AN EXHORTATION, To stir up the mindes of all her majesties faithful Subiects, to defend their country in this dangerous time, from the invasion of Enemies.  
faithfully and zealously compiled by anthony martin, sure of her majesties most honourable chamber.  
MELIORA SPERO.  
Imprinted at London by Church-yard", at the brazen Serpent. 1588.   

AN EXHORTATIon, to stir up the mindes of all her majesties faithful Subiects to defend their country in this daungerous time, from the invasion of enemies.  
AL beit( my dear countrymen, and well beloved in the Lord) your faithful and willing mindes were lately shewed, by an earnest desire of venturing your lives for defence of your country: yet because the same then happened in a fury against your enemies, and( as it were) in the fear of final destruction: and that the trial of your valiant courages, and proof of your warlike furnitures, was prevented by the great mercy of God, and the provident foresight of her excellent majesty: so as God himself hath strike the stroke, and ye haue but looked on, I am not now to speak of any late acts, achieved by your prows and courage, but to set before your eyes, the great and woonderful causes you haue, to arm your bodies, to prepare your mindes, and to sharpen your sword against your enemies. Not as your forefathers, against some one particular prince in france, in spain, or in Scotland. Neither for lands, for honor or conquest, which by battailes one or twain might be decided, and the quarrel ended: But ye must strengthen yourselves against that horrible beast, who hath received power from the Dragon. Against the princes of the Nations, which haue entred into League with the whore of Babylon, who hath sworn your destruction: And will not be satisfied with the blood of many dayes battle, nor with the lands which you hold, nor with the goods which ye possess, nor with the faire houses which ye haue builded. Neither are they minded to carry you away; as the Affirians, Egyptians & Romans did the Israelites into captivity. But after they haue taken their vile pleasure of your wines, your sons and daughters, they will utterly destroy you, that the name of our Nation shal be no more remembered vpon the earth. whosoever( say they) falleth not down and worshippeth that golden Image, shal be cast the same hour into the hot fiery Furnace. They will no more suffer you to try the truth by testimony of the Scriptures, nor to plead for yourselves the most ancient Fathers: But having prevailed against you, they will execute their malice vpon you without iudgement, and destroy you without mercy. They haue already cast lots for your inheritance, and haue given sentence vpon the sacred person of the queen. They will make no difference of degrees: But the queen and the Commons, the noble and ignoble, the learned and unlearned, the Priest and the people, the poor and the rich, the old and the young, haue all one punishment allotted unto them. Was there ever any Nation in the world so barbarous, or people so bloody, or prince so cruel before this time; whether he warred for greediness, or malice, or reuenge or conquest; but he satisfied himself with the blood and captivity of them that offended him; sparing the Nation, and them that were innocent in the action.  
again; Was their ever any King or Prince, or Magistrate, whither he were godless or religious, whither Idolater or Christian, but if he minded to reuenge against any other nation, he would pled the cause by messengers according to the law of nations: and not purpose a sudden destruction before a perfect examination? What Barbarian, turk or Tyrant would seek to conquer his neighbour by fraud; to gain to his sect, by falsehood; to beréeue a Prince of hir kingdom, by villainy; of hir subiects, by disloyalty; of her life, by treachery; and of all their lives and souls, by hypocrisy? Is this the spirit of him that rebuked his Disciples when they would haue called for fire from heaven to haue consumed them, which would not receive him? No( saith he) ye must be of an other spirit: I am not come to destroy mens lives but to save them.  
Good king david, albeit he were already anointed king of Israell, in the life time of Saul, and had his said enemy many times alone where he might haue slain him, and so haue possessed the kingdom quietly, would not attempt so great a treachery.  
What shall we say of the roman captain Camillus that while he lay at the siege of a city called Falliscus, there came secretly to him out of the city, a schoolmaster with his schollers, offering him to betray the town into his hands. No( saith Camillus) I will win it honourably, & thou shalt be sent home with shane. And so delivering rods into the hands of his own Schollers, they whipped their Master home into the city.  
Is it not that beast of the bottomless pit, that worketh all these tragedies? Hath he not made drunk the Princes of the earth with the cup of his fornication: even that bloody woman, that sitteth on the bloody coloured beast? that exalteth himself above all Princes, and maketh himself equal with God?  
Was there ever any Prince or Monarch of the world before this petty God sprang up? Nay did ever al the Princes of the world, seek to deprive any one absolute Prince of his kingdom, and Entitle the same unto an other, without an express commandment of God, unless it were by honourable Conquest or just victory? By me( saith God) kings reign, and noble men of the earth do bear rule. Where is their any example in the old Testament, that any priest did ever depose any Prince?( For Athalea was but an usurper, and was slain by consent both of priest and people as a murtheresse of her own children: and joas the right heir was established in the kingdom) Was not Peter in the new testament greater then any Pope on the earth? and yet so far from deposing of Princes, as he himself of all other was most obedient to secular power, and gave the same lesson unto others? But was not Christ himself the prince of all princes: And yet seing his kingdom was spiritual, was he not obedient to all government, commanding all maner of obedience and humility to all his Disciples?  
Now let us see more at large, by whom, against whom, and for what causes this war, or rather cruel proscription, groweth. That these things being plainly set down before your eyes, not onely they that be of the poorer sort( which having excellent courages, will set to their hartes and hands to defend their Prince, their country and Religion, if they may be inhabled thereunto) but chiefly those that haue substance, lands and living, which God hath given them, not to consume in their own pleasures and vanities, but especially to these ends and purposes; may be persuaded with a full and perfect resolution,( forsaking the pomps and vanities of this life) to live frugally, honestly and temperately, as shal best become the loyal servants of so godly a prince, and the valiant defenders of so Christian a commonweal: And henceforth be redy, not alone with their lands and goods, but also with their bodies and lives to defend so just, so godly, & so holy a cause.  
What time as it pleased our most merciful and heavenly father in this our age, to discover unto his Church; by certain preachers of great courage and magnaminitie, the manifold abuses and heap of traditions, which the bishops of Rome, by their letters, decrees and Cannons, had brought into the church by little and little, from the second age of Christ unto that time:( whereby the sincere and plain religion of Christ, pronownced, written, and established by his Apostles over all the world, was to corrupted and over shadowed, as even unto this day, unless it be those, whose mindes God hath lightened with the bright beams of his spirit, men can hardly remove that vale of vanities from their hart:) even then also, it pleased his fatherly goodness, to open the eyes of that Noble prince of everlasting memory, king henry the eight, father to her excellent majesty; that he plainly saw how long the Princes and people had been abused, and, as it were bewitched, with that ungodly Antichrist of Rome. Who being puffed up with certain liberal donations of some well minded princes, by little and little became of the poorest of all human creatures, the most mighty Pope and Primate and commander of all Christian princes. Wherefore by the advice of his most prudent and godly council; with the assent of the whole realm in parliament, he discharged himself of the Romish yoke, which many of his progenitors, the kings of England for fellowship of other princes had so long submitted themselves unto. And therewithal, delivering to all his subiects, the law of the Lord in their own mother tongue, so many yeares excluded from them, gave power unto godly preachers to publish the truth, maugre all the enemies of the same.  
Whose godly example, his virtuous and prudent some king Edward the sixth faithfully following, utterly chased away in one moment all the remnant of traditions, that men had been so long in devising, and restored Religion to the self same form, that the holy Apostles left the same.  
According whereunto our most gracious sovereign, leading us out of the captivity of babylon( where God for our manyfould sins made us by the space of six yeares, or there about to serve under Antichrist, till we were returned unto him by prayer and amendment of life) perfectly restored us again to all those heavenly gifts which her royal Father and Brother had bestowed vpon vs.  
Wherefore, these things being thus godly and sincerely taken in hand, The Pope in his greatness sore appalled: fearing at the very first, that if these things should prosper and haue good success, he and his whole Religion should be overthrown, and himself cast down from that high dignity of a Pope, to the poor degree of Peter; from being carried on mens shoulders, to be sent abroad to preach in his own person; From the wearing of Paules sword, to be obedient to Princes laws; From being served as a King at his table, to serve as a Minister in the Church, and from being an universal head, to be content with his own city of Rome. He at the very first, in a great fury, persuaded the Christian Princes, that were taking in hand a noble action against infidels, to turn their forces against such their own neighbours as were enemies to his superstition.  
So then, it is the Romish Antichrist that hath blown the trump of this cruel sedition. It was that man of sin which caused the commotion of the North against king henry the eight. It was he that raised up diverse rebellions against that virtuous young prince king Edward the sixth, & also against her majesty. It was he that cursed the queen our sovereign, and in his own fond imagination, deposed her royal person from her crown and dignity: and of his own free gift( forsooth) bestowed the same vpon others, but never durst give livery and season of the same himself. He it is that flatly against the word of God( wherein it was said: 
1. Pet. 2. Rom. 13.  Let every soul submit itself to the king as to his head) discharged all her majesties subiects of their due obedience towards her: and sent in swarms of false Hypocrites, to steal away the hartes of the simplo people from her, and to carry away their consciences captive unto satan. He it is, that hath sundry times laid plaits for the destruction of her royal person: and, so far as in him lay, committed cruel murder by assenting unto vile persons to slay her, and by giuing them pardons before hand for their villainies. Finally he it is, that hath sown sedition in the kingdom; that hath driven men, women and children, from true religion to perdition; from sincere worshipping, to damnable superstition. And he it is, that hath made not the holy, but the hellish league, with the great and mighty Princes of his religion to devour and consume vs. But God be blessed for evermore, which hath lately delivered us, and turned some of their own weapons, prepared against us, into their own bowels, and hath drowned pharaoh and his horsemen in the Sea. For though the Spanish king lately approached to the kingdom with wonderful force and preparation to haue conquered the same, yet was he but a deputy therein to the Pope, & should haue taken possession but of that which he gave unto him, and haue held the same of him, much like as Charles the earl of Anioy and province, held from him the kingdom of both Scicils. ye see therefore who is author, deviser, and maintayner of all these mischiefs.  
Now let us consider, against whom this holy father and his adherents haue raised up so ungodly and so unnatural a war.  
This famous and noble kingdom of England,( as testify all the best writers old and new) was not the slackest among other nations that received the gospel. For if paul himself, or some other of the Apostles, were not the first that planted Christian religion in England, yet is it certain, that joseph of Aramathia with his fellowes, preached the gospel unto us within less then 80 yeares after Christ. And in the 180 year of our Lord. Lucius the king of England received new preachers: and not onely was himself the first or the second king that received baptism in all the Christian world; but he also caused all his kingdom to do the like, and publicly to receive the gospel. A principal testimony hereof may be, that the kings of England, haue either the first or the second place in general councils.  
Afterward, About the 600. year of Christ, they received Augustine and his fellows, sent from gregory the Pope, and rather left the more sincere worshipping of Christ, taught them by Fugatius and Damianus, in the time of king Lucius, and to make no commotion for the loss of four hundred English Christians, cruelly murdered at Bangor, by the procurement of the same Augustine, then to raise any schism or division in the Church.  
If none of all these most ancient merites( for the which England might both be called and reputed the most Christian kingdom of all other) will move them to take pity vpon us, because antiquity of time breedeth coldness and oblivion. Let them remember, that though we be here removed in a corner from the rest of the world, and may be measured with a span, in comparison of all christendom besides, yet haue we been ever as ready, as any other of the mightiest, and richest kingdoms, to travell over sea and land, to spend our lives, lands, and goods, to resist the fury and invasion of the Turks, & other heathen Nations: Whereas we ourselves, being an iceland, and defended by the ocean Sea, had less cause than any other, to fear the Infidels, being so far remote from vs.  
An example hereof may be Richard the first, who behaved himself so nobly in service, against the Pagans, that he obtained the name of Cieur de Lion. That is, Richard with the Lions hart. Is this then the reward that we receive for so great desert? Is there no other city, nor kingdom, nor country that is fallen from them but we? Or be we the first that must be sacrificed by the Leaguistes, in example of all others: because we most sincerely profess the truth, and most defend them that are oppressed for the Gospel.  
But is it our queen, the lantern and light of true Religion, that they so much envy, because shee hath reformed the Church in her own kingdom. Hath she done any thing else then did those good kings of Israel, david, Ezechias and josaphat? Hath shee sought any other way than her most royal Father, and her virtuous brother, as an Inheritance left unto her, together with the kingdom? Or any other way then queen mary her sister sometimes followed, and no doubt but would haue so continued, if she had not been seduced by certain Parasites of that sinful man: and perhaps by some corrupt pool, that came from the river of Tiber? Let them show me, if it be not the self same way, that the most Christian king Lucius her ancient Predecessor, received from Elutherius, fourteen hundred yeres past, which Elutherius had received the same from them which heard the Apostles? Haue not we shewed and proved, a thousand times a thousand, by writing, by disputation, by preaching, by conference, and many other ways, the persons by whom, the times wherein, and the matters whereof, every particular piece & patch of their Religion is framed? Which things( with the presumptuous affirmation of their vain opinions lately devised, either by curious heads, or by emulation of the Learned, or of a fond zeal without knowledge, or for the increase of pomp and riches) laid apart from our Religion, they shall find themselves unawares in the self same truth which we profess.  
Wherefore then are they of the holy League so deeply offended with the government of so excellent a princess, that they should seek to bereave her of her kingdom, before they haue well examined the question, and to repute her as a schismatic, before they well know her Religion. No doubt but shee daily speaketh unto God, and saith: plead thou my cause( O Lord) and fight thou with them that fight against me. For she carrieth the testimony of a good conscience, that she seeketh no glory nor praise unto herself, but peace and tranquilitie unto the Church: Shee seeketh not the dominions of other Princes, but a just defence of her own: nor to  shed any Christian blood, but to save the poor afflicted souls which cry unto her. Hath she ever broken any League with Christians, or made any covenant with Infidels? Hath she not always laboured for peace between Christian Princes: And travailed therein to her exceeding charges? She never indeuered by any secret or subtle means, to cirumvent her neighbors, but what she meant to execute in deed, that she professed unto the world. She bare not men in hand that she prepared against the turk, or for the Indies, when shee meant to invade her neighbors. Neither did she make any semblance of peace, till she might be fully prepared unto battle: but shee hath always dealt plainly, and valeantly, and honourably with al promise. She never omitted any good and friendly means to pacification, while any hope of friendship remained. But when all hope of entreaty was quiter extinguished, she fled unto the next remedy; trusting that the mighty God of jacob, which had many times delivered her, would now also be her defender and keeper.  
Alas, What honor shall it be for so great & mighty Princes, to bend their force against so godly, and peaceable a queen, that confesseth as much as they, one, and the self same God in trinity of persons, & unity of Substance. That hath one & the selfsame baptism, that looketh to be saved by one and the selfsame death, that hopeth for the same resurrection of the body, that confesseth one and the same Gospel, and that believeth in the selfsame book of canonical Scriptures. It had been far more for their honor and credits, and for the profit of all christendom, they having such store of men and wealth, if they would haue sought first to enlarge the kingdom of Christ, by compelling Turkes and infidels to the saith, rather then to spoil themselves of their riches, and their Dominions, of Christian souldiers, by making war against a maiden queen. By the charges and blood of which unnatural war, they might perhaps haue gained many thousand Infidels to the faith of Christ. No( forsooth) They would not seem to war with a woman, but to prepare so invincible force against her, as might devour her, and her whole kingdom in one day, without any war at all. But God that sitteth above, casteth out the councils of Princes, and bringeth their devises to none effect. For he hath destroyed their forces, and sunk in the sea their huge and strong Vessels: seeing there is no wisdom, no policy, no counsel, no strength, against the Lord of hostes.  
We see now by whom, and against whom this war is made. It remaineth to declare briefly the causes therof. Which, though they haue in some part been touched, yet will I more exp●●●sly set forth the same. That it may appear what are the lawful causes of war, and how justly we take in hand to defend ourselves.  
Warres( saith Cicero) must be taken in hand, to the end we may live in peace without taking wrong. Which rule no doubt is good and very agreeable to our Religion, and to the law of nature.  
For why else did the Lord promise victory unto ahab by the prophet in defence of Samaria, and to many other kings of Israell, when they were assailed and besieged by their enemies. Neither haue we in any of our actions stepped one iote from the same rule. For when the greatest princes of christendom, had with one consent conspired with the see of Rome, to make war vpon all the professors of the gospel, and to reduce them again to their abominable idolatry, or else so to destroy thē that their name should be no more remembered vpon the earth, but especially perceiving the queens majesty to be most zealous of the truth, and the principal pillar on whom the Church of Christ did depend, they devised many ways how to deprive her of her life and kingdom. Come( say they) this is the heir, let us slay her, and the inheritance shalbe ours. Then her majesty knowing from whence the chief cause of their malice proceeded; and that the matter most of all concerned the glory of God, and next unto that, the life of her own self, and of infinite thousands of her subiects: She hath since that time taken into her possession,( though not the hundreth part of that which she might, and hath been offered her) yet some part of her enemies weapons, as lawful was for her 〈◇〉 do, for the better defence of her kingdom, and more safety of the Church of Christ: since without those helps, she had no safe way to defend herself. Yet haue these things been done of her majesty with such deliberation, advisement, and long protracting of time: as it might be evident unto all the world, that shée sought nothing more then to haue her enemies by some means or other reconciled unto her, before shée would enter into any new action for her own defence. And undoubtedly, but that it so much concerned the cause of God, and the kingdom of her ancient allies: all which, shée was born to defend, when shée took vpon her the imperial crown: and that she saw, that if she did take whole kingdoms from her enemies by violence, they could never haue enraged more against her then before; she would rather haue lost a thousand lives in her own person, then to haue touched any thing that should offend her neighbors, or might seem to belong to an other. But when she saw that no good ordinary means would prevail: when her Highnesse perceived that Turkes, Iewes and Infidels, were suffered to live quietly among them, without compulsion of conscience, but her poor subiects brought into servitude, unless they would submit their souls to the power of Antichrist. When for a most courteous entertainment of all their subiects within her dominions, all hers among them, were either made galley slaves, or else brought within the compass of their cruel Inquisition, when neither her own friendly letters, might be received as they should, nor her messengers of account, regarded as they ought: Finally, when they had decreed that no faith was to be kept with us, and made us worse then Infidels, because we haue fled from their superstition, and followed the sincere faith of Iesus Christ. Then her majesty with all princely courage and magnanimity, began to stretch forth her power to defend the cause of God, and her own right. And these be the strong causes of their tragical dealings against vs.  
Awake now therefore my Countrymen; Pluck up your spirits, ye that haue courage in you: advance yourselves which haue so long lain in security. If ever you were forced but for a season to show the strength of your bodies, now haue you cause to join therewith the courage of your mindes. They haue sounded their Trumpet, and made ready unto battle. What they haue these many yeares devised against you, now they do put in practise. Their Standard is advanced; they are in arms to assail you. Be ye valiant to resist, and prepare you to the fight. It must be no more with you now, as it was in times past, when you had sudden expeditions against the French and Scottish nations; when you thought it sufficient to prepare for forty dayes victuals and munition, and for one dayes action, and so to return home to your wonted quiet rest, and careless custom; fearing no more till a new Alarum. For ye deal not now with such nations, which either for their poverty could not, or for lack of courage durst not, or for want of stayed mindes would not. But ye encounter with them that are rich, hardy, resolute, and frequented with daily victories, which neglect no opportunity nor advantage: which desire not to be Lords to day and loiterers to morrow: which if they set in one foot, are ready to enter in with both. But on the otherside, we of al nations haue been noted invincible, if we encounter with our enemies while our spirits be sharpened against them, while the cause is yet fresh in our memory: And that we at the first, run unto all great attempts with greedy desire, but after a while grow cold, negligent and careless: That which we now willingly enterprise with the loss of our lives, within few dayes we let slip by a careless negligence. And this report( no doubt) hath been to much verified by us in France, normandy, Gaskaine, Aquitaine, and in innumerable other places; gained in some time with wonderful honor, and lost vpon the sudden with great dishonour.  
But far be these old careless mindes from new English hearts; and when we haue the true knowledge of God, experience of our enemies, riches, munition, and more means to defend then ever before. When we know our enemies to be so many, so mighty, so rich, and so resolute: When we are so well adnised of our former faults: when our cause is so rare, so great, and concerns, not only our lives and goods, our wives and children, our honor, our Prince & our commonweal: But most of all, when it toucheth the salvation of our souls, the inheritance of Christs kingdom, and the preservation of all his saints. Which cause, never before this time, happened to any of our forefathers. Banish therefore from you those old negligences, wherewith ye haue been so long noted; and print in your mindes new resolutions, of steadfast and perpetual courage, such as shall never decay, or grow cold by the intermission of time, or change of matter.  
And to the end there may never bee in you any thing to hinder so dutiful and necessary a work, I will set down both the lets and impediments, that be most enemies to this excellent defence: and also, the best means I find to redress the same. Which things being regarded with such care as they ought, will so throughly prepare and furnish us, that though the whole world, and enemies of Christ and his Gospel, rage never so much against us, we shall continually be able to defend ourselves, & the realm, against them; yea, and( if need so require) to offend some of them also for the better safety of our Christian brethren dispersed abroad in the world.  
The late enterprise which your enemies made against you; whereby they made a full account to haue conquered you: although the same was exceeding dangerous, by reason of their wonderful great preparation and furniture: Such, as, I suppose, in that kind, hath scarcely been heard or red of, since the beginning of the world, against any Nation: yet, since God by his mighty arm, hath delivered you from the danger thereof; it may turn,( if ye be well advised,) to the greatest profit that ever happened unto England. For thereby we haue seen, what force our enemies be of, and haue learned how to prepare against them. We haue tried, that great actions must not be taken in hand with slender furnitures. That if we purpose to be forth for one month, wee must prepare for twain. That it is better to leave great abundance, then to lack one peniwoorth. That if we haue all the strength and provision that can be devised in the world, yet to put no confidence therein, but to rely onely on the mercy, and assistance, and defence of almighty God, the Lord of hostes.  
It hath also discovered unto us, the forces, and furnitures of our own realm. It hath shewed unto us our own wants. It hath stirred up our mindes to look to ourselves. It hath made us effectually to know the meaning of our enemies, which before we did but mistrust, and would hardly believe. It hath taught us who be her majesties loyal Subiectes at home, and her faithful friends abroad. Finally, it hath warned us, not to use any more our old wonted negligence, but with hands and hart, with lands and goods, before and after, and at every present time to resist every foreign invasion, and to provide earnestly against the same.  
In like manner, the general musters, and training up of men, most prudently and politicly commanded throughout the Realm: Besides the wonderful readiness, that it hath brought the State into in time of need. It hath also given us a full and perfect knowledge, both of the sufficiency of our men, and of all their furnitures of war. All which things, though they might seem sufficient of themselves, to show, & admonish you to prepare all that is necessary; yet will I show you more particularly, what things in my iudgement, are most needful herein, and what impediments there be, that we can not so thoroughly defend the Realm, as we ought, and are bound in duty to do. Which being considered, and the impediments removed, we may more easily do the same.  
The first and most general thing to bee noted herein, is, that al particular persons, which are charged by the Statute to provide furnitures according to their estate and living, haue either none of these things at all, when they be commanded to serve the Common weal, or else they haue them in such bare and simplo sort, as it may seem they do nothing for conscience and duty, and for the love they bear to their country, but for a bare show, to blind the eyes of the world, and to deceive the laws of the realm. And no doubt, but the offence of these is so great, as if either in their own conscience they know themselves able, or if it be proved by others that they haue sufficient, and yet neglect their service, it standeth both with Iustice and Reason, that they should enjoy nothing of their own, till the Common weal be first furnished of such things as is their parte to perform.  
moreover, In the levying and pressing of souldiers, as there hath always been great abuses in thē, which haue been Captains, and had the charge therof; so is there some corruption used at this day For the best and strongest bodies, the best trained, and most able to do service, are many times spared, and young weaklings, without strength, or skill, or ability, are appointed in their stead. How be it( I hope) that by reason of the weightiness of the cause at this time, and willingness that men haue to the warres, hath made this offence not so general now, as before time. And I myself haue lately seen whole bands, as well chosen and furnished, as one might wish.  
again, We must consider with ourselves, that the bands and Cornets of horsemen, and especially of lances, haue ever been, and yet are, the most necessary, and puissant strength in warres, both to defend ourselves, and offend our enemies. And therefore we must take more care in these dayes, to provide great horses, and large geldinges, then ever before. For if we haue store of these, well furnished, and do mount on them our own valiant Englishmen: what great act dare we not attempt? what army dare we not assail? what city dare wee not besiege? Nay, what enterprise think we not before hand obtained? Did we not in a late siege against the town of Zutfen, in the low Countreyes, with the force of two or three hundred Horsemen, under the conduct of the valiant earl of Essex, general of the Horsemen, and diuers other hardy Gentlemen, give repulse unto above twelve hundred of the best Horsemen of the king of spain? With infinite other examples of the like. If then the number of twelve score did so great an exploit; what will ten or twelve thousand of those, or the like lances, do in any necessary service, for the honor and defence of the realm. And I trust that the worthy example, which my Lords of her majesties counsel, and of other Lords and Gentlemen, lately geeuen in mustering of so many good Horses, and men at arms of their own charge, will encourage the whole realm to provide such store of horses and armours as shall thoroughly be able to defend the same. For let it be shewed, where there is any civil realm in christendom, that hath better means to breed horses then England hath: wherein be more parks, Forrestes, chaces, and Commons fit for this purpose, then in all the kingdoms round about vs. And assuredly, if Noblemen and Gentlemen, which haue the greatest store of these grounds to spare, would employ some of them to the breed of horses; besides the unspeakable benefit they should bring to their country, they themselves also in short time should reap as great benefit thereby, as by any other means they can devise. And although these many yeares past, there hath been no talk but of peace, peace, and security, yet that now, when they see they must seek means how to defend both their living and lives also from their enemies, they will no more neglect a matter of so great importance, but will with one whole consent provide, that within few yeares by the example of germany and other places, al the horses of labour which are not now worth their meat, shalbe turned into able horses of service: which being done, we shall haue ove of the most puissant and floorishyng kingdoms of the world. And hereby we see how necessary a means this is for our defence.  
moreover there ariseth many times a muttering or discontentment of souldiers, that though the Prince and her chief Officers haue provided that every one should be justly paid for the time he serveth, yet oftentimes their pay is kept from them by some mean captain or Officer. And I haue heard so many of them, so often & so pitifully complain of the wrong that their young Captains haue offered them herein, as although some lewd fellowes among them may abuse their hearers, yet without doubt there is a great fault: and least this should be any impediment to a general & faithful defence of the realm, we are to wish that there may be good means found to redress the same.  
In like maner all sorts of purveyors and victuallers, whither they be for the army or navy. If they haue any love to their country, any faithfulness to their Prince, any charity towards men, or any regard of their duty and service, must be more careful then heretofore; not onely, that there be store of victuals diligently provided in time, & before there be any scarcity & murmuring among the souldiers, but that it be also good and wholesome for their bodies; least by the corruption thereof they be infected; and so the whole realm by their sickness endangered.  
Also private men, which haue most store of victuals in their houses, and be best able to serve, and yet being commanded, do either refuse to serve, or by corrupting of under officers, withdraw themselves from the service, Besides that they be enemies to their country, and betray the commonweal, they be also most injurious to their poor neighbours, which are compelled to serve, and yet not so well able as they.  
Finally, The dissension and emulation that I haue seen in the Common weal, between private Captaines, for vain glory; hath been and is no small hindrance to the defence of the realm. For while one saith: I haue been longer in the warres, and haue more experience then he: An other; I haue been in more battailes and haue received more wounds: An other; I haue traveled further vpon the Sea, and haue done greater exploits: An other; I haue been more fortunate and haue brought home more spoils from the enemies, and yet am worse rewarded then he? What is this; but to tear in sunder the commonweal, and to hinder every honourable action that belongeth to the defence of the same. Whereas every honest and true hearted man to his country, will abandon all contentions, & will set apart all displeasures and petty grudges; especially in the time of any public service; when every mans duty and courage should appear. Very notable was that action of Hermias, towards his adversary Cretinus Magnetius, but especially towards his native country; against which Mithridates made war. For when Magnesius had given his consent, that Hermias should be general captain of the warres, and he himself in the mean time would banish himself, for fear of factions that might arise: No( saith Hermias) I know Cretinus to be better captain then myself, and therefore I will be banished till the warres be ended. This example is worthy remembrance, howbeit Christian captaines must step one degree further; and must not onely lay aside all displeasure for a time, and be content that their adversary, whom they think to haue better knowledge, & more experience in martiall affairs then they, shall haue government and pre-eminence above them; and they for that cause, to withdraw themselves from the warres; but they must also be present in person, and with all their counsel, endeavour and strength, must help to overthrow the public enemy of the realm, in how mean a place soever the Prince or her lieutenant shall appoint them.  
Last of all, the great prodigality and excess of apparel, building, and dainty faire of the nobility and Gentlemen of the realm, is an exceeding hindrance to the defence of the same. For since the most parte of the lands and possessions thereof belong unto them, and that all others do as it were depend on them, and are lead by their example, government, and direction, they are specially & above all others, bound both in reason and conscience, to defend that which is their own. But how should they defend their own, when they run headlong into debt: when so many score, so many hundreth, yea so many thousand pounds, which they haue in a year to spend, will not pay for the apparel they were on their back. How much less are they able to buy, good horses, good armor and good munition, and to pay their just portion of all such things as belong to defence of their country? But, alas what should I complain of this impediment, or what can avail me to speak of so desperate an inormitie: since I myself haue seen so many good laws, so many commandements, and so many proclamations set forth by her majesty, yea so many threatenings pronounced by godly preachers out of the word of God, for the reformation of this excess; and nothing regarded, nothing amended, nothing observed: Nay all falling from better to worse, from pride to pomp, from gay coloured silk, to bright glittering gold. And were it not that I saw this to be the whole ruin of my country, &( as it were) the material cause why the same cannot prosper, nor be well defended, till this 'vice & vanity be reformed, I would rather sit down, and bewail the palpable blindness of men, then seek to persuade them that be obstinate and wilful in their own opinions.  
The famous Emperour Augustus, though a Heathen Prince, yet he said, that costly apparel was the banner of pride, and the very nurse of riot and wantonness. But what would he say, if he saw England in these daies, and had savoured of christianity? Assuredly, he would judge the same to be the high way unto hell, and the efficient cause of our destruction.  
outrageous also is the great and sumptuous building of our time: It consumeth all the great Timber of the realm, which should serve to make us ships, for our walls and defence. And within a while, it will force us, either to build our vessels in strange Countreyes, or else to yield ourselves for a pray unto our enemies. Also, it beggereth the greatest number of them that take pleasure therein; and maketh them unable to serve their country. And there be many more great houses already, then there be men of living able to uphold.  
I might speak also of the superfluity of meats and drinks: and especially of the diversity of kinds, and such as are not nourished, nor do grow within the realm. The abundance whereof, doth not onely effeminate mens courages, and weaken their bodies, but also beggar their purses, and make them by all means unable to defend their country.  
We might take example of the Roman Monarch, The same was one hundred times greater then ours, and the Gentlemen so much greater, richer, and more honourable than ours, as Marcus Crassus affirmed, that a Senator which was not able to maintain an army of six thousand, was not worthy to be accounted rich. And yet was it ordained by a law, that no Senator should haue at his board but three dishes at one meal. But with us three and twenty is nothing, and yet one of ours is worth three of theirs.  
And generally, In al these things, we are so far from the rule of our forefathers, nay of our own fathers in this age of ours,( who knowing that the unnecessary wears of strange Countreyes, might breed infinite loss to the kingdom,) rarely used any other ornaments for their own persons, then such as the realm itself could make. But now we be all Heliogabalians. We delight altogether in strange fashions, in strange ornaments, strange stuff, strange apparel, strange diet, & in all things that be far fet, & déere bought. If we be far from the Sea, we must haue fish: If we be near the sea, we must haue flesh: When we haue the best, & the finest, and most diversity of cloath and colour, & of stuff made within the realm, such as our forefathers could never haue, then must we most of all seek for clothes of silk, of silver, of gold: From spain, from italy, from Africa, from Asia, from Caiecut, from China, & from the end of the world. When we haue the best meat of our own, that can possibly bee devised, then must we sand into flanders, into France, and into far Countreyes, to feed our unsatiable bellies. O the miserable bondage that our Nation hath so willingly submitted their mindes unto.  
Wherefore, since ye haue now seen all the causes of this war, and cruel attempts moved against us, and by how many ways we are hindered from a perfect, and resolute defence of the realm: and by this means also, are taught how to redress the same. I would( if it were the will and pleasure of God) that for your sakes I had the tongue of Hortensius, and the pen of Cicero: That I had the voice of men and Angels, to stir up your dull spirites to remember what the lord in his mercy hath wrought for you, more than for any other Nation. How he hath committed to your custody, the precious jewel of his word, and the perfect administration of his Sacraments. How he hath hitherto defended these things, by the excellency of his own power and goodness. And having now compassed you with enemies on every side, maketh trial of you, whether you will faint in your mindes, or defend with courage, those excellent benefits. Whether ye haue steadfast faith to stand to the truth, or do mistrust the assistance of his mighty strength: Whether the multitude of your enemies, shal make you misdoubt his wonted mercies, or that you haue a full hope, and steadfast belief, that he will perform his promises: Whether ye haue more care to spare your goods, your money, your rents and revenues, then to save your wives, your children, your Prince and country, and your own lives from destruction: Whether you more esteem dainty fare, costly apparel, gorgeous buildings, and other vain delights of this world, than the loss of so happy a kingdom, of so excellent a Prince, of so sincere a Religion, and of so pure a Gospel, preached, and committed unto our custody, by Christ himself, our saviour and Redeemer.  
And now, even now, is the time, that shal try who is faithful unto God, obedient to his Prince, and natural to his country. Now, even now, will God prove and tempt you, as he did the children of Israel, at the red Sea, and in the wilderness. Now, even now, are you either to cast the Nations out of the land of Canaan, or yourselves to be cast out of the kingdom of England. Now, even now, is the Are laid to the roote, that if ye bring not forth good fruit, you shal surely be overthrown.  
Say not with yourselves, Lo, wee haue chased away our enemies, and they are afraid of vs. They fly hither and thether, and are at their wits end. For when the children of Israel called unto God for mercy, with repentance of their sins, he subjecteth the Philistians, and other Nations unto them. But when they forsook the Lord, and put not their whole trust in him, they became seruants unto the Philistians. So was it with you in times past, when your forefathers submitted themselves to the yoke of every invasion: Namely, of the romans, Saxons, Danes, and Normans. And so was it of late dayes, when for the multitude of your sins, the lord took away his gospel from you; and submitted not onely your bodies, but your consciences also, to that roman Antichrist. And yet when you turned to the Lord, with inward sighs, with sorrowful mournings, and with repentance of heart, he● took compassion vpon you again, and sent you a mighty deliverer: under whom you haue lived these thirty yeares, in the greatest happiness and security of any Nation in the world.  
And neither are they so chased from you, that you are to expect them no more. For though the Lord hath done this time very great things for you; and hath covered them with shane and dishonour that sought your life: Though the Dragon be driven into his den, yet is his sting and poison still in force: Though they be chased and repelled for a time, yet their malice and fury abideth: Though the Lord now defeated their purpose, yet their devise and practise continueth: Though some of their ships and men be sunk in the Sea, yet the sinews of their Common-welth remain. Neither will they ever come to any peace and atonement with you, till ye haue plucked those sinews in sunder.  
arm yourselves therefore again and again ye Lords and Gentlemen, ye principal Captaines, Citizens and Wealthy subiects; ye that haue shewed yourselves so courageous and forward, in these late enterprises. cleanse your armours, make ready your weapons, renew your furnitures, redouble your provisions, slack no opportunities, look for a speedy return of your enemies; Forsée the dangers, provide all necessaries. look to the amending and new building of ships. Make them strong, light, and nimble for the battle. And ye that be honourable, rich, and of the greatest power, follow the good example of Sir W. Raule, that of his own charges builded two such ships the last year, as perhaps might haue saved all England in one day. worthy of great praise also was master Outrich, and Iobson of Hull, and who soever builded the merchant royal, by the happy successses of whose ships, their names shall never be forgotten. O that Englishmen were so sharpened at this day against the enemies of God and her majesty, as were the romans against the Carthagians? O that they would join their purses and harts together, as did the wealthy men of that commonweal in any danger of the same. For in the first punic war, when the Romans, by the unskilfulness of their pilots and Mariners, had lost and broken at one instant vpon the flats of Sicillia, the number of 920 ships: and having emptied all their common treasury by reason of the long war, were not able of their public purse to build any more. It was agreed by common assent, that the Citizens should join their purses together to the building of a new fleet: some to make one ship, & some another, according to the substance of every person; & so to arm, set forth & maintain the same; to the end that the private charge of the Citizens, should supply the lack of the Common-wealth. And so were there speedily made, rigged, & set to the Sea in very short space 200 sail( of five men to an oar) for the war. And at an other time, upon the loss of 400 sail upon the like accident, they builded, furnished, and set forth to the Sea 120 ships in four score and ten daies after the timber was felled. And yet were not all the Countries which the Romans had then in possession any bigger then the kingdom of England. But the miserablenes of the rich, was much less: and the diligence of the subiects, zeal to their country, and regard of their own honor, was without all comparison greater. Hereby also we see, that every country hath not at all times, laid the whole charge of defence vpon the Prince alone: but in time of necessity, and when the common treasure would not suffice, every one hath imparted the charge, according to the compass of his wealth and living. This being considered, I hope every person of ability will know what his duty is to perform in this business.  
In like maner, ye that be Souldiers, and mean Captaines, prepare yourselves to all obedience, when you be called to the defence of your country. Cast from you all impediments that may hinder so good and loyal an action. brave not yourselves in gold, in silk and silver. For that is no way to outface your enemies, but to disgrace yourselves: seeing they be braver, they be richer, they be more costly appareled then you. But be ye rather enticed by the glittering show of their gorgeous clothes, to pull down their proud pecocks feathers. It is neither for your reputation, nor profit, nor good name, so to be decked. Nay, to be clothed in gold and the finest silks, breedeth a suspicion of some injustice towards the poor Souldiers, though ye haue some good entertainment in the warres, unless you haue lands and living of your own to maintain the same, or haue obtained such things by the spoil of your enemies.  
Generally, all ye good men of the realm, and well willing subiects, in whose courage & assistance, standeth a great part of our defence, prepare yourselves unto all service and loyalty, be strong & hardy. Comfort yourselves in the iustice of your cause. convert your ploughs into spears, and your scythes into sword. turn your boules into bows, and al your pastimes into musket shot. Abandon all your vain delights, and idle games. Imitate the immortal renown of your English Ancestors. If ever ye desired famed, or honor, or glory to your Nation, now is the time, that by your prows ye may double and redouble the same. Now is the time, that either by shameful cowardice, you shall bring yourselves into captivity, or by stout and courageous mindes obtain a noble victory.  
Consider with yourselves the hard attempts, that other nations in times past, haue taken in hand for the love of their country. The wonderful magnanimity and resolution of Mutius Scaeuola a young gentleman of Rome, delivered the city from siege, & caused a firm peace between Porcena and the Romans. For this Gentleman passed over the river of tiber, with great courage and with an invincible mind, through the whole host of Porcena till he was entered the kings Pauillion: where he finding him with great company about him, pressed in and flue the secretary in steed of the king. But when he perceived, that it was not Porcena but the secretary that he had slain, he was sorry in his hart, and in token thereof, burned his right hand in the fire, and  told Porcena that though it were his chance to miss of his purpose, yet there were 300 Gentlemen more in the city, that had vowed to perform that action. whereupon Porcena seeing so great resolution that the Romans had to defend their country, forthwith levied the siege and made peace with them.  
And notable was the story of the widow judith, which ventured to save her city, with so unspeakable danger of her life. For shée seeing no other way to assuage the fury of Holifernes, but by the smooth words and simulation of a woman, presented herself before him in his chamber, and promised him faire, till she had lulled him a sleep with drink, and stricken of his head with a sword.  
What shall I speak of Curtius, that noble Roman, and Ancurus, the kings son of Phrygia? Either of which, seeing in their country a daungerous breach, or cliff in the earth, which they were persuaded, would not be closed up again, till the best thing in the city,( which they took to bee a man) were thrown into it, willingly threw themselves into the same for the safety of the people. But foreign examples are innumerable, and not so well known to all as be our own. And I would that we did chéeflie follow the noble and worthy acts of our own Progenitors, in sundry warres and battailes, sought for the defence of this kingdom, and for the perpetual honor and renown of themselves. Whose cause( never thelesse) being nothing comparable unto ours, yet they spared neither the money in their purse, nor the blood in their bodies, to honour and defend their country.  
How often did the ancient britons resist the landing, and invasion of the romans, though wee were then divided into many kingdoms; destitute altogether of armor and munition; and without knowledge of warlike discipline. Yet, how often were they repulsed? and what losses sustained they before they might attain their purpose.  
What enterprises did famous king Arthur attempt, both at home against the Saxons, and abroad with other Nations? What Cities and people did he conquer? What hattailes fought he? What victories obtained he? Whereby he was reputed of all writers, for one of the nine Woorthies of the world.  
What say we to the battle of Cressy, when noble king Edward the third, having not the eight part so many as had the French king; yet he vanquished him, and in a manner, all the chivalry of france.  
Also, The battle of poitiers shall never be forgotten: where but an handful of Englishmen, overthrew all the force of france: For none that regarded either honor or credite, was absent from that field; seeing the French king himself was there present: Who being taken prisoner, was carried Captine into England.  
But how valiantly and prudently did that King behave himself, at the battle on the Sea, before sluice, when the French; having three hundred ships, and we but two hundred, and they four men to one of us, and al expert Souldiers and Mariners, yet the king assailed them with such invincible courage, as he utterly overthrew them.  
Also, The noble victory of king henry the sift, at the battle of Agincourt, hath deserved everlasting memory. When seven thousand Englishmen, and those wearied, and weakened with long travell, sickness, and scarcity of victuals, vanquished the huge army of the French Nation.  
Many times also haue we sought honor in Spayn, and defended that country from usurpers. did not Prince Edward, by vanquishing of king henry, and those Spaniards, and French that took his part, settle Peter in his right again? But this hath been ever a blessed gift of God, and a peculiar right of the kings of England, as it were united to the crown, to execute the Iustice of God against usurpers, and to relieve the Princes their neighbors oppressed. Wherein her majesty hath mightily, and marueylouslie declared herself, above all other her princely predecessors, to descend of the royal seed of courage and magnanimity; and to be the right queen of England, sent from above, to nurse and protect the true Christian Common weal.  
again, Did not her majesties most royal Father, sand the Lord Darcie into spain, to aid king Philips great uncle. the king of Arragon, against the Moores that troobled him? Did he not also within a while after, send thether the Marques Dorset, with an army of ten thousand, to assist the said king to conquer the kingdom of Nauarre? And did he not many other times, aid Charles the fift, father unto this Philip, against the French, and al other his enemies? Yea, and did not the Englishmen, in the time of queen mary, assist king Philip himself, with an army, to overthrow the French at Saint Quintins, although we received thereby the greatest loss that happened unto England these hundred yeres? And haue we not ever been as careful of that house of Burgoyne. as of our own selves? But for which of all these good turns, do the spaniards now so deadly hate us?  
Also, The worthy examples of great manhood, and courage, that haue been shewed by our forefathers in times past, & in our dayes by us, in the kingdom of Scotland, are infinite, and so fresh in memory, as they need not here to be recited.  
Wherefore, we haue in every age assayed & tried what courage Englishmen haue been of against other Nations, and how they haue prevailed against them. Some doings also we haue had with them of late; neither do wee find them of any more force then in former time; nor yet their success better against us then before. Where haue we met them with half the number, but wee haue overmatched them? Neither will they abide the sight of us, unless they far exceed in multitude. Lestimonies hereof are many, and of late, and notable. What did the great army of the king of spain at the siege of Berke, when it was onely bruited that the earl of leicester, her majesties Léefetenant general, with those few Forces which he had of English Souldiers, came to relieve the town? Did not the same army forthwith retire from the town? Neither durst they come to levy the siege which wee made against Dusborow, till that town, and the great sconce of Zutfen were both won. Neither could they ever haue won those things again from us, had not treason more prevailed, then force and valiant courage. How many strong Cities & Castles also, did the young English Captains and Souldiers conquer lately at the Indies? How valiantly did they behave themselves, under fortunate Sir Frances Drake, at S. Domingo, Carthagiena, Cales, and in many other places? Where the English were in number few, and the enemies infinite. Neither shal any age ever wipe away the honor of those acts from the famed of English men; Neither hath the like act been ever heard, or red of, in any age before. These and such like things, may mightily encourage our minds, that what soever force our enemies bring against us, God is on our side, and wee shall not fear what they can do against vs.  
Haue we not of late beaten, and chased away their great Mountaines of the Sea, fraghted with men, munition, and ordinance of war innumerable? Haue we not taken and slain many of them, & driven them home with shane enough? and haue so penned in the rest, as they durst not come forth to assail us?  
imitate therefore the excellent virtues of your forefathers, if you will be partakers of their famous victories. Take example by these late actions how to withstand the force of your enemies. Though they be rich, proud, and cruel, yet God hath given you means to humble & abase them. They haue neither Iustice, nor religion, nor charity, nor conscience, nor yet good cause on their side. If they had been just, they would not haue pretended peace, and yet swear our destrustion. If they had Religion and charity, they would haue sought by godly and religions means, to save our souls, and reconcile us unto them; and not to ban and curse us to the bottomless pit of Hell. Neither is their cause good; For then would they not haue sought by treasons and treacheries, but by honourable & Princely means to overthrow us: Wherefore having none of all these with them, I trust, that neither haue they God on their side. So then, they for the gréedines of a kingdom, for despite they bear to our Religion, for vainglory, pride, and presumption, for maintenance of the Popes kingdom: against God, against his word and truth, against our blessed queen, against all reason, conscience and humanitis; do offer all this violence unto vs. And we, on the other side, in defence of ourselves, our native country, our anointed Prince, our holy Religion, our own Iesus Christ, his holy word and Sacraments, against very Antichrist, and all the pillars of his Church, and against those that haue cursed and indighted the kingdom, do withstand the injury done unto vs.  
And we that haue done so valiantly at other times, when the quarrel was but for money, or other small matters, is it possible but we should be much more forward now in so great and weighty causes? When had ever England so just a cause to fight as now? When did we ever more infinitely feel the mercies of God then now? When had we ever a more loving Prince to her subiects then now? When was ever any subiects more obedient to their Prince then now? When were there ever so many lusty and gallant Gentlemen to defend the realm as now? When were we at any time better acquainted with the sleights & cunning of our enemies then now? When had we ever more skill in Martiall actions and trainings then now? Finally, when had ever our enemies more unjust cause to deal against us then now, and we more lawful cause to defend ourselves then now? And therefore when should we ever haue greater hope of victory then now?  
If ever therefore ye bare any affection to your country; If ever any love to Religion; If ever any obedience unto a good & natural Prince; If ever you would venture your lives for your Fathers and Mothers, your wives and children, or beste deserving friends; If you haue any comfort in the promises of Christ Iesus; If you haue any hope to receive salvation by his merites; and as ye will answer before God at the coming of his son, now show yourselves like men courageous and forward, prompt, & willing to do all the partes of Christian Souldiers.  
Let now no more careless and negligent mindes possess your bodies, let no more a few daies security make you forgetful of so continual duties. Let nerther the greedy desire of money, nor the lewd consuming of riches, nor the wanton excess of apparel, nor the superfluity of meats and drinks, nor the costly buildings and curious trimming of houses, be any hindrance to so honourable actions. learn by those things that I haue here declared, what wants there are in the realm that hinder the resolute defence of the same. Remember the remedies, supply the lacks, remove the impediments. begin betimes to train up your youth, to amend & build your ships, to make plenty of shot and munition, to haue store of victuals at all times ready, to breed and provide good horses: that al things, and in all the realm, may be ready vpon the sudden, and when any need shall require. But especially put from you all prinate factions and dinisions. Set apart all quarrels & debates among yourselves. yield more to the safeguard of your country and religion, then to the obedience of your own affections. contend who shall be most forward and valiant, but ennie not your equals if they attain to more honor.  
By this resolution, if all the world fret and rage never so much against you, the Lord will fight for you. He will give the victory, and ye shall but look on. He will put a fear into their hartes, and they shall fly when no man followeth them. An hundreth shall chase away a thousand: and a thousand, ten thousand. ye shall rob the Egyptians of their jewels; and their own weapons shall be turned against them. The glory of the kingdom shall remain as the sun in the sight of the Lord: And as the moon in the night season, so shall our Elizabeth give light unto her people. Her food shall be of the tree of life, that her age may never decay. All the blessings of the Lord shal plentifully be poured vpon her, and by her shall be given unto you. The right administration of Gods word and Sacraments, shall be with you for ever: Neither shall the power of Antichrist be able to wrest them from you. There shall be no decay, no leading into captivity, nor complaining in your streets. ye shall be blessed in the city and in the field, at home and abroad: in your barns and in your houses: and in all your actions and enterprises. ye shall be feared, loved, and honoured of all nations. They which now hate you for your religion, shall then perceive that the ark of the Lord is with you: and that it is in vain to strive with the Lord, and against you. They shall haue remorse in their conscience: and when they haue well considered the cause, and do perceive, that neither by the greatness of their power, nor by the help of their riches, nor the assistance of their holy Father of Rome, nor of any other petty God, which they haue made to themselves, they can fulfil their malice against you, but that God doth still defend you, they will be glad to forget all that is past, & will rejoin themselves with you in amity. Yea, and when they shal see your godly life joined with so excellent gouerument of the realm; It will make them draw more and more from the roman, to the right and true Religion. But it ye shall still continue in your old wonted negligence, where with you haue ever been infected: If you shal stil complain of fortune, & say: If we had come a little seener, or tarried a little longer, or had not wanted a little of this, or had to much of that; thus & thus had it happened unto us; when all the fault is in yourselves: If you shal think that time will work wonders, though you yourselves follow your own pleasures: If you will not provide resistance before the enemies be at your gates: If you seek not to take from them the strength & sinews of their commonweal; before they haue eaten you out of your own houses: Finally, if you mend not all faults, wherein the world hath ever noted you: That is to say, To haue hereafter as good a forewit, as ye haue been accounted heretofore to haue an after wit. To haue less liking to costly apparel, & all toys and vanities, then to the profit of your country, then to the care of religion, then to godliness, yea then to the safety & preservation of your own souls; God will utterly leave & for sake you, though you were his own dwelling place & inheritance: he will take from you his truth and testimonies: he will deprine you of all those precious jewels; for which, & whose sakes, he hath so long preserved you. He will make you a pray unto al your enemies, and you shall become a scorn and derision unto all nations. Yea, he will bring vpon you, all the plagues that he did vpon the children of Israell.  
Amend therfore your faults, be diligent, faithful & resolute, with all your power to defend her majesty, the kingdom and the true Religion: And the Lord for his sons sake, will be gracious and merciful unto you.  
FINIS.   

His Prayers to this purpose, pronounced in her majesties chapel, and elsewhere.  

The first.  
O lord God, heavenly Father, the Lord of Hostes, without whose providence nothing proceedeth, and without whose mercy, nothing is saved. In whose power lieth the harts of Princes, and end of all their actions: Haue mercy vpon thine afflicted Church; and especially regard thy servant ELIZABETH our most excellent queen: To whom thy dispersed flock do fly, in the anguish of their soul, and in the zeal of thy truth. behold how the Princes of the Nations do band themselves against her, because shee laboureth to purge thy Sanctuary, and that thy holy Church may live in security. Consider( O Lord) how long thy seruant hath laboured to them for peace; but how proudly they prepare themselves unto battle. Arise therefore, maintain thine own cause, and judge thou between her, and her enemies. She seeketh not her own honor, but thine; nor the Dominions of others, but a just defence of herself; Nor the shedding of Christian blood, but the saving of poor afflicted souls. Come down therefore, come down, and deliver thy people by her. To vanquish is all one with thee, by few, or by many; by want, or by wealth; by weakness, or by strength: O possess the hartes of our enemies with a fear of thy seruants. The cause is thine, the enemies thine, the afflicted thine, the honor, victory and triumph, shalbe thine. Consider( Lord) the end of our enterprises, be present with us in our armies, terrify the hartes of our enemies, and make a joyful peace for thy Christians. And now, since in this extreme necessity, thou hast put into the hart of thy Seruant DEBORA, to provide strength to withstand the pride of Cicera and his adherents. bless thou all her forces by Sea and Land. grant all her people one hart, one mind, & one strength, to defend her Person, her kingdom, and thy true Religion. give unto all her Counsel and Captens; wisdom, wariness, and courage, that they may speedily prevent the devices, and valiantly withstand the forces of all our enemies: that the famed of thy gospel may be spread unto the end of the world. We crave this in thy mercy, O heavenly father, for the precious death of thy dear son, Iesus Christ. Amen.   

The Second.  
O heavenly Father, we most humbly beseech thee, with thy merciful eyes, look down from heaven vpon thy Church of England. And especily regard thy seruant ELIZABETH the Defender of thy true faith, and Protector of thy holy word. And here we prostrate ourselves before the Throne of thy mercy, most truly confessing in our hearts, that if thou shouldst deal with us according to our sins, wee deserve nothing but shane, confusion, and utter desolation. But when we remember the multitude of thy mercies in Christ Iesus, We, in the humbleness of mind, and zeal of thy truth, with one heart, and one mouth, in this our distress, do call for help from thy holy Habitation. Now is the time( O Lord) now is the time, that by a glorious victory in thine own cause thy son Christ Iesus, and his holy word, shall bee magnified in all the world. For lo, thine enemies haue sworn to lay waste thy Sanctuary: and that thy seruant ELIZABETH, her people and kingdom, shalbe rooted out, and no more remembered vpon the earth. And now that we haue long & earnestly sought unto them for peace, they are most proudly come forth by land and sea against vs. In such wise, that if thy mighty providence had not foreseen their dissembled malice, we had suddenly perished, and come to a fearful end. Wherefore, make frustrate their devises, and fight thou with Israel, against all the host of the Assyrians. Stretch out the arm of MOSES, that thy Christian Souldiers may valiantly fight for their Prince, their country, and thy true Religion. Let the same weapons which they haue prepared against us, be turned into their own bosom. Destroy their Armies, confounded their forces, terrify their Captaines. Scatter, break and sink into the sea, their huge and strong Vessels. And, as it was with pharaoh in the red Sea, so let it be with them that seek the death of thy seruants. We trust not in the multitude of Horsemen: nor in the power of our own arm: but in the iustice of our cause, and in the help, mercy, and assistance of thy heavenly power. O let thy holy angel defend vs. Put a fear into their harts, that they flying before us, may be vanquished, and confess, that it is thy power, and thy right hand, that hath prevailed against them. And so they being sorry for their sins, and confessing their error, may fly from Antichrist, unto the true shepherd Iesus Christ. For whose sake, O heavenly Father, bow down thine ear to this our humble desire: And wee that be thy people, and sheep of thy pasture, shall evermore give thankes to thee the father of mercy. Which livest and reignest with the son, and the holy ghost ever one God, world without end. Amen.