Of the first Tragical Act or persecution after the birth of Christ, in which Herod surnamed the great, slay the young and innocent Children. Chapter. i  
AFter the persecutions of the faithful in the ancient holy Church, hereafter I will declare the persecutions of the christian Church, which began immediately after the birth of Christ, in the reign of Augustus the Emperor.  
When Christ in great poverty was born in a certain stable, there came wise 
Herode the great first persecuted our saviour  men from the East unto jerusalem, declaring the birth of the late born king. With this tidings Herod (whom they call the great, and Ascalonite) being marvelous affraied, for he doubted jest the new born king should drive him out of the kingdom of judea, which then he possessed at pleasure & good will of the Romans: he determined to slay this new and lately born King whilst as yet he lay in his swath clotheses. And being ignorant wlt was the lately born king, yet ki●●inge that he was born at Bethe● because he would be sure not to 〈◊〉 him: caused all the infants of Bedlam and the places near about, sut● were two months old or young be slain by his officers, and s●ours. Among which his officers soldiers, this most cruel T● found some, that were not a frai● commit this strange tragedy, ansdell murder. For the murderers, ungodly rakehelles, the servants 〈◊〉 butcherly king, departing unto 
A cruel slaughter.  ●thelem, fulfilled his commaundm● killing all the young children o● ●thelem and the borders about, w● doubtless the numbered was not s● For, which is horrible to hear, an●●trarie to the nature of mankind, spared not somuch as the tender in● in their clouts, but haled them their mother's breasts: whereby arose a great and miserable cla● schritches and outcries of them, 〈◊〉 most dear pledges and children were plucked away by most unjust Tyranny and so cruelly and unkindly murdered. Matthew the Evangelist maketh mention of this sorrow and heaviness, by whom 
Math. 2.  this story is diligently written, and for the better setting forth to the eye the greatness of this misery and calamity, the words of Jeremy are by him alleged who writeth thus: A voice was herded in Rhama, lamentation, weeping, and much mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would receive no comfort because they were not. In which words this is also to be noted, how persecution doth not only touch and appertain unto those that are tormented or slain, but unto those also, who, although they suffer not the same things: yet do they love them, and are joined unto them that suffer, so that by the pains and suffering of their friends they sustain great grief of mind, and thereby themselves do suffer, and are partakers of persecution.  
Herod moved this persecution not so much for the infants to slay them, but for our Lord Jesus Christ to seek him, find him, and kill him.  
Wherefore these innocent Infants were slain for Christ's sake, and they whose Children they were sustained this great sorrow and heaviness for Christ's sake, although at that time they understood not the mysteries of God.  
And therefore very well these glytlesse children, with their parents are numbered among them which have suffered persecution for Christ's sake. Neither is it to be doubted, but these children by the force and efficacy of the free grace and promise' of God, were in the league and therefore had received Cyrcumcysion, the sign and token of the league, and were the suns of God, and then also were endued with the crown of martyrdom for Christ's cause. 
Curious questions touching these Children.   
Since therefore God of his mercy, and goodness hath so gloryouslye dealt with these Children, let these curious questioners cease here to inquire, what God did mean, & why he suffered these séelly and guiltless babes to be slain for Christ's sake? Why he delivered not them also as he did Christ, whom he conveyed by flight into Egypt? why he suffered the cruel Tyrant to commit so foul a murder? doth any such unaccustomed cruelty & savagenes delight God? Likely enough it is, that at that time when these things were done, troublesome and carnal men uttered forth much such like talk. But the Godly, and men of sound judgement, do quite reject such thoughts and questions, neither do they speak against the government of God why he premitteth this or that, but with all their heart they say with David: The Lord is just in all his ways, and holly in all his works. Although the innocent children were deprived of this present life, yet were they rewarded with everlasting life, and endued with unspeakable glory and honour. As for the mourning and sorrow of the parents, God could requited that, sundry ways.  
And God, likewise, who is displeased with cruelty, who also doth no evil, neither suffereth it to be done unpunished, useth evil deeds, wrath, and savage cruelty of his enemies unto the commodity of the faithful, their deeds therewhile being nought, and nothing thereby the better. Poison is evil by his own nature, but by the skill of the Physicians the which is nought by nature is applied in medicines unto the commodity of men. So said joseph to his brethren that they imagined mischief against him, when they sold him into Egypt, howbeit god turned it to good, so likewise doth God in persecutions. For in this first persecution, we behold evidently, as it were in a glass, what is the substance & state of all other persecutions. For although this persecution were very cruel & unkind: notwithstanding it tended unto the salvation & glory of all those whom it touched. And likewise all other persecutions of the faithful, although they be sharp & cruel, yet are they profitable & honourable unto those that suffer them. And like as the wise will not much dispute in this place, why god suffered those children to be slain: so are the faithful of a moderate and quiet mind in persecutions, neither do they accuse god demanding why he doth this or the for wicked men, suffering the godly & innocent to be oppressed. For they know, & believe, the gods government is in all things good & just, & without all reprehension. And like as the guiltless innocents were killed for Christ's sake and among them Christ was sought to be slain: so in all persecutions the faithful a● murdered for Christ's sake, & Christ is he whom the persecutors seek and study to make away. And like as Christ then was neither found, nor slain, but escaped so all persecutions may slay the godly, but they are never able to extinguish christ. But as Herod, contrary to his hope & expectation, notwithstanding this murder could not be careless nor quiet in mind: so likewise, all persecutors, although they kill never so many yet are they not at rest but always remaining in fear, & carefulness. Ambition and desire to rule only enforced Herod to commit these horrible slaughters: all other persecutions likewise 
The cause of this persecution.  have sprung forth from the like disease & evil affection. For in times past what stirs ambition, & desire to rule, have moved in the kigdoms of juda & Israel it may be known by the tyrannical deeds of Saul Abner, jereboam, Athalia, & such like. And in our age many of the clergy, and ecclesiastical order, having obtained great honours: do fear lest their glory, pomp, riches, pleasures, preferments and honours should decay, if the Gospel were freely preached. Such therefore for their kingdom, and pleasures: with Herod, oppose themselves against Christ and his word, and are not strooken with horror in egging forth unto, or executinge a cruel deed, so that themselves may lurk safe and quiet in their nests. To conclude, like as this grievous and cruel persecution of Christ, began immediately after his incarnation by slaughter of the innocent babes: so is there nothing that the church of Christ must look for until the last judgement, but persecutions.   

Of the second Tragical Act or persecution, wherein john the Baptist was beheaded, Jesus Christ the Sun of God crucified, and his Disciples dispersed. Chapter. two.  
THe second persecution began 
john Baptist first preacher of the Gospel.  at one time, with the preaching of the Gospel, & john the Baptiste first preached the Gospel, as S. Mark witnesseth writing: how that the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Sun of God, began so as it was foretold by the prophets, namely by the forerunner of of Christ, who prepared his ways, and made the minds of men apt and ready to receive Christ. Which john the Baptist, pointed unto Christ, as it were 
What john preached.  with his finger, testefinge that he was the Lamb of God, that should take away the sins of the world. The same exhorted men to believe in Christ, and sent his disciples from him to Christ, as unto him in whom dwelled all fullness, and through whom only the way was open unto everlasting life: affirming that he was the very Sun of God, into whose hand the father committed all things, and whosoever believed in him should have everlasting life, and whoso béeleeved not, upon him remained the wrath of God. Therewith also he sharply rebuked the vices of men, exhorting all to repentance, pronouncing unto the impenitent and unbéeléevinge, the wrath of God and destruction to hung over them. These are mentioned by the Evangelists Matthew. 3. chap. john. 1. and. 3. chap. and Luke. 3. chapter.  
For this doctrines sake, when as many hated John and his disciples, and specially the high bishops and priests, who by messengers sent unto him required an account of his doctrine, endevoringe to stop, and hindre him from that function. afterward, when he had rebuked Herode called Antipas of incest, which was sun to Herod surnamed the great, that slay the children (for the same Antipas had taken away 
john. 1.  his own brother Philippes wife and his daughter, and kept her openly for his own wife) when, as I say, he had preached against that wicked deed much blaming the filthiness of the fact was by the said Herode apprehended, and cast into prison. Then on a time, 
john taken.  when Herod had made a solemn feast for his nobles and courtiers: among his great and many cups being overseen and merry with wine, promised large rewards unto Herodiadas the daughter, a strumpet, because she had danced in his presence, where she being instructed by the old harlot her mother, required the head of John the Baptist. Herod although he knew● John to be a godly and holy man, yet sending the executioner: commanded the innocent man without judgement, his cause being unhearde, shamefully, and through tyrannical lust to be slain in the prison. The daughter presented the Head of John to the incestuous harlot 
john beheaded.  her mother, in the feast, and even as she was sitting at the table. Which cruel deed, what grief and sorrow it brought to John's disciples, and all other godly men: every faithful man may easily repute with himself. Wherefore this persecution by Herode committed, not only touched john: but was grievous also to the rest of the faithful.  
Doubltesse su●ch carnal reasons as these are, perplexed the minds of many 
Sundry●e opinions of this deed.  that time, why God suffered that man to be afflicted that was so dear unto the Lord, and greater then whom there was none born of a woman? Why permitted he him by incestuous people so miserably to be slain in prison, and they the mean time drowned in rioting, drounkennes, and dauncinge? why he suffered that holy head, disdainfully to be touched and abused by the hands of a filthy harlot? These things are strange in the sight of men, and the fact itself is horrible, yet no wise man aught to accuse God in permitting the same, which doth all thing in judgement, and justice yea, if he chance at these days to see virtuous and godly men, miserably slain by the ungodly and wicked, and rereprochefully used, thus he reasoneth with himself: if God could behold it, that so holy a man, God's friend, the first minister of the Gospel, should so dispightfully be murdered in prison, and his head also reproachfully handled: we aught less to marvel if now like wise he suffer the like to béefall to his fréences, who are not yet in so great estimation, and dignity as John was.  
But like as John's cause was not therefore unjust, and Herodes just, in that he prevailed, and oppressed, and slay John: in our age likewise their doctrine and faith which abide persecution, and are woefully slain for Christ and his words sake, is not therefore the worse, neither the faith of the persecutions and murders for that cause the better.  
Semblably, as there was none other 
Causes of Herod's parsecution.  cause that moved Herod to this persecution and grievous slaughter, then that he would not be rebuked in his wickedness, neither offend his bousinge mates and incestuous harlot: so, many persecutions are raised by those that will not be reproved for Idolatry for their sins and wickedness, persecuting the innocent, that they may please wicked men, which provoke them unto it.  
In the same age, after John the baptist, 
Christ's doctrine.  under Tiberius' the Emperor, our lord Jesus Christ began to preach the gospel, and to pronounce remission of sins, and life everlasting through faith in him, and also began sharply to withstand, and speak against the false doctrine of the Teachers namely of the Pharisees, Scribes, and priests severely accusinge their hypocrisy, covetousness, and other crimes, warnings them also of the wrath of God which hung over them, and exhorting moreover all men to repentance. He declared this doctrine, and divine power, by sundry wonders and miracles, whereby it is set clear, and undoubted, and as a man should say showed with hands, that he was the sun of the living God, the lord that had power over satan, sin, death and hell.  
But the high bishops those Teachers or religious men as they call them, which alonely ruled the roast, and were of greatest authority in the counsel of the Jews, the priests likewise, and Levites, acknowledged not Jesus, as indeed he was, to be the true Messiah: but they maliced him, and laid wait to take away his life. And at sometimes they called him Samaritane, sometime they said he was possessed with a devil railing, and reprochinge his doctrine, which they could in no wise abide, because it was quite contrary unto there's.  
For they spoke little or nothing of 
Pharisaical doctrine.  faith, but of works only, how we were justified by the law or observing the law, but specially by sacrifice: likewise they taught little of Charity, but applied all to their avarice making of the lords house a very shop of Merchandise. For in the temple were sheep and Dxens, and doves to be sold, for such as offered sacrifice, and for their farther gain they had set up tables for userie, and exchange. But Christ making a scourge of small cords: drove them all out of the temple, as well the sheep oxen, and doves as those that sold them, as also the bankers, and exchangers, and all that sold religion for money.  
Wherefore, for this cause only they 
Christ's persecution.  daily persecuted Christ, going about to stone him or kill him, and he oftentimes conveyed himself away, flying out of judea in to Galilee, and sustained patiently sundry afflictions, reproaches, and traveyles. And last of all, he was béetraid, and sold by one of his own disciples, apprehended, and brought into the ecclesiastical judgement of the priests, and by Pontius Pilate, the Roman Lieutenant, condemned to the death of the cross, for no other cause, but for that, as indeed he was, he affirmed himself to be the very sun of the living God, the true Messiah or Christ, the only, and eternal saviour of all the world. But before that he was brought unto the Lieutenant: the servants and ministers of the priests shamefully mocked, & misused him in the high bishops hall: they blindfolded him, & spit in his face, buffeted him, reproachfully and disdainfully entreating his divine wisdom 
Accusation against christ  and majesty. In the morning, when they brought him before the lieutenant they falsely accused him to be a seductor of the people, a seditious fellow, & well worthy to be hanged on the Cross.  
But Pilate, when he had diligently examined all the matter, understanding the cause: sundry times pronounced that he was not guilty, and that he could not condemn him by law, and notwithstanding that he was innocent, yet was he handled dispightfullye. For he was led unto Herod, & by him contemptuously abused, flouted of his courtiers and galantes, with all scornful demeanour. He was compared unto Barrabas, the most notorious thief, 
His passion  and murderer of that age, whom the Jews preferred before Christ, supposing that he was worse than that wicked villayn, whom all the world hated. He was scurged also, and crowned with a crown of wreathed thorns, and being in this sort miserably handled and tormented: was brought forth into the sight of the unthankful people. But for all this, there was no grace nor pardon to be found, specially among the priests, egginge the Lieutenant to condemn the innocent, and the he should permit them to lead him to execution, & to crucify him béetwen two thieves. And when he was in most grievous pains, and the very pangs of death: he was most outrageously entreated with blasphemous frumps, scorns, and reprocheful usages. For the priests with many other more walking before the cross uttered forth sundry horrible and grievous words against him, which are by S. Mathe diligently set down in writing. Among which most grievous temptations and injuries, in the midst of these sorrows, Christ yielded up the ghost upon the cross.  
Whilst Christ suffered these things his disciples were miserably dispersed, and all the faithful conceived wonderful and incredible sorrow for the passion, and death of Christ. Many fearfully doubted, lest at that time the doctrine of the Gospel were wholly extinguished. So that this persecution which was against Christ: both touched and troubled the whole Church, and all the faithful. And although the enemies of Christ hoped that they had got the conquest, and destroyed the doctrine of the Gospel: notwithstanding, their victory made not the pharisaical doctrine one jot the better, nor the doctrine of the Gospel: the worser. For it is no good consequent: the Pharisees put Christ to death, wherefore, their doctrine is true, and Christ's false.  
The cause which moved the Pharisees, and all other enemies of Christ to persecute him: surely was none other, then the they were desirous to retain their own erroneous doctrine, & oppress the gospel with the followers thereof, whereby they might with security enjoy their reign, lusts, and pleasures. And likewise in our age, many of the Papists do persecute the faithful for none other cause  
This is a comfort unto us, that in so great affliction, when the disciples were scattered, & Christ of all men forsaken: yet only john amongst all the other discipls dared boldly approach to the cross of Christ, and join himself unto Mary the undefiled and perpetual virgin the mother of our Lord, and Mary Magdelen Cleophas, with other more. Hear, by their infirmity the power of God is declared. Likewise joseph, and Nicodemus valiantly béehaved themselves. Like as at this day also it falls out, for where as the truth is taught to be so grievously pressed with persecution, that there seemeth to be no man that taketh regard or care thereof: then most times by the meanest sort, and not seldom by noble and great personages, there be new and fortunate fowndations laid, whereby the truth is wonderfully increased. Wherefore we must not in the greatest persecutions, cast of our hope and comfort.  
Here, before allthings, this is to be observed, that we judge far otherwise of Christ's death and passion, then of the death and affliction of john and other saints, who have suffered persecution for God and the truths sake, and with their blood born record to the heavenly truth: but we aught far more excellently to account of the blood and death of Christ. For as he is the everlasting sun of God, and life unto all those that believe in him: so his blood, death, and passion are a clensinge sacrifice, and a propitiation for the sins of the whole world. For by his death we obtain life, and by his bloodshed we get remission of sins. And unto this opinion all the doctrine of the Prophets, and Apostles bear witness, specially the epistle of Saint Paul to the Hebrues. Wherefore our life and forgiveness of sins, is reposed in the death and passion of Christ only, and not in the martyrdom, or passion of any saint.  
Since therefore, Christ is the head of his Church, and he suffered so many things: by his example the church also learneth that it must suffer many things, as it is abundantlye shown in the writings of the Evangelists and Apostles.   

Of the third Tragical Act or persecution, wherein the Apostles were taken and scurged Steeven was stoned, the Church and congregation of jerusalem banished, & dispersed. Chapter. iii  
THe third persecution of the church, began a little after the Ascension of christ into heaven which is the feast of Pentecost or Witsontyde, when the Apostles earnestly preached the Gospel, and had gathered together great and worthy Congregations unto Christ.  
The same is very dillygentlye and copiously described in the Acts of 
Apostles Sermons.  the Apostles. The Apostles preached then openly the Gospel of Christ in jerusalem, only in the name of our Lord jesus Christ, which was crucified and raised from the dead, in whom if they believed, was remission of sins, & life everlasting, that all men therefore aught to believe in him, be baptised and join in fellowship of the church repent and live a godly life, & look for salvation in none other thing, for that there is none other name under heaven given to men wherein they may be saved: but the name of jesus Christ. These Sermons, the Scribes and Seniors at jerusalem could not abide, wherefore they laid hand upon the Apostles, and shut them up in Prison, and brought them before the counsel, where quarreyling and chiding with them: they forbidden them to preach this Gospel of jesus christ. But the Apostles frankly professing that in this behalf by no means they might obey them, but that God must rather be obeyed then men: were nevertheless much, and grievously threatened by the Magistrates & elders.  
Upon occasion hereof, the Church being 
Sorrow, and prayers of the church.  struck with great heaviness: prayed heartily unto God for continuance in the Gospel. And when as the Apostles went forward constantly in teaching, and Christ effectually woorkinge in them confirmed the truth of their doctrine with great miracles, that a great numbered of men followed them, so that the Church was daily increased by thousands: then the magistrates & officers setting upon them a fresh, cast the Apostles again into prison, intending to put them to death. But by the intercession and means of Gamaliel the lawyer that was Paul's master: they were delivered, but notwithstanding whipped, and sharply forbidden, that they should not preach the Gospel of jesus Christ. Who departing out of the counsel and Court: praised God that they were found worthy to suffer reproach for his name.  
Shortly after, blessed Steeven burning 
Steven stoned.  in the spirit of Christ, and with great zeal disputing in the synagogues against the skilful in the law, and stoutly defending the doctrine of Christ: was cast into prison and brought to arainement, and falsely accused. Who although he cleared himself with sufficient, wise, and grave reply: yet it nothing avayled him, for he was condemned to die, and stoned to death.  
There followed not long after a very 
Acts. 8.  vehement and sharp persecution of the christian Church, described by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles, by these words: There ●rose about that time, a great persecution against the Church which was at jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the Regions of judeae and Samaria, saving the Apostles. For Saul wasted the Church, entering into every man's house, & haling forth Men and women, delivered them to prison. Yea, Paul himself concerning this his persecution against the church, spoke thus in presence of King Agrippa: 
Acts. 76.  truli I was determined with myself to do many things against the name of jesus of Nazareth.  
Whereof partly I did somewhat at jerusalem, and many of the Saints I committed too Prison, having received authority of the chief priests, on whom also I gave judgement when they were executed. I punished them also in the Sinagogs', compelling them to blaspheme (that is to deny the Christian faith, which is a great blasphemy) and raging against them above all measure, I persecuted them unto strange Cities.  
Now, as touching the cause that moved Paul, the priests, and people of the jews to persecute the Church: was almost none other, but a sinister & unseasonable zeal & affection which they bore for the law of Moses, and the ceremonies, which being lead with error: they meant to retain and preserve, and could not therefore believe in christ, nor his Gospel. For they supposed that they should be justified & saved by righteousness of the law. Contrariwise, the gospel teacheth us that we shall not be saved by works of the law, but by faith in Christ. At this stone the Jews have stumbled, & fallen, & perished, as S. Paul witnesseth in these words: I protest for them that 
Rom. 10.  they have the zeal of god, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness before god and studeinge to establish their own righteousness: they were not subject unto the righteousness which is allowed of god. For Christ is th' end of the law unto the justification of all that believe. Likewise in another place: Israel which 
Rom. 9  ensued the Law of righteousness attained not to the law of righteousness, (that is to say was not justified) because they sought it no● by faith, but by works of the law. For they have stumbled at the stumbling stone, as it is written: Behold: I lay a stumblyngstone, and a rock to hurt and make men fall and who so believeth in him shall not be ashamed.  
In this our age likewise, and for the 
cause of persecutyon at this time  same very cause, they above all other, have most vehemently, and sharply persecuted the christian church, that have been better men than the residue, and less given to carnal affection. They hate the Gospel, and persecute the professors thereof, because they confess & earnestly defend, that we be justified, and saved by faith only in Christ, and not by any works. Supposing that by this doctrine good works are taken away, and nothing regarded, that men are made careless, and stirred up unto wickedness, which is not to be suffered in the church. But there is a far other understanding in the question of good works, than they either think or utter, neither are they contemned, and nought set by, although the glory of justification which appertaineth unto Christ only, be not ascribed unto them. For unto faith is justification ascribed, because the same dependeth on Christ only, that christ only may have all the glory, & he alonely be our salvation and righteousness, as we have in another place declared more at large.  
But before we proceed any farther: let every man, I béeseche ye, weigh with himself, how great and grievous this persecution was against the first Church of Christ, and how that they which were not slain, notwithstanding received great sorrow, through the death, punishment, and torments of their brethren, that which Luke also hath not passed over with silence, writing after this manner: The holy men carried forth Steven, and made great sorrow over him. What, and how great sorrow, grief, 
Acts. 8.  and misery did they feel, who although they were not slain: yet were they spoiled of all their goods, driven into banishment, and brought to extreme poverty and beggary?  
Heerewithall also, let every man consider, what Church it was that suffered so grievous persecution, forsooth even the most holy and most perfect Church of al. For of this Church Luke witnesseth, writing: They were all filled with the holly ghost. And of all 
Acts. 4.  the multitude that believed there was one heart and one soul, and no man called any thing that he had, his own: but all things were common among 
Acts. 2.  them neither was there among them enie that lacked. Likewise: They continued every day with one accord in the temple, praisinge God and giving thanks before all the people. In this Church, Congregation, and fellowship, were the apostles of our Lord, and his threescore and ten disciples, joseph of Arimathie, Barsabas or Barnabas, Nicodemus, with other worthy men more, but chiefly the holy and undefiled virgin Marie, mother of the Lord jesus Christ, with diverse other virtuous and devout women, whose virtue and renown is deciphered in the evangelical history. In this Church there were no divisions, no schisms, and the numbered of them that believed was above five thousand. To conclude, there was no Church in the Earth more excellent, holy, perfect, or more acceptable to God.  
Howbeit, god which suffered his own 
We must not ask why God suffereth his church to be persecuted.  sun to be crucified, suffered also this holy Church to fall into such afflictions, and so general a persecution, as we have declared before. And who is now so wicked and curious, the in respect of this persecution, dare step forth and dispute against God, and question with him: wherefore he suffered his dearly beloved friends to be so grievously afflicted which had deserved much better, and so many good & godly people among whom Christ's mother was one, whose most pure heart the sharp sword of sorrow and heaviness had pierced through? why likewise god gave unto the faithless jews & hypocrites, so great power over godly, and just men? why reached he not his helping hand to his Church, to help it, causing the neither Steeven should be stoned, neither the Church being spoiled of their goods be made poor, or banished, neither they which lived in such concord together, with great sorrow, so miserably be plucked a sundre, and scattered abroad? It pleased God it should be so, who is the eternal wisdom, & doth no unjust thing. And that which pleased God: pleased also the holy Church, which neither murmoured, neither disputed against the lord, but received persecution willingly, and by the grace of God endured it patiently, knowing and believing, that God, who was omnipotent and merciful, would so moderate the persecution that it should tend to the commodity of the Church, as it also came to pass. In the same mind it behooveth all the faithful to be in all manner persecutions, and patiently to submit themselves to the pleasure of God.  
Mutchlesse hereby may the reasoning of some men take place, who gather out of persecutions, that if the doctrine were true, and faith right: God would aid them, and not deliver them over into their power, that are altogether out of the way concerning doctrine and béeléefe. For in the persecution of the primitive church, these men, as apperteinyng to the body: had the victory, whose faith was false, and they that were sound persuaded suffered persecution, were driven away, & slain, which slaughter & calamity notwithstanding, did nothing in damage the true faith. And in our age also the case standeth none otherwise, neither for the persecutions which the Church induereth, the faith and doctrine thereof is less to be regarded, or worse therefore to be judged. The true faith and doctrine, depend upon no victory, but only upon God, and his word.   

Of the fourth Tragical Act or persecution, in which Saint james the Apostle was slain, and Peter cast into Prison. Chapter. iiii.  
ABout the year of Christ. 45. Herode surnamed Agrippa, sun to Herode the great, & brother to Antipas moved the fourth persecution against the 
james Apostle slain.  Church, whereof Luke speaketh in the Acts the. 12. Chapter. There he declareth how Herod had decreed to molest certain of the Church, & that he had already slain with the sword james the brother of john the Evangelist, (who also was one of the three whom the lord used most familiatly, and to whom he opened his secrets) and not content with this cruel deed, proceeded farther, and call Peter into prison to the intent to put him also to death.  
And because these twain were the chiefest among the Apostles: the whole Church was strooken in great sorrow and heaviness for this persecution, and specially john, who was much grieved for his brother's death. The Church feared also, lest they should lease their faithful pastor Peter, as they had done james, wherefore Luke writeth, that daily they powered forth prayers unto God for Peter, which prayers were not without effect. For the Angel of the lord came into the prison to Peter, and delivered him out of the soldiers hold, loosed his theines & bands, opened the iron gate, and set him at liberty in the open street, from whence by ● and by he departed out of jerusalem.  
This great affliction the Church endured patiently, neither murmured against Christ, expostulating with him why he gave unto Herod that wicked varlet, such power against his dearly-beloved once? why he suffered his whole Church, and specially john his best beloved of all the Disciples, to be touched with such heaviness? why he delivered not james, as he did Peter? they known that God did nothing rashly nor without cause, but every thing well & rightly. Wherefore, the faithful in persecutions must likewise be semblably persuaded. For if ever men had need to make their complaint to God: then had they need, nevertheless there were herded no complaints, no murmurings, but earnest and humble prayers. Wherefore in adversity, let the faithful fly unto God in prayer, requiring his grace that he would govern all thing to the glory of his name and unto our salvation, and whatsoever he doth that we submit ourselves willingly to his holy will and pleasure.  
Moreover, no man in the Primitive Church called the doctrine of the Apostles into question, because james was slain with the sword, and Peter cast into prison. For none of them said thus: if the apostles doctrine were true & just: God would not have suffered them to have been oppressed of the king's, which erred in the faith, leading also a filthy, and wicked life. Therefore at this day likewise, the doctrine of the Gospel is not to be doubted of, for that the teachers and followers thereof, are by the Lord delivered over into the enemy's hands of the Gospel, and miserably and cruelly by them entreated: for the truth notwithstanding is everlasting & invincible. Paul in the same cause writeth, that he was afflicted for the gospel even unto hands, but the word of god was not bond.  
The cause that stirred Herod to persecute the church, was his own perverse 
2. Tim. 2.  mind, which loathed christ, & his word. Moreover, the jews greedily thirsted the Apostles blood, wherefore Herod to curry favour with them: shed the blood of the Apostles. This Luke witnesseth in these words: And when he see this (namely when he had slain james with the sword) to be acceptable to the jews he proceeded also to apprehend Peter, meaning after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Like as in our age, many princes do persecute the faithful for none other cause, but that with their cruel butcherous Tragedies they might gratify those Fathers of Rome and their adherentes, who also unsatiably do thirst all their blood which cleave only to Christ and his Gospel, and set naught by, & abhor their superstition, and idolatry.   

Of the. 5. tragical act or persecution, wherein Paul and the Christian Church suffered many things, and the Apostles ended their lives full of afflictions, by shedding their blood. Chapter. u  
THe fift persecution against Paul that Apostle continued many years, the Church also which believed the Gospel partly for Paul with whom they suffered, and partly for the Gospel of Christ abode sundry troubles and afflictions, & by that means was partaker of this persecution.  
For when Paul had begun to preach 
Acts. 9 2. Cor. 12.  the Gospel at Damascus, about the year after Christ. xxxiii. and journeying through Arabya was returned to Damascus, and there disputed earnestly against the jews: Aretas the King laying watch at the City gates, sought him to kill him, when the faithful not being able otherwise to save him, let down Paul by a Rope through the wall in a basket, and so with great care and dillygence they kept him alive.  
At Antioch also in Pisidia, Paul gathered 
Acts. 13.  together a great congregation unto Christ of Gentiles and jews, but the jews which would not embrace Christ stirring up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, drove them out of that City, and Region.  
In Iconium also, the jews again 
Acts. 14.  moved a tumult against Paul, wherhe with his companion Barnabas were in forced to provide for themselves by flight. Also in Listra the same jews brought Paul so far into hatred, that being stoned & drawn forth of the town as dead: yet christ raised him again to do him service At Phillippos' in Macedonia Paul and his fellow Silas, were taken, scourged with rods, and cast into a very strait prison, out of which notwithstanding Christ delivered him, that he might yet preach the Gospel, to more nations.  
Moreover at Thessalonica there was 
Acts. 17.  agreevous persecution moved against Paul, where he was constrained through help of the faithful, to escape away by night. The like he suffered at Berroea. At Athens, the Philosophers and wise men of this world, reproachfully termed him a trifler, railed at him, and mocked 
Acts. 18.  him, as the like was done to the lord himself. Likewise in the famous city of Gréece called Corinthe, he was apprehended and brought to the lieutenants seat of judgement and sharply accused, but then also the Lord delivered him out of the power of his enemies.  
But what grievous things Paul 
Acts. 19 1. Cor. 1.  suffered in Asia at Ephesus, are by himself recited in these words: I would not have you ignorant, brethren, of the trouble and affliction which happened unto us in Asia, how we were wonderfully grieved above our power, that we were in despair even of life. But we received a decree within ourselves touching death, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead. In Luke also in y● Act. of the Apostles there is set forth a notable description of the tumult which was at Ephesus. Upon occasion of which tumult there the faithful remained in great sorrow, heaviness, and danger, also by reason of the continual wait laying and persecutions, wherewith the unfaithful both jews and Gentiles persecuted them. After so many dangers, 
Acts. 〈◊〉  afflictions, and most grievous traveles, when Paul was arrived at jerusalem bringing with him a great, and rich treasure, which he had gathered as a donative for the poverty of the city, and relm●: there again the Jews raised a most woeful sedition, & apprehending Paul scourged him biterly where he had been utterly destroyed, unless the Tribune coming in all speed with his soldiers had taken him out of their hands. This being done: he was by the tribune brought into the Ecclesiastical 
Act. 23.  court, where he was also scourged, and unworthily entreated. Afterwards, because of the great treason of the Jews being guarded with a sufficient power of horsemen, and footmen he was sent from Jerusalem to Caesarea, unto Foelix the lieutenant, Before whom when he came: the chief of the jews accused him, laying many things to his charge, wherein all though he could not be found guilty: notwithstanding he was committed to endurance, where he remained the space of two whole years. 
Act. 25.   
Moreover, he was evelly dealt with 
Act. 2 7.  all by Festus also the new lieutenant who succeeded Foelix, & after ward with other prisoners delivered over unto the Centurians and soldiers, embarked, and with a long and dangerous journey brought to Rome.  
But Nero then reigning at Rome 
Act. 28.  he remained again prisoner there two years. Some are of opinion that at this time he was slain with the sword by Nero, others think that he was acquitted in judgement by Nero: as he himself witnesseth in the ij. to Timoth. the four chapter, and being so set at liberty, that he departed directly into Spain, as before he had declared in the Epistle to the Romans, that he was desirous to take in hand that journey. 
Rom. 15.  And travailing through Spain, and France, they say how he came the second time to Rome, in the later years of the reign of Nero, and there was slain with the sword at Nero's commandment. But this we leave as uncertain: howbeit this is evident, wherein all do agree, that the most holy Apostle Paul was put to death at Rome, under Nero.  
The traveiles, afflictions, and sundry calamities which for none offence 
Paul's afflictions.  he sustained, but for Christ his word, and the Church, the Apostle himself imputing them to his enemies, and false Apostles: reciteth in a bréeif catalogue in these words: Are they the ministers of Christ? I speak like a fool, I am more, in labours more abundant, 
2. Cor. 11.  in wounds surpassing them, in prison more commonly, in death 
Deut. 25.  often. Of the jews I received five times forty stripes savynge-one, I was thrice scourged with rods, and once stoned, thrice I suffered shipwrak night and day have I been on the deep sea. In iourneinge often, in danger of waters, in danger of thieves, endanger of mine own countrymen in danger of the heathen, in danger in the City, in danger in the wilderness, in danger in the sea, in danger among false brethren. In weerines and travail, in watching often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness. Beeside those things which happen outwardly unto me, for the heap of them daily rises against me, which is to say, the care for all Churches of Christ.  
Now therefore, by so many afflictions which Paul sustained, and by the victory & good success of his enemies, can it be gathered that Paul's doctrine was erroneous, or else God would have defended him, neither have suffered him to have been over whelmed with so many calamities, and reproaches? Shall we therefore; dispute against god, why he suffereth wicked men somutch to prevail against the faithful, and his holy ministers? or why he permitteth the sacred Church of Christ to suffer so much in itself, and in the faithful pastor thereof Paul? The godly men suffered all these things patiently and overcame them, and continued always constant under the cross.  
The cause why the jews were enemies to Paul, & to the church: surely was none other than y●, wherewith being before moved, they persecuted Christ, & the apostles, as we have declared before.  
Moreover, histories bear record, that the twelve Apostles in all their life 
All the apostles after afflictions were put to death.  time, and during the term of their administration in the gospel: sustained grievous afflictions, and were all of them for Christ and his words sake, persecuted, and put to death.  
Although all writers do not agree of their kinds of death, yet they all constanly affirm, that they were miserably slain. Peter and his brother Andrew, were both crucified. james the elder, as we have shown before, was béeheaded by 
Peter and Andrew.  Herod surnamed Agrippa. Whose brother john the Evangelist the beloved 
james the elder.  disciple of Christ, only of them all is 
john evan.  reported to have died a natural death. Notwithstanding he was apprehended and brought bound out of Asia to Rome, and convented before Domitian th'emperor, and there, as Tertullian writeth, plunged over head and ears in hot boylinge oil. But after that, the lord graciously providing for him, this cruel deed nothing endamaged his life: he was banished into the Isle Pathmos. Philip was nailed to a cross, & there hanging: was stoned to death. Barthelmew, they say, was by his enemies 
Phillippe.  most horribly slain, and afterward béeheaded. Othersome say he was 
Bartelmew.  burned. The enemies of Christ, thrust Thomas through with a sword, and so, as it is reported, they dealt with Matthew. james the younger, the pastor & 
Thomas.  doctor of the church of jerusalem, was thrown down headlong from an 
Matthew. james the less.  high place, and afterward slain being buffeted with stones until he died. Likewise both Apostles, Simon 
Simon, and jude.  and judas Thaddaeus ended their lives, being by the heathen slain in a certain temple of Idols. Some also say that Mathias was crucified, others say 
Mathias.  he was stoned, and béeheaded. All these bore witness of Christ, not with their mouth and doctrine only, but with their blood also, and for the truth of the gospel which they preached, were contented to die with well willing, and most valiant courage.  
Now, for as much as all the Apostles were slain by the enemies of God 
Note.  who obtained the soverainitye over them as apperteyninge to the body: shall we therefore say that superstitions of God's enemies were right, and the Apostles religion and doctrine false and erroneous? who shall accuse God, because he delivered not his servants from a reproachful death but that he gave to the worst men in the whole world, such power against his holy Apostles? Who although they were ministers of the truth, and innocent men: yet were they put to death for the greatest enemies of God, as malifactours and wicked people, for such were they accused to be: and therefore, at this our age, in the like cause, we must judge so of their belief & doctrine, who are shamefully executed for Christ's sake, as indeed the truth standeth in the sight of Christ.   

¶ Of the. 6. Tragical Act or persecution, which was under Nero, and of the seventh which was under Domitian, and of the eight under Vlpius Traian, Emperors. Chapter VI.  
PAulus Orosius an old historician, who lived in the time of Austin, and written unto him seven books of Stories, beginneth the recital of the persecutyon of the Christian Church, from the persecution which Nero had moved, which he accounteth the first whose order the later Historicians also ensued. And we likewise, in describing the Tragedies & persecutions committed against the Church: will follow the same order, as consequently they follow one another. But since it is manifest, that the five above recited persecutions, were before these, as the scriptures do show, that which Orosius maketh the first, we make the sixt: although the matter be of no great importance in this respect.  
Orosius writeth, that Nero first (that is to say among the Roman Emperors) 
Nero persecuteth the Christians  gave forth commandment, that at Rome, and in all other provinces belonging to the Roman Empire, the Christians should be molested, and slain. And that this was his determination to root out the Christian faith & all Christians wheresoever they were.  
The causes that moved Nero to persecute the Christians are not so dilygentlye set down by christian historicians, as they are by profane writers, Suetonius Tranquillus in the life of Nero and Cornelius Tacitus in the. 15. book of the lives of the Emperors. Nero the emperor was the sink of all beastly sinfulness, fullness, chief of lechery, and unspeakable incest, defiling himself against all course of nature, so that in all Histories of you shall not find his match. This horrible wickedness he openly committed at Rome without all shame, in sight of the Senate, and people. But there was no man that durst speak against him, much less to reprove him, or assay to punish him, but every man winked at him, the most filthy beast in the mean time doing what he list.  
Wherefore, God being offended with the city of Rome: punished it with fire, 
Rome punished with fire as Sodom was.  as he did Sodom & Gomorrha even by Nero himself, when as for his Sodomitical beastliness, he deserved to be burned himself. And seeing Rome winked at his naughtiness, and did not the which it aught to have done: the horrible Sodomite Nero, caused the city to be set on fire. For being certain places in the city wherewith Nero misliked, and the streets and passages there very narrow: he caused the houses to be set on fire, that after they were brent, they might be builded again more fair, and sumptious. He himself beheld the fire out of Maecenas tower, saying: that he much desired to see the burning of Troy which he beheld now some what resembled by that burning of the city, singing therwhiles the destruction of Troy, and delighting himself with beholding the great fire. Suetonius reporteth, that from that time that Rome was first built, it never sustained so much hurt by fire: for it continued always burnning the space of six days and so many nights. The same is also diligently described by Tacitus.  
But when the fire through the wrath of God had brent farther than Nero had 
Nero imputeth the fire to Christians.  thought it should, and endamaged the City with an unrepayrable loss and hindrance, the citizens which had sustained so great harm, were very much moved, and offended. Wherefore the Emperor Nero, to the intent that he might put over from himself the 〈◊〉 of the deed, raised a rumour among the commons, that this whole mischief was long of the Christians, that they were adversaries to the Gods and Religion of the Romans, and wicked burners of cities and towns, who also in that sort had defaced the city. And that this report might seem to carry some truth and authority: he cast many Christians into prison, and examined them by tortures and torments, that they should confess how the city was set on fire by them. And in deed there were some found, who not being able to abide torments, but rather wisshing to die: falsely accused themselves & other Christians, confessing that they had set the city on fire.  
Wherefore immediately, there was a proclamation published by the emperor against christians, in which it was commanded, that in Rome and all provinces they should be rooted out, as enemies to the gods and religion of the Romans, and men practised in burning & setting on fire. And this was the beginning of the persecution, and bloody tragedy. For some in reproach, and for a mocking stock, were sowed into the skins of wild beasts, as Tacitus writeth & cast unto dogs to be torn. Other were brent, some ●a●●●ed and crucified, and so destroyed with sundry and most cruel punishments, inso much that (as Tacitus writeth) the common people of Rome were moved with great pity towards them. But with Nero there was no mercy, no end of torments. In this persecution were slain, as historicians do testify, and we also have declared before: the Apostles Peter & Paul There be also numbered by Chroniclers many notable and godly men, which in this persecution suffered grievous affliction, reproaches, & punishment of bitter death not at Rome only, but here & there in other provinces of the Roman empire.  
Since therefore, this persecution was 
We must not dispute with God.  first moved by Nero for a filthy & horrible cause, who shall accuse God for granting such power to a wicked, and Sodomitical person, against so many thousands of holy and innocent men, yea friends of God? or why he suffered the christians to be brent for house burners and did not rather hale forth Nero the true house burner and beastly Sodomit casting him into the thickest of the people to be torn in pieces? when therefore, in our age, the like do happen: let all men humbly submit themselves to the power of God and his mighty hand, bear their cross with patience which the Lord layeth upon them, give laud and praise unto God, and constantly cleave to his holy word, which at Nero's time was also true and just, although it was behoveful that the faithful should suffer afflictions, and Nero overcome them, and have power over them, with his profane, and superstitious Religion.  
After this, about the year of our Lord 97. with intolerable and devilish pride 
Divelyshe pride.  Domitian the Emperor set forth himself, sun to Vespasian, brother to Titus, by whom the City of jerusalem was destroyed, the jews vanquished in battle, and oppressed. The same was not ashamed to boast himself to be God & Lord, and would so be called and worshipped of all men, and the which no Emperor 
Note.  required before him, he commanded that they should kiss his feet, wherein no Emperor following him did the like, except Dioclecian only, a cruel Tyrant, and a murderer of holy men.  
This Dominitia set a broach the vii persecutions against Christians, in the which many holy men were driven into banishment, many slain or spoiled of their goods, and troubled most bitterlye. 
john the Evangelist  Among whom john the Apostle and Evangelist was brought prisoner from Ephesus to Rome unto the Emperor, and there tormented. Flavia also, and Domicilla of greatest nobility in the city, with divers other more, were by Domitian sent into banishment. But john afterward returned unto Ephesus, and there died in the year of our Lord. 102. after the passion of Christ, 68 and the third year of the reign of Trajan the Emperor.  
After this, about the year of our lord. 110. Vlpius Trajan, a mighty and victorious Emperor, was the cause and author of the eight persecution against the Christians, in Rome, and in other places under the Roman Empire. Which thing chiefly provoked him, and other Emperors that came after him to persecute the Christians, because they thought good that there should be no Schism suffered in the empire, specially in religion, but that there should be one only religion received, which their forefathers had observed before time. Now that disagréement in religion nourisheth contentions and hatred a thing not to be suffered in any empire Moreover, that they feared grievous calamities, and punishments, if their gods were not worshipped after their accustomed manner, and therefore the Christians, because they hated their temples altars, sacrifices, images, and hollydayes, blaming and disdaining the religion of the Romans: were in no wise to be suffered. Wherefore, if any calamities should chance to rise in the Roman 
Read Cyp. against Demetri.  empire, as are troubles, dearth of corn, famine, war, seditions, pestilence, diseases, with other discommodities: by and by the Romans burdened the Christians with the cause of all these annoyances, for contemning their gods and religion, and doing contrary unto the same. That they worshipped one God, acknowledging Christ alone the sun of God to be the only saviour, openly pronouncing, that the Roman religion was false and of the devil, that their faith in Christ was true & right, neither that God aught to be worshipped with images and temples, sacrifices and hollydayes, but in spirit and truth, according to his word.  
As for the Romans, and other nations abroad in the world, they were altogether addicted to superstitions, valiantly shedding their blood, losing their goods, and lives, in defence of their religion, exhorting other firmly to retain the same. For they boasted how they received the religion of their elders, which were no fools but excellent wisemen: Moreover that there were many learned men in their colleges of priests, & that their belief was confirmed with many notable wonders and miracles, that whilst they observed that religion they obtained sundry great victories, and the whole empire of all the world, attributing all their good success and salftie, to their religion, which had remained many thousand years, not being so new and but thirty years old as was the christian religion. That their Gods were friendly and liberal unto them: helping them in such sort, that they wanted nothing, on the otherside the christians were poor and unfortunate: wherefore they should do amiss if they erred the breadth of one hear, or spared the sacrilegious enemies of their ancient and victorious religion. Wherefore, these causes which we have now recited, provoked the Roman Emperors to persecute the Christians. The causes of the persecutions likewise in our age are not much unlike whoso 
Traian's persecution.  weigheth them both uprightly.  
Wherefore, in this persecution moved by Trajan there was an unspeakable deal of Christian blood shed▪ At jerusalem Simeon Bishop of the city, being an hundred and twenty years old, was crucified. S. Ignatius also the servant of Christ, and Disciple of the Apostles, was brought from Antioch where he was Bishop unto Rome, cast unto wild beasts, and by them torn in pieces. Their Tragedies were so cruel, their slaughters so great, the sheadinge of Christian blood so horrible: that Pliny the second, a wise gentleman, and lieutenant to the emperor, wrote unto the emperor, giving unto the Christians, a singular testimony of their innocency. This epistle is to be seen in the 〈◊〉 book of Pliny's epistles. By which means the state of Christians was some deal the more at quiet.  
Yet in respect of this persecution which was great, and lasted long time 
God is just and the faith true.  wherein were destroyed many thousand Christians, the Christian religion aught not be judged false or worse to be esteemed of, or that the gentle and profane religion of the Romans is righteous and sound. For throughout the whole world, and in all ages the Christian religion is only true, righteous, and constant: neither hath God done amiss, in giving the Ethnics so great power against the faithful. For by means thereof, the Christian faith is nothing diminished, neither by punishment, neither by sheadinge of blood: but it is rather increased in all parts of the world, wherefore it is not without cause among our forefathers grown into a proverb: the field of Christ is dungged and made fruitful with Christians innocent blood. Wherefore let us all likewise now be of good hope in midst of persecutions, and sheadinge of miserable, innocent, Christian blood.   

Of the. 9 Tragical act or persecution, which was under Antoninus Verus, with his brother Lucius, and what worthy men exhibited Apologies of the christian faith unto the Emperors. Chapter, seven.  
THe year of Christ, 170. and. 178. the Roman Emperors, Marcus Antoninus Verus, and his brother Lucius for none other causes than we have above recited: sharply persecuted all christians, that generally were under the Roman Empire. This persecution Historicians call the fourth, but I term it the ninth. The exact description and at large thereof, whoso desireth to behold: let him read the fourth, and fift books of Eusebius ecclesiastical history. In this persecution were slain, not only many of the Christian Church but also the most famous and renowned doctoure of that age, who in teaching and writing, set frooth the christian religion, enlarged it, and defended it commending their doctryn with their most holy life, and bearing witness thereto with their own blood. Among whom was Polycarpus, disciple to the apostles, an extreme old father, and minister of the congregatyon at Smyrna, whom they call the doctor of 
Polycarp.  Asia, and father of the Christians: also the holy and painful Minister of christ, Pionius: both these with many monotable christians, were burned Likewise 
Pionius.  the most learned and faithful ministers of Christ: justinius a philosopher, and Iraeneus Bishop of Lions in 
justinus. Iraeneus.  France, whose books in defence of the Christian faith, against all kinds of errors and heresies: are yet extant: were slain with the sword.  
But chifly at Lions and Vienna in France nigh the river Rhodanus: was very much cruelty and extremity shown. This persecution is described by the ministers of Christ dwelling at Vienna and Lions, in an epistle unto the brethren of the congregations of Asia and Phrygia, let him read that list hereof, 
Phoianus  the four first chapters of the first book of Eusebius ecclesiastical history: there among other things, they declare how Photinus' bishop of Lions, a worthy man, learned, and holly, and above four score and ten years old, and therefore feeble of body, but valiant of mind and without all fear, was brought to the place of judgement: of whom when there was required an account of his faith, with a wonderful courage he professed Christ and the Christian faith: wherefore he was by the rash & furious people strooken, buffeted, spurned, & without all regard of age or calling, reprochefully abused, so that he was drawn back again to the prison for dead, where not long after he yielded up the ghost.  
In the same place, are singularly described the cruel torments, wherewith the holy men were long time tormented, as 
Maturus. Sanctus. Blandina.  Maturus, Sanctus, and Blandina, a woman of singular courage & constancy in the true faith, with Attalus born of a noble race, in faith more noble. All these 
Atalus  were slain with most cruel and continual torments, because they would not yield one jot from the truth.  
They writ moreover, how that the common rascal multitude in this persecution was so savage, cruelly pricked forth with anger and rage: that they left nothing undone that appertained to the most cruel and ignominious usedge of them. For they would not permit the bodies of such as were slain in prison, to be honestly buried, but cast them to dogs, who if they left any thing, that they burned and threw the ashes into Rhodanus: these turmentours in the mean time crying aloud, as it is reported, behold, the Gods have revenged themselves on the enemies of the Ethnic religion, where is now their god? what manner of faith and religion is this, that spoileth them thus of their lives? Thus they rejoiced, & triumphed 
Triumphing of the people.  like conquerors that had defended and confirmed their own religion: and on th'other part, the Christians remained in great sorrow, heaviness, and danger. Whoso desiereth to understand more of this matter, let him read it in Eusebius in the epistle above recited.  
Moreover, there is set down by Hermannus Contractus, in his chronicles, an whole catalogue of principal blessed martyrs that suffered in this persecution. Wherefore, the which I have often said, I say again: is there any man so simple and devoid of judgement that dareth to say that the doctrine and religion of the holy Martyrs and witnesses of Christ was false, because God delivered them over into the hands of their enemies, gentiles, and unfaithful? either that their doctrine & religion was true and righteous, because as apperteyninge to the body they vanquished, slew, and oppressed the faithful? And who is so presumptuous that he will dispute with God, why he suffereth his dearly beloved Church to be cast down, and ●roden under foot, with so many afflictions, and calamities?  
But in this age, & the next following God through his grace, raised even among the gentiles, worthy & renowned men, learned, holy, & well disposed, who offered unto the Roman emperors, to the Senate, & lieutenants: books written with divine instinct, perspicuous, and wise wherein they declared the innocency of Christians, confessing the faith of christ praising, & defending it, shewing also, how falsely the christians were charged with notorious crimes that were laid against them. This kind of writing they term Apologies. In which apologies, they uttered such constancy, and valientnesse of mind: that they dared also to decipher, and disprove, the error & vanity of the Ethnic religion. I mind to set down in this place, a catalogue and rehearsal of all such as written Apologies, & I will note also the time of doing of all those things out of Eusebius, that all men may perceive how courageously the Christian religion set forth herself openly, and without all fear, in midst of persecutions, glistering therein as it were the sun, howbéeit there while the unfaithful persecuted the same as heresy & deceit, and washing the Christians in their own blood.  
In the year of Christ 119. Quadratus a grave and holy man, preferred an Apologye 
Quadratus  or defence of the Christians unto the Emperor Adrian. After 
sereous Granius.  whom, the year of our Lord 122. Seremus Granius, one of the nobillytie of Rome, written also and Apology to the same Emperor. Likewise Aristides a famous man, made means unto Adrian 
Aristides.  in the same manner. Albina whose writings prevailed so much with the Emperor: that he directed his letters unto Minutius Fundanus lieutenant of Asia, 
In the eccles. Hist. book. 4. cha. 9  commanding him, that thence forward he should receive no accusations against Christians for their religion, unless they were accused of other crimes, and offences.  
Afterwards, in the year of our Lord 141. 
justinus.  justinus a Philosopher, a man not only most renowned at Rome, but also in other places: preferred an Apology for the christians, unto Antoninus Pius the Emperor. Which self same request almost, Asianus Appolinaris, bishop of 
Asianus. Appolinaris.  Hierapolis, and Milciades who also exhibited their own Apologies unto Antoninus. But the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius, in his letters sent to the Lieutenants of Asia, commanded them that they should in nowise molest the Christians. The copy of this Epistle is to be found in the. 4. 
Milciades.  book, and. 13. Chapter of the ecclesiastical History. Besides all this, Athenagoras a Philosopher of Athens, written 
Athenagorar.  an Apology and defence of the Christians, unto Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, and unto Lucius Aurclus Commodus, which defence is yet extant, both in Greek and Latin.  
At Rome also Appollonius a Senator, 
Apollonius.  a noble gentleman and wise, being accused of the Christian religion: written a worthy book of our Religion, and of the innocency of the Christians, and read it in Rome in the Senate. Notwithstanding he was condemned to dye, the year of our Lord 188.  
Last of all Tertulian, about the yer●e 
Tertulian.  of our Lord 209. written a singular book in behalf of the Christians, wherein he declareth their innocency, and the folly of the Ethnic religion, and contrariwise the truth and excellency, of the Christian faith. This book is yet remaininge in our days.  
By these and like reasons it appeareth, that our true, ancient, & undoubted Christian faith, although the world contemn it, rail at it, and persecute it: nevertheless is the only true, and autenticke faith.   

Of the. 10. Tragical Act or persecution, under Severus, and of the. 11. under julius Maximinus, of the. 12. under Trajan Decius, of the 13. under Valerianus, and of the 14. under Aurelianus the Emp. Chapter. viii.  
ABout the year of our Lord jesus Christ. 204. Septimius Severus the Emperor, a prince of a fierce disposition, began sharply to persecute the Christian church. And in sundry places in all provinces of the Roman empire many worthy men of the faithful, were tormented and slain, among all whom, as chief, is numbered Leonidas, father of the most renowned doctor Origen. Whose goods after his death were all confiscate, his wife and children among whom was Origen, brought to extreme beggary. At Carthage, Perpetua, and Faelicitas were cast unto wild beasts and by them torn in pieces. And many such like accidents chanced in other places.  
After this, julius Maximinus persecuted the Church of Christ. The same commanded that specially the doctors and bishops of the Christians should 
Note.  be sought out, that those with their sermons and preachings seduced the simple people, and moved tumults in the empire: and therefore that they aught to be put to death the peace and quietness might be restored in the empire, & the subjects quite discharged from that troublesome doctrine. There were slain in this persecution very many ministers of the congregations, among whom, as chief are numbered most worthy men Pamphilus & Maximus Origen also at the same time to the farther comfort of the Church, wroate a 
Origen,  book of martyrdom, where he showeth that true Christians aught openly to profess with their mouth, and express in their deeds, the faith which they have received, and if occasion also shall serve: to bear witness thereof with their own blood. At the same time sprang up the froward heresy of the 
Helchesaites heresy.  Helchesaites, who taught that it was sufficient to retain the true faith in a man's heart and that it skilled not if a man were in enie danger, to denay the same with his mouth: Although this doctrine doth openly repugn against the doctrine of the Gospel and Apostles, as is to be seen the ten of Matthew, and ten to the Rom. This persecution conteinued three▪ whole year, during which time there was much precious, and innocent blood shed.  
afterward, the year of Christ 252. or according to the supputation of other 254. Traianus Decius the emperor persecuted the Church yet far more cruelly, sending a broad through out all the empire most vehement, and bloody edicts. And this is the twelfth persecution of the Christian Church, which destroyed many excellent and worthy men. For there were ●layn in this persecution Sixtus bishop of the Congregation at Rome, who was beheaded, & Laurence his deacon broiled upon a gridiron as Prudentious writeth by whom also is described the martyrdom of blessed Hippolytus, who was torn in sunder by wild horses. Babilas also bishop of Antioch was then slain, a very famous man, and a noble minister of Christ. This Babilas, desired 
Babilas  that the chain wherewith he was lead unto execution, might be buried with him for an ornament, and delight unto him Serapion being first hacked with 
seradion.  many wounds and stabbed through, at the last was cast down headlong from the top of his own house. Macharius, Alexander & Epimachus: were burned. Many virgins most singularly with virtues adorned were most miserably tormented and at length cruelly slain, as Appollonia, Eugenia, Victoria, Theodora, Anatholia, Ruffina and many more. There is extant in Eusebius in the sixte book of his ecclesiastical history, the 13. chapter, the Epistle of Dionysius Bishop of Alexandria written unto Fabianus of Antioch, wherein he reciteth the blessed Martyrs which suffered martyrdom in Alexandria under Decius. Likewise in Hermannus Contractus in his chronicles, is to be found a long Catalogue of Martyrs that in divers places of the Roman Empire, suffered under Decius. In fine in this twelve persecution under Decius, it is not able well-nigh to be recited what plenty of precious and holy blood of innocent Christians was shed, and many notable men besides made away.  
This cruel persecution was scarce fully finished: when immediately y●. 13. began about the year of Christ. 260. at commandment of the Emperor Valerianus. In which persecution were beheaded two of the chief doctors of the Christian church, in Italye, Cornelius bishop of Rome, & in Africa, Cyprian bishop of Carthage. There be also many more numbered in the chronicles, that at the same time received the crown of martyrdom. At which time, the most cruel punishment of flawing was commonly used against christians, to prove if by that means they would be reduced from the christian to the Ethnic belief: but it was in vain.  
I cannot in this place pass over, but 
Martyrs provoked with pleasure to revolt.  I must make some brief rehearsal of such things as are written of these persecutions under Detius, and Valerius, by Saint jerome in the life of Paul the first Eremite, who reporteth that the persecutors studied not only to defile the innocency of the christians through dread, & practice of such punishments and tortures as the like had not been herded before: but also by provocation of lust and pleasure. For when they could not overthrow them with torments, they tempted them with pleasures, to 'cause them to fall, offering unto them beautiful women that should allure them to lechery: In which place he showeth of a certain martyr that bitten of his tongue between his teeth, & spit it in his fine miks' face, that he might be so delivered from her. At the same time Paul the Eremit fled into the wilderness and lived a solitary life in a certain den, unto whom before he died came saint Antony. And these twain were the first beeginners of Eremites' life, that is to say, of those that lead there lives in wild and desert places, as though it were out of the world, a life full of hardness and shapnes, laboringe with their hands, and using great abstinency. Saint jerome writeth that Antony died the year of Christ. 661. and in the xu year of his own age. And out of this fountain in process of time, sprang Monkery, which the 
Origin all of Monks Friars, and hermits.  holy Church of Christ known not at all when it was most excellent, and pure. besides that this life hath no warrant nor commandment from the word of God, and is nothing else but an invention and devise of men that were a frayed.  
And like as in those former persecutions, they endeavoured to pluck the christians from the truth, through allurements of pleasure: so likewise in our age many are carried away from the true faith and confession thereof, and after knowledge of the truth they are wrapped in errors through pleasures honours, glory, riches, preferments, great offices, fat benefices as they term them, or great revenues of the church.  
The year of our Lord Christ. 273. Valerius Aurelianus obtained the Empire, whom Historicians make the Author of the. ix. persecution, which according unto our account is the. 14. This Aurelianus at first beginning of his reign, was gentle and friendly towards Christians, but towards th'end he changed his conditions: and through persuasion of naughty people, suffered himself to be abused, fully determining with himself to persecute the Church of Christ. Eusebius testifieth in the 7. book, and. 26. Chapter, of his ecclesiastical history, unto whom also Orosius agreeth, that he rather intended to execute this persecution, then fully accomplished the same. Howbeit the Church at that time was in great peril & heaviness, but when contrary unto expectation the Emperor was taken away: the persecution ceased, and become nothing.   

Of the grievous woeful and long tragical Act or persecution, being in number the. 15. under the emperors Dioclecian and Maximian, wherein innumerable Christians were martyred and slain. Chapter. ix.  
NOne hath written more dillygentlye 
Eusebius bishop of Caesarea.  of the persecution of the Emperors iovius Dioclecian, and Herculius Maximian then Eusebius in the last book of his ecclesiastical history. For he lived at that time, & beheld the doing of many things whereof he writeth. Wherefore the full and true discourse of these matters must be borrowed of him, which although it be terrible: yet is it there withal pleasant, & profitable to be read. As for me I mean but briefly to touch the chiefest points.  
The Christian Church enjoyed peace and tranquillity a few years, from the reign of Aurelian, unto the nineteeen. year of the reign of Dioclecian and Maximian, about the space of. 28. years. For the Christians had commonly their Churches, and godly congregations and meetings together, professing and exercising their religion openly without any fear: wherein also they had the assistance of lieutenants of provinces every where, unto whom the Christian Religion was known, ●nd many of great power in the emperors Court, as namely Dortheus and Gorgonius, who being Christians: aided and defended them of their own religion. The Christians also in the beginning of this peace and quietness agreed very well together, were fervent in the worshipping of God, and of holy conversation, and therefore the number of the faithful increased very much, so that it was needful to enlarge their Churches, and places of common prayer.  
But in process of time, that fervent 
Abuse of peace.  love of Religion began to wax cold, and there arose dissensions & contentions, chiefly among bishops and doctors, who being addicted to strife & unquietness: fallen sore at debate among themselves, handling their controversies, whereby the people were nothing edefied: wherefore, the Lord taking away his hand from his people: suffered the faith less Gentiles to lay their hands upon his Church, to scour away the rust which daily increased more and more. And this is the xu persecution of the Church which Orosius calleth the tenth.  
At the beginning of this persecution the Lord dealt very gently, not giving the reign and bridle immediately to the persecution, and suffringe the Churches to be destroyed: but the onset of the persecution was béegun by the soldiers. And doubtless unto this purpose appertaineth that which is written by Otho Frisingensis in the. 3. book and. 45. chapter, speaking of bleassed Mauritius. 
Mauritius.  Who marching forward into Germany, under Maximian with his legion of men which were all Christians, going against the Bacharides, whom Eutropius termeth Bongarides, a troublesome and seditious kind of people, to bring them to duty and quietness: & when the army had passed the Alps, and was arrived into the country of the Veragri, which at this day they call the lower, Vallesia: there Maximian commanded his soldiers to sacrifice to the Gods, that they might obtain good fortune, and victory against their enemies. Then Mauritius answered, that he would not so do, nor the residue of Christians that were under him, frankly professinge himself & his company to be Christians, for whom it was not lawful to do sacrifice to the gods. Wherefore, they were first craftily divided, and some sent to Solodorun, Bonna, Colen, Santum, and abroad unto other places for defence sake dispersed. Last of all, the greater part of the legion which remained with Mauritius near unto Octodorum, which is at this day called Martenacum, and Agaunum, which is now called by the name of S. Maurice: which was slain by the heathen soldiers. S. jerome reporteth, that the expedition against the Bagaudae, was in the year of Christ, 290.  
I cannot, nor I aught not in this place 
Foelix and Regula.  let pass to make mention of Foelix and Regula being Germans, who were also of Mauricius company: both these & divers other more, whose service it pleased God that he would use to preach Christ to the Gentiles: by flight escaped from the slaughter at Octodorum, and first they came to Glarona, and so along the Lake were brought unto the most ancient city of Zuirick, in which at the time the Ethnic idolatry flourished, where they preached simply the Christian religion, and as we have showed in the beginning of this book, purely & faithfully without any additions of man. The same they approved valientlye, and at length confirmed with their blood. For after many, and diverse torments they were slain with the sword by Decius the Roman lieutenant that dwelt in the castle of zuirick. And these most holly Germans, have left unto us the most holy and precious treasure of the Gospel, and Christian faith. These our Apostles, or rather teachers, sent unto us from heaven, are far more ancient than the counsels. These lived and taught, and are blesledly departed this life, before the Papistical Church was established in form and manner as it is: for at their time there was not that Papacy which afterward ensued: there were then no Images in Churches, there was no sacrifice of mass, no invocation of saints, no Munks, no institutions or foundations of abbeys, for they lived in those years after Christ which we have before noted, so that the Christian faith hath continued among us, and also the ancient Congregation of Zuirick above. 1270. years, which I pray God always with his grace to preserve.  
But when this loss which the Church had sustained, and this token of the wrath of God against his people had moved but few in the Church to repentance, the more part remaining careless and impenitent, and always procéedynge farther in their unthankfulness: God also increased the correction, suffering the Church to be oppressed with a most sharp persecution. For in the xix year of Dioclecian, which was the. 306. after the birth of Christ, in the month of March & even on Easter day, were published every where edicts from the emperors 
Edicts against christians.  against the Christians, wherein was charge given, that Churches and Oratories of the Christians should be plucked down to the ground, the Bibles and all books of holy scripture burned, and whosoever of the Christians he were that were in any honour office, and dignity should be disgraded and made imfamous, with many other commaundmentes of that sort.  
Shortly after, it was commanded by another edict from the emperors, that in every place the bishops and ministers of the Church, should be apprehended and constrained to do sacrifice to the Gods, & if any spoke against it: they should be enforced thereto, or slain. Hereupon ensued a miserable and cruel slaughter. For the christian bishops, doctors, and ministers of the Churches, were thick and threefold led and drawn to the temples of Idols to do sacrifice: and many times those that lead them moved with certain compassion: exhorted them whom they lead, to hold their peace, and if they would but dissemble as though they did sacrifice: they would then let them depart. But they declared with a loud voice, that they neither had Sacrificed, neither would Sacrifice, but that they were the servants and ministers of Christ, wherefore unaccustomed and new torments, and diverse tortures and punishments were laid upon the Christians, in execution whereof: the torments and officers were more weary in appliyng, than the Christians in suffringe them. For they through thee goodness of God, continnued constant in the Christian faith unto death: notwithstanding certain, through fear and greatness of pain and torment: renounced their faith, to the wonderful sorrow and grief all the godly.  
At Nicomedia in Bythynia, when 
Done at Nicodemus.  the emperors commandment and proclamation was openly set abroad and both emperors at that present sojourned at Nicomedia, a certain noble citizen and of great dignity in that city rend down the emperors edict and tore it all to pieces, wherefore with out delay he was brought unto the emperors. Who after that he had confessed that he was a Christian, and that which he had done he did it on a fervent zeal: he was delivered unto the hangemen and jurmagantes, who tormented him with sundry torments until he died. But among the outrageous torments wherewith they martyred him, there never appeared any one sign of sorrow in his countenance.  
At the same time were tormented and slain the chéeife Princes and nobles of the emperors household, among whom Peter after sundry vexations and tortures, was laid upon a Gridyron, and roasted, with this most cruel kind of death, ending his life. Likewise Dorotheus, and Gorgonius, Gentlemen of the emperors Chamber, after the bitter taste of sundry torments: were last of all hanged.  
Anthimus also bishop of Nicomedia was at that time slain with the sword and with him a great numbered of citizens, as sheep following their shepherd through torments and death, with a most constant faith.  
In Nicomedia at that time, there arose 
Nicomedia the emperors Palace burned.  a great fire suddenly within the kings palace, as who should say that God meant to punish the extreme cruelty of the emperors and the heathen people which had burned, and broiled so many innocent, and godly men. But the same chanced which befallen at Rome in the time of Nero, for like as he imputed the cause of burning the city unto the guiltless Christians, being cause thereof himself: so these emperors published new commandments, whereby they straightly charged, that the Christians should be extinguished with fire, & sword in every place.  
In Syria likewise, the faithful Doctors, 
Persecution in siria.  noble and unnoble, men and women, young and old, were drawn by heaps into prison, in so much that the prisons and common places of the city were full of prisoners, and but few men there were that walked abroad, the place resembling the show of a forlorn wilderness. Whereof when the Emperors were advertised: they willed that such as would do sacrifice to the gods should be released, the residue that continued in the christian béeléefe, should be put to death with most cruel kinds of torments.  
The people of Tyrus also, in the land 
In Tyrus.  of Palestine, whole flocks as it were of men and women, in places of common resort for shows, were thrown unto wild beasts, and when the wild beasts were more gentle towards the Christians then the men, neither forced upon them to tear them, yea, rather tear their keepers and masters that egged them to others: notwithstanding these faithless tyrant's crueler than all beasts, ran upon the miserable christians, wounding them, stabbing them and cruelly without all pity murdering them.  
A straying kind of cruelty also the ungodly in Egypt, and Thebais, practised against the faithful, wherewith they 
In Egipe.  slay infinite numbers of them. They used in certain places to bend down two Trees, and to bind the faithful unto each tree by the leg, then to let them rise again, and so tearing the men in pieces. And Vspurgensis reporteth, how at the same time, in one months space were seuentéene thousand men martyred, and slain.  
Eusebius in the. 9 and. 10. Chapters of thee, 8. book, describeth the strange torments and punishments of many christians which he himself did behold among whom he mentioneth one Phileas 
Phileas.  a worthy man, who was a Martyr himself, and had wroten of Martyrs.  
There was also in Phrigia a certain famous City, wherein all the people, 
A woeful deed.  highest and lowest, young and old, professed the Christian faith. The same City the emperors army beseidged round about, and set it on fire, burning therein all that ever was, as well men as goods, that there was not one that escaped Besides there are many other cruel tortures, and punishments recited in the same book of Eusebius, whereby infinite multitudes of christians were executed to death, & made away in Arabia Cappadocia, Mesopotamia, Alexandria Antioch, and likewise in Pontus.  
But after that these bloodthirsty dogs, Dioclecianus, and Maximianus departed from the empire, there succéeded in their place other tyrants, maxentius sun to Maximian, & Galerius Maximinus who persecuted the church nolesse cruelly than their predicessours did, neither made they any end, or moderation, or measure of punishing, staing 
Dorothea,  or sheadinge of blood. At Alexandria, a noble & honest virgin. Dorothy, was by Maximinus spoiled of all her goods & with other virgins also which would not consent to his filthy lust: tormented, and slain. At Rome, Sophronia wife to the governor of the city chose rather to die with her own hand 
Sophronia.  then to be defiled by a beastly tyrant.  
By this Tyrant very many christians were driven into exile, punished, and slain as Eusebius copiously declareth in thenéeinth and last book of his story. Howbeit the most famous among them all are three ministers of Christ, and his Church: Sylvanus of tire, Peter of Alexandria, and Lucian 
silvanus'. petrus. Lucianus.  of Antioch, who had travailed very much in the scriptures, as S. jerom reporteth. These worthy men, not only by their teaching and writing: but also by their blood and death have born testimony to the christian faith, and have cleaved unto christ constantly to death.  
This cruel and rare kind of persecution, continued from the year of Christ. 306 unto the year. 320. that is to say about xu year in the whole. For in the year of Christ. 321. Constantinus the emperor in the ten year of his reign, gave peace and rest to the miserable, torn, and almost oppressed Church: & indeed, from the time that Christ suffered his passion unto that present: there was no persecution more cruel, or that continued longer than this, wherein notwithstanding the Church through faith preveiled, overthrew, and cast down all false religion and Idolatry.  
But that I may return unto the accustomed talk which I have used 
Christian Religion.  before this, in the discourse of most persecutions, is there any man I béeséech you, which dareth avoutch that the Ethnic religion of the Romans, was therefore just and true, because the Roman emperors defended and enlarged the same, casting down, and defiling the faith of the Christians with their own blood most cruelly, & because the● obtained prosperus success against the Christians, the Christians the mean season tasting none other but the cross afflictions, miseries, and most cruel death? And who is he now, that will dispute with God, why he suffered such naughty knaves, and wicked varlets with so many and diverse kinds of calamities, molest and trouble such men as were dearly beloved unto him? Who will demand whether he did well or ill, since God doth no unjust thing? But he proveth his servants with the cross and afflictions, like as Gold and Silver are by woorkmen tried in the fire. This the faithful know very well, and therefore if our wretched and impatient flesh do move any contrary thoughts (as it often chanceth:) immediately they suppress them. And Saint Peter says: humble yourselves 
2. Pet. 4.  unto the mighty hand of god, and he will exalt you when he seethe his time and cast all your cares upon him for it is he that is careful for you.   

¶ Of the. 16. Tragical Act or persecution, under julian the Emperor, & of the 17. under the Emperor Valens, also of the. 18. under Genserick and Hunerick, Kings of the Vandals. Chapter. X.  
FRom the tenth year of the reign of Constantinus Magnus, the church of Christ enjoyed peace and tranquillity, when as within xxi. years (for so many years are accounted from the tenth year of Constantine unto the. 31. which was the last year of his reign) it increased more than at any other time since the nativity of Christ.  
But not long after the death of Constantine, 
Abuse of peace.  the learned teachers, and ministers of the Churches, unthankfully abused their peace, mingling many contentions, and cavils with the simple doctrine of their religion, and much disagréeinge, and contending among themselves: they drawn the simple people from the unity of the Church into sundry sects, and plucking them from the pureness and plainness of the true faith, with their doubtful doctrine: they filled their heads with sundry altercations. At which time sprang up the blasphemous 
Arrius heresy.  doctrine of Arrius, who affirmed that our Lord jesus Christ the sun of God was not of one essency or being with the father, neither very, and eternal God. With this poison at that time, Constantius one of Constantinus suns, was infected, for Coustantinus left béehind him three suns, béetwéen whom he divided the empire: Constantinus the second: Constantius, & Constans This Constantius was offended with the true & faithful ministers of the Church's which withstood the doctrine of Arrius, and sent them into exile. But he persecuted most vehemently Blesied Athanasius and with him many m●, whereof some he 
Athanasius.  threw into most straight prisons, grievously afflicting the faithful, as is declared at large in the ecclesiastical history. This persecution began about the year of Christ: 343. but because valens the emperor, who was also difiled with the herésie of Arrius renewed this persecution: we will attribute them both to the Arrians comprehending them under the name of Valens persecution.  
God chastised his Church for contentions, falling out, disagréements, & schisms, not only in this Arrian persecution, but also in an Ethnic the like whereof it suffered many before the reign of Constantinus, as we have hither to declared. For the emperor julian opposed himself sharply against the Church of Christ, labouring to bring it back unto the aun●ient superstitions of the gentiles, about the year of Christ 366.  
This julian was at the first a Christian, and a reader in the holy Catholic 
julians revolting.  Church, but when he had fallen into acquaintance and friendship with certain Philosophers, and chief with Libanius the Sophist: he began by little and little to fall from the Christian faith, and at last received the religion of the Gentiles again, wherein he become so blind and hard hearted: that he washed away the Baptism of Christ: yea he was so far possessed by the Devil, that he used very much Magical arts, applying his whole study unto such things as were pleasant, & exceptable to the devil.  
But after that he came to the empire, having obtained a great victory against the Almains nigh to the city Strausbrough of whom he slay. thirty. M: with all his power he bend himself against the christian religion. The temples of Idols which Constantinus had shut up, and in which upon pain of death he commanded that none should do sacrifice: julian set them open again, and sacrificed in them unto Idols, and gave all men leave to sacrifice. So that the Gentle religion and Idolatry very much increased under him: and such 
Gentilism increased.  as in the time of Constantinus had hide themselves, hoping that shortly there would come soome change: broke then abroad into light, and violently assaulted the Christians. The emperor himself, spoiled the Churches, and the ministers of the Churches, of all their privileges, immunities, liberties, and dignities, which Constantinus had given them. He forbidden also the Christians all schools, that they should not learn poetry, oratory, nor philosophy: meaning thereby to make them unlearned, that they should not be able to confute the Ethnic religion, out of the book of Ethnic writers. Himself also wroat certain books against the Christian religion, whereto very well answered. S. Syrillus, bishop of Alexandria.  
Moreover, he termed Christians disdainfully 
Christians termed Galileans.  Galileans, and Christ himself the Galilean. He did not only confiscate the goods of the Church: but also laid great tributes, and exactions upon the christians: there withal also mocking, and flouting them saying, that their God, that is to say our Lord jesus Christ forbidden them to heap up treasure, commanding them that whoso took from them their coat: they should give him their cloak also. So that he both spoiled, & flouted the Christians, and whatsoever trouble or reproach he put them unto he said how they aught to bear it willingly and patiently, for so their Christ taught them to do.  
And like as Constantinus the great, took away the Images of the Gentle 
The Roman Ensign changed.  Gods out of the Roman ensign or standard, placing in the stead of them a white cross: so contrariwise julianus restored the Images of jupiter, Mercury, and Mars, that the Christians worshipping th'ensign, and bowing themselves before it, should seem to worship the Gods. Likewise all that were appointed to warfarre, and received their native or reward, must cast a grain of frankincense into the fire upon the Altar, and so worship the Gods.  
This thing troubled him very much 
A frank confession.  For when certain Christian soldiers had unadvisedly done the same, & weighing the matter more dyllygently, perceived what they had done: of their own motion they came unto the Emperor, and casting away their donative in his presence, cried aloud saying that they were Christians, and would continue in the Christian faith, that which they had done they did it unaduisedlye, wherein they had grievously offended, wherefore they presented there their bodies unto him that they might suffer for that, wherein their hands had offended. Then the Emperor commanded that they should all be lead away to execution, & be beheaded. But when they were go out of his presence: he changed his mind, & pardoned their lives: notwithstanding he made a law, the thenceforth no christian should be admitted to warfare, or into the emperors court, or unto any bench of judgement, or any other kind of preferment.  
In every place also of the Roman empire, Christians were reprochefullye dealt withal, pitifully tormented and slain, among whom is remembered an ancient man, and a notable minister of Christ, Marcus bishop of Artehusa. The same in former, and more happy times, had destroyed the temple of the gods at Arethusa, by reason whereof julian hated him, persuading with the citizens that they should constrain him to build up the temple again, which being impossible for him to do: they required that at the lest wise he would contribute somewhat to the charges. But when he had answered that he would not give them the value of one farthing: he was by them most miserably, and cruelly, and 
Although he were very rich.  to their great shame tormented, and put to death.  
Likewise renownied men, and worthy ministers of Christ were martyred, as Gregory of Alexandria, Eusebius, Nectarius, Zenon, Basilius Ancyranus, and Cyrillus Deacon of the church of jerusalem. At Heliopolis many virtuous virgins were brought naked into the Theatre, and afterward their bellies cut up and stuffed full of oats and barley, and cast to swine to be torn.  
In Meroe a city of Phrygia, three honest citizens, Macedonius, Theodulus, & Tacianus, when as the day before, the chief officer of the city had set open a temple of Idols, which had until that time been shut up, to th'eintent there should now be sacrifice done in it, in the night entering into it they plucked down the Idols, and broke them. But when this judge and chief officer Amatius began to have tormented sundry Christians whereby he might come to knowledge who had broken the Idols: these three coming unto the judge, desired him not to torment any man for breaking the Idols, for they were the doers of it. Wherefore they were taken and roasted a great while, & at length burned. In the same persecution Artemius lieutenant of Egypt, because he constantly professed the faith of Christ: was spoiled of all his goods, & in the end lost his head: that like whereof many good, and honest men suffered. whoso desireth a more large description of these things: let him read the 6. book of the Tripartite history, also the histories of Ruffi. Theodo. and Sozo. Moreover, julianus to the intent he might 
julian sendeth the jews build the Temple at jerusalem.  molest the Christians, whom he could not compel to the Gentiles religion: he gave licence to the miserable jews, to return to jerusalem, there to assemble themselves together and to build a temple, and to frequent their sacrifice, promising unto them his assistance for the better accomplishing the same. But after that a great multitude of them was gathered together out of all nations and had prepared stuf for their present business, erected scaffolds to work upon and partly had digged their foundations and partly laid them, being busy about their building: behold, a great earthquake shook the foundations, and cast them down: there flamed also an horrible fire out of the very foundations, and a strange and terrible tempest over threw the scaffolds, shaking down what ever they had builded, and slay a great multitude of the jews. There was also a terrible bowl of fire tumbling there about all the day long, which hindered and endamaged them very much: and whereas before the jews, and Gentiles triumphed, insulted over, and threatened the Christians, Cyrillus bishop of jerusalem, with great gravity & constancy forewarned them out of Daniel the prophet and the Gospel, that it 
Dan. 9 Mat. 24. Luk. 21.  was not possible that they should sacrifice here, or else build up the jewish temple. So that they, which before this dispersion or scattering, had in derision the minister of Christ: after so great miracles of god were altogether quailed & discouraged.  
But after that julian was slain in battle against the Persians', which was in the year of christ. 367. there was quietness again restored to the Christians, which notwithstanding continued not long. For Valens, with his brother Valentinian, obtaining th'empire: was seduced by the Arrians: & although his brother Valentinian were sound in the Christian faith, yet he nevertheless about the year of thriste. 371 began to persecute the godly christians, intending to bring them to the Arrian heresy. But the church constantly withstood him, wherefore the faithful and Catholic bishops, were by him sent into banishment, and many of them tormented and finally slain.  
Since therefore at that time, there reigned such tyranny in every place, and the ministers of the churches & other faithful men, were nowher in salftye, but were commonly reprochefully intreted spoiled, plucked out of their houses and stain: at length the Church decreed to sand some notable embassedge unto the Emperor, complaining of their injuries, and requiring his majesties clemency, help, and protection. To which purpose were sent. 80. of the chiefest, the their countenance, and credit might be the greater. Who when they were come to Nicomedia to the Emperor, & had exhibited their supplication: the Emperor was grievously moved against them yet dissembling his anger, charged privily Modestus one of his servants that he should destroy all those bishops. But because he doubted, jest if they should be openly executed, the people might chance to raise a tumult: they were all embarked in a Ship, as if they should be sent into banishment. And when the Ship was come into the midst of the deep sea: the mariners setting it on fire themselves escaped away in boats thus in one Ship were. 80. holy servants of 
80 Legates miserably brent.  God consumed with fire. Which most cruel tragedy and impious fact, stroke the Church of God into most grievous, sorrow and heaviness.  
But who so is delighted to understand the most fierce barbarousness, and most outrageous tragedies, & heinous murders, which have been committed against the holy faithful of Christ: let him read the. 7, book of the Tripartite history, and the fourth of Socrates, and Theodoretus, where these things are setfoorth at large. I omit in this place to set out the persecution of Athanaricus 
Athanaricus King of the Goths.  King of the Goths, whom others call Athalaricus. He persecuted the Christians about the year of Christ, 373. whereof some he flew, some he banished. But because some report, that they which suffered these things were Arrians: therefore I thought it not convenient to reckon this among the persecutions of the holy Catholic Church.  
Howbeit after that the Vandals had possessed Africa driving the Romans thence, about the year of Christ. 443. being then peace throughout all the empire: Genserick King of Vandals and Lord of Africa, being infected with the 
Genserick King of the vandals.  Arrian heresy, as were Constantinus, and Valens the Emperors, intended to enforce the christians to the Arrian heresy, whereupon there began a bloody, and butcherly slaughter. For he shut up the Churches of the faithful, and spoilt the Ministers, whereof many he killed with hunger, and to be short: he left nothing undone whatsoever before him Dioclecian, and Maximian the most cruel tyrants, had practised against the faithful. Whom notwithstanding he could not enforce to reuoult, for all their most grievous, and cruel punishments.  
After Genserick, there succéeded him both in his kingdom and tyrrannie, his sun Honorius, in the year of Christ, 476. who persecuted also the Christian's most cruelly for the profession of the true faith. The whole story of this persecution is described by Victor bishop of utica, which lived in those bloody times. After Honoricus, there succcded in the kingdom Gundamundus, in the year of Christ, 484. who likewise as his predicessours did: persecuted the Christians. The like afterward 
To whom Fulgentius wroat.  also did Trasimundus the year of Christ. 503. by whom were at one time. 220. bishops banished into Sardinia: but Hildericus sun to Trasimundus, recalling them home again out of exile, restored them to their churches in the year of Christ. 523. This Hildericus was a good prince, & sound in the Christian religion, but in the year of Christ. 530. he was by Gilimer taken by a train and cast into prison, and reprochefully used. Howbeit Gilimer enjoyed the crown not long, but was by Bellisarius (as Procopius reporteth) about the year of Christ. 535. vanquished and slain, with whom the kingdom of Vandals also took his end. This persecution under the Vandals continued in Africa about foverscore years.   

Of the 19 Tragical act or persecution which was the longest, and most grievous of all other under Machomet, which the Sarracens and Turks have mantayned against the Church of Christ. Chapter. xi.  
BY means of these persecutions, which we have hitherto declared which are to be accounted as certain Chastisement, and corrections of God, few in the Church were brought to any repentance or amendment, but many become rather the worse: for sundry heresies and schisms, as namely of the Macedonians, Nestorians, Pelagians with diverse other arose, increasinge more and more, the recital whereof were now to tedious: by occasion whereof grievous contentions, troubles, and disagréement fallen out not only among the learned: but also among the common people and the unlearned sort, giving occasion of great and outrageous divisions in religion over all the East. besides, in the west the bishop of Rome wickedly advanced himself and his Church above all Churches and ministers of Churches throughout all Christianity, and that expressly against the holy doctrine of the Gospel, and the writings of Gregory the pope. Wherefore while matters continued in this state, God suffered his Church to be touched with most sharp troubles, and oppressed with grievous persecutions.  
For in the year of Christ. 613. was 
The beginning of the false prophet Machomet.  first known, and béecame famous in Arabia the wicked hypocrite, and most crafty varlet Machomet, whom some term Muhammat: the same from his youth upward was a merchant, but afterward he boasted that he was a prophet sent from God. There had joined themselves unto him certain wicked and stubborn jews, and also one Sergius a monk, an apostata and an heretic: ●i whose advice and aid, he devised a new law, which he called Alcoranus, for 
Alcoran what it signifieth.  this word Alcoran signifieth a minglemangle of laws. In which he erred directly from the scriptures of both testaments, wherein are set down the true laws prescribed by God, beside whom we have no need of any other book of laws: howbeit Machomet hath set forth a new and peculiar law to his Sarracens, Turks, and all that shall hereafter believe in him, which law of his, is in very deed a miserable feigned devise, impure, false, and full of filthy fables, that it was great marvel how wise men could give credit to such absurd, and doubtful trifles. Howbeit therein appeareth the dreadful wrath of God against all such as are not contented with the doctrine of Christ, & the holy scriptures: for it followeth deservedly, that all the are not contented with the truth to believe 
john. 9 2. Thes. 21.  it, afterward they give credit unto lies, & are shamefully deceived, & seduced.  
In this his law, Machomet the devilish and false prophet, hath instituted, 
The whole sum of the turkish religion. God.  and devised a new religion, altogether repugnant to the faith of Christ. He acknowledgeth the theridamas is one God maker of heaven and earth whom only we must adore and call upon, and that we must not worship or honour any other Gods, Idols, or Images, which the Sarracens and Turks do hate exceedingly. But he doth not acknowledge according to the effect of the holy scriptures, the difference of the people in one and indivisible substance of Godhoode, the Father, the Sun and the holly ghost, but he impugneth, and raileth at 
Christ.  the blessed Trinity. Likewise, he confesseth that Christ was a great prophet born of the holy and undefiled virgin, who was taken also up into heaven, but as for that point which is peculiar to the true and lively faith: he doth not confess that jesus Christ is the everlasting sun of God, very God and man, the only mediator of God and men who being crucified & slain for our sake, arose again from the dead, & sitteth on the right hand of god, being of one power with the father in heaven. These things he blasphemeth and impugneth deneing that christ was crucified wherefore he teacheth also erroneously touching remission of sins, which onli we obtain by faith in christ which was crucified, 
Remission of sins.  you he is altogether ignorant of faith & justification by faith in Christ, devising 
Faith and justification  sundry woorshippinges and means to attain salvation, namely by fasting praying, giving of alms, sustaining many & great labours, suffering much trouble, valientlye fighting for the Machometan religion, and dying in batteill. He is also of opinion that a man may fulfil the law, and demerit salvation by his own works: he 
Works.  hath his Moonkes & Priests, in whose merits he reposeth the hope of his salvation. He confesseth the resurrection 
Eternal life.  of the body, but he speaketh altogether carnally and impurely of felicity, as though in Paradise we should enjoy bodily pleasures, meat, drink, beauty of the body, as if it were in the blessed islands called Beatorum insulae, or else in a certain Utopia.  
He despiseth the evangelical and apostolical 
Congregations, rites, and Sacraments.  doctrine, as he doth also our holly assembles and congregations, commanding all that believe in him to be circumcised after the jewish manner, nothing regarding our Baptism: he raveth and raileth at the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, and all the form and order of the lords supper which was instituted and appointed by Christ: he contemneth all christian usedges, and hath instituted peculiar congregations, temples, rights, and ceremonies: he commands the sixt day of the week, which we call Friday, to be 
Holidays.  kept holiday: he appointed fasting days & purging with water: he commanded them to pray five times in a day: he forbidden 
Prayers  to pray unto saints & creatures, but unto God only, which is truth in deed: but he teacheth to pray unto others beside Christ. Such prayers are not acceptable unto God, because they are not made through Christ, through whom we pray unto God our father in heaven, 
1. john. 2.  whereat he mocketh. But S. john says: Who so hath not the Sun, hath 
Matrimony, and divorcement.  not the Father: He altogether profaneth holly matrimony: for unto men he giveth licence to marry as many wives as they list, and that which is injurious and dishonest, to forsake them without cause at their pleasure, and discretion. He forbiddeth them after the jewish manner to eat swines flesh, he debarreth them also from wine, howbeit the richer sort have devised certain costly kinds of drinks, whereby they become nolesse drunk then with wine. And this is the doctrine of the devil, whereof Paul entreateth in the first of Timothy, the. 4. chapter. And whatsoever I have said of the Machometan faith: the same are all to be understood of the Turkish religion or superstition, which at this day is usual among the Turks. And as for these things, I have reported them very bréeflye, that those that know not the Turkish religion: may have a brief extract, not of the whole religion: but of the chiefest points, and opinions thereof. 
The wrath of God.  Now through indifferent view of these things which we have recited: who doth not understand that through the most grievous yet most just wrath of God, the world is by him most sharply punished, since that he hath suffered so absurd, filthy, & wicked religion to take place? and here withal, let us also behold and weigh, what a cruel and continual persecution which endureth also to this day, this impious▪ and Machometan faith hath raised against the holy Church of Christ, and the true faith.  
Machomet that false prophet and 
What the Sarracens were.  murderous seductour of the world, had persuaded his Sarracens, that they are the true children & heiers of sarra wife to Abraham, and that in respect thereof: béelonged unto them all the promises made unto Abraham, namely that his seed should rule all the world, and therefore he exhorted the Sarracens that taking weapon in hand, they should valyently assay to possess all the kingdoms of the world as their own inheritance.  
The Sarracens were a barbarus and rough people of Arabia, which before that time were called Agareni, the same receiving stipend of the Romans, fought under them in the war against the Persians'. But when he which bore the name of general, & had the charge of the army in giving them their pay, had reprochefully called them dogs, saying: who shall give money enough to this company of dogs: they reuoulted from the Romans, and being persuaded by Homer their cheifteine: they chose Machomet to be 
Machomet is made King.  their prince, specially since he had persuaded them that they should not be called Agareni of Agar the handmaid, but rather Sarraceni of Sarra the lawful wife, by reason whereof, as it is said, they were the Lords, and heirs of all kingdoms. These things were done in the year of Christ. 623. But this seditious, murderous, and wicked villain Machomet, so soon as he had obtained the Empire: began to enlarge and set forth his abominable religion with the sword, and to enforce men to receive it, persecuting also and oppressing the true Christian faith. And for the better ratefiing hereof, he continued in this travail the space of. 9 years unto the year of our Lord. 632. Unto all that would follow his religion he promised felicity, glory, Empire, victori, riches, and after this life the pleasure of Paradise. And by this means he got unto him great multitudes of men, specially when at the beginning things prospered so well with him, for why, the common people followeth good fortune victory, and ritchesse: hating as much the cross, and persecutions. He willed them moreover to persecute all such as spoke against, and reprehended the Alcoran. Wherefore many reuoulted from the Christian faith, and all virtuous and true Christians were oppressed with grievous persecutions: & this was the beginning of the Sarracens kingdom. After the death of Machomet, the Sarracens called their chief princes Amiras, which as some say, signifieth as much as the name of Emperor. Whose names, and most famous conquests, are described in histories unto the year of Christ, 870. They made many great wars: and fought sundry battles, and obtained conquests against the emperors of Constantinople and other kings and princes. They subdued Persia, Babylon, Syria, the city of jerusalem, and got sundry great victories in Asia, and Africa, in which places they term their Prince's soldans, 
souldanes.  or Sultan's, and Caliphas, that is to say chief Princes, and Captains in battle. The Sarracens have made eruptions into Italy, Spain, & France, spoiling all that ever they could, wasting, burning, & bearing away innumerable spoils. But how miserably the Church of christ was torn in pieces, how much christian blood shed in so many provinces during the space of so many years it is impossible to set forth in words. For at length the Sarracens were driven out of Spain by Ferdinand the great, the year of Christ 1487 & out of Africa they were expulsed the year of Christ 1517. but the Turks succéeded in their place, for Selimus' emperor of the turks slay, and drove the Sara. out of Affri.  
hereunto also appertaineth that miserable 
The holy war.  slaughter, wherein there was an unspeakable déele of blood sheden, which is commonly called the Holly war, wherein the Christians went about to recover jerusalem, and the holy sepulchre of the Lord, out of the Sarracens and Machometans hands, whereby they brought none other thing to pass but being not able to obtain the sepulchre: they hastened themselves to their own graves and destruction, & through their unfortunate war, brought the miserable Christians of the East into hatred, great danger, and persecution, so the well-nigh, they lost all that was remaininge. But to the intent that this great grievous, long, and cruel persecution which the Sarracens have exercised against the Christians, may be the better known: I mean to declare the whole discourse of the war.  
In the year of Christ, 1. 84. there 
The original of the Sarracens war.  came out of the East, a certain Anchor, whom historiographers do call Peter the Eremite. The same filled the ears of princes and men of all other sorts, declaring unto them the miserable state of the Christians in the East, whom the Machometan Sarracens oppressed with woeful tyranny, and very much molested: wherefore that it was right needful for the Christians in the west, to have some care over them, and gathering an army both to overcome the Sarracens, and release the Christians. Shortly after urban the two. being Pope, and scholar to Gregory the seventh called together a counsel at Claromont in France wherein it was decreed, that the christians with 
Claromont. counsel.  all their power should make war upon the Sarracens, take jerusalem, and the holy Sepulchre, and so deliver the Christians from their tyrrannye. This counsel was pernicyous and hurtful to the Christian commonwealth, and had the very same end with the counsel which is described in the first book of Kings, the last Chapter. For all things were unfortunate, and the Christians were not only not released from the tyranny: but most part of them slain, & afterward oppressed, and afflicted more grievously than before. And albeit many holy and good men, upon a virtuous zeal yielded themselves and consented to the war: yet lacked it the foundation of God's word, which should have commanded them to take jerusalem and the holy Sepulchre from the Sarracens, and to take in hand so great and dangerous a war. For although they achieved sundry noble adventures, and possessed many places: yet was there no constant Fortune as to hold that which they had taken, or to establish peace for the oppressed christians. The bishops also in their counsels touching this war gave but evil counsel unto Princes, and many other godly christians, as they have done also in many other matters. Other deceits and troubles which were annexed hereto, for brevytie sake I omit at this present. The Claromont counsel was held the year of Christ. 1095.  
After the Claromont counsel immediately 
The. 1. expedition.  began Peter the heremits war, who leading forth with him certain thousands which voluntarely offered themselves in this expedition: marched through Hungary into Asia, but achieved there no noble exploit worthy of memory. And this was the first unlucky journey.  
Shortly after two rash and troublesome 
The. 2. expedition.  priests, whom Historicians call Volcomar, and Goddeschar, having gathered an unfit multitude of the common people: began the second expedition into Asia. But when they were come into Hungary spoiling althing, rebing, and using themselves disordinately, so that the Hungarians judged them worse than they unbeléeving Sarracens, they gathered an army, and slay those lewd 
The 3. expedition.  pilfering varlets.  
In the year of Christ. 1096. Godfree and Baldwine of the famile of Bullein, Dukes of Lorraine took in hand the. 3. expedition into Asia. These gathering an army of a hundred thousand horsemen, & three hundred thousand footmen: took many cities of Asia, and jerusalem also. Vrspurgenfies reporteth, that there was so much blood shed there, that in the very temple the blood was above the hooves of the Horses. The year of Christ. 1119. 
jerusalem taken  the city of jerusalem was taken by the Christians, and made head of the new kingdom of Christians in the east, whereof duke Godfree was created king. The same reigned one year, after whom succéeded seven Kings in order, which reigned in all about one hundred year & in the year of Christ. 1189. all things were lost again which they had taken. 
The. 4. expedition.   
After that tidings were come out of the East, how jerusalem was taken, and a new kingdom established many were pricked forward to take their iourneie thither hoping for riches, & kingdoms. Wherefore in the year of Christ. 1101. William duke of Poicters, with .100000. men took in hand the holy warfare. And this was. the 4. expedition, which was not also very prosperous, for there returned home again not many more than a M. men. Although jerusalem was thus taken by the christians: notwithstanding the Sarracens ceased not from war: but urged them so sharply the they were enforced to so foraid, when as S. Bernhard abbot of Claravallis joined himself in this unlucky war, and taking divers journeys in hand exhorted 
The. 5. expedition.  the christian princes to take this war upon them, and at length brought to pas the Conrade the 3. being emperor, Ludovick king of France. Friderick duke of Suevia, Welphus' duke of Bavaria with many other princes more, with great power began this expedition: but these also profited nothing, for their army dying in sundry places in foreign countries, the princes scarcely returned in safety. This great expedition was made in the year of our Lord. 1147.  
Afterwards jerusalem was taken, as we have said before, by a very great power of Sarracens, with an unspeakable loss and spilling of Christian blood. Which heavy tidings being arrived in the west: forthwith there béetooke them unto armour, Friderick Barbarossa the emperor, Philippe king of France, Richard king of England, and with them many princes more. These took in hand the. 6. expedition into the east, 
The. 6. expedition.  the year of Christ. 1189. With an exceeding great power, who notwithstanding brought nothing to pass but this only, that the noble prince Friderik the emperor fallen into a river and was drowned, the army for the most part died with sickness, the residue whereof the numbered was not great, returned home miserably.  
After this there appointed again a new 
The. 7. expedition.  and which was the. 7. expedition, two most puissant princes, the kings of France, and England, in the year of Christ. 1191. and came into Asia, where léesinge a great multitude of men: they were constrained to leave jerusalem to the Sarracens.  
In the year of Christ. 1198. Henry 
The 8. expedition.  sun to Friderick Barbarossa, began the viii. expedition into Syria: but at the first receiving a foil: he returned again without doing any thing.  
After all these expeditions: Pope Innocentius the 3. a crafty & presumptuous 
The Lateran counsel.  man, went about afresh to beegin this war, caulinge at Rome a great counsel, such as hath not been seen thee like, in the year of Christ, 1215. but he died in the midst of this business, after whom succéeded Honorius the 3. who with no less diligence applied the same matter, feigninge, like a false prophet, that he had seen a vision, and that it was said unto him by Saint Peter that in the time of his reign: jerusalem should be recovered. Wherefore, the ninth expedition was taken in hand towards Ancon, which once was Ptolomais. Then was taken Damniata, yet with more loss than profit unto our men, which was taken the year of Christ. 1222. and lost the next year following. To be short, there was almost nothing got by the war, for every thing had but little good success. 
The. 10. expedition.   
In the year of Christ. 1228. Fridericke the second Emperor of the name, a wise, noble, and victorious prince, undertook the tenth expedition into Syria, where vanquishing his enemies: he took certain principal Cities among which also he wan jerusalem. But 
See how the Pope helpeth the Christians.  whilst this good prince maketh war against the Infidels: Pope Gregory the ix invaded Apulia, and took his native kingdom and country, and therefore contrary to his intent and purpose, he was enforced to take peace with the Soldan, and so depart. Which deed of the Pope, Abbas Vrspurgensis, in his chronicles doth worthily blame most sharply.  
Afterwards, in the year of Christ. 124● Ludovick king of France, with his brothers 
The 11. expedition.  Robert and Charles, lead forth an army passing well appointed into Syria: where he found no better fortune than others before him had done. For Robert was slain, & Charles taken by the Sultan the army discomfited, and the king Ludovick hardly escaped with a few. And this was the xi unhappy expedition. 
The. 12 expedition.   
In the year of Christ, 1270. King Ludovick lead forth an army again into Africa against the Sarracens, which maketh the xii expedition, but there a sickness invading the army: the king himself with one of his suns died, for he carried three forth with him into battle, & a few of the people returned home self.  
Although in this war, which was first kindled by Peter the Eremite, afterward proclaimed by the Claromont counsel, and successively mantayned by means and provocation of Popes, there was no constant success, so that it was manifest unto all men that God would bless it with no prosperous preveile: and seeing that jerusalem was lost again, and the state of Christians in the East was become most miserable from whom by reason of the wars, persecutions were not taken away, but rather augmented: notwithstanding these unfortunate bishops, with this unspeakable effusion of Christian blood, were not satisfied, neither could be brought to yield or relent at these perpetual and great discouragementes For Gregory the x. calling a great counsel at Lions, in the yéeare of our 
Counsel at Lions.  lord. 1272. went about to renew the war, but all in vain, for so much as thereby many had sustained such and so many miseries, and calamities both of body, and goods. And Matthaeus Palmerius in his Cronacles writeth: How that many thousands of Christians being slain in Syria by the Sarracens, the residue for fear departed the country: which was done the year of Christ 1291. about which year Paulus Aemilius, and the French Chronacles do report, that this holy or rather unhappy war, was ended, which continued in all. 196. years, whereof the like is not herded of in any history. And this war unto the great damage and oppression of the Christians, was first kindled by Peter an unknown heremit (of whom 
urspurgensis. pag. 240.  many boast very much, others not without cause have doubted whether he were a man or any thing else I know not what, many have said that he was a dissembling hypocrite) helped by the Counsel and prelate's, and this much is sufficient to have spoken of the Sarracen persecution, Wherefore let us now come to the Turkish.  
The persecution of Turks, wherewith 
Original of Turks.  they have molested the Christians is in some respect joined and coupled with the Sarracen, making it more grievous and cruel: And the Turks are a people of Tartary, which in the year of Christ. 764. brake forth of their own confines through the gates Caspiae, & planted themselves in Asia who first serving under the Sarracens for wagies: afterward increasinge their power by good success in wars, about the year of Christ. 1051. they created them princes among themselves, who perpetually have afflicted, and persecuted the poor Christians, for they also had then received the Machometan religion.  
It is not to be doubted, but that God hath sent this cruel, and superstitious nation of Turks for a scourge unto the Christians. For like as in the time of Solomon, when as he fallen from the law of God, and suffered his wives to build temples unto Idols: there sprang up and increased enemies against him, and all the kingdom: so likewise among the Christians, when Pope Boniface the. 8. committed many things repugnant to the Christian religion, bringing in the jubilee of the jews, which was 
The pope's jubilee.  abolished by christ, whereby the redemption through Christ was no little déele diminished: at the same time in the year of our lord, 1300. sprung forth that sharp rod, namely othomannus prince of the Turks, who at the béeginninge was but a shepherd. From this sprang out 
Original of Ottoman the first Prince of Turks.  all the princes, and emperors of the Turks which hitherto have obtained the empire, persecuting the Christians with unspeakable harms, wasting, and destroying whatsoever the Sarracens had left, and have established such a kingdom: as hath desended and enlarged itself (alas therewhile) with impregnable force against all power. Othomannus hath amplified his kingdom large and wide, wonderfully indamaginge, vanquishing, and murtheringe the Christian Greeks, which were under the empire of Constantinople.  
After the death of Othomannus, there 
Orchannes the. 2.  succéeded him in the Turkish Empire his sun Orchannes, in the year of our Lord, 1328. The same ensued his father's steps, grievously afflicting the Christians, he béesiedged the City Nicaea, which when the Emperor of Constantinople would have delivered from siege: the army of the Christians was miserably slain, the City yielded, and the Christian's most truly dealt with all.  
In the year of our Lord, a thousand three hundred and fifty, Amurates the first of that name, third prince of the Turks, succéeded his father Orchannes. Who sending an army over the Sea: took the cities Hadrianopolis, Servia, and Bulgaria, whom when the Christian 
Amurates the. 3.  princes assayed to drive away, were also with their armies slain by the Turks.  
Baiazetus the first, fourth Prince of 
Baiazetus. 4.  the Turks, began to reign in the year of our Lord. 1373. The same hath unspeakabli in damaged the Christians: and among other things he besieged Constantinople very hardly the space of eight years. And when the Emperor of Constantinople had desired help of other christians: Charles the .6. king of France, Sigismond of Hungary, john Duke of Burgundy, Rupert Duke of Bavaria with other princes, sent him aid gathering an army of. 80000. men. But all these upon Michaelmas day were by the Turks slain at Nicopolis, in the year of Christ 1395.  
Machomet the fift prince of Turks, 
Machomet. 5.  in the yéeare of our Lord 1399. came unto the Empire. He vanquished Sigismond King of Hungary in a battle at Columbecium, & very mucth endamaged the Christians, in the year of Christ, 1409.  
Afterwards in the year of Christ 1416 
Amurates. 6.  Amurates the. 2. was created the sixte Prince of the Turks. The same made war with Ladislaus king of Hungary and Polande, when Ladislaus through the help of God vanquishing Amurates, enforced him unto conditions of peace, very necessary and profitable for the Christians. This peace was confirmed by an oath: at which time the state of Christians was in good case over the Turks, had not Pope Eugenius the 4. unluckily troubled all. Who sending julianus Caesarinus in embasiedge into Hungary: persuaded Ladislaus the King that he was not bond by the oath which he made to keep peace with the Turk, for that no man aught to make peace with Infidels or heretics, and the oaths and promises made unto them are not to be performed. There were also divers other which provoked the king Ladislaus that he should use and employ this happy success which God had given him against the Turks, unto the commodytie of the Christian commonwealth, that the Turk was now in great fear, and troubled at that present with war by the Carmani, wherefore that it were an easy matter to vanquish him. With these persuasions this young Prince, this virtuous and well meaning King, breaking the peace, violating his oath, made war upon the Turks, and pitched his tents between Danubius and Adrianopolis, near to 
The reward of perjury.  the City Varna. Against whom came forth Amurates, accompanied with fourscore thousand men, greatly blaming the perjury of the Christians, and their breaking of the peace, where he slew the young king which had been deceived by other, with many more princes and noble men, and as Platina witnesseth in the life of Eugenius the. 4. in that battle were slain, 3. C. thousand Christians. The battle was fought upon S. Martin's even in the yéeare of Christ. 1444. Who so desireth to read a larger description of that woeful calamity: let him peruse the Hungarian history of Antonius Bonfinius, the 6. book of the 3 Decade.  
But Amurates not being satisfied with this victory: immediately convaighing his army into Greece, slay the Emperor of Constantinoples' brother with all his power, and wasted Peloponesus with fire and pilledge: and such Christians as were reserved from the slaughter: he lead away into most miserable slavery. And this was the great good provision and commodity, which the counsel of the bloody and perjured Pope Eugenius purchased to the Christians.  
After these calamities and grievous 
Machomet the. 7.  persecutions: yet were there greater mischiefs, which by the just judgement of God oppressed the Christians. For in the year of Christ. 1450. Machomet the second Sun to Amurates was made the seventh Prince of the Turks. The same for the valientnesse of his deeds was surnamed the great, and called the first Caesar or Emperor of the Turks, because he took away valiantly by force that Empire which 
The first Emperor of Turks.  from the time of Constantinus the great, the space of. 1121. years had continued under the dominion of the Christians, and brought it in subjection unto the Turks.  
For in the year of our Lord 1453. he 
Constantinople taken.  besieged costantinople the head of the empire, with a great power. And when he had besieged it the space of 50 continual days, & assaulted it with munition, at length the 29 day of May, he increased the assault with all his force from the morning until most part of the day were spent, & at the length too it. Here now it cannot be recited, with what savage cruelty, wantonness, pride and disdain the barbarous Turks used the miserable Christians without all mercy. Constantinus the Emperor who was pressed and trodden to death by the multitude of men, being sought out and haled from the residue of the dead carcases: had his head strucken off, which being set upon the point of a spear, was carried about in despite & derision of the christians. Some report also that there were 40000. Christians slain, CLM. carried away into captivytie and sold. The exact description of this most miserable calamiti, and unspeakable persecution: is to be found in Nauclerus histori.  
Also joannes Aventinus a writer of 
Machomets' great victories.  histories, reporteth that this wicked Machomet surnamed the great, besides the two Empires of Trapezunce and Constantinople, took away moreover from the Christians. twelve. famous Kingdoms, and 200 famous Cities. Also in the year of Christ 1469. he made an irruption into Styria, and béesiedged the city Graecium: whereby such fear invaded the christians, that from Saltzbrough which some suppose of old to be called Iwania, unto Monachum, in Bavaria, they fled in such haste: that they regarded not their Children which fallen out of the wagons and Chariots by the way. The same at that time they called the Turkish flight.  
In the year of our Lord God. 1481 
Bajazet. 2. second emperor of Turks.  Baiazetes was created second Emperor of the Turks, and the eight prince from Othomamnus. Thesame persecuted also the christians cruelly, and broke into Wallachia, & Hungary, where near to the river Morana vanquishing the Christians: in reproach and despite cut of the noses of all the prisoners which he had taken: He made war also against the Venetians, sending forth against them Scender a Bassa into Frioll, who sacking and spoiling far about carried away many Christians captive, of whom three hundred thousand were most pitifully slain at the shore of the river Tiliaventum. Many things also more have been committed cruelly against the Christians by this most barbarous, and Turkish Tyrant Baiazete.  
In the year of our Lord. 1512. the. 9 
Selimus. 3. Emperor.  prince of the Othomanni, and the third in order of the Turkish emperors Selimus, began to reign. The same quite destroyed the Sarracens & Mammaluces commanding that their last Sultan Tomombeius most ignominiously should be hanged, which was done the. 13. day of April, in the year of our Lord. 1517. when he had taken Alcharyus or Memphis the greatest and most famous City of Egypt. And by this means the Turkish Princes obtained three exceeding great Empires, to wit, of Trapezunce, Constantinople, and Egypt: and so continually the Rod or Sword which God hath prepared against the Christians is fortified and increased.  
Solimannus succéeded his Father Selimus in the Empire in the year of 
Soliman. 4. Emperor.  Christ. MDXIX. being the tenth Prince, and fourth Emperor of the Turks. The same took Bellogradum or Alba Graeca, a passing strong City and the key of all Hungary, which was in the year of Christ. MDXXI.  
After this in the year of our Lord 1523 he béesiedged the isle of Rhodes, and 
Rhodes.  compelled it to yield. Then afterward in the year of Christ, 1526▪ he discomfited and slay Ludovick king of Hungary with all his army. Again, in the year of our lord. 1529. he brought an army into Austria, & béesiedged vienna 
Vienna.  the head of the country, which although he obtained not yet he woundrouslye endamaged the Region, with fire, spoylinge, murder, and captivity of many thousand Christians, whom he carried thence. Besides this, in the year of Christ. 1537. he overcame the Christians again in Hungary, and did them very much harm. After which in the year of our Lord. 1541. he took 
Buda.  Buda the Metropolitan City of all Hungary, and also the whole country. But because all these things are fressh in the memories of men, which were done within fifty years, I thought it sufficient only to touch them and repeat them: For it is not unknown what great harm he did, and what autragies he committed in Hungary about the time that he died, which was in the year of our Lord M. D. lxvi. when he took Ligethum, where either he slay or carried away as prisoners 
Lige 〈…〉  most part of the Christians, which in deed were very many.  
And now last of all, what the Christians have to look for at the hands of Selimus the ii son to Solimannus the 
selimus. 5. Emperor.  xi. Prince of the descent of Othomannus and the fift Emperor of the Turks, who bega to reign in the year of Christ M. D. LXVI. the experience itself hath taught in the year of our Lord, M. D. LXX. in which he took the noble Kingdom of Cypress, slaying many thousand Christians, whom he had tormented and then slain: or carrying them away into perpetual, and most cruel servility.  
I suppose that in this place, many 
Note.  will marvel at this rehearsal of the Saracenical, and Turkish persecutions, which are not of opinion themselves that they should be accounted among persecutions: but rather among wars, whereof the reason and nature is far otherwise sions are not excused that were infected with errors: Semblably in these Saracenical and Turkish wars, I have applied the name of the Christian church (like as I admonished in the beginning of this book) unto all those that are called Christians, whom the Turks for the names sake do persecute by reason of an hatred which they bear to the christian faith: although many do much want of the simplicity, and purity of the Christian religion: neither by any means thereby are the errors of the Romish Church excused.  
The things which first incensed the 
Motions unto these persecutions.  Sarracens and Turks, to commit these furious cruel tyranycall Tragedies, these wars, & persecutions: was chiefly the Devil himself, who is excéedingely delighted with shedding of man's blood: secondly the hatred of the true Christian faith, and a greedy desire to rule far and wide: covetousness to hea●e up riches, and to live sumptushoppes theretelye: also a zeal and Rome, Pope, Cache wicked and false which be now at th● met, with other causes which her after shallbe declared.  
And this much I thought briefly to set down, concerning the saracenical and Turkish persecutions. And it is to be wished, that all those which are Christians and would so be named: would sound & surely acknowledge, that this grievous tyranny of the Turks, is a very true persecution, laid upon us from above, to see if haply men would be brought unto wisdom, whereby to embrace ernestlye the pure doctrine of Christ, studeinge more to lead a Christian life then hitherto they have done: for surely unless we do so: we must needs look for far worse.  
But now in these Saracenical and Turkish persecutions, to return unto that which we have often admonished before: I ask this question, if there be any man of so small or froward discretion, that dareth avouch that the Machometan religion is true, and the Christian false: because the followers of machomet in every place have ●● among per●● oppressing the Chrismong wars, whermously railing at nature is far otherwise And who dareth deny, that all these religions, and Churches which Saint Paul the Apostle converted to the faith of Christ, are now overturned, and destroyed by that filthy, and horrible Machometan beast, and that the most impious, & froward faith of Machomet, yea rather that loathsome abomination is there established: And who is so presumptuous, and devoid of all religion, that because God of his just judgement permitteth the Turks to commit so many things, which he could easily prohibit: will therefore dispute with God, and demand of him, wherefore he suffereth so much blood to be shed, so many thousand Christians to be slain? How he can abide so many unspeakable calamities, miseries, and afflictions of the godly, and that so many hundred years? And why rather he distroyeth not with Thundre and lightdiffe●● from Heaven, the impure, and Church of ●●ire of the Turks, or ca●shoppes thereo●▪ to gape and swallow Rome, Pope, Car● abomination? But which be now at this ●e and great causes why God, who is true, holy, and righteous, suffereth and permitteth all these things. Furthermore, long sithence he 
Dan. 2. Mat. 24. Luk. 21.  foretold by Daniel the Prophet, and Christ himself prophiseth in the Gospel, that the last persecution before the later judgement, should be so sharp and great: that there was never the like upon the earth either herded, or seen. And I am of opinion, that the final judgement and the redemption of all the faithful, & glorious clarification, and blessed rewarding, is not far of from us. Lord jesus Christ, take pity upon thy afflicted Church, and vouchsave to comfort and help it in this latter cruel, and most rare kind of persecution.   

Of the. 20. and last Tragical Act or persecution, which the Bishops of Rome have moved and practised against the Chur 〈…〉 of Christ, certain hundred 〈…〉 Chapter. 〈…〉  
THe Papistical pe 〈…〉 next to the 〈…〉 much the more dangerous: how much the less it was to be looked for, and so much the more cruel: because it is practised by those who of all other ought most to be séekers of peace and quietness, and such as would be accounted most soundest in religion, and most hollyest of all other in the Church, as unto whom Christ hath given all power in the Church, that in matters of faith they may rule all things according to their pleasure, and to be the head and universal pastors, over the Catholic church of Christ. For all men know, what titles the Pope, and all his spiritual people do boast of.  
But in the béeginninge of this book, we have declared that there be sundry understands and distinctions, not only of faith, and Religion: but of the Church also, over which the ungodly seek to rule. There is also very great difference between the ancient Church of Rome, and the first bishops thereof: and the Church of Rome, Pope, Cardinals, and bishops which be now at this day.  
The ancient bishops of the Church 
The first Bishops of Rome were Martyrs.  of Rome, which lived and sat there from the year of Christ. 70. unto the year 314. and during the time of Constantine the great were in number. 32. who were all faithful in their calling, profiting the Church by teaching, and otheir means, and for Christ and his Gospel's sake were martyred and slain. They meddled not at all with the civil government there was no Court of Rome, no senate of scarlet Cardinals, no guard for the body, no other superfluities, which now adays are frequented by Popes. Histories of credit do confirm this same, such as were not written in flattery of the Popes. Also the name of Pope at that time was not proper only to the bishop of Rome: but other Bishops also abroad in other Provinces were called by the same name. For Aurelius and Cyprian, Bishops of Carthage Ambrose Bishop of Milan, and other Bishops in other places, were also called Popes. And likewise Saint jerome termeth S. Augustine which was bishop of Hippo, in certain Epistles by the name of Pope. For this 
Papa, or Pope, what it signifieth.  word Papa Pope, in the Syracusian tongue signifieth as much as this word Pater a Father, as Suidas testifieth. For it behoveth the Ministers of the church to be faithful fathers of the people, 
1. Cor. 4.  as Saint Paul writeth.  
Moreover, among all the Bishops of Rome from Constantinus the great, and Pope Sylvester, unto Gregory the first which were in number, xxxvi. there was not one within compass of. 280. years, that used the pomp, pride, majesty, and power, which the Pope's use accustomably now now a days. Their 
The ancient Pope's authority.  authority was great among other Churches and Bishops, because for the most part they were learned and skilful men, neither infected with heresies as some other Bishops in other Churches were, but principally: because they were Ministers of the same Church which the Apostles planted at the béeginninge, 
Apostolic Sea.  which was therefore called the Apostolic Church, and the Apostolic seat, and Saint Peter'S Chaer. Howbeit the title, and name of the Apostolic seat was not given only to the Roman Church: but unto other Churches also, namely jerusalem, and Antioch. And this word, seat, signifieth not a judgement seat, or a princess' throne: but an ecclesiastical preachers pulpit. So 
Tertul. de prescript. haeres.  that our forefathers in the old time termed the above named churches, Apostolic seats of the Apostolic doctrine, because the Apostles taught in those places, and from those Apostolic Churches, the Apostolic doctrine stretched forth unto other Churches, aswell far as near. Wherefore those places in which is not the Apostolic doctrine, can not glory of the Apostolic seat, although indeed it were there many hundred years before. For there is also a seat of the Devil, as Saint john declareth in the 2. Chapter of the Revelation.  
But in the time of Pope Gregory the first, which was within. 300. years after the birth of Christ, the Church of Rome was so far from the dominion which now it obtaineth: that Gregory very vehemently with stood john, which was bishop of Constantinople, who ambitiously sought to have chief place, and superiority in the Church, & would also be called universal bishop. Which title, notwithstanding and greater to, the bishops of Rome do use at this day: but Gregory said that this was a Devilish pride, and the malice of Antichrist. He that lust let him read the fourth, & sixte books of Saint Gregory's Epistles touching this matter.  
Howbeit not long after the death of 
Fron whence the Romish church received her power.  Gregory, Bonifacius the 3. usurped that title, which was granted unto him by Phocas the emperor, a naughty and wicked man. For Otho bishop of Frisingen a writer of Cronacles, in the u book, and eight Chapter: reporteth how Pope Bonifacius the 3. had obtained of Phocas the Emperor, that by his authority, power and commandment the Church of Rome might be called, and also be indeed, the head of all other Churches. Beda also writeth the same. And Vrspurgensis says: that Rome aught to be mother of all other Churches. Nauclerus writeth: that all other Churches in the world, aught to obey the Church of Rome, and the Bishop thereof. Whereby it may be easily perceived how that this decree of Phocas the Emperor, whom all Hystoricians do very much reprove: was no decree or institution of the Apostles, made by Peter or Paul.  
The Sea of Rome being exalted after 
How the bishops of Rome usurped.  this manner: the bishops which consequently ensued, began more & more to busy and meddle themselves with civil matters, neither sought they only for power, and dominion: but devised how they might pluck their necks from the emperors iurisoiction, and extol themselves above them, how they might challenge & bring in subjection under them, their provinces, peoples, and majesty. But in the mean season they quite forgot their submission and duty, departing far wide from thence, & become altogether 
Pope's rose against Emperors.  unlike unto the first bishops of Rome At length the matter proceeded so far: that they dared boldly withstand the emperors, and rise against them, for even so Gregory the two and Gregory the three Popes of Rome's, opposed themselves against Leo the three and Constantine the .v. emperors. For these calling certain counsels, unto which there assembled a great numbered of learned men, and bishops of Asia, Grecia, and other regions, they argued the controversy of Images: namely, whether it were lawful to have and to worship the Images of Christ, and the holy saints in the Churches of the Christians. Whereas at that time it was concluded, and confirmed out of the holy scriptures, and doctrine of the ancient fathers, that Images aught not to be worshipped, nor to be suffered in churches, but to be taken away wheresoever they were found. But after that th'emperors had given forth commandment to the Popes, and unto other under the Roman Empire, that all of them according to the word of God, and the meaning thereof discussed in this present counsel, should take down th'images out of their Churches: such was the presumption of the Popes, that being called to the counsel: they neither appeared, and afterward by their own authority, contrary to the commandment of the Emperors: 
Anno Domini. 739.  they called peculyer Counsels of Italian Bishops, wherein they decreed the Images aught be to retained in churches, and more worshipped then ever they had been before. Neither presumed they only thus far: but withdrew the emperors subjects from due obedience towards him, excommuncaiting the Emperors themselves without cause, raising moreover tumults & great feditions, wherein the emperors lieutenants and debites were slain, as namely, Paulus at Ravenna: and Mauritius with Adriane his sun in Campania. And by this means all dutiful 
Emperor of Constant. by Pope's driven out of Italy.  service, and obedience was denied to the Emperors, & they were driven from the government of Italye. But by what right, the Popes brought these things to pass by their practises: every man that is endued with common sense, and hath any knowledge of justice, may soon understand. All these things were done with in. 30. years after the year of our lord 724, or near thereupon, unto the year of our Lord. 754  
In the year of our Lord, 750. Pope 
an honest practice.  Zacharie the. 1. of that name, took upon him temporal matters, & began to meddle with the civil government, & assisted to depose the king of France from his crown and to place another in his room. For through his help and counsel, Hilderik king of France of the ancient family of Merovingi, was deposed from the crown, and Pipine of the family of Charles, thirst into his place.  
But shortly after this great benefit of the Popes: Pipine brought an army of Frenchmen into Italy against Estulphus king of Lombary, when having taken in war the greater part of the country, he gave it for reward unto pope Steven the second, and then first S. Peter obtained an inheritance, who before the time, the space of. 700. years: never had any: and although that Constantius the emperor sent Ambassadors unto Pipine, that he would not alienate the Provinces of the Roman Empire: yet notwithstanding Steven the Pope gladly received those Provinces, peopls, and civil government which certainly S. Peter would never have done, forasmuch as he refused the charge over the poor. Acts the vi.  
The Pope's following thereafter, imitated the deeds of them which went before, nothing like the deeds of the Apostles. For Hadriane the Pope, likewise received all those things willingly which Charles surmamed the great, King of France, gave unto him when he had vanquished and overcome the Lumbards', and taken prisoner Desiderius their King. But Leo the third attempted more. For he took upon him the authority over all the Empire, which then appertained to the Emperors of Constantinople, and crowned Charles Emperor of Rome without 
Charles made Emperor by the Pope.  the knowledge and consent of the lawful Emperors, when as then, as Palmerius accounteth, the west had lacked their own Emperor the space of. 330. years.  
The year of Christ 860. Pope Nicholas 
emperors swear to the pope.  the first ruled the sea of Rome, a passing ambitious man instituting sundry things not appertaining to the government of the Church: but to confirmation and establishing of the popish tyranny. First that no prince, not not the emperor himself, should be present in the counseiles of the Clergy. Also that no lay man should set in judgement over a clerk, or ecclesiastical person. Moreover that the Pope's decrees and sentences, aught to be judged by no man: yea, that the Pope is subject unto no civil power, because he is God. Read Antoninus Titul. xuj. Paragra. 9 and likewise in the decrees, in the 76. and. 28▪ distinction.  
Afterwards in the year of Christ. 962. the Popes of Rome grue unto so great power: that when Otho the. 1. emperor of that name, came unto Rome, he must needs take an oath unto Pope john the twelve. that he would defend the inheritance of Peter, etc. Read the. 63. distinction which béeginneth: Tibi Domine joanni.  
But in the year after the birth of our Lord & saviour Christ. 1000 the tyranny of Popes against the emperors brak forth into light: for casting away their yoke from their necks: they began freely to bear rule at their own pleasure nothing regarding any Magistrate, yea bringing Princes, kings and Emperors into subjection under them and compelling to obey them, or otherwise through deceit and coven, bringing them to the bent of their bow. For I pray you what horrible tragedies and turmoils did pope Gregory the seventh stir up against Henry the fourth?  
For, not only he excommunicated him and entreated him most disdainfully: but also discharging his subjects, princes, and nobles that were under the empire from their oath and allegiance: raised a sedition against him, causing an infinity deal of blood to be shed. Who so is disposed: let him read this most cruel and strange history, in the yéearlye records of John Aventine, and in other historicians.  
Pope urbane the ii which succéeded 
urban. 2.  Gregory in the sea of Rome, his very true and undoubted Disciple, in the Claromont counsel was causer of the most cruel war, which the Christians made against the Sarracens, whereof we have spoken before. besides, he provoked Conrade the prince of Italye to rebel against his father the emperor Henrye the fourth, which was a deed altogether against nature.  
Likewise Paschalis the ii egged the 
Paschalis. 2.  sun Henrye the u against his father Henrye the fourth, and thrice accursed him tausinge the bishops of Ments, and Coleine, & wourmes, in his palace of Ingelheim by force to turn him out of his imperial ornaments, disgrading the good old emperor, and adorning therewith his sun Henrye the fift. If any man can be delighted herewith: let him read this woeful history, in his Saxony of Albertus Crantius the fir●● book, the xx. chapter.  
The same Paschalis was troublesome also unto the emperor Henrye the fift, and was the cause of much bloodshead, and all only for the donation and gift as they call them of certain ecclesiastical benefices, and preferments, which unto that time the emperor had always, and now the Pope went about forcibly to take them away. But that which he could not bring to pass the same afterward Calixtus the. 2 assayed, neither relented until he had taken away from the emperor the same right of donation of spiritual preferments. Whereof Abbas Vrspurgensis hath written diligently. These things were done in the year of our lord God 1122.  
But the Popes of Rome were not 
Pope's oppress the emperors.  contented with this: but the later sort have ensued the trade of their predicessours, touching wickedness and mischief in persecutinge the emperors. For afterward they béecame grievous unto them, never making an end of cursing seditions, wars, and perpetual fraud and deceit, until at length they had oppressed the weary emperors, and exalted their seat above there's, placing themselves in power and superiority above all other. Who so desireth to have 
2. Thes. 2.  a sound, and perfect knowledge of these matters: let him read the story of Fridericus Barbarossa, and those things which the Pope's Adrian the fourth, and Alexander the third, practised against him, of which the later most presumptuously trod upon the emperors neck with his foot. Also what Caelestinus the fourth wrought against Henry the first. Let him also there behold with what arrogancy, pride, and insolency, Pope Innocentius the third, a lofty and bold Priest, used against Philip the Emperor. But specially let it be well considered, what the pope's Honorius the third. Gregory the ix and Innocentius the. 4 committed wickedly, and deceitfully against Fridericke the second, a notable and most excellent Emperor, & a man endued with most singular gifts, whom most unworthily and reproachfully, they troubled & afflicted, as they did likewise his sun, Conradus, the fourth emperor of that name.  
These contentions, persecutions, and most cruel and perpetual wars, between the Popes and the emperors: continued. 181. years beginning in the time of Gregory the 7. unto the enstaulinge of Alexander the fourth, and unto the year of our lord. 1256. About which time writers of histories, & Cronacles, do make an Interregnun, or space while none ruled, which endured the term of xvii. or xviii. years, unto the election of 
Anno 1271.  the emperor Radulphus of Habspurge. And although in the mean time certain princes were choose, as Alfonsus, and Rycharde, whereof the last took upon him the charge, and government of the empire: yet all these princes were so terrified with daily molestations, and deceits, wherewith the Popes had hitherto troubled the emperors, that no man would willingly take the empire upon him, since every man evidently béeheld that by possession thereof he could obtain no quietness nor profit, but only damage 
King of Rome without Rome.  and vexation. For although Germanye had the title of the Roman empire: yet Rome was not the head of their empire, but of the Pepes & if that haply through their great charge, trouble, and pain leading an army into Italye, they had by force possessed the city: so soon as they were returned again into Germanye, the Pope by and by reposessed the same.  
Moreover, the king or emperor of the Romans, receiveth no great commodity 
See Theodor Nyem of schisms. 3. book 43. chap. and sleidan. de Monar. Pag. 120. 171. 172.  nor revenue out of the Roman Empire, so that unless he have otherwise provision, and living of his own he is scarce able thereof to maintain his port, and dignity. Yea, and besides this: the Popes have molested, and go about to take away by force of arms, their patrimony which have taken upon them the Empire thereof. Wherefore, princes that were of wealth and substance, have not easily been persuaded to take the Empire upon them. And Radulphus earl of Habspurge, when as he accepted the election: yet could he never be persuaded to go to Rome, to receive the Crown of the Empire, for he always answered, that he was afraid by the example of many which have go to Rome, whereof but few have returned again. And that he might cléerelye discharge himself from that Cerberus: he cast into his mouth Romandiola, which unto that time béelonged to the empire.  
The Popes of Rome have used sundry strange practises, to bereave kings and Emperors of their power, and to extol themselves above Kings and Princes, or rather to cast than down under their feet. Their chief power consisted in excommunication, or having excommunicated 
Excommunication.  any Prince: they withdrew the subjects from obeying him, and exhorted them to raise tumults, and fall away from him: moreover they egged subjects and servants to rebel against their Lords, & Masters shamefully discharging them from their Loyalty and oath, under this title & pretence, that there aught no honour, nor obedience be shown or used unto excomunicate people, nor 
The pope's Legates.  oath kept towards them. Then sent they abroad into all Provinces subtle men, Legates with Bulls or Letters, and with the Apostolic power, as they term it, through whose means they bread sundry conspiracies, partly with the Bishops of the Provinces whom they put in mind of their dutiful obedience to the Sea of Rome, partly with Princes of the Empire, and with all other that were of any power, or authority. Thus having got certain of those in their faction, and raising a dissension among the people, the next was that there must a new Emperor, be choose: and then fallen they together by the ears which héeld with the old Emperor, and they which took part with the new. Whereupon many horrible, & woeful miseries 
Wars and sedition.  have ensued, as civil wars, seditions, murders, burnings, and generally all kinds of calamities: wherewith the good Emperors sometimes being weary, many times overcome by force: have been constrained to give place and abide these things, and in the mean while the Popes have with more arrogancy and boldness advanced their head. All these things may be seen as it were in a Mirror, in the histories of the emperors Henry the fourth. Henry the. 5. Frederick the first, and Frederick the second, and others, whom we have before named. And so at length the Popes have overcome and béecame strong, as Daniel writeth, but not by their own power.  
besides this also, they have used the 
Counsels  benefit of counsels unto the confirmation, and preservation of their kingdom. For in those days they made themselves rulers of the counsels, unto which they called men of their own faction, who in no point would gainsay the Pope. And because that of old times such counsels as then were held by most godly and learned men, were of great authority: they were also very much regarded of all men which the most holly father (for so he was supposed to be) with his adherents had concluded in their assemblies. And thus under the title of counsels: the Popes mightily brought their drifts to effect.  
There was also a new devise, and 
Cruciata or Croysadoes.  such a one as the like hath not been herded of before, invented in the Claromont counsel, under Pope Urban the second which by a new name they called Cruciata: or Croysadoes. They preached the Cross, but far otherwise then did the Apostles. For they preached the Cross of our Lord jesus Christ, namely, how that through his Cross and Passion, we are cleansed from our sins, and by Faith obtain eternal felicity. But the Pope's Cruciata or Croysadoes, was a certain kind of Alarm. For the preachers of this Cruciata, exhorted the christians to sign themselves with the Cross, (like as soldiers in war for a sign or token, do wear white or read scarves) and that they should march into the East against the Sarracens, as we have showed before. And they preached that they which were signed with the Cross in this warfare: obtained indulgencies, that is to say, remissions of sins, and if they were slain in battle: should be partakers of eternal felicity.  
Afterwards, these suborned preachers 
Mendicant Friars.  of the Popes, not only preached the cross against the Sarracens: but also against the Christians, namely against the Emperors, whom the Pope had proclaimed to be heretics, & generally against all that would not adore the pope, & obey all his commandments. And by this shift, the Popes have gathered very great and well appointed armies almost without any charge, obtaining their power, wealth, and greatness whereunto they be now grown, by very force.  
But in this matter the four orders of begging or mendicant Fries have done the Pope's very good service, which first began in the time of Pope Innocentius, and Honorius, both the. 3. of that name, which kind of people the Christian Church wanted the space of MCC. years, and that with more quietness and commodytie than hath since the time of their béeginninge, and approbation ensued. Howbeit in preaching and setting forth of the Cruciata or Croysadoes: the Dominican Friars have taken most pain, who by preaching this Cruciata or Alarm, obtained the name of preaching Friars. Whom 
Preaching Friars.  the Popes in consideration of their pains and dillygent service: have endued with Privileges, and honours, and loved them more tenderly than the restdue. Of whose travail employed to the pleasure, and furtherance of the pope many things might be written.  
At length the state of Christianytie proceeded so far, after the time of the 
The Pope vaunteth himself to be Empe.  kings Radulphus, and Adulphus, under Albertus the first, in the year of Christ. 1300. that the Pope vaunted himself to be Emperor. For at the same time, Bonifacius the. 8. brought in again the year of jubilee, which was abrogated by the Apostles. Acts the. 15 Chapter, promising forgiveness of sins unto all the would come to Rome: upon the first day of which jubilee, being adorned in his pontificalrobes: he came abroad showing himself as Pope to all men, & blessing the people: the next day he came forth in his Imperial apparel, openly declaring that the Empire and Papacy together with all civil and ecclesiastical power, were in the pope's hands. These things are written by Albertus Crantzius, in the eight book, 26. Chapter of his Saxony. The same Pope also set forth Decretals, which are called the Decretals of Bonifacius the eight, where in much more impudently he challengeth all power to the Popes.  
This power or rather tyranny, and intolerable arrogancy, not long after Bonifacius: john the twenty and two, 
john the. 22 against the emperor Ludou. 4.  put in practice, and declared towards Ludovick. For he most reprochefully misused him, excommunicated him, cast him into grievous wars, causing an unspeakable deal of man's blood to be shed, throughout all Germany. These things are described diligently, and at large, by john Aventine in the seventh book of the yearly records of the Boi: which I declare for this intent, that who so desireth to have an exact knowledge of these things: may know whereto find it.  
Moreover, in the reign of Ludovick 
Zurick excommunicated.  the fourth, as also before, under Friderick the second, the City of Zurick because it took part with the Emperors against the Pope, keeping always their oath and allegiance towards him: stood many years excommunicated, which was not without great hindrance of the commonwealth, although since that time it hath again been endued with sundry privileges, and honours. At which time the first ground and foundation of the Swicers league, through the gift of God was laid most happily, Ludovick the Emperor most largely and liberally granting to the same, and favouring the Swicers, whom I pray god to bless, and keep, and defend most mercifully.  
Now perhaps you will ask me, whether these Acts of the Popes and Emperors, and the increase of the Popish power and authority, do any thing appertain to the persecutions against the church, whereof at the beginning we purposed to writ? yea indeed, altogether, & surely most properly they appertain to the same. For in as much as the first bishops of Rome persecuted no man, but themselves suffered persecution, & were Martyrs, and those which next followed were most part of them holy and faithful doctors, subjects to the Emperors and civil Magistrates, and ruled over no Provinces nor People's so that none of them were Princes, and the later Popes in these last times stirred up most grievous persecutions within the circute of Christendom: it is expedient to know by what means and manner, how, why, and when, the state of the bishops of Rome was so shamefully deformed and changed, that the later Pope's béecomminge so far different from the first bishops: béecame Lords of kings, and emperors, and cruel persecutors of them. Now therefore, so many most cruel and sharp wars, which the Pope's being advanced to so great power have stirred among Christians, in which such abundance of Christian blood hath been shed: may they not rightfully be reckoned among the persecutions of Christians? For like as abroad they have been sticklers of most grievous wars unto the Christians against the Sarracens and Turks, as we have declared before: so have they been also at home authors of persecutions, troubles, and destruction to Christians. Doth not this very well deserve the name of a persecution, when as Christian emperors, with such as dutifully obeyed his hests, are by Popes vexed and washed with their own blood discourteously dealt withal with weapons, and warlike torments, which, as we have showed before out of histories, many years with infinite spilling of blood, were most cruelly and tyrannically committed? But in the midst of so many calamities, the woeful kings and emperors perpetually suffringe affliction, and misery: at length they and there's quailed, and gave over, and the Pope's being conquerors: triumphed, and allthings happened according to their desire, and so they established their power, that they might stand hereafter in awe of no man, but rule at their pleasure without all controlment.  
And in very deed, these are not unlike unto Daniels prophecy, wherein he hath left thus written: While the ungodly are a growing: there shall arise a king with an impudent face, which shall understand dark sayings, and his power shall increase but not in his own strength and he shall destroy above measure, and all that he goeth about shall prospero, and he shall destroy the valiant and holy people. And through his craftiness, deceit shall prospero in his hand, and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and in his prosperity he shall confounded many. Yea he shall rise up against the prince of princes, but he himself shallbe destroyed with out hand. Daniel the viii Chap. But if I would here declare the unspeakable deal of man's blood, which by means 
Wars for sicil, and Naples.  of Popes hath been shed in Sicily, Naples, and Apulia: surely the recital would be over long. For, from the time of Innocentius the. 4. unto Clement the seven. the space of. 284. years: sumtime the Germans, afterward the Frenchmen again the Spainiards against the Frenchmen, than a fresh the Germans against them, than again the Frenchmen and Hungarians were by Popes called to such and such kingdoms, and such and such peoples were at war, and by them set together by the ears. All which troubles are diligently set down by historicians.  
Moreover, through the immoderate, 
Pope's rulers of faith and the Church.  and unlawful power or rather tyranny of the Pope's, no less also by other means, bloody persecutions and murders have risen. For after that, as we have shown before, they had mightily usurped upon all Ecclesiastical and Civil jurisdiction, and power also over counsels: then might they afterward institute and ordain all ordres of the Church the doctrine of faith and religion, rites and customs in the Church, at their own will and pleasure. And hereof arose persecutions. For who so ever resisted: those they cried out upon for heretics, and under that pretence persecuted them. And this same (besides the wars of the Popes) I term properly the Papistical persecution against Christians, and the Christian Church, which was moved against the godly and faithful only for their faiths sake, as it was sumtime in the primitive Church. Wherefore, like as at the beeginninge, the first faithful were persecuted by the Emperors of Rome: even so towards the end of the world, the faithful of the latter times do suffer persecution by the Popes of Rome. But undoubtedly the Lord will come shortly to judge both the quick, and the dead.  
But to the end that this matter may the better be understood, and for the more exact knowledge thereof: it cannot 
Errors crept into the Church  be denied, that many errors and abuses not now first, but somewhat before have crept in and have been received into the Church, so that through continuance of time: they have grown into custom. Which things with many other more, in process of time are confirmed, and chiefly by the Pope's forced upon men, and by subtle practices but specially by the sword enlarged, and preserved: in so much that many perceiving the error, yet dared not openly withstand it: for they see well, that they might not so do without danger of their own blood. But chiefly in these later times this custom hath preveyled, which I will now recite.  
In the days of the emperors Lotharius, 
Original of the Cannon law. Gratianus.  and Conrade the three or as other some say of Fridericke, about the year of Christ. 1130. Gratianus Bononiensis a Monk of the order of Benedictus, gathered together the sentences of the counsels, fathers, and pope's, touching sundry matters apperteinyng to religion & the Church, and setfoorth that work abroad which is commonly called Decretum, or Decree. After Gratianus, certain pope's, as Gregory the. 9 Bonifacius the, 8 Clemens the. 5. & john the. 22. following the example of Gratianus: have gathered also, & with the help of certain munks and Doctors: they patched together sentences and judgements of Popes, concerning rites, and institutions, and businesses apperteinyng to Churches, and ecclesiastical orders. The same are called Decretales, and Extravagantes, and were added unto Gratianus Decretum, and all of them together do make the body of the Canon law. This law began to be taught in schools, which all other followed in doing the like in their 
Schools, and Universities under the pope  ecclesiastical judgements, and administration of the Church. ●y which means Schools and universities which are called the Schools of laws & Canons came under the Pope's jurisdiction, wherein the scholars, Masters, and Doctors, must take an oath to be obedient unto the Pope, and the 〈◊〉 of Rome, or unto such as are obedient unto him, or against his laws, and institutions▪ Yea this matter hath proceeded so far: that the emperors also, as well as all other bishops, must take an oath unto the Pope. The form of which Oath: is extant in the Decrees, & Decretals. 
Swear to the Pope.  And by this means the Pope hath made subject, bond, & beholding unto him: all sorts, and orders of the Church.  
hereunto oppertaineth, that at the same time with Gratianus, not long after, according to the supputation of other, about the year of our Lord. 1172. 
Peter Lombard.  Peter Lombard, whom they call master of the sentences, wroat, and setforth 4. books of the Christian faith and doctrine, which were received into the Schools, as was the body of the law: so that like as Gratianus is author of the canonists, & doctors of the Pontifical law: so Peter Lombard is author of the scholastical divinity. For the Doctors of those times, and cheiflye mendicant friars, read Lombard's sentences openly in schools, and have written upon the same, as Albertus, Thomas, Bonaventure, Scotus, and many other. And according unto these sentences: they ordered the doctrine of faith, and all other affairs of the Church. At which time the Christian doctrine was wonderfully torn & cut into sundry questions, whereof they commonly disputed and argued in the schools and holy sermons, or rather skoulded, whereby the Christian doctrine, béecame altogether unlike unto 
Agreement of the Church.  th'ancient Apostolic singleness, & integrity. Allthings were referred and subjecteth to the sea of Rome, and the pope unto whom all the canonists, & divines were bond by an oath. And this is the conspiracy of the clergy, which they call & vaunt to be the consent of all the church, in faith, & doctrine. Howbeit in veri deed it is none other but this conspiracy which we have here recited. Wherefore, out of this fountain and wellspring, flowed the grievous papistical persecution against the Christian Church. For whosoever misliked with the Pope's Monarchy, and conspiracy of the clergy, which they term consent and agreement of the church, and did not speak allthings according to the intent of the canonists, and Theologistes: upon those they ran in flocks, and through the Pope's help, and assistance of the secular arm: they proclaimed them everywhere heretics, persecuted, and oppressed them. Touching which purpose, in the Decretals there is extant a decree of Pope Lucius the third the effect whereof is this. Whosoever 
A popish decree.  think otherwise of the Sacraments than the holy Church of Rome thinketh and likewise, all whom the Pope shall condemn: let them be accounted for heretics, and excomunicate people. There is added also an explication how the civil Magistrate shall proceed against such, which if he will not do: how they shall proceed against the disobedient Magistrate. The third book the seventh Title of Heretics, Chapter, Ad abolendum. To abolish. etc.  
Hereunto accorded the counsel, which 
Counsels do consent.  as we have before admonished, the Popes had under their own power, for by occasion of them they have always kept their consent and agreement, and all that ever resisted the same: those have they oppressed, put to flight, or quite rooted out. For whatsoever were decreed in the counsels: the same must be brought to effect, & immediately put in execution, whereunto all Maiestrats were bond, and as many as were able to bear armour. 
The sum of papistical counsel.   
In the year of our Lord, 1215. Pope Innocentius the third, held a great counsel in Lateran at Rome: the manner and form of the indiction, Abbas Vrspurgensis hath expressed in his Cronacles, which comprehendeth very many things, the chief sum whereof be these. First of making war upon the Sarracens, and recovering jerusalem, and the holy Sepulchre. The second of rooting out heresies. The third of mending of manners, and refourming the Church. The same Chapters were propounded almost in all counsels, which have been held from that time hitherto. They all entreat of three points. Of repressinge the force of the Turks, of rooting out of heresies, and of refourming the Church.  
But although they have celebrated many Counsels, within the precinct of 300. years and more: yet have they in none of them reformed that was amiss, 
Counsels  whereby it might deserve the name of a reformation. For errors and superstitions with sundry abuses more, are not taken away but more increased mutchlesse have they reform any whit in the head (as they speak,) or members of the Church. And although the whole world, during the space of certain hundred years have worthily accused the abuses, and most corrupt state of the ecclesiastical order, with other enormities of the Church, which well deserve to be taken away and mended: Notwithstanding they have not touched them with their little finger, and therefore oftentimes arise some greater discords, and they fall farther of from the Christian discipline. Yea, & all such as seek for, and require to have some true reformation, reprehending the disorders and abuses, and specially the pope's unlawful aucthorytie, the filthy, and lecherous life of the Clargye, which all men are constrained to confess to be very culpable: the same men nevertheless are condemned for scismatickes, and Heretics, & are sharply persecuted.  
For unto them all are Heretics: 
Whom the Pope calleth heretieks.  whosoever do not submit themselves to the Sea of Rome, and the Pope in all things, and believe in allthings which that Sea believeth and commands to be believed, according to the above named conspiracy: and so Lucius the pope defineth Heretics in his Decretal, whereof we have made mention before, in the Chapter Ad aboliendum, to abolish. Wherefore with them it is not sufficient that a godly man confess all the articles of the ancient, true, undoubted, and Apostolic faith, saying: that he believeth in one God, the father etc. that he also allow, and confess the four orders of our belief set forth by the ancient counsels, and S. Athanasius, and whatsoever are taught and confirmed out of the holy scriptures of both Testaments: & moreover do condemn the heresies which were convicted & condemned in the ancient counsels. In old time this kind of confession was sufficient enough for christians in the ancient church but among these men all these things aveile nothing, neither suffice to the confession of the faith, but a man must needs confess and believe in the church of Rome as it is now under the Pope, and follow the consent thereof: or else he shall lose honour, goods, body, life and all.  
And therefore during the time of the 
Counsels 'cause wars. and persecutions.  Counsels, before, and after them, have been many bateiles, murders, and foul wastings committed, neither were these things done only against the Sarracens and unfaithful men: but with much more extremity and cruelty against Christians, which would be indeed, and named Christians, and not papists, and which disallowed and also be wailed the pride, and tyranny of the Pope, his great and manifest abuses and depravations of holy things. Wherefore in the old time it grew into a proverb: Every counsel breeds war: which is to be understood of Papistical counsels, and found indeed to be true by proof.  
For that I may pass over in this place, wars and most bloody persecutions of faithful men, but enemies to the Sea of Rome, which were waged and committed in the reign of Pope Innocentius the third and certain other Pope's next ensuing: let us onli examine those things which are not far past the memory of men that are alive. The 
The counsel of Constance.  counsel of Constance, I pray you, what wars, persecutions, burnings, wastyng, and murders purchased it unto Boheme, & Germany? He that knoweth not this: let him learn it at lest wise out of Pope Pius the second, who when he was called as yet Aeneas Silvius, wroat these things very diligently in his story of Boheme. The troubles, seditions, & slaughters, which the counsel of Basile brought forth are in part recited 
The Counsel of Basile.  by Platina in the life of Eugenius the fourth. But béesids this, we have a more fresh and certain example of the Tridentine Counsel, which being first appointed at Mantua, and afterward at Vincentia: was at the last by Paul the third in the year of our Lord 1542 called at Trident nigh Athesis, wholly in manner and form as we have before recited, which was conluded and 
The Trident counsel  ended by Pope Pius the fourth in the year of our Lord. 1563.  
Howbeit, what things were done 
Persecurtions of our time.  certain years before this counsel, and also since, against holy and faithful men, which only believed in the Gospel, but not in traditions of Popes nor in the sea of Rome, by Leo. x. Clement. 7. Paul 3. and▪ 4. julius, the 3. Pius, the .4. and. 5. and by this present Pope Gregory the. 13. the space of. 53. years: I need not repeat. For they are known unto God and all the world, and as it were written in heaven, unto which place the blood of all innocents together with the blood of Abel: crieth from the earth unto God for vengeance. Many grievous, long, and bloody wars for sundry causes were waged in those years, but at the same time no less grievous and bloody persecutions were committed against the faithful: for faith, and religions sake. Faithful and Godly men were reprochefully and injuriously dealt withal, apprehended, thrown out of doors, driven into exile, spoiled of their goods, beheaded, hanged on gallows, burned, vexed with all kinds of torments, and punishment. And by this means were oppressed tormented, & slain, hundred thousands, of faithful men and professors of the Gospel both in the higher, and lower Germany, in Scotland, England, Spain, 
Note.  (which found out the new practise of the inquisition) in Italy, and other regions. But cheiflye what hath been done in France: there is no man at this day but knoweth. And there are extant whole books written of the grievous, and long Papistical persecution, and the thing done is yet fresh in memory, wherefore it is not needful that I should specially declare it again at large, since yet at this present they make no end of their cruelty, and shedding of blood. Since therefore, they which would seem to be Fathers, and pastors of the church, do make themselves executioners of this last papistical persecution: we may not only compare it with the old persecutions, but in respect of the greatness prefer it above it.  
Moreover, as in ancient times the old persecutors of the church were egged forward to rigour through an unsatiable desire to rule, to th' intent they might keep and increase their dignity, pleasures, riches, and superstition: so likewise is the Papistical persecution committed for the same cause. But like as the Christian faith in the old time was no whit the less esteemed of for the persecutions: so at this present the evangelical doctrine is nothing the worse nor viler, because the Papists do persecute the professors of the Gospel, and many times overcome them. There are sundry causes, why God suffereth this to be done, neither aught any man to accuse, or call the judgement of God into question.  
And this much I had to say of the persecutions which the Church of Christ hath suffered from the birth of our Saviour unto our time: comprehending briefly the whole sum, whereby the matter being otherwise very large: might seem overlonge, and tedious to the reader. Howbeit, much more might and ought to have been written of this manifold, and ample argument.   

Of the Sundry causes, why God suffereth the Christian Church to be torn with Tyrants and afflicted with persecutions. Chapter. xvii.  
Hereafter I intend to declare, the causes and effects of the above recited persecutions of the christian church, which do work in the faithful, And although I have already almost in every one, showed them: notwithstanding there remain some more special, which are of us with more diligence to be considered.  
Persecutions are sent to the Church by the just judgement of god, as the scripture plainly witnesseth were sent unto job the holly man, and Servant of 
job.  God: the Cross, affliction, and persecution from God. Unto which purpose, God used Satan as an instrument, prescribing him bonds how far he should persecute job. And Satan through his malice stirred up the ravenous and greedy people of the Chaldees, to break in upon jobs goods, to spoil him, and bring him to poverty. Then job, although he understood y●●through the instigation of Satan, he was in such sort endamaged by wicked, and ravenous men: notwithstanding he took regard unto the principal cause of persecution, and he said not as the manner is now a days, that he was sore afflicted by Satan, and maliciously spoilt by the Chaldees: but, said he, the Lord hath given and the Lord hath taken away, the name of the Lord be blessed for ever.  
Likewise, the scripture in the same 
Captivity of Babylon  signification, calleth Nabuchodonosor the servant of God, which persecuted his people, and lead them captive into Babylon, for so it is written in the second book of Paralipomenon, the last Chap. wherefore God sent his Prophets unto them, exhorting them to repent, but they mocked at them. And therefore the lord being displeased with them: brought upon them the king of Chaldees (which was Nabuchodonosor) and delivered then into his hands. Likewise in Daniel the. 9 & the Lord watched for a shrewd turn, and hath brought it upon us: Our Lord God is just in all his works, which he hath done. And although they were the Chaldees which lead away the people of God into hard, and sharp captivity: notwithstanding the Prophets of God, Jeremy, Ezechiel, Daniel, with many other holly men, which saw, and felt these things: chose rather with job to ascribe their affliction & persecution unto God and his justice, then unto the unbéeléeving and wicked men. So likewise at this day, the faithful had rather to suppose, that they abide their afflictions at the hands of God: then of men. For they know, that men can do nothing unless God permit them. And in that he permitteth them: again thereby they know & believe that all things are done, & suffered by him to be done: by his just judgement, and for the profit of his people.  
Wherefore, by all these things we may 
The godly suffer persecution.  understand, that the cross, afflictions, & persecutions are sent from God, & laid also upon holy and Godly men. And as touching job: God himself beareth witness: that he was a single and righteous man, fearing God, and eschewing evil whose like was not upon the earth. Moreover, all men acknowledge and confess, that the Prophets, john the Baptiste, and the Apostles: were holy men, and the servants of God, and yet notwtstanding they all suffered persecution. Besides this, S. Peter writeth: that Christians should not suffer as thieves, or malefactors: but only for God, and the truths cause. The first epistle of Peter, the. 4. chapter.  
Secondly, God sendeth persecution unto such, as aught to be the people of God, and partly also are indeed, and so are named: but are not so innocent, pure, and holly, as of duty they should be, as we said erewhile of the people of God, which were lead away into Babylon: And Cyprian testifieth, that the cause of the persecution at his time under the Emperor Decius: was the dissolute life of the faithful. Eusebius showeth the like causes, where he describeth the persecution of Dioclecian. And it is seen, that booth guilty and ungiltie, good and bad, altogether are subject to the cross. I call ungiltie, those which being unlike to the children of this world: are not defiled with all kind of wickedness, nevertheless have their imperfections, and as it were, certain moles and staynyngs. Wherefore, they confess their faults and defects unto God, and glory nothing of themselves. According unto which sense and opinion, job saith: Surely I know it is true, that no man is just if he be compared to God. If he will strive with him: he is not able to answer him unto one for a thousand. And although I have done some just deed: yet will I not answer, but entreat my judge. And David in the. 142. Psalm says: Enter not into judgement with thy servant O Lord, for there shall no living creature be justified in thy sight. Wherefore, those which be guiltless, although they be subject to persecution with the most wicked men: notwithstanding they murmur not against the Lord, but according to the scriptures they confess and say: Thy judgements are just, O Lord, and all thy ways are truth, and holiness.  
Thirdly, persecutions are sent from god unto the Church, to declare his glory, and Majesty. For when the Disciples upon a time, had inquired of the Lord touching the man that was born blind, whether he or his parents had deserved the same by their offences: the lord answered them, as appeareth in john the ix. chapter, that this was done, that the glory of God might be declared in him. The like also he said of the sickness of his friend Lazarus, in john the 12. that the infirmity was not unto death: but sent to the glory of God, that the sun of God might be glorified thereby. For in persecutions, the power of God is declared whereby he preserveth his in the midst of afflictions, and when he seeth time, delivereth them with great glory, as it is evidently expressed in the stories of Daniel, Hester, and Esdras. Wherefore, it is written by Saint Paul: we have the treasure of the Gospel in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power thereof may be Gods, and not our own, while in allthings we are pressed but not wrong: we are in trouble but we do not want, we suffer persecution but we are not therein forsaken, cast down, nor perish. we carry the mortification of our Lord jesus Christ about with us in our body, to the intent that the life which cometh by jesus Christ: may be made manifest in our body, the ii to the Corinthians, the. 4. Chapter. For which cause, the same Apostle writeth how it was said unto him by the Lord: my grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect through weakness, the 2. to the Corinthias', the twelve. chapter. 
The truth is known by persecutions.   
There is also another cause of persecutions, for that it pleaseth God through them to reveal the truth unto men: namely, when the faithful being apprehended in persecutions, and brought into judgement: do plainly and openly profess the Gospel. And our saviour christ says: you shallbe brought before Lieutenants and kings for my sake, that this may be a testimony to them, and the Gentiles. Matthew the x. Chapter.  
Moreover, by persecutions which God layeth upon the Church: he proveth the same how strong and constant it is, purging those that are unclean, like as goldsmiths use to try & cleanse their gold, and silver in the fire. For if the flesh continued in rest and idleness, feeling no manner of adversity, oftentimes it waxeth wanton, and lascivious: wherefore God exerciseth his servants with persecutions, to awake them that they should not to much be wedded unto temporal things, but with more earnest desire seek for things eternal. Unto which purpose and meaning S. Peter writeth: dearly beloved, be ye not troubled in this heat, which now is come among you to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you: but rather rejoice, in as much as you are made partakers of Christ's passions, that when his glory appeareth: ye may be merry and glad. Peter the first Epistle, the. 4. chapter. Whereunto also tend the words of the Apostle S. Paul: We rejoice also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation bringeth patience, patience bringeth experience, experience bringeth hope and hope maketh not ashamed. Paul to the Romans, the. 5. chapter.  
Again, when the Lord layeth the 
Persecutions are tokens of the judgement of God upon the wicked.  Cross upon those whom he loveth, and suffereth men which are not altogether wicked to be afflicted, but such as fear God and serve him, although notwithstanding they have some blemishes: therewithal he showeth what wicked men, & the children of this world must look for. Like as the Lord himself witnesseth, who bearing his own Cross when he was lead to execution, said: It it be thus in the green tree that beareth fruit: what shall be in the dry and unfrutfull? And Saint Peter: For 
1. Peter. 4.  it is time (says he) that judgement begin at the house of god: then if it begin first with us: what shallbe the end of those that obey not the gospel of God? And if the just be scarce saved: where shall the wicked & sinful man show his face?  
By persecutions also God draweth unto him, and directeth in the right way those which before that time walked not straight in the ways of the Lord And he complaineth by his prophets, and blameth his people, that being put in mind of their duty with many stripes, yet would they not turn unto him.  
Moreover, in persecutions & afflictions, there is given unto us matter & occasion of trouble, that we may bring forth good works with patience, & w ᵉ a good hope, that we may call upon god in our passions, & never wax weary with calling: like as the Lord jesus hath manifestly taught us in Luke the. 18 chap. And in very deed we find this daily to be true, that we are slothful and cold in prayer: when we are grieved with no persecution, nor 
Persecutions awake us.  touched almost with any kind of adversity.  
Last of all, God exerciseth the faithful with persecutions, swiping from them, as it were, the dust of worldly desire or fleshly lusts, that they should not perish in their sins, with the wicked world. For it is sure, and true, which S. Paul writeth: But when we are judged of the lord: we are chastined that we should not be damned with the world. 1. Cor. ca 11.  
Now when we be thus instructed: we must humble and submit ourselves unto the mighty hand of the Lord, who when he seethe his time, can deliver us again, when it shall seem convenient unto his good pleasure. Whereof we have an example in David, who when he was persecuted by his own sun Absalon, among other things he said: If I have found favour in the sight of the Lord: he will restore me. But if he say unto me, I have no delight in thee: Behold I am here, let him do unto me that which is acceptable in his sight. The same Saint Peter willeth all men to do which suffer persecution, writing thus: Wherefore, let all them that suffer afflictions, according to the will of God, commit their souls to him with well doing, as unto a faithful creator.  
These causes, and effects of the persecutions 
1. Pet. 4.  of the Christian Church, I have briefly choose out among many, jest that the store and over long reciting of them at large: should be grievous unto any.  
The End