The epiphanie of the church gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, declaring and plainly shevving, both the church that cannot but erre, and also the church that cannot erre : vvith so evident notes and manifest signes of either of them, that no man reading it, needeth be in doubt which he should beleue / written by R.P. in the yeare of our Lord God 1550 ; and now published in this yeare 1590 for the benefite of all such as desire the trueth concerning the church.

¶ THE EPIPHANIE OF THE CHVRCH .

BEcause I couet rather to profite with homely and playn speech , then to please with sweete & faire words : I will speake liberally , but yet simply of the Church , for their sakes , and vnto them that be deceaued with euill custome , bewitched with popish iuglings , charmed with mens inuentions , and beguiled with their owne wittes , which resist the trueth of Gods holy word , kicke against the pricke , and grope at noone , and cannot see the light for the sunne : In whose mouth is euer Churche , Church , whose feete are dayly wandring vnto the church , and their eyes gasing continually vpon the Church , yet can they neyther finde nor see the Church , because themselues be none of the Church .

What is so much alleadged of the babling papistes ? what so oft frequented of the common people ? and so manifest in all mens eyes , as the Church ? Notwithanding for want of teachers of the Scriptures , few doe know the Church : Such is the knowledge among the silly people , in verie manie Churches now a dayes .

Church in the English Bible , Church hath diuers significations . is commonly called congregation , For ecclesia a worde borrowed of the Greeke toonge , which may be translated into Englishe , eyther Church or congregation .

Church with vs , is a common worde , signifiyng the place , Church signifieth the place of praier . as well as congregation , Iudith , 6. whereunto the same assembleth for some honest or godly purpose . It is written that all the people were gathered togither , which made their prayers all the night long in the Church . Our common places appoynted for prayer , preaching , and administration of the sacraments , be so well knowne by this name Church , that there needeth no example hereof .

Other whiles Church signifieth the whole multitude of people , Church signifiyng the companie of good and bad . both of good and bad congregate togither . Of this we read , that the people spake to Moyses , saying , Why haue you brought the Church of the Lord vnto this wildernesse , that both wee and our cattell should die in it . Numb. 20.

And Church betokeneth the elect people of God onely , whereof the wise man sayth , Church signifiyng the elect of God onely . The children of wisedome are the Church of the righteous , and their exercise is obedience and loue . Holy Paul speaking of this Church saith , Eccles 3. Ye husbandes loue your wiues , Ephes , 5. euen as Christ also loued the Church , and gaue himselfe for it , to sanctifie it , and clensed it in the fountaine of water , thorow the word to make it vnto himself a glorious congregation without spot or wrinckle or any such thing , but that it should be holy and without blame .

Also there is a congregation of the wicked , Ecclesia signifiyng the mulitiude of the wicked . called by the name of Churche , Psalm. 26. which ( for that they outwardly professe the same religion , pretend to haue the same gospel , Esay . 3. and to vse the same sacramentes with the Church ) be called in Scripture , Math. 21. Church , Iohn . 5. whome God permitteth sometimes to rule ouer the people for their sinnes : For the vngodlinesse of the people , Iob. 34. doth God make an hypocrite to raigne ouer them . 2. Thess 2.

Wherefore they that crie so much , the Churche , the Church , and affirme stiffely that the Church cannot erre , and doe not declare what Church they doe meane , doe but cast a mist before the simple vnlearned peoples eyes , to blind them withall , to the end themselues might the cleaner conuey their iugling castes . Let them therefore ( in Gods holy name ) shew vnto vs plainly in simple wordes , what Church they doe speake of , whether of the Churche of Christ , or else of the Churche of Antichrist . So doing men will be out of doubt the sooner , trueth will come to light , and brawling will cease , for verie Christians loue not contention .

The Church of Antichrist , Churche of Antichrist . which is worthily called the Church malignant , or the congregation of the wicked , and may be called the man of sinne , childe of perdition , hypocrite , &c. cannot but erre , what fayre shewe soeuer they make .

The Church of Iesus Christ , Church of Iesus Christ . which is his onely doue and spowse , sticking vnto the word of trueth , vnseparable , and gouerned by his holy spirite , cannot erre damnably , although she be trode downe vnder feete of the world , and seeme to be out of countenance .

These two be contrarie the one to the other , betweene whome there is as much difference , as is betweene sower and sweete , darkenesse and light , euill and good . Notwithstanding the world ( not able to perceaue the difference , nor make distinction betweene them , but blinded with euil custome and the multitude ) taketh them for the other , because here in this life they be mingled togither as the good fishes are mixt with the bad , the goates with the sherpe , and the chaffe with the corne , so that they be not openly known vnto men at the first sight . 2. Cor. 11. No maruaile , for Sathan himselfe is changed into the Angel of light , and his ministers fashion themselues , as though they were the ministers of righteousnesse . Also woolues clothe themselues in Sheepes clothing . Math. 7. Yet is Sathan a deuill still , and hys ministers are deceiptfull workers , and a woolfe a deuourer of sheepe , which at length bewrateth himselfe by his taile , and bloudshedding . Whereas the bloud of Iesus Christ is knowne by the spirite of trueth , and by paciently suffering for his word .

Which spirit & word be the sure anchors , guids , and rule of the same , and not Rome , nor Peter , though Sathan pretendeth neuer so antient a title .

If Christ had appoynted his Churche to anie place or creature , for the establishing of matters of Religion , should Paul ( that elect vessell of God , 2. Cor. 12. which was rapt vp into the third heauen , and into paradise , and heart secret wordes which no man can vtter ) haue bene ignorant thereof : Paul knewe well that Christ had left his Church vnto his holy spirite and word , his word to be an infallible rule both of their life and doctrine , and his spirite to be a readie interpreter of the same . Therefore when hee should depart from them , Act. 20. he said . Nowe brethren I commend you to God , and vnto the word of his grace , which is able to build further , and to giue you an inheritance amongest all them that are sanctified . These wordes are without guile and sophisticall craft , they are simple and playne , and Gods Scriptures . We must therefore beleue them . They send vs vnto the port of safegard , and touchstone that cannot deceiue vs , we must needes therefore stick vnto them , otherwise we cannot know the trueth & be saued .

Wherein first let vs consider why Paul did send vs vnto God the holy Ghost For he saith , Nowe brethren I commend you to God . Hee commendeth vs not vnto Iohn , Peter , Andrew , or any other of the Apostles , much lesse vnto Rome , the Pope or Antichristian Bishops , but vnto God the holy Ghost , Why ? Because hee knew well that Christ himselfe had so appointed before . For when Christ should depart from the church , he promised to send them the same holy Ghost , Iohn . 14. saying . The comforter which is the holy Ghost , whome my father will send in my name , hee shall teache you all thinges , and bring all thinges vnto your remembrance , whatsoeuer I haue said vnto you . He comforted them also with the same spirite , Iohn . 15 16. Commaunded them to tarrie in the citie of Hierusalem vntill he had performed the same his promise : Luke . 24. which indeede he saythfully kept and fulfilled , for they were all filled with the holy Ghost , Act. 2. euen the spirite of trueth , Iohn . 15. whiche could not but teach them all trueth , whatsoeuer he had said vnto them , that was all one , and the same trueth .

Secondly let vs note , that Paul commended the Church vnto the word of grace , what is this word of grace ? Forsooth the same trueth which the holy Ghost taught , is the word of grace , euen that word which God the father commanded to be heard at the m●uth of his son Iesus Christ , saying : Math. 3 17. This is my welbeloued sonne , Deut. 18. in whome I am well pleased , heare him . And whosoeuer will not harken vnto the wordes , which hee shall speake in my name , I will require it of him : I will be reuenged of him ( saith God ) Of this , witnesseth Peter also , laying The time will come Paul saith ( Behold nowe is the time ) that euerie soule which will not heare him , Acts. 3. shal be destroyed from amongest the people . 2. Cor. 6.

It standeth vs then in hand to searche diligently , and knowe that thing that God requireth so straightly of vs , which is to heare his sonne Iesus Christ , The neglecting whereof is no lesse then damnation .

But what shall we heare ? verily his holy Gospel confirmed for vs by his holy spirite for the same purpose , Gospel . which Gospell is the worde of grace , Act. 20. vndefiled , conuerting soules , giuing wisedome vnto babes , making glad harts , giuing light vnto the eies , a lantorn vnto the feet , Psal. 18. and a light vnto the pathes , Psal. 119. proued by the fire & tryed more pure then siluer vii . Psal. 11. times purged , more to be desired then golde or pretious stone , Psal. 18. and sweeter then honie and honie combe , Psal. 119. The embassage of great ioy , Luke . 2. Ioyfull tidinges of peace , tidinges of good things : Rom. 10. The poure of God vnto saluation to euerie one that beleeueth , Rom. 1. and able to saue their soules that imbrace it . 1. Cor. 1. Wherefore lay apart ( sayth the Apostle Iames ) all filthinesse and superfluitie of maliciousnesse , Iames. 1. and receaue with meekenesse the worde that is grafted in you , which is able to saue your soules .

Thus it appeareth manifestly vnto all them that be willing to see the trueth , that God the father appoynteth vs vnto the worde of his sonne Iesus Christ our Lord . Christ referreth vs vnto his holy spirite and trueth . The holy Ghost also taught nothing else but the same trueth and word . Therefore the holy Apostle durst not to appoint vs to anie other , but straightly commendeth vs to the same trueth that cannot erre , and vnto the word of grace , which is the selfe same , and still one trueth , according to the infallible word of God , that saith : Thy righteousnesse ( O Lord ) is an euerlasting righteousnesse , Psal. 119. and thy lawe is the trueth . So that we haue now in this time iust cause , ioyfully to say with the prophet . Psal. 17. 1. 2. O praise ye the Lord , all ye heathen praise him all ye people . For his mercie is stablished vpon vs , and the trueth of the Lord endureth for euer . Then the which trueth , there can be no surer stay , guide , and rule , for the beliefe , life and doctrine of mortall men , in this mortall life , and world of tribulation .

The Church of Antichrist hath no such stay , The Church that cannot Fute●re . guide , Psal. 1. nor rule , but they are like the chaffe , which the winde scattereth awaie from the face of the earth , as the prophet Dauid witnesseth , who also calleth them the councell of the vngodly , Psal. 58. the way of sinners , Psal. 140. and the chaire of pestilence , Psal. 59. or the seate of the scornful , workers of iniquitie , Psal. 140. wicked men , salm . 81. bloud-thirstie men , the euil man , the wicked man , the wilde boare , the cruell beast , the slaunderer , blasphemer , enemie , and persecutor , the enemie in the holy place and aduersary , whose mouth is full of cursing and bitternesse , their throat is an open sepulcher , with their toonges they haue deceiued , Psal. 4 the poyson of aspes is vnder their lippes , Psal. 6. their feete are swift to shed bloud , destruction and vnhappinesse is in their waies , and the way of peace haue they not knowne , there is no feare of God before their eies , There were they brought in great feare , Psal. 14. euen where no feare was . Vaine persons and deceiptfull lippes , whom euer all good men abhorred and hated , after the example of the holy prophet , who saith , Psal. 26. I haue hated the Church of the wicked , and will not sit among the vngodly .

Loe you see the wicked and vngodly haue the name of Church , yea they haue got the name of holy Catholicke Church . How else haue they put on sheepes clothing ? How haue they fashioned themselues like the ministers of righteousnesse ? And howe hath the deuill transformed himselfe into the angel of light ? Truely in this , that his church hath got the titles of holy , and Catholicke , and his ministers the names of true shepheardes . Catholicke be the right clothing of the sheepe of Christes fold . Antichrist therefore hath robbed Christes fold of their right title , holy and catholicke , and thereby bleared the eyes of the simple vnlearned multitude , which doe seeke no further for saluation then they haue bene taught ( they say ) by the holy Catholicke Church . Their common sayinges be these . We be not wiser then our fathers before vs : We will doe as our fathers haue done . Such thinges they doe affirme because they know not Sathan from the angell of light , the wolues from the sheepe , the lyes from the word of God , neyther Church of Antichrist falsly called holy , and catholicke , from the Church of Iesus Christ , which indeede is both holy and catholicke . But in stead of the holy Catholick church , they doe beleeue the Church of the wicked , in whose dregs of detestable traditions and ceremonies , they haue bene ousted from their youth .

Verely if they would ponder their wordes with halfe indifferent iudgement , and behold them but with one of their eyes , I thinke they would keepe silence , or else blushe for shame . For to say , they will doe as their elders and fathers haue done before them , is nothing but to confesse themselues to walke wilfully in errour and blindnesse , when their fathers wandered vnawares . And where they say , they be no wiser then their fathers , they shew themselues to be blinde , followers of the blinde , But if the blinde follow the blinde , Luke 6. they both fall into the ditch . Their fathers tooke Antichrist , the bishop of Rome , for head of the Church : they made images and worshipped them : they gadded on pilgrimage , and trusted in workes , pardons , absolutions , dirges , trentalles , masses , &c. wherein they erred , increased in error , and walked ignorantly into perdition . The cause whereof was the lack of the word of God , which word is euer a rule vnto the holy catholicke church . Therefore their fathers learned not these thinges of the holy Catholicke Church , but of the Church of Rome vsurping the name of the holy Catholicke Church , which abhorred and trode vnder feete the word of God , without the which , their fathers doctrine was nothing els , but olde errour , against whome God giueth a speciall commandement , saying . Leuit. 18. Keepe my commandementes : doe not those thinges that other haue done before you : be not defiled in them , I am your Lord your God . Wherefore addeth God these words , Exod. 20. I am your Lord your God , but to the end he would haue his words regarded for euer ? and not his aduersaries the man of sinne , and childe of perdition , as Paul nameth him , who deceaued their fathers . Whose coming is after the working of Sathan with al lying powers , 2. Thess. 2. signes & wonders , & with al deceiuablenesse of vnrighteousnesse amongest them that perish , because they receaued not the loue of the trueth , that they might be saued , And therefore God shal send them strong delusion , that they might beleue lyes , that all they might be damned which beleeued not the trueth , but had pleasure in vnrighteousnesse .

In these wordes hath the holy Ghost plainly shewed the fashion and comming of the man of sinne , sonne of perdition , Church of the wicked , and kingdome of Antichrist .

The Church or kingdome of Antichrist , is called the man of sinne , The man of sinne . because it is builded vpon a sinnefull man , gouerned by a sinfull man , instructed by euill sinfull workmen , and their doctrine defended by the lawes and power of sinnefull men . Which tooke authoritie neyther of God , nor of his worde , but of a monstrous beast with many heades , euen of the people that departed from the faith , whereof the same holy spirite of God speaketh , and prophecieth more plainely by the mouth of Paul , saying : The spirite speaketh euidently , 1. Tim. 4. that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith , and shall giue heede vnto the spirites of error , and deuilish doctrines of them which speake false , thorow hypocrisie , and haue their conscience marked with an hote iron , forbidding to marrie , and commaunding to abstaine from meates which God hath created to be receaued with giuing of thankes , of them which beleeue and knewe the trueth .

Now ioyne these two prophecies together , and note diligently the cause , maner , increase , and force of Antichrists kingdome : and then it shall be the better perceaued .

The cause why God permitteth the wicked to deceiue the people , The cause why God suffered error to raigne , and the wicked to rule . was for that they did not receaue the law of the trueth , but loathed Gods word when they had it . They writ it not in their heartes , neither brought forth the fruits of the spirite , but of the flesh . To speake all in one worde , They had ( as we haue ) much godly teaching , and brought foorth much vngodly liuing . Of verie duetie godly liuing must followe godly teaching , otherwise Gods plague and vengeance followeth his word , where and when soeuer it be taught .

But amongest all the plagues of God , The greatest plague of God . this is the greatest , that he taketh away his word from the people , and suffereth them to be fed with lies and Canterburie tales , or fables . After which sorte and maner the wicked haue come and entered into the Christian generation , By lyes the wicked haue entered into the Church . yea and haue sit in the holy place and seate of Moyses , pretending to teache the holy word of God . They haue set ( I say ) in the seate of Moyses , not by teaching the law and the prophets , but by name and place . whereby the people not able to discerne the true session from presumptuous vsurpation haue bene deceiued with false myracles , lying powers and wonders .

By the which feates they haue increased and growne into the greater number . By false miracles & lying powers , the wicked haue increased . For when by the helpe of the deuill , with their coniurations , charmes and diuers other false fleightes , they wrought myracles and wonders in diuers and sundrie places . Then the people ( regarding not the simple word of God ) forsooke their faith and ranne a gadding from place to place , to gaze vpon signes and wonders . Manie beleeued lies , because many taught lies . Lying powers were on their side , few durst speake the trueth , and the simple lacked good instruction , some therefore departed from the faith .

The sorce of Antichristes kingdome is well noted of Paul , By force the wicked haue withstood the trueth and set forth their owne doctrine . in that hee saith his comming shal be with all lying power , 1. Tim. 4. & in that they shall forbid mariages , & command to abstaine from meats , and &c. that is to say After that the multitude hath bin well pampered and fed with their lies , blinded with their coniurations , and stablished with false miracles : then shall they be able to make lawes in the defence of their deuilishe doctrines , and openly to withstand and resist the trueth and Gospel , as Iannes and Iambres ( Pharaoes coniurers ) withstoode Moyses . Men they are ( sayth Paul ) of corrupt mindes , 2. Tim. 3. and lewd as concerning faith . 2. Pet. 2. Peter witnesseth with Paul , saying : They shall purely bring in damnable sects euen denieng the Lord that hath bought them , & bring vpon themselfes swift damnation , & many shal follow their damnable waies , by whome the way of trueth shall be euill spoken of .

No maruaile , Hipocrisie Hindeth the sillie multitude . for hypocrisie and outward shew of holynesse hath seemed so gay in the simple folkes eyes , Math. 24. yea and yet doth to some , so that as the trueth saith , if it were possible , the verie elect should be deceiued . Iude also beareth record to the trueth with Paule and Peter , Sure notes of Antichristes generation . shewing that they be deceaued with dreames , Iude 1. defile the fleshe , despise rulers , and speake euill of them that be in authoritie , murmurers , complainers , walking after their owne lustes , whose mouthes speake proud thinges . These ( saith he ) are makers of sectes , fleshly , hauing no spirite .

Conferre these same now together with the popish antichristian church of Rome , and beholde if you can see the kingdome of Antichrist anie where so manifest and plaine .

Hath anie power in all the world , The first note of Antichrist . since Christes ascention into heauen lift vp it selfe so high into the temple of God , and aduanced it selfe as God , like vnto this vsurped premacie and tyrannie of Rome ?

Who hath more oppressed Gods booke , The second note of antichrist . resisted the Gospel , The third note of antichrist . and slandered the way of trueth then the pope and his rable ? Who hath wrought with suche deceaueable signes and myracles ? who hath fed vs with more lyes then that false prophet of Rome ? Read a leafe or two of Legenda aurea , or the booke called Festinale , and you shal finde good stuffe I warrant you . Which bookes were woont to be read and taught vs moste principally concerning matters of religion . Yea , almost wee had no other in English . I speake that I haue knowne , heard and seene . Within these xxiii . yeares they were alledged in Sermons and read in the churche openly , and had in more price amongest vs , and better receaued then the holy Scriptures be of some . Also they were then better studied and more willingly taught of curates , in some places then Gods booke is now of manie of them .

Forget not I pray you , Antichristes badges . to call to memorie , how we were deceiued with images , pilgrimages , reliques , false myracles , iuglinges , charmes , witchcraftes , coniurations , iubilies , stations , holy water , fire , ashes , palmes , palme crosses , saint Iohns Gospel , images of waxe , Walsinghame broches , saint Iames shelles , saint Priarke his staffe , maister Iohn Shornes bat , saint Cornelius horne , pardons , pardon beades , beades , Ladies Psalters , dyrges , treutals , Requiem Masses , &c. Who denied the Lord that had bought then more manifestly then they that taught these romish dreames ?

Whosoeuer denieth the death of Iesus Christ to be a whole perfect oblation , The finall end of Antichrists iuglinges . sufficient for all sinne , denyeth the Lord that hath bought them . But they that taught or beleeued the aforesaid dragges and such like to be expedient for the obtaining of Gods fauour & remission of sins , denieth Christ and his death to be sufficient . Wherefore so long as men sought remission of sinnes and Gods fauour in such phantasticall deuises of men , it cannot be denyed , but in so doing , they denied the Lord that bought them .

To say trueth , men little remembred the oblation of Christ by deathe vppon the crosse . For not manie yeares agone , euen when Masses satisfactory florished , to affirme Christes oblation by death vpon the crosse once offered for all , to be sufficient for remission of sinnes to all them that beleeue , was so farre out of memorie that it was counted abhominable heresie , because Masse and it could not stand together . In time of anguishe , trouble , or sickenesse , was Christes death sought to for quietnesse of conscience ? No , our Lady of Wilsdon , our Lady of Walsingham , maister Iohn Shorne , and confession to some holy fryer , some holy relique , Masse of Recordare , or masse of the v. wounds : For vnto these masses , bishop Clement , and Bishop Boniface had giuen great vertue through pardons and candels , if the deuill transforming himselfe vnto Raphael the arch-angel , be a true messenger .

Also if death approched , then was Masse of Scala coeli , Trentals , Aniuersarijs , and masse of Requiem with our Lady Masse ready to be sold for mony , and song to send the soule to the Deuill with mirth , because hee might be sure of weeping and gnashing of teeth when hee commeth there . The fourth note of Antichrist . Yet did not the poore sillie people selling their owne soules to the deuill , and giuing their monie vnto his ministers , perceaue that they were made a marchandise : whereof prophecied Peter , saying . Thorow couetousnesse shall they with fained words , 2. Pet. 2. make a marchandise of you . The onely wifelesse life of the Romish anointlinges , so bewitched the vnlearned peoples eyes , The thing that blinded the people most . that they stoode in admiration of them ( iudging them more then men ) and thought all had bene well , whatsoeuer they had sayde or done .

To keepe this their estimation in the peoples opinions , The cause why Antichristes prelates will not permit the mariages of priestes . they procured their champions to fight manfully with their lawes and tormentes against the mariages of priestes . And nowe that they doe perceaue that force will not serue them , they priuily whisper in the eares of the people that mariage is whoredome and an vncleane life : Whereby they do condemne all honest married persons of adulterie , yet doe not manie foolish people perceaue , If marriage be not a cleane life , God is the author of vncleannesse , and Christ a bawd . how they ( that teache such heresie and diuelishe doctrine ) goe about to lowt them in their liuing . For they are not ashamed to make God the author of vncleannesse , to accuse Christ of bawdrie , and to condemne all men of sinne , so that themselues might still be counted angels , and not men .

This do all they that speake thus euilly of matrimony , Whereof God himselfe was the author . And Christ honoured it both by his corporall presence , Gen. 2. Math. 19. Iohn . 2. and first myracle turning water into wine : whereby he declared , that the wel alowed matrimonie and condemned adulterie .

But these fellowes disalowing Gods institution , and aduaunsing their owne inuention , turne wine into water contrary vnto Christ , that is to say , They dishonour holy matrimonie , Vnto God matrimonie is sweete , But vnto Antichrist whoredome is holy . which is sweete and pleasant in the sight of God , and make much of stincking adulterie euer abhorred and condemned of God and all good men . They admit rather an harlot for money dispensed withall contrarie to the commandementes of God , then a wife according to Gods scriptures , 1. Cor. 7. which sayth , If they cannot abstaine , let them marrie , yea some of them are not ashamed to say that it is more lawfull for a priest to haue six whores then one wife . And some also pretend so good fellowship , that they would sooner lend their owne wiues ( they say ) vnto the Priest , then to grant that he shuld marrie . Also they count it a deed of charitie , and a good worke to make a priest a cookold , ( as they terme it ) and in so doing , they think to please God and doe him good seruice .

Whether a man might beleeue them in these their sayinges without an othe . Antichristes prelates doe hope by the increasing of sinne , to bring the word of God in hatred and them selues in estimation . I leaue it for other men to iudge . Of this I am sure , that this their cupshot doctrine brawled in their conuenticles , and whispered in corners , their liberall fellowship , and good worke that proceedeth of their burning concupiscense , & not of charitie , hath brought in the contempt and violating of holy matrimonie , and the people to a wonderfull loosenesse of liuing . Wherein they ioy not a little , thinking it to be a good meane to set them vp againe like Gods in mens consciences . But in the meane while they shal be deuils and spirites of error according to the prophecie of Paul before said , 1. Tim. 4. in that they doe forbid the mariage of priestes .

Also , who hath brought in so manie sectes into the world as these romish wraklinges haue done . The fift note of Antichrist . Of which sorte be these , Moonks , Chanons , Friers , Prebendaries , Canons , Nuns , Sisters , Auckars , hermites , brother hoods , bawds , beades-men I should say , fraternities , craftily naming them holy religious . How these haue bin deceiued with dreams &c. I appeale to their owne consceence . Let them take heede that it be not marked with the hote iron of burning concupiscence . If it be , I leaue them this also for a token of their maisters marke , The carracter of Antichrist . to make them knowne by , euen that they burne in malice against al them that speake the trueth .

If you aske me to what purpose this rable serueth , and what good they doe in the publike weale of the Lord : Forsooth I must desire the prophet to make answere for me , who saith , They are not in the trauaile of men , neyther are they plagued like other folk . Yes sir , they take great paines in prayer and in massing . The occupation of Antichrists brood . Psal. 83. 73. Of whome therefore it may be more truely spoken , as followeth . They stretche forth their mouth vnto heauen , and there toonge goeth through the worlde . Therefore fall the people vnto them : and thereout sucke they no small aduauntage . Beholde these sinfull and wealthie men in the world , haue obtained riches . Loe these be the mouthes that speake proud thinges , before rehearsed .

What prouder thinges can be saide , than to affirme that they can with fine words create their creator of a peece a bread , The sixt note of Antichrist . and offer him for the sinnes of the people , when they haue done . Whereby they haue sucked no small lucre and game from the people . But their lucre beginneth now to decay , and their idle life is perceaued to be vnneressary . Which idle life , the God that they doe make hath and must maintaine , or els they will perceiue their state cannot remaine . This maketh them to be so stiffe necked against the setting forth of Gods worde , and against the right administration of the sacramentes . This maketh them to studie so diligently to keepe vp their altar , and to maintaine their good friday masse , with the which they can beguile the people well inough as they handle it . With their good friday masse , priests serue both the Pope and Gods people . Yea , to say the trueth , they can doe more with this then they could do with masse of Requiem scala coeli , Recordare , or anie other of that sorte . Wherefore I beseeche them for the passion of Iesus Christ , If there bee anie consolation in Christ , If there bee any comforte of loue , If there bee anie fellowship of the spirite , If there be anie compassion and mercie : Let them halt no longer on both partes : Let them blow no longer hote and cold : But let them make the tree good and his fruites good , or els make the tree euill and his fruite euill . To speake plainely vnto them , Let them not make a mingle mangle , and hodge podge of the Lordes supper anie longer . But let them minister it simply and plainly at the Lordes table , as Christ hath left it , and as the booke of Scriptures doe truely meane , and not after their olde popish fashion as they doe , making it a sacrifice for sinnes both of quicke and dead , offering it at burialles , and monethes mindes after their olde maner , whereby they make it abhomination of desolation . Dan. 9. For as the sacrifice of the popish masse was the verie desolation , departure , and forsaking of Christes oblation by death vpon the crosse once offered for all : The abhomination of desolation in the holie place . So is this funerall sacrifice , ( as they vse it ) the verie abhomination of the same desolation . Therefore let them looke better vpon holy scriptures written for our learning , and followe the rules and right meaning of the same , and not their popish rules , and ceremonies otherwise then is there meant , and contrarie both to the kinges maiesties statutes , and iniunctions , and also contrary vnto his maiesties proclaimation , made the xxvii . day of December in the first yeare of his moste gratious raigne . Masse forbidden by proclaimation . Wherein the name of masse is plainly forbidden , if the same proclaimation be truly constured , notwithstanding in the booke of common praier his maiestie somewhat yet beareth with the weake learning of the multitude , which commonly calleth the Lords supper by the name of masse after their olde woont , which thing ( me thinketh ) should giue no man occasion to sticke stiffely to euill custome .

In a statute made the fourth day of Nouember of the same first yeare of his maiesties raigne and in the xiiii . Masse for the dead condemned by act of parliament . Chapter : the offering of the sacrament for the dead , which is there called masses satisfactory to be done for them , is plainly condemned as a vaine thing tending to the derogation of Christes death .

Also by his maiesties iniunctions chap. 28. the altar of the same sacrifice for the dead , The altars taken away by the kinges maiesties iniunctions . is taken away , for so much as it is a monument of the superstition of the popish masse . So that , for anie thing I can perceaue , they that so fayne would holde vp their altars against them that goe about to put them downe , both by law and order , meane none other thing but to maintain a monument of superstition and idolatrie in spight both of the kinges lawes and iniunctions . To the ende ( I meane ) to allure the people the more to their monie sacrifice , The papistes deserue nothing but scoffes . and to make them beleeue the better in the God that they doe make vppon their altar or altar-stone . Without the which they ( I wote ) can make no God . Ah where was this their God before the altar and altar-stone was made ? This may well be that God vnto whome they thinke to doe good seruice in breaking of wedlock and rayling against marriage , but sure I am , that this is not that God that made both heauen and earth and all thinges in them , because the altar and the altar-stone be some thinges . Albeit , least perhappes they should thinke that I would onely answere them with scoffes ( though theyr shamelesse obstinacie deserueth none other ) I will rehearse a few wordes out of Gods booke to stoppe their mouthes withall . And when they haue answered and truely confuted them , I will forsake Gods booke and the christian faith , as truely as I haue forsaken them , and all their iugling castes . In the 7. Chapter to the Hebrues , it is written . The Lord sware and will not repent . Thou art a priest for euer after the order of Melchisedech . And for that cause was Iesus a stablisher of a better testament . These words doe proue that Iesus Christ our euerlasting Priest and mediatour hath stablished a better testament then the testament of the olde law . The priestes in the olde law offered vp sacrifice first for their owne sinnes , and then for the sinnes of the people . But whereon did they offer their sacrifice verily ? Leuit. 9. Vpon an altar .

Iesus Christ , vnto whome God the father sware , The newe testament . Thou art a priest for euer , Heb. 7. 10. &c. Offered vp himselfe once , Heb. 9. by hys own bloud , 1. Pet. 3. suffering death for our sinnes , Heb. 10. and with that his owne oblation hee hath made perfect for euer them that are sanctified .

This is the better testament that Iesus Christ hath stablished for vs , Heb. 9. not by often offering of himself by the hands of sinners , for then must hee haue often suffered since the world began . But as it is appoynted vnto all men , that they should once die , and then commeth the iudgement , euen so was Christ once offered . For as touching that he died , Rom 6. he died once ( saith Paul ) to take away the sinnes of manie . Heb. 9.

By these Scriptures wee may conclude that Iesus Christ offering himselfe by death vppon the crosse once for our redemption , Christ made a perfect oblation for sinnes once , and that vppon the crosse , and not vpon an altar . made a full , 1. Pet. 2. perfite and sufficient sacrifice , oblation , and satisfaction for the sinnes of all them that beleue in him . And that this oblation was done vppon the crosse , and not vpon anie altar , witnesse , Math. 27. Marke 15 , Luke 23. Iohn 19. and Peter in the second of his first Epistle , saying . Christ suffered for vs , leauing vs an example that we should follow his steppes , which did no sinne , neither was there guile found in his mouth , which when he was reuiled , reuiled not againe , when he suffered , he threatned not , but committeth the vengeance to him that iudgeth righteously . Christ bare our sinnes on his owne body . Which his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his body on the tree , that wee being deliuered from sinne should liue vnto righteousnesse . Howbeit , he onely ( saith Esay ) chap. 53. Hath taken on him our infirmities , and borne our paines , hee was wounded for our offences , Christ with his death hath wholly healed vs . and smitten for our wickednesse , for the chastisement of our peace was layd vpon him , & with his stripes wee are healed . What is it to be healed with his stripes , but that by his death and resurrection he hath obtained for vs righteousnesse , euen forgiuenesse of our sinnes , Act. 13. euen forgiuenesse of our sinnes , Act 10. 43. according to the sayinges of the Apostle Peter , Our couenant with God is to beleue remission of our sins thorow the death of his sonne I●sus Christ . that by him all that beleeue are iustified from all thinges , And vnto him giue all the prophetes witnesse , that thorow his name , whosoeuer beleeueth in him shall receaue remission of sinnes . This is the couenant that is betweene God & vs , now , euen that we beleeue in his sonne Iesus Christ , to haue remission of sinnes in his name thorowe hys death and resurrection .

This article hath the holy ghost so surely graued in our heartes and written in our minds that wee cannot but say . We beleue the remission of sinnes . Which also is surely grounded vppon Gods holy word , that sayth : This is the testament that I will make vnto them , Heb. 10. 16. 17. 18. after those daies ( saith the Lord ) I will put my lawes in their hearts , and in their mindes will I write them , and their sinnes and iniquities will I remember no more . And where remission of these things is , there is no more offering for sin .

So long as the sacrifice and offering for sinnes , How long the altars ought to haue continued . tooke not away sinnes , neither brought perfect remission of sins , there remained in the Church of God altars , and continuall sacrifice or oblation for sinnes .

But when Christ had once offered himselfe vppon the crosse by death , and by that his one oblation once offered , had obtained remission of sinnes , and finished all things that was due for man to pay : saying , It is finished , Iohn 19. 30. giuing vp the Ghost , thorough the which eternall spirite hee gaue himselfe to God without spot , Heb. 9 in a sweet sauour . Ephes. 5. Then was finished ( according to his owne saying ) a perfect sacrifice for sinne , The finall end of all sacrifice for sinnes . and all things due for the same . And also all sacrifice and oblations for sinnes totally ended , as it is aforesaid . Where remission of sinnes and iniquities is , there is no more offering for sinne : if no offering for sinnes , then no altar to offer vpon . Therefore either let them prooue Gods word to be false , that saith , Where remission of , &c. the Holy ghost a liar , that promised to write the same in our hearts , &c. and take away this article of our faith , I beleeue the remission of sinnes : or else away with their altars and oblations vpon the same : I meane their mony sacrifice , the masse .

Which altar and sacrifice be nothing else but witnesses of their infidelitie , What the altars and sacrifice for sinne now doe testifie . idolatrie , and Iewish hearts . Of their infidelitie , in that they do not beleeue remission of sinnes , through the onely oblation of Christ once offered vpon the crosse . Of their idolatrie , in that they set vp another sacrifice and propitiation for sinnes then God hath appoynted , Wherein surely they shewe themselues to bee more than Iewish . For in their sacrificing and massing they denie Christes death and reproue God of periurie . The prophesie of Christes death is this : Esay . 53. With his stripes we are healed . By his paines and merites our paines are taken away ( as touching damnation ) and our sinnes couered . Or by his death wee are healed from eternall death . By hys oblation our sinnes are healed , for hee hath purchased vs perfect remission of the same . But this hath he not done , if there be anie sinnes taken away by the masse , The which sinnes at the least he left vnhealed . And therefore hee hath not ( if this be true ) as yet suffered . For heauen and earth shall faile , before these wordes be false . With his stripes we are healed . Or by his death our sinnes are forgiuen . Ergo he hath suffered , and we wholly healed . Or els if we be not wholly healed , he hath not yet suffered .

Againe , almightie God promised with an othe vnto hys sonne Iesus Christ , Heb. 7. 17. saying : Thou art a priest for euer . Psal. 10. 4. That is to say , Iesus Christ hath offered himselfe vppon the crosse by death vnto God the father once . And by that one oblation once offered , hee hath made perfect for euer them that are sanctified , as it is before by the scriptures euidently proued . For this one oblation once offered perfect for euer . Iesus Christ is called and is indeede a Priest for euer . Whose sweet oblation remaineth in the bosome of God to our great comfort for euer . But he himself now offereth no more , for he denieth no more , but liueth for euer on the right hand of God the father , making intercession for vs . Heb. 7. 8. Seeing then his oblation is perfect for euer , serueth for euer , and hee himselfe making intercession for vs , liueth for euer : He is therefore ( according to the othe of God ) Priest for euer . But this hee were not , if it could bee proued that his oblation were vnperfect , as it must needes be , if monie sacrifice , the masse obtaineth remission of sinnes or anie part thereof .

By these fewe Scriptures and sayings grounded vpon the same , it madifestly appeareth howe blasphemous the money sacrifice , the masse is . Namely , it robbeth vs of our most comfortable articles of our faith , which is , I beleeue the remission of sinnes : it taketh away the veritie of Gods Scriptures , which doe proue Christs oblation vpon the Crosse to bee perfect , whole , and sufficient , it maketh Christ a lyer when he sayd , It is finished . It adnihillateth his merites , To maintaine the masse and altars is great blasphemie and abhominable heresie . and taketh away his passion from vs , and it condemneth God of periurie . If there can bee any great blasphemous , and more abominable heresies then these , let all the world iudge . Of all the which , the popish altar is a monument , and ( as it were ) an hand to leade the people vnto , from Christ and his merites : wherefore all good men hauing but one sparke of grace with knowledge , will not onely be content with the taking downe of them , but also will ( I trowe ) helpe the best they can , euery one according to his vocation , to the same .

Moreouer , if the money sacrifice , the masse , had bene so necessarie , and vnto God so acceptable , as the people haue beleeued it to be , woulde Christ haue giuen no commandement thereof , no example of it , no word concerning it , what not one word ?

Of preaching he gaue a special commandement saying : Feede , Iohn 21. 15. Feede , Marke 16. 15. feede my lambes . Mat. 28. 19. And againe , Goe ye in to all the world and preach the Gospel to al creatures ,

Yet this office of preaching is counted amongst many scant necessarie , and the messengers thereof so well looked to , that they may studie their breake fast , pray ( yea beg ) for their dinner , and weepe out their supper , as many other poore soules doe : which thing God will shortly plague , if speedie remedie bee not prouided , or else his worde is not true , which saith , Psal. 12. For the miserable calamitie of the poore oppressed , and for the sighing and weeping of the poore that doe lacke , I will vp , saith the Lord .

Many are sore offended thorough the outragiousnesse of vice , slime , and iniquitie increasing on euery side , a fewe ( I meane ) doe studie for amendement , and some wonder what should be the cause thereof . At whome I doe not a litle maruaile . For if the plough man fallowing his ground turneth it vp , and letteth it lye : and neither stirreth , haroweth , nor soweth it : what marueile is it though it bring him no corne , but weedes ? England is but yet fallowed with the plough of Gods word , yet scant fallowed , what marueile is it then , that weedes growe faster then the corne ? It must needes be so , vnlesse Gods worde be better sowne . For manie that shoulde will not : A fewe would and cannot : and some that can , may not , because they that should will not . To remedie it , albeit I know : I cannot , but this I know and am sure of . Where the worde of God is not preached , Prouerb . 29. the people perish .

Of masse , we haue not so much as one tote or title of God , Christ , or his Apostles giuen vs . Notwithstanding how haue the people cared for Masse , Masse , Masse , onely with Masse they haue bene satisfied . Why doe they not cry now as much for preaching of the worde of God : without the which , they perish ? Nay , why doe they crie so much against it ? Oh what murmuringes and complaininges haue they made since their masse decayed ? what lyes haue these idle braines inuented , what slanders haue they imagined , and what false rumours haue they sprinckled abroad in the worlde , against them that haue sincerely preached the Gospell ? How conspire they against good Christian ministers whiche according to their vocation attend their flockes . What tumultes , vprores , and rebellions haue they raysed against their superiours , to the great hinderance of Gods holy worde ? May not a man manifestly beholde in them the monstrous beast that fighteth against the lambe and word of God ? Reuel. 17. 14.

No doubt , as the deuill brought vp his Church at the beginning and increased it . So would he now ( if he could ) vphold , maintaine , and defend the same . That is , not by preaching , but by massing : not by feeding , but by loytering : not by the regall authority that proceedeth from God , but by tyranny , by authority vsurped , euen by a monstrous beast . I call it a monstrous beast , that is , either without an head , or else hath many heads . A monstrous Subiects vsurping the sword of iustice , and executing vengeance vpon theyr superiours , be a body without an head , or else with many heads , and therefore a monstrous beast . This monstrous beast hath lift vp , borne , and mainteined the whore of Babylon , which is the church of antichrist . Reuel. 17.

This monstrous beast hath put vp her hornes heere in England against the word of God , and faine would rule the same againe , if the deuill could bring it to passe : whose labour is in vaine , for we know the trueth of Gods word proceedeth euer from God , and therefore hath God set it forth amongst vs , by his owne vicegerent , a mayden king our liege lord and supreme head in his dominions next vnder Christ , and that by act of parlement , with the consent of the nobility of the realme , and the lordes spirituall and temporall , and the commons of the same .

Let Sathan therefore leaue off with all his wicked instruments , which go about to perswade the silly people that Gods booke and this new learning ( as they call it ) is heresie : whereby they slander theyr godly magistrates , and speake euill of them that be in authority . The seuenth note of an . Which theyr customable so doing auaileth them nothing , for when they haue prooued it heresie ( which thing they shall as easily bring to passe , as to prooue light darkenesse , and darkenesse light ) then must they also compell all them that haue set it forth , and all them that willingly receiued the same , to do open penance for theyr manifest heresie , as they say .

Thus to speake euill of them that be in authority , is one of their proper markes whereby they be knowen to be of Antichrists brood , which hath by conspiracy caused rebellion euer against such gouernors as haue done any thing against theyr tyranny , and excommunicated , cursed , and deposed emperours , and kings that haue displeased theyr hypocrisie , whose authority , The kings authority is next vnto Gods , & l●ft only to his correction . as it is next vnto God , Psal 109 . so hath God left the correction thereof vnto himselfe , and neither vnto priest nor people . God commandeth , saying : Touch not mine anointed , and do my prophets no harme . If it be not lawfull to touch Gods anoynted kings , Gods officers , Gods lieutenants , Gods vicegerents that be appoynted by God to rule in his sted , let them take heed that do vsurpe theyr sword , for vndoubtedly Gods vengeance will fall vpon them . Numb. 16. Example hereof we haue in Chorah , Dathan and Abiram , which rose vp against Moses with other men of the children of Israel , euen two hundreth and fiftie that were captaines of the multitude , great & famous men in the congregation : Psal. 54. but Gods vengeance fell vpon them , for the earth opened and swallowed them downe aliue . Yet these rebels were not of the base and lower sort of the people , but captaines and famous men . Consider then , if God cannot abide this rebellion and vsurping of the sword of iustice in a captaine , surely he will not suffer it in a souldiour . If not in a famous or noble man , verely he will not leaue it vnplagued in one of the lower subiects : no he will not let it escape vnpunished in whom & whensoeuer it be , because it is high treason against himselfe .

Though they worke craftily and secretly , Treason will out , yet will theyr false traitourous hearts bewray themselues before they be ware , Eccles. 10. if Gods word ( as needes it must ) be true . This text is after the translation of the Hebrues by Iohn Camp●●se . Be not thou so bold as once to thinke or imagine euill against the king , or that thou wilt reprehend the prince although thou be alone in thy priuie chamber , for it will come out , if not otherwise , surely the birds that flye in the ayre will not suffer it to be hid .

Heereby it appeareth that the word of God reproueth , yea condemneth all maner of persons , of what state , condition , or degree soeuer they be , that in word or thought do arise vp , rebell , or resist the kings authority , specially in setting foorth Gods worde , Rom. 13. 1. 2. For there is no power but of God , Gods word condemneth all them that rebell in word or thought against the king . the powers that be are ordeined of God : whosoeuer therefore resisteth power resisteth the ordinance of God : but they that resist shall get vnto themselues damnation . These are Gods words and not mine .

Againe , as almighty God would that we should neither hurt nor harme his true prophets & preachers of his word : so Iesus Christ the sonne of God , giueth vs a speciall commandement to beware of antichrists prelats , calling them false prophets , Math. 7. 15. saying , Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheeps clothing , but inwardly they are rauening wolues . Wolues are wrapped in sheepes clothing , when tyrants rule in the place of shepheards , vnder the titles of holy fathers , worshipfull doctours , honourable prelats , Mat. 15. 14. &c. Mat. 16. 4. These Christ painteth vnto vs , Mat. 12. 34. by the names of Blinde guides , Mat. 23. 27. Froward generation , The 8. note of Antichrist . Adulterous generation , Pharises Sadduces , Hypocrites , Generation of vipers , Serpents , Adders brood , Painted sepulchres , Painted wall , &c. who ( saith he ) do binde together heauie burdens , and grieuous to be borne , and lay them on mens shoulders , but they themselues will not heaue at them with one of their fingers . The 9. note of Antichrist . All their workes do they for the intent that they may be seene of men .

Also they goe in long religious apparell , they must be had in reuerence , and saluted with names and titles of dignity , they shut vp the kingdome of heauen before men , The 10. note of Antichrist . both by their example and doctrine , condemning the iustifying faith for heresie .

They vse long prayers with lippe labor for lucres sake , The 11. note . they be very curious in ceremonies and trifles , The 12. note . but in great matters , as iudgement , mercy and fayth , they haue little regard , The 13. note . they see quickly a moat in another mans eye , The 14. note . but will not looke on the beame in their owne , they are great intanglers of mens consciences with meates , drinkes , holy dayes , Coloss. 2. and mens traditions : finally , they haue ( as before hath beene said ) theyr consciences marked with the hoat yron of burning malice , enuy , and hatred against all them that loue Gods word , And the 15. note of Antichrist . forbidding to marry , and commanding to abstaine from meats which God hath created to be receiued with giuing thanks of them that beleeue & know the trueth . These and such like be theyr fruites : these be theyr workes , ye shall know them ( sayth Christ ) by theyr works .

That those should enter into the Church after that the Gospell was preached by the apostles , A true prophecie prouing Antichrist to be come . Paul playnly sheweth , Act. 20. 29. saying , I am sure of this , that after my departing shal grieuous wolues enter in among you , not sparing the flocke . This is the Church that cannot erre .

Furthermore that you may the better perceiue & know the Church that cannot erre , from the Church that cannot but erre : you shall vnderstand there be but two wayes , The way of the Spirits of truth . Faithfull . Godly . Children of God . Members of Christ . Holy Catholike Church . The way of the Spirits of error . Vnfaithfull . Vngodly . Children of the deuill . Members of the deuill . Wicked Church of Antichrist .

Call them by what names you will , Christ calleth the one The broad way , and the other The narrow way , saying , Mat. 7. 13 , 14. Enter in at the strait gate : for wide is the gate , and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction , and many there be which goe in thereat . But strait is the gate , and narrow is the way which leadeth into life , and few there be that finde it . Note diligently these wordes of the trueth . He sheweth heere two gates , two wayes , and the end of either of them .

The Strait gate . Narrow way and life . The Wide gate . Broad way and destruction .

The wide gate openeth into the broad way , and leadeth into destruction , that is , death , desperation and hell .

The strait gate openeth into the narrow way which leadeth into life , ioy , and eternall felicity . Many do enter in at the wide gate , & walke the vroad way , whose end is damnation remedilesse : for it is written of Antichrist , Habac. 2. 5. He openeth his desire wide open as the hel , and is as vnsatiable as death : all heathen gathereth he vnto him , and heapeth vnto him all people . But few doe enter the strait gate , because few do finde it : for who so findeth the gate , he is in the way . In this gate whosoeuer standeth in a wauering , looking backeward , is neither in the way nor in the gate . No man that putteth his hands to the plough , & looketh backe , Luke 9. is apt to the kingdome of God . To stagger therefore in this matter , and to looke backe , is to be therewith both out of the gate and the way . He that is in the gate is in the way , and sure of life : for the gate , way , and life be so vnite in one , that it cannot be , but he that is in them , is in possession of the other , and he that is out of them , looseth the other . The gate is nothing else , but an opening or dore into the way of life . Christ is the dore , Christ is the way , Note . and Christ is the life , Iohn 10. which sayth , I am the dore , by me if any man enter in , he shal be sare . And againe , Iohn 14 6 , I am the way , 1. Iohn 5. the trueth , and the life , no man commeth to the father but by me . Also S. Iohn saith , God hath giuen vnto vs eternall life , and this life is in his sonne : he that hath the sonne hath life , and he that hath not the sonne of God , hath not life , Thus its Christ the gate , way , and life .

But who be they that do enter this gate ? Forsooth the prophet sheweth , saying , Psal. 118. This is the gate of the Lord , the righteous shall enter into it . The righteous O Lorde , who be righteous ? Christ onely is righteous , wee all are sinners . 1. Iohn 1. For If wee say wee haue no sinne we deceiue our selues , and there is no trueth in vs , If wee acknowledge our sinnes hee is faythfull and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes , and to clense vs from all vnrighteousnesse . 1. Iohn . 2. These thinges I doe write ( sayth Iohn ) vnto you , that you sinne not : And if anie man sinne , we haue an aduocate with the father , Iesus Christ the righteous , and he it is that obtaineth grace for our sinnes Loe here is our righteousnesse , by this aduocate , and for this aduocates sake so manie as pertaine vnto fayth , be reckoned and called righteous . Of the which righteousnes it is written . Habbak . The righteous shall liue by his owne faith : 2. Rom. and if he withdraw himselfe , 1. Heb. 10. my soule shall haue no pleasure in him . It is not we ( saith Paul ) that withdrawe our selues vnto damnation , but we pertain vnto faith , to the winning of the soule . For by fayth the soule winneth the righteousnes that is in Christ Iesu our Lord , if he withdraw not himselfe , that is , if he neither for loue of the worlde nor feare of tormentes forsake not the trueth receiued , nor denie it before men . Which trueth saith He that denieth me before men , Luke 12. shal be denied before the Angels of God . Mat. 10. Also , He that endureth to the end , shal be saued . Therefore , so manie as pertaine vnto faith , must holde faith , slicke vnto Christ , stand fast , and walke in the trueth , and then they shal be happie , and their sinnes shall not be imputed vnto them , as witnesseth the prophet , saying : Blessed is hee whose vnrighteousnesse is forgiuen , Psal. 32. and whose sinne is couered . Blessed is the man vnto whome the Lord imputeth no sinne , and in whose spirite there is no guile . But who is the cause that sume is not imputed to the faithfull ? Not our righteousnesse , but the righteousnes of Iesus Christ . Which of God is made vnto vs wisedome , 1. Cor. 1. and righteousnesse , and sanctifiyng , and redemption . Who hath indeede for vs fulfilled all righteousnesse , Mat. 3. wherewith wee be indewed through faith , according to the word of God that saith , Rom 3. The righteousnesse of God commeth by the faith of Iesus Christ vnto all , and vpon all them that beleue on him : And therefore we hold that a man is iustified by faith . To be iustified by faith is to be made by faith sure of Christes righteousnesse our iustification . For he that beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly , Rom. 4. is his faith counted for righteousnes . For this cause is Iesus Christ called , Emauel , Mat. 1. which by interpretation is as much to say , as God with vs , or whole ours . This is the gate , this is the way , this is life . Iohn 10. The holy Ghost openeth the gate , Ephes. 2. for he is the porter , and sayth is the gifte of God . Faith findeth the gate , fayth entreth , and faith setteth hold on life . Gen. 6. By faith Noah found and entred this gate , which saued him from drowning . Into this gate entred Abraham when hee forsooke his countrie , nanation and fathers house , cen. 12. and obeyed Gods worde . This gate found Lot whereby hee escaped burning . Gen. 18. Moyses , Aaron , Iosue and diuers of the faithful Iewes found this gate , & therby were sure of their saluation , Philip had found this gate when he said vnto Nathaniel . Iohn 1. We haue found him of whome Moyses in the law and the prophetes did write , Iesus of Nazareth . Whereby it appeareth that the fathers in the olde law before the incarnation of Christ , found Christ this gate , way , and life . For Nathaniel sound this gate by faith before he sawe Christ with his corporall eyes , els had not hee bene a verie Israelite without guile , Of whome Christ said , Iohn 1. Behold a right Israelite in whom is no guile . Nathaniel knowledged this gate when he said vnto Christ , Maister , thou art the sonne of God , Thou art the king of Israel . Peter also and the other of the Apostles confessed the same , when they said , Thou art Christ the sonne of the liuing God . Math. 16. All , euen so manie as our sauiour prayed for , found and shall finde this gate , which be but a verie fewe in comparison of them that finde it not . They be ( as wee might say ) but an handfull to the world By the which name they be also called that enter the wide gate and walke the broad way . Christ the sonne of God , saying and praying vnto the father .

Father , Iohn 17. I pray not for the world , but for them which thou hast giuen me , for they are thine , and all mine are thine , and thine are mine , and I am glorif●ed in them . And Neuerthelesse I pray not for them alone , but for them also which shall beleeue on me thorow their preaching , that they all may be one , as thou father art in me , and I in thee , and that they also may be one in vs , that the world may beleeue that thou hast sent me . Iesus Christ knewe right well that the greater number would not enter this gate by faith , and therefore he said , I pray not for the world . He would haue all saued and come to the knowledge of his trueth , but they will not beleeue the trueth , but hate and persecute the trueth . And therefore he knowing the great danger that his smal slock were in , and should be in amongest the wicked , and their small strength also in sauing themselues from their tyrannie , prayed for them that they might be one in faith and loue , hauing the spirit of trueth dwelling in them . Whereby they euer haue in possession that pretious pearle and hidden treasure that the worlde can neyther taste nor finde , because hee that will haue and taste it , must in finding it therewith renounce and giue for it all that hee hath , or else hee looseth it . Math. 13 , Whiche thing onely the electe that haue the Spirite of trueth , Luke 14. whome the worlde cannot haue , doe , and none else . And thereby they haue , yea and feele in theyr great afflictions that peace of conscience , that Christ gaue vnto them , saying , Peace I leaue with you , my peace I giue vnto you , not as the world giueth , giue I vnto you . Iohn 14. Let not your hearts be grieued , neither feare . From the which neither losse of friends and goods , neither losse of good name and fame , nor shame of the world , neither threatnings nor prisonment , nor scourginges and tormentes , nor yet death it selfe could separate them that had once entred , felt , and tasted how sweete the Lord is . This made Peter , Andrew , Iohn , Iames , and the other apostles to forsake all things , esteeming it to be more woorth then goodes , friendes , or life in this world . Paul being in this gate , and tasting the sweetnesse thereof with a vehement spirit sayth , Who shal separate vs from the loue of God ? Rom. 8. Shal tribulation ? or anguish ? or persecution ? either hunger ? either nakednes ? either peril ? either sword ? Who saith , I am sure that neither death nor life , neither angels , nor rule , nor power , neither thinges present , nor things to come , neither high , nor low , nor any other creature shal be able to separate vs from the loue of God , which is in Christ Iesu our Lord ? For this the holy Catholike Church suffereth and euer shall suffer all kindes of torments vntill Christ commeth againe to deliuer her , as euer hitherto they haue suffered , whereof some were mocked , some scourged , some prisoned , some hamshed , some drowned , some sawen , some hewen in pieces , some burned , some racked , and some stoned to death . Which holy Catholike Church may well say , according to the scriptures , Thou ( O God ) makest vs to be rebuked of our neighbours , Psal. 44. to be laughed to scorne , and had in derision of them that be round about vs . And For thy sake are we killed all day long , Rom. 8. and are counted as sheepe appointed to be slaine . These be the few that do finde the narrow gate : these be the righteous that doe finde and enter the same : these be they that Christ so louingly prayed for , whose prayer ( without faile ) because of his reuerence was heard : these be they that be one in faith and loue . Heb. 5. euen of one heart and one minde , in one house , the holy catholike church , vnite and knit together with one spirit , the spirit of trueth that cannot erre .

Moreouer , euery one that is of this holy Catholike church , may say with the Prophet , Psal. 119. Thy word ( O Lord ) is a lanthorne vnto my feet , and a light vnto my paths . For they stablish theyr faith by the word of God , and study to forme theyr life , & to fashion theyr maners by the same . who he knowen by three notable signes , Three sure signes of the holy catholike church . by faith , by loue , and by the spirit of God . He that lacketh any one of these , is not in the strait gate , but wide gate : he walketh not in the narrow way , but broad way : he is not of the church of Iesus Christ , but of the church of Antichrist .

Faith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for , Faith . and a certaintie of thinges which are not seene . Heb. 11. This faith bringeth vs the knowledge of God , and maketh vs to vnderstand our owne sinfull nature and weakenesse : for Paule sath , Heb. 11. Through faith we vnderstand that the world was ordained by the word of God , and that thinges which are seene are made of thinges which are not seene , &c. Of our owne infirmitie by sinne , we haue example in him that brought his sonne vnto Iesus to be healed , Mark● 9. which with teares sayd , Lord I beleue , helpe thou my vnbeliefe . This man vndoubtedly saw by faith great imperfections in himselfe , euen his sinne , as it were , ouerwhelming his faith , and therefore he wept , and sayd , Lord helpe thou my vnbeliefe . Luke 17. The first thing that faith worketh in vs . Likewise the Apostles considering theyr great burden of sinne and frailenesse , said vnto the Lord , Increase our faith . This is the first thing that faith worketh in vs , it bringeth vs the knowledge of our sinne , and vilenesse of the same , and maketh vs to crie to God for helpe and seeke remedie for our sinne , which is Iesus Christ , that gaue himselfe to death vpon the crosse for our sinne as is aforesaid . Thus wrought faith in the penitent publican that thought himselfe vnworthy to lift , vp his eyes vnto heauen , but smote himselfe vpon the brest , saying , Luke 18. God be mercifull to me a sinner . Thus fayth wrought in the Centurien or petie captaine , which iudged himselfe vnworthy of Christes presence , Luke 7. saying . Lord I am not worthie that thou shouldest enter vnder my roufe : wherefore I thought not my selfe worthy to come vnto thee , but say thou the word and my seruant shal be whole , &c. Such a lowe estimation did faith worke in Peter when he said , Luke 5. Lord goe from me for I am a sinfull man . And least anie man should contend herein , that this faith ( which thus bringeth vs knowledge of God & of our owne sinful nature & weaknesse ) should be a fayned faith , a dead faith , or a deuils faith : heare the praise therof by him that cannot flatter nor lie the truth , who saith , of the same , I say vnto you haue not found so great a faith , Luke 7. no not in Israel . Note , Christ calleth this a great faith . Verily it so great that it bringeth vs our iustification and peace with God , The second thing that faith worketh in vs . which is the second thing that faith worketh in vs . That faith bringeth vs the righteousnesse of Christ our iustification , is already plainely prooued by the scriptures and writings of Paule , who goeth further and saith , Rom. 5. Because therfore that we are iustified by faith , wee are at peace with God . And to declare the very gate , dore and way , wherby we enter into this peace and fauour of God , hee addeth saying , Through our Lord Iesus Christ , Rom. 5. by whom also it chanced vnto vs , to be brought in through faith vnto this grace wherein we stand , and reioyce in the hope of the glory of the children of God . Heere you see manifestly faith entereth into the strait gate which is Christ . The third thing that faith worketh in vs . This faith is not idle , for it maketh vs to stand , that is to say , to perseuere and walke in the narrow way by loue , which is the third thing that faith worketh in vs , and therfore it followeth , Not that onely , but also we reioyce in tribulations , knowing that tribulation bringeth patience , patience bringeth experience , experience bringeth hope , and hope maketh not ashamed , because the loue of God is shedde abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost which is giuen vnto vs . No thanke then vnto our faith , no thanke vnto our loue , but all thanke and praise , and glory be giuen vnto God , whose holy spirit worketh fayth , loue , hope , patience , and altogether in vs .

Fayth that worketh by loue is much worth before God , Loue . which loue is the second note of the holy Catholike church : Gal. 5. fayth fetcheth this loue of the great loue of God , which first so loued vs , that hee gaue his onely begotten sonne Iesus Christ , to the end that all that beleeue in him should not perish , but haue life euerlasting . Of this loue speaketh Paule , saying , Ephes. 5. Walke in loue euen as Christ loued vs , and gaue himselfe for vs an offering and sacrifice of a sweete sauour to God . This loue Paule learned of his master our sauiour Iesus Christ , commanding and saying , Iohn 13. A newe commandement I do giue vnto you , that ye loue together as I haue loued you . Iesus Christ so loued vs , that he gaue himselfe for vs , for he was obedient vnto God the father for vs vnto death , yea vnto death vpon the crosse . This loue so warmeth the heart with hope and assurance of euerlasting life ( for we are saued by hope ) that it putteth away all seruile feare : Hope & feare . I say not all feare , Rom. 8. for there remaineth and abideth in the heart an holy reuerend feare or dread of displeasing God , or lothnesse to loose God and his holy spirit , which if a man taste , is rather a reuerend ioy , and a glad loue than feare : therefore is it truely said , Perfect loue casteth out feare , 1. Iohn 4. that is to say , Iesus Christ by his holy spirit possessing the heart of man through fayth , pntteth cleane away the feare of shame , losse of goodes or friends , the feare of torments , enemies , and prisonment , yea the feare of sinne , The office of true faith . death , the deuill and hell . So that the office of true faith setteth not onely before our eyes the vilenesse of sinne , that caused Christ to die , but it also bringeth vs Iesus Christ the attonement maker betweene God and vs for our sinne , whereof commeth loue . In the which loue is manifest the third note of the holy Catholike church , The spirit of Christ . for now we feare God no more as a terrible iudge , but thorow his holy spirit we loue him as a most gentle & louing father , whereof speaketh Paule , saying thus : Ye haue not receiued the spirit of bondage to feare any more , but you haue receiued the spirit of adoption , Rom. 8. whereby we crie , Abba , Father . Abba is as much in English as Dad , or Deare father : it is the Syrian speech , left vntranslated both by the Latine men , & also English men , to the intent ( I suppose ) that it should also be English : for this I know , that the first word that an English Christian childe beginneth to speake , is Abba , commonly , long before he can speake any thing else , which Christian babe in his innocencie is a witnesse with Paule that God is a deare father vnto Christians through his holy spirit , by his sonne Iesus Christ . Faith , loue , & the spirit of God , be together in euery true Christian . Thus you may easily perceiue by those scriptures that faith , loue , and the spirit of God doe go together , and be together in euery true Christian as sure notes and seales of his saluation . Faith entring the gate of saluation , sticketh to the word of God , and taketh it onely to be the rule of life and doctrine . Loue cleaueth vnto Christ , and maketh faith knowen , as the fruits do the tree , and putteth away feare . The spirit of God quieteth the conscience , and bringeth with a reuerend dread , ioy and gladnesse ineffable . If you know this , you be a very true member of the holy Catholike church , and in the strait gate and narrow way vnto eternall life . If you know not this , I say no more but God haue mercy vppon you : Math. 7. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction , and many there be which go in thereat .

Heere ( me thinketh ) I do heare an idle braine say , that these signes and notes be of mine owne inuention , which do rather confound & dim the church , than make it knowen . Vnto whom I doe answere , 2. Cor. 4. If it be dim and hid , it is hid vnto them that perish : but vnto the children of light it is manifest enough . Also these notes be not mine , but rather Gods books , there I do finde them .

Of the first , Christ saith , Euery tree is knowen by his fruites . Luke 6. Which words be made plaine by these sayings of Paule : The first note of Christes church . To beleeue with the heart , Rom. 10. iustifieth , & to knowledge with the mouth , maketh a man safe . Faith then is not dead in the heart : if it be dead , it is not faith : faith is knowen by the mouth , as the tree is knowen by the fruits , for of the treasure of the heart the mouth speaketh . A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good . Luke 6.

Of the second , The second note of Christes church . Iohn saith , 1. Iohn 4. God is loue , and hee that dwelleth in loue , dwelleth in God , and God in him . He then cannot be hid in whome God dwelleth . And 1. Iohn 2. Hee that loueth his brother abideth in the light , and there is no occasion of euill in him . The light therefore must needs be seene . Heere is to be noted , that as faith without godly works is a dead faith , and therefore no faith : so loue without the same good weeks also is not loue , but naturall affection , 1. Iohn 3. For who so hath these worlds goods , & seeth his brother hath need , and shutteth vp his compassion from him , howe dwelleth the loue of God in him ? Thus is loue manifestly knowen by the good worke . Our fauiour Iesu Christ appointing this to be the notable signe of the church , faith vnto them , Iohn 13. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples , if ye haue loue one to another .

Of the third note , The third note of Christes church . Rom. 8. which is the spirit of God , Paule writing to the Romanes , hath these wordes , If any man haue not the spirit of Christ , the same is none of his . And a little after , he speaking of himselfe and other of the church of Christ , saith : The same spirit certifieth our spirit that we are the children of God . If the spirit of God certifieth a mans conscience that he is the childe of God , then hee may be sure that hee is of the church of Christ . Heereby you perceiue that these notes are appoynted by Gods booke , & not of mine inuention , The sure signes of the holy Catholike church be gathered out of Cods booke . to be vnfallible signes of the holy Catholike church , and of euery member of the same , which be all of one faith , vnite as one by loue , & gouerned with one and the same spirit of trueth .

Finally , if these signes of the holy catholicke Church be not yet euident and plaine inough vnto you , to knowe the same , perhappes because you your selfe be none of the Church , marke yet diligently the effectes that follow .

First , Manifest signes of the church . the simple and plaine setting forth of the worde of God , both in writing and preaching , with the administration of Christes sacramentes according to the same .

Secondly , the murmuringes , complaininges , conuenticles , vprores , and tumultes of the wicked against the same .

Thirdly , The first ma●…est note of Christes church . the persecution , and patiently suffering of the verie elect of God for the same , as the elect of God taketh nothing from his holy wordes , but wholly sticketh vnto the same without anie of their owne addit●ons , So doe they alwaies sincerely open the same vnto the worlde , and haue their whole delight in making it knowne vnto men . Whereof they haue of their maister Christ a speciall commandement so earnestly giuen vnto them , as though hee had required of them that alone , binding them as they loued him , to teache , feede , and preach vnto his sheepe . And as he required of them this teaching and preaching of the Gospel most earnestly , Mat. 10. 28. so did he most often put them in memory of the same . Marke 6. 6. This was the principall and great commission that he gaue them , Iohn 21. after his resurrection , saying . All power is giuen vnto me in heauen and in earth . Math. 28. Go ye therefore and teache all nations , baptising them in the name of the father , and of the sonne , and of the holie Ghost , teaching them to obserue all thinges , whatsoeuer I haue commanded you . Other thinges then Christ hath commanded to be taught , may not bee taught by Christes commission , who saith also , The holy hhost shall teache you . Luke 12. What ? All thinges , Iohn 14. and bring all thinges vnto your remembrance , whatsoeuer I haue said vnto you . Againe , that they might be sure of theyr vndeceaueable rule , Marke 16. he saith . Preache the gospell to all creatures , vnto them that thus do . He saith further , He that heareth you , Luke 10. heareth me , and he that despiseth you , despiseth me , and hee that despiseth me , despiseth him that sent me . Because the children of perdition walking in the broad way , despise the narrow way of the Gospell , and teachers of the same , they doe commit high treason against Christ and against God , for that they doe not regard , but contemne the great commission of God , the Gospel of his sonne Iesus . Although this Gospel should be for a time troad vnder feete and sealed vp , The Gospel . is a witnesse to all the world . as it was prophecied , Dan. 12. and as we haue seene it , Mat. 24. yet should it be a witnesse to all the world . Christ saith , This Gospel of the kingdome shal be preached in all the worlde , for a witnesse to all nations , and then shall the end come . The gospel is a witnesse of Christ and his Church to al nations in the world . To the wicked it is a witnesse , that they loue darkenesse more then light because their workes are euill . Iohn 3. To the godly it is a sure stay and witnesse that they are of the holy Catholicke Church , and members of Christ .

This is a plaine token of the holy catholicke church , A plaine token of the holy catholicke Church . that wheresoeuer this gospel is set forth in the mother toong and countrie speache , and sincerlie taught , there bee the true members of Christes Church . Example hereof we haue in the preaching of the same by the Apostles at Hierusalem , in whome the holy Ghost so wrought that they spake to euerie man ( many beeing there of diuers and strange languages ) in their owne mother toonge , and countrie speeche . Actes 2.

The true ministers of the worde ( in whome the holy Ghost speaketh ) euer teache the people in their owne language that they vnderstand , and not in a strange toonge that they knowe not . We may therefore be glad and ioy to haue seene and heard the same Gospel here in England , set forth in our mother toonge preached according to Christes promise and sincerely taught .

O it is a worlde to behold the subtiltie of Sathan working in these wicked worldlinges . When hee feeleth by preaching of the Gospel , that his counterfeit religion is espied , and that his lies and false miracles will serue to blinde and deceaue the people no longer : then he bestirreth himselfe , then hee seeketh out his trustie friendes and setteth them a worke , to stirre the people to murmuringes , tumultes , When the deuill had men fast by false faith , hee cared not for their euill life . The second manifest note of Christes Church . and vprores , to the end that by deuisions , debates , and discordes , he may eyther face out the Gospel , or els for that he looseth some in their faith , hee might winne moe by their euill life : Whereby ( albeit against their wil ) both the deuill and his ministers doe giue an euident testimonie of the Gospel . For Iesus Christ the wisedome of God the father knowing that it would be so , shewed that it should be so , both by his wordes and example taking vpon him , that the wicked would lay to his charge , saying , Thinke not that I am come to send peace into the earth : Math. 10. I came not to send peace , but a sword . For I am come to set a man at a variance against his father , and the daughter against her mother , and the daughter in lawe against her mother in law , and a mans foes shal be they that be of his owne houshold . And he prophecieth also , saying , Suppose yee that I am come to send peace on the earth . Luke 12. I tell you nay , but rather deuision . For from hence forth there shal be fiue in one house deuided , three against two , and two against three . The father shal be deuided against the sonne , and the sonne against the father . The mother against the daughter , and the daughter against the mother . The mother in lawe against her daughter in law , and the daughter in lawe against her mother in law . Christ propheciyng of the discord that would be thorow the preaching of the gospel , taketh vpon him the salt of others . In this phrase of speache Christ shewed not himselfe to be the authour and cause of discord and diuision , but hee rather declared in their owne wordes their false standers . Hee knewe right well that the wicked woulde resist the gospell with lyes , staunders and tumultes : and when they had thorow their owne malice craftily raysed such tragedies , then they would ( disburdening themselues ) lay it to Christes charge and to his holy word , or ministers of the same . Thus hath it bene in out time . The wicked hating the Gospel , haue stirred vprores and vnquietnesse amongest the people , and then they haue burdened the Gospel and preacher withall . Thus the Scribes and Pharisees with their Disciples , moued the people against Christ , whereby they made vnquietnesse , and then they accused Christ of blasphemie , heresie & making of discention , Math. 26. traitours and blasphemous heretickes , Luke 22. neither true to God nor the Prince . For this cause , Christ knowing before , vouchsafe to bewray their malice , taking vpon himselfe the person of discord , when in verie deedele is the berie peacemaker , because he knewe they woulde so iudge him and reporte him to be , as wee can witnesse they haue doon . wherfore wee must needes beleue this his prophesie , nowe that we haue heard it , and seen it fulfilled .

Trulie , The banner of Christ goeth euer with his Church , as the shadow goeth with the body . Trulie , Mat. 10. as the shadowe followeth the bodie : so Christes crosse followeth the holy Catslolique church . And as the greater the height of the sunne is , the more is the shadow seene : so , the greater the height of the gospel shinneth by preaching , the more manifest is the crosie of Christ , who sayth . He that loueth father or mother more then me , is not worthie of me , and hee that loueth sonne or or daughter more then me , is not worthie of me . And he that taketh not his crosse and followeth me , is not worthie of me . Also if anie man will come after me , Luke 9. let him deny himselfe , and take vp his crosse dayly and follow mee . For whosoeuer will saue his lyfe , shall lose it . But whosoeuer doth lose his life sot my sake , the same shall saue it . For whosoeuer is ashamed of me and my words , of him shall the sonne of man be ashamed when he commeth in his maiestie , and the maiestie of his father . It is vnpossible to sticke vnto the Gospel without the cross , without trouble or persecution , 2. Tim. 3. Paul being witnesse , saying : All they that will liue godly in Christ Iesu shall suffer persecution . Of the which crosse and persecution Christ prophecied saying , ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake . Mat. 10. But vnto this in another place he giueth a better confort , Iohn 15. saying , If the world hate you , you knowe it hated me before it hated you . If ye were of the world , the worlde would loue hys owne . Howbeit because yee are not of the worlde , but I haue chose you out of the worlde , therefore the worlde hateth you . Remember the word that I saide vnto you . The seruaunt is not greater them his Lorde : if they haue persecuted me they will persecute you . Seeing the trueth hath spoken these thinges , The third manifest note of Christes Church . they must needes come to passe . Wherefore it now remaineth , that all louers of the Gospel and trueth , doe patiently sticke vnto the trueth in all their tribulations , and call to memorie their maisters first promise and blessing , which is written . Where he saith : Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousnes sake , for theirs is the kingdome of heauen . To suffer for righteousnesse and truthes sake ( me thinketh ) must be a signe of the elect of God . For they verily that do liue immofluely in the world , and charitably with their neighbours , and notwithstanding be hated , euill spoken of , standered , and persecuted of the wicked , onely for speaking against sinne and iniquitie , and for the Gospels sake , haue great cause to ioy in their trouble and persecution , as it solloweth .

Blessed are yee when men shal speake euil of you , and persecute you , and shal speake all euil against you , lying , for my sake . Reioyce yee and be glad , for plenteous is your rewarde in heauen Loe this is the Churche that cannot erre .

Thus I haue described before your eies both the church of Antichrist , which cannot but erre , and also the Church of Iesus Christ that cannot erre , plainly , with their signes and notes : Note them therefore circumspectly . The church of Antichrist is not stablished vppon the veritie of Gods worde and spirite , which is the sure foundation of the holy catholicke Church , but vpon a sinful man , quia omnis homo mendax , because euerieman is a lyer . Christes Churche hath one iustifiyng faith which worketh by loue , for the which Antichristes Church hath manie faithes , as , a little faith , a smale faith , an vnperfect faith , a deceiuing fayth , a sick faith , and a dead faith , Dominikes faith , Basils fayth Austens faith , Bennets faith , Bernardes faith , Frances faith , and Deuils faith . All which may enter the wide gates and be admitted into the popes Church , and pertaker of his mony sacrifices . Where note they be the greater number : which thing maketh them bolde to persecute the few and small flocke that entreth the straite gate of fayth , and walketh the narrow way of the Gospel , which small flock neuer persecuteth . For it is against the nature of a lambe to sucke the bloud of a Woolfe . It is the propertie of the Woolfe to sucke bloud , deuour and persecute .

The church of Iesus Christ euer suffereth , loueth , and prayeth for enemies and persecutours .

Antichriste brood do murmure , hate , & persecute , with a filthy conscience .

Vnto the church of Iesus Christ onely Gods booke is a perfect rule of beliefe , life , and doctrine , in stead whereof Antichrists generation hath many books and rules , as holy decrees and decretals , fathers , coumels , holy doctours , Festiuale , Legenda aurea , Austens rule , Benets rule , Basils rule , Bernards rule , Dominiks rule , Francis rule , and now last of all Canterbury tales with a dung-cart ful also of vnwritten verites . These haue beene brought in , and taught by the spirits of errour , the very guides & stayes of Antichrists church , & therfore they could not but erre . But the church of Iesus Chr●st , & euery member of the same , is gouerned with one spirit of trueth that cannot lie , therefore cannot they erre , euen with the spirit of Christ , the holy ghost , vnto whom , with the father , and the some , be all thanks , laud , praise and glorie . Amen .

Written the eleuenth day of the moneth of Iulie . Anno Domini 1550.