IT is writen , Math. ● that Christe and his disciples went into a shippe , when sodainelie arose a greate tempest in the sea , so that the shippe was couered with waues . Christe slept . His disciples awaked hym and saide , maister saue vs , we perishe . Christe saide vnto them , why are you feareful , you of litle faithe ? Then he arose , rebuked the windes , and there folowed a greate calme . We must so conceiue of Christes workes , Grego●h mel 2 it cap. 18. Luc. that we beleaue them to be don in veritie , and to implie an other thinge in signification , to shewe one thinge by power , and to signifie an other in mysterie . It lacketh not mysterie , that Christe and his disciples went into a shippe , and that this shippe was tempested . You haue heard de Christes facte , marke the mysterie . Aug serno . 14 . ●e verb Domini . This shippe resembled the churche militant , wherin al christian passengers do saile , and be tossed with tempestes , whyles they driue towarde theire countrie , the quiet hauen of heauen , that is the churche triumphant . The sea resembleth the course of the worlde , which is alwayes troublous . And by the tempeste is signified al suche pressure , and persecution , as they must expecte , that folowe Christe into this shippe . It was reuealed to sainct Iohn the wel-beloued Apostle of Christe , Apoc. 2. that the churche should haue greate persecution . Beholde the diuel shal cast some of you into prison to be tempted , Beda in 2. ca. Ap●c . and you shal haue tribulation ten dayes . By the terme of ten dayes is signified , eyther the ten persecutions which the churche suffered vnder the Emperours , or els the whole tracte of troubles , which she shal endure in hir peregrination . There hath ben no age of men , nor course of time sithence Christe , wherin this shippe , ( that is to saye the militant churche of Christe ) hath not ben tempested . Psal. 36 The vngodlye drewe out their sworde , bente their bowe to cast downe the simple , and to slaie such as goo the right waie . Thes wordes of the prophet were verefied after Christes ascension , Augu in Psal. ●9 . Ruffin in Psal. 36. when there arose greate tempestes , to wit diuers persecutions against the churche , open persecution , and secret persecution , persecution violent , and persecution fraudulent , persecution of tyrannie , and persecution of heresie , the one openlie , the other secretlie , the one by sworde , the other by worde . Of these tempestes , heresie was more contrarious to the churche , August . tract 5. in euang. Ioan. then tyrannie . For heresie transformethe hir selfe into the Angel of light , proceadeth gilfullie , deceiueth the simple , striketh greuouselie with the sworde of the tonge , and shedeth bloud cruellie , by killinge Christe in his members . Tyrannie dealeth not with scripture , not with drifte of learninge , nor by order of iuste proufes , but by crueltie , and dint of sworde . Yet hath the churche gayned more by tyrannie then by heresie , for tyrannie maketh martyrs , heresie begetteth Apostats . Tertul. ●le praescrip c. 4. Of them that persecuted the churche with tyrannie and heresie , they were most ingrate and greatest persecutors , who beinge some time christians , and fallinge from christianitie , became professed enemies to the christian religion . Theodor. ●ib. 4. c. 1 so was Valens the Emperour , who of a catholike became an Arian . so was Iulianus , who borne of christian parentes , and brought vp by learned christians , became Apostata . Euseb li. 10. cap. 8 so was Licinius who of a christian , became a persecutor . Euagr. lib. 4. ca. 10. There lacked not in this parte , some nomber of the feminine tribe , to put to their shrewde heades and helpes , as Theodora , Iustina , Hiero. 4. ciesc . Philomenes , Prisca , Maximilla , and Lucilla . It is not my final intention to enlarge of persecution , nor of persecutors , but brefelie to shewe to the persecuted catholikes of our tyme , that yf now they finde al possible oppressions vnder heresie and tyrannie , it may not seme strainge vnto them , yf they consider how Christes shippe was couered with the waues , how the churche hath ben persecuted euen from hir infancie , and that she lacketh not at this time hir Valentes , hir Iulians , hir Licinians , hir Theodoras , hir Iustinas , hir Lucinas . This pointe I wil touche , a pointe not impertinent to note , why Christe permitteth his churche to be so sore tempted , and why the diuel raysed so manie blouddie battailes of cruel persecutions , in the verie prime of the churche . It is the corruption of our sinful nature , to forget our dutiful seruice to God , when we be secure , and holde our desires in quiet . Grego . homel . 17. in cap 4. Matth. We gase vpon the gaie glitterings of the wanton worlde , wee feede our appetites with the delicate cherishinges of the fleshe , so that our heartes begine to be estrainged from God , and to leese the sense and feelinge of godlines , vntil God sende vexation , that geueth vnderstandinge . When prosperitie had brought in libertie , and impunitie of synne corrupted discipline , Euseb. li. ●… . cap. 1. when christians declined from deuoute conuersation , and committed greate disorders , God waxed angrie , and sterred against them , against their churches , against ther priestes and pastors , the puissante power of persecutors , to reuenge his conceiued anger . Cyprian de lap . When longe peace had corrupted Godes heauenlie discipline , and feruour of faithe beganne to coole in the house of God , God began iudgement in his owne house , and by seueritie of correction , erected faithe that laie a sleape , and as it were in contempte . Semblablie God dealeth now with his people , knowinge the lewsenes of theire life , and seinge the drines of their faithe , he rayseth vp a greate tempeste , wherin they be pitiouslie tossed , with manye hurles of the vnquiet sea . Certes for many hundred yeares , the christian worlde , the christian religion , the faithe catholike , was not so mightelie shaken as it hath ben in thes later tempestes of our times , when bothe violent and fraudulent persecution haue assaide euen by penal lawes , to rase out of christian mens heartes , the general faithe of Christe , and to persecute them that further not such a special faithe , as the spirite of the worlde teacheth .

To you therfore ( derelie beloued countrie men ) to you that be afflicted catholikes for religion , in what case and place soeuer you be , I addresse this consolatorie epistle , wherin my endeuour is to declare suche comfortes , as the selfe cause of religion semeth to yelde . Seinge now the violent windes blowe and bluster not onelie againste the kingedomes of the worlde , but againste the churche that is the kingedome of god , and knowinge that they haue shaken out of the shippe manye , and to manye lost christians , I offer vnto you that yet remaine and suffer in the shippe then confortes , euen out of the bodie and bosome of religion . I make common to you that suffer for religion such confortes , as I labored to gaine to my selfe in the greate trobles of thes countries , wherin were vsed manye mischeuous meanes to deface religion .

Firste then recognise you with me , why and for what cause you suffer . Yf you suffer for any horrible facte , or enormious synne , the name of God is blasphemed emong you . 1. Pet. 4. Yf you suffer for murther , thefte , or sacrilege , you suffer with dishonor , shame , and synne . Yf you be felons , there is an haulter , yf you be traitors , there is an axe , yf you be heretikes , there is a stake , fagot , and fire . But the cause of your sufferinge is knowen , and by your knowen actes testified to the maiestie of the christian worlde . It is knowen , that you suffer as christians for Christes sake , that you suffer as catholikes for the catholike faithe , and that you suffer as open christians , and confessant catholikes . You stode in the firste fronte against the violent innouation of religion . You were depriued of honors , of lordeshippes , of landes , and liuelehood . You haue sustained great and longe affliction , you sustaine yet disgrace , imprisonmet , and banyshement . And why ? is it a faute to be a christian ? Is it sinne to confesse the faithe of Christe ? or is it blame worthy to be a member of Christes catholike churche ? If you be christians , yf you be catholikes , yf you be afflicted christian catholikes for the catholike religion , If ( I saye ) when you stande in thes termes , there be no other cause why you suffer , then surelie you suffer directlie , for the catholike cause . In the house of God there is no cause more honorable , no cause more glorious , than the catholike cause . This cause almightie God commended , when he commaunded the worlde to heare his sonne Christe . For this cause Christe came into the worlde , and he suffered more tribulation , then any creature is able to suffer . Had there ben any cause more noble then this , Christe wolde haue chosen it , and suffered for it .

But there was no worne that made a more manifeste shewe of true vertue , there was no trial so farre from al suspition , as to suffer for religion . As Christe hath his sainctes in heauen that honour hym in quiet loue : so hath he his sainctes in earthe , that honour hym with troubled loue . As there is in heauen nothinge more precious , than the glorious loue of his sainctes : so is there in earthe no thing more acceptable , then the afflicted loue of the iuste , who for his loue , suffer for his religion . Yf there be no creature , Aug de ciuit . Dei lib 10. cap 1. Idem de spirit & lit . c. 61. that serueth God in rule of religion but man onelie , yf religion be a seruice propre to God , and be so called because the soule of man fallinge from God throughe synne , rebindeth hir selfe againe to him by that seruice , and man can shewe to God no other supreme seruice , nor soueraigne honor but religion , then surelie it is religion that man hath bounde him selfe vnto , and then is it religious , ( that is to saye a matter of conscience ) to kepe that donde , and rather to suffer for it , then to incurre Godes displeasure . Nor shoulde any wel informed christian doubte , whether he might suffer for this cause , iustice taketh awaye doubte , and to doubte is lacke of faithe , for faithe doubteth not but that we should suffer , and Christian fortitude chooseth rather to suffer , than to lese pietie . Yf good men haue suffered tormentes for concealinge the secrettes of their freindes , should not wee suffer for conseruinge the sacramentes of our faithe ? Yf euil men suffer for wronges don to the common weale , shal not good men suffer for suche rightes , as belonge to the churche of Christe ? Manye haue died in combattes whiles they aduentured to helpe their freindes , maye we die for mennes sake , and refuse to die for God ? what should I speake of the Gentiles , who sustained greuous paines in doubtful affaires , onelie for vaine glorie ? Should we christians refuse to suffer for veritie , what they sought to suffer , for vanitie ? I neede saye no more . Christ the teacher of sufferaunce and humilitie , suffered al that he suffered , to make his churche glorious , and he suffered firste to shewe example to vs , to suffer after . And after him so manye glorious Martyrs , and membres of his churche suffered for the common cause of the churche , that now to suffer for the same , it should not seeme impertinent to the dutie of a christian . Yf now then ( you afflicted catholikes ) you suffer for this cause , ( as in dede you suffer ) doubteles in this name you glorifie god , in this name you honor God . And what thankes deserue you now when you feare god , liue in his lawes , obey his churche , and choose rather to endure greefes , 2. Pet. 4 . to beare wronges for conscience sake to God , them to folowe the gospel of the worlde ? It were no praise for you , yf you suffered for your sinnes , but when you suffer for that cause , wich is iustifiable to al the christian worlde , which is commended of al good men , and approued of God him selfe , as Godes owne proper and personal cause , when now ( I saye ) you suffer for that cause , doubtles this is thanke worthie of God . This cause is so importante , that none can suffer for it , but by the gratious gifte of God , and God geaueth this gifte to none , but to his special freindes . This ioyneth you neare vnto God , causeth you to set lesse by the worlde , diminisheth your paines in purgatorie , and encreaseth your final rewarde in heauen . This is such a cause , as for the which who so hath not the gifte to suffer , ought to seeke it by praier , and penance . So longe as you suffer for this cause , you haue litle cause to feare the power of your mightie aduersaries . Philip. 1. What is to them cause of perdition , God wil turne to your saluation . for vnto you it is geuen not onelie to beleue in Christe , but to suffer also for his sake . Marke the gifte , and consider the grace . God that is the geauer of giftes and graces , God that hath called you to his eternal glorie by Christe Iesu , wil make you perfecte , 1. Pet. ● wil strengthen you , and establishe you , after you haue suffered a litle affliction . In dede it is but litle , Yet doth it prepare vnto you , 2. Cor. 4 . an excedinge and eternal weight of glorie . For what seke you in this sufferinge ? Not to folowe the lawes of men , which be corrupte and crooked , but to do the wil of God , that is iust and righte . And for what suffer you ? not for felonie or thefte , not for murther or treason , not for heresie or sacrilege , but for truthe and iustice , for vnitie and veritie , for faithe and religion . You suffer not for vice , but for vertue , you suffer not for the thinges that be temporal , but for the thinges which be eternal . Reioyse you constant christians , reioyse you afflicted catholikes , 1. Pet. 4. You that be nowe pertakers of Christes passion , shal reioyse muche more at the reuelation of his glorie . What Christe suffered in the bitter passage of his deathe , he suffered as head , Augu in Psal. 86. it remained that he was to suffer in his members . Collos. 1. You be his members . You fulfil that in your fleshe , that lacked of his passion , and you fulfil it for his bodie , which is the churche . Christe suffereth no more in fleshe wherin he ascended into heauen , but he suffereth in your fleshe , which yet trauaileth on the earthe . What lacked in the head , August . in ps. 42. is supplied in the members . And therfore you suffer as members of his bodie for his bodie , which is the churche , and you suffer for the trial of your faithe , which is tried to this ende , that it might be founde to honor when Christe commeth , in whom you beleue , for whom you suffer , and by whom you shal receaue the ende of your faithe , euen the saluation of your soules .

Seinge then religion is the soueraigne honor , 1. Pet. 1. and the onelie supreme seruice that you owe to God , seinge it is the most glorious and honorable cause , for which you can suffer , respecte of no creature , loue of no felicitie , feare of no aduersitie , should withdrawe you from this cause . Loue of parentes and countrie , loue of wife and children , loue of goodes and honors , loue of liuelehood and life , must geue place to this . They that for this cause forsake the temporal welth of the world shal receaue the spiritual blessinges of God our lorde . This saith our lorde . Math. 19 Euerie man that forsaketh hys house , or hys brothers , or sisters , or father , or mother , or wife , or children , or landes for my name sake , shal receaue an hundred folde . He promiseth more then this , to them that dye for his sake . Math. 16 This saith our lorde . He that leeseth his life for me , shal finde the same . Ther be diuersities of christian dewties , diuersities of honor , obedience , and loue . There is a loue dewe vnto our parentes , and this hath his limitation . Who so loueth them aboue Christe , is not Christes disciple , nay whoso hateth them not for Christe , is not his disciple , and he that forsaketh not al , and beareth not Christes crosse for Christes sake , can not be his disciple . When faithe is called in question , Luc. 14. when christians be conuented for religion , and Godes cause must be answered , they be our mothers , they be our brothers , which do the wil of our father in heauen . Math. 12 If they beleue in Christe , they must preferre vs that fighte for Christe , yf they beleue not , let the deade burie the deade . Hiero. epist. 1. There is a loue dewe vnto our natural father , so longe as he withdraweth vs not from our heauenlie father . We must not acknowledge any longer our parent age , kinred , stocke , or other creature , than they acknowledge God theire creator . Idem epist. 10. Our parentes may doo what shal best like them of theire goodes and substance , with our soules they haue not to doo . Our soules be not theirs by whom we were generate , but his , to whom we be regenerate . Idem epist. 1. Thoughe thy nephewe a litle ladde and playnge boye hange aboute thy necke , thoughe thy mourninge mother with rente heares and blubbered chekes shewe thee hir pappes wherwith she gaue thee sucke , thoughe thy feble father lye at thy thresholde , passe by thy father , passe by thy mother with drie eyes , and hasten to the crosse of Christe , crueltie in this case , is the onelie kinde of pietie , and pietie for God , is no crueltie . Idem epist. 53. Ther is an honor and obedience dew to princes and ciuil rulers of the worlde . Thes dewties also haue their limitation . The children of Israel saide vnto their ruler Iosue . Iosue 1. As we haue obeyed Moyses , so wil wee obeye thee , looke onelie to this , that our lorde God be with thee , as he was with Moyses . As who wold saye , we wil obeye thee so longe , as thou obeiest God , God is to be obeied , and so is Iosue , God before Iosue , God aboue Iosue , and rather God then Iosue . Daniel . 3 The children of Israel obeied kinge Nabuchodonosor in al that he might commaunde by authoritie of a kinge . But when he proclamed , that his subiectes shoulde kneele downe and adore his Idol , they denied that obedience . Daniel . 6 Daniel obeied kinge darius in externe matters , but when the kinge gaue out edicte , that whoso prayed to any other God but to him should be caste to the lions , he forsoke the courte , entred his chamber , and there praied thrise adaye vpon his knees . Likewise Mathathias saide . 1. Macha . cap. 2. We wil obeie the lawe of our fathers , we wil not harken vnto the commaundementes of the kinge . Was it not obiected to Christes Apostles , that they contraried the senate and counselers ? and therevnto S. Peter made this breefe Apologie . Act. 5. We must obeye God rather then men . Euseb. hist. li. 4. cap. 15. What time the holie man and blessed Martyr sainct Policarpe was broughte before the proconsul , and required to sweare to Cesar , and to reuile Christe , he made this answer . I haue serued Christe foure score yeares and syxe , and to this daye Christe neuer iniured mee , nor dyd ought , why I should reuile him . My selfe am a Christian , and wee christians be taughte to geue to princes , and seculer powers suche honor , as is not contrarie to our religion . In thes dewties then , this is the limitation , our soueraigne loue , honor , and obedience , is dewe onely to god , and thes may be done with oute dishonor or preiudice to princes , as the children of Israel did , as Daniel did , as Mathathias did , as the Apostles did , as saincte Polycarpe did , who obeied God , and men , but rather God then men , who gaue to Cesar what belonged to Cesar , and to God what belonged to God . Kinges , princes , and potentates of the worlde , be the seruantes of God , God is their maister , we may not obeie the seruant against the maister . Aug. 11. quaest. qui resist . When inferiour authoritie commaundeth what we should not doo , we must refuse that authoritie , and feare the superior power . Yf the Emperour commaunde one thinge , and God an other , he must pardon vs , thoughe wee obeie not , he threateneth prison , God threateneth hel . In Gods cause , we must obeie God and not men , when men be contrarie to God , nor shoulde we therfore be called disobedient subiectes , or discontented persones , yf in Godes matters wee preferre God , before men . This is the scope I leauel at , that our soueraigne obedience , must be to God in al dewties without exception , and that in the house of God , there is no greater cause nor greater obedience , then to suffer for the loue of God . Sainct Paule enflamed with this loue , and with the zeale of Godes house , bras●e oute thes wordes . Who shal separat vs from the loue of God , Rom. ● . shal tribulation or anguishe , or persecution , or honger , or nakednes , or peril , or sworde ? I am sure that neyther deathe , nor lyfe , neyther angelles , nor rule , nor power , neyther thinges present , nor thinges to come , nor highe , nor lowe , nor any other creature shal be able to separate vs , from the loue of God . What sterred vp the stoute standinge of the Confessors , the blouddye battaile of the Martyres , the chaste combat of the virgins , but the loue of Godes house ? This moued s . Athanasius that holie confessor to saye , Euseb. hist. li. 10 cap. 34. let vs go to meete with our persecutor , that he may perceaue how much greater the power of him is that defendeth vs , then the power of him that persecuteh vs . This moued that couragious capitaine and glorious Martyr . Basil in Cord. Mart. S. Gordius when he was exhorted to kepe his faithe secrete in his hearte , and to denie it with his mouthe , openlie to saye , corde credimus , we beleue in hearte to iustice , and confesse with mouthe to saluation , God is my helper , I feare not what man can doo . That noble woman , and holie martyr S. Iulitta , Basil ser. in Iulit . complained to the iudge of iniuries donne vnto hir , soughte for iustice at his handes . His answer was , that nor shee nor any suche as shee was ( which adored not the emperors gods , which were not of the Emperours religion , ) shoulde expecte iustice , or pleade wronge . Why then ( sayde she ) I haue done , farewel my liuinge , adewe my life . Consider you nowe , you afflicted catholikes that God maketh you worthye to suffer for his loue , and to render your supreme obedience to his holye name , wherin you haue to conforte your selues , that God reputeth you for his freindes , for to his freindes he geueth this special gifte . You suffer wronges , you sustaine the princes indignation , you beare the displeasure of the magistrates for your obedience to gods churche . This poynte you choose not , and gladlye would you haue it otherwyse . But yf you choose it for pieties sake , your choice , is iustifiable . S. Basil in the like case made this answer . Theodo . lib. 4. cap. 17. Of the emperours frendshippe fauour and furtherance , I do wel esteeme so longe as it is ioyned with godlines , without that I holde it pernitious . It was saide to Maris a deuoute clerke , be of the Emperours religion , and he wyl make thee an Arche bishope . I may not so be saide he , least I offende God that is my Emperour . His promotion I wil not take , because he is not of my religion .

Math. 18 This is our lordes lesson , Let hym be vnto thee as an heathen and publican , that heareth not the churche . As the heathen which neuer came to the faithe perisheth : so doth the heritike that hath forsaken the faithe . Out of the churche no religion can serue , no faithe can saue . he that is founde out of the churche , is a stranger from the children of God . Nor can he haue God for his father , Aug. li 4 de sym. cap. 10. that hath not the churche for his mother . O you trobeled christians , and you afflicted catholikes , beholde , here haue you manye greate and ghostlie comfortes to consider . For what seeke you , when you suffer for the churche ? Nothinge ( I wene ) but what the selfe cause requireth , to wyt , that you do the wyl of our lorde , which you be sure to finde in his churche . For of his churche our lorde sayde , Esaiae 62 Thou shalt be called a citie sought for , and not forsaken . In his churche you can not be deceaued of his wyl , for in his churche he is alwaye resiant , and therfore is his churche called , Ezech. 48 Dominus ibidem , Our lorde is therein . Note here what tempestes and trobles the churche hath had . The churche hath ben laide at , and shaken from euerie parte , and quarter of the worlde . The Archeheretikes of eache parte , men of condemned memorie , gaue the first onset with violent shotte of tonges , and al possible policie of penne . The crooked crewe of their vngratious of springe put to theire batteries , and shaked the weake walles of them , that were not faste in faithe . The shippe nowe tottered , the shippe nowe was tossed with many contrarious windes . Many were shaken in the shippe , and al made wrecke , that kepte not within bourde . The sterrers of this tempest were fraudulente persecutors , who could temper theire tale in suche wyse , couer theire hypocrisie with so liuelie colours , that they obtayned credite of good natures . Tertul. de praescript . cap 7. To suche men it is agreinge to racke the scriptures , to corrupte the fathers , and with sweete wordes to tole and baet the readers that see not the hooke of falsehood , wherwith they choke them . Ambr de fide cr●h . contra Arian . cap. 1. Because thes mismeaninge men , haue in outwarde shewe manye poyntes common with the catholikes , they intrappe incircūspecte readers , and infecte the simple beleauers , as it were with one droppe of poyson , amonge manye softe and sugered wordes . And heresie hath ben alwaye accompanied with tyrannie , that vseth worldlye wysedome and pestilente policie to further hir proceadinges . Yet coulde neyther of thes proceede so farre hitherto , as to put out the catholike name . Theodo . li. 3. c. 15 They vsed many suttle sleightes with the catholikes , as Iulianus vsed , when he byd his souldiers ( that woulde receaue their paie ) cast frankensence into the fire , Euseb. li. 5. ca. 27. as Theodotus vsed , when he offered a byshoprike to Natalius , Theod li. 4 cap. 17 as Modestus vsed , when he went aboute to perswade Basil to yelde to the time , and to vse the fauoure of the Emperour . But faire meanes , finenesse , and flatterie could not preuaile against the fast , firme , and wel vnderstandinge catholike . foule meanes , crueltie and violence lacked not , Euseb li. 8. cap. 3. contempte , disgrace , indignities , abasement were added . Aulters were rased , churches destroyed , Euag. li. 4 cap. 4. Sezom . li. 5. c. 17. priestes depriued , catholikes iniured by imprisonmentes and tormentes . Then were not catholikes permitted to beare office in the common weale , onely because they were catholikes . Theodorus lib. 4 cap. 1. Now were al factions and fashions of pretended religions suffered to make their assembles , and openlie to vse their religion , but onelie the catholike . Now were bishopes and priestes compelled oute of their churches , spoyled of theire goodes , and called before lay iudges . Now were the prisons replenished with christians that were not suffered to be releaued , suche was the mercelesse tyrannie of the persecutors . Certs thes were greate tempestes , thes were bothe fraudulent , and violent persecutions , yet dyd not thes preuaile . And why ? Dominus ibidem . Thoughe now the world like the bublinge sea boyie and breake out his force , thoughe the potentates of the worlde execute theire furye against you , feare you not , faile you not , fainte you not , you I saye that sayle in the shippe which nowe is tempested with contrarious windes , feare you not , our lorde is with you , you be safe , Dominus ibidem . Asee , who is that lorde by whom you be gouerned in this shippe . Ambr. lib. de Sal. ca. 4 Christ the sonne of God is hopsted into the mast of the shippe , that is on the crosse . God the father gouerneth the hinder parte , the holie ghoste sitteth in the foreparte . There be xij . roers in this shippe , to wyt the twelue Apostles , and thes driue forwarde the shippe , bringinge hir through the straightes of this troblesom sea into the quiet porte . Aug ser. 14. de verb. de . Christe our lorde that prayed for his churche , doth stil praie . Thoughe this shippe be tossed , yet can she not be drowned , because Christe praieth . Chrysos . ho. 24 in 1. Math. oper. imperf. Thoughe this shippe be shaken with the violent windes of seculer attemptes , yet is she safe from wracke , because Christe gouerneth . And the holie ghoste our lorde , that sitteth in the fore parte of the shippe , strengtheneth al such as bee windeshaken , the holie ghoste dilateth the heartes of them , that be in tribulation . When Christe tolde his disciples that they should be accused , Math. 10 conuented , and reuiled , for his names sake , he tolde them also that he would not leaue them comfortlesse . I wil sende you a comfortor . Ioan. 15. This comfortor gaue them strengthe to beare al that the malice of the worlde , was able to laie vpon them . It came to passe as Christe foretolde , they were caste oute , conuented , and reuiled . did they grudge at it , did they murmure for it ? Act. 5. The storie saithe , They went oute from the counsel house reioysinge , that they were worthie to suffer reuiles for the name of Iesus . Act. 16. Paulus and Silas were put in prison , and whipped cruellie , they did not repine , the storie saithe ? They sange at midnighte , praienge and praisinge our lorde . This ioye in this correction , this iocunditie of spirite in this tribulation , came of the holie ghoste , that sitteth at the foreparte of the shippe , and geueth comfort in al tempestes and tribulations . This promise of comforte extended not onelie to Christes disciples , but in them to theire ofspringe , and to the whole corps of Christes churche whersoeuer it be scatered in dispersion . Who emboldened the persecuted Christians , to stande in the confession of their faithe so constantlie , to professe theire religion so confidentlie , euen to the face of the tyrannes , when they made thes stoute asseuerations ? Ego Christianus sum . I am a christian . Hila lib. cont. Const. Catholicus sum , I am a catholike . Arianus non sum , I am not an Arian . Haereticus esse nolo , I wil not be an heretike . They were nickenamed , Tripart . lib. 6. c. 7 Hist. eccl. lib. 5 c. 16 called men of Galile , called Homousions and murtherers of Prophetes . The tyran exclamed against them . Ad bestias , awaye with thes wretched christians , awaye with them , sende them to the beastes , haue them to the lyons , hale them to the leopardes , awaye with thes naughtie wretches to the mynes , let them digge metalles .

Now were thes miserable men sent ad campum Martyrum , where they were done to deathe . Now did the cutthrotes scoure theire swordes , in the bowels of the christians . Now did the bloud-suckers dyp and washe their handes , in the bloudde of the sainctes . Who now did conforte them , who now did strengthen them , but the holie ghoste , that gouerneth the foreparte of the shippe , and comforteth the windeshaken in al tempestes and tribulation . To caste a litle more to this , this comforte hath wel appeared in thes latter persecutions of our times . What halteringe , what hanginge , what hewinge downe of christians , what murderinge , what quateringe , what martyringe of catholikes hath there ben , since the partie protestant began his newe no gospel ? What mischeuous machinations haue the sectaries practised , to vnderproppe theire ruinous religion ? What lamentable tragedies haue they made , that nowe shake so mightelie the whole frame of Christes faithe ? And yet notwithstandinge al theire possible oppressions , al theire pernitious plottes , faithe endureth , the churche standeth , the catholike encreaseth . And of this you that be in this storme tottered and tossed , do see what you comforte your selues in . As there be manye in manye quarters of our countrie , that suffer for the catholike cause : so be there manie that be broughte by theire sufferinge , to knowe the catholike name , to enquire of the catholike churche , and to learne to confesse the catholike faithe . Yea there be many that neuer knewe the catholike religion , which now in the common trobles of catholikes come vnto it , receaue it , beleue it , and suffer for it . It may be presumed by common intendement , that there is not lefte among you any nomber of the catholike race . In dede it is rather miraculous then maruelous there should be any , consideringe ther hath not ben for some number of yeares any outwarde face , any open exercise of the catholike faithe , consideringe there is no place , where catholikes be not pried for , apprehended and imprisoned , no prison so vile where they bee not harbored , yea those places which were ordayned for theifes , murtherers , bankeroutes , heretikes , and treitors , be made the lodginges of holie fathers , of reuerend bishopes , of priestes , of gentlemen , and gentlewomen , finallie consideringe the lawes of the realme be againste the catholikes , and that catholikes be depriued , spoyled , hated , disgraced , persecuted , and some of them executed . Notwithstanding al this , Godes churche hath hir faitheful flocke , that confesseth the catholike truthe openlie , maugre the diuel , heresie , and tyrannie . And hot withstandinge al worldelie disgraces , ouertwhartes , iniuries , persecution , and execution , yet is there lefte some good number , that neuer bowed theire knees to Baal , neuer receaued the breaded communion , neyther went to the schismatical seruice . Yea some nomber that be readye to render their goodes to the worlde , and their soules to God , as willinge in this quarrel to dye , as to liue . Blessed be the name of God that hath raysed a catholike youthe , to supplye the ruful ruine of them , which haue perished with Chore , Dathan , and Abiron . It is the blessed wyl of God , that the glorye of his militant churche should multiplie in persecution , should encrease vnder oppression , and that out of the bloud of one catholike sufferinge deathe for Christe , should aryse manye holie christians . The bloud of the martyres ( saith S. Cyprian ) is the seade of the churche , wherof aryse and encrese mo , as of the seede in the felde springeth newe corne . The churche was amonge the Israelites when they laye vnder the cruel bondage of Pharao , and of them it is written , Exod. 1. The more they were oppressed , the more they increased . Act. 8. The churche was but a litle flocke , when the fyrst persecution began at Hierusalem , and yet ther of Christes gospel spred mightelie . It is Godes gracious gifte , that his churche should prosper , when she is persecuted . Hila. de Triniitate lib 7. When she is oppressed then she is increased , when she is iniured , then she ouercometh , euen then she conquereth , when she semeth to be ouercomed . The churche is lyke the palme tree , the greater waight is laide on it , the broder it spreadeth . The churche is lyke camomil , the more you treade on it , the thicker it waxeth . It is written of the persecuted . Aug. de ciuitate lib. 22. cap. 6. They were imprisoned , tyed in chaynes , whipped , killed , and torne in peeces , yet they encreased . The storie mentioneth of a notable woman , who hearinge that manye christians should be put to deathe , tooke hir childe in hir armes , ranne to professe hir faithe , and to dye with them . The officer meetinge hir , demaunded whither she wente , she tolde , hym to the place of the christians . Why ( sayed he ) they shal be al put to deathe . And I goo ( quoth she ) to dye with them . But why ( sayed he ) doest thou carye thy childe with thee ? she answered my childe shal take suche parte , as the mother doth . You that be nowe tempested in the shippe of Christe , you that beare affliction for the churche of Christe , abide in the shippe , leape not oute , be not tipte ouer bourde , your gouernours be sure , skilful , and sufficiente to saue you in al tempestes , your twelue roers wil driue you into a safe porte , where no malice of man , nor machination of diuel , shal ouertrowe you . You haue the helpe of God the father , that gouerneth , you haue the promise of Christe his sonne , that praieth , you haue the comforte of the holie ghoste , that strengtheneth . God the father helpeth you , god the sonne praieth for you , God the holie ghoste strengtheneth you . The holie Trinitie in one deitie gouerneth you , and wil not leaue to giue you grace and fortitude to endure what affliction so euer , for the glorie of his holie name .

Furthermore it should be to you no litle conforte , to recognise the manifolde benefites , and blessinges of God , which you enioye , whiles you kepe your selues within the shippe of Christe . Christe hath but one shippe , that is one churche , one in vnitie of faithe , one in vnitie of profession , one in vnitie of sacramentes , one in vnitie of head . They that be not of this one churche of this one faithe , vnder this one head , enioye not the healpe of the father , enioye not the prayer of the sonne , nor the assistance of the holie ghoste . To be of Christes churche , in Christes vnitie , is of such importance , that a constant christian shoulde rather chose to die , than to aparte from it . It is no lesse glorie to suffer martyrdome for the conseruation of vnitie , them it is , Hist. eccl. li. 6. c. 34 not to offer to idolles , yea rather it is a greater martyrdome , for in the one , eache man suffereth for him selfe , in the other eache man suffereth for the whole churche . Now then you that be in vnitie , suffer for this vnitie , and thrise happie be you , whom god maketh worthie so to suffer . They that forsake the general faithe of Christes churche , and truste to some one article , leape out of the shippe , and seme to catche at a litle bourde ther of . The beleuinge of any one article wil not saue vs , the not beleuinge of any one , wil condemne vs . They that forsake antiquitie , vniuersalitie , consente , and vnitie , enter into the streames of schisme , driue at the rocke of heresie , whiuer vp and downe at euerie blaste of doctrine , and populer flaterie , and shal neuer finde place of reste , or quiet porte to arriue . Beholde , in how many greate perilles they be , whom this trobelous storme hath shaken out of the shippe . Do they not endomage , and hasarde their soules , when they enter into schisme , and ronne out of schisme into heresie ? As by schisme they bereue them selues of charitie : so by heresie they bereue them selues of faithe . How can they separat from the bodie , but they aparte also from the heade ? They can hardelie dismember them selues from the churche , and firmelie holde the righte faithe , seinge faithe is the gifte of God , that floweth from Christe as from the heade , into his bodie and membres . An easie leape it is out of schisme into heresie , and as easie to procede from heresie to Apostasie , for in heresie there is no stoppe , nor staye . Scantlie shal you finde an opinatiue heade that falleth into one heresie , but slideth from poynte to poynte into a multitude , vntil he dislike euerie poynte of the catholike faithe , which poynte perdie is plaine Apostasie . And then from Apostasie into Atheisme , and Epicurisme , the waye is made plaine . As then it can not but comforte you to conceaue , that you kepe with in the shippe , out of schisme in vnitie : so it cannot but recomforte you , that you be vnder vnitie of heade , in vnitie of faithe , that faithe which Christe preached , that faithe which his Apostles receaued , that faithe which the christian worlde beleueth , that faithe which our forefathers liued in , euen that Catholike Romaine faithe which now you liue in , and for which you suffer . Of this faithe you haue the righte sense and felinge , when you holde Christe in the foundation , when you confesse the substance of Christes doctrine vnderstanded by that holie spirite , which firste penned it . Greate is the obedience of your faithe , in al doctrines , in al sacramentes , in al articles , and in al Apostolike and churchelie traditions . In obedience of this faithe , you beleue that Christes worde is Christes worke , and that by the mightie power of his word , he is made presente with you , and geueth remission and grace . In obedience of this faithe , you praye vnto Christes sainctes in heauen , you praye for Christian soules in purgatorie , that they may praye for you in heauen . In obedience of this faithe , you grounde your hope , that God wyl not leaue vnrewarded your prayers , your penance , your fastinges , your almes , nor any good worke els what soeuer . When you suffer nowe for the general faithe of Christe , you suffer for euerie poynte , that christian iustice bindeth you to confesse . And this is a ful confession of the faithe catholike , wherin you haue to acknowledge the blessinges of God , that maketh you worthie to suffer for faithe , in obedience of faithe , for vnitie , in vnitie , for charitie in veritie . And here vpon haue you to muse and meditate , when greefes recurre , that you suffer for the churche of Christe , and for the faithe of Christe with Christe , that suffered paineful deathe , to make his churche glorious . They that be not of this churche , and of this faithe , be whithoute charitie , Aug. li. 2 con . Crescon c. 13 nor can they be pertakers of Godes charitie , which be enemies of his vnitie . Thoughe they receaue the sacrament of faithe , thoughe theire faithe be whole and sounde , it doth not auaile them , so longe as soundnes of charitie , is killed with the dedlie wounde of schisme , Idem lib. 1. contra D●n . cap. 8. Idem tract. 19. in euang. Ioan. by whos onelie deathe , what euer thinges be sounde of them selues , be drawen to deathe . And schismatikes may doo good workes , but good workes doo not profite them . Thoughe they praye , thoughe they faste , thoughe they geue almes , thoughe they liue continent , thoughe they kepe virginitie , al doth not helpe , al doth not profite , because they breake vnitie . Put to this , so longe as they be deuided from Christes churche , they receaue not the life of his holie spirite , for oute of his churche his holie spirite geueth not life .