintenance to all vices.  
Three peoples are in Ireland in these days/ priests/ layers/ and kearnes/ which will not suffer faith/ truth/ and honesty to dwell there. And all these have but one God their Belly/ and glory in that wicked feat to their shame/ whose end is damnation/ Phil. 3. 
ij. three  I speak only of those which are bred and borne there/ and yet not of them all. These for the more part/ be sworn brethren together in mischief/ one to maintain an others malicious cause/ by murder previly procured. And to bring their conceived wickedness to pass/ they can do great miracles in this age/ by virtue of transubstantiation belike/ for therein are they very cunning. 
previly.  For they can very wittily make/ of a tame Irish a wild Irish for need/ so that they shall serve their turn/ so we'll as though they were of the wild Irish in deed. Like as they did properly and finely/ in the most shameful and cruel slaughter of my .v. servants/ by the lord Mountgarrettes kearnes/ and the Barn of upper Ossoryes farye knights. 
practise  By such fine conveniaunce of accusing the wild Irish/ and colour of the holy day broken/ as is written afore/ they can always apere to have fair white hands/ and to be innocent maids/ what murder so ever is by them committed. But I axe of the priests/ chiefly of Richard ruth the treasurer and of sir james joys his companion/ 
Finely.  what they meant by their so oft riding to that Barn of upper ossory/ when I was dwelling at Holmes court? Whom they nevertheless to me reported/ to be the most errand thief and merciless murderer of all the land. And what they have meant also/ to be so familiar with the furious famelye of Mountgarrett? 
doubleness.  commonly resorting in the ends of all those iournayes/ to the house of Barnaby Bolgar. As I suspected the matter than/ so have I sens that time proved it effectually true. Moreover I might axe of the layers/ why they seek to have so many thieves & murderers pardoned/ specially when they have slain English men and done their robberies within the English pale? 
layers  But at this time I leave them/ and return again to my purpose.  
Now must I say somewhat to thee/ thou careful church of England/ concerning thy misbehaver against thy most loving Creator. God chose the for his elect vineyard/ yea/ he plenteously purged and prepared the. 
A church.  But when thou shouldest have brought him fourth fruit/ for grapes thou gavest him thorns/ Esa. 7. He looked to have had at thy hands after the gospel preaching there/ faith/ knowledge/ fear/ love/ repentance/ obedience/ true invocation/ & hearty thanks for his manifold gifts, with such other wholesome fruits of life. 
Grapes  And in stead of them/ thou hast brought fourth/ idolatry/ blindness/ impenitency/ frowardness/ cruelty/ pride/ fornication/ uncleanness/ covetousness/ ingrateful contempt of the truth / and hate of the faithful preachers thereof/ with other sour crabs of damnation. Thu wouldest feign be like the malignant church of the papists/ 
thorns  prosperous and wealthy in worldly affairs/ and therewith somewhat glorious. But thy eternal father in heaven/ will not so have thee/ but by persecutions transformeth the into the very similitude of his dearly beloved son/ to whom he hath espoused thee/ to reign which him at the lattre in eternal glory. 
Like Christ   
God hath sufficiently declared in the scriptures/ what his church is in this world. As that it is an afflicted and sorrowful congregation/ forsaken in a manner/ and destitute of all humane comfort in this life. It may right we'll be compared to a flock of orphans/ 
the church.  which being destitute of father and mother/ be in this world subject to many sorrowful calamities & miseries. But because that poor church should not utterly discourage in her extreme adversities/ the son of God hath taken her to his spouse/ and hath promised her protection/ help and comfort/ in all her afflictions and parels. So that she may at all times comfort herself with this verse of David/ Though my father and mother hath left me/ yet hath the lord taken me up/ for his/ Psalm. 26. 
Help.  In the first promise was she taken to grace after transgressio 〈…〉 assured of deliverance from sin/ death/ hell/ and the devil. 
comfort.  For if God had not most wonderfully collected her together/ preserved her/ saved her/ and defended her/ it had not been possible for her to have escaped in so horrible dangers/ as were in the universal 〈…〉 ude/ in the burning of Sodom and Gomer/ and the tyranny of Pharaoh/ 
defence.  in the journey through the read sea/ in the captivity of Babylon/ and destruction of jerusalem/ and in so many woderfull alterations and terrible ruyth●● of th● Roman Empire/ so many devils/ Pagans/ Mahumetes/ Turks/ Jews/ Epicures/ heretics/ pope's/ bishops/ monks/ priests/ and tyrants reigning.  

Empire  A perpetual and unplacable enemy is 〈…〉 than/ and evermore hath been/ to that poor congregation/ seeking not only to disfigure her/ but also to spoil her and destroy her utterly. Like as it is said, Gen. 3. that he should tread christ on the heel. This exceeding great benefigh● of the goodness of God/ 
Satan  aught to be remembered/ that he after the sin of our first parents/ not only received this church to grace/ but also hath ●uer since/ both preserved & defended it. But 〈◊〉 great is that untowardness & much is that h 〈…〉 nesse / of manis heart/ that he neglecteth so high a benefight/ as is also the patefaction of Christ in the Gospel/ by whom we are redeemed/ & so remain unthankful for the same. A most sweet voice is it unto us/ from the son of God jesus Christ/ that he will not leave us as orphans/ or fatherless & motherless children without comfort, but will come unto us/ joan. 14. That is/ Like a gentle & merciful lord/ he will continually stand by his church/ assisting/ helping/ & socouringe it always. I will be with you (saith he) to the end of the world/ Math. 28. let this be thy comfort thou sorrowful church of England, & stay thyself in him which was incarnate/ lived/ wrought/ taught/ & died for thy sin/ yea/ he arose from the death & ascended to heaven for thy justification/ Rom. 4. Cleave thou fast to him/ repent thy follies past/ & take heed to thy doings from hensfourth. Pray & fast busily/ for this frantic kind of devils is never taken away/ but in prayer & fasting Math. 17. So shalt thou be restored plenteously/ & flourish in virtues hereafter fruitfully/ to the praise of one God eternal. Which liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.  
FINIS.   

The table of this book.  

ABel the first elect/ fol/ 2.  
Abel acknowledgeth salvation in Christ/ by sacrifice .11.  
Abominations advanced in England .45.  
Adam constituted a preacher .2. & 9  
Adam called/ persecuted/ and delivered .2.  
Adultery maintained in Ireland .18.21.23.  
antiquities of England desired .38.  
Antony Sellinger/ knight/ accused .32.  
Apostles/ called/ persecuted/ & delivered .3.10.  
Articles/ maliciously practised .38.39.41.  
Augustine complained of Ceremonies .10.  
Author favoured of the king .4.16.   

BAylfye of S. juüs' .34.  
Balaam the soothsayer .9.  
Barnaby Bolgar, a maintainer of thieves .5.26.27.47.  
Bishop of Galwaye .28.31.  
Bishop of Rome/ noised head of the church .28.31.33.  
Bishops three at investing .18.  
Book/ why it was written .7.  
Book of comen prayer resisted .19.21.  
Bread & wine worshipped .11.15.20.22.25.27.  
brethren/ called/ afflicted and delivered .7.  
Britain's believe afore Christ's time .12.  
Britain's/ subdued by the Saxons .14.  
British church/ first instituted .12.  
Buggery/ a professed virginity .14.27.   

Captain of the ship/ taketh 33. excuseth .35. fleeth .36. thretteneth .37. and robbeth .40.  
Celibatus/ a cloak of buggery .14.36.45.  
Ceremonies of the church .10.  
Christ preached in paradise .2.11. a universal doctor appointed .2.9. called/ persecuted and delivered .2.9. obeyeth an heathen Emperor. 29.  
Church of Christ/ what it is .7.48. preserved. 48.  
Church of the Britain's instituted .12.  
Church of England/ described .11. afflicted. .42.43.48.  
Claudia/ a Britain/ taught of S. Paul .13.  
Coin and livery tirannouse .46.  
Commission/ of the mariners abused .41.  
Commissioners at Dubline .31.  
Communion/ for S. Anne .22.  
Confirmation for money .28.  
Consecration/ or investing at dublyne .18.  
Constantine the Emperor .10.13.  
Contention about trifles .24.26.  
Contrary are we to the papists .3.45.  
Cornelius and julius Captains .6.  
Cornelis/ a cruel pirate .37.   

Days/ hallowed and unhallowed. 29.  
David Couper/ person of Calan .18.28.  
Degrees of men receiving Christ .25.  
deliverance of the author .28.34.35.40.41.  
Deputy/ none in Ireland .23.31.33.  
Discipline in the church/ with doctrine .21.  
Doctors in the primative church .10.  
Doctors in the British church .13.  
Doctors in the british monkery .13.  
Doctors of the English monkery .14.  
Doctors/ smelling out their mischiefs .15.  
Doctrines in Britain, afore Christ's birth .12.  
Doctrine/ of God commanded .19.  
Doctrine in the church/ with discipline .21.  
Dog/ brought to be confirmed .28.  
Dover road .37. much doubted .40.  
Downinge/ a cruel commocioner .34.  
dublin/ head city of Ireland .18.31.33.  
Dust/ shaken in witness .31.   

Ear confession/ a salve for all sores .27.  
Election & vocation of God .9.  
Epicurish papistes/ enemy's to Christ .7.  
Epistles two from learned men .38.  
English Saxons subdue the Britain's .14.  
English church described .11. afflicted .42.48.  
English antiquities desired .38.  
English ships rob .37.  
Example of God's chasteninges .42.  
Examples of vocation .2. of true nobility .43.  
Examples notable/ for afflicted preachers .44.  
Exercise of an Irish bishop .28.  
Exequyes for the king .30.31.   

FAlse prophets/ are the papists. 21.  
False rumours of the Irish men .23.  
Fathers called/ persecuted/ and delivered .3.9.  
Father's/ in darkness faithful .14.15.  
fishes/ are houseled of a pressed .36.  
Fryres and sophisters .14.  
From Jerusalem/ and not from Rome .12.   

gentiles/ acknowledging Christ .11.  
Gentiles/ partakers of the promise .11.  
Gentleman of cornwall .35.  
George/ archebishopp of Dubline/ wicked .18. slack .21. an Epycure .18.32. seeketh the primacy. 32.  
Gildas for the Britain's faith .11.13.  
God calleth/ trieth/ and delivereth .7.  
God now gathereth his church .15.  
God mocked of the papists .45.  
Good men from hypocrites are known .26.  
Gospel of the wounded man .25.  
Gossippes at Dubline .32. in procession .15.  
Grapes and thorns/ what they are .47.48.  
Gregorius and Porphirius .45.   

HElias and Baal's chaplains .7  
Heretics in Britain .13.  
Jerusalem/ and not Rome/ giveth faith to England .13.  
Jerusalem of the papists will fall .44.  
Hypocrites & idolaters with their plagues .21. they differ from good men .26. take away the key of knowledge .43.  
Holy day/ observed in murder .29.  
Holmes court/ a mansion .22.26.  
Horsegrome of lord Mountgarret .26.  
Hugh Goodaker/ archebishopp of Armach .18. poisoned .22.   

IAmes joys/ a malicious judas. 26.29.47.  
james parish pressed of S. jews .36.  
jane Gilforde proclaimed Queen .23.  
japheth the father of Europa .12.  
idolater/ what he is else .21.  
idolaters no apt ministers .10.  
idolaters & hypocrites which their plagues .21.26.  
idolatries of our time .11.  
idolatries of Waterforde in Ireland .17.  
idolatries and hypocresies rebuked .21▪  
jesus Christ called/ persecuted/ delivered .2.9.  
Islands established in faith .12.  
Images of our lady heretical .45.  
Images/ the lay men's Calendar .45.  
Impediments of the author .17.  
johan Baptist/ Hieremy/ and Paul .3.9.  
johan Evangelist .2▪ called .10. exiled .44.  
johan/ Peter/ and Paul elected .10.  
johan Zebide banished .44.  
johan Beverle/ a man of God .14.  
johan Bale/ called/ afflicted/ and delivered. .3.4.43. triumpheth in afflictions .4.7. rejoiceth in deliverance .3.4.41.43. defendeth the kings book .19. is sought to be slain .28.31. received at kylkennye .29. temted of priests. .30. he fleeth .31. is taken of pirates .33. accused and examined .34.38. slandered .38. spoiled of all .40.41. and delivered .41.43.  
joseph an Hebrew/ preacheth in Britain .12.  
Ireland/ a bishop's daughter, & so brought up .32.  
Irish kearnes/ conspire and rebel .23.28.  
judgement of popish governors .7.  
julius and Cornelius Captains .6.  
justices are wicked in Ireland .22.30.   

KEarnes/ Irish thieves and murderers .23.28.46.47.  
Kilkennie a civil town in Ireland .19.24.27.  
King Henry the eight assisteth the Gospel .15.  
King Edward the .6. favoureth the author .4.16. Expelleth papistry .15. his death .14. his exequyes .30. they help not .31. undefiled with papistry .43.  
King Lucius/ converted of Tymothe .13.  
King and counsel contemned .18.21.29.  
Kings of Britain/ no persecutors .13.   

LAdy mary/ proclaimed Queen. 24.30.  
Lamb slain from the beginning .11.  
Lambert/ abrenounceth papistry .6.41.  
Latin service, of antichrist .45.  
layers and priests in Ireland .46.47.  
Learned men saluteth the author .38.  
Lechery of priests .18.21.27.  
Leonard/ an Hollander .34.  
Lettre of the authors admission .16.38.  
Letters to be ware of poyseninge .22.  
Lords and Captains cruel .46.  
Lucius/ a king/ converted of Tymothe .13.   

Mistress' king was rob .23.  
Marriage wickedly contemned of priests .21.27.32.45.  
Martyne/ a faithful Neapolytane .28.  
Martin an English pirate .38.  
Mass brought in again .22.27.30.35. what toys it hath .30. abolished .31. a torde newly painted .45.  
Melchisedech and other father's .9. a father of the gentiles .12.  
mercenaries loiter and ravish .44.  
Mihel patrick/ master of thieves .23.27.47.  
miles Coverdale/ railed on .35.  
Miracles of deliverance .28.32.35.40.41.  
Money/ the cause of mischief .34.36.37.38.40.  
monkery among the Britain's .13.  
Monks among the Saxons .14.  
Mountgarret, maintaineth murderers .23.26.46  
Murders done of Irish men .23.24.28.  
Murder keepeth holy day .29.   

nativity of Christ .29.  
nativity of mary abrogated .29.  
nobility hateth not the truth .43.  
Noble men/ taketh not away the key of knowledge .43. how noble men become ignoble .44.  
Noah preached afore the flood & after .9.12.  
Noises & rumours of mischief .23.29.41.   

OBedience to magistrates .20.24.29.  
Office of a Christian bishop .2.  
Office of priests .20.  
Office of Christianes' .26.  
Ordre political and ecclesiastical .20.27.  
ossory/ a bishopric in Ireland .2.16.42.  
Oath against papistry .31.  
Owners four of the ship .40.   

Papists/ young lyddernes .3.  
Papists have contrary rejoices .3.22.24.27.36.  
Papism/ resumed at kilkennie .27.  
Parels escaped of the author .5.6.32.35.37.40.  
Paul boasteth of his vocation .4. He is elected. 10. He rejoiceth in persecutions and deliverance. 3.4. He informeth Claudia/ and seemeth to have preached in Britain .13.  
Paul's parels & the authors conferred .4.5.6.  
People rejoiceth .4.18.28.29. Lamenteth the change in religion .35.  
Peoples three in Ireland .46.  
Person/ a monk and inquisitor .41.  
Peter/ johan/ and Paul/ elected .10.  
Philipp/ the Apostle preacheth in France .12.  
Philipp the parish pressed of knocktover .18.  
Porphirius and S. Gregory .45.  
Practise/ for the mass .23.30.  
Prayer of No/ for japheth .12.  
Prayer for the dead .17.20.25.30.  
Preachers of England now troubled .42.44.  
priests are persecutors and murderers .4.5.26.28.29.31. offended with Gods word .20. .26. no redeemers of souls .17.20.25.30. will not marry .20.27. prophecy with the devil▪ .21. disobedient to the king .18.21.27.29. rejoiceth in king Edward's death .22.27.44. dispute for purgatory .25. perverteth the scriptures .26. resumeth papistryes .27. defendeth murder .29. keep holy days .29. compared to Satan .30. led by a dancing devil .31. setteth up images .31. afflicteth the English church .43. are lecherous as goats .43. and say yea & nay to God .44.45.  
priests in procession two disguised .24.  
Pressed increaseth crysoms .36. howfeleth fishes .36.  
Pressed at mass .30. turneth thrice .30.  
primacy of Ireland/ ambicyously sought .32.  
Pryour of knoctover W. had children .18.  
Procession general of priests .24.27.  
Proclamation for both parties .31.   

recantation of the author/ looked for .24.  
Redemption is only of Christ/ not of priests .20.25.26.  
Refusal/ with three impediments .17.  
Registre of visitations of England .14.  
Religion now in England .44.45.  
Richard ruth/ a lecherous judas .26.30.47.  
Robert Shea/ suffren of kilkennie .5.25.28.  
Rome called Babylon/ of Christ & of Peter .12.  
Ruffianes in Ireland/ rebelling .23.24.28.  
Rumours and noises .23.29.41.   

SAcrament preacheth two things. 11.25.  
Saint jews in cornwall .34.  
Samaritane/ and his offices .25.  
Samothees/ and other teachers .12.  
Satan/ always an enemy .28.48.  
Saxons subdued the Britain's .14.  
Scriptures ꝑuerted of Satan & the papistes .26.  
Seal of office/ judged treason .38.39.  
Sermons of the author .21. last sermon .24.  
Sermons two of the B. of Dublyne .32.  
servants .v. were slain .28.47.  
Servant to the customer .36.  
Service book/ resisted .18.21.  
Seth/ Enos/ and other father's .11.  
sickness molesteth the author .16.19.  
Sowle of the king, not helped by funerals .31.  
souls have not help of the priests .17.20.25.27.  
States heavenly & political .20.27.  
Suffrages for the king .31.  
some of the authors doctrine .20.21.24.25.   

Teacher's in britain/ afore Christ .12.  
Tempest of the sea .33.  
Thanks to God/ for the dead .25.  
Thomas Cusake/ lord chancellor of Irelan●  
Thomas Hothe/ a wicked justice .22.24.27.30.  
Thomas lockwode/ dean of Dubline .18.  
Thomas/ a young man of Estsexe .32.37.  
Thorns & grapes/ what they are .47.48.  
Three causes of omitting matters .46.  
Three considerations & chances .2.  
Three peoples of Ireland .46.  
Three turns at mass .30.  
Thretteninges against the author .41.  
Tymothe/ converteth king Lucius .13.  
tyrants hate the verity of God .27.44.  
Transubstanciation/ or God making .15.  
Treason forged/ to excuse theverie .34.38.   

UAriaunce about shadows. 24.  
Viciose men, no fit ministers .10.  
villages tyrannously oppressed .46.  
unthankfulness to God, plagued .36.42.43.49.  
Vocation of the Author/ just .4.16.  
Vocation and election of God .9.   

WAlter/ a Irish pirate/ betrayeth .6.33. Accuseth .34. is banished .37.  
Waterforde an idolatrous city .17.33.34.  
Weston/ a lecherous papist .4.45. interpreteth scripture .45.  
William/ priour of knocktover had children .18.  
Whoredom/ boasted of a pressed .36.  
Whoremongers/ no apt ministers .10.  
Wife of a bishop/ provided for .32.  
wives persuaded to priests .20.  
Wounded man/ restored .25.  
writers, ij. against Coin and livery .4.6.  
Zele and study of the author .19.29.30.31   
FINIS.   

¶ Correctyons'/ where as faults hath escaped in the printing.  
Fol. 6. pag. 1. li. 7. at Melita. li. 27. drowned. pag. ij. 14. at the last. fol. 8. pag. ij. li. 1. domini. fol. 9 pag. 1. li. 26. abominations. pag. ij. li. 24. customehowse. Item homely. fol. 10. pag. ij. li. 6. Irenaeus. fo. 13. pag. 1. li. 26. Melanius. fol. 15. pag. ij. li. ij. call together. li. 26. or a caller. fo. 16. pag. 1. li. 6. Stoke. Item do out the three last lines. fo. 24. pa. ij. li. 24. justice Hothe. Iten li. 26. Our Christ was but one Christ. fol. 28. pag. ij. li. 3. the clock. fol. 29. pag. ij. li. 27. disdained. fol. 33. pag. 1. li. 17. an Irish pirate. fo. 40. pag. 1. li. 10. in part of payment. fo. 45. pag. ij. li. 5. ye shall.   

¶ Imprinted in Rome/ before the castle of S. Angel/ at the sign of S. Peter/ in december/ Anno D· 1553.   

O lord thou God of truth.  
I have hated them that hold of superstitious 〈…〉 nitees/ & my trust hath been in the.  
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy/ f●● thou hast considered my trouble/ & hast known my soul in adversities.  
Thu hast not shut me up into the hand of t●● enemy/ but hast set my feet in a large room 〈…〉  Psalm. xxxi. Stand up (O lord God of hosts) thou G 〈…〉 of Israel/ to visit all heathen/ and be not merciful to them that offend of malicious wickedness. Psalm. lix. GOD IS  printer's or publisher's device MY HELPER.